RTHK: Australia's Telstra fined over 'unconscionable' sales Australia's largest telecommunications company Telstra was fined AU$50 million (US$39 million) on Thursday for unconscionable conduct in selling remote Indigenous customers mobile phone contracts that they did not understand and could not afford. The fine ordered by a Federal Court judge is the second largest ever imposed under Australian consumer law. Telstra admitted the offences in signing up 108 Indigenous customers, some of whom spoke English as a second or third language, to mobile phone accounts. Staff sometimes manipulated credit assessments to say unemployed customers had jobs. They also failed to properly explain the potential costs and falsely represented products as free of cost. Justice Debra Mortimer said Telstra staff took advantage of an Indigenous cultural propensity to express agreement as a way of avoiding conflict. The customers owed on average AU$7,400 and one owed AU$19,000. Telstra has waived the debts and refunded money. Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said his company was continuing to resolve the problems. I am deeply and personally disappointed that we have let you down. We should have listened more carefully. We should have been more attuned to what was happening. We should have picked this up earlier, Penn said in a statement to the customers. This brings an end to what has been a deeply challenging and disappointing chapter in our history and one in which we are already taking steps to fix, he said. Alan Gray, based in the western Australian coastal town of Broome, was among the financial counsellors working in Outback Indigenous communities who raised the alarm. He said he hoped the fine would be a warning to others who exploit Australia's impoverished Indigenous minority. Aboriginal people in the Outback get preyed on by a range of companies, Gray told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The Telstra debt was usually the largest amongst all of them, Gray added. In 2018, the Federal Court fined the Ford Motor Company of Australia AU$10 million for unconscionable conduct in how it dealt with customer complaints about a faulty type of automatic transmission fitted to some cars. Dealers knew about the quality issues but blamed owners for their driving styles. Dealers also knew the problems were intermittent but insisted that drivers demonstrate the fault. (AP) This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 404 Most recent bulletins on climate change and the environment May 31, 2021 Mozambique/Global: Fossil Fuels, Debt, and Corruption http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/moz2105b.php The scandal of Mozambiques hidden debts has already cost the country at least 11 billion US dollars, and has plunged an additional two million people into poverty, according to a detailed study of the costs and consequences of the debt published on Friday by the anti-corruption NGO, the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), and its Norwegian partner, the Christian Michelsen Institute. The term hidden debts refers to illicit loans of over two billion US dollars from the banks Credit Suisse and VTB of Russia in 2013 and 2014 to three fraudulent, securitylinked Mozambican companies Proindicus, Ematum (Mozambique Tuna Company), and MAM (Mozambique Asset Management). - report by Centre for Public Integrity (Mozambique) and Christian Michelsen Institute (Norway) November 30, 2020 USA/Global: On Climate, How Much Will Be New? http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/clim2011.php One of the most powerful pieces of climate change legislation the Biden administration will need has already been passed: the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. This legislation, known for creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other public safeguards against financial wrongdoing, also empowers key agencies including the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission to limit systemic risks to financial stability. - Justin Guay, Sunrise Project October 13, 2020 Africa/Global: The Future's Not in Plastics http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/plas2010.php The petrochemical industry is already facing record-low plastic feedstock prices as a result of massive overcapacity. And yet, it plans to expand supply for virgin plastics use by a quarter at a cost of at least $400 billion in the next 5 years, risking huge losses for investors. The plastics industry is a bloated behemoth, ripe for disruption. Meanwhile, 36% of plastic is used only once, 40% ends up polluting the environment and less than 10% is actually recycled. - Carbon Tracker Initiative June 22, 2020 Africa/Global: Fossil Fuel Viability to Decline Sharply http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/clim2006.php Falling demand and rising investment risk is likely to slash the value of oil, gas and coal reserves by nearly two thirds, sending shock waves through the global economy by hitting companies, financial markets and countries reliant on exports, finds a new report from Carbon Tracker. It warns that the fossil fuel industry is approaching terminal decline because of competition from clean technologies and tougher government policies to achieve climate targets and increase energy security. The COVID-19 crisis is now accelerating this: demand for oil could fall by 9% in 2020 according to the International Energy Agency. January 27, 2020 USA/Global: Green New Deal Can and Must Be Global http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/clim2001.php July 2019 was the hottest month ever recorded worldwide, as a wide swath of the continental United States sweltered with heat indexes of over 100 F. This northern hemisphere summer also saw unprecedented heat waves in Europe and in the Arctic, from Alaska to Siberia. Greenlands glaciers were melting at a unprecedented rate. Add in more frequent storms, flooding and wildfires, and the scale of the crisis is harder and harder to ignore, even in the United States, where climate denialism has been more prevalent than in any other major country. December 16, 2019 Africa/Global: Editors Commentaries, 2019 http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/fpif2019.php Just before this years global climate summit opened in Madrid recently, researchers announced that emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels will hit a record high in 2019. Deeper and faster cuts are needed, beginning immediately and continuing over the next 10 years. The primary responsibility for cutting fossil fuel emissions falls to the developed countries that are historically the greatest contributors to the problem, as well as to countries with large populations such as China and India that are also now among the top in global emissions. Africa is the continent most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change, which are already being felt. But with a thriving off-grid solar market and hundreds of millions of people waiting for electricity, Africa also offers huge potential for contributing to solutions. October 28, 2019 Africa/Global: Untapped Potential for Africa Climate Actions http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/clim1910.php From off-grid solar home systems (SHS) to utility-scale solar and wind installations, the potential for major advances in use of renewable energy is growing rapidly on the African continent. If this potential is materialized at a faster pace, Africa countries could contribute significantly to mitigating the global climate crisis. This would also reduce the ongoing damage to the environmental health of their citizens, whether from kerosene lamps in rural areas or massive coal pollution in South Africa. July 15, 2019 Africa/Global: New Horizon for Off-Grid Solar http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/sol1907.php With their most dramatic success in Kenya and other East African countries, off-grid solar home systems are expanding rapidly, reaching more consumers and extending beyond basic lighting and mobile-phone charging, now even offering bundles with solar-powered flat-screen televisions. Costs continue to drop precipitously, and, according to Beyond Fire, a new report released at the end of May, the next new horizon may be in the kitchen, with solar-energy-powered cooking. July 2, 2019 Kenya/Global: Big Victory for #SaveLamu/#deCOALonize http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/coal1907.php On Wednesday 26th June, Kenyas National Environment Tribunal (NET) made a landmark ruling that set aside the license granted to Amu Power Company Ltd by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to construct a 1050MW coal plant in Lamu. The tribunal noted that there was no evidence that Amu Power properly informed residents of Lamu of the impacts that the coal plant project would have on their environment, livelihood or health. - #deCOALonize press release, June 29, 2019 March 22, 2019 Southern Africa/Global: Cyclone Idai and Climate Justice http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/idai1903.php A week after Cyclone Idai struck the coast of Mozambique near Beira, there are still people awaiting rescue from treetops and roofs. The death toll, with confirmed deaths numbering in the high hundreds, is still unknown, with the largest number in Mozambique, and still devastating numbers in Zimbabwe and Malawi as well. The full impact has been slow to emerge, but it is finally gaining more attention from world media. December 10, 2018 Africa/Global: Green New Deal Could Be Game-Changer http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/clim1812.php And yet heres the truly strange thing: I feel more optimistic about our collective chances of averting climate breakdown than I have in years. For the first time, I see a clear and credible political pathway that could get us to safety, a place in which the worst climate outcomes are avoided and a new social compact is forged that is radically more humane than anything currently on offer. - Naomi Klein on the Green New Deal May 7, 2018 USA/Africa: Renewable Energy Advances on Many Fronts http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/clim1805a.php Resistance to rapid renewable energy expansion is still high, despite the acknowledged costs in climate change. The U.S. Power Africa initiative still funds predominately natural gas, although its investment in renewables is growing. In Kenya, the Kenyan and Chinese governments are pushing ahead with a coal-fired generation plant in Lamu, despite strong resistance from local environmentalists and the fact that China is rapidly abandoning coal at home. Nevertheless, technological changes and rising awareness of the damage done by fossil fuels are propelling new advances on many fronts. May 7, 2018 USA/Africa: Achieving 100% Renewable Energy http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/clim1805b.php "We cant have a working nation or a world if we dont stop the climate from careening out of control. Thats been clear for decades now, but whats been less clear is precisely what we should do about it. Happily, thats no longer the case. We now know exactly what to do, and were increasingly certain it can be done. We have to switch off of coal, oil, and gas, and on to 100% wind, water, and sun energy sources." - Bill McKibben February 26, 2018 Nigeria/Global: Promising Potential for Solar Mini-Grids http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/sol1802.php In contrast to fossil fuels, which require transportation of fuel to generation plants to produce electricity, and distribution networks to reach end-users of the power, solar energy is eminently scalable and flexible, from portable lanterns all the way to utility-scale photo-voltaic solar farms. Stand-alone off-grid systems can power a single home or a school, and mini-grids can serve small communities. Complete listing of bulletins on climate change and the environment, 2003-present Jennifer Gates of the U.S. riding Dolinn walks before the Paris 1.45-meter jumping competition during the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping 2018 Competition in Paris, France, July 5, 2018. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes Jennifer Gates is Bill and Melinda Gates eldest daughter. All of 25, Jennifer Gates is a lot more than just Bill Gates daughter. Shes an accomplished equestrian who participates in competitive show jumping. Jennifer Gates has also won several thousand dollars in prize money by participating in different show jumping competitions. Horses arent just a passion for Jennifer Gates, theyre also business. She runs Evergate Stables where she brings together her passion and dedication for all aspects of equestrianism with top level competition. Early last year, Jennifer Gates got engaged to Nayel Nassar who proposed to her at a ski lodge in Montana. Nassar is a professional showjumper born to Egyptian parents and raised in Kuwait. Nassar is part of the Egyptian show jumping team that has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics that will be held in July-August 2021. Gates is currently studying to become a doctor. But if her Instagram is anything to go by, once in a while, she loves to let her hair down too. She loves the water just as much as she loves to hike This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And she clearly cant get enough of Halloween This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Jennifer Gates loves to travel This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. (and she can afford to) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. But, really, what she loves more than anything else are horses This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Shes an accomplished show jumper herself This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Just like her fiance Nayel Nassar This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Jennifer Gates loves to ski This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And it was at a ski lodge that Nassar proposed to her last January This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. He even got a friend of theirs to hide in the bushes and photograph the exact moment when he popped the question (swipe to see more) But clearly, family is very important to Jennifer Gates This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And she clearly loves spending as much time with her mother This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. As well as her dad This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Also read: Here's how much Bill Gates makes per minute Want to grow your money? Here are 10 ways to do it What do asset management companies do? How do they function? Want to be a farmer in India? Here is how much you need to invest How do you know your bank is trustworthy? Here is a checklist Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem takes part in a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Blair Gable Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank's massive stimulus program called quantitative easing (QE), which it recently announced will be tapered to $3 billion a week, could be widening wealth inequality. "QE can boost wealth by increasing the value of assets such as the investments Canadians have in their registered retirement savings plans or company pension plans," he said during a speech about the benefits of an inclusive economy. "But of course, these assets aren't distributed evenly across society. As a result, QE can widen wealth inequality. We will look closely at the outcomes of QE here and elsewhere and will work to more fully understand its impact on both income and wealth inequality." The program, along with a string of interest rate cuts, is part of the Bank of Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Today, we are in the sharpest and most unequal economic cycle in our lifetime. And the Bank has pledged to support Canadian households and businesses through the full length of the recovery by holding our policy rate at its effective lower bound until the spare capacity in the economy is used up, so that we sustainably achieve our 2 per cent inflation target," said Macklem. "In other words, we will use our monetary policy tools to support a complete recovery and achieve our inflation goal." The Bank of Canada wants inflation to reach its target but not overshoot it. "Inequality has long been a concern of the Bank of Canada. Our focus on inflation control has always recognized that inflation is particularly tough for poorer Canadians and for those on fixed incomes because they are most affected when the purchasing power of cash declines," said Macklem. "Years of low and stable inflation haven't made us complacent about the potential threat these groups face." Macklem also encouraged companies to pursue more diverse and inclusive workforces. Jessy Bains is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jessysbains. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. (PA) The UK's competition watchdog has warned package holiday companies to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers as the return of leisure travel approaches. The CMA today published an open letter "to remind firms of their legal obligations and the need to ensure refund options are clear and accessible" this summer, with travel still subject to restrictions and potential last minute changes. The body said it also sent the letter directly to 100 package holiday firms it has "received the most complaints about". In the letter, the CMA said that it has received more than 23,000 complaints from consumers in the sector since the pandemic broke out and devastated the travel sector and holiday plans in March 2020. The watchdog said it has seen some consumers offered vouchers by firms when they were entitled to refunds, and that its findings indicated some companies have also been "imposing unnecessary steps or procedural barriers which delayed or prevented consumers from getting the refunds to which they are entitled within 14 days". It insisted that companies should make a refund option obvious in emails and messages, and make their processes for claiming a full refund "clear". The CMA stated: "As the travel sector recovers from the pressures caused by coronavirus, our expectation is that package travel organisers will fully comply with UK consumer protection law, both in relation to past issues and where new issues arise." Since the pandemic broke out the watchdog has secured refund commitments from firms including Virgin Holidays, Tui UK, Sykes Cottages and Vacation Rentals, following consumer complaints. In February it threatened online travel firm Lastminute.com with court action unless it quickly paid out 1 million in outstanding refunds. The Government has said that Britons can head on holiday from May 17, with many destinations requiring quarantine on return. A few countries, including Portugal, are on the green list of countries tourists will be able to visit from Monday without quarantining on return either at home or in a hotel. Story continues Read More Watchdog warns package travel firms over refunds ahead of summer trips Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel on green list for travel Green list: Here is where you can go on holiday later this month Ion Energy (CVE: ION OTCQB: IONGF) CEO Ali Haji joined Steve Darling from Proactive to bring news the company is preparing for the start of the 2021 exploration season at their projects in Mongolia. That program will include drilling. Haji also talked about their expanded exploration program and also that they have brought on a key advisor with a very interesting background. Human behavior doesnt only lead to pollution on the planet. Now, theres trash in space too. Amber Yang is the 22-year-old founder of Seer Tracking, an organization that monitors the movement of space debris orbiting Earth. The Stanford University student grew up in Orlando, Fla. where shed visit the Kennedy Space Center every week. Since the beginning of the space program, people have been putting things into space without any consideration about what are the potential negative impacts, Yang told In The Know. All of the debris from the start of human space exploration is still up there. Debris is any manmade matter thats left in space, ranging from small pieces of equipment to entire satellites. Just this week a Long March 5B booster from China captured the worlds attention when 23 tons of its uncontrolled space debris splashed down into the Indian Ocean. There are already 1 million pieces of space debris in lower orbit, she explained. If we dont start to do something about this soon, its only going to multiply. Were already on a polluted planet. In our efforts to travel further, were being trapped by another layer of pollution that weve created. These pieces of debris travel at 17,500 miles per hour, but 900,000 of them are so small, at one to 10 centimeters, they cant be tracked. In the last two decades, space debris has begun to collide with each other. When these two satellites were colliding, they were producing so many fragmented parts that would then potentially cause collisions with other objects, Yang stated. Seer Tracking uses artificial intelligence to monitor and predict the orbits of space debris. Yang developed the software while she was in high school. We take specific satellites that are requested from the companies that we work for and provide a prediction of where we think that satellite will be, all the way up to a month from the current date. We use that to provide collision predictions, she said. Story continues Yang hopes that the evidence she has found using data and tech will convince leaders that space debris is an important issue. If Earth is covered in a layer of pollution, it could become impossible to actually leave the planet and explore. My biggest dream is being a part of the conversation of what space will look like, Yang said. I think that Im bringing in a new perspective and a new voice that is really in tune with a young movement of protecting our planet, holding people accountable and I think thats what really is most important to me. ITK Eats: Vegetarian Ramen In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! If you enjoyed reading this article, check out In The Knows other profiles on up-and-coming Gen Z changemakers here. More from In The Know: Teen founds initiative to make STEM more accessible to girls of color These travel-size beauty kits at Ulta are all under $20 Supreme is launching its first lipstick with beauty mogul Pat McGrath I tried Bread Beauty Supply the newest Black-owned haircare brand to hit Sephora The post Amber Yang is on a mission to clean up space trash appeared first on In The Know. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Philippine Economic Zone Authority approved more investments in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year despite the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. In a press statement on Wednesday, the investment promotion agency said it gave the go signal to 57 projects worth 25.382 billion 53.8% higher than the amount in the first quarter last year. The approved investments are expected to generate around 5,601 jobs. .% 12 May 2021 (Wednesday) Pasay City The... Posted by Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Tuesday, 11 May 2021 The bulk of the projects will be situated in Luzon at 43, followed by 10 in Visayas and 4 in Mindanao. In terms of category, 22 involve exports, 15 are related to information technology, eight are ecozone projects, seven are for facilities, three for logistics, and one each for utilities and tourism enterprises. PEZA also reported a 15.6% expansion in exports from economic zones during the first quarter. From $12.91 billion last year to $14.93 billion exports covering the same period, employment in ecozones has also increased to 2.94% which is equivalent to 1.58 million workers compared to 1.53 million workers a year ago, read the statement. PEZA Director General Charito Plaza welcome the improved figures, noting the Philippines is still indeed an investment haven. With the approval of new projects and increase in the investments and exports in the first quarter of 2021, this proves that PEZA is unfaltering in keeping the Philippine economy afloat and being on top of its game in performing its mandate, mobilizing the countrys investment competitiveness, and creating employment opportunities for many Filipinos, said the PEZA chief. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Anti-Terrorism Council has formally tagged as "terrorists" 29 individuals, including the founder and alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The resolution was signed by Executive Secretary ATC Chairperson Salvador Medialdea and ATC Vice Chairperson Hermogenes Esperon on April 20 and published in a newspaper on Thursday. The executive council has designated CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and his wife Julieta Sison as terrorists. It also included National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultants Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Tiamzon, Rafael Baylosis, Vicente Ladlad, and 13 other alleged members of CPP's central committee. It said the 19 personalities violated Sections 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. "Based on verified and validated information, the ATC found probable cause, as defined in the Anti-Terrorism Act, warranting the designation of the following central committee members of the CPP... for planning, preparing, facilitating, conspiring, and inciting the commission of terrorism and recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization or a group organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism" the resolution said. ATC said the assets of listed individuals shall be subject to the authority of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which can freeze their accounts without delay. Upon the authorization of the ATC, applications for an individual or groups proscription as terrorist are filed with the Court of Appeals. RELATED: Court of Appeals to handle govt bid to tag CPP-NPA as a terrorist group 'Arbitrary, dubious' list CPP founder and NDFP Chief political consultant Sison slammed the list publicized by the executive council, calling it "arbitrary, dubious and even contradictory or inconsistent." Sison, who is in exile in the Netherlands, said he and his wife are unfazed by the inclusion of their names on the list. But he admitted to worrying about the welfare of red-tagged personalities who are staying in the Philippines. "We are not bothered even by the threats of Duterte death squads coming over to hit us which have been persistently reported to us by various sources. We have been alert to these threats," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday. "Our main concern is for those who are in the Philippines and are designated by the aforesaid resolution and many more people who are red-tagged and vulnerable to the criminal violence of the Duterte regime." Local terror groups included In another resolution signed on the same date, the Anti-Terrorism Council also designated as "terrorists" 10 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and other militant organizations said to be linked with the Islamic State group. Among them are Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, who is suspected to be the mastermind in the August 2020 bloody twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu, and Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Commander Toraifie. The tagged parties may file a verified request for delisting before the council within 15 days. Esperon disclosed on Wednesday that the list will be published during the Supreme Court oral arguments on the controversial law. There are 37 petitions before the high court calling for the junking of the statute for constitutional violations. It is the country's most challenged law in recent history. The Office of the Solicitor General, in a previous session at the high court, maintained the government is not engaged in "red-tagging" activities, asserting that officials only do "truth-tagging." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal will shift to a more relaxed quarantine status beginning May 15, Presidential Harry Roque announced Thursday night. The Greater Manila Area - also known as NCR Plus - will be under general community quarantine "with heightened restrictions" until May 31, Roque said. These restrictions include allowing only essential travel into and out of NCR Plus. Public transportation will also be available at certain capacities set by the Transportation Department. Indoor dining is allowed at 20% seating capacity while al fresco or outdoor dining is permitted at 50% capacity, the Palace added. Tourist attractions in the area may also open at 30% capacity. Religious gatherings and gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 in NCR Plus shall be allowed up to 10% of the venue capacity. The new GCQ status also allows personal care services that do not require removing masks, including salons, parlors, and beauty clinics, at 30% capacity. Non-contact sports, games and scrimmages held outdoors are also allowed. Individuals 18 to 65 years old can leave their places of residence in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions, Roque noted. The restrictions also prohibit opening entertainment venues such as bars, concert halls, and theaters; recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiards halls, arcades; amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides; indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions; and venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. Interzonal travel from NCR Plus areas, except those conducted by authorized persons shall remain prohibited in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions, Roque added. Other quarantine classifications Santiago City, Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Quirino and Ifugao were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine in the same period. The following, on the other hand, are under the regular GCQ status: - Cordillera Administrative Region: Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Abra - Cagayan Valley: Cagayan province, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya - Calabarzon: Batangas and Quezon - Puertro Princesa City - Iligan City - Davao City - Lanao Del Sur province The rest of the country is under the most relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). What experts said At least three mayors in Metro Manila earlier favored the transition to GCQ starting May 15. OCTA Research Fellow Guido David has said downgrading Metro Manila's quarantine classification to GCQ by mid-May could be "considered" if the region continues to see a downward trend in new infections until the end of this week. But David said the bubble setup should be retained in NCR Plus as some cities in Metro Manila have "unstable" COVID-19 trends. NCR Plus was placed under the strictest enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 11 due to the overstretched hospitals caused by the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. During the early stages of the surge in March, reports on social media showed families of COVID-19 patients from Metro Manila have reached outlying provinces in search of medical attention. Some, meanwhile, were not able to make it inside health facilities even after waiting in line for hours to be accommodated. The government slightly eased the restrictions in NCR Plus and placed it under modified ECQ on April 12 to allow more people to get back to work. On April 29, the government permitted limited personal care and dine-in services in MECQ areas. The country has so far logged 1,124,724 COVID-19 cases. The death toll currently stands at 18,821 while 1,050,643 have recovered. This is a developing story. Please refresh this page for updates. Illicit Financial Flows and Tax Justice This page updated on-line at http://www.africafocus.org/intro-iff.php. About these pages|Continent-wide and Global Issues|Climate Change and the Environment|Economy and Development|Peace and Security|Food and Agriculture|Health Talking Points Inequality and tax evasion are growing both within and between countries, while the rich on all continents funnel their wealth into secret bank accounts scattered around the world. This erodes the public sector, starves countries of funds needed for development, and drives up deficits. The trend is worldwide as multinational companies shuttle money and subsidiaries between countries to minimize taxes, while the ultra-rich and organized crime hide their assets in untraceable shell accounts. But the toll in Africa is enormous, with losses estimated at $50 billion to $80 billion a year due to illicit capital flight. One recent study, for example, estimated at least US$60.8 billion in losses due to transfer pricing in or out of 5 African Countries (Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda), from 2002-2011. The good news is that governments and multilateral agencies around the world are waking up to this issue, and the pressure for transparency in financial reporting is growing. The same technical mechanisms that have been used to track funds of drug traffickers and terrorist networks can now be used, if there is political will, to track monies lost to illicit financial flows and tax evasion. The Stop the Bleeding Africa Campaign led by six continent-wide African civil society networks is seeking support from African and global organizations as it continues to lobby African and other governments to stop illegal and illegitimate financial flows that are draining resources for the continent. Sign up to the Campaign and find more background on the websites of the Campaign and of Tax Justice Network - Africa. USAN: Top Ten Questions on IFF and Africa | Resources on IFF and Africa | Top Ten Books on IFF and Tax Evasion | National and Global Inequality Most recent bulletins on illicit financial flows and tax justice May 31, 2021 Mozambique/Global: Fossil Fuels, Debt, and Corruption http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/moz2105b.php The scandal of Mozambiques hidden debts has already cost the country at least 11 billion US dollars, and has plunged an additional two million people into poverty, according to a detailed study of the costs and consequences of the debt published on Friday by the anti-corruption NGO, the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), and its Norwegian partner, the Christian Michelsen Institute. The term hidden debts refers to illicit loans of over two billion US dollars from the banks Credit Suisse and VTB of Russia in 2013 and 2014 to three fraudulent, securitylinked Mozambican companies Proindicus, Ematum (Mozambique Tuna Company), and MAM (Mozambique Asset Management). - report by Centre for Public Integrity (Mozambique) and Christian Michelsen Institute (Norway) March 8, 2021 USA/Global: Taxing the Tech Giants http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/dig2103.php How should we determine the corporate tax a big tech company should pay in each country where they operate? There are many ways that this could be calculated, but most recommendations suggest looking at their sales, their assets and the number of employees they have in each country. In the absence of transparent reporting, collecting such data is not easy, but we can get a useful estimate through looking at a proxy indicator: the number of users they have in each country. For example, in just 20 developing countries there are nearly 1.5 billion internet users accessing Google, about 900 million people using Microsoft on their desktops and over 750 million Facebook users. For these companies, the number of users is a good indicator of both their sales and their assets. - ActionAid February 22, 2021 Africa/Global: The Inequality Virus http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/ineq2102.php COVID-19 has been likened to an x-ray, revealing fractures in the fragile skeleton of the societies we have built. It is exposing fallacies and falsehoods everywhere: The lie that free markets can deliver healthcare for all; The fiction that unpaid care work is not work; The delusion that we live in a post-racist world; The myth that we are all in the same boat. While we are all floating on the same sea, its clear that some are in super yachts, while others are clinging to the drifting debris. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General December 14, 2020 Africa/Global: State of Tax Justice 2020 http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/tax2012.php Of the $427 billion in tax lost each year globally to tax havens, the State of Tax Justice 2020 reports that $245 billion is directly lost to corporate tax abuse by multinational corporations and $182 billion to private tax evasion. Multinational corporations paid billions less in tax than they should have by shifting $1.38 trillion worth of profit out of the countries where they were generated and into tax havens, where corporate tax rates are extremely low or non-existent. Private tax evaders paid less tax than they should have by storing a total of over $10 trillion in financial assets offshore. - Tax Justice Network, November 2020. June 8, 2020 Africa/Global: Thinking Post-Covid-19 http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/post2006.php Calls for debt reliefor more timid debt service moratoriumare drops in the ocean. Something much more ambitious and radical should be envisaged. This crisis allows us to think big. [F]or these exceptional times, we need exceptional solutions. This virus does offer Africa an opportunity to exercise agency and embark on a more robust structural transformation process. Building on the gains of the last few years and the resilience of its population, there will probably be no better time to fast-track change. - Carlos Lopes, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa February 24, 2020 USA/Global: National and Global Inequalities Are Intertwined http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/iff2002.php The recession that began in 2008 brought new life to the public debate on class and racial inequality in the United States. The #OccupyWallStreet demonstrations in 2011 may have left no institutional legacy, but they shined a spotlight on a yawning wealth gap and the role of the one percent. #BlackLivesMatter and related movements challenged complacency on entrenched racism Public awareness of inequality, like awareness of climate change, was rising even before President Trump took office. But his administrations sharp turn toward denial and regression on both issues has spurred active opposition and cut into the complacency of conventional Democratic Party politics. October 9, 2019 Africa/Global: Targeting Corporate Shell Games http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/iff1910.php Across the world, citizens who want their governments to implement policies to reduce inequalities, address climate change and looming ecological disaster, provide better public services and amenities, ensure social protection, generate quality employment and so on, are always confronted with one question: where is the money? We are constantly told that governments cannot afford the necessary expenditure; that running fiscal deficits will lead to financial chaos and crisis; and that raising taxes will simply drive away investment. But this is not just misleading; it is simply wrong. Governments are constrained in their resources because they tolerate widespread tax evasion and avoidance. - Professor Jayati Ghosh, Jawaharlal Nehru University August 12, 2019 Africa/Global: #MauritiusLeaks Reveals Tax Dodges http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/iff1908a.php Based on a cache of 200,000 confidential records from the Mauritius office of the Bermuda-based offshore law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman, the investigation reveals how a sophisticated financial system based on the island is designed to divert tax revenue from poor nations back to the coffers of Western corporations and African oligarchs, with Mauritius getting a share. The files date from the early 1990s to 2017. - International Consortium of Investigative Journalists August 12, 2019 Africa/Global: Tax Avoidance 101 http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/iff1908b.php Aircastle Ltd., a Connecticut-based global company specialized in leasing airplanes, is not alone among large American companies lowering their taxes through creative accounting, which also include well-known giants such as Amazon and Apple. But the recent revelations on Aircastles use of Mauritius as a tax haven provide a helpful window into how such tax dodges can make use of off-shore companies set up primarily for that purpose. April 30, 2019 Africa/Global: Fighting Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/eca1904.php The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in its annual Economic Report on Africa, focused on financing development in Africa, highlighted the urgency to curb what it termed revenue leaks through tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as through misguided government policies. Multinational corporations, corrupt officials, and financial intermediaries around the world siphon off African wealth, leaving national budgets starved for resources to invest in health, education, and sustainable economic growth. January 8, 2019 Mozambique/Global: Who Pays for Transnational Corruption? http://www.africafocus.org/docs19/moz1901.php The line-up of those involved in this $2.2 billion fraudulent loan deal, now implicated in a case in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York, is multinational. The five named individuals indicted include the former Minister of Finance of Mozambique, a Lebanese businessman representing Privinvest (an international shipping conglomerate in Abu Dhabi), and three London-based bankers, citizens of New Zealand, Great Britain, and Bulgaria, employed at the time of the loans by the giant Swiss bank Credit Suisse. Three more names are redacted in the indictment and 5 others, three Mozambicans and two additional employees of Privinvest, are cited but not named in the text of the indictment. November 12, 2018 Africa: Africa Mining Vision http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/amv1811.php The Africa Mining Vision (AMV) was adopted by Heads of State at the February 2009 African Union summit following the October 2008 meeting of African Ministers responsible for Mineral Resources Development. An action plan was adopted in December 2011, and the African Minerals Development Centre (https://www.uneca.org/amdc) launched in December 2013. The lead role in developing the vision was taken by African professional staff at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in consultation not only with African governments but also with civil society organizations and specialists on the mining sector. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Nayong Pilipino must comply with the planned construction of a mega vaccination site in its premises, Malacanang said Thursday. "Yung gagawing mega vaccination site po diyan is the exercise of police power dahil kinakailangan pong itaguyod ang kalusugan ng lahat sa gitna ng pandemya. Kinakailangan po sumunod ang Nayong Pilipino, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during a televised briefing. [Translation: The construction of the mega vaccination site falls under the exercise of police power because the health of all must be promoted amid the pandemic. Nayong Pilipino must comply.] Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. earlier appealed to the Nayong Pilipino Foundation to greenlight the vaccine sites construction. The NPF board had earlier raised concerns over the cutting of almost 500 trees, along with other environmental issues. Sang-ayon po sa ating Saligang Batas at sa ating Administrative Code, lahat po ng GOCC (government-owned and -controlled corporations) under pa rin sa office ng Presidente. Di po ibig sabihin na palibhasa may board sila ay di nila pupwede ipatupad ang polisiya ng gobyerno, said Roque. [Translation: According to our Constitution and Administrative Code, all GOCCs are still under the Office of the President. Just because they have their own board doesnt mean they can choose not to enforce government policies.] Roque likewise didnt write off completely President Rodrigo Dutertes intervention in the issue. Well, kung kinakailangan po, responded the spokesman when asked about the chief executive getting involved in the issue. Pero I think, message received." [Translation: Well, if theres a need to. But I think (the) message (has already been) received.] The ICTSI Foundation, one of the companies of port magnate Enrique Razon, Jr., will be funding and eventually handling and managing the proposed mega vaccination site. Civil society groups have opposed the proposal to set up the facility, arguing that the project will only worsen vaccine inequality and pose long-term threats to public health and safety. Infrawatch Philippines convenor Terry Ridon said the construction may proceed provided there are no conditionalities on how the private sector will use the concerned land and facility after the health crisis. The memorandum of agreement on their usage should only focus on the primary purpose of building and running a mega vaccination facility amid a public health emergency, he emphasized. Government should not allow other post-pandemic uses of the land and facility without undertaking the usual permitting and regulatory processes, said Ridon. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Philippine government said there are no active repatriation efforts yet for Filipinos caught in the growing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, but assured it will charter flights to bring them home should the situation call for it. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the guarantee in a Palace briefing on Thursday, as safety fears mount among Filipinos residing in and near the conflict areas. Alam na po ng ating embahada doon kung anong mga posibleng mga pangyayari, so hinahanda na po yung posibleng repatriation, Roque said. Ang gobyerno naman po natin kung talagang kakailanganin. Siyempre po susunduin natin ang ating kababayan at kung gusto talaga nila. [Translation: Our embassy there is ready for any eventuality, so its already preparing for possible repatriation. We can always rely on our government to do what is necessary. Of course, well do our countrymen's bidding and if they really want to.] The crisis alert for Filipinos in Israel remains at level 1, which means they are simply advised for now to take necessary precautions while the embassy monitors developments. The Department of Foreign Affairs assured contingency plans are in place for when tensions further escalate. READ: Tensions between Israel and Palestinians are sky-high. Here's what you need to know The general situation of Filipinos is that they have access to safe areas and shelters, DFA executive director for strategic communications Ivy Banzon-Abalos told CNN Philippines. The DFA added that it has not received any report of Filipino casualties since the crisis started this week. Government data show there are nearly 30,000 Filipinos living in Israel as of June 2020. In an advisory issued earlier this week, the embassy urged them to exercise caution and to refrain from going to areas near the Gaza border or to the West Bank (Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron) and certain locations in Jerusalem. It also advised Filipinos to call the embassy hotline at +972.54.466.1188 in case of emergency. Israel-Palestine relations have long been tense, but clashes have flared up this week, prompted by moves to evict Palestinian families from their homes near the Old City in Jerusalem. Both sides have exchanged airstrikes and rocket attacks, with the United Nations warning the conflict could grow into a "full-scale war." Citing figures from the Gaza-based Palestinian health ministry, CNN reported that Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza has so far killed at least 67 individuals, including 17 children, and injured nearly 400 more. Meanwhile, Israel has recorded at least seven fatalities among its people, with a six-year-old boy becoming the latest addition to the death toll. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday said the government will eventually broaden its COVID-19 vaccination program to include children and teenagers. Darating po ang araw na talagang bibili pa tayo ng additional vaccine para sa ating lower bracket from 17-1 years old which comprises 29 million, he said during a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday, referring to youngsters aged 1 to 17 years old. [Translation: Time will come when we will purchase additional vaccine for our lower bracket from 17-1 years old which comprises a population of 29 million] He also mentioned that countries like the United States and Canada have started the vaccination of children aged 12 and older. Inoculating a sizeable amount of the population also ensures elimination of the disease, he added. All vaccines globally are for people aged 18 and above, save for Pfizer which is allowed for 16 years old and up. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines were recently approved in the United States to be used for 12-15 years old. The Philippines' vaccine expert panel head Dr. Nina Gloriani on Friday said she is hopeful Pfizer can apply to amend its emergency use authorization in the country to be used on teens and adolescents. "Pfizer is recommended for 16 years and above, that is the only one that would recommend below 18. It will be for the teens," she told CNN Philippines. This week, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to identify their savings from their respective 2020 budget so these may be tapped as additional funds for COVID-19 pandemic response. Meanwhile, Galvez said the government is expecting the delivery of 7,753,450 COVID-19 vaccines this month, and an additional 10,050,000 in June. This will bring total vaccine inventory to 21,829,050 by next month, he noted. Deliveries will come from Pfizer under the World Health Organizations COVAX facility, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. Currently, concerns are being raised regarding the slow vaccine rollout of the government as coronavirus shots near their expiration. Authorities, however, have expressed confidence that no dose will be wasted. Galvez mentioned during the meeting that of the more than 7 million doses the government has received, over 2 million already have been administered, and they are working on dipensing the remaining five million as soon as possible. Duterte said he wants vaccine doses to be properly handled and administered immediately as they arrive to avoid wastage. RELATED: Duterte wants immediate distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to avoid wastage The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million people by the end of the year to achieve herd immunity. (CNN) Nepal has been thrown into political turmoil after the country's Prime Minister was forced to step down following public anger over his response to a deadly second wave of Covid-19. K. P. Sharma Oli -- who touted unproven coronavirus remedies and attended crowded events even as cases rose -- was removed from his position after losing a vote of confidence on Monday. Just a month ago, the Himalayan nation of 31 million people was reporting about 100 Covid-19 cases a day. On Tuesday, it reported 9,483 new cases and 225 virus-related fatalities, according to its health ministry -- the highest single-day death toll since the pandemic began. Some have linked the country's second wave to the outbreak in neighboring India, which began in mid-March. The two countries share a long, open land border that people easily travel back and forth across. Scenes in India, of funeral pyres and people queuing outside hospitals, are being replicated in Nepal, where hospitals are running out of oxygen and turning away patients. Critics say public complacency and government inaction likely worsened Nepal's coronavirus outbreak. While it might not have been possible to prevent a second wave, experts say the government could have done more to control it. As the crisis developed, the government's key coalition partner, the Maoist Centre, withdrew its backing, prompting Oli to seek a parliamentary vote to prove he had enough support to remain in power. Oli needed at least 136 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives to ensure a majority and save his government. But he only received 93 votes -- 124 members voted against him. Given Oli's failure to secure a vote of confidence, Nepal's President and ceremonial head of state Bidhya Devi Bhandari will now put out a call to form a new government. Mixed messaging Nepal's coronavirus cases began rising in early April, but the government was slow to take action, allowing mass religious festivals, large weddings and other public gatherings to continue. On April 8, when daily new cases had already tripled, Oli said Covid-19 could be treated by gargling with guava leaves -- adding to his ridiculed comments last year that Nepalis had stronger immune systems due to their daily intake of spices. It wasn't until April 29, when daily cases had reached more than 4,800, that the government imposed a two-week lockdown on the capital, Kathmandu. In May, authorities closed border crossings, ordered oxygen cylinders from overseas, built new health care facilities and banned all international flights. But by then it was too late. The messaging from Oli and his administration has at times been unclear and contradictory. On May 8, Oli told CNN the Covid-19 situation in Nepal was "under control," insisting the government was taking appropriate action. "We are taking very serious measures to control the situation to supply oxygens, to supply beds, to supply ICU beds," he said. When asked about large events held in the country in recent weeks, he admitted "some mistakes" had been made, but said: "this should not be a political issue." His assertion the situation was under control drew anger from those struggling to survive. "People are not getting beds, people are not getting oxygen, people crying out for help," said Suraj Raj Pandey, a volunteer at Covid Connect Nepal, a volunteer-run website that connects patients with supplies and beds. "And the executive head of this country comes up and says to the international community, 'Yeah, everything's fine, Nepal is normal, everything's under control,' while people are dying out in the streets." Oli took a dramatically different tone two days later, in an opinion piece published in The Guardian newspaper on May 10, before the no confidence vote. "Nepal's history is one of hardship and struggle, yet this pandemic is pushing even us to our limits," he wrote. "The number of infections is straining the healthcare system; it has become tough to provide patients with the hospital beds that they need." Despite government efforts, "due to the constraints of resources and infrastructure, the pandemic is turning out to be an overwhelming burden," he wrote. "I have, therefore, appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives. Our urgent goal is to stop preventable deaths occurring." Later that day, he was removed from his post. Covid crisis intensifies All the while, as Oli and his administration fell into chaos, Nepal has continued to drown under Covid-19 cases. Photos and videos from the ground show Covid patients lining up outside hospitals, begging for oxygen or an ICU bed. But with supplies running out, health care facilities -- including at least six private hospitals in Kathmandu -- have stopped admitting Covid patients. "It's a humanitarian crisis at the moment," said Eeda Rijal from volunteer group Covid Connect Nepal. "And we, working in the front line, we've seen that surge, and we don't understand why the government has not been able to see this." Desperate families and Covid patients are pleading for supplies on social media. Surajan KC is among them. Both his parents are hospitalized with Covid-19; his father, whose oxygen levels have been unstable, is now in the ICU. "We're just waiting and watching whether he's going to recover soon," he said. "It is still pretty scary, especially when it comes to oxygen, because even if you find beds in the hospitals, I've heard that so many hospitals are telling patients that they have to find oxygen ... by themselves." Doctors, too, say they have been pushed to their limits. "It's been sleepless nights for the last seven days ... I've hardly slept for two hours," said Saugat Poudyal, the medical director of Karuna Hospital in Kathmandu. "I think the global community needs to step forward from now on. It's the lack of oxygen that's going to bring about a huge catastrophe here." In an interim order on Tuesday, Nepal's Supreme Court urged the government to set up a task force to direct the distribution of oxygen cylinders and other life-saving equipment. The court said no Nepali should be deprived of medical treatment due to oxygen shortages, and that it was the government's responsibility to ensure supply and save lives. A lockdown in the Kathmandu Valley -- home to around 2.5 million people -- has been extended until May 27, with residents advised not to go out unless necessary. Gatherings have been banned at party venues, and gatherings in private homes are capped at 10 people. The ban on international flights has also been extended until May 31 -- although two flights per week are allowed between Kathmandu and the Indian capital, New Delhi, under a "travel bubble" program, according to Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority. This story was first published on CNN.com "Nepal tries to form a new government as its Covid-19 crisis deepens". (CNN) Israel's defense minister has warned that Israel has "many, many more targets" and no time limit on its military operations against Gaza, as the Israeli military and Palestinian militants continue to exchange deadly airstrikes and rocket bombardments. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Hidai Zilberman said Israel was considering a ground incursion into Gaza, but stressed that any decision would "take days." Three Israeli brigades are currently deployed around Gaza. When asked by Israel Channel 12 News whether the troop movements were paving the way for a ground invasion, Zilberman responded: "We are amassing forces on the border, getting them prepared. Soldiers are learning the terrain. Getting ready. We will activate them when we decide to activate them. We have the initiative. We have time." Zilberman said the option for an incursion was on the table and that the Israeli military was amassing forces for that eventuality. Israel has called up 7,000 army reservists so far, he added. Most analysts believe that a single division's worth of armor and infantry -- the current build-up -- is not sufficient to conduct such an operation. The warning from the Israeli military came as tensions continued to escalate on Thursday. Militants in Gaza have fired more than 1,000 rockets into Israel since the latest flareup began Monday afternoon, and Israel has responded with devastating airstrikes in Gaza. Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza has now killed at least 103 people, including 27 children and 11 women, the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry reported Thursday. At least 580 people have sustained various injuries, the ministry said. Seven Israelis have been killed and more than 200 have been injured since Monday, the Israeli military said. A six-year-old boy was killed Wednesday when a rocket fired from Gaza struck a residential building in Sderot, according to an emergency responder. Addressing Israeli troops Thursday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz said: "I say explicitly: we will continue to defend and continue to attack until the fire is stopped and we will ensure long-term silence." Rioting and violent clashes between Arab and Jewish citizens also swept across several Israeli cities this week, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn against "lynching" by either community. In Bat Yam, south of Jaffa, graphic video Wednesday night showed a Jewish right-wing mob trying to lynch an Arab driver. Police say the man was dragged from his car before the assault began. Video shows about 20 people hitting him with metal objects and kicking him in the head repeatedly. He was taken to hospital where his injuries were described by police as moderate. In Acre, north of Haifa, a lynching attempt by an Arab mob left a Jewish man critically wounded, according to Israeli police. A police spokesman said the mob attacked police officers with stones before attacking the victim with stones and iron bars. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, wrote to the Security Council on Thursday urging it to strongly condemn what he called terrorist attacks from Gaza, as well as to support Israel's "right to defend itself," according to a statement. A day earlier, the Palestinians wrote to the UN Security Council President and the General Assembly President appealing for the Council to live up to its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The United States has objected to a proposed Security Council statement and has so far blocked any action by the body, instead preferring more direct diplomacy. A requested Security Council meeting on the crisis will not take place Friday because the US blocked the session, according to two UN diplomats. The US indicated it might accept a meeting next week, said one UN diplomat. No ceasefire for now An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson ruled out a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza on Thursday. "We don't think this is the right time for a ceasefire," Lior Haiat told CNN. "This is the time where Israel should defend itself and attack the terror infrastructure of Hamas... and we will get to a point where Hamas will understand that launching this kind terror attack on Israeli civilians is not effective for the future." Asked on whether any mediating countries have sent representatives to Israel, Haiat said "he does not have this information ... but a ceasefire is not on the table for Israel now." A senior Hamas official, Izzat Al Rishq, told CNN earlier Thursday that Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations were communicating with Hamas over mediation to end the fighting. "We in Hamas have told them that they should speak to the enemy to stop the aggression first and after that, Hamas will decide," Al Rishq said. "We stress that we have the ability to sustain ourselves for the long haul and respond to the aggression (for) as long as it takes." Fueled by controversy over planned evictions of Palestinian families in Jerusalem, and restrictions at a popular East Jerusalem meeting point as Ramadan began, conflict between Israelis and Palestinians boiled over this week, escalating rapidly into one of the worst rounds of violence between the two sides in the last several years. Netanyahu slammed the communal violence in Israeli cities Wednesday as "unacceptable" and said he had ordered the police to adopt emergency powers, to reinforce with Border Police units, and to impose curfews where necessary. "Nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs and nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews," he said in a statement. "To the citizens of Israel I say that I do not care if your blood is boiling. You cannot take the law into your own hands," Netanyahu added. "You cannot grab an ordinary Arab citizen and try to lynch him -- just as we cannot watch Arab citizens do this to Jewish citizens." "We are very, very worried about this deterioration," Israeli lawmaker Aida Touma-Suleiman in Acre told CNN's Hala Gorani in a live interview late Wednesday evening local time. "The tear gas is filling the houses, and the situation is insecure. There has been attacks on Arab citizens in different cities today," she said. "I'm really, really worried about this city (Acre). The same is happening in Haifa. The same is happening in Lod. There are different attacks on different citizens." The Israeli-Arab lawmaker went on to say: "I'm not sure that the police is able or even willing to control the situation." Decades of coexistence 'trampled' Fury over the situation has fueled fierce protests in the central Israeli city of Lod, where Israeli police reported Wednesday that people were throwing rocks at passing cars and blocking roads into the early hours. The mayor of Lod, Yair Revivo, said decades of coexistence had been "trampled." He said Arab-Israeli rioters had been "burning synagogues, Talmud Torah, dozens of vehicles, burning garbage containers, destroying Israeli flags and worse, lowering the Israeli flag and hoisting the Palestinian flag, on a night of riots that injured policemen and residents who found themselves besieged." Meanwhile an Arab-Israeli resident of Lod, Wael Essawi, told CNN that a mosque was stormed by Israeli police and Jewish residents during prayers on Tuesday night before tear gas was fired and cars were set ablaze. "We couldn't do anything but we opened the windows so we can breathe... it was very intense," Essawi said. Another resident, Khaled Zabarqah, said that following a Palestinian demonstration on Monday against Israeli policies in Jerusalem, thousands were hit with tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets before Israelis started throwing stones and beating the group. "My 15-year-old daughter was woken up by the sound of stones being thrown at her bedroom window, I was then woken up by her terrified screams," Zabarqah said. "There was nothing we could do but protect and defend ourselves with any tools we have, it's either we defend ourselves or we get killed," he said. On Tuesday, a 25-year-old Arab-Israeli man was shot and killed in the city by a 34-year-old Jewish man, who fired on protesters after they targeted him with rocks, according to police. Police arrested two suspects in connection with another shooting also in Lod. Communal violence was also reported Wednesday in the Israeli cities of Tiberias, Umm al-Fahm and Hadera. Unrest has also spread to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where at least 322 Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with the Israeli army in the West Bank and with Israeli police in East Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to a Palestinian Red Crescent handout obtained by CNN. Israel: 'Terror targets' struck The Israeli military said Thursday it had struck more than 600 "terror targets" in Gaza since the recent hostilities began. Israel has been "able to strike a significant part if not the majority of the military leadership of Hamas" in the past three days of bombardment, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told reporters. Israel did not yet have an exact number of enemy combatants killed, Conricus said. "As of yesterday it was more than 30. It has risen since," he said. Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,600 rockets, Conricus said. "Approximately 400 have fallen short inside the Gaza Strip and the interception rate continues at an average of 90%," he said. The IDF has struck "significant parts" of Hamas' and Islamic Jihad's rocket-firing capability, he added, "but it is by no means totally degraded." The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said in a statement Thursday that it had carried out drone attacks on Israeli targets using new "homemade 'Shehab' drones." In a tweet, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli forces were aware of the brigade's drone fleet and were able to "hit" them. Global airlines -- including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways -- have all canceled flights to Israel amid the escalating violence. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Israel warns of 'more targets' as clashes between Arabs and Jews rock Israeli cities." (CNN) The US government will no longer blacklist Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, lifting a short and contentious ban on Americans investing in the company that was introduced by the Trump administration. The US Department of Defense and Xiaomi reached an agreement to set aside the ban on Tuesday, according to a US court filing. The "parties have agreed upon a path forward that would resolve this litigation without the need for contested briefing," the filing said. Xiaomi, the world's third largest smartphone maker, did not comment on the development, but sent CNN Business a copy of the court document. Days before President Joe Biden took office in January, the Department of Defense added Xiaomi to a list of companies it claimed were linked to the Chinese military. Businesses on the list are subject to harsh restrictions, including the American investment ban. Before the ban could take effect, a federal judge granted a temporary reprieve to the Chinese company by ruling that Washington lacked "substantial evidence" to support its claim that Xiaomi is owned or controlled by China's military. Tuesday's agreement marks a rare deescalation in increasingly tense US-China relations. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying said she wasn't aware of the agreement, but added that she hoped "the United States will correct the mistakes of the previous administration and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for the normal operation of Chinese companies." Shares of Xiaomi jumped more than 6% in Hong Kong on Wednesday. According to the court filing, the parties are still negotiating the details of the settlement and expect to finalize a joint proposal by May 20. Michelle Toh and CNN's Beijing bureau contributed reporting. This story was first published on CNN.com "US agrees to lift Trump-era ban on China's Xiaomi". Cebu City (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Mactan-Cebu International Airport will temporarily stop accepting international flights for two days for lack of quarantine rooms for arriving overseas Filipino workers and other returning Filipinos, the provincial governor said on Thursday. "As of last night, we were facing a crisis. Why? Because the 2,500 rooms that were made available for OFWs and ROFs were already nearing full capacity," Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia said in a media briefing at the capitol. "And for that reason, the MCIAA has declared that they will close tomorrow for two days, May 14 and May 15. Flights have already been canceled," she added The airport closure decision was arrived at in an emergency meeting this morning among the airport authority, regional directors from a number of agencies, and the Hotels and Resorts Association of Cebu. Cebu eased restrictions for residents arriving from international flights. Non-resident passengers are also arriving via the Cebu airport. The protocols are as follows: All arriving passengers will be swabbed at the airport and stay in a hotel for two days until the release of a negative RT-PCR test. For non-Cebu residents, they will have to show proof of itinerary in going home to their province outside of Cebu and observe health protocols of that local government unit or the IATF. Pending RT-PCR test results, the non-Cebu residents will be staying also for two days in a quarantine facility or hotel. Cebu residents can go home to their hometown after the release of the negative PCR test. They will undergo home quarantine and be swabbed again on the seventh day in their homes. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) - The Department of Labor and Employment is already running out of funds to support workers affected by the pandemic, Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said. She added that the department is now using its regular budget as the allocated funds for displaced informal workers under Bayanihan 2 have already been used. "Para sa mga workers in the informal sector, meron po tayong tinatawag na TUPAD [Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers]. Ito po ay ongoing pa rin po ngayon, pero ang ginagamit po natin ay regular budget na po under 2021. Naubos na rin po yung sa ating Bayanihan 2," Tutay told CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon. [Translation: For workers in the informal sector, we have the TUPAD program. This is ongoing, but we are now using our regular budget for 2021. We already used up everything in Bayanihan 2.] Under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), DOLE received 16-billion for its cash assistance and temporary wage employment for displaced formal and informal workers as well as overseas Filipino workers. DOLE allocated 7.4 billion for formal workers, 4.9 billion for informal workers, and 1.8 billion for OFWs. Tutay said over a million workers in the informal sector have already received support. Meanwhile, 1.25 million formal workers and 500,000 OFWs have so far benefited from DOLE's programs. "Talagang paubos na po ang pondo para sa ayuda ng ating mga manggagawa," she added. [Translation: We are really running out of funds to aid our workers.] Tutay said DOLE is expected to receive funds for its programs for pandemic-hit workers once the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act or Bayanihan 3 is approved. Under the Bayanihan 3, DOLE will be given 25 billion to help displaced workers while 20 billion will be set aside for wage subsidies. The substitute bill for Bayanihan 3 still needs to be forwarded to the House appropriations committee before it undergoes plenary debates. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has sought the inclusion of Oman and United Arab Emirates in the list of countries with travel restrictions after the Philippines recorded its first cases of the COVID-19 variant from India. Duque on Thursday said he sent the recommendation to the Office of the Executive Secretary to ban incoming travelers from these Middle East countries for two weeks. His proposal came two days after the Philippines recorded two cases of the B.1.617.2 variant on two Filipino seafarers who arrived from Oman and UAE. Both did not have travel history to India. The Inter-Agency Task Force is meeting to discuss the possible extension and expansion of the ban on travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, which will end on May 14. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to issue his decision during his address to the nation on Thursday night. "Kung mapirmahan mamaya, well give another day para sa nakabiyahe na, well give them chance," Duque said in a chance interview after the symbolic rollout of Pfizer vaccines in Makati City. "Quarantine natin sinuman ang dumarating for strict border control" [Translation: If it is signed tonight, we will give those in transit one more day to give them a chance to land. We will quarantine those who are arriving to ensure strict border control.] The government was previously criticized for its delayed decision on imposing travel bans on countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants. CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report. Support AfricaFocus Bulletin Your Support is Needed! The AfricaFocus Bulletin, and the AfricaFocus website, are an independent information service, not subsidized by any government, foundation, or organization. In order to make this information available as widely as possible, including to subscribers in Africa, subscription payments are not required. Sustaining and expanding these free services, however, depends on your support. All subscribers to AfricaFocus Bulletin and regular visitors to the website who can do so are strongly encouraged to send in a voluntary subscription payment. Any amount is welcome. Suggested minimum amounts requested from individual subscribers begin at only $25/year. 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Note: If you are sending your contribution through the mail, please send me an email at africafocus@igc.org to let me know you have done so, since I do not check this UPS store mailbox frequently. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo have sent out greetings to the Muslim community in celebration of Eid'l Fitr. In his message, Duterte said, " As you mark the end of a month-long journey of reflection, prayer and fasting, may Allah continue to instill in you the virtues of generosity and compassion for others." He said everyone should continue to promote peace, unity and goodwill, as well as welcome the new hope that comes with Eid. Meanwhile, Robredo said the day is not only a feast that marks the end of a period of fasting but also a reminder that we are a single community. "While the pandemic and its many challenges may prevent us from coming together as we did in the past, today we are reminded that we are a community not just through proximity, but through the numerous acts of solidarity, kindness, justice, and collective resolve that we practice every day," the Vice President said in her message. Robredo added that Filipino Muslims must "cherish" these bonds despite being kept apart by physical distance and keep the spiritual ties "that bind us tighten with every act of communal responsibility." Duterte declared May 13 a regular holiday via Proclamation No. 1142. Eid'l Fitr is celebrated as a holiday under Republic Act 9177 of 2002, but the date is not fixed as the Muslim calendar is based on the different phases of the moon. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Can Metro Manila shift to a "stricter" general community quarantine starting May 15? San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora agrees, but he says there should be adjustments to what was once perceived to be a more relaxed quarantine status. Zamora told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday why he personally voted for a GCQ shift during the meeting of the Metro Manila Council on Tuesday. "I personally voted for GCQ because the discussions last night were really on how to have a GCQ that is strict in nature," Zamora said. "Because there were GCQs before that had additional allowances in terms of allowable businesses and industries which made it a not so strict GCQ, I believe the (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) will figure out which businesses and industries can open under GCQ without really compromising our health capacity," he added. Zamora reasoned that the decrease in active COVID-19 cases and an improving hospitalization rate prompted him to make such a vote. But Zamora said he does not want to preempt what the decision will likely be. The IATF will be meeting within the day with Metro Manila Development Authority chair Benhur Abalos to further discuss whether or not to retain the region's modified enhanced community quarantine status. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce the latest quarantine classification later during his public address. Earlier this week, three other mayors also supported the idea of easing quarantine restrictions. Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said a prolonged lockdown could mean a bigger problem for the economy and their constituents. READ: Some Metro Manila mayors favor shift to GCQ on May 15 According to Zamora, a possible GCQ shift must still come with stricter border controls amid the threat of a variant-driven surge. Essential businesses must also still be prioritized while gradually opening the economy. On Wednesday, the Philippines recorded 4,842 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the tally to 1,118,359. At least 18,714 have already succumbed to the disease while total recoveries are already at 1,046,431. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Philippines expects a bulk shipment of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in the country before the month ends, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday. He said the delivery of 2.2 million doses of the American-made vaccines will be facilitated by COVAX, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization, vaccine alliance Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. "Ang next na delivery ng Pfizer more or less 2.2 million I was informed yesterday is before the end of the month," he said in a media briefing. [Translation: The next delivery of more or less 2.2 million is before the end of the month. I was informed of this yesterday.] If it pushes through, this will be the second shipment of Pfizer vaccines the Philippines will get this month. The first batch of 193,000 doses arrived in the country on May 9. It is now being rolled out in some areas. "(It) is indeed a milestone, this is the first shipment of Pfizer vaccines. We expect significantly larger shipments in the next few weeks," WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyashinghe said after the arrival of the May 9 batch. Galvez said vaccines allocated for Cebu and Davao will be delivered there straight to prevent "double handling." Pfizer's vaccine needs to be stored in ultra-cold freezers with temperatures of about minus 70 degrees Celsius or below, which are not yet widely available nationwide. Adhering to the temperature requirements during storage and distribution is crucial to ensuring the vaccines' efficacy. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Murder convict and former congressman Ruben Ecleo Jr. died on Thursday, the Bureau of Corrections confirmed. He suffered from a cardiopulmonary arrest at past noon, BuCor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag told CNN Philippines in a text message. Ecleo recovered over a week ago from a moderate case of COVID-19, Chaclag added. Ecleo, a former House of Representatives lawmaker from Dinagat Islands, was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 for killing his wife in Cebu. However, authorities were then unable to bring him in. He was arrested in Pampanga in July 2020 under a standing arrest warrant for graft and corruption issued by the Sandiganbayan. He was then transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in August of the same year. This is a developing story. CNN Philippines Correspondent Paolo Barcelon contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The Philippines will need additional funds to buy COVID-19 vaccines for teenagers and booster shots for increased protection, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Thursday. Dominguez said President Rodrigo Dutertes order for government agencies to identify savings from their 2020 budget allocations could support the additional requirement of 75 billion. The head of Dutertes economic team said about P20 billion will be needed to vaccinate about 15 million Filipinos aged 12-17, as they anticipate the inclusion of younger teens and adolescents in the inoculation program. Current rules only qualify those aged 18 and older. Dominguez made the suggestion when asked what items the Executive seeks to spend on using realigned savings from the 2020 national budget. Drug maker Pfizer-BioNTech has secured approval to administer its vaccines among people as young as 12 in the United States. A member of the Philippines Vaccine Expert Panel earlier said the company may seek for an amended emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to allow younger Filipinos to receive the doses. This would be on top of the 70 million adults eligible to be vaccinated in the country the minimum number required to reach herd immunity to significantly lessen coronavirus transmission. As we are also anticipating acquiring booster shots for next year for about 85 million teenagers and adults, we will be needing another 55 billion, Dominguez added, referring to studies that recommend injecting people with a third vaccine shot. To fund these but still maintaining an acceptable fiscal deficit, we most likely will need to reallocate funds, he said. The Philippines has allotted 82.5 billion for vaccine purchases this year, the bulk of which is supported by loans from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank totaling 58.4 billion. The rest is funded through available cash. The Philippines operates on a budget deficit, or where the government spends more than it collects in terms of revenues from taxes, customs duties and other fees. However, the funding gap has ballooned in 2020 due to emergency spending for the COVID-19 response. The funding shortfall more than doubled to 1.37 trillion last year from 660.2 billion in 2019, as the country resorted to more debts to fund pandemic response measures, accounting for 7.63% of the local economic output. RELATED: Increased gov't spending, thinner revenues bloat budget deficit Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) The country's foreign affairs chief on Thursday ordered the filing of another diplomatic protest against China after 287 of its vessels were spotted still in Palawan's Kalayaan town in the West Philippine Sea. "@DFAPHL fire diplomatic protest," Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. tweeted. He also lambasted the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) for failing to inform the Department of Foreign Affairs about updates on the presence of Chinese vessels prior to releasing a statement to the media. The task force on Wednesday reported that 287 Chinese vessels suspected to be maritime militia remain scattered over various parts of Kalayaan, both within and outside the countrys exclusive economic zone, as of May 9. Based on the latest maritime patrol, the task force said Beijings vessels were spotted in the following areas: Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, Zamora (Subi) Reef, Panata Island (Lankiam Cay), Burgos (Gaven) Reef North, Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, and part of the Pagkakaisa (Union) Banks including the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef. Vessels were also spotted near Recto (Reed) Bank, it added. The task force added that bigger groupings of Chinese militia ships were also sighted at the artificial islands of China, as well as in areas near Philippine-occupied islands. China has repeatedly rejected the 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized the Philippines sovereign rights in areas of its 200-nautical mile EEZ that Beijing contests. The tribunal had also invalidated China's sweeping "historic rights" claims to the sea. The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has lodged a number of diplomatic protests against the East Asian giant for their vessels lingering presence in the West Philippine Sea. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) President Rodrigo Duterte warned local officials against the celebration of fiestas, reiterating that they would be held liable in case health protocols in their jurisdictions are violated. I will not allow the violations of the guidelines given by the task force and I will hold the local governments, down to the last barangay level and therefore it could only be the barangays captains, I will hold you responsible for any violation, he said during his late Thursday night public address. He emphasized that such minimum health protocols, like prohibition of mass gatherings, are laws to be stricly enforced. If they want the country to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, they should ensure that these are observed, he added. Duterte issued the same warning during his April 29 address. "I will direct the secretary of the DILG to hold the mayors responsible for this kind of events happening in their places," he said, while also blaming the rise in coronavirus infections due to protocol violations. This also came after Duterte approved the easing of restrictions to general community quarantine in the NCR Plus, but with heightened restrictions. To date, the country has recorded a total of 1,124,724 COVID-19 cases, with 18,821 deaths and 1,050,643 recoveries. (CNN) Two dead endangered whales were dislodged from the hull of an Australian destroyer after the warship docked in San Diego last weekend, according to the Royal Australian Navy. The whales were found near HMAS Sydney, which berthed in Naval Base San Diego, the principal home port of the US Navy's Pacific Fleet. "The Navy takes marine mammal safety seriously and is disheartened this incident occurred," a statement from the Australian navy said. The Australian and US navies along with the US NOAA Fisheries, which oversees marine resources were investigating, the statement said. CNN affiliate 10News in San Diego reported the dead mammals were fin whales, the world's second-largest whale species, behind only blue whales. One was 65 feet (about 20 meters) long and the other about 25 feet (7.6 meters), the report said. A NOAA Fisheries fact sheet on fin whales lists them as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, with a population of about 3,200 off the US West Coast. The whales were once hunted extensively, but today their biggest threat is being struck by a ship, the fact sheet says. HMAS Sydney is a 481-foot (146.7-meter) guided-missile destroyer with a 7,000-ton displacement, according to the Australian navy. The ship's hull extends 23.6 feet (7.2 meters) below the waterline. It's one of the newest ships in the Australian fleet, commissioned just a year ago. The ship steamed into San Diego on Saturday after testing its combat systems in an exercise off the California coast, according to a tweet from the Australian navy. Whale strikes by naval vessels are rare, said Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain. "Whales can hear ships from miles away and generally avoid ships using mid-frequency and high-powered low frequency sonars because it bothers their hearing," Schuster said. Low-frequency sonar can confuse whales in shallower waters, Schuster said but the Australian ship is equipped with a high-frequency sonar. However, a NOAA Fisheries report on whale strikes says they can occur as the whales feed and migrate in coastal waters, especially in heavy shipping lanes like those off Southern California. This story was first published on CNN.com "An Australian destroyer arrived in San Diego with 2 dead endangered whales stuck to its hull" (CNN) Conflict between Israelis and Palestinians boiled over this week, escalating rapidly into one of the worst rounds of violence between the two sides in the last several years. An already tense situation prompted by moves to evict Palestinian families from their homes near the Old City in Jerusalem exploded at one of the holiest sites in the city, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount. Israeli police entered the Al Aqsa Mosque and clashed with Palestinians inside the sacred site, firing stun grenades while Palestinians threw stones. The resulting clashes there and in other parts of the Old City left hundreds of Palestinians and some Israeli police officers injured. Palestinian militant groups in Gaza joined the fray by firing rockets into Israel, which responded with airstrikes. By the following day, a United Nations representative was warning the situation was "escalating towards a full-scale war." "Stop the fire immediately. We're escalating towards a full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation," UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said. But putting a lid on the violence may not be easy. Political, religious, and nationalist factors all play a role in the situation. Why is this happening now? The city had been on edge for several weeks, with Palestinians angered over the closure of a popular plaza just as Ramadan was beginning, and as a years-long legal battle to remove seven Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem appeared set to end with eviction. The families have been living in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, just north of the Old City, since 1956 -- in an arrangement brokered by the United Nations to find homes in Jordanian-controlled East Jerusalem for families who lost their property in what became the state of Israel in 1948. An Israeli nationalist organization called Nahalat Shimon is using a 1970 law -- passed after Israel gained control over East Jerusalem -- to argue that the owners of the land before 1948 were Jewish families, meaning the current Palestinian occupants should be evicted and their properties given to Israeli Jews. Palestinians contend that restitution laws in Israel are unfair because they have no legal means to reclaim the property they lost to Jewish families in the late 1940s in what became the state of Israel. Israel's Supreme Court was due to hear an appeal in the Sheikh Jarrah case on May 10. But Israel's Attorney General asked for a delay. The legal battle over the homes in Sheikh Jarrah has reignited a simmering debate about who has claim to the city, its holy sites, and its history. Jerusalem has always been the most sensitive part of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Small changes to a delicate situation can ignite massive protests. And extremist voices are often on hand and make themselves known. Hundreds of Jewish extremists marched through Jerusalem at the end of April chanting "Death to Arabs," on a night when there were a number of incidents reported of the city's Jewish and Arab communities targeting one another for attack. Earlier this week, the annual Jerusalem Day march, which normally works its way through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, was re-rerouted in an attempt to avoid further escalation. What is East Jerusalem and why is it so sensitive? For nearly two decades after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, the city of Jerusalem was divided. East Jerusalem was controlled by the Jordanians, while West Jerusalem was controlled by the Israelis, who made it their capital. Crucially, the Old City of Jerusalem and its holy sites were in East Jerusalem. The Old City is home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Christians believe Jesus Christ was buried. It is home to the Al Aqsa Mosque where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed journeyed on his Night Voyage, as well as the site where they believe he ascended to heaven. And it is home to the holiest site in the world for Jews, the stone where they believe Abraham came to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and where the First and Second Temples stood in ancient times. During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured East Jerusalem, placing the entire city under Israeli control. Israel also captured the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula. The latter was returned to Egypt under the 1979 peace agreement, but East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights have remained under full Israeli control. The Palestinians enjoy limited autonomy in Gaza and parts of the West Bank, but Israel maintains control of all borders and security. What is the reality in Jerusalem today? The entire city of Jerusalem is under Israeli control. Israel says there is no difference between the city's east and west, instead describing the city as its united capital. (Even so, the city is largely self-segregated. East Jerusalem is largely Palestinian, while West Jerusalem is largely Israeli. Israeli cab drivers often refuse to drive to locations in East Jerusalem.) But international law considers East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Gaza as occupied territory under United Nations Security Council Resolutions, though that characterization is disputed by Israel. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, passed in 2016, said that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory have "no legal validity" and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. International law does not distinguish between settlements in the West Bank or settlements in East Jerusalem, considering them both occupied territory. The Old City, and more specifically the Al Aqsa compound, is governed by its own agreement known as the Status Quo. Israel is in charge of security on the site, and Jordan, through an Islamic organization called the Waqf, administers the religious sites. In normal times, visitors of all faiths are allowed to visit the complex, but only Muslims are allowed to pray there. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. What do Israel and Palestinian officials say about the Sheikh Jarrah case? Palestinian leaders say the effort to evict families from their homes is nothing less than "ethnic cleansing" aimed at "Judaizing the holy city," the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported. Israel says the conflict is simply a "real-estate dispute." The Foreign Ministry accused the Palestinian Authority and militant groups of "presenting a real-estate dispute between private parties, as a nationalistic cause, in order to incite violence in Jerusalem." More than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced during the creation of the state of Israel, according to the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees. What is the international community's position? The effort to evict Palestinian families from the Sheik Jarrah neighborhood has been widely criticized. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in early May that the United States is "deeply concerned about the potential eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods of Jerusalem, many of whom have lived in their homes for generations. As we have consistently said, it is critical to avoid steps that exacerbate tensions or take us farther away from peace. This includes evictions in East Jerusalem, settlement activity, home demolitions, and acts of terrorism." The European Commission also condemned the violence and expressed concern about the possible evictions. "Such actions are illegal under international humanitarian law and only serve to fuel tensions on the ground," said Peter Stano, EU Commission lead spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a statement. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on May 7 that the law is "applied in an inherently discriminatory manner," adding that the transfer of Israeli civilians onto occupied land could be "prohibited under international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime." Why else have tensions escalated recently? The Sheikh Jarrah case is the flashpoint for tensions, but they quickly spread throughout the city and far beyond the confines of Jerusalem. The situation in Jerusalem can escalate in a hurry on its own, but the sensitivities in the city have been compounded by a combination of religious and nationalist factors. Two holidays fell on the same weekend this year: the Muslim Night of Power (Leylet el-Qadr) on the night of May 8, considered the holiest night of the year; and the Israeli holiday of Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim) on May 9-10, celebrating the day the Israeli military took control of the Old City in 1967. Each holiday on its own can inspire religious and nationalist fervor, and together they are even more liable to ignite an already tense situation. The political situation has not helped. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in a row, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has courted some openly extreme racist politicians as he struggles to build a coalition and stay in power. That has emboldened some far-right Jewish groups. Right-wing Israeli politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir and Arieh King came to Sheikh Jarrah to send a message that the entire city belongs to Israel. Their presence fanned the flames. The Palestinian political situation is hardly clearer than the Israeli one. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in April delayed the first parliamentary elections in 15 years, extending a long-running rivalry where his Fatah movement governs the West Bank, while Gaza is run by the militant Hamas, with Islamic Jihad also active there. Such is the power of Jerusalem. Protests in Jerusalem can ignite protests in Israel and the West Bank, as well as prompt militant groups in Gaza to fire rockets and the Israel Defense Forces to launch airstrikes. A situation that began in one neighborhood in Jerusalem has now spread across the area and brought international attention to Israel and the Palestinian territories once again. This story was first posted on CNN.com, "Tensions between Israel and Palestinians are sky-high. Here's what you need to know" AfricaFocus Bulletins, by topic Major Topic Areas May 31, 2021 Health Go to full list on this topic May 17, 2021 Africa/Global: Decolonizing Medical Technology http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/mal2105.php A continent of 1.2 billion people should not have to import 99% of its vaccines. But that is the tragic reality for Africa. Fixing the lack of home-grown manufacturing capacity has become a top priority for Africas policymakers. Last week, 40,000 people, including researchers, business leaders and members of civil-society groups, joined heads of state for a two-day online summit designed to share the latest developments and kick-start fresh thinking on how to bring vaccine manufacturing to Africa. - Nature magazine editorial, April 21, 2021 Peace and Security Go to full list on this topic May 31, 2021 Mozambique/Global: War, Intervention, and Solidarity http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/moz2105a.php No amount of international military assistance will, within two years, create a fighting force that can combat the insurgency. Two other factors complicate external support. Foreign intervention is likely to provoke a response from Islamic State to provide weapons and training to the insurgents. And the fight is already underway between factions in Frelimo over the upcoming 2024 elections. Cabo Delgado politics and economics, the police and military, and the war itself are already caught up in the bitter infighting. Thus the war seems likely to escalate and continue until a new president is in place in 2025. - Joseph Hanlon Politcs and Human Rights Go to full list on this topic April 19, 2021 Confronting Global Apartheid Demands Global Solidarity http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/ga2104.php "The COVID-19 pandemic has both revealed and deepened structural inequalities around the world. Nearly every country has been hit by economic downturn, but the impacts are unevenly felt. Within and across countries, the people who have suffered most are those already disadvantaged by race, class, gender, or place of birth, reflecting the harsh inequality that has characterized our world for centuries." Special Topics August 3, 2020 Aid, Poverty & Public Investment Go to full list on this topic January 29, 2018 Africa/Global: Humanitarian Attention Deficits http://www.africafocus.org/docs18/hum1801.php The international system of response to humanitarian crises is flawed. And the often-repeated call to focus on addressing causes of crises and structural flaws in the system, instead of only providing short-term relief, is undeniably justified. But current trends, paralleling austerity programs and cuts in services at domestic levels in the United States and around the world, are not moving in the direction of fundamental reform. Instead, they are further diminishing the already inadequate resources devoted to saving lives. Culture & the Media Go to full list on this topic May 3, 2021 Africa/Global: African-Language Literature in Global Scholarship http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/aflit2105.php Broad early modern comparative projects often fail to address Africa at all. A search of the MLAIB [Modern Language Association International Bibliography] finds that the number of pieces published in the last thirty years on the subject of 'globalization' is in the thousands, and yet only 5 per cent of them address Africa or African countries. When it comes to eighteenth-century studies, the exclusion is total: not one of the pieces on globalization addresses Africa or African countries. Not one. This is more than unfortunate. No arena of study can be successful that has Africa as a lacuna. Wendy Laura Belcher Debt Go to full list on this topic May 31, 2021 Mozambique/Global: Fossil Fuels, Debt, and Corruption http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/moz2105b.php The scandal of Mozambiques hidden debts has already cost the country at least 11 billion US dollars, and has plunged an additional two million people into poverty, according to a detailed study of the costs and consequences of the debt published on Friday by the anti-corruption NGO, the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), and its Norwegian partner, the Christian Michelsen Institute. The term hidden debts refers to illicit loans of over two billion US dollars from the banks Credit Suisse and VTB of Russia in 2013 and 2014 to three fraudulent, securitylinked Mozambican companies Proindicus, Ematum (Mozambique Tuna Company), and MAM (Mozambique Asset Management). - report by Centre for Public Integrity (Mozambique) and Christian Michelsen Institute (Norway) Education Go to full list on this topic August 8, 2017 Africa: Bridge to Education, or to Nowhere? http://www.africafocus.org/docs17/educ1708.php "When Liberia's Minister of Education, George Werner, announced last spring that he was inviting foreign education companies and non-profits to run our public schools, our country came under the international spotlight, both in Western media and for education activists. ... Quickly, Liberia was turned into a battlefield between those who see for-profit 'charter' schools as the solution to the problems that plague public education across the world, and those of us who point to underinvestment and poor management as the true culprits." - Mary Mulbah, president, National Teachers' Association of Liberia Environment & Climate Change Go to full list on this topic May 31, 2021 Mozambique/Global: Fossil Fuels, Debt, and Corruption http://www.africafocus.org/docs21/moz2105b.php The scandal of Mozambiques hidden debts has already cost the country at least 11 billion US dollars, and has plunged an additional two million people into poverty, according to a detailed study of the costs and consequences of the debt published on Friday by the anti-corruption NGO, the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), and its Norwegian partner, the Christian Michelsen Institute. The term hidden debts refers to illicit loans of over two billion US dollars from the banks Credit Suisse and VTB of Russia in 2013 and 2014 to three fraudulent, securitylinked Mozambican companies Proindicus, Ematum (Mozambique Tuna Company), and MAM (Mozambique Asset Management). - report by Centre for Public Integrity (Mozambique) and Christian Michelsen Institute (Norway) Information & Communication Technology Go to full list on this topic January 30, 2017 Kenya: State of the Internet http://www.africafocus.org/docs17/ken1701.php Kenya has long been a global technology leader for innovation in mobile and internet technology, including the use of mobile phones for uses as diverse as cash transfers and crowdsourcing of reports on election violence (in 2008). Kenya also features an active press and civil society accustomed to speaking out about national issues including corruption and human rights violations. With national general elections scheduled for August this year, these assets can play important roles in sustaining peace and democracy. But they may also be threatened by government restrictions or by use of social media for propaganda and incitement to violence. Migration Go to full list on this topic March 9, 2020 USA/Africa: Transnational Lives in Kentucky http://www.africafocus.org/docs20/ken2003.php Some arrived as refugees, as part of the refugee resettlement process managed by non-profit agencies for the federal government. Some came to Kentucky from Africa for education, for a job, or to join other family members. And some moved to Kentucky from other locations in the United States, in search of smaller communities or better opportunities. Their experiences were diverse, like immigrants from any other places around the world in any other time in history. In the 21st century, however, new levels of transnational connections have made possible ongoing ties enriching the societies of both their new and their old homes. " " The rental house looks great but should you be worried about hidden cameras? Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images When you arrive at your Airbnb- or VRBO-booked rental home, you hope to relax and let your hair down. But these days, high-tech surveillance gadgets of all kinds make it easy for unscrupulous property owners to spy on you, perhaps during your most private moments. Modern surveillance cameras are cheap, tiny, and in some cases, designed to be difficult to spot, particularly if you're not keeping an eye out for them. They are often made to look like other products, like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, AC power adapters, computer speakers, books, houseplants, or other common objects, all the better to disguise their real purpose. A 2019 survey by financial services firm IPX found that 11 percent of respondents had discovered a hidden camera in an Airbnb. You'll never know and may never want to know what a sketchy person might do with those photos and videos. Ugh. It's almost enough to make you opt for a permanent staycation in the familiar surroundings of your own home. But let's back up for a moment. Is it legal for someone to record your activities at a rental property? After all, you don't own the place and it's understandable that landlords might be anxious to make sure you're following the rules and not throwing wild parties that could damage the home. "There is no federal law regulating hidden surveillance, which means that the law of the state in which the Airbnb property is located would govern," emails Matthew A. Dolman, a managing partner at Sibley Dolman Gipe, a Florida law firm. "For example, in Florida, Minneapolis and Minnesota, hidden cameras are only prohibited where a person would have a 'reasonable expectation of privacy.' Whether a kitchen or living area owned by a host would fit into this category would depend on the circumstances." He says that by contrast, in New Hampshire, Maine, South Dakota, and Delaware, the host would legally need consent to use hidden surveillance of any kind. Some rental companies realize the issues and try to balance the power of owners and renters. "Airbnb prohibits the use of indoor security cameras without full disclosure, and cameras are prohibited entirely from bedrooms or bathrooms," says Dolman. "However, if you're staying at an Airbnb and discover a camera planted without your knowledge, a refund is the most the company will generally do to remedy the situation." In short, private rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms really should be off-limits for any law-abiding owner. But it's the bad eggs we're worried about. How can you proactively protect yourself? Advertisement Searching for That Hidden Camera A physical inspection is the first and most obvious step. Look for items that are conveniently located near beds or showers where a tiny camera might be hidden. Even innocent items like tissue boxes and stuffed animals are suspect keep in mind that modern cameras need only a hole the size of a small nail head to disguise their presence. They call 'em "spy cams" for reason, you know. If you listen carefully, you may even hear motion-activated cameras as they turn on when you enter a room. Some models buzz, click or even cause static-laced interference on phone calls as you talk to a friend. There's another vital point to consider all cameras require a lens, and lenses glint in bright light. Turn off all lights, close the curtains, and then use a bright flashlight (or your phone's flashlight) to check each room, says Attila Tomaschek, a digital privacy researcher with ProPrivacy, which sells spy gear. You may see light bouncing off a tiny lens hidden in an air vent or similar spot. The darkened rooms may also help you detect lights emitted by the cameras. Some cameras have LEDs that illuminate when they're powered on. See that mirror in the bedroom? Press your finger against it and look at your fingertip. On a normal mirror, there's a gap between your fingertip and the mirror. On a see-through mirror, however, there's no gap. Your smartphone's camera is a useful detection tool, too. "Your front-facing camera (the one you take selfies with) typically won't have an infrared light filter, which means that you'll be able to use it to detect the infrared light sources that night-vision cameras rely on to operate in the dark," says Tomaschek, via email. "Simply turn out the lights and activate the front-facing camera on your phone and sweep the rental while watching your phone's screen. If you notice any lights show up on your screen that are purple or white, take a closer look at where those lights are coming from and you may find a hidden camera." Advertisement Apps for Detection You can continue by checking your host's WiFi network with a scanner app like Fing, says Tomascheck. You'll be able to see all of the devices connected to the network, listed by name and/or functionality. Your smartphone and laptop will appear, as well as smart TVs, routers and other common devices. You may also spot a Ring device or similar gadget that's meant to surveil the front door or other parts of the exterior. If you see cameras mounted near the front and back doors, well, it's no surprise that those devices are using the network. Of course, if the camera isn't connected to the network (or it's connected to another network you can't access) you won't spot it. As an extra step, you may also want to turn on your phone's Bluetooth and stroll through the house to see if you notice any unknown devices appear on your screen. Or you can try apps like Hidden Camera Detector, which gets mixed reviews but performs many of the functions of so-called camera detectors (which can cost more than $100) for just a few bucks. If you want to spend the money, you can invest in a camera detector that blends lens-glint detection with radio frequency detection in an effort to pinpoint cameras. There are also ultra-pricey options that essentially illuminate the camera for you, even if it's powered off. With all of the tech options at your disposal, don't overlook one very powerful tool of self-protection your intuition. "If you personally meet the host of the property you're renting, you can ask them directly if there are any hidden cameras on the property that you should know about," says Tomascheck. "Pay close attention to how your host responds. If the host seems cagey or is in any way uncomfortable with the question, do a thorough sweep of the property for hidden cameras, or find alternate accommodation if possible." Now That's Interesting Some companies offer "party" detectors meant to protect the sanity of homeowners and the privacy of vacation guests. The detectors don't have cameras, but they recognize sounds and environmental cues, like sustained (and elevated) noise, constant motion, and elevated humidity that might correlate to a packed party house. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. by Rita Boulos * We are horrified that innocent people [. . .] pay the price of these political, educational and moral failures, says Rita Boulos, head of a village where families of both peoples live together on an equal footing, in a Holy Land swept once again by the winds of war, Tel Aviv (AsiaNews) Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam is a village where Jewish and Arab residents have lived in peace and real equality for almost 50 years. Yet no more than 10 kilometres from their homes, in the Israeli cities of Lod/Lydda and Ramle/Ramla, violence has broken out between Jews and Arabs. Dominican Father Bruno Hussar began Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam (Oasis of Peace) in 1972 as an example of the possible coexistence between the two peoples that live in the Holy Land. Rita Boulos, the current chairperson of the municipal society that governs the village, provides an eyewitness account of the ongoing conflict dividing Israelis. Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam is a bilingual village, located in Israel not far from Latrun Abbey. For Father Hussar, a great prophetic voice for reconciliation between Arabs and Jews who died in 1996, Arab and Jewish families had to be equal in number and share every decision. This is not an isolated place, far from conflict, but both Arabs and Jews try to run it together. The highlight of this experience is the school, also attended by children from nearby villages. It follows the same philosophy of peaceful coexistence between the two peoples, starting with sharing the land and responsibilities. However, fear has come to Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam as well; fear of war and questions about the latters true causes. For Rita Boulos, the current crisis is due to the political, educational and moral failures of the leaders of the two peoples who let tensions simmer so that they are bound to erupt. In the end, her village, she notes, will continue to fulfil our role of educating for peace. Our educational institutions are closed today. This is by government ordinance; all areas that have been affected in the recent missile attacks, up to the northern suburbs of Tel Aviv were required to close. In the village, we have not been directly affected otherwise. Although we have heard sirens from some nearby towns, the siren in the village has not sounded thus far, meaning that we have not been in direct danger as yet. This does not mean that we are unafraid, because all of us have loved ones in the places that have been affected. For example, my mother, sister, brother and other close family live in the shared Arab-Jewish city of Lydda/Lod/Lid, one of the worst affected towns. The city has suffered both civil disturbances, in which one Palestinian Israeli citizen was shot dead, and, last night a direct hit from a missile from Gaza killed a father and daughter there. Besides the immediate sorrow and fear for our loved ones, everyone in our village is angry and saddened by yet another outbreak of violence. All of our work is intended to awaken the hope for a better, more equal, peaceful and safe future for Jews and Palestinians, wherever they live. Every new outbreak in violence provides living testimony that we are very far from such a future. It shows the anger and desperation of people living in an intolerable situation. It shows the lack of concern and lack of political will for change by the leaders. It highlights the racism and hatred that are prevalent on the ground. We are horrified that innocent people, like those three victims in Lydda, are so often the ones that pay the price of these political, educational and moral failures. The biased and one-sided way in which the events are reported only increases the level of violence and wish for revenge. Last night, as we heard the explosions and watched from our balconies the missiles fall on Lydda, Ramle, and all the central region, I had to tell my three-year-old granddaughter that these were only fireworks. The children at our primary school are too old for such stories; but they are too young to understand. In the school, the teachers led careful discussions so that they could express their feelings. Our regional council which has a small minority of Palestinian villages, asked representatives from all its localities to sign a statement calling for calm between its Jewish and Arab citizens, and we signed it too, despite misgivings. In the background of the current conflagration, there is a felt danger that relations between Jewish and Palestinian citizens within Israel itself will break down further, as we have seen in Jerusalem, in Lydda, and other places. A lot will depend on the restraint shown not only by citizens, but on the part of the police and security forces, which have been acting with insensitivity and heavy-handedness. Yesterday, for example, while people were sitting to mourn the death of the young Lydda resident who had been shot by a religious settler, the police dispersed the mourners with smoke and stun grenades. The current violence is only the latest result of prolonged and simmering tensions that, without a political and integral solution, were bound to erupt. Yet we condemn the violence from both sides. To our friends around the world, our message is first to call for an immediate halt to the violence. Although it is apparently the Israeli side that wishes to continue with its campaign, international pressure needs to be applied wherever necessary in order to bring about a ceasefire. A ceasefire will prevent the immediate loss of life and the suffering of many innocent people. It will not prevent the next round of violence, or the steady deterioration towards a chronically untenable situation where neither Palestinians nor Israelis will be able to live here in peace and security. In Wahat al Salam-Neve Shalom we will continue to fulfil our role of educating for peace, and providing an example of an alternative shared and equal society between Jewish and Palestinian citizens. Finally, we pray that Muslims can enjoy a peaceful and blessed Eid al-Fitr, and Jews and Christians can enjoy a peaceful and joyful Shavuoth/Pentecost holiday. *Mayor of the village of Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam The city council has a good plan. The narrower lanes will slow traffic. Narrower vehicle lanes will make it too difficult for larger vehicles. A separate pedestrian solution should be constructed away from any vehicular traffic. Widening the sidewalk could work best if a barrier is put up between the sidewalk and vehicular traffic. Vote View Results 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. West Bengal: Covid supply logjam pushes up fish price at city markets by Saikat Ray & Monotosh Chakraborty May 13,2021 | Source: The Times of India Suspension of local train services has hit the city's fish supply. Majority of fish markets in south Kolkata that depend on supply from Namkhana, Kakdwip, Canning and Diamond Harbour have been badly hit for non-plying of trains. Similarly, north Kolkata markets have been affected as supply from Barasat and Basirhat has become scarce. The results have been obvious. Whatever supply of fish is coming to Kolkata markets by road has made Bengalis delicate dish dearer. Going by market rates, prices of fishes have gone up by Rs 50-Rs 150 a kg depending on their variety. While prices of katla and rohu have gone up by Rs 50 a kg, other varieties like parse, pabda, tyangra and pomfret have become dearer by Rs 100 per kg. Raja Dutta, a retired government officer and a resident of Regent Estate, has been a regular to Baghajatin wholesale fish market. However, Dutta these days is upset because of a scarcity that has hit this wholesale market that supplies fish to other neighbouring markets. Firstly, I dont get the variety that I used to get even a fortnight ago. And then, whatever fish is available, the price is getting out of bounds for us, Dutta complained. Ajit Maity, a fish trader at Baghajatin market, conceded that scarce supply of fish from various parts of South 24 Parganas has made the price dearer. The supply was getting disturbed with the rising Covid graph. Now that the train services have been non-functional, the price is bound to rise further, Maity said. Amar Das, a fish trader at Lake Market, also warned about a further rise in prices of all varieties of fish if the train services were not resumed. We largely depend on supply of fish from Kakdwip and Canning. Now the supply has been reduced to a great extent for non-plying of trains. Whatever supply is coming by road, we are buying at a premium, Das said. According to Bijon Maity, the secretary of the Fishermens Association (South 24 Parganas), transportation crisis has triggered a major scarcity of supply of fish as there was a temporary ban on fishing due to the existing breeding season. We need to wait for the train services to resume to bring down the prices of fish in Kolkata markets, Maity said. 2021 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. COMMENTARY Democratizing AI for DOD: Seizing a competitive advantage The future of warfare is changing at an accelerated rate. The battles of the future will have less to do with Cold War-era equipment (planes, tanks, ships) and everything to do with data, information processing and the effective deployment of machine intelligence. Next-generation warfare will be enabled by artificial intelligence, network centric and light-speed fast. The stakes are not just high -- they are staggering. The victor will hold the high ground with compounding first-mover advantage. Theres no doubt about the ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party to lead the world in AI. Xi Jinping said China will be the world leader in AI by 2030, and he is directing national policies in support of this goal. Testifying before the Senate Committee on Armed Services recently, Eric Schmidt, chair of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, said he is convinced that Chinese leadership in key technology areas is a national crisis that needs to be dealt with directly, now. He told lawmakers that China could surpass the U.S. in AI within the next decade, and during questioning, Schmidt said he thought the U.S. is maybe one or two years ahead of China in certain applications of AI. Given that thinnest of margins, the U.S. and its allies must do more to build an AI-capable workforce and transform the Defense Departments culture to embrace AI. To accelerate the adoption of AI, I recommend a three-tiered approach. First, the Pentagon should adopt an automation-first data science approach, which has been adopted across all industries, including cutting-edge finance. With this approach, data scientists can leverage automation across the entire AI lifecycle to test problem framing feasibility quickly, generate a robust first result and then layer in their expertise. Modern automated tools reduce the timeline of AI outcomes from months or years to days or weeks. Models leveraging open-source tools that provide the explainability and trustworthiness gives fledgling data scientists a safe path to automation. The alternative, and the status quo, is for DOD to hire significantly more PhD-level data scientists to create all AI solutions. However, with a shortage of U.S. STEM talent and the lure of high-tech AI startups, these federal data science jobs will remain unfilled, and the country will continue to fall behind. Second, DOD should leverage enterprise AI platforms that enable a broader set of personnel (e.g. software developers, research analysts) with just a few days training to build AI solutions. Modern enterprise AI platforms leverage automation and provide a simple graphical user interface that allows people without deep experience in machine learning techniques and software programming to build a suite of predictive algorithms. For example, a business analyst built a reliable AI solution to identify the factors that most closely predict success of candidates for special-forces training, aiding both the candidates and the military services. The beauty of automated machine learning is that it boosts productivity while freeing up under-staffed DOD data scientists to spend their time solving more complex problems, like developing next generation AI to combat cyber threats. Third, the department must implement an AI capability building and culture-change program that is pervasive at all levels of the organization, from front-line troops to DOD leaders. Not everyone needs to be a data scientist, but everyone must know how and where AI can be deployed and how to leverage machine intelligence to meet mission requirements. For example, warfighters must be trained to understand, integrate and implement the versatile power of AI -- the applications of which abound. In addition to more effectively putting the right personnel into the right training programs, AI can identify warfighters and veterans at risk for suicide, identify patterns to predict cybersecurity attacks and anticipate which tanks, trucks or helicopters need maintenance before they strand soldiers in the field. AI can also be used to more accurately forecast demand for fuel, ammunition or other supplies. There is no doubt the United States must devote more resources to developing superior AI technology and to training more data scientists. Not doing so puts the country at great technological, economic, military and even personal risk. As we build these capabilities, its essential that personnel at all levels of the DOD develop a deeper understanding of how, when and where to use AI. From today, for security reasons, all flights to Tel Aviv are diverted to other airports. Violence between Arabs and Jewish Israelis within mixed Israeli cities including Lod, Acre, Haifa and Tel Aviv. The UN Security Council is divided: it has already held two fruitless meetings and has scheduled another for tomorrow. European countries: No to rockets, no to settlements and expulsion of Palestinians. Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The conflict between Israel and Hamas is intensifying. The latest toll is over 70 dead, between Palestinians and Israelis, and at least 1,500 rockets launched from Gaza towards Israeli cities. Thousands of people are injured (at least 900 Palestinians in East Jerusalem and 400 in Gaza). Even last night Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, continued to fire rockets at Sderot and Ashkalon. The most recent Israeli victim is a six-year-old boy who died last night in Sderot. The death toll in Israel is now seven - including one soldier. During the night and early in the morning, Israel launched air strikes against Gaza. The Palestinian death toll is 65, including 16 children and several Hamas leaders. From today, for security reasons, all flights to Tel Aviv are diverted to other airports. Meanwhile, on the ground, violence is growing between Arabs and Jewish Israelis within mixed Israeli cities including Lod, Acre, Haifa and Tel Aviv. Israeli television has released images of an Israeli far-right group beating a man considered an Arab after stopping his car and leaving him unconscious and bleeding on a street in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. Yesterday a state of emergency was declared in Lod, where a synagogue and some Israeli houses were set on fire; one Arab was killed. The international community is divided. The UN Security Council has already held two meetings and has scheduled another for tomorrow, but has failed to reach any statement because of US opposition. China said it was "very sorry" about the lack of consensus. Four European members of the Security Council yesterday wanted to publish a statement on their own in which they define the huge number of "civilian victims, including children, due to Israeli air raids in Gaza and the Israeli deaths caused by rockets launched from Gaza "disturbing and unacceptable". They ask "Israel to stop the activities of colonization, demolition and expulsion [of Palestinians], including East Jerusalem". One of the reasons for the current conflict was an attempt to expel some Palestinian families from the Shaikh Jarrah neighborhood, justified by trivial legal issues presented by Israeli settlers. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. According to the Uyghur Human Rights Project, 18 Muslim clerics have died in prison or immediately after their release. Many have not been heard from for some time. Little official documentation exists about people sent to concentration camps. Uyghurs and members of other Muslim groups have been imprisoned just for praying. Beijing (AsiaNews) Since 2014, Chinese authorities have imprisoned or detained at least 630 imams and other Muslim clerics in Xinjiang, this according to the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) based on research it shared with the BBC. In all, 18 clerics have died in detention or shortly after their release. The study looked at the fate of 1,046 imams, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, based on official papers, testimonies by relatives, public and private databases, and media reports. The actual numbers are probably much higher since Chinese authorities do not report most cases involving incarceration in concentration camps, which often takes place without formal charges. Jailed clerics are usually accused of propagating extremism, inciting separatism or gathering crowds to disrupt the social order. In reality, according to their relatives, they are targeted simply for praying, organising prayer groups, translating religious texts, i.e. performing their normal duties as imams. Western countries, the United Nations Human Rights Agency, humanitarian organisations and academics have long accused China of repression against Uyghurs and other Turkic and Muslim minority groups living in the autonomous Xinjiang region. According to expert data, confirmed by the United Nations, Chinese authorities hold or have held more than a million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz people in Xinjiang internment and labour camps, often forced to take part in the cotton harvest. Some independent researchers also claim that the Chinese government is conducting a local campaign of forced sterilisations to control the growth of the Muslim population. Beijing has rejected the accusation of genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities, calling it the lie of the century. Chinese leaders say that the camps in the autonomous region are not concentration camps, but vocational centres implementing projects to reduce poverty, as well as fight terrorism and separatism. The UHRP study shows that all 1,046 imams they were able to track down were detained at one point or another. In 630 cases, court documents and direct testimonies could be cross-referenced. Of these, at least 304 clerics were reportedly sent to prison rather than to the network of re-education camps. About 96 per cent were sentenced to at least five years whilst 26 per cent got 20 years or more, including 14 life sentences. The families of prisoners often have no news of where they are being held. This is the case, for example, of Abidin Ayup, a prominent scholar and imam from the city of Atush who was taken into custody in 2017. Ayups family believes he is in a hospital detention facility. His niece Maryam Muhammad, who now lives in the United States, said that about 60 members of her extended family have been arrested, including her uncles eight children. 'Proteus Syndrome' or the 'Politically Incorrect Art' of Jesus Hdez-Guero The Cuban artist, based in Madrid, talked to DIARIO DE CUBA about his projects, the San Isidro Movement, and what it is like to create in a democracy. With the work "Luis Manuel-Boitel" (2020) the visual artist Jesus Hdez-Guero, based in Madrid, joins the support of a wide swathe of the Cuban artistic community for Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, who in the last six months has gone on two hunger strikes to demand freedom of creation and an end to the repression of dissenters. The collage, part of the Proteus Syndrome series, with two versions forming a diptych, also evokes the Cuban poet Pedro Luis Boitel, a fundamental figure in the history of dissidence on the island, who died 53 days after declaring a hunger strike, on May 25, 1972. In Proteus Syndrome the artist exploits the almost mimetic expressions of iconic figures before the camera. With them he creates hybrids through which he seeks to encourage questioning. Jesus Hdez-Guero, whose general work is perceived as "politically incorrect", talked to DIARIO DE CUBA about this series he has been working on since 2015, the San Isidro Movement, and what it is like to create in a democracy. For the artist, everything that the San Isidro Movement and 27N are doing in Cuba "is legitimate." He stressed that "from different perspectives", different actors, "have come together in a protest about fundamental principles, such as the freedom of creation, association, and expression, among others, something that had not happened until now." "All of this has its own merit, because it revitalizes the context, spotlighting the problem right there. It can incite and sensitize citizens to voice demands in the streets, which would be the only way that a real, tangible change can occur," he said. He regrets that "in a society like Cubas, where there are no citizen rights like there are in a democracy, or constitutional guarantees, all those demands just vanish." What happens in Cuba with politically charged art is very different from what this artist has experienced in Spain. This was demonstrated by his recent "Pablo-Diaz Ayuso public intervention", part of Proteus Syndrome and in which he focuses on "two controversial and opposite public figures": Isabel Diaz Ayuso (of the Popular Party) and Pablo Iglesias (the former leader of Podemos). "Art can put the concept of democracy and any political system in crisis. When you realize that, in this type of open society, everyone has the right to express their opinions, beliefs, irritations, you feel empowered, and with an almost infinite field of action," he explained. "Despite being an immigrant, there are spaces where you can make your thoughts visible. This project was a way of doing so publicly, in a turbulent political context during the campaign for the presidency of the Community of Madrid," he added. "Doing the 'Pablo-Diaz Ayuso' work, and taking it into the public space, with location and reception codes different from those of an artistic space, was a very intense experience," he said. In Spain there are professionals with companies dedicated to pasting posters, and the Cuban artist did not hesitate to take advantage of this service. "Sergio Larranaga, with 20 years of experience, worked with me, and before they were put up, he explained to me that there was a 'sign war' in Madrid, as the 'permitted' spaces were constantly being invaded by new pasters with different posters." "I mean, the poster you put up could last two days, or 20 minutes. That dynamic of struggle, not to create a space to express yourself, but so that is lasts over time, is what changes in a democracy." A defiant work Hdez-Guero described his artistic journey to Madrid, where he lives with his family and has his studio, as "exciting, long, intense and challenging". "I prefer using numbers to tell you: 4 years at the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts; 5 years at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA); two years at the Tania Bruguera Behavior Art School; seven years in Venezuela with my art, my dear wife and beautiful daughter; one year in Colombia as a professor at the Departmental Institute of Fine Arts in Cali, and three years in Spain, one of them with a scholarship at the Madrid Institute of Photography and Cinema (EFTI)." As an artist harboring political concerns, in Cuba he suffered from lack; above all a lack of freedom, "essential for the artistic process and society in general." He recalled his personal exhibition Recorte de la realidad informativa (News Clip), at the Casa de Las Americas (2007). The Minister of Culture at the time, Abel Prieto, wanted him to omit from the exhibition the work "Sobre un vacio periodistico" (On a journalistic void), a video featuring a report on the censorship of the "gray five-year period". "From that moment, when I refused to withdraw the video, I began to notice that everything changed with regard to the reception of my work at cultural institutions." In 2019 Hdez-Guero presented his final thesis at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA): book entitled La Tercera Pata (The Third Leg), with texts by censored journalists and writers like Rafael Alcides, Oscar Espinosa Chepe, Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo, and Rafael Rojas, among others. The artist explained that a month before the dean summoned him along with his advisor, the critic and curator Mailyn Machado. The project had not been approved. He had only two options: submit a compendium of his artistic production as a student, or pass a state test. "I chose the first option, as was logical, the book forming part of it. When showing it, as the last project during that period, the lights went out; a miraculous or malicious coincidence, and my presentation was over," he recalled. Hdez-Guero also remembers "the difficulties suffered at the Visual Arts Development Center" with his photographic series Lecturas dificiles (Difficult Readings ) (2009-2010), about independent Cuban publications containing analyses critical of the Government, which were circulated in a clandestine manner at that time. "It would be interesting to revisit that project and resume a field study today. It was an intense period that helped me enhance my creative process when there was no collective sensibility of open criticism and clear demands in the artistic community against cultural institutions and the Government like there is now," he reflected. Hdez-Guero is currently working on a Cuban version of the piece "Epoca incorrecta para escritores celebres", (Wrong Era for Famous Writers), which he produced in Poland in 2013, but with Cuban writers and journalists censored and exiled from 1959 to the present. In June-July of this year he will take a selection from Proteus Syndrome to a group exhibition at the Casa Hoffmann Gallery in Bogota, which will address the collage as a tool and a socio-political approach. In October he will compete for the Arte Laguna Prize, at the Arsenal Art Exhibition in Venice, with his installation "Tener la culpa" (Being to Blame) (2014). by Vladimir Rozanskij The Orthodox Metropolitan of Kazan and the Mufti of Tatarstan close to the families of the victims. "An anti-human act" during Easter and Ramadan. For some commentators, there is too much state propaganda about the country's weapons and "enemies". For others, the fault lies with social networks, Naval'nyj and the Tatar language. Moscow (AsiaNews) - In the aftermath of the high school n.175 shooting in Kazan, in which the young Ilyaz Galjaviev killed 9 people and wounded 23 others, all of Russia and the republic of Tatarstan are discussing the incident, trying to identify further preventive measures, and reflect on the causes of such an unpredictable and dramatic event. The Orthodox Metropolitan of Kazan, Kirill (Nakonecnyj) went to the high school of the tragedy together with the mufti of Tatarstan, the khazrat Kamil Samigullin (photos 1 and 2). The two leaders of the main denominations of the republic placed a wreath of flowers on the makeshift memorial in honor of the victims (photo 3). Addressing reporters, Kirill noted that "for us it is a terrible blow in these holy days, when for us Orthodox it is the Easter week of Radonitsa [the festive visit to the cemeteries, with the announcement of the Resurrection], and for the our Muslim brothers are about to conclude the holy month of Ramadan with the feast of Uraza-Bayram [Id-al-fitr in Arabic, the breaking of fast]. It is an anti-human act, which cannot fail to leave a mark in the heart of every person. We offer our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and those who have suffered . Mufti Samigullin added that criminals of this type are not part of any nation, have no religion, and there is no need to try to relate them to anything. First of all, I would like to recommend patience and fortitude to the parents of all children". In all mosques and churches in Kazan, and also in the imposing Catholic Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, special prayers of commemoration and intercession were held for the victims of the shooting. Media coverage denounces the "war propaganda" of the state, which has been criticised several times recently and also includes the "militarization of children" (photo 4). Political scientist Dmitrij Oreskin, speaking on Idel.Realii, observes that "these things also happen in the USA, where there is no conscious militarization of the political-social environment like us ... in general, the new generations do not know how to solve problems on their own, there is a growing exasperation. Teenagers do not understand what is happening, they hear the propaganda that points out enemies everywhere at work against Russia, and that repeats how the world is ruled by dark forces ". According to other commentators, the strong arm politics, in place in recent years in Russia, increasingly pushes people to adopt violent methods. By far the most paradoxical speech was that of Irina Volynets, "Ombudsman" for children of Tatarstan. She expressed teh view that the main cause of the shooting in the school is "the absolute absence of an official state ideology, like the one that existed in the USSR", which had the merit of "engaging young people even outside of school , according to directives decided by the State, and if we do not radically change our system, these situations are destined to repeat themselves not all families are able to organize group activities . Other Russian politicians joined Volynets calls for a ban on allowing children to use of social media up to the age of 14. In addition, she points the finger at "those fascists who support Naval'nyj", and she also condemns the lessons of the Tatar language, because "common ideas need a single common language throughout the Russian Federation". Ford to cease production of Tourneo minivan in Vietnam U.S. automaker Ford will stop assembling its Tourneo minivan in Vietnam from June as demand for it plunges amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Rising manufacturing costs and lower demand in the tourism transport segment are the main reasons for terminating production, a company spokesperson said. A mere 44 units were sold in the first quarter even as competitor Kia sold 394 Sedona minivans. In the first four months, Ford sold nearly 8,500 vehicles in Vietnam, up 85 percent year-on-year, to rank fifth behind Thaco, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Honda. Vietnam's auto sales between January and April surged 58 percent year-on-year to 101,309 units, signaling a recovery from last year's pandemic impacts. Vietnamese citizens have been adopting all manners of ruses to sneak back home from Laos to avoid being quarantined heightening considerably the risks of spreading the virus. The Vietnam-Laos border runs 2,161 kilometers (1,342 miles) across 10 provinces in the north and central parts of the country. Both countries have applied border restrictions to contain the pandemic. Vietnam requires every person coming from abroad to be quarantined for 21 days and have all their personal information registered with the authorities. However, many Vietnamese have chosen to return home illegally. Captain Do Manh Hung, a senior border guard at the Cau Treo International Border Gate in the central province of Ha Tinh, said illegal entrants normally take advantage of unmanned trails or their relationships with drivers to hide inside cargo trucks, passenger buses and trailers to get back into Vietnam undetected. For using unmanned trails, the Vietnamese citizens reach out to local Lao brethren living near the border areas for help. After agreeing on payments, the locals will take the Vietnamese on treks through forests, avoiding all the checkpoints until they reach Vietnam. Once they set foot inside Vietnam, the illegal entrants would figure out on their own the way to national highways or provincial roads to continue their trip back home. From 2020 until now, Ha Tinh border guards have busted dozens of such cases. Border guards in central Ha Tinh Province patrol along the Vietnam-Laos border in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Han. In February, two men residing in the central province of Nghe An, which borders Ha Tinh, were arrested when entering the country illegally from Laos. The duo said they had spent 2 million Lao kip ($212) to hire a Lao native to trek nearly 5 km (three miles) through a forest to enter Vietnam so that they could skip the quarantine process and reunite with their families in time for the Lunar New Year festival, the most important holiday for Vietnamese people. Captain Hung said detecting and handling illegal entrants who cross the border by trekking through forests was "very difficult" because locals that are hired "know the terrain by heart and it is way too easy for them to get the Vietnamese people to the border." Border forces in Ha Tinh and other provinces along the Lao border have strengthened forces deployed to guard possible entry points round the clock. Smuggled in Those choosing to re-enter Vietnam in vehicles crossing the border legally strike a deal with drivers or even ask for a free ride in some cases. The drivers arrange for the illegal entrants to hide in modified spaces under the vehicles' floors, modified cabins, or goods containers. Every day, hundreds of trucks, container trucks, and passenger buses move between Laos and Vietnam, creating favorable conditions for the illegal entrants, said Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Huu Thien, head of the Lao Bao Border Guard post in Quang Tri Provinces Huong Hoa District. Most recently, police in the northern province of Hai Duong have begun investigating a 32-year-old man who sneaked into Vietnam late April by hiding himself in a container truck. After entering Vietnam, he traveled across five localities undetected until he developed Covid-19 symptoms and visited a clinic for a health check early May. He was confirmed a Covid-19 patient on May 6 and so far has transmitted the virus to at least two more people. This man had sneaked into Laos to work in March; but with the Covid-19 situation in the neighboring country becoming more complicated, he decided to return to Vietnam. An investigator interrogates a man who has sneaked back from Laos to Vietnam and is now tagged "Patient 3051" (R) in Vietnam. Photo by Hai Duong Police Department. In July last year, border guards at the Cau Treo gate found three men aged 31-33 hiding in a passenger bus. Two of them were in a "basement" just three meters wide and a meter high under the seat of the driver; and one hid under a blanket at the back of the bus. All three said they knew the drivers and had been given a free ride back to Vietnam. Last November, border guards at the Cha Lo International Border Gate in Quang Binh Provinces Minh Hoa District had found the 38-year-old wife of a driver hiding in a fridge placed just behind his seat. In addition to these tricks, illegal entrants have also taken advantage of a Covid-19 prevention protocol to switch drivers applied by many companies in Vietnam. Under this protocol, after the vehicles reach the border gate, they will move to a specific area for a driver-switching procedure wherein the first driver stays back in Laos and the second driver will take care of the journey on the Vietnamese side. During the switching procedure, illegal entrants climb on to the roof of the vehicle or hide in some area in the vehicle and wait until the vehicles cross the border to officially enter Vietnam. A woman was found hiding herself on a passenger bus from Laos to Vietnam in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Tri. To handle all these tricks, several localities have had to come up with more stringent controls, including spraying disinfectant all over the vehicles once they cross the border and have border guards inspect the vehicle twice. Laos has been facing a new wave of Covid-19 since last month. The first confirmed Covid-19 death in the country is a 52-year-old Vietnamese woman who worked at a karaoke parlor in Vientiane. The country has been placed under lockdown until May 20 amidst the new outbreak. Meanwhile, Vietnam is experiencing its toughest Covid-19 wave yet, which has seen 644 community transmission cases in 26 cities and provinces since April 27. Medical workers in protective suits treat a Covid-19 patient in the Hoa Vang Hospital in Da Nang, August 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong. The Ministry of Health announced 21 new Covid-19 cases Thursday noon, saying all were recorded inside quarantine zones. Seven cases were recorded in Bac Giang, four in Hung Yen, four in Thai Binh, three in Hanoi and one each in Thua Thien-Hue, Ha Nam and Hoa Binh. The seven cases in Bac Giang are associated with an outbreak at electrical appliance manufacturer SJ Tech company. They are being treated at a local field hospital The four cases in Hung Yen are close contacts of previously confirmed Covid cases at already detected hotspots. They are being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. The four cases in Thai Binh are also close contacts with a previously confirmed Covid case. They are now treated at the Thai Binh General Hospital. The three cases in Hanoi are all men aged 40, 42 and 44. One of them, an Austrian, flew from Da Nang, now a coronavirus hotspot, to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport on Vietnam Airlines flight VN160 on April 29. He medically declared himself to authorities and is currently in centralized quarantine at the capital. The other two cases, residing in Ha Dong District, are both close contacts with confirmed coronavirus cases. The case in Thua Thien-Hue is a 58-year-old woman who has made contact with previously confirmed coronavirus cases. She has been quarantined already and is being treated at the Hue Central Hospital. The case in Ha Nam is a 36-year-old man who flew from Da Nang to Hanoi on the same VN160 flight on April 29. He medically declared himself and was put into centralized quarantine. He's being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. The case in Hoa Binh is a 62-year-old woman who has made contact with a confirmed coronavirus cases. She's also been quarantined and is being treated at the Hoa Binh General Hospital. Vietnam's new Covid-19 wave has seen 665 community cases recorded in 26 cities and provinces since late last month. Over 942,000, or 1 percent of the country's population, have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The people of Syria deserve a lasting political solution to the conflict they have been enduring for the past ten years a solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. That resolution, passed unanimously in 2015, presents a roadmap that includes the writing of a new constitution followed by free and fair elections, in order that, as the Resolution states, The Syrian people will decide the future of Syria. On May 26, Syria will hold a presidential election; but a new constitution has not been written and no significant reforms have been agreed to by the Syrian government. After decades of fraudulent elections by the Assad family, there is little doubt that the result will be similar to the election of 2014, when President Bashar al-Assad garnered 92% of the vote. In recent remarks to the U.N. Security Council, U.S. Representative to the U.N. Linda Thomas- Greenfield declared that Syrias upcoming election will be neither free nor fair and will not be representative of the Syrian people. The failure to enact a new constitution is proof positive that the so-called election on May 26 will be a sham, she said. As this Council has unanimously mandated, elections must occur pursuant to a new constitution and under UN supervision. Meanwhile, declared Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, as the Assad regime runs its sham election, the people of Syria continue to suffer. She noted that lifesaving aid to them is being hindered by the Syrian government, and that the Councils failure to reauthorize the border crossings at Bal al Salam and at Yaroubiyah, which had been used to deliver aid to millions of Syrians, has added to the misery. She urged the Council to reinstate those border crossings and to reauthorize for 12 months the crossing at Bab al Hawa on the Syria-Turkey border, describing it as indispensable to ensuring the delivery of food, shelter and medical supplies. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted the plight of the residents living in the Rukban displacement camp in southeast Syria, where for 16 months the camps residents have been without medical aid because Assad and Russia have barred deliveries. The United States stands with the people of Syria, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. We call for a political resolution to the Syrian conflict, she declared. Andwe beseech this Council to support the Syrian people and give them access to the humanitarian aid they so desperately need. Nigeria and the United States have partnered for many years to improve healthcare. Together, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April, weve reached more than 60 million Nigerians through programs that train public health workers, invest in medical facilities, and improve access to medicines, vaccines, reproductive health care. Speaking at a virtual U.S.-Nigeria health partnership event, Secretary Blinken observed that, More than 1.3 million people with HIV/AIDS are on lifesaving treatment through the U.S. program to combat HIV/AIDS around the world, PEPFAR: It is a remarkable achievement that the program is rapidly closing in on epidemic control over the next two years in Nigeria. The U.S. Presidents Malaria Initiative has funded 60 million mosquito nets and lifesaving treatment to cure 130 million malaria infections, which have helped cut malaria mortality by more than half in the last decade. Thats a remarkable achievement. And last year, the World Health Organization officially declared Nigeria wild poliovirus-free, an outstanding accomplishment by tireless frontline workers whom the United States was proud to support through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Now, the United States and Nigeria, and indeed the entire world, are facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States is committed to helping end the pandemic in Nigeria and everywhere, declared Secretary Blinken: Weve contributed $2 billion to COVAX, the global COVID vaccine initiative. We promised another two billion between now and 2022 as other countries also raise their ambitions. Im very pleased that COVID-19 vaccines provided by COVAX have arrived in Nigeria. The U.S. and Nigeria are collaborating on epidemiology, outbreak response, lab operations, data analytics, and vaccine deployment. Its a continuation of our $5 billion investment in our decades-long partnership in public health, said Secretary Blinken, and its a testament to the strong and respectful relationship that weve built over the years between our countries and between the Nigerian and American people. In the months and years ahead, our ability to collaborate to improve the health of all Nigerians will be vital, declared Secretary Blinken. I want to convey to all of you how grateful and proud the United States is of our partnership in health with Nigeria. US trade chief pushes for vaccine waivers With reference to the previous post on vaccine production, a reminder that US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has said that she is pushing for a waiver of covid-19 vaccine intellectual property rights because the United States and drug makers have "an obligation to help save the world right now." Tai, speaking at a US Senate Finance Committee hearing, said that she views the World Trade Organization talks as a way to remove the intellectual property issue as an obstacle to vaccine production. She backed the WTO negotiations last week. She praised the work of US companies in quickly developing and producing safe and effective vaccines, adding that on intellectual property, "The message that I want to give to them is, 'You can be a hero here.'' Several Republican senators criticized Tai for 'giving away' US innovations to foreign competitors by supporting the WTO negotiations. Tai said she views the talks to be less about preventing other countries from 'stealing' U.S. technology and more about finding a way to have a positive impact on people's lives by ending the coronavirus pandemic. "What we are trying to accomplish is the saving of lives," she said, adding that ending the pandemic is a necessary first step in any trade policy going forward. "Unless we are able to bring the rest of world's economies back online, there's not going to be a lot of upside for us in what we're going to be doing" on trade, Tai said. Asked by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren whether USTR would support a broader WTO intellectual property waiver on covid-19 treatments, therapeutics, protective equipment and other medical products, Tai said she is currently only focused on increasing vaccine access and equity. The request came during a conference organized by the USA and Human Rights Watch. Turkish delegate: We are very concerned about the plight of Uyghurs and other Islamic minorities in the region. Beijing: Accusation of genocide is " lies of the century". New York (AsiaNews) - "If you have nothing to hide, why don't you finally grant unimpeded access [to Xinjiang] to the UN commissioner for human rights?" Christoph Heusgen, German ambassador to the United Nations, asked Beijing leaders yesterday during a videoconference organized by the US and Human Rights Watch on the repression of Uyghurs and other minority groups of Turkish origin living in the Chinese autonomous region. According to expert data, confirmed by the United Nations, Chinese authorities hold or have held more than a million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz from Xinjiang in concentration camps. Media reports have revealed the existence of labour camps in the region, where hundreds of thousands of people apparently are forcibly employed, especially in cotton harvesting. Some independent researchers also claim that the Chinese government is conducting a local campaign of forced sterilisations to control the growth of the Uyghur ethnic population. Participants in the event, which according to various media outlets Beijing had tried to sabotage, asked the Chinese to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to close the Xinjiang concentration camps. The Turkish delegation spoke of a "very worrying" situation. Ankara claims to have raised the issue to the Chinese authorities, asking for "immediate, meaningful and unrestricted access to the region from UN Commissioner Michelle Bachelet". The Turkish intervention is of particular importance: as reported by AsiaNews, the Erdogan administration has recently been accused of having made agreements to repatriate Uyghur refugees to China in exchange for vaccines against Covid and economic aid. The UN commissioner for human rights has not visited Xinjiang since 2005. Bachelet calls for freedom of movement to go to the region. The Chinese say they are ready to welcome all those who want to travel to Xinjiang, but add that they oppose investigations based on "lies" and with "presumption of guilt". Chinese authorities have flatly denied the charges, calling them "fake news", claiming instead that the camps in Xinjiang are vocational centres, part of poverty reduction projects to fight against terrorism and separatism. Congresswomen from Wyoming and daughter of former Vice-President Dick Cheney, Elizabeth Liz Cheney, was removed from her House leadership positions this week over comments she made about Donald Trump. Rep. Cheney being ousted is a stark reminder that the vast majority of Republican lawmakers still see Donald Trump as the partys leader, or are afraid that opposition to the former president could jeopardize their own seats in the legislature. What did Cheney say about Donald Trump? For months after the November 2020 election, President Trump pushed a big lie. Oxford Dictionary describes a big lie as a tool used to distort or misrepresent facts, especially when used as a propaganda device by a politician or official body. The term was originally coined by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s to blame the Jewish population for the German loss of World War I when in reality it was all part of his big lie to rise to power and maintain it over the next decade. Historians were especially nervous after Donald Trump began doubting the credibility of the election results as they understood the power big lies can have on society and people. These fears were realized on 6 January when a mob of more than a thousand Trump supporters, some of which were armed, stormed the US Capital, putting the lives of lawmakers, staff, Capital police, and even the Vice President at risk. The January insurrection took the lives of five people, including one woman who was shot on the capitol grounds by police, and a Capitol Police officer who committed suicide after not being able to cope with the violence of the event. Shortly after the event, Democrats in the House called an impeachment vote, during which Liz Cheney and nine other Republicans voted in favor. In a speech defending her position before the vote, Rep. Cheney stated, The President of the United States summoned this mob, assembled this mob, and lit the flame of this attack, continuing saying that there has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. Since her speech and subsequent vote in favor of impeachment, calls from within her party to have her removed from her leadership roles have grown. The Congresswomen narrowly survived a vote shortly after the impeachment, but on 12 May, another vote was called and she was stripped of her leadership positions. In a speech before the May vote, Rep. Cheney voiced her opposition to Donald Trump saying, Today we face a threat America has never seen before. A former president, who provoked a violent attack on this Capitol in an effort to steal the election, has resumed his aggressive effort to convince Americans that the election was stolen from him. Cheney spoke directly to the big lie arguing that remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar. Without calling out members of the Republican caucus directly, the Congresswoman explained what she sees as the duty of lawmakers, namely putting country before party. After the vote to remove her from Republican leadership was approved, Cheney told reporters that she would continue to do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office. Rep. Cheney has received some support from members of her party, including former Senator Jeff Flake who has also been an outspoken critic of President Trump. What consequences has Liz Cheney faced? In the House only 14% of Republican members are women and before the Wednesday vote, many saw Cheney as a rising star in conservative politics. Before being ousted, Rep. Cheney had served as the Chair of the House Republican Conference. In her home state of Wyoming, the state Republican party passed a motion to censure the Congresswomen for her comments, which could foreshadow issues with her possible reelection in 2022. Additionally, many Trump loyalists have already begun to campaign against her, and in a state that voted for the president by nearly 70%, such opposition to Trump leaves you with few political allies. Former President Trump was pleased to hear the news that Cheney had been removed from leadership and in a statement released by his team, he stuck to his old ways and made deeply personal attacks against the Congresswomen and her father. Last week, the Governors of South Carolina and Montana announced that they would be ending additional unemployment benefits to beneficiaries by the end of June. Both leaders cited labor shortages occurring in their states and quick economic recovery as justification. In Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte, also announced that the state would use funds allocated through American Rescue Plan to pay some workers a Return-to-work Bonus to incentivize reentry into the workforce. The bonus is worth $1,200 and the Department of Labor in Montana will contact those who are eligible to participate. To receive the funds one must accept employment and complete at least four paid weeks of work. Similarly, in South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster stated that the unemployment benefits were intended to be a short-term financial assistance for the vulnerable and displaced during the height of the pandemic and has instead turned into a dangerous federal entitlement. While in Montana, the state has more or less reached the pre-pandemic unemployment rate, South Carolina remains above it. Neither governor mentioned wages, poor working conditions, familial obligations, or fears of the virus as a possible reason for not reentering the workforce. What other states have followed? Since the announcement of Govs. Gianforte and McMaster, state leaders in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming have also announced they will be stopping the payments. While announcing these changes, many leaders cited slow re-entry into the workforce and challenges from the private sector in hiring workers. Utah is the latest state to announce the end of the extra payments. A statement released by the governors office said With the nations lowest unemployment rate at 2.9% and plenty of good paying jobs available today, it makes sense to transition away from these extra benefits that were never intended to be permanent. The market should not be competing with government for workers. All of the governors who have announced these changes are Republicans and there is a clear ideological motivation. Gov. Brad Little of Idaho stated that his decision was based on a fundamental conservative principle we do not want people on unemployment. We want people working. Gov Kay Ivie of Alabama relayed messages she has received from the private sector by saying we are hearing from more and more business owners and employers that it is increasingly difficult to find workers to fill available jobs, even though job openings are abundant. Arguing that as her state reaches the pre-pandemic, these benefits contribute to a labor shortage that is compromising the continuation of our economic recovery. However, economists have not been quick to attribute labor shortages to these extended benefits. Many have argued that the current situation cannot be explained through the lens of previous recessions and that there are real societal shifts that have taken place that may create friction as states try to get people back to work. In an interview with CNBC, Ioana Marinescu, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania explained that the decision could backfire, arguing that the The $300 benefits also help stimulate the economy. Taking them away at a national level may lead to less household spending potentially reducing demand for business goods and undercutting the need to hire more workers. Dr. Marinescu does acknowledge that there will be a point where the benefit should end, but that there is not enough information yet to make that choice. When will each state end benefits? 12 June Iowa Mississippi Missouri 19 June 2021 Alabama Idaho North Dakota Wyoming 26 June 2021 Arkansas Utah 27 June 2021 Montana 30 June 2021 South Carolina 3 July 2021 Officials: Ningbo exhibition to foster greater cooperation between two sides The second China-CEEC Expo will help China to share its market opportunities with the 17 Central and Eastern European countries and assist the recovery and growth of the global economy, senior government officials said on Wednesday. The second edition of the expo will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from June 8 to June 11 and will have trade shows in three categories: the CEEC exhibition, the international consumer goods exhibition and the permanent exhibition of imported commodities, said Zhu Congjiu, vice-governor of Zhejiang. The exhibition will have a total floor area of 200,000 square meters. More than 2,000 exhibitors and 6,000 buyers are expected to participate in the event. "In the coming five years, we will strive to import $20 billion of commodities from Central and Eastern European countries, realize over $1.5 billion worth of two-way investment, and increase our cross-border e-commerce trade with the countries by over 30 percent on average every year," he said. Ren Hongbin, assistant minister of commerce, said the expo will help boost imports from CEE countries, advance trade and economic cooperation between China and Europe, and serve the needs of China's expanding consumption market. The official said that China will accelerate its pace in fostering a new development paradigm, continue to open its door wider, and take a more active part in bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation that delivers higher levels of mutual benefit for all parties. Bilateral trade between China and the CEE nations surged by 50.2 percent on a yearly basis to $30.13 billion in the first quarter of this year, while Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary remained China's top three trading partners in the region, data from the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs showed. Zhang Shaogang, vice-chairman of the Beijing-based China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said Central and Eastern European countries have comparative advantages in mechanical and electrical products, automobiles and parts, agricultural and textile products, minerals, raw materials and other goods. There is huge room for China to expand imports from these countries, he said. The enhanced teamwork between the two sides has developed a number of principles that are reflective of the respective distinctive features and accepted by all parties, such as making decisions through consultation, delivering benefits to all cooperation partners, pursuing common growth through openness and inclusiveness and achieving better growth via innovation, he said. Since its inception in 2012, the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism has become an all-around, multilevel, wide-ranging and multidimensional platform for mutually beneficial cooperation with progress in trade, investment, contracted engineering projects and connectivity. Total trade between China and the 17 Central and Eastern European countries surged by 8.4 percent on a yearly basis to $103.45 billion last year, exceeding $100 billion for the first time, higher than the growth rates of China's foreign trade and its trade with the European Union during the same period, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. Eager to further enhance business ties, the Ministry of Commerce signed memorandums of understanding on investment cooperation and trade promotion with its counterparts in Albania, Serbia, the Czech Republic and Hungary in the first quarter of this year. Despite COVID-19, investment cooperation between the two sides has continued to grow, Ren, from the Ministry of Commerce, said. The two sides to date have invested nearly $20 billion in each other's markets, covering car components, the chemical industry, home appliances, logistics and mining. Enthusiasm in two-way investment continued to remain strong during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the green and low-carbon sector, medical and healthcare, as well as new energy becoming new growth areas. The upcoming expo, together with the just concluded China International Consumer Products Expo and the upcoming China International Import Expo, signal the nation's steady economic recovery and long-term upward momentum as the pandemic has been effectively curbed and controlled in China, said Zhang Yongjun, a researcher at the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges. HOUSTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The operator of a main U.S. fuel pipeline that was forced to shut down for six days due to a cybersecurity attack said it initiated the restart of pipeline Wednesday afternoon. The Colonial Pipeline Company, operator of the pipeline carrying gasoline and diesel fuel to U.S. east and southeast parts, said the first step in the restart process started at approximately 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday. "Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period," said the company. "Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal," it continued. The Colonial Pipeline Company temporarily halted all pipeline operations after the cybersecurity attack involving ransomware was detected on Friday. The Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined-products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily on the East Coast. Enditem [ Editor: JYZ ] Workers unload China-donated COVID-19 vaccines and AD syringes shortly after a military transport plane landed in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 12, 2021. A special plane of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) carrying the China-donated COVID-19 vaccines and AD syringes landed in capital Dhaka early on Wednesday. (Xinhua) DHAKA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A special plane of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) carrying the China-donated COVID-19 vaccines and AD syringes landed in capital Dhaka early on Wednesday. Chief of Air Staff of the BAF Masihuzzaman Serniabat along with other senior officials were present at the BAF Base Bangabandhu in Dhaka's Kurmitola to receive the Sinopharm vaccines. A forklift unloaded boxes of the Chinese vaccines from the military transport plane shortly after it landed at around 5:30 a.m. local time. According to an official handout at the air base, the goodwill mission was conducted by a C-130J transport aircraft of the BAF to bring the Sinopharm vaccines and AD syringes provided by China to prevent the coronavirus as a sign of China's friendly relations with Bangladesh. It said the Bangladeshi government has expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its commendable efforts in combating the coronavirus and unwavering support to countries including Bangladesh. Bangladesh's drug regulator in April authorized emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccines. The Bangladeshi government has also given the green light to a proposal of producing Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in the country. Speaking at a virtual interaction with the journalists here on Monday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said China and Bangladesh are witnessing progress in their joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine aid was "just in time," Li said. "It is the latest outcome of China-Bangladesh anti-pandemic cooperation, which again shows that our two peoples are in the same boat, and we will stand with each other till the end of this battle." "The virus is our common enemy, and cooperation is the only way out," he said. Muhammad Faruk Khan, chairman of Bangladesh's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday that the country's vaccination drive, which suffered a setback following exhaustion of the stocks, will soon be resumed thanks to the Chinese vaccines. Khan, who is also a lawmaker and a former minister, said he would like to thank China for sending the COVID-19 vaccine doses as a gift and the gifts China had sent in the past year to help Bangladesh fight the COVID-19 pandemic. With reference to the decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to list China's Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use, he said this is to be a boon for the inoculation drive against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially in countries like Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country's COVID-19 vaccination drive on Jan. 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread across the country. Amid uncertainty over the timely arrival of the next COVID-19 vaccine shipment from India, the Bangladeshi government later halted administering the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine across the country. Bangladeshi Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Tuesday said they were waiting for the COVID-19 vaccines from China to strengthen the countrywide inoculation drive. Enditem 6 1 [ Editor: GSY ] France is in favor of maintaining the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine in sufficient quantities and in principle against any foreign interference in EU energy policy, Minister of the Economy and Finance, France Bruno Le Maire has said. "And as you rightly pointed out, Nord Stream 2 project cannot be disconnected from the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. We fully understand the concerns of Ukraine about this question. We are in favor of maintaining Ukrainian transit in sufficient quantities. France was fully supportive of the conclusion of December 2019 Russian-Ukrainian transit agreement, in which the EU acted as a mediator, and we are very much attached to its implementation," Le Maire told Interfax-Ukraine. He said that France was fundamentally opposed to any foreign interference in the energy policy of the EU and its member states. "Regarding Nord Stream 2, the position of France has already been very clear. As a matter of principle, France is opposed to any kind of foreign interference in the energy policy of the EU and its member states. It is up to us to decide how to diversify our gas supply and how to reinforce energy security of the EU," the minister said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed laws on amendments to the Tax and Customs Codes of Ukraine (No. 1402-IX and No. 1403-IX) regarding preferential customs clearance of cars with European license plates, the presidential press service said on Wednesday. "These laws, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on April 15, 2021, temporarily simplify the customs clearance mechanism for cars imported from Europe, and also help protect the environment from harmful emissions," the report said. According to the documents, used cars with European registration over five years, which were imported into the territory of Ukraine by the end of 2020, are taxed at a preferential rate of value added tax and excise tax. "The amount of excise tax will depend on the age of the car, volume and type of engine and will not depend on its value. The base rate will range from EUR 0 to EUR 150, and in most cases the cost of customs clearance will not exceed EUR 1,000," the President's Office said. They emphasize that such cars are temporarily exempted from import duty. "One car of one category of one owner can be cleared under the preferential mechanism," the President's Office said. It is noted that 180 days are given for preferential customs clearance from the date of entry into force of the laws. ATO/JFO participants will be able to use preferential customs clearance for 270 days. "Under these laws, vehicles that do not comply with the emission standards Euro-2 and higher, come from the occupying state [aggressor state] or imported from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine do not fall under these laws," the President's Office said. They add that the laws come into force on the next day after publication and are enacted one month after the date of entry into force. As reported, on April 15, the Verkhovna Rada extended the preferential customs clearance of cars with foreign registration for six months, adopting at second reading bills 4643-d and 4644-d The framework agreement signed on Thursday by the governments of Ukraine and France, providing for the supply of 370 rescue vehicles-car lifters for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the amount of up to EUR 300 million, provides for the provision of financing by the French side in the amount of EUR 255 million (85% of the contract amount). According to the text of the framework agreement at the disposal of the Interfax-Ukraine agency, the support will consist of a treasury loan of up to EUR 100 million provided by the French government represented by Natixis, and a bank loan of up to EUR 155 million, which will be provided by a bank or consortium banks from the EU. Bpifrans Assurance Export will act as a guarantor for it. The agent bank will be Ukreximbank (Kyiv), the equipment supplier will be the French company Desautel SAS. According to the agreement, financial support is provided for the purchase of goods and services from France, and also provides for the purchase of Ukrainian or foreign goods for the implementation of the contract in the amount of up to 50% of the amount of financial support. The maturity of treasury and bank loans is no more than 10 years. The terms of the agreement stipulate that in order to receive financing through a loan, the contract must be accepted for implementation no later than December 31, 2023, and the loan must be selected by the end of 2028. The supply of goods and services from French suppliers, as well as the import and use of related goods for their production will be subject to VAT, other taxes and duties at a "zero" rate. As reported, within the framework of the contract, the production of firefighting car lifts to provide extinguishing fires and rescue people from high-rise buildings will be partially concentrated in Ukraine. The first samples will be made in France. According to Mykola Chechetkin, chairman of the State Emergency Service, at the present time, the service units have only 290 units of high-altitude lifts at their disposal, of which 260 have worked out their resource. MP of Ukraine from the Opposition Platform - For Life faction Viktor Medvedchuk was handed a petition to choose a preventive measure in the form of arrest at the Prosecutor General's Office on Wednesday. "At the Prosecutor General's Office, procedural actions were carried out with the suspected MP of Ukraine. We emphasize that the MP of Ukraine was informed about the suspicion on May 11, 2021 in the manner provided for by the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In this regard, he acquired the status of a suspect from that date," the Prosecutor General's Office reported to the Interfax-Ukraine agency. Also on the same day, Medvedchuk was summoned to carry out investigative and procedural actions in the status of a suspect. "After his arrival at the Prosecutor General's Office, at the request of the MP and his defenders, they were provided with a copy of the report of suspicion handed over on May 11, 2021, in order to ensure the right to defense," the Prosecutor General's Office said. As reported, on May 11, MPs of Ukraine of the Opposition Platform - For Life faction Viktor Medvedchuk and Taras Kozak were notified of suspicion of high treason and an attempt to plunder national resources in the Russian-occupied Crimea. According to Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, the suspicion concerns three episodes of illegal activity and cooperation with the aggressor country. According to the investigation, in 2015, Medvedchuk entered into a preliminary conspiracy with an official of the Russian government to extract minerals on the shelf of the Black Sea (the sea economic zone of Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation). Another episode of criminal proceedings concerns the transfer of information containing state secrets to the special services of the Russian Federation. Viktor Medvedchuk arrived at the Prosecutor General's Office on Wednesday and said that he was not yet familiar with the suspicion announced to him, and did not intend to hide from the investigation. The Prosecutor's Office of Kyiv City announced on Wednesday, May 12, searches in several departments of Kyiv City State Administration and utility compamies in six unrelated criminal cases at once, in some of them with the tax police, and in some with the National Police. In addition, head of the executive committee of the Vitali Klitschko's UDAR party, former MP Artur Palatny notified about the searches of the prosecutor's office and other law enforcement officers in his apartment and the apartment of his former wife, with whom he has been divorced for more than 20 years. "The team was initiated from Bankova [Street]. The main scriptwriters of this cheap movie are sitting there. Those who are trying to manipulate the president by whispering in his ear are in charge of the political order," Palatny said. In his opinion, the goal is pressure and intimidation, since the UDAR party can become a strong competitor in the elections. According to the prosecutor's office, in particular, searches in the department of social policy of Kyiv City State Administration were carried out in a case initiated upon the seizure of UAH 13.5 million of budget funds as a result of contracts made in 2017 to 2019 with an unnamed enterprise for the purchase of personal hygiene products at inflated prices. In addition, investigative measures took place in Kyivmisksvitlo municipal enterprise and contracting enterprises under the criminal proceedings initiated on the fact of deliberate tax evasion during the work on replacing lighting in the Ukrainian capital in the amount of more than UAH 12 million. Searches also took place in the office space of Spetsproekt-Invest LLC and in the residential premises of its officials under a case initiated on the fact of deliberate tax evasion during the construction of the Podilsky Bridge over the Dnipro River in the amount of UAH 9 million. The premises of Kyivavtodor municipal enterprise were also searched within a criminal investigation on suspicion of causing damage to the government by an official by exceeding his authority. The prosecutor's office suspects that this person received an unlawful remuneration for assisting a commercial company in winning public tenders in 2019 and 2020 to renew the road infrastructure, the total amount of the won tenders is UAH 1.9 billion. In addition, a criminal case is being investigated against officials of Kyivavtodor and related structures on charges of tax evasion for UAH 18.6 million. Another case and searches, according to law enforcement officials, are related to the department of land resources of Kyiv City State Administration and a private enterprise, the director of which, according to the investigation, in 2013, having acquired property on communal land, deliberately did not enter into a land lease agreement and did not pay almost UAH 19.5 million. On Wednesday, the prosecutor's office also carried out searches in the office of the Spetszhytlofond municipal enterprise (housing fund) and in the premises of contractors in the framework of criminal proceedings initiated upon the seizure of funds in the amount of over UAH 10.5 million. The meetings, inspired by social doctrine, in view of the upcoming United Nations Summit on Food Systems in 2021, intend to privilege the voices of women, indigenous communities, people living in crisis situations, small farmers and others. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - To highlight how the Church, together with others, can contribute to the transformation of "food systems towards the care of our common home, the eradication of hunger, respect for human dignity and the service of the common good, in so that no one is left behind, three webinars are being promoted by the Vatican in view of the upcoming United Nations Summit on Food Systems in 2021. The meetings, informs a Vatican note, are promoted by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to FAO, IFAD and WFP, the Dicastery for the service of integral human development and the Vatican Commission COVID- 19 together with partners working in the field of food safety. Entitled "Food for life, food justice, food for all" and inspired by Pope Francis encyclical letter Laudato si, this webinar series will showcase how an integral ecology - a paradigm that considers the interconnections, among others, between social systems and ecosystems - can inspire the regeneration of food systems in the post-COVID future. It will highlight how Church and other actors can contribute to this transformation of food-systems towards the care for our common home, the eradication of hunger, the respect of human dignity and the service of the common good, so that no one is left behind. This three-part series, which will start during Laudato Si 'Week (May 16-24), will focus on the voices of women, indigenous communities, people living in crisis situations, small farmers and others - in order to to learn from their experiences and traditional wisdom, and to inform global debates and action plans. The first webinar, co-hosted by the Rome Forum, titled Food for Life: The role of women in the promotion of integral human development, (May 17th, 14.00-17.00hs CEST) will feature a dialogue about the unique role of women in development, with emphasis on how to support their leadership in shaping resilient food systems across the globe. The second webinar, Food Justice: Jobs, innovation, and finance at the service of food justice (May 26th, 14.00-17.00hs CEST) will emphasize the importance of dignified work, finance and innovation in rebuilding sustainable food-systems, particularly in the post-COVID future. The final webinar, co-hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, and titled Food for All: Food conflicts and the future of food systems, (May 31st, 14.00-16.00hs CEST) will explore different responses to food conflicts, and how the Church can best contribute and collaborate to address hunger and food inequality around the world. Guided by the values of Catholic Social Teaching, the daily experience of local Church actors and the moral imperative to eliminate hunger, this webinar series aims to: i) listen and nurture dialogues within and beyond the Church; ii) connect best practices across the world that promote sustainable food systems and; iii) elevate traditionally excluded voices to inspire a call for food justice. The series will be completed before the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit gathering to be held in Rome (July 2021) and its outcomes will be shared as part of the Summit process to help guide individual and collective action towards a future of food that is sustainable, equitable and secure. U.S. experts train Ukrainian colleagues to respond to use of weapons of mass destruction The U.S. experts conducted a virtual training exercise with partners from Ukraine on detecting and responding to assassinations involving weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. Department of State said. "The United States recently conducted a virtual training exercise with partners from Ukraine to help domestic security services, law enforcement, and first responders identify, respond to, and investigate assassinations involving weapons of mass destruction," the Department said in a statement. The U.S. law enforcement and medical experts provided local officials with information to identify the medical symptoms that indicate weapons of mass destruction material use, the attack cycle involved in weapons of mass destruction assassination attempts, and the specific measures that enable safe and secure detection and response to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. "The United States is committed to working with allies and partners to counter Russian malign activity like the use of weapons of mass destruction as tools of assassination," the Department of State said. The European Union says Russia is trying to gradually absorb parts of eastern Ukraine, Bloomberg said on Wednesday, citing a document the bloc shared this week with member states. In the document, seen by Bloomberg, "the EU says steps by the Kremlin such as organizing illegitimate elections and issuing passports to locals are aimed at de facto integration of Ukraine's non-governmental-controlled areas into Russia." According to the statement, the EU's foreign-affairs arm, the EEAS, will prepare a report on the matter. The EU document presents options the bloc could take "to strengthen Ukraine's resilience to Russian aggression," including: "stepping up support tackling hybrid threats, including countering cyber threats and disinformation." It is also about helping Ukraine's coronavirus-vaccination program, "especially of vulnerable groups in order to avoid further weakening of the country through a prolonged health and socio-economic crisis." Assistance in bolstering energy security to lower dependence on Russia is proposed; improving efforts to deny recognition of Russian passports issued to residents of Crimea and parts of Donbas; consideration allowing Ukraine to participate in some EU security projects. According to the document, further EU penalties against Russia will depend on "further grave deterioration of the situation with regard to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity." Bloomberg refers to another EU internal note. It is connected with the Ukrainian request to Brussels to support Kyiv in its aspiration to join NATO. According to the agency, the post-envoys of the EU countries in the Political and Security Committee during the discussion of this document on Tuesday expressed different opinions. Some were generally supportive, while others pointed to Ukraine's lack of reform efforts, such as the fight against corruption, and that the proposed cooperation with Kyiv on EU security programs required deeper discussion. The main reason for the fall of the AN-26 plane near Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region in September 2020, as a result of which 26 servicemen were killed, was permission to take off by conveyor belt method, Head of the investigation department of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) of Ukraine Vadym Pryimachok said. "The most important reason for the tragedy is the unlawful permission by the head of flights at the Chuhuiv airfield for takeoffs of the indicated aircraft by conveyor belt method. Such permission took place during the last four flights before the tragedy, which, in fact, led to the fact that during the approach to the last takeoff, when a breakdown of the PRT-24 system was revealed, which indicated the incorrect operation of the left engine, but due to the conveyor belt, this breakdown could not be detected by the crew in a timely manner," Pryimachok said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. According to him, the crew took off with this breakdown, but the flight directors did not provide practical assistance to the crew in further actions for the safe landing of the aircraft. "Due to the fact that the crew was not sufficiently prepared for flights at night, in the absence of assistance from the leadership, it fell and further tragic consequences," Pryimachok said. Law enforcement officers are conducting searches at the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture of Kyiv City State Administration, the press service of Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday. "Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, together with the Strategic Investigations Department in Kyiv, conducts searches at the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, an executive body of Kyiv City Council [Kyiv City State Administration], heads of the Department and 'related' persons in the framework of criminal proceedings, initiated on the facts of power abuse for the approval and issuance of permissive documents," the report said. It is noted that in the course of the pretrial investigation, the investigators check facts of probable power abuse by individual officials of the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, as well as a number of individuals and legal entities which activities are related to the provision of services in the field of urban planning and architecture, when considering applications and issuing urban planning terms and restrictions to carry out work on the construction or reconstruction of real estate on the territory of Kyiv and other documents of a permissive nature. "On May 13, 2021, on the basis of court orders, searches are carried out in the premises of the Department of Urban Development and Architecture, an executive body of Kyiv City Council, and at the place of residence of the heads of the department and 'related' persons in order to find evidence and record information about the circumstances of the commission of criminal offenses," the law enforcement officers said. Later they added that to date, according to the results of the investigative actions, notifications of suspicion have already been handed over to 11 persons, including current employees of the departments of Kyiv City State Administration, municipal and contracting enterprises, including managers. Earlier this day, it was reported that the capital's law enforcement officers were conducting searches at the members of the criminal group, who, together with officials of Kyiv City State Administration, organized systematic extortion and receipt of funds from business entities for illegal lease of retail outlets in underground passages in the central districts of Kyiv. On May 12, Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office reported on searches in several departments of Kyiv City State Administration and municipal companies in six unrelated criminal cases at once, in some of them with the Tax Police, in some with the National Police. Behind our economic cooperation there's also a political willingness of improving relationship between our two countries - Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery of France An exclusive interview with Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery of France Bruno Le Maire for the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency: - Mr. Le Maire, please, tell us more about your visit to Ukraine. What meetings are planned in Kyiv and what deals are going to be signed? - First of all, I would like to say how happy I am to go to Kyiv, to meet the Ukrainian authorities and to have the opportunity to reinforce the economic ties between our two countries. France and Ukraine share a lot in common: we are both industrial countries, we are countries with an important part of agriculture, we are European countries, fully determined to reinforce the place of Europe on the international stage. Our economic relation is very dynamic and we are on the right track. I want to give you one single figure: in 2020, total trade between France and Ukraine reached 1.6 billion euros - a very important amount, which remains resilient in spite of the Covid crisis. Now, we want to reinforce and accelerate the economic cooperation between our two countries. This is the purpose of my visit to Kyiv. Indeed, during my visit, France will sign with Ukraine four strategic intergovernmental agreements for total amount of EUR 1.3 billion. It is very significant! And I want to underline one key point: these projects will contribute to improve the living conditions of Ukrainians. We are talking about potable water, mobility, security and civil protection. - How much important partner is Ukraine for France? How do you assess the current level of trade between Ukraine and France? - France has a long history with Ukraine and I am determined to open a new chapter of this long journey from an economic point of view. There is a significant network of French companies in Ukraine: 160 French companies are now established in the country, employing 30 000 people. This is making French companies the leading international employers in Ukraine. We also want to reinforce our ties on very specific sectors: utilities with potable water distribution, energy, infrastructures and transport such as trains, health and, of course, agriculture. On all those areas, I think that there is a room for deepening and extending the relationship. - What risks are relevant for French investors today: judiciary, corruption at the central and regional levels, instability of legislation or something else? For our entrepreneurs, the most awaited reform remains a revamping of the judicial system. In-depth reform of the judiciary is seen as vital today in order to fight corruption, increase economic development, improve the business environment and foster foreign investments. I am deeply convinced that the path of reforms that President Zelensky is pursuing and wants to step up is the right one to improve the attractiveness of Ukraine, to foster FDI and to boost economic private sector-led growth in Ukraine. - How interesting can the creation of a production base in Ukraine be for French investors, given the Free Trade Area with the EU, the risks for logistics in connection with COVID-19? At the same time, does the closure of the Russian market for products made in Ukraine have an impact? - The establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Ukraine has clearly encouraged development of investments between our two countries. Despite the COVID crisis which was really a dead-blow to world trade, our exchanges remained resilient in 2020. This is a clear evidence that we have deep and solid economies ties. France is now the sixth largest foreign investor in Ukraine. Ukraine has strong assets. You are a key neighbor of the EU. Your country has a highly qualified workforce, which is a great advantage for long-term growth and productivity. You have an important and strong industrial base. - Ukraine and France work on two major contracts - 55 helicopters for EUR 550 million and 20 patrol boats for EUR 136 million. An agreement has also been announced to supply 370 high-altitude fire lifts for EUR 300 million. In Ukraine these contracts are criticized for low localization. What is your assessment? What level of localization do you consider acceptable? What preferential terms can France provide? - I will present those contracts today with the Ukrainian authorities. But you are raising a key point. If we want to have a strong economic relationship it must be in the mutual interest of our two countries. We fully understand the requests made by President Zelensky who wants French companies involved in those contracts to locate a significant part of their production in Ukraine. This is a very legitimate demand and we acted accordingly. For example, regarding the contract of electric locomotives, Alstom is prepared to localize in Ukraine up to 35% of the production and maintenance. At the beginning of the discussion, Alstom planned to localize around 20 % of the production in Ukraine. We understood it was not enough. This is a clear evidence of our willingness to take into account the legitimate demand from the Ukrainian authorities. - Can Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Green Deal as a whole become a new barrier on Ukraine's path to Europe? What help can Ukraine count on in implementing its green course and under what conditions? - As you know, the EU is working towards the implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism by 2023. Our objective is to respond to climate change and reduce our carbon footprint by tackling carbon leakage more effectively than existing instruments. The European Commission is currently carrying out an impact assessment and will present its legislative proposal in July 2021. Let me be very clear: this Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be designed in a nondiscriminatory manner between EU and foreign producers. I also want to be very clear that this Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be fully WTO-compatible. We need to ensure that its implementation is transparent and involve third countries such as Ukraine, thanks to a partnership-based and cooperative approach. This is by no means, a protectionist measure and it will not call into question the terms of the EU-Ukraine Deep And Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. - What is France's position on completion of Nord Stream 2 and increasing pressure on Gazprom in terms of relocating Russian gas transmission points to the Ukraine-Russia border and admitting gas from Central Asia and independent Russian gas companies to the Russian pipeline? - Regarding Nord Stream 2, the position of France has already been very clear. As a matter of principle, France is opposed to any kind of foreign interference in the energy policy of the EU and its member states. It is up to us to decide how to diversify our gas supply and how to reinforce energy security of the EU. And as you rightly pointed out, Nord Stream 2 project cannot be disconnected from the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. We fully understand the concerns of Ukraine about this question. We are in favor of maintaining Ukrainian transit in sufficient quantities. France was fully supportive of the conclusion of December 2019 Russian-Ukrainian transit agreement, in which the EU acted as a mediator, and we are very much attached to its implementation. - To what extent are French companies interested in the Ukrainian gas transmission system (GTS), gas storage facilities, and completion of nuclear power plants or construction of renewable energy sources? - First, let me underline the similarities of our energy mixes. We are two of the largest producers of civil nuclear energy in Europe, which is accelerating our path towards a carbon-neutral economy. On energy infrastructures, French companies do benefit from a unique know-how and are looking closely at development prospects in Ukraine. To name just a few, our enterprises are interested in the deployment of energy storage technologies, modernization of infrastructures or investment in green hydrogen. In the renewable sector, Total-Eren has just finalized the construction of 215-megawatt wind farm in Kherson region and I see a number of opportunities for further cooperation in that field. - Which Ukrainian companies from those put up for privatization can interest investors from France? - I think it is too soon to know exactly what kind of privatization can be of interest for French companies. But let me underline that the privatization program supported by the Ukrainian government is an important undertaking. The French concern Alstom is ready to increase the level of local content in the contract for the supply of electric locomotives to Ukraine, French Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has said. "For example, with regard to the contract for the supply of electric locomotives, Alstom is ready to localize up to 35% of production and service in Ukraine. At the beginning of the discussion, Alstom planned to localize about 20% of production in Ukraine. We realized that this was not enough. This is a vivid evidence of our readiness to take into account the legitimate request of the Ukrainian authorities," Le Maire said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. He said that France fully understands the request of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who wants French companies involved in contracts with Ukraine to locate a significant part of their production in Ukraine. "This is a perfectly legal requirement, and we acted accordingly," Le Maire said. The Minister said that France has a long history with Ukraine, and he is determined to open a new chapter of this long journey from an economic point of view. "There is a significant network of French companies in Ukraine: now there are 160 French companies in the country, employing 30,000 people. This makes French companies the leading international employers in Ukraine. We also want to strengthen our ties in very specific sectors: utilities with distribution of drinking water, energy, infrastructure and transport such as trains, healthcare and, of course, agriculture. In all these sectors, I think there are opportunities for deepening and expanding relations," Le Maire said. The government of Ukraine and the government of the French Republic have signed four framework agreements totaling over EUR 1.3 billion. According to the press service of the Ukrainian government, the documents were signed within the framework of the official visit of French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire to Kyiv. "According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, the concluded intergovernmental agreements will contribute to the development of the country, improve the lives of Ukrainians and increase the level of cooperation with the French Republic," the government said. In particular, the parties signed agreements that provide for the implementation of projects for: the supply of 130 electric locomotives by Alstom for a total amount of up to EUR 900 million, with a local comment of 35%; the supply of specialized rescue equipment for work on high-rise buildings, 370 ladders worth up to EUR 300 million; improvement of water supply in Luhansk region for the amount of EUR 70 million; improvement of water supply in Kyiv for the amount of EUR 70 million. "All projects provide for localization at Ukrainian enterprises from 30% and higher, which is quite consistent with our strategy for the development of national production," Shmyhal said. For his part, the French Minister of the Economy and Finance said that Ukraine has significant economic potential and opportunities, and added that Ukraine and France have a lot in common to work together for the future. The French concern Alstom welcomes the signing of a government agreement between France and Ukraine on financing the supply of 130 heavy electric locomotives worth EUR 900 million for Ukrzaliznytsia. The agreement is a decisive step towards a future project for the supply of modern locomotives that meet the needs of the Ukrainian railway market. In addition to providing locomotives, Alstom will also be able to provide their full accompanying maintenance at the local depot of the Ukrainian railways, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The company said that for a project of this scale, it is necessary to involve a number of French Alstom plants, in particular, the Belfort facility, where the global center of excellence for Alstom locomotives is located, as well as the sites in Ornans, Tarbes, Le Creusot and Villeurbanne. Alstom said that the agreement between the countries demonstrates strong French support for Ukraine's transport development program and could provide, through future commercial contracts in 2021, a leading position for Alstom in this development plan. Alstom appreciates the high potential of the Ukrainian market and the company would be proud to be involved in expanding Ukraine's rail infrastructure. With hundreds of electric locomotives designed, manufactured and sold worldwide, as well as extensive maintenance experience, Alstom is uniquely positioned to implement the project, the press service said, citing Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Alstom Henri Poupart-Lafarge. He said that the implementation of the contract can further strengthen the company's position in the segment of heavy locomotives. As reported on the Ukrzaliznytsia website, the company welcomes the signing of a framework agreement between the governments of Ukraine and France to renew the electric locomotive fleet. "Supporting the project for the modernization of the Ukrzaliznytsia electric locomotive fleet at the government level is a clear signal for our company that the shareholder, represented by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, is taking decisive steps to support the solution of pressing problems of the railway industry. It is also a signal for the national economy that the work of the government is aimed at developing the economic potential of Ukraine, strengthening the transit positions of the state," Head of Ukrzaliznytsia Ivan Yurik said. The company said that, according to preliminary calculations, 130 freight electric locomotives will be purchased. The needs of Ukrzaliznytsia in the renewal of the fleet of freight electric locomotives by 2025 are at least 50 units, and another 265 locomotives by 2033. The total demand by 2033 is at least 315 electric locomotives. Earlier French Minister of the Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine that Alstom is ready to increase the local content in the contract for the supply of electric locomotives to Ukraine. Alstom is one of the world leaders (along with Siemens and Bombardier) in the production of power equipment and rail transport. The company operates in more than 60 countries and employs about 38,900 people. PM Prayut congratulated Chinh on his election as the PM of Vietnam and invited him to soon pay an official visit to Thailand. He spoke highly of Vietnams achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic development, as well as its diplomatic achievements in its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, especially as the councils President in April. Discussing specific measures to boost bilateral ties, the Government leaders requested relevant agencies to coordinate in organising activities in celebration of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations this year, maintain and promote the efficiency of cooperation mechanisms, including the organisation of the fourth joint Cabinet meeting at an appropriate time, soon sign an action programme implementing the Vietnam-Thailand enhanced strategic partnership for 2021-2025, and strive for 25 billion USD in two-way trade by 2025. PM Chinh affirmed to create favourable conditions for and encourage Thai firms to do business and investment in Vietnam in such fields as energy, tourism, hi-tech agriculture, digital technology and automobile supporting industry. The Thai leader agreed with Chinhs proposal of intensifying a direct exchange mechanism between the two countries ministers in flexible forms to help businesses deal with difficulties and ensure the effectiveness of economic, trade and investment collaboration. They discussed measures to solve some specific problems facing the two countries enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They also agreed to speed up negotiations on priority travel regulations between Vietnam and Thailand and ensure a safe and effective access to COVID-19 vaccines to achieve sustainable post-pandemic socio-economic recovery. Regarding regional and international cooperation, the PMs reached a consensus on strengthening close collaboration and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); boosting transport connectivity; and promoting sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region. Chinh suggested Thailand support Vietnam as the host country of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). They shared the importance of continuing to strengthen solidarity and maintaining ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea/South China Sea issue, as well as coordinating in negotiations to achieve an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Regarding the Myanmar issue, they affirmed ASEAN's central role in supporting Myanmar to overcome current challenges, and agreed to cooperate with ASEAN to promote the implementation of the ASEAN leaders' agreement on this issue. Chinh then invited his Thai counterpart to visit Vietnam at a suitable time. The latter accepted the invitation and showed his hope to early receive the former in Thailand. NDO/VNA - Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has sent a message of sympathy to Minister in Foreign Ministry of Maldives Abdulla Shahid over a bomb attack in Male capital which injured the Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. At the reception, held on the occasion of the Buddhas 2565th birthday, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon lauded the success of the Government in the 2016-2021 tenure in all fields. He said that the VBS has grown comprehensively during its 40-year development, with its Buddhist affairs and activities in building religious solidarity and great national unity bloc lauded by people from all walks of life. It has raised trillions of dong for the needy, while actively engaging in the movement of planting 1 billion trees as part of efforts to deal with climate change in the country, he said, adding that the organisation has also given strong response to the call regarding COVID-19 prevention and control. The Sangha has hosted the UN Day of Vesak for three times, said Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, recognising the support from President Nguyen Xuan Phuc for the work. Meanwhile, it has paid special attention to the material and spiritual lives of Buddhist followers abroad, he added. Leaders of the VBS expressed hope that as a State leader, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc will continue to create optimal conditions for the oganisation in its operations. For his part, President Phuc congratulated the VBS and all Buddhist followers on the occasion of the Buddhas birthday. He thanked Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon and other leaders of the VBS for their valuable opinions, while hailing the efforts of monks and followers in COVID-19 prevention and control. Describing Buddhism as a religion accompanying the nation, the State leader noted that the organisation has taken the pioneering role in patriotic movements and religious solidarity. He also spoke highly of its charity activities. He affirmed that the achievements of the Vietnam Buddhism have proved that the right to freedom of belief and religion of Vietnamese people have been protected by the Constitution and law. The important contributions by the VBS has shown not only the close relations between Buddhism and the nation but also the unity between religion and life, between the Sangha and the country, as well as between Vietnam and the world. He clarified that Vietnam is home to diverse religions with more than 90% of the population following a belief or religion and 24 million of religious followers, accounting for 27% of the countrys population. The consistent policy of the Party and State in this field is respecting and observing the right to freedom of belief and religion of the people, he stated, pledging that the State works to ensure all religious practices take place in line with the law and regulations recognised by the State, while creating conditions for religious followers and dignitaries in religious practicing and performing their duties as a citizen. He said he hopes the VBS will continue to promote its role and prestige in strengthening the national great unity bloc and the solidarity among religions, thus optimising the strengths of beliefs and religions as well as culture for the national development. He also reminded ministries, sectors and localities to show strong performance in implementing ethnic and religious policies, while combating the abuse of beliefs and religions which go against the law. He said he believes that the VBS will successfully organise upcoming important events, including the 40th anniversary of the organisation and the Buddhist congresses at all levels towards the national-level Congress. The Vietnamese Consul General in Pakse Bui The Dung has said the Vietnamese Association in Champasak and Salavan provinces as well as Vietnamese enterprises in the southern provinces of Laos have enthusiastically donated money and supplies to support the local fight against the pandemic. As of May 12, over VND600 million (US$25,900) had been donated to the southern provinces in Laos to assist in the struggle. The Vietnamese community in Laos has continued to call for donations to support the local government there. Dung noted that the support of the Vietnamese community for Lao people in for southern provinces has demonstrated the tradition of solidarity, mutual support, and deep affection between the two countries, contributing to consolidating the great tradition friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation. The Consulate General of Vietnam in Pakse is one of the three Consulates General of Vietnam in Laos,covering diplomatic affairs in the four southern provinces of Champasak, Attapeu, Sekong and Salavan,home to about 8,000 Vietnamese. Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou leaves her home to attend a court hearing in Vancouver, British Columbia, (Photo : REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier) Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou and her legal team are set to return to court for three more weeks of extradition hearings starting Aug. 3, following a fourth attempt by Meng's lawyers to introduce new evidence, a Canadian court heard on Wednesday. Meng, 49, was arrested at Vancouver International Airport on a U.S. warrant for bank fraud in December 2018. She is accused of misleading HSBC about Huawei's dealings in Iran, causing the bank to break with U.S. sanctions. Advertisement Meng maintains she is innocent of the charges and has been fighting her extradition while living under house arrest in Vancouver. For more than two years, her lawyers have pushed to have the case thrown out because of alleged abuses of process that they say violated her rights. Last month Meng requested a delay in proceedings to allow her legal team to review new documents that could bolster her defense. The request followed a settlement between HSBC and Huawei in a Hong Kong court allowing company records to be released. Meng's lawyers told the British Columbia Supreme Court on Wednesday they plan to file their application to introduce new evidence on June 7. The case is expected to wrap on Aug. 20. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (Photo : Bill O'Leary/Pool via REUTERS) Domestic violent extremist groups, particularly white supremacists, pose a growing threat to the United States, Attorney General Merrick Garland told a Senate panel on Wednesday. "The threat of lethality is higher than it ever was ... I have not seen a more dangerous threat to democracy than the invasion of the U.S. Capitol" by rioters on Jan. 6, said Garland, who as a prosecutor led the investigation into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people. Advertisement Garland noted the FBI recently said that the top domestic violent extremist threat facing the United States is from "racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race." Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the committee that racially or ethnically motivated extremists are "most likely to conduct mass-casualty attacks against civilians," while people tied to right-wing militia groups are the most likely to target police and government employees and buildings. The threat of attacks inside the United States by foreign militants such as Islamic State also persists, Mayorkas said. "It is not as if they have disappeared... We don't take our eye off one to focus on the other," he said. Garland and Mayorkas said they were concerned about how disinformation and misinformation spread on social media, and Mayorkas said such "false narratives" can instigate violence. Garland said the Director of National Intelligence's office was monitoring "sharing of information" between U.S. and European extremists. Mayorkas said that Homeland Security, whose leadership in the Trump Administration was accused by a whistleblower https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-whistleblower/u-s-intelligence-official-told-to-halt-russian-2020-election-meddling-threat-assessments-whistleblower-idUSKBN26032Q of playing down right-wing extremist threats, is devoting more intelligence resources to domestic extremism and allocating "at least $77 million" to help local governments prepare for "acts of domestic violent extremism." U.S. will remove Xiaomi from blacklist, reversing jab by Trump The logo of Xiaomi is seen inside the company's office in Bengaluru, India, (Photo : REUTERS/Abhishek N. Chinnappa/File Photo) The U.S Defense Department will remove China's Xiaomi Corp from a government blacklist, a court filing showed, marking a reversal by the Biden administration of one of Donald Trump's last jabs at Beijing before exiting office. The court filing said the company and the U.S. government would agree to resolve their ongoing litigation, bringing to an end a brief and controversial spat between the hardware company and Washington that had further soured Sino-U.S. ties. Advertisement Emily Horne, a spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, said "the Biden Administration is deeply concerned about potential U.S. investments in companies linked the Chinese military and fully committed to keeping up pressure on such companies." A Xiaomi spokeswoman said the company is watching the latest developments closely, without elaborating. Shares in the company jumped over 6% in Hong Kong as news of the decision spread. The company's share price has tumbled roughly 20% since it was placed on the blacklist in January in the waning days of the Trump administration. The Defense Department did not immediately comment. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. The department had designated the firm as having ties to China's military and placed it on a list that would restrict U.S. investment in the company. Seven other Chinese companies were also placed under similar restrictions. Xiaomi went on the offensive by filing a lawsuit against the U.S. government, calling its placement "unlawful and unconstitutional" and denying any ties to China's military. In March, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the blacklisting, citing the U.S. government's "deeply flawed" process for including it in the ban. The judge last week also suspended an investment ban imposed on Luokung Technology Corp, the Chinese mapping technology company. The Biden administration has agreed not to challenge that ruling. Horne cited the ruling saying "the Trump Administration failed to develop a legally sufficient basis for imposing restrictions on the company and compelled this action." 'LOW-HANGING FRUIT' Soon after the victory, Reuters reported that other Chinese companies placed on the same blacklist were considering similar lawsuits. [L1N2LD2YY] Xiaomi was among the more high-profile Chinese technology companies that former President Donald Trump targeted for alleged ties to China's military. Trump had made countering the rise of Beijing a centrepiece of his administration's economic and foreign policy. Xiaomi's local smartphone rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd was also put on an export blacklist in 2019 and barred from accessing critical technology of U.S. origin, affecting its ability to design its own chips and source components from outside vendors. The measures effectively crippled the company's smartphone division. Later, the U.S. Department of Defense placed similar restrictions on China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, a firm key to China's national drive to boost its domestic chip sector. Professor Doug Fuller, who tracks China's semiconductor sector at the City University of Hong Kong, says that Xiaomi's win was "low-hanging fruit" for the Biden administration in its efforts to correct the excesses of Trump's China policy as his term ended. "I think it is a sign that Biden will be a bit softer," he said. "Calling Xiaomi a Chinese military company was always ridiculous. For firms tied to more legitimate defence concerns, or (Chinese province) Xinjiang, however, it will be more difficult." 'She's a hero': Liz Cheney down but not out in Wyoming after crossing Trump Tage Benson, a Republican, and Democrat Chamois Andersen talk politics at the Owl in the Attic antiques store in Laramie, Wyoming, U.S., (Photo : REUTERS/Nathan Layne) When lifelong Wyoming Republican Tage Benson and Democrat Chamois Andersen met for the first time at the Owl in the Attic antiques store in Laramie this past weekend, they quickly put their political differences aside. Their home state's embattled Republican congresswoman, Liz Cheney, needed to be supported, they agreed, for standing up to former President Donald Trump and contesting his false stolen-election claims. Advertisement "This is where Democrats and Republicans can come together," said Anderson, 51, a wildlife advocate who often disagrees with Cheney on policy. "She is a hero," said Benson, 67, who was working the store's register. He told Andersen his Democratic friends were talking about registering as Republicans to vote for Cheney in the party's primary election next year. "I'm going to talk everyone into that," he said. Such a rare bipartisan show of support constitutes a potential lifeline as the third-term congresswoman and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney fights for political survival. Cheney was removed on Wednesday from her position as the third-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives by her colleagues in a closed-door vote. Kevin McCarthy, the chamber's top Republican who has sought to placate Trump, has cast her ouster from the party leadership as necessary to unify Republicans and reclaim control of the House in 2022. Cheney is also in trouble in her home state of Wyoming, where Trump and Cheney both won with 70% of the vote in November. The majority is furious with her vote to impeach Trump for allegedly inciting the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and her repeated criticism of his claims the election was rigged, according to 40 voters Reuters interviewed in conservative towns of Gillette and Douglas, more moderate Laramie and the state capitol of Cheyenne over five days this month. Mike Gapter, owner of a bedding and hot tub store in Laramie, said the 2020 ballot was his final vote for Cheney. "She's proved herself unworthy," he said. But an unlikely coalition of traditional Republicans, independents and Democrats -- about one third of the voters interviewed -- said they would likely vote for her, a floor of support that could keep her hopes alive for re-election. It is too early for opinion polls about the primary. Wyoming law allows residents of any affiliation to vote in the Republican primary if they switch their registration on election day, potentially helping Cheney. Cheney, 54, will run for re-election in 2022 and "intends to win", a spokesperson for her office told Reuters. And she could prove to be a formidable target. Cheney raised $1.54 million in the first quarter, her best fundraising quarter since she was elected in 2016. In pushing to oust her, House Republicans made clear they see their fortunes tied to Trump and his fervent supporters. But his influence could alienate the independent, suburban and women voters need to take back control of the House, said Alex Conant, a former campaign aide to Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. "House Republicans want to be associated with Trump, and they're taking a risk that it might turn off some independent voters," Conant said. 'PROBLEM FOR EVERYBODY' Trump remains by far the most popular figure in the Republican Party; but polls show voters are split over what to do with critics like Cheney, while a sizeable minority of Republicans appear ready to move on from him. In a May 7-10 Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll, six out of 10 Republicans said their party would be stronger "when it embraces supporters and critics of Donald Trump," while four in 10 think it better that the party "purges leaders who are critical" of him. https://tmsnrt.rs/2Qd4XcV The poll also found that three in 10 Republicans are interested in "joining a conservative political party that is run by former Republican leaders who have been critical of Donald Trump." Barbara Comstock, a former Republican congresswoman who lost her suburban Virginia seat in 2018 amid a surge of anti-Trump sentiment, said that ousting Cheney could prove dangerous for Republican incumbents from deeply conservative districts too, who could see their fealty to Trump challenged by an energized crop of Trump-inspired primary candidates. "What they're going to open the door to is a situation where nobody's Trumpy enough," she said. "It's a problem for everybody." Asked about the intraparty fight over Cheney and its impact on House races, Tom Emmer, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said he is "solely focused on retaking the majority." "House Republicans are united in that effort," he said. 'VERY LOYAL PEOPLE' Sparsely populated Wyoming is one of the most conservative states in the country, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 3 to 1. In her first run for Congress in 2016, Cheney beat a crowded Republican primary field with about 40% of the vote - although fewer than 90,000 people voted in total. She received more than 70% of the vote in successive primaries and has won general elections just as easily. Six Republicans have already announced they will run against her next year. Anger toward Cheney was evident at a coffee shop called "The Local" in Gillette, a town of 32,000 people and at the center of the Powder River Basin, whose mines produce about 40 percent of the coal output in the United States. All five men at a table in the back of The Local said they could not support Cheney after she went against Trump. "We are very loyal people here," said Paul Roberts, 47. "We didn't elect her to vote her conscience." If she decides to run, Cheney could potentially outperform a fragmented field of challengers - although Trump had recently said he would endorse a candidate soon. There is also a history of Democrats in the state of switching sides in primaries to help defeat more conservative candidates, political observers say, including in 2018 to bolster Republican Governor Mark Gordon. Jenasie Kendall, a 23-year-old independent who works at a wine shop in Cheyenne, said she would consider registering as a Republican to help Cheney win. "I respect what she is trying to do, 100 percent," said Kendall. Brendan Buck, once a top aide to former House Speaker Paul Ryan, was less sanguine about her future. "This is a Republican Party that reflects the base, and it's a base that wants what Donald Trump is selling." Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside a company building in Shanghai, China (Photo : REUTERS/Aly Song) The Chinese government has turned its western Xinjiang province into essentially an "open-air prison," a U.S. State Department official said on Wednesday as the department published a report that criticized China's persecution of religious minorities. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in January said that China's actions in Xinjiang constitute crimes against humanity and genocide, a verdict his successor, Antony Blinken, has said he agrees with. Advertisement China rejects the claim and says it is countering extremism in Xinjiang. Daniel Nadel, a senior official in the State Department's Office of International Freedom, said the situation has shifted from the use of what China calls "vocational education and training centers" to detain ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslims, to the use of surveillance "to essentially turn the entire region into an open-air prison". "People's movements are closely tracked. You have minders who have been assigned to live with Uyghurs to keep tabs on them. You have people going to the market who have to check in every time they go to a different market stall," he said at a press briefing. The oppression of Muslims was "the culmination of decades of repression of religious adherents" in China, Nadel added. The State Department report, an annual update on religious freedom around the world, also detailed China's persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual group. Blinken announced that he was also imposing a visa ban on Chinese official Yu Hui and his family for Yu Hui's involvement in arbitrary detentions of Falun Gong followers. An anti-coup protester walks past burning tires after activists launched a "garbage strike" against the military rule, in Yangon, Myanmar (Photo : REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo) Myanmar security forces fired shots and arrested about 30 people at an anti-coup rally in the country's second-biggest city on Wednesday, witnesses said, as protesters kept defying a months-long crackdown by a junta struggling to impose order. Chaos erupted in Mandalay, a hotbed of anti-military sentiment, when plainclothes police emerged from vehicles minutes into a protest, firing guns and beating demonstrators who fell as hundreds fled, according to four witnesses. They said they saw about 30 people arrested. Advertisement "There are no words to describe their cruelty," Aung Pyae Sone Phyo, 21, a protest leader, told Reuters. "They used enormous force to crack down on us. More than 10 military vehicles filled the little ward, they blocked every road in the area," he said. "We will keep doing what we are doing until our revolution prevails." Myanmar has been gripped by protests and deadly violence since the military seized power from an elected government on Feb. 1, unleashing an outpouring of public anger and international condemnation of the junta's lethal response. Many demonstrators back a National Unity Government (NUG), an anti-junta coalition that has declared itself Myanmar's legitimate authority and pushed hard for international recognition and support. The State Department said on Wednesday U.S. officials had held conversations with the NUG where it outlined its inclusive vision for a diverse, unified, federal democracy. "The U.S. will continue to support all those working peacefully to restore Burma to the path of democracy and urges the military to cease its violent actions and release all those unjustly detained," a State Department spokesperson said. GROWING UNREST Hnin, a frontline protester in Mandalay, said security forces held demonstrators to the ground, beating some and confiscating many motorcycles. "They pushed their faces to the wall. Some were beaten by the soldiers and plainclothes security members," she said. A junta spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. Myanmar has seen a succession of small explosions in recent weeks, some at government offices and military facilities, while several junta-appointed administrators have been fatally stabbed. A group calling itself the People's Defence Force in Tamu in the central Sagaing region said it had killed 15 security personnel in separate clashes on Tuesday night and early on Wednesday. State MRTV in its nightly news said one member of the security forces was wounded in an attack by "terrorists". It followed an ambush that killed three soldiers on Monday, claimed by another militia in Sagaing, just days after the NUG announced the formation of a People's Defence Force to fight the military. Military-controlled media said 39 people had been arrested across the country on suspicion of orchestrating explosions and arson attacks, as well as seeking military training with an ethnic minority rebel group. It said 48 "handmade mines", 20 sticks of TNT, gunpowder, detonators, fuses and other material had been seized in a raid. With 783 people killed in the suppression of protests, according to an advocacy group, some supporters of the ousted government have sought military training with insurgents that have battled the military for decades in remote border regions. The United Nations cites the same death toll. Reuters is unable to independently verify casualties and the military has imposed restrictions on the media, internet services and satellite broadcasts. The military ruled Myanmar, once known as Burma, from 1962 to 2011 before launching a phased transition to democracy that led to unprecedented economic and political reforms and modernisation under a quasi-civilian government. But its intervention after only a decade has rekindled memories of oppressive rule and economic mismanagement that pro-democracy groups say people will not tolerate again. The military said it seized power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won in a landslide by Aung San Suu Kyi's party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair. The United States, European Union and Britain have imposed targeted sanctions on the generals and the military's businesses, while activists have urged the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar. The Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday approved a new royal decree that recognizes food-delivery riders from digital platforms, such as Glovo and Just Eat, as employees and not self-employed workers. Today is a day of great satisfaction, said Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. According to Diaz, with the approval of the law, Spain has become a world leader on this issue. The world and Europe are both looking to us, she added. The so-called Rider law is the product of six months of negotiations between unions and business associations, which reached an agreement to reform the labor rights of food-delivery riders in March. These negotiations began after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a former worker for Glovo last September, arguing that the relationship that exists between a rider and the Glovo business is of a professional nature. This was the first time that Spains top court had recognized food-delivery workers as employees, rather than being self-employed. This law protects the most vulnerable because it affects the young people of our country and thats why what we are doing is so important Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz The Supreme Court ruling meant that Spanish businesses had a duty to reform labor relations with food-delivery riders. But if there were any doubts about their status, these have been eradicated by the new law. This law protects the most vulnerable because it affects the young people of our country and thats why what we are doing is so important, said Diaz. According to the labor minister, who is also a deputy prime minister, 16,794 people have had their work status regularized thanks to the efforts of inspectors. This has had an economic impact of 29 million, she said. The new law comes into force once it is published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). From that moment, businesses have three months until August 12 to make the necessary changes to their working relationships with food-delivery riders. Many companies in Spain take advantage of what is known in the United States and the United Kingdom as the gig economy, a term that refers to workers who are self-employed and work temporary, flexible jobs such as delivering food from a range of establishments to customers. But in recent years, workers in this sector have been demanding recognition as salaried staff and petitioning for the corresponding rights, such as sick leave and paid vacation time. The new law, however only affects food-delivery riders, not workers of other digital platforms, such as ride-hailing apps. Algorithm transparency The law also makes it mandatory for all businesses to inform food-delivery riders about how algorithms and artificial intelligence affect their working conditions, hiring decisions and layoffs. Now algorithms are going to be put at the service of the majority in society, said Diaz. All commercial companies today use artificial intelligence in one way or another and it is key for us to be courageous and fearlessly govern the technological transition. The minister also announced the creation of an expert committee that will assess the government and study the good use of artificial intelligence and algorithms in labor relations. Diaz explained: We will need collective knowledge so that when we reach a more advanced position we will have the aptitude with respect to how we address the use of artificial intelligence in work relations. Disparate responses The approval of the new law sparked varying responses from unions and business associations. Although the legislation is set to give food-delivery riders more security, it has been rejected by the Delivery Workers United movement on the grounds that it will lead to job losses. Protesters carry a banner with the message: "Stop Rider law, I am a self-employed worker" outside Congress on Tuesday. Isabel Infantes / Europa Press Pepe Alvarez, the secretary-general of the UGT workers union, which took part in the negotiations, celebrated the move on Tuesday. This is a law that is going to put things in order, he said during a television interview with the news program La hora de la 1 on state broadcaster TVE. Carlos Gutierrez from the labor union CCOO, which also took part in the negotiations, likewise welcomed the law, but said it should have gone further. This is a law that goes in the right direction because it strengthens the working relationship between riders and forces businesses to offer transparency on the new ways of managing workforces, like the use of algorithms, he said. But he added: The text is not as ambitious as we would have liked. We believe that we could have gone further and regularized the different work realities that occur on these digital platforms. But the leading association of food-delivery platforms APS, which represents Deliveroo, Stuart, Glovo and UberEats, said it opposes the law. In a press release issued Tuesday, APA warned that the decree jeopardizes the development of a sector that contributes more than 700 million to Spains GDP. The association also criticized the fact that the law was passed as a royal decree meaning it was not subject to parliamentary debate and without consulting restaurants, platforms, and more surprisingly, the delivery workers themselves. The APA also slammed the law for making it mandatory for platforms to make their algorithms more transparent. While Spain claims to be a start-up nation, this is the first law in Europe that includes the obligation for technological business to reveal their algorithms, the press release added. But not all food delivery platforms opposed the law. Just Eat Takeaway, the parent company of Just Eat, celebrated the new regulation, claiming it builds the necessary legal security to operate according to two fundamental principles: to guarantee the rights of delivery workers giving them a work contract and to ensure all operators in the sector carry out their activity under the same rules. The company added: Digital platforms have a responsibility to promote the creation of legal, safe and quality work in our country. With reporting by Manuel V. Gomez and EFE. English version by Melissa Kitson. Spains Social Security system could be about to change. Negotiations underway with employer and worker representatives may lead to a new multi-tiered system of contributions for the self-employed based on annual revenue, as well as new benefit reduction rates for early retirement. Paying contributions based on real income, rather than a fixed monthly amount regardless of how much they make, has been a longstanding demand by some leading freelancer associations, although not everyone agrees. Social Security Minister Jose Luis Escriva has made the proposal to the main labor unions UGT and CC OO as well as to the employer groups CEOE and Cepyme, the contents of which are detailed in a 14-page document that EL PAIS has seen. Although a deal has been described as imminent, ministry sources cautioned that there are still several options on the table, and that this may not be the definitive text. The document also details new benefit reduction rates for early retirement: there would be a reduction of up to 21% for people who stop working 24 months before their full retirement age, and 2.81% for those who stop one month early. Also under the new rules, there would be 13 contribution brackets for the self-employed, who would pay a monthly amount anywhere between a minimum of 90 up to a maximum of 1,220, depending on their income. There are substantial changes to the way the self-employed pay into the system. Right now, with a few exceptions, it is possible to choose ones contribution base, which in turn determines the monthly fee to pay, regardless of actual income. There is a minimum payment to make even for the lowest earners. Right now, 85% of Spains self-employed have opted for the lowest available contribution base, which is 944. This amounts to a monthly payment of around 250 or more for most freelancers. By comparison, the lowest base for salaried employees is 1,108, although the employer covers much of that contribution. Instead, Escriva is proposing the creation of 13 contribution brackets based on the self-employed workers income. The new system would be introduced next year, although its effects would not be felt until 2023, and there would be a transition period spanning nine years. Under this system, the self-employed would choose their contribution base according to their estimated revenue, and they could alter this up to six times a year. In the event of a mismatch between contributions and real revenue at the end of the year, contributors would either make an additional payment or request a refund. Pensions The ministrys proposal also reviews the Spanish pension system. In line with union demands, it talks about linking pension upgrades to price index evolution, instead of to the Social Security systems financial situation. The document also seeks ways to push the real retirement age, now at 64.4 years, closer to the legal full retirement age, which is between 65 and 66 years in 2021. One way is by introducing tougher benefit reductions for people who retire early. Under the scheme, a worker who paid into the system for under 38.5 years and wanted to retire two years ahead of time would get a 21% reduction on his or her benefits, compared with 16% under the current system. The rate would shrink with every month that early retirement is delayed, instead of quarterly as now. For those who paid into the system for a longer period of time than 38.5 years, the reductions would be smaller. As for non-voluntary early retirement caused by a collective layoff (ERE), company bankruptcy or for what is known as objective dismissals, there are also new reduction rates. English version by Susana Urra. A woman receiving a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the WiZink center in Madrid on Wednesday. JUAN MEDINA / Reuters The Andalusia and Madrid regions, both of which are governed by the conservative Popular Party (PP), voiced their complaints on Wednesday at a meeting with other regional chiefs and the central Health Ministry about the delay on a decision as to whether a second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should be administered to the under-60s. Officials from both regions called on the ministry to find a quick solution to this problem, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting of the Inter-Territorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS). Earlier this year, essential personnel under the age of 60 such as teachers, police officers and prison guards, among others were given their first dose of AstraZeneca. However, its use among younger sections of the population was put on hold by Spain after the vaccine was shown to be associated with very rare cases of blood clots. Since then, the Health Ministry has been due to make a decision about whether this group should get their second shot of the same medication, should get a different vaccine such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or should not get another dose at all. Early results from a recent UK study show an increase in adverse reactions when two different vaccines are combined. Researchers found up to three times as many cases of fever, fatigue and muscle and joint pain among people who had received a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, compared with those who received two shots of the same one. The ongoing study has not found more serious side effects. The health department is considering ways of ensuring that no dose is wasted, and that voluntary administration is an option for the 140,000 people who have received the first shot Madrid premier Isabel Diaz Ayuso The regional premier of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, threatened on Wednesday morning to start using AstraZeneca for these second shots with or without the blessing of the central Health Ministry, a position that was backed by Andalusia. Diaz Ayuso has long been at loggerheads with the central administration a coalition of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and leftist Unidas Podemos over its handling of the pandemic, and just last week she swept to reelection at a regional poll thanks to her position on issues such as the lax coronavirus restrictions that have been enforced in Madrid during recent months. The health department is considering ways of ensuring that no dose is wasted, and that voluntary administration is an option for the 140,000 people who have received the first shot, said the regional premier during her first news conference following her election victory on May 4. Diaz Ayuso noted that if the central government does not make a decision soon, in the next days and weeks [the doses] will have to be applied so the effect of the first one is not lost. Despite this pressure, plus the fact that the 12-week period recommended between AstraZeneca shots has now started to expire for the first people who received the vaccine, the ministry is insisting on waiting another week until the first results arrive from a clinical trial being carried out by the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid. The final decision, Health Minister Carolina Darias insisted, would be taken by the Public Health Commission. A spokesperson from the Carlos III Health Institute has confirmed that the preliminary results of the trials will be available next week. The study, meanwhile, will continue for several months, but the early information along with research carried out in other countries will help the ministry to take a decision. Yesterday it emerged that three Canadian provinces and Norway have also decided to stop using AstraZeneca, in the formers case due to an increase in blood clot cases. The Canadian authorities estimate that the risk is one case in 60,000 doses administered rather than one in 100,000, the Efe news agency reported. Norway, whats more, has also suspended the use of the Janssen vaccine, which has been connected with similar cases of clots and the use of which has just been approved in Spain for the under-60s. Beating the virus Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Health Minister Darias insisted that Spain would be sticking to its current strategy. The contexts are different in each country and the decisions must be made according to their needs, she said, in reference to the different options taken by European governments and the fact that Spain is not currently following the recommendations of the European Medicines Agency to administer the second AstraZeneca dose. Darias also expressed optimism about the progress of the epidemic in Spain, while at the same time calling for caution. We are beating the virus, she stated. The cumulative incidence, of 173 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days, confirms this ongoing fall, of nearly 2.2% a day. We are on the right path, but we have to continue to persevere with the measures that we know to be efficient. She was even more optimistic about the vaccination campaign and its current speed. More than 30% of the population has now received one dose, she continued. Vaccination is the best news we have to keep the virus in check and to start the economic recovery, she concluded. With additional reporting by Miguel Angel Criado and Juan Jose Mateo. English version by Simon Hunter. Europe is aging, as confirmed by population projections from the European Unions statistics agency, Eurostat. If demographic trends persist, the average age on the continent will rise to 49.1 years by 2050, a leap of four years from 2019. And in 30 years time, four of the European regions with the oldest populations will be in Spain. Zamora tops the list, with an average age of 62.7 by 2050. Leon comes in fourth place, with an average age of 60.5; and Asturias and Ourense come in ninth and 10th with an average age of 59.1. According to Eurostats projections, the number of people aged 65 and over living in the 31 countries analyzed the EU plus Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland will increase by more than 40 million, from 93 million to 134.5 million. However, demographers stress that, as with all population projections, these figures depict a scenario that will only play out if the demographic trends calculated by Eurostat on January 1, 2019, are maintained regarding the three variables of births, deaths and immigration. If any one of these variables shift, so will the scenario. It is also worth noting that the study predates the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a significant impact on all aspects of society, with peaks in mortality, falls in fertility and changes to migration. It is therefore unlikely that the data for 2020 and 2021 will conform to the Eurostat forecasts. Moreover, depending on the duration of the economic and social crisis, it is possible the impact will be sustained over a longer period of time. But, according to Diego Ramiro, director of the Institute of Economics, Geography and Demography at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the major trends will persist within the 30-year time frame used by Eurostat. The average age in Zamora will rise by 10 years from 52.4 in 2019 to 62.7 in 2050 The trends are clear. Eurostat has studied 1,216 regions or provinces in the case of Spain in 31 countries. Almost nine out of 10 will have a higher average age in 2050 than in 2019. Not all areas will age at the same rate. The fastest aging populations are expected to be those located mainly in Eastern Europe the Baltic countries, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria; and southern Europe Italy, Spain and Portugal. For the 160 fast-aging regions, Eurostat predicts an increase in the average age of at least eight years. In Zamora, for example, it will rise by 10 years from 52.4 in 2019 to 62.7 in 2050. There is a perfect demographic storm, says Albert Esteve, director of the Center for Demographic Studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. He explains that Zamora has a population that is already aging, where few young people live. Those who remain have few children, and there is little immigration. By contrast, the North African exclave city of Melilla, which is predicted to be the third region with the lowest average age in 2050 (36.6), has a high fertility rate and a great deal of immigration. According to Esteve, the average age is rising because there are not enough children and not enough immigrants [to lower the average age]. He also points out that residents in Spain are having fewer children than they would actually like, given that the majority want two yet the average number of children per woman is 1.24, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). It should be noted that this data was also gathered prior to the pandemic a period that has exacerbated the decline in the birth rate. They are not having children because the labor and economic conditions are not right, not because they dont want them, says Esteve. The age for having children is being pushed back, which can mean that, by the time people feel ready to have a family, they face fertility problems, he says. Esteve also points out that even if the birth rate in Spain were to suddenly soar, the average age would not rise proportionally because of the high numbers of baby boomers, who are now approaching their senior years. As they are numerous, they carry significant weight, he says, adding that the hope is that immigration will put the brakes on the aging trend. According to Eurostat predictions, the provinces of Zamora and Ourense will continue to have the oldest populations in Europe by the turn of this century. Meanwhile, Ramiro, from the CSIC, stresses that the rise in age has nothing to do with a general demographic decline. Except during the last year when it lost some of its population, Spain has the largest population it has ever had, with 47 million inhabitants, he says. He also maintains that we cannot talk about aging without talking about the quality of life, insisting that it is not the same to be 60 now as it was 30 years ago. We have to take into account how the aging happens; whether people are active and in good health, he says. Many EU countries, in fact, are delaying retirement age, because many people reach the end of their working life healthy enough to continue working in good conditions. Population loss Two-thirds or 802 of Europes regions will have lost a percentage of population by 2050 compared to 2019. That contrasts with the 414 that will experience population growth, according to the projections. The regions with the greatest decline, percentage-wise, are those furthest east, from Finland through the Baltic countries to Romania and Bulgaria; also Greece and southern Italy; and Portugal and northwestern Spain. Eastern countries have experienced outgoing migration in recent years, says Ramiro. They mainly lose young people, who migrate to other areas of Europe. This accelerates the aging of their populations and is what is happening in Romania, Latvia and Lithuania, for example. Something similar is happening on the Iberian peninsula. This can be seen clearly along the border with Portugal, known as La Raya, adds Ramiro. In Spain, the population in areas such as Madrid, Barcelona and the Levantine coast is growing at the expense of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. A trail of young people is leaving inland Spain to move to regions with better job opportunities. Large urban areas are not only growing at the expense of rural areas in Spain, but on the continent as a whole. Eurostat predicts that the population will grow in almost three out of five urban regions and fall in four out of five rural areas. In January 2019, 40.2% of people lived in predominantly urban areas, 39.2% in semi-urban areas and 20.6% in rural areas. Virtually all rural areas 335 out of 423 will lose population by 2050. And in 19 countries, urban populations will have grown, from 2.3% in Croatia to 39% in Iceland. In Spain, the increase will be 11.9%. Young people are concentrating around the economic supply, which is located in the big cities or near the big cities, says Esteve. English version by Heather Galloway. Spain is starting to gain ground over the coronavirus. According to the latest Health Ministry report, infections remain at very high levels, coming in on Wednesday at 173 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days. But the progress of the vaccination drive and the restrictions that have been in place to slow the spread of the virus have softened the effects of Covid-19 on the worst parameter of the pandemic: the number of deaths. Since the vaccination program began to take effect at the start of the year, the numbers of Covid-19 victims have fallen dramatically. The effect of the vaccines, which protect people from serious illness and death, as well as the fall in transmission due to social restrictions, have accelerated this descent. Since the end of January, weekly Covid-19 deaths have gone down by 90%. As well as vaccination, the restrictions have had an influence, bringing down cases and as a result hospitalizations and deaths Salvador Peiro, epidemiologist at the Fisabio health and biomedicine foundation Spain was dealing with the third wave of the virus when the first vaccines were administered on December 27, 2020. The first round of shots was more symbolic than anything else: 10,000 doses that were distributed in senior residences, which suffered the most from the effects of the virus and as such were top of the list when it came to who should get protection first. The vaccines used at the start required two doses and the first shot did not start to take effect until 15 days after its administration. By the end of January, just when the third wave peaked with 900 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on January 27, the first injections began to have an effect and deaths, in particular in senior residences, began to fall. According to data from the Imserso institute for seniors and social services, in the last week of January 778 elderly people died in care homes due to Covid-19. But in recent months, and with such places completely protected, the number of victims in such centers has plummeted: just six deaths between April 26 and May 2, the last week for which there is consolidated data. The cases that the third wave generated were seen in January and February and could not be stopped, because the infections had already taken place, explains Daniel Lopez-Acuna, a former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization (WHO). Not until we started to vaccinate and the time had passed to generate immunity did infections and cases start to plummet. Vaccination drive in Barcelona. Enric Fontcuberta / EFE The vaccination of the general population is going slower, but the effects on the protection of the more vulnerable age groups 89% of the over-60s now have at least one dose are already starting to influence the global curve. As well as residences, the over-80s have already got full protection thanks to the vaccines, while the coverage of the 70-79 group is around 50%. All of this, combined with the fall in transmission thanks to social restrictions, has had an effect on the fall of Covid-19 deaths in Spain: from 3,722 in the last week of January, to 366 the week of April 26 to May 2, according to the consolidated data from the National Network of Epidemiological Monitoring. In the general population there is not sufficient vaccine coverage to break the infection chain, but given that global mortality is closely linked to age, when we cover the more vulnerable age groups, the impact is consolidated, explains Amos Garcia, the president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association. In Spain, 20.6 million doses have been administered, with 30% of the population having received at least one shot and 13.7% (6.5 million people) enjoying full protection. The experts consulted by EL PAIS stress that the vaccination campaign has been key to bringing down mortality rates but that it is not the only factor that has contributed to this fall. As well as vaccination, the restrictions have had an influence, bringing down cases and as a result hospitalizations and deaths, explains Salvador Peiro, an epidemiologist at the Fisabio health and biomedicine foundation in Valencia. After the relaxation of measures at Christmas, the regions once again took severe control measures, such as limiting meetings, reducing opening hours for bars and restaurants, and confining areas with high incidence rates, among others. In residences, from February onward, we clearly saw the effect of the vaccines, Peiro continues. In the rest of the population it is slower and we are seeing two mixed factors: restrictions and vaccines. But as vaccination advances, fewer and fewer older people are suffering from serious illness. Some 95% of the victims of this pandemic were over the age of 60. If we protect them and free ourselves of this, the outlook changes completely. The number of Covid-19 deaths fell from 3,722 in the last week of January to 366 the week of April 26 to May 2 This combination of vaccination and restrictive measures to bring down the incidence has also seen global hospitalizations fall by 77%, although in the intensive care units (ICUs), the pace is different. ICU hospitalizations dont have the same effect because there has been a shift to younger ages and longer stays, Lopez-Acuna warns. With the vaccination drive, the age of people with infections and who are hospitalized in ICUs has fallen from 42 to 40 for the former, and 63 to 60 for the latter, according to the Health Ministry. This might be linked to the fact that young people tend to resort to medical services later and arrive weaker, explains Garcia. And the aggressive nature of variants [of the coronavirus] is also an element that needs to be monitored. Peiro agrees: We have a certain perception that the cases that are arriving in the ICU are now more serious than before, and we have been discussing whether that could be due to the British variant, but this is yet to be studied. The younger the age of someone who becomes infected, the lower the risk of ending up in the ICU, but the hospitalizations of younger people, the experts stress, are indeed getting longer. In some cases, they are lasting more than 100 days. And it will be difficult, they add, to empty out the ICUs. Theyre there for longer because they are candidates for everything: theyre very young and we have to fight for them until the very end, Ricard Ferrer, the ICU chief at the Hospital Vall dHebron in Barcelona, told EL PAIS several days ago. The longer stays are a collateral effect of the mortality having fallen. According to the latest data from the Health Ministry, in the last seven days a total of 261 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19. Thats to say, an average of 37 victims a day. But while these figures are more immediate, they are not yet definitive due to the chance of reporting delays skewing the figures. In fact, only the data from the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid offer consolidated and trustworthy figures. According to its latest reports, between April 26 and May 2, there were 366 deaths around 52 a day. Whatever the case, the trend is falling, but there is still a way to go before Spain reaches zero. We still dont have the over-60s fully covered and the vaccine is not 100% effective, explains Lopez-Acuna. It reduces the risk, but it doesnt eliminate it. We cannot accept 80 or even 50 deaths a day. We have turned the figure into a parameter and we are not seeing the people who are behind the numbers Daniel Lopez-Acuna, former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization An example of this was the case of an 84-year-old who was vaccinated in January in a residence in Vitoria, in northern Spain. She died from Covid-19, according to the local council in the city. A study by the Health Ministry reveals that the effectiveness of the vaccination drive in residences is between 81% and 88% the shots have avoided 71% of hospitalizations and 82% of deaths. Bringing the death toll down to zero will currently be an impossible task, say the experts. The victims that are appearing [in the statistics] now are people who died some time ago and are only just being notified, or cases that have spent a month or two in intensive care, Peiro explains. If you look at the infection dates, the curve does indeed change. The new deaths that the Health Ministry includes in its reports 108 on Wednesday, for example tend to correspond to prior days or even weeks due to delays in reporting from the regions. We cannot accept 80 or even 50 deaths a day, warns Lopez-Acuna. We have turned the figure into a parameter and we are not seeing the people who are behind the numbers. We have become anesthetized. While the incidence is high, we will have a degree of mortality. We need to see the incidence fall below 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the deaths to be reduced. Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, the Health Ministry has recorded more than 79,000 official coronavirus deaths. But the real figure is likely to be much higher, given that testing was limited at the outset of the pandemic and many thousands of people died before they could be diagnosed. English version by Simon Hunter. In the early 1970s, Apolinar Ceballos was a trainee pilot who had just arrived on the military airbase of Pie de la Cuesta, on the coast of Guerrero state in Mexico. A teacher informed him one afternoon that he had been selected for a special mission and he could tell no one about it. Ceballos would see some strange things, he was told, but he was to follow orders and not breathe a word. His first mission began at dawn. He was in charge of the plane and his teacher was his co-pilot. Before taking off, he could hear footsteps and voices as he sat in the cockpit. This package is heavy, someone said. This one is light. After half an hour in the air, he was ordered to slow down, cruise as low as possible over the sea and wait for instructions. Ceballos heard them drag the packages over the edge and open one of the plane doors. Ready! someone shouted. The mission had been accomplished. The bundles that Ceballos heard being dragged over the floor of the plane were corpses the bodies of peasant farmers, teachers, activists, students and doctors executed by the Mexican police and army and sent to a watery grave in the Pacific. They were the victims of one of the darkest episodes of the Mexican Dirty War, which we are only beginning to understand five decades on. In March 1971, Plan Spiderweb was launched by the Mexican military. The main mission is to locate groups of thugs, then capture or neutralize them, reads a now declassified secret report seen by EL PAIS, which was signed by Hermenegildo Cuenca Diaz, then defense minister and commander-in-chief of the army. The letter was addressed to the military forces of Guerrero. The shadow of repression already hung over the military following the Tlatelolco massacre of hundreds of unarmed civilians in Mexico City in 1968, but Plan Spiderweb marked the point when the persecution of dissidents became systematic. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) ruled Mexico for seven decades from 1929 onwards, and would perpetuate its tactics until at least the end of the 1980s. Hermenegildo Cuenca Diaz during a speech. Cortesia Mexican guerrillas in the 1970s were drawn from the poorest and most desperate sectors of society, unlike the more middle-class elements who led the revolution in Cuba. While the PRI regime welcomed political refugees from those fighting dictatorships in Argentina or Chile, any attempt to speak out about Mexican society and agitate for change was met with swift retribution. The trauma of this era has barely been touched in Mexico. Transitional justice, which aims to respond to widespread human rights violations through the mechanisms of truth commissions, preserving evidence and witness testimony, and state reparations, has not met international standards. The open wound of this era has also bled into the new violence caused by drug trafficking cartels. As a result, figures for the number of dead targeted for political reasons are hard to come by. The Truth Commission of Guerrero, which has faced harassment and blocked access in attempts to investigate Dirty War-era crimes, put the number of disappeared at 788 in 2014. More recent records place that figure at 900 people. The evidence is even more patchy when it comes to counting the victims of death flights, with testimonies ranging from a hundred missing to more than a thousand. At the center of this black hole of information is General Arturo Acosta Chaparro, a sinister figure who served as police chief in Guerrero, the epicenter of the Dirty War. In 2002, he was accused by a military tribunal of murdering and tossing at least 143 people into the ocean. He was never convicted. He retired with full honors and became embroiled in accusations of drug trafficking until 2012, when two hitmen drove by on a motorcycle and shot him three times in the head in broad daylight. He was 70 years old. Mario Arturo Acosta Chaparro at a trial in 2002, where he was judged for his involvement with drug trafficking. Oswaldo Ramirez / Cuartoscuro The testimonies of pilots such as Ceballos and other military personnel appeared in the summary of the 2002 trial. Chaparro not only planned the murders but preferred to kill his victims personally, always using the same method a single shot in the back of the head with a .380-caliber revolver. Once executed, a nylon bag was placed over the head and tied around the neck of the victim to avoid leaving traces of blood. The corpses were then placed inside tarpaulin sacks filled with stones. The sack was then sewn shut and taken to the waiting plane. Chaparro always used the same pistol for the executions, which he baptized la espada justiciera or, the righteous sword. Military mechanic Monroy Candia testified in the trial that he participated in 15 death flights, carrying a total of 120 corpses. Chaparro was on board and gave the orders. Monroy also stated that on some occasions the bodies inside the sacks were still moving and were thrown into the sea alive. Captain Roberto Hicochera was another who gave a statement: He did not want to ask questions or interfere in anything, because there were rumors that the Arava plane was used to throw people into the sea. He only said that he knew the flights took off at dawn, went offshore, and that at a certain point they would slow down and then return. The blood and glamor of Acapulco The beach town of Acapulco in Guerrero became the playground of Hollywood jet setters in the 1950s, and it wasnt uncommon to spot stars such as Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth or Cary Grant on the beach. Two decades later, Frank Sinatra and John Wayne, who even bought his own hotel, were still traveling there for margaritas. On the terrace of Waynes Flamingos hotel, high up in the cliffs, you could even see the bay of Pie de la Cuesta and the military base area. Less than half an hours drive from the resort was the place where General Chaparro and his henchmen committed their atrocities. The Pie de la Cuesta military base was one of centers for detention and torture, as well as the take-off point for the death flights. Its where we lost track of my mom. Thats why we think she could have disappeared on one of the flights, Alicia de los Rios, daughter of a guerrilla leader from the era, tells EL PAIS. Named Alicia like her daughter, De los Rios was arrested in January 1978 by the Brigada Blanca (or White Brigade), a counterinsurgency group made up of military personnel and members of the Federal Security Directorate (DFS), the PRIs political police. A small plane outside the military base at Pie de la Cuesta. Teresa de Miguel Her daughter has pursued the Mexican state in court for almost 20 years, and only knows her mothers final whereabouts from statements made by another detainee, Alfredo Medina Vizcaino. He was captured in Ciudad Juarez the same year. His statement, seen by EL PAIS, explains how detainees from different parts of the country were taken to the Pie de la Cuesta military base. Vizcaino recounted the torture a pattern that included immersion in water, electric shocks and beatings with iron bars and added that detainees were put in a bathroom where they stayed until the following day. In May 1978, when he emerged he saw De los Rios, and from then on nobody knows. The dates coincide with the period in which the death flights took place, according to one of the few official reports: 30 flights in total between 1975 and 1979. This was the same period in which dictatorships in the south of the continent, such as Argentina and Chile, systematically followed the same practice. My mother went through a process of radicalization that was very common at the time. She came from a farming family, started out in activism but ended up in an armed struggle influenced by the Cuban experience, De los Rios explains. In 1960, Guerrero was the poorest state in Mexico. More than three-quarters of the population worked in the fields and 60% were illiterate. The Mexican guerrillas were fighting for reform in agriculture and access to education, ideals of the 50-year-old revolution that had been hijacked by the authoritarian PRI regime. Professor Genaro Vazquez, one of the guerrilla leaders, even ran in the 1962 elections, which were blocked by the single-party state. In 1968, Guerrero teachers took up arms against the PRI oligarchy, which ran in and decided the result of elections, according to statements in declassified DFS documents. Panoramic view of the military base at Pie de la Cuesta in Guerrero. Teresa de Miguel The kidnapping in 1974 of the PRI candidate for Guerrero governor, Ruben Figueroa, further intensified the repression. Lucio Cabanas and his Party of the Poor, another group of armed teachers, were responsible. After being held under siege in the mountains Cabanas died shortly afterward. With Figueroa installed as governor and Chaparro as his right-hand man, another police and military death squad was born: the Grupo Sangre (Blood Group). Among its objectives were to avenge insults aimed at the governor, people who had problems with the army or drug traffickers, according to the Truth Commission report. Their offensive included the use of helicopters which fired on communities: Reconnaissance continues to be carried out preceded by mortar fire, another military report said. The Truth Commission report states that the authorities had practically unlimited powers to exterminate the guerrillas. Among the detainees, there were even minors, and some of them remained there only because they were relatives of guerrilla leaders or alleged sympathizers, it said. Extreme torture was also used, as revealed by numerous reports by the Human Rights Commission and confirmed by Medina Vizcainos statement. Detainees were tied to a board and submerged in the pocito [a basin full of sewage] ... or [they died] in the simplest way, with a bullet in the head General Chaparros righteous sword once again. Unresolved encounters I thought he was going to shoot me in the back of the head too, recalls Rogelio Ortega, a 65-year-old professor at the Autonomous University of Guerrero who crossed paths with the general as a young man. Over the phone from Acapulco, Ortega tells EL PAIS how he was kidnapped in 1977 as he was leaving his mothers house. He was hooded and bound, and taken to a clandestine prison. He spent 15 days in a tiny cell, unable to lie down, and with the lights on 24 hours a day while a radio blared. Chaparro directed the interrogations. My cell was just after the torture room, so I could smell the blood, says Ortega. Rogelio Ortega in his office in Acapulco (Guerrero), on May 6. Teresa de Miguel At 25 years old, he had been a guerrilla fighter, but had given up on armed struggle by then. Thanks to pressure from his mother, also a teacher from Guerrero, he was released. They waited a few days for my bruises to recede, then took me out and put me in a pickup truck, he says. As they drove along the coastal highway, Ortega thought they were taking him to Pie de la Cuesta. When they took him out of the car, still hooded and tied up, he believed his death was imminent. Before releasing him, Chaparro gave him a warning: We are letting you go because there is a lot of fuss being made for you, but if you are a guerrilla, I will find out and I will come back for you. Chaparro carried out his threat. Less than a year later, he came for Ortega, who managed to escape through the roof of the safe house where he was sheltering. He fled the country to Nicaragua, and then Paris, until he was able to return to Guerrero in the 1990s. It was kind of a pact where they told me they preferred to have me at the university to keep an eye on me rather than have me in hiding, he says. Ortega, who in 2014 was appointed interim governor of the state for a few months, defines the lack of closure that is typical of victims of the Dirty War. There is no serious policy of clarifying what happened in that period. There are no sentences for those responsible and the state has not acknowledged publicly that the army participated in it all, says lawyer Santiago Aguirre, director of the Prodh Center, which works with victims to file legal complaints. Rogelio Ortega (c) in the period before he was detained and tortured in a clandestine prison in Acapulco. Alfredo Castro In Argentina, Uruguay and Guatemala, Aguirre notes, truth commissions have managed to get to the bottom of the crimes of the past. Initiatives such as the Special Prosecutors Office for Social and Political Movements of the Past, instated after Mexicos democratic opening of 2000, and the Truth Commission of Guerrero were failures, he believes. Both were torpedoed by higher powers such as the army and prosecutors office and forced to abandon their work unfinished. Aguirre points out another Mexican particularity. The new context of drug violence has ended up diluting the idea that the disappeared are a thing of the past. Mexico needs extraordinary measures to face up to a human rights crisis that has its roots in the Dirty War and which has not ceased since then. There is no comparison on the continent, he says. The Mexican army in Guerrero. DARIO LOPEZ-MILLS / AP Ortega also embodies this continuity. Before escaping abroad, he took refuge for a few months at Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College, the same school where 43 students disappeared in 2014 allegedly at the hands of an alliance of criminals and corrupt police. The disappearance of the poor students, who came from a forgotten rural world, led to the fleeting appointment of Ortega as governor. Their unsolved disappearance is considered one of the events that has hit Mexico the hardest in recent years, and questions about what happened remain unanswered even today. KYODO NEWS - May 13, 2021 - 16:14 | All, Japan, Coronavirus A 42-year-old mayor in eastern Japan came under scrutiny Thursday as he was inoculated against COVID-19 ahead of the elderly, in the latest case that could raise suspicion about fair distribution amid the country's sluggish vaccine rollout. Shirosato Mayor Osamu Katono in Ibaraki Prefecture told a press conference he received his first dose on April 28 along with other town officials, justifying the move by explaining there had been canceled appointments that day by health care workers, and the doses would have gone to waste. Katono also said he is "equivalent" to a health care worker because he oversees the vaccination site located next to the town hall. "If the mayor, the one who gives the orders, gets infected, it would cause confusion. I don't see a problem with it," he said. Japan last month began inoculating people aged 65 or older, following the vaccine rollout for health care workers in February. The mayor's move could draw backlash as many seniors have been unable to secure bookings by phone or online due to the slow vaccination progress. Deputy Mayor Fujio Nakata, 65, and the head of the town's education board, Hideo Takaoka, 65, also received their first doses of Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine together with the mayor. Katono plans to get his second shot later this month. Nakata later told reporters he is "sorry" because health care workers and senior citizens should have been given a priority. Their case followed that of Sogo Yamana, the 62-year-old mayor of Kamikawa in western Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, inoculated May 6 with a dose that would have gone unused due to a cancellation. He said Wednesday he received the jab for the sake of the town's "crisis management." On Tuesday, the deputy mayor of Nishio in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, apologized after giving priority reservations for COVID-19 vaccinations to the 70-year-old head of a major pharmacy chain and his 67-year-old wife. The government's top spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, told a press conference Thursday any actions lacking fairness would be "truly regrettable" and that administrators should refrain from actions that undermine the public trust. Japan's vaccination program has lagged behind other countries, including Israel, Britain and the United States, with only around 3 percent of its population having taken at least one dose with less than three months until the Tokyo Olympics. While only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use on people aged 16 and older so far, the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga hopes adding Moderna Inc.'s version, possibly later this month, will speed up the process. Japan received its second shipment of the Moderna vaccine on Thursday, the U.S. biotechnology firm's partner Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. said. It is part of a supply agreement for 50 million doses by the end of September. Meanwhile, Taro Kono, the minister in charge of the government's vaccine rollout, called on Keidanren, the country's powerful business lobby, to cooperate in inoculating workers and their elderly family members by setting up vaccination sites within companies and making it easier to take days off. KYODO NEWS - May 15, 2021 - 00:54 | All, Japan CHIBA, Japan - A Japanese freelance journalist detained by security forces in Myanmar in mid-April and accused of spreading "fake news" regarding anti-military protests returned to Japan on Friday after being released the same day. Upon his arrival at Narita airport near Tokyo on Friday night, Yuki Kitazumi, 45, told reporters, "I would like to express my gratitude for people who supported me because many people made an effort (to secure my release)." "I wanted to report on what was going on in Yangon, but I'm frustrated about not being able to do it," he said, expressing his feelings about returning home. Kitazumi also described a menacing atmosphere during interrogation, with his questioner pounding the desk and threatening him with prison. He was not allowed to use a pen while in prison, so he tried to repeat events and details in his mind to keep the memories alive. Kitazumi said he plans to stay in Japan for a while, although he aims to cover developments in Myanmar, saying, "There are lots of things that people in Myanmar asked me to convey to the world." At around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, prison officials told Kitazumi to pack his belongings because he was going home the following day. Japanese Embassy staff met with him at Yangon international airport and found him in good health, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters in Tokyo. The journalist was arrested in Yangon on April 18 and a military spokesman said Thursday night he had been moved from prison to a police facility. According to a state-run newspaper on Friday, Kitazumi had been indicted for supporting the anti-coup civil disobedience movement and riots, and for not complying with visa regulations. The military junta decided to release Kitazumi "in consideration of cordial relations between Myanmar and Japan up to now and in view of future bilateral relations, and upon the request of the Japanese government special envoy on Myanmar's national reconciliation," according to state-run TV on Thursday night. Before Kitazumi was freed, Motegi said Friday morning that the journalist would be released and return to Japan by the end of Friday at the earliest. "It was the result of efforts made by Ambassador Ichiro Maruyama and other people who tried to seek the early release (of the Japanese journalist) through various channels," Motegi said at a meeting of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The journalist, who previously worked at the Tokyo-based Nikkei business daily, had covered anti-government protests and posted information deemed to be critical of the military on social media. Kitazumi had been detained previously while covering an anti-military protest on Feb. 26, but he was released later in the day. Related coverage: Japanese journalist indicted in Myanmar on "fake news" charge Japan envoy speaks with journalist held in Myanmar Japan demands release of journalist held in Myanmar KYODO NEWS - May 14, 2021 - 01:52 | World, Japan, All South Korea has expressed hope for the possibility of holding a summit with Japan amid soured relations over historical issues, as visiting South Korean intelligence chief Park Jie Won met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, a source familiar with the matter said Thursday. South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday the head of the National Intelligence Service conveyed to Suga during the Wednesday meeting in Tokyo the need to improve bilateral ties, citing sources. The Japanese leader echoed the need and Park, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, expressed the view that the current status of the bilateral relationship is not ideal, saying that it "should not remain like this," according to the report. Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae In held telephone talks in September last year. But the two neighbors have not held an in-person summit since December 2019 when Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe and Moon met in China, reflecting the deteriorated ties despite their shared goal of addressing security threats from North Korea with the United States. The Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers held their first talks in more than a year in London earlier this month, but failed to span the divide over bilateral issues. Japan-South Korea relations have sunk to their lowest point in decades following South Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to compensate plaintiffs who were laborers during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Also souring ties is the issue of Koreans forced to work as "comfort women" in Japan's wartime military brothels. The South Korean official also held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with Toshihiro Nikai, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the party's No. 2 in command. The two, who have known each other for about two decades, agreed that both sides should work hard to improve bilateral ties, according to a senior party official who was with Nikai during the conversation. Asked about their meeting in a regular news conference, Japan's top government spokesman Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "The government has been exchanging views and working with foreign intelligence agencies at various levels," but declined to comment further on the basis it pertains to intelligence activities. During his visit to Japan last November, the South Korean official also met with Suga and conveyed to him Moon's willingness to repair bilateral ties. Also Wednesday, Park held talks with Hiroaki Takizawa, Japan's director of Cabinet intelligence, and Avril Haines, U.S. director of national intelligence, according to a Japanese government source. It was the first in-person meeting among the intelligence chiefs of the three countries since Joe Biden became U.S. president in January. Related coverage: S. Korea's Moon vows to resume nuke talks involving N. Korea, U.S. FOCUS: Japan-S. Korea deadlock to continue despite Biden push to mend ties Moon wants to mend ties with Japan, S. Korean spy chief tells Suga New Delhi: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya who was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in London appeared in London's Westminster Court on Monday. Mallya's side argued that he fears for his life in India and the prosecution is now preparing a submission by the Indian government outlining the security measures that will be in place for him. London's Westminster Court will further hear Vijay Mallya's case on 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of December. Mallya said, We all very diligently come to Court after the appearance. He was arrested on extradition request made by the government of India based on money laundering charges against him. Mallya is wanted in India for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore. The liquor baron has repeatedly refused to appear before courts and investigators in India. #WATCH Vijay Mallya says, 'we all very diligently come to Court' after appearing in London's Westminster Court today. pic.twitter.com/JJRlmA2cOQ ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have said that the funds were allegedly laundered to shell companies in more than six countries. Mallya had secretly fled to Britain in March 2016, after defaulting on loan payments to state-owned banks and allegedly misusing the funds. He has been staying in London for over a year now evading arrest. Mallya was arrested and granted bail in London by the Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant on April 18. India in February had made an extradition request to Britain to send back the liquor tycoon to face trial. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In our country, a large number of people are unaware of their rights. One such right is the "right to free legal aid". Everybody in our country has the right to justice under the Constitution, and to ensure that, there is a provision to free legal aid to everyone who cannot afford expensive and quality lawyers services for conducting the legal proceedings for or against them. The Article 39A of Indian Constitution has a provision which ensures free of cost legal services to poor and marginalised section of our society. Article 14 of the Constitution clearly states that no person should be denied equality before the law within the Indian territory. However, the Article 14 is meaningless if a citizen can't get justice because of his poverty. So there is Article 39 A in place which makes it clear to that the "states should provide free legal aid by suitable legislation or scheme or in any other way to ensure justice" is not denied to anybody by reason of poverty or illiteracy. In State of Maharashtra vs Manubhai Pragaji Vashi, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that failure to provide free legal aid to accused will vitiate the trial. In another case of M.H Hoskot vs State Of Maharashtra, Justice KrishnaIyer made it clear that providing free legal services is a state's duty and not govt charity. The section 304 of the Criminal Procedure Code also says that if a court of law finds any accused not able to a pleader, it shall assign one at the cost of state. New Delhi: Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) activists on Sunday got involved in clash with Congress workers over ticket distribution in Surat. The PAAS workers were alleging that they did not get proper representation as it was promised. Congress and PASS reached an agreement over quota on Sunday which was later announced by Bharat Singh Solanki, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee President. Miffed over ticket distribution, PAAS leader Dinesh Patel said that they will oppose Congress if their concerns are not addressed. Surat: Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti workers clash with Congress workers over ticket distribution (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/UWaCfyNZ3F ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 To PAAS members were given tickets in the released list, while the Hardik Patel-led organisation had demanded 20 seats. Around 20 other Patel candidates, who are not members of the PAAS, also find mention in the list. #WATCH Surat: Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti workers clash with Congress workers over ticket distribution (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/uz5fx9oXIc ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 The two who have been given tickets are Lalit Vasoya from Dhoraji and Amit Thummar from Junagadh seat. In Surat, PAAS members ghearoed the city unit office late in the night and indulged in sloganeering against the Congress. "Our community members have not been given proper representation in the list that has been declared. We will not allow any Congress office to function in the state," Surat city PAAS convenor Dharmik Malaviya told reporters. New Delhi: After hearing all sides in the Pradyuman murder case, the Gurugram court has deferred the decision on bail plea by the prime accused, bus conductor Ashok till Tuesday. The hearing session continued for about 30 minutes after which the Gurugram court reserved its order on the bail plea. This is the second deferment after November 16. CBI has not been able to present any evidence against him. Also, DNA has not matched: Mohit Verma, Bus conductor Ashok's lawyer in #PradyumanMurderCase #Gurugram pic.twitter.com/VAhrAfs5q7 ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2017 Pradyuman muder case was argued on the basis of merit and jurisdiction. This is the first of a kind case where there are three jurisdiction. First, the Gurugram police which has produced Ashok as the prime accused. Secondly the CBI according to who another minor is the culprit and third is the Juvenile Justice Board. This has given rise to various complexities in the case including jurisdiction. For example, CBI court is in Panchkula but the hearing is happening in Gurugram. The CBI confirmed that it has not given clean chit to anyone of the accused. The investigation related to the case has not yet been completed but all evidence like forensic, scientific or otherwise has been submitted. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kashmir: Joint security forces gun down one terrorists at Gulshanpora in Jammu and Kashmirs Tral on Sunday. A gunbattle had started between the forces and militants after terrorists attacked a the patrolling party. A senior police officer of Jammu and Kashmir Police said, Joint security forces including 42 Rashtriya Rifles and SOG Awantipora were engaged in search operation in Tral area after we received intelligence inputs regarding few terrorists camping in forested area at Gulshanpora The officer added, Gunbattle between security forces and militants started after terrorists opened fire at the search party. One terrorist was gunned down and he has been identified as Adil Chopaan. In the last 73 hours joint forces in Jammu and Kashmir have gunned down at least six terrorists and arrested three militants having alliance to different terror outfits. The police had arrested three terrorist having alliance with Jaish-e-Mohammad from Badgam area of the valley and recovered arms and ammunition including SLR and pistols from their possession on Sunday. Also read| Jammu and Kashmir: Police arrest 3 Jaish-e-Mohammad militants from Badgam The Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Indian Army and CRPF had gunned down six Pakistani militants having alliance with LeT on Saturday late in Bandipora district. The security forces then had recovered huge cache of munitions from the encounter site. The recoveries included Ak-47, hand grenades, under-barrel grenade launchers. Also read: A mother's love prevailed; aspiring Kashmiri footballer Majid returned home a week after joining Lashkar e Taiba For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj has once again extended support to a Pakistani national for getting an Indian visa. Sabahat Fatima, a citizen of Pakistan had requested Swaraj for an Indian visa for her marriage that is scheduled to be held in Lucknow. "@MEAQuery Kindly help me for getting Indian visa for my wedding function in Lucknow, its a request," Fatima tweeted. The Pakistani national was requesting Swaraj since long for the visa. On Monday, she tweeted again for the help, to which the minister replied that her visa has already been approved and the delay is on her end. "I have approved the visa already. Only you are getting late," Swaraj tweeted. I have approved the visa already. Only you are getting late. https://t.co/cXEJEF97jX Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 20, 2017 ALSO READ: India grants 431 Pakistani Hindus long-term visas, eligible for Aadhar, PAN For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Indias Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected to the last seat of International Court of Justice after Britain withdrew its candidate, Christopher Greenwood from the election. Bhandari received 183-193 votes in the General Assembly and secured all the 15 votes in the Security Council after separate and simultaneous elections were held at the UN headquarters in New York. The elections were held after United Kingdom, in a dramatic turn of events, withdrew out of the race for the Hague-based ICJ, thus paving the way for Bhandaris re-election to the prestigious world court. Bhandari and Britains Christopher Greenwood were locked in a neck-and-neck fight for re-election to the ICJ. The permanent members of the Security Councilthe US, Russia, France and Chinawere understood to have been throwing their weight behind Greenwood. Britain is the fifth permanent member of the Security Council.In a dramatic turn of events, the British Permanent Representative to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, wrote identical letters to the presidents of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, before the two chambers were scheduled to meet at 3 pm (local time) for the 12th round of voting. Read out simultaneously by both the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, Rycroft said that its candidate Judge Christopher Greenwood had decided to withdraw from the election to the 15-membered ICJ. He along with Bhandari were seeking re-election for the nine-year term. In the 11 rounds of voting, Bhandari had got nearly two-thirds of the votes in the General Assembly and in Security Council Greenwood consistently received nine votes as against five for his opponent. This resulted in a stalemate. As per the letter read out simultaneously in the General Assembly and the Security Council, Rycroft said the current deadlock is unlikely to be broken by further rounds of voting. As such he announced withdrawal from the race. With Bhandari being the only candidate left in the race, the General Assembly and Security Council still went through the formal motion of voting to complete the formalities. The voting in the General Assembly which overwhelmingly favours India is reflective of the new global order, which is not pleasant to the world powers. India has been seeking that the democratic process need to be played its full course in both the Security Council and the General Assembly and there should not be an intervention or adoption of a process that has never been used before or the one that undermines the voice of the majority. With PTI inputs For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 24-year-old man, Sachin Rathore, was arrested from Pune on the complaint of Himachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer. As per CEO's complaint, the youth had sent messages to candidates demanding Rs 10 lakh in return for programming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in their favour. Elections in the Hill State were held on November 9 for 68 seats. The counting will be carried out on December 18. While the Himachal Pradesh BJP has expressed confidence of winning at least 50 seats the incumbent Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has said that he is confident that Congress party will be victorious with full majority in elections. We discussed the post-poll situation after getting the feedback from the field and also the reports of undercutting in some places but reached the conclusion that party would form a stable government and win more than 50 seats in the 68-member house, Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti said. Virbhadra Singh said, I am confident of getting the majority in the election and the next Government too will be of Congress. Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Police has chargesheeted three inspector rank officers and two sub-inspector rank officers for dereliction of duty in investigating and lodging FIR in Bhopal Indian Administrative Service (IAS) aspirant gang-rape incident on Monday. Makrand Deuskar, inspector general of police (IG) law and order, confirmed the development. He said, A show case notice has been issued to the Bhopal superintendent of police and A charge-sheet has been filed against three inspectors and two sub-inspectors. A 19-year-old girl was tied up and gang-raped for more than three hours on November 3. The sexual assault had occurred near the Habibganj Railway station, and hardly a few metres from a railway police post. On the unfateful day, the victim took a shorter route to her home around 7pm, when she was grabbed by one of the accused. She tried to rescue herself but her perpetrators overpowered her, tied her and then raped her. The victim and her family members then had told the media that the police officials on duty allegedly did not give ear to her complaint and had refused to investigate. They also had said that the police officials accused them of making up a filmy story. The police had only started investigating after the victim and her family members dragged two of the victims to the police station. On intervention of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan five police were suspended and a case was registered. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: After the Indian Youth Congress's online magazine Yuva Desh on Tuesday posted a derogatory tweet targeting PM Narendra Modi, the party has got into damage control exercise. Suraj Hegde, in-charge of Youth Congress issued an apology and condemned the act. We condemn the act and apologise. We are trying to find out who is responsible for posting the tweet. The page is run by volunteers, said Hegde. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, INC strongly disapproves & rejects such humour through memes. Differences in policy and opinion aside, Congress culture imbibes respect for the PM and all political opponents. INC strongly disapproves & rejects such humour through memes. Differences on policy and opinion aside, Congress culture imbibes respect for PM and all political opponents. https://t.co/RqLOugCHwh Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 21, 2017 Youth Congress Chief Amrinder Singh Raja Brar said Yuva Desh handle is not run by Indian Youth Congress but by volunteers. Issuing an apology he said he strongly condemns the tweet. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has formed a ministerial committee to suggest ways to put an end to the practice of instant triple talaq in the Muslim community. The government is thinking in terms of amending the existing penal provisions or bringing in a new legislation to put an end to this practice. The government, sources told PTI, may rush in the new legislation in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament. The Central government's plans comes in the wake of August 22 Supreme Court judgment that set aside the practice of talaq-e-biddat or instant talaq among Muslims. Even after the apex courts order there have been reports of a number of divorces by way of 'talaq-e-biddat'. Government functionaries added the practice is still being followed because of lack of awareness and the absence of deterrent punishment. Also read: Hyderabad man gives triple talaq to wife over phone, case registered Recently, a woman in Hyderabad claimed her husband gave her talaq over phone on November 13, within one month of their marriage. Earlier this month, a Sanskrit professor at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) gave triple talaq to his wife via WhatsApp. A case was registered by the wife at Civil Lines Police Station in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Takahiro Shiraishi, a 27-year-old man from Japan, and dubbed as "Twitter killer" for allegedly murdering and dismembering nine people he met on social media, has been charged with his first count of homicide on Monday. He lured mostly female victims in the age group of 15 and 26 to his apartment near Tokyo, where he killed them and cut up their bodies, said reports. Shiraishi has admitted to murdering all nine and was charged with the killing of 23-year-old Aiko Tamura. Shiraishi, who allegedly stashed bits of bodies in coolers around his small apartment, is believed to have made contact with suicidal victims on Twitter and offered to help them die. Tamura went missing in October and then her brother succeeded to break into her Twitter account when he noticed a suspicious handle. He then assisted the police to locate and follow Shiraishi who was arrested last month when investigators found him in his apartment with the rotten remains of nine people. Police say Shiraishi choked Tamura on October 23 and then hanged her body inside his apartment "to murder her." "He has told investigators that none of (his victims) truly wished to die. They merely wanted someone to talk to," a spokesman said. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a video, which has gone viral across the internet, two drunk men allegedly misbehaving with the IndiGo staff member are seen apologizing to the latter by touching her feet. In the video, the woman is seen confronting the men and asking them to apologize to her by touching her feet after they tried to harass her in an inebriated condition. Bend completely and touch my feet, the woman is heard telling the men Read Also: Chennai-Doha IndiGo flight suffers bird hit after takeoff, passengers accommodated on different plane The incident took place on Saturday, The student duo was booked for creating a nuisance. Sub-inspector at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport police station Ramesh Naik informed that the crew member did not lodge any complaint against the duo. Read Also: Indigo staff assault: Know this Twitter users witty take on airlines The airline recently grabbed eyeballs for all the wrong reasons, when a passenger was manhandled by IndiGo Airline staff at the Delhi Airport. The video that surfaced the internet on October 15 showed that how staff members forcing a passenger to the ground and starting a fist fight with him. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Ujiarpur MP and Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai on Tuesday expressed regret and withdrew his comments, saying that he had said it as a phrase. Rai had said, "if any hand or finger is raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it should either break it or chop off." He had said,"Your own son rose out of poverty to become PM, regardless of differences everyone in the country should value it. If any hand or finger is raised against him (Modi), we should come together and break it and if need be even chop it off." Maine muhaware ke roop mein kaha tha. Main khed vyakt karta hun aur apne bayaan ko wapas leta hoon: Nityanand Rai, MP & Bihar BJP Chief on his statement that if any hand or finger is raised against PM Modi, we should break it. pic.twitter.com/LjK55L3hKc ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2017 Rai had made the comments during a function called by the Vaishya and Kanu (OBC) communities. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Chairperson of Kerala State Women's Commission MC Josephine was denied permission to visit Hadiya by her father Ashokan KM. Josephine had visited to ensure Hadiya's safety during the journey to Delhi where Hadiya would be presented before the Supreme Court on November 27, the next date of hearing in the case. Kerala State Women's Commission has sought a report from the district police chief regarding the travel arrangements and safety measures of Hadiya. About two-weeks back the National Commission for Women (NCW's) chairperson in-charge Rekha Sharma had met Hadiya and said that Hadiya is in good health and waiting to appear before the Supreme Court on November 27. She is in good health, she has not been beaten up or anything, she is eating her food and she was smiling, she was happy. The woman's health and security were OK, she said after meeting Hadiya at her family home in Vaikom after the apex court directed her father to produce her before it on November 27. The Kerala High Court had annulled her marriage with Shafin Jahan after her parents argued that he was a radicalised person. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that the Centre has taken note of reports about ISIS claiming an attack in the Kashmir Valley that left a police officer dead. Singh said the future course of action would be adopted after taking an appropriate view. Singh, who is the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the recent "back to back" successes achieved against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of the free hand given to security forces to wipe out the militancy which is in its "last phase". "The government has taken cognisance of inputs and the concerned agencies, the ministry of home affairs and the security agencies, are taking an appropriate view and will adopt the future course of action accordingly," he told reporters in Jammu. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)s media wing Amaq News Agency had claimed that they carried out their first attack in India at Srinagars Zakura area. The government said that the claims made by the militant organisation is a matter of investigation and future course of action would be adopted after taking an appropriate view. However, the Jammu and Kashmir top cop SP Vaidya doubted the claims and said, I dont think ISIS has any imprints in the state and it is yet not verified. Three militants on Friday opened fire on a police team at Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing Sub-Inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO). The retaliatory action left a most wanted local militant dead, whose body was wrapped in ISIS flag during the funeral procession. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : The Delhi High Court on Monday suggested to the local authorities to consider airlifting of the 108-foot Hanuman statue in central Delhi to remove the encroachments around it. The court is anguished over illegal constructions in the national capital. Observing that entire skyscrapers have been relocated completely in the United States, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar gave the suggestion while hearing a PIL by an NGO seeking removal of unauthorised constructions and encroachments in the Karol Bagh area in the city. Consider if the statue can be airlifted. Speak to the LG. You know, in the US, entire skyscrapers are shifted as a whole, it said. The court also said if the civic bodies could at even one place show that the law was being enforced, the mindset of the people of Delhi would change. It said enough opportunities have been given to the municipal corporations to enforce the law but no one wants to do it. The matter came up before the bench today as the local authorities were seeking a modification with regard to the police station which would be responsible for implementing the courts November 15 direction to remove encroachments from the area. After modifying the order, the court listed the matter for hearing on November 24. With PTI inputs Former Maldivian President and incumbent Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Nasheed is recovering from the injuries sustained in a bomb attack last week, as per reports. Nasheed was hurt when a device attached to a motorcycle was detonated as he got into a car on Thursday evening, an official said. Nasheed escaped an assassination attempt, a Maldivian government official told Agence France-Presse. He is injured, but his condition is stable. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a close ally of Nasheed, said an investigation was under way as officials rushed to denounce the targeted attack on the countrys second most powerful figure.m Ibrahim said his brother might be transferred abroad for further treatment based on the advice of experts at the ADK Hospital where he was being treated. Strongly condemn the attack on Speaker of Parliament, President Mohamed Nasheed this evening. Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society, foreign minister Abdulla Shahid said in a tweet. My thoughts and prayers are with President Nasheed and others injured in this attack, as well as their families. Nasheed improved greatly in the last few days and was able to sit, speak and drink fluids, Ibrahim said. Nasheed, 53, was injured by a remote-controlled bomb planted in a motorcycle near his car on May 6 in the capital city of Male. Minorities and Human Rights: US Engaging with India on protecting minorities Joe Biden signs executive order aimed at strengthening cybersecurity in U.S UN humanitarian Chief: Antonio Guterres appoints Martin Griffiths Centre Backs Win Leagues During the near 30 years of the Premier League era, we have seen some truly memorable central defensive partnerships on show. From the maiden Premier League season (with Steve Bruce & the vastly underrated Gary Pallister), to the Scottish warrior Colin Hendry & Hennig Berg at Blackburn, its not difficult to visual these defensive rocks. The famous Arsenal rearguard, consisted of the all time great Tony Adams & Steve Bould / Martin Keown. This was followed by Manchester Uniteds giant centre back, the world class Jaap Stam. Stam arrived somewhat unknown, and immediately showed his worth, forming partnerships from of a group of Hennig Berg, David May, Ronny Johnsen & Mickael Silvestre. Jaap Stam was sensational in what proved another dominant spell for the reds devils, prior to his abrupt departure. He is perhaps the leagues best ever defender (not still playing), and his short stay is the only thing stopping all pundits solidifying this fact, in my opinion. Sol Campbell, a defensive monster in his prime, controversially left White Hart Lane for neighboring Arsenal, which enhanced both his and his new clubs fortunes. From here, he formed a solid partnership with club captain Tony Adams and later, the charismatic Kolo Toure. As Chelsea started to creep into recognition (with new ownership allowing mass transfer activity), John Terry was gifted the perfect partner in Roberto Carvalho, Jose Mourinhos most important early signing. the Portugal international organised and gave Terry that assurance, post Marcel Dessailly. Titles soon followed. Manchester United, after some trickery in the market, settled on a new centre back duo. Rio Ferdinand arriving for a mouth watering fee from Leeds, and was partnered with the aggressive Nemanja Vidic. This partnership would become the bedrock to a further re-generation of Fergies squad, winning multiple trophies along the way. Some will point to Vidic as perhaps the leagues greatest ever defender, but much must be made of the partnership truly suiting both himself & Ferdinand. Some years later, the blue half of Manchester arrived onto the title scene, with the leader and dominating centre half Vincent Kompany marshalling with Jolen Lescott to great effect. Later he would ally with others (including Kolo Toure), and they would often peak next to the City captain, such was his level of play. With Leicester City, the first real Premier Laague anomaly occurred. A strange off season for most, ended with with a fairytale Premier League crown coming their way. The Leicester captain, Wes Morgan partnered Robert Huth and they acted as an assured & dominant duo. The likes of NGolo Kante, Riyad Mahrez & Jamie Vardy certainly grabbed the headlines, but the counter attacking abilities were only viable with the solidity in defense. The Leicester defenders held firm, when everyone assumed they would eventually slip. Claudio Ranieri was able to win the Premier League for the city of Leicester, something he was dismissed from Chelsea for failing to do. Order resumed with City winning more titles with Kompany commanding the back line, before Chelsea found the means to win once more. The ever present back four under the Russian reign, was traded for a re-jigged back three, under the managerial excellence of Antonio Conte. It was also only once the midfield pair was switched from a Kante / Fabregas middle two, to a more functional Kante / Matic, that the team really purred. David Luiz worked very well in the middle of a back three, predominantly flanked by the ultra reliable Cesar Azpilicueta & club captain Gary Cahill. Without the change to a three man defensive shape, Chelsea would not have won that league. The early season struggles saw Conte adjust to add the needed solidity at the back, with an ideal two man midfield in front. City regained the league with a late season resurgence of Vincent Kompany, whose leadership and ability to organise his sides off ball formation, proved vital in overcoming Liverpool. Both teams fielded a tremendous defence that year, where both would have been worthy winners. This brings us towards this season and last, where the most important player in each side (arguably), have been Virgil Van Dijk for Liverpool last season, and Ruben Dias of Manchester City. Prior to the arrival of VVD to Liverpool, they were a very strong side that scored lots of goals under Klopp, and were a good shout to finish top 4. The record breaking fee paid to secure Van Dijk from Southampton changed everything. Their ability to grind our low scoring games became immediate, their ability to withstand the opposing onslaught became immense, and their ability to squeeze the pitch and impose mass gegenpressing key. Liverpool, since attaining the huge services of Virgil Van Dijk have won the Champions League & English Premier League (their first in 30 years). They became the best team in the world and have lost their short grasp on the league title due to his injury, in the main. On the flip slide, Manchester City, addressed their weak point in defense with the signing of highly rated Ruben Dias, for a substantial transfer fee, Donald to Van Dijks. This signing seemed to allow the entire defense to settle with his assured presence. Laporte has often been sidelined with injury, which meant a viable weak point saw Manchester City lose last seasons crown to Liverpool, somewhat emphatically. Pep choosing to recruit both Ruben Dias (a great signing), and Nathan Ake for depth, was proved correct as they eased their way to another Premier League triumph. With the Champions League final around the corner, it could be this new found defensive resilience that sees them lift their maiden European Cup, after securing yet another Premier League. The idea that attackers wins games is absolutely true, as they are entertaining and ruthless at their best. To consider some devastating forwards lines (that never took their respective teams to the crown), perhaps gives some perspective. Andy Cole & Peter Beardsley Alan Shearer & Les Ferdinand Fernando Torres & Steven Gerrard (kinda) Robbie Fowler & Stan Collymore Michael Owen & Emile Heskey Luis Suarez & Daniel Sturridge Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink & Eidur Gudjohnsen Harry Kane & Heung Min Son That the defensive structure and personnel can win leagues, is even more so logical, with fullbacks & midfielders able to implement their own game with a reassuring safety net at the teams base. Confidence spreads from a strong rearguard, and drains when a team cannot hold tight. Panic sets in, and that panic soon spreads. Throughout this season, this COVID-19 ravaged campaign, there are key factors. Manchester City, the team that rose to win the league, produced a clinic in defence once they got going. This was done without any real consistent number 9, but with control throughout the pitch, starting at the back. Liverpool, on the other hand, saw all chance taken with an inability to sustain a consistent back line. The midfield could not operate, the famous & electric forward line (with Diogo Jota added) simply could not keep up with so many issues at the back. To win this long season, this gruelling campaign, the defensive solidity and perhaps that holding midfielder are the most important ingredients. These ingredients just may land Pep Guardiola and his all conquering City that elusive first Champions League. Only time will tell. Steven Smith Acquisition With Biden's equity agenda in play, experts talk about making procurement more inclusive Private- and public-sector leaders joined forces at the Code for America summit to share insights and real-world examples on the role government procurement plays in addressing gender discrimination and the historical oppression of communities of color. The "Procurement Pathway to Equity" panel was presented on Wednesday amid a national conversation about the myriad disparities in public spending, and just two days after the Treasury Department revealed state and local governments will have significant control over how they spend $350 billion in relief funds included in the American Rescue Plan Act. Additionally, the Biden administration recently put out a call for comment on the implementation of its equity agenda, in part to seek guidance on how to make participation in federal procurement more inclusive. Michael Owh, chief deputy director for the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department and a panelist at the summit, discussed his own experiences leveraging organizational assets to build sustainable partnerships with underrepresented groups when he was New York City's chief procurement officer. His first year in the position at the New York City mayor's office, Owh said just 8% of addressable spend was going to minority- and women-owned businesses. There were outreach programs and community-driven initiatives across departments, but a lack of emphasis on the buying side about what can be done to further equitable procurement, he said. His team implemented quarterly principal meetings between his office, department heads and deputy mayors to discuss diversity in public spending -- a simple solution that caused the percentage of addressable spend going to minority- and women-owned businesses to more than double in two years, according to Owh. "We put a screen up and had everyone's spend in descending order. It gets very competitive," he said. "The department heads are not necessarily exposed to procurement all the time so now they're looking around going, 'Who do I need to talk to make sure I don't end up on the bottom of that list anymore?'" Kosha Bwenge, senior community building manager at Open Contracting Partnership, moderated the panel, which featured Owh, as well as David Simeon, portfolio director for national security at Fearless, Lauren Lockwood, founder and principal at Bloom Works and ShaKeia Kegler, founder of GovLia. From reviewing and reforming contract policies, to re-examining the ways in which applications and contracts must be written in the first place, the panel explored how systemic barriers preventing diverse vendors from engaging with governments can be dismantled to provide more equitable opportunities. Kegler, whose supplier diversity management firm provides training in diverse vendor outreach and community engagement, said she has seen two major gaps preventing equity in public spending: a notable lack of engagement with diverse communities, as well as a critical need to simplify procurement policies. "It's not just about how much you spend, it's about where you spend," she said. "It's about where that money is going and how it's impacting the community overall, in economic development and economic growth." With the injection of relief funds across state and local governments, and leeway in spending that comes with it, some procurement officials across the country are hopeful investments can go to underrepresented businesses, paving the way for a multiplier effect that can create lasting change. Recent reports show there is much work to be done, however: for example, while the General Services Administration awarded 49% of its total eligible spend to small businesses in 2020, just 10% of that went to women-owned small businesses. National nonprofit online university to provide scholarships to Alpha Phi Alpha members BALTIMORE, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the nonprofit online, Western Governors University (WGU), have announced a new partnership agreement that offers $5,000 scholarships for financially-active Alpha Brothers who enroll in WGU. Tuition is around $3,750 per six-month term for most degree programs. Designed for working adults, WGU offers an asynchronous, competency-based model that allows students to log in and access coursework at a time convenient for them, and to accelerate at their own pace. WGU offers more than 60 bachelors and masters degrees in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Since our inception, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has developed leaders and been a model for academic excellence, said Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This partnership with Western Governors University ensures that our Brothers can pursue an advance degree to expand their current career opportunities and strengthen their professional acumen while still working to support themselves and their families. The Fraternity, which is the nations first intercollegiate fraternity founded by African American men, is one the Divine 9s historic Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOs) that comprises the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). WGUs NPHC Divine 9 Scholarship for Financial Alpha Phi Alpha Members will provide $3,000 in tuition credit for a students first six-month term, and $1,000 in tuition credit for up to two subsequent terms. All applicants must meet WGUs admission standards and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The Fraternity will also provide a unique URL to its members to apply for the scholarships, and WGU will provide an application-fee-waiver code specifically for those members as well. Story continues We are extremely honored to be partnering with such a distinguished organization as Alpha Phi Alpha, said Jason Thompson, WGUs Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. Our vision to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity aligns with Alpha Phi Alphas revered history of fostering academic excellence and developing community leaders. In addition to providing scholarships to Alpha Phi Alpha members who are interested in one of our degrees, we will be collaborating with them on professional development tools to help further their careers. For more information about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu. Learn more about Alpha Phi Alpha at www.apa1906.net. *** About Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American communitys fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, The Honorable Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, and Dr. Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit: apa1906.net and follow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Twitter and Instagram @apa1906network or on LinkedIn as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. About WGU Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 129,000 students nationwide and has more than 214,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nations leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in todays rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu. Attachment CONTACT: Glenn Gillen Western Governors University 919.450.8113 glenn.gillen@wgu.edu Roche executive Neil Gunn brings quarter-century of commercialization experience to infectious disease testing innovator ALAMEDA, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alveo Technologies, Inc., an infectious disease testing leader, announced today biotechnology, diagnostics and medical device executive Neil Gunn has accepted an appointment to its board of directors. Alveo provides a low-cost, easy-to-use infectious disease diagnostic platform. With an initial focus on acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, Influenza A/B and RSV, Alveos be.well diagnostic platform can be adapted to detect a wide range of diseases that threaten public health. Access to real-time results means we will know sooner, act faster and make better-informed decisions toward personalized intervention options. To learn more visit https://alveotechnologies.com (PRNewsfoto/Alveo Technologies) To download a photo of Neil Gunn, click here. Gunn, the retired president of Roche Sequencing Solutions, and current CEO of IDbyDNA, brings more than 25 years of healthcare industry experience to Alveo, with comprehensive knowledge and experience managing global product development, strategy development and commercial operations. Gunn joined Roche in 2008 as Head of Global Business for Roche Molecular, and in 2016 was asked to lead Roche Sequencing Solutions. In this role, Gunn led the sequencing business from an early initial concept to a high-functioning organization of 900 team members across three continents. He also integrated nine acquisitions into the business, centering each around a common vision and strategy. Prior to Roche, Gunn's lengthy international career was predominantly focused on sales, commercial marketing and general management positions, including roles at Pall Medical Ltd., Novartis Diagnostics, and Gambro BCT. Gunn earned a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology and a Master of Science in biology from Portsmouth University in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Nottingham Trent University. As an independent board member, Gunn will advise on overall business plans for Alveo's be.well at-home infectious disease testing platform. Alveo is in the process of seeking Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its be.well COVID-19 Test to allow its sale domestically, as well as developing other diagnostic tests associated with the be.well platform. "During my decades of experience touching all points of the product development lifecycle, I've seen first-hand the many barriers that can derail commercialization strategies," said Gunn. "I'm honored to accept nomination to Alveo's board, where I look forward to offering my perspective on developing the infrastructure that will enable a successful go-to-market campaign." Story continues "As Alveo creates what we hope will be the industry-leading platform for rapid, accessible and affordable infectious disease testing, we are fortunate to welcome a biotech and diagnostics leader of Neil's caliber to our board of directors," said Ron Chiarello, Ph.D., Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Alveo. "With Neil's help shaping our strategy, we look forward to delivering the technology that will bring accurate and rapid infectious disease testing to everyone, anytime, everywhere." About Alveo Alveo is leading the transformation of the consumer health tech market with a low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic platform that will change the way infectious diseases are detected and managed. With an initial focus on acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, Influenza A/B and RSV, Alveo's agile and dynamic be.well diagnostic platform can be adapted to detect a wide range of diseases that threaten public health. Affordable access to real-time results will transform the way individuals, healthcare providers and public health professionals identify and manage disease outbreaks. With be.well, we will know sooner, act faster and make better-informed decisions toward personalized intervention options that benefit individuals and the entire population. To learn more visit https://alveotechnologies.com Media contact: Alveo@acmarketingpr.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alveo-technologies-appoints-veteran-biotech-and-diagnostics-leader-to-board-of-directors-301290717.html SOURCE Alveo Technologies SUZHOU, China and ROCKVILLE, Md., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a globally focused, clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, today announced that according to the latest semi-annual index review results announced by MSCI, a leading provider of index services and analytics, Ascentage Pharma has been selected as a constituent stock of the MSCI China Small Cap Index, effective after the market closes on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Ascentage Pharma Logo (PRNewsfoto/) The MSCI China Small Cap Index is designed to measure the performance of the small cap segment of the Chinese market. The index is comprised of companies with a healthy state of business and strong growth potential, and is widely adopted by the global investment community as a critical decision support reference. To stay up-to-date, the MSCI Indexes are reviewed and adjusted quarterly and semi-annually through the deletion and addition of constituent stocks. After being included into three major indexes including Hang Seng Composite Index, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program last year, this inclusion into the MSCI China Small Cap Index once again demonstrates the strong recognition of Ascentage's R&D capabilities, development strategies, value for investment, and growth prospect by the global capital market. As the first Hong Kong-listed biotech stock focusing on innovative small molecule drugs, Ascentage Pharma has made significant progress in clinical development, external partnerships, and intellectual properties, and expanded global collaborations that are propelling the company further in its transition from an R&D-focused biotech to a full-fledged biopharmaceutical company with capabilities in R&D and manufacturing. In 2020, Ascentage Pharma submitted its first New Drug Application (NDA), and the NDA was subsequently granted Priority Review by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), setting a major milestone for the company. At the same time, the company is pressing forward to the commercial stage, in active preparation for the launch and clinical adoption of its novel therapeutics. In the past twelve months, Ascentage Pharma's four drug candidates was granted a total of 11 orphan drug designations (ODDs) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is a record setting achievement demonstrated the company's robust capabilities in global research and development. Story continues "This inclusion by the MSCI China Small Cap Index signifies the capital markets' recognition of and confidence in our business and growth prospect. It will help diversify our investor base, improve the liquidity of our stock, and further elevate our prominence in the global capital market," said Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman & CEO of Ascentage Pharma. "Moving forward, we will continue leveraging our robust R&D capabilities, accelerate the global clinical development of our assets, and advance these assets toward NDA submissions, in an effort to soon make our novel therapeutics available to patients around the world and create value for our investors." About Ascentage Pharma Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) is a globally focused, clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, CHB, and age-related diseases. On October 28, 2019, Ascentage Pharma was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 6855.HK. Ascentage Pharma focuses on developing therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis or programmed cell death. The company has built a pipeline of eight clinical drug candidates, including novel, highly potent Bcl-2, and dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors, as well as candidates aimed at IAP and MDM2-p53 pathways, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ascentage Pharma is also the only company in the world with active clinical programs targeting all three known classes of key apoptosis regulators. The company is conducting more than 40 Phase I/II clinical trials in the US, China, Australia, and Europe. Olverembatinib (HQP1351), the company's core drug candidate, developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA. A New Drug Application (NDA) for olverembatinib has been submitted and subsequently granted Priority Review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in China. To date, Ascentage Pharma has obtained a total of 11 ODDs from the US FDA for four of the company's investigational drug candidates. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. SOURCE Ascentage Pharma With the "SowGood" App, the Supporters and Followers of the Bible Society Can Read an E-Bible, Discover Christian Events, Watch Inspirational Videos, and More on their Android and iOS devices While Remaining Covid-Safe. SINGAPORE, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bible Society of Singapore partnered with HokuApps , a global player in next-generation enterprise mobility services located in Singapore, to build a mobile app that can integrate its plethora of services, goods, and resources into one application that will be made free to all. By consolidating all of these functions and tools into one central platform, all of their supporters and donors will be able to navigate it with ease and have convenient access to all the services which they require anytime and anywhere. With the Covid-19 situation and the restrictions on large-scale social gatherings, the Bible Society found a much greater value in their new mobile app than they expected during these difficult times. The Bible Society of Singapore is one of 147 Bible Societies that work throughout the world to make the Word of God accessible to all people through translations, publishing, distributing, and literacy programs. Working across 200 countries and territories, the Global Missions Agency has always recognized the value of adopting new technology from traditional print to video and new digital media. Considering the positive impact of digital transformation in the 21st Century, the Bible Society decided to make the transition to a cloud platform for maximizing their reach and engagement with the community. The mobile application HokuApps developed for the Bible Society of Singapore, called "SowGood" is much more than simply a copy of the Bible in electronic form. It's a complete hub available for both Android and iOS where, in addition to reading the Bible electronically, users can watch insightful and edifying Christian videos; browse and register for various Christian-related events and ministries; explore enriching Christian articles; discover and register for various Christian-related events and ministries; browse and register for future tours organized by the International Bible Experiences (IBEx), and purchase a whole range of products from Bible Resource Centre (BRC) and Sower Essentials. Story continues "We were blessed with a fruitful and successful partnership with HokuApps and look forward to future opportunities for further collaboration," said Blaine Uy, Senior Manager, Communications and Media Centre of The Bible Society of Singapore. "Thanks to the app, the Christian community throughout Singapore will now have the opportunity to access relevant updates and information to online events, as well as meaningful resources amid the Covid-19 situation." "We were very happy to partner with the Bible Society of Singapore to expand its mission work with the aid of modern digital technology," said Arif Gafar, Director of Sales at HokuApps. "We are glad to have been a small part of their great mission and will continue supporting them to the best of our abilities." About HokuApps HokuApps is the fast-growing rapid application development platform that empowers organizations to develop innovative technology solutions incredibly fast. With a cutting-edge automated development engine, HokuApps can build custom solutions for any part and any size of the business 10X faster and at a fraction of cost. This technology platform has enhanced mobile and data integration capabilities to enable companies to speedily deploy mobile and web applications. HokuApps empowers organizations to usher in their digital transformation journey to better engage with customers, partners, and employees. SOURCE HokuApps RADNOR, Pa., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against ChemoCentryx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCXI) ("ChemoCentryx") on behalf of those who purchased or acquired ChemoCentryx common stock between November 26, 2019 and May 3, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). KTMC Logo (PRNewsfoto/Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP) Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired ChemoCentryx common stock during the Class Period may, no later than July 6, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or click https://www.ktmc.com/chemocentryx-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=chemocentryx ChemoCentryx is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new medications targeting inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. ChemoCentryx's lead drug candidate is avacopan, which ChemoCentryx describes as a "potential first-in-class, orally-administered molecule that employs a novel, highly targeted mode of action in the treatment of ANCA vasculitis and other complement-driven autoimmune and inflammatory diseases." The Class Period commences on November 26, 2019. After the market closed on November 25, 2019, ChemoCentryx issued a press release announcing "Positive Topline Data from Pivotal Phase III ADVOCATE Trial Demonstrating Avacopan's Superiority Over Standard of Care in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis." Throughout the Class Period, the defendants lauded the results of the ADVOCATE Phase III trial, as well as the safety profile of avacopan for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis ("AAV"). Story continues However, the truth was revealed on May 3, 2021 when, the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") published a Briefing Document concerning ChemoCentryx's New Drug Application ("NDA") #214487 for avacopan. In this Briefing Document, the FDA wrote that "[c]omplexities of the study design, as detailed in the briefing document, raise questions about the interpretability of the data to define a clinically meaningful benefit of avacopan and its role in the management of AAV." The Briefing Document continued that "[a]lthough primary efficacy comparisons were statistically significant, the review team has identified several areas of concern, raising uncertainties about the interpretability of these data and the clinical meaningfulness of these results." The FDA also raised serious safety concerns with avacopan for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Following this news, the price of ChemoCentryx's common stock fell over 45% in one day, down from its May 3, 2021 closing price of $48.82 per share to a May 4, 2021 close of $26.63 per share. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the study design of the Phase III ADVOCATE trial presented issues about the interpretability of the trial data to define a clinically meaningful benefit of avacopan and its role in the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis; (2) the data from the Phase III ADVOCATE trial raised serious safety concerns for avacopan; (3) these issues presented a substantial concern regarding the viability of ChemoCentryx's NDA for avacopan for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. ChemoCentryx investors may, no later than July 6, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP James Maro, Jr., Esq. Adrienne Bell, Esq. 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 (844) 887-9500 (toll free) info@ktmc.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/class-action-reminder--kessler-topaz-meltzer--check-llp-reminds-investors-of-securities-fraud-class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-chemocentryx-inc-301290349.html SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Electrodes Market Procurement Research Report The Medical Electrodes Market is poised to experience spend growth of more than USD 245.54 Million at a CAGR of over 5.35%. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Request free sample pages Read the 120-page research report with TOC and LOE on "Medical Electrodes Market Procurement Intelligence Report, Pricing Outlook in Geographies that include APAC, North America, South America, and MEA, and insights into best practices to optimize procurement spend." SpendEdge's reports now include an in-depth complimentary analysis of the COVID-19 impact on procurement and the latest market data to help your company overcome sourcing challenges. Our Medical Electrodes Market procurement intelligence report offers actionable procurement intelligence insights, sourcing strategies, and action plans to mitigate risks arising out of the current pandemic situation. The insights offered by our reports will help procurement professionals streamline supply chain operations and gain insights into the best procurement practices to mitigate losses. Information on Latest Trends and Supply Chain Market Information Download Our FREE Sample Report Insights into the Market Price Trends Suppliers in this market have moderate bargaining power owing to moderate pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants. Buyers can benchmark their preferred pricing models for Medical Electrodes Market, Procurement, Management with the wider industry information and identify the cost-saving potential. Insights to help buyers identify and shortlist the most suitable suppliers for their Medical Electrodes Market requirements. This procurement report answers the following questions: Am I engaging with the right suppliers? Which KPIs should I use to evaluate my incumbent suppliers? Which supplier selection criteria are relevant for? What are the Medical Electrodes Market category essentials in terms of SLAs and RFx? Grab your Free Sample now to unlock further information on other key aspects of this market Story continues Insights into strategies that will help buyers optimize their category management practices. The report answers the following questions: What should be my strategic procurement objectives, activities, and enablers for the Medical Electrodes Market category? What negotiation levers can I pull for cost-saving? What are Medical Electrodes Market procurement best practices I should be promoting in my supply chain? Some of the top Medical Electrodes Market suppliers enlisted in this report This Medical Electrodes Market procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Asahi Kasei Corp. Boston Scientific Corp. Nihon Kohden Corp. CONMED Corp. Natus Medical Inc. Ambu A/S Get access to regular sourcing and procurement insights to our digital procurement platform- Contact Us . Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more https://www.spendedge.com/request-for-demo Contacts SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SpendEdge Logo (PRNewsfoto/SpendEdge) Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covid-19-impact-and-recovery-analysis-medical-electrodes-market-procurement-intelligence-report-forecasts-spend-growth-of-over-usd-245-54-million-301290487.html SOURCE SpendEdge ATLANTA, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate & intellectual property law firm, Founders Legal was invited to speak on behalf of technology entrepreneurs and innovators at the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) annual Patent Examiner Technical Training Program (PETTP). Organizers asked the boutique firm and their client, Doug Pittman, CEO of BoardActive Corp., to present their experiences and perspectives on the patent system. Founders Legal | Bekiares Eliezer LLP Boutique law firm, Founders Legal was invited to speak on behalf of technology entrepreneurs at annual USPTO event. The annual PETTP program invites guest lecturers to provide training and industry expertise to over 3,900 USPTO patent examiners regarding recent technological developments. Guest lecturers are required to have relevant technical knowledge and industry experience in the state of the art to which they provide training on. Previous PETTP events included guest lecturers representing companies like Alphabet, IBM, Facebook, Ford Motor Company, and Nike. Yuri Eliezer, head of the intellectual property group at Founders Legal, presented to an audience of technology-focused patent examiners in Technology Center 3600, the division responsible for examining transportation, electronic commerce, construction, agriculture, licensing and review. Eliezer conveyed the many obstacles that small and medium technology enterprises (SME), like BoardActive, face when enforcing their patent rights. Eliezer advocated for tech founders to have more of certain result when they are issued patents by the USPTO, emphasizing that BoardActive's battle with larger patent infringers represents the difficult journey "of many of the smaller American companies who wish to confront multinational corporations just to respect their US patent rights." Concluding his presentation, Yuri thanked the examiners, stating that their "important work has downstream economic consequences for many Americans. Patent Examiners serve not only the USPTO, but also serve the American people who rely on this patent system to compete and promote human progress internationally." Story continues Asked what the key take away from his message should be, Yuri suggested that SME's investment into the patent system should provide a certain return on their investment - and the challenges in SME's journey towards patent enforceability should be largely addressed by the trained, qualified, and competent patent professionals at the USPTO. About Founders Legal: Founders Legal (Bekiares Eliezer LLP) is a boutique Corporate & Intellectual Property Law Firm, representing thousands of businesses nationwide for corporate, data privacy, and intellectual property law. The firm offers a specialized focus on businesses providing software-as-a-service (Saas), enterprise software, advanced technologies, and information technologies (IT). Learn more: www.FoundersLegal.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/founders-legal-law-firm-advocates-for-ip-rights-at-uspto-examiner-training-301289893.html SOURCE Founders Legal A new way to cheat on meat during BBQ season comes to Canada this month TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Gardein, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is kicking off summer with the launch of its new Supreme Plant-Based Burger across Canadaand it's about flipping time. Gardein's new juicy burger has 20 g of plant-based protein and exceptional taste, making Gardein Supreme Plant-Based Burger a great choice for BBQ season. It looks, cooks, smells and satisfies just like real meat. Gardein Supreme Plant-Based Burger (CNW Group/Conagra Brands, Inc.) As Canada's #1 frozen meat alternative brand1, Gardein is known for its variety of delicious, plant-based products, with popular alternatives for chicken, beef, pork and fish. Some of the best things in life are worth waiting forand Gardein Supreme Plant-Based Burger is no exception. "As a leader in the plant-based category in Canada, it's essential that we provide consumers with a delicious burger as part of our product lineup," said Ian Roberts, Vice President and General Manager at Conagra Brands Canada. "Burgers are the point of entry for many consumers into the meat alternative category, so creating a quality product that delivers on taste, texture and that burger-like experience was crucial for us to get rightwe can't wait for Canadians to finally try it this summer." Last year, Gardein launched its "Cheat on Meat" campaign, encouraging Canadians to substitute the brand's variety of plant-based products instead of meat in their favourite recipes at least once a week. Gardein Supreme Plant-Based Burger is a great 'cheat' for the summerand a delicious addition to any BBQ menu for flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans alike. Gardein Supreme Plant-Based Burger will be rolling out in the frozen section at grocery stores nationwide starting in May at Metro, Loblaws, Food Basics and Save-On-Foods, and in June at Sobeys, FreshCo, Safeway, Foodland, Walmart, Giant Tiger and Thrifty's. Story continues ________________________ 1 Nielsen MarketTrack NATIONAL EXCL NFLD GB +DR +MM l Latest 52 Weeks Period Ending WE Mar 27 21 For more information and product details, visit gardein.ca. For recipe ideas, visit www.readyseteat.ca. About Conagra Brands Canada Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago with a Canadian presence in Mississauga, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Orville Redenbacher's, Marie Callender's, Hunt's, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, POGO, and VH, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.ca. Conagra Brands, Inc. (CNW Group/Conagra Brands, Inc.) SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2021/13/c2992.html Strong Start to the Year First quarter revenues of $270.2 million, up 41.0% year-over-year IFRS Diluted EPS of $0.53 for the first quarter Non-IFRS Diluted EPS of $0.83 for the first quarter LUXEMBOURG, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Globant (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native technology services company, today announced results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Globant new logo (PRNewsfoto/Globant) Please see highlights below, including certain Non-IFRS measures. Note that reconciliations between Non-IFRS financial measures and IFRS operating results are disclosed at the end of this press release. First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights Revenues rose to $270.2 million, representing 41.0% year-over-year growth compared to the first quarter of 2020. IFRS Gross Profit margin was 38.2% compared to 37.7% in the first quarter of 2020. Non-IFRS Adjusted Gross Profit Margin was 39.6% compared to 39.5% in the first quarter of 2020. IFRS Profit from Operations Margin was 11.2% compared to 9.8% in the first quarter of 2020. Non-IFRS Adjusted Profit from Operations Margin was 16.6% compared to 15.6% in the first quarter of 2020. IFRS Diluted EPS was $0.53 compared to $0.35 in the first quarter of 2020. Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.83 compared to $0.59 in the first quarter of 2020.1 Other Metrics as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments totaled $195.6 million as of March 31, 2021, a decrease of $102.6 million, from $298.2 million as of December 31, 2020, driven by repayment of our credit facility, M&A payments, investments, payments of bonus and taxes. As of March 31, 2021, our credit facility was fully undrawn. Globant completed the first quarter of 2021 with 17,267 Globers, 16,284 of whom were technology, design and innovation professionals. The geographic revenue breakdown for the first quarter of 2021 was as follows: 63.1% from North America (top country: US), 23.6% from Latin America and others (top country: Chile), 12.0% from Europe (top country: Spain) and 1.3% from Asia (top country: Japan). In terms of currencies, 77.7% of Globant's revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were denominated in US dollars. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2021, Globant served a total of 860 customers and continued to increase its wallet share, having 139 accounts with more than $1 million of annual revenues, compared to 112 for the same period one year ago. Globant's top customer, top five customers and top ten customers for the first quarter of 2021 represented 10.5%, 28.4% and 41.0% of revenues, respectively. "The increased adoption of digital technologies in all processes of our personal and professional lives is opening up exciting opportunities for our sector, in parallel with increasingly optimistic macroeconomic predictions," said Martin Migoya, Globant's CEO and co-founder. "This quarter, we brought in the highest year-over-year growth since we became a public company; showing that our customers continue to trust us for their future challenges. We will keep on reinforcing our digital and cognitive capabilities with new Studios, such as the recently launched Smart Venues and Digital Sales, to expand our future-centric approach. Our goal is to reinvent the industry, and we will continue scaling our business towards that vision." Story continues "Our business in 2021 started on a very strong note. Revenues for Q1 were $270.2 million, representing a solid 41% year over year growth. This solid robust growth was driven by a very strong organic performance. We are also very satisfied with our acquisitions over the last twelve months and the synergies that we are achieving. Our revenues and earnings per share exceeded our expectations, with adjusted operating margins towards the upper part of our guidance range. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and remains challenging in LATAM and India where the majority of our delivery personnel are located, but we are encouraged by the ongoing positive trend in our bookings and revenues," explained Juan Urthiague, Globant's CFO. 2021 Second quarter and Full Year Outlook Based on current market conditions, Globant is providing the following estimates for the second quarter and the full year of 2021: Second quarter 2021 Revenues are estimated to be at least $283 million, or 54.9% year over year growth. Second quarter 2021 Non-IFRS Adjusted Profit from Operations Margin is estimated to be in the range of 15.5%-17%. Second quarter 2021 Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS is estimated to be at least $0.84 (assuming an average of 41.4 million diluted shares outstanding during the second quarter). 2 Fiscal year 2021 Revenues are estimated to be at least $1,135 million, or 39.4% year over year growth. Fiscal year 2021 Non-IFRS Adjusted Profit from Operations Margin is estimated to be in the range of 15.5%-17%. Fiscal year 2021 Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS is estimated to be at least $3.37 (assuming an average of 41.6 million diluted shares outstanding during 2021).2 Conference Call and Webcast Martin Migoya and Juan Urthiague will discuss the first quarter 2021 results in a video conference call today beginning at 4:30pm ET. Video conference call access information is: https://more.globant.com/F1Q21EarningsCall Webcast http://investors.globant.com/ About Globant (NYSE:GLOB) We are a digitally native company that helps organizations reinvent themselves to create a way forward and unleash their potential. We are the place where innovation, design and engineering meet scale. We have more than 17,250 employees and we are present in 18 countries working for companies like Google, Rockwell Automation, Electronic Arts and Santander, among others. We were named a Worldwide Leader in CX Improvement by IDC MarketScape report. We were also featured as a business case study at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. We are a member of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. For more information, please visit www.globant.com Non-IFRS Financial Measures While the financial figures included in this press release have been computed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standards 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" nor a financial statement as defined by International Accounting Standards 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements". The financial information in this press release has not been audited. Globant provides non-IFRS financial measures in addition to reported IFRS results prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management believes these measures help illustrate underlying trends in the company's business and uses the non-IFRS financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals, communicated internally and externally, for managing the company's business and evaluating its performance. The company anticipates that it will continue to report both IFRS and certain non-IFRS financial measures in its financial results, including non-IFRS measures that exclude share-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, impairment of non-financial assets, acquisition-related charges, COVID-19 related expenses and the related effect on income taxes of the pre-tax adjustments. Because the company's non-IFRS financial measures are not calculated according to IFRS, these measures are not comparable to IFRS and may not necessarily be comparable to similarly described non-IFRS measures reported by other companies within the company's industry. Consequently, Globant's non-IFRS financial measures should not be evaluated in isolation or supplant comparable IFRS measures, but, rather, should be considered together with its condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and its condensed interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, "Interim Financial Reporting". Globant is not providing a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking Non-IFRS Adjusted Profit from Operations Margin or Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS to the most directly comparable IFRS measure because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items without unreasonable effort. These items include, but are not limited to, share-based compensation expense, impairment of assets, acquisition-related charges and COVID-19 related expenses. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on IFRS reported results for the guidance period. Forward Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "expect," "predict," "potential," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our outlook and guidance, and our strategies, priorities and business plans. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could impact our actual results include: the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to maintain current resource utilization rates and productivity levels; our ability to manage attrition and attract and retain highly-skilled IT professionals; our ability to accurately price our client contracts; our ability to achieve our anticipated growth; our ability to effectively manage our rapid growth; our ability to retain our senior management team and other key employees; our ability to continue to innovate and remain at the forefront of emerging technologies and related market trends; our ability to retain our business relationships and client contracts; our ability to manage the impact of global adverse economic conditions; our ability to manage uncertainty concerning the instability in the current economic, political and social environment in Latin America; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any other risk factors we include in subsequent reports on Form 6-K. Because of these uncertainties, you should not make any investment decisions based on our estimates and forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Globant S.A. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited) Three months ended March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 Revenues 270,170 191,572 Cost of revenues (166,973) (119,369) Gross profit 103,197 72,203 Selling, general and administrative expenses (71,891) (51,872) Net impairment losses on financial assets (1,099) (1,617) Other operating income 11 Profit from operations 30,218 18,714 Finance income 323 256 Finance expense (2,612) (2,455) Other financial results, net 871 2,717 Other income and expenses, net 38 16 Profit before income tax 28,838 19,248 Income tax (7,171) (6,078) Net income for the period 21,667 13,170 - Exchange differences on translating foreign operations (1,724) (2,104) - Net change in fair value on financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") (114) - Gains and losses on cash flow hedges 170 (2,069) Total comprehensive income for the period 20,113 8,883 Net income attributable to: Owners of the Company 21,667 13,170 Net income for the period 21,667 13,170 Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to: Owners of the Company 20,113 8,883 Total comprehensive income for the period 20,113 8,883 Earnings per share Basic 0.54 0.36 Diluted 0.53 0.35 Weighted average of outstanding shares (in thousands) Basic 39,899 37,008 Diluted 41,157 38,093 Globant S.A. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (In thousands of U.S. dollars, unaudited) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 148,832 278,939 Investments 46,801 19,284 Trade receivables 262,705 196,020 Other assets 2,259 8,146 Other receivables 40,476 31,633 Other financial assets 831 1,577 Total current assets 501,904 535,599 Non-current assets Trade Receivables 4,240 5,644 Investments 823 615 Other assets 5,084 6,954 Other Receivables 11,451 9,629 Deferred tax assets 41,111 41,507 Investment in associates 3,154 3,154 Other financial assets 19,121 15,147 Property and equipment 100,914 101,027 Intangible assets 88,899 86,721 Right-of-use assets 98,224 90,010 Goodwill 430,959 392,760 Total non-current assets 803,980 753,168 TOTAL ASSETS 1,305,884 1,288,767 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade payables 28,409 35,266 Payroll and social security taxes payable 118,730 111,881 Borrowings 1,203 907 Other financial liabilities 43,008 19,822 Lease liabilities 15,690 15,358 Tax liabilities 11,320 11,804 Income tax payable 16,287 10,511 Other liabilities 449 81 Total current liabilities 235,096 205,630 Non-current liabilities Trade payables 4,107 5,240 Borrowings 31 25,061 Other financial liabilities 50,685 74,376 Lease liabilities 77,556 72,240 Deferred tax liabilities 13,695 13,698 Provisions for contingencies 14,826 12,583 Total non-current liabilities 160,900 203,198 TOTAL LIABILITIES 395,996 408,828 Capital and reserves Issued capital 47,906 47,861 Additional paid-in capital 550,948 541,157 Other reserves (4,228) (2,674) Retained earnings 315,262 293,595 Total equity attributable to owners of the Company 909,888 879,939 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,305,884 1,288,767 Globant S.A. Supplemental Non-IFRS Financial Information (In thousands of U.S. dollars, unaudited) Three months ended March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 Reconciliation of adjusted gross profit Gross Profit 103,197 72,203 Depreciation and amortization expense 2,801 2,290 Share-based compensation expense 1,015 1,121 Adjusted gross profit 107,013 75,614 Adjusted gross profit margin 39.6 % 39.5 % Reconciliation of selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses (71,891) (51,872) Depreciation and amortization expense 9,838 4,894 Share-based compensation expense 7,682 5,158 Acquisition-related charges (a) 2,634 2,758 Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (51,737) (39,062) Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses as % of revenues (19.1) % (20.4) % Reconciliation of Adjusted Profit from Operations Profit from Operations 30,218 18,714 Share-based compensation expense 8,697 6,279 Acquisition-related charges (a) 6,074 3,162 COVID-19-related charges (b) 1,716 Impairment of assets (11) Adjusted Profit from Operations 44,978 29,871 Adjusted Profit from Operations margin 16.6 % 15.6 % Reconciliation of Net income for the period Net income for the period 21,667 13,170 Share-based compensation expense 8,697 6,279 Acquisition-related charges (a) 6,653 3,217 COVID-19-related charges (b) 1,716 Impairment of assets (11) Tax effect of non-IFRS adjustments (2,759) (1,933) Adjusted Net income 34,247 22,449 Adjusted Net income margin 12.7 % 11.7 % Calculation of Adjusted Diluted EPS Adjusted Net income 34,247 22,449 Diluted shares 41,157 38,093 Adjusted Diluted EPS 0.83 0.59 (a) Acquisition-related charges include, when applicable, amortization of purchased intangible assets included in depreciation and amortization expense line on our condensed interim consolidated statements of comprehensive income, external deal costs, acquisition-related retention bonuses, integration costs, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, charges for impairment of acquired intangible assets and other acquisition-related costs. We cannot provide acquisition-related charges on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort as such charges may fluctuate based on the timing, size, and complexity of future acquisitions as well as other uncertainty inherent in mergers and acquisitions. (b) COVID-19 related charges include, when applicable, bad debt provision related to the effect of COVID-19 on our customers' businesses, donations and other expenses directly attributable to the pandemic that are both incremental to charges incurred prior to the outbreak and not expected to recur once the crisis has subsided and operations return to normal and clearly separable from normal operations. Moreover, these charges also include rent concessions that we were granted due to the pandemic environment. Globant S.A. Schedule of Supplemental Information (unaudited) Metrics Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Total Employees 12,538 12,333 14,340 16,251 17,267 IT Professionals 11,755 11,573 13,436 15,290 16,284 North America Revenues % 74.5 72.8 70.0 65.9 63.1 Latin America and Others Revenues % 19.5 20.8 22.4 24.3 23.6 Europe Revenues % 6.0 6.4 7.6 9.8 12.0 Asia Revenues % 1.3 USD Revenues % 86.8 87.0 84.5 85.8 77.7 Other Currencies Revenues % 13.2 13.0 15.5 14.2 22.3 Top Customer % 11.7 10.7 10.8 10.7 10.5 Top 5 Customers % 29.1 31.9 32.2 30.0 28.4 Top 10 Customers % 41.0 44.9 45.0 42.9 41.0 Customers Served (Last Twelve Months) 876 805 893 798 860 Customers with >$1M in Revenues (Last Twelve Months) 112 113 118 129 139 Investor Relations Contact: Paula Conde & Amit Singh, Globant investors@globant.com +1 (877) 215-5230 Media Contact: Wanda Weigert, Globant pr@globant.com +1 (877) 215-5230 1 Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS for both periods presented in this line item reflects the tax impact of non-IFRS adjustments. For more information, refer to the reconciliations between non-IFRS financial measures and IFRS operating results at the end of this press release. Excluding the tax impact, our non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.90, compared to $0.64 in the first quarter of 2020. 2 Our Non-IFRS Adjusted Diluted EPS calculation now also includes the tax impact of non-IFRS adjustments. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/globant-reports-2021-first-quarter-financial-results-301291142.html SOURCE Globant CanNor focuses on supporting Northern businesses beyond the pandemic NUNAVUT, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event, which brings unique challenges to businesses across the territories. CanNor has been there to support entrepreneurs and businesses since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to support their recovery by making strategic investments that help contribute to Canada's economic recovery. Through its $15 million Northern Business Relief Fund as well as its $34.3 million portion of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, CanNor has supported small- and medium-sized businesses across the territories in an investment of over $31.3 million maintaining over 1,685 jobs and supporting 565 businesses. This funding has gone a long way to help Northern businesses survive the pandemic and position them for a strong recovery. CanNor makes strategic investments for the future In addition to its relief funding, CanNor continues to support the territories through its full suite of regular economic development programming, some of which are designed to make foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy. Moving forward, CanNor will continue to make strategic investments in the foundations and structures already in place in order to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Northerners. Through funding of up to $3 million in the Fall Economic Statement and new funding introduced in Budget 2021, CanNor will be able to continue its pivotal role in supporting the recovery of communities and businesses in the territories to help build a vibrant Northern economy. CanNor will be delivering its share of funding for the following proposed Budget 2021 investments: $700 million over three years through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program to support business financing, positioning local economies for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery and enhancing competitiveness; $500 million over two years for a new Canada Community Revitalization Fund to stimulate local economies, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Canadians from coast to coast to coast; and $500 million to establish a new Tourism Relief Fund that will help local tourism businesses in adapting their products and services to public health measures, support their recovery and position them for growth. Furthermore, Budget 2021 proposes several investments to support the Northern economy: Story continues $40.4 million to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North. $8 million to the Government of the Northwest Territories to support the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university. $163.4 million to expand the Nutrition North Canada program and address food insecurity. Budget 2021 is a plan to bridge Canadians and Canadian businesses through the crisis and towards a robust recovery. As the regional development agency for the North, CanNor will play a pivotal role in helping the Northern economy get back on track, stronger than before. Quotes "This past year has taught us the importance of investing in our local and regional economies as a way to build resilience and maintain vibrancy in our communities. The impact of CanNor's support in Canada's territories through the pandemic proves they are the right tool to create jobs, stimulate growth and help us come back stronger than ever, which is why we are proud to invest in their future through Budget 2021." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CanNor "CanNor plays a key role in supporting the unique territorial economies. Thanks to the Agency's expertise and strong relationships with its territorial partners we are able to tailor funding and truly meet the needs of Northerners and Northern businesses to help them grow and prosper once more." Larry Bagnell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) "CanNor's ongoing support throughout the pandemic has been crucial to the survival of many businesses. The Government of Canada's funding has gone a long way in helping entrepreneurs across the territories weather the economic impacts of the past year." Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories Quick facts CanNor's Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF) was designed to provide direct support for ongoing operating costs incurred by small- and medium-sized businesses across the territories, in order to help them continue to play their vital role in Northern communities. The national Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), delivered through Canada's regional development agencies, supported SMEs across Canada which were unable to access other relief measures and were in danger of falling through the cracks. Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures for the North include: Related products Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED. Follow CanNor on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2021/13/c3882.html GATINEAU, QC, May 12, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - In Canada, diversity is our strength. That's why the Government of Canada is building on progress under its Anti-Racism Strategy by demonstrating federal leadership, empowering Black communities, and building awareness and changing attitudes. Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, launched a call for applications for the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative's (SBCCI) newly created External Reference Group (ERG). ERG members will support the Initiative's work to help build capacity within communities by providing strategic advice, expertise and insight on the priorities of Black Canadians. The group will include up to 15 members of African descent drawn from the not-for-profit, education, public and private sectors. In recognition of the diversity of Canada's Black communities and to ensure a wide range of perspectives are brought to bear, members will reflect diverse ethno-cultural, gender, regional and linguistic backgrounds. The Government encourages Black Canadians aged 18 and older from across the country to apply, including women and youth. Members will serve two-year terms, with the possibility of extensions by one-year increments. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by May 21, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. PDT, by consulting Canada.ca. Quote "Diversity, inclusion and belonging are a pivotal part of our Canadian identity, which is why our government has pledged to address systemic racism, including barriers faced by Black Canadians, and is taking concrete actions to do so. Today's launch is another important step in the right direction. I look forward to working with the new members of the External Reference Group as we continue to build capacity for organizations serving Black communities across Canada." Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Quick Facts Story continues In 2019, in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, the Government of Canada invested $25 million over five years in the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. This initiative supports projects that celebrate, share knowledge and build capacity in Canada's vibrant Black Canadian communities. To continue to support the work of community organizations that empower, advocate for and lift up Black Canadians: As part of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Government is also supporting the establishment of a national institute to advance initiatives that address issues affecting Black Canadians. There are currently three intermediary organizations under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative: Tropicana Community Services, Black Business Initiative and Groupe 3737. On February 24, 2021, the intermediaries announced that through a joint call for proposals, they had approved 87 projects, representing approximately $2.65 million in funding. Under an earlier call for proposals administered by Employment and Social Development Canada, over 100 projects have been approved to date, representing up to $7 million in funding. From March 9 to April 7, 2021, the Government of Canada held a call for proposals to select an additional high-capacity Black-led organization, based in Western Canada, as an intermediary under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. Applications are currently being reviewed and assessed. Associated Links About the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative Apply to become a member of the External Reference Group Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2021/12/c3424.html FILE PHOTO: A representation of virtual currency Bitcoin is seen in front of a stock graph in this illustration taken JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia is considering a plan to tax the trading of cryptocurrencies after a surge in popularity among local investors, a tax official said on Tuesday. The Southeast Asian country has been seeking to shore up state revenues amid the coronavirus pandemic, though Neilmaldrin Noor, a spokesman at Indonesia's tax office, said a tax scheme for cryptocurrency was still at the discussion stage. "It is important to know that... if there is a profit or capital gain generated from a transaction, the profit is an object of income tax," Neilmaldrin said. "So the tax payer who receives capital gain has to pay the tax and report it," he said. Southeast Asia's biggest economy bans the use of cryptocurrencies as a payment instrument, but allows it to be traded as a commodity. Indodax, a crypto exchange platform that claim to be the largest in Indonesia, said by April the number of active members on its platform hit three million as the price of Bitcoin and other crypto assets reached record highs. The number of members at Indodax rose from around 2.3 million at the start of the year. Cryptocurrencies have been rallying in recent weeks with some smaller ones like Dogecoin up more than 700% in the last month. Indonesia's Financial Services Authority has warned investors against the risk of investing in cryptocurrency, arguing it does not have underlying value and prices are highly volatile. (Reporting by Tabita Diela; Editing by Fransiska Nangoy and Ed Davies) By Rocky Swift TOKYO, May 13 (Reuters) - Japan's COVID-19 vaccine chief has blamed a rigid drug approval system for a slow inoculation campaign that is relying on only one approved shot, as a fourth wave of infections raises worries amid preparations for the Summer Olympics. Taro Kono, the minister in charge of vaccines, took responsibility for the public frustration with the vaccine distributed system but also said the approval process was a disadvantage in an emergency. "Even though we are in a state of crisis, we're still using the same rules to approve vaccines that we do under normal times," Kono said in a TBS television interview broadcast on Wednesday. "In the wake of this corona situation, the administration needs to change." The government aims to inoculate most of its 36 million people over the age of 65 by the end of July. The Olympics, postponed last year as the virus was spreading around the world, are due to begin on July 23. To reach that vaccination target, the government hopes to deliver about 1 million shots a day, about three times faster than the current pace. From early in the crisis, the government has said it would not skip regulatory steps to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines. That means domestic clinical trials and reviews taking several months to complete. Some other countries have introduced emergency approvals to deploy vaccines faster. Japan approved the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, in mid-February, two months later than in the United States. The delay, along with a host of logistical problems, has meant Japan has inoculated just 2.9% of its population, the lowest rate among wealthy countries. Pfizer started its Japan trial in October, recruiting 160 volunteers to take its vaccine. AstraZeneca PLC, which is still being considered by domestic regulators, started its vaccine trial earlier with 256 subjects. But trials involving such small numbers of people are "really meaningless", said Takahiro Kinoshita, a Japanese physician and researcher based in Boston. Story continues Global trials involve enough Asian subjects to ensure safety in their genotype, Kinoshita said. Japan's trials, lengthy reviews and slow rollouts stem from public fears about vaccines that have undermined previous inoculation campaigns for HPV and other diseases. "Everything is connected to vaccine hesitancy behaviour," he said. The health ministry and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Japan's main drug regulator, did not immediately respond when contacted for comment on Kono's remarks. About 75% of Japanese are dissatisfied with the vaccine rollout and Japan had the lowest rates of approval of government handling of the pandemic among six major economies in a survey by global consultancy Kekst CNC released on Wednesday. (Reporting by Rocky Swift; Editing by Miyoung Kim, Robert Birsel) GATINEAU, QC, May 13, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will provide $1.5 million to support 41 projects (including 26 new projects) by archives, libraries and documentary heritage institutions throughout Canada. Four projects submitted by organizations from Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon will be funded under the Documenary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP). The following projects will be funded by the DHCP in Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories in 20212022: Illaiqpik - Inuvialuit Game Council Traditional Knowledge Repository (Joint Secretariat), Inuvik , Northwest Territories, $35,405; Preserving the Past for Future Generations: Digitizing the Documentary Heritage of Remote Northern Communities (Kitikmeot Heritage Society), Cambridge Bay , Nunavut , $47,943; Tagging Inuit Knowledge: Facilitating Inuit Engagement with Digital Heritage Resources (Kitikmeot Heritage Society), Cambridge Bay , Nunavut , $54,307; and CYFN Archives Access Project (Council of Yukon First Nations), Whitehorse, Yukon, $51,993. View the list of all recipients for 20212022. Quick facts The DHCP was created in 2015 to provide financial assistance for activities that enhance the visibility of, and access to, materials held by Canada's local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country's documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across Canada for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before. Incorporated and unincorporated non-profit organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, professional library and archival associations, and museums with an archival component are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP. Applications received by LAC are reviewed by an external advisory committee. Including the amounts allocated this year, LAC's support for documentary heritage communities has totalled $10.5 million since the DHCP was launched in 2015. The next funding cycle will be launched in fall 2020. About Library and Archives Canada Story continues The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Library and Archives Canada is online at www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs and podcasts to keep up to date on the latest from Library and Archives Canada. Quotes "Supporting communities to provide greater digital access to their collections will ensure that Canadians will have even more opportunities to discover their heritage, wherever they live in Canada. Congratulations to the organizations that have received funding from the Documentary Heritage Communities Program in 202122." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage "The pandemic has not only prompted us to redefine how we do our work, it has also shown us how important it is for LAC to remain committed to supporting documentary heritage institutions during these unprecedented times. We are proud to continue our work with communities across the country while navigating our shared path toward post-pandemic normalcy." Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada "The DHCP's funding has made a real difference in the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq/Kitikmeot Heritage Society's capacity to record video interviews, and edit and translate them for export to our YouTube channel. Having local Inuinnait staff that have the capacity to do this work on a daily basis will help immensely in our efforts to preserve Inuinnait traditional knowledge." Darren Keith, Senior Researcher, Kitikmeot Heritage Society "Funding from LAC has allowed our institution to digitize and share remarkable film footage of one family's experience before, during, and immediately after the forced uprooting and dispossession during the Second World War. Additionally, we have rehoused 605 films and audio, 2,093 photographs, and 6.15 metres of textual recordsour oldest dates to 1864!" Sherri Kajiwara, Director/Curator, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Related link Documentary Heritage Communities Program Search for related information by keyword: Heritage | Library and Archives Canada | Territories | Nunavut | Yukon | Northwest Territories | History and heritage | general public | news releases | Hon. Steven Guilbeault SOURCE Library and Archives Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2021/13/c2592.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Lynx Global Digital Finance Corporation (CSE: LYNX) (OTC Pink: CNONF) (FSE: 3CT0) ("Lynx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (the "MOU") for the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ausphil Technologies Pty. Ltd. ("Ausphil'), an Australian private company, that holds a 52.15% equity interest in Binangonan Rural Bank Inc. ("BRB"), a Philippine based company that has operated in the banking sector since October 1961. As at the date of this news release the Company has now completed its due diligence assessment and will now make every effort to close the acquisition, at/before May 28, 2021. "This acquisition represents a cornerstone investment that will be combined with our recently acquired controlling interests in Direct Agent 5 Inc. and Arkin Technologies Pty. Ltd., companies that hold remittance licenses in the Philippines and remittance and cryptocurrency licenses in Australia. These components along with our partnership with a Major Payment Institution license holder in Singapore, is enabling us to build an end-to-end digital payment platform in the ASEAN and Oceanic region," stated Mike Penner, President & CEO, Lynx Global. "The addition of a licensed bank with an Electronic Money Issuer license to our Lynx financial ecosystem now enables us to offer a complete suite of payment and financial services to domestic and international enterprises," he continued. The Company further reports, Mr. Antonio L. Tiu along with a number of his owned or affiliated companies, ("Group Tiu"), entered into a separate memorandum of understanding with BRB dated March 23, 2021, to acquire the remaining 47.85% equity interest of BRB. Mr. Antonio L. Tiu is a highly respected Philippines Agri-entrepreneur who in 2019 ranked in the Top 50 Richest on the 'Forbes Philippines list. Story continues The combined management teams of BRB, Lynx and Group Tiu now envision an active mutual collaboration that will provide for the operation of an 'inclusive global digital financial network' that connects the developed world to the unbanked and the emerging markets. This direct business relationship between Lynx and Group Tiu will now enable each to use the existing BRB bank infrastructure and Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) licensing status in the Philippines to act as the lynchpin for the deployment of a new financial technology-based ecosystem to service the Global digital commerce market that McKinsey forecasts will grow at an annual rate of 22% per year to reach $15.3 trillion by 2023. Mike Penner, further stated, "This working relationship with Group Tiu provides the initial building blocks behind what is to be recognized as a unique and powerful intersection of digital financial services and traditional banking architecture. We are excited about the pivotal role that BRB and Group Tiu will play in the formation of our distinctive and inclusive digital financial technology platform. We couldn't ask for a better partner in the ASEAN region, than Mr. Antonio Tiu, to work alongside us to achieve our collective vision." As reported by the Associated Press, Nikkei, Japan, staff writer Mikhail Flores, " Philippine rural banks provide a most strategic cost-effective pathway for Fintech providers to enter the Philippines, ASEAN, and overall global financial marketplace. The central bank has so far granted e-money licenses to 31 Banks, including four rural banks: Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, CARD Bank, Dungganon Bank and Binangonan Rural Bank . Under the country's liberalized banking laws, foreign companies are allowed full ownership of Philippine financial institutions . "The entry of foreign investors in banks would contribute to the promotion of a healthy competition in the banking industry, resulting in greater market penetration and more efficient delivery of financial products and services," said Benjamin Diokno, the central bank governor." About Group Tiu Group Tiu is made up of not only a number of private ventures but also the publicly traded companies ANI, GREEN, and IRC in the Philippines, covering sectors that offer progressive cutting-edge solutions for agriculture, banking, fintech, infrastructure and environmental services. Mr. Tiu founded his business enterprises throughout the Philippines to create financial profitability through consideration of corporate social responsibility, to effectively forge local and international partnerships for sustainable growth, and so as to adopt innovative technology and processes to ensure overall success. Group Tiu has recently focused significant attention towards FinTech in particular, seeking out new age solutions that offer access to Virtual Currency Exchange and E-Wallet, each of which can support the fulfillment of its desires to create and service an Agricultural Finance Ecosystem for the entirety of the Philippines under "1ANI Ecosystem". Tiu's listed company AgriNurture, Inc. "ANI", was recently granted by CICERO a medium green rating and was given an ASEAN green bond rating by SEC to issue a 75M euro green bond offering in the EU. ANI has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the Philippines with each of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) to launch the '1DA - 1Bataan - 1ANI' Agri Digitalization Program via the Bataan Freeport. The tripartite agreement paves the way for the rollout of a blockchain-based platform for trading agricultural produce and virtual currencies globally. The aim is to facilitate financial inclusion of Agri stakeholders, especially unbanked Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, through a regulated financial technology platform and licensed virtual currency. The proposed 1ANI e-commerce platform, a financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem, would allow local farm input requirements and output to be traded using virtual currencies and opens up financing and trading opportunities to institutional buyers and foreign investors residing outside the Philippines, said ANI president and CEO Antonio Tiu. Transaction metrics Pursuant to the MOU, Lynx has agreed to issue an aggregate of 2,119,914 common shares of the Company ( the "Consideration Shares") to the current shareholders of Ausphil, on a pro rata basis, with a value of USD$1,738,329, in addition to cash payments of USD$565,600 on closing (the "Closing Date"), and an additional USD$86,250 due December 31, 2021. At the Closing Date, Lynx has also agreed to grant to the shareholders of Ausphil, on a pro rata basis, 1,500,000 share purchase warrants (the "Consideration Warrants") entitling the holders to purchase an additional 1,500,000 common shares of Lynx ("Shares") at a price per Share of $1.24. The Consideration Warrants will expire 24-months from the date of issuance. In addition, Lynx has agreed to purchase debt owing by Ausphil to certain creditors, in the aggregate principal amount of USD$1,136,496, through the issuance of 1,057,861 common shares of the Company (the "Debt Consideration Shares") and cash payments of USD$276,667, due 30 days following the Closing Date. The Consideration Shares, Debt Consideration Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants will be subject to regulatory and voluntary pooling restrictions on resale in the following aggregate amounts until the following dates: (a) 65% of the Consideration Shares, Debt Consideration Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants, shall be subject to restrictions on resale until the date which is four months plus one day from the Closing Date; (b) an additional 15% of the Consideration Shares and Debt Consideration Shares and an additional 15% of any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants, shall be subject to restrictions on resale until the date which is 6 months from the Closing Date; (c) an additional 10% of the Consideration Shares and Debt Consideration Shares and an additional 10% of any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants, shall be subject to restrictions on resale until the date which is 9 months from the Closing Date; and (d) an additional 10% of the Consideration Shares and Debt Consideration Shares and an additional 10% of any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants, shall be subject to restrictions on resale until the date which is 12 months from the Closing Date. 100% of the Consideration Shares, Debt Consideration Shares and any Shares issued upon exercise of the Consideration Warrants will also be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. Finders' fees may be payable in connection with the transaction in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The securities to be issued have not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws. The completion of the transaction is subject to certain conditions, including the execution of definitive documentation, all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The Company further announces the issuance of 250,000 common shares at a price of $1.00 per common share to a service provider in respect of the provision of various services, including but not limited to marketing and media/social media advisory services, creation and production. The common shares issued today are subject to a statutory four-month hold period in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, which will expire on September 14, 2021. ABOUT LYNX DIGITAL GLOBAL FINANCE: Lynx seeks to become a leader in financial technology, solutions, and services for large-scale merchants, financial institutions and other B2B industry partners by way of integration to the Lynx digital payment platform. The Company's payment solutions are powered by a broad suite of payment technologies and services. The Company has targeted banking and fintech relationships in South East Asia and Oceania, a region with a population of greater than 650 million. By working with selected banking and/or licensed EMI partners, the Company will be able to offer a digital payment platform with a full suite of payment solutions, which may include merchant acquiring solutions; card issuing; remittance and forex; and custodial digital asset services, including digital wallet services. The Company seeks organic growth while investigating potential strategic acquisitions that may contribute critical technology applications, additional services and revenue streams, and that can complement or enhance existing offerings and potentially increase or expedite the path to future profitability. While Lynx believes that significant near-term opportunities exist for the Company's strategic initiatives, there can be no assurance that goals and objectives will be reached or that any such underlying efforts or agreements will provide successful or positive outcomes should they be implemented. For more information, please contact: Michael Penner, CEO (604) 396-9974 mpenner@lynxglobal.io www.lynxglobal.io NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation, including the revenue projections of BRB and the goals and objectives of Lynx. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lynx to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures, other costs, or implied future forecasts. The Company further again cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Lynx will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83908 BIBO will be Chef Dani Garcia's first culinary concept in the UK, located in the new Mondrian Shoreditch, the sixth hotel in their global portfolio and their European flagship LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer will see the anticipated arrival of the Mondrian Shoreditch London, with it, welcoming world-renowned Chef Dani Garcia's first culinary concept in the UK, BIBO a lively, urban space for casual lunches and spirited dinners, bringing Garcia's world-class dining to Londoners for the very first time. This summer will see the anticipated arrival of the Mondrian Shoreditch London, with it, welcoming world-renowned Chef Dani Garcias first culinary concept in the UK, BIBO a lively, urban space for casual lunches and spirited dinners, bringing Garcias world-class dining to Londoners for the very first time. Mondrian Shoreditch London to house world-renowned chef Dani Garcia's first culinary concept in the UK, BIBO Located on the Lower Ground Floor of Mondrian Shoreditch, the latest property from Mondrian, a leading brand within the Accor group, BIBO will be three Michelin-Star Chef Dani Garcia's fifth restaurant for the concept, joining BIBO Marbella, Madrid, Tarifa, Doha and Malaga. Each BIBO restaurant combines Garcia's rich Andalusian heritage with the techniques and ingredients of each BiBo location to create dishes which are renowned and well-loved around the globe; BIBO at Mondrian Shoreditch will be no exception. The lifestyle hotel, owned by The Reuben Brothers, will open its doors July 2021 following a major overhaul and complete redesign by award-winning London interior design studio Goddard Littlefair. This latest news comes on the heels of Accor's acquisition of sbe's hotel brands in Q4 2020 and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world's largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators later this summer. Dani Garcia notes, "It is an honor to open our first UK based restaurant alongside our amazing partners Accor and the Reuben Brothers, and we are excited to establish the property as the heart of the Shoreditch food scene. I have always been fascinated by the vibrant energy of London and look forward to seeing our most iconic dishes such as the "oxtail brioche" and "creamy ham croquettes" being enjoyed by this new public" Story continues Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe notes, "It is an incredible honor to work with Dani and his team to bring their tremendous culinary talent to our Mondrian hotel in London. BIBO will become a destination for Londonners and travelers alike. This is the beginning of our global collaboration with Dani which will bring his culinary concepts to our hotels across the globe." Founded in Marbella in 2014, the BIBO brand is borne of Dani Garcia's idea to create a casual concept with which to democratize fine dining in the form of a brasserie and a tapas bar, with each dish showcasing technique at the service of flavour, and an impeccable attention to detail. From the menu, guests can expect BIBO favourites such as the Oxtail Brioche, a pulled oxtail brioche with thin mushroom slices, DG sauce and rocket; the Russian Salad with Quail Eggs, comprising potato, extra virgin olive oil mayo, tuna belly, fried quail eggs and garlic chips, and Freshly Made Guacamole, tableside in a molcajete mortar, with avocado, green peas, broken-up burrata, mint and nachos; dishes that have already become references of BIBO's cosmopolitan concept. Inside the restaurant, Goddard Littlefair's specialist food and beverage division 'Epicurean' have curated a design scheme infused with light that uses a natural colour palette, achieved with light oak floors, soft clay rendered walls and reflective surfaces. Seating a total of 120 guests, including 20 on the Spanish Courtyard and 12 in the Private Dining room on the floor below, BIBO's interior will subtly reference Andalusia whilst complimenting the brand colours for BIBO Shoreditch through the use of rose-coloured handmade tiles, bordeaux red arched wall features and limed oak joinery. The furnishings will include antique tan leather and teal and rose fabrics, whilst light from the oversized rattan pendant lights will bounce between the polished copper walls. At the central island bar, a statement mirrored raft and globe light are housed within a copper rod structure, a nod to the hot air balloon which features in other BIBO restaurants globally. The casual high tables have been designed for tapas service, situated in close proximity to the kitchen and with glass tapas displays. Outside, the Spanish Courtyard offers a Spanish haven in the heart of London, with bold red walls, hanging plants and wooden fans beneath a retracting glass roof. The wine list has been created by Wine Director Rodrigo Gonzalez, who after beginning his career as Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton alongside Chef Martin Berasategui, joined Dani Garcia's team in 2018 as Head Sommelier, whilst Bar Manager Manuel Valenciano, who joined Grupo Dani Garcia in 2016, will be heading up the cocktail menu. The drinks menu uses typical Andalusian drinks as a reference but always giving them that special BiBo touch. Among them are sangria (with the choice of red or white wine), "Rebujito" and "El agua de Sevilla" / The water of Seville. There will also be different vermouth references, a drink that traditionally accompanies the aperitif and which socially marks the beginning of the weekend. Address: Mondrian Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT Opening hours: 7am - midnight Website: TBC Instagram: @BiBoShoreditch About Mondrian Mondrian is more than a hotel: it's a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a "must" destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world's most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. With five properties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Doha and Seoul, the brand is on track to more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in London, Bordeaux, Cannes, Australia's Gold Coast and more. Mondrian Hotels & Residences is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. Learn more at MondrianHotels.com About Grupo Dani Garcia Dani Garcia Group is a young, fun and innovative brand that was created from the vision, love for cuisine, taste for things well done and other shared passions of Dani Garcia and his business partners, Laura and Javier Gutierrez. Respect, loyalty, teamwork, creativity and the ability to generate synergies with different suppliers, in order to create new and more complete experiences, are their hallmarks of the Dani Garcia Group. These values aim to surprise, fulfil dreams and, ultimately, make customers happy with the company's restaurant concepts and brands. Currently, the group includes the restaurants BIBO (Marbella, Madrid, Tarifa and Doha), Lobito de Mar (Marbella and Madrid) Lena (Marbella and Madrid) and La Gran Familia Mediterranea (a 100% digital brand with no physical restaurants). Contact: Laura Salerno Laura@X2PR.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mondrian-shoreditch-london-to-house-world-renowned-chef-dani-garcias-first-culinary-concept-in-the-uk-bibo-301290164.html SOURCE sbe SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has awarded 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in San Diego and Riverside Counties in its annual College Scholarship Program. Through the program, North Island Credit Union recognizes exceptional students who are active in both their schools and the communities, giving back to others through service and volunteer work. (PRNewsfoto/North Island Credit Union) The 2021 North Island Credit Union scholarship recipients are: Recipient School City College Attending Grace Freeman Grossmont High School El Cajon Grossmont College Sergio Garcia Granite Hills High School El Cajon Dixie State University Brianna Hafey Elsinore High School Wildomar CSU, Chico Bryana Hidalgo San Ysidro High School San Diego UC, Irvine Samantha Lorr Coronado High School Coronado Yale University Mirfit Mohammad Grossmont College El Cajon Grossmont College Julian Munoz Otay Ranch High School Chula Vista Southwestern College Emma Olson Cathedral Catholic High School San Diego Michigan State University Daryl Sledge, Jr. Francis Parker High School San Diego Occidental College Isabel Valencia Sweetwater High School National City UCLA Photos of recipients can be found here. "We are excited to recognize the outstanding achievements of these exceptional students as they pursue their educational goals," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Their hard work and resilience through one of the most challenging years we've ever experienced is truly inspirational. Our credit union's commitment to our educational community has never been more important as we work to support our next generation of leaders in achieving their dreams. We wish all of these recipients much success in their college career." College-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming year were eligible to participate. This year, the credit union's Scholarship Program received nearly 1,300 applications, which were reviewed by a Scholarship Committee consisting of credit union staff who selected the award recipients. Story continues The credit union's Annual College Scholarship program was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, the credit union has awarded more than $355,000 in scholarships to students across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of nearly $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-island-credit-union-awards-10-scholarships-to-college-bound-san-diego-and-riverside-county-students-301291054.html SOURCE North Island Credit Union (Bloomberg) -- Oil slumped the most in over a month alongside a commodities downturn as growing inflation concerns raise the specter of a less accommodative U.S. Federal Reserve. West Texas Intermediate futures fell 3.4% on Thursday to the lowest since the end of April. Prices paid to U.S. producers rose in April by more than forecast, adding to signs of rising inflationary pressures that have gripped broader markets recently. Elsewhere, Chinas Premier Li Keqiang urged the country to deal effectively with the commodity price surge and its impact, according to a state television report, echoing previous comments from officials. The latest data are cementing the view were going to have markets that are just fixated on inflation, said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp. All these pricing pressures are ramping up those rate-increase bets. For crude, were trying to get a sense of what the path of the dollars going to be, and thats uncertain. Meanwhile, the Colonial Pipeline -- a key source of gasoline for the East Coast -- is returning to service after a cyberattack last week, adding on Thursday that each of its markets should receive product from its system by mid-day. Still, the pipeline remains running at less than half of its capacity, according to people familiar with the matter. Still, there were some glimmers of hope for the oil market. Indias largest oil refiner is shopping for crude again after a one-month hiatus, providing some optimism that the South Asian countrys demand hasnt been stalled by a rampant virus resurgence. Indian Oil Corp. issued three tenders to buy crude for loading in the next two months. Going forward, the bullishness of the companys move will depend on how much it actually ends up purchasing. See also: Indias Top Refiner Shops for Oil Again After Month-Long Hiatus While the Colonial Pipeline has restarted, fuel shortages are still lingering. The Biden Administration has temporarily eased a U.S. shipping requirement so a single foreign tanker could transport gasoline and jet fuel to the East Coast. A White House official said that the Jones Act waiver was applied to one tanker, but other requests are under consideration. Story continues Further resumption of flows on the pipeline will bring relief to motorists after panic-buying emptied out some gas stations and retail prices topped $3 a gallon. In futures markets, the spread between crude and gasoline slumped toward $24 a barrel after topping as much as $27 a barrel earlier this week. 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. Highly complementary cell counting and analysis capabilities bolster preclinical portfolio and enhance QA/QC capabilities in cell and gene therapy and biologics manufacturing PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI) is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire Nexcelom Bioscience for $260 Million in cash. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021. Nexcelom is a leading, global provider of automated cell counting instruments, image cytometry workstations, assays and a variety of cell reagents, consumables, and fit-for-purpose cell counting method selection and development instructions that follow ISO Cell Counting Standards and aid in the development of cell and gene and immuno-oncology therapies, virology drugs and vaccines. Headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Nexcelom is founder-led, privately held and has approximately 130 employees around the world based in the U.S., the UK and China. Nexceloms expected 2021 revenues are approximately $40 Million. Commenting on the transaction, Prahlad Singh, president and chief executive officer of PerkinElmer said, "We are looking forward to bringing Nexceloms expertise and technologies in drug development together with our passion and solutions for drug discovery. This combination will expand our efforts to help academic, government and biopharmaceutical organizations streamline their complete workflows and support efforts to accelerate time to target and time to market for novel therapies." Dr. Peter Li, president and chief executive officer of Nexcelom added, "Our team is very excited to be joining forces with PerkinElmer to help scientists resolve some of todays most pressing health challenges through modernizing cell based assays using the most advanced cell models. Our organization has a deep commitment to innovation and we are looking forward to continuing to grow our technology and customer footprint in combination with PerkinElmers strong global presence and infrastructure." Story continues PerkinElmers existing biologics, vaccine and cell and gene research solutions feature industry-leading high content, in vivo, and cell painting screening technologies; innovative immunoassays; CRISPR, RNAi and DNA tools and custom cell lines; cell plate readers and advanced automation; microfluidics and analytical platforms. The agreement to acquire Nexcelom comes just five months after PerkinElmer added Horizon Discovery, a leader in gene editing and modulation. To learn more about PerkinElmers full range of life sciences solutions, informatics and OneSource services please visit: https://www.perkinelmer.com/corporate/what-we-do/markets/life-sciences.html. About PerkinElmer PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers, and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food, and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. Our dedicated team of about 14,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the well-being and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $3.8 billion in 2020, serves customers in 190 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com. About Nexcelom Nexcelom Bioscience is a Massachusetts-based developer and marketer of image cytometry products for cell analysis in life science research and drug discovery, development and manufacturing. Products range from high performance cell viability counters (Cellometer and Cellaca) to high throughput microwell image cytometry workstations (Celigo), with turnkey solutions including instruments, consumables and reagents. Founded in 2003 and currently owned by its founders and Ampersand Capital Partners, Nexcelom delivers innovative, fit-for-purpose, accurate cell counting solutions that are critical for advanced therapeutic modalities such as cell and gene therapy. The company currently employs about 130 fast-paced, customer-centric employees who are passionate about making an impact in life science. Factors Affecting Future Performance This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements relating to estimates and projections of future earnings per share, cash flow and revenue growth and other financial results, developments relating to our customers and end-markets, and plans concerning business development opportunities, acquisitions and divestitures. Words such as "believes," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "will" and similar expressions, and references to guidance, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations and no assurances can be given that our assumptions or expectations will prove to be correct. A number of important risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: (1) markets into which we sell our products declining or not growing as anticipated; (2) effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and operations; (3) fluctuations in the global economic and political environments; (4) our failure to introduce new products in a timely manner; (5) our ability to execute acquisitions and license technologies, or to successfully integrate acquired businesses and licensed technologies into our existing business or to make them profitable, or successfully divest businesses; (6) our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property; (7) the loss of any of our licenses or licensed rights; (8) our ability to compete effectively; (9) fluctuation in our quarterly operating results and our ability to adjust our operations to address unexpected changes; (10) significant disruption in third-party package delivery and import/export services or significant increases in prices for those services; (11) disruptions in the supply of raw materials and supplies; (12) the manufacture and sale of products exposing us to product liability claims; (13) our failure to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations; (14) regulatory changes; (15) our failure to comply with healthcare industry regulations; (16) economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations; (17) our ability to retain key personnel; (18) significant disruption in our information technology systems, or cybercrime; (19) our ability to obtain future financing; (20) restrictions in our credit agreements; (21) discontinuation or replacement of LIBOR; (22) the United Kingdoms withdrawal from the European Union; (23) our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets; (24) significant fluctuations in our stock price; (25) reduction or elimination of dividends on our common stock; and (26) other factors which we describe under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512005955/en/ Contacts Media Contact: Jennifer McNeil PerkinElmer, Inc. jennifer.mcneil@perkinelmer.com +1 508.380.2902 Investor Relations: Steve Willoughby PerkinElmer, Inc. stephen.willoughby@perkinelmer.com +1 781.663.5677 Pylon's innovative design of first-ever BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade drives prestigious win DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade, engineered and manufactured by automotive aftermarket leader, Pylon Manufacturing Corporation, was named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the category of "Best New Product Transportation" for the 19th Annual American Business Awards. Pylon (PRNewsfoto/Pylon Manufacturing) The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. More than 3,800 nominations a record number - from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. "It's an honor to receive this award for our exceptional innovation and design of the BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade," said Mike Fretwell, President of Pylon. "At Pylon, we are continually driven by customer insights and our commitment to develop and engineer new, innovative designs within the automotive aftermarket." In response to the BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade innovation and subsequent customer acceptance, Stevie Award judges said, "Impressive product line with high performance features to satisfy demand rigor for off-road enthusiast." The judges went on to add, "impressed by weather repelling technology used in this product." "The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as we're poised on the beginning of what should be a phenomenal period of growth, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of a wide range of organizations and people over the past 18 months," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher. "This year's Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people. We look forward to celebrating this year's winners during our virtual ceremony on June 30." Story continues To learn more about the BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blade, visit www.offroadwipers.com/BFGoodrich . For more information about Pylon, visit www.pylonhq.com . About Pylon Pylon Manufacturing Corporation is a leading automotive aftermarket supplier with nearly 50 years of experience, specializing in the design, engineering, manufacture and marketing of wiper blades. Located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Pylon is an ISO 9001-certified division of the Qualitor, Inc. family of automotive companies. Pylon is the exclusive licensee responsible for the manufacture and marketing of the MICHELIN line of premium wiper blades and other automotive innovations, as well as the first-ever BFGoodrich Off-Road Wiper Blades, designed for extreme off-road conditions. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Stevies also produce the annual Women|Future Conference . Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com . Sponsors of the 2021 American Business Awards include John Hancock Financial Services, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pylon-and-bfgoodrich-off-road-wiper-blade-honored-as-silver-stevie-award-winner-in-2021-american-business-awards-301290148.html SOURCE Pylon Manufacturing Pre/Post research examines the role of community identity, collective memory, shifting perceptions and equitable belonging at Levitt Pavilion Denver LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- What is, and what should be, the role of the arts in communities undergoing change? New Study Examines Creative Placemaking in a Changing Community. Conducted by Slover Linett Audience Research and using Levitt Pavilion Denver as a case study, the white paper examines the role of community identity, collective memory, shifting perceptions and equitable belonging over time. The studys release follows a pandemic-fueled wave of interest in public spaces and offers timely insights for civic leaders, practitioners and funders seeking to build more equitable and thriving public spac A new white paper, Listening to the Music of Community Change: Findings from a Pre/Post Research Study at Levitt Pavilion Denver, examines how a new outdoor music venue has shifted perceptions of a Southwest Denver neighborhood and park over time. The study's release follows a pandemic-fueled wave of interest in public spaces and offers timely insights for civic leaders, practitioners and funders seeking to build more equitable and thriving public spaces. Commissioned by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation and conducted by Slover Linett Audience Research, the study focuses on Denver's Ruby Hill neighborhood, a largely residential, predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latinx community. Reflecting on fieldwork conducted during the "pre" phase of the research in 2013 (before design and construction of Levitt Pavilion Denver began) and the "post" phase in 2019 (during the pavilion's third concert season), the white paper explores shifting perceptions of Ruby Hill Park, the local area, and the pavilion through the lens of lived experiences of local residents and park users; the role of collective memory in shaping attitudes toward the arts investment; and how equitable practices and processes can further a sense of belonging while fostering long-term investment in the community. The new report is a case study of how a creative placemaking project can be positioned and programmed to become a community asset that is reflective of a neighborhood's local character and inspires community attachment, while also being responsive to the dynamism of a rapidly growing and changing metropolitan area. "As we reflect upon a year of tremendous challenges, loss and hardship, when many of our country's inequities were laid bare, the role of the arts in fostering community and a sense of belonging has taken on even greater importance," says Sharon Yazowski, executive director of the Levitt Foundation. "This research has already informed our work, as we hope it will inspire others, to broaden inclusionary practices and support creative placemaking in communities undergoing change, with equity at the forefront." Story continues The Levitt Foundation focuses its funding and research on creative placemaking, believing in the power of public spaces to create a more just and equitable society, and the power of the arts to inspire joy, nourish well-being and create shared community experiences that foster connections. The Foundation partners with communities across the country, providing grants to activate underused public spaces through free, live music. In addition to its grantmaking, the Foundation has been part of the creative placemaking field's dialogue and evolution and has committed to research and critical self-reflection, both to contribute to the field and to inform its own programs and practices. In 2013, the Levitt Foundation commissioned Slover Linett to conduct a three-part study to better understand and document the impact of permanent Levitt music venues, focusing on community-level outcomes. The first two parts of the study were published as a white paper in 2016, Setting the Stage for Community Change: Reflecting on Creative Placemaking Outcomes. Among other findings, that document explored how the experience of free Levitt concerts fosters social interactions within groups and across demographic boundaries, which, in turn, builds social capital. The 2021 white paper presents the third part of the research, a Pre/Post Research Study at Levitt Pavilion Denver, which explores the precursor to social capitala sense of belonging. Slover Linett focused on the unique "situatedness" of Ruby Hill Park, including its location and history of use, in order to understand the preconditions for Levitt Pavilion Denver's creation and how it has begun to contribute to a sense of place and overall community vitality. Slover Linett used largely qualitative research methods to understand the role and impact of Levitt Pavilion Denver over time and across multiple definitions of "community," inviting a range of perspectives on the pavilion and its concerts, the park, surrounding neighborhoods, and Denver as a whole. The researchers aimed to be attuned to systemic drivers of equity and inequity in the local community context and listen for perceptions among area residents, Denver community stakeholders, and concert attendees about how Levitt Pavilion Denver has (or could) play a role in shifting those dynamics. "This research has been a rich conversation with many voices, including longtime local residents and more recent arrivals," says Tanya Treptow, PhD, lead author of the study and Slover Linett's vice president and co-director of research. "By exploring these multi-layered, intersecting perspectives, we hope that this case study honors the complexity of communities and uncovers insights that can be useful to a wide range of practitioners and funders of creative placemaking and equitable arts-and-community-development projects." The Key Findings section of the report assesses how the Levitt Pavilion Denver nonprofit organization has helped create a stronger, more equitable community of music lovers in Denver; the opportunity and potential challenges for Levitt Denver to foster long-term investment in the local community; how Levitt Denver has created a nurturing environment for musicians; and the delicate balance of sharing resources in a complex landscape given the public/private partnership between Levitt Denver and the City. The final section of the white paper offers Suggestions for the Field, co-authored by Slover Linett and the Levitt Foundationguidance to those working in, or philanthropically supporting, a range of creative placemaking efforts, from music-based projects to those involving other arts disciplines or taking place in diverse community contexts. Read full white paper. Read the executive summary. About the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a private family foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Through its commitment to creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation supports the activation of underused public spacesneglected parks, vacant downtown lots, former brownfieldsinto welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together to create more equitable, thriving and sustainable communities. The Foundation's primary funding areas include permanent Levitt venues and the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards. Both of these programs present free concerts in outdoor, open lawn settings featuring high-caliber talent in a broad array of music genres and cultural performances. Permanent Levitt venues and Levitt AMP concert sites attract people of all ages and backgrounds and reflect the character of their town or city, while benefitting from the framework and best practices of the Levitt program. The Levitt Foundation invests in community-driven efforts that harness the power of partnerships and leverage community engagement. Levitt venues and AMP grantees partner with local nonprofits and community groups to inform programming, outreach and engagement, embodying the Foundation's funding philosophy and core values to support projects that are inclusive, catalytic and dynamic and create connectedness and joy. Reflecting its ongoing commitment to self-reflection and contributing to the creative placemaking field, the Levitt Foundation invests in research to evaluate the social impact of Levitt programs in communities, which in turn informs the Foundation's evolving philanthropic practice. Learn more: levitt.org About Levitt Pavilion Denver Levitt Pavilion Denver is a nonprofit dedicated to building community through music. Located in Ruby Hill Park in Southwest Denver, each year the outdoor music venue presents 50 free concerts featuring local, regional, national and international acts in a broad range of music genres. Steeped in a mission to bridge cultural gaps, erase divisions and embrace differences, Levitt Denver celebrates the localincluding musicians, the business community, arts and culture organizations and other nonprofits. Featuring a relaxed open lawn setting, easily accessible location and family-friendly environment attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, Levitt Denver functions as a nexus for local nonprofits, musicians and arts groups across the Rocky Mountain region. Outside of the free concert series, Levitt Denver's state-of-the-art amphitheater is used by schools, arts organizations, outside promoters and nonprofits. Learn more: levittdenver.org About Slover Linett Slover Linett is a social research practice for the cultural and community sector, broadly defined to include the arts, museums, libraries, parks and public spaces, public media, science engagement, placemaking, and philanthropy. Founded in Chicago in 1999, the firm uses a range of equitable research and evaluation methods from community ethnography and asset-mapping to quantitative survey research, advanced statistical modeling, and generative, co-creative workshopsto illuminate public perceptions, values, behaviors, outcomes, and new possibilities for relevance. Slover Linett's mission is to help practitioners and policymakers increase equity and access, deepen engagement, and meet human and community needs. Its Chicago-based staff includes social scientists from disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, and public policy, many with advanced degrees. Clients have ranged from The High Line, New York Public Radio, and the Library of Congress to Carnegie Hall, the Knight Foundation, and Nina Simon's Of/By/For All movement. During the pandemic, Slover Linett helped lead Culture & Community in a Time of Transformation: A Special Edition of Culture Track, a national audience and population study in partnership with LaPlaca Cohen, Yancey Consulting, and NORC at the University of Chicago, with generous support from the Wallace Foundation, Barr Foundation, William Penn Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, and Art Bridges (a Walton family initiative) and crucial in-kind contributions from Microsoft and FocusVision. The first wave of the online survey became one of the largest quantitative studies of cultural engagement in U.S. history and led to a BIPOC-focused analysis and report released in December 2020, "Centering the Picture: The Role of Race & Ethnicity in Cultural Engagement in the U.S." The 2021 phases of the project will amplify the voices of Americans of color and focus more deeply on the participants served by community-embedded organizations, from public libraries to independent music venues. Learn more: sloverlinett.com and twitter.com/SloverLinett. Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation logo (PRNewsfoto/Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundati) Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-examines-creative-placemaking-in-a-changing-community-301290498.html SOURCE Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation Maintains market position and records third consecutive quarter of positive EBITDA 2021 Third Quarter Highlights: Positive Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $0.5 million Consolidated net revenue of $13.6 million 64 active SKUs as at quarter end, 9 new products introduced in Q3, with presence in all 10 provinces Maintains a strong liquidity position, including a cash balance of $65.5 million including net proceeds of $45.2 million from the unit offerings in Q3 2021 Subsequent to quarter-end: Entered into an arrangement agreement with Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy"), pursuant to which all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the "Supreme Cannabis Shares") of the Company will be acquired by Canopy, with the Company's shareholders receiving (i) 0.01165872 of a common share of Canopy, and (ii) $0.0001 in cash for each share of the Company held. TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. ("Supreme Cannabis" or the "Company") (TSX: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) (FRA: 53S1) today announced its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. logo (CNW Group/The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc.) Supreme Cannabis' Management Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") and condensed interim consolidated financial statements ("Financial Statements") for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 ("Q3 2021"), along with all previous public filings of the Company may be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com. All figures are in Canadian dollars. Beena Goldenberg, President and CEO of Supreme Cannabis, commented: "The third quarter of 2021 was marked by significant headwinds across the industry due to nationwide lockdowns and restrictions associated with COVID-19 that resulted in softness in the market which impacted our recreational revenue. At the same time regulatory changes delayed our international medical shipments. Despite these challenges, Supreme Cannabis navigated a tumultuous quarter and continued to offer high-quality, compelling products to customers and exercise disciplined cost control across the business, delivering our third consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA. We will continue to work through and adapt to these challenges as we continue on our path to sustainable profitability." Story continues Ms. Goldenberg continued, "Supreme Cannabis increased its market penetration and maintained its market share position as a top-10 Canadian LP, with 7ACRES a top-5 player in Pre-Rolls and the number-one Pax vape during the third quarter. This continues to demonstrate that our brands are resonating with customers." Ms. Goldenberg concluded, "Subsequent to quarter-end, we entered into an agreement with Canopy that maximizes shareholder value and offers a compelling future for the Company. This is a testament to the strength of the company we have built, and I am proud of our high-quality, sought-after brands and products. I believe that this opportunity represents the right move for Supreme Cannabis for the long-term and the best way forward for the Company to realize its strategic objective of creating a premier cannabis CPG company. Not only does this deal give our shareholders a compelling premium and significant value creation opportunities through continued ownership in shares of Canopy, we are also able to pair our operational efficiency and high-quality products with Canopy's scale, brand offering, and considerable sales and marketing platform. This deal also allows Supreme Cannabis' shareholders to gain exposure to Canopy's U.S. CBD business, conditional positioning for continued US market expansion as well as an opportunity to be invested in one of the world's leading Cannabis LPs." _______________________________ 1 Adjusted EBITDA is a NonGAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. As a result, it may not be comparable to data presented by other cannabis companies. For an explanation and reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to related comparable financial information presented in the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, refer to the "Results of Operations" and "NonGAAP Measures and Additional Subtotals" in the MD&A. Select Financial and Operational Results. Three months ended Financial Highlights (in 000's $) Mar 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Gross revenue 16,750 21,627 Net revenue 13,577 18,311 Gross margin, excluding fair value items (1) 3,569 8,349 Gross margin 4,935 2,318 Operating expenses 7,288 8,434 Net income (loss) (4,009) (7,909) Net comprehensive income (loss) (3,882) (7,909) Adjusted Gross Margin (2) 4,735 9,034 Adjusted EBITDA (2) 460 3,640 Cash 65,548 20,383 1. Gross margin, excluding fair value items, is an Additional Subtotal presented by the Company. The Company defines gross margin, excluding fair value items as the gross margin before recording fair value changes on growth of biological assets and realized fair value changes on inventory sold or impaired. More information on changes in fair value of biological assets can be found in "Changes in fair value of biological assets" in the MD&A. 2. Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA are NonGAAP measures and do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. As a result, they may not be comparable to data presented by other cannabis companies. For an explanation and reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA to related comparable financial information presented in the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, refer to the "Results of Operations" and "NonGAAP Measures and Additional Subtotals" in the MD&A. Revenue Recreational net revenue declined slightly to $11.7 million, a decrease of 8% quarter-over-quarter due to lower volumes. This was due to an industry-wide slowdown in recreational sales caused by the renewed lockdown measures initiated across Canadian provinces related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wholesale net revenue was $1.9 million, down 67% due to delays caused by regulatory changes in the Company's international medical markets, which the Company continues to adapt to and address, and due to lower wholesale inventory to monetize during the quarter. Combined, the overall net revenue for Q3 2021 was $13.6 million, down from $18.3 million in Q2 2021. Gross Margin In Q3 2021, Adjusted Gross Margin was 35% compared to 49% in Q2 2021, due to higher production costs from rebalancing production and demand and investments in supply chain. Adjusted EBITDA The Company generated a positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.5 million compared to an Adjusted EBITDA of $3.6 million in Q2 2021 due to lower revenues and higher production costs while maintaining disciplined control of operating expenses. Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Cash Flow from Operations Supreme Cannabis ended the quarter with a total cash balance of $65.5 million and a working capital surplus of $42.2 million. The Company took steps to significantly reinforce its balance sheet in Q3 2021, completing two unit offerings. On January 29, 2021, the Company closed an overnight marketed public offering of 121,049,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.19 per Unit. Total net proceeds to the Company were $21.3 million, including the full exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. Each Unit was comprised of one Supreme Cannabis Share and one half of one Supreme Cannabis Share purchase warrant of the Company (each full Supreme Cannabis Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Supreme Cannabis Share (a "Warrant Share") until January 29, 2024 at an exercise price of $0.23 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events. On February 19, 2021, the Company offered 83,490,000 units of the Company (the "Bought Deal Units") at a price of $0.31 per Bought Deal Unit. Total net proceeds to the Company were $24.0 million, including the full exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. Each Bought Deal Unit was comprised of one Supreme Cannabis Share and one half of one Supreme Cannabis Share purchase warrant of the Company (each full Supreme Cannabis Share purchase warrant, a "Bought Deal Warrant"). Each Bought Deal Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Supreme Cannabis Share (a "Bought Deal Warrant Share") until February 19, 2024 at an exercise price of $0.40 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Company also issued 2,420,980 and 5,009,400 broker warrants in connection with the Units and Bought Deal Units, respectively. The net proceeds from the offering of Units and Bought Deal Units are being used to fund growth initiatives, as a reserve for strategic opportunities, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. On March 3, 2021, the Company established a new at-the-market equity ("ATM") program that allows the Company to issue and sell up to $30.0 million worth of Supreme Cannabis Shares from treasury, from time to time. There have been no Supreme Cannabis Shares issued under the new ATM program. As at March 31, 2021, the Company was not in compliance with the covenants under the agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with its lenders in respect of a three-year term credit facility initially announced on November 15, 2019 (the "Credit Facility"). Subsequent to March 31, 2021, the Company secured a waiver for its financial covenant related to minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the Credit Agreement. As such, the Company is not obligated to repay the borrowings under the Credit Facility on demand. Operating and Capital Expenditures In Q3 2021, the cost realignment efforts taken in the second half of fiscal 2020 continued to benefit the Company. Operating expenses in Q3 2021 declined by 14% over the previous quarter to $7.3 million, primarily driven by lower professional fees, lower salaries and wages due to the prior period having one-time severance costs, and $0.2 million higher recoveries related to previously written-off bad debts. The Company continues to consolidate and streamline its shared services, facilities, and production expenses. The Company's capital expenditures in Q3 2021 decreased to $0.1 million, down quarter-over-quarter from $0.3 million. With the completion of construction projects at the Company's Kincardine, Ontario ("Kincardine Facility") and Langley, British Columbia ("Langley Facility") facilities, capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2021 are expected to be minimal and will be focused on productivity enhancements justified by nearterm cash flow returns. Brand and Product Developments in Q3 2021. Supreme Cannabis introduced 9 new products to the market during Q3 2021: 7ACRES 3.5g Whole Flower Wappa 49 Blissco 0.5g 510 Pur Cloud CBD Vape 0.5g 510 Pur Cloud CBD Vape Kit Hiway 2g Hash SQDC specific 28g Whole Flower AAA Hybrid 1g 510 Fire OG THC Vape 2x1g Pre-Rolls (British Columbia specific) Sugarleaf Strawberry Peach flavoured THC Gummies Truverra 30mL CBD Oil Subsequent to quarter end, the Company launched three SKUs: 7ACRES Craft Collective 3.5g Whole Flower Black Cherry Punch 7ACRES Craft Collective 3.5g Whole Flower Kush Cookies 7ACRES 3.5g Whole Flower Papaya Distribution. Overall, Supreme Cannabis shipped 26% less product on a gram equivalent basis in Q3 2021 compared to Q2 2021. The provinces of Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia generated the majority of the Company's sales. Distribution to the recreational market of dried cannabis products on a gram equivalent basis was 6% lower in Q3 2021 compared to Q2 2021. Despite recreational sales continuing to be impacted by market conditions, the Company's existing and new products continue to be gain traction and are well received by the recreational cannabis consumer. The Company continues to monitor its sales and marketing efforts in light of the restrictions put in place for COVID-19 and will optimize its in-store marketing and spend accordingly. The Company also expanded its international medical cannabis customers and completed its first shipment of medical cannabis to Australia in a private label transaction in January 2021. Operations. The Company continues to make incremental improvements at its Kincardine Facility and Langley Facility to enhance production, processing, and operating efficiency. At the Kincardine Facility, the Company is working to optimize growing conditions, launching a series of trials including a pruning trial, to increase canopy density and yield, a fertigation trial to address plant health, yield and flushing, and trialling pre-roll kief mixing to increase potency. The Kincardine Facility introduced some new processing and packaging capabilities during the third quarter, including a pre-roll autocone machine, which arrived on site during the quarter and is running daily to hit production targets. As a result, 1g Hiway Pre-Rolls are now being produced at the Kincardine Facility. Also, the transition of 3.5g flower offerings from the 6oz jar to the 4.2oz jar has been completed in Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick, resulting in a 15% increase in labour efficiency. This transition started in late February and has delivered $50,000 in packaging cost savings by quarter-end. At the Langley Facility, the Company's continuous improvement program continues to deliver positive results. The carbon filtration project has been successful at improving the overall quality of winterized oils that will be turned into distillate. They are improving distillation efficiency using temperatures and pressures to drive 3-fold improvement of yield. The Company also continues to see a 7% increase in distillate potency. Proposed Transaction with Canopy Growth Corporation. Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") under which Canopy will acquire all of the Supreme Cannabis Shares (the "Transaction"). Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Supreme Cannabis shareholders will receive 0.01165872 of a Canopy common share (the "Exchange Ratio") and $0.0001 in cash in exchange for each Supreme Cannabis Share held. The Transaction provides Supreme Cannabis shareholders with a premium per Supreme Cannabis Share of approximately 66% based on the closing prices of the Supreme Cannabis Shares and Canopy common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of April 7, 2021, the date immediately preceding the announcement of the Transaction. The Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, (a) obtaining the required approvals of the Company's shareholders at a special meeting of Supreme Cannabis shareholders to be held on June 10, 2021, (b) obtaining a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approving the Transaction, (c) the absence of any injunction or similar restraint prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the Transaction, (d) the required regulatory approvals having been obtained, (e) no material adverse effect having occurred, (f) subject to certain materiality exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party contained in the Arrangement Agreement and (g) the performance in all material respects by each party of its obligations under the Arrangement Agreement. The Transaction is expected to close in June 2021 following the receipt of the required shareholder, regulatory and court approvals. The Transaction is expected to provide several benefits to both Canopy and Supreme Cannabis shareholders. Supreme Cannabis shareholders will benefit from Canopy's strengthened brand portfolio, including one of Canada's leading premium brands, 7ACRES. Brand growth is anticipated with distribution supported by Canopy's robust sales and distribution network as well as superior consumer insights and R&D capabilities. In addition to receiving a market premium, Supreme Cannabis shareholders will also benefit from exposure to Canopy's US CBD business and conditional positioning for continued exposure to the US market expansion. Further value will be derived through the scalable Kincardine Facility, which has a demonstrated record of producing high-quality flower at low cost. Third Quarter 2021 Results Conference Call and Webcast. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter fiscal 2021 results at 8:00 AM Eastern on Friday, May 14, 2021. Interested parties can join the call by dialling 647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191. The conference ID number is 1509877. The call can also be accessed through the following webcast link https://bit.ly/3egbED4. A recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion. To access the recording, please dial 416-849-0833 or 1-888-859-2056 and the replay code 1509877. The recording will be available until June 14, 2021. About Supreme Cannabis. The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc., (TSX: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) (FRA: 53S1), is a global diversified portfolio of distinct cannabis companies, products and brands. Since 2014, the Company has emerged as one of the world's most premium producers of recreational, wholesale and medical cannabis products. Supreme Cannabis' portfolio of brands caters to diverse consumer and patient experiences, with brands and products that address recreational, wellness, medical and new consumer preferences. The Company's recreational brand portfolio includes 7ACRES, Blissco, 7ACRES Craft Collective, Sugarleaf and Hiway. Supreme Cannabis addresses national and international medical cannabis opportunities through its Truverra brand. Supreme Cannabis' brands are backed by a focused suite of world-class operating assets that serve key functions in the value chain, including scaled cultivation, value-add processing, automated packaging and product testing and R&D. Follow the Company on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. We simply grow better. Forward-Looking Information. Certain statements made in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information", "future oriented financial information" or "financial outlooks" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to anticipated events or results including, but not limited to: progressing towards becoming a premium cannabis CPG company; expected capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2021; offering of additional products through the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers online sales platform; the implementation of the pre-roll autocone machine in the coming months at the Kincardine Facility; the Company's ability to grow near-term revenue and reach sustainable profitability; the Company's focus on cost containment and ability to execute on all planned initiatives; the timing and outcome of the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the estimated potential synergies as a result of the Transaction; the anticipated timing of the Supreme Cannabis special meeting of shareholders and the closing of the Transaction; the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set out in the arrangement agreement, including receipt of all regulatory approvals; and other statements that are not historical facts. Particularly, information regarding our expectations of future results, targets, performance achievements, prospects or opportunities is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "plan", "could", "should", "would", "outlook", "forecast", "anticipate", "foresee", "continue" or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Forward-looking information is current as of the date it is made and is based on reasonable estimates and assumptions made by us at the relevant time in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. To the extent any forward-looking information in this press release constitutes "future oriented financial information" or "financial outlooks", within the meaning of applicable securities laws, the purpose of such information being provided is to demonstrate the potential of the Company and readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. However, we do not undertake to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws in Canada. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information as discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Information Form dated September 24, 2020 ("AIF"). A copy of the AIF and the Company's other publicly filed documents can be accessed under the Company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com. The Company cautions that the list of risk factors and uncertainties described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Non-GAAP Measures and Additional Subtotals. This news release contains certain financial performance measures that are not recognized or defined under IFRS ("Non-GAAP Measures") including, but not limited to, "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted Gross Margin". As a result, this data may not be comparable to data presented by other cannabis companies. For an explanation and reconciliation of these measures to related comparable financial information presented in the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, please refer to the "Results of Operations" section in the MD&A. The Company believes that these Non-GAAP Measures are useful indicators of operating performance and are specifically used by management to assess the financial and operational performance of the Company. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding amortization of property plant and equipment & intangible assets, share based payments, restructuring charges, impairment of inventory in production costs, fair value changes on growth of biological assets, realized fair value changes on inventory sold or impaired, net finance expenses, gain on settlement of convertible debentures, loss on modification of debt, gain on settlement of contract, gain or loss on disposal of property plant and equipment, unrealized and realized gains or losses on investments and income taxes. The Company defines Adjusted Gross Margin as gross margin excluding inventory impairment, fair value changes on growth of biological assets and realized fair value changes on inventory sold or impaired. The Company presents additional subtotals in its Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The additional subtotals include, but not limited to, gross margin, excluding fair value items in its statements of comprehensive loss ("Additional Subtotals"). The Company defines gross margin, excluding fair value items as the gross margin before recording fair value changes on growth of biological assets and realized fair value changes on inventory sold or impaired. More information on changes in fair value of biological assets can be found in "Changes in fair value of biological assets" section of the MD&A. Non-GAAP Measures and Additional Subtotals should be considered together with other financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS to enable investors to evaluate the Company's operating results, underlying performance and prospects in a manner similar to Supreme Cannabis' management. Accordingly, these Non-GAAP Measures and Additional Subtotals 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. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/supreme-cannabis-announces-financial-results-for-q3-2021-301291267.html SOURCE The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. WEST FARGO, N.D., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Titan Machinery Inc. (Nasdaq: TITN), a leading network of full-service agricultural and construction equipment stores, announced today it will release financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2021, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, followed by an investor conference call at 7:30 a.m. Central time (8:30 a.m. Eastern time). Investors interested in participating in the live call can dial (877) 705-6003 from the U.S. International callers can dial (201) 493-6725. A telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes and will be available through Thursday, June 10, 2021, by dialing (844) 512-2921 from the U.S., or (412) 317-6671 from international locations, and entering confirmation code 13719598. There also will be a simultaneous, live webcast available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's web site at www.titanmachinery.com. The webcast will be archived for 30 days. About Titan Machinery Inc. Titan Machinery Inc., founded in 1980 and headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, owns and operates a network of full service agricultural and construction equipment dealer locations in North America and Europe. The network consists of US locations in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming and its European stores are located in Bulgaria, Germany, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. The Titan Machinery locations represent one or more of the CNH Industrial Brands, including Case IH, New Holland Agriculture, Case Construction, New Holland Construction, and CNH Industrial Capital. Additional information about Titan Machinery Inc. can be found at www.titanmachinery.com. Investor Relations Contact: ICR, Inc. John Mills, john.mills@icrinc.com Managing Partner 646-277-1254 BURLINGAME, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgo Investment Group LLC ("Virgo") announced portfolio company Clinipace Incorporated ("Clinipace"), a full-service Clinical Research Organization ("CRO") headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, has merged with dMed Global ("dMed"), a full-service CRO based in Shanghai, China. The strategic merger will create a global mid-size CRO that will deliver innovative solutions to patients worldwide, and meet the needs of fast-moving biotech, pharma, and medical device companies around the world. Together, Clinipace and dMed will offer advanced technologies, expertise in multiple therapeutic areas, and a footprint that will drive continued excellence for their collective customers. (PRNewsfoto/Virgo Investment Group) The combined company will have over 1,600 employees across 22 countries and a strong position as a highly differentiated mid-sized CRO that rivals the leading global CROs in geographic scope, services, and therapeutic expertise. The new company's capabilities in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America compete head-to-head with top-tier services from the leading CROs. Current dMed Chairman and CEO, Dr. Lingshi Tan, will lead the new company as global CEO, with current Clinipace CEO, Mr. Jason Monteleone, assuming a new role as Chief Business & Strategy Officer. Virgo's original investment through one of its managed funds in Clinipace occurred in 2015 as a partial debt refinancing and growth capital for tuck-in acquisition opportunities. Virgo Founder and CIO, Jesse Watson, joined the Clinipace board as Chairman in 2017 as Virgo rebuilt the team and significantly increased its ownership stake in the business. Since then, Virgo has worked closely with Clinipace to provide support in meeting forecasts and budgets, expanding the customer base and footprint, and ultimately drive growth. "We are proud of the business transformation we achieved at Clinipace, in partnership with new management and the Board. We were able to evolve the team, the culture, the business processes in both sales and clinical trial delivery, and the technology backbone of the company. Clinipace brings a high growth business in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific to dMed. We believe the combined enterprise offers a unique capability to biotech and pharma customers focused on executing their trials and accessing multiple, global markets for their products," said Watson. Story continues Monteleone went on to say, "Virgo was an excellent strategic partner throughout 2020 as Clinipace navigated the challenging aspects of COVID and in 2021 leading the merger with dMed. It has been a great journey both professionally and personally in transforming Clinipace together over the last 3.5 years and we are excited about the momentum of the merged enterprise." Clinipace has almost 25 years of broad clinical experience, extensive regulatory expertise, and core therapeutic specialties in oncology, nephrology, rare disease, gastroenterology, and women's health. The company has an outstanding track record of multinational success and a reputation for strategic client partnerships. About Virgo Investment Group Founded in 2009, Virgo is a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area that has an established track record of building and transforming businesses. Virgo seeks to identify and grow unique business models into differentiated and profitable industry-leading companies. Virgo focuses on two distinct strategies - creating, building, and scaling asset-based/credit businesses, and executing transformative growth equity investments in Founder-led or Family-owned companies. The Firm has raised over $1.8 billion and completed 65 investments to date. For more information, please visit www.virgo-llc.com. About Clinipace Clinipace is a global, full-service Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a personal approach to clinical research. Clinipace delivers a level of collaboration and flexibility not possible in a traditional CRO environment, with an emphasis on personalized services and solutions, regulatory expertise, and therapeutic leadership. Its mission is to improve the way clinical research is performed in major therapeutic areas including oncology, rare disease, gastroenterology, nephrology, and women's health. About dMed Founded in 2016, dMed is a full-service Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) and has grown to nearly 700 professional staff covering more than 31 cities in China and three U.S. offices. In an era of unparalleled pharmaceutical innovation, dMed aspires to be a next-generation clinical development partner, empowering customers to deliver innovative solutions to patients worldwide, especially in the two largest healthcare markets, the U.S. and China. dMed's U.S. presence includes Target Health, a full-service technology driven CRO with expertise in digital capabilities and regulatory affairs. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virgo-investment-group-announces-cros-clinipace-and-dmed-merge-to-accelerate-growth-301291068.html SOURCE Virgo Investment Group WARRINGTON, Pa., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. (NasdaqCM: WINT), a biotechnology and medical device company focused on advancing multiple late-stage interventions for acute cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and provided key business updates. Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. - Striving to deliver hope for a lifetime Key Business and Financial Updates Expanded the participating countries and sites in the Company's Phase 2 global clinical study of istaroxime for the treatment of Early Cardiogenic Shock in severe acute heart failure patients. Cardiogenic shock is a severe form of heart failure marked by critically low blood pressure. This study builds upon observations from the acute heart failure program and will assess the ability of istaroxime to improve blood pressure in these patients and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. Dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical trial studying lucinactant, the Company's KL4 surfactant, in acute lung injury in adults with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study is designed to evaluate key safety and physiological measures and is expected to be completed in Q3 2021. Completed an equity financing raising approximately $30.0 million in gross proceeds during the first quarter of 2021, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $27.4 million. Announced pursuit of additional expedited patent protection for our lead asset istaroxime with the filing of a Track One prioritized patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a patent stemming from an application previously filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Under the Track One program, the new istaroxime patent is expected to receive review and final disposition within a year of priority status being granted, rather than the customary three-year examination for non-prioritized examinations. Extended the scientific collaboration with the University of Milan-Bicocca for further characterization and development of the Company's oral SERCA2a compounds for the potential treatment of chronic and acute human heart failure. "With additional countries and sites opening and dosing patients in our Phase 2 global clinical study of istaroxime for the treatment of Early Cardiogenic Shock in severe acute heart failure patients and the first patient dosed in our Phase 2 study of lucinactant in acute lung injury in adults with COVID-19 associated ARDS, our first quarter was off to a very productive start," said Craig Fraser, President and Chief Executive Officer of Windtree. "As we look to the rest of the year, we see several potential value-creating milestones with data readouts anticipated in both Phase 2 trials. Additionally, we are actively engaged on the business development front, and are encouraged by the level of interest. Importantly, with the successful completion of a financing this quarter, our balance sheet provides the runway to continue to help fuel these current and planned development activities. We are focused on execution and a year of important milestones." Story continues Select Financial Results for the First Quarter ended March 31, 2021 For the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company reported an operating loss of $9.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $6.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. Research and development expenses were $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily due to costs related to the clinical development of istaroxime. General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $4.7 million, compared to $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The Company reported a net loss of $9.0 million ($0.51 per basic share) on 17.7 million weighted-average common shares outstanding for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million ($0.48 per basic share) on 13.7 million weighted average common shares outstanding for the comparable period in 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the Company reported cash and cash equivalents of $38.5 million. Readers are referred to, and encouraged to read in its entirety, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2021, which includes detailed discussions about the Company's business plans and operations, financial condition, and results of operations. About Windtree Therapeutics Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. is advancing multiple late-stage interventions for acute cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders to treat patients in moments of crisis. Using new clinical approaches, Windtree is developing a multi-asset franchise anchored around compounds with an ability to activate SERCA2a, with lead candidate istaroxime being developed as a first-in-class treatment for acute heart failure and early cardiogenic shock in heart failure. Windtree has also focused on developing AEROSURF as a non-invasive surfactant treatment for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, and is facilitating transfer of clinical development of AEROSURF to its licensee in Asia, Lee's HK, while Windtree evaluates other uses for its synthetic KL4 surfactant for the treatment of acute pulmonary conditions including lung injury due to viral, chemical and radiation induced insults. Also, in its portfolio is rostafuroxin, a novel precision drug product targeting hypertensive patients with certain genetic profiles. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.windtreetx.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may, in some cases, use terms such as "predicts," "believes," "potential," "proposed," "continue," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from the Company's current expectations. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include: risks and uncertainties associated with the ongoing economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any adverse impact on the Company's clinical trials or disruption in supply chain; the success and advancement of the clinical development programs for istaroxime, AEROSURF, KL4 surfactant and the Company's other product candidates; the Company's ability to secure significant additional capital as and when needed; the Company's ability to access the debt or equity markets; the Company's ability to manage costs and execute on its operational and budget plans; the results, cost and timing of the Company's clinical development programs, including any delays to such clinical trials relating to enrollment or site initiation; risks related to technology transfers to contract manufacturers and manufacturing development activities; delays encountered by the Company, contract manufacturers or suppliers in manufacturing drug products, drug substances, aerosol delivery systems (ADS) and other materials on a timely basis and in sufficient amounts; risks relating to rigorous regulatory requirements, including that: (i) the FDA or other regulatory authorities may not agree with the Company on matters raised during regulatory reviews, may require significant additional activities, or may not accept or may withhold or delay consideration of applications, or may not approve or may limit approval of the Company's product candidates, and (ii) changes in the national or international political and regulatory environment may make it more difficult to gain regulatory approvals and risks related to the Company's efforts to maintain and protect the patents and licenses related to its product candidates; risks related to the size and growth potential of the markets for the Company's product candidates, and the Company's ability to service those markets; the Company's ability to develop sales and marketing capabilities, whether alone or with potential future collaborators; and the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company's product candidates, if approved. These and other risks are described in the Company's periodic reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. Any forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Tables to Follow +++++++++ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Unaudited ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,490 $ 16,930 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 851 1,188 Total current assets 39,341 18,118 Property and equipment, net 879 924 Restricted cash 154 154 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,747 917 Intangible assets 77,090 77,090 Goodwill 15,682 15,682 Total assets $ 135,893 $ 112,885 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 939 $ 1,161 Accrued expenses 3,744 3,813 Operating lease liabilities - current portion 392 805 Loans payable - current portion 2,409 352 Total current liabilities 7,484 6,131 Operating lease liabilities - non-current portion 2,438 201 Loans payable - non-current portion - 2,423 Restructured debt liability - contingent milestone payments 15,000 15,000 Other liabilities 2,800 2,800 Deferred tax liabilities 16,683 16,778 Total liabilities 44,405 43,333 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 - - Common stock, $0.001 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 26,257,089 and 16,921,506 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively; 26,257,065 and 16,921,482 shares outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 26 17 Additional paid-in capital 821,165 790,277 Accumulated deficit (726,649) (717,688) Treasury stock (at cost); 24 shares (3,054) (3,054) Total stockholders' equity 91,488 69,552 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $ 135,893 $ 112,885 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Expenses: Research and development $ 4,410 $ 3,461 General and administrative 4,669 3,242 Total operating expenses 9,079 6,703 Operating loss (9,079) (6,703) Other (expense) income: Interest income 50 89 Interest expense (41) (44) Other income, net 109 124 Total other (expense) income, net 118 169 Net loss $ (8,961) $ (6,534) Net loss per common share Basic and diluted $ (0.51) $ (0.48) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic and diluted 17,695 13,697 Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/windtree-therapeutics-reports-first-quarter-2021-financial-results-and-provides-key-business-updates-301290567.html SOURCE Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. Z100 FloForce High Performance Roof Drain Z100 FloForce High Performance Roof Drain MILWAUKEE, WI, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zurn Industries, LLC recently launched its Z100 FloForce High-Performance Roof Drain to meet code requirements and promote flow efficiency. The efficiency of this new drain is realized through a redesigned system geometry, which optimizes the flow at lower head depths. We started from square one to redesign the Z100 FloForce, says Matt Lawrence, Zurns Director of Engineering and Product Management for Drains and Siteworks. Our engineers collaborated with industry partners, considered enhancements, prototyped model after model, and tested and demonstrated each iteration in our testing facility. The FloForce is backed by data, so engineers can easily calculate the systems drainage requirements. There is no equal out there. FloForce is the standard in roof drains. The FloForce parabolical design and enhancements are engineered to flow at a lower head depth. The new drain was designed with the engineer, contractor, building owner, and roofer in mind. For more information and to view the full product video, visit zurn.com/floforce. About Zurn Industries Zurn Industries, LLC is a recognized leader in commercial, municipal, healthcare and industrial markets. Zurn offers the largest breadth of engineered water solutions, including a wide spectrum of sustainable plumbing products. Zurn delivers total building solutions for new construction and retrofit applications that enhance any buildings environment. For more information, visit Zurn.com. Attachment CONTACT: Leslie McGowan Zurn Industries, LLC 814-871-4757 Leslie.McGowan@Zurn.com Four separate bomb attacks have killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others just hours after a three-day cease-fire took effect as Afghanistan celebrates the Eid al-Fitr festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Fighting has been soaring ahead of a planned pullout of remaining U.S. and other international forces by September 11, but the Taliban and Afghan government earlier this week declared a nationwide cease-fire during the Eid holiday. Roadside bombs accounted for the bulk of the civilian casualties on May 13, despite no reports of direct fighting between Taliban militants and government forces as they observe the holiday cease-fire. Five civilians, including a woman and children, were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in the Panjwai district of the southern province of Kandahar, said provincial police spokesman Jamal Naser Barekzai. Two children were killed and three adults wounded in a separate roadside bomb explosion that struck a taxi in the Maiwand district of the same province, Barekzai added. In the central province of Ghazni, two civilians were also killed by a roadside bomb, officials said. In the northern province of Kunduz, the explosion of a sticky bomb attached to a vehicle killed two civilians and wounded 10 others, according to Enhamuddin Rahmani, a spokesman for the province's police chief. Afghan security forces had mounted an operation to retake a Taliban-held district outside the capital, Kabul, in the neighboring province of Wardak on May 12 but it was halted to observe the cease-fire. A day earlier, Taliban fighters had killed or captured some government soldiers and forced others to retreat after storming the district of Nerkh, less than an hour's drive from Kabul. On May 13, Afghan men, women, and children around the country flocked to mosques or gathered in open grounds to offer morning prayers at the start of Eid festivities that will last until May 15. Authorities deployed security personnel to prominent mosques in the capital, Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani used his annual Eid address to urge the Taliban to agree to a permanent cease-fire now that U.S. and international troops are leaving. "We don't want you to surrender, but we want you to accept a political solution. War is not a solution," he said. Intra-Afghan peace efforts have stalled since the Western-backed government in Kabul and the Taliban launched talks in Qatar in September 2020, despite international efforts to jump-start the negotiations. The EU diplomatic mission and UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called for a lasting peace. During the days before the cease-fire, intense fighting was reported in several provinces, with the Taliban capturing a district some 40 kilometers from Kabul late on May 11. Around 10,000 U.S. and NATO soldiers were still in the country at the beginning of the month, according to official figures. The U.S. military's Central Command, or Centcom, on May 11 estimated that it had completed up to 12 percent of the withdrawal process. U.S. generals and other officials have expressed concerns that the pullout might lead to the collapse of the Afghan government in the absence of progress on peace talks with the Taliban. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and TOLOnews.com The Biden administration is considering sanctions over Chinas alleged use of forced labor in manufacturing of solar panels and other climate-friendly production Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Ormao Dance Company's new outdoor show, "Out of the Crowd 2.0," will run Friday and Saturday and May 21-22 outside the Ormao studio downtown. Small groups of 20-25 audience members will visit five pieces in different locations on the east side of the building. A pre-show piece will feature some of the dancers' thoughts on crowds pre-pandemic and now. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Four Colorado medical experts sang a united refrain at a panel Wednesday night: Its understandable to have hesitation about a vaccine developed at a record pace. But the inoculations are safe and effective, they said, and represent the fastest and safest way to end a pandemic thats upended the United States and killed hundreds of thousands. We all hate coronavirus. Thats our common enemy, Emily Bates, an associate professor at the University of Colorados School of Medicine, said at the town hall hosted jointly by the Gazette and 9News. We are on the same team, as humans. We want to be done with this pandemic, we want to lose the masks, and each of us can make a difference on whether or not that happens. Bates was joined by fellow professors Ross Kedl and Lisa Miller, as well as UCHealth physician Kweku Hazel, in reinforcing what public health officials, Gov. Jared Polis, President Joe Biden and legions of others have urged for months: Theres a way out of this pandemic-driven reality. Though the state has not reached the much-heralded herd immunity, nor has its vaccination rates picked up despite near-total eligibility, there are still reasons for celebration, the experts said. Miller noted the significant drop off in deaths and hospitalizations among the states oldest, most vulnerable residents. The two primary vaccines, those made by Moderna and Pfizer, have been shown repeatedly to be safe and effective, more so than inoculations against the flu and other diseases. The development of the vaccine itself, completed and available within nine months of the pandemics beginning, is a remarkable scientific achievement. But that speed has led to some hesitancy, the experts said. That skepticism and wariness are understandable, they said, and shouldnt be dismissed or scoffed at. Bates said that empathy was important because it is hard for people to know who to trust. Essentially when I hear these kind of issues with either hesitancy or just apathy ... the first thing I think about is one, can I listen to them, can I hear what their exact concerns are, Hazel added. The first is to listen, and then next is to provide them with the most accurate information that is available, to enable them to make the most informed decision for themselves and their family. Its that second part that was the focus of the panelists. Bates addressed concerns about pregnant women receiving the vaccine. She said more than 35,000 pregnant women in the United States have received the vaccination, and miscarriages and side effects didnt happen any more frequently in people who get vaccines than they happened pre-pandemic. She also knocked down anti-vaccine doctors, whom the broader anti-vaccine community seize upon as evidence that even medical professionals are leery of inoculations. I dont know anyone that I work with medical students, graduate students, doctors that I work with that are on my floor that I run into that is hesitant to get these vaccines, she said. What about fears about the speed? Kedl called the vaccines development a world record. But he said it was the product of science and vaccinology improving on itself for years: The foundation of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has been built for some time, and that, coupled with rapid manufacturing and former President Donald Trumps warp speed program, explains how quickly the doses became available. He and other stressed, repeatedly, that real-life data, gleaned after months of vaccinating people in the U.S. and elsewhere, continues to show the efficacy and safety of doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, millions of doses of which have been administered, did cause rare blood clots and a very small number of people died as a result of those clots. But now that providers are more aware of the potential for clots from that vaccine, experts at UCHealth have previously said, theyre better equipped to successfully treat the very few patients who develop clots. (Death) is not a possible endpoint thats been identified, Kedl said, when asked if Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had led to any deaths. People who have been vaccinated have died. But in the same way that if youre going to get into a car accident going to the library, it certainly isnt the librarys fault. They tackled other common vaccine questions and topics: Will we reach herd immunity? Miller said scientists hadnt been focusing on hitting a certain threshold as much as the media has; right now, she said, everyone just wants to get as many doses out as possible. If we are going to reach herd immunity, the experts said, its not going to be from letting the virus ran rampant through the United States, the so-called natural herd immunity. There has never been an infectious disease in the history of humanity for which broad scale immunity has been developed that way, Kedl said. So really, the only way out of this, the only way to do any significant control on this, is through this vaccine process. Will there be booster shots, as some have speculated? Kedl said he thought the current vaccines will likely need additional doses months later, but he said hed be glad to get it when it comes around. Ill be happy to get a little bit better variant immunity, he said. Speaking of variants, arent the vaccines less effective at preventing them? Kedl said that new data shows doses are driving a good response against new strains. And the best way to prevent variants from taking over further, he and others said, is for everyone to get vaccinated and blunt their spread. Every day that goes by that we dont have people vaccinated, were going to see more people get sick, Miller said. We still have disease out there, I dont want people to forget that. We still have a problem, and theres still quite a bit of disease thats circulating. This is urgent. The panel for the Community Conversation on COVID-19 vaccines and herd immunity Wednesday, May 12, includes Dr. Emily Bates, Professor of Pediatrics, CU School of Medicine (top left); Dr. Kweku Hazel, Surgical Fellow at CU Anschutz (top right); Dr. Lisa Miller, Professor of Epidemiology, Director of the Preventive Medicine Residency Program, and the Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health (bottom left); and Dr. Ross Kedl, Professor of Immunology and Microbiology, CU School of Medicine (bottom right). A criminal defendant does not have to plead insanity in order for a jury to hear evidence about his mental illness, the Colorado Supreme Court decided on Monday. At the same time, the justices noted that proof of severe mental illness can only be used for establishing insanity, and left it to lower court judges to distinguish between the two. Family members of the six people who died mourn at the scene where their loved ones were killed early Sunday morning. A small makeshift memorial has started outside the trailer where the killings occurred at the Canterbury Mobile Home Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Monday, May 10, 2021. Arguably, it was forgivable a year ago amid COVIDs many unknowns though even then, some safeguards seemed over the top. Like city parks departments taking down rims from backboards on outdoor basketball courts (yes, really) to discourage mass gatherings. Or masked motorists driving with no one else in the car. INDUSTRY INSIGHT How DataOps can unleash the power of AI Under the Industries of the Future Act, Congress proposes to spend $10 billion on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and 5G over the next 10 years. Further, the recently released National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence report highlights how the AI revolution will impact the U.S. economy, national security and welfare. Recognizing the significance of these groundbreaking technologies is an important first step, but now comes the difficult job of unlocking value commensurate with the investment being made. This will require new thinking about the management and delivery of use cases that are in the best public interest. Now that emerging technologies are leveraging computing power, network capacity and AI methodology, there are three key measures that will maximize citizen value. Use case governance To be candid, $10 billion can only go so far if it is spread too broadly across the federal landscape. Rather than giving every agency a piece of the pie, there must be a clear process for creating, prioritizing and measuring use cases that will deliver the most impact. Investing in technology without a clear picture of the outcome is a recipe for inefficiency. To avoid this scenario, we need clear objectives with measurable outcomes, focused on a few high-priority agencies and projects. These use cases should be evaluated on the potential public benefit, availability of supporting data, capacity of the government or citizenry to easily adopt and their ethics. Many private organizations have engaged in value engineering or vision workshops to identify and align leadership around potential AI use cases. Something similar will be required of the government, likely coordinated through the Chief Data Officer in conjunction with department CDOs under the auspices of the Federal Data Strategy. This framework would not only create clarity on the expected outcome, but also enable metrics for progress and the solutions impact. Managing the peoples data Government is obligated to ensure the peoples data is used efficiently, effectively and ethically in applications, but the public has both expectations and skepticism of government data use. More often than not, federal institutions are held to a higher standard than the private sector with respect to the security and appropriate use of data. Thats especially true for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Any AI use case will only be as useful as the data -- and the data pipelines -- that power the solution. These pipelines must include glossaries and dictionaries that help to explain the data and its appropriate treatment and use. They must also feature real-time data streaming of specific, reusable assets, replacing both the rigid data warehouse model as well as the overwhelming and complex data lake model. Creating self-service, easy access for the right data at the right time for identified use cases will accelerate delivery and create value more quickly. For this, too, the Federal Data Strategy will serve as the North Star. Enter DataOps Data operations or DataOps is an agile, process-oriented approach to improve the quality and reduce the cycle time of realizing value from data analytics. Like its better-known sister concept DevOps, it removes friction and accelerates how organizations deliver and maximize the value of key IT assets -- in this case, data. DataOps is really a strategic mindset that encompasses people, processes and technology to streamline decision-making. With an increasing focus on integration and automation, DataOps breaks down the silos in IT operations, allowing governments to move data at the speed of change while providing more information on the different source data collected. It creates clear models for the development, promotion and management of data, algorithms and applications at scale. As mission-driven use cases evolve, DataOps powers a strategic shift that treats data as an integral piece of overall mission strategy, and it will be absolutely essential to agencies driving real outcomes with AI. It is often said that data science is a team sport. This is because data, analytics and emerging technologies like AI must be aligned to deliver value at speed. AI is only as good as the information on which it is built, and applications will only deliver value so long as there is a continuous review of their algorithms. Initiatives such as the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center need a combination of clarity of mission, accurate and actionable data and a defined DataOps methodology to reach their full potential and use AI to solve large and complex problem sets that span multiple combat systems. DataOps creates data pipeline efficiency that allows governments to automate processes and ensure changes made at the beginning of the pipeline are accounted for throughout. With this foundation, governments can create systems that enable analytic opportunities for efficient, effective and ethical AI that delivers mission value. Cyber EO lays a foundation for securing government The Biden administrations long-anticipated cybersecurity executive order lays the groundwork for modernizing cyber defenses and protecting critical services from attack by improving incident response and information sharing between the public and private sectors. The spate of recent high-profile attacks is a sobering reminder about how vulnerable public- and private-sector entities are to cyberattacks, according to a senior White House official, adding that the new EO represents a fundamental shift in our mindset from incident response to prevention. It mandates several basic cybersecurity practices across the federal government such as multi-factor authentication, encryption and end point detection to be rolled out in as quickly as six months. The Federal government must lead the way and increase its adoption of security best practices, including by employing a zero-trust security model, accelerating movement to secure cloud services, and consistently deploying foundational security tools such as multifactor authentication and encryption, according to a White House statement. The order also mandates contractors notify the government if their networks are breached and share specific details about the incident. The administration official said the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will play a major role in helping flesh out what details will be required for disclosures. The order also establishes a Cybersecurity Safety Review Board, similar to the National Transportation and Safety Board, a suggestion that lawmakers and industry have been recommending. Those calls were renewed by senators such as Mark Warner (D-Va.) following the supply chain attack on SolarWinds. After the EO was published, the senator said the recent attacks highlighted what has become increasingly obvious over the past few years. The United States is simply not prepared to fend off state-sponsored or even criminal hackers intent on compromising our systems for profit or espionage, he said. This executive order is a good first step, but executive orders can only go so far. Congress is going to have to step up and do more to address our cyber vulnerabilities. The boards first task will be to review and report on the hacking campaign against SolarWinds, according to the administration official. It will be convened after each cybersecurity incident by the Department of Homeland Security and co-chaired by the DHS secretary alongside a private sector leader who is knowledgeable about the relevant issues. The administration is also directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology to begin developing a labeling system for internet-of-things devices to help consumers make smarter buying decisions, similar to a system already in place in Singapore. The Administration's new Cybersecurity Executive Order lays out an ambitious & achievable workplan to dramatically improve the security of US govt networks by using the power of the purse, Chris Krebs, the former CISA chief, tweeted on Wednesday. This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN. Oklahoma cuts phishing threats with cloud-based email gateway A cloud-based secure email gateway has helped the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) decrease the threat from inbound ransomware messages and other malware. Although state government offices now receive about half a million email messages per day, compared to 372,000 per day last July, they were getting more than three times as many malware messages last year. I think its because we didnt have good email security in place, the states Chief Information Security Officer Matt Singleton said. As our posture has gotten better, whats coming back to us has gotten better. One way Oklahoma improved its security posture is through an IT unification effort that brought 111 IT shops together into one: OMES. Previously, each agency had its own secure mail gateways and used various email platforms, including older ones such as Lotus Notes. It left a bunch of holes, to be completely candid, Singleton said. We found ourselves in a situation where any time we were trying to mitigate a specific threat, we had to manually go into 12 different platforms, he said. So, we needed to get to something modern and centralize it. To do that, OMES migrated all state email systems to Microsoft Office 365 and then implemented Mimecasts Email Security, DMARC Analyzer, Brand Protection and Security Awareness Training products, in addition to add-on features such as Secure Messaging and Large File Send. It seems weird to say, but one of the great things about the work-from-home push is that we finally pushed our Microsoft Office 365 migration over the goal line, Singleton said. At least I had everyone in one single platform for mail. Then I could put something in front of that to secure it. That made things a whole lot easier for us. A major change was Mimecasts ability to rewrite URLs for state users, something IT staff did manually in the past. In fall 2019, we saw a number of pretty sophisticated phishing campaigns against the state, and our response to that, because we didnt have this platform, was to go in and manually code so that any URL that came in, we broke the URLs basically, Singleton said. Any URL in your email, you had to copy and paste and delete some characters out of that for it to actually work, but it solved the phishing problem we were having. Now end users dont see the URL rewriting. They can click the links, which have been tested for malicious content before users visit them. The system also sandboxes any email attachments that look questionable and strips out anything known to be malicious. Its yet not a full heuristic scan, Singleton said, but OMES is working to tie the platform into the cyber threat intelligence platform it launched last year using Anomalis ThreatStream technology. With that integration, Mimecast can act immediately and automatically on intelligence OMES feeds it from multiple sources. As OMES conducted security training for employees, it gained visibility into which users need some more education on cyber hygiene, Singleton said. You can see folks that typically will click on a bad link, and we can actually come up with some of that training for them and do it just in time. That was especially important during the height of the pandemic, when many of the states 30,000 workers suddenly became remote. The pandemic itself presented some very unique threats and opportunities for bad actors to exploit, and this platform allowed us to flag those things and respond to them quicker, Singleton said. For example, workers would get emails stating that contact tracing determined they had been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID and inviting them to click a link to learn more. More recently, phishing attempts have taken the form of offering opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Theres a great sense of urgency built into those emails, so it would be really easy for folks to say, Im going to click it and Im going to take the chance, Singleton said. With this platform we were able to look at those sites before they got to the end user and ensure that they werent going someplace where [employees] were going to put in their credentials and have those things harvested. The just-in-time training is working. Last July, one in 500 workers clicked unsafe links, but last month, only one in 900 did. OMES goal is to build a cybersecurity ecosystem in which all aspects can communicate and share data. This means the secure email gateway product integrates with the endpoint-detection and response product, which works with next-generation firewalls, and all of those talk to the security and event management platform, which the cyber threat intelligence platform informs. That lays the foundation for better security in the future, Singleton said. You start putting different tools in place with capabilities around artificial intelligence and machine learning, all of a sudden now I can have my humans starting to focus on those really difficult attacks that require a human to dissect, he said, adding that OMES is likely several months away from having those integrations in place. INDUSTRY INSIGHT Modernize government service delivery with automation Processing visa applications, allocating grants, administering loans and unemployment checks these are just a few of the services government agencies deliver to citizens. These processes can be inefficient, complex and often slow. Government agencies at all levels must remember: Citizens are customers. As such, they expect a modern customer experience thats frictionless and efficient. Citizens want to be able to submit forms online, get answers in real-time via chat and have their information auto-populated in online forms based on past submissions. Yet, there are also times when they still want to pick up the phone and talk to a human. To meet this demand for flexibility and convenience, quality and speed, agencies must shift to digital and automated business processes. Many have started this transformation with robotic process automation (RPA), which uses software bots to automate repetitive, manual tasks. While this is an excellent starting point, its just the beginning of modernization. A recent study found 98% of decision-makers reported challenges due to an unintegrated point solution approach to automation. For example, there are still many paper-based and manual processes in government, which create bottlenecks, backlogs and errors. Citizens get frustrated, and staff members grow tired and dissatisfied with repetitive, mundane work. The situation gets even worse during times of peak demand, as seen during the pandemic when agency websites crashed as citizens rushed to apply for services. To truly modernize complex delivery service operations, government agencies need a unified platform that provides end-to-end automation through various workflow automation capabilities. Implementation should be simple, and the system must be scalable and easily maintained by existing operations and IT resources. Hyperautomation with a unified platform Ninety-nine percent of decision-makers see considerable value in working with a single automation vendor. A unified platform that natively combines complementary capabilities such as paper document capture, mobile-enabled digital processing, automated workflows and unstructured data extraction and classification enables government agencies to reach a state of hyperautomation across functional and process silos. However, government services delivery can be complex, involving data validation and requiring action from multiple offices, departments and even other agencies. Often, citizens or a third party must supply additional information. The ensuing back-and-forth is slow, costly and frustrating when conducted through traditional mail, email and (dare we say) fax communications. A modern and innovative intelligent automation platform includes the right mix of tools and technology to transform services delivery. Address updates, loan processing and other actions that used to take four to six weeks to complete can be shaved down to a simple, five-minute mobile transaction. An end-to-end approach to automation benefits agencies and constituents in many ways, including: Faster application approval times Reduced processing costs and program churn Improved data quality Fewer errors Flexibility in how citizens interact Faster access to services Optimized back-end paperwork processes Real-time support for constituents The components for success Every agency has a unique set of needs, so there isnt one perfect approach for all. But native integration on a single platform of all the technologies agencies might need to modernize services offers numerous advantages. A system like this meets a wide array of use cases and works for federal civilian and defense agencies, as well as state and local organizations. Many automation companies offer specific products to solve certain types of processes. However, most processes in the real world require holistic solutions rather than a particular product. Failure to partner with a company that provides a unified platform often leads to multiple vendors, licensing and contract negotiations as well as arduous manual integrations and maintenance. Key automation technologies to look for in a unified platform include: RPA to automate labor-intensive, repetitive tasks across systems and data sources at scale. Process orchestration that coordinates workflows involving multiple people, actions, software robots, policies and systems to drive successful outcomes. AI-enabled cognitive capture to ingest and understand structured and unstructured content, regardless of format or channel, through the power of AI and natural language processing. Advanced analytics that leverage the data captured to gain visibility and actionable insight into agencies, robots and constituents. Mobility and engagement that provide efficient, effective and secure means for citizen interaction and transactions through such capabilities as e-signature, facial recognition and on-demand communications. When these complementary technologies work together as part of a unified platform, agencies can create automated workflows, perform dynamic case management and automate tasks across any system or application including commercial off-the-shelf, government off-the-shelf and military off-the-shelf products. No longer siloed, the information becomes actionable. Employees have more time to meaningfully assist constituents rather than processing papers -- leading to higher employee satisfaction. Benefits for citizens include the freedom to select their preferred channel of communication, ease-of-use and speed-of-services, making the customer experience is as seamless as it is on Amazon. Nows the time for government agencies to implement an end-to-end unified automation solution. Theyll save time and money while matching the levels of speed and service citizens have come to expect from consumer services. A unified platform equipped with a comprehensive set of intelligent automation technologies catapults agencies into the modern world of doing business and delivers all of the benefits that come along with it. Federal, state and local government agencies: Its time to work like tomorrow -- today. Representative Image New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): S. Balachandran has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Suriname, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed on Thursday. Balachandran is currently the Consul General of India in Jaffna. "S. Balachandran (YOA: 2005), presently Consul General of India in Jaffna, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Suriname," the MEA stated. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the MEA added. (ANI) 1. Yes. Its important to keep my child as safe as possible. We plan to take advantage. 2. Yes. With the school district dropping its mask mandate, its a necessary step. 3. No. Local COVID cases are dropping. There is no good reason to vaccinate my child. 4. No. There hasnt been enough data on vaccinated children. I think Ill hold off. 5. Unsure. I havent decided yet whether to take part in the vaccine clinics. Vote View Results This article appears in the May 14, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. [Print version of this article] PANEL 2 No Return to Normal ; Only a Paradigm Shift Can Address Existential Crisis by Janet G. West May 8The second panel The Method of the Coincidence of Opposites: Only a United Worldwide Health Effort, Without Sanctions, Can Reverse a Worldwide Pandemic, of the May 8th Schiller Institute Conference brought together leaders from United States, Europe, and South America to address the triune crises of war, famine, and the pandemic. Dennis Speed, the moderator, used two video clips to situate the discussion within the overarching danger of war, and to address how wars come on. First was a clip from Lyndon LaRouches 1999 broadcast, Storm Over Asia, in which he emphasized that Russia will fight back if pushed to the wall, there lies the danger. Too many act under the delusion that they can do as they please overseas, but it wont come here. If London and Wall Streets control of U.S. policy persists, the likelihood will increase, that Russia will fight back to the point of thermonuclear war. View full size Schiller Institute Adm. Marc Pelaez Then a clip from a recent interview with Rear Adm. Marc Pelaez (USN, ret.), who had been a commander of a nuclear submarine during the cold war, on the character of the decision to go to thermonuclear war. Pelaez said that if he had received an order to launch, he would have done so. The deterrent must be credible, he said, My submarines capabilities could take out every major city in the United States east of the Mississippi. And, thats just one submarine! But, if you did it, you knew that youd have nothing to come home to. Solving the Unsolvable Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Schiller Institute founder, made the opening remarks, in which she referred to the crisis in civilization in 1453, with the fall of Constantinople, when the Ottoman Empire captured the Byzantine Empires capital, effectively crushing it. The population was savaged by the invaders, and many died. Nicholas of Cusa was faced with the challenge to address this crisis, and how to resolve the enormous hatred of one side for the other in such a way as to come to a higher-level solution. The result of that inspiration was his dialogue, On the Peace of Faith (De Pace Fidei), in which representatives from many nations and faiths came to speak with God in a dialogue as to how they could live in peace. After a series of questions of seemingly contradictory ideas, and the responses of God, the conclusion was that there is only one truththat the Universe is lawful, and that all mankind carries the Divine Spark within them; that all human life is sacred. So, she continued, the seemingly diverse perspectives and problems can only be addressed from a higher principle, and this was the Coincidence of Opposites; that the development of the other becomes the primary interest of oneself. It is from this standpoint that she reiterated her call for the creation of a world healthcare system, to start the building of the needed infrastructure in all nations, and that all sanctions have to be eliminated. And, to do that, we must address the moral collapse, particularly within the United States. View full size Schiller Institute Dr. Joycelyn Elders The Standard: Moral Excellence Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General, spoke to the idea of reviving the standard of moral excellenceto do more than what we think were capable of doing; to not give up until the goal is accomplished. This standard of moral excellence isnt just a nice idealits a necessity. She ran through the statistics: over 2 billion people dont have access to fresh water; over 2.5 billion experience food insecurity, and 270 million people face potential famine. About 1.2 billion people dont have access to electricity, and without electricity, you cant overcome sickness and disease, asserting that the pandemic is a result of the failure of morality, not the failure of medicine. Since the Declaration of Independence speaks to Inalienable Rights including, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, Dr. Elders said that we must now include the access to the means of lifeclean water, abundant food and cheap electricity be available to all nations, for without these things, there is no way to have healthcare or life. She called the current policies the suicidal economics of indifference, and concluded by calling on all to get involved, to re-acquire the standard of moral excellence, and stressed that apathy is the worst pandemic of all. View full size Schiller Institute Dr. Khadijah Lang Dr. Khadijah Lang (U.S.), the Chairman of the National Medical Association (NMA) Council on International Affairs and President, Golden State Medical Association; and Marcia Merry Baker, an expert in physical economics, and member of the EIR Editorial Board, provided the successes and challenges facing the provision of medical care, food, water, and sanitation internationally. Dr. Lang discussed the past work of the NMA in deploying teams and medical supplies to Mozambique, in cooperation with authorities there, to provide health care, and contribute to the training of surgeons. She described the harsh conditions in East Africa, with the recent locust plague, which destroyed crops, followed by successive crises, all of which hit Mozambique hard. When COVID-19 hit, it was devastating because then people could not even go out to get food. The Committee for the Coincidence of Opposites, members of the NMA and the Schiller Institute are gathering donationsfunding and physical goodsfor a pilot shipment to go to Mozambique within the next few weeks, combining, medicines, supplies, water purification tablets and food resources. This effort, though small, shows what can be done when people come together for the good of humanity, and how this can inspire full-scale action. View full size Schiller Institute Marcia Merry Baker Marcia Merry Baker addressed aspects of this scale-up. The world map of hunger shows 270 million people acutely short of food, and 34 million may die of starvation over the coming months, without emergency aid. Farmers in some of the worlds most high-output regionsthe U.S., Europe, Australia, and Argentinaare being squeezed out of operation, by low prices and green dictates, when that production is urgently required. Billionaires including Bill Gates, who is the biggest owner of farmland in the U.S. are shutting down agriculture production. Carbon farming, not food farming, is now pushed by these financial networks. Farmers are supposed to sell carbon credits to big corporate speculators. We must prevent and reverse this erosion of agriculture by instituting parity pricing for farmers and ranchers, breaking the monopoly of the agri-business, food processing giants, and expanding production by independent, family-scale farms. The world needs infrastructure-building: In Mozambique, river basinslike the Zambezi and Limpopo, await TVA-style transformation. The beautiful coastline awaits sea walls and levees, to protect against the frequent hurricanes. View full size Both photos: Schiller Institute Overcoming the COVID Crisis Everywhere Video clips were shown of German farm leaders done on site at the big tractorcade protests earlier this year. Rainer Seidl, a leader of the Land Creates Connection (Land schafft Verbindung, LsV), was interviewed February 7 at the Bavaria demonstration. He spoke out against the Green Deal Farm-to-Fork restrictions, and the cartel control of the food chain, including supermarkets. Alf Schmidt, an independent farm leader, spoke at the Berlin rally March 23. They both scored the new Green Deal program to save the insects, not people, which calls for sharp cuts in pesticides, and other farm inputs, and low prices for their output. They expressed the sentiment: give us a fair price for our production, and we can feed the world! Pastor Robert Smith, the Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention, spoke to the conference from Michigan, under the title of Physician, Heal Thy Self: Saving a Nation in Crisis Through Love. He recounted the trial of facing the many deaths in his own community from Covid, and the strength required to refresh ourselves with the springs of love, springs that are a God given core of our humanity. View full size Schiller Institute Luis Vasquez Luis Vasquez spoke from Peru, presenting, Do Not Forget: The Global Concentration Camp Oven Is Now Nuclear. A long-time member of the of the Schiller Institute, he began by recounting that he and his wife were recently ill with the new variant of COVID-19, and had it not been for help from their family, it were unlikely that they wouldve survived. Suffering the devastation wrought by neo-liberal economics, their nation now has no services, no schools, no transportation, and getting COVID-19 is equivalent to a death sentence. In all of Lima, there are no available ICU beds with oxygen respirators; any ICU bed has a wait list of up to 300 people. A cylinder of oxygen costs $1,000; a small refill costs $200. If you cant pay, you die. This is a holocaust the extremes have been reached we are in a global concentration camp. We can look to the wrong economic decisions being made since 1974 as the instigators of this current tragedy; the world economy is a casino on the edge of bankruptcy. We must mobilize our R&D capabilities in every country; we know that we can accomplish these things because man is creative. We are all interlinked now, and concern for others is not just moral, but scientifically true. View full size Both photos: Schiller Institute Dr. Walter Faggett (U.S.), Former Chief Medical Officer, Washington D.C. Department of Health, and currently co-chair of the D.C. Ward 8 Health Council, addressed the successes theyve seen in coordinating cooperation between community organizations, churches, universities and community health workers in increasing the rate of COVID-19 immunization in D.C. He was joined by Ms. Genita Finley (U.S.), 2nd year Medical Student and designer of the Mississippi Delta Medical Extension School Program, who discussed how her program was successful in bringing more students into the healthcare track, and in helping them to overcome issues of a sense of identity of not being smart enough to be a healthcare worker. The Mississippi Delta is one of the greatest concentrations of rural poverty in the nation. View full size Schiller Institute Antonio Sanchez A Dialogue of Creativity Antonio Sanchez of the International LaRouche Youth Movement spoke both on Venezuela and Chile, and how the U.S. sanctions are devastating the Venezuelan economy, which in turn affects other countries of South America. He discussed some of the statisticsfor example, 95% of Venezuelas income is from their oil exports (and is largely in U.S. dollars); assets on deposit in other countries are frozen; wages have collapsed by 24-fold. Both Chile and Venezuela are reeling from the economic collapse and the effects of COVID-19. The only way to solve this is from the highest level and extensive cooperation between nations with needed infrastructure for power and water development. The lively and extensive question and answer discussion centered around the question of how to overcome the policies that led to these crises, and how youth can get involved and contribute. There was general agreement that everyoneevery nationis now faced with these crises, and that everyone must be involved in some way with the solution and the Coincidence of Opposites. There are many opportunities for the youth to become active with this effort. Fundamentally, the only way to change the direction of humanity is to change our way of thinking. Time and again, Helga Zepp-LaRouche brought the discussion back to mans creative abilities and underscored how imperial policies rely on the strategy of divide and conquer and to manipulate populations against one another. But, if we recall how large the Universe isciting the famous speech by Sarah Al Amiri, pointing up to the heavens, and remarking how no matter where your finger points in the sky, there are billions of galaxies, we can reflect on mans ability to solve problems. Mrs. LaRouche stressed that there are no limits to mans creativity. These crises can be solved through the Coincidence of Opposites. She passionately appealed to the participants and the viewers, saying that mankind has come so far in a very short period of time (geologically speaking); nuclear war will annihilate our species. Is the work of all those human beings that came before us, for nothing?! Was the Renaissance for nothing?! Was the work of the American Founding Fathers for nothing?! She closed the conference saying that we can expect to see a dramatic worsening of the world situation., but the crisis can be an opportunity to change the paradigm. We must make the Coincidence of Opposites a defining institution, and we must invoke a higher and new morality among people if mankind is to survive. This article appears in the May 14, 2021 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. [Print version of this article] Thank you very much, very happy to join you, and thank you again for inviting me to speak at this very important forum. The consistent efforts exerted by the Schiller Institute and by all of you at different platforms are important contributions toward that dawn, that we, our children and our grandchildren are waiting for. I think we are witnessing the gradual collapse of 500 years of old Western colonial empires, and the rising dawn of the East. But we all have to be active partners in founding the new world system, and in making sure that it reflects the ambition of humanity and the hope of a better, safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous future. On the other hand, China and Russia are gaining credibility in the eyes of the world, and their address of the COVID-19 and of its vaccines is a clear example of the efficiency of China and Russia, compared to the inefficiency of most Western countries in handling this plague. As far as our people and countries are concerned, we are sure that the trans-Atlantic world is a colonial power, but its reality and the lack of concern about life and the greed of its ruling class in other peoples fortune, and the lies that their media are publishing to market their criminal policies worldwide have never been as exposed as they are today. Credibility is of utmost importance, whether regarding people, or states, or systems, and once it is lost, the party no longer exists. The latest example is what the OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] did toward Syria. Although those who went on the ground to investigate the case gave clear evidence that the OPCW changed the facts found out by the team, and wrote its own, untruthful report to incriminate Syria, still, they voted against Syria. The loser here is not Syria: It is the OPCW, because it has lost its credibility in the eyes of neutral and logical people. Many friends of mine, Im included, used to be avid followers of Western media. Now, none of us wastes his or her time to know what they are fabricating, and what truth they are trying to conceal. The other reason is that the war on Syria helped to prove beyond any doubt that Western policies toward Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen, are bankrupt, and the narrative that filled their decrees and papers is no longer credible. I am telling you from the point of view of our people: We no longer believe in the Western narrative. The irreverent American sanctions against Russia and China, and their blatant interference in Chinese internal affairs, through what they call the cases of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, is hastening the birth of this new paradigm. I think one of the reasons why President Biden was elected is to restore the trans-Atlantic relationship that suffered greatly during the previous administration. It is now quite clear from what has taken place in Iraq, Syria and Libya, and Yemen, that Western powers are intent on destroying our country and looting our resources. The good byproduct of the war on Syria, if there is any good byproduct, is that China and Russia got together in taking double veto more than ten times in the Security Council, to prevent further military aggression by Western forces against Syria. Once they recognized that this was mission impossible, due to the resilience and sacrifices of the Syrian people, they shifted the focus from a military war, to horrifying, criminal, coercive, unilateral measures against the Syrian people, which are illegal on all counts, because they are a form of collective punishment to the Syrian people. Thinking more deeply about this point, Western powers have always treated us as the colonized, actually, and derived their views about us from the Orientalists who looked down on us, rather than from our reality, history, and from our set of values. Subjugating Syria was important for Western forces, because Syria, as everybody knows, is the jewel of the crown in the Arab world: Thats why they devoted billions of oil money, arms and terrorists to do their job for them. Now, after all the destruction that has befallen Syria and all the death, bloodshed, and loss of life and institutions, and our ecology, and part of our civilized identity, it is very obvious to us, that Western governments, especially their military and intelligence services, planned, trained, and sent thousands of terrorists, with Qatari and Emirates money and Turkish backing, to destroy Syria. They were never interested in making Syria a better place for its people. Rather, they wanted to turn Syria into a destroyed satellite state that follows their orders, and so they can loot its resources, just like the wars on Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Early in April 2011, I used to meet with the American, British and French ambassadors, and tell them that, what you are instigating in Syria is not going to make the lives of Syrian people better. On the contrary, it will make their lives much worse, and Iraq is a live example. Now that we got to read some leaks from different directions, we know, according to leaked British papers, for example, that the UK officially found Syrian men and women, calling them eyewitnesses, through different agents. All Western and Gulf media were withdrawn from Syria, and the entire Western media derived its news from these eyewitnesses, and from one man, who sits in Coventry, UK whose name is Rami Abdul Rahman, who invented for himself a platform called the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Western and Gulf governments were pressing Syrian officials to dissent and bribing some of them with money to join those against the Syrian government, assuring them that the political system was going to fall and collapse within a week or two. Far from it. The movement on the streets and the media war against Syria seemed to get new fuel, and to spread into new areas in the country. I remember that on the 24th of March, the Syrian regional leadership and the government of Syria met and took great decisions, which were meant to answer all the requests reiterated by all those on the streets. I convened a press conference for all the media corps in Damascus on the same day. And the Syrian people were so happy that evening, and some of them went out celebrating, believing that the whole problem was over. Right from day one of the war on Syria, on March 15, 2011, we felt that we were fighting a double-edged war, one that was going on in the streets, with people of flesh and blood, being led by well-organized, secret forces, which instruct them what to do and how to do it; and the second, parallel war, that deals with concepts and narratives, and focusses on confusing the Syrian people about what is happening in their country and what is the ultimate objective for these extraordinary movements, both in the streets and in Western media. Id like to speak about Syria and the world order, and reflect on what happened during these last ten years, and how that is relevant, in my opinion, to what your respectful conference is discussing. Good morning to all of you! I would like first to thank my friend Helga LaRouche and the Schiller Institute, all of you, for extending this invitation to me to be with you this morning, on a topic that touches my heart. Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban is a Political and Media Advisor to the Syrian Presidency. She delivered these remarks to the first panel, The March of Folly: Can Mankind Still Extinguish the Now-Lit Fuse of Thermonuclear War? of the May 8, 2021 Schiller Institute conference, The Moral Collapse of the Trans-Atlantic World Cries Out for a New Paradigm. Dialogue with Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban Dr. Shaaban is a Political and Media Advisor to the Syrian Presidency. She engaged in this dialogue, including questions from conference participants, following her remarks to the first panel, The March of Folly: Can Mankind Still Extinguish the Now-Lit Fuse of Thermonuclear War? of the May 8, 2021 Schiller Institute conference, The Moral Collapse of the Trans-Atlantic World Cries Out for a New Paradigm. Moderator: Thank you very much, Dr. Shaaban. I have a question from a military veteran about the OPCW controversy, the suppression of the truthful story, or better said, the made-up story, of the use of chemical weapons by Syria. He wrote, The whistleblowers who say there was no evidence that Syria used chemical weapons were suppressed by the OPCW, and the media will not cover them. And he asks further, What can you say about the role of London-based groups such as the White Helmets and the one you mentioned, in promoting the narrative that it is Syrian government corruption which is the problem? Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban: Thank you very much for this question. I think there is such a huge gap between what is circulated in the Western media and the reality in Syria. All those who are interested in Syria and who are doing real investigative work in Syria know that the White Helmets are agents of many terrorist groups, and those terrorist groups are the ones who are fighting the war of the U.S. and the West on the ground of Syria. The OPCW case, handling the Syrian situation regarding chemical weapons, should really be highlighted as a very flagrant violation, not only of human rights and international law, but of the freedom of speech. Because all these whistleblowers were asking to be heard by the OPCW, and yet, they were not given the opportunity to present their cases. But the Russian Ambassador, [Vassily] Nebenzia, at the UN [on May 5], gave, through an Arria-Formula Meeting [a meeting called by a member or members of the UN Security Council, though not a formal meeting of the Security Council], an important session where all these people spoke. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many others, they proved beyond any doubt that all the evidence on Syria was fabricated, and so many circumstances that proved that Syria did not use any chemical weapons were omitted from the report of the original investigators. I would like to conclude by mentioning one thing, that in 2013, the OPCW started investigating chemical weapons in Syria. They ended up in two years by writing a report that Syria is free of all chemical weapons, and that the Syrian government has cooperated in handling all its chemical weapons. How could they come back and invent stories accusing Syria of such a crime, which is absolutely groundless? Moderator: I have a question from a blogger who writes, You offered what seemed to be an optimistic assessment of the future. What has given you and the people of Syria the courage to remain optimistic about the future? Dr. Shaaban: Thank you for this question; its a very important question. The reason is that Im talking to you from the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the worldDamascusthat is over 10,000 years old. So many invaders came and killed and destroyed; but they were defeated. And the Syrian people came up again and built their country, and continued their civilized history, and continued to be a haven for other peoplewhether in the region or out of the regionwho suffered from injustices like the war on the Armenians and the Assyrians that was done in Ottoman Turkey in 1915. Thousands of Armenians joined the Syrian people, and became Syrian people. We are very proud of the heritage they brought with them with which they enriched our culture. When the war on Iraq took place, about 3 million Iraqis came to Syria; not a single tent was put up. All of them went into our homes, into our houses, into our schools and universities. These are the Syrian people; this is the history of the Syrian people. And I dont think any power can change this resilient spirit, and this hope and faith in a better future. Not only for us, but for humanity at large. Moderator: Dr. Shaaban, thank you. I dont have any more questions. Helga, did you want to say something? Helga Zepp-LaRouche: Yes. First of all, I want to greet you, Dr. Shaaban. Im very happy that you are joining us here. I would like to ask you a question. Cardinal Zenari [Papal Nuncio in Syria] basically said that there must be peaceful development; that the only way this situation can be remedied is by economic development. There was a donors conference recently, where people collected something like $7 billion for Syria, but as far as I know, did that go in coordination with the Syrian government? I think there are still the views that you have to have, first, a post-Assad government before any real reconstruction is allowed to take place. I would like you to comment on that. And lastly, if you think that my idea to take the region as a whole, all of Southwest Asia as an extension of the Silk Road, is that in your view a realistic idea? And if so, what can be done to further the realization? Dr. Shaaban: Thank you, my friend Helga. I really wanted to comment on your very important keynote speech, but after I address your question. I think that the policy of the Syrian government now, and the Syrian people, is to go back to what we do best, which is agriculture and industry. We are very ancient in plowing the land and growing the crops. I can assure you that this year, we feel a great difference between the years of the war and now. So many people went back to promote agriculture, to rebuild their factories. Even small, tiny workshops. But the Syrian people realize now that they have to do their own economic development regardless of all the pressure and all the criminal measures that are taking place by the West against the Syrian people. And Im sure we can do it. But Im also sure that things cannot continue this way. The American occupation of the northeast of Syriathey are looting our wheat during the day; they are looting our oil; they are preventing the Syrian people from their own natural resources. With the will and help of people such as your good self, Im confident that the future is going to be much better, and we are going to be able to stop occupiers, terrorists, and all those who do not believe in a human community, to stop them from further destruction. I would like to go back to greet you, Helga, and say to you, thank you very much for your keynote address. And to say that I felt, while you were talking, that I would love to carry this speech and circulate it the world over, because it is the antithesis of what Western colonial powers are doing. And I would like to say to you how I read it. I read it that you, Helga, and the Schiller Institute, look at humanity, see humanity, see all of us as global brothers and sisters, while the imperial and colonial powers have always treated us or looked at us as second- or third- or fourth- or fifth-class citizens of the world. They continue to do that because they are interested only in looting our resources, and in making money for themselves while depriving our people of our own resources. I think your idea is great, but the problem is that they dont allow, the Americans. The reality here is that many Arab countries wanted to open their embassies immediately after we defeated the terrorists. But the United States would not let them open their embassies. The United States would not allow the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, for example. It will not allow the good relations and cooperation among Arab countries. So, by using their military force and their hegemony, they are the ones who are really dictating how these states are behaving. The basic reason for all this war on Syria is that Syria has its own stubborn independent decision, and we do not take orders. I have been in the political sphere for the last 30 years, in the Non-Aligned [Movement], in the Islamic organization [Organization of Islamic Cooperation], in the Arab League. All the time, the American ambassador or envoy will bring a written text and ask countries to accept that text and to adopt it in their final communique. Syria was always, always the one who refused to take text or orders from Americans or from Western powers. Because we are very proud people, and we believe we deserve to be at least equal. Thank you. Moderator: We have another couple of minutes for one final question for you. This comes from Dr. Marie-Luise Heuser [from the Institute of Space Systems at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany]. She says, Syria is known for good coexistence of different religions. She asks if you could say something about that. Dr. Shaaban: Well, when I gave that press conference on the 24th of March in 2011, I said in that press conference that what all the West is targetting is the coexistence in Syria. Because we are very proud of our culture. We are brought up as Muslims and Christians, as Assyrians and Armenians. I am a Muslim woman, but I go to churches, I go to Saydnaya, I go to Malula. Christian people always congratulate us on our Eid or on our anniversaries, or on our holy days. No one in Syria ever, at all, asks anybody, What is your religion? It is an extremely socially impolite and unacceptable question. People go to seek a job, to sit [for] an exam, to do whatever, in any Syrian city, in any place in Syria, nobody will ask you what your religion is, because it is irrelevant. For Syrians, religion is between the person and God. Ill give you one final, very important example. When the terrorists went to the Idlib areathe Idlib area is mostly composed of Sunni Muslims, although we hate to mention that, but that is the truth. About 2 million people migrated from rural Aleppo and the Idlib area to Mashta-al-Helou, to Tartus, to Latakia, where the population is almost completely Christians and Alawites. And there was not a single incident; quite the contrary, people started establishing factories together, working together, learning from each other, and loving being together. Now, although many rural areas in Aleppo were liberated, many of the people decided to stay where they are in Latakia or in Tartus or in Mashta-al-Helou or whatever. In fact, this is the jewel of the lives of the Syrian people, and it is inherited one generation after another. It is our culture; it is absolutely embedded in the milk we drink from our mothers. I would love for that to be an example for other countries rather than to be targetted by Western imperialist countries. Moderator: Dr. Shaaban, I think we completely share that sentiment you just expressed. I thank you again for joining us. We look forward to hearing from you in better times; especially after we end the Caesar sanctions. Dr. Shaaban: Thank you. Is that a question, or just your statement? Moderator: Thats just a statement. Dr. Shaaban: Thank you so much. Thank you, Helga, for inviting me, always. I think this is the time to make the Schiller Institute a leading narrative; your narrative to be a leading narrative in the world. I think most people everywhere need this, and want this, and are ready to join party with you and work with you for this noble cause you have been embracing for the last 50 years. Thank you very much. Zepp-LaRouche: Thank you very much for joining us. We will do more things together. Dr. Shaaban: Hopefully. Thank you very much. God bless you. Thank you. Take care. China Labels U.S. Foreign Policy on Xinjiang Weasel Diplomacy May 12, 2021 (EIRNS)-China very appropriately has labeled as weasel policy U.S. policy toward Xinjiang. Today at the United Nations, the permanent missions of the U.S., Great Britain, Germany and an array of NGOs are holding an event on Xinjiang and the repression of Uighur Muslims. The spokesman for Chinas UN Mission issued a hard-hitting statement in response to this insult, while the semi-official Global Times titled its op-ed on the subject: U.S. Weasel Diplomacy Will Not Function in Xinjiang. During the May 10 Foreign Ministry briefing, spokeswoman Hua Chunying similarly asserted that U.S. behavior with respect to Xinjiangs Uighur population is just like the weasel paying respect to the hen without the best of intentions. Global Times quotes Professor Li Haidong, from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, who warned that the purpose of this weasel diplomacy is to turn Xinjiang into another Afghanistan. Global Times further states that this weasel diplomacy has brought war to many countries, pointing to how the U.S. ruthlessly and barbarically inflamed turmoil in Afghanistan for its own interests, yet now pretends to care about Xinjiangs Muslims. It wont work in Xinjiang, Global Times admonishes, because Xinjiang is neither Ukraine nor AfghanistanChina has strong national power, rich resources and powerful strategies. Li pointedly warns, If the U.S. tends to believe it could stir up internal chaos in China, it must have overestimated its own strength and underestimated Chinas ability to resist external pressures. The Chinese UN Missions statement points to the sheer lies and political bias of todays UN event, and particularly attacks the fact that in the midst of a global pandemic, and when nations should be acting in solidarity to face the challenge of defeating deadly disease, the co-sponsors of this event are obsessed with undermining the unity and collaboration of member statesviolating the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The spokesman slams the U.S.s sanctimonious claims of defending Uighur Muslims, when its perpetual wars have slaughtered Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syriakilling civilians and displacing tens of millions. The U.S. doesnt care about the deaths of almost 1 million Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria but is very keen on Uighur Muslims in China, he says. Todays event, he counters, is outright political farce. Intense Diplomacy Taking Place To Prevent All-Out Israeli-Palestinian War May 12, 2021 (EIRNS)Over the past 24-36 hours, intense diplomacy has been taking place among world leaders, government and institutional officialsthe United Nationsin an effort to de-escalate what could become a full-blown flashpoint for regional and even global war going beyond the ostensible conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Several parties are now seeking to begin a negotiation process. This afternoon, Moscow time, following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for an emergency meeting of the Middle East Quartet. Today, he said, weve come to the common opinion that the most pressing task is to convene the Quartet of international mediatorsRussia, the United States, the UN and the EU, The Australian reported him as saying. Tor Wennesland, UN Coordinator of the Middle East Peace Process, added urgency to the call, tweeting today: Stop the fire immediately. Were escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of deescalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now. Heads of state and government or foreign ministers from several countries have communicated by phone urging Israeli and Palestinian restraintas the death toll, particularly on the Palestinian side, climbed dramatically close to 60, including 15 children, as a result of Israeli air strikes on Gaza. President Joe Biden has been out of sight during this period. After speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazy this morning, Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today to communicate to him the U.S.s support for Israels right to self-defense, but also cautioned him that Israel had a special burden to prevent Palestinian civilian casualties. Blinken also announced that he is immediately sending Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr to the regionwith no details on where he will be going or with whom he will meet. Blinken also spoke with Russias Sergey Lavrov. President Putin spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Lavrov also consulted with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. At the UN Security Council, Russia and China have been coordinating closely to get out a statement on the situation. China occupies the rotating UNSC presidency for May, and since the evening of May 10, according to Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershunin, has been consulting with Russia and other member states to draft a statement. At todays Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing, in response to a question, spokeswoman Hua Chunying reported: In collaboration with relevant countries, China drafted and disseminated a Security Council presidential statement. Most countries supported this draft and called for its early release. But regrettably, the Council has yet to reach consensus on it. According to the Times of Israel, a draft of the statement condemned looming evictions of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. The U.S. and the U.K. prevented its release, saying it would not be useful. A Transformational President President Biden has completed the first 100-days milestone that has been used since Franklin Roosevelt to assess new presidents progress towards keeping their campaign promises and their prospects for having a successful presidency. So far, in my estimation, Joe Biden is keeping his promises and succeeding in getting the country back on track in our pursuit of a more perfect union. It was much more than a political assessment when I declared 15 months ago that we know Joe, and most importantly, Joe knows us. Joe Biden is succeeding because of he understands the needs and aspirations of the American people. His bold and inclusive initiatives are restoring the faith of those who have been hardest hit by the current health and economic crises and raising the hopes of those who had already been hard hit by injustices in our society long before these crises struck. After a plethora of Executive Orders on his first day in office, President Bidens first legislative success was the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP enjoys 77% support among all voters, including 59% of Republican voters. It has put America on a path of fully reopening safely. It has helped make hundreds of millions of vaccines available, and it has stabilized millions of American families. It has kept many small businesses from closing, and, when fully implemented, will lift more than half of the nations poverty-laden children out of poverty. The Administrations top priority for the next 100 days is passing the comprehensive American Jobs Plan (AJP). The AJP will create good-paying jobs by investing in our long-neglected infrastructure. President Biden recognizes that infrastructure now includes the information highway, and his proposal will bring affordable, high-speed internet to every home. His plan also includes investments in green energy technology and other research innovations that will help America build a forward-looking economy that will provide sustainable economic growth. ADVERTISEMENT President Biden is also proposing to invest in our countrys human infrastructure through another transformative initiative supporting the bedrock of our nations foundationfamilies. His American Families Plan (AFP) will stabilize and uplift families by extending the child tax credit enhancement, supporting childcare workers and families who pay for childcare, providing universal pre-K, making two years of community college free, and expanding access to quality, affordable health care. These proposals will reduce systemic barriers that have prevented low-income and many communities of color from fully enjoying the greatness of our great nation. The American people overwhelmingly support the Presidents agenda. One recent poll found 68% of Americans support the AJP, and 64% are in favor of the AFP. These numbers far exceed the margin of Bidens election victory. These numbers refute critics who claim President Bidens agenda is too progressive and has no support among Republicans. It is wrongheaded to view bipartisanship through the lens of 212 Republican House Members and 50 Republican Senators. I hope Republican Members will listen more closely to the American people, Democrats and Republicans. But if they fail to do so, Democrats will unilaterally act to serve and protect Americans irrespective of political persuasions. Following President Bidens first speech to a joint session of Congress, we all heard the partisan Republican opposition to his agenda led by Senator Tim Scott from my home state of South Carolina. Unable to debate the merits of President Bidens proposals, Senator Scott instead focused on the price tag and racial issues. He and his partisans never questioned the cost of the $1.9 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans and corporations under the previous president. Their tax cut for the wealthy increased the national debt and exploded the deficit. It is becoming clear to the American people that their fiscal restraint is more about who is benefiting from government spending than the amount of money being spent. President Biden fully pays for both the American Jobs and Families Plans. He is asking wealthy Americans and corporations to pay their fair share. President Biden, and all of us, applaud their successes made possible by Americas greatness. But it is time for that greatness to be accessible and affordable for all. Joe Biden has already demonstrated that he intends to keep the promises he made during the campaign. He is relating to people in a personal way and is proposing policies that will directly address the needs of individuals, their families, and their communities. He is not putting a price tag on the American dream. He is making investments to help all Americans realize their dreams. I believe this approach is truly transformational in its potential for dramatic progress toward liberty and justice for all. COMPTON TWO DISTANT STRANGERS IN THE HISTORY BOOKS! Comptons Travon Free and the Six Feet Over team took home an Oscar stepping into the history books as the first African-American filmmaker to win in the live-action short category. I lean into the African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. Co-directed by Free (who also wrote the screenplay) and Martin Desmond Roe, Two Distant Strangers is the story of an African-American graphic artist (rapper Joey Badass) who gets stuck in a Groundhog Day-esque time loop that always ends in his killing by a White police officer (Andrew Howard). ADVERTISEMENT There were a few hiccups after the historic win, where filmmaker, producer, and comedian Cynthia Kao suggested that the team copied the 2016 short film Groundhog Day for a Black Man. I saw this short film as part of the NBC Short Film Showcase, and I was not impressed. I dont like to speak negatively about other creative peoples work but what stood about this short was the poor execution of the story and the uninspired writing. Now to the final victory lap. Heres what Travon Free, Nicholas Maye, Van Lathan, and the newest member of Six Feet Over, Samir Hernandez had to share about winning their first Oscar. Being Black producers, winning the Oscar is about more than receiving the highest honor. Its about carrying the torch from those who came before us and continuing to pave the way for those who are coming after (and with) us. Its a responsibility that we dont take likely and an honor that will be with us for the rest of our lives.~Samir Hernandez Winning an Oscar was amazing. What was more amazing was the group that we put together to contextual each the pain of this moment. The fact that we did that, and were rewarded for it, is the greatest accolade Ive ever received in my life.~Van Lathan ADVERTISEMENT I wanted to help create something that would spark conversation, thought-provoking, something that made you feel. I wanted to do something with my friends who are also black men, that was dope and expressive. I wanted to create something that would make my family proud. I accomplished that, and that is the real win for me. But for the project to win an Oscar, thats the cherry on top and in blessed to be a part of that~Nicholas Maye To win an Oscar in a monumental feat. To win an Oscar for a film that tackles the ever-present danger of police violence against Black bodies is something that cant be qualified. We sent a message and it seems to have been heard loud and clear. I couldnt be happier to have made history with this team and I cant wait to keep making more of it.~Travon Free Two Distant Strangers, is now streaming on Netflix. Councilwoman Emma Sharif Finishes Strong and Heads into the Compton Mayoral Runoff Election on June 1 This week, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder certified the City of Compton election results and confirmed Councilwoman Emma Sharif is headed into the runoff election on June 1. Emma is a battle-tested public servant who currently represents the 4th District on the Compton City Council and previously served as an elected member of Compton School Board. Emma has a long record of collaborative leadership and integrity. She is a coalition-builder who brings people together to get things done. This is why she is the only endorsed candidate of the Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club. Emma is looking forward to a spirited debate about taking Compton to the next level. In response to the election results, Councilwoman Sharif, who recently received the endorsement of Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson and the LA Sentinel, said, I am grateful for the overwhelming support I received from the voters of Compton. I am thankful for the confidence they placed in me to lead our city. Our message resonated with the voters and I look forward to speaking with them again about our campaign over the next 28 days. I have the vision, training and experience to fix our streets, tackle the homeless issue, improve our relationship with the Sheriffs Department, bring jobs and revenue and increase funding for senior citizen programming. Since being re-elected to the Compton City Council in 2019, Councilwoman Sharif and the council has accomplished the following: ADVERTISEMENT Completed $5.9 million in street repairs Approved $45 million in revenue bonds to fund additional street repairs Fought for a COVID-19 Testing Site in Compton Fought for Homeless Outreach Plan that provided services to 90 individuals Approved a contract to clean up Illegal Dumping Approved hiring a painter to clean up Graffiti Approved a $1.2 million Tree trimming contract Approved over 500 units of housing Worked with Assemblyman Mike Gipson to revitalize the Compton Creek Worked with Congresswoman Nanette Barragan to rename the Compton Post Office after the first Black Marine Medal of Honor recipient, Pfc. James Anderson Jr. Although we have much to be proud of as a city, we still have work to do to increase the quality of life for all Compton residents. I look forward to working with the council, staff and residents to take Compton to the next level. Councilwoman Sharif, a 30-year resident of Compton who raised her four children in the city, is battle-tested, honest, transparent, and has remained true to the people she serves. Emma Sharif holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science/Sociology, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Dr. Esther Obeng: At home in her lab at St. Jude Dr. Obengs parents instilled in her a value for education, and shes putting it to use treating patients and researching new therapies and cures. Ask Esther Obeng, M.D., Ph.D., about her job title, and shes liable to offer up a variety of terms: physician-scientist, researcher, attending physician and assistant faculty member. But theres another title, one that preceded her position at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, thats a particular point of pride for her. ADVERTISEMENT Im a first-generation American, she said. Obengs father came to the U.S. from the West African nation of Ghana. Her mother emigrated from the Caribbean. They brought to their new country a strong work ethic and a yearning for excellence. Both of them instilled in myself and my brothers the importance of obtaining a good education in order to achieve goals and accomplish something positive. Obeng, to be sure, got that good education, earning a Bachelor of Science, medical and doctorate degrees at the University of Miami. And shes put it to use not only to treat patients as a physician, but to conduct research aimed at finding new therapies and cures. And thats one of the reasons that I ended up at St. Jude, she said. I was very interested and excited for the opportunity to take part in such a novel mission, to try to cure the incurable. Apart from the science and medicine, theres another reason Obeng has found a home at St. Jude. After arriving, she learned about the research hospitals history as the first fully integrated childrens hospital in the South and about its continuing focus in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. ADVERTISEMENT Thats been a pleasant surprise and something that Im very proud to be a part of. Contributions from donors make it possible for doctors and scientists like Obeng to conduct research and help find cures while ensuring no family treated at St. Jude ever receives a bill. Obeng is able to attend to bone-marrow-transplant patients and has her own research lab. That combination of functions, research along with treating patients, appeals to her. One of Obengs favorite experiences came when she emerged from her lab one day and saw a patient who previously had experienced complications waving to her as she left the hospital to go home. I think that connection being able to be in the lab five minutes ago and then five minutes later see your patient, see that they made it home, I think is one of the special St. Jude moments, Obeng said. In her lab, Obeng delves into some of the most vexing mysteries of leukemia, such as why normal cells turn cancerous and how cancer cells can become resistant to drugs. What weve been focused on is trying to identify how different genetic changes or mutations cause normal cells to grow like cancer cells, with the goal of trying to find specific agents or therapies that will wipe out those cancer cells without causing much more toxicity, she said. Obengs lab is working with a number of different patient groups those with leukemia and sickle cell disease, as well as children who have undergone bone marrow transplants to design studies to identify cancer-causing mutations and then develop clinical trials with therapies that target them. One of the reasons that I study the research that I do is I had a patient who had a type of bone marrow failure syndrome. And her parents said, when she ultimately passed away, that they knew that they received the best care possible, and they just wished we knew something more, Obeng said. That inspires me, in my research, to look for something more. Its a privilege every day to take care of patients just like that one. Emmy-Winning Cinematographer and Photographer John Simmons Details his latest Digital Exhibition Capturing Beauty: The Artwork and Photography of John Simmons. Photographer and videographer John Simmons has captured timeless moments in history dating back to the 60s where he grew up in Chicago. Today, Simmons work can be seen in several locations and now on digital display at the Jean Deleage Art Gallery at CASA 0101 Theater in a showing titled Capturing Beauty: The Artwork and Photography of John Simmons. Curated by Jimmy Centeno, Simmons work is a full display of the historical framework of his start in 1965 to the present day. A collection of photos hes been putting together since Centeno approached him in 2020, Simmons says the exhibit was in perfect timing. It seemed like something that was important to see at this time. My photographs deal with Chicago and the 60s and all over the world, he said, explaining the importance of his hometown to the exhibition was due to the significant political expression in Chicago. Simmons continued, My collages deal with a lot of the events of 2020 and how they connect to history. It was just a good time for us to share that stuff, it seemed like the right moment. Also of the times, the digitization of the exhibition. Though the world is opening in some capacities, Simmons exhibition can be viewed online via YouTube at any time, an adjustment made due to the pandemic. Simmons expressed he prefers and adores a live exhibition, the emotions, proper visualization and conversations that derive from being in person with the art, but for this showing in these conditions he said the access to his work globally is a major positive. Theres something to be said for texture and for you not to be able to stand there and experience it as it really is but like I said, the optimistic view of that is that anybody from any corner of the world can see it. Regardless of their time zones, borders. or their language, you can experience it. Thats one of the advantages and I dont think that thats gonna go away. The concept of digital exhibitions follows the same scheme of Simmons work, an idea that simply wont go away. As a young adult, he was given a camera which became the starting point of his career and what is now the focal point of this showcase. Speaking to his photographs, I didnt think that they would turn into anything that was important. Thats not why I did it. I did it because I love taking pictures. I loved art, and I loved telling the story of where I lived, and what I was about, and so he did. That camera put me right in the middle of everything. ADVERTISEMENT Simmons continued to share that to this day he doesnt leave home without his camera, which allowed him to capture present day movements that mimic the fight for freedoms he encountered over 50 years ago. I want to say something about the fabric of humanity and how were all connected to each other, he said of the impact of his work. How history is linked to the present. I hope that people are able to see that were in this all together. When they look at my pictures, the pictures show who we are, but not only do they show who we are, but they also show a universal image of who everyone is. Of the images used in the show, he has two favorites, both of which exemplify who he is as an artist and as a person. My art basically speaks of a love for my people, a love for humanity, a love and a concern for who we are, where were going and what weve been. To see John Simmons exhibition Capturing Beauty: The Artwork and Photography of John Simmons via YouTube visit https://casa0101.org/?exhibits=the-artwork-and-photography-of-john-simmons. Essie Justice Groups 5th Annual Black Mamas Bail Out Day of Action: Three Mothers Bailed Out and Over $800,000 Raised Essie Justice Group has been applying pressure to the nations judicial system after the California Supreme Court ruled the verdict of the Kenneth Humphrey case unconstitutional. The Essie Justice Group is setting an expectation, for California Judges to follow the law and honor the unbiased Supreme Court decision. The court ruling awakens a dormant topic of consideration of the ability to post bail amounts. Since 2017, more than 500 Black mothers and caregivers have been released from jail, due to the efforts of the Black Mamas Bail Out initiative. The directive also provided long-term care, such as housing and counseling for the recently released citizens. The Black Mamas Bail Out directive amplifies a bigger chant to end mass incarceration nationwide. Essie Justice Group, National Bail Out, Color of Change, and other organizations raised over $1 million to post bail for Black mothers and caregivers across the nation. ADVERTISEMENT According to a report from npr.org stated the California Supreme Court looked into reconsidering cash bail if a defendant cant afford to pay. The decision centers around the case of retired shipyard worker Kenneth Humphrey. The source mentioned prior stated, Humphrey was arrested for allegedly stealing $7 and a bottle of cologne from his neighbor in San Francisco. The set bail for this crime was $600,000, but later reduced to $350,000. In light of Mr. Humphreys freedom now came with a cost, The California Supreme Court stated that conditioning freedom solely on whether an arrestee can afford bail is unconstitutional. On May 7, Essie Justice Group initiated their National Bail Out campaign; they paid the bail amount for Black mothers to be released from the Century Regional Detention Facility in Los Angeles. In the midst of the act of bailing out mothers before Mothers Day, the justice group held a virtual rally to call out the ongoing crisis of pretrial incarceration. Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell, L.A. Public Defender Ricardo Garcia, and the Essie Justice Group Executive Director Gina Clayton-Johnson came together to discuss reactions to the Humphrey ruling. They shared thoughts of progression and ways to hold the judicial system accountable when it comes to pretrial freedom. Writer, actress, and producer Rashida Jones also joined the conversation. Supervisor Mitchell stated within the official press release, Hundreds of thousands of people mostly Black and Brown remain incarcerated pretrial for no other reason than they cannot afford to pay bail often facing trauma and abuse inside the over 3,000 jails across the country, Mitchell continued, The [California] Supreme Court found that it is unconstitutional to detain a person because they cannot afford their bail amount. We must demand and expect that the courts treat each individual with the care and concern they deserve, acknowledging that they are someones child, someones parent, someones loved one and a part of our community. Los Angeles Public Defender Ricardo Garcia stated, Public Defenders are on the front lines of our criminal justice system and, every day, attorneys in my office bear witness to systemic racism that permeates our pretrial system and disproportionately devastates Black and Brown communities, ADVERTISEMENT The public defender continued, Even though each of our clients are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, bail is routinely set at an amount that our clients cant afford, meaning that far too many of them are forced to sit in a jail cell as they await trial. The situation has only become more grave during COVID-19, Garcia explained further, both because exposure to the disease is so much higher in jails but also because the delays and court closures have meant that people are in jail pretrial longer than ever. We are grateful to be a part of the Mamas Day Bailout and deeply grateful for the work of organizations like Essie Justice Group who are reminding us all that pretrial justice is a racial justice issue and a gender justice issue. For the Essie Justice Group, the moment to aid the Black community living behind bars came after a memo released by retired Judge J. Richard Couzens. He advised that all judges in California look at the Humphrey ruling closely and find ways to eradicate using bail as a tool to keep people detained during the pretrial stage of incarceration. The memo highlighted Essies values in reimaging the strength in the judicial system. For the last five years, Essie has joined Black-led organizations to unite in resources; in order to free Black mothers and highlighting Black freedom. Thousands of mothers remain behind bars, despite the Supreme court decision ruling of Humphrey case was unconstitutional. The reality the nation faces together is Judges are ignoring the ruling and continue to set extreme bail amounts for many Black mothers that range from two hundred thousand to millions of dollars. The Essie Justice Group demands pretrial liberation. Since the ruling of Kenneth Humphry was seen as unconstitutional, Essie Justice Group has moved with force to liberate Black mothers who are incarcerated. Through the act of bailing out women of color who cannot pay their bail, Essie Justice Group has brought attention to the concern of injustice found in the judicial system. Essie Justice Group held their fifth annual initiative that looks to bail out Black mothers as part of their National Bail Out campaign. The detention facility that the justice group is working with is the Century Regional Detention Facility in Los Angeles. The extreme amounts of bail placed on people of color have kept them detained, blocking the opportunity for freedom. Gina Clayton-Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of Essie Justice group stated, For this years Black Mamas Bail Out, Essie Justice Group worked with public defenders offices across the state to identify Black mothers and caregivers to bail out of jail. Clayton-Johnson continued, We found that judges have set bail amounts on low-income and working class women to the tune of two hundred thousand dollars all the way to one million dollars all during a life-threatening pandemic. As an organization of women with incarcerated loved ones, we know from experience that it is Black women who too frequently pay the cost of our unjust bail system. With the recent Humphrey decision, we are demanding that judges follow the law and set the bail at an amount that people can afford to pay. Faith Leaders Seek Reimagined Relationship with FBI Under J. Edgar Hoover, the agencys inaugural director, African Americans were hounded, targeted, discriminated against and treated with contempt. In the minds of many Blacks, little has changed over the years and the FBI is still considered the enemy or at least, not a friend. Hoping to adjust that theory, the Rev. Dr. Damali Najuma Smith-Pollard invited FBI execs in Southern California to discuss the Bureaus interactions with minorities. The conversation, which was broadcast live via Zoom and Facebook, enlightened viewers about the changes and plans of the countrys most well-known law enforcement arm. ADVERTISEMENT Smith-Pollard, who serves as program manager of USCs Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement, moderated the session entitled, Faith Leadership Engagement with the FBI on April 21. The presentation was part of the Critical Conversations series sponsored by universitys Center for Religion and Civic Culture. The participants were the Rev. Gregory Sanders, pastor of The Rock Christian Fellowship in Long Beach and president of the Long Beach Ministers Alliance; Christy Johnson, newly appointed assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles field office and 21-years veteran of the agency; George Boykins, a supervisory special agent who joined the FBI in 2009 and oversees their Violent Crimes Squad in Orange County; and Sal Tamburrino, supervisory special agent of the Civil Rights Program in the FBIs L.A. field office. Explaining how the session came about, Smith-Pollard said, In 2020, myself, Pastor Greg Sanders and Agent George Boykins began talks around the faith-based community and the FBI and what were ways we could engage with one another to improve and strengthen communication with the wider L.A. community. We know that historically, the community and FBI do not have the best relationship. But we do believe that were in a time where we can collectively turn the page and look at new ways of building relationships and strengthening together. Smith-Pollard, who is also the founding pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church in L.A., asked the panelists, What is the FBIs role and commitment to local communities in building this bridge to communication? Johnson replied, My number one role is to make sure we are engaging in sessions like this. I want to thank Najuma and Pastor Sanders for the work you are doing in the community. People like you two help connect us to communities we need to be talking to. Before I respond, I want to comment about yesterdays outcome (the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial). I want to say it makes us all hopeful, yet it reminds us of all of the work that we need to continue to do with our partners in law enforcement and with you (the community). It is a critical moment in history for all of us. George Floyds death is a stark reminder that we must continue this workto ensure the safety of our communities. That is what we signed up for that is our job. ADVERTISEMENT The L.A. field office covers seven counties. Our commitment is to reach out with our resources to engage in impactful conversations, educating people on crimes so we can prevent them, and making sure everybody understands our role in the criminal justice system. We are actually adjusting our strategy across the entire FBI to make sure we arent just hitting the conversations in the community that were comfortable with and used toso that I can apply our resources to the right matters, Johnson said. Admitting he was all about connecting law enforcement with community, Boykins said, My role in the FBI is specific to violent crimes, which includes gang and narcotic investigations, organized crime, crimes against children, bank robberies, kidnappings, you name it. If it presents itself as violence, we will address it. We work lockstep with other law enforcement offices everyday. He noted that the FBIs goal is to provide safety for the community. My passion was born out of grass roots community work. My first job out of college was working in a group home with at-risk juvenile males. My lifes work and experience has been centered around community outreach. Its hard for the FBI to maintain a connection because were not as visible. Were not in a uniform like you see on police officers. Efforts are being made constantly in that area (community outreach). Tamburrino remarked, Bringing us together today is what we need to do. We need to integrate our thoughts to put our children in a better spot. He also recalled that his passion for civil rights stemmed from viewing the film, Mississippi Burning, as a teen. I was drawn to the civil rights movement and drawn to the FBI because of the high standards we have to make things better for the community, he said. And were always working towards innovative strategies to make things better for our organization. I have a team of dedicated agents who are responsible for detecting, deterring, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes and color of law violations. My team is passionate and committed to their jobs. Outlining his reasons for reaching out to the FBI, Sanders said, One of the things we recognized, as far as the community in Long Beach, is that we needed a bigger blanket of crime prevention to cover us. My heart is to engage our communitys safety through violence prevention. He continued, We work closely with the LBPD, but some of the issues were in oversight and transparency and trust the blanket wasnt big enough, so we were able to work with our FBI office, which gave us a bigger blanket to cover more of the needs of our communitys safety. The FBI is critical in helping us, not only with hate crimes and constitutional violations, but also in oversight and building relational equity with our police department. Addressing to what she called the elephant in the room, Smith-Pollard said there is a long history of mistrust between the community and the FBI, so she asked, Why now is it important for the FBI to begin to build bridges and create trust? Boykins agreed with Smith-Pollard and said that in light of police brutality protests and Chauvin verdict, it was time to work on connecting law enforcement with the community. Its obvious that were in a moment that were open to doing something different. Now is as pivotal time as ever. Our humanity is at stake if we dont, Boykins said. The faith-based engagement is essential to this mission. Regarding the training of agents in diversity issues, Johnson shared that the FBI is prioritizing that area in its recruitment of a range of ethnicities as well as individuals who possess broader experiences and viewpoints. Every day is a day to continue to build mutual understanding. Were getting much better in having the difficult conversations. As the session concluded, Smith-Pollard acknowledged the contributions of Martice D. Hawkins, who performs community outreach for the FBIs L.A. field office and plays a critical role in linking the agency with community leaders. Urging the audience to reach out to the agency, Smith-Pollard added, We hope to build trust, without forgetting, said Smith-Pollard. Please engage with our FBI. Greater Justice is Coming: Taking on Abusive and Deadly Policing with New DOJ Leadership Thanks to the voters who elected President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, we now have a Department of Justice that actually cares about justice. And I am not just talking about justice as an idea. I am talking about a Department of Justice that is willing to take on abusive policing and law enforcement agencies that are corrupted by racism. In his first month on the job, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland reversed a Trump-era policy that made it harder for the Justice Department to investigate police departments and hold them accountable for violating peoples civil rights. ADVERTISEMENT And he was just getting started. In the past few weeks, the Justice Department has announced that it is starting an investigation of the police departments in Minneapoliswhere George Floyd was murdered by former officer Derek Chauvin while other officers watched. The Minnesota AFL-CIO has called the citys police union a white supremacist-led organization. The Justice Department has also launched an investigation of policing practices in Louisville, where Breonna Taylor was shot to death in her own home. These investigations will look at more than those individual killings. This kind of patterns and practices investigation looks at the big picture to determine whether and how a law enforcement agency is violating peoples civil rights. They are a way to evaluateand do something aboutthe impact that systemic racism has in a police department and the communities it is supposed to serve. Patterns and practices investigations can lead to consent decreesagreements that require police departments to change the way they operate, with oversight from the Justice Department to make sure change actually happens. In the past, Justice Department investigations and consent decrees have been important tools for getting violent police behavior under control and changing abusive cultures in out-of-control departments. When the Trump administration shut down this kind of investigation, it sent a signal to police departments that the Justice Department would look the other way rather than hold them responsible for misconduct. Of course, Trump himself repeatedly made it clear that he was not opposed to violent policing. In fact, he encouraged it. ADVERTISEMENT President Biden has spoken personally about the importance of ending police violence and reimagining public safety. He has called on Congress to pass the imperfect but important George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Another good sign was the announcement that the FBI is doing a civil rights investigation of the killing of Andrew Brown, Jr., who was shot in the back of the head by police in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. All of these are important steps in protecting Americans, especially Black Americans, from abusive policing. President Biden has also spoken out against Republicans racist efforts to pass new voting restrictions in states all over the country. Biden has called those efforts sick and we can count on his Justice Department to do what they can to challenge voter suppressioneven though right-wing justices on the U.S. Supreme Court have greatly weakened the tools that the Voting Rights Act gave the department to prevent Black voters from having their rights denied. The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division has just written the Arizona Senate president to raise concerns that a bogus audit of ballots from last years presidential election that is being conducted by private contractors from the so-called Stop the Steal movement could be violating the Voting Rights Act. There are more signs that we can expect changes at the Justice Department. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, who was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate, started her career as a civil rights attorney by winning freedom for dozens of mostly Black people wrongly jailed in a small Texas town. And the Senate should soon confirm Kristen Clarke to head the civil rights division, where she started her legal career investigating police conduct, hate crimes, and human trafficking. Together with President Biden and Attorney General Garland, Gupta and Clarke will save lives, defend civil rights, and give millions of Americans hope that greater justice is coming. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. With less than a week until the votes are counted in the 54th Assembly Special Election on this Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Heather Hutt is taking nothing for granted. She has walked every neighborhood in her district for the past two months, explaining to voters why she is the most qualified candidate to be elected to the seat and encouraging voters to make sure they vote in this special election. Voters are tired, this district has been voting for over a year, but I am asking voters to keep voting, keep fighting. Other states are trying to suppress our vote, our voice, so I am asking and encouraging our community to vote. We are not Georgia, we can vote; we can vote by mail, or we can vote in person, but we must vote, stated Hutt. ADVERTISEMENT Heather Hutt has not been walking the district alone. She has been joined on the campaign trail with the powerful Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Hutt is also supported by one of only two Black women currently in the state legislature, Autumn Burke. We need Heather Hutt in Sacramento. We need a strong and loud voice who has the experience and understands how to deal with the issues facing our community, our families, our children. We cannot go backwards. In a time when our community our businesses are struggling, in a time when African American Women are standing strong and making such a difference throughout the country not having a strong woman like Heather in Sacramento is disrespectful to all the strong Black Women who came before her. Stated Kim Brown and Arlington Heights resident who is supporting Heather Hutt for Assembly. On Saturday, May 8, Hutts campaign trail landed at the parking lot of the Los Angeles Sentinel, where Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, Jan Perry, and a host of organizations and public officials gathered with community members rallying in favor of Hutt. Heather is the former Statewide Director for then, Senator and now Vice President Kamala Harris. She is the first African American woman to ever hold this position in Californias history. According to Hutt she declined an opportunity to move to Washington D.C. and serve under the Biden/Harris administration. Instead, her passion and love for this community drove her to stay home and fight for the people of her community. I was born and raised in this community. I raised my three sons in this community, and I have been working and serving the residence of this community my entire life. I cannot think of a better job for me, a job that combines my years of experience working in Washington and in Sacramento along with my love of this community all to serve for the betterment of all, stated Hutt. If elected, Hutt says on day one she has a list of top priorities that she wants to address and here they are: HEALTHCARE FOR ALL The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare a wide variety of failures in our healthcare system that need to be addressed. Now more than ever, we are reminded of how connected we all are and how critical the need for universal healthcare is. If elected to the Assembly, Im committed to ensuring that every Californianno matter their income level or immigration status can affordably access the healthcare they need. Throughout the pandemic, I worked to mitigate the effects of the virus, including advocating for additional protections (Including paid leave) for our frontline workers, who are disproportionately women and people of color and risking their lives to keep the economy moving. At the onset, I was continuously briefed by the CDC & DHS regarding the coronavirus and helped the state of California formulate plans and precautions to keep us safe. The pandemic has also highlighted the intense disparities in our healthcare system when it comes to race and socioeconomic status, an issue I am intimately familiar with. In the Senate, I brought together healthcare professionals to discuss implicit bias in the healthcare industry, especially for women and women of color. Its an issue Im committed to continuing to tackle in the Assembly. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY & HOMELESSNESS For years, California has clearly been in a housing crisis, with a dire need for more affordable housing. Over the past several years, our region has passed a lot of bond measures calling for more affordable housing, but few have been built. We need to ensure that these units actually get built, and that the process happens more quickly. Also, we must really rethink what our community housing looks like to ensure that the so-called affordable housing units are actually affordable for working families, particularly someone making $40,000 whos providing for their family. As someone who has raised my family in this community and turned my house into a home, I know how critical it is that this same opportunity is provided to future generations. Even before the pandemic, gentrification has been a deadly force for many in the 54th District, displacing thousands of families and small businesses. Thats why while we must build more affordable housing, we must also preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods to ensure our families are not priced out of their homes due to the emergence of luxury high rises. Our state and our region also clearly need a much more proactive approach to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity by investing in greater affordable housing units and preventative care like mental health and emergency services. As someone who has personal experience with housing insecurity, I know that we need to combat our regions homelessness epidemic head-on by prioritizing housing-first solutions and by investing in wrap-around mental health services and other preventative measures A FAIR ECONOMIC RECOVERY The pandemic has brought about a devastating economic crisis that has intensified the gap between the haves and the have nots, with millions out of work, small businesses crumbling and the rich getting even richer. The Governor and the legislature agreed on a package this week that is a great first step for families, but we will need to expand these types of programs, because the economic devastation left by the pandemic will not be erased overnight. As a former small businesswoman who wouldve been devastated by the pandemic, providing greater aid to struggling small and medium-sized businesses is tremendously important to me. We must also ensure that the aid being distributed goes to those who need it most, including businesses owned by women and people of color. As a SNAP activist and former small business owner, I am deeply committed to repairing and rebuilding our post-pandemic economy in a way that prioritizes the most marginalized during the crisis. The only way to create an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, is to properly invest in the working and middle class and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. Thats why in the Assembly, I am committed to expanding critical services for working and middle-class communities, including more aid to low-income Californians and vital support to small businesses, and enhancing the rights of working people. Importantly, I will use my intimate knowledge of the policymaking process to ensure that targeted assistance to small businesses and others helps those who need it most, and to continue increased unemployment benefits until we can get back to work. Additionally, this time has shown us the tremendous importance of essential workers, including often-forgotten service workers who are critical to our day-to-day lives. Particularly given the grotesque way that the health of workers has been threatened like never before, over the past year, it is crystal clear that the rights of working people must be upheld and expanded, which I will fight for in Sacramento. FIGHTING HATE & DISCRIMINATION In another way the pandemic has brought out the worst of us, the surge of violence against the AAPI community over the past year is absolutely appalling and must be stopped. We cant close our eyes to the epidemic of anti-AAPI violence, egged on by racist dog whistles, and ignore the problem. If you see an incident happening, dont be a hapless bystander. We all must engage and say or do something. At the same time, we must call out the racist dog whistles in our politics for what they are. QUALITY & EQUITABLE EDUCATION Californias public schools still recovering from the last recession and decades of cuts face a tremendous crisis confronting the economic consequences of the pandemic. While the state legislature is doing its best to plug the budget holes, our state clearly needs more revenue. The wealthiest among us, many of whom have gained massive amounts of wealth during this crisis, need to pay their fair share to ensure that a high-quality public education is available to every California student. Clearly, the past year has been devastating for our young kids, with most students falling behind or staying stagnant academically. But we need to make sure the conditions for both students and teachers alike are safe before we return to the classroom. Our teachers are now being prioritized in the vaccine distribution, and we must continue to ensure that theyre at the front of the line so we can get the children back in the classroom. In the Assembly, Ill fight to invest in the most underserved schools, restore budget cuts to higher education, and work to make the system more affordable and accessible for lower- and middle-income California. POLICING & CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM As a mother who has had all three of my sons fall victim to senseless gun violence while in college, I know all sides of this issue very intimately. I saw how my sons were treated like criminals by police officers after they were shot, but I also saw the good cops who worked tirelessly to achieve justice for my sons. Look, the protests last summer made clear to the world what black and brown people have known for a long time, which is that our policing and criminal justice systems are in desperate need of reform. Thats why Im refusing to take a dime from law enforcement unions, because they have frequently been obstacles in enacting transformative change. One example of a policy Im going to pursue is getting rid of Californias gang database, a misguided policy that provides little public safety value, but serves to criminalize innocent black and brown youth simply for the community they live in. When I was previously in Sacramento, I also worked to combat high rates of recidivism, including realignment issues, organizing the Assembly Select Committee on Community Resources Impacted by AB109 Re-Entry as well as the Assembly Select Committee on Human Rights, Diversity and Race Relations. A GREEN ENERGY REVOLUTION The damage from climate change isnt in the future, its here now. The climate crisis is wreaking havoc on California already, with worse to come. Over the past several years, Californians have experienced firsthand some of the driest and hottest conditions in state history, resulting in an unprecedented frequency of severe droughts and fires. Thats why its abundantly clear that we need a green energy revolution that both slows down climate change and provides quality middle-class jobs. Throughout my career, I have been at the frontlines of this fight. While serving in the Senate, it was an issue I confronted firsthand. When the Thomas Fire struck our state in 2017, Donald Trump denied assistance to the counties as part of his vendetta against California. As a result, I had to work with organizers in local communities to get a FEMA Individual Assistance Declaration so that folks struggling in the aftermath of the fire would have access to resources. After experiencing this obstruction, I worked with then-Senator Harris to institute a new office policy where anytime a fire in the state gets above 1000 acres, we start tracking the fires development so that the office is completely ready to reach out to FEMA for assistance once the fire subsides. Additionally, I also championed a variety of environmental justice issues in the State Legislature, including access to clean water in Watts and other South Los Angeles communities as well as tracking wildfires to ensure resources to combat this ever-growing environmental catastrophe. In Sacramento, I will fight to accelerate Californias transition to clean, renewable energy, making sure that we prioritize communities that have been hardest hit by climate change and pollution. When it comes to the issue of failing power grids, its certainly something that needs to be addressed immediately because the climate crisis will only continue to increase the likelihood of extreme weather events. With the rolling blackouts our state has been experiencing, seniors and other folk dependent on refrigerated medication and other high-level healthcare literally had their lives in jeopardy every time they lost power. While there are a wide variety of reasons for the power grids repeated failures, the problem fundamentally boils down to handing off our electricity grids to private corporations and letting these systems fall by the wayside. Moving forward, we need to enact better oversight policies and invest in maintenance and operations. . IMMIGRANT RIGHTS California, and Los Angeles in particular, are places that thrive because of our unparalleled diversity, powered by generations of hard-working, enterprising immigrant communities. Growing up here, its clear that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their citizenship status. As someone who both fought to implement the DREAM ACT and someone who defended immigrant communities from the Trump Administration while in the U.S. Senate, immigrant rights are tremendously personal to me. During my time in the Senate, I helped then-Senator Harris introduce the DONE Act, which called to immediately prohibit the expansion of immigration detention facilities. Further, I oversaw the creation of one of the most robust immigration casework teams in the nation to address the Trump Administrations ever-changing anti-immigrant policies, including regularly visiting detention facilities to review the conditions of the detainees. Additionally, I also organized statewide local rapid response networks and deportation defense advocates in Fresno following widespread back-to-back raids throughout California in 2018. This convening led to the creation of the California Rapid Response Steering Committee which directly informed DHS policy on deportations. I also participated in numerous DACA renewal clinics throughout California and provided constituent services to countless recipients. As your Senate State Director, I worked tirelessly to reform our immigration system, and I would bring the same tenacity to Sacramento if elected to the Assembly. In Sacramento, Ill fight to not only protect immigrant communities from ICE abuse, but also ensure immigrants have access to critical services, including the COVID-19 vaccine, economic aid, and aid to small businesses. (courtesy image) President Biden Expected to Ramp Up Efforts to Pass Voter Access, Election Integrity Bill President Joe Biden plans to continue speaking with senators this week about passing H.R. 1, a bill that addresses voter access, election integrity and security, campaign finance, and ethics for the three government branches. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the President is very aware of the voter suppression laws pushed in Republican-led state legislatures around the country. When asked if the White House should consider reprioritizing voting rights over infrastructure, Psaki said the administration is closely working with senators. ADVERTISEMENT We are very deeply engaged in working with members of the Senate and their teams on how this can move forward, Psaki said of H.R. 1, or the For the People Act of 2021, which passed the House last month. I wouldnt say one is over the other, Psaki remarked. In Republican-led statehouses in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, lawmakers have offered up new laws that would make it difficult for people to vote particularly individuals of color. In Arizona, Republican lawmakers have introduced 24 bills that would suppress or even exclude people from voting. Everybody shouldnt be voting, Arizona Rep. John Kavanagh remarked as he explained the proposed suppression laws in the Grand Canyon State. Kavanaugh repeated false claims of widespread voter fraud. ADVERTISEMENT Democrats value as many people as possible voting, he remarked. They are willing to risk fraud. Quantity is important, but we have to look at the quality of votes, as well. H.R. 1 expands voter registrationlike automatic and same-day registration and voting access such as vote-by-mail and early voting. It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. The bill requires states to establish independent redistricting commissions to carry out congressional redistricting. The text of the legislation sets forth provisions related to election security, including sharing intelligence information with state election officials, supporting states in securing their election systems, developing a national strategy to protect U.S. democratic institutions, establishing in the legislative branch the National Commission to Protect United States Democratic Institutions, and other provisions to improve the cybersecurity of election systems. The For The People Act of 2021 addresses campaign finance, including expanding the prohibition on foreign nationals campaign spending. It requires additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices. It also addresses ethics in all three branches of government, including requiring a code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices, prohibiting Members of the House from serving on the board of a for-profit entity, and establishing additional conflict-of-interest and ethics provisions for federal employees and the White House. The bill requires the President, the Vice President, and specific candidates for those offices to disclose ten years of tax returns. In addition to H.R. 1, President Biden has urged federal lawmakers to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. The legislation named after the late Congressman would restore critical provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act specifically where states and counties with a history of discrimination were forced to receive federal approval to enact new voting laws. Voting rights and ensuring people have access to voting that is easier, not harder is a core priority for the President, Psaki exclaimed. Thats why his team is so engaged in this process. And, of course, investing in infrastructure; ensuring that we can create good, clean energy, union jobs is also a priority. You have to walk and chew gum as President of the United States, and certainly he believes both are imperative and important. @StacyBrownMedia @NNPA_BlackPress @JoeBiden @JohnKavanagh_AZ @jrpsaki Price Dedicates Lillian Mobley Family Housing A Bridge Home is the first shelter for families in Council District 9 Elected officials, homelessness providers and community members came out on May 11, to dedicate the Lillian Mobley Family Housing, A Bridge Home (ABH) shelter and the first of its kind in Council District 9. ADVERTISEMENT L.A. Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. was joined by L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Mobleys family to applaud the opening of the facility located at 4601 S. Figueroa in Los Angeles. The structure will support 15 families and includes a childrens playground. Expressing his delight about the project, Price exclaimed, This is a great day in the New Ninth! Residents will have access to job training, life skills, case management and a childrens playground area to help them a[as they] transition to permanent housing. Its appropriate that this site was named after a pillar, who made every effort to uplift society and loved and cared for people whoever they were. She played an important role in founding Charles Drew University and MLK Hospital. Mrs. Mobley was about caring and connecting and were so excited about today, added Price. Mrs. Mobley was a teacher to all of us. It gives me immense pride to be here with you to talk about issues that were near and dear to her life. We still have far too many people that need facilities like this one. This is an example of your government working for you and providing opportunities for families, noted Mitchell. ADVERTISEMENT Lillian Mama Mobley was renowned in South Los Angeles for her work on behalf of the less fortunate through the founding of several organizations. She is credited with leading the effort to construct Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Hospital and the Charles Drew University Medical School. She also lent her talents to a range of nonprofits including Brotherhood Crusade, Grandma Hands, Mothers in Action, the Lillian Mobley South Central Multipurpose Center, Southwest College, Watts Labor Community Action Committee, Watts Learning Center and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In a 2011 Sentinel interview, a day before Mobleys passing in June of that year, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters described Mobley as one of my closest and dearest friends. We have worked together over the past 30 years We founded Black Womens Forum together; we have marched, fought and sacrificed for our people and our community. She is my shero. I love her, I honor her and I look forward to working with her for many years to come. Lillian Mobley Family Housing was a collaboration of Los Angeles city and county along with HOPICS (Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System) and LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Veronica Lewis, HOPICS executive director, and Molly Rysman, LAHSA chief programs officer, also participated in the dedication. Others sharing remarks at the ceremony included Jose Che Ramirez, L.A. deputy mayor for homelessness initiatives; Chioma Agbahiwe, Mobleys great-niece and director of the Lillian Mobley Multipurpose Center in South L.A.; and a resident of Lillian Mobley Family Housing, who conveyed her appreciation for HOPICS on-site services at the new facility. Its a blessing to have a second chance in life. This program helped me in finding permanent housing, job training and education for my children. I appreciate being able to stay in a home named after such a beautiful spirit as Mrs. Mobley, said the mother of three. The new housing project is the second ABH site in District 9. Last year, Price spearheaded the opening of a shelter on Hope Street that can house up to 100 men and women. During his tenure, Price said, Ive been able to approve 2,400 units of housing in CD 9 to get our neighbors off the street. Readiness to Reopen: Leaders Gauge COVID Threat in Black Communities With California set to do away with most of the states COVID-19 restrictions and prepare to fully reopen on June 15, some Black leaders and medical professionals are taking stock of the pandemics impact on Black communities. They are also tracking readiness in those areas to return to business as usual. As of May 7, over 60% of Californians had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. And 44% of people in the state are now fully vaccinated. ADVERTISEMENT But the road to this point of the states journey to recovery has not been easy, says Dr. Jerry P. Abraham, who leads outreach programs at the Kedran Community Health Center in South Los Angeles. We drove up to the county Department of Public Health warehouse, we banged on those doors, we jumped up and down, we screamed, and we shouted, Abraham said. We waved our hands, where are our vaccines? And we left with 100 doses that day. Abraham shared his story during a webinar about the states COVID-19 recovery efforts organized by California Black Media in collaboration and the Center at the Sierra Health Foundation. Not long after the pandemic started, the Kedran Community Health Center swiftly responded to provide people in South Los Angeles many of them frontline healthcare workers and the elderly, with as many vaccines as they could get their hands on, Abraham said. Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer, Watts Healthcare Corporation, a community health center located in South Los Angeles, initially saw inequity in access to the vaccine in the Black community, but says, with time, things got better. Quite frankly right now, the vaccine is fairly widely available. An individual who has anything more than a passing desire to get vaccinated can get vaccinated, Brooks said. That being stated, in California, African Americans are 5% to 6% of the population and only 3.7% of those getting vaccinated. I dont see it right now as an access issue more so than a complacency issue. ADVERTISEMENT David Tucker, spokesperson of the California Department of Public Health Vaccinate All 58 campaign, says even though the state has set June 15 as the date for reopening, it doesnt mean that everything is back to normal. We still need to be cautious. We still need to wash our hands and wear masks when appropriate, he said. We need to get vaccinated. California has come together and truly met the moment and saved countless lives. COVID-19 rates and hospitalizations have been steadily decreasing and our vaccinations efforts continue to increase. So far, in California, there has been about 3.8 million COVID-19 cases and 62,269 deaths from complications of the disease. Health officials have administered more than 60 million COVID tests and administered over 32 million vaccines, according to the California Department of Public Health. Tucker said four million of those vaccines were administered in areas hit hardest by COVID-19. But only 25 % of Black Californians have been vaccinated so far. We have come a really long way since the beginning of this pandemic, said Californias Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris. We are able to connect with other people again its good for our health psychologically and emotionally. But to maintain the low numbers of COVID cases in California, Burke Harris said people have to continue to get vaccinated and spread the word to their family members and people in their community about the importance of getting the COVID shot. Burke Harris said its also important for people who get vaccinated to include their race. She says it makes it easier to track how many African Americans in California are getting vaccinated and make the case for more resources to increase those numbers if they are low. On testing, Brooks explained why he feels people are no longer regularly checking to see if they are infected with COVID. He says it has become less of a priority in California but assured that the decline isnt much cause for concern. But the reason for not getting tested, from what we can ascertain, has nothing to do with hesitancy, just not noting the need, Brooks said. I think that because of the vaccine, the virus is just not circulating as much and theres not the urgency that is felt for providing COVID-19 [tests]. Brooks mentioned that there have been some holdouts for getting vaccinated but, according to him, that is to be expected. There will always be a hardcore percent of any given population, that hovers around 15 to 20% in America, that for COVID vaccines are saying Im not doing it,' Brooks said. Despite these holdouts, Brooks thinks California will be relatively safe to reopen in June. There was a section of the population where their mindset was wait and see. The number of the wait and see is on its way down and those who are fully vaccinated are on the way up, Brooks said. What we are seeing with the Black community is a continued uptake of vaccinations. The Rev. K.W. Tulloss, pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles and president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of LA, says although the number of COVID cases are decreasing, it is still important for leaders to continue encouraging people to get vaccinated and tested when necessary. It is very important that we as a faith community, rise and come together to push the importance of this vaccination. We in the faith community have been distant over the past year. Many of our members have been afflicted. We have lost loved one. We have done funerals virtually, he said. In order to get back to a sense of normalcy, Tulloss continued, It is very important that we look for opportunities to push this vaccine. We have to continue to educate, continue to encourage our faith community to rise up and recognize the importance of getting vaccinated. Were tired of going to funerals because of COVID. Were tired of being separated and isolated because of COVID, he said. The Lookout: Three California Cities Push Plans to Increase Police Spending Watching your tax dollars, elected officials and legislation that affects you. It has been over 13 months since cops in Kentucky killed Breonna Taylor, and just shy of a year since Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd. These high-profile deaths of African Americans, along with many others sparked global protests and resulted in politicians and activists on the political Left calling on their cities to and counties to defund their police departments. More precisely, many of are pushing their elected officials to reallocate money in police budgets to more social service-oriented interventions in efforts to reduce the number of violent police encounters. ADVERTISEMENT But some cities in California Sacramento, San Diego and Los Angeles are planning to do just the opposite. Read More: Why Los Angeles Needs a Peoples Budget not a Police Budget by Dr. Melina Abdullah and Pastor Eddie Anderson From 2019 to 2020, Sacramentos approved police budget saw an increase of over $7 million. This year, Californias capital city will spend a record $165.8 million on police, a $9.4 million increase. However, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg says, by mid 2022, at least $10 million will be directed away from the police department toward the Department of Community Response. Im not for defunding, Steinberg told the Sacramento Bee. There are some things that are part of running a city, like collective bargaining and binding arbitration, and genuine needs for the police department. Im not going to get pinned to the argument that the measure of whether or not we are investing in the community in an aggressive way is whether or not were taking the money directly from the police department, he continued. ADVERTISEMENT In San Diego, the city is planning to raise the police budget for the 11th year in a row. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria proposed a 3% increase for police spending next year, meaning that the police budget has ballooned by a total of 52% since 2008. The city is introducing that increase with a decrease in library hours in an effort to offset those costs. San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez says that she planned to cut the police budget but former Mayor Kevin Faulconer would have vetoed that measure. Gloria has expressed interest in reducing police spending over time also, but activists insist that more needs to be done. In Los Angeles, after two reports from the Los Angeles City Council and the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners admonished the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for their mishandling of several protests over the past year, the LAPD has announced that it wants a $67 million increase in its budget to contend with the costs of protest response reform. During various protests in the summer of 2020, police made over 3,000 arrests with little to no accommodations for those arrested. Police Chief Michel Moore admitted the protest response could have been handled better but asserted that most of his officers responded the way they did because of their training. While there were missteps and shortfalls in communication and command and control, especially from senior staff in the field, the vast majority of personnel performed admirably with their ongoing efforts to tirelessly serve the city, even in the face of antagonistic and violent crowds, Moore wrote in a letter to the board of commissioners. Training will be the primary focus of this proposed budget increase, according to Deputy Chief Dominic Choi. Choi stated that much of the budget will be going towards salaries and overtime for extended training. The Police Commission has not moved on the proposed budget and the LAPD needs the City Councils approval before it can go into effect. However, Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed a $50 million increase in the police budget, much to the dismay of members of the Los Angeles Black Lives Matter organization. While a couple of these budget proposals are still being deliberated and wouldnt fully go into effect until next year, they are far cries from defunding the police. Despite a growing chorus of voices against it, more Golden State taxpayer money will likely go toward increased funding for Californias finest. White House COVID-19 Response Team Unites with Black Press to Encourage Vaccinations Seeking to reassure African Americans that the COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force united with the Black Press to spread the word. Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Task Force chair, and Dr. Cameron Webb, a key member, spoke with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards, and Stacy Brown, NNPA senior national correspondent, on May 5, to promote the facts and eradicate the myths surrounding the vaccines. Ultimately, were trying to get everyone in the country vaccinated who is medically able to. We know we have to do it as quickly as possible to get people connected back with their lives, said Nunez-Smith, who indicated that she hopes all African Americans will embrace this effort. ADVERTISEMENT Stressing that its not only President Joe Bidens or the nations goal to get 70% of the population vaccinated by July 4, but it has to be a community-level goal, too, she said. Its really about getting everyone who is in our social network vaccinated. One of our greatest challenges right now is getting ahead of this narrative of misinformation on social media. Webb stressed that the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are safe, yet people are reluctant to get vaccinated due to complacency, confidence and convenience. Complacent individuals dont believe that they will catch the virus, he explained. Others lack confidence in the safety of the product, which translates to not trusting in the government thats telling you to get vaccinated, said Webb, who is the senior policy advisor for COVID-19 equity and a physician and professor at the University of Virginia. The last is vaccine convenience and thats just a matter of having real and ready access to vaccines, that it is coming to the places where people need to go. Thats why you have to start these conversations with listening ears, he noted. Instead of saying, Heres why you need to get a vaccine, you say, Let me hear a bit more about why you are still in a wait and see mode. Thats the posture we have to take to get through to more and more folks away from wait and see to yes, Im ready to get vaccinated, emphasized Webb. Nunez-Smith, who is also an associate professor of internal medicine, public health, and management at Yale University, acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy by African Americans is understandable, especially considering historical incidents like the Tuskegee experiment. In that unethical study, Black sharecroppers were unknowingly used as the subjects in a 40-year study of untreated syphilis, from 1932 to 1972, even though an antibiotic became available in 1947. People have contemporary experienceswhere they or their families, trying to get medical care, were discriminated against, she recounted. So, we know there are contemporary realities as well as historic realities as to why people have that skepticism. But, we are always eager to provide facts and bring information to the table. ADVERTISEMENT Another factor driving reluctance is the rumor that the vaccines are not safe and people think its putting the virus in your body, added Nunez-Smith. However, she pointed out that more than 75,000 people were part of the clinical trials and 10% were Black Americans. Also, a multicultural team created the vaccines. Its important that people know that no steps were skipped in any of this [not in the] development and right through to the authorization and approval, Nunez-Smith said, noting that more than 105 million people have been vaccinated so far. As far as the number of Blacks vaccinated to date, Webb noted that about 9% of those who have been vaccinated are Black and 12-to-13% are Hispanic. Those numbers have continued to improve since January. Still, since denoting race or ethnicity is not a required data field by many states, there is not an accurate count of the total number of African Americans who have been vaccinated. Webb said that the task force is coordinating with state governments to include that information so that the task force can see who is getting vaccinated. According to the White House website, the task force is charged with issuing a range of recommendations to help inform the COVID-19 response and recovery. This includes recommendations on equitable allocation of COVID-19 resources and relief funds, effective outreach and communication to underserved and minority populations, and improving cultural proficiency within the Federal Government. The group will also prepare a final report that includes a long-term plan to address data shortfalls regarding communities of color and other underserved populations as well as advocate future actions to reduce health inequities. Chavis said, The NNPA wants to continue to work with Dr. Nunez-Smith, Dr. Webb, and The White House COVID-19 Response Team to ensure that Black America receives updated and vital information about this devastating pandemic. As the trusted voice of the Black community, the Black Press stands ready to assist. Yellow Tier Restrictions Allow Angelenos More Freedom, Vaccination Disparities Continue Los Angeles County, now in the yellow tier, opens with the least restrictive guidelines. Vaccination numbers continue to grow closer towards immunity for Los Angeles County. Yet, there are still great disparities in vaccination numbers among race, ethnicity and age. Public Health has stated that immunity within Los Angeles County could be achieved by mid-July if certain conditions are met. As of Monday, May 10, the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health confirmed 4 new deaths and 179 new cases of COVID-19. There were 389 people with symptoms of COVID-19 with 19% hospitalized. Statistics show disparities in race, ethnicity and age when it comes to vaccinations in L.A. County. Overall, 68% of seniors in L.A. County are fully vaccinated. Among seniors, 62% of Black/African American adults 65 or older have received at least one dose of vaccine, out of Latino/Latinx seniors 64% having received a vaccine, 71% of American Indian/Alaska Native seniors received a vaccine, 76% of Asian seniors received a vaccine and 78% of White seniors having received at least one dose. The vaccine became available to residents 16 and older in mid-April but vaccinations have slowed among the group. Out of Black residents 16 and older, 38% have been vaccinated, among Latinx residents 42% have been vaccinated, among American Indian/Alaska Native residents 58% have been vaccinated, among White residents 60% have been vaccinated and among Asian residents 68% in this age group have been vaccinated. This week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age. L.A. County offered the Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirmed the FDA recommendation. All adolescents 12 -17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get vaccinated. ADVERTISEMENT There are currently 755 sites offering vaccinations including pharmacies, clinics, community sites, and hospitals. Public Health continues to support mobile vaccinations in neighborhoods for residents who have limited ability or time to get to one of the established vaccination sites. This week there were 185 mobile sites scheduled throughout L.A. County. Vaccines can be obtained at eight county-run sites, all the L.A. city run sites, almost all mobile sites and many of the community sites without an appointment. Many sites are open on weekends and have evening hours. Public Health estimates L.A. County needs vaccination to reach around 80% to achieve community immunity. Its expected L.A. County will reach this level around mid-to-late July assuming the county continues to at least have 400,000 people vaccinated each week. That would include both first doses that people need as well as their second doses. As Memorial Day and school graduation season comes near, I know many of you are planning travel, gatherings and parties to celebrate with the people you love, said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. Just imagine how much more enjoyable those gatherings will be if you and your loved ones are vaccinated youll really be able to have fun without worrying about spreading COVID-19. Ferrer continued, So, as youre making plans for food, drink, and decorations, make a plan to get vaccinated, too. Think ahead about how to get the most out of your summer fun by making sure you are fully vaccinated in advance. Public Health identified 1,235,797 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 24,003 deaths. Cases across the Southland: Los Angeles County shows 1,171,463 cases, Long Beach with 53,082 cases and Pasadena with 11,252. According to race and ethnicity, COVID-19 statistics show: American Indian/Alaska Native with 1,988; Asian with 55,934; Black with 45,715; Hispanic/Latino with 622,474; Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander with 4,174; White with 128,369; those of other race and ethnicity with 100,153 and 212,656 under investigation. Non-compliance and dangerous conditions at businesses and worksites can be reported to Public Health by phone at 888-700-9995 or online at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. These tips can be submitted anonymously. ADVERTISEMENT For more information and statistics on COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ For more detailed information on COVID-19 vaccination plans in L.A. County and to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com Thursday, May 13, 2021 A Pennsylvania attorney has consented to disbarment. Pennlive Patriot News reported on criminal charges in February 2021 A woman who tipped off police that her husband was planning on attacking government officials weeks after the Washington, D.C., riot said he had the means to do it, according to court documents. Kenelm L. Shirk III, accused of threatening to kill federal leaders, was stopped by state police on Jan. 21, police said. The Ephrata lawyer was found with an AR-15 rifle, two handguns, a large quantity of ammunition (including 30 rounds of .380 bullets), rope, gloves, and about $5,000 in several rolls of $50 bills, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Shirk was arrested at a Sheetz near Shippensburg. He was not only planning on harming D.C. officials, but his wife said he also had threatened her, according to the affidavit. The couple had had an argument about the election, but charging documents do not specify when the fight occurred Shirk lives in Cornwall, Lebanon County. Authorities issued a bulletin about 8:20 p.m. on Jan. 21, according to LancasterOnline, which first reported the story. Thats when police pinged Shirks phone to locate him, according to the affidavit. Troopers along Interstate 81 south were able to intercept him. He was stopped at about 8:25 p.m. Shirks silver 2020 Subaru Forester was surrounded by police at the Sheetz gas pumps and they took him into custody. After he was detained, the 71-year-old underwent a mental evaluation at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. A nurse, who has been in the medical field for 16 years, told police she thought Shirk sounded serious about killing his wife and others, the affidavit said. The nurse said she did not want to see it on the news and feel like she was responsible. Documents showed the nurse relayed to authorities that Shirk made comments about shooting government officials in their front yard. This along with his comments about not being afraid to die made her afraid. According to the affidavit, the nurse reportedly found 50, quarter-sized plastic crosses in a bag in Shirks briefcase. The nurse notified the FBI after she found a to-do list in Shirks briefcase, which included on one side of the list, guns, ammo, ropes, tools, meds, magazines, according to the court documents. He has been in Franklin County Jail since Jan. 22 without bail on two counts of terroristic threats. Shirks preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8 before Chambersburg District Judge Glenn Manns. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2021/05/a-pennsylvania-attorney-has-consented-to-disbarment-pennlive-reported-a-woman-who-tipped-off-police-that-her-husband-was-p.html Hundreds of rockets flew out of Gaza, and Israel hit the territory with airstrikes Wednesday, leaving more than 50 people dead. The fighting is the most severe outbreak of violence since a 50-day conflict in 2014. The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported at least 53 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. More than 320 people have been wounded, including women and children. Six Israelis were killed by rockets and many more were wounded. In Israel, hundreds of rockets fired by Gazas Hamas rulers and other militants at times overwhelmed missile defense systems. Air raid warnings and explosions could be heard across Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Palestinian citizens in Israel have voiced support for those living in the territories. They are against Israels reaction to unrest in Jerusalem and its current operations in Gaza. Several mixed Jewish-Arab Israeli cities have seen increased violence, including the burning of a Jewish-owned restaurant and a Jewish religious center. An Arab man was fatally shot, and there have been attacks on Arab-owned cars. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Wednesday ordered border guards deployed to help police keep order. There was no sign that either side is willing to pull back. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to expand the offensive, saying this will take time. Hamas has called for an intifada, or uprising. The last such uprising began in 2000 and lasted more than five years. The latest violence began about one month ago in Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The threatened removal of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers set off protests and clashes with police. Israel has struck hundreds of targets in the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants started firing rockets into the country late Monday. Hamas took control of Gaza and its 2 million Palestinians in 2007. The fiercest attack was a set of airstrikes that brought down a large building. The 12-floor building housed important Hamas offices, as well as some businesses. Israel fired a series of warning shots before destroying the building. Israeli aircraft heavily damaged another Gaza City building early Wednesday. Israel said the nine-floor building housed Hamas intelligence offices and the groups command responsible for planning attacks in the West Bank. It also had residential apartments, medical companies and a dentists office. Israeli aircraft struck the building again after reporters and rescuers had gathered there. There was no immediate report of casualties. Soon after, Hamas fired 100 rockets at the Israeli town of Beersheba. One strike hit a taxi in Gaza City, killing a man, woman and driver inside. A second strike killed two men nearby on the street, witnesses who brought the bodies to a hospital told the Associated Press. In the Israeli city of Lod, a 52-year-old Arab-Israeli man and his 16-year-old daughter were killed early Wednesday when a rocket from Gaza hit part of their home. The Jerusalem unrest and conflict come at a time when the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has broken down. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since the Islamic militant group seized power in Gaza from the Palestinian Authority. Diplomats are again seeking to calm tensions. Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations are working toward a cease-fire. Im Jonathan Evans. Fares Akram and Joseph Krauss reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story overwhelmed --adj. to cause someone to have too much to deal with; affected by too many things dentist n. a professional who cares for peoples teeth taxi n. a car that carries passengers to a place for an amount of money based on the distance traveled A growing number of social media companies are currently developing ways for their users to communicate through voice. The latest company to announce such a service was Twitter, which launched its new offering last week. Moves to add audio as a way for users to connect demonstrate the popularity of the social media app Clubhouse, a social network based completely on voice communication. Clubhouse was launched in March 2020 by two American businessmen. It permits users to communicate through audio in virtual discussion rooms, also known as chatrooms. There are many rooms covering a wide range of subjects and users can create their own rooms. People who want to join the app must first be approved after being invited by someone who already has it. Clubhouse had only been available for iPhone users since its launch. But a new version for Android devices was released to U.S. users this week and is set to launch soon in other countries. Clubhouse was launched during the coronavirus pandemic when people around the world faced restrictions that kept them at home. Its popularity grew after appearances on the app by several famous people, including Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk. Clubhouse reached a high of 9.6 million downloads in February, industry researcher Sensor Tower reported. However, downloads of the app then dropped to 2.7 million in March, Sensor Tower said. Clubhouse recently reported it had about 10 million active weekly users. In some parts of the world, the app has become a favored place to speak freely about issues considered too sensitive to discuss in public or on other forms of social media. China moved to block Clubhouse within the country in February. Chinese users had discussed issues including Xinjiang detention camps, Taiwan independence and Hong Kongs national security law. The app also rose in popularity in the Arab world, Reuters news agency reports. People in places such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iraq used the service to have open debates on sensitive subjects such as womens rights and sexual identity. Bloomberg reported last month that Twitter was in talks to buy Clubhouse for $4 billion. The talks did not result in a deal. However, Twitter recently launched its own live audio product, called Spaces. Twitters new service is currently only available to users with 600 or more followers. Those users can open, or host, their own virtual Space, and can also charge people money to enter. Twitter says it plans to offer the service to all users in the future. Youve always followed people for their Tweets, Twitter said in a statement. Now Spaces lets you hear their voices and talk about whats happening now and whats most important to you live. Facebook is also preparing to offer voice communications when it launches its planned Live Audio Rooms service. The company said last month it would first test the service in Facebook Groups before making it available to all users by the summer. It also plans to add live audio to its Messenger service to permit one-on-one or group audio conversations among Facebook friends. Last month, the social network Reddit launched its own new live audio service called Talk, which offers live voice communication between users. And in March, job networking site LinkedIn also confirmed to TechCrunch that it was working on a live voice product to connect users. There are other, lesser known, apps that already offer live voice audio. Two of them -- Stereo and Spoon -- mainly aim to provide social communications similar to Clubhouse. Others include Discord, which is popular for gamers, and Yac, which has tools aimed at improving work meetings. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Clubhouse, Twitter, Facebook and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Have you used Clubhouse or any other live audio apps? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Live Voice Communication Expands on Social Media Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story app n. a computer application or program used for a specific purpose virtual adj. something that exists in computers or on the internet, and that is not physical conversation n. an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people Credit: CC0 Public Domain The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a slew of mental health issues when it started nearly a year ago, and as the virus recedes it's likely to do so again. Although a full return to pre-pandemic life may be months or even a year away, Dr. Tanya Middleton is already hearing from clients about the stresses and anxieties of returning to normal. Middleton, a clinical assistant professor at Ohio State University, is also a licensed counselor and runs a private practice in the Cleveland area. "There's still that fear of: 'Are we doing this too soon?'" Middleton said of returning to normal life. "There's understandably a lot of anxiety wrapped up in that." Any significant amount of change can lead to new stresses and anxiety, Middleton said. People should understand that it's natural to feel uneasy about a drastic life alteration, such as returning to the office after a year of working from home or dining inside a crowded restaurant after only eating outdoors for a year. As Ohio shut down in 2020 and people were asked to stay away from friends and family, concerns over mental health became a top concern. Lori Criss, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, appeared alongside Gov. Mike DeWine several times during his COVID-19 press briefings to sound the alarm. Last April, the state established a phone line seeking to help connect trained professions to people struggling with their mental health because of the pandemic. In the first month alone, the Ohio CareLine fielded more than 1,000 calls, according to a news release. "The pandemic has created temporary but prolonged stress, resulting in increased anxiety, sadness, and loss for so many," Criss said. "Even with the end in sight, like all-natural disasters the effects of the pandemic on mental health could persist for years." A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 49% of adults reported feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. Even 48% of who have received the COVID-19 vaccine report feeling the same way. It will take time for anxiety, stress and depression induced by the virus to fully subside. But, Middleton said, there are ways to overcome them. One method to dealing with post-pandemic anxiety is meditation. Meditation is the process of training one's attention on something, whether that be breathing, an object or something else, said Lama Kathy Wesley, who teaches meditation for Columbus Karma Thegsum Choling Buddhist Center. Meditation allows people to let go of some of their thoughts and concerns, Wesley said. That, she said, can be a powerful thing when there's so many things happening at once like there has been with the pandemic. "Once you learn how to drop something, that's actually a really empowering feeling," Wesley said. "You are in charge with what you're going to do with your attention." Since the virus first hit Ohio in March 2020, Wesley has been teaching meditation virtually using video conferencing software. Although she's looking forward to the day when she and her students can gather again, Wesley is glad she's been able to help them meditate in trying times. Although it's hard to know for sure, Wesley said her classes have increased in size recently which could be the result of the waning pandemic. Meditation may not be for everyone though. In that case, Middleton suggested people try getting up and moving, whether that be by exercising, trying something like yoga or simply going for a walk. If all else fails, Middleton suggested people just try to slowly ease back into their pre-pandemic lives. There's no need to rush, she said. "It's kind of like swimming," Middleton said. "If you're worried, I wouldn't suggest getting on a plane. If you were getting groceries delivered, go to the grocery store but maybe go during less busy hours. It's OK to take small baby steps toward normal." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 dispatch.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Michael S. Helfenbein Using data of incoming flights from the United Kingdom and other countries heavily affected by the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant, researchers at the Yale School of Public Health have for the first time reported the number of introductions and extent of variant spread belonging to this lineage in the United States. The scientists used statistical modeling to predict that due to the high-passenger volumes in major American airports in New York, California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, these states face the highest risks of importation of B.1.1.7 coming from the United Kingdom. The authors identified at least 23 different sites where the variant was introduced and which led to a sustained community transmission across nine U.S. states by early March. The variant is now in all 50 states. The B.1.1.7 variant, which is believed to be more transmissible and virulent than the original virus responsible for the pandemic, was found to be already established and spreading internally within the United States by December 2020. The researchers used advanced phylogeographic analysis of genomic data to generate their findings. "Detecting new variants of concern before they become dominant is key to controlling this pandemic," said Tara Alpert, a postdoctoral fellow at the Yale School of Public Health and the study's lead author. "Surveillance on this scale requires extensive collaboration and partnership, and we are grateful for our team's contributions." The findings are published recently in the journal Cell. The researchers also used COVID-19 test data from nearby states (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois) to project the exponential increase of B.1.1.7 in U.S. states using a logistic growth model. As local and international travel continues, states that are less equipped with genomic surveillance capacity may not perceive the emergence and circulation of variants of concern. The study's results show that certain states need to significantly ramp up testing and genome sequencing to detect such variants before a surge begins. This study required extensive cooperation among many labs within Yale and beyond for sample collection and sequencing as well as data aggregation and analysis. "There was an urgency to release our results quickly to aid public health guidelines and initiatives in the most impactful way possible," said Anderson Brito, also a lead author and a postdoctoral associate at the school. As SARS-CoV-2 infects more people, mutations may lead to variants that are more transmissible, able to escape antibody neutralization, or be more virulent. The Yale research group is continuing to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as local health departments and hospitals, to monitor the emergence of variants. As vaccinations are rolled out, the researchers are also investigating instances of vaccine evasion, potentially caused by existing or new variants that may emerge as states reopen. Explore further Undetected coronavirus variant was in at least 15 countries before its discovery More information: Tara Alpert et al. Early introductions and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in the United States, Cell (2021). Journal information: Cell Tara Alpert et al. Early introductions and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in the United States,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.061 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain After more than a year of anxious waiting, women newly vaccinated against COVID-19 are flocking back to mammography clinics to catch up on routine tests that were delayed by the pandemic. In some cases, they're met with one more pandemic surprise: a false red flag for breast cancer. Like a sore arm or slight fever, lymph nodes enlarged by the immune system's response to a COVID-19 vaccine are virtually always a sign that the shot vaccine is doing its job. But to the medical specialists who scour mammograms for signs of malignancy, the unexplained appearance of swollen lymph nodes has typically sparked concern and a recommendation that the patient be called back for further testing. The result has been new uncertainties for women and the doctors who care for them. If it's a false alarm, women certainly don't need the worry-inducing call reporting an "abnormal reading" on their mammogram. And few welcome the additional tests that tend to follow. But as much as doctors wish to spare their patients unnecessary angst, they also want to avoid missing a signal that could be important. "It's a bit of a balancing act," said Dr. Lisa Mullen, a breast imaging specialist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. With many basic questions about the rash of enlarged lymph nodes still unanswered, the world of breast cancer screening has been forced to call some audibles. The radiologists who scour mammograms for signs of cancer are not easily rattled. They examine thousands of breast images each week and make lots of judgment calls. It's not very often they are downright flummoxed. On a typical pre-pandemic day, Dr. Hannah Milch at UCLA Medical Center might have seen one screening mammogram ambiguous enough to recommend further testing. And those cases rarely involved swollen lymph nodes in a woman without a notable risk for breast cancer. In fact, radiologists say those "axillary" lymph nodes are usually elusive. Studies have shown that no more than .04% of mammograms reveal enlarged lymph nodes in women with no other sign of illness or malignancy. Tucked into the armpit, they are more likely to recede from a mammogram image than to photobomb it. But after COVID-19 vaccines began to roll out, and healthcare workers and older women (the ones at greatest risk of breast cancer) began to pour in for mammograms, Milch started recommending callbacks five to seven times per day. In most cases, they were for "adenopathy"lymph nodes that seemed unusually enlarged. Milch's colleagues reading mammograms across the country were seeing the same thing. "I thought, "What is going on here?'" she said. "It definitely stimulated conversation." An unheralded piece of human anatomy, the body's lymphatic system plays a key role in collecting and removing cellular debris from the body. Like rubbish bins set out along well-traveled corridors, the lymph nodes will bulge noticeably if some unusual process is generating more trash than usual. When the body is fighting an infectionor thinks it is, after a dose of vaccinethe immune system dispatches an army of cells and proteins to mount a defense, leaving a lot of detritus in its wake. Cancer, too, mobilizes a lot of cellular machinery. It uses the lymphatic system to travel to distant sites and leaves behind a telltale mess. Close to both the breast and whichever arm gets a jab of vaccine, the 10 to 20 lymph nodes inside each armpit can act as a sentinel when radiologists see signs that they are swollen. But whether a node is enlarged due to infection, vaccine, trauma or cancer is not always clear. To gain clarity on that life-or-death question, a woman is usually called back for an ultrasound or a biopsy, in which tissue is removed from the breast for further testing. Getting that call "strikes fear in the heart" of the woman who gets it, said Dr. Philip M. Bretsky, a Santa Monica primary care doctor. "It's like getting an abnormal pap smear: You hear it, and then everything else goes blank." With COVID-19 vaccine now widely available and coronavirus cases declining, Bretsky has been urging his patients to get current on their breast cancer screenings. But he's made a point of warning them that if they do get a callback after a mammogram, the culprit is far more likely to be a recent immunization than cancer. Radiologists have long known that a recent dose of vaccine for shingles, tetanus or flu can cause lymph nodes to appear slightly swollen. But the sudden appearance of so many swollen lymph nodes, in so many women, came as a shock. In many cases, so was the size of the swelling. "They seemed to be more prominent," said Dr. Constance Lehman, chief of breast imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "We had seen mildly enlarged nodes with prior vaccinations but not to this degree." They also tended to be much bigger in one armpit than in the other. In one woman, the swelling would be seen only in the left axilla. In another, it would be all in her right. "It was the craziest thing," Lehman said. "Everybody said, "What's this?'" Dr. Devon Quasha has been on both sides of the emerging discussion. A primary care physician at Massachusetts General, she got a jab of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in her left arm in early January. Ten days later, she had a medical workup to investigate pain in her breasts she had noticed while nursing her daughter. Her mammogram revealed some very enlarged lymph nodes in her left breast. They were hard to miss and potentially worrisome. Her colleagues in radiology furrowed their brows and asked her more questions. When she recalled when she'd gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, and in which arm, they offered reassurances and suggested a follow-up after a few weeks. Quasha became her hospital's first case of what she called "post-COVID vaccine adenopathy." Even so, she urges her own patients to get vaccinated and to get their mammograms as soon as they're due. But, she tells them, "Be forewarned that if you've had your vaccine recently, there might be some findings that we're coming to understand are likely benign." Enlarged lymph nodes were showing up in scans of other parts of the body too, Lehman said. Doctors in radiology practices everywhere were finding the swollen nodes in imaging studies of the heads, necks and pelvises of recently vaccinated people. By late February, articles in specialty journals began to detail what radiologists were seeing. And by mid-spring, expert panels had been convened by the Radiological Society of North America and the Society of Breast Imaging. Women should be asked if they've been vaccinated against COVID-19, how recently and in which arm they got their jab, the experts advised. If possible, women should plan a screening mammogram at least six weeks following her second dose of vaccine. Women who have had a previous breast cancer should get their shot in the opposite arm. (Enlarged axillary lymph nodes could probably be avoided by getting the shot of vaccine in the thigh instead of the upper arm, Lehman noted.) And in the absence of other evidence pointing to the possibility of cancer, recently-vaccinated women with enlarged axillary lymph nodes should be called back at least six weeks later to give the lymph nodes time to recover. Not all mammography practices have taken the recommendations to heart. Some advise women without breast complaints to put four to six weeks between a dose of COVID-19 and a screening mammogram. Others, wary of discouraging women from getting either the vaccine or a mammogram, are urging women to come in as soon as they can. While the members of both expert panels acted quickly to issue their recommendations, they acknowledged that the advice amounted to "expert opinion without data," said Milch, who was among the authors of the Society of Breast Imaging recommendations. The new guidance was largely based on anecdotal evidence generated in response to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. It's not clear yet whether Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine will evoke the same response. Nor is it clear how long it will take for the swelling in some women's lymph nodes to abate or whether their reactions will be more pronounced after the second shot than after a first. Radiologists wonder whether some configurations of swollen lymph nodes can be dismissed lightly, while others warn of something more ominous. And they wonder how women's lymph nodes will respond to COVID-19 boost shots, if those prove necessary. "There's a lot that's unknown," Mullen said. One message is clear: If a woman has felt a lump in her breast or is experiencing soreness in or around her breast or discharge from her nipple, she should get her symptoms assessed right away. Here, too, radiologists are quick to point out that the enlarged nodes they are seeing do not amount to a link between the vaccine and breast cancer. "I see no connection whatsoever," Lehman said. "There is not one bit of evidence that would even suggest that." On the contrary, she said, "I like to think of this as a good thing: In response to vaccine, the immune system is doing the work it's designed to do." After a year in which screening mammography declined by at least 20% from recent levelsand when there's growing evidence that patients are being diagnosed with more advanced cancers as a resultwomen certainly should not skip their mammograms after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, doctors said. Nor should they skip the vaccine for the sake of a mammogram. "The truth is, this is something that has always occurred," Milch said. Only the scale of the phenomenon has been magnified. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain At the peak of Kenya's third wave of COVID-19 in March, hospitalsbuckling under the strain of the virussaw their oxygen reserves fizzle out. Since then, they have been scrambling to increase capacity of the lifesaving element, fearing the nightmare scenario currently unfolding in India due to oxygen shortages. On the roof of the Metropolitan Hospital, a 150-bed private institution that targets the middle class, a brand-new oxygen production unit has just been installed that is capable of producing up to 600 litres of the gas per minute. Metropolitan CEO Kanyenje Gakombe said the hospital accelerated plans to produce its own oxygen after supplies were squeezed to the limit during the height of the third wave, fanned by the variants of the coronavirus first detected in Britain and South Africa. In April Kenya registered a record 571 deaths, and the health ministry warned hospitals were overrun with fewer than 300 patients in the Intensive Care Unit and fewer than 2,000 hospitalised countrywide. "The reserve dwindled, it decreased to the point where we were collecting oxygen 24/7," recalled Gakombe. At one point "we were down to six hours of reserves and that was a very, very worrying situation." The grey-haired doctor admits that in his 27 years at the helm of the facility, he had rarely worried about the oxygen supply which was "something we took for granted". But where a typical patient uses "two to 15 litres" of oxygen per minute, a COVID patient requires "up to 60 litres", he said. "We wanted to make sure we were self-sufficient, not dependent on third parties to provide us with the oxygen we needed," he said, referring to industry suppliers, like Kenya's gas manufacturer BOC. Crucial medical oxygen So the Metropolitan flew in machines from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and China to put together the oxygen production unit, which cost 100 million shillings (nearly 800,000 euros/ $935,000). "Basically the plant takes in atmospheric air and separates the oxygen from all the other components," explains Davis Mareka, director of O2 International, the Kenyan company that installed the machines. The oxygen is "purified and dried to at least a purity level of 95 percent, which is actually the requirement by the World Health Organization". The hospital also built a piping system that delivers oxygen directly to its rooms rather than using cylinders, which are also scarce. Oxygen, which makes up 21 percent of the atmosphere, is vital in this concentrated form to save patients with severe forms of respiratory distress from COVID-19. Several other private hospitals in Nairobi, like the MP Shah facility, have also set up or expanded their own production units. "We have received several requests for different facilities," said Jeremy Gitau, co-founder of the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation, which helps Kenyan hospitals equip themselves with oxygen distribution systems. Meanwhile the government launched a call for tenders at the beginning of March to supply 16 counties with oxygen, and has urged the repair of numerous production units that are "no longer working". The availability of medical oxygen has become a critical issue in many countries, especially developing ones, with shortages in DR Congo, price speculation in Peru and a growing black market in Brazil. In India, relatives hunt spare cylinders as their loved ones die waiting for oxygen in overwhelmed hospitals. India 'gets us worried' Kenya has a large Indo-Kenyan community and many citizens see India as a key medical destination for treatments not available at home. "To see ... the Indian healthcare system overrun, overwhelmed, that gets us worried. India is a place we look to for an example of good quality hospital healthcare," said Gakombe. India, like much of Africa, had been seen as spared by the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to relatively low case and death numbers compared to many countries. However, an explosion in cases which has seen India become the second-most infected country in the world, and horrifying scenes of hospitals pushed to breaking point, has put Africa on high alert. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has described what is happening in India as "very, very worrying". Kenya has already detected the B.1.617 variant of COVID-19 that is one of the factors fuelling India's dramatic surge in cases. The East African nation has vaccinated fewer than one million people. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Prof. Ian Jacobs said the study's findings were deeply disappointing and it is critical that research into ovarian cancer continues. Credit: UNSW A more than 30-year study into the long-term impact on mortality rates of screening for ovarian cancer has found that the cancer can be detected early and before women develop symptoms, but it does not translate to saving lives. The United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) was designed to test the hypothesis that a reliable screening method that picks up ovarian cancer earlier, when treatments are more likely to be effective, could reduce deaths. The study involved more than 200,000 postmenopausal women and was one of the largest trials undertaken in the UK. The results were published in The Lancet this week. Professor Ian Jacobs, Vice-Chancellor of UNSW Sydney has led the ovarian cancer research program since 1985, and was the lead investigator of UKCTOCS from 2001 until 2014. As a young doctor in London, Prof. Jacobs saw many women suffer and die from ovarian cancer. For the past 36 years, he has worked with a team of experts in the UK and U.S. to find a screening test to detect the cancer early. Given what was known about early diagnosis of other cancers when the study began, the team were hopeful that early detection of ovarian cancer would save lives. UKCTOCS used two different screening methods to detect ovarian cancer, with participants randomly allocated to one of three groups: no screening; screening in the form of an annual ultrasound scan; or annual 'multimodal' screening involving a blood test as an initial test followed by ultrasound as a second test. The trial looked at data from women whose progress was followed up for an average of 16 years. Women aged between 50 and 74 were enrolled in the trial between 2001 and 2005. Screening continued until 2011, and follow-up until 2020. "This was a very large trial conducted with rigor and with enormous attention to detail. The multimodal screening strategy did succeed in detection of ovarian cancer at an earlier stage. However, even with this shift in stage, the number of deaths from ovarian cancer was not significantly reduced between the screened and unscreened groups," Prof. Jacobs said. "This is deeply disappointing and frustrating given the hope of all involved that we would save the lives of thousands of women who are affected by ovarian cancer each year." Prof. Jacobs said the UKCTOCS results meant that ovarian cancer screening using these methods could not be recommended for the general population. Though the results were disappointing, Prof. Jacobs said the study had advanced understanding of ovarian cancer and other diseases. Significant research is being done on other cancers and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, using the samples and data from the UKCTOCS study. The UKCTOCS team have also created a rich resource of data for researchers who will continue the work on ovarian cancer. "We now better understand the natural history of the disease, have created a template for large, randomized trials, and can build models of what is required of new screening tests," Prof. Jacobs said. "Research does not always give you the results you strive for, but it is never futile. Every stage of this trial brought us greater understanding of ovarian cancer and the information will inform future research." Prof. Jacobs said the UKCTOCS story is one of enormous passion and goodwill and he thanked Professor Usha Menon, Lead Investigator of UKCTOCS, his co-investigators, the funding agenciesincluding the Eve Appeal, Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council and the NHSand most of all, the women who volunteered for the trial. "My thanks to the thousands of women, healthcare professionals and researchers who made this trial possible," he said. In Australia, more than 1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Most are not diagnosed until the disease is in a late stage and difficult to treat. Prof. Jacobs has stressed it is crucial that the research continues. He is urging funding agencies and charities to keep supporting the 'vital mission to improve outcomes for women who suffer from this insidious disease." Explore further Screening for ovarian cancer may save lives, new study suggests More information: Usha Menon et al. Ovarian cancer population screening and mortality after long-term follow-up in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS): a randomised controlled trial, The Lancet (2021). Journal information: The Lancet Usha Menon et al. Ovarian cancer population screening and mortality after long-term follow-up in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS): a randomised controlled trial,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00731-5 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Chronic itchknown clinically as chronic pruritusis characterized as an unrelenting and sometimes even debilitating sensation to itch, and often lowers the quality of life for those who suffer with it. Treating the condition has been difficult because there are few Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies. Now, a recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that a promising option for patients with chronic itch may already be available: medical marijuana (cannabis). A report on the team's findings was published in JAMA Dermatology. "Chronic itch can be an especially difficult condition to treat, with off-label therapeutics often utilized," says Shawn Kwatra, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "With the increased utilization of medical marijuana and our knowledge of the role of the endocannabinoid system [a complex cell-signaling system that regulates a variety of functions in the body] in chronic itch, we decided to try medical marijuana with a patient who failed several therapies and had few options left." Kwatra and his colleagues examined an African American woman in her 60s with a 10-year history of chronic itch. The patient initially arrived at the Johns Hopkins Itch Center with complaints of extreme pruritus on her arms, legs and stomach. Upon a skin examination, numerous hyperpigmented, raised skin lesions were revealed. Several treatments were offered to the patientincluding several systemic therapies, centrally acting nasal sprays, steroid creams and phototherapybut they all failed. Kwatra says that using medical marijuanaeither by smoking or in liquid form provided the woman with nearly instantaneous improvement. "We had the patient rate her symptoms using a numerical rating scale, where 10 is the worst itch and zero is no itch at all," Kwatra says. "She started at 10 but dropped to 4 within 10 minutes after initial administration of the medical marijuana. With continued use of the cannabis, the patient's itch disappeared altogether." The researchers believe that one of the active ingredients in medical marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinolcommonly known by its abbreviation THCattaches itself to brain receptors that influence the nervous system. When this occurs, inflammation and nervous system activity decrease, which also could lead to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness. Kwatra says that although conclusive studies have yet to be done to validate medical marijuana as an effective measure for the relief of previously unmanageable itch, he believes it warrants further clinical trials. "Controlled studies are needed to determine dosing, efficacy and safety for medical marijuana in the treatment of various human itch subtypes, and once those are performed, we will better understand which patients are most likely to benefit from this therapy," he says. Explore further Study ties chronic itch to sleep loss and possible signal of increased heart disease risk More information: Youkyung S. Roh et al. Treatment of Chronic Pruritus With Medical Marijuana, JAMA Dermatology (2021). Journal information: JAMA Dermatology Youkyung S. Roh et al. Treatment of Chronic Pruritus With Medical Marijuana,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.1194 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New research presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (held online, 10-13 May) shows that the obesity drug semaglutide reduces appetite, food cravings and energy intake in people given a meal where they could eat as much as they liked. The study is by Dr. Dorthe Skovgaard, Novo Nordisk A/S (the manufacturer of the drug), Sborg, Denmark, and colleagues. Semaglutide, in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue drug class, is currently available at the dose of 1.0 mg injected once weekly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is under development for chronic weight management at the dose 2.4 mg injected once weekly. It is currently not approved for obesity anywhere in the world, however new drug applications are under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other health agencies across the world. The STEP trials, that have been published in various journals over the past year, have established the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg to treat people living with obesity. Semaglutide lowers body weight by reducing appetite and hunger, increasing satiety, reducing food cravings, altering food preferences and reducing energy intake. GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to delays in gastric emptying, which may be important for the uptake of other drugs.This trial investigated the effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg on gastric emptying, energy intake, appetite and control of eating in subjects with obesity. Adults aged 18-65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) 30-45 kg/m (with various stages of obesity) and without type 2 diabetes, were randomised in a double-blind, parallel-group trial to treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg (dose gradually escalated: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.7 mg for 4 weeks each; 2.4 mg for 5 weeks) or placebo. The dose of semaglutide was gradually scaled up, as is standard to improve gastrointestinal tolerability. Gastric emptying (using a standard test called the paracetamol absorption test, 1.5 g paracetamol given with a standardised breakfast) was assessed during in-house visits at baseline and week 20. Postprandial (after-meal) appetite was evaluated using standard tests called visual analogue scales pre-meal and following a standardised breakfast, followed by assessment of energy intake during a lunch in which participants could freely choose how much they ate (an 'ad libitum' lunch). Control of eating and food cravings were evaluated by the Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ) - a questionnaire to assess the severity and type of food cravings an individual experiences over the previous 7 days. Safety was also evaluated. In total, 72 subjects were randomised (44 males, mean age 42.8 years, BMI 34.4 kg/m); 70 completed the study. There was no evidence of delayed gastric emptying at week 20, as assessed indirectly via paracetamol absorption. Mean energy intake during the ad libitum lunch test meal at week 20 was 35% lower with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs placebo (1736 vs 2676 kJ); estimated treatment difference 940 kJ, both statistically significant findings. The overall appetite score showed significant reduction in appetite with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs placebo; individual appetite components showed significant reductions in 'hunger' and 'prospective food consumption' and increases for 'fullness' and 'satiety'. In general, CoEQ indicated fewer and weaker food cravings, notably reduced cravings for savoury foods and better control of eating with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs placebo. All results detailed here were statistically significant. No new safety signals were seen. The authors conclude: "In subjects with obesity, semaglutide 2.4 mg suppressed appetite and reduced the frequency and strength of food cravings. Energy intake during a lunch at week 20 in which participants were free to eat as much as they wanted was 35% lower with semaglutide 2.4 mg vs placebo. There was also no clinically relevant effect on gastric emptying with semaglutide 2.4 mg at steady state, measured by paracetamol uptake." They add: "Control of appetite and reduced frequency and strength of food cravings are important for weight management in people living in obesity, especially in a society which promotes unhealthy lifestyles and overeating." More information: Martin Friedrichsen et al. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2020). Martin Friedrichsen et al. The effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly on energy intake, appetite, control of eating, and gastric emptying in adults with obesity,(2020). DOI: 10.1111/dom.14280 Provided by European Association for the Study of Obesity Credit: CC0 Public Domain The STEP trials published over the past year have established the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in treating patients with obesity. A new study analysing the effects of this treatment in different age groups presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (held online, 10-13 May), shows that it has similar effectiveness across different age groups with regard to weight loss (under 40 years, 40-60 years, and 60 years and over). However when looking at percentage body fat and lean body mass changes, semaglutide was found to to have a more pronounced effect in patients aged under 50 years. The study is by Dr. Dror Dicker, Hasharon Hospital-Rabin Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, and colleagues. Semaglutide, which belongs to the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, was originally developed for and is also used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, its effects on weight loss led researchers to study its effect on weight loss in people living with obesity but without type 2 diabetes. It is currently not approved for obesity anywhere in the world, however new drug applications are under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other health agencies across the world. Weight loss is often accompanied by loss of lean body mass, which can negatively impact physical functioning and/or resting energy expenditure. Body weight loss and body composition changes (fat mass vs lean mass) may differ by age. Thus in this study of data from the STEP 1 trial (see link to original study below), the authors evaluated the tolerability and effect of subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg on weight loss and body composition according to age. Adults without type 2 diabetes with body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m or over (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI of 30 kg/m or above (with obesity) were enrolled. Subjects were randomised to a once-weekly injection of semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, both plus lifestyle intervention, for 68 weeks. Change in body weight (%) from randomisation to week 68 was analysed according to age: under 40 years (n=655), over 40 to under 60 years (n=981),and 60 years and over (n=325). Safety and tolerability were also re-analysed across these groups. Total body fat mass and total lean body mass were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in a randomly chosen subgroup of 140 adults (who then gave consent) with BMI of 40 kg/m or under at baseline and week 68. Body composition (percentage body fat mass, percentage lean body mass, lean:fat mass ratio) were analysed according to age less than 50 and 50 years or older. In STEP 1, most subjects were female (74%); mean age was 46 years, mean body weight was 105 kg, and mean BMI was 38 kg/m. Change in body weight (%) was greater for semaglutide than for placebo and was consistent across age groups: 40 years and under mean weight loss 15.2% semaglutide group versus 2.3% placebo; 40-60 years 14.6kg semaglutide versus 2.5kg placebo; and 60 years and over 14.7kg semaglutide versus 2.4kg placebo. The changes in lean:fat mass ratio were found to be more pronounced in those patients under 50 yearsthe authors suggest the metabolic effects of ageing could be behind this difference. The safety of semaglutide was generally consistent across age groups. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most commonly reported adverse events across all age groups. The authors conclude: "In this new analysis of the STEP 1 trial, weight loss with once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg was achieved consistently across different age groups. There was no evidence of differences in treatment effect by weight loss and body composition across age groups for semaglutide or placebo. Treatment with semaglutide reduced percentage body fat mass and increased percentage lean body mass in all subjects, which was more pronounced in those aged under 50 years. Semaglutide was generally well tolerated with an adverse event profile consistent with the known class effects of this drugglucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) - irrespective of age." Explore further Semaglutide found to reduce body weight regardless of patient characteristics Provided by European Association for the Study of Obesity Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain More than a year into the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and US Centers for Disease Control finally changed their guidance to acknowledge SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be transmitted through the air we breathe. In Australia, we've just had the latest leak from hotel quarantine, this time in South Australia. Investigations are under way to find out whether a man may have caught the virus from someone in the hotel room next to his, before traveling to Victoria, and whether airborne transmission played a role. Coronavirus Australia: New advice on COVID spread puts air quality in the spotlight "The biggest shift is they've recognized aerosol spread, which is essentially airborne transmission" https://t.co/5KIVw5nH0M Lord Blood (@drng) May 8, 2021 These examples are further fuelling calls for Australia to officially recognize the role of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Such recognition would have widespread implications for how health-care workers are protected, how hotel quarantine is managed, not to mention public health advice more broadly. Indeed, we're waiting to hear whether official Australian guidelines will acknowledge the latest evidence on airborne transmission, and amend its advice about how best to protect front-line workers. The evidence has changed and so must our advice At the beginning of the pandemic, in the absence of any scientific studies, the WHO said the virus was spread by "large droplets" and promoted handwashing. Authorities around the world even discouraged us from wearing masks. A false narrative dominated public discussion for over a year. This resulted in hygiene theatrescrubbing of hands and surfaces for little gainwhile the pandemic wreaked mass destruction on the world. But handwashing did not mitigate the most catastrophic pandemic of our lifetime. And the airborne deniers have continually shifted the goalposts of the burden of proof of airborne spread as the evidence has accrued. What does the evidence say? SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that multiplies in the respiratory tract. So it is spread by the respiratory routevia breathing, speaking, singing, coughing or sneezing. Two other coronavirusesthe ones that cause MERS (Middle Eastern respiratory sydrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)are also spread this way. Both are accepted as being airborne. In fact, experimental studies show SARS-CoV-2 is as airborne as these other coronaviruses, if not more so, and can be found in the air 16 hours after being aerosolised. Several hospital studies have also found viable virus in the air on a COVID-19 ward. Established criteria for whether a pathogen is airborne scores SARS-CoV-2 highly for airborne spread, in the same range as tuberculosis, which is universally accepted as airborne. A group of experts has also recently outlined the top ten reasons why SARS-CoV-2 is airborne. So why has airborne denialism persisted for so long? The role of airborne transmission has been denied for so long partly because expert groups that advise government have not included engineers, aerosol scientists, occupational hygienists and multidisciplinary environmental health experts. Partly it is because the role of airborne transmission for other respiratory viruses has been denied for decades, accompanied by a long history of denial of adequate respiratory protection for health workers. For example, during the SARS outbreak in Canada in 2003, denial of protection against airborne spread for health workers in Toronto resulted in a fatal outbreak. Even influenza is airborne, but this has been denied by infection control committees. What's the difference between aerosols and droplets? The distinction between aerosols and droplets is largely artificial and driven by infection control dogma, not science. This dogma says large droplets (defined by WHO as larger than 5 micrometers across) settle to the ground and are emitted within 2 meters of an infected person. Meanwhile, fine particles under 5 micrometers across can become airborne and exist further away. There is in fact no scientific basis for this belief. Most studies that looked at how far large droplets traveled found the horizontal distance is greater than 2 meters. And the size threshold that dictates whether droplets fall or float is actually 100 micrometers, not 5 micrometers. In other words, larger droplets travel further than what we've been led to believe. A really timely review and opinion piece that highlights the need to re-evaluate the droplet versus aerosol dichotomy used in medicine to classify diseases transmitted by the airborne route via sneezing and coughing. #COVID19 https://t.co/swnOwy2g1V Michael Shiloh (@michael_shiloh) March 29, 2020 Leading aerosol scientists explain the historical basis of these false beliefs, which go back nearly a century. And in further evidence the droplet theory is false, we showed that even for infections believed to be spread by droplets, a N95 respirator protects better than a surgical mask. In fact airborne precautions are needed for most respiratory infections. Why does this difference matter? Accepting how SARS-CoV-2 spreads means we can better prevent transmission and protect people, using the right types of masks and better ventilation. Breathing and speaking generate aerosols. So an infected person in a closed indoor space without good ventilation will generate an accumulation of aerosols over time, just like cigarette smoke accumulates. A church outbreak in Australia saw spread indoors up to 15 meters from the sick person, without any close contact. Masks work, both by preventing sick people from emitting infected aerosols, and by preventing well people from getting infected. A study in Hong Kong found most transmission occurred when masks weren't worn inside, such as at home and in restaurants. Coughing generates more aerosols The old dogma of droplet infection includes a belief that only "aerosol generating procedures"such as inserting a tube into someone's throat and windpipe to help them breathepose a risk of airborne transmission. But research shows a coughing patient generates more aerosols than one of these procedures. Yet we do not provide health workers treating coughing COVID-19 patients with N95 respirators under current guidelines. At the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where many health worker infections occurred in 2020, understanding airflow in the COVID ward helped explain how health workers got infected. Think about it. Airborne deniers tell us infection occurs after a ballistic strike by a single large droplet hitting the eye, nose or mouth. The statistical probability of this is much lower than simply breathing in accumulated, contaminated air. The ballistic strike theory has driven an industry in plastic barriers and face shields, which offer no protection against airborne spread. In Switzerland, only hospitality workers using just a face shield got infected and those wearing masks were protected. In hotel quarantine, denial of airborne transmission stops us from fixing repeated breaches, which are likely due to airborne transmission. We need to select quarantine venues based on adequacy of ventilation, test ventilation and mitigate areas of poor ventilation. Opening a window, drawing in fresh air or using air purifiers dramatically reduce virus in the air. We need to provide N95 respirators to health, aged-care and quarantine workers who are at risk of high-dose exposure, and not place them in poorly ventilated areas. It's time to accept the evidence and tighten protection accordingly, to keep Australia safe from SARS-CoV-2 and more dangerous variants of concern, some of which are vaccine resistant. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Donald Lynch Jr., MD, shown at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Credit: Colleen Kelley/University of Cincinnati Laura Riesenberg was visiting a local amusement park with three of her children when she suffered a massive heart attack. "I was down for about 20 minutes and they defibrillated me twice on site, possibly three times," she says. "Obviously, I was unaware of it. I know from reading the reports what happened." "I was extremely fortunate that someone found me within seconds of collapsing," says Riesenberg. "Had it happened anywhere else I wouldn't be talking to you right now. If I had been in the basement doing laundry, I would have been in trouble." The 51-year-old Loveland, Ohio, resident was transported to UC Health's West Chester Hospital where she learned she was a Type 2 diabetic and had suffered previous damage to the heart that led to a big blockage of her left coronary artery while at the amusement park. That type of blockage is often referred to as the "widow maker." Donald Lynch Jr., MD, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and UC Health cardiologist, says that the link between diabetes and heart disease often leads to adverse health outcomes for patients. Approximately 65% of deaths among patients with diabetes are due to cardiovascular disease. Lynch, also Riesenberg's current cardiologist, will be presenting preliminary research virtually at the American College of Cardiology on Saturday, May 15, that suggests plasma proteins discovered in the blood samples of diabetic patients who went on to develop obstructive coronary disease (OCAD) may serve as biomarkers of severe heart blockage. The findings might benefit patients like Riesenberg in the future. Riesenberg says an internal defibrillator was implanted in her heart after her heart attack. "There was no explanation why I survived the first heart attack or second heart attack. They also diagnosed me as diabetic that day. Mind you, I should have known. I had been a gestational diabetic, and I had been overweight, but I thought I was doing all the right things." "I had lost a significant amount of weight, and I was active. I was eating well or at least I thought I was eating well. I had absolutely no idea," she adds. "I wish someone had been able to tell me that there was a strong link between diabetes and heart disease." Riesenberg, a homemaker, and her husband, Jay, are both diabetic and they worry if their medical hereditary history might someday impact their family; in addition to the three children who joined their mom at the park the couple have another seven. As part of his research, Lynch, a researcher in the UC Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, looked at stored plasma samples from 70 diabetic patients: One group was found to have obstructive coronary disease while the second group did not. A total of 248 plasma proteins were identified; 15 were present in patients with obstructive coronary disease while only three were present in patients without OCAD. "We took samples of plasma and used mass spectrometry to see if we could find biomarkers that were predictive of patients developing obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. "The significance of this is I see patients who have diabetes and unfortunately develop blockages but no symptoms." Lynch says Riesenberg was fortunate that she survived her heart attack and cardiac arrest. "For many patients that's not the case," he says. "We know patients with diabetes are much more likely to have blockages in the heart and unfortunately they are more likely to be asymptomatic which places them at significant risk. We don't have good tools to figure out which patients will develop blockages." "What we found is that we can use a blood test and identify patients with diabetes who might develop obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. "It is a challenge to identify which patients with diabetes are at higher risk. This may be a good tool in our toolbox to help us in our fight against cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes." "We can get them to a provider and have them assessed early for the possibility of developing obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. The research is particularly important to Lynch, who disclosed he also battles diabetes. He has planned future studies to further evaluate the ability of these biomarkers to identify patients with coronary disease and improve cardiac outcomes for patients with diabetes. The preliminary research has definitely captured the interest of Riesenberg, who spoke with Lynch about his findings. "It fascinates me that a simple blood test might be able to tell my children that this is on their horizon, and you don't have to be dependent on a cardiac device for the rest of your life," says Riesenberg. Explore further Heart patients three times more likely to have diabetes than general population A health worker gives a shot of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Sergio Quitanilla, 55, during a priority vaccination program for people with Down syndrome, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Monday, May 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) Authorities in Brazil's most populous state on Wednesday said they have mobilized to try to convince the Chinese government to authorize the export of raw material to make millions of COVID-19 vaccines needed amid a sudden shortage. The South American nation is highly dependent on a shot made by pharmaceutical company Sinovac for its immunization efforts, and in recent weeks several Brazilian cities have either suspended or delayed vaccinations due to faltering supplies. The factory that produces the vaccine locally, at Sao Paulo's state-run Butantan Institute, has slowed production due to lack of raw material, and Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and his economy minister, Paulo Guedes, made statements critical of China this month. Sao Paulo's Gov. Joao Doriaan adversary of Bolsonaro'simplied their comments may have created the bottleneck. Hours after speaking to China's ambassador to Brazil, Doria said in a press conference that Bolsonaro and Guedes should apologize to the Asian nation for their recent comments so China can resume exports. "He (Chinese ambassador Yang Wanming) told me he will talk to China's ministry of foreign affairs tomorrow to renew his appeal to release the raw material that is ready at the Sinovac laboratory," Doria said. "That raw material is ready and available in refrigerated containers, just waiting for the authorization of the Chinese government." Doria added there was risk of a halt in immunization efforts if about 10,000 liters of raw material stuck in Chinaenough to bottle 18 million shotsdoesn't arrive soon. The Chinese embassy in the capital Brasilia, when contacted by the AP, didn't confirm the call with Gov. Doria took place. Dimas Covas, the head of the Butantan Institute, also said on Wednesday he had called Brazil's ambassador to China, Paulo Mesquita, to ask him to step up the pressure on Beijing. He added that a representative of Sao Paulo's state government who had been based in Shanghai moved to the Chinese capital one week ago to bolster their efforts. Bolsonaro suggested on May 5 that China had benefited economically during the pandemic and echoed a conspiracy theory that the disease may have been created in a laboratory, without providing evidence. "It is a new virus, nobody knows if it was born in a laboratory or by some human being that ate an inadequate animal. But it is there. The military knows what chemical, bacteriological and radiologic war is. Aren't we facing a new war?" Bolsonaro said during an event at the presidential palace. "Which country grew its GDP the most? I won't tell you." Later that day, the Brazilian president denied that he had been referring to China and blamed the media for the blowback. A few days earlier, Economy Minister Guedes said during a live feed of a meeting with the nation's health minister that the Chinese "invented" COVID-19. "How can they attack those who supply us with raw materials and vaccines to save Brazil's population?" Doria said at the press conference. The AstraZeneca vaccine, the only other that Brazil has so far used on a massive scale, also depends on raw material imported from China. Only 7.3% of the country's population has been fully vaccinated against the disease, according to Our World in Data, an online research site. More than 420,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19. Brazil's foreign relations ministry said in a statement Tuesday night it is "permanently following the process of authorization of raw materials export." It added that foreign minister Carlos Franca has recently spoken with China's foreign affairs minister, Wang Yi, seeking more cooperation in the fight against the pandemic "(Chinese authorities) reiterated that possible delays are not intentional, given that China is exporting raw material to several countries, which brings an extensive demand and overload both in the fabrication of vaccines and ingredients and in bureaucratic procedures," the foreign relations ministry said in an emailed response to questions. Explore further Brazil drug agency questions 'transparency' of China vaccine 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 95% of human cell lines used in countless medical research studies are of European descent. Credit: Peter Morris for Children's Medical Research Institute In a collaborative report published today in Cell, scientists from Sydney and New York describe the critical worldwide need to improve the diversity of cells used in medical research. Currently, 95% of all human cell lines used in research are of European descent. The authors provide actionable steps that researchers and the biomedical community can take to promote more inclusivity in preclinical and basic science research. The commentary, "Ancestry Matters: Building inclusivity into preclinical study design," is co-authored by Sophie Zaaijer, Ph.D., who co-founded FIND Genomics (findgen.bio), a company that aims to improve reproducible cell-based science through its genetic cell tracking software "FIND Cell", and is affiliated with Cornell Tech, New York, and by Amanda Capes-Davis, Ph.D., from Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney, Australia. The authors emphasize that lack of action now could have a far-reaching negative impact on the future of precision medicine for people of non-European ancestry. Human cell lines play a vital role in medical research. About a thousand cell lines are commonly used and kept in storage, such as at CellBank Australia, which was founded by Dr. Capes-Davis. The authors of this publication point out that most of the commonly used cell lines were sourced in the 1960s and 1970s and predominantly come from people of European descent. "As the Black Lives Matter movement was unfolding before our eyes, we saw this as an opportunity to highlight the same issue in the cells we look at every day under the microscopethe timing just seemed right," Dr. Capes-Davis says. "We explain in our report how the lack of diversity had slipped into biomedical research unconsciously yet systematically, " says Dr. Zaaijer. " Now the time has come to correct this inequity." Dr. Zaaijer adds, "Let's take drug discovery as an example; a process that heavily relies on human cell lines for initial drug screening. If most of the cell lines used to discover new drug treatments are from people of European descent, do those drugs work equally well in non-European individuals? More and more evidence has come to light showing that, unfortunately, this is not always the case." Some diseases are more common in particular communities, such as the Ashkenazi Jewish community, which has a high rate of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and breast and ovarian cancer. The African American community has a relatively high rate of prostate cancer in menyet only one in ten prostate cell lines regularly used in research is of African descent. Lack of diversity in prostate cancer cell lines means that initial anticancer drug screening may miss compounds that are particularly effective for African American men. Why is there a lack of diverse cell lines available to science? Lack of trust in medical research is an important reason why some communities have hesitated to donate cells for scientific discoveryand with reason. Past breaches of trust, such as the historical use of tissue samples without consent, affected community perceptions of research. Recently, however, impressive efforts have been made to form respectful partnerships between community groups and researchers to improve trust and inclusivity. "A successful model of collaboration between under-represented communities and the scientific community is the Maori in New Zealand, who have worked closely with researchers to develop guidelines for cell and tissue donation using culturally safe practices," Dr. Capes-Davis says. "This kind of initiative should be replicated and scaled up worldwide." Conscious inclusion of diverse cell lines is important for personalised medicine The biomedical landscape is slowly changing, partially driven by new funding models. In a new research initiative being spearheaded by the New York Genome Center, leaders of the New York City cancer research community have joined together to advance cancer genomics and its practice in clinical care by leveraging the City's large and diverse population. This innovative collaborative project, Polyethnic-1000, is designed to deepen understanding of the contributions ethnicities make to the incidence and behavior of cancers, thereby improving outcomes for many patients, especially those who currently lack access to the most recent advances in medical science. In September, 2020, Polyethnic-1000 awarded grants to fund seven projects that address the role of ethnicity in several major cancer types, taking advantage of the diversity of patients being treated at health care institutions throughout the New York City area. Considering the genetic variation within the human population is critical for providing personalized care", says Nicolas Robine Ph.D., Director of Computational Biology at the New York Genome Center. "However, after finding population specific variants associated with higher incidences of disease, you need hands-on experiments in the laboratory to find a cure. Using representative cell lines during this phase is key for progress". "When you or your loved ones donate cells for sciencewouldn't you want your cells to be actually used for developing effective treatments in the lab?" Dr. Zaaijer asks. "It is time for more conscious and strategic consideration of cell line inclusivity in preclinical and fundamental research by laboratory scientists, out of respect for cell and tissue donors and to better serve the needs of all communities." Change is not a simple process particularly for cell-based research projects, which can take many years to complete. Improving diversity means changing habits, and means managing more cell lines to ensure that many ancestral backgrounds are included. These efforts in particular may form a serious burden for scientists working with cell lines each day. "We saw an urgent need for tools to make organising, collaborating and tracking cell lines easy," Dr. Zaaijer says. To address that need, FIND Genomics developed a cutting-edge software platform specially designed for digitizing cell culture called FIND Cell that integrates daily cell tracking and management with genetic verifications. "FIND Cell can help to scale up inclusive biomedical experimental design" Dr. Zaaijer adds. In their report in Cell, the authors propose further actions to improve cell diversity for researchers, biobanks, publishers, funding agencies, and community representatives to consider. "We hope we can contribute to finding cures for all people in the long run, but it all starts with becoming aware of the problem and working together on solutions," says Dr. Capes-Davis. Explore further Using gene expression data to compare laboratory cancer models to real tumors Provided by Children's Medical Research Institute New research presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (held online, 10-13 May) shows that treatment with the drug semaglutide reduces body weight in adults with overweight or obesity, regardless of their baseline characteristics. However, the study showed that female participants had slightly better results than males and also that participants with the lowest starting body weight responded slightly better than those with higher body weights. The study is by Professor Robert Kushner, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, U.S., and colleagues. Semaglutide is already approved for treatment for type 2 diabetes in multiple countries, and is under development for treatment of obesity. The STEP trials published over the past year have established the efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg in treating people with overweight and obesity. In this new analysis of data from the STEP 1 trial (see link below), the researchers investigated weight loss in subgroups of participants based on their baseline characteristics. In STEP 1, adults without type 2 diabetes with either a body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 kg/m plus one or more weight-related comorbidities, or a BMI of 30 kg/m or above, were enrolled. Participants were randomised to a once-weekly injection of semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, both plus lifestyle intervention, for 68 weeks. The authors looked at what proportions of the participants achieved different levels of weight loss with semaglutide from baseline to week 68 (<20%, 15-<20%, 10-<15%, or 5-<10%) when grouped by different baseline characteristics (age, sex, race [White, Asian, Black or African American, or other], body weight, BMI, waist circumference and glycaemic status [normal blood sugar, or pre-diabetes]). Mean percent weight loss with semaglutide from baseline to week 68 was analysed separately by sex (male, female) and baseline body weight (>115 kg, 100-<115 kg, 90-<100 kg, <90 kg) subgroup. The original study included 1,961 randomised participants (mean age 46 years, body weight 105.3 kg, BMI 37.9 kg/m; 74.1% female). For categorical weight loss, the observed proportions of participants with >20%, 15-<20%, 10-<15% and 5-<10% weight loss at week 68 were 34.8%, 19.9%, 20.0% and 17.6% with semaglutide vs 2.0%, 3.0%, 6.8% and 21.2% with placebo, respectively. The distribution of participants across weight-loss groups did not appear to be affected by any baseline characteristics, except sex and baseline body weight. Mean percent weight loss at week 68 with semaglutide was greater among females (-18.4%) than males (-12.9%), and in participants with lower vs higher baseline body weight (-18.6% for participants with <90 kg body weight at baseline; -13.9% for participants with >115 kg baseline body weight). The authors conclude: "We found that weight loss with once-weekly injections of semaglutide 2.4 mg was seen in all subgroups evaluated and was generally not influenced by baseline characteristics. The exceptions were sex and baseline body weight; female sex and a low baseline body weight were associated with a slightly greater response to semaglutide. These data support the use of semaglutide 2.4 mg across a broad population of patients with overweight or obesity." Explore further Weekly semaglutide bests placebo for greater weight loss Provided by European Association for the Study of Obesity Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain For men physicians, the professional perks of networking on social media, like being asked to give a talk, are abundant, a new Northwestern Medicine study reports. For women physicians, the benefits are far less plentiful, the study found. What's more, women physicians are more than twice as likely to be sexually harassed on social media than men physicians, according to an earlier study, published in January, of this same group of study participants. The findings mirror the struggles women physicians face in person when trying to advance their careers, said first author Nicole Woitowich, research assistant professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "There's been this line of thinking that social media can be used to level the playing field and give women equal opportunities, but it turns out the same biases that promote men are occurring online as well," Woitowich said. "Women are not reaping the benefits of social media, and they're doing so in the face of more online harassment." The study will be published May 13 in the journal JAMA Network Open. "Our study makes it even more clear that it is necessary to be intentional in how we engage on social media, and the importance of amplifying women, minorities and those with intersectional identities," said senior author Dr. Shikha Jain, a hematologist and oncologist at University of Illinois Chicago. "There are many benefits that can come from engaging online, as has been shown in other studies, but pitfalls that exist in the real world are just as prevalent in the digital space." The data also suggest these gender biases may be occurring in other, nonmedical, fields that are traditionally dominated by men, which is worrisome, as a majority of interpersonal interactions have shifted online during the pandemic, Woitowich said. 'I use social media to ...' In the study, "Gender Differences in Physician Use of Social Media for Professional Advancement," 577 participants completed a survey the study authors sent via traceable links on Twitter between Feb. 6 and March 20, 2019. Participants could choose to identify as "female," "male," "non-binary/third gender" and "prefer to self-describe." No respondents identified as "non-binary/third gender" or "prefer to self-describe." Anyone who identified as "prefer not to say" were excluded from further analysis. The survey asked respondents to answer if they agreed or disagreed with questions such as "social media has increased my collaborators with individuals at other institutions," "social media has directly led to a speaking opportunity or engagement" and "social media has resulted in a scholarship opportunity." While both men and women physicians said that they have expanded their professional network through social media, men were more likely to receive requests to give talks (39% of men respondents versus 30% of women respondents) and participate in other scholarly activities (25% of men versus 21% of women) than women. While men in the study reported being more likely to use social media for research and educational purposes (83% of men versus 68% of women), women in the study said they were motivated to use social media for additional social support (73% of women versus 55% of men). Woitowich said this is likely because men in academic medicine do not face the same levels of sexual and verbal harassment and gender discrimination as women and thus don't need an outlet to seek advice and counsel from their same-gendered peers. "We did not address this in our survey, but it may be likely that women also use social media to voice and address these gender inequities," Woitowich said. "Simply put, women physicians may not be afforded the luxury of browsing social media solely for scholarly purposes." "There are strategies and solutions to ensure these inequities do not persist," Jain said. "Groups such as Women of Impact and the Women in Medicine Summit have created strategic social media amplifiers to lift up the voices of those that are often underrepresented. Others, such as IMPACT and Dear Pandemic, have leveraged social media to collaboratively lift up the voices of women experts while also becoming trusted resources during the COVID-19 pandemic." Explore further One in four doctors attacked, harassed on social media In a study at the University of California, San Francisco, neurologists placed thin-film multi-electrode arrays developed at Lawrence Livermore on the exposed hippocampus of patients undergoing epilepsy-related surgeries. The devices enabled the researchers to detect traveling waves of neural activity moving across the hippocampal surface and identify new properties about them, including how they may contribute to human cognition. Pictured are LLNL researchers Michael Triplett (left) and Jenny Zhou. Credit: Julie Russell/LLNL Thin-film electrodes developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have been used in human patients at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), generating never-before-seen recordings of brain activity in the hippocampus, a region responsible for memory and other cognitive functions. In a study published today in the journal Nature Communications, surgeons at UCSF placed the flexible arrays on the brains of a group of patients while they were already undergoing epilepsy-related surgery. They recorded electrical signals across the exposed hippocampus while some patients were under anesthesia and others were awake, and conscious patients were given visual cues and spoke words while their neural activity was recorded. This approach allowed the researchers to detect traveling waves moving across the hippocampal surface and identify new properties about them, including how they may contribute to human cognition. "We've developed an enabling technology for demonstrating a phenomenon that wasn't really possible before," said LLNL's Implantable Microsystems Group Leader Razi Haque. "This challenge required the creation of novel, conformable and higher-density electrodes that allows them to be more flexible and wrap around specific, deep regions of the brain. This study is validation that the approaches we're using are getting us consistent, usable and useful data. That's the driver for us as engineersto be able to build the tools that scientists can use to do new science." LLNL developed the 32-channel multi-electrode arrays under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)-funded SUBNETS (Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies) program, which aims to improve treatments for neuropsychiatric illnesses in military service members. UCSF neurosurgeon and scientist Edward Chang, principal investigator of the SUBNETS program, speculated the arrays could work for a separate study examining the role of the hippocampus in memory function. By recording neural activity on the exposed hippocampal surface while patients were undergoing surgery, researchers could potentially confirm the existence of traveling waves, which scientists have long theorized play an important role in routing information used to form memories and perform other cognitive processing. Previously, the nature of traveling waves in the human hippocampus has been controversial because previous in vivo studies have relied on penetrating depth electrode recordings. Those electrodes have provided researchers with only a few single-file recording sites in various layers of the hippocampus, making it nearly impossible to understand exactly how the waves are moving across the structure, according to the paper's lead author and UCSF neurologist Jonathan Kleen. However, due to their high-density grid layout, small size (smaller than a dime) and their ability to conform to the hippocampal surface, the LLNL-developed devices provided researchers with a critical bird's-eye view of how the signals moved and reversed over the surface like waves in water, Kleen said. "This new perspective helped us discover that traveling waves move both up and down the hippocampus," Kleen said. "This 'two-way street' contrasts with the 'one-way street' previous neuroscience research has shown. This is a big deal because we believe this may be a fundamental mechanism of how the hippocampus acts as a major hub of information and memory processing for many other brain regions. In other words, the direction the wave is moving across the hippocampus may be a biomarker reflecting distinct neural processes as different circuits engage and disengage." Due to their high-density grid layout, small size and their ability to conform to the hippocampal surface, the LLNL-developed micro-electrode arrays provided researchers with a critical birds-eye-view of how traveling waves moved and reversed over the surface of the hippocampus. Credit: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory The team used a machine learning approach to reveal that certain areas of the hippocampal surface activated more strongly depending on the direction the waves were moving. "This was further evidence that the route a wave is traveling may hint at what the hippocampus is up to at that moment," Kleen said. Researchers noted that when one conscious patient tried to think of the name of a picture, traveling waves at one frequency consistently flowed toward the front of the structure. When the patient was awaiting the next trial, the waves reversed direction and flowed toward the back of the structure. The direction of wave travel may therefore reflect distinct cognitive processes when they occur, and potentially where information is flowing to support those processes, Kleen said. The devices were built at LLNL and leverage knowledge gained over the course of more than a decade of research on thin-film micro-electrode arrays, beginning with the artificial retina project. LLNL engineers have improved the device's processing steps through multiple fabrication test runs and design iterations, as well as years of bench-top tests to assess stability and performance, according to engineer Jenny Zhou, who fabricated the devices. "It definitely feels rewarding to know that our devices were tested in patients with success and enabled researchers to access new information to understand more about neural activity," Zhou said of the recent study. "Kudos go to the interns, engineers and technicians who made it possible for us to continue the project. I started at LLNL as an intern working on the electrochemical side to characterize the electrode material that eventually became part of these thin-film devices, so for me personally, I'm glad to see it come full circle." Since the UCSF study concluded, LLNL engineers have doubled the number of electrodes on the flexible thin-film devices to 64 channels, enabling higher resolution sense and stimulation, and formed the arrays into a penetrating (or depth) probe. Engineers want to increase the channel count and density to hundreds, or even thousands, of electrodes per device. "The combination of precision data from these devices with next-generation data analytics promises to not only further our understanding of the inner workings of the brain, but lead to transformative cures for neurological disorders," said Shankar Sundaram, director of LLNL's Center for Bioengineering. LLNL's Implantable Microsystems Group is primarily focused on building durable, long-lasting devices to help diagnose and potentially provide therapy to the nervous system. Leveraging years of experience and dedicated microfabrication capabilities and infrastructure, the research group is working toward obtaining accreditation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to build human-grade devices and is exploring development of sub-chronic implants, which could remain in the brain for up to 30 days, Haque said. Explore further Neural implant monitors multiple brain areas at once, provides new neuroscience insights More information: Jonathan K. Kleen et al. Bidirectional propagation of low frequency oscillations over the human hippocampal surface, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Jonathan K. Kleen et al. Bidirectional propagation of low frequency oscillations over the human hippocampal surface,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22850-5 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When Ram Raghavan heard from a former colleague at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a 7-year-old girl had died from Rocky Mountain spotted fever as the result of a tick bite, he thought of his own daughter, also 7 years old at the time, and the potentially fatal danger posed to vulnerable populations by tick-borne diseases. Now a professor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Health Professions, Raghavan is an epidemiologist studying how ticks, mosquitos and other arthropods spread disease that impact people, pets and livestock over time in various geographical regions. In a recent study, the most comprehensive of its kind in the Midwest region of the United States, Raghavan and former graduate student Ali Hroobi collected and identified various species of ticks on the outskirts of Pittsburg, Kansas, twice a month for a 3-year period. They not only found a majority of the ticks to be most active in the humid spring and summer seasons, but their comprehensive documentation of what, when and where ticks are present help public health officials better understand the threat of tick-borne diseases to humans, companion animals and livestock. "We have seen increases recently in both the number and severity of tick-borne diseases in the Midwest, particularly in the humid climates of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas," Raghavan said. "Since more people get infected by tick-borne diseases each year than any other vector-borne disease, it is important that we better understand what type of ticks are present in our region, where they are located and what time of year they are most prevalent. This information will help keep us, our families, pets and livestock safe." Raghavan explained that several factors have contributed to the rise in tick-borne diseases. Humans are increasingly relocating from densely populated urban cities to more suburban areas on the outskirts of towns near forests and grasslands where ticks are often present. Outdoor fitness activities such as hiking, biking and walking have also become more popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly during the warmer spring and summer seasons in the Midwest. Climate change has played a role as well, as the warmer temperatures and humidity seem to be creating perfect conditions for ticks and the pathogens they carry to thrive. Finally, a sharp increase in population of white-tailed deer, the primary animal host for the most common tick found in the Midwest, Amblyomma Americanum, is another contributing factor. "This comprehensive research study helps us create a baseline understanding of the current situation from a public health perspective," Raghavan said. "These contributing factors will likely continue to play a role going forward, and now we have meaningful, relevant data to look back on for comparisons to see if certain trends continue in the future." Raghavan added that because there are currently no vaccines for tick-borne diseases, prevention practices and tick awareness are the best ways to avoid tick bites. "Wearing protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and pants when walking outdoors or on hiking trails is highly recommended, and spraying permethrin insect repellent can help as well," Raghavan said. "Other common sense safety practices such as staying on the main trails away from vegetation and keeping dogs on leash can help protect you and your pets from ticks. Always check oneself and pets for any attached ticks after being outdoors. Also, visit with your doctor if you start to have any flu-like symptoms, as most tick-borne diseases are entirely curable, but early diagnosis is crucial." The research can help inform future studies to better identify when and where specific pathogens amplify within various ticks, their effects on disease severity, and the impact of climate change and land use change on the prevalence of tick-borne diseases. "It is important to remember health does not operate separately for humans compared to animals or the environment," Raghavan said. "This is a 'One Health' issue, and as humans, we are just a small part of an enormous ecosystem. The more we learn and understand the problems, the better we can protect ourselves against these preventable diseases." Explore further A Mayo Clinic guide to tick species and the diseases they carry More information: Ali Hroobi et al, Diversity and seasonality of host-seeking ticks in a periurban environment in the Central Midwest (USA), PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE Ali Hroobi et al, Diversity and seasonality of host-seeking ticks in a periurban environment in the Central Midwest (USA),(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250272 Approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for people as young as 12 offers parents more than the opportunity to protect their kids. It offers them a chance to be a guide. Adolescents might be wondering whether vaccines are safe or even necessary. They also might be struggling with conflicting information from their peers about those very issues. That is why the most important thing a parent can do right now is listen, said Francesca Penner, a clinical psychology resident who will do postdoctoral work at Yale University's Child Study Center in New Haven, Connecticut. "Hearing them out is the biggest thing," Penner said, "because there's just so many influences on what kids might be thinking." On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in children ages 12 to 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention followed suit on Wednesday, making the vaccine immediately available to this younger age group. "This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation's efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19," the CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said in a statement. "Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected." Vaccines from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are still being evaluated for people under 18. Dr. Kristin Moffitt, an infectious diseases physician at Boston Children's Hospital, expects safety to top the list of concerns for young teens. "I think it would be important for them to know that there was a clinical trial that included several thousand 12- to 15-year-olds," and the side effects were very similar to what was seen in the 16- to 25-year-olds, she said. For most, that meant pain or swelling at the injection site. Some also experienced low-grade fever, chills, fatigue or headaches in the 24 to 48 hours after getting the vaccine, particularly after the second dose. That tends to go away within 24 hours and can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But sending a clear message about safety might be complicated by peer pressure and social media. "I was talking to one of my teenage patients a few weeks ago who's actually old enough to get the vaccine now, but she's hesitant about it because she's getting misinformation," Penner said. Parents can turn such problems into a learning opportunity, Moffitt said. She's been talking to her own children, who are 11 and 14, about the importance of getting medical information from trusted sources. She recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization or the American Academy of Pediatrics. "And then beyond that, if they feel that their questions haven't been answered, their pediatricians should be very well educated in these topics and able to further answer questions," she said. Developmentally, adolescents often are primed to listen more to peers and peer-like figures on social media than they do to authority figures, Penner said. Parents can help counterbalance that by setting good examples. If a parent had any hesitancy about getting vaccinated, a child will pick up on that, she said. So a parent can walk through their decision-making, saying, "You know, I was hesitant, but here's what convinced me to actually get it." And while older kids now have a spot in line for vaccination, younger kids might be anxious about having to continue to wait for approval in their age group. If a child of any age is showing signs of anxiety that interfere with their daily life, therapy is an option, Penner said. "If they can't sleep at night, or if they're having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, if you're noticing changes in their appetite, or their ability to complete school or just get through the day without expressing a lot of worries, then that might be a signal." Overall, Penner said, a parent's main job while listening is to hear out the child's thoughts and emotions in a validating way and affirming what's truewhile correcting what's not in a way that's developmentally appropriate for that child. After all, there are "individual factors about the child that the parent knows better than anyone else." Moffitt said it's good to remind a child that vaccines are meant to help save lives and keep people out of the hospital. Concerns about side effects need to be balanced with the threat of contracting COVID-19 and what that might mean not just to the person getting vaccinated, but to their entire household, she said. They should be reminded that getting vaccinated puts the whole community one step closer to being able to resume all the fun, good parts of being a kid that have been put on hold for safety's sake. "My kids, like so many kids, are desperate to get back to some sense of normalcy, to get back to being able to be in school, be with their friends, participate again in all the activities that have always made them so happy," Moffitt said. "And they very much have come to understand that safe and effective vaccination is a critical part of that path forward." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Copyright 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Barysevich receives the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia On May 12, 2021, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mikalai Barysevich received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Russian Federation and to the Republic of Belarus (non-resident) Abdulrahman S. Al Ahmed. During the meeting the parties confirmed their mutual interest to promote comprehensive Belarusian-Saudi cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the issues of holding political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, organizing the next meeting of the Joint intergovernmental committee on cooperation and exchanging visits of business delegations. The Deputy Minister wished the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia successful work in the Republic of Belarus. print version Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus E.Shestakov meets the Ambassador of Nicaragua On May 13, 2021 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Evgeny Shestakov, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Republic of Belarus non-resident, Alba Azucena Torres Mejia, on the occasion of presentation of the copies of her Credentials. The parties discussed current state of relations between Belarus and Nicaragua, as well as potential areas of cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the sides confirmed mutual interest in development of Belarus-Nicaragua cooperation in the political, trade, economic and other spheres. print version Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Barysevich meets the Ambassador of Sierra Leone On May 13, 2021 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Mikalai Barysevich, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus (non-resident), Mohamed Yongawo, on the occasion of the presentation of the copies of his Credentials. During the meeting the Ambassador of Sierra Leone expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with the Republic of Belarus and noted education, agriculture and industry as priority areas. The Deputy Minister confirmed readiness of the Belarusian side to provide comprehensive assistance to the development of interaction with Serra Leone, emphasized the importance of the Ambassadors personal participation in the promotion of bilateral initiatives and wished him successful work in the Republic of Belarus. print version Philippine Coast Guard personnel survey several ships believed to be Chinese militia vessels in Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, in a handout photo distributed by the Philippine Coast Guard on May 5 and taken on April 27, 2021. Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS Daniel Marshall, who's been living in the Philippines, gets his single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine from a member of the Guam National Guard at the University of Guam Calvo Field House vaccination clinic Wednesday. Photo by Haidee Eugenio Gilbert/The Guam Daily Post Editor Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His three books are available on amazon.com South Africans who want to watch the SABC and eTVs free-to-air channels can get a free digital decoder from the government to access these channels once analogue broadcasts have been switched off. The SABC recently started displaying a scrolling notice on broadcasts that still use its old analogue TV signals which informs viewers that they must register for a free digital terrestrial TV (DTT) decoder at their nearest Post Office. The main purpose of this message is to alert the public about the impending analogue switch off and the need to change to alternative digital technologies for television viewing, the SABC said in a statement. This is in keeping with President Cyril Ramaphosas announcement during this years State of the Nation Address (SONA), wherein he stated that all analogue transmissions will be switched off by April 2022. The message reads: Important notice: If you see this message go to your nearest Post Office to register for a free government subsidised decoder or call 0860 736 832 to continue receiving a television broadcast. It only appears on analogue television broadcasts on not on any of the SABCs digital platforms (satellite, DTT, and streaming), the SABC said. The government plans to switch South Africa to digital television broadcasts by April 2022. You will then need a set-top box to continue watching TV with your current television set. The decoder supports much better picture quality and a bigger choice of television channels. Following the message being displayed to analogue TV viewers, Post Offices country wide have recorded a dramatic increase in members of the public who want to apply for the digital decoders. It should be noted that only South African households that depend on SASSA social grants and those with a monthly income of less than R3,200 qualify for a free decoder. They must also have a functioning TV set and a television licence. Households earning more than R3,200 per month are expected to purchase their own decoders or STBs. Government advised applicants to bring along the following to the Post Office when they register for a subsidised set-top box: Proof of the familys income. Proof of identity Only South African citizens qualify. Proof of address Your address is captured on the system so that installers later know where to install your subsidised set-top box. A police affidavit to state that you have a working TV set. The set of analogue TV switch-off dates announced in March 2021 by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams were: Free State March 2021 Northern Cape April 2021 North West May 2021 Mpumalanga May 2021 Eastern Cape May 2021 Kwa-Zulu Natal July 2021 Western Cape November 2021 Limpopo December 2021 Gauteng January 2022 These dates were published after President Cyril Ramaphosas State of the Nation address in which he said that the digital migration would be completed by the end of March 2022. MyBroadband contacted the Ministry to find out about the progress towards these deadlines, as the South African government has yet to meet a single deadline it set for the digital migration. The Ministry could not answer questions about whether the migrations in the Free State and Northern Cape were completed. There is significant progress thus far within the schedule, a spokesperson told MyBroadband. The Minister will soon provide an update on the progress achieved. The Diem Association, a group of Facebook Inc. and 25 other companies and nonprofit groups once known as Libra, is moving its main operations to the U.S. and partnering with a bank to issue a cryptocurrency backed by U.S. dollars. The new plan includes an agreement with Silvergate Capital Corp., a prominent player in the cryptocurrency industry, which will issue the coin and manage Diems reserve of U.S. dollars, the association said Wednesday in a statement. Diem said its still building out a global payments network, with the idea that it could serve its own stablecoin or even central bank digital currencies if world governments decide to issue them. Its critical for the U.S. to foster innovation in this space. The U.S. cant really afford to fall behind here, said Diem Chief Executive Officer Stuart Levey. Levey said Diems payments network will be able to lower the cost of sending money around the world, whether its through a Diem-issued coin or the central-bank digital currencies that many countries are considering. Shares of Silvergate Capital jumped about 20% in extended trading after the deals announcement. While more straightforward to achieve, the new plans are a big comedown from the vision unveiled by the Libra Association in 2019. That June, Facebook and 27 partners announced the project to great fanfare with large ambitions. The Libra Association, as the Diem Association was then known, said it planned to launch a global stablecoin backed by a basket of currencies, including the U.S. dollar, euro and others. The blowback from world governments was fierce. Even though Facebook executives said they were just one of equal partners in the association, U.S. lawmakers said its involvement gave them concerns about protecting user data or giving the already powerful company a toehold in financial services. Some lawmakers even posited that libra could be a threat to the U.S. dollar as the worlds reserve currency. Amid the criticism, the Libra Association lost some of the members most equipped to address financial regulators, including Visa Inc., Mastercard Inc., and PayPal Holdings Inc. Eventually, the Libra Association decided to delay the launch of a multi-currency coin in favor of separate cryptocurrencies linked to individual countries money. The association also rebranded as Diem, but never received a necessary license from the financial regulator in its headquarters country of Switzerland. Now, Diems ambitions are tightening once again. The associations members currently include Facebook, crypto-focused companies like Coinbase Global Inc., and others such as ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. and commerce platform Shopify Inc. Diem said while it expected eventual approval in Switzerland, its withdrawing the application for its license and moving most operations to the U.S. Diems U.S. subsidiary plans to register as a money-services business with a division of the U.S. Treasury Department. Though Diems path forward might be easier that Libras, the association could struggle to explain how the project differs from myriad dollar-backed stablecoins that already exist, such as USD Coin. In an interview, Levey said the association believes that the way its implementing the coin, with built-in consumer protections and anti-crime provisions, will be appealing to regulators and companies that want to use the network. Many central banks, including those of the U.S., Europe and China, are in the process of researching or building their own digital currencies. If those come to pass, Levey said, Diem can adjust its network to accommodate them. Diem declined to say when the pilot would launch. Bitcoin miners consume more electricity than many countries, making the technology ultimately unsustainable as a replacement or alternative to the current global financial system, or so the argument goes. This narrative was bolstered recently through a series of tweets from Elon Musk in which he announced that Tesla has decided to stop accepting Bitcoin payments for its cars. Tesla first announced it would accept Bitcoin as payment less than two months ago. Its easy to see why the argument is so convincing. The headlines are compelling: Bitcoin miners use eight times more electricity than Google and Facebook combined. Bitcoin uses more electricity than entire countries! Ireland, Argentina, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Ukraine all use less electricity than the Bitcoin network. The reason Bitcoin mining requires so much energy is because it is computationally intensive. Miners perform calculations billions of times per second as part of the protocol to secure the Bitcoin blockchain. Its not a big stretch from there to Bitcoin is bad for the environment, because much of the worlds electricity is produced with coal and gas. Research from Our World In Data for 2020 shows that 36.7% of the worlds electricity is generated with coal and 23.5% with gas. South Africas energy mix situation is particularly bad in this regard as 85% of our electricity comes from coal, 5% from nuclear 2% from oil and less than 1% from gas. Wind generates close to 3% of our electricity and solar around 2.6%. However, the reality is far more complex than these simple electricity consumption comparisons would suggest. It is also a matter of perspective. Is it fair to compare the energy use of Bitcoin to just one country, given that it is a global financial system? Among the users of Bitcoin are the U.S. and China which consume at least 127 times the energy that Bitcoin uses. Furthermore, no consideration seems to be given to the source of the energy powering the Bitcoin blockchain. As University of Pittsburg researcher Katrina Kelly-Pitou wrote back in 2018: By talking specifically about just the consumption of energy alone, I believe many fail to understand one of the most basic benefits of renewable energy systems. Electricity production can increase while still maintaining a minimal impact on the environment. Rather than focusing on how much energy bitcoin uses, the discussion should center around who indeed is producing it and where their power comes from. Kelly-Pitou concedes that Chinas high dependence on coal is an area of concern, but adds that there is a lack of studies that actually calculate the carbon footprint of the bitcoin process. There are other factors to consider too. On the same University of Cambridge website that Elon Musk recently tweeted out to his followers to substantiate Teslas decision to stop accepting Bitcoin payments for its cars, there is a page that shows that as much as 5,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity produced is wasted every year. Stated differently the amount of electricity not consumed every year, and likely wasted, is enough to power the Bitcoin network at least ten times over. The University of Cambridge also noted that the amount of electricity consumed every year by always-on but inactive home devices in the United States could power the Bitcoin network for 1.5 years. MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor recently highlighted the issue of how much power the Bitcoin network consumes in the context of total global energy production (not just electricity). Much like Elon Musks Tesla, MicroStrategy purchased a cache of Bitcoin for its company treasury. However, Teslas corporate bitcoin holdings are second to that of MicroStrategy. Not only was MicroStrategy earlier to the buffet, it invested $2.2 billion in bitcoin while Tesla invested $1.5 billion. Saylor was speaking in an interview with Kitco News in which he was critical of a comedy bit Bill Maher did on his late-night talk show about Bitcoin. The world generates 160,000 terawatt-hours of energy a year. Of that 50,000 terawatt-hours of energy is wasted. Like 30%, said Saylor. Of that, Saylor said, only 120 terawatt-hours is used to run the entire Bitcoin network for a year. According to Saylor, if you eliminated Bitcoin from the world it would rob billions of people of a chance at a decent life and it wouldnt stop any waste 50,000 terawatt-hours of energy would still be wasted every year. The Bitcoin network is the bidder of last resort for all energy, he stated. One quarter of one percent of the wasted energy in the world offers the hope of a decent life to eight billion people, and solves an economic problem. There is an important discussion to be had about the relative energy consumption of proof-of-work blockchain technologies like Bitcoin and Ethereum 1.0, and the trade-offs of blockchains that use more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms such as proof-of-stake. However, while the conversation is being hijacked by debates over the sustainability of Bitcoins energy usage, those discussions are not getting much attention. Now read: Bitcoin tax warning in South Africa South Africas pothole problem has become so significant that the fibre network operator Frogfoot is jumping in to help. Frogfoot and Grahamstown Wi-Fi have partnered with a local service provider in a two-month road upliftment project to fix potholes in Makhanda (Grahamstown). Jacques du Toit, CEO of Vox which owns Frogfoot said that various levels of infrastructure should work in harmony. Of course, there is annoyance in the necessary digging up of pavements, but it pays off when residents get access to world-class ICT services, said Du Toit. The next step is supporting road safety and tourism, while benefiting the local economy. Potholes are more than a nuisance and pose a financial and safety risk, he added. Grahamstown Wi-Fi co-founder Thinus Jurgens said they have already identified around 300 potholes in the city. As a local resident, the deterioration of the roads hits home on a personal level, Jurgens said. The companies have partnered with SAE General Contractors led by Colin Hare to fix eight potholes a day using cold pre-mixed tar which Jurgens said was built to last. He added that their process would involve working on small sections of road at a time to limit disruption to traffic. This is important to us as locals as it forms part of the general refurbishment and upliftment of our city, said Jurgens. We need to go through the necessary digging lay fibre. Residents are now starting to enjoy world-class, high-speed internet, and the roads we all use every day are about to enjoy the next improvement. Frogfoot and Grahamstown Wi-Fi are not the only private companies which have announced initiatives to fix potholes recently. in early May, Insurance companies Discovery and Dialdirect launched Pothole Patrol in Johannesburg. This initiative will contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of road accidents across the city for insured and uninsured drivers alike, they said. As part of that campaign, insurers will help to fix potholes in the metro in addition to providing their significant data about road conditions. The latter is collected through the insurers telematics data which measures how vehicles are driven, and can infer the condition of the road as a result. The Pothole Patrols started on Monday 3 May 2021, with priority given to busy roads. A smartphone app will allow residents of the City to log pothole locations is also under development. Below are more images of Frogfoot and Grahamstown Wi-Fi while on the job fixing potholes in the town. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has announced that the national voter registration weekend ahead of the upcoming local government elections will be held on 17 and 18 July 2021. During that weekend, all 23,146 voting stations around the country will be open from 8:00 to 17:00 to assist new voters to register and existing voters to check and, where necessary, update their registration details. Voters are reminded that for this election the 17-18 July weekend is the only general voter registration opportunity for voters to register and check their registration at their voting stations, the IEC stated. The Electoral Commission urges all eligible voters and especially first-time voters to make use of the one-and-only registration weekend or the online portal to prepare to vote in October this year. Voters who have moved house since the last election as well as those with incorrect, incomplete, or missing addresses are especially urged to update their details, it added. The IEC said that those who planned to visit the voting stations during registration weekend will be required to wear a mask or appropriate face covering, and to observe social distancing. Hand sanitising facilities as well as stationery will be provided at each voting station. Voters wishing to bring their own pen are encouraged to do so even though pens will be provided and sanitised routinely, the IEC said. Outside of the registration weekend, South Africans will still be able to register, check, and update their details during working hours at local IEC offices until the proclamation of the elections. In addition, registered voters can amend their registration details through the Click, Check, Confirm functionality on the website of the Electoral Commission. The IEC said this functionality which was launched in 2018 has to date been used by more than 350,000 voters to update their details. What you need to register In order to register as a voter, you must be at least 16 years old, a South African citizen, and in possession of a valid South African ID document either a green barcoded ID book or a smartcard ID. The IEC reminded voters that they must be registered at a voting station in the ward in which they are ordinarily resident and must provide an address or detailed description of a place of residence. However, proof of address (e.g. in the form of a utilities account) is NOT required for registration. For more details on where, when, and how to register, visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za. Here, you can check your current registration details. From June, the LGE 2021 Contact Centre will also be available to assist voters via phone at 080 011 8000 and email [email protected]. Other IEC channels where assistance will be provided include: Nvidia has announced its new budget gaming graphics cards the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti. These two GPUs have been added to the RTX 30 series below the previous entry-level RTX 3060, and are claimed to offer twice as fast performance as their predecessors, accelerated by Nvidias DLSS technology. Last month, Samsung announced its Galaxy Book Odyssey as the first of many laptops which would feature the new budget GPUs. With a weight of 1.85kg and thickness of 17.7mm, the Galaxy Book exemplifies the compact design that these cards will enable. However, more compact laptops usually see manufacturers lowering the total graphics power (TGP) a key determinant for performance of the graphics cards to suit their design needs. The RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti have TGP ranges of 35W to 80W, and laptops able to make the most of the performance tend to be slightly thicker than those striking a balance between power and mobility. Aside from the lower TGP, the cards also have fewer tensor cores, ray tracing cores, and video memory than the rest of Nvidias RTX 30 line-up. Despite this, Nvidia claimed they delivered 60 FPS performance at 1080p in games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Minecraft, Watch Dogs: Legion and Control all with ray tracing on. The graph below shows Nvidias benchmark results for these titles which were recorded with ray tracing on and graphics at medium settings. Utilising Nvidias Reflex Low Latency mode, competitive gamers can get over 144+ FPS and sub-25ms system latency in titles such as Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege and Valorant with the RTX 3050 Ti. The release of the new cards is similarly good news for content creators as it is for gamers, as the specs outlined by NVIDIA is adequate for power-demanding workloads such as video and photo editing, whilst also featuring Nvidias hardware encoder and decoder for improved rendering. These cards will be increasingly featured in new laptop releases throughout the coming months, with ASUS , Dells Alienware and Lenovo already having confirmed upcoming releases with the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti cards. Prices for these laptops will start at $799 (R11,270) in the US. The table below shows the specifications of the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti compared to the RTX 3060. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said South Africa is in its third wave of COVID-19 infections, but experts warn the local economy cannot afford another strict lockdown. Citing communication from Mkhize, News24 reported that he warned provinces that COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising in South Africa. For all intents and purposes, we are in a third wave even if not fitting in technical definition. The numbers will no longer go down other than if we start intensive containment measures, he said. The latest warning from Mkhize came shortly after he warned of an increase in cases in the Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and North West provinces. Numerous districts in these provinces have been flagged by the NICD and have been placed under observation due to an appreciable rise in the 14-day average percent change. Free State Health Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi has also announced that the province is officially experiencing a third wave, with a shocking rise of infections. Following Mkhize and Mvambis statements, the National Department of Health said the country was not in a third wave yet. We want to assure South Africans that we have not yet hit the third wave however we are at risk and we hence need to be on heightened vigilance as a country, it said in a statement. Whether South Africa is in a third wave or not, there are concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Data published yesterday showed the country recorded 2,759 new cases the highest since the second wave ended. Experts said the rise in cases may result in additional lockdown measures, like restrictions on large gatherings. Professor Alex van den Heever from the Wits School of Governance said there was a high probability of a third wave which will be driven by peoples behaviour. He said there should be a strong focus on limiting large gatherings. If we can address gatherings, we will reduce the possibility of a third wave, he said. Winter periods made it difficult to contain the virus, which means that even with restrictions it would be challenging to avoid another wave. It is not the variants which are going to cause a third wave, but the variants will be part of a wave, he said. Mkhize recently said President Cyril Ramaphosa had not expressed an intention to tighten the lockdown regulations. He did, however, say they have received an advisory from the ministerial advisory council that they have to consider some restrictions which they were now going through. Many business leaders are warning against strict lockdown measures which will hurt the economy. One of them was Martin Kingston, leader of the Economic Interventions Workgroup at Business for South Africa (B4SA). Speaking to Bruce Whitfield, Kingston said South Africas economy cant afford any lockdown measures increased over adjusted Level 1. He highlighted that many sectors of the economy, including the alcohol and restaurant industries, have been severely damaged by previous lockdowns. Kingston advocated that need to limit large gatherings. As business weve said there shouldnt be more than 50 people indoors and no more than 100 people outdoors, he said. Commenting on tougher lockdowns across the country, he said the government did not have any fiscal flexibility to provide support for strict lockdowns, like UIF and TERS payments. We cannot see a return to the increasing levels of unemployment we have seen last year without devastating consequences both to the economy and society at large. He added that the most important thing which the country should do is to accelerate the vaccination programme. Now read: Stricter lockdown rules for South Africa suggested Williams goats are San Clemente goats, which another whole story. They look like little antelopes, and are more manageable than larger-sized goats. Williams did her research and what really struck my fancy were these San Clemente Island goats which were being eradicated by the U.S. Navy back in the 1970s and 80s. Some were rescued before they were all gone. Regenerative agriculture Grazing animals naturally roam the landscape towards more food and water, eating through the landscape, whether its grasslands, forest, or scrubland. They are also prodded to keep on the move by predators. Its a cycle. They keep moving each other back and forth across the landscape. Thats how nature works, Williams said. If were looking at this in a holistic way, were talking about the air, the climate as well. His teacher Mike Riendeau said Gaudard is an invaluable musician playing various instruments in the jazz, marching, pep bands, and orchestra. During his four years, Gaudard said he has overcome the fear of playing on stage and made wonderful friends. The band program suffered during quarantine, but he filled his time playing music outside of school in what he calls a more "rock-y" environment. He said, "Playing without a director nor sheet music to keep us all on our toes was a challenge, especially at a distance, but overcoming it led to some of my most cherished memories." Gaudard will study math at Napa Valley College next year but is excited to try out for the wind ensemble and jazz band. Choir: Andrew Wiegers, Napa High Senior Wiegers has been a part of the Napa choir program for the past four years. In his senior year, he has become a leader for the youngest students during complicated choral circumstances. His teacher Duncan Cooper said, "Andrew volunteered to join our Freshman Bass choir as a mentor, and has really motivated our younger students to get engaged in (and excited about) choir." Orlando, who just returned to school last week, said itd been a nice change. Its much easier to talk face to face with your teachers, and if you need to ask for help, its easier, he said. Still, he was looking forward to seeing his friends without masks and eating lunch together at the same table something thats been cancelled because of the pandemic, he said. For Napa resident Sofia Mohs, her newly approved eligibility had come just at the right time: her uncle is getting married in Massachusetts in early June, her father Jason Mohs said, and the family had plans to take a trip east in a few weeks. The prospect of immunity from COVID-19 was a reassuring one, Sofia said: I can go out places and Ill still wear masks, but I have that extra security to back me up, which is nice. Tonya Palacios, Koby and Leilas mother, said she knew among the siblings age group that acceptance of the vaccine was probably fifty-fifty. Theres certainly a group that wants to wait and see, but Im like, OK we already got the shot, she said of herself, her husband, and her oldest son. Whats going to happen to them that wouldnt have already happened to us? A corner of West Virginia wrenched by opioid addiction is getting the chance to argue in a courtroom that some of the corporate giants it blames for a public health crisis that left hundreds of people dead deserve to be held accountable. The city of Huntington and surrounding Cabell County sued the nation's three largest opioid distributors No matter the outcome of the federal court trial that opened this month, the verdict is expected to resonate well beyond the industrial region. The trial in West Virginia, as well as legal proceedings underway in California, could set the stage for resolutions to similar lawsuits brought by thousands of local governments across the United States. Opioid overdoses have been linked to the deaths of nearly 500,000 Americans since 2000 and reached a record of nearly 50,000 in 2019. Yet the sprawling nature of litigation over the addiction epidemic around the country means it could take years to wrap up, years to get money to communities to expand treatment and to make up for some of the economic losses caused by the crisis. Its just too expensive to live in California, period," he told the Associated Press ahead of his announcement. Im a big believer in going out and winning the argument publicly and then we will win the vote." Under Faulconer's plan, there would be a 0% marginal income tax rate on the first $50,000 in income for individuals and $100,000 for households. That means people making those amounts or less wouldn't pay state income tax, while those making up to $1 million would see a low effective tax rate. He announced the plan in Downey, Calif., a small city southeast of Los Angeles with a median income of just more than $75,000, roughly the same as the median income statewide. He estimated the plan would save individuals nearly $2,000 and families nearly $4,000 annually and said his plan would benefit 99% of taxpayers. Faulconer estimated his proposed cuts would reduce state revenues by about $15 billion annually and pointed to the state's expected $76 billion surplus this year as evidence the state can afford it. Asked what would happen if the economy tumbled, and if he would slash programs to support a continuing, deep tax cut, Faulconer said such a drastic move wouldnt necessary. Giron's friends told The San Luis Obispo Tribune that he had suffered from mental illness that worsened during the pandemic after losing his job at a climbing gym called The Pad Climbing. Known to the local rock-climbing community as Eddie, Giron was a former gym employee who allegedly burglarized it early Monday morning, according to an Instagram post by the gym. The gym's CEO, Kristin Horowitz, told the newspaper on Monday that she believed the business lost up to $20,000 in equipment. Authorities on Tuesday said they had recovered some stolen property at Giron's home but would not say if any of it belonged to The Pad. Nasim Delavari, a friend of Giron's since 2016 who was also a rock climber, told The Tribune that she came to understand that Giron had a hard upbringing. He had developed issues with alcoholism, she told the newspaper, and suffered from some degree of mental illness that included symptoms such as paranoia. She said he began to spiral after losing his job at the gym, but she did not know the circumstances that led to it. Later Wednesday, Mexico's Labor Department said it had launched an investigation of the case and promised to publish the results and take any measures needed to repair the situation. Mexico is still in the middle of a process of holding votes at workplaces to accept or reject existing unions. The process started in 2019 and ends in 2023, and will have to be repeated at every unionized factory and workplace in Mexico. Some experts have criticized the process, because employees are not allowed to choose between a new union and an old one. Instead, they are essentially asked to decide between the old union and none at all. Labor Secretary Luisa Maria Alcalde has acknowledged it is an uphill battle because some union leaders havent gotten the message that they can no longer operate behind the backs of workers. Fernando Salgado, the CTM assistant general secretary, did not respond directly to the accusations in April, but did say: We have had two fundamental values: equality and the respect we must show for freedom in union organizing. When the old North American Free Trade Agreement was approved in 1994, leaders promised it would boost Mexicos wages, something that never happened, in part because of unrepresentative unions. The three-branch system of government is not unique to the United States, but most of the worlds democracies are governed by the parliamentary system. In Great Britain, Canada, Japan and other nations with parliamentary governments, the party or coalition that holds a majority of legislative seats automatically wields executive authority, rather than having a separately elected president. The parliamentary systems prime minister governs by decree as long as the legislative majority continues. This very brief excursion into political theory underpins whats been happening in California during the last 14 months an accidental experiment in quasi-parliamentary government, beginning with Gov. Gavin Newsoms declaration of an emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ever since, Newsom has issued countless decrees governing economic and personal conduct, overriding whatever laws he deemed as impediments to battling the deadly infection. The Legislature, controlled by his fellow Democrats, has acquiesced. Whether Newsoms one-man command has been effective in taming the pandemic is the topic for another day. Whether his use of emergency powers has been excessive and arbitrary is both a political and a legal issue. The North Bay is facing another frightening fire season coupled with more power outages. Napa businesses and homeowners need something better than diesel generators to keep the lights on and electricity flowing. Fortunately, Napas Senator Bill Dodd is proposing the Community Energy Resilience Act, a new policy to ensure public health and safety and build energy resilience during wildfires and other emergencies. Senator Dodds Senate Bill 99, now before the state legislature, directs the California Energy Commission to provide local governments with technical assistance and funding to enable them to prepare community energy resilience plans based on clean energy. Solar generation and battery storage is more cost-effective than fossil fuel backup generators on a lifecycle basis. Solar plus batteries also provide daily benefits by storing peak midday solar generation and making it available during evening hours when the grid is most likely to fail, as it did last August. Armenia 1st President recalls his "remedial secession" formula for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement Armenia 2nd President: Everything that makes us Armenian has been destroyed over past three years Azerbaijan continues obscene farce, "investigation" into case of another 26 Armenian POWs is over Ex-governor presents situation in Armenia's Syunik Province Armenia's Pashinyan: If I'm guilty, execute me, and I'll submit Armenia acting PM holds march with twice as many security and police officers in Vanadzor (PHOTO) Armenia acting MOD attaches importance to transparency of procurement and supplies in Armed Forces Remains of 4 more Armenian servicemen found and removed from Artsakh's Jrakan region Philip Reeker: Azerbaijani Armed Forces need to return to positions of May 11 Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani side opens fire at military posts in border section of Gegharkunik Province Azerbaijan shares documents on 8 Armenian POWs, COVID-19 in Armenia, Jun 19 digest Azerbaijanis open gunfire at military posts in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province for nearly 30 minutes Armenia acting justice minister expresses gratitude to US for supporting government's reforms agenda Philip Reeker: US will continue to press for the return of Armenian POWs and detainees Armenia 1st President: Russian peacekeepers won't leave Nagorno-Karabakh after 5 years Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Kazakhstan Armenia Parliament Speaker also attending ruling party's campaign meeting in Odzun (PHOTO) 160,000,000 children are involved in child labor around the world Dollar loses value in Armenia Biden, Johnson underscore close ties between US and UK Armenia attorney general forwards video recording of ex-FM's sensational statement to National Security Service Ex-President Kocharyan: Armenia must stand on its feet to conduct effective negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh Armenia 2nd President: Border with Azerbaijan needs to be constructed as soon as possible Armenia 1st President proposes to acting PM to publicize recording of their conversation about Karabakh Armenia President congratulates Portuguese counterpart on National Day of Portugal Iranian Ambassador to Armenia acting minister: Iran has already developed roadmap and timetable for joint programs People are brought in vans to Lori Province village for meeting with Armenia acting premier Karabakh rescue squad searching for remains of deceased servicemen in Fizuli and Jabrayil Karabakh President appoints new chief of staff Armenia 1st President doesn't rule out formation of coalition with Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan after elections Armenia former President Kocharyan: Only way to work with external partners is being straightforward, honest Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs visits Armenian Genocide Memorial Armenia 1st President: If we Armenians miss this moment as well, very bad things will happen "I have the honor" bloc is in Armenias Syunik (PHOTOS) Horsemen lead Armenia acting PM Pashinyan motorcade in Lori Province village Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: I have reasonable doubts that Shushi was deliberately handed over Azerbaijan provides documents on 6 captured Armenia soldiers health condition Police apprehend 16 ARF youths near Armenia government building Ex-President Kocharyan on acting PM idea to exchange son for Armenian captives in Azerbaijan: Primitive stupidity Armenia acting premier receives acting US assistant secretary of state ARF youth close off downtown Yerevan street Yerevan police forcibly apprehend protesting ARF members Armenia acting PM in Lori Province, he is accompanied by State Protection Service head (PHOTOS) ARF of Armenia presents facts about high treason Permit documents can now be submitted online at Armenia border checkpoints 76 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia World oil prices dropping Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Daily Express: Brussels angry over upcoming Biden-Putin meeting Newspaper: Bright Armenia Party leader gives acting US deputy secretary of state sanctions list on Azeri authorities American billionaires pay little income tax Most livable city for 2021 is announced Newspaper: Artsakh President makes controversial decision WTO countries agree to intensify negotiations on easing access to coronavirus vaccines Armenia Ombudsman: Trials against Armenian POWs continue in Azerbaijan with gross violations of international law Ankara hopes Erdogan and Biden find common ground Acting US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker arrives in Yerevan Candidate for Armenia PM: Heads of headquarters of Democratic Party are apprehended More on COVID-19 and tense election campaign in Armenia, June 9 digest Members of European Parliament call on Yerevan and Baku to start exchanging information for demining Members of Armenian opposition Adekvad Union post posters reading "Antinikol" near government building France says it will do everything it can to ensure Amazon is subject to minimum global tax UN warns of likelihood of mass deaths from hunger and disease in Myanmar Beijing accuses Washington of paranoid mania Stanislav Zas: There are still risks of escalation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border Trump supports Nigerian government decision to block Twitter access Erdogan announces visit to Shushi with his family Armenia ruling party MP Hamazasp Danielyan drops mandate Armenia ex-president shares promised record about acting PM Armenia acting PM ends campaign meeting in Gyumri with march, accompanied by many security officers "Armenia" bloc holding rally in Yerevan Opposition Bright Armenia Party leader inviting Nikol Pashinyan to a debate Nagorno-Karabakh issue discussed within the scope of Russian-Turkish consultations in Moscow 168.am: Armenia acting PM in Gyumri, snipers on roof of city council Armenian authorities forcing employees of educational institutions and nuclear power plant to attend campaign meetings Putin-Biden meeting in Geneva to take place in 18th-century villa Armenia opposition party leader: There are 1,837 Armenians who lost their extremities after war in Artsakh Bright Armenia Party leader slams discourse over transferring acting PM's son in exchange of POWs Leader of opposition Liberty Party says Armenia acting PM steals over $2,500 from budget every month Headquarters of political party running in elections applies to Prosecutor General's Office and Police of Armenia Armenia Ombudsman's Office, Central Electoral Commission hold discussion to guarantee citizens' suffrage Armenia acting premier, "support group" employees visit Shirak Province Tech Week Artsakh 2021 to be held in Stepanakert Armenia Elections Oversight Committee: Such development of events might lead to clashes 2 citizens apprehended for electoral bribery in Armenia's Gavar Republican Party of Armenia vice-president: Serzh Sargsyan disclosed an audio recording a little while ago Dollar continues dropping in Armenia Armenia High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Ukraine deputy FM express willingness for cooperation Turkeys Erdogan to visit Artsakhs Shushi Armenia health ministry: 5 of 11 children with acute gastroenteritis are discharged from hospital Azerbaijan MOD publicly admits that it is not well-established Armenia independent MP: Acting premier is leading country to events similar to those of March 1, 2008 Russia resumes air communication with Armenia Armenian man says Nikol Pashinyan 'liberated' Armenia's Etchmiadzin Shooting in Russia, casualties and shooter are Armenian Goris town deputy mayor on captured Armenia soldiers return: Negotiator was the Russian side "I have the honor" bloc member: We must achieve Azeri forces withdrawal from Artsakh territories by talks Armenia President receives Masdar's representatives Vanetsyan: It was assumed that Armenia would recognize Karabakh in case of war Lavrov: Turkey, Iran interests are considered when discussing unblocking of regional communications The Israeli army is already conducting various preparations for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, but so far there has been no command to conduct it, said Jonathan Conricus, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces. The troops in the Gaza division are at various stages of preparation, including instructions from the leadership of the General Staff, but so far, no order has been given to carry out such an operation. But military preparations are really underway, said Conricus, answering a question from reporters about the possibility of a ground operation. Large-scale clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police broke out in East Jerusalem on Saturday night. Riots began in two districts of East Jerusalem at once - near the Temple Mount and in the Sheikh Jarrah quarter, where several Arab families are being evicted by the decision of an Israeli court. After that, on Monday evening, the situation on the border between Israel and Palestine escalated sharply, whose leadership came out in defense of the Palestinians of Jerusalem, demanding that Israel withdraw from the Temple Mount. Rocket attacks on Israeli settlements occur almost continuously; according to the latest data, six civilians and one Israeli soldier were killed. Israel attacked the Gaza Strip, hitting targets of Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad and killing several militants, including senior warlords. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 67 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza. YEREVAN. Yesterday morning, the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out a provocative operation and crossed the Republic of Armenia state border at the Sev Lake section. I want to say that since yesterday, in fact, there has been no significant change in the situation, and the situation remains the same. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this at the beginning of Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the interim government of Armenia. "This means that there are Azerbaijani soldiers nearby Sev Lake, and there is also a large number of presence of our soldiers there. But I want to say that the situation has not reached military escalation; that is, there is no skirmish or clash. Work has been underway since yesterday to take the Azerbaijani soldiers out from that area. First of all, let us record that what happened was a pre-planned provocation because the Azerbaijanis have obviously falsified maps with them, with which they want to substantiate that they are inside the borders of Azerbaijan. It is obvious that the maps are fake, and this can be seen in comparison with the officially approved maps back in the Soviet times. This shows that we are dealing with an organized provocation. Of course, the most important question is how it was possible for the Azerbaijani soldiers to cross [into Armenia] and pass through our intermediate territories and reach Sev Lake. This is a separate issue that will definitely be considered. (). The Ministry of Defense and the National Security Service [of Armenia] have denied the circulating misinformation about hostilities, the existence of the wounded, the casualties. And before giving a complete assessment of the situation, an assessment of the situation was made and complete information was provided. We must take this situation very seriously because, in fact, we are dealing with a crisis that may have several scenarios for further development. Our task is that the sovereign territory of Armenia shall remain and be inviolable, and the armed forces of Azerbaijan must withdraw to the initial positions [of theirs]," Pashinyan added. He noted that work is underway at the scene. "After today's government session, we will have a Security Council session, we will discuss the situation in more detail, the developments that took place since yesterday, decisions will be made on ensuring the future managing of the situation. () we at least have a situation that needs to be taken very seriously. Here we must act prudently, decisively, principledly, and the state bodies must coordinate their actions, we must ensure a high level of cooperation to resolve the situation. Of course, it is the wish of all of us that they [the Azerbaijani troops] return to the initial positions [of theirs] just as they came [from there], and we must solve this problem," the acting prime minister of Armenia said. Summary In Chapter 14, Tomas continues to recall his past as he and the Colonels ghost continue to tour Buenos Aires. Tomas specifically thinks about the methods that the interrogators would us to kill prisoners and dispose of their bodies. In Chapter 15, Tomas recollections continue. After the priests death, Tomas became worried that the interrogators would suspect his involvement, but no one did. The priest had many enemies, and none of the interrogators even suspected of Tomas of being secretly allied with the Montoneros. Tomas soon learned that Isabel, Gustavo, and Nerea were all involved in the killing, to varying degrees, and that all three of them went into hiding to avoid retaliation following the killing of the priest. Tomas then felt more stranded in his circumstances than ever. The other interrogators soon made plans for Tom... Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 13.05.21: Azerbaijanis have reportedly advanced their position in Vardenis town in Armenia's Gegharkunik province by 3 km. It took place amid escalations over the Armenia-Azerbaijani border in Syunik Province. The reports were not officially denied or confirmed. The governor of Gegharkunik province Gnel Sanosyan told NEWS.am that there was no incident near Vardenis. According to him, Azerbaijanis who came were there only after the snowmelt to specify the boundaries. "There is absolutely no tension," he later told reporters. Meanwhile, according to the calculation of the administrative head of Verin Shorzha village in Gegharkunik province, the Azerbaijani side advanced 400 to 500 meters. According to him, the distance between the Armenian Armed Forces and the opponent is a little more than 1 km. The situation in Syunik province near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border also remains tense. The Sev Lake is still under the control of the Azerbaijanis as of noon today, the talks that have been going on since yesterday have not yielded results yet. According to Armenian acting PM Nikol Pashinyan, there are a large number of Azerbaijani soldiers from Azerbaijan there, but the situation has not reached a military escalation. The Azerbaijanis have been trying to prove with the map they brought with them since yesterday that the 3 km area they crossed is inside the borders of Azerbaijan. The Office of the Human Rights Defender has issued a statement that Azerbaijani soldiers threatened a shepherd from Verishen with a weapon. The ombudsman's office also noted that the areas adjacent to the lake are of irreplaceable importance for the locals, as they are used as pastures, from which their drinking and irrigation water is generated. Yesterday, acting FM Ara Aivazian had phone talks with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov and briefed him on the situation. US Congressman Adam Schiff also addressed the administration of US President Joe Biden in this regard. I am deeply concerned by recent reports that Azerbaijani troops have reportedly crossed into Armenian territory. If true, this is yet another dangerous and provocative action that could lead to further loss of life. It is past time for the United States to recognize that our policies have emboldened Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to escalate militarily, risking another war, Schiff wrote on Facebook. Armenia is still facing the harsh and more deadly COVID-19 third wave. As of Thursday morning, 267 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 220,217 in the country. Also, 19 more deaths from COVID-19 were reported, bringing the total number to 4,291. The total number of people recovered so far is 206,752. At Thursdays government meeting, the interim government of Armenia lifted the requirement not to perform autopsies in Armenia on persons who have died from COVID-19. As a result of the autopsies carried out in Armenia during the last year, it became clear that getting infected with COVID-19 while autopsying a person who died of it can be prevented with the use of personal protection means being used during the autopsy, and the implementation of appropriate sanitary-epidemiological measures. Argentina Argentina is the novels main setting. Tomas was born and raised in the town of La Plata. He eventually moved to Buenos Aires to attend college. Facts from Argentinas turbulent history play a major role in the story, as the characters become involved in the conflict between the government and rebels. The novel occasionally alludes to the fact that political instability in Argentina has often been partly caused by unjust intervention by the United States. Interrogation Center Partway through the novel, Tomas acquired a job in a government interrogation center, in part to ensure his own safety from the government, and in part to spy for Montoneros. Tomas witnessed many atrocities such as torture, rape, and murder. He eventually flees the country for his own safety. New York City After fleeing from Argentina, Tomas eventually moved to New York City to begin... BREAKING - Armenia will officially address the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) over Azerbaijani troops' invasion into Armenian territory near Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan noted during todays session convened by the Security Council that the created situation fully complies with paragraph 2 of Article 2 of the Collective Security Treaty. According to it, in case of a danger threatening the security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of one or a few member states, or in case of a danger threatening international peace and security, member states shall immediately intensify the mechanism of joint consultations to coordinate their stances and take measures to eliminate the threat that has emerged. Nikol Pashinyan assigned acting Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian, acting Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan, and the Secretary of the Security Council to take measures and hold consultations that are provided for by Article 2 of the Collective Security Treaty. Earlier, the CSTO had already issued a statement, which, in particular, said that, if necessary, the Organization would take actions provided for by the provisions of the Collective Security Treaty and the CSTO Charter. Since the morning of May 12, Azerbaijani troops crossed the border and advanced 3.5 km deep into Armenia, occupying the territory in the Sev Lake region. Azerbaijanis do not want to get out, intending to take possession of the dominant height of Mets Ishkhanasar (3,500 m). It is the strategically important height that controls the Sisian airport and the route from Saravan to Goris and further to Kapan. The Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia has launched a criminal case regarding the trespassing by the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan of the state border of Armenia in the Sev Lake sector and breaching the territorial integrity of Armenia, as reported the Public Relations Department of the Prosecutor Generals Office. The Garrison Military Prosecutors Office of Goris has obtained data according to which on May 12, 2021 at around 8 a.m. soldiers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, without permission, crossed the protected state border in the administrative territory of Goris community of Syunik Province of Armenia (Sev Lake sector), advanced nearly 3.5 km into the territory of Armenia, positioned themselves on one of the favorable heights and, threatening to use force against soldiers of the Armed Forces of Armenia and saying that the territory belongs to Azerbaijan, arent letting the soldiers move forward and threatened to use weapons in case they moved forward. Taking into account that in the prepared materials there are data containing elements of crimes of trespassing of the state border by the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and taking actions to transfer a part of the territory of Armenia to another state through threats to use force, the Military Prosecutors Office of the Garrison of Goris has launched a criminal case. Preliminary investigation has been assigned. At the same time, by the assignment of the Military Prosecutors Offices of the garrisons in Sevan and Yeghegnadzor, the divisions of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia in Vardenis and Sisian are also preparing reports to clarify the circumstances behind similar manifestations recorded in certain sectors of the state border in the Gegharkunik and Syunik Provinces, respectively, the press release reads. Since early this morning, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has been receiving calls from residents of Gegharkunik and Syunik Provinces in regard to the unlawful presence of Azerbaijani armed forces that have been in the territories of grazing fields in the civilian settlements of Armenia since May 12, 2021. This is what Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page, adding the following: Alarms were received from the Vardenis, Kut and Verin Shorzha settlements of Gegharkunik Province, as well as the Goris, Verishen, Khnatsakh, Khoznavar and Vaghatur settlements of Syunik Province. The studies of the Office of the Human Rights Defender, including the Offices units in Gegharkunik and Syunik Provinces affirm that the unlawful acts of Azerbaijani soldiers are a gross violation of the rights of the residents living on the border of Armenia. The Office also recorded alarms sounded by the media. The unlawful presence of Azerbaijani soldiers deprives the residents on the border of Armenia of their opportunity to raise cattle (the only source of income for their families) and use grazing fields, poses a real danger for access to irrigation water and drinking water (for instance, the territory of Sev Lake). The presence of armed Azerbaijani servicemen in the mentioned areas presents a real danger for the life and security of these people and undermines their mental immunity. There has been tension in Armenian society since May 12. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia calls the attention of international organizations to the alarms and records that the mentioned rights of the residents living on Armenias border are internationally recognized and are guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia. The Armenian government decided to address the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and launch a process because it is certain that this process will help completely solve the problem. This is what Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said during an interview aired on Armenian Public Television, adding that even though there might be delays, he is certain that the issue will be completely solved. In regard to sharp responses to the Azerbaijani side, Grigoryan stated that it is necessary to understand the complete solution to the problem instead of giving sharp responses. Armenia will unequivocally solve this problem with its allied member states of the CSTO. We dont view this as a local issue. More large-scale operations lie at the core of this, he said. Grigoryan also said Armenia has addressed the CSTO in accordance with Article 2 of the Collective Security Treaty since the overall assessment of the situation shows that the created situation complies with Article 2. There is a threat to security, and to neutralize it, Armenia is addressing the CSTO under Article 2. This is the first time such a process is being launched in the history of the CSTO. Russia is a member state, and Armenia is certain that this is an effective mechanism, he said, adding that he hopes there will be a response soon. Campus News Distinguished Visiting Scholar to deliver address at ALANA celebration An ALANA graduate wears her heart on her mortarboard at the 2019 ALANA Celebration of Achievement. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki By BERT GAMBINI I want students to understand that part of their lives as people of color is to plan, but also not to give up on the possibility of improvising their lives. For Patricia Matthew, a UB Distinguished Visiting Scholar (DVS) in the Department of English, the value of the ALANA experience has come full circle. ALANA is a campus-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion that functions as a social and cultural base supporting the universitys African, Latinx, Asian and Native American students. ALANAs programs and services offer students a learning center that serves as an enriching focal point for discussion, study and research, where students can learn about cross-cultural concerns, challenges and accomplishments. Matthew, associate professor of English at Montclair State University, is the keynote speaker for todays ALANA Celebration of Achievement, an annual event that has historically honored UBs graduating ALANA students. The celebration will be streamed live on beginning at 2 p.m. Her address, Celebrating the Improvised Life, closes a loop that started in the mid-1990s when Matthew was an ALANA graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It seems so fitting to speak to this distinguished group of students who have achieved so much in this particularly difficult time, says Matthew. Being a DVS scholar has now reminded me of everything I love about the ALANA community that Ive been involved with at UB and what I was a part of in graduate school. Matthews address is inspired by the poetry of Lucille Clifton (1936-2010), a poet, educator and two-time Pulitzer finalist who grew up in Buffalo. In the middle of Cliftons poem wont you celebrate with me she asks: what did I see to be except myself? i made it up here on this bridge between starshine and clay The idea is that she shaped a life for herself, Matthew explains. Whatever path she had planned for herself was wrapped in the notion that she understood the value of knowing when to move away from that path so that something new could evolve. I want students to understand that part of their lives as people of color is to plan, but also not to give up on the possibility of improvising their lives. Cliftons poem also possesses a narrative movement that takes her from a single voice to a collective experience, notes Matthew, who says at that moment in the poem, she is a solitary figure, but she also carries with her the community that has made her possible: my one hand holding tight my other hand; come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed. Matthew plans to close her address with another Clifton poem titled blessing the boats, a work with a sweeping tide as its dominant metaphor. This poem reminds us of the often daunting rhythm of life, which has certainly been present during the past year, but the students have come through all this successfully during this enormously stressful time, Matthew says. Their lives will be improvised in large part because the pandemic and the current social moment requires that our lives be open to being improvised. She is familiar with these experiences, while being aware of ALANAs beneficial role. I moved from Louisiana to New England for my graduate work and ALANA became my unofficial home, she says. On that predominantly white campus I knew there was nothing I was facing that my peers werent also facing. I could learn from the strategies they developed. ALANA provided an intellectually inspiring environment, and Matthew says it allowed her to write a dissertation around a diverse group of students and scholars who were studying and teaching disciplines ranging from sociology to linguistics to art history. That is something that ALANA does so well. It brings people of color together, she says. I remember leaving graduate school saying that Ive had an interdisciplinary education because of ALANA. And what Matthew realized as a student is among the experiences she has brought to UB. Her dialogue series, a program sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and hosted by the Center for Diversity Innovation and the Department of English, brought scholars of color to the university to deliver videoconferencing talks that were attended by audiences averaging about 100 visitors from 22 different countries who could listen to artists, historians, literary scholars and public intellectuals talking about race and Blackness in the transatlantic 19th century. This was ALANA in action, says Matthew. Its fantastic that the University at Buffalo has invested in diversity and inclusion in such a meaningful way. They brought in nine scholars of color from around the country in different disciplines. It has been wonderful to be with them even virtually. Matthew says UBs efforts demonstrate a huge commitment and understanding of the value of the work that ALANA can accomplish. Im honored, she says. I havent thought of myself as a member of ALANA since Ive been a professor for 17 years, but its a very emotional experience and Im happy to be able to speak to the next generation. Emory Police Chief Rus Drew and student ambassador Zion Kidd both came to Emory four years ago. Before Kidd graduates, they talked about social media, recent challenges and what brought them to the department. Follow the Emory Police Department on social media at @EmoryPolice. Students who are interested in joining EPD as an ambassador can email Police@emory.edu for more information. Each year, the Emory University Police Department (EPD) student ambassadors produce social media content, host community outreach events and monitor EPD social media platforms as part of the department team. Zion Kidd, a dual major in business administration and anthropology/religion, has served as an EPD ambassador for the last four years. Before graduating, he took time to connect with EPD Chief Rus Drew, who also celebrates four years serving the Emory community. Drew: What made you select Emory and what has been your best experience? Kidd: I really wanted a school with a good undergraduate business program. Probably one of my best experiences has been the farmers market thats every Tuesday. I love it, and it has a really cool donut shop. I would always go there every Tuesday. Drew: What led you to become an EPD ambassador? Kidd: I needed a federal work study job during my freshman year, and EPD was hiring. It gave me the opportunity to do a lot of social media work, which is something Ive been really interested in, especially freshman year. Its been a really great opportunity and Ive learned a lot about social media and community outreach. Drew: Your social media productions have been great. Kidd: Thank you. What drew you to Emory? Drew: The opportunity to be at stellar institution and work with a police department that has such an impeccable reputation. I saw in EPD a dedicated group who absolutely care about the community, so it was exciting. Kidd: What sets the EPD apart from other departments? Drew: The sense of family, the sense of caring. That has been part of the culture, way before I got to EPD. To be able to continue that sense of caring, and what that means to the community, has been a great experience. Kidd: Whats your favorite place on campus? Drew: It absolutely has to be the Quad. Just thinking about Commencement ceremonies and the different events on the Quad. Thats a memorable spot on campus; its a great space. Kidd: What have the challenges of 2020 and 2021 taught you about leading a police department? Drew: In addition to the COVID-19 challenges, the racial justice movement and questions about policing helped us better understand and appreciate our relationships across the Emory community. Were also working that much harder to build trust by connecting directly with students, faculty and staff. That has absolutely been a huge lesson from this past year. Drew: Whats something all Emory students should know about EPD? Kidd: I wish more students knew that EPD is not just campus security guards. They are sworn officers, which is not something I realized before working here. It means that EPD is tasked with a much larger role not only protecting the Emory community, but doing the outreach events to bridge the gap with the community. Drew: What advice do you have for incoming students about succeeding at Emory? Kidd: Learn to ask for help earlier. As a freshman at a school like Emory, sometimes it can feel weird or hard to ask for help. But people are always willing to help you here. Thats something Ive always appreciated. Drew: Do you feel that you can include EPD in that group? Kidd: Absolutely. EPD has so many amazing resources, even for something as simple as misplacing your laptop. You can go to EPD for and theyll help you find it. Or the bike registration program, which I think is really cool. Even if they cannot help, they can direct you to the right resources on campus. Kidd: What career advice do you have for me and other Emory students who are graduating? Drew: Just continue with the great work that youve done. If you continue on the same track, I have no doubt that you will be very successful in the future. They wrapped up their time with a bonus question: Kidd: Do you put pineapple on pizza? Drew: Absolutely not. No, no, Zion. Please, no. My tastes are very simplistic. Sweets need to be part of dessert, not the entree. Two foreign climbers die on Mount Everest In recent seasons, Everest has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. Image: Shutterstock Two climbers from the United States and Switzerland have died on Mount Everest, the first fatalities of this year's season, expedition organisers in Nepal said on Thursday. On average around five climbers die every year on the world's highest peak. But in recent seasons, Everest has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. "Two climbers passed away on Wednesday," Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks said. Swiss climber Abdul Waraich, 40, died near the summit after reaching the top and suffering exhaustion, said Chhang Dawa Sherpa from the same organisation. "We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and foods, unfortunately Sherpas couldn't save him," he said on Instagram. American Puwei Liu, 55, reached the Hillary Step but was helped back down after he suffered snow blindness and exhaustion, organisers said. He was able to reach Camp 4, "before he suddenly passed away" late on Wednesday, Chhang Dawa Sherpa said. Eleven people died climbing the world's highest peak in 2019, with four deaths blamed on overcrowding. On one day, 354 people were lined up to reach the top from Nepal's southern side and Tibet's northern approach. To ease the crowding, Nepal's tourism ministry announced rules capping the number of people who can summit the mountain per window of suitable weather. Expedition organisers have been told to send teams up the peak strictly in accordance with permit numbers or limit the number of climbers going up at one time. (AFP) With a unified, modern authentication platform, Thales has expanded its access management solution across all applications or services in any IT environment, including APIs, cloud and non-standard apps The broadened scope of Thales SafeNet Trusted Access brings agility and flexibility to secure its customers increasingly complex IT environments PARIS LA DEFENSE -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Thales has announced an expansion of its SafeNet Trusted Access solution, offering customers full access management protection across all applications or services in any IT environment. Whether its in the cloud, on-premise or through an API, Thales customers will now be able to benefit from modern authentication capabilities to ensure applications can only be accessed by those authorised to do so. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512005414/en/ On-Premises lingers as API and Cloud adoption rises With the growing use of cloud computing, access management has broadened its scope to address authorisation and authentication beyond human identities. Businesses are increasingly relying on APIs to integrate services and utilise the exchange of data. However, increased reliance on unvalidated APIs can leave businesses vulnerable to an unauthorised or compromised API accessing their applications and services. With SafeNet Trusted Access, customers can authenticate API access, reducing the threat surface within an organisations IT environment. While API adoption is on the rise though, many organizations still rely on fundamental systems on-premise to run their business (for example, HR and ERP systems), making consistent access management and authentication increasingly complex while also impacting negatively on the user experience, the organisations risk profile and administrative overheads. Many organisations face the challenge of applying uniform modern access management and authentication to these legacy apps. SafeNet Trusted Access reduces the risk of data breach by providing organisations with a broad range of authentication and policy based access. This gives businesses the agility to provide flexible security and authentication across their entire environment. Many organisations face growing complexity in their IT environments, said Francois Lasnier, vice president of access management solutions at Thales. Their footprint of data and applications is growing, making it more tricky to secure and manage. SafeNet Trusted Access offers organisations the flexibility and agility to secure hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Combined with best in class access security and authentication, they can now overcome complexity, reduce access silos and thrive as they undergo their digital and cloud transformation. About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and deep tech innovations connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers businesses, organisations and governments in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions. Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2020 the Group generated sales of 17 billion. PLEASE VISIT Thales Group Market page View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512005414/en/ CONTACT: PRESS Thales, Media Relations Security Constance Arnoux +33 (0)6 44 12 16 35 Constance.arnoux@thalesgroup.com Laura Bandiera +33 (0)7 64 48 51 64 laura.bandiera@thalesgroup.com Thales Veteran higher ed professional to become SIUs next associate chancellor of enrollment management by Kim Rendfeld CARBONDALE, Ill. Wendell Williams, who has extensive experience in growing enrollment at various institutions, will become Southern Illinois University Carbondales next associate chancellor of enrollment management, pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees. In his new role, effective July 1, he will lead the development of a comprehensive, multiyear strategic enrollment plan and oversee the offices of admissions, financial aid and registrar. In his career, he has developed many university and college enrollment plans, has led the development of a strategic enrollment plan and collaborated with academic units and other departments to carry out recruitment strategies. Ive always been attracted to a challenge, he said. SIU Carbondale is a unique place, with unique people who present the greatest opportunity to serve students who want to succeed. Everyone is interested in growing the institution. SIU chose Williams after a national search. The search committee included representatives of multiple campus groups and employed the services of the global executive search firm WittKieffer. Williams and the other finalists interviewed with the campus search committee, enrollment management staff and student ambassadors in Admissions, the Chancellors Cabinet and Deans Council, a Faculty Senate and Graduate Council ad-hoc committee and the universitys Enrollment Management Task Force. Chancellor Austin Lane said the feedback he received made Williams stand out. Comments from participants in the interview process were overwhelmingly positive for Mr. Williams, he said. They highlighted the impressive record and experiences he will bring to the university as we collectively work to grow SIUs enrollment from day one. Those responding were clearly impressed with his passion for ensuring students have access to the opportunities higher education can provide and helping students succeed on the path to graduation. Williams, the first in his family to graduate college, said SIUs values align with his. I have a passion to help students see the value of an education, show them a pathway to achieve their vision and eliminate barriers that may hamper their ability to succeed, he said. Each person I have met at SIU Carbondale has exhibited that same passion, and I look forward to joining the team. I sincerely believe that in our local communities and abroad, we have a chance to not only grow, but also thrive with the help of a strategic enrollment plan. We have the chance to make a difference with the help of faculty, staff, students and alumni who know, and have experienced, the value that a Saluki education can bring to a person, a family and the community. We have such a huge opportunity. Williams most recently served as special assistant to the president at Texas Southern University, where his responsibilities included revitalizations and reorganizations in student affairs and enrollment services. He has also served in administrative roles at Mid-South Community College (where enrollment grew 10-fold in six years), Grayson College (where he created a one-stop enrollment shop and redesigned registration processes) and Lone Star Community College. He also has served as benchmark leader in redesigning the Education Advisory Board (EAB) customer relationship management platform and was a key member of Houston GPS a collaboration between universities and community colleges that led to improved transferability of courses and increased transfer enrollment at the partnership universities. Williams holds a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from Arkansas State University. He and his wife, Gloria, have two daughters, Britni and Cortni. Williams will serve on the chancellors cabinet, where he will join three others who have recently assumed new leadership roles: Ohio is counting on money to convince residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and Wednesday announced the launch of a vaccination lottery boasting $1 million prizes. You have to play to win, and you cant play if you arent vaccinated, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. Any resident of Ohio who has received at least one dose of a vaccine is eligible for the Ohio Vax-a-Million drawing, which is sponsored by the state Department of Health and will be conducted by the Ohio Lottery, DeWine said. I know that some may say, DeWine, youre crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money. But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it is a life lost to COVID-19, DeWine said in a tweet. The first $1 million winner will be announced May 26, followed by another every Wednesday for four more weeks. Money for the lottery will come from existing pandemic relief funding. During his statewide address, DeWine also said vaccinated children 12 to 17 years old are eligible to win a full-ride scholarship to our State of Ohio universities. That winner will be announced May 26 along with the first $1 million recipient. The scholarship drawings also will run five weeks. We will have further, specific details tomorrow and in the days ahead, DeWine said. A fight between two former neighbors at an Ohio Walmart ended with one of them being struck in the face with 10 pounds of meat, police say. Officers in South Euclid were sent Tuesday afternoon to a Walmart the potato chip aisle following a fight between the two women, according to police. Police learned one of the women had a protection order against the other following an incident when they lived in the same duplex. When they made eye contact, the women the protection was against said she would beat the other woman, as well as her 7-year-old daughter, police say. She allegedly pulled down her COVID-19 mask and tried to spit on the woman, but she missed. She proceeded to grab a 10-pound log of meat from the other womans shopping cart, striking her in the face with it, police said. Police said the woman, who was not identified, has a history of violent behavior and multiple warrants for her arrest. It is unknown as to what initially led to the beef between the two women, police said in a cheeky Facebook post. Police did not say if the victim suffered any injuries. The woman armed with the meat log was charged with assault and violating a temporary protection order, according to police. An empty classroom. Getty The head of a major teachers' union will call for schools to be open in the fall, the New York Times reports. The head of the American Federation of Teachers is planning a Thursday speech. "There is no doubt: Schools must be open. In person. Five days a week," her prepared remarks say. See more stories on Insider's business page. The president of a major teachers' union will call for schools to fully reopen in the fall, The New York Times reported. Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest teachers' union in the US, is planning to make a speech on Thursday calling for the opening, The Times reported. She will say "There is no doubt: Schools must be open. In person. Five days a week," according to The Times. And she says her whole union supports the move: "And my union is all in." Teachers' unions have generally resisted full school reopenings so far during the pandemic, and have been accused of delaying them opening up further. President Joe Biden said last month that schools "should probably all be open" in the fall, citing scientific advice. Read the original article on Business Insider The bed and storage bins descend from the ceiling in this apartment. Frank Olito/ Insider The $2,662-per-month Bumblebee apartment in New York City has furniture stored in the ceiling. The studio space can be transformed into a bedroom or a walk-in closet. Sankarshan Murthy, the designer of the space, said this will be the future of minimalistic living. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. In upper Manhattan, there's a unique studio apartment for rent. The Smile and Bumblebee studio is located in upper Manhattan. Google Maps The 470-square-foot apartment is known as the Bumblebee and is located in Harlem in a luxury apartment building called The Smile. Despite being located far from the most desirable neighborhoods in New York City, the Bumblebee apartment costs $2,662 per month. The rent comes at a high price tag because the architect of the space designed a system that stores most of the furniture and storage on the ceiling. Keep reading to take look inside the apartment and see how the space works. When you first enter the space, the studio seems like a typical city apartment. The Bumblebee studio apartment. Frank Olito/ Insider There's a TV, a console table, a couch, and a small table by the floor-to-ceiling windows. But with the touch of a button, a queen-size bed descends from the ceiling. The bed drops from the ceiling. Frank Olito/ Insider The modular system was designed by Sankarshan Murthy, CEO and founder of Bumblebee Spaces, to maximize space. "It started as a side project in my own home to make a dramatically more efficient use of space," Murthy told Insider. "We developed smart storage that can come on demand. It comes down when you need it and disappears when you don't." In addition to the bed, there are six storage containers that drop from the ceiling. Six storage bins descend from the ceiling. Frank Olito/ Insider Each of the storage bins can hold between 65 to 95 pounds. At night, the bed can be fully brought down to create a bedroom. The living room becomes the bedroom. Frank Olito/ Insider The bed sits firmly on the floor so that you're not suspended in the air while sleeping. A nightstand also pulls out of the TV console to transform the living room into a bedroom. "In the night, it's truly a bedroom," Murthy said. "It's not like you're sleeping in the kitchen. The space, the mood, the lighting is completely transformed." Story continues Additionally, there are heat sensors, so that the bed won't close when you or a pet is on it. If all the storage bins are brought down, the space transforms into a walk-in closet. The living room also transforms into a walk-in closet. Frank Olito/ Insider Since Bumblebee is also focused on sustainability, the storage bins and the rest of the furniture are made of recycled materials. An app helps to transform the space - it can also remind you where you've stored certain belongings. An app controls the entire system. Frank Olito/ Insider The Bumblebee team developed an app that operates the system. On the app, you can tap a button, and one of the bins will come down at the speed you want. The technology doesn't stop there, though. Each time one of the storage bins returns to the modular structure on the ceiling, a picture is taken and an AI system catalogs the items. The picture is stored on the app, so you can see where you placed all your items last. Plus, you can use the voice-activated system to say you need a certain item, like your hat. The bin with the hat will automatically drop down. For safety, the advanced system also includes sensors that will automatically stop the descent of the furniture if it senses movement from an adult, child, or pet that happens to walk underneath. Beyond the Bumblebee technology, the apartment also has a kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen. Frank Olito/ Insider Next to the kitchen is a washer/dryer and two closets. A large bathroom is also included in the 470 square feet. The bathroom. Frank Olito/ Insider The bathroom has ceramic walls, gray flooring, and an oak vanity. The Bumblebee is located at The Smile, which has a pool, a fitness center, and a spa. The Smile. Frank Olito/ Insider While $2,662 per month seems like a steep price for a studio apartment, Murthy says the amenities and the efficiency of the space make the price worth it. "The mistake of real estate is that we are valuing everything based on the rudimentary metric of square feet," Murthy said. "Our tenants are able to get a lot more function and value. You can get an office, a bedroom, a workout area, a lounge, an office all within the footprint that you have." Murthy calls this apartment the future of minimalistic living. The bed and nightstand help save space. Frank Olito/ Insider Murthy pointed to the rise of minimalism and downsizing, as people around the world are reducing their footprint, getting rid of unnecessary items, and moving into smaller spaces. "Minimalism is not a fringe movement anymore," Murthy said. "Bumblebee is the future of living where your stuff gets put away and your space can transform into whatever you need at the moment. You're minimizing your footprint with zero compromises." With five Bumblebee studio apartments at The Smile available for rent, Murthy hopes to revolutionize tiny living. The Bumblebee studio apartment. Frank Olito/ Insider As The Smile works to fill the five apartments currently available, Murthy said there are people already living in Bumblebee apartments in San Francisco. He said those tenants are enjoying a "clutter-free home and a clutter-free mind." "There are compounding benefits of living in a Bumblebee," Murthy said. Read the original article on Insider The Telegraph The EUs border agency cannot effectively fight illegal immigration and is struggling to cope with its duties, auditors have warned. Frontex was handed a bolstered role in policing the blocs borders after the 2015 migration crisis but it has become overstretched, said a report by the European Court of Arbitration, the EU's financial watchdog. It has almost 10,000 officers and its budget will increase to 774m by 2027 up from just 16.3m in 2006. It had just 45 officers in 2005, the year after i Marjorie Taylor Greene (AP) Marjorie Taylor Greene has faced accusations of bullying and even calls for her arrest after she reportedly accosted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the halls of Congress. Ms Greene, a controversial GOP members of Congress, was overheard accosting Ms Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday evening by two reporters from The Washington Post . Ms Green ran towards the Democrat, who was apparently walking away from her and refusing to acknowledge repeated screams of Hey Alexandria! You dont care about the American people, Ms Greene screamed, falsely referring to activists and Black Lives Matter organisations as terrorists. Why do you support terrorists and antifa? The reporters from the Post then witnessed Ms Ocasio-Cortez throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation at Ms Greenes antics. In a statement, Ms Ocasio-Cortezs office told the Post that We hope leadership and the Sergeant at Arms will take real steps to make Congress a safe, civil place for all Members and staff. Especially as many offices are discussing reopening. One Member has already been forced to relocate her office due to Congresswoman Greenes attacks, Ms Ocasio-Cortezs statement added, referring to Rep Cori Bush. Following the report, Twitter users called for Ms Greenes arrest, or for the Republican to be completely removed from the chamber. Why is MTG allowed to get away with this behaviour?, asked Cateyes, a Twitter user. This is not acceptable in the Republican or Democrat Senate and Congress. In fact this isnt acceptable in public, shes a bully! AOC also should get a restraining order against MTG. She has to be shut down even arrested if necessary. Folks have to stop giving her a pass to abuse others with her insanity, wrote Dr Vicki Ross-Norris. MTG is a bully, added Laura Baker, and, the GOP ousts a well spoken, intelligent Republican in Cheney. I don't get it. McCarthy is policing the wrong people. The confrontation followed the ouster of Liz Cheney as Republican conference chair on Wednesday, after calls from Trump-supporting members of the GOP, including Ms Greene and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy. Story continues Following the Capitol insurrection in January, Ms Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that she still worries about her safety among Trump allies in the GOP repeatedly downplaying the insurrection. Ms Greene told reporters on Wednesday of Ms Ocasio-Cortez: Shes a chicken, she doesnt want to debate the Green New Deal. These members are cowards. They need to defend their legislation to the people. Thats pathetic. Read More Marjorie Taylor Greene ripped apart after calling Squad the Jihad Squad and saying they should be removed from Congress Stop the vaccines! Marjorie Taylor Greene launches anti-vaxx rant on Steve Bannon show Were the leaders. They follow us! Matt Gaetz tells MTG as pair weigh-in on Liz Cheney and America last media American Airlines is resuming service from Newport News Williamsburg International Airport to Philadelphia, with two daily nonstop flights. Service begins June 3. The service allows connections to more than 75 destinations, including some in Europe and the Caribbean. American had offered three daily flights to Philadelphia before the pandemic slashed air travel, along with seven a day to Charlotte, North Carolina. It currently operates four daily flights to Charlotte. American Airlines has been a great partner throughout the pandemic, and we are pleased to see this service return, said airport executive director Michael Giardino. The airline was one of two that served the airport before the pandemic. Delta, which had offered three daily flights to Atlanta, stopped flying that route last spring. Americans website is quoting round-trip prices of $265 for the nonstop Philadelphia service. At the same time, American is also adding flights from Philadelphia to Charlottesville; Memphis; Seattle; Charleston, West Virginia; and Nantucket. Dave Ress, 757-247-4535, dress@dailypress.com Apple has severed ties with recent hire Antonio Garcia Martinez, a former Facebook employee and author of the book "Chaos Monkeys," Axios has learned, following an uproar from employees upset over Garcia Martinez' past writings demeaning women and others. Why it matters: Employees had circulated a petition Wednesday calling for Apple to explain its hiring of Garcia Martinez. While petitions aren't uncommon at Google and some other companies, it is rare for Apple employees to organize publicly on any issue, let alone an individual hiring. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Apple confirmed to Axios that Garcia Martinez was no longer employed by the company and said in a statement that it has "always strived to create an inclusive, welcoming workplace." The company declined further comment. Garcia Martinez was not immediately available for comment. Context: News broke earlier this week that Apple had hired Garcia Martinez for an unspecified role. Apple did not say what exactly Garcia Martinez' position was, but sources said he was hired for a lower-level engineering role and started last week. In the petition, first reported by the Verge, employees write: "We demand an investigation into how his published views on women and people of color were missed or ignored, along with a clear plan of action to prevent this from happening again." In one passage from "Chaos Monkeys," Garcia Martinez describes women in the Bay Area as "soft and weak, cosseted and naive despite their claims of worldliness, and generally full of shit. This passage was also cited online when Garcia Martinez started writing for Wired magazine. Our thought bubble: This wasn't just offensive tweets or e-mails from the past (though those have been appearing as well), but things he wrote in a best-selling book. One has to wonder if whoever at Apple hired Garcia Martinez hadn't read the book or didn't care. The big picture: Silicon Valley regularly wrings its hands over a lack of women and people of color in the ranks of its companies. Yet the industry is still rife with examples of those with records of antagonistic viewpoints or a history of harassment beiing hired and promoted while those who are vocal about inequities often end up fired or sidelined. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Apple Inc on Wednesday said Antonio Garcia Martinez, a former Facebook Inc product manager who joined Apple recently to work in its advertising business, is no longer with the company. Garcia Martinez, who came to Silicon Valley after a stint on Wall Street, wrote the 2016 book "Chaos Monkeys" about his time in the technology industry. He joined Apple as a product engineer in Apple's advertising platform business in April, according to his LinkedIn page. Technology news publication The Verge reported on Wednesday that more than 2,000 Apple employees https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/12/22432909/apple-petition-hiring-antonio-garcia-martinez-chaos-monkeys-facebook had signed an internal petition sent to the company's leaders with concerns about what the petition writers described as sexist and racist views in the book and whether Apple had followed its own rules in hiring Garcia Martinez. Apple said Garcia Martinez is no longer at the company but gave no further details. "At Apple, we have always strived to create an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone is respected and accepted. Behavior that demeans or discriminates against people for who they are has no place here," the company said in a statement. Garcia Martinez did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Stephen Coates) With violent clashes between Jews and Arabs taking place in cities across Israel, there are fears that if the fighting continues to escalate, war is inevitable. "We're on the brink of a civil war," Esawi Frej, an Arab member of parliament with the Meretz party, tweeted. "Hamas missiles are the least of our problems for a country in which Jewish and Arab rioters take to the street to lynch civilians." Since Monday, Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza, leveling Hamas buildings and killing members of the militant group, plus dozens of civilians. In return, Hamas has been firing thousands of rockets into Israel, with some reaching Tel Aviv. Seven Israelis have been killed. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has rejected Hamas' requests for a ceasefire, and he expects the military campaign to continue for at least another seven days. There have been several vicious attacks in the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod, including stabbings of several Jews and shootings of Arabs, Haaretz reports. A curfew is in place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. to keep residents inside their homes and non-residents out of the city. In the Tel Aviv suburb Bat Yam, right-wing Israelis smashed windows at Arab-owned businesses, and several extremists pulled a man who appeared to be Arab from his car, beating him and leaving him bloody on the ground. Police said an investigation has been opened, and "we will get to each and every one of the attackers who participated in this horrifying lynching." More stories from theweek.com 7 scathingly funny cartoons about Liz Cheney's ouster The Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis deserves relentless investigating Manhattan prosecutors are reportedly investigating if Trump paid tuition of CFO's grandkids By Colin Packham and Renju Jose CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia is in talks with Moderna Inc to establish domestic manufacturing of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines such as the company's COVID-19 vaccine, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday. Australia, which on Wednesday agreed to buy 25 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, has pledged to spend A$1.5 billion ($1.2 billion) to revitalise manufacturing across six sectors, including pharmaceuticals. The move to put manufacturing at the centre of a long-term recovery plan comes amid a realization that Australia has been too reliant on Asia for the supply of essential goods. Sour relations with top trading partner, China, and the pandemics impact on global supply chains have also strengthened that view. "Onshore manufacturing would ensure a secure, long-term supply of Moderna's mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19, including variants, and for potential future pandemics," Morrison said in a statement. MRNA vaccines prompt the body to make a protein that is part of the virus, triggering an immune response. Minister for Health Greg Hunt said Moderna was one of several companies Australia was in talks with over domestic production. "Our hope is that we will have at least one, if not more than one, manufacturing operation in Australia," Hunt told reporters in Canberra. "I am confident that over the future period, we will have mRNA production in Australia. STAGNANT INOCULATIONS Hunt also said the deal with Moderna would aid Australia's inoculation programme. Citing delays in securing supplies, Australia now expects to finish inoculating its near 26 million population by the end of the year. But this timetable relies on deliveries of vaccines from Pfizer after Australia in April restricted the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine in people below 50 years due to rare blood-clotting cases. Australia on Thursday reported seven likely cases of blood clots in people who had recently received AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. Story continues Australia has administered about 2.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with 18 people believed to have developed the condition. Moderna will supply Australia with 10 million shots designed to protect against the original strain of the coronavirus this year, and 15 million doses of its updated variant booster shot in 2022. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, with just over 29,900 cases and 910 deaths. ($1 = 1.2968 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Renju Jose; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Kenneth Maxwell and Nick Macfie) Australia is in talkswith Moderna to make its COVID-19 vaccines domestically, officials said Thursday, amid a slow vaccination rollout. The news comes just a day after Moderna said it would supply Australia with 10 million doses this year, and 15 million booster shots next year offering protection against COVID-19 variants. Health Minister Greg Hunt said Thursday Australia is discussing the establishment of a domestic production facility for vaccines using mRNA technology, like Moderna's, and its rival Pfizer. In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that "onshore manufacturing would ensure a secure, long-term supply of Moderna's mRNA-based vaccines." Australia's vaccination rollout has been a slow one, missing its initial targets due to supply-chain issues and concerns over side effects. The country is currently using Pfizer and AstraZeneca's vaccines in its rollout. Authoritiesrestricted use of AstraZeneca, which is locally produced, in people under 50 due to rare cases of blood-clotting. Australia has administered just under 3 million shots as of Tuesday, far short of the 4 million originally pledged by the end of March. Video Transcript - Australia is in talks with Moderna to make its COVID-19 vaccines domestically officials said Thursday, amid a slow vaccination rollout. The news comes just a day after Moderna said it would supply Australia with 10 million doses this year, and 15 million booster shots next year, offering protection against COVID-19 variants. Health Minister Greg Hunt said Thursday, Australia is discussing the establishment of a domestic production facility for vaccines using mRNA technology like Moderna's and its rival Pfizer. In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that onshore manufacturing would ensure a secure long-term supply of Moderna's mRNA-based vaccines. Australia's vaccination rollout has been a slow one, missing its initial targets due to supply chain issues and concerns over side effects. The country is currently using Pfizer and AstraZeneca as vaccines in its rollout. Authorities restricted use of AstraZeneca, which is locally produced, in people under 50, due to rare cases of blood clotting. Australia has administered just under 3 million shots as of Tuesday, far short of the four million originally pledged by the end of March. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australias largest telecommunications company Telstra was fined 50 million Australian dollars ($39 million) on Thursday for unconscionable conduct in selling remote Indigenous customers mobile phone contracts that they did not understand and could not afford. The fine ordered by a Federal Court judge is the second largest ever imposed under Australian consumer law. Telstra admitted the offenses in signing up 108 Indigenous customers, some of whom spoke English as a second or third language, to mobile phone accounts. Staff sometimes manipulated credit assessments to say unemployed customers had jobs. They also failed to properly explain the potential costs and falsely represented products as free of cost. Justice Debra Mortimer said Telstra staff took advantage of an Indigenous cultural propensity to express agreement as a way of avoiding conflict. The customers owed on average AU$7,400 ($5,700) and one owed AU$19,000 (nearly $14,700). Telstra has waived the debts and refunded money. Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said his company was continuing to resolve the problems. I am deeply and personally disappointed that we have let you down. We should have listened more carefully. We should have been more attuned to what was happening. We should have picked this up earlier, Penn said in a statement to the customers. This brings an end to what has been a deeply challenging and disappointing chapter in our history and one in which we are already taking steps to fix, he said. Alan Gray, based in the western Australian coastal town of Broome, was among the financial counsellors working in Outback Indigenous communities who raised the alarm. He said he hoped the fine would be a warning to others who exploit Australias impoverished Indigenous minority. Aboriginal people in the Outback get preyed on by a range of companies, Gray told Australian Broadcasting Corp. The Telstra debt was usually the largest amongst all of them, Gray added. In 2018, the Federal Court fined the Ford Motor Company of Australia AU$10 million for unconscionable conduct in how it dealt with customer complaints about a faulty type of automatic transmission fitted to some cars. Dealers knew about the quality issues but blamed owners for their driving styles. Dealers also knew the problems were intermittent but insisted that drivers demonstrate the fault. Caroline Crouch was murdered in front of her baby daughter in a violent robbery in Athens The baby daughter of a young British woman who was murdered during a violent robbery in Greece was found crying and tapping her mothers body in an attempt to wake her up. Police who were called to the scene of the crime in Athens found the 11-month-old baby girl patting her mother with her hands and trying to wake her up, according to Ta Nea, a Greek newspaper. Caroline Crouch, 20, who was British but born in Greece, was murdered in front of her baby when a gang of three robbers broke into her home in Glyka Nera, an affluent suburb on the outskirts of Athens in the early hours of Tuesday. They allegedly stuffed a piece of clothing into her mouth to prevent her from screaming, and held her nose so that she could not breathe. A post-mortem found that Ms Crouch, a student, died from asphyxiation. Greek police described the crime as unusually brutal. The robbers killed the familys pet dog but left the baby unharmed. Caroline Crouch with her husband and their baby daughter - Instagram They said Ms Crouch, who had trained in kickboxing, may have been killed because she put up such a spirited fight and saw the thieves faces. Her husband, 32-year-old civil aviation pilot Charalambos Anagnostopoulos, was tied up by the robbers, who put duct tape over his mouth and eyes. He had begged the raiders not to harm his wife or baby and had told them where to find jewellery and 15,000 in cash, which was hidden in a set of Monopoly. The couple had intended to use the money to pay builders for work on a plot of land they had recently bought. It is possible that the mother saw the faces of the attackers and that is why she was murdered, said George Kalliakmanis, the head of a police union. Ms Crouch grew up in Greece and lived with her husband and baby in a suburb of Athens Once they left, Mr Anagnostopoulos was able to raise the alarm by dialing his mobile phone with his nose. He was tied up and on the floor so he used his nose to dial the number for the police, a police spokesman told The Telegraph. The tape was across his mouth but he managed to make himself understood. Forensic experts are studying fingerprints and DNA evidence from the crime scene. Detectives are also checking all CCTV footage in the area. Its an ongoing investigation. We dont have any suspects at this point, the spokesman said. Story continues The police are checking gangs who operate in the region, robbers with a known record of torturing homeowners and criminals who have recently been released from jail. Vassilis Pliotas, a prosecutor from the Supreme Court, said that Greek society was stunned by the unprecedented brutality, the cold-blooded murder committed, with no moral inhibition, in Glyka Nera. The funeral of Miss Crouch will be held on Friday on the Aegean island of Alonissos, where her British father and Filipina mother live. The Greek government has offered a reward of 300,000 for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the arrest of the gang. Bitcoin mining devours the same amount of energy as countries like Argentina and the Netherlands (Getty Images/iStockphoto) In little over a decade, bitcoin has risen from a fringe technology popular with cryptographers, to the world's ninth most valuable asset by market cap. The cryptocurrency's dramatic ascent has created millionaires, reimagined money, and launched a multi-billion dollar industry inspired by its revolutionary decentralised technology. But it has also brought with it some unwanted side effects. The computing power required to support bitcoin's underlying network now requires nearly as much energy as the entire country of Argentina, leading to criticism about its environmental footprint. Analysis by the University of Cambridge suggests the bitcoin network uses more than 121 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, which would rank it in the top 30 electricity consumers worldwide if it were a country. The energy demands have been fuelled by the surging price of bitcoin in recent months, which has seen it rise from below $5,000 (3,600) last March to close to $50,000 today. Concerns about bitcoin's energy demands have been around since the very beginning, with crypto pioneer Hal Finney tweeting about potential future CO2 emissions on 27 January 2009 just two weeks after receiving the first ever bitcoin transaction from the cryptocurrency's pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto. The amount of energy bitcoin's network consumes did not rise to serious prominence until 2017, when a major price rally drastically pushed up its energy needs to the level of a small country. As the market cooled off in the years following, so did the energy demands, but the latest all-time high hit this week is more than double that of three and a half years ago. And this time its energy requirements are even greater. "Bitcoin's energy consumption has more than quadrupled since the beginning of its last peak in 2017 and it is set to get worse because energy inefficiency is built into bitcoin's DNA," Charles Hoskinson, CEO of leading cryptography firm IOHK, tells The Independent. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "Bitcoin's carbon footprint will get exponentially worse because the more its price rises, the more competition there is for the currency and thus the more energy it consumes." Bitcoin's environmental impact is exacerbated by the fact that a majority of miners are based in China, where over two thirds of power is from coal. The mining process required to generate new units of the cryptocurrency involves solving complex but arbitrary mathematical equations, which currently requires vast amounts of computer processing power. Bitcoin miners therefore gravitate to where electricity is cheapest, meaning the fundamental issue is not with bitcoin but with a lack of cheap renewable energy production. Fortunately, there are solutions being put in place, with some eco-friendly mining facilities already operating at a massive scale. In Iceland and Norway, where nearly 100 per cent of all energy production is renewable, cryptocurrency miners are taking advantage of cheap hydro-electric and geothermal energy to power their machines. The low temperatures in the countries also help reduce costs by cooling the computer servers naturally. Last year, the University of Cambridge's third Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study found that 76 per cent of cryptocurrency miners use electricity from renewable sources in their operations. This figure was up from 60 per cent from the same benchmarking study in 2018. Read more: This trend is expected to continue, according to projections from the International Renewable Energy Agency, which reported last year that renewable energy sources are increasingly more cost-efficient than fossil fuels. "In its current status, the infrastructure that supports the bitcoin protocol cannot be sustained, but the beauty of the protocol is that the incentive structure will force miners to adopt the cheapest form of electricity, which in the near future will be renewable energy," Don Wyper, COO of DigitalMint, tells The Independent. "I think the latest University of Cambridge study is misguided, as bitcoin is acting as a 'digital gold' and therefore should be compared to the energy consumption of other store-of-value-assets... The gold mining industry consumes 475 million GigaJoules worth of electricity annually. "And if bitcoin can become the digital currency it was initially envisioned, we'll need to consider all the electricity consumed via currency creation, destruction, transmittance, securitisation, loss, etc. I personally believe climate change is one of the most important issues in our world today, but people who say bitcoin will lead to even more environmental destruction don't understand that bitcoin is actually acting as an accelerant to helping our environment. Reuters Alternative cryptocurrencies have also sought to solve bitcoin's current environmental issues by altering the underpinning technology in order for it to require less power. One of these is Cardano, which Hoskinson claims is 4 million times more energy efficient than bitcoin thanks to its 'Proof-of-Stake' blockchain that validates transactions based on how many coins are held by a network participant rather than the amount of computational processing power they possess. "Cardano is being built to scale to meet the needs of global businesses and consumers, at higher volumes and faster speeds than existing global financial infrastructure despite the entire global network using no more energy than a large family home," Hoskinson says. If bitcoin's transition to renewable energy sources does not happen quickly, Hoskinson is among several experts who predict that investors and consumers will look to other cryptocurrencies that are less environmentally damaging. "I believe the power of fear over climate change is far greater than the fear of missing out (FOMO) that drives this new wave of institutional and retail investment in bitcoin," Blockchain consultant Scott Morgan tells The Independent. "Bitcoin can do incredible good in the world. It is a technological asset. [But] other cryptocurrencies use less energy." Read More Bitcoin alternatives: The green cryptocurrencies that want to solve Elon Musks crypto climate concerns Bitcoin crashes as Elon Musk announces Tesla cars can no longer be bought with cryptocurrency May 13LEWISTON The student government at Bates College joined 14 other student organizations to denounce the college's decision this week to ask police to investigate some anti-Israel graffiti. Getting the police involved, their joint statement said, was "a censure of student voices" that "makes students feel unsafe and oppressed on our campus." "We fear for our communities of color, specifically brown, Arab, Middle Eastern and Muslim students, that will most likely be the targets of this investigation," said the statement, which also included a call to "free Palestine." Bates contacted police Sunday after anti-Israeli slogans were written in chalk on at least one college building and flyers were distributed denouncing Israel for the violent clashes in recent days between its security forces and Palestinians. In an email to students on Monday, Gwen Lexow, Bates' director of Title IX and civil rights compliance, told students that administrators had heard from a number of people "expressing deep concern about the impact of the language contained in the flyers and graffiti, particularly on Jewish members of our campus community." The Lewiston police looked into the incident as a potential hate crime. It is not clear how seriously the case is being pursued. The state attorney general's office said Thursday it is waiting for a report from the local police before taking any action. The organizations backing the new statement, including the Bates Black Student Union, the Bates Leftist Coalition and the South Asian Student Association, said they issued it "to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people and their cause as well as our deep disappointment with Bates College for the way they have handled the events of the past week." The statement said students "cannot turn our backs on victims of apartheid and occupation when it becomes inexpedient to speak up. It is hypocritical that Bates College has chosen to neglect the humanity of the Palestinian people while claiming to be an anti-colonialist, anti-racist and abolitionist institution." Story continues The students signing the statement said that if Bates finds the "Free Palestine" push offensive "then they reveal their alliance to settler-colonialism and genocide." Israel came into existence in 1948 after the British occupation of Palestine ended shortly after the end of World War II and the defeat of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime that deliberately murdered six million Jews. Lexow said in the email sent to student that "Bates is a community committed to openness, pluralism and inclusion, where every individual should feel safe and supported. Incidents of this kind can have a significant and harmful impact on those who experience them." Her words caught the attention of Donna Joss, a professor emeritus at Worcester State University, who wrote to Lexow this week to urge that Bates recognize that while "there is violence on each side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," it is not a conflict between equals. "Please keep in mind that Palestinians are under a long, brutal and crippling occupation by Israel, that they have endured dislocation and dispossession as well as injury and death at the hands" of the Israeli military and settlers for decades, Joss said. "The current situation in Jerusalem and Gaza is not new, only worse than usual," Joss added. "I hope you and the Bates College administration and outside officials will have the same concern for members of the Bates community who are Muslim, Palestinian and/or who are deeply concerned about the Palestinian situation as you have shown for the Jewish/Israeli members of the community," Joss said. Then-Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2010. Gerald Herbert/Associated Press Biden's stance on Israel is increasingly putting him at odds with other Democrats. Top progressives have called out his defense of Israel amid a mounting death toll, mainly in Gaza. A number of Democrats are pushing for the US to condition or limit aid to Israel. See more stories on Insider's business page. President Joe Biden entered the White House amid a drastic shift in discourse on US-Israeli relations in Washington, DC, with Democrats increasingly breaking the taboo of criticizing America's closest ally in the Middle East. Biden, who continued to offer unwavering support to Israel this week as it hammered Gaza with devastating airstrikes amid escalating violence in the region, is swimming against the current - and has been for some time. And he's now perhaps the first president in US history to be criticized by members of his own party for upholding the status quo when it comes to US policy and rhetoric toward Israel. As the death toll mounted and Israeli leaders rebuffed talks of a ceasefire, the president on Wednesday defended Israel's right to self-defense. "Israel has the right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory," Biden told reporters, alluding to the rockets being fired at Israel by Hamas and other militant groups. "My hope is that we'll see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later," he added. Biden's comments would not have been out of the ordinary for a US president a decade ago, and his general stance toward Israel is far less extreme than that of former President Donald Trump - who adopted a lopsided pro-Israel policy and pushed for a "peace plan" that completely excluded Palestinians. But the conversation on Israel in the US has changed, and Biden's approach to the matter is becoming more outdated by the day. AOC: 'Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence' Story continues Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York on Wednesday took to Twitter and ripped into Biden over his "blanket statement," adding that it provided "little context or acknowledgement of what precipitated this cycle of violence - namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al Aqsa." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The recent violence in the region is a product of a multitude of convoluted factors, with Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories at the heart of the tensions. Top human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the Jerusalem-based organization B'Tselem, have denounced Israel's treatment of Palestinians as a form of apartheid. More immediately, as Ocasio-Cortez said, the contentious dynamic was exacerbated by efforts to push Palestinians out of a neighborhood in East Jerusalem as as well as an Israeli police raid at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, one of Islam's holiest sites. The raid left hundreds of Palestinians injured. Ocasio-Cortez said Biden's remarks dehumanized Palestinians and implied the US will "look the other way at human rights violations." "It's wrong," she added. "By only stepping in to name Hamas' actions - which are condemnable - & refusing to acknowledge the rights of Palestinians, Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence. This is not neutral language. It takes a side - the side of occupation." Palestinians carry the body of a child found in the rubble of a house belonging to the Al-Tanani family, that was destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in town of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 13, 2021. Abdel Kareem Hana/Associated Press Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez are urging Biden to take a more nuanced stance on the conflict and recognize that it's possible to condemn Hamas rocket attacks while also calling out Israel for human rights violations and disproportionate military actions. Her criticism of Biden on Thursday added to a chorus of progressive voices excoriating the administration over its tone on the violence, accusing it of showing a lack of concern for Palestinians, especially children. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar earlier in the week said the administration was "devoid of empathy and concern for human suffering." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. On top of the criticism of the administration's general rhetoric, 25 House Democrats on Wednesday signed a letter calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to denounce the impending evictions of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. There's a growing rift in the Democratic party over Israel For years, it was essentially political suicide for anyone in Washington, DC, to even hint at criticizing Israel. Doing so often led to allegations of antisemitism, and sometimes still does. But a shift began around five years ago, in large part because of Sen. Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator has perhaps done more to normalize criticizing Israel than any other lawmaker. He's pushed for a more balanced approach to US-Israel relations and a greater concern for Palestinian rights. And when people, including former Vice President Mike Pence, sought to accuse him of being biased against Israel and siding with its enemies, their attacks fell flat. Sanders is Jewish, briefly lived in Israel in the 1960s, and his father lost many family members during the Holocaust. During a presidential debate in 2016, Sanders decried Israel for the "disproportionate" use of military force in Gaza in 2014. At the time, reports on Sanders' debate performance said he was taking a "sledgehammer to the political status quo on Israel" and "shattered an American taboo on Israel." By 2020, when Sanders was once again running for president, other leading Democratic presidential candidates - Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg (now Biden's secretary of transportation) - joined him in supporting conditioning aid to Israel in relation to the peace process and occupation. But Biden was not on board, and along the campaign trail referred to the proposal as "bizarre" and "outrageous." Heavy smoke and fire surround Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses during an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021. Qusay Dawud/Getty Images Democrats in Congress continued to push for potentially limiting aid when Biden got to the White House. In April, Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota introduced a bill designed to ensure that the $3.8 billion in annual military aid the US gives to Israel is not used to "support the military detention of Palestinian children, the unlawful seizure, appropriation, and destruction of Palestinian property and forcible transfer of civilians in the West Bank, or further annexation of Palestinian land in violation of international law." The bill was endorsed by over a dozen members of Congress alongside numerous human rights organizations and advocacy groups. The Democratic party's shift to the left on Israel has also seemingly occurred among its voters. A Gallup poll in March found that 53% of Democrats favored placing more pressure on Israel to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict - marking an increase of 10 percentage points since 2018. In recent days, top Democrats have doubled down on the calls to condition aid to Israel as the situation in the region has grown more dire. "To protect lives, the Biden Administration must demand that Israel end these acts and move away from annexation and towards a two-state solution," Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said in a tweet on Tuesday. "U.S. funding shouldn't be used to further human rights abuses. In short, this week's violence is exposing a growing rift in the Democratic party when it comes to Israel, and Biden is facing mounting pressure to get with the times. Read the original article on Business Insider DUBLIN (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet his Irish counterpart Micheal Martin in England on Friday to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland and broader Brexit issues, the Irish government said. European Union member Ireland played an important role in negotiating the terms of Britain's exit from the EU and is involved in efforts to ease post-Brexit trade frictions between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Talks between London and Brussels on the issue are ongoing but the British government on Tuesday warned that the way the rules were operating might not be sustainable for long. Britain's Brexit deal effectively left Northern Ireland in the EU's trading sphere, avoiding the need for customs checks between Northern Ireland and Ireland but creating new ones between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. These new checks have disrupted trade and angered pro-British unionists in Northern Ireland. The EU and Ireland say there is no need to change the deal but that they are willing to consider improvements in its implementation. "The lunchtime meeting, which was scheduled some time ago, is expected to cover the response to COVID-19, a range of issues relevant to peace and stability in Northern Ireland, and the broader British-Irish relationship," the Irish government statement said. (Reporting by Conor Humphries; editing by David Milliken) May 13PIERRE, S.D. Fully vaccinated people are no longer recommended to wear masks or social distance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday, May 13. The CDC also recommends masks are no longer needed for people fully vaccinated people those two weeks removed from their final dose in outdoor crowds. Masks may stay bill required in health care establishments, businesses that require them or an airplane. The CDC recommends unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks due to COVID-19 spread and risk of mild or severe illness. Active COVID-19 cases in South Dakota are at the lowest point since August, while the United States is seeing its lowest totals since September. Roughly 46% of Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and more than half of eligible South Dakotans have been fully vaccinated. Following are the South Dakota Department of Health COVID-19 case rates, deaths, hospitalizations and vaccinations as of Thursday. Because all data is preliminary, some numbers and totals may change from one day to the next. Statewide case rates * NEW CASES: 81 (seven-day daily average: 89) * TOTAL ACTIVE CASES: 936 * TOTAL CASES: 123,599 * TOTAL RECOVERED: 120,674 * DAILY TEST POSITIVITY RATE: 11.1% Hospitalizations, deaths * NEW HOSPITALIZATIONS: 9 * ACTIVE HOSPITALIZATIONS: 68 * TOTAL HOSPITALIZATIONS: 7,485 * DEATHS, NEWLY REPORTED: 1 * TOTAL DEATHS: 1,989 Vaccinations * INITIAL DOSE ADMINISTERED (IF 2-DOSE VACCINE): 336,558, total: 56% of population* * FULLY VACCINATED: 305,886, total: 50.3% of population *Vaccine total based on state distribution. Percentage includes vaccines given to South Dakota residents through federal programs, including IHS and VA. As a public service, we've opened this article to everyone regardless of subscription status. If this coverage is important to you, please consider supporting local journalism by clicking on the subscribe button in the upper righthand corner of the homepage. (Bloomberg) -- China isnt considering replacing Vice Premier Liu He as the top economic envoy to the U.S., the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday, denying a media report that the change was under consideration in Beijing. Liu was the chief negotiator for the phase one trade deal signed with the U.S. in January 2020 and is a close associate of President Xi Jinping. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the Chinese government was considering replacing him with Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, citing unidentified officials. The report is not true, Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters at a news briefing Thursday in Beijing. China Considers Replacing Economic Envoy to U.S., WSJ Says Hu, 58, is a member of Communist Partys Politburo and the vice premier overseeing agriculture, commerce, trade and also poverty reduction, which is a signature campaign of Xi. He began his political career as a party Youth League official in Tibet in the early 1980s, and became one of Chinas youngest provincial leaders when he was appointed Hebei governor in 2008. He later worked as party chief of Inner Mongolia and Guangdong before becoming vice premier in 2018. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said last week that she expected to talk to Chinas top trade negotiators soon, without giving any details. Lower-level officials from the two sides spoke recently to discuss the trade deal, according to the Wall Street Journal report. (Updates with more details.) 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. China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution. The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday. On Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel. An earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said. "China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body. "However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua. "The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution." One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month. Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions. lxc/apj/axn Only four months after securing Series B fundraising of $310 million, Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide says it has achieved its Series C funding round that brings its post-money valuation to $3 billion. This is first time the company has disclosed its value. The company did not share how much it has raised this round, only noting that it's in the "hundreds of millions," according to a statement released by the company. WeRide intends to use this funding round to invest in R&D and commercialization as it works toward the next-generation of Level 4 driving, a term that means a vehicle can drive without human intervention in some environments and conditions. The company is also using the funds to prepare to commercialize its technology. WeRide has scored a slew of large investments over the past year, including its $200 million strategic round in December from Chinese bus maker Yutong. The speed and scale of these investments signals that the company is burning through money and is hungry for more, and that investors are banking on China's tech. Rival Momenta has also received large sums this year, exceeding its $1 billion in valuation, with recent investments of $500 million and total funding of more than $700 million. "WeRide Master Platform (WMP), our core autonomous driving technology solution has helped to accelerate the companys development," Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, said in a statement. "This drives the successful operation of our Robotaxi service in Guangzhou since 2019 and the introduction of the WeRide driverless Mini Robobus, a completely new product category to the autonomous industry." WeRide's robotaxi pilot in Guangzhou began in 2019, but it began conducting test drives in the city's Central Business District in January. Not long after, the company's driverless Mini Robobus began road testing in Guangzhou and Nanjing. WeRide became the first autonomous driving company in China to secure an official license for online car-hailing operations in February, and in April, the California DMV issued WeRide a permit to test its driverless vehicles on public roads in San Jose, California. Many investors participated in this most recent round, including IDG Capital, Homeric Capital, CoStone Capital, Cypress Star, Sky9 Capital and K3 Ventures, as well as existing investors CMC Capital Partners, Qiming Venture Partners and Alpview Capital. DUBAI (Reuters) - Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group on Thursday said its forces had launched 12 ballistic missiles and drones towards a site belonging to the Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco, Najran airport and other targets in Najran, in southern Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi forces in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed eight drones and three ballistic missiles fired towards Saudi Arabia, without specifying where. Thursday is the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Houthi group regularly fires drones and missiles into Saudi Arabia. The coalition says it intercepts most of them. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing government forces fighting the Houthis. Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Writing by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Kevin Liffey) More than 30 states allowed some form of takeout cocktail sales during the pandemic. Nila White, 20, left, and Brooklin Lafong, 22, make to-go cocktails at the Shot, a popular restaurant and bar in Galveston, Texas. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) As most of Californias counties reopen dine-in service at bars and restaurants in some form, one of the pandemics biggest takeout pivots might become permanent: This week the state Senate unanimously passed a bill that would permanently authorize the sale of to-go cocktails for pickup and delivery. The temporary provision aided shuttered businesses that sold alcohol during the pandemic, allowing them a source of income as they went through the cycles of opening and closing. During the pandemic, establishments that offered takeout cocktails also had to sell food. Under SB 398 in its current form, food would not be required for the sale of alcohol, though the practice of tightly sealing and clearly labeling cocktails would remain in place. The bill passed in the state Senate on Monday and now awaits a vote in the Assembly. If it passes, it can proceed to the Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk. Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), who introduced the bill, sees the permanent sale of to-go cocktails as a way to help restaurants and bars that are still struggling to recoup their losses of the past 14 months. If allowing restaurants to sell carry-out cocktails helps keep their doors open, we must do it, Dodd said in a statement. This is about preserving jobs and getting our economy back on track. More than 30 states allowed some form of takeout cocktail sales during the pandemic, and a number of these have made the temporary measures permanent, including Iowa, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio. Its not like bottled cocktails are new companies like Bottle Service and other RTDs [ready-to-drink cocktails] have been around for a while, said Tom Sopit, managing partner of West Hollywood bar and restaurant Employees Only. Its just getting more popular because there was never a reason to have to buy them in bottled form and drink it at home, until the pandemic. I think its great news, Sopit added. I think all the bars are going to love it because its another addition they can add to their streams of revenue. Story continues Employees Only was one of the first Los Angeles bars to offer to-go cocktails during the pandemic. Once managers heard about New Yorks temporary legalization, they prepared for what they hoped would be a similar provision. The Employees Only just-add-alcohol cocktail kits evolved into prepared cocktails in glass bottles with labels, and the bar which normally offers food but did not reopen its kitchen teamed up with pop-up Elios Wood Fire Pizza to legally sell them after temporary sales became legal in California. Employees Only still sells takeout cocktails, and has throughout the pandemic, despite reopening through an alfresco event series called Summer Social Club in the parking lot. Sopit says the bar is already seeing a decrease in takeout-drink sales, given L.A.s recent restaurant and bar reopenings, but his team is still investing in canning methods and new branding for its takeout operation. If the bill becomes law and California bars are allowed to sell them permanently, Sopit says Employees Only will always offer to-go cocktails. Currently 11 of Californias 58 counties are still idling in the red tier of the states color-coded reopening plan, meaning bars without some form of food service cannot reopen in any way without food service. In the states orange and yellow tiers, bars without food offerings can reopen; in Los Angeles County, and indoor bar service could resume last week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. On the plains of eastern Colombia, an age-old conflict between man and beast plays out near-daily. Jaguars attack cattle. Farmers retaliate with shotguns. But rancher Jorge Barragan has declared a unilateral truce with the carnivorous cats. He has taken a liking to the largest feline of the Americas, and says he does not mind sacrificing a few head of cattle to do his part to conserve the deadly hunters that have captured his imagination. About ten years ago, Barragan decided to sacrifice part of his family farm, La Aurora, to the savanna that provides shelter and food for jaguars he says are "worth more alive than dead." The family has long banned hunting of wild animals -- jaguar food -- on the property. Now 61, Barragan seeks the cats out rather than dreading a sighting. He spends a large part of his day combing through footage on hidden cameras dotted across the farm, which has also become a nature reserve, in Colombia's eastern Casanare department. In the pictures, he encounters old feline friends and discovers new ones. But it is not always a happy coexistence. - Doing the opposite - The cats, which can weigh 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and measure some two meters (six feet) in length, frequently cross Barragan's property. And sometimes the cattle fall victim -- as many as 100 per year at a loss of some $300 per head. Barragan says he makes up the losses, at least partly, through visits by scientists and tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the majestic spotted cats. In 2018, the farm drew some 160 visitors per month, at $30 per person per night, but this revenue stream has all but run dry during the coronavirus pandemic. The jaguar is listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Population numbers are decreasing, with farming, residential and commercial development among the main threats. "Jaguar-livestock conflict is a serious threat to jaguar survival," states the IUCN. "There are few areas within Jaguar range that can be considered safe" for the cats. Story continues For Barragan, "a culture was created of killing the feline to stop the problem" of livestock losses. "But we are doing the opposite," he told AFP, proudly. The rancher said he inherited a deep respect for Nature from his father. But his love affair with the jaguar began when he saw a photo of one of the majestic predators in 2009, taken on a hidden camera a student had left on the farm. "We knew that we had (jaguars) in the savanna, but I was very moved when I saw that first photo." - Range has halved - Twelve years later, Barragan has given names to many of the animals that visit the farm, each sporting their own unique coat pattern. "He has managed to identify 54 individual jaguars," said Samantha Rincon, of the Panthera foundation dedicated to feline conservation. According to Panthera, about 55 other Colombian farms are now following in La Aurora's footsteps, seeking to better coexist with the jaguars they used to regard as the enemy. Measures include introducing more spirited steers to defend the rest of the herd in the event of an attack, halting deforestation and putting a stop to hunting jaguar prey such as capybaras. "By taking away the jaguar's habitat, by eliminating its prey, obviously it will go in search of domestic animals" for food, Rincon told AFP. Outside the confines of La Aurora, the picture is very different, with vast plantations of rice and oil palm competing with jaguars for territory. Panthera says there are some 15,000 of the cats left in Colombia, and about 170,000 in the Americas as a whole. The species once stretched from the southern United States to northern Argentina, but its range has since been halved, and it is extinct in several countries. Climate change is taking its toll, too. In 2016, a strong drought killed off large numbers of capybara, giant rodents that form a large part of the jaguar diet. Barragan said he would love to see more farmers commit to protecting the felines. "Finding a cat on a cattle farm always produces a certain fear... but our experience shows that we can coexist with the jaguar," he said. jss/dl/lv/ll/lda/mlr/to Cali residents have complained about fuel shortages caused by roadblocks Three weeks into nationwide anti-government protests, residents in Colombia's third-largest city, Cali, say they are struggling to get petrol and some food items. Protesters have blocked some of the main access roads into the city and deliveries have been severely disrupted. Cali has been the scene of some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces. At least 42 have died in the protests. While food and medicine have been reaching the city after a number of "humanitarian corridors" were established last week, the disruption has been severe. Cali is paralysed By Daniel Pardo, BBC Mundo The demonstrations over the past two days in Cali may have been massive, but they were peaceful and colourful, with dances, music and artistic tributes paid to those who died or were wounded in previous protests. You don't see many police on the streets. However, reports of police violence continue to come in from other parts of the country. Not far from here, in Popayan, dozens of civilians were injured in clashes with security forces on Wednesday. Cali, in any case, is paralysed. Everyday life has been affected by the blockades and petrol shortages: if you need a plumber or someone to fix your internet connection, you are going to have to wait for days, or even weeks. Most shops are shuttered and their doors have been sprayed with anti-government graffiti. Young masked protesters have blocked roads with branches and wires. They tell me they are protesting "for a different country" and I can't see them giving up anytime soon. Cali's Mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina said it was vital that supplies be allowed through without any hold-ups. "Some supplies or limited supplies are not enough," he said about the agreement with protesters blocking the roads to let some delivery trucks pass. The city depended on food from neighbouring regions to feed its residents, he explained. Story continues Traders at one market said there was a shortage of potatoes while those at another market said they had received a delivery but at a price 30% higher than usual. Long queues formed at petrol stations Residents have reported queuing for up to 12 hours for petrol. No sign of abating The protests in Colombia ran into their third week on Wednesday. While they were originally in opposition to a now-suspended tax reform, they have since turned into much broader demands, including abolishing university tuition fees, introducing a universal basic income, disbanding the riot police force and improving the security for rights defenders and indigenous activists. Mayor Ospina said Wednesday's protests in Cali had been peaceful and praised participants for their restraint. Previous protests have turned violent with the deadliest, on 3 May, resulting in at least five people being killed and 33 injured in the neighbourhood of Siloe. The United Nations said it was shocked at the events in Cali and accused police of firing live ammunition. Mayor Ospina said on Wednesday that he had met victims of the clashes in Siloe and that he would ensure that the issue would be taken to "the highest courts of justice". Indigenous groups have joined in the protests He also had a meeting with members of indigenous groups who joined the protests last week. In another violent incident in the city, eight indigenous people were injured when unidentified gunmen in civilian clothes fired at the roadblock they were manning. Police said four non-indigenous people were injured in that same incident when they were set upon by members of the indigenous group with stones and machetes, but the latter have denied launching any attacks. Colombian President Ivan Duque met with members of the National Strike Committee, the umbrella group which has been organising some of the protests, on Monday, but they failed to reach agreement. He has since said that his government is willing to organise a roundtable to negotiate an end to the protests with the National Strike Committee. You may want to watch: Spurred by President Trump's mendacity, a mob overran the U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn Joe Biden's election. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Its often said that elections have consequences. Elections also have outcomes and a fixed date when they take place. After the ballots are counted, theyre over. Or at least thats how its supposed to work. One candidate wins, another loses, and all sides move on to the next election, which always seems to be just around the corner. But things are different now. We find ourselves in a treacherous place in which a growing number of politicians and their followers loudly refuse to accept the results of an election. Not in the manner of petulantly declaring so-and-so is not my president, or reflexively opposing policies pushed by a Democratic or Republican chief executive or by a partys legislative leaders. Rather, theyre seeking to nullify an election in its entirety, effectively canceling to use a term now in fashion the will of the majority. After losing gubernatorial races to Democrats, Republicans in North Carolina (in 2016) and Michigan and Wisconsin (in 2018) passed laws to strip away some of the incoming governors powers. What seemed then like egregious sore-loser behavior was mere precedent. After failing to hold on to the White House in November, millions of Republicans have bought into the lie strenuously promoted by former President Trump that the election was stolen, ignoring overwhelming and incontrovertible evidence to the contrary. Driven by Trumps mendacity, GOP lawmakers across the country are passing laws as swiftly as they can, making it harder to vote and, in some instances, seeking to give partisan lawmakers the power to meddle in elections and potentially overturn results they dont like. Its all part of the zero-sum, mortal-combat mentality that suffuses todays politics, in which the opposition isnt just wrong but also evil, and political compromise isnt the labor of doers and deal makers but the mark of chumps and losers. Our democracy is in trouble, Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, wrote in a recent report that ranked the U.S. on a par with the emergent democracies of Romania, Croatia and Panama, and below its onetime peers among exemplary nations, Germany and France. Story continues Racial bias and the overweening influence of money were cited by the pro-democracy think tank as part of the reason for the decline. Also cited was the countrys deep and visceral partisanship. At times, the skirmishing goes beyond parody; it would be funny, if the underlying motive wasnt so insidious. In Arizona, which Joe Biden narrowly won, Republican lawmakers approved a pointless recount of Maricopa County ballots, empowering Trump acolytes to pursue goofy theories involving secret watermarks and ballots supposedly flown in from Asia. (The canvassers, working for a company owned by an advocate of the pro-Trump Stop the Steal campaign, are scouring paper for traces of bamboo, presumably seeing that in their wacky way of thinking as a dead giveaway.) In California, the state is preparing for a Republican-led recall election aimed at ousting Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom about a year ahead of the November 2022 gubernatorial election. The exercise could cost as much as $400 million. There are plenty of grievances to lodge against Newsom as the state rises back to its feet, notwithstanding his current incarnation as Santa Claus, doling out tens of millions of dollars in goodies from Californias stunning $76-billion surplus. But the effort to remove him ahead of schedule might have a less partisan odor if a GOP state lawmaker hadnt begun urging Newsoms recall even before he took the oath of office. Opponents of the governor finally qualified the measure on their sixth try. Democratic foes of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker waited a bit longer, just a few months after he took office, before launching a petition drive that forced a 2012 vote on his removal. Walker beat the recall and was reelected two years later. Our system of government strives to give voice and some power to those in the political minority. Thats an important and admirable part of its architecture. Its the reason for the electoral college and why a nation-state like California has the same number of U.S. senators two as pint-size states like Wyoming and Rhode Island. But there is such a thing as tyranny of the minority. There is danger in a demagogue like Trump undercutting one of the countrys grounding principles to salve his bruised ego, in citizens refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of their government, and in lawmakers granting themselves the power to overturn the decisions of voters if they disagree with their choices. As David S. Reynolds notes in his epic 2020 biography of Abraham Lincoln, the countrys founders created a representative democracy based on elections. To keep that system functioning, Americans have to acknowledge and accept the results of those elections, whether they like them or not. If theyre that unhappy, theres always the chance to vote the bums out next time. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Rudy Giuliani (AP) Rudy Giuliani, who faces looming legal threats, has hired two attorneys who defended the disgraced sex offender and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, following FBI raids on the former New York mayors office and home. According to court filings on Wednesday, Arthur Aidala and Barry Kamins informed the US District Court for the Southern District of New York that they will appear on behalf of Mr Giuliani. It follows twin raids on an apartment and offices belonging to Mr Giuliani, a former mayor of New York and attorney for Donald Trump, in April. FBI agents obtained a search warrant authorizing the raids, thought to be signed-off by senior officials from the Justice department given the political sensitivity. Mr Giuliani is at the centre of allegations of lobbying on behalf of a foreign government. The allegations date to 2019 and involve Mr Giuliani's business dealings with Ukrainian officials working to find damaging information on the Bidens ahead of the 2020 US election. Mr Giuliani was also allegedly responsible for the former presidents firing of Marie Yovanovitch as the US ambassador to Ukraine, according to The New York Times, who first reported on the raids. Investigators reportedly seized electronic devices, including cellphones and a computer belonging to Mr Giulianis personal assistant, Jo Ann Zafonte. Mr Giuliani, although fiercely critical of the investigation, reportedly fired staffers and independent contractors in recent weeks to cut costs ahead of another case brought against him by Dominion Voting Systems for defamation about the firms voting machines. Mr Giuliani is also facing divorce proceedings. On Thursday, Mr Aidala confirmed to The Hill that he and Mr Kamins were appearing on behalf of Mr Giuliani. Both formerly represented Weinstein, who is currently appealing a conviction for rape and sexual assault but also facing a second trial. Read More FBI pins Colonial Pipeline cyberattack on DarkSide hacker group Active duty Marine arrested for violently participating in Capitol riot Inside one network cashing in on vaccine disinformation And the hits just keep coming. A couple weeks ago, Sen. Ralph Hise tried to force North Carolina teachers to rat on the gender expressions and manifestations of their students. Republicans, yet again, showed a heady affection for the police state forgetting, as Lincoln put it, that the sheep and the wolf are not agreed on a definition of liberty. Even Senate leader Phil Berger decided Hises effort was a bridge too far. Now theyre seemingly determined to banish what they think of as Critical Race Theory from the public schools. Donald Trump that bastion of inclusion and integrity said Critical Race Theory was an outrage. House Speaker Tim Moore explained schools should be places of dignity and respect for ALL students and teachers, [so] the Education Committee passed legislation to address Critical Race Theory and other hateful ideas that are attacking our kids. No wonder my friends at ECU were terrified Moore might become their chancellor. Beware of legislative campaigns to smite hateful ideas. Apparently we want to trigger our own version of the Scopes trial. Our Republican lawmakers have spent much of the last decade trying to repeal the 1960s. Now theyve cast their eyes on the 1920s as well. These are ambitious folks. Kimberle Crenshaw, a founder of Critical Race Theory who teaches at Columbia and UCLA, has explained: Everything builds on what came before and the so-called American experience was not simply a matter of prejudice but a matter of structured disadvantages across society Critical race theorists have taken up the task of exploring the role law played in establishing practices of exclusion and disadvantage. Moores newly embraced proposal would ban, among other things, North Carolina public schools from promoting the belief that the United States is a meritocracy is racist or sexist or was created by members of a particular race or sex to oppress members of another race of sex. In other words, we are to teach that even though in North Carolina twice as many blacks as whites live in poverty, three times as many young kids, at least twice as many African-Americans are unemployed, food insecure, suspended from school, subjected to traffic stops, arrested and imprisoned, and on average, black families possess less than ten percent of the wealth of white families, and, of course, black men are repeatedly murdered by unthreatened policemen before our eyes all this results from being a meritocracy, not from our brutal history, biases, or systemic inequalities. By statutory command, our schools will be required to lie. Story continues The bill prohibits schools from contracting with, hiring or otherwise engaging speakers, consultants, diversity trainers and other persons who promote Critical Race Theory concepts. That means our students wont be allowed to hear school programs from the likes of David Zucchino (Wilmingtons Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy). It might wound their fragile sensibilities to learn where we come from. Finally, who better to decide what our kids should learn about race than the white Republican caucuses of the General Assembly? These are the notable folks who have routinely constrained black Tar Heels right to vote; racially gerrymandered our electoral districts so profoundly it severed the foundational norm of consent of the governed; repealed the Racial Justice Act; lionized confederate memorials; made it easier to segregate schools and harder to release police-cam videos; and are now poised to try to criminalize Black Lives Matter demonstrations. They have governed, for a decade, as a White Peoples Party. Allowing them to regulate racial discourse makes about as much sense as entrusting the protections of academic freedom to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Nichol, a contributing columnist for the Editorial Board, is the Boyd Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina. Attorneys for a dying Idaho man facing execution in June want the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case, including a claim that a co-defendants lawyers brokered a secret deal with the judge in 1986. Gerald Ross Pizzuto Jr., 65, was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder in 1986 in the killings of Berta Herndon and her nephew, Del Herndon, in Idaho County. The two were tied up and bludgeoned with a hammer in a cabin outside of McCall. Berta Herndon died from the hammer blows, and Del Herndon died after he was shot in the head. Pizzuto and two other men James Rice and William Odom were initially arrested and charged in connection with the deaths. Rice and Odom later pleaded guilty to lesser charges and testified against Pizzuto. In a petition filed to the Supreme Court earlier this week, Pizzutos attorneys say that in January 1986, Rices attorneys met with Judge George Reinhardt and prosecutor Henry Boomer at a restaurant to broker a deal. The deal meant Rice would spend no more than 15 years in prison if he placed all of the blame for the murders on Pizzuto, the petition says. During Pizzutos trial three months later, Rice testified that it was Pizzutos idea to rob the Herndons, adding that he was not promised leniency at his own sentencing. A day after Pizzuto was sentenced to death, Rice was sentenced to prison by Reinhardt. The petition says Rice acknowledged the secret deal in 2005, and Pizzutos attorneys later found notes from Rices lawyers that detailed the restaurant meeting. Rice reportedly said the crimes were Odoms idea. During a 1986 interview between Idaho County investigators and Lene Odom, Williams wife, she claimed that Rice fatally shot Del Herndon after he was bludgeoned by Pizzuto, saying that Rice shot (Del Herndon) and put him out of his misery. A 1991 ruling from the Idaho Supreme Court also says that Rice shot Del Herndon. The three took money from the Herndons cabin and buried the two in shallow graves. Story continues Both Rice and Odom served 12 years in prison before being released. According to Pizzutos attorneys, Rice is currently in a California prison on an unrelated charge, and Odom died in 2014. Pizzuto has been in prison for over three decades and faces a potential execution date of June 2. As a young boy, Pizzuto was sexually and physically abused repeatedly by his stepfather, according to a clemency petition sent to the Idaho Pardons and Parole Commission. Pizzutos siblings told investigators that they were all beaten and raped, but Pizzuto suffered more than the others. In addition to the beatings, Pizzuto suffered brain damage from a fall down stairs at 2 years old, and a motorcycle accident at 14. He struggled in school and showed signs of slow mental development as a child. Medical files attached to Pizzutos clemency petition to commute his death sentence show that Pizzuto has been in hospice care for more than a year, and he suffers from terminal bladder cancer, Type 2 diabetes and chronic heart disease that has caused heart attacks, among other ailments. He was described by attorneys as a feeble man who could die at any time and poses no threat. The clemency petition will be reviewed by parole board commissioners during an executive session on Tuesday, May 18, just two weeks before Pizzutos scheduled execution. The commission will make a recommendation and take the ruling to the governors office. Pizzuto is being housed at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution near Boise. All Idaho executions take place in the prisons F-block. Including Pizzuto, there are seven men and one woman on death row in Idaho. By Abdullah Rashid MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - As dawn broke over Mosul on Thursday, worshippers knelt between piles of rubble while Eid al-Fitr prayers took place in the city's oldest mosque for the first time since Islamic State was driven out of the area in 2017. Groups of men entered silently and sat down to listen to Koranic recitals in the building, which dates back to the Umayyad period in the 7th century and remains largely in ruins following heavy fighting in Mosul's Old City. "The message is clear, the al-Masfi mosque is the Islamic epicentre and symbol of the area. It is not only Islamic, but also a symbol of the city," said Ahmed Najem, a local academic, after prayers. The mosque was partially destroyed during the brutal occupation by the Islamic State, which proclaimed Mosul the capital of its self-styled caliphate, and an intense campaign of air strikes to liberate the city from the militants. Like many other heritage and religious buildings in the Old City, it has been left in disrepair, with collapsed walls and mounds of rubble. Local campaigners say this is due to insufficient public funding allocated to reconstruction in Iraqs northern Nineveh province. "We need to accelerate its reconstruction," said Najem. Volunteers from a local group campaigning for the renovation of the Old City swept the floor and put down rugs ahead of the prayers for Eid, a holiday which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. "We are happy about Eid and other celebrations, but there is also heartbreak because of great destruction in Mosul until this day," said Ayyub Dhanun, one of the volunteers. Volunteer groups have sprung up in Mosul since its liberation, with many campaigning for funds to rebuild the citys architectural heritage and identity. They have organised events at mosques, churches and recently Mosuls Spring Theatre, cleaning and tidying damaged buildings as best they can, often with no financial or other support. "This is an invitation to rebuild this monument and to compensate Mosul residents by rebuilding their houses in old Mosul," said Dhanun after prayers at the al-Masfi mosque. (Reporting by Abdullah Rashid, writing by Charlotte Bruneau, editing by Estelle Shirbon) SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) El Salvador's president sent 34,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to seven towns in Honduras on Thursday, responding to video pleas from their mayors posted to social media. The small-scale diplomacy by President Nayib Bukele raised eyebrows in El Salvador and Honduras, but most people agreed that ultimately it would benefit a population in desperate need of vaccine. El Salvador has been more successful than neighboring Honduras and Guatemala in obtaining vaccine, though all lag in vaccinating their people. The highly public move also provided a distraction at a time of growing concern among some Salvadorans and international observers over the consolidation of power in El Salvadors three branches of government by the party led by Bukele, who is highly popular domestically. On Tuesday, the same day Bukele met with White House Special Envoy Ricardo Zuniga, who expressed the U.S. government's reservations about developments in El Salvador, the president received the seven Honduran mayors and told them his government would help. When I saw your videos, what I saw was a little desperation, Bukele told them. I said to the minister and the vaccine people in El Salvador: How can we help? Early Thursday, seven refrigerated trucks left for Honduras carrying the doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In one video, Amable de Jesus Hernandez, mayor of San Jose Colinas, said, Our people are dying of COVID, our government doesnt respond, thats why we come to you. Carlos Galeano, the mayor of Santa Maria del Real, who also traveled to El Salvador for the vaccines, said Thursday he decided to make his plea because he wanted to help his community and the Honduran government was moving too slowly. We didnt do it to confront the government, nor the political party that is in power, Galeano said, responding to critics who suggested the mayors were trying to embarrass Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. We arent causing any damage to the country. Rather, we want to save lives. Story continues The towns were to divide the doses according to their respective populations. Galeano said his town was getting 4,000 doses that would be given to senior citizens and teachers. El Salvador has given at least a single dose to nearly 1 million people, less than a quarter of its target population, but it is far ahead of its two Northern Triangle neighbors in obtaining vaccine. It already received 1.9 million doses and expects more shipments in the coming days. Honduras, by contrast, had gotten only about 59,000 vaccine doses before Thursdays donation. In March, Mexican customs agents seized 5,700 doses of purported Sputnik V vaccine from a private plane in the Gulf coast state of Campeche. The Russian Direct Investment Fund identified the doses as fake and a Honduran businessman later said he had been trying to obtain vaccine for his employees and their families. Ida Berenice Molina, the Honduran official in charge of the countrys vaccination program, told local media that the government had not received any official information about the vaccine donation, including the type and expiration date. El Salvadors health secretary, Francisco Alabi, supervised the vaccines departure. We hope that in the coming hours our Central American brothers can begin applying this immunization model we are sharing, he said. To a certain point it is a humanitarian act, said Mario Gamero, head of the El Salvador Infectology Association. In the medical field we are more human than political and so we see it from a more human point of view. He added though that the government cant ignore our patients who urgently deserve the vaccine. Amilcar Santillana, a cab driver in San Salvador, had a similar view You have to help your neighbor, but first you have to vaccinate all Salvadorans, said Santillana, a 55-year-old awaiting his second dose. In Honduras, Fernando Anduray, leader of the governing National Party, suggested Bukele's motivation was political, though he wouldnt complain about more vaccine coming to Honduras. Bukele is in his political game there. Hes pressuring for other things and hes probably using this as a small distraction, Anduray said on Frente a Frente, a Honduran news show. Hes scoring a political point for his purposes in El Salvador and in front of international political opinion. Bukele has offered help to neighbors before. Recently, Costa Ricas government asked the Central American Integration System, the regions economic and political organization, for loans of medicine. El Salvador donated 10,000 doses of the powerful painkiller fentanyl, which is used in COVID-19 patients who require intubation. You dont loan help, you give it without conditions, Bukele said at the time via Twitter. They would have done the same for us. Bukele said Thursdays vaccine donation would not hinder El Salvadors vaccination campaign. He said that the government is vaccinating people as quickly as possible and that scheduled vaccine shipments would give the country a margin for some donations. El Salvador has so far tallied more than 70,000 confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 2,100 deaths from COVID-19. ___ Associated Press writer Marlon Gonzalez in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, contributed to this report. The principal of a Texas elementary school was killed Wednesday by her husband, who then killed himself, Texas officials say. The death of 35-year-old Erica Rene Allen occurred in the front yard of her home and was witnessed by neighbors, according to the League City Police Department. Allen is the principal at Heights Elementary School in Texas City. Her husband, 40-year-old Nicholas Allen, went inside the home after shooting his wife, police say. Police secured the home and went inside about three hours later. Officers found the husband dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. Their 7 and 2-year-old children located inside the house were unharmed, police said. Police found the woman dead in her front yard. Officers were first dispatched to the home for reports of a home invasion, but learned the murder-suicide was the result of a domestic problem. Allens husband was the assistant principal at Wells Middle School in a nearby school district, KPRC reported. Melissa Duarte, superintendent of the Texas City Independent School District, informed parents of the principals death Thursday morning. In a statement obtained by KPRC and KHOU, Duarte said Allen will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. Our plan is to not make the announcement of Mrs. Allens death at school, Duarte said in the statement. We want you as parents to be able to do that. We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time. Unexpected deaths like this impact children in different ways. Counselors will be available at the school for students and staff for the rest of the school year, the superintendent said. Allen was promoted to principal at the school in 2017, the Daily News in Galveston reported. 6-year-old dies after heartless gunman opens fire at car club event, Texas cops say Pregnant mom shot and killed while going to Easter celebration, Texas family says Ellen DeGeneres is opening up about why she's decided to end her daytime talk show. In a preview for an emotional monologue set to air Thursday on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the 63-year-old TV legend shared why she intends to move on after the show's upcoming 19th season. "Today I have an announcement to make. Its a big one. Today Im announcing that next season, season 19 is going to be my last," DeGeneres told viewers. "The past 18 years have changed my life. Youve changed my life," she continued. "I am forever grateful to all of you for watching, for laughing, for dancing ... sometimes crying. This show has been the greatest experience of my life and I owe it all to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. DeGeneres, who confirmed she was ending her show earlier this week, said she talked over the decision with her wife, actor Portia de Rossi. "I talked to Portia. I talked to myself. A few times I was talking to myself and Portia thought I was talking to her," she joked, adding, "The point is, I need to take a break from talking." DeGeneres said the decision has been several years in the making. "I always knew in my heart that season 19 would be my last," she shared before adding that 19 is a "great" number. "First of all, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. This may be controversial, but I believe women should be allowed to vote. There, I said it," she joked. "Also, on the periodic table, 19 is the atomic number for potassium." As for why she's decided to wrap things up, DeGeneres chalked it up to "timing." "The truth is, Ive always trusted my instincts. And my instinct told me its time," she explained. Her instincts, she said, have served her well throughout her career. "In 1997, I knew it was time to come out on my sitcom and live my truth," she said. "Back then, I had a vivid dream that a bird flew out of a cage and needed to set itself free." Story continues She added, jokingly, "Well last night I had a dream that a bird, a beautiful bird with bright red feathers, came to my window and whispered, 'You can still do stuff for Netflix.'" The comedian mentioned the special relationship she shares with her viewers. "Were gonna continue that relationship even when this show ends. But not in this house. You know, I love to move," she joked. She also promised fans the show's final season will be "fantastic," vowing, "Every day will be a celebration." DeGeneres spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her decision to bring her namesake talk show to an end. "When youre a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, its just not a challenge anymore," she said. DeGeneres also spoke with TODAY's Savannah Guthrie for an exclusive interview that will air on Thursday morning. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. DeGeneres' decision comes 10 months after she faced accusations of a toxic workplace at her show. A scathing report by Buzzfeed in July led to an internal investigation, which ultimately resulted in the departures of three executive producers. She addressed the controversy during the opening monologue of her season 18 premiere in September. Related: MALE, Maldives (AP) Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, who was critically wounded in an explosion, was released from the hospital on Thursday and flown to Germany for further treatment, his family and the hospital said. Nasheed, 53, was wounded in the blast last week that authorities blamed on Muslim extremists. Two of his bodyguards and two apparent bystanders, including a British citizen, were also wounded by what police say was a homemade explosive device containing ball bearings attached to a motorbike parked near the ex-presidents car. He underwent surgeries to his head, chest, abdomen and limb. On Thursday, ADK Hospital in Male said Nasheed was released and was traveling overseas for rehabilitation and recovery. His brother, Nazim Sattar, said Nasheed flew to Germany. Under heavy security, Nasheed was brought to the airport in an ambulance and left on a special flight. He was the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, serving from 2008 to 2012, when he resigned amid protests. He was defeated in the subsequent presidential election, and was ineligible for the 2018 race due to a prison sentence, but has remained an influential political figure. He currently serves as speaker of Parliament. Nasheed has been an outspoken critic of religious extremism in the predominantly Sunni Muslim nation, where preaching and practicing other faiths are banned by law. He has been criticized by religious hard-liners for his closeness to the West and liberal policies. Police say they have arrested three out of four suspects in connection with the blast and are searching for the remaining one. Officials blamed Islamic extremists for the attack, although investigators didn't identify any group. The Indian Ocean archipelago is known for its luxury resorts but has experienced occasional violent attacks. In 2007, a blast in a park in the capital wounded 12 foreign tourists, and was also blamed on religious extremists. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Don McGahn, who served as White House counsel under former U.S. President Donald Trump, has agreed to be interviewed by the House Judiciary panel after a years-long legal battle, according to the Democratic chairman of the committee. The deal follows a two-year fight for the lawyer's testimony as House Democrats sought to enforce a subpoena for McGahn's testimony as part of its investigation into Trump's efforts to impede former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that documented Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. McGahn, who left his post in late 2018 halfway through Trump's four-year term, had declined to testify in May 2019. The Justice Department at the time had advised him to defy the subpoena, one of a number of refusals by the Trump administration as it sought to block congressional inquiries into the former Republican president. "When the former President vowed to fight 'all of the subpoenas' aimed at his Administration, he began a dangerous campaign of unprecedented obstruction," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said in a statement late Wednesday, adding the deal begins "to bring that era of obstruction to an end." Nadler's panel and the U.S. Justice Department have asked to postpone oral arguments in the ongoing lawsuit after reaching the settlement with McGahn, the committee said. More details about the planned transcribed interview would be released later, it added. Representatives for McGahn could not be immediately reached, and a representative for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. McGahn emerged as a key figure in Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election that saw Trump defeat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2018 midterm election, handing them investigative powers. Trump lost the November 2020 presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden and left office in January. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Editing by Nick Zieminski) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Boeing Co on Wednesday won approval from U.S. regulators for a fix of an electrical grounding issue that had affected about 100 737 MAX airplanes, clearing the way for their quick return to service after flights were halted in early April, the planemaker said. An FAA official confirmed that the agency had approved the service bulletins and associated instructions. Boeing sent two bulletins to air carriers on Wednesday on the fixes. "After gaining final approvals from the FAA, we have issued service bulletins for the affected fleet," Boeing told Reuters. "We are also completing the work as we prepare to resume deliveries." The announcement is a relief for U.S. air carriers that have been anxiously waiting to get the planes back into service before the traditional late May start to the summer travel season as air travel demand increases. The top three U.S. 737 MAX operators - Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines - removed more than 60 jets from service after the notice from Boeing. The carriers did not immediately comment. Earlier on Wednesday, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson told U.S. lawmakers that the electrical issue, which had grounded about a quarter of the MAX fleet, would need a "pretty straightforward fix." Dickson also said he was fully confident in the safety of the MAX, which was approved to returned to service in November 2020 after being grounded for 20 months following two fatal crashes in five months that killed 346 people. Reuters reported on May 4 that the FAA asked Boeing to supply fresh analysis showing numerous 737 MAX subsystems would not be affected by electrical grounding issues first flagged in three areas of the jet in April. The electrical issue emerged after Boeing changed a manufacturing method as it worked to speed up production of the jetliner, a third person said. A fourth person said the change improved a hole-drilling process. Story continues Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun in April told CNBC it was a "three- to four-day fix recovery time frame" after the bulletins were issued. Airlines pulled dozens of 737 MAX jets from service in early April after Boeing warned of the electrical problem, linked to a backup power control unit in the cockpit on some recently built airplanes. The problem, which also halted delivery of new planes, was then found in two other places on the flight deck, including the storage rack where the control unit is kept and the instrument panel facing the pilots. The FAA said other carriers affected include Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, GOL Linhas Aereas, Iceland Air, Minsheng Leasing, Neos Air, Shanding Airlines, SilkAir, Spice Jet, Sunwing Airlines, TUI, Turkish Airlines, Valla Jets Limited, WestJet Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. The regulator has daily meetings with Boeing to discuss the MAX's performance, Dickson said. In February, the FAA said it was tracking all Boeing 737 MAX airplanes using satellite data under an agreement with air traffic surveillance firm Aireon LLC. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Tom Hogue and Gerry Doyle) Did you know that just a few steps away from downtown Sacramento, there is a free, natural and unrestricted zoo, featuring nearly 300 different birds, mammals, fish and other living creatures that is open seven days a week, 365 days a year and attracts approximately 8 million visitors a year? It is a spot that has been designated as a State and National Wild and Scenic River and stretches 23 miles through Sacramento County. To learn more about how to view a cornucopia of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, eagles and more, for free along the American River Parkway, take a look at the video above. Officials recovered the body of a kayaker hours after family members said his boat overturned on a Texas river Wednesday. Jason McCoy, 47, was kayaking on the Guadalupe River when relatives saw his boat flip, KSAT reported. He never resurfaced, the Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office said. His kayak seemed to turn over and a witness saw him go under, sheriffs Sgt. Thomas Jones told The Seguin Gazette. Family called 911 around 1:30 p.m. and rescuers from several agencies rushed to the scene to search for McCoy, according to KENS. Officials said McCoy was an experienced swimmer and kayaker, The Seguin Gazette reported, and they dont believe he was wearing a life jacket when the boat flipped. Divers from the New Braunfels Fire Department joined the search around 5 p.m., according to the newspaper. They found McCoys body underwater around 6:20 p.m., KENS reported. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said they believe McCoys death was a tragic accident and not the result of criminal activity, according to KSAT, though an investigation is ongoing. Guadalupe County is just east of San Antonio. Read next: Kayaker drowns trying to save capsized girlfriend, who swims to shore, Indiana cops say 20-year-old spots teens swept into water near dam and dies trying to help, Ohio cops say 18-year-old dies after rescuing several young relatives swimming near dam, MN cops say A tent on a sidewalk in L.A.'s skid row area early on April 22. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A panel of judges from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily froze the deadlines of a federal order to offer housing or shelter to everyone on Los Angeles' skid row by October. Last month, the city and county of Los Angeles filed an appeal of a sweeping injunction from U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ordering urgent action to get people off skid row. In their appeal to the 9th Circuit, the city and county asked for the deadlines to be suspended while their appeal is heard. The appellate court didnt grant that request outright. Instead, the panel of judges paused the order until June 15 and asked for more information on how granting the stay pending appeal sought by the city and county might affect the case before Carter. We find that a brief administrative stay is warranted to preserve the status quo until the district courts May 27, 2021, evidentiary hearing as these further proceedings may impact whether a stay pending appeal is necessary or justified, Judges Margaret McKeown, Marsha Berzon and Danielle Hunsaker wrote. Carters order last month shook city government. Initially it called for the city to put $1 billion in escrow and explain how that money would be used to address homelessness. That order was later modified, but the judge's singular focus on bringing relief to skid row has been criticized by some as distracting from the city and countys broader efforts to address the crisis. Others applauded Carter's effort, saying the city and county had failed in their responsibility to help people on the streets, leaving them to die. Matthew Umhofer, an attorney for the L.A. Alliance, which brought the lawsuit that led to the judge's order, was encouraged by the 9th Circuits decision I see this as a good thing, Umhofer said. Skip Miller, a partner at Miller Barondess who is an outside counsel for Los Angeles County, also welcomed the order and said that Carters ruling was contrary to law. He said the county looked forward to its appeal being heard by the higher court. Story continues Carter wanted the city and county to offer single women and unaccompanied children on skid row a place to stay within 90 days, place families within 120 days and finally, by Oct. 18, offer every homeless person on skid row housing or shelter. The judge's ruling said the city and county had wrongly focused on permanent housing at the expense of more temporary shelter, "knowing that massive development delays were likely while people died in the streets. That element of the order underscored Carters skepticism of a core part of L.A.'s current strategy to tackle homelessness. Carter wrote that after adequate shelter is offered, he would allow the city to enforce laws that keep streets and sidewalks clear of tents so long as theyre consistent with previous legal rulings that have limited the enforcement of such rules. Separately, Carter on Tuesday rejected L.A. County's motion to be fully dismissed from the lawsuit. The county's request was separate from the appeal of Carter's order and came before the skid row order was handed down last month. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. More Californians disapprove of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's job performance. Voters are more positive about Sen. Alex Padilla but many have no opinion. (Associated Press) Californians have mixed reviews for their two Democratic U.S. senators, a new poll showed, with a plurality disapproving Sen. Dianne Feinstein's job performance while holding a more positive assessment of recently appointed Sen. Alex Padilla. The UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies Poll, co-sponsored by The Times, found that Feinstein's popularity remains underwater, with her ratings virtually unchanged since its last survey in January. Just 35% of respondents approved of her work, while 46% disapproved. The remaining 19% had no opinion. The findings mark a significant change in Feinstein's standing with California voters. Throughout her nearly three-decade Senate career, Feinstein, 87, enjoyed positive marks; in December 2017, the most recent Berkeley IGS polling about her until this year, voter approval exceeded disapproval by 11 points. "Voters are viewing her much differently now than they were three years ago," said Mark DiCamillo, the poll's director. Her slide in the polls is reflected in nearly all of the state's demography. Among both men and women, as well as across all age groups, more voters disapprove of her performance than approve. The same is true across geographic regions, even in her native San Francisco. One bright spot for Feinstein is her continued support from Latino voters, which has dipped slightly from 2017 but remains more positive than negative. The flagging approval ratings coincide with increasing skepticism Feinstein has faced from her party's base. Her approach to Supreme Court confirmation hearings under former President Trump was criticized by progressives as overly conciliatory. The Berkeley IGS poll found 47% of liberals now approve of her job performance, a plunge of 23 points from 2017. Feinstein has made some recent overtures to the left namely, by signaling openness to circumventing the filibuster rule in the Senate in order to pass voting rights legislation, a top Democratic priority. Regaining support from her voters, however, may require a more high-profile effort, DiCamillo said. Story continues "In order for her to change voters' minds, she would literally need a forum where there's some spotlight that's focused on her to allow her to have the voters reassess their current positions," DiCamillo said. "They're kind of locking in right now." Californians' opinions of Padilla, the state's junior senator, appear far less fixed. The poll found that 34% of voters approve of his job performance, exceeding the 20% that disapprove. Nearly half of respondents 45% have no opinion at all. The high proportion of those withholding judgment is not surprising, DiCamillo said, given that Padilla was just appointed to the Senate in January by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the vacancy left by Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite his newness, Padilla had positive ratings across nearly all regions of the state, save for the Republican-leaning North Coast and Sierras, and was particularly strong in his home base of Los Angeles County, where 40% of respondents approved of his work and just 17% disapproved. As California's first-ever Latino senator, Padilla also has good marks across racial lines. His popularity is strongest among Latinos, among whom approval hit 48%. With just 18 months until voters will decide if he deserves a full Senate term, Padilla has been relentlessly trying to boost his profile through media appearances and constituent outreach, as well as playing up his progressive bona fides to ward off a challenge from the left. The efforts appear to have resonated with the state's strongly liberal voters who give him a 53% approval rating, the highest of any ideological faction. "There's a lot of communication that will need to take place between now and the election," DiCamillo said, "but he's in a pretty good position." The Berkeley IGS poll surveyed 5,036 California registered voters from April 29 to May 5. The poll was administered online in English and Spanish, and the estimated sampling error is plus or minus 2 percentage points. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Florida governor Ron DeSantis announces pardons for Covid rule breakers (Fox News) Florida governor Ron DeSantis has announced a statewide reprieve for anybody facing fines or jail terms for breaking Covid regulations in the state. The GOP figurehead, and a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, did not introduce a state order on face coverings, but Floridas counties and municipality, as well as firms, were able to do so. Talking with a couple who were facing jail terms for breaking rules on face coverings in Broward County, Mr DeSantis told Fox News viewers on Wednesday that a reprieve was coming into force from Thursday, with full pardons for all Floridians in the coming weeks. [Im] glad to be on to be able to say that effect tomorrow morning, Im gonna sign a reprieve, under my constitutional authority, said the governor. So that will delay the case for 60 days for both of them, and then when our clemency board meets in the coming weeks, well issue pardons not just for Mike and Jillian, but for any Floridan that may have outstanding infractions for things like masks and social distancing. The announcement by Mr DeSantis came after Mike and Jillian Carnevale, a gym owning couple from Broward County, were arrested for not enforcing face covering rules in July and August of last year. Cory Strolla, a lawyer for the Carnevales, told Fox News that the only resolution they [a judge] would approve is a 10 day jail sentence for Mike, and that was before Jillians case was transferred. So the way Broward state charged it, Mike is actually facing two second degree misdemeanours with a total of 120 days in jail, and Jillian is facing one with a total of 60 days in jail, said Mr Strolla. Mr DeSantis continued by challenging the rules on face coverings for exercise, in reference to recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The fact is, its not even right to be wearing masks when youre exercising. The WHO advises against it, its not healthy for people to be doing that in the first place so it was a bad restriction, said the governor, [it] should be advisory and not punitive and so were happy to use our constitutional authority. Story continues Florida, among the first states to end all forms of Covid restrictions in March, is the third worst for infections in the US, with over 2.9m cases, and 35,000 fatalities. Read More Dont panic: White House tells Americans to stay calm over fuel crisis as DeSantis blames Biden for not stepping up Epstein got special treatment in jail but Florida clears officials involved, saying no evidence of bribery Florida clears officials in treatment of Jeffrey Epstein Britain will know by the end of May who paid for the lavish refurbishment of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat, his new ethics adviser said Thursday, after weeks of controversy over the affair. Christopher Geidt was appointed as the government's adviser on ministerial standards a fortnight ago, five months after his predecessor quit when Johnson refused to fire Home Secretary Priti Patel over a finding that she had bullied her officials. The last register of ministerial interests dates from July 2020, and Geidt said he was "determined that it should be published by the end of this month". "The publication of the list of interests will include the prime minister," he told a House of Commons committee, noting that his remit included reviewing "the circumstances of the refurbishment of the flat at Downing Street". Therefore any outside donations that Johnson received to pay for the refurbishment would be revealed as part of the new register, Geidt said. Johnson insists he paid for it himself, but has refused to answer questions over whether he failed to declare an initial donation from a Conservative Party backer. The independent adviser's review is one of several probes under way into the refurbishment, which reportedly cost tens of thousands of pounds. Britain's Electoral Commission, which regulates party and election finance, last month launched a formal investigation after finding "reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred". The commission has powers to demand the repayment of questionable donations and levy fines -- or ultimately refer investigations to the police for criminal prosecution. - Independent adviser - Johnson is "pleased" with Geidt's timeframe, a Downing Street spokesman said, when asked if the prime minister will abide by it. "The timetable for that is entirely in his gift as the independent adviser, so it is a matter for him," the spokesman told reporters. Story continues Geidt faced a grilling from MPs on whether he was truly independent of Johnson, who retains the power of judge and jury over any of the adviser's investigations into cabinet ministers including himself. Geidt is firmly an establishment figure: a former army officer and diplomat, he was private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II for 10 years to 2017, and sits in the House of Lords. John McDonnell of the main opposition Labour party noted that until last month, Geidt sat on the advisory board of BAE Systems, "a company that has plumbed the depths of unethical behaviour" in foreign arms deals. Geidt said he was "proud" of his work ensuring British armed forces are well equipped, and said he would not hesitate "to speak truth unto power". Labour tried in recent weeks to make political capital out of the Downing Street "wallpapergate" affair and other allegations of "sleaze" under Johnson. But last week, the Conservatives triumphed in local and regional elections in England, making further inroads into Labour strongholds. jit-jj/phz/ach Gal Gadot Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has received a backlash online over her tweet about the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza. The Israeli actress and former Miss Israel posted: "Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation," adding: "Our neighbours deserve the same." The comments attracted thousands of replies - now switched off - leading to her name trending on Twitter. In her youth, Gadot completed two years of mandatory military service. "My heart breaks," the 36-year-old posted online. "My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. "I pray for the victims and their families. I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days." While some high-profile people, including US politician Ted Cruz, praised Gadot for her remarks, many others reacted angrily. She was criticised by supporters of the Palestinian cause, who pointed to her service in the Israeli military. In 2019, Gadot become embroiled in a row with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the status of the country's Arab minority. "Love your neighbour as yourself," the Israeli actress said, amid wrangling over the role of Israeli Arab parties in upcoming polls. Mr Netanyahu caused a stir when he said Israel "was not a state of all its citizens", referring to Arabs who made up 20% of its population at the time. He cited a "nation-state" law. Four years ago, Lebanon banned Wonder Woman from cinemas, because the title character was played by an Israeli actress. The Lebanese interior ministry banned the film hours before its release, on a recommendation from the General Security directorate, reports said. Story continues What is going on between Israel and the Palestinians? This is not the first time Gadot has come in for criticism for her activity online. In March 2020, she and her celebrity friends - including Will Ferrell, Amy Adams, Kristen Wiig, Sia and Cara Delevingne - rather misjudged the public mood during the first coronavirus lockdown by offering up a collective cover of John Lennon's Imagine. The rich and famous collaborators were mocked mercilessly online by people questioning their choice of song, which imagines a utopia with "no possessions". 'Human tragedy' Aside from Gadot, model Bella Hadid has also offered her thoughts on the situation in the Middle East, via Instagram. "Future generations will look back in disbelief and wonder how we allowed the Palestinian suffering to continue for so long," said Hadid, whose father is Palestinian. "A human tragedy unfolding right in front of our eyes. "Politicians stutter neutral words in fear of being reprimanded, whilst the world remains silent to avoid offending the wrong people." Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. George P. Bush, the Texas land commissioner and son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), applauded House Republicans on Wednesday for ousting Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from her position as the No. 3 House GOP leader. Bush tweeted that "we need leaders in Congress that stand up for conservative Republican ideology, and Liz Cheney is not that leader," over a quote in which he says Cheney should be "reigning [sic] fire" down on Biden, not "the president," presumably referring to former President Donald Trump. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Bush, 45, has broken with the rest of his family by supporting Trump, but the Bushes also have a long, amicable history with the Cheney family, which "has deep ties to Texas," The Texas Tribune notes. "Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney's father, lived in Dallas between his tenure as President George H.W. Bush's secretary of defense and as President George W. Bush's vice president. In that time, he was the CEO of Halliburton, an oilfield services company." House Republicans demoted Cheney in a voice vote, so there's no record of how Texas Republicans voted, but several GOP House members from the state tweeted that they were proud to kick her out of leadership. "Prior to the insurrection, Cheney was considered one of the fastest rising GOP stars and among the toughest of hard-line conservatives particularly on foreign policy," the Tribune reports. "She spent much of her career working in the State Department and as a Fox News contributor," before easily winning her House seat in 2016. Cheney now says she's playing a long game to wrest her party from the grasp of Trump's "destructive lies." More stories from theweek.com The Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis deserves relentless investigating 7 scathingly funny cartoons about Liz Cheney's ouster 6 books John McWhorter loves Rep. Paul Gosar. AP The House Oversight Committee held a hearing Wednesday about the January 6 Capitol attack. GOP Rep. Paul Gosar said the rioter who died was "executed" and that others were "peaceful patriots." Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz accused him of downplaying the actions of "violent insurrectionists." See more stories on Insider's business page. During a congressional hearing Wednesday, Republican and Democratic lawmakers offered up conflicting views over what occured on January 6, when a pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol and clashed with police, forcing lawmakers to evacuate. Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona painted the people who participated in the riot as victims, referring to them as "peaceful patriots" who are being harassed by the government, and said Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was killed by Capitol police during the attack, was "executed." The House Oversight Committee hearing included testimony about that day from former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee. Read more: Paul Gosar is the GOP's under-the-radar hardcore culture warrior "Outright propaganda and lies are being used to unleash the national security state against law-abiding US citizens, especially Trump voters," Gosar said. He referred to Babbitt, a veteran and QAnon believer who was shot and killed after she had broken into the Capitol, as a "young lady, a veteran wrapped in a US flag." Babbitt was shot as she tried to crawl through a broken out window that led to the Speaker's Lobby and House Chamber where lawmakers were evacuating. Gosar asked Rosen who "executed" Babbitt. The officer that shot her was not charged in her death and has not been named. After an investigation, officials said there was no evidence that "the officer did not reasonably believe that it was necessary to do so in self-defense or in defense of the Members of Congress." Story continues Gosar also criticized the Department of Justice for its investigation and charges brought as a result of the January 6 attack. He said the agency is "harassing peaceful patriots across the country." To date, at least 472 people have been arrested in the Capitol insurrection, with charges that include assaulting police officers, assault with a dangerous weapon, and violent entry of the Capitol, among others. Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia also downplayed the violent actions of the people who attacked the Capitol, and said: "It was Trump supporters who lost their lives that day, not Trump supporters who were taking the lives of others." During the hearing, Democrats offered a different assessment of that day, with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida calling out her GOP colleagues directly. "I want to take a moment to correct some of the dangerous rhetoric and falsehoods uttered by Republicans during this hearing," she said. "Mr. Gosar used his questions to downplay the actions of violent insurrectionists who left 140 police officers injured." "It's shocking how quickly Republicans will turn on law enforcement when it fits their agenda," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider May 12Grand Forks' mayor has rescinded six orders that have been in place since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Brandon Bochenski on Tuesday signed emergency order 2021-2 and, on Wednesday evening, signed emergency order 2021-3. Together, they revoke six earlier emergency orders that he and his predecessor put in place as the city first grappled with the pandemic, including a directive to temporarily house homeless people who've tested positive for the virus or are a close contact of someone who has. Bochenski and City Attorney Dan Gaustad did not return requests for comment Wednesday, but City Administrator Todd Feland said the net effect of revoking those orders means travel is no longer limited for city employees, discretionary spending at Grand Forks City Hall no longer needs to be approved by him and Finance Director Maureen Storstad, door-to-door sales are no longer banned and employees who were temporarily allowed to receive overtime no longer will. Perhaps most notably, the mayor's new orders also rescind an earlier one by former Mayor Mike Brown that directed city Health Department Director Debbie Swanson and other public health staff to provide hotel and motel rooms for people who've tested positive for COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who has, but who lack permanent housing, live in a congregate shelter, or are otherwise not able to quarantine safely in their present living situation. Staff at Grand Forks Public Health said they're determining how best to proceed with the mayor's order and would have a better idea next week of what that would entail. Feland said it means the program won't continue via the city anymore. "There have been plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated," he told the Herald, "and we don't believe it's the responsibility of the city at this point." The city, he said, hasn't put anyone in a hotel or motel via that order in 2021 and doesn't expect to in the future. The money to pay for those hotel stays ultimately came from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which then-President Donald Trump signed into law in March 2020. A gunman opened fire on a group holding a vigil for a victim of another shooting that took place last year. A 20-year-old was killed and three others were injured. Video Transcript - Overnight, we learned tragic new details about that deadly quadruple shooting in broad daylight in Philadelphia's Kingsessing neighborhood. Police tell Action News, eight people were gathered for a vigil to remember a person shot and killed at that very same location 55th and Kingsessing back in September. At 4:00 yesterday afternoon, as people were placing candles and stuffed animals for the vigil, a gunman pulled up and sprayed bullets into the crowd, killing a 20-year-old man and wounding three other people. SCOTT SMALL: Some of the males were actually painting a mural on the side of the corner store when the shooter walked up and fired shots. - The gunman still at large, but police do believe that surveillance cameras are going to help them track that person down. Except for a goal or maybe two, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath didn't hold goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair responsible for the 10 goals allowed in the Loons' four games this season. That didn't stop Heath from making a change in his starting 11 the only one he made for Wednesday's home game against Vancouver when he started veteran Tyler Miller in goal instead. Call it a change maybe just for the sake of one after an 0-4 season start. Heath said "Dayne would be the first admit" that he erred on Colorado's second goal among the three the Rapids scored unanswered in Saturday's second half. He stopped the initial shot but couldn't smother the rebound before Colorado scored in an open goal. "He could have done better," Heath said. "But that happens to the best goalkeepers in the world." St. Clair started last season's final 16 games regular season and playoffs after Miller underwent surgery on both hips in August. He remained as the starter for this season's first four games, which included road losses 4-0 to Seattle in the season opener and 3-2 to Colorado. "What has it been, 18-20 games?" Heath asked Tuesday in a video call with reporters. "I can think of a couple goals I could attribute to the goal, but that's it. Tyler has trained really, really well. Obviously, he has been really disappointed that he has not started. We'll see where that leaves us tomorrow." It left Miller in goal for the first time since his team's semifinal loss in the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando last August. 'Little setback'Starting center-back Bakaye Dibassy missed his fifth consecutive game because of a lingering thigh injury that Heath called minor in preseason. Heath said Dibassy had a "little setback" and indicated he might not play until the Loons return from a three-week FIFA break with a June 19 game at FC Dallas. "As much as I want him back, I'm not going to take the risk of bringing him back for one game quickly and then maybe he has another setback," Heath said. Story continues No. 100The Loons presented veteran defender Michael Boxall with a jersey numbered 100 before Wednesday's game after he played his 100th game for them Saturday at Colorado. "He's everything that's about being a professional footballer," Heath said. "He's a great professional, always available, low maintenance, contributes every day he comes into the club." Still hereBoxall and Brent Kallman are the only Loons player left from the team's last four-game losing streak that ended the 2018 season. "I feel lucky since I've been here," Boxall said. "Being able to get out of bed with a smile on my face and show up to work and play with some great guys." WASHINGTON The House Judiciary Committee reached an agreement with Don McGahn, former White House counsel for President Donald Trump, to testify before lawmakers a resolution in the long-running legal case that represented a constitutional clash between the legislative and executive branches. The committee sought McGahns testimony in May 2019 because he was a key figure in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. McGahn described several episodes of possible obstruction by Trump as he sought to remove Mueller or curb his probe. But McGahn defied the subpoena. The head of the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, Steven Engel, told then-White House Counsel Pat Cipollone that McGahn and other advisers to the president cannot be compelled to testify. Former White House counsel Don McGahn listens Sept. 4, 2018, during the confirmation hearing for Judge Brett Kavanaugh to become associate justice on the Supreme Court. The committee sued to enforce its subpoena and the case has bounced around federal courts ever since. The agreement avoids the need for another round of oral arguments in the case in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which were scheduled May 19, according to court records posted Wednesday. The agreement calls for a transcribed interview with McGahn behind closed doors, rather than in a public hearing. The interview is to be conducted "as soon as possible." But after a confidential review of the transcript for up to seven days, the transcript will be released publicly. "The Committee on the Judiciary and the Executive Branch have now reached an agreement on an accommodation," said the six-page filing from Courtney Dixon, an attorney with the Justice Department, and Douglas Letter, the House general counsel. "Once implemented, the accommodation will resolve the litigation, as set forth in the accommodation agreement." The agreement resolves a clash between the branches of government because the law is unclear about what testimony Congress can demand of the executive branch. Trump claimed executive privilege and absolute immunity from having aides testify, but previous cases to set limits on what documents or testimony Congress can demand have been resolved before courts reached ultimate decisions. Story continues Trump wasnt a party to the agreement and could potentially challenge it. He argued that he cooperated with the investigation that he called a witch hunt by letting McGahn meet with investigators for 30 hours during the two-year inquiry. The Mueller report, based in part on testimony from McGahn and other senior Trump aides, said Trump called McGahn at home June 17, 2017, and told him Mueller had conflicts and should be removed. McGahn didnt carry out the direction, however, deciding that he would resign rather than trigger what he regarded as a potential Saturday Night Massacre, a reference to former President Richard Nixon firing prosecutors during the Watergate investigation. Trump later met with McGahn in the Oval Office and pressured him again, but McGahn refused. McGahn later told Trump's chief of staff that the president had asked him to "do crazy s---," according to the report. Mueller made no decision on whether to charge Trump with obstruction because the Justice Department has a policy against charging a sitting president. Trump blasted the report as a partisan hoax. The court agreement calls for McGahn to testify about public portions of the Mueller report that involve him, and whether the report accurately portrays McGahn's statements. McGahn will be free to decline to answer questions and counsel from the Justice Department may instruct him not to answer questions. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House reaches deal to hear testimony from former Trump aide Don McGahn LOS ANGELES (AP) The husband of former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey will avoid jail time, a judge ruled Thursday, and instead enter a diversion program after pointing a gun at Black Lives Matter members who demonstrated outside the couples home last year, according to the Los Angeles Times. David Lacey, 67, faced three misdemeanor charges of assault with a firearm in the March 2, 2020, incident, which occurred the day before his wife faced a contentious primary race. She ultimately lost the general election to George Gascon, the current district attorney. Jackie Lacey offered an emotional apology at the time, saying her husband told her that he pulled the gun and told protesters to leave. She had faced threats as she sought a third term. Lacey, the first Black person and first woman to run the nations largest local prosecutors office, had been targeted for nearly three years by Black Lives Matter protesters. They held weekly demonstrations outside her office calling for her ouster, saying she failed to hold law enforcement accountable in fatal shootings. Last year, several protesters were outside the Lacey home in Grenada Hills before 6 a.m. Three rang the doorbell and David Lacey opened the door, pointed a gun at them and said, I will shoot you. Get off of my porch, according to video of the incident shot by protesters. David Lacey, who is also Black, was an investigative auditor with the district attorney's office until his 2016 retirement. The Los Angeles Times first reported the judge's approval of David Lacey's request to enter a diversion program. If he performs 100 hours of community service and attends anger management and gun safety classes, his criminal case will be dismissed. He is additionally barred from possessing a firearm for the duration of the agreement, which lasts 18 months, the newspaper reported. The handgun in last year's incident was turned over to police a few days later. Story continues Under the charges brought by the state attorney general which handled the case to avoid a conflict of interest by Jackie Lacey's office each assault count carried a maximum possible sentence of a year in county jail, the Times reported. If he had been convicted, David Lacey also could have been barred from owning a firearm for a decade. We maintain Davids innocence. He was protecting his wife and family from the protesters the night of the incident, his defense attorney, Sam Tyre, said in an email. This diversion allows David to avoid any risks associated with a jury trial. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and one of the people who was threatened, told the newspaper that David Lacey had been treated with kid gloves. It means that my life, the threat that he posed to my life, doesnt mean anything, she said. Hyundai plans to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to make electronic vehicles, enhance production facilities and invest further in smart mobility solutions. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., said Thursday that Hyundai and Kia will invest in growing its electronic manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a variety of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year. Hyundai Motor Group will create a subsidiary in Washington D.C. to spearhead its urban air mobility businesses. In addition, Hyundai and its partner Aptiv will use their joint venture, Motional, to commercialize driverless technology. Motional received a driverless license in Nevada and plans to commercialize robotaxi service there in 2023 along with its partner Lyft. Motional has started testing Hyundais all-electric IONIQ 5 equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology on public roads. Lawmakers held a public hearing to pry into last falls deadly coronavirus outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home that claimed the lives of 36 veterans. Video Transcript - You can join me in a moment of silence, please, in reflection of those veterans that we have lost due to COVID. PATRICK ELWOOD: The Illinois House Veterans' Affairs Committee holding a hearing today on the catastrophic systems failure at the LaSalle Veterans' Home. In a short amount of time, COVID overwhelmed the place late last fall, killing 36. Korean War vet Richard Cieski was one of them. His family and more than 20 others are suing for wrongful death. The deaths prompted Governor Pritzker to make a change in leadership. 31 year Navy veteran Terry Prince was appointed to right the ship amid lawsuits that the veterans' home was mismanaged. Allegations that control measures were not put in place to protect residents. A state probe and 50-page report looked into the root causes and found ineffective hand sanitizer not able to protect residents from the virus, also improper symptom screening, and staff touching residents without proper hygiene. That same report singled out how former VA director Linda Chapa lavia, who abdicated her responsibilities to her chief of staff, who had no medical background, to direct important operational decisions. Today, Republican House Minority Leader Jim Durkin sent AG Kwame Raoul a letter citing laws that apply to abuse or neglect at long-term health care facilities. Quote, "this law was put into place to make sure there is accountability in our care facilities. And in this case, our veterans were under the direct care of the executive branch," unquote. Back at today's hearing, what happened to these vets, the general sentiment, came down to this, absolutely inexcusable. - Inspector General, just to clarify for that, if there were any improper outreach, or pressure, or anything to that effect, that would be something that would generate another, like, a complaint to the OEIG, or it would be noted. PATRICK ELWOOD: So 11 other Republicans are with Durkin in calling for a criminal investigation. Given the political reality of Raoul being asked by Republicans to investigate a fellow Democrat, the governor, we'll see how far that goes-- or at least the governor's staff. Back to you. Singapore Airlines crew members and travellers walk along the transit hall of Changi International Airport terminal in Singapore on January 14, 2021. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images) SINGAPORE All travellers entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 21 days to Vietnam will be required to serve a 21-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN), at dedicated SHN facilities, with immediate effect. In a press release on Thursday (13 May) night, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that this is because there has been a recent increase in cases reported by Vietnam. Travellers were previously required to serve a 21-day SHN: a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities and an additional even days at a place of residence or self-sourced accommodation. Travellers serving 21-day SHN will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and before the end of their 21-day SHN period. Deadline of 11.59pm on 15 May for those currently serving 14-day SHN With the current requirement, travellers who have not completed their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities by 11.59pm on 15 May will be required to serve the additional seven days at their current dedicated SHN facility. These travellers will be contacted regarding the additional costs to be paid. Travellers who are currently serving their SHN at a place of residence or self-sourced accommodation will be required to complete their 21-day SHN at their current location to minimise movement and risk of transmission. On Thursday, Singapore reported 34 new COVID-19 cases, with 24 community cases and 10 imported ones. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Singapore stories: Yio Chu Kang Pri student positive for COVID, 3-day HBL implemented Woman, 27, dies after fall from 6th floor of TTSH Ex-SPH deputy chief Patrick Daniel to be interim CEO of SPH Media On the same day that a COVID-19 variant first identified in India was confirmed to be in Ada County, Central District Health lifted its public health advisory for Ada and the three other counties under its jurisdiction, according to a news release Thursday. The decision comes after a week of easing restrictions and several weeks of positive trends in Idahos caseload. Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare propelled the state into Stage 4 of its reopening on Tuesday, removing recommended limits on gathering sizes, and on Thursday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance that fully vaccinated Americans do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, unless in a crowded transportation mode or public health setting. Local jurisdictions or businesses still may require masks. CDH, which has jurisdiction over Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties, said in a Thursday release that Idahoans should still consider wearing masks depending on the setting. Masks remain an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, according to the department. Some situations remain at a higher risk, such as visiting an indoor establishment, versus outdoor venues, according to the release. Think about possible scenarios and make prepared decisions when around those who havent had the chance to get vaccinated, such as adolescents and children, and those who are immunocompromised. In Boise, masks are still required in indoor public spaces and gatherings are limited to 50 people without a signed safety plan from CDH, according to the citys website. But the mayors office said in a release that it is reviewing its rules for Boise and will make an announcement about any possible changes on Friday. After the CDC recommended that those ages 12 to 15 receive the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday, providers around Idaho continued opening up appointments to the new age group on Thursday. Primary Health Medical Group, which has 20 clinics in the Treasure Valley, is now offering walk-in appointments for children, according to a release. Clinic locations can be found on the Primary Health website. Story continues VARIANT FROM INDIA FOUND IN ADA COUNTY A variant of the coronavirus that has been linked to the mammoth COVID crisis surging in India has been identified in Ada County, according to Central District Health. The health agency announced Thursday that a man younger than 30 who was infected in April and who reported having recently traveled internationally had a strain of the virus known as B.1.617.2, which was first identified in India. He was not hospitalized, according to CDH. In recent weeks, India has faced an out-of-control second wave that has left at least 250,000 people dead and 23 million infected with COVID-19, according to The New York Times. The South Asian country has accounted for nearly half of the globes daily cases in May, according to Sky News, and has broken records with over 400,000 new daily infections. Multiple variants are circulating in the worlds second most populous country, Delhi, including the U.K. variant, B.1.1.7. But scientists have linked the B.1.617 variant, of which there are multiple sub-lineages, to many of the cases surging across India. The variant is believed by some scientists to be more transmissible and slightly better at evading immunity than existing variants, according to Nature. On Monday, the World Health Organization, the United Nations public health agency, elevated the India variant from a variant of interest to a variant of concern. The higher threshold for variants of concern is used when evidence suggests that viral strains are more transmissible, virulent, or resistant to public health measures, according to the WHO. In the U.S., the B.1.617 strains are still listed as variants of interest by the CDC. Though Central District Health did not disclose where the infected Ada County man had traveled, the variant identified in India has now been found in more than 40 countries. Last week, the White House moved to restrict travel from India, citing the magnitude of the countrys crisis. There have been 139 cases of variants of concern recorded in CDH territory, including 135 in Ada County, according to the health district. Other variants found include the U.K. (B.1.1.7), California (B.1.427/B.1.249), New York City (B.1.526) and Brazil (P.1) versions. The Brazil variant hasnt been found in a person in Ada (it was in Elmore) but was detected in Boise wastewater. The U.K. variant has been found 264 times in Idaho and the California variants 57 times. The New York variant is next at seven cases, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 149 NEW CASES, 0 DEATHS Continuing a downward trend, Idaho added 149 new cases and no COVID-related deaths on Thursday, according to updated data from Health and Welfare. The additional cases mark the lowest daily tally in two months. More than half of the new cases were added in Ada (45 new, 52,189 total), Canyon (21 new, 26,783 total) and Kootenai (28 new, 18,133 total) counties. The state also subtracted one case from Boise County (356 total). There have been 2,064 COVID-19-related deaths in Idaho, and the state estimates that 109,387 people have recovered from the disease. The other counties adding new cases on Thursday were: Bannock (3 new, 8,777 total), Bingham (1 new, 4,826 total), Bonner (1 new, 3,248 total), Bonneville (3 new, 14,899 total), Elmore (5 new, 2,018 total), Franklin (3 new, 1,187 total), Gem (5 new, 1,779 total), Gooding (4 new, 1,315 total), Idaho (5 new, 1,228 total), Jefferson (1 new, 3,004 total), Jerome (2 new, 2,606 total), Latah (8 new, 3,153 total), Lewis (1 new, 397 total), Madison (3 new, 7,201 total), Nez Perce (4 new, 3,631 total), Payette (1 new, 2,564 total), Twin Falls (6 new, 9,532 total). DAILY DETAILS Vaccine doses administered in Idaho: 1,141,083, according to Health and Welfare. Of those, 548,896 people have been fully vaccinated. Overall hospitalizations: Health and Welfare reports that there have been 8,262 hospitalizations of people with COVID-19, 1,393 admissions to the ICU and 10,586 health care workers infected. Hospital and health care numbers are based on cases with completed investigations into contacts, not the full number of positives. St. Lukes Health System: As of May 12, the health system was reporting 18 patients in its hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 out of 528 patients overall. The health system reported a 14-day coronavirus test positivity rate of 4%. Saint Alphonsus Health System: As of May 12, the health system was reporting 30 patients in its hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 out of 396 patients overall. The health system reported a 14-day coronavirus test positivity rate of 6.6%. Boise School District: Reported confirmed cases since May 11: Garfield Elementary (1). West Ada School District: Reported confirmed cases for April 29-May 12: Centennial High (3), Rocky Mountain High (2), Lake Hazel Middle (1), Lowell Scott Middle (2), Sawtooth Middle (3), Christine Donnell (1), Hillsdale Elementary (1), Hunter Elementary (2), Peregrine Elementary (1), Ponderosa Elementary (1), Willow Creek Elementary (1). Total COVID-19 cases by county (confirmed + probable): Ada 52,189, Adams 341, Bannock 8,777, Bear Lake 382, Benewah 685, Bingham 4,826, Blaine 2,377, Boise 356, Bonner 3,248, Bonneville 14,899, Boundary 868, Butte 210, Camas 71, Canyon 26,783, Caribou 692, Cassia 2,942, Clark 59, Clearwater 1,050, Custer 250, Elmore 2,018, Franklin 1,187, Fremont 1,132, Gem 1,779, Gooding 1,315, Idaho 1,228, Jefferson 3,004, Jerome 2,606, Kootenai 18,133, Latah 3,153, Lemhi 528, Lewis 397, Lincoln 508, Madison 7,201, Minidoka 2,339, Nez Perce 3,631, Oneida 362, Owyhee 1,067, Payette 2,564, Power 655, Shoshone 1,117, Teton 1,221, Twin Falls 9,532, Valley 838, Washington 1,215. Boris Johnson, pictured on a visit to Ferryhill on Thursday, has said he is anxious about the spread of the Indian coronavirus variant. (Getty Images) Cases of the Indian coronavirus variant have risen by 152% in the space of a week. New figures from Public Health England (PHE) show that as of Wednesday, there were 1,313 confirmed cases involving the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first identified in India. This is up 793 from 520 last week demonstrating why some scientists and ministers are increasingly concerned about its spread in the UK. PHE has said it is actively monitoring the impact and severity of the variant. It comes after Boris Johnson hinted at the possibility of local lockdowns. Speaking earlier on Thursday, the prime minister admitted he is "anxious" about the variant and said he's "ruling nothing out". Asked if local lockdowns were possible, Johnson said: There are a range of things we could do, we want to make sure we grip it." Watch: PM not ruling out local lockdowns for Indian variant cases He added: "At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead on Monday [with the third easing of lockdown restrictions] and indeed on 21 June [when the government wants to drop all restrictions on social contact], but there may be things we have to do locally and we will not hesitate to do them if that is the advice we get. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) held a meeting to discuss the variant's spread, amid fears it could have an impact on the governments road map out of lockdown for England. In Bolton, which has one of the highest case rates of the variant in the country, mobile testing units have been deployed and door-to-door PCR testing has been offered to 22,000 people. A vaccine bus has been set up to increase uptake among those who are eligible. Measures have also been brought in elsewhere, including in parts of London. There are three variants in the UK that have been identified in India, but scientists are most worried about the B.1.617.2 one. There is currently no solid data about the impact the variant may have on vaccines, though Englands chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said on Monday: At this point in time our view is it is less likely to be able to escape vaccination than some of the other variants, particularly the South African one." Story continues On Wednesday, the European Medicines Agency also said it was pretty confident that vaccines currently in use would be effective against the Indian variant a view echoed by some British scientists. While the total detected infections involving the variant remain relatively low, scientists are concerned at how sharply cases have risen over the last few weeks. Prof Whitty also said it could be at least as transmissible as the Kent variant. This caused the massive spike of infections, hospital admissions and deaths in December and January though at that point only a small number of people had been vaccinated. However, one leading scientist insisted people "need to stop panicking about every new variant that comes along". Prof Robert Dingwall, who is a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) a committee which advises the government on the threat posed by new respiratory viruses told PA following the PM's comments: "B.1.617.2 seems to be slightly more transmissible and capable of outcompeting the B.1.1.7 [UK variant] or B.1.351 [South African variant] to become the dominant variant in the UK. Read more: Government 'ruling nothing out' as PM says he's 'anxious' about Indian variant Have your say: How often will you work from home after 21 June? The consequence of this would be a greater number of mild illnesses with little risk of a surge in hospitalisations or deaths. This variant seems to be better managed by the vaccines than the South African variant so... vaccinated people have only a very low risk of infection that is likely to be mild. Meanwhile, another expert has dismissed the idea of local lockdowns to deal with the Indian variant, pointing to the limited effectiveness of tier systems last autumn. Prof James Naismith, from the University of Oxford, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that it may spread way beyond the local areas where it has been detected. I think we should view it as a countrywide problem, he said. "It will get everywhere. We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. When we tried locally having different restrictions in different regions that didnt really make any difference." Watch: Do coronavirus vaccines affect fertility? More than 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses will "likely be available in India between August to December," a top Indian government official claimed on Thursday, per Reuters. But the coming influx will be months behind India's current crisis. Multiple Indian states are battling a vaccine shortage that, as of Wednesday, has forced a pause in inoculations for those aged 18 to 44. Western Maharashtra, the southern state of Karnataka, and the union territory of Delhi have all been affected, CNN reported Thursday morning. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia blamed the shortages on "vaccine mismanagement" by the central government and called the country's decision to export vaccines its "biggest mistake," per CNN. Sisodia also shared a letter from India's Bharat Biotech, manufacturers of Covaxin, India's "first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine." In the letter, the company claims it is "unable to keep up with the demand." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Karnataka has "suspended vaccinations for the 18 to 44 age group until May 14," and will "use its current supplies to vaccinate those due for a second dose," writes CNN. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Western Maharashtra state decided similarly, suspending vaccines for the 18 to 44 age group "until it receives more vaccines from the central government or can independently procure more vaccines," reported CNN. India surpassed 250,000 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, as the B.1.617 variant "ravages" the Indian countryside, writes Reuters. It was the country's deadliest 24 hours thus far. With crematoriums at or past capacity, bodies of "suspected COVID-19 victims" have begun washing up in the Ganges and "rivers across India." According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for "half of COVID-19 cases and 30 percent of deaths worldwide." More stories from theweek.com Poll: Most GOP voters think 2020 election was illegitimate, but lawmakers should prioritize other issues 7 scathingly funny cartoons about Liz Cheney's ouster There's growing speculation that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will name their daughter 'Philippa' Israeli ground troops have joined the fight near the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Thursday night. Driving the news: While tanks and artillery were deployed for the first time on Thursday, the IDF says no ground troops have crossed into Gaza. Israel has called up 9,000 reservists and massed at least three brigades on the frontier with Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. The last ground war between Israel and Hamas took place in 2014. The big picture: The current escalation began on Monday in Jerusalem, where Palestinians were protesting the planned evictions of six Palestinian families in favor of Jewish settlers, and Israeli nationalists were planning an annual march to celebrate the reunification of the city under Israeli control. With the city braced for violence, Israeli police raided the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, or Temple Mount, and violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, some of whom were throwing stones. As images from al-Aqsa spread around the region, Hamas warned that they would attack Israel if Israeli police didnt leave the compound, one of the holiest sites for both Muslims and Jews. An air war has followed, with Hamas firing thousands of rockets from Gaza and Israel conducting airstrikes, which the Gaza Health Ministry says have killed at least 109 Palestinians, including 28 children. Several high-rise buildings have been toppled, and the Israeli military says it has killed several Hamas commanders. One Israeli soldier and six others, including one child in Israel have been killed by Hamas attacks, which have targeted Israel's largest cities. Most of the rockets fired from Gaza have been intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome aerial defense system. International actors including the UN, U.S. and Egypt have been attempting to prevent further escalation, though the Biden administration has repeatedly emphasized Israels right to defend itself and has not publicly called for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, in the streets of Israeli cities with Jewish and Arab residents, horrific scenes of mob violence have unfolded over the past three nights, with both Arab and Jewish individuals and businesses targeted. Story continues Its the worst inter-communal violence in Israel since the start of the Second Intifada in 2000, Axios Barak Ravid reports. Thursday's escalation comes on the Eid al-Fitr holiday, normally a joyous day on which Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan. Go deeper: Israel's "change bloc" collapses, leaving Netanyahu in charge Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the IDF confirmed no ground troops have entered Gaza. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) The Japanese fashion tycoon whos booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. "Going to the ISS before the Moon," Yusaku Maezawa announced Thursday via Twitter. Maezawa has bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Im so curious, Whats life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world, Maezawa said in a statement. He'll be the first person to pay his own way to the space station in more than a decade, according to Virginia-based Space Adventures, which brokered the deal. A Space Adventures spokeswoman declined to divulge the cost. The company has sent seven other tourists to the space station, from 2001 to 2009. Maezawa's trip to the moon aboard Elon Musk's Starship is tentatively scheduled for 2023. He'll fly around the moon not land with eight contest winners. Maezawa, 45, who founded an online retail clothing business, will be joined by photographer and assistant Yozo Hirano. They will be escorted by Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, whos spent nearly a year aboard the space station on two separate missions. The launch is scheduled for Dec. 8 from Kazakhstan. Thursday's announcement comes amid a flurry of private space initiatives. The Russian Space Agency announced Thursday that a Russian actress and movie director will launch to the space station in October for filming. The movie is tentatively titled Challenge. In January, the first private mission to the space station from the U.S. will bring three businessmen from the U.S., Canada and Israel who are paying about $55 million apiece. They will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space Center and will be accompanied by a former NASA astronaut who now works for Houston-based Axiom Space, which arranged the deal. The company plans about two private missions to the space station a year. Story continues Before the space station visits, SpaceX will launch its first private spaceflight with four people on board, including tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who purchased the mission. They will spend three days orbiting Earth in September. This truly is a renaissance in U.S. human spaceflight," NASA's director of commercial spaceflight, Phil McAlister, told reporters Monday. I think that's the perfect word for what we're experiencing. ___ 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. BERLIN (AP) Germany's leading Jewish group on Thursday sharply condemned protests in front of a synagogue in the western city of Gelsenkirchen as pure antisemitism. Several other German cities including Berlin, Hamburg and Hannover have seen anti-Israeli protests over the past few days. At least two synagogues were attacked, and several Israeli flags were torn down and burned since the latest eruption of violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The Central Council of Jews in Germany tweeted a video of dozens of protesters in Gelsenkirchen waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and yelling expletives about Jews. Jew hatred in the middle of Gelsenkirchen in front of the synagogue. The times in which Jews were cursed in the middle of the street should have long been over. This is pure antisemitism, nothing else! the group tweeted. The German government repeatedly condemned anti-Israeli and antisemitic attacks earlier this week and said that the perpetrators must be found and held responsible and Jewish institutions must be protected thoroughly. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Funke Media Group that there must be zero tolerance for attacks on synagogues in our country. All of us are called on to make it very clear that we do not accept if Jews in Germany are made responsible for the events in the Middle East neither in the streets nor on social media, Maas added. The protests in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday were dispersed by police, German news agency dpa reported, but authorities reported further incidents in other parts of the country. Some cities which had hoisted Israeli flags in front of their city halls on Wednesday in remembrance of the start of German-Israeli diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, reported that the flags were torn down and sometimes burned. An Israeli flag in front of a city hall in the western town of Solingen was torn and burnt and two Israeli flags in Berlin were also torn down late Wednesday night. Story continues On Tuesday night, police stopped 13 suspects in the western city of Muenster near a synagogue after an Israeli flag was burned there. In the western city of Bonn, police said several people damaged the entrance of a synagogue with stones and investigators found a burned flag as well. In nearby Duesseldorf, somebody burned garbage on top of a memorial for a former synagogue. Several cities and states in Germany have since upped their security and raised police presence in front of Jewish institutions, dpa reported. In Berlin, some 100 people also assembled for a pro-Israel rally on Wednesday night in front of the city's landmark Brandenburg Gate waving Israeli flags and holding a banner saying We stand with Israel Now and Forever." Watching the Connecticut Sun from afar last summer, Jonquel Jones was at peace with her decision to opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns. That doesnt mean she wasnt itching to be with the team, especially when the WNBA playoffs came around and the seventh-seed Sun cruised through the first two rounds to earn a spot in the semifinals. Definitely when the team started to make that late playoff push, I wanted to be there, Jones said on Thursday. If I could have said, Take me back for the rest for the playoffs and let me play, I would have done that for sure. I definitely wanted to be there, seeing how close the team was and understanding that we have a team that can compete for championships. Jones finally has a chance to compete again. Shes back with the Sun, who begin their season Friday at Atlanta at 7:30 p.m. This time, the former MVP candidate will be playing with a chip on her shoulder. Personally I always feel like people underestimate me, Jones said. For the things that Ive been able to do in the league, I just dont feel like theres enough respect behind my name, and so Im coming into the season definitely trying to prove something, especially because I sat out last year. Jones opt-out last season was one of the more noteworthy ones. In 2019, she was an All-WNBA Second Team and All-Defensive Team pick, leading the league in total rebounds and blocks, and was the Suns leading scorer (14.6 points per game), rebounder (9.7 rpg) and shot-blocker (2.0 bpg). Jones says she was constantly in contact with teammates Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, the latter whom she helped recruit to Connecticut in 2020 free agency, while they played in the bubble. Despite missing Jones, starting 0-5 and finishing the regular season 10-12, the Sun still managed to advance to the semifinals, largely behind the heroics of Bonner and Thomas. They fell in Game 5, 66-63, to the Las Vegas Aces. Jones, now entering her fifth year in the WNBA, relished her time home in the Bahamas, getting some family time in and a much-needed break from her typical year-round playing schedule. She was able to keep in shape by working out with her childhood coach. She eventually went overseas to play with UMMC Ekaterinburg, which finished its season undefeated on its way to securing a pair of EuroLeague and Russian league championships. Story continues The squad features a WNBA All-Star lineup of featuring Jones, Breanna Stewart, Emma Meesseman, Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot and Brittney Griner. We didnt lose a game, so I dont think you can do too much better from that standpoint, Jones said. I just worked on a lot of things and was able to sharpen myself playing against the best players every day in practice, playing with them on the court. Overseas is always great. Russia is a good experience, and Im happy to be going back there. After the Russian League finished on April 27, Jones got a few days of a mental and physical break in Atlanta, where her sister lives, before heading to Connecticut. She had to undergo six consecutive days of negative COVID-19 testing before she could join the team for practice, which she finally did on Wednesday. It means a lot to be back with this team and this organization, Jones said. This is where Ive been my entire WNBA career. Just watching the games last summer, I felt like I was missing out and I missed being out there with them, so its good to be back. This organization is world-class, they treat us very well, and I love being here because Connecticut is just a chill vibe. Jones and Bonner will finally take the court together for the first time this weekend, but the emergence of Suns intended Big Three was delayed yet again after Thomas went down with a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in January. That makes a strong return for Jones, one that ideally builds off her breakout 2019 season, even more critical for the Suns success. Jones is also aware that it will take some time for the team to get into a groove, especially considering most of their starters arrived at camp late. Briann January, who was acquired from Phoenix after the 2019 season, returned Thursday after her overseas season in Hungary concluded. Jasmine Thomas is still in COVID-19 protocols and wont be available for another week or so. Jones has also not played significant minutes with Brionna Jones, who started at center last season in place of Jonquel and will play a big role once more with Alyssa Thomas out. And adjusting to life without Alyssa Thomas will take some time to get used to. Chemistry is just such a fickle thing, Jonquel said. It can be quick, it can be a little bit slower. A lot of us know the plays, and were familiar with the sets and stuff like that. Its just more about understanding tendencies and the things that people prefer to do on the court. I think thatll take a little bit more time, but I think we have the hardest part down. Still, Jonquel is excited to see how it all comes together. I think our ceiling is as high as we want it to go, she said. I think we can be a very successful team, but it all comes down to how we mesh on the floor and how were able to problem solve as we hit adversity. I know that were going to be a good team. Alexa Philippou can be reached at aphilippou@courant.com IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) A judge dismissed a rarely used felony leak charge Thursday against a Black Lives Matter activist in Iowa who gave a confidential police document to a local television news reporter. Protester Viet Tran did not break the law when he shared a Des Moines Police Department bulletin during an interview broadcast on WOI-TV, an ABC affiliate, Judge Jeffrey Farrell found. Tran had been charged last summer with unauthorized dissemination of intelligence data, a felony that carries up to five years in prison. The decades-old law, intended to stop law enforcement officials from releasing certain sensitive information, had only been used a handful of times and never in a non-police context. During a protest outside the county jail last July, Tran discussed and displayed the police document in an interview with WOI-TV reporter Eva Andersen. The bulletin included photos of 13 suspects who were wanted for the destruction of a Des Moines police car during a June 20 protest outside a grocery store. Officers and state troopers had carried the bulletins with them while patrolling a July 1 protest at the Iowa Capitol, seeking to identify and arrest those involved. Police allege that activist Alexandria Dea stole one of the bulletins from an officers back pocket during a scuffle between officers and protesters, before Tran obtained it and gave the document to the reporter. Like Tran, Dea was charged with unauthorized dissemination of intelligence data. Civil rights activists argued that Polk County Attorney John Sarcone's office overstepped by filing the charge against protesters, saying they weren't bound by the law. The television reporter was not charged, even though she broadcast the document and posted photos of it on her Twitter account. Farrell ruled Thursday that the document in question did not include any intelligence data, which is defined under Iowa law as information compiled about individuals to prevent or monitor possible criminal activity. He said it only contained criminal investigative data" since it referred to criminal acts that had already occurred. Story continues Because the bulletin at issue in this case is not intelligence data, any dissemination of the bulletin is not a crime, Farrell wrote. Farrell noted that the document was labeled an intelligence report and contained a warning that no portion of this communication should be released to non-law-enforcement organizations, the media or the general public. But he said the department's designation does not control how it should be classified, and that criminal laws must be strictly construed in favor of the accused. Farrell said that he didn't need to consider Tran's arguments that persons outside law enforcement have no duty to protect intelligence data, or that the law is unconstitutional on free speech grounds. He ordered the case against Tran to be dismissed and assessed costs against the state. Tran had been jailed for three weeks after he was arrested on the charge last summer and accused of violating his probation in an earlier case. A prosecutor had called him a threat to public safety, saying he had posted threats on social media toward police and television stations. A judge allowed his release on the condition that he wear a GPS monitor. Thursday's ruling is the latest setback for Sarcone, a long-serving Democrat whose office has had a series of cases dismissed or result in acquittal in recent months. A jury in March acquitted a Des Moines Register reporter who was pepper-sprayed and arrested by police on misdemeanor charges while covering a Black Lives Matter protest. Sarcone's office is still prosecuting Dea, 27, on the leak charge and a felony theft charge for allegedly stealing the bulletin and throwing an officer's police radio. She has drawn a different judge and is awaiting trial. Assistant Polk County Attorney Thomas Miller said in a recent court filing that the leak law had only been successfully applied twice, both times against law enforcement officials in the 1980s. The only other known time it was filed was in 2016, when a sheriffs office employee was charged with leaking information to suspects in drug and drunken driving cases but ended up pleading to a lesser offense. The court is not constrained by this limited prior use of this statute, Miller argued. He wrote that the law applied to anyone who disseminated intelligence information and could be used against reporters in certain scenarios. Police used their discretion in declining to recommend charges against Andersen, he said. A federal jury has found a Wichita Falls man not guilty of threatening to kill the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and other government officials. Jurors reached their decision last week in the case of 29-year-old Gavin Weslee Blake Perry, who had been charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce. A resident had alerted Wichita Falls police in 2020 that Perry had posted the threats on a Facebook account under the name of Gavinwbperry, according to a federal criminal complaint. Perry and his attorney, Frank D. Trotter of Wichita Falls, could not be reached Thursday for comment on the verdict. Prosecutors declined on Thursday to comment. If he had been convicted, he faced a maximum of five years in a federal prison. At the time of his arrest, Perry stated the officers were violating his First Amendment right to free speech, and when he bonded out of jail he would refuse to comply with any order to come to court. He told officers that he did not recognize the authority of the federal government. According to federal court documents, Perry posted on Facebook in March 2020 that, If youre a dem or apart of the establishment in the democrats side I view you as a criminal and a terrorist and I advise everyone to Go SOS (shoot on sight) and use live rounds. This is not gonna change until we attack NSA the DOJ the FBI and Any other agencies who want to get involved. Shoot to kill. This is a revolution. Later he wrote on Facebook that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is apart of a satanic cult and so are the people who work closely with her. Dems of the establishment will be removed at any cost necessary and yes that means by death. Perry has a criminal history in Wichita County, according to jail records. Since June 2009, Perry has been booked into jail on charges of assault, failure to appear in court at least seven times, public intoxication, speeding, disruption of school activities and possession of tobacco products. In late April a Kansas activist posted in a Facebook group seeking unpaid unemployment claimants on behalf of a state Republican Party leader. Kim Borchers, the Kansas Republican National Committeewoman, was in search of jobless people willing to describe their struggles with the Kansas Department of Labor in a video that would air as an attack against Gov. Laura Kelly in the 2022 gubernatorial race. Cassandra Dickerson, the activist, agreed to help. Its so challenging and difficult because I know it will be used to weaponize this election, particularly against Governor Kelly, said Dickerson, a 40-year-old Olathe woman who has organized protests related to unemployment benefits in Kansas. Ive really tried to stay neutral in this situation but I cannot sit back and pretend that this did not happen and this did not happen under (Kellys) watch. Borchers did not respond to the Stars request for comment. If it ultimately airs, the video will likely be one of many Republican attacks on Kelly for her handling of unemployment insurance during the pandemic, a bureaucratic bungle that left thousands of Kansans with late or undelivered payments of federal benefits. And yet, Kansas Republicans in Washington and Topeka are now seeking an end to those same federal benefits. Citing a need to encourage Kansans to get back to work state legislative leaders and the Republican House delegation have called on Kelly to halt Kansas participation in the program, following the lead of Republican governors including Missouris Mike Parson. U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, is sponsoring a bill to cut the benefit in half immediately and end it entirely after the end of June. As vaccines facilitate the nations reentry into normal life, Republicans argue that the expanded benefits are an incentive for workers to stay off the job market, hindering businesses ability to fill vacant positions. By failing to terminate the benefits, Speaker of the Kansas House Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said Kelly was failing to deliver a system that supports economic recovery. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said ending the enhanced payments would allow Kansas economy to return to normal. Story continues Policies championed by Democrats that embrace permanent welfare will dramatically thin our workforce, cripple small businesses, and rob capable individuals of the dignity that comes with hard work, said U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner in a statement with U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Ron Estes on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Kelly said the federal benefits will remain in place, at least for now, as she reviews the economic data. I have always researched the issues and figured out what to do and then acted accordingly while regardless of the political pressure that I get on issues, Kelly said. Kelly called it ironic that the same politicians who criticized her for months over the handling of unemployment in Kansas now wanted to end the program. In a statement, Kelly spokesman Sam Coleman slammed the plan to recruit unpaid claimants for an attack video against Kelly. The Brownback Administration are the very people responsible for destroying the infrastructure at KDOL, Coleman said. Its unsurprising but disappointing to see them now trying to score political points, right after Governor Kelly signed major bipartisan legislation to move the agency forward and modernize its IT systems. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Kansas Department of Labor has been in turmoil. The agency has gone through four secretaries in the last year while contending with the new federal programs and an unprecedented volume of claims supported by a 1970s-era computer system. As of Thursday at least 1,500 Kansans were still waiting to receive some of their federal benefits, according to Kellys office. In February, Kelly wrote to Washington asking for funds to modernize the agencys IT, a project she said was canceled by former Gov. Sam Brownback. Kansas Republicans responded by accusing her of presenting a false narrative and with suggestions for how she could better do her job. The Department of Labors inability to provide unemployment benefits in a timely or organized fashion during the heart of pandemic is not at all related to whether those extra benefits should be paid indefinitely, Masterson said in a statement Thursday. Asked about Kansans who struggled to obtain their benefits at the height of the pandemic because of problems at the Kansas Department of Labor, Marshall said they should still be paid the back benefits owed. So yes, the governor failed miserably and Im not sure if its even fixed, but its getting closer to being fixed as people go back to work, he said. So certainly theyre entitled to that back benefit they should have received, but going forward I think theres no reason you cant get a job in Kansas. Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes called the pressure to end expanded benefits typical and political at the onset of election season. This is the same delegation and the same party who did not want to invest in the unemployment system, Sykes said. They have never looked on the worker side of how we help workers. Its always been how do we give advantages to businesses. Marshall and other Senate Republicans held a news conference Wednesday where they blamed the enhanced benefit for a labor shortage dogging small businesses. Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn derisively referred to the money as Biden bucks. After several of Marshalls colleagues heaped praise on their states GOP governors for cutting the benefit, Marshall called on Kelly to do the same in Kansas. I am absolutely calling on her to end the federal unemployment extra benefit. People will still get their $500 a week, but this would end the extra $300 I would love for Gov. Kelly to make the announcement, Marshall said. I think the economys had a huge rebound and just the volume of people talking to me, business owners, saying, My goodness, we cant get people back to work, Marshall said. Cutting benefits may make workforce problems worse instead of better, said Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEBR) at Wichita State University, Although some Kansans may choose not to work because of benefits, he said, structural changes in industries mean many cannot find positions that match the skill set and pay of the jobs they left. In most cases I think the real story is theyre not connecting to the labor market. Theyre struggling to figure out where they can pay bills in a new market, he said. Biden spokeswoman Jen Psaki, asked Wednesday at the White House about Parsons decision to reduce benefits to spur workers back to work, rejected the idea that enhanced benefits were a disincentive to take a job. Frankly, we find that to be a bit off, off track, because what weve seen in the data is that the actual issues at play here are the pandemic and people needing to address things like childcare, being fearful about going back to work before they were vaccinated, Psaki said. So states governors are going to make their own decisions, but its important to convey that when you look at the data, when you look at the facts, we have not seen that as a widespread driving factor in people not going back to work. McClatchy DCs Francesca Chambers contributed to this report. May 13Question : President Biden wants states to reinstate job-search requirements for people who are on unemployment. Do you know when Hawaii will do that ? Answer : No, but the director of the state's Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is scheduled to meet with Gov. David Ige today to discuss it, said DLIR spokesman Bill Kunstman. Since the pandemic began, Hawaii has waived the requirement that people search for at least three jobs a week while collecting unemployment benefits. The waiver is authorized by federal law. According to news reports Monday, President Biden has ordered the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that people throughout the country don't collect enhanced federal jobless aid if they turn down a suitable job. Kunstman said it likely "would take a while " to reinstate the job-search requirements and that Hawaii claimants would be notified well in advance. Q : When job-search requirements are reinstated, how would that affect people who are expecting /hoping to be called back to their previous jobs ? Would they have to take a different job if it was offered ? A : That would depend on individual circumstances, Kunstman said, as spelled out in Hawaii labor laws. He cited Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 5, Title 12, found at. Section 12-5-35 outlines the usual requirements for eligibility for unemployment benefits, which include registering for and searching for work ; being available for work ; and, after extended unemployment, being willing to accept a different type of work, accept lower pay, relocate for work or be retrained. All those requirements in force before the pandemic might be unfamiliar to people who filed for unemployment compensation for the first time during the pandemic. Q : What about people who are on partial benefits, for example, furloughed employees working reduced hours ? Would they also have to search for and accept new jobs that paid them full-time wages, rather than staying on partial benefits ? Story continues A : No, Hawaii Revised Statutes 383-29.8 waives the work-search requirement for them, because their employers have not fully laid them off, Kunstman said. Q : Some states are dropping the $300 weekly federal "plus-up " that is added to unemployment because they believe the extra money is deterring potential employees from reentering the job market. Does Hawaii plan to drop the plus-up ? A : "The department has no plans to make a recommendation to suspend the federal plus-up, " said Kunstman. He noted that any recommendations from the department center on administrative and operational adherence to applicable state and federal laws and regulations, "not on setting economic policy." What's known as the plus-up is the federal bonus added to the jobless aid of claimants receiving any amount of weekly unemployment compensation. Whether a claimant receives $100 a week or $600 a week in state UI, for example, the plus-up is the same. The federal plus-up was $600 a week early in the pandemic, expired for a period, then was reinstated at $300 a week. The current version is scheduled to end in September. Some employers say the plus-up is making it harder to hire workers, or to entice furloughed ones back to their jobs. The DLIR tells employers to report workers who have refused to come back to work and are collecting unemployment. Employers can make the report through the DLIR portal, Q : I am on PUA. Recently a contract event came up that I would like to take, but it is only for one week. Will I be able to reclaim my PUA benefits after that one week ? Or if I earn money for that one week will I have to give up PUA altogether ? A : "PUA claimants may earn money and retain the ability to file for benefits for other weeks in which there was no employment, " said Kunstman. So, assuming that you are otherwise eligible, you would not lose future Pandemic Unemployment Assistance because you earned money that one week. PUA is the federally funded program for the self-employed and others not eligible for standard unemployment insurance.------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813 ; call 529-4773 ; fax 529-4750 ; or email kokualine @staradvertiser.com.------ MANILA, Philippines The Philippine president has eased a coronavirus lockdown in the bustling capital and adjacent provinces to fight economic recession and hunger but still barred public gatherings this month, when many Roman Catholic summer religious festivals are held. After an alarming surge in infections that started in March started to ease, President Rodrigo Duterte announced in televised remarks Thursday night that Metropolitan Manila and four nearby provinces, a region of more than 25 million people, would be placed under a so-called general community quarantine, which allows essential businesses and tourist destinations to expand operations, in the last half of the month. But he said religious fiestas in Asias largest Roman Catholic nation would remain prohibited. Forgo to congregate, to crowd and to hold, Duterte said, warning village officials he would hold them responsible if quarantine restrictions were breached. You go out, you just go hunting for the virus to enter your body and pass it on and that is a problem. Confirmed COVID-19 infections started to spike in March to some of the worst levels in Asia, surging beyond 10,000 daily and prompting Duterte to impose a lockdown in the capital and nearby regions in April. The Philippines has reported more than 1,120,000 infections with 18,821 deaths, the second highest totals in Southeast Asia. ___ THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: CDC: Fully vaccinated people can largely ditch masks indoors More school nurses, health corps part of $7.4 billion virus plan Britain's Johnson concerned about rise of Indian virus variant in UK Nations once lauded for virus successes lag in vaccinations ___ Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has announced that the state will immediately follow guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which ease indoor mask-wearing and social distancing for fully vaccinated people. Story continues Brown said in a video statement Thursday that the new CDC guidance means Oregonians who are fully-vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces. She also said the guidance makes clear that vaccines are the fastest way to get back to doing the things we all love and returning to a sense of normalcy. Mask requirements also will remain in place in Oregon schools this school year, Brown added. The Oregon Health Authority in coming days will provide updated guidance for businesses, employers and others to allow the option of lifting mask requirements and physical distancing after verifying vaccinations status. - BEIJING China has reported its first new cases of local COVID-19 transmission in days, both in the central province of Anhui that has largely avoided outbreaks. Another five cases were brought from outside the country. The new cases brings Chinas total number of cases to 90,815 with 4,636 deaths since the virus was detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. China has almost entirely eradicated local transmission of COVID-19 through strict masking rules, electronic case tracing, quarantines and lockdowns in areas where cases are detected. Meanwhile around 325 million doses of vaccine have been administered to the population, while China along with Russia, has been active in providing doses to poorer nations that have struggled to procure enough for their citizens. ___ RENO, Nev. Nevada is adopting the new mask-wearing guidance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday for fully vaccinated people. It allows them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. The updated guidance is effective immediately in Nevada under a directive Gov. Steve Sisolak signed on May 3. It aligned the states mask usage with the CDC recommendations, including any subsequent guidance the center issues. Nevada also started making COVID-19 shots available to children as young as 12 years old for the first time on Thursday after federal health advisers endorsed use of Pfizers vaccine in kids. ___ LOS ANGELES -- Counties in California are waiting for guidance from the state after the federal government on Thursday said that fully vaccinated people can quit face coverings and social distancing in most situations. Californias Department of Public Health did not immediately respond to questions about whether it would adopt new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its unclear what Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to do and when. The state is on track to reopen its economy broadly next month, signaling an end to most pandemic restrictions. San Francisco and Riverside are among counties saying they expect updated guidance from the state. ___ U.S. health officials arent allocating any additional doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for next week, as a Baltimore contract manufacturer thats the key supplier of the shots in the country remains under scrutiny for serious quality lapses. But many states still have remaining supplies of the J&J vaccine because its use was paused for 11 days while health officials investigated unusual blood clots in a tiny number of the millions of vaccine recipients, federal officials said during a call with governors this week. In Maryland, the health department said it was told it may not receive additional J&J shots in coming weeks either. The department said in a statement its asking providers to use about 88,000 remaining doses of the shots. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has so far accounted for a small percentage of the overall supply of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. Those were made at a company-owned factory in the Netherlands. The J&J vaccine has the advantage of requiring just one dose that can be stored in regular refrigerators, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which must be kept frozen and require two doses a few weeks apart. Because of its versatility, local officials would like to see shipments of the J&J vaccine resume eventually, said Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. . Johnson & Johnson declined to comment on the supply issues, but said its focused on trying to win clearance of the Emergent BioSolutions factory after the Food and Drug Administration ordered the plant shut down four weeks ago due to serious quality problems. In a statement, Emergent BioSolutions said it has responded to the FDA with a comprehensive quality enhancement plan. ___ SANTA FE, N.M. New Mexico is now administering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 12 to 15, as state health officials pushed Thursday for more people to get vaccinated. The move by the state Health Department follows authorizations this week by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state is encouraging families to register children on its vaccine website. The expanded availability applies only to the Pfizer vaccine, which until now was only available to people ages 16 and older. State officials say more than half of eligible residents are now fully vaccinated. The goal is to hit 60% next month, but vaccination rates for some parts of the state including southeastern New Mexico and other rural areas are trailing because not everyone wants a shot. The state has been trying incentive vaccination. Health officials said employers are entitled to tax credits through the federal government for providing paid leave to employees who take time off related to COVID-19 vaccinations. They also have set up a website where organizations and local groups can request vaccinations clinics. ___ OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington is on track to fully reopen its economy by June 30, and a full reopening could happen even sooner if 70% or more of residents over age 16 have gotten at least one dose of vaccine by then, Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday. Inslee said the state will stay at 50% capacity for most indoor activities until it moves to full capacity at the end of the June. He said his decision does not mean the state of emergency sparked by the coronavirus pandemic will end on June 30, and he said that if statewide intensive care capacity reaches 90% at at any point, he will roll back activities again. Inslees linking faster easing of COVID restrictions to vaccination rates is similar to what Oregon Gov. Kate Brown recently announced. This week Brown said much of her states economy can reopen when 70% of eligible people 16 and older have received their first vaccine dose. Inslee said that the plateau in COVID-19 activity the state saw a few weeks ago has now turned into a decline, allowing for a full reopening date. ___ MORGAN, Utah -- A school district in Utah has announced it is going against a continuing public health order and no longer requiring facial coverings in K-12 schools. The Standard-Examiner reported that the Morgan School District school board voted Tuesday to change its mask policy to a recommendation that students and faculty wear masks, instead of a requirement. It is one of at least seven school districts in Utah to scale back mask requirements. The decision came after several residents and students criticized the mandate during public comment. Some educators have argued to keep the mandate because many people rely on others to wear them to stay safe. ___ OLYMPIA, Wash. Washington authorities said Thursday all schools in the state must provide full-time, in-person education for students for the 2021-22 school year and that students and staff will still be required to wear masks. The Washington state Department of Health released guidelines that included mitigation efforts they said were designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The mask directive could prove controversial, as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday moved to ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people. Currently people over the age of 12 are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Washington state. About 1.1 million students attend public schools in Washington state. The Washington state schools directive for fall calls for all people in K-12 schools to wear masks indoors as well as outdoors if six feet of distancing cant be maintained. State authorities are recommending COVID-19 vaccinations and testing programs but are not requiring them for in-person instruction in the fall. ___ RENO Nevada started making COVID-19 shots available to children as young as 12 years old on Thursday after federal health advisers endorsed the use of Pfizers vaccine in kids. More than 177,000 Nevada residents are in the 12-16 age group now eligible for the vaccine To date, 10% of Nevadas COVID-19 cases have been in the 10-19 age group. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children account for one-fifth of all COVID-19 cases nationally. A year ago, they made up 3% of the total. Health officials say adolescents and teens typically have more social contacts than adults. So theres a bigger risk that they will spread the virus. ___ CARSON CITY, Nev. The Nevada website the public uses to get information on coronavirus vaccines is packed with more ad trackers and third-party cookies than any state vaccination website in the country. An investigation by technology publication The Markup found Immunize Nevadas website implants third-party cookies and trackers that can potentially be used to track how visitors navigate the internet and collect data on them that can be sold for any number of purposes. The state says most trackers are used to optimize user experience and evaluate their outreach efforts. Privacy experts say the amount of trackers on Nevadas site in comparison to other states goes beyond data-gathering applicable to outreach. ___ LOS ANGELES The city of Los Angeles is launching a bilingual campaign featuring Latino artists encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations. The public service announcement unveiled Thursday is called Vacunate Ya, Los Angeles / Get Vaccinated, L.A. and features artists Angelica Maria, Danny Trejo, Pepe Aguilar, Angela Aguilar and Leonardo Aguilar. The goal of this campaign is simple: to get our hard-hit Latino community vaccinated and help our city and country defeat this pandemic once and for all, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. The 30-second public service announcements will air on local TV news, starting with the Spanish-language version this week and followed by the English version next week. The PSAs will also appear on social media. ___ WASHINGTON The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks inside in most places. The new guidance was announced at the White House. It will still call for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but could ease restrictions for reopening workplaces and schools. The CDC will no longer recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, says, We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy. The more people get vaccinated, the faster infections will drop and the harder it will be for the coronavirus to mutate enough to escape vaccines, according to health experts. This move comes as nearly half of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of vaccine and coronavirus cases are at their lowest rate since September. Also, deaths are at their lowest point since last April. ___ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says if smaller cruise lines want to leave the state, their void will be filled. DeSantis made his remarks at a news conference Thursday, saying Norwegian Cruise Line isnt one of the bigger cruise lines. However, the Miami-based Norwegian is the third largest cruise line in the world and has ports of departure in Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa. But Norwegian has said it might move departures elsewhere over a law that bans businesses from asking for proof of a coronavirus vaccination. Norwegian hasnt operated in the U.S. since the federal government shut down all cruises last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government is getting ready to let cruises sail again, but only if nearly all passengers and crew are vaccinated against the virus. DeSantis recently signed a bill banning business from requiring proof of vaccination, prompting Norwegian to say it might move Florida departures to other states or Caribbean ports. MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) Netflixs Tiger King star Jeff Lowe and his wife are willing to give up their big cats to resolve a Justice Department civil complaint against them over the animals' care, their attorney told a federal judge. At a hearing Wednesday where the judge found the couple in contempt for violating a previous order regarding the big cats, attorney Daniel Card said the Lowes want out completely." Jeff Lowe took over the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park from founder Joe Exotic in 2016. Lowe and his wife displayed big cats there until shutting down the park in August. They then moved to a new facility in Thackerville. The civil complaint, filed in November, accused the Lowes of recurring inhumane treatment and improper handling of animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III in January issued an order that, among other things, required the couple to prevent breeding; to relinquish all of their lion and tiger cubs to the federal government; and not to exhibit any of their big cats. The judge in March found that the Lowes had violated his order, and on Wednesday fined them $1,000 per day until they get in compliance, according to The Oklahoman. They dont want to fight this anymore. They dont want to do it, Card told Heil. They want to give the tigers to a ... sanctuary of their choice and be done with it. Jeff Lowe was one of the central characters in the Netflix series that became a pop culture phenomenon last year. The series focused on Joe Exotic, a pseudonym for Joseph Maldonado-Passage. He is serving 22 years in federal prison for violating federal wildlife laws and for his role in a failed murder-for-hire plot targeting his chief rival, Carole Baskin, who runs a rescue sanctuary for big cats in Florida. Elizabeth Williams begins her seventh WNBA season Friday, and when the Atlanta Dream tips off, another former Hampton Roads basketball legend will be watching from the sideline. LaKeshia Frett, a former Phoebus High star and All-American for Georgia, joined the Dream this week as an assistant coach. Frett, a former assistant coach at Virginia, spent the 2019-2020 season as an assistant at Auburn. Williams, a former star at Princess Anne High in Virginia Beach and an All-American at Duke, has been with Atlanta for the previous five seasons and is the clubs all-time leading shot blocker. She was named to the WNBAs all-defensive team last season. Coach Frett is a 757 legend, Williams said in a text message Wednesday. As soon as I heard she was joining our staff, I was really excited. She is one of the best in the entire history of our sport, so what better time than the leagues 25th season for her to help lead us? At Phoebus, Frett was named the 1993 National Prep Player of the Year. She remains the Virginia High School League boys and girls career scoring leader with 3,290 points. Frett played seven seasons in the WNBA and two seasons in the American Basketball League. She was an assistant at Georgia and U.Va. before joining Auburns staff. I am just excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Atlanta Dream and work with the coaches and the players, Frett said in a release from the Dream. Being a former WNBA player and having the chance to be back in the league but in a different way feels great. Im absolutely excited about the opportunity. The WNBA tips off the leagues 25th season Friday, and games will be held at home courts with limited attendance. All games were played in a bubble in Florida last season because of the pandemic. In Atlanta, the Dream has new owners after former player Renee Montgomery was part of a three-member investor group that was approved to purchase the team. The ownership change followed pressure on former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Republican who angered WNBA players with her opposition to the leagues racial justice initiatives, to sell her share of the Dream. Story continues Williams was among a group of WNBA players who campaigned for Democrat Raphael Warnock after Loeffler criticized the leagues support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Elsewhere in the WNBA, another former Hampton Roads star begins her coaching career. Sugar Rodgers, who starred for Kings Fork High in Suffolk and Georgetown, was hired last week as a Las Vegas Aces assistant coach on Bill Laimbeers staff. Rodgers played eight seasons in the WNBA and was part of an Aces team that reached last seasons WNBA Finals. Im excited to get started on the next part of my career, and I cant think of a better place to do it than Las Vegas, Rodgers said on the Aces website. Im obviously very familiar with Bills system as well as with many of the players on the team , and Im grateful for the opportunity to be a part of what has been, and will continue to be, the best franchise in the WNBA. In 2019, Rodgers averaged 3.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists while playing in all 22 games. Jami Frankenberry, 757-446-2376, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish following an Israeli airstrike on targets in the southern Gaza strip - AFP Contributor#AFP A foreign office minister has been forced to delete a tweet expressing support for Israel in its conflict with Palestine after Boris Johnson urged the countries to step back from the brink of war. Lord Goldsmith, an environment and foreign minister, shared a message from the Israel Defence Forces about the countrys response to rocket attacks from Hamas. The peer tweeted: No country on Earth would be expected to tolerate these incessant attacks on innocent civilians by an organisation committed to their total eradication. Why should Israel? His tweet came after the Prime Minister sent his own, more neutral, message. I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint, he said. The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties, and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions. On Thursday night Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, added: "We are concerned with any civilian loss of life. On all sides we are appealing for calm, an end to the Hamas rocket attacks, and a de-escalation of the violence on all sides." The apparent U-turn by Lord Goldsmith came as it emerged that the vast majority of British tourists who have booked holidays to Israel will be able to get vouchers if they choose to cancel over the current wave of violence. Holiday firms reported a surge of bookings to the country after it was announced last week it would be on the "green" travel list from next week. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic separately confirmed their customers would be able to move the flights. Rory Boland, of Which? Travel, said: You will probably be able to rebook. The vast majority of people will be able to rely on those policies and vouchers. A British Airways spokesperson said: Customers who are unable to travel, or choose not to, can continue to change their flights or request a voucher for future use as part of our Book with Confidence policy. Vouchers are valid until April 2023. A corpse of Amy Carlson, 45, who was a leader controversial Colorado religious group was found mummified in a sleeping bag, wrapped in Christmas lights and glitter around the missing eyes. (Facebook/LoveHasWon) Seven people are facing charges related to abusing a corpse as well as child abuse after a cult leaders mummified body was found decorated with Christmas lights and glitter in what appeared to be a shrine in a southern Colorado in the US. Amy Carlson, 45, who was known as Mother God by her followers, was found dead in a home in a small town in called Moffat in Colarado on April 28, according to of official documents. However, no details about the cause of death have been revealed. All seven defendants have been booked on 6 May and appeared in the court on Wednesday. The body was reportedly found from one of Ms Carlsons cult followers residence, where the group was staying. The owner of the house who has not been charged told investigators that he let the group stay because they needed a place. The body was found in a back bedroom when he returned home from a trip to Denver. He called the police and said he believed the group had brought Ms Carlsons body to his home from California. The mummified remains appeared to be set up in some type of shrine and have what appears to be glitter type makeup on around the eyes, according to the affidavits. Investigators searched an SUV on the property and said the backseat was laid down in a position consistent with someone transporting the mummified remains. They were also charged with child abuse as two children a 13-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy were present in the home at the time. The follower who reported the body also told investigators that he was prevented from leaving the home with his son, prompting a false imprisonment charge against one of the defendants. According to the affidavits, the sheriffs office has received many complaints from families across the country saying Love Has Won is brainwashing people and stealing their money. Ms Carlsons followers believe she could communicate with angels and that she was leading them to a great awakening, The Denver Post has reported. She also claimed to have been reincarnated 534 times, even remembering living as Jesus and hanging on the cross. She also claimed to have been Marilyn Monroe and Cleopatra, it said. Story continues Additional reporting by agencies Read More Pilot manages to land despite roof being ripped off mid-flight in collision with another plane 2 planes collide midair above Denver, no one injured Colorado program steers drag racing off streets, onto track The message in a bottle was found washed up on a beach in Canada in 2017. It was recently made public (Getty Images) A message in a bottle, purportedly written hours before the fateful Titanic sank on its maiden voyage, is being investigated by scientists to know if its a hoax or an artifact of the historic tragedy. A letter dated 13 April, 1912, bearing the name of 12-year-old French schoolgirl Mathilde Lefebvre was found washed up in Canada more than 100 years after the Titanic sank. I am throwing this bottle into the sea in the middle of the Atlantic. We are due to arrive in New York in a few days, the message read in French, If anyone finds her, tell the Lefebvre family in Lievin. She was travelling to New York City with her mother Marie to reunite with her father and siblings. The reunion never happened. Mathilde or her mother were said to be never seen again. According to reports, they died alongside 1,500 others when the vessel hit an iceberg on 14 April. A team of researchers is investigating the authenticity of the letter at Universite du Quebec a Rimouski. The bottle could be the first Titanic artifact found on the American coast, historian Maxime Gohier said. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Nicolas Beaudry, a professor at Universite du Quebec a Rimouski, said: So far, we have not caught a smoking gun of a forgery." The note was by a family lying in the sand at the Bay of Fundy in 2017. It has been only made public by the academics with appeals to the public to come forward if they have any information about the Titanic or the traveller. The academics believe that the letter appears to be consistent with the period but could be a hoax as someone might have written it shortly after the tragedy to grab attention. The message could have been written by Mathilde on board the Titanic or it could have been written by someone else on her behalf, said Mr Beaudry. It could be a hoax written shortly after the tragedy or it could be a recent hoax. He said the mould and tool marks on the bottle as well as the chemical compositions of the glass are consistent with the techniques used in the early 20th century. The cork stopper and a piece of paper in the bottles bore yielded radiocarbon dates consistent with the date on the letter. Story continues But they did not date the letter itself as the method is destructive. So we havent caught a prankster red-handed yet, but this still doesnt exclude a recent hoax. Old paper is easy to find by ripping a blank page from an old book, for instance while old bottles and even corks are not rare, he added. However, the handwriting on the letter does not match the way that French schoolchildren learned at the time, further deepening the mystery. But the letter could be written by someone on her behalf, as the professor said. Forensic examination of documents would be done by investors in the future. The investigator will also conduct chemical analyses on the contents of the bottle and geomorphological study of the Bay of Fundy, where the letter was found. The girls named in the letter was found to be that of the daughter of Franck Lefebvre, who was a miner from northern France and left for America to try his luck, according to the professor. He found a job in a mine in Iowa where he was staying with his four children. He called his wife and his four younger children, including Mathilde, to join them. The professor said information about the family is not enough to conclude the letter was thrown from the deck of Titanic. Though there was a passenger on the Titanic named Mathilde Lefebvre, reported CBC news. Read More Adam Kinzinger compares GOP obsession with Trump to Titanic sinking Poland wants to buy Marie Curie's vacation house in France French court orders trial in 2009 crash of Rio-Paris flight Missouri Republicans offered a last-minute proposal Wednesday that would force U.S. Senate candidates into runoffs to win their primary election, reflecting fears that former Gov. Eric Greitens could prevail next year against a divided GOP field. The remarkable proposal, sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Springs Republican, came seemingly out of nowhere late Wednesday night with two days left in the legislative session. It would require primaries to be held in June of the election year instead of August; if there is no majority vote-getter the top two would advance to an August runoff to determine the party nomination. It would apply to all statewide offices, and the Congressional and U.S. Senate seats, and only apply through 2024. It is still one step short of passing the state Senate with little time to make it through both chambers and get to the governors desk. The measure received little discussion or explanation, but Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independence Democrat, said he believed it was proposed because Republicans are scared to death Eric Greitens is going to win a primary. Greitens, who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Roy Blunt, alienated many lawmakers in his own party as governor before resigning in 2018 amid multiple scandals, including allegations of sexual blackmail and violence. Also in the race to be the Republican nominee is Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Several others are considering jumping in. Its the reality that Greitens is still popular among some Republican voters, Rizzo said, and if multiple candidates split the vote he could secure the nomination. Democrats on Wednesday night expressed concerns about the costs of creating a new election cycle that would likely get low turnout. A new statewide election would cost about $7 million. Id say Eric Greitens is probably going to win, he said, which is why were here talking about a primary runoff which would create a whole other election cycle. We are changing the way we do elections in the state of Missouri for one person. Story continues Not about any one candidate Greitens campaign did not respond to a request for comment from The Star, but his campaign manager told the Missouri Independent the proposal was a sad, desperate attempt by the swampy establishment to try to subvert the democratic process. Gov. Eric Greitens is dominating this race and everyone knows it, campaign manager Dylan Johnson told The Independent. Hes going to win and theres nothing that politicians in Jeff City can do to change that. On Thursday morning, Eigel said in an interview the proposal is not about any one candidate and was crafted to last for two elections so lawmakers could evaluate how well it worked. Theres a tendency to speculate just that but I gotta tell you that the primary that would occur in a U.S. Senate race over a year from now, thats a long way away, he said. What were trying to do is ensure that if you want to make it to the general election, you have to have the direct support of a majority of your primary voters. On the Senate floor, Rizzo questioned the GOPs messaging. If the Republican Party is in a position where they are having to change laws because theyre unable to convince their voters that a guy is unfit for office, then they should probably take a deep look at what theyre selling to their voters, Rizzo said Wednesday night, before acknowledging the failure of Democrats in most Missouri statewide races recently. Eigel brought the proposal as an addition to a bill passed by House Republicans that would prohibit judges from rewriting any ballot measure language that is passed by the legislature. Last year, a Cole County judge rewrote the General Assembly-backed ballot measure undoing parts of the anti-gerrymandering law voters passed in 2018 known as Clean Missouri. The repeal passed. He also is proposing banning donations to elections officials and requiring the use of hand-marked paper ballots. Earlier Wednesday, Republican members of the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee sent Gov. Mike Parson a letter calling for a special session to handle elections-related bills. They accused the Senate of holding up a number of bills the House has passed such as re-instituting the states voter photo ID law after it was struck down in court last year, and raising the threshold for passing citizen-proposed ballot initiatives. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has pushed for many of the measures, said he supports a special session. The letter did not mention the ballot measure language bill, which Eigel said was the elections bill he expected would be debated that day. Republican Senators made a brief attempt to pass the voter ID law as well. Sen. Dan Hegeman, a Cosby Republican, tried to attach the ID provision and a measure to allow for no-excuse absentee voting after the option was used widely during the pandemic last year. But Sen. Bob Onder, a Lake St. Louis Republican, tried to amend that to get rid of the no-excuse absentee voting section, saying he preferred for all voters to cast their ballots in person on Election Day. If anything our six weeks of absentee voting right now is too long, he said. Both proposals prompted Democrats to immediately being filibustering, and Hegeman withdrew the voter ID provision altogether. Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv and toward Jerusalem early on Thursday (May 13) and Israel vowed to keep pummeling the Islamist faction in Gaza despite a prediction by U.S. President Joe Biden that their fiercest hostilities in years might end soon. At least 67 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave's health ministry. Seven people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday a Gaza City brigade commander and 15 other members of the Islamist militant group were killed in air strikes. Israel launched its military action after Hamas fired rockets in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, including at a holy site during the fasting month of Ramadan. A Palestinian source said truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations had made no progress to end the violence. "We are fed up, go away..leave us," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday during a televised speech, referring to Israel and the U.S. "We will stay like a thorn in your eyes, we will never leave our country." (Reuters) -A Myanmar journalist who reported on anti-junta protests has been jailed for three years for incitement, his news organisation said, while authorities on Thursday announced a twice-arrested Japanese reporter would be freed. Min Nyo, who worked for the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) in Myanmar's Bago region, was arrested on March 3 and found guilty by a military court on Wednesday in one of the first verdicts against media workers since the Feb. 1 military coup. "DVB demands the military authority release Min Nyo immediately, as well as other detained or convicted journalists around Myanmar," it said. He had been beaten by police and denied visits by his family, it said. In its nightly news bulletin, state-run MRTV said another journalist, Yuki Kitazumi, who was charged under the same law as Min Nyo, had broken the law but would be released as recognition of Myanmar's close relationship with Japan. Kitazumi, who runs a media company in Yangon, was arrested on April 19 for the second time since the coup and was the first foreign journalist charged. Japan was a big investor and source of technical help and development aid for Myanmar's semi-civilian governments in the decade of democracy and reform that followed the end of the last era of military rule in 2011. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, with the military struggling to impose order amid a groundswell of public anger at its overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Many journalists are among the nearly 4,900 people who have been arrested, according to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy group. DVB is among several news outlets that have had licenses revoked by the military, which has restricted internet access and used lethal force to suppress countrywide strikes and protests against it. More than 780 people have been killed by security forces, according to AAPP figures. Three of DVB's journalists were detained in northern Thailand this week for illegal entry after fleeing Myanmar. Human rights groups have pleaded with Thailand not to deport them. Story continues Emerlynne Gil, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director, said journalism had effectively been criminalised by Myanmar's generals. "They risk life and liberty to shed light on the military's abuses. The military authorities are ruthless, determined to crush dissent by silencing those who seek to expose their crimes," Gil said in a statement. Resistance to the junta has intensified in recent weeks, with hostilities reigniting between the military and several ethnic minority armies, fatal attacks on junta-appointed administrators, and ambushes of police and soldiers by militias calling themselves People's Defence Forces. MRTV announced on Thursday that martial law had been declared due to unrest in Mindut in northwestern Chin State. Resistance groups there say there has been heavy fighting between armed civilians and junta troops. (Reporting by Reuters StaffWriting by Martin PettyEditing by Peter Graff and Angus MacSwan) Race theory N.C. House Bill 324 misunderstands the value of critical race theory. It is an evidence-based social theory for acknowledging and rectifying differences between the intention and impact of laws and policies. Social theories are not simply a point of view. We are in a moment when the social, economic, environmental and health disruptions we are experiencing, in North Carolina and globally, are unprecedented. At the same time, the impacts of those disruptions are unequal. There has never been a more important time to empower students and civic leaders to think deeply about what the future holds for North Carolina. Youth need skills to challenge assumptions, cultivate curiosity, and contextualize their own experiences in order to make sense of the world and be the change they seek. Critical race theory is an invitation to reflect on whether groups that enjoy many privileges might benefit even more from a world where people of all identities live abundant and free lives. It is a tool that should remain in the public educator toolkit. Bethany Cutts, Raleigh NCSU professor, Environmental Social Science Biden, the border The U.S. is in trouble. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say that more than 1,000 people per day are crossing our southern border as got-aways. They cross illegally under President Bidens border policies and then disappear into the country. We need to know who they are, what their intentions are, whether they have COVID, and what countries theyre coming from. Some may be criminals or carrying drugs. This must be a national security concern. The first responsibility of our leaders should be to protect us and thats not happening. Pat Goodrich, Mills River Being pro-choice I asked this question of the 40-plus women whove contacted me about our support group for women who have terminated wanted pregnancies due to serious, often life-threatening, health concerns: If I had met you six months ago would you have then considered yourself pro-life or pro-choice? Story continues These women faced risks that a continued pregnancy might end their lives, depriving their other children of a mother. Or, risks that their infant would face debilitating, high-risk surgeries with an infinitesimally small chance of survival. There are too many scenarios which the public can scarcely imagine. Many of these women respond, I was pro-life, but, I never imagined that I would face such an excruciating, heart-breaking decision. Thats right, I think to myself, thats why they call it pro-choice. William S. Meyer Associate professor, Duke University departments of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn. Infrastructure Infrastructure must be done. It has been put off too long. Will Republicans complain its too expensive and vote against a bill that would improve infrastructure in their states, helping their people? The rich and businesses need to be taxed to pay for the needed work. Right now many profitable companies pay no tax at all. It is about time taxpayer dollars worked for the average taxpayer, and created jobs for many. Im sure some Republicans will object saying the bill will increase the deficit, which they increased when giving tax breaks to the rich and big business. Tom Oriel, Garner A costly fix The cyberattack and shutting down of the Colonial Pipeline should be an immediate wake-up call. For many years politicians of all parties have taken our money to fix broken bridges, highways, railroads, airports and more, yet theyre still not in great shape. Now, they want to spend trillions that the U.S. does not have on programs that wont address and protect the pipelines and electrical grid that keep energy flowing and America moving. Steven Metzler, Raleigh Liz Cheney How can any political party expect to have credibility in America when it removes from its leadership a woman who simply felt the need to tell the truth about the November election? Any party that promotes lies instead of truth cant expect to survive, especially when its twice-impeached leader reeks with accusations of corruption and anti-democracy values. Don Haines, Fuquay-Varina By Jeffrey Heller and Ari Rabinovitch JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Civil unrest between Jews and Arabs in Israel dealt a strong blow to efforts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opponents to unseat the Israeli leader after a series of inconclusive elections. Naftali Bennett, head of the ultranationalist Yamina party, said he was abandoning efforts to form a coalition with centre and left-wing parties to form a new government. The post-election landscape remains largely the same: Netanyahu was given a chance to form a government, and failed. Now the main anti-Netanyahu bloc led by Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid - 'There is a Future' - party also has no obvious route to putting together a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Bennett, a rightist who was always an unlikely bedfellow with the more moderate Lapid, said he was abandoning those coalition talks in favour of putting together a wider unity government in the nation's interests at a time of crisis. It leaves open the very real possibility of another election - an unprecedented fifth in just over two years. Analysts said the collapse of the Lapid-Bennett partnership in the wake of the violence on Israeli streets may give Netanyahu extra time to make a political move to stay in power. "From the moment (the fire) was lit, the government of change was dead and Netanyahu came back to life," commentator Ben Caspit wrote in the newspaper Maariv on Friday. Lapid has three weeks left to try to form a governing coalition. A "rotation" deal in which Lapid and Bennett would take turns as prime minister had been mooted, but it would need the backing of Arab legislators for a parliamentary majority. Bennett was quoted by Israeli media on Thursday as saying the current strife with Israel's 21% Arab minority would make such a government unfeasible. Current cross-border hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have been accompanied by violence in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues have been attacked and street fights have broken out, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. Story continues Mansour Abbas, who heads the United Arab List party, said on Channel 12 TV that Bennett phoned him to say a so-called "government of change" with Lapid was now "off the table". In a televised address, Lapid voiced regret at Bennett's decision but said he would continue his efforts to put together a coalition. Israeli political commentators gave him little chance of success. (Editing by Jeffrey Heller, Howard Goller and Mark Heinrich) Seth Rogen opened up about an unusual audition experience involving Nicolas Cage. JC Olivera/Roy Rochlin/Getty Images Seth Rogen said that Nicolas Cage auditioned for "The Green Hornet" using a Jamaican accent. Rogen added that the monologue Cage recited was "not in the script." Rogen also said that Cage wanted to be bald and have "tattooed hair" for the movie. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Seth Rogen says Nicolas Cage quite literally went off-script when Cage auditioned for 2011's "The Green Hornet" with a made-up monologue in a fake Jamaican accent. Rogen recalled the audition during a wide-ranging chat on "The Howard Stern Show" on Tuesday, adding the disclaimer that he is actually a "huge Nicolas Cage fan." "There's a lot of Nicolas Cages," Rogen told host Howard Stern and cohost Robin Quivers about the "eccentric" Academy Award-winning actor. "And you don't know what Nicolas Cage you're going to get." Rogen (who co-wrote the movie and played Britt Reid/Green Hornet, the main role) told Stern and Quivers that Sony, the movie studio behind "The Green Hornet," wanted to cast Cage in the superhero film in an unspecified role. This led to a string of phone calls between the two actors. "And then we get a phone call that [Cage] wants to play a white Bahamian man," Rogen said about one of their conversations. "It was pitched as a white, Jamaican guy, basically." "Doing the [Jamaican] accent and all this stuff just seemed like it was a world of trouble," Rogen continued, adding that Cage's pitch was an immediate "red flag." Rogen said that shortly after the phone call, the pair met for dinner at then-Sony executive Amy Pascal's home. According to Rogen, within minutes of him and his cowriter Evan Goldberg arriving at Pascal's house, Cage started "reciting a monologue in a Jamaican accent, a monologue that is not in the ['Green Hornet'] script." "At which point, I'm like, 'I don't think he's even read the script,'" Rogen continued as Stern and Quivers laughed. Story continues Representatives for Cage didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment regarding the audition. Rogen remembers Cage looking 'sullen' when Rogen and the rest of the dinner group didn't react positively to his monologue Rogen said that the group that had gathered at Pascal's house for dinner didn't react as favorably to Cage's "Green Hornet" audition as Cage might have hoped, with most of them saying nothing at all. Cage, on the other hand, looked like he had "landed a backflip" and was "waiting for applause" when he had concluded the monologue, according to Rogen. The "Knocked Up" actor added that after taking in the group's non-reaction, Cage (who, ultimately, didn't appear in the 2011 film) left abruptly. Nicolas Cage. Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP But clearly, the memory of Cage's audition lived on - for both actors. The following year, when "Spring Breakers" (2012) was released, Rogen said that Cage asked him if James Franco's character in that film was based on Cage's performance during their "Jamaican meeting." Rogen (who wasn't involved with "Spring Breakers" in any professional capacity) said he told Cage that Franco's character was based on a "Florida rapper" but added that Cage "very clearly didn't believe me, and that was apparent." Rogen said Cage also talked about getting 'tattooed hair' for his theoretical role in 'The Green Hornet' Cage's vision for his proposed "Green Hornet" character didn't stop with the accent. Rogen said Cage also wanted his potential "The Green Hornet" character to be bald with "tattooed hair" and "big fake" lips. However, Cage moved on quite quickly from that idea because according to Rogen, Cage actually wanted "tattooed hair" in real life. "I remember laughing hysterically when he said it on the phone and then stopping and realizing it wasn't a joke," Rogen said. Rogen added on Tuesday that while he's very open to working with Cage in the future, he would be "very surprised" if Cage felt the same way, given their previous interactions. Kat Dennings previously called an audition with Cage one of her 'best memories' Cage is no stranger to memorable auditions. "Dollface" actress Kat Dennings told Vanity Fair in February that she had to "mime" getting away from Cage during an audition, which she described as one of her "best memories," because he refused to touch her. Kat Dennings once had an audition with Nicolas Cage. Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage/Michael Kovac/Getty Images The scene Dennings was auditioning with involved her being physically restrained by Cage. "I'm ready to get into like the physicality of the scene, but I realized pretty quick that that actor is not going to touch me. He's also not going to be near me. He was at the other end of the room, which seemed to be his choice," Dennings said, adding that she was "pretty young" at the time. Dennings said that she is "very grateful" that she got to be in the same room as Cage, who she described as "respectful." She didn't name the movie they were auditioning for, but added that it was directed by a "hugely famous director" and was later nominated for several Oscars. Read the original article on Insider May 12An Irwin firefighter is charged with arson after police say he sent a Snapchat message to some fellow firemen alerting them to be ready for a call moments before an abandoned mobile home was set ablaze April 27. Shawn R. Mann, 25, of North Huntingdon, was arraigned on charges of arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment filed by township police in connection with the fire at 1190 Brookville Road. Mann admitted sending the message to some firefighters and setting the blaze in an interview with investigators Tuesday, police Sgt. Nicholas Dreistadt said in court documents. Mann was ordered held in the county jail on $15,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled May 25. Dreistadt said multiple area fire departments responded to the 11:16 p.m. blaze and while he was on the scene, an unnamed area fire chief approached him to report some firefighters "overheard Shawn Mann talking about setting the vacant mobile home on fire." The mobile home had long been vacant and had no connected utilities, Dreistadt said. It is owned by Mann's former employer, Schade Landscaping Inc. Mann did not respond to fight the fire. However, Dreistadt said that an agent with state attorney general's office called him afterward to report an informant told him that Mann sent a Snapchat message to some firefighters "to get ready for a fire call." Dreistadt said an area fire chief also reported that Mann approached him recently about burning the abandoned trailer for a training exercise, but the request was denied because of liability concerns. Dreistadt said Mann admitted to police Detective Mark Hamilton on Tuesday that he "confessed to setting Styrofoam on fire inside the vacant mobile home and ... the route he had taken to the scene and the route he used to get back home." Dreistadt said Mann also admitted to sending a text message to another firefighter earlier on April 27, stating he was going to set fire to the trailer at 11 p.m. Story continues An area firefighter told police investigators that he received a Snapchat message from Mann that the fire would be set and later received another text message from him prior to the fire being dispatched by 911, asking whether "anyone had called in the fire yet?" Irwin Fire Chief Justin Mochar could not be reached for comment. A person who answered the phone at Schade landscaping said the firm would have no comment. The official said that Mann left the company in November. Damage to the trailer was set at several hundred dollars. Mann did not have an attorney listed in court documents. Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@triblive.com or via Twitter . Until last month, news outlet Meduza had been enjoying remarkable success in its coverage of Russia. Though headquartered beyond the reach of Russian authorities in neighboring Latvia, Meduza has maintained a full staff of reporters and editors in Russia, and focused most of its tough and widely acclaimed reporting on Russian affairs. It financed itself through advertising revenue generated in Russia and fees for sponsored content mainly produced for Russian companies, including state corporations. Last year Meduza calculated its regular Russian readership at about 14 million. But that all changed in April when, without explanation, the Russian Justice Ministry branded Meduza a foreign agent. The new official designation immediately sent advertisers running for the hills. Our situation now is quite dire, says Alexey Kovalev, an investigations editor with Meduza. Before this, Russian companies saw us as a reputable news organization, with responsible content. Already most of our advertisers have fled. Meduza is not alone. As U.S.-Russian relations plumb new depths, opposition-minded Russian activists are getting a painful taste of an experience that was very familiar to Soviet-era dissidents: The worse relations got between the USSR and the West, the harder the Kremlin cracked down on its domestic critics. In recent months, Russian authorities have redrawn the boundaries of acceptable political discourse, and have introduced what many are calling a new paradigm of authoritarian repression, ending the more relaxed early decades of the Putin era. Many activists who had hitherto been officially tolerated have been arrested, and formerly acceptable civil society groups shut down. What most of these new prosecutions have in common is an explicit effort by authorities to link internal dissent with the alleged machinations of the external foe. The list of groups deemed to be foreign agents, meaning actors who influence domestic politics while receiving funding from outside sources, has been expanded and now potentially includes almost any independent media and their employees. Story continues While the urge to blame nefarious foreign meddling for internal discord is hardly unique to Russian political culture, it has long been an effective tool wielded by Moscow authorities to socially isolate and demonize domestic opponents by tarring them with enemy associations. But, amid the worst slump in Russias relations with the West since the peak of the Cold War, it has become the Kremlins go-to explanation for a sweeping crackdown on domestic political opposition. Its not about what Russian leaders think, its what they fear, says Masha Lipman, editor of Counterpoint, a journal of Russian affairs published by George Washington University. We are witnessing this downward spiral in relations, day by day. In the Kremlin they wonder just how much more hostile could the West become toward Russia? The deeper those animosities become, the tougher Russian authorities are on those people at home that are seen as sympathetic to the West. The logic becomes that if you are criticizing the Russian government, then you are acting in the interests of the West, maybe even at their direction, she says. Branding critics as foreign agents The most prominent target so far is imprisoned anti-corruption champion Alexei Navalny, accused of being a tool of Western intelligence services. Many of his key supporters, and even his lawyer, have been arrested in the past couple of weeks. Mr. Navalnys nationwide network of support groups has dissolved itself in anticipation of being labeled extremists under the law and forcibly shut down. For Meduza, says Mr. Kovalev, the fact that it earned most of its revenue inside Russia, and not from any kind of foreign entities, has been turned against it by the foreign agent label. Now any publication on Meduzas Russian website, or any reposting of it on social media, must be prefaced with a paragraph of large-type text that warns readers that the following content fulfills the functions of a foreign agent inside Russia. That foreign agent warning is 221 characters long; it takes up almost an entire tweet, he says. Our Twitter feed, which had 1.3 million subscribers, has been rendered useless, says Mr. Kovalev. And its clear that this is not about the foreign thing at all, but the agent thing, implying that we are the puppet of some outside force. Which we are not. Meduza has never taken direction from any government, or other agency, or anyone but our own editorial board. Supporters of the law claim that the extension of foreign agent labeling to media outlets was in response to a U.S. decision to compel the Kremlin-funded, English-language TV network RT to register as a foreign agent three years ago. They also point to what they call anti-Russian steps taken by other governments, such as the recent closure of three allegedly pro-Russian TV stations in Ukraine. A recent crackdown on state-funded Russian news outlets in Latvia, where Meduza is based, is another justification often mentioned by pro-Kremlin Russian commentators. Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, says that Russian leaders perceive a new level of hostility from the West, particularly the United States, and that means that Russia needs to take preemptive measures to protect itself. We have seen false charges against Russian leaders, accusing Putin of trying to poison Navalny, and then Joe Biden calling Putin a killer. Russia has information that Western secret services were planning a coup detat in Belarus. We know that they are planning to interfere in the upcoming Duma [parliamentary] elections in September, he says. This is a whole new level of hostility against Russia. It creates a state of emergency, and it must be responded to. Evidence suggests that majorities in Russia accept their governments explanations and many are prepared to believe that Kremlin opponents like Mr. Navalny are working at the behest of Western interests. This method of branding critics as foreign agents works, says Ms. Lipman. Of course it depends on age, and social group, but at the end of the day people look at things like the constant sanctions against Russia, and they agree with the claim that the West is seeking to harm us. Mr. Kovalev, the Meduza editor, agrees that independent journalists and civil society activists may be in some sense hostages to international tensions. Of course we would be targeted in this geopolitical game, he says. That explains it, but doesnt justify it. He adds, I have never seen things so bad. More and more people are getting arrested, and maybe its just because they havent come for me yet, but I dont feel apocalyptic. Maybe Russian civil society is strong enough to survive. ... These are old people in the Kremlin. We are younger; we can outlive them. Related stories Read this story at csmonitor.com Become a part of the Monitor community CAIRO An Egyptian delegation is in Tel Aviv for talks with Israeli officials as part of efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the escalating conflict with Gaza, Egyptian intelligence officials said Thursday. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to brief the media. The same delegation met with Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip first, they said, and crossed into Israel by land. Egypt has played a mediating role in the past between the sides. Late Wednesday, Egypts foreign minister, Sameh Shukry, condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian territory in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi. He said it was important for both sides to avoid escalation and resorting to military means, according to a readout of the call. Weary Palestinians somberly marked the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, as Hamas and Israel traded more rockets and airstrikes and Jewish-Arab violence raged across Israel. Israel and Hamas: Amid warnings of a 'full scale war,' Biden administration dispatches envoy to Middle East The violence has reached deeper into Israel than at any time since the 2000 Palestinian intifada, or uprising. Arab and Jewish mobs are rampaging through the streets, savagely beating people and torching cars, and flights have been canceled or diverted away from the countrys main airport. The escalating fighting between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers has echoed and perhaps even exceeded their devastating 2014 war. That conflict and two others were largely confined to the impoverished and blockaded Palestinian territory and Israeli communities on the frontier. But this round which like the intifada, began in Jerusalem seems to be rippling far and wide, tearing apart the country at its seams. Meanwhile, in Gaza residents are bracing for more devastation as militants fire one barrage of rockets after another and Israel carries out waves of bone-rattling airstrikes, sending plumes of smoke rising into the air. Since the rockets began Monday, Israel has toppled three high-rise buildings that it said housed Hamas facilities after warning civilians to evacuate. Story continues Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll has climbed to 83 Palestinians, including 17 children and seven women, with more than 480 people wounded. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas, the Islamic militant group that seized power in Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, acknowledged that a top commander and several other members were killed. Israel says the number of militants killed is much higher than Hamas has acknowledged. What to know:: What to know about the Israel, Hamas escalation as Biden faces pressure on Palestinian rights A picture taken Thursday shows a ball of fire engulfing the Al-Walid building, which was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza city early in the morning. An Israeli strike destroyed another multi-story building in Gaza City the previous night, as the Jewish state continued its heavy bombardment of the Palestinian enclave. A total of seven people have been killed in Israel. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack. The fighting comes as Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr, the end of a month of daily fasting that is usually a festive time when families shop for new clothes and gather for large feasts. Instead, Hamas urged the faithful to mark communal Eid prayers inside their homes or the nearest mosques instead of out in the open, as is traditional. Hassan Abu Shaaban tried to lighten the mood by passing out candy to passers-by after prayers, but acknowledged there is no atmosphere for Eid at all. It is all airstrikes, destruction and devastation, he said. May God help everyone. In Gazas southern town of Khan Younis, dozens of mourners marched through the streets carrying the bodies of an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old killed when an Israeli airstrike hit near their home on Wednesday. The owner of a five-story building in Gaza City, meanwhile, said he got a call from the Israeli military on Thursday asking him to evacuate it before an airstrike brought it down. The building is residential, what is in to hit? said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. The Israeli military later said the building housed intelligence offices used by Hamas. Gaza militants continued to bombard Israel with nonstop rocket fire into Thursday. The attacks brought life to a standstill in southern communities near Gaza, but also reached as far north as the Tel Aviv area, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) away, for a second straight day. Israel and Palestine: Palestinian militants, Israel trade new rocket fire and airstrikes; at least 24 dead in Gaza Israel has begun diverting some incoming flights from Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, to the Ramon airfield in the countrys far south, the Transportation Ministry said. Several flights have also been canceled. The Israeli military says more than 1,600 rockets have been fired since Monday, with 400 falling short and landing inside Gaza. Israels missile defenses have intercepted 90% of the rockets. Israeli airstrikes have struck around 600 targets inside Gaza, the military said. The Israeli army shared footage showing a rocket impact between apartment towers in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petah Tikva early Thursday, apparently sparking a large fire. It said the strike wounded people and caused significant damage. Were coping, sitting at home, hoping it will be OK, said Motti Haim, a resident of the central town of Beer Yaakov and father of two children. Its not simple running to the shelter. Its not easy with the kids. While United Nations and Egyptian officials have said that cease-fire efforts are underway, there were no signs of progress. Israeli televisions Channel 12 reported late Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Security Cabinet authorized a widening of the offensive. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward Israeli population centers, but he also urged Israel to show maximum restraint. U.S. President Joe Biden called Netanyahu to support Israels right to defend itself, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to try to calm tensions. The current eruption of violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed Israeli police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. A focal point of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police was Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque, built on a hilltop compound that is revered by Jews and Muslims. Jerusalem is at the heart of the conflict between the bitter enemies: Israel regards the entire city as its capital, while the Palestinians want east Jerusalem to be the capital of their future state. Hamas, claiming to be defending the city, launched a barrage of rockets at the city late Monday, in a dramatic escalation. Hamas banners could be seen outside Al-Aqsa on Thursday as thousands gathered there for Eid prayers. Israel and Hamas: Israel, Hamas escalate heavy fighting with no end in sight; at least 53 Palestinians, 6 Israelis killed The recent fighting has also set off violent clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel, in scenes unseen in more than two decades. Netanyahu warned that he was prepared to use an iron fist if necessary to calm the violence. But ugly confrontations erupted across the country late Wednesday. Jewish and Arab mobs battled in the central city of Lod, the epicenter of the troubles, despite a state of emergency and nighttime curfew. In nearby Bat Yam, Jewish nationalists attacked an Arab motorist, dragged him from his car and beat him until he was motionless. Israeli police said two people were shot and wounded in Lod and an Israeli Jew was stabbed. An Arab citizen was stabbed and seriously wounded in Jerusalems central Mahane Yehuda market, where many Arabs work in restaurants and as food vendors. Dozens of people were arrested in towns across Israel where clashes and rioting broke out. In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said it intervened in a Palestinian shooting attack that wounded two people. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the suspected gunman was killed. No details were immediately available. Still unclear is how the fighting in Gaza will affect Netanyahus political future. He failed to form a government coalition after inconclusive parliamentary elections in March, and now his political rivals have three weeks to try to form one. They have courted a small Islamist Arab party, but the fighting could hamper those efforts. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel, Hamas: Egypt delegation in Tel Aviv for cease-fire talks The state of Ohio on Wednesday announced the first winners of its "Vax-a-Million" lottery. The program will award five vaccinated residents $1 million each in an effort to raise vaccination percentages. "On May 26th, we will announce a winner of a separate drawing for adults who have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. This announcement will occur each Wednesday for five weeks, and the winner each Wednesday will receive one million dollars," DeWine said in a tweet thread announcing the program two weeks ago. Abbigail Bugenske from Silverton in Hamilton County was announced as the first winner of the $1 million prize. The drawings are being conducted by the Ohio lottery, DeWine said. All Ohio residents over the age of 18 are eligible, so long as they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The funds for the $5 million gifts and costs of running the drawing will come from existing federal COVID-19 relief funds, according to DeWine. He did not specify what the funds had originally been allocated for. "I know that some may say, 'DeWine, you're crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money.' But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it is a life lost to COVID-19," DeWine tweeted. DeWine also announced a separate lottery offering scholarships for those who are vaccinated but under the age of 18. This lottery will also pick one winner a week for five weeks beginning May 26. "The winner will receive a full, four-year scholarship to our State of Ohio universities," DeWine tweeted. "This will include tuition, room and board, and books. Joseph Costello in Montgomery County was announced as the first winner of the scholarship lottery. DeWine also announced in mid-May that the Ohio Department of Health on June 2 will lift all COVID-related health orders, "except those for nursing homes and assisted living facilities." This includes all social distancing and mask mandates, although DeWine noted individual businesses and schools can still choose to enforce their own rules. Story continues "In fact, based upon the experiences of other states, we expect that many stores or businesses may require social distancing and masking," DeWine tweeted. The announcements came amid a push to get as many Ohio residents as possible vaccinated. In a statewide address, DeWine stressed the importance of vaccinations, noting that "those who are not vaccinated remain prey to the virus." "We hope for a good summer, but we also have to be able to get through the dark days of winter safely. To do that, we need a much higher percentage of Ohioans to be vaccinated," DeWine said. He also noted that between January 1 and April 13, "Nearly 100% of hospitalizations occurred among those not vaccinated." Sneak peek: In The Name of Hate From self-defense classes to free car rides, people step up so Asian Americans can feel safer Apple and Fortnite maker Epic Games await verdict in antitrust lawsuit Associated Press The U.S. leveled sanctions Thursday against a Yemeni network that the U.S. government claims was cooperating with Iran's Revolutionary Guards to illicitly transfer tens of millions of dollars to Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi rebels. The Biden administration also announced it was lifting sanctions on three former Iranian officials and two companies that it said had been involved in banned petroleum sales, saying the U.S. had verified a change in status or behavior" on their part. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced both moves in a statement. Even Oprah Winfrey has regrets. The legendary 67-year-old talk show host revealed the question that still makes her "cringe" while appearing as a guest on Rob Lowe's Literally! podcast on Wednesday, per People. "This was when I was younger and I was not living from the point of view of the surrogate," Winfrey said, explaining that she'd gotten a sit-down with actress Sally Field, who had dated Burt Reynolds in the late 70s. "I asked her, 'Does Burt sleep with his toupee on?'" Winfrey recalled. She said she only asked because the producers had pressured her, but that Field immediately "went cold on me." Lowe sympathized: "She's one of the most amazing actors I've ever known, but when Sally goes cold, it's like Khrushchev in the Cold War," he said. "She will bury you." Read more at People. More stories from theweek.com 7 scathingly funny cartoons about Liz Cheney's ouster Poll: Most GOP voters think 2020 election was illegitimate, but lawmakers should prioritize other issues UFOs are very real, 60 Minutes reports, they're still unidentified, and they aren't American More than 75 Asian and LGBTQ organizations issued a statement Wednesday rejecting the anti-Asian hate crime bill that recently soared through the Senate. Why it matters: The groups say the bill will bolster law enforcement and further harm marginalized people. Their opposition reflects a fracture among Asian Americans as the community looks to address a yearlong spike in anti-Asian hate. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. The bill, backed by prominent AAPI Congress members, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), aims to improve hate crime tracking and train police to better identify anti-Asian hate. Lawmakers have denied criticisms that the bill reinforces policing. The House is expected to take up the bill in mid-May and will likely send the legislation to President Biden, who has said he would sign it. What they're saying: In Wednesday's statement, published on writer Jenn Fang's blog, "Reappropriate," activists called the bill a contradiction of "Asian solidarity with Black, Brown, undocumented, trans, low-income, sex worker, and other marginalized communities whose liberation is bound together." The bill does not create "systemic change" and only increases "crime statistics collection," the organizations write. Relying on crime statistics does not actually prevent violence, they argue, pointing to the 2009 Matthew Shepard Act. The Matthew Shepard Act expanded federal hate crime categories to include sexual orientation and gender identity, but the statement notes that the U.S. continues to see high rates of deadly anti-trans violence. Bolstering law enforcement "ignores that police violence is also anti-Asian violence, which has disproportionately targeted Black and Brown Asians," they write. The statement cites the deaths of Christian Hall and Angelo Quinto, Asian Americans who were recently killed by police during mental health crises. The organizations called on members of Congress to oppose the legislation and instead shift resources from law enforcement to communities. Story continues Investing in non-carceral alternatives and removing police presence from neighborhoods are among their demands. The big picture: In 16 of the country's largest cities and counties, reports of anti-Asian hate crimes have surged 164% since this time last year, according to a recent study from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State University San Bernardino. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Last year, a northwestern US county paid $300,000 to recover data locked by hackers, opting like many victims to pay the ransom despite experts advising against it -- the same dilemma which has recently faced fuel behemoth Colonial Pipeline. "We had no phones, and no internet, and no computer system," former Tillamook county commissioner Bill Baertlein said during an online seminar. Authorities had studied the system to see if it could be unlocked without paying, but "we determined that we probably could not fix it." Colonial found itself in a similar quandary, after a ransomware attack Friday forced the company -- which operates the largest fuel conduit system in the United States -- to shut down its entire network. In Tillamook, a rural county near Portland, Oregon known for its cheese, negotiations with the hackers -- whom Baertlein said were from Russia -- took two weeks. The city finally paid up, with the help of a computer security company. "Our belief (is) that it only happens to someone else," said Baertlein. "Well, it happened to us, and I think it can happen to anybody." In total, the whole situation cost Tillamook $525,000 -- but that's still less than the $1 million it would have cost the county of 26,000 people to redo the entire system, an operation that would have taken between one and two years, according to Baertlein. Just four months after the Tillamook affair, the University of Utah paid nearly $460,000 to recover the private data of its students and staff, also locked by hackers. The Salt Lake City institution later acknowledged there was "risk" associated with paying, particularly "uncertainty that the threat actor will adhere to negotiated terms." Hackers will sometimes leak part of the locked data in order to pressure their victims. That's what happened Tuesday to the Washington police department, which was the victim of an attack by the Babuk cybercrime group. Story continues Specializing in extorting funds, the group recently seized administrative and personnel files from the US capital's police. The hackers, dissatisfied with the negotiations, then released the encrypted files of about 20 officers, a police spokeswoman said. "The negotiations reached a dead end, the amount we were offered does not suit us," Babuk told the police, threatening to reveal all of the stolen files with their decoding key. - Cost-benefit ratio - The files contain psychological evaluations, professional interviews, social security numbers, addresses and personal phone numbers, or officers' electronic signatures, according to specialized news outlets. All data that could be used by other cybercriminals. Other attacks on critical infrastructure for the country could have economic implications, as with Colonial Pipeline. Last weeks' hacking of Colonial, which sends gasoline and jet fuel from Texas's Gulf Coast to the populous east coast, caused thousands of motorists to panic and rush to gas stations, resulting in gasoline shortages in several regions. It began to reopen Wednesday, warning it would take "several days" before things returned to normal. It was not clear if the company had paid any ransom, with the Washington Post reporting that it had no plans to do so, and instead was working with a cybersecurity firm. The US government is reluctant to give instructions to companies calling on them to strengthen their security systems. "They have to just balance off, in the cost-benefit, when they have no choice with regard to paying a ransom," Anne Neuberger, a cyber specialist on the US National Security Council, said Monday. Colonial Pipeline is a private company, and President Joe Biden's administration "has not offered further advice" on how to proceed, she said. Still, federal law enforcement and some experts advise against paying a ransom. Not only is there no guarantee of recovering the data, paying "also encourages perpetrators to target more victims and offers an incentive for others to get involved in this type of illegal activity," the FBI says on its webpage dedicated to data theft. According to Danish IT security company Heimdal, half of all hacking victims never get their data back. And even if they do, there's no guarantee the information hasn't already been resold on the dark web. Additionally, for US companies, paying a ransom could be illegal in some situations, Heimdal points out. In October 2020, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control indicated that entities that paid a ransom could be investigated and fined, even if they went through an intermediary such as an insurance company, for funding a criminal group subject to Washington sanctions. cyj/to/st Governor Tom Wolf announced Tuesday that COVID-19 mitigation orders except for the mask mandate will be lifted effective May 31, starting at 12:01 a.m. on that day; KDKA's Nicole Ford reports. Video Transcript STACY SMITH: Indoor and outdoor capacity limits are increasing. Nicole Ford is live now with what went into these last minute changes. Nicole? NICOLE FORD: Stacy, businesses have been waiting for May 31 or at least they thought so until the governor decided to loosen some of those restrictions early. He tells me as vaccinations are increasing, the time is now. The weather is heating up and so are local businesses. TOM WOLF: Do we want to sit in a gym? Do we want to go to a Pirates game? I mean, those are the things we're going to have to decide, and sooner or later, we're all going to have to make those decisions. NICOLE FORD: The governor gave the green light to lift restrictions on May 31 except the mask mandate. TOM WOLF: What should we be doing between now and then? Do we just go from where we are now, 25% in indoors, 50%? Should we have moved from the caps that we had in place a month ago? NICOLE FORD: Governor Tom Wolf tells me he made the decision to go in the middle. He's raising indoor capacities to 50% and outdoor to 75 on Monday, two weeks before all the restrictions are set to lift. TOM WOLF: I think we've done a pretty good job in Pennsylvania, and I think we're ready as we get toward May 31 to basically say, OK, now all of us, each of us Pennsylvanians, have to make up our own decision. NICOLE FORD: Now the only restriction that will still be in place come June 1 is that mask mandate. The governor says we won't be able to lift that with the Department of Health until 70% of the statewide population is vaccinated. He says it will not happen county by county. Reporting live on the North Shore tonight, Nicole Ford, KDKA News. Scores of row houses in Philadelphia burned and 11 people were killed after police dropped two bombs on a home belonging to radical Black liberation organisation MOVE on 13 May, 1985. (AP) Philadelphias health commissioner has resigned after the citys mayor discovered that he was responsible for cremating the remains of the victims of a police bombing without informing the surviving family members. On 13 May, 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department dropped two bombs from a helicopter on a house belonging to members of the radical Black liberation organisation MOVE, killing five children and six adults and burning 61 homes across two city blocks and leaving 250 residents homeless. The disaster followed a decade of police hostility towards the group, culminating in a siege with police firing more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition into the home before the bombing. Health Commissioner Thomas Farley discovered that remains found by the citys Medical Examiners Office belonged to victims of the bombing, but instead of fully identifying those remains and returning them to the family, he made a decision to cremate and dispose of them, the mayors office announced on Thursday. This action lacked empathy for the victims, their family, and the deep pain that the MOVE bombing has brought to our city for nearly four decades, Mr Kenney said in a statement. Medical Examiner Dr Sam Gulino also has been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation, he said. The announcement on the 36th anniversary of the bombing also follows a disturbing revelation that a box of fragmented remains in a cardboard box in a Philadelphia museum were believed to be those of 14-year-old Katricia Tree Dotson and 12-year-old Delisha Africa, who were killed in the bombing. Their remains were never returned to their family for decades, they were in the custody of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and used for online training videos. The remains were reportedly transferred to Princeton University after forensic anthropologist Alan Mann took a job there. No official or agency has faced legal consequences for their deaths or for the killings of three other children Netta, Phil and Tomasa Africa as well as the killings of Rhonda, Teresa, Frank, CP, Conrad and John Africa. Story continues Mayor Kenney said he has met with members of the Africa family and apologised for the way this situation was handled, and for how the city has treated them for the last five decades. He also pledged full transparency into the handling or mishandling of all remains of every MOVE victim and retained a law firm to perform an investigation. The mayor offered a formal apology to the Africa family and members of the movement on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, not just for this disgraceful incident, but also for how administration after administration has failed to atone for the heinous bombing. I am profoundly sorry for the incredible pain, harm, and loss caused by that horrific day, he said. Mr Farley said he became aware of the remains in early 2017, and believing that investigations related to the MOVE bombing had been completed more than 30 years earlier, and not wanting to cause more anguish for the families of the victims, I authorized Dr Gulino to dispose of them. I profoundly regret making this decision without consulting the family members of the victims and I extend my deepest apologies for the pain this will cause them, he said in a statement. MOVE members led a silent march and day of remembrance to recognise the victims on Thursday, as the organisation demands accountability from the city, University of Pennsylvania and Princeton. Read More Pennsylvania voters to decide racial equity amendment For Muslims in America, Eid al-Fitr comes as pandemic eases 1st ballot test of governor's pandemic powers starts in PA May 13Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday urged voters in Allegheny County to vote against two ballot questions that would limit the governor's authority in a declared emergency. One ballot question asks voters to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to require the governor to seek lawmakers' approval to continue an emergency declaration past 21 days. The other seeks to give the General Assembly the power to end a disaster declaration without the governor's approval. "These amendments are futile gestures aimed at a crisis that has passed and pain that we've all felt that will not be erased, ever," Wolf said in a Downtown Pittsburgh news conference. The referendums come after months of criticism from Republicans aimed at Wolf's pandemic-related stay-at-home order, business closures and continued restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus. Republicans have said the amendments will restore checks and balances in the government. "What these amendments would ultimately do is reinsert the General Assembly the voice of the people into these discussions," said Jason Gottesman, spokesman for the House Republican Caucus. Wolf said the amendments will hamstring efforts to help communities in crises. "Changing the rules doesn't change the fact that that crisis happened, or that crises like that are going to happen again," Wolf said. "If a community needs help, the state must be there to help. We don't have to wait upon 250 within the legislature to deliberate on the issue and make a decision." Gottesman called Wednesday's media conference part of a "campaign of disinformation," one of several, he alleged, meant to "skew the facts and sow fear and division among Pennsylvanians" looking for information on the ballot initiatives. Wolf, however, said the state constitution already builds in checks and balances when it comes to emergency declarations. Story continues "If the legislature doesn't like what I'm doing in any crisis, it can stop me right now," he said. "The current ballot question simply asks voters to make that a lot easier to do." Currently, a governor can veto a resolution seeking to end a declaration passed by legislators. The General Assembly needs a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override the governor's veto. Similarly, current emergency declarations last for 90 days, and the governor can renew them time and again, as Wolf has done since the pandemic was declared last year. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald joined Wolf in calling on residents to vote May 18 against the amendments. He said, as things stand right now, the governor is able to work with health professionals and gather a variety of input when it comes to making emergency declaration decisions. "What this referendum will do is put the decision-making in basically two people's hands: The majority leader of the Senate and the speaker of the House," Fitzgerald said, noting emergency declarations aren't limited to a pandemic, but can vary from hurricanes and flooding to terrorist attacks. "We need to make sure that our experts ... make professional decisions, not the special interest of a few elected leaders who represent a tiny minority of the legislature," he said. Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@triblive.com or via Twitter . May 13Honolulu police arrested a homeless man in connection with Monday's fire at Aliiolani Hale which houses the Hawaii Supreme Court in downtown Honolulu. Police arrested the suspect, 53, on Queen Streetabout a block away from the buildingjust before 7 :05 p.m. Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree arson. Police said a male suspect started a fire at the 417 S. King St. building at about 1 a.m. Monday. Damage to the building is estimated at $20, 000. CrimeStoppers Honolulu and police released a surveillance video of a man Tuesday afternoon seeking the public's help in identifying him. Aliiolani Hale was one of three government buildings where fires were set between Sunday night and Monday morning. The other fires police classified as fourth-degree arson occurred at Hawaii Department of Attorney General building and the Department of Taxation building. The three buildings are all near each other. Police are investigating whether the suspect is connected to the other two fires. May 13Portland police are investigating an incident during which someone fired a handgun at a driver at the intersection of Riverside Street and Warren Avenue. Police say officers patrolling near the intersection at 3:18 a.m. Thursday heard gunshots and were able to locate a 37-year-old Portland man who witnessed the shooting. The man told police that the occupant of a silver Mercedes sedan had just fired a handgun at him as he sat in his car at the traffic light. Several bullets hit the man's car and officers found several casings in the road. No one was hurt during the incident, according to police. Police say there may have been an altercation between the vehicles before the shots were fired. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) No criminal charges will be filed against a Kansas sheriff's deputy who fatally shot an unarmed woman who refused to pull over during a high-speed police chase that began over a wrong license plate on a vehicle, a prosecutor said Thursday. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his final report concluding that the deputy is immune from prosecution in the Dec. 30, 2019, death of 51-year-old Debra Arbuckle. Bennett cited the state's "stand your ground law'' under which a person who acts in defense of himself or another is immune from prosecution. He determined the deputy fired his weapon to stop what he perceived to be a threat of bodily injury to himself and his fellow deputies. Attorney Michael Kuckelman, who represents Arbuckle's son in a federal lawsuit over her death, said Thursday that the family is disappointed that Sedgwick County Deputy Kaleb Dailey is not facing a homicide charge. He said eluding an officer doesnt warrant deadly force. No other officer on the scene fired a single shot. Thats because Ms. Arbuckle wasnt a threat to them, Kuckelman said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. The chase, which lasted 19 minutes, began after a Wichita police officer noticed a Volkswagen with a license plate tag registered to a Chevy pickup. The Volkswagen was stopped at an intersection, but when the officer activated his emergency lights, the driver ran a red light and sped away, according to authorities. The chase was at one point called off due to the speeds that were reached, but a sheriff's deputy who heard the chase on his law enforcement radio drove to the Volkswagen's last known location. The chase resumed with four pursuing deputies, and the Volkswagen was ultimately forced off the road. When the reverse lights of the Volkswagen activated, a deputy who was on the passenger side of the vehicle, believed the other deputies would be struck and fired his handgun six times, according to the district attorney's report. Story continues The lawsuit filed by Arbuckle's son, Alek Hansen, identifies the deputy who shot her as Dailey and contends Arbuckle's vehicle was surrounded by patrol cars. It says multiple law enforcement videos show that while Arbuckle did put her car in reverse, she never accelerated toward the deputies. Her front wheel didnt even have a tire on it. They rammed her car, ran it off the road, and they surrounded it with their cars. The officers werent in danger, Kuckelman, the son's attorney, said in his statement Thursday. Arbuckle was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined she died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. A toxicology report determined her blood was positive for cocaine. ___ This version corrects the first name of the woman who was killed to Debra, not Deborah. Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, joins Andrea Mitchell to discuss the push for the Biden administration to do more to help evacuate Afghan translators who helped American forces before the withdrawal. "Bottom line, I would not be here toff it had not been for those Afghans, Iraqis who lived with us, served with us, fought alongside us and in some instances died alongside with us, and we could not do our job," says Rep. Crow. May 13Saint Joseph's College in Standish announced Wednesday that it will require all students and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be able to return to campus in the fall. In a statement issued to the Saint Joseph's College community, members of the school's Pandemic Response Team said the step is an attempt make the health and safety of students and staff its top priority. "This measure puts Saint Joseph's College among a growing number of colleges and universities (including some members of the Maine Independent College Association) requiring vaccination, and follows American College Health Association recommendations. We did not make this decision lightly, but like masks, social distancing and sanitation, it maintains our practice of using the best tools available to keep our community safe," the Pandemic Response Team said. Last month, Bowdoin College in Brunswick said it will require all students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the fall semester, becoming the first Maine college or university to take that step. UNE followed suit last week and Bates did so on Tuesday in a move that is becoming increasingly common across the country. All employees of Saint Joseph's and any student returning for campus activities before Aug. 27 must submit proof of final vaccination by July 1. All residential and commuter students arriving on or after Aug. 27, would need to submit proof of final vaccination by Aug. 1. A student or staff person will not be considered fully vaccinated until two weeks have passed since receiving their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. Medical exemptions or other waivers, such as a religious belief, from the vaccine will be considered on an individual basis. Saint Joseph's College expects to return to in-person learning this fall. This story will be updated. (Fixes typo in brother's name Saleh in paragraph 8) By Aziz El Yaakoubi and Marwa Rashad DUBAI (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia has released construction tycoon Bakr Bin Laden after more than three years since he was detained as part of a corruption crackdown in 2017, two sources told Reuters on Thursday. The former chairman of Saudi Bin Ladin group and a half-brother of Osama bin Laden, was released a few days ago but is still barred from travel, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. His brother, Saad, was released a few months ago, and is also under a travel ban, said one of the sources. No charges have been made public against Bakr bin Laden, who is 75. He could not be reached, and the Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The government's media office did not respond to an emailed request for comment during an official holiday. Bakr Bin Laden has for years run the unlisted Saudi Binladin Group, which is owned by his family. It had been the Saudi royal family's preferred building contractor until falling out of favour from 2015. He was detained as part of a sweeping crackdown on corruption ordered in November 2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi authorities said the campaign recovered more than $106 billion through settlements with scores of senior princes, ministers and top businessmen. Two of his brothers, Saleh and Saad, as well as senior executives in the family firm, were among more than 200 detained in the anti-corruption drive. The government then appointed three representatives and two other brothers to oversee the running of the countrys largest builder before the three brothers, Bakr, Saleh and Saad, eventually transferred their combined 36.2% stake to the state in April 2018. The authorities have also seized family homes, luxury cars, private jets and jewelry as part of settlements for the mens release, sources have said. Bakr was temporarily released in January 2019 to attend a funeral. Story continues Binladin, which had over 100,000 employees at its height, was important to Riyadh's plans for large real estate, industrial and tourism projects to help diversify the economy beyond oil. The group has since last year been in talks to refinance billions of dollars in debt. (Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi in Dubai and Marwa Rashad in London; Writing by Lisa Barrington and Marwa Rashad) A New York high school teacher is under fire after giving students an assignment saying George Floyd died as a result of a heart attack and drug overdose rather than because a police officer knelt on his neck for nine and a half minutes. The assignment given Friday asked Saugerties High School students to write a paragraph with a bold thematic statement in the format given by the state exam using two examples. One example stated that Floyd did not die because former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin put a knee of Floyds neck, but rather because of a heart attack and drug overdose. Chauvin was convicted of second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter last month and has since filed a motion for a new trial. The assignment's other example asked whether Chauvin should get a new trial because new evidence found juror Brandon Mitchell could not have been forthcoming in his statements in whether he had racially provoked negative feelings to police officers and his involvement with Black Lives Matter. Mitchell, the juror named in the prompt, said in his questionnaire that he had a favorable view of Black Lives Matter, which he said he interprets as a statement as opposed to a movement or organization, and did not participate in protests in Minneapolis. A social media post found after the trial showed Mitchell at last summer's March on Washington, which he said he did not view as a rally 100 percent for Floyd or a statement on being against police brutality. Sakinah Irizarry, who has fifth- and seventh-grade students in the district, said Wednesday that the assignment was harmful to every student, regardless of race, because it asked them to treat a traumatic experience as a thought experiment based on lies. Even if we were not talking about this case, specifically, it takes the death of a person, I'd say, from a very cold and distant point of view, Irizarry said. I keep coming back to empathy. It is not an empathetic point of view of a person who died, it is blaming a person who's died for their own death. That chips away at empathy. Story continues Irizarry said she has been pushing for change in the district, where shes lived for 17 years, since 2017. She has advocated for a number of changes to address racism in curriculum and student behavior, including a restorative justice model and cultural competency trainings. Her hope for restorative justice over punitive discipline is why she isnt calling for the teachers termination, but a different form of accountability. A person, or people, who do harm, need to hear it," Irizarry said. "Restitution can be made, commitment to change can be made. She expressed these hopes to the districts diversity panel in a letter viewed by NBC News. There are a lot of nice white people who want a certain type of progressive, open, broad, forward-thinking education for their children that are occasionally in the fight, Irizarry said. They are Facebook brave ... but are pretty consistently absent unless the Black woman is out there in front fighting. And it's disappointing. And it's exhausting. Saugerties High School in Upstate New York. (Google) Saugerties Central School District Superintendent Kirk Reinhardt said the district was reviewing the assignment in a statement Tuesday, noting that it was interpreted by at least one student to include biased content. In this instance, when the teacher realized that a student felt uncomfortable with the assignment, the student was immediately contacted in order to acknowledge and discuss the students concerns, the statement said. The students parents were contacted, and the family and the District discussed next steps. The assignment was also immediately revised. The student's mother, Barbara Gardner, told NBC News on Thursday that the teacher called to apologize after the 15-year-old raised concerns. While Gardner felt that the teacher's assignment came from ignorance, she said she did not feel the teacher was maliciously racist. My feelings are that the teacher definitely needs training, and I feel that this school, definitely, maybe this is a wake-up call, but in so far as this being a racist town ... I do not understand how that's growing out of the story, that Saugerties is a racist town, it's not," Gardner said. Gardner, who grew up in New York City, said although she is not Black, she's dealt with discrimination as an openly gay women and is raising two daughters, one Black and one of mixed race. Gardner doesn't understand why the teacher picked the assignment, but also thinks the educator has been unfairly demonized. "There are definitely things that needs to be addressed without a doubt, but I don't know, focusing on all the negatives and just, to me there's no growth from that," Gardner said. "I want conversation, I want difficult conversations. You know, that's how I feel." The district's letter said racially conscious curriculum and equity would be a topic for their instructional staff. When asked about the factual inaccuracies presented to the students, Reinhardt declined to comment. An autopsy by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner found that while a heart problem and drug use contributed to Floyds death, the primary cause was compression on his neck and police restraint. Martin Tobin, an expert in respiratory physiology, testified that he believed Mr. Floyd died of a low level of oxygen. Justine Tomkiell has three children in the district, the oldest of whom will attend the high school in the fall, and was made aware of the assignment Sunday. She posted a screenshot from a fellow parent on social media and has been protesting across the street from the school this week. The assignment was racist, Tomkiell said. I was traumatized. I am a Black mother with three mixed children who would look Black, Tomkiell said. And my biggest fear is what happened with George Floyd. ... And the fact that she made this assignment, and the wording ... she chose the words that he was not murdered, and he died of a heart attack and an overdose. Tomkiell wants the teacher to be fired, or at the bare minimum placed on administrative leave while undergoing racial competence training. Tomkiell also wants the school to adopt zero-tolerance policies so that racist and homophobic behavior will have consequences. Tomkiell said she is focusing on policy change that creates equity for all students. She knows her protests make some people uncomfortable, but Tomkiell said she doesnt plan on stopping any time soon. I live uncomfortable in my skin every day because I am not accepted here, Tomkiell said. So, I guess maybe they feel one inkling of what I feel when I get the hate for just speaking up against what I feel is racist. (Bloomberg) -- Schroders Plc spent months exploring a potential acquisition of M&G Plc, a deal that would have created a U.K. fund powerhouse overseeing more than $1 trillion of assets, people with knowledge of the matter said. London-based Schroders was working with a partner earlier this year to consider a breakup of M&G by splitting its asset management operations from its pension and insurance unit, according to the people. It recently abandoned the idea after deciding M&G would be too expensive, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. The deliberations by Schroders, already the U.K.s biggest standalone asset manager, never led to any formal discussions with M&G, the people said. Shares of M&G have more than doubled from their low in March 2020. The companys stock fell 0.8% as of 9:12 a.m. Thursday in London, giving it a market value of 5.7 billion pounds ($8 billion). An acquisition of M&G, which was spun off from Prudential Plc in 2019, would have been the biggest targeting a U.K. financial services company in nearly four years, data compiled by Bloomberg show. It would have extended a spree of deals among asset managers, which have been looking at ways to save costs through consolidation as they try to fend off pressure from low-cost passive funds. For Schroders, a deal for M&G would have marked a major step up in its dealmaking ambitions. The group has pursued a strategy of smaller acquisitions under Chief Executive Officer Peter Harrison and his predecessor Michael Dobson, with its largest deal to date coming via the 424 million-pound purchase of wealth manager Cazenove Capital Holdings Ltd. in 2013. Industry Consolidation M&G managed 367 billion pounds at the end of last year, spread across equities, bonds and property funds as well as infrastructure and alternative investment offerings, according to its annual report. It also sells a variety of pension, retirement and insurance products to savers in the U.K. and Europe. The company has been pushing further into areas like wealth management, buying the Ascentric digital investment platform last year. Story continues Schroders oversaw 672 billion pounds in assets as of March 31. The firm saw a number of strategic advantages to a tie-up, including the potential to accelerate growth in Asia by marketing M&Gs funds through its distribution network in the region, the people said. Representatives for Schroders and M&G declined to comment. M&G CEO John Foley has had to manage a series of challenges at the firm, which temporarily froze redemptions at a flagship property fund and witnessed outflows from retail investors spooked by market volatility during the pandemic. He also ordered a review of the firms culture following a Bloomberg News report in 2019 about sexual harassment by a top fund manager. Some large banks have been pushing further into money management, with Morgan Stanley agreeing to acquire Eaton Vance Corp. last year for about $7 billion. Others have sought to get out of the business, with Wells Fargo & Co. reaching a deal in February to sell its asset management operations to a private equity consortium. Activity has also been heating up in Europe. NN Group NV said last month its examining strategic options for its asset management unit. Credit Suisse Group AG has also faced questions on its commitment to the banks fund unit as new chairman Antonio Horta-Osorio maps out his strategy. (Adds M&G share move in third paragraph, AUM figures in paragraphs six and seven) 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. - By GF Value The stock of Sify Technologies (NAS:SIFY, 30-year Financials) shows every sign of being significantly overvalued, according to GuruFocus Value calculation. GuruFocus Value is GuruFocus' estimate of the fair value at which the stock should be traded. It is calculated based on the historical multiples that the stock has traded at, the past business growth and analyst estimates of future business performance. If the price of a stock is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. At its current price of $2.93 per share and the market cap of $525.1 million, Sify Technologies stock is believed to be significantly overvalued. GF Value for Sify Technologies is shown in the chart below. Sify Technologies Stock Shows Every Sign Of Being Significantly Overvalued Because Sify Technologies is significantly overvalued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be much lower than its future business growth, which is estimated to grow 9.31% annually over the next three to five years. Link: These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk. Companies with poor financial strength offer investors a high risk of permanent capital loss. To avoid permanent capital loss, an investor must do their research and review a company's financial strength before deciding to purchase shares. Both the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage of a company are a great way to to understand its financial strength. Sify Technologies has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.35, which which ranks in the middle range of the companies in Telecommunication Services industry. The overall financial strength of Sify Technologies is 4 out of 10, which indicates that the financial strength of Sify Technologies is poor. This is the debt and cash of Sify Technologies over the past years: Story continues Sify Technologies Stock Shows Every Sign Of Being Significantly Overvalued It is less risky to invest in profitable companies, especially those with consistent profitability over long term. A company with high profit margins is usually a safer investment than those with low profit margins. Sify Technologies has been profitable 8 over the past 10 years. Over the past twelve months, the company had a revenue of $312.2 million and earnings of $0.061 a share. Its operating margin is 9.00%, which ranks in the middle range of the companies in Telecommunication Services industry. Overall, the profitability of Sify Technologies is ranked 6 out of 10, which indicates fair profitability. This is the revenue and net income of Sify Technologies over the past years: Sify Technologies Stock Shows Every Sign Of Being Significantly Overvalued One of the most important factors in the valuation of a company is growth. Long-term stock performance is closely correlated with growth according to GuruFocus research. Companies that grow faster create more value for shareholders, especially if that growth is profitable. The average annual revenue growth of Sify Technologies is -4.2%, which ranks worse than 71% of the companies in Telecommunication Services industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth is 2.9%, which ranks in the middle range of the companies in Telecommunication Services industry. Another way to evaluate a company's profitability is to compare its return on invested capital (ROIC) to its weighted cost of capital (WACC). Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. If the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it indicates that the company is creating value for shareholders. Over the past 12 months, Sify Technologies's ROIC was 5.40, while its WACC came in at 12.94. The historical ROIC vs WACC comparison of Sify Technologies is shown below: Sify Technologies Stock Shows Every Sign Of Being Significantly Overvalued In closing, the stock of Sify Technologies (NAS:SIFY, 30-year Financials) shows every sign of being significantly overvalued. The company's financial condition is poor and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks in the middle range of the companies in Telecommunication Services industry. To learn more about Sify Technologies stock, you can check out its 30-year Financials here. To find out the high quality companies that may deliever above average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Elon Musk's SpaceX announced Thursday that Google would team up with its Starlink satellite internet service to deliver cloud computing services to business customers. Under the partnership, SpaceX will place its Starlink ground stations within Google data center properties, which can help the service support businesses requiring cloud-based applications. Starlink is in the process of launching its satellite broadband internet service, which can reach customers without ground-based connections and is one of several space-based systems. "Combining Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband with Google's infrastructure and capabilities provides global organizations with the secure and fast connection that modern organizations expect," said SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell. "We are proud to work with Google to deliver this access to businesses, public sector organizations, and many other groups operating around the world." Urs Hoelzle, senior vice president at Google Cloud, said the tie-up would help ensure "that organizations with distributed footprints have seamless, secure, and fast access to the critical applications and services they need to keep their teams up and running." This new capability for enterprise customers is expected to be available in the second half of 2021, the companies said in a joint statement. SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval for broadband service for both consumers and businesses around the world from thousands of satellites. rl/dw Forty-two percent of Americans cannot name a well-known Asian American, according to a new survey released Monday. The survey, commissioned by the nonprofit Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change, polled 2,766 American adults across the country. Its one of the first national surveys in two decades to assess public attitudes toward Asian Americans, the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S. When asked to name a famous Asian American, 42 percent of respondents answered dont know. The next most popular choices were martial arts legends Jackie Chan (11 percent), whos from Hong Kong, and Bruce Lee (9 percent), who died nearly a half-century ago. The results were similar across racial groups: Among Black, white and Latino Americans, dont know was the most common answer. This just shows that even when were in the news, people are not really soaking in the presence of Asian Americans in our country, Norman Chen, the co-founder and chief executive of LAAUNCH, told NBC Asian America. The fact that Asian Americans remain largely invisible in American society cannot be disentangled from the sharp rise in hate incidents over the past year, he said. Related: How Asian Americans are experiencing a new wave of activism The survey was conducted between March 29 and April 14, nearly two weeks after the Atlanta-area spa shootings, which left eight people, including six women of Asian descent, dead. Even so, more than one-third of white Americans and nearly half of Republicans said they didnt know anti-Asian violence is rising. Twenty-two percent of Democrats expressed the same sentiment. The reporting forum Stop AAPI Hate found that reports of anti-Asian hate incidents nearly doubled in March, surging from 3,795 to 6,603. This spike in violence has taken an immense psychological toll on Asian Americans, one-third of whom say they fear someone might threaten or physically attack them, according to an April report from the Pew Research Center. Story continues We wanted to figure out what the root causes behind these attacks are, Chen said. We know its not just Trump and its not just Covid. Other notable findings from the survey include that about one-quarter of white Americans dont consider anti-Asian racism a problem that needs to be addressed. In addition, about 80 percent of Asian Americans said they face discrimination, compared with 90 percent of Black Americans and 73 percent of Latinos. The survey also found that fewer than 1 in 4 Asian Americans feel respected in this country, and more Americans get their information about Asian Americans through movies, TV and music than friends or colleagues. To formulate the survey questions, the group consulted Asian American data scientists and scholars from elite universities, including Paul Watanabe, director of the Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The survey, he said, drew from time-tested surveys on biases toward other racial and religious groups, such as the Anti-Defamation Leagues research into Jewish Americans experiences with antisemitism. Theres nothing new about these attitudes about Asian Americans, but theyve emerged in stark relief given the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and the Atlanta shooting, he said. Hopefully an increased awareness about these issues will, in fact, turn the tide. Some questions are designed to assess the prevalence of well-known stereotypes about the group. The survey found 1 in 5 respondents thought Asian Americans were more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S. The result, Watanabe said, reflects the persistence of the perpetual foreigner trope in the country, nearly two centuries after the first major wave of Asian immigration. Another question showed that Americans were most comfortable with an Asian person as their doctor, friend or colleague and less comfortable as their boss, in-law or president of the United States. The finding tracks with the groups social standing in America, as Asians only occupy 2.6 percent of leadership positions nationwide. Chen said the survey will be conducted annually to track changes in public perception over time. Next years, he said, will include more questions and respondents, hopefully yielding deeper insights. Already, many people have offered suggestions on new data points, such as how attitudes toward Asians differ by state or socioeconomic class. In the long term, he said, LAAUNCH has laid out a three-pronged approach to tackling the harmful stereotypes that undergird public opinion about Asian Americans: working with congressional leaders to influence policy, building solidarity with other communities of color and advocating for the inclusion of Asian American history courses in public school curricula. We are part of America, Chen said. We need to be supported and celebrated in American culture. TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's government proposed on Thursday an extra T$210 billion ($7.5 billion) in spending to help the economy deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, as it reported 13 new domestic cases amid a rare spike in infections that has spooked the stock market. Early and effective prevention steps, including largely closing its borders, succeeded in shielding Taiwan from the worst of the pandemic. The island of 24 million people has reported just 1,256 infections so far, most of them imported. But markets and the government have been on edge since renewed domestic outbreaks began late last month, with 16 new domestic cases announced on Wednesday setting a record daily high. The benchmark stock index fell 1.5% on Thursday, though it also tracked losses in the United States overnight. Chu Tzer-ming, head of the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, said they were proposing another T$210 billion to add to previously announced stimulus spending worth T$420 billion, which will need parliamentary approval. "We will see how the pandemic develops and what each department's needs are," he said. The government has now identified the source of the new domestic infections, linking them via DNA sequencing to an earlier outbreak at an airport hotel and pilots at Taiwan's largest carrier, China Airlines Ltd. However, they do not know how the people in the latest cluster got infected, and are stepping up contact tracing. Speaking to reporters, President Tsai Ing-wen called for calm. "Fighting the pandemic is like fighting a war," she said. "I'd like to urge people that as long as supplies are sufficient, there's no need for panic buying," Tsai added, describing people who have rushed to buy instant noodles and toilet rolls this week as "worrying too much". The government will work to ensure the stability of the financial markets, she said. More vaccines are due to start arriving from overseas from June, Tsai added. Story continues Taiwan has millions of vaccines on order from Moderna Inc and AstraZeneca Plc, though only a small number of the latter's have arrived so far. ($1 = 27.9310 Taiwan dollars) (Reporting by Jeanny Kao and Ben Blanchard; editing by Richard Pullin and Gareth Jones) May 12Toledo City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved spending $1.4 million of the city's soon-to-be-awarded American Rescue Plan funds on youth recreation, sports, and mentorship programs this summer. Council members have been pushing for a greater focus on Toledo's youth after a year of isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with escalating gun violence, and last week Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz proposed allocating the $1.4 million to start. About $662,000 will go toward programs at parks and community centers, while about $691,000 will go toward workforce development and mentoring, as well as marketing, advertising, and transportation to increase participation in the programs. The ordinance that passed Tuesday technically appropriates the funding from the city's $283.1 million general-fund budget, since Toledo has yet to receive its anticipated nearly $189 million from the federal government. Half will be distributed this month, and the other half will come next year. The mayor has said he is confident it will be an allowable use of the federal aid, which will reimburse the general fund for the $1.4 million appropriation. Councilman Vanice Williams, who along with Councilmen Tiffany Preston Whitman and Cerssandra McPherson pushed for the programs to start as soon as possible, thanked her colleagues for their votes Tuesday. With schools letting out at month's end, she said, it's important for kids to have productive things to do this summer. "We hope that it's impactful. We have to start somewhere, and I think this is a very important time for the city to take action and to help our city youth," Ms. Williams said. "Hopefully our summer programs will keep them pumped and keep them moving and keep them active and keep them fed." Advertisement Councilman Cecelia Adams, who has been urging Toledo to take on a bigger role in youth and education initiatives since she joined council in 2015, noted at the end of Tuesday's meeting that she and the mayor have reached an agreement on forming a new department. Story continues Because of a disagreement about process, the mayor in March vetoed the formation of a Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth Services, and Educational Engagement proposed by Ms. Adams and approved by her colleagues. Ms. Adams vowed to go back to the drawing board and work with the administration until they could see eye-to-eye. She plans to next week introduce a new proposal that would form a Department of Parks and Youth Services with the mayor's blessing. The department would oversee three divisions: parks, recreation, and community enrichment; youth services; and educational engagement and workforce development. The department would be led by a director, and each division would be led by a commissioner. Ms. Adams said it is nearly identical to her proposal from March, with a couple exceptions. All park maintenance would remain the responsibility of the city's Department of Public Service, and the funding has been reduced from pulling $2.5 million out of the general fund to about $400,000. That funding will pay for a director and three commissioners for the remainder of 2021, Ms. Adams said. "This ordinance basically authorizes the hiring of highly qualified staff members to think, plan, and organize programming in these critical areas," she said. "I think it's going to be a great thing for us to put together, and we can start having the infrastructure that's necessary to make sure the work gets done that we've been talking about for a very long time." Mr. Kapszukiewicz in a letter to city council Tuesday said the new department will help create a city where children have access to the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives. "I am proud to support this ordinance, and I look forward to signing it as soon as Council passes it," he wrote. Council could take a vote on the matter as soon as May 25. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Muslim countries must show a united and clear stance over Israel's conflict with the Islamist Hamas movement in Gaza, Turkey's vice president, Fuat Oktay, said on Thursday, criticising world powers for condemning violence without acting. "What we desire is that active measures are taken," Oktay told reporters after morning prayers marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. "There are decisions taken repeatedly at the United Nations, there are condemnations. But unfortunately no result has been obtained, because a clear stance is not displayed." In several days of conflict, Hamas has fired volleys of rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel has launched air strikes against the Islamist faction in the Gaza Strip. At least 67 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave's health ministry. Seven people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said. With the conflict beginning to resemble the Gaza war of 2014, world powers have demanded de-escalation and the United States said it planned to send an envoy for talks with Israel and Palestinians. Turkey's president, Tayyip Erdogan, who has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, said on Saturday Israel was a "terror state" after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque. Oktay said Muslims had a responsibility to act. "Everyone who does not display a clear stance against this are a party to this torment," Oktay said. "Unfortunately, when we look at the Muslim countries that do not display this unity and togetherness, everyone there who do not display a clear stance is a party to this." (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that the United States would not leave Australia alone in the face of economic coercion from China, and that such behavior toward U.S. allies would hamper improvement in U.S.-Sino relations. Washington has repeatedly criticized what it says are Beijing's attempts to bully neighbors with competing interests, and U.S. President Joe Biden has sought to bolster ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing power. "I reiterated that the United States will not leave Australia alone on the field, or maybe I should say alone on the pitch, in the face of economic coercion by China," Blinken said at a press briefing with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "And we've made clear to the PRC how such actions targeting our closest partners and allies will hinder improvements in our own relationship with China," Blinken said, using the acronym for the country's official name. China has imposed a series of trade sanctions on Australian exports ranging from wine to coal as the two countries tensions have worsened in recent years. Successive Australian trade ministers have been unable to secure a phone call with Chinese counterparts since diplomatic tensions worsened in 2020, and last week Beijing suspended all activity under a bilateral economic dialogue with Australia. Australia was one of the first countries to publicly ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network over security concerns, and last year angered Beijing with its calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Payne told journalists Australia had been clear that it wanted constructive ties with China. "But we won't compromise on our national security or our sovereignty and we'll continue to act to protect that," she said. (Reporting by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Writing by Michael Martina; Editing by David Gregorio) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. Representative Chip Roy, a two-term conservative from Texas, said on Thursday he intends to run for the No. 3 House of Representatives Republican leadership job to replace Liz Cheney, who on Wednesday was fired from the post. "I'm running," Roy told reporters. Former President Donald Trump issued a statement criticizing Roy and again declared he backed Representative Elise Stefanik. Roy, a conservative who is a former chief of staff to Republican Senator Ted Cruz, could draw support from the influential, right-wing House Freedom Caucus. Some House conservatives have grumbled about Stefanik's more moderate voting record, which included her opposition to the Republicans' 2017 tax cut law. At the time she said it would hurt her New York constituents who would be left paying bigger tax bills each year. Since then, Stefanik has tacked to the right and vigorously defended Trump during his first impeachment. Republicans might be inclined to elect a woman to replace Cheney, given that the top two leadership positions are held by men and the Republican Party often has difficulties appealing to suburban women voters. Cheney was toppled from the Republican Conference leadership job after voting in January to impeach Trump on a charge of inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Since then, she has drawn growing discontent from Republican rank-and-file for criticizing Trump for continuing to rally his supporters by claiming that he lost the 2020 presidential race due to voter fraud. Trump's assertion has been rejected by numerous courts and his own administration. (Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Leslie Adler and Richard Chang) UN peacekeepers in Mali on Thursday offered to help bring to justice jihadists behind the amputation of suspected thieves' hands and feet, an apparent revival of a practice that had all but vanished. Speaking on condition of anonymity, local sources in Tin-Hama in eastern Mali said armed men drummed up a crowd on May 2, a market day, and cut the right hands and left feet off three men they paraded as thieves. The gunmen are believed to have belonged to Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), one of the main jihadist groups active in the Sahel region, the UN's Minusma force said in a statement. "This kind of corporal punishment carried out by armed groups outside of any legal order is a serious infringement of human rights," Minusma chief El-Ghassim Wade said. UN forces stand ready to "support continuing enquiries by Malian authorities to fight impunity and ensure that the perpetrators of these acts are brought to justice," he added. Minusma also said it was deploying "significant security resources in the affected areas to step up protection of populations". The amputations "recall the horrors of the 2012 crisis" when jihadists and Touareg rebels took control of much of Mali's north, the UN statement added. At the time, various jihadist groups conducted public amputations, stonings, floggings and executions in major northern cities under their hardline interpretation of Islamic law. Since 2012, jihadist insurgents have spread across Mali's centre and into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the violence. UN, African and French forces have failed to put an end to the insurgency. Unidentified men killed one soldier when they attacked a Malian anti-terrorist unit near Tominian in the country's centre late Wednesday, while the troops killed three of the assailants, a security official said on condition of anonymity. sd-kt-lal/tgb/bp By Valentina Za MILAN (Reuters) - UniCredit's largest investor BlackRock voted against the remuneration package that last month turned the Italian bank's new boss Andrea Orcel into one of Europe's highest paid bank chiefs, a document showed. Orcel narrowly avoided a shareholder revolt against his pay package worth up to 7.5 million euros ($9 million) a year, securing only 54% of votes at a general meeting on April 15. Minutes from the meeting published on UniCredit's website late on Thursday showed BlackRock was among investors that voted against the pay policy, which got rejected by shareholders accounting for almost 43% of capital present at the AGM. New York-based BlackRock, the world's largest money manager with $9 trillion in assets, is the top investor in UniCredit with a stake of 5.1%. A spokeswoman for BlackRock in Italy declined to comment. Earlier this month BlackRock was among investors that rejected the pay of executives at GE Corp. Also Allianz Global Investors, the asset manager part of German group Allianz SE, rejected Orcel's pay package, according to the minutes. A spokesman for AllianzGI confirmed all of their funds and mandates voted against. Allianz Group is the third-largest investor in UniCredit with a 3.1% stake behind Capital Research and Management which owns 5.0%. Orcel's package, which doubled the pay of previous Chief Executive Jean Pierre Mustier, had drawn criticism from leading shareholder advisory firms and came amid regulatory calls for restraint over pay in the face of the pandemic. Both International Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis had recommended investors reject it, taking aim in particular with a fully guaranteed bonus for 2021. When considering attendance of 60.5% at the general meeting, the remuneration policy received backing from only a third of UniCredit's capital. That includes Italian shareholders Leonardo Del Vecchio, the eyewear billionaire, as well as Fondazione Cariverona and Fondazione CRT. The two charitable foundations that are historic investors in UniCredit had openly backed Orcel's pay package saying the bank faces tough choices. Story continues UniCredit hired Orcel after falling behind rival heavyweight Intesa Sanpaolo, which last year acquired UBI and secured over a fifth of the domestic market. In joining Italy's No. 2 bank, Orcel is relinquishing more than 25 million euros in deferred pay from former employer UBS, which he left to become CEO at Santander in 2018 before falling out with the Spanish bank over pay. ($1 = 0.8285 euros) (Additional reporting by Alexander Huebner in Munich; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Elaine Hardcastle) University of South Carolina president Bob Caslen resigned after he was found to have plagiarized a commencement speech. (WLTX) The president of the University of South Carolina has stepped down after he was caught plagiarising his commencement speech and mistakenly congratulating his students on graduating from the University of California. Bob Caslen has resigned after he re-used parts of a speech by retired Admiral William McRaven, the Navy SEAL and commander of Special Operations Command who led the mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011. During his speech on 7 May, the retired three-star general, who served as superintendent of West Point from 2013 to 2018, echoed guidance given by Admiral McRaven to graduates at the University of Texas in 2014. The admiral served as the chancellor of The University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. Admiral McRaven said in his now-famous speech: Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up if you do these things, then the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today. And what started here will indeed have changed the world for the better. In a letter, Mr Caslen wrote that he was truly sorry and that he was searching for words about resilience in adversity and when they were transcribed into the speech, I failed to ensure its attribution. I take full responsibility for this oversight. Multiple uploads of the speech by the retired four-star admiral on YouTube have been viewed more than 13 million times, with one video reaching more than 19 million views. After General Caslens second blunder of his speech, mistaking South Carolina for California, prompting audible gasps from the crowd, he said: Sorry about that, I owe you push-ups. In his letter to students, obtained by local TV station WIS, he wrote: I understand the responsibilities and higher standards of senior-level leadership. When those are not met, trust is lost. And when trust is lost, one is unable to lead. Story continues Eddie Floyd, the member of the universitys board of trustees who has served the longest, told The Post and Courier: Turns out he was probably not the right fit to run USC. General Caslen delivered the same speech, including the plagiarised section, during at least one subsequent graduation ceremony the next day, the paper reported. He offered to resign over the weekend but was rebuffed by the chairman of the board, Dorn Smith. But the general called Dr Smith on Monday to say he was leaving his post. He just thought it was time to go, and I think that he was concerned about the support of the faculty and the students and everybody else, Dr Smith told The Post and Courier. Were disappointed with the way things worked out. I think Bob Caslen did a great job at a lot of things that he wont get credit for. I think he handled the Covid crisis fabulously. And its just unfortunate that there were some missteps that were well-publicised, Dr Smith added. Former USC President Harris Pastides will return to his post and serve as the interim president, taking over on 14 May. Read More Vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks or socially distance, CDC announces: We have all longed for this moment Concerning levels of forever chemicals in US mothers breast milk, study says CDC set to relax indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration vowed Thursday to stand by Australia in its worsening trade and other disputes with China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Australian counterpart that the U.S. will not leave Australia alone on the field or maybe I should say alone on the pitch in the face of economic coercion by China. That's what allies do," he said. "We have each other's backs so we can face threats and challenges from the position of collective strength. Like the United States and China, Australia and China are in the midst of several major disputes as Beijing seeks to apply pressure over commerce and influence. Blinken said the the United States and Australia are bound together by deeply held shared values that no other nation, including China, can uproot. Blinken and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne both said that presenting a united front to China is key and called for a more thorough and complete investigation into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in China in 2019. China last week suspended an economic dialogue with Australia, stepping up a pressure campaign that began over Australian support for a probe of the coronavirus and has disrupted exports to Chinas biggest foreign market. Relations between the two have plunged to a multi-decade low since Beijing blocked imports of Australian coal, wheat and other goods over the past year. But it has failed to force Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government to offer concessions. The suspension follows Australias decision in April to cancel two deals signed by the state of Victoria with Chinas multibillion-dollar Belt and Road construction initiative. Beijing warned then it might respond, which it did when it suspended the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, accusing Australia of abusing so-called national security reasons to severely restrict and suppress economic and cultural cooperation projects. Waste Management Inc. is eliminating the burden of college expenses for its employees and their families. The company's Your Tomorrow program, in collaboration with Guild Education, offers employees and their "eligible dependents" the ability to chose "from a full range of education options, including earning a college degree" at no cost to them. SECRET MILLIONAIRE DONATED FORTUNE TO UNIVERSITIES THAT SHAPED HER CAREER Nearly 36,000 full-time employees nationwide will have access to more than 170 fully funded programs, the company announced Thursday. This includes undergraduate and graduate degrees and will also cover the cost of short-form technology and business certificate programs as well as high school completion. The education and training programs focus primarily on business, technology, science and mathematics, which directly ties into the needs of the business, according to Waste Management. Competency in these areas will be "critical to the future of WMs business" where employees are asked to operate "technology-enabled fleet and equipment and enhance the customer experience." The program "supports the reskilling and retention of existing talent, while also helping to attract new talent to equip the business with a skilled workforce for the future," according to Waste Management Chief People Officer Tamla Oates-Forney. However, employees won't be the only ones benefitting from the education and upskilling benefit program. "[The program] will soon help our team members eliminate the financial burden of providing for their dependents education as well," Oates-Forney said. KENTUCKY POLICE OFFICERS HONORED FOR FANTASTIC JOB SAVING INFANTS LIFE Later this year, benefits-eligible dependents, which include nearly 34,000 children and spouses, will be allowed to enroll in educational programs for the following year. Waste Management said this is the first time a company has extended education opportunities "at this scale." Story continues In doing so, Guild Education CEO Rachel Carlson said Waste Management is "setting the standard for how organizations can creatively invest not only in their employees, but also those employees children and families, in a way that ties to their company strategy." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The program is one of a handful of incentives the company announced as part of its hiring push to fill essential frontline driver and technician positions across North America. The company will be holding "career day" events on May 21-22 in an effort to fill the positions. To persuade job seekers, the company said the positions will come with a range of new employee benefits aside from the Your Tomorrow program, including flexible work schedules and sign-on bonuses. "Through our Career Day events, we hope to attract new team members that want to evolve their career and will take advantage of this new benefit program," Oates-Forney said. Get essential education news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here for The 74s daily newsletter. As more Americans receive Covid-19 vaccines and schools move to reopen widely, leaders are doing their best to make sure everyone gets the memo: School is happening in-person this fall. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently told reporters, We must prepare now for full in-person instruction come next school year. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said in March he is fully expecting schools across the state to return in-person in the fall, no exceptions. We are expecting Monday through Friday, in-person, every school, every district, he said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom removes his mask before speaking during a news conference after he toured the newly reopened Ruby Bridges Elementary School on March 16. Gov. Newsom travelled throughout California to highlight the states efforts to reopen schools as he faces the threat of recall. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Good luck with that. Even as vaccination rates soar and the government authorizes access for adolescents, school districts nationwide are grappling with sometimes widespread suspicion and dissatisfaction over how they handled the pandemic, especially in communities of color. Thats forcing them to offer families an option that might have been unthinkable a year ago and one that has a terrible track record: enrolling their children online this fall and continuing learning from home. Dawn Williams, whose daughter will start first grade in August in Marylands Prince Georges County, said shes seriously considering an online program. Most of my friends that have children, their kids are still virtual, she said. So far its happening in just a fraction of the nations 13,500 districts. But those include a wide mix of rural and suburban districts, as well as large urban school systems like Albuquerque, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Indianapolis, Nashville, Omaha, Richmond, and the District of Columbia, according to the University of Washingtons Center for the Reinvention of Public Education (CRPE). In Colorados Jefferson County, the school district, responding to high demand from families, recently announced an online option in the fall. District spokesperson Cameron Bell said more than 700 students have enrolled so far, with at least 1,000 expected by August. Story continues In Montgomery County, the largest school district in Maryland, officials are developing a virtual academy to address both the students who may want to remain virtual for health reasons but also those who have thrived in virtual learning, said spokesperson Gboyinde Onijala. Whats going on here? Much of this can be chalked up to simple consumer demand. One recent Ipsos/NPR poll found that nearly 30 percent of parents would rely on virtual learning indefinitely going forward. That suggests a potential market of more than 15 million students. Heather Schwartz (Courtesy of RAND) Districts are listening. When RAND researchers surveyed about 320 public school leaders last October, they found that one in five were either considering or actually planning to keep one or more virtual schools operating after the pandemic ends, said RANDs Heather Schwartz. I expect that to hold, or even to increase somewhat based on early anecdotal indications that a sizable minority of students and parents prefer remote learning, Schwartz said via email. More recently, in early April, researchers at CRPE surveyed officials in 100 large urban school districts and found nearly identical results: 23, or just over one in five, plan to offer a remote option next fall. District leaders told Schwartz and other researchers that their main motivation was to be responsive to parent and student preferences and in no small part to improve sagging enrollments. One analysis of 33 states by The Associated Press and the education news site Chalkbeat found that public K-12 enrollment in 2020 dropped by more than half a million students, or 2 percent. You keep hearing this word: thriving As he talks these days to school leaders nationwide, education consultant John Bailey said he hears many of them say they plan to make online learning a more permanent part of their offering to kids going forward. A one-time U.S. Department of Education official who now advises the Walton Family Foundation, Bailey has supported the idea that reopening schools is safe. He said that while many educators acknowledge millions of students lost ground via distance learning, for some kids, its working really well. So why not offer that going forward? John Bailey (Courtesy of American Enterprise Institute) Nationwide, families of color are keeping their children home at especially high rates. In Chicago, the districts chief of school management told school board members late last month that most students are learning virtually. But about one in four Black high school students was absent from both in-person and remote learning in late April. Overall, only about two-thirds of high school students attended in-person classes on days they were expected in school, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. At the same time, Asian fourth-graders attend school remotely at the highest rate of any group 95 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Eighth-graders attend at an even higher rate: 96 percent. Asian families have expressed fears about their children experiencing anti-Asian discrimination or even violence in the wake of the pandemic. Bree Dusseault (Courtesy of CRPE) While state and local restrictions can play a part in attendance statistics like these, many families are simply voting with their feet, said Bree Dusseault, a practitioner in residence at CRPE. Theres still a really sizable population of students who, even when given the option to be in-person, arent taking it, she said. You keep hearing this word: thriving particularly in families of color, said Annette Anderson, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools in Baltimore. Districts have never had to wrestle with How do we provide education in multiple formats? They thought this was a stopgap. Now what I think theyre finding is that there are many parents that were just fine with virtual learning. Anderson, a Black educator who is also a mother of three teens, said the past year has taught parents that they have a voice at the table and they are not being shy and retiring about letting people know what they want in terms of how they want their children to learn. Recent survey data suggest that Black, Hispanic and Asian parents are more likely than their white peers to say they prefer online learning. For instance, the journal Education Next recently noted data from early April that showed 60 percent of white parents have a preference for in-person learning, compared to just 25 percent of Black and Hispanic parents. At the same time, Dusseault said, many parents of color see how badly education systems have served their kids in the past, with substandard instruction and more aggressive discipline. Annette Anderson (Courtesy of Johns Hopkins University) When Anderson surveyed her three children recently, none wanted to go back to their Baltimore school this fall. They like learning from home and have been successful. I think my kids sometimes miss their friends, she said. But aside from that, I dont have any of my three children saying right now, Mom, I want to go back to school today or tomorrow. They have adapted to this. Anderson was quick to add that her kids have every kind of technology possible, as well as space at home to use it. All three have their own rooms, plus their home has a backyard. But whatever their situations, she said, There are a lot of kids who are at home and theyre thriving. You cant negate the success of those students and the opportunity that they have had to be separated from their peers and still do well academically. Williams, mother of the Maryland first-grader, said her daughter is already doing advanced work and shed like to keep it that way. Giving her child a chance to work virtually and independently is key. Students that are more advanced and parents that have the choice were going to keep our kids home, she said. Those kids are going to accelerate. Theyre going to soar and theyre going to keep advancing. School hesitancy and safety Vladimir Kogan, an Ohio State University political scientist who studies politics and public policy, said school hesitancy may in part be a function of the messages families hear especially in places where teachers unions loudly demonstrated last year, enacting mock funerals and the like to warn of the dangers of reopening schools. I think that messaging has definitely filtered down to the parents, he said. But recent research has shown that when prevention strategies are in place in schools, transmission of the virus is typically lower than, or similar to, levels of community transmission, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related: The Pandemics Remote Learning Legacy: A Lot Worth Keeping As a result, public opinion is shifting. A February Pew survey found that 61 percent of Americans said K-12 schools that werent open for in-person instruction should give a lot of consideration to the possibility that students will fall behind academically. Thats up from 48 percent last July. And fewer Americans said schools should give a lot of consideration to the risk to teachers or students. I think the number of parents who are hesitant is going to go down pretty substantially, Kogan said. But I dont think its going to go down to zero. Bailey, who recently authored a study summarizing research on safe school re-openings amid Covid fears, predicted that there will be a group of parents who will probably never feel that its safe until theres a vaccine for kids. People wait in line to receive the COVID-19 Vaccination at Kedren Health on April 15, a day that vaccines were made available to all people 16+ in Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) The prognosis on vaccines seems promising: This week, both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved expanded use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 12 to 15 years old. Pfizer also said itll ask the FDA for emergency authorization in September to administer its vaccine to children as young as 2 years old. Both Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are conducting trials in children.The U.S. vaccine developer Novavax is also beginning trials on children its vaccine has a reported 96 percent efficacy rate in adults and is awaiting emergency use authorization in the U.S. A really terrible track record for virtual schools Kogan, the political scientist, worries that by relying on virtual schools, districts are embracing a well-studied and failed reform. In a 2019 literature review, researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulders National Education Policy Center found that graduation rates at virtual and blended-learning schools were far lower than the national 85 percent average for public schools. The review followed years of similar findings from researchers nationwide. In 2016, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, along with other groups, issued A Call to Action to improve their quality, saying far too many virtual schools have experienced notable problems. At the student level, most of the dilemma lies in whats required for students to be successful in virtual settings: huge amounts of self-control, motivation and discipline, said Kogan, who co-authored a report last January that found worse declines in reading achievement among Ohio third-graders in districts that used fully remote instruction. Vladimir Kogan (Courtesy of Ohio State University) The track record of these programs was terrible before Covid, Kogan said. And I think its certainly the case that there are kids who do fine. But the districts are not saying, Were going to limit it only to kids who do fine. To be fair, many educators get it. In its announcement of a modified digital learning option, the Gwinnett County, Ga., district last month offered an official warning: Digital learning is not optimal for every student. Some students did not do as well academically, socially, or emotionally in the digital learning environment. In the long term, Kogan said, his larger worry is that this could open the door to a two-tier education system: a bigger, functional one for students whose parents are comfortable sending them to school, and a smaller, inferior one for kids whose parents are too scared and keep them home. Related: Brizard & Vuchic: As Schools Begin to Reopen, Some Are Developing All-Virtual Options to Meet Students Diverse Needs. Here Are 6 Examples The long-term damage, he said, is going to be so devastating. Its going to exacerbate all the inequalities that we already have. Anderson, the Baltimore educator and mother, acknowledged the dilemma, but emphasized it was nothing new: Millions of kids werent being served well before the pandemic. Heres a chance for something better, especially for students of color who are already staying away in large numbers. While leaders may insist that everyone attend in-person on the first day of school this fall, Anderson said, Im not hearing what is going to significantly shift over the summer that is going to make sure that these large numbers of families of color are going to suddenly show up in September. Related: Sign up for The 74s newsletter Palestinians protest in Gaza following Israeli evictions in Jerusalem. (Getty Images) A group of 25 House Democrats has urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to exert diplomatic pressure to stop Israels efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Even our allies must be held accountable for human rights violations, said US Rep Marc Pocan. The lawmakers point to the demolition of more than 5,000 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem within the last 50 years, which are in clear violation of international laws governing human rights and war crimes, they say. A group of 64 members of Congress made similar warnings to the State Department in 2020, with an urgent request to press the Israeli government to prevent more families from being forcibly transferred and having their homes destroyed, along with a more recent request in March to investigate the destruction of Palestinian homes. The latest letter including signatures from Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal and members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley calls on Mr Blinken to send the strongest possible diplomatic message to Israel to desist evictions and demolitions, and send US observers to document the expulsions if they continue. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez also criticised President Joe Bidens brief remarks on Wednesday in which he said Israel has a right to defend itself. My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner rather than later, the president told reporters on Wednesday after his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. She said blanket statements like these [with] little context or acknowledgement of what precipitated this cycle of violence namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al Aqsa dehumanize Palestinians [and] imply the US will look the other way at human rights violations. Its wrong. According to a White House readout of the call, Mr Biden condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and conveyed his unwavering support for Israels security and for Israels legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians. Story continues He also conveyed encouragement of a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm, the White House said. By only stepping in to name Hamas actions which are condemnable [and] refusing to acknowledge the rights of Palestinians, Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez said on Twitter. This is not neutral language. It takes a side the side of occupation. The neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah has emerged as one of the latest flashpoints in Israels efforts to evict Palestinians in occupied territories, as revived violence including attacks inside the Al Aqsa Mosque have prompted global protests and escalated attacks between Israel forces and Hamas. At least 72 people, many of them Palestinian civilians, including at least 16 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks. Most of the international community has not recognised Israels claim over East Jerusalem as legitimate. The Israeli government has dismissed the conflict over the neighbourhood as a private real estate dispute, while the Israeli Supreme Court has postponed a legal decision that could decide the fate of its residents. Read More Watch live as Dominic Raab delivers statement on Israel-Palestine conflict Liz Cheney vows to never let Trump near Oval Office again as shes removed from GOP leadership Biden administration says Colonial Pipeline is restarting after cyberattack After all these years, it goes without saying that video marketing is possibly the most effective marketing tool for brands. Videos have the ability to engage their audience more proactively and creatively. This results in better engagement and lead generation over time. People prefer to watch videos than read a large block of text that is promoting a product. Due to the very high ROI, almost 66% of B2C marketers use video marketing in 2021. Videos can be of different types - video interviews, tutorial videos, presentations, product demos, and reviews, etc. Regardless of the kind of video you upload, a good video marketing strategy goes a very long way. If you run a small business in Japan, then video marketing can help you expand over time. Why is it so? Let's find it out in today's blog. 1. Increase Brand Awareness Brand awareness is one of the key elements that can make or break a business. If people are not aware of your brand and what it does, then there's no way you will expand your business. For a small business, it is essential to growing its customer base in the future. What's the best way of letting people know what you do? It is video marketing. Videos can be very effective in expressing your company's values and ideas. 2. Videos Work Well With Google The world's most famous and biggest search engine is Google. To increase and improve your organic reach in the world of the internet, it is essential to optimize your videos for the search engine. If you do it right, then there's nothing to stop a potential rise in your website's organic traffic. Very well optimized videos can channelize healthy traffic of potential customers to your business. So, you should focus on optimizing your videos for Google. Add keywords in the video description and use hashtags. These two can help your videos get better rankings as well. Avoid adding too many advertisements, or else it will result in poor watch time, which directly affects your Google search engine rankings. 3. Video Attracts Social Shares - Social media work well if you know how to use them. People prefer to share videos, and video watch time is massive these days. That clearly tells you that people share and watch videos almost every year. Videos can hook the audience because of their content, and that is they love to share such good videos. If your followers share your video more, then it'll attract more people from towards the brand. 4. Better Conversion Rate Converting audiences into consumers can be a tricky task for many brands, especially small businesses. Once a set of people have visited your brand website by watching your videos, you can turn them into potential customers. You'll need videos once again. Videos can convince and help people realize if they need a product or not. Product reviews, testimonials, and "How To" work best in such cases. You can create one such video properly within minutes using InVideo, it will help you persuade the customer to buy a product from your website and increase conversion rates. 5. Customers Love Videos As a brand, you must develop content that people love. More than 92% of the audience online love watching videos. YouTube, the world's best video sharing platform, has more than 2 billion active users every month. So, that tells you a lot about the kind of love people have for videos. That is why, when you create useful, informative, and entertaining videos, it helps your audience to be happy with your content. It helps to retain them for a longer period. 6. Helps You Build Trust - The trust between a brand and its audience is the foundation of any business in this world. If you are running a business in Japan, you already know how much Japanese people give importance to honesty and trust. If your brand falters to establish good trust between the audience, then your business can never be a success in Japan. Videos help to build trust. They can show the human side of your brand and record testimonies of previous customers. 7. Build Emotional Connections Have you ever wondered why the top brands in the world continue to expand their business and audience even after such a long time? It is because the people are emotionally connected with them. Videos help you convey your tone, expressions, theme, attitude, and a lot of other elements. All of them together help to build a great emotional connection between the people. If you successfully set up an emotional connection, your brand will surely get a good amount of conversions sooner or later. 8. Better ROI Videos have the capability to deliver the highest ROI when compared to the other medium of marketing in this world. A better ROI means you have enjoyed exquisite results against what you had invested. It indeed takes more effort, budget, and time to create videos than writing a block of text. But, at the same time, videos can attract more people. 70% of marketers agree with this point and believe that videos can better impact the common people. Videos result in more engagement, drive more traffic, and are easily memorable in the long run. That is why brands focus on video marketing so much. 9. Can Be Done Almost Free Videos are cost-effective in the long run. Also, promoting videos is almost free because you just need to upload them on your social media handles. There's no other cost that is involved here. Your small business will get huge exposure in the market via video marketing. When you promote your brand with visually attractive content, people are more attracted to them. You can create different videos using free editors like InVideo. That is why people will come to know about your products and it's services for free. If you want to increase your awareness, then video marketing is your best bet in 2021. 10. Videos Can Entertain People - Let's be honest. Texts are boring, and you cannot keep reading about a brand via large chunks of text. Videos, on the other hand, are much more capable of entertaining people. The overall audio and visuals help to entertain them. More than 60% of users online spend at least 2 minutes watching a video before buying a product. The use of video is the best way to get a better CTA. So, these are the top benefits you can get from video marketing for small businesses in Japan. MOSCOW Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant, Yozo Hirano, will be the next tourists to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), Russias space agency Roscosmos said Thursday. Maezawa and Hirano will travel aboard a Russian Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for launch on Dec. 8, 2021, from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the agency said in a statement. Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, also plans to participate in a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft of SpaceX, the Roscosmos rival of U.S. billionaire Elon Musk. Maezawa and film producer Hirano, who will be documenting the mission, will begin pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, a closed town outside of Moscow, Roscosmos added. It said that the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin. Sumo isnt anywhere near the level of the only truly global sport. What its overseas fans lack in numbers, however, they more than make up for in passion. Despite most of the main honbasho action taking place in the early hours of the morning for those in the United States, social media platforms hum with activity during live grand tournaments. Pop into any sumo Discord server at 2 a.m. in New York and youll see comments fly by. In pre-pandemic times, many of those fans also spent thousands of dollars just to fly to Japan and support their favorite rikishi. Since lockdowns began and borders shut, they have funneled their money into buying merchandise. Whether its trading cards, autographed tegata handprints or banzuke ranking sheets, sumo fans outside Japan are major purchasers of memorabilia. As is the case with many of this countrys sports, acquiring merchandise from abroad normally involves using third-party vendors, as foreigner-friendly payment and shipping methods are rarely made available by Japanese retailers. While a lack of foresight when it comes to fully taking advantage of a growing global market might be partly to blame in other sports, when it comes to sumo it is the fact that the Japan Sumo Association is a public interest corporation whose remit is to carry on and promote the traditions of sumo that means that foreign fans are, by default, not its target audience. All of which still doesnt prevent people living in Moscow, Marseille or Montreal from being emotionally invested in sumo. The love and dedication displayed by sumos foreign fans rivals anything seen inside Japans borders. Sumo Reference, the go-to database for everyone involved in the sport, is a German creation. The definitive guide to sumo trading cards was written by an American. In addition to dozens of sites and blogs in English, Spanish and Russian, you can also find amateur athletes across the world traveling six or seven hours by car just to strap on a mawashi and participate in their favorite sport. 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. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images Liz Cheneys ouster from Republican leadership on Wednesday was a big win for the man she has refused to placate Donald Trump. I spoke with Washington correspondent Olivia Nuzzi about the considerable shadow the former president continues to cast over Republicans from his perch at Mar-a-Lago. Ben: President Trump has in some ways been reduced to a background presence in the political landscape. Facebooks ban on him was upheld for now, hes off Twitter forever, and hes churning out statements on a junky-looking website that doesnt see a lot of traffic. But in other ways, the Republican party is as dependent on validating Trumps view of the world as ever. Lindsey Graham says the GOP cant grow without him; party leaders are making pilgrimages to Mar-a-Lago to seek his wisdom, such as it is, and approval. And, of course, Liz Cheney was ousted from GOP leadership on Wednesday for banging on too loudly about the stolen-election conspiracy theory that rules the ex-presidents world and which a large majority of GOP voters believe. In your view, does Trump have exactly the same kind of stranglehold over the party he did when he was president? Will the GOP just continue to stay in the thrall of a losing presidential candidate indefinitely? Olivia: Yes, he maintains his vise grip on the Republican Party even while officially out of power, from one of his vacation homes. But not indefinitely. I think theres a clear date when this either ends or it gets worse: November 8, 2022. This is probably obvious, but its worth emphasizing that most of the Republicans in Washington who are determined to bend to his will at the expense of their dignity and the Constitution and whats best for their constituents are making a political calculation about the next election, not taking a principled stand because they are true believers in the MAGA cause. In a lot of ways it doesnt matter what the motivation is if the actions are the same in practice, but on this specific point I think it does matter. The midterm elections are sort of like the date upon which Trumps control of the GOP comes up for renewal. And as with most things in Washington, I think its easy to become so accustomed to how cynically the place operates that you can lose sight of the most central, obvious part of the story: Republicans are loyal to Trump because they are afraid that they will be kept further away from power without their association with him. Its about getting, having, and keeping power thats the belief system. Ben: Power for powers sake! We love to see it, as they say. At this early date, Republicans look in good shape to take back the House. This may have less to do with any Trumpian dynamics than two other factors: Out-of-power parties usually do well in midterm elections, and redistricting alone may be enough to get the GOP over the threshold. (The Senate is a somewhat dicier proposition.) My point is that their strategy of hewing close to Trump is likely to correlate to a positive result, even if Trump himself may not be responsible for the gains. At which point, presumably the vise grip would tighten even more. Are you saying the only way Republicans are divorcing Trump anytime soon is if 2022 turns catastrophic? Olivia: I agree with your prediction about the likely outcome. And yes, I think that is probably the only way it happens. Although, hypothetically, I could see a universe in which the opposite is true, too. That if Republicans were to win both the House and the Senate by considerable margins, if they felt for a time that they were not scrambling to hang onto power, they might have more room for something approaching diversity of opinion. But again, thats a hypothetical scenario that I just invented for the sake of argument Im not saying I think that is going to happen. The last time that the Republican Party was having a real debate about their identity was in the lead-up to the 2016 primary. After Mitt Romneys loss in 2012, the Republican National Committee produced its now famous or infamous autopsy report, in which the recommendation was to become less extreme and more inclusive. When I first became a reporter around 2014, I was covering Rand Paul and Chris Christie and Rick Perry people who were a part of what ultimately became the primary field and I remember really believing that the election would be an intraparty debate about isolationism versus interventionism! LOL. And then Donald Trump got into the race on June 16, 2015, and there was basically never an honest intellectual debate that actually mattered within the party again. I bring up that history because I dont know what it would require for the Republican Party to go through a real identity crisis and emerge with an actual belief system, at this point. They have no tolerance for that now, as Liz Cheney demonstrates. When will they? Ben: One big reason Republicans were so afraid of Trump while he was in office was that he used his Twitter-bully pulpit to punish and humiliate lawmakers and officials who didnt kiss the ring. And he had the muscle of the presidency to back up his threats, even if he wielded his power in a sloppy fashion. Now, he doesnt actually have any hard institutional power, and as mentioned, his statements arent getting close to the media attention they once did. Does this make individual lawmakers any less afraid of him? Or is their motivation less Trump might kill my career and more Hey, this is where the partys at, best not to rock to the boat? Olivia: I think that a lot of Republican lawmakers experienced the January 6 insurrection as a warning. So its not just best not to rock the boat, its more that there are pirates at the helm of the boat, and Republican lawmakers work for those pirates now. I also think that fear of the original pirate is still so strong because even if his statements dont get the attention that his tweets did, this hasnt been tested yet in an election. We all know that Trump could tweet you out of office if he wanted to. We dont know for sure that he cant oust you from his current social-media exile, just by endorsing your opponent and doing a fundraiser with them and making his fans aware of it through far-right media. Ben: Isnt there a fear that this fealty could backfire in general elections among a voting public that never particularly liked Trump? Or was that anxiety allayed by the partys surprisingly strong down-ballot performance in 2020? Olivia: I feel like Im taking a multiple-choice test Im gonna have to go with B on this one. Ben: I was taught that C was the most common correct answer. Not sure this holds true anymore. Olivia: I always used to put C! Im not a very good test-taker. Anyway! I dont think that the individuals within the Republican Party who are concerned about long-term strategic planning for the party, for reasons related to actual principle or merely politics, are very internally popular at the moment. And whatever urgency existed for those normie Republicans prior to the most recent election was quelled by the down-ballot results. Ben: Lastly, what do you think Trumps ultimate goal is here? To return to the stage in 2024? Or more to live a pleasant Mar-a-Lago lifestyle, with none of the boring responsibilities of the presidency, but with all the perks of being a de facto party leader who can make his mortal intraparty enemies squirm? That sounds pretty much ideal for him. Olivia: Trump is a person whose entire life has been defined by his wants. He wanted fame, he wanted to be or at least wanted to be known as a hotshot businessman, he wanted women, he wanted power. He got all the power in the world, hated every aspect of having it except for the fact that he had it, which pleased him, then lost that power. Now what can he want? He really is only recently involved in and deeply interested in politics, just for the last ten years of his life. I could almost see a scenario in which, in his retirement years, he got super into horse racing instead, you know? Instead, he ran for president. It seems that he wants to continue to feel important and wanted, as thats his personality, and he wants to be occupied. I remember a colleague of mine, during the 2016 race, the legendary city reporter Michael Daly (once of New York Magazine himself) had jury duty with Trump, and he came back to the newsroom, and we were all like, Tell us! How was it! What was it like! can you imagine Trump at jury duty?! and Daly said, Hes like a bag of cement. He said that when he wasnt being engaged by others, when he had to just sit there with himself, it was like he shut off. I think about that a lot when trying to make sense of him. A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish following an Israeli airstrike on targets in the southern Gaza strip, early on May 12, 2021. Photo: Youssef Massoud/AFP via Getty Images The Israeli-Palestinian conflict reignited this week in the worst violence since 2014, the last time Israel and the militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza strip, came to blows. Since Monday, dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured in Israeli air strikes, while six Israelis have been reported dead, and many more injured, in rocket attacks launched from Gaza. The crisis has also sparked riots and violence in the streets of Jerusalem, the West Bank, and mixed Jewish-Arab towns throughout Israel. This wave of destruction has raised the specter of a return to all-out war between Israel and Hamas and, at least for the moment, dashed President Bidens hopes of putting the Middle East on the back burner in his foreign-policy plans. Israel and Hamas have both taken steps to escalate the conflict, with Israel rolling out an expansive military operation in Gaza and the militants firing hundreds of rockets, including anti-tank missiles, some toward Tel Aviv and the suburbs of Jerusalem. Media reports have muddled the details of how this latest conflict began, since a full explanation of the roots of the crisis is hard to pack into a news article. The spark, as has often been the case, was East Jerusalem specifically, Israels determination to change its demographics and make it inviable as the prospective capital of a future Palestinian state. An ongoing effort to evict several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood just north of the Old City led to protests and fighting between Palestinians and Jewish settlers over the past few weeks, and things began to spiral out of control over the weekend. Monday was Jerusalem Day, a contentious Israeli holiday celebrating the anniversary of the capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, which reunited the city under Israeli control. Jewish nationalists like to celebrate by marching through Jerusalems Old City waving flags and chanting death to Arabs, to the understandable chagrin of the many Arabs who live there. To make matters worse, the Israeli Supreme Court was expected to rule on Monday on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions. (Raja Shehadeh explains the full complexities of that situation at The New Yorker.) Authorities rerouted the Jerusalem Day parade, and the court postponed its ruling to avoid inflaming the situation. But tensions were already running high, and they came to a head at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Saturday was Laylat al-Qadr, (Night of Destiny or Night of Power), the holiest night on the Islamic calendar, which comes near the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and tens of thousands of Muslims came to the mosque to pray. Al-Aqsa Mosque and the adjacent Dome of the Rock are two of Islams three major holy sites; both are located on the Temple Mount, which is equally holy to Judaism. The presence of Israeli police in the Al-Aqsa compound often leads to conflict, but things veered out of control over the weekend. After evening prayers on Friday and Saturday night, hundreds of Palestinian protesters were injured in fierce clashes with Israeli riot police, who had tried to block access to the mosque and fired rubber bullets on protesters. Conflict broke out in Sheikh Jarrah as well. Hamas then launched hundreds of rockets into Israel on Monday in retaliation for what it described as Israeli provocations. Most that made it into Israeli airspace were intercepted by Israels Iron Dome missile defense system. But for Israel, the intended targets mattered. Many of the rockets were aimed at Tel Aviv, Israels densest population center, and others were fired in the direction of Jerusalem, landing on the outskirts of the city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday described the targeting of Jerusalem as crossing a red line and vowed to respond with great force. The IDF, Israels armed forces, responded with airstrikes against militant bases in Gaza, which are embedded in civilian areas and hard to bomb without putting innocent people at risk. Since then, the back-and-forth of rocket attacks and airstrikes has continued to escalate. On the surface, this looks depressingly similar to previous spates of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Whats different this time, as Slates Joshua Keating observes, is that there is no longer any semblance of a peace process to return to when this round of violence abates. The process begun in Oslo nearly three decades ago is effectively extinct, as is the center-left pro-peace camp in Israeli politics. Israeli society has moved sharply to the right, becoming more religious, more nationalistic, and more openly hostile toward Arabs. To the extent that the Palestinians still want to make a lasting peace deal, they lack credible representatives and a willing partner for that conversation. The present state of affairs is indicative of how successful Netanyahu has been at undermining any prospects for peace. He has never believed peace with the Palestinians, much less an independent Palestinian state, to be a worthwhile goal for Israel. His security policy has been based on managing the conflict accepting a perpetual state of war with Hamass failed pseudo-state in Gaza and sporadic unrest in the West Bank not resolving it. His foreign policy has been grounded in the theory that the Arab states are tired of pretending to care about the Palestinians, so Israel can normalize relations with most of its neighbors on the basis of their shared enmity toward Iran, meanwhile maintaining the status quo of the occupation. The U.S., the only country that has been able to act as an effective international broker in this conflict, has been disengaged from the peace process for years. The Trump administrations Middle East policy led by diplomatic dilettante, Netanyahu family friend, and all-around shandeh fur die goyim Jared Kushner was focused not on making peace so much as helping Israel rub its de facto victory in the Palestinians faces. Trumps Abraham Accords, the historically significant opening of relations between Israel and the U.A.E. and Bahrain (and later Sudan and Morocco), were essentially Netanyahus theory put into practice. The latest violence is now testing the resolve of these Arab countries to normalize with Israel, as the Palestinian issue is proving not so irrelevant as it seemed over the past few years. Biden formally supports a two-state solution, but he has not expressed much interest in making progress toward that end. The president had entered office hoping to de-prioritize the Middle East in favor of more pressing foreign-policy concerns such as China, Russia, Latin America, and Europe that align more closely with core American strategic interests. The unfolding crisis is forcing him to pay attention to a problem he clearly doesnt believe he can solve. Considering the facts on the ground, hes probably right. One reason why the peace process is vegetative, if not yet legally deceased, is that the parties involved in the process lack the credibility, legitimacy, and interest to pursue it. The gerontocratic Palestinian Authority, led by 85-year-old president Mahmoud Abbas, is an authority in name only. Abbas recently announced that he was indefinitely postponing the first Palestinian elections in 15 years, ostensibly because Israel was holding up efforts to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to vote. That may be part of the story, but it is also true that Abbass Fatah party was lagging in the polls and likely to lose seats to Hamas in the Palestinian legislative council. From this angle, Abbass dispute with Israel looks like a pretext for putting off an election that was likely to go poorly for him. Hamas, meanwhile, is in no way invested in reaching an accommodation with Israel. On the other side, Israel has held four rounds of inconclusive elections in the past two years that have failed to form a durable governing coalition. Netanyahus Likud party, in league with far-right nationalist and religious Zionist parties, keeps coming up just short of a majority in the Knesset, as does the opposition: a motley amalgam of center-right parties plus the remnants of the center-left and left who have nowhere else to go. Would-be kingmaker parties have refused to join either side. In the current round, that party is the United Arab List, an Arab-Israeli Islamist party that broke away from the Joint List of mostly left-wing Arab parties in this years election. The UAL has been negotiating with both sides, though some of Netanyahus virulently anti-Arab allies have ruled out working with any Arab party, much less an ideological cousin of Hamas. The main opposition parties, Yesh Atid and Yamina, have been in talks with the UAL that are now suspended amid the violence. In the meantime, the chaos stands to benefit Netanyahu politically. The long-standing PM, currently on trial for corruption, is technically only serving in a caretaker role until a governing coalition is formed (if one is formed at all). He is in the most tenuous and vulnerable political position of his career. A renewed war with Hamas could be a political lifeline, not only because breakdowns in law and order tend to benefit the far right, but also because Netanyahu has cultivated an image of himself as the only man who can protect Israel from its various internal and external enemies. By preventing his opponents from forming a government and ousting him from the prime ministry, the crisis effectively keeps Netanyahu in power longer. Perversely, that gives him an incentive to drag it out. And indeed that may be his plan. This campaign will take time, Netanyahu said on Wednesday. Israel is not preparing for a ceasefire, Defense Minister Benny Gantz added. There is currently no end date for the operation. The Israeli leadership may have a national-security rationale for ensuring that Hamas pays a heavy price for its latest rocket barrage. But the PM has unmistakable political incentives to do so as well and he will likely pay no price for responding forcefully, no matter how many Gazans are killed. Those facts temper any hope for a quick resolution to this crisis. Amid this chaos, Biden has no choice but to act, and his administration is taking steps to try to mediate the conflict. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr left for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Axios reported, and national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has been speaking to his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts (Egypt is the go-to intermediary with Hamas, which neither Israel nor the U.S. will deal with directly). Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, not yet pressing Israel to halt its Gaza operation but expressing Washingtons desire for de-escalation. With Bidens attention elsewhere, his administration appears to have been caught flat-footed by this seemingly sudden crisis even though it has been building for weeks. The president may not want to focus his foreign-policy resources on the Middle East, but as past presidents who have tried to step back from the region have learned, it has an uncanny way of drawing the U.S. back in. Biden might want to get used to the idea that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cant be ignored: Netanyahus mainstreaming of violent anti-Arab Kahanists in Israeli politics, Palestinian disillusionment, and the crumbling of the two-state framework all make a larger, deadlier conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories increasingly likely. The current crisis might not be the big one, but a third intifada or something like it seems almost inevitable, as the Palestinians realize that neither Israel nor their own leadership is willing or able to give them the self-determination they seek. The situation is grim, and it doesnt look likely to get better anytime soon. This is upsetting. As someone who loves sauce on everything, I appreciated that you could get 2 sauces with a sandwich and 3 with a large fry. Reply Thread Link I want a Popeyes chicken sandwich Reply Thread Link Correct answer Reply Parent Thread Link I recently saw the Desus & Mero episode featuring Popeye's and Chick-fil-A, and when Desus listed the reasons why Chick-fil-A sucked and smacked their sandwich from that poor woman's hands, I felt the pure power of his allyship emanating through the screen. Reply Parent Thread Link as long as Popeye's doesn't run out of Blackened Ranch tbh Reply Thread Link I would die if that happened Reply Parent Thread Link I need them to sell bottles of it! I'm addicted. I found a copy cat recipe that I need to try Reply Parent Thread Link link to the recipe please? That stuff made me a ranch convert. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link what does it taste like? spicy ranch? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Wtf is blackened ranch?? Reply Parent Thread Link Popeyes has the best sauces. Every Chick-fil-A sauce Ive tried, (outside of their safe stuff, like, ranch or BBQ) has been weird. What is the signature Chick-fil-A sauce even supposed to be - sugary, yellow mustard??? Idgi Reply Parent Thread Link Someone really needs to send some to that British girl on TikTok who tries all the American food. She is obsessed with ranch now lol. Reply Parent Thread Link Omg, I tried blackened ranch for the first time this week and it may be the best sauce ever from a fast food place. (McDonalds new habanero sauce is good, too, but does not compare.) Top tier. Reply Parent Thread Link Thanks Obama Biden!!! Reply Thread Link lauren boebert unironically tweeted this today Reply Parent Thread Link I hoped you were kidding, but I just looked and I should've known better. Reply Parent Thread Link Every time I see her I cant help but think shes the type that would cry after a short discussion with someone like me lol Reply Parent Thread Link These chodes are also blaming him for the pipeline cyberattack and a lumber shortage that's been going on for a fucking year, which anyone remotely connected to construction would know, so it figures. Definitely not because of unregulated energy companies and supply constraints from a mishandled pandemic (and Trump's tariffs!), nope. Edited at 2021-05-13 05:28 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Her guns and Jesus can't protect her from this evil Liberal agenda planned shortage of the godly Chick-fli-A sauce! Reply Parent Thread Link I was in Walmart the other day and they had an entire display of their sauces in a jar. I had no idea they sold them Reply Thread Link What?! I didn't know they sold sauces Okay, let me order one. I love chick-fil-a sauce. Reply Parent Thread Link There's a Great Value copycat of their Chick-Fil-A sauce, it's called "Restaurant Style Chicken Dipping Sauce" and IMO tastes exactly the same. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I saw that in Target today but as bottles. I think it was only the white (?) one, I just saw the logo and didn't care. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This genuinely distresses me because they have the best mayo and I always try to stock up when I go there. I hope it's resolved soon because I don't wanna look for a new mayo. Reply Thread Link You the reason why they doin' this. Reply Parent Thread Link Ive never had their Mayo, but youre making me want to try it. Hopefully for you they will let you get Mayo still, I just feel like they are limiting their signature sauces? Edited at 2021-05-13 12:10 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Get Kewpie Mayo, it's the best out there. Reply Parent Thread Link Zodiac Killer tweeting about this is hysterical to me. What a madman. Poor little pussy baby can't put sauce on his chicken nuggies He's like that short haired blonde lady in the ad about going outside again who like claims she's fine then she repeatedly slams the table or something. Reply Thread Link every fast food restaurant should be scrambling to rip off their honey roasted bbq sauce because chicken sandwiches are pointless without it!! Reply Thread Link I was all about the Chick-Fil-A sauce until the accidentally gave me the honey roasted bbq and it was over for me. Its soooo good! Reply Parent Thread Link I've tried and failed so many times to recreate it at home Reply Parent Thread Link we started selling their sauces in my store and i wrote "anti-gay trash" on them and then all the ones that i wrote on were bought soooooooooo i know where i live lol never had chick-fil-a, never will tbh. Reply Thread Link are we cool with Chick Fil A despite the homophobia? like we pretend thats not a thing, or has that changed? anyway the one time I had it when I was in the states it was terribly mediocre (and waffle fries are the worst fry, fight me). While when I had Popeyes I nearly cried it was so delicious Reply Thread Link It seems like a lot of people who consider themselves allies (or queer themselves) dont care because apparently they have yummy fries and sauces. Cool cool cool. Reply Parent Thread Link This is what I have seen lol. An ally~ was talking shit and all of the queer people at the table yelled at him. Reply Parent Thread Link No, they are very much still trash. Reply Parent Thread Link nope theyre trash and anyone in these comments admitting they still eat there should be embarrassed and b& Reply Parent Thread Link Me reading the comments: Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/06/30/fact-check-chick-fil-a-has-not-resumed-donations-groups-oppose-lgbtq-rights/3244765001/ Someone on ONTD was like "When I eat from there (which is rare) I donate double what I spend to the Trevor Project," so that's what I've been doing. If they were still donating to anti-LGBTQ+ orgs I would still not be giving them any money at all. I hadn't ordered from there in literal years and have been craving it so bad during my pregnancy and saw this:Someone on ONTD was like "When I eat from there (which is rare) I donate double what I spend to the Trevor Project," so that's what I've been doing. If they were still donating to anti-LGBTQ+ orgs I would still not be giving them any money at all. Reply Parent Thread Link I'll never be cool with it, personally. Fuck them. (Popeyes biscuits, otoh, are amazing.) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link didnt they get bought out by someone new? fingers crossed their stances change along with the new owner Reply Parent Thread Link waffle fries suck and i will stand by this until the end of time Reply Parent Thread Expand Link A lot of allies and even people within the community seem to love justifying it by basically saying, The food is amazing, and every company is secretly homophobic anyway, so fuck you for trying to make me feel bad about it. I swear, so many people completely toss their values aside (or show they were being performative and never actually cared) the second something tastes good, or the moment a hot person enters the scene, or someone makes an amazing bop. Im not surprised the comments here are filled with Chick-Fill-A stans who have apparently forgotten homophobia is a thing, especially with this company. But rest assured youll see some of those same users clutching their pearls when someone or a company they already hate says something homophobic. Edited at 2021-05-13 01:26 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It took this far into the comments to find a post like this... I refuse to eat here but was luckily enough to find a local chicken placed opened up at the start of the pandemic. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Even when it was popular to shun them, people in the comments would be brazen about still eating there. I mean 90% of people being woke or being allies is just performative anyways. Reply Parent Thread Link my mom is homophobic and i still eat her food Reply Parent Thread Expand Link From Utah and fucking LOATHE this homophobic/racist bigot fast food chain. Their food fucking sucks. Bland as hell. I will never understand why anyone likes it. Fuck them... and if you still eat there, make excuses...I'm embarrassed for you. Don't support this shitty fucking company in any way. Popeyes is down the street and has way better food. Reply Parent Thread Link I still refuse. and we have a Popeye's closer so why bother. Reply Parent Thread Link As a gay man myself I havent given them money in well over a decade now! Reply Parent Thread Link mte im proud to say ive never had their food before ever. more trash people to notate here i guess. Reply Parent Thread Link I know there's no ethical consumption under capitalism, and any money we spend is likely to ultimately profit corporations that donate to anti-gay, anti-lgbt, etc causes... but this is right at the surface. They are so upfront with who they are and people are still like "love that chicken tho". Reply Parent Thread Link My thoughts exactly: I thought no American ONTD'er supported their nonsense? Reply Parent Thread Link lmao I felt weird scrolling through the comments because I've avoided it for years but recently people have been giving me giftcards and I've been realizing how people just don't care but I thought that was a difference between online and offline. Reply Parent Thread Link I was wondering that myself. Why are so many people still going there? I have never once had it and I never will. It's really easy not to contribute to horrible people. Especially when Popeyes exists. Reply Parent Thread Link i've tried them twice. there's nothing to write home about with their sandwiches. Reply Parent Thread Link I very rarely go there but I have a serious question: is it ok to eat the extra chic fil a if a gay guy from work ordered it and isn't going to eat the rest? Reply Parent Thread Link waffletaco He wasnt in that Jensen Ackles post and now this devastating sauce shortage? I need a ONTD welfare check, stat. Can someone check on???He wasnt in that Jensen Ackles post and now this devastating sauce shortage? I need a ONTD welfare check, stat. Reply Thread Link bruh, i was at WORK. the OP was inconsiderate by posting it so early in the day. I had time to quickly gloss thru the post on a break tho. Reply Parent Thread Link Wait do you guys normally get multiple free sauces? In Canada, unless they are feeling nice (or do not care) you pay like thirty cents for more sauces at restaurants. Reply Thread Link Oh yeah, usually you can get as much sauce as you want. Like, when I order off the McDonalds app you can get 3 sauces each and I get them every time to use later. LOL. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah you get multiple free sauces. I remember being shocked in Switzerland that you had to pay for the ketchup. Reply Parent Thread Link Popeye's gives me a single sauce. Once I got two and was shocked. Reply Parent Thread Link Popeyes is the woooorst with their sauces. I get so mad because they will ask what sauce I want and then make me pull up to wait for my foodmy damn sauce is never in the bag. When you ask for more than one they get pissed like its their personal sauce. Reply Parent Thread Link I think it's the practice in most countries, you have to pay extra if you want more. I never questioned it because it seems reasonable to me. Besides if something is free people take more than they need and then throw it out which is just wasteful. Reply Parent Thread Link i already find it generous mcdonalds here gives you two things of dipping sauce, lmao. Reply Parent Thread Link wendys here always gives two and i find that sufficient for me. i dont need my meals to become soup with all the sauce Reply Parent Thread Link Depends on the place chick fil A has always given me 4 or 5 ranch for free when I ask, but McDonalds huffs and puffs and says ok but Ill have to charge you when you ask for more than 2. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah, they'll give u countless ones. Taco Bell could prolly save a fortune with the obscene amount of sauce packets they put in the bags. I only need one per taco, not 10. I remember in Mcdonalds in Germany, you pay for your ketchup, but its a pretty big packet of ketchup. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link When I was in NYC they didnt give me any sauces and only an empty cup without any cola. Then someone explained me that I can have as many as I want to. I still cant comprehend that you can take as many as you want. Even the Yankee Stadium has a place for free sauces. Reply Parent Thread Link I have serious love for McDonald's sweet n sour sauce and I used to live by a McDonald's that had the sauces with the freestanding pumps and I was a middle school brat so I brought a small Tupperware and filled that bitch up! Reply Parent Thread Link Popeye's is better and probably less homophobic Reply Thread Link Not devastated bc I haven't had Chick-Fil-A in like ten years. I miss their nuggets, but when a business pushes its shitty political stance/homophobia/racism/etc on me (see also: Yuengling), I gotta pass. :/ Reply Thread Link Yuengling is an Anglicized version of Jungling, this is the weirdest anglicization i've ever seen lmao. this whole time i thought yuengling was a chinese beer Reply Parent Thread Link yeah, lots of names with German origins in PA. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link NOO FUCK YUENGLING??? i guess my brutal hangover the last time i had it was karma :/ Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Last Friday, a cyberattack prompted the shutdown of the biggest piece of energy infrastructure in the United States, the Colonial Pipeline system that supplies almost half of the gasoline and diesel that the East Coast consumes. The attack naturally led to higher gasoline prices and a run on gas as drivers worried about looming shortages while Colonial Pipeline Co. worked to restart the flow of fuels. Yet the higher prices at the pump and a possible shortage of fuel supplies are the smaller problem. It is, after all, temporary, and its effect will be transient. But there is a bigger problem, and it concerns the energy infrastructure of the United States: exactly how secure is it? As the attack suggests, not very. True, experts said early on that the group that carried out the attack was made up of seasoned hackers. Later, a ransomware group called DarkSide took responsibility for the attack, and the FBI also pointed at the group as the culprit. Here's what DarkSide said in its statement: "We are apolitical, we do not participate in geopolitics, do not need to tie us with a defined government and look for our motives. Our goal is to make money, and not creating problems for society. From today we introduce moderation and check each company that our partners want to encrypt to avoid social consequences in the future." Related Video: Massive American Pipeline Shut Down in Cyber Attack The statement clearly seeks to address allegations made that Russia was behind the attack, but even the White House was careful not to point its finger at Moscow, with President Biden saying there was no evidence that it was involved in the attack. That deals with the geopolitical motive, but the statement also suggests that DarkSide and their partners will not stop, even if they did not mean to cause problems. And willingly or not, they are going to cause problems. "Colonial may be at risk of confidential shipper (customer) data being leaked," says Vicki Knott, chief executive of CruxOCM, a provider of control room operations services for the oil and gas industry. "Shipping toll information is public; however, depending on the contract structure Colonial has with its customers, there are likely nuances between customers with respect to guaranteed volumes to be moved and spot volume prices/movements. If leaked, it could result in a confidentiality breach and impact the competitive process between customers which can further result in a major lawsuit from customers." But lawsuits from companies paying Colonial Pipeline Co. to ship their fuel are the least of the problems that cyberattacks on energy infrastructure could cause. A major safety or environmental disaster is a much bigger reason to worry about such attacks if they targeted the control system of the pipeline, according to Knott. That the attack was possible means that critical energy infrastructure is not very well protected against such breaches. And there's worse: security experts are talking about a ransomware pandemic. Related Video: COVID Threatens Oil Sands Supply from Canada "Honestly, I think for anyone who's been tracking ransomware closely, this really shouldn't be a surprise," according to Philip Reiner, chief executive of the Institute for Security and Technology, a nonprofit organization. "This is yet another example of what is really a ransomware pandemic that needs to be addressed at the highest level," he told The Verge following the Colonial Pipeline attack. If there's talk about a pandemic, then things must be really serious: if ransomware attacks are so frequent, then it must be a miracle that disasters are not more frequent. "The Colonial Pipeline cyber attack should be a wakeup call on Capitol Hill" a Tufts University professor told Forbes' David Blackmon. We need to think holistically about security threats against America's energy infrastructure and implement smart policies that will reduce security threats across the entire energy system," Rockford Weitz, director of the Fletcher Maritime Studies Program, said. It should also be a wakeup call in company boardrooms as DarkSide and its likes target corporations and not governments. This wakeup call concerns overall security of operations and data protection: issues that seem to be particularly serious in the energy industry. "The Colonial Pipeline is yet another example of a ransomware attack on poorly protected corporate data, which has affected already exasperated issues within the energy sector," says Sam Agyemang, co-founder of HaulerHub, a smart logistics platform for shippers and haulers. "As more and more American companies realize this is a threat that is not going away on its own, by updating systems and putting employee data in the hands of employees to manage this can greatly reduce the impact of cyber warfare." It seems, then, that the American energy infrastructure has some serious problems to solve. These problems just became a lot more urgent after the Colonial Pipeline outage, but this doesn't mean they will get a quick solution. Security is a tricky business, and hackers are usually a step ahead, which makes it even trickier. According to cybersecurity tech firm Cybereason, DarkSide just released a new version of their ransomware. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Recent news reports were replete with Iraq declaring its willingness to invest $15 billion into new gas-focused projects that could reduce its reliance on one of Baghdads long-standing problems, its gas imports. Baghdad has committed to an ambitious timeline of reaching self-sufficiency by 2024-2025, with several large-scale projects being developed simultaneously. The announced gas-boosting drive will encompass Total spearheading the revived $7 billion Common Seawater Supply Project (injecting desalinated water into Basrah fields and processing the freed-up gas), Sinopec developing the 4.5 TCf Mansuriyah gas field and another, yet unnamed, investor taking up the 5.6 TCf Akkas gas field. Concurrently to Iraq pushing forward with domestic gas production, Baghdad has also announced that it intends to revisit a long-forgotten pipeline project. Iraqs oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar claimed that there is an imminent agreement to import Syrian gas into Iraq on April 29. Later it was specified that all the natural gas would not originate in Syria rather would transit the country all the way from Egypt. The actual volumes of the prospective imports were not specified. One striking thing about Baghdad and Damascus discussing gas pipelines is that Egyptian representatives, or representatives of companies producing gas in Egypts Mediterranean offshore, were absent. Thus, the end buyer was synchronizing watches with a transit nation, whilst the seller of the gas (if there ever was one) remained in the shadows. Overcoming the plethora of challenges that the Egypt-Syria-Iraq gas pipeline would create necessitates exceptional diplomatic talent, pitting Baghdad against Tehran and Washington at the same time. Related Video: COVID Threatens Oil Sands Supply from Canada Iraq has tried to play it smooth, sending its Energy Minister Majid Mahdi Hantoush to Tehran 3 days following the announcement. Mr. Hantoush stated that Iraq will continue buy Iranian gas and electricity, also vowing to pay back Iraqi debts vis-a-vis Tehran. In a rather skilful diplomatic tour de force, Iran intends to use debts generated by Iraq throughout these years as hard currency to pay for Russias Sputnik-V vaccine. In case of non-payment, this might mean that Moscow has agreed to take over Iraqi debt (i.e. more than $6 billion). Moscow might come out a double winner from a seemingly innocuous Middle Eastern arrears story in Iran it would secure an outlet for its COVID vaccines, all the while its taking over such a hefty debt would inevitably be used against the federal government in trying to eke out a lucrative license deal or the acquisition of further oil and gas infrastructure. Ensuring that Egyptian gas does indeed reach Iraq will face several immediate obstacles. The first is an all-pervasive feeling that reviving an old bungled project requires a bit more than just political backing. Back in 2004 the governments of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon have agreed to let Baghdad into the Arab Gas Pipeline (AGP) grid, with the presumed idea that Iraq would export its gas towards Europe at some point. The 10 BCm per year capacity Arab Gas Pipeline circumflexes Israel, only to run along the Syrian-Lebanese border all the way up to the city of Homs. Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 AGP was essentially used to iron out grid imbalances between Jordan and Egypt when Egypt was suffering from declining production rates it imported LNG via Aqaba, when Zohr started to ramp up output the flows reversed again, and Jordan found itself importing Egyptian gas again. Related: Panic Buying And Gas Shortages Sweep The East Coast Effectively this means that the Syrian section of the Arab Gas Pipeline has been unused for at least a decade, not to mention the immense destruction brought about by sabotage attacks and aerial bombardment over the course of the conflict. Debilitated economically and still unable to command the entire territory of what used to be Syria, the Syrian regime has no available funds to dispense freely, raising the question of who would repair the pipeline up until Homs and build the subsequent section towards the Iraqi border. Neither Egypt let alone Iraq can afford to spend hundreds of million of dollars on a gas conduit that would run through grey zones that might fall prey to Islamist attacks anytime. As unrealistic as the Egypt-Syria-Iraq pipeline might seem, its resuscitation serves a useful, albeit short-term, purpose. Iraq has been asking for waivers to continue importing Iranian gas and electricity for more than 2 years and although the US State Department has so far always agreed to extend it, both sides showed signs of fatigue, having to go through the same burdensome process every 45/90 days (the latest waiver was magnanimously granted for a period of 120 days on March 31). By promoting the idea of bringing in Egyptian gas imports, it has proof of its attempting to wean off Iranian electricity. The implication of Syria renders the Egypt-Syria-Iraq pipeline even more difficult to realize as most Western backers of Iraq would prefer to avoid infrastructure projects that would directly enrich the Asad administration. Moreover, with most of Syrias political elite under US sanctions, any pipeline transiting the country would most probably require a sanctions waiver, a step that no US President would be remarkably reluctant to take. By Gerald Jansen for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iran is looking to persuade its regional rival Saudi Arabia to help it to sell Iranian crude oil on international markets in exchange for limiting attacks from the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saudi oil infrastructure, Middle East Eye reported on Wednesday, quoting Iraqi officials with knowledge of recent secretive Iranian-Saudi talks in Baghdad. Iran is currently negotiating with the signatories to the so-called nuclear deal, as well as indirectly with the United States, to potentially return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 and slapped sanctions on Irans oil exports, which have crippled Iranian crude sales abroad. Despite the U.S. sanctions, Iran has been exporting part of its crude oil, and exports have been estimated at around 500,000 bpd recently. Yet, until the sanctions are in place, Iran is looking for alternatives to have its oil sold on the international markets, and is reportedly looking to negotiate with Saudi Arabia for this. The Saudis, for their part, are looking to end the recent flare-up of attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities from the Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Iran held direct talks in Iraq last month, the Financial Times reported at the time. The talks reportedly involved the proxy war in Yemen and the recent increase of attacks from the Houthis on oil facilities and oil infrastructure targets in Saudi Arabia. Related Video: Michigan - Enbridge Pipeline War Hits Climax According to Middle East Eyes sources, Iran and Saudi Arabia held another round of talks in Iraq last week, again focused on the war in Yemen. During the talks last week, Iran offered to sell it [the oil] to the Saudis at a price lower than international prices on the condition that the Saudis sell it on the world markets in their own way, a senior Iraqi official close to Iran and familiar with the talks told Middle East Eye. Saudi Arabia demanded an end to the Houthi attacks, and this was their biggest interest in the talks, according to the Iraqi officials familiar with the talks. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: U.S. supermajor Chevron has complied with instructions from Israels energy ministry to shut down operations at the Tamar natural gas field offshore Israel after the violence between Israel and Gaza escalated in recent days. In accordance with instructions received from the Ministry of Energy, we have shut-in and depressurised the Tamar Platform, Chevron said in a statement on Wednesday, as carried by Reuters. Chevron has an interest in another gas field offshore Israel, the Leviathan gas field, the biggest energy project in Israel ever, after it bought Noble Energy last year in the first major transaction in the U.S. oil industry since the pandemic started. Currently, the Leviathan gas field continues production, and Chevron is working with customers and the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that natural gas supplies continue, Reuters quoted the supermajor as saying. Access to huge gas resources diversified Chevrons portfolio with more natural gas resources and a position in the eastern Mediterranean very close to the Middle East and European gas markets. Noble Energy brings low-capital, cash-generating offshore assets in Israel, strengthening Chevrons position in the Eastern Mediterranean, Chevron said last October, announcing it had completed the acquisition. Back then, the timing couldnt have been better to bet on the Eastern Mediterranean Israel had just normalized relations with two Arab countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. But now, the violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel has prompted the Israeli energy ministry to instruct Chevron to shut down production at the Tamar field. The violence erupted in recent days in Jerusalem, at a site considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. As of Thursday, at least 83 people were killed in Gaza and another seven in Israel, the BBC reports, as Hamas is launching rockets toward Israel while Israel is conducting airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The flare-up in the violence is the worst in the area since 2014. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A Democratic Senator introduced a bill on Thursday designed to give states financial support to compensate for the losses oil and gas states will incur as a result of the energy transition. The funds, the new bill proposes, will provide federal support to the states that heavily rely on oil and gas revenues to fill budget gaps as oil and gas production would theoretically decline. The act, referred to as The Schools and State Budgets Certainty Act, was proposed by Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and will offer what it calls energy transition payments to those oil and gas-centric states that count on federal mineral leasing. The funds, according to the act, would give those states time to come up with new industries. The global energy landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, and states like New Mexico need to be ready, Heinrich said. That it was a Senator from New Mexico who proposed such a bill is no surprise. New Mexico counts on revenues from oil and gas drilling on federal lands make up 10% of the states budget funds. The act would start out at a specific baseline payment for the states affected and then taper down 5% each year. The federal government would pay states or counties the difference between the actual revenue from the industry versus that baseline, according to Reuters. New Mexico took in $707 million from drilling on federal lands last year. So far, the federal policies to pause oil and gas leasing permits on federal lands have hit New Mexico hard, and analysts have predicted that oil and gas drilling may shift more to the Texas side of the Permian and away from the New Mexico side because most of the Permian drilling on the New Mexico side is on federal lands. The bill would not, however, compensate states for lost tax revenues from oil and gas drilling that is not on federal land. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Less than two months after Teslas Elon Musk said the company will be accepting bitcoin as payment for EVs, the companys CEO did a U-turn, tweeting that Tesla will no longer accept the cryptocurrency because of its carbon footprint. In the tweet, Musk said the company was concerned about the amount of energy bitcoin mining used, citing rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel. That bitcoin mining and transactions are energy-intensive activities is no secret: a recent report in the New Scientist said that in China alone, bitcoin mining will require 297 terrawatt/hours of energy by 2024 and account for 5.4 percent of the countrys electricity-related emissions at some 130 million tons of carbon dioxide. In his tweet, Musk noted that cryptocurrencies were a good idea on many levels, with a great future ahead, but made a note of saying that this cannot come at great cost to the environment. Tesla, he said, will not be selling any bitcoin but will use the crypto for transactions when its mining became more environmentally friendly. In the meantime, Tesla will look into other cryptocurrencies that have lower carbon footprints, the tweet also said. Tesla became a major swing factor for the price of bitcoin after buying $1.5 billion worth of the currency earlier this year as part of investment diversification plans. In January 2021, we updated our investment policy to provide us with more flexibility to further diversify and maximize returns on our cash that is not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. As part of the policy, we may invest a portion of such cash in certain specified alternative reserve assets, the company said in a regulatory filing in February. In the same filing, Tesla mentioned for the first time the possibility that it would start accepting bitcoin as payment for its cars. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A 22-year-old man has been arrested by the Police for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting persons under the pretext of selling iPhones to them. The suspect, Vincent Tawiah, was arrested by officers of the National Police Operations Department on Monday, May 10, 2021. According to the Police, the suspects mode of operation is to advertise the iPhones on Instagram and other social media platforms for prices ranging from GH1,000 to GH5,000, less than the market prices of iPhones. He would then ask interested persons to send money via mobile money number 0551978205 registered in the name of Rhydale Addae. He was arrested after the Police used one of his victims as bait. According to the police, other victims have since come forward to identify Vincent Tawiah as having defrauded them. The Police is therefore asking persons who have also been defrauded by the suspect to report to the National Operations Department at the Police Headquarters, Ring Road Accra or call 0238894764. 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 National Peace Council (NPC) says it has commenced series of engagements with relevant institutions to resolve the No Fasting policy in Wesley Girls Senior High School. The Council has therefore reiterated its earlier call on all affected persons and organizations to remain calm and commit to the age-old peaceful coexistence among all the various religious groupings in the country. This was contained in press statement signed by Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, the Chairman of the NPC on Tuesday. Read also: Christian Council, Catholic Bishops endorse Methodist Church position on fasting The Council, in the statement, said it had met with the leadership of the Methodist Church, Ghana, the Old Girls Association and the Parents-Teachers Association of the school on Monday May 10, to get the facts as it happened at the School. The Central Regional Peace Council also met with the Authorities of the School on Monday, May 10, to hear exactly what took place regarding the student who was allegedly denied her practice to fast in the on-going Ramadan, it said. Read also: 'No fasting on campus' - Methodist Church rejects GES directive to Wesley Girls The statement stated that it would continue to engage other key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the parents of the concerned child and the leadership of the Muslim group to which the student and her parents belong. The statement was hopeful that the stakeholders would provide the Council with the full facts about the issue to enable it to facilitate the necessary intervention strategies to resolve the issue. 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 Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana Rt Reverend Daniel De-Graft Brace has hit out at President Akufo-Addo and his government for overburdening Ghanaians with excessive taxes. Rt De-Graft Brace made the comments at the just-ended 60th annual Synod of the church at Dixcove in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region. The event was under the theme: Discipleship: Teaching Everyone to live Like Jesus Christ: The Role of the Holy Spirit. The Methodist Bishop accused President Akufo-Addo of reneging on his promise he made to Ghanaians in 2016 saying when the then-candidate Akufo Addo, now the President was campaigning in 2016 general elections, we met him at Tarkwa-Abosso and his words were that Ghana has a lot of resources, but due to bad governance and leadership that is why many are wallowing in abject poverty. So, today I ask what has changed that he is heaping soo many taxes on us. Where are the resources he talked about, he fumed Most Reverend DeGraft-Brace added that he was getting disappointed as the days slip by as his expectations have not been met. He, therefore, called on President Akufo Addo to demonstrate real leadership and direction to give hope to Ghanaians. Yes it is true that coronavirus has had a negative impact on economies across the world but I dont believe that the way to go is to heap all these on the citizenry. People are really finding it difficult to make ends meet, so the President must do something different than what he is currently doing, he stated. He expressed sadness that though most Ghanaians professed a lot of faith in God, they were yet to demonstrate the real deeds of the Holy Spirit, which enjoined all to live a holy and disciplined life. He charged the government not to relent in its renewed fight against galamsey and declared that he supports the burning of excavators. Source: starrfmonline.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 Chief of Gwira Banso, a division under the Gwira Traditional Council in Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, Nana Ette Akrade II, has initiated moves to construct an ultra modern palace for Gwira Banso. The five million Ghana cedis project is expected to be completed within a year. The Chief of Gwira Banso was joined by the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ebenezer Kojo Kum, Paramount Chief of Gwira Traditional Area and President of Gwira Traditional Council Awulae Angama Tuagyan II ,and Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency, Kofi Arko Nokoe to cut the sod for the commencement of construction. Challenges Speaking at a durbar in Gwira, Nana Ette Akrade II said despite plans to develop the community, they were still faced with some challenges such as poor road network, nauseating health care system, poor education infrastructure among others. He appealed to government to assist the community with the required development projects to address such challenges existing in the community. The Paramount Chief of Gwira Traditional Area and President of Gwira Traditional Council, Awulae Angama Tuagyan II, who addressed the durbar of chiefs, also pointed out three major disturbing challenges drawing back development. He mentioned the lack of a police post in the community to address security issues, illegal mining, logging and other nefarious activities causing insecurity, environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies. He also called on government to support his traditional area with priority development projects that fall within the stipulated challenges mentioned. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency, Kofi Arko Nokoe, said the plan to construct an ultra modern palace would increase the tourism potential of the area and the region at large. Tourism potential The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, in his keynote address commended the Chief of Gwira Banso for taking the bold step towards improving development in the community. He said the Ministry for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has tasked traditional rulers to develop palace museums to attract tourists and that the project initiated by Nana Ette Akrade II was in the right direction. He, however, appealed for unity and harmony among traditional rulers in the country. At the event, the Minister also cut sod for the construction of a teachers headquarters being put up by the Chief of Gwira Banso to accommodate teachers being posted to the community. 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 Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has welcomed the ongoing "fix the country" campaign by some youth in the country over the performance of President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. "Fix the country" campaign is directed at the President to awaken him to the pertinent concerns raised by the agitated youth. They complain about the President's poor governance stressing there is a high cost of living under the current regime. Speaking in an interview with Peacefmonline.com at the Ministry of Information in Accra, the Minister noted that the youth's concerns are legitimate but it calls for a collective responsibility to resolve them. He stated that the grievances shared by the youth are not about the Akufo-Addo government but rather a desire "we all share as a people". "The first thing they talk about is that they have challenges with broken promises or unfulfilled promises from successive governments and I'm saying to you that that is not about Akufo-Addo's administration. The second thing that they talk about is that they have a desire to see some things quickly resolved and I think that that is a desire that we all share as a people. And if we will just go back a bit, the administration has actually been outlining and forecasting that these are the challenges ahead of us and this is how we have to deal with these challenges," he stated. Some critics believe the delay in the formation of the President's administration is partly responsible for what they say is Ghana's economic downturn, which has ignited the ''fix the country'' campaign. But to Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, that's far from the truth and reality. " . . I don't come into the view that it is a delay in formation of government that is what has translated into this.'' He believed the campaign is a good opening for a national discourse and consensus on the collective role of every person to the development of the country. "I come to the view that, some of these, indeed a good number of these are very legitimate concerns that both government and the people should engage in a conversation on on everybody's responsibility in fixing or in dealing with and I think that that has started in a very healthy manner," he stressed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan has insistently endorsed the second gentleman of the land to become NPP's Presidential candidate for 2024. He gave a hint about who will succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo when his administration comes to an end in 2024, during Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme. The search for a successor for the President after he exits his tenure has already begun with supporters of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen contending for their candidate to win the Presidential slot. The camps of the two leaders of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) are making their best pitch for the party members and delegates to select their favourite. However, the NPP leadership have cautioned them to halt it because it's too early for such competitions. The members and supporters have been asked to focus on supporting the President's vision for his second-term administration. Despite this call, the Veep's and Trade Minister's camps are unrelented about the possible choice to take the baton from the President. According to the Former Regional Minister, the next person to lead the NPP into the 2024 Presidential elections must definitely be the second man in command. Although not attaching a specific name to his endorsement, Hon. Kwamena Duncan seemingly was referring to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as he stressed ''the Akufo-Addo and the Bawumia duo that I know; oh my goodness!...In the second term, look, let us do our portions. Let us do what we're supposed to do. At the close of the second tenure, there will be no doubt at all that the second in command will have to continue''. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A member of the Communication team of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a swipe at conveners of the hashtag on social media, #fixthecountry. #Fixthecountry is a social media campaign aimed at keeping the government on its toes to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians. Saaka Salia speaking on Neat FM's Me Man Nti programme accused #fixthecountry conveners of being mischievous. "These are a group of mischievous individuals; they are either embarking on this campaign for mischievous purposes or are mere political detractors..." Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video " " Ridley High School in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, held a vaccine clinic for students ages 16 to 18 May 3, 2021. One of the first to get the shot was junior Molly Day (seen here). Now the FDA has approved the vaccine for students ages 12 to 15. Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group/Daily Times via Getty Images With the first COVID-19 vaccine now authorized for adolescents ages 12 and up, a big question looms: Will students be required to get the vaccine before returning to their classrooms in the fall? As a professor of education policy and law and a former attorney for school districts, I regularly think about this sort of question. In the United States, school vaccination requirements are established by states rather than the federal government. The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows states to make regulations protecting public health. Every state currently requires K-12 students to be vaccinated against some diseases, although the requirements including which shots are deemed necessary and the reasons students can opt out vary from one state to another. Advertisement Who Can Opt Out of School Shots? No state yet requires students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but how states manage other vaccines and exemptions, and how the rules can change during outbreaks, can help us think about how a COVID-19 vaccine requirement might work. For example, students in all states can be exempt from vaccination requirements if they have a valid medical reason, such as a weakened immune system or allergic reaction to a vaccine. In 44 states, students also can opt out of vaccination requirements for religious reasons, though most major religions do not prohibit vaccines. Some states are considering rescinding religious exemptions because of concern about declining levels of vaccinations and local outbreaks of diseases such as measles. Connecticut rescinded its religious exemption in April 2021. Fifteen states permit philosophical exemptions based on moral or ethical concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 2.5 percent of U.S. kindergartners used an exemption last year, the same as the previous year, and most were for religious or philosophical reasons. Of particular importance right now is that states also take different approaches to exemptions during an outbreak. Thirty-two states ban unvaccinated students from attending school during an outbreak. A handful of states do not allow vaccine exemptions during an outbreak. Advertisement What the Courts Say About Mandatory Vaccines The U.S. Supreme Court has supported states' authority to make these decisions for more than a century. In May 1901, a smallpox epidemic began in Boston. Now-familiar disease prevention measures were put into place: Sick patients were quarantined for treatment, and the city began a free, voluntary vaccination program. By December of that same year, the city had not contained the epidemic, so a local health commission required all adult residents to be vaccinated under the authority granted by the state. The local government fined those who refused to be vaccinated, and one man disputed this fine by suing the state of Massachusetts. In 1905, the Supreme Court heard his case and held that a state can require vaccination in the interest of public health. Today, some health law experts think vaccination requirements are important enough that they can still trump claims including individual religious liberty, while others are more skeptical. The COVID-19 vaccines have one key difference they have only emergency use authorization at this point, not full FDA approval. The FDA's emergency use statute says people receiving the drug must be informed "of the option to accept or refuse administration of the product" but also "of the consequences, if any, of refusing." How a lack of full approval would affect state decisions about school vaccine mandates and how the courts might view those decisions remains to be seen. In another context, military service members can be required to receive vaccines but are allowed under federal law to opt out of vaccines that have only emergency use authorization, unless the president waives that provision. Pfizer the drugmaker whose vaccine received emergency use authorization for adolescents on May 10, 2021, and was recommended for that age range by the CDC on May 12 has started the review process for full FDA approval for use in ages 16 and older. The same review for adolescents will start later. Vaccine testing is still underway for younger children. " " Pharmacy student Jason Rodriguez (right) administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Florida International University student Larry Grier (left) at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center in Miami, Florida, in April as part of the initiative to vaccinate students at colleges and universities in Miami-Dade County. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Can Individual Schools Issue Their Own Requirements? Because states enact vaccine requirements to protect public health, school vaccine requirements generally apply to public and private K-12 schools, and also to daycare facilities. Only a handful of states require college and university students to be vaccinated, so in practice, determining and enforcing vaccine requirements is usually up to individual higher education institutions. A growing number of colleges and universities have announced that they will require all students who plan to be on campus to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Other institutions are requiring the vaccine only for students who want to live in dorms. However, at least one state legislature Michigan's is considering barring state universities from requiring vaccines as a condition of taking in-person classes, contending a vaccine requirement would infringe on matters of individual choice. This raises the interesting question of whether an individual school district, like an individual college or university, could require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. When school vaccine requirements began in the late 19th century, the goal was to prevent the spread of smallpox. By 1915, 15 states and Washington, D.C., required students to receive the smallpox vaccine, and 21 other states allowed local governments such as school districts and county health departments to impose such a requirement. School vaccination requirements have proliferated over the past century, in response to both specific outbreaks and the growing acceptance of vaccine mandates as public health policy. Although most vaccination requirements have been issued at the state level in recent decades, whether school districts can add to the list of required vaccines remains an open question, and may vary by state. It is also a question that courts will likely soon engage. In January 2021, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced that it plans to require its students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once a vaccine is approved and available. Los Angeles Unified is the nation's largest school district. As fall nears and assuming clinical trials continue to demonstrate both efficacy and safety we may see more districts pursue this option. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can find the original article here. Kristine Bowman is a professor of law and education policy at Michigan State University and a national expert on K-12 education law. The California gnatcatcher was at the center of a decades long fight because it was designated as a threatened species. A new approach to genomic species delineation put forth by evolutionary biologists led by Jeet Sukumaran at SDSU could impact policy and lend clarity to legislation for designating a species as endangered. Credit: Tom Benson, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, https://www.flickr.com/photos/40928097@N07/48246028557 A new approach to genomic species delineation could impact policy and lend clarity to legislation for designating a species as endangered or at risk. The coastal California gnatcatcher is an unassuming little gray songbird that's been at the epicenter of a legal brawl for nearly 28 years, ever since U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Found along the Baja California coast, from down south in El Rosario, Mexico to Long Beach, Calif., its natural habitat is the rapidly declining coastal sagebrush that occupies prime, pristine real estate along the West Coast. When this particular gnatcatcher, Polioptila californica, was granted protection, the region's real estate developers went to court to get it delisted. Central to their argument, which was dismissed in a federal court, was whether it was an independent species or just another population of a more widely found gnatcatcher. This distinction would dictate its threatened status. Evolutionary biologists have developed a new approach to genomic species delineation that improves upon current methods and could impact similar policy in the future. This approach is based on the fact that in many groups of organisms it can be problematic to decide where one species begins and another ends. "In the past, when it was challenging to distinguish species based on external characters, scientists relied on approaches that diagnosed signatures in the genome to identify 'breaks' or 'structure' in gene flow indicative of population separation. The problem is this method doesn't distinguish between two populations separated geographically versus two populations being two different species," said Jeet Sukumaran, computational evolutionary biologist at San Diego State University and lead author of a study published May 13 in PlOS Computational Biology. "Our method, DELINEATE, introduces a way to distinguish between these two factors, which is important because most of the natural resources management policy and legislature in our society rests on clearly defined and named species units." Typically, scientists will use a range of different methods to identify boundaries between different species, including statistical analysis and qualitative data to distinguish between population-level variation and species-level variation in their samples, to complete the classification of an organism. In cases where it is difficult to sort the variation between individuals into differences due to variation within a species as opposed to between two species, they often turn to genomic data based approaches for the answer. This is when scientists often use a model that generates a population phylogeny, or an evolutionary tree relating different populations. Sukumaran and co-authors evolutionary biologists L. Lacey Knowles with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Mark Holder with the University of Kansas, Lawrence add a second layer of information to the population phylogeny, to explicitly model the actual speciation process. This allows them to understand how these separate populations sometimes evolve into distinct species, which is the basis for distinguishing between populations and species in the data. Whether some of the population lineages in the sample are assigned to existing species or classified as entirely new species depends on two factors. One is the age of the population isolation events such as the splitting of an ancestral population into multiple daughter populations, which is how species are "born" in an extended process of speciation. The other is the rate of speciation completion, which is the rate at which the nascent or incipient species "born" from population splitting events develop into true full species. "We're coming to realize now that many organisms are cryptic species," Sukumaran said. "Many of them are similar looking even though they are actually distinct species separated by many tens or hundreds of thousands or even millions of years of evolution." This is either due to strong selection pressures to maintain the same morphology, or, more typically, due to very recent speciation resulting in insufficient time for external differences to develop. "When rivers change course, when terrain changes, previously cohesive populations get fragmented, and the genetic makeup of the two separate populations, now each a population in their own right, can diverge," Sukumaran said. "Eventually, one or both these populations may evolve into separate species, and may (or may not) already have reached this status by the time we look at them. "Yet individuals of these two populations may look identical to us based on their external appearances, as differences in these may not have had time to 'fix' in either population. This is when we turn to genomic data to help guide us toward deciding whether we are looking at two populations of the same species, or two separate species." Currently, scientists apply a model based on multispecies coalescent theory to genomic data to identify the disruption of gene flow between different groups of organisms. This disruption is fundamental to species formation, but it can also occur between two different populations as well as two different species. While scientists agree that it is critical to distinguish between populations and species boundaries in genomic data, there is not always a lot of agreement on how to go about doing it. "If you ask ten biologists, you will get twelve different answers," Sukumaran said. By modeling the dynamics of speciation itself in the species delimitation analysis, something previous methods did not do, the researchers' approach allows for distinguishing between interpopulation boundaries to gene flow versus interspecies boundaries, based on the predicted pace of the speciation events. With this framework, scientists can have a better understanding of the status of any species, but especially of species that are members of a species complexmultiple independent species that all look alike. Many fields of science and medicine depend on the accurate demarcation and identification of species, including ecology, evolution, conservation and wildlife management, agriculture and pest management, epidemiology and vector-borne disease management etc. These fields also intersect government, legislature and policy, with major implications for the day-to-day lives of broader human society. The DELINEATE model is a first step in a process that will need to be further refined. Funding for this research came from the National Science Foundation. Explore further Genome sequencing reveals a new species of bumblebee Caleys grevillea (Grevillea caleyi) occurs in Sydney. It needs fire to germinate but burns are hard to carry out near urban areas. Credit: Tony Auld, Author provided As far as odds go, things don't look promising for the slender-nerved acacia (Acacia leptoneura), a spiky plant with classic yellow-ball wattle flowers. With most of its habitat in Western Australia's wheat belt cleared for agriculture, it was considered extinct for more than 160 years. Now, just two plants are known in the world, and they're not even in the same place. This species is among many Australian plants that have come perilously close to extinction. To help prevent the loss of any native plant species, we've assembled a massive evidence base for more than 750 plants listed as critically endangered or endangered. Of these, we've identified the 50 at greatest risk of extinction. The good news is for most of these imperiled plants, we already have the knowledge and techniques needed to conserve them. We've devised an action plan that's relatively easy to implement, but requires long-term funding and commitment. What's driving the loss? There are 1,384 plant species and subspecies listed as threatened at a national level. Twelve Australian plant species are considered probably extinct and a further 21 species possibly extinct, while 206 are officially listed as critically endangered. Australian plants were used, managed and celebrated by Australia's First Nations people for at least 60,000 years, but since European colonization, they've been beset by a range of threats. Two known plants of slender nerved acacia (Acacia leptoneura) remain, about 1 kilometre apart. Propagation attempts have been unsuccessful and the genetic diversity is probably very low. Credit: Joel Collins, Author provided Land clearing, the introduction of alien plants, animals, diseases, and interruptions to ecological processes such as fire patterns and flooding have taken a heavy toll on many species. This is particularly the case in the more densely populated eastern and southern parts of the continent. Things aren't improving. Scientists recently compiled long-term monitoring of more than 100 threatened plant species at 600 sites nationally. And they found populations had declined on average by 72% between 1995 and 2017. This is a very steep rate of decline, much greater than for threatened mammal or bird populations. On the brink Many species listed as threatened aren't receiving targeted conservation action or even baseline monitoring, so an important first step in preventing extinctions was identifying the species at greatest risk. Ironstone pixie mop (Petrophile latericola) occurs on a soil type thats been heavily cleared for agriculture, and is suspected to be susceptible to an introduced root-rot fungus. In 2020 fewer than 200 plants remained, in poor condition. Credit: Andrew Crawford, Author provided To find the top 50, we looked at the evidence: all available published and unpublished information and expert surveys of over 120 botanists and land managers. They're targeted by our Action Plan for Australia's Imperiled Plants. Thirty of the species in the plan have fewer than 50 mature individual plants remaining. And 33 are known only from a single location, such as the Grampians pincushion-lily (Borya mirabilis), which occurs on one rocky outcrop in Victoria. This means the entire population could be destroyed by a single event, such as a major bushfire. So how can we protect them? Some of the common management actions we've proposed include: preventing further loss of species' habitat. This is the most important action required at a national scale regularly monitoring populations to better understand how species respond to threats and management actions safely trialing appropriate fire management regimes, such as burning in areas where fires have been suppressed investing in disease research and management, to combat the threat of phytophthora (root-rot fungus) and myrtle rust, which damages leaves propagating and moving species to establish plants at new sites, to boost the size of wild populations, or to increase genetic diversity protecting plants from grazing and browsing animals, such as feral goats and rabbits, and sometimes from native animals such as kangaroos. Action Plan for Australias Imperilled Plants. Fewer than 10 lax leek-orchids (Prasophyllum laxum) remain. Declines are ongoing due to drought and wildfire, and the South Australian species only occurs on private property not managed for conservation. Proposed recovery actions include habitat protection and establishing the orchid and its mycorrhizal fungi in conservation reserves. Credit: Shane Graves, Author provided Another common issue is lack of recruitment, meaning there's no young plants coming up to replace the old ones when they die. Sometimes this is because the processes that triggered these plants to flower, release seed or germinate are no longer occurring. This can include things like fire of a particular intensity or the right season. Unfortunately, for some plants we don't yet know what triggers are required, and further research is essential to establish this. Now we need the political will Our plan is for anyone involved in threatened flora management, including federal, state, territory and local government groups, First Nations, environment and community conservation groups, and anyone with one of these plants on their land. Plants make Australian landscapes uniqueover 90% of our plant species are found nowhere else in the world. They're also the backbone of our ecosystems, creating the rich and varied habitats for our iconic fauna to live in. Plants underpin and enrich our lives every day. Now we have an effective plan to conserve the Australian plants at the greatest risk of extinction. What's needed is the political will and resourcing to act in time. Explore further Scientists launch action plan for Australia's imperiled plants This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Eder dam (Germany) in the year 2019. Areas of water that are drying out release considerably more carbon than areas covered by water. Credit: Maik Dobbermann Among other things, dams serve as reservoirs for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, or the operation of hydropower plants. Until now, it had been assumed that dams act as net carbon stores. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre of Environmental Research (UFZ) together with Spanish scientists from the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) in Girona and the University of Barcelona showed that dams release twice as much carbon as they store. The study has been published in Nature Geosciences. Streams transport large amounts of carbon-containing material, including leaves, branches and algae. If the water is dammed, the material gradually settles and accumulates at the bottom of the body of water. "Because of the lack of oxygen, the degradation processes are much slower down there. As a result, less carbon dioxide is released. The carbon contained is stored in the sediment of the dam for a longer time," explains Dr. Matthias Koschorreck, a biologist in the Department of Lake Research at the UFZ. "It had been assumed that dams store about the same amount of carbon than they release as greenhouse gases." However, for the carbon balance of bodies of water, not only the zones covered by water, but also those that temporarily dry out because of a drop in the water level, play a role. Koschorreck's working group had demonstrated this in previous studies. If the carbon-containing material previously covered by water comes into contact with atmospheric oxygen, degradation processes and thus the formation of carbon dioxide are strongly driven. "Areas of water that are drying out thus release considerably more carbon than areas covered by water," says Philipp Keller, a former Ph.D. student in the Department of Lake Research at the UFZ. "If large amounts of water are released by a dam, large areas are suddenly exposed. But these areas had not been considered when calculating the carbon balance. This is the knowledge gap that we close with our work." For their investigations, the researchers used a database based on satellite imagery. This contains monthly data on the size of water surface areas from around 6,800 dams worldwide between 1985 and 2015. For these 30 years, the scientists were thus able to determine exactly when, where, and for how long the dams were not completely filled and how large the dry areas were. On average, 15% of the total reservoir surface was not covered by water. The scientists used this figure to further calculate the carbon release from these areas. "Our calculations show that carbon emissions from dams had been significantly underestimated. On a global average, they release twice as much carbon as they store," says Koschorreck. "Their image as a net carbon store in the global carbon cycle must be reconsidered." The data also show that the magnitude of water level fluctuations of dams depends on both their use and their geographic location. "Fluctuations were more pronounced in dams used for irrigation than in those used for hydropower generation," say Keller. "And in places where the annual precipitation pattern is more uniformsuch as near the poles and around the equatorthere were fewer large fluctuations in water levels than in the intermediate latitudes, where larger areas of the dams were often dry for much longer periods." Using the example of dams, the research team demonstrates the influence of areas that are drying out on the global carbon balance of bodies of water. "We hope that our study raises the awareness that areas that are drying out must also be considered when balancing carbon fluxes of natural inland waters," says Koschorreck. The new findings could also be incorporated into a more climate-friendly management of dams. If, for example, the water has to be drained for maintenance, it makes sense to consider the best timing with respect to carbon release. If the work is done in the cold season instead of the summer, the degradation processes of the exposed carbon-containing material are much slower, and the carbon emission is much lower. In order to better understand the carbon balance of dams, Koschorreck's research team plans to take a closer look at the release of both carbon dioxide and methane as well as the role of vegetation on the carbon cycle of areas that have become dry. Explore further Carbon dioxide emissions from dry inland waters globally underestimated More information: Global carbon budget of reservoirs is overturned by the quantification of drawdown areas, Nature Geosciences (2021). Journal information: Nature Geoscience Global carbon budget of reservoirs is overturned by the quantification of drawdown areas,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-021-00734-z Visualization of satellites in orbit around Earth. Credit: NASA This weekend, a Chinese rocket booster, weighing nearly 23 tons, came rushing back to Earth after spending more than a week in spacethe result of what some critics, including NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, have attributed to poor planning by China. Pieces of the rocket, dubbed Long March 5B, are believed to have splashed down in the Indian Ocean near the Maldives, and no one was injured. But the event has shown the potential dangers that come from humanity's expanding presence in space, said Hanspeter Schaub, professor in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. Schaub is an engineer with an eye for the myriad bits of junk that circle our planetfrom meteors the size of grains of dust to manmade rocket stages as big as school buses. As humans launch more objects into space, he said, this debris may increasingly threaten the safety of satellites and human astronauts in orbit. In 2009, a decommissioned Russian satellite crashed into an active satellite called Iridium 33, sending a cloud of shrapnel hurtling around the planet. He sat down with CU Boulder Today to talk about whether you should be worried about objects falling from spaceand how emerging science fiction-esque technologies may soon play a role in removing space debris from orbit. How common is it for an object like this rocket booster to crash back down to Earth? Satellites and other objects in space do come down, sometimes within months, sometimes within years or decades after being launched. Most are designed to burn up in the atmosphere so that very few parts make it to the ground. But it's really rare to see something the size of this Chinese rocket come down. A lot of experts have also raised concerns about this eventsaying that, in general, this isn't supposed to happen in space exploration. Why is that? There's a growing awareness around the world that you have to be a good citizen when you launch a vehicle, but also when you have a vehicle that's at the end of its life. If you have energy left in your satellite's battery, for example, you should drain it. Otherwise, it can cause an explosion, and an explosion means you create a lot of small debris. Even so, the average person probably isn't going to get hurt by objects falling from space, right? As far as we know, no one has been killed by space debris to date. The odds of being hit by space debris are really low. There are many more things we should be worried about these days. One of the bigger concerns from space debris seems to be what's happening in orbit. What are the risks there? Graphic of an electron gun (right) slowing the spin of a decommissioned satellite (left) by creating a difference in charges between the two objects. Credit: Schaubs AVS lab What we're finding is that there are many events where these big, upper stage rocket bodies actually get very close to each other in low Earth orbitwithin hundreds of meters or even less. They don't collide, which is great. They just silently pass in the night. But we've realized that this happens much often more than we thought years ago. What happens if two of those objects do collide? If two of those big objects hit each other, they would create so much shrapnel. One of those collisions could create thousands or tens of thousands of pieces of space debris all of a sudden. You're looking at objects that are about the size of an inch, but at those speeds, they will just kill your satellites. That's a big, big concern. We're launching a lot more objects into space every year. How can we keep those kinds of accidents from happening? My group, in particular, is trying to figure out how we can move these big bodies out of the way and prevent collisions. We're looking at technology that can tug on an object or make it stop tumbling. If you're trying to use a robotic spacecraft that docks onto a satellite to fix it or move it out of the way, and it's rotating, that is really difficult. Once they are decommissioned, spacecrafts in orbit can spin up. Think about a school bus-sized object completing a revolution every six seconds. Your solution involves electrostatic forceslike clothes sticking together in the dryer. How does that work? You would fly up to an object, then aim an electron gun at it to emit a negative charge and charge that object up. This allows you to create an electrostatic attractive force. If you modulate the beam, making it stronger or weaker at just the right times, you can actually unspin that object. It might take a few weeks, but you can slow down the spin rate such that it becomes much easier to dock. So it's, literally, a tractor beam like you see in science fiction movies? Just not quite as powerful. We aren't pulling in the Millennium Falcon while its thrusters are firing. EPA Administrator Michael Regan speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The Environmental Protection Agency is revoking a Trump-era rule that overhauled how the agency evaluates air pollutants, a move the Biden administration says will make it easier to enact limits on dangerous and climate-changing emissions. EPA said Thursday it reviewed a rule issued by the Trump administration last year and found that it imposed procedural restrictions and other requirements that would have limited EPA's ability to use the best available science in developing regulations under the Clean Air Act. "EPA has critical authority under the Clean Air Act to protect the public from harmful air pollution, among other threats to our health. Revoking this unnecessary and misguided rule" by the Trump administration is "proof positive" of the Biden administration's commitment to science, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. Officials "will continue to fix the wrongs of the past and move forward aggressively" to deliver on President Joe Biden's commitment to protect public health and the environment, Regan said. The action on the so-called benefit-cost rule follows an executive order Biden signed on his first day in office, directing EPA to review all regulations and policies undertaken by the previous administration. The review concluded that the Trump-era rule, finalized in December, should be rescinded in its entirety. EPA said the previous rule imposed broad restrictions and requirements on when and how the agency conducts cost-benefit analyses, without explaining why the requirements were needed. The Trump rule was unnecessary to carry out provisions of the Clean Air Act, because EPA already conducts cost-benefits analyses for clean air rules, the agency said. The previous rule was part of a wave of deregulatory actions under President Donald Trump, who rolled back dozens of environmental rules he considered overly burdensome on businesses. Many of the regulations were designed to protect the environment and public health, but were viewed by the Trump administration as costly and unnecessary. Trump EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the Trump-era rule on costs and benefits increased transparency on how the agency analyzed the impacts of its rule-making, but environmental groups argued that the Trump administration was gaming cost-benefit calculations to loosen environmental and public health protections. The Trump-era rules would have justified rollbacks on emissions requirements for power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, environmentalists said. In this Nov. 29, 2006 file photo, steam rises from the huge boiler units at the Jim Bridger Power Plant, east of Rock Springs, Wyo. A law signed April 6, 2021, by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008. Wyoming coal production, which accounts for about 40% of the nation's total, has declined as utilities switch to gas, which is cheaper to burn to generate electricity. Solar and wind power also are on the rise as coal's share of the U.S. power market shrinks from about half in the early 2000s to less than 20% now. (Jeff Gearino/Casper Star-Tribune via AP, File) Environmental and public health groups hailed the rule change as a return to EPA's responsibility to follow science and prioritize public health. The rule change "is good news, because steps the nation takes to clean up toxic air pollutantsincluding mercury and acid gaseshave saved thousands of lives,'' said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association. Cost-benefit analyses are complicated and involve projections that weigh likely costs of implementing a clean-air regulation against potential public health benefits, including fewer asthma attacks, hospital visits or deaths. The Trump rule discounted or undervalued the public health benefits of regulatory action, compared with compliance costs for business, said Hayden Hashimoto, an attorney for the Clean Air Task Force, an advocacy group. "EPA's action is an important step toward clearing away another Trump midnight rule that put a finger on the scale to favor industry concerns over public protections in Clean Air Act rules,'' he said. But Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, said the Trump-era rule corrected a previous EPA bias that often was "improperly used to target the coal industry through unjustifiable regulations that imposed tremendous compliance costs that significantly outweighed the environmental benefits.'' He urged a more transparent regulatory process and fair accounting practices for the future. The interim rule proposed by Regan will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA said it invites public comments and intends to issue a final rule later this year. Explore further Biden administration proposes restoring California's right to set car pollution rules 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Close-up of an Anolis lizard with a rebreathing bubble on its snout. Credit: Lindsey Swierk A team of evolutionary biologists from the University of Toronto has shown that Anolis lizards, or anoles, are able to breathe underwater with the aid of a bubble clinging to their snouts. Anoles are a diverse group of lizards found throughout the tropical Americas. Some anoles are stream specialists, and these semi-aquatic species frequently dive underwater to avoid predators, where they can remain submerged for as long as 18 minutes. "We found that semi-aquatic anoles exhale air into a bubble that clings to their skin," says Chris Boccia, a recent Master of Science graduate from the Faculty of Arts & Science's Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB). Boccia is lead author of a paper describing the finding published this week in Current Biology. "The lizards then re-inhale the air," says Boccia, "a maneuver we've termed 'rebreathing' after the scuba-diving technology." The researchers measured the oxygen (O 2 ) content of the air in the bubbles and found that it decreased over time, confirming that rebreathed air is involved in respiration. Rebreathing likely evolved because the ability to stay submerged longer increases the lizard's chances of eluding predators. The authors studied six species of semi-aquatic anoles and found that all possessed the rebreathing trait, despite most species being distantly related. While rebreathing has been studied extensively in aquatic arthropods like water beetles, it was not expected in lizards because of physiological differences between arthropods and vertebrates. "Rebreathing had never been considered as a potential natural mechanism for underwater respiration in vertebrates," says Luke Mahler, an assistant professor in EEB and Boccia's thesis supervisor. "But our work shows that this is possible and that anoles have deployed this strategy repeatedly in species that use aquatic habitats." Mahler and co-author Richard Glor, from the University of Kansas, first observed anoles rebreathing in Haiti in 2009 but were unable to carry out further observations or experiments. Another co-author, Lindsey Swierk, from Binghamton University, State University of New York, described the same behavior in a Costa Rican species in 2019. These early observations suggested that rebreathing was an adaptation for diving, but this idea had not been tested until now. A submerged Anolis lizard with a rebreathing bubble on its snout. Credit: Lindsey Swierk Boccia became interested in aquatic anoles after encountering one in Panama. He began his rebreathing investigations in Costa Rica in 2017 and continued the research in Colombia and Mexico. As the authors point out, the rebreathing trait may have developed because anoles' skin is hydrophobicit repels watera characteristic that likely evolved in anoles because it protects them from rain and parasites. Underwater, air bubbles cling to hydrophobic skin and the ability to exploit these bubbles for breathing developed as a result. While further work is required to understand how the process works in detail, Boccia, Mahler and their co-authors suggest different ways in which rebreathing may function. In its simplest form, the air bubble on a lizard's snout likely acts like a scuba tank, providing a submerged animal with a supply of air in addition to the air in its lungs. This is what aquatic arthropods like water beetles do to extend the time they can remain submerged. The researchers also suggest that the rebreathing process may facilitate using air found in a lizard's nasal passages, mouth and windpipe that would otherwise not be used by the lizard in breathing. The bubble may also help rid waste carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from exhaled air through a process other researchers have already observed in aquatic arthropods. Those studies concluded that because CO 2 is highly soluble in water and because the level of CO 2 in the bubbles is higher than in the surrounding water, exhaled CO 2 dissolves into the surrounding water rather than being rebreathed. Finally, the authors speculate that the bubble may act as a gill and absorb oxygen from the wateragain, something already observed in arthropods. Boccia and Mahler are planning further research to confirm if these rebreathing processes are occurring with anoles. According to Mahler, "This work enriches our understanding of the creative and unexpected ways that organisms meet the challenges posed by their environments. That is valuable in its own right, but discoveries like this can also be valuable to humans as we seek solutions to our own challenging problems." "It's too early to tell if lizard rebreathing will lead to any particular human innovations," says Boccia, "But biomimicry of rebreathing may be an interesting proposition for several fieldsincluding scuba-diving rebreathing technology, which motivated our naming of this phenomenon." Explore further 'Scuba-diving' lizard can stay underwater for 16 minutes More information: Christopher K. Boccia et al, Repeated evolution of underwater rebreathing in diving Anolis lizards, Current Biology (2021). Journal information: Current Biology Christopher K. Boccia et al, Repeated evolution of underwater rebreathing in diving Anolis lizards,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.04.040 In this Nov. 20, 2018, file photo, Zozo Chief Executive Yusaku Maezawa speaks during a press conference on the PGA Tour in Tokyo. The Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Maezawa announced Thursday, May 13, 2021, that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File) The Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. "Going to the ISS before the Moon," Yusaku Maezawa announced Thursday via Twitter. Maezawa has bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. "I'm so curious, 'What's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world," Maezawa said in a statement. He'll be the first person to pay his own way to the space station in more than a decade, according to Virginia-based Space Adventures, which brokered the deal. A Space Adventures spokeswoman declined to divulge the cost. The company has sent seven other tourists to the space station, from 2001 to 2009. Maezawa's trip to the moon aboard Elon Musk's Starship is tentatively scheduled for 2023. He'll fly around the moonnot landwith eight contest winners. Maezawa, 45, who founded an online retail clothing business, will be joined by photographer and assistant Yozo Hirano. They will be escorted by Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, who's spent nearly a year aboard the space station on two separate missions. The launch is scheduled for Dec. 8 from Kazakhstan. Thursday's announcement comes amid a flurry of private space initiatives. The Russian Space Agency announced Thursday that a Russian actress and movie director will launch to the space station in October for filming. The movie is tentatively titled "Challenge." In January, the first private mission to the space station from the U.S. will bring three businessmenfrom the U.S., Canada and Israelwho are paying about $55 million apiece. They will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space Center and will be accompanied by a former NASA astronaut who now works for Houston-based Axiom Space, which arranged the deal. The company plans about two private missions to the space station a year. Before the space station visits, SpaceX will launch its first private spaceflight with four people on board, including tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who purchased the mission. They will spend three days orbiting Earth in September. "This truly is a renaissance in U.S. human spaceflight," NASA's director of commercial spaceflight, Phil McAlister, told reporters Monday. "I think that's the perfect word for what we're experiencing." Explore further Crew training begins soon for first private trip to ISS 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A baby bamboo shark born via artificial insemination. Credit: Jay Harvey, Aquarium of the Pacific It's a tough time to be a shark. Pollution, industrialized fishing, and climate change threaten marine life, and the populations of many top ocean predators have declined in recent years. In addition to studying sharks in the wild, scientists working to save sharks rely on ones living in zoos and aquariums so that they can help build breeding programs and learn more about the conditions sharks need to thrive. One important way the scientists do that is by playing matchmakers to the sharks, pairing up individuals in ways that increase genetic diversity. In a new study in Scientific Reports, scientists undertook the largest-ever effort to artificially inseminate sharks.Their work resulted in 97 new baby sharks, including ones whose parents live on opposite sides of the country and a few that don't have fathers at all. "Our goal was to develop artificial insemination as a tool that could be used to help support and maintain healthy reproducing populations of sharks in aquariums," says Jen Wyffels, the paper's lead author who conducted the research for this paper with the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation and is currently a researcher at the University of Delaware. "Moving whole animals from one aquarium to another to mate is expensive and can be stressful for the animal, but now we can just just move genes around through sperm," says Kevin Feldheim, a researcher at Chicago's Field Museum and a co-author of the study who led the DNA analysis of the newborn sharks to determine their parentage. Figuring out shark parentage can be tricky because shark reproduction isn't always straightforward. In some species, female sharks can store sperm for months after mating and they use it for fertilization "on demand", so the father of a newborn shark isn't necessarily the male the mother most recently had contact with. Some female sharks are even capable of reproducing with no male at all, a process called parthenogenesis. In parthenogenesis, the female's egg cells are able to combine with each other, creating an embryo that only contains genetic material from the mother. Egg cases (aka "mermaid's purses") laid by bamboo sharks and fertilized via artificial insemination. Credit: Jay Harvey, Aquarium of the Pacific To study shark reproduction, the researchers focused on whitespotted bamboo sharks. "When people think of sharks, they picture great whites, tiger sharks, and bull sharksthe big, scary, charismatic ones," says Feldheim. "Whitespotted bamboo sharks are tiny, about three feet long. If you go to an aquarium, they're generally just resting on the bottom." But while bamboo sharks' gentleness and small size make them unlikely candidates for Hollywood fame, those qualities make them ideal for researchers to try to artificially inseminate. Before attempting artificial insemination, researchers have to make sure that the potential mothers aren't already carrying sperm from a previous rendezvous. "Candidate females are isolated from males and the eggs they lay afterwards are monitored to make sure they are infertile," says Wyffels. Egg-laying sharks regularly lay eggs on a regular schedule, much like chickens, says Wyffels, to the point that they're nicknamed "chickens of the sea." To determine if the eggs are infertile, scientists shine an underwater light through the leathery, rectangular egg cases (called "mermaid's purses") to see if there's a wriggling embryo on top of the yolk. If there are no fertilized eggs for six weeks or more, the shark is ready to be inseminated. Scientists collected and evaluated 82 semen samples from 19 sharks in order to tell the difference between good and bad samples. Some of the good samples went to nearby females for insemination, while others were kept cold and shipped around and across the country. Once the semen reached Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies or Aquarium of the Pacific, where a female was waiting, researchers sedated her and placed the semen in her reproductive tractthe procedure took less than ten minutes. All in all, 20 females were inseminated as part of the study. Baby sharks hatched from fertilized eggs after 4 months of incubation. "The hatchlings are about the size of your hand, and they have distinctive spot patterns that help to tell them apart," says Wyffels. Tissue samples were taken from all the babies, along with their parents, so Feldheim could analyze their DNA at the Field Museum's Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution. A group of bamboo shark hatchlings in a tube. Credit: Jay Harvey, Aquarium of the Pacific Feldheim developed a suite of genetic markers to determine parentage. "We sequenced the DNA and found sections where the code repeats itself," says Feldheim. "These repeating bits of code serve as signatures, and when we see them in the babies, we match them up to the potential dads." The team found that freshly collected semen was effective in fertilizing eggs in 27.6% of cases; semen that had been cold-stored for 24 or 48 hours had 28.1% and 7.1% success rates, respectively. In the genetic analysis of the offspring, the team also found two instances of parthenogenesis, where the mother reproduced on her own without using the sperm she'd been inseminated with. "These cases of parthenogenesis were unexpected and help illustrate how little we know about the basic mechanisms of sexual reproduction and embryo development among sharks," says Wyffels. From these preliminary results, the scientists hope to help aquariums expand and manage their shark breeding programs. "There have been other reports on artificial insemination of sharks, but they include very few females. In this study, we're in the double digits and as a result we could investigate different methods for preparing and preserving sperm for insemination" says Wyffels. "And a hatchling from shark parents that live almost 3,000 miles apart from sperm collected days in advance, that's definitely a first." "One of the goals of this pilot project was to just see if it worked," says Feldheim. "Now, we can extend it to other animals that actually need help breeding, from other species in aquariums to sharks under threat in the wild." The researchers also note that if studies like these contribute to the conservation of sharks in the wild, it will be largely thanks to aquariums. "We wouldn't know about parthenogenesis in sharks if it wasn't for aquariums," says Feldheim. "Aquariums allow you to observe the same individual animals over time, and that's very difficult to do in the wild," says Wyffels. "Aquarists have eyes on their animals every day. They pick up on subtle changes in behavior related to reproduction, and they tell us what they see. Research like this depends on that collaboration. We are already taking what we learned from this study and applying it to other species, especially the sand tiger shark, a protected species that does not reproduce often in aquariums." Explore further New study tracks large sharks during hurricanes Letter by Albert Einstein, validated by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where Einstein bequeathed his notes, letters and records. Credit: Dyer et al. 2021, J Comp Physiol A / The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Fair use) Since the dawn of the electronic age, it has never been easier for researchers to engage with the general publicgaining access to precious resources otherwise unavailable. This is illustrated perfectly in our latest publication, in which we introduce a previously unknown letter written in 1949 by none other than Albert Einstein. In it, the German-born mathematician and physicist discusses bees, birds and whether new physics principles could come from studying animal senses. We first came across it in 2019, after Judith Davysa retiree living in the United Kingdomread an article we'd published on the mathematical abilities of bees. She reached out to us to share the 72-year-old letter, which Einstein had addressed to her late husband Glyn Davys. We spent a year investigating the precious document. A key encounter Einstein was one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century, as well as an excellent communicator. His imagination helped shape many technologies that define the information age today. For example, Einstein's theory of general relativity governs the large-scale structure of the universe, which in turn enables corrections for the GPS system used on our smartphones. In 1921, Einstein was awarded a Nobel Prize for his study of the "photoelectric effect." This effect describes how light can remove electrons from atomsa principle that underpins the operation of today's solar cells. In 1933, Einstein left Germany to work at Princeton University in the United States. It was here, in April 1949, he met scientist Karl von Frisch at a lecture. Von Frisch was visiting Princeton to present his new research on how honeybees navigate more effectively using the polarization patterns of light scattered from the sky. He used this information to help translate bees' now famous dance language, for which he eventually received his own Nobel Prize. The day after Einstein attended von Frisch's lecture the two researchers shared a private meeting. Although this meeting wasn't formally documented, the recently discovered letter from Einstein provides some insight into what may have been discussed. Animal behavior from a physicist's lens We suspect Einstein's letter is a response to a query he received from Glyn Davys. In 1942, as WWII raged, Davys had joined the British Royal Navy. He trained as an engineer and researched topics including the budding use of radar to detect ships and aircraft. This nascent technology was kept top secret at the time. By complete coincidence, bio-Sonar sensing had been discovered in bats at the same time, alerting people to the idea that animals may have different senses from humans. While any previous correspondence from Davys to Einstein appears lost, we were interested in what may have prompted him to write to the famous physicist. So we set out to trawl through online archives of news published in England in 1949. From our search we found von Frisch's findings of bee navigation were already big news by July of that year, and he had even been covered in The Guardian newspaper in London. The news specifically discussed how bees use polarized light to navigate. As such, we think this is what spurred Davys to write to Einstein. It is also likely Davys's initial letter to Einstein specifically mentioned bees and von Frisch, as Einstein responded: "I am well acquainted with Mr. v. Frisch's admirable investigations." It seems von Frisch's ideas about bee sensory perception remained in Einstein's thoughts since the two scientists crossed paths at Princeton six months earlier. In his letter to Davys, Einstein also suggests that for bees to extend our knowledge of physics, new types of behavior would need to be observed. Remarkably, it is clear through his writing that Einstein envisaged new discoveries could come from studying animals' behaviors. The bee waggle dance is a figure-eight dance bees perform to share information about the direction and distance to flower patches, water sources and other key landmarks. Credit: J. Tautz and M. Kleinhenz referenced in Lars Chittka (2004), CC BY-SA Einstein wrote: "It is thinkable that the investigation of the behavior of migratory birds and carrier pigeons may someday lead to the understanding of some physical process which is not yet known." Einstein ideas seem right, yet again Now, more than 70 years since Einstein sent his letter, research is indeed revealing the secrets of how migratory birds navigate while flying thousands of kilometers to arrive at a precise destination. In 2008, research on thrushes fitted with radio transmitters showed, for the first time, that these birds use a form of magnetic compass as their primary orientation guide during flight. One theory for the origin of magnetic sense in birds is the use of quantum randomness and entanglement. Both of these physics concepts were first proposed by Einstein. But although Einstein was one of the founders of quantum physics, he was uncomfortable with its implications. "God does not play with dice," he famously stated, to express his opposition to the randomness which lay at the heart of quantum mechanics. In an influential 1935 paper, Einstein and co-authors Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen introduced the concept of quantum entanglement. Interestingly, it was introduced as a conceptual failure of quantum mechanics, rather than one of its defining center pieces, as we now understand it. Perhaps ironically, one of the leading theories for the origin of magnetic sense in birds is the use of quantum randomness and entanglement. This theory suggests radical-pair chemical reactions in cryptochromessignaling proteins found in certain plants and animalsare affected by the Earth's magnetic field, and thus form the basis of a bird's biological magnetic compass. Although Einstein disagreed with entanglement, his willingness to speculate on how we might learn new things from animal sensory perception suggests he would have been delighted by how new research on bird migration is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of physics. Indeed, Einstein's letter to Davys is testament to how open he was to new possibilities for the field of physics being observed in nature. It illustrates, once again, how mindful he was of what one might discover when taking a different view of the world. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: University of Manchester An incredible fossil discovery of two fighting mammoths has been highlighted for the first time in a new book on prehistoric behavior, "Locked in Time: Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils." Static dinosaur fossils captured frozen in time have driven curiosity for hundreds of years with popular media making a leap to bring them to life on the big screen. Now, for the first time, the remarkable prehistoric world is being told through 50 astonishing fossils each a snapshot of how these animals lived, not always harmoniously. Dr. Dean Lomax, from the University of Manchester, examines the extraordinary direct evidence of fossils captured in the midst of everyday action: dinosaurs sitting on their eggs like birds, Jurassic flies preserved while mating, a T. rex infected by parasites. Each fossil, he says, tells a unique story about prehistoric life. From dinosaurs fighting to their deaths to elephant-sized burrowing ground sloths, this book takes readers on a global journey deep into the earth's past. "Locked in Time" showcases fifty of the most astonishing fossils ever found, brought together in five fascinating chapters that offer an unprecedented glimpse at the real-life behaviors of prehistoric animals. Dr. Lomax said: "I've spent more than a decade researching and writing "Locked in Time," having been inspired by an incredible Jurassic fossil I first saw in 2008. My hope is that the book, and the fossils therein, will encourage you to look at fossils and prehistoric life with an entirely new perspective, helping to show that these once living, breathing animals were as real as you and me." Fossils allow us to picture the forms of life that inhabited Earth eons ago. Humans' obsession with discovering more about these long lost animals and the way they lived is ever-present. How did these animals actually behave? How they reproduce and raise their young, how they hunt their prey or elude their predators? What would it be like to see prehistoric animals as they lived and breathed? "The rocky remains of long-dead animals and plants immediately spring to mind when we think of fossils, and it might seem that we could never learn anything about behavior from a seemingly lifeless 'rock.'" Said Dr. Lomax. "And yet, some exceptional fossils preserve direct evidence of behaviors, providing an incredible insight into an ancient world. Many of these fossils are largely unbeknown to the public, such as the 'fighting mammoths," a unique fossil of two entangled bull mammoths found in Nebraska, U.S., in 1962, which is today on display at the Trailside Museum, University of Nebraska. "Many people see prehistoric animals, especially dinosaurs, as movie monsters; creatures that roared from fight to fight. But prehistoric animals were real animals, they were every bit as varied and complicated as today's wildlife. "Locked in Time" illustrates this point with 50 of the world's most amazing fossils, each possessing direct evidence of specific behaviors. Painting so much beautiful and spectacular complexity has been one of the highlights of my career." Many recall behaviors typical of animals familiar to us today, evoking the chain of evolution that links all living things to their distant ancestors. "Locked in Time" allows us to see that fossils are not just inanimate objects: they can record the life stories of creatures as fully alive as any today. Striking and scientifically rigorous illustrations by renowned palaeoartist Bob Nicholls bring these breathtaking moments to life. Dr. Dean Lomax is an internationally recognized paleontologist and Visiting Scientist at The University of Manchester, author, television presenter, and science communicator. His books include Dinosaurs of the British Isles (2014) and Prehistoric Pets (2020). Bob Nicholls is a world-renowned natural history artist who specializes in the reconstruction of prehistoric animals, plants, and environments. His illustrations and models have been published in more than forty books and exhibited in over forty museums, universities, and visitor attractions around the world. Explore further Fossils' soft tissues helping to solve puzzle that vexed Darwin More information: "Locked in Time: Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils" is published by Columbia University Press, May 18, 2021. "Locked in Time: Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils" is published by Columbia University Press, May 18, 2021. cup.columbia.edu/book/locked-in-time/9780231197281 napoleon A jewellery set worn by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's adopted daughter sold for $1.65 million in Geneva on Wednesday, soaring way above the pre-auction estimate. Marking the 200th anniversary of Napoleon's death, Christie's auction house sold the nine imperial jewels adorned with sapphires and diamonds, which were from the collection of his adopted daughter Stephanie de Beauharnais. Some 38 sapphires from Sri Lanka were used to create the set in the early 1800s. Offered as separate lots, the jewels had remained in the same family ever since they were offered to Beauharnais on her wedding to Charles, the grand duke of Baden, at the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1806. Besides their historical value, the jewels were also prized for their natural blue, as sapphires usually undergo heat treatment to accentuate the colour. The nine pieces included a tiara, a necklace, a pair of earrings, two pendants, two brooches, a ring and a bracelet. "There was a huge demand from collectors around the world, both in Asia and the Middle East, also Europe and the Americas," auctioneer Max Fawcett told reporters at the Magnificent Jewels sale. It was thought that the collection might fetch $475,000 in total, but the tiara alone went for $462,000. It contains octagonal step-cut and oval-shaped sapphires, rose and old-cut diamonds, and gold. An early 19th-century sapphire and diamond necklace, once owned by Napoleon's adopted daughter, was among the pieces auctioned Portuguese crown, Russian diamond The sale also included a sapphire crown worn by queen Mary II of Portugal, who was twice the country's reigning monarch before her death in 1853. Set with a Burmese sapphire in the centre, the crown was estimated at $190,000-$385,000 but sold for far more, at $1.95 million. The priciest item in the sale was the last of the 146 lotsa rectangular white 100.94-carat diamond called the Spectacle, which sold for $14.1 million. The internally flawless diamond is the largest stone ever to have been cut in Russia and was cut from a rough stone unearthed in the remote northeastern Yakutia region in 2016. The preparation and cutting process took a year and eight months. Explore further Rare Russian pink diamond sells for $27 million 2021 AFP This 2020 file photo shows a deforested area in Brazil, where lawmakers were being accused of further threatening the country's disappearing rainforests Environmentalists accused Brazilian lawmakers Thursday of further threatening the country's disappearing rainforests after the lower house passed a bill relaxing environmental regulations for the agriculture and energy sectors. The bill, which exempts 13 categories of projects from environmental permit requirements, passed late Wednesday in a 300-122 vote, and now goes to the Senate. It eliminates environmental permitting for "small-scale" farms and projects such as installing low-tension electricity lines and water-treatment facilities. It also creates a new type of permit that will be granted for roads and power lines in return for a written promise to follow all environmental norms. "This is an affront to Brazilian society," Luiza Lima, public policy advisor for environmental group Greenpeace, said in a statement. "This bill will create legal gray areas and increase the destruction of our forests and the existing threats to indigenous peoples and protected lands." The legislation is one of two controversial bills currently working their way through Brazil's Congress. The other, in the Senate, would extend an amnesty for farms, mines and logging projects illegally set up on protected lands and grant their owners legal title. That bill led dozens of European food retailers last week to threaten a boycott of Brazilian agricultural products, saying the measure would fuel the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, a vital resource in the fight against climate change. President Jair Bolsonaro has presided over a surge in deforestation in Brazil since taking office in 2019. In the 12 months to August 2020, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased 9.5 percent, destroying an area bigger than Jamaica, according to government data. Bolsonaro is pushing to open protected lands to agriculture and industry. Experts and activists accuse him of gutting Brazil's environmental protection programs. Explore further Brazil wildfires surge again in 2020 2021 AFP QUT air-quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska is leading an international call for a "paradigm shift" in combating airborne pathogens such as COVID-19. Credit: QUT QUT air-quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska is leading an international call for a "paradigm shift" in combating airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, demanding universal recognition that infections can be prevented by improving indoor ventilation systems. Professor Morawska led a group of almost 40 researchers from 14 countries in a call published in Science for a shift in standards in ventilation requirements equal in scale to the transformation in the 1800s when cities started organising clean water supplies and centralised sewage systems. The international group of air quality researchers called on the World Health Organisation to extend the indoor air quality guidelines to include airborne pathogens and to recognise the need to control hazards of airborne transmission of respiratory infections. Professor Morawska, director of QUT's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, said there needed to be a shift in the perception that we could not afford the cost of control, given the globally monthly harm from COVID-19 had been conservatively estimated as $1 trillion and the cost of influenza in the US alone exceeded $11.2 billion annually. "We need to establish the foundations to ensure that the air in our buildings is clean with a significantly reduced pathogen count, contributing to the building occupants' health, just as we expect for the water coming out of our taps," Professor Morawska said. "Mandated building ventilation standards need to include higher airflow, filtration and disinfection rates, and monitors that allowed the public to observe the quality of air around them. "We should have virus-free air indoors." Professor Morawska said response efforts to combat airborne viruses were too weak because airborne infections were harder to trace than food or waterborne outbreaks. "We've provided strong evidence that airborne transmission spreads infections, so there should be international ventilation standards that control pathogens," she said. "Most minimum ventilation standards outside of specialised health care and research facilities only control for odour, CO 2 levels, temperature and humidity. "Ventilation systems with higher airflow rates and which distribute clean, disinfected air so that it reaches the breathing zone of occupants must be demand controlled and thus be flexible." QUT air-quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska is leading an international call for a "paradigm shift" in combating airborne pathogens such as COVID-19. Credit: QUT Professor Morawska said ventilation systems should also be demand-controlled to adjust for different room occupancies, and differing activities and breathing rates, such as exercising in a gym versus sitting in a movie theatre. "For decades, the focus of architects and building engineers was on thermal comfort, odour control, perceived air quality, initial investment cost, energy use, and other performance issues, while infection control was neglected," Professor Morawska said. "Buildings consume over one third of energy globally, much of it expended on heating/cooling outdoor air as it is brought indoors. "While building designs should optimize indoor environment quality in terms of health and comfort, they should do that in an energy-efficient way in the context of local climate and outdoor air pollution." "Wide use of monitors displaying the state of indoor air quality must be mandated too, because the general public currently have no way of knowing the condition of indoor spaces they occupy and share with others. "Visible displays will keep building operators accountable for air quality. The public should be aware and demand safe environments. "None of this means that every indoor space should become a biosafety facility, but a building should be designed and operated according to its purpose and activities conducted there, so that airborne infection risk stays below an acceptable level." While detailed economic analysis was yet to be done, Professor Morawska said estimates suggested necessary investments in building systems may be less than one percent of the construction cost of a typical building. "The cost of infections come from different pocketsbuilding and operating costs, health care costsbut ultimately, society pays for all the costs so a cross-system reallocation of budgets must also be facilitated to mandate new ventilation standards," Professor Morawska said. "The benefits are beyond infectious disease transmission. Improved indoor air quality may reduce workplace absenteeism, 'sick building syndrome' and allergic reactions. "The reduction in productivity losses alone may cover the cost of any ventilation changes." Explore further To prevent next pandemic, scientists say we must regulate air like food and water More information: L. Morawska at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia el al., "A paradigm shift to combat indoor respiratory infection," Science (2021). Journal information: Science L. Morawska at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia el al., "A paradigm shift to combat indoor respiratory infection,"(2021). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.abg2025 Letter by Albert Einstein, validated by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where Einstein bequeathed his notes, letters and records. Credit: Dyer et al. 2021, J Comp Physiol A / The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The 1949 letter by the physicist and Nobel laureate discusses bees, birds and whether new physics principles could come from studying animal senses. It's a position still being realized within physics to this day, with a growing body of research and understanding of how animals such as birds and bees find their way around. Now a study led by RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, discusses how recent discoveries in migratory birds back up Einstein's thinking 72 years ago. The previously unpublished letter was shared with researchers by Judith DavysEinstein had addressed it to her late husband, radar researcher Glyn Davys. RMIT's Associate Professor Adrian Dyer has published significant studies into bees and is the lead author of the new paper on Einstein's letter, published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology A. Dyer said the letter shows how Einstein envisaged new discoveries could come from studying animals. "Seven decades after Einstein proposed new physics might come from animal sensory perception, we're seeing discoveries that push our understanding about navigation and the fundamental principles of physics," he said. The letter also proves Einstein met with Nobel laurate Karl von Frisch, who was a leading bee and animal sensory researcher. In April 1949, von Frisch presented his research on how honeybees navigate more effectively using the polarization patterns of light scattered from the sky. The day after Einstein attended von Frisch's lecture, the two researchers shared a private meeting. Although this meeting wasn't formally documented, the recently discovered letter from Einstein provides insight into what they might have talked about. "It is thinkable that the investigation of the behavior of migratory birds and carrier pigeons may someday lead to the understanding of some physical process which is not yet known," Einstein wrote. Professor Andrew Greentree, a theoretical physicist at RMIT, said Einstein also suggested that for bees to extend our knowledge of physics, new types of behavior would need to be observed. "Remarkably, it is clear through his writing that Einstein envisaged new discoveries could come from studying animals' behaviors," Greentree said. More than 70 years since Einstein sent his letter, research is revealing the secrets of how migratory birds navigate while flying thousands of kilometers to arrive at a precise destination. In 2008, research on thrushes fitted with radio transmitters showed, for the first time, that these birds use a form of magnetic compass as their primary orientation guide during flight. One theory for the origin of magnetic sense in birds is the use of quantum randomness and entanglement. Both of these physics concepts were first proposed by Einstein. Explore further Einstein letter fetches $100,000 at Jerusalem auction More information: Adrian G. Dyer et al, Einstein, von Frisch and the honeybee: a historical letter comes to light, Journal of Comparative Physiology A (2021). Journal information: Journal of Comparative Physiology A Adrian G. Dyer et al, Einstein, von Frisch and the honeybee: a historical letter comes to light,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01490-6 Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will become the first tourist to visit the International Space Station in more than a decade when he blasts off on a Russian rocket in December Russia said Thursday it would send an actress and a director into space to make the first feature film in the cosmos and also deliver an eccentric Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station. Moscow is seeking to boost its embattled space programme, which has stagnated since the collapse of the Soviet Union and been overtaken by US tech billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX. The Russian space agency announced the film project after NASA confirmed last year it was teaming up with US action star Tom Cruise to make a movie on the ISS. The Russian "space drama", whose working title is "Challenge," will feature popular Russian actress Yulia Peresild, 36, and Klim Shipenko, a 37-year-old US-educated director and actor, Roscosmos said. They will have to undergo training, including tests on a centrifuge, parachute jumps and flights in zero gravity, starting no later than June 1. A mockup of the Russian segment of the ISS will be used to prepare the film crew for their space adventure. The launch from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft has been set for October 5. "Wish us luck," Peresild said in a post on Instagram. The film is being co-produced by the flamboyant head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, and state-run network Channel One. Konstantin Ernst, Channel One general director, said the film was part of a major projectthat will also include the production of documentary films to help Russians rediscover "love and passion" for the human spaceflight programme. "If people love a certain industry then this energy is being channelled into this process," Ernst said in televised remarks. Japanese billionaire The space agency also announced plans to take Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to the ISS in December, resurrecting its space tourism programme in the face of US competition. Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, said he planned to document the mission and share it with the world on his YouTube channel with over 700,000 subscribers. Roscosmos said Maezawa would make the flight with production assistant Yozo Hirano aboard a Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for December 8. "I'm so curious 'What's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa was quoted as saying by Roscosmos. The eccentric billionaire has previously announced plans to take eight people with him on a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft built by Musk's SpaceX. Maezawa and film producer Hirano will begin approximately three months of pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City outside of Moscow. They have already passed the required medical examinations. Roscosmos said the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, who has already been on two missions to the ISS. A total of eight private self-funded space travellers have visited the ISS and Maezawa will be the first from Japan. His flight will also be the first time that two of the three spots on a Soyuz rocket will be occupied by tourists. "We are excited for Maezawa-san and we are honoured to have enabled this opportunity for him to fly to space," said Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures, a private spaceflight company. It has cooperated with Roscosmos since the first space tourist flight in 2001. Maezawa will be the first space tourist to travel to the ISS since 2009 when Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, travelled to the station. According to Forbes magazine, space tourists could pay anywhere between $20 million and $35 million per person for 8-12 days in space. The cost of Maezawa's flight has not been disclosed. The resumption of tourist flights comes after Roscosmos lost its monopoly on ferrying crews to the ISS when a reusable SpaceX rocket last year successfully delivered NASA astronauts to space. Russia's space industry has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, from corruption scandals to lost spacecraft to an aborted take-off during a manned mission in 2018. Russia's ageing Soyuz rockets are reliable and allow Moscow to remain relevant in the modern space industry, but the country is struggling to innovate and keep up with other key players. Explore further Russia says to launch own space station in 2025 2021 AFP Dunbogan Caravan Park in northern New South Wales during the March 2021 floods. Credit: David Wainwright, Author provided The impacts of a closed border and recent floods have highlighted the challenges facing older Australians who live permanently in caravan parks and manufactured home estates. These properties have long provided affordable housing for retirees, particularly those who rely on the age pension and have limited assets or housing equity. Residents typically own their caravan or mobile home and pay a regular site rental. Two trends are emerging as problems for these residents: caravan parks and manufactured home estates are undergoing "gentrification" as they transform into high-end domestic tourism (with border closures boosting demand) and lifestyle estates many properties that house older Australians are increasingly exposed to natural hazards such as fire and floods. The interrelated issues of a shortage of affordable housing, development in hazard-affected locations and gentrification are funneling the most disadvantaged Australians into the most problematic locations. Recent fieldwork in the Hastings and Manning river regions of New South Wales identified a number of caravan parks and manufactured home estates close to or even next to rivers that had been flooded. The most flood-affected properties tended to be those with the most affordable housing. Why are properties being gentrified? The sector is far from homogenous. Properties range from expensive upmarket holiday parks and lifestyle estates to permanent residents in caravan parks and older manufactured home estates. Large caravan park operators, such as Big 4 Holiday Parks and Discovery Parks, provide an upmarket holiday option. These feature manicured lawns and offer cabins, glamping and powered sites. On-site management provides regularly cleaned communal cooking facilities and ablution blocks. Many feature panoramic views of oceans and waterways, which add to the upmarket offering. Operators focus on properties where maximum value can be extracted from holidaymakers. These have come a long way from the cheap caravan parks with dry grass, a few trees and rundown amenities. Dunbogan Caravan Park, pictured after the flood, remains affordable but that comes with a risk for residents. Credit: Lois Towart, Author provided The industry has also benefited from international border closures resulting in a boom in Australians holidaying at home. But these trends leaves little room for permanent residentsespecially low-income residentsas tourists are unlikely to pay premium prices to stay in parks with retirees in second-hand caravans. Operators usually partition permanent residents from the holidaymakers or, increasingly, remove permanent residents altogether. Manufactured home estates are also gentrifying. They are increasingly branded as over-50s estates, with resort-style facilities including community centers and swimming pools. The operators include listed organizations Ingenia, Stockland and Lifestyle Communities, and private organizations Hampshire Villages and National Lifestyle Villages. Manufactured home estate living is advertised as being affordable, as relocatable homes are exempt from stamp duty, land tax and council rates. But advertised prices for relocatable homes in lifestyle estates can be over $700,000 and are anything but affordable for people on lower incomes. By requiring incoming residents to buy new and used homes through them, operators can achieve profit margins and agency fees. The more expensive the relocatable home, the higher the margins and fees. This is why operators have moved relentlessly upmarket. Many lifestyle estate operators have embarked on significant expansion programs. They are actively buying up and redeveloping caravan parks and manufactured home estates. This leaves a shrinking pool of properties, owned by smaller operators, that still offer affordable housing. Why are hazard risks higher at affordable sites? Caravan parks and manufactured home estates are not classed as permanent housing. This means they can be developed on a wider range of sites, including hazard-affected land. A creative solution, putting housing on stilts, in in Riverside Residential Village, Port Macquarie. Credit: Lois Towart, Author provided Sites close to beaches and waterways have long been popular as they provide recreational amenity to holidaymakers and residents. The flip side is that these locations are more prone to natural hazards such as storms and flooding. Large operators have selectively bought up caravan parks and manufactured home estates to create more upmarket offerings. As they spend money upgrading communal facilities and ablution blocks, their preference has been for properties that are not hazard-affected. As a result, many of the caravan parks and manufactured home estates that remain affordable housing are in the most hazard-affected locations. What happens when disaster strikes? During the recent floods in the Port Macquarie, Old Bar and Hawkesbury regions of NSW, it was permanent residents in caravan parks and non-lifestyle manufactured home estates who were most badly affected. For many of these residents, the caravan or relocatable home (and its contents) was their major asset. While some may initially float, the water-damaged dwelling is usually uninhabitable. There is often little left to salvage. Local governments, in addition to the cost of repairing damaged infrastructure, now have to deal with increasing numbers of homeless people. Many have to rely on the generosity of the local community. All is not lost. There are creative solutions. For example, a manufactured home estate in Port Macquarie, Riverside Residential Village, is on a flood-prone site. The solution is relocatable dwellings on stilts. The space underneath can then be used for car parking and storage. However, some older people might find the stairs a bit of a problem. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This graphical abstract reflects the research's discoveries. Credit: UMass Amherst University of Massachusetts Amherst neuroscientists examining genetically identified neurons in a songbird's forebrain discovered a remarkable landscape of physiology, auditory coding and network roles that mirrored those in the brains of mammals. The research, published May 13 in Current Biology, advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits. It suggests that ancient cell types in the palliumthe outer regions of the brain that include cortexmost likely retained features over millions of years that are the building blocks for advanced cognition in birds and mammals. "We as neuroscientists are catching on that birds can do sophisticated things and they have sophisticated circuits to do those things," says behavioral neuroscientist Luke Remage-Healey, associate professor of psychological and brain sciences and senior author of the paper. For the first time, the team of neuroscientists, including lead author Jeremy Spool, who worked as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral fellow in Remage-Healey's lab, used viral optogenetics to define the molecular identities of excitatory and inhibitory cell types in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and match them to their physiological properties. "In the songbird community, we've had a hunch for a long time that when we record the electrical signatures of these two cell types, we say - 'that's a putative excitatory neuron, that's a putative inhibitory neuron.' Now we know that these features are grounded in molecular truth," Remage-Healey says. "Without being able to pinpoint the cell types with these viruses, we wouldn't be able to learn how the cell and network features bear resemblance to those in mammals, because the brain architectures are so different." The research team used viruses from a collection curated by co-author Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan to conduct viral optogenetic experiments in the brain. With optogenetics, the team used flashes of light to manipulate one cell type independent of the other. The team targeted excitatory vs. inhibitory neurons (using CaMKII and GAD1 promoters, respectively) in the zebra finch auditory pallium to test predictions based on the mammalian pallium. "There's so much work out there on the physiology of these different cell types in the mammalian cortex that we were able to line up a series of predictions about what features birds may or may not have," Spool says. The CaMKII and GAD1 populations in the songbird were distinct "in exactly the proportions you would expect from the mammalian brain," Spool says. With the cell type populations isolated, the researchers then examined systematically whether each population would correspond to the physiology of their mammalian counterparts. "As we kept moving forward, again and again these cell populations were acting as if they were essentially from the mammalian cortex in a lot of physiological ways," Spool says. Remage-Healey adds, "The correspondence between the cortex in mammals and what we're pulling out with molecularly identified cell types in birds is pretty striking." In both birds and mammals, these neurons are thought to support advanced cognitive functions, such as memory, individual recognition and associative learning, Spool says. Remage-Healey says the research, supported by NIH grants, helps delineate "the basic nuts and bolts of how the brain operates." Knowing the nuts and bolts builds foundations necessary to develop breakthroughs that could lead to neurological interventions for brain disorders. "This can help us figure out what brain diversity is out there by unpacking these circuits and the ways they can go awry," Remage-Healey says. Explore further Norepinephrine aids brain in sorting complex auditory signals Schematics of hydrogels with physical and chemical cross-links. (a) Covalent and entanglement cross-links for energy storage and dissipation, respectively. (b) Chemically and physically cross-linked structures of brittle and tough hydrogels. (c) Fracture behavior of brittle and tough hydrogels with few and many entanglements, respectively. Credit: NPG Asia Materials, doi:10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 In a new report in NPG Asia materials, Chisa Norioka and a team of scientists in Chemistry and Materials Engineering in Japan, detailed a universal method to easily prepare tough and stretchable hydrogels without special structures or complications. They tuned the polymerization conditions to form networks with many polymer chain entanglements, to achieve energy dissipation throughout the resulting materials. The team prepared the tough and stretchable hydrogels via free radical polymerization using a high monomer concentration and low crosslinker content to optimize the balance between physical and chemical crosslinks via entanglements and covalent bonds. The research team used polymer chain entanglements for energy dissipation to overcome the limits of low mechanical performance for use in a wide-range of hydrogels. Hydrogels Hydrogels consist of physically and chemically crosslinked polymer networks and a high-water content with a low elastic modulus for stimulus-responsive behavior, much like biological tissues. As a result, hydrogels have potential applications as biomaterials for drug delivery systems, biosensors and cell culture. While hydrogels are soft and flexible, they are also weak and brittle, where standard hydrogels can be broken due to large deformation. To overcome the low mechanical properties of hydrogels, researchers had designed network structures. Hydrogels exhibit viscoelastic behavior for both viscous and elastic characteristics, to design tough hydrogels therefore Norioka et al. focused on the viscous characteristics. Viscosity allowed the applied stress to be relaxed through energy dissipation. The researchers produced hydrogel networks with a high polymer chain density, with large molecular weight between crosslinkers for effective energy dissipation throughout the material. During the experiments they added high monomer concentrations and low cross-linker content to form hydrogel networks with many entanglements to produce the physical crosslinks. To demonstrate the strategy, Norioka et al. used polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) as the main chains of the hydrogels. Movies of as-prepared PAAm hydrogels during the compression tests. The hydrogels were prepared under the condition with an AAm concentration of 5.0 mol/L and a cross-linker content of (a) 0.005 and (b) 1.0 mol%. Credit: NPG Asia Materials, doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 Materials characterization The team tested the mechanical properties of the as-prepared PAAm hydrogels using compression and tensile tests. They noted the inhomogeneous PAAm hydrogels formed under polymerization conditions, containing a high monomer concentration and low crosslinker content to be tougher than those with a homogeneous network structure. Similarly, swollen PAAm hydrogels with a high monomer concentration and low-crosslinker content also demonstrated high mechanical toughness and high stretchability. Using stress-strain curves during tensile tests, Norioka et al. investigated the mechanisms by which the hydrogels could become tough and stretchable. The team noted the PAAm hydrogels prepared with a crosslinker content of more than 0.1 mole percent to have a much lower toughness than those prepared with a crosslinker content of less than 0.1 mole percent. They determined the experimental crosslinking density of hydrogels from their elastic modulus, the results showed how the entanglement of polymer chains contributed to the high toughness of the PAAm hydrogel with a monomer concentration of 5.0 mol per liter and a crosslinker content of 0.005 mole percent. Mechanical properties of PAAm hydrogels prepared under various conditions. (ac) Stressstrain curves of as-prepared PAAm hydrogels during compression tests. Hydrogels with various cross-linker contents were prepared using AAm concentrations of a 1.0, b 2.5, and (c) 5.0 mol/L. d Photographs of as-prepared PAAm hydrogels with cross-linker contents of (i) 0.005 and (ii) 1.0 mol% during compression tests. The hydrogels were prepared at an AAm concentration of 5.0 mol/L. (eg) Stressstrain curves of as-prepared PAAm hydrogels during tensile tests. The hydrogels were prepared using AAm concentrations of e 1.0, f 2.5, and g 5.0 mol/L. (h) Photographs of a swollen PAAm hydrogel during compression and shear tests. The PAAm hydrogel was swollen to equilibrium in water after it was prepared with an AAm concentration of 5.0 mol/L and a cross-linker content of 0.005 mol%. (i) Photographs of the as-prepared PAAm hydrogel during tensile tests. The hydrogel was prepared with an AAm concentration of 2.5 mol/L and a cross-linker content of 0.005 mol%. Credit: NPG Asia Materials, doi:10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 Toughness of PAAm hydrogels with various cross-linked structures. (a) Relationship between the cross-linker content and toughness of as-prepared PAAm gels prepared under various preparation conditions. The gels were prepared at AAm concentrations of 1.0 (), 2.5 (), and 5.0 mol/L (). (b) Effect of the cross-linker content on the cross-linking ratio between the experimental and theoretical cross-linking densities (exp/theo) of the PAAm gels prepared under various conditions. (c) Relationship between exp/theo and toughness of the PAAm gels prepared under various conditions. Credit: NPG Asia Materials, doi:10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 The versatile experimental strategy Norioka et al. used the viscous characteristics of the material to relax the applied stress via energy dissipation. The decreased crosslinker content enhanced the contribution of viscosity to the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The team tuned the conditions for network preparation in the presence of many entanglements, to develop tough and stretchable hydrogels. They then performed further work on dynamic mechanical analysis and homogeneity to examine the mechanism in detail. To demonstrate the versatility of the strategy, Norioka et al. used 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), a biocompatible zwitterionic polymer used in biomedicine to prepare hydrogels. Although the material has many potential applications in the formation of contact lenses, artificial joints and other biomaterials, they are disadvantaged due to low mechanical strength. The scientists copolymerized the MPC and acrylamides, to prepare poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), based on a range of monomer concentrations and crosslinker contents. The PMPC hydrogels with a crosslinker content of less than 0.1 mole percent did not break at up to 95 percent strain and 6-MPa stress; the team could not cut the materials with a knife. In addition to that, the PMPC hydrogels with many entanglements exhibited the highest fracture strain due to large elongations. Preparations with a high monomer concentration and low crosslinker content was therefore a universal method to prepare tough and stretchable hydrogels. The resulting material construct contained many physical crosslinks based on polymer chain entanglements for energy dissipation. The team could thus easily prepare tough and stretchable hydrogels by optimizing the preparation conditions to form many polymer chain entanglements without using complex methods. Mechanical properties of PMPC hydrogels prepared under various conditions. (a) Stressstrain curves of as-prepared PMPC hydrogels with various cross-linker contents during compression tests. The hydrogels were prepared using an MPC concentration of 5.0 mol/L. (b) Stressstrain curves of as-prepared PMPC hydrogels with MPC concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 mol/L during tensile tests. The hydrogels were prepared using a cross-linker content of 0.1 mol%. (c) Photographs of as-prepared PMPC hydrogels with cross-linker contents of (i) 0.1 and (ii) 1.0 mol% during compression tests. The hydrogels were prepared at an MPC concentration of 2.5 mol/L. (d) Photographs of as-prepared PMPC hydrogels with cross-linker contents of (i) 0.1 and (ii) 1.0 mol% during shear tests. The hydrogels were prepared at an MPC concentration of 2.5 mol/L. (e) Photographs of the as-prepared PMPC hydrogel during tensile tests. The hydrogel was prepared under an MPC concentration of 5.0 mol/L and a cross-linker content of 0.1 mol%. Credit: NPG Asia Materials, doi:10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 Outlook In this way, Chisa Norioka and colleagues introduced a method to tune polymerization conditions without introducing a special structure nor with complicated methods. The team optimized the resulting material using a high monomer concentration and low crosslinker content. The strategy is applicable to prepare tough and stretchable hydrogels using a variety of polymers. The work will lead to many practical applications in biomedicine and bioengineering. Explore further Free-standing photocrosslinked protein polymer hydrogels for sustained drug release More information: 1. Norioka C. et al. A universal method to easily design tough and stretchable hydrogels, NPG Materials, doi.org/10.1038/s41427-021-00302-2 1. Norioka C. et al. A universal method to easily design tough and stretchable hydrogels, 2. Li J. et al. Designing hydrogels for controlled drug delivery, Nature Review Materials, doi.org/10.1038/natrevmats.2016.71 3. Zhang Y. S. and Khademhosseini A. et al. Advances in engineering hydrogels, Science, 10.1126/science.aaf3627 Journal information: Science 2021 Science X Network Urban traffic noise causes song learning deficits in young zebra finches that also suffer from a suppressed immune function due to the chronic stress. Credit: Sue Anne Zollinger Traffic noise leads to inaccuracies and delays in the development of song learning in young birds. They also suffer from a suppressed immune system, which is an indicator of chronic stress. A new study by researchers of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and colleagues shows that young zebra finches, just like children, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise because of its potential to interfere with learning at a critical developmental stage. Traffic noise is a pervasive pollutant that adversely affects the health and well-being of millions of people. In addition to severe noise-induced diseases in adults, traffic noise has also been linked to learning impairments and language deficits in children. In order to analyze the causal mechanisms connecting chronic noise exposure to cognitive deficiencies, researchers of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology with colleagues at the University of Paris Nanterre and the Manchester Metropolitan University studied the song learning and immune function of young zebra finches exposed to traffic noise. Like children, songbirds must learn their vocalizations from adult tutors during a sensitive period early in life. Under normal conditions, the songs of the finches become stable and stereotyped at an age of around 90 days, and remain the same for the rest of their adult life, a process called "crystallization." For the study, the researchers raised male zebra finch chicks in two groups. During their sensitive song learning period, the chicks in both groups were tutored with recorded song of adult males. In one group, the birds were additionally exposed to traffic noise that had been recorded in bird habitats close to busy roads in the city of Munich, Germany. The scientists monitored the singing activity of each male and compared their song development and learning success. Furthermore, they measured the immune responses of the chicks while they grew up. Noise weakens immune response The researchers found that juvenile zebra finches exposed to realistic levels of city noise had weaker immune responses than chicks from quiet nests, suggesting that noise was a source of chronic stress in these young birds. Furthermore, the birds in the noise treatment were significantly delayed in their vocal developmentcrystallizing their songs more than 30% later than controls, and with significantly lower accuracy in their song learning. "Our findings indicate that young songbirds, just like human children, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise because of its potential to interfere with learning at a critical developmental stage," says Henrik Brumm, who led the international research project. The results of the study suggest that traffic noise even has the potential to affect the cultural evolution of bird song since noise-induced copying errors are likely to accumulate as song passes from one bird to another. "Our paper marks a breakthrough in the study of the effects of anthropogenic noise," Sue Anne Zollinger of the research team concludes, "it establishes bird song as an experimental paradigm for future studies on noise-related cognitive and developmental impairments, especially in regard to vocal learning deficiencies and speech development." Explore further Traffic noise affects normal stress reactions in zebra finches and delays offspring growth More information: Henrik Brumm et al. Traffic noise disrupts vocal development and suppresses immune function, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Henrik Brumm et al. Traffic noise disrupts vocal development and suppresses immune function,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2405 YBO - Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Do Duc Duy and Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People's Committee Vu Thi Hien Hanh on May 12 inspected the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tran Yen district. Secretary of the Yen Bai Party Committee Do Duc Duy examines the concentrated quarantine area of Tran Yen district at the districts boarding school for ethnic minority students. Recently, Tran Yen has mobilised the engagement of the whole political system in implementing drastic and comprehensive measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, right after detecting people having close contact with a COVID-19 patient at a wedding party in Viet Cuong commune, the district has set up a medical quarantine site and applied lockdown in the affected residential area, while forming checkpoints and prepare concentrated quarantine areas, keeping a close watch on the situation and encouraging people to make health declarations. So far, the district has sent 240 people contacting with F1 cases to quarantine, while putting nearly 3,000 people under self-quarantine at home and applying medical supervision on nearly 1,500 others. Alongside, Tran Yen has mobilised from the community nearly 2 tonnes of rice, more than 80 million VND in cash, 300 packages of instant noodles, more than 500 kg of chicken, hundreds kg of fruits and vegetables, food, medical masks and hand sanitizers as well as necessities for people working at checkpoints, quarantine and lockdown areas. Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Do Duc Duy inspects the multifunctional stadium of Tran Yen where a temporary hospital is expected to be set up. Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Do Duc Duy said that Tran Yen should clarify pandemic prevention orientations and further enhance its activeness in the work by conducting faster and more drastic measures to detect and trace people having contact with COVID-19 patients, as well as COVID-19 testing and treatment. Along with continuing to raise public awareness and calling on local residents to prevent the spread of the pandemic in the community, the district should commend persons who showed outstanding performance in the work, settling arising problems, promoting internal resources and asking for support from the higher level only in necessary cases, he said. Examining the area planned for a temporary COVID-19 hospital of the district, the leader lauded efforts of relevant agencies, while reminding the district to devise plans to allocate human resources and prepare hospital beds and necessities for the hospital so that it can be used when needed. Thanh Tien However, India has also left a wide open corridor for more commercial cooperation with Vietnam under an equal bilateral framework. Hence, this is an opportunity for Vietnam to seek advantages in this huge market of almost 1.3 billion people. India reviewing FTA Speaking at a recent trade conference in Hanoi, Mr. Pranay Verma, Ambassador of India to Vietnam, emphasized the importance of Vietnam as a vital trade partner of India. Vietnam is considered like a gateway for India to access the larger ASEAN market. The Ambassador also expressed his wish to see India develop into an economy worth USD 5,000 bn, thereby becoming the fourth largest economy in the world in the next five years. This development will be realized under a visionary scheme of the present Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, who wants to see a self-reliant India under a plan termed "AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. The Ambassador also spoke about India reviewing the terms of the FTA with ASEAN, with an emphasis on more equality, while at the same time, leaving open the possibility for Vietnam-India trade to be prioritized under a bilateral cooperation framework. In recent years, India has been reviewing and is reconsidering the continuation of FTA with ASEAN. The Indian Minister of Industry and Trade has even asked to renegotiate a number of articles under the agreement, but so far ASEAN has refused the suggestion. The total value of India's trade with ASEAN countries reached about USD 87 bn in the period 2019 to 2020, of which exports alone accounted for USD 32 bn and imports amounted to USD 55 bn. India's trade deficit with ASEAN countries stands at USD 23 bn. India is also currently under heavy deficit with many other partners, such as China. Therefore, adjusting and limiting the trade deficit will be a top priority in trade cooperation for the Indian government today. This shows that along with strengthening its economy, India is taking a tougher stance in global trade activities. Currently, under India-ASEAN FTA terms, Vietnam must remove 80% of tariff lines within this year from the normal tariff reduction list, and 10% of tariff lines by 2024 in the sensitive list. By 2024, Vietnam will have to complete a schedule of commitments to reduce tariffs focused on commodity groups such as tea, coffee, rubber, vegetables, footwear, seafood, chemicals, metals, steel, minerals, machinery, equipment and construction materials. Products that Vietnam does not commit to include eggs, sugar, salt, petroleum, fertilizers, plastics, rubber, precious metals, steel, machinery, electrical equipment, automotive machinery, spare parts, and security items. On the Indian side, so far India has eliminated 80% of the tariff lines, while 10% of the tariff lines have been partially cut. The goods that India commits to tariff elimination include live animals, meat, fish, milk, vegetables, grease, confectionery, fruit juices, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, metals, steel, machinery, electrical equipment, and clocks. Under the commitment to cut taxes from India, many categories of Vietnamese goods will benefit such as garments, footwear, wood and wood products, seafood, coal, rubber, and steel. In 2018, India agreed to reduce taxes to 45% on coffee, black tea, and 50% on pepper. These are sensitive Indian products but are an export advantage for Vietnam. India's exclusion list includes 489 tariff lines, accounting for 5% of the total trade value. Mekong-India economic corridor Currently, Vietnam is the 17th largest partner of India and 4th in Southeast Asia. According to data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, India's investments in Vietnam are estimated at USD 1.9 bn. Regarding investments in India, Vietnam has six projects with total investment capital estimated at USD 28.55 mn, mainly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, information technology, chemicals, and construction materials. However, India wants to see stronger prospects of cooperation with Vietnam, and not just through trading and investing in projects. New Delhi also wants to have a closer connection and ties, such as by building the Mekong-India economic corridor, a multimodal economic corridor connecting India with the Mekong sub-regional countries. The Mekong-India Economic Corridor proposes to connect Ho Chi Minh City with Dawei in Myanmar via Bangkok in Thailand and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, and onto Chennai in India. This economic corridor will help increase trade between the CLMV countries, namely, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and with the rest of the world, as well as India. It will also substantially reduce travel distance between India and the Mekong sub-region. The Mekong sub-region plays an important role in the foreign policy of India, as it shares a land boundary with one of the CLMV countries, namely, Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. On the other hand, with China growing as an important economic power, the countries in the Mekong sub-region are gradually being attracted towards China, to further strengthen their economies. China's growing influence in the region has prompted India to strengthen ties with countries under ASEAN by taking a number of measures to promote integration with the Southeast Asian region. The India-Mekong economic corridor will certainly create opportunities for countries in the region for building a strong economic and industrial infrastructure and also for upgrading the existing infrastructure. The Mekong-India Economic Corridor will allow countries in the Mekong sub-region, including Vietnam, to integrate better and to have a globally competitive economy. In this respect, India chooses well to have Vietnam as an important trade partner. Luu Thuy With over 4 million acres having burned so far this year in California, we have not had any major fires in Santa Barbara County. But with all the hot weather we have had and no rain in months, we are still in danger. Teachers over the last academic year "have worked harder than we ever have in our entire careers," Miguelito Elementary School fifth-grade teacher, and 2022 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Alisyn Blanton said. Speaking at the handing-over ceremony in Hanoi, VUFO President Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga said over the past two week, both Vietnam and Cambodia are facing the complexity of the pandemic. The Vietnamese government and people are concerned about the developments of the pandemic in countries in the region, especially neighbouring nations. VUFO President Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga (fourth from left) presents VND500 million to Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth (Photo: VNA) People of countries need to join hands to deal with the health crisis, she stressed. Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth affirmed that the assistance reflects the solidarity and friendship between the two countries. He affirmed that his country will use effectively the aid for its COVID-19 prevention and control. The Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association launched a campaign to raise fund to support Cambodia people to fight COVID-19 during April 28 - May 7. The campaign received warm response from members of the association and its chapters nationwide. A 2019 study by researchers at the Technical University of Munich and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology concluded that, in late 2018, the entire bitcoin network was responsible for up to 22.9 million tons of CO2 per year similar to a large Western city or an entire developing country like Sri Lanka. Total global emissions of the greenhouse gas from the burning of fossil fuels were about 37 billion tons last year. A few years ago, Laura Friedman toured an affordable housing project in Glendale, the city of 200,000 she represents in the California State Assembly. What caught her eye was the garage: a cavernous, subterranean space, virtually empty. To comply with local parking requirementstwo spaces for every studio or one-bedroom apartment, and rising from therethe builders had been forced to pour millions of dollars of concrete and reduce their number of new apartments, all to build a garage their low-income tenants would never fill. These requirements are definitely stopping housing, she concluded. Advertisement Its a familiar situation: Nearly all California cities require that enormous amounts of parking accompany every piece of new construction. In Cupertino, for example, where Apple has its headquarters, a new single-family home must come with four parking spaces. Such requirements effectively block most small-scale, affordable, and infill housing; they distort the size and shape of commercial architecture; they render thousands of older buildings functionally obsolete (no parking lot, no adaptive reuse);they subsidize driving and make it difficult to build walkable places. Advertisement Advertisement Also, a lot of that parking winds up going unuseda helpful oversupply if you need a spare outbuilding to start a computer company, but an expensive one if youre trying to solve a housing crisis. Local parking requirements add $36,000, on average, to the cost every new housing unit in California built with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, according to a study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley. For low-income tenants, that means fewer units. For market-rate tenants, it means higher rents. Advertisement Friedman is trying to change that. She is the author of Assembly Bill 1401, which would void Californias local parking requirements for residential and commercial construction near high-quality transit. That would be a seismic change in her home turf in Los Angeles County, and for hundreds of other cities and suburbs as well, where the provision of parking would finally be left up to builders themselves. It is the latest in a series of reforms from Sacramento that have pre-empted local regulations to get California building homes again. A decade ago, Friedman was a member of the city council in Glendale, and for two years, its mayor. Back then, if you wanted to add so much as a dining room or a bathroom to your house, Glendale required you to build a two-car garage as well. Friedman tried to get rid of the parking requirement; she lost the vote, three to two. Now shes in a position to help override that lawand many more. Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line is, we need to prioritize people over cars, Friedman told me this week. That sounds like a metaphor until youve tried to build a small apartment building in a city with high parking requirements. In much of California, parking really does take the place of new housing. If parking minimums are so bad, then why do we have them? There are two common explanations. One is that well-meaning traffic engineers believed that they could force the private sector to solve the mess of curbside parking chaos, and local politicians are now afraid of risking a dreaded parking shortage by letting the market decide how much parking is necessary. A more cynical take is that neighborhoods use parking as a value-neutral argument to stop new development, effectively banning low-income and infill housing without having to say so. Advertisement But the effort to pre-empt local parking rules at the state level has suggested a much weirder explanation: Planners know parking minimums are bad, but they like that these onerous, counterproductive regulations give them leverage over developers. That is the argument of the California chapter of the American Planning Association, which has declined to endorse the bill as is. The California APA agrees that parking requirements are bad. But their argument, which APA vice president for policy Eric Phillips explained to me, is that freedom from parking requirements is a crucial carrot that cities offer developers in exchange for building affordable housing. You would think city planners would be a natural ally of parking reform, seeking to undo policies that most of the profession now regards as a mistake. Thats not the case. Advertisement Advertisement Planners know parking minimums are bad, but they like that these onerous, counterproductive regulations give them leverage over developers. As it turns out, this is not the first time that statewide parking reform in California has foundered on this very point. In 2011, for example, California assemblymember Nancy Skinner tried to cut baseline parking rules in half near transit. The Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing opposed the bill, which failed. We have 30 years of history that recognizes the value of trading a planning concession, whether it be height, density, or parking, for supplying the mix of incomes in a project, said Lisa Payne, the organizations policy director. This bill would have removed that tool. In 2017, the planners Michael Manville and Taner Osman coined a term for this practice: pretextual planning. Local jurisdictions, they wrote, often write rules primarily for the purpose of bargaining them away. Advertisement Once you realize this is the way things work, it explains a lot. Why do people think zoning is toothless when it is, in reality, very strict? Why do people think politicians are in the pocket of real estate developers when cities hardly grow at all? Because of pretextual planning. Washington, D.C., may be a place where legislators write laws by day and break them by night, but city councils are places where legislators write the laws one day in order to break them the next. This backtracking-by-design gets a nice, quiet name: discretion. It has become an expectation even for suburban developers, according to a 2003 study: More than half of surveyed builders said they needed regulatory relief on at least half their projects. Advertisement Advertisement As Daniel Herriges argues in Strong Towns, the very foundation of American land use planningthe single-family residential neighborhoodis an example of pretextual planning. The developer who pushed for the first single-family residential zone, which was established in 1916 in Berkeley, California, wanted to exclude Black residents; the code itself was a race-neutral document that stood up to the Supreme Courts prohibition on racial zoning. Most of the countrys urban areas are blanketed in single-family zoning policies intended and maintained to keep out low-income residents, but defended on the firmer ground of neighborhood character. But single-family zoning, at least, is a rule that is meant to be followed. Not so for many regulations that govern how cities grow on paper. Advertisement Manville and Osman cite a pair of buildings in Santa Monica, California, doing battle with a paragon of pretextual planning: a 32-foot downtown height limit. If youve been to Santa Monica, you know its not some one-horse town. In exchange for going up, builders shell out. One developer agreed to spend more than a million bucks on a daycare, a contribution to a light rail line, and traffic mitigationin addition to providing 15 months of shuttle service. A year later, a building was permitted to rise to 56 feet in exchange for new sidewalks, affordable housing, attaining LEED-Silver certification, and hiring local construction workers. Other discretionary concessions include land swaps, historic preservation, hotels, boat ramps, and pretty much anything a local council member can think of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, I wrote about how a version of this processin which the discretion to break the zoning code rests solely with the local council memberfosters corruption, restricts the creation of new housing, and entrenches boundaries of race and class. It also creates a vicious cycle. Tight zoning codes reduce tax revenue, forcing politicians to negotiate with builders to provide public services in one-off deals. The more reliant politicians are on these negotiations, the more they depend on the straitjacket of zoning to deliver the upper hand. So it is in California cities, where property tax caps compel creative ways to open daycares. But Manville and Osman are focused on a third issue with pretextual zoning: Its bullshit. Developers may not love land-use laws with the rigid intention of a hollered price in a souk, where prices are fluid and haggling is expected. But residents really hate them. Advertisement In a study of five recent, citizen-led growth revolts in California, the pair focus on voter anger not toward development itself (also known as NIMBYism) but toward local politicians use of discretion. Voters rebelled not because zoning was permissive, but because local officials made exceptions, they write. As one disgruntled resident said during a successful growth revolt in Newport Beach, California: The General Plan was supposed to be a plan for development. If you keep changing it all the time, you do not have a plan for development. The fight in Santa Monica was similarthough there, a proposal to require elections on buildings over 36 feet tall failed. In the case of parking, California reformers argue, the make-rules-to-break-rules rationale is particularly perverse, since enforced parking laws thwart far more affordable housing than exemptions createthe daycare trades are exceptions, not the rule. In a letter to the California APA, the parking policy guru Donald Shoup, who exposed the waste of parking requirements in his 2005 book The High Cost of Free Parking, made that clear. Even if AB 1401 might undermine the density bonus law (and there seems to be no evidence that it will), he wrote, in comparison the benefits of removing off-street parking requirements are immense. Advertisement From 2015 to 2017 California only permitted 449 density bonus projectsthe type where parking relief is automatically offered as a chip in exchange for the creation affordable housing. Just 150 projects a year, at a time when the state built more than 80,000 homes annually. Furthermore, as the density bonus name implies, parking is not even the primary burden developers trade awaymostly, they want to build bigger. Thats not to say that relief from parking rules does not make a strong bargaining chipit does. But the hurdles to building affordable housing are numerous. If cities want to incentivize its creation, they will have no trouble doing so. Even if parking is optional. Some U.S. officials are pointing to Monday nights success of Israels Iron Dome defenseswhich shot down the vast majority of the hundreds of rockets fired from Gaza by Hamas, limiting Israels death toll to just sevenas bolstering the case for building more of our own missile defense weapons to ward off nuclear missile attacks by North Korea, China, Russia, or whatever other foe comes at us. In fact, the comparison is completely invalid. First, Hamas rockets fly slowly through the atmosphere. (A widely circulated video of the shoot-downs looks like it was shot in slow motion.) Ballistic missileswhich the U.S. systems are supposed to shoot downarc into outer space and back down to Earth at 10 times the speed of sound. The former are fairly easy for radar to track and coordinate with a firing system; the latter are very difficult. Advertisement 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. Second, over the years, Iron Dome has shot down about 80 percent of its targets. Thats an amazing success rate. But the U.S. system is designed to shoot down missiles tipped with nuclear warheads. If only 20 percent of those missiles got through, that would be a catastrophe. Third, judging from tests over the past decade, the U.S. system would let in way, way more than 20 percent of enemy missiles. In fact, despite budgets of roughly $10 billion a year, every year, since President Ronald Reagan began the Strategic Defense Initiative (as it was originally called) back in 1983, the programby all reasonable standardshas been a distinct failure. And its not getting any better. Advertisement According to a report issued last month by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Missile Defense Agency performed just two of its nine scheduled tests in 2020. One was a no-test (a software malfunction prevented the test from happening); the other was a failure. Both tests were meant to gauge the systems ability to shoot down short-range ballistic missilesthe sorts of missiles that, for instance, North Korea has been frequently testing. COVID was partly to blame for the delays, but, the report also noted, the Missile Defense Agency has struggled over the past decade to execute its annual flight test plan. In other words, even by federal standards, this is not a well-run program. Advertisement Advertisement When tests are conducted, the results have been less than assuring. The interceptors have hit their targets just 50 to 60 percent of the time. According to a 2017 report by the Defense Departments testing office, the systems demonstrated a limited capability to defend against small numbers of medium-range missiles and a fair capability against short-range missiles. The system designed to shoot down long-range missilesthose with the range to hit targets in the U.S.has performed successfully in just 10 out of 18 tests. Part of the problem is that the mission is really hard. By comparison, the Iron Domes job is almost casually simple. A radar tracks the incoming rockets and sends the data to a battle management system, which fires and guides the interceptor. A proximity fuse onboard the interceptor is set to explode when it comes within 10 meters of the target. The shrapnel from the blast destroys the incoming target. Advertisement To shoot down a hypersonic ballistic missile as it plunges down to Earth is much harder. Decades ago, when the U.S. first tried to develop anti-ballistic-missile defenses, the idea was to arm an ABM rocket with a nuclear warheadthat is, to destroy an incoming nuclear missile with another nuclear missile. However, many objected on the grounds that many American people below would be killed by radioactive fallout. Advertisement In more recent schemes, the idea has been for the interceptor to ram into the incoming missilea feat likened by some to hitting a bullet with a bullet. It is remarkable that the thing has worked at all. It is understandable, but unacceptable, that it doesnt work very often. Advertisement As dismal as the official success rate seems, it is almost certainly exaggerated. First, in a test, the missile defense systems operators know where the targeta mock warhead fired from a U.S. missile baseis coming from and when it was launched. They would not have such foreknowledge in a real war. Second, no U.S. missile defense system has ever been tested against more than one target at a time. In other words, even if an enemy commander had an exaggerated belief in the technical prowess of the Missile Defense Agencys wares, he could saturate the defenses by simply firing an additional weapon. The irony of all this is that the Iron Dome is an American creation. The Israelis developed it, but, since 2010, the bills for producing the systemamounting to well over $1 billionhave been paid by the U.S government. This was done at the initiative of President Barack Obama (so much for the myth, spread by Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, that Obama was hostile to Israel) and approved, with near-unanimous votes, by Congress. Since its successes, the U.S. military has bought a small number of Iron Dome systems as well. Advertisement Advertisement But Iron Dome isnt so suitable to the threats faced by the United States. It can track and hit targets from a maximum range of 40 miles, whereas an interceptor designed to hit, say, North Korean missiles, even if fired from a U.S. military base in the Pacific, would need to detect a threat from hundreds of miles out. All of this is well known to the officers running the Missile Defense Agency and to the officials who draw up the Pentagons annual budget. As John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, puts it, After four decades, almost no one believes in it, but we keep funding it nonethelessthe triumph of hope over experience. To understand more about the Palestinian perspective on the current violent unrest, listen to this recent episode of What Next. Israeli airstrikes stretched into their fourth day Thursday with intensified bombing overnight in Gaza, as Palestinian militants continued to fire rockets, and street riots between Jewish and Arab Israelis erupted in cities nationwide. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired hundreds of rockets at targets in Israel, the vast majority of which were intercepted by Israels defense system. The Israeli army said rocket fire has killed seven people, so far, including six Israeli civilians and one solider. Israels bombing campaign, on the other hand, has killed at least 83 Palestinians, including 17 children, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Hundreds more Palestinians have been injured as of Thursday, the Eid al-Fitr holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the use of force and the damage inflicted has been asymmetrical with Israeli defense forces using its vastly superior firepower to carry out an air campaign in military and residential areas of Gaza. Advertisement 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. Israeli officials say its defense forces have conducted 600 airstrikes in Gaza since the conflict first flared earlier this week. The Israeli military have also maneuvered two infantry brigades and one armored brigade in preparation for a potential ground invasion of Gaza. A ground campaign would be the first such military incursion in the area since 2014. Israeli military officials said the army was preparing for a worst-case scenario in amassing troops on the border. While the military clash has generally tracked previous iterations of the conflict, the outbreak of mob violence on city streets around the country portends something much darker and potentially more dangerous. Gruesome scenes were broadcast on Israeli television of the mob violence, including Jewish attackers continuing to beat a man, presumed to be Arab, even after he lay motionless on the street. Groups of Arab attackers also carried out assaults on the street. Advertisement The street violence inside Israel has been a departure, sending the conflict careening into an uncertain space of chaotic hand-to-hand communal combat. What was maybe under the surface has now exploded, and created a combination that is really horrific, Tzipi Livni, a former cabinet minister and former chief negotiator in Palestinian peace talks told the New York Times. I dont want to use the words civil war But this is something that is new, this is unbearable, this is horrific, and Im very worried. Israeli defense force is now faced with deploying reservists to quell the nationwide violence. To understand more about the Palestinian perspective on the current violent unrest, listen to this recent episode of What Next. Its Eid, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After one month of fasting, Muslims are ready to celebrate. But this year, most Palestinian Arab Muslims are locked up inside, watching TV, and checking in on loved ones as conflict ramps up with Israel. And, after taking in all that, some are going out into the streets to protest. The battles taking place in Israel and Palestine right now may seem like the same fights about about who has the right to live where. But theres an intensity to whats going on at the moment, a desperation driven by a suspicion that the Israeli state is willing to do almost anything to clear Palestinian families out. To understand what led to this moment, I spoke with Yousef Munayyer, a Palestinian American writer and political analyst based in D.C. whos spent most of his adult life advocating for Palestinian rights, on Thursdays episode of What Next. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Harris: From the outside, what has been happening in Israel this week might appear sudden. In just a couple of days, a dispute over land in Jerusalem seemed to snowball into a conflict that looks a lot like full-scale war. Now, civil unrest is on the rise, with reports that mobs of Israelis and Palestinians have been attacking businesses and people. Sheikh Jarrah is a neighborhood in east Jerusalem. Palestinian families whove lived there for decades are facing forced removal pending an Israeli Supreme Court decision. Jewish settler groups say the land originally belonged to Jews before the creation of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians who call Sheikh Jarrah home say Israeli laws make fighting the settlers off nearly impossible. But they are doing it anyway, in court, and on social media. Advertisement Yosef Munayyer: Eviction is a legal process that tends to happen when people are unable to pay their rent and landlords make claims to move that process forward. That is a completely different situation than what we are talking about here: forced expulsion of people because of their identity. This amounts, essentially, to ethnic cleansing. And, you know, this is part of an ongoing process in the city of Jerusalem, where the Israelis have pursued a number of different steps to demographically reengineer the entire city so that the Jewish population grows and remains dominant over a Palestinian population that is under constant threat and harassment and a forced removal. Advertisement I think that situation is pretty unimaginable to a lot of people in the United States, that someone would just come into your space and commandeer it. Can you describe that a little bit? Advertisement You know, the United States was erected after a very similar process of removing people from their lands, pushing them ever farther over frontiers and claiming it was all justified by laws that they instituted, and some sort of divine providence or Manifest Destiny. This is the reality of settler colonialism. Palestinians are too often at the mercy of this process, where they have limited or no rights at all to challenge the massive force of a powerful state that wants to change the realities on the ground. Youve alluded to the fact that watching this play out has affected Palestinians all over because it feels so familiar. Im wondering if you could explain that a little bit. Advertisement "Palestinians too often have limited or no rights at all to challenge the massive force of a powerful state that wants to change the realities on the ground." Yosef Munayyer Look, the introduction of the Zionist movement into Palestine is relatively new. Its a relatively modern process. One hundred years ago, the vast majority of this territory was populated by Palestinian Arabs. Over time, that changed through a very deliberate set of policies that were used to acquire land, deny people access to it, force people off their land, and deny them the ability to return to their homes and to move freely within the spaces where they lived. It started inside what is now today Israel, but then it extended into East Jerusalem, into the remainder of the West Bank and Gaza. And it continues to this day. Advertisement This ongoing tension evolved into rocket strikes this week because of what happened over the past week at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. When protests over Sheikh Jarrah began at the mosque after Friday prayers, Israeli forces moved in, aggressively. Worshippers pushed back. Advertisement We saw Israeli forces firing stun grenades, tear gas, inside the mosque itself on one of the holiest nights of the year for Muslims. This is the kind of thing that has the potential to enrage not just Palestinians and people of conscience all over the world, but a billion and a half followers of a religion who live both inside of Palestine and out. We have seen numerous situations where there has been Israeli bombardment of Gaza, and rocket fire from Gaza. Overwhelmingly, it results in massive Palestinian casualties, which are mostly civilian casualties at the hands of Israeli bombardment. But what is fundamentally different about this moment is the scale and scope of mobilization and the participation in it. Its all over the land. I think that is an indicator of a new direction in the Israeli-Palestinian situation. For a very long time, theres been this conversation around a vision of two states, where Israelis and Palestinians were supposed to resolve this issue by expressing their national aspirations in two separate states. But what we are seeing today is a binational reality, where Palestinians are rising up against a system of discrimination that cant be divided geographically because it extends across the entire geography. I think this suggests a new path for Palestinian mobilization, and a new path for thinking about what the problem is and potential ways to resolve it. Advertisement Advertisement I cant tell if this new path makes you a little bit anxious about whats about to happen, or hopeful because theres been some kind of breakthrough. I think both of those feelings are real and valid in this moment. Theres a tremendous amount of pain being inflicted on Palestinians now, so theres a lot of sorrow, theres a lot of despair, anger, sadness. Peoples lives are being irreparably damaged. Theres no denying that reality. At the same time, I look at the mobilizations in the streets, the scale of the participation, and I see something new. I see a younger generation that is breaking away from the shackles of old frameworks that have limited their involvement and are genuinely agitating for something different, for something new. Theres hope to be had there. Advertisement To understand why this latest protest movement is different, you have to understand how previous generations of Palestinians have organized politically. Past groups of protesters were often more formally tied to political factions, like Fatah, the secular party in control of the West Bank committed to negotiations with Israel, or Hamas, the party committed to armed resistance against Israel. Now theres a growing sense of Palestinian unity in recognizing the old institutions werent working. Advertisement Advertisement The flags youre seeing being raised all over are not factional flags, but Palestinian flags, including by Palestinian citizens in Israel and by folks in Jerusalem and the West Bank and elsewhere. There is a clear unison that is driving people within that framework. At the same time, its hard to tell if that is because thats been adopted or if thats because of a fundamental failure of leadership to provide any direction. We are seeing mobilization thats being led from the bottom, not from the top. That can be a truly wonderful, inspiring, hopeful thing. Its also something that can dissipate if it is not built upon. So I think thats the open question that this leaves: Where does this go? How do we build on this? How does it lead to change? Advertisement Im thinking of an analogue here in the U.S., which is Black Lives Matter. What I think is interesting is you saw a lot of people struggle with the idea that theres no one leader here, that this is going to just keep going. I wondered if your family or people you knew in Israel or the occupied territories, if there was that anxiety happening of: We used to protest in one way and now it looks a little bit different. Advertisement I think there is widespread anxiety among Palestinians and a realization that an absence of leadership is a major problem. This is one of the unfortunate byproducts of the peace process that has been going on for the past 30 years. Its led to a fragmentation among Palestinians, separating Palestinians politically from one another into ever-smaller factions. And, you know, one of the immediate precedents to this moment is the fact that Palestinian elections, which were scheduled to take place for the first time in 15 years in the West Bank and Gaza, were postponed or delayed and effectively canceled. Even that long-awaited opportunity to voice some displeasure, some new direction, was denied to Palestinians immediately before this moment by a leadership that doesnt have any answers. I think that contributes a lot to what Palestinians are seeing and feeling right now. Advertisement This is taking place at a politically sensitive time for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu too, whos clinging to power in a military operation. Do you think about the political expediency in Israel? I think thats something you cant ignore. Netanyahu is right now in the political fight of his life and has been for a number of years. Israeli politics has now, you know, seen its fourth election in two years precisely because there are divided coalitions. Only Netanyahu has been able to cobble together governments and remain as prime minister. And when he has failed to do so, theyve gone to another election. Most recently, he was handed the mandate to try to put together a government. He was unable to do so. And his political opponentswho, by the way, are also right-wingershave an opportunity now to try to displace him. Theyre on the clock. When that clock runs out, theres a question of another election that comes down the pipe, buying Netanyahu a stay of execution for his political life. Advertisement Advertisement It sounds like no matter what way that election goes, theres no change for the Palestinian people. If it changes, it only gets worse. The people who are going to be running the next Israeli government are going to be as far-right as Netanyahu, or more to the right. The number of seats in the Israeli parliament that are dominated by right-wing ideologues today is greater than its ever been. One of the reasons for this is that the primary question defining Israeli elections in recent cycles has been whether Netanyahu should stay or go. The greatest efforts to replace him have come from people who are also attacking him from the right. So Netanyahu might be replaced, but right-wing politics in Israel are increasingly moving in a religious nationalist direction, and that certainly will not change in the short term. Advertisement Can we talk a bit about how Palestinians want to see the United States get involved in whats happening right nowif they want the United States to get involved at all? We have to understand that the United States is constantly involved, deeply involved, as the main backer of Israel on the international stage, providing it consistent diplomatic cover and also, frankly, direct support for the Israeli military. Through billions of dollars of financing every year, Americans are paying for the bombs that are falling on Gaza right now. They are financing the military that is driving Palestinians out of their homes. Whether there is a peace process going on or an ambassador named to Israel or whatever else, we are a constant participant in the violence against Palestinians. We need to recognize that. Advertisement Advertisement I dont necessarily want the United States to get involved. I want them to get less involved in doing harm to Palestinians through their support of Israeli policies and their complicity in these violations. Thats the starting point. Lets begin there. Im glad to see a growing conversation around that taking place among lawmakers and elected officials. Recognizing our complicity is the first step that needs to happen before we can talk about what real effective engagement looks like. Theres this clip of a State Department spokesman that made the rounds this week where he was asked to articulate the American position on what was happening in Israel. He talks about the Israeli right to defend themselves, and a reporter asks about Palestinians right to defend themselves. What was interesting to me is that it felt like one of the first times Id seen that kind of uncomfortable moment for someone in the State Department, where they were really being pressed. Advertisement One of the reasons why it was so awkward and obviously uncomfortable is because the Biden administration is constantly talking about the importance of centering human rights in its foreign policy, the importance of a rules-based international order. At the same time, it cant simply condemn the killing of children. It cant say the word occupation when put on the spot. If they are going to pretend that these things matter, they actually have to matter across the board. There cant be this ongoing Palestine exception. For the previous administration, these things not only didnt matter, they had open contempt. We oppose that, but they were consistent. This administration is tying their tongue in knots because theyre inconsistent. I think thats going to continue to be exposed until they understand that you cant talk about human rights unless they extend to all humans, and Palestinians are among them. You cant talk about international law unless you condemn all international law violations, including the ones perpetrated by Israelis. I dont think that will be the last awkward moment youll see until theres an adjustment in policy. Do you expect the Biden administration will make any changes? I dont think the Biden administration is going to make any immediate change, but I think one of the things Palestinians in the streets have showed us is that transformational change starts at the bottom and grows from there. I am seeing in the United States a change in a conversation that is starting from the bottom and bubbling its way up through American government. Im seeing more and more elected officials speaking out, including using the word apartheid for the first time. These are changes that take time and can be catalyzed in ways we dont always expect. The first legislation that was put forward to sanction apartheid-era South Africa entered Congress in the early 1970s. It had a few co-sponsors. It took years to get a veto-proof majority on that. And even then, there were some Republicans willing to go down with the apartheid ship, all the way to the very bottom of the ocean. These things take time, but they become more and more possible as people speak out, and the people who are speaking out today are creating the kind of political space necessary, the kind of political courage necessary to bring more and more people in. That change is possible tomorrow because of the actions people are taking today. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. The phrase herd immunity has become our utopiaa promised land where we can live life as it was before the pandemic. But its appropriate that utopia means nowhere, because whether thats even possible has now come under debate. This is hard to hear because scientific pessimism about herd immunity feels like giving up on the whole idea of returning to normal life. But we can still look forward to the pandemics end if we understand what herd immunity really is. Spoiler alert: Its complicated. Advertisement In the fantasy version of herd immunity, when we get to the end of this nightmare, it will be sudden. We will cross a line and the pandemic will be declared over. Well burn our masks in the kitchen sink, book vacations, and start processing our PTSD. COVID-19 will become a relic of history. The end. No gray areas. Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this fantasy doesnt map very well to what herd immunity really is: a scenario where so few people have a disease that even those who cant be vaccinated will never get sick, simply because theyll never have the chance. One of herd immunitys hallmarks is that cases are so rare that they make news. Its not a cutoff, its not a magic number, and its usually not even an ending. Advertisement Among human diseases, smallpox is the only example of herd immunity taken all the way to its limit. Thanks to a sustained global vaccination effort, for the past 40 years running, the number of smallpox cases worldwide has been zero. Smallpox has been eradicated from planet Earth through vaccination. It took 200 years to get there. Like most people my age, I am not vaccinated for smallpox, and Ill never get it because there is no smallpox left to get. Eradication seems a very unlikely ending for COVID-19 at this point. If we do reach herd immunity, it will require continued work to keep it. This is herd immunity reality. Measles outbreaks in the United States over the past few decades demonstrate the fragility of herd immunity. We reached a nadir in 2000, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared measles eliminated in the United States. But herd immunity for one of the worlds most contagious diseases erodes quickly. Though our individual immunity usually lasts for life, every year babies are born, and every year we need to vaccinate more 1-year-olds to keep up. If we quit vaccinating for measles today, it wouldnt be long before the number of kids who never got a shot was enough to cross measless herd immunity threshold. Even a small fraction of parents who decide measles vaccines are not right for their children can lead to outbreaksespecially if their kids spend time together. Because, as herd immunity expert Carl T. Bergstrom has noted, disease transmission happens locally. Advertisement Advertisement The herd immunity threshold is the number of immune people it will take to maintain herd immunity once cases reach their nadirnot the number it will take for cases to start dropping, and not a number used to declare the pandemic ended. Pundits complain that were moving the goalposts when scientists debate about what the threshold is, exactly. The truth is we just dont know what the threshold is because its a moving target. It is very sensitive to small changes in both human and viral adaptation. Little things matter. A lot. Things like a change in the daily riders on the subway system, or one big party where 500 people are exposed. The threshold is also sensitive to small changes to the virus and how it infects humans. If it gains an adaptive advantage somewhere along its world tour, the threshold will shift in ways that no one can predict. We often dont measure these things well, or even know what they are until after the fact. In addition, these effects are often not linear, so measuring the right things well wouldnt necessarily lead to better predictions. In short, its complicated. Its so complicated that the study of herd immunity is itself housed in the niche field of complexity science. Advertisement Advertisement But debates about the exact herd immunity threshold are to some extent missing the point. It doesnt matter that we dont know the exact threshold. The specifics are only importantor even knowableafter herd immunity is reached. Its not the magic number for getting back to school without masks; its the target to keep the pandemic from returning once its over. Even then, its not exact. Its a policy goal, not a light switch. Scientists dont agree about whether herd immunity for COVID-19 is even a possibility at this point largely because we cant predict whether the virus will mutate in important ways. In order to end the pandemic for good and reach herd immunity, we need to stop giving SARS-CoV-2 the chance to experiment on us. Every new infection is a chance for the virus to improve on its strategy. Every replication is an opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 to come upon an adaptation that isnt well described by the wanted poster provided to our immune systems via the vaccines or previous infection. This is why its crucial for even low-risk people to get vaccinated (yes, including kids). Advertisement Advertisement If herd immunity is possible, its a long way off. Widespread vaccine hesitancy and the fact that vaccines arent available to everyone yet put it out of reach for now, even in the countries that have bought up most of the worlds vaccine supply. For example, the New York Times recently republished federal survey data on vaccine hesitancy suggesting much of the United States will struggle to reach herd immunity thresholds anytime soon based on hesitancy among adults alone. Due to an apparent issue with double-counting people who are vaccine hesitant, the Times later revised its map to be slightly more optimisticbut its still grim when we add vaccine-hesitant adults to the total population still ineligible due to age. Advertisement And a map of vaccine uptake in the United States doesnt even touch the whole picture. A pandemic is by definition a global problem, and much of the world lags behind us by orders of magnitude. About 182 million people in the U.S. have still not received a vaccine, while about 4.6 billion in Asia have not yet received one dose. Many Americans are just now awakening to the fact that global inequality in vaccine distribution means the pandemic will not formally end for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, well have something like a receding tide. As more and more people are vaccinated, those who are at highest risk for ending up in the ICU will be protected. Well all have growing protection from outbreaks as people who are high transmitters get vaccinated. (Looking right at you, young adults.) Cases will start to ebb overall, but we can expect some ups and downs. There will be more variants, and there will be more surges. Well soon have low enough transmission that we will be able to resume most normal activities. We will not be wearing masks forever. As expert Marc Lipsitch and others have said, herd immunity is neither necessary nor sufficient to end the pandemic. Advertisement If we do reach it, it wont be like crossing a finish line. There will be no moment when we know for sure that our risk of COVID-19 has returned permanently to zero and everyone runs outside at once to celebrate by kissing strangers. The end of the pandemic will be a slow fade. That will be frustrating. We need to let go of the idea that someday everything will be just like before. And thats not easy. We wish we could undo the horror of living through a pandemic. The anxiety and trauma are real. Its also true we will not be living in a pandemic forever, and that vaccines are the way out of this mess, even if herd immunity isnt. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. In March, when I found a spot to volunteer for a day at a COVID-19 vaccination center in Phoenix, Arizona, I literally jumped for joy. It meant that at the end of the day, after nine hours of walking patients to waiting rooms after getting their shots, I could get a dose of Moderna too. This was before the vaccines were accessible to all people over 16 in Arizona, where I temporarily live, far away from my native Romania, where 19 percent of the population has now received at least one dose of a vaccine. I felt privileged. I am 30 years old, I am not a U.S. citizen, and I got this opportunity before many other people on the globe who needed a vaccine more than I did. And their turn still hasnt arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vaccine disparities around the world are huge. Forty-six percent of the U.S. population, 60 percent of Israel, and 53 percent of the U.K. have received at least one dose of a vaccine. By comparison, in Guatemala its 1.4 percent and in Kenya its 1.6 percent. And while some countries dont have anywhere near enough doses, states like Ohio will give $1 million to five vaccinated residents, in an effort to cajole people who are hesitant to get a shot. I wanted to know what its like for people living in countries with slow vaccine rollouts to watch places like the U.S. reopen. I talked by phone to people from Iran, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Sweden about fairness, chance, and bad government management of the pandemic. Advertisement Niloufar, a 29-year-old German teacher from Iran, thinks she might get her first shot in October. But shes more worried about her parents, who are over 60 and have high blood pressure and diabetes. She wants to see them vaccinated as soon as possible. Perhaps I wont care if I get this vaccine or not, its not important to me anymore, just for my parents now. I am thinking about them, she says. Iran has administered more than 1.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far, and 1.8 percent of the population has received at least one shot. At a rate of 64,147 doses administered daily, it will take around nine more months to reach 10 percent of the population, according to data provided by Reuters. COVID-19 infections are decreasing in the country, with about 16,000 new cases reported on average daily. Advertisement Advertisement Because of sanctions, because of bad management [by our government], we are not at the equal level at vaccination with other people. I dont like this feeling. We are always behind other people in the world, Niloufar adds. Laura Chirica, a Romanian scientist, lives in Sweden, where 8.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. She remembers receiving a call on her birthday in December from one of her best friends, who lives in San Diego. And he says, How are you? Happy birthday! I am going to get vaccinated. And I say, Why, are you in a group at risk? And he says, No, I dont have anything. That same week, her sons grandmother had died of COVID-19 in Sweden. If she could have gotten the vaccine too, she would have lived. It was sad, and it simply shows the imbalance we have in the world, Chirica tells me. Advertisement As for the people in the U.S. and elsewhere who have access to the vaccine but are hesitant, Chirica says: In the end, I understand them. No matter what you say, the vaccine was approved by way of an exception that doesnt follow the normal procedures. This means that what we are doing now, its a clinical trial on the entire planet. That empathy doesnt mean she agrees with them. She says she will be vaccinated in the next couple of weeks, when the doses will be available for her age category. Then, she adds, I [will] be able to go where I want, to meet my colleagues, to go to my fathers grave. Advertisement In Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia with a population of 3.8 million people, the vaccination drive started with AstraZeneca. But a very unfortunate thing happened, says Tsira Gvasalia, a journalist from Georgia who specializes in medical issues. Just a few days after the vaccination started, a 27-year-old nurse died of anaphylactic shock after she received an AstraZeneca shot. As a result, people got scared and the vaccination rate really dropped, she says. Georgia limited the AstraZeneca shot after the nurses death, saying that AstraZeneca vaccinations would continue only in full-fledged medical centers. In late March, the Pfizer vaccine arrived in Georgia, too, but many, including health care workers, remained reluctant. More recently, people have begun to regain trust. It also helps that the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm was introduced in Georgia on May 4. Thats the vaccine Gvasalia will receive next week. So far, just 1.8 percent of Georgias population has received at least one shot. Mass immunization is expected to start in July, according to the countrys health officials. Advertisement Gvasalia thinks that since the U.S. invested so heavily in vaccine development, its quite well deserved and I wouldnt say its unfair that so many Americans have already been vaccinated. At the same time, she added, there is a saying that nobody is safe unless everybody is safe, pointing to the risk of variants that could evade existing vaccines. Advertisement Fernando Lira, a 27-year-old man from Sao Paulo, is at particular risk from COVID-19 because he has had a kidney transplant. He is angry at his government and at the disparities between countries. I think its absurd that the U.S. gives free vaccines for tourists. I am Brazilian, I am living here, and Im waiting for several months, when in the U.S. you receive the vaccine even if you dont have American citizenship, he says. What is our president for? What are his concerns? Advertisement Brazils far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who from the beginning called the coronavirus a little flu, launched a mass immunization in December, but at the time his statements didnt really encourage Brazilians to get a shot. In the Pfizer contract its very clear: Were not responsible for any side effects. If you turn into a crocodile, its your problem, he said. Now, 16 percent of the countrys 211 million people have received at least one shot. But the situation doesnt look good. COVID-19 cases are increasing in Brazil, with approximately 60,000 new infections reported daily. Jasmina Mameledzija from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country in the Balkans with a population of 3.2 million people, told me that many Bosnian people travel to Serbia because of the lack of doses in their own country. Serbia has been inviting Bosnians to come to get extra doses that might otherwise expire. In a way, this is striking, because Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia have long-standing tensions that have often turned violent. Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian president, has downplayed the genocide in Srebrenica of Bosnian people. Mameledzija says the fact that he opened the borders for neighbors, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, has served as good PR for him and Serbia. My friends went there [to get vaccinated] and posted on social media, Thank you, Serbia! But if [Serbian officials] didnt organize that, they had to throw away the vaccines, she points out. Sharing this way is nice, she says, but its not like taking from their own people and giving to someone else. After listening to all these people, I feel even more lucky for being in the U.S. for the moment and having had access to a Moderna vaccine. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. ARCHIVED - Confusion across Spain over regional government powers to implement pandemic restrictions Different r egional High Courts interpret the rights of governments in contradictory ways On May 9 the national state of emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic ended, bringing to an end the special authority of the government to limit the movement of its citizens, something which is fundamental to their rights under the Spanish Constitution. The national government has maintained the stance that the 17 regional governments are best placed to make decisions at a regional level about the level of restrictions within their own regions based on the local epidemiological evolution and that they have sufficient powers under existing legislation to impose restrictions as they see fit. If a regional government wants to impose additional measures, the High Courts of Justice in each region can overturn the measures if they believe them to be contrary to the consitutional rights of the citizens of the region, and this has been the case throughout the pandemic during the periods in which a national state of emergency is not in place. In the last week prior to May 9 the government issued a Decree which enabled the regional governments to appeal directly to the Supreme Court and ask for the decisions of the High Court (TSJ) to be overturned, enabling them to implement the measures they require. This has now resulted, as was expected, with a raft of measures being rejected by the regional TSJ courts, as the regional governments across Spain attempt to re-impose restrictions. The uncertainty regarding the Powers of regional governments in Spain to impose measures designed to curb the spread of Covid-19 has been deepened this week by contradictory rulings in the high courts of Navarra and Andalucia, underlining the legal vacuum left after the end of the national state of emergency on Saturday May 9. The High Court of Justice in the region of Navarra has followed the lead set by its equivalents in the Basque Country and the Canary Islands by disallowing a night-time curfew introduced by the regional government, seeming to confirm that such restrictions are not within the remit of regional administrations operating without the umbrella of a national state of emergency. It was not until this Wednesday that the 14-day coronavirus incidence rate in Navarra dropped the extreme risk threshold of 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, but the proposed curfew from 23.00 to 6.00 was rejected on the grounds that it was not sufficiently necessary and proportionate. However, the High Court of Andalucia has added to the general confusion by giving the green light to the perimetral closure of some municipalities with high incidence rates but blocking the exact same measure in others with similar rates. This has merely served to exacerbate the legal chaos which has resulted from the national governments decision not to renew its state of emergency, as different High Courts interpret the situation in different ways. In Navarra, the court has accepted that the regional government has the right to prevent events at night where large crowds might gather, but that in order to control street parties it is not necessary to limit the fundamental right to freedom of movement. For the same reason, the court has rejected the order for outdoor bar terraces to close at 22.00. On the other hand, in the Comunidad Valenciana and the Balearics the High Courts have given their blessing to government plans to limit movement and socializing, despite these two regions having the lowest Covic incidence rates in the country, and in Catalunya the regional High Court has allowed the government to limit the number of people from different households allowed to meet in public. The court in Andalucia has allowed the regional government to ban people from travelling into and out of two municipalities in the province of Cadiz (Bornos and Villamartin) and one in Cordoba (Castro del Rio), but rejected the confinement of the population of Montefrio in the province of Granada. All four currently have incidence rates of over 1,000, but while in the first three cases the ban on travel is considered proportionate by the court, in Montefrio it is described as an indiscriminate measure affecting all of the inhabitants. Image: Maria Chivite, the president of the regional government of Navarra Slovak scientists will cooperate with MIT The agreement will interconnect the best Slovak talents with one of the best universities in the world. Font size: A - | A + Slovakia has launched cooperation with one of the best universities in the world, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. The cooperation was kicked off during an online meeting of the representatives of the Slovak Investments Ministry, the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry and the US Embassy in Slovakia. At the same time, a fund was created to support the joint scientific projects. It is a great opportunity for Slovak scientists to gain practical experience in the environment of a top research institution, said Investments Minister Veronika Remisova (Za Ludi). The department will support two to four projects a year, with up to $30,000 for one. Call opens in mid-September The cooperation is based on the Memorandum of Understanding and Mutual Cooperation, which was ceremoniously launched by Professor Markus Buehler (MIT), Veronika Remisova and Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Slovakia, Natasha Franceschi. A joint memorandum worth $225,000 is valid for three years, i.e. until 2024. What would Slovak researchers study if they were given a blank cheque? Read more The aim of the programme is to start long-term cooperation between researchers, as well as to establish working relationships between foreign universities and MIT, so that they can open the door to an exchange program for students. The announcement of the call itself and the selection of projects will be the responsibility of MIT, while the Slovak Investments Ministry will have an advisory voice. The call for applications will open in mid-September and will last until mid-December. The winning projects are set to be announced on April 1, 2022. Among the best universities MIT is one of the best universities in the world, especially in the field of natural, technical, and social sciences. The fund will enable the cooperation and support of top Slovak scientists with partners from MIT. International school can help open the doors to the world Read more Among the MIT graduates or scientists are nearly 100 Nobel Prize winners, about 30 Turing Prize winners for technical contributions to the computer community and 41 astronauts, and 16 U.S. Air Force scientific leaders, said Franceschi. This agreement between Slovakia and MIT will connect the best Slovak scientists with one of the best universities in the world, strengthen cooperation between the best and brightest from both our countries. Remisova is convinced that science, research and innovation have a great potential in Slovakia, which has not been fully used. Therefore, we will support research and innovative Slovak companies to a much greater extent, whose solutions are expected to succeed on the domestic as well as the global market, she added. We also want to bring innovation to the regions so that people can get a job perspective worthy of the 21st century, higher wages and a better quality of life right there. 13. May 2021 at 11:53 | Compiled by Spectator staff Slovakia will participate in the testing of Covid passes. They should be launched in mid-June Slovakia has received several proposals for bilateral recognition of vaccinations. Font size: A - | A + Slovakia is preparing for the launch of so-called Covid passes, informed State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Martin Klus. Efforts are still being made to implement the digital, green passes on June 15, as scheduled, he said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Slovakia will also participate in testing these digital certificates. We will not risk anything and could join other EU countries in mid-June, Klus noted. How to travel to and from Slovakia during COVID-19 Read more He also observed that on the Slovak side, the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Informatization are working on the Covid passes. Klus added that despite talks about coordination, some member countries of the EU are worried about whether they will succeed in issuing the Covid passes on time, before the summer holidays. He said they are considering this type of document on a regional scale. We believe that they can work, he said, explaining that the European Commission has set a technical solution and now it is up to member countries to make it a success. Failure would be bad news for citizens, he added. Regional agreements possible Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok believes that Covid passes will be ready to use at the latest by the end of June. He added that Slovakia is exploring bilateral agreements with other European countries regarding common recognition of national vaccination passes. This includes Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria, with Slovenia also expressing interest in such an agreement. I will inform the health minister about how other countries are opening up and that we in Slovakia should also consider whether we have the prerequisites to enable our (vaccinated) citizens to travel safely to those countries that are interested in the earlier travel opportunities that will be enabled by the European COVID certificate, Korcok stated, as quoted by TASR. Confirmation of vaccination in Slovak The commercial television station, Markiza, reported on May 11 that confirmation of vaccination given at Slovak vaccination centres is only available in the Slovak language and thus, problems may arise on the borders of other member states which usually require information in English at least on vaccination documents. The Czech Republic also reported earlier this week that they will not accept hard documents as proof of vaccination from other countries, as they are worried about forgeries. Registration form for Covid vaccine has new features Read more Klus pointed out that Slovakia has turned orange on the map of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The Czech Republic and Belgium have automatically reacted to this and have cancelled the obligation to quarantine or test for people coming from Slovakia to their area. 13. May 2021 at 17:44 | Compiled by Spectator staff Businesses have cited the extra $300 as a reason they are struggling to find workers, but there are other factors at play preventing people from returning to work. Some are worried about exposure to the coronavirus if they return to service sector jobs, according to government surveys, and many working mothers have left the workforce to care for children still attending school online. Font size: A - | A + This is the Thursday, May 13, 2021 edition of Today in Slovakia . Learn about politics, business, and other notable events of the day in Slovakia in less than five minutes. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, please buy our online subscription . Thank you. What measures will be valid from Monday The Health Ministry with chief hygienist Jan Mikas presented the updated Covid automat alert system that is adjusted based on the development of the epidemiological situation in Slovakia, including the presence of new strains of the virus. It also takes into account a regional point of view. From Monday, the organisation of small weddings, or eating inside restaurants and cafes will be allowed in some districts. Rules for wearing respirators and masks will also gradually change and by the summer, respirators may not be compulsory indoors anymore. Anti-pandemic measures change again- some restaurants will be able to serve indoors Read more Respirators will not be obligatory in some districts. Cabinet approves new Covid alert system Read more Covid passes should be in use in Slovakia in a month Slovakia is preparing for the launch of the so-called Covid passes, informed State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Martin Klus. Efforts are still being made to implement the digital, green passes on June 15, as scheduled, he said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Slovakia will also participate in testing these digital certificates. We will not risk anything and could join other EU countries in mid-June, Klus noted. Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok added that Slovakia is exploring bilateral agreements with other European countries regarding common recognition of national vaccination passes. This includes Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria, with Slovenia also expressing interest in such an agreement. Slovakia will participate in the testing of Covid passes. They should be launched in mid-June Read more Coronavirus and vaccination news The National Centre for Health Information (NCZI) has cancelled scheduled dates for the first jab with the AstraZeneca vaccine . People who had these appointments were moved to other dates in the districts they have chosen. They will be vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines. . People who had these appointments were moved to other dates in the districts they have chosen. They will be vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines. Altogether 1,326,765 people have received their first Covid vaccine, and 616,767 have been vaccinated with their second shot as of May 12. Photo of the day Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok has welcomed five of his colleagues in Bratislava. Feature story for today The Presov-based company Tomark is a widely recognised player in the Slovak mechanical engineering industry but despite this, it nearly went bankrupt over a decade ago during the economic crisis. Today, the firms latest project is a helicopter-like VTOL aircraft powered by hydrogen. For a brighter future, Presov firm aims to build multicopters fuelled by hydrogen Read more Other news The Supreme Court will decide on the appeal in the case of the murder of Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova on 15 June. on 15 June. The government has approved Finance Minister Igor Matovic's proposal to increase budget spending by 3.4 billion this year. The public finance deficit could thus reach 10 percent of GDP. Richard Sulik disagrees with this proposal and is asking for a discussion. this year. The public finance deficit could thus reach 10 percent of GDP. Richard Sulik disagrees with this proposal and is asking for a discussion. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority has issued a permit allowing the third Mochovce unit to be put into operation . An appeal against the decision is still possible. . An appeal against the decision is still possible. The road construction plan has been passed by the government. The highest priority is the completion of the D3 highway in Kysuce . In the Bratislava area, they will extend the D1 to eight lanes and the old Senec road to four, and the R1 will extend from Banska Bystrica to Slovenska Lupca. has been passed by the government. The highest priority is the completion . In the Bratislava area, they will extend the D1 to eight lanes and the old Senec road to four, and the R1 will extend from Banska Bystrica to Slovenska Lupca. The government has approved an aid scheme for larger tourism entrepreneurs . Previous aid with fixed costs was intended only for smaller entrepreneurs, amounting to 200,000 per recipient. According to the draft government resolution, 37.25 million will need to be allocated to the new aid package. The Finance Ministry should release this within 10 working days, when requested by the Transport Ministry, which is in charge of assisting tourism. (Dennik E) . Previous aid with fixed costs was intended only for smaller entrepreneurs, amounting to 200,000 per recipient. According to the draft government resolution, 37.25 million will need to be allocated to the new aid package. The Finance Ministry should release this within 10 working days, when requested by the Transport Ministry, which is in charge of assisting tourism. (Dennik E) A second defendant of the six charged following a police raid in Moldava nad Bodvou was acquitted . Three years after the prosecution was filed, Robert Rybar was acquitted by Kosice district judge Jan Poprocky. He did so after the prosecutor withdrew the indictment. . Three years after the prosecution was filed, Robert Rybar was acquitted by Kosice district judge Jan Poprocky. He did so after the prosecutor withdrew the indictment. The beach on the Tyrsovo Embankment will open for inhabitants and visitors to Bratislava on May 14. It will be accessible with no admission fee until September 26. Organizers are planning several cultural events. The operation of the beach and all events will be subject to valid anti-pandemic measures. Do not miss on Spectator.sk today Slovakia should experience swift economic recovery Read more Slovak scientists will cooperate with MIT Read more Bratislava castle: The landmark that was almost demolished Read more If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Its less kids, its less people around in the community when I take my kids out to go play outside in Douglas, he said. ... I think part of that is because you do have less families if youre converting these two- or three-flats either to a home, or youre tearing them down because they need too much work. In early 2021 Norway blocked British firm Rolls-Royce from selling Bergen Engines, a Norwegian firm Rolls Royce bought in the 1990s. Rolls-Royce kept Bergen Engines in Norway, where it was a major producer of maritime engines. A Norwegian court backed the ban of the sale that would provide Rolls-Royce with $178 million of the $2.7 billion it was seeking to obtain by selling off assets to help it survive the covid19 recession that had reduced its sales and threatened the entire firm. The Bergen Engine was to be sold to TMH Group, a Russian controlled holding company based in Switzerland. Why did the Russians want this Norwegian firm? Bergin Engine had sales of $333 million in 2019 and is a major supplier of naval engines to Norway and other NATO nations. While Norway has a law that blocks such national security sales, that law cannot block the sale indefinitely and the best solution is to arrange a sale to a Norwegian or other NATO country firm. Russia have been seeking to purchase Western marine engine manufacturers to make up for what it lost when it went to war with Ukraine in 2014. That deprived Russia of its major source of maritime and helicopter engines that had long come from Ukraine based firms. This began during the Cold War when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union but became independent after 1991 when the Soviet Union fell apart. At the same time the Bergen Engine sale was blocked, Ukraine ended Chinese majority ownership of Motor Sich, a major and profitable Ukrainian defense manufacturer of aircraft jet engines and gas turbine engines for helicopters and ships. Ukraine will, in effect, nationalize Motor Sich. While this annoys China, it will also please the United States, a major ally and supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders. The Americans had recently sanctioned the Chinese firms that were buying a majority interest in Motor Sich. The Americans feared that control of Motor Sich would enable China to solve its problems with developing and manufacturing high-performance jet, helicopter and marine gas turbine engines. Back in 2019 China went forward with its efforts to buy this majority stake. Many Ukrainians felt China would take advantage of their corrupt government and industry officials associated with firms like Motor Sich to get better deals. These were often at the expense of Ukraine but very lucrative for the corrupt Ukrainians involved. Many Ukrainians, and Americans, realized how China operated in deals like this. If China obtained a major, or majority, stake in Motor Sich they could, and probably would, steal all the technology and manufacturing secrets and eventually move Motor Sich production to China. Initially they would hire some Ukrainian tech experts to help the Chinese manufacturing operation to get up to speed, but Motor Sich in Ukraine would become a branch of the main operation in China. Eventually the Ukrainian branch would be the renamed to something Chinese and Motor Sich would disappear. Most Ukrainians want to keep Motor Sich Ukrainian and not plundered of all its tech by the Chinese. Norway saw Russia attempting to do the same thing to Bergen Engines. The fatal shooting of a suspected bank robber by police in the Bay of Plenty has been ruled as justified. While the shooting was justified, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled that officers should have sought to de-escalate the situation before it got to that point. The IPCA ruled the shooting of Astin Hooper in Kawerau in February 2019 as justified given that at the time, the officers were acting in self-defence. However, the Authority ruled that before it got to that point, officers ought to have stopped at the cordon and sought to de-escalate the situation by communicating with Mr Hooper. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says that given Mr Hoopers actions earlier in the day, officers had reason to believe he continued to pose a threat. Police had been responding to a series of incidents in the area, including a bank robbery and a family harm incident. Following these reports, police located a vehicle believed to have been involved and attempted to stop it. The driver fled from the scene, but was eventually stopped on State Highway 30. The man was shot and first aid was immediately given, but he died at the scene. AOS Officer A, as noted in the report, says that staying back was not a realistic option because: Upon pulling up, the offender was already levelling a firearm at Police. Hed already discharged a shot in the initial incident. Hed already used the firearm in the commission of an aggravated robbery at a bank. Officer A concluded by saying that police were at risk from an armed offender and he believed they had the training and equipment to deal with the situation. Superintendent McGregor says while there are always a number of ways to deal with any situation, officers are trained to use the TENR risk assessment tool to determine their actions. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor. We train and trust our staff to make judgement calls each and every day, Superintendent McGregor says. In this instance, we had an offender with a firearm who was in a vehicle, who could have at any point attempted to flee, potentially firing shots towards our staff and subsequently other people. Our officers priority was to take him into custody as quickly and efficiently as possible, to limit the harm he may have caused. This was an outcome nobody wanted, and our thoughts remain with Mr Hoopers whanau and friends, and with the police. We want to help kids realize there are things you encountered that you thought you werent going to get past, but you did make it through, Gillett said. Its really important, as Ive learned from working with all of these psychologists, for kids to be able to tell their own story and have that vocabulary to say, There was something hard and I made it through. So that when they go forward and experience any number of challenges, they have that in their memories to say, Oh yeah, but that was hard and I made it through that. I can do it again. You have agency here. You have been really brave. Those are skills that are going to equip you in really powerful ways as you move forward. Palos Verdes and West Torrance will meet in the first round of the CIF-SS baseball playoffs, and a total of 13 area teams made it to the postseason. Updating devices to Android 11 appears to be a tough task this year for many Android device manufacturers that have had slow rollouts of the update to their devices we recently reported that Nokia was revising its update schedule. The notable exception this year has been Samsung, which has rapidly updated its devices to Android 11 since last year. Also read: Samsung releases new Galaxy Buds app for Windows 10 PCs: Here's what it does According to SamMobile, the latest device from Samsung to receive the upgrade from Android 10 to the latest version is the Galaxy A11 the update appears to be rolling out to devices in Panama. This is common for Samsung devices, where updates are delivered to devices in staggered region-based releases, so some Galaxy A11 owners might get the update a few days or weeks later, based on where they live. Coming to the Android 11 update for Samsung Galaxy A11, it appears that Samsung has decided to update its budget smartphone directly to One UI 3.1 which is the latest version of the companys custom interface over Android 11. While features like Directors View and Object Eraser may not be present due to the system resources on these devices, they will still receive the latest security patches as well as features like enforced Scoped Storage for all apps, better notification control and a much-improved system user interface compared to One UI 2. Read more: Amazon updates Echo Show 8, Echo Show 5 with better cameras, new features Users who want to download the update should perform a system backup once, just to be sure and then head over the Settings app and scroll down and tap the option to search for software updates. However, if the update isnt ready for your region, it may make sense to avoid trying to sideload the update manually on your own, and simply wait until the official update notification pops up on your notification tray. Vivo is rolling out Y12s 2021 in more markets. The smartphone is a follow up to the last years Y12s and comes with a few upgrades. The 2021 model is now available in Vietnam for roughly $140 ( 10,000 approximately). The phone had launched in India in January this year for 9,990. Vivo Y12s 2021 specifications, features The smartphone comes with a 6.51-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution. On the software front, it runs on FunTouch OS 11, which is based on Android 11. It has a side-mounted fingerprint reader. Vivo Y12s is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. The phone features 32GB of built-in storage. It packs a 5,000mAh battery coupled with a 10W charger. In the photography department, Vivo Y12s comes with two rear cameras featuring 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel sensors. On the front, it has an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Separately, Vivo earlier this month announced that it would offer three years of Android update to select smartphones. The company said it would offer software support, including major OS upgrades and security updates to the X-series. The update will be available after the phones are available after July this year. "Featuring top of the line hardware, the X series flagship phones are built to last and we want to make sure that our customers get software support that lives up to their expectations," Vivos Senior Vice President and CTO, Yujian Shi, had said. It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Qualcomm pulled out of having a physical presence at MWC 2021. On the other hand, Realme 8 got a discount on Flipkart. So, here's what happened in tech today: Redmi Note 10S launched in India Xiaomi today launched the Redmi Note 10S smartphone in India. Redmi Note 10S starts at 14,999 for the base model with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage. It also comes with 128GB storage, and this variant is priced at 15,999. Asus introduces ZenFone 8 Flip, ZenFone 8 Asus has launched two new smartphones - Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip. The Asus Zenfone 8 starts at 670 ( 59,600 approx), while the Zenfone 8 Flip comes at a starting price of 800 ( 71,200 approx). Redmi Watch launched in India Xiaomi has launched the first smartwatch under the Redmi brand in India. Redmi Watch is priced at 3,999, and it will be available starting May 25 at 12 noon on mi.com, Flipkart, Mi Homes and Mi Studios. Realme 8 gets a discount on Flipkart Realme today said that it is offering a discount of 500 on the purchase of all storage variants of the Realme 8 on Flipkart. With this offer, the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the phone will be available for 14,499, the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the phone will be available for 15,499 and the 8GB RAM and 128GB variant of the phone will be available for 16,499. Qualcomm pulls out of in-person event at MWC 2021 IoT thermostat. Credit: Unsplash Tech giants Amazon, Apple and Google have announced their support of Matter, a standard focusing on capable and secure smart devices for homes. Also known as Internet of Things (IoT) products, these devices include smart door locks, light bulbs and thermostats. With a logo featuring three arrows to symbolize collaboration, Matter aims to secure smart tech whose products work well in unison. The three aforementioned organizations will join with other technology companies to support to start certifying smart home devices later in 2021, with the goal of normalizing such IoT products. In practice, Matter would allow smart devices like lightbulbs to turn on with Amazon Alexa, while a video doorbell could be monitored with Google Home, all under the same umbrella. In fact, the Connectivity Standards Alliance which heads up Matter aims for the Matter logo to become as widespread as the Wi-Fi logo. Furthermore, the Alliance states the importance that the companies behind the network of IoT devices successfully communicate by speaking the same "language." First announced in 2019, Matter will replace the former Connected Home over Internet Protocol (CHIP) as the new smart-home alliance. Developers seek to use this technology to unite via smart speakers all smart home devices, such as alarms, video doorbells, door locks, garage doors, heating home theaters, light controls and TVs. Provided that Amazon Alexa, Apple's Siri and Google Assistant are already competing as user personal assistants, Matter offers a solution in ensuring cooperation among all three of these programs, so that a user can potentially utilize more than one or even all three at once without conflict. This way, users can operate their smart home devices through any personal assistant desired. Indeed, Google Next has also come forward to laud Matter's mission, stating the need for a standard that enables devices from different manufacturers to work together rather than exerting time and expenses on creating a product that work for each specific ecosystem. For now, the alliance has been curating Matter technology as an open-source, royalty free project on GitHub. The organization's marketing team reports developing setup codes that allow users to connect their devices without downloading any apps or linking to cloud services. Currently, the next major obstacle in the dissemination of Matter devices appears to be potential concerns over user privacy. After all, with the recent discussion over iPhone's revision of app tracking capabilities, users will have to know they can actually trust this new technology. More information: The Connectivity Standards Alliance Unveils Matter, Formerly Known as Project CHIP, The Connectivity Standards Alliance Unveils Matter, Formerly Known as Project CHIP, www.businesswire.com/news/home nown-as-Project-CHIP CSA: csa-iot.org/ Connected Home over IP: github.com/project-chip/connectedhomeip#readme 2021 Science X Network Credit: CC0 Public Domain Amazon is seeking to hire 75,000 people in a tight job market and is offering bonuses to attract workers, including $100 for new hires who are already vaccinated for COVID-19. The jobs are for delivery and warehouse workers, who pack and ship online orders. Amazon, which already pays at least $15 an hour, gave out raises for some of its workers last month, and the company said Thursday that new hires will make an average of $17 an hour. The hiring spree comes as the company gears up for Prime Day next month, its popular sales event that has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year for Amazon. Amazon didn't say if it is having trouble finding workers, but other companies have said they are as Americans start heading out again. There's many reasons for the worker shortage: Some are fearful they'll get sick with coronavirus; others have child care issues and need to stay home to watch their children; and some businesses don't pay enough to go beyond the extra $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit. McDonald's, Chipotle and other companies have announced pay hikes to try and lure workers back. Besides the $100 bonus for vaccinated new hires, Amazon said it will also offer a separate $1,000 sign-on bonus to attract new workers in many parts of the country. Mandy of its job openings are in 14 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Seattle-based Amazon.com Inc., which has more than 1.2 million employees worldwide, is the second-largest private employer in the U.S. after retailer Walmart. Last year alone, Amazon hired 500,000 people to keep up with a surge of orders during the pandemic as more people stayed home and shopped online. Explore further Amazon's profit more than triples as pandemic boom continues 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Monash University Monash University researchers have found drivers with only three hours sleep are 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash. The Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, announced the trial of pupil scanning technology had successfully determined the threshold to detect excessively fatigued drivers. Road trauma remains the most significant cause of death through injury in Australia and worldwide, with alcohol, speed and fatigue listed as major contributing factors. Current figures show fatigued drivers are involved in up to 20 percent of crashes and 11 percent of fatalities on Victorian roads, but unlike alcohol and speed, there is no objective roadside test for fatigue. The focus of the Monash University trial, developed in conjunction with the Victorian Government, Road Safety Victoria and Victorian Police, was to accurately predict the level of sleep loss associated with driving impairment, and to also ensure that the technology could identify those who were well rested and those who were fatigued. Led by Associate Professor Clare Anderson from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, the study examined the impact of prior sleep on all driving outcomes. The 43 trial participants, with an average age of 25, were kept awake for up to 32 hours before conducting a two-hour drive on a controlled track, while supervised by a qualified instructor in a dual controlled vehicle. Participants also undertook three additional drive testswith 3 hours sleep and 5 hours sleep in a 24-hour period, and again when they were well-rested after 8 hours sleep. Drivers were tested before and after their drive with technology developed by AmTech, that measures involuntary movement of their pupilswhich has shown strong links with increased levels of sleep deprivation. A range of behavioral, physiological and driver performance data was also collected including brain electrical activity, lane deviations, speed variations and changes in reaction time. "Every day, an Australian is killed on our roads because of fatigue. Developing technology to identify drivers who are unsafe to drive because of fatigue is a significant step forward in road safety," Associate Professor Anderson said. The full results of the study will be released later in 2021. Explore further Sleep deprived people more likely to have car crashes Rahm could cut his finger off like some character in a Yakuza movie, wrap the chunk in clean white cloth, touch it to his forehead, and offer it as his token of shame. But the people of Japan might be insulted by a stumpy Yakuza reference. The government told me years ago they didnt want Rich Daleys pinkie. Mobile phone. Credit: Unsplash.com Fragmentation and aggregation attacksor frag attacksrefer to a series of design flaws and programming security vulnerabilities affecting Wi-Fi devices. Recent studies have shown that any attacker within radio range of a target can potentially exploit these flaws. Research indicates that while the design flaws may prove more challenging to abuse due to the need for user interaction or uncommon network settings, the vulnerabilities related to programming pose a more significant risk. Unfortunately, these security flaws affect all contemporary Wi-Fi security protocols, from today's latest WPA3 spanning back to WEP beginning in 1997. This means that a plethora of devices have likely had similar vulnerabilities for many years. Given the enhanced security protocols for Wi-Fi products over the years, these vulnerabilities have come as something of a surprise. In fact, researchers revealed that the flaws originated with some of the first Wi-Fi protocol back in the mid-1990s. That said, the flaws in programming exist in all mobile devices. Once an attacker gets into close range of a mobile device user, they can potentially exploit the programming vulnerabilities by inserting plaintext frames into a protected Wi-Fi network. Because certain devices trust plaintext aggregated frames that look like handshake messages, many users could fall victim to such an attack. Hackers could then intercept traffic to the device in question by tricking the target into using an evil DNS server. Research further showed that this vulnerability impacted two of four tested home routers as well as several IoT devices and various smartphones. Other detected vulnerabilities include how the Wi-Fi standard segments and reassembles network packets, enabling an attacker to extract data by injecting malicious code during this transitionary process. Thus far, since being notified of these security flaws, the Wi-Fi Alliance has been working with device vendors for the past nine months to mitigate these issues. At this time, Microsoft has addressed three of the 12 bugs affecting Windows systems via patches released on March 9. Next, we should be able to expect a related patch to the Linux kernel. Furthermore, the Industry Consortium for Advancement of Security (ICASI) on the Internet has reported that the companies Cisco, HPE/Aruba Networks and Sierra Wireless have started developing patches to address the vulnerabilities. For now, users can check whether their mobile devices have initiated the necessary updates by assessing firmware changelogs for the related CVE listed on ICASI's website. Users who desire an alternative security option can make sure to always visit websites using HTTPS protocol. Explore further Check Point Research detects privacy flaw on Qualcomm's mobile station modems 2021 Science X Network Xiaomi was one of nine firms classified by the Pentagon as "Communist Chinese military companies" The US Defense Department has agreed to remove smartphone maker Xiaomi from its blacklist of companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party, according to a court filing released late Tuesday. Xiaomi sued the Pentagon and the US Treasury over the January 14 order from the administration of President Donald Trump including it with eight other Chinese companies whose securities Americans were forbidden from investing in. The move was part of escalating pressure placed on China tied to strategic and trade tensions. In March a Washington federal judge criticized Xiaomi's inclusion in the ban, doubting the US government's national security justifications, and temporarily suspended it. On Tuesday, US government attorneys said they would not appeal the judge's ruling and had agreed to issue an order removing the designation of Xiaomi as a "Communist Chinese military company." Xiaomi, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong and other exchanges, and in the US over-the-counter market, had insisted that it was "not owned or controlled by, or otherwise affiliated with the Chinese government or military." "Nor does the Chinese government or military, or any entity affiliated with the defense industrial base, possess the ability to exert control over the management or affairs of the company," it had argued. Xiaomi shares surged 11.3 percent to $3.45 on the US OTC market after the news. Explore further China's Xiaomi soars as US judge lifts it from backlist 2021 AFP Goettingen, Germany: Temporary home to future top marshal of Chinese army Xinhua) 08:24, May 13, 2021 The library of Goettingen, Germany's time-honored city, hosts a series of documents that record the life of Chinese students there about a hundred years ago. Among the students was Zhu De, one of the major founders of the People's Republic of China and the first of the top ten marshals in the People's Liberation Army. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Meanwhile, capacity limits on a wide range of businesses and activities will be loosened Friday as the state enters the next-to-last phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers coronavirus reopening plan, the state confirmed Thursday. Pritzker announced last week that the state was set to enter the bridge phase of his plan the final step before all coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted because bench marks showing the spread of COVID-19 had slowed and a large percentage of the population had received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. If things stay on track, a full reopening is set for June 11. In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday said people who are fully vaccinated will not count toward capacity limits in Chicago starting this weekend. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to seat more than 10 people if all patrons are vaccinated, the city announced. Heres whats happening Thursday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area: 7:50 p.m.: In testimony over deadly LaSalle outbreak, top Pritzker health officials say state VA misled them about COVID-19 protocols Illinois public health director and Gov. J.B. Pritzkers deputy in charge of health care said Thursday they were misled by top state veterans affairs officials when told COVID-19 procedures were being followed that could have slowed or prevented a deadly outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home in November. We believed the home was following all the recommended protocols and that the appropriate steps were being taken to address the cases, Illinois public health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said during an Illinois House hearing over a scathing inspector generals report on the outbreak. These tragic deaths, they are extremely frustrating to accept because there were some basic steps that, if taken, could have made a difference, Ezike said. Deputy Gov. Sol Flores said VA officials showed no urgency in selecting a senior administrator to oversee health care practices at the states veterans homes a post that has been vacant since the fall of 2019, a year before the outbreak. The highly critical April 30 report from the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General cited management lapses from the top of the state Department of Veterans Affairs down to staff at the LaSalle home. In all, 36 residents died of COVID-19, and hundreds of residents and staff were sickened. Relatives of the dead veterans have filed lawsuits against the state as a result of the reports findings. I was not aware that polices and protocols were not being followed. We were told that they were being followed, Flores said at Thursdays hearing. Read more here. Rick Pearson 6:25 p.m. (update): Crowd limits eased, mask mandates likely next as Illinois enters next-to-last phase of COVID-19 reopening plan Friday Life may start to feel closer to normal in Illinois beginning Friday, as more people are allowed into stadiums, amusement parks, restaurants and shops, and masks are expected to soon become optional in most situations for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The move to the next-to-last phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers coronavirus reopening plan is a precursor to all restrictions being lifted, which could happen as soon as June 11. In addition to the looser guidelines of Pritzkers bridge phase, officials offered some incentives for those who havent yet gotten their shots. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city on Friday would join the state in allowing restaurants, bars and other businesses not to count fully vaccinated customers against capacity limits. In addition, the Sox and Cubs will open sections of their ballparks to the fully inoculated that will raise the number of people able to attend games. Finally, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines saying its OK for those who are two weeks past their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to ditch masks in most situations indoors and out. Our fight to stay safe and to protect ourselves isnt over, but with each day and with each dose, we move closer and closer to putting this pandemic to an end for ourselves, for our loved ones, for the world, Pritzker said Thursday during a news conference at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, where he announced the amusement park is giving away 50,000 tickets as incentive for people to get vaccinated. A Pritzker spokeswoman said the governor intends to revise his statewide mask mandate, which has been in place for more than a year, to align the new federal guidance, which the head of the CDC announced at a White House briefing. The governor believes firmly in following the science. ... The scientists message is clear: if you are vaccinated, you can safely do much more, spokeswoman Emily Bittner said in a statement. The city of Chicago will also broadly follow the CDCs instructions, public health department spokesman Andrew Buchanan wrote in a statement, and new rules for businesses and other settings are forthcoming. Read more here. Dan Petrella, Gregory Pratt and Jenny Whidden 5:40 p.m.: Cook County commissioners weigh anti-retaliation law for workers getting the COVID-19 vaccine during work hours A proposal that would ban employers from punishing workers for getting the COVID-19 vaccine during work hours, following a similar policy passed by the city of Chicago last month, was introduced before the Cook County Board of Commissioners on Thursday. The plan was sponsored by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who touted the measure as a way to increase vaccination uptake. It was proposed half a year after shots first rolled out in Cook County and the U.S. and comes amid a push from public health officials to get vaccine stragglers inoculated from the deadly disease. Our goal is to try to ensure that absolutely everybody gets vaccinated who wishes to do so and to encourage people who are hesitant to get vaccinated, Preckwinkle said in a call with reporters. Under the proposal, employers must allow staff to get vaccinated on the clock without retaliation and would have to compensate them for their time, up to four hours per dose. The law would go into effect July 1 and would last until the Cook County Department of Public Health deems the threat of COVID-19 has subsided. Retaliation that would be prohibited includes firing, denying a promotion, issuing negative evaluations or assigning undesirable work schedules in direct response to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees could not be required to use sick or vacation days to make up for missed work time, though they could request so if they wish, nor must they find a replacement for their shift, under the proposal. Read more here. Alice Yin 5:25 p.m.: Report: Lollapalooza expected to return this summer for 4-day festival July 29-August 1 As the U.S. moves closer to reopening seemingly every day, it looks like a big step forward will come in mid-summer, when the Lollapalooza Festival will return to Chicago with a four-day event at its usual place and date range Grant Park, July 29-August 1 sources tell Variety. The city of Chicago gave the event the greenlight at near-to or -full-capacity, insiders report, and an official announcement, likely with headliners, is expected to come next week. Reps for festival organizers C3 Presents declined Varietys request for comment, although one told the Chicago Tribune late last month, We are excited about the progress in Chicago as the city continues to reopen. We are in close contact with city and public health officials as we continue to plan for the festival and remain optimistic about Lollapalooza 2021 in Grant Park. The festivals website still has the 2020 dates and lineup posted. 4:15 p.m.: Chicagoans are flocking to restaurants and bars as COVID-19 restrictions loosen. Thats great for business, but it brings a host of new challenges. Diners are back. And restaurants are struggling to keep up. After months of industry anxiety about whether customers would return to eating out as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, people are indeed filling booths and tables once more. Now comes the hard part: being open during the pandemic. While many of the massive challenges of a year ago have been resolved from understanding how to operate safely to securing hand sanitizer a litany of unforeseen challenges has emerged in recent months that affects white-tablecloth destinations and charming neighborhood joints alike. Read more here. Josh Noel 2:45 p.m.: Cubs and White Sox are cleared for 60% fan capacity in late May and will have vaccinated-only sections for their next series With more people getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the state and city are allowing the Chicago Cubs and White Sox to allow more than double the number of fans they admit into their respective ballparks beginning later this month. Even before that change kicks in, the teams said Thursday that they will offer vaccinated-only sections in the center-field bleachers of Wrigley Field and right-field corner of Guaranteed Rate Fields lower bowl on a trial basis beginning with their next series. Fans with tickets in those area will be required to provide proof theyre fully vaccinated but will be relieved of the physical-distancing requirements enforced elsewhere in their respective ballparks. The teams announced Thursday that, with the move into whats called the bridge phase of pandemic safety protocols, they soon will be able to accommodate up to 60% of capacity at home games. Thats up from the 25% cap with which they began their seasons last month. The new expanded-capacity limit is set to kick in with the arrival of the St. Louis Cardinals at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 24 for the White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on May 28 for the Cubs. Read more here. Phil Rosenthal 1:40 p.m. (update): CDC relaxes guidelines on some indoor mask wearing for fully vaccinated people In a striking move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools, and other venues even removing the need for masks or social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. The CDC will also no longer recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. The announcement comes as the CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, announced the new guidance on Thursday afternoon at a White House briefing, saying the long-awaited change is thanks to millions of people getting vaccinated -- and based on the latest science about how well those shots are working. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities large or small without wearing a mask or physically distancing, Walensky said. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Read more here. Associated Press 12:53 p.m.: Vaccinated people wont count toward capacity limits for Chicago bars, restaurants starting Friday People who are fully vaccinated will not count toward capacity limits in Chicago starting this weekend, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Thursday. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to seat more than 10 people if all patrons are vaccinated, the city announced. Lightfoot cited declining and stable COVID-19 numbers for the move. Bars and restaurants will also be allowed to operate within their regular liquor license hours. Social events will be allowed to have 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors, and meetings, conferences, or conventions will have up to 1,000 people, the city said. Bars that are otherwise able to open until 4:00 a.m. will be allowed to only if all patrons are fully vaccinated. Gregory Pratt 12:49 p.m.: Column: Lovely new program invites kids to make pandemic time capsules to be buried for 5 years at iconic Chicago spots A cool new program, conceived by two Chicago moms, aims to help kids make sense of what they lived through, even as they pave the way to help future generations better understand it. Once Upon Our Time Capsule invites Chicago children to create time capsules that tell their pandemic story. More than a dozen community organizations are partnering on the project, including After School Matters, the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Housing Authority, Metropolitan Family Services and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. The Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago and the Chicago Childrens Theatre are helping shape curriculum for the program. Museums across the city, including the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Chicago History Museum and the Adler Planetarium, are getting in on the action. We want it to feel like the summer of the Chicago child, said Stephanie Hodges, who co-created Once Upon Our Time Capsule with her friend Stacey Gillett. Both women have young children and backgrounds in community development. They met through Hodges book club and, in true pandemic fashion, planned the whole thing mostly via Zoom. The program works like this: Kids make a time capsule that captures a beginning (before COVID-19), a middle (during COVID-19) and an end (looking toward a brighter future). That story can be told through drawings, a comic book, a play, puppets. They can make the time capsules at pop-up events, which will take place at the partnering museums and other locations throughout the summer. Or they can make them at home, with guidance on the Once Upon Our Time Capsule website (ourtimecapsule.org) or using their own imagination as their guide. Read more here. Heidi Stevens 12:29 p.m.: CDC to relax guidelines on some indoor mask wearing for fully vaccinated people The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday will ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places, according to a person briefed on the announcement. The new guidance will still call for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but could ease restrictions for reopening workplaces and schools. It will also no longer recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. The announcement comes as the CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. The eased guidance comes two weeks after the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds. Read more here. Associated Press 12:16 p.m.: Takeout 25 has saved local restaurants in Oak Park. Now its flexing its spending muscle across the Chicago Avenue border, in Austin. As the COVID-19 pandemic dragged on last fall, Ravi Parakkat watched tensions rise in his community between restaurant owners desperate for revenue and officials trying to keep people from congregating indoors. A potential solution hit him: Why not formalize the idea of ordering takeout, something people were doing already, and turn it into not only a means to a meal but a kind of civic salvation? He launched Takeout 25 Oak Park, founded on sweat equity and some simple math: If enough people would commit to spending $25 weekly on to-go dining, labeled the Carry Out to Carry On pledge, they could keep local restaurants alive. This calorie-based booster club has been a runaway success. Back-of-the-envelope calculations by Parakkat, an engineer, business consultant and, now, newly elected member of the Oak Park Village Board, suggest people participating in the ad hoc program have spent some $3 million on dining in the last handful of months. Publicity and word-of-mouth led to localized versions of the readily shared, not-for-profit concept springing up around Chicagoland, including in Elmhurst and Villa Park, and the nation, from Palo Alto, California, to Sunnyside, Queens, in New York City. And now Takeout 25 is taking perhaps its boldest step yet, at least for an Oak Park community that is sometimes reluctant to visit the Chicago neighborhood immediately to the east, across Austin Boulevard. Read more here. Steve Johnson 12:12 p.m.: 68,035 vaccine doses administered, 1,918 new cases and 35 deaths reported Thursday Illinois public health officials on Thursday reported 1,918 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 35 deaths. That brings the states totals to 1,361,666 cases and 22,320 deaths. There were 88,682 tests reported in the previous 24 hours and the seven-day statewide positivity rate as a percent of total test is 2.7%. There were 68,035 doses of the vaccine administered Wednesday and the seven-day rolling average of daily doses is 76,082. Officials said 62% of adults in Illinois have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Chicago Tribune staff Martin Deane, 13, of Chicago receives the first of two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines from nurse educator Aldana Lazic at Advocate Children's Hospital in Des Plaines on May 13, 2021. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) 12:01 p.m.: Children 12 to 15 begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in Chicagoland. I want him to hug me without being afraid. Thursday marked the first day that children ages 12 to 15 could receive the vaccine in the Chicago area, days after the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use for the tweens and teens. The vaccine also received approval from an advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Full CDC approval was granted Wednesday. Parents flocked to area vaccination sites on Thursday with their eligible children after government-run vaccination sites and other providers spent recent days gearing up. State-run mass vaccination sites and other facilities already stocked with the Pfizer vaccine were prepared to begin administering doses to 12- to 15-year-olds immediately, Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted late Wednesday afternoon. Last week, state officials said they are working with pediatricians to begin administering the vaccine. Schools also are eligible to partner with local health departments to offer vaccination clinics, state officials said, as is the case for upcoming pop-up events with Chicago Public Schools. Read more here. Madeline Buckley 11:58 a.m.: Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirms Illinois will enter next-to-last phase of COVID-19 reopening plan Friday Capacity limits on a wide range of businesses and activities will be loosened Friday as the state enters the next-to-last phase of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers coronavirus reopening plan, the state confirmed Thursday. Pritzker announced last week that the state was set to enter the bridge phase of his plan the final step before all coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted because bench marks showing the spread of COVID-19 had slowed and a large percentage of the population had received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. If things stay on track, a full reopening is set for June 11. Mask requirements would remain in place until federal health officials give the OK to lift them. Read more here. Dan Petrella 11:24 a.m.: Bears coach Matt Nagy wont be in person for start of rookie minicamp with Justin Fields because of a COVID-19 close contact Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy will participate virtually at the start of rookie minicamp this weekend after he was deemed a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, a source said Thursday. The Bears are set to do their first on-field work with the seven players they drafted and several undrafted free agents Friday at Halas Hall. That includes new quarterback Justin Fields. Nagy will participate virtually until he is cleared, the source said, confirming an NFL Network report. Nagy is awaiting his second COVID-19 vaccination shot. Read more here. Colleen Kane and Dan Wiederer 11:22 a.m.: National teachers union leader urges full reopening of schools in fall: Conditions have changed The president of the American Federation of Teachers called Thursday for a full return to in-person learning in the fall, saying the union is all in on bringing students back to the classroom. In prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Randi Weingarten says the wide availability of vaccines and a new infusion of federal education money have removed many obstacles that prevented schools from opening. Conditions have changed, Weingarten says in remarks for an address on social media. We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person teaching, learning and support. And keep them open. Fully and safely, five days a week. If local unions heed her call, it would be seen as a major stride in the effort to reopen schools. Teachers unions have been blamed for slowing the process with demands for a variety of safety measures. Teachers in some districts have refused to return until ventilations systems are updated, virus tests are given and all teachers are vaccinated. Read more here. Associated Press 8:43 a.m.: Waukegan school board presidents top priority is a return to normalcy Waukegan Community School Unit District 60 Board of Education President Brandon Ewing said his top priority in the months ahead will be helping things in the district return to normal after more than a year of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Before dealing with any academic deficiencies which arose over the past year, Ewing said the district must tend to the students social and emotional needs. He feels they first need to be in the right place emotionally after a year of learning primarily through a computer screen, isolated physically from classmates and teachers. What our students have been through is transformative, he said. Some have lost grandparents and great grandparents to COVID. Most have experienced loss in some way. Their lives have been anything but normal. We have to embrace our students and address these issues so we can get back to educating students. Read more here. Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun Mayor Lori Lightfoot applauds for departing Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson at City Hall on May 3, 2021. (Jose M. osorio / Chicago Tribune) 6 a.m.: As Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots two-year anniversary approaches, top-level vacancies are mounting: This has been a very tough year, I think, on a lot of people At least a dozen top people in Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration have resigned or said theyre on their way out since late last year. Several positions have remained unfilled for weeks or months. Whether the changes and lingering vacancies have been due to the stress of running the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mayors notoriously abrasive leadership style or her thin government resume leaving her without a ready pool of qualified contacts to tap for administration jobs, observers said its important to have capable people filling even lower-profile behind-the-scenes posts to keep the city running smoothly. City Hall jobs are hard even during normal circumstances, and the pressure intensified the past year with the onset of the pandemic, followed by bouts of civil unrest. Some of the departures are part of the natural rhythm within a mayoral term, which Lightfoot alluded to during a recent news conference. This has been a very tough year, I think, on a lot of people, Lightfoot said. Were coming up to the two-year anniversary, and I think a lot of people are taking stock of where they are. Downtown Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said pandemic stresses also have made it harder to lure strong candidates. But he said doing so is a key responsibility for the mayor, and the recent spate of vacancies is a concern. You set yourself up for failure as an administration if you cant attract and retain top people, Hopkins said. Read more here. John Byrne and Gregory Pratt 6 a.m.: Pfizer shots open to Hoosiers 12 and up starting Thursday Eager to raise Indianas lagging vaccination rate, state health officials have announced that residents aged 12 and older will be eligible to receive the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine beginning Thursday. The state announcement, which came in tandem with a federal vaccine advisory Wednesday, offers hope that the next school year will present a return to normal, although State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box noted that the state has no plans to mandate the vaccine for anyone, including students. As of Wednesday afternoon, 30 Indiana counties were without Pfizer vaccine sites, said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, the state health departments chief medical officer. Health departments in those counties are expected to receive doses Thursday. We all want that normalcy, and the best way to get there is to increase the number of people who are fully vaccinated, Weaver said. Indianas COVID-19 hospitalizations are declining following a spike in late April, although the number of admissions each day is still more than 100, Box said. Associated Press 6 a.m.: Indiana hospital showed lack of empathy and compassion in Black doctors care, but treatment didnt contribute to her death, investigation finds n outside investigation into the death of a Black doctor while she battled COVID-19 has found that the treatment she received at a suburban Indianapolis hospital did not contribute to her death, its parent organization said Wednesday. However, the review by a panel of six outside experts concluded Dr. Susan Moore suffered from a lack of cultural competence on the part of those treating her at IU Health North in Carmel, parent IU Health said. IU Health in its statement acknowledged a lack of empathy and compassion was shown in the delivery of her care. Moore, 52, a family medicine physician who had practiced in Indiana since 2009, died Dec. 20, about two weeks after she was released from IU Health North and then admitted to a different hospital. In a Dec. 4 Facebook post, she said she had to repeatedly ask for medication, scans and routine checks while admitted to IU Health North. She said a white doctor in particular seemingly dismissed her pain, and she said she didnt trust the hospital. Read more here. Associated Press In case you missed it remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The Texas Legislature wrapped up this years lawmaking session on Sunday. Although members of the House and Senate touted wins for both Republicans and Democrats, tensions are rising between the legislative bodies amid criticism from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. What would you grade this years legislative session? You voted: The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Our fight to stay safe and to protect ourselves isnt over, but with each day and with each dose, we move closer and closer to putting this pandemic to an end for ourselves, for our loved ones, for the world, Pritzker said Thursday during a news conference at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, where he announced the amusement park is giving away 50,000 tickets as incentive for people to get vaccinated. More than 4.2 million Ohioans about 36% of the population had completed the vaccination process as of Tuesday. But the number of people seeking vaccines has dropped in recent weeks, with an average of about 16,500 starting the process last week, down from figures above 80,000 in April. About 42% of Ohioans have received at least one dose. Orlando Octave is vibrating on what is for him a new philosophical frequency. Octave recently embarked on a spiritual journey. The groovy soca artistes open search for truth and enlightenment led him through the teachings of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism then eventually towards the Hebrew Israelites a group who believe they are the descendants of the ancient Israelites written of in the Torah and Bible. Octave was introduced to their teachings by a friend in 2014. He developed a deeper understanding for the groups philosophy during a pilgrimage he made to Israel in 2016. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here THE Government expects to spend $107 million on Covid-19 vaccines to allow vaccination of 85 per cent of the population, or about 1.2 million people. So said Minister of Finance Colm Imbert yesterday, at the Red House, Port of Spain. A year ago, this body made a very powerful statement not just for Cook County but for our country, Commissioner Brandon Johnson of Chicago, the sponsor of both resolutions, said during Thursdays meeting. We look to address in an even more profound way with a level of urgency around how we make sure that our budgets are reflecting the needs of the communities that have been devastated by social inequality. My son, in his ever-increasing efforts to make sure Im relatively safe during this pandemic, sent me two packets of masks from the USA. His concern is especially so since I am over 80 and live alone. Its really exciting, said Christy Bonstell, a longtime Oak Parker who has become an avid Takeout 25 participant. It is really frustrating for me that we are neighbors and it doesnt seem like theres a great deal of interaction. So it seems this will be a good reason to get to know our neighbors. His business, Moments in Time, has been around for years, dealing partly in the kind of historical whatnots you would expect: A Babe Ruth contract, a Louis Armstrong autograph, presidential knickknacks. Hes sold Al Capones fingerprints and letters from John Dillinger. And yet even a cursory glance of old headlines suggests that Zimet has a talent for dealing in the attention-getting head-shaker of disputed authenticity. Last year he began offering the Bible that Donald Trump held up during his infamous photo-op/tear-gassing incident autographed by Trump. (The White House denied it was authentic.) He once tried to sell a tape box that supposedly held proof that the Beatles had secretly reunited once. (Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono denied it was real.) Zimet once sold a bullet-dented medallion supposedly worn by Tupac Shakur during his 1996 murder ($125,000). He told me that he once sold the very album that John Lennon signed for Mark Chapman just moments before Chapman shot the Beatle to death ($922,500). Of course, hes also been sued according to the New York Post, McCartney himself once sued Zimet for selling a sheet of lyrics that had been stolen from McCartneys home in the late 1960s. Iglauer was a college student in Wisconsin when he first read about Koester in a folk music magazine in the mid-60s. It was a review of a bunch of blues records and at the end it said, If you ever get to Chicago, go to the Jazz Record Mart and find Bob Koester and he will take you to hear this music live. So I talked my college into booking a blues band and then I talked them into letting me find the band. And based on that, I came to Chicago and went to the very seedy, small Jazz Record Mart, which had a wonderful selection of records but certainly was not a fancy store. And thats when I met Bob Koester, who became my hero and my father figure in life. Very charismatic guy, incredibly knowledgeable about jazz and blues and perhaps the most opinionated person I ever met. United States authorities are likely to commence an anti-dumping investigation into Vietnam's honey products, an undertaking which could lead to a 207 percent tarrif being placed on Vietnamese honey exports, Dinh Quyet Tam, president of the Vietnam Beekeepers Association (VBA), told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday. This would be the first time in history Vietnamese honey exports have been investigated by U.S. authorities, according to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam. On April 21, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) received requests from the American Honey Producers Association and the Sioux Honey Association for anti-dumping investigations into honey imported from Argentina, Brazil, India, Ukraine, and Vietnam. According to the VBA, the complainants suggested that Vietnamese honey be subject to an anti-dumping duty of up to 207 percent, a comparatively hefty tax compared to the 114 percent duty placed on Brazilian products, 99 percent on Indian products, and 23 percent on Argentinian products. Such a hefty tariff, says Tam, would effectively kill the competitiveness of Vietnamese honey in the U.S., a market which accounts for approximately 90 percent of Vietnams annual honey exports. Tam also noted that Vietnams 40,000 beekeeping households, as well as its hundreds of honey processing facilities and trading companies, would be severely hurt if such measures were to come into effect. Data from U.S. customs shows that Vietnam exported 50,700 metric tons of honey products in 2020, or 25.8 percent of that countrys total honey imports, national radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reported. Vietnamese companies in the sector are working with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vietnam, the industry and trade and agricultural ministries, and U.S. importers to devise a response to the possible investigation. The DOC will decide whether to launch an investigation within 20 days, according to Vietnamese news site VnExpress. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Local consumers have paid more attention to Vsmart phones produced by VinSmart, the smartphone business of Vingroup, after the Vietnamese conglomerate announced that it would stop manufacturing handsets several days ago. Over the past few days, the number of visitors looking for online information about Vsmart phone models has increased significantly, according to some mobile phone retail chains. The number of visits to the virtual Vsmart booth on the website of the CellphoneS retail system rose 65 percent, said a representative of the electronics store chain. A representative of FPT Shop, the retail chain of Vietnamese technology firm FPT, said that many customers have visited the online booths of Vsmart phone models, marking an increase of more than 18 percent on Sunday and over 16 percent on Monday compared with previous days. The rising demand for the Vsmart phones has also generated better revenue for some retailers. Vsmart phone purchase orders made via our call center climbed 30 percent, focusing on the segment under VND4 million [US$172.5] such as Live 4, Active 3, and Joy 4 smartphones, the CellphoneS salesperson said. Retailer Di Dong Viet also recorded a surge of up to 40 percent in Vsmart phone purchases. A Di Dong Viet representative attributed the sales hike to VinSmarts preferential price offers. Many customers have a hobby of collecting old phones, so they want to own Vsmart products in case they will be unable to find them after VinSmart shuts down the smartphone manufacturing business altogether. It seemed that those customers misunderstood VinSmarts announcement, which clearly stated that the Vingroup subsidiary would continue producing smartphones until the completion of the products life cycle. That means the Vsmart phones will not disappear soon, the representative commented. Meanwhile, a number of other retailers have seen a staggering contrast. So far, Vsmart phones have fetched revenue as good as that before the production stoppage announcement, a salesman said, adding that a sudden rise in revenue is not in sight. Another retailer shared that it even saw a 50-percent drop in Vsmart sales following the announcement. We just hope that our more competitive prices will help us clear up the large inventory as soon as possible, the retailer said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! More than 40 Vietnamese citizens were caught attempting to enter Vietnam illegally from China in order to avoid COVID-19 quarantine. Border guard officers in the northern province of Cao Bang confirmed on Wednesday that they had detected 44 Vietnamese border jumpers in two separate cases. At around 7:00 am the same day, officers at Ngoc Con Border Post, located in the namesake commune in Trung Khanh District, caught a group of 22 Vietnamese as they were crossing the Vietnam-China border. Another group of 22 Vietnamese citizens was spotted by officers at Ngoc Chung Border Post, also in Ngoc Con Commune, at 10:00 am. The border jumpers said they had migrated to China unlawfully in early 2020 to find jobs. Due to COVID-19, Chinese authorities have been hunting illegal migrants, prompting the Vietnamese citizens to head back to the Southeast Asian country. They decided to cross the border illegally in order to avoid Vietnams mandatory COVID-19 quarantine procedures. Cao Bang border guards have sent the border jumpers to local quarantine centers in accordance with regulations. The Border Guard Command said that border guard officers across Vietnam detected 62 individuals as they tried to enter the country unlawfully on Wednesday. Sixty-seven Vietnamese citizens who illegally migrated to Laos, Cambodia, and China were handed over to Vietnamese authorities on the same day. Vietnam has sealed its borders since March last year but it still grants entry to diplomats, foreign experts, and Vietnamese repatriates. All international arrivals are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine period to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the news you should not miss today: COVID-19 updates -- Vietnam on Thursday morning reported 33 local coronavirus infections in Da Nang, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, and Bac Giang, increasing the countrys tally to 3,658, according to the Ministry of Health. Society -- Police in Hanoi on Wednesday said the city has handled an average of 200 face mask mandate violations a day, with the total fine since the beginning of May mounting to more than VND3 billion (US$129,654). -- Border guards in the northern province of Cao Bang on Wednesday said they had detected 44 Vietnamese citizens illegally entering Vietnam from China the same day and sent them to quarantine. -- Authorities in the southern province of Tien Giang are investigating a case in which a barge carrying 27 shipping containers and traveling in the direction from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday crashed into two fish breeding rafts on the Tien River in My Tho City, causing estimated damages of over VND800 million ($34,587). Business -- A project building container terminals No. 3 and 4 with a total length of 750 meters and a width of 50 meters at the Hai Phong International Gateway Port in the Lach Huyen Port area was launched in the northern port city on Wednesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Education -- The Youth Union of Giong Rieng District in the southern province of Kien Giang on Wednesday issued certificates of merit to three local elementary students who found a bag of cash worth VND42 million ($1,815) on their way home after school and submitted it to local police for returning to the owner. Lifestyle -- The central city of Da Nang has seen tourists canceling their tour bookings and hotel reservations for May and June en masse, amidst the complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A couple from Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam was reunited on Tuesday after being separated more than a decade back, thanks to a video clip accidentally uploaded to TikTok, a popular video-sharing social networking platform. Nguyen Anh Tuyet, a 35-year-old living in neighboring Tuyen Quang Province, is the woman behind the video that helped Dinh Thi Nam, 51, find her husband, Dinh Van Phu, 45, after he went missing 11 years ago. Phu, a native of Phu Tho, is a Muong ethnic who suffers from mental illness. He vanished and his family was never able to find him, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Phus wife, Nam, has spent the past decade searching through social media posts and contacting anyone who uploaded pictures or videos of men who appeared to be her husband. Nams leads all led to dead ends until mid-April of this year when Tuyet shared a video on TikTok which featured a few scenes of Phu. On Monday, Nam happened to see the clip and suspected that the man in the video was her husband. She then sent a message to Tuyet asking her to check whether or not the man had a Buddha tattoo on the left side of his chest. Sure enough, he did proof that he was her missing husband. On Tuesday, Nam's family traveled from Phu Tho Province to Tuyen Quang Province to be reunited with Phu. He has been around my village for many years," Tuyet said. "We often give him food and he has visited my house several times. "Sometimes, he is energetic and sometimes, he is lethargic. Sometimes, he disappears for months, but he usually comes back." Currently, Phu is back in Phu Tho Province with his family. He is in stable health. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ministry of Health has announced 115 domestic coronovirus infections in Vietnam over the last 24 hours, almost one-third on Thursday morning. Thirty-three domestic cases were registered on Thursday morning, including 22 in Da Nang alone, the health ministry said in a report. Another 82 locally-transmitted infections had been recorded on Wednesday, according to the ministrys data. Vietnam has confirmed 644 local coronavirus infections in 26 province and cities since the fourth wave broke out on April 27, having spent about a month detecting no community transmission. Hanoi is taking the lead with 166 cases, followed by Bac Ninh with 127, Da Nang with 102, Bac Giang with 83, Vinh Phuc with 75. Ho Chi Minh City has recorded only one case in this round of infections. The Southeast Asian country confirmed 106 community cases in the first wave from January 23 to April 16, 2020, 554 in the second from July 25 to December 1, 2020, and 910 in the third from January 28 to March 25, 2021. Vietnam has overall documented 3,658 imported and domestic coronavirus cases as of Thursday morning, with 2,636 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The Southeast Asian nation has administered 942,030 AstraZeneca shots, secured via direct purchase or the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme, since it rolled out mass vaccination on March 8. Those vaccinated were medical staff and other frontline workers. The government has said vaccine is in short supply so it is trying its best to procure more doses by negotiating with international partners. Public health workers have collected 306,138 samples for COVID-19 tests since April 27, the government said in a post on its verified Facebook account on Thursday morning. At the time of writing, 77,648 people are being quarantined after coming into close contact with infected patients or entering Vietnam from virus-hit regions. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Almost 1.7 million more doses of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 will arrive in Vietnam this weekend as the country has used almost all of its current stock of the jabs, according to the Ministry of Health. Vietnam will receive 1,682,000 million AstraZeneca shots via the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme on Sunday, the health ministry said on Thursday, citing UNICEF. As Tuoi Tre News understands, the doses will be provided free of charge. The COVAX scheme is a facility co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines as well as ensure fair and equitable access for every country. Vietnam received the first-ever shipment of 117,600 AstraZeneca shots it had bought on February 24. The Southeast Asian nation then accepted 811,200 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the COVAX scheme on April 1. The government has administered 942,030 jabs to people in 62 out of 63 provinces and cities since it rolled out mass vaccination on March 8. Those vaccinated were medical staff and other frontline workers. The health ministry has said vaccine is in short supply so it is trying its best to procure more doses by negotiating with international partners. Vietnam has overall documented 3,658 imported and domestic coronavirus cases as of Thursday morning, with 2,636 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The country has confirmed 644 local coronavirus infections in 26 province and cities since the fourth wave broke out on April 27, having spent about a month detecting no community transmission. Hanoi is taking the lead with 166 cases, followed by Bac Ninh with 127, Da Nang with 102, Bac Giang with 83, Vinh Phuc with 75. A dozen hospitals have been isolated over their links to a lot of cases in this latest round of infections. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Gia Nghia City in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong have levied a VND7.5 million (US$324.5) fine on a local man for flattening part of a hill. Dak Nong Province authorities said Nguyen Van Binh violated local land laws when he illegally shaved 2.5 meters off the height of a 768-square-meter area on a hill in Gia Nghia. In 2004, the provincial Peoples Committee offered a 50-year lease to Vietnamese Cuong Thinh Co. Ltd. that would allow the company to build a hotel and restaurant on a five-hectare plot on a local hillside. Cuong Thinh Co. Ltd. then transferred the lease to Binh in 2017. In September 2019, the provincial Department of Construction permitted Binh to build several business establishments on 445 square meters of the five-hectare land lot. The project was only approved for a five-year period and included a clause that stated all constructions would be dismantled should the state choose to implement any other project on the site. Despite having clear parameters outlined in his permit, Binh began leveling a 768-square-meter area outside of the permitted zone. In response, the Peoples Committee of Gia Nghia City imposed VND7.5 million fine on Binh and required that he restore the land to its original state, the city's natural resources and environment division announced on Tuesday. The Peoples Committee also threatened to revoke Binhs right to the land should he refuse to comply with the penalty. Local residents criticized the penalty as too lenient, claiming such a modest fine fails to deter others from committing similar violations. Defending the Peoples Committee, deputy head of Gia Nghia Citys natural resources and environment division Nguyen Thanh Hoang Vu affirmed that the sanctioning decision was handed down in accordance with government regulations which specify a fine of VND5-10 million ($216-432) for administrative violations in land use. We cannot comment on whether or not we agree to the fine because the legal framework is already in place, said Vu. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Soumya Karlamangla Soumya Karlamangla covers health care in California for the Los Angeles Times. She was part of the team of reporters awarded the Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack. Before joining The Times in 2013, she worked for the Oregonian, San Francisco Chronicle, Nation magazine in D.C. and Thomson Reuters in London. She was raised in Thousand Oaks and graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in biology and English literature. HANOI - The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday it was reviewing a proposal by an unidentified vaccine manufacturer in Vietnam to become an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine technology hub in the Southeast Asian country. MRNA vaccines, like that developed jointly by BionTech and Pfizer, prompt the human body to make a protein that is part of the virus, triggering an immune response. A vaccine manufacturer in Vietnam has already expressed its interest to become a mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine technology transfer hub, Kidong Park, the WHO representative in Vietnam, said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The proposal was being reviewed by the WHO, said Park, who added that the organisation expects Vietnam to also apply for large scale manufacturing of an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Park did not say which vaccine manufacturer had expressed interest in the plans. On Tuesday, Vietnamese state media said the country was seeking the transfer of the technology to domestically manufacture COVID-19 vaccines, as officials warned of supply issues until the end of the year. The WHO in April said it was seeking to expand the capacity of low and middle-income countries to produce and scale up the manufacturing of vaccines to help bring the pandemic under control. If Vietnam will host a mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine technology transfer hub, it will contribute to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine production in Vietnam as well as in the region, Park told Reuters. Season 12 of favourite genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? begins on SBS in early June. Eight personalities set to explore their family history in Australia are Celia Pacquola, Malcolm Turnbull, Denise Drysdale, Grant Denyer, Chris Bath, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Jeff Fatt (The Wiggles) and Uncle Jack Charles. This season, one participant uncovers a mysterious family fortune, while another learns the identity of his father, who hes never known. One discovers his ancestors managed to flourish in Australia despite immense discrimination as a result of the White Australia Policy, and a famous performer lights set off to discover where their love of the arts originated. Marshall Heald, Director of Television and Online Content said: One of SBSs most popular and successful series is back with a stellar new line-up of well-known Australian personalities who embark on a deeply personal journey to explore their family history, discovering tales of love, tragedy and perseverance along the way. From a former Prime Minister, to a venerated actor and survivor of the Stolen Generations, to a member of the most famous childrens musical group in Australian history, the rich and diverse stories which are uncovered by these eminent Australians will provide important reflections for not only themselves, but for all Australians watching at home. Who Do You Think You Are? is produced by Warner Bros. Australia. 7:30pm Tuesday 8 June on SBS. Related ABC Channel Manager Natalie Edgar is headed to SBS to become Channel Manager, SBS and SBS VICELAND, to replace Ben Nguyen who recently announced his departure. Edgar has more than 20 years working in the television industry in both public broadcasting and the commercial sector. She has been Channel Manager for ABC since 2016, overseeing programming across a portfolio of channels including ABC TV, ABC News, ABC Australia, and the recently rebranded ABC TV Plus. She was previously the Director of Television, Australia and New Zealand for BBC Worldwide, and held roles with Discovery, Turner and TV1, as well as additional roles and experience gained working at the ABC, including relaunching ABC2 in 2007. Peter Andrews, Head of Network Programming at SBS, said: Were thrilled to welcome someone of Natalies calibre and vast experience to this important role at the heart of our network. Natalie will play a leading role in setting the strategic direction for our SBS and SBS VICELAND channels, overseeing the delivery of a truly distinctive content offering that is uniquely SBS. Were excited by her drive for innovation along with her shared passion for SBSs purpose. We look forward to welcoming her on board. Natalie Edgar said: As a second generation Australian, I grew up with SBS in our home. I have seen firsthand how important SBSs role in connecting all Australians plays out, and Im so excited for the opportunity to work with such an engaged and exceptional team who champion diversity and inclusion through compelling, inspiring and entertaining content, every day. She commences 14 June reporting to Peter Andrews. ABC is yet to announce her replacement. Related FILE PHOTO: SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during a conversation with legendary game designer Todd Howard at the E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles By Tom Wilson and Anna Irrera LONDON (Reuters) - Elon Musk says Tesla won't use or accept bitcoin until he can be sure it's produced sustainably. He may be waiting some time. Musk announced his new position in a major U-turn on Wednesday, prompting speculation among some experts about whether he had a plan to wean the crypto industry off the fossil fuels that power "mining," the energy-intensive process that creates coins. Tesla could itself take an active role in helping make bitcoin greener by investing in new projects aimed at boosting the use of renewable energy in mining, according to more than a dozen cryptocurrency specialists interviewed by Reuters. "Musk and Tesla certainly have the resources to support existing efforts to fully move bitcoin to renewable energy," said Diana Biggs, CEO of crypto startup Valour. But such ventures could take years to get off the ground. Another potential route is for Tesla to shift from bitcoin to more eco-friendly digital currencies that don't rely on mega-computers spawning new tokens, according to the experts. Yet this too presents major headaches, they say, not least gaining broad crypto industry agreement for software changes and resolving regulatory concerns over smaller coins. Musk tweeted that while Tesla would no longer accept payment in bitcoin - two months after announcing that it would - the company wouldn't sell its bitcoin holdings, instead intending to use them when mining became greener energy. Tesla is also looking at other cryptocurrencies that use less than 1% of the energy burned by bitcoin, he added. The industry experts interviewed by Reuters said they thought it was unlikely that Musk had been blissfully unaware until now of the environmental concerns surrounding bitcoin production. The move may represent an attempt to bolster Tesla's environmental credentials amid growing competition in the electric vehicle sector, said Sasja Beslik, head of sustainable business development at Bank J. Safra Sarasin in Zurich. Story continues "My indication of this is that it is a way to further strengthen the brand," he said. "It's up to them to hold any currency they want. But given the fact that it has a heavy CO2 footprint ... it is a challenging thing." Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. GREENER OPTIONS? After his original tweet, Musk followed the next day with a chart showing bitcoin's power consumption. "Energy usage trend over past few months is insane," he wrote. Yet environmentalists have criticised bitcoin's energy consumption and its reliance on fossil fuels for years, not months. "As it stands, the use of bitcoin doesn't align with Tesla's own mission statement," said Alex De Vries, founder of research platform Digiconomist. "That's not something that suddenly happened during the past two months in which Tesla first decided to accept bitcoin. The network was already running on fossil fuels like Chinese coal - nothing has really changed in such a short timeframe." Bitcoin mining uses about the same amount of energy annually as Egypt did in 2019, data from the University of Cambridge shows. Much of it is powered by coal, the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. Chinese miners accounted for about 70% of production, data from the university shows https://cbeci.org/mining_map. Many use fossil fuels, switching to renewables like hydropower during the rainy summer months. WATERMARKED BITCOIN? Tesla could invest in greener mining options, said Yves Bennaim, the founder of Swiss crypto think-tank 2B4CH. It could create by itself groups of bitcoin miners that use green energy, or connect customers to mining pools, he added. Projects globally are looking for ways to shift bitcoin mining towards cleaner energy, or at least to reduce its carbon footprint, from repurposing heat generated by mining using flare gas - a by-product from oil extraction - for crypto mining. Payments company Square Inc, run by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, last year said it would give $10 million https://squareup.com/us/en/press/carbon to support firms boosting the use and efficiency of renewables in the bitcoin sector. In theory, blockchain experts have said, it would be possible to track which bitcoins have been produced sustainably, also giving Tesla an option to only accept greener bitcoins. "He can probably invest in some green energy miners and mandate that Tesla will only get paid by greenly mined bitcoin," said Maya Zehavi, a cryptocurrency and blockchain consultant. "There's also been a lot of talk of watermarked bitcoin, splitting bitcoin mined by Western countries and those mined in China and North Korea." BITCOIN ALTERNATIVES Tesla could also switch its focus on cryptocurrencies towards tokens that run on a less power-hungry system for producing new digital coins are created. Through bitcoin's protocol, or underlying code, computers hooked up to its network competed against each other to solve complex maths puzzle. The system, known in crypto lingo as "proof of work", is highly energy intensive. An alternative protocol lets users create new tokens by committing existing cryptocurrencies to digital contracts - potentially lessening reliance on energy-guzzling computers. Ether, the second-biggest cryptocurrency, is moving to this system, known as "proof of stake". Still, many existing coins that use this system are still relatively hard to use at scale, and are less widely known than bitcoin. "The only real answer is 1. actively investing in renewable mining farms and making mining "greener" or 2. switching to a protocol that is based on proof of stake," said Larry Cermak, director of research at crypto site The Block. Cryptocurrencies that consume less energy, such as seventh-largest coin XRP, may present other concerns, experts said. Investors have worried about XRP since U.S. regulators charged blockchain firm Ripple, a major backer of the cryptocurrency, with an $1.3 billion unregistered securities offering last year. Ripple has denied the charges. Some have also suggested changing bitcoin's protocol itself, to lower its power consumption. Yet getting all users in bitcoin's decentralised network of miners, run by no oversight body, to agree would be challenging, experts warned. "The whole bitcoin mining ecosystem has invested billions of dollars in hardware," said Jack Liao, CEO of Chinese mining firm LightningAsic. "How can they change the protocol? Change means a loss of billions." (Reporting by Tom Wilson and Anna Irrera; Editing by Pravin Char) Dvoress Clinches His First GGPoker Super MILLION$ Title May 13 2021 Matthew Pitt Daniel Dvoress can tick off the GGPoker Super MILLION$ from his list of must-win tournaments because he clinched its title, and the $394,852 top prize, on May 11, 2021. Dvoress gave himself a great chance to win this massive tournament by reaching the nine-handed final table second in chips. He seized the opportunity and ran out a most worthy champion. Super MILLION$ Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Daniel Dvoress Canada $394,852 2 DaiMin141319 UAE $312,889 3 McDavid97 Canada $247,939 4 Guillaume Nolet Canada $196,472 5 Preben Stokkan United Kingdom $155,688 6 Fabrice Touil Morocco $123,370 7 Mike Watson Canada $97,761 8 Idris Ambraisse Morocco $77,468 9 Ami Barer Canada $61,387 Ami Barer went into the star-studded final table armed with enough chips for sixth place at the restart but he was the first player out of the door. The action folded to Barer on the button, and he raised to 150,500 with pocket tens at the 35,000/70,000/8,500a level. Guillaume Nolet woke up in the small blind with the powerhouse hand that is pocket aces, and he three-bet to 441,000. Barer responded with an all-in bet worth 1,572,964 in total, and Nolet made the easy call. Nolet flopped top set, and Barer was drawing dead on the turn. Eighth place went to Idris Ambraisse after his timing was out against Nolet. A min-raise to 160,000 from Nolet, which he made with ace-queen after being the most active player at the table by some margin, was three-bet all-in for 981,908 by Ambraisse with king-jack. Nolet called the extra chips and won the hand courtesy of a queen on the flop. The waters grew less shark-infested when Mike Watson crashed out in seventh place. Everyone folded to Dvoress on the button and he ripped it in with jack-eight of hearts. Watson looked down at pocket sevens and called off his 2,146,210 chips. An eight on the flop and jack on the turn sent Watson to the showers. Everyone was now guaranteed a six-figure prize for their efforts, $123,370 to be exact. Fabrice Touil was the player who received this prize, busting out during the 80,000/160,000/20,000a level. Touil was all-in from the big blind holding queen-nine and he lost to the ace-king of Nolet. Fernando "JNandez" Habegger Explains How You Can Win WSOPC Cash Game Rings Dvoress Gets Lucky Against Stokkan Preben Stokkan was the next player out of the door, the Norwegians fifth place finish resulting in a $155,688 payday. Stokkans final action in this weeks Super MILLION$ was to call off his 7.8 big blinds from the small blind with ace-queen after Dvoress open-shoved from the cutoff with what turned out to be the lowly king-deuce. The two of diamonds was the door card and it proved to be enough to reduce the player count by one. Nolet and Dvoress were neck and neck in terms of chips going into four-handed play and everything looked set for that duo to be heads-up at the business end of the tournament. It was not meant to be because Nolet bowed out in fourth place and had to make do with a $196,472 consolation prize. Three hands made Nolet go from hero to zero. The first saw him double up the super-tight McDavid97 with king-queen versus the short stacks pocket sixes which went on to flop a set. Nolet then doubled the stack of DaiMing141319 when his suited king-queen lost to ace-eight. The third and final hand saw Nolet get his chips into the middle with king-queen against the jack-ten of DaiMing141319. Ouch. Reichtenstein & Mackoff Latest WSOPC Ring Winners at GGPoker McDavid97 Turns $525 Satellite Into Almost $250,000 McDavid97 busted in third when he. shipped in his last 2.7 big blinds with ace-king and lost to the king-ten of DaiMing141319 after a ten appeared on the turn. McDavid97 only played 12% of his hands at the final table yet still managed to secure the $247,939 third-place prize. DaiMing141319 went into their heads-up battle with Dvoress trailing slightly with 9,306,594 chips to the Canadians 9,793,406 stack. DaiMing141319 edged in front and was hitting the board regularly, which made a victory look likely. Dvoress won a huge pot when both players flopped a pair of queens. DaiMing141319 held queen-nine but Dvoress held king-queen. That hand put the ball firmly in Dvoress court and he wasted little time in getting his hands on the rest of his opponents chips. The final hand occurred during the 200,000/400,000/50,000a level. Dvoress moved all-in with ace-six, and DaiMing141319 called off his 14 big blind stack with suited king-jack. Ace-high held for Dvoress and he won his first Super MILLION$ title. The New York Times reported Feb. 10 that Chauvin was ready to plead guilty to a third-degree murder charge last year but then-Attorney General William Barr rejected the agreement. The Associated Press published a similar report the next day, citing two law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the talks. Paule alleged that the leaks came from the state, and asked that anyone who did so be barred from participating in the trial. Tom Plunkett, Kuengs attorney, echoed his statements. Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images It's no secret that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has a passion for photography (she even launched a nationwide project centred on it, encouraging the nation to document their time in lockdown). Luckily, it's also something that she has a real talent for too as evidenced by all the gorgeous portraits of the royal family that she's treated us to over the years. As well as being something she's naturally interested in, it's thought that there could be another motive for Kate taking on the role of unofficial royal photographer. If she's behind the camera, it means the photos she's able to capture have a more natural feel to them and the family can enjoy a little bit more privacy, free from professional snappers wanting to capture personal moments. Prime example? When Kate took the first officially released portrait following Princess Charlotte's birth back in 2015. According to one royal expert, Camilla Tominey, The Duchess was inspired by Queen Victoria of Sweden, who has adopted a similar approach with her own family, in an effort to thwart any paparazzi. Kate's photography skills really shine through when it comes to pictures of her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in particular when taking stills of them enjoying time spent in nature. To celebrate The Duchess' talent, here are some of our favourite photographs that she's taken and treated the nation with. Enjoy! Prince George and the late Prince Philip (2021) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Following the death of Prince Philip, his grandson Prince William took to social media to share a poignant tribute, praising the late Duke of Edinburgh's life of service. Accompanying the message was a photograph of Prince George when he was a toddler, riding a carriage with his great-grandfather, taken by Kate. Prince Louis' third birthday portrait (2021) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. To mark her youngest child's third birthday and his first day of nursery, The Duchess shared a sweet snap of Louis riding his bike and looking extremely cute. Story continues Princess Charlotte's sixth birthday portrait (2021) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Princess Charlotte turned six in May 2021, and to celebrate her birthday, royal social media channels shared a lovely photo of Kate and Will's only daughter, taken by her mum. Prince Philip and Mia Tindall (2021) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. After Prince Philip's death, another family member to share a touching tribute on social media was Mike Tindall, husband to Zara. "Its been a very sad week but it has given us time to reflect on great memories and stories both personal and shared. A devoted family man who we will forever miss but always love," Mike said, along with a photo of the late Duke eating snacks with Mike and Zara's eldest daughter Mia, taken by Kate. Prince William and Prince Charles' Father's Day portrait (2019) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. This sweet snap of two future kings at Sandringham was first shared on the Kensington Royal Instagram account for Father's Day, June 2020 however it was taken in December 2019. We love how happy both William and Charles look. Prince William and his three children George, Charlotte and Louis (2020) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Taken in June 2020, showing the family posing on a swing, we bet Kate felt super proud of this picture. How much of a little cherub is Louis here? A fun family pile-on shot was also shared via the Kensington Royal Instagram account shortly afterwards. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Prince George and his new baby sister, Princess Charlotte (2015) What an undeniably adorable portrait this is! Kate took this one of Prince George and a then-baby Charlotte not long after she was born and besides the iconic photo of her leaving hospital, and being cradled by her parents on the steps outside, this was the first real glimpse the world caught of the Princess. So lovely. Princess Charlotte's fifth birthday portraits (2020) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The royals treated us to not one, but five pictures of little Charlotte as part of her fifth birthday celebrations. They show her working hard to create food packages for isolated pensioners in her local area during the coronavirus lockdown. What a wee angel. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Prince Louis' second birthday portraits (2020) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The tot's messy handprint painting session has now been seen by thousands, many of whom loved the symbolism of his rainbow colour scheme, which they believed could have been a subtle tribute to the NHS. We love that The Duchess also shared a little 'Instagram vs Real Life' moment with the public too, in which Louis decorates his face, as well as the intended paper! To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Prince George's fourth birthday portrait (2017) Photo credit: The Duchess of Cambridge - Getty Images Clearly a friend of the animals, George can be seen here offering to share his ice cream with a very well-behaved looking dog on a picnic blanket at Kensington Palace. Honestly, even the royal pooches look glossier than any dog we've ever seen in real life. Prince William during a visit to a melting glacier at the Hindu Kush mountain, Pakistan (2019) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. While it's undoubtedly a stunning landscape shot, this photograph was shared by the Kensington Royal Instagram account to highlight the devastating impact that climate change is having on the world (something that Prince Charles has long been vocal about). Prince Louis as a baby with sister Princess Charlotte (2018) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Taken on 2 May 2018, Princess Charlotte's third birthday, the young royal can be seen here giving her new baby brother a kiss and cuddle. So sweet! Prince Louis was just nine days old in this one. A family Christmas celebration (2019) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The Cambridges chose to share this striking black and white picture of William and the three children in Norfolk by way of wishing the nation a very merry Christmas in December 2019. It certainly warmed our hearts! "We wish all our followers a very happy and relaxing Christmas Day" was part of the accompanying caption. Prince George's sixth birthday celebrations (2019) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Showing one of her royal offspring donning some casual clothes, George looks over the moon to be repping his England shirt here! Princess Charlotte's fourth birthday celebrations (2019) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Accompanying a series of images released for Charlotte's birthday (all taken by The Duchess, showing her daughter enjoying some outdoor playtime) were captioned, "The photographs were taken in April by The Duchess at Kensington Palace and at their home in Norfolk." Prince Charles cuddling Prince Louis (2020) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Posted by the Clarence House social media team, this touching picture shows Prince Louis giving his grandfather a big squeeze. The photo was released to celebrate Louis turning two years old. Princess Charlotte's first day of nursery (2018) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. A big milestone in any toddler's life, Kate was on hand to capture the morning of Charlotte's first day at Willcocks Nursery School. She looks every inch the mini fashion icon in her matching red coat, bow, shoes and backpack. Perhaps it's the princess' favourite colour? Prince George's seventh birthday portrait (2020) To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. To mark the seventh birthday of Prince George, royal social media accounts shared a snap of the young royal, taken by his mum, Kate. Subscribe to Red now to get the magazine delivered to your door. Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. You Might Also Like Syrian investors pumped approximately 58.7 million Turkish liras (about $7 million) into 124 companies during the first quarter of this year, according to statistics published May 1 by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, Al-Monitor writes. While this was only a fraction of the more than 3,200 foreign companies established in Turkey in cooperation with local Turkish partners in the first quarter, it still shows the value of Syrian investment in the country. A large number of Syrian refugees in Turkey it was estimated at 3.6 million last year has helped lead to a 5% overall increase in the number of companies registered in Turkey. As of December 2019, the number of Syrian-owned companies in Turkey was about 13,880, accounting for 29% of the foreign-owned companies in the country, with a capital of about 4 billion Turkish liras ($480 million), the Turkish trade minister said in January 2020. Most of these companies are active in construction, wholesale trade to and from abroad, food products, clothing and the rental of real estate. The total capital of foreign companies in Turkey is estimated at 151 billion Turkish liras ($18.2 billion), the minister added. In September 2018, the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey released a report based on information obtained from several Turkish chambers of commerce and industry indicating the number of companies established by Syrians in Turkey exceeded 10,000; 40% were jointly owned by Syrians and people of other nationalities and 60% were owned solely by Syrians. The study said the companies have activities in various economic sectors and provide job opportunities for about 44,000 Syrian workers in Turkey. Some 22% of these companies are based in the southern and southeastern provinces along the Syrian border where many Syrians fled following the start of Syria's civil war a decade ago. Around 55.4% mainly export their products. The Syrians' contribution to the Turkish economy was estimated at more than $500 million in addition to the job opportunities they provide to both Turkish and Syrian workers, according to the foundation. Tamam al-Baroudi, director of the Syrian Economic Forum, a nongovernmental organization based in Gaziantep that provides economic studies to Syrians, told Al-Monitor, We cant assume that the nearly 14,000 companies mentioned by the Turkish trade minister are still active. In the past few years, many Syrians have established companies in Turkey to obtain work permits and then Turkish nationality, which is exceptionally granted to Syrians who own companies or have work permits. He added, The big companies, however, established in partnership with Turks, had a great role in benefiting the Turkish economy since the government collected taxes from these companies. Baroudi also said, Some Syrian [investors] are not familiar with the licensing procedures [in Turkey], others find it a difficult task given the language barrier. Some small business owners cannot afford to pay for the license. After our project ended in 2018 [due to the expiration of the funding], other organizations such as Sened [another nongovernmental organization based in Gaziantep to support Syrians in the city], continued working to help Syrians get licenses for their companies. Baroudi said, Licensed Syrian companies are divided into several types. Some are private companies such as restaurants or small factories, which are considered small companies. Other companies are the limited companies, which include activities such as import and export, production, as well as large factories and plants, which well contribute to the Turkish economy. Galal Bakkar, a Turk of Syrian origin and owner of the Eco Link Group in Turkey, a private company that provides consultancy and economic plans, told Al-Monitor, Syrians in Turkey have transformed from being refugees to being a small community within Turkish society. Not all Syrians are classified as refugees now. Some of them are businessmen and capital owners. Others have acquired Turkish nationality. The number of Syrian companies in Turkey indicates that Syrians have become a productive social category. Turkey has benefited from these companies as they were its gateway to export Turkish products to northwestern Syria, where goods are now mostly Turkish. This is not to mention marketing Turkish products to the Syrian community in Turkey. He added, The economic relations between Syrian and Turkey, especially in the Turkish south bordering Syria, are not something new, as this practice has been around for decades, even before the Syrian displacement to Turkey upon the outbreak of the Syrian revolution. According to information from Turkish officials, the volume of Syrian investments in Turkey before 2011 amounted to about $500 million, but these were indirect investments. This means that Syrians who were in Syria [before the war] invested in projects inside Turkey through partnership contracts with Turks, and received a certain percentage of profits. Today, Syrian investment in Turkey is direct, as Syrians are funding and operating their projects without any partnership with another party. Metin Turan, a Turkish journalist at the TRT channel and the president of the Arab Association in Turkey, told Al-Monitor, The Turkish economy mainly relies on taxes, which Syrian companies working in different economic, cultural and commercial sectors pay. This is not to mention the quality of their products and the fact that a fair proportion of the Turkish population likes to deal with Syrian companies. He added, Also, Turkish companies seek to enter into partnership with Syrians in order to market their goods in the Arab world. Syrian companies have achieved great profits for their Turkish counterparts through this strategy. Syrians also contributed to promoting and marketing Turkish television products such as movies and series in the Arab world. One can say that the Syrian community is a productive one in Turkey. Had it not been for the language barrier, I believe many more partnerships would have been accomplished between the two sides, which would be beneficial to everyone. Baroudi said, We have worked in the forum over the past years on several projects to help Syrians in Turkey, especially in the city of Gaziantep in the south, mainly to secure licenses for their projects and establish commercial companies. Turkey and China have managed to further develop and diversify their growing trade relationship despite the COVID-19 pandemic as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971, and since then, their ties have intensified on political, cultural, and economic levels, Xinhua writes. Their trade volume is around 24 billion U.S. dollars as of 2020, and despite the pandemic, China and Turkey boosted their commercial ties and transactions significantly, according to experts. The China-Turkey trade volume increased by 44 percent in the first three months of 2021, reaching 8 billion dollars, the Turkish Statistical Institute data revealed. Observers agreed that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was kicked off to create a global infrastructure and transportation network, made it easier to export to China by freight trains. A railroad from Istanbul covering a distance of 8,693 kilometers across Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and Kazakhstan to reach the Chinese city of Xi'an is operational since the end of 2020. The cargo transportation time between Turkey and China decreased to 12 days from one month, a breakthrough in commercial understanding, as it slashes costs, Hasan Safak, director-general of the Istanbul-based transport firm Fevzi Gandur Logistics, told Xinhua. Safak also pointed out that freight train trade needs time to reach full commercial maturity. "I believe that over time this alternative to maritime transportation will gain momentum," he said. Safak praised the Chinese government's economic and production policies, calling them "very efficient" at a time when global trade is gaining pace as vaccination programs in major economic players are showing positive results in the fight against COVID-19. "In the coming period, China is bound to be a global production hub," he noted. In the past decade, China and Turkey have diversified their trade, as China is exporting more high technology goods while Turkey is exporting food products to China. Experts believed that the BRI project will change the economic landscape in the region and beyond. "Turkey is participating in this initiative with the Middle Corridor project. And in the past several months, we have seen a boost of trade towards and from China," Selcuk Colakoglu, an expert on China and director of the Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, told Xinhua. The professor of international relations said that trade cooperation between Ankara and Beijing is on the upward trend and that China is also addressing the problem of Turkey's deficit in the bilateral trade volume. "The trade balance is very much in favor of China, which is a problem from Turkey's point of view. However, China is actively inviting Turkish firms to participate in trade fairs and expos that it hosts to promote Turkish consumer goods to the Chinese market," he said. "This has to be hailed as it aims to narrow Turkey's trade deficit," Colakoglu added. Despite the negative impact of the pandemic on global trade, major Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have made direct investments in Turkey in the past year, launching production in Istanbul, Turkey's financial hub. Chinese Internet giant Alibaba also recently invested 350 million dollars in Turkish e-commerce firm Trendyol in a capital increase, according to media reports citing an entry in the country's trade registry. Alibaba purchased Trendyol in 2018. Trendyol, one of Turkey's best-known e-commerce platforms, has drawn backing from foreign investors and holds a leading position in the country's e-commerce market. Wrapping up a meeting with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov and the countrys deputy prime minister Serdar Berdymukhamedov in Xian on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said cooperation on natural gas was the ballast stone of the bilateral relationship. China sees Turkmenistan as a long-term cooperative partner on natural gas, and is willing to formulate a comprehensive cooperation plan with the Turkmenistan side with a future-oriented perspective, Wang said, according to a foreign ministry statement on Monday night, South China Morning Post writes. The ministry said China and Turkmenistan agreed to further consolidate and expand cooperation in natural gas, and create a full industry chain strategic partnership in the energy sector. Wang also said China and Turkmenistan should also create new engines for cooperation beyond resources, such as trade, investment, connectivity and technology. China aims to further cut energy imports from Australia as bilateral relations continue to sour. At least two of Chinas small liquefied natural gas importers were instructed by government officials not to make new purchases from Australia over the next year, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Diversifying gas and oil imports to ensure energy security is also a cornerstone of the countrys latest five-year development plan, which runs until 2025. Turkmenistan is the biggest supplier of natural gas to China, and the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, also known as the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, is a signature project of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, a vast global infrastructure development project. Since the pipeline opened in 2009, China has imported over 240 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Turkmenistan, supplies that account for over 70 per cent of Chinas total imports, according to a report by the State Grid Corporation of China in December. But the relationship has not always been smooth. In 2018, China and Turkmenistan were embroiled in a dispute over the price and supplies of the resource, prompting Turkmenistan to dramatically cut flows to China. But the levels gradually recovered the next year. Australia accounted for around 46 per cent of Chinas LNG imports last year, according to industry data. As the tensions with Australia escalate, China needs to beef up energy imports from Central Asia to ensure its overall supply, said Sun Qi, an international relations specialist at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Meanwhile, in a phone call with his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for joint efforts to lift the strategic partnership between the two sides to new levels by expanding cooperation in various sectors including aerospace and vaccines. With a fourth round of talks set to resume in Vienna this week, pressure is mounting on high-ranking European negotiators to reach an accord that bridges the geopolitical chasm between Washington and Tehran and brings Iran back into compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), EU Reporter writes. A historic non-proliferation agreement and widely regarded as one of the Obama administrations premier foreign policy achievements, the JCPOA set out a framework to curtail Irans nuclear breakout time and established formal steps for capping the enrichment of fissile material, scheduling transparent atomic facility inspections, and dismantling excess centrifuge installations. In return for sustained compliance with this framework, the U.S. and other major world powers agreed to a gradual lifting of nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. When the US withdrew from this landmark agreement in 2018, the European co-signatories of Germany, France, and the UK stepped up to keep the deal alive. However, European relations in the region quickly became strained by the revival of Washingtons maximum pressure campaign on Iran, a campaign which aimed to strangle the Iranian economy via unilateral sanctions and escalatory retaliatory actions. Unsurprisingly, Washingtons pivot to maximum pressure has placed major European powers in a foreign policy double bind. While the recent uptick in U.S.-Iran tensions has trended downwards since the election of President Joe Biden, his predecessors approach in the region has had a lasting effect upon Iranian goodwill towards multilateral agreements like the JCPOA. For the European co-signatories, the nuclear talks in Vienna are embedded within a broader strategy of strategic detente and diplomatic reintegration between Europe and Iran. Beyond the obvious advantages of nuclear non-proliferation, Europe is also eyeing a future where Iran can step up as a fully-fledged, sanction-free actor on the international stage. Despite having an estimated 9 percent share of the worlds oil reserves, the sanction-sapped Iranian economy is woefully underdeveloped. Throw in the simulative potential of Irans frozen assets estimated to be worth between $100 and $120 billion and its easy to see why Europe views Iran as such a promising partner for foreign direct investment. On a condition of anonymity, a senior official from the US State Department spoke with Reuters and shed some light on the likelihood of a deal being inked during the fourth round of talks, saying: "Is it possible that we'll see a mutual return to compliance in the next few weeks, or an understanding of a mutual compliance? It's possible yes. Abbas Araqchi, Irans top negotiator, is slightly more pessimistic at the chances of a deal in the immediate future. Speaking on state TV, Araqchi emphasized that Iran would not rush into a new deal without a stable framework of safeguards. "When it will happen is unpredictable and a timeframe cannot be set. Iran is trying (for) it to happen as soon as possible, but we will not do anything in a rush," Araqchi said. As formal talks stall, European negotiators are looking at Mohsen Rezaee, one of three front-runners in the upcoming Iranian presidential elections, to cut through the diplomatic red tape and promote mutually beneficial collaboration with the US and EU. Unlike his fellow presidential candidates, Rezaee is not a lifelong politician. Nevertheless, with a career spanning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the Expediency Discernment Council, Rezaee is a seasoned diplomat and pragmatic negotiator. Perhaps Rezaees most impressive achievement is the fact that in all his years of civil, military, and political service, he has never once been subject to a corruption scandal or criminal probe. While established politicians like Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif may be a more conventionally attractive partner with the West, there is growing conviction in Europe that Rezaee, a well-rounded, well-respected, and reliable candidate, is the man best suited to represent Iran and its position on international nuclear negotiations. A proven leader who is unafraid to express his opinions, Rezaee has repeatedly shown that he is capable of adjusting his opinions and uniting coalitions. Despite his role as a representative of the Revolution Generation, Rezaee has made it clear that he is no radical. After years of civil service, Rezaee has broken ranks with many of the hardline views that are commonplace in the IRGC. In fact, in an interview with the Tehran Times, he went as far as to dismiss a nuclear arms race as unwise, remarking: Political wisdom requires not to chase weapons that can destroy the entire humanity. With impediments to progress rearing at every turn in Vienna, it has become abundantly clear that the West needs a man on the ground in Iran. Mohsen Rezaee, and the emerging movement he represents, may be the key to breaking the deadlock in negotiations and bringing Iran back as a major player in the global economy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has complained that Europe is becoming an open prison for 35 million Muslims due to the spread of Islamophobia and discriminative laws passed by some prominent countries, including France, Hurriyet daily news reports. Racism, discrimination, animosity and intolerance towards immigrants are just a few of these maladies. Without a doubt, Islamophobia among them is just as dangerous as the coronavirus. This virus has rapidly been spreading, particularly in European countries, Erdogan said while addressing the final of the Holy Quran Recitation Contest broadcast by national broadcaster TRT late May 12. Europe, which is home to 35 million Muslims, including 6 million Turks, is now increasingly turning into an open-air prison for our brothers and sisters, Erdogan warned. I am putting it openly that there is no difference between the climate of hatred created against Jews before World War II and the atmosphere that is being instigated against Muslims today. To be a Muslim, to live like a Muslim in many Western countries, especially in France, is now enough to be labeled as the other. Particularly women wearing the headscarf are the primary victims of this wave of hatred that is on the rise in Europe, he suggested. Underlining that European politicians, unfortunately, seek to exploit the virus of Islamophobia plaguing the society instead of fighting it, Erdogan stated that the situation has now reached an alarming level, with Muslims who live in Europe facing grave threats against their security. Salome Samadashvili from the United National Movement opposition party, Armaz Akhvlediani and Shavla Shavgulidze who appeared in the 10th convocation of the state legislature through the European Georgia opposition party list, have joined the Lelo opposition party faction in Georgia's parliament. Neither the United National Movement, nor European Georgia have entered the state legislature so far, unlike other opposition parties who have signed the EU-mediated agreement and took up their mandates after a several-month political tension in Georgia. The name of the faction is Lelo - Partnership for Georgia, Agenda.ge reported. Samadashvili said that Georgian opposition parties should do their utmost to win this years municipal elections. According to her, the oppositions presence in parliament will not allow the Georgian Dream government not to fully fulfill the EU-mediated agreement by the European Council President Charles Michel. As the Israeli military intensifies its strike on Hamas, plans for a possible ground invasion of the Gaza Strip will be presented to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi for approval later on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman said that the plans are being put together by the Gaza Division and Southern Command and will then be given to Israels political echelon for approval. "Tonight we started destroying government targets in the Gaza Strip, such as central banks and internal security buildings. Hamas is beginning to discover cracks and there is pressure in the organization, even among the Gaza public who is losing its patience and sees these ruins on the eve of the holiday [of Eid al-Fitr]," The Jerusalem Post cited him as saying. Over 650 targets belonging to Hamas have been struck since the beginning of Operation Guardian of the Walls, such as those belonging to their police, Interior Ministry, banks, homes of commanders including that of the battalion commander of Khan Younis, a naval commando unit and a defensive tunnel inside a school. Three high-rise buildings were also destroyed by Israel Air Force airstrikes and some 60 Hamas operatives have been killed, including 10 senior commanders. According to Zilberman, all options remain on the table and additional ground troops have been redeployed to the border ahead of a possible ground operation. The ugly Wednesday confrontation happened when Greene tried to get the progressive lawmakers attention in the chamber by calling out her first name twice. The parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must realize that there is no alternative other than resolving it through political and diplomatic means, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday. "So far, the most important thing is to ensure that the parties to the conflict come to an understanding that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic means of settlement in the wake of UN decisions and agreements," he said. The Kremlin spokesman stressed that Russia was doing it best to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "You know that various countries are making efforts, taking advantage of their ties in order to encourage the parties to show restraint and end the activities that are leading to a rapid increase in civilian casualties. Russia is likewise making efforts to that end, and contacts on the matter are underway," TASS cited him as saying. When asked whether the international community or Russia should change their approaches to influencing the parties to the conflict, Peskov replied, "It is apparent that the conflict is now in a hot phase, but everybody is doing their utmost." Russia is open to cooperation with other countries in the production of coronavirus vaccines, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint news conference with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday. "Of course, we are very much open to cooperation with other [foreign] vaccine manufacturers. We have reiterated that. Should they take a similar interest, I think a very positive process of collaboration might come out," TASS cited him as saying. Earlier, Guterres urged the UN staff in the countries that had approved the use of Russias Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to be vaccinated with it. He also dubbed the policy of "vaccine nationalism" as a big mistake. Despite its challenging relations with the West, Minsk will pursue constructive cooperation on the international arena and an equal dialogue, said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, accepting credentials from foreign ambassadors at a ceremony on Thursday. The Belarusian citizens supported the declared process to launch a constitutional reform, which is underway in the republic "openly and with broad discussion," Lukashenko emphasized. "To tell you the truth, not everyone overseas likes this," Lukashenko said, according to his press service. "But even in such uneasy conditions Belarus will remain committed to constructive cooperation on the international arena." According to Lukashenko, Minsk "is always ready to hold dialogue, but it should be respectful, fair and equal." The president expressed hope that diplomats would suggest "interesting ideas for fostering cooperation and sharing positive experience of their countries [with Belarus]." Lukashenko recalled that in February Minsk hosted the All-Belarusian Peoples Assembly, which was attended by more than 2,500 delegates. "The decisions at this representative forum clearly confirmed the support for the governments line towards further developing a social state with a high-tech economy. Meanwhile, the peoples assembly also showed that there is a demand in the society, or at least some part of the society, for certain changes, including in social and public life. <....> I will keep repeating that only the Belarusian people have the right to decide their own future," TASS cited the president as saying. A 2-year-old boy injured both parents and himself after firing a handgun he found on a nightstand in a West Bath, Maine home Wednesday morning, police said. Officers responded to the residence around 8 a.m. according to the Bangor Daily News. The childs mother, 22, was struck in the leg and his father, 25, sustained a minor injury to the back of the head, according to police. The boy was also injured when the gun recoiled, striking him in the face. All three were taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry told WMTW. Merry said deputies are investigating how the boy was able to pick up and fire the weapon, adding, this situation, while disturbing, could have had an even more tragic ending. Police said the couple also have a 3-week-old baby who was in the room when the shooting happened, according to the Bangor Daily News. The infant is now in the care of a grandmother who lives at the residence but wasnt there during the incident. After a month of prayer, devotion and self-control, Muslims celebrate the accomplishment of their sacred duties during Ramadan with the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. The festival is a national holiday in many countries with large Muslim populations. By tradition, Grand Mufti of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin will address Muslim believers at the Cathedral Mosque in Moscow. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia informed that there will be no collective prayers in mosques on this day due to the coronavirus pandemic. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one or three days in various Muslim countries. The tradition dates back to 624 AD, the times of Prophet Muhammad. On the eve of the festive prayer Muslims are recommended to wake up early, perform ablutions, dress in their best clothes and women put on jewelry. The holiday requires visiting cemeteries to recite Quran over the graves. Muslims ask each other for forgiveness and read Quran verses. In addition, Muslims give mandatory charity - Zakat al-Fitr - to atone for errors and omissions made during Ramadan, as well as to help those in need. This charity remains obligatory until the beginning of `Eid Prayer. Russia confirmed 8,380 COVID-19 cases over the past day, bringing the total caseload to 4,913,439, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday. The growth rate reached 0.17% in relative terms. The lowest growth rates were registered in the past day in the Jewish Autonomous Region (0.02%) and the Republic of Altai (0.03%). Some 2,787 COVID-19 cases were confirmed over the past day in Moscow, 741 in St. Petersburg, 643 in the Moscow Region, 199 in the Rostov Region, 129 in the Voronezh Region and 123 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. Russias coronavirus recoveries grew by 9,349 in the past 24 hours reaching 4,527,878, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday. According to the crisis center, recoveries have risen to 92.2% of the total number of infected people, TASS reported. Another 1,042 patients recovered in St. Petersburg, 518 in the Moscow Region, 231 in the Saratov Region, 197 in the Pskov Region and 169 in the Rostov Region. Coronavirus cases in Moscow grew by 2,787 in the past 24 hours to 1,127,417. The coronavirus growth rate equaled 0.25%. The day before, Moscow registered 2,718 new coronavirus cases. Fifty-five coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, bringing fatalities in the Russian capital to 19,068. A total of 2,643 people were discharged from hospitals upon their recovery from the novel coronavirus in the past day, with total recoveries equaling 1,017,740. Currently, 90,609 people continue their medical treatment from the novel coronavirus in Moscow. Russia thinks it unacceptable to attack civilian facilities either on Israeli or Palestinian territories, Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in a telephone conversation with Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Mousa Abu Marzook on Wednesday. "The Russian side emphasized that it was crucial to immediately put an end to violence, that it was inadmissible to attack civilians regardless of their ethnic or religious identity, including strikes on civilian facilities on the Israeli and Palestinian territories," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, Abu-Marzook "outlined his assessments and considerations in the wake of a dramatic escalation of armed confrontation between Israel and Palestinians, placing an emphasis on illegal nature of Israelis actions against Palestinian inhabitants of East Jerusalems Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, as well as on the unacceptability of shelling residential areas in the Gaza Strip." "On behalf of the Hamas leadership, Abu Marzook assured that the movement stays ready to stop any military actions against Israel on a reciprocal basis and upon the understanding that the international community will exert the necessary pressure on the Israeli side to halt their operations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem and illegal measures against its original Arab inhabitants," TASS cited the statement as saying. The phone call was requested by the Palestinian side. The Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR has become an export operator of Rosneft's oil products to Ukraine, the corresponding contract has already been signed with the Russian side, the Ukrainian newspaper Enkorr reported citing market participants. "The Swiss office of Socar Trading will be in charge of sales and communication with Ukrainian counterparties. Meanwhile, the role of the Ukrainian office of the company in the distribution and sale of volumes is not excluded," the article says. According to the newspaper, representatives of Socar Trading's top management visited Kiev this week, where they held talks with the counterparties of Proton Energy Group SA, which used to be Rosnefts exclusive supplier of diesel and LPG to Ukraine, but decided to suspend shipments to the country from April 1. The new operator said that fuel to Ukraine could be supplied this month, although June is more likely, adding that it has a quota of over 100 thousand tons of diesel fuel and 12 thousand tons of liquefied gas. The UN Security Council held another emergency meeting Wednesday on worsening hostilities between Israel and Palestinians, again without agreeing on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, Israel's key ally, according to diplomats. The United States saw the Security Council meeting as a sufficient show of concern, one diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity. "The U.S. doesn't see that a statement will help de-escalate," The AFP cited another diplomat as saying. According to several sources, 14 of the 15 members of the Council were in favor of adopting a joint declaration aimed at reducing tension. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland warned the meeting that the "situation has deteriorated since Monday... there is a risk of a spiral of violence," according to a diplomatic source. During a first emergency meeting on Monday, the United States also refused to back a text proposed by Tunisia, Norway and China calling on all parties to refrain from provocation. Chinese foreign ministry refutes U.S., European media hyping up population crisis Xinhua) 08:42, May 13, 2021 People visit an ancient cultural street in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 17, 2021, the last day of this year's Spring Festival holiday. (Photo by Sun Fanyue/Xinhua) BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday refuted U.S. and European media outlets claiming that China is facing a population crisis. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that China's total population continued to grow and China is still the world's most populous country. Hua made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a query on reports by U.S. and European media outlets claiming that China is facing a demographic crisis, which may even affect the realization of the Chinese dream. China's population on the mainland has maintained steady growth, reaching 1.41178 billion in 2020, an increase of 5.38 percent from 2010, and the average annual population growth rate from 2010 to 2020 stood at 0.53 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday. "This data shows that China's population has maintained a slow growth trend in the past 10 years. China's total population continues to grow, and it is still the most populous country in the world," Hua said. Between 2010 and 2020, the education level of China's citizens improved continuously, the gender ratio became more balanced, changes in family-planning policy led to a rebound of new births, population mobility increased and the urbanization rate further elevated, the census data show. Compared with 2010, the Han Chinese population increased by 4.93 percent, while that of ethnic minority groups increased by 10.26 percent, and the proportion of the general population belonging to ethnic minority groups rose by 0.4 percentage points from 2010, Hua noted, adding that the steady growth of the population of ethnic groups fully reflect the all-round development and progress of all ethnic groups in China. At the same time, the census data also reflects some structural contradictions in China's population development, such as the decline in the working-age population and the number of women of childbearing age, the deepening of aging, the decline in the fertility rate and the decline in the number of births, she added. "In response to the concerns of the U.S. media outlets mentioned, I wonder if they have noticed that China's population of 1.41178 billion is still more than the total population of the United States and Europe combined? I don't know how the relevant reporters turned into demographers and sociologists, or how they came to the conclusion that China is facing a population crisis," Hua stated. Declining birth rates and aging populations are common problems in developed countries. Low fertility has become a common problem faced by most developed countries, and it may also be a real problem faced by China in the future, she added. "The impact of population change on the society and economy should be viewed dialectically. China will promote high-quality development and formulate relevant population strategies and policies in a targeted manner," the spokesperson quoted an official as saying at a press conference on Tuesday. In the past few decades, at almost every critical stage of China's development, the West has made various judgments and predictions about China, and there have been various arguments, such as various forms of the so-called "China threat" theory or "China collapse" theory, Hua said. "But as China continued to develop, these arguments were later disproved by the facts." "I hope those who are keen on concocting various arguments about China can live as healthy and happy as the Chinese people, and welcome and witness the realization of the Chinese dream together," Hua added. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) His 53-year-old neighbor was hit once in the upper right leg, according to a statement from police, and he was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition for treatment of a gunshot wound. Vietnam ranks 70th among 190 economies in this year's Doing Business 2020 report released by the World Bank (WB). One year earlier, it ranked 69th, and in 2018, it was 68th. Phan Duc Hieu, deputy head of the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM), noted that at an ASEAN conference on business environment held in Laos, a representative from Indonesia spent time talking about the achievements the country had gained and then mentioned its problems. The speakers from Vietnam and Laos talked about achievements and their pride in what Vietnam and Laos had gained. Only the representative from Singapore went straight to the point and talked about the things the country still could not do and admitted that reform still could not satisfy businesses expectations. He did not say anything about achievements. Hieu explained that Vietnam has gained achievements in business environment reform, but the country must not to rest on its laurels. If it does, it will not be able to step up reform, he said. Singapore has topped ASEAN in the World Banks Doing Business report ranking since 2016, and ranks second out of 190 listed economies in the world. Meanwhile, Vietnam ranks 70th, Indonesia 73rd, and Laos 154th. A report from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Vietnam's business environment reform program: Perspective from enterprises, released on April 20 shows that reform momentum is slowing down. As for business startups and the business registration index in 2020, 72.5 percent of surveyed enterprises gave good and very good comments, compared to 77.3 percent in 2019. The social insurance payment index remained unchanged in 2020 with 59.7 percent of businesses giving good and very good comments about procedures. The bank loan access index in 2020 was nearly the same as 2019, with 60.2 percent giving good and very good comments. Surveys found that administrative procedures related to construction were not easy for enterprises. Judicial reform in contract dispute settlements got a higher score, but the improvement was inconsiderable: only 58.4 percent of businesses said the courts settled the disputes well. Meanwhile, the number of enterprises that had to obtain certificates on meeting business conditions rose to 59 percent in 2020 from 48 percent in 2018 and 52 percent in 2019. The PCI 2020 Report (provincial competitiveness index) released by VCCI on April 15 showed that the PCI index saw a slight decrease compared with 2019, while the stars of reform, i.e the provinces leading in previous PCI reports, made fewer breakthroughs, reflecting a slowdown in reform. Administrative procedures related to customs, tax payments, fire and explosion prevention, social insurance and business establishments were described as the most complicated and troublesome. Meanwhile, the transparency index of many localities fell sharply in 2020. About 57.4 percent of businesses complained that relations with government officials were needed to obtain documents promulgated by local government. The area expected to see the biggest improvement was the elimination of business conditions. However, the reduction of business conditions reached a peak in 2018. The enthusiasm at ministries and branches for doing this has decreased considerably since 2019. There are still many unreasonable, nontransparent business conditions. Vietnam ranks 70th among 190 economies in this year's Doing Business 2020 report released by the World Bank (WB). One year earlier, it ranked 69th, and in 2018, it was 68th. Analysts say that the business conditions' elimination and support for businesses to join the market are weak. Ministries and branches affirmed that they have cut down 60 percent of business conditions, but this is only on paper. The actual figure is just 30-40 percent. The required procedures for joining the market remain complicated and overlapping. There are many unnecessary, unclear and complex requirements related to land use planning, construction and environment. These are the barriers preventing businesses from joining the market, according to VCCI Chair Vu Tien Loc. Using digital tools in reform The Doing Business 2020 report released by the World Bank in late 2019 showed that Vietnam's ranking fell in the last two years, from 68th out of 190 countries to 69th in 2019 and then 70th in 2020. Some of Vietnams indexes have always been in the second half of the ranking, including tax payment and social insurance (109th), business startups (115th), and business bankruptcy procedures (122nd). Vietnam ranks fifth overall in ASEAN, after Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. However, the gap between Vietnam and the top 3 is wide: Thailand ranks 21st out of 190 countries, while Malaysia is 12th and Singapore second. According to Hieu, business environment reform in Vietnam is not equal in all business fields. Some ministries and branches have been ahead in reform, while others have seen little progress. The Doing Business report shows considerable upward movement in the electricity access index (from 135th to 27th). But Vietnam fell from 104th to 122nd in the business bankruptcy index and from 47th to 68th in contract dispute settlement. The inconsiderable score increase shows that reform in Vietnam has slowed down and Vietnam has been passed by other countries. Economists warn that Vietnam is facing serious challenges implementing the plan to become one of the four most attractive business environments in ASEAN. First of all, Vietnam needs to exceed Brunei, which is now in the 66th position. The business environment has improved but it is still below the expectations, while reform is slowing down. The economists say if Vietnam moves forward but other countries proceed more quickly, Vietnam will lag behind. In the next development period, Vietnam needs to review reform performance and measure the gap between it and other countries in order to draw up a new reform roadmap. Experts believe that Vietnam needs to use intelligent tools that can monitor the reform process IOC, or an intelligent operation center solution. With automatic alerts based on Big Data, this will help leaders have a comprehensive overview, which will enable them to make more timely and accurate decisions. Pham Dinh Thuy from the General Statistics Office (GSO) believes that the GDP growth target of 6.5 percent set by the Government is feasible in the normal situation. The free trade agreements (FTAs), to which Vietnam is a signatory, including Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will open up doors for it to further integrate into the world. Tran Thuy Vietnams digital economy to hit 52 billion USD by 2025 Vietnams digital economy will likely reach 52 billion USD in value by 2025, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2019 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company. Last week, my friend told me that his daughter, who is studying in the US, had just been vaccinated against Covid-19 just one day after returning in the US to attend college. Another friend of mine in England also told me that he had completed two injections against Covid-19. The Sand the UK, after a period of turmoil, have vaccinated 45.25% and 51.84% of their population, respectively. As they hold the formula for producing anti-Covid-19 vaccines, they are among the countries with the highest proportion of population vaccinated and they plan to resume normal operations soon. After Israel, which is country with the highest vaccination rate in the world, the success of countries such as the UK and the US promises many things to mankind. Many scientists have affirmed that vaccines are the most effective weapon, besides each person's immune system, to fight viruses. Even though new strains of virus are emerging more and more, threatening the effects of vaccines, vaccines are still the hope of the planet. A health care worker gives a Covid-19 vaccine to an American citizen. Photo: Reuters In the context that Vietnam is entering the fourth wave, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's direction to "shift the status of epidemic prevention from defense to proactive attack" represents a new approach to epidemic prevention. He explained: Attack is about strengthening positive and proactive measures, strengthening technology measures, strengthening monitoring, checking measures, enhancing handle of specific cases, particularly the strict implementation of the 5K message plus vaccination." The Prime Minister made special emphasis on vaccination, as the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress clearly stated: "Focus on controlling the Covid-19 pandemic, implement mass vaccination for the community." By May 7, only 0.85% of the Vietnamese population had been vaccinated against Covid-19, compared to 2% in the Philippines, 2.3% in Thailand, 2.5% in Brunei, 2.5% in Laos, 4.7% in Malaysia, 7.6% in Indonesia, 16% in Cambodia and 39% in Singapore, although data on vaccination in these neighboring countries have not been updated as usual as Vietnam [1]. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspects the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic on the southwest border line in An Giang province. Photo VGP/Nhat Bac For more than a year, Vietnam has been good at epidemic prevention through the implementation of various measures such as early closure of border, Covid-19 tracing, quarantine, and 5K message in order to restrict the closure of the economy. However, it seems that the country has not strongly joined the race to approach vaccines as the effective weapon against Covid-19. Recently, the US administration supported the temporary waiver of intellectual property rights for Covid-19 vaccine in the hope of helping poor countries to have more vaccines and speed up the process of ending the pandemic. Commenting on this move, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Training under the Ministry of Health, Nguyen Ngo Quang, told the local media: If technology or intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccine production are openly transferred, Vietnam is fully capable of producing vaccines and has a great opportunity to take initiative in the sources of vaccines for itself and to share vaccine to other countries." However, complex, safe and highly effective vaccines such as those of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNtech are difficult to produce by poor countries due to a lack of technology, production lines, experience and materials. Even when these vaccines are produced, the safety and effectiveness is not guaranteed. China can massively produce two types of Covid-19 vaccines, but after several months, it produced only a few hundred million doses and vaccinated less than 13% of its population. To achieve community immunity at a rate of 70%, it will take China at least 18-24 months. Even rich European countries, which do not lack resources for vaccine research and testing, do not have enough vaccines due to lack of supply. A health worker at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases is injected with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo: Pham Hai Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan said that in 2021 and early 2022, Vietnam is expected to have 38.9 million doses of Astra Zeneca provided by the COVAX program and 30 million doses of Astra Zeneca ordered by VNVC. The Ministry of Health is negotiating with Pfizer to have 31 million doses of vaccine by the end of 2021. Some countries and organizations have also confirmed that they will provide Vietnam with about 2 million doses. In addition, to vaccinate 70% of the population, or about 70 million people, Vietnam needs to prepare for medical workers, vaccine delivery and storage, as well as databases to ensure there are enough vaccinations for the people. This fourth outbreak is widespread and complex. There is still a very difficult road ahead on both the anti-epidemic and economic fronts. This virus is unstoppable so it should be determined that the epidemic has entered the community and our society is no longer sterile. Recognizing and acknowledging that perception, we will be able to harmonize the fight against epidemics and economic development because if we fight against the epidemic in an extreme way, the economy will be exhausted. Without that perception, it is likely that provinces will impose social distancing or even lockdowns when only dozens of infection cases are recorded. Without that perception, people will put the responsibility of anti-epidemic on the health system, doctors, nurses and the state in general, while they themselves do not change their way of working and living. I strongly agree with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs instruction made at the recent meeting of the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control when he mentioned the lessons learned from the epidemic prevention campaign in Hai Duong in January 2021 and told provincial officials, when considering social distancing, they must ensure "as narrow as possible" scale to minimize adverse socio-economic impacts, and ensure the flow of goods, raw materials for production. He even mentioned the case of Thai Binh province, which immediately imposed social distancing when there were only a few Covid-19 cases, and asked local authorities to consult with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (Head of the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control) or the Minister of Health in necessary cases. He suggested that provinces carefully review notice No. 82 that guides provinces and cities on how to implement social distancing and isolation according to their assigned authority and noted "Do not apply extreme measures". People are looking forward to vaccines as soon as possible. The state has allowed organizations to import vaccines to vaccinate their own staff. While waiting to have sufficient number of vaccines, the "non-extreme, very calm, wise" anti-epidemic measures can help mitigate losses on both the economic and epidemic prevention front. The Ministry of Health has encouraged people to follow its 5K message in Vietnamese, namely Khau Trang (face mask), Khu khuan (Disinfection), Khoang cach (Distance). Khong tap trung (No gathering), and Khai bao y te (Health declaration). Tu Giang [1] https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations Another road for Covid-19 vaccines Western nations have the capacity in terms of economic potential and the legal and moral aspects to promote access to vaccines on a global scale. Rear Admiral Phan Tuan Hung, Deputy Commander of the Naval Force, recently led a delegation to visit soldiers and officers on mission on islands of the Truong Sa archipelago, the central province of Khanh Hoa, and organised a ceremony to commemorate fallen soldiers in battle to defend Co Lin, Gac Ma and Len Dao reefs 33 years ago. At the ceremony held on Co Lin, Colonel Le Xuan Phong, deputy head of the inspection committee of the Naval Forces Party Committee, recalled the March 14, 1988 event, in which 64 naval soldiers and officers of Vietnam bravely sacrificed their lives to protect the nations sea and island sovereignty. Vietnam underwent wars with severe losses; however, the Vietnamese people never forget Gac Ma soldiers sacrifice, he said. Their image has become an immortal monument, contributing to bringing Truong Sa closer in the heart of Vietnamese people, he stressed. The Truong Sa archipelago is a sacred territorial part of the Fatherland. Each coral reef, grain of sand, branch of trees and blade of grass is imbued with sweat and blood of generations of the Vietnamese people. We respect the soldiers sacrifice and contribution to the nations unity and territorial integrity, he said. The delegation pays tribute to General Vo Nguyen Giap at his monument on Truong Sa islands. (Photo: VNA) Rear Admiral Phan Tuan Hung (second from left) meets withsoldiers and officers on mission on Truong Sa archipelago. (Photo: VNA) The delegation pays tribute to the fallen soldiers with incense and flowers. (Photo: VNA) VNA Gac Ma soldiers in the hearts of Vietnamese people The Gac Ma Veterans Liaison Committee and the Ba Don Art and Literature Association have held a ceremony in Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province, The number of people downloading and using Bluezone, a locally-made application to track down Covid-19, skyrocketed in Vietnam after the first several days of the latest Covid outbreak. Bluezone is considered the most effective technology solution for Covid-19 prevention and control in Vietnam at present. By 5pm, May 11, 32 million downloads of Bluezone apps had been recorded, according to statistics from the Department of Informatics (Ministry of Information and Communications). The number of Bluezone downloads increased by 131,000 compared to May 10, and 1.3 million compared to April 28, the start of the current Covid-19 wave. According to the Department of Informatics, out of a total of nearly 32 million downloads of Bluezone applications, the total number of downloaders who registered their phone numbers exceeded 20 million. These are good results for the prevention and control of epidemics in Vietnam, especially as Bluezone is currently one of the five recommended technology solutions to combat the spread of Covid-19. Da Nang, Hai Duong, Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City are the top 5 provinces in the country for the highest percentage of Bluezone users of the total population. There are 491,000 Bluezone users in Da Nang (accounting for 43.28% of the citys population). The figure is 676,000 people (39.65%) in Hai Duong and more than 3 million people (37.74%) in Hanoi. In Quang Ninh and HCM City, the figures are 470,600 people (35.64%) and 2.8 million people (31%), respectively. Tthe provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh, Dak Lak, Nghe An and Dien Bien are ranked at the bottom, with less than 14% of the total population. Bluezone has helped health authorities track thousands of suspected cases. As many as 17 positive cases were found thanks to Bluezone during the second outbreak in Hai Duong province in January 2021. For Bluezone, install on a smartphone and turn on Bluetooth and all contacts are recorded. Bluezone does not require personal information. This application only saves data on the user's device, does not save it on the server, and does not collect the location data. Bluezone only records that two people met at a time and for how long, but not the location. Bluezone users will also be anonymous thanks to the use of the ID code generated from the system. Bluezone users will be alerted early in case of exposure to an infected or suspected Covid-19 case. However, Bluezone applications can only be effective with the participation of the whole community. According to experts, to make Bluezone an effective tool, the proportion of people using the application must reach at least 60% of the adult population, or 50 million people in Vietnam. Trong Dat Vietnam uses high-tech solutions against Covid-19 Facing the complicated development of epidemic, many provinces have ordered local people to apply technology solutions such as filling out electronic medical declarations by scanning QR codes and installing the Covid-19 tracking app Bluezone. Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said that the current wave of Covid-19 in Vietnam is much more complicated than the previous ones and the new virus variant has spread in an unprecedented way. The 4th outbreak the latest occurred on April 27 and so far the number of locally-transmitted cases has reached nearly 600 cases across 26 provinces and cities. The remarkable feature of this wave is that it is much more complicated for three reasons. Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that the current outbreak is still under control. First, many pandemic hot spots were detected at the same time in Vinh Phuc, Da Nang, Bac Ninh and many other localities. Second, there are many sources of infection, from foreign experts who entered Vietnam for business, from the community, from hospitals and from hospitals to the community. Third, the virus strain this time is different from the previous waves. The current major outbreaks are mostly infected with the Indian variant which can spread rapidly. "If the British virus strain spreads 1.7 times faster than the old strains, the Indian variant is more infectious than the British strain, so epidemic prevention activities must be very urgent," Mr. Long said. Since the new wave, the Ministry of Health has been on a very high level of alarm. The ministry has taken many measures to stamp out the disease and has pursued a consistent strategy of mobilizing the entire political system, army, and people to participate in the fight against the epidemic. The Ministry has implemented the principle: detection, prevention, isolation and suppression of epidemic combined with testing and treatment solutions. At present, we have shifted to active attack, meaning that previously we focused on tracing potentially infectious cases, those who have close contact with Covid-19 patients. But this time we are focusing on large scale testing, especially for high-risk groups, Mr. Long said. In addition, Vietnam has developed different scenarios on Covid-19 prevention in order not to be passive in all situations. With the appearance of the Indian variant, the Ministry of Health decided to extend the concentrated quarantine period to 21 days instead of 14 days as before and increase the number of tests. The Ministry of Health has also asked provinces that have not had locally-transmitted cases to raise the alarm level and implement all disease prevention measures. All medical facilities are required to implement anti-epidemic measures at a higher level. Accordingly, they have to perform periodic screening tests for patients and patients family members, health workers, and strengthen testing in some high-risk areas such as the emergency recovery or hemodialysis wards. The Health Minister stressed that so far local governments are very confident in controlling the outbreak, and newly detected cases are mainly those are under quarantine or in isolated areas. Thuy Hanh The Vietnamese community in Laos are working with Lao authorities and people to overcome the current COVID-19 outbreak by raising funds and donating cash, necessities and medical supplies to the host country. A Vietnamese student in Laos has his sample taken in Vientiane. Lao medical staff in co-operation with the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane conducted COVID-19 testing on Vietnamese living and working in some areas. After learning about a number of Vietnamese in Laos getting infected with COVID-19, the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane has taken a range of measures to support the Vietnamese community in the country. The association has called on the Vietnamese community to stay calm amid the outbreak in Laos, while providing COVID-19 patients or those in quarantine with food and necessities. It has also co-ordinated with the Lao health ministry to open COVID-19 testing sites in the areas in Vientiane, where many Vietnamese are living. Vice Chairman of the association Le Anh Duc told Vietnam News Agency that the association has helped Vietnamese with medical declarations for contact tracing. If the situation gets worse, it will coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy to ask for permission to join the Lao National Taskforce for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to set up concentrated quarantine facilities for Vietnamese with high risk of infection, he said. Meanwhile, the embassy and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang have provided necessities for Vietnamese students in the host country. Vietnamese associations and their chapters in Laos have called for support for Vietnamese who are in difficulties due to COVID-19, and those under treatment and quarantine. A group of 35 Vietnamese doctors and caregivers left Vietnam on May 4 for Laos aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight to assist the nations fight against COVID-19. The groups mission is to support in testing, treatment, building of treatment hospitals, and training for use of Vietnamese-funded medical equipment. They will stay in Laos for between 15 and 17 days, which could be shortened or prolonged based on the circumstances. Expenses of their working trip are sourced from Vietnam's State budget. On May 5, Star Telecom (Unitel), a joint venture of Viettel in Laos, presented the Lao Government and people with more than 5 billion kip (US$538,000) in cash and technology solutions to improve the efficiency of COVID-19 prevention and control. Particularly, along with transferring over 500 million kip to the Lao Ministry of Health's steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control and over 1 billion kip to the bank accounts of frontline medical staff of Vientiane and Champasak and Luang Prabang provinces, Unitel assisted Laos Health Ministry in operating a national vaccination information system worth more than $200,000. Amid the complex developments of the pandemic, Lao medical staff in co-operation with the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane conducted COVID-19 testing on Vietnamese living and working in Thatluang, Naxay and Sisangvone wards and the area around the NUOL. Those showing symptoms will be placed in quarantine and receive treatment. Earlier on May 3, LaoVietBank, a joint venture between the two countries' banks, also presented the Health Ministry of Laos with medical supplies worth more than 100 million kip (over $10,000). Meanwhile, Vietnamese mining firm Sakai also handed over to Laos more than 208 million kip worth of cash, medical supplies and necessities. At the same time, Venerable Thich Minh Quang and Buddhist dignitaries and followers in Phat Tich Pagoda in Laos as well as the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane capital provided free meals at some charity facilities in Vientiane. Vietnams help highlighted in Lao newspaper An article on Vientiane Times praises Vietnam's support for Laos. VNA/VNS Photos Pham Kien Lao newspaper Vientiane Times recently highlighted Vietnams assistance for the country in the fight against COVID-19. The English language newspaper on May 6 reported that the Vietnamese Government had provided medical specialists and staff, funds and medical equipment worth billions of kip to help Laos contain the outbreak. The latest shipment of aid from Vietnam arrived in Vientiane on May 4 as Laos was struggling to contain the pandemic that forced Lao authorities to order a nationwide lockdown. The shipment included 2 million face masks, 10 tonnes of disinfectant and other materials, as well as more than 4.7 billion LAK ($500,000) in cash. The Vietnamese medical team includes experts in fields such as infection prevention and control, intensive care, epidemiology, and lab tests, the newspaper added. It reiterated that Vietnam had been an active provider of assistance to Laos to help the countrys fight against COVID-19 and had already provided a number of aid packages. On May 3, the Peoples Army of Vietnam sent four medical specialists and equipment to support Laos response to the outbreak. At the start of the pandemic, Vietnam provided similar assistance, delivering medical supplies worth more than 2 billion LAK (over $300,000). The shipment included 330,000 face masks, 1,000 sets of protective clothing and other essential equipment. Vientiane Times quoted Lao officials as saying that Vietnams assistance "has significantly contributed to efforts to prevent and control the spread of the coronavirus in Laos". As of Tuesday morning, Laos reported 1,327 positive cases of COVID-19. The positive test results were obtained after 4,429 samples were tested for the virus on May 9. Vientiane has recorded the highest overall number of infections, followed by Bokeo and Champassak. The outbreak has spread through 15 provinces, with only Attapeu, Xaysomboun and Huaphan remaining virus-free. Some 1,089 people are currently in hospitals around the country after testing positive for COVID-19. More than 3,352 people have been admitted to 45 quarantine centres and samples taken from them have been sent for COVID-19 tests, according to Vientiane Times. There has been one death so far, a 53-year-old Vietnamese woman who died in a hospital in Vientiane on Sunday. VNS Vietnam provides support for Laos in COVID-19 fight Vietnams assistance for Laos in the COVID-19 combat was handed over at a ceremony held at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane capital city on May 4 morning. Co ang Huyen Trang, giao vien truong THPT Chuyen Ha Noi - Amsterdam, goi y cach lam dang bai chiem 10% iem bai thi mon tieng Anh vao lop 10. Buoc 1: Hoc sinh can oc that ky cau goc truoc khi oc bat cu ap an nao va hay nho 2 meo quan trong nhat cua dang bai nay, o la: - Cau tra loi thuong se la mot phien ban su dung tu ong nghia voi cac tu cau goc. Do o, neu thay ap an nao co nhieu tu ong nghia voi cau goc, ban hay e y cau o hon mot chut vi co the la ap an ung. - Cau tra loi ung phai co u toan bo nhung mau thong tin nho cua cau goc. Vi du, cau goc co tu "me" thi ap an phai co mot trong nhung tu lien quan nhu "I" hoac "me" hoac "my" hoac "mine". Buoc 2: Phan tich cau goc, tim nhung yeu to sau: - Chu ngu, cac danh tu khac co lien quan. - Thi cua cau. - Thong iep truyen tai. Buoc 3: Xet 4 ap an ua ra theo hang doc: ap an se phai la mot cau tuong ung ve thi, chu ngu trung voi cau goc hoac phai la mot danh tu lien quan o cau tren, thong iep tuong tu. Nhung cau tra loi gay nhieu cung co mot vai thong tin cua cau goc, nhung thuong se trai han nghia, hoac thieu sot mot thong tin, hoac ua ra mot thong tin moi han. Vi du: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to each of the following questions. Question 46: They arrived too late to get good seats. A. They had to stand for the whole show. B. They got good seats some time after they arrived. C. As they got there too late, there were no good seats left. D. Although they were late, they found some good seats. Cau 46: Ho a en qua muon nen khong the co cho ngoi ep. Buoc 1: Phan tich cau goc: - Chu ngu "They", co danh tu "seats". - Thi qua khu on. - Thong iep: Nguyen nhan-ket qua (en muon la het cho). Buoc 2: Phan tich 4 ap an Cau A: Co noi dung moi (had to stand: phai ung) -> sai. Cau B: Thong tin trai nguoc hoan toan (found some good seats: Tim uoc cho ngoi tot) -> sai. Cau C: Co tu "As" (boi vi)-> ung thong iep nguyen nhan ket qua-> ung. Cau D: Thong tin trai nguoc hoan toan (had to stand: phai ung) -> sai. Vi du: Question 48: Peters main subject at university is electronics. A. Peter thinks electronics is a special subject. B. Peter majors in electronics at university. C. The university lets Peter major in electronics. D. Electronics is among the subjects that Peter likes. Cau 48: Mon hoc chinh cua Peter o truong ai hoc la mon ien. Buoc 1: Phan tich cau goc - Chu ngu "Mon hoc chinh", co cac danh tu "Peter, university, electronics". - Thi hien tai on. - Thong iep: Mon hoc chinh la mon ien. Buoc 2: Phan tich 4 ap an Cau A: Sai thong iep (special subject: mon ac biet), cau goc la "mon chinh"-> sai. Cau B: Co tu "major" (chuyen nganh, gan nghia voi tu "main") -> ung. Cau C: Chu ngu la "truong", sai thong iep: truong e Peter hoc mon nay -> sai. Cau D: Chua co thong iep chinh cua cau goc -> sai. Bai luyen tap Bai1: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to each of the following questions. Question 1: Its difficult for me to understand what he implies. A. I find it difficult to understand what he really means. B. Understanding what he implies is found difficult. C. What he implies is not very difficult to understand. D. To understand what he really means is difficult to find. Question 2: I could not get the job because I did not speak English well. A. I would have spoken English well if I could get that job. B. I wish I had got the job so that I could speak English well. C. Despite my poor English, I was successful in the job. D. I failed to get the job because of my poor English. Question 3: A small hotel was the only choice of place to stay at during my trip to London. A. I had different choices of where to stay during my trip to London. B. I had no alternative but to stay at a small hotel during my trip to London. C. There were a lot of hotels for me to choose from during my trip to London. D. I was talked into staying at a small hotel during my trip to London. Question 4: Smoking is an extremely harmful habit. You should give it up immediately. A. As smoking is an extremely harmful habit, you should give it up immediately. B. You should give up smoking immediately and you will fall into an extremely harmful habit. C. When you give up smoking immediately, you will affect your health with this harmful habit. D. Stop your smoking immediately so it will become one of your extremely harmful habits. Question 5: I did not dare to turn on the television. I was afraid of waking the baby up. A. I did not dare to turn on the television for fear of waking up the baby. B. Waking the baby up, I could not continue watching the television. C. I decided not to turn on the television in order to wake the baby up. D. I decided to turn the television down to avoid waking the baby up. Question 6: Tim broke his arm and couldnt battle in the final. A. If Tim didnt break his arm, he could battle in the final. B. If Tim hadnt broken his arm, he could battle in the final now. C. Tim couldnt battle in the final due to his broken arm. D. But for his broken arm, Tim couldnt have played in the final. Question 7: "I agree that I am narrow-minded," said the manager. A. The manager denied being narrow-minded. B. The manager admitted being narrow-minded. C. The manager refused to be narrow-minded. D. The manager promised to be narrow-minded. Question 8: I was astonished that he knew a lot about Vietnamese food. A. I was astonished at his poor knowledge of Vietnamese food. B. That he knew a lot about Vietnamese food amazed me. C. I knew very little about Vietnamese food, which astonished him. D. It surprised me that Vietnamese food was what he liked most. Question 9: He did not work hard. He failed the exam. A. Unless he had worked hard, he would have failed the exam. B. Even though he failed the exam, he didnt work hard. C. If he had worked hard, he would have passed the exam. D. However hard he worked, he failed the exam. Question 10: Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies. Her classmates appreciate her. A. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, but they appreciate her. B. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, yet they appreciate her. C. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, so they appreciate her. D. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, or they appreciate her. ap an: 1. A 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. B 9. C 10. C Co se in am nhung tu/cum tu ong nghia o cau goc va cau ap an ung e cac em de kiem chung: Question 1: Its difficult for me to understand what he implies. A. I find it difficult to understand what he really means. B. Understanding what he implies is found difficult. C. What he implies is not very difficult to understand. D. To understand what he really means is difficult to find. Question 2: I could not get the job because I did not speak English well. A. I would have spoken English well if I could get that job. B. I wish I had got the job so that I could speak English well. C. Despite my poor English, I was successful in the job. D. I failed to get the job because of my poor English. Question 3: A small hotel was the only choice (lua chon duy nhat) of place to stay at during my trip to London. A. I had different choices of where to stay during my trip to London. B. I had no alternative (khong co phuong an nao khac) but to stay at a small hotel during my trip to London. C. There were a lot of hotels for me to choose from during my trip to London. D. I was talked into staying at a small hotel during my trip to London. Question 4: Smoking is an extremely harmful habit. You should give it up immediately ->nguyen nhan ket qua. A. As smoking is an extremely harmful habit, you should give it up immediately. B. You should give up smoking immediately and you will fall into an extremely harmful habit. C. When you give up smoking immediately, you will affect your health with this harmful habit. D. Stop your smoking immediately so it will become one of your extremely harmful habits. Question 5: I did not dare to turn on the television. I was afraid of waking the baby up. A. I did not dare to turn on the television for fear of waking up the baby. B. Waking the baby up, I could not continue watching the television. C. I decided not to turn on the television in order to wake the baby up. D. I decided to turn the television down to avoid waking the baby up. Question 6: Tim broke his arm and couldnt battle in the final -> nguyen nhan ket qua. A. If Tim didnt break his arm, he could battle in the final. B. If Tim hadnt broken his arm, he could battle in the final now. C. Tim couldnt battle in the final due to (do vi) his broken arm. D. But for his broken arm, Tim couldnt have played in the final. Question 7: "I agree (toi ong y) that I am narrow-minded", said the manager. A. The manager denied being narrow-minded. B. The manager admitted (thua nhan) being narrow-minded. C. The manager refused to be narrow-minded. D. The manager promised to be narrow-minded. Question 8: I was astonished that he knew a lot about Vietnamese food. A. I was astonished at his poor knowledge of Vietnamese food. B. That he knew a lot about Vietnamese food amazed me. C. I knew very little about Vietnamese food, which astonished him. D. It surprised me that Vietnamese food was what he liked most. Question 9: He did not work hard. He failed the exam. A. Unless he had worked hard, he would have failed the exam. B. Even though he failed the exam, he didnt work hard. C. If he had worked hard, he would have passed the exam. D. However hard he worked, he failed the exam. Question 10: Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies. Her classmates appreciate her -> nguyen nhan ket qua. A. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, but they appreciate her. B. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, yet they appreciate her. C. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, so (vi vay) they appreciate her. D. Mai usually helps her classmates with their studies, or they appreciate her. ang Huyen Trang The 25-year-old was shot once in the buttocks and the 24-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg as the pair stood in the 4800 block of West Quincy Street in South Austin around 12:35 a.m., police said in a statement. They saw smoke between the trees, Merritt said. They rolled toward the building, and they saw it was indeed a fire, he said, adding it hadnt even been called in to them yet. Guzman Rivas became the best-known detainee at the jail last year due to media coverage of her a high school student facing possible deportation. She is free on bond as part of a case that began in 2018, when she and her father waded across the Rio Grande at Laredo, Texas, where they were taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. mixetto/Getty Images En espanol | As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19 and employers wrestle with how to reopen their offices, employees are finding they have mixed feelings about going back, especially older adults who may have underlying health conditions or other safety concerns. While some workers will welcome the opportunity to reconnect in person with coworkers, others may want to keep working from home at least part time after the pandemic. "As we attempt to restore a sense of normalcy, COVID-19 has greatly impacted our sense of socialization. This will definitely filter into the workplace as many are returning into the office from the comforts of their home, says Shanee M. Hunter, founder of HR Philosophy, an Oak Lawn, Illinois, human resources consulting firm. As employers make decisions about the best ways to return to the office, one thing is certain: It won't be the same as it used to be. Here are 9 ways your office could change when you go back. 1. Enhanced safety measures Most workplaces will have enhanced COVID-19 safety measures in place to keep the risk of infection as low as possible, Hunter says. That may include requiring vaccine records, using apps to report symptoms or checking workers temperatures. It's likely that many offices will require masks or some other kind of personal protective equipment. Be sure to ask your employer about their safety protocols, and don't be afraid to seek help if you're having trouble with any new technology being introduced, Hunter says. Your workplace may also provide extra cleaning and sanitizing products and do deeper cleaning on a regular basis. Employers are also being advised to ensure that their ventilation is adequate and upgrade systems if necessary. (So it might be a good idea to bring a sweater.) 2. Staggered scheduling One of the biggest takeaways of the past year is how many jobs can be done remotely. And employees are going to want to have that option, Hunter says. As a result, the office is likely to be less crowded than it used to be, with a significant number of employees working from home on any given day, she says. So-called hybrid workplaces will be the norm, both to meet employee preferences and to help companies abide by social distancing practices. Employees may be assigned days to work in the office, or they may get to choose what two or three days a week they want to come in. Others may remain remote, if that option is available. 3. Movable office furniture The open office floor plan saw some backlash before the pandemic, but it's likely not going anywhere soon, says Rachel Zsembery, vice president of Bergmeyer, a workplace design firm based in Boston and Los Angeles. Employers will be using those open spaces to maintain social distancing by moving cubicles and workstations farther away from one another, she says. In addition, offices may invest in furniture that can be moved, both to form small collaboration areas and to accommodate employees who have different comfort levels with being around others. And in some of those confined spaces, the perceived risk is still really, really high, no matter what the actual risk really is, Zsembery says. Employers will need to arrange offices to help all employees feel safer, regardless of their comfort levels. 4. Revolving workstations Because fewer employees are likely to be in the office, employers may also take a different approach to workstations, such as offices and desks, says Susan Dwyer, principal at H. Hendy, a workplace design firm based in Newport Beach, California. That means employees may have more choice about exactly where in the office they work. Another change we are seeing in the workplace is that more and more companies are requesting free-address workstations and offices that are not assigned and will need to be booked through an app, she says. So you may work at one workstation on Monday and another when you return to the office on Thursday. The PIN-PEN merger, where words like "pen", "Lenin", and "hem" sound like "pin," "linen," and "him," is one of the most ubiquitous mergers in American English - but it only started spreading a century ago. Its expansion has been silent, as entire regions of the United States acquire the merger while avoiding societal scrutiny. Today we'll be taking a look at this common merger and the history behind its appearance, its spread, and how it's regarded. What is the PIN-PEN merger? Most dialects of English pronounce words spelled with 'in' differently from word spelled 'en'. This means that "pin" and "pen" aren't homophones, and "ten" and "in" don't rhyme. But some dialects of English pronounce them so that they sound the same. Usually, the 'en' sounds sound more like the 'in' sound. You can hear the difference in the following example. The first audio clip is 'when' pronounced with 'en'. When [wn] The second audio clip is 'when' as spoken by someone with the merger. It sounds like 'win.' Whin [wn] Who has it? The PIN-PEN merger is most commonly found among speakers of Southern English. You can hear it in people with strong Southern accents, such as Charlie Daniels (Wilmington, North Carolina), but you can also hear it in people who grew up in the South and otherwise speak General American, like YouTuber Lindsay Ellis (Tennessee). Johnny said, "Devil, just come on back If you ever want to try agin I done told you once you son of a bitch I'm the best that's ever been Well fortunately, I have literally never sinned, so condimn away I shall. Another large group with the merger is speakers of African American Vernacular English. They themselves can be Southern, but they can also be from other regions. Janelle Monae (Kansas City, Kansas), Kanye West (Chicago, Illinois), and Nicki Minaj (born in Trindad, raised in New York, New York) are not from the South, but they all have the PIN-PEN merger. (Not all African American English speakers have the PIN-PEN merger, though, especially if they live outside the South!) Janelle Monae: I worked with Prince ... as a mintor Nintindo, and we in the ind zone [...] like we in the frind zone Okay, get your kids, but then they got their frinds I pulled up in the Benz, they all got up in We all went to din' (dinner) Although the PIN-PEN merger usually leans in favor of 'PIN', sometimes it can actually lean in favor of 'PEN.' A great example of this is Emily Procter, an actress born and raised in North Carolina, who portrays Ainsley Hayes, a character also from North Carolina. Notice how she pronounces "Pinafore" as "Penafore": Your browser does not support HTML5. "'He is an Englishman' is from H.M.S. P[]nafore [...] they're all about duty... then it's p[]nafore." Here's a Western example from the show Gravity Falls, that we used earlier in the article. You can hear Colorado native, Kristen Schaal, use the PIN-PEN merger when she says "when" like "win." Contrast this with Los Angeles native Jason Ritter, who uses an un-merged "when." Dipper: Wh[]n are we? Mabel: The real question is, wh[]n are we? Where did the PIN-PEN merger come from? Vivian Brown (1991) argues that the PIN-PEN merger may have originated in English speech patterns. Historically, there were rural Southern Irish varieties with the merger - a feature that may date back to seventeenth century English. It's possible that this is the source of the merger in the Southern United States. Although most Irish emigrants from the 1800s settled in the Northeastern United States, many Irish Catholics settled in the large cities of the Southeastern United States (e.g. Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans). The PIN-PEN merger is now sharply recessive in Irish speech. I have found two examples of Irish English speakers with the PIN-PEN merger: a man from Kerry and a woman from Limerick. (0:30) The price has gone up agin. - A man from Kerry. (Source, Irish English Resource Centre) (0:20) The price has gone up agin. - A woman from Limerick. (Source, Irish English Resource Centre) I listened to several contemporary videos of old South Ireland farmers to try to find examples of the merger, but couldn't find any examples. This is mostly due to not understanding the dialect and not having a transcript. However, it is delightful to listen to these accents so I'm going to link to them anyway - if you're studying Irish English, they may be interesting to you! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. So it's plausible that Irish English was the source of this feature in American English. When do we start finding references to it? The actual appearance of the PIN-PEN merger in the US isn't clear. Paul Longmore reports that colonial Americans said "ingine instead of engine, and yis instead of yes" (so maybe all 'eh' words were changed to 'ih'), meaning they may have already been a very early PIN-PEN merger from the beginning of colonization. Meanwhile, the PIN-PEN merger in the United States appears to have started in the American South in the 1800s (Brown). (This means any portrayal of Thomas Jefferson or any other antebellum slaveowner as having the pin-pen merger is ahistorical - but if you want to know what they may have actually sounded like, check out my article on Founding Fathers English.) We don't know if the merger originated in white populations (from Irish immigrants) and spread to black populations, or if it developed independently in black populations and spread to white populations, or even if it was developed independently in both populations, but the end result is that both Black and White Southern Americans ended up acquiring this merger. The PIN-PEN merger does not appear to have been universal at the time. This testimonial from a former slave does not have the PIN-PEN merger. Slave owner Rebecca Latimer, born in Georgia in 1835, also did not have the merger (video here). Moreover, a study of Confederate soldiers who escaped to Brazil and had an enclave of English also provides some interesting clues. The descendants of those soldiers still spoke English, but it didn't sound Southern at all - among other things, it had no PIN-PEN merger. The PIN-PEN merger may have only been occasional in the South in the 1800s, but by the 1900s it started spreading. Bailey and Maynor (1989) say the merger "began in the last part of the nineteenth century and worked its way to completion during the last half century [1900-1950]." Beginning in 1916 and lasting up until 1970, African Americans began migrating in large numbers out of the South and to the Northeast, the Midwest, or the West. This group would have possibly still had the PIN-PEN merger, which would explain why speakers of African American Vernacular English outside of the South can still have the PIN-PEN merger. In the early 21st century, the PIN-PEN merger remains widespread among the South and variably in the African American diaspora. Curiously, there are isolated examples of the PIN-PEN merger happening in the West and Midwest. This could be a result of Southern transplants moving to the West, but it could also be an independent development. Why does the PIN-PEN merger happen The most important thing to notice about the pin-pen merger is that it only happens before nasals. This means that "pit" and "pet" are unaffected by the merger. Only "n" and "m" are really affected, since there are not many words ending in "eng". There are multiple acoustic explanations for why the PIN-PEN merger happened. One of them is that vowels that appear before nasal consonants tend to be nasalized, and this affects production and perception of the vowel. This could have facilitated the merger happening. Another explanation is that PIN and PEN do not actually merge to PIN, but to a vowel between PIN and PEN that most people categorize as PIN - a result of both nasalization and of /i/ vowels being lowered and /e/ vowels being raised in Southern English. (Source 1, Source 2). The pin-pen merger also doesn't have to be absolute; you can find examples of people who only have it in certain words. An anecdotal example is a friend of mine who pronounces "when" as "win" and once offered me some "Fancy Jims." When I asked her what a Fancy Jim was, she pointed to a bag that said "Fancy Gems." She denies having said "Jims," perhaps because for the most part she does not have the merger. Effects of the pin-pen merger The pin-pen merger affects a large number of commonly used words, yet it rarely seems to comprehend intelligibility. The most common mixup, appropriately, is between "pin" and "pen." I had an encounter once where I asked two store attendants where the "pens" were and one directed me towards the "pens," but the other directed me towards the aisle with pins. The second store attendant not only had the merger, but wasn't able to tell "pen" and "pin" apart in speech. The first store attendant told her "no, those are pins, she's looking for pens, like to write with." When I've spoken to people who have the complete merger, they tend to be surprised that anyone distinguishes between "pin" and "pen" and say they had never really noticed it before. This is common among people with certain types of mergers that don't attract much attention. An example from a Language Log commenter: I currently work in Chicago but I'm from South Texas. My boss seems to get a real kick out of my pronunciation of the word "pen". We have to go to him for supplies and he always make me repeat myself whenever I ask for one and laughs incessantly. He says that I pronounce the word "pen" is funny. My ignorance must shine through because although I've tried to understand the "sound" difference between "pin" and "pen", I just can't. You write with a "pen", you stick something to the wall with a "pin". He states that I say "pin" when I should say "pen". When back home in Texas, when asked for a "pen", I've never given someone a "pin" or the other way around. So I don't understand how he hears a difference. That being said, when people become aware of the pin-pen merger, it can become a source of mockery, as this author shows. I recall reading an article (now unfortunately lost) about a college student from Oklahoma who went out of state for college, and who was made fun of for multiple Southernisms. His classmates purported to "teach him" how to speak "properly." One of the differences he had to learn was between "pin" and "pen." (Another one was to say "milk" instead of "malk.") The pin-pen merger opens up a number of rhyme, pun, and joke possibilities that aren't possible if you distinguish pin-pen. The following are some examples: "Ken, which is Nick backwards" - Griffin, Episode 419 of podast My Brother, My Brother, and Me 11:55pm I'm trying to figure out why haven't Wendy's made a commercial saying "Hold on to your wigs because it is very Wendy out here" Marilyn MonHOE (@CupcakKe_rapper) January 22, 2018 I can be a piece of sunshine, inner peace, inner-tainer (entertainer) Rocket, Beyonce The Ind Isn't Near The PIN-PEN merger doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon and may even spread to other American dialects. But it doesn't seem like it's going to affect every dialect of American English. As has been mentioned on this blog and on practically every article about linguistics, language change is inevitable, and that sometimes includes mergers. The PIN-PEN merger is an example of how language change can happen right under our noses and both the people affected and those not can be unaware of it. The world didn't end and the English language was not split in two; now one side just has to mention when they talk about an ink pen or a sewing pin. It's a harmless difference that has also opened up a number of interesting artistic and comedic avenues. Do you have the PIN-PEN merger? Were you aware of it before reading this article? Have you ever tried learning to distinguish between the two? And if you don't have the merger, do you notice it in those who have it? What are some cases when there's been a mixup due to the merger? References According to the indictment, Thompsons first loan from Washington Federal for $110,000 was issued in November 2011, in the form of a check payable to a law firm as Thompsons capital contribution. Thompson signed a note promising to pay the money back, but according to the charges he made only one payment on it the following February and never paid off the rest. Sitting in a stark room dressed in blue prison garb, Gacho seemed bemused by the technology of the Zoom hearing. After the judge told him she was going to put him into a breakout room with his attorney, Gacho turned to a guard who was standing off screen and barked, Ted! Judge wants me to click join or some (expletive)? OROVILLE, Calif. - Businesses like Celestino's in Oroville were especially happy to hear they won't have to require customers to wear a mask come June 15. Joe Buck is the general manager at Celestinos. He said he believes this will actually help the business and bring in more people. He said he is not too worried about this leading to another surge in Coronavirus cases. RELATED: California governor says mask mandate to end after June 15 "Now I would say if you are scared of an influx then stay home or those people who are at risk just stay in and doing the curbside stuff, Buck said. We are doing all that we can to accommodate people but are also ready to get back to some sense of normalcy." Buck said over the last month he has seen customers slowly stop wearing their masks and won't make people put one on. He said the restaurant will continue to not require people to wear a mask inside the restaurant come June 15th. California has required people to wear a mask since June 18, 2020. Butte County Public Health said it has not received official word from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that the mask mandate will be lifted on June 15. Therefore, the county will continue to follow all guidelines and directives from CDPH. CHICO, Calif. - California has declared extreme drought conditions in 73% of the state. This means livestock pastures dry out and crops bloom too early, a loss of potential hydropower energy and fire season lasts year-round. In Butte County, farmers are already worried as they hunker down for another dry season. This drought is a little more worrisome than the ones we have had in the past because it is so sudden and so severe, said Lee Heringer, PCA at M&T Chico Ranch. "The ones we have had in the past kind of came on slow and then lingered for five years or so. With surface water drying up, Heringer told Action News Now he and other farmers are depending more on groundwater. As far as our groundwater tables, we have pretty good groundwater, said Heringer. Our groundwater tables are actually able to replenish themselves. Rice production in Butte County is still taking a hit from the drought. We normally have 90 to 100,000 acres of rice planted, but I think it is going to be less this year, said Louie Mendoza from the Butte County Agriculture Commission. Orchards are drying out quicker because of the lack of rain and snow. Farmers started the irrigation period a lot earlier than a given year in order to keep their crops afloat. Heringer told Action News Now they are watching soil moisture levels very closely to make sure they are not overwatering any trees. This is where he found success in the 2015 drought, and he hopes this practice will continue to help now. RELATED: California expands drought emergency to large swath of state When it comes to water bills, California Water said people will not see an increase just yet. We are going into this drought with about 30% less usage from our customers than we had in 2013, said George Barber, Oroville and Chico District Manager for Cal Water. Thats a big help going into our second drought. During a similar drought in 2015, Cal Water did not impose an across-the-board surcharge. "We implemented individualized water budgets for each of our customers based off of their own historical water use, said Yvonne Kingman, from Cal Water. There would be a surcharge if they exceeded the water budget." Barber said the best thing people can do right now is to continue to conserve as much as possible. "Manage your irrigation outside, said Barber. Self-regulate and take some research into your plants, and what kind of water demands they really have." Low snowpack and water storage levels were not the only thing to trigger the 2015 drought declaration. It was because it was the fourth dry year in a row. The California Public Utilities Commission told Action News Now in a statement that since the state is currently under voluntary conservation, rate increases are not being considered at this time. RELATED: A dry Lake Oroville is causing worry about the summer boating season The drought is also causing more areas to catch on fire than usual. Captain John Gaddie from CAL FIRE Butte County told Action News Now that they are not too worried about obtaining water to put out fires because of their loyal water tenders. These are trucks that carry water to fire locations. Most of these tenders are volunteers and they have already jumped into action to help CAL FIRE with these early season fires. Gaddie said the only concern with getting water to fires might be for the helicopters. They use private ponds or private ranches that they locate from the air, and those might not necessarily be there as they have been in years past, said Gaddie. Our helicopters will find another water source to put water on the fire. The helicopters have a lot of different reservoir sources around here and can even dip in the Sacramento River. Gaddie said the drought has a bigger impact on fire fuels than it does on getting water. For more information about how to save water, visit California Water Service's website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has addressed vaccine safety concerns head-on, by creating transparency in communicating their findings. Anxiety that the vaccines have only been approved under emergency use authorization are being allayed by the more than 250 million doses already administered in the U.S., with high effectiveness achieved and few adverse side effects. Moreover, both Pfizer and Moderna are in the process of seeking full FDA approval for their vaccines. Given that such approval may occur prior to the beginning of the fall semester, proactively requiring students to be vaccinated today would smooth out the surge in demand in August. PARADISE, Calif. - Paradise is growing fast and now there are numbers to prove it. From data gathered by the states department of finance, in January 2020, Paradise had a population of 4,608. But in January of this year, 6,046 people now live there. That is a nearly 31% increase in only one year. Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder says they are one of the fastest growing communities in California. He told Action News Now that they are working hard on getting businesses back, planning for the new sewer and continuing tree removal. At the end of the day, Crowder knows that this community cant be beat. It doesnt surprise me, he said. We are coming back. I think we are going to have a quicker recovery than anybody gave us credit for. Dont tell this town it cant do something because its going to prove you wrong. He also said that the town is up over 800 houses with certificates of occupancy. Some future projects in the area include a potential new brewery on Skyway, a distillery, improved school infrastructure and much more. Mayor Steve Crowder said he hopes to see another 31% increase next year. According to the new findings of the Ipsos Essentials global fortnightly survey, at least 90 per cent of urban Indians polled said they were ready for the Corona Virus Vaccine jab. Ipsos Essentials is a syndicated fortnightly survey conducted by Ipsos in 16 countries of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the UK and the US. The study also shows 30% of urban Indians are looking to postpone their big-ticket purchases; 80 per cent urban Indians sense things in the country are out of control (up from 62% in 2020). Indians are prioritizing their own and families health and 88% urban Indians have bought some nutritional supplements/ vitamins/ probiotics in the last 2 weeks. And 23% perceive even a large risk in going to grocery stores. According to Archana Gupta, Executive Director, Market Strategy and Understanding (MSU), Ipsos India, Ipsos Essentials monitors how people across the globe navigate the new rules of engagement and the resulting impact on state of mind, state of wallet and future intentions. Peoples willingness to get inoculated, in itself is a good sign. The vaccine is the most protective sheath for everyone, from the virus. And of course, the immunity building supplements and food options. "Marketers in the key sectors of OTC and Healthcare, eCommerce, Packaged F&B, other FMCG, Tobacco and Alcobev, Travel and Retail will find consumer insights useful in the Ipsos Essentials fortnightly survey, says Krishnendu Dutta, Group Service Line Leader, MSU and Innovation, Ipsos India. India tops in Corona Virus Concern Urban Indians are most concerned about the corona virus and its impact on health, across 16 markets, with at least 75% of the urban Indians polled voicing their concern. Other issues bothering them included, economy and finances (12%), political, social, inequality and environment/ climate change (5%). Global citizens were concerned about COVID19 (51%), economy and finances (24%), political and social inequality (14%) and environment/ climate change (8%). There are significant dips in positive emotions like optimism, enthusiasm and excitement in the recent rounds of Essentials. Fear is increasing as a response. A lot now depends on the execution and speed of vaccination efforts, and the government may quickly restore consumer confidence if that happens. The pace of recovery in sentiments and a sense of wellbeing, along with the economy are dependent on this crucial parameter in the months ahead, adds Dutta. Colors Tamil, the youngest GEC of Tamil Nadu, is set to entice its audience with yet another gripping movie this weekend. As a part of its Movie of the Month collection, the channel brings to screen, the World Television Premiere of Nayantharas most appreciated crime flick, Nee Enge En Anbe. Directed by renowned director Sekhar Kammula, the film also features celebrated actors, Vaibhav Reddy, Pasupathy, Harshvardhan Rane and Naresh. Tune into Colors Tamil, this Sunday, 16th May, 2021 at 2 PM and repeat at 5 PM to watch this gripping movie that promises to make your weekend thrilling and exciting. Nee Enge En Anbe, which hit the theatres in 2014 is a reimagined narrative of acclaimed director Sujoy Ghosh's impactful movie, Kahaani. The film traces the life of an IT professional Anamika (played by Nayantara), who arrives at Hyderabad in pursuit of her missing husband, with the help of a police officer Sarathy (Played by Vaibhav). Things take an alluring spin when some startling evidence about Aanamika's husband comes out in the open. The movie further twirls around how Aanamika amongst all of these clues and puzzling happening, finds her husband. Get ready to witness a colossal of mysteries unravel this Sunday, by tuning into Nee Enge En Anbe only on Colors Tamil on 16th May, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Colors Tamil is available on all leading cable networks and DTH platforms - Sun Direct (CH NO 128), Tata Sky (CHN NO 1515), Airtel (CHN NO 763), Dish TV (CHN NO 1808) and Videocon D2H (CHN NO 553). Viewers can also tune in to VOOT any time to see them at their convenience. Garage Worldwide, the digital and design arm of Famous Innovations, has appointed Manish Arora as Head of Business. Manish has been in the business for more than 20 years, working with brands like Videocon, Pantaloons, Gitanjali Jewels & Lifestyle, MACHO Innerwear, Goa Tourism, Punjab Tourism, Rajasthan Tourism & Uttaranchal Tourism, SBI, LIC, Reliance Broadcast, Zee International, Godrej Agrovet, Ministry of Agriculture & Food Processing, Mattel Toys (Hot Wheels, Scrabble, UNO), Asian Paints, etc across agencies like Quadrant, Ogilvy Mumbai, Percept and Saints & Warriors. He started his own firm Zebras Consulting a few years ago and was successfully leading the SBI brand. At Garage, his main mandate will be growth and technology specialisation. Arora commented, "Garage brings with it the perfect blend of creative spark, technological innovation and media expertise. There is so much potential in all these areas in India and we may be at the tipping point of Indias digital explosion right now. The last year has really shown us the true power of digital, and Im excited about harnessing that power at Garage Worldwide. Raj Kamble, Founder & CCO, Garage Worldwide, added, "Manishs diverse experience, including being an entrepreneur himself, make him the perfect fit for the culture at Garage. He brings a great balance of business, strategy and creative fervor to the table, and with him we look forward to taking our digital journey to the next level. Garage Worldwide is an award-winning Digital and Design agency. Its clients include Cipla, Times Group, Columbia Pacific Communities, Haier, Taneira Sarees, Vadilal Ice-creams, Anarock Realty, Communiti Brewery, Supr Daily, etc. WPP's Grey has promoted Javier Campopiano, its chief creative officer Europe and creative chairman U.K., to the new role of global creative partner. The move effectively makes Campopiano the number two creative within Grey, where he will report to Worldwide Chief Creative Officer John Patroulis, and adding responsibilities for Asia to his European remit. It's the latest elevation within the WPP ranks for the Argentinean creative, who joined Grey from FCB Mexico in the summer of 2019. Prior to that, he was at Saatchi & Saatchi New York, where he created the Its a Tide Ad Super Bowl campaign for Tide in 2018, winning a Cannes Grand Prix. Campopiano will be based in Madrid, where he has spent most of the past year, and will work out of what the agency is calling a borderless studio, consisting of creative talent across different territories. Since he took charge at Grey Europe with a mission to elevate its creativity, Campopiano has overseen campaigns including Pringles' Meet Frank work in which the brand took charge of a zombie character from a videogame for two weeks to become a real character in its ads, as well as Carlsberg's campaign featuring Mads Mikkelsen. Javier is a deeply talented creative and leader, Patroulis said in a statement. And this role takes great advantage of both. He was already impacting the work in London and on global clients, this will allow him to impact even morefrom the work, to the talent, to the business itself. Havas, one of the worlds largest advertising and communications groups, has partnered with global creative production agency Wellcom Worldwide to launch Havas Studios: a new, integrated global production business spanning the full range of content production capabilities. The partnership agreement, which will see employees from both businesses transferred into the new entity and revenue shared between the two, will be headquartered in London and led by Havas UK Chief Operating Officer Paul Ward, who takes on the new title of Global CEO, Havas Studios. He will be supported by an executive committee comprising both Havas and Wellcom senior executives. It will see the creation of a micro-network of integrated content studios, first in London, New York, Chicago and Kuala Lumpur, followed by further studios across Europe, Australia, China, India, Latin America and the West Coast of the US. Built as a creative boutique, technology-first business, the new production model will bring together existing and newly built studios, backed up by a low-cost offering based in Kuala Lumpur affording each worldwide location the ability to create quality content at scale. Wellcoms proprietary, cloud-based Knowledgewell suite comprising marketing resource management, campaign management, digital asset management and overall studio workflow will sit at the heart of every studio, allowing teams to collaborate across the globe in real time through streamlined processes, standards and tools, all under one P&L. With specialist content studios based within key Havas Village locations around the world, Havas Studios capabilities will span film, audio, print, photographic and digital content production, encompassing content origination talent and a wide range of post-production facilities, as well as dedicated teams supporting the integrated delivery of retail and eCommerce platform-ready content. Yannick Bollore, CEO Havas Group, comments: Building better brand experiences means rethinking how content is managed. Now that digital is fully integrated into everything we do, it is contents turn to become an organic part of our approach. By partnering with Wellcom we are now able to provide our clients with the best production capabilities in the industry. The deal also strengthens our ties with Wellcoms mother company Innocean, with whom we have a long and fruitful history. Chris Hirst, Global CEO Havas Creative, says: We know that its no longer enough to just make better ads all clients, from the smallest to the biggest global brands now need smarter, more agile, more bespoke and more cost-effective solutions. This new, global micro-network of studios, launching today but very much with the future in mind, doesnt just allow us to go toe-to-toe with anyone, but offers clients an innovative, technology-first solution they genuinely cant find anywhere else. Paul Ward, Global CEO Havas Studios, adds: The global pandemic threw everything up in the air and Havas Studios puts the Havas network in a great place as things start to come back down. This launch accelerates the ongoing transformation of our agencies to become businesses which make far more of the work that they previously only managed. Alongside Wellcom, weve created a technology first, plug and play content business. We are leapfrogging the competition. Wayne Sidwell, Global CEO at Wellcom Worldwide adds: When we first started speaking to Havas about the launch of Havas Studios, we knew that this was an exciting opportunity that we had to take forward. Paul, Chris and I knew that we had a really unique opportunity, to pull together Havas strategy, creative and production origination with our technology platform and large-scale delivery model Its an incredibly enviable model and Im very excited to see the business continue to develop over the next few years. Meraqi Digital, the independent digital marketing consultancy and service providing agency based out of Kolkata has bagged the digital marketing mandate of Indias leading homegrown toy brand, OK Play. As part of the mandate, the agency will be responsible in managing and enhancing the brands digital properties, which include website, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram along with SEO, SEM and media buying. Founded in 1990 in India, OK Play is a homegrown brand believing in the Make in India initiative with entire production carried out in India. It manufactures indoor and outdoor play equipment, school furniture as well as preventive healthcare products completely in India. OK Play consistently endeavours to adhere by their core values Design excellence, the highest quality standards at par with the worlds finest and meticulous attention to detail. Speaking on the new account win, Ankit Saraf, Founder of Meraqi Digital said, OK Play is entirely Indian driven brand, and with the Made in India sentiment very high at the moment, its a great opportunity for us to provide them with suitable solutions to increase their digital presence. Our goal remains to amplify their products and make their presence felt in the correct audience. Associating with OK Play is a great opportunity for us as with this new client, we can offer our services in the B2C sector as well. We have worked extensively in the B2B segment, and we look forward to expanding our offerings. Digital is a rapidly evolving industry, and we hope that this alliance would take their brand to newer heights, added Snehja Sanganeria, Co-Founder, Meraqi Digital. After evaluating and trying several agencies, we decided to partner with Meraqi Digital. The team is hands on with all tasks and the founders themselves are involved in every small aspect in order to deliver the required result. We wish them all the best for all future endeavours and look forward to our association, said Rishab Handa, Director, OK Play. Rebel Foods, the largest cloud kitchen company has roped in Ashika Capital, an investment banking firm to look after the growth and success for their company. Ashika Capital will be advising Rebel Foods to grow their outreach by roping more independent cloud kitchens and expanding them further. Within this partnership, Ashika Capital looks forward to helping Rebel locate cloud kitchens from specific cities in an attempt to take them on a pan India level. The brand already operates cloud kitchens for their own brands like Faasos, Behrouz Biryani and Oven Story. Rebel also outsources kitchens for famous brands like Mad Over Donuts, Anand Sweets and Wendys. This partnership aims to bring more such brands, big and small, on board with Rebel Foods to give a boost to the cloud kitchen culture. This collaboration comes at an extremely vital time as a sharp rise is seen in the number of cloud kitchens around the country since the onset of the pandemic. In such a scenario where more and more people are inclined towards ordering food online owing to the convenience and safety that comes along, this is a great opportunity for the brand to expand its horizons. Speaking about how the collaboration with Rebel Foods is going to benefit both the entities and the increasing popularity of the concept of cloud kitchens, Mihir Mehta, Senior Vice President at Ashika Capital said, ..... This association is hopeful to bring about positive changes in the F&B industry of the country and to place smaller and bigger cloud kitchens on the Indian map. You can read more about Rebel Foods and Ashika Capital here, Shrugging off the disruptions of last year, businesses and agencies are looking for a strong revival in 2021. Adgully as part of our annual TRENDING NOW endeavour has been presenting the strategies and views of a cross-section of industry leaders as they go about reclaiming lost time and market opportunities and build for a stronger future, armed with the lessons of 2020. Also read: Lines between gaming and linear storytelling blurring: Sameer Pitalwalla Parryware has introduced game-changing bathroom solutions and progressive technology in India. The brand has refreshed itself with Always in fashion' positioning to further reiterate its commitment of offering contemporary and unique designs including colors, trendy shapes, advanced technology that matches the imagination and lifestyle of the young, discerning Indian customer. Earlier this year, dentsu X India, the integrated media specialist from the house of dentsu international, was assigned the media account for Roca Bathroom Products Pvt Ltd, also referred to as RBPPL or Roca Parryware. In conversation with Adgully, K.E. Ranganathan, Managing Director, Roca Parryware, speaks about the companys performance during the pandemic period, the growth factors, changes in customer preference when it comes to bathroom/ sanitaryware products, as well as the key learnings from 2020. How is 2021 looking for your business after a tough 2020? The year 2021 has begun on a good note for our company Roca Parryware. Since January 2021, we prepared well both on the manufacturing front and the market front to meet increasing demand for our products offered across our 5 popular brands Armani Roca, Laufen, Roca, Parryware and Johnson Pedder. We got back to healthy double digit revenue growth since October 2020 through several customer centric actions like launching of new products, expanding network at retailer level, big thrust on the loyalty program for our trade partners, continuous excitement and support to our plumbing technicians, creation of digital market place through the Parryware Safebuy platform and opening of new showrooms. On the back-end, we ensure COVID-19 preventive measures across our 8 factories to produce high quality products at good pace to meet increasing demand. With these measures, we see the year 2021 to be very encouraging on revenue front, with minimum 20-25% growth over year 2020 (which was affected by COVID-19). We have planned for aggressive growth in revenue to come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by expanding our footprint and launching affordable products. On the exports front, we see a big surge in demand from countries like the US, Australia and Europe. Our exports to these countries are growing at a good speed. Looking at the peaking demand, we have started investing in Capex at our factories to further expand our capacities for Sanware, Faucets and Plastic products. We are also stepping up our Marketing Investments in the form of mass media campaigns and showrooms. What are the consumer sentiments today when it comes to the bathroom/ sanitaryware industry? Given the pandemic, many consumers have found a new appreciation for their home, especially the bathroom space, and are even more interested than ever in making enhancements to their space. With this change in inclination towards bathroom space as part of opulent home decor, we have observed consumer-buying sentiments towards products that minimise human touch and ones that are equipped with sensor technologies like touchless sensor taps or products that effectively prevent germ buildup. In todays time, consumers are concerned about water conservation and are very clear about their hygiene aspects. Additionally, with the increase in disposable incomes, the middle and upper classes are willing to spend more on stylish and attractive bathroom space, irrespective of a small or a big-sized washroom. They are keen to have a Bluetooth shower so that they can listen to songs while taking a hot shower, long soak in the tub, or a pampering session at the vanity that offered the ultimate escape in a year of going nowhere. Hence, it has become crucial for bathroom manufacturers to provide innovative, water-saving, safe, quality-driven as well as technologically advanced solutions to address hygiene-conscious customers. What have been the key learnings from 2020? When 2020 began, no one imagined a black swan event of a magnitude of COVID-19 that would affect every single person in the world. The ensuing chaos posed a massive challenge for companies, testing their mettle to the core. Organisations that successfully tap the advantages of a digital-first world will be able to pave their way swiftly. We learned how to be agile to respond strategically, which led to cost advantages. The pandemic has reiterated that paying attention and managing at the micro-level pays macro dividends as it did not give us a choice but to accept, and then adapt. One needs to embrace difficult situations to increase resilience and well-being. The new normal in terms of buying experience and play of digital across all business processes is another key learning. Cash remained the King during these difficult times and taught us how to manage CASH all the time to stay alive and look for healthy future. We learnt how to operate at optimum inventory and debtors. How do you see the future outlook for the bathroom and sanitaryware industry? Long term prospects of bathroom products industry looks intact, given the low level of toilet penetration in India. However there will be consolidation taking place post impact of COVID-19 as smaller players will sell-out due to survival issues. The year 2021 will see a decent 10% growth for the industry, subject to COVID 2.0 related restrictions. Touch-free and tech-driven bathrooms have become more accessible than in the past and the industry is switching to offer innovative solutions to provide maximum safety in public/ private convenience spaces. Individuals are now opting for stylish homes and modern bathrooms that are beyond functionality and have a wellness quotient attached to space. With the advent of customizable toilet functions, a furniture unit that can be connected to the mobile phone, or a mirror with touchless technology, individuals are choosing from a whole array of shapes, finishes, and textures, to an extra-added safety feature. While we are boosting our in-shop presence, we are definitely creating better avenues for touch-less shopping as digital adoption is here to stay. Moreover, shifting preference towards smart homes in the urban cities due to the increasing importance of proper sanitation and convenience is expected to propel the installation of new smart toilets in the residential and commercial sectors. For more updates & collaboration, connect us on : WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook & Youtube PALO ALTO, Calif.-- VMware (NYSE: VMW) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Rangarajan (Raghu) Raghuram as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2021. An industry veteran, Raghuram is a strategic business leader who currently holds the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Products and Cloud Services at VMware. I am thrilled to have Raghu step into the role of CEO at VMware. Throughout his career, he has led with integrity and conviction, playing an instrumental role in the success of VMware, commented Michael Dell, chairman of the VMware Board of Directors. Raghu is now in position to architect VMwares future, helping customers and partners accelerate their digital businesses in this multi-cloud world. Since joining VMware in 2003, Raghuram has helped steer the companys strategic direction and its technology evolution throughout VMwares rich history. He helped grow the core virtualization business, drove VMwares software defined data center strategy, constructed and guided VMwares cloud computing business and SaaS transformation efforts, played a pivotal role in the companys M&A strategy, and has been key in driving partnerships with Dell Technologies, hyper-scalers and other strategic partners. VMware is uniquely poised to lead the multi-cloud computing era with an end-to-end software platform spanning clouds, the data center and the edge, helping to accelerate our customers digital transformations, said Raghu Raghuram. I am honored, humbled and excited to have been chosen to lead this company to a new phase of growth. We have enormous opportunity, we have the right solutions, the right team, and we will continue to execute with focus, passion, and agility. After a thorough and thoughtful search, the Board concluded that Raghu is the best person to lead the company as CEO, because he embodies our innovative culture, represents our values, and has a clear vision for VMwares future, said Paul Sagan, VMwares lead independent director. We also want to thank Zane Rowe for his leadership as Interim CEO and the crucial role he plays continuing as CFO. VMware also announced that Sumit Dhawan has been named President, leading all go-to-market functions including Worldwide Sales, Worldwide Partner and Commercial Organization, Customer Experience and Success (CXS), Marketing, and Communications. With his broad experience building and scaling subscription businesses and his customer-centric orientation, Dhawan is ideally suited to take on leadership of these teams. Dhawan currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at VMware where he has helped design the business strategy for emerging multi-cloud and subscriptions offerings, transforming how VMwares customers can consume VMware services. Sanjay Poonen, currently Chief Operating Officer, Customer Operations, has made the personal decision to leave VMware after his 7 years at the company, most recently leading Customer Operations and prior to that leading End-User Computing. On behalf of the Board and the company, we thank Sanjay for his many contributions to VMware and wish him well in his future endeavors, commented Sagan. "I extend my warm congratulations to Raghu on his promotion to CEO and know he will take the company to new heights," commented Sanjay Poonen, Chief Operating Officer, Customer Operations, VMware. "I will be cheering on the companys success, as I embark on my next adventure." Preliminary Results for Q1, Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 is expected to be $2.994 billion, an increase of 9.5% from the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The combination of Subscription and SaaS and license revenue is expected to be $1.387 billion, an increase of 12.5% from the first quarter of fiscal 2021. GAAP operating margin for the first quarter is expected to be 18.7%, and non-GAAP operating margin is expected to be 30.8%. GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be $1.01 per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be $1.76 per diluted share. Additional details regarding VMwares first quarter financial results will be announced after market close on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The company will host a conference call at 1:30 p.m. PT/ 4:30 p.m. ET that day to review financial results and business outlook. A live web broadcast of the event will be available on the VMware Investor Relations website at http://ir.vmware.com. The replay of the webcast will be available for two months. The decree recognizes that Illinois has not invested adequately in caring for disabled people and aims to strengthen the states public services so more people with disabilities can live and work full lives, within the general community where possible. But the state routinely misses targets set in the decree and has no viable plan to catch up. The US Air Force is testing its first two F-15EX fighter jets in Alaska as part of a military exercise called Northern Edge 21 less than two months after they were delivered. The F-15EXs are being tested in a complex jamming environment to assess their GPS, radar and Link 16 jamming, amongst other test points. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Boeings F-15EX fighter jet completed its first test flight in February. The two-seat fighter will replace the oldest F-15C/Ds in the US Air Forces fleet. Last July the US Air Force awarded Boeing a contract to build eight jets. Future plans call for up to 144 F-15EXs to be built. Major Aaron Eshkenazi, F-15EX pilot from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron said, The other main goal is assessing the EXs interoperability with fourth and fifth-generation assets. With more than 60 aircraft airborne during every vulnerability period at Northern Edge, were putting the jet in the role it will perform in once its fielded and seeing how it does. So far, its been performing really well. F-15EX pilots and test engineers at Northern Edge are participating from the 85th Test Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, 40th Flight Test Squadron and 96th Test Wing to test the new aircraft. Test points being covered include: Performance of the cockpit system, large area displays, and the new helmet Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System performance Overall radar performance Interoperability with other platforms Colonel Ryan Messer, 53rd Wing commander said, Northern Edge is the ideal initial stress test for the platform, and we are fully integrating it just like any other aircraft participating. The objective of operational tests isnt for everything to go perfectly, but to identify what needs improvement, and Northern Edge, with its opportunities for fourth-fifth generation integration in a complex range environment, will show us exactly that. Major Brett Hughes, F-15EX pilot, 40th Flight Test Squadron said, Getting F-15EXs to Northern Edge on time to support the exercise was a massive undertaking by all involved given the tight timelines between aircraft delivery and now. Despite arriving at Eglin AFB less than one and a half months ago, and less than two weeks ago for EX-2, both aircraft arrived in time. The end of the exercise will represent just the beginning of EX testing, but proves the rapid test efforts of developmental testing and operational testing integration and showcasing innovation through integration. During Northern Edge, some pilots flew the F-15EX for the second time ever, transitioning easily from the F-15C, said the US Air Force. Northern Edge 21 is a US Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to provide high-end, realistic war fighter training, develop and improve joint interoperability, and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces. Press releases Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan condemns killing of an aid worker in Budi, Eastern Equatoria Thursday 13 may 2021 Press releases European Union (EU) contribution of EUR8 million will strengthen gains in Desert Locust fight Thursday 13 may 2021 McDonald's, the fast food giant, is promoting Covid vaccines for the Biden administration. From McDonald's: McDonalds partners with the Biden Administration to provide trusted, independent information on COVID-19 vaccines If this doesn't convince the average American that Covid vaccination programs have ZERO to do with health, I'm not sure what will. Perhaps a campaign with Philip Morris for a cigarette you can smoke right through a KN-95 mask. There is no health in fast food. There is diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, cancer, obesity, organ failure. All the the factors that put one at higher risk of dying from Covid are created or worsened by eating McDonald's food. There's no HEALTH to by found by this policy. It's a ruse. And it may be racist. Fast food consumption affects the health of People of Color more than White Americans, especially children. From our own CDC: Non-Hispanic white adolescents aged 1219 consumed a lower percentage of calories from fast food on a given day than both non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adolescents. And this: a higher percentage of non-Hispanic black adults -- 42.4 percent -- said they consumed fast food than non-Hispanic white adults at 37.6 percent, non-Hispanic Asian adults at 30.6 percent and Hispanic adults at 35.5 percent. It's definitely ironic. President Trump was mocked from bringing fast food into the White House for visiting . Late night talk show hosts pilloried him. The Twitterverse virtue signalers castigated him. Will they question President Biden's reliance on McDonald's to promote his vaccination race? President Trump roasted for serving fast food to Clemson players: 'I thought it was a joke' Kimmel continued, quipping: "And you know he's taking whatever they don't eat back to his bedroom. He'll be like the rat in 'Charlotte's Web' tonight rolling around in Quarter Pounders with cheese." Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers mocked the president for hosting a meal that appeared to cater less to the tastes of his guests and more to his own well-documented preferences. "Mr. President," Colbert said, his face contorting into an uncomfortable grimace, "is it possible you're just projecting your favorite foods onto them?" McDonalds teams up with Biden admin to provide trusted information on Covid vaccines McDonalds is helping the White House get the word out about coronavirus vaccines, prompting many Americans to wonder if its appropriate for the artery-clogging fast food empire to be involved in public health campaigns. But it also removes local control from all school districts which have shown, particularly during the pandemic, that a one-size-fits-all approach would be the wrong one. Each district, each community, had the ability to shape how and when their students returned to school. This would change that. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 guidelines Thursday stating that fully vaccinated individuals need not wear masks or social distance in most situations. Those recommendations have no effect on state and local ordinances, and wont have much impact in most of the state. Alabama ended its statewide mask mandate on April 9. Birmingham is the only city with an ordinance requiring all individuals to wear masks in public places, and it expires on May 24. An ordinance in Montgomery expired May 9. Birminghams mask mandate requires face coverings to be worn whenever people older than 2 years old interact with others, but not during individual outdoor exercise. It is punishable by a $25 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second and $250 for the third. Alabama still imposes some restrictions at senior centers, but those restrictions are set to expire May 31. The state of emergency is expected to expire on July 6, unless the state experiences a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. The new CDC guidelines are based on a growing body of evidence that COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent infection and transmission in real world settings. About 1.2 million people in Alabama have completed the vaccine series, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Finally, we are seeing some encouraging, common sense guidance from the CDC, said Gov. Kay Ivey. Alabama certainly welcomes this good news that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or maintain social distancing inside or outside, regardless of size. We Alabamians have already embraced this idea, and I am glad the CDC has made it official. Even people who are vaccinated will be required to wear masks in certain situations. Masks are required on planes, trains and buses and inside airports, bus and train stations. Doctors offices, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities and homeless shelters will also continue to require masks. In areas without mask mandates, rules may remain in place for individual businesses or workplaces. Children younger than 12 are not eligible for vaccines, and some schools still require masks. The demand for vaccines in Alabama has slowed in recent weeks and the state lags far behind the national average. Masks and social distancing are still recommended for those who have not been fully vaccinated. We continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. Vaccination is safe, effective and free. If you have concerns, talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines consist of two shots given several weeks apart. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single shot. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the final shot. Alabama health officials opened vaccination to all eligible patients in early April. Aside from the COVID-19 vaccine being safe and effective, it is also allowing us to do the things we love and enjoy, Ivey said. Alabama is open for business. Alabama classrooms are open for students. Yall, Alabamians are getting back to living. So, Alabama, roll up your sleeves and get the vaccine! Updated at 9:35 a.m. on May 14 with additional information from Dr. Scott Harris Despite a controversy that has led to two separate government reviews, the Air Forces top civilian leader said this month he remains very confident in the process that selected Huntsville, Ala., as the permanent home of the U.S. Space Command. Were happy to have them come and review, Air Force Acting Secretary John Ross told a May 7 U. S. House of Representatives subcommittee hearing. He referred to two reviews under way into the decision to relocate the headquarters from Colorado Springs to Alabama. The U.S. Space Command was re-established in 2019 and its temporary headquarters located in Colorado. Colorado is fighting furiously to keep it. At the request of Colorado U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, the Defense Departments inspector general launched a review of the site selection in February. The General Accounting Office is also reviewing the process at Lamborns request. Here is Lamborns basic argument. Lamborn has some support in Congress. Some opponents of the move - not all from Colorado - suspect former President Trump intervened at the last minute to direct the headquarters to Alabama instead of keeping it in Colorado. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado also wrote President Biden this week saying the move would be bad for the intelligence community. The Space Commands commander, Gen. James Dickinson, told a congressional committee in April that a new secure communications network would be needed to connect an Alabama command headquarters to the Pentagon and other installations. Admitted it would be needed, according to coverage on Miltary.com. The website said the communications system issue became news after furious questioning from Lamborn at a hearing. Alabama supporters of the move say an upgraded communications system would be built for the new command headquarters regardless of its permanent location. At the April hearing, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) asked Dickinson if he knew of any political influence on the headquarters decision. Dickinson said he did not. In the same hearing, Brooks put the same question to Adm. Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and Melissa Dalton, acting assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities. Both said they knew of no political influence on the basing decision. And in February, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated to Air Force leaders that he supports their decision-making process about the preferred location of Space Command headquarters, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement. Acting Air Force Secretary Ross said May 7 that he welcomes the outside reviews. The headquarters selection was based on an existing strategic basing process, Ross said, and he has confidence in it. Ross made the comments responding to House subcommittee questions from U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), We have done the strategic basing process since 2009, and it has withstood outside review and we think its an analytically based process and so Im happy to have them come and review, Ross said. Were cooperating with them and well give them all the data and documentation they need to review and then well take it from there and see (if) they take it any further. But yes were cooperating and I am at this stage very confident in our process, Ross said. In the House hearing, Air Force Acting Secretary Ross said the Air Force is doing a separate and legally required environmental examination of the Redstone site that wont be finished until some time in mid-to-late 2022. At that point, he said, we will make the final decision concerning Huntsville. Ross had no firm time frame for the GAO and DoD reviews. I understand the (Defense Department inspector general) may finish by the Fall of this year, he said, and I dont have a good feel when GAO (will finish). I understand theyll probably take a bit longer. In the militarys base siting process, cities and states nominate themselves for military expansions and consolidations, and the Pentagon visits and studies each and then gives each contender one of three ranks: top third, middle third and bottom third. In the Space Command headquarters comparison, Alabama ranks in the top third in nine of the 21 categories. Colorado ranks in the top third in five categories. Alabama ranks best in the categories of available and qualified workforce, nearness to mutually supporting space organizations, room for the 464,000 square-foot headquarters and 402,000 square-foot parking lot, security, available childcare, ability to absorb headquarters workers and their families in the local transportation system, one-time infrastructure costs, overall construction costs, and cost of quarters for 600 military personnel traveling with the command. By comparison, Colorado Springs ranks in the top third in qualified workforce, mutually supporting space organizations, military housing capacity and access to veteran support. Colorado also ranked in the top third of candidate states in the ability to transfer the professional licenses of military spouses. An Alabama man has been charged with sexual battery after police say he crawled into bed with a woman who was staying at a Miami Beach hostel. The woman who had left the door open to her room for her boyfriend told police she woke up with the stranger in-between her legs. Officers found the man, identified by authorities as 61-year-old Joel Bush from Montgomery, in the courtyard of the hostel, wearing boxers and no shirt, according to a police report. The incident happened at about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the Bikini Hostel, 1255 West Ave. The woman, who was not identified by police, said she and her boyfriend were staying in a private room in the main house of the hostel. The couple went to a local bar and she returned to the hostel by herself, according to the report. She left the door cracked open because her boyfriend didnt have a key, police said. Soon after getting into bed, she felt someone join her. At first she thought it was her boyfriend. The victim thought it was a nightmare and told the unknown man (defendant) to stop, an officer wrote in the report. The defendant stopped and laid next to her as she continued to tell him to leave and get out. She waited until she felt safe and called 911. It was not clear Wednesday night whether Bush had bonded out of jail or retained an attorney. ___ (c)2021 Miami Herald Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Alabama school systems and colleges will receive supplements totaling about $280 million this year under a bill signed into law today by Gov. Kay Ivey. The governors office announced that Ivey signed the bill making the appropriations from the states Advancement and Technology Fund. A law called the Rolling Reserve Act that passed a decade ago set up the Advancement and Technology Fund to save a portion of education revenue every year. The Legislature can then appropriate the money to K-12 and higher education for certain non-recurring expenses. This years bill will provide $206 million for K-12 and $76 million for colleges and universities, including the Alabama Community College System. The money can be used for repairs and deferred maintenance, classroom instruction support, insuring facilities, transportation, school security, and education technology and equipment. About $1.9 million of this years share to K-12 will go to teacher professional development. Investing in Alabamas students in a productive way is investing in our future, Ivey said in a press release. It is critical, now more than ever, to find ways to improve our students learning journeys, and I am proud to officially put pen to paper on Senate Bill 193 to put funds into much-needed projects in our schools. As long as I am your governor, putting a greater emphasis on our schools will be a top priority. The money is for this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2021. Funds not used will be carried forward for the same purpose to next fiscal year. Alabama and national politics. An Alabama man who calls himself a witch has been charged with second degree murder by Florida police in the disappearance of a woman last summer whose body has not been found. Shannon Ryan, 39, already had a child neglect charge against him last month, as well as tampering with evidence. Ryan has been a suspect in the disappearance of 21-year-old Leila Cavett, a Jasper native who was living in Atlanta and visiting South Florida when she went missing July 25. Her 2-year-old son was found wandering alone the next day in a Miramar, Fla., apartment complex, and her truck was later found in the parking lot of a Hollywood Walmart. Ryan was arrested Aug. 16 on a kidnapping charge after the FBI became involved in the case. Ryan, of Muscle Shoals, said at the time that he was going to buy Cavetts truck and had arranged to meet Cavett in Florida. According to The Miami Herald, Hollywood police say Ryan was seen on video buying carpet cleaner and trash bags, and also searched Google for does bleach and alcohol make chloroform? Ryans cellphone and surveillance placed him in the apartment complex where Cavetts son was found. In addition, according to the police report, Ryan was seen on July 27 footage at a RaceTrac gas station in Hollywood with Cavetts white pickup truck parked near a dumpster. Ryan went repeatedly back and forth from the truck to the dumpster and a trash can, the police report stated. Among items discarded were womens clothing and a childs toys. Ryan dragged a large object wrapped in black garbage bags from the truck to the dumpster. Additionally, Ryan placed what appeared to be bloody towels in a trash can. Video from July 24 showed Cavett with her son at a Vero Beach Cracker Barrel. The next day, surveillance video showed Cavett at a RaceTrac gas station in Hollywood around 3 p.m. She was seen getting in and out of a gold Lexus belonging to Ryan, according to police. She was seen one more time on video at about 10:30 p.m. July 25 at the RaceTrac. Before his arrest, Ryan posted a Facebook video on Aug. 9 in which he described his relationship with Cavett, saying he met her in 2019 when she showed up at his house wet and dirty, looking for help. He ended up taking her in, he said. In October, the FBI confirmed that investigators were searching Monarch Hill Landfill, a north Broward landfill, in connection with her disappearance. The FBI did not say if anything was found. From todays Down in Alabama podcast: We have great news for readers in New York City: Delta is resuming its nonstop flights between LaGuardia Airport and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport. After youre done visiting Alabama, theyll even fly you back to New York, if youre sure thats what you want. On todays Down in Alabama well also give updates on the gasoline situation and the death of the last surviving member of Wernher von Brauns rocket team. 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. You can find Down in Alabama in these places: Spotify podcast page Alexa skill page on Amazon Amazon Music podcast page iTunes podcast page Google podcast page YouTube channel A Huntsville grassroots organization, with support from two state legislators, continued the call for Mayor Tommy Battle to dismiss Police Chief Mark McMurray following the murder conviction last week of a police officer. At issue were prepared statements issued by Battle and McMurray following the guilty verdict against William Ben Darby, who in the line of duty shot and killed a man threatening suicide. Those statements affirm the reckless, unjustified actions of Officer Darby, according to a statement from the Rosa Parks Day Committee at a press conference Thursday. Statement from Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle on Darby verdict: pic.twitter.com/PO2thFPVum Paul Gattis (@paul_gattis) May 7, 2021 Joining the committee at the press conference were state Reps. Anthony Daniels and Laura Hall, both Democrats from Huntsville. Daniels is the House minority leader. The call for McMurrays removal as chief echoes a call first made earlier this week by the Alabama Democratic Party. Related: Dismissing our pain: Activists decry Alabamas attacks on racial justice protests Concerns over McMurray go beyond his support for Darby, according to David Person of the Rosa Parks committee, who traced a loss of confidence in the chief to police brutality protests in June 2020 in Huntsville. Two of the protests ended with police releasing tear gas to disperse the crowd and the police citizens advisory committee issued a critical report last month reviewing police actions at the protests. McMurrays statement following Darbys conviction last Friday firmed the committees perspective that the chief needed to be relieved of duty, Person said. I think that we began to have certainly very strong feelings after what happened last June, said Person, a former Huntsville Times columnist. So that for many of us was probably the first culminating event. And I say first culminating event because there are probably incidents that people can share, and certainly that Ive heard of, that would suggest there have been concerns even prior to that. But certainly last June was a hallmark. And then his appalling comments after the conviction of officer Darby, I think for many of us, was the ultimate culmination. Battle has repeatedly expressed support for McMurray since the protests last June and reiterated that support in Wednesday meeting, Person said. In 2018, Battle also urged the city council to fund Darbys legal expenses for his defense and the council ultimately set a budget of $125,000. Battle has declined to comment this week on the Darby verdict, though he is expected to address it at Thursday nights city council meeting. In his statement last week following Darbys conviction, McMurray said in part, I do not believe Officer Darby is a murderer. The murder charge was brought against Darby by Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard after Huntsville police cleared the officer of any wrongdoing. Darby has been placed on paid administrative leave following his conviction. He is free on $100,000 bond. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. I dont think that the leadership in the (police) department can continue to take us in a positive direction, Daniels said. I dont think that there can be any corrective action, if leadership has not changed. Ive sat on the sidelines and really allowed things to play itself out but have come to a point to where it has caused an adversarial relationship between other law enforcement officers and the community. We are a smart community. And we should not have to deal with these types of issues in our community. And so for us, it is time to change our leadership structure in the department and move in a direction thats going to be more inclusive of community and law enforcement. According to Person, Battle emailed the committee with an amendment to his statement last week on the Darby verdict. Battles amendment, Person said, read I respect the decision of the jury. I respect Officer Darbys right to appeal. The committee, in a press release Wednesday, called for Battle and McMurray to renounce their statements of support for Darby. We accept the mayors revised statement as a satisfactory fulfillment of our requests that he recant his previous enthusiastic support of the convicted murderer, Officer William Darby, Person said. The mayors office confirmed Battles comments in the committee meeting. Its not just gasoline that some Americans may have to do without. Chick-fil-A is cautioning customers that it is facing shortages of some items, particularly sauces. A spokesperson for the Atlanta-based chain said Wednesday some restaurants are experiencing a shortage of select items and that it is working to solve the issue quickly. The company blamed industry-wide supply chain disruptions. It said that its chicken supply remains strong, and that the chain hasnt been impacted by a broader poultry shortage. While Chick-fil-A has had brief shortages of some other items, the most widespread limitation has been with sauces, which it cautioned about in an earlier, brief posting on its website. At many restaurants, customers are receiving only one dipping sauce cup per entree. Various franchisee-run restaurants in the nearly 2,600-restaurant chain may be handling the issue in different ways. One sent an email to customers saying patrons would be limited to one sauce per entree, two sauces per meal and three sauces per 30-count nuggets, according to WTRF, a TV station in Wheeling, West Virginia. While the vast majority of Chick-fil-As dining rooms remained closed for much of the pandemic, sales and profits have soared over the last year at the company, boosted by its busy drive-through lanes. At times during the pandemic, consumers and businesses have faced a variety of shortages, from toilet paper to semiconductor chips needed in automobiles. This week, gas stations have run out of fuel as consumers in Georgia and other East Coast states rushed to fill up their vehicles after Alpharetta-based Colonial Pipeline shut down its fuel transportation network following a ransomware attack. 2021 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Alabama officials are not the only ones opposing or raising concerns about Amtraks return to the Gulf Coast. The Port of New Orleans and railroad associations in Mississippi and Louisiana, in separate letters filed to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, are urging federal authorities to require Amtrak to complete a Rail Traffic Control (RTC) study before resuming service between Mobile and New Orleans. Amtrak wants to restart the service by New Years Day with a twice-daily service connecting the two cities with four stops in Mississippi Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. The Port of New Orleans joined its port authority counterparts in Alabama in requesting the resumption of the RTC study. The loudest alarms about the renewed service have long been raised by the Alabama State Port Authority where officials are imploring the STB to have Amtrak resume discussions with two freight operators CSX Corp. and Norfolk Southern and finalize a study that will show how Amtrak service will affect freight operations, including those at the Port of Mobile. Both the Alabama and the New Orleans ports, in separate letters to the STB, said they have grown since Amtrak last operated along the route in 2005 and are urging further studies on how passenger rail might affect existing freight operations along the line. This comprehensive study is needed to adequately understand the impact the passenger rail service will have on current and future freight service through the region, said Brandy Christian, president & CEO with the Port of New Orleans board of commissioners, and M.D. Mike Stolzman, general manager with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission for the Port of Mobile, in a letter they jointly signed and submitted to the STB on April 23. The study would also help identify what additional infrastructure may be necessary to support passenger rail while preventing any impact to existing freight service and safety, and accommodating anticipate future growth in the region, the letter stated. Christian and Stolzman, within the letter, specifically say they do not oppose the return of Amtrak. The letters from the railroad associations, which represent freight operators, urge denial of Amtraks request. We have deep reservations regarding the impact that allowing new passenger service to be implemented without proper study would have not only along the Gulf Coast but also the impact this precedent could have in terms of industrial recruitment on rail lines statewide, said Joel Yelverton, executive director with the Mississippi Railroad Association in a letter to the SBT on April 13. Carmack Blackmon, general counsel and legislative representative with the Louisiana Railroad Association, wrote in an April 21 letter that he felt the study, if completed, could identify additional infrastructure needs to provide safe, efficient and sustainable service. The letters are among the 57 filings to the STB since Amtrak initiated the legal proceeding in mid-March. The STB will determine if Amtrak can resume passenger rail along the Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina disrupted the service close to 16 years ago. The Biden Administration, on Monday, submitted its letter supporting a return of Amtrak service and called on the STB to act expeditiously on Amtraks application. Most of the letters filed by Mississippi officials are supportive of restarting the passenger rail service, including representatives from two ports the Port of Pascagoula and the Port of Gulfport. E.J. Roberts, president of the Mississippi State Port Authority, a state agency that owns and operates the deepwater port in Gulfport, said in an April 22 letter that the agency does not foresee the return of passenger serving having a negative impact of cargo that is moved into and out of the port. We believe that passenger and freight rail can coexist and hope the Surface Transportation Board will look favorably upon Amtraks request, said Roberts. Mark McAndrews, port director in Pascagoula, said his agency made modifications in 2015 to accommodate for the future Amtrak service. He said the port moved the MS ExportRR/CSX interchange off the CSX mainline to reduce congestion on it. McAndrews said he feels that passenger and freight rail can coexist along the route. Amtrak is seeking STB action on the Gulf Coast project, opting to end its negotiations with CSX and Norfolk Southern late last year after talks stalled. Amtrak officials have said the study should have lasted only seven months, and that it has lasted beyond a time frame they felt was suitable. In Mobile, the potential return of Amtrak has been polarizing among city officials who argue whether the service would be utilized enough by residents. Thus far, the only letter submitted to the STB by a Mobile city officials is from Councilman Joel Daves, who is the most vocal opponent of Amtraks return on the council. Daves, in an April 1 letter, said hes maintained the position that we must first know how passenger rail would impact the Port of Mobile and freight operations along the Gulf Coast. He said without a completed study that he will continue to oppose the restoration of passenger rail service and any funding which may be sought from the city of Mobile in support of this service. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey have also raised concerns over the lack of a completed RTC study. Amtrak, in recent STB filing, said they do not need Alabamas support to restart the service next year despite CSX and Norfolk Southerns assertions that Alabama needs to be on board. Amtrak need not wait forever for CSX and NS to outright refuse, an Amtrak official stated. That only happens, though, if teens actually get vaccinated. And parents are hesitant, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll. Only 3 in 10 parents with children in the newly eligible age group intend to get their kids vaccinated as soon as its available. About one-quarter said they wanted to wait to see how its working, and another quarter said they would not get their child vaccinated, according to the poll. Early last year when a group of Rhodes Scholars planned a trip to Montgomery to learn about history from Michelle Browder, she called on some reenactors to help. About four reenactors showed up holding Confederate flags and shouting racial slurs at the white tourists. The idea was to shock the group with an experience civil rights activists may have felt in the 1960s. When people got off the bus, they did not know it was a reenactment, said Browder. They were weeping. I had people (later) come up and say, That is what we needed. That immersive experience is something tour operators in Montgomery and elsewhere in Alabama believe is ripe for the Africatown community north of downtown Mobile where slaves aboard the Clotilda settled in the 1860s. Examples of tourism opportunities were part of a workshop hosted by the Alabama Tourism Department Monday at the Robert Hope Community Center in the heart of the Africatown community. This is not Disneyland, said Elizabeth Ann Clemons, a tour guide in Montgomery who has portrayed Rosa Parks for the past 10 years and did so during the workshop. She implored Africatown residents hopeful of becoming tour guides to be truthful and honest in relaying the difficult history of the community, and those who endured the voyage aboard a slave ship. You set the tone, Clemons said. You tell them this is our story. Its special and you can only get it from me. Browder and Clemons also shared how they emerged as tour operators in Montgomery, part of a surge of interest in Civil Rights-era history. Both said that Mobile has a golden opportunity to attract tourists by telling its story of Africatown and the Clotilda which was the last transatlantic slave ship to enter the U.S. in 1860. Interest in bolstering tourism in Africatown has grown since the May 2019 discovery of the Clotildas hull. Since then, the communitys profile has been elevated with international attention on preserving the discovery, and making the area a tourist attraction. CBS profiled the slave ships discovery, and the hopes for the community during a 60 Minutes segment late last year. Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department, said he believes the Africatown community has the potential to lure as many visitors as the Equal Justice Initiatives Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which was named the Attraction of the Year in 2019. It has drawn more than 600,000 visitors from across the country in a little more than a year after it opened. It took the Space & Rocket Center (in Huntsville) 40 years to get to 500,000 in attendance, said Sentell. What is happening in Montgomery now is we have buses by the dozens coming in to see the lynching memorial. What is happening in Montgomery can happen here. Sentell and Grey Brennan, deputy director with Alabama Tourism, said the opportunities abound that could include some of the following: Authentic dining . Stand-alone restaurants in Africatown that serve authentic dishes. Sentell said people will come to Mobile to eat food your descendants are for bringing to this part of America. Clothing . Sentell said that tourists, upon visiting Africatown, will want to return home with clothing that represents the regions history. Hand-crafted art . Brennan said that local art can serve as a souvenir item for Africatown visitors, and that no one wants to buy something that reminds them of their (visit) and then turn it over and see, Made in China. That destroys the whole thing. Vacation rentals . Brennan suggested some homeowners in Africatown could market their properties for overnight stays. Meal hosting. Offer an in-person dining experience with tourists who want to learn more about the community and its history. We are trying to convince people in the community to recognize they can be the park to offer that immersive experience, said Brennan. The person coming to Africatown is coming to it as a destination. They are not coming to Mobile. They may have driven to Mobile, but the are coming to Africatown. He added, Be prepared. They will want to soak up everything they can and will spend a long time if you have the offerings. Darron Patterson, president of the Clotilda Descendants Association, said he was initially hesitant to support tourism concepts that include water or land-based tours organized by people playing the role of a Clotilda survivor. But he said a recent trip to Montgomery to witness Clemons portraying Rosa Parks convinced him that it can be done professionally. I was like, Woah, I see it and I understand, said Patterson. It can be done right if done professionally. Its kind of cool. Africatown is poised to become a tourism draw in the coming years, highlighted by two projects that are underway. The Africatown Heritage House, a $1.3 million project next to the Hope Center, is expected to be completed this year and will serve as the first exhibit space within the community dedicated to honoring the community and the Clotildas story. A separate project a nearly $4 million Welcome Center is also in the works near the Old Plateau Cemetery. A design and engineering contract is being finalized for that project, with a contract not expected to exceed $500,000. Related: Search in Africatown: Researchers to look for graves of former slaves and descendants from the Clotilda Clotilda survivors descendants to Mobile: Include us in sharing Africatowns story with world This is an opinion column. Robert Turner answered Gods call, then put Him on hold. He was 18 years old, a freshman at the University of Alabama, a young man from historic Tuskegee who would soon make history in Tuscaloosa as the Student Government Associations first African American chief of staff. Hed also just crossed over into the historic Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. I really wasnt trying to be a preacher, Turner is saying now with a laugh. He still had questions, too. More questions for God than answers received. I didnt know what Im supposed to do in lifeas a pastor, as a preacher, or even if I was going to be a pastor, he recalls. I went through whole phases of not even wanting to be called Reverend or preacher because I didnt feel worthy. I didnt know thats what God wanted me to do. So, instead of just going into the ministry with questions, I just paused. Life can be disarming, Turner learned, when God is on hold. For five years, he wrestled with questions, prayed for answers, and endured periods of uneasy feelings. This tension, is how he describes it, where I knew something wasnt right. Even as things were going quite well for Turner. He earned a bounty of accolades at UA. He graduated summa cum laude before entering law school, where he was elected as Alabama Bar Association class representative and showed promise. At least one professor had Turners future trajectory mapped out: Practice law, three, maybe four years, then run for U.S. Congress in the 3rd Congressional district, he says with a smile. Yet that uneasy feeling never waned. I just I felt the call, I heard the call, he says. and it was unshakeable. I didnt have any peace at all. Turner withdrew from law school after that first year and went on a month-long mission to Kenya. I just wanted to make sure I knew [ministry] is what God wanted me to do, he says. I was like, I really need to hear from you while Im over here, and I heard from him. Turner returned to Birmingham, earned his Masters of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and a Doctorate of Divisity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, pastored churches in Brierfield,, Selma, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Birminghamoh, and got married and realized I needed to get a joband worked in a plethora of political spaces, as well as with the Blackbelt Community Foundation before falling to his knees one night knowing, yet again, something wasnt right. Typically, when I have those moments is when God is calling me to do something else, Turner shares. And typically, I told him, I dont want to do whatever you want me to do. This time, typical took a turn. I was like, I dont know what it is, God, but I just want you to know, I say yesbefore I knew what it was, remembers Turner. I finished my prayer in Jesus name, I prayI get off my knees, and as I put my phone in the charger, I see a text message. It was from the Bishop overseeing an area in Oklahoma, saying he had an opportunity for me in his district and would I take it; he didnt tell me where. I had just talked to God, and told Him, yes. Now Im getting the question for the answer I had just committed to. I just texted, Yes. Beacon of Black Wall Street On this recent day, TurnerRev. Dr. Robert Turnerand I are sitting inside Fulton Street Books & Coffee, a Black-owned, smooth vibe space in Tulsa, Oklahoma, not far from where he now presides as pastor of Vernon A.M.E. Churchmy childhood church. Vernon is a spiritual lighthouse, a towering red-brick beacon near the south end of historic Greenwood Avenue. A century ago, in Jim Crow-segregated North Tulsa, the street was the centerpiece of a thriving community so brimming with Black-owned businessesmovie theaters and restaurants, nightclubs and after-hours gambling joints, grocery stores, and law officesit was dubbed Black Wall Street. The original Black Wall Street. It was the Rodeo Drive of Los Angeles, the Beale Street of Memphis, the Wall Street of New York, Turner is saying. It was the street where everybody wanted to be. Vernon is a sanctuary, in even the most literal sense. During a harrowing two days in 1921May 31 and June 1some of its members hid in a small room in the churchs basement as armies of white men from South Tulsa, across the tracks in this oil-rich city burned Black Wall Street and its surrounding community to the ground. State-sanctioned bombs were dropped from airplanes. As many as 300 Black men, women, and children were murdered during those two days, historians later discerned; many were buried in mass graves. It waslets be reala terrorist attack, the worse race slaughter in American history. Yet for years, for decades, it was only discussed in the quietest of whispers, if at alla conspiracy of silence embraced by whites and Blacks throughout the city. Even I didnt hear of it until I was in college. Initially, it was called the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. Now, it is rightly known as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Because that is exactly what it was. It was sparked by an allegation that Dick Rowland, a 19-year-old young Black man, assaulted a white woman, Sarah Page (call her the first Karen), who worked as a public elevator operator in the Drexel Building downtown, across the tracks. This is the truth: Rowland, who ran a shoeshine stand in the building, stepped into the elevator where Page was working; she screamed, and he ran away. She later lied about being attacked, prompting angry white men to thrust their hatred upon North Tulsa. Embers of envy, though, had long smoldered in South Tulsa. In The Eruption of Tulsa, Walter White, founder of the Atlanta chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) wrote: [T]he Negro in Oklahoma has shared in the sudden prosperity that has come to many of his white brothers, and there are some colored men there who are wealthy. This fact has caused a bitter resentment on the part of the lower order of whites, who feel that these colored men, members of an inferior race, are exceedingly presumptuous in achieving greater economic prosperity than they who are members of a divinely ordered superior race. At the massacres end, as smoke rose from a community in ashes and deaths stench filled the air, the foundation of Vernon A.M.E. Church, that protective basement, was the only structure on Greenwood left standing. Vernon is for Tulsa what the 16th Street Baptist Church is for Birmingham. Tuskegee: a historical foundation Turners father is also named Robert Turner, but the Reverend isnt a Junior because dad gave his son a middle name: Richard Allen, founder of the African American Episcopal church. Father was never a pastor; hes an insurance salesman and local elected official who was infused with a love for God, the church, civic engagement (Hes the reason I put on my first yard signs at the age of eight, Turner says, for the late, great Paul Hubbert), and the intersection where they all converged. All of which was passed to his son, who made it the subject of his doctoral dissertation. (Turner obtained his doctorate in 2012.) I believe in church/state separation, but there are always people within the church who made an impact on the state, in the public square of prophetic preaching, the pastor says. That was my concentration. Ruth Birdsong Turner was a loving, gracious mother who often tried to temper her husbands fiery presence at community meetings. Mom was a lot more delicate, Turner says. Shed say, Bob, you could have said it like this, of You could have done it like that. If I have any gentleness, she is where it comes from. Turners parents met while attending Tuskegee, a city as steeped in Black history and achievement as any in our state. George Washington Carver. The Tuskegee Airmen. The Commodores, Turner adds enthusiastically. Children arent just taught Black history in Tuskegee; they inhale it. There is no Black History Month, per se. Its taught year round. It was a curriculum that wasnt mandated by the state, Turner says. I was taught by teachers who loved that history, it was mandated by parents who lived by it. I almost memorized the I Have a Dream speech by middle school. Tulsa calls Turner didnt learn to which church he was assigned until the Bishop who reached out via text on that night he said yes handed Turner a sheet of paper at the A.M.E. Churchs annual conference in Oklahoma. I got the appointment on Saturday; that Sunday we attended [Vernon], Turner says. After the service, they handed me an envelope. Thats when I found out what I was getting paid. The new pastor knew of Black Wall Street and the massacre but was not aware of the full, horrific extent of its toll or how his new church survived and saved lives. I had no clue about the role of the church, the role of building, he is saying. Once I learned of the presence of the room in our basement where members hid from the terrorists and steel pillars that predate the massacre, I was just Wow. It then became my mission to spread that word and let everybody know we still have something left here. Reparations have long been Turners passion, well before it became a national clarion call for those who believe America owes descendants of slavery compensation for more than a century of systemic racial inequities and a lightning rod for those who vehemently disagree. Ive always been an advocate for reparations, he says. I dont shy away from the conversation because we have perfect models for itin how this country ultimately compensated Native Americans for how they were treated and the benefits you get for being a citizen of those nations; how this country approved under a Republican president (Ronald Reagan) reparations for Japanese Americans who were placed in internment camps; how this country supported reparations for the Confederacy after the Civil War. The building at the University of Alabama where I took African American History, Clark Hall, has a plaque, saying it built with reparations provided to southerners to repair and rebuild after the war. (Named former UA president Basil Manly Hall, where Turner also took classes, was temporarily renamed in November 2020 by the Board of Trustees after a subcommittee learned Manly owned slaves was an ardent secessionist who used his position as a religious and education leader to defend white supremacy for many years, said Trustee John England.) We paid benefits to widows of the Confederacy whose husbands committed treason, and to their descendants. This country believes in reparations but doesnt want to pay reparations to Black people. I have a real issue with that. Turner is six-foot-five, an imposing figure in any setting. At mid-day each Wednesday, he stands in front of Tulsas City Hall with a bullhorn calling for reparations for descendants of Black Tulsans whose businesses, homes, or lives were lost in the massacre. Insurance firms refused to compensate victims, so a generation of Black wealth was obliterated in an event for which no one has yet been held accountable. Black Wall Street 2.0 Often lost in the telling of the massacre is that Black Wall Street was reborn, it emerged from those ashes and thrived again. Many enterprises and churches were rebuilt, including the famed Dreamland Theater, Vernon A.M.E., and others. They were restored by brave survivors and newcomers, many of whom defied a threatening gauntlet of robed and hooded Ku Klux Klan members lining streets leading into the districta welcome that was anything but. By the 1950s, there were few remnants of the massacre and Greenwood bustled with life almost 24 hours each day. One of the businesses was Kyles Sundry, a soda fountain, jukebox playin, community gathering spot owned by my father, also named Roy. I spent much of my youth there, learned to count (by making change) and read (magazines were sold) there. Most Sundays, I walked the half-mile or so from Vernon to the store to help open the doors for the after-church crowds still dressed in their Sunday best. In the 1960s and into the 70s, though, life was slowly squeezed from the district as the city purchased swatches of land and homes from Blacks with a promise of revitalization that was never fulfilled, and integration allowed many citizens to begin spending their dollars outside of the community. Another truth: Greenwood was, in essence, destroyed twiceby a marauding mob in 1921, and decades later under the guise of urban renewal (urban removal to Black locals) and a highway built through Greenwoods heart in 1965. The street is now home to barely a handful of businesses. Barely. Healing medicine As Turner and I met, the city was preparing for a slate of events later this month commemorating the 100 years since the massacre and honoring what Black Wall Street once waswhile still struggling to reconcile what transpired there. Struggling to heal. I truly think we need healing, but you cant heal and refuse to take your medicine, Turner says. Reparations is part of Americas medicine for healing. In March, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission issued a statement on reparations as outlined in the final report, released in 2001, of Oklahoma Commission to Study the Race Riot of 1921: We believe strongly in reparations, it read, in part. Our focus is on the larger scope of reparations, which means repairing past damages and making amends through acknowledgment, apology, and atonement. This process is central to racial reconciliation in Tulsa The report outlined five areas of reparation: Direct payments to survivors. We know losses were valued at $2.7 million in 1921, Turner says. You can imagine that that would be in 2021. Direct payments to descendants of victims Establishment of an economic enterprise zone in the Greenwood District Something to help restart what we once had here, Turner says. A college scholarship fund available to descendants of massacre victims A memorial for the reburial of remains of massacre victims I support all of them, Turner says. Yet we have not seen one of those recommendations come to pass. The pastor adds a sixth reparationa criminal investigation into the massacre to reveal the identities of those who perpetrated the tragedy. To this day not one person involved was charged with the crime, he says. Turner supports the H.R. 40 Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposal for African Americans Act, a bill in the U.S. Congress that would establish a 13-member commission to study the full breadth of damage caused by slavery and racial discrimination and recommend appropriate remedies to Congress. Those could include an apology and reparations. In April, the House Judiciary Committee gave the bill a significant boost by voting to pass it to the full House for a vote. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a lead co-sponsor of the bill, responded to the passage: Its important that we right the wrongs of our nations most discriminatory policies that halted the upward mobility of African American communities for generations, and we cannot truly move forward without first fully documenting the extent of the harms of the past. Turner serves on the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC), a multi-disciplinary group of professionals that was convened in 2015, according to its website, to fight for reparatory justice, compensation and restoration of African American communities that were plundered by the historical crimes of slavery, segregation and colonialism and that continue to be victimized by the legacies of slavery and American apartheid. NAARC, in essence, is not waiting on Congress to quantify the impact of slavery and racism on Blacks. We are studying it allracism, slavery, sharecropping, Jim Crow redlining, everything, and will come up with an actual dollar amount, Turner says. Before I knew about H.R. 40, I was simply in favor of what America promised our ancestors: 40 acres and a mule. Thats not just the name of Spike Lees production company, it was an order proclaimed by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and approved by President Abraham Lincoln, to provide land to some freed families. The only reason it didnt happen was that Andrew Johnson rescinded it when he became President after Lincoln was assassinated. By this time next month, the commemoration will be long passed. Greenwood will be quiet again, a ghost of its vibrant past. The greatest shame would be that the celebration leaves nothing in its wake except platitudes designed to assuage guiltno seeds for a long-overdue rebirth. This is not a festive time for me, Turner says. This is not a time of patting ourselves on the back. Its great some of these things are happening, but we must sober ourselves to the harsh reality that has taken 100 years for any of this to happen and weve still yet to receive justice. Say their names. I want this city to fully take responsibility, Turner adds. I want this community to recognize that the world is looking, and the world is watching. Weve got to do something, not because people are watching but because its right. Because its timea century past time. A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama (and beyond), Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj A plan in the works for more than two years for Alabama to lease three new mens prisons that would be financed, built, and owned by private developers is in doubt because financial backers are dropping out. The next step for Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature is not clear. But the governor says she will continue the push for new prisons. Legislative leaders agree they are needed. Ivey and the Alabama Department of Corrections have promoted the lease project as the way to replace many of Alabamas aging, overcrowded, and understaffed prisons and reverse decades of neglect. Alabama faces a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that the violent conditions in the states prisons violate the constitutional rights of inmates. The poor condition of prison buildings is a secondary issue in the lawsuit, but Ivey and the ADOC say modern facilities are the foundation for transforming a system that warehouses inmates into one that can offer rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. In February, Ivey signed 30-year lease agreements for two of the new prisons, which would be in Elmore and Escambia counties. The national prison firm CoreCivic leads the team that would build them. The leases are scheduled to be final by June 1 if CoreCivic can obtain financing. But that hasnt happened so far. This week, Bloomberg News reported that the investment firm Stifel Financial Corp., withdrew as an underwriter for the project. The Stifel decision came a few weeks after Barclays and Keybanc Financial Markets dropped out. Political pressure is a factor in those decisions. Investment companies face criticism for supporting the private prison industry and state policies that support mass incarceration. The Ivey administration and CoreCivic have stressed that Alabama would staff and manage the prisons, distinguishing them from privately operated prisons. Ivey and the ADOC have tried the lease plan instead of a state bond issue that would require approval by the Legislature. Former Gov. Robert Bentley proposed a bond issue, but lawmakers could not reach an agreement on it. That left the need for new prisons as unfinished business when Ivey became governor in April 2017. Now, with the lease plan in doubt, some lawmakers are saying its time to reconsider a bond issue, possibly in a special session later this year. Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, chairman of the House General Fund budget committee, had called for Ivey to drop the lease plan after Barclays and Keybanc Capital Markets dropped out. Now, he said the plan is all but dead. Its on life support, Clouse said. I dont know if the last rites have been actually delivered. But I think the doctor is right outside the room getting ready to declare the time and date of death. Legislators have only one day left in the regular session, which will be Monday. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon has said a bond issue bill was prepared as a backup to Iveys lease plan. But lawmakers have not introduced it, and its too late to start from scratch this session. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, told Alabama Daily News there are bills in position to pass on the last day that could be amended to allow a prison bond issue. Clouse said House members have not been involved in any discussions on that and thinks it is unlikely. I would just say that would be a longshot, Clouse said. I think were probably going to have to have a special session. Its up to Ivey on whether to call a special session. Clouse said there is another reason one could be needed. He said the state received guidelines this week from the Treasury Department on using the $4 billion Alabama is expected to get for state and local governments under the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress. The Legislature will have to allocate that money. A switch from the lease plan to a prison bond issue would mean different locations for new prisons. If lawmakers approve a bond issue, Clouse said the prisons would be built on land already owned by the Department of Corrections. The leased prisons are proposed on sites obtained by the developers. AL.com asked Ivey and the ADOC how the Stifel decision to withdraw affected the lease plan and if there are ongoing efforts to get financial backing and save the plan. Kristi Simpson, deputy to the chief of staff at the ADOC, said that was a question for CoreCivic, which is responsible for the financing. The State remains committed to comprehensive efforts underway to transform its correctional system and address vital infrastructure needs, Simpson said in an email. Regarding your inquiry, CoreCivic is responsible for obtaining financing for this project as such, any questions on this matter should be directed to CoreCivics team. CoreCivic has not yet responded to an email today. Ivey Press Secretary Gina Maiola wrote today in an email that the administration and the ADOC are continuing the push for new prisons. We have been in discussions with legislators about the issue of prisons for years and continue to be engaged with legislators and legislative leadership on the many, complex issues regarding our facilities, Maiola said. The governor continues to pursue solutions to this decades-old problem, and she remains focused on ensuring these facilities are built. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, chairman of the Senates General Fund Committee, said it would be premature to launch a new approach on prisons before the June 1 close date for the CoreCivic leases. He said the state needs to keep its contractual obligations. I think the Legislature is committed to letting this work out, Albritton said. The last thing the Legislature needs to do is give CoreCivic or anybody cause of action, intentionally or unintentionally, by taking action thats premature. Albritton was a critic of the lease plan before the underwriters began to back out. I think just the point that these folks have pulled out seems to indicate that the financial feasibility of this plan is extremely weak, Albritton said. And thats been my concern the whole time. While its undecided how Alabama would finance new prisons, Albritton said the need is clear. We dont have enough bed space, Albritton said. We dont have cells that have workable locks. We dont have toilets that flush. Weve got to construct new facilities for the protection of our guards, if nothing else, not to mention the living conditions that are present. I would suggest that its a necessity for the state of Alabama to upgrade its prisons that we have. The third prison in Iveys plan would be in Bibb County and would be built by a team that includes Birmingham-based BL Harbert International. Ivey has not signed the lease on that prison. Overall, the three prisons would hold a total of about 10,000 inmates, more than half the prison population of about 17,000. As many as 11 prisons would close. Key dates in how the prison lease plan has unfolded: December 2018: ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn explains to lawmakers about the need to hire Hoar Program Management on a $10 million contract to analyze the states prisons and prepare a request for proposals for developers. January 2019: During Iveys inaugural address after being elected to a four-year term, the governor says one of her priorities will be to improve a prison system that has been sorely neglected for decades. February 2019: Ivey and Dunn announce plans for three new mens prisons. June 2019: The Alabama Department of Corrections issues requests for qualifications to identify companies who could compete for the prison projects. December 2019: The ADOC issues a request for proposals (RFP). May 2020: The ADOC receives responses to the RFP from two development teams: Alabama Prison Transformation Partners, which includes Star America; BL Harbert International; Butler-Cohen; Arrington Watkins Architects; and Johnson Controls, Inc.; CoreCivic, which includes CoreCivic; Caddell Construction; DLR Group; and R&N Systems Design. There were initially four developer teams in the running, but Corvias and GEO Group dropped out. September 2020: Ivey announces that the three new prisons will be in Bibb, Elmore, and Escambia counties. The team led by CoreCivic will lead the development team on the Elmore County and Escambia County prisons. Alabama Prison Transformation Partners will develop the one in Bibb County. February 2021: Ivey signs leases with entities owned by CoreCivic on the prisons in Escambia and Elmore counties. The final terms are contingent on CoreCivic getting financing by June 1. The lease for the Bibb County prison remained in negotiations. April 2021: Barclays and Keybanc Capital Markets withdraw as underwriters for the CoreCivic projects. May 2021: Stifel Financial Corp. withdraws as an underwriter for the CoreCivic project. Love was sent from around the world to a UAB doctor after she tweeted Tuesday that she lost both her parents to COVID-19 in India within 15 days of each other. My precious, beautiful mummy and papa who made me who I am, have left me forever, tweeted UAB pathologist Dr. Aysha Mubeen on Tuesday night. My fingers tremble as I type this..as of today COVID has become a personal tragedy..I have lost both my parents in a matter of 15 days in India. My precious, beautiful mummy and papa who made me who I am, have left me forever. Life will never be the same Aysha Mubeen (@AMubeen_Path) May 12, 2021 As of early Wednesday evening, Mubeens tweet garnered more than 332,000 likes and was retweeted more than 21,000 times. Among the Twitter accounts offering their condolences to Mubeen was UAB Medical Schools Pathology Department, where Mubeen has been an instructor since October: Dr. Mubeen, we are so devastated by this unimaginable loss. Please know your @UABPathology family is here for you in this time of overwhelming grief and sadness. We are here for you @AMubeen_Path ; you are not alone. UAB Pathology (@UABPathology) May 12, 2021 Mubeen received her medical degree in India and completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology in Florida before joining UAB in October. India has been suffering from a COVID-19 crisis, reporting more than 4,200 deaths on Wednesday and more than 254,000 total deaths, according to the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The country has reported more than 23 million total COVID-19 cases, including 3.7 million active cases. ALEA Troopers say two people died Wednesday in separate crashes in Marion County. ALEA Senior Trooper Gregory Corble said the first incident happened at about 3:07 p.m. Wednesday on Alabama 278 at the 23.5 mile marker, approximately 21 miles east of Hamilton. Cheyenne Nichole Lawson, 43, of Hamilton, was killed when the 2002 Jeep Liberty she was driving was struck head-on by a 2018 Freightliner. The Freightliner crossed over the center line of the highway in a no-passing zone. Lawson was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Later, a two-vehicle crash happened at about 6:43 p.m. on Alabama 18 at the 43 mile marker, about two miles west of Berry. Miles David Whitson, 70, of Bankston, was killed when the 2004 Toyota Tacoma he was driving attempted to pass two vehicles and collided head-on with a 2006 Dodge Ram, Corble said. Whitson was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate. Charges against a Montgomery father will be upgraded to capital murder in the death of his infant son whose body was found buried in rural Lowndes County two days after he was reported missing. Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham said the autopsy on 5-week-old Caleb C.J. Whisnand Jr. led to the upgrade from the original charge of manslaughter. The sheriff did not say, however, how C.J. was killed or what led them to the discovery of the boys remains. Through old fashioned police work, we were able to find this little guy, said sheriffs Chief Deputy Kevin Murphy. According to court records made public Thursday, the time of the death was between 3:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 10. Afterwards, the affidavit states, (Whisnand) buried the victim in a remote area. Records state the death happened on Hunter Loop Road in Montgomery. Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey said the arrest is just the beginning in the long road to justice. This case will be prosecuted by the best prosecutors in this state, and we will make sure justice will prevail for this baby, Bailey said. The investigation began late Monday - about 10:45 p.m. when authorities say they received a 911 call from the Circle K on Wetumpka Highway from Caleb Whisnand Sr., 32, saying that his son was missing. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, in the early-morning hours of Tuesday, issued a missing child alert in C.J.s disappearance. The disappearance did not meet the criteria of an Amber Alert, mostly because there was no concrete information about a possible suspect and investigators were receiving conflicting information from the start. The missing child alert said C.J. had been missing since Saturday, but lawmen were not made aware of it until Monday night. On Thursday, authorities said for the first time that Whisnand told authorities the baby had been abducted from his vehicle while at the Circle K. Authorities, however, have not released a timeline in the case, nor disclosed any other details. We dont know, the sheriff said Thursday. Were still trying to piece everything together. Its hard to give you a definite answer when we dont have definite answers. Caleb Whisnand, Sr., and Angela Gardner, parents of Caleb Michael Whisnand, Jr., ask for help in finding their missing infant son during a news conference at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Montgomery, Ala. The father will face capital murder charges in the death of his 5-week-old son. Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham said the body of 5-week-old Caleb Whisnand, Jr. was found Wednesday night in a rural area of neighboring Lowndes County. The infants father, Caleb Whisnand, Sr. was arrested shortly after on manslaughter charges. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)AP Whisnand and C.J.s mother, 28-year-old Angela Gardner, took part in a press conference late Wednesday afternoon during which Whisnand told reporters, I dont remember a lot, but I did remember I was breaking up, ya know, with the cops. If anybodys got anything, any places that I could have gone, you know who you are. Please, find him please,' Gardner said. Whisnand and Gardner initially said the last time they remembered seeing C.J. was Saturday night when the infant was in the bed with his parents and Gardners 2-year-old son in another room. But, moments later, Gardner said she was home with her 2-year-old and the baby was with Whisnand on Monday. They provided no explanation for the difference in days, or where C.J. was between Saturday night and Monday night. He went to go pay gas at the gas station and realized he was gone, Gardner said of her fiance. He let the police know, and me know, that he was missing. It was after the press conference that investigators recovered C.J.s remains and the initial charge against Whisnand was announced. According to Margaret Hope, C.J.s grandmother and Gardners mother, the couple lived with Whisnands parents. Gardner was about to leave Whisnand, Hope said, and I think thats the reason he took the baby, she told AL.com. Hope said Whisnand took C.J. while Gardner was asleep Saturday night, and the family has been looking for him since then. She didnt get to have her son on Mothers Day or Monday, Hope said. Angela is a great mother, and she is overprotective of her kids. She was so happy when she gave birth. I was there when she gave birth to the baby. I cant believe the SOB killed her baby. Hope said the baby was found dead in a wooded area. He knew he done killed that baby and he had to come up with some excuse,' Hope said. A task force of between 50 to 60 investigators from multiple agencies worked around the clock on the investigation, authorities said. The sheriffs office was assisted by the FBI, ALEA, Montgomery police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Elmore County Sheriffs Office and the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office. Through the joint effort between the agencies, investigative leads, and witness statements, the body of C.J. was recovered. We were joined at the hip throughout this whole investigation but thats what it takes to be able to bring closure in cases like this,' Cunningham said. Gardner, the mother, has not been charged in the crime. Asked if anyone else could face charges in the case, Cunningham said, Right now its still early. We still have a lot of leads weve got to follow up on. Asked how the investigation of such a young child affected investigators, the sheriff replied, Everybody in Montgomery knows how I love our youth and I love our community. (The youth) are 50 percent of our population and 100 percent of our future, he said. Were talking about a 5-week-old baby. That weighs on people, but we still have a job to do. Our man goal is to bring closure and justice. At the time of his arrest Wednesday, Whisnand was already under indictment in an unrelated case on charges of meth and heroin possession, reckless endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia. Elmore County prosecutors on Thursday said they are seeking to revoke Whisnands bond in those cases. Documents state that on June 15, 2020, Whisnand was behind the wheel of a Chevy pickup truck that a police sergeant witnessed run off the road. The sergeant turned around and was eventually able to catch up to the truck. Whisnand veered into oncoming traffic, records state, and crossed the double yellow line, swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision. Whisnand drove off the roadway and slammed on his brakes. Gardner was in the front seat and her child Tolouse, who was an infant then but is now 2, was in a car seat. Whisnand told the officers he was on methamphetamine and had not slept in two to three days. Subject was showing the signs of still being under the influence of the drug with profuse sweating, twitching and constant movement, and he stated he was dehydrated, the officer wrote. Whisnand was arrested and charged with both misdemeanors and felonies, including being in possession of methamphetamine and heroin. Records state he was also in possession of Gabapentin, and anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. He was released from jail on June 16, 2020. His trial on those charges is set for October. The search for an Atlanta murder suspect has moved into Alabama, authorities said Thursday. Andre Thomas, 40, is sought in connection with a Feb. 17, 2021 shooting that led to the death of Cornelius Morgan. Central Alabama Crime Stoppers said authorities have expanded their search into Alabamas Covington County. Thomas may have relatives and associates in the area and may have reached out to them in his effort to escape the law. According to Atlanta police, officers responded at 6:01 p.m. that Wednesday to a call of a person shot at 3263 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. The victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Andre Thomas, 40, is sought in connection with a Feb. 17, 2021 shooting that led to the death of Cornelius Morgan. (Atlanta Police Department) Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads the capture of Thomas. He is described as a Black male, 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. Authorities said Thomas should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should call Atlanta police at 404-695-6663 or the Opp Police Department at 334-493-4511. Tipsters can also call Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or submit information via the P3-tips app. An Aliceville man and woman who planned a robbery that turned fatal have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences. Tommie Terail Jones, 32, and Jessica Shari Long, 31, were initially charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 31-year-old Daniel Perez on June 1, 2018. The slaying, authorities said, happened during a robbery. Long entered her guilty plea to murder on May 5 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Jones pleaded guilty to murder in February 2020 and received two life sentences. Authorities said Jones fired the fatal shot. Im pleased with the sentences that were ordered, said 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin. This was a completely senseless act that resulted in Mr. Perez losing his life. Hopefully this will keep these two individuals behind bars for many years. Pickens County is safer with them off the streets. Perez was shot and killed at his home located next to the Fast Gas convenience store off Memorial Parkway in Aliceville. Jones was developed as a suspect early in the investigation. When interviewed, he admitted to investigators that he and Long were attempting to rob Perez, which resulted in a physical struggle when Perez resisted. Long handed a gun to Jones during the fight. He fired one shot that struck Perez in the chest, killing him. Jones also fired at Perezs roommate, who was not injured. Perez was a laborer employed by a local lumber company. Although she didnt pull the trigger, Jessica Long bears responsibility for Mr. Perezs death, Hamlin said. Im glad these prosecutions were brought to a successful conclusion. The investigators built a really solid case against both Jones and Long. I cant thank them enough for all of their hard work. This is an opinion column. Its your choice. I know, and I respect that. Do you remember Were all in this together? I do, and I still believe it. Naive as it may seem. Thats just one reason I got the shot(s), the Covid-19 vaccine. Not just for me (though, yeah, that was a big part of it). For everyone around me. For the people I want to share time and space with. For the people I work out with. For you, too. I got the Pfizer double shot. I didnt care which shot I got because I am not an expert on vaccines. Oh, I read about them. I researched more about vaccines in the last 12 months than over my last 65 years. I spoke with folks who live and breathe in the medical field, so I do know more about viruses, vaccines, and pandemic whatnots than I ever thought Id know. Still, Im not an expert. Neither are you. I respect the sciencethe folks who were studying this stuff long before I heard the phrases flatten the curve and social distancing, before I ever thought about wearing a mask or face shield, or had a scintilla of a clue what went into creating a vaccine. How long it typically takes and why. Suddenly, though, many of yall wax on about which is your preferred vaccine or talk about the efficacy of masks as if you had a pandemic Ph.D. You dont. Im wearing my mask until somebody with multiple science degrees in this stuff (and probably wears a white coat at work) tells me I no longer have to. Its your choice. I know, and I respect that. But Im not listening to you. Not listening to anyone who pouts and stomps in front of the local school board (ahem Hoover) ranting on about how your kid is somehow being traumatized by wearing a mask. (Arent there only a couple of weeks left in school anyway?) Youre clearly passionate, I know that. Passionate about your children, about how more than a year of remote learning, how social distancing (from their friends, especially) will affect their socialization skills, and how their young minds are simply digesting this once-a-century pandemic. Youre passionate about it all, as well you should. As a parent, I am, too. Just get the shot. Now that the vaccine is approved for children as young as 12 years old, have them get the shot, too. Not because I say, but because science says theyre the new spreadersand they feel invulnerable because, well, theyre kids. Youre the adult... Its your choice. I know, and I respect that. Have them get the shot. There are also too many neighborhoods where seen enemies make it easier to dismiss the unseen. Where broken lives and broken heartseach torn asunder by the plague of gun violenceweigh heavier than a pandemic. Where hopelessness and fear, anger and frustration kick Covid-19s butt. Make it an afterthought. Still, get the shot. For you. For those around you. For auntie. For Granddad For the family matriarch who prays for you every day. For those you loveeven for those you dont. Were well past the dangerous tipping point when there is more vaccine than arms awaiting shots. Not long ago, folks were wielding their privilege, wearing grey wigs, and all but tossing elders onto the sidewalk to get a shot. Now, states and companies are offering financial snacks to incite leery, suspicious, stubbornly defiant folks out of their fear corner. The Alabama NAACP is offering anyone between 18 and 40 a chance to win $1,000 if they get the shotthey dont care which one, either. Because theyre not experts, either. They just want you to get the shot. Before we lose them. Before theyre snatched away and sent to places where people want them. Consider this: On April 8, a little over a month ago, 44,171 vaccines were given, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Exactly one month later, just 6,299 needles pierced willing arms. A day later, just 2,561 vaccinations were given. Granted May 8-9 were weekends. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, an average of about 13,600 shots were administered. A growing number of us are starting to believe we may never reach herd immunity with vaccinations, Dr. Mark Wilson, Jefferson Countys Health Officer. Our main fear is that the lack of adequate vaccinations will give the opportunity for distinct strains of the virus that vaccinations wont work against. Mass vaccination sites that were created at the height of the demand for vaccination are reaching the end of their natural life, Wilson says. Members of the national guard who were provided for those sites will soon be redeployed to more targeted locations like schools, churches. And breweries. Yes, breweries. This Saturday, Talladega is offering anyone 16 or older the opportunity to get either a Covid-19 test or vaccine at the venue and take a couple of free spins around its famed 2.66-mile track in their own vehicle. Now, Wilson says, its a ground game. Literally. I want normal, too. Whatever normal means in the foreseeable future. I want herd immunityby whosever definition. I want so many people to be vaccinated, to be protected, that well worry about corona just slightly more than we worry about the flu. I want to hug like we havent seen each other in forever. Which we havent. Its your choice, I know. Choose the shot. For all of us. A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama (and beyond), Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj South Africa: Over 100 offenders on special parole return to prison A total of 126 inmates that were released under COVID-19 special parole dispensation, have been re-admitted to correctional facilities after failing to comply with parole conditions. Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on progress regarding the release of offenders on parole to address COVID-19 on Wednesday, the Department of Correctional Services said that the 126 re-offenders/alleged re-offenders represent 0.9% of the 13 989 offenders that were released during the special parole dispensation, as at April 2021. The 2020 COVID-19 special parole dispensation was successfully implemented. However, more still needs to be done to get communities more involved in the monitoring, rehabilitation and reintegration of parolees and probationers to ensure a smooth reintegration process, the department told the committee. Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the placement of selected categories of sentenced offenders on parole as a measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities, which are considered high-risk areas of infection. The COVID-19 parole dispensation excludes inmates who were serving sentences for sexual offences, child abuse, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, sedition, high treason, sabotage and terrorism. It also excludes offenders sentenced to life imprisonment, violations under the Domestic Violence Act, 1998(Act No 116 of 1998), any escaped/absconded inmate who evaded the justice system after being released on bail pending appearance and was still at large on 16 December 2019, those certified as mentally ill and detained in accordance with the Mental Health Act of 2002 (Act 17 of 2002). Regarding the offenders who were to benefit from the special parole dispensation, the committee heard that the offenders were to be placed out as from 20 May 2020 in controllable groups, as per identified category and sentence group. The department said it was projected that a total of approximately 19 000 offenders who committed non-violent crimes would benefit from the special parole dispensation. Regions were provided with the list to verify and purify. This resulted into a purified total figure of 18 544. Other offenders that had been identified to qualify picked up further charges, hence the drop of qualifying cases to 17 922, the department said. Sexual activities between officials and inmates Regarding incidents of sexual activities between officials and inmates, the committee heard that this seldom occurs in the departments workplace, but when it happens it is regarded as despicable and unfortunate. These acts of misconduct defeat the mandate of the department and as a result, puts the name of the department into disrepute. In the latest incident, the official caught on camera during such action had been dismissed and the offender was downgraded to a maximum offender and transferred to a different facility, the department said. Disciplinary code and procedure The committee also heard that the disciplinary code and procedure must be consistent with the principles of administrative justice, while at the same time ensuring effective and timeous action in instances where the safe, secure and orderly management of a correctional institution is at stake. Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Corrections, Qubudile Dyantyi, said the department has a long way to go in responding to its mandate. You can excel at everything else but if you are struggling at your core mandate of rehabilitation, it does little to assist. You are never going to get restorative justice if you dont attend to those issues, Dyantyi said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. First female train driver in Nigeria pursuing dream on China-constructed rail line 09:03, May 13, 2021 By Jiang Xuan ( People's Daily Online Nigerian female train driver Issa Fatimoh Abiola. (Photo by Jiang Xuan/People's Daily) In Abuja, capital of Nigeria, there is a large train station - Idu station. It is where the Abuja-Kaduna rail line starts, and also an important stop of Abuja light rail. On 7:00 am, passengers would line up in front of the ticket office of Idu station, and that's when engine driver Issa Fatimoh Abiola boards her train, which is scheduled to depart at 8:30 am, to make preparations. The Abuja-Kaduna rail line and Abuja light rail were constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Belt and Road Initiative. They have turned the site of Idu station from a barren land in the past into a bustling transportation hub. Many young Nigerians like Abiola have secured jobs thanks to the rail tracks, and witnessed the development and changes in the capital. Abiola is the first woman in Nigeria that is licensed to drive a train. In 2006, the CCECC was recruiting kitchen helpers in her hometown Ilorin, Kwara State. Learning that Chinese companies were reputable and offered decent salaries, Abiola, who had just graduated from high school, applied for a position and became an employee of the Chinese construction company. "Chinese experiences suit the development demand of Nigeria. China is sincerely helping us, and if you can speak Chinese you will have a bright future," Abiola told People's Daily. As she gradually had a better understanding of Chinese companies, she became more determined to develop in a Chinese firm. She spent almost all of her spare time learning Chinese. In 2013, tracks began to be laid for the Abuja light rail, which was built in accordance with Chinese specifications and standards. Abiola, by her outstanding job performance, earned herself an opportunity to receive locomotive driving training, as the only female trainee. Five years later, when Abuja light rail was officially put into service, Abiola became the only woman among the first batch of all locomotive drivers. Transport is a lifeline for cities, said Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari when declaring the full operation of Abuja light rail on July 12, 2018. Hailing the light rail as a high-quality project, he expressed his gratefulness to the Chinese government and people for their support for Nigeria's development. As an employee representative, Abiola handed a signal flag to Buhari who later ordered the departure of the first train on Abuja light rail. "This moment was of historic significance," Abiola said, adding that the company's decision to have her drive the first train indicated its trust in not only herself, but also all local employees. Most of the residents in Abuja live in the four suburban satellite towns of the city, so there are four major commute routes. The roads were always jammed during peak hours, and the traffic could stay stagnant for even half an hour. As the first light rail in West Africa, Abuja light rail has brought conspicuous changes to local transportation and the livelihood of local residents. Abiola told People's Daily that the light rail is punctual, and is favored by more and more people. "It plays an important role in alleviating urban traffic pressure, and also reduces traffic accidents," she added. The construction of the light rail created nearly 5,000 jobs at most for local community. And more job opportunities have been created to local residents since the project started operation, from frontier workers to key management and technical staffs. "When I drive the train through the city, I can literally feel the benefits it brings," Abiola said. According to her, more and more stores have been opened along the route. With increasing passenger traffic, commercial areas and communities are taking shape, she added. "I feel very happy about the life of us, which is getting better and better," she said. Paschal Arinze Nnorli, regional chief of Nigerian Railways Corporation Abuja, said the light rail not only has created economic benefits and jobs, but also is generating long-term and incalculable value with its safe and stable performance. Due to COVID-19 control, Abuja light rail's five-storey comprehensive maintenance center was transformed into a makeshift hospital in just 40 some days. The hospital, with 506 beds and covering 12,500 square meters, played an important role in Nigeria's fight against the virus. "Our Chinese friends are helping not only us, but also the entire Africa. I want to contribute my own strength to my company, and to the common development of Nigeria and Africa," said Abiola, adding that she will still strive for a position on the driver's seat of a bullet train once high speed rails are paved in her country. "I want to become the first female driver of a bullet train in Nigeria, and contribute to the 'Nigerian speed,'" she noted. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) According to the poll, 77% of Chicagoans think its very important for the City Council and Lightfoot to help restaurants survive the pandemic, and 53% think ghost kitchens that allow restaurants to lease space to prepare food exclusively to be taken out should be treated the same by the city as other restaurants. After Andrea Zopp left World Business Chicago at the end of 2020, Lightfoot this week named Michael Fassnacht as CEO of the organization that tries to lure corporate headquarters and otherwise grow the citys business base. Fassnacht had been serving as the citys chief marketing officer before the mayor assigned him to be interim CEO at World Business Chicago when Zopp left. In 2002 and again in 2004, he lost bids for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. In 2006, he lost an effort to win the GOP nomination for governor. Two years later, he was the GOP nominee for Congress for the open seat left by the resignation of now-disgraced former Speaker Dennis Hastert, but lost both a special election and general election contest to Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville. Three weeks ago, over a thousand active and retired members of the French military (including twenty retired generals) signed their names to a letter warning President Macron that "multiculturalism," "racial war," and "fanatic partisans" are destroying French society and leading the country to "civil war." The blunt message caused a tizzy not just in France, but across Europe. The French government and the French media immediately condemned the unsolicited warning (with Macron and the minister in charge of the armed forces, Florence Parly, promising punishment for those involved), but the French people did not. Subsequent polling showed that 58% "support the words of the soldiers," 73% believe France is disintegrating, 84% feel that violence is increasing, and 49% think the military should "restore order." In their letter, servicemembers warned, "The hour is grave, France is in peril," and to the great consternation of Macron and his government, the French people overwhelmingly agreed. Now we have a letter in the United States from 124 retired generals and admirals warning Americans in a strikingly similar tone: "Our nation is in deep peril. We are in a fight for our survival as a Constitutional Republic like no other time since our founding in 1776. The conflict is between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty." The flag officers take aim at the Democrats' "tyrannical government," their "full-blown assault on our Constitutional rights in a dictatorial manner," and their "population control actions," including "censorship of written and verbal expression." After enumerating what can only be called "a long train of abuses," including the government's intentional creation of a crisis at the southern border and intentional destruction of America's newly won energy independence, the administration's decision to give aid and comfort to Iran's regime of terror, and the Democrats' use of the military as "pawns" to intimidate conservatives while coddling Antifa and Black Lives Matter insurrectionists, the retired U.S. generals and admirals warn Americans as bluntly as the French generals warned France: "The survival of our Nation and its cherished freedoms, liberty, and historic values are at stake." While the American letter ends with an exhortation for citizens to get involved in local, state, and national politics in order to "Save America" and "hold those currently in office accountable," it is clearly asking Americans to do more than simply vote responsibly. Only four words are underlined in the whole text: "all," as in "all Americans," is underlined once, and "act" is underlined three separate times. This is not a run-of-the-mill letter reminding Americans about the importance of elections; this is a modern version of Thomas Paine's Common Sense urging Americans to action. So within a three-week period, esteemed former high-ranking members of the French and U.S. militaries have finally decided to sound the alarm that the futures of both countries now hang in the balance. Maybe the spirits of Lafayette and Washington have something yet to say before the West drinks the hemlock of the "Great Reset" and disappears into darkness for good. What an interesting turn of events! What are we to make of these developments? For one, the battle looming before us is real. For too long, the powers that be have pretended that the expanding encroachments upon our liberties by an ever more intrusive State were the delusions of "conspiracy theorists" and not the realistic concerns of serious individuals. Those same powers scoffed at the idea that flooding the nation with tens of millions of illegal aliens was undermining American cohesion and national security. And they mocked Americans who have fought to protect and preserve American culture in the face of unrelenting public relations campaigns pushing "diversity" and "multiculturalism" as strengths. Now military professionals in both France and the United States are admitting that by failing to defend the achievements and hard-won lessons of Western civilization, two of the world's great nation-states are at risk of collapse. Secondly, the coordinated timing of these two letters should be seen as an acknowledgment that what battles lie ahead will not resemble insular civil conflicts that remain quarantined within the borders of the U.S. or France. Rather, they will be transnational wars waged between freedom-minded peoples seeking limited constitutional government and Marxist-socialists demanding total State control. We are walking into Samuel P. Huntington's nightmarish Clash of Civilizations, where cultural upheaval renders national boundaries inconsequential. For the French generals, decades of steady Muslim immigration with little integration into French society have produced a nation within a nation at war with itself, a situation that cannot hold. In the United States, a country that attracts immigrants from all over the world, the abandonment of its founding principles has destroyed the bonds that have given disparate generations of new Americans a common American identity. From whatever lineages an American may trace his past, America's success has depended upon shared futures, where liberty is cherished and individual rights are preserved. By sacrificing America's historic collective identity, unity has been destroyed and replaced by the sheer exercise of power by one faction against another. Without a common political culture or a common political language, America is now many nations within one nation, all at war with each other. The United States is in the midst of civilizational conflict, not because it is made up of peoples who have come from all over the world but because it has forfeited the rule of law and individual conscience for monstrous forms of extra-constitutional government, rule by administrative fiat, and a new state religion of political correctness enforced by "woke" priests. Finally, these two complementary French and American letters should be seen as implicit promises to the citizens of both nations that they are not alone. Too many people have suffered in silence as their countries have been "fundamentally transformed" against their will. When they do speak up and exercise their rights to assemble and petition their governments for redress of grievances, it is they who come under attack. Four months after protesting for "free and fair" elections in the United States, too many Americans are being held prisoner with shockingly little due process or constitutional protection of any kind. Too many Americans are right now being surveilled and targeted by the U.S. government, not because they have committed or plan on committing a crime, but because their political beliefs conflict with those in power. Time and again, Americans in disbelief at the rapid deterioration of their nation's constitutional protections have rhetorically asked, "Is anyone going to step forward, assume a position of leadership, and fight back?" Consider these two letters the first official answers to that question. The American letter ends in what can only be seen as a mission directive: "The 'will of the people' must be heard and followed." Image via Pxhere. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Buckle up for Bidens failed Afghanistan policy. Shockwaves are about to begin and will continue until intervention is again required. If the goal was to create maximum instability, kill the peace option, inflame Afghans, incite Taliban, encourage ISIS and Al Qaida, empower China to take rare earths, and set up another 9/11 attack, Biden could not have done better. Unfortunately, those are not U.S. foreign policy goals. Under Trump, the U.S. government agreed -- as leverage for peace between Afghans and Taliban, and to prevent a future terrorist state -- to pull U.S. troops by May 1, 2021. The goal was understood, the peace process underway, engagement full. Then came Biden. Bidens team pulled the plug on peace, disincentivizing all parties, and declared they were walking away -- a complete U.S. and NATO troop pullout -- by September 11, 2021. No conditions. Gone was the basis for peace, sustained tripwire engagement. Afghanistan is not on a trajectory for internal peace without US and NATO engagement. Quite the reverse: Despite all blood and treasure spent, without peace Afghanistan will devolve into a terrorist haven. The future of Afghanistan -- without three-way peace talks enforced by military and intelligence presence -- will be more unstable than what preceded it, which precipitated 9/11. Specifically, the Taliban, al Qaida, and ISIS will vie for power. Terrorism will be resurgent, each actor moving into the vacuum. Weak Afghan leaders, with no backstop, will be storm-tossed. warlords and mass drug trafficking (heroin) will return and finance newly empowered terrorist organizations and ambitions. All that was spent, lost, and given since that fateful day in 2001 when so many Americans died at the hands of Afghanistan-based terrorists, will be lost. While the honor of individual soldiers and nobility of aim remains, the objective three presidents had in sight -- peace -- will be forsaken. That goal a fragile, enforceable peace -- long sought, hard fought, nearing culmination -- was within reach. After Bidens ill-conceived 9/11/21 troop pullout announcement, the goal is essentially beyond grasp, almost certainly beyond an abandoned, weak Afghan government. The folly of this Biden act -- the notion that foreign policy can be centered on wishful war-weary thinking -- is that we will pay a terrible price for what amounts to political cowardice. The price will be layered, immediate, and prolonged. Initially, delayed troop pullout will bring Taliban sniping, targeted attacks on U.S. and allied forces. Then an infection of instability will spread to the government. Next internecine warfare between terror groups, warlords, heroin traffickers, and hybrids will begin. From that chaotic mess, three outcomes are predictable. First, civil order -- all the hope that attached to democratic forms, anti-corruption, rule of law, institution, and capacity building -- will all go away. That will be Casualty Number One of Bidens abandonment. Second, will be the return of terror bases in the country, followed by ambitions for new power projection against the West. The Taliban, al Qaida, ISIS, and peripheral groups -- including those with ties to Iran -- do not have our interests, or those of the Afghan people, at heart. Third, China will capitalize on our absence to secure Afghan rare earths by direct force or bribery of those in control, once we are gone. Ironically, China already controls most of the worlds rare earths -- vital for semiconductors used from weapons systems to cars. This will give China a leg up. A final irony a bitter pill that shows Bidens timidity, short-sightedness, or stupidity -- is the false idea that Biden can declare peace in our time (to quote Chamberlain) on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. How absurd, inapt, and pathetic. That date is burned in our minds as a date we stand up to terror, not walk away from it. Why would we cower, retreat, and disengage on that date? No, this whole Biden push to get out of Afghanistan without anything to show for heavy losses and our commitment to securing the future, the idea that we can look away from the worlds worst outposts, ignoring what abandonment means, hoping for the best -- is pure folly. Unfortunately, odds are we will pay dearly for disengaging -- as history teaches. Buckle up, prepare for shockwaves, and know t this poor decision comes with extended costs. Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, a former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, a ten-year naval intelligence officer, author of Narcotics and Terrorism (2003), Eagles and Evergreens (2018), and is the National Spokesman for the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) a 2.3 million-strong, non-partisan group for Americans 50+. Image: PxHere To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. A couple of days ago I received an email from a reader who had some nice things to say about my book[i] The West in Crisis: Civilizations and Their Death Drives. As authors know, it always feels good to receive appreciation for ones efforts, especially for a work into which one has poured ones soul and invested a great deal of thought and effort. In the closing sentences of his email, however, the reader mentioned something that startled me. He said he sought to get my views on the latest events but could not find any of my recent writings on the internet when he made his google search. I was very surprised to learn this, since I have published a great deal in the last twelve months on highly visible and widely frequented websites such as LewRockwell.com, American Thinker and LifeSiteNews. My first thought was that the reader must have mistyped my name when he submitted his google query. So, I tried to do it myself and to my astonishment the query returned none of my writings from last year apart from a single piece on lewrockwell.com. This was a tiny fraction of my output that encompasses some sixty articles and essays of nearly one hundred thousand words. Previously this kind of search would readily bring up most of my writings in an easy-to-see format. I had conducted such searches regularly, because I discovered that the quickest way to access my work for reference or links was through a Google query bearing my name. Such a search returned none of it. The impression is that I have been completely inactive writing-wise, which is contrary to reality. Suspecting what may be behind this, I tried to do some searches for fellow writers who have been prolific contributors to the outlets which have run my articles and who have enjoyed a wide readership as a result of their excellent work. These websites included American Thinker, LewRockwell.com and LifeSiteNews. My Google queries which contained the names of these writers returned virtually no material from the websites where they post. I dont know when their work stopped appearing on my Google screen. I am no tech expert, but I wonder if Google has further recalibrated its search algorithms in a way that certain writers and /or websites apparently those that present views not in line with the lefts official narratives and which can be said to belong to the political right do not come at all in simple queries involving a name, word or phrase? Even if you specifically type the name of the website into the query you only get very limited and skewed results. Such algorithmic manipulation would constitute a brazen form of censorship by high tech which renders these outlets virtually invisible to those who are not already aware of their existence in the first place. This is the algorithmic equivalent of the Night of the Long Knives, which apparently took place at Google the other day. If this state of affairs persists, it will be very difficult for such websites to grow their readership. It gave me an eerie feeling to see my efforts and writings being disappeared in this way from one day to another by Google. George Orwells Memory Hole immediately came to mind. For me, however, it is especially distressing to see this, because when I left communism for the West some three decades ago, I would have never thought I would ever experience this kind of thing again. Unbelievably, it is now happening here as well. Who would have ever thought such a thing possible in America, a country that has always been seen as a citadel of liberty and free speech by the peoples of the world? If we want to preserve our freedoms, people of goodwill need to stand up against the encroaching totalitarianism in whatever way is appropriate to our situation. If you care what becomes of our society and what we leave to our children, I urge you to support the outlets that stand for liberty, for Western civilization, for decency, and for the values of classical liberalism. May we be able to freely say and express what we feel is true. May the totalitarians among us not succeed in their unwholesome works. May our liberty and civilization be preserved. And may God watch over us and help us. So, I pray. One shouldn't think the Democratic Party militants formerly the KKK (by now a marginal group with almost nothing behind the website) and now the exhumed Antifa and BLM are some kind of anomaly. Recall other leftists. Recall the Soviet Union, where criminals were viewed as "socially close elements." In contrast, politics-related people (dissidents, nonconformists, "undesirable," and other "unreliables") were viewed as "socially dangerous" or "socially alien." Who is always the first to sincerely and enthusiastically respond to the socialist slogan "rob the loot"? That's right those who have experience in robbery and looting. Before the left came to power, criminals were helpful to the Bolsheviks in creating chaos (read: "prerequisites for revolution"). After the left came to power, it became clear that criminals, as a rule, never intended to overthrow the existing government. As a result of this cooperation, in Russia in the 20th century, the leftists created political banditry i.e., using criminals against "class enemies" and "politically unreliable" ones and the American left successfully adopted the idea of using malefactors. (Should we say femalefactors or personfactors in Newspeak?) In addition, the prevailing theory of "social Darwinism" among the left provided a simple answer to the question of where, in fact, criminals come from. It turns out that criminals arise from "unfavorable conditions." It's known that few of the Antifa and BLM mayhem participants were imprisoned and those who were, for the most part, were released. The fact is that, according to social Darwinism, one should not punish the criminal, not put him in prison, but simply place him in other, more favorable conditions. And then lo and behold! the criminal will be corrected, "re-educated." As a result of this "progressive" idea, which cannot be called anything other than judicial Lysenkoism, at the beginning of the 20th century, prisons disappeared (not only in Russia, but practically in all countries), and in their place appeared "correction" and "corrective labor" facilities. In these establishments, criminals must "reform" that is, "find their place in life" and "realize their abilities." From the left's point of view, it is necessary to severely punish the political opposition. At the same time, the "socially close" contingent should be encouraged to "realize their abilities." Therefore, while conservatives consider shoplifting and looting crimes, the "progressive" leftists consider them "finding their place in life." Another postulate of the "progressive" left is that the overwhelming majority of crimes are committed either against "capitalist society" or against "owners of private property." The conclusion the left draws from this is unambiguous: criminals are natural allies, simply because they have a common capitalist enemy. In the literature of the left, you can find many examples of the praise, glorification, and romanticization of criminals. Recall Robin Hood, pirates, Vito Corleone, and numerous friends of Danny Ocean. Finally, another well known Marxist dogma that has not changed over the past hundred years is that the police force is the class enemy of the left. In America, many police officers were forced to kneel before the BLM thugs. However, it was never intended to humiliate or insult the police. The goal was to establish control over the police to neutralize them, not officers' humiliation. From the point of view of the left, the kneeling policemen have never been treated "inhumanely"; BLM views them as class enemies, defeated, repentant, and begging for mercy. Since bandits, marauders, pogrom-mongers, and other criminals are "socially close" to the left, what should the left demand? That's right: they should demand the dissolution of the police or at least a reduction in police funding. Since the police oppose the "socially close" folks, they immediately become "socially dangerous." Leftists in Russia had dissolved police successfully. The left in America demands either the dissolution or, as a compromise, the neutralization of the police force. In the Soviet Union, "socially close" criminals at the first opportunity arranged for themselves a "state within a state" either inside a prison or within a concentration camp, or at large. In the United States, "socially close" bandits established "autonomous zones" in many cities at the earliest opportunity, too. A bacchanalia of pogroms, robberies, and arson swept across America in 20182020, which led to the creation of "autonomous zones" where police officers are prohibited from entering. America's "autonomous zones" were inspired by the numerous but small-scale "occupation zones" of the past, such as "Occupy Wall Street." With the help of such occupation zones, the leftist swashbucklers had tested the degree of tolerance of the city authorities for public defecation, blocking off traffic, mass rapes of ideologically brainwashed women, and other forms of "protests against capitalism." The left is well aware of its natural connection with the criminal world; therefore, leftists consider criminalizing the opposition and dissidents one of the main goals. The Leninist terror, the Stalinist terror, the Nazi terror, the Cuban terror, and the Maoist terror are, in fact, variants of orthodox left-wing terror. The criminalization of dissent is an attempt by the left to "level the political playing field." Without exception, all leftist regimes have come to this conclusion from the French Revolution to the concentration camps of the twentieth century to Cambodia's execution fields. The Biden administration is no exception. The people therein plan to return to the practice of Obama's total surveillance. Now the surveillance of "suspicious" and "objectionable" citizens, who, however, did not commit any crime, will be carried out by private companies under contract with the government. Government law enforcement agencies must follow numerous legal procedures to conduct such surveillance. Compared to them, private companies have much more freedom. The left considers itself "well educated," in contrast to dissidents people who are "uneducated" and "narrow-minded." (Let us add here the widespread attribution of mental illness to dissidents in the USSR, "forensic psychiatry" was rampant. In America, for several years, they have tried to ascribe a diagnosis of mental illness to President Trump in absentia.) Therefore, the joining of efforts of the leftists and criminals, which, at first glance, looks like stupidity or ideological insanity or political paranoia, is in fact just the dogma the dogma that the left follows with preternaturally stubborn, even messianic tenacity. The American left's genuine sympathy for "socially close" criminals is now so apparent that no one even tries to hide it. The harsh repression and the full gamut of persecution against the participants in the unarmed protest on January 6, 2021, cannot be compared with the absolute apathy and demonstrative indifference of law enforcement agencies to the 20182020 rioters. About a hundred years have passed since the Soviet communists extended a helping hand to the "socially close" criminals. The idea has not become obsolete since then their American ideological followers have not deviated one iota from the plan. At the same time, the left's political repression has nothing personal under it. If you are attacked by an Antifa or BLM activist (who, thanks to excellent education, does not even suspect that he is a neo-Marxist commissar), do not despair. There are no preux chevaliers among the left or among the criminals. This is just a business the left-wing political business. Neo-Marxists think America's leftification is complete, so they turn their attention to America's Sovietization. Gary Gindler, Ph.D. is a conservative columnist at Gary Gindler Chronicles and founder of a new science: politiphysics. Follow him on (soon-to-be-suspended from) Twitter. Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Using the usual tactics of fear and intimidation, the left is shifting its propaganda machine into overdrive to promote its latest bogeyman: the ever-present, but virtually unseen, white supremacist. The latest salvo of lies came from Attorney General Merrick Garland, who testified Wednesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the January 6 "riot" at the U.S. Capitol. The alleged "riot" that featured no firearms, no arson, and no looting "was conducted by supporters of then-President Donald Trump and incited by white supremacist groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys," according to Yahoo News. "Five people died as a result of the attack," they added. First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys are "white supremacist groups." But they support both the Constitution and Donald Trump, either of which, in the current leftist mindset, makes you a white supremacist...even if you're not white! (Just ask Candace Owens.) Second, the inference that "five people died as a result of the attack" is intentionally misleading, as three died from natural causes and one from an apparent drug overdose. The only violent death occurred when an unarmed female Trump-supporter was shot dead by a still unnamed Capitol Police officer. Did "white supremacists" suddenly take to the streets and destroy American cities from coast to coast? No. I guess they're waiting for something more sinister to happen than a dead Trump-supporter, a Marxist revolution, and a stolen presidential election. Back to A.G. Garland: "In my career as a judge and in law enforcement, I have not seen a more dangerous threat to democracy than the invasion of the Capitol," he said, adding that violence incited by white supremacists poses "the most dangerous threat to our democracy." Apparently, Garland didn't notice the billions of dollars in property damage and dozens of murders perpetrated over the past year by Marxist revolutionaries. Perhaps he was still pouting over his lost seat on the Supreme Court. "The horror of domestic violent extremism is still with us," Garland said. According to Yahoo News, he noted that "encrypted internet messaging and the increased availability and sophistication of 'lethal weaponry' make the threat of domestic terror greater than it has ever been." To emphasize his point, Yahoo News mentioned a warning Trump received from the FBI about right-wing extremists planning violent attacks during the election. Additionally, "[o]fficials at the Department of Homeland Security tried to get Trump to pay attention to white nationalist groups, some of which expressed open affinity for him and his political movement." Apparently, Trump ignored both warnings...and nothing happened, except for the eventual and unnecessary occupation of our capital by U.S. troops. They remain there to this day more political theater from the left. Not wanting to be caught off-guard by the evil right-wing media, Yahoo News destroyed any counter-arguments before they could be voiced: "Republicans continue to insist that Antifa and Black Lives Matter are as great a threat to national security as white supremacy, though research has shown that most of last summer's Black Lives Matter-inspired protests were peaceful. While some violence and looting did occur, intense media coverage in particular by conservative outlets like Fox News may have provided a distorted image of those protests." In typical left-wing fashion, no specifics were offered on the alleged "research," and Yahoo News gave no examples of property damage and deaths caused over the past year by "white supremacists." Conversely, damage estimates from the "mostly peaceful" Antifa/BLM protests are now topping $2 billion, and about 25 people died. This so-called journalism is reminiscent of the CNN reporter telling us about "mostly peaceful" protests while buildings burned in the background. If it weren't so sad, it would be funny. Beware the white supremacist! Even now, he's probably lurking around the corner as you walk your dog! Image: Senate Democrats via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Over the past year, Americans have taken hits on their freedom of movement, their freedom of association, and even their dignity. As the pandemic abates, the masked masses should know what could have been heading down the runway toward them. The F-15C Eagle, a jet fighter of the U.S. Air Force, can hit speeds of 1,875 mph (Mach 2.4) and boasts a range of 3,450 miles. With its M-16AI cannon and Sidewinder missiles, the Eagle is designed for air-to-air combat. But somebody thought the fighter might prove more versatile. According to the Los Angeles Times, the California National Guard put an F-15C fighter on standby to buzz any crowds daring to resist stay-at-home orders at the outset of the pandemic last year. Four National Guard members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Times the orders were allegedly handed down orally or through text messages rather than in the official manner. We do not use our planes to frighten or intimidate civilians, National Guard Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma told the Times, but there was more to the story. According to internal National Guard documents reviewed by the Times, an F-15C fighter was placed on an alert status for a possible election-week mission and that officers discussed concerns in March 2020 as well as that summer about using the F-15C for domestic purposes, including to intimidate civilians. Retired National Guard pilot Dan Woodside told the Times that the decibel level alone from an F-15C demonstrating a show of force can break windows, set off car alarms and cause more fear than shouting fire in a crowded theater. Woodside would have disobeyed an order to buzz a civilian crowd with an F-15C, which, as retired Gen. David Bakos explained, has one mission and one mission alone -- to go up and shoot down other airplanes. During the coronavirus lockdown, according to the National Guard whistleblowers, Guard officers told crews to have an F-15C fully fueled and assigned a pilot around the clock. The jet was allegedly not armed, but that leaves the question of the order. The commander-in-chief of the California National Guard is Gov. Gavin Newsom, and any request to deploy the F-15C would have to come from him. Guard brass claim that the deployment was never a consideration before the governors office, but embattled Californians have cause to wonder. Last year Gov. Newsom readily deployed California Highway Patrol troopers in full riot gear to prevent Californians from protesting at the state Capitol in Sacramento. If an F-15C had made a sortie, it would not have been Americas first use of military force against civilians. During the Ruby Ridge standoff in 1992, the Federal Bureau of Investigation deployed Army sniper Lon Horiuchi, who shot Vicki Weaver in the head as she held her infant child. Snipers are trained carefully to acquire their target, so the government's claim that the killing was accidental might well be doubted. In the 1993 siege at Waco, Texas, the FBI deployed M1 Abrams tanks, a military weapon of awesome firepower. In January, as CBS News reported, approximately 2,000 armed troops ringed the U.S. Capitol. According to the Defense Department, the National Guard planned to bring 20,000 troops to Washington, D.C., to protect against insurgents. If civilians saw that as a military occupation, it would be hard to blame them. Peaceful protesters in California have a right to know if an F-15C was poised to head their way. Gov. Newsom, facing a recall, has yet to announce an official investigation. Lloyd Billingsley is a policy fellow at the Independent Institute in Oakland, Calif. Image: USAF To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. When Derek Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder against habitual criminal George Floyd, triggering the Black Lives Matter riots of 2020, there was an uncomfortable sense that the whole trial that followed was a matter of mob justice. To be sure, something appeared to be wrong in the incident, given that Floyd died in his custody, but other factors suggested a less than fair trial, nonetheless. As one commentator noted on PowerLine Blog yesterday: "There are things I really don't like--fighting the case out in the press, threatening riots unless Chauvin was convicted as charged, finding him guilty of two mutually exclusive crimes done in the same act, doctors all but ignoring the drugs in his system, and a lot more..." None of that promotes a fair trial, even if the defendant clearly has done something that appears wrong. The presence of a Black Lives Matter activist on the jury, who apparently lied about his conflicts of interest to get chosen for it, suggests even more of a whiff of leftist mob justice with a kangaroo trial. Now the mob seems to be insatiable. According to Scott Johnson at Power Line: Having been convicted of second-degree murder at trial for the death of George Floyd, Derek Chauvin is subject to a presumptive sentence of 12 and 1/2 years under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. Prosecutors moved for an aggravated sentence in the case based on five so-called Blakley factors and applicable Minnesota law. Sentencing is scheduled for June 25. Chauvin chose to submit the required findings of fact to Judge Cahill in place of, or rather than, the jury. The court has just posted Judge Cahills findings here. In his findings Judge Cahill adopts four of the five grounds urged by the prosecutors for aggravation of Chauvins sentence. He makes each of his four findings beyond a reasonable doubt. He rejects the fifth proposed finding. The findings are based on the evidence at trial, the facts the jury must have found to convict Chauvin, and on the verdict itself. By the time we reach finding 4 Defendant committed the crime as a group [sic] with the active participation of three other persons they take on an absurd quality. All public filings in the case are accessible via the court page dedicated to the case here. Which appears to be overkill, a response to a mob, which cannot be satisfied, from a cowardly judge. Johnson, who is a very experienced and even-tempered attorney himself, finds some of the judge's logic "absurd," which is important enough, though he cautions that the judge hasn't signaled that this is how he will actually rule when he sentences Chauvin in late June. The logic, though, is a problem, apparently Minnesota's seemingly lenient laws suddenly aren't enough now -- ten years is insufficient -- but only for Chauvin. Combine that with the fact that Chauvin apparently has to serve his entire sentence in solitary confinement -- even at ten years, but now looking at 30 years -- is already an enhanced punishment, even at the unenhanced sentencing rates which had been there formerly. That's known as punishment time, the box, and something which other prisoners, convicted of far more horrible crimes for personal benefit, don't get unless they do something terrible on the inside, and they do anything they can while on the inside, not to get. In Chauvin's case, it's only being meted out because the jailers cannot control their charges. That's their failure, not Chauvin's, but he pays for it. Solitary confinement has been branded 'torture' by Amnesty International, particularly when extended, and has been known to drive people insane. In numerous cases, it's been argued in court to be "cruel and unusual punishment." They're proposing 30 years of this? It doesn't sound like a matter of the punishment fitting the crime, particularly given the flyweight sentences for far more damaging and malevolent crimes that other criminals are serving inside the Minnesota prison system. There's also the leftist move, bankrolled by the likes of George Soros, to get district attorneys elected who let them all off no matter what they've done -- just ask San Francisco's son-of-terrorists D.A. Chesa Boudin. Chauvin seems to be special. This can be called a lot of things, but impartial justice doesn't seem to be one of them. Mobs are never satisfied. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License To comment on this post, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. A prestigious intergovernmental organization created by the worlds advanced economies is pointing out the bottleneck in the plans to substitute so-called green energy for hydrocarbon-based energy: the availability of key minerals necessary for battery storage, wind farms, solar panels, and other gizmos necessary for the switchover. Simply put: the world cant provide the quantity of those minerals that would be necessary, and the environmental and social impact of trying to mine them in sufficient quantities would be devastating. The cure, in other words, is worse than the disease. You can download the 287-page report here. The International Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization founded by the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development] in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis to provide information and policy suggestions to help the advanced economies cope with energy needs. It currently is focused on the green energy transition so desired by many of the worlds most powerful special interests. The report on minerals is part of a larger project on the green energy transition. Mark P. Mills cites some of its most important findings in the Wall Street Journal. The IEA assembled a large body of data about a central, and until now largely ignored, aspect of the energy transition: It requires mining industries and infrastructure that dont exist. Wind, solar and battery technologies are built from an array of energy transition minerals, or ETMs, that must be mined and processed. The IEA finds that with a global energy transition like the one President Biden envisions, demand for key minerals such as lithium, graphite, nickel and rare-earth metals would explode, rising by 4,200%, 2,500%, 1,900% and 700%, respectively, by 2040. The world doesnt have the capacity to meet such demand. As the IEA observes, albeit in cautious bureaucratese, there are no plans to fund and build the necessary mines and refineries. The supply of ETMs is entirely aspirational. And if it were pursued at the quantities dictated by the goals of the energy transition, the world would face daunting environmental, economic and social challenges, along with geopolitical risks. When honest grownups take a close look at the plans being offered --- even by serious governments (The UK and California, for instance, plan a complete phase out of gasoline powered cars) and companies (GM plans to go all-electric vehicles) they notice that practical considerations rule them out. Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, for instance, criticized what he described as excessive hype over electric vehicles, saying advocates failed to consider the carbon emitted by generating electricity and the costs of an EV transition. Toyota President Akio Toyoda said Japan would run out of electricity in the summer if all cars were running on electric power. The infrastructure needed to support a fleet consisting entirely of EVs would cost Japan between 14 trillion and 37 trillion, the equivalent of $135 billion to $358 billion, he said. When politicians are out there saying, Lets get rid of all cars using gasoline, do they understand this? Mr. Toyoda said Thursday [December 10, 2020] at a year-end news conference in his capacity as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Other elements of the green energy transition run into impossible-to-overcome obstacles, such as the unavailability of land for solar and wind farms: Of course, other factors, including the incurable intermittency of renewables as well as the massive amounts of materials, including steel, concrete, copper, and rare earth elements, will limit the deployment of wind and solar. But the biggest barrier is the land-use problem. The ferocity and extent of rural land-use conflicts are showing that any attempt to convert the domestic economy to run solely on renewables is destined to fail. It is now evident that the plans agreed upon by almost all of the worlds most powerful institutions, from governments, to corporations, to media and academia, are flawed to point of impossibility. Meanwhile, China merrily chugs along building coal-fired electric generation stations and putting out more CO2 increases than the rest of the world combined. If one asks the classic question about this green new deal plans, cui bono? (who benefits?), the answer is first and foremost China, which is hobbling its economic rivals, the advanced industrial economies, followed by rent-seekers (aka, grifters) who gain subsidies and loan guarantees for their schemes that often (Solyndra and Tonopah for instance) spectacularly fail to deliver on their promises. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Bottom line: In its recommendation to dismiss the election challenge, majority Democrats on the House Committee on Administration said Oberweis failed to make a credible and specific claim that he is entitled to office and has not alleged that the number of votes legally in dispute is sufficient to alter the outcome of the election. Full story here. Starting in 1962, with a proclamation from President Kennedy, May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, with the week in which May 15 falls denominated as National Police Week. The purpose of this day and week is to honor those officers who have lost their lives while on duty. The last year, of course, has been an exceptionally deadly one for law enforcement. Because it is a federal day and week, whoever occupies the White House issues a proclamation in honor of the day. With that in mind, does this sound as if its part of a presidential tribute to law enforcement officers? This year, we also recognize that in many of our communities, especially Black and brown communities, there is a deep sense of distrust towards law enforcement; a distrust that has been exacerbated by the recent deaths of several Black and brown people at the hands of law enforcement. If your answer is no, you also wont be surprised to learn that its a passage from President Bidens Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2021. Instead of just focusing on the good works, sacrifice, and heroism many officers performed throughout the past year, Joe and the woke aides who most likely wrote this travesty for him couldnt resist throwing a dig at the men and women in blue. And it makes sense why they would: AOC and her minions declared war on the police while urging elected officials to defund them. The proclamation continues: In order to rebuild that trust, our State, local, and Federal Government and law enforcement agencies must protect constitutional rights, ensure accountability for misconduct, and embrace policing that reflects community values and ensures community safety. I suppose the community values that ensures community safety include catch-and-release bail policies that have released dangerous, violent felons back on the street, courtesy of Democrats. Contrast Bidens bitter diatribe with a passage from President Trumps Police week proclamation in 2019: Our Nations law enforcement officers serve with courage, dedication, and strength. They fearlessly enforce our laws, even at the risk of personal peril, safeguarding our property, our liberty, and our lives. We owe them, and their families, our full and enduring support. No full and enduring support coming from Old Joe and his minions. Instead, we are treated to a few boiler-plate platitudes followed by a kick in the teeth to the Thin Blue Line. Speaking of The Thin Blue Line, progressives are conducting a full-scale assault on the thin blue line flag as well as the thin red line flag (supporting firefighters). These far-left cowards masquerading as civil rights activists would never have the stones to try implementing these bans immediately after our enemies attempt another 9/11-style attack. At that point, the average American would be able to connect the dots and there would be massive pushback against them if they even raised the issue. Biden infamously said that Antifa is an idea. Well, Joe, that idea has perpetrated a sustained several-month-long violent attack on the Portland Federal Courthouse, among other buildings. But that idea doesnt qualify as an insurrection, does it, Attorney General Merrick Garland? Its a slap in the face to front-line law enforcement officers that Antifa gets a pass on violent rioting and blatant assaults on police, while the upper echelon of the Garland Justice Department focuses on Trump supporters, many of them elderly. I suspect A.G. Garland is still bitter that Republicans denied him a seat on the Supreme Court, and now this is payback time. And thats a disservice to the American public and an insult to the entire law enforcement community. Michael A. Bertolone, M.S. is a past Executive V.P. of the Monroe County (N.Y) Law Enforcement Association, and a freelance writer in Rochester, NY. His other articles can be found at American Thinker and Substack. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. On Wednesday morning by a voice vote, U.S. House Republicans ousted the odious Liz Cheney from her leadership position. Republicans really had no choice. Cheneys unconcealed loathing for Donald Trump and her notorious vote to impeach him back in January played very poorly with the partys base voters, who remain intensely loyal to the ex-president. When is backstabbing regarded by anybody as a stellar quality? Moving into the 2022 midterms, its critical that Republicans turn out its base voters to achieve the goal of capturing the House and perhaps winning the Senate. Moreover, the GOP needs the bases contributions. After all, money is the mothers milk of politics. Liz Cheneys high-profile position may well be drying up some of that critical fundraising. Cheney personifies everything the Trump base detests: Shes a D.C. establishment fixture, a RINO more willing to fight her partys own voters than Democrats, and an indefatigable cheerleader for American military adventurism. The latter is part of the Cheney family franchise. Dick and Liz never seem to meet a military deployment they dont love. Like warmongering Bill Kristol, Cheney sees no end to the U.S. involvements in Afghanistan and Iraq. Heck, even daffy Joe Biden is pulling the remaining U.S. forces out of Afghanistan. Bidens move is a tacit concession to Trumps very popular policy of ending forever wars. Liz must privately stew that Trump is still having this sort of impact. But, hey, even if the U.S. leaves backwaters like Iraq and Afghanistan, theres bigger fish to fry. Evil Vlad Putin is menacing Ukraine, and the U.S. hasnt been embroiled in a land war in Europe since you-know-when, so and never having had a hot war with a nation armed-to-the-teeth with nuclear weapons might be worth a go. Mad escalation cant possibly happen. Nah! Of course, the corporate media is lionizing Cheney for her steadfast, principled stand against Donald Trump, the barbarian king, and the hooligans and insurrectionists who are tens of millions strong. Expect Liz to be given a JFK Profile in Courage Award at some Kennedy Center extravaganza next year. The equally odious Mitt Romney won this years award for being the first Senator to have ever voted to convict a President of his own party. Lizs treason must await its laurels. At the very least, wed all like to hope that Liz is motivated by a smidge of noble purpose, no matter how wrongheaded. But, alas, we have to step back to appreciate that Liz knows her future doesnt lie in Wyoming but the D.C. metro, where she spent most of her growing years. Liz knows she doesnt stand a ghost of a chance winning renomination to her House seat. Not only did the state GOP rightly censure Liz for her impeachment stand, the Republican field to replace her is so crowded that Tony Fauci is bound to require that masks are worn and social distancing practiced when these challengers gather together. Expect Wyoming Republicans to winnow the field. Liz will lose sure as a chuckwagon has steaks and trail beans. Which brings us to Lizs future prospects. If I still know D.C., Liz is positioning now for her post-congressional career. Surely, a seven-figure book deal is dancing in her head? And what about a high six or seven-figure gig at a think tank or foundation or whatever establishment deep pockets are willing to pony-up for? There are never too many resident scholars warmongers in glorious Washington, D.C. Democrats arent too hep on statues and monuments nowadays but dont be surprised if addled Joe Bidens profligate handlers carve out a piddling million or so dollars from the trillions theyre throwing away to build a monument to Mitt, Liz, and the other GOP quislings who cast ignominious votes to impeach President Trump, an innocent man whose only crime was putting America First. But, rest assured, the Wheel of Fortune turns. Today, D.C. denizens celebrate Liz Cheney but that celebration may turn into sorrow not far distant. Donald Trump, like his America First movement, is far from finished. In fact, it may only be beginning. J. Robert Smith can be found on Parler @JRobertSmith and at Gab, again @JRobertSmith. He also blogs at Flyover. Image: Mario Piperni To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Battles against critical race theory are being waged and won across the country -- with Disney earlier this week scrubbing its diversity and inclusion program from the companys website, according to reporting by Christopher Rufo. Conversely, Seattle is doubling down. In the Emerald City, woke ideology is infecting every aspect of society -- even the job seeking process, as evidenced by a recent online job posting with Friends of Waterfront Seattle. The nonprofit is partnering with the City of Seattle to raise $110M by 2024 to fund park construction on Seattles waterfront, which had been sorely neglected for decades. Seattle Waterfront (photo credit Kevin Harber CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license) Like something out of a Marxist indoctrination manual, the description reads: Friends of Waterfront Seattle acknowledges that historic and existing systemic racism is embedded in our city. This shows up in our park and public space system. Friends is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization by prioritizing racial equity inside the organization and in the public spaces we operate. As the nonprofit responsible for sustaining and programming the park in perpetuity, our goal is to create inclusive spaces for community-driven cultural events, recreational activities, and educational opportunities where all people specifically Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as underserved communities feel welcome and safe. Not surprisingly, questions to the recruiter, including: What do you mean by existing systemic racism? and others went unanswered. Rest assured, though, there are plenty of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) requirements in the job description for the ideal purple-squirrel candidate including: Engage in regular conversations about race and equity through all-staff meetings, trainings, and a DEI book club. (People are using the term [BIPOC] to acknowledge that not all people of color face equal levels of injustice. They say BIPOC is significant in recognizing that Black and Indigenous people are severely impacted by systemic racial injustices, according to Focus communications and promotions toward engaging BIPOC audiences.(People are using the term [BIPOC] to acknowledge that not all people of color face equal levels of injustice. They say BIPOC is significant in recognizing that Black and Indigenous people are severely impacted by systemic racial injustices, according to Merriam-Webster .) Bring a DEI lens to meetings with other departments, partners, and vendors. By supporting critical race theory (CRT) in all its iterations, the woke, like the recruiter mentioned above, are perpetuating divisive identity politics -- the converse of what Martin Luther King, Jr advocated. Ironically, so-called anti-racists are now the ones judging others based on their skin color. Their moral preening is the antithesis of progress -- and little good will come of it. A Fish Rots from the Head Down In Washington State, endless pandering from Gov. Jay Inslee, ranked the worst governor in the country for fiscal policy by the Cato Institute, is stoking racial division. In classic partisan fashion, Inslee recently threw his support behind CRT training, by signing Senate Bill 5044. The new law mandates that school districts in the Evergreen State must use one of three professional learning days to train all staff in cultural competency, diversity, equity, or inclusion. In DEI parlance, Equity -- in contrast to equal opportunity -- seeks to create equal outcomes by redistributing resources along lines of perceived economic or racial disparities, reports The Epoch Times. Inslee, who feigned ignorance during the BLM riots that ravaged Seattle last year, dismissed concerns that CRT legislation violates the Washington Civil Rights Act, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the equal protections guaranteed under the 14th Amendment. Critical Race Theory teaches people that their individuality is not based on their intrinsic worth as human persons, but as members of a group based on their perceived outward appearance, reads a joint letter by the Washington Policy Center, Center for Latino Leadership, Ethnic Chambers of Commerce Coalition, and Washington Asians For Equality. The letter further notes: Critical Race Theory teaches that if people are identified as white, Jewish or Asian, they are oppressors. If they are seen as black, Hispanic or part of another group, they are oppressed. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Psychiatrists and psychologists use the tell to read body language. According to them, the tell is a discordant body movement, at odds with the subjects spoken words. The Progressives tell, regarding their monolithic feelings of intellectual and moral superiority, especially when dissembling, is the smirk. It is also a weaponized tool, used to irk the recipient. If one watches for it, one soon realizes its usage is astonishingly frequent. Previously de rigeuer for mainstream newscasters, and social justice warriors, it has now morphed onto the duplicitous talking heads of the Biden administration. Interestingly, one can look, but one wont find Republicans or conservatives smirking - ever. Its simply not in their DNA. Tuesday night on the Fox News Hannity show, two serial smirkers were caught in less than 60 minutes - though Hannity seemed unaware of the phenomena. First up was the taxpayer-financed whirling dervish, Doctor Sir Anthony Fauci, being questioned by Senator Doctor Rand Paul. Paul insisted that American taxpayer money, in the form of a grant, had been given to a Wuhan lab for gain of function research. Benignly sounding like a physical therapy definition for physical improvement, gain of function research is actually perilous. It is the process whereby a virus, in vitro and in vivo is altered to become more damaging and more contagious. Fauci sidestepped the question by denying that a certain American expert in gain of function research ever worked with the Wuhan lab. And then, Fauci smirked. Was it because he felt superior to Paul? Or was it because he was congratulating himself on the con? Paul retorted that, regardless of his claims, American money went to the Wuhan lab and the research was conducted there. A few minutes later, Hannity featured Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. As residents in many states, affected by the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, waited in long lines to buy gas at inflated prices, she quibbled over the use of the word shortage. Its not a shortage, she insisted, over and over again - by golly, its a supply issue - smirk. That will show the angry hordes, she was assuredly congratulating herself. How dare they define a supply issue with a shortage. This is a ship of destroyers and dissemblers, and we are only in month four. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Many men and women of the American Jewish Left are preening and proud now that they have everything they could ever have dreamed of. They now have hardcore Marxists controlling every lever of federal power, along with tens of thousands of them ensconced into our federal bureaucracy. Id like to remind them that I and hundreds of thousands of other American Jews and about 75 million non-Jewish Americans are disgusted by this. We consider an evil, dark and destructive ideology has attacked America from within. It is destroying all its liberal, moral, and enlightened foundations. This week, many of us would say a double shame on every Jew that voted for this Marxist Democrat party. Every bruise, broken bone, tear, drop of spilled blood, or death of a fellow Jew in Israel by our enemies is partly on their hands. They vilified, undermined, and help turn from office the strongest of American men, President Donald Trump, a man with the deepest of love for Israel, with high levels of non-toxic masculinity, focus, bravery, and love for America. Instead, they replaced him with cognitively challenged Joe Asterisk and a large crowd of weak, feckless, appeasing, destructive radical American Marxists who basically hate America and hate Israel even more. At the pinnacle of American power, we've traded John Wayne for a very confused and now hard Leftist Pajama Boy. What do you think all our enemies will do when they see American strength and resolve replaced by weakness, feminization of our grand power, and self- hate? They attack. And I fear this is just the beginning. Just think Gaza, Iran, North Korea, China, Russia -- all the evil ones of the world now facing a defunded America, an America focused on gender-neutral bathrooms, all facing no policeman on the beat. We liberal Americans (now called conservatives) knew this was coming if President Trump and our basic American values were overthrown. You just have to read a bit of basic history and know a bit of the Bible and human nature. And indeed its here. Smoke is billowing over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Next may be Taiwan, Ukraine, or Washington D.C. Im sure the American Left will not have a clue what I am talking about or just file it as another rant from the racist, sexist, homophobic alt-right. This American Marxism mixed with cluelessness, radical secularism, naiveite, lack of wisdom, and high levels of American university education are what will get us all killed. May God be with us here in America and Israel. Image: snappygoat To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. When I think of the United States military achieving significant and historic things, my mind turns to its skill as a fighting force. I think of new weapons, extraordinary physical accomplishments, successful battle outcomes, or unusually low numbers of training fatalities. What I dont think of is the incredible excitement that comes with the United States Navys first all openly gay helicopter crew, complete with a rainbow flag to hang on the copter, a story that broke last week but that I somehow missed until now. This is not meant to challenge the notion of gays in the military per se. As it happens, because I lived and worked in San Francisco for decades, many of my friends were gay and a large number of them were ex-military. Some had been kicked out; most had been honorably discharged. When I asked one friend why hed enlisted, he told me, It was a dream for me to be around all these buff men. That friend died at 32 after he contracted AIDS at an orgy. Unbeknownst to many people, one of the most important people in the Continental Army during the American Revolution was an openly gay German man, Baron Friedrich von Steuben. He trained American troops in Prussian discipline, helping to create the professional fighting cadre George Washington so desperately needed. Both Benjamin Franklin, who recommended von Steuben to Washington, and Washington himself knew that von Steuben was gay. They didnt care. What they cared about was that he did his job. Whats happened with our modern military, though, especially the Navy, is that a lot of the job seems to be being gay. That is, it wasnt about making sure not to bypass otherwise highly qualified people. Instead, for the leftists, opening the military to gays and lesbians was the thin edge of the wedge in the militarys social justice transformation. The military now incessantly celebrates homosexuality. Most recently, it allowed its first all-gay helicopter crew to use their helicopter and uniforms for a gay pride moment: *First ever openly gay crew Travis Akers (@travisakers) May 4, 2021 The military, including the academies, is all-in on homosexuality, with support groups, outreach, photos, flags, etc. None of this, of course, has anything to do with military readiness. Having gotten gays in, the leftists next brought in transgender troops. Trump put a stop to it, only to have Biden instantly reinstate the policy. Now, taxpayers are on the hook for so-called sex-change surgery which is, in reality, plastic surgery that mutilates the body and can come with profound physical challenges. In addition, hormone treatment that fills a body with biologically incorrect hormones also creates serious health risks. And then theres that tragically high suicide rate, something that doesnt go away when they enlist. None of this contributes to military fitness. Having gotten gays and transgender people into the military so that they could feel good about themselves, the next step was to move women into the front lines of battle. The only way the military can achieve this is to lower standards for men because only the most anomalous women are capable of meeting the male standards. One of the anomalous women who was able to meet the male fitness standards has stated the obvious: it will put the military mission at risk. That means more dead Americans, fewer dead enemies. The latest issue in the social justice transformation of the military is to insert Critical Race Theory into the military. This is the toxic idea that white skin automatically means a person is simultaneously genetically inferior and an all-powerful oppressor. (No one explains how inferior, demelanated people have been so successful at oppressing the more serious melanin-rich races but whatever.) Unit cohesion cannot survive open racism and a military without cohesion is just a lot of people whove become fish in a barrel for the enemys guns. While Im sure those four men on a helicopter are thrilled that they can have their gay kaffeeklatsches between flights and while I sincerely hope that theyre qualified for the job on grounds other than sexuality, I deplore the way the military has moved gay sexuality front and center, instead of leaving it in the background where everybodys sexuality belongs for a job as serious as defending America in the event of war. And as a reminder, even while Bidens military is quickly becoming an expensive version of a college dormitory, the Chinese are very open about the fact that they are working to toughen their boys because they worry that they are too effeminate. If these two troops clash, I dont think social justice bitch slapping and cancel culture are going to be very effective against a Chinese military trained to win wars. IMAGE: Navys gay flight crew. Twitter screengrab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. In a bizarre Complaint filed against recently-elected Vermont School Board member Elizabeth Cady, two citizens allege Cadys inquiries about the introduction of Critical Race Theory (CRT) constitute a clear breach of School Board Operations Policy. As in many states, this controversial ideology is seeping into Vermonts curricula. Cadys case is instructive of the coercive pressure exerted by CRT radicals against those who dare question the hasty implementation of this novel, race-based theory. Laura Taylor and Emily Franz allege that Cady gave the impression that she would represent special interests or partisan politics for personal gain. No monetary personal gain is identified. Their real complaint, in my opinion, is summarized in their conclusion: We are both strong supporters of the EWSD [East Westford School District] and its work on equity and inclusion. We feel that each and every member of the School Board should be as well. CRT proponents oppose dissenting opinions. A core principle of CRT asserts that free speech liberties have been used to oppress Black people, and thus White people cannot be permitted a differing opinion -- free speech is an obstacle to equity. (Ryszard Legutko calls this coercion to freedom.) A quasi-religious ideology, CRT is being launched in Vermont schools via what scholar Christopher F. Rufo aptly identifies as an institutional orthodoxy. This dogma does not tolerate disagreement, as it feels that each and every member of society should agree to use skin color as a determinant of education and public policy. If one disagrees, one is a heretic to be targeted, shunned, and slandered. The complaint falsely attributes an article written by reporter Guy Page to Mrs. Cady, which dared employ the word uppity: Before we point out the clear breach of the policy, we must take a minute to point out that the word uppity has deeply troubling racial and sexist undertones. It is deeply disturbing to us that a school board member would post under such an offensive, racist, and sexist title, and yet, it is not even the most unsettling aspect of the post. Guy Page used the term exactly as the dictionary defines it, depicting Elizabeth Cady as being treated as uppity for standing up to CRT bullies! Guy Page didnt employ the word offensively, or to allude to Black people. Definitional contortions by the Franz/Taylor grammarians imputed a litany of moral condemnations to bully Cady into silence -- treating her as if she were uppity; falsely impugning her as a racist for an article she didnt write. Vermont parents must scrutinize this stifling effort and its tyrannical proponents. Guy Pages article describes Elizabeth Cady as ...a pro-school choice, Critical Race Theory critic mom who in March defeated an incumbent pro-Critical Race Theory, anti-school choice candidate for a seat on the Essex School Board [ S ]hes a woman dedicated to a vision of a Vermont committed to fairness and equality for all. And shes not afraid to speak out and urge others to do likewise. Elizabeth Cady merely asked for fuller dialogue and expressed sensible reservations about CRT. Yet Franz and Taylor claim that With this post, along with her continual campaign of misinformation and contextually inaccurate data, Ms. Cady has made it clear that she does not believe in the districts equity work, and that she is actively encouraging others to join her in this crusade, which she has made political through this post on a conservative website. What Boardmember Cady wrote was this: Whether or not you agree with the above being taught in schools is a personal choice, but my concern is that our community, as a whole, has been uninformed of these changes in schools and what it means to prioritize equity, specifically what is the desired end-state of equity in our schools. If, as a parent or taxpayer, you share some of these concerns or have some of your own, I encourage you to attend the meeting and speak. This seems like a reasonable Voltairean appeal: but opposing views are verboten to the CRT cult. What Franz and Taylor dub the most unsettling aspect of the post is that Elizabeth Cady dared question their newfound institutional orthodoxy: This flagrant policy breach demonstrates what is apparent to many of us: EWSD School Board Member Liz Cady has a personal agenda that is not in the best interests of our schools, our students, or our community. But isnt the shoe on the other feet? Franz and Taylor advance a personal agenda to impose a CRT ideological indoctrination on Vermont children. Cady is a whistleblower and hero, whose loyalty to students and parents is her visible personal agenda. The voters clearly wish to permit her to have her voice. But most important, parents everywhere must critically examine this anti-Constitutional doctrine being rapidly introduced into Americas schools. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. The dawn of younger children getting the shot also is momentous from a public health standpoint. Though children are far less likely to suffer severe illness from COVID-19, they have had cases throughout the pandemic of hospitalizations and long-term symptoms, known as long-haul COVID-19, Johnson said. With more and more of the older population getting vaccinated, children now have the highest positivity rate of COVID-19 in Chicago, at 6.2% as of this week, according to the citys data portal. You want a good look at Google Pixel 6? Because thanks to this leak you get a good look at the Google Pixel 6. Or, what is thought to be the Google Pixel 6. Since this is a leak, it isnt confirmed that this is the final design. Or even an actual legitimate design for that matter. The leak comes from Front Page Tech though, which has a good track record with leaks. The Pixel Watch leak from a few weeks ago was from FPT as well. Google is expected to reveal the Pixel 6 later this year in the Fall. But if you wanted to see what the design could look like prior to that, check out the images below. The design of the device is, rather unique and a pretty big departure from past Pixel devices. In fact there arent really any other smartphones on the market that carry this design. Advertisement The Google Pixel 6 leak shows the phone has a massive camera bump The one thing that is going to stand out the most is the camera bump on the back. Its not just big, its massive. It also adorns the back of the phone in a horizontal fashion that covers the entire width of the device. But, not at the top edge. Instead, the camera bump is located slightly further down from the top edge which is what makes it as unique as it is. Just above the camera bump, which is black, the phone backing shows off an orange color. Meanwhile the rest of the phone backing is white. Google has used these colors in its Pixel phones before more than once. But never in this way. There also appears to be a white and gold variant, and one with a more subtly hued model that looks like the sand color on its Chromecast with Google TV. All feature this tri-color design. Advertisement Theres a larger Pro model with three rear camera sensors It seems Google is going back to offering a regular model and a larger model. At least, judging by these leaks. One of the images shows that theres one model which is a bit shorter comes with two rear camera sensors. Meanwhile the larger, Pro model comes with three rear camera sensors. Past rumors have suggested that the sensors would be coming from Samsung. Another past rumor suggested that the front facing camera would be a cutout design and be centered as opposed to off to the side. While the leak doesnt mention anything about Samsung sensors, it does show the centered front camera. Since one phone is rumored to be a Pro model, its also likely that it comes with more powerful hardware. Though, the leak doesnt mention anything about specs. Save for one detail, the in-display fingerprint reader. Advertisement Just like with the Pixel Smartwatch leak, these images are recreated renders of what was shown to Front Page Tech. And not the actual images that were shared. Sonys new flagships may not land in the US until the end of August, if a new report is to be believed. Pre-orders on B&H are still open for the Xperia 1 III, while the site says the device will ship on August 31. Sonys new flagship may not land in the US until end of August It is worth noting that this could be just a placeholder date. B&H may not have accurate information about the shipping date yet, so do take that into consideration. On the other hand, the date could be completely accurate. The Sony Xperia 1 III and 5 III launched back in April. Both devices are expected to become available in June, though if this date on B&H is correct, the US wont be one of the first countries to get them. Advertisement Sony is no stranger to being a bit late to release its newest flagship offerings. The company tends to wait several months to release them after theyre announced. That may not be the best idea, but it is what happens almost every year. Sony Mobiles position in the market did improve a bit, though the company still has a long way to go. It needs to keep this momentum in order to avoid losing cash. In order to do that, though, it needs to offer compelling products at compelling prices, and not wait a long time to release them. One can argue that the Xperia 1 III and 5 III are quite compelling, despite their high price tags. Lets just hope that both phones will land earlier than it is claimed on the B&H website. Advertisement Price tags havent been announced yet, but neither phone will be cheap Official US price tags for these two phones have not been shared yet. The Xperia 1 III probably wont be more affordable than its predecessor, though. Were expecting a price tag in the $1,200-$1,300 range. Sony may surprise us, though. The Xperia 5 III will likely cost around $1,000. After Roku paid an undisclosed amount of money for Quibi back in January, we knew that its content would be coming to The Roku Channel. And it appears that is happening next week. Roku announced today, that 30 of the popular Quibi shows would be landing on The Roku Channel on May 20. The entire library will come to The Roku Channel a bit later on. That includes all 75 titles from Quibis service. Roku will make them available for free to everyone using a Roku device in the US, Canada and the UK. What shows are coming to Roku immediately? We know that there will be 75 titles coming to The Roku Channel eventually, but for now, its just 30. And heres the full list: Advertisement #FreeRayshawn, About Face, Bad Ideas with Adam Devine, Barkitechture, Big Rad Wolf, Blackballed, Centerpiece, Chrissys Court, Cup of Joe, Die Hart, Dishmantled, Dummy, Fight Like a Girl, Flipped, The Fugitive, Gayme Show, Iron Sharpens Iron, Last Looks, Lets Roll with Tony Greenhand, Most Dangerous Game, Murder House Flip, Murder Unboxed, Nightgowns, Prodigy, Punkd, Reno 911! (Season 7 only), Royalties, Shape of Pasta, Thanks a Million, and You Aint Got These. These will all be available for free on The Roku Channel. So as long as you have a Roku streaming player, TV, or a soundbar, youll be able to watch these. Currently, The Roku Channel has over 250,000 movies and TV shows that are available to stream for free. As well as hundreds of linear TV channels it added 25 yesterday alone. The Roku Channel is really starting to become pretty impressive, considering its all free content. Its a way for Roku to make some extra money from its users, since they dont buy new hardware that often. So there are ads included in The Roku Channel. But they arent overdone. And since its free, you kind of expect that. 712 W. Schubert Ave., Chicago: $3,150,000 | Listed: April 12, 2021 This seven-bedroom home has five full bathrooms, one half-bath, five outdoor spaces, an elevator, two wet bars and a grand circular staircase. The kitchen features custom cabinets, honed quartzite countertops, two dishwashers, three ovens and Thermador and Sub Zero appliances. The primary bedroom suite has custom walk-in closets, a marble bath steam shower, a soaking tub and access to a private deck. A lower-level family room is equipped with surround sound and a fireplace. An exercise room, two bedrooms, a laundry room, a full bathroom and a mudroom are also on the lower level. Outdoor spaces include a large backyard, a spacious roof deck with an outdoor fireplace and another roof deck over the 2-car attached heated garage. Agent: Emily Sachs Wong of @properties, 312-286-0800 *Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options. To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. (Kim Quillen) (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 13 - Italy's antitrust authority said Thursday that it has fined Google LLC, Google Italy and Alphabet Inc.a total of over 102 million euros for abuse of a dominant market position. The authority said the Internet giant holds a dominant position that enables to control app developers' access to end users. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 13 - Italy's antitrust authority said Thursday that it has fined Google LLC, Google Italy and Alphabet Inc.a total of over 102 million euros for abuse of a dominant market position. The authority said the Internet giant holds a dominant position that enables it to control app developers' access to end users. The authority said Google had unjustly limited users' ability to utilize the Enel X Italia app for drivers of electric cars who need to recharge their vehicles by refusing to allow the interoperability of another app, JuicePass, on Android Auto. It said that, in this way, Google had favoured its own app, Google Maps. In addition to the fine, the authority said Google must take action to make sure the Enel X Italia app is fully available on Android Auto. "We don't agree with the decision," said a Google spokesperson. "We will examine the documentation and evaluate the next steps". (ANSA). The BBC has commissioned 12 deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists to create new film and audio content this summer. They will form part of the Culture In Quarantine initiative, which was introduced by the BBC in a bid to help people have access to the arts amid the pandemic. Silent World, a short music film by deaf musician Signkid, and Blind-sided, a comedy drama by blind comedian Jamie MacDonald, are among the projects that have been commissioned. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Lamia Dabboussy, BBC head of arts, said: This batch of commissions from artists across the country showcases the breadth of inspiring work weve all missed experiencing over this past lockdown year. Im thrilled that, as part of Culture In Quarantine, these pieces will be brought to life across BBC platforms. Its imperative that D/deaf, neurodivergent and disabled professional artists are supported to carry on making brilliant work, as the constraints and continuing effects of this pandemic threaten to silence their vital creative voice. Aisle by Ellen Renton and Jess Fig, a short film exploring the disabled experience of going to the supermarket during the pandemic, has also been commissioned. The content will form part of the BBCs Culture In Quarantine series (Ian West/PA) Dance films Complexity Of Skin and Pandemic Parenting: Pandemonium, animation The Cat, The Mouse And The Sausage, comedies Earth To Alice and Face It will also form part of the series. Films Louder Is Not Always Clearer, How To Thrive In 2050! 8 Tentacular Workouts For A Tantalising Future!, Hen Night and music collection Spectrum Sounds complete the line-up. The programme was established by a partnership between BBC Arts, Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Wales and Creative Scotland to mark the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act into law. Darren Henly, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: Culture and creativity have been lifelines for many of us throughout the pandemic, so were excited to support these commissions, which will encourage D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists to explore their experiences of lockdown, and ensure audiences can continue to enjoy even more brilliant cultural work across BBC platforms. The Government is anxious about the Indian variant of coronavirus and is ruling nothing out, Boris Johnson has said, as he hinted local restrictions may be needed. Scientists are keeping a close eye on the spread of the variant across the UK, with new figures from Public Health England (PHE) on Thursday expected to show a big rise in cases. Speaking at a primary school in Ferryhill, County Durham, the Prime Minister said: It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it. At the moment there is a very wide range of scientific opinion about what could happen. We want to make sure we take all the prudential, cautious steps now that we could take, so there are meetings going on today to consider exactly what we need to do. There is a range of things we could do, we are ruling nothing out. Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Cleves Cross Primary School in Ferryhill, County Durham (Scott Heppell/PA) The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is holding a meeting on Thursday to discuss the spread of the Indian variant, amid fears it could have an impact on the Governments road map out of lockdown. Bolton has one of the highest rates of the Indian variant in the UK, thought to be mostly concentrated in the under-25s. Asked if local lockdowns were possible, Mr Johnson said: There are a range of things we could do, we want to make sure we grip it. Obviously theres surge testing, theres surge tracing. If we have to do other things, then of course the public would want us to rule nothing out. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. We have always been clear we would be led by the data. At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead on Monday and indeed on June 21 everywhere, but there may be things we have to do locally and we will not hesitate to do them if that is the advice we get. Asked if masks and social distancing would be scrapped, Mr Johnson said more announcements would be made before the end of the month. He added: I think we have to wait a little bit longer to see how the data is looking but I am cautiously optimistic about that and provided this Indian variant doesnt take off in the way some people fear, I think certainly things could get back much, much closer to normality. (PA Graphics) Downing Street also said officials would not rule anything out when asked if the Government was considering surge vaccinations to accompany surge testing in areas with spikes of new variants. The Prime Ministers official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: We want to consider all options. The meeting is happening with Sage today and should they come out with any further updates on this variant originating in India and the epidemiology in the UK then we will consider it. Earlier, Professor Steven Riley, from Imperial College London, said whether the road map for England continued on its planned trajectory was a Government decision but suggested the UK was currently in a good place. (PA Graphics) He told Times Radio: I think theres two key things that have got to be kind of evaluated if infections go up, how quickly will they go up? But then after that, are they linked to the hospitalisations? The top-line Government policy is driven by protecting the NHS, so even if infection starts to go up, we then need to assess whether thats bringing a lot of new cases into hospitals, and theres certainly no sign of that at the moment. On Wednesday, the European Medicines Agency said it was pretty confident that vaccines currently in use would be effective against the Indian variant a view echoed by some British scientists. Three types of the Indian variant have been identified in the UK, one of which is a variant of concern. But Professor James Naismith, from the University of Oxford, said not enough was known to say for sure whether the variant could frustrate the UKs vaccination programme. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The vaccines dont 100% prevent infection for people, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. What they do is, they almost 100% prevent hospitalisation and serious illness. We dont know enough to know yet whether the Indian strain will behave differently than that. So even the regular virus can infect people who have been vaccinated and sometimes you do get reinfection. Prof Naismith said the variant may spread way beyond the local areas where it has been detected, suggesting much wider community transmission of the variant. I think we should view it as a countrywide problem, he said. It will get everywhere. We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. Prof Naismith said he did not believe local restrictions would work to contain the variant, adding: When we tried locally having different restrictions in different regions that didnt really make any difference. So I dont think thinking about a localised strategy for containment will really work. (PA Graphics) Elsewhere, Professor Adam Finn, from the University of Bristol and a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), suggested there was no firm plan for vaccinating teenagers and younger children. He told BBC Breakfast: Weve not really had any discussions yet about immunising teenagers or indeed younger children. We dont have any vaccines authorised for those age groups at the moment. But I think its also an open question as to whether or not we really will need to do that at this point and, in fact, if we can get really good coverage and a high uptake in the adult population, like Israel, we may find that you see a disappearance, if you like, of Covid throughout the whole population, even without immunising children. So thats yet to be discussed, and it may prove necessary, particularly for teenagers, but its not clear that that will be necessary at this point in time. He said studies had been completed for the Pfizer vaccine in teenagers and were continuing for the Moderna jab, but it would depend on whether there really are cases to be prevented, particularly among schoolchildren. If it looks like theres transmission going on in schools, particularly secondary schools, that would be in favour of doing this, and if there isnt, then of course that would be in favour of not doing it, he said. Prof Finn also said he was not particularly concerned that younger age groups may shun vaccines. He said there was a very strong sense in UK at the moment that everybody wants to be part of this to be contributing to the effort and to seeing this pandemic off. The Fifields, who are divorcing, extensively renovated the mansion during their ownership of it, including adding a mudroom and digging out the basement with shovels to the point that it now has a theater and a game room. They listed the mansion for $9.499 million in 2016 before taking it off the market and leasing it. They relisted it in 2019 for $7.9 million and cut their asking price to just under $7.5 million in January 2020 and then to just below $7 million in March 2020. They made their final price decrease, to just under $6.5 million, in October. At least six in 10 adults in the UK are now likely to have Covid-19 antibodies, new figures suggest. The estimates range from 59.2% of adults in Scotland to 69.3% in England, with 63.2% for Wales and 63.5% for Northern Ireland. The presence of Covid-19 antibodies implies someone has had the infection in the past or has been vaccinated. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. It takes between two and three weeks after infection or vaccination for the body to make enough antibodies to fight the virus. Antibodies then remain in the blood at low levels, although these levels can decline over time to the point that tests can no longer detect them. The latest estimates are from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are based on a sample of blood test results for the week beginning April 19. (PA graphic) They reflect the ongoing impact of the vaccine rollout across the UK, in particular the increasing number of people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated. Government figures show that by April 19, 33,032,120 first doses of vaccine had been given the equivalent of 62.7% of adults along with 10,425,790 second doses (19.8% adults). The ONS said that across all four nations there is a clear pattern between vaccination and testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies but the detection of antibodies alone is not a precise measure of the immunity protection given by vaccination. Once infected or vaccinated, the length of time antibodies remain at detectable levels in the blood is not fully known. It is also not yet known how having detectable antibodies, now or at some time in the past, affects the chance of getting Covid-19 again. The ONS estimates are for people in private households and do not include settings such as hospitals and care homes. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. In England, the highest percentage of adults testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies in the week beginning April 19 was estimated to be the 80 and over age group (92.3%), followed by people aged 75 to 79 (88.8%) and 70 to 74 (86.4%). The lowest percentage was for 25 to 34-year-olds (46.2%). In Wales, the highest proportion of adults likely to have tested positive for antibodies was the 80 and over age group (90.4%) followed by 75 to 79 (87.0%), while in Scotland the highest percentage was for people 80 and over (88.2%) followed by 65 to 69-year-olds (82.4%). In Northern Ireland, the ONS uses different age groups due to small sample sizes and estimates 83.4% of people aged 70 and over were likely to have tested positive for antibodies in the week beginning April 19. A woman has said a gift from her neighbour to celebrate Eid has restored her faith in humanity. Shafaq Hassan, from Streatham, south London, said her neighbour treated her and son Ayaan, 14, to dates and a prayer mat in celebration of Eid, which this year began on Wednesday evening and will end on Thursday evening. Posting a photo of the gifts to Twitter, Ms Hassan said: Our non-Muslim neighbour (our biryani pal!) totally surprised us with Algerian dates and a prayer mat for my 14-year-old, who fasted the whole month. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Ms Hassan, 40, told the PA news agency: Hes been our neighbour for over 20 years, but completely surprised us with the Eid gifts. I didnt realise he noted Ayaan was fasting the whole month we were all surprised at his gesture and my son felt really special. Theyre friendly neighbours, theyre fans of my mums biryani so we always send over a box. Ms Hassan said the family is celebrating with a meal and a special Eid cake, as they are unable to have a big party due to Covid-19 restrictions. She told PA: The whole family fasted but missed a few days, Ayaan fasted the whole month he was determined to fast the whole month which is quite impressive, if I may say so myself. Due to Covid we cant have big family party, obviously, were having a special meal with family to celebrate my sons achievement. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year as Covid-19 forced mosque closures and family separations on the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan shared a photo of Trafalgar Square lit in purple lights to celebrate the occasion. Ms Hassan told PA: Its hard we are not able to meet extended family or go to the mosque to pray. Its isolating not being able to attend the mosque but were blessed were together as a family. Our neighbours gesture helps put faith in humanity. Were a diverse community and its heart-warming that our neighbour was so thoughtful and encouraging of Ayaan and his religious beliefs. Eid is about sharing, being charitable and is a blessing. One of Britains leading imams has urged Muslims not to drop the ball and to continue to refrain from mixing households and hugging friends and family as Eid celebrations begin. Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (Minab), was speaking on Wednesday evening as he led prayers at the end of Ramadan at the Makkah Masjid in Leeds, where he is senior imam. Imam Asim told the PA news agency it will be excruciatingly painful to celebrate Eid without gathering in numbers and embracing loved ones, especially as the major relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions is just a few days away. But he urged everyone to take that one extra step. He said: This Eid will be very different in the sense that we will not be able to greet each other in the traditional way of embracing each other, hugging and handshaking with each other. But Im really hopeful that next Eid we will be able to be with each other and embrace each other and share a meal with our extended family and friends. We just have to take that one extra step to get us through this pandemic and make sure that we do not drop the ball before the restrictions are completely eased. Speaking at the mosque in the Hyde Park area of Leeds, Imam Asim said iftar breaking the fast each day during Ramadan would normally see around 200 people enjoying a three-course meal in the building. But none of this has taken place this year as mosques have observed strict Covid regulations. He said: Its been extremely challenging to follow the restrictions that have been in place but people have made incredible sacrifices and the Muslim community has strictly followed the guidelines given by the Government. The imam said that, as well doing this because because life is the most important thing we have, mosques have been keen to ensure no opportunity is given to those who want to fan the flames of Islamophobia and point fingers towards Muslims saying, somehow, Muslims are breaking the rules more than any other community. Imam Asim said: Its excruciatingly painful because the easing of restrictions is taking place next week when we will be able to hug each other and we would be able the embrace each other. Its quite difficult, especially if you try and explain that to young people or a child saying we cannot visit Grandmas house or we cannot go and see Grandpa. The imam said that with different families unable to share meals at the end of each day, Ramadan instead saw mosques sharing food with vulnerable people in the community. He said his mosque had handed out more than 7,000 food parcels in the local area during the month. He added that one of the key messages of Ramadan was to encourage people to take up the Covid-19 vaccine, making it clear that to have the jab was not to break the fast. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Imam Asim said he believed the tide has been turned in challenging a lack of confidence in the vaccine in Asian and black communities. He said: This Eid is about thanksgiving to God Almighty, but also thanksgiving to all the frontline workers who got us through this pandemic and carried us through this extremely challenging and excruciatingly painful time. The imam said families would also be remembering those who had died, adding: Many families will have at least one seat empty at their dinner table this Eid. There isnt any congregant in my mosque who hasnt lost a family member or friend. While well be celebrating, well also be remembering the lives that have been lost. The businessman behind Liberty Steel has pulled the plug on Wyelands Bank, a lender he is the biggest shareholder in. The banks board said it was looking for new owners after Sanjeev Gupta told them he would not continue to prop up the ailing lender. In May last year, Mr Gupta, whose business empire was closely linked to collapsed financing company Greensill, gave the bank a loan of 75 million. The shareholder has now indicated that he will not be providing further funds to finance a new strategy for the bank, Wyelands board said on Wednesday. It said that chief executive officer Stephen Rose has now been authorised to speak with potential new investors in an effort to preserve its future. The board said that it expects the bank will be wound up on a solvent basis if it fails to secure a sale to new backers. The update comes two months after the lender was ordered by the Bank of England to repay customer deposits amid fears over Wyelands financial position. Wyelands said on Thursday that is has almost completed this process and repaid around 194 million in deposits by March. It added that remaining borrowers have been told they will need to find new financing facilities from other lenders. The company also filed its accounts for the year to April 2020, which revealed that it plunged to a 63 million pre-tax loss after being hit with more than 61 million in impairments on loans. Former prime minister Tony Blair is to speak at this years Hay Festival. He will headline the PM300 series of events on leadership and global democracy at the literature and arts festival. Mr Blair will be interviewed by his former Labour Party colleague Alastair Campbell, who served as his spin doctor. Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell (Ben Curtis/PA) Hay Festival artist manager Heather Salisbury said: Were delighted to welcome former prime minister Tony Blair onto the Hay Festival programme for the first ever time in a far-ranging conversation on some of the most prevalent challenges of our times. This spring we beam our programme to you from Richard Booths Bookshop in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, welcoming writers, readers, thinkers and reamers together from around the world to join our digital party. Lets meet this moment of challenge with hope. Join us. (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The PM300 series marks 300 years since the UKs first prime minister came to power. The festival, which is being held online this year, will take place over 12 days from May 26 to June 6. Mr Blair will appear on June 3 at 4pm. Other figures appearing at this years Hay Festival include actress Kate Winslet, the Duchess of Cornwall, comedian Rob Brydon and poet Benjamin Zephaniah. A senior trade unionist has been condemned after suggesting Home Secretary Priti Patel was disgusting and should be deported. Unites assistant general secretary Howard Beckett who is standing for the leadership of the major union apologised for the social media message. Mr Beckett sits on Labours ruling national executive committee and the party said action would be taken over his comments. Mr Beckett made the remarks following protests in Glasgow over the detention of two men by Border Force officials. Police Scotland released the Indian nationals after people surrounded the immigration enforcement van and prevented it from leaving on Thursday. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Mr Beckett originally said: Priti Patel should be deported, not refugees. She can go along with anyone else who supports institutional racism. She is disgusting. He subsequently deleted the message. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. He later said: Priti Patel message on Eid al Fitr is to deport Muslim refugees. Those who have been forced to flee war zones. We are seeing appalling institutional racism again and again from the supposed pillars of the British elite. Our society should have no place for racism, at all. Im very sorry for my earlier tweet. I was angry to see Muslim Refugees being deported on the morning of Eid al Fitr. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. He said his earlier message was never intended to be literal and the wording was wrong and offensive. I apologise unreservedly to Priti Patel. No one should be deported. It is understood neither of the men involved in the situation in Glasgow is Muslim. Labour MP Chris Bryant said: This is vile. This should play no part in Labour or in British politics. A Labour spokesman said: The Labour Party takes these allegations extremely seriously and appropriate action will be taken. Tory MP Steve Baker said it was an extraordinary, absolutely intolerable remark which must have a robust response from Labour. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. An annual ritual is the mid-May placing of navigational buoys around the lakes for boaters. Approximately 450 buoys will be set throughout the chain area, with another 150 placed downriver. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is handling the buoy anchoring sites on the river near Johnsburg, south to Algonquin. 84% of doses sent abroad are licensing liabilities of Bharat Biotech, SII: Centre Mr Patra said the SII cannot share the vaccine formula because it has only been given the sub-license by Astrazeneca. PTI New Delhi: Hitting back at the Congress and the AAP over allegations against Indias Covid-19 vaccination, the BJP on Wednesday said over 84 per cent of the vaccine doses sent abroad were part of the commercial and licensing liabilities of the two Indian manufacturers. The BJP said vaccine manufacturers SII and Bharat Biotech sent vaccine doses abroad also because of the agreement they had signed to procure raw materials for preparing the jabs. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said 1.07 crore vaccine doses sent abroad were Indias aid to different countries and noted that of those, 78.5 lakh were dispatched to seven neighbouring countries. A safer neighbourhood is good for India too, said the BJP leader and also informed that more than two lakh doses were given to the UN peace-keeping force, in which over 6,600 Indian soldiers are deployed. He also attacked Congress' Rahul Gandhi and the AAP for spreading misinformation that the Modi government has exported over 6.63 crore vaccine doses abroad, while not using those to inoculate Indians. Noting that the intellectual property rights over Covishield, manufactured in the country by the Serum Institute of India (SII), are with Astrazeneca, a foreign firm, he said the SII was obliged to send a part of the vaccines produced by it abroad. This misinformation is being spread that Indians were ignored and vaccines were sent abroad. In this global era, no country can exist as an island and there has to be cooperative globalisation," said the BJP leader. With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking the Centre to share the vaccine formula of the two Indian manufacturers with other capable pharmaceutical companies to scale up production in the country, Mr Patra said the SII cannot do it because it has only been given the sub-license by Astrazeneca, which has the intellectual property rights over it. The vaccine indigenously prepared by Bharat Biotech requires a high level of bio-safety, which only a few firms are capable of preparing, and the Centre is holding talks with them, including some public sector undertakings (PSUs), to scale up its production, he added. Sisodia says pharma firm refused to supply required doses after reserve stock of vaccines exhausted The deputy CM urged the Centre to stop all vaccine-related exports and allow more companies to produce doses. DC file photo New Delhi: Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday alleged that Bharat Biotech had refused to supply the required doses of its Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin to Delhi. Addressing a press conference, Mr Sisodia said Delhi had asked for 1.34 crore doses of two Covid vaccines -- 67 lakhs each of Covaxin and Covishield. However, Bharat Biotech had told the Delhi government of its inability to supply these doses as it is making dispatches as per the directives of concerned government officials. Mr Sisodia said it was obvious Bharat Biotech was referring to Central government officials. They further wrote: We sincerely regret that we cannot make any additional supplies as required by you. I dont know how much is being supplied to other states, but they have written to us they cant provide to Delhi as they have to supply as per the Central government order, the deputy CM said. Mr Sisodia said Delhi had run out of its reserve stock of vaccines. Our reserve stock has been exhausted. The centres administering Covishield vaccines are functioning, but we had to close the centres administering Covaxin. We had to close down more than 100 centres across 17 schools, Mr Sisodia said. The deputy CM urged the Centre to stop all vaccine-related exports and allow more companies to produce doses. He said the Centre must import vaccine doses from across the world and make them available to state governments. Importing vaccines and making them available to state governments should be the Centres responsibility. State governments should be responsible for smooth and fast immunisation drives, he said. Retana said he received PPP loans last year, and they were a help. Juans has no outdoor seating so it was not able to take advantage of that business opportunity in warmer weather, but new customers have come through the door. Despite some sales growth, a need for the grant remains. I find from social media that you are unilaterally proceeding to Coochbehar in violation of norms, Mamata told the Governor Hitting back at the Trinamul Congress supremo immediately, Mr Dhankhar, who plans to visit Assam first on Thursday morning to meet BJP workers in a shelter there, rejected her advice and reminded her of his "constitutional duties." File photo Kolkata: A day before West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was scheduled to begin his tour of areas affected by post-poll violence, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday advised him to "desist" from undertaking "field trips" and follow the established government protocol. In a strongly worded letter to the governor, who is planning to undertake the trip in a BSF helicopter, Ms Banerjee drew his attention to the state home (political) department's 'Manual of Protocol & Ceremonials' which mentions: "The programme for the governor's visits to places in the districts is finalised by the secretary to the governor after obtaining the orders of the government. However, before recommending a request to the governor for acceptance, whether it is from a private party or a government Institution, the secretary to the governor consults the government and the commissioner of the division and the district officer in charge of the proper execution of the overall programme." She told the Governor, "I find from social media that you are unilaterally proceeding to the district of Coochbehar on 13-5-2021 and, sadly, I find that to be violative of the long-standing norms as evolved over several decades. I, therefore, would expect that you will kindly follow the well-established norms of protocol, as stated above, and desist from abrupt decisions with regard to field visits." Reminding Mr Dhankhar of one of her previous letters, Ms Banerjee added, "I had requested and specifically advised you 'to refrain from surpassing the chief minister and her Council of Ministers and communicating with and dictating to the state officials, in excess of your power under the Constitution and directing them to attend before you'. I find that you are steadily ignoring this advice, solemnly rendered by me to you, and have been communicating with and dictating the state officials. You have also been seeking reports from them directly. I urge you and again request and advise you to refrain from this. I am asking my chief secretary to go by this norm." Hitting back at the Trinamul Congress supremo immediately, Mr Dhankhar, who plans to visit Assam first on Thursday morning to meet BJP workers in a shelter there, rejected her advice and reminded her of his "constitutional duties." In his reply to her, Mr Dhankhar wrote, "In time of such unprecedented crisis there was need to act in togetherness with all concerned, including the governor. It was no time for optics or playing to the gallery when we are in the midst of unprecedented post-poll retributive violence. I can't persuade myself to subscribe to the stance reflected in your communication. It betrays elementary ignorance of constitutional provisions. We both, being constitutional functionaries, are subject to the Constitution. I am sure you will at least concede supremacy of the Constitution, that by oath you are ordained to follow. It is a textbook preposition that provisions of the Constitution can neither be diluted nor ignored." He added, "I am appalled that a leader of your stature should be even contemplating that in making visits the governor has to obtain orders of the government. Surprising that you became aware of this constitutionally untenable provision at a time when my visits are to share the pain and agony of suffering people. I am just not persuaded by your stance. There would be no sane takers of this." When court was informed that persons without ID cards could register through Cowin, it questioned whether beggars can avail such facilities Justice Kulkarni said, If we were to have door-door vaccination sometime back, so many of our prominent citizens across fields, who were not in good health, we could have saved them. PTI file photo Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Central government to reconsider its current protocol that doesn't allow door-to-door vaccination. The court also said that had the government incorporated such a policy earlier, it could have saved lives of senior citizens and specially-abled persons who were unable to visit vaccination centres. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish S. Kulkarni was hearing a PIL filed by city-based lawyers Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari, seeking directions to the Centre, the Maharashtra government and the BMC to provide door-to-door vaccination facility for people over 75 years of age, the specially-abled and the bed-ridden. On April 22, observing that senior citizens should be given priority and cannot be left to die, the HC had directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to have a relook at its decision and find a solution or via media to cater to requirement of the senior citizens of getting vaccinated. On Wednesday, the HC noted that the Centre had not taken a decision as per its order yet and told the Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh that when the court had passed the reasoned order on April 22, the government should have considered either way. When the court was informed that persons without any identity cards required for vaccination could simply register through Cowin website, it questioned whether beggars, homeless and transgenders can avail such facilities by complying with the modalities prescribed and also asked the Mumbai, Pune and other civic bodies to inform about steps taken to vaccinate such persons and the number of beneficiaries from such categories. Justice Kulkarni said, If we were to have door-door vaccination sometime back, so many of our prominent citizens across fields, who were not in good health, we could have saved them. CJ Datta also said that he, along with senior administrative judges, had a meeting with BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday wherein he said by May 17, BMC would be putting in place a system of vaccination camps each across more than 200 wards in Mumbai. We will wait till Monday to see how they (BMC) are working it out, said the CJ. Additional restrictions include mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for any person entering the state by any mode of transport Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday extended the lockdown-like restrictions in the state till June 1 to break the chain of COVID-19. Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte in an order said the curbs will remain in force till 7 am on June 1. As per the order, additional restrictions include mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for any person entering the state by any mode of transport. The test report will have to be issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state. All restrictions enforced as per earlier orders for people arriving from places of "sensitive origin" will be applicable to anyone arriving from any part of the country into the state, the order said. In case of cargo carriers, not more than two people will be allowed to travel in those vehicles. If the carriers are originating from outside Maharashtra,they will be allowed with a negative RT-PCR test report issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state and will be valid for seven days, the order said. The lockdown-like curbs were earlier imposed in the state on April 5. The curbs were further tightened on April 15 with Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of five or more people, imposed in theentire state. The court rejected his contention that he was entitled to default bail as the NIA did not file the chargesheet within the statutory 90 days Navlakha and the other activists are accused of allegedly making inflammatory speeches and issuing provocative statements at the Elgar Parishad meeting in Pune on December 31, 2017 that led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. By arrangement New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday rejected a plea for default bail by human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, one of the accused in the January 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case, over his alleged links with Maoists. Rejecting Mr Navlakhas bail plea, a bench of Justices Uday Umesh Lalit, Indira Banerjee and K.M. Joseph suggested that the lower courts could put him under house arrest, given the need to stop overcrowding of jails in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemics second wave. They said that using the provisions of Section 167 CrPC, an accused can be put under house arrest when sent to judicial custody instead of sending him to jail as is ordinarily done. Speaking for the bench, Justice Joseph said: The concept of housearrest as part of custody under Section 167 has not engaged the courts, including this court. However, when the issue has come into focus, and noticing its (Section 167) ingredients we have formed the view that it involves custody which falls under Section 167. Justice Joseph said: We observe that under Section 167 in appropriate cases it will be open to the courts to order house arrest. Indicating the criteria, which it said was not exhaustive, Justice Joseph said an accused could be sent to house arrest given factors like age, health condition and the antecedents of the accused, the nature of the crime, the need for other forms of custody and the ability to enforce the terms of the house arrest. Having shown the new course for the subordinate judiciary to follow by sending an accused to house arrest, in the case of Mr Navlakha, the court rejected his contention that he was entitled to default bail as the National Investigating Agency did not file the chargesheet within the statutory 90 days from the date of his arrest. He had contended that the 34-day period when he was put under house arrest by the Delhi high court have not been accounted for in the 90-day time limit for filing the chargesheet. Mr Navlakha was put under house arrest by the Delhi high court while hearing his challenge to the transit custody granted by a Delhi court to the Mumbai police. The high court held the magistrates order as flawed. Holding that his house arrest wasnt under Section 167 CrPC, the Supreme Court in its 206-page ruling upheld the Bombay high courts ruling that the law requiring the NIA to file the chargesheet against an accused within 90 days of arrest was not flouted. The high court hadnt accepted Mr Navlakhas plea to include the 34 days of his house arrest in Delhi from August 28, 2018 to October 1, 2018 to show his incarceration for 93 days in the calculations and dismissed his appeal on February 3, 2021. The NIA had filed the chargesheet on October 9, 2020. Seeking default bail, Mr Navalakha had shown 34 days of house arrest, plus 11 days of NIA custody and 48 days in Tihar Jail, Delhi, and Taloja Jail, Mumbai. Mr Navlakha and the other activists are accused of allegedly making inflammatory speeches and issuing provocative statements at the Elgar Parishad meeting in Pune on December 31, 2017 that led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. Mr Navlakha had approached the Supreme Court against the Bombay high court order denying him bail. He is among the eight alleged Maoist activists against whom the NIA filed a chargesheet on October 9, 2020. The others are Mumbais Anand Teltumbde, Hany Babu, an associate professor in Delhi, Sagar Gorkhe and Ramesh Gaichor of Pune, Jyoti Jagtap of Kondhawa, Milind Teltumbde of Yavatmal and Stan Swamy of Ranchi. Mr Swamy, a 80-year-old priest, was arrested from his home in Ranchi only two days before the filing of the chargesheet. Anand Teltumbde, a professor who normally lives in Goa, was one of the conveners of the Bhima Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerna Abhiyan and was present at Shaniwar Wada in Pune on December 31, 2017, where the Elgar Parishad programme was organised. The NIA claimed it recovered incriminating documents revealing his role in CPI(Maoist) activities. The victim, survived by husband and nine year-old son who are living in Kerala, was working as a domestic help at a house in Ashkelon New Delhi: An Indian woman from Kerala, identified as Soumya Santosh, 31, was killed in a rocket attack in Israel carried out by militant group Hamas, after which New Delhi assured all assistance to the family and also condemned the violence that has broken out, urging restraint by both Israel and Palestinian militant groups. The victim, who is survived by her husband and nine year-old son who are living in Kerala, was working as a domestic help at a house in the Israeli city of Ashkelon when a rocket fired by Hamas militants hit the house. Both Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Israeli Ambassador Ron Malka spoke to the family of the victim and paid their condolences. MoS Muraleedharan said, Spoke with the family of Ms Soumya Santhosh to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance. We have condemned these attacks and the violence in Jerusalem, and urged restraint by both sides." Israeli Ambassador Ron Malka said, I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them. My heart goes out to her 9-year-old son, Adon, who has lost his mother at such a young age and will have to grow up without her. This evil attack reminds me of little Moses, who also lost his parents during the 2008 #Mumbaiattacks. May God give them strength and courage. According to media reports, the victim hailed from Keerithodu in Idukki district and had been working as a domestic help in Israel for the last seven years. She was reportedly killed in the rocket attack as she was talking to her husband Santhosh back home in Kerala over a video call. My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus we came to know about the incident, Mr Santhosh's brother Saji was quoted as telling news agencies. Mir said that he did not use a wooden stick but a maize plant to 'discipline' people The district administration had earlier announced that shops selling eatables and other essential commodities in Baramulla would instead of 6 am to 11 am remain open from 4.30 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday to enable people to make purchases for Id. Representational image/PTI SRINAGAR: A video of a senior government official thrashing citizens in an attempt to enforce the lockdown necessitated by the current wave of the COVID-19 in north-western Baramulla district has shocked people of Jammu and Kashmir and beyond and sparked anger among netizens, many of whom demanded his sacking or, at least, stripping him of the present assignment. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla, Muhammad Ahsan Mir, can be seen in the video which went viral beating up an elderly woman and man with a stick and even kicking the latter and also threatening another woman resident in the main town of Baramulla for defying the Corona curfew. Many people soon took to social media platforms to condemn the ADCs behaviour and demand action against him. Senior journalist Mufti Islah tweeted He should get a sack immediately. This is an unruly behaviour. His way of dealing with people will rub on to his subordinates and they are likely to unleash terror on people. He is a very bad example to be a J&K government interface. Isolate him. A bad apple can spoil a basket. The official, however, sought to justify what has been widely seen as his misconduct, saying the administration had to play tough as people had by pouring out in huge numbers for Id-eve shopping created chaos on the streets and marketplaces of the town a day ago. Mir also said that he did not use a wooden stick but a maize plant to discipline people. It was extremely soft, used just as a deterrent to make people understand. No one would be hurt, he claimed. The district administration had earlier announced that shops selling eatables and other essential commodities in Baramulla would instead of 6 am to 11 am remain open from 4.30 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday to enable people to make purchases for Id. A similar relaxation given by the district administration of Srinagar on Tuesday was withdrawn as the marketplaces witnessed a huge rush of Id shoppers and brazen violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for COVID-19 by many people. The resultant traffic jams added to the chaos along the streets of the summer capital. Also, long queues of people at banks and ATMs were seen as a big alarm sign for the customers and bankers by the authorities in view of the worsening COVID-19 situation. On Wednesday, however, the police enforced curfew-like restrictions in almost all the Valley cities and towns. The J&K police with Central armed police forces at dawn sealed vital roads by laying Concertina barbed wire and erecting other barricades at many places to stop unnecessary movement of people. The officials said that only the movement of those engaged in essential services and in cases of emergencies was allowed. J&Ks eleven districts were brought under corona curfew from the evening of April 29 but the restrictions were extended to all the 20 districts the next day. The lockdown would continue till May 17. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range), Vijay Kumar, on Wednesday visited various parts of Srinagar to oversee enforcement of the lockdown. He asked the J&K police and Central armed police forces to enforce the corona curfew strictly but allow doctors and paramedical staff as well as journalists towards their respective destinations without any difficulty, the officials said. J&K reported the highest single day spike of 65 corona deaths while 4,352 people were confirmed as fresh positive on Tuesday. Thirty more people had died of the virus till Wednesday noon, taking the toll to 2,877. 2. Christian Gutierrez, 21, of the 400 block of Reising Avenue, Aurora, was arrested on charges of speeding 26 to 35 mph over the posted limit and driving with a suspended or revoked license at 1:22 a.m. April 30 in the 2300 block of Aurora Road. CVT NHTSA 4WD While on the subject of mechanical components, it should be mentioned that Nissan still uses the D-segment platform of the previous generation. That is all the more apparent if you look over the dimensions of the mid-size utility vehicle, which continues to measure 114.2 inches (2,900 mm) in wheelbase.The biggest difference over the 2020 model is, of course, the nine-speed automatic supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen. The ZF 9HP replaces the previous generations Xtronic continuously variable transmission developed and supplied by JATCO, a rather troublesomein terms of reliability based on the owner-submitted complaints filed with theAvailable with front- or all-wheel drive, the Nissan-badged sibling of the 2022 Infiniti QX60 develops 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet (351 Nm) of torque. Those are similar figures with the 3.5-liter V6 of the Honda Pilot, and towing capacity isnt shabby either at 6,000 pounds (2,722 kilograms).Coming to U.S. dealers in the summer, the redesigned Pathfinder conveys a sense of capability with the strong design cues of the front grille and bumper. Reverse C-shaped headlights, a floating roofline, slim taillights connected by a black piece of trim, and a total of 14 colors for the exterior are offered, along with a liftgate that reads Pathfinder in uppercase letters.Available with second-row captains chairs, the family-sized crossover with seating for up to eight people features plenty of standard driving-assist systems. Highlights include High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, as well as Automatic Emergency Braking System with Pedestrian Detection.The design of the cabin has also been spruced up across the lineup, giving the new Pathfinder a more upscale look. ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch HUD are worth mentioning as well. Pricing information, however, isnt available right now.For reference, the 2020 model still is listed on Nissans configurator with a starting price of $31,980 for the S trim level with front-wheel drive. At the very top of the lineup, the Platinumis available to order from $44,910. Program of alleviating poverty by improving health care benefits senior residents in Xinjiang 09:13, May 13, 2021 By Yang Mingfang, Aldak ( People's Daily Medical workers sent from east China's Anhui province check the condition of a senior citizen in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, who just underwent free hip and knee replacement operations at the People's Hospital of Pishan County in Xinjiang. (Photo/Official website of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital)) Thanks to China's efforts to alleviate poverty in its Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region by improving health care of the region, Maihesuti Maimaiti, a 67-year-old resident in Xinjiang who had long suffered from a pain in his knees, received treatment and saw significant improvement in his health condition. "In the past, he couldn't walk steadily even with a stick. Now he is much nimbler on his feet than before," said his wife, who attributes the improvement to the People's Hospital of Pishan County in Pishan county, Hotan prefecture of Xinjiang. According to the elderly couple, who lives in Pishan county, Maimaiti was a construction worker when he was young, and he began to feel a pain in his knees about 20 years ago. "I didn't go to hospital for treatment at the beginning, because I thought since I was no longer young, it might be normal to feel a little off color, Maimaiti said, adding that he didnt thought the illness got worse and started to cause inconvenience in his daily life. Pishan county was once severely impoverished and has long been troubled by a high incidence of diseases related to hip and knee joints due to reasons including the harsh natural conditions. Because of limited local medical conditions, some patients had to travel more than 100 kilometers to Hotan city or even more than 1,000 kilometers to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, to seek treatment for their diseases, which not only cost too much, but could easily cause delay in treatment. In recent years, Xinjiang has made continuous efforts to deepen the implementation of a program aimed at alleviating poverty by improving health care, and moved faster to improve the capacity of grass-roots medical facilities through the assistance provided by other provincial-level regions in China under the countrys pairing assistance strategy. In September 2017, a new branch of the People's Hospital of Pishan County, which was built with the help of east China's Anhui province, was put into operation, significantly improving health care services for local people. Starting from May 2018, the People's Hospital of Pishan County has received tailored assistance from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with the latter helping improve the management capabilities of the former by dispatching management teams and groups of medical experts to it. Meanwhile, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has also leveraged the medical experts sent from Anhui province to Xinjiang to conduct medical consultations and ward rounds, organize lectures for local medical workers, and perform operations at the People's Hospital of Pishan County. As the People's Hospital of Pishan County became able to treat common and frequently-occurring illnesses, Maimaiti decided to go to the hospital for treatment. After careful examination, the hospital suggested that he receive joint replacement surgery. Maimaiti took the advice and decided to have one leg cured first. "I recovered soon after the surgery. It cost a total of 52,000 yuan (about $8,078), and I only needed to pay 8,000 yuan after medical insurance reimbursement," he said. In June 2020, Anhui province invested one million yuan to screen senior residents from 16 townships of Pishan county for joint diseases and help them receive joint replacement surgeries. Maimaiti took the opportunity and had his second leg cured too. This time he didn't spend a cent on the medical services, as the cost of the surgery was fully covered by the fund provided by Anhui province. "Both legs have recovered well from the operations. I now have no problem walking, or even driving," Maimaiti told Xu Yanguo, deputy head of the People's Hospital of Pishan County as well as leader of the medial team sent by Anhui province to Xinjiang. He told Xu that he recently bought a car and is thinking about making road trips with his family. To equip local medical workers with various professional skills, doctors from Anhui province have tailored training plans for them, including taking them to make ward rounds and giving lectures to them. According to Xu, the People's Hospital of Pishan County has also adopted telemedicine technology so that patients in critical condition and those suffering from rare illnesses can receive timely treatment. Last year, the hospital further enriched its medical services and made its telemedicine services more efficient and intelligent by enhancing the construction of smart facilities. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Crouch, who was the keynote speaker, said Indiana is in pretty good shape, with the aid of an additional $5 billion to spend on Hoosiers. She said $2 billion of the amount came from unprojected state revenues, with the other $3 billion from American Rescue Plan funds. She said $1.9 billion of that money will be spent on K-12 education, with 45% spearheaded for teachers compensation. Over 700 of them were made over the years, but given how most of them come from decades ago, some mechanical overhauls are in order from time to time. For this year, the enhancements for 77 of the B-52 s deployed by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) have nothing to do with the airplanes aerial prowess.As said, the aircraft is massive. It tips the scale, empty, at 185,000 pounds (over 83 metric tons), and can get to 265,000 pounds (120 metric tons) when loaded with bombs. That means both take-off and landings exert an enormous amount of stress on the wheels and brakes.In a bid to extend the life of these terrifying machines capable of raining death from above, USAF chose Collins Aerospace to come up with a new wheel and carbon brake design.According to the contractor, the technology to be used for the new pieces of hardware is based on something it calls Duracarb carbon heat sink material. Its the same technology already deployed on a number of Airbus, Embraer, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin aircraft.Duracarb is supposed to be lighter than existing materials, cool faster, and also have a longer life. The exact specs for the material as it will be used on the B-52 are, of course, not public. We are also not being told when the solution for the B-52 will be ready to hit the runways tarmac.Collins involvement with the B-52 expands far beyond the soon-to-be new wheels and brakes. The company already supplies the aircrafts generators, communication, and navigation systems. It all started with a problem. Earlier this year, during a Weapons and Tactics Conference (WEPTAC), expert tacticians were analyzing whether a formation of fighter jets would be more effective than a single bomber, in carrying Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) for missions in highly-contested environments. This way, the size of the strike package could be reduced and risks would be distributed. But the problem was that a fighter jet can only carry maximum two JASSMs.This is how the idea of enabling a fighter to carry more than two missiles was born and the F-15E Strike Eagle was chosen as a test jet. However, Project Strike Rodeo seemed to get stuck before it even began, because these particular munitions did not fit on the F-15Es fuel tank weapons stations. The JASSM could only be loaded straight from its container, which was too big to fit under the F-15Es base.But then, a team of eager and resourceful soldiers from different units within the 53rd Wing, 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, decided to keep pushing for a solution. According to Lt. Col. Mike Benitez, 53rd Wing director of staff, everybody was excited about this and wanted to give a helping hand.Together with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, they came up with the idea of a special loading tool. The tool was designed, manufactured and new loading procedures were also set up. Then, the Project managed to obtain a funding for the actual load test, which proved to be a success. For the first time, an F-15E could now be loaded with 5 JASSMs.In less than half of year, what was just an idea, at first, turned into Project Strike Rodeo. And it doesnt stop here, as future flight tests are expected for the F-15E, which would double its current JASSM-carrying capacity. The range of such countermeasures is set to expand over the next five years after Northrop Grumman was given the green light by the U.S. Army to produce and close to $1 billion to deliver the so-called Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system.CIRCM is a suite meant to be deployed on both rotary-wing and medium fixed-wing aircraft. Its main goal is to protect these machines from shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched anti-aircraft missiles that use infrared and the targets heat signature to home in for the kill.The system comprises a tracker to detect the incoming threat, processors, and lasers. It engages to effectively jam the missile and make it lose its lock on the target. In the future, when the type of threat will probably be different, CIRCM will probably be able to adapt, as it was made as an open systems architecture, capable of being integrated with other systems and sensors.The system is already up and running on more than 1,500 aircraft from 80 different types and families, and according to Northrop Grumman, it has been in the air for more than one million hours. We are not told how many times it got to be used, though.Its unclear at this point on what aircraft the system will be fitted next. That said, when the program was announced back in 2009, the Army was looking to deploy it on the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook , as well as on the helicopters currently being developed. But what if we could make electric motors with no magnets? After all, humanity is advanced enough to know how to transmit power from place to place without using physical links, so why couldnt we apply this knowledge in this field as well?German auto parts supplier Mahle says it has done it, and not for some racing series or special project but as part of what may very well become the future of electric motors.Mahles still-unnamed piece of hardware has no magnetinstead, inductive power transmission is used. That means power is sent to the rotor wirelessly, through a coil through which alternating current passes, and the generation of an electromagnetic field.Full details on the motor, such as output, are not yet public, given how, according to IEEE Spectrum , production of this hardware is still more than two years away. Yet the German company does outline one crucial element for the motor: efficiency.Generally speaking, electric motors deployed in current EVs operate at 75 percent efficiency, which in words we can all understand means that for every 100 horsepower the motor is capable of, it works at just 75 horsepower (more on this in the PDF attached below).In the case of the Mahle design, claims are it could reach an efficiency of 95 percent, something previously only achieved by Formula E racing car, as the company explains.Also noteworthy is the fact the motor is scalable and will be suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from subcompacts to commercial vehicles. Things are moving fast for Lockheed Martins Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which started to be developed a few years back, after the Maryland-based company was awarded an Army contract. It looks like the project is going in the right direction, with PrSM completing its longest flight to date.The company announced that the weapons most recent test proved successful, as it passed all of the Armys objectives. The demonstration took place at White Sands Missile Range, in New Mexico, where the missile performed an almost 250 miles (400 km) flight.During the test, the PrSM was fired from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and flew to the target area, where it completed its neutralizing mission. Some of the elements that were tested include accuracy, range, flight trajectory and warhead lethality. And the PrSm proved that it performs well on all of these.Designed to replace the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the Precision Strike Missile is a surface-to-surface weapon system with a range that goes up to 310 miles (499 km). Its compatible with HIMARS and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers and its modular design is meant to allow future modifications for further development. The multi-mode targeting seeker makes this missile highly versatile, as it can engage and neutralize a variety of targets.This flight test with the U.S. Army is the 4th for this next-generation missile, and there are 2 more demonstrations to come this year. After the initial 3 tests that were performed last year, the missile is now in the Enhanced Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (ETMRR) phase of the PsRM program.Next tests for the Precision Strike Missile will take place in the second half of this year. After completing its longest flight, the weapon is now set to demonstrate its maximum range and to participate in the Armys Project Convergence. Cryptocurrency remains a valuable option for the future, CEO Elon Musk says on social media of the decision. However, the process of mining Bitcoin, which involves high consumption of energy to power high-end machines, makes it an unsuitable option for Tesla at this particular moment.Citing data from the University of Cambridge and the International Energy Agency, Reuters notes that Bitcoin mining requires about the same amount of energy from fossil fuels as that consumed in the Netherlands in the entire year of 2019. Musk doesnt address criticism on using Bitcoin when its carbon footprint is so huge, which has been leveled at him since two months ago. Still, he does say that Bitcoin transactions will be resumed once mining transitions to more sustainable energy.That said, its the final part of his announcement thats raising some eyebrows. We are also looking at other cryptocurrencies that use <1% of Bitcoin's energy/transaction, Musk writes. So maybe Dogecoin is the next crypto payment option? It could be.Earlier this week, Dogecoin became the first cryptocurrency to fully finance a lunar satellite mission that will take place in the first part of 2022. It doesnt hurt either that its backed by Elon himselfand quite publicly so . Also, this week, the CEO was asking his followers on Twitter whether Tesla should consider accepting payments in Doge, and as you can imagine, most agreed that it should.Within two hours of the tweet below, the price of Bitcoin dropped 17%, from $54,819 to $45,700, hitting its lowest point since March. The Dogefather be like... The development team for the Ineos Grenadier have taken the vehicle to some of the most punishing and formidable off-road testing grounds globally. In its final phase of dynamic testing, prototypes of the Grenadier were driven up the trails of the Schockl mountain near the Austrian headquarters of Magna Steyr, which is Ineoss engineering partner, as part of an engineering gate assessment. Magna Steyr has used the Austrian mountains to test ultimate off-road performance and durability for special-purpose vehicles for decades as the hard-rock terrain there is unforgiving and destructive. Ineos chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who signed off the prototypes following the examinations, said of the 44s capabilities: Weve made great strides since the very early versions of the Grenadier I drove a year ago. The Schockl is a proper challenge for any 4X4. Today was a real test for our prototypes, and they came through very well. There is still work to do, but I am confident that the Grenadier will do the job we have developed it for. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> With unforeseen and unavoidable delays due to covid last year, the team at Ineos has had to intensify the Grenadiers testing program. This will see 130 second-phase prototypes driven to accumulate a total of 1.8 million kilometers in extreme environments around the world. To achieve its stringent testing targets, Ineos has revised its project timings and pushed back the start of Grenadier production. Dirk Heilmann, CEO of Ineos Automotive, commented, Reaching this important development milestone is a great step forward for the project. We only have one opportunity to get this right and our quality and performance targets for the Grenadier remain paramount. We wont cut corners. After todays very positive results we are on track to reach our targets and to allow the start of production in July next year at the latest. Earlier in 2021, engineers successfully completed extensive cold weather engine calibration in northern Sweden. The next phase of development and validation will involve the Grenadier being subjected to extreme hot weather testing in some of the worlds harshest environments, including Death Valley in the USA and the dunes of the Middle East. Several Asian countries are facing new coronavirus waves, with some struggling to keep up with some of the worst outbreaks since the beginning of the pandemic. The big picture: While India accounted for half of the global infections this past week, per the World Health Organization, cases are surging in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia, CNN reports. By the numbers: "The Southeast Asia region reported over 2.7 million new cases and over 25,000 new deaths, a 19% and a 48% increase respectively compared to the previous week," WHO said in a press conference earlier this week. Nepal reported 9,700 new cases on Friday after having less than 500 in mid-April. Sri Lanka reported almost 1,900 cases on Friday, about "five times the daily infections it was reporting in early April," CNN writes, citing government data. While Thailand managed to keep infection numbers low in 2020, the country reported more than 2,000 new cases on Friday, compared to only 26 new cases just a month prior, per data from Johns Hopkins University. Cambodia has been experiencing an outbreak since February. The country reached a total of 18,179 confirmed cases on Friday, and has been experiencing a steady rise since mid-February, when it reported approximately 500, according to JHU. What they're saying: "We need to act now and we need to act fast to have any hope of containing this human catastrophe," said Alexander Matheou, Asian-Pacific regional director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In a dramatic shift that comes amid fighting in the Gaza strip and clashes between Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel, right-wing kingmaker Naftali Bennett has announced he will no longer seek an alternative government to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Why it matters: Bennett had been on the verge of a power-sharing deal with centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid that would have made him prime minister for two years until Lapid rotated into the job. Without Bennett, Lapid has no path to a majority, and Israel will almost certainly head for its fifth election since 2019 with Netanyahu still in his post. The big picture: After yet another indecisive election in March, Netanyahu had the first opportunity to form a government but failed to do so. The mandate then passed to Lapid last week, leaving Netanyahu in his most vulnerable position politically since he became prime minister in 2009. In addition to convincing Bennett to join forces with his center-left bloc, Lapid also needed the support of an Arab party to reach a majority. Thus he was also negotiating with Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Islamist Ra'am party. Driving the news: Those negotiations were suspended after the fighting in Gaza started on Monday, with Abbas suspending his participation and Bennett also wavering. Just as the crisis made it politically difficult for Abbas to consider joining the next Israeli government, it also increased the pressure on the conservative Bennett to reject any pact with Ra'am, which is a sister movement to Hamas. Bennett announced on Thursday that an alternative government was no longer on the table, and said he would instead negotiate with Netanyahu over a potential right-wing government. He cited the "emergency situation" in Israeli cities that have both Israeli and Arab citizens, which he said "demands the use of force and sending the military into the cities something that would be impossible in a government backed by Ra'am. Lapid gave a speech shortly thereafter and said Bennett was making a mistake. He stressed that he would continue to try to form a government for the 20 days remaining in his mandate. If we cant, we will go for an unneeded election and we will win," Lapid said. Between the lines: The collapse of the alternative government shows the deep effect the inter-communal violence in Israel has had on the countrys politics, far beyond the fighting in Gaza. Whats next: The expiration of Lapid's mandate will be followed by a 21-day period in which any member of the Knesset can form a government if they can get the support of 61 members of the 120-member body. During this period, Netanyahu is expected to try and pass a law to change the electoral system to allow prime ministers to be directly elected. Bennett could potentially strike a deal with Netanyahu to merge his Yamina party with Netanyahu's Likud to get prime spots on the Likud electoral list. Worth noting: Netanyahu will likely wage the next election campaign while standing trial for corruption. Americans are leaning into companies that have strong political positions, in the wake of one of the country's most divisive election years. Driving the news: New rankings from the Axios/Harris 100 poll an annual survey to gauge the reputation of the most visible brands in the country show that brands with clear partisan identifications are becoming more popular. Patagonia is the top brand in America, according to the new survey. The brand, which in 2017 sued the Trump Administration to protect national monuments, took a further turn left last year, sewing "VOTE THE ASSHOLES OUT" tags in its clothing ahead of the election. REI, Patagonia's outdoor apparel rival and fellow Trump antagonist, appeared on the list for the first time this year. Several prominently conservative brands performed well, too. Chick-fil-A moved up in the rankings, from 11 last year to 4 this year. Hobby Lobby appeared on the list for the first time, as did Goya, which became a political lightning rod after the company's CEO praised then-President Trump. All three have positive reputations. moved up in the rankings, from 11 last year to 4 this year. Hobby Lobby appeared on the list for the first time, as did Goya, which became a political lightning rod after the company's CEO praised then-President Trump. All three have positive reputations. Americans listed MyPillow and the Trump Organization among the companies they're most aware of, but both have strongly negative reputations. The Trump Organization came in last place in this year's rankings. The big picture: This year's reputation rankings reflect a return to normalcy in the business world. While many of the most polarizing companies are doing better than last year, they aren't necessarily the most visible companies. The most visible companies are blue-chip brands that consumers relied on heavily throughout the pandemic, such as Amazon and Walmart, Apple, Facebook, Google, Target, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Nike and McDonalds. "Coronavirus companies" that ranked high on the list last year, including Clorox, Peloton and Doordash, have all moved off of this year's list. Methodology: The Axios Harris Poll 100 is based on a survey of 42,935 Americans in a nationally representative sample conducted April 8-21, 2021. The two-step process starts fresh each year by surveying the publics top-of-mind awareness of companies that either excel or falter in society. This is about the future, the possibilities of the future and what you can become, not just in Gary or in the state of Indiana, but everywhere. You can be whatever you want to be, Crouch said. Former White House counsel Don McGahn agreed Wednesday to speak with the House Judiciary Committee about former President Trump's alleged attempts to obstruct the Russia investigation with certain conditions, per a court filing. Why it matters: The agreement ends a two-year standoff after McGahn, a key player in former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, repeatedly refused to agree to a subpoena for testimony resulting in the matter being taken to court. A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Of note: One of the conditions is that the committee conducts a "transcribed interview" to happen behind closed doors, rather than calling for McGhan to testify at a public hearing, according to the filing. The big picture: The Judiciary committee and the Biden administration announced Tuesday they had "reached an agreement in principle" in the case of McGhan. The Mueller report found no evidence of a Trump campaign conspiracy with Russia, but his team compiled 10 different episodes where the former president may have potentially committed obstruction of justice. Trump was never charged over the matter. The Judiciary committee stressed in its Tuesday court filing that Trump isn't a party to the McGahn case and is "not a party to the agreement." What they're saying: Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said in a statement Wednesday, "When the former President vowed to fight 'all of the subpoenas' aimed at his Administration, he began a dangerous campaign of unprecedented obstruction. We begin to bring that era of obstruction to an end today." The other side: Representatives for Trump did not immediately return Axios' request for comment. But his spokesperson Jason Miller said Tuesday that the former president hadn't agreed to the deal and he was reviewing his options as he regarded communications with close advisers as confidential, per Politico. Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. The Federal Election Commission has voted not to investigate allegations that Trump campaign representatives including Donald Trump Jr. solicited illegal foreign assistance in 2016, Axios has learned. The big picture: The commission deadlocked in a 3-3 vote on whether to probe potential campaign finance violations surrounding an infamous meeting with two Russian nationals at Trump Tower during the 2016 campaign. News of the vote comes shortly after the FEC officially closed the file on another 2016 campaign matter: former President Trump's hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The Daniels and Trump Tower cases are two in a large backlog of FEC complaints related to Trump's and, to a smaller degree, Hillary Clinton's conduct during the 2016 campaign. The commission is expected to announce votes on a number of those cases in the coming weeks, with little enforcement action expected. What's they're saying: An FEC spokesperson declined to comment on the Trump Tower matter. But Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, one of the groups behind the complaint, told Axios his organization had been notified that the case file had been closed. "There was nothing surprising about the notification," Wertheimer said. "Everyone in the system knows that the FEC will not enforce the law because the Republican commissioners do not want to enforce the law." A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Axios that the three Republican commissioners voted against finding "reason to believe" a violation occurred in the case. Their reasoning, the source said, was largely procedural: the five-year statute of limitations for the law at issue expires in just a few months, and they argued there now isn't enough time left to sufficiently adjudicate the matter. The backstory: The complaint alleged that Donald Trump Jr., the former president's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then-Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort illegally solicited an in-kind contribution from a foreign national when they pressed the two Russians at the meeting for political dirt about Clinton. All parties involved denied wrongdoing, though Manafort was later sentenced to prison on separate federal criminal charges. Donald Trump pardoned him in that case during his final weeks as president. What's next: Over the next month or two, the FEC is expected to work through a backlog of outstanding complaints related to the 2016 campaign and take little enforcement action. The alleged conduct at issue includes: Montana's government announced in statement Friday that it will be offering free COVID-19 vaccines to Canadian truck drivers from Alberta. Why it matters: Starting Monday, about 2,000 Albertan truckers who regularly drive goods into the U.S. will be able to get vaccinated at a stop in Conrad, Montana, per a press release from the Alberta government. The big picture: The program will last until May 23, and truckers will receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine, per the press release. "About 800 commercial carriers cross the Alberta-Montana border at the Coutts Border Crossing each day," the statement notes. Of note: Other border states are also helping Canadians who regularly come into the U.S. North Dakota began vaccinating Canadian truckers from Manitoba in April, BBC reports. Just last week Ontario's Premier Doug Ford approached Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) about the possibility of having some essential workers vaccinated stateside, per CBC. What they're saying: By working together and taking this critical action, we keep our trade channels open between Montana and Alberta. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) said in the statement. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday tore into Republican members of Congress who downplayed the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot during a House hearing on Wednesday, telling reporters: "I don't know [of] a normal day around here when people are threatening to hang the vice president." Why it matters: House lawmakers are currently in negotiations over forming a bipartisan Jan. 6 commission to examine the attack and the events that led up to it. An agreement has been delayed in part because Republicans have pushed to expand the scope of the commission to far-left violence during protests last summer. At a House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday, multiple GOP lawmakers characterized the Capitol rioters as law-abiding "patriots" and attempted to cast doubt on whether they were even Trump supporters. What they're saying: At Thursday's briefing, Pelosi specifically focused on comments by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), who claimed that footage from the attack would look like a "normal tourist visit" of the Capitol building if a viewer didn't know it was from Jan. 6. "Well, I don't know [of] a normal day around here when people are threatening to hang the vice president of the United States or shoot the speaker in the forehead or disrupt and injure so many police officers," Pelosi said. "I don't consider that normal. Multiple people were killed. Over 140 police officers were [injured]. A gallows was put up. Attackers chanted, 'Hang the vice president.' Normal?" she asked. The big picture: New body camera footage aired on CNN Wednesday showed the moment D.C. Metropolitan police officer Michael Fanone was brutally attacked by Trump supporters during the riot, underscoring the violence of the siege. The officer was swarmed, beaten and Tasered by pro-Trump rioters. He suffered a mild heart attack and concussion during the attack, and he's still dealing with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder from the event. Go deeper: Former Pentagon chief blames media "hysteria" for lack of troops on Jan. 6 Tennessee became the 15th state to pass a bill allowing college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness, and it's the sixth set to take effect on July 1, 2021. Yes, but: If NCAA president Mark Emmert gets his way, a broader, nationwide measure will be enacted before that date. That seems unlikely, but he plans to meet with Congress this week. Why it matters: If no federal NIL bill passes before July 1, schools in states who've already passed their own legislation could have a significant recruiting advantage. The state of play: College athletes in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and New Mexico can begin profiting off NIL on July 1, 2021, and Arizona will join them three weeks later. Eight more states have passed laws set to take effect between 2022 and 2025: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey and South Carolina. And three states' NIL bills have already passed through either the state House or Senate: Maryland, Texas, and Kansas. Go deeper: NCAA president says athletes should be able to get paid starting in 2021 Azerbaijani forces reportedly advanced several kilometers towards a village in Armenias southeastern Syunik province early on Wednesday, occupying several hills and a border lake. The Armenian military sent reinforcements to the mountainous in a bid to force them to pull back. Armenias Security Council met on Thursday the second time in less than 24 hours to discuss what Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian described as a serious crisis. It issued no statements afterwards. There have been no skirmishes or clashes because since yesterday efforts are made to get the Azerbaijani soldiers out of the area, Pashinian said at a cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. We must take this situation very seriously because we are dealing with a crsis which could develop under different scenarios, he said. Our objective is to ensure that Azerbaijani forces withdraw to their original positions from which they began their advance. Pashinian again denounced the Azerbaijani actions as a preplanned provocation. The Azerbaijani government did not comment on those actions or react to the Armenian claims as of Thursday afternoon. The Azerbaijani troops advanced to within several kilometers of the Syunik village of Verishen, according to local government officials and shepherds. Armenian military police officers manning a checkpoint set up outside Verishen did not allow an RFE/RL crew and other journalists to approach the scene of the border standoff on Thursday. The village mayor, Ararat Ordian, said he is going there to take part in fresh talks planned between Armenian and Azerbaijani military commanders on the ground. It was not clear if Russian military officials are also involved in the talks. Russias defense and foreign ministers had separate phone calls with their Armenian counterparts on Wednesday. Moscow made no statements on the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border section. Syunik borders districts southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh which were retaken by Azerbaijan during and after last years Armenian-Azerbaijani war. Russia deployed soldiers and border guards there to help the Armenian military defend the region against possible Azerbaijani attacks. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev threatened last month to forcibly open a land corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave via Syunik. Yerevan strongly condemned the threat. Biden wants to offer more housing vouchers. Many landlords wont accept them You are here: Arts Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Tuesday called for efforts to foster a strong workforce of college teachers and develop world-class universities. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing a meeting on the college development work. During the country's 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the key to developing a high-quality education system lies in fostering a strong workforce of teachers, Sun said. She urged colleges and universities to provide better scientific research facilities, improve evaluation systems for teachers and reduce the unnecessary burdens placed upon them. FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, kindergarten students participate in a classroom activity on the first day of in-person learning at Maurice Sendak Elementary School in Los Angeles. All 4-year-olds in California could go to kindergarten for free under a new proposal Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration, part of a broad new education spending package made possible by the state's surprise budget surplus. FirstInFreedomDaily.com is reporting: RALEIGH Republicans in the North Carolina House of Representatives have filed legislation to ban the use of Critical Race Theory and other social justice perversions in public education curricula this week, finally moving to defend sound education from a culture war of indoctrination waged by the Woke. House Bill 324, Ensuring Dignity & Nondiscrimination/Schools, filed by tenured Republican committee chairs, would prohibit public schools from promoting concepts contrary to the American precepts of equality and intrinsic worth and rights of every person. That means Critical Race Theory, and banning of any number of other similarly radical social theories being taught as fact and pervasively promulgated through out education. Importantly, the bill is being championed by N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-NC): The Speakers support is critical for passage in the House, obviously, but also in garnering enough courage among the General Assembly to override the inevitable veto from Democrat Governor Roy Cooper. Thats a battle the Republican caucus is apparently ready to have, an encouraging sign as conservatives and moderates across America witness and warn of the insidious, poisonous nature of the Woke Cultural Revolution and the blitzkrieg attack raining down on traditional values of individualism and equality. The primary front in that war is in the classroom, as First in Freedom Daily readers are all too familiar. The fact these prohibitions even have to be codified that a child should not be taught they bear responsibility for the collective acts of their race is difficult to comprehend, but nonetheless real. News of the legislation was trumpeted by education and Woke indoctrination watchdog Christopher Rufo, who gave shout outs to the North Carolina citizen patriots that fought to make this legislation a priority. If North Carolina is to live up to its First in Freedom moniker, it must ensure that the sound public education for which our state constitution provides is not contrary to the very precepts and principles that form the core of that guiding document. House Bill 324 is a good start to actively defending against and defeating the a cultural and political movement that is anathema to individual liberty and equality in North Carolina and America at large. It adds to a growing list of similarly focused legislation in state houses around the country. Make sure your state representatives in the General Assembly know you expect them to support its enactment in law; make sure your school board knows such poison has no place in our public schools; and, make sure North Carolina emerges from this culture war with integrity. These are the moments animate the notion of Esse Quam Videri. Follow progress of the bill here. A group of more than 120 retired military officers have written to President Joe Biden to tell him his election was less than legitimate while questioning his mental acuity. The letter echoes former President Donald Trump's claims of widespread election fraud which have not been borne out in the courts and comes on a day when Rep. Liz Cheney ripped Trump for his claim that the election was 'stolen.' 'Without fair and honest elections that accurately reflect the 'will of the people' our Constitutional Republic is lost,' the letter from retired officers says. The group calls itself 'Flag Officers 4 America' and consists of retired military officers including generals and admirals. 'The FBI and Supreme Court must act swiftly when election irregularities are surfaced and not ignore them as was done in 2020,' they wrote. The letter, called an 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals,' was reported by Politico. It echoes Trump's claims that absentee ballots are not secure as it goes after Biden, who serves as Commander in Chief of the military. 'Election integrity demands insuring there is one legal vote cast and counted per citizen. Legal votes are identified by State Legislature's approved controls using government IDs, verified signatures, etc,' they write. Today, many are calling such commonsense [voter ID] controls racist in an attempt to avoid having fair and honest elections. Using racial terms to suppress proof of eligibility is itself a tyrannical intimidation tactic,' they write. The retired officers raise doubts about Biden's mental capacity and reference Speaker Nancy Pelosi's move to get assurances about the nuclear codes in the days after the January 6 MAGA riot. The 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals' blasts Biden for 'excessive lockdowns' and 'censorship of written and verbal expression,' while questioning his mental acuity The retired officers hit the Iran nuclear deal and even slap Biden for stopping the Keystone Pipeline project, while saying 'anarchy' in cities cannot be tolerated 'The mental and physical condition of the Commander in Chief cannot be ignored. He must be able to quickly make accurate national security decisions involving life and limb anywhere, day or night,' they write. 'Recent Democrat leadership's inquiries about nuclear code procedures sends a dangerous national security signal to nuclear armed adversaries, raising the question about who is in charge. We must always have an unquestionable chain of command.' The group Flag Officers 4 America call themselves 'retired military leaders who pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' The letter is a counterpoint to impactful public statements by national security officials who weighed in for Biden during the campaign. One such effort came when 10 former secretaries of Defense penned an extraordinary op-ed in the Washington Post warning there is 'no role' for the U.S. military in the outcome of U.S. elections, and stating the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. That letter came three days before the Capitol riot. The signers of the attached their names to the letter. Among them was Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle, who served in Vietnam and later commanded the US Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC) at Rock Island, Illinois. Arbuckle, who organized the effort, told Politico: 'Retired generals and admirals normally do not engage in political actions, but the situation facing our nation today is dire.' He continued: 'We are facing threats greater than at any other time since our country was founded. To remain silent would be a dereliction of duty.' The effort drew immediate pushback from military members who lamented people who wore the uniform jumping into an organized political effort. Jim Golby, an expert in civil-military relations, blasted the effort in Politico as a 'shameful effort to use their rank and the military's reputation for such a gross and blatant partisan attack.' Retired Air Force colonel Marybeth Ulrich, who teaches at the Air Force Academy, termed it 'anti-democratic.' Also ripping the effort was retired Adm. Mike Mullen, who served as chair of the joint chiefs of staff and outranks those on the letter, said: 'I think it hurts the military and by extension it hurts the country. He cast it as 'right-wing Republican talking points.' 'This is really, to my mind, a classic very bad example of the erosion of civil-military relations in America, which is the bedrock of our democracy,' another retired military leader, Army Col. Jeffrey McCausland, told HuffPost. Members of the military vote in elections and have protected constitutional rights, but military leaders have warned of the risks of intruding in domestic politics. In the run-up to 2020, retired Gen. James Mattis denounced Trump, whom he served as Defense Secretary, in a June response to the events at Lafayette Square. 'We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,' Mattis wrote. Other signers of the anti-Biden letter included include Vice Adm. John Poindexter, who was convicted in the Iran-Contra Affair. Also signing on was Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc, who lost the Republican primary in 2020 to challenge Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and is planning another Senate run. Another signer, Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, who was termed anti-Muslim for his comments to a Christian congregation, CBS previously reported, after Boykin said of a Somali warlord: 'I knew that my God was bigger than his.' Retired officers who signed the letter denouncing Joe Biden MG Joseph T. Anderson, USMC, ret. RADM Philip Anselmo, USN, ret. MG Joseph Arbuckle, USA, ret. BG John Arick, USMC, ret. RADM Jon W. Bayless, Jr. USN, ret. RDML James Best, USN, ret. BG Charles Bishop, USAF, ret. BG William A. Bloomer, USMC, ret. BG Donald Bolduc, USA, ret. LTG William G. Boykin, USA, ret. MG Edward R. Bracken, USAF, ret. MG Patrick H. Brady, MOH, USA, ret. VADM Edward S. Briggs, USN, ret. LTG Richard Tex Brown III USAF, ret. BG Frank Bruno, USAF, ret. VADM Toney M. Bucchi, USN, ret. RADM John T. Byrd, USN, ret. BG Jimmy Cash, USAF, ret. LTG Dennis D. Cavin, USA, ret. LTG James E. Chambers, USAF, ret. MG Carroll D. Childers, USA, ret. BG Clifton C. Tip Clark, USAF, ret. VADM Ed Clexton, USN, ret. MG Jay Closner, USAF, ret MG Tommy F. Crawford, USAF, ret. MG Robert E. Dempsey, USAF, ret. BG Phillip Drew, USAF, ret. MG Neil L. Eddins, USAF, ret. RADM Ernest Elliot, USN, ret. BG Jerome V. Foust, USA, ret. BG Jimmy E. Fowler, USA, ret. RADMU J. Cameron Fraser, USN, ret. MG John T. Furlow, USA, ret. MG Timothy F. Ghormley, USMC, ret. MG Francis C. Gideon, USAF, ret. MG William A. Gorton, USAF, ret. MG Lee V. Greer, USAF, ret. RDML Michael R. Groothousen, Sr., USN, ret. BG John Grueser, USAF, ret. MG Ken Hagemann, USAF, ret BG Norman Ham, USAF, ret. VADM William Hancock, USN, ret. LTG Henry J. Hatch, USA, ret. BG James M. Hesson, USA, ret. MG Bill Hobgood, USA, ret. BG Stanislaus J. Hoey, USA, ret. MG Bob Hollingsworth, USMC, ret. MG Jerry D. Holmes, USAF, ret. MG Clinton V. Horn, USAF, ret. LTG Joseph E. Hurd, USAF, ret. VADM Paul Ilg, USN, ret. MG T. Irby, USA, ret. LTG Ronald Iverson, USAF, ret. RADM (L) Grady L. Jackson MG William K. James, USAF, ret. LTG James H. Johnson, Jr. USA, ret. ADM. Jerome L. Johnson, USN, ret. BG Charles Jones, USAF, ret. BG Robert R. Jordan, USA, ret. BG Jack H. Kotter, USA, ret. MG Anthony R. Kropp, USA, ret. RADM Chuck Kubic, USN, ret. BG Jerry L. Laws, USA, ret. BG Douglas E. Lee, USA, ret. MG Vernon B. Lewis, USA, ret. MG Thomas G. Lightner, USA, ret. MG James E. Livingston, USMC, ret. MOH MG John D. Logeman, USAF, ret. MG Jarvis Lynch, USMC, ret. LTG Fred McCorkle, USMC, ret. MG Don McGregor, USAF, ret. LTG Thomas McInerney, USAF, ret. RADM John H. McKinley, USN, ret. BG Michael P. McRaney, USAF, ret. BG Ronald S. Mangum, USA, ret. BG James M. Mead, USMC, ret. BG Joe Mensching, USAF, ret. RADM W. F. Merlin, USCG, ret. RADM (L) Mark Milliken, USN, ret. MG John F. Miller, USAF, ret. RADM Ralph M. Mitchell, Jr. USN, ret. MG Paul Mock, USA. ret. BG Daniel I. Montgomery, USA, ret., RADM John A. Moriarty, USN, ret., RADM David R. Morris, USN, ret. RADM Bill Newman, USN, ret. BG Joe Oder, USA, ret. MG OMara, USAF, ret. MG Joe S. Owens, USA, ret. VADM Jimmy Pappas, USN, ret. LTG Garry L. Parks, USMC, ret. RADM Russ Penniman, RADM, USN, ret. RADM Leonard F. Picotte, ret. VADM John Poindexter, USN, ret. RADM Ronald Polant, USCG, ret. MG Greg Power, USAF, ret. RDM Brian Prindle, USN, ret. RADM J.J. Quinn, USN, ret. LTG Clifford H. Rees, Jr. USAF, ret. RADM Norman T. Saunders, USCG, ret. MG Richard V. Secord, USAF, ret. RADM William R. Schmidt, USN, ret. LTG Hubert Smith, USA, ret. MG James N. Stewart, USAF, ret. RADM Thomas Stone, USN., ret. BG Joseph S. Stringham, USA, ret. MG Michael Sullivan, USMC, ret. RADM (U) Jeremy Taylor, USN, ret. LTG David Teal, USAF, ret. VADM Howard B. Thorsen, USCG, ret. RADM Robert P. Tiernan, USN, ret. LTG Garry Trexler, USAF, ret. BG James T. Turlington, M.D., USAF, ret. BG Richard J. Valente, USA ret. MG Paul Vallely, USA, ret. MG Russell L. Violett, USAF, ret. BG George H. Walker, Jr. USAR Corp of Engineers, ret. MG Kenneth Weir, USMCR, ret. BG William O. Welch, USAF, ret. MG John M. White, USAF, ret. MG Geoffrey P. Wiedeman, JR. USAF, ret. MG Richard O. Wightman, Jr., USA, ret. RADM Denny Wisely, USN, ret. RADM Ray Cowden Witter, USN, ret. LTG John Woodward, ret. NEW YORK (AP) Andrew McCarthy admits he fled from his shaggy-haired 1980s persona and didnt look back for decades. Much like the slouchy blazers he wore in movies like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmos Fire, that Brat Pack moniker and image never really fit. But time has put a soft filter on that era for the actor and hes ready to reflect on his early days as a movie star in his new memoir, Brat: An 80s Story, which debuts this week. Now a TV director, acclaimed travel writer, and best-selling author, McCarthy has been busy in recent years, if under the radar. He decided it was the right time to look back on his early life in acting and share stories about his adventures in Hollywood, complicated family relationships, addiction and recovery. The book helps explain the evolution of the Brat Pack a group of young actors including Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson who dominated movies in the 1980s and set cultural trends and how McCarthy and others swept into its vortex became the nostalgic avatar of peoples youth. In a recent interview with The Associated Press, he discussed reconciling his Brat Pack membership, his kids choosing to act, and which of his movies should be remade. Responses have been condensed for brevity and clarity. AP: Why write the book now? McCarthy: I think I probably grew up enough to look at it. It was certainly one of, if not the defining, sort of moments in my life. My life changed because of that. And we wouldnt be talking if those couple of years hadnt happened. I think it came at me so quickly when I was young that I just sort of fled from it and it took me just a long time to sort of go, Lets look under that rock. It was actually quite liberating to me. AP: Some may be surprised to read about your alcohol abuse during that time. Was that difficult to write about? McCarthy: There were three things that were dominant in my life in that period in the 80s. If I was going to capture it, I needed to look at all three of them, which was being successful in movies, my drinking and my relationship with my father. If you wrote about any two, without the other one, its incomplete, like a stool that would have tipped over. It felt like I had to sort of address that. AP: You explain the evolution of the Brat Pack. How do you look at that now? McCarthy: Im a pretty solitary person in many ways, and so I wasnt in the center of a group of friends. And I lived in New York, they all lived in L.A., and they were very nice to me. I didnt feel alienated by them, I felt a bit alienated from them, just because thats my nature... And I suppose it took me so many years to write the book, to really come to terms with that, what that whole notion of the Brat Pack was and became and is, because I think theyre very different things. When I started, it was cast in this very sort of pejorative way. And its evolved over time to be this kind of nostalgic memory of youth that we all our generation looks back on so fondly. And Im sort of the avatar of peoples youth in a certain way... It took me a long time to kind of embrace that notion, but thats sort of a beautiful thing. AP: You include some fun stories about being young in Hollywood. When was the moment you most wondered How did I get here? McCarthy: Early on, getting my first movie and suddenly doing love scenes with Jacqueline Bisset, that was like, Oh my God, what just happened to me? After that, everything else sort of paled in the degree of How did I get from here to there? AP: Your teen daughter and son are both acting. How do you feel about that choice? McCarthy: Acting save my life, you know? It almost cost me my life in a certain way, but it saved my life. It gave me a place in the world. I felt like me when I did it. And Id never felt that way before I did it. And I was able to locate myself in acting. And if someone else feels that way, who am I to tell them not to do that? My kids certainly didnt grow up with any illusions about how glamorous and wonderful it all is, because its a job. AP: How do you view your 80s movies and should they be remade? McCarthy: Those movies suddenly took young people seriously in a way that movies hadnt really, that their struggles and their emotional life which is massive it was valid and real. And I think we kind of take that for granted now, whereas in those days that was not represented before in film. So that was a big revelation But if people want to remake them it wouldnt matter to me. I think St. Elmos Fire pick up those guys 30 years later, theyre all old and fat, you know? (laughs) The only one that probably should be remade is Weekend at Bernies. (laughs) A new dance production marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China by celebrating the spirit of the nation's people. Dancers from the National Ballet of China rehearse some chapters from the new production, Century, in Beijing on April 28, including Jingwei Trying to Fill Up the Sea. Century will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on May 23 and will run until May 30.[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] About a year ago, when Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, envisioned a new production to mark the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, she contacted her artist friends, composer Guan Xia and scriptwriter Zhu Hai. After numerous phone calls and online exchanges, they decided to create a ballet which is symphonic, but with a clear narrative. They named the new production, Century, which pays tribute to the country and its people. On May 23, Century will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing and will run until May 30. Scriptwriter Zhu borrowed four Chinese folk tales to write four chapters for the ballet production and composer Guan wrote four works, one for each chapter. The opening chapter tells the story Goddess Nyuwa Repairs the Sky (Nyuwa Butian). Nyuwa is the goddess who, in Chinese mythology, created human beings. One tale goes that heaven was once broken in a disaster, so Nyuwa patched the collapsing sky with colored stones and even sacrificed herself by using her own body when the stones ran out-thereby saving the human world. "When we started to create this new ballet production, COVID-19 hit. The news about people, especially the medical workers, who fought together against the pandemic, moved us the most," says Zhu, who has been a member of the creative team of the annual China Central Television's Spring Festival gala and is also a poet. "The story of Goddess Nyuwa Repairs the Sky is about a kind, loving mother, who sacrifices herself for her children. It's a story we wanted to dedicate to those who fought against the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines." The second chapter, Jingwei Trying to Fill Up the Sea (Jingwei Tianhai), is the mythical story of a daughter of Yandi, one of China's earliest tribal leaders, who, after drowning at sea, becomes a bird and endeavors to fill the ocean with twigs and stones to prevent others from drowning. The third chapter follows the story of Yugong Moves Away the Mountains (Yugong Yishan), which is about a 90-year-old man who, alongside his offspring and grandchildren, is determined to move two giant mountains. To paraphrase a familiar comment about real estate, the three biggest problems with oil or gas pipelines used to be leaks, leaks and leaks. Thanks to a Russian criminal gang known as DarkSide, you can now add ransomware attacks to the list. As everyone who drives a car or truck on the East Coast knows by now, and of course plenty of other Americans, the Colonial Pipeline Co. was shut down Friday by a cyberstrike that took over enough control of its computer network to put it out of commission. The hackers demanded a ransom of an unknown amount to free up the pipeline and maybe promise not to release any information they obtained on the dark web. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the Colonial Pipeline should be fully reopened within a few days. Its not clear if the pipeline company paid the ransom (probably not) or just figured out a way to bypass the computer roadblocks that DarkSide installed to move gasoline from Point A to Point B, and eventually Points C, D, E, etc. It was a brazen attack, and it showed that DarkSides geeks knew their target well. The hack quickly caused gasoline prices to jump about 6 cents a gallon in several states and even caused major gas shortages across the Southeast. The 5,500-mile pipeline is the nations largest single network and actually begins in Houston. From there it passes through Southeast Texas and Lake Charles, La., before heading to Atlanta and then all the way up the central East Coast to New Jersey. No gasoline shortages occurred in Southeast Texas or Louisiana because this region is hooked up to many other pipeline networks. The hackers selected Colonial very carefully, because it carries nearly half of the gasoline used on the East Coast. Just a few days of the cyber blockage produced real supply problems. The attack also underscored the value and vulnerability of Americas petroleum pipelines. More Information States with the most oil and gas pipelines 1) Texas - 165,910 miles 2) California - 115,292 miles 3) Illinois - 70,483 miles 4) Ohio - 67,538 miles 5) Michigan - 64,736 miles 6) Louisiana - 62,154 miles 7) Pennsylvania - 57,885 miles 8) New York - 52,206 miles 9) Georgia - 46,951 miles 10) Indiana - 44,699 miles Source: Office of Pipeline Safety, U.S. Department of Transportation See More Collapse Politically, they are in disfavor now because they are part of fossil fuels, which environmentalists and many Democrats would like to see replaced with renewable energy like wind or solar. President Joe Biden famously canceled the Keystone XL pipeline that would have brought tar sands crude from Alberta, Canada, to refineries in Port Arthur and Houston. That was of course after President Obama canceled it the first time in 2015, and then President Trump uncanceled it in 2016. If a Republican is elected president in 2024, it could theoretically be uncanceled again. The resistance to building new pipelines is part NIMBY (not in my back yard) but mostly environmental. Many people dont want any new major infrastructure for fossil fuels. The first new refinery built in America in 42 years was constructed in Channelview in 2019. Pipelines get swept up in the anti-fossil fuel fervor even though they have a pretty good safety record much better than the alternative ways to move oil or gasoline via ships, trucks or trains. If they are well-constructed and the ground they are in doesnt shift from too much water or not enough of it, not to mention the occasional earthquake, they will move liquid or gases safely for years, often decades. But they can leak, just as anything can theoretically fail, and that concern is also causing a major pipeline to be shut down in Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the Enbridge Pipeline System to shut down its oil line that originates in Canada and crosses under the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Whitmer and environmentalists are concerned that the pipeline could spring a leak and devastate fishing, boating and tourism in those lakes. That would be a massive problem, but the pipeline hasnt leaked since it was installed in 1953. Enbridge insists that the segment is in good shape. The Consumer Energy Alliance says a shutdown could threaten 33,000 jobs and cause at least $20.8 billion in economic losses in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Environmentalists reply that a spill in the straits would be even more costly. The Canadian government, still smarting from the shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline, wants to keep the line operating and has filed a legal brief in support of the company. Gov. Whitmer is threatening to seize the companys profits if it continues to defy her shutdown order and seek a lifeline in court. A federal judge will decide whether a state or federal court will have jurisdiction in this dispute. DarkSide hackers could have helped both sides by temporarily shutting down that pipeline rather than Colonials, giving each party a chance to take a breather and gain more public support. But of course the hackers knew that the attack on Colonial could be more lucrative, if they ever got paid at all. In robbery, as in political scandals, the best advice is still to follow the money. TTaschinger@BeaumontEnteprise.com BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) A judge said Thursday he will review under seal mental health records of Ahmaud Arbery to decide whether they can be used by defense attorneys to support their case that the slaying of the 25-year-old Black man was an act of self-defense. Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley declined to hear from an expert witness that defense lawyers plan to use to discuss Arbery's mental health at trial until the judge rules on whether the records can be admitted into evidence. He ordered those documents to be sealed, meaning they won't be part of the public case record. Travis McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael, armed themselves with guns and pursued Arbery in a pickup truck when they spotted him running in their coastal Georgia neighborhood Feb. 23, 2020. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun. During pretrial hearings Wednesday and Thursday, defense attorneys pressed the judge to allow unflattering evidence from Arbery's past and issues involving his mental health in an effort to counter prosecutors' contention that Arbery was an innocent jogger who was unjustly chased and killed by white men. They want the trial jury to hear about prior encounters Arbery had with police, including arrests for bringing a gun onto a high school campus in 2013 and for shoplifting in 2017, as well as evidence of mental illness to support defense attorneys' argument that Travis McMichael killed Arbery in self-defense. Prosecutors have asked the judge to keep all of that out of the upcoming trial, saying it's irrelevant because none of the defendants knew Arbery before the fatal chase. They also contend any records dealing with Arbery's mental health are protected by law as private medical information. They're claiming self-defense against a man they did not know, a man they saw running down the street, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski told the judge Thursday. When they said, 'I was acting reasonably,' that has nothing to do with Mr. Arbery's mental health. It is not critical to their defense. Defense attorneys say the McMichaels suspected Arbery was a burglar who had been recorded entering a nearby home under construction and they were trying to detain him until police could arrive. They say Travis McMichael shot him at close range when Arbery attacked and tried to grab his shotgun. Jason Sheffield, a lawyer for Travis McMichael, told the judge that his client's right to a robust defense should trump concerns for Arbery's medical privacy. He said the mental health evidence was paramount to the defense case. It is reckless to disregard the mental health illness that plagued him for three years leading up to this moment in February 2020, Sheffield said. Arbery's parents have likened the defense's focus on his past and mental health to an effort to put their son on trial. His mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said she still feels like the case is moving closer to justice. I just want this to be all over so Ahmaud can continue to rest in peace, Cooper-Jones told reporters Thursday. The judge said in court Thursday that allowing evidence of Arbery's mental health would likely result in a mini trial" when the case goes to a jury I'm going to have a battle of experts in front of a jury, in a murder trial, about what the mental health of the victim meant, Walmsley said. Defense attorneys Thursday also asked the judge to keep recordings of the defendants' phone calls from jail out of their upcoming trial. Prosecutors told Superior Judge Timothy Walmsley they have requested recordings of about 1,500 phone calls involving the McMichaels and Bryan since they were jailed a year ago. They did not say which, if any, they plan to use as trial evidence. During the defendants' bond hearing in November, prosecutors played a portion of a phone call made from the Glynn County jail between Greg McMichael and his brother. On the recording, Greg McMichael says: Youve heard the saying that no good deed goes unpunished?" Greg McMichael's attorney, Franklin Hogue, argued that using the calls at trial would violate the defendants' due process rights. He said prosecutors at the bond hearing had misconstrued Greg McMichael's comment to mean that the good deed was killing Ahmaud Arbery, when the deed he was referring to was keeping watch over his neighborhood. Prosecutor Larissa Ollivierre said inmates have no right to privacy when speaking on jail telephones unless it's with their attorneys. She noted the jail where the three defendants are being held doesn't record calls with lawyers. All other calls begin with a message informing the inmates that they're being recorded. The judge didn't rule on the issue in court. The three men are scheduled to stand trial on charges of malice murder and other counts this fall, with jury selection beginning Oct. 18. The case sparked a national outcry during a year of protests over killings of unarmed Black people. The Justice Department on April 28 added hate crime charges against the McMichaels and Bryan, who all pleaded not guilty to the federal counts before a U.S. magistrate judge Tuesday. Dreamstime, HO / TNS A 65-year-old man was in surgery at a Houston hospital Thursday afternoon after he was shot several times early in the morning. Oscar LeBlanc was found by Orange police officers just before 1:15 a.m. Thursday in the backyard of his home in the 1800 block of Lincoln Drive in Orange, according to a news release from the Orange Police Department. Jefferson County parents looking to get their teenagers vaccinated against the coronavirus can now start making their plans. The Port Arthur and Beaumont public health departments, which together serve all the countys residents, on Thursday announced their plans to begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to residents as young as 12. The news comes a day after an advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in children ages 12 to 15. It previously had been approved for people as young as 16. As a result, the Port Arthur Public Health Department on Wednesday said it would begin vaccinating that age group as well. The release encouraged interested parents or guardians to call (409) 332-6215 to make an appointment. Related: Jefferson Co. courts continue mask requirements Pfizer clinics next week will run from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Monday, Wednesday and Friday clinics will be 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames said her city also has plans to begin vaccinating the age group. However, at this time, it doesnt yet have the Pfizer doses. To this point, the city largely has been using the Moderna vaccine because its less-restrictive cold storage requirements allow it to be housed at the vaccine clinic itself. But we have put in a request for about 500 Pfizer doses, she said. As soon as we get those, well begin giving them out. She said she expects it will take about two weeks to get the doses in and begin administering the vaccinations. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox At this time parents, can sign up their children for the vaccine online at vaccine.beaumonttexas.gov. Because children havent gotten as sick as a result of the virus, she said the city isnt yet sure how much demand to expect. Signing up now will help give the department a better idea of how many doses it would need. We think once we start getting it in, we can keep up with demand, she said. Well use the 500, and then well order more if we need to. She expects the process will get easier once the Moderna vaccine is approved for people younger than 18 years old. Moderna officials previously have said they hope to have data from a vaccine study in older children by the end of the summer. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain Tuesday nights severe weather affected much of Southeast Texas as the system reportedly knocked down branches in Hamshire-Fannett among other places and knocked out power in parts of Hardin County, causing the cancellation of classes at Lumberton High School on Wednesday. While the moisture dissipated by early afternoon Wednesday and forecasts show the region is expected to see mostly sunny conditions for the next couple of days, its not expected to last long as thunderstorms are expected beginning Saturday night and potentially into next week. The depth/magnitude of the moistening trend will increase (Saturday) night into Sunday as the mid-level ridge pushes off to the east and a trough develops over Eastern Texas, a National Weather Service forecast discussion stated Wednesday afternoon. Increasing clouds and rain chances are expected across East Texas. Alex Donato, a NWS meteorologist, added these sorts of intermittent periods of severe weather are normal for this time of year. Severe weather season in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana typically ends at the end of May, Donato said. Were in the middle of it right now. Sunday could see a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms with winds ranging from 10 to 15 mph winds and gusts up 20 mph. Monday, the NWS predicts a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms for most of the day. The next two days show a 30% chance of showers or thunderstorms. More Information Five-day forecast Thursday: High 79, Low 58 Friday: High 81, Low 64 Saturday: High 83, Low 69 Sunday: High 81, Low 70 Monday: High 83, Low 72 Source: NWS Lake Charles See More Collapse Donato said next weeks forecast has some degree of uncertainty. He said he expects NWS to have a clearer picture by the weekend as to how much precipitation is expected for next week. Before Saturdays potential chance for thunderstorms, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon will see highs of 79, 81 and 83, respectively. Severe weather canceled classes on Wednesday Severe weather overnight Tuesday caused the cancellation of classes at Lumberton High School on Wednesday, according to a Lumberton ISD news release on Facebook. Due to the lightning storm last night, Lumberton High School is experiencing power outages in parts of the campus. This will necessitate closing Lumberton High School for May, 12, 2021, the news release stated. By Wednesday around noon, there were no outages reported in Hardin County, according to the Entergy outage map. jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/byjorgeramos JERUSALEM (AP) The Latest on the harrowing fighting between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers (all times local): WASHINGTON - The State Department is advising Americans to reconsider any travel they may have planned to Israel and the Palestinian territories due to increasing Israeli-Palestinian violence. In a notice issued Thursday, the department raised its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza to Level 3 reconsider travel. It had previously been at Level 2, which recommends travelers exercise increased caution. The revised alert cited continuing rocket fire from Gaza into areas across southern and central Israel, including Jerusalem, Israels military response to the attacks and a marked increase in violence and protests throughout Israel. Protests and violence may continue to occur, some with little or no warning, it said. ___ UNITED NATIONS Norways U.N. Mission says the U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency open meeting on Sunday on the escalating violence between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. The mission tweeted late Thursday that the meeting was requested by Norway, China and Tunisia with broad support and is confirmed for 10 a.m. EDT on Sunday. The three countries had pushed for an open meeting on Friday but the United States said it wanted a delay until Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington earlier Thursday: We are open to and supportive of an open discussion at the United Nations. I think were looking at early next week. This, I hope, will give some time for the diplomacy to have some effect and see if we get a real de-escalation and then pursue this at the United Nations. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted: The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza on Sunday. The U.S. will continue to actively engage in diplomacy at the highest levels to try to de-escalate tensions. The Security Council has held two closed-door meetings on the crisis, on Monday and Wednesday, but has so far been silent. ___ WASHINGTON The U.S. Defense Department has flown about 120 personnel out of Israel as a precaution in light of the ongoing violence there. Thats according to Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, who said the American personnel departed on Thursday on a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. They had been in Israel to plan for a future bilateral exercise. Kirby said the conference was scheduled to end this week but the exit was accelerated by a few days. There has been a dangerous escalation this week between Israel and Gaza's Hamas militant rulers. Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and shells and called up 9,000 more reservists who could be used to stage a ground invasion. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is deeply concerned about violence in the streets of Israel as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians intensifies. He says Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to freedom, dignity, security and prosperity. Both sides, Blinken said on Thursday, should be able to live in peace. He added, however, that Israel has a basic right to protect itself. Blinken described a fundamental difference between Hamas militants who are firing rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza and Israels government, which is going after those who are attacking it. Blinkens comments at a news conference with Australias visiting foreign minister came after President Joe Biden said that he had not seen a significant overreaction from Israel to the rocket fire. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is deeply concerned about violence in the streets of Israel as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians intensifies. He says Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to freedom, dignity, security and prosperity and that both should be able to live in peace. But, he also stressed that Israel has a basic right to protect itself and that there is fundamental difference between Hamas militants who are firing rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza and Israels government which is going after those who are attacking it. Blinkens comments at a news conference with Australias visiting foreign minister came after President Joe Biden said he had not seen a significant overreaction from Israel to the rocket fire. ___ PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the latest Mideast clashes and says he will speak soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as other regional leaders. A statement from Macron's office on Thursday said the French president expressed condolences for Palestinians killed in the conflict with Israel. But he also condemned attacks by Hamas and urged Abbas to use all means of his influence to restore calm as quickly as possible. Macron urged a return to peace and a decisive relaunch of peace negotiations. Also on Thursday, a few dozen people protested in eastern Paris to show support for the Palestinians. __ JERUSALEM Israels military confirms that three rockets have been fired from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel. The reports said the rockets fell in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday evening. No injuries were reported. Israeli media reported that the rockets were apparently fired by one of the Palestinian factions in Lebanon and that its not the start of Hezbollah getting involved in the conflict. No air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel, which the military said was in accordance with protocol. The development came as Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and called up 9,000 more reservists. ___ JERUSALEM Israels opposition leader says the country faces an existential threat from ongoing violent unrest between Jewish and Arab mobs. Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid on Thursday said that if the ethnic fighting doesnt stop, the state is in danger. He vowed to build an alternative governing coalition and end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus 12-year rule. Netanyahu also has condemned the communal violence. Lapid spoke amid ongoing airstrikes and rocket attacks from Gaza. Earlier Thursday, an Arab man allegedly shot and seriously wounded a Jewish man in the latest incident of ethnic fighting inside Israel. In Jaffa, an Israeli soldier was attacked by a group of Arabs and was hospitalized in serious condition. In south Tel Aviv, two Jewish men attacked a journalist covering a gathering of ultranationalists. Police said officers had arrested at least eight suspects in the northern city of Haifa who were involved in stone-throwing and other violent unrest. Lapid said in his televised address, We are on the brink of the abyss. ___ ISLAMABAD Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken by telephone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the deteriorating situation between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas rulers. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Khan reaffirmed Pakistans support for the rights of Palestinian people. The ministry said Khan strongly condemned the attacks on worshippers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, as well as deadly airstrikes by Israel in Gaza. The development came as Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and called up 9,000 more reservists. ___ UNITED NATIONS China, Norway and Tunisia say the U.N. Security Council should swiftly hold an open meeting on the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The three nations sought a council meeting on Friday. The Security Council has has been silent on the issue, and China said there would be no open meeting. Council diplomats said the United States informed members it couldnt support the request amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The U.S. said it would support an open meeting on Tuesday. Norways U.N. Mission tweeted that it is working to reach consensus for a Security Council meeting as soon as possible. It urged a halt to the rocket fire, adding, "Please dont let innocent civilians suffer. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Thursday that Washington is supportive of an open discussion at the United Nations. I think were looking at early next week. Blinken said he hopes this will give some time for the diplomacy to have some effect and see if we get a real de-escalation." Just after midnight on Halloween, a blaring car alarm and a loud banging sound startled Mirella Castaneda and woke her young son. A man stood in her driveway in Forest Grove, Ore., slamming his fist into the Black Lives Matter flag draped over the metal garage door as the security alarm on the family's pickup truck continued to beep. IN HOUSTON: Houston police department has new reform policies. Here's what they entail. Castaneda immediately called 911 - but when police showed up they recognized the man as an off-duty officer named Steven Teets. Instead of arresting Teets, though, one of the responding officers simply drove him home. Now, Teets and that officer, Bradley Schuetz, face criminal charges in the incident that Castaneda's lawyers say "terrorized" her family. A grand jury has indicted Schuetz for official misconduct, following an outside investigation by the Beaverton Police Department, the agency said in a statement Friday. Teets was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct last year. A second responding officer, Amber Daniels, will not face charges, officials said. Lawyers for Teets and Schuetz did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Sunday. Teets has been on administrative desk duty since late last year, and Schuetz is on paid administrative leave, the Oregonian reported. The charges raised questions about how police handled the investigation, including whether the officers involved treated Castaneda differently because of her support of the Black Lives Matter movement that has challenged police across the United States over fatal shootings and violent arrests. The Forest Grove Police Department has also recently drawn public scrutiny over the death of James Marshall, who died after police used a stun gun to subdue him as he was having an apparent mental health crisis. A lawyer for Castaneda provided The Washington Post with a tort claim declaring her intent to sue the Forest Grove Police Department. The claim describes how police allegedly "worked in concert, either intentionally, or subconsciously due to implicit bias, to deprive Ms. Castaneda of her Constitutional rights" as they investigated the incident last October. In a statement addressing the charges against Teets and Schuetz, Forest Grove police chief Henry Reimann said he could not release any information about the October incident until the criminal cases are resolved. IN TEXAS: Texas officials say murder conviction for George Floyd's death 'is only one step' in police reform "Sharing such information at this time (or rushing to make decisions based on partial information) could do more harm than good and could potentially hinder the City's ability to address these important issues," he said in the statement. "Once the criminal process is complete for each of the officers, an outside law enforcement agency will evaluate if policy violations occurred." In the suburb about 30 miles west of Portland, Castaneda is one of the only homeowners who openly displays Black Lives Matter banners and signs, according to her claim. About 25,500 people live in Forest Grove; more than two-thirds of those residents are White, nearly 23 percent are Latino, and fewer than one percent of residents identify as Black, according to census data. The signs allegedly attracted Teets's attention in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, when he allegedly strode up Castaneda's driveway, setting off the security alarm on the family's pickup truck and pounding on a Black Lives Matter flag. Teets allegedly kicked the front door, shouted at the family inside the home, and refused to leave. "Officer Teets terrorized Ms. Castaneda and her family and yelled at them to fight," according to the tort claim. Fifteen minutes after Castaneda called 911, two Forest Grove police officers arrived at her home and identified Teets as he was walking in the street nearby, according to court records. Investigators ultimately revealed that Teets appeared to be "highly intoxicated" when Schuetz and Daniels arrived on the scene, according to a memo reported by the Portland Tribune last month. Teets allegedly "squared up" with the two officers, fists raised as if he wanted to fight them. He did not recognize his colleagues, the memo said. The responding officers did not check Teets for weapons, according to Castaneda's tort claim. Then, Schuetz drove Teets to his nearby home, "only blocks away from the Castaneda family," according to the tort claim, and helped the intoxicated officer to his front door. READ ALSO: Here's how Houstonians reacted to the Derek Chauvin verdict The officers who interviewed Castaneda on Halloween did not tell her that they had identified Teets as the man who attacked her home, nor did they divulge that they had already taken him home. "For my own sanity and my family's, I just felt like I needed to know what happened," Castaneda told the Tribune. "This really shook my sense of safety." Nearly three days later, officials finally disclosed Teets's name and let a shaken Castaneda know that he had been arrested. Castaneda has alleged that officers violated department policy and Oregon law when they "failed to tell [her] that the suspect lived near her family and carried a firearm as part of his job as an officer." Even after providing Teets's name, investigators did not tell Castaneda that he was a police officer. According to her tort claim, she only discovered that Teets worked for the Forest Grove Police Department after she searched for his name on the Internet. Her lawyers also alleged that police did not document the possible political motives at play when Teets targeted Castaneda's home. The responding officers did not turn on body cameras during the investigation as required by department policy, nor did they note the existence of the Black Lives Matter flags prominently displayed on Castaneda's property in their reports. "The treatment of Ms. Castaneda as a second-class citizen based on her political viewpoint by the investigating officers added insult to injury, and further compounded the emotional trauma she and her family had experienced at the hands of Officer Teets," her lawyer said. The Forest Grove Police Department ultimately passed the criminal investigation over to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, which brought charges against Teets in November. Reimann, the Forest Grove police chief, also requested an administrative investigation be done by the police department in nearby Beaverton, which charged Schuetz last week. Castaneda's attorney Michael Fuller told The Post that the criminal charges have given Castaneda hope that the city will address the failures that may have inhibited prosecutor's ability to pursue more aggressive charges in the case against Teets. "I honestly didn't expect much to come from the internal review, certainly not a criminal probe of the police officers involved," Fuller told The Post in an email. "The charge of official misconduct substantiates what my client and I have been alleging for the past six months." China's new yuan-denominated loans totaled 1.47 trillion yuan (about 228.77 billion U.S. dollars) in April, down 229.3 billion yuan year on year, central bank data showed Wednesday. The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 8.1 percent year on year to 226.21 trillion yuan at the end of April, according to the People's Bank of China. The M2 growth rate was 1.3 percentage points lower than that at the end of March, and down 3 percentage points from the same period last year. The narrow measure of money supply (M1), which covers cash in circulation plus demand deposits, came in at 60.54 trillion yuan at the end of April, up 6.2 percent from a year earlier. M0, the amount of cash in circulation, rose by 5.3 percent year on year to 8.58 trillion yuan by the end of last month. The central bank withdrew 74 billion yuan of net cash from the market in April, the central bank data showed. China's newly added social financing, a measurement of funds the real economy receives from the financial system, came in at 1.85 trillion yuan in April, down 1.25 trillion yuan year on year, central bank data showed Wednesday. In breakdown, yuan-denominated loans to the real economy increased by 1.28 trillion yuan, down by 339.9 billion yuan from a year ago, according to the People's Bank of China. By the end of April, total social financing reached 296.16 trillion yuan, up by 11.7 percent year on year. Wednesday's data also showed that by the end of April, the outstanding yuan deposits increased by 8.9 percent, year on year, to 220.2 trillion yuan. China's central bank has pledged to make its prudent monetary policy more targeted and flexible to adapt better to the needs of high-quality development and put more focus on the efficiency of financial services to support the real economy. Soldiers hold positions next to an Indonesian Air Force F-16 during the Jalak Sakti military exercise at the Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base in Blang Bintang in Indonesias Aceh province, Sept. 8, 2020. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently released its annual survey of the worlds largest arms importers and exporters. But, sadly, the think-tank missed an opportunity to analyze trends in Southeast Asia. While arms imports and modernization continue, it would be unfair to call it an arms race. Some countries are building up their naval and air assets, but most militaries in Southeast Asia remain land centric and largely focused on internal security. Overall, the regions countries are cost-conscious about their imports. They often shop for bargains, and thus acquire systems or parts that do not work well with one another. Countries often fail to pay for servicing and maintenance of the weaponry. As a result, this tends to diminish their operational shelf life. While Thailand is a poster child for buying prestige items that it doesnt need, most other states are more pragmatic. From 2016 to 2020, Thailand and six other countries in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc were among the top 40 arms importers in the world, according to the data from SIPRI. Vietnam was close to the top of the list, ranked 16th in the world. Collectively these seven ASEAN countries which did not include Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei accounted for 8.4 percent of global arms imports. This marked a decline from the period of 2011 to 2015, when the seven accounted for 9.2 percent of global imports. This is in line with SIPRIs findings, which saw an overall 8.3 percent decline in imports in Asia and Oceania during those two time-frames. Vietnam, which is trying to quickly modernize its military to cope with the threat of China, imported more weaponry than any other Southeast Asian country from 2016 to 2020. During that time, Vietnam accounted for 1.8 percent of global arms imports. That signified a 41 percent drop from its share between 2011 and 2015, the height of its modernization program, which saw a massive increase in Hanois naval capabilities. Vietnams largest suppliers were Russia, which accounted for 66 percent of its imports, followed by Israel (19 percent), and Belarus and South Korea, which were tied for third, each accounting for 4.8 percent of imports. Singapore, ranked 17th in the world, accounted for 1.7 percent of global arms imports from 2016 to 2020, the SIPRI figures show. The United States was the city-states largest arm supplier (36 percent), followed by Spain and France, which accounted for 25 and 17 percent, respectively. Indonesia, Southeast Asias largest and most populous country, ranked 18th in the world, also accounted for 1.7 percent of global imports. Compared with 2011 to 2015, Indonesias share of global arms imports fell by 18 percent. The United States was Jakartas largest supplier, accounting for 23 percent of arms imports, closely followed by the Netherlands (19 percent) and South Korea (17 percent). Sales from the United States were dominated by a squadron of Apache attack helicopters, while surface warfare ships made up exports from the Netherlands, and submarines (both exported and licensed) dominated South Korean sales. Thailand, for its part, was the 23rd largest importer of arms from 2016-2020, accounting for 1.2 percent of global imports, according to SIPRI data. This represented a 44 percent increase, from 2011 to 2015. Apparently, coup detats have consequences. Thailands largest suppliers were South Korea (26 percent), (China 22 percent) and Ukraine (12 percent). China has been aggressively trying to penetrate the Thai arms market after Thailands second coup detat in eight years, and has sold Thailand submarines, surface warfare vessels and main battle tanks. The Philippines was the 31st largest importer in the world, accounting for 0.8 percent of global imports. Although a minor player in the global arms market, the Philippines accounted for the largest growth in Southeast Asia between 2011 and 2015, when it accounted for 0.2 percent of global imports to 2016-2020 a 229 percent increase. South Korea was the Philippines largest supplier, accounting for 42 percent of imports, followed by Indonesia. Jakarta, which has been aggressively selling its amphibious warfare ships to the Philippines, accounted for 17 percent of Philippine imports. The United States, which also supplied the Philippines with the same percentage of its arms imports, also transfers considerable amounts of weaponry to Manila under its surplus equipment program. Myanmar was the 33rd largest importer of weaponry in the world in 2016-2020, accounting for 0.17 percent of global imports. This marked a 40 percent decline from the 2011-2015 period. China supplied 48 percent of all Myanmars weaponry, followed by India (16 percent) and Russia (15 percent). None of these suppliers is likely to heed any U.N. calls for an arms embargo on Naypyidaw after the Feb. 1 coup detat. Finally, Malaysia, ranked 40th in the world, accounted for just 0.5 percent of global imports from 2016 to 2020, according to the SIPRI report. Though small, this was a 114 percent increase from 2011-2015. Malaysias main suppliers included Spain (32 percent), Turkey (17 percent), and South Korea (11 percent). Emerging trends There are two things to note about weapons imports across the region. First, the major modernization programs, especially those that were to quickly bring naval and air assets online in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, appear to be slowing. Second, Southeast Asian states are extremely cost conscious and have been trying to modernize weaponry on the cheap. Vietnam has been the most successful in negotiating licensing agreements for local production. Indonesia has tried to follow suit. Indonesia and Malaysia have tried to modernize their air forces with a second round of commodity barter agreements with the Russians; so far, to no avail. Its interesting also to look at the flip side of the equation and to focus on the exporters. Singapore is the only country that can afford to import high-end weaponry from the West. American firms continue to lose market share. Most other countries are searching for low-cost suppliers, or countries that will license for local production. Overall, Russia remains the single largest supplier of weaponry to Southeast Asia. Russia accounted for 66 percent of Vietnams total imports and 15 percent of Myanmars imports from 2016-2020. It has recently entered the Thai and Philippine markets. Countries of the former Soviet bloc that still have production lines and can supply spare parts and ammunition for Soviet-era weaponry still have clients in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is Belaruss largest export market. Ukraine also does steady business in the region. But there are new entrants to the marketplace. Of particular note is South Korea, the largest supplier to Thailand and the Philippines and the third largest supplier to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Philippines and Thailand are South Koreas second and third largest export markets, respectively. South Korea is important to the defense of Southeast Asia in ways that are simply not appreciated. Israel is another country to watch. It went from being a non-player in Southeast Asia to very quickly and aggressively supporting Vietnams modernization program. In addition to supplying Vietnam with short-range surface-to-air missiles, Israel is now producing several lines of small arms in country. Vietnam is Israels third largest client. Israel has previously sold weapons to Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand, but has otherwise been unable to penetrate the growing Southeast Asian arms market, despite the fact that it sells high-end weaponry at competitive prices. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College and an adjunct at Georgetown University in Washington. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNews. Indonesian Muslims hold flags that say Theres no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger, during a protest in Jakarta, Nov. 2, 2018. Although constitutions of South and Southeast Asian countries provide for equality of faiths, governments do not always protect the rights of minority groups, the U.S. State Department said in its 2020 International Religious Freedom Report released on Wednesday. The American commitment to defending freedom of religion and belief goes back centuries and continues today Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as he announced the publication of the 2,397-page document covering 200 countries and territories. Religious freedom, like every human right, is universal. All people, everywhere, are entitled to it no matter where they live, what they believe, or what they dont believe, Blinken told reporters. Religious freedom cant be fully realized unless other human rights are respected, and when governments violate their peoples right to believe and worship freely, it jeopardizes all the others. And religious freedom is a key element of an open and stable society. For many people worldwide, the right to religious freedom is still out of reach, Blinken said. For instance, in Bangladesh, the constitution designates Islam as the state religion but upholds the principle of secularism, prohibits religious discrimination and provides for equality for all religions, the report said. Despite those protections, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and other minority religious members told U.S. Embassy officials that community members often harassment and were sometimes physically attacked. The Christian Welfare Trust and other human rights NGOs continued to report harassment, communal threats of physical violence, and social isolation for converts to Christianity from Islam and Hinduism in spite of constitutional guarantees protecting an individuals right to change faiths the report said. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council told American embassy officials that communal violence against minorities continued throughout the year, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, BenarNews reported about a Muslim mob attacking a Hindu village and vandalizing dozens of houses and at least seven temples in northeastern Bangladesh. Meanwhile, there was no progress in a court case regarding a 2016 attack on Hindu individuals, homes, and temples in Brahmanbaria district, the report said. Rights groups attributed this and inaction over other attacks and harassment to judicial inefficiency and general government indifference. As part of U.S.-funded training for community policing, the embassy encouraged law enforcement officials to protect the rights of religious minorities, the report said. Blasphemy in Indonesia Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Indonesias blasphemy laws are a concern, said Daniel Nadel, a senior official in the State Departments Office of International Religious Freedom. With regard to Indonesia, we remain concerned about [the] use of blasphemy laws against individuals which allow for detaining and sentencing people of up to five years in prison, Nadel said during a question-and-answer session. Overall more than 150 people have been convicted under the blasphemy laws, which are regularly used against members of non-Muslims, non-Sunni minority groups. Blasphemy articles in the criminal code prohibit deliberate public statements or activities that insult or defame any of the six officially recognized religions Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. In August 2020, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation reported that 38 blasphemy cases were filed during the first five months of the year, including five involving children younger than 18, the report said. Police arrested people across the nation in April on blasphemy charges after posts on social media altered lyrics to a song about the wife of the Prophet Muhammad. On Aug. 21, the chairman of Komnas HAM [the National Commission on Human Rights], Ahmad Taufan Damanik, said a lack of clarity in the blasphemy law meant it was often used to target religious minorities, the report said. On March 6, the commissioner of the National Womens Commission, Siti Aminah Tardi, said prosecutions under blasphemy laws targeted women, especially those from religious minorities. Blasphemy convictions can carry five-year prison terms. Elsewhere in the region, Malaysias constitution states Islam is the religion of the federation, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony, the State Department noted. But local human rights organizations and religious leaders again expressed concern that society was becoming less tolerant of religious diversity, the report said. A joint council of minority religious communities released a statement expressing its grave concern on the escalation of religious animosity between religious groups manufactured by some politicians to divide and rule. The State Department said U.S. Embassy officials, in 2020, regularly met with Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Prime Ministers Department officials to discuss constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, an increase in religious intolerance and respecting religious minorities. In addition, embassy representatives met with members of religious groups, including minority groups and those whose activities were limited by the government, to discuss the restrictions they faced and strategies for engaging the government on issues of religious freedom. Thai Deep South violence In the Philippines, Christians and Muslims told U.S. Embassy officials about government developments that undermined their religious freedom. Muslim groups objected to the anti-terrorism law passed in July 2020, citing fears that it could restrain in the free practice and free expression of their faith. Several Muslim lawmakers, lawyers, and citizens filed petitions before the Supreme Court stating that the definition of terrorism in the law infringed on the freedom of religious expression. BenarNews reported that human rights and legal advocacy groups sought a Supreme Court injunction just days after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law on July 3. The definition of terrorism in Section 4 is so vague and broad it can be read to include legitimate and lawful gatherings and demonstrations where people assemble to exercise their freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press, said an excerpt from an 84-page petition filed by a group of law professors at the Far Eastern University (FEU), a private campus in Manila. Separately, Catholic and Protestant groups expressed concern over reported cases of church workers being publicly labeled as members or supporters of the New Peoples Army, the armed insurgent wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the report said. The government has been trying to suppress a rebellion involving the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New Peoples Army (NPA), since 1969. The State Department noted that embassy members, while limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, used online platforms and virtual engagements to emphasize strong U.S. support for religious freedom and protection of civil liberties for persons of all faiths. The Thai section of the report detailed ongoing trouble in the countrys Deep South where an armed Malay Muslim separatist movement is blamed for much of the violence. According to the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Deep South Watch, violence during the year resulted in at least 116 deaths among them 83 Muslims, 29 Buddhists and four individuals with unidentified religious affiliation, it said. But despite being victims themselves, Muslims said they faced discrimination by state agencies. The Muslim community in the Deep South continued to express frustration with perceived discriminatory treatment by security forces and what they said was a judicial system that lacked adequate checks and balances, the report said. The Deep South encompasses Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala provinces and four districts of Songkhla province. It has been the flash point of armed conflict between government troops and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, Thailands largest separatist insurgent group, over several decades. Throughout the year, U.S. Embassy officials met with Ministry of Culture officials along with religious leaders, academics and others to promote religious pluralism, tolerance and interfaith dialogue. A Thai health worker sprays a Buddhist monk with disinfectant at a temple in Nonthaburi province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, May 5, 2021. COVID-19 cases are rising in some Southeast Asian nations, as Malaysia and Thailand on Wednesday reported record high virus-related deaths amid the spread of highly contagious variants in the region. Malaysia on Wednesday logged its highest number of daily new COVID-19 infections since Jan. 31, the Philippines is bracing for a potential surge in cases after the double mutant Indian strain was discovered there a day earlier, and Thailands Department of Corrections said almost 3,000 inmates in two prisons tested positive. The Department of Corrections tested for COVID-19 among all officials and inmates and found 1,040 infected in the Women's Correctional Institution and 1,795 in the Bangkok Remand Prison, the departments press statement said. Infected inmates have been moved to field hospitals in the prison compound while the more seriously ill patients have been taken to outside hospitals, the department said. They are all being treated with Favipiravir, an anti-viral drug, the department said. The corrections department said the womens prison population is nearly 4,500 and that the Bangkok Remand Prison, which is for male inmates only, houses nearly 3,275 prisoners. The plan is to inoculate all prisoners when enough vaccines are procured, the department said. Vaccines a national agenda The corrections departments statement came hours after pro-democracy activist Panusaya Rung Sithijirawattanakul said she learned on Wednesday that she tested positive for the coronavirus after being released on bail from the Central Women's Correctional Institution on May 6. Panusaya said she was tested on May 10, so it was not clear when or where she contracted COVID-19. Ive just received the test result and learned that Im infected. Im admitted at Thammasat Hospital, Panusaya said. I apologize to all who had close contact with me. I did not think I was infected. On Tuesday evening, Panusaya mingled with reporters and supporters of Parit Penguin Chiwarak, another pro-democracy activist who was released on bail from the Bangkok Remand Prison. Meanwhile, Amnesty International Thailand said all prison inmates must be tested for COVID-19 and be given free masks, soap and clean water. In an open letter to the Thai Permanent Secretary of Justice published Tuesday, Amnesty urged the justice ministry to minimize any unnecessary custody so the prisons dont get too crowded amid the pandemic. The rights group noted that at least seven political prisoners, some of whom have been released on bail, have contracted COVID-19. Separately, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government has increased its vaccine acquisition target to 150 million doses, from an earlier planned 100 million doses. So far, Thailand has administered the first COVID-19 jab to some 1.4 million people. A little more than 72,000 Thais have been fully vaccinated. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday that that he has proposed making COVID-19 vaccines a national agenda. Thailand on Wednesday reported 1,974 new COVID-19 infections, taking the countrys total caseload to 60,044. In addition, a record 34 virus-related deaths were recorded, pushing the total to 1,974. The previous 24-hour record was 31 deaths on May 3. Highly contagious variants Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Malaysia logged the highest number of daily new infections since Jan. 31 and a record number of virus-related deaths, government data showed. With regard to new cases, 4,765 cases were reported in the last 24 hours and the number of daily cases can reach 5,000 cases by mid-May, Health Director General Noor Hisham Abdullah said. With 39 cases of fatalities recorded today, so far the total number of fatalities in the country rises to 1,761. Previously, the highest number of deaths recorded in one day was 26 on May 9. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he expects daily new cases to reach five figures in the next few weeks unless urgent measures are taken to stem the spread of COVID-19, amid the presence of highly infective virus variants from India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa and other countries. At that time, the nations entire health care system, which is currently in a critical stage, will be paralyzed like what has happened in other countries, he said in a message to the nation on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, state news agency Bernama reported. People will die lying by the roadside as hospitals will no longer have the capability to take in any more patients. Hospital intensive care units nationwide are already struggling, Noor Hisham said. The intensive care units are congested after placing 469 patients [nationwide], of whom 244 need assistance to breathe, he said. Noor Hisham also said the number of infections from the highly contagious so-called South African variant has risen to 62, from 48 on May 3. He reported the presence of two infections related to the so-called Indian variant of COVID-19, local media reported. The case arrived in Malaysia on April 7, 2021, and went through COVID-19 screening at the international arrival gateway. Both tests conducted on April 7 and April 12 returned negative, Noor Hisham said about the non-Malaysian who was infected. However, the case tested positive on April 21 when brought to the emergency and trauma unit after displaying severe COVID19 symptoms. His/her health declined and he/she passed away on May 1. On Tuesday, the Philippines announced that two Filipinos who tested positive for the so-called Indian variant last month had recovered. The Philippines saw a surge in COVID-19 cases in April when the country set a record for daily infections 15,310 on April 2. The Philippines on Wednesday recorded 94 virus-related deaths, taking the pandemic death toll to 18,714. With 4,842 new infections, the total caseload rose to more than 1.11 million. Next-door neighbor Indonesia continued to record new daily infections in the four-digit range. Southeast Asias most populous nation leads all countries in East Asia in cumulative COVID-19 caseloads and related deaths, followed by the Philippines at No. 2. On Wednesday, Indonesia was fast approaching a death toll of 50,000 from the pandemic as the majority-Muslim nation ended the fasting month of Ramadan. Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries with large Muslim populations have announced bans or movement restrictions on homeward travel for the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the holy month. Indonesia recorded 4,608 new daily coronavirus infections and 152 new deaths from the pandemic to take its cumulative caseload to 1.7 million cases and 47,617 deaths, according to data compiled by disease experts at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Thankful to China In South Asia, Bangladesh on Wednesday received 500,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine as a gift from Beijing. Li Jiming, Chinas envoy to Dhaka, handed over the vaccines to Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque. Were thankful to China. Theyve been very cooperative with us. We look forward to many more vaccine doses from China, Momen said at the vaccine handover event. China has the capacity and competency to produce vaccines on a large scale and there is no doubt that Bangladesh will get more vaccine doses as China agreed. We have very good pharmaceutical companies. By bringing raw materials, we can jointly produce here, which can be beneficial for both the countries. Late last month, a Bangladesh cabinet committee approved the production of Chinese Sinopharm and Russian Sputnik V vaccines locally, but no dates were given to begin production. The South Asian nation had to turn to China and Russia after an agreed-upon shipment from India stalled amid a huge rise of COVID-19 cases there. Envoy Li said Wednesday was a special day, because it was International Nurses Day. We picked this day to hand over the gift [of vaccines]. Its real action taken by the Chinese government to honor the commitment that vaccines will be made a global public good. Bangladesh on Wednesday reported 1,140 COVID-19 infections and 40 deaths over the previous 24 hours, bringing the totals nearly 777,397 and nearly 12,045, respectively. Nontarat Phaicharoen and Wilawan Watcharasakwet in Bangkok, Hadi Azmi in Kuala Lumpur and Jesmin Papri in Dhaka contributed to this report. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha (right), attends the launching of the anti-fake news center at the Government House in Bangkok, Oct. 29, 2019. Updated at 9:41 p.m. ET on 2021-05-19 By the time video scenes of a brutal prison riot in Ecuador earlier this year reached Asia, the videos caption had been changed and read, American Blacks and Whites in California Killing Chinese, and the clip went viral. Disinformation like that video, doctored to promote anti-U.S. hatred, is growing in Thailand, media researchers say. Chinese narratives, whether fake news or state-sponsored propaganda, are gradually seeping into Thai media, academia, and political and business circles, and people from different sectors in Thailand are expressing concern over the phenomenon, experts said. In the violent video, an Asian man is seen lying on the ground covered in blood and with his face wrenched in pain. Dozens of Spanish-speaking men attack him with bats and sticks, beating him in broad daylight. No source is cited in the video, which was described in the post as a hate crime against Asians in America, and went viral on social media platforms. Since mid-April, it has been shared widely in Southeast Asian chat groups and on Taiwanese and Chinese social media and instant messaging apps. The common theme on all the comment threads was: Whats wrong with the United States? After reviewing messages circulating in Chinese WeChat groups; chat groups on Line, the instant message app popular in Asia; and Facebook groups, a reporter for Radio Free Asia, a sister entity of BenarNews, found that the video had targeted audiences in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia with inflammatory anti-U.S. captions. America is out of order! In California, U.S.A., blacks and whites are killing Chinese. Forward this video all over China! read one. A Chinese lost his life meaninglessly, but our country is still trying to please the U.S. for favors, said another. Time for Chinese in the U.S. to wake up. Escape from America as soon as possible. Return to China or emigrate to a Southeast Asian country the sooner, the better, said yet another. Lilly Lee, an independent researcher who studies Chinese Communist Party (CCP) information warfare, said the distorted video looks like a classic example of it. "Like other films we have seen that are part of the CCP's information wars, this film seeks to push the idea that democracy isn't a good way to govern a country or its people, either by singing China's praises or by portraying chaotic events in the United States," she told RFA. "We have come across two main narratives in the course of our research. One tries to use China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic to show the superiority of China's system of governance over those of Western countries. The other makes use of incidences of anti-Asian racist attacks in the U.S. to serve their propaganda aims," Lee said. "These reports are about 30 percent true and 70 percent fake news," she added. These doctored messages and graphic videos have stirred up significant reactions in the Chinese community in Thailand and also translated into the Thai language. Facebook groups and Line are the most popular sources of information in Thailand, especially for the older generations, said Teeranai Charuvastra, a Bangkok-based journalist and board member of the Thai Journalists Association. Over the past year, distorted anti-America and Hate Americans videos have become common in Thailand, he said, noting that while sophisticated younger audiences were unlikely to buy stories like these, older people were more susceptible to media manipulation. The misrepresented Ecuador prison riot image carrying text in Thai claiming that if you are Chinese no matter where you live it is not safe to travel in the United States anymore, appeared on social media. From Russia to Southeast Asia via China After investigating the source of the video and its paths of transmission, RFA found that what the video had captured was a prison riot in Ecuador on Feb. 23, and it had been uploaded to Twitter by an official of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Justice. On March 14, the video was shared on Russian instant messaging software and on Telegram. By late April, the video had surfaced on instant messaging software and social media in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The video also appeared on Reddit, a U.S. forum, where it was mistakenly described as a violent incident in Los Angeles. However, the account that uploaded the video has since been deleted. Lee said that while Russias information warfare is largely operated by government agencies, Chinas disinformation work is diffuse, and often delegated to various departments or outsourced to private contractors. Attribution is often difficult because of the wide range of actors involved. Chinese officials did not respond to request for comment on the Thai fake news campaign. Foreign ministry spokespersons have responded to previous accusations that China spreads disinformation by saying the country is a victim of fake news, not a perpetrator. A September 2020 report by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations said otherwise. Beijing uses large numbers of fake social media accounts to push its messages. It has increasingly relied on the types of trolls and bots Russia has utilized. Chinese diplomats amplify spin and outright false messages, and big Chinese state media outlets push the governments stories. And in March, the most famous of the aggressive official Twitter accounts of Chinas Wolf Warrior diplomats that of foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted a conspiracy theory suggesting that the coronavirus originated in the U.S. Zhao also stirred controversy in late 2020 when he shared a fake image of an Australian soldier killing an Afghan child. In Taiwan a prime target of information warfare aimed at inducing the democratic island to accept unification with the communist mainland awareness of Chinas campaign is high, fact-checking mechanisms are being improved, and the Ecuador video did not attract much reaction. But the prison riot video that barely caused a ripple in Taiwan ignited passions in Thailand, where it went viral. The longer game Thailand was fertile ground for the disinformation video because conspiracy theories about the U.S. were already circulating widely, amid efforts to discredit a student-led movement that mounted a huge wave of pro-democracy protests following dissolution of a progressive political party favored by younger Thais, in February 2020. Social media disinformation campaigns said the Thai students were incited by Washington, while more outlandish stories alleged Western-led collusion between the Thai student movement and the 2019-20 Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, whose leading activists were branded Western puppets by Chinas online troll army. In August 2019, Twitter announced it had banned 936 accounts originating within China that were deliberately and specifically attempting to sow political discord in Hong Kong, including undermining the legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement on the ground. The U.S. tech giant said it made the decision based on reliable evidence to support that this is a coordinated state-backed operation. The 936 frozen accounts followed the proactive suspension of a larger, spammy network of approximately 200,000 accounts, it added. Teeranai, the Thai journalist, said that the most unfortunate thing is that these infowars are very distracting. The danger of this misinformation and disinformation is that they scandalized the activists, who in turn lost their own credibility and the general publics trust in the movement, he said. Beyond the fake news campaigns, analysts in Thailand are also concerned about the longer game China is playing to influence public opinion: the expansion of CCP-owned media in Thailand. Chinese official media are required to demonstrate strict loyalty to the CCP and to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the 2021 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, a press-freedom watchdog, China ranked near the bottom, above Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea, while the number of journalists detained in China is the largest in the world. In 2015, the Chinese government made media and information cooperation with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an essential part of the One Belt, One Road initiative, Xis signature global infrastructure program to support trade with China. In the following years, through mergers and the acquisition of Thai media outlets or through signing MOUs, China began providing free content to TV stations in Thailand from party-controlled outlets Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian speaks to reporters during a briefing in Beijing, April 8, 2020. [AFP] By 2020, Thai media fell under Beijing's influence when covering reports regarding the source of the COVID-19 pandemic, in at least one case running a conspiracy theory pushed by CCTVs global arm, CGTN. Some Thai media just put the conspiracy theory generated by the Chinese state media as news reports. For example, Bombshell Report: The Coronavirus May Have Come from American Soldiers. Such so-called news reports did not verify the news sources. They also ignored the fact that the source of information came from Chinese authority-controlled, state-run media, Teeranai said. James Gomez, director of the Thai think tank Asia Center, said that compared with Taiwan and Japan, where citizens are on high alert against disinformation and misinformation from foreign powers, in Thailand, the public lacks the ability to identify information from China, while the government does nothing to counter Chinese public opinion influence efforts. Thai government agencies and elites are closely aligned with China in order to gain economic, military, or political benefits, Gomez said. He is concerned that diversified voices are being muffled in Thailand and fears this will take a toll on a civil society already under pressure from authoritarian military leaders. I think if the trend continues, there will be no room left for freedom of expression in Thai society, Gomez said. This story was updated to add new quotes. Muslims from Bangladesh to the Philippines are celebrating Eid al-Fitr under the shadow of surging coronavirus infections for the second year in a row. Government leaders in Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh placed restrictions on homeward travel for the holiday, and regulated the number of people allowed to gather in mosques. In some places, Muslims prayed outside. But large crowds gathered at a mosque for morning prayers in Indonesias Aceh province. In Bangladesh, people packed onto ferries to carry them home from Dhaka. Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced a month-long national lockdown beginning the eve of Eid, banning all social gatherings on Islams most joyous feast day, amid fears that soaring COVID-19 infection rates could prompt a national crisis. Malaysia has seen daily cases exceed 4,000 and set a one-day record for deaths 26 on Sunday. Azwar Ipank and Jejak Hendra in Aceh, Indonesia, Arief Nugroho in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, Mariyam Ahmad in Yala, Thailand and Czar Dancel in Manila contributed to this report. Ethiopia's state-owned Ethio-Telecom on Tuesday evening launched a Chinese-developed mobile money service solution. The launch of the Ethio-Telecom's mobile money service solution, called "Tele-Birr", was attended by high level Ethiopian government officials including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as well as various foreign dignitaries. The "Tele-Birr" mobile money service solution which took five months to develop and complete was undertaken by Chinese hi-tech giant Huawei. Speaking at the "Tele-Birr" launching ceremony, Ahmed commended all relevant stakeholders that enabled the completion of the project in a short period of time. With the launching of the "Tele-Birr", Ethio-Telecom customers can send, store and receive money by just using their telephone number, said Ahmed. "Tele-Birr aims to extend mobile money services solutions to financially excluded sections of Ethiopian society," he further said. Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio-Telecom, said she expects to register 21 million users for the first-year service of "Tele-Birr", eventually rising to 33 million customers in a five-year period. "I expect about 40 to 50 percent of Ethiopia's economic activity to be transacted on the "Tele-Birr" platform within a five-year period," the Ethio-Telecom CEO said. Ethio-Telecom is also working with various service providers to create a conducive environment for transactions, such as water and sewage, electric service, revenue authorities, supermarkets, gas stations, aid agencies, cafes, transport service providers and print media. Tamiru also commended Huawei for finishing the mobile money services solution project in five months, down from an initial projected completion period of two years. "We mobilized enough resources as part of a new strategy under Project Implementation Plan. Many of our experts came from China, even amidst COVID-19 pandemic scare, to finish the project as soon as possible," said Chen Mingliang, Huawei Ethiopia CEO. Chen also remarked on China's successful mobile money services system, as a way to show it's possible for the Ethiopian economy which is dominated by cash transfers to transition to a cashless economy. "In China we don't bring cash every time, we often use mobile phones to pay through applications on our mobile phone," Chen told Xinhua. "This will be the beginning in Ethiopia of using mobile money instead of cash every time. It's a safer and more convenient way as well as being accessible to all sections of Ethiopian society," Chen said. Ethiopia is undertaking extensive telecom modernization services with the help of Chinese firms as part of the east African country's aim of realizing digital inclusion and boosting the size of its digital economy, with the provision of reliable, high band-width and high-speed telecom services. 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. Photo taken on May 11, 2021 shows a Colonial Pipeline facility in Baltimore, Maryland, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua] The operator of a main U.S. fuel pipeline that was forced to shut down for six days due to a cybersecurity attack said it initiated the restart of pipeline Wednesday afternoon. The Colonial Pipeline Company, operator of the pipeline carrying gasoline and diesel fuel to U.S. east and southeast parts, said the first step in the restart process started at approximately 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday. "Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period," said the company. "Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal," it continued. The Colonial Pipeline Company temporarily halted all pipeline operations after the cybersecurity attack involving ransomware was detected on Friday. The Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined-products pipeline in the United States, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily on the East Coast. U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks to reporters Wednesday after House Republicans voted to oust her from her leadership post as chair of the House Republican Conference because of her repeated criticism of former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in instigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. 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. You are here: China Police in east China's Zhejiang Province busted a tomb-raiding case and arrested 39 suspects, a local government briefing said Wednesday. The suspected tomb raiders illegally excavated and robbed several ancient tombs, including the tomb of Qian Liu, one of south China's rulers in the Five Dynasties (907-960), said local police. Police in the city of Hangzhou discovered a clue in March 2020. They later rounded up 39 suspects and retrieved 223 relics sold by them, including 175 stolen relics from the tomb of Qian Liu. Among the stolen relics are a gold-jade belt, ancient porcelain, and a sword. The analysis on the damage of Qian Liu's tomb by archaeologists concluded that the suspects dug only one hole into the tomb chamber and its structure and integrity were in good condition. Fang Xiangming, the deputy director of the provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology, said the retrieved relics are well-preserved and have significant historical, artistic, and scientific values. BOISE - The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is announcing that all Idaho children ages 12-15 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. With this recommendation, 85 percent of all Idahoans are now eligible for the vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration (FD) issued an emergency-use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine among children in this age group on Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended it at its meeting today. The Idaho Immunization Program is providing a summary of the ACIP recommendations to all COVID-19 vaccine providers and pediatricians in Idaho. Idaho providers who have the Pfizer vaccine can begin vaccinating children in this age group immediately. The ACIP also revised guidance on co-administration of routine vaccines with COVID-19 vaccine, removing the 14-day minimum before or after a COVID-19 vaccine to receive any other vaccine. Children can spread COVID-19 inadvertently because their symptoms are often so mild, so this safe and effective vaccine is a critical next step to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Idaho, said Dr. Christine Hahn, public health medical director and state epidemiologist. We hope parents will choose to get their children vaccinated so we can keep schools open in the fall and children engaged in their extracurricular activities. To find a vaccine provider, please visit https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. You can read the full statement from the CDC, here. Tarantulas, an endangered spider species, were found by scientists in a national nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Tuesday. According to the Nangunhe national nature reserve, a group of scientists from Dali University found a male and a female tarantula during an expedition here. It's the first time that the species has been found in the reserve. Tarantulas are relatively primitive and large spiders with a gland which secretes venom. The length of an adult tarantula can reach more than 10 centimeters. It's also called "bird-eating spider" due to its predatory nature. In China, the species can only be found in a limited number of provinces such as Hainan, Hubei, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as it's very demanding in its natural habitat. The new discovery demonstrates the high level of biodiversity in the Nangunhe reserve, said Yang Zizhong, leader of the expedition team. Due to illegal poaching, the number of tarantulas has decreased sharply in recent years and has been listed as an endangered species in the world, said Yang. The Nangunhe nature reserve is a key biodiversity area in China with many rare and endangered wild animals such as Asian elephants, white-palmed gibbons and western black-crowned gibbons. LEWISTON A total of 20 volunteer teams will take part in service projects in Twin County United Ways 24th Annual Day of Caring presented by Regence BlueShield of Idaho on Friday morning. There will be a virtual kickoff at 8 a.m. with welcomes from the Day of Caring chair and the Twin County United Way staff, as well as from the Presenting Sponsor Regence BlueShield of Idaho. At 8:30 a.m., the volunteers will begin their service at pre-determined nonprofit agency sites throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley, where they will do a variety of projects. Many nonprofit agencies do not have the manpower or funds for projects so the volunteer teams will do a variety of tasks, including painting, cleaning and helping with moves to new offices. Projects will wrap up around noon and the volunteers are invited to the Lewiston Community Center at 1424 Main St. in Lewiston to enjoy free Fazzaris pizza, donated by Fazzaris. Support from Regence, P1FCU, and Tri-State Memorial Hospital, along with in-kind donations from Fazzaris, ArtBeat, and Idaho Beverages underwrite the cost of the event. Photos and videos of the days activities will be shared throughout the day by Twin County United Way and volunteer teams via social media including Facebook.com/TwinCountyUW, @TwinCountyUW, #TCUW #LiveUnited #TCUWDayofCaring. Day of Caring Volunteer Teams: A civil suit filed against a retired Idaho Falls gynecologist that accused him of using his own sperm to impregnate a patient receiving fertility treatments has been dismissed. The lawsuit against Dr. Gerald Mortimer was dismissed April 30, according to court records, with both Mortimer and the plaintiffs, Sally Ashby and Howard Fowler, stipulating to the dismissal. A trial for the case was scheduled to begin May 17. The above-entitled action is dismissed with prejudice, with all parties to bear their own attorneys fees and costs, Chief U.S. District Court Judge David Nye wrote in his judgment on the case. Dismissal with prejudice means the case cannot be refiled. A reason for the dismissal was not apparent in court records. The law firm hired by the plaintiffs, Walker Heye Meehan & Eisenberg PLLC, said it could not discuss the case. A request for comment to Mortimers attorney did not receive a response. A dismissal late in a civil case may indicate a settlement was reached out of court. The lawsuit was filed in 2018 after the separated couples daughter learned Fowler was not her biological father when she sought genetic testing. Ashly and Fowler stated in their lawsuit that they had sought help conceiving a child in 1979. Mortimer recommended mixing Fowlers DNA with that of a donor who resembled Fowler. The couple paid a fee for access to a donor bank. The lawsuit alleges that in July 2017, the couples daughter, Kelli Rowlette, submitted her DNA to Ancestry.com and learned Mortimer was her biological father. Unaware of who Mortimer was or that her parents had sought a donor, Rowlette told them it seemed Ancestry was unreliable. Ms. Ashby and Mr. Fowler struggled to cope with their own anguish, and had difficulty contemplating the torment the discovery would cause their daughter when and if she found out, the complaint said. Rowlette discovered the truth when she saw Mortimer had signed her birth certificate. Mortimer initially denied impregnating patients with his own DNA. In a deposition in December 2018, however, Mortimer admitted to impregnating patients with his own sperm. To your knowledge, were you ever a sperm donor for anyone who was not your patient? asked Attorney Shea Meehan. I dont I dont think so, Mortimer replied. OK. So all of the and Im just going to use your term for now all of the sperm donations you made were to impregnate people who were your patients, correct? Yes. The family had demanded damages in excess of $75,000 in the lawsuit, alleging medical negligence, failure to obtain informed consent, fraud, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract and violations of the Idaho Consumer Protection Act. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, will the Catholic Church stand up to Bill O'Reilly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The World Health Organization has designated 2021 the International Year of Health and Care Workers and launched a year-long campaign under the theme "Protect. Invest. Together." In order to echo this theme and continue expanding Taiwan's visibility in the global public health sector, the TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) will host the Webinar on Strengthening the Public Health System for Maintaining Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic on May 25, 2021 at 19:00 Taipei Time/13:00 Geneva Time. The webinar will be co-hosted in collaboration with Korea-based INGO Good Neighbors and US-based social enterprise Dimagi Inc. The objective of this webinar is to emphasize the importance of supporting health and care workers to maintain essential health services during the pandemic. The event will feature a panel of public health experts. Dr. Philip Y. C. Lo, Deputy Director-General of Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, will detail Taiwans prevention and control strategies in fighting against COVID-19. Dr. Hoon Sang Lee, visiting professor of public policy at Kyung Hee University, will discuss the global challenges that health and care workers are facing. Dr. Pai-Po Lee, Deputy Secretary-General of the TaiwanICDF, will share how the TaiwanICDF and our partner countries work together to protect health and care workers and continue to provide health services during the pandemic. Dr. Neal Lesh, Chief Strategy Officer of Dimagi Inc., will analyze how investing in modern technology improves the efficiency of health services and vaccine delivery. Finally, Dr. Hazel Laws, Chief Medical Officer of St. Kitts and Nevis, will share how leaders of St. Kitts and Nevis mobilize health and care workers and the civil society to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic together. The webinar will advance more diverse thoughts and actions on how we can protect, invest in, and work together with our health and care workers to maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar is open to anyone interested in the topic. The event will not require registration and will be live broadcasted on YouTube, with Slido used for Q&A during the webinar. YouTube linkhttps://youtu.be/tT2-kT1jajc Facebook linkhttps://www.facebook.com/taiwanicdf Slido linkhttps://app.sli.do/event/e7ohqltk The home vaccination facility can be booked by parents in advance and a thoroughly sanitised fully equipped ambulance will be at their doorstep to cater to the immunisation of babies Motherhood Hospital brings home vaccination facility for children at doorsteps. This unique service is aimed at easing out the burden of parents having to visit the hospital for immunisation of their newborns/infants, thus ensuring seamless and continued immunisation care for children. The home vaccination facility can be booked by parents in advance and a thoroughly sanitised fully equipped ambulance will be at their doorstep to cater to the immunisation of babies. Since, Motherhood Hospital adheres to strict Covid safety protocols, it is that the frontline workers are fully vaccinated for Covid and sanitisation, disinfectants will be used to ensure zero rate of infection while administering the vaccinations. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, CEO, Motherhood Hospitals, said, Our effort to provide an exclusive home vaccination service for kids is to protect them and the parents visiting hospitals for the fear of infections. We are happy to launch this one of kind service across all our centres of Motherhood in India. Investors are celebrating the suspension of one of the main party rivals of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as a sign that he is finally tightening his grip on the governing African National Congress (ANC). President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State of the Nation address in parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, February 11, 2021. Esa Alexander/Pool via Reuter/File Photo Hurdles remain But they say Ramaphosa must move far more quickly on reforms before they can turn bullish on the growth prospects of Africa's most industrialised economy.Ramaphosa has slowly consolidated control over the divided ANC after narrowly winning a leadership contest in December 2017 that also saw enemies elected to powerful party posts.He only felt confident enough last week to move against secretary general Ace Magashule, who has been charged with corruption, after his allies in the ANC's national executive pushed through tougher rules for members charged with serious crimes."It shows an element of steel that has been missing," Adrian Saville, a longtime fund manager and economics professor at GIBS business school in Johannesburg, told Reuters.Magashule denies the corruption allegations and has called the charges he faces flimsy.But his suspension clears a major obstacle to Ramaphosa's bid for re-election as party leader next year. The secretary general oversees the day-to-day running of the ANC and plays a central role in conferences where party posts are won and lost.Nolan Wapenaar, Anchor Capital's co-chief investment officer in Cape Town, said sidelining Magashule could cut the number of "nerve-racking headlines" that sap confidence in South Africa.The rand has rallied and local bond yields edged lower since Magashule's suspension, although other factors have also contributed, including the National Treasury cutting debt issuance.Ramaphosa is not out of the woods yet.The ANC is riven by factions that are in constant flux, including one that still remains loyal to Ramaphosa's scandal-plagued predecessor Jacob Zuma.The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the weak state of public finances and longstanding problems such as unemployment.Many investors feel Ramaphosa has not delivered on promises to clear policy blockages in sectors such as energy, where red tape still prevents big companies from generating their own power despite state utility Eskom regularly implementing outages."The direction of travel is the right one, but the speed has been slow," said Pavel Mamai, partner and portfolio manager at London-based ProMeritum Investment Management.Wapenaar said South Africa still faced a "policy quagmire", noting that miners were not opening new mines despite a commodity boom.Changes to visa rules affecting skilled migration and the release of radio frequency spectrum for telecoms firms are two other areas where the president had not met expectations, said Peter Attard Montalto, head of research at Intellidex who tracks reforms under Ramaphosa."Magashule's suspension is an important step, but it does not shift the dial on reform," he said. "Factional politics is not blocking policy." South Africans can be divided into two broad groups: those that are largely adhering to Covid-19 preventative measures, and those that show only limited adherence to the recommended guidelines. It is this latter group that should be of concern as they are potentially super-spreaders of Covid-19. According to Ask Afrikas Covid-19 Tracker study, the larger of these groups, representing around 65% of South Africans, can be classified as exhibiting high adherence to sanitation and preventative measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing, while the remainder 35% - can be classified as demonstrating limited adherence. The limited adherence group is least likely to observe behaviours pertaining to social distancing and isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 potentially becoming super spreaders of the virus.The Covid-19 Tracker study is a pro-bono study which was launched by Ask Afrika at the start of the lockdown in South Africa. Its aim is to regularly canvas the opinions of a demographically representative sample of South Africans in order to gain a better understanding of the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus, lockdown and gradual re-opening of the economy has had on South Africans.The limited adherence group is less likely to have had a personal experience with Covid-19. They are unlikely to know someone who has contracted the virus, been hospitalised as a result of contracting the illness, or who has passed away due to Covid-19. This is one of the reasons that they are less concerned with non-compliance behaviour. They are similarly less concerned about contracting the virus and are less emotional as a result.This group are significantly more likely to live in the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and the North West and less likely to live in suburban or metropolitan areas. They are also significantly more likely to be younger in the 1924 year age group.Despite the fact that this group is less emotionally involved, they are more likely to turn to less constructive coping mechanisms such as denial, substance abuse or blaming others in the absence of a support structure outside their family.In addition to being less motivated to adhere to preventative measures, they are also more exposed to stigmas against practicing preventative behaviours which consequently deters adherence. These stigmas are primarily related to mask-wearing and social distancing behaviours.Our study found that there has been a drop in the number of people adhering to the recommendations between February and March 2021. Those staying at home as much as possible has dropped from 90% to 80%; maintaining social distancing has dropped from 73% to 71%, and those who wont go to gatherings of more than 50 people dropped from 64% to 57%.Similar to the pattern seen in social distancing behaviours, respondents are displaying a reduced tendency towards maintaining recommended mask practices although there has been a minor increase (3%) in those who will cover their mouth and nose when they have the flu. This latter increase is likely to be due to the increased salience of the topic as flu and cold season approaches.A concerning trend as we head into winter is declining preventative behaviours such as covering sneezes, avoiding touching ones face or surfaces, and taking vitamins and supplements.Despite similar levels of concern around the safety of the vaccine between the two groups the limited adherence group is less likely to want to receive the vaccine. They are also less likely to trust health experts, the World Health Organisation, and doctors or nurses for vaccine related advice. Ironically, however, these individuals and entities remain the best channel through which to promote vaccine uptake.Our research indicates that government influence is relatively low with only 57% saying they would take cognisance of governmental advice leading to the adoption of preventive behaviours.Nearly half of those surveyed experience stigma against adhering to preventative measures including social distancing from others, wearing a mask and avoiding close contact when greeting. The most common stigmas are against social distancing and mask-wearing. There is also a stigmatisation against the use of hand sanitiser with the result that there was a 20% decrease in the use of hand sanitiser between February and March this year.Those belonging to the limited adherence group are more likely to be negatively influenced by stigmas, which has an overall negative influence on their behaviour and attitude to adhering to preventative measure.We urgently need initiatives to address these stigmas in order to address these deteriorating metrics. Despite societys general fatigue with all things Covid-19 related, the preventative guidelines are crucial for general hygiene and should become a long term habit. Life is not back to normal and the threat of a third wave remains.is much more than a CEO and Intellectual Researcher she is an icon for female entrepreneurs on the continent and has gained success and global recognition as a leader in her field over the last 25 years. She sees business as playing a pivotal role in shaping and changing society and is committed to that change through uplifting societal voices. Ask Afrika was founded in social research and this drive is still evident in the weekly Covid-19 measurements, directed by Andreas thought leadership. Her commitment to honouring the voice of South African citizens is born out of an enduring passion for all things socio-political.Andrea served on two Covid-19 MAC technical committees led by Prof. Mokgatle and Prof. Mehtar and is registered with SAMRA, ESOMAR, PAMRO and as a research psychologist, with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She successfully completed the YPO-WPO Presidents Program at Harvard Business School, Boston USA (2015, 2016,2017, 2018) and has delivered several International papers, complimented by leadership awards and accolades, including being awarded the Alumni Laureate at the University of Pretoria. She works actively with universities around the country to create student internships.She is an acclaimed conversationalist who is respected for her integrity, loved for her eccentricity and well known for enjoying life to the fullest, having taken the front seat on the rollercoaster of life. Herbalife Nutrition, a global leader in nutrition, recently announced the appointment of the first-ever South African Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) Member. Known for its commitment to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world, the company appointed Dr Sivuyile Madikana as the first NAB member in South Africa.The board is comprised of leading experts from around the world who specialise in nutrition, science, and health. Its main focus lies in the education and training of Herbalife Nutrition Independent Distributors on topics such as leading a healthy, active lifestyle and getting proper nutrition, as well as the purpose and use of Herbalife Nutrition products.NAB experts stand behind Herbalife products and facilitate compliance with local governments, according to Dr Kent L. Bradley, Chief Health and Nutrition Officer and Chairman of the Nutrition Advisory Board. Dr Sivuyile Madikana is a highly regarded expert in the field of healthcare and a valuable contribution to our team of health experts globally. We look forward to the experience he will bring to the board.Currently, Dr Madikana is a Health Executive for a South African medical administration organisation, having received numerous accolades from the University of the Witwatersrand and New York University. These include an MB BCh degree from Wits Medical School and an MBA from Wits Business School, with a research focus on digital technology in healthcare and its impact on HIV/AIDS awareness and behavioural change in young men in South Africa. He graduated with a Master of Public Health degree from New York University, specialising in healthcare management, policy and sustainable development.His passion for digital health innovation saw him and his team being recipients of funding from the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator to join their Sprint Programme working towards improved health outcomes for donor recipients. His various roles in youth leadership, including serving on the national executive committee of the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa, will no doubt be of great service to the board.My experience in healthcare management, policy and sustainable development has given me a unique outlook on the public and private healthcare sector, Dr Madikana explained. Not only am I proud to represent Herbalife Nutrition South Africa, but I am also confident that we can continue to support people globally as they embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.The appointment of Dr Madikana to the NAB will contribute to the companys ambition to inspire positive nutrition habits in South Africa by collaborating with nutrition, science and health experts globally. Mid-Level Visual Designer Remuneration: Rand12500 - Rand15000 per month BasicSalary Location: Cape Town Education level: Diploma Job level: Mid Type: Permanent Reference: ##ForstaD Company: Forsta Group Job description Working on and leading design production for marketing campaign elements and projects. Understand brief requirements and adhere to client specifications. Thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts, developing interactive and integrated design. Implement design solutions that are creative, appropriate and consistent with the brand and vision Requirements A degree or diploma in design with two+ years of experience in Graphic design Excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud A diverse portfolio that showcases your design skills (Videography is advantageous) Strong conceptual thinking Solid understanding of how to marry creative with brand guidelines Proven ability to accurately translate a client brief into a practical, brand aligned design Company Description Our client, a leader in the protective workwear industry is seeking an in-house Visual Designer who will take ownership and manage all aspects of design development from concept creation to final production in a variety of multimedia disciplines.As a mid-level visual designer you will be responsible for the day to day design needs, implementing design solutions, that fall within the respective brand guidelines, across digital and traditional mediums. The role will be hands-on and you will be working on cross-functional marketing campaigns.The ideal candidate will have experience in a wide range of media and techniques with an emphasis on digital application, whilst a videography background is advantageous. The right candidate will be an active participant in the creative process and have the freedom to work across all design disciplines.We are a collective of creatives, strategists, enquiring minds, alternative thinkers and visionaries, based in Cape Town, South Africa. We create innovative and engaging interactive experiences across traditional and digital channels. Our holistic approach integrates marketing elements across communication channels. Posted on 13 May 14:47 Speakers: Ning Jizhe, deputy head of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Li Xiaochao, director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and deputy commissioner of the NBS Zeng Yuping, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and chief methodologist of the NBS Zhang Yi, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and director-general of the Department of Population and Employment Statistics of the NBS Chairperson: Chen Wenjun, head of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO Date: May 11, 2021 Chen Wenjun: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. The main data of the Seventh National Population Census has recently been aggregated. At today's press conference, we have invited Ning Jizhe, deputy head of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS); Li Xiaochao, director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and deputy commissioner of the NBS; Zeng Yuping, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and chief methodologist of the NBS; and Zhang Yi, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census and director general of the Department of Population and Employment Statistics of the NBS, to attend. They will brief you on the main data and relevant issues, and also field questions. First of all, I will give the floor to Mr. Ning to introduce the situation. Ning Jizhe: Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, in line with the coordinated decisions and arrangements made by the Leading Group of the State Council for the Seventh National Population Census, with the meticulous organization and cooperative advancement of all regions and relevant government departments, the concerted efforts and dedication of all census staff as well as the joint and active participation of hundreds of millions of census respondents, the field enumeration and aggregation of the main data of the Seventh National Population Census has been successfully completed. The aim of today's press conference is to brief you on the basic introduction and main data of the census. First, the background. In accordance with the Statistics Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on National Population Census, China carried out its Seventh National Population Census (hereinafter referred to as the census) with 12 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2020, as the reference time. The main aim of the census is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the size, structure, distribution and other aspects of China's population, so as to provide accurate statistical information support for the improvement of China's population development strategy and policy, the formulation of social and economic development plans, and the advancement of high-quality economic development. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attached great importance to the census. General Secretary Xi Jinping participated in the on-site census registration and delivered an important speech. The State Council established the Leading Group for the census and held several plenary sessions and teleconferences to make relevant census arrangements. All member agencies of the Leading Group and local governments at all levels meticulously organized and made concerted efforts to implement the census, with 679,000 census agencies set up at provincial, municipal, county, township and village levels across China and more than 7 million census staff recruited. Census agencies at all levels and all census staff made active efforts to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully completed the field enumeration of all households and residents. In the census, data was reported directly in real time by fully adopting digital data collection, respondents were able to fill in and submit questionnaires by scanning a QR code themselves for the first time, and the application of administrative records and big data from electricity meters and cellphones was strengthened. As a result, the quality and efficiency of the census were improved. Publicity for the census was boosted by inviting Zhong Nanshan and Yao Ming to act as ambassadors, while its slogan "Population Census, Everyone Counts," resonated powerfully with people. The census was conducted in accordance with the law and all the requirements in the census program were carefully implemented. We established a strict quality control system and improved the census data tracing and accountability mechanism. The post enumeration survey conducted in 32,000 households across 141 counties randomly selected from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities showed that the census process was rigorous and standard, and that the census results were reliable with an undercount rate of 0.05%. Second, main data of the census. First, national population. The national population (Note: The national population refers to the population of the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government and servicemen of the Chinese mainland, excluding residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and foreigners living in the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) reached 1.41178 billion, increasing by 72.06 million compared with the population of 1.33972 billion in 2010 (data of the Sixth National Population Census), up by 5.38%. The average annual growth rate was 0.53%, down by 0.04 percentage point compared with the average annual growth rate of 0.57% from 2000 to 2010. The data shows that China's population maintained a slight growth over the past decade. Second, population by household types. Nationwide, there were 494.16 million family households with 1,292.81 million people, and 28.53 million collective households with 118.97 million people. The average size of a family household was 2.62 people, which was 0.48 lower than the 3.1 people in 2010. Family households continued to decrease in size because of increasing population mobility and the fact that young people are living separately from their parents after marriage with improved housing conditions. Third, population by regions. The population in the eastern region accounted for 39.93% of the total, that in the central areas accounted for 25.83%, that in the western region accounted for 27.12%, and that in the northeast of China accounted for 6.98%. Compared with the data from 2010, the proportion of the population in the eastern region increased by 2.15 percentage points, that in the central areas decreased by 0.79 percentage point, that in the western region increased by 0.22 percentage point, and that in the northeast of China decreased by 1.2 percentage points. The population further congregated in economically developed regions and city clusters. Fourth, sex composition. Among the national population, there were 723.34 million males, accounting for 51.24%, and 688.44 million females, or 48.76%. The sex ratio (males per 100 females) was 105.07, basically the same level with a slight decline compared with 2010. The sex ratio at birth was 111.3, down by 6.8 compared with 2010. The sex composition of China continued to improve. Fifth, age composition. There were 253.38 million people in the 0-14 age group, accounting for 17.95%; 894.38 million people aged 15-59, accounting for 63.35%; and 264.02 million people aged 60 and over, accounting for 18.7% (specifically, there were 190.64 million people aged 65 and over, or 13.5%). Compared with 2010, the proportions of people in the age groups of 0-14, 15-59, and 60 and over were up by 1.35 percentage points, down by 6.79 percentage points, and up by 5.44 percentage points, respectively. The share of children rose again, proving that the adjustments to China's fertility policy have achieved positive results. Meanwhile, the further aging of the population has imposed continued pressure on the long-term balanced development of the population in the coming period. Six, education attainment. There were 218.36 million persons with university education. Compared with 2010, the number of people with university education went up from 8,930 persons to 15,467 persons per 100,000 persons, and the average years of schooling for people aged 15 and above increased from 9.08 years to 9.91 years. The illiteracy rate dropped from 4.08% to 2.67%. The continued improvement of the educational attainment demonstrates the achievements in promoting higher education, eradicating illiteracy among young and middle-aged adults, and raising the population quality through hard efforts over the past ten years. Seven, urban and rural population. There were 901.99 million people living in urban areas, accounting for 63.89% of the total population, and 509.79 million people living in rural areas, accounting for 36.11%. Compared with 2010, the urban population increased by 236.42 million and the rural population decreased by 164.36 million. The shareof urban population went up by14.21 percentage points. With the in-depth development of China's new industrialization, informatization, and agricultural modernization and the implementation of policies to help people who have relocated from rural to urban areas to gain permanent urban residency, China's new urbanization has been advanced steadily and historical achievements have been made in this regard over the past ten years. Eight, floating population. The number of people who lived in places other than their household registration areas reached 492.76 million. Specifically, 116.94 million lived in places other than their household registration areas but still in the same city and the floating population numbered375.82 million. Within the floating population, 124.84 million moved to other provinces. Compared with 2010, the number of people who live in places other than their household registration areas went up by 88.52%; the population who live in places other than their household registration areas but still in the same city increased by 192.66%; and the floating population increased by 69.73%. China's continued economic and social development has facilitated population migration and mobility, the trends of which have become increasingly evident, and the size of the migrant population has further grown. Nine, population of ethnic groups. The population of the Han ethnic group is 1,286.31 million, accounting for 91.11% of the total population, while that of the ethnic minorities number at 125.47 million, accounting for 8.89%. Compared with 2010, the population of the Han ethnic group grew by 4.93%, while that of the ethnic minorities increased by 10.26%, and the share of the ethnic minorities increased by 0.40 percentage point. The steady increase of the population of the ethnic groups fully reflected the comprehensive development of and progress for all ethnic groups under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. China, Tanzania sign agreement to strengthen cooperation Xinhua) 09:23, May 13, 2021 Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke (2nd L) and Permanent Secretary of Tanzanian Ministry of Finance and Planning Emmanuel Tutuba (1st R) show the signed agreement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 12, 2021. China and Tanzania on Wednesday signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation to enhance bilateral friendship. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania on Wednesday signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation to enhance bilateral friendship. The agreement was signed in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam by Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and Planning Emmanuel Tutuba on behalf of the two governments. According to the agreement, the Chinese government will provide new gratis aid for Tanzanian mainland, which will be utilized in the construction of projects negotiated and approved by the two governments. Speaking shortly after the signing of the agreement, Tutuba extended thanks to China for its valuable support and committed to strengthen the existing good relationship between the countries. He said China has been supporting Tanzania in important areas such as railway infrastructure, education, health, information and communication technology and agriculture. The government of Tanzania will take all necessary measures to ensure successful implementation of the projects to be implemented under this grant in order to achieve the intended objectives, Tutuba added. For her part, the Chinese envoy said the agreement is a concrete action of the Chinese side to enhance the friendship between China and Tanzania and to promote bilateral economic and technical cooperation. "China has always regarded Tanzania as an all-weather friend and a good partner," she said. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide, China stands ready to continue and offer its utmost support to Tanzania and work together with the Tanzanian side to fight against the pandemic and go through difficult times, said Wang. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) National determined contributions (NDCs), countries' commitments to address climate change, are at the heart of the Paris Agreement signed in 2015. To achieve the target of keeping warming by "well below 2 degrees Celsius" compared to pre-industrial revolution years, global greenhouse CO2 emissions need to be cut world wide in half by 2030 and reach net-zero, or carbon neutrality, by around 2050. According to the landmark climate pact, each country should implement its NDCs that they submitted from 2020 and update their targets before year-end. Up to now, more than 70 countries have submitted new NDCs, among which about 30 countries have set targets for carbon neutrality, net-zero emissions or so called climate neutrality through laws and/or edicts. Among others, China's climate ambitions and decarbonization efforts have impressed the world. An example for developing countries In June 2015, China submitted its carbon-curbing plan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the Paris climate change summit that same year, China announced its NDCs, pledging to cap its carbon emissions around 2030 and work hard to peak earlier. In September 2020, President Xi Jinping announced in a speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that China would strive to reach peak emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. During the Climate Ambition Summit in mid-December 2020 President Xi further announced that by 2030, China would reduce its carbon intensity by 65 percent from 2005 levels, and raise the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to 25 percent. President Xi confirmed also to increase forest stock by 6 billion cubic meters above 2005 levels and bring the total installed capacity of wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) to over 1,200 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Amid the pressing climate crisis, the largest developing country's promise to peak carbon emissions and reach carbon neutrality is a profound commitment. "This major strategic decision is made based on our sense of responsibility to build a community with a shared future for mankind and our own need to secure sustainable development," said President Xi at the Leaders Summit on Climate. Beijing's pledges underscore that China is shouldering its responsibility as a major country and is proactively implementing the Paris Agreement. "Brown to Green" revolution In order to achieve its self-set climate goals, China needs to cut more carbon emissions in a shorter time span than even developed economies. Nevertheless, to reach carbon peak and neutral is a must for high-quality development. As President Xi stated in his address to the ninth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, to achieve our targets would amount to a profound systematic economic and social revolution. Indeed, China's ambitious target entails challenges to the economic structure, industrial infrastructure, consumption habits, and the energy mix. To attain carbon neutrality requires a change in the way of thinking and an all-around "Brown to Green" revolution. While China's detailed action plan for peak carbon emissions by 2030 is still expected later this year, China has made it clear that it will integrate the concepts of carbon peak and neutrality into the whole framework of environmental protection and encourage local governments, key industries and enterprises in favorable conditions to cap their carbon emissions even earlier. To cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2060, China has to take actions step by step, dividing the length into four ten-year phases and eight five-year plans. Leading global climate actions In an ever-changing world, China's climate ambitions and actions are the anchor of the global response to climate change. Building upon the international consensus in tackling climate crisis, China is spearheading climate actions to help build a fair and equitable system of global environmental governance for win-win cooperation, making China a proactive participant, contributor and trailblazer in global ecological conservation. Climate change is a common challenge facing mankind, and no country can be immune to the climate crisis. All climate summits are supposed to further empower the Paris Agreement. The video summit between China, France and Germany on April 16, 2021, and the Leaders Summit on Climate on April 22, 2021, are both aimed at translating the Paris Agreement into actions through the COP26 conference in Glasgow later this year. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the cornerstone of global climate governance. In addition to pledging more climate ambitions and actions, developed countries should make concrete efforts to help developing countries strengthen their capacity and resilience against climate change. They should support them in matters of financing, technology, and infrastructure building, and refrain from creating green trade barriers. As the global leader in renewable energy production, development, and deployment, China is already assisting in this endeavor. Through its vast network of industrial supply chains, China continues to make significant contributions to the world's green energy revolution and global climate governance. Beijing's ambitions and actions provide a new paradigm for the world in its battle to contain the climate crisis. As President Xi said at the Leaders Climate Summit, "Faced with unprecedented challenges in global environmental governance, the international community needs to come up with unprecedented ambition and action. We need to act with a sense of responsibility and unity, and work together to foster a community of life for man and Nature." Dr. Tang Xu is a professor at Fudan Development Institute and Deaprtment of Atmospherc and Oceanic Sciences / Institute of Atmospheric Sciences executive director of IRDR International Center of Excellence under Fudan University on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health", and former director of Weather and Disaster Risk Reduction Services Deaprtment, World Meteorological Organization. Translated by Liu Xiaomin. On April 21, after hours of debate and several amendments, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations voted 21-1 in approval of the Bill to Address Issues Involving the People's Republic of China, also known as the Strategic Competition Act of 2021. The over 280-page bill was based on the Strengthening Trade, Regional Alliances, Technology, and Economic and Geopolitical Initiatives Concerning China Act proposed by Jim Risch, then Chairman of the committee, and three other Republican senators in July 2020. As the Republicans lost control of the Senate after the 2020 elections, Democrat Robert Menendez took over the panel's chairmanship and proposed the new bill. At an earlier hearing, Menendez had already stressed that the right basic framework for thinking about the U.S.-China relationship would be that of "strategic competition," entailing a new set of organizing principles to address "the challenges of this new era." Focal points The U.S. legislation accuses China of leveraging its political, diplomatic, economic, military, technological and ideological powers to challenge the interests and values shared by the U.S. and its partners. In doing so, the U.S. claims that China is jeopardizing the rules-based international order characterized by freedom. According to this act, China's objectives are to "first establish regional hegemony over the Indo-Pacific" and subsequently use that dominant position to propel it to become the world's "leading power." Based on this, China would redefine international laws and regulations and encourage other countries to follow its governance model, the bill states. Going by this assessment, the bill sets several objectives for the U.S., one of which is to sustain its global leadership role by leveraging its tools for long-term political, economic, technological, and military competition with China. The bill clearly states that the Congress will strengthen U.S. domestic infrastructure by investing in market-based economy, education, and innovation, as well as ensure the U.S.' leading role throughout this process. It also lays out the key areas of U.S. strategic competition with China. First, to deepen alliances by prioritizing the Indo-Pacific region and Europe in pursuit of greater multilateral cooperative initiatives that advance "shared interests and values." Second, to promote "universal values," "human rights and labor rights" and adopt sanctions against China regarding its policies on Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Third, to control China's so-called "predatory economic practices," including those of "intellectual property theft," "using Hong Kong to circumvent U.S. export control" and "reviewing the presence of Chinese companies in U.S. capital markets." Fourth, to enhance U.S. competitiveness by investing in technology, infrastructure, digital connectivity and "cybersecurity partnerships." Fifth, to advance military cooperation with allies in the face of the modernization of China's army. This act not only refers to Taiwan as a core partner of the U.S. in the field of science and technology, but also "recognizes Taiwan as a vital part of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy." Moreover, it claims that "to advance the security of Taiwan and its democracy" is "a vital national security" of the U.S. It requires the Department of State and other U.S. government agencies to engage with Taiwan authorities "on the same basis, and using the same nomenclature and protocol, as the U.S. Government engages with other foreign governments." Such statements demonstrate the intention of some American politicians to abandon the one-China policy, the red line of China, in an attempt to transform the "strategic ambiguity" of the U.S. on Taiwan to "strategic clarity." Far-reaching impacts The Strategic Competition Act of 2021 is arguably the most important U.S. bill regarding China in the 21st century thus far, even the most vital one since the founding of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1979. Spanning the administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, it contains a bipartisan consensus. Its legislation process will not be too time-consuming, thus it might possibly be passed before the end of this year. It is clear that the China policies of the Congress and the Biden administration will merge more rapidly. The lawmakers are pushing hard to highlight two main priorities in terms of the strategic competition with China. One is to maintain the U.S. leading power and its competitive edge; the other to contain and suppress China. The Biden administration, in office for more than three months at this point, has early on set the tone of its policy toward China, namely long-term strategic competition. Under the guidance of this keynote, it has opted to pressure China across economic, technological and military fronts and on issues related to values. Meanwhile, it has reiterated its refusal to enter a new cold war or any other form of confrontation and underlined the importance to set boundaries for competition and implement management mechanisms that will help avoid conflicts. In reference to the China policy, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the U.S. will compete, collaborate and confront as deemed necessary. That means the Biden administration will deal with different issues in different ways, and will not let differences between the two countries obstruct bilateral coordination on issues like climate change and nuclear non-proliferation among others. It is not hard to see that the current White House stance echoes the voices from Capitol Hill. In future dealings with China, the Biden administration will largely leverage the Capitol's opinions and policy orientations to increase pressure on China, but it might also be reined in by the Congress when cooperating with China. Furthermore, the act also requires the improvement of U.S. strategic competitiveness via practical measures such as the restructuring of global supply chains to reduce its reliance on China. This implies that the U.S. might force production of key tech products to relocate from China to the U.S. and its allies and partners by using a combination of moral, legal, institutional, public opinion and political pressure. According to the act, the secretary of state, in coordination with the secretary of commerce, is authorized to establish a program that facilitates contracting by U.S. embassies for the professional services of qualified experts to assist both U.S. citizens and business entities in exiting China. Meanwhile, the legislation also homes in on the competition with China in terms of overseas infrastructure construction. The proposed Global Infrastructure Coordinating Committee is expected to up synergy of efforts from the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Agency for International Development and other official entities, to catalyze global private sector investments as well as the deployment of U.S. government technical assistance and development finance tools, including project preparation services and commercial advocacy. Fragile, incentives Both the Democrats and Republicans have also shown high consistency on economy, trade and technology, among other key competition areas with China. For example, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act and the Endless Frontier Act are under high-speed Congress review. The former will pour multibillion dollars into semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives to strengthen American leadership in chip technology. The latter calls for $110 billion over a period of five years to upgrade U.S. technology efforts in their competition with China. Going forward, China-U.S. technological, economic and trade interactions might face multiple legal stumbling blocks. The legislation of the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 itself is a process of accelerating the mobilization of the U.S. competition strategy against China. Even when passed, it will not necessarily exert the sufficient and factual legally binding forces on the Biden administration's actions. Nevertheless, it will cement the U.S. long-term strategic competition standpoint on China, posing far-reaching implications for future bilateral ties. Finally, the U.S., along with allies and partners, says it should lead an international effort to combat "digital authoritarianism." China should be aware that the accusations of China's so-called "digital authoritarianism" and "Indo-Pacific hegemony" as well as many others are only excuses created by certain American politicians to adopt conservative and "America first" diplomacy. After all, the confrontational legislation of Capitol Hill is not a policy drafted by the Biden administration. Washington can neither go against the trend of globalization nor erect fences to cut off China from the world. China should focus on developing itself and staying on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. If competition with the U.S. becomes inevitable, then it should be managed properly to avoid any hard confrontation, a prerequisite for China's overall development. The author is an op-ed contributor to Beijing Review. Liu Guozhu, a professor of U.S. studies at Zhejiang University, contributed to this article. The Lavon affair was a failed Israeli covert operation, codenamed Operation Susannah, conducted in Egypt in the summer of 1954. As part of the false flag operation,[1] a group of Egyptian Jews were recruited by Israeli military intelligence to plant bombs inside Egyptian-, American-, and British-owned civilian targets: cinemas, libraries, and American educational centers. The bombs were timed to detonate several hours after closing time. The attacks were to be blamed on the Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Communists, "unspecified malcontents", or "local nationalists" with the aim of creating a climate of sufficient violence and instability to induce the British government to retain its occupying troops in Egypt's Suez Canal zone.[2] The operation caused no casualties among the population, but cost the lives of four operatives: two cell members who committed suicide after being captured; and two operatives who were tried, convicted, and executed by the Egyptian authorities. The operation ultimately became known as the Lavon affair after the Israeli defense minister Pinhas Lavon, who was forced to resign as a consequence of the incident. Before Lavon's resignation, the incident had been euphemistically referred to in Israel as the "Unfortunate Affair" or "The Bad Business" (Hebrew: , HaEsek HaBish). Israel publicly denied any involvement in the incident until 2005, when the surviving agents were awarded certificates of appreciation by Israeli President Moshe Katsav.[3] Operation Susannah Aim In the early 1950s, the United States initiated a more activist policy of support for Egyptian nationalism; this aim was often in contrast with Britain's policy of maintaining its regional hegemony. Israel feared that the US policy, which encouraged Britain to withdraw its military forces from the Suez Canal, would embolden the military ambitions towards Israel of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the President of Egypt. Israel at first sought to influence this policy through diplomatic means, but was frustrated.[4] In the summer of 1954, Colonel Binyamin Gibli, the chief of Israel's military intelligence directorate Aman, initiated 'Operation Susannah' in order to reverse that decision. The goal of the Operation was to carry out bombings and other acts of sabotage in Egypt, with the aim of creating an atmosphere in which the British and American opponents of British withdrawal from Egypt would be able to gain the upper hand and block the British withdrawal from Egypt. According to historian Shabtai Teveth, who wrote one of the more detailed accounts, the assignment was "To undermine Western confidence in the existing Egyptian regime by generating public insecurity and actions to bring about arrests, demonstrations, and acts of revenge, while totally concealing the Israeli factor. The team was accordingly urged to avoid detection, so that suspicion would fall on the Muslim Brotherhood, the Communists, 'unspecified malcontents' or 'local nationalists'."[2] Secret cell The top-secret cell, Unit 131,[5] which was to carry out the operation, had existed since 1948 and under Aman since 1950. At the time of Operation Susannah, Unit 131 was the subject of a bitter dispute between Aman (military intelligence) and Mossad (national intelligence agency) over who should control it. Unit 131 operatives had been recruited several years earlier, when the Israeli intelligence officer Avraham Dar arrived in Cairo under the cover of a British citizen from Gibraltar named John Darling. He had recruited several Egyptian Jews, known as sayanim (Hebrew: ), who had also previously been active in helping Jews flee to Israel, activities that Egypt deemed illegal, and trained them for covert operations. Operation commenced Aman decided to activate the network in the spring of 1954. On 2 July, the cell detonated bombs at a post office in Alexandria,[6] and on 14 July, it bombed the libraries of the U.S. Information Agency in Alexandria and Cairo, and a British-owned theater. The homemade bombs, consisting of bags containing acid placed over nitroglycerine, were inserted into books, and placed on the shelves of the libraries just before closing time. Several hours later, as the acid ate through the bags, the bombs would explode. They did little damage to the targets, and caused no injuries or deaths. Before the group began the operation, Israeli agent Avri Elad (Avraham Seidenwerg) was sent to oversee the operations. Elad assumed the identity of Paul Frank, a former SS officer with Nazi underground connections. Avri Elad allegedly informed the Egyptians, resulting in the Egyptian intelligence agency following a suspect to his target, the Rio Theatre, where a fire engine was standing by. Egyptian authorities arrested this suspect, Philip Natanson, when his bomb accidentally ignited prematurely in his pocket. Having searched his apartment, they found incriminating evidence and names of accomplices to the operation. Several suspects were arrested, including Egyptian Jews and undercover Israelis. Elad and Colonel Dar managed to escape. Two suspects, Yosef Carmon and Israeli Meir Max Bineth, committed suicide in prison. Trials and jail The Egyptian trial began on 11 December and lasted until 27 January 1955; two of the accused (Moshe Marzouk and Shmuel Azar) were condemned to execution by hanging, two were acquitted, and the rest received lengthy prison terms. In 1954, on behalf of both Winston Churchill and the World Jewish Congress, Maurice Orbach went to Cairo to intercede for the lives of Jews sentenced to death.[7] Later, he said that Egypt's president, Nasser, had agreed to spare their lives but then reneged on this, balancing their deaths with those of members of the Muslim Brotherhood.[8] The trial was criticised in Israel as a show trial, although strict Israeli military censorship of the press at the time meant that the Israeli public was kept in the dark about the facts of the case, and in fact were led to believe that the defendants were innocent.[9] There were allegations that evidence had been extracted by torture.[10] After serving seven-year jail sentences, two of the imprisoned operatives (Meir Meyuhas and Meir Za'afran) were released in 1962. The rest were eventually freed in February 1968 including (Marcelle Ninio),[11] in a secret addendum to a prisoner-of-war exchange. Soon after the affair, Mossad chief Isser Harel expressed suspicion to Aman concerning the integrity of Avri Elad. Despite his concerns, Aman continued using Elad for intelligence operations until 1956, when he was caught trying to sell Israeli documents to the Egyptians. Elad was tried in Israel and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. During his imprisonment in Ayalon Prison, the media were only able to refer to him as the "Third Man" or "X" due to government censorship.[12] In 1976, while living in Los Angeles, Elad publicly identified himself as the "Third Man" from the Lavon Affair.[12] In 1980, Harel publicly revealed evidence that Elad had been turned by the Egyptians even before Operation Susannah. Political aftermath Denial and first inquiry In meetings with prime minister Moshe Sharett, minister of defense Pinhas Lavon denied any knowledge of the operation. When intelligence chief Gibli contradicted Lavon, Sharett commissioned a board of inquiry consisting of Israeli Supreme Court Justice Isaac Olshan and the first chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Yaakov Dori that was unable to find conclusive evidence that Lavon had authorized the operation. Lavon tried to fix the blame on Shimon Peres, who was the secretary general of the defense ministry, and on Gibli for insubordination and criminal negligence.[citation needed] Sharett resolved the dilemma by siding with Peres (who had, along with Moshe Dayan, testified against Lavon), after which Lavon resigned on 17 February 1955. Former prime minister David Ben-Gurion succeeded Lavon as minister of defense. On 3 November 1955, Sharett (who had not known about the operation in advance, and had therefore strongly denied Israel's involvement) resigned as Prime Minister and was replaced by Ben-Gurion.[citation needed] Subsequent revelations and inquiries In April 1960, a review of minutes from the inquiry found inconsistencies and possibly a fraudulent document in Gibli's original testimony that seemed to support Lavon's account of events. During this time it came to light that Elad (the Israeli agent running Operation Susannah in Egypt) had committed perjury during the original inquiry. Elad was also suspected of betraying the group to Egyptian authorities, though the charges were never proven. He was eventually sentenced to a jail term of 10 years for trying to sell Israeli documents to the Egyptians in an unrelated matter. Ben-Gurion scheduled closed hearings with a new board of inquiry chaired by Haim Cohn, a Supreme Court justice.[citation needed] This inquiry found that the perjury indeed had been committed, and that Lavon had not authorized the operation. Sharett and Levi Eshkol tried to issue a statement that would placate both Lavon and those who had opposed him. Ben-Gurion refused to accept the compromise, and viewed it as a divisive play within the Mapai party.[citation needed] Another investigative committee took up the matter and sided with the Cohn inquiry. Ben-Gurion then resigned from his post as defense minister. This led to the expulsion of Lavon from the Histadrut labor union and an early call for new elections, the results of which changed the political structure in Israel. The specifics of Operation Susannah were kept secret from the Israeli public at the time of the political upheaval.[citation needed] Public debate Due to Israel's military censorship the details of the affair could originally not be openly discussed in the media. Despite this, debate occurred but with the use of code words such as the "Senior Officer", to refer to Gibli, and the "unfortunate business" to refer to the Egyptian operation.[13] Legacy Operation Susannah and the Lavon Affair turned out to be disastrous for Israel in several ways: Israel lost significant standing and credibility in its relations with the United Kingdom and the United States, that took years to repair. [14] The aftermath saw considerable political turmoil in Israel, which affected the influence of its government.[15] Israel publicly honored the surviving spies on March 30, 2005; President Moshe Katsav presented each with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts on behalf of the state, ending decades of official denial by Israel.[3] References The Pentagon has evacuated 120 military and civilian personnel who had been in Israel for planned upcoming joint exercises, CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr is reporting. She says the US personnel departed from Tel Aviv under emergency circumstances given the closure of commercial air travel and the worsening security situation as fighting intensifies between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. "The group left on a C-17 Thursday returning to Germany. With violence and lack of commercial air, the decision was made leave early via military transport," the CNN corresponded reported. Illustrative file image, via US Marine Corps In the past few years especially, limited numbers of US troops have routinely engaged in war drills and missile readiness exercises on Israeli soil. Reuters and The Jerusalem Post have confirmed the rerouting of all inbound flights after rockets fired out of Gaza landed in the area of Ben Gurion international airport. "Ben-Gurion Airport began rerouting all inbound flights to Ramon International Airport in southern Israel on Thursday morning, as terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip continued to launch rockets into Israeli territory," they reported. "Departing flights will still take off from Ben-Gurion Airport." Most if not all major US carriers have canceled all flights into Israel: "United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines have canceled flights between the United States and Tel Aviv, according to data by flight tracker FlightAware, amid an escalating conflict in Israel." Iron Dome interceptions seen moments ago from view of international flight coming into Israel. pic.twitter.com/KwtMDglV00 Israel Breaking (@IsraelBreaking) May 12, 2021 Meanwhile, the defense ministry has reportedly called up an additional thousands of IDF reservists as at this point over 1,500 rockets from Hamas have been fired into southern and central Israel. Israeli commanders have further prepared a "battle plan" for a possible ground invasion of Gaza amid the mustering of extra troops on the border, per US-funded VOA News, which writes, "Israels military commanders have drafted a battle plan for an incursion into Gaza and planned to submit it to military chiefs later Thursday, a spokesman for the Israeli Defense Forces has confirmed." IDF Chief of Staff ordered all leave be postponed and called up 7,000 reservists at combat posts and the Home Front Command #Israel #Gaza Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) May 13, 2021 "IDF spokesperson Hidai Zilberman told local media in a briefing that preparations for the possibility of a ground incursion are under way. The IDF has deployed additional ground troops from the Paratroopers Brigade, Golani Infantry Brigade and 7th Armored Brigade to the Gaza border, along with tanks and armored personnel carriers," the report said further. The Israeli army sends armored vehicles to the Gaza border region. pic.twitter.com/2dedsNhI8Z Ali Ozkok (@Ozkok_A) May 13, 2021 Indeed social media videos over the past two days of fighting have appeared to show tank columns being transported to southern Israel. On Wednesday night Israel's Security Cabinet approved expanding operations in Gaza, especially the airstrikes which are expected to continue through the week, and possibly longer. 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. At a virtual climate summit on April 22, China called for the world commitment to multilateralism and working on the basis of international law. This clearly shows the country's firm resolve to actively participate in international cooperation to address climate change by safeguarding international rule of law. Climate change is one of the non-traditional security threats facing the human race. As early as November 2015, at the opening ceremony of Paris Conference on Climate Change, China stressed it was imperative to enhance the standing and role of international law in global governance, ensure effective observance and implementation of international rules, adhere to democracy, equity and justice, and build a system of international rule of law. An international legal mechanism for climate governance has been initially established, and is making steady progress. International treaties including United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement have been the significant outcome of multilateral cooperation, and have become legal foundation for global climate governance. China has pledged to comply with the objectives and principles laid out in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, and is striving to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding pact on emission reduction adopted by the parties to the UNFCCC in December 2015, taking effect in November 2016. As a landmark in the multilateral climate change process, the agreement deals with major issues in the global fight against climate change after 2020. Only when the agreement is carried out with concrete actions, and with enhanced international cooperation to cope with environmental challenges, can we live with nature in peace and realize sustainable development. In implementing relevant legal mechanisms, it is necessary to stick to the principle of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities" which is the cornerstone of global climate governance, and also an important principle in international environmental law. Although states are equal in international law, international environmental law regulates global environmental issues where vast differences exist among countries in their capacity, measures, and levels of urgency. Also, developed countries and developing countries emit different amounts of greenhouse gases leading to different levels of climate change. The Chinese government will implement its duties based on its needs for sustainable development. In September 2020, it pledged to scale up its nationally determined contributions, and adopt even more forceful policies and measures in a bid to peak in carbon dioxide emissions before 2030, and then achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Most developed countries reached their carbon dioxide emissions peak in the 2000s and they aim to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. In this regard, China has only 30 years compared with the nearly 50 years of other countries to move from peak emissions to neutrality. Its commitment has promoted global confidence and the response to climate change and shown China's determination to accept international responsibilities as a major country. It is a common cause for humanity to combat climate change. The global efforts in this regard can be taken as a mirror for humans to reflect on what models are suitable for future global governance and how to build a community of a shared future for all humanity. It is vital for us to firmly safeguard international system with the United Nations at its core, uphold the dignity and authority of international law, and fully implement the Paris Agreement, so as to promote the building of a win-win, equitable and balanced governance mechanism on climate change. He Dan is assistant research fellow with the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Center. 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. First doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be given out to the general public, Manitoba vaccine team medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer announced during Wednesdays vaccination update. Advertisement Advertise With Us First doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be given out to the general public, Manitoba vaccine team medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer announced during Wednesdays vaccination update. From now on, only people who cannot access other vaccines will be given first doses. Most doses will be reserved for those requiring their second doses within the recommended time frame. The announcement comes after Alberta and Ontario announced they were stopping usage of the vaccine following blood clots being detected in some people who were given the vaccine as well as supply chain issues. "We need to respond to disruptions in the supply so that the many thousands of people who have already had their first dose of AstraZeneca can be confident well have a second dose available for them when they get to that point," she said. The doctor tried to reassure those who have already received the AstraZeneca vaccine that they made the right choice. "I want to make one thing very clear: over the last two months when we have been giving AstraZeneca, it has been protecting tens of thousands of Manitobans who would otherwise not have had that protection," she said. "If you got the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as you were eligible and I know a lot of people in the 40-and-up age category did that you did the right thing. You provided yourself and your family with protection as early as you possibly could." She also said the province is still investigating the possibility of administering different kinds of vaccines for Manitobans first and second doses. In either case, those who received the AstraZeneca will receive some kind of second dose. Results from a clinical trial on the subject are expected this month. With schools currently closed in Brandon and Winnipeg, vaccine task force logistics co-lead Johanu Botha said that parents can bring their children with them to their vaccination appointments if they do not have child care arrangements. "Dont let that be a barrier to you getting vaccinated," he said. Dr. Reimer also addressed concerns that transgender Manitobans have expressed over how people getting immunized were supposed to self-identify their gender identity on consent forms. She apologized for how the consent forms handled the question and said Manitoba would do better going forward. "We are updating our consent forms for immunization to include more appropriate gender options," she said. "That will become available soon. We want our sites to be welcoming and inclusive for transgender and people who identify as any gender. If your name or gender identity doesnt match whats on your ID or on your health card, that is not a barrier for you to be immunized." The Pfizer supply is supposed to be strong and consistent up until at least the end of June, Botha said during a technical briefing on Wednesday morning. From now until the week of May 24, Manitoba is expected to receive approximately 74,000 doses a week from the federal government. Starting the week of May 31, the number of doses is expected to increase to approximately 88,000 a week until the week of June 28, where the governments projections end. Johanu Botha, co-lead, Manitobas Vaccine Implementation during the vaccine update at the Legislative Building on Wednesday. Botha said on Wednesday that Manitoba would have a two-dose summer.(Winnipeg Free Press) Manitoba was supposed to receive 10,000 doses of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine on the week of May 3, but Health Canada is still reviewing the safety of the doses the country has received after an inspection of a Baltimore plant where components of the vaccine are made discovered production issues that might compromise doses. Next week, Manitoba is scheduled to receive approximately 38,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine and approximately 24,000 of the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, previous shipments of Moderna doses have been frequently delayed by one or more weeks. As of May 11, Manitoba had administered 591,497 doses. A further 50,261 doses have been delivered to partners like First Nations, medical clinics and pharmacies. The remaining 84,691 doses the province has in its inventory are attached to booked vaccination appointments. If the province were to not receive any additional doses of vaccine, it would run out of supply by May 19. Thats not expected to happen, though, with a steady supply of Pfizer vaccines on the way. From May 3-9, Manitoba administered a total of 59,105 vaccine doses. This week, May 10-16, Manitoba is projected to administer a total of 84,036 doses. According to Botha, with a steady supply of Pfizer coming in, the total number of administered doses per week should not dip below the 80,000 mark any time soon. He also said the campaign to vaccinate First Nations with two doses of vaccine should be complete by the end of this month, freeing up future shipments of the Moderna vaccine for use elsewhere. Though vaccine eligibility has yet to be expanded to include people aged 12 to 17 in Manitoba after Health Canada approved the use of Pfizers vaccine for that age group, Botha said the current target is for 70 per cent of everyone aged 12 and older to have received at least one dose of vaccine by June 6 in the best-case scenario and June 9 in the worst-case scenario. Reimer said she hopes to be able to disclose more information regarding vaccinating aged 12 to 17 soon. Asked if Manitoba is considering vaccinating children at their schools, Botha said it wasnt off the table, but noted that sending out focused immunization teams is a slower route of getting vaccinations done. "If we want to get Manitobas youth vaccinated, the best way to do that is to use the supersite model," he said. "For first and second doses, that will be the overall strategy. That said, if there are things needed like boosters or a third dose comes up as a necessity ... well see us looking at those slower but more flexible options." From May 12 through to the end of the month, there are more than 145,000 appointments booked at the provinces supersites and pop-up clinics. That includes 107,749 appointments at Winnipegs supersites and 8,924 appointments at the Keystone Centre supersite in Brandon. The province is still on track to start booking appointments for second doses by May 22. The first group eligible to book their second doses will be those with specific medical conditions that put them at risk of not having a strong enough immune response to COVID-19 after their first dose. The list of conditions will include people on dialysis, people with Down Syndrome, people who have received or are on the list for an organ transplant, people receiving chemotherapy and people living with HIV. Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that it will be a "one-dose summer" for Canadians while some premiers have said it will be a "two-dose summer," referring to how long it will take for people to get their vaccine doses. Botha said on Wednesday that Manitoba would have a two-dose summer. cslark@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ColinSlark EDMONTON - Members of Premier Jason Kenneys United Conservative Party caucus have voted to turf two of their own for challenging the leader. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney attends a news conference in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Simmering internal discontent in his United Conservative caucus has boiled over into an open challenge to his leadership. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol EDMONTON - Members of Premier Jason Kenneys United Conservative Party caucus have voted to turf two of their own for challenging the leader. Backbencher Todd Loewen was ejected Thursday night after publicly announcing earlier in the day the party is adrift and out of touch under Kenney and that the premier must quit before things spiral further. Backbencher Drew Barnes had been the most vocal critic of the government's COVID-19 health restrictions, saying they are of questionable effect and an intolerable infringement on personal freedoms. He was also voted out. Both said they will sit in the house as Independents and continue to fight for their constituents and oppose a leader they say has lost his way and is no longer listening. I was delivering a message on behalf of a lot of our supporters, a lot of Albertans, a lot of UCP members and a lot of conservatives across the province, said Loewen in an interview. And instead of taking ownership of the problems, the premier shot the messenger. Barnes, in a statement, said the grassroots-driven United Conservative party he and Kenney helped build is dead. The man who campaigned on servant leadership no longer exists, said Barnes. Instead of MLAs representing the views of their constituents to caucus, MLAs are expected to represent the views of the premier to their constituents. I could never abide by this this is not why I entered politics, and this is not how a grassroots political party is meant to work. Both said they were let go following a lengthy virtual caucus debate with members from both sides speaking out. Members then cast their ballots by identifying themselves and texting their vote. The voting breakdown was not announced. Loewen questioned not having a private ballot: I just feel there would be a certain amount of hesitancy for some people to vote against the premier on a vote like this where they know someone else will know exactly how they voted. Mike Ellis, the caucus whip, said it was critical for caucus to stay united behind the leader, especially as the government grapples to bring COVID-19 under control. There is simply no room in our caucus for those who continually seek to divide our party and undermine government leadership, especially at this critical juncture, said Ellis in a statement. Kenneys spokeswoman, Jerrica Goodwin added: The premier is proud to stand with his caucus colleagues and lead Alberta through the greatest health and economic crisis in a century. Loewen, representing the northern rural riding of Central Peace-Notley, had been the chair of the UCP caucus. Barnes represents Cypress-Medicine Hat in the south. Loewen and Barnes join a third backbencher, Pat Rehn, who was expelled earlier this year after his constituents complained he wasnt doing any work or listening to their concerns. The vote culminated weeks of bubbling internal discontent within the caucus that boiled over into an open challenge by Loewen in a public letter to Kenney published on Loewens Facebook page in the pre-dawn hours Thursday. In the letter, Loewen called on the premier to resign, saying he no longer sees a commitment to teamwork and party principles. We did not unite around blind loyalty to one man. And while you promoted unity, it is clear that unity is falling apart, writes Loewen. He accused Kenney and his government of weak dealings with Ottawa, ignoring caucus members, delivering contradictory messages, and botching critical issues such as negotiations with doctors and a controversy over coal mining in the Rocky Mountains. Many Albertans, including myself, no longer have confidence in your leadership," Loewen says in the letter. I thank you for your service, but I am asking that you resign so that we can begin to put the province back together again. Loewen later received a message of support from a second UCP backbencher, Dave Hanson. Hanson wrote on Facebook: Todd, I applaud your courage and stand behind your decision. I hear the same thing from our supporters in my area. I along with many of our colleagues share in your frustration. Hanson, Barnes and Loewen are three of 18 UCP backbench members who broke with the government in early April over restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. The group said the rules were needlessly restrictive and infringed on personal freedoms. Sixteen wrote an open letter expressing those concerns. Since then Barnes has remained vocal, actively questioning why the regulations are needed in low-infection areas and demanding to see data underlying the health decisions. Kenney tolerated the open dissension for weeks. He has said he believes in free speech and that backbenchers are not in cabinet and dont speak for his government. But Loewen was the first to openly challenge Kenneys leadership. Kenneys poll numbers, along with party fundraising contributions, have dropped precipitously during the pandemic while those of Rachel Notleys NDP have climbed. Notley said regardless of Kenneys internal political troubles, Albertans need to see him focus on governing the province. Alberta has seen in recent weeks some of the highest COVID-19 case rates in North America that threaten to swamp the provinces health system. What we need as a result is for the premier to clean up his house, get his house in order and provide the kind of leadership that Albertans desperately need during one of the most challenging times in our history, said Notley. There were rumours of a widening internal UCP breach two weeks ago when Kenney suspended the legislature's spring sitting. He said it was to keep staff and legislature members safe from COVID-19. On Wednesday, the government extended the hiatus for another week. Political scientist Duane Bratt said Kenney had little choice but to expel Loewen but noted it took several hours of debate among the caucus to get there. This is not a good day for Jason Kenney. He is wounded by this. And I dont think its over, said Bratt with Mount Royal University in Calgary. Pollster Janet Brown said the open dissension magnifies Kenneys leadership woes. Brown said a premier relies on three pillars of support: party fundraising, caucus support and support in the popularity polls. Any one of those three can help offset crises somewhere else. But Kenney, said Brown, doesnt have support in any area right now. "If youre down in the polls, if you dont have the confidence of your caucus and your donors are keeping their hands in their pockets, whats your justification for continuing? said Brown. It seems like hes failing with all three audiences. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. Flash Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday refuted U.S. and European media outlets claiming that China is facing a population crisis. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that China's total population continued to grow and China is still the world's most populous country. Hua made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a query on reports by U.S. and European media outlets claiming that China is facing a demographic crisis, which may even affect the realization of the Chinese dream. China's population on the mainland has maintained steady growth, reaching 1.41178 billion in 2020, an increase of 5.38 percent from 2010, and the average annual population growth rate from 2010 to 2020 stood at 0.53 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday. "This data shows that China's population has maintained a slow growth trend in the past 10 years. China's total population continues to grow, and it is still the most populous country in the world," Hua said. Between 2010 and 2020, the education level of China's citizens improved continuously, the gender ratio became more balanced, changes in family-planning policy led to a rebound of new births, population mobility increased and the urbanization rate further elevated, the census data show. Compared with 2010, the Han Chinese population increased by 4.93 percent, while that of ethnic minority groups increased by 10.26 percent, and the proportion of the general population belonging to ethnic minority groups rose by 0.4 percentage points from 2010, Hua noted, adding that the steady growth of the population of ethnic groups fully reflect the all-round development and progress of all ethnic groups in China. At the same time, the census data also reflects some structural contradictions in China's population development, such as the decline in the working-age population and the number of women of childbearing age, the deepening of aging, the decline in the fertility rate and the decline in the number of births, she added. "In response to the concerns of the U.S. media outlets mentioned, I wonder if they have noticed that China's population of 1.41178 billion is still more than the total population of the United States and Europe combined? I don't know how the relevant reporters turned into demographers and sociologists, or how they came to the conclusion that China is facing a population crisis," Hua stated. Declining birth rates and aging populations are common problems in developed countries. Low fertility has become a common problem faced by most developed countries, and it may also be a real problem faced by China in the future, she added. "The impact of population change on the society and economy should be viewed dialectically. China will promote high-quality development and formulate relevant population strategies and policies in a targeted manner," the spokesperson quoted an official as saying at a press conference on Tuesday. In the past few decades, at almost every critical stage of China's development, the West has made various judgments and predictions about China, and there have been various arguments, such as various forms of the so-called "China threat" theory or "China collapse" theory, Hua said. "But as China continued to develop, these arguments were later disproved by the facts." "I hope those who are keen on concocting various arguments about China can live as healthy and happy as the Chinese people, and welcome and witness the realization of the Chinese dream together," Hua added. OTTAWA - A homegrown mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 shows promising results in its first small trial and its maker is hoping to test it directly against the vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech. Advertisement Advertise With Us People are vaccinated at the Palais de Congress COVID-19 vaccination clinic, Thursday, May 13, 2021 in Montreal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz OTTAWA - A homegrown mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 shows promising results in its first small trial and its maker is hoping to test it directly against the vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech. Calgary-based Providence Therapeutics says its vaccine produced no serious adverse events and developed good antibodies against COVID-19 that "compare favourably" with the two mRNA vaccines already on the market from Pfizer and Moderna. "We're extremely pleased," said Providence CEO Brad Sorenson. The Phase 1 trial included 60 healthy adults between 18 and 64, with more than half of them receiving two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart. The results have not yet been peer-reviewed. Sorenson said the next step is supposed to be a Phase 2 head-to-head trial that would test the effectiveness of Providence against Pfizer. Most vaccines in Phase 2 have been tested only against a placebo, but Sorenson said in a pandemic he feels it is unethical to give someone a placebo when they could otherwise be vaccinated. But to do the trial, Providence needs 500 doses of Pfizer, which he said neither the company nor the National Research Council has been willing to provide. A spokeswoman for Pfizer said Thursday the company's focus is only on getting the vaccine to meet an "urgent public health need" and will only sell its vaccine to the federal government. "As such, we are not providing supply of our vaccine to third-parties to study the vaccine in comparative trials," said Christina Antoniou. Pfizer is the main component of Canada's vaccination campaign to date, accounting for two-thirds of the deliveries as of this week. A spokesman for Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the government has informed Providence Ottawa is willing to help fund its Phase 2 trial, and continue to work with the company. "Minister Champagne has spoken directly with Providence Therapeutics CEO and the chair of their board of directors to discuss our continued support for their work as they bring their vaccine candidate through the early stages of development," said John Power. A spokesman for the National Research Council said it doesn't have access to doses of Pfizer or Moderna to help Providence, but is discussing the request with other departments that might be able to help, including Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Sorenson said Providence is also discussing with the World Health Organization the possibility of doing a Phase 3 trial in a developing country. Sorenson said if Health Canada supports both trials, they could be wrapped up by the end of the year. But Sorenson said he doesn't feel supported by Ottawa and has threatened to take the business outside the country. The company has production agreements in place that should be able to produce 200 million doses a year, he said. Providence is one of six Canadian companies that received funding from the National Research Council for COVID-19 vaccines that were in early stages of development. The company received $4.9 million last October to help fund its Phase 1 trial. It also received $5 million in January from the next-generation manufacturing supercluster to help scale up its manufacturing of mRNA. Canada currently doesn't make any of the vaccines it is using Pfizer is being made in Europe and the United States, Canada's doses of Moderna are all coming from Europe, and Oxford-AstraZeneca is coming from the United States, India and South Korea. The only Canadian-made vaccine among the seven procured by Canada for COVID-19 to date is Medicago's plant-based protein vaccine, which is now in a Phase 3 trial and could be ready for mass production before the end of the year. Medicago received $173 million in October to push its vaccine forward as well as an undisclosed sum for a contract to provide Canada at least 20 million doses if it is approved. Some of it will be made in Canada, but production will also take place in the U.S. A lack of domestic drug manufacturing hurt Canada's vaccination program, particularly early on, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is intent on fixing that ahead of the next global health crisis. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. Inflation tightened its grip on the Australian sharemarket on Thursday as the prospect of a sooner-than-expected interest rate hike savaged the price of technology stocks. The benchmark ASX 200 fell 62.2 points to close at 6982.7, finishing below 7000 points for the first time since April 21. It was the markets lowest close in four weeks, and came just three days after the index set a new record closing high of 7172.8. The third straight loss was fuelled chiefly by concerns that rising inflation will prompt the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates sooner rather than later to keep a lid on consumer prices, a scenario that takes the gloss off equities. The ASX 200 tech sector followed the Nasdaq down on Thursday. Credit:Peter Braig The RBA has said it aims to keep rates at a record low 0.1 per cent until at least 2024, though its resolve could be tested by a rapidly improving economy. Wall Street sold off heavily overnight after the US April inflation print came in at its highest in about 12 years. This sent tech stocks crashing both home and abroad. Afterpay lost 5.4 per cent to close at an eight-month low $84.50, while accounting software firm Xero plunged 13 per cent to finish at $117.39, its worst since mid-March. Banks Westpac and NAB were trading ex-dividend, dragging the financial sector down, while miners BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals slipped as iron ore futures retreated in the afternoon. It has been just three days since the ASX 200 finished at a record high 7172.8. TMS Capital portfolio manager Ben Clark said the inflation jitters that roiled the market back in late February had returned with gusto. Fund managers were talking about this three or four months ago, but the inflation data back then was quite benign, and it all went on the backburner, Mr Clark said. Equities are still probably being priced off this ultra-low rate assumption from six months ago, and now theres this growing view that this might not be the case, and we might have to revisit those valuations. Mr Clark said concerns over rising consumer prices fed into a rotation that was already underway, with growth names being used to fund purchases of so-called cyclical stocks. He said the key question for investors would be whether the inflation fears were merely transitionary, or part of a wider structural shift in the economy. While (rising inflation) hasnt really shown up in our official data yet, more and more companies are saying it is happening, Mr Clark said. It is something we thought we would eventually see, but we also think it is a transitional thing. Claiming there is a leadership vacuum in the federal government, Victoria is seeking the support of the other states and territories as it pushes for changes to Australias gig economy. On Thursday, Victorias Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas published his response to the state government inquiry into the ride-share drivers, food delivery riders and thousands of others who work for platforms such as Uber, AirTasker and Deliveroo but are considered to be independent contractors in most jurisdictions. Victoria is trying to lead a national push for reform to workers rights in the gig economy. Credit:James Brickwood Victoria has accepted the recommendations of former Fair Work ombudsman Natalie James, who led the inquiry, for minimum employment standards, a dispute resolution process and potentially the formation of new government agency to help gig economy workers determine their employment status. However, Mr Pallas has allocated just $5 million in next weeks state budget for more work on a response and conceded that the states, who have no formal jurisdiction over workplace relations or competition policy, were very limited in what they could achieve. EXTERMINATE ALL THE BRUTES Fox Showcase and On Demand The four-part series Exterminate All the Brutes arrives on Foxtel with none of the fuss or fanfare normally associated with HBO shows. I suspect thats less to do with any failings this docudrama-essay-memoir might have than with the fact it will be such a challenge for, and to, many a viewer. It is, essentially, a treatise on white supremacy, a subject that many in Australia (and elsewhere in the West) struggle to accept as valid. Part memoir, part history of cinema, part polemic, it draws heavily on the field of Whiteness Studies in asserting that (a) racism is largely (perhaps exclusively) a product of Eurocentrism; and (b) genocide was an instrumental element of European colonialism. Light entertainment it is not. Raoul Pecks series uses archival material, memoir, recreations and alternative histories to examine the nexus between colonialism, racism and the present day. Credit:HBO/Foxtel Haitian Raoul Peck, director of the excellent James Baldwin documentary I Am Not Your Negro and the dramatised biopic Lumumba, takes his title from a book of the same name by Swedish author Sven Lindqvist, one of three writers with whom he generously shares credit. Lindqvists title came from Joseph Conrads 1899 novella Heart of Darkness, the Ur-text on the ravages wrought by Europes colonial adventures in Africa. The peak body for breastfeeding mothers has defended the creation of an educational resource about chestfeeding for transgender parents that has sparked debate about political correctness. The Australian newspaper reported on Saturday that the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) had developed a booklet about chestfeeding, which triggered outrage on talkback radio. The Australian Breastfeeding Association says the resource was created for an LGBTQ+ audience and there are no plans to adopt the term chestfeeding more widely. Credit:File Rainbow Families, the peak body supporting LGBTIQ+ parents, paid the ABA $20,000 to create an educational booklet about lactating and chestfeeding for its community. Both groups say the resource was intended as optional material for a specific audience, not as an attempt to rename the long-standing practice of breastfeeding. The owner of an Indian restaurant who was left devastated after a COVID-19 case forced his eatery to close has called on the state government to start fining individuals who fail to use QR codes to check in when they dine out. Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar owner Kailash Sharma said he had been left with no choice but to start turning away customers who refused to check in at his CBD restaurant. We relied on people to use the QR system in good faith, he said. But with so many people not checking in last week, we worry that we can no longer rely on some people to be honest. We will now be asking them to leave. The Curry Vault restaurant was listed as a high-risk public exposure site after a Melbourne man in his 30s, who tested positive to coronavirus, dined at the venue between 6.30pm and 9.30pm on May 7. Compared to women who had no screening, the multimodal group had a 47 per cent increase in the detection of stage one ovarian cancers and 24.5 per cent decrease in stage four cancers, found the study published in the Lancet. Loading Overall, the incidence of stage one and two cancers was 39 per cent higher and stage three and four 10 per cent lower in the multimodal group. Yet there was no evidence that early detection led to improvements in survival. It would seem that the cancers weve diagnosed early were more aggressive cancers, Professor Jacobs said. Picking them up early just doesnt change the point at which they result in patients dying because the cancer is inherently more aggressive. Professor Jacobs said separate studies involving younger women with family histories of the disease or the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may benefit from frequent screening (every three to four months) rather than having their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed when they are identified as high risk. About seven in 10 ovarian cancers are diagnosed in late stages when the cancer has already spread beyond the pelvis. Symptoms often appear long after the cancer has developed and can masquerade as serious conditions. In 2020 an estimated 1532 women were diagnosed and 1068 women died of ovarian cancer in Australia. The chance of surviving five years after being diagnosed is 46 per cent. Christy Smith had assumed her bloating was the innocuous effects of overindulging at Christmas until a sudden and intense pain sent the 34 year-old to the emergency department in February 2020. An ultrasound showed a 20cm cyst had encapsulated her left ovary and part of her fallopian tube. Within hours surgeons had removed the ovary. A biopsy later found a 5cm cancerous tumour. The mother of two had stage 1c ovarian cancer. Christy Smiths ovarian cancer tumour was encapsulated in a cyst that triggered a sudden and excruciating pain. Credit:Kate Geraghty I was told it was extremely rare to catch it so early. I am very lucky the cancer was in that cyst, Ms Smith said. She underwent a hysterectomy and debulking surgery to remove suspicious-looking tissue in the area. Then came six rounds of chemotherapy and hormone treatment to stave off the effects of early menopause. Im looking good at the moment ... My markers are where they should be but Im still at a higher risk of the cancer recurring, she said. To other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer: dont give up hope. It may seem tough at the time but you are stronger than you think you are. Professor Jacobs is an eternal optimist. The challenge of ovarian cancer will be cracked, he said. We either need to find treatments that are more effective for the cases that are detected early (and there are prospects for that), or we need to find tests that can find the cancers even earlier five to 10 years earlier and can actually save lives. Professor Mahesh Parmar, Director of the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London and a senior author on the paper, said there have been significant improvements in the treatment of advanced disease in the last 10 years ... in women who do have symptoms early diagnosis, combined with this better treatment, can still make a difference to quality of life and, potentially, improve outcomes. Associate Professor Caroline Ford, who leads the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG) at UNSW, said there was a sense of disappointment among the entire ovarian cancer community that had been eagerly awaiting the trial results. But it would be a mistake to assume population screening for ovarian cancer is an impossibility, she said. This just shows us where to direct and redouble our efforts, Associate Professor Ford said. Other researchers like my team now have this incredibly important data on which to build our research. I see this as an exciting day. Her own lab is working on an approach that detects DNA released from tumour cells into the bloodstream that could detect the cancer at its earliest stages. Loading The ovarian cancer treatment landscape has also advanced since the study participants were screened and treated between 2000 and 2011, with early diagnosis and newer treatment protocols leading to improved quality of life and potentially longer life. We have far more targeted treatments in 2021, Associate Professor Ford said, such as personalised therapies to PARP inhibitors (able to be used for at least 50 per cent of ovarian cancer patients) that were proving to be incredibly effective at increasing survival time and quality of life. We have the opportunity to take drugs developed for other diseases and use them to treat ovarian cancer. That spectrum of drugs we can use is expanding every year, she said. The study findings were published days after World Ovarian Cancer Day and Ovarian Cancer Australias Overies for Ovaries campaign to raise funds for vital support services. Chief executive Jane Hill said the news was very disappointing, but the focus on symptom awareness and early detection was still the priority. Obviously we cant say to women that based on the trial findings that if the cancer is caught earlier it will save their lives, but women [who] are diagnosed at earlier stages can get access to treatments that werent available when this study was first envisaged and some of these treatments are great to prolong womens lives and give them better quality of life, Ms Hill said. Ovarian Cancer Australia collaborated with the Australian New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group and the Australian New Zealand Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists to create a National Action Plan aimed to improving survival rates, reduce incidence and improve quality of life for ovarian cancer patients. What it underscores is that we need much more funding for ovarian cancer, Ms Hill said. Australia has ordered 51 million doses of Novavaxs not-yet-approved COVID-19 vaccine, to go with 53.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca product and 40 million doses of Pfizer. Moderna is also yet to undergo Australias medical approval process. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said more than 10 per cent of the population had been vaccinated, and it was expected the country would have administered more than 3 million doses by the end of the week. We are rolling out the vaccine as fast as possible, he said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Professor Greg Dore, a leading infectious diseases physician based at Sydneys Kirby Institute, said it was absolutely possible to complete the rollout by the end of the year as the Moderna deal gave the country more flexibility. It is great news, he said. This makes us less dependent on Novavax. But more important is the 2022 stuff the 15 million booster doses. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: Several variants of the virus have already emerged with collections of mutations that appear to lower the effectiveness of the vaccines. Although the data is far from conclusive, AstraZenecas vaccine in particular appears to face major challenges from the South African variant. Last week Moderna released a new study not yet peer-reviewed that suggests its vaccine can be adjusted to provide defence against the variants from Brazil and South Africa. Moderna are way ahead here, said Dr Megan Steain, who is co-investigator on a study to develop a separate vaccine booster at the University of Sydney. Modernas data comes from tests in a lab dish against artificial viruses designed to mimic the variants. That data was likely to translate to humans, said Professor Jamie Triccas, who is leading the project. Federal Health Department secretary Professor Brendan Murphy said that the new Moderna doses could be given as boosters to people who had received Pfizers or AstraZenecas vaccine, extending their protection. Loading The federal government had long insisted it was not worth signing up with Moderna as the company would have struggled to deliver a meaningful amount of vaccine, given the US had locked in the vast majority of the companys supply. Opposition health spokesman Mark Butler questioned why it had taken so long to strike a deal with Moderna when other countries signed deals last year. Why do Australians have to wait till the end of this year? What happened to Scott Morrisons promise that Australians would be at the front of the vaccine queue? he said. University of NSW economist Professor Richard Holden has been among the most vocal critics of not buying the Moderna vaccine earlier, arguing vaccines against a pandemic virus are worth essentially any price. Im very pleased to see this happen. I wish this announcement had been made a year ago. But when the government makes a mistake, they get criticised for it. All we can ask then is they do the right thing going forward, rather than put their head in the sand, he said. Professor Holden was less certain the vaccine rollout could be completed by December 31. It would be good if true but it will depend on the timing of arrivals of the vaccines, he said. Dr Elizabeth Jackson, a senior lecturer in supply chain management and logistics at Curtin University, said storage and supply chain issues could hamper the rollout but she was optimistic overall. If the rollout continues to go as it is now, yes, there is every likelihood that the government will achieve its target, she said. However, what we have seen from our experiences over the last several months, is that it doesnt take much to get things wrong. Moderna confirmed on Wednesday (US time) that it intends to open a commercial subsidiary in Australia in 2021. Chief executive Stephane Bancel said the company was in discussions with Australia about potential local manufacturing opportunities. Biotechnology industry insiders say there are two main options for Moderna to launch Australian manufacturing the company could build its own facility from scratch or partner with a local manufacturer to either use its resources or take over an unused manufacturing site. The Moderna vaccine is 94 per cent effective against severe COVID-19. Credit:AP Blood plasma giant CSL has been more outspoken on its interest in mRNA technology this week, having been circumspect about its capacity to make the vaccines earlier in the pandemic. We are Australias only onshore vaccine manufacturer, with an existing workforce, facilities and expertise and we are actively looking at ways to use this in the mRNA space, a spokeswoman said yesterday. The company confirmed it has been in early discussions with the government about the process of developing mRNA products onshore. News of Modernas tilt into the Australian market has also piqued the interest of other local pharmaceuticals manufacturers, like ASX-listed IDT Australia. We are looking closely at mRNA manufacturing and if a collaboration with a company like Moderna made sense, we would absolutely be open to that, said IDT chief executive Dr David Sparling. Dr Bianca Ogden, one of Australias earliest investors in Moderna through the health portfolio she manages at Platinum Asset Management, said Modernas sudden focus on Australia came shortly after other COVID vaccine makers announced plans to expand into the Asia-Pacific region. This week, Pfizer partner BioNTech confirmed it would build a manufacturing base in Singapore. Police have launched a public appeal for witnesses after a seven-year-old girl was indecently touched by a young man outside a Gold Coast school on Tuesday afternoon. The victim was at William Duncan State School in Highland Park about 4.30pm when she was allegedly approached by a man, who she did not know, from a nearby bus stop. A bus stop outside William Duncan State School in the Gold Coast suburb of Highland Park. Credit:Google Maps Police said after a short conversation, the man indecently touched the girl, before he was interrupted and fled on a bus. Detectives arrested a 21-year-old man from the Logan suburb of Yarrabilba and charged him on Thursday afternoon with one count of indecent treatment of a child. One of the worlds largest sand islands will be returned to its traditional owners in a $16 million four-year deal after landmark legislation passed Queensland Parliament on Thursday. The state government will begin the process of returning an estimated 17,000 hectares of national and conservation parkland on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) to the Quandamooka people. Moreton Island's Tangalooma Wrecks. The state government deal with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation involves a commitment of $16.22 million over four years and ongoing funding of $2.77 million. Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the national park would now be jointly managed between the traditional owners and state government. Flash A spokesperson of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a side event on the so-called human rights situation in Xinjiang organized by the United States, Britain and Germany as well as several other countries and nongovernmental organizations. Wednesday's event was full of lies and disinformation, and was another poor show by the United States and a few other countries, further exposing their political attempt to use Xinjiang to create mess and contain China. The event is resolutely resisted by the overwhelming majority of member states and is an outright political farce, said the spokesperson. The event is full of political motivation. While the United States and some other Western countries talk about "human rights in Xinjiang," they are actually thinking about using Xinjiang to contain China. They make a "presumption of guilt" and then fabricate so-called evidence. This trick has been repeated so many times, and so obvious to everyone, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson pointed out that the co-sponsors of this event do not care about human rights in Xinjiang. Between 1990 and 2016, thousands of terrorist attacks occurred in Xinjiang, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The United States and some other countries did not care about human rights in Xinjiang back then and turned a blind eye to the terrorists' indiscriminate killing of innocents. Thanks to China's efforts, for more than four years, there has been no terrorist incident in Xinjiang and people there are enjoying safety, peace and stability. And now these countries are suddenly concerned about human rights in Xinjiang. How ridiculous! The facts are crystal clear: The more than 3 million poor people in Xinjiang have all been lifted out of poverty; there are more than 24,000 mosques in the region, one for every 530 Muslims on average; primary and secondary education is conducted in seven languages, TV and radio programs broadcast in five ethnic minority languages. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Xinjiang, with a population of more than 25 million, has 980 confirmed cases in total and three deaths. In comparison, nearly 600,000 people have died in the United States, over 120,000 in Britain, and over 80,000 in Germany. How can there be human rights without the right to life and the right to development? What gives these countries the right to judge the human rights situation in Xinjiang? Allegations of genocide, forced labor, systematic rape and torture in Xinjiang are all lies, said the spokesperson. Genocide, which is the most severe international crime, shall not be arbitrarily determined by any state, organization, or individual. In the past four decades, the Uygur population in Xinjiang more than doubled, from 5.55 million to 12.8 million. Where is the genocide? In Xinjiang, 70 percent of cotton is harvested by machine. Jobs in the cotton industry are well-paid and competitive. Why the need for forced labor? China is among the safest countries in the world. All crimes are punished in accordance with law. So-called systematic rape is just a shameless lie. The spokesperson pointed out that it is the main sponsors of the event that are lying and need some soul-searching. It is the United States that waged wars in Iraq, Libya and Syria based on lies, killing countless innocent Muslims. It is Britain that slaughtered people worldwide in several centuries of colonization, and set up in South Africa the world's first concentration camp. It is Germany that killed over 6 million Jewish people, leaving a horrible legacy of genocide. These countries' wrongdoings will never be forgotten. Xinjiang is a wonderful land. All ethnic groups there will enjoy an even better life. On Xinjiang, China has nothing to hide. At the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, 64 countries, including Muslim countries, made a joint statement in support of China's policies in Xinjiang. The doors to Xinjiang are always open. In 2019 alone, Xinjiang received over 200 million domestic and foreign visitors. In the past few years, over 1,200 diplomats, journalists and scholars from more than 100 countries have visited Xinjiang. China welcomes everyone to visit Xinjiang, but opposes so-called investigations based on lies and with the presumption of guilt, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson stressed China's unswerving determination to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests and to oppose the attempts of any country, any force or any individual to use Xinjiang to interfere in China's internal affairs and disrupt China's development. Any attempt to use Xinjiang to contain China is doomed to fail. Combating COVID-19 and future pandemics will require a complete overhaul of indoor air quality standards, an international group of researchers says. Queensland University of Technology air quality expert Lidia Morawska has led a group of nearly 40 researchers from 14 countries calling for a change in thinking around air quality in the wake of the pandemic. QUT air-quality expert Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska is leading calls for global indoor air quality standards. Credit:QUT They are specifically calling for the World Health Organisation to extend its indoor air quality guidelines to include airborne pathogens, and officially recognise the need to control airborne transmission of respiratory infections. Professor Morawska, who is the director of QUTs International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, said there needed to be a paradigm shift in the way we deal with air quality in buildings, especially in offices and workplaces. A Sydney businessman detained in Iraq after being tricked into entering the country has been refused bail, his wife says, as he battles new health problems behind bars. Robert Pether, who lived in West Pennant Hills until he and his family moved to Dubai about 10 years ago, was arrested in Iraq last month. Robert Pether, who has been detained in Iraq for almost a month, pictured with his three children. His wife Desree Pether claims he was tricked into entering the country by the Iraq Central Bank, which was locked in a contractual dispute with his Dubai-based employer. Ms Pether, also from Sydney, said her husbands lawyer met with an Iraqi judge on Tuesday in his first formal application for bail. The application was refused with no reason given, she said. Five hours drive from Darwin, Barunga laundromat manager Frederick Scrubby, 55, is not convinced that he should get the COVID-19 vaccination. Mr Scrubby, a community leader, said COVID-19 affected people far away, in Sydney and Melbourne. None of my mob is infected, he told Aboriginal health practitioner Raelene Brunette. She is going door to door in Barunga and nearby Beswick to address fears and explain how important the vaccine was to keeping elders and their culture alive. Barungas Frederick Scrubby is hesitant about receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. Credit:Rhett Wyman Sitting on a chair in the red dirt outside his laundromat, Mr Scrubby said he would have the jab if Ms Brunette had it first. Agreed, she said. With a total of 149 cases and no deaths, Indigenous Australians have done so well at keeping COVID-19 at bay many remote communities closed the gates to outsiders last year that many people think it is no longer a threat. The Victorian government has become the countrys largest employer to include the term chestfeeding in a workplace agreement as part of a broader push to use gender-inclusive language. The agreement sets out the workplace conditions for about 50,000 public servants, and coincides with the Australian Breastfeeding Association defending a booklet it created for transgender parents that sparked debate about political correctness in conservative media. The Victorian government has become the countrys largest employer to use the term chestfeeding in a workplace agreement. Credit: The Community and Public Sector Union advocated for the term during negotiations with the state government last year and its new four-year agreement states that employees may take reasonable time during working hours to breastfeed or chestfeed. Employees cannot be discriminated against for breastfeeding or chestfeeding or expressing milk in the workplace, it reads. Labor has promised a $10 billion fund to cut housing costs for workers in a response to the federal budget that seeks to galvanise voter concerns about soaring house prices and rising rents. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also pledged more incentives for employers to hire 10,000 apprentices in fields like renewable energy, accusing the federal government of doing too little to help younger Australians. He also challenged Prime Minister Scott Morrison to do more to protect women from sexual harassment, saying a Labor government would pass laws to place a positive duty on employers to eliminate sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Mr Albanese put the new policies at the heart of a budget reply speech that slammed this weeks federal budget for failing Australians and shifting blame to the states on the response to the pandemic. Education Minister Grace Grace is under fire for accusing the LNP of making up stories and political point-scoring after the opposition highlighted stories of Queenslanders suffering with the public health system. During question time on Wednesday, the opposition raised several examples, using patients first names, of people waiting hours for ambulances or in emergency departments, as well as lengthy waits for appointments. Education Minister Grace Grace accused the LNP of making up stories. But Ms Grace fired back, accusing the LNP of using the issue as a political tool in Parliament, instead of working directly with constituents. It is a disgrace that they come in here in a world health pandemic making up stories or exaggerating those stories for their cheap political point-scoring, she said. Opposition health spokeswoman Libby Mettam has joined Australian Medical Association WA boss Andrew Miller in calling for Health Minister Roger Cook to stand down in the wake of a damning report revealed multiple failings at Perth Childrens Hospital the night Aishwarya Aswath died. Ms Mettam moved a motion in Parliament on Thursday to condemn Mr Cook for failing to take proper responsibility for the Morley Primary School students death and called on him to resign. The motion was voted down by Labors overwhelming majority. WA health minister Roger Cook addressing media on Wednesday. Credit:Hamish Hastie We have a Health Minister that has refused to take any responsibility for the circumstances or events that led to this utterly devastating situation and one that has continually underplayed the state of the health system, Ms Mettam said. There is no way to spin this; the responsibility for making sure our hospitals are properly resourced with appropriate equipment is on him. Singapore: Just about any way you look at it, Vietnams performance during the pandemic has been remarkable. In a population of nearly 100 million people, there have been fewer than 4000 cases of COVID-19 and 35 deaths. Mask wearing has been key to Vietnams success against the virus until now. Credit:Getty Now, in the midst of a new wave of the virus that has gripped south-east Asia over the past six weeks, Vietnam is looking to stand out from the pack again. One of the only nations in the region to effectively rebuff Chinese vaccine diplomacy with jabs in short supply, it is developing not just one of its own but four. Paris: French President Emmanuel Macrons LREM party is under pressure after dropping its support for a candidate because she appeared on a local election campaign poster wearing a headscarf. LREM chief Stanislas Guerini said earlier this week that engineer Sara Zemmahi, the candidate running on a ticket in Montpellier, a southern French district, no longer had the support of the party as its values were not compatible with the ostentatious wearing of religious symbols. That sparked a debate over the legality of the move and the values of Macrons movement. French engineer Sara Zemmahi wears a head scarf on a campaign poster for local elections in Montpellier, France. Zemmahi is shown in the poster for the June elections along with three other candidates under the banner Different but united for you. On the bottom, the poster notes the candidates stand for the presidential majority. Residents of northern Gaza, near the Israeli frontier, said they had seen no sign of ground troops inside the enclave but reported heavy artillery fire and dozens of air strikes. It was not immediately clear if the Israeli incursion was a limited bid to destroy rocket bases or kill leaders of Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Rockets continue to launce from Gaza Strip into Israel. Credit:AP The sound of explosions echoed across northern and eastern parts of Gaza. Witnesses said many families living in areas near the border had left their homes, some seeking shelter at United Nations-run schools. Brigadier-General Hidai Zilberman, the Israeli militarys chief spokesman, said attacks on militants rocket production and launching sites were disrupting Hamas activities, but still not to the point of stopping the barrages. He said between 80 and 90 militants had been killed in Israeli attacks. Zilberman said Israel was building up forces on the Gaza border, a deployment that raised speculation about an eventual ground invasion, a move that would recall similar incursions during Israel-Gaza wars in 2014 and in 2009. Israeli military affairs correspondents, have said however that a major ground incursion is unlikely, citing high casualties among the risks. Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida responded to the troop buildup with defiance, urging Palestinians to rise up. Loading Mass up as you wish, from the sea, land and sky. We have prepared for your kinds of deaths that would make you curse yourselves, he said. On Wednesday (Thursday AEST), Israel targeted the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas and one of several Palestinian militant factions active in Gaza. The Israeli military said a joint operation of soldiers and intelligence officers across Gaza had simultaneously killed the commanders, who were close to Muhammed Deif, the leader of the Qassam Brigades. An unconfirmed social media post on Thursday (Friday AEST) said the Qassam brigades of Hamas were firing 100 missiles at the Israeli city of Ashkelon. So far some 1750 rockets have been fired at Israel, of which about 350 fell short in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said. More time Scenes of destruction in Gaza during the Israeli offensive. Credit:Twitter/@Farah_Gazan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the campaign will take more time. Israeli officials said Hamas, Gazas most powerful militant group, must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire. Hours before the announcement, Israel had called up 7000 military reservists, and cancelled all leave for combat troop units. The UN Security Council will publicly discuss the worsening violence between Israel and Palestinian militants on Sunday, diplomats said, reaching a compromise over US objections to a meeting on Friday. A 22-year-old man at Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where he is receiving treatment for wounds caused by an Israeli strike that hit his family house in town of Beit Hanoun. J Credit:AP Diplomats said the United States, a close ally of Israel, had initially suggested a virtual public meeting could be held on Tuesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday (Friday AEST) he hoped waiting a few days would allow for diplomacy to have some effect and to see if indeed we get a real de-escalation, adding that Washington was open to and supportive of a discussion, an open discussion, at the United Nations. Loading The 15-member council has met privately twice this week about the worst hostilities in the region in years, but has so far been unable to agree on a public statement, diplomats said. Such statements are agreed to by consensus, and the United States did not believe it would be helpful, they said. All council members also have to agree to a meeting under rules guiding the bodys virtual operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in fighting highlighted the unprecedented position Israel finds itself in - battling Palestinian militants on its southern flank as it seeks to head off its worst civil unrest in decades. French President Emmanuel Macron is concerned by the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians and calls for a definite reset of negotiations between the two sides, the French presidency said on Thursday. It followed another day of clashes between Arab and Jewish mobs on the streets of Israeli cities, with the authorities calling up the army reserves and sending reinforcements of armed border police to the central city of Lod to try to head off what Israeli leaders have warned could become a civil war. An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip. Credit:AP Taken together, the two theatres of turmoil pointed to a step change in the grinding, decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. While violent escalations often follow a predictable trajectory, this latest bout, the worst in seven years, is rapidly evolving into a new kind of war faster, more destructive and capable of spinning in unpredictable new directions. In Gaza, an impoverished coastal strip that was the crucible of a devastating seven-week war in 2014, Palestinian militants fired surprisingly large barrages of enhanced-range rockets some 1800 in three days that reached far into Israel. Israel intensified its campaign of relentless airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza on Thursday, pulverising buildings. Most alarming for Israel, though, was the violent ferment on its own footpaths and streets, where days of rioting by Jewish vigilantes and Arab mobs showed no sign of abating. The unrest in several mixed-ethnicity cities, where angry young men stoned cars, set fire to mosques and synagogues, and attacked one another, signalled a collapse of law and order inside Israel on a scale not seen since the start of the second Palestinian uprising, or intifada, 21 years ago. The violence follows a month of boiling tensions in Jerusalem, where the threatened eviction of Palestinian families from their homes coincided with a spate of Arab attacks against Israeli Jews and a march through the city by right-wing extremists chanting Death to Arabs. The jarring violence this week caused Israeli leaders, led by President Reuven Rivlin, to evoke the spectre of civil war a once unthinkable idea. Firefighters extinguish a fire lit by rioters in Haifa, Israel. Credit:Getty We need to solve our problems without causing a civil war that can be a danger to our existence, Rivlin said. The silent majority is not saying a thing, because it is utterly stunned. You are here: World Flash The suspect in the shooting leaving three people injured in New York City's Times Square has been taken into custody in U.S. southeastern state of Florida, authorities said on Wednesday. The man was identified as Farrakhan Muhammad, according to local media reports. Senior officials of the New York City Police Department said he was trying to shoot his brother but missed, hitting pedestrians in Times Square on Saturday afternoon. Among the injured is a four-year-old girl. Police believed that none of the victims knew each other or knew the shooter. Jersualem: Israel diverted an incoming flight away from Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday and foreign carriers suspended services to the international gateway, amid a volley of rocket attacks from Palestinian militants. El Al Israel Airlines flight 332 was turned away from the airport near Tel Aviv to land at Ramon Airport near Eilat, said aviation tracker Avi Scharf, an editor with Israels Haaretz newspaper said. American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have suspended flights to Israel in light of the escalating violence. The volleys were part of the rockets Hamas launched at Tel Aviv and toward Jerusalem. Israel vowed to keep pummelling the Islamist faction in Gaza despite a prediction by US President Joe Biden that their fiercest hostilities in years might end soon. Mobility company Ola is launching a new EV category on its ride-hailing platform, which will allow riders to specifically book rides in a fully electric vehicle. The category, called Ola EV, is a global first for the SoftBank-backed enterprise and will be available across Over time, Ola which competes with US rival Uber, said this initiative will be rolled out to other cities around the world where Ola is operational. The Ola EV category will cost riders the same as a comfort category on the Ola app. Ola EV has 700 drivers across and this is expected to grow quickly over the coming months. Since launching in the UK, Ola has consistently looked to innovate and help solve the toughest mobility challenges, said Marc Rozendal, managing director of Ola UK. The launch of Ola EV is another great example, offering riders and drivers the opportunity to play their part in the journey to emission-free rides. This is the first step in a series of measures Ola will make over the coming months, detailing its commitment to green transport networks, zero-emission travel and further supporting the Mayor of Londons bold plans to improve air quality across the capital. Ola is incentivizing drivers to use the new Ola EV category. It will offer a market-leading zero per cent commission rate for the first 3 months for all-electric rides. Post the launch, Ola plans on extending offers through key partnerships to provide easy and affordable options for drivers and riders to shift to fully This driver-centric approach will help to significantly increase the number of fully electric Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) in use and will also empower riders with an additional green option for their travel needs. I am especially proud of the initiatives we are putting in place to help drivers make the switch to fully and that we have been able to do this at no extra cost to riders, said Rozendal. I am excited to launch this category as a global first for Ola and while Ola EV will start in London, we cant wait to begin expanding it across the country and cities around the world. Ola has taken a holistic approach to sustainability and electric mobility. The company recently announced the launch of the worlds largest two-wheeler factory in Tamil Nadu, to build its range of electric two-wheelers. Ola is building this Futurefactory at record speed, with its first phase expected to be operational this summer and the full factory ready by next year. The companys electric two-wheelers will be produced in this facility. The facility will be spread across 500 acres of land with 10 production lines and a staggering capacity of 10 million units per year. Ola plans to launch the vehicle in the UK and Europe in the near future. Ola will also provide charging solutions to all its electric two-wheeler customers with the recently unveiled Ola Hypercharger Network, the charging network for its upcoming two-wheeler products starting with the Ola Scooter to be launched in the coming months. Ola will offer the most comprehensive set of charging options to its electric vehicle customers through a combination of widely deployed high-speed Ola Hyperchargers and the home-charger that will come bundled with the Ola Scooter. Company (TVS), owner of The Norton Co has appointed Robert Hentschel as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vittorio Urciuoli as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the Solihull, UK-based brand, the company said in a statement on Thursday. acquired Norton in April 2020. The announcement forms the next phase of the historic marques transformation, as it builds on its newly re-established foundations and prepares for the revitalisation of the brand for the future, it added. Over the past 12 months, TVS has ensured that transformation of Norton gets delivered with significant improvements to the product and the creation of a world class manufacturing facility in record time. Now, Norton is ready to move to the next phase of its journey, added Venu. TVS has created a plan for Norton to transform into the future. The brand will retain its core values which will be interpreted in a modern way for the customers of today and tomorrow. As part of this we are excited to welcome on board a new management team led by Robert to lead this next phase of the journey, said Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of TVS Motors. Hentschel and Urciuoli will take up their new positions as John Russell steps down from his role as Interim CEO. Hentschel joins Norton from Valmet Automotive Holding GmbH & Co KG, where he has served as Managing Director since 2017. Prior to that he headed Ricardo Deutschland and Hentschel System and was also Director of Lotus Engineering. Urciuolis former key roles within the global automotive industry include leadership roles at URVI LTD, Lotus Cars, Ferrari and Aprilia Racing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Russell for his accomplished leadership, experienced judgement and clear vision that he has displayed during his time as interim CEO of Norton, said Venu. Under Russells tenure, with investment and support from TVS, Norton has returned to a firm footing and made marked improvements to engineering and product quality, which will be seen in the updated V4SS that will be launched soon. In addition, we have established a new, state-of-the-art global design, engineering, manufacturing and sales and marketing head quarter in Solihull, said Venu. Consumer technology giant registered record business in the January-March quarter, backed by an unprecedented surge in its all key product categories. The US major clocked the highest ever shipment in personal computers, regained top spot in the premium market, and grew its business rapidly as consumers in India invested in electronic devices. was a fringe player in all key categories like smartphones, notebooks, and tablets till recently. But with the last quarters record-breaking performance, the brand has established itself in the countrys price-sensitive consumer electronics market. According to the market research firm IDC data, in January-March recorded its biggest quarter for personal computer (PC) shipment in India and captured fifth spot for the first time, matching the long-standing Chinese brand Asus. As the shipment of Macs grew by a staggering 336 per cent year-on-year (YoY), the brand captured 5.4 per cent of the local PC market. During the period, some 167,000 Macs were shipped against 38,000 in the corresponding quarter last year. In the consumer PC segment, Apple stood fourth, after HP, Lenovo, and Dell. While leading players like Dell and Acer registered a decline in shipment over the previous quarter (October-December), Apple grew 45.3 per cent QoQ. Even though the PC market grew by 73 per cent, Apples growth rate was nearly five times of that. Macs are the largest category for Apple after iPhones. In the smartphone space, Apples performance was equally impressive. According to IDC, its 11 and 12 models remained the most sold premium handsets and helped it capture nearly a third of the premium market (above the Rs 37,000 price band). Industry estimates suggest YoY shipment nearly doubled during the quarter and Apple played a central role in the 143 per cent rise in premium smartphone shipment in the country. While the continues to remain an aspirational product in India, a rapid surge in its sales has made Apple the sixth largest player in the smartphone market. In the tablets market, where Apples fortunes have dwindled, iPads have made a mark. According to CyberMedia Research (CMR), in the March quarter iPads grabbed second spot for the first time, replacing tablet major Samsung. As e-learning took the front seat, the shipment of iPads grew 144 per cent and the brand captured 29 per cent of the market. In the December quarter, iPads had recorded 135 per cent growth. The second wave of the pandemic, however, may now hamper the dream run it has been witnessing since the middle of last year as lockdowns across states have severely impacted both demand and supply. According to Jaipal Singh, associate research manager at IDC India, all PC vendors, including Apple, are staring at uncertainty for the next few months, with new lockdowns impacting consumer sales, delaying government projects, and limiting supplies into the country. Further, with the pandemic hitting on-ground sales forces and restrictions on the delivery of non-essential items like smartphones, PCs and tablets, sales in the June quarter are to be affected heavily. Upasana Joshi of IDC said: The impact for Apple is expected to be significant as most of its retail outlets are centred around high street shopping areas in major cities, which are all shut. Over 70 per cent of Apple products are sold through offline channels in India. Its supply chain has begun to feel the pinch as key contract manufacturers like Foxconn are forced to cut down on production. According to estimates, Apple procures some 45 per cent of its iPhones locally while the latest models like the iPhone 12 line-up continues to be imported. We believe Apple will recover and maintain its momentum. Riding on its recent market success through the pandemic year, primarily driven by an increased local assembly in India and strong marketing initiatives, Apple is poised for further growth across product segments, said Prabhu Ram, head (industry intelligence group), CMR. on Thursday announced a host of measures for its employees, including monetary support staff families for up to two years in case of death due to COVID-19, and upgradation of the COVID care centre at in Aurangabad, as the country battles second wave of the pandemic. These measures are in addition to several initiatives already undertaken by the company over the past one year, Ltd said in a release. has also extended the support of its engineers who have worked closely with government authorities to audit the oxygen systems at more than 70 hospitals across districts in Maharashtra to prevent wastage of this precious resource, the company said. Bajaj Group has already committed a total of Rs 300 crore towards various government, local administration and NGO initiatives, including the procurement of 12 oxygen plants and several other respiratory support equipment so far, in the government's fight against the deadly virus. COVID-19 has shown that mental well-being of employees is as important as physical, and they need to be cared for in a wholesome manner, it said. Under the new policy, in the unfortunate event of an employee's death due to COVID, his/her family will receive monetary support up to a period of two years after their demise. Besides, the company will also assist in dependent children's education till graduation in any field of their choice. In addition to this, there will be a 5-year hospitalisation insurance for all family members of the deceased employee, Bajaj Auto said. ...We shall do our utmost for any extended families of Bajaj Auto who might be devastated by the loss of their loved ones who went beyond the call of duty in the face of this pandemic, said Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto said on the additional measures. Apart from financial contributions, Bajaj Auto had already started facilities for tests and treatment at its multiple COVID care facilities, all equipped with professional medical care and 24X7 monitoring, the company said. As part of the initiatives in Waluj, Aurangabad, the oxygen production project at the Primary Health Centre set up on behalf of Janakidevi Bajaj Foundation was also inaugurated recently, said the company. During the first wave, the company had started a 32-bed facility at its Akurdi plant that operates from eight buildings and provides free treatment by trained medical personnel. This was in addition to its other COVID centres in Waluj (200 beds), Chakan (16-bed)and Pantnagar (15-bed). While a certain proportion of beds are reserved for the company's employees and its staff, the remaining serve the requirements of the respective communities. It has also tied up with various municipal corporations to set up vaccination camps to inoculate its employees and their families, the company said. The company has tied up with Akurdi Hospital and the Pune Municipal Corporation to set up vaccination camps to inoculate its employees, their families, and the extended workforce. It is also talking to vaccine providers in accordance with the rules framed by the government for procurement of vaccines. The Waluj centre has been set up under the aegis of Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital. This COVID care centre began as a 36-bed facility in June 2020 and has since been expanded to a 200-bed facility, Bajaj Auto said. It was started for Bajaj Auto's workers and their families but now serves not just its employees but also the community around the plant with than 1,140 patients having recovered at this facility. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IT firm Technologies on Thursday reported consolidated net profit at Rs 36.05 crore in the March 2021 quarter, a rise of 580.2 per cent from the same period last year. Its revenue was at Rs 220.71 crore in the quarter under review, up 18.4 per cent from Rs 186.35 crore in the year-ago period. The firm said it sees a strong year of growth ahead, focusing on delivering the 20 per cent organic growth it indicated at the time of its initial public offering last year. It is also bullish on the opportunities in the educational technology (EduTech), retail and hi-tech verticals. The firm also announced double-digit raises on average this quarter, which will begin rolling out in the next quarter. On a quarter-on-quarter basis the net profit fell 14.5 per cent, from Rs 42.15 crore in the December 2020 quarter. Venkatraman Narayanan, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer attributed the fall to Q3 having "abnormally high" EduTech is Happiest Minds' largest vertical. Last year saw opportunity in the area as remote learning became a necessity for educational institutions globally, and this year, the opportunity is in helping clients build hybrid learning models. "As more students get into online learning degrees, it is resulting in online program managers. The universities are increasingly partnering with them to reach out to a higher number of students," said Joseph Anantharaju, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Product Engineering Services (PES), Technologies. With schools in the K12 segment, clients are looking at online and supporting hybrid learning. Also with colleges likely opening up in markets like the US, another area is working with clients on is how to use IoT (Internet of things) based techniques to track vaccination and social distancing. Retail is pushing towards e-commerce and greater personalisation, while customers in the hi tech space are looking at open sourcing so they can reduce their license cost, Anantharaju added. The company had 173 clients as of March 31, 2021 with addition of 23 new customers during the quarter. Its headcount was at 3,228 people, with trailing 12 months attrition at 12.4 per cent. Narayanan told Business Standard that the firm added nine new billion dollar clients during the quarter. Among geographies, he said Middle East and Australia grew well. "Attrition is lower and utilisation is higher, and the demand situation is very good. We also had to get into the next phase of addressing people's aspirations in terms of compensation increase so that's something that has happened in this quarter. So we can factor that cost from starting this quarter, even though payments are due from next quarter," he said. He added that on average, Happiest Minds rolled out hikes in double digit percentages across the company. topped the 4G speed chart with data download rate of 20.1 megabit per second, while was ahead of others in upload speed at 6.7 Mbps in April, according to the latest data from telecom regulator Jio has almost three times higher download speed compared to its closest competitor Though and Idea Cellular have merged their mobile business as Vodafone Idea Ltd, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) still releases separate network speed data of both the entities. Vodafone recorded download speed of 7 Mbps in April, according to Trai's data updated on May 11. It was followed by Idea and Bharti Airtel with download speeds of 5.8 Mbps and 5 Mbps, respectively. Vodafone topped the chart in the upload segment, with network speed of 6.7 Mbps. It was followed by Idea with upload speed of 6.1 Mbps, Jio 4.2 Mbps and Airtel 3.9 Mbps. The download speed helps consumers in accessing content from the internet, while upload speed helps them in sending or sharing pictures and video to their contacts. The average speed is computed by based on the data it collects across India with the help of its MySpeed application on a real-time basis. Delhi's oxygen requirement has dipped from 700 MT a day to 582 MT and the government has written to the Centre that its surplus oxygen be given to other states, Deputy Chief Minister said on Thursday. He also said the city's positivity rate is down to 14 per cent with 10,400 cases recorded in a 24-hour period. "The number of new cases has come down to around 10,400 from a high of around 28,000. The positivity rate has dipped from 35 per cent to 14 per cent. More beds are available in the COVID hospitals now and the demand for oxygen has also dipped," Sisodia said at a virtual press conference. needed 700 metric tonnes of oxygen per day when the cases peaked. In view of the reduced bed occupancy and dip in the number of daily cases, the government has re-calculated the demand, which is 582 MT now, he added. The Centre had recently increased Delhi's quota of oxygen to 590 MT per day. "The government has written to the Centre, urging it to give the surplus oxygen to other states. We are a responsible government," Sisodia, who is also the nodal minister for COVID-19 management in the capital, said. He thanked the Centre and the High Court for coming to the aid of Delhiites when they were in distress due to a surge in the number of cases. The number of oxygen-related SOS calls from hospitals has also reduced sharply, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said, adding that only one or two such cases were reported in the last 24 to 48 hours. The national capital reported 13,287 COVID-19 cases and 300 more fatalities due to the viral disease on Wednesday with a positivity rate of 17 per cent. It reported 12,481 cases on Tuesday, 12,651 on Monday, 13,336 on Sunday, 17,364 on Saturday, 19,832 last Friday, 19,133 last Thursday, 20,960 last Wednesday and 19,953 last Tuesday. The positivity rate was 17.8 per cent on Tuesday, 19.10 per cent on Monday, 21.67 per cent on Sunday and 23.34 per cent on Saturday. On April 22, a positivity rate of 36.2 per cent, the highest so far, was recorded. (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.) Flash China has offered to provide Zambia Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines towards the southern African nation's vaccination program, a senior government official said on Wednesday. Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said the Chinese vaccine which was recently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use was safe and efficacious. He said in a release that there has been an increased number of people getting the vaccine since the launch of the program last month with 90,916 people vaccinated so far. "This is clear evidence that Zambians have accepted the COVID-19 vaccination program and discarded the various myths, misinformation and conspiracy theories," he said. Zambia is currently implementing the first phase of the vaccination program which falls under the COVAX Facility and was mainly targeted at health workers and other people most at risk. The program is being conducted in a phased manner on a voluntary basis. Meanwhile, the country's cumulative COVID-19 cases have reached 92,211 following 59 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Fifty-seven US Congressmen have written to President Joe Biden, urging him to bolster America's COVID-19 assistance to India. The sharp increase in cases has overwhelmed India's healthcare system. We must do our part to quell the virus everywhere it persists, the lawmakers said in a letter to Biden on Wednesday. We are extremely concerned with regards to India's deadly COVID-19 second wave. India is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today marked India's deadliest day, with 4,205 deaths reported, carrying the total number of confirmed deaths to more than 250,000, said the letter initiated by Congressman Brad Sherman, the Democratic Chair of the Congressional India Caucus. India's latest surge of COVID-19 infections is a humanitarian crisis that requires our assistance. As long as COVID persists in India, there is the potential for additional variants that could pose a serious threat to a vaccinated America, Sherman said. In the letter, the Congressmen relayed to the administration that India remains in need of additional medical equipment, supplies and other vital resources to emerge from this crisis. They requested the administration to provide oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oxygen generator plants, cryogenic oxygen tanker/container, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab and ventilators/BiPAP to India. It is also in the US interest that everyone in India be vaccinated, the Congressmen wrote. "To the extent it is possible, we hope that you will work to provide India with vaccines," they said. With this in mind, we welcome recently announced plans to make available sources of raw materials to help India manufacture more vaccines. Further, we ask that you share with India surplus doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as possible," the Congressmen wrote. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced the extension of the lockdown in the state till May 25. Kumar made the announcement after chairing a high- level meeting, convened to take a decision on the lockdown, which was in place from May 5 to 15. "Reviewed the lockdown in Bihar with colleagues in the council of ministers and officials. The positive outcome of the lockdown is evident. Hence, a decision has been taken to extend the lockdown by another 10 days, from May 16 to 25," the chief minister tweeted in Hindi. The state has been rattled by explosive growth in its COVID-19 incidence since the beginning of April. During the period, its total caseload has risen by nearly three times and exceeded six lakh. The death toll, which on Wednesday crossed 3,500, has also seen a more than three-fold jump during the period. Those succumbing to COVID-19 include many sitting and former legislators, top bureaucrats and doctors. Nonetheless, the situation has looked up in the past few days, causing the recovery rate -- which had dipped to as low as 77 per cent at the beginning of this month -- to reach 83.43 per cent on Wednesday. On Wednesday, the state registered 9,863 fresh cases, after having witnessed daily jumps in its tally by a five- digit figure for more than a fortnight. (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.) India's apex drug regulator has granted permission for conducting the phase II/III clinical trial of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine in the age group of 2 to 18 years, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. The trial will be conducted on 525 healthy volunteers. "The National Regulator of the country, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), after careful examination, has accepted the recommendation of Subject Expert Committee (SEC) and accorded permission to conduct the Phase II/III clinical trial of Covaxin (COVID vaccine) in the age group 2 to 18 years, to its manufacturer Ltd on May 12," the ministry said. Hyderabad based had proposed to carry out the clinical trial in the age group of 2 to 18 years. In the trial, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. As rapid regulatory response, the proposal was deliberated in Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 meeting held on May 11. The Committee, after detailed deliberation, recommended for grant of permission to conduct proposed phase II/III clinical trial to certain conditions. Earlier the proposal was deliberated in the SEC meeting on February 24 and the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol. Covaxin, which has been indigenously developed by in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is being used on adults in India's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive. (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.) Amid the reports of vaccine shortage from various states, the Central government and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech are willing to invite other companies which want to produce Covaxin in a bid to scale up the vaccine production, said NITI Aayog member, Dr VK Paul, on Thursday. However, Dr Paul also stressed that COVAXIN can only be produced in the Biosafety level 3 (BSL3) labs. "People say that Covaxin should be given to other companies for manufacturing. I am happy to say that Covaxin manufacturing company (Bharat Biotech) has welcomed this when we discussed it with them. Under this vaccine, a live virus is inactivated and this is done only in BSL3 labs. Not every company has this. We give an open invitation to companies who want to do this. Companies that want to manufacture Covaxin, should do it together. The Centre will assist so that capacity is increased," Dr Paul said. Talking about the vaccination coverage in his presentation NITI Aayog member emphasised that one-third of the population aged 45 years and above are now covered. "We are happy to report that one-third of 45 and above are protected. The age group of 45 and above contribute to 88 per cent of deaths. So you can imagine, how many dents it would have made to reduce the risk of death of this population," he added. Highlighting the latest feat achieved by the country, Dr Paul disclosed that nearly 18 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in India, whereas, in the US, the number stands around 26 crores which state that India stands in the third position in the overall vaccination tally in the world. The Centre's decision to invite other players to produce COVAXIN comes at a time when several state governments and opposition parties have been demanding to increase the production of vaccines by sharing formulas with other capable companies for manufacturing. As many as 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases, 3,52,181 discharges and 4,120 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Thursday. The total positive cases in the country so far stand at 2,37,03,665. This includes 1,97,34,823 recoveries and 2,58,317 reported deaths. There are currently 37,10,525 active cases in the country. A total of 17,72,14,256 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered so far. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi Court Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Navneet Kalra in connection with allegedly black marketing concentrators, saying that allegations against him are serious and his custodial interrogation is required to unearth the entire conspiracy. Fearing arrest, Kalra had moved the court earlier this week to seek bail in the case, claiming that no offence was made out against him and that he is willing to join the investigation. Additional Session Judge Sandeep Garg dismissed his application and stated, Custodial interrogation of accused is required to be carried out to unearth the entire conspiracy hatched between him and a number of co-accused persons. During a recent raid, 524 concentrators, were recovered from three restaurants owned by Kalra -- Khan Chacha, Nega Ju and Town Hall and he is suspected to have left Delhi along with his family. The concentrators are crucial medical equipment used for COVID-19 patients. The accused has not joined the investigation till date. Mobile phone of accused which reportedly contains incriminating WhatsApp chats with customers, details of calls made to co-accused persons and his accounts are required to be seized, the court stated. The judge said that the possibility of the accused tampering with the evidence or intimidating the prosecution witnesses cannot be ruled out. Therefore, no case for grant of anticipatory bail is made out, the Additional Session Judge Sandeep Garg added. On Wednesday, Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava had apprised the court about a lab report which showed that the seized concentrators are not working, have poor quality and their working capacity is only 20.8 per cent. In the bail order, the court said, The allegations levelled against the accused are serious... There is prima facie incriminating evidence i.e. concentrators were not manufactured with German collaboration and were manufactured in China. They were not having adequate output to meet requirements of even one person. Kalra collected advance payments from needy persons for supply of concentrators and he kept on postponing the delivery, the court said, adding that he kept on increasing the price of the same and eventually, neither supplied the product nor refunded their advance amounts. On May 5, a case was registered against Kalra under Section 420 (cheating), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR, also registered under Essential Commodities Act and Epidemic Diseases Act, for black marketing of oxygen cylinders prescribes maximum punishment for seven years. Four employees of Matrix Cellular company, including its CEO and vice president, and one employee of Town Hall restaurant were also arrested in the case, but all of them have been enlarged on bail. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In Delhis Greater Kailash, as her twin sisters condition worsened on several fronts, in Alka Sahnis mind, panic began to set in. What if her sister passed away without treatment ? Worse, what if she suffered ? What if there was something happening due to the virus in her body that was not visible on the outside ? After she worked herself up, Sahni put her sister in their car and started driving to the closest hospital to admit her before she took a turn for the worse. In Bengaluru, Professor Neelkanth Vaidya drove around the city for almost three hours before ... Is India beginning to see a COVID-19 vaccine effect? In three southern states and two major cities for which data are available, the share of the elderly in total deaths has begun to decline after vaccinations began for this demographic, an IndiaSpend analysis of data and interviews with experts show. The decline in share is not necessarily because cases and deaths among younger people have increased. India began vaccinating healthcare and frontline workers on January 16, 2021; people over the age of 60 (and those over 45 years, with comorbidities) from March 1; people between the ages of 45 and 59 from April 1; and people between the ages of 18 and 44 from May 1. As of 3.30 p.m. on May 12, India has injected 137.3 million people with one dose of either Covishield or Covaxin, and a further 37.8 million people with both doses. Among those aged 60 and above, nearly 39% have received at least one dose of a vaccine and just under 12% have received both doses by May 11. Vaccination coverage varies substantially by region. Kerala has vaccinated over 54% of its population over the age of 60 with at least one dose, Karnataka 48% and Maharashtra 40%, while Tamil Nadu has the lowest at only 17%. Both Covishield and Covaxin report a lowered likelihood of contracting mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 and of dying from COVID-19, two weeks after the first dose, and an even lower risk after receiving the second dose. Covid deaths among elderly in Mumbai and Pune have fallen In other parts of the world, a COVID-19 vaccine effect is now apparent: In the UK, for instance, death rates among the elderly began to decline earlier and faster than for younger people after the COVID-19 vaccination programme began. There are some early indications that we might be beginning to see the same in India. The most direct demonstration of a vaccine effect would be if the absolute number of cases and deaths among that cohort of people for whom vaccines have been made available were to begin to fall. In India, however, the vaccination drive coincided with India's second wave. As a result, epidemiologists would expect to see cases and deaths grow more slowly in those over the age of 60 and, as a result, the relative share of the elderly in cases and deaths to begin to fall. Since March of this year, the share of people aged 60 and above in Mumbai's total COVID-19 deaths has steadily declined. By May 2021, the share of people aged 60 and above in total COVID-19 deaths has fallen to its lowest share since July 2020. It isn't just deaths--the share of the elderly in new detected COVID-19 cases has fallen to its lowest point since May 2020 as well. A similar pattern is visible in Pune. Since the middle of April, the share of people aged 60 and above in weekly reported COVID-19 deaths has fallen to its lowest point since July and could fall below 50% of deaths within two weeks if this trend continues. Fewer Covid-19 deaths among elderly in three southern states since March Three southern states--Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka--show the same trend: The share of the elderly in total deaths has consistently fallen since late March. While the data for Tamil Nadu and Kerala are complete, the data for Karnataka are incomplete, but show the same trend. Decline among elderly not due to disproportionate rise among younger people Could this decreased share of cases among the elderly be a result of the virus or a variant disproportionately affecting younger people in the second wave, rather than a vaccine effect? While the central government does not systematically make public the age-wise break-up of people testing positive and dying of COVID-19, the government has said that fatality rates among younger people have not risen in the second wave. There was no difference in mortality, in the first and second wave, in those aged 40 and under, V.K. Paul, chair of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 and member (health) of the Niti Aayog, said on April 21, 2020. In fact, the share of those over the age of 70 in total deaths had actually risen in 2021 over 2020, the data he presented showed. "There is no extra risk of younger people becoming COVID positive," he said. This was reiterated by Balram Bhargava, director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on May 11. ICMR's analysis of hospitalised COVID-19 patients since August 2020 shows not much difference between the first and second waves, he said. People above the age of 40 are more vulnerable for adverse outcomes, and mortality among the hospitalised is between 9.6% and 9.7%, Bhargava said. Younger people are getting more affected because they have suddenly gone out and there are variants that may be affecting the younger people as well, he said. State and city-level administrators largely agree. In Mumbai, for instance, while the share of those under the age of 60 in total deaths has grown, their share in total cases has grown too. Simultaneously, the likelihood of death from COVID-19 has declined for all age groups, data show and officials agree, but more sharply for those aged 60 years and above, than for others. "We believe that deaths among the elderly are coming down as a result of our Mission Save Lives, which includes making sure that treatment protocols are standardised, severe cases are quickly hospitalised, consistent medical attention from doctors, and even measures to boost mental health, like arranging for video calls with the family," Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner (health), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, told IndiaSpend. Vaccines could be expected to have an impact on mortality rates among seniors, but it is early days, and clear data are not yet available, Kakani said. He said he does not believe that younger people have had worse outcomes in the second wave. "Mortality rates are coming down for all groups, including the elderly and the young," he said. In Tamil Nadu as well, the share of the elderly in total cases has declined alongside their share in total fatalities in the second wave, even while those in younger age groups saw a surge in infections in the second wave. Officials in Tamil Nadu suggested that while there could be signs of a COVID-19 vaccine effect, the data are not conclusive yet. "We are seeing a decline in mortality among the elderly, but we have not yet done a study to assess whether this is a result of the vaccination drive," Vinay Kumar, joint director (immunisation), in Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Public Health, told IndiaSpend. Epidemiologists suggested that a COVID-19 vaccine effect should be anticipated. "Both the vaccines being deployed by India have been proven to reduce the likelihood of developing infections, as well as of severe disease and death," Giridhar Babu, epidemiologist with the Public Health Foundation of India, and a member of Karnataka's COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee, told IndiaSpend. "We should expect to see this impact on death rates among the elderly. I do not think this is an effect of the new wave disproportionately affecting younger people--if that were happening, we would see rising case fatality rates among younger people, which is not the case." "We are seeing a fall in the share of health workers and the elderly in total deaths, and given that this is happening when the number of persons infected is soaring, this does appear to be a vaccine effect," Rajeev Sadanandan, Kerala's former health secretary and currently CEO of the non-profit Health Systems Transformation Platform, New Delhi, told IndiaSpend. "What this also means is that we have forfeited an opportunity to make a dent on the pandemic using the only effective pharmacological tool we have," Sadanandan said. There has been a sharp slowdown in the pace of vaccinations, with multiple states reporting vaccine shortages, IndiaSpend reported in April 2021. India on Thursday reported a net increase of 6,426 in active cases to take its count to 3,710,525. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 20.74 per cent (one in 5). The country is second among the most affected countries by active cases. On Thursday, it added 362,727 cases to take its total caseload to 23,703,665. And, with 4,120 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 258,317, or 1.09 per cent of total confirmed infections. 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 The on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a Mumbai-based TV journalist in a lodged against him by a 22-year-old woman. Justice Mukta Gupta granted the relief to journalist Varun Hiremath and disposed of his plea for anticipatory bail. The journalist had approached the high court after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by a trial court here on March 12. The complainant has alleged that she was raped by Hiremath (28) at a five-star hotel in Chanakyapuri on February 20. The counsel for the accused had claimed before the trial court that there was a history of sexual relationship between the complainant and the journalist. The trial court, while rejecting the journalist's anticipatory bail plea, had said consent cannot be implied from the complainant's previous experiences with the accused and if the woman stated in her evidence before the court that she did not consent, the court shall presume that she did not. The accused's counsel had also highlighted WhatsApp and Instagram chats between the complainant and the accused before the trial court "in order to show the love and passion between them". On the basis of the woman's complaint, an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376 (punishment for rape), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) was registered at the Chanakyapuri police station here. (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.) Vitalik Buterin, the Russia-based co-founder of the world's second largest Ethereum, has donated 500 coins and over 50 trillion SHIB meme coin worth around $1.14 billion to the India Covid-Crypto Relief Fund, as the country grapples with the lethal second wave of the pandemic. Sandeep Nailwal, the man behind India Covid-Crypto Relief Fund, said in a tweet late on Wednesday that they will not "do anything which hurts any community specially the retail community involved with $SHIB". "Plz don't worry $SHIB holders," he said as the meme coin transaction created panic among some investors. The SHIB meme coin fell more than 35 per cent after the donation. The meme coin has garnered billions of dollars worth of investment in recent days, reports TechCrunch. "A number of entrepreneurs including Balaji Srinivasan have donated to the India Crypto Relief Fund, which maintains a log of all the donations," the report mentioned. Buterin is a Russian-Canadian programmer and writer who is best known as one of the co-founders of Ethereum. One Ethereum is currently priced for Rs 2.88 lakh. Buterin became involved with early in its inception, co-founding Bitcoin Magazine in 2011. In 2013, he visited developers in other countries who shared his enthusiasm for code. He returned to Toronto later and published a white paper proposing Ethereum. He dropped out of university in 2014 when he was awarded with a grant of $100,000 from the Thiel Fellowship, a scholarship created by venture capitalist Peter Thiel and went to work on Ethereum full-time. In 2014, Buterin launched Ethereum. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) on Thursday said it will roll out a new campaign in India in the coming weeks to "educate and inform people" about how to detect misinformation related to COVID-19, and encourage users to check the information they receive against an authentic source. The social networking giant has removed over 12 million pieces of "harmful" misinformation on COVID-19 globally from Instagram and its own platform during the pandemic, including falsehoods about approved vaccines. It also put warning labels on over 167 million posts that were marked as false by third-party fact checkers. The social media giant, which counts India among its biggest markets, said it is working on connecting people to accurate sources, and tackle misinformation, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic. To support its efforts to provide tools to make qualified decisions about information users see online, will be rolling out a new campaign in India over the coming weeks, the US-based social networking platform said in a statement. The campaign is aimed at educating and informing people about how to detect misinformation related to COVID-19 and encouraging them to check the information they receive against an authentic source such as the MyGov platform. "We have developed six easy tips to fight COVID-19 misinformation. These tips will show up on through a series of creative adverts, and link out to a dedicated microsite, "www.fightcovidmisinfo.com/india/," it added. Via the campaign, people will be encouraged to get the whole story and not just the headline, look for trusted sources, and share facts and not rumours. The campaign and the website will be rolled out in English and 9 Indian languages -- Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati and Bengali. As per data provided by the Indian government earlier this year, India has 53 crore WhatsApp users, 41 crore Facebook users and 21 crore users of Instagram. Last month, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms had removed about 100 posts and URLs after the government asked them to take down content spreading fake news around the pandemic. In its statement on Thursday, Facebook said it has made significant investments to remove accounts and content that violate its Community Standards or Ad Policies as part of its global fight against spread of misinformation. It is also working on reducing the distribution of misinformation and false news, and informing people by giving them more context on the posts they see, so that "people can decide what to read, trust, and share". During the pandemic, more than 12 million pieces of harmful misinformation on COVID-19 were removed globally from Facebook and Instagram. "Facebook has put warning labels on over 167 million posts marked as false by third-party fact checkers. When people see warning labels, about 95 per cent of the time they do not go on to view the original content," the US-based company said. Facebook said it has also initiated a campaign in association with leading doctors in India in a bid to provide accurate and reliable information and resources on COVID-19. The campaign includes a series of 12 videos where doctors address the most commonly asked questions on COVID-19. The video series - #DoctorKiSuno - will premiere on https://www.facebook.com/FacebookIndia and will cover key topics like COVID-19 in children, diabetes and COVID-19, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 among others. "Through this COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we'll continue working with partners and the community to ensure we're effectively tackling misinformation. "We will give them the resources they need to help spot and challenge the content they are seeing online, and to share accurate information with their friends and family over social media," Facebook 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.) Indias death toll crossed 250,000 on Wednesday in the deadliest 24 hours since the pandemic began, as the disease rampaged through the countryside, leaving families to weep over the dead in rural hospitals or camp in wards to tend the sick. The second wave erupted in February, inundating hospitals and medical staff, as well as crematoriums and mortuaries. Experts still cannot say for sure when numbers will peak and concern is growing about the transmissibility of the variant that is driving infections in India and spreading worldwide. Indian state leaders clamoured for vaccines to stop the second wave and the devastation it has wrought, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop exporting doses, ramp up production and help them procure urgent supplies from overseas. ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India records 362,727 new cases; global tally at 161 mn "People will die in the same way in the third and fourth waves as they have this time" without more vaccines, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters. Deaths grew by a record 4,205 while infections rose by 348,421 in the 24 hours to Wednesday, taking the tally past 23 million, health ministry data showed. Experts believe the actual numbers could be five to 10 times higher. Funeral pyres have blazed in city parking lots, and bodies have washed up on the banks of the holy river Ganges, immersed by relatives whose villages were stripped bare of the wood needed for cremations. Lacking beds, drugs and oxygen, many hospitals in the world's second-most populous country have been forced to turn away droves of sufferers. "We seem to be plateauing around 400,000 cases a day," the Indian Express newspaper quoted virologist Shahid Jameel as saying. "It is still too early to say whether we have reached the peak." Global Spread The country accounts for half of Covid-19 cases and 30% of deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization said. It has designated the B.1.617 variant found there of global concern but said its full impact is not yet clear. The variant has been detected in six countries in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organisation said, adding that it was worried it was highly transmissible. Britain, which has also detected the variant, said it is looking at all possible solutions to tackle local surges in cases, while the European Union urged all of its 27 member countries to halt non-essential travel from India to limit its spread. Daily infections are shooting up in the Indian countryside in comparison to big towns, where they have slowed after last month's surge, experts say. ALSO READ: Firms help employees in Covid with 4-day workweek, 'infinite leave' More than half the cases this week in the western state of Maharashtra were in rural areas, up from a third a month ago. That share is nearly two-thirds in the most populous, and mainly rural, state of Uttar Pradesh, government data showed. A pregnant woman was taking care of her husband who had breathing difficulties in a hospital in Bhagalpur in the eastern state of Bihar, which is seeing a case surge its health system could barely have handled at the best of times. "There is no doctor here, she sleeps the whole night here, taking care of her husband," the woman's brother told India Today television. In a corridor outside, two sons were wailing over the body of their father, saying repeatedly that he could have been saved if only he had been given a bed in an intensive care unit. At the general hospital in Bijnor, a town in northern Uttar Pradesh, a woman lay in a cot next to a garbage can and medical waste. "How can someone get treated if the situation is like this?" asked her son, Sudesh Tyagi. "It is a hell out here." Four months into the Covid-19 drive, the Union government has extended the gap between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks from six to eight weeks. The move is based on additional data, particularly real life experience of the UK showing increased advantage with higher interval between shots, the health ministry said on Thursday. The gap between Covishield doses, developed by AstraZeneca-Oxford University combine and manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India, was tweaked once before as well from 30 days to six to eight weeks. The increased gap comes at a time when several states are grappling with shortage of vaccine, halting the universal adult inoculation drive for the time being. But, V K Paul, member-health, Niti Aayog, said at the press briefing that India was expecting the total supply of doses to exceed 2 billion during August to December through eight different candidates. Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has conveyed the change in the dosage interval to all states and asked them to ensure that it was followed by beneficiaries and Asking state health secretaries to communicate the new interval to all programme managers Bhushan said, "Requisite changes would be made to CoWIN platform and would be separately communicated to the states." ALSO READ: Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to be available in India from next week: Govt The government has so far procured 356 million doses--Covishield 276 million and Covaxin 80 million. In addition, 160 million more doses have been procured by states and private hospitals taking the total supply to 516 million. Till now, some 177 million doses of have been administered in the country. On the extended dose interval recommended by the Covid Working Group, Paul said, This decision is part of a periodical review. It is a dynamic situation from a scientific point of view. It is a science-based decision. We got the confidence to make this decision on the basis of real life experience. Please have faith in our scientific processes. Besides the UK, some other countries including Canada have an extended gap between the two dozes of the AstraZeneca jab. The decision has been taken after consultation with experts including the World Health Organisation and Oxford University. The national technical advisory group on immunization in its meeting also made a similar recommendation on the being manufactured by Serum Institute. No change has been recommended in the interval of Bharat Biotech-made Covaxin doses. Breakthrough infections (infections after vaccination) were increasing and protection was the only purpose of the vaccine which is when the dose interval was increased to six to eight weeks, Paul said referring to an earlier extension in the time period between two doses of the Covishield vaccine. India has so far given the first dose to one-third of its 45 plus population. Several states including Ladakh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh have performed better than the national average while many are below this benchmark. Also, half of those eligible for the second dose have received the jab, according to government data. West Bengal, Sikkim, Tripura, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,Chhattisgarh and Odisha are among states which have given the second dose to 70 per cent of the eligible population. While the government estimates that the supply of vaccines will cross 2 billion by end of the year through eight different vaccines, it is hopeful that foreign brands such as Pfizer and Moderna would also be available in India. Adult population is around 950 million and with these doses everyone will be able to get the vaccine. There should be no doubt, Paul said. He said the government had been in constant touch with the global vaccine makers. Pointing out that the companies are assessing the availability in the third quarter of 2021, Paul said, We invite them to manufacture here and have technology transfer. We will support them in every possible way. : Granules India, a city-based vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, has announced that it pledged to provide the government 16 crore Paracetamol-500 mg tablets free of cost to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a press release issued by the drug maker on Wednesday, the company will provide one crore tablets every week, starting from May 12, aggregating to 16 crore tablets worth Rs eight crore over next four months. Uma Devi Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India, said, "We believe that this contribution will complement the Government of Telanganas efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of " As a company, Granules is always in the forefront of taking up corporate social responsibilities and contributing to society, she 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.) Congressman Ami Bera, the longest-serving Indian-American in the Congress, met Vice President at the White House here to discuss the COVID-19 crisis in India. "I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly with Vice President Harris about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India," Bera said a day after he joined a May 11 Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) meeting with Harris at the White House. "During the meeting, I thanked the Biden administration for sending urgently needed resources to the Indian people, including funding, technical expertise, and vaccine doses," he said. Bera said he also commended Vice President Harris for her leadership in helping mobilise the Indian-American diaspora to deliver assistance to family and friends in India. "I also shared my hope that the US will continue to be an active global leader in helping stop the pandemic in India and across the world. American leadership will be critical to saving lives and ending this pandemic once and for all," 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.) Mixing the doses of different types of two-dose vaccines has been found to be safe but increased the frequency of mild to moderate symptoms, a new UK study has found. The COM-COV study, led by the University of Oxford, has been investigating the immune responses of volunteers given a dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine followed by the Pfizer/BioNTech jab, and vice versa, since February. In its report for the medical journal Lancet on Wednesday, the research team said adverse reactions from this mix and match approach were short-lived and there were no other safety concerns. The findings at this stage are limited to reactogenicity findings, or how people feel after the vaccine, and not the immunogenicity findings, that is how well the mixed dosing worked at inducing an immune response, work on which remains ongoing. The results from this study suggest mixed dose schedules could result in an increase in work absences the day after immunisation, and this is important to consider when planning immunisation of health care workers, said Matthew Snape, associate professor in paediatrics and vaccinology at the University of Oxford. "Importantly, there are no safety concerns or signals, and this does not tell us if the immune response will be affected. We hope to report these data in the coming months, he said. The mild side effects included symptoms like chills, fatigue, headaches and feeling feverish, and were short-lived. The research suggests that as the study data was recorded in participants aged 50 and above, there is a possibility such reactions may be more prevalent in younger age groups. One in 10 of over 800 volunteers given two AstraZeneca jabs four weeks apart reported feverishness but if they received one AstraZeneca jab and one Pfizer, in any order, the proportion rose to about 34 per cent. Last month, the study was expanded to add another 1,050 volunteers to test combinations of the Moderna and Novavax Covid vaccines, alongside the Pfizer and AstraZeneca, which is being produced in India as Covishield. China backs talks on intellectual property waiver for Covid jabs Chinas Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said on Thursday that Beijing supports a proposal by the World Trade Organization for an intellectual property protection waiver on Covid-19 vaccines to enter the consultation stage. British and European Union officials have been sceptical about the usefulness of a US proposal to waive patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines, while saying they are prepared to discuss it. Drugmakers and some other governments opposed the idea, saying it would not solve global inoculation shortages. China supports the WTOs proposal on IP exemptions for anti-epidemic materials such as the Covid vaccine to enter the text consultation stage," Gao said at a regular news conference in Beijing. China will work with all parties to actively participate in consultations and jointly promote a balanced and effective solution, he said. Reuters Top scientists question need for booster jabs In interviews with Reuters, more than a dozen infectious disease and vaccine experts said there is growing evidence that a first round of vaccinations may offer enduring protection against Covid and most of its variants discovered. Some expressed concern that expectations around boosters are being set by pharmaceutical executives rather than health specialists. Reuters (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bajaj Auto, Indias largest exporter of three-wheelers and motorcycles, has introduced a new HR policy aimed at offering the additional support to the pandemic ravaged families of its employees. In the unfortunate event of an employees death due to Covid, his / her family, the company will offer monetary support up to a period of two years after their demise. It will also assist in dependent childrens education till graduation in any field of their choice. In addition to this, the Pune-based company will also offer five-year hospitalization insurance for all family members of the deceased employee. The latest policy announcement is in addition to several initiatives already undertaken by the company over the past one year. Covid has shown that mental well-being of employees is as important as physical, and they need to be cared for in a wholesome manner, the company said in a statement. When asked how we should treat others, Ramana Maharshi replied, 'There are no others'. It is with this sense of oneness that we shall do our utmost for any extended families of who might be devastated by the loss of their loved ones who went beyond the call of duty in the face of this pandemic, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, said commenting on the various initiatives taken by the company. joins companies like HCL Technologies that have launched similar initiatives to help out the families of the deceased employee. Apart from financial contributions, Bajaj Auto has been offering treatment testing facilities at its multiple Covid care centres it set up after the outbreak of the pandemic last year. It has also extended the support of its engineers who have worked closely with government authorities to audit the oxygen systems at more than 70 hospitals across districts in Maharashtra to prevent wastage of this precious resource. It has set up Covid facilities at its plants in Akurdi, Waluj, Chakan, Pantnagar. While a certain proportion of beds are reserved for the companys employees and its staff, the remaining serves the requirements of the respective communities. The Waluj centre has been set up under the aegis of Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital. This Covid care centre began as a 36-bed facility in June 2020 and has since been expanded to a 200-bed facility. It was started for Bajaj Autos workers and their families but now serves not just its employees but also the community around the plant. As part of the initiatives in Waluj, the oxygen production project at the Primary Health Centre set up on behalf of Jankidevi Bajaj Foundation was also inaugurated recently. Bajaj Group has pledged a total of Rs 300 crore towards various government, local administration and NGO initiatives, including the procurement of 12 oxygen plants and several other respiratory support equipment since the onset of the pandemic last year. has removed the vaccine against Covid-19 made by from its inoculation campaign, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said. Solberg said on Wednesday that the decision was based on the advice of a committee of experts and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), which recommended excluding the shots made by and Johnson & Johnson due to the risk of very rare but serious side effects, DPA news agency reported. is also extending its temporary halt on the use of the Johnson & Johnson shot, but has not excluded it from its inoculation campaign for now, Solberg said. The government is currently looking into offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to those willing to receive it. The country had not yet started using the Johnson & Johnson jab. The committee's recommendations were based partly on the current situation in Norway, where infections are low compared to other countries. stopped using the Astrazeneca's vaccine on March 11 as a precautionary measure after rare blood clots occurred after vaccination, including deaths. Some 138,000 people had received the vaccine up until then. Denmark excluded the vaccine from its inoculation programme just over a month ago. --IANS int/pgh (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cachar district authorities of on Wednesday ordered an investigation after a media report claimed that people were inoculated against COVID-19 by a section of the health department employees in an unauthorised vaccination centre here. The report also claimed that names of those who got the vaccine there have not been registered on the government's Co-WIN platform. An estimated 80 people were allegedly vaccinated at the centre on Wednesday without maintaining any record. The vaccination centre, which is not included in the government-approved list of such facilities, is located on the premises of the Silchar Civil Hospital. The Cachar district administration has shifted the hospital's vaccination centre to a nearby school a few days back. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Health) Sumit Sattawan said that he has asked Additional Chief Medical and Health officer Dr P K Roy to hold an inquiry into the incident and submit a detailed report. It is a serious matter and appropriate action will be taken after investigation, Sattawan said. The alleged incident took place when many states in the country are facing an acute shortage of vaccines. (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.) Prime Minister will interact with district magistrates of 100 districts with high caseloads of COVID-19 infections in two meetings on May 18 and 20, government sources said on Thursday. While DMs of 46 districts from nine states will be part of the first meeting, those from 54 districts from 10 states will attend the second meeting, they said, adding that respective chief ministers will be present in these interactions. This will be the first such interaction that the prime minister will have with top district-level administrative officers on the COVID-19 situation. So far, he has held a number of meetings with chief ministers from across the country and also, in some cases, from high caseload states on the pandemic situation since its first outbreak in 2020. According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, just ten states account for over 72 per cent of new COVID-19 cases reported in a span of 24 hours and these include Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan. Also, just ten states account for 74.30 per cent of the new deaths. India added 3,62,727 new infections in a day taking the COVID-19 tally of cases to 2,37,03,665, while the death toll rose to 2,58,317 with 4,120 daily fatalities, according to the Union data updated on Thursday. (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.) From sightseers to entrepreneurs: young tourists mesmerized by Kashgar start up a B&B business there People's Daily Online) 09:36, May 13, 2021 The ancient city of Kashgar sees a travel boom during the Labor Day holiday. (Photo/Peoples Daily Online) "Sorry, we're fully booked." It was a line that Wang Wei repeated to visiting tourists during the Labor Day holiday earlier this month, an entrepreneur who runs a B&B hotel together with her bestie Zhang Jiayi in the ancient city of Kashgar, a notable scenic spot in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. "All of our rooms were booked between April 20 and May 10, and so were those in nearby B&B hotels," Wang said, adding that the local tourism market reached new heights during the holiday. During the five-day holiday, Kashgar received vast numbers of tourists from all across China, pleasure-seeking visitors who came to experience the customs and culture of the ancient city. "Just sitting quietly here and enjoying the interior decorations of the buildings would be enough to please me," said tourist Jiang Yan from southwest China's Sichuan province, who visited Kashgar for the first time and booked a room in Wang's B&B. She was quite interested in the ethnic curtains, exquisite wood carvings, bright rooftop windows, colorful window frames, hats made of Atlas silk, as well as the Uygur folk instruments in the B&B. Those local cultural items of interest were exactly what attracted Wang and Zhang and inspired them to start a business there. In November 2019, the two had a trip to Kashgar after traveling from Zhengzhou in central China's Henan province. It was their first time visiting Kashgar, during which they were extremely fascinated by the unique characteristics of the city, including its ancient dwellings, hospitable local residents, ancient pottery collections and bronze wares, and all the enchanting alleyways that winded through the city. Coincidently, they came across a house for rent along one of the alleys and promptly decided to rent it and turn it into a B&B. "We both liked the city and thought it would be a great chance for us," Wang said. Apart from being attracted by the citys buildings and environment, Wang and Zhang were also touched by the warmth and hospitality of the local residents. A 71-year-old woman has continued to support them with the decoration of their B&B since when they first started renovations, producing cushions and tablecloths for them. "She comes here every day in the summer, wearing a different dress each time we see her. Shes so happy every time she sees that we are being visited by our guests," Wang told People's Daily. According to Adiljan Abudukadir, deputy head of the management committee of the Ancient City of Kashgar, the scenic spot is home to 2,700 shops, up from 600. Local tourism has created direct job opportunities for over 7,000 people and indirect job opportunities for over 30,000 people, he reported. Like many entrepreneurs who run businesses in Kashgar, Wang and Zhang have transformed themselves from tourists into business owners. Kashgar is a place where they have been able to realize their dreams. "We will definitely stay here. It's a residence for us for at least the next 10 years. It's home to our business and our life," Wang said, who's quite confident about the future of their B&B business. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Asian cities face the greatest risk from environmental issues including and natural disasters, according to a report by research firm Verisk Maplecroft. Of the 100 most vulnerable cities, 99 are in Asia, according to the report released on Thursday. Of those, 37 are in China and 43 are in India, the worlds first and third biggest emitters of greenhouse gases respectively. Globally, 1.5 billion people live in 414 cities that are at high risk from pollution, water shortages, extreme heat, natural hazards and the physical impacts of climate change. - Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, topped the list of combined risk based on all nine factors analyzed by Verisk Maplecroft. India is home to 13 of the 20 riskiest cities in the world, a result of its extreme levels of air and water pollution. Chinas flood-prone Guangzhou and Dongguan topped the list of cities facing threats from natural hazards, followed by Japans Osaka and Tokyo for being vulnerable to earthquakes and typhoons. Lima is the only city outside Asia among the top 100 most at-risk cities overall. A significant danger for many cities is how climate change will amplify weather-related risks, said Will Nichols, Verisk Maplecrofts Head of Environment and Climate Change. Higher temperatures and the increasing severity and frequency of extreme events will change the quality of living and economic growth prospects of many cities across the globe, he said. African cities face some of the worst risks from climate change and have the least ability to mitigate those impacts. Glasgow was ranked the safest among the 576 cities examined for that factor. Environmental risk needs to be a central consideration when it comes to making your business, investments or real estate portfolio more resilient, said Nichols. The hope is that identifying these risks and stressing strategies for future climate scenarios will help investors can gain a clearer view of the costs and benefits of investment decisions. Sputnik V, the vaccine developed by Russias Gamaleya National Center Covid, will be available in India from next week, the Union ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) announced on Thursday. V K Paul, member (health) of the NITI Aayog, said on Thursday while addressing the press briefing: I am very happy to say the limited supply that has come from Russia will start selling in India and more supplies will come in, said Paul. India is expecting 156 million doses of the vaccine from August to September. Sputnik V, a vaccine with 91.6 per cent efficacy the highest among Covid vaccines available in India requires a temperature range of -18C to -22C to remain stable. Sputnik V will be imported in the frozen form from Russia this quarter. DRL is responsible for ensuring that the vaccine remains stable and sanctity of the cold chain is maintained from the manufacturing site in Russia to its cold chain point and eventually to all parts of India. ALSO READ: Mixing Covid-19 vaccine doses safe but increases side effects: Study As of now, DRLs contract with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is for 250 million doses for India. Deepak Sapra, chief executive officer (CEO) (API and pharmaceutical services), DRL, had said last month that the company had lined up a solution of compact boxes, which would help transport vaccines to various parts of India easily through a combination of air and road routes. Meanwhile, stability data for the Sputnik V variant that will remain stable at 2-8C is being generated. The government is also expecting Zydus Cadillas DNA vaccine, towards the end of its phase three trial, to apply for licence soon. The single drop, single dose nasal vaccine is also expected to add to the supply of vaccines in India by almost 100 million, Paul said. The NITI Aayog recently said that India would examine the claim whether a single dose of Sputnik Light can provide protection from the infection. Paul had noted that if the claim of the vaccine developer was true, it could help double the speed of in India. Covaxin technology transfer The health ministry has clarified that there is no delay in licensing of Covaxin or approval for technology transfer for its manufacturing. Paul said, We have given open invitation to companies to make this vaccine but there is a constraint of technological platform. Covaxin uses a live virus, which is inactivated. This requires a highly sophisticated standard of lab - BSL3, which is not available with most pharma companies. Two public sector units, Indian Immunologicals and BIBCOL have entered into a technology transfer agreement with along with Haffkine Institute, a state government undertaking. The on Thursday told Centre that it has to consider harsh realities in connection with migrant workers during the lockdown announced by various state governments. A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M. R. Shah said it is inclined to pass directions to NCR states to have community kitchens and to facilitate transportation of migrant workers who are willing to return to their native places amid the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. "How will survive with no money or work? Some sustenance must be provided for the time being... You have to consider the harsh realities," the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The top court also asked the Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi governments to submit details on the steps taken to help migrant workers caught in the second surge of pandemic that slowed down industrial activities causing loss of employment and earning to them. The bench emphasized that migrant workers returning home should not be charged exorbitant fare by private bus operators and the Centre should explore the possibility of involving the railways to facilitate their transportation. The top court made these observations while hearing a plea filed by three activists seeking directions to the Centre and states to ensure food security, cash transfers, transport facilities and other welfare measures for migrant workers. The bench said it will pass a detailed order by Thursday evening. "For the time being, we are inclined to pass directions on community kitchen so that nobody starves," said the bench. The top court also noted that it will pass order on facilitating transport of those who are willing to go back to their native places. The top court said it will issue directions for NCR states Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and for other states, it may ask them to file their responses on the issues raised in the petition. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, contended that a large number of migrant workers is facing distress due to the pandemic, as they have lost jobs and have no money to look after their families. Bhushan added that migrant workers were being charged exorbitantly by private bus operators for travelling to their native places. The bench noted that governments must see that no one is overcharged for travelling back to their native places and there must be some provision to provide those without money with cooked food or ration. Mehta submitted before the bench the country is fighting the worst form of the pandemic and the state governments are trying to ensure that industrial and construction activities are not halted. Mehta said, "This year, the effort of every state is to ensure that it is not a lockdown in a sense which we have seen last time." He emphasized that the states are alive to the situation and insisted that states should be allowed to place all the details before the top court. Mehta termed the petition "far from reality". The bench observed that it would not direct for free ride. "We are only saying that those who are willing to travel should be facilitated and it must be ensured that they are not charged exorbitantly," noted the bench. The top court in May, last year, had taken suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant labourers and had passed a slew of directions for the state governments. --IANS ss/in Delhi records 10,489 new Covid-19 cases; positivity rate dips to one-month low of 14.24% The capital recorded 10,489 new cases and 308 more fatalities on Thursday while the positivity rate fell to 14.24 per cent, the lowest in a month, the health department said. With the fresh infections and fatalities, Delhi's caseload has risen to 13,72,475 and the death toll has climbed 20,618. READ MORE... Gap between two doses of Covishield extended from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks: Govt The government has accepted the Covid-19 Working Group's recommendation for extending the gap between the two doses of the Covishield vaccine from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks, the Union health ministry said, while announcing the extension on Thursday. However, no change has been suggested for the dosage interval for Covaxin. READ MORE... falls below $50,000 as calls energy use insane Tesla Inc.s Chief Executive Officer doubled down on his attack on Bitcoins energy demands, calling recent consumption trends insane. Musk posted a chart on Twitter from the University of Cambridge showing Bitcoins electricity consumption has skyrocketed this year. Its the second day hes criticized crypto mining for using fossil fuels and comes after an announcement that Tesla would suspend car purchases using READ MORE... unveils fresh measures for Covid-hit staff on Thursday announced a host of measures for its employees, including monetary support staff families for up to two years in case of death due to Covid-19, and upgradation of the Covid-19 care centre at in Aurangabad, as the country battles second wave of the pandemic. These measures are in addition to several initiatives already undertaken by the company over the past one year, Ltd said in a release. READ MORE... Indonesia, one of the first nations to bet its Covid-19 vaccination campaign on Sinovac Biotech Ltd., was about to announce a stunning development, one that would help vindicate a shot thats been shrouded in controversy for months. Over in Beijing, though, the companys chief executive officer was unaware. A study of some 128,000 Jakarta health workers released Wednesday found Sinovacs vaccine -- known as CoronaVac -- was far more protective than clinical trials had indicated. A day earlier, it wasnt mentioned by CEO Yin Weidong in a wide-ranging interview with Bloomberg reporters, and representatives later confirmed the company didnt know the announcement was coming. Its a disconnect that echoes the events of Christmas Eve 2020, when the Chinese developer that will be key to vaccinating much of the developing world had little explanation for why Brazil and Turkey released wildly divergent data on its shot within hours of each other. By January, Sinovacs vaccine had seen four different efficacy rates -- ranging from as high as 91% to as low as 50% -- triggering concern among scientists and putting a question mark over its ability to protect against the virus still paralyzing the globe. Sinovac has already shipped some 380 million doses, more than AstraZeneca Plc and second only to Pfizer Inc. worldwide. But unlike those companies -- and even Russias Sputnik shot -- it still hasnt published any data in an academic journal, the gold standard experts use to assess a vaccine. For Chinas emerging biotechnology industry, the pandemic was supposed to be an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the advances theyve made over the past decade -- and in many ways it has, with dozens of nations reliant on shots from Sinovac and its counterpart Sinopharm to emerge from Covid-19. Yet while Chinese-developed pharmaceutical products have never had such reach, the rollout exposed their limitations and the difficulties Chinese companies face when trying to compete on the world stage, where greater levels of accountability and information sharing are demanded than at home. Sitting in his office at Sinovacs sprawling factory on Beijings southern outskirts Tuesday, CEO Yin was non-plussed by the criticism of the communication around his vaccine, and unperturbed that it may have affected public perceptions toward it. I respect all the doubts around CoronaVac, that speaks to the attention we are getting, but more important is seeking approval to use the vaccine in a country -- that doesnt depend on public opinion but the stringent review by authorities, Yin said in the interview. What do you think is more important than this? The divergent efficacy rates were simply a function of the different virus strains that were present in the countries where Sinovacs Phase III trials were taking place, Yin said, adding that Sinovac relied on those nations and their partners on the ground to disseminate and interpret the results. But the confusing numbers -- and other negative publicity around the shot that the company did little to deflect -- had an impact, fueling criticism in Brazil of the vaccine by President Jair Bolsonaro and undermining faith in Hong Kong, where Pfizer and BioNTech SEs shot is instead favored. Despite its roster of global orders, CoronaVac is yet to be endorsed by the World Health Organization, which has asked for more detailed information, as have regulators in Singapore. Hong Kong approved the shot, but only after waiving a requirement for data to be published and peer reviewed in a journal. Once the sole purview of scientists, the pandemic has seen technical details like vaccine efficacy dissected by everyone from investors to ordinary citizens. Western pharmaceutical companies were quick to realize the power of that information and the need to constantly communicate, with most using a unified protocol to collate data into single statements themselves rather than allowing local partners to relay information. Given the intense attention, public perception of the safety and strength of vaccines has not only affected whether people will take them, but the actions of governments. AstraZenecas vaccine was suspended in a number of European Union countries in March amid anxiety over blood clots, despite the blocs medicines regulator saying its benefits outweighed the risk of very rare side effects. In contrast, Chinas vaccine developers have communicated much less. Like Sinovac, state-run Sinopharm, whose shot is being administered from the Maldives to Hungary, is yet to publish its clinical trial data in a peer-reviewed journal, though a study did appear in a domestic one. The company typically doesnt respond to inquiries from foreign media. Weidong Yin. Photo: Bloomberg Used to operating within China, where public opinion is censored, the Chinese vaccine makers have had a tough time showing their growth in front of the world, in a very compressed time, in a period of heightened scrutiny, said Helen Chen, Greater managing partner for L.E.K. Consulting, which has advised global pharmaceutical companies on their strategy in the country. AstraZeneca also faced criticism for testing snafus and adverse effects, but acted to neutralize it, Chen said. AstraZeneca was being bashed over the head for giving poor data but you see them trying to explain it. she said. For Chinese developers, we just havent seen that level of polish and communication around that, which leads everyone to think they must be hiding something. Yin built Sinovac from the ground up over the last 20 years, but until now the company has gotten most of its $510 million in annual revenue from within China, and hasnt had to grapple with the sort of scrutiny seen in the west. Sinovac is more concerned about ensuring safety and rolling out vaccines to the most people possible, as that is key to determining whether countries can emerge from the pandemic, Yin said. The best way for the Sinovac vaccine to be judged is for its data to be published in peer-reviewed articles, which provide evidence that these studies and clinical trials have been done in the right way and shown solid efficacy results, said David Heymann, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. So far Sinovac has only provided an unpublished draft of a study by researchers at the company and its Brazilian trial partner that has been submitted for publication to the Lancet. That lack of peer-reviewed scientific data has allowed speculation about Sinovac -- and in turn, Chinese vaccines more generally, for which it is seen as a standard bearer -- to flourish. A WHO expert panel that reviewed Sinovacs existing data at the end of April said they had a high level of confidence in CoronaVacs efficacy but there wasnt enough information to assess the potential for serious side effects in people age 60 or above and those with existing medical conditions. - The irony is that while the divergent efficacy rates have contributed to suspicions around Sinovacs shot, evidence emerging in the real world is increasingly positive. Officials in Chile -- which has vaccinated 41.5% of its population, mostly older people -- credit CoronaVac with having brought down rates of death and hospitalization from Covid. While cases have been spiking again there, which Yin says is because younger people havent been as broadly vaccinated, Chiles real-world data shows CoronaVac prevented 80% of deaths in those vaccinated and protected 67% from developing symptomatic Covid. The Indonesian data that Sinovac was unaware of was even more positive than the results out of Chile, finding the vaccine protected 98% of the health workers studied from death and 96% from being hospitalized as soon as seven days after being jabbed. In addition, the shot protected 94% of the workers against symptomatic infection, far above the deviating rates thrown up in Sinovacs clinical trials. That Chinese vaccines are now being administered outside of the country and around the world is a significant achievement, one that would have been virtually unthinkable before the pandemic, said Brad Loncar, chief executive officer of Loncar Investments, which owns shares in Chinese vaccine maker CanSino Biologics Inc. and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co, licensee for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the greater region. Without a doubt the transparency the Chinese companies and regulators have exhibited is nowhere near the highest levels and needs improvement, he said. Thats what is required to gain the publics highest confidence in medicine, and it is why the United States has achieved this gold standard. If wants to be a global leader in medicine on that level in the future, at some point it will have to get there from a transparency and regulatory standpoint. 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 Finance Minister on Thursday said renewing stalled projects will significantly improve economic sentiment in the country grappling with a second wave of Covid. This will also boost the portfolios of banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), said the FM at a virtual event where she handed over possession of Rivali Park to home buyers. The Mumbai-based project, which had been stalled for some time, was completed under the Centres special liquidity window Special Window for Affordable & Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH-I). This is the first residential project completed by SWAMIH, which was created in 2019 to fund stuck affordable housing projects. The government had stepped in to provide funding to the stressed affordable and mid-income housing projects, thereby giving relief to the home buyers who had invested their hard-earned savings. The government believes that once these homes are constructed and completed, a large amount of capital locked up in these projects will be released, Sitharaman said. It will generate employment for construction workers and will provide impetus to allied industries such as steel and cement. Further, it will improve the portfolios of banks and NBFCs and significantly boost the economic sentiment in the nation. SWAMIH is a category-II alternative investment fund, announced by Sitharaman in September 2019 and approved by the Cabinet in November that year. It is currently the largest private equity team in the country, having scaled up from a two-member team at the time of launch to 37 members now. SBICAP Ventures was appointed as investment manager to the Fund. I am very pleased to see that SWAMIH Fund has completed its first residential project. More so, it is an important achievement since the Fund has worked its way through the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic, the FM said. The Fund, under which 640 people are getting homes today, will benefit 116,000 Indian families. The Rs 12,500-crore fund, with a green-shoe option of an additional Rs 12,500 crore, provides financing to enable completion of projects. Two big projects Mumbais CCI Rivali Park and Urban Land Amangani, Rewari were developed under the scheme. State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, who also attended the event, said the Fund is being managed to achieve the huge expectations that have been laid out before SBI and partners. He said the SBI group is working in line with the governments vision to revive the sector and provide relief to home buyers. Khara said in the past 15 months, SBI made significant progress to increase the scale of operations to a level that is generally achieved in three-four years by other private equity funds. The Fund is targeting to complete 116,600 units at a sanctioned cost of Rs 18,546 crore. So far, SWAMIH has approved 72 projects for completion of 44,100 housing units, while preliminary permission has been granted to 132 projects covering 72,500 units. India received over USD83 billion in in 2020, a drop of just 0.2 per cent from the previous year, despite a pandemic that devastated the world economy, according to a report. China, which received USD59.5 billion in in 2020 against USD68.3 billion the previous year, is a distant second in terms of global for the year gone by, as per the latest data released on Wednesday. In 2019, India had received USD83.3 billion in remittances. The report said India's remittances fell by just 0.2 per cent in 2020, with much of the decline due to a 17 per cent drop in remittances from the United Arab Emirates, which offset resilient flows from the United States and other host countries. India and China are followed by Mexico (USD42.8 billion), the Philippines (USD34.9 billion), Egypt (USD29.6 billion), Pakistan (USD26 billion), France (USD24.4 billion) and Bangladesh (USD21 billion), it showed. In neighbouring Pakistan, remittances rose by about 17 per cent, with the biggest growth coming from Saudi Arabia, followed by the European Union countries and the United Arab Emirates. In Bangladesh, remittances also showed a brisk uptick in 2020 (18.4 per cent), and Sri Lanka witnessed remittance growth of 5.8 per cent. In contrast, remittances to Nepal fell by about two per cent, reflecting a 17 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2020. The World Bank, in its latest Migration and Development Brief, said despite COVID-19, remittance flows remained resilient in 2020, registering a smaller decline than previously projected. Officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached USD540 billion in 2020, just 1.6 per cent below the 2019 total of USD548 billion. "As COVID-19 still devastates families around the world, remittances continue to provide a critical lifeline for the poor and vulnerable," said Michal Rutkowski, Global Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the "Supportive policy responses, together with national social protection systems, should continue to be inclusive of all communities, including migrants," Rutkowski added. Remittance inflows rose in Latin America and the Caribbean (6.5 per cent), South Asia (5.2 per cent) and the Middle East and North Africa (2.3 per cent). However, it fell for East Asia and the Pacific (7.9 per cent), for Europe and Central Asia (9.7 per cent), and for Sub-Saharan Africa (12.5 per cent), the report showed. The decline in flows to Sub-Saharan Africa was almost entirely due to a 28 per cent decline in remittance flows to Nigeria. Excluding flows to Nigeria, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa increased by 2.3 per cent, demonstrating resilience. The relatively strong performance of remittance flows during the COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of timely availability of data. Given its growing significance as a source of external financing for low- and middle-income countries, there is a need for better collection of data on remittances, in terms of frequency, timely reporting, and granularity by corridor and channel, it said. "The resilience of remittance flows is remarkable. Remittances are helping to meet families' increased need for livelihood support," said Dilip Ratha, lead author of the report on migration and remittances and head of KNOMAD. "They can no longer be treated as small changes. The World Bank has been monitoring migration and remittance flows for nearly two decades, and we are working with governments and partners to produce timely data and make remittance flows even more productive," Ratha said. Remittance outflow was the maximum from the United States (USD68 billion), followed by UAE (USD43 billion), Saudi Arabia (USD34.5 billion), Switzerland (USD27.9 billion), Germany (USD22 billion), and China (USD18 billion). Remittances outflow from India in 2020 was USD7 billion, against USD7.5 billion in 2019, according to the World Bank. The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday said it has cancelled the licence of United Co-operative Bank Ltd, Bagnan, West Bengal, as it does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on May 13, 2021, the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement. "As per the data submitted by the bank, all the depositors will receive full amount of their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)," it said. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount in respect of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakh from the DICGC subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961. Giving details, the said the bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. Also, the bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full, it added. United Co-operative Bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of 'banking' which includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits with immediate effect. The has requested the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, West Bengal to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator. (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.) has reached a supply agreement for 25 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the US-based biotechnology company and the prime minister said Thursday. The deal included 10 million doses of the vaccine against the ancestral strain to be delivered in 2021 and 15 million doses of an updated variant booster to be delivered in 2022, Moderna said in a statement. The vaccines have yet to be approved by the Australian regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Pfizer and AstraZeneca are the only other coronavirus vaccines approved for use in All three vaccines require two doses. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he expected the first Moderna vaccines to arrive in in the last three months of 2021. The 15 million booster doses would deal with possible future variants of the virus, he said. We're now well into the phase of dealing with what's coming next because the pandemic's not going anywhere, Morrison told Perth Radio 6PR. Moderna vaccines would help Australia achieve its aim of inoculating all willing Australian adults within a population of 26 million by the end of the year. Australia has contracted 20 million imported Pfizer doses, which is the preferred option for adults under 50 years old because of the blood clotting risks associated with the AstraZeneca shot. The government also has deals for 3.8 million imported AstraZeneca doses plus 50 million locally manufactured doses. Morrison said it was likely the Moderna vaccines would be recommended for Australians under 50. Jane Halton, a director of the Australian National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, welcomed the Moderna deal. She said the government should consider manufacturing Moderna vaccines onshore, although building the facilities would take more than a year. The vaccine rollout began in February, and the government had expected to administer 4 million doses by the end of March. But only 2.8 million doses had been injected by this week, with the government blaming slow shipments for delays. Australia has been relatively successful in containing the virus. While 910 have died of COVID-19, the government argues the death told would be 30,000 higher if Australia's fatality rate was the average of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. (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.) Palestinian militants fired more rockets into Israels commercial heartland on Thursday as Israel kept up a punishing bombing campaign in and massed tanks and troops on the enclave's border. The four days of cross-border violence showed no sign of abating and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign will take more time. The violence has also spread to mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel, a new front in the long conflict. Synagogues were attacked and fighting broke out on the streets of some communities, prompting Israel's president to warn of the danger of civil war. Worried that the region's worst hostilities in years could spiral out of control, the United States is sending an envoy, Hady Amr. Truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. In renewed air strikes on Gaza, Israeli warplanes struck a six-storey residential building that it said belonged to Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave. Netanyahu said Israel has struck close to a thousand militant targets in in total. At least 83 people have been killed in since violence escalated on Monday, medics said, further straining hospitals already under heavy pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are facing Israel and Covid-19. We are in between two enemies, said Asad Karam, 20, a construction worker, standing beside a road damaged during the air strikes. An electricity pole had collapsed by the road, its wires severed. A Palestinian rocket had earlier crashed into a building near Israel's commercial capital of Tel Aviv, injuring five Israelis, police said. Seven people have been killed in Israel since hostilities began, the Israeli military said. Bidens hopes President spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday amid a surge of Israeli-Palestinian violence, which he said he believes is resolving itself. My expectation and hope is that thisll be closing down sooner than later, Biden told reporters at the White House. But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. The most violent clashes between Israel and the Palestinians in years erupted earlier this week, with the militant group Hamas repeatedly firing rockets deep into Israel from the Gaza Strip and the Israeli military responding with air strikes. More than 83 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza, and at least six people in Israel. The bombardments escalated sharply Tuesday evening as Hamas unleashed a massive volley of rockets at metropolitan Tel Aviv, Israels commercial heartland, and Israels south, overwhelming its missile defenses. Netanyahu warned that Hamas will pay a very heavy price for its aggression, and a torrent of air strikes followed. This week, the world witnessed mayhem in the Middle-East, which stemmed from clashes at the most sensitive place in Jerusalem, the revered plateau site of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the iconic golden Dome of the Rock. The clashes were a reminder of the bloody seven-week war of 2014, which killed over 2,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of civilians, and greatly destroyed Gaza's infrastructure. In the latest escalation of the conflict between and the Hamas, which has killed at least 115 Palestinians in Gaza, including 14 children and three women, Israeli airstrikes toppled most of a massive high-rise building in central Gaza City and killed a string of senior Hamas military figures. Meanwhile, Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza, and its allies continued to fire rockets into civilian areas across central and southern With no resolution in sight, Prime Minister has vowed to expand the offensive, saying it will take time. Hamas has called for a full-scale uprising. What is the history behind Israel-Palentine conflict and what is happening now? The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the worlds longest-running and most controversial conflicts. It claims to have its roots in 957 BC when King Solomon built the first temple in the Israelite kingdom. The temple was destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylonia in 587/586 BC. Though both the and the Arab date their claims to the land back a couple thousand years, the current political conflict began in the early 20th century. Streaks of light are seen as Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon. Photo: Reuters Here's a comprehensive guide to the worlds most controversial conflict A 100-year-old issue After the Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I, the British took control of the area known as Palestine. The land was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Tensions between the two peoples grew when the community gave Britain the task of establishing a "national home" in Palestine for the Jewish people. For the Jews, it was their ancestral home. However, the Palestinian Arabs also claimed the land and opposed the move. The Jews, fleeing persecution in Europe and seeking a homeland after the Holocaust of WWII, arrived in huge numbers between the 1920s and 1940s. The swelling numbers led to violence between the Arabs and the and resentment against the British rule. In 1947, the United Nations voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem becoming an city. That plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side and never implemented. Creation of and the chaos that followed British rulers failed to establish peace between the and and thus, declared the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Palestinians objected and a war followed. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in what they call Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". By the time the fighting ended in a ceasefire the following year, Israel controlled most of the territory. The war led to over 700,000 Palestinians becoming refugees. Jordan occupied land, which became known as the West Bank, and Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. Since there was never a peace agreement, each side blamed the other and wars and conflicts continued. The most significant one among them was fought in 1967, when Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, and Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Todays lines largely reflect the outcomes of two of these wars, one waged in 1948 and another in 1967. How things stand now Tensions are always high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. Gaza is ruled by a Palestinian militant group called Hamas, which has fought Israel many times. Israel and Egypt tightly control Gaza's borders. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank say they're suffering because of Israeli actions and restrictions. Israel say it is only acting to protect itself from Palestinian violence. For Palestinians Most Palestinian refugees and their descendants live in Gaza and the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Neither they nor their descendants have been allowed to return to their homes by Israel Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. For Israel Israel says allowing Palestinians to return to their homes would overwhelmingly threaten its existence as a Jewish state. It still occupies the West Bank, and although it pulled out of Gaza, the United Nations still regards it as part of occupied territory. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital. Peace talks have been taking place on and off for more than 25 years, but to no avail. A picture taken with a drone shows the remains of a tower building which was destroyed in Israeli air strikes, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters Alarmed at repeated cyber-attacks on the country especially after at a key fuel pipeline last week, US President has signed an executive order, implementing new policies to improve national cybersecurity. Admitting that the US is facing persistent and increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber campaigns that threaten the public sector, the private sector, and ultimately the American people's security and privacy, Biden said on Wednesday that the government must improve its efforts to identify, deter, protect against, detect, and respond to these actions and actors. "Protecting our nation from malicious cyber actors requires the Federal Government to partner with the private sector. The private sector must adapt to the continuously changing threat environment, ensure its products are built and operate securely, and partner with the Federal Government to foster a more secure cyberspace," he wrote in the executive order. The executive order outlines several initiatives, including reducing barriers to information sharing between the government and the private sector, mandating the deployment of multi-factor authentication in the federal government, establishing a cybersecurity Safety Review Board and creating a standardised playbook for responding to "cyber incidents." The executive order was passed after the Colonial Pipeline Company, which is the largest refined-products pipeline in the country, was forced to shut down due to a cybersecurity attack on May 7. The company temporarily halted all pipeline operations after the cybersecurity attack involving ransomware was detected. It has now partially restored the pipeline. The Colonial Pipeline transports more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily on the East Coast. Biden said that incremental improvements will not give the country the security it needs. "Instead, the Federal Government needs to make bold changes and significant investments in order to defend the vital institutions that underpin the American way of life. The scope of protection and security must include systems that process data (information technology (IT)) and those that run the vital machinery that ensures our safety (operational technology (OT)," he emphasised. The cyber-attack on the fuel pipeline was a huge one after the SolarWinds software attack. Since February, the Biden administration has been working to remediate the SolarWinds attack and change federal IT practices to protect against similar attacks in the future. In another big cyber-attack after SolarWinds, at least 30,000 organisations across the US, including government and commercial firms, were hacked by China-based threat actors who used Microsoft's Exchange Server software to enter their networks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) then launched a mega operation to copy and remove malicious web shells from hundreds of vulnerable computers in the US that were running on-premises versions of Microsoft Exchange Server software used to provide enterprise-level email service. --IANS na/in (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.) members should press the Chinese government to end its crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, said Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday. An HRW release said that delegations should urge senior UN officials to press ahead with an investigation of mass detention, cultural persecution, and other serious abuses with or without access to China's northwest region of Xinjiang. This comes in the backdrop of the virtual UN event on May 12, which was co-sponsored by the civil society organisations along with at least 18 countries led by Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch said that Beijing for years has tried to cow the into silence about the horrific abuses in Xinjiang. "For years, Chinese officials have tried to cow UN member states into silence about the horrific abuses the authorities are inflicting on Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang," said Roth. "There is extraordinary momentum as governments around the world seek to hold the Chinese government accountable for human rights violations. The UN's leadership should follow their example, condemn China's massive abuses, and publicly report on the rights situation in Xinjiang." Human Rights Watch has also urged governments to impose travel bans and targeted individual sanctions on specific authorities implicated in serious abuses. "The Chinese government claims to be fighting terrorism in Xinjiang but few rights-respecting governments buy that flimsy cover story anymore," Roth said. "UN delegations should demand a full UN investigation that uncovers the unvarnished truth about Beijing's human rights record, starting with Xinjiang. The cost to of continued abuses should be so high that it will have no choice but to change course." has been rebuked globally for cracking down on Muslims by sending them to mass detention camps to undergo some form of forcible re-education or indoctrination. However, Beijing continues to deny all accusations. Several countries including the US and the UK have described the situation in Xinjiang as genocide, after reports of forced sterilisations and forced labour. Last month, HRW in its report had concluded that the Chinese government is committing crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims. (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.) Defending the Biden administration's decision to support a temporary waiver of certain provisions from TRIPS agreement to deal with COVID-19, as proposed by India and South Africa, a top American trade official said people in India are facing an "existential crisis" due to the pandemic. "With respect to the COVID-19 pandemic all you need to do is open the newspaper or turn on the TV and see the scenes in India and appreciate the reality that we are not through this pandemic, and that even for those countries that think they are in a good spot that things can really turn on a dime if you're not careful," US Trade Representative Katherine Tai told members of the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing on COVID-19 on Wednesday. "So, with respect to COVID-19, I would say for the people of India, for all of the people who live in countries where there is less than two per cent access to vaccines as of today, that that is an existential crisis today," she said. The US Trade Representative was responding to questions from senators who were sceptical of the decision of the Biden administration to support the move of India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization. During the Congressional hearing, Senator John Barrasso said he disagreed with the decision of the US President. "The president has called for waiving for vaccines. He's called for that because we have a global health crisis. Well, I disagree with that decision by the president. Very clear on that. At the same time, he has made it very clear that this administration believes that we are facing a world climate crisis," he said. "As a matter of fact, on April 22nd, the president called on countries to step up, take further action on climate change in order to 'overcome' what he described as the existential crisis of our time. He didn't say that coronavirus was the existential crisis of our time. He said that climate change was the existential crisis of our time. But we're willing, the President is willing to waive on something that's less than the existential crisis of our time," the senator said. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, however, strongly defended the administration's decision. Warner is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus. "As co-chair of the US-India Caucus, I think the humanitarian crisis in India requires extraordinary actions. I also think there's no more significant long-term geopolitical partner in Asia than building strong ties with India," Warner asserted. "I think taking a once-in-a-century action with a once-in-a-century pandemic is not an indication of some retreat of protecting in this country," he added. Senator Elizabeth Warren also backed Tai on this issue. "Testing, treatment, PPE are critical, and that is why India and South Africa asked seven months ago for the world's help to make those items without running a risk that a drug company was going to sue them," she said. "So I believe that the US should be backing these countries on this point, too, and not try to wiggle out of helping. Time is also of the essence here. Millions of people are dying, millions more will die, if it takes another seven months to reach any kind of meaningful agreement," Warren asserted. The special protections for drug companies are an even bigger issue than COVID-19 alone, she said. For years, the US government has let giant corporations write the rules of our trade system, she noted. "We're fighting over a waiver to rules that never should have existed in the first place," Warren said. Responding to another question, Tai said USTR was committed to a full, good-faith effort at the WTO. "The focus really is on promoting vaccine equity, and we will have to address the concerns of all parties involved, and those whose partnership we require in order to come to a kind of resolution at the WTO," she said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The has appointed veteran British diplomat Martin Griffiths, a seasoned negotiator with wide global experience, as the new UN humanitarian chief. Griffiths brings extensive leadership experience in humanitarian affairs at headquarters and country levels, both strategically and operationally," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said, as well as senior level experience in conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation. Griffiths has spent the last three years as the UN special envoy for Yemen and he briefed the UN Security Council earlier Wednesday on his latest efforts to peacefully resolve the six-year conflict. Guterres said Griffiths will continue to serve as the UN's top envoy for Yemen until a transition has been announced. Griffiths will replace Mark Lowcock, a Briton who has served as undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator for four years and was highly regarded. Guterres said he is deeply grateful for Lowcock's dedicated service to the organization and commitment in mobilizing assistance and resources to protect and alleviate the conditions of the many people affected by humanitarian crises. The UN's top humanitarian post has traditionally gone to someone from Britain, part of an unofficial division of top UN posts among the five permanent Security Council nations -- the US, Russia, China, Britain and France. There have been calls to end this practice and open up the UN's most important jobs to other countries, but so far they have not been unsuccessful. In 1994, Griffiths served in Geneva as director of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs, which preceded the establishment of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which he will now head. From 1999 to 2010, he was the founding director of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, where according to the UN he specialized in developing political dialogue between governments and insurgents in a range of countries across Asia, Africa and Europe. Griffiths, 69, served as the first executive director of the European Institute of Peace from 2014-2018 and he served as special adviser to three UN special envoys for Syria and as deputy head of the UN mission in Syria from 2012-2014, during the early years of the ongoing conflict there. Earlier in his career, he was a British diplomat and worked for various humanitarian organization, including UNICEF, Save the Children and Action Aid. (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 Biden administration is debating how to get thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. out of the country before American forces withdraw in a few months, amid fears that time is running out ahead of a potential takeover. national security aides have held several meetings about the issue in recent days to trade ideas, discussing options including a mass evacuation of thousands of people to a third country where they could be processed and brought to the U.S. The biggest concern for U.S. officials is that Afghan citizens who played an invaluable role serving American forces and contractors such as translators, consultants, office assistants and drivers would be quickly targeted by forces, especially if they continue to gain ground on President Ashraf Ghanis government in Kabul. The likeliest scenario for the U.S. would involve extracting Afghans through an existing program called special immigrant visas -- which has a long backlog -- and allowing Afghan interpreters to seek refugee status, according to several people familiar with the matter. They asked not to be identified because no decision has been made. The is getting closer to presenting options to advocates and members of Congress impatient with President Joe Biden, who promised withdrawal from after 20 years of war and U.S. occupation. Bidens spokespeople declined to comment. ALSO READ: US President Biden announces complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan But with U.S. forces due to fully depart by Sept. 11, theres little time left. Besides preventing a human tragedy, the Pentagon and Biden administration want to avoid recreating the most indelible image of Americas Vietnam War withdrawal: a long line of people desperate to leave the country gathered on a Saigon rooftop, waiting to board a helicopter. The April 1975 photograph was widely seen as emblematic of Americas defeat in a war that also lasted about two decades. ALSO READ: US drawdown from Afghanistan puts CPEC projects at risk: Report About 35,000 Afghans meet the legal requirement for the special immigrant visa program, according to James Miervaldis of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit organization that helps with resettlement. The number includes about 9,000 people who worked directly for the U.S. military, plus their spouses and children, he said. The visa program doesnt fall under the U.S. refugee cap, but its rules are narrow and stringent, and it already has a years-long backlog of more than 17,000 applicants, Miervaldis said. If the Biden administration were to open a pathway for Afghans through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the qualifications are broader, but numbers would fall under the refugee quota. Understaffed embassy officials wrestling with the humanitarian dilemma include deputy national security advisers Russ Travers and Jon Finer and National Security Council aides Kristen Stolt and Katie Tobin. One challenge the administration faces: The U.S. embassy in Kabul is understaffed, while Department of Defense contractors who would normally process applications have either left as part of the U.S. withdrawal or are getting ready to do so. Planning efforts to help Afghans who worked with Americans started far too late, according to people inside and outside the administration. The coronavirus pandemic poses an additional challenge, making it harder for other countries to consider accepting possible refugees. More than 18,000 Afghans are waiting for their special immigrant visas, according to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith and Representative Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat who served in Congress should increase the quota for visas, David Helvey, acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday. But lawmakers wont have the money to accommodate all the needed visas unless theres an agreement to cut funding from elsewhere in the budget, Smith said. Special responsibility State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters May 10 the administration had boosted consular staffing at the embassy in Kabul to handle more visas and the U.S. will continue to look for ways to speed up this process. We have been acting with the utmost urgency knowing that, again, we have a special responsibility to the women and men who have, in many cases, placed themselves in harms way to assist the U.S. government over the years, Price said. Top Pentagon officials say a victory in Afghanistan by year end isnt inevitable, but the group controls a large swath of the country and has shown little interest in working with Ghanis government. The Afghan security forces can fight, and they are fighting for their own country now, General Mark Milley, the head of the Joint Chief of Staff, said last week. Theres a significant military capability in the Afghan government and we have to see how this plays out. A Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in September will discuss the departure of foreign troops from Afghanistan, bloc Secretary General Vladimir Norov said Thursday at an event in Beijing to mark Eid al-Fitr. We are now witnessing in northern Afghanistan rising terrorist activity, he said. With the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country, security and stability in Afghanistan will impact stability for Central Asia. The U.S. has conducted mass evacuations from war zones in the past. About 140,000 people were evacuated from Cambodia and South Vietnam to Guam in 1975, according the General Accounting Office. In 1996, about 6,000 Iraqi Kurds were flown to Guam, and 20,000 Kosovar Albanians were airlifted to Fort Dix, N.J. in 1999, according to the Truman National Security Project. But there are potential bureaucratic complications and a risk of abuse in any new program. In January, the State Department imposed a 90-day pause on a program designed for Iraqis who helped the U.S. during the Iraq war after evidence emerged that a group of co-conspirators had falsified numerous applications over several years. Three people have been indicted in the case. Domestic immigration have also complicated the Afghanistan matter. Some Biden aides are sensitive to Republican accusations that their administration favors open borders, and the crisis on the southern border, where hundreds of thousands of migrants have tried to cross into the U.S. since the start of the year, is also weighing on evacuation talks, according to the people familiar with the matter. Moral Obligation Matt Zeller, a fellow at the Truman Center and a retired Army major who served in Afghanistan and arranged for his interpreter to immigrate to the U.S., wrote in an op-ed in the Military Times on Tuesday that associates had recently briefed the National Security Council on the issue. They walked away fearful the Biden administration was more concerned about the optics of an evacuation than doing our moral obligation, Zeller wrote. Zeller said that an evacuation would require multiple flights per day for weeks on end from the Kabul airport. The urgency of an evacuation has risen, he said, after reports that the Turkish military may abandon an agreement to provide protection for the airport. UN Secretary-General said that the process of recognition by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of Russian Sputnik V was underway, and the UN would welcome its completion. "We would very much welcome the Sputnik [V] vaccine being recognized by the And I know that the process, the dialogue is taking place. I am very grateful for the fact that the Russian Federation has made available the Sputnik [V] vaccine to UN staff. And we believe that the Sputnik [V vaccine] is one of the key elements in being able to address this challenge," Guterres said. The UN chief spoke after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The Russian diplomat said was open to working together with other COVID-19 vaccine makers. "Of course, we are very open to cooperation with other vaccine manufacturers. And if they show similar interest, I think we could have very positive cooperation," he said. The foreign minister said that more than 60 countries had registered Sputnik V for emergency use and most of these countries had already received the first batch of the vaccine. (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.) Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), in a joint venture with KEC International (KEC), has been awarded Rs.1,147 crore contract by Chennai Metro Rail for the construction of 7.95 km elevated viaduct section and nine elevated stations on Corridor 4 of phase II of the Chennai Metro. HCC share in the JV is 51% (i.e. Rs 585 crore). The scope of work involves civil works, architectural works, plumbing & drainage and temporary services as per the client's drawings. The nine elevated stations include Chennai Bypass Crossing, Rarriacharidra Hospital, lyyaparithangal Bus Depot, Katupakkam, Kumanan Chavadi, Karayan Chavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus, Poonamallee Bypass. The work is to be completed in 36 months. Currently, HCC is executing a section of Mumbai Metro Line Ill, involving 3,115 m long twin bored tunnels including 4 underground stations; a section of Delhi metro involving, 4051 m underground twin tunnels and an underground station; two contracts for Pune Metro involving 17 elevated stations and a section of Bangalore Metro Rail Project involving 6,340 m long elevated corridor including a road-cum-rail flyover and 5 metro stations. In the past, HCC has been associated with 6 packages of Delhi Metro totalling 18.14 krn of tunnels and 13 underground stations. In Kolkata Metro, HCC has constructed 6.47 km tunnels in 6 packages that include 4 underground stations. In Mumbai Metro I, the company has built 8 elevated stations. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Never waste a crisis --- does this corporate adage hold good now? Uddalok Bhattacharya sums up R Gopalakrishnan: Many crises are leadership failures rather than technical ones. Leaders focus so intently on an agenda that they fail to factor in their teams social context. Outlook beset by uncertainties, but in 2021-22 likely to be lower than in 2019-20, says Shankar Acharya OUR EDIT SAYS: Sebis proposals are in line with changing investor landscape Congress leader launched an attack on Prime Minister on Thursday, alleging that he is missing along with vaccines, oxygen and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic and what remains is the central vista project and the PM's photos. "The prime minister is also missing, along with the vaccine, oxygen and medicines. All that remain are the central vista project, GST on medicines and the prime minister's photos here and there," he said in a tweet in Hindi. Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister over the government's handling of the pandemic and has been critical of the Centre for the lack of oxygen, medicines and vaccines in the country amid a surge in the number of cases during the second wave of COVID-19. With a single-day rise of 3,62,727 cases, India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 2,37,03,665 on Thursday, while the death toll due to the viral disease rose to 2,58,317 with 4,120 more people succumbing to it, according to the health ministry. Inc. said Antonio Garcia Martinez, a former Facebook Inc. product manager who recently joined the iPhone maker, is no longer at after his hiring caused an internal backlash because of past comments that drew fire for being racist or sexist. Garcia Martinez, who was hired last month to work in product engineering on Apples advertising platform team, has left after just a couple of weeks on the job, the Cupertino, California-based company said Wednesday in a statement. At Apple, we have always strived to create an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone is respected and accepted, an spokesman told Bloomberg News. Behavior that demeans or discriminates against people for who they are has no place here. Earlier Wednesday, several Apple employees complained about the Garcia Martinez hire both internally and on social media, citing comments he previously made and excerpts from his 2016 book, Chaos Monkeys. In the book, Garcia Martinez called women in soft and weak and made a series of other assertions deemed misogynist and racist by Apple employees. In an internal memo to Eddy Cue, Apples senior vice president who oversees services such as advertising, and executives in the inclusion and diversity department, Apple employees questioned how a company that prides itself on diversity could make such a hire. We demand an investigation into how his published views on women and people of color were missed or ignored, along with a clear plan of action to prevent this from happening again, the workers wrote. I have been gutted, as many other folks at Apple were, with the hiring of Antonio Garcia Martinez. I believe in the strength of community we have at Apple, & that the culture we've built can weather this. I also believe in leadership to do the right thing, whatever that is. Cher Scarlett (@cherthedev) May 12, 2021 The internal firestorm at Apple was a rarity for a company that has mostly sidestepped related controversies that have plagued Alphabet Inc.s Google and other technology companies. We are profoundly distraught by what this hire means for Apples commitment to its inclusion goals, as well as its real and immediate impact on those working near Mr. Garcia Martinez, a group of Apple employees wrote in the memo. It calls into question parts of our system of inclusion at Apple, including hiring panels, background checks, and our process to ensure our existing culture of inclusion is strong enough to withstand individuals who dont share our inclusive values. Earlier in his career, Garcia Martinez worked on ad targeting at Facebook. When he was hired at Apple, industry observers questioned the move as his advertising approach at Facebook strongly differed from the privacy-centric approach Apple says it takes with its advertising efforts. In an interview with Vox in 2018, Garcia Martinez said, most people dont care about privacy. Media elites care about it, underemployed Eurocrats care about it. And the entire privacy-industrial complex -- theres an entire set of very loud voices who are constantly beating the drum and building media careers around this. Apple has ad slots in the App Store, Apple News and Stocks apps, but has clamped down on the ability for third-party app developers like Facebook to target users with personalized ads. As remote work and learning continued amid the pandemic in India, replaced Taiwanese brand in the consumer segment for the fourth position in the country in the first quarter of 2021, an IDC report said on Thursday. recorded its biggest quarter for the overall PC shipments in India and tied for the fifth position with Its shipments grew 335.5 per cent (year-on-year) and 45.3 per cent from the previous quarter. According to Jaipal Singh, Associate Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India, has generated a tremendous demand in various industries across the country and there has been a "great momentum" for its devices especially in the consumer segment. "MacBook Pro and MacBook Air contributed over 90 per cent to Apple shipments in the first quarter in India," Singh told IANS. The Q1 recorded the highest ever first-quarter shipments to India. Notebooks again remained the driving category with more than three-fourths share of the PC category, registering a 116.7 per cent YoY growth. Many companies remained fully remote or had adopted a hybrid working model to manage the growing concerns of the pandemic within the country. The overall PC market (inclusive of desktops, notebooks and workstations) in India was dominated by HP Inc, Dell and Lenovo in Q1. "As cases continued to rise, a few large enterprises procured PCs in bulk to manage their workforces, adopting these new working models for the long haul," said Bharath Shenoy , Market Analyst, PC Devices, IDC India. --IANS na/ (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.) Amid a massive second COVID-19 wave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the availability and supply of oxygen and medicines. He also took stock of drugs that are supplied for the treatment of Mucormycosis or black fungus, the cases of which are on the rise in some states of the country. Officials updated PM Modi during the meeting on Wednesday that they are in regular touch with the manufacturers to enhance production and extend all kinds of help needed. He also took stock of the current production and stock of APIs for each such drug. The production of all drugs, including Remdesivir, has been ramped up significantly in the last few weeks. Officials informed the PM that the supply of oxygen is now more than 3 times the supply during the peak of the first wave. He also reviewed the status of procurement of oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, and PSA plants. Also read: COVID-19: How vaccine wastage happens, how to reduce it The PM CARES Fund has also approved the procurement of 1,50,000 units of the Oxycare System developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at a cost of Rs 322.5 crore. Oxycare is a SpO2 based Oxygen Supply System, which regulates the oxygen being administered to patients based on the sensed SpO2 levels. Under the sanction, 1,00,000 manual and 50,000 automatic Oxycare systems along with non-rebreather masks are being procured, the defence ministry said in a release. As the second wave of Covid-19 hit India hard, the world community lent a helping hand to the country fighting one of the deadliest waves in the world. The Centre has further delivered global aid to states/UTs under the 'Whole of Government' approach to augment their efforts in COVID management. Around 9,200 oxygen concentrators, 5,243 oxygen cylinders, 19 oxygen generation plants, 5,913 ventilators/Bi PAP, and 3.44 lakh Remdesivir vials received as part of global aid have been delivered or dispatched to states and UTs. Meanwhile, India reported 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases, 3,52,181 recoveries, and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the latest health ministry data. Also read: 7th Pay Commission: Deadline for LTC special cash package extended Also read: Dr Reddy's to make, sell Eli Lilly's COVID-19 drug Baricitinib in India; 5th drugmaker to do so The national regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has accepted the recommendation of the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) and given a nod to Bharat Biotech Ltd to conduct Phase II/III clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin in the age group 2 to 18 years. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech had proposed to carry out a Phase-II/III clinical trial of Covaxin in the age group of 2 to 18 years. The trial will be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers. In the trial, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. As a rapid regulatory response, the proposal was deliberated in the SEC on May 11. The committee after detailed deliberation recommended for the grant of permission to conduct a proposed Phase II/III clinical trial to certain conditions. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: SII, Bharat Biotech to raise production by August Earlier, the proposal was deliberated in the SEC meeting dated February 24 and the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol. Covaxin, indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is being used in adults in India's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive. Apart from Covaxin, vaccine giant Serum Institute of India's Covishield is being used to vaccinate people in India. The vaccine bankrolled by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia's sovereign wealth fund, has also received regulatory approval in India to make and sell its vaccine Sputnik V in India. Dr Reddy's will manage its vaccine operations in India. Meanwhile, SII and Bharat Biotech have submitted their production plan for the next four months as several states continue to report the shortages of COVID-19 vaccines. While Pune-based Serum Institute said it can ramp up the production to 10 crore, the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech said they can raise the production to 7.8 crore doses by August. Also read: One dose of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine gives 80% lower death risk, say English health authorities Also read: Direct supply of Covaxin to Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, 15 other states since May 1: Bharat Biotech Four people have died and 15 injured during a fire at a pesticide manufacturing factory in Cuddalore today. All the injured people have been rushed to a nearby government hospital. "Strict action will be taken against factories and companies that don't take steps to control accidents," State Minister CV Ganesan told ANI. Tamil Nadu: 4 people dead, 15 injured in fire at a pesticides manufacturing factory in Cuddalore; Injured admitted to a govt hospital "Strict action will be taken against factories and companies which don't take steps to control accidents," says State Minister CV Ganesan pic.twitter.com/wcZN9lvQJk a ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 On Wednesday too, a fire broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr industrial area in which two factories were gutted, officials said, adding that no casualties were reported. Smoke coming out from a menthol manufacturing unit was spotted by the watchman who called the owner Manoj Gupta following which the police and the fire department were informed. Meanwhile, on May 1, a fire had broken out at a hospital in Gujarat's Bharuch in the wee hours of Saturday, May 1, claiming the lives of at least 18 coronavirus patients who died due to the resultant smoke. Heart-wrenching visuals of the mishap showed the remains of some patients on beds and stretchers. There were around 50 other patients at the four-storeyed Welfare Hospital when the tragedy struck, reported PTI. Also read:Eli Lilly ties up with MSN Labs, Torrent Pharma for sale of Covid-19 drug Baricitnib in India Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company Bajaj Auto on Thursday announced a slew of policies for its employees, such as 5-year hospitalisation insurance, monetary support for staff families in case of death due to COVID-19, and upgradation of the COVID care centre at in Aurangabad, in the fight against the second wave of the pandemic. These measures are in addition to several initiatives already undertaken by the company over the past year, Bajaj Auto said in a release. COVID has shown that the mental well-being of employees is as important as physical, and they need to be cared for in a wholesome manner, it added. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, said, "When asked how we should treat others, Ramana Maharshi replied, 'There are no others'. It is with this sense of oneness that we shall do our utmost for any extended families of Bajaj Auto who might be devastated by the loss of their loved ones who went beyond the call of duty in the face of this pandemic." "Under the new policy, in the unfortunate event of an employee's death due to COVID, his/her family will receive monetary support up to two years after their demise," Bajaj Auto said. The company also promises to assist dependent children's education till graduation. In addition to this, there will also be 5-year hospitalisation insurance for all family members of the deceased employee, the company said. In addition to the financial contributions, Bajaj Auto had also started facilities for tests and treatment at its multiple COVID care facilities, the company added. The company has also extended the support of its engineers, who worked closely with government authorities, to audit the oxygen systems at more than 70 hospitals across Maharashtra to prevent wastage, said the company. Bajaj Group, which Bajaj Auto is a part of, has already committed Rs 300 crore towards the government, local administration and NGO initiatives, including procurement of 12 oxygen plants to rural and urban hospitals, and other respiratory support equipment - oxygen concentrators, ventilators and BiPaps. (With inputs from PTI) Also Read: Tamil Nadu clarifies list of essential industries allowed to operate amid COVID-19 lockdown Also Read: Increase gap between Covishield doses to 12-16 weeks, suggests top govt panel Also Read: PM Modi to release eighth instalment of PM-KISAN financial benefits tomorrow Tesla Inc has suspended the use of bitcoin to purchase its vehicles because of climate concerns, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said in a tweet on Wednesday, reversing the company's stance in the face of an outcry from some environmentalists and investors. Bitcoin, the world's biggest digital currency, fell more than 7% after the tweet and was trading at $52,669. Tesla Inc revealed in February it had bought $1.5 billion of bitcoin, before it began accepting it as payment for cars in March, driving a roughly 20% surge in the world's most widely held cryptocurrency. Musk on Wednesday said Tesla would not sell any bitcoin, and intends to use bitcoin for transactions as soon as mining transitions to more sustainable energy. "We are concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel," Musk wrote. The digital currency is created when high-powered computers compete against other machines to solve complex mathematical puzzles, an energy-intensive process that currently often relies on electricity generated with fossil fuels, particularly coal. At current rates, such bitcoin "mining" devours about the same amount of energy annually as the Netherlands did in 2019, the latest available data from the University of Cambridge and the International Energy Agency shows. Some investors cast doubt on the use of bitcoin for Tesla purchases months ago. "We are of course very concerned about the level of carbon dioxide emissions generated from bitcoin mining," said Ben Dear, CEO of Osmosis Investment Management in February, shortly after Tesla's bitcoing holdings became public. Osmosis is a sustainable investor managing around $2.2 billion in assets that holds Tesla stock in several portfolios. On Wednesday, Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at currency trading firm OANDA, said that Musk was getting ahead of investors focused on sustainability. "The environmental impact from mining bitcoins was one of the biggest risks for the entire crypto market," Moya said. "Over the past couple of months, everyone disregarded news that Bitcoin uses more electricity than Argentina and Norway." Chris Weston, head of research at broker Pepperstone in Melbourne, said Musk's reaction was a blow to bitcoin but an acknowledgement of the currency's carbon footprint. "Tesla has got an image of being environmentally friendly and bitcoin clearly is the opposite of that," Weston said. Musk himself is a strong believer in digital currencies, but also advocates for clean technology. "Cryptocurrency is a good idea on many levels and we believe it has a promising future, but this cannot come at great cost to the environment," Musk said. "We are also looking at other cryptocurrencies that use <1% of bitcoin's energy/transaction." The dominance of Chinese bitcoin miners and lack of motivation to swap cheap fossil fuels for more expensive renewables could mean there are few quick fixes to the emissions problem. Chinese miners account for about 70% of bitcoin production, data from the University of Cambridge's Centre for Alternative Finance shows. They tend to use renewable energy - mostly hydropower - during the rainy summer months, but fossil fuels - primarily coal - for the rest of the year. In theory, blockchain analysis firms say, it is possible to track the source of bitcoin, raising the possibility that a premium could be charged for green bitcoin. Stronger climate change policies by governments around the world might also help. Some bitcoin proponents note that the existing financial system - with its millions of employees and computers in air-conditioned offices - uses large amounts of energy too. Musk has been a fan of other cryptocurrencies, firing off tweets this year that have made the once-obscure digital currency dogecoin well known. Musk said on Sunday that his commercial rocket company SpaceX will be accepting the meme-inspired cryptocurrency as payment to launch a lunar mission next year. Also read: Crypto enthusiast Elon Musk asks Twitter users if Tesla should accept Dogecoin TikTok India CEO Nikhil Gandhi has resigned almost a year after the Indian government closed its Indian operations citing sovereignty and national security issues. Gandhi was recently redesignated as head for Middle East, Africa, Turkey & South Asia for the Chinese app. According to an ET report, Gandhi was attempting to sell TikTok's India business in the past few months. Gandhi had joined TikTok in October 2019 from Times Network. Gandhi quit Times Network in September 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and President. Before Times Network, he worked as Vice President with Walt Disney for 9 years. Previously, he was also worked with UTV Global Broadcasting and Viacom Media Networks. Data of 533 million Facebook users leaked online, here is how you can check if you are safe TikTok, which allows users to create and share short videos with special effects, had become hugely popular in India but was criticised by some politicians who said its content was inappropriate. It had been downloaded more than 240 million times in India, app analytics firm Sensor Tower said in February 2019. More than 30 million users in India installed it in January 2019, 12 times more than in the same month last year. ShareChat raises $502 million; valuation rises to $2.1 bn Homegrown two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company announced that it will pay up to three times the gross annual salary to the family of an employee who dies due to COVID-19 and fund the education of the employee's two children till they finish under-graduation. "In case of an unfortunate eventuality, the company will step in to ensure that the bereaved family is provided with a complete support system to help them cope with the loss and grief," TVS said in a statement. This ex-gratia is in addition to the company's Family Welfare Fund and other statuary benefits applicable to deceased employees, as per a Moneycontrol report. "As an immediate relief the company will provide compensation as ex-gratia to the legal heir of the deceased employee," it added. Apart from bearing the hospitalisation costs of COVID-19 treatment, TVS Motor also promises to pay for medical insurance to the bereaved family for three years. It had also extended free COVID-19 vaccination for all employees and their immediate family members. This vaccination drive is in line with the ongoing government guidelines and will cover around 35,000 direct and indirect employees across India, TVS said in a statement. Recently, Bajaj Auto also rolled out a similar assistance programme for its employees and promised to pay up to Rs 2 lakh per month for two years of educational assistance for up to two children. It promised to cover up to Rs 1 lakh per annum up to the 12th standard and Rs 5 lakh per annum for graduation per child. Even pharmaceutical giant Sun Pharma and glassware brand Borosil have also offered similar assistance programmes for their respective employees. Also Read: Tamil Nadu clarifies list of essential industries allowed to operate amid COVID-19 lockdown Also Read: Increase gap between Covishield doses to 12-16 weeks, suggests top govt panel Also Read: PM Modi to release eighth instalment of PM-KISAN financial benefits tomorrow Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla has assured Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray that 1.5 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, will be delivered to the state after May 20. The Maharashtra state cabinet convened a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the COVID management. Talking to the media following the meeting, state health minister Rajesh Tope said Poonawalla has "promised the Chief Minister to deliver 1.5 crore doses of Covishield to Maharashtra after May 20." Also Read: Bharat Biotech begins supplying Covaxin directly to Delhi, Maharashtra, 12 other states He added that "we will start the vaccination for the 18-44 years age group after we receive the vaccine." Since the Maharashtra government has suspended the COVID-19 vaccination for the 18-44 years age group for the time being due to the unavailability of vaccine doses, Tope added that "all the doses purchased by the state government for the age group will now be diverted for the 45 category." When asked about the lockdown extension in the state, he said the health department and other minister suggested extending the lockdown for 15 days at the cabinet meeting. Also Read: Maharashtra to stop Covaxin inoculation for 18-44 age group, to divert 3 lakh jabs to 45+ category Meanwhile, Aslam Sheikh, Minister in Maharashtra Cabinet, told ANI the Centre should ease norms for buying vaccines. "If the Centre eases its import laws a bit, we will be able to vaccinate the people in 3-4 months. More rights need to be given to States so that we can purchase vaccines from the market and vaccinate people," he said. Maharashtra has the highest COVID-19 case tally in the country. The state registered 46,781 new infections and 816 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the state health department on Wednesday. The fresh cases thrusted the total count in Maharashtra to 52,26,710 and the death toll to 78,007. The active number of coronavirus cases in the state stands at 5,46,129. The frightful sight of floating bodies in the Ganga river was seen in Patna on Thursday, May 13. Two days after the Bihar government fished out 71 dead bodies from the river in Bihar's Buxar district, residents spotted many bodies floating near the Gulabi Ghat in Patna. "A number of bodies, including a body of a child, have been found floating in the river Ganga. We are keeping a check to ensure that corpses are not dumped in the river in our district," Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh told India Today. Also Read: 45 dead bodies seen floating in Ganga river in UP's Ballia, Ghazipur The Gulabi Ghat on the Ganga river is used for carrying out cremation of bodies in Patna. Singh further stated that his office is ascertaining if the bodies were discarded in the river in Patna or someplace else. He also appealed to people not to dump bodies in the river. The district magistrate further informed that the bodies will be fished out and cremated. The Bihar government had on May 11 fished out 71 bodies from the Ganges in Buxar, eliciting doubt that the deserted corpses could be those of the coronavirus patients. As per the Ballia residents in UP, at least 52 bodies were seen floating at the Bharauli, Ujiyar, and Kulhadia ghats in the Narahi area. However, the district administration did not divulge the precise number of corpses found there. Also Read: Shocking! Dead bodies found floating in Ganga in Bihar's Buxar Hamirpur district residents, on May 10, spotted five bodies floating in Yamuna river, creating a panic situation in the area that these were the corpses of the coronavirus patients. The corpses were later fished out and cremated. The Centre, subsequent to this, asked the states along the Ganga river to ensure stringent vigilance and check future incidences of people disposing bodies in the Ganga and its tributaries. Amid the vaccine crisis in the national capital, Delhi deputy chief minister shared the good news with the people on Thursday. He said Delhi's case positivity rate has gone down to 14 per cent -- lowest in nearly a month -- as Covid-19 cases see a decline. He also said with this, Delhi's oxygen requirement has also reduced to 582 MT per day from over 700 MT earlier. The central government can reroute the additional oxygen being supplied to Delhi to other states, he said. "The lower number of coronavirus cases in Delhi is a matter of great relief. Given the current number of patients in the hospital, the need for oxygen has also reduced. Delhi now needs 582 MT instead of 700. We have requested the central government to give the rest of the oxygen to the states that need it urgently," he tweeted in Hindi. The Centre and the Delhi government have been sparring over the issues of oxygen and vaccine crunch as Delhi bears the brunt of the massive second Covid-19 wave. Many patients had to lose lives in the national capital as hospitals ran out of medical oxygen. The state government has also halted the vaccination of 18-44 years olds across over 100 centres as the stock of Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin has dried. Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, in an SOS to the Centre on Wednesday, said Bharat Biotech has declined to supply any more vaccines to the national capital. He said Delhi's reserve stock of Covid-19 vaccine is exhausted, and that the Centre should carry out its responsibility and stop all exports to fulfil the domestic demand. He said Delhi had demanded 1.34 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines, 67 lakhs each of Covaxin and Covishield. "Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) wrote to us yesterday that they can't provide. They wrote 'we're making dispatches as per directives of concerned govt officials'. Obvious that these are central govt officials," said the Delhi deputy chief minister. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Monday also warned the national capital has Covaxin stock for only one day, while Covishield stock will last for up to four days only. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has suggested to the Centre that it should share the COVID-19 vaccine formula of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech with other firms in the country to scale up production of the coronavirus jab. "Not just 2, several companies should be deployed to produce vaccines. The Centre should collect the formula to produce vaccines from these 2 companies & give it to all those companies that can produce vaccines safely. Centre has the power to do this in these difficult times," the Chief Minister added. Meanwhile, Delhi has seen a consistent decline in daily cases in the past 3 days. The national capital reported 13,287 new coronavirus cases and 300 more fatalities on Wednesday, while the positivity rate came down to 17 per cent, the lowest in nearly a month. Delhi had reported 12,481 cases on Tuesday, 12,651 cases on Monday, 13,336 on Sunday, 17,364 on Saturday, 19,832 on Friday, 19,133 on Thursday, 20,960 on Wednesday and 19,953 last Tuesday. Also Read: India's investment ratings hanging by a thread amid second COVID-19 wave Also read: Eli Lilly ties up with MSN Labs, Torrent Pharma for sale of Covid-19 drug Baricitnib in India Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have submitted their production plan for the next four months as several states continue to report the shortages of COVID-19 vaccines. While Pune-based Serum Institute said it can ramp up the production to 10 crore, the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech said they can raise the production to 7.8 crore doses till August. Whole-time Director of Bharat Biotech Dr V Krishna Mohan told the Union Health Ministry and the office of Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) that the production of Covaxin can be raised to 3.32 crore in July and 7.82 crore in August, which will also be maintained in September. The Ministry of Science and Technology had also stated on April 16 that Covaxin's production capacity will be doubled by May-June 2021 and then increased around 6-7 fold by July-August 2021. Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute Prakash Kumar Singh said the production of Covishield will be ramped up to 10 crore doses each in August, which will be maintained in September as well. "We confirm that the quantities mentioned will be fulfilled under all circumstances. Also, we are trying our best by utilising all our resources to increase our production capacity of Covishield. In view of this, the production during June and July may also increase by some quantity," Singh conveyed in a communique to the health ministry. This comes one month after an inter-ministerial group comprising Joint Secretary in Department of Pharmaceuticals Rajneesh Tingal and Joint Secretary in Health Ministry Dr Mandeep Bhandari visited the production facilities of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech in April. Meanwhile, several states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have decided to place orders directly with the vaccine makers since the current supply is not enough to meet the demand. Edited by Mehak Agarwal; with PTI inputs Also read: Direct supply of Covaxin to Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, 15 other states since May 1: Bharat Biotech NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul informed on Thursday that the first batch of Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V has arrived in India and will likely be available in the market from next week onwards. He added that more doses will soon be arriving from Russia. Sputnik V is the third COVID-19 vaccine after SII's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin that has received emergency use authorisation from Indian drug regulators. "I'm happy to say that we're hopeful that it'll be available in the market next week. We're hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week," Dr VK Paul stated in a press briefing. Paul added the manufacturing of Sputnik V is scheduled to begin in India by July 2021. "Further supply will also follow. Its production will begin in July and it is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period," Paul told ANI. Commenting on the Centre's move to increase the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, Paul stated that 216 crore doses will be produced in the country between August and December "for India and for Indians". "There should be no doubt that vaccine will be available for all as we move forward... Any vaccine that is approved by FDA, WHO can come to India. Import licence will be granted within 1-2 days. No import licence is pending," the NITI Aayog member added. Paul further noted that the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with other concerned departments have been in touch with Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson since the initial days of vaccine production. "They were officially asked if they would like to send doses to or manufacture in India. We will find partners and assist. They had said that they are working in their own way and they would talk of vaccine availability in the third quarter ofd 2021. We are connected to them. I'm hopeful that they will step forward to increase availability in India. We invite them to manufacture here along with our companies. Johnson & Johnson did a good job. They accepted this offer under Quad," Paul said. Paul stated that 18 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the country. (Edited by Mohammad Haaris beg) Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine: SII, Bharat Biotech to raise production by August Also read: Direct supply of Covaxin to Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, 15 other states since May 1: Bharat Biotech A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea by businessman Navneet Kalra in connection with the oxygen hoarding and black marketing case. The Saket Court said that his custodial interrogation is required to be carried out to unveil the entire conspiracy. The court also said the possibility of Kalra tampering with the evidence and intimidating prosecution witnesses cannot be ruled out. The ruling comes at a time when the co-accused in the case were granted bail on Wednesday following custody of over a week since the arrest. Police sources told India Today that Kalra, who has been evading arrest and has been 'absconding', is apparently in Delhi. Delhi Crime Branch believes he is in the city and they are on the lookout for the businessman. Over 500 oxygen concentrators were recovered from several of his restaurants in Delhi. Kalra, fearing arrest, moved court to seek anticipatory bail earlier this week. Five hundred and twenty-four oxygen concentrators were recovered from three of his restaurants, including Khan Chacha in Khan Market. The court reserved the order on the anticipatory bail on Wednesday after hearing the arguments of both prosecutors and the defence. The recoveries began on Friday last week from Nege & Ju owned by Kalra, who is also associated with Dayal Opticals and Mr Choy. DCO Atul Thakur had said last week that they are on the lookout for Kalra. Delhi Police found the restobar open and spotted suspicious activity inside. They found a person sitting with a laptop and taking orders for oxygen concentrators through an online portal. Upon searching, 32 oxygen concentrators of 9-litre and 5-litre capacities were found. FIR under sections of the Essential Commodities Act and Epidemic Diseases Act was registered against the four men who were operating the racket. Also read: Vedanta dispatches 1st batch of medical oxygen from Sterlite plant Also read: COVID-19: 2 arrested for black marketing, hoarding oxygen concentrators, oximeters in Delhi Asian cities are at the greatest risk from environmental concerns comprising natural disasters and air pollution, according to a report by research firm Verisk Maplecroft. Ninety-nine of the 100 most vulnerable cities are in Asia, as per the report released on Thursday, May 13. Of those, 43 are in India and 37 in China. Both China and India are the world's first and third biggest emitters of greenhouse gases respectively. Around 1.5 billion people dwell in 414 cities worldwide that are at high risk from natural hazards, pollution, physical impacts of climate change, water shortages, and extreme heat, according to the report, Bloomberg reported. Also Read: Banks to remain shut on May 13, May 14 in these cities; check out details Indonesia's capital Jakarta topped the list of combined risks contingent on all nine factors assessed by Verisk Maplecroft. India has 13 of 20 high-risk cities in the world, because of its excessive levels of water and air pollution. China's flood-prone Guangzhou and Dongguan topped the list of cities exposed to the threats from natural hazards, followed by Japan's Osaka, and the capital city Tokyo for being exposed to typhoons and earthquakes. Lima, the capital city of Peru, is the only city outside Asia that is among the top 100 riskiest cities overall. A serious threat for several cities is how climate change will magnify weather-related risks, said Will Nichols, Verisk Maplecroft's Head of Environment and Climate Change. Also Read: 'Existential crisis': Human penises are shrinking due to pollution, warns scientist "Higher temperatures and the increasing severity and frequency of extreme events will change the quality of living and economic growth prospects of many cities across the globe," he noted. Meanwhile, African cities face some of the gravest threats from climate change and have the least ability to alleviate those impacts. Glasgow, which is in Scotland, was ranked the safest among the 576 cities assessed for that factor. "Environmental risk needs to be a central consideration when it comes to making your business, investments, or real estate portfolio more resilient," said Nichols. He added that the hope is to discern these risks as well as emphasise on strategies for future climate scenarios that will help investors "gain a clearer view of the costs and benefits of investment decisions." A special court here has issued a public notice to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering in the PNB scam case, asking why his properties should not be confiscated under the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act. Special Judge V C Barde has also asked Modi to appear before the court on June 11. The court said if the accused failed to appear, it will proceed with action against him under the FEO Act. The special court had in December 2019 declared Nirav Modi a fugitive economic offender, on a plea of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a probe into the case. "I, V C Barde, Special Judge, PMLA, 2002 and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, issue NOTICE to you to show cause as to why the properties mentioned in the application (ED's plea), in which you have pecuniary interest and/or otherwise, should not be confiscated under the said Act," the recent notice said. A similar notice was also issued to Nirav Modi's wife Ami, sister Purvi and brother-in-law Maiank Mehta. The notice said the family members have been enumerated as "interested person" in the application. The investigating agency has alleged that Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, in connivance with certain bank officials, allegedly cheated the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore through issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). The LoUs were allegedly issued in a fraudulent manner by a Mumbai branch of the PNB to a group of companies belonging to Nirav Modi since March 2011, till the case came to light. Under the FEO Act, a person can be declared a fugitive economic offender if a warrant has been issued against him for an offence involving an amount of Rs 100 crore or more and he has left the country and refuses to return. Also Read: Nirav Modi files appeal in UK High Court, challenges his extradition to India Also read: Direct supply of Covaxin to Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, 15 other states since May 1: Bharat Biotech Mid-sized motorcycle maker Royal Enfield on Wednesday said it has decided to shut down its two manufacturing facilities between May 13-16 in order to safeguard its employees amid the second wave of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The company, which is a part of Eicher Motors, would utilise the shutdown to undertake maintenance activity at its manufacturing plants. "In light of the unprecedented situation owing to the spread of COVID-19, and with an objective to prioritise safety and well-being of its personnel, the company has decided to temporarily halt production operations at its manufacturing facilities in Chennai," Royal Enfield said in a statement. The company's manufacturing operations across Thiruvottiyur, Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal facilities will remain shut between May 13 and May 16, 2021, it added. Given local lockdowns across states and Union Territories impacting retail operations, the company does not foresee any significant impact on ability to cater to demand, Royal Enfield stated. The company continues to monitor the situation closely and will take appropriate actions as the situation progresses; and in line with the directives being issued by the government and administrative authorities, it added. Royal Enfield has issued advisories to all dealerships in the country to adhere to local regulations and follow local administrative orders, as may apply, it said. All other employees across the company offices, including corporate offices in Chennai and Gurgaon continue to work from home, until further notice, it added. Earlier this week, Yamaha Motor (IYM) announced it would suspend production from May 15-31 at its two plants in the country. On May 9, two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp extended shutdown of its plants across India by another week till May 16 in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country. Also read: PVs sales down 10.07%; 33.52% dip in 2-wheeler units as lockdowns hit auto industry: SIAM Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of United Co-operative Bank Ltd, based in Bagnan, West Bengal. Through an order dated May 10, 2021, the central bank has prohibited the co-operative lender from carrying on banking business, with effect from the close of business on May 13, 2021. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, West Bengal has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank. RBI said it cancelled the licence as United Co-operative Bank did not have adequate capital and earning prospects. "As such, it does not comply with the provisions of section 11(1) and section 22(3)(d) read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949," the central bank further added. "The bank has failed to comply with the requirements of section 22 (3) (a), 22 (3) (b), 22 (3) (c), 22 (3) (d) and 22 (3) (e) read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949," RBI noted in its order. The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full, and its continuance is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors, the central bank said. Public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further, it further added. "Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, United Co-operative Bank Ltd, Bagnan, West Bengal, is prohibited from conducting the business of 'banking' which includes acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5 (b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect," RBI said. With the cancellation of licence and commencement of liquidation proceedings, the process of paying the depositors of United Co-operative Bank as per the DICGC Act, 1961, will be set in motion, RBI said. "As per the data submitted by the bank, all the depositors will receive full amount of their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount in respect of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakh from the DICGC subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961," the central bank assured. ALSO READ: Bad bank's success depends on support from pvt lenders: SBI MD ALSO READ: RBI's direct support to healthcare sector will generate total output demand of Rs 80,000 crore: SBI Research Bharat Biotech has agreed to allow other companies to manufacture its coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, informed NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul. Addressing a press conference on the status of COVID-19 situation in the country on Thursday, Paul invited companies interested in joining the initiative to expand the production of Covaxin. "People have asked that Covaxin be given to other companies for manufacturing. I am happy to say that Covaxin manufacturing company [Bharat Biotech] has welcomed this when we discussed it with them. Under this vaccine live virus is inactivated and this is done only in BSL3 labs," Paul said. Bharat Biotech has been producing Covaxin at its Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facilities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Production capacity had been enhanced in a step-wise manner, Bharat Biotech had informed last month. "Not every company has this. We give an open invitation to companies who want to do this. Companies that want to manufacture Covaxin, should do it together," Paul said, adding that government will assist with increasing capacity. Not every company has this. We give an open invitation to companies who want to do this. Companies that want to manufacture Covaxin, should do it together. Govt will assist so that capacity is increased: Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog a ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 ALSO READ: DCGI nod to Phase 2-3 clinical trials of Covaxin for 2-18 years Several states have complained of diminishing or depleted stocks of Covaxin. Covaxin centres have been closed for 18-44 age group in certain states as supply of the jab fails to match the demand. Earlier today, Bharat Biotech submitted its production plan for Covaxin for the next four months, while told Serum Institute of India did the same for Covishield. The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical major told the Union Health Ministry and the office of Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) that the production of Covaxin can be raised to 3.32 crore in July and 7.82 crore in August, which will also be maintained in September. The Pune-based vaccine manufacturer said that it can scale up the production of Covishield to 10 crore doses. These developments come on the day DCGI has accepted the recommendation of the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) and given a nod to Bharat Biotech Ltd to conduct Phase II/III clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin in the age group 2 to 18 years. The trial will be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers. ALSO READ: COVID-19 vaccine: SII, Bharat Biotech to raise production by August Facebook on Thursday said it will roll out a new campaign in India in the coming weeks to "educate and inform people" about how to detect misinformation related to Covid-19, and encourage users to check the information they receive against an authentic source. The social networking giant has removed over 12 million pieces of "harmful" misinformation on Covid-19 globally from Instagram and its own platform during the pandemic, including falsehoods about approved vaccines. It also put warning labels on over 167 million posts that were marked as false by third-party fact checkers. The social media giant, which counts India among its biggest markets, said it is working on connecting people to accurate sources, and tackle misinformation, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic. To support its efforts to provide tools to make qualified decisions about information users see online, Facebook will be rolling out a new campaign in India over the coming weeks, the US-based social networking platform said in a statement. The campaign is aimed at educating and informing people about how to detect misinformation related to COVID-19 and encouraging them to check the information they receive against an authentic source such as the MyGov platform. "We have developed six easy tips to fight COVID-19 misinformation. These tips will show up on Facebook through a series of creative adverts, and link out to a dedicated microsite, "www.fightcovidmisinfo.com/india/," it added. Via the campaign, people will be encouraged to get the whole story and not just the headline, look for trusted sources, and share facts and not rumours. The campaign and the website will be rolled out in English and 9 Indian languages -- Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati and Bengali. As per data provided by the Indian government earlier this year, India has 53 crore WhatsApp users, 41 crore Facebook users and 21 crore users of Instagram. Last month, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms had removed about 100 posts and URLs after the government asked them to take down content spreading fake news around the pandemic. In its statement on Thursday, Facebook said it has made significant investments to remove accounts and content that violate its Community Standards or Ad Policies as part of its global fight against spread of misinformation. It is also working on reducing the distribution of misinformation and false news, and informing people by giving them more context on the posts they see, so that "people can decide what to read, trust, and share". During the pandemic, more than 12 million pieces of harmful misinformation on COVID-19 were removed globally from Facebook and Instagram. "Facebook has put warning labels on over 167 million posts marked as false by third-party fact checkers. When people see warning labels, about 95 per cent of the time they do not go on to view the original content," the US-based company said. Facebook said it has also initiated a campaign in association with leading doctors in India in a bid to provide accurate and reliable information and resources on COVID-19. The campaign includes a series of 12 videos where doctors address the most commonly asked questions on COVID-19. The video series - #DoctorKiSuno - will premiere on https://www.facebook.com/FacebookIndia and will cover key topics like COVID-19 in children, diabetes and COVID-19, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 among others. "Through this COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we'll continue working with partners and the community to ensure we're effectively tackling misinformation. "We will give them the resources they need to help spot and challenge the content they are seeing online, and to share accurate information with their friends and family over social media," Facebook said. Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine: SII, Bharat Biotech to raise production by August Also read: Direct supply of Covaxin to Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, 15 other states since May 1: Bharat Biotech Highlights WhatsApp had filed a petition in the Delhi High court against its privacy policies. WhatsApp had named companies including Zomato, BigBasket, Ola, Koo, Truecaller, Aarogya Setu and accused all of them of collecting more users data. WhatsApp updated on its FAQ page that it would not delete users account if they do not accept the new privacy policy. In midst of growing criticism over new privacy policies, WhatsApp had filed a petition in the Delhi High court against it. In its petition, WhatsApp had alleged that most applications and websites have similar policies and collect even more data than WhatsApp does. The Facebook-owned messaging app had named companies including Zomato, BigBasket, Ola, Koo, Truecaller, Aarogya Setu and accused all of them of collecting more users' data. As per an Inc42 report, WhatsApp had filed a petition in the Delhi High Court on May 5. The instant messaging app had claimed that some popular apps collect the same or more users' data than it does. WhatsApp had even named major tech companies including Microsoft, Google, Zoom in its petition. Interestingly, the digital arm of Republic TV has also been accused of collecting more users' data. "A review of the privacy policies of many internet-based applications and websites confirms that such policies include provisions describing the information they may collect that are similar to and in many instances much broader than those in the 2021 Update," WhatsApp said in its affidavit that was accessed by Inc42. WhatsApp mentioned in its affidavit that if it is not allowed to roll out its new privacy policy, it would hamper the operations tech companies in the country. Primarily, the companies that facilitate grocery delivery and more. This comes in response to a petition filed against WhatsApp by Delhi High Court in January, wherein the court had stated that the choice of accepting the new privacy policy is voluntary, one can choose to not use the app if one does not agree with its terms and conditions. WhatsApp's deadline to accept the new privacy policy is just a day away, but the company had made some big announcements lately. WhatsApp updated on its FAQ page that it would not delete users' account if they do not accept the new privacy policy. However, if users fail to accept the policy after persistent reminders, they "will encounter limited functionality". After a few more weeks, WhatsApp will snatch some of the most important features. Whatsapp users will not be able to access is the WhatsApp chat list if they fail to accept the policy after weeks of reminders. That said, WhatsApp will still allow users to answer the incoming phone and video calls. And if you have enabled the notifications, you can tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call. Users will not be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp will stop sending messages and calls to your phone. Faisal Butt, CEO & Founder at Pi Labs, said: Proptech is a truly global category, its increased growth and adoption makes it one of the most exciting and transformative areas for investment and innovation. We have made investments in over 10 countries across three continents, and this strategic partnership will allow us to draw on synergies with Embassy Group and its leadership in Asia to support our increasingly global strategy. By welcoming Embassy Group to our ecosystem, we are able to deploy and trial technologies across their diverse properties in Asia, taking high growth startups mainstream, and continuing to elevate the category around the world. As proptech continues to thrive across innovation hubs globally, we will continue to identify active partnerships, such this one with Embassy Group, to help our portfolio companies scale into international markets. Embassy Group has a wide interest in the real estate sector, including business parks, commercial real estate, industrial parks, and hospitality. It caters to a wide swathe of client organisations and diverse industries whose demands and expectations also vary widely. Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today said it has earned the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization, a validation of a partners deep knowledge, extensive experience and expertise in deploying, scaling and securing virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure. Only partners that meet stringent criteria around customer success and staff skilling, as well as pass a third-party audit of their Windows Virtual Desktop technical practices are able to earn the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization. Supporting secure remote work for employees is more critical than ever. Windows Virtual Desktop is a Microsoft solution that seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and allows customers to implement virtual desktops in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way. Partners with validated capabilities in implementing Windows Virtual Desktop can help customers deploy and navigate the licensing efficiencies it offers to deliver the most competent solution for their organization. Satish Yadavalli, Vice President - Cloud and Infrastructure, Wipro Limited said, We are glad to have earned this advanced specialization as it strengthens our expertise and capabilities around Microsoft Azure. This advanced specialization equips us to deliver extraordinary end-user experiences, and highly productive and secured computing experiences with multi-session Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 features on Azure. Wipros IP services on Windows Virtual Desktop will enable customers to strategically plan, rapidly deploy, and smartly manage their new Windows Virtual Desktop environment. Integrated with Managed Services from our accredited team of experts, this cost effective solution allows customers to focus on driving business results. Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft said, The Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization highlights the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to deploying Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure. Wipro clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experience to offer clients a path to transition to desktop-as-a-service in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way. Whats new: Chinas population will gradually stop growing in the next five years, reaching a turning point at some point in the latter half of the decade, a Chinese university think tank projected. The Chinese populations once high-growth momentum will disappear following the slowdown that occurred over the last 10 years, Zhai Zhenwu, director of the Center for Population Development Studies at Renmin University in Beijing, estimated in a commentary published by the official Economic Daily on Tuesday.= The period of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) is expected to be the last in which the population will grow, Zhai said in the article. The population will reach a turning point during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The background: The experts projection came as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the results of the countrys latest once-in-a-decade census, showing the lowest 10-year growth rate since 1953. The size of the countrys 494 million households also shrank to 2.62 people per household in 2020, down from 3.1 people in the previous decade, according to the census. Ning Jizhe, head of the NBS, said at a press conference Tuesday that Chinas population will continue to slow before topping out in the future. However, he added that it remains unclear when the peak would happen because it depends on multiple variables, such as changes in age demographics and fertility policies. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. A retired banking regulator in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region admitted taking bribes amounting to more than $60 million in a corruption case with links to Baoshang Bank Co. Ltd., a failed local lender that was taken over by the state in 2019. Xue Jining, a former head of the Inner Mongolia branch of the now-defunct China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and a former central bank official, pleaded guilty to charges that he took 400.4 million yuan ($62.1 million) in bribes from 37 individuals and entities from 2002 to 2015, according to a statement (link in Chinese) released Wednesday by the Intermediate Peoples Court of Hohhot where his trial is taking place. Xue abused his power to seek benefit for those who paid him bribes related to granting licenses, conducting on-site inspections and off-site supervision, approving loans, and establishing or buying stakes in village banks, prosecutors alleged at Wednesdays hearing. He had previously been accused of (link in Chinese) illegally issuing approvals for village banks that contravened the central governments original intention in establishing such lenders, engaging in profit-making activities and abusing his power to help his son make money. Xue is one of several former officials at the local banking regulator to be prosecuted for corruption in the wake of investigations into the collapse of Baoshang Bank which was seized from private conglomerate Tomorrow Holding Co. Ltd. in May 2019. The banks high leverage, poor lending practices and corrupt activities had built up risks that regulators feared could threaten the stability of the banking system. Subsequent investigations found a 220 billion yuan hole in the banks books due largely to massive misappropriation by Tomorrow Holding, whose billionaire founder Xiao Jianhua was placed under investigation by anti-corruption authorities in early 2017. Read more Cover Story: How China Prevented a Local Bank Crisis From Snowballing Xue, 66, was Communist Party secretary and head of the CBRCs Inner Mongolia branch from 2007 to 2014 before retiring in 2015. He worked for the Peoples Bank of China from 1985 to 1999 and was appointed deputy director of the supervision bureau of the CBRC in 2003 when the agency was set up. The commission was merged with the insurance watchdog in 2018 to form the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC). Xue was expelled from the party in January 2021 after he fell under investigation in June 2020. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the partys top antigraft agency, said in an announcement (link in Chinese) that Xue was found to have tolerated the barbaric expansion and illegal operation of Baoshang Bank, which partly contributed to the severe credit risks at the lender. Chen Zhitao, a deputy director of the local banking regulator from 2004 to 2011 and retired in 2013, and Song Jianji, a deputy director from 2004 to 2014 before retiring in 2017, were also expelled from the party in January. Song stood trial in December 2020, accused of taking bribes of more than 229 million yuan between 1995 and 2017 when he worked at the regional branches of the central bank and the CBRC. Liu Jinming and Jia Qizhen, both former officials at the Inner Mongolia branch of the CBIRC were put under investigation by graft busters in 2019 and were later expelled from the party and removed from public office. Several top executives at the failed regional lender have also been detained as part of an investigation by Inner Mongolia into the banks collapse, sources with knowledge of the matter told Caixin late last year. Li Xianping, former Communist Party secretary and chairman of the board of supervisors, is one of the key figures under investigation by Inner Mongolias anti-corruption authority, the sources said. Pan Huisheng, who was assistant president of the bank and a former head of the lenders Shenzhen branch, was taken into custody in Inner Mongolia where the bank is based, multiple sources with knowledge of the matter told Caixin in December. Baoshang Bank was the first Chinese lender to be taken over by the state in two decades. As part of a restructuring to clean up the bank, its good assets were taken over by Mengshang Bank Co. Ltd., a new bank set up specifically to deal with the fallout from the lenders collapse, and Hong Kong-listed Huishang Bank Corp. Ltd. The rump of its assets was kept in the old Baoshang Bank and, in November 2020, the CBIRC gave its formal approval for the lender to start bankruptcy proceedings which were finalized in February. Contact reporter Tang Ziyi (ziyitang@caixin.com) and editor Nerys Avery (nerysavery@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. 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 This car needs little introduction. You, your relative, your friend, or at least someone you know own one. Its a vehicle that transcends so... A new provincial website to help identify and track algae blooms across B.C. following a major algae bloom on Shuswap Lake last year. Last July, a massive algae bloom filled most of the Salmon Arm end of the lake, turning the water into pea soup for several weeks. "We've never seen anything quite like that. We're still trying to fully understand the cause," says Mike Sokal, a water quality limnologist with B.C.'s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "The lake was visually unappealing, but health officials noted the water was safe for all recreational activities and public drinking water systems." Algae are a natural part of all aquatic ecosystems. However, prolific growth can cause a dense mass or bloom to form. Most blooms are harmless, says Sokal, but some species have the potential to produce toxins that can be dangerous to people, pets or livestock. The new Algae Watch website launches as an Interior Health warning continues about a similar algae bloom on Wood Lake in Lake Country. The public is invited to contribute information to the site, to create a comprehensive picture of B.C.'s algae situation. It contains information to help recognize potentially harmful algae blooms and differentiate algae blooms from other natural phenomena, such as foam or pollen, which can sometimes look like blooms. People can also use the online submission form to provide information on the location, extent and photos of an algae bloom, and access links to provincial health authorities in the event of a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom, which can be toxic. The data collected will help scientists like Sokal determine future water-monitoring programs. "The website can help us track changes over time and identify areas of the province that are getting more algae blooms. We can then start investigating what's causing these changes," said Sokal. "It's really encouraging to see people interested in what's happening at their lake. Some of those concerned citizens become champions for the lake and start local sampling programs." Most algae blooms form when there are increased nutrients, warmer temperatures, abundant light and stable wind conditions. Some human activities, such as agricultural run-off or improperly placed or poorly functioning septic systems, can also make blooms more likely. Fifty-three lakes throughout B.C. are being monitored through the BC Lake Monitoring Program. IH issued the Wood Lake warning on April 21. District of Lake Country spokesperson Karen Miller says the municipality has no update on the local situation, "but we were very pleased to see the launch of the new BC Ministry of Environment webpages specifically about algae in lakes." Miller said Okanagan communities are noticing the impacts of flooding in previous years "which increased the organic material moved by running water into lakes ... that has now had time to decay on the lake bottoms, thereby producing more nutrients and favourable conditions for algae growth." She reminded residents to avoid all direct contact with the Wood Lake algae bloom, not consume drinking water directly from the lake, avoid swimming or wading in areas where the bloom is visible, and to provide pets and livestock with a safe alternative source of drinking water. Photo: SurreyPoliceVote.ca Darlene Bennett The widow of a murdered bystander in Surrey has joined forces with the RCMPs union to petition the provincial government for a referendum on the citys police transition process. Darlene Bennett says a primary concern of hers is the transfer of investigation files, such as those that of her husband Paul Bennett, who was killed at his home in 2018 in a case of mistaken identity. The transition process to date has given her little reassurance. There has been no feasibility study, no clear plan and no obvious public safety benefit. Surrey voters have been asking for a definitive say on this with no response, and now were asking government to hold a referendum, said Bennett in a news release. Whether you support retaining the RCMP, as I do, or want the proposed Surrey Police Service, I believe everyone should have a vote on the final decision, she added. Bennett has filed an initiative petition with Elections BC under the Surrey Police Vote campaign. Although the petition is based on B.C. legislation that allows voters to sign a citizens initiative process, it will be symbolic in nature because any successful petition under the Recall and Initiative Act must receive signatures from 10% of registered voters in all electoral districts, and canvassers will only be collecting signatures from the nine Surrey provincial electoral districts. Property manager and conservative political campaigner Brock Stephenson, a Burnaby resident, is helping Bennett find canvassers. Stephenson said the canvassers of signatures from all nine Surrey electoral districts and thus the campaign is technically symbolic. Behind Bennett is the large National Police Federation, the union for Mounties. Supporting and lobbying for NPF is Bill Tieleman, who successfully petitioned against the HST in 2011. NPF states it has about 20,000 members and there are about 850 Surrey RCMP officers. Stephenson is acting as a spokesperson as well. Stephenson said the transition is a waste of money and details of costs have not been transparent to date. Stephenson notes in his statement that while the Initiative petition legislation does not contemplate a regional petition, the B.C. Referendum Act does allow the B.C. cabinet to order a regional referendum on any issue and could easily do so on Surrey policing. If the petition is successful in Surrey, the group hopes to use it as political leverage. So far, the BC NDP government has been hands-off of what is largely a municipal matter although opponents suggest there will be a ripple effect on regional and provincial policing as the transition unfolds (such as recruitment from other detachments). Last month Surrey councillor Brenda Locke called on city council to ask the province for a referendum but the Safe Surrey Coalition (SSC) denied the motion. Norm Lipinski, the new chief of the Surrey Police Service, says some active officers could be deployed as early as the end of the year, although he concedes the full implementation is at least two years away. To date much of the planned expenditures have not come to fruition, although SPS is in the process of hiring senior officers and adding them to the payroll. Darlene Bennett from Surrey Police Vote on Vimeo. Photo: The Canadian Press Moss-covered branches are seen in the Avatar Old Growth Forest near Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island, B.C. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. An investigation by B.C.'s forest practices watchdog has found the provincial agency responsible for auctioning timber sales licences did not adequately protect old forest in a Vancouver Island watershed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward An investigation by British Columbia's forest practices watchdog has found the provincial agency responsible for auctioning timber sale licenses did not adequately protect old forest in an area of Vancouver Island. The Forest Practices Board says the investigation stemmed from a 2018 complaint about BC Timber Sales licensees' logging of large old-growth trees in the Nahmint River watershed near Port Alberni. Board chair Kevin Kriese says the findings show BC Timber Sales' forest stewardship plan is not consistent with specific biodiversity objectives that are legally required under the Vancouver Island land use plan established two decades ago. Kriese says more detailed landscape planning was supposed to provide clear direction on how much and where to conserve old and mature forest, but that planning was never completed and the forest stewardship plan should not have been approved. He says BC Timber Sales was left with a complicated set of legal objectives to interpret, and the board found it missed important details required to manage for biodiversity in the Nahmint. The Forests Ministry says it appreciates that the board acknowledged old and mature forests make up 67 per cent of the Nahmint area, and BC Timber Sales' operations are addressing its recommendations. The board's report recommends that BC Timber Sales not sell any licenses in areas of "high-risk" ecosystems until the province finishes landscape planning to specify the amounts of forest to retain. "We looked at the remaining forest in the watershed and found there are some ecosystems that could be at risk if more logging takes place in them," Kriese says in a statement Wednesday. The ministry says in a statement it's updating the Nahmint landscape plan and adjusting old-growth management areas to "better capture rare and under-represented ecosystems and biodiversity targets." The updated landscape will come into effect soon, it says. The board also determined that an investigation started by the Forests Ministry's compliance and enforcement branch was reasonable. But it was cut short because the branch did not actually have the power to ensure the required objectives of higher-level land use plans are met. The board is recommending the government fix that gap, Kriese says. "The current legal framework does not permit government to ensure that (forest stewardship plans) approved in error can be amended, and this does not give the public confidence in government's compliance and enforcement." The Nahmint River watershed is within the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth people and spans just shy of 200 square kilometres. The Forest Practices Board says its investigation was triggered when members of the environmental organization Ancient Forest Alliance saw BC Timber Sales' licensees harvesting large, old trees in 2018. The Nahmint Valley is considered a "hot spot" for old-growth trees with high conservation value, the alliance says in a statement. The alliance says it complained to the board after members found very large old-growth trees had been cut in the area, including ancient cedars and the ninth-widest Douglas fir recorded in Canada. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 file photo, Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization's Health Emergencies program, speaks during a news conference at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. At right is WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. As WHO faces allegations that unnamed staffers were involved in the systemic sexual abuse of women, Tedros has declared he was outraged, and Ryan said, We have no more information than you have. But an AP investigation has found that senior WHO management was not only informed of specific cases of alleged sexual misconduct in 2019, but was asked how to handle them. When Shekinah was working as a nurses aide in northeastern Congo in January 2019, she said, she was offered a job from a World Health Organization doctor at double her salary in exchange for sex. Given the financial difficulties of my family I accepted, said Shekinah, 25, who asked that only her first name be used for fear of repercussions. She said the Canadian doctor, Boubacar Diallo, who often bragged about his connections to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the same proposition to several of her friends. When a staffer and three Ebola experts working in Congo informed WHO management about sex abuse concerns regarding Diallo, they were told not to take the matter further, The Associated Press has found. WHO has been facing widespread public allegations of systemic abuse of women by unnamed staffers, to which Tedros declared outrage and emergencies director Dr. Michael Ryan said, We have no more information than you have. However, an AP investigation has now found that despite its public denial of knowledge, senior WHO management wasn't only informed of alleged sexual misconduct in 2019 but was asked how to handle it. The AP has also for the first time tracked down the names of two doctors accused of sexual misconduct, Diallo and Dr. Jean-Paul Ngandu, both of whom were reported to WHO. Ngandu was accused by a young woman of impregnating her. In a notarized contract obtained by the AP, two WHO staffers, including a manager, signed as witnesses to an agreement for Ngandu to pay the young woman, cover her health costs and buy her land. The deal was made to protect the integrity and reputation of WHO, Ngandu said. When reached by the AP, both Diallo and Ngandu denied wrongdoing. The investigation was based on interviews with dozens of WHO staffers, Ebola officials in Congo, private emails, legal documents and recordings of internal meetings obtained by the AP. Eight top officials privately acknowledged WHO failed to effectively tackle sex abuse during the Ebola outbreak, emails, recordings of internal meetings, legal documents and interviews with dozens of aid workers and WHO staffers show. WHO declined to comment on any specific sex abuse allegations or how they were managed and said it had taken steps to address the problem. We are aware that more work is needed to achieve our vision of emergency operations that serve the vulnerable while protecting them from all forms of abuse, WHO spokeswoman Marcia Poole said in an email. WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan acknowledged in internal meetings that sexual abuse problems during the agencys outbreak responses were unlikely to be exceptional. You cant just pin this and say you have one field operation that went badly wrong, he said. This is in some sense the tip of an iceberg. As WHO struggled to control spiraling Ebola cases in Congo in early 2019, emergency operations manager Dr. Michel Yao received an email with the subject line: Private. Chat. We cannot afford to have people tarnishing the sweat and effort of individuals sacrificing themselves thru (sic) inappropriate sexual harassment and bullying, the staffer wrote, saying he was concerned about Diallo. Yao responded that the matter would be handled, but the staffer said his concerns were dismissed. An internal WHO investigation failed to corroborate the charges, but those who complained about Diallo were not interviewed. Diallo was described as a charismatic manager with connections to WHOs senior leaders, including director-general Tedros. On WHOs website, Tedros, Yao and Diallo are pictured smiling and bumping elbows during one of Tedros 14 trips to Congo during the outbreak. Diallo rejected claims of sexual misconduct. I have never offered a woman a job in exchange for sex and I have never sexually harassed a woman in my life, he told the AP. In April 2019, Yao received another email detailing more alleged sexual misconduct, this time about the other doctor the AP tracked down, Ngandu. I hereby inform you that we have a colleague who has impregnated a girl from Beni, outbreak manager Mory Keita wrote to Yao. Keita told Yao a young woman and her aunt had come to Benis Hotel Okapi looking for WHO managers, with two armed police officers. The womans aunt said the young woman had been having an affair with Ngandu and was now pregnant. They asked WHO to cover the cost of the womans medical costs and for money to buy land, given that Dr. Jean-Paul will abandon the girl and she will be obliged to raise her child alone. Keita said he felt that Yao should be informed so that you would give us your directions for how to better manage this problem. Photo: The Canadian Press A CBC building is shown in Toronto on April 4, 2012. A court has decided the Conservatives were within their rights to use CBC news footage for election attack ads.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette The Conservative party was within its rights to use CBC news footage for election attack ads that depicted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a poor light, Federal Court ruled on Thursday. In his decision, Judge Michael Phelan found the party's use of the material on television and in four tweets in the run-up to the 2019 vote amounted to "fair dealing." As such, Phelan found, use of the material did not infringe CBC's copyright as the broadcaster had claimed. "The ultimate purpose was to mount a political campaign to secure votes to form a government," Phelan wrote. "The purpose was one of engaging in the democratic process. The evidence is that the use of the CBC works was for this legitimate political purpose." At issue were a Conservative ad and tweets that used clips from CBC news programming and from the leadership debates. The ad, for example, showed Trudeau asking the viewer to "look at what we've done" along with news clips that invited unfavourable conclusions about his performance. The CBC insisted such use of its material could compromise its journalistic integrity and impartiality. Phelan showed some sympathy for the complaint. "The CBC, as a state owned enterprise, is being reasonable in its concern to neither be, nor appear to be, politically partisan," Phelan said. "There is no evidence to support the accusation that CBC is acting irrationally in protecting its rights." Although he found the Conservatives had used the CBC material in a way that could infringe copyright, Phelan also noted the Copyright Act has an exemption for an "allowable purpose" that includes criticism or satire. However, use under the exemption must be fair, which Phelan concluded it was given the context of political debate. "The nature of the work, being news or news-like content, favours a fairness conclusion," he said. The broadcaster had also failed to show it suffered any actual harm, the judge said. Hypotheticals, he said, didn't cut it. "There may be situations in the future where the manner of use and distribution of CBC material may adversely affect the CBC; however, that is not the case here," Phelan wrote. "Fear and speculation cannot ground a finding of unfairness." Janet Fryday Dorey, executive director of the Conservative party, welcomed the ruling, calling it a "clear win" for democracy. "The Conservative party also recognizes and respects the important role media play in our democracy," Fryday Dorey said in a statement. "We're pleased that todays decision brings greater clarity for everyone around the relationship between copyright law and political criticism." The public broadcaster had initially wanted an injunction barring the Conservatives from ever using its news material but ultimately asked only for the court to find its rights had been breached. The Conservatives wanted the case dismissed. Because the party pulled the ad when CBC complained, Phelan found the dispute moot. He nevertheless decided to rule, saying the situation was likely to arise again and that it was best to sort it out now outside the pressure cooker of an election campaign. "One of the most powerful techniques in any advocacy is to turn an opponent's works and actions back on them," Phelan wrote. "One of the fastest and easiest techniques is to use video and audio excerpts to convey that message." The case was one of the first times a Canadian court had been asked to adjudicate a copyright dispute between a news organization and a major political organization. Photo: The Canadian Press Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Friday, June 7, 2019. Oliphant is advising the Public Health Agency of Canada not to rely on legal advice from the federal Justice Department because it is not always right. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand A Liberal MP is advising the Public Health Agency of Canada not to rely on legal advice from the federal Justice Department because it is not always right. Toronto MP Rob Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the Foreign Affairs minister, gave the advice late Monday at a House of Commons committee that is trying to find out why two scientists at Canada's highest security laboratory were fired. PHAC president Iain Stewart told the special committee on Canada-China relations that revealing details would breach the Privacy Act and jeopardize national security and an ongoing RCMP investigation. He says that advice was given by the Justice Department. Committee members, backed up by parliamentary law clerk Philippe Dufresne, insist they have the constitutional authority to order the production of any documents they please and that their authority takes precedence over any other laws. But Christian Roy, director and senior general counsel of health legal services at the Justice Department, says the department has never recognized the power of committees to compel documents in violation of the Privacy Act or other laws. Oliphant questioned Roy's legal opinion. "Lawyers are not always right and Justice lawyers are particularly, in my mind, not always right," he told the committee. He noted that Justice lawyers were wrong in claiming a law banning genetic discrimination was unconstitutional, after fighting it all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. Moreover, Oliphant said he was "horrified" to discover that Justice lawyers had advised the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to illegally keep potentially revealing electronic data about people over a 10-year period. "I have learned to now question of Department of Justice lawyers," Oliphant said, suggesting that Stewart get "a second opinion because the Justice Department is not giving you the best advice." The committee voted unanimously later Monday to give PHAC 10 days to turn over unredacted documents about the fired scientists, which the parliamentary law clerk is to review and advise committee members as to what needs to be blacked out to protect privacy, national security and the police investigation. If the agency continues to refuse to disclose the unredacted documents, the committee will seek an order to do so from the House of Commons. PHAC formally terminated the employment of government scientists Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Cheng, in January. The pair was escorted out of the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in July 2019 over what Stewart has described as "relating to possible breaches in security protocols." The Winnipeg lab is Canadas only Level Four laboratory, designed to deal safely with deadly contagious germs such as Ebola. PHAC has previously said the pair's escorted exit had nothing to do with the fact that four months earlier, Qiu had been responsible for a shipment of Ebola and Henipah viruses to China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. Stewart has released some redacted documents to the committee about that virus transfer, which he said show that all laws and protocols were followed. He also assured the committee Monday that there is no link between those viruses and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan province. That didn't stop Conservative MP Michael Chong, who referred to Qiu and Cheng as "Chinese scientists." The Public Health Agency of Canada has said it cannot confirm the citizenship status of individuals for privacy reasons, but noted the two scientists "had to be eligible to legally work in Canada" when they were at the federal microbiology lab. In 2018, Qiu received a Governor General's Innovation Award a recognition that only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive. "There is no doubt that (Qui) trained technicians at that very institute of virology to establish a Level Four lab, the only Level Four lab in the People's Republic of China, and there is no doubt that the coronavirus emerged ostensibly in Wuhan a number of months later," Chong said. He dismissed suggestions that he was peddling a conspiracy theory, citing various experts who've posited that the coronavirus may have been inadvertently released from the Wuhan lab. Oliphant accused Chong of "drawing two threads that are completely unrelated together," calling it "absolutely irresponsible" and "cheap politics." Bloc Quebecois MP Stephane Bergeron agreed that Chong's language was inflammatory. Photo: Surrey RCMP Police had a big cleanup on their hands after a massive drug lab bust in the Lower Mainland. An investigation and search of a commercial warehouse in Port Coquitlam on April 19 led to a large illicit drug-manufacturing site containing multiple pieces of laboratory and drug manufacturing equipment. Officers located 37 kilograms of chemicals associated with the manufacturing of fentanyl. Police experts estimate the potential finished yield would have been 26 kilograms of pure fentanyl and that the lab was capable of producing that volume on a weekly basis. Two milligrams of the drug can be fatal, and the seizure prevented approximately 13 million potentially fatal doses from reaching the street. It took three days to gather evidence and safely dismantle the lab due to the large size of the operation, Surrey RCMP say. Several agencies co-ordinated on the investigation and cleanup: Surrey RCMP Drug Unit, the Federal RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team, Lower Mainland Integrated Forensics Identification Section, Health Canada chemists and Coquitlam RCMP. This investigation is a prime example of effective multi-jurisdiction co-operation, said Surrey RCMP Supt. Aaron Paradis. The seizure dealt a multimillion-dollar blow to organized crime, police say. Charges have not yet been laid, however the investigation is ongoing. On this Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, it is worth remembering that the world is never so ordinary as it seems. Forty years ago today, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope John Paul II was shot at close range by a trained assassin in St. Peter's Square. Our Lady spared his life. "One hand fired," the pope would later say, "and another guided the bullet." At first glance, the events of May 13, 1981 take on a political gloss. The young Polish pope posed a moral challenge to the atheist, Communist regimes in Poland and elsewhere, as his remarkable pilgrimage to Poland in June of 1979 had shown. In the face of the growing momentum of the Solidarity movement, Poland imposed martial law in late 1981. Lech Waesa, the leader of Solidarity, would win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. The rest, as they say, is history: Polish Communism collapsed amidst the Revolutions of 1989. The Soviet Union itself dissolved in 1991. We will probably never know the full story of how the pope's would-be assassin, Mehmet Ali Agca, came to be in the St. Peter's Square that day. We will probably never know precisely which governments or criminal organizations conspired to eliminate the successor of Peter. The most common account is that Agca was working with Bulgarian intelligence agents. And it's unthinkable that the Bulgarians would have acted so boldly without approval to say nothing of direct orders from Moscow. Be that as it may, the assassination attempt is one extraordinary episode in the greater historical drama of the late 20th century. But the geopolitical context surrounding the attempt on John Paul II's life is just one layer of the story. Another layer of the story, more familiar to pious Catholics for obvious reasons, has to do with the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady first appeared to the children of Fatima on May 13, 1917: sixty-four years to the day before John Paul II was shot. In her messages to young Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco, Our Lady implored them to pray for the conversion of Russia and for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. The Third Secret of Fatima famously included a vision of a bishop in white, presumed to be the Holy Father, being gunned down at the foot of a cross. Call it faith, call it credulity, but for those so inclined, the connection between Fatima and the assassination attempt is easy to make. Pope John Paul II certainly did. He traveled to Fatima in 1982, and again in 1991, both times crediting Our Lady with sparing his life: "I felt your saving presence beside me." One of the bullets extracted from the pope's gut now adorns Mary's crown at the Shrine of Fatima. Other relics from that day in May 1981 can be seen around Poland. The pope's blood-stained fascia (the wide band of fabric prelates wear around their middle) is preserved in a silver and glass case in the chapel of the Black Madonna at the great Marian shrine at Jasa Gora another token of gratitude to Our Lady. The white cassock Pope John Paul was wearing that day, wrinkled and stiff with brown blood, is on display at the St. John Paul II Shrine in agiewniki, a stone's throw from the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. Do we really believe that Mary saved Pope John Paul II? Or was it just dumb luck? Such relics are a powerful reminder that God is still at work in the world today, that miracles and wonders are not consigned to some distant, irretrievable past. I remember thinking as a child how wonderful it would have lived in Biblical times: to have seen the wonders God worked in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, or to witness the miracles of Jesus. How much easier would it be to believe if I had seen these things with my own eyes! How much more zealous would my faith be if such wonders had happened in my own day! And yet. . . How many times did the Israelites the very same men and women who witnessed the plagues of Egypt, the Passover of the Lord, and who walked through the parted Red Sea falter in their faith? Did those who witnessed Christ's miracles all come to believe in him? Did Judas? Did contemporary news reports of the sun dancing at Fatima, a phenomenon witnessed by tens of thousands, convert the skeptics? Do we really believe that Mary saved Pope John Paul II? Or was it just dumb luck? What signs of God's action in our own day have we missed because we are too skeptical, too cynical, too eager to seem sophisticated? We like to imagine that signs and wonders would change hearts and minds. And, of course, they do. But never quite so much as we like to think. Perhaps it is a consoling thought to know that our own scientistic, skeptical, disenchanted age is not the only one that fails to respond to the signs and wonders as we ought. In times as strange and uncertain as our own, we can be sure that signs and wonders are all around us. God is moving in the world. Are we paying attention? Are we disposed to see what is really around us? On this Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, it is worth remembering that the world is never so ordinary as it seems. Those little shepherd children from Portugal, like the shepherd from Poland, saw the world through eyes of faith. Theirs was not a less realistic vision of the world, but more real, because they perceived both what we see and what we too easily miss. YTL Cement to consolidate Malaysian cement businesses 13 May 2021 YTL Cement (YTL Corp) has signed an agreement to sell its entire cement and RMC operations in Malaysia to its 76.98 per cent subsidiary Malayan Cement for a MYR5.16bn (US$1.25bn) cash and stock deal. The deal will see Malayan Cement acquire 12 companies from YTL Cement. YTL Cements shareholding in Malayan Cement is expected to increase to approximately 78.58 per cent upon completion of the agreement and the ongoing private placement of up to 85m new Malayan Cement shares. "YTL Cement will consolidate similar operating businesses under a singular umbrella," it said, adding the deal is expected to further improve operational efficiencies and business outcomes by leveraging shared expertise, experience and resources, and eliminate overlapping functions, according to the company. Published under Israel imposes night curfew in Arab-Jewish city amid riots Xinhua) 09:41, May 13, 2021 An Israeli firefighter works near a burning police car in Lod, central Israel, on May 12, 2021. Israeli police announced on Wednesday that a night curfew will be imposed in Lod, where clashes between Arabs and Jews have been spiraling for days. (Photo by Muammar Awad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli police announced on Wednesday that a night curfew will be imposed in the central city of Lod, where clashes between Arabs and Jews have been spiralling for days. The curfew in Lod, an Arab-Jewish city east of Tel Aviv, comes a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a special state of emergency in the city in the wake of days of riots. "A strategic decision" was made that people will have to stay at home between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a statement. Under the curfew, residents will have to stay in their homes, except for seeking medical care or shelter during rocket attacks amid the current fighting between Israel and militant groups in the Gaza Strip. The maximum penalty for violating the curfew is three years in prison. Mayor of Lod Yair Revivo issued a statement, urging residents to stay indoors to "achieve calm and start the process of restoring order in the city." Clashes also erupted in other cities where Jews and Arabs live alongside, such as the northern city of Acre and the central city of Ramleh. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu attended a police situation assessment in Acre. He said in a statement that Israel is "in a fight on several fronts," referring to fighting against Gaza's ruler Hamas and the riots in Israeli cities. He denounced the violence as "anarchy," saying it is "intolerable." On Tuesday night, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered paramilitary Border Police units be brought from the Israeli-occupied West Bank to Lod, Acre and other places. On Tuesday, a funeral of an Arab man who was shot dead by a Jewish gunman turned into clashes between thousands of Arabs and police forces. In the night, synagogues, a mosque, shops and dozens of cars were torched, according to reports of Israel's state-owned Kan TV news. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Red Bank Commissioners are still stymied on issues affecting City Manager Tim Thornbury after still another special called meeting on Tuesday night. Mayor Hollie Berry and Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton maintain that a vote on April 26 on a contract to retain Mr. Thornbury on an on-call basis was not legal. They asserted that after City Attorney Arnold Stulce recused himself from matters dealing with the city manager, attorney Harry Cash, the replacement chosen by City Attorney Stulce to oversee matters concerning Mr. Thornbury, was not valid. This led to a special meeting last Thursday for the council to vote on a temporary city attorney. Commissioners Ruth Jeno, Pete Phillips and Ed Lecompte felt that the resolution to use attorney John Harrison was written in a way as to give the other commissioners no choice. This led to a special meeting on Monday night where the commissioners were given two attorneys to select from and Mark Litchford - the East Ridge city attorney - was picked to represent Red Bank in matters relating to the city manager. The special meeting on Tuesday night to vote again on Mr. Thornburys contract yielded no decision because attorney Sam Elliott, who is representing the city manager, told the commissioners that the agreement can only be modified at a regular meeting. Attorney Litchford has prepared on behalf of the city an amended agreement for Mr. Thornbury, but commissioners received it just before the meeting and most felt they needed more time to read and understand it. The decision was postponed until the next commission meeting that is set for next Tuesday. Also on the agenda on Tuesday was to hear a presentation of the MTAS recruitment and hiring process for a new city manager and the selection, appointment and compensation for an interim city manager. City Attorney Stulce recommended not taking a vote on these issues because it would be a moot point until the main issue is settled. Citizens that took the opportunity to address the commissioners were on both sides of the issues. The first speaker felt like paying about $10,000 per month for close to a year was too much for a contractors job when it is unknown just how much time Mr. Thornbury will actually be needed and she said is unfair to the taxpayers. There is a misconception, that Mr. Thornbury is only the city manager, said Commissioner Jeno. She said that Mr. Thornbury has been doing three jobs. In addition to the city manager position, he also is the building inspector and Public Works director. He plans to step down only from the city managers job this year and will continue functioning in the other two roles to fulfill his contract. If he does the jobs right, he has enough work with the other two positions, to be working almost full time, said Commissioner Jeno. He has saved the city $140,000 each year for the past two years by performing these two jobs while only being paid as the city manager, she said. Additionally, Red Bank is currently in the middle of paving, ADA and signalization projects that are all grant based and which Mr. Thornbury has been managing. Another speaker asked if the city has a written personnel policy for separations, and suggested using it. Don McKenzie said he was confused about the situation as to if Mr. Thornbury is retiring or not. He said it sounds that on-call, as-needed, may not be the case. He asked to see the alternate proposal before the next meeting. Attorney Litchford replied that is within the attorney-client privilege and recommended the council wait for discussion at the actual public meeting. Commissioner Pete Phillips said it is the duty of the commissioners to hire and fire without asking the public. He said that he is not willing to share this information until it is cleared by all attorneys involved. Carol Rose, a former commissioner spoke saying that the way this is being handled does not speak well for the city. She said that she had worked with Mr. Thornbury and was impressed with his knowledge, his willingness to work and responsiveness to every citizens needs. When he took the city manager job, she said, he made the suggestion of continuing in the public works role because so much of that work is funded by grants. She said it worked well and he got the job done. He also continued as building inspector and nothing ever slowed down. The city needs someone in the public works and building inspector positions and she said that the salary for those two jobs is more than what he is asking for. He will also be available to give advice to the interim city manager. She said, "It is well worth what he is asking in salary and benefits, I dont think its 'free money'. " Also, Ms. Rose added, that as one of the commissioners she had understood that it was one person/one vote, and that no two or three people, no matter their position, has more weight in the decision making. The comment resulted in applause from a large group of people present in the audience. A decision regarding the city managers proposed contract is scheduled for the regular commission meeting that will be held next Tuesday. The newly formed Tennessee Rare Disease Advisory Council or TN-RDAC (pronounced AHR-dak) has set its priorities to advocate for Tennesseans diagnosed with rare diseases, including advising TennCares Pharmacy Advisory Committee and Drug Utilization Review Committee on pharmaceutical treatments, as well as identifying the overall impact of rare diseases on Tennesseans.Created by public charter in the 111th Tennessee General Assembly, TN-RDAC elected at its inaugural meeting its Chairman Dr.Scott Strome, executive dean of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and vice chancellor for clinical affairs at UT Health Science Center. Dr. Strome brings rare disease research and clinical experience to the TN-RDAC.The legislation that enabled Tennessees RDAC was sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves and Rep. David Hawk, and was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in 2020.Tennessees RDAC is comprised of a panel of experts who can advise us on treatments for some of the most challenging medical situations, said Senator Reeves. We look forward to the Council helping us to better treat patients in the most efficient and effective manner as todays science knows.TN-RDAC is beginning its work by conducting a survey to learn more about the needs of individuals, families and loved ones affected by rare diseases in the state. The Council calls on all affected individuals to take the survey at https://tnrdac.org/activities/tennessee-survey/.TN-RDAC elected officers also include Vice Chairperson Terry Jo Bichell, RN, MPH, PhD, a neuroscience researcher and Tennessee state ambassador for the Rare Action Network of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Dr. Bichell is also founder and director of COMBINEDBrain, a consortium of patient advocates, clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical companies supporting the development of treatments for unmet medical needs. Gillian Hooker, PhD, ScM, CGC chief scientific officer of Concert Genetics, and past-president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, will serve as the TN-RDAC secretary.TN-RDAC members were appointed by Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. Additional members include:J. Clay Callison, MD, pulmonary medicine, vice president and chief medical information officer, UT Medical Center; director, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, UT Medical CenterEugene Chip Chambers, MD, assistant clinical professor of surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; founder and president, DADA2Foundation, a patient advocacy groupReginald French, president and chief executive officer, the Sickle Cell Foundation of TennesseeRizwan Hamid, MD, PhD, director, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineSuzanne Jackowski, PhD, member, Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Childrens Research HospitalMegan Crow, BSN, flight nurse, Vanderbilt LifeFlight; co-chair of the advocacy committee, Tennessee Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders FoundationKim Stephens, DBA, a communications, diversity and inclusion consultant; president and chief executive officer, Project Alive, a patient advocacy organization committed to finding and funding a cure for Hunter SyndromeLora Underwood, PharmD, director of clinical pharmacy services, Bureau of TennCareI am honored to serve with such an esteemed group, said Dr. Strome. We have a unique opportunity to advise TennCare on how to help some of our most vulnerable patients find and receive the best treatments available while being mindful about the need to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.Officials said, "A rare disease is defined as a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people. There are 7,000 known rare diseases affecting approximately 30 million men, women and children in the United States. While the exact causes for many rare diseases remain unknown, 80 percent of rare diseases are genetic in origin and can be linked to mutations in a single gene or in multiple genes, which can be passed down from generation to generation."Persons with rare diseases often face challenges including delays in obtaining a diagnosis, misdiagnosis, shortages of medical specialists who can provide treatment and lack of access to therapies and medication used to treat rare diseases. Researchers have made considerable progress in developing diagnostic tools and treatment protocols as well as in discovering methods of prevention and treatment, but much more remains in the search for new therapies." As part of National Police Week, Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy and Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond on Wednesday paid tribute to the communitys fallen law enforcement personnel with a wreath laying ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial in downtown Chattanooga. The two agencies typically offer a larger event, but due to COVID-19 restrictions still in place when planning began, the full ceremony, like last year, could not continue in its usual capacity. The wreath laying ceremony celebrated the service and commemorated the sacrifice made by the members of all law enforcement agencies who have died in service of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and other municipalities within the county since the late 1800s. The most recent were CPD Officers Nicholas Galinger and Sergeant Joseph Montijo, who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2019. Chief Roddy said, In a season when so many lives have been lost, Im humbled and honored to be able to recognize not only Officer Galinger and Sergeant Montijo, but also pay tribute in this small way to the many officers and their families who gave all to helping others. As part of this years service, Chief Roddy and Sheriff Hammond welcomed cyclists participating in the Law Enforcement United Road to Hope across Tennessee. Approximately 50 law enforcement officers, including eight with the Chattanooga Police Department, and survivors rode 270 miles in three days in honor of fallen law enforcement officers. Sheriff Hammond said, Each year as we observe National Police Week, we remember our colleagues and in many cases, our friends, who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their community. Every day, thousands of law enforcement personnel don the badge and uniform of their respective agency and go forth into the world not knowing if they will return safely to their families. During this special week, we recognize the legacy and sacrifice of our communitys law enforcement and honor those who have been killed in the line of duty. National Police Week occurs every May. In 2020, 362 federal, state, military, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, 264 of those were from COVID-19. That is according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Is anyone in the market for a six-story jail in downtown Chattanooga? The jail that opened in 1976 on Walnut Street across from the County Courthouse will be emptied of prisoners as of June 1, and some 50 employees who remain should be gone by September or October. Sheriff Jim Hammond is shifting his jail operation entirely to the former Silverdale Workhouse. County Mayor Jim Coppinger said he has received zero interest thus far in the oft-criticized facility. However, he said it is a "unique" building with a lot of steel and concrete, and you never know who might have an idea for rehabbing it. "We will go out for Requests for Proposals," he said. Sheriff Hammond said there were only 10 prisoners on Wednesday at the jail that at one time was packed with inmates, causing concern on the part of jail inspectors. The underground walkway that goes from the jail to the Courts Building across Cherry Street will also be blocked off. The sheriff said, "The number of prisoners there goes down every day. I need to get that building closed as soon as I can. The sheriff said he is anxious to get all jail personnel to the Silverdale site to help out there. With the proliferation of new law schools in Knoxville and Nashville, Chattanooga is the only large Tennessee community that does not have a law school. Such was not the case from 1898 through 1960. The school was begun as the Law Department of Grant University, predecessor to the University of Chattanooga, and was housed in a building that capped the Hill overlooking the University between Oak Street and McCallie Avenue. It was later torn down to be replaced by the brick buildings of the University. Robert Pritchard, author of the treatise on Wills and Administration of Estates which was the legal authority on said subjects, was the first Dean of the school. After serving as Dean for 12 years he was replaced by Judge Lewis Shepherd, considered by many to be one of the most skillful and talented lawyers in the history of the legal community. The individual most closely identified with the development of the law school was Charles T. Evans who served as Dean from 1901-1910 and increased the enrollment until it was the third largest law school in the South, ranking only behind Virginia and Texas Law Schools. In 1910 the universitys law school was dissolved and Mr. Evans organized the Chattanooga College of Law until his death in 1920. The faculty consisted of practicing attorneys and elected judges. Judge W.B. Swaney became Dean upon the death of Mr. Evans and served in that capacity until 1946. As a result of World War draining the school of its students, the school closed. In 1947 Roy McKenzie, Sr., president of McKenzie Business School, announced his intention to start a law school, either as a reactivation of the Chattanooga College of Law, or as a division of his business school. Although opposed by the Chattanooga Bar Association the school opened with over 100 students and some 20 part time instructors, who were practicing attorneys or judges. The basis for the opposition by the bar association was an accusation that 14 of the 16 attorneys involved in the Chattanooga Divorce Mill investigation involving spouses of soldiers who were getting uncontested divorces without proper protection of the servicemen rights under the federal Soldier and Sailors Relief Act when they were shipped out for military service in Europe or the Pacific had been graduates of the Chattanooga College of Law. Roy McKenzie addressed the Chattanooga Bar Association and requested the association support his new school. The group of lawyers voted to cooperate with the school, although not approving it. Gus Wood, Jr. became the new dean and the practice of using part time professors from the legal and judicial communities continued. Approximately half of the attorneys in Chattanooga during the first 40 years of the 20th Century were graduates of the law school and at one time all of the judges in the Chancery, Circuit and Criminal Courts were graduates. With tightening standards on eligibility to take the bar examination and reduction in federal benefits for World War II Veterans the student body registration declined. However Korean War Veterans became eligible for educational benefits and this allowed the school to remain open until 1960. In that year, the graduating class only had 10 members. Notable graduates for the Chattanooga College of Law included Alexander Guery (14), future headmaster of Baylor School and vice-chancellor of the University of Chattanooga and the University of the South. A talented trial lawyer, E.B. Baker (28) and John Stophel (55), member of one of Chattanoogas leading law firms, Chambliss Bahner and Stophel, at the time of his death on October 4, 2007 were both excellent lawyers and/or community leaders. One of the surviving graduates of the Chattanooga College of Law in is Paul Leitner, Jr. (54), who is the senior partner at Leitner, Williams, Dooley and Napolitan one of the leading civil defense firms in the area. The future will determine whether Chattanooga creates a need for another law school to compete with the other metropolitan areas. * * * 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) An anonymous caller from N. Orchard Knob Avenue told police someone in a dark gray or black Audi wanted him to get in the vehicle. Police observed the dark gray Audi Q7 with a temporary tag and a bedazzled plate cover. This vehicle has evaded police multiple times and they know who is suspected to be the driver. However, police were unable to identify who was driving the vehicle due to it being dark. The vehicle ran from police towards East Ridge. * * * Police were called to Gunbarrel Road to check the area for a gold Mitsubishi Galant with a driver that may or may not be passed out. Police located the vehicle in the parking lot at 2288 Gunbarrel Road and identified the driver. The man was asleep and appeared to be sober and alert. The car had an old smell of marijuana, but nothing was in plain sight.* * *A woman on Crestway Drive told police she needed to have a police report due to a bad debt on her credit record from Direct TV in the amount of $768. She said the debt had been turned over to a collection agency and she is being "dunned" for it. She said she does not have any details other than the account was opened in November of 2020 and never paid. She said this is the only way she can avoid having to pay the bill and clear it from her record.* * *A woman on N. Moore Road told police that her neighbor has video footage of a man going into her garage and taking a box. She said she did not recognize the guy. She wanted this documented because lately there has been a lot of random people on her property. Her address was added to the watch list.* * *A man called police about a suspected theft at the Circle K, 4900 Brainerd Road. The man said he had used pump 12 at the gas station and used his card to pay for the gas at the pump. He said that not too long after that there was a charge on his account somewhere in Georgia. He said he had already contacted his bank about this situation. He wanted to show police video of a man that was sitting on the side of Circle K being suspicious. He thought he might be related to the theft. Police were unable to identify the suspect due to poor quality of footage and lack of information.* * *Police were called about a suspicious vehicle backed into an abandoned lot in the 2200 block of Allin Street. Police checked the GA tag on the vehicle and it was found to not be reported stolen. Police checked the inside of the vehicle and found that it appeared to be not operational, as the keys were in the vehicle. The officer checked with all three city channels to see if anyone was aware of a gray Kia Forte that was reported stolen recently and received a negative response. The vehicle was left at this location.* * *Police observed a suspicious person next to the door to a closed business at 495 Cumberland St. The man, who was lying in an inlet to the building, identified himself. He said he was trying to find a spot to lay his head for the night out of the rain and in a dry location. He was run through NCIC and found to have no active warrants.* * *A woman was causing a disorder at the Mapco, 1227 E. Main St. Police spoke with the woman, who had reportedly been yelling at people and had been asked to leave the store when she began asking people for cigarettes. The woman had gone on, but returned within the hour. The woman then began asking people for items again and had spit on one consumer. Police trespassed the woman from the property. She left without incident.* * *A man in an apartment on Hickory Valley Road told police he wanted to document that a woman he just met has been calling him non-stop. He said she has said in the past that her brother was going to beat him up. She also said that a bat was going to be put to his car. The man does not want to file charges at this time.* * *A woman on Cannondale Loop told police that sometime between 6-9 a.m. someone popped the lock on her 2015 Jeep Patriot and stole her purse and the contents of it. Police told her that if the credit and debit cards have been used, she will need to get the details and make separate reports for the use of them.* * *An anonymous caller from the Social Security Office, 1290 Premier Dr., told police that he found a driver's license in a walking park at the office. Police attempted to contact the owner, but were unsuccessful. The license was entered into the Chattanooga Property Division.* * *A disorder was reported at the Humane Society, 4155 Randolph Circle. Police spoke to an employee who said a dog was found loose and was acting aggressive so several deputies brought the dog to the pound. She said a man, who is the dog's owner, was refusing to leave the property without his dog. Police spoke to the man who agreed to go home and wait for the Humane Society to call him. Police stayed on scene until the man exited.* * *A vehicle that was stolen from E. 11th Street was recovered by the Sheriff's Office at 9700 E. Brainerd Road. Dispatch attempted to contact the owner, but were unable to make contact with him. The vehicle was towed by Broome's Wrecker company and transported to 4001 Ringgold Road. The vehicle was taken out of NCIC. * * * A man called police at 8 a.m. from Panorama Drive and said his vehicle had been stolen. He said he recently bought the vehicle and he left the keys in it. The theft happened overnight. He had no suspect information. The vehicle was entered into NCIC. He said the vehicle's paint was faded on fender flyer and mirrors, it has no sun roof, and on bottom left of hatch there was a blue dealer sticker. At 11:30 a.m. he called police back and said he found his vehicle parked three houses down. He said the keys were not left with the vehicle, but he had a spare. The vehicle was removed from NCIC. Signal Mountain Middle High School student, Seo Yoon Yang, was among three Tennessee students U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona today announced in the the 57th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. The other two Tennessee scholars were, (hometown, scholar, school, location): Brentwood Nelson D. Rose, Brentwood High School, Brentwood. Brentwood Alora E Young, Hillsboro High School, Nashville (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts). The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times, said Dr. Cardona. I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundations nationwide YoungArts program. As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education. Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nations top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer. A complete list of 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars is also available at http://www.ed.gov/psp. DeQuan Paris, 25, and LaRome Ridley, 20, were killed and a 29-year-old man was injured in a shooting on Ridgeside Road Wednesday evening. The two men who died are brothers. They have two other brothers. Their mother, Amanda Del Rat Paris, died last Dec. 3 at age 39. Chattanooga Police responded to the 3600 block of Ridgeside Road on a report of a person shot at approximately 9:09 p.m. Wednesday. Officers located three men suffering from gunshot wounds and secured the scene. Mr. Paris was pronounced dead on the scene. Mr. Ridley was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to his injuries. The third man was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS with non-life threatening injuries. Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to conduct an investigation. Investigators learned that the victims were standing outside when an unknown suspect(s) began firing at them. Chattanooga Police ask anyone who has information regarding this incident to call the Homicide tip line 423-643-5100 or submit a tip via the CPD Mobile App. You can remain anonymous. Here is the Fort Oglethorpe arrest report for April 30 - May 6: 04-30-21 Eaton, Tamatha Renee, 44, 314 McBrien Road, Chattanooga, TN, arrested on charges of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Duty Upon Striking Fixtures upon Highway, Prescription Drugs not in Original Container, and DUI/Drugs. Davis, James P., 33, of 112 Park Lake Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, arrested on charges of DUI/Alcohol, and Following too Closely. Sharp, Audrianna K., 18, of 5647 Hunter Road, Ooltewah, TN, arrested on charge of Theft by Shoplifting. Bracey, David Edwin, 41, of 697 Cross Street, Rossville, GA, arrested on charges of Criminal Trespass Family Violence, Simple Battery Family Violence, and Obstruction of Officer(s). 05-01-21 Vandergriff, Tracy, 51, of 492 Flagstone Drive, Rossville, GA, arrested for Bench Warrant. Ragsdale, Christopher, 52, of 499 Thomas Drive, Rossville, GA, arrested on charge of Theft by Shoplifting. 05-02-21 Stone, Jennifer Renee, 44, of 804 Thomas Road, Apt. B, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, arrested for another agency. 05-03-21 Johnson, Elias Trexler, 22, of 2075 N. Highway 341, Rossville, GA, arrested on charges of DUI/Alcohol, and Following too Closely. 05-04-21 Jordan, Kelsi Alyssa, 26, of 1838 Creek Road, Wildwood, GA, arrested for Probation Violation. Stewart, Deasia, 24, of 15 Garth Street, Rossville, GA, arrested on charges of Driving while License Suspended/Revoked, and Speeding. Lykes, Nashaya M., 18, 3515 5th Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, arrested on charges of DUI/Drugs, Failure to Maintain Lane, Consuming Alcoholic Beverage or Possessing Open Alcoholic Beverage Container while in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle, Purchasing Alcohol under the age of 21, and Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce. 05-05-21 Slaughter, Mykayla D., 23, of 131 Cedar Grove Lane, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, arrested on charges of Aggravated Assault, and Obstruction of Officers. Governor Bill Lee announced on Thursday a new series of partnerships to fight human trafficking in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, human trafficking is a demand-driven crime that involves exploiting a person for labor, services or commercial sex and particularly impacts women and children. It is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the country, and cases have been reported in every county in the state. Im excited to invest in and partner with these remarkable organizations that are at the forefront of this important fight, said Governor Lee. Human trafficking has no place in our state, and Im proud to support our law enforcement and non-profit partners. The Tennessee FY21-22 budget included over $5 million in funding for key groups fighting human trafficking and supporting victims including: Governor Lee welcomed partners to the State Capitol including the following organizations: Margie Quin, chief executive officer of End Slavery Tennessee, said,The unprecedented investment in community-based services will increase critical housing opportunities at the local level across Tennessee and intensify evidence-based and trauma-responsive programming for human trafficking survivors. Natalie Ivey, executive director of Grow Free Tennessee, said, Governor Lees dedicated support to the fight against human trafficking is an embodiment of values all Tennesseans hold dear- a willingness to face a challenge head on, to offer help rather than hide from a problem. We are immensely grateful for the governors volunteer spirit and the ability to continue to serve the most vulnerable of our Tennessee communities. Hal Cato, chief executive officer of Thistle Farms said, Tennessee is already one of the most proactive states in the country when it comes to fighting human trafficking. Todays historic announcement pushes our state, and its response, to an entirely new level of responsiveness when it comes to preventing traffickers from doing even more harm, protecting victims needing a way out, and promoting healing for hundreds of survivors ready for a second chance at life. Rachel Sumner Haaga, founder and executive director of Restore Corps, said, Tennessee stays at the forefront of counter-trafficking work - continually leveraging public and private partnerships to create and refine an efficient and impactful model for victim care and system change. Those of us in this work know rescue does not equal freedom, but healing does. The funding announced today is a catalyst ensuring opportunities for healing through comprehensive and collaborative service delivery across our state. Tim Tebow, founder and chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation, said, Thank you to Governor Lee and the many organizations in Tennessee that have been working so hard to reach some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Right now, there are only enough safe beds to serve 10 percent of trafficking victims here in the U.S. we can no longer let this be the case. Not on our watch. My foundation and I are committed to increasing holistic survivor care across the country and around the world through our ministry, Her Song, and look forward to serving alongside the great State of Tennessee to continue pushing back this darkness. If you suspect someone you know is involved in human trafficking, you can call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 855 558-6484. So many things happened in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13 Listen, so viewers need a quick recap. In response to the tragic death of George Floyd, the friends gathered together to march in the streets of Boston. However, Rome Howard (Romany Malco) remained home because he was afraid of what he might do. From the promo, viewers worried about who was hurt. Below we reveal what happened. [Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13.] A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13 with David Giuntoli, Grace Park, Terry Chen and Tristan Byon | Jack Rowand/ABC/ Getty Images A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13 Recap: The Howard Family Regina Howard (Christina Moses) shared her embarrassment with Florence (Karen Robinson) over never marching before. She admitted this protest is the first time she took to the streets to fight for Black lives. Since she grew up being hurt by white people and then went home to her white mother, who looked like the people who hurt her, she didnt know how to feel. RELATED: A Million Little Things: Heres Why Garys Dad, Javier Mendez, Looks So Familiar Florence admitted that her parents took her to protest the Vietnam war; however, Walter refused to protest because he didnt think it would make a difference. Romes father, Walter Howard (Lou Beatty, Jr.), added that he fought in the Vietnam war and was appalled to come home and see people protesting it. Later on in A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13, Florence admitted that her brother didnt make it home from Vietnam. Gary and Darcy try to help Gary Mendez (James Roday Rodriguez) called Rome to ask if there was anything specific to help. However, Rome became very offended and explained that Gary also needed to do the work. We all need to do the work #AMillionLittleThings is all-new tonight at 10|9c on ABC. pic.twitter.com/YSf7s81vPq A Million Little Things (@AMillionABC) May 12, 2021 RELATED: A Million Little Things Darcy: Heres Why She Looks So Familiar Later, Gary and his girlfriend, Darcy Cooper (Floriana Lima), headed to the local hardware store to gather supplies for the protest. The gang all met together at Reginas restaurant to make signs and head out to the streets. When they met afterward, Darcy asked Gary why he changed his name. He admitted that he was getting bullied, so he told his teachers to call him Gary instead of Javier Mendez, Jr. Darcy pointed out that was part of the problem Gary could choose whether to be white or Mexican. A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13 Recap: Rome and Tyrell Rome and Reginas foster son, Tyrell (Adam Swain), almost headed out the door to protest when Rome stopped him with a strong warning. There are police out there looking for a reason to take your life, Rome told Tyrell. Young man, do not give them a reason. Your job is not to be a hero today. Your job is to come home. Meanwhile, Rome had a heart-to-heart with his father about how hard it is growing up Black in America. He wanted to be there for Tyrell, but he didnt want it to affect his mental health. So, instead, his father went to support Tyrell. A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 13 Recap: Eddie, Katherine, Alan & Theo The Saville protested with one extra person in tow. Not only did Eddie Saville (David Giuntoli), Katherine Kim (Grace Park), and Theo (Tristan Byon) take to the streets, but Alan Kay (Terry Chen) joined them. To recap A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 12, you should recall that Katherine asked Eddie for a divorce, and she wanted to be with Alan instead. Alan and Eddie meet tomorrow on #AMillionLittleThings pic.twitter.com/pLzfze9OQ8 A Million Little Things (@AMillionABC) May 11, 2021 RELATED: Where Is Delilah on A Million Little Things? Stephanie Szostak Hints at Her Return So, it made for an interesting combination while they made signs together. It was even more awkward when another protestor mistook Alan for Theos dad. Maggie Bloom quit her new job When Maggie Bloom (Allison Miller) accepted a position with Dr. Stacy (Andrea Savage), providing five minutes of therapy and guidance to patients, she was hesitant. The therapist didnt know if she could help enough in such a short time. It turned out that Maggie was correct to be worried. She continually went over her five-minute time limit, so her boss instructed the secretary to end the call. Maggie ended up quitting her position as Dr. Bloom on Fixed in Five because Dr. Stacy refused to let her fully help the callers. Luckily, things turned out well because the secretary, Claudia, gave Maggie a list of companies who would be happy to have someone like her on their team. Who got hurt on A Million Little Things tonight? Regina was hurt while protesting and rushed to the hospital. The cops pepper-sprayed a group of peaceful protestors. According to Walter, Gina bent down to help someone, and a cop knocked her down. She hit her head on the ground pretty hard, but after being evaluated at the hospital, she was discharged and able to go home. Apologies from everyone Gary apologized to Rome for his insensitive comments. Eddie apologized to Catherine for not realizing that Theos friends discriminated against him on their Zoom meeting. Rome apologized to Regina for scaring her with his suicide letter. He realized what she must have gone through when she found it, today when she got hurt. A Million Little Things Season 3 Episode 14 airs May 19, 2021 on ABC. According to IMDb, the A Million Little Things Season 3 finale airs on June 9, 2021. Duggar family followers hoping that Josh and Anna Duggar will divorce following his recent arrest on child pornography charges may be disappointed. Walking away from the marriage will be difficult for Anna, 32, due to her religious upbringing, some say. Anna and Josh Duggar have six children and are expecting their seventh. Josh Duggar arrested, faces decades in prison Anna Duggar and Josh Duggar | Kris Connor/Getty Images RELATED: Is Counting On Canceled? Outraged Viewers Petition TLC to End Duggar Familys Show After Josh Duggar Arrest On April 30, former 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar was indicted on two counts of possessing and receiving child pornography. According to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, in May 2019, he allegedly downloaded material depicting child sexual abuse. Some of the downloaded material depicts the abuse of children under the age of 12. Duggar pleaded not guilty and was released into the custody of Duggar family friends. A trial is set for July 6. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison on each count. During his release, he is not allowed to have contact with children. However, he will be allowed to see his own kids with his wife present, the AP reports. Why Anna Duggar may not leave her husband Josh Duggars mugshot following his 2021 arrest | Washington County Sheriffs Office/Getty Images After the news of Duggars alleged crimes, many people who follow the Counting On family wondered when or if his wife would leave him. But according to those familiar with the kind of religious community she and her family are part of, that may not happen. Vyckie Garrison spoke to Salon about her experience in the Quiverfull movement. This strain of conservative Christianity sees fathers as the ultimate voice of authority in the family and encourages couples to have as many children as possible. While the Duggar family has denied being part of the controversial movement, they share many of the same beliefs. Garrison had seven kids before eventually leaving her abusive husband. She says she had a martyrs mentality but eventually found the strength to leave. But Anna Duggars religious beliefs may make it difficult to do the same. The situation she is in is just impossible, Garrison said. The only way she can save herself and her children she would just have to give up her idea of her faith. Anna Duggar clung to her faith after previous Josh Duggar scandal This isnt the first time Anna Duggar has faced pressure to leave her husband. In 2015, 19 Kids and Counting was canceled after reports emerged that Josh had molested several girls when he was a teenager, including several of his sisters. A few months later, he admitted to having an account on the cheating website Ashley Madison. I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife, he said in a statement at the time. In an early episode of Counting On, Anna opened up about how she dealt with Joshs betrayal. I knew that my only hope was to cling to my faith, she said. Because I knew if I went off of what I was feeling, I would turn a mess into a disaster. Anna Duggar may not see divorce as an option In a 2015 interview with People, Kathryn Joyce, who wrote a book on the Quiverfull movement, explained that Anna may have seen herself as responsible for her husbands failings. It has been common not just in Quiverfull circles but also more broadly in some fundamentalist Christian communities to hold women responsible for mens sexuality and choices, by, for example, accusing wives of causing their husbands affairs because they didnt satisfy them. At the time, Anna said she had made a lifelong commitment to Josh when she married him in 2008, and she intended to stand by it. I know there are those who think I have every right to walk away from this marriage, she said during the Counting On episode. I respect other peoples views. But in my heart, when I got married, I vowed to God first, and to Joshua, for better or for worse, til death do we part my prayer and my hearts desire is for our marriage to be restored. How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support. Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook! George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, attended Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussexs wedding in 2018. Since then, the A-list star has spoken on occasion about his friendship with the duke and duchess. However, after the Sussexes son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on May 6, 2019, Clooney described the birth as kind of irritating. Read on to find out why. Amal and George Clooney arriving at St Georges Chapel for the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle | Gareth Fuller WPA Pool/Getty Images Clooney shut down rumors that hes Archies godfather Before Meghan and Harrys son was christened on July 6, 2019, there was plenty of speculation about who his godparents would be and Clooneys name kept coming up. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the actor told the late-night host that he was too busy with his own stuff to be anyones godfather. That would be a bad idea. I shouldnt be the godfather. Im a father of twins; I can barely do that, Clooney said. He added: Im not going to be the godfather. I promise you that [I] should not be anyones godfather. Why Clooney said it was kind of irritating when Archie was born George Clooney dressed down on the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Randy Holmes via Getty Images Despite his friendship with the Sussexes, Clooney wasnt exactly thrilled with their sons birthdate since Archie was born the same day he was. Its a big day for me, and now some royal child has been born, Clooney told Extra. Its kind of irritating if you think about it because Ive already had to split [my birthday] with Orson Welles, Sigmund Freud, and now this [baby] comes in. Im moving down the line very quickly, he joked. The Sussexes message for fans on Archies 2nd birthday Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, during a photocall two days after he was born | Dominic Lipinski WPA Pool/Getty Images Meghan and Harry had a message for their fans on Archies second birthday. We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honor of Archies birthday, the pair wrote on their Archwell Foundation website. Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of serviceall through the goodness of your hearts. You raise funds for those who need it most, and continue to do so organically and selflessly. We remain incredibly grateful. The couple also donated to a charity on their sons birthday. People noted that Meghan and Harry donated 200 knit beanie hats to the I Got Your Back Pack initiative for children in need in New Zealand. But thats not all. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off a donation drive to achieve global COVID-19 vaccine equity. RELATED: Prince Harry Was Able to Marry Meghan Markle Because She Didnt Do This 1 Thing in Her Past It seems that everyone is leaving Greys Anatomy. With Jesse Williams announcement of his exit, there are only three original cast members left, Ellen Pompeo, James Pickens Jr., and Chandra Wilson. One of the first big exits of the show came in 2014 when Greys Anatomy lost Sandra Oh as she decided she didnt want to continue her role as Cristina Yang. Since then, Oh has been very resolute in not returning to the show. But as several characters came back for cameos in season 17 of Greys Anatomy, would Oh be willing to do the same next season? Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, and Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt on Greys Anatomy Season 6 | Danny Feld/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Sandra Oh on Greys Anatomy For the first 10 seasons of Greys Anatomy, the name Cristina Yang was synonymous with Greys. Her and Merediths friendship was one of the pinnacles of the show. The twisted sisters as they called themselves went through everything together from getting left at the altar to plane crashes and hospital shootings. For a brief period, Yang even left Seattle Grace to work at a hospital in Minnesota before realizing she needed to go back to working with Meredith. In the end, Cristina took a job in Switzerland which sent her away from Seattle for good. The character didnt even return when Merediths husband, Derek Shepherd, died. Will Sandra rejoin the Greys Anatomy cast? Meredith has spent much of season 17 in a coma due to contracting COVID-19. During that time, several old Greys Anatomy cast members, who had been killed off of the show, returned for brief appearances. Now that the show has been renewed for an 18th season, fans have been wondering if Cristina might also make a short appearance. Sadly, the answer is a resounding no. RELATED: Greys Anatomy: Will Sarah Drew Return as April Kepner After Season 17? In an interview with LA Times podcast Asian Enough, Oh said she would not return to the show. No, she said. I love it, though, and this is also why I really appreciate the show that I still get asked this. Its very rare, I would say, to be able to see in such a way the impact of a character, she continued. For Oh, Greys Anatomy is in the past. In some ways, you do your work as a bubble and you let it go, she said. I left that show, my god, seven years ago almost. So in my mind, its gone. But for a lot of people, its still very much alive. And while I understand and I love it, I have moved on. This isnt the first time that Oh has denied a return to Greys. She gave a similar answer when asked at the Killing Eve premiere in 2019. I just got to tell you, creatively you have moved on and while I know, and I deeply appreciate it, because I can feel it from the fans how much they love Cristina and that the show also still keeps Cristina alive, for me, [Killing Eve] is my home now, she told Extra. This is where I am. RELATED: Greys Anatomy: Something Doesnt Feel Right About Winston Fans Suspect Hes Not So Nice Who else has left Greys There have been some shocking exits over the years of Greys Anatomy. Besides main characters being killed off, there have been some actors and actresses who simply wanted to leave the show and had to be written off. OG cast member, Justin Chambers, decided not to return to the show during Greys Anatomy Season 16, meaning Alex Karev had to be written off. Now, Williams, who plays Jackson Avery, has announced that he is not returning and will have to be written off as well. How loose were Jimi Hendrix recording sessions by 1968? So loose that Hendrix manager Chas Chandler quit producing Experience recordings. (He didnt like the lack of focus.) But they were also loose enough for other musicians to enter the studio and record on songs that turned up on Electric Ladyland. (Buddy Miles did that on Still Raining, Still Dreaming.) In a word, things had shifted a great deal from the Are You Experienced (1967) sessions. Hendrix was exploring new sounds with new players, and he didnt want to be limited to set studio times. While that annoyed bassist Noel Redding to no end, it also opened the door to some great recordings. The jewel of that crop might be Voodoo Chile, the 15-minute extended blues jam that took up most of side 1 on Electric Ladyland. That track featured Mitch Mitchell on drums, Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady, and a young Steve Winwood on organ. Jimi Hendrix asked Steve Winwood to jam on Voodoo Chile after a night at a club Jimi Hendrix and Steve Winwood at Melody Maker Pop Poll Awards Reception Party, September 1967 | Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images RELATED: When Jimi Hendrix Saw The Beatles Change and Become Part of the Establishment By the time of the Electric Ladyland sessions, Hendrix was splitting his time between Steve Pauls The Scene club and the nearby Record Plant studios. During the day, he and his band (primarily Mitchell and Redding) would record for the double LP. By night (anywhere between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m.), Hendrix and whoever he brought back from The Scene would get to jamming. In the case of Voodoo Chile, Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer believed Hendrix had a clear plan in mind for that jam with Casady and Winwood. The way Jimi conceived of it was, I want to jam, but I know the guys I want play this,' Kramer said in his behind-the-scenes look at the recording. Jimi goes into The Scene one night and Steve Winwoods there, Jack Casadys there. And Jimis thinking, Yeah, I can get these guys to play this track.' While many musicians would lose that thread between the club and their after-hours jam, Hendrix didnt. Jimis vision was very clear, Kramer said. [Hendrix thought], I want this jam but its got to be done in a very specific way.' Hendrix, Winwood, and the band nailed the lengthy track in 3 takes 1968: Guitarist Jimi Hendrix performs onstage. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images In Ultimate Hendrix, Hendrix fans get a look at the raw data of the Voodoo Chile session. It didnt get started until quite late (7:30 a.m.), so you can assume it was a happening night at The Scene. And though the song itself is long, the band got it down quickly. Kramer scrambled around the studio setting up microphones and testing levels while Hendrix mapped out Voodoo Chile with his three-piece backing band. After a run-through, rehearsal-type take, the group went for it on the second take. However, that one fell apart when Hendrix broke a guitar string. The third take was the charm. After listening to it, Hendrix decided he wanted more sounds from the crowd of friends who had joined them at the studio. They werent loud enough on the recording, so Hendrix overdubbed more noises that morning around 9. A masterpiece had been born. The Walking Dead has been on the air for over a decade, but most of the original cast has left. One of the few remaining ones is Norman Reedus. He portrayed a southern hunter who fans have loved throughout the show. Hardly any viewer wants the character to die, and neither does the actor. In real life, Reedus knows how to ride a motorcycle and does so regularly. His motor skills are not the reason why his character operates one in the show. The showrunners meant for him to be on a horse. Norman Reedus | Phillip Faraone/Getty Images The Walking Dead has aired for 10 years RELATED: The Walking Dead Tapped a Former Military Specialist for This Key Role Based on the comics of the same name, The Walking Dead first aired on AMC in 2010. The show has 10 seasons and will end after its eleventh one. The series starts with Sheriff Rick Grimes waking from a coma and finding out the world has zombies, or walkers. Rick reunites with his family and joins a band of survivors. Many characters die, and the crew travels to various places, like a prison. The Walking Dead became a massive hit after the first season, but viewership began to decline after the fifth season. Fans got annoyed by the Negan storyline and how very few of the original cast remains. One of the fan-favorite characters is Daryl Dixon. He is skilled with a crossbow and a resourceful person. The Georgia-born hunter develops strong bonds with Rick and Carol. Daryl is played by Reedus, who is an actor and television host. Reedus was born in Hollywood, Florida, and made his acting debut at the Tiffany Theater. He starred in The Boondock Saints and played the protagonist in Death Stranding. The actor has a talent for painting and sculpting as well. Both Daryl Dixon and Norman Reedus like motorcycles In The Walking Dead, Daryl has a few trademarks that fans recognize. One of them is the protagonists motorcycle. Daryl often rides the vehicle as his method of transportation when traveling alone. Reedus is not too different from his character when it comes to motorcycles. Not only does Reedus know how to ride a motorcycle, but he also is an enthusiast. He worked at a Harley-Davidson shop for a while early in his career. In Ride with Norman Reedus, the actor goes around on a motorcycle. So far, there are five seasons, and Reedus travels to different areas around the world to explore. Reedus has ridden with other celebrities in the show. One of them includes former The Walking Dead co-star Michael Rooker. Hopefully, Reedus does not lose his motorcycles as often as Daryl. The reason why Daryl Dixon did not ride a horse RELATED: Walking Dead Star Norman Reedus Wishes Daryl Could Just Play Daddy Many people likely thought how cool Daryl looked while on a motorcycle in The Walking Dead. What some fans do not know is that the character almost had another way of getting around to places. Surely, current and former watchers of the series remember the iconic scene of Rick entering Atlanta on a horse. On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Reedus talked about his show and riding around. Jimmy Fallon asked if the reason why Daryl is on a motorcycle is that the actor knows how to operate one. Reedus responded how the character originally was going to be on a horse. Im terrified of horses. Like, I really scared of horses, Reedus explained to Fallon. Because they have big eyes, and someone said they could smell your fear and all this stuff. The Walking Dead producers allowed Reedus to switch to a motorcycle. Despite his fear, the actor once worked with a horse for a film titled The Conspirator. Luckily, the only mishap was the horse trotting backward when it was not supposed to do so. The hit series Vikings has come to a close now that the final episodes dropped on Amazon Prime Video on December 30. Fans can also watch the series on History when it premieres on June 5, 2021, at 8 p.m. EST. Peter Franzen, who plays King Harald Finehair, recently shared some must-see behind-the-scenes images from season 6B. We have all the details. Peter Franzen in Vikings | Jonathan Hession/A+E Networks/History Who is King Harald Finehair in Vikings? King Harald is first seen in season 4 of Vikings when King Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) is still alive. Harald has ulterior motives since he wants to be the King of Norway, and he has a rivalry with Ragnar. He finally gets his wish when he manages to manipulate the election for the kingship of Norway in favor of himself. He takes the position, getting what hes always wanted and outdoing Ragnars son who has become his rival, Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig), even trying to kill him. But they put their differences aside to fight against a common enemy, the Rus Vikings. Harald is injured during the fighting, and in season 6B, hes been captured by them, but he manages to escape. He returns to Kattegat after the final battle between the Vikings and the Rus Vikings has been fought, and Bjorn has already died after coming up with a plan to save his country. Harald plans to marry both of Bjorns widows, Gunnhild (Ragga Ragnars) and Ingrid (Lucy Martin). He sexually assaulted Ingrid before the first battle with the Rus, and shes now pregnant. She actually agrees to marry him, but Gunnhild dies by suicide believing shell go to Valhalla to be with Bjorn. When Ivar (Alex Hgh Andersen) and Hvitserk (Marco Ils) return to Kattegat, Harald actually lets them stay. But Ivar wants to go back to Wessex, and Harald goes as well. Hes killed in the first major battle between the Vikings and the Saxons by a lone soldier. However, he kills the man as well, and while he dies, he sees his brother, Halfdan (Jasper Paakkonen) again. Harald dies in Wessex after becoming King of Norway. Peter Franzen shares must-see behind-the-scenes images from season 6B of Vikings Peter Franzen in Vikings | Jonathan Hession/A+E Networks/History RELATED: Vikings: Fans Weigh in When It Comes to the Ancestor Ragnar Lothbrok Claimed Peter Franzen is the actor who plays King Harald, and he recently shared some behind-the-scenes photos of Haralds wedding from season 6B on Instagram. In the first image, a woman is making a touchup on the priests fans will recall were there at Haralds wedding to Ingrid. There is another person doing more of the same in the background as three priests with black and white face paint can be seen. Flags flap in the breeze, and the priests wear memorable looks with collars. In the second image, Harald is seen wearing a crown with some hair to his sides in small braids. He has what looks like blood spatter on his face, and some of his iconic face tattoos can also be seen. The actors playing the priests stand near him looking at the camera. There are other people in the background as well. Franzen tagged the woman making the touchup, calling her skillful and patient, and adding shes, dolling up Haralds priests for a special occasion on a lovely day by a lake. . Its always nice to see behind-the-scenes moments like this from the hit series Vikings. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) jumped into the legal fray over LGBT rights and religious liberties on Wednesday when it filed a motion to join a lawsuit against the US Department of Education (DOE) as a codefendant. Thirty-three current and former students from 20-plus religiously affiliated colleges filed the suit against the DOE in March to prevent the agency from granting religious exemptions from federal antidiscrimination laws. Eighteen of the schools are CCCU members, including Dordt Univeristy, Lipscomb Univeristy, Messiah Univeristy, Nyack College, and Toccoa Falls College. The schools all have policies prohibiting student sexual activity and statements about Christian sexual ethics. A newly founded LGBT advocacy group, the Religious Exemption Accountability Project (REAP), says these policies are discriminatory and create abusive and unsafe conditions for LGBT students. REAP is arguing that the religious exemptions to civil rights and federal education laws should be abolished. If the exemption to Title IX is eliminated, religious schools with policies deemed discriminatory would not be eligible for federal funds. CCCU president Shirley Hoogstra said the lawsuit is frivolous and the Christian colleges and universities are clearly eligible for religious exemptions. CCCU institutions subscribe to sincerely held biblical beliefs, she said in a statement, which include specific religious convictions around human sexuality and gender, and are transparent about their policies and behavior guidelines, which students voluntarily agree to when they choose to attend the institution. The CCCU has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The motion cites multiple US Supreme Court rulings that protect religious schools from being deprived of indirect financial aid on the basis of an institutions religious identity. In 2002, the court ruled 5-4 in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris that a state school-voucher program allowing parents to send their children to religious schools if they wanted, did not violate First Amendment prohibitions against respecting an establishment of religion. In 2020, the court ruled 5-4 in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, the Court ruled 5-4 that religious schools cannot be excluded from a state scholarship program that provides aid to students attending private schools. The new advocacy group has said it hopes the lawsuit will call attention to the issue of religious exemptions in the Equality Act, the antidiscrimination legislation currently under consideration in the US Senate. One of the major points of disagreement over the bill is how it will balance religious liberty with concerns that LGBT people are not protected by current law. The fate of the Equality Act is uncertain, but legislators could attempt to win more votes for the bill by including exemptions, which REAP opposes. When taxpayer-funded religious institutions require sexual and gender minority students to hide their identity out of fear, or to behave contrary to their fundamental sexual or gender identity, the unsurprising consequences are intense pain, loneliness and self-harm, the suit says. Multiple plaintiffs say they experienced mental distress from bullying at Christian colleges and some claim they were subjected to conversion therapy. The CCCU lawyers dispute the evidence that sexual ethics policies cause students harm. According to the court filings, the association denies that any of its Christian College or University members abuse or provide unsafe conditions to thousands of LGBTQ+ students, or injure them mind, body, or soul, but rather seek to minister, support, and care for them physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Plaintiffs cite no evidence to support their allegations of abuse and harm. Hoogstra said in her statement that the CCCU takes reports of student experience seriously and said the schools are committed to learning, growing, and deepening our understanding of how we can provide and strengthen support for all students, including those who disagree with the colleges stated beliefs and those who identify as LGBT. CCCU institutions should be places where all students feel safe, supported, and welcome, Hoogstra said. On Monday, Ireland emerged from one of Europes strictest lockdowns, allowing Christians to return to in-person church services for the first time since December. Members of Solid Rock Drogheda couldnt wait until Sunday and met to worship together as soon as the restrictions lifted. The church, located in a town north of Dublin, started praying for Ireland and the end of the pandemic on St. Patricks Day 2020 when lockdown kept revelers at home. What started as a 24-hour prayer vigil has continued ever since, and the church has used an online booking system to schedule members to pray continuously, according to Nick Park, Solid Rocks pastor and the executive director of Evangelical Alliance Ireland. While the church prayed, the Irish government instituted three separate lockdowns. In the 14 months since the pandemic began, the government has permitted worship on only 14 Sundays and only three times in the past six months. As of May 10, churches can hold servicesalong with weddings and funeralswith a maximum of 50 people in attendance. This is a long-awaited relief for churchgoers who have spent so much of the pandemic apart. Pastors could leave their homes to conduct an online service or to minister to the sick during the earlier lockdowns, but residents were not permitted to get together socially or for worship, indoors or out. While many businesses and restaurants are still under phased reopening, the Irish are also finally free to travel between counties and meet up with friends and family, per the latest directives from government officials. At times Irelands restrictions were considered among the toughest in the world. Authorities issued fines and threatened to arrest pastors conducting services in violation of the restrictions. Irish legal scholars started to speak up on behalf of churches, and pastors wrote the government last month concerned about the continued ban on worship gatherings. We appeal to the government to understand that Christian worship is intrinsically corporatean act of the gathered church. This lies at the very heart of how Christianity is practiced, the statement says. The isolation over the past year-plus has taken its toll on pastors and congregations alike. Congregants longed to see family members who were isolated in other communities. Families with young children struggled with adjusting to at-home schooling and the time away from friends. Pastors worry who will return after months apart and who has disappeared for good. Park said evangelical congregations usually depend on the weekly offering to make ends meet, and the transition to online giving has been difficult, though he said churches have made it work. In the majority-Catholic country of 5 million, around 1.6 percent is evangelical, the lowest in the English-speaking world, according to Operation Mobilization. Mark Smith, lead pastor of City Church Dublin, was one of the 16 pastors to sign the statement in April pleading to lift the restrictions. He said when COVID-19 first appeared in March 2020, churches voluntarily closed as a way to love their neighbors. When gathering limits eased over the summer, worshipers started to meet together again in small numbers. In September the government imposed another ban. If the first lockdown was motivated by love of neighbor, Smith said churches approached the second lockdown with a desire to follow Titus 3:1 and be subject to rulers and authorities. No one wanted to stop meeting together, but the gathering bans didnt feel targeted at churches. We wanted to be good citizens and a good witness to the community, so we submitted, he said. But a third lockdown in January 2021 seemed too much, though cases were spiking in Ireland. Other European Union countries permitted churches to remain open, and Smith said churches had proven that they could meet safely when they gathered during the summer and around Christmas. And while the government tried to contain COVID-19, it took a deep spiritual and mental toll on believers. Eoghan Heaslip, pastor of St. Catherines Church in Dublin, understands that after everything people went through over the past year, this isnt a time to carry on with business as usual. Instead, the church must go slowly, work hard to make safe spaces for listening, lamenting, and allowing all weve lost, feared, and grieved to come out in all the different rhythms of church life, he said. At City Church Dublin, international families have lost loved ones without being able to travel for funerals. Pastoring families through grief when they cannot benefit from the closure of time with family and final goodbyes has been one of the hardest parts of the pandemic for Smith. Now that they are returning to worship, pastors are excited but subdued. Size limits mean churches might need to conduct multiple services each Sunday. Solid Rock Drogheda has contracted with a maitre d to handle reservations and seating for worship. Smith said when City Church Dublin first returned to in-person worship last summer, the mood was celebratory. Now members are still grateful but more restrained. Rather than preaching a special sermon, Smith will keep on with his sermon series from 2 Corinthians. When he selected the book at the beginning of the year, he hoped it would help us to heal emotionally and re-center ourselves on Christ, finding his strength in our weakness. Heaslip is letting another pastor fill his pulpit this Sunday, though he is excited for preaching to real people again rather than a camera lens. In the weeks leading up to Pentecost, his church will study the Holy Spirits identity and work in the believers life. Heaslip made the four-hour drive this week to visit his mother, whom he hasnt seen in months. He said it was nice to not worry about the police pulling him over and issuing a fine for leaving his county. With limited capacity, mask mandates, and one-hour limits, church will be far from prepandemic levels. But as spring sets upon the Emerald Isle, the fruits of lockdown will also emerge: worn, weary souls coming together to lift their hearts to God. Parks May 10 sermon drew from Ezra 3:12. As the foundation was laid for Jerusalem s second temple, the older generation wept because it did not compare to the glory of Solomon s temple. But actually the second temple would be more glorious than Solomons, according to Haggai, because the Desire of the Nations (Jesus) would come to it, Park said. In the same way, church post-COVID initially feels different with masks and distancing. But God is taking us to greater glory. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out Saudi Arabia. The Gulf kingdom remains the only country in the world without a Christian church, though there are more than a million Christians living [there], he stated yesterday. Such high-level criticism of the key US ally is a departure from the foreign policy of the Trump administration, though the State Department has listed the oil-rich nation as a Country of Particular Concern on international religious freedom (IRF) since 2004. Blinken also highlighted recent violations in Iran, Burma, Russia, Nigeria, and China. Positive developments were noted in Sudan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Our promise to the world is that the Biden-Harris administration will protect and defend religious freedom around the world, stated Blinken, releasing the 23rd annual International Religious Freedom Report, assessing the records of nearly 200 countries and territories. We will maintain Americas longstanding leadership on this issue, [and] were grateful for our partners. He named several entities, but one is glaring in its absence: The US Congress. Six years ago, 21Wilberforce, a Christian human rights organization, launched the International Religious Freedom Scorecard to hold Americas lawmakers to account. There is much room for improvement, Lou Ann Sabatier, director of communication, told CT. It is a long and arduous process for an IRF bill to become a law, and many do not make it out of committee. The latest scorecard, released this week and grading the two-year term of the 116th Congress, lists 91 legislative efforts in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Only two became law. The daughter of one of Congresss chief IRF champions is not happy. As religious freedom abuses have proliferated around the world, Americas efforts to advocate for this bedrock human right have not kept pace, stated Katrina Lantos Swett, whose late father cofounded the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan caucus in the House. This vital tool tells us who in our Congress is leaning forward in defense of the First Freedom, and who is leaning back. The scorecard is endorsed by Sam Brownback and Suzan Johnson Cook, former ambassadors at large for IRF under presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama, respectively. Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, and Farahnaz Ispahani, a former member of Pakistans parliament, also support the 21Wilberforce effort. English author Os Guinness joins them, blunt in his assessment. My concern is not only religious freedom around the world, he stated, but the lack of leadership on this issuewhich has been Americas birthright. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, was 1 of 9 senators to receive an F score. Colleen Hanabusa, a Democrat from Hawaii, was 1 of 8 representatives in the lowest tier. But 62 legislators were recognized as notable leaders. Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, ranks first in the House. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, ranks first in the Senate. Rubio was the primary sponsor of the two bills that became law. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act were both passed unanimously. The freedom to practice or live out ones faith according to ones conscience is a sacred right that no government has the authority to take away, Rubio stated. Tragically, this fundamental human right remains under constant assault around the world. More than half of legislative items addressed issues in Asia. China led congressional attention, with 16 proposed bills. Iran was second with 6, while Burma, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia all had 5 each. Grading on a curve, one-third of US lawmakers scored above average. 21Wilberforce tallies one point for voting Yes on a bill, co-sponsoring a bill, or joining an IRF-focused caucus. An additional point is given to the primary sponsor and to the chair of the caucus. Throughout the Trump administration, Democrats led the IRF charge in Congress. With 38 designations by 21Wilberforce, they represented 61 percent of notable leaders. And in the 115th Congress, the 28 Democrat designations were 58 percent of the scorecards total. Meanwhile in the last two years of the Obama administration, Republicans took the lead. Their 22 notable leaders were 56 percent of the 114th Congress scorecard total. Rankings are not meant as endorsements, nor does the designation of a bill as an IRF item imply 21Wilberforce support. What the group does appreciate is the consensus. Even during this highly partisan age, bipartisan support for international religious freedom is visible, Sabatier told CT. This cause has united Democrats and Republicans, in protecting this human right internationally. This was celebrated by Richard Ghazal, executive director of In Defense of Christians. The question of religious freedom should not create partisan fault lines, he said. It should serve as a common ground in American foreign policy. During the State Departments IRF report launch, Daniel Nadel, a senior official in the Office of International Religious Freedom, emphasized that this years document changed virtually not at all in structure and content, compared to previous administrations. But Blinken and President Joe Biden do depart from the hierarchy of rights conversation under the previous secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. Religious freedom is co-equal with other human rights, Blinken stated, because human rights are indivisible. To some, this sounds like a downgrade. Paul Marshall, professor of religious freedom at Baylor University, appreciated the major push Trump gave to IRF as president. With Brownbacks energetic support as ambassador, it achieved wide international support, with many countries making it more of a priority. Founded during the Trump administration, the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance has grown to 32 member nations. Poland hosted the third annual ministerial meetings, with Brazil slated for the fourth. IRF roundtables now exist for 26 countries and regions around the world. Unfortunately, Trump also indulged authoritarian leaders, Marshall said. He also used religious freedom to rally his base. Perhaps Biden is doing the same, differently? Religious freedom has been identified with Trump, so that the Biden administration has downplayed it and reemphasized gay rights, Marshall told CT. But the continuing bipartisan support in Congress reassures that the issue will remain central in Americas international stance. Continued polarization, however, risks erosion of the international consensus. We cant assume it will last without a commitment to be nonpartisan in our global efforts, warned Knox Thames, former Special Advisor for Religious Minorities at the State Department. Our domestic debates are important, he told CT. But they pale in comparison to the life and death situations confronting Christians around the world, as well as members of other persecuted religious communities. Accordingly, 21Wilberforce focuses on individual accountability. IRF is not a partisan issue, the group insists, and should not be framed as such. It is our hope that Congress will continue to practice the art of political transcendence in defense of international religious freedom, said Sabatier. No worthy cause is ever won in a corner. I wish I could be more like Epaphroditus. That was the sentiment of one group member after our Zoom discussion of Philippians 2. Epaphroditus makes a big impression in spite of only brief references (2:2530 and 4:18). Paul describes him in glowing terms as my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (2:25). In light of Pauls words, my friend felt inferior by comparison. But when we read the whole story of Epaphroditus more slowly, a rather different, more human picture emerges. The church in Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to deliver a financial gift and assist Paul while he was in prison. But after Epaphroditus arrived, his health deteriorated rapidly. We arent told what his illness was, but he nearly died from it. In his convalescence, Epaphroditus grew extremely homesick. Knowing everyone back in Philippi was worried about his condition only added to his distress. The stress ... You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe to Christianity Today magazine. Subscribers have full digital access to CT Pastors articles. 1 Billy Graham's personal pastor shares what the Church can learn from ministry of 'humble' evangelist Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Billy Grahams friend and pastor reflected on his yearslong friendship with the famed evangelist and shared the lessons and values he believes the Church can glean from the life and ministry of a man he said mirrored the very heartbeat of God. Mr. Graham's heartbeat and passion and reflection of the very face of God showed deeply, penetrated my own heart and life, Don Wilton recalled in an interview with The Christian Post. I've never been around a man personally like that, who so deeply and genuinely and consistently reflected the face of God's grace. As a pastor myself, one can only imagine the enormous depth of the blessing that God conferred on me every time I was with him every week. Most Saturdays for 15 years, Wilton, the senior pastor of nearly 30 years at the First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and founder of the global network, The Encouraging Word, drove to Grahams home in Montreat, North Carolina, to discuss family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives. In the days before the famed evangelist died in 2018 at the age of 99, Wilton sat next to him, holding his hand. Most people, the closer you get to them, the more you realize they have clay feet, Wilton said. But the closer I got to this man, Billy Graham, the more I realized that he was just full of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that showed throughout his life and his demeanor. Everything pointed to Jesus. To honor his friends life and legacy, Wilton recently releasedSaturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham, a book that includes more than 20 stories recounting his friendship with Graham. In addition to photographs accompanying the stories, the book includes some of the greatest lessons Wilton gleaned from Grahams life and ministry. The South African pastor said something that defined Graham was his deep love for his family especially his wife, Ruth, who died in 2007. It was not uncommon for me to be sitting outside having tea with Mr. Graham and he'd be staring out the window. I'd say to him, Mr. Graham, what are you looking at? he recalled. And hed say, I can just see Ruth standing in the kitchen preparing something nice for us. It sounds very simplistic, but he had such a very tender and deep love for her that when she went on to be the Lord, he had a deep gap and grief in his heart. Graham, he said, also had a deep love of good food and especially coffee. He shared how, later in his life, the pastor would sneak black coffee despite doctors orders because he didnt appreciate coffee that had stuff in it (Thick-It). One day, after the doctor left, he reaches over and he grabs my cup of coffee and starts drinking it. I said, Now, brother Billy, what do I do with yours? And he said to me, Well, my facilities are just around the corner. In other words, he told me to dump his coffee and the medical staff wouldnt know, Wilton said with a chuckle. But the most potent and influential thing about the evangelist, the pastor emphasized, was his striking humility despite his celebrity status. Over 70 years, Billy Graham preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to some 215 million people at more than 400 Crusades, simulcasts and evangelistic rallies in more than 185 countries and territories. If you were to paint a picture of Don Wilton and Dr. Billy Graham, here's the picture: A nobody who thought he was a somebody, talking to a somebody who really thought he was a nobody, he shared. Mr. Graham was known all over the world; he was a famous man who dealt with prime ministers, presidents, kings, queens, celebrities, and the most famous athletes in the world, yet he consistently exemplified the uncommon unattainable spirit of humility that Christ expects of us. He never elevated himself; he only elevated Jesus Christ. It was his humility and unfaltering faith in Christ that allowed Graham to be so unapologetically focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world without compromise, Wilton said. Grahams life, Wilton said, reflected Galatians 6:14 a verse that was posted in a number of places around the late pastor's home. It reads: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Mr. Graham was respected by all people, and yet was unapologetic about holy living and righteousness and the wrath and judgment of God and salvation exclusively through Jesus, he said. The modern church, he said, would do well to emulate Grahams passion for keeping the Gospel of Jesus Christ the main thing in a post-Christian culture that is desperate for answers. Mr. Graham stood in the largest stadiums of the world and said, 'God loves you.' He believed implicitly in the life-transforming power of the cross of Jesus, and He preached that passionately and unapologetically and loved people in that same way, Wilton said. I'm deeply concerned about our country and our people and about policies that violate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he continued. How do I balance that in my life as a Christian? How do I be a testimony but stand for the truth of God's Word? It's something that each one of us has to really do business with God about, because our world is really desperate for answers, and our people today are in desperate need of the true meaning of the Gospel and the power of the Gospel to change people's lives forever. Through sharing his friendship with Graham, Wilton said he hopes to encourage readers to take a very simple yet real look into the heart of this precious man and be blessed by his presence while at the same time drawing near to the heart of the Lord. I pray that people would read Saturdays with Billy and pass that on to others so that others would be blessed. That's what Mr. Graham did. His whole life was passing blessings on from one person to the next. We just pray this book is an extension of the witness of the life and testimony of Dr. Billy Graham. Tony Evans, Franklin Graham, evangelical leaders react to unrest in Israel: 'Praying for peace' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pastors and Christian leaders are calling for prayer and peace as the Middle East continues to see the worst violence in years between Israelis and Palestinians, prompting the United Nations to warn the conflict could mushroom into "full-scale war." What began as riots in Jerusalem on May 10 led to an aerial war over Gaza and widespread civil unrest in less than two days, causing death, injuries, arrests and property damage. The Islamic militant group Hamas has fired more than 1,000 rockets into Israel since the conflict began, most of which landed in civilians areas, The New York Times reports. Hamas' aggression led to retaliatory airstrikes from the Israel Defense Forces toward the Gaza Strip. More than 80 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, including 17 children and seven women, as of Thursday morning, according to Gazas Health Ministry. And another 480 people have been wounded. Israeli forces also killed a senior Hamas commander and at least 10 top Hamas military figures. At least seven people have been killed in Israel, including a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack, according to The Associated Press. The airstrikes were preceded by the clashes between rioters and Israeli authorities at the historic Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The violence led to the rerouting of the historic Jerusalem Day Flag March, which celebrates the unification of Israel in 1967. On Wednesday, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland warned that the ongoing conflict could lead to a full-scale war. "Stop the fire immediately. We're escalating towards a full-scale war," tweeted Wennesland. "The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now." Meanwhile, pastors and Christian leaders in the United States took to social media to urge Christians to pray for peace in the Middle East. My heart goes out to the people impacted through the heightened Middle East conflict," Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, tweeted. "Having recently visited that region, I'm reminded of the many wonderful people I met, and request us all to pray for those who are suffering. My heart goes out to the people impacted through the heightened Middle East conflict. Having recently visited that region, I'm reminded of the many wonderful people I met, and request us all to pray for those who are suffering. Tony Evans (@drtonyevans) May 12, 2021 Ed Young, the pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, wrote: Pray with me. For protection of the innocent. For peace. For loved ones lost. For our leaders. In Jesus name. #PrayForIsrael Pray with me. For protection of the innocent. For peace. For loved ones lost. For our leaders. In Jesus name. #PrayForIsrael Posted by Ed Young on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Franklin Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham and head of Samaritans Purse, wrote that he has many friends who live in Israel, both Arabs and Jews who are "very concerned about the situation there." "People have been killed, families are cowering in fear in bomb shelters, and they need our prayers," Graham wrote. "As we are commanded in the Scriptures, let us 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem' (Psalm 122:6)." I have many friends who live in Israel, both Arab and Jew, so we are very concerned about the situation there. People... Posted by Franklin Graham on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, head of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, tweeted: Praying for Israel. Praying for peace in the Middle East. #PrayInJesusname Praying for Israel. Praying for peace in the Middle East.#PrayInJesusname Samuel Rodriguez (@nhclc) May 12, 2021 Greg Laurie, the pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California, said that everyone needs to be "praying for Israel." "They have been barraged by over 1000 rockets from Hamas, which is a terrorist organization backed by Iran," Laurie stated. "[T]he Bible tells us to 'Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem'.( Ps.122:6) Is the Bible anti-woman? Fox News anchor Shannon Bream responds to misconceptions, explores powerful biblical wisdom Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Fox News @ Night host Shannon Bream is on a mission to shed light on the incredible women who appear throughout the Bible and to respond to any misconceptions people might have about the treatment of females in the New and Old Testaments. Breams new book, The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today, is one of the most popular and bestselling books in America right now. SUBSCRIBE: LISTEN TO EDIFI WITH BILLY HALLOWELL ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORMS I feel like the Lord brought me this opportunity and Im so grateful, Bream recently told the Edifi With Billy Hallowell podcast. The anchor and legal analyst said she was deeply inspired as she dove into biblical stories and noticed some fascinating similarities between womens struggles then and now. Listen at the 18-minute mark to hear Bream break down her take on women in the Bible: When I really started to dig into them I found such solace and encouragement in these womens stories, she said. Their problems really arent that different from what were facing. Queen Esther is among the women whom she explored. Esther, who became queen of the Persian Empire, faced some difficult and life-threatening circumstances, yet persevered. The queen, who was Jewish, stood up and bravely defended her people from annihilation. I love the story of Queen Esther she was an orphan. She was raised without parents, Bream explained. The Jewish people are about to be annihilated. I forgot how many twists and turns there were getting to the end of her story. As for those who believe the Bible is anti-woman, Bream said she hopes to show them evidence that will change their minds, as she covers stories in the Old Testament and the events surrounding Jesus and His treatment of women in the New Testament. We see in the New Testament that women were part of His inner circle they were valued in His sight, Bream said. And He went to people, men and women who were outcasts. She specifically mentioned Jesus showing mercy to the woman who was about to be stoned for adultery as well as His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. In both instances, Jesus shows love, kindness and compassion for these women. He esteemed women and respected them, and I think thats all through the Old and the New Testaments about how God favors these women and uses them, Bream said. You can see how God weaves together these stories for good. Bream addressed her Christian faith as well, telling Edifi that she needs the strength of my Savior every day. She said she started becoming stricter with her quiet time and Bible reading during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to dive into her phone or email until she spent time reading and in prayer. Bream, who grew up in a Christian home, made her faith her own back in middle school. She then said she realized Jesus is the one who is going to cover my sins. She has been a Christian ever since, adding that its been a rollercoaster, but that God has been with her throughout all of the dark valleys and the good times. Check out Breams new book, The Women of the Bible Speak for more on this topic. Israeli forces mulling ground invasion as Hamas fires over 1,500 rockets Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Israels military is considering the possibility of launching a ground campaign in the Gaza Strip as the Israel Defense Forces claim Iran-backed Hamas has fired over 1,500 rockets into Israel since Monday. An IDF spokesperson said that plans for a potential ground operation in Gaza would be presented to the IDF General Staff for approval on Thursday as Hamas continues targeting two major cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with rockets, according to Times of Isreal. Before Monday, missiles had not been fired into Jerusalem since 2014. Hamas launched another round of around 100 rockets on Thursday as the violence and attacks continue to escalate. IDF has launched airstrikes into the Gaza Strip to retaliate against the attacks and confirmed it has killed as many as 16 Hamas figures. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that 87 people have been killed since the fighting began, including 18 children. Over 530 are said to have been injured as of Thursday. Israels Iron Dome has intercepted many of the rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. Still, Hamas attacks into central and southern Israel have reportedly led to the death of at least seven Israelis. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted on Thursday that the IDF has attacked hundreds of targets and will soon surpass 1,000 targets. "We are continuing to strike Hamas while defending our citizens, Netanyahu tweeted. It will take time, but with great decisiveness, both defensively and offensively, we will achieve our goal to restore quiet to the State of Israel." Daniel and Amber Pierce, founders of the Glory of Zion Jerusalem and co-authors of a new book, Joy in the War, moved to Israel in 2011 to serve in ministry. The couple shared with The Christian Post how Israelis have learned to adapt to the constant threat of danger and frequent rocket attacks. When these things go on in Israel, its something the society and community are trained for, Daniel Pierce said. They grow up with this, and its something that is an unfortunate reality of life there. But there are certain precautions the community takes. The Pierces, who now live in Texas and have not been able to return to Israel due to COVID-19 restrictions, remain in close contact with friends and ministry partners in Israel and understand how the situation is often misconstrued. We wish so much that Israel would be represented properly, Amber Pierce said. I know the devil twists things, but we just want Israel to be represented properly. Israel just has to defend itself and has to make a decision to do what is best for the nation and for the people. If you had over a thousand rockets landing in New York City, we would definitely be doing everything to fight back wherever those rockets were coming from. So, I just think that we want people to pray and for people to have awareness for whats really going on and to talk about it. Daniel Pierce shared how the conflict is the result of mounting tensions between Arabs and Jews. Though tensions between the groups are high, Pierce traced this round of violence back to April 24, when a TikTok video went viral showing an Arab hit a Jewish man on a city bus. He also shared how tensions are higher during Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims, which ended on May 12. That began to really stir up the tensions between the Arabs and the Jewish community in Jerusalem, he said. Of course, Jerusalem is split almost evenly between Arabs and Jewish. That also coincided with some decisions made in the court system over a housing district in a neighborhood. The conflict was also stirred by a delayed court ruling involving homes occupied by Palestinians in an Old City neighborhood. The court is deciding whether authorities will evict dozens of Palestinians living rent-free in the homes owned by Jews. A series of events led to violent clashes on the Muslim-occupied Temple Mount that led to Israeli police intervention this week, where hundreds of rioters and some officers were injured. Hamas began its attacks on Israel on Monday. A Hamas spokesperson said the attack was in response to Israeli crimes and aggression in Jerusalem. Many have condemned Hamas attacks and supported Israels right to defend itself. Forty U.S. senators led by Republican Marco Rubio of Florida signed a letter Wednesday calling on President Joe Biden to support Israels right to retaliate and end sanction relief with Iran, which backs Hamas. [Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, who are funded by Iran] are targeting Israeli civilians and cities, including Israels capital Jerusalem, the letter read. This is troubling as members of your administration are currently in Vienna negotiating with Iran, the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism. In light of these recent attacks by Hamas against Israel, the United States should take all steps necessary to hold Tehran accountable and under no circumstances, provide sanctions relief to Iran. This is especially important as Iran is supporting terrorist activity against the United States closest ally in the region, Israel. The letter pointed out how Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tweeted that Palestinians should unite to use the tools of their disposal to attack Israel, which he recently called a terrorist garrison. The U.S. designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997, so it is prohibited from providing funds to Hamas. Iran, however, is a financial supporter of Hamas and the U.S. engages in negotiations with Iran and potentially provides billions of dollars in sanctions relief. We call on you to immediately end negotiations with Iran, and make clear that sanctions relief will not be provided, the senators wrote. Doing so would demonstrate a firm commitment to our closest ally in the region and to our own security interests. The United States must not do anything to enrich Israels enemies, such as by offering sanctions relief to a regime that seeks to destroy Israel, the letter continued. As a longtime friend of the Jewish state, we also urge you to unequivocally support Israels right to defend itself against any and all terrorist attacks. Biden spoke to Netanyahu Wednesday and condemned Hamas rocket attacks into Israel. He expressed support for Israels security and its right to defend itself. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the Hamas attacks during a press conference Wednesday. He said the administration is trying to achieve de-escalation. There is first a very clear and absolute distinction between a terrorist organization Hamas that is indiscriminately raining down rockets, in fact, targeting civilians and Israels response defending itself, Blinken said. I think Israel has an extra burden in trying to do everything it possibly can to avoid civilian casualties even as it is rightfully responding in defense of its people, Blinken continued. And as I said, the Palestinians have a right to safety and security and we have to all work in that direction. So the single most important thing right now is de-escalation. Conservative talk show host Ben Shapiro has criticized the Biden administration for not taking a more heavy-handed response to the violence against Israel. Blinken tweeted Wednesday that Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity. Shapiro retweeted and rebutted with a response. Then Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the PA should be removed, he argued. Hamas and PIJ are terror groups, the [Palestinian Authority]'s Fatah is a terror group, and Mahmoud Abbas is in the 17th year of a four-year term. Nigerian church warns against use of spiritual perfumes after death of man engulfed by flames Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Following the death of a young man who died during a prayer meeting, one of the most popular churches in western Nigeria is warning against the use of spiritual perfumes. At a prayer meeting held at The Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos on May 3, it's believed that a priest who was leading the gathering sprayed Kayode Badru with a perfume that then caught fire and engulfed him in flames, according to the BBC. He was set ablaze by a candle that was part of the service. Such prayer events include the spraying of perfumes and lighting candles to symbolize good light and aura. Badru succumbed to the injuries he suffered and died at the hospital two days later. The church said in a statement Saturday that spiritual perfumes "should be diluted with water," stressing that "the spraying or pouring of undiluted Spiritual Perfumes in its volatile state with a lighted candle is an imported culture not originally part of the tenets of the Celestial Church of Christ." The statement continued: We are all advised to adhere to this directive, any Parish or member that goes against this directive will be solely responsible for the resultant effect. The Pastor has also directed the Pastor-in-Council to come up with a policy document to curb alien practices that have been introduced into the Tenets and Doctrines of the Church to safeguard the Churchs divine culture as instructed by the Spirit of God through the Pastor Founder. Whether the perfume was diluted with water when Badru was sprayed is unknown. In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Imolemitan Ojo, a senior pastor of the church, said police had arrested both the priest who led the prayer session and some of the elders who were present. As is spoken in Nigeria, Pidgin is an English-based Creole tongue, a common language used across the nation. Those who attend services at The Celestial Church of Christ do so barefoot and wear one-piece white garments. Badru was reportedly a wealthy man who has been living in Dubai and had visited the church, where he is a member, for a thanksgiving ceremony. NgNews247, however, reported Monday that he had flown into the West African nation from the United Arab Emirates for the graduation ceremony for 40 people he had sponsored to attend the Academy For Innovative Art And Technology. The Celestial Church of Christ was founded in 1947 by Samuel Bilehou Oshoffa in Porto-Novo, Benin, and has branches worldwide. Trump religious freedom ambassador 'encouraged' as Biden State Dept. releases annual report Secretary Blinken calls religious freedom a 'co-equal' right Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback is encouraged by the Biden State Department's statements on international religious freedom thus far as Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called religious freedom a "co-equal" right. Brownback, who served for three years as the head of the State Department's International Religious Freedom Office during the Trump administration, praised the release of the State Department's annual report on international religious freedom and expressed some optimism about how the Biden administration will promote the topic. When [President Joe Biden] was Senator Biden and I was working with him in the Senate, Joe was good on religious freedom issues and worked and supported them, Brownback, who left his job as governor of Kansas to become the ambassador at-large, told The Christian Post in a Wednesday interview. So, I know personally thats his viewpoint. My hope is the administration aggressively steps up. I thought the report Secretary [Antony] Blinken put out today was strong. I thought his statements were strong in support of religious freedom. So, Im hopeful myself. Im hopeful. The State Departments 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom is the 23rd annual report to Congress released in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Over 2,300 pages long, the report documents the status of religious freedom in every country. While the Trump administration touted its accomplishments in the international religious freedom space, there was some concern that international religious freedom would receive less priority under the new administration. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has argued that the Biden administration has seemingly de-prioritized the promotion of religious liberty. The U.S.-based Christian persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern questioned earlier this year if the administration is committed to putting religious freedom as a central principle in foreign policy priorities. But Brownback said he is encouraged by statements from the Biden administration that claim it is strongly supportive of religious freedom. Brownback pointed out how the Biden administration has continued the sanctions against China that President Donald Trump implemented. On Wednesday, the U.S. sanctioned a Chinese Communist Party official for the mistreatment of religious minorities, and a leading state department official called out China for its blatant disregard for religious freedom. During a Wednesday press conference to announce the reports release, Blinken and State Department International Religious Freedom Office Director Daniel Nadel highlighted the importance of religious freedom as a universal human right. They criticized countries such as Iran, Burma, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, countries that are either suffering from religious freedom abuses or where religious freedom is often out of reach. Religious freedom is a human right, Blinken said. In fact, it goes to the heart of what it means to be human, to think freely, to follow our conscience, to change our beliefs as our hearts and minds lead us to do so, to express those beliefs in public and in private. The secretary pointed out how religious freedom is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He assured that the U.S. is committed to defending religious freedom, a right entitled to all people, regardless of what they do believe or do not believe. Religious freedom is co-equal with other human rights because human rights are indivisible, Blinken said. Religious freedom is not more or less important than the freedom to speak, assemble, participate in the political life in ones country, to live free of torture or slavery or any other human right. Indeed, theyre all interdependent. Religious freedom cant be fully realized unless other human rights are respected. Nadel pointed out how anti-Semitism, a dangerous ideology often linked with violence, is on the rise worldwide and must be vigorously opposed. Nadel also emphasized the genocide in China of the Uyghur Muslims, as well as Chinas oppression of Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and other minority faiths. He said, we cant turn a blind eye to Beijings human rights record. He vowed the administration is consulting Congress, allies and other stakeholders as they proceed with the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022. Many have called for the U.S. to boycott the Winter Olympics in Beijing due to Chinas human rights abuses and oppression of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province. Nadel, who has worked for three presidential administrations, said the annual report changes very little under new administrations. When it comes to the conceptual framework for religious freedom, [Secretary Blinked] has made clear that religious freedom is a nested human right. Its a human right that exists in co-dependence with other human rights. , Nadel explained. Its not a departure certainly from any prior concept, but its a clarification because Secretary Pompeo did express his view that there was perhaps a hierarchy of rights concept. And thats a view that this administration does depart from, but that in no way is to indicate that religious freedom is any less important. Religious freedom is in our first amendment, he continued. Its been a part of our country from the very beginning. It was, in fact, the reason many came to our country because they were fleeing forms of religious persecution or discrimination overseas. That was true in the 18th century. It continues to be true in the 21st century. So as a general matter, religious freedom is a fundamental freedom. It is a co-equal right and its one that we will continue to stand up for." Brownback was confirmed by the Senate in February 2018 to lead the State Departments International Religious Freedom Office. As a former U.S. senator and sitting governor, he helped elevate the ambassadorship's prestige. A new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom has not yet been nominated. Brownback hopes his successor for this position is appointed soon to be a spokesperson for religious freedom. I do think it would be benefitted to get somebody into the ambassador position on religious freedom, Brownback shared. That can be that central point of push. He encouraged Biden administration officials to participate in the International Religious Freedom Summit 2021, a grassroots gathering of civil society and religious groups worldwide that will take place in Washington, D.C., from July 13 to July 15. The event will be hosted by a partnership of several religious freedom advocacy organizations, and Brownback will be the summits co-chair. The scheduled summit in the nations capital comes as the State Department held annual ministerials to advance religious freedom beginning in 2018 and again in 2019. A ministerial was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenn. gov. signs bill requiring burial, cremation of aborted babies' remains Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed into law a bill requiring the burial or cremation of aborted babies' remains, one of many pro-life bills enacted in the state in recent years. Lee signed the "Unborn Child Dignity Act" into law last week. The bill declares that final disposition of fetal remains from a surgical abortion at an abortion facility must be by cremation or interment. The mother has the option to decide where she wants the remains disposed but if she declines to state a preference, the decision is left to the abortion facility. The legislation, which will go into effect July 1, requires abortion facilities to pay for and provide for the cremation or interment of the fetal remains from a surgical abortion performed at that facility unless the aborted babys mother requests that the remains be disposed at a location other than one provided by an abortion facility. In a statement following Lees approval of the Unborn Child Dignity Act, Republican state Sen. Janice Bowling, who sponsored the Senate version of the legislation, remarked: Its a tragedy in Tennessee that we regulate how veterinarians properly dispose of the remains of animals, but there are no regulations regarding human babies. These are the remains of human beings and should be treated as such. This new law corrects that oversight and ensures that the remains of unborn children are treated with dignity. Last month, the bill passed the Tennessee Senate by a vote of 27-6 and the House of Representatives approved it by a vote of 69-22. The pro-life group Tennessee Right to Life praised the bills enactment as an example of how life continues to win in the great state of Tennessee. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi raised concerns that the Unborn Child Dignity Act would create trauma for our patients and additional, unnecessary post-surgical steps and costs for our affiliate. The abortion provider and advocacy group characterized the bill as a clear attempt to shame people choosing abortion. Francie Hunt, the executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, slammed the legislation as nothing more than targeted regulation at abortion providers aimed at closing @PPFA and it gives extremists a way to make every patient feel ashamed about their decision. In a separate tweet, Hunt described the Unborn Child Dignity Act as an example of Tennessees forced birth agenda. Tennessee is not the first state to enact a law requiring the humane disposal of aborted babies' remains. When former Vice President Mike Pence served as governor of Indiana, he signed into law a measure that required the cremation or burial of aborted babies. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the law as unconstitutional, however. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the lower courts decision, allowing the Indiana law to remain in place. Late last year, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a similar measure in his state that was later blocked by a judge just a day before it was scheduled to go into effect. In addition to the fetal remains bill, Tennessee has enacted several other pro-life laws in recent years, most notably a ban on the abortion of babies based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome or race or sex. The law included a provision that would ban abortions after a babys heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks gestation. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the law to go into effect, reversing an order by a lower court preventing the state from enforcing it. Previously, in 2015, Tennessee implemented a 48-hour waiting period for those seeking abortions that was later credited for reducing the abortion rate by 6%. While the law found itself subject to court challenges, the Sixth Circuit ruled just last month that it could go back into effect, reversing a lower court decision. Saddleback Church 'in violation of SBC doctrine by ordaining women pastors, Al Mohler says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler says Rick Warren's California-based Saddleback Church is in "direct violation" of denominational teaching for ordaining three women pastors and is calling for the denomination to reaffirm its teaching. This past week, Saddleback Community Church in California ordained three women as pastors. In a development described by the church as historic, the church posted a photograph of the ordinations with the text: Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren and others pray over the first three women the church has ordained as pastors, Mohler wrote in an op-ed published on his website Monday. Citing a Live Good interview with Cynthia Petty, one of the women ordained as a pastor by the largest church in the denomination, Mohler said that there is "no doubt" that the women were promoted to an office traditionally reserved for men. There is no doubt that these three women are considered to serve as pastors and in the teaching office. Southern Baptists are clear, through the Baptist Faith & Message, that this is contrary to Scripture, Mohler stressed. This is no longer a point of tension and debate. These moves represent an attempt to redefine and reformulate the convictional foundation of Southern Baptist faith and cooperative ministry. The theological issues have not changed since the year 2000 when Southern Baptists spoke clearly and precisely in the Baptist Faith & Message. More importantly, the Holy Scriptures have not changed and cannot change. Mohler, who is vying to become the next president of the SBC, argued that an increasing number of SBC churches like Saddleback have promoted women as preachers or pastors. He said the denomination needs to make the standards of denominational cooperation clear for all affiliated churches. In an increasing number of cases, it is now clear that some churches, including quite large and well-known churches, are placing women in the office of pastor in direct violation of our confession of faith. Further, a number of churches that are at least listed as Southern Baptist welcomed and advertised women preaching in the morning service, he stated. The Southern Baptist Convention must not be unclear about our theological convictions and the ground of our cooperation. We cannot afford to be. Attempts to deny the issue will not work. Right now, Southern Baptists will decide if we will redefine the doctrine of the Southern Baptist Convention. I do not believe that Southern Baptists will allow this to happen. I do not believe that Southern Baptists will retreat from the truth. The Christian Post reached out on Monday to inquire if Saddleback plans to remain a part of the SBC. However, a response was not immediately received. Mohler noted in his op-ed that the push to ordain women preachers isnt new. He stated that the issue was roiled the SBC since the 1970s until the conventions Conservative Resurgence clarified the question conclusively. There never was a moment when more than a handful of women served as pastors of SBC churches, but the mainline Protestant denominations were rushing headlong into the ordination of women as pastors and (Episcopal) priests, driven by two major energies first, the demands of second wave feminism and, second, the impulses unleashed by liberation theology, he argued. In both cases, the main obstacle was the Bible, but, already compromised by theological liberalism, these denominations deployed revisionist arguments to defuse any argument from Scripture. The strategies of biblical subversion also took two basic forms. The argument was proffered that either the Bible was misread by Christians for nearly 2,000 years or the Bible is just hopelessly mired in patriarchy and oppression and the biblical authors were flat wrong. Mohler argues that denominations that have adopted liberal theology have brought about the feminization of liberal Protestantism, which has been like the kiss of death for them. Put bluntly, there are just not that many males left, he added. Actually, there are not many people left in those churches. Liberal theology is the kiss of death for any church or denomination. Little remains but social justice activism and deferred maintenance. Jason Keith Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, called the Saddleback ordinations a disappointing departure from Scripture. This is a disappointing departure from the clear teaching of Scripture, the BF&M, & long-held SBC consensus & practice, he tweeted Sunday. I Tim 3 & Titus 1 list qualifications, not suggestions. Lets hold fast to Scripture. Pastor Dwight McKissic, who leads Cornerstone Baptist Church in Texas, argued on Twitter that Scripture is not as clear on the topic as conservative pastors say. Rick Warren has written the best selling book in Christendom & is a SWBTS graduate, McKissic wrote in response to Allens tweet. Billy Graham affirmed women preachers. If the Scripture is clear as you say, then Ghrahm, Warren, & whoever let a woman preach in SWBTS, wouldnt have done so. My point is, the SBC has never, ever declared Saddlebacks, Billy [Graham] or the Texas pastor where Beth Moore preached yesterday, wrong. Therefore, its technically not true, thus, inaccurate for Dr. Allen, or anyone else to claim the SBC officially forbids a woman frm preaching. Billy Graham's daughter shares how visit to Angola prison transformed meaning of forgiveness Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Ruth Graham, daughter of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, will never forget her visit to Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary. She, along with several counselors, ministers, and a psychologist from Ruth Graham & Friends had been invited to visit the prison and Graham eagerly accepted, she told The Christian Post, believing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could make a huge difference in the lives of the inmates. During the visit, the group was asked to meet with several individuals on death row. I was terrified. I thought, visiting prisoners is one thing, but going to death row is another, she recalled. But I couldnt say no. You see the razor wire gleaming in the sun, and we faced a long corridor of cells, and I stepped in. We divided up so we could talk to as many men as we could. Graham first met a man named Michael, a charming 30-something with brown eyes. He stuck out his hand, introduced himself, and asked, Can I sing you a song? Graham agreed, and Michael launched into a rendition of the classic hymn It Is Well With My Soul. And I knew it was well with his soul, Graham said. I knew that there, on death row, it was well with his soul. After singing, Michael handed the evangelist a small, woven cross made from the threads of his bedsheet: I still have it, the evangelist shared. It means so much to me. Local news outlets heard of Grahams visit to the prison, so it wasnt long before she received an email from an individual asking specifically about Michael. The man asked me, do you know if Michael is a believer? In her response, Graham informed him that she believed Michael was indeed a believer. But why are you interested? she asked. Because, the man responded. Michael murdered my grandson in a brutal way. The man, who revealed he was a missionary in Nepal, had been praying for Michaels salvation in the years following his grandsons death. He told Graham he took no pleasure in Michaels pending execution and hoped he would find salvation before his death. I just want to know that hes going to be in Heaven with me one day, the man wrote. I realized, Graham told CP, just how shallow my understanding of forgiveness was. I know that when Michael steps into Heaven, eventually that grandfather will join him. Forgiveness transforms. Forgiveness is holy. Its an invitation to the very character of God. Journey of Forgiveness Grahams own journey of forgiveness has been anything but easy. Forgiveness is something I've struggled with most of my life, she said. Forgiving myself, forgiving others who have wounded me, asking forgiveness from those I have wounded, forgiving God, forgiving my own father. Growing up as the daughter of one of the most renowned evangelists in the world, Graham often felt the weight of her fathers ministry. She told CP there was no question her father loved her and her four siblings he is my hero, and I adored him, she said, but his ministry was all-consuming. I grew up with a father who traveled a great deal, and as a little girl, I wanted a daddy to tuck me in bed, take me for walks in the woods, but he wasn't home, Graham recalled. When I needed him most, he was the furthest away. I grew up with a sense of abandonment. All my life, I was looking for security, something to fill that spot. Seeking to fill the void within herself, Graham married her first husband at just 18 years old. When she discovered that her husband had been engaged in a long-running affair, she was devastated and soon after entered a disastrous rebound marriage. What followed were two more marriages, both of which also ended in divorce. I didnt know why I kept making the same mistake; I didnt know what was wrong with me, Graham said. I was talking to a good friend who said, Ruth, you felt abandoned as a little girl. Tears sprang to my eyes because I didnt want it to be true, she continued. I loved my dad, but it was true. The piece fit my puzzle. I got a good picture of why I so desperately needed security. Telling the truth about my past was my first step in forgiving myself and my father. Now, Graham said she can honestly say, Jesus is my security. My father and I were never able to talk about it because when I figured it out, he wasn't conversive anymore, Graham shared. He did write in his memoir that all the travel he did must've had repercussions in our lives, and it certainly did mine. There are no excuses but there are reasons, she added. Forgiveness, Graham told CP, is a life-long process. When we choose to forgive, maybe six months later, the emotions come rolling back and you think that perhaps you didnt actually forgive, she explained. Yes, you did, but emotions dont tell the truth. We have to stand on the Word of God. Its a process and a transformational thing that we may not recognize until years later. Forgiveness is about giving yourself a gift, its letting go, its a way to get healthy emotionally, yes, but its so much more, she added. Its holy, its sacred. When Jesus said, Father, forgive them, what was happening? He was giving His life for us. Forgiveness is holy ground. Moving Forward When looking for a book on forgiveness, Graham wanted something that would tell me what worked and what didnt. But I couldnt find it, so I wrote it, she said. In Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself: An Invitation into the Miracle of Forgiveness, Graham shares personal stories and biblical examples to discover why we hesitate to forgive ourselves and others. I wrote it very vulnerably, she shared. I tell my own stories so that if others want to walk with me, they can do so. While Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Others is not a how-to, Graham said there are certain steps individuals can take to work toward true forgiveness. The first step, she said, is simply asking God for the willingness to forgive, and then make a decision to forgive. You may want to write the date down because the devil will come down and say you didnt forgive, but you have, she said. Then, renew your mind with the Scriptures, she said. Memorize the verse that is particular to that situation, and put that verse in place and recite it over and over, Graham advised. The first day it may be a thousand times, but eventually, you will walk in the freedom of that forgiveness. In her book, she addresses misconceptions about forgiveness and shares how bitterness and shame can impede both personal and spiritual growth. Shame is a tool of the devil; we dont have to feel shame if were in Christ, she said. Shame is not productive or what God would have for us. God is not mad at us; Hes not looking down trying to catch us in wrongdoing. When we suffer the consequences of our sin, He weeps for us. God wants to renew our minds with the truth of the Scripture, that we are loved and adored and precious, she continued. The enemy is preventing us from knowing that truth. Thats how we have to renew our minds with the Scripture. And that takes time. Graham also presents a greater understanding of what forgiveness truly means and invites readers to embrace the transforming power of the Gospel and find true freedom in Christ. When you are confident that you are forgiven and you have forgiven, you can live there, she said. You dont have to set up camp someplace else." Through forgiving, we are given the opportunity to participate in Gods character, she added. What a marvelous, sacred thing that is. Man stabs wife in brutal attack in argument over attending church on Mothers Day Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Texas mother was repeatedly stabbed in a brutal attack by her husband during an argument over attending church on Mothers Day and he is now on the lam, police say. In a statement released Monday, the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office said they are now seeking help from the public in apprehending the womans husband, 43-year-old Rodolfo Madera Gonzalez, for aggravated assault with a weaponfamily violence, which is a first-degree felony. Authorities said they responded to a call about a woman who had been stabbed on Sunday evening in the 300 block of Cr. 6108. Gonzalez was later identified as the suspect who stabbed his wife several times with a screwdriver. The suspect in the investigation was identified as Rodolfo Madera Gonzalez who got into an argument with his wife on Mothers Day because she wanted to go to church. The argument escalated, and Gonzalez is accused of stabbing his wife with a screwdriver numerous times in the front and back of her body, the police statement said. Gonzalezs wife was rushed to a hospital where she's in stable condition. Her husband reportedly escaped in what police believe to be a 2007 Gray Dodge Ram half-ton pickup truck bearing Texas license plate number BS9-9021. He's also accused of violating a protective order. Nacogdoches County Sherriff Jason Bridges told The Christian Post Wednesday that they are unable to release more specifics about the case because it remains an active investigation. There was an argument she wanted to go to church, an argument erupted. Im sure there were some other things involved but he ended up stabbing her. We cant release any more information on the case because it is an ongoing criminal investigation and we are still attempting to get the suspect into custody, Bridges said. He condemned Gonzalezs actions, saying the attack was brutal. We have a mother that was stabbed by her husband. Regardless of what the argument was over or wasnt over, it was a brutal attack and it shouldnt happen no matter what theyre arguing about, he said. A recent report released by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice shows that domestic violence incidents in the U.S. increased by 8.1% following the imposition of lockdown orders during the 2020 pandemic. The studies used data, from logs of police calls for service to domestic violence crime reports, emergency hotline registries, health records, and other administrative documents. While the authors of the study couldnt say exactly what factors were driving the increase in domestic violence incidents, they believe the lockdowns along with the economic fallout from those actions plus stress from unemployment and increased financial insecurity likely played a role. Our analysis confirms the initial fears we had at the outset of the pandemic, Alex R. Piquero, chair of the University of Miami Department of Sociology and the reports lead author, said in a statement. While further research is needed to help us better understand the web of factors underlying this rise in domestic violence, our findings demonstrate that the pandemics isolating impacts increased risk for potential victims. Thomas Abt, director of the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, noted that the pandemic has thrown many of the most vulnerable people in our society into especially challenging circumstances, so these findings should not surprise us. Policymakers and researchers should work to further understand the impacts of the pandemic and provide additional resources for domestic abuse prevention and victim services, particularly to those who are most isolated and at risk, he added. Anyone with any information about Gonzalez's whereabouts is being asked to contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office at 936-560-7777 or Crime Stoppers at 936-560-4636. Biden admin. bans sexual orientation, gender identity discrimination in healthcare Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that the agency will interpret federal civil rights law to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, leading critics to say it could require hospitals and doctors to perform sex-change surgeries. In an announcement Monday morning, HHS explained that it will interpret Title IXs explicit prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Under the policy, HHS Office for Civil Rights will enforce Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to protect the civil rights of individuals who access or seek to access covered health programs or activities and prevent discrimination against consumers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. As justification, HHS cited the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County. In that case, the high court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects against employment discrimination, applies to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Supreme Courts conclusion comes even though neither category (sexual orientation or gender identity) is mentioned explicitly in federal civil rights law. The HHS statement notes that while it will enforce this new interpretation, the agency will still comply with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as well as all other legal requirements. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement that people have a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex and receive equal treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Fear of discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have serious negative health consequences, Becerra continued. It is the position of the Department of Health and Human Services that everyone including LGBTQ people should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period. In 2020 during the Trump administration, HHS reversed Obama-era policies by finalizing a regulation that stated that sex discrimination protections would be determined according to the plain meaning of the word sex' as male or female and as determined by biology. Terry Schilling, president of the conservative think tank American Principles Project, said in a statement that the HHS decision Monday vindicated the organizations claim last year during the 2020 election that Joe Biden would make child sex change operations official government policy if elected president. At the time, the ad was widely denounced in the media as misinformation, stated Schilling. But now that Joe Biden is president, our concerns have sadly been vindicated. Schilling said that the new policy is about forcing hospitals and medical professionals to adhere to leftist ideology regarding sexuality and gender and forcing them to provide sex-change procedures to all comers, including children. Schilling argued that such a policy is not based in science. He referenced a recent decision by a prominent hospital in Sweden to halt the use of puberty blockers on minors under the age of 16. Yet, it is now apparently the policy of the U.S. government that such treatments must be given to children or else healthcare institutions risk losing federal funding and being shut down, Schilling continued. This is a travesty and must be opposed. Chase Strangio, deputy director for Trans Justice with the American Civil Liberties Union LGBTQ & HIV Project, celebrated the HHS decision in a statement. With health care for transgender youth under attack by state legislatures, this move to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in health care is critical, Strangio stated. The Biden administration has affirmed what courts have said for decades: Discrimination against LGBTQ people is against the law. It also affirms what transgender people have long said: Gender-affirming care is life-saving care. Earlier this year, Biden issued an executive order aimed at combatting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The order instructed the head of each federal agency to review all existing policies and issue new policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In March, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced that it will enforce discrimination protections for LGBT individuals. In January, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it will enforce the Fair Housing Act based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Critics of Bidens executive order have argued that it could have lasting impacts on people of faith who uphold traditional beliefs on sexuality and marriage. Despite the fact that Bostock dealt only with employment law, no doubt Biden administration activists will try to apply it wherever they wish, Travis Weber, vice president for policy and government affairs at the Christian conservative activist organization Family Research Council, told The Christian Post in March. In April, the Biden administration filed an appeal of a court ruling against an Obamacare mandate that required doctors and hospitals to perform gender transition surgeries. The Biden Admin says it can punish doctors and hospitals for sex discrimination' unless they perform controversial gender-transition procedures," Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said in a Twitter thread. "A court struck down this #TransgenderMandate in January But the Biden Admin just appealed. White evangelicals hold highest disapproval of Biden among religious groups: Pew Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Three-quarters of white evangelicals disapprove of President Joe Bidens job performance, the highest of any surveyed religious groups, according to a report by Pew Research Center. A Pew report published last week analyzed Biden's approval ratings among several different religious groups and compared them to their approval ratings of former President Donald Trump in 2017. According to the report, 75% of white evangelical Protestant respondents disapproved of Bidens performance as president, while 23% responded that they approve of his performance. White non-evangelical Protestants had the second-largest disapproval rating for Biden at 53%, with Protestants overall having 50% disapproval, 48% approval. On the opposite end, black Protestants were the least likely of surveyed religious groups to disapprove of Biden, with only 8% saying they did not like his performance as president. Black Protestants, Hispanic Catholics and religiously unaffiliated Americans also known as religious nones because they describe themselves, religiously, as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular have long been staunchly Democratic constituencies, according to Pew. White evangelical Protestants are among the most solidly and consistently Republican religious group in the U.S., and they have grown even more uniformly Republican in recent decades. White Catholics and White Protestants who are not evangelical also have shifted in a Republican direction in recent years, Pew added. Data for the report came, in part, from a survey conducted April 511 of 5,109 respondents, with a margin of error for the overall sample being plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. Over the past few years, much has been made about Trump's strong support among white evangelicals, despite controversies surrounding his moral conduct. During the 2020 election, some exit polling research suggested that Trump experienced a slight drop in white evangelical support, which might have contributed to his defeat. An ABC network analysis of the exit polls, for example, indicated that white evangelical and born-again Christian support for Trump declined from 80% in 2016 to 76% in 2020. Others, among them the conservative group, the Faith & Freedom Coalition, presented research showing that Bidens evangelical support was actually lower than Hillary Clintons evangelical support in 2016. Trumps 81% of the evangelical vote tied his 2016 total, while Biden won the lowest share of the self-identified white evangelical vote ever received by a Democratic presidential nominee, the Faith & Freedom Coalition noted last November. The post-election survey commissioned by FFC and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies also found that 31% of the electorate self-identified as conservative Christians, and these voters cast 87% of their ballots for Trump and only 11% for Biden. Hamas fires missiles toward Jerusalem after hundreds injured in Temple Mount rioting Israeli airstrikes kill 24 in Gaza Strip, Palestinians say Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Islamic militant group Hamas launched rockets at Jerusalem Monday after hundreds of rioters were injured at the Temple Mount in clashes with Israeli police. Palestinians claim about two dozen people, including nine children, were killed and over 100 were injured after Israel responded with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. During the Jerusalem Day escalation, Hamas militants fired over 200 rockets into Israel in what an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson called a blatant, severe attack, NBC News reported. Some of the rockets were fired into Jerusalem, marking the first missile attacks aimed at Jerusalem since 2014. While no one was injured, air sirens were set off. Israeli Parliament had to stop its session to evacuate due to the missiles. A spokesperson for the Hamas militant group, the ruling entity for the Gaza Strip, said the rocket attack was in response to Israeli crimes and aggression in Jerusalem. The spokesperson said the enemy should understand the message well, according to NBC News. Israeli Defense Forces Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus vowed that Hamas will pay a heavy price for the missile attack. Palestinian officials reported that at least 24 people were killed and about 103 were injured by airstrikes launched by Israel toward the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military claimed that its airstrikes targeted Hamas military installations and operatives, The Associated Press notes. According to the news agency, at least seven individuals, including three children, were killed in a mysterious explosion in a northern Gaza town. IDF officials say that it hit at least 130 targets in Gaza, killing at least 15 militants who fired rockets into Israeli territory, according to Haaretz. The airstrikes were preceded by the clashes between rioters and Israeli authorities at the historic Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The violence led to the rerouting of the historic Jerusalem Day Flag March, which celebrates the unification of Israel in 1967. Israeli police used stun grenades, rubber-coated bullets and water cannons during the clashes, NPR reported. Rioters threw stones and fireworks at the police. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency medical service said more than 600 Palestinians were injured in clashes in Jerusalem. According to AP, Israel police said 32 officers were injured in the altercation. Local media reported a seven-month-old Israeli child was hurt after stones were thrown at her familys car, The Guardian reported. Jerusalem Day is the anniversary of the Jewish recapture of East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War in 1967, the first time in thousands of years that all of Jerusalem was under Jewish sovereignty. To celebrate, thousands march across Jerusalem and walk through the liberated Old City, which was under Jordanian control and restricted from Jews from 1948 to 1967. The march ends at the Western Wall, which is part of the gate surrounding Judaisms holiest site, the Temple Mount. Speeches and dancing typically take place at the Western Wall to celebrate Jerusalem Day. Leading up to the beginning of the holiday on Sunday evening, police conducted assessments every few hours due to the heightening tensions, according to The Times of Israel. The riots in Jerusalem led organizers to reroute the annual march for the first time in decades. The march typically goes to the Old City through the Damascus Gate. The entrance of the Damascus Gate into the Muslim Quarter has been blocked with two large trucks. Jewish media outlets were warned about the potential violence that could erupt due to the Flag March. Amos Gilad, former head of Military Intelligence and former top Defense Ministry official, had told Army Radio that the march should not be held this year due to heightening tensions. I would eliminate anything that creates friction. Jerusalem is currently a powder keg that could explode, Gilad said. The violence came as anger had been mounting for weeks among Palestinians over a delayed court ruling over whether authorities can evict dozens of Palestinians from an Old City neighborhood to give the homes to Jewish settlers. At a special cabinet meeting before Jerusalem Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not allow any extremists to destabilize the calm in Jerusalem. We will enforce law and order decisively and responsibly, he said, according to AP. How to collect fossil fish (and other creatures of the deep) From stingrays to sea lilies, ammonites to ichthyosaurs, the fossils of underwater life forms are more common than their terrestrial counterparts. James Hyslop, Head of Science & Natural History, explains what to look for and how to find them What is a fossil and how did they form underwater? Fossils are the remains or imprints of organisms from earlier geological periods that have been preserved in sedimentary rock. While most are skeletal, underwater examples can include teeth, skin, sponges, urchins and plant life. Underwater fossils are typically formed when sea organisms fall to the ocean floor and are covered in mud deposits. Over time, these build up to form limestone. Millions of years ago, when a land animal died, there was a high chance its carcass would be scavenged, says James Hyslop, Christies Head of Science and Natural History. If something died in the ocean, however, it could sink to the bottom undisturbed, which is why underwater fossils are more common than their terrestrial counterparts. Alternatively, it could have been buried in sediment after a mega tsunami, or by part of the continental shelf collapsing and sending everything to the depths. That would leave a spectacular layer of underwater fossils to provide a snapshot of how life was back then. The example above, which shows one fish swallowing another, is an incredibly rare discovery, says Hyslop. What are the chances of the predators dinner becoming lodged in its throat, choking it, then the pair sinking to the bottom of the sea together 50 million years ago? Which species exist in fossilised form? Fish began to evolve about 530 million years ago. Roughly 110 million years later, they started to develop bones. The fossil record includes the prehistoric relatives of sharks, turtles, crabs, stingrays and shrimp, as well as dozens of fish species that ranged in size from minuscule to several metres long. Among the larger specimens are fossils of Borealosuchus, which date back to the Jurassic Period, 180 million years ago. They lived alongside dinosaurs, but managed to dodge the bullet when everything went extinct 65 million years ago, says Hyslop. Although they no longer exist, they would have looked, walked and eaten very much like the crocodiles and alligators we have today. What are the commonest and rarest forms of underwater fossils? Ammonites ocean-dwelling molluscs are fairly common, especially in smaller sizes, because their hard shells preserved easily, says Hyslop. Jellyfish on the other hand are much rarer because their body parts often cooked away during the geological process of rock formation. Underwater plant material is also uncommon, says Hyslop, but that doesnt mean it didnt exist in abundance. Historically, its just not what excavators were looking for. More of it is coming on the market now, which reflects the fact that people are beginning to appreciate its importance and beauty alongside fossilised fish. Where and how are underwater fossils excavated? Not just at the seaside, says Hyslop. Palaeontologists know exactly where to look for them. They also know the exact tiny bumps in the rock to look for that indicate a fossil, which you or I would miss. The Green River Formation in Wyoming and the Solnhofen and Holzmaden sites in Germany are all renowned for their marine deposits. Other important sites can be found in England, Madagascar, the Bahamas, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Florida. Some fossils break away easily, because their structure creates a preferential split in the rock. Others require hours and hours of delicate excavation with dental drills and airbrushes. If the rock is particularly crumbly, the fossil can be removed, stabilised, then reset in a slab of harder rock from the layer above or below the fossil. Different species are sometimes even set alongside one another to create an imagined menagerie. What makes a specimen special? Firstly, no one wants to live with a dead fish, so its key that the fossil should look alive and dynamic, says Hyslop. Secondly, its about condition. Two identical fish might have died within years of each other, but on one the bones and scales might have broken away more quickly, or the fish might have been petrified in a higher-temperature mud and degraded more, he continues. There could even be different minerals deposited in the rock that turn one fossil darker than the other, making it easier to see. While preservation is key, its important to remember that no fossil ever really comes out of the ground completely intact and human intervention is always required to remove it. Restoration is common, so dont worry about small areas of retouching, advises Hyslop. The key is that the work is honest and upfront. Similarly, provenance can add value, but if the fossil doesnt have any, dont be put off. The market is both primary and secondary, explains Hyslop. Lots of great examples have been in private collections for years, but brilliant new material constantly comes out of quarries as well. Its up to the collector to decide what matters to them. Which underwater fossils are the most collectable? Hyslop knows people who collect only from the Cretaceous Period and aim to capture the last moment the world of the dinosaurs existed, or others that buy only ammonites. Some people collect decoratively to adorn their homes. I have seen people build huge ammonites into the walls of their bathrooms, he says. You could even collect marine coprolites fossilised faeces if you wanted, he adds. Ive seen it all, so dont be fearful of specialising in what you love. Three specimens of coprolite (probably from a turtle). 9 in (23 cm) the highest (3). Sold for 2,000 on 5 September 2013 at Christies in London How has the market changed? The fossil market has become more global, younger and less scholarly, says Hyslop. Im now frequently selling to people in their twenties who have made their fortunes in cryptocurrencies. Its nice to know these are objects that inspire people of all ages. There is nothing like a giant fossil shark tooth to bring out your inner child. The market for marine fossils in particular has been historically undervalued, but it is now catching up, suggests the specialist. In 2016 we sold a brilliantly sculptural mortality plaque [below] containing dozens of fossilised fish for 32,500 almost 10 times its estimate. Where can I learn more about underwater fossils? I recommend looking up your local regulations on fossil hunting, says Hyslop. Then find a beach or mountainside quarry where youre allowed to pick up things, and try to join a local fossil hunt. This will not only help you to build up knowledge, but also to understand just how hard it is to find things. Sign up today Christie's Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe DETROIT (AP) For the next few months, Charlie Gilchrist figures his 11 car dealerships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will sell just about every new vehicle they can get from the factories and at increased prices. In normal times, that would be cause for joy. Not so much now. A global shortage of computer chips has forced automakers to slash production. The result has been far fewer vehicles on dealer lots, just as the waning pandemic has fueled a pent-up consumer demand for cars, trucks and SUVs. Given the robust customer demand, dealers like Gilchrist could sell many more cars and trucks, if only they had more. Even at elevated prices the average new-vehicle sales price tops $40,000, up nearly 10% in two years customer demand exceeds supply. It's pretty evident when you pull onto our lots that there's not much selection, said Gilchrist, whose lots carry brands ranging from General Motors and Ford to Nissan and Volkswagen. Our (sales) volume is falling because of the sheer lack of inventory. It will still fall during the next two or three months. The across-the-board surge in auto prices contributed mightily to last month's jump in U.S. consumer prices, the government reported Wednesday. A record 10% increase in used vehicle prices, in fact, accounted for roughly one-third of April's overall rise in consumer prices the sharpest monthly increase in more than a decade. Ford expects to produce only half its normal number of vehicles from now through June. GM and others have resorted to halting production of some cars and smaller SUVs and diverting computer chips to higher-profit pickup trucks and large SUVs. Leading automakers are warning of diminished earnings. The vehicle scarcity and the soaring prices can be traced to the eruption of the coronavirus 14 months ago. As the virus spread, auto factories shut down for a couple of months. With millions more people working from home, demand for laptops and monitors led semiconductor makers to shift from autos to personal electronics. Soon, though, a faster-than-expected economic rebound boosted demand for vehicles, and auto plants tried to restore full-scale production. Yet chip makers couldn't respond swiftly enough. With production slowed, dealer inventories shrank. Now, as the chip shortage has persisted, the shortage of new vehicles has worsened, and analysts foresee no return to normal before next year. Yet so far, automakers have been earning big profits even with a depleted inventory, largely because many buyers have been willing to pay more to get what they want. With government stimulus checks and tax refunds in hand, Americans bought about 1.5 million new vehicles in April. That's an adjusted annual sales rate of 18.5 million the highest such rate since 2005. It's like toilet paper was a year ago, said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Cox Automotive. Everyone is rushing to buy a car. Cox Automotive surveys suggest that 63% of potential buyers will stay in the market even with higher prices and a meager selection of vehicles. With new vehicles prices jumping, the cost of popular vehicles has become eye-opening. The average price of a new Chevrolet Silverado pickup, for example, is now just under $51,000. Even so, the supply of vehicles is dwindling. Last month, the nation's total new-vehicle inventory plummeted 42% from a year ago to 1.9 million. That's enough to supply only 33 days of sales at the current pace 88 days fewer than a year ago, according to Cox. At the same time, discounts fell 5% from March to April and 25% from a year ago to an average of $3,239 per vehicle. Jeremy Smith is seeing the price increases on both ends as he buys and sells pickup trucks for his utility trailer sales business near Buffalo, New York. In March, he bought a used diesel 2020 Chevy Silverado crew cab with 21,000 miles on for $61,000. Comparable trucks are now listed on websites, he said, for $68,000 to $70,000. At the same time, he's asking $13,995 for a 2011 Silverado crew cab with 178,000 miles on it, a far higher price than he would have thought even a few months ago. You sell high, you buy high, said Smith, who frequently buys trucks for his business. To get one now, he says, people have to move quickly to put in bids with dealers or owners. If you're not on it," he said, "those things are gone. Given the lack of supply, nearly everyone expects new vehicle sales to fall soon. That would mean fewer trade-ins, which would further tighten a low supply of used vehicles. For consumers who can wait, analysts say, it might be wise to delay buying any vehicle until next year or even beyond. An index that measures wholesale U.S. used vehicle prices from auction house Manheim soared 53% in April from a year ago, hitting a record high. Auto dealers buy used vehicles at auctions; the average price there hit nearly $18,000. Dealers mark up wholesale prices when they sell to consumers. The average list price of a used car last month was just over $22,000, 14% higher than a year ago. Dealers are now scrambling for used cars, hoping to sell them to keep cash flowing through the summer as new vehicle supplies dry up. Richard Bazzy, who runs four Ford and Lincoln dealerships in suburban Pittsburgh, said he's formed a team to buy used vehicles. Every car dealer in the world is jamming the auctions right now trying to fill their shelves because of the lack of new-car inventory, he said. Bazzy said he's hopeful that his business will manage OK with used sales, as well as revenue from parts and service. But he wants all the used cars they acquire now to be sold by August, when he expects the inventory of vehicles to start a return to normal. Cox's Krebs said it's hard to predict how long the chip shortage and tight supplies will last. Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas cautioned investors not to expect extremely high auto prices beyond the end of this year as new-vehicle supplies recover. The pandemic and chip shortage have made rental cars scarcer, too, driving up prices dramatically and causing long waits as people start traveling again. Rental companies have had trouble getting new cars because auto companies have diverted vehicles away from fleet buyers to more profitable sales to consumers. Higher demand has sent some rental companies to the used car market to find vehicles. Whenever the car shortage ends, GM, Ford and others say they will change business models away from having huge stocks. GM has considered regional distribution centers that could send vehicles to dealers in a matter of days. Ford's CEO Jim Farley has talked of quickly delivering on factory orders. Both companies hope to reduce the interest paid on high inventories and keep discounts low. I do think we are on the verge of possibly a different kind of paradigm for how vehicles are distributed, Krebs said. Still, competition could thwart those plans once factories return to normal production. Bazzy normally stocks 400-500 pickup trucks at his three Ford dealers but is down to around 100. He's confident that he can keep customers happy if they order a truck and can get it in four weeks. But he fears losing business to competing brands with a huge stock. If the guy across the street from me has 300 (trucks) and my guy has to wait four weeks," Bazzy said, I'm going to lose him. Automotive company Tesla will stop accepting Bitcoin transactions due to the huge impact that virtual currency mining has on the environment. This was reported by its co-founder Elon Musk on his Twitter account this Wednesday. " Tesla has suspended the purchase of vehicles with Bitcoin. We are concerned about the increasing use of fuels and non-renewable energy for transactions and mining. Especially coal, which has the highest amount of polluting emissions into the atmosphere. Cryptocurrencies are a good idea on many levels, but their future shouldn't mean a huge negative impact on the environment. Tesla will stop selling its Bitcoin and will be used for transactions as soon as its mining transitions to the use of renewable energy. We are also studying the use of cryptocurrencies that use less than 1% of the energy that Bitcoin requires, "says Musk's tweet in English. Until a few hours ago, the Tesla page offered the option to purchase the vehicles on its website, but the link has disappeared. The message has impacted the price of Bitcoin. According to Market Watch , the cryptocurrency contracted $ 2,000, while Tesla shares fell about 1% in after-hours trading after the announcement. Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved WASHINGTON (AP) Federal regulators have approved a Boeing procedure to fix about 100 jets that have been idled for the past month because of improper electrical grounding of some components, and some of the planes could be flying again in the next few days. A Boeing spokesman said Thursday that the company issued service bulletins to airlines and will help them perform the work to fix the planes. The approval by the Federal Aviation Administration came shortly after the agency's administrator, Stephen Dickson, told a congressional panel he had absolute confidence in the safety of the Max and that fixing the latest problem with the troubled jetliner would be pretty straightforward. Southwest Airlines, the biggest customer for Boeing 737 jets including the Max, estimates that the work will take two to three days per plane. The airline expects to complete the work on its 32 grounded planes in about three weeks, a spokesman said. American Airlines, which has 18 planes sidelined by the electrical issue, and United Airlines, with 17 grounded Max jets, said they expect those planes to resume flying in the coming days but were not more specific. Alaska Airlines has four grounded Max jets. The timing of FAA approval is a boost to both Boeing which is preparing to resume cash-generating deliveries of recently built Max jets and its airline customers. Airlines can now plan on having the planes to help meet rising demand and expanding flight schedules heading into the peak summer-travel season. The electrical issue affecting a backup power unit and other components was another setback for Boeing's best-selling plane. It came just a few months after the planes resumed flying following two deadly crashes and a 20-month worldwide grounding of all Max jets. The electrical issue appeared to be unrelated to the automated flight-control system that played a role in the crashes. Dickson said Wednesday that the FAA is looking into how the electrical problem surfaced after Boeing made changes on its production line. Boeing says that since the planes resumed flying late last year, they have made 30,000 flights for 21 different airlines without incident. Shares of Boeing Co. rose 1% in midday trading after being up about 4% earlier in Thursday's session. Ahn Young-joon/AP Hyundai plans to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to make electronic vehicles, enhance production facilities and invest further in smart mobility solutions. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., said Thursday that Hyundai and Kia will invest in growing its electronic manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a variety of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year. (Bloomberg) -- The International Energy Agency said the supply glut created by the global pandemic has cleared, even as demand suffers a blow from a resurgence of the virus in India. Surplus oil inventories in developed nations are now just a small fraction of the levels seen when demand collapsed last year, with output cuts by OPEC and its allies draining the excess, the IEA said on Wednesday. Still, the agency sees a temporary setback for global consumption as infections rock India, before the recovery resumes later in the year. Bloated world oil inventories that built up during last years Covid-19 demand shock have returned to more normal levels, the IEA said in its monthly report. But Indias Covid crisis is a reminder that the outlook for oil demand is mired in uncertainty. Until the pandemic is brought under control, market volatility is likely to persist. Oil markets have extended their recovery this year as fuel consumption roars back in China and the U.S., buoying international crude prices to about $69 a barrel in London. In March, oil inventories in developed nations stood just 36.9 million barrels above the average level from 2015 to 2019, down from a surplus of about 250 million barrels last summer, the IEA said. Compared with the average for 2016 to 2020, the excess is just 1.7 million barrels, less than the capacity of a single supertanker. Demand is suffering a temporary setback, with forecasts for Indian consumption in the second quarter cut by 630,000 barrels a day as a brutal wave of infections spreads across the country. Estimates for global demand in 2021 were trimmed by 270,000 barrels a day, to 96.4 million a day. The Paris-based IEA advises most major economies. The outlook for demand remains fragile, Toril Bosoni, head of the IEAs oil markets and industry division, said in a Bloomberg television interview. Still, the agency is expecting a very strong recovery in demand growth in the second half of the year. Global consumption is on track for a rebound of 5.4 million barrels a day, or 6%, this year after 2020s unprecedented slump. The recovery will gather momentum in the second half, causing stockpiles to dwindle even further. That will present the 23-nation OPEC+ alliance led by Saudi Arabia and Russia with a choice: restore some more of the production theyve halted, or continue to tighten global markets. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners are in the process of reviving about 2 million barrels of daily output in three monthly installments. When the increase is completed in July, the IEAs data indicates that demand for the cartels crude will still be higher than its production. OPECs 13 members pumped about 25 million barrels a day last month, while demand for their supply in the third quarter is projected at 28.1 million barrels, according to the IEA report. Under the current OPEC+ production scenario, supplies wont rise fast enough to keep pace with the expected demand recovery, the agency said. The widening supply and demand gap paves the way for a further easing of OPEC+ supply cuts or even sharper stock draws. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. At first, it seemed like a case of Silicon Valley d-baggery. The man is shown smirking at the camera, seemingly knowing that he got away with this potentially deadly stunt. When the first story was published on SFGATE, it seemed like a cut-and-dry case: A guy is putting others in danger by back seat driving his Tesla across the Bay Area, and, after some calling out of the CHP, he was caught just days later when the CHP received calls of him pulling the same stunt Monday night, the CHP said. IN TEXAS: Texas is primed to be the next Silicon Valley Param Sharma, 25, was arrested Tuesday and charged with reckless driving and disobeying a peace officer. But the story doesnt end there. An onslaught of emails came in the days after SFGATE first reported on Sharmas antics. Some were from people who said they were former classmates of his at Albany High. One read: Please revoke his license. Another came from a person who identified himself as Sharma, saying that he was the owner of the car behind the stunt and offering his phone number to chat. And, in effect, he may have admitted to the crime: That was my Tesla and I got it only to commute from the back seat, the man claiming to be Sharma said in an email to SFGATE. A bit of digging revealed that he did, in fact, want to be seen doing this driverless Tesla stunt. He posted it on his YouTube and Instagram accounts. (In them, he wears the same Ralph Lauren cap as he does in the YouTube video recorded by a third party that went viral.) He seems to relish the infamy. Sharma recorded himself lip syncing to a song by NorCal rapper Mozzy from his backseat, while controlling the steering wheel with his foot; that post was shared on Instagram the Monday before his arrest. The caption read, Bitch tell the chp I bought my license. Another post, showing off the Daily Mails coverage of his back seat driving on an iPad, reads, I came outta the pandemic in a self driving car U blue blue collar peasants cant understand my life. A bit more digging found that this is all in line with his past behavior. Sharma went to Albany High in the early 2010s, where he pulled similar stunts, according to a classmate who spoke to SFGATE and was granted anonymity in accordance with Hearsts ethics policy. Hes just been really kind of one of those guys who acts out, one of those guys who really needs to be the center of attention and to an extent turning dangerous or unacceptable, pretty much a constant thorn in the side of the school administration, the classmate said. Sharma said he was the most popular kid at my school in one interview. READ ALSO: Elon Musk announces that 'now you can buy a Tesla with Bitcoin' and the cryptocurrency rebounds The former classmate said Sharma also encountered trouble with local police for another act of dangerous driving. He allegedly was arrested for driving on the opposite side of the road multiple times in Albany. Albany police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. A spokesman with the CHPs Golden Gate Division told SFGATE that hes been cited in the past for the reckless driving, however, meaning his current charges will likely be more severe this time around. (He got off with a warning once before, the spokesman said.) But as Sharma was gaining local notoriety in the Bay Area, his online persona began to draw global attention. Fashioned in the style of New York City pseudosocialite Anna Delvey and Lil Tay the viral child flexer-turned-rapper who recently re-entered the headlines for family turmoil Sharmas shtick is to knowingly deploy signifiers of wealth and status into social media notoriety. He uses the name ItsLavishBitch on social media; sometimes altered to GoldCollarLavish. The bio of an Instagram likely belonging to him reads: Im a gold collar u a blue collar 25 left the pandemic richer than ever before. Derision of blue-collar labor, fancy cars, including a Lamborghini, and wads of cash feature heavily in his account. Everything Sharma has done online seems calculated for maximum outrage and viral potential, a walking, talking algorithm engineered for clout. He says he only uses toilets filled with sparkling water. He holds bands of cash in his mouth. He reportedly has six iPhones. Hes launched social media tirades on Soulja Boy, Kim Kardashian and other celebrities way above his pay grade. He once accused Rihanna of jacking his style. Other outlets especially those with a penchant for novelty and controversy ran exposes and Q&As. The headlines were breathless, if not always complimentary. The Internet's Celebrity Bashing Brat King, read Vices. Is this the most spoiled kid in the U.S. or is it just a hoax? asked the Daily Mail. He's "Instagram's Richest Teen," an MTV story declared. A Digital Trends article dubbed him Instagrams richest troll. Hes also the slightest bit self-aware, knowing that his trolling gets a rise out of people. People feed off the crazy things I do, like pooping in sparkling water, he told Vice. Im using wealth as comedy. READ MORE: These tech workers left California for Austin. They don't regret it. But behind the exasperated intrigue surrounding him is a reality thats perhaps a bit more grim. Sharma, then 18, was arrested in 2014 for an incident involving an iPhone, and was placed in the jails psychiatric ward. His then-lawyer told KGO that another inmate tried to kill him. Aside from being annoying and absurd, until now his viral antics really didnt harm anyone, except for the 1% of celebrities who were the subject of his taunts. He seems to crave any press in an effort to rack up more followers on the 'gram. Normally, we wouldn't fall for it but now that his ploys for fame could have real-world consequences, he's unfortunately become a newsworthy figure. Sharmas follower count is a lot less now on a new account more than 5,000. At one point, his follower count peaked at 400,000, before the account was taken down. The classmate said Instagram deactivated his account due to an excess of fake followers on the platform. But it's unclear what punishments Sharma will face; the Alameda County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. I dont wish ill on anyone, but hes one of those guys who you see hes in jail and youre not surprised, the classmate said. Former KHOU 11 reporter John "Rucks" Russell has died following a battle with COVID-19. In a Facebook post, former KHOU-11 reporter Doug Miller shared the news from Russell's wife that he contracted the virus while caring for his brother. COVID-19 BATTLE: Texas Rep. Ron Wright dies after contracting COVID-19 "Here's the kind of man Rucks was: His real name was John, but he decided to adopt his mother's maiden name as his air name," Miller added in the post. "So every time his mother saw that handsome face on television, she heard her son honoring her by saying her name. He was a conspicuously decent man and a exemplar of rectitude, and he has left this world much too soon." KHOU-11 provided additional information, noting that it was Russell's twin brother he was caring for and he, too, died from the virus. Russell was a reporter for KHOU-11 between 2006 and 2017, covering a wide range of stories that had a deep local impact, per the station. From there, he went on to work as as the Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Washington, D.C., per Houston media blogger Mike McGuff. According to Russell's Twitter bio, he was in D.C. at the time of his death and was working as a Senior Media and Communications Specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services' Minority Health division. BID FAREWELL: Longtime Houston Rockets broadcaster Bill Worrell announces his retirement The news of Russell's death prompted media professionals, including his former colleagues, to share their condolences across Twitter. He was remembered as a genuine and kind man who was always there to help others. Russell was 55. Sotheby's International Realty This corner lot property exudes casual elegance and sophistication, and thanks to a price reduction, it can be yours for $899,000. Boasting five levels, the Spanish-inspired home was designed in 2008 and features three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one partial, per Stuart Groves of Sotheby's International Realty. Ashley Soto isn't just a regular mom, she's a TikTok mom. The Fort-Worth native, known as @ash_lay on the social media platform, told mySA she actually started doing videos in 2016, when the app was still known as Musical.ly. It wasn't until about two years ago that Soto really started focusing on the mom community, when her daughter was entering her teenage years. She said it helped her cope with the transition. "I wanted to make content on what was going on in my life. I guess it was how I was dealing with my daughter transitioning and changing into a teenager." Soto's "teen content" was getting positive reviews from other moms and even teenagers who found her videos relatable. "I was like 'wow I know I'm not the only person going through this, so I'm going to keep doing this," she told MySA. Aside from her teenage daughter, the TikTok mom also has two other children, a toddler and an 8-year-old. So how does the mom of three manage to create content? She said she doesn't plan out her content anymore. Instead, she focuses on what is happening at the moment. MORE MOM THINGS FROM CANDICE: These TikTok moms kept me sane through the pandemic "It's really just on the go. Like two weeks ago my daughter was having this drama with these three girls at her school and so I was like I know moms can relate to the teen drama. And sometime I just get so worked up with the drama at her school because she's fighting with these girls and what they say to her so I feel that it helps me to vent by making a video about it." Soto's "mom content" ranges from teenage drama to being a new mom again. But aside from being the source of laughter for her eight million followers, Soto says her goal with these videos is bring a normalization to motherhood. "I fell like people just look at motherhood as something you just have to do and it's just normal. But they don't see how hard it is. A lot of moms are worn out mentally and physically for both working moms and stay at home moms," she said. "People just look at us and think we have it all together. I wish mothers would be more appreciated and more understood." Although her videos are mainly comedic, Soto says she wanted to really highlight the toll motherhood can have on mental health. "I always make everything into comedy and the other day I was trying to think: How can I put where I'm at mentally right now, because I'm mentally exhausted," Soto said. "How can I put that out there without people feeling sorry for me? Because that's not what I want. I feel like anytime I do something like that the comments are always like 'oh my gosh I'm so sorry' and I'm like don't feel sorry I just want you to understand how drained I am." The pandemic really drained moms, myself included. Back in February the New York Times launched a series called "The Primal Scream." It centered around an anonymous hotline where frustrated moms could just let out a good scream, vent or just say "f--- it." "We hope this series serves as a primal scream for Americas mothers, a visual representation of their struggles. Were showing all the messy, heartbreaking moments of everyday fear and chaos, and the rays of joy that can sometimes shine through, the NYT piece states. "If nothing else, we want moms to know that someone is listening." Letting moms know someone is listening is why Soto says she encourages other moms to start a TikTok. "For any moms out there that are scared to put themselves out there don't. There is a whole community of mothers on there that will have their back and understand. It's a really good venting place," she said."Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, especially if you're a stay at home mom and you're lonely. Mom Tok is a really great way to make friends. It really helped my loneliness." MORRISON, Colo. (AP) Frustrated by an increase in dangerous street racing amid the pandemic, Denver police have deployed the department's helicopter to track races, closed lanes in areas often used by racers and sent officers to places where the groups meet. But law enforcement also has shifted gears to tackle the problem by using a racetrack in the foothills west of the city to provide a safe venue for those who feel the need for speed. The Colorado State Patrol has teamed with Bandimere Speedway to lure racers from public areas to a more controlled environment, even allowing participants to race a trooper driving a patrol car. On a recent day, dozens of drivers lined up to race at the speedway, revving their engines and squealing their tires before hurtling down the quarter-mile track. Most drove highly tuned vehicles, but there was the occasional stock SUV or pickup. This is a great alternative to street racing. You can bring out whatever you have, be it a supercar or mom's minivan, grandpa's Buick. We want to see them all out here. ... And you can race a cop, and do so legally, said State Trooper Josh Lewis, who beat a Toyota SUV in his first race last week by topping out at nearly 89 mph (143 kph). The Colorado State Patrol has been involved in the Take it to the Track event for more than a decade, but its goals have gained new importance and urgency after two recent high-profile street racing incidents in the area. On April 3, police say a mother of two who was delivering food was killed when a street racer broadsided her car with his SUV in the heart of downtown Denver. About a month earlier, hundreds of street racers clogged a stretch of interstate in suburban Aurora, some allegedly blocking the shoulders to keep officers away. Police warned other motorists to avoid the gridlock after reports of guns being waved and fireworks being set off. Lewis said the Take it to the Track program's impact on illegal racing is hard to quantify, but it provides important community outreach nevertheless. We don't necessarily know about data to be able to back it up, but every time we're out here, we always get folks who come up to us and tell us how much they enjoy the program, how great it is, how much fun it is, he said. The event takes place every Wednesday throughout the summer. Ray Propes, 58, of Windsor, said he started street racing as a teen and found himself doing it every time I got in a car, it seemed like. I turned 16, it wasn't six months before I lost my license, he said. I was racing everything and anyone and all the time. He has since traded in those days for the track, in part because the conditions are more predictable and you don't get the tickets that you get on the street. The prepped track. The traction is there. Straight line. You don't have to worry about accidents, animals, kids, birds, anything, he said. Tyler Truini, 28, of Colorado Springs, left work early one day last week to just play around on the track at Bandimere Speedway. He said he steers clear of illegal racing because his 2019 Dodge Charger Hellcat is too fast for the street. A lot of my friends that I hang out with, we always talk about just coming to the track because it's a lot easier, and it's better for the car and better for everyone else's safety, he said. It is one of Houston's signature stories: The cute little boy who lived nearly his whole life inside a series of sterile plastic bubbles, waiting for a cure for his fatal immune disease that, tragically, never came. David Vetter - he was identified only as David at the time - was "the boy in the bubble," the Texas Medical Center's most famous patient from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s. As a captivated public watched, he grew up isolated from germs and human touch before dying, at age 12, after the failure of an experimental bone marrow transplant. "David's life was a compelling human interest story that tugged at hearts year after year," said James Jones, a former University of Houston historian writing a book on the boy. "Over time, people around the world came to care deeply about his well-being, admiring his courage and pluck and hoping against hope science would find a cure for the mysterious disease that kept him incarcerated and denied a normal childhood." He left a legacy of medical advances and vexing ethical questions. It is little wonder, given the astonishing spectacle that was David's life. From infancy on, he could be touched only by neophene gloves sticking through the walls of his NASA-designed bubbles. Everything he touched had to be sterilized with peracetic acid and placed inside steel capsules inserted through a system of air locks. His mother was able to kiss him for the first time only when he came out of the bubble to die. No child had ever been reared in such a cocoon. No child likely ever will again. The cause of David's isolation was an inherited condition called severe combined immunodeficiency in which patients lack the white blood cells that fight infection, meaning any germ is a potential killer. It afflicts 40 to 80 babies every year in the United States and is fatal without treatment. In September 1971, when David was born, there was no treatment. In effect, David became a living experiment. At the time, his story was depicted as one of technological triumph and valiant effort that gave his family and him 12 years together. Since then, many ethicists have argued it was hubris, a classic example of doctors promising more than medicine could deliver, creating an unacceptable quality of life that took a toll on his emotional well-being. The medical legacy is less open to debate. David contributed enormously to a better understanding of clinical immunology, doctors say, an understanding that has resulted in better treatment for many diseases involving the immune system. "His life, however short or restricted, helped scientists learn more about primary immunodeficiencies so that they could help other infants with SCID," Carol Ann Demaret, David's mother, wrote in a 2014 account of the ordeal. "That's given our family enormous comfort over the years and helped us manage our great sorrow." The Vetters knew there was a good chance David would have the disease, which plagues only boys. Doctors told the couple there was a 50/50 chance any future son would have the condition after it claimed the Vetters' first son in infancy a year earlier. The Vetters, Catholics, opted to go ahead with the pregnancy, buoyed by hope their daughter's blood would match well enough for a bone marrow transplant, a newly developing technology. David was delivered by cesarean section in a sterile operating room at Texas Children's Hospital, then whisked into his first sealed bubble, intended as a stopgap measure until either his immune system matured on its own or a transplant. More Information BUBBLE BOY, a timeline 1968: The first immunodeficient patients are successfully treated with bone marrow transplants from donors whose tissue matched perfectly. 1971: David Phillip Vetter is born at Texas Children's in a germ-free environment and placed in a sterile plastic bubble. His sister's bone marrow is not a perfect match. 1977: NASA constructs a spacesuit to give David more freedom. He uses it a few times to explore the hospital and the family house but never really adjusts to it. 1983: David undergoes an experimental bone marrow transplant with imperfectly matched tissue from his sister. 1984: David becomes sick from a form of lymph cancer and dies. Source: Chronicle files See More Collapse Dr. Mary Ann South, a pediatric immunologist and one of David's medical team, told the Chronicle in 2009 that "the Vetters were the only parents who asked if we could protect their boy. We'd treated seven or eight children with the disease and all of them died; nothing worked, and they never lived long enough for us to learn about the disease. " But his sister's blood didn't match, and David's immune system never kicked in. The wait for a cure dragged on for years, his protective bubbles growing in size along with him. All the while, David's public persona charmed the public. He loved "Star Wars" films and the Houston Oilers. He was a straight-A student taught by telephone. He was well-behaved and handsome, with large, expressive eyes and a shock of dark hair. Behind the scenes, it was often a different story, the older David got. A psychologist who worked with him described the rage he sometimes exhibited at the terrible hand fate dealt him. At one point, he complained he "had been put into a cage and treated like a wild animal." In late 1983, as David began losing hope he would ever leave the bubble, doctors told the Vetters of a promising new bone marrow transplant technique using less than perfect matches. They could use his sister's blood. The transplant seemed to work well initially. But in January 1984, David began showing signs of illness, a fever from what turned out to be an undetected Epstein-Barr virus in the donor marrow. Fifteen days after he was removed from the bubble for treatment, he died of a form of lymph cancer caused by the virus. It was the lead story on network news' outlets around the world. A year later, Texas Children's chaplain criticized David's treatment in the Journal of the American Medical Association. He called the boy "the first true laboratory life ... a guinea pig (who) happened to be human." Many ethicists today share the view. "David's poignant and tragic story is a reminder that doctors must not lose sight of the overall effects on the patient in the name of saving life," said Bruce Jennings, a senior adviser at the Hastings Center who writes frequently about end-of-life issues. Still, there's no denying the advances that David's experience brought. Dr. William Shearer, a Baylor College of Medicine pediatric immunologist and David's doctor in later years, noted he provided one of the first proofs viruses can cause cancer and that his DNA helped identify the gene that causes immune deficiencies, leading to a test for his condition in newborns. Today, bone marrow transplants, even imperfectly matched ones, work 90 percent of the time if performed within three months of birth. If anything seems certain, it is that David will not be easily forgotten. He has been celebrated in movies, music and sculpture. A center at Texas Children's and a school and street in The Woodlands bear his name. And as historian Jones notes, the term bubble has become an enduring part of the language, shorthand for both the dangers of isolation and the thing some parents wish they could put their children in to keep them out of harm's way. The best epitaph may be David's gravestone: "He never touched the world," it reads. "But the world was touched by him." PHOENIX (AP) An agreement between an Arizona company and the state Attorney General's office calls for the business to stop misleading consumers by falsely claiming that its over-the-counter hearing aids were approved by federal regulators. The signed agreement between Attorney General Mark Brnovich's office and Budget Hearing Aids LLC was filed Monday and awaits court approval, Brnovich's office said. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) An Alabama man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking case in which authorities say 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine were brought into the state in a tractor-trailer. Muta Bolden, 36, of Dothan, was ordered to serve nearly 11 years in prison on the federal drug trafficking charges, according to acting U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. Rice hires Jose Cruz Jr. as new baseball coach Jose Cruz Jr., currently works under A.J. Hinch as the Detroit Tigers assistant hitting coach. Texans cancel minicamp, save Deshaun Watson $93,000 in fines The Texans wont meet together as a team again until training camp begins July 27. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned the 2017 murder conviction of a teen who fatally stabbed a woman as she hung flyers near an apartment complex. The court overturned the conviction of Jaime Tinoco-Camarena on Wednesday, concluding that prosecutors shouldn't have introduced testimony about his conviction in the 2014 rape of a woman in Eugene, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australia has reached a supply agreement for 25 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in a deal that the government hopes will ensure all Australian adults have access to inoculation this year. The deal included 10 million doses of the vaccine against the ancestral strain to be delivered in 2021 and 15 million doses of an updated variant booster to be delivered in 2022, U.S.-based Moderna said on Thursday. The vaccines have yet to be approved by the Australian regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Pfizer and AstraZeneca are the only coronavirus vaccines approved for use in Australia. All three vaccines require two doses. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he expected the first 10 million Moderna vaccines to arrive in Australia in the last three months of 2021. The 15 million booster doses would deal with possible future variants of the virus, he said. Were now well into the phase of dealing with whats coming next because the pandemics not going anywhere, Morrison said. Moderna is in discussions with the government to allow its vaccines to be manufactured in Australia. Australian-made Moderna shots could be available as early as next year, said Brendan Murphy, chairman of Australias Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19. AstraZeneca is already manufactured in Australia. But Moderna promises to provide quicker inoculation, with three weeks between shots as opposed to three months with AstraZeneca. Pfizers recommended doses are also three weeks apart. But Moderna has an advantage that it does not need to be stored at temperatures as low as Pfizer. Moderna vaccines would help Australia achieve its aim of inoculating all willing Australian adults within the population of 26 million by the end of the year. This locks in our capacity to ensure that every Australian has access to a vaccine this year, Health Minister Greg Hunt said. Australia has contracted 20 million imported Pfizer doses, which is the preferred option for adults under 50 years old because of the blood clotting risks associated with the AstraZeneca shot. The government also has deals for 3.8 million imported AstraZeneca doses plus 50 million locally manufactured shots. The government expects Moderna vaccines would be recommended for Australians under 50. Hunt said he expects the first of Australias order of 51 million doses of the Novavax vaccine will be delivered this year. Australias CSL plant would manufacture the 50 million AstraZeneca doses as planned. Shots that Australia did not need would be donated to neighboring countries, Hunt said. We are continuing on with the production because we think if a country can be producing vaccines, the world needs those vaccines if we have more than we need, Hunt said. The vaccine rollout began in February, and the government had expected to administer 4 million doses by the end of March. But only 2.8 million doses had been injected by this week, with the government blaming slow shipments for delays. Australia has been relatively successful in containing the virus. While 910 have died of COVID-19, the government argues the death told would be 30,000 higher if Australias fatality rate was the average of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. DONNA, Texas (AP) A compound of tents to detain migrant children and families was evacuated for hours this week when struck by fierce winds in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, authorities said. All migrants at the Border Patrol's holding center in Donna, Texas, were moved to other facilities in the Rio Grande Valley, parent agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. Operations resumed at the Donna Processing Facility on Wednesday morning, with new arrivals being admitted. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California's new attorney general said Thursday his office will review the fatal shooting of a San Francisco Bay Area man, who police say they initially thought was carrying a handgun in his waistband but actually had a hammer. Attorney General Rob Bonta repeatedly criticized Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams for not conducting her own review of last year's death of 22-year-old Sean Monterrosa by Vallejo police, saying she was fully capable but chose not to do so. Bontas predecessor, Xavier Becerra, had declined to take up the investigation for the same reason. I made it clear that she should conduct the investigation, Bonta said. In the absence of her doing so, we will do so because fairness requires a complete process not a process that ends with an investigation and a file thats gathering dust on someones desk somewhere, but a review of that investigation, and a decision. Abrams had asked the attorney general's office to take over the investigation, saying in June that an independent review is needed at this time to restore public trust and provide credibility, transparency and oversight." In a statement Thursday, Abrams accused the attorney general of playing politics with one of the most critical and divisive issues in our communities today officer involved fatalities." Bontas office said local officials' investigation into Monterrosas death was completed March 10 and given to Abrams office for review. But Abrams, it said, attempted to turn the file over to the attorney generals office without invitation or notice. Abrams, however, said she spoke with Bonta Thursday morning, and Mr. Bonta stated that his department would not be reviewing the case due to funding not being available until July 1st. Within an hour of my telephone conference this morning with Mr. Bonta, he notified me that his department would be reviewing the case, completely reversing himself. In response, Bonta's office said that during their call, the attorney general had made clear that the DA should be reviewing the investigation" but Abrams refused to conduct the review. A law that goes into effect in July will require the attorney general to investigate officer-involved shootings of unarmed civilians. But Bonta said it doesnt apply in this case. Monterrosa, of San Francisco, was killed June 2 by an officer who fired five times through a police car windshield, hitting Monterrosa once. He was suspected of stealing from a pharmacy amid national protests over killings by police. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams initially said Monterrosa dropped to his knees and put his hands above his waist, revealing what the officer took to be the butt of a handgun. He later said a detective described seeing Monterrosa turning towards the officers in a crouching-down, half-kneeling position, as if in preparation to shoot. But it turned out to be a 15-inch hammer in the pocket of his sweatshirt. He was killed when Vallejo Police Officer Jarrett Tonn fired five times through the windshield from inside an unmarked police vehicle. Civil rights attorney John Burris, who is representing the Monterrosa family in a wrongful death lawsuit, said he is thankful Bonta will review the case. The Vallejo police command staff knew or should have known that this was Tonns fourth shooting in five years and by failing to discipline officers for misconduct, Vallejos police command staff essentially ratified the bad conduct, Burris said in a statement. The windshield, considered a key piece of evidence, was destroyed, leading city officials to seek a criminal investigation into how that happened. The Vallejo police department has come under repeated criticism in other cases as well. Separately, in July, Williams said he was starting an independent investigation after two people in the department said officers had their badges bent to mark on-duty killings. The department has had several other controversial slayings by police, including that of Willie McCoy, 20, of Suisun City, in February 2019. McCoy was killed after he fell asleep with a gun in his lap in his car in a Taco Bell drive-thru. Six Vallejo officers fired 55 shots. Vallejo agreed in November to pay $750,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit by Carl Edwards, a handyman who was left bloodied after he was beaten and choked by Vallejo police in 2017. Bonta said there is no timeframe for completing what he said would be an impartial and thorough investigation of Monterrosa's death. Wherever the facts and the law lead, thats where well go, he said. If there is wrongdoing, well bring it to light. If the facts do not lead to a charging decision, we will explain it. State Sen. Bill Dodd, a Democrat from nearby Napa, praised Bontas decision, saying he had wanted an independent investigation all along. Its crucial that we have a thorough and impartial review of the facts and get accountability for any wrongdoing, Dodd said in a statement. CAMAS, Wash. (AP) The mayor of Camas, Washington, is stepping down after winning the position as a write-in candidate in October 2019. Former Mayor Barry McDonnell released a statement Tuesday announcing his resignation from the position, effective immediately, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Over the last few months, it has become clear to me that the needs of this Council, City and community are such that balancing a full-time job and family, while running the day-to-day operations as Mayor in our form of government is not sustainable for me, he wrote. McDonnell won the election against incumbent Mayor Shannon Turk after a monthlong write-in campaign. His term had been set to end in 2023. In his statement, McDonnell thanked staff and residents: It has been a privilege to work with the Citys staff they are the secret of Camas success. ... I also want to thank the citizens of Camas for giving me the opportunity to take the lead in our community, he said. The city responded with a statement expressing understanding of his decision. While were surprised and saddened to see Mayor McDonnell step down from the role, we understand this is a personal decision between him and his family, the statement read. We appreciate the leadership Mayor McDonnell has provided the City and wish him the best in his future endeavors. City staff will begin the process of filling the vacancy. Mayor Pro-Tem Ellen Burton will assume the duties in the meantime. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Construction can proceed on a 53-mile (85-kilometer) stretch of utility corridor thats a critical part of a $1 billion project to bring Canadian hydropower to the New England grid, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request to delay construction while three conservation groups argued for a more strenuous environmental review by the federal government. Thorn Dickinson, president and CEO of the project, called the court's decision a victory for Maines clean energy future. The clean energy corridor will eliminate over three million metric tons of dirty emission from the New England energy grid each year by replacing fossil fuels with clean hydropower, he said in a statement. The appeals court concluded the plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success, but the Natural Resources Council of Maine, one of the environmental groups that sued, vowed to continue fighting the project in federal court, said Nick Bennett, staff scientist for the group. We continue to think this is a bad deal for Maine, and that there would be no climate benefits, in spite of all the environmental destruction, he said. Construction on that segment in western Maine had been on hold, pending the court's decision, but construction was underway on other parts of the project, which runs 145 miles (233 kilometers) from the Canadian border to connect with the regional power grid in Lewiston, Maine. The New England Clean Energy Connect would provide a conduit for up to 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to reach the New England power grid. Much of the project would follow existing utility corridors but a new swath would be cut through 53 miles (85 kilometers) of woods. Supporters say the project, which would be fully funded by Massachusetts ratepayers to meet that states clean energy goals, will reduce greenhouse emissions and stabilize energy costs in the region. Critics say the environmental benefits are overstated and that it will destroy wilderness. The Sierra Club and Appalachian Mountain Club, along with Natural Resources Council of Maine, are suing to force the Army Corps of Engineers, which approved the project, to conduct a more rigorous environmental impact statement instead of the less-stringent environmental assessment. The Army Corps gave its approval in November. The project previously received approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Land Use Planning Commission and Maine Public Utilities Commission. The final approval came in the form of a presidential permit issued in January from the U.S. Department of Energy, providing the green light for the interconnect at the Canadian border. Supporters say the project will spur economic development as well as remove carbon from the atmosphere. The Maine AFL-CIO on Thursday endorsed the project, noting it is already producing good-paying jobs for unionized workers clearing trees, setting pole foundations and doing other work. The project is an opportunity to not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but also to secure good-paying, family-sustaining, union jobs with benefits," said Robert Burr, business agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4. ___ Associated Press writer Patrick Whittle contributed to this report from Portland. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) It was a call no parent wants to receive. On Mother's Day, around 9 p.m., a woman in Chengdu in southwestern China was told that her son, who she had dropped off at school just hours ago, had died. Distraught, she went to Chengdu No. 49 Middle School immediately, but could not even enter the school grounds, she wrote in a series of Twitter-like Weibo posts on Monday that were shared hundreds of thousands of times this week. Her account disputing both the police and local governments account of her 16-year-old sons death has touched a nerve, becoming one of the most discussed topics on Chinese social media this week. One related hashtag #ChengduNo.49Middle# racked up more than 1.5 billion views alone on Weibo. People online called for justice for the mother and questioned the actions of the school, police and local authorities. On Tuesday night, videos of a protest in front of the school circulated. People clutching white flowers shouted the truth! again and again. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the veracity of the videos. The incident reflected the frustration of many Chinese who, in trying to seek justice, are met with local authorities' deflecting blame and responsibility. Many called on tightly controlled national media to report on the matter or advised the woman to seek intervention from central authorities in Beijing. The school, which serves both middle and high school students, said in a statement on Monday that the student had fallen at around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday night, and that it was investigating and cooperating with the police. The local branch of the education department in Chenghua district in Chengdu said in a statement Tuesday that the incident was a suicide. Police issued a statement Tuesday saying they were investigating the death of a 16-year-old student at the No. 49 Middle School, and that they had excluded any criminal involvement. The family has no objection, the statement read. We urge the public to not believe rumors and not transmit rumors. But rumors continued to swirl as people demanded more information. Many wondered on the mother's Weibo timeline if she had been silenced by authorities, pointing out that she had changed her username shortly after the posts spread widely and that the cellphone model, which is automatically recorded on each post, also changed. Other users questioned why there was a gap of roughly two hours between the schools statement of the students time of death and when the mother claimed she was told of the news. Why did the school take two hours to notify her of her sons death? Why could she not see his body on the same day? Others simply repeated the line from the police statement, the family has no objection. On Thursday, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency published a report saying that the mother had met with the school on the night of the phone call, but that they had met at the local police department so as to not disturb other students. The school's director of safety said it took two hours to notify the family because they could not identify the student at first due to the severity of injuries to his head. State broadcaster CCTV carried a live report from the school and surveillance footage of the students fall as seen through his shadow passing through trees. The mother, who did not reveal her full name online, did not respond to multiple phone calls. A staffer for the school declined to comment saying they had not received directions to speak to media. A police officer at the Chenghua district station directed the AP to the stations' political department, which did not respond to phone calls. In the U.S., when George Floyd died in those dubious circumstances, people had all sorts of demonstrations, but when a high school student dies in dubious circumstances, we cant get any sort of real information, said Mike Liu, a 19-year old college student, who had followed the story closely online. On Tuesday night, a large crowd gathered in front of the school, said the owner of a restaurant across the street who gave his last name as Pan. He said he saw roughly 100 people, as well as police officers and security guards everywhere. Protests in China, while not uncommon, are usually quickly dispersed by authorities. Photos of flowers laid in tribute in front of the school gate on Tuesday night, captured by a photographer for Beijing News, an official paper belonging to the Beijing city government, were quickly deleted from the newspapers website by Wednesday afternoon. Online, people criticized Beijing News for posting the photos, and said the flowers were offered by people paid by foreign forces to stir up trouble. ___ Associated Press news assistant Caroline Chen in Beijing and researcher Chen Si in Shanghai contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) A small group of civil rights leaders gathered at Vice President Kamala Harris ceremonial office last week to discuss Republican-backed laws restricting voting in several states. Among the ideas floated were continuing political organizing against the proposals, recruiting more corporations to the fight and suing to block the laws. But the conversation kept circling back to the most effective strategy, and possibly the most difficult: passing Democrats' sweeping federal overhaul of elections, the For the People Act, commonly known as HR1. We strongly believe that HR1 is viable and essential if we're going to move to address some of these concerning laws," said Janet Murguia, executive director of the Latino group UNIDOS, who attended the meeting. The session highlighted the search for a strong defense against laws that Democrats say are designed to make it harder to vote. Democrats lack the numbers in many statehouses to block Republicans from passing the tighter rules. Corporate statements and street protests have made Republicans uncomfortable and softened some of the legislation, but not stopped it. Lawsuits may not be resolved before next year's midterm elections. That leaves much riding on a federal rewrite of election and voting laws that could gut many of the Republican-backed state rules. But a Senate hearing on the legislation this week was a display of united Republican opposition, leaving Democrats with no easy path. Were gonna push hard to pass this bill. I do think that there are a number of other things we should be doing at the same time, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said Tuesday. State lawmakers have proposed more than 250 bills that make it harder to vote, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, which promotes wider ballot access. Several Republican-controlled states, including Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Florida and Montana, have recently enacted laws that add restrictions, such as limiting access to drop boxes for mail ballots or cutting early voting hours. On Tuesday, Arizona enacted a law that requires regular purges of its mail voting list. Some states, largely Democratic-controlled ones, have also expanded voting; so has Oklahoma, which added a day of in-person early voting in legislation signed Tuesday. The Republican push is spurred by former President Donald Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. It's a claim now widely embraced, despite all evidence to contrary, by many in his party. State election officials across the country and judges of both parties found no evidence to support Trump's assertions, but Republican lawmakers argue that the new, tighter rules are needed to restore confidence in the election system. The laws have triggered more than a dozen suits from Democrats and civil rights groups. The challenges generally allege the laws violate the First, 14th and 15th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by limiting people's ability to engage in politics and vote. Marc Elias, the leading Democratic lawyer in the voting fight, said the litigation was not the optimal way to go. Suits can take months or years to resolve, and it's far from clear the courts will be friendly to Democrats' arguments. Some of the federal appeals courts likely to end up hearing the cases shifted to the right in recent years as Trump named conservative judges. Since the U.S. Supreme Court removed the requirement that certain states get advance approval from the federal Justice Department before changing voting laws, civil rights lawyers have been stripped of a once powerful tool to block voting restrictions. Lawyers are watching the Supreme Court again because the justices are expected to rule soon on a 2016 Arizona voting case that could further restrict ways lawyers can challenge voting limits. The optimal way to go is for Congress to pass HR1, Elias said. We turn to the courts not as our first choice but as our last. President Joe Biden, who has said the laws are a sign the nation is backsliding into the days of Jim Crow, has said the Justice Department is looking at the new Georgia law. The Justice Department needs to step up here, too, and just use whatever powers are at their disposal, Van Hollen said. The Democrats' election overhaul would effectively neuter voter ID laws, put in place national automatic voter registration and prohibit partisan gerrymandering. While Republicans oppose the legislation, moderate Democrats such as Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona oppose rewriting Senate rules to pass the proposal with simple 51-vote majority. Right now, it need 60 votes to clear a Republican filibuster. Manchin on Wednesday expressed support for a narrower voting bill one that would restore the requirement that the Justice Department pre-clear" voting restrictions. His endorsement could be a sign of growing support for that measure, although it, too, would need Republican votes or a change in Senate rules. Still, Democrats seemed to have no clear path forward Thursday after they spent part of their weekly Senate lunch to discussing HR1 and voting. Manchin wasn't even there; he was in West Virginia hosting a visit from first lady Jill Biden. Democratic pledged to plow ahead, hoping the dynamics of HR1 would somehow change. We got to take it to the floor and spend some real time there to have this ripen, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Hearts and minds can change when there's real effort that's made. At the meeting on May 6 with Harris, civil rights leaders noted they were surprised by how corporations have spoken out against voting laws in some states. They suggested enlisting them to speak more enthusiastically about the right to vote or even back HR1. They talked about additional litigation but did not press Harris on the Justice Department's plans, according to Wade Henderson, interim president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, who attended. The White House said the meeting was an opportunity for Harris to hear directly from leaders of diverse constituencies about the work they are doing on the ground to mobilize their networks and combat voter suppression. The group talked about building political opposition, both on the ground and on the airwaves. Republican groups have launched ads promoting the new Georgia law as a commonsense way to secure elections. The left-leaning Just Democracy this week began a campaign in Arizona and Georgia featuring a speech by the late Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a longtime civil rights leader. The group also worried about the divisive partisanship. One point that a number of advocates brought up is that this is not a partisan issue this is about making sure all people can vote, said attendee John C. Yang, president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC. Henderson recounted that Harris did make clear that she and the president will use their bully pulpit to encourage Congress to make some impact. CHICAGO (AP) Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Chicagos main business district Wednesday in opposition to Israel and demanding an end to Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza strip that have left dozens dead. The demonstration occurred as Israel continued a military offensive that killed as many as 10 senior Hamas military figures among others and launched air strikes that toppled two high-rise towers housing Hamas facilities. The Islamic militant group continued to fire hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities. Many participating in the demonstration were from Bridgeview which has one of metropolitan Chicagos largest Palestinian populations. Its difficult to watch the news and see whats happening to our families and friends there, Hatem Abudayyeh, chairperson of the US Palestinian Community Network chairperson Hatem Abudayyeh told NBC-Chicago. Theyre very careful when theyre home, and theyre very anxious listening for the air raids. The violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed Israeli police tactics during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich issued a statement calling for prayer and peace between the two sides. There can be no doubt of Israels right to a secure existence. Palestinians, too, have a right to statehood, territorial integrity, and safety, Cupich said. Chicago Rabbi Elisha Prero told ABC-Chicago he was in Ramat Beit Emet halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv visiting his daughter as the violence escalated I was visiting my parents grave site with my wife and all of a sudden we heard what sounded like thunder, but this is the dry season, theres not a cloud in the sky, there is no rain coming, he said. It is bombs. You do not know where they are going to land. The rabbi said Palestinian aggression will not promote a better deal for their people. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has made many newsworthy statements in his long political career, but perhaps none has generated such an immediate and intense response as announcing a weekly $1 million prize and full-ride college scholarships to entice more Ohioans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The plan unveiled Wednesday by the Republican governor drew criticism from some Democratic and GOP lawmakers who said it isnt appropriate to use federal pandemic dollars for a contest. But Andy Slavitt, President Joe Bidens senior COVID-19 advisor, said anything that draws attention to vaccines is a good thing. In general, I think we like the idea of contests, Slavitt told CNN. DeWine says he understands people may think hes crazy and consider the concept a waste of money. But he said Wednesday the real waste is a loss of life to the virus now that the vaccine is available. Beginning May 26, the lottery will provide a $1 million prize each Wednesday for five weeks. HOW WILL THE OHIO VACCINE INCENTIVE WORK? DeWine said details are still being ironed out, but in short, Ohioans age 18 and older who have received at least one dose of the vaccine can get into the drawing one of two ways. Those who are registered voters in the Secretary of States database will be entered automatically. A website will be available for people to enter if theyre not in the elections system. Each week, names of potential winners will be drawn and their eligibility verified, including whether theyve been vaccinated, DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said. Then their names will be announced during the Ohio Lottery Wednesday evening broadcast, he said. Vaccinated Ohioans under 18 will be entered into a similar drawing for full college scholarships, including tuition and room and board. The state Health Department will administer the drawings with help from the Ohio Lottery Commission. Winners will pay taxes. The money will come from the Health Departments unspent coronavirus relief funds. Ohio already distributed $5.9 billion in federal pandemic funds, and is now in line to receive nearly $5.4 billion in aid from Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, amounts dwarfing the lottery payouts. CAN THE PRIZE WORK TO BOOST VACCINATIONS? The lottery is unlikely to change the minds of those who question the vaccines safety or are adamantly against getting the shot, said Jane Risen, a behavioral science professor at the University of Chicago who studies judgement and decision-making. But for those who are worried about side effects or dont want to take time off work, a $1 million prize could be persuasive, she said. We know people pay attention to lotteries and big prizes, she said. Even though the chances are small, people focus on the prize rather than the probability of winning. Theres also the fear of missing out, Risen said. When we get into these giant jackpots, you see people who would never buy a lottery ticket buying them, she said. WHAT DO LAWMAKERS THINK OF THE VACCINE INCENTIVES? In the past year, DeWine faced intense criticism from members of his own party over Ohios continued health orders. While they welcomed the tandem news Wednesday that the states mask mandate and other orders would end June 2, they also expressed skepticism at the lottery announcement. I do not support using gameshow gimmicks with our federal tax dollars, said Rep. Jon Cross, a Republican from Kenton in northern Ohio. On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron, the top House Democrat, questioned the use of federal funds for the lottery. Using millions of dollars in relief funds in a drawing is a grave misuse of money that could be going to respond to this ongoing crisis, she said. In Washington, Biden press secretary Jen Psaki said: The Department of Treasury has comprehensive guidelines, but does not typically opine on each individual program or creative approach by different states. ___ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of state Rep. Jon Cross, not Crossman. ___ Associated Press reporter John Seewer in Toledo contributed to this report. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) The father of a missing infant in Alabama was arrested on manslaughter charges Wednesday just hours after making a public plea for the babys safe return. News outlets report that the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said investigators on Wednesday night found the body of 5-week-old Caleb Whisnand, Jr., who had been reported missing earlier. Sheriffs deputies arrested the infants father, Caleb Whisnand, Sr. soon after he participated in a news conference about the disappearance. CHICAGO (AP) Federal court documents unsealed Wednesday reveal a man allegedly involved in the fatal shooting last month of a 7-year-old Chicago girl is believed to have fled Illinois. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court accuses 21-year-old Devontay Anderson, 21, with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Anderson has been charged in Cook County Circuit Court with first-degree murder in the death of Jaslyn Adams. SEATTLE (AP) Puget Sound ferry travelers can expect summer delays because last months fire aboard the ferry Wenatchee has forced the state to use smaller vessels than normal on several routes. The Seattle Times reports the Washington State Ferries is operating 18 vessels instead of the usual summer fleet of 19 boats. Besides a reduced number of ferries, state officials say crew shortages and quarantines related to COVID-19 further limit capacity, just as peak travel season begins. Lower-capacity schedules take effect Thursday night. The jumbo ferry Wenatchee remains docked at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island following the April 22 fire. That blaze occurred in the diesel engines during a test cruise, following an engine rebuild. Its being investigated by Washington State Ferries, the U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board. The Wenatchee, one of the states three largest ferries, might be idle four to six months though managers dont have a time or cost estimate yet. With that boat docked, the state loses capacity for 202 cars and 1,791 passengers. (The current Coast Guard license, which presumes 15 crew members trained in evacuations, doesnt allow the boats full capacity of 2,500 persons.) For now, the Seattle-Bainbridge route will operate with the 202-car Tacoma, paired with the smaller 188-car Walla Walla or 144-vehicle Kaleetan. The Seattle-Bremerton route will include the slower 64-vehicle Salish, and lose one early-afternoon round trip, until at least June 27. HELENA, Mont. (AP) Beginning this fall, all Montana physicians will be able to dispense medications they prescribe to patients, not just those whose offices are at least 10 miles (about 16 kilometers) away from a pharmacy. The catalyst for passing the legislation was a June 2020 lawsuit by the Institute for Justice challenging the constitutionality of the ban along with an acknowledgement by the chair of the Montana Pharmacy Association that the organization had previously opposed similar legislation to protect its own business model. The bill had nearly unanimous support in the legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday. The lawsuit forced the Montana Pharmacy Association to work with drafters on the bill because the association was concerned about how the lawsuit would be decided, said Logan Tinsen, chair of the association. The bill requires physicians who dispense medication to be regulated like a pharmacy and requires opioids to be dispensed by pharmacies. In the end, pharmacists understand the importance of taking care of patients and that means being amendable to change and looking ahead and not being so (protective) of our profession, Tinsen told a Senate committee in February. Montana did the right thing by allowing patients to decide for themselves where to purchase their prescribed medications, said Josh Windham, an attorney for the Arlington, Virginia-based Institute for Justice. The fact that the Montana Pharmacy Association said the quiet part out loud that these bans have always been motivated by economic protectionism should inspire the few remaining states with similar bans to follow suit. The Institute for Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging a similar ban in Texas. Texas and Massachusetts have legislation pending that would lift their bans, Windham said. New York, New Jersey and New Hampshire also effectively ban doctors from dispensing prescription drugs, he said. The physician plaintiffs in the Montana lawsuit all practice as direct primary care providers, meaning patients have contracts with them for basic medical care such as annual checkups and vaccines. The doctors have said they moved to direct primary care to eliminate insurance from the equation and also sought to dispense some medications. This legislation is another step toward achieving quality outcomes in medicine, plaintiff Dr. Cara Harrop of Polson said in a statement. Patients have the option of getting medication in an affordable and transparent model, doctors can be better informed about their patients compliance with their prescribed treatment plans, and pharmacists, where appropriate, can continue serving as consultants on the healthcare team. The bill takes effect on Oct. 1, its sponsor, Republican Sen. Cary Smith, said Thursday. Gianforte, a Republican, has signed another bill aimed at reducing prescription prices by allowing the state to regulate pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen between drug companies and pharmacies that help insurers manage their prescription drug benefits. It's not always clear the wholesale costs of drugs and what kind of rebates and other considerations the PBMs receive to include certain drugs in their formularies, which are lists of medications that insurance policies will cover. A lack of transparency into PBMs practices has long contributed to the rising costs of prescription drugs, Gianforte said in a statement Wednesday. By increasing oversight of the middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain, well bring generic drugs to market faster, increase drug pricing transparency, and promote accountability. That bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2022. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Hawaii man who pleaded guilty to cyberstalking a Utah family by sending more than 500 people to their house for unwanted services including food deliveries, plumbers and prostitutes was sentenced Thursday to three years of supervision and ordered to adhere to strict limitations on use of the internet. Loren Okamura, 45, apologized while appearing from his home in Hawaii during a video conference hearing based out of U.S. District Court in Utah. Okamura said he was struggling with depression after his wife died when the cyberstalking occurred. He was given credit in the sentence for the nearly one year he spent in jail before being released in October 2020, several months after he accepted a plea deal. I would like to apologize for my actions, Okamura said. These events are not in my character. I'm looking to close my chapter and start a new chapter. Prosecutors called the case an extreme example of the darker and seedier side of modern technology. Okamuras online stalking in 2018-2019 targeted a father and his adult daughter who live in a quiet, middle-class suburb of Salt Lake City, prosecutors alleged. He sent the woman threatening messages and posted her picture and address online, authorities said. One email told the woman she should sleep with one eye open and keep looking over her shoulder. The cyber harassment was "extensive and horrific, said Karin Fojtik, a prosecutor handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Utah. She objected to loosening strict rules Okamura must follow to be able to use the internet. Fojtik said having to get approval from his probation officer for internet use is a small inconvenience on Mr. Okamura compared to the harassment that he imposed on the victim. U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups agreed while giving Okamura's probation officers permission to adjust the internet restrictions to enable Okamura to do some of the basic things needed to function in society. This was a serious crime and involved a serious impact on victims," Waddoups said. It Involved conduct that is not only contrary to the law, its contrary to society's norms." The victims, the Gilmore family, had to enhance security around the house and lived in fear of the next unwanted person who would arrive at the house, day or night, their attorney Nathan Crane has said. Utah police went to the North Salt Lake house more than 80 times over a four-month period from November 2018 to February 2019, leading the family to post a sign in the driveway that alerted anyone coming to provide services that it was a scam and to instead report it to police. The services included repair crews, tow trucks and locksmiths. Nobody from the Gilmore family spoke during the sentencing hearing but an attorney representing them said the family is grateful to federal agents and prosecutor who worked on the case, Cane said. The family has been through a terrible ordeal and is grateful that it is over and that Mr. Okamura has been held accountable for his actions, Crane said in an emailed statement. Prosecutors never revealed the relationship between the victim and Okamura, but his federal public defender, Vanessa Ramos, said Thursday they met online. Ramos said Okamura is receiving mental health treatment, complying with conditions of his supervision and shown he's ready to move on. She requested the court ease the online restrictions so he could do basic functions he needs to do online. Investigators began honing in on Okamura as the suspect in January 2019 when the Gilmores were granted a protective injunction from him in Utah, but it took investigators until that October to gather enough evidence to charge Okamura because of his use of encryption and apps that made him appear anonymous, prosecutors said. He wasnt arrested until late November because police struggled to find him because he didnt have a permanent address or job and authorities said he was savvy with technology used to mask his phones location. Prosecutors have said they have records from Okamuras cellphone and Apple ID to support the charges. When Okamura greed to the plea deal in July 2020, prosecutors agreed to drop two additional charges: interstate threats and transporting people for prostitution. NORTH WEBSTER, Ind. (AP) A northern Indiana man who crashed his car while talking on his cellphone was discovered badly injured by officers who used a messaging app to find the wrecked vehicle, police said. Officers were contacted late Tuesday by someone who told them they were talking to Easton Adkins, 19, of Columbia City when they suddenly lost contact with him as he was driving near Durham Lake. The caller said people were searching the area for Adkins. The couple in the website videos could be hawking any number of products. Youre going to love owning the platinum package, Charlene Bollinger says, as a picture of a DVD set and other products flashes on screen. Her husband, Ty, promises a directors cut edition. Click the orange button, his wife says, to join in the fight for health freedom or more specifically, to pay $199 to $499 for the Bollingers video series, The Truth About Vaccines 2020. The Bollingers are part of an ecosystem of for-profit companies, nonprofit groups and social media accounts that stoke fear and distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, using what medical experts say is often misleading and false information. An investigation by The Associated Press has found that the couple works closely with others prominent in the anti-vaccine movement including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Childrens Health Defense to drive sales through affiliate marketing relationships. According to the Bollingers, there's big money involved. They have said that they have sold tens of millions of dollars of products and paid out $12 million to affiliates. This is a disinformation industry, said Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, who specializes in vaccine policy. The Bollingers were already in the business of selling vaccine disinformation before COVID-19 hit. But the pandemic presented them and others a huge opportunity to expand. The Bollingers aligned themselves with right-wing supporters of former President Donald Trump establishing a Super PAC to push what they call medical freedom, participating in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and promoting lies like the assertion that the election was stolen from Trump. On the afternoon of Jan. 6, as supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, the Bollingers held a rally just blocks away. As emergency vehicles screamed past, Charlene Bollinger celebrated from the stage, calling it an amazing day. Meanwhile, Ty Bollinger stood at the doors of the Capitol, though he says he did not enter. The Tennessee couples social media accounts have been identified as among the top vaccine misinformation super spreaders by organizations such as NewsGuard and The Center for Countering Digital Hate. They have more than 1 million followers on Facebook, and Charlene Bollinger has said their email list has a couple million people on it. Public health experts, including U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, say such disinformation undermines the effort to immunize enough people to stop the pandemic. The Bollingers declined interview requests and didn't respond to AP's emailed questions. Ty Bollinger began their business several years ago with books and DVDs such as The Truth About Cancer, which medical experts say included unproven information about alternatives to chemotherapy. He describes himself as a medical researcher but the AP could find no indication he has any scientific training. In 2017, the business expanded into vaccines. When coronavirus hit, it pivoted again, selling false or baseless information about COVID-19. Their false and unsubstantiated claims include linking 5G wireless signals to the virus and that adverse vaccine reactions are underreported. One recent post falsely claimed vaccines are more likely to kill you than the virus. Some commenters were swayed. Thank you so much for all the information you provide us! I will not get the vaccine! one wrote. Its not clear how much money they have made, but there are clues. The Bollingers company, TTAC Publishing LLC, filed a lawsuit last year in which they stated that TTAC had secured over $25 million in customer transactions since 2014. Dun & Bradstreet, which estimates company revenues, estimated TTAC Publishing has earned a little more than $3 million last year. On applications for pandemic-related government loans, TTAC Publishing said it had 16 employees in May 2020, and 27 in February 2021. The Bollingers employ affiliate marketing, where people are paid for spreading the word about a product. Affiliates for the Truth About Vaccines 2020 video series would receive an affiliate ID, used to track who referred a customer, according to its web page, which was taken down after AP asked about information posted on it. Affiliates earned 40% commissions on digital products and 30% on physical products, as well as chances for bonuses for top performers. Kennedys nonprofit, Childrens Health Defense, was one of several affiliates listed. In a version captured by the Internet Archive in spring 2020, Kennedy was named among the Top 10 on the series' Overall Sales Leaderboard. Childrens Health Defense made five Facebook posts plugging The Truth About Vaccines 2020 while using an affiliate ID." Laura Bono, executive director of the group, said being an affiliate meant only that it shared their materials and that It doesnt mean theres a business relationship. Bono said the Bollingers donated $10,000 to Childrens Health Defense in December 2019 and that they received what she called a negligible amount in donations after people followed their links and chose to buy. She estimated the amount at about $1,000 and declined to clarify. No. 1, I dont know it, and No. 2, I dont think its any of your business, Bono said. Others have received substantial amounts. In a lawsuit brought last year, a former affiliate who promoted The Truth About Cancer said he earned around $240,000 in commissions from 2015 to 2018. In an archived 2018 version of the Truth About Vaccines Affiliate Center, the company states that 25,000 people purchased its first The Truth About Vaccines video series. It said the company had paid affiliates more than $12 million for sharing our events with their audiences. Super-spreaders of vaccine disinformation such as the Bollingers and Kennedy have exploited their relationships with other groups to access new markets, said Imran Ahmed of the Center for Countering Digital Hate. For example, Kennedy has worked to appeal to African Americans, while the Bollingers have targeted the MAGA movement and far right. The Bollingers last year founded a political action committee, United Medical Freedom Super PAC. The group paid conservative political consultant Roger Stone more than $11,000 on Dec. 18, for what Stone said was an October rally in Nashville. He was also billed as the keynote speaker for the Bollingers' Jan. 6 MAGA Freedom Rally D.C., but said he did not go after the insurrection at the Capitol. Video of the event shows Charlene Bollinger celebrating the Capitol breach. The Capitol has been stormed by patriots, were here for this reason, we are winning. She added: We are at war. ___ Associated Press investigative researcher Randy Herschaft and AP medical writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this report. ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ ATLANTA (AP) Georgia is cutting off federal unemployment programs that provide a $300-a-week boost to people on the jobless rolls, as well as programs that pay federal money to people not usually eligible for state unemployment or who have been on jobless aid for longer than the state provides, a move that could reduce incomes of about 390,000 jobless Georgians. Gov. Brian Kemp and Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced the decision Thursday to quit the programs as of June 26. Both of the elected Republicans had indicated worker-hungry employers are demanding that the state do more to force people into the workforce. Were not doing away with regular unemployment, Kemp said in an appearance on Fox News. Were just taking away this federal subsidy thats encouraging people not to get in the workforce. Advocates for keeping the benefits say it's still too soon to remove extra support for the unemployed and that the labor market remains deeply disrupted, especially among women who are struggling to provide child care to children who are neither in school nor in child care five days a week. About 32,000 Georgians filed new unemployment claims in the week that ended May 8, a number that remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Elizabeth Knight, a Savannah resident, said she was furloughed in July and terminated in November from her job as an employment counselor for the disabled because the COVID-19 pandemic shut down operations. She's been drawing unemployment since. Knight said one issue holding her back is that her son attends school in person only three days a week. Its kind of hard to go back and try to find a new job when my current job is not available anymore, Knight said. Now I have to go and find another career. Georgia is the latest state to announce it's pulling out of federal programs that were supposed to last through September. Ohio and Arizona made similar announcements Thursday. All the states that have pulled out are led by Republicans, including Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and a number of other business groups on Monday called for suspending the benefits, saying businesses are having trouble finding workers. The groups also called for a broader approach to increasing the workforce, saying employers would be short of labor even if everyone on unemployment got hired. This is an issue Im getting pounded on every day with our small business people, Kemp said. Its not fair to the people that are currently in the workforce. They are getting killed right now, theyre having to work so many hours. They need some help. The Century Foundation estimates Georgia workers could lose more than $1.2 billion in income. For those in the state-run unemployment program, benefits will fall to regular levels, with a weekly maximum of $365 and a minimum of $55. Butler also said last week that he would reinstate the normal requirement that people drawing benefits search for work in the next few months, but didnt say when. Cody Hall, a spokesperson for Kemp, suggested in a text message that the federal government could continue to pay special Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to people who aren't usually eligible for unemployment, including the self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, or employees of churches and nonprofits. Hall didn't immediately respond to requests to clarify how that might work. The National Employment Law Project suggested in a Tuesday letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh that the federal government could force states to continue paying PUA because Congress didn't provide for an opt-out, or could take over payments itself. About 121,000 people were receiving traditional unemployment benefits from the state program as of May 8. Another 126,000 Georgians were getting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, while an additional 143,000 were getting extended benefits under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which provides for another 13 weeks of benefits after the regular 26 weeks run out. Gov. Kemp intentionally choosing to end the $300 federal unemployment supplement while Georgians are continuing to live through a pandemic, balance child care needs, and attempt to pay for basic necessities is not consistent with a balanced approach and not responsible, said Democratic state Rep. William Boddie of East Point, who is seeking his partys nomination for labor commissioner. Despite those numbers, Georgias workforce is only 44,000 below the record of 5.2 million that it hit in March 2020. Employer payrolls are 4%, or 180,000, below the all-time high of 4.67 million. Georgia had a 4.5% unemployment rate in March, below the 6% national average. ___ Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy. BOSTON (AP) Children ages 12 through 15 were set to begin receiving Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shots in Massachusetts on Thursday. The state began allowing shots into the arms of the 400,000 Massachusetts kids who fall into that age category after an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Wednesday to recommend Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids ages 12 to 15. The young people can book appointments or use walk-up access to get the shot, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday. The administration is also seeking input from pediatricians and primary care physicians and said regional health collaboratives will also play a role in delivering shots to young people, Baker said. CVS pharmacies are among the locations offering the vaccine shots to young people. Parental or legal guardian consent is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Offering vaccinations to younger populations at thousands of locations across the country brings us one step closer to prevailing over the pandemic, said Karen Lynch, President and Chief Executive officer of CVS Health. Other pharmacies including Walgreens are also offering shots to young people. Pfizer isn't the only company to seek a lower age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects data the FDA will need to scrutinize. ___ STOP THE SPREAD TESTING A program providing free COVID-19 testing in 35 locations across the state is being extended through Sept. 30. The Stop the Spread COVID-19 initiative was initially set to close on June 30. Testing is one of the key public health tools -- in addition to contact tracing, complying with public health mitigation measures and getting vaccinated -- to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, state health officials said. More than two millions tests have been conducted at the locations. All told more than 22 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted statewide at all testing providers since the start of the pandemic. ___ WORCESTER SCHOOLS' VACCINE CLINICS The Worcester Public Schools is planning to hold walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics for middle and high school students. Middle school students will need to have a parent or guardian accompany them to the clinics, according to school Superintendent Maureen Binienda, MassLive reported. Students will need to bring forms to the clinic. Family members age 12 and older can also get vaccinated at the middle school clinics. The high school clinics are only for high school students. Students will need to bring forms to the school nurse. Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine have is being allowed for children aged 12 to 15. ___ VIRUS BY THE NUMBERS The number of new daily cases of COVID-19 increased by more than 600 Thursday while the number of newly confirmed coronavirus deaths in Massachusetts rose by nine. The new numbers pushed the states confirmed COVID-19 death toll to 17,366 since the start of the pandemic, while its confirmed caseload rose to about 655,000. The true number of cases is likely higher because studies suggest some people can be infected and not feel sick. There were fewer than 400 people reported hospitalized Thursday because of confirmed cases of COVID-19, with about 110 in intensive care units. The average age of those hospitalized was 55. There were an estimated 16,000 people with current active cases of COVID-19 in the state. More than 6.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Massachusetts, including more than 3.8 million first doses and more than 2.8 million second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. There have been about 228,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered. More than 3 million people have been fully immunized. IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) The lawsuit against a retired Idaho gynecologist accused of using his own sperm to inseminate a patient seeking fertility treatments has been dismissed. Sally Ashby and Howard Fowler brought the lawsuit against Dr. Gerald Mortimer in 2018 after their daughter, Kelli Rowlette, learned through genetic testing that Mortimer was her biological father, not Fowler. The case had been set to go to trial next Monday but court records said it was dismissed in April. No reason was listed in the records for why the lawsuit was dismissed. Lawyers for the couple said they could not discuss the case, the Post Register reported. Mortimer's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment, the newspaper said. Ashby and Fowler stated in the lawsuit that they went to the doctor for help conceiving in 1979. Mortimer recommended that the couple mix Fowler's DNA with that of a donor and the couple paid to access a donor bank. In 2017, their daughter learned through genetic testing offered by Ancestry.com that Mortimer, whom she did not know, was her biological father. Rowlette then saw on her birth certificate that Mortimer was the doctor who signed the certificate. Ashby then told Rowlette for the first time that she was conceived through artificial insemination using a sperm donor. The lawsuit demanded damages in excess of $75,000, alleging Mortimer secretly used his own sperm in the procedure against the couples wishes to use a college student. Mortimer initially denied the lawsuit's allegations but ultimately admitted to using his own sperm to impregnate patients on more than one occasion, the Post Register reported, citing a deposition. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) The ringleader of a group that stole about $700,000 worth of construction equipment, boats, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and trailers from dealers across New England has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said. Jose Montes, who also goes by Jose Rivera, 36, of Cranston, pleaded guilty Wednesday to multiple counts of transporting stolen property across state lines, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Providence. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Louisianas governor urged the federal government on Thursday to resume offshore oil and gas leasing within months. The head of the federal agency that runs offshore lease sales didn't say whether sales will resume. its important to support the oil and gas industry even as the nation moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who has set ambitious climate goals in a state where petroleum fuels the economy and underwrites coastal restoration. Im a governor of an energy producing state but also a state thats on the front lines of climate crisis, he told the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.. The four hurricanes that hit Louisiana last year show its vulnerability to increasing, stronger storms, he said during the session livestreamed from Washington. But, the governor said, a prolonged pause or an abrupt end to new offshore operations would devastate Louisianas economy and its ability to restore its vanishing wetlands and work against climate change. Twice-yearly lease sales aren't the only offshore activity halted by President Joe Biden's Jan. 27 order calling on the Interior Department to review its procedures, said David Dismukes, head of the Center for Energy Studies at Louisiana State University. It also stopped changes to drilling permits or plans and applications for those are sent in daily, he said. If you got a lease three or four years ago and submit a drilling plan, you're not going to get that processed, he said. Edwards said he is urging the government to resume lease sales by the third quarter of this year, and to increase coastal states' share of offshore revenues. Closing down production in the Gulf of Mexico would merely move it to countries which have fewer environmental protections, said Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican. When he asked whether the administration will commit to further leasing in the Gulf, Amanda Lefton, head of the Bureau of Offshore Energy Management, said only that an interim report will be out in early summer. The Independent Petroleum Association of America focused on that exchange. Lepton would not confirm that leasing will ever resume in the Gulf of Mexico, its news release said. This uncertainty is stifling investment for offshore energy producers, hindering not just future wells but ongoing operations, said Mallori Miller, the group's vice president of governmental relations. Dustin Renaud, spokesman for the environmental nonprofit Healthy Gulf, said, I think its pretty important that Governor Edwards straight-up acknowledged that Louisiana is on the front lines of climate change. But his coupling that with a call to continue oil and gas production at current levels is speaking out of both sides of his mouth, Renaud said. Oi and gas in the Gulf is on a downward trend. ... We need to look forward to where jobs are going to be, he said. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Republican House lawmakers on Thursday began advancing a proposal to offer Louisiana residents receiving unemployment up to $1,000 to go back to work, but only if they give up their right to claim jobless benefits for six months. GOP lawmakers on the House labor committee added the language pushed by Rep. Mike Echols into a separate measure that sought to modestly increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit offered in Louisiana. The vote to add the incentive provision was 6-5, with Republicans supporting it and Democrats in opposition. The idea of a one-time bonus payment stems from Republican claims that expanded federal jobless benefits have depressed peoples interest in returning to employment, leaving businesses with difficulty finding workers as they dig out of the pandemic's damage. The intent of this legislation is to get people back to work as quickly as possible, said Echols, a Monroe Republican. Our businesses are struggling in this state, and this is an incentive. The payments to people who leave unemployment and gain jobs would be paid with federal coronavirus relief aid. People who return to work for 10 to 20 hours a week would be eligible for a $500 incentive payment. Those who return to work for an average of 30 hours or more a week would be able to receive a one-time lump sum of $1,000. The incentive payments would only be available to workers until July 1 and only to those whose wages don't exceed $75,000. This is just one tool to try to motivate folks, Echols said. While some businesses say they believe a $300-a-week extra federal jobless benefit is discouraging some unemployed from taking new jobs, government surveys also show people are reluctant to look for work because they fear contracting COVID-19. Others note that many women have dropped out of the workforce, likely to care for children or possibly others in their family. Democrats on the House committee had objections about tying a work incentive payment with a ban on receiving unemployment for 26 weeks after acceptance of the funds. They suggested that not all jobs work out and people may need to return to jobless benefits for a host of unforeseen reasons. I'm concerned about the language, said Rep. Tammy Phelps, a Shreveport Democrat. Echols' proposal was added into a separate bill by Democratic Rep. Rodney Lyons, of Harvey, to raise the state's maximum weekly unemployment benefits which are currently set at $247 by $28. The legislation was a deal struck by business and labor associations. Lyons said he wasn't told of Echols' plan before his bill was hijacked to also include the incentive provision. The add-on provision was praised by Dawn Starns McVea, Louisiana director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Last spring, Congress helped families impacted by the pandemic by providing additional unemployment benefits so they could get through the immediate crisis. Now, businesses are hiring again, but employers say hardly anyone is applying," McVea said in a statement. ___ The bill is filed as Senate Bill 610. ___ Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte. NEW ORLEANS (AP) A lawsuit that resulted in a federal judge expanding early voting and mail balloting during last year's presidential election in Louisiana was formally dismissed Thursday by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. But it remained alive in a federal appeals court, where Republican state officials want to keep the battle alive. Voting rights advocates got what they wanted last fall when U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick ordered the expanded voting opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic. Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, the state's top election official, did not try to block the Sept. 16 order as the November election neared. But, he and Republican state Attorney General Jeff Landry are appealing, hoping the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will rule that Dick's order was wrong. The plaintiffs, including the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, say the issue is moot. They argue that their lawsuit dealt only with the November and December Louisiana elections, and they have a right to have it dismissed. They filed a letter with the 5th Circuit Thursday noting Dick's dismissal of the lawsuit. As of Thursday, appellate arguments were still set for the afternoon of June 7 at the appeals court. The Republican leaders say the judge, in September's order, took actions legally reserved for state lawmakers. Absent a ruling in their favor, they say in appellate court briefs, this caseif not addressed by this Courtcould become a roadmap for similarly timed future actions. Debates on how and whether to expand early voting and mail voting in Louisiana divided state officials for much of 2020 as the state contended with surges in the virus that causes COVID-19. Some expansions were eventually approved for summer elections. Dicks Sept. 16 ruling said the states failure to approve similar expansions for the fall elections was likely unconstitutional because it imposes an undue burden on Plaintiffs right to vote. AP DALLAS (AP) A man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to killing a 22-year-old Dallas woman as she went to celebrate her birthday with friends, prosecutors said. The Dallas County district attorney's office said Glen Richter, 51, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Sara Hudson. Richter, who was originally charged with capital murder, must serve 30 years before he's eligible for parole, according to prosecutors. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) A small group of Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday asked fellow Republican Gov. Mike Parson to call a special session on state election laws. Seven Republicans on the House's elections committee wrote in a letter to Parson that they're worried election law priorities won't pass by lawmakers' Friday deadline. Republican Rep. Dan Shaul, the elections committee chairman, said legislation to require voters to show photo identification at the polls should pass. He also said lawmakers need to change the rules for putting policy proposals on the ballot. Unfortunately, these important issues are being held up in the Senate, Shaul wrote to Parson. On behalf of of our constituents across the state of Missouri, my colleagues and I ask you to call a special session upon adjournment of our current legislative session to address election priorities. A spokeswoman for Parson did not immediately return an Associated Press request for comment Wednesday. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 BERKELEY, Mo. (AP) Two people died in a crash on Interstate 70 in suburban St. Louis that shut down the westbound lanes of the interstate early Thursday ahead of morning rush-hour traffic, Missouri highway officials said. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the two-vehicle crash happened around 4:30 a.m. Thursday near Interstate 170. A stretch of I-70 was closed as an accident reconstruction team was called in to investigate. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina state senators voted unanimously on Wednesday for a broad criminal justice measure that attempts to weed out misbehaving officers, provide mental health aid to law enforcement and help families view police body camera footage quickly. The measure was largely written by Republicans but reflected input from Democrats and an array of outside groups and law enforcement lobbying groups after a year of national focus on racial inequity and police shootings of Black residents. The bill now goes to the House, where legislators have approved their own police reforms, some of which also are contained in the omnibus Senate measure. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) For months, Victoria McAllister searched online to make a vaccination appointment. Unlike other people who can hop into a car, though, she has ruptured discs that could slice her spinal cord if she hits a pothole or her wheelchair bumps floor molding. So McAllister, 64, was over the moon when her local county health department in Hayward, California, called offering to inoculate her against COVID-19 at home. Two paramedics with Hayward Fire came last month, jabbed her arm with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and stuck around to make sure she was alright. Absolutely blessed, she said of how she felt after receiving her vaccination. As soon as they left, she called her doctors and passed along the county phone number with this message: Call this number and get all your homebound patients to call this number. As interest in mass coronavirus vaccination sites dwindles nationwide, providers are ramping up efforts to find and reach millions of people in the U.S. who cannot leave their homes or who need help with transportation. The process is slow and requires careful planning, but advocates say getting vaccinated is critical for people who are constantly exposed to visiting aides and that they should have been a focus sooner. While the effort is happening in many states, experts say California has one of the most robust programs. Last week, state officials announced residents could go online or call a number to request a ride or an at-home vaccination. So far, there have been more than 5,000 requests for help, said state public health spokeswoman Sami Gallegos. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is stepping up efforts, Gov. Tom Wolf said in April. Health care workers at Boston Medical Center started racing to inoculate patients in February. And New Jersey, under pressure from advocacy groups, recently posted a phone number and online form for people needing in-home vaccinations. Elsewhere, the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, which delivers hot meals to thousands of people in Dallas County, is partnering with the fire department to deliver about 60 in-home vaccinations a week. Jennifer Atwood, managing director of development and communications for the Texas nonprofit, said a woman who survived brain cancer only to fear COVID-19 was almost in tears about getting the vaccine. Another client in her late 80s was persuaded to accept a vaccination after speaking with Atwood and others. It's hard to say just how many people are in the group. Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Christine Ritchie has said there are an estimated 2 million homebound adults in the U.S. and another 5 million who have trouble leaving their homes or require help to do so. Inoculation efforts are scattered, and much depends on local officials and medical providers. California is one of the few states Ive heard thats doing anything in regards to that, like actually going out and vaccinating people in their homes, said Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council on Independent Living, an advocacy group in Washington. He and others are frustrated that providers and government are just now starting to focus on that population. This was a problem we knew we were going to have, said Caitlin Donovan, spokeswoman for the National Patient Advocate Foundation. How are there not plans in place? In Los Angeles County, Torrance Memorial Medical Center started inoculating people at home in March, identifying people through a city hotline, county health department, senior centers and doctors offices, said Mei Tsai, a pharmacist who coordinates the program. Socorro Franco-Martinez, 50, and her sister, Barbara Franco, 47, were vaccinated Wednesday. The sisters both have weakened lungs from muscular dystrophy and have stayed home for more than a year, tended to by Socorro's husband, Martin Martinez. The socially active sisters can't wait to return to the beach, mall and Sunday Mass, as well as catch up on medical and dental visits. I dont want to be here in the house forever, said Barbara Franco. After my COVID-19 shot, I can have a little freedom. Under federal guidelines, seniors in nursing homes and health care workers were prioritized when California began vaccinations in December. Homebound people were not in the spotlight. This is a group of people who, since the pandemic began last year, have been afraid for their lives and who were worried they would be left behind," said Dr. Kathleen Clanon, medical director Alameda County's Health Care Services Agency in the San Francisco Bay Area. Last week, nurses Patricia Calloway and Devette Laflore wheeled carriers of vaccine and paperwork to several homes, including the Hayward condo of Patti Amaral, 73. She has severe sciatica and hasnt left the upstairs for at least a year and a half. The nurses stayed after the shots to monitor Amaral and her husband, John McFarland, who called their visit a treat. You're both angels, he told the nurses. ___ Associated Press video journalist Terence Chea contributed from Hayward, California. WASHINGTON (AP) Reports of sexual assaults among the U.S. military increased by a very small amount in 2020, a year when troops were largely locked down for months as bases around the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Pentagon. The annual report released Thursday showed that sexual assault reports involving service members went up by about 1%, compared with the 2019 totals. According to the report, there were a total of 7,816 reports in 2020, roughly the same as in 2019. Of those, 6,290 involved members of the military and occured during during their military service a 1% increase over the 6,236 Service member reports received in 2019. The report said that the number of assaults reported by civilian victims as well as those involving pre-enlistment attacks decreased. Army and Marine Corps saw slight increases in the number of reports, while the Navy and Air Force saw small decreases. It is unclear how much of a role the pandemic played in the small increase in assaults last year, or whether any new programs had an impact. Maj. Gen. Clement Coward, director of the Pentagon's sexual assault and prevention office, said Thursday that while some progress has been made, we must do more to prevent this crime. While small, the increase is likely to only fuel the escalating debate about the Defense Department's failure to reduce the number of sexual assaults and harassment over the last decade or more. And it will do little to quash growing arguments that military prosecutions of the crimes must be taken away from commanders and turned over to civilians. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins first directive after he took office in January ordered senior leaders to look into their sexual assault prevention programs, and he later created an independent panel to study the matter. That panel has already recommended that decisions to prosecute service members for sexual assault be made by independent authorities, not commanders. Such a change would be a major reversal of military practice and a shift long sought by congressional lawmakers. Austin has given service leaders 30 days to review the recommendation and come back to him with their input. The latest report said that a bit more than two-thirds of the 3,358 cases that were resolved last year resulted in some type of discipline or other action taken against an attacker roughly the same as the previous year. The punishments ranged from courts martial to administrative actions. According to the data, commanders concluded that 33 cases were unfounded, and there was insufficient evidence to prosecute in another 801 cases.r As in previous years, most of the incidents involved young, lower ranking enlisted service members. And, last year about 80 percent of the victims were women and 80 percent of the alleged attackers were men. The military's handling of sexual assaults and other violence has come under significant scrutiny in the aftermath of a series of violent crimes, including murders and suicides last year at Fort Hood, Texas. More than two dozen Fort Hood soldiers died in 2020, including Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who was killed by a fellow soldier. Her death prompted an independent review, which found that military leaders were not adequately dealing with high rates of sexual assault and harassment at the post. The chairman of the independent review panel told members of Congress in a hearing earlier this year that the base leadership was focused on military readiness, and completely and utterly neglected the sexual assault prevention program. As a result, he said, lower-level unit commanders didnt encourage service members to report assaults, and in many cases were shaming victims or were actually the perpetrators themselves. Those conclusions have spurred military and defense leaders to pursue new solutions to the problem, which has stymied Pentagon officials for years. According to the new data, the Marines had about a 3% increase in total reports, from 1,149 in 2019 to 1,181 in 2020; while the Army had less than a 1% increase, from 3,219 to 3,250. Navy reports went down by about 3%, from 1,774 to 1,724, and the Air Force saw a decline of about 1%, from 1,683 to 1,661. No member of the Army team should be subjected to sexual harassment, sexual assault, or associated retaliation, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Gabriel Ramirez., adding that the Army will continue to improve programs and encourage reporting. Formal reports of sexual assaults have steadily gone up since 2006, including a 13% jump in 2018 and a 3% increase in 2019,,according to the Pentagon. The department releases a report every year on the number of sexual assaults in the military. Because sexual assault is a highly under-reported crime, the department also sends out an anonymous survey every two years to get a clearer picture of the problem. That survey was last done in 2018, and was scheduled for last year, but those plans were scrapped due to the pandemic. The department has worked to encourage victims to come forward and implemented a wide range of programs to both deter assaults and protect and treat victims. Officials have also focused more time training leaders how to better reach out to their young troops. BEIJING (AP) Muslim leaders from the Xinjiang region rejected Western allegations that China is suppressing religious freedom, speaking to foreign diplomats and media at a reception at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The event Thursday was the latest in a series of moves by the Chinese government to counter accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. It came a day after human rights groups and Western nations met and demanded unfettered access for U.N. human rights experts to the region and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned China for crimes against humanity and genocide against Muslim Uyghurs during the release of an annual report on international religious freedom. The Uyghurs are a mostly Muslim ethnic group in Xinjiang, a remote northwest region where China has been accused of mass incarcerations, forced labor and forced sterilization in recent years as it imposed a strict security regime after a series of militant attacks. Echoing the government line, the president of the Xinjiang Islamic Association said China had eradicated the breeding ground for extremism by improving livelihoods, teaching people about the law and setting up vocational training and education centers. Foreign analysts say the centers are part of a detention system that has locked up an estimated 1 million people or more over time. Abdureqip Tomurniyaz, who heads the association and the school for Islamic studies in Xinjiang, accused anti-China forces in the U.S. and other Western nations of spreading rumors and lies. They want to sabotage Xinjiangs harmony and stability, contain Chinas rise and alienate relations between China and Islamic countries, he said. He also said the U.S. is turning a blind eye to its own human rights violations, citing the U.S. involvement in conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries and anti-Muslim discrimination at home. Religious leaders from five mosques spoke at the 90-minute presentation, three in person and two by video. They all described prayers and feasting for Eid al-Fitr and rejected criticism of China's religious policies. Videos showed men praying inside mosques and people dancing in squares outside. However, the Uyghur Human Rights Project, a U.S.-based group, said in a report Thursday that it had documented at least 630 religious figures who have been detained or imprisoned in Xinjiang, most since 2014. The charges included illegal preaching and teaching religion to children, which is outlawed in China. Mamat Juma, the imam of the historic Id Kah mosque in the city of Kashgar, said all ethnic groups in Xinjiang support the steps taken to combat terrorism. He said people are grateful to the ruling Communist Party for restoring stability and promoting economic growth. At a daily briefing Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Wednesday's meeting of human rights groups and Western nations was based on lies and political bias," and accused participating nations of ignoring their own histories of prejudice and racism. The conference was full of monstrous lies and disinformation, and was another clumsy performance and outright political farce by the United States and a few other countries that have no bottom lines," Hua said. Hua said China was not denying unfettered access to Xinjiang for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights because it had anything to hide, but because of the likelihood that any resulting reports would be distorted. I would like to ask that if someone falsely accuses and frames you with lies and then brutally and unreasonably demands you open your door unconditionally and allow them to go to your home and rummage through your closet, will you allow? This is not about facts, but about sovereignty and dignity," Hua said. China welcomes all unbiased people from all countries to visit Xinjiang but is firmly opposed to so-called investigations that are based on rumors and lies and presumption of guilt," Hua said. Ahead of the meeting, Chinas U.N. Mission sent notes to many of the U.N.s 193 member nations urging them not to participate in the anti-China event. And Chinas U.N. ambassador, Zhang Jun, sent text messages to the 15 Western co-sponsors of the meeting expressing shock at their support and urging them to think twice and withdraw it. Zhang warned that if they didn't, it would be harmful to our relationship and cooperation. At the meeting, British U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward called the situation in Xinjiang one of the worst human rights crises of our time. The evidence, from a growing number of credible sources including satellite imagery, survivor testimony and publicly available Chinese government documents is of grave concern, said Woodward, who previously was the U.K. ambassador in China. The evidence points to a program of repression of specific ethnic groups. Expressions of religion have been criminalized and Uyghur language and culture are discriminated against systematically and at scale. AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Days after announcing a plan to buy four other hospitals for $950 million, Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare has signed an agreement to take over Augusta's University Hospital system, pushing deeper into a statewide expansion. Directors of the three-hospital University system announced Wednesday that they have approved a nonbinding letter of intent. Jim Davis, CEO of the nonprofit University system, says the merger could be completed late this year or early next year. Davis tells WJBF-TV that University is likely to change its name to Piedmont-Augusta. Hospitals have been merging to seek greater market power in bargaining for reimbursement rates with insurers. University began seeking a partner in 2019, saying remaining independent would have been difficult with payment rates declining and costs rising. Piedmont also offers access to technology and data systems University cant afford. Earlier this month, Piedmont announced plans to buy four other hospitals in Macon, Cartersville and Snellville from the for-profit HCA Healthcare for $950 million. Together, these deals would make Piedmont much larger than its three Atlanta-area hospital rivals, Emory Healthcare, Northside Hospital and Wellstar Health System. University runs two hospitals in Augusta, leased from the public Richmond County Hospital Authority, as well as one in McDuffie County. Davis told The Augusta Chronicle that the current University organization would keep the lease until it expires in 2045, with Piedmont taking over the lease then. University also runs three nursing homes. Details have not been finalized, but University said nonprofit Piedmont has committed to invest more than $1 billion in the next 10 years to expand and upgrade University's operations. Piedmont also agreed to spend at least $2 million a year to help address unmet community health needs, and to make sure University's charity care policy remains at least as generous as it is now. Piedmont will make Augusta a hub for clinical services and promises that Augusta-area residents will be part of Piedmont Healthcare's board. Its going to bring us access to capital that we need to improve our facilities, Davis told the newspaper. Our main building is 50 years old. Our master plan for the facility requires almost $500 million of capital. Any agreement must be reviewed by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and is subject to a public hearing. In combination, the two deals would give Piedmont 18 acute-care hospitals in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Athens and north Georgia, an area that includes more than three quarters of Georgia's population. The Augusta community is a community weve always been interested in serving and feel like we can add value to what is already being provided there, Piedmont CEO Kevin Brown said. ROME (AP) Pope Francis met Thursday with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, months after Argentina legalized abortion despite a personal appeal from the pontiff and opposition from the Catholic Church. In a break with usual practice, the Vatican communique about Fernandezs visit omitted any reference to issues discussed between the president and pope. The brief statement provided only a rundown of topics Fernandez discussed with the Vatican secretary of state and foreign minister: the pandemic, Argentinas financial crisis and its fight against poverty. The meeting took place in a side study off the Vaticans auditorium rather than in the Apostolic Palace, where official state visits are usually held. The location, often used for less formal meetings, is where Francis received Queen Elizabeth II in 2014. Its the second time Francis and Fernandez have met and added yet another wrinkle in the Argentine popes sometimes strained relationship with the governments of his native country. He has declined to return home since his 2013 election, friends say, because he wants to avoid being used for political ends by the reigning government. Argentinas abortion law, which Fernandez firmly supported, went into effect in January. It guarantees the procedure up to the 14th week of pregnancy and beyond that in cases of rape or when a womans health is at risk. Fernandez, a Peronist, had campaigned on pledges to make abortion legal and free. Argentina thus is the largest nation in Latin America to legalize elective abortion, a development feminist movements have hailed and that could pave the way for similar legislation across the socially conservative, heavily Roman Catholic region. Francis, who has repeatedly denounced abortion as evidence of todays throwaway culture, issued a last-minute appeal before the December vote, noting in a tweet that Christ was born as an outcast, and came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable. The Jesuit pope had also encouraged opponents of the legislation, writing a letter in November in which he asked: Is it fair to eliminate a human life to solve a problem? Is it fair to hire a hit man to solve a problem? Fernandez is in Italy as part of a European tour that also included Portugal, Spain and France. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Leonard Hammer, University of Arizona and Saleh Ahmed, Boise State University (THE CONVERSATION) While it may seem that much of the world has been locked down during the past pandemic year, more than 80 million people are currently on the move unwillingly. Facing conflict in Syria, human rights violations in Myanmar and violence in Eritrea, among other hot spots, refugees are trying to relocate to North America and Western Europe, or at least to neighboring countries. Large camps of displaced persons can wreak major environmental damage. Refugees use and pollute water, deplete wood supplies for fuel, and poach animals for food, often harming parks, nature reserves and World Heritage Sites. These impacts make host countries less willing to receive more refugees. International law offers refugees only limited protection. Mainly, it bars forcing them to return to the places where they were persecuted. It is quite difficult for refugees to attain adequate redress or relief. We study international law and the human dimensions of global environmental change. Our research on the environmental calamity caused by over 1 million Rohingya refugees fleeing from Myanmar into Bangladesh has convinced us that a new angle is worth considering. We believe that countries offering safe harbor to refugees should have a legal option to sue the sending country for environmental damages. Such payments would help pay for some of the impacts of housing thousands of displaced persons, and could even provide some direct support to the refugees for their living costs. Refugees strain resources Imagine a million homeless people suddenly moving to your region without jobs, money, food or belongings. They would have myriad needs, starting with clean water, toilets, health care and food. This is the situation in Bangladesh, where over 1 million displaced Rohingya have fled since August 2017 to escape violence in their home country, Myanmar. The resulting environmental damage in Bangladesh is unprecedented and massive. Temporary makeshift housing for Rohingya has destroyed at least 3,713 acres of critical reserve forests as refugees cut trees for housing and fuel. As a result, soil erosion has increased dramatically. More than 100 tons of human waste and garbage has polluted canals and waterways, severely degrading local air quality. Camps have been constructed in areas that are habitat for Asian elephants, leading to clashes between humans and these endangered animals. The limits of international law Under current international law, a sending state that causes people to run away does not typically bear any financial responsibility. We believe it is time to hold governments that cause massive exoduses accountable for human and financial losses. There are strong historical grounds for holding the sending state responsible for environment damage. In the Trails Smelter Arbitration of 1938 and 1941, the U.S. successfully sued Canada for pollution damages caused by a smelting factory near the border. The Canadian company had to cease operations because its factory emitted harmful fumes, and it was required to pay for the damages it caused. This case established a principle called the no-harm rule, which dictates that a state has a strict obligation not to cause environmental harm in another state. Today the no-harm rule reflects customary international law a set of international rules that all states accept as binding and are obligated to uphold. Like fumes from a factory, refugees can cross international borders as they flee from persecution. The sending state caused them to flee, and could have prevented their exodus from happening. The receiving state presumably has not consented to a huge influx of displaced people that causes severe environmental damage. A state can rely on customary international law to bring a cause of action against another state, and make use of international bodies like the United Nations to engage the process and involve international actors and organizations. States can also invoke principles of customary international law in international courts, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The International Court of Justice, for example, relied on the no-harm rule both in its 1996 Advisory Opinion Regarding the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons and a 1997 dispute between Hungary and Slovakia over a hydroelectric dam on the Danube River. The human right to a clean environment International law does recognize that governments have a duty to protect and preserve the environment, and to provide stable and suitable places for all people. States have begun to codify this responsibility in treaties like the Arab Charter on Human Rights, the American Convention of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. The Council of Europe also has recognized the right to a clean and healthy environment. Court decisions under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms have relied on the right to life, the right to health and the right to privacy and family life to uphold a right to a clean environment. More than 100 states have already codified the right to a clean environment in their constitutions. Recent lawsuits against states include one against Indonesia for unhealthy air quality in Jakarta and another against the Brazilian government filed by a number of opposition parties for not adequately protecting the environment, including healthy biodiversity and a safe climate in the Amazon rainforest. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment created the Framework Principles on Human Rights and the Environment in 2018. This document affirms that states should work together to prevent global environmental harm and to protect vulnerable groups. Bangladesh could challenge Myanmar in court Based on these principles and precedents, we believe that Bangladesh has a strong legal foundation to challenge Myanmar for environmental damages. The impacts on Bangladesh of accepting huge numbers of Rohingya can be calculated and presented in court. The right to a clean environment also can prevent states from creating forced massive human displacement in the future. [Over 100,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.] Bangladesh can demonstrate that Myanmar bears responsibility for environmental damages because Myanmars persecution of the Rohingya caused them to flee, and it can claim costs involved in caring for them. Long recognized as one of the worlds most environmentally vulnerable countries, Bangladesh needs to avoid further environmental damage as it provides basic needs for the Rohingya population. In our view, the very land that displaced people occupy can help them and their hosts find relief under the law. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/refugee-camps-can-wreak-enormous-environmental-damages-should-source-countries-be-liable-for-them-152519. INDEPENDENCE, M o. (AP) When director Kurt Graham arrived at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in July 2015, he immediately dove into a new project. And as we got into it with the staff and the board and the other stakeholders in the community and people in the museum industry, Graham says, we realized that we werent just remodeling or refreshing the galleries. We were re-imagining the Truman Library from top to bottom. The Truman Library & Museum, closed since July 2019, is poised to reopen this year, with a 3,000-square-foot addition and new ways to make the story of Truman and his presidency relevant to whats happening today, radio station KCUR-FM reports. Over the last few decades, the museum experience has changed a lot, in part due to technological advances and visitor feedback. When I was growing up, going to a museum was almost a liturgical experience, says Patrick Gallagher, president of the museum planning and design firm, Gallagher & Associates. Dont talk, dont touch, and stay in single file lines. These days, he says, visitors are encouraged to read, watch, listen, or interact. Gallagher & Associates has designed projects like the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. It also has been adding presidential libraries to its portfolio. FDR, Reagan, Johnson, Ford, and now Truman, Gallagher says. I guess Ive become a little bit of a presidential library junkie. Presidential libraries used to focus on the years of an administration, he says. But now they take a broader view. Going deeper into whos the person what molded that person, whats their contemporary relevance? How are they remaining relevant today?, Gallagher says, so that we can find a reason for visitors to say yes, there is a legacy here thats really important to my life. Visitors will be greeted by a new sense of arrival and flow. The entrance is now on the east side of the building through a 3,000-square-foot addition. And Trumans life story is all on one level. This museum is set up in a chronological flow, Gallagher says, so theres a very directional flow to how visitors go through. Truman was thrust into the presidency in April 1945 with the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. I think people will see that, yes, he was just an ordinary man, but he got launched on an extraordinary journey and had to make decisions that few people in human history have ever had to confront, says director Kurt Graham. And I think that is what people will appreciate about him is that notion of character, that notion of integrity. As with other presidents, Gallagher says, decisions defined Trumans presidency especially ones he was confronted with in the first four months. Then you turn the corner and youre at this first four months, Gallagher describes, as he walks into a hallway. So the idea of creating compression for the visitor. So all of these incredible moments are weighing on the shoulders of Truman. Moments like the end of the war with Germany, the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, and the end of the war in the Pacific. Gallagher described creating a sense of motion for visitors where, with each turn, you had a dramatic vista to either an artifact or graphic or something that basically leads you through. Artifacts include an upright piano that belonged to Harry Trumans aunt and uncle (Truman played throughout his life). And a light tower with the words Dear Bess and reproductions of letters in a cursive script that Truman wrote to his wife, Bess. His relationship with his wife, cementing that relationship from the beginning was very important to us, Gallagher says. So the fact that he, they saved these letters and theyre still here is a great moment in finding that personal connection again. The redesigned library includes immersive theaters. One features Trumans service in World War I. Another focuses on the Red Scare; its a red-lit space about the fear and suspicion around spying during the Cold War. There is a theater to all this, says Gallagher, and making each space have its own character and dimension is important. He reads some of the questions illuminated on the walls: What are you hiding? Who can you trust? Youre underpinning that sense of paranoia and that encourages people to sit down and really dig in on the interaction. Artifacts were pulled out of storage, classified documents were de-classified, and video and audio were uncovered to add new layers to Trumans story. As Gallagher puts it Trumans thumbprint on history still resonates today, from civil rights to foreign aid to health care and Social Security. So the narrative continues and thats part of what a good presidential library does is shows that the legacy is as significant as the years they served, he said. And thats what people are going to see here. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced that Roadtec, Inc. will expand its operations in Chattanooga. Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, along with Roadtec officials, said in a news release Wednesday that the $6.2 million expansion will result in 128 new jobs in Hamilton County. PHOENIX (AP) Republicans in the Arizona Senate have signed a lease to continue their slow-moving audit of the 2020 election results in Maricopa County through the end of June. The state Senate and its contractors had rented the Veterans Memorial Coliseum through Friday, when they must vacate the old basketball arena because it is booked for high school graduations next week. Republicans have hired Cyber Ninjas, a Florida-based cybersecurity firm, to oversee an unprecedented, partisan review of the 2020 election in Arizonas largest county. They are conducting a hand recount of all 2.1 million ballots and looking into baseless conspiracy theories suggesting there were problems with the election, which have grown popular with supporters of former President Donald Trump. Under the new lease signed Wednesday, the ballots, computers, tables and related equipment will be stored elsewhere at the state fairgrounds next week. The Senate will regain access to the coliseum on May 23 and have it through the end of June. The effort has gone far slower than expected, and only a fraction of the ballots have been counted. The audit will stop Thursday evening, then packing will begin and continue into Friday, said Ken Bennett, a former Republican secretary of state who is serving as the Senates liaison to the auditors. Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, the state's top election official, has asked the Senate to detail its plans for keeping ballots secure while they are in storage. Meanwhile, Senate President Karen Fann sent a letter Wednesday to Jack Sellers, chairman of the Republican-controlled Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, requesting that county officials publicly answer questions at the Senate on Tuesday, but she stopped short of her threat to issue subpoenas. Fann repeated the Senate's demand for access to administrative passwords for vote-counting machines and internet routers. County officials say they have turned over all the passwords they have and have refused to give up the routers, saying it would compromise sensitive data, including classified law enforcement information held by the sheriffs office. Fann proposed allowing its contractor to view data from the routers at county facilities under supervision of the sheriff's office. The Senate has no interest in viewing or taking possession of any information that is unrelated to the administration of the 2020 general election, she wrote. The county says the passwords the Senate is seeking are maintained by Dominion Voting Systems Inc., which makes the vote-counting machines and leases them to the county. The company said in a statement Thursday that it cooperates with auditors certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and did so for two prior audits of 2020 results in Maricopa County, but won't work with Cyber Ninjas. Releasing Dominions intellectual property to an unaccredited, biased, and plainly unreliable actor such as Cyber Ninjas would be reckless, causing irreparable damage to the commercial interests of the company and the election security interests of the country, Dominion's statement said. No company should be compelled to participate in such an irresponsible act. Fann's letter also questions the county's records that document the chain of custody of the ballots and accuses county officials of deleting data. In a statement, Trump called it a devastating letter and said the Fake News and Lamestream Media is doing everything they can not to cover this major story." The Board of Supervisors met in private late Thursday, after which Sellers issued a blistering statement denying that any data was deleted, calling Fann's allegations false and ill-informed" and demanding a retraction. Its clearer by the day: the people hired by the Senate are in way over their heads," Sellers said. This is not funny; this is dangerous. He did not directly respond to Fann's request for county officials to answer questions at the Senate on Tuesday, but said the county will hold its own public meeting the day before to refute lies and lay out facts about these issues. DOVER, Tenn. (AP) A former high school guidance counselor in Tennessee was charged for improperly altering students transcripts, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Gayla Grise was indicted Monday on two counts of falsifying educational academic records when she worked at Stewart County High School, the investigation bureau said in a statement Thursday. LONDON (AP) The families of 10 civilians killed during a British military operation in Belfast half a century ago sharply criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday after he sent a member of his Cabinet to Parliament to apologize for the deaths, instead of doing so himself. Their outrage came after Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told the House of Commons that the government profoundly regrets and is truly sorry for the deaths in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in 1971. Lewis spoke two days after a coroner's court ruled that the victims were entirely innocent." Johnson sent a letter of apology to the victims' families, but he hasn't spoken publicly on the matter. Our loved ones were murdered by the state,'' said John Teggart, whose father was killed at Ballymurphy. The head of state is Boris Johnson so he should be standing (in) Parliament, speaking to us, speaking to the world, that is the way you do things. This government has acted disgracefully.'' High Court Justice Siobhan Keegan ruled Tuesday that the nine men and one woman killed in Ballymurphy were innocent victims who werent engaged in paramilitary activity at the time they were shot. The dead included a mother of eight and a Catholic priest who was waving a white handkerchief as a sign of peace while assisting a wounded man. On Thursday, Lewis told lawmakers that families of the victims shouldn't have had to wait 50 years for justice. The events of Ballymurphy should never have happened, the families of those who were killed should never have had to experience the grief and trauma of that loss, he said. Johnson delivered his apology in a letter to the families, declaring that the duty of the state is to hold itself to the highest standard, and that requires us to recognize the hurt and agony caused when we fall short of those standards.'' The coroners verdict comes as veterans groups pressure the British government to block the prosecution of former soldiers, many now in their 70s and 80s, for their actions during the violence in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles. In recent weeks the six-county region that is part of the U.K. has been rocked by violent protests fueled by anger over the perceived unfair enforcement of coronavirus restrictions and concerns about Britains departure from the European Union. More than 3,000 people died during three decades of conflict between mostly Catholic supporters of unification with the Republic of Ireland and mostly Protestant backers of continued links with the United Kingdom. The killings in Ballymurphy occurred over three days in August 1971 as the British Army sought to implement a new government policy that allowed for the arrest and internment without trial of suspected militants. Violence flared when protesters confronted soldiers who had moved into the largely Catholic area to arrest suspected members of the Irish Republican Army. Keegan found that soldiers used disproportionate force against the victims and violated rules of engagement in force at the time. Authorities failed to adequately investigate the deaths immediately after they occurred, she said. Nine of the victims were killed by soldiers, though there wasn't enough evidence to determine who fired the shots that killed the tenth, the court ruled. The victims' families had fought for decades for a new inquiry to clear the names of their loved ones after earlier inquests proved inconclusive, fueling suggestions that the victims were somehow responsible for the shootings. Johnson's failure to appear before Parliament is in contrast to the actions of former Prime Minister David Cameron after a public inquiry found that British troops were responsible for the deaths of 13 protesters in 1972. Cameron gave a public statement in the Commons, which was beamed to thousands gathered in a public square in Londonderry also known as Derry to admit that British troops were fully at fault for what is now known as Bloody Sunday. Many locals, long distrustful of British leaders, wept at the act of contrition. Teggart insisted that he expected an apology from Johnson. Well not be rushing him, just whenever he is ready, he can come and speak to the families," he said. BOISE, Idaho (AP) The longest ever Idaho legislative session has been filled with unusual events and ended in uncharted ground shortly before midnight Wednesday. The Idaho Senate voted to officially adjourn while the House voted to recess up to Dec. 31. Republican Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, an attorney, said that means Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke could potentially call the House back into session this year and, with a vote of its members, force the Senate to return as well. Under the spirit of the Idaho Constitution, its contemplated that we go home, Anthon said of the part-time Legislature. That we are not here in Boise year-round. Even if there can be a procedural loophole around that, theres not a desire for that in the Idaho Senate Republicans. During the extended recess, lawmakers would not get per diem expenses. Wednesday marked day 122 of the session, eclipsing the 118-day session of 2003. The Republican-dominated Legislature has been engaged in a bruising, months-long battle with Republican Gov. Brad Little over balance of power issues involving coronavirus pandemic restrictions and spending federal rescue money. The Senate is satisfied with the results, while the House has concerns. The session included a two-week break when COVID-19 infected a half-dozen House members, mainly Republicans who typically dont wear masks. And a freshman Republican lawmaker resigned amid rape allegations and after an ethics panel recommended he be expelled from the House. The session resulted in a big income tax cut and rebate; a new property tax relief law rushed through in the waning days of the session that opponents say is deeply flawed and backers say is better than nothing; significant funding for transportation; and a new law that could lead to the killing of 90% of Idahos 1,500 wolves. Lawmakers also took on critical race theory after conservative Republicans refused to pass a logjam of education bills that Democratic lawmakers called a hostage situation. The bill that eventually freed up more than $1 billion in education money prevents schools and universities from indoctrinating students through teaching critical race theory, which examines the ways in which race and racism influence American politics, culture and the law. The bill allows teaching critical race theory but prohibits forcing belief systems onto students that claim a group of people as defined by sex, race, ethnicity or religion are inferior or superior to others. The Legislature approved and Little signed legislation aimed at thwarting a half-dozen executive actions by President Joe Biden to combat gun violence, including a move to crack down on ghost guns homemade firearms put together from purchased gun parts that lack serial numbers to trace them and are often acquired without background checks. Little also signed legislation making ballot initiatives much more difficult, requiring signatures of 6% of registered voters in all 35 Idaho districts in 18 months. The previous law required 6% of registered voters in each of 18 legislative districts in 18 months. The new law immediately drew a court challenge that will play out over the coming months. Little has signed into law legislation that would outlaw nearly all abortions in the conservative state by banning them once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Little signed the bill that contains a trigger provision, meaning it wont go into effect unless a federal appeals court somewhere in the country upholds similar legislation from another state. Notable legislation that failed included a bill to ban mask mandates. Little never issued a statewide mask mandate due to the pandemic, but some counties and cities did. Lawmakers on a House panel voted to kill the popular Powerball game that offers huge jackpots amid fears of foreign participation. But negotiations to add Australia in 2021 and Britain in 2022 to Powerball broke down, meaning Idaho doesnt need a change in its law this year to keep participating. The House and Senate passed legislation allowing voters in November 2022 to decide if the part-time Legislature will be able to call special sessions. If voters approve, the Legislature could call itself back into session if 60% of lawmakers in each the House and Senate agree. Backers say the Legislature isnt an equal branch of government without that power. Opponents fear it could lead to a full-time Legislature. BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) Vermonters ages 12 to 15 can now get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after U.S. health advisers endorsed its use for those ages. Registration for vaccine appointments opened Thursday morning. Pfizers vaccine has been used for months in people 16 and older. Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration cleared its use for those as young as age 12. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday concluded that the shots will let kids safely attend camps this summer and help assure a more normal return to classrooms next school year. The CDC accepted its advisers recommendation. The Vermont Health Department is encouraging parents and caregivers to vaccinate these young Vermonters. Parental/caregiver consent is required and can be given when registering online or in-person at a clinic. The Health Department is working with the Education Agency to offer clinics at schools that will be open during the day and evening. Some pharmacies, including CVS and Kinney Drugs, are providing the shot to this age group, with appointments or walk-in opportunities available right away, the Health Department said. ___ NUMBERS The Vermont Department of Health on Thursday reported 72 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to more than 23,720. There were 10 people hospitalized, including two in intensive care. The number of fatalities remained at 252. The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 69.29 new cases a day on April 27 to 57.71 new cases a day Tuesday. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 0.43 deaths a day on April 27 to 0.57 deaths a day Tuesday. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) Police in northeast Georgia are investigating after someone spray-painted graffiti on two veterans' monuments. The Times of Gainesville reports that Gainesville parks employees discovered the orange paint on concrete at the base of one monument honoring veterans from 20th century wars. MILL CREEK, Wash. (AP) A man from Mill Creek, Washington state was sentenced to five years in prison after he held down a 12-year-old boy while his son stabbed him last year, a judge said. Superior Court Judge Richard Okrent sentenced Martinez D. Mitchell, 44, on Tuesday after he was found guilty of third-degree assault last month in Snohomish County Superior Court, The Daily Herald reported. You decided to execute street justice on a kid who was bullying your kid, Okrent told Mitch in court. Fathers are supposed to be role models for their children. Police responded on June 10 to a stabbing at the Heatherwood Apartments, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) north of Seattle. Arriving officers found people kneeling and assisting a child on the ground who was stabbed multiple times, authorities said. Police said the boy, who was not identified, was taken to Harborview Medical Center where he was treated for non-fatal injuries. Charging documents said Mitchell's son, who was also not identified, and the injured boy lived in the same apartment complex and had thrown eggs at each other's homes and vehicles. Mitchell told police he didnt know his son had a knife on him the night of the attack. Mitchell turned himself into police the week of the attack and was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on a first-degree assault charge, authorities said. He remained in custody through his sentencing hearing this week because he was unable to post $250,000 bail. Mitchell told the court he felt sorry for his negligence and poor judgment. Mitchell's son was booked into the Denney Juvenile Justice Center in Everett. Second-degree assault charges against the boy were dismissed following a mental competency evaluation. Update 10 a.m.: The restaurant took to Facebook to alert fans of the fire, calling it a "huge hit" to both staff and customers. Original story below: An overnight fire has left an area restaurant completely destroyed. Firefighters responded to a 2-alarm fire at The Grill at Leon Springs around 12:45 a.m. to find the blaze through the roof of the restaurant and its chimney collapsed. While the fire was too far gone at the European-inspired eatery, firefighters were able to contain it so that it did not spread to the Rudys BBQ location next door, according to Joe Arrington, the San Antonio Fire Departments public information officer. There was only a small walkway separating the two dining establishments. Arrington also told photographers at the scene that firefighters were on location for hours due to how The Grill at Leon Springs was built. As of 5 a.m. Thursday, firefighters were still on the scene and trying to put the blaze out completely, though the fire persisted. Part of the restaurants roof had also collapsed, and Arrington said the damage has caused a complete loss of the restaurant. As of publication, the restaurant has not made any comment about the fire on social media. A call to the restaurant also went unanswered as the line was busy. Local foodies shared their disbelief Thursday morning with San Antonio Restaurants Group co-leader Beverly Williams commenting, "I am heartsick! One of our favorites also." The restaurant has been a part of the San Antonio dining scene since 2006 when lauded chef Thierry Burkle and the late Armand Obadia partnered with the endeavor. Burkle (pronounced Berkley), a native of France, arrived in San Antonio 35 years ago. He previously operated LEtoile, a popular French restaurant in Alamo Heights, that was open for 22 years before it closed in 2009, per the San Antonio Express-News. It's safe to say the Reader's Choice perennial favorite will be sorely missed. Yes, Carole Baskin is aware of the Houston tiger saga. And she's got some things to say about it. The tiger advocate, early quarantine Netflix hit "Tiger King" antagonist, and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant pointed fingers at Texas senators for lawmakers' role in tiger ownership, the Houston Chronicle's Rebecca Hennes reports. WILD WORLD OF HOUSTON: Everything we know about the tiger seen roaming a west Houston neighborhood In an appearance on CNN, Baskin opened her appearance by admonishing the Senate, specifically Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, for not signing the Big Cat Public Safety Act. "I really hope that Senators Cruz and Cornyn will sign onto the Big Cat Public Safety Act because if they had last year when the House passed this bill... this wouldn't have happened this time," Baskin said on CNN. "And the reason for that is this cub is nine months old, which means it probably aged out of being used as a pay-to-play prop in December of last year when this passed the House with a 2/3 vote." The Big Cat Public Safety Act would restrict ownership of big cats such as tigers, cougars and lions. The bill was read in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works in December 2020. Texas has no statewide laws preventing big cat ownership and reportedly has the second largest population of tigers in the world, only behind India. And because Cruz can't resist hopping on Twitter whenever he gets a whiff of someone's disdain, he responded to Baskin's CNN appearance with a simple GIF. TEXAS TIGERS: Texas has a large population of pet tigers across the state Twitter king Cornyn hasn't bothered to respond. Meanwhile, India, the 9-month-old male tiger in question, is still on the lam. The tiger's handler, Victor Hugo Cuevas, was released from the Fort Bend County Jail on bond Wednesday afternoon. Malaysia reports highest daily COVID-19 death toll, 4,765 new cases Xinhua) 10:23, May 13, 2021 People wearing face masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 12, 2021. Malaysia recorded its highest single-day death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday after the virus claimed 39 more lives, bringing the total deaths to 1,761, according to the Health Ministry. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia recorded its highest single-day death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday after the virus claimed 39 more lives, bringing the total deaths to 1,761, according to the Health Ministry. Malaysia has suffered a resurgence of COVID-19 cases which has forced the government to impose a nationwide movement control order till June to curb the spread. The previous record for single day fatalities was reported on Sunday with 26 deaths. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement that the victims ranged from 43 to 88-years-old, with the majority of them suffering from existing health complications. Another 4,765 new COVID-19 infections were reported, of which seven are imported and 4,758 are local transmissions, bringing the national total to 453,222. Some 3,124 patients have been released after recovery, bringing the total number of cured and discharged to 411,360 or 90.8 percent of all cases. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that 132 individuals had been repatriated from India, where the pandemic has been spreading. Malaysia has implemented a travel ban on India from April 28 and later expanded it to other South Asian countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh over concerns of more infectious variants of COVID-19. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Express Entry: CRS 401 in new CEC draw Canada invites 4,147 Express Entry candidates to apply for PR. Shelby Thevenot Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canada held another Express Entry round of invitations with a low score requirement on May 13. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited candidates who had scores of at least 401, just one point more than the previous comparable draw. Candidates also must have been eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), meaning they had at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, and intermediate language proficiency in English or French. IRCC published the cutoff time for the tie-break rule, as per administrative requirements. It does not necessarily mean there was an actual tie. Candidates who had the minimum score of 401 were only invited if they submitted their Express Entry profile before April 29, 2021 at 11:48:14 UTC. All CEC candidates have previous experience in the Canadian labour market, this is a major component of the eligibility criteria, said David Cohen, Senior Attorney of Campbell Cohen. Having Canadian experience correlates with higher instances of employment, and higher earnings. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Overview of Express Entry in 2021 There have been 66,475 candidates invited so far in 2021. The number of invitations issued this year is far out-pacing last years rate. This could be because IRCC is holding larger draws, including the February 13 draw where every single CEC candidate was invited to apply. As part of an effort to admit 401,000 new permanent residents this year amid travel restrictions, IRCC has consistently held draws that target candidates who are likely already in Canada. Both CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates have high numbers of candidates in Canada. The score requirements are vastly different in CEC and PNP draws. CEC draws typically require lower scores because these candidates are not competing with other candidates for invitations. As a result, the larger draw sizes allow candidates with lower scores to be invited. The previous CEC-only draw only required candidates to have a score of 400. PNP candidates automatically get an 600 points, which means their score requirements are considerably higher. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an online application management system for the three Federal High Skilled immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It works like an Expression of Interest system, where interested candidates submit a profile that is ranked. Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which assigns points based on human capital factors such as skilled work experience, education, age, official language skills, and others. IRCC issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-scoring candidates through Express Entry draws. Recipients can then apply for permanent residence. In 2021, the largest proportion of new immigrants to Canada are expected to come through the Express Entry-managed programs. Who was invited? The following is a hypothetical example of someone who may have been invited in the new draw. Adil and Salma are married. Each holds a bachelors degree and is 39 years old. Adil has been working as an engineering manager for 15 years. He has an advanced English language proficiency and Salma has an intermediate English language proficiency. While most of Adils work experience has been done outside of Canada, he worked for one year in Canada. They entered the Express Entry pool with Adil as the principal applicant. His CRS score of 433 would have been high enough to receive an ITA during the new Express Entry draw. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Could the Barron political dynasty be overthrown? Charles Barron is vying to win his wife Inez Barrons New York City Council District 42 seat, which she is leaving this year due to term limits. The majority-Black district encompases East New York and its subsections such as Spring Creek and Starrett City. Charles Barron previously won the same seat in 2001. His wife won the Assembly seat in 2008 and they swapped seats when Charles was term-limited out of the City Council in 2013, with Inez running successfully to replace him and Charles then replacing her in the Assembly. But some have grown tired of the Barrons seat swapping, particularly local politicos who say the district is in need of new leadership, pointing to the neighborhoods high rates of poverty and unemployment, and a recent upward trend in shootings as some of the most pressing issues in the district. Others remember the iconoclastic, radical couple known for generating their share of controversy, for their active role in helping the community. There are two leading alternative contenders in the Democratic primary race who have racked up a substantial number of endorsements and campaign contributions. Nikki Lucas, the founder of the president of the People First Democratic Club who has institutional support from lawmakers like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and Wilfredo Florentino, an openly gay Army veteran who identifies as Afro-Latinx, who has the support of progressive groups. But will money and endorsements be enough to stop the Barrons from swapping seats? Read more here. Small biz starts a super PAC We know Big Business is spending money on the mayoral race, with MSGs James Dolan putting more than $4 million into his independent expenditure committee. But what about the little guys? Well maybe not that little. In a Campaign Confidential exclusive, some small-business owners and small to mid-sized landlords, mainly based in Brooklyn, have created a super PAC and plan to support Eric Adams for mayor, Robert Cornegy for Brooklyn borough president and three to five City Council races, yet to be determined. The group called A Better New York For All isnt officially connected to any other organizations, but its executive director, rental car maven Gil Cygler, is a long-serving board member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The PAC hasnt reported any fundraising yet, but they hope to raise half a million dollars. Times is on her side Ex-Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia won The New York Times coveted endorsement in the crowded Democratic mayoral primary. But will it be enough to lift her relatively quiet campaign off the ground between now and June 22? Politicos say it depends on what she does next. But if history repeats itself, the Times endorsement may not necessarily translate to a victory. People will be looking at her plans much more closely, said Fordham University political science professor Christina Greer. Shes been one of these quiet candidates and so now the spotlight will be on her to really walk us through a lot of her plans that shes had for quite some time, but people havent bothered to really look (at). Former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn won the Times, the New York Post and the Daily News endorsements in the lead up to the 2013 Democratic primary, but finished a weak third, said Democratic strategist Bruce Gyory. Thats why sometimes the endorsements count and sometimes they dont and you have to take a look at what the candidates do with them. Endorsement Watch Rep. Grace Meng, state Sen. Jeremy Cooney and City Council Member Vanessa Gibson each endorsed Andrew Yang for mayor District Council 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades endorsed Scott Stringer for mayor Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn both rescinded their endorsements of Stringer and are backing Dianne Morales for mayor the Muslim Democratic Club of New York also endorsed Morales Friends of Chinese Americans endorsed Eric Adams Empire State Indivisible co-endorsed Maya Wiley and Morales for mayor NYC Kids PAC endorsed Wiley as its first choice and Morales as its second choice for mayor League of Independent Theater endorsed a slate of city candidates, including Art Chang as its first pick for mayor, Shaun Donovan as its second choice and Wiley as its third choice Danny Barber, head of the NYCHA Citywide Council of Presidents, endorsed Ray McGuire for mayor the Detectives Endowment Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Lieutenants Benevolent Association and the Captains Endowment Association endorsed David Weprin for comptroller state Sen. Liz Krueger endorsed Brad Lander for comptroller Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and state Sen. James Sanders Jr. endorsed for Brian Benjamin for comptroller Color of Change PAC endorsed Alvin Bragg for Manhattan district attorney and plans to spend $1 million supporting him National Association of Social Workers NYC PAC co-endorsed Dan Quart and Bragg for Manhattan district attorney former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly endorsed Liz Crotty for Manhattan district attorney Rep. Jerry Nadler endorsed Jo Anne Simon for Brooklyn borough president and Rep. Nydia Velazquez endorsed Antonio Reynoso for Brooklyn borough president the New York League of Conservation Voters endorsed a few more council candidates, including Eric Dinowitz in District 11 in the Bronx Council Member I. Daneek Miller endorsed Al-Hassan Kanu to succeed him in District 27 in Queens Churches United for Fair Housing Action endorsed Amoy Barnes in District 49 on Staten Island and Met Council Action endorsed a slate of council candidates, including Tricia Shimamura first, Kim Moscaritolo second and Billy Freeland third in District 5 in Manhattan. Poll Sight Corey Johnson may prefer the subway, but hes in the drivers seat for the New York City comptroller race. This poll of 520 likely Democratic voters for the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York and conducted by Honan Strategy Group between April 16-21 is just the latest survey to show the New York City Council speaker with a solid lead in the race. But with 47% of voters undecided, the race is far from over. And maybe some good news for ranked-choice voting? Two months out from the race, 63% of likely voters said they knew a lot or some about RCV, while 32% knew only a little or nothing at all. 051121-Polls-00.png Alt Text: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York poll Title Text: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York poll Caption: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York poll Description: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York poll Image Credit: Alex Law/City & State Staffing Up Andres Pazmino is serving as political director for Kathryn Garcias mayoral campaign Dianne Morales mayoral campaign continues to hire up, with Tyler Hazard joining as design assistant, Malynda Rascoe as community outreach coordinator and Brian Romero who just resigned as executive vice president of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC in protest of the club not voting to rescind its mayoral endorsement of Scott Stringer as a part-time policy adviser and Lacey Tauber has joined Brad Landers comptroller campaign as get-out-the-vote director. Got tips? Email JColtin@CityandStateNY.com or SKashiwagi@CityandStateNY.com or send a DM to @JCColtin or @SydneyKashiwagi District Data 050321-districtmap-06.png Alt Text: City Council District 6 Title Text: City Council District 6 Caption: City Council District 6 Description: City Council District 6 Image Credit: Alex Law/City & State City Council District 6 in Manhattan, covering neighborhoods including the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square and Hells Kitchen Current council member: Helen Rosenthal, since 2014, whos term-limited at the end of this year 2010 census demographics: 72.1% white, 11.3% Hispanic, 8.5% Asian and Pacific Islander, 5.8% Black Housing: 67.2% renter-occupied, 32.8% owner-occupied 2013 Democratic primary election results: Rosenthal: 26.8%, Mel Wymore: 22.4%, Marc Landis: 19.4%, Noah Gotbaum: 12.2%, Ken Biberaj: 9.2%, Debra Cooper: 8.6%, Aaron Braunstein: 1.3% 2017 Democratic primary election results: Rosenthal: 64.9%, Mel Wymore: 30.9%, Cary Goodman: 4% Whos running: Jeffrey Omura, David Gold, Maria Danzilo, Sara Lind, Gale Brewer and Zach Weiner. Gale Brewer, the Manhattan borough president, represented this district in the council for 12 years before taking her current post, and is a safe bet to win again after picking up just about every major endorsement in the race (except for the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club). Sara Lind, an attorney and progressive activist, is offering a liberal alternative to Brewer by running a pro-development campaign and aligning herself with the group that has supported housing homeless New Yorkers in Upper West Side hotels. While Maria Danzilo, who is also an attorney, is presenting a more conservative alternative, aligning herself with opponents of homeless shelters and with the New York City Police Benevolent Association. Like Brewer, Lind and Danzilo, Jeffrey Omura, an actor, has also received the maximum amount of public matching funds and is running a professional campaign. Twitter Posting nyt ed board when you can only vote for one candidate: heres our duel endorsement nyt ed board when you can vote for up to five candidates: heres one endorsement Cassidy Chassagne @casschass The Westchester County clerk largely operates as a non-ideological bureaucrat, responsible for maintaining land titles and court records and processing applications for passports, naturalization papers and pistol licenses among other documents. But this year the Democratic primary race for the position has been surprisingly controversial. Democratic County Clerk Tim Idoni is running for reelection to a fifth-term, which would make him the third-longest serving clerk for the county since the position was created in 1683, according to the Journal News. Those plans could be derailed by Yonkers City Council Member Shanae Williams, who announced in December that she would challenge Idoni in this years Democratic primary. The face-off illustrates how incumbent Democrats in the county are more likely to face serious competition in the primaries from young candidates from diverse backgrounds rather than a competitive general election. As the mostly suburban, affluent county just north of the Bronx becomes more reliably Democratic and diverse, its politics become more like New York Citys in which the most high-profile, contentious races happen before the general election. In 2020, Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Rep. Mondaire Jones, both Black progressives, won Westchesters congressional seats by running to the left of their opponents. Left-leaning Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah, who is white, successfully defeated an incumbent in 2020, slamming him for not thoroughly investigating allegations of police corruption in Mount Vernon. But the county clerks race is unusual because it is a managerial position. Theres little room to make ideological arguments when running for a job that involves recording mortgages and maintaining court records. Idoni has emphasized that hes got the perfect resume for the position. His educational background was in city management, he used to serve as the mayor of New Rochelle and he has spent 16 years in the county clerks office. During his tenure, he said he has diversified the offices staff, reduced the number of employees from 110 to 64 and saved $37 million in total. It gives the taxpayers a break but it also gives the county executive the ability to use whatever money I'm saving, to put it in a different department, such as the health department, Social Services or Veterans Affairs, Idoni said. His work has resulted in a dozen national and statewide awards for the offices technological improvements. But Willliams has made the case that its time for a fresh change. It could be like a hub of resources for people in Westchester County, but I think it's totally underutilized, she said about the clerks office. That's my motivation for running for this office. I think we can do a lot more to really bring services and resources directly into communities especially into marginalized communities. She said one of her priorities would be to expand the offices mobile passport offices to provide other resources and services, which Idoni also said would be one of his goals if elected to another term. Williams has criticized the incumbent for taking a pay raise in 2019 that boosted his salary from $153,000 to $195,000, saying that it swayed the county clerk to go back on his earlier comments indicating that he likely wouldnt run again. Idoni said that was the first raise he ever received since his 2005 election, and that he initially was unsure if hes pursue office again because of health problems. I got up one morning late last year and said, you know what, I can do this again, he said. Idoni also saw his opponent criticizing him for taking on another term in office as hypocritical. Williams was one of several Yonkers City Council Members in 2018 who voted for a controversial increase to term limits that allowed Democratic Mayor Mike Spano and two other Council members to run for office again. Three terms is not five terms, Williams countered. What (Idonis) seeking to be in the county clerk's office for 20 years that's absurd. One of the most tense moments of the race arose in April. The Working Families Party endorsed Idonis reelection, but another WFP petition was filed for Jennifer Malota, a Yonkers resident. Several of her petitions were carried by Williams and Williams aide at the City Council, raising criticism that she was trying to put in a spoiler candidate. It was one of the most disappointing things I've ever seen, Idoni said. I've been involved in government for over 40 years now, and I've never seen somebody pull a stunt like that. Williams defended her actions, saying she genuinely supported Malota over Idoni. Quite frankly, I would rather see anyone, if not me, be in that position, as long as we are not putting someone there who has been there for so long and has been dismal. The WFP isnt making any allegations of dirty tricks against Williams. I don't know that Shanae was behind it, said David Schwartz of the Westchester Working Families Party. We really don't know that and I don't think we ever made that accusation. A Westchester district leader who supports Idoni and spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was discussing a Democratic primary election speculated that Williamss campaign has received support from Zehy Jereis, the former head of the Republican Party in Yonkers, who spent four years in prison after being found guilty of bribery and extortion and has reemerged as a political operative in the area working with Democratic campaigns. His family members carried a lot of those petitions, not him personally, but members of him and his extended family, she said. Frank Corvino, chair of the Harrison Town Democratic Committee, said in an emailed statement that Jereis reached out to him in January asking if Williams could appear before the committee. He added that he hoped I would be able to support Ms. Williams, he wrote. I told him the Harrison Democratic Town Committee had already voted to endorse Tim Idoni for Re-election, and I thanked him for letting me know that Shanae is running and wished her the best of luck. When reached for comment, Jereis denied having any formal involvement in the county clerks race. There was no formal request of any sort, I have no formal role in this campaign, he said. Cant be more clear or blunter. He added that he considers Corvino a friend, and regularly has conversations about politics with him. Williams has denied any involvement with Jereis, saying her only connection to him was through his wife, whom she befriended while working in Spanos mayoral office, and Jereiss son who carried her petition. They are both Democrats. I'm an independent candidate, and I think that there are people within the establishment that are looking to find a fault with me to try and paint me as a Republican, she said. When asked about Corvinos account, Williams wrote back in an email: As mentioned before, the consulting firm I hired is Berlin Rosen. Zehy has no formal role in this campaign but I welcome all voters who want to support the effort. She said she didnt not ask him to make any requests, formally or informally, to get support from the Harrison Democrats. The Westchester Democratic Party and most Democratic elected officials have come out in support of Idoni, while Williams has largely received support from fellow Yonkers politicians, including Democratic Assembly Member Nader Sayegh and Spano. Though Sayegh said he expressed some concern that Idonis decision to run again was motivated by a salary increase, he said his main motivation to back Williams was because he liked her as a candidate. It's a combination of my familiarization with her, with her youth, her enthusiasm, her understanding of diversity and her desire to really think beyond the box. Schwartz said the Working Families Party's endorsement of Idoni wasnt a knock against Williams. It wasn't an easy choice, but we just saw, why change from somebody we've been working with? And where we still need Shanae to stay in Yonkers and continue to do the work she's doing. He pointed to a bill shes recently spearheaded, which would double the number of mandated affordable housing units in new housing developments. Whoever wins, its now clear that even seemingly safe Democratic incumbents in obscure posts cant assume they wont face an aggressive challenge. Near the end of an endorsement interview with Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan, New York Times editorial board member Mara Gay asked if he knew the median sales price of a home in Brooklyn. He guessed $100,000, which is off by a factor of nine. Donovan, in an email to the editorial board hours after the interview, said he misunderstood the question as referring to assessed value for property taxes. Getting that answer so outrageously wrong would be embarrassing for any mayoral candidate, but its especially embarrassing for Donovan, the former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and one-time housing commissioner in New York City. Being the housing guy with the detailed plans is at the heart of his pitch to voters, and Donovan has a lot to tout when it comes to his record on developing affordable housing. Those who have worked with him describe an effective leader and innovative thinker who spearheaded nation-leading initiatives. Donovan says his public service is rooted in having grown up in Manhattan during the 1970s and 80s, when homelessness was at historic highs. It had a profound impact on me, Donovan said in an interview with City & State. It made me angry that we would allow our neighbors to sleep on the streets in the wealthiest city, in the wealthiest country on Earth. While earning his masters in public administration and architecture at Harvard in anticipation of a career in housing, he came across the Nehemiah Plan, an initiative to promote home-ownership in the low-income Brooklyn neighborhoods of East New York and Brownsville through the construction of low-cost homes for sale. Upon graduating, he got in touch with the project's leader Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood who attended Donovans campaign announcement and asked him to put me to work. Thats how Donovan landed his first job in 1995 at the Community Preservation Corporation, a nonprofit that helps finance affordable housing projects. I saw him as someone who was eager to learn, said Michael Lappin, who at the time was the president of the Community Preservation Corporation. He said Donovan worked on a variety of projects while working as his assistant, and that he often worked out of the organizations field office to get on-the-ground experience. In 1998, Donovan followed his Harvard professor and mentor William Apgar to the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton administration. Despite his young age, Donovan gained a reputation as an effective deal-maker. Hes an outstanding public administrator, Michael Kane, executive director of the National Alliance of HUD Tenants, told City Limits in 2004. He credited Donovan with brokering an agreement that saved 300 affordable apartments in Boston and for getting some key decisions from the Office of General Counsel. By the time he left HUD in 2001, Donovan was serving as the acting Federal Housing Administration commissioner. After a stint in the private sector working for Prudential on affordable housing, Donovan went to work for then-New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg as commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development in 2004. For the next five years, Donovan led Bloombergs plan to build or preserve 165,000 units of affordable housing. He is credited with pushing the administration to adopt voluntary inclusionary zoning that permitted developers to build at a greater density in exchange for affordable housing, the first update to the citys inclusionary zoning policy in decades as Bloomberg undertook massive rezonings. Shaun deserves an enormous amount of credit for moving the city of New York a great deal further down the path towards a robust inclusionary housing policy, said Rafael Cestero, a deputy commissioner under Donovan who later became New York City Housing Preservation and Development commissioner himself. (He) laid the groundwork for what has become an even more progressive and even more aggressive policy in recent years, as we have gone to a mandatory program. However, both Donovan and Cestero warned against mandatory inclusionary zoning in 2004, something that housing advocates were pushing for at the time and the de Blasio administration has since adopted. Donovan cautioned that the requirements could discourage investment during economic downturns. Donovan was also behind creating the New York Acquisition Fund, which provided developers early capital to create affordable housing. Michael Bodaken, then-executive director of the Washington-based nonprofit National Housing Trust, called the fund path-breaking in a 2006 Times article and an example for other cities to follow. And Donovan remains immensely proud of Via Verde, a first-of-its-kind affordable and sustainable housing development in the South Bronx he helped develop and later was the site of his campaign announcement. But Bloombergs legacy on housing is mixed in the opinion of many Democrats. The affordable housing created under the administration was found to have often been priced too high for the lowest-income New Yorkers to benefit. And while new inclusionary zoning policies created affordable housing at greater rates than in the past, those units represented less than 2% of the housing created during an administration marked by massive rezonings and enormous growth. Median rents rose 19% in Bloombergs first nine years in office, and more than half of all New Yorkers were rent-burdened by the end of his tenure. In this campaign, Donovan has leaned far more heavily on his connection to President Barack Obama and didnt even mention Bloomberg in his announcement video, but he has defended his time under Bloomberg. There are lots of housing advocates that you could talk to who believe we accomplished some really important things during that period, Donovan said. Cestero, who now heads up the Community Preservation Corporation, said that with hindsight, there are areas for improvement, but that Donovan pushed for the best outcomes he could. Tenants PAC Treasurer Michael McKee is one housing advocate with harsher things to say about the Bloomberg years. In 2006, McKee called Donovan the best housing commissioner the city has had since I became an organizer 36 years ago. Asked recently if he still agreed with that assessment, McKee said he did not. I think his record at HPD is a mixed bag at best, Mckee said. He acknowledged that Donovan produced some affordable housing and is very competent, but he said that Donovan did some "terrible" things as well. McKee pointed specifically to a development that was formerly part of the states affordable Mitchell-Lama program called Independence Plaza North in Tribeca, Manhattan. The historic development was home to thousands of tenants, and McKee said a tax decision from Donovan effectively prevented Independence Plaza North from remaining rent-stabilized. Diane Lapson, president of the tenant association, said that Donovan never met with her or other tenant leaders, but met with the lawyer for the developments landlord Laurence Gluck multiple times before making his decision. His role in the debacle, which led to yearslong court battles, has stuck with her. When I saw Shaun Donovan was running for mayor, it was like a recurring nightmare flying through my head at that moment, Lapson said. I can never trust him to be fair with housing, especially in New York, where this is one of our biggest problems. When asked about Independence Plaza North and another former Mitchell-Lama development McKee said he failed to keep truly affordable, Donovan spoke broadly about the need for permanent affordability to avoid these types of situations. I'm a big believer that the best way to fix this is to never allow the moment where someone can actually opt out of the programs, he said. His campaign sent an additional statement in response to follow-up questions about the specifics of Independence Plaza North. Unfortunately, given that the deal was already agreed upon and executed before I arrived at HPD, our hands were effectively tied, Donovan said in an emailed statement. Under these constraints, we still did everything we could to protect these tenants." This incident, no matter how bad a taste it left in the mouths of some tenant advocates, did not prevent Obama from nominating Donovan as Housing and Urban Development secretary in 2009. Donovan helped launch the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, an organization at Housing Preservation and Development, to address the mortgage and foreclosure crisis by providing counseling and mortgage assistance. He credits that program with catching Obamas eye. I would say to my colleagues that Mr. Donovan is the most experienced nominee for HUD secretary this committee has seen in a long time, then-Sen. Christopher Dodd said during Donovans nomination hearing before the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, which Dodd chaired at the time. Among transition team members, Donovan was a top pick as well, someone they hoped Obama would choose. For all of us, Shaun brought not just the substantive capacity, but the leadership and instincts and follow-through and managerial skills to be able to actually deliver, said Ken Zimmerman, who served on Obamas Housing and Urban Development transition team and then as senior adviser to Donovan for his first year. Zimmerman said that despite his policy wonk appearance, Donovan was good at and enjoyed the politics necessary to get things done. In his mayoral bid, Donovan emphasizes his time in the Obama administration, first as Housing and Urban Development secretary and later as the director of the Office of Budget Management, perhaps partially to his detriment. The Times said in their endorsement of former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia that Donovan appears more like a Washington insider than a big city mayor. But like Garcia, he also paints himself as an effective crisis manager. He was tasked with helping lead the nation out of the mortgage and foreclosure crisis at the start of Obamas tenure, when he led negotiations on a $25 billion deal with mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuse. When Superstorm Sandy hit, Obama put Donovan in charge of overseeing the recovery efforts, with Donovan launching the Rebuild by Design competition to increase resiliency in New York City. And he was part of the federal task force leading the nations response to the Ebola and Zika epidemics, while overseeing trillion-dollar budgets at the Office of Budget Management. Sometimes I joke I try not to take it personally crisis seems to follow me wherever I go in public service, Donovan said with a chuckle. But its something that he believes has prepared him for the role hes seeking. Zimmerman said that when Donovan took over at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it was a greatly diminished agency with a much smaller headcount than at its height. Part of what I thought Shaun did really well was to bring top-flight talent in, Zimmerman said. And Cestero, who took over at the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development, considered the team that Donovan built one of the most important things he inherited in New York City. Certainly, Donovan comes into the mayoral race with a wealth of experience, and few have had qualms with his qualifications in the past or now. But a doozy like his gaffe in his endorsement interview with the Times may wind up following the low-polling housing wonk for the remaining month and a half before Election Day. New Yorkers arent ones to easily forget a faux pas, especially by a rich white man, no matter how many times he name-checks Obama. Correction: Due to an editing error, City & State initially misstated how long after the Times interview Donovan followed up. This article is part of our For The Record series, examining the leading mayoral contenders professional records. You can read the rest of the series here. Police oversight After the volatile protests against police brutality and systemic racism last summer, more than 750 complaints were filed against New York City Police Department officers for their treatment of protesters. However, the details of the investigations into these complaints have yet to be disclosed. The New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, the largest police watchdog organization in the country, is in charge of investigating complaints made against the police and providing the NYPD with disciplinary recommendations, as well as recommendations for any changes they think should be implemented within the NYPD. The board investigates complaints regarding use of force, discourtesy, abuse of authority and allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite what you might think, the CCRB isnt a part of the NYPD, its an independent and impartial agency or, at least its supposed to be free from interference. The board is comprised of 15 members, all of whom are supposed to live in the city and reflect the diversity of the city. Five seats are appointed by the mayor, five by the New York City Council, three by the police commissioner and one by the public advocate. The head of the board is chosen jointly by the mayor and the City Council. None of the members of the board are supposed to have any law enforcement background, except for the three members appointed by the police commissioner. The CCRB is staffed with more than 100 civilian investigators none of whom are police officers, hence the term civilian investigators who look into and attempt to verify every complaint the agency receives. It can take months for a complaint to be investigated and assessed as either substantiated, meaning that the complaint was verified and misconduct did occur, or unsubstantiated, meaning that the complaint did not qualify as misconduct. Complaints can also be exonerated if an investigation can verify the allegation but it was not a violation. If theres no evidence that what was alleged actually occurred, a complaint will be deemed unfounded. After investigators complete their analyses and make their recommendations, rotating three-member panels of board members that are required to have one police commissioner designee will determine whether or not they approve the disciplinary actions recommended. Recently it was discovered that several members of the board have a habit of overturning investigation findings that have substantiated complaints at higher rates than other board members and helped officers get off the hook, which has called this system into question. Based on the distribution of the board selection, it may appear as though there is an equal distribution of power but all cases with substantial accusations are eventually given to the police commissioner as only the police commissioner has the authority to impose discipline. Many criminal justice reform advocates have pushed back on this stipulation as it gives the commissioner unchecked power and undermines having an independent oversight board and guards officers from penalties. By the numbers NYPD misconduct complaints The New York Civil Liberties Union compiled a database of complaints against the NYPD using CCRB complaint data obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request. The complaints cover both the period in which the CCRB was a part of the NYPD and now when it operates as an independent city agency. Because of this data request, the NYCLU found: 279,644 unique misconduct complaints, involving 102,121 incidents, exist in the CCRB database unique misconduct complaints, involving 102,121 incidents, exist in the CCRB database 81% of the complaints where someone reported their race, since 2000, were made by Black or Latino people and 14% were made by white people of the complaints where someone reported their race, since 2000, were made by Black or Latino people and 14% were made by white people 61% of complaints naming an officer since the 1980s have been made against white officers and 36% have been made against Black or Latino officers of complaints naming an officer since the 1980s have been made against white officers and 36% have been made against Black or Latino officers About 3% of complaints have resulted in a penalty for the officer or officers involved Mini history lesson The CCRBs origins The CCRB was created in 1953 as an organization within the police department in response to growing calls to examine the NYPDs treatment of Black and Puerto Rican New Yorkers, specifically. Officers were in charge of investigating misconduct complaints and deputy commissioners had the final say in whether or not officers should be disciplined. In the 1990s, then-Mayor David Dinkins announced that he wanted to move the CCRB out of the police department and turn it into an independent entity, which was met with fierce criticism from the NYPD. And in 1993, he did just that, in addition to providing the board with subpoena power. The CCRB also gained the ability to prosecute officers for more serious violations in 2012 when the board determined misconduct has occurred and an officer needs to be charged at the NYPDs hearing offices. However, the police commissioner still has the final say on whether or not an officer is penalized. Stalling investigations The NYPD holds the cards Nearly every CCRB investigation relies on an officers willingness to cooperate with them by participating in interviews and turning over any evidence requested by the agency. During the pandemic, many officers refused to submit video interviews for investigations, which were being requested in lieu of in-person interviews due to health concerns. However, officers were ordered to comply with the CCRBs requests to participate in video interviews in August. The NYPD is also known to hold on to evidence, such as body camera footage, that has been requested by the CCRB even though the department is required by law to turn it over. Without body camera evidence, complaints are much more likely to get dismissed. The NYPD has also told the CCRB that footage doesnt exist, only for the board to find out later that it did. However, the CCRB and NYPD agreed in 2019 to allow investigators to watch as officers search for body camera footage they requested, though the pandemic has complicated its implementation thus far. The police department has also legally withheld paper documents and redacted the names of witnesses in paperwork given to the board about people who may be of value to the CCRBs investigations. It is through these means that the police department can slow down investigations and make it more difficult to substantiate a complaint. The board is required to investigate a complaint within an 18-month period and if they are not provided with the evidence they require within that time frame its investigation may not go anywhere, which makes getting evidence as quickly as possible is so important. The NYPD is also substantially bigger than the CCRB, with a $5 billion budget compared to the boards roughly $20 million budget. In fact, the city Independent Budget Office said last year that the board was too small to effectively oversee the department. In November, four top CCRB staffers were abruptly terminated after pushing the agency to fight back more aggressively against the NYPD. The people who were fired included two chiefs of investigation, a deputy chief of investigations, and the director of policy and advocacy. The four former staffers then sued the city and said they were released from their posts in retaliation for wanting the agency to take stronger actions toward the NYPDs refusal to cooperate. The CCRB has maintained that the staffers were fired as a part of the boards restructuring to free up more cash for 20 additional investigators. Regardless, the incident serves as a reminder of just how much sway the police department still has over the board. Youve got options How to file a complaint Should you ever find yourself on the receiving end of police misconduct, you have the right to file a complaint with the CCRB and you can do so in several ways. You can submit a complaint online, call the CCRBs hotline to speak directly with an investigator, call 311, write a letter, go to a police station, go directly to the CCRBs office or to a City Council members office who is a part of the CCRBs Community Partners Initiative. With reporting from Isabel Beebe Newsrooms are unionizing faster than ever, driven by economic uncertainty and their need for more influence over diversityof content and staffing. Axios reports that in 2020, More than 1,800 journalists across unions from the NewsGuild and the Writers Guild (of America) unionized Thats up from roughly 1,500 the year prior. Conspicuously missing from that trend: cable news. As a result, Anderson Cooper is covered by union protection when he goes to work at CBS, but not when he returns to CNN. As a former producer who has worked in both union and non-union newsrooms, I can attest to the value collective negotiation provides individual workers as well as the editorial process. (Unfortunately, the advantages werent clear until I was hired at MSNBC, which is not organized.) The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists represents many broadcast newsrooms. Among other benefits, the union addresses salary issues and helps ensure physical security and compensation for overtimeboth major issues in the TV news business. Opinions in the industry range from indifference to strong support for union representationeven if the latter camp acknowledges that it may be difficult to organize sprawling, established outlets like CNN. When MSNBC launched in 1996, NBC management (then owned by General Electric) fought mightily against unionization. Its left some odd inconsistencies at 30 Rock, where, just across the hall, NBC News producers belong to sag-aftra, as do editorial staff at WNBC, the local affiliate. NBC Digital also voted to organize in December 2019. A similar effort at MSNBC last year fizzled once producers started working from home; they feared retribution for even discussing the matter. Anyone in news almost certainly works more than a forty-hour workweek. Most journalists wake up and fall asleep tracking the latest news updates. But fatigue isnt the only impediment to a functional newsroom. Broadcast journalists also tend to be super-achievers who arent likely to dissent on editorial matters, out of an understanding that productionthe planning, writing, and sourcingneeds to be as quick as possible. That means the editorial process can be, and often is, short circuited. The bigger the organization, the bigger the problem, a veteran reporter told me. The top-down structure at many of these outlets means theres less news gathering, and journalists dont feel empowered to push back when they see something wrong. Sign up for CJR 's daily email With a union, producers may be able to ask, Are we covering this story the way we should? Are we staffed appropriately? Mary Cavallaro, the chief broadcast officer for sag-aftra, says. When they are able to talk to their boss on a level playing field, thats real power. Another benefit is the ability to help manage schedules and budgets. At MSNBC, primetime producers are on-call about once every six weekends in case there is breaking news, meaning the producers must be on-hand quickly, unable to travel or make other personal plans. (I used to feel guilty taking a yoga class on those weekends, afraid to be away from my phone.) Cavallaro explains that certain provisions in a union contract may help. They may require premium compensation for anyone who is placed on-call, whether theyre required to work or notand that provision might encourage employers to manage schedules better to avoid those payments. In recent years the environment for producers has worsened as newsrooms try to do more with fewer employees. They may hire a video producer who ends up reporting on air, throwing to a package they edited, squeezing more work out of a single employee. Likewise, the pandemic exacerbated workloads for everyone, as boundaries have been blurred working from home. The good-intentioned, hard working journalists in cable news deserve more, and so does the audience. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Ariana Pekary is the CJR public editor for CNN. She was an award-winning public radio and MSNBC journalist for two decades. Now she focuses on the systemic flaws of commercial broadcast news. She can be contacted at publiceditors@cjr.org. Last week, after months of deliberation, the Facebook Oversight Boardthe theoretically independent body that adjudicates cases in which content has been removed by the social networkreleased its decision on the banning of Donald Trump. The former presidents account was blocked indefinitely following the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, after Facebook decided he was using it to incite violence. It sent this decision to the Oversight Board for review, and the board announced its ruling last week, which upheld the ban on Trump as justified, but also noted that Facebook doesnt have a policy that allows it to ban accounts indefinitely. So the board gave the company six months to come up with such a policy or else impose a time limit on the Trump ban. Some observers saw this as the board punting on the choice of whether to ban the former president, while others argued that paying so much attention to the rulings of a quasi-independent body created by the company it is supposed to oversee meant giving the board (and Facebook) too much credit, and was a distraction from the companys real problems. Is the Oversight Board a valid mechanism for making these kinds of content decisions, or is Facebook just trying to pass the buck and avoid responsibility? Is the board actively fighting to ensure that its not just a rubber stamp for Facebooks decisions? To answer these and other questions, were talking this week with a number of experts on Galley, CJRs discussion platform, including Nathalie Marechal, a policy analyst at Ranking Digital Rights; Kate Klonick, a law professor at St. Johns University in New York who has followed the Oversight Board since its inception; and Evelyn Douek, a lecturer at Harvard Law School and an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, who will be joining us for a discussion today. Marechal firmly believes the Oversight Board is mostly a distraction from the important questions about Facebook and its control over speech and privacy. The more time and energy we all spend obsessing over content moderation, the less time and energy we have scrutinizing the Big Tech Companies business models and working to pass legislation that actually protects us from these companies voraciousness, she said. The most important thing that the government could do to reign in Facebooks power, Marechal says, is pass federal privacy legislation that includes data minimization (they can only collect data that they actually need to perform the service requested by the user), purpose limitation (they can only use data for the specific purpose they collected it forie, not for advertising), and a robust enforcement mechanism that includes penalties that go beyond fines, since we know that fines are just a slap-on-the-wrist. ICYMI: Whats the difference between freelance writers and gig workers? Klonick is more willing to see the Oversight Board as a potential positive influence on Facebookalthough not a solution to all of the companys problems. Klonick knows the board more intimately than most: in 2019, she convinced the company to give her access to those who created the board and developed its mandate and governance structure, and she later wrote about this process for The New Yorker and others. Klonick got her own funding for the project, and Facebook had no control over the finished product, but she says she was aware the company probably agreed to give her access in part because it hoped to gain some legitimacy, and that she was well aware of this and other traps of access journalism while she was working on her piece. Based on her knowledge and understanding of the board, Klonick says she believes that, far from punting the decision on Trump, the boards ruling shows that they are taking their role very, very seriouslyand theyre also not willing to simply carry water for hard decisions that Facebook doesnt want to make. When it comes to legitimacy, she says, thats something the Oversight Board will have to earn over time, by making decisions that are well tested and reasoned, and by ensuring Facebook abides by them. Even the United Nations faced an uphill battle in achieving legitimacy for its various tribunals in the early years of its life, Klonick notes, and the Supreme Court wasnt seen as the all-powerful body it is seen as now until well into its existence. Sign up for CJR 's daily email In order to be effective, she says, the Oversight Board needs three specific forms of independence: 1) The financial kind, so that it wont be beholden to Facebook for funding; 2) the intellectual kind, meaning it cant be filled with anyone biased in favor of the company, including Facebook staffers and former employees, or anyone else who is biased in favor of the company; and 3) the judicial kind, so that it may choose its own cases and arrive at decisions without Facebooks influence. Klonick says she believes the board has achieved each of these for the most part, and also that it is staffed by incredibly high profile people who have put their reputations on the line and DO NOT WANT to compromise their reputations by being seen as Facebook shills. As for the board being a distraction from the other important problems that need solving, such as Facebooks market power, Klonick doesnt buy it: You cant have a one size fits all approach to these problems, she says. The issues involved in content moderation at a global scale and censoring or not censoring people is not going to be solved by breaking up Facebook at a very fundamental level. Heres more on Facebook and the board: Run the clock : In Vanity Fair , Nick Bilton writes that while the board gave the company six months to either come up with a policy or put a time limit on Trumps ban, the belief among a number of people who have spent time with Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, is that he wont act at allfor now. As one person who knows Zuckerberg and is familiar with the companys internal operations explained, its easier for Facebook to run out the clock until its verdict isnt as heated. That doesnt mean Zuckerberg wont find himself backed into a corner eventually. But in the immediate future, the consensus is that very little will come from Facebook regarding Trumps online fate. A shambles : One member of the Oversight Board told Fox News Sunday that the companys internal rules for banning content are a shambles, and the company needs to fix the process to have credibility in enforcing them. Michael McConnell, a former federal judge and the co-chairman of the board, said Facebooks rules are not transparent. They are unclear. They are internally inconsistent. What the board is trying to do, he said, is bring some of the most important principles of the First Amendment, of free expression law globally, into this operation. Facebook exercises too much power and it is the job of the Oversight Board to try to bring some discipline to that process. More experts: Last year, we had a Galley discussion with a number of other experts on platform governance and moderation, including Daphne Keller, a director at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society and former deputy legal counsel at Google; Steven Levy, Wired magazine editor-at-large and author of the recent book Facebook: The Inside Story; David Kaye, then the UNs special rapporteur for freedom of expression; Alex Stamos, director of the Stanford Internet Observatory and former head of security at Facebook; Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Universitys journalism school;, and Rebecca MacKinnon, a co-founder of Global Voices and founding director of the Ranking Digital Rights project. Other notable stories: ICYMI: The Miami Herald, The Appeal, and media unions ongoing fight Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. A crew member aboard a Cuba-flagged oil tanker on its way from a Mexican shipyard to Venezuela was reported missing this week, according to a shipping report seen by Reuters, marking the second incident aboard the same vessel in about a year. Sailor Rafael Desiderio Martinez Alonso was not found last Sunday by the doctor onboard oil tanker Petion, which set sail on May 6 from Mexicos port of Veracruz bound for the Cardon terminal in Venezuelas western coast. The report by the tankers shipping agency to Venezuelan port authorities about the incident said Martinez Alonso, who was one the tankers fitters, is believed to have fallen into open waters because his shoes were found near the ships gas plant. He has not officially been reported dead. The tankers general alarm was activated the same day to start search and rescue operations, but after 24 hours the sailor was not found, said the report, which is dated May 11. The report did not identify Martinez Alonsos nationality. Cuba-flagged vessels frequently use all-Cuban crews. Venezuelas oil ministry and Cubas foreign ministry did not immediately reply to requests for comment. The Petion made a stop on Monday for about 18 hours near the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, changing its status from underway using engine to not under command. It continued its voyage to Venezuela on Tuesday, according to Refinitiv Eikon tanker monitoring data. The same ship last year reported the death of a Cuban sailor while anchored near Venezuelas Amuay port, after the helmsman fell overboard, according to people familiar with theaccident. Both the Petion and its managing firm, Cyprus-registered Caroil Transport Marine Ltd, were hit with U.S. sanctions in 2019 for transporting Venezuelan oil to Cuba. The vessel was serviced in Mexico between March and May. Caroil could not be reached for comment. A separate tanker, the Cameroon-flagged Domani, arrived in Venezuelan waters in March with a dead crew member onboard, according to two sources with knowledge of the incident. The death was reported as a suicide before Venezuelan authorities. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Hurricane Zeta, which swept through southeast Louisiana at the tail end of the 2020 hurricane season, has been upgraded to a major, Category 3 storm at Louisiana landfall, according to a federal report released Tuesday that underscored the intensity of the already record-breaking storm season. The report by the National Hurricane Center said the storm led to five direct deaths and $4.4 billion dollars in damage in the United States. It also brought with it storm surge as high as 10 feet (3 meters) in Mississippi and parts of Alabama and some areas saw as much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain. However, the NHC noted that Zeta was such a fast-moving storm that flooding associated with it was minimal. Zeta was a late-season hurricane that first made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 1 and then again near Cocodrie, Louisiana, on October 28, punctuating a season that already battered southern Louisiana. In addition to Zeta, the other hurricanes that achieved major status include Laura, Delta, Teddy, Epsilon, Eta and Iota. Of those, Delta, Laura, Eta and Iota were the most damaging with Laura and Delta battering southwest Louisiana and Eta and Iota hammering Central America. At the time Zeta made landfall, it was already known to be a strong Category 2 hurricane. But the report released Tuesday bumped its winds up slightly and pushed it over the Category 3 threshold. The Center said the sustained Category 3 winds would only have been felt over a small area at the coast near the landfall location and the change in intensity wouldnt have had much practical significance. But with the change, 2020 now ties 2005 for the most Atlantic major hurricanes in a single season on record, Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University, said on Twitter. Both 2020 and 2005 had seven major hurricanes. The upgrade also means that Zeta is now the latest calendar year major hurricane to make landfall in the continental U.S., the report said. The previous record was set by the Tampa Bay Hurricane of 1921 that made landfall on October 25. All the deaths happened in the U.S. Two people died in Jamaica from a mudslide although the NHC does not classify those as directly related to Zeta since it was not a tropical cyclone at the time. The report released Tuesday details the hurricanes origins, trajectory and things such as wind speed and storm surge when it made landfall. The Center releases similar reports on every named storm that hits during a season. The reports on Laura, Iota and Eta have yet to be published. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season set multiple records while producing a record 30 named storms. There were so many that the list of 21 conventional names was exhausted and the Greek alphabet was used for only the second time. Associated Press Science Reporter Seth Borenstein contributed to this report from Washington. About the photo: In this Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, file photo, Mark Andollina, left, and Shane Holder, remove part of a roof damaged by Hurricane Zeta from the road at the Cajun Tide Beach Resort in Grand Isle, La. The late-hitting Hurricane Zeta has been upgraded to a major, Category 3 storm, according to a report by the National Hurricane Center released Tuesday, May 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton, File) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) More than 20 hospitals want a slew of documents from a drug manufacturer made public after a Tennessee judge ruled against the company without a trial in a lawsuit over the opioid epidemic, saying the company intentionally withheld records and lied at least a dozen times. The hospitals, which are in Tennessee and Virginia, filed a motion last week to intervene and make documents from Endo Pharmaceuticals available to them and the public from legal discovery in the case in Sullivan County Circuit Court. The hospitals in 2019 filed their own lawsuit pending against Endo and other pharmaceutical companies in Tennessee in Greene County, and its been transferred to federal court. The hospitals are now asking a judge to order the release of the documents in the Sullivan County case, which includes northeastern Tennessee district attorneys and a baby born addicted to opioids as its plaintiffs. The hospitals contend they want to avoid running into the same problems the judge cited against Endo. Accordingly, the hospitals, and the public as a whole, have a social and economic interest in gaining expeditious and ready access to the Endo documents and materials produced in this case through the efforts of the Court and the plaintiffs without having to face the burdens, roadblocks and misrepresentations encountered all over again in what has become a nationwide litigation strategy by Endo. Last month, Chancellor E.G. Moody entered the default judgment against Endo, a rare move to rule against the opioid firm before a civil trial over its role in the epidemic. Moody wrote that there was a coordinated strategy by the company and its attorneys to delay proceedings, deprive plaintiffs of information and interfere with the administration of justice. The judge said the company produced almost 400,000 more documents after the discovery period closed, despite saying in February 2020 that it had not withheld anything. Many of the records that the company knowingly withheld were highly relevant and in some cases directly contradict testimony by Endos witnesses, the judge wrote. The company has said that it plans to appeal the judges orders in the Sullivan County case, calling them procedurally, factually, and legally deficient. Endo did not respond to a request for comment on the hospitals motion to release the documents publicly. The judge has set a July 26 start to a trial over how much in damages to award in the case. Attorney Gary Brewer, who is representing the hospitals, said theres an overpowering reason to unseal Endos documents. They just dont want the public to know what theyve done, Brewer said in a phone interview. And theyve made a fortune out of selling these pills. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Utility giant PG&E Corp. rejected criminal liability for its role in a 2019 wildfire that burned 78,000 acres in Northern California, arguing that a local prosecutor is twisting state law in an attempt to find the company culpable. Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch last month charged PG&E with with 33 counts stemming from the Kincade Fire. In a state court filing Tuesday, the utility said it has accepted regulators conclusions that the fire was caused by PG&Es equipment but will contest the 25 counts that have never been applied to a wildfire. PG&E said in a statement that its thoughts are with those who lost homes and businesses in the fire, and especially injured firefighters. The filing outlines why we believe the majority of these charges should be dismissed. While California health and safety codes make it a crime to emit air contaminants, those laws govern pollution-generating industries such as oil refineries, factories and dumps, PG&E said in the filing. They dont apply to companies that may cause a wildfire and, as a byproduct, cause contaminants to be emitted into the air from the property of third parties. PG&E, which was driven into bankruptcy in 2019 due to wildfires caused by its equipment, is attempting to avoid being convicted of felonies a third time. It pleaded guilty last year to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for the deadliest fire in state history in 2018, and has been on probation since its 2016 conviction for safety violations stemming from a fatal gas-pipeline explosion in San Bruno in 2010. The district attorney in Shasta County is reviewing last years Zogg Fire, which killed four people, for possible criminal charges against the utility. Asked about the Kincade criminal charges during an earnings call last month, PG&E Chief Executive Officer Patricia K. Poppe said Ravitch has a constituency. Shes elected. She has a job to do, Poppe said. We disagree with those charges. We dont think theres a criminal basis for those charges. We will fight those charges. State investigators previously determined that a broken PG&E cable started the Kincade Fire northeast of the town of Geyserville. Ravitchs office declined to comment Wednesday. The case is California v. PG&E, SCR-745228-1, California Superior Court, Sonoma County (Santa Rosa). CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Three Chagrin Falls High School seniors combined to capture first place in the Ohio Stock Market Game, a statewide competition sponsored by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Seniors Colin Cusack, Matisse Despres and Noah Girard, students in business teacher Nancy Vondraks financial literacy class, received a Target gift card and a certificate from SIFMA for their victory. The team had been invited to compete in a Portfolio Challenge via Zoom on April 29. They gave a 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges composed of financial professionals, explaining all they have learned and gained from this experience. Im so proud of these three seniors, Vondrak said. They collaborated and communicated well to research, discuss and make investment decisions. This is truly a student-led activity, and Colin, Matisse and Noah nailed it. To place first in the state in this game is a big achievement and honor, she said. The Ohio Stock Market Game ran from February through April. Student teams were given $100,000 and decided which stocks or mutual funds they wished to invest in, based on their research or ideas. Students log in to their accounts and trade via the Stock Market Game web page. Team rankings were updated after the New York Stock Exchange closed each day and were posted on the rankings page. Art Show goes virtual The Chagrin Falls PTOs 2021 Art Show has gone virtual this year. The entire art show and award videos will go live at 5 p.m. Friday (May 14). To view the show, log on to cfsartshow.com. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 show was canceled. As school started this fall, the PTO was determined to find a way to showcase the many talented student artists this spring, according to a news release. This years show will highlight outstanding works of art from Chagrin Falls students in grades 7-12 across all disciplines. Each piece has been individually photographed and uploaded to a dedicated art show website that the PTO created so residents can view from home and share with friends and family. The show features 953 pieces of artwork from all media, including new technologies such as animation and illustration and digital fabrication that utilized the Chagrin Falls Innovation Center. The website will be live throughout the summer. In addition to awards from the Art Department, principal, PTO, Dads Club and Board of Education, there will also be awards from local arts organizations Valley Art Center and Cleveland Print Room, as well as the Hamlet Awards, including Best In Show. New this year will be a purchased award from Chagrin Falls Village Council. The winning piece will be on display at Village Hall for a year. All artwork that makes it into the show receives Silver Awards. The faculty then selects 60 Gold Award winners. This years show was a juried show, and the judging was blind. All of the artists names were hidden on that version of the website, and each piece was identified by a three-digit number. There are six Outstanding Artist Awards at Chagrin Falls High School -- two each for photography, 2D and 3D. These awards are given for a students cumulative body of work. Co-chairs Nancy Burham and Beth Gresh said they hope to continue producing an online version of the show in future years, as it enables students to not only share the show with family and friends, but also to garner attention for the program. Chagrin Falls High School senior Alison Brown (Photo courtesy of Chagrin Falls Schools) Student of the Month Chagrin Falls High School senior Alison Brown has been selected as the Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month for May. Alison was chosen based on the leadership and service qualities she has displayed in the community. She won the Tiger of the Semester Award in 2018 and also has participated in a variety of clubs. She was editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, the Tiger Times; was a staff photographer for the school yearbook, the Zenith; and was a writing intern for The Write Place. Outside of class, Alison enjoys working at the South Franklin Circle Independent and Assisted Living Facility. She also spends time with her youth group. During her time at CFHS, Alison has taken several accelerated classes, including Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra 2, Honors English 11 and Honors Pre-Calculus. Following graduation, she plans to attend John Carroll University in University Heights, where she will major in middle childhood education with a concentration in math and English. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. COLUMBUS, Ohio For some Ohio residents, getting vaccinated will do much more than protect them from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday announced the state will hold drawings over five weeks, awarding $1 million each to five random people who have been vaccinated. The $1 million prizes are for residents who are at least 18 years old. For those under 18, the state will hold five drawings awarding a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohios state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board. The pool of names for the Ohio Vax-a-Million drawing will come from the Ohio Secretary of States publicly available voter registration database. For those who are not in the database, the governors administration will create a webpage for people to sign up. The lotteries come as DeWine announced Wednesday the state will lift health orders for the coronavirus on June 2. Its hoped the lotteries will add another incentive for people to get the vaccine. The first winners of the five weekly drawings will be announced on May 26. The winners must have received at least one dose of the vaccine for the coronavirus by the date of a drawing. The drawings will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health, with help from the Ohio Lottery Commission. WILLOUGHBY, Ohio A man is facing multiple criminal charges, including murder and manslaughter, following a yearlong investigation into the death of his 5-week-old child in May 2020. William Beasley, 30, has been charged by a Lake County grand jury with two counts of murder, three counts of involuntary manslaughter, one count of reckless homicide, two counts of endangering children, and felonious assault. According to police, EMS workers were called to a residence on the 1300 block of Lost Nation Road at about 1:30 a.m. on May 22, 2020, for an infant boy who was having trouble breathing. The child, Zachary Beasley, first was taken to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, then transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at the Cleveland Clinic. Later that same day, Clinic health workers contacted Lake County Jobs and Family Services, saying the Zachary showed signs of possible abuse. County officials then contacted police. The boy died on May 29, 2020, police say. His death was ruled a homicide by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office. According to the medical examiner, Zachary died from complications of blunt force injury to head, trunk, and extremities with skeletal and brain injuries. Beasley was arrested Tuesday by Willoughby police and members of Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. He is being held in the Lake County Jail and will make his first court appearance Friday. More crime-related content on cleveland.com: Lakewood man found guilty of beating neighbor to death with power saw Army soldier charged with murder opened fire at Cleveland New Years Eve party after cousin was attacked, prosecutor says Officials identify man shot dead on side of East Cleveland street Federal agents arrest 2 suspects in fatal shooting in Clevelands Slavic Village Regarding the May 12 essay, When Ohio was the Promised Land, I am also descended from a Revolutionary War veteran who was granted land in Ohio for his service. Its disappointing to read a history which mentions only in passing the fact that there were people on the land before and during the time settlers showed up. Like the Promised Land of Canaan in the Bible, Ohio was not uninhabited when European Americans showed up. Indeed, the articles historic map illustration shows Northwest Ohio as Indian Land. The story of land theft and violence is a sad story, but needs to be included in any history of 19th-century America. It would be good to know why the Delaware and Shawnee were marauding, as mentioned in the article. The website native-land.ca will show anyone interested which people lived on the land before our ancestors arrived. Settlers like my ancestor got a real bargain in Ohio, while other human beings paid a steep price. Barrick Stees, Chagrin Falls COLUMBUS, OhioA federal judge has held that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost can move forward with a lawsuit challenging Congress stipulation that the latest round of coronavirus funding cant be used, directly or indirectly, to offset state tax cuts. However, U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Cole denied Yosts request for a preliminary injunction to hold up the tax mandate requirement, stating that chances are likely nil that the federal government would demand a refund of the $5.5 billion Ohio stands to get under the Democratic-passed American Rescue Plan Act before the judge issues a final ruling in the case. Yost, a Columbus Republican, argues that the tax-cut ban included in the stimulus package violates states rights to set their own tax policy. Cole, in his order, noted that previous court rulings have established that Congress must clearly lay out any conditions attached to federal money offered to states. In this case, Cole stated, the tax mandate requirement was not clear, but hopelessly muddled. He wrote he honestly has no idea what an indirect offset to net tax revenues may be and that lawyers for the federal government had trouble explaining it, too. As Ohio lawmakers are currently negotiating the states new two-year budget, a lack of certainty about consequences of accepting funding has an immediate impact on the state. Cole acknowledged that such uncertainty is perhaps an odd form of (legal) injury for the state of Ohio, but its just barely enough to give the state standing to fight the tax mandate in court. Coles order is not a final ruling, though he wrote that Ohio has established a substantial likelihood, (although by no means a certainty) of success, on at least an aspect of its case against the tax mandate. Yost, in a release, praised Coles ruling as a vindication of his arguments. The trial court here agreed with our core argument: the federal government does not have the right to tell the states what to do with its tax policy, Yost said in a statement. Imagine if a conservative federal government required states to reduce taxes as a condition for receiving emergency funding. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio lawmakers have no immediate plans to cut taxes. But Yost previously said the restrictions could block Ohio from issuing tax credits that state economic-development officials commonly use to lure in business projects. Local governments are getting about $5 billion through the law. The largest recipient is Cleveland, which the U.S. Treasury Department said would receive $512 million. The tax-cuts restriction, though, only affects state funding. The federal aid is meant to help governments make up for lost tax revenues and cover extra expenses associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The money can be given directly to individuals and businesses, or used to fund infrastructure projects meant to boost the economy. Read the full opinion and order here: CIRCLEVILLE, West Virginia Step, breathe, step, breathe. Whatever you do, dont look down. And so I methodically made my way across the 150-foot-high bridge, swaying between two giant rock formations in eastern West Virginia. And I wondered to myself how exactly I had been talked into this. Strictly translated, via ferrata is Italian for iron way. Although similar climbing apparatus had been used before, the Italians formalized the concept during World War I, when soldiers needed a way to cross the rocky Dolomite mountains. They affixed a series of rungs, ladders and cables to the rock to assist in climbing. In the decades since then, via ferratas have been developed across Europe as an extreme recreational activity for adventure seekers. They have been slower to catch on in the United States, with the first, in Kentuckys Red River Gorge, opening in 2001, and the second a year later, high in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern West Virginia, which is where I found myself last month. Nelson Rocks is a privately owned recreational park with an unusual geologic formation as its centerpiece: two parallel walls of rock, or fins, joined by a 200-foot-long swaying bridge. Writer Susan Glaser carefully makes her way across a 150-foot high suspension bridge, part of the Via Ferrata tour in West Virginia. An aerial view of the dual fins at Nelson Rocks, part of the Via Ferrata tour in West Virginia. Guide River Rice with NROCKS Outdoor Adventures on the Via Ferrata tour in West Virginia. Via ferratas in Europe are often unguided, but in the United States, a guide typically accompanies all climbers. There were just four in my group: my husband and me, both in our 50s, plus a couple in their 30s from Washington, D.C. We were led by 23-year-old guide River Rice, a veteran rock climber. The tour lasted about four hours, and started with a short hike to the start of the course. Hiking is where we see most of our injuries, said Rice. Be careful where you step. Having successfully negotiated the ground below us, we were ready to ascend. But first, a tutorial: * Every participant wears a harness, equipped with three heavy-duty carabiner clips. A metal cable aligns the route, and the carabiners connect climber to cable. A majority of the time, two carabiners are clipped in, with one mandatory at all times, said Rice. * We tested our trust in the system by leaning back from the wall, supported only by the equipment. My discomfort with this exercise did not bode well for the rest of the journey. * Which brings me to our next rule dont fall, said Rice. That sounds like a joke, but it isnt. Rice noted that the equipment is designed to keep you on the mountain, but might not keep you uninjured. All right then. And so we began the ascent straight up 200 feet of vertical rock face. I am not a rock climber, having tried the sport only once or twice, indoors, at climbing gyms. In theory, via ferratas are easier than traditional climbing because there are manmade structures in place to help you find your way. Indeed, there were rungs along this route, which made it a little like climbing a ladder, accompanied by beautiful views. If only I had the nerve to look. Other times, we were side stepping carefully along narrow ledges all the while, unclipping and clipping, unclipping and clipping. For the most part, I affixed my gaze on the rock, or immediately above me to find a spot to grab onto. There was one place, however, where it was impossible not to look through a gap in the rock wall dubbed Scheisse Notch (Ill let you look up the English translation of the German word). The gap offered incredible framing of the valley below breathtaking and nerve-wracking all at once. There are two exit routes on the tour, with the first about a quarter of the way in, and the second just before the suspension bridge. The bridge, 200 feet across, features more than 100 two-by-four boards, spaced 16 inches apart, with a maximum of three people crossing at once, to prevent too much movement. I ventured across on my own. Steven Brunot, the author's husband, maneuvers along the Via Ferrata in Circleville, West Virginia. The optional climb near the end of the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks in West Virginia. Atop the optional headwall on the Via Ferrata in Nelson Rocks, West Virginia. While all four of us completed the route, NROCKS operations manager Bryan Williams said that a majority of tours have at least one climber exit before finishing, frequently people who get talked into the experience by friends or family and dont really know what theyre in for. This is one of the most difficult and challenging things you can do in this part of the country, he said. Strictly from a climbing perspective, however, Rice said the experience isnt particularly challenging a 5.2 on whats known as the Yosemite Decimal System, an easy rating. Tell that to my beating heart. After the bridge, theres an optional section with another 60 feet of straight vertical climbing, to the top of the eastern fin. My husband and I sat this section out, in an effort to settle our nerves and shaking knees, while the other two in our group continued skyward. After she descended, I asked fellow climber Jenny Wineberg about the view from up top. She said she was too nervous to enjoy it. I could relate. Physically, the experience was only moderately demanding, with my arms and legs both a bit sore the next day. It was more exhausting emotionally. From start to finish, I was focused on putting one foot in front of the other, making it through the course. I didnt really take time to enjoy it. Rice seemed to sense my nervousness, staying close to me for much of the tour, waxing philosophical as we climbed. Climbing is a metaphor for life, Rice told me. Theres something comforting in knowing that you can always get down and start over. Rice did catch me once, very briefly, with both carabiners unclipped. I wasnt following the rules of using just one hand to clip and unclip, and mistakenly had a clip in each hand, both unattached. It was an innocent mistake, with potentially serious consequences. A death occurred on the course in 2006, after a 24-year-old Pittsburgh woman was unhooked briefly, falling 150 feet. Indeed, the NROCKS website suggests the experience isnt for the faint of heart. If you have a general, healthy fear of heights, you should be okay. If you are intensely scared of heights, this might not be the activity for you. I wouldnt describe myself as having an intense fear of heights, although every ounce of it was in force on that afternoon. Would I do it again? Its a month later, and I still cant answer that question. But it sure is fun to talk about. Writer Susan Glaser smiles through her nervousness on the Via Ferrata in Circleville, West Virginia. Checking out the equipment prior to climbing, on the Via Ferrata in Circleville, West Virginia. Tour guide River Rice takes in the scenery of Nelson Rocks, West Virginia. If you go: NROCKS Outdoor Adventures What: The Via Ferrata course is the most popular activity at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, which also offers ziplining, traditional rock climbing, caving, overnight lodging and more. Participants must be 13 or older, and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds. Participants have been as old as 80, according to guides. Where: NROCKS is in the town of Circleville, in Pendleton County, West Virginia, about 5 hours from Cleveland. Cell reception in the area is non-existent, so write down the directions before you go. How much: $125 Nearby: Seneca Rocks, another popular climbing area,is part of the nearby Monongahela National Forest, about 15 miles away. We stayed at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, about 40 miles north of Nelson Rocks. More information: nrocks.com or 877-435-4842 Guide River Rice goes upside down on the suspension bridge at the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in West Virginia. More on West Virginia: Chasing waterfalls at West Virginias Blackwater Falls State Park Exploring West Virginias New River Gorge National Park, the nations newest park and also one of the oldest Amidst intense Christian persecution in China, CCP authorities have detained Elder Zhang Chunlei "on suspicion of fraud." CCP authorities are continuing their crackdown on Christians and churches in China. Chinese authorities have recently arrested Christian Elder Zhang Chunlei, who leads the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang. He was arrested for suspected fraud on May 1, on the day that China's new administrative measures on religious clergy were put into effect. According to the Christian Post, the Ren'ai Reformed Church condemned Elder Zhang's arrest as a "serious trampling on the Christian faith." The newsletter from the church declared, "We know that he has been treated so unfairly because of his faith. The so-called charges against him for scamming brothers and sisters are simply unfounded; the 'suspected fraud' is outright absurd!" Back in March, Elder Zhang was placed under administrative detention for "illegally operating as an association" just hours after Chinese police attacked a Christian retreat at a privately rented property in Guiyang. Five church members were captured and detained, while dozens of family homes were searched. Chinese authorities confiscated computers, phones, and documents, while church members were questioned by the police. Elder Zhang completed his detention on March 28 but, unlike three other church members who were set free after three days of administrative detention, was held and further charged for fraud. ChinaAid reported that Elder Zhang's wife, Yang Aiqing was handed a "notice of arrest" on May 5 and that her husband was arrested on May 1 for "suspected fraud." The Ren'ai Reformed Church called upon its church members to continue praying for the church as it "suffers from injustice and experiences this extremely difficult time." The church also warned that they "never authorized any individual to publish any information to the public on behalf of us." Towards the end of April, Chinese rights lawyer Sui Muqing expressed his concern to the Epoch Times that Chinese officials in the Guiyang in the Guizhou Province were building a case against Elder Zhang. He reported that Elder Zhang's wife, Yang Aiqing was taken by the police to be interrogated and was "detained in handcuffs and shackles for 24 hours before her release." "[Yang] was given a criminal summons on the charge of fraud but the questions during the [police] interrogation were all about spiritual beliefs and church operations," Sui reported. "There were no questions about fraud at all." Sui added that Yang was "handcuffed and fettered" and argued that she was "not a dangerous criminal" to be handcuffed and shackled that way. Sui said, "It is an act of police abusing their power." At the time, Sui said that Chinese authorities were looking to label the Ren'ai Reformed Church as a "fraud group" and its donations as a "fraud project," so that officials would have a "big case" and would be "more likely to receive awards and credits for the crackdown." The U.N. Commission on the Status of Women founder and President Mervyn Thomas has called upon the immediate release of Elder Zhang, calling his charges "unfounded" and "equally spurious." A renowned Dallas cardiologist is challenging the federal government's push for experimental vaccines versus affordable COVID-19 treatment that is already available to many. Cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough is challenging the way the U.S. healthcare system is treating COVID-19 patients. The renowned doctor from Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas is questioning why U.S. doctors have failed to come up with an official treatment protocol for COVID-19. Dr. McCullough said "something has gone off the rails in the world" in the "irregular response" the federal government has towards the global pandemic. In a recent appearance in "Tucker Carlson Today," Dr. McCullough clarified that while he has no agenda, he is "deeply concerned" that the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been "in fear, in isolation and despair." FOX News reported that the renowned doctor from Dallas wanted to know why the FDA and pharmaceutical companies "strictly excluded" several groups from their clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine. These groups include persons who were suspected to have recovered from COVID-19, persons with antibodies, pregnant women, and women who were capable of reproduction but who could not assure contraception. Dr. McCullough believes that this "huge group of exclusions'' is a "giant part of the healthcare workforce." Dr. McCullough further cast doubt on why these groups were not eligible for randomized trials. He theorized that the FDA and sponsors may have thought there was a safety problem in the COVID-19 vaccines. Insisting that the COVID-19 response has been "fear driven," the renowned doctor warned that he does not recommend experimental vaccines to pregnant women because "We have no information on safety...It violates a simple medical practice principle, we don't use things where we don't have a signal of benefit or acceptable safety. We don't do it." Dr. McCullough also argued that in other countries, doctors have encountered success in using affordable COVID-19 treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. However, in the U.S. those two drugs have been shunned and rejected as viable COVID-19 treatments in favor of experimental vaccines. According to WND, Dr. McCullough was one of the several physicians in a Senate testimony who condemned the politicization of hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, and other affordable COVID-19 treatment. The renowned doctor argued, "I have seen things in the last year that I cannot explain as a doctor. Why are other doctors not helping, with a simple [treatment] these patients avoid hospitalization and death?" In January, Daily Mail reported how the U.S. journal Frontiers of Pharmacology published a peer-reviewed study on how ivermectin can decrease COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations by up to 75%. Over 30 trials around the world showed ivermectin causes "repeated, consistent, large magnitude improvements in clinical outcomes." However, in March, The Scientist reported that the editors at Frontiers in Pharmacology took down the paper, which was written by Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) members, citing that the article "contained unsubstantiated claims and violated the journal's editorial policies." FLCCC condemned the move, saying it was "censorship" and that their paper had passed through several reviews before publishing. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 12) Vice President Leni Robredo has not yet made a decision on whether she will run for office in the upcoming elections or not, amid rumors she plans to run for governor of her home province Camarines Sur. "As VP Leni has repeatedly stated, her focus remains on helping our fellow Filipinos through the COVID-19 crisis," Robredo's spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in a statement on Wednesday. "She has not made a decision regarding the 2022 elections, and there is absolutely no truth to the claim that she is making 'preparations' to run for governor of Camarines Sur." The clarification comes after former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV released a statement on the same day, claiming the vice president is in the middle of preparing for a gubernatorial race. Trillanes said in light of this, he opted to be the principal candidate for president representing the opposition under the 1Sambayan coalition, unless Robredo later decides to run for the top post instead. "She remains open to all options, including a possible candidacy for president, and at the appropriate time, she will personally convey her decision on this matter," Gutierrez stressed. Robredo is 1Sambayan's top pick for its presidential candidate. In February, Robredo revealed she was more interested in pursuing a local post, but the presidency is not completely off the table either. She said she is only hesitating due to lack of adequate resources. Clear signals Despite the response of the Vice President's spokesperson, Trillanes said signals are clear from Robredo that she is not closing the doors to a local post. "While close sila kay Vice President Robredo, ay hindi po sila si VP Leni [While they are close to Vice President Robredo, they are still not the Vice President]. We have our own lines and we have our own information. Ayan po ang nakuha naming signals [Those are the signals we're getting]," Trillanes told CNN Philippines' News.PH. "Last week or two weeks ago, naglipat na po si VP Leni ng kanyang residence out of Naga [VP Leni moved her residence out of Naga], that will pave the way for her run as governor," he added. Robredo registered for her national ID in Magarao, instead in her hometown of Naga City - sparking rumors about her possible 2022 election plans. But Gutierrez explained that Robredo and her siblings had bought a property in Magarao after their mother's death. Meanwhile, Trillanes said he will respect the nomination of 1Sambayan, which is expected to reveal its selection process on June 12. "Former Senator Antonio Trillanes has always been included in our list of nominees, as is Vice President Leni Robredo," the coalition said in a statement. The filing of candidacies for the 2022 elections is during the first eight days of October. A coalition of retired French generals have come together to publish a letter warning of a civil war if President Emmanuel Macron's government does not address the "creeping Islamism" inside France's borders. Twenty retired generals and a number of serving soldiers have come together to sign an open letter published in the right wing magazine, Valeurs Actuelles. In the compelling letter, the retired French generals warned that a civil war could befall France because its government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, is struggling to control mass migration and the imminent rise of Islamism inside the country. According to WND, the retired generals' open letter was a reaction to a number of recent jihadist attacks, including the beheading of a school teacher in the hands of young men who the French intelligence services never tagged as a threat, and the government's refusal to punish a Black immigrant who killed an elderly Jewish woman while yelling "Allahu Akbar" or "Allah is the Greatest." The result of the Macron administration's inaction towards such shocking race-fueled crimes has pushed the leader of the conservative National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, ahead of President Macron in polls for the upcoming presidential elections that are to take place in April 2022. According to the Gatestone Institute, the open letter published in Valeurs Actuelles on April 21 was signed by 20 retired generals, a hundred senior officers, and more than a thousand members of the military. "The hour is grave. France is in peril," the letter read. "We who, even in retirement, remain soldiers of France, cannot, under the present circumstances, remain indifferent to the fate of our beautiful country." "Disintegration which, through a certain type of anti-racism, has a single goal: to create division, even hatred, between communities on our soil," the military leaders warned. "Today, some speak of racialism, indigenism and decolonial theories, but by using these terms, hateful and fanatic partisans are trying to spark a racial war." According to Daily Mail, left-wing parties described the letter as a "call to sedition," but Le Pen, who is rising to become President Macron's biggest rival in the upcoming election, said that "As a citizen and as a politician, I subscribe to your analysis and share your grief." However, Le Pen argued that change must be achieved as a result of a democratic political process and not through military intervention. The Macron administration strongly opposed the letter by the retired generals that warned of a potential civil war, with Defense Minister Florence Parly calling these movements as "unacceptable actions." Express reported that Parly ordered "sanctions" for those who have "violated the duty of reserve" and said she has ordered the chief of staff of the armed forces to apply sanctions to members of the military in active duty whose names appear in the letter. The controversial letter's lead signatory was 80 year old Christian Piquemal who led the Foreign Legion and later lost his privileges as a retired officer when he participated in an anti-Islam demonstration in 2016 and was subsequently arrested. The letter was written by former officer Jean-Pierre Fabre-Bernadac and was co-signed by a thousand more officers in lower ranks. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) Vaccination sites nationwide should prioritize using the COVID-19 shots made by AstraZeneca to prevent wastage as it nears expiration, the country's vaccine czar said on Friday. Sec. Carlito Galvez said the government plans to use up the 1.5 million doses of the vaccines delivered by COVAX before June 15, two weeks before they are set to expire. "Wala tayong problema, don't worry. Kaya ng logistics iyan... Before June 15 matatapos natin ang 1.5 million AstraZeneca kasi sinabihan natin ang ating vaccination sites na unahin muna ang AstraZeneca vaccines," he said in a media briefing. [Translation: We don't have any problem on that, don't worry. Our logistics can handle it. Before June 15, we will use up 1.5 million AstraZeneca doses because we have told our vaccination sites to prioritize its use.] Local governments are currently rolling out AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sputnik V shots. The vaccine czar said the target is achievable since more vaccination sites are opening in the next few days. As of Thursday, 7.7 million vaccine doses have been delivered to the country. Over 2.5 million shots have been administered, with 514,655 completing their two doses to achieve full protection from severe COVID-19. There is also a slight increase in daily vaccinations. From an average of about 35,000 daily shots in the past weeks, it is now averaging at 67,780 doses per day this week As of May 8, COVAX has delivered 2,030,400 AstraZeneca doses to the Philippines. Of this number, 1.5 million doses are expiring in June, while 530,400 will expire in July. The Department of Health has also rejected the proposal to vaccinate the A4 group or economic frontliners using the AstraZeneca vaccines nearing expiration. Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje stressed that the World Health Organization has ordered the prioritization of the healthcare workers, senior citizens, and people with comorbidities when using vaccines donated through COVAX. The Common Sense Institute business think tank issued its latest analysis around premiums and the proposed public option before the legislature, finding that proposed caps on premiums are well below the projected growth of of medical costs. That translates to being unlikely that insurance carriers will be able to meet the 18% target over three years before the state steps in to issue fines or dictate medical reimbursement rates that the Colorado option plan pays to medical providers. The bill passed the House on a 40-23 party-line vote on Monday and is pending before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The report released Thursday afternoon indicates base medical provider reimbursement rates in the bill would be among the lowest if not below the lowest statewide average private insurance payment rates in the country. House Bill 1232 was amended to shelve the government-created public option policy, which would offer below-market rates based on price caps, after health care providers said it would trigger budget cuts and job losses. The Common Sense Institute examined the potential financial and economic impacts in a previous record called Third Time is No Charm. "While there are important new details in the revised bill, its combined use of restrictive premium growth rate caps and low medical provider reimbursement rates will likely lead to a similar problem; government set prices that do not change the underlying cost of delivering care," states the report authored by Chris Brown, the Common Sense Institute's vice president of policy and research, and researh analyst Erik Gamm. "As a result, it will force medical providers to cut spending in a way that negatively impacts access and quality, or it will force them to increase the cost shifting that already occurs in health care thereby increasing prices for commercial payers." Wellington Webb always sauntered into the Welton Street Cafe like he owned the joint. The Welton Street Cafe has been his office away from the office for as long as he can remember. "I've been going there for ever," he told me on the phone this week, pivoting to his family. "Wilma goes there. My kids go there." The last time I saw the former mayor of Denver, we convened in the back corner. He ordered red Kool-Aid and collard greens. Catfish for me, thank you, and, yes, a big slab of that sweet, golden cornbread would suit me just fine. It was a year ago in February when I last met up with the former Denver mayor, a couple of weeks before the world fell apart. We caught up again this week after he penned an op-ed expressing his concerns about Republican states passing election laws aimed at disenfranchising urban voters and people of color. Those are the people he and his wife, a former state legislator, have championed in this city for decades. Capitol M | Best places to go politico-watching (January 2020) A year ago, I got the mayor talking about how Five Points had changed since he grew up in Denver. Tuesday we talked about whether Welton Street Cafe could survive another challenge: plumbing and HVAC. As if the pandemic wasnt bad enough, the venerable eatery that owns my heart and stomach has been in a life-or-death dispute with the landlord over $50,000 in repairs in a 20-year-old building that houses a 35-year-old business. Denver7 broke the troubling news last week, and helped raise $30,000 toward the repairs. The outcry has been tremendous. The landlord has stepped up with relief, as well, so let's hope the storm has passed. Webb sounded hopeful in a followup call. The concern extends beyond the fried cabbage and yams. Denver, especially those of us in politics, are starved for places to convene. The mom-and-pop joints have ceded to bland chains and trendy food trucks. That matters because politics is about the art of persuasive conversation with a side of potatoes and gravy. It's part of who we are. It's not hard to imagine cavemen huddled around the fire recounting the hunt with mouth full of mastodon. The haggling and finagling today are the same; the clubs and spears are just a lot more expensive. I've been around the block, so I can attest that other capitals are blessed with good places to eat and chatter. In Jackson, Mississippi, picking out a lunch destination for a regular group of 10 reporters and legislators could consume the entire morning because of the good choices nearby. The corn casserole and fried chicken were on the record, the hyperbole and conjecture were not. Denver has had only a little of that, and it looks like itll have even less when the world reemerges. Racines is history after 36 years. That's where I met Ken Salazar for the first time when it was in LoDo in 2002. He went on to bigger things. I must have given him good advice. Many of us who regularly convened at Racines are still shell-shocked. We who are tethered to the state Capitol relied on City Grille, despite its greasy burgers and wilted salads. We can only hope to have them again. An arson fire last June puts its future in doubt. The Denver Diner to the west and Toms Diner to the east are both done, too. The troubling part is the pandemic is a footnote in this unwelcome turnover. It doesn't help, but it didn't cause it. The political drinking scene dried up over the decade. The practice of getting together after a long day under the Gold Dome went extinct as reporters and lawmakers proved they couldnt hold their liquor and act like grownups. A few seconds of body cam footage at a traffic stop is nothing any lawmaker looks forward to. And the most depressing thing is its not going to change without a lot of money, a lot of time or both. The homeless camps, narrow streets and scant or expensive parking near the Capitol are steep hurdles. What's lost is a citys soul, its culture and its storytellers. It used to be that all you needed to do was hang out in a greasy spoon and the local scene would unfold in front of you like a map. Youre not going to find that in an app. Yelp wont tell you what drives a community. A spot at the counter and an easy smile will. Theyre not a chain, Webb said of the Welton Street Cafe. Theyre a family-owned business that has a history of having grown up in Denver. They have a history of being an iconic restaurant on Welton Street possibly the last Black-owned business on Welton Street in Five Points. How can you have culture in your neighborhood an iconic neighborhood representing the history of African Americans in Denver and have its restaurant go out of business? Hopefully it won't, and you can do your part by stopping by for a meal. You won't be sorry, and if you bring an easy smile, you might learn a thing or two, especially if the mayor is holding court. A mom who attended her church service without her husband for the first time on Mother's Day gets killed in a hit-and-run accident, reports say. The Christian Post (CP) said 62-year-old Annette Odneal has just left the Abounding Life Church of God in Christ's service last Sunday when she was killed by the accident. This was the first time in 36 years Odneal attended church service on her own. She usually went with her husband, O.B. Odneal. "What am I to tell my grandkids? This is hard for me to explain," the grieving husband said during an interview with WGNTV. According to CP, a stolen Dodge Charger suddenly crushed onto Annette's car as she was pulling out from church at the corner of Mozart Avenue and 147th Street in Illinois around 12:30pm. The Chicago Tribune reported that the impact of the crash killed her instantly and that she was declared dead on arrival an hour later at Oak Lawn's Advocate Christ Medical Center where she was brought after the incident. "It was a traumatic accident. The impact was so grave--just horrible," Posen Mayor Frank Podbielniak said of the tragic incident. Podbielniak said the driver of the stolen Charger "will be charged" with reckless homicide. In an interview with CP, Annette's daughter-in-law said the family is currently busy with the funeral arrangements. "It's been all over the place. It's been hard," the daughter-in-law said of their "tremendous" loss. In a similar report, the Chicago Tribune said the paramadics tried to revive Annette but failed. Posen Sgt. Ryan Grab revealed the Charger "was traveling at high speed" when it hit Annette's car but the exact speed is unknown as of writing time because the police need to download this information from the vehicle's data recorder. The Illinois State Police is currently processing the car for DNA. The Tribune said there were two passengers in the Charger, both of which are 17-year-old. Podbielniak disclosed that the driver suffered a broken femur from the incident and has underwent surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Podbielniak also announced that the teen will be "taken into custody upon release from the hospital." As per the Tribune, Grab disclosed that both teens "came forward with an attorney and were interviewed as witnesses." Annette's daughter, Cierra, shared some background information on her mother. Cierra told the Tribune that her mother "barely went anywhere" besides the church after she retired last year as a nurse in a Calumet City elementary school. Annette served her church as a nurse after retirement besides caring for her husband, "two children, and four grandchildren". "She loved children--that was her calling. A great mom, a great grandmother," Cierra said. "She was very into church and the Lord. She prayed for everybody, she loved everybody, she did right by everybody." "She didn't deserve that at all," the 27-year-old said. Meanwhile WGNTV reported that Annette was actually on her way to her daughter that Sunday. Cierra said she saw her mom on Saturday and never thought "it would be the last time" she'll be seeing her. WGNTV also said that Annette's son, Anthony, is pleading for justice for their loss. "If it were your mother, you'd want the same. Y'all took her from us on Mother's Day," Anthony said. A national campaign finance and election reform group on Thursday endorsed U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet's bid for a third term, noting that the Colorado Democrat is the only senator seeking re-election in 2022 who doesn't raise contributions from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists. End Citizens United and Let America Vote lauded the lawmaker's record of backing reforms aimed at reducing the role of big money in politics, ending partisan gerrymandering and protecting the right to vote. Senator Bennet is one of the most outspoken voices in Washington against the corrupting influence of Big Money in politics and protecting the freedom to vote, said Tiffany Muller, president of the two groups, which merged at the beginning of last year, in a statement. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, he has consistently worked to limit the influence of corporate special interests and lobbyists so that the voices of everyday Coloradans are heard," she said. "Were proud to endorse Sen. Bennet and we look forward to helping him win in 2022. We need to hold onto democracy reform champions like Michael Bennet, and the battle for Senate control runs right through Colorado. The groups pointed to Bennet's co-sponsorship of legislation including the For the People Act, a massive election reform package currently in the Senate, and bills to require expenditure disclosure for political ads. He's also sponsored a bill that would permanently ban federal lawmakers from lobbying after they leave Congress and a lobbing reform measure dubbed the Clean Politics Act. Bennet hasn't drawn a serious Republican challenger yet, though 2018 GOP congressional nominee Peter Yu formed an exploratory committee for a Senate run in April. Colorado doesn't rank high on any election forecaster's list of next year's Senate battlegrounds. If he wins next year, Bennet will be the first Colorado senator elected to a third term in more than 50 years. Bennet accepted the endorsement in a statement made available first to Colorado Politics. "I am the only senator running for re-election who isn't taking a cent from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists because if we are going to take the influence of big money out of politics and restore our democracy, we need to lead by example," he said. "I am glad to have the support of End Citizens United and Let America Vote because we have to stand up for exercise in self-government and hand our kids and grandkids a democracy in stronger shape than we found it." Bennet reported raising more than $1.2 million in the year's first quarter and finished the period with about the same amount in the bank. Around 90% of the donations for the quarter were below $200, his campaign said. Joseph Jackson, the executive director of the Colorado Republican Party, scoffed at the endorsement, pointing out that Bennet has benefited from millions of dollars in corporate PAC donations since he began fundraising for his campaigns. Michael Bennet has accepted over $6 million in PAC contributions throughout his career," Jackson said. "This is Washington D.C. hypocrisy at its worst and Colorado voters will see through it. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Bennet banked around $4.5 million from corporate and business PACs and about $424,000 from labor PACs for his successful 2010 and 2016 campaigns. He's also raised just over $1.1 million from ideological PACs, including leadership PACs run by fellow lawmakers and groups devoted to various issues, such as the Sierra Club and End Citizens United. Bennet's endorsement lands the same day as the groups are throwing their first round of support behind four Democratic senators facing competitive races next year Arizona's Mark Kelly, Georgia's Raphael Warnock, New Hampshire's Maggie Hassan and Nevada's Catherine Cortez Masto. The reform groups count more than 4 million members nationwide, including 160,000 in Colorado, and are entirely funded by small-dollar donations, averaging $14 a pop, a spokesman said. Altogether, the groups spent $24.3 million supporting House and Senate candidates in the last cycle. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Catholic leaders reportedly continue debating over the issue of denying pro-abortion politicians Holy Communion. The Christian Post (CP) reported that the Vatican through its Congregation For The Doctrine Of Faith Prefect Cardinal Luis Ladaria has sent a letter to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop Jose Gomez on the issue of denying communion to pro-abortion Catholic politicians allegedly "warning" them for doing so based on a report by the America Magazine on May 11. Prior to sending the letter, CP said that Catholic bishops hold varying opinions on the matter citing California Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone releasing a pastoral letter on it early this month while San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy stating against it in February for being a "very destructive" idea. "If you find that you are unwilling or unable to abandon your advocacy for abortion, you should not come forward to receive Holy Communion. To publicly affirm the Catholic faith while at the same time publicly rejecting one of its most fundamental teachings is simply dishonest," Cordileone said in his pastoral letter. McElroy, in a report of CRUX Now, said, "I do not see how depriving the President of other political leaders of Eucharist based on their public policy stance can be interpreted in our society as anything other than the weaponization of Eucharist." As reported previously, Cordileone released the pastoral letter entitled "Before I Formed You In The Womb I Knew You" that centers on the "Human Dignity of the Unborn, Holy Communion, and Catholics In Public Life." Cordileone laid the grounds for the importance of one's worthiness to receive the communion and how one's "Cooperation In Moral Evil," such as abortion, hampers one's worthiness to receive it. He stressed that Catholics who are public figures and who publicly reject Catholic teaching such as abortion is not a matter of "human weakness or a moral lapse" but is really a matter that needs to be focused on by the "Church's pastors in caring for the salvation of souls." As per Vatican News, Ladaria sent the letter dated May 7 to the USCCB in "response to a letter from Archbishop Gomez in March, informing the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that the U.S. Bishops were preparing to draft a document following some controversy related to U.S. President Joe Biden and some of the policies of his administration." Ladaria "expressed gratitude" on the intention of the USCCB to draft the said document, which is subject to the review and votation of American Bishops for its approval. Ladaria also pointed out to the USCCB two documents to help them decide on the matter. First, he cited a 2004 letter of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who was then the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick regarding the same issue. Next, he cited a 2002 CDF Authoritative Doctrinal Note that delved "on some questions regarding the participation of Catholics in political life." The Cardinal said both documents would help the U.S. Bishops on "the teaching of the Magisterium on the theological foundation for any initiative regarding the question of the worthy reception of Holy Communion." Ladaria also said in the letter, as per Vatican News, that the matter was brought up by the American Bishops during their Ad Limina visits to the Pope, during which the CDF has recommended to them on the need to dialogue on two levels: among the bishops and between the bishop and the Catholic pro-choice politicians within their jurisdictions. He stressed that having a national policy on the matter must be weighed properly for it may become "a source of discord rather than unity within the episcopate and the larger Church in the United States." "Dialogue among the bishops be undertaken to preserve the unity of the episcopal conference in the face of the disagreements over this controversial topic. The formulation of a national policy was suggested during the ad limina visits only if this would help the bishops to maintain unity," Ladaria said. It's pretty rare that I stumble onto a new service and think, "Whoa! This is exactly what I've been missing. And I didn't even know I was missing it." Well, my fellow efficiency-obsessed earthlings, I'm ecstatic to report that that magnificent moment just happened and the service in question is a little somethin' called Hitsnag. Hitsnag? Hitsnag. (I'm assuming that's meant to be read as "hit-SNAG" and not "hits-NAG," but I'll leave that up to your own interpretation.) The service may sound like a funky-lookin' protrusion you'd go to the dermatologist to get removed, but don't let its name fool you: Hitsnag is an incredibly clever way to connect some of your favorite productivity tools to your inbox and make 'em more useful than ever. If you're familiar with the app-connecting automation platform Zapier, it's kinda like that only it exists entirely in email, without any extra apps to open or complicated processes to configure. Right now, Hitsnag works with Google Docs, Notion, and Trello, and even more integrations are in the works. Already, though, the service makes it almost impossibly easy to interact with your info in any of the supported apps without ever having to leave your inbox. Let's say, for instance, you've got an email you want to dump over into a Google Docs document for future contemplation. Maybe it's a draft of something a colleague sent over, maybe it's a note you wrote to yourself in the wee hours of the night whilst consuming copious amounts of canned cheese, or maybe it's even, ahem, a super-awesome knowledge-filled newsletter by an unusually handsome fellow. Whatever the case may be, with Hitsnag set up, all you've gotta do is forward the email to gdocs@hitsnag.com from any address you have associated with your account. You put the name you want for the document in the subject line and leave whatever text you want in the body. [Get fresh tips and insight in your inbox every Friday with JR's Android Intelligence newsletter. Exclusive extras await!] Hit "Send" on that sucker, and a second later, bam: You'll have a Google Docs document with the exact info you beamed over and with all of your formatting and styling in place. You could do the same thing with any manner of info you enter into an email, whether it's a message you're forwarding or something new you're typing out on the spot. And if you ever want to edit an existing Google Docs document, by golly, you can do that, too: You just put the document's name into the subject line of an email, then put whatever text you want to add into the body. When you send the message, that text will get tacked onto the end of the matching document and even if you don't get the document's name exactly right, Hitsnag will usually figure it out and find the closest matching document within your Google Docs storage. Pretty nifty, right? I thought so. And it only gets cooler from there. The same basic concept we just went over with Docs also applies to Trello and Notion, but in those scenarios, you can get even more nuanced and include info like the name of the board or page you want to target with whatever info you're emailing. And here's the really intriguing part: In addition to sending stuff to any one of those services, you can also use Hitsnag to send something to multiple supported services at once if, say, you've got a thought or an email that you want to add into both a Google Docs document and a Trello card or maybe a note you want to toss into both Trello and Notion. All you do is include the appropriate service addresses in the message's recipient field, and Hitsnag handles the rest. It all works the same whether you're emailing from your phone, your computer, your internet-connected turkey baster, or whatever other weird contraptions you've got and whether you're using Gmail, Hotmail, LukewarmMail, or any other email service imaginable. Best of all, what we're seeing now is still only the start. In addition to Google Docs, Notion, and Trello, Hitsnag plans to add support for Slack, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, Asana, and possibly even Google Calendar in the months ahead. This service is poised to turn your inbox into an all-purpose hub for interacting with all of your productivity apps, and that's pretty forkin' fantastic, if you ask me. Now, ready for the icing on this already-delectable geek-sprinkled cake? This thoughtful, polished, and professionally packaged creation isn't actually the work of some well-funded startup, as you'd expect after exploring it. It's the brainchild of two ambitious high school seniors from Atlanta. They were "the same type of nerd" and living just a couple houses away from each other for eight years without realizing it, as one of the creators, Yash Kadadi, recounted to me in a recent email conversation. Once they met, clicked, and started putting their heads together, Hitsnag is what came out. (Kadadi plans to attend Stanford to study computer science in the fall, by the way, while his cohort, Aidan Pratt, is headed to Georgia Tech for the same purpose.) For now, at least, Hitsnag is free to use as part of an "early bird deal" offered on its home page. Eventually, Kadadi and Pratt expect to move to more of a freemium model, where certain integrations and higher limits on usage are available for a small monthly fee. As for the all-important area of privacy, you invariably do have to connect Hitsnag to any apps you're using with it Google Docs, Trello, Notion, and whatever else comes up down the road and grant the service permission to view and modify your info in those environments. Obviously, the service couldn't do what it's doing without that level of access. That being said, the company's privacy policy indicates that no personal data from any of the associated services is collected; basically, only your email address and general usage data are stored, and they're used for pretty standard-seeming, non-spontaneous-regurgitation-inducing purposes. Kadadi further confirmed to me that they never share or sell any user data, engage in any manner of targeted advertising, or access any information beyond what's absolutely required for the service. At the end of the day, the age of Hitsnag's creators matters far less the nature of what they created. It's rare to find a service that seems almost shockingly smart, sensible, and effective at solving a real-world problem you didn't even realize needed solving. Hitsnag, however, fits that description to a tee. It's one of the most useful and potential-packed tools I've stumbled onto in ages, and it only stands to get even more indispensable from here. Want more productivity-boosting knowledge? Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get next-level tips and insight delivered directly to your inbox (where you can then forward them into other services, even, using this very tool! Whoa...). Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid stars in a new faith-based film in Netflix about a Christian orphanage in Mexico. The Christian Post (CP) said Dennis Quaid portrays Wade Malloy who helps an orphanage in the Bisbee's Black & Blue Fishing Tournament, which in turn transforms him and the orphans in the process. This new film from Netflix is entitled "Blue Miracle" and is another inspiring film from Quaid following the successful release of the hit movie "I Can Only Imagine." "The incredible true story of Casa Hogar, the Mexican boys home that entered the world's biggest fishing tournament to save their orphanage," the film's synopsis read, as per CP. According to CP, Quaid's character is a "two-time champion of Bisbee's Black & Blue Tournament" who was introduced to the orphanage and helps them to achieve victory even though he was hesitant to help them at the onset. The film was co-written by Chris Dowling, author of "Run The Race," who teamed up with "The Vessel" author Julio Quintana for the new film. "To save their cash-strapped orphanage, a guardian and his kids partner with a washed-up boat captain for a chance to win a lucrative fishing competition," read Netflix's short introduction on the movie in their website. "Stars Dennis Quaid and Jimmy Gonzales try to land the big one in this inspirational drama based on a true story," it added. The movie, as per Netflix, also casts other big-time Hollywood actors such as Jimmy Gonzales, Anthony Gonzales, Bruce McGill, Miguel Angel Garcia, and Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, among others. Described as a "heartfelt" and "emotional" movie for the family, Netflix said "Blue Miracle" will be released on May 27, 2021. People reported that Casa Hogar is a real orphanage in Mexico's southern Baja California peninsula that "struggled to survive" after Hurricane Odile hit the country in 2014. The National Hurricane Center considers Hurricane Odile as one of the strongest landfalling hurricane in Baja California, and is tied with Hurricane Olivia of 1967. "Maybe God just wanted to get all the unluckiest kids in one building so he can crush us all out," one of the orphans in the Netflix trailer said while the storm was raging outside the orphanage. People also said the soundtrack of "Blue Miracle" was executively produced by Reach Records and features music from Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae. The 67-year-old Quaid previously played the role of former President Ronald Reagan in the motion picture "Reagan" with Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, and Leslie-Ann Down. He has also been cast in more than 40 movies. He received an Emmy Award in 2003 for "The Rookie." He also played in several television shows and received the 2011 the Golden Globe Award for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for "The Special Relationship." Quaid announced the release of "Blue Miracle" in his Instagram account last April 29 by sharing the film's official poster to his fans. The May 2021 Midwest SCC virtual meeting highlighted the preservatives used in cosmetics and the regulations that have arisen due to health and safety concerns. Featured: Weak Points in Preservation Leading the discussion was David Steinberg of Steinberg & Associates, Inc.a consulting firm for the cosmetic industry. Steinberg specializes in the chemistry of cosmetic ingredients, preservatives and preservation; international and U.S. regulations; domestic and international labeling of cosmetics and cosmetic drugs; and ingredient marketing. Steinberg explained how preservatives are regulated differently in the U.S., Canada and European Union (EU). In the U.S., he stated any approved preservative can be used (as long as they are not prohibited) and the only ingredients that require pre-approval are colors. Additionally, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review reviews the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics. Canada has a Hot List of chemicals used in cosmetics that are restricted or prohibited. Also, the ingredients must meet the safety testing criteria for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The EU has a list of permitted preservatives on Annex V and also must comply with REACH. Steinberg added that in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is exempt from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) registrations. Steinberg added that there is a new group regulating the cosmetic industry: public perception, cosmetic brands, cosmetic stores and advertisers. He continued to say that preservatives have been coined as pet peeves to this group and, in turn, can make formulating with preservatives more difficult. U.S. Regulations The FDA has marked restricted preservatives such as hexachlorophene and mercury compounds, and prohibited compounds such as bithionol and halogenated salicylanilides. Steinberg reported that hexachlorophene is an outdated preservative that hasnt been used since roughly the late 60s. Mercury compounds are allowed up to 65 ppm, provided they are only used in eye area products and if no other safe and effective preservative is available. Bithionol and halogenated salicylanilides are on the FDAs prohibited list since they are severe sensitizers or photosensitizers, and are not even used in cosmetics. State regulations can make federal regulations more complicated, he added, as certain states have rules for childrens products; specifically, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Steinberg cautioned that if formulators are creating a product for children, they must be sure the product meets all the regulation criteria for these specific states as well. Preservative suppliers recommended higher levels than were needed, resulting in the 'preservatives are bad' movement/attitude consumers took on. California was highlighted as the most complicated state for regulations, as it requires all cosmetics that contain certain ingredients to be registered. Additionally, they must display Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) labels, warning consumers of certain chemicals to which they may be exposed. With the California Safe Cosmetic Act of 2006 (CASCA), products are required to be registered if a chemical is listed as an ingredient, not as a trace component. Specific examples include mercury and its compounds; ortho-phenylphenol and its salts; and formaldehyde solution. Steinberg said labelers should be aware of two of the biggest ingredients on the CASCA list that trigger registrations: titanium oxide, and retinol and its esters. On August 30, 2018, a new rule was implemented: if a cosmetic or OTC drug contains any detectable chemical listed in the Prop. 65 list, products are required to have a chemical exposure warning label. Steinberg noted this warning could be changed in the near future. Steinberg comprised a list of chemicals to be aware of: methanol, boric acid, 1,4-dioxane, ortho-phenylphenol and sodium salt, and mercury and compounds. Methanol is a stabilizer of formaldehyde and if formulators still use formaldehyde, he advises that they may run into Prop. 65 issues. Methanol has trace levels in many fatty acids, alcohols, esters, etc. Finally, Steinberg pointed out the FDAs Inspectors Guide, which lists commonly used preservatives and also has a list for natural and new preservatives. The FDA makes suggestions to the inspector to observe the safety and effectiveness of these natural preservatives. Put simply, he said companies will have to answer to the FDA more often with new preservatives than with more commonly used preservatives (i.e., parabens, DMDM hydantoin, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid, etc.). Examples of natural preservatives that trigger questions are glyceryl caprylate, licorice root extract, organic grapefruit extract, lemon peel extract, radish root ferment filtrate and more. Steinberg pointed out problems using natural preservatives, such as microbiological action that may vary from batch-to-batch and the unknowns of what these preservatives actually contain, since many natural preservatives have been found to contain "real" preservatives. Canada Regulations As noted, Canada regulates cosmetic ingredients via its Hot List, which is divided into two categories: prohibited and restricted ingredients. The only preservative prohibited is mercury and its compounds. Restricted ingredients are only permitted if the conditions of use or cautionary statements are met. Steinberg explained if the ingredient has a concentration restriction, providing the exact concentration used in the product at the time of notification with help expedite processing of the Cosmetic Notification form. All chemicals that enter the environment are subject to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). A new chemical is exempt from CEPA up to 100 kg. EU Regulations The Annex II list prohibited ingredients including #348-52, four old chemicals that FDA prohibited; #1374-78, isopropyl, isobutyl, phenyl, benzyl and pentyl parabens; #1386, quaternium-15; and #1577-79, formaldehyde. The Annex V list permitted preservatives with levels and warnings and included 52 preservatives, although many of them are not used (and some are even noted to not work.). Regulation and regulators have failed at regulating cosmetics and preservatives. . . Steinberg stated that when formulating with benzyl alcohol, it is imperative to state how it will be used such as a fragrance, preservative or solvent, since that determines how much formulators are allowed to put in. Many suppliers are now touting preservative boosters as a way around the pre-approval process in Europe, as it is noted that getting a preservative on Annex V can be expensive. Such boosters fall into two categories, one being actual preservatives with cidal activity. Vendors may not want to spend the money to run required safety testing for country approvals or the approvals that require animal testing. Also featured: Clean and Simple: Cyclic Glucamide as a Natural Solubilizer and Preservative Booster The other category is boosters as solvents, which may provide preservative action at very high levels by lowering the water activity, or by dissolving the preservative to stay in the water phase. According to Steinberg, caprylyl glycol is not on any countrys approved list as a preservative unless it is dissolved in a solvent such as phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol or others. 20 Year Flashback: What Happened to Preservatives? What happened to preservatives? Why have they been vilified? According to Steinberg, preservative suppliers frequently recommended higher levels than were neededthis resulted in irritations and sensitizations, which then resulted in the preservatives are bad movement/attitude by consumers. For example, Darbres publication, which was later retracted, stated that parabens caused breast cancer, thereby initiating paraben-free marketing in cosmetics. Paraben-free marketing has caused the decline of safe preservatives. The EU has prohibited some parabens and in particular, France is continuously trying to have phenoxyethanol restricted/prohibited. Methylisothiazolinone was restricted to rinse-off only usage at a maximum level, which was noted to often be formulated at twice the level actually neededresulting in sensitization. Finally, there has been no incorporation of iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) due to it being used at 3-4 its effective level, even though it is an effective antifungal agent and preserves most cosmetic products (below a pH level of 7). With formaldehyde, issues with this particular preservative arose during the time of the Brazilian blowout hair relaxer trend. This was because the conditions under which the relaxers were used were unsafe; i.e., they were heated at high temperatures, which was exposing consumers to high levels of formaldehyde, which posed health issues. The EU prohibited it and thus, the formaldehyde donors have been rapidly declining in usage. The EU has even prohibited nail hardeners, Steinberg added, although their safety was never questioned and there is currently no replacement that works. Preservatives Today Steinberg listed the common preservatives still used today. Benzyl alcohol: a major sensitizer and allergen with stability issues; Caprylyl glycol: sensitizations from it are growing; it also does not work on fungi or surfactant solutions, i.e., body washes and shampoos; Phenoxyethanol (France exempt): poses issues with 1,4-dioxane content as it does not work in surfactant systems; Sorbic acid: used often in the 1960s as an antifungal preservative but allergies have almost completely stopped its use. It was revised when parabens and IBPC lost favor; and Benzoic acid: perceived as a weak preservative. Steinberg shared additional tips in cases where a preservative does not work, including: manufacture under strictly enforced cGMPs; establish and use Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) to find where the contamination is taking place; package products so consumers do not contaminate them; insist companies stop claiming products are free of ...; and, as Steinberg put it, "if you are brave enough, tell Marketing the costs of not using good, safe preservatives." Related: Advocating Curls: Optimizing Textured Hair Product Preservation Steinberg further explained HACCP is a systemic method to monitor where contamination can occur. This starts with incoming raw materials (does the ingredient have spores? Bacteria?) and ends when the finished products are shipped and sold. HACCP should be updated frequently, such as when contamination takes place where it was not previously monitored. See related: Quality Culture Part II, Raw Materials Conclusion Steinberg underlines that regulations and regulators have failed cosmetics and preservatives by not solving simple problems, and allowing companies to state unproven and negative claims. Needless to say, hopefully some preservative regulations may be revisited and improved further. Previously: Midwest SCC: Upcycling in Personal Care and Red Maple Emulsifier Clinique is facing a nationwide class action suit filed in the U.S. Southern District Court of New York alleging the brand falsely advertises its Redness Solution Cosmetics as 'probiotic' when the microbial ingredients utilized are not living, according to court documents and the source Class Action. The class action suit was filed in March 2021 on behalf of consumers who purchased products in the Clinique Redness Solution Cosmetics line. Clinique markets and sells the line as cosmetics containing probiotic technology. However, Plaintiff Dalit Cohen alleges the products do not contain probiotics because: a) the microbial-derived ingredients assigned the probiotic moniker are purchased in a dead state, and b) the preservatives, i.e., antimicrobial chemicals, employed in the products would render any probiotic cultures inert and therefore useless. Cohen is suing Clinique for violation of New Yorks general business law 349, breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty. The class action lawsuit is under: Cohen v. Clinique Laboratories, Case No. 1:21-cv-01853. The latest docket report status, dated April 29, 2021, indicates a deadline of June 10, 2021, for Clinique's response. See related: Microbiome Claims; Should Pre-, Pro- and Postbiotic Skin Care Be Regulated? The UK government has launched a system for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification to exempt cosmetic products exporting to China from animal testing. Related: Appeals to ECHA Board Rejected, Animal Tests Required for REACH The new Chinese laws for cosmetics have opened up an opportunity to work with the regional government to end animal testing requirements for general cosmetic products. The U.K. cosmetics industry, represented by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and several individual companies, worked collaboratively with the U.K. government to ensure the U.K. cosmetics industry can benefit from this exemption. See related: 'Ordinary' French Cosmetics Become the First to Bypass China's Animal Testing Mandate China's exemption applies to general cosmetic products. For companies and brands to qualify for this exemption, they must present a certificate of GMP that meets the requirements outlined by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). To obtain said GMP certificate, companies must show the U.K. government that they are manufacturing cosmetic products according to recognized GMP guidelines and standards. A third-party certificate from a recognized source should be presented, covering either: Adherence to ISO 22716:2007, CosmeticsGMPGuidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices. The company issuing the GMP certifications should be accredited to standards ISO 17021 or ISO 17065 by an accreditation body member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), such as the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS); or A Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) certification for Consumer Products covering the manufacturing of cosmetic products. GMP certificates issued by the U.K. Government will be valid for three years from the date of issue. International trade minister, Ranil Jayawardena said, This is great news, both for our iconic British cosmetics brands who are renowned globally for their high standards and ethical production methods, and for global brands manufactured in the United Kingdom. The new certification system will enable British manufacturers and exporters to create jobs and take advantage of one of the worlds fastest-growing cosmetics markets, which is forecast to be worth approximately 50 billion in 2021, while maintaining our clear position and domestic ban on animal testing in cosmetics. Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said, "Cruelty Free International has been working closely with authorities and experts in China for a number of years to secure cruelty free routes to market for our Leaping Bunny brands. We're delighted that the collective efforts of U.K. stakeholders will mean that the U.K. cosmetics industry will be among the first to demonstrate to Chinese consumers that animal testing is not necessary for great quality, safe cosmetics." See related: China Finalizes Animal Test Exemptions, CSAR Requirements for Cosmetics China to provide Zambia Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines Xinhua) 10:41, May 13, 2021 LUSAKA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China has offered to provide Zambia Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines towards the southern African nation's vaccination program, a senior government official said on Wednesday. Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said the Chinese vaccine which was recently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use was safe and efficacious. He said in a release that there has been an increased number of people getting the vaccine since the launch of the program last month with 90,916 people vaccinated so far. "This is clear evidence that Zambians have accepted the COVID-19 vaccination program and discarded the various myths, misinformation and conspiracy theories," he said. Zambia is currently implementing the first phase of the vaccination program which falls under the COVAX Facility and was mainly targeted at health workers and other people most at risk. The program is being conducted in a phased manner on a voluntary basis. Meanwhile, the country's cumulative COVID-19 cases have reached 92,211 following 59 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun) Israeli actor and lead of the DC blockbuster "Wonder Woman" Gal Gadot recently took to social media to express her concern over her homeland's tumultuous political situation. The "Justice League" star condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip that bombarded the nation with rockets earlier this week. Israel has been viciously attacked by the terrorist group who launched rockets into the country, which in turn defended itself with the Iron Dome and hit back against the Palestinian terrorists, leaving casualties on both sides. "My heart breaks. My country is at war," Gadot, who is 36 and is pregnant with her third child, wrote on Twitter. "I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people." Gadot, who rose to fame as the titular character in DC's blockbuster film "Wonder Woman," served as a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces for two years, a requirement for all Israeli citizens 18 years old and older. The Israeli actor called upon the nations to stop the violence amidst political turmoil. "This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation," Gadot wrote. "I pray for the victims and their families. I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end. I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace." Faithwire reported that Gadot's post was quote-tweeted by the official Twitter account for Israel, saying that the country "loves" the Israeli actor. But not everyone is praising the "Wonder Woman" star for speaking out on the ongoing violence in the Middle East. In fact, Gadot received backlash for speaking out on the issue. A Twitter user named Asad Shahbaz called her "a disgrace to everything 'Wonder Woman' is supposed to stand for." According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gadot's "pro-peace, respect-both-sides sentiment" did not sit well with some, who believed that she misused the friendly term "neighbors" to describe the two nations firing rockets at each other. Journalist Ben Norton criticized the Israeli actress, calling her an "Israeli soldier turned Hollywood's Wonder Woman multimillionaire" who "sends meaningless thoughts and prayers as the Israeli apartheid regime she supports ethnically cleanses Palestinians and bombs Gazans in an open-air prison camp." Setting the record straight With everyone taking sides in the matter, it is important to know which country began what seems like a "cycle of violence" between Israel and Palestine. According to WND, the Hamas rocket attacks that targeted Gadot's native country began when the designated terrorist organization that rules Gaza campaigned for the Palestinian youth to throw stones and rocks at the Jewish worshipers in the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Joel Rosenberg, editor-in-chief of All Israel News, argued that it was "what tactically set this thing off." Following attacks by Palestinians on Temple Mount, Israeli forces infiltrated the area to protect the worshippers and uphold their right to religious freedom. From there, tensions escalated, but Rosenberg said the media chose the narrative of "one day Israel decided to be mean to Palestinians and started bombing Gaza." Continue Reading Below Advertisement Victoria Fuller was serving a 24-month probation sentence for a DWI before appearing on Peter Weber's season of The Bachelor, which we needn't remind you, is a show once notorious for plying its contestants with alcohol. But the stories get even worse once you look at contestants post-Bachelor. Chris Soules, the lead of season 19, fled the scene of an accident that ultimately killed a 66 year-old-man. Colton Underwood, again, another lead, had to have a restraining order filed against him after allegedly stalking and his ex-girlfriend for an extended period of time. Amanda Stanton, a contestant on Ben Higgins season, was arrested for battery domestic violence outside of a Vegas hotel. There are, of course, more examples. Continue Reading Below Advertisement In a way, it's worse than the Housewives situation because while Housewives treats throwing glasses of champaign like it's the "B" button in a game of Super Smash Bros., The Bachelor is supposed to be different. It's technically supposed to be about love. The thing is, it's hard to find love when you're worried that production is setting you up with a cavalcade of domestic abusers. The cynic in us would say that it's being done on purpose -- another reprehensible attempt at cheap drama by a reality TV show -- but after watching these shows for a while now, we know it's just as possible that production is incompetent. It certainly explains making this guy the Bachelor: Instead, the bitter truth is that shitty people are everywhere. They just happen to especially be everywhere on reality TV. Follow Dan on Twitter to learn more about his upcoming projects and find him on his podcast The Bachelor Zone to hear him talk about The Bachelor like it is a sport. (Because it is.) Top Image: Leftfield Pictures Sixty-two percent of the voters in Lubbock, Texas, recently demonstrated the proper flow of authority in a true democracy when they approved an ordinance to prohibit abortion within the city limits, thereby making Lubbock a sanctuary city for the unborn. Mark Lee Dixon, leader of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn, hopes to see the effort to restrict abortion at the local level become a national movement. The reason is that higher jurisdictionsranging from many state legislatures to courts, all the way up to the Supreme Court, have failed to take action on behalf of the unborn. In a nation ruled by a monarch or dictator, localities would have no authority to ban abortion if unrestricted abortion were the policy at the top. But in a true democracy, as Lubbock showed, the buck of authority stops at a precinct ballot box. Thus, in tyrannical states power gravitates toward the top, but in a genuine democracy authority flows to the bottomcommunities themselves. The local took the decision when higher jurisdictions who should have addressed the abortion issue failed to do so. No dictator has the authority to limit the voting of the local. Therefore, the people exercised their authority. Source:The Christian Post Our friends over at the Free Enterprise Project, an institution that has been engaging with businesses over anti-Christian and anti-conservative corporate activism, recently released their 2021 Investor Value Voting Guide. Their guide provides investors with details about which shareholder proposals are on the ballot at annual meetings this year and how to vote your values, whether they be religious or political. Traditionally, the shareholder meeting process has had little input from conservative Christians, who do not vote against resolutions that are hostile to their worldview, let alone put forward their own proposals. Instead, the secular left has taken charge. It's this status quo the Free Enterprise Project is trying to remedy: In response to the liberal left's outsized influence over corporate proxy ballot matters, the Free Enterprise Project (FEP) has issued its second annual Investor Value Voter Guide to educate investors who want to vote in line with conservative, libertarian, and religious values. In contrast to the tendency among many Christian and conservative investors to disengage from corporate governance, the FEP has set out to make corporate engagement as easy as possible by putting out this full guide, as well as regular updates on the main items on the agenda for the coming week. There are several items that deserve your attention this Thursday. If none of the major corporations holding meetings tomorrow are in your portfolio, or you are not interested in the issues at hand, there will be more annual meetings next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and so on. Investors of conscience ought to seriously consider attending some of these meetings. As 1st Corinthians 4:2 says, "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. The role of corporate management is to be faithful stewards for their shareholders. Investors buy partial ownership of a company, and the management of a publicly traded company is there to fulfill the obligations their position entails. That is the task that they have been entrusted to uphold, and in many cases, they cannot be faithful if they are dragged down the rabbit hole by activists. Source:The Christian Post An Illinois husband is now grieving after his wife was killed in a hit-and-run accident after she attended church without him for the first time in 36 years on Mothers Day. Annette Odneal, 62, had just attended service at Abounding Life Church of God in Christ Sunday when she was killed as she left the service. What am I to tell my grandkids? O.B. Odneal, her surviving husband, told WGN. This is hard for me to explain. Posen Mayor Frank Podbielniak said the grandmother was pulling out from the church building at about 12:30 p.m., at Mozart Avenue and 147th Street, when the driver of a stolen Dodge Charger crashed into her vehicle, killing her upon impact, according to the Chicago Tribune. She was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where she was pronounced dead at 1:33 p.m. Source:The Christian Post Asia analyst Gordon Chang is sounding the alarm on Chinese aggression, saying China has "infiltrated" everything, and that it was a "deliberate act" to let COVID-19 spread across the globe as a bioweapon. Gatestone Institute Senior Fellow and Asia analyst Gordon Chang has spoken out to express his concern over the Biden administration's slow response to China's growing aggression. Over the weekend, Chang spoke to FOX News to expose China's intentions to engage in a "new type of biological warfare of 'specific ethnic genetic attacks' that comes from the National Defense University of China," the "deliberate act" of spreading COVID-19 beyond its borders that constitutes "mass murder," and finally, CCP's "ambitious" space program that wants to occupy the moon and Mars just as they are doing with the South China Sea and the contested waters and islands in the South China Sea, particularly within the Philippines' territory. Chang believes that COVID-19 was "really a product of a biological weapons program in all probability," according to Yahoo! News. He insisted that China has a bioweapons program that violates the Biological Weapons Convention. As per KMJNow, Chang spoke to Epoch Times' "American Thought Leaders" and expressed worry that the U.S. under the Biden administration is "moving in the right direction, but we're not moving fast enough, so that's a danger." The Asia analyst warned about how serious the problem with China is and how Americans, specifically Joe Biden, should take it seriously. Chang argued, "What China is doing can bring down our system, because we're not adopting the right posture with the right tools fast enough." "They have infiltrated government, they've infiltrated media, academia, business, you name it," Chang said of China's actions. "If it's an institution, China has tried to penetrate it." Chang reported that China had successfully "overwhelmed" the American society, including the FBI, law enforcement, and local governments. He recounted how the Chinese spy Fang Fang or Christine Fang's ties with Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California was exposed via an Axios report in December 2020, while the Democrats were busy trying to impeach former President Donald Trump on trumped-up charges. The report indicated that Fang not only created close ties to Rep. Swalwell, but also several other politicians through the years. Rep. Swalwell became the target of the Chinese spy prior to becoming one of the several leaders in the House Intelligence Committee, which according to the report was "privy to some of the nation's top secrets." Chang noted that Fang tried to get close to Swalwell when he was still councilman for the city of Dublin in California from 2010 to 2012. Chang warned that "there's more than one Eric Swalwell" and admitted there could be "dozens" more political leaders who have fallen victim to Chinese spies. He argued, "We have got to start removing China's influence in our society." Fang also tried to get close to several other up and coming leaders in the hopes of obtaining classified information. The California representative said he cut ties with her in 2015 after U.S. intelligence officials briefed him about security concerns. It's worth noting how some of Swalwell's family members maintained interactions with her on social media until 2020, however, as per political reporter Katelyn Caralle revealed. Chang also warned against President Biden's complacency and his belief that China is a "competitor" and not a threat. The Asia analyst believes that "really a better term would be adversary." Ex-Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee wrote for The Stream that America must heed Chang's warnings about how serious the problem with China is. He believes that China has managed to use "big data'' and artificial intelligence to determine Americans who are likely to participate in BLM and Antifa protests and sends them propaganda videos, which Chang calls "an act of war." The problem lies therein: the CCP leader seems to have "some spell over Biden," Chang said. DarkSide is a ransomware threat that has been in operation since at least August 2020 and was used in a cyberattack against Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline, leading to a major fuel supply disruption along the East Coast of the US. The malware is offered as a service to different cybercriminals through an affiliate program and, like other prolific ransomware threats, employs double extortion that combines file encryption with data theft and is deployed on compromised networks using manual hacking techniques. In a recent report, researchers from threat intelligence firm Flashpoint said they believe "that the threat actors behind DarkSide ransomware are of Russian origin and are likely former affiliates of the REvil RaaS [ransomware-as-a-service] group." A PR savvy group that claims moral principles Researchers believe that the DarkSide creators initially ran all their targeted attack campaigns themselves, but after a few months they started making their ransomware available to other groups and marketed it on Russian-language underground forums. In their launch announcement they claimed to have already made millions of dollars in profits by partnering with other well-known cryptolockers (ransomware programs) in the past. The group encourages news reporters to register on its website to receive advance information about breaches and non-public information and promises fast 24-hour replies to any media questions. They also invited data decryption companies to partner with them to help victims that don't have large IT departments decrypt their data after they pay. The group also claims that it doesn't attack medical facilities, COVID vaccine research and distribution companies, funeral services, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or government organizations because of its "principles." Following the attack on Colonial Pipeline, the group issued a statement saying that going forward it will review victims that its affiliates compromised and whose data they intend to encrypt: "We are apolitical, we do not participate in geopolitics, do not need to tie us with a defined government and look for other our motives. Our goal is to make money, and not creating problems for society. From today we introduce moderation and check each company that our partners want to encrypt to avoid social consequences in the future." [sic] In October, the group also claimed that it is donating a portion of the extorted funds to charities and posted proof of two $10,000 donations. Based on these communications, it's clear that the group wants and knows how to attract attention to itself and its activities, likely in an attempt to gain more affiliates, but researchers warn that their claims have not been proven and are actually deceptive. For example, if it's proven that charities received money obtained from illegal activities, those funds will be seized or returned. Even though the group said it doesn't attack educational institutions, it did attack one company that processed data from schools. When the company declined to pay the ransom, the attackers emailed the impacted schools to put pressure on the victim organization by warning them that the personal information of children and school employees might be leaked. The claims about donations and not targeting certain types of organizations have not been verified and "should be met with a heightened degree of scrutiny; these DarkSide operators would be far from the first cybercriminals to make such claims and not follow through," Flashpoint researchers said. How DarkSide compromises networks DarkSide and its affiliates follow the same human-operated model of ransomware deployment as other prolific ransomware groups that have plagued businesses in recent years. This means attackers gain access to networks through a variety of methods, including stolen credentials followed by manual hacking techniques and using a variety of system administration or penetration testing tools to perform lateral movement. The goal is to map the network to identify critical servers, escalate privileges, obtain domain administrative credentials, disable and delete backups, exfiltrate sensitive data and only when the terrain is all set, deploy the ransomware to as many systems as possible in one go. This careful and methodical approach is much more effective and hard to defend against than ransomware programs that propagate automatically through networks by using built-in routines that might fail and trip detection mechanisms. "With respect to DarkSides affiliates, there is overlap in how the ransomware was delivered, including affiliates gaining initial network access by exploiting vulnerable software like Citrix, Remote Desktop Web (RDWeb), or remote desktop protocol (RDP), performing lateral movement, and exfiltrating sensitive data before ultimately deploying ransomware," researchers from security firm Intel471 said in a report. Every DarkSide affiliate could employ different tactics to gain the initial foothold. These are similar to the techniques used by other ransomware groups: buying stolen credentials from underground markets, performing brute-force password guessing or credential stuffing attacks, buying access to machines that are already infected with botnet malware such as Dridex, TrickBot or Zloader, or sending emails with malicious attachments that deploy some type of lightweight malware loader. One DarkSide actor observed by Intel471 sourced initial access credentials from a network access broker then used the Mega.nz file-sharing service to exfiltrate data, used a PowerShell backdoor to persist in the network and deployed the KPOT information-stealing malware alongside the DarkSide ransomware. Another affiliate openly recruited "penetration testers" to use VPNs and the already-obtained network access to perform lateral movement and deploy the ransomware. Third-party and open-source tools commonly used for lateral movement activities include PowerShell scripts, the Cobalt Strike and Metasploit penetration testing frameworks, the Mimikatz password dumping tool, and the BloodHound visualization tool that can help attackers discover obscure attack paths and relationships to exploit in Active Directory environments. Tools that are already part of Windows like Certutil.exe and Bitsadmin.exe are also abused. This living-off-the-land approach that includes the use of valid credentials and tools that are also employed by system admins and network defenders makes these human-operated ransomware attacks hard to detect without advanced network monitoring. How the DarkSide ransomware routine works The DarkSide ransomware itself uses Salsa20 and RSA-1024 to encrypt victims files and reportedly also has a Linux version. When deployed on Windows, the malware first checks the system's language setting and if it's the language of a country located in the former Soviet Bloc or its sphere of influence, it avoids encrypting the data. This is typical of malware created by groups who are based in the region and who want to avoid attracting the attention of local authorities by not hitting local organizations. According to researchers from Cybereason, the malware then stops services that contain the following terms in their names: vss, sql, svc, memtas, mepocs, sophos, veeam or backup. These are processes related to backup operations, like the Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) or security products. It then proceeds to enumerate running processes and terminates them so it can unlock the files they were accessing to encrypt them. It also uses a PowerShell command to delete all volume shadow copies already created and which could be used to restore files. The DarkSide ransomware creates a unique ID for every victim and adds it to the file extension for the encrypted files. The ransom amounts can vary significantly from a few hundred thousand dollars to millions depending on what the attackers determined is the victim's size and its annual income. "In March 2021, the developer rolled out a number of new features in an effort to attract new affiliates," researchers from Intel471 said. "These included versions for targeting Microsoft Windows and Linux based systems, enhanced encryption settings, a full-fledged and integrated feature built directly into the management panel that enabled affiliates to arrange calls meant to pressure victims into paying ransoms, and a way to launch a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS)." Capping a dramatic week that saw major oil pipeline provider Colonial Pipeline crippled by a ransomware attack, the Biden administration released a highly anticipated, far-reaching and complex Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity. The executive order (EO) aims to chart a "new course to improve the nation's cybersecurity and protect federal government networks." The ambitious document uses the SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange supply chain hacks and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware infection as springboards for a series of initiatives that aim to minimize the frequency and impact of these kinds of incidents. These initiatives are: Remove barriers to threat information sharing between government and the private sector, particularly ensuring that IT service providers can share security breach information with the federal government. Modernize and implement stronger cybersecurity standards in the federal government, including a move to cloud services and zero-trust architectures and multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption mandates. Improve software supply chain security, including establishing baseline security standards for software development for software sold to the government. The Commerce Department must publish minimum elements for a software bill of materials (SBOM) that traces the individual components that make up software. Establish a cybersecurity safety review board consisting of government and private sector experts who convene following a significant cybersecurity incident to make recommendations, much like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) does in the aftermath of a major transportation accident. Create a standard playbook for responding to incidents to ensure all federal agencies meet a standard playbook and set of definitions for incident response. Improve detection of cybersecurity incidents on federal government networks by enabling a government-wide endpoint detection and response (EDR) system and improved information sharing within the federal government. Improve investigative and remediation capabilities by creating cybersecurity event log requirements for all federal agencies. Lawmakers praise the executive order The initial reaction from lawmakers to the EO has been positive. Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems and a member of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, issued a statement saying, "Cybersecurity is the most urgent national security challenge facing our nation, and I applaud President Biden for taking action early in his term to address and eliminate glaring vulnerabilities." Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the EO a "good first step." Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) praised the EO's creation of a new pilot program to "educate the public on the security capabilities of internet-of-things (IoT) devices." Experts cite definitional challenges However, the EO, which contains 46 action deadlines to implement its objectives, currently lacks clarification on how it will achieve many of its goals. "It leaves a lot undefined and delegates enormous discretion to NIST and the FAR Council," Megan Brown, partner at Wiley Rein, tells CSO. The order asks the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a plan to implement zero-trust architecture and is required to define what critical software is and develop guidelines for evaluating software security. NIST is further assigned a series of tasks under the EO to hammer out critical components of the IoT consumer product safety labeling program, including establishing pilot programs and identifying IoT cybersecurity criteria for use in the program. FAR, the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council, is assigned numerous tasks related to developing contract language regarding the information-sharing requirements. Definition of security breach is subjective Former White House CIO and current CEO of cybersecurity company Fortalice Solutions Theresa Payton praises the creations of the Cybersecurity Safety Review Board but says she has concerns on the execution side of the order. "The order requires IT service providers to tell the government about cybersecurity breaches that could impact US networks. This is a very subjective request," she tells CSO. "I look at this as somebody who manages practitioners. I'm looking at this fairly subjective request and thinking I have no idea how to comply with something like that, says Payton. It doesn't really spell out which department or agency will be responsible for making sure that happens. Like who, who are you telling in the government? Is the FBI? Is it NSA? Is it CIA?" Setting aside the security implications of sending the federal government security breach information and creating juicy targets for cybercriminals, Payton says the definitional challenges are significant. "An unauthorized login or access is considered a cyber incident. I may get a call from a client who says, 'We're seeing irregularities in our security operations center.' We may actually enact our incident response team and find it was a software application behaving badly that needs to be fixed. Yes, there was unauthorized access, but there was no exposure to data being in the wrong hands. Does that need to be reported?" Payton is also concerned about reconciling whatever security breach reporting is required under the EO with the data breach reporting requirements enacted by all US states and jurisdictions. "We have a patchwork quilt of data breach notification laws in the United States. We're one of the few countries that operate that way. Are we following the states' rules, or is there a new rule here about what constitutes a reportable incident?" Michael Hamilton, the former vice-chair for the DHS Coordinating Council, former CISO of Seattle, and CISO of incident response firm CI Security, tells CSO that many sections in the order are "extremely straightforward and just make all the sense in the world," such as requiring federal agencies to manage vulnerabilities and incidents in a standardized way. He also says that the Biden administration will have to "do some sanding off the edges here. There are some definitional issues that I think need to be addressed and clarified." The NSA plays a prominent role The National Security Agency (NSA) plays a significant role in many aspects of the EO's implementation, including defining what constitutes a security breach that organizations should report to the government. "The NSA, in particular, is the agency that has the expertise to track down these criminals and name them by name," Hamilton says. "The NSA is prohibited from domestic surveillance. If the NSA is coming up with a set of rules that determine when service providers will turn over data for investigation, if they're the ones that are going to figure this out, it's because one would imagine they want to get over this barrier of not being able to get a look at what's going on internally in the United States in terms of network traffic passing through our service providers and carriers. "I think that this is a way that they're trying to address that, says Hamilton. If they have a seat at the table, it's because there are certain things that they want reported because they know how to use it." Is this EO any different from past efforts? It's not clear that this EO differs from past federal government efforts to tackle cybersecurity. "I would like to see more, and I would like to see it be less about frameworks and information-sharing because that's been the holy grail since the Clinton administration," Payton says. The holy grail always involves "doubling down and saying, let's throw more people at it and more frameworks at it. Maybe instead, let's look at the problem in a completely different way. Maybe we need some creative minds from the cryptocurrency and the non-fungible tokens realm," Payton jokes. "Maybe we have to get different innovators in here that haven't been the practitioners." We have never had our asses handed to us like we have in the last six months. Michael Hamilton Hamilton thinks that this time, the federal initiative to solve cybersecurity's intractable problems is different and might work. "We have never had our asses handed to us like we have in the last six months. This is different. This is not the end-all and be-all of everything, but this is going directly to the heart of some of the things that have happened in the last six months, specifically, the supply chain security stuff." "The federal government, because they spend so much money, can do whatever they please in terms of creating requirements for products and vendors, who, if they want the gig, are going to have to step up, says Hamilton. That's why this is different. This is purely using economic means, market forces, the power of the purse, competitive differentiation to get what you want in cybersecurity, instead of 'here's all the requirements you're going to have to meet.'" A Litchfield attorney has been sentenced to an additional 20 months in state prison after authorities said he embezzled nearly $1 million from a charity benefiting military veterans and families. Kevin Creed, 69, was already serving 42 months in federal prison for similar accusations, officials said. Creed was arrested by the FBI and U.S. attorneys office in 2019 after federal authorities claimed he diverted $1.4 million from money raised for Friends of Fisher House - Connecticut. The Maryland-based Fisher House Foundation builds homes on Veterans Affairs and military bases that provide housing for veterans and their families while they undergo treatment, the Division of Criminal Justice said. Beginning in 2010, Creed ran the FFH-CT out of his law practice, The Creed Law Firm, in Bristol, Connecticut, DCJ said. He committed to raising $3 million to support the construction and operation of a Fisher House on the grounds of the West Haven Veterans Hospital. He also advertised that his law firm would underwrite the expenses required to raise the $3 million. Authorities claim Creed only ever donated one payment of $1 million to the Friends of Fisher House for the construction of the Fisher House in West Haven, using $1.4 million for personal and businesses expenses instead. He was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison on one count of wire fraud in November of last year. He was also ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution. Creed was ordered to report to prison on Tuesday. But last November, state investigators with the Connecticut Statewide Prosecution Bureau charged him with first-degree larceny, in the case alleging he embezzled $985,000 from donations raised around the state. Investigators allege he failed to submit those funds to the Friends of Fisher House. While the total amount embezzled was approximately $1.4 million, due to a five-year statute of limitations, the state was limited to the amount of $985,000, the DCJ said. He pleaded guilty to first-degree larceny on March 10 and was sentenced to 20 months in state prison on Monday. That sentence will begin after his release from federal prison. Creed is being held on $1 million bond. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) A Colombian rebel group that has been fighting against the Venezuelan army since March, said in a letter addressed to the International Committee of the Red Cross that it has captured eight Venezuelan soldiers and is trying to find a way to hand them over to human rights groups. The Red Cross confirmed on Tuesday that it had received the letter, but said it cannot comment further because that would compromise its humanitarian work. In the letter which was also published online by Fundaredes, a Venezuelan human rights organization -- the group known as the Martin Villa 10th Front said that it captured the soldiers on April 23 during a battle in Venezuela's Apure state. The communique lists the names of the soldiers and their ranks, which include sergeants and lieutenants, and asks the Red Cross to implement protocols so that the prisoners of war can be handed over to a commission that might also include members of the United Nations, the Venezuelan government and the rebel group. Venezuelas government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Venezuelan army's army deployed tanks, fighter jets, soldiers and members of the ruling party's militia movement to Apure in March as clashes with the rebel groups increased. According to Venezuelan officials 16 soldiers and at least nine rebels have been killed in the military offensive. The United Nations says that fighting around the town of La Victoria forced more than 5,000 people to flee their homes. Many are now staying in shelters in the Colombian border town of Arauquita. Colombia has long accused Venezuelas socialist government of allowing leftist rebels to use its territory as a safe haven for attacks on Colombia, but in recent months Venezuela itself has reported clashing with such groups, which are widely accused of deep involvement in drug smuggling and illegal mining. Colombias government says that the Venezuelan army and groups like the Martin Villa 10th Front are fighting over control of drug trafficking routes used to take cocaine to Europe and the United States. The Venezuelan government says that Colombian rebel groups are terrorists trying to destabilize the country. The Martin Villa Front is led by former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia who refused to join a 2016 peace deal the larger group signed with Colombias government. The Martin Villa front has not said what it is doing in Venezuela. It is part of a larger structure of dissidents led by Gentil Duarte, a former FARC leader. Colombian rebel groups have increased their operations in Venezuela recently, according to a report by the International Crisis Group think tank, exploiting illegal gold mines and drug trafficking routes and acting as de-facto law enforcement in some remote communities. The rebel groups are present in all of Venezuelas border states, said Bram Ebus, an investigator for the International Crisis Group. BRIDGEPORT A 13-year-old pestering his mom for permission to do something is nothing new. But Matthew Loiz of Shelton wasnt asking for a new phone or more time with his friends. He just wanted access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Ive been asking for a while When can I get it? he said. His two older sisters, who are 16 and 19, received the vaccine while little brother waited for the use of the medication to be approved for younger teens like himself. The past few days have been big for children who, like Matthew, are aged 12 to 15. On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group. In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday that kids between 12 and 15 can officially begin receiving the Pfizer vaccine. And, on Thursday, Matthew received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the clinic at Sacred Heart University operated by SHU and St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport. He is the first child in the 12- to 15-year-old group to get the vaccine at one of St. Vincents clinics. He said he was relieved to finally get his chance. I was just really excited to get it, because I know that the quicker we vaccinate, the faster things can get back to normal, he said. Matthews mother, Nicole Loiz, is director of clinical operations for the medicine and emergency service lines at St. Vincents. She confirmed that her son has long pushed to get the vaccine, and she said she was happy that he finally got his shot on Thursday. Nicole Loiz said, because Thursday was a school day, she didnt expect many children in the newly opened age bracket to immediately get a shot. But she said she knows that its top of mind for a lot of families. It was just announced yesterday, she said Thursday. Well certainly have more interest this weekend and the weeks ahead. Ive talked to a few moms and some were excited to get it. There are a lot of people who are very interested and eager and already scheduling their children. Tiffany Rodrigues, director of initiative integration and regional operations for Hartford HealthCare and St. Vincents, agreed. We even had a bunch of people try to walk up last night when approval came in, she said, adding that those people were told to come back Thursday. We expected a bit of a surge (in vaccination interest) with the expansion to a new population. Matthew said hes glad to finally get his first dose, and added that the experience was painless. I didnt really feel anything, he said. It doesnt really hurt. Parents interested in getting their children vaccinated can visit HartfordHealthcare.org/vaccine for the complete list of Hartford HealthCare vaccine sites and hours of operation. Walk-ins are welcome. STRATFORD Mayor Laura Hoydick has made it official: Shes running for a second term as the towns top elected official. Flanked by husband and First Dude Paul and her daughter Paige, the mayor told supporters gathered this week on Academy Hill that being mayor has been one of the most important things and valuable things I feel Ive ever done, and Id like to continue for the next four years. And I would like to continue with all of you, because without you we wouldnt have gotten as far as we have, the mayor said to a crowd of about 50, which included several Town Council members, staff and department heads. During her announcement and afterward, Hoydick, a Republican who served as a state representative and worked as a commercial property manager, contrasted her partys control of town offices with the last time Democrats controlled the council, between 2015 and 2017. As a result of our successful campaigns for mayor and Town Council, obtaining the majority, we have lowered mill rates, we have provided a civil, professional, courteous and respectful government and we have improved quality of life, she said, calling the towns current operation a model of collaboration and transparency. Beyond offering what she characterized as a professional, sound town government, the mayor highlighted several significant transportation and infrastructure improvements during her tenure, including the re-aligning of the entrance to Sikorsky on Route 110 and work at Exits 32 and 33 on Interstate 95 soon to be finished, so bear with us. She also noted the renovation of Stratford High School and new turf fields at Bunnell, as well as improvements to Eli Whitney Elementary School and solar installations at schools townwide. The mayor also noted the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which, she said, she was honored to work with the Republican-led Town Council and town department leaders to manage effectively and communicate to our residents about updates, directions, the most up-to-date science and how the town could continue to support each other during this difficult time. Remediation at the former Raymark and Contract Plating properties is ongoing, the former Center School property presents opportunities for development and cleanup of the former Stratford Army Engine Plant is getting closer, the mayor said. Id like to thank the great people of our town who bestowed their faith in us four years ago, and I ask that they continue to support me for the next four years, Hoydick said. Its unclear who Hoydicks Democratic opponent will be in November. Two people have filed paperwork to run for mayor Stephanie Philips, the Democrat partys standard-bearer in 2017, and Immacula Cann, a nurse who is a member of the partys statewide central committee. Asked to comment on the mayors announcement, both sent statements to the Connecticut Post saying Hoydick hasnt done enough. Philips said the town has been stagnant for many years but now has an opportunity to chart a new course for our town, one that fosters opportunity and prosperity for all Stratford residents, not just the well-connected. Despite our record high property values and tens of millions of relief dollars flowing into our town from the federal and state government, our residents who are already struggling such as families, seniors and small businesses have seen no meaningful tax relief, improvement to our public education, increased services or significant economic development, she said. Cann said she is running because I know our town can be better managed. Here in Stratford, we have all witnessed much of the same partisan politics over the last dozen years that has offered a lot of promises but accomplished little as a result, she said. We need change that makes our towns future, the future we all share, much better. Im running because I want to create a better future for my children and yours. Asked who shed rather run against, the mayor said, It doesnt matter. She said she hadnt read any of her potential opponents critiques, but said that shed be willing to debate whoever the Democrats nominate. I am most proud that we have worked collaboratively together, she said of her time in office. In most instances, weve tried to do it in a nonpartisan fashion. For the first two years of my administration, it was more towards that than it is now, because obviously its campaign season. Democrats have far outnumbered the GOP in terms of new voter registrations in the past four years in town and say the wind is at their backs going into Novembers elections. Hoydick said she isnt fazed. I have great faith in the residents and the voting population of Stratford to do whats best for themselves and the community, she said. Were going to campaign hard, were going to continue to campaign truthfully and were going to continue to deliver whats best for our community. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Andrew Muhammad, University of Tennessee and Jason Grant, Virginia Tech (THE CONVERSATION) The Biden administration has an opportunity to recalibrate American global trade by rejoining the influential Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Signing on to this partnership has the potential to deliver powerful diplomatic and economic gains yet politically, the odds appear slim that there will be political consensus to agree to this partnership. The U.S. began Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in 2008 during the Bush administration, efforts that were intensified during Barack Obamas presidency. Hammered out between the U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim countries, the intention of joining the partnership was to set trade policy and greatly expand U.S. trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. President Obama signed the agreement in 2016 and less than a year later, immediately after Donald Trumps inauguration, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement. Rejoining the partnership, renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2018, could signal to the world that the U.S. is back in the global engagement arena. It would also strike a stark contrast to the previous adminstrations bilateral and nationalistic approach, which has resulted in tensions with major U.S. trading partners. Aside from improved trade relations, rejoining the this agreement would counter Chinas economic and geopolitical influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Both of us have worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on trade policy issues. As economists specializing in international agricultural trade, our research demonstrates that the U.S. would benefit from rejoining the trade accord and, in particular, American agriculture. Pathway to a Southeast Asia trade agreement Regional trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership can go far beyond tariffs to tackle deeper trade and domestic issues such as investment, labor, migration, competition, intellectual property and, in some cases, key regulatory issues governing food safety standards. Although agriculture comprises only about 10% of total U.S. exports, the agricultural sector in the U.S. and other countries account for a large share of trade policy considerations. Rejoining the accord has the potential to establish economic ties with emerging economies like Vietnam and Malaysia and embrace the need for improved trade relations in Southeast Asia overall. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership could be the easiest path forward if the U.S. wanted to improve trade relations with Southeast Asia. Joining this partnership could be especially beneficial based on the volume of agricultural trade and expected growth in these markets. At an approximate US$14.3 billion annually, Southeast Asia accounts for a significant amount of U.S. agricultural exports, making it the fourth-leading destination behind China, Canada and Mexico. A return to global engagement The Trans-Pacific Partnership was seen as an opportunity for the U.S. to shape regional and global trade rules, potentially influencing economic policies and practices in China. However, there are concerns that need to be addressed if the U.S. were to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. There are important differences between the agreement signed under Obama in 2016 and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Provisions important to the U.S. were changed in the subsequent agreement, such as the investment and intellectual property provisions that offered improved standards on intellectual property relative to past trade agreements. The provisions fall short of the more stringent requirements in the earlier Trans-Pacific Partnership. What are the odds? Like all trade agreements, joining the partnership would require congressional approval. Historically, Republicans have been more supportive of trade agreements. But President Trumps rhetoric, that past trade agreements have been disastrous for the U.S. economy, may have lessened Republican support for an agreement like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. President Joe Biden quickly rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement and reversed President Trumps decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, showing that the U.S. is back in the global engagement area. Mega-regional trade agreements offer more than a forum for negotiating trade barriers. They establish procedures that reduce uncertainty in international transactions, make rules that are clear to members and provide an institutional framework to remedy trade concerns or disputes. If the Biden administration wants to signal to the world that the U.S. is pivoting to a more expansive global engagement, joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership could be an initial step. [Youre smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversations authors and editors. You can get our highlights each weekend.] This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/what-american-farmers-could-gain-by-rejoining-the-asia-pacific-trade-deal-that-trump-spurned-152148. I have spent my whole life in small business, starting by myself and now employing 16 people and providing them with health insurance and retirement benefits. I was a member of the Republican Party because it was the party of opportunity, the party that let you follow your personal pursuit of happiness. I think this is no longer the core drive of the party. I left when the Texas attorney general sued to stop four battleground states from casting their votes in the Electoral College. He had support from a majority of the Republican House members. I then sat back in shock on Jan. 6. The occupation of the Capitol confirmed my decision. The Trump followers are not interested in the public or the greater good, only power. They turned their back on the rule of law and on our founders precedent of peaceful transition of power. They didnt seem to care about the issues of the public, including employers like me. I like what Mark Branse, a Republican Town Committee member, once wrote: My Republican Party doesnt just whine and lie about the other side; it stands for policies that we think are good for America: fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets, a free-market economy with the minimum necessary regulation, professionalism in government service, conservation of our natural resources, education and other support for those who are willing and able to work, and a modest safety net for those who, through no fault of their own, need that help. But I dont think the Republican Party stands for those anymore. Today I see a party of no, not of policy. Republicans used to worry about burdening future generations with debt and making promises that could not be kept. But they passed a tax bill that drove high deficits much higher. Americans fought two World Wars and a Cold War to establish liberal democracy as the preeminent governance mechanism, instead of autocratic dictatorship. I do not want a leader who demonizes and destroys respectful disagreement. I do not want to see Liz Cheney erased as she was Wednesday because she has a different point of view from party leaders and is not afraid to express it. I am disturbed by the partys almost cult-like obedience to former President Donald Trump. The price for crossing the leader is ostracism and ridicule, followed by rioting. Trump and his followers lies about a stolen election, abetted by Republican congressmen and senators, demonstrates his lack of respect for American values and governance and for professionalism in government service. His lie led to the tragedy of Jan. 6. The aim is not to serve the public and honor its wishes, but to retain power and stifle all opposition for the benefit of core supporters. As a Republican, I believe that none of us achieves happiness all by ourselves. We have a network of family and friends to help us in our troubles and to educate us on the world. I also know that government is essential to do things we cant do ourselves, such as building schools, roads and libraries and making laws that guide societys behavior. But Republicans in Washington dont seem to agree. Obstructing relief last summer when unemployment money was running out. Voting to eliminate the Affordable Care act without a replacement plan. These and other votes show that Republicans are not interested in improving the average persons life, nor providing for those who need a hand. I think both political parties have failed us. The public is sadly left out. I joined the Independent Party in the hope that it will be a broader-based group interested in the welfare of all people, instead of special interests at the extremes. The Republican Party formed 150 years ago from anti-slavery Whigs and disaffected Democrats. I am hoping a third party emerges from the ashes of todays Republican Party to represent those of us who are in the middle and unrepresented now. Chip Beckett, a local veterinarian, is a member of the Glastonbury Town Council. Despite a number of American states legalizing the use of marijuana, most pastors strongly oppose the idea, a new study of more than a thousand Protestant pastors revealed. The study was conducted by Lifeway Research in Nashville and found that 76% of pastors either somewhat or strongly disagreed with marijana legalization for any purpose, with 56% saying they disagreed strongly to its legalization. According to the Christian Post, only 18% of the surveyed pastors agreed that marijuana should be legalized in America for any purpose and 6% remained unsure. The results of the study also showed that Protestant pastors in the Northeastern states were more likely to support legalization of marijuana with 24%, versus those in Southern states with 16%. The study also found that mainline pastors represented 43% of those who were for marijuana legalization in America versus only a small portion of evangelical pastors with 10%. The Lifeway Research study found that Methodist and Presbyterian Reformed pastors were more likely to back marijuana legalization in America with 37% and 35% respectively, versus Restorationist movement pastors with 21%, Lutherans with 15%, Pentacostals with 10%, and Baptists with 7%. The study was conducted between September and October last year. "There are about as many opinions on marijuana as there are ways to consume it," Lifeway Research executive director Scott McConnell said. "When asked about legalizing all such uses, the majority of pastors are strongly opposed." A recent Pew Research report showed that most Christians support the idea of marijuana being legalized in America, with 53% of Catholics and 60% of Protestants saying that they support its legalization. The question now is, should conservative Christians be worried about this trend? "Cannabis and the Christian" author Todd Miles believes so. In talking to Biblical Recorder, Miles pointed out the contrast between pastoral support for marijuana legalization and public approval, saying that it "should be a warning for pastors." He argued, "The fact that only 18% of pastors support legalizations shows the influence of the clergy in America is not as strong as it once was." Miles added, "All indications are that public desire for legalization of marijuana is growing rapidly. The church must be ready to minister in that context." CP reported that Pastor Craig Gross, a cannabis proponent and Christian Cannabis founder argued that marijuana use among adults should not be an issue if used responsibly and that it should be treated like alcohol. Gross said God "created the plants before" creating humans and had created them on the third day and while it may be abused, marijuana must only be used by "legal, responsible adults." Gross called upon the Church to "stay ahead of the conversation on marijuana" because he believes it may be "too late if we wait 18 years. The time is now. Start this conversation." He warns that once marijuana is legalized, there will be throngs of Christians in church who will have questions about it and the church must be able to give an informed answer. Loosened In 2019, Gross, then the leader of XXXchurch, said cannabis use helps him worship God. He said he was raised a Baptist and that he has never lifted his hands in a worship service. But when he uses marijuana, he said he finds it easier to do that. Dr. Michael Brown, responding to Gross's assertion that cannabis helps him worship God, called his declaration an irony. "Ironically, it's for this same reason that some strippers get high before performing or some actors have a few drinks before engaging in a sex scene. The drugs or drink loosen them up and relax them, helping to remove their inhibitions," he wrote in an op-ed. Brown, a self-confessed former pot smoker, said cannabis use is "the opposite of spiritual liberty." He added that despite Gross's claims of marijuana being a helpful substance in the worship of God, "It has nothing to do with holiness and it is totally unrelated to worship." The theologian explained that marijuana destroys sobriety, which the Word of God demands of Christians. He added that pot is a "gateway drug" that opens the way for other things that feeds and flesh and makes room for the enemy. He contended that the Word of God tells Christians to be wise, sober, and "filled with the Holy Spirit," which is something that cannabis use will not allow. First Financial of Maryland Federal Credit Union ($1.2B, Sparks, MD) has been developing young people and the schools they attend for nearly 20 years. Cindy Jones has been an integral part of that effort. Jones joined the Baltimore-area cooperative in 1993 and began writing educational promotional materials and leading youth programs a decade later. Her title changed from youth marketing manager to youth outreach manager in 2017 to reflect the growth in First Financials program and her own responsibilities. Here Jones talks about First Financial and its involvement in community schools. Whats the history of youth outreach at First Financial? Hamas' attack on Israel has fired up people on both sides of the argument, including a Muslim actress who went viral for her vocal support of the Palestinian violence against the Israeli Jews. Muslim actress Veena Malik, also known as Zahida Malik took to Twitter to share some controversial thoughts on the ongoing Hamas attack on Israel that has claimed lives on both sides. In referencing the Palestine-Israel clash, the 37 year old actress tweeted a quote that she attributed to the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, which spoke about eliminating Jews around the world. According to the Post Millennial, Malik, who is from Pakistan, tweeted on Tuesday, "'I would have killed all the Jews of the world...but I kept some to show the world why I killed them' Adolf Hitler." While it is unclear whether Hitler truly spoke the words, Malik's stance was clear: she was for violence against Jews. The tweet had been taken down, but screenshots were taken and shared across the platform. Malik's acting career was prolific through the the 2000's, but she also claims to be an ambassador for several United Nations programs, the Red Cross, Shaukat Khanum Cancer hospital, and matters close to her, such as breast cancer awareness. The Blaze reported that the actress has yet to issue an apology or clarification about her controversial statements on the ongoing Hamas attack on Israel. Malik has long been outspoken about the condemnation of Jews. A report from OpIndia revealed that "Malik has since been glorifying the attack on Israelis and cheering the death and destruction. In her subsequent tweets in Urdu, she urged Muslims to not be disheartened and said that if they are truly 'believers,' then they would be proud." The Israeli nation remains steadfast in its fight for the right to religious freedom, taking to Twitter yesterday to share, "We have been here for 3,000 years and we're here to stay. Terrorists trying to plunge the region into violence and darkness will never prevail. #IsraelUnderAttack" As of writing, millions of Israelis are still seeking shelter in bomb shelters after the Hamas terrorist group of Palestine continue their attacks on Israel. According to BBC, the Hamas terrorist group has launched dozens more rockets at Israel after the Israeli military air strike killed senior commanders and destroyed a multi-level building in Gaza. The escalated tensions caused the United Nations to warn of a "full-scale war" between the two nations. As of writing, 67 people have been reported to have been killed in Gaza. "Nothing can justify an Arab mob assaulting Jews, and nothing can justify a Jewish mob assaulting Arabs," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. The attack on Israel had been going on since Monday evening, during which its Iron Dome intercepted most of the Palestinian rockets. The Hamas attack on Israel may appear as a low priority for the Biden administration, which in January was looking to pull focus away from the Middle East and concentrate on China and Russia's growing aggressions. On Wednesday, CNN reported that President Joe Biden hopes that the Israel-Palestine conflict would "be closing down sooner than later." A recent study revealed that government support on Christianity affects its growth. It showed that as the support increases, the number of Christians declines. Titled "Paradoxes of Pluralism, Privilege, and Persecution: Explaining Christian Growth and Decline Worldwide," the study "examines the effect of church-state relations on rates of Christian population growth or decline worldwide." The study was published in the website of Sociology of Religion last month by co-authors, Nilay Saiya and Stuti Manchanda. The research was also released on Christianity Today by Saiya. The findings noted three paradoxes that affect growth rates of Christians, including pluralism, privilege and persecution. The Paradox Of Pluralism The study found that "as a country's commitment to pluralism rises," the number of Christians also increases. Pluralism forces Christians "to present the best arguments possible" for their faith, competing with other beliefs. The paradox is observed in Asia and Africa where Christianity grows the fastest. For countries in Asia, the state does not give preferential treatment to Christianity but this has benefited the faith, resulting to the rise of Christian growth rates. South Korea exemplifies this. Not a Christian country in the 19th century, it persisted through hardships and persecution in defending Christianity but has become today's second-largest missionary-sending nation in the world. Africa has also seen "breathtaking growth" in the Christian faith, having 700 million Christians. The growth in the continent was attributed to competition with other faiths. Christianity flourished in both continents because it was not supported by the state. The Paradox Of Privilege The research showed that in 90% of the countries where the number of Christians declines, the state provides "moderate to high levels of official support for Christianity." The state's "favoritism" over Christianity suppresses its growth. The threat of religious minorities may cause Christians to seek help from the state to advance in the competition, but data showed that "the state's privileging of Christianity" does not help the church. This practice will only distract believers from their mission as they focus "in the things of Caesar rather than in the things of God to maintain their privileged stations." The secularization of Europe was found to be the result of the state's "widespread support" for Christianity. Christian decline also happened in the Protestant Scandinavian countries, as well as Catholic nations of Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Italy where the governments offered strong support for the Catholic faith and discriminated other beliefs. The lack of competitions in the churches in Europe has caused them to become "lethargic," relying on state support. Christianity in Europe declined because of the state's support on it, the study found. The Paradox Of Persecution History showed that discrimination and persecution have actually helped Christianity to thrive. In the face of oppression, Christians turn to their faith for strength and their devotion attracts non-believers. This paradox is observed in Muslim countries, such as Iran and Afghanistan, where Christians experience a high level of persecution. Despite Iran's fierce persecution of Christians, the country is believed to be home to some 1 million believers. Similarly in Afghanistan, Christianity also continues to grow and the faith has even spread in the country's elites and parliament members, such as the nation's first lady, Rula Ghani, a Maronite Christian from Lebanon. In China, the number of Christians has also exponentially grown in spite of severe persecution. Going underground, 5% of its 1.5 billion population are Christians. Fenggang Yang, a sociologist of religion, predicted that by 2050, half of the country could be Christians. Political privilege appeared to be an obstacle in the growth of Christianity. The research suggested that in order for Christian communities to be effective in spreading the Gospel, they must stop from seeking political privilege. As such, they will be able to prove that "no force will be able to prevail against [the] church" and believers will be required to rely solely on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to share the truths of God. A new church in Anchorage conveyed a redemption story, when a strip club was turned into a house for God. The people involved in the project saw how the Lord worked all through the circumstances, calling the scenario as "providential." Realtor Mike Gailey revealed that the details leading to having the church fell into the right place. "Everybody at some point or others sort of succumbed to this sense of providence and guidance that just was undeniable," he said, captured by Alaska Public Media. Gailey had always thought that the building "ought to be a church" since the moment that the owner of the strip club, "Fantasies," approached him to sell the property. He said that his idea was unusual but the building was an appropriate place for such given the space and foot traffic. He was also fascinated with how the story will resonate with people in the city. "It was kind of a redemption story. And I knew churches, Christians, they love that story," he said. Gailey stated that even the owner herself was thinking of converting the place into a church. She tried to find people who could develop the place into one but failed. Then the owner suggested Gailey to talk to a developer who expressed interest in occupying the space, describing the woman as a tough person and someone from the military. But the owner warned him that the developer will not be paying for the commission. Gailey made some research on the woman and discovered that they are connected with each other, being both former members of the military, spending some time in Vietnam, and even knowing the same Vietnamese doctor. Moreover, they had already met 10 years ago in a dinner in Hanoi. "By that time, the coincidences were so statistically improbable, so outrageously providential, really," he shared. He then met the developer, Linda Dunegan. They went together to see the building and the woman revealed her secret connection with the place. "I said, 'Do you know why I want to buy this place? It's because my mother was a stripper,'" Dunegan told Gailey. The woman said that her mother was an immigrant from Vietnam and had worked as a stripper in Anchorage. She also thought that her mother might have even worked in "Fantasies" herself. Dunegan claimed that when she was a child, she felt shame with her mother's work. For her, turning the club into a church would be a way of healing. "It was very hard for me to see those strip poles. It was really hard for me, because I had condemnation in my heart from my mom. So I think the redemption story is not for the public. It was for me and for my mom," she disclosed. Dunegan proceeded to buy the building. Nate Baer, her realtor, had some reservations and was not convinced that turning the place into a church would work out. But the woman was persistent. Another issue that they had to address was finding a pastor, which they thought was challenging given the pandemic. But God provided them a minister and found a man who just moved to the city from Oregon: Kenny Menendez. Before they transferred to Alaska, Menendez was living a comfortable life, working in the airline industry. But when the pandemic hit, Menendez's family was affected and decided to move to Anchorage. "We had to decide as a family what was important to us, and to us, what was important is church in general," Menendez said. "It is a fast change of life, but you know, the things that are impossible for man are possible with God. And the Bible also says that without faith, it's impossible to please Him. So we took that leap of faith, so to speak," he further stated. He was already starting to hold regular Bible studies when Dunegan called him, looking for a church to occupy her building. Menendez believed it was the right place. What was once a strip club has become the Open Door Baptist Church of Anchorage. Pastor Menendez and his wife believed that their move to the city is also providential. Don't kick a man when he's down, they say unless, it seems he's a Labour Leader Don't kick a man when he's down, they say unless, it seems he's a Labour Leader. Following last week's election disaster, Keir Starmer's getting a bashing from all sides - with only former leader Ed 'disaster' Milliband rallying to his defence. Yes, the Millibandroid, the charisma-free chap who thought writing his big ideas on a tombstone was a brilliant vote-grabber. With supporters like that, Starmer might as well ask for his P45. He could have expected a drubbing from the Corbynites, but must have been choked when New Labour God Tony Blair pitched up on Good Morning Britain to reflect on what Labour should do next to turn around their disastrous fortunes. Critics on all sides seem to agree that voters don't know what the latest version of the Labour party offers voters. Even Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, seemed a bit baffled to discover that on the doorsteps of Hartlepool - and she was campaign manager. So - what does Labour stand for in 2021? That's a challenging question even ITV's Chasers would be unable to answer. We know what Labour DOESN'T stand for because they are very good at virtue-signalling, posing for pictures taking the knee in support of Black Lives Matter. They want to get rid of statues from Britain's colonial past and street names which could cause offence. They're not happy with JK Rowling's definition of a woman (someone who gives birth), and they want to end discrimination in all walks of life. All very laudable, but what do ideals add up to if they're not translated into solid policies, costed and planned in detail? If Keir Starmer was a packet of cereal, what would be in it? I hear a resounding silence. Following last week's election disaster, Keir Starmer (pictured with Angela Rayner in London yesterday) is getting a bashing from all sides - with only former leader Ed 'disaster' Milliband rallying to his defence Sure, he wants to end poverty, fight for social inclusion, get everyone a roof over their heads but so does every sensible person, no matter where they stand on the political divide. Those are placards, not policies and placards don't pay rent, get you a hospital appointment or a place at the best local school for your kids. My vote is precious - brave women fought and died for it - so I'm not going to give it away to a bunch of people (Labour) who appear to spend their time at war with each other, raking over the past, obsessing about covoluted rules and nit-picking over who 'true' believers are. The main enemies of the Labour party are the people running it. Labour is run like a a business operating in the days when Workers Playtime was essential lunchtime-listening on the BBC Home Service, broadcast from factory canteens up and down the land. Factories that have since shut and workers laid off. So why do I care so much about Labour? I'm still working and healthy, you'd call me middle class. My parents left school at 14, were solidly working class, fanatically loyal to Labour. I followed suit. Half a century later, there's a massive problem - I don't have a political party to vote for any more. The last time I was excited about Labour was back in 1997 when Tony Blair won a landslide victory. I remember that night as if it was yesterday. It was a fantastic moment. Here was a politician who was charismatic, idealistic, who talked directly to both young and old voters and promised a new future. He was bursting with energy, and New Labour brought a new wave of MPs into parliament- more women than ever before. Keir Starmer (pictured with Angela Rayner in London yesterday) could have expected a drubbing from the Corbynites, but must have been choked when New Labour God Tony Blair pitched up on Good Morning Britain to reflect on what Labour should do next to turn around their disastrous fortunes Yes, that was almost 25 years ago- and Tony Blair saw a spectacular fall from grace after it emerged there were no weapons of mass destruction in Syria and that we'd invaded a country on a false pretext. Nevertheless Labour managed to win three successive elections and - as Blair reminded us on GMB - still managed to hold onto their 'Red Wall' seats in the North (including Hartlepool) even at their third victorious General Election. Labour have now lost three elections in a row since those heady days, and at the current rate I might be dead and gone before they win one. Can anything be done, or is the party - like the Sinclair car or the Hovercraft - dead as a dodo? Keir Starmer was described as 'capable' and 'a sensible guy' by Tony Blair, on Good Morning Britain this week. You don't have to be a mind reader to work out that calling somebody 'capable' damns with faint praise. Anyone in the workplace described as 'capable' is generally the dreary individual no one wants to promote, busy re-arranging the cups by the coffee machine and managing bookings for the meeting room. Captain Sensible is no match for Brigadier Bombastic - Boris, the man whose faults, general sloppiness and vague grasp of facts do not seem to deter voters one jot. Quite the reverse, they seem to be infatuated with his larger-than-life persona. In short, it's as if Boris is a pop star lower middle class people (especially men) are infatuated with. Labour supporters voted Tory in their thousands as a thank you for sorting their jabs, and because Boris delivered the Brexit Labour wouldn't and bringing to an end all the tormented and ineffectual manoeuvrings of Theresa May. In other words, Michel Barnier and his Brussels bureaucrats were finally removed from our television screens and we can watch the latest series of Love Island without hot updates from talks which got nowhere. But should you hand over your vote as a thank you - when the Tories stand for privilege and private education, and are the 'looking after myself and sod the rest of you' party? Not in my book. My vote is worth more than that. The Tories won last week because everyone knows what they stand for. Getting Things Done - even if it's only Two Things. And, as Labour wavered about whether flying flags was slightly racist - Boris has cleverly appropriated patriotism, hoisting union jacks and waffling on about the 'Great British spirit' at every opportunity. He's wallowed in sentimentality about our resilience and our fortitude during the past year. And launching his new parliamentary programme this week, he promised to 'channel the extraordinary spirit' the country has demonstrated during the pandemic. Boris bigs the British up while Labour is always banging on about society letting people down. Keir Starmer does have some half-decent things in his manifesto but the Tories are cleverly nicking them. They plan to act on animal rights (banning live animal exports and keeping primates as pets), are nationalising airports (Teeside) and taking over railways. The Tories promise massive housebuilding and a 'levelling up' programme - whatever that means. But the big hole in British politics remains in the centre. The people who want to help others, but don't think they should apologise for owning their own home, having two cars and liking Last Night of the Proms. The people who want to keep grammar schools, want nurses and care workers to be paid more and are prepared to pay more for the NHS. The people who run small businesses, who struggled through lockdown and got very little from Dishi Rishi. They are the people who have waited over ten years for a government to deal with the social care crisis, to prevent the elderly having to liquidate all their hard-won assets to pay to have their bottoms wiped and fed at regular intervals. Once again, Boris has reneged on a promise he made on day one by consigning the issue to the back of his in-tray. Spurred on by last week's results, Boris is seizing the moment by proposing to scrap the fixed term Parliaments Act, which would enable him to call a General Election whenever it suits him. And with the current crew in charge at Labour, I expect that date to be very soon. Even in the deepest, darkest swamps of the Amazon rainforest, can there be an eel as slithery, as slippery, as David Cameron? The ex-prime minister was grilled yesterday by the Treasury committee over his involvement in Greensill, the defunct lender on whose behalf he sent all those creepy-crawly texts. Pinning the former PM down was like grabbing a bar of Imperial Leather in a hot bath. Each guileless lunge the committee made and whoosh! out the silky little beggar plopped from their hands. But what a humiliating experience. A man whod glided to lifes loftiest perch having to endure hours of insults from grandstanding non-entities, most of whom will likely never rise beyond their lowly backbench berths, let alone bother the ministerial car fleet. The ex-prime minister was grilled yesterday by the Treasury committee over his involvement in Greensill, the defunct lender on whose behalf he sent all those creepy-crawly texts Mr Cameron repelled them as best he could with that buttery charm, but in truth it was an undignified sight for a former PM, and hard to imagine recent occupants of that office Mrs May or Gordon Brown, to name two ever being forced to stoop so low. He appeared via Zoom from his Oxfordshire residence. The look these days is a familiar return to Soho PR man, rather than ex-statesman. The hair was carefully styled, the cheeks pink and plump. Hes acquired modish tortoiseshell spectacles radiating Groucho Club vibes. Wife Samanthas tasteful handiwork, my guess. Committee chairman Mel Stride had allowed him an opening statement. Mr Cameron repelled them as best he could with that buttery charm, but in truth it was an undignified sight for a former PM, and hard to imagine recent occupants of that office Mrs May or Gordon Brown, to name two ever being forced to stoop so low This is a painful day, Cameron sighed. Went on a bit. Occasionally, Stride would give an awkward sideways glance as if to signal: Much more of this rubbish? Mr Stride was keen to know just how closely Dave had been involved in Greensill. Had he attended board meetings? Dave revealed that he had, though he made these sound like casual, breezy affairs, as though it were a few blokes sinking bullshots in Whites. Stride soon raised what he called the delicate issue of moolah. What had DC stood to lose in all this, should Greensill have collapsed? Cameron admitted he was paid a generous amount by the firm and its slick Aussie boss. Certainly more than he pocketed as Prime Minister. As for his share options, that was a private matter. Anyway, he insisted, money wasnt his motivation. His lobbying efforts were to help save a great company that was doing a lot of good. Hmmm. Even the wiliest of defence barristers might have deemed that one a tough sell to the jury. Harriett Baldwin (Con, W Worcestershire) floated on to the screen. Ms Baldwin was greatly excited about Daves texts to the Treasury permanent secretary, Tom Scholar, which he had toe-curlingly signed Love Dc. She pursued this line of questioning with the doggedness of a National Enquirer reporter chasing a lusty expose. Did he come over for Sunday lunch? she asked. Cameron explained he signed all his texts this way. Not to Greensills austere acquaintances in Saudi Arabia, I trust. Next, Siobhain McDonagh (Lab, Mitcham) blasted out a volley of accusatory statements. Didnt even bother waiting for answers. She accused Dave of demeaning himself by WhatsApping around Whitehall selling what amounted to a fraudulent enterprise. No, no, no, Cameron insisted. He was trying to rescue something he considered a genuinely a good idea. By now a shiny bead of sweat had appeared on his brow. The unmistakeable whisky-sour tones of Angela Eagle suddenly rasped over the airwaves. She suggested Daves begging texts were more like stalking than lobbying. Cameron squirmed. Eagle wondered how many lifts hed cadged on Greensills private jets from his third home in Newquay. Dave couldnt remember. Cripes, that many? Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Tower Hamlets, called Dave a Teflon Man. Obviously I take a different view, muttered Dave. As the clock approached 5pm, Chairman Stride felt his guest had endured enough. Its been a difficult session for you, he said, with the encouragement of a nursery schoolmarm. But you did stand up to be counted. Counted for what, Dave might well have wondered. 'Woke' Teens Demand Critical Race Theory in all K-12 Classrooms NEWS PROVIDED BY Nevada Family Alliance May 13, 2021 RENO, Nev., May 13, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is pushing radical Critical Race theory curriculum starting in Kindergarten. In addition, they are seeking grants that would allow them to implement policies that will radically change hiring practices and could force the district to stop hiring white teachers. The Washoe County School District's Equity & Diversity Department had been waiting to present the district Board with its "Equity Action Plan" for some time. When the student activist group "WCSD Students for Change" began showing up to district board meetings in 2020 demanding changes to board policy, curriculum, and district hiring practices, it provided the department just the green light they were looking for. The district Board of Trustees, eager to demonstrate its responsiveness to the impassioned high school students' demands, voted to implement the Action Plan in February 2021. Since then, the district has revised board policy allowing district teachers to engage in political discussions with their students during valuable instruction time, adopted a new "culturally responsive" curriculum dripping with Critical Race Theory, and mandated all district staff to participate in ongoing "equity training" courses. WCSD Students for Change: "We fight for inclusive curriculum and school policy in Washoe County and the state of Nevada. We're building a grassroots movement to promote the representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and LGBT+ people in textbooks, curriculum, and policy. Founded on the power of student activism, we work to combat systemic racism, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, and erasure in schools by organizing and amplifying youth voice." The district's "Anti-Racism Resolution," "Equity Task Force," "Equity Action Plan," "Equity Training," and Board Policy 4500 revamp are all being driven by this organized and vocal group of students. Karen England, Executive Director of the pro-family watchdog group Nevada Family Alliance: "Right now, more than ever, WCSD kids need the adults in the room to be the adults and stop this nonsense." WCSD Students for Change's "demand" letter to the district superintendent reads: "As the citizens of the United States takes to the streets to protest not just the police murder of George Floyd but also the inequity that people of color experience every day in our country, we ask you to join us in recognizing the systemic nature of racial inequity and the role WCSD could play in building a safer and better world for students of color. "People of color in the Washoe County School District deserve not only an education in history, or science, but an education in the truth of the institutional racism upon which our country was founded. "Similarly, students must be educated about the privilege white Americans inherit from their history. "Students must learn how to resist and dismantle the systems they step into when they leave the WCSD school system, and this requires more than a school system that is not racist: the WCSD must be expressly antiracist: 64,000 students who are not racist cannot close a wage gap or end police violence, but 64,000 anti-racists can." Karen England, Nevada Family Alliance: "Considering how convenient WCSD Students for Change is for the district's goals, one can't help but wonder who exactly the adults are behind this group." In addition, the Washoe County School District has applied for grant funding mandating the implementation of special hiring practices that will place a finger on the scale for non-white teacher applicants. The grant comes with strings and will help to embed the racial justice agenda into all aspects of district work. "Principal Pipeline" money will be used to ensure only individuals who demonstrate fidelity to the tenets of the Critical Race Theory narrative will be positioned in WCSD schools. Once installed, these principals will demand teachers indoctrinate their young pupils in "anti-racist" critical race theory beliefs or lose their jobs. More on WCSD Students for Change here. Nevada Family Alliance is a program of Capitol Resource Institute, a non-profit policy, research, and education organization. We advocate for religious freedom, life, the family, and parental rights representing a multi-state network of thousands of individuals, families, and faith leaders. SOURCE Nevada Family Alliance CONTACT: Karen England, 775-737-6616, Karen@nevadafamilyalliance.org Related Links http://nevadafamilyalliance.org/ From the moment he flew back to America on the Queen's 95th birthday, unable even to delay his departure for a few hours for the sake of his grandmother, it was clear that hopes of a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his family were futile and that the Sussexes were up to something. Now we know. Not content with embellishing the facts to suit his agenda in the Oprah Winfrey interview and accusing the Royal Family of racism, Harry under the watchful and approving eye of Meghan has launched another searing attack on the folks back home. This time he's accusing his father, Prince Charles, of being a bad parent and the Royal Family in general including, by association, the Queen of being stuck in a 'cycle of pain'. Harry, who these days increasingly appears to be a wholly owned subsidiary of Oprah Inc, was appearing on US host Dax Shepherd's 'Armchair Expert' podcast to promote his Apple TV+ series with Winfrey, The Me You Can't See, which premieres on Friday, May 21. From the moment he flew back to America on the Queen's 95th birthday, unable even to delay his departure for a few hours for the sake of his grandmother, it was clear that hopes of a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his family were futile and that the Sussexes were up to something, writes SARAH VINE After what he and the Duchess of Sussex put the Royal Family through just weeks before the death of Prince Philip, you might have expected a scintilla of restraint, maybe the tiniest bit of respect for his granny and her feelings. But no. If anything, this attack was even more gloves-off. At least in that first interview the Sussexes stopped short of bad-mouthing the Queen herself; this time not even she escaped the wrecking ball of Harry's self-pity. A line has been crossed and we are in uncharted territory. 'I don't think we should be pointing the finger or blaming anybody,' Harry said, before going on very much to do just that. 'When it comes to parenting, if I've experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, I'm going to make sure I break that cycle so that I don't pass it on.' He went on to suggest his grandparents were at fault: 'I know this about his [Prince Charles's] life, I also know that is connected to his parents so that means he's treated me the way he was treated, so how can I change that for my own kids.' As a concept of course, the idea of unhappy families repeating their mistakes through the generations is nothing very new. And the fact that Harry is so determined to do better for his own children is in some ways a noble sentiment. But Harry is no ordinary man, and this is no ordinary washing he is laundering in front of the entire world. This is Elizabeth II we are talking about. The longest reigning monarch in history and a woman who, in the eyes of most people, is a much-loved paragon of duty and service. To launch such an accusation at someone who, quite apart from her great age and the fact that her husband has just passed away, is in no position to retaliate is not only an act of extreme insensitivity and unfairness, it's also a colossal act of self-harm. It may play well to American audiences but back home and Harry is still British, despite his newly acquired American twang it will win him no fans. That Harry cannot see this is a tragedy, not just for the royals but for the man himself. Not content with embellishing the facts to suit his agenda in the Oprah Winfrey interview and accusing the Royal Family of racism, Harry under the watchful and approving eye of Meghan has launched another searing attack on the folks back home That he has so little respect or affection for his family, so little understanding or self-knowledge of how spoilt and embittered he seems, is a sad reflection of his own self-indulgence. It's clear now that Harry is someone who, for whatever reason, has come to loathe the very fabric of royal life and managed to convince himself that, for all the privilege and status afforded him, his upbringing was a prolonged torture. And that is very sad and destructive. It also presents him with an awkward paradox. Because, of course, the only reason anyone is at all interested in Harry or Meghan is because they are members of the Royal Family. The source of their power and their riches is also the source of all their pain which cannot make for an easy conscience. Perhaps this goes in some way to explain the festering anger that Harry clearly feels and which shows no sign of abating. Far from exorcising his demons, Harry's newfound freedom seems only to be feeding the monsters. He talks about his shoulders dropping and a weight lifting since he moved to America; but all the evidence seems to point to him becoming more, not less, unhappy. There is also the rank hypocrisy of his behaviour. For a man who is always complaining about lack of respect for his privacy, he seems disproportionately determined to betray other people's confidences, to expose his own family to the kind of scrutiny which, he never tires of telling us, traumatised him so much in the first place. As for compassion and caring, those other pillars of his existence, well, one might well ask what is caring or compassionate about accusing a 95-year-old great-grandmother of poor parenting just weeks after her husband has died. Not that any of this seems to cause the slightest iota of concern to Harry. He's so high on his own drama, so busy monetising his own neuroses, he has no concept of the pain he is causing. Quite what the Royal Family can do about all this is hard to say. But one thing's for sure: Their anguish over Harry is not going away any time soon. They won't be fighting them on the beaches next month to mark the anniversary of D-Day. A planned re-enactment in Devon has been cancelled on the orders of elf'n'safety. It was scheduled to take place on Saunton Sands and the dunes at Braunton Burrows, where 10,000 troops trained for Operation Overlord in 1944. But after a full risk assessment the site has been declared 'downright dangerous'. Organisers blame 'blown sand' and 'surface water'. Everybody back on the landing craft! They won't be fighting them on the beaches next month to mark the anniversary of D-Day A convoy of military vehicles, including Sherman tanks, Jeeps and half-tracks, has also been scaled back because of the Covid pandemic. During the war, the North Devon coast was chosen for invasion preparations because of its similarity to Omaha and Utah beaches in Normandy. Blown sand and surface water were the least of their problems. Twenty-odd years ago, I wrote a spoof column wondering what might have happened if the military had attempted the D-Day landings under modern elf'n'safety restrictions. I think we have our answer. Not only that, but these days the Army would have to take into account not just safety concerns, but also diversity and Covid-security considerations. On the eve of the invasion in 1944, General Montgomery issued a stirring message to all troops under his command. Today, it would have to go something like this . . . The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow. To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history. We have a great and righteous cause. Let us pray that 'The Lord Mighty In Battle' will go forth with our armies and that His special providence will aid us in the struggle. When I say 'The Lord' I mean no offence to non-Christians. The Army is open to those of all faiths, and indeed none. This is the most inclusive expeditionary force ever assembled, as a result of our recent recruitment campaign. We are especially proud of all those members of the trans, non-binary and snowflake communities who have chosen to join us on this great adventure. During the war, the North Devon coast was chosen for invasion preparations because of its similarity to Omaha and Utah beaches in Normandy. Blown sand and surface water were the least of their problems Advance detachments of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) have already embarked for Omaha and Utah beaches, where they will be building wheelchair ramps and digging gender-fluid latrines. There may be a world war on, but I must also remind you that we are still engaged in an unprecedented global struggle against another mortal enemy. Anyone who has still not had their second coronavirus jab must report to the medical corps without further delay. You will not be allowed to board the landing craft without a valid Covid passport and proof of a negative PCR test. Once ashore you must wear your face coverings at all times and remember to observe social distancing guidelines. By the time we disembark, REME should have marked out the correct distances on the beach with black and yellow tape. I would remind you that this is a smoke-free invasion. Smoking and vaping on the battlefield is strictly forbidden, punishable by court martial and execution by firing squad. Your safety is our number one priority. Please ensure you wear hi-visibility jackets at all times, especially when under fire. This will enable the stretcher bearers to locate you without delay. You should also wear the ear protectors provided. The Army is unable to offer compensation to those who fail to comply and suffer hearing loss as a result. This follows a 50,000 lawsuit from an ex-gunner who sued the Royal Artillery for compensation claiming he had been deafened by howitzers and flying in helicopters without a noise-cancelling headset. Anyone who has still not had their second coronavirus jab must report to the medical corps without further delay. You will not be allowed to board the landing craft without a valid Covid passport and proof of a negative PCR test. (The re-enactment is seen in pre-Covid times in 2018) To ensure all personnel strictly observe the revised rules of engagement, in accordance with the European Convention On Human Rights, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Equality Act 2010, a team of qualified Government lawyers will be accompanying us on the invasion. Under no circumstances are you to fire at the enemy unless given written permission in triplicate. Please be aware that you may be put on trial for murder up to 50 years after hostilities have ceased. Human resources advisers will be on hand to offer counselling to anyone who feels their mental health has been adversely affected by the invasion. Once a bridgehead has been established, safe spaces will be provided wherever possible. On an operational note, we regret that the invasion will have to go ahead without air support. As you may be aware, the Royal Air Force has recently introduced a net-zero emissions policy. A squadron of the RAF's new electric-powered planes took off from Biggin Hill yesterday but because of range limitations they all came down in the sea half an hour later. A couple of Halifax bombers, left over from World War II, were scrambled from the RAF Museum at Hendon and pressed into service to tow a fleet of gliders. Unfortunately, they crashed into the giant Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, near Brighton, and sank to the bottom of the English Channel with the loss of all on board. The Ministry of Defence did manage to commandeer a police drone, but this only contrived to home in on an elderly couple out walking their dog and drinking peppermint tea on Omaha Beach before it was shot out of the sky by a German anti-aircraft battery. In the absence of serviceable fighter aircraft, RAF High Command has borrowed a Russian Spitfire and is now considering catapulting manned hang-gliders from the deck of the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. A trebuchet has been put on standby at Newhaven. As you cross the Channel today, you may encounter a flotilla of dinghies containing migrants heading in the opposite direction. Do not engage, as this may be in contravention of human rights laws. The Royal Navy apologises that it is unable to provide protection, as it is currently fully occupied dealing with French fishing vessels blockading Jersey. Oh, and I almost forgot. France is still on the Government's amber travel list. So if any of you are lucky enough to make it back to Blighty you will be required to quarantine for ten days. But with stout hearts and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory and plant the rainbow flag on Omaha Beach. And finally, remember to watch out for blown sand and surface water. It's downright dangerous out there. An upcoming Netflix documentary based on unheard audio recordings of the late Princess of Wales could prompt a new rivalry over who is the 'new Diana', royal experts have claimed. Paul Burrell, 62, has claimed that the streaming giant's sequel to the 2017 documentary Diana: In Her Own Words will be 'welcomed' by Meghan Markle, because it throws her late mother-in-law into the spotlight again, and creates the opportunity to compare the two women. Speaking to Closer magazine, he said: 'I think Meghan may see Diana as a role model, and feel she can relate to her. So she'll welcome more insight into Diana's life and for them to be compared.' However, on the other side of the Atlantic, the Duchess of Cambridge's growing confidence means that she is feeling more ready than ever to step into her late royal's shoes. Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe told OK! that the Duchess of Cambridge is stepping out of Prince William's shadows and the public are ready to 'adore her like Diana.' 'The last year has given her confidence and proved she is a strong, reliable figure able to take on engagements on her own,' he explained. 'Kate is now finally starting to fill the shoes she's been wearing for a decade.' An upcoming Princess Diana Netflix documentary based on unheard audio recordings could be 'welcomed' by Meghan Markle, who enjoys being compared to the late royal, says Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell Due to air next year, to mark the 25th anniversary of Diana's death, the Netflix documentary will be a follow up to Diana: In Her Own Words, released in 2017, and will reportedly feature unaired audio and video of Diana used by Andrew Morton to write her biography in 1992. Paul Burrell, who served as a footman for the Queen and later butler to Diana for 10 years until her death in 1997, commented that Netflix has 'capitalised' on a demand for royal scandal. And he said that it could give rise to tensions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who have a deal with Netflix worth a reported 100 million. 'If Harry's already feeling torn and uncomfortable about his recent actions, this will no doubt cement those feelings,' he said. The Duchess of Cambridge, pictures on a visit to Durham in April, is stepping out of Prince William's shadow and growing in confidence 'It's very awkward as I think Meghan may see Diana as a role model, and feel she can relate to her. So she'll welcome more insight into Diana's life and for them to be compared. 'But those differing feelings could create a divide between her and Harry. It could even drive them apart.' Speaking to OK! Magazine he said that following the tragic death of Prince Philip, aged 99, there has been a change in Kate and Prince William's behaviour which has allowed 'more of their personal side to come across.' He went on to say that it could 'mark the start of a new era' for the mother-of-three, adding: 'Kate is really coming into her own.' Due to air next year, to mark the 25th anniversary of Diana's death, the Netflix documentary will be a follow up to Diana: In Her Own Words, released in 2017, and will reportedly feature unaired audio and video of Diana used by Andrew Morton to write her biography in 1992 The royal expert also claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview marked a 'sea change' from both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The comments come as the Daily Mail recently revealed that sequel to the worldwide hit Diana: In Her Own Words will be released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Princess's death next year. American film maker Tom Jennings says he has six more hours of unheard recordings made by Diana that were made for use for her biographer Andrew Morton in his 1992 book Diana: Her True Story. He commented: 'There are seven hours of tapes that Diana made for Morton. We wound up in our two-hour film only using about one hour of them. 'We're talking quite a bit about doing something for next year, which is the 25th anniversary of Diana's passing and also coincidentally it's the 30th anniversary of Andrew Morton's book. 'There will be renewed interest, and season five of The Crown will be coming out.' Diana: In Her Own Words was first screened amid much controversy in 2017. It was re-released last year by Netflix, which used it to justify controversial scenes in The Crown. The news of the upcoming sequel comes just two months after Harry and Meghan opened up about their mental health struggles during their bombshell interview with Oprah which first aired on CBS on March 7, then on ITV one day later. During that interview, Meghan claimed she had suffered from suicidal thoughts after being plunged into royal life and that palace staff had ignored her pleas for help after taking away her keys and passport. The couple have signed a multi-million pound deal with Netflix and it was announced last month that their first TV series with the network will be a documentary series about the Invictus Games. Harry and Meghan have been living in an 10million mansion in Montecito, California since last summer after they both quit as senior royals. The couple, who have also signed a multi-million-pound deal with Spotify, are expecting a baby girl while their son Archie recently turned two. Weddings are supposed to be one of the best day of your life but these photos prove things don't always go to plan. Guests from around the world shared photos of the bizarre and outrageous things they've spotted, with the best examples rounded up by My Health Gazette. One photo shows a bridal party posing with portable toilets, while another shows a guest who appears to have worn white to someone else's big day. Elsewhere is a snap of a wedding guest who could be mistaken for the bride because of her white floor-length gown. Here, FEMAIL rounds up some of the most shocking wedding moments... My Health Gazette has rounded up a selection of cringe-worthy wedding photos from around the world - including a bridal party who posed alongside portable toilets in Boston One US woman took to Instagram to comment on a couple who posed with a sign explaining they got married on a Friday because the groom spends Saturdays with his friends Another image reveals a couple, from an unknown location, were left speechless when a wedding guest added 16 adults and 3 children to their wedding RSVP One bride wanted to go for a full-blown rustic country theme complete with a hay urinal DIY urinal! A US bride wanted to sell on the stalls her husband had made for their big day A couple from the US who were celebrating their engagement, took to Facebook with the announcement inside a box of popcorn Another US individual took to a wedding shaming group on Facebook, to blast their cousin for having dying fish as centrepieces at their reception Meal for one! A couple, from an unknown location, trying to reduce the cost of their wedding, took to social media to ask for advice on how to get their guests to pay for the food One woman, believed to be in the U.S, revealed she gave all the single women at her wedding a white rose to remind them to remain pure until they get married Another individual who lives in the U.S, was forced to quickly email their wedding guests an explanation after being indecisive about getting married just two weeks before the ceremony Stay thirsty! A 23-year-old from America, asked for advice on how to reduce the cost of drinks at their wedding reception after revealing they've opted for a coffee truck instead of a bar An American wedding photographer whose shot was ruined by a guest, took to social media urging people to turn their phone off and enjoy the ceremony Princess Eugenie, 31, said she is 'thinking of her Grandpa' as she led the Royal Family in paying tributes to Prince Philip on what would have been his 100th birthday today (pictured, top right). The Queen's granddaughter, 31, took to Instagram and shared a heartwarming throwback snap of the monarch and Duke of Edinburgh leaving following her wedding to Jack Brooksbank in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on 12 October 2018. Meanwhile, Prince Charles shared a touching childhood photo as he welcomed his father home from a trip to Malta in 1951. Alongside the snap he penned: 'Remembering The Duke of Edinburgh, on what would have been his 100th birthday' (pictured, top right). Elsewhere, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also took to the Kensington Royal Twitter page and penned: 'Today we remember His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, on what would have been his 100th birthday. Last week, The Queen was gifted a Duke of Edinburgh rose by @The_RHS, of which Her Majesty is Patron' (pictured, bottom right). ...read ...read An Australian restaurant has combined hamburgers and pizza to create an enormous one kilo pizza burger. The huge 'burger' is made between two full-sized pizzas, with four beef patties, two fried chicken fillets, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and special sauce. The burger is served with a side of fries and onion rings and costs $50. An Australian restaurant chain has combined hamburgers and pizza to create an enormous one kilo pizza burger A video of the huge 'challenge' burger recently went viral on TikTok after two young men were filmed attempting to conquer the epic stack A video of the huge 'challenge' burger recently went viral on TikTok after two young men were filmed attempting to conquer the epic stack. 'It comes with a free ride to the E.R,' one man wrote on the video which has attracted over 99,000 likes since Monday. The pizza burger is part of the menu at Sneakies Kitchen in Homebush, Sydney and is available 7-days - but you can't add customise the mammoth meal. The competition runs on Friday and Saturday nights - with winners also taking home $50 on top of getting their money back for the burger. One woman saw the challenge and said she would fly from Germany to Australia to try it if she could. Others estimated the burger would have '10,000 calories minimum'. One woman who loves eating challenge posted a photo of herself eating the burger on Instagram. 'Now THIS was a challenge! Essentially two cheese pizzas, two double cheeseburgers and two fried chicken burgers in one,' she said. Customers who devour the burger in 15 minutes get their $50 back. Some people weren't as impressed with the huge burger. I'I love pizza and burgers, but that's too much for me. I am full looking at it,' one woman said. 'Noooo, no. I am Italian. No,' one man argued. More feared for the health of the two men who took part in the challenge. 'Now THIS was a challenge! Essentially two cheese pizzas, two double cheeseburgers and two fried chicken burgers in one,' a woman said after trying the burger 'We would like an update on these two when they reach 45 years old,' one said. Challengers are also 'roasted' by the restaurant owner for the full 15 minutes - in a bid to slow their efforts down. Food challenges are becoming increasingly popular around the country. A Queensland bakery also offers customers their money back if they can eat one of their huge doughnuts. The Kenilworth Country Bakery is tucked away in the Sunshine Coast's hinterland and is famous for its doughnuts. The bakery opens at 7am and closes at 1pm - unless they sell out of their delicious pastries sooner. One of their most popular doughnuts is the one kilogram challenge doughnut. An Australian country bakery has issued an irresistible challenge for its customers and brave foodies alike - to demolish one of their huge one-kilogram doughnuts The challenge doughnuts are available in six flavours It costs $20, but if you finish it and take a video of you finishing the doughnut, you get your money back. The challenge doughnuts are available in six flavours. There is a giant custard and cream filled creation as well as jam and cream and Nutella and cream creations. For those looking for something a little more unique there's the beestings variant, but that costs $25. For people who like their doughnuts served with a little less cream there's the more traditional chocolate and strawberry glazed options on offer. And customers are stepping up to the challenge - giving themselves 'points for trying' when they fail to get through the huge dessert. An Australian mum-of-two has revealed the unique tactic she uses to make sure her daughters always eat their school lunches. Rather than packing the lunches herself, Cassie said the 'best way' to pack the right food is to get the children to choose from a selection of healthy snacks. Sharing an image to a popular parenting group, she wrote: 'I have found this is the best way to get my kids to eat their lunch at school. All on the bench, pick what you want and pack your own. Anyone else do this?' The range of snacks included cucumber, carrots, almonds, mandarins, pretzels, rice crackers celery, yoghurt, grapes and muesli bars. Rather than packing the lunch herself, mum Cassie said the 'best way' to pack the right food is to get the children to choose from a selection of healthy snacks The clever trick not only ensures the kids eat their lunch but also reduces the amount of waste going into landfill. 'I think we get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing. My eldest eats very little at school, but eats heaps at home, so now she just grabs a couple of items and nothing comes home wasted,' Cassie wrote. Other parents part of the Facebook group said the tactic is a 'great idea' and many seemed eager to try it with their kids too. 'Yum! Can you come do this for me? Great idea!' one woman wrote, and some said they too implement the same trick. 'I wash, cut prepare all the stuff on the weekend and store it in containers in the fridge. The non-fridge stuff are put in jars or containers and kept on the kitchen bench,' another said. 'It takes my daughter five to ten minutes to put together something for lunch.' Last month another clever mum was praised online after sharing how she prepares sushi dumplings for a healthy lunchbox treat Alex, from Sydney, shared the end result to a popular cookery Facebook group and revealed she used a small handheld dumpling maker from Wish to form the correct shape Last month another clever mum was praised online after sharing how she prepares sushi dumplings for a healthy lunchbox treat. Alex, from Sydney, shared the end result to a popular cookery Facebook group and revealed she used a small handheld dumpling maker from Wish to form the correct shape. She filled the bite-sized sushi dumplings with tinned tuna, chopped cucumber and sushi rice. The unique idea would be perfect for parents looking for new lunchbox ideas to prepare for their children. An extravagant skirt from an Australian fashion label has been named the 'must-have' autumn wardrobe staple. The 'Starry Night Maxi Skirt' from Sheike will set you back $199.95 (AUD), but it's guaranteed to grab attention at any occasion. Available in sizes six to 16, the show-stopping skirt is made from sheer mesh embellished with glitter spots and overlaid with three tiers of ruffed edging. A plain black waistband that contrasts with the theatrical style cinches the body in all the right places. This extravagant skirt from an Australian fashion label has been named the 'must-have' autumn wardrobe staple Photos of the skirt have been appearing all over Instagram in recent days, with fans dubbing it 'divine' The 'Starry Night Maxi Skirt' from Sheike (pictured) will set you back $199.95 (AUD), but it is guaranteed to grab attention at any occasion Photos of the skirt have been appearing all over Instagram in recent days, with fans dubbing it 'divine', 'beautiful' and the perfect piece for events such as birthdays and weddings. 'Gorgeous, that skirt is beautiful,' one woman wrote. 'Stunning,' added a second, while a third tagged her friend saying: 'I just found your next birthday outfit.' Those looking for a more affordable seasonal wardrobe staple can head to Big W to pick up a $35 dress that looks almost identical to one more than three times the price. Save: The $35 'Tiered Shirred Dress' from Big W Splurge: The $160 'Paisley Midi Dress' from upscale clothing brand, Seed Heritage The Australian discount store's 'Tiered Shirred Dress' is a brilliant dupe of the $160 'Paisley Midi Dress' from upscale clothing brand, Seed Heritage. Both dresses are black and knee-length with long sleeves and a striking paisley print. The most obvious difference is the neckline - Seed's style has a modest V-neck while Big W's version is a square. Australian influencers have been raving about the affordable alternative on Instagram, with Sydney fashion blogger Dani - who posts as Luxe and Lemonade - posting a comparison photo of the two dresses on her story. A mum with a striking resemblance to Game of Throne star Maisie Williams has spent the past 10 years being mistaken for the star. Kaiya Kirk, a 30-year-old vet nurse, from Auckland bears an uncanny likeness to the actress who is best known for her breakout role as Arya Stark in the hit HBO television series. Kaiya said she has had strangers point out her similarities to Arya Stark since 2011, when the series first appeared on screens. A New Zealand woman, left, with a striking resemblance to Game of Throne's Maisie Williams, right, has revealed she has spent 10 years being mistaken for the star 'I get told I look like Arya Stark more than Maisie Williams,' she told Daily Mail Australia The young woman (left) is often mistaken for the 24-year-old star (right) 'I get told I look like Arya Stark more than Maisie Williams,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I think people in general associate lookalikes with characters rather then the actor themselves as that's who they see them as,' she said. The vet nurse has never even seen the show and had to google the character when she was first told of the striking similarities. But she admits she can see it as well. 'I think we look a lot more alike when we were both younger. I feel like we have similar features like eyebrows and eyes,' she said. 'I think people in general associate lookalikes with characters (Maisie in character as Arya Stark left) rather then the actor themselves as that's who they see them as,' Kaiya, pictured right, said Kaiya has been asked for selfies and finds herself in a conversation with strangers about her famous doppelganger weekly Maisie Williams pictured here at the Q Awards in 2017 Kaiya has been asked for selfies and finds herself in a conversation with strangers about her famous doppelganger weekly. 'Sometimes it can be very annoying, I have a lot of people call me Arya which really bugs me because that's not my name,' she said, adding that she finds it entertaining most of the time. 'My friends know not to call me Arya.' Kaiya says she is always surprised by how many Game of Thrones fans there are in her country. The more popular the show became, the more the young woman was stopped in the street. Game of Thrones ended in 2019 - with 73 episodes aired over eight seasons. But the compliments and comparisons didn't end with the series. Maisie Williams, the actress behind the famous character, is 24, six years younger than her New Zealand based lookalike. GoT actors Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams attend onstage at 'Featured Session: Game of Thrones' during 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 12, 2017 in Austin, Texas The more popular the show became, the more the young woman was stopped in the street 'I think we look a lot more alike when we were both younger. I feel like we have similar features like eyebrows and eyes,' Kaiya said, (pictured here with her partner) The Bristol-born actress is the youngest of four children, and landed her starring role in the hit HBO series when she was just 12 years old. The star's popularity has continued long after the television show finished. She now has over 10 million followers on Instagram and is currently working on a six-piece series about the Sex Pistols where she will be portraying punk icon Pamela Rooke. Australians are escaping the stress of city life at a spectacular off-grid wilderness retreat in the countryside. Couples are travelling to Thousand Lakes Lodge in the heart of Tasmania's Central Highlands, a world-heritage listed area just under 90 minutes' drive from the state capital, Hobart. The hotel, which was once an Antarctic training camp, overlooks a barren landscape home to native wildlife including wombats, wallabies, and even the famous Tasmanian devil. The Western Lakes region where the lodge is located is popular among locals who travel there to fish elusive brown trout, but there is little else for miles around. Australians are escaping the stress of city life at this off-grid wilderness retreat in the countryside Thousand Lakes Lodge (pictured) overlooks a barren landscape home to native wildlife including wombats, wallabies, and even the famous Tasmanian devil Sitting 1,150 metres above sea level, the ground is blanketed with thick variegated moss and coarse highland scrub only interrupted by a series of jagged boulders. Once inside the lodge, guests can enjoy hearty food and artisan liquors in front of enormous open fireplaces from the comfort of cosy couches dotted with plush cushions. Soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows make it the perfect place to relax during the day, while dark mahogany and warm leather furniture create a sense of sanctuary when the sun goes down. The hotel has an extensive collection of vinyl records for guests to play throughout their stay, as well as a library filled with books and board games. Guests can enjoy hearty food and artisan liquors in front of enormous open fireplaces from the comfort of cosy couches dotted with plush cushions Soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows make it the perfect place to relax during the day Mahogany and warm leather furniture create a sense of sanctuary when the sun goes down The lodge is the coldest place on Tasmania, just 15 minutes' drive from Liawnee, the coldest permanently inhabited town in Australia The front desk lends out high-performance gloves and jackets for guests who forgot to pack their own, an essential service for the coldest place on the island. Fifteen minutes from the lodge is Liawnee, Australia's coldest permanently inhabited town. Named after an Aboriginal term meaning 'frigid', Liawnee has a population of just two - a single policeman and Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) officer who are stationed there round the clock. Electric bikes are also available for hire from the front desk, along with an assortment of local maps that highlight the best spots for birdwatching and fishing. Sitting 1,150 metres above sea level, the ground is blanketed with thick variegated moss and coarse highland scrub The hotel has an extensive collection of vinyl records for guests to play throughout their stay, as well as a library filled with books and board games The Western Lakes region where the lodge is located is popular among locals who travel there to fish elusive brown trout, but there is little else for miles around A night at the lodge (pictured) will set you back anywhere from $305 to $578 (AUD) per room, with continental breakfast included Lunch hampers can be pre-ordered or you can grab snacks from the honesty bar that forms the heart of the lodge's communal space. Offerings include local cheese, charcuterie and smoked fish, perfect for a casual lunch, as well as DIY toasties and chocolates from iconic Launceston chocolatier, Cocobean. A night at the lodge will set you back anywhere from $305 to $578 (AUD) per room, with continental breakfast included. Soren Kierkegaard a Danish philosopher-poet from the 1800s. He once told a tale of his true Sovereign: There, a glorious King. The most majestic of Kings, whom was known throughout all the known world. He was brilliant. And he was in love. In love with a lowly peasant woman. A woman hardly known by any who lived, and she lived in the dirt on the streets. And the King genuinely loved her. Now this King could have anything he pleased. Any resolution that he degreed was unquestionably carried out. Every politician feared his wrath, every foreign country trembled before his power; nobody dared refrain anything from him. The King could indeed woo the lowly peasant woman and have her ascend up to his royal throne. He could appear before the peasant in all his splendour; He could have the sun of his glory rise over her street and let her forget herself in adoring admiration of him. He could display his power and might, bring her to himself, and put on a royal wedding, one never seen before in any Kingdom. But a concern awakened in the King's soul at the thought. Alone he grappled with a sorrow in his heart: Would the street woman be happy with this? What if she never wanted this all along? What if she never wanted him all along? What if her mind wandered back to her old life, and old street family, and in the secret was sorrowful about her royal life? What would be the richness of shared love? There would be none. How could he tell if she was just wooed by his brilliance, or if she actually loved him? In taking this path their love would be discontent. Perhaps even if the woman did indeed possess gratitude for her new found life, and was so grateful to the King for his closeness, the King still would never be satisfied. An act that could only form from the depths of his true character, the King himself descended into her world The King appears as the lowliest of all lowly peasants, the form of a servant. This form of a servant is not something put on like the Kings authoritative cloak it is his true nature. For it is his love that earnestly and truthfully wills him to be the equal to the lowly peasant woman. If you look at him now, can you see that he is the King? Is he? Whered he go? You see, only those who vulnerably know him can decipher there, there he is. He is the King, but he has no place to lay his head. He is the King, yet he walks as if angels are having to carry him so that he does not stumble. He is the King and yet his eyes rest with concern for the dirty peasants of the world. As the lowliest of all, he must suffer all things. He must endure all things, hunger in the desert, and even be forsaken unto death, to be absolutely the equal of the woman whom he genuinely loves. His whole life is a story of suffering in order to be absolutely human with her, identifying with all realities of her life including death itself. It is love that suffers, love that gives all, so that he may truly know the peasant woman, and truly ask her, without power, Do you really love me? Any easier way would have been a deception. What then happens to this King? When an oak nut is planted in a small clay pot, the pot will eventually break. When new wine is poured into old leather bottles, the bottles will eventually burst. When the brilliant King reveals himself as the frail peasant, the vessel will, in fact, eventually, crack. Now revealed to the peasant as a Servant king his true form, what a difficult sort of re-birth there is to understand. All too sovereign, a sort of resurrection to his kingly state must take place. It is less terrifying to fall upon ones face while the mountains tremble at the Kings voice, than to sit with him as his equal. Yet the Kings concern is precisely to sit this way. The peasant is wooed. Not by his splendour, but in his love. Now I can say, I sit here with my King in wonder. This is Kierkegaards King. And he is my King. Is he yours? A stylist who specialises in affordable fashion has sparked a rush on a trendy Kmart jumper that costs little more than pocket change. Australian shoppers have been racing to buy the $25 Cowl Neck Jumper ever since Canberra blogger 'This is Genevieve' wore it in an outfit photo uploaded to Instagram on Monday. The brunette fashionista, who shares styling tips with her 10,400 followers, said she bought the jumper in a 10 - two sizes bigger than her normal size six - to achieve an over-sized fit. Fans were quick to rave about the affordable piece, with many hailing it a 'gorgeous' winter essential. Australian shoppers have been racing to buy the $25 Cowl Neck Jumper ever since Canberra blogger 'This is Genevieve' wore it in an outfit photo uploaded to Instagram on Monday Fans were quick to rave about the affordable piece (pictured), with many hailing it a 'gorgeous' winter essential 'Okay this looks so good,' one woman replied, while a second said: 'Love this knit!' Others said they had just bought the jumper and 'can't wait to wear it'. And it's not the only winter bargain being snapped up thanks to Genevieve's endorsement. On Tuesday, she posted a photo wearing a $30 jacquard print jumper from Big W, calling it 'the knit I'll be wearing on repeat'. Genevieve also posted this photo wearing a $30 jacquard print jumper from Big W, calling it 'the knit I'll be wearing on repeat' Just like the Kmart knit, Genevieve said she sized up to an extra large so that it would look baggy instead of clinging tight to her body. 'Loving that jumper,' one follower wrote. A fan from Queensland begged Genevieve to stop sharing such stylish winter clothing. 'Woman, I live on the Gold Coast, you have to stop making me want to buy big jumpers! I have three days a year tops to wear them,' she said. Women are going wild for a 'life-changing' electronic hairbrush from Kmart that can be used to create salon style waves at home. The 'Rotating Hot Air Brush' from the discount store's own brand Anko has a 40mm and 50mm barrel and three heated settings - two hot, one cool - which achieve practically the same effect as a professional blow-dry. Australians have been rushing to buy the brush ever since Sydney hairstylist Janet Nguyen filmed herself using it in an Instagram video on Tuesday. Ms Nguyen told Daily Mail Australia it's 'a great hair tool' for such an affordable price. Sydney hairstylist Janet Nguyen (pictured) filmed herself using the $25 Rotating Hot Air Brush from Kmart for a recent Instagram video 'I have never in my life got myself such a cheap hair tool but it honestly gave me such amazing results!' Ms Nguyen said. Similar heated hairbrushes on the market in Australia cost anywhere from $149 to $799 (AUD). Kmart's bargain brush boasts dozens of five star reviews on Kmart's website, with many hailing it 'unbeatable'. 'Life changer! I'm not very good at blow drying my long hair and usually give up halfway through,' one woman wrote. 'This $25 appliance is absolutely amazing. Makes the job easy and looks like your hair has been done at a salon.' Kmart's bargain brush (pictured) boasts dozens of five star reviews on Kmart's website, with many hailing it 'unbeatable' A second said she was skeptical about buying the brush due to some negative reviews, but found it to be 'amazing'. 'This product is amazing. Yes the handle is big but honestly what do you expect from a tool where the blow dryer is built into the handle. It does what it is intended to do. Great purchase,' she wrote. A third said she was 'very happy' with the tool which is sold at an 'unbeatable price'. However others warned the brush is not suitable for those with thick or coarse hair. 'The drying aspect of this brush is good, but the styling part is useless if you have thick air texture,' one woman wrote. Advertisement The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went head-to-head in table tennis and got up close and personal with a chameleon on an action-packed day of engagements in Wolverhampton. Kate, 39, looked elegant in a 380 Tory Burch polka dot blouse and wide-leg trousers as she joined William, 38, at three community organisations helping children and young people with their mental health. The first stop was The Way Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art facility that offers activities and support for young people, where Kate and William got their hands dirty planting flower pots. Sporty Kate looked in her element as she tried her hand at archery, while William couldn't resist showing off his football skills. Later the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Base25, which provides vital services like anger management courses and counselling to young people, before rounding off the day at HugglePets in the Community, which uses animal encounters to help tackle children's mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she held a chameleon and Gus the guinea pig alongside children from a local primary school. The engagements are all part of William and Kate's efforts to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. It came as Prince Harry blasted Prince Charles' parenting as he poured his heart out to a US mental health podcast and said he moved to California with his family to 'break the cycle' of 'pain' he suffered as a member of the Royal Family and needed to 'change that for my own kids'. Eye on the prize! Sporty Kate, 39, was in her element as she took part in an archery session and played a game of table tennis at the Way Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art facility that offers activities and support for young people How does your garden grow? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were all smiles as they did some watering and planting during a visit to The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton, with Kate looking chic in a navy Tory Burch blouse and an elegant dark blue coat Kate and the chameleon! The Duchess of Cambridge held a chameleon on a visit to HugglePets in the Community, which uses animals to tackle children's mental health issues Hitting away the competition: Kate joined Prince William for a game of table tennis at the Wolverhampton centre In their element: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked thrilled to be spending time with the youngsters today Kate, 39, looked elegant in a polka dot blouse and black trousers as she arrived with William at The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton, to learn more about the work the organisation does. Right, William puts a protective arm around Kate Fancy footwork: Prince William, 38, showed off his football schools by doing keepy uppies and jokingly blamed his shoes when he failed to keep control of the ball A gift for George: The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with a graffiti sign with George's name on it for the Prince Kate, who has made children's mental health and childhood development the cornerstone of her royal work, looked elegant in a silk Tory Burch polka dot blouse and black wide-leg trousers. Typically elegant, the Duchess of Cambridge accessorised with a simple clutch bag, delicate 95 Freya Rose drop earrings, a Halcyon Days bangle and a floral face mask. She finished the outfit with a navy blue Catherine Walker coat and suede wedges. Dressing to match, Prince William looked smart in chinos, a shirt, jumper and blazer. The Duke and Duchess joined a group of young people who use The Ways services as they took part in a number of wellbeing sessions and met a group of HeadStart ambassadors. The Duke and Duchesss second visit was to Base25, a city-centre charity that has been operating for over twenty years to provide support for young people who have difficulties in accessing mainstream services. The charity works with approximately 9,000 young people each year and offers a range of services for children, young people and their families including counselling and a daily drop-in centre. Gus the guinea pig! The Duchess of Cambridge joined a group of local school children from Loxdale Primary School during a visit to HugglePets in the Community Little lizard: Kate held a chameleon that is taken into schools to help children address common mental health issues Animal magic: William and Kate joined a session with a group of local school children from Loxdale Primary School, before visiting the centres Sensory Activity Centre and Community Aquarium (left). Right, Kate and the Chameleon Watchful eye: The Duchess of Cambridge looked on as a schoolgirl handled the chameleon at the centre During the visit, Their Royal Highnesses heard from a number of young people who use the Base25s services about the impact of the charitys support and met staff that deliver tailored outreach and support to the local community, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The final stop was HugglePets in the Community, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2018 which uses Animal Assisted Therapy to help children with SEN disabilities or those experiencing mental health challenges engage with therapy and wellbeing activities. HugglePets in the Community works with over 25 different schools in the Black Country, offering Animal Assisted Intervention programmes supporting children with their mental wellbeing on topics including anxiety, low mood, confidence and resilience building and suicide awareness. William and Kate joined one of these sessions with a group of local school children from Loxdale Primary School, before visiting the centres Sensory Activity Centre and Community Aquarium. Tomorrow the couple will lead influential voices from around the world in the Mental Health Minute a special message broadcast each year to over 20 million people across 500 radio stations. The initiative, created by Radiocentre and Somethin Else, and delivered in partnership with The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will support Shout 85258, the UK's first free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service. Waiting her turn: Kate Middleton was ready to get stuck into an archery session at the Wolverhampton children's charity Getting stuck in: Green-fingered Kate planted flowers in a pot (left) while football fan Will showed off his skills (right) Game face: Prince William was the picture of concentration as he joined a group of girls to play table tennis Sporty Kate! Duchess looked in her element as she got inolved in a game of table tennis at The Way Wolverhampton Youth Zone and showed her comptetitive side as she went up against Prince William Showing off her skills! The Duchess of Cambridge looked ready to win as she went head-to-head with Prince William Royally green fingers! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a gardening session during a visit to The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton High spirits: The couple looked relaxed in each other's company as they donned gardening gloves and picked up trowels to do a spot of planting Second stop: Later the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Base25, which provides support for young people who have difficulties in accessing mainstream service Vital work: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge heard more about the work carried out by Base25 in Wolverhampton Shout was researched and developed by The Royal Foundation as a legacy of the Heads Together campaign and launched in May 2019 by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The service provides round the clock support from clinical supervisors and trained volunteers to ensure that no one has to face their problems alone. Meanwhile Prince Harry poured his heart out to a US mental health podcast where he admitted to hating royal life so much he wanted to quit in his 'early 20s' because of his mother's death and revealed that his Meghan had concluded: 'You don't need to be a princess'. The Duke of Sussex told Dax Shepard's 'Armchair Expert' show that the couple tried to stay 'incognito' during his wife's first trip to stay with him in London in 2016, where he lived at Kensington Palace, texting items for their shopping list from across food aisles. The look of love! Kate and William exchanged smiles as they got stuck into a gardening task on their visit to a youth charity in Wolverhampton Joking around: The Duke and Duchess couldn't keep the smiles from their faces as they planted the flower pots today Beaming! The Duchess of Cambridge smiled widely as she spoke to some of the children who use the charities services Art attack! The Duchess of Cambridge met children taking part in a crafts session at the centre in Wolverhampton today The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sat in on a mental wellbeing session during a visit to The Way Youth Zone today Open discussion: Prince William and Kate Middleton kept their masks on as they heard more about the charity's work Engaged: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge listened to children who benefit from The Way Youth Zone's services Harry also compared his life as a mixture of The Truman Show - when Jim Carrey's character discovers his life is a TV show - and being an animal at the zoo as he discussed his mental health and listeners insisted he is developing an american twang to his British accent. When asked if he felt 'in a cage' while in royal duties, he said: 'It's the job right? Grin and bear it. Get on with it. I was in my early twenties and I was thinking I don't want this job, I don't want to be here. I don't want to be doing this. Look what it did to my mum, how am I ever going to settle down and have a wife and family when I know it's going to happen again'. He added: 'I've seen behind the curtain, I've seen the business model and seen how this whole thing works and I don't want to be part of this', before revealing he had therapy after meeting Meghan, which 'burst' a bubble and he decided to 'stop complaining'. Good spirits: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in jovial moods on their visit to Base25 in Wolverhampton today Mental health awareness: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge heard about the work the group does to support young people Helping children: Kate and William at Base25, which works with an estimated 5000 young people each year Support: Base25 offers a range of services including counselling, anger management classes and support on domestic issues The wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been placed in a Hollywood zone at Madame Tussauds London. The museum separated Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, from the rest of the royal family last year following the couple's bombshell statement that they are to 'step back' as senior royals. The waxworks have now been placed in a new Awards Party zone along with their showbiz friends like George Clooney and Victoria and David Beckham. Tim Waters, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, told The Sun: 'Ever watchful of the celebrity landscape, weve moved Prince Harry and Meghan Markles figures to join their Hollywood friends, reflecting their new status on the world stage as A-list favourites.' The wax figures of the Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, have been placed in a Hollywood zone at Madame Tussauds London. Madame Tussauds is a popular tourist attraction in London, with a reported 10 million guests each year. It offers fans a chance to take selfies and snaps with their favourite celebrities, if they've been unable to meet them in person. The waxwork of Meghan was unveiled 10 days before the royal wedding, with Prince Harry joining her in front of an interactive screen with different backgrounds. Wax replicas of the pair previously stood next to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, with Kate Middleton and Prince William on the other side. Wax replicas of the pair previously stood next to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, with Kate Middleton and Prince William on the other side (pictured) In 2019, the waxwork of the Duchess was briefly moved to a glitzy bar area alongside A-lister friends like The Beckhams and Tom Hardy. Steve Davies, previous General Manager at the museum, said: 'Meghan continues to carve out her own modern take on life as a royal, and we want to mirror her independent celebrity status in the attraction.' And last year, the figures were removed from the rest of the royal set with the venue tweeting: 'Weve got to respect their wishes #Megxit.' At the time, Steve said: 'Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior royals. The waxworks have now been placed in a new Awards Party zone along with their showbiz friends like George Clooney and Victoria and David Beckham The museum initially separated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the rest of the royal family following the couple's bombshell statement that they are to 'step back' as senior royals 'From today Meghan and Harry's figures will no longer appear in our Royal Family set. 'As two of our most popular and well-loved figures they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for the them.' The latest move from the popular tourist attraction comes after a royal expert claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are competing in a 'petty transatlantic popularity contest' with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge . Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, said Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, who are currently living in their $14 million mansion in California, are 'playing into the cult of celebrity' after stepping back from royal duty last year. The latest move from the popular tourist attraction comes after a royal expert claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are competing in a 'petty transatlantic popularity contest' with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge He said it was a 'complete change' from the era of Prince Philip who maintained the focus should be 'on the causes' and 'not on the royals.' Speaking to The Sun, Duncan said: 'William and Kate are quite clear they need to do more to sell themselves as a couple, family and personalities. He continued to say there had been a noticeable change in the way the couple interact on recent appearances. He added: 'Things like their anniversary video, that is a deliberate charm offensive to sell them as personalities as well as people who are going to be the king and queen.' A real-life Rapunzel with 6.5ft-long natural, blonde hair who hasn't cut her locks in 30 years has revealed the secret behind growing her golden tresses. Alena Kravchenko, 35, from Odessa, Ukraine, said she only washes her hair once a week in a process which takes 30 minutes. The hair model never combs her hair whilst wet to prevent breakages nor does she use a heat to dry it, preferring to air dry her hair naturally. Real-life Rapunzel Alena Kravchenko, from Odessa, Ukraine, with 6.5ft-long natural, blonde hair who hasn't cut her locks in 30 years has revealed the secret behind growing her golden tresses Alongside her simple haircare routine, Alena uses hair masks and head massages to keep her mane looking sleek. According to Alena, anyone can achieve the same impressive hair length as she has if they have the patience and aspiration to let their hair grow. The businesswoman has been growing her natural long blonde hair ever since she was five-years-old after her mother told her women should have long hair. These words stuck with Alena and she has been growing her beautiful blonde locks ever since to reach the jaw-dropping length of six-feet-six-inches. Alena Kravchenko, 35, from Odessa, Ukraine, said she only washes her hair once a week in a process which takes 30 minutes The hair model never combs her hair whilst wet to prevent breakages nor does she use a heat to dry it, preferring to air dry her hair naturally Alongside her simple haircare routine, Alena uses hair masks and head massages to keep her mane looking sleek According to Alena, anyone can achieve the same impressive hair length as she has if they have the patience and aspiration to let their hair grow Her hair is longer than her five-feet-six-inch tall frame and means she sometimes steps on her hair when it is hanging loose. She showcases her luscious long hair on social media where she has more than 57,000 followers on Instagram. Alena says her six-and-a-half-foot long blonde hair means that she is always the centre of attention because men love it for its stunning length and natural blonde colour. She admitted that her Rapunzel locks always turn heads, both online and when she is out in public, with people asking to touch her hair and to take pictures with her. The businesswoman has been growing her natural long blonde hair ever since she was five years old after her mother told her women should have long hair These words stuck with Alena and she has been growing her beautiful blonde locks ever since to reach the jaw-dropping length of six-feet-six-inches Her hair is longer than her five-feet-six-inch tall frame and means she sometimes steps on her hair when it is hanging loose She showcases her luscious long hair on social media where she has more than 57,000 followers on Instagram Alena says her six-and-a-half-foot long blonde hair means that she is always the centre of attention because men love it for its stunning length and natural blonde colour The fashion designer Halston's hedonistic life is to be brought to screens in Netflix's new must-watch series with scenes of cocaine-fueled celebrity parties and man-on-man orgies. Ryan Murphy's Netflix show will chart the rise of the 70s fashion icon who lived a wild life as part of the New York party scene before tragically dying in 1990 two years after testing positive for AIDS. The streaming service has announced that the limited series, which stars actor Ewan McGregor as the fashion designer, will premiere tomorrow. The Halston Archives, run by Halton's niece, Lesley Frowick, has already derided the Ewan McGregorled series as 'fictional' and said it was 'inaccurate' in a scathing rebuke. But who was the man behind the scandalous stories, who rose to fame after designing a hat for Jacqueline Kennedy for inauguration in 1961 before becoming a cocaine addict, getting fired from his own company, and dying of AIDS? Fashion designer Halston's hedonistic life will be retold in Netflix's new must-watch series with scenes of cocaine-fueled celebrity parties and man-on-man orgies (pictured) Ryan Murphy's Netflix show will chart the rise of the 70s fashion icon who lived a wild life as part of the New York party scene before tragically dying in 1990 two years after testing positive for AIDS (pictured left with an unidentified model, right Bianca Jagger, Jack Hayley Jr, Liza Minelli and Andy Warhol) Halston was known for his wild lifestyle, hosting man-on-man orgies, sleeping with male prostitutes and watching bestiality sex shows (pictured left at a party with Mick and Bianca Jagger at Studio 54) Halston, whose real name was Roy Halston Frowick, was raised in Iowa, the son of a Norwegian-American accountant father and an alcoholic mother with an obsession for wealth. He developed a love of fashion at a very young age, altering and making clothes for his mother and sister, and by age seven, he had started to create his own hat designs using his grandmother's sewing machine. In 1948, the budding designer was expelled from high school after escaping to Florida with friends, and he began working part-time jobs, including as a soda jerk - also known as a soda fountain operator - before refocusing his energies on his education. Halston initially enrolled at Indiana University, after his family relocated from Des Moines to Evansville, Indiana, however he only completed one semester before transferring to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1952. While taking night classes in fashion illustration at the art school, Halston secured a day job as a window dresser for a local department store, Carson Pirie Scott, which is where his natural talent began to flourish. While Halston would go on to form close connections with some of Hollywood's most high-profile faces, his ability to forge relationships with elite members of society was evident from his early days as a burgeoning designer. While studying in Chicago, he grew close to prominent local hairstylist Andre Basil, and started selling his hat designs in Basil's salon. Halston rose to prominence after designing the pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at the 1961 presidential inauguration of her husband John F. Kennedy Halston, who is said to have enjoyed a romantic relationship with Basil, quickly began earning attention from the local media thanks to his colorful, flamboyant millinery style, and when he and Basil parted ways, the designer had already established himself as a rising fashion talent to watch. It was at this point that the man once known as Roy Halston Frowick rebranded himself as Halston, and used the moniker to form his own eponymous brand. After his relationship with Basil ended, Halston moved to New York, where he landed a job as a designer at high-end department store Bergdorf Goodman in 1958. The position gave Halston access to fashions from all over the world, and provided him with a wealth of knowledge and experience that would prove invaluable over the years. 'I learned about fashion at Bergdorf's,' he later told the New York Times. 'At the time it was the largest retail outlet for European couture in the country. I went to all the Paris collections and the Italian and the English.' He rose to prominence when he designed the pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at the 1961 presidential inauguration of her husband John F. Kennedy. Having already established herself as one of the era's most prominent fashion icons, Jackie's outfit for the occasion became the focus of much media attention - helping to catapult her hat designer into the spotlight. He said it had started out as a dome design, telling a reporter at the time: 'It was a rather windy day and she put her hand on the hat and it ended up to have a dent in it. The new series, which stars Ewan McGregor as Halston, will premiere on the streaming service tomorrow 'So during all the ceremonies it had a dent in the hat, so everybody who copied it put a dent in it, which was so funny.' In 1968, he opened his first boutique on Madison Avenue, where he began making custom designs for his growing list of well-to-do clientele. TIMELINE OF HALSTON'S SCANDALOUS LIFE April 23, 1932 - Born in Iowa 1939 - Began sewing and making hats at the age of seven 1952 - Moved to Chicago where he studied at School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1953 - Opened his own hat business 1958 - Opened his first store Later that year he took a job at Bergdorf Goodman 1961 - Rose to prominence when he designed the pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at the presidential inauguration of her husband John F. Kennedy 1968 - Opened a boutique on Madison Avenue 1969 - Launched first ready-to-wear line. Clients included Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor 1972 - Met on and off again lover Victor Hugo 1973 - He had earned an estimated $30 million. Sold his line to Norton Simon, Inc. but remained its principal designer The opening of Studio 54 helped boost his success as he was regularly seen with starlets like Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli or Bianca Jagger on his arm when they went out to the venue 1977 - Created uniforms for Braniff International Airways flight attendants 1983 - Halston signed a six-year licensing deal worth a reported $1 billion with retail chain JC Penney He became increasingly frustrated as he began to lose control over his namesake company 1984 - Coke-fueled tantrums prompted Halston to be fired from his own company in 1984 and lost the right to design and sell clothes under his own name. He continued designing for close friends 1988 - He was diagnosed with HIV and moved to San Francisco March 26, 1990 - Died in California Advertisement Socialite and fashion icon Babe Paley was his first customer in the city. She is said to have sat on the studio doorstep on the morning of its opening, demanding that Halston design a made-to-measure trouser suit for her. It was in 1969 the designer made his first ready-to-wear line, which led to him becoming one of the country's most influential fashion designers. At the time, he was reported as telling Vogue: 'I have always had ambition. I have always had the energy. I have always had success.' In February 2020, Vogue reported he had become a 'super source of fashion', adding: 'He seems to know what we want, and should have, to wear.' He enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in the 70s as he became the designer of choice, and confidante, to some of the most famous women in Hollywood. His shirt dress designs and beaded kaftans were such a hit that he became the poster child for the minimally opulent fashions of the disco era. Prolific artist Andy Warhol even called his work 'the art form of the '70s' and by 1973, he had become one of the wealthiest designers in the industry, raking in $30 million in sales - the equivalent of more than $180 million in today's money. He designed an entire wardrobe to coordinate with Liz Taylor's legendary gemstone collection and dressed Liza Minelli from head to toe for tours. In 1971, he told The Miami Herald: 'I believe in simple, uncluttered, packable, crease-resistant clothes. I stay away from the fancy stuff. 'There are enough designers who do that kind of thing. Clothes are becoming more tactile. We like them to feel good, as well as look that way.' The following year, his first big success was a shirt dress in Ultrasuede, a faux leather material made in Japan that he referred to as 'leatherette'. About 50,000 shirtwaist dresses were sold, and the material, which could be washed in the washing machine, became a fashion staple. By 1973 he signed off his fashion empire for $12 million. He remained as the principal designer, creating high end clothes alongside uniforms for Braniff Airlines, the police, the Girl Scouts and America's Olympic team. The same year, he was chosen to be one of five American designers invited to present a collection at a benefit at Versailles. In 1974, he purchased Paul Rudolphdesigned townhouse on 101 East 63rd Street, which he described as 'a New Yorker's dream'. Of his inspiration for designs, he told Vogue in 1980: 'What we did, perhaps more than anybody else in the business, was to relax fashion and to create an American point of view that wasn't there on that level before.' But while Halston was happy to design clothes that were bought up by the masses - which helped him to earn his fortune - it was his connections to the rich and famous that catapulted him to fashion stardom, and helped to earn him a place among some of the world's most revered designers. Halston enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in the 70s as he became the designer of choice, and confidante, to some of the most famous women in Hollywood (pictured in 1970) In 1973 he signed off his fashion empire for $12 million, and the opening of Studio 54 helped boost his success as he was regularly seen with starlets like Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli or Bianca Jagger on his arm when they went out to the venue (pictured in 1975) In Whitney Sudler-Smith's 2012 documentary Ultrasuede, Halston said: 'You are only as good as the people you dress. 'Beautiful people attract attention. They are in the papers so they are your best advertisements.' By designing for some of the world's most famous faces, Halston also became something of a celebrity himself, and he was a regular fixture at many of New York City's hottest nightspots. The opening of Studio 54 in 1977 helped boost his success as he was regularly seen with starlets like Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli or Bianca Jagger on his arm when they went out to the venue. Writing in 1987, Lisa Belkin said: 'When he first entered Studio 54, Halston met Steve Rubell, the co-owner of the discotheque, and told him of a birthday party he was throwing for Bianca Jagger the next day [May 2, 1977]. 'Halston asked if he could bring some friends to the club afterward; Rubell said Studio 54 was closed on Monday nights. Halston raised one eyebrow and said, "Well, open it."' Halston surrounded himself with a beautiful female entourage he called 'the Halstonettes'. 'He draped us in diamonds and dressed us in silk and chiffon,' recalled model Pat Cleveland adding that he was 'always putting money in boxes and giving it to everyone.' Studio 54 may have helped to further Halston's glamorous image and boost his profile - but it was also where the designer developed his $1,000-a-week cocaine habit that would eventually cause him to be thrown out of his own company. Halston surrounded himself with a beautiful female entourage he called 'the Halstonettes' (pictured in the 1970s) Thanks to his success Halston embarked on a life of debauchery, which saw him host sex parties, sleep with male prostitutes and serve them steak as a form of foreplay, (pictured, Halston and Bianca Jagger at Studio 54 on New Years Eve 1978) Thanks to his success, Halston was able to fund a life of debauchery, which saw him host sex parties, sleep with male prostitutes and serve them steak as a form of foreplay, as well as watch Moroccan sex shows that featured bestiality, according to author Steven Gaines. Gaines, who wrote the book Simply Halston that the show is based on, said of the designer's wild sex life: 'Being trash was venerated. The trashier you could be, the more you could get laid, the more drugs you could take.' Halston was insistent that everything should always be 'glamorous and divine' and once sent a private plane to fetch his dinner. He would splash out $100,000 on orchids for his studio each year and lived on baked potatoes with beluga caviar, chilled vodka and cocaine, dishing the drug out to dinner party guests as an alternative to dessert. Meanwhile writer Albert Goldman in his 1978 book Disco said: 'The basic scenario is simple: first they dance, dance, dance until their legs go into cramps. 'Then they snort, snort, snort until their teeth are numb and their heads about to fly off. 'Then they head up to the balcony . . . Halston gowns wrenching, the flower of New York's party people get it on.' The designer would host man-on-man orgies alongside his on-again-off-again partner Victor Hugo (pictured, Victor Hugo with Halston and his models in 1980) Gaines, who wrote the book Simply Halston that the show is based on, said of the designer's wild sex life that 'being trash was venerated' (pictured, with Bianca Jagger (L) in 1981 Gaines went on to detail how Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell would hand out Quaaludes during Halston's wild parties in his lavish New York pad, and how the designer would host man-on-man orgies alongside his on-again-off-again partner Victor Hugo. Andy Warhol, who took photos of the sex parties from the side, claimed that Halston wanted all his girls to get divorced 'so that he could have them around him all the time'. Meanwhile publicist R. Couri Hay claimed that 'Victor had the keys to the safe with the cocaine.' Going on to detail his affair with Halston when he was 17-years-old, Hay revealed: 'He looked at me like I was a really yummy ice cream cone. It took a year before I succumbed and slept with him.' According to journalist Taki, Halston's drug addiction almost got him into trouble on several occasions. Pictured, one of Halston's wild parties at which Bianca Jagger and a model riding into the event on a horse Andy Warhol, who took photos of the sex parties from the side, claimed that Halston wanted all his girls to get divorced 'so that he could have them around him all the time' He said Halston once pouring a glass of wine over Princess Margaret as he grappled over a bag of cocaine with friends while having dinner party at the Savoy in London. Neil Rodgers even paid tribute to Halston in a lyric in 1979, writing: 'He wears the finest clothes, the best designers, heaven knows. Ooh, from his head down to his toes; Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci. He looks like a still. That man is dressed to kill'. Rodgers never met Halston, but said he was 'the ultimate cool guy . . . this mythical person that we were trying to portray in the song'. But by the 1980s, It Girl Anjelica Huston said Halston 'started having a bit too much fun in the evenings.' Iconic: Halston's shirt dress designs and beaded kaftans were a hit, and prolific artist Andy Warhol even called his work 'the art form of the '70s' (pictured with Liza Minnelli in 1975) As he began partying every harder, his addiction began impacting his work. Magazine editor Bob Colacello pointed out that 'going to the bathroom ten or twelve times during an important meeting didn't help his reputation either'. In 1982 Halston signed a six-year licensing deal worth a reported $1 billion with retail chain JC Penney. He became increasingly frustrated as he began to lose control over his namesake company. Bergdorf Goodman, the store that gave him his start more than a quarter century earlier, dropped his collection because of the Penney connection. Norton Simon was taken over by Esmark, before it was then acquired by the Beatrice Companies. Life of fame: Halston was regularly seen with starlets like Elizabeth Taylor (pictured in 1977), Liza Minnelli or Bianca Jagger on his arm when they went out to Studio 54 The designer would host man-on-man orgies alongside his on-again-off-again partner Victor Hugo (pictured, the actor Gian Franco Rodriguez) Coke-fueled tantrums prompted him to be fired from his own company in 1984 and lost the right to design and sell clothes under his own name. Only his closest friends continued to wear his designs. He later told The Sydney Morning Herald: 'The game plans had all changed, and I was invited by them to leave [the office at] Olympic Towers, so I left.' Halston, who reportedly had multiple romantic relationships with men throughout his life, was diagnosed with HIV in 1988 and died in 1990 after moving to San Francisco in his final years. In his eulogy, Polly Mellon said: 'He was a man who understood theater. He understood special effects, he understood extravagance. 'He was never anything but strong. I loved him being opinionated. I loved him being strong.' He continued: 'His contribution was enormous, and he was an American designer, hooray. He was the first fashion star. Nobody has replaced Halston.' The upcoming Halston miniseries, which is executive produced by Ryan Murphy, is based on the book Simply Halston by Steven Gaines. In addition to starring McGregor as Halston, the limited series features Bill Pullman, Rory Culkin, Vera Farmiga and Krysta Rodriguez. Rise and fall: Halston was known for his elegant minimalist style, but he lost control of his company in the '80s after poor financial decisions; seen with Liza Minnelli in 1987 The real designer: Halston, real name Roy Halston Frowick, tragically died from complications with AIDs in 1990 His family have slammed the documentary, with a statement from the Halston Archives reading: 'The Halston Archives remains the only definitive and comprehensive source on the man and his legacy as the personally appointed custodian of his private papers and effects. The Halston Archives additionally boasted that it 'travels the world to bring the meticulous history and original design work of Halston to reputable venues with comprehensive exhibits and seminars.' The statement also said the Archives will be partnering with non-profit institutions to create fashion scholarships for rising designers. To support the scholarships, the Archives will be creating new products 'based on original artwork,' presumably by Halston, to fund the scholarships. Fashionable: The series follows Halston at various stages of his life, from the 1960s through to his tragic, untimely death in 1990, aged 57 (the designer is pictured right in 1971) However the Halston Archives, run by Halton's niece, Lesley Frowick, derided the Ewan McGregorstarring series as 'fictional' and said it was 'inaccurate' in a scathing rebuke Despite the Halston Archives' issues with the upcoming miniseries, it failed to specify any of the alleged inaccuracies or falsehoods in the series. In February, Ewan said he completely embraced the task by trying to 'embodying him' and 'loved' portraying Halston's 'fascinating' life. Ewan told VMAN: 'There are so many sides to somebody, aren't there? I felt like I just had to embody him, feel like him, like Halston.' Ewan added that he loved telling the dramatic story of Halston's life, which saw the fashion star throw wild parties and become friends with society's elite. He said: 'But the storyline is what I love about it. There's something poetic about his story, what happened to him. And it's so fascinating. I don't need to see somebody murdered in a piece of drama to be engaged in it.' A male model who is dating a woman 19 years younger than him claims that jealous people are constantly trying to break the couple up - because they want him to be their sugar daddy. Michael Stomatuk, 44, from Massachusetts, and his girlfriend Emily Downing, 25, from Arizona, met in 2018 at a yoga class, and the model says he was immediately drawn to her natural beauty and impressive fitness skills. He decided to make the first move, and approached Emily to compliment her yoga practice. But while both say there was an instant chemistry between them, Emily admitted to being hesitant to take things any further because of their obvious age gap. Despite her apprehension, she agreed to exchange numbers with Michael, and the pair arranged to go on a date. The duo walked the model's dog around their neighborhood, and talked for more than three hours - with both quickly noting their strong physical and emotional attraction. Breaking barriers: Male model Michael Stomatuk, 44, has revealed how he fell for girlfriend Emily Downing, who is 19 years his junior, after meeting her at a yoga class Fighting fit: The couple, who are based in Arizona, say the age gap hasn't been an issue in their relationship - although Emily admits she was initially hesitant to date Michael because of it Under fire: Although they are happy and secure as a couple, Michael admits that Emily is flooded with messages from his fans who are trying to break them up As the duo continued to meet up, they soon realized that they had fallen in love with each other. Michael recalls being reserved in the beginning due to the age difference, but soon felt his connection with Emily intensify. For Emily, she realized she had fallen for Michael after they took their first holiday to California together in 2019. Emily usually gets tired of being around the same people for too long, but with Michael she didn't want the trip to end, which was when she knew she had fallen for him. As their relationship began getting serious, they decided to tell their friends and family in 2020 and to their surprise, both of their families supported their relationship as they loved seeing how happy both Michael and Emily made each other. Michael loves Emily's upbeat and sweet nature the most, whereas Emily loves Michael's confidence and sense of humor. Although the two are happy and believe they have had no issues, Michael does travel a lot due to his job as a model, which can be taxing due to their time apart. Michael began modelling in 2003, after someone from a modelling agency noticed him in the gym. Since then, Michael has posted his journey as a model and personal trainer on TikTok, where he has received comments such as, 'You have a beautiful smile' and 'I love your hair' which boosts his confidence. However, he has had a few uncomfortable comments from fan girls and boys, such as 'Hey daddy, want to offer me some sugar?' and 'Do you still have a girlfriend?' which Michael just brushes over, especially as Emily isn't bothered by their comments. Fans: Michael has built up an impressive following on social media, and as a result has a legion of dedicated fans, many of whom regularly ask him to be their 'sugar daddy' Staying strong: Some of these fans will message Emily and insist that Michael has been unfaithful in the hopes of coming between the couple Battle: Although Emily ignores the messages, she admits that they can be hard to deal with Despite this, there have been numerous outreaches to Emily from strangers claiming that Michael hasn't been faithful and that she should break up with him - which Emily knows isn't true, but admits that it's not easy constantly hearing claims such as this. For the future, the two hope to continue travelling across the world and are excited to see what the future holds, as they love each other very much and cannot imagine being without one another. 'I initially thought Emily was very sweet and easy going and she recalls thinking that I was funny and had a good, positive energy about me - but was slightly apprehensive due to the age difference of 19 years,' said Michael. 'However, I really took a liking to her, so we exchanged numbers and arranged to meet up a few days later where we went on a dog walk. 'We brought along some wine and began talking, where we spent three hours discussing our common interests and hobbies. 'I think we both knew there was a connection, but due to a prior relationship of mine and our age difference, we were both quite reserved in the beginning and didn't want to rush into a relationship. 'After some time, we took our first trip together to California and this was where I realized that she was the love of my life. 'For Emily, she usually gets bored of being around the same people for too long, but she never got tired of me during the trip which was when she realized that our connection was a lot deeper than what we both originally thought. 'I loved how funny, upbeat and sweet Emily was - I just wanted to be around her all the time. Saucy: 'I've had some comments from fan girls - and boys - which are rather sexual, such as "Hey daddy" and "Omg, what a dilf,"' Michael, who has half a million TikTok followers, revealed Together: 'There have also been numerous outreaches to Emily from strangers saying that I haven't been faithful and that she should break up with me,' he added Tongue-in-cheek: Michael insists that the couple takes all of the social media comments with a 'pinch of salt' and refuse to let them affect their relationship 'We realized that our relationship was starting to get serious in 2020, so we decided to tell our family and friends. Much to our surprise, they were extremely supportive and positive about our relationship after seeing how happy we made each other.' Emily and Michael believe the best thing about being together is how easy they make life for one another. They haven't experienced any difficulties and although Michael's travelling can be taxing due to the distance, Emily has handled this in her own way. 'I began posting videos to TikTok in 2020, as I came across the platform and was really intrigued by it,' said Michael. 'Since then, I have racked up a following of over 500,000 which I'm so grateful for and I often receive comments in the street from strangers such as, "Aren't you that hot guy from TikTok?" and "You have the most beautiful smile" as well as "I love you guys" shouted at us whenever I'm with Emily. 'I've also had some comments from fan girls - and boys - which are rather sexual, such as "Hey daddy" and "Omg, what a dilf" which I take with a pinch of salt, as they can be quite funny. 'Although, these comments haven't affected our relationship, there have been numerous outreaches to Emily from strangers saying that I haven't been faithful and that she should break up with me - but this isn't true and Emily knows this which is the main thing, but it's not that easy for her to hear claims such as this. 'We have lots of things we want to do together in the future - especially travelling - but we love each other so much and we're just excited to see where our relationship will take us. 'Whether you like someone who has a five-year age gap or a 20-year age gap, you can't help who you fall in love with. However, there has to be similarities on both sides otherwise you just won't click. 'Don't take life so seriously. We understand that being in an age gap relationship isn't for everyone and there will be people who get jealous of you - but don't take it personally and be happy with the love that you have found.' A proud mother who shared a letter her five-year-old daughter wrote to a drinks manufacturer asking them to ban plastic straws has revealed she received cruel comments for trolls who accused her of faking the viral post. Aimii Bishop, from Reading, Berkshire explained her daughter Juno, five, wrote a letter to a drinks manufacturer after seeing their address on the side of her carton. Posting on Facebook's Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas, she said Juno had been complaining about the use of plastic straws and their impact on the environment for a long time. Many responses to the post praised the five-year-old's passion for activism, however others said they were in disbelief that Juno penned the note. Aimii (pictured left) explained Juno (pictured right) had been complaining about plastic straws for ages, when she suggested writing a complaint letter Sharing the note, Aimii wrote: 'Does anyone else have a budding activist?! My five-year-old has been complaining about these straws for ages, so I told her to complain to them. 'She found the address on the side of the carton and wrote this. Just hoping she gets something back!' Juno's note reads: 'Dear Sir/Madam, I am angry that you put plastic straws on the smoothies that we drink. A flood of responses compared Juno's handwriting to their own child of the same age, with many admitting they don't believe she penned the letter. Aimii Bishop, who lives in Reading, has racked up almost 2,000 likes on a letter (pictured) written by her daughter Juno, five, shared on Facebook Aimii said Juno found the address of the company using plastic straws on the side of her drinks carton and they're hoping for a response Alongside laughing emojis, one person wrote: 'LOL okay sure a five-year-old wrote that' 'Yep I have a five year old and there's no way she could spell like that. Plus I have five kids and my second was really advanced and was a free reader by six but she still couldn't have wrote all that,' another said. A third added: 'Think someone's having us on!' Another wrote: 'That's a five-year-old's handwriting? Wow! My 11-year-old has only been getting taught joined up writing for the last couple of years at school! My five- year-old can't write a sentence yet. I'm impressed.' A flood of responses said they're five year old wouldn't be able to write an activist letter and admitted they're skeptical that the note was written by Juno Others praised Juno for fighting for a cause and blasted parents who've criticised her handwriting However, others blasted those commenting on Juno's handwriting and praised her for being passionate about a cause. One person said: 'I can't believe the amount of people that are criticising here. This is a five year old who is conscious about their environment. So what if there is sugar in the drink. So what if there are larger concerns than plastic straws. 'At 5, this child is passionate about something that is meaningful to them and that is fantastic! Well done, what an amazing, passionate letter! I really hope she gets a response!' Another wrote: 'Totally agree. In shock reading some of the nasty comments. When my son was five his writing was lovely too and still is now. Why the hate? She's just a proud mum' The Prince of Wales visited a cancer research centre to learn how Covid-19 has affected its funding today - and was gifted tie-dye bags for Camilla and Kate Middleton by a schoolboy who raised 1,850 for the charity. Prince Charles, 72, who is patron of Breast Cancer Now, arrived at the organisation's Toby Robins Research Centre, at The Institute of Cancer Research, in London's Fulham Road, 21 years after he opened it. He was greeted by the charity's chief executive, Baroness Delyth Morgan, before going to a research lab. The prince heard from Dr Rachel Brough, senior scientific officer at the Institute of Cancer Research, and Dr Alicia Okines, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, about an innovative trial at the research centre. Prince Charles, 72, who is patron of Breast Cancer Now, during a visit to the the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre in London today During the visit Charles heard about the charity's achievements and how Covid-19 has impacted their funded research. Pictured, with staff At a reception, Charles met Breast Cancer Now donors whose support has helped fund the centre's work. Pictured, right: Oscar Coulson-Starley, 11, and mother Danni Starley, 45 The team are looking into a potential treatment for lobular breast cancer, a type of the disease which accounts for up to 15% of all breast cancer cases. At a reception, Charles also met Breast Cancer Now donors whose support has helped fund the centre's work. They included individuals who have taken part in Breast Cancer Now's 1,000 Challenge, pledging to raise 1,000 for vital secondary breast cancer research. During his visit Charles met 11-year-old fundraiser Oscar Coulson-Starley from Faversham, Kent, and joked: 'Shouldn't you be at school?' The Prince of Wales meets Dr Rachel Brough, Senior Scientific Officer, during a visit to the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre The prince heard from Dr Rachel Brough, senior scientific officer at the Institute of Cancer Research, and Dr Alicia Okines, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, about an innovative trial at the research centre (pictured) The Prince of Wales during a visit to the the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre in London today. Pictured, with staff Prince Charles, 72, who is patron of Breast Cancer Now, visited the organisation's Toby Robins Research Centre in London's Fulham Road, 21 years after he opened it The schoolboy has raised 1,850 for the charity by making jewellery and tie-dye bags. He told the prince: 'My mama was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2018, and it came back as secondary breast cancer last year. 'Hearing she had the disease was a nasty shock but ever since her first diagnosis I've raised funds for Breast Cancer Now in all sorts of ways.' He presented Charles with some scented candles and tie-dye bags for his wife, Camilla, and daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge. The prince also met long-term fundraiser Audrey Phillips, 78, from Stanmore, who set up the Wembley Fundraising Group in 1997. During his visit Charles met 11-year-old fundraiser Oscar Coulson-Starley from Faversham, Kent, and joked: 'Shouldn't you be at school?' The schoolboy has raised 1,850 for the charity by making jewellery and tie-dye bags. Pictured, Prince Charles meeting Oscar Coulson-Starley, 11, and mother Danni Starley, 45 The prince also met long-term fundraiser Audrey Phillips, 78, from Stanmore, who set up the Wembley Fundraising Group in 1997 (pictured) Prince of Wales meeting Audrey Phillips from Stanmore during a visit to the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said: 'I was extremely proud to share with His Royal Highness the world-class research breakthroughs we've achieved in the 21 years since he officially opened the Research Centre - all made possible thanks to efforts of our amazing fundraisers. 'Our work has been significantly impacted by the pandemic - our researchers lost 230,000 hours in labs across the UK in the first wave, and we've endured a blow to our fundraising income that means we're now less able to fund new science. 'All at the same time as delays in diagnosis and disruption to breast cancer services.' Every year 55,000 women and 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. Professor Andrew Tutt, director of the research centre on Fulham Road, added: 'Everything taking place here is aimed at allowing women with breast cancer or those at risk of the disease to live longer and with a better quality of life.' A Boston reporter was covering the story of a dog theft last week when as luck would have it she spotted the very dog that had been stolen. WHDH-TV's Juliana Mazza was in Cambridge reporting on Titus, a 13-year-old German Short Haired Pointer who had been taken from his owner's car on May 7. While out with her photographer, Juliana noticed a man walking a dog that looked suspiciously like Titus, and managed to stop him long enough to read the dog's collar and call police, who returned the beloved pet to his owner. What are the odds? WHDH-TV's Juliana Mazza was in Cambridge covering a dog theft last week when she noticed a man walking a dog that looked like missing Titus. She stopped him and under the guise of petting the dog (above), checked the dog's collar tag and called police On the scene: WHDH-TV's Juliana Mazza was in Cambridge reporting on Titus, a dog who had been taken from his owner's car on May 7, with photojournalist John Guice Found: Titus, a 13-year-old German Short Haired Pointer, was wearing an orange collar with his name on it Cambridge police tweeted this weekend that on Friday, at 12:32 p.m, an 'unknown suspect broke into and entered a vehicle' that was parked outside a biotechnology company on the Charles River. On the news: Juliana and her cameraman, John Guice, were out reporting on the theft from the very parking lot from which the dog was taken 'The suspect was then observed walking the dog over the BU Bridge into Boston,' the alert continued, with two grainy photos. Titus, a white dog with spots and a brown head, was wearing an orange collar with his name on it. Juliana and her cameraman, John Guice, were out reporting on the theft in the very parking lot from which the dog was taken, when John noticed a man walking a dog. Juliana realized that the pup looked a lot like the photo she had seen of Titus and quickly, she leapt into action. 'The first thing I did is ask if I could pet the dog because I wanted to get down to the name tag,' she told Inside Edition. This guy: Juliana realized that the pup looked a lot like the one in the photos police tweeted of Titus so she leapt into action 'The first thing I did is ask if I could pet the dog because I wanted to get down to the name tag,' Juliana said, after spotting the man in the parking lot with the dog Got him: When she confirmed that it was, in fact, Titus, she called police, who arrested the man Today I was on the job looking into a stolen dog in #Cambridge. I NEVER couldve imagined that my photog & I would be the ones to actually FIND him! Happy to report we stopped the suspect (whose been arrested) & helped get #Titus back to his dog dad AND ITS ALL ON CAMERA pic.twitter.com/ICj5viviRg Juliana Mazza (@julianamazzatv) May 8, 2021 Her cameraman was rolling, capturing Juliana as she knelt down to pet Titus and made conversation with the man walking him. 'We started asking the man a few questions, and he admits to taking the animal,' Juliana said in her news report. 'He was just barking in the car,' the man said. 'And I walked past the car and I thought it was supposed to be a dog I was dog walking. It wasn't kidnapping, it was just a simple mistake.' But by then, 24 hours had passed, and the man had clearly not returned the dog, nor had he called the number on the dog tag. 'You didnt think to call the number on the tag?' Juliana asked him. 'I did, but then I tried using one phone, the phone was broken, and, um... I just...' he said, trailing off. Back home: The pup was soon reunited Titus with his tearful owner, Greg Siesczkiewicz On camera: Juliana questioned the man, who said he thought he was supposed to be walking the dog and called it a 'mistake' Charged: According to WHDH , Gariepy faced a judge on Monday and said he is 'really sorry that happened' 'WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!' Julianna later wrote on Twitter. 'My photog John & I were covering a stolen dog story in Cambridge when all of a sudden we spot THE DOG!!!' At that point, Juliana called the police, who came within minutes and soon reunited Titus with his tearful owner, Greg Siesczkiewicz. 'I'm just glad that the person came back,' Greg said. 'And I'm glad that you guys were there.' Police identified the dog-napper as Kyle Gariepy, 29, who was arrested and charged with larceny of more than $1,200, as well and breaking and entering into a vehicle to commit a felony. 'WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!' Julianna later wrote on Twitter. 'My photog John & I were covering a stolen dog story in Cambridge when all of a sudden we spot THE DOG!!! We were able to convince the suspect to give us the pup & kept him engaged until @CambridgePolice arrived shortly after. We are SO HAPPY Titus is safe!' According to WHDH, Gariepy faced a judge on Monday and said he is 'really sorry that happened.' 'The dog was treated very well and Im just sorry that it ended this way. I am. And I feel really bad,' he said. Space News space history and artifacts articles Messages space history discussion forums Sightings worldwide astronaut appearances Resources selected space history documents advertisements Actress and moon-bound billionaire to film on space station missions May 13, 2021 A Russian actress and a moon-bound Japanese billionaire, along with their director and production assistant, respectively, will launch on missions to the International Space Station later this year. Yulia Peresild, a 36-year-old award-winning actress, and director Klim Shipenko, 37, will fly with cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos on the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft to film the feature film "Challenge," a joint project between Roscosmos, Russia's Channel One and Yellow, Black and White studios. The Soyuz MS-19 crew is scheduled to launch for the space station from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a 12-day mission beginning Oct. 5. Two months later, on Dec. 8, Yusaku Maezawa, a 45-year-old e-commerce entrepreneur, and Yozo Hirano, 35, a film producer who will document Maezawa's flight, will launch with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin on Soyuz MS-20. The short-stay mission, organized by the U.S. space tourism company Space Adventures, will serve as an introduction to spaceflight for Maezawa, who is also booked to fly around the moon on a SpaceX Starship in 2023. "I'm so curious 'what's life like in space'? So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa said in a statement on Thursday (May 13). Casting call Peresild's selection for the Soyuz MS-19 crew came after an open casting call that resulted in about 3,000 women applying for the seat. Roscosmos first announced the opportunity in November 2020, with the intention of not only filming the first feature film in space. but also demonstrating that it could select, train and launch a crew member on an accelerated schedule. "This is a kind of space experiment. The actress selected by a competition and a medical commission will have to perform the functions of an astronaut-researcher and become a full-fledged member of the crew," said Dmitry Rogozin, the director general of Roscosmos. To be eligible, candidates needed to be Russian women, 25 to 45 years old, who stood between 4.9 and 5.9 feet tall (150 to 180 cm) and weighed between 110 and 165 pounds (50 and 75 kg). They also needed professional acting skills and have a basic knowledge of English. Twenty finalists chosen by the film's creative team underwent medical screens for the final selection. "As a result of medical and creative selection, the State Commission recommended to nominate Yulia Peresild and Klim Shipenko as the prime crew," Roscosmos said, "and Alyona Mordovina and Alexey Dudin as the backup crew." Peresild has appeared in almost two dozen Russian films and numerous television shows. The National Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences of Russia honored her with the Golden Eagle Award for best actress in a supporting role for her performance in the 2010 movie "The Edge," which was also nominated for the Golden Globe for best foreign language film by the Hollywood Foreign Press. Shipenko's credits include directing the 2017 Russian movie "Salyut 7," which was based on the Soyuz T-13 mission to the last of Russia's Salyut space stations. "Without directors, films cannot be shot under water, on Earth or in Antarctica. Not in space as well," said Shipenko. "Therefore, apart from desire, I also have a need to be there. This project is a very necessary experiment for cinematography, which will give an idea of what it is like to shoot a space film not on Earth, but honestly in space." Peresild and Shipenko will fly with Shkaplerov, a veteran of three long-duration expeditions to the space station, on Soyuz MS-19. The actress and director will then return on Soyuz MS-18 with cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, leaving Shkaplerov to join the station's crew. As a result of Peresild and Shipenko's flight, cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov and NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei's planned six-month expedition will be extended to upwards of a year. That's no moon Maezawa and Hirano will spend three months training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia begininning in June. The news of Maezawa's flight came as a surprise, given rumors of other "space tourists" (formally, spaceflight participants) being assigned to the Soyuz MS-20 mission and his own comments about looking forward to experiencing spaceflight for the first time on the dearMoon mission. In regards to the latter, Maezawa, a noted art collector, began recruiting artists for the circumlunar flight crew in March. "We are honored to have enabled this opportunity for him to fly to space," said Eric Anderson, chairman and CEO of Space Adventures. "He will be flying on the respected Soyuz spacecraft, visiting the space station as have our previous spaceflight participant clients. This is the first time two SFPs will fly together, and the first tourist mission to the ISS in a decade! Welcome to space, Yusaku!" As currently scheduled, Maezawa and Hirano's mission will come after SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, which will launch a U.S. billionaire, an ambassador for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and two contest winners on a multi-day flight into Earth orbit in September. Another SpaceX mission, Axiom Space-1 (Ax-1), is slated for January with three private astronauts and a former NASA astronaut as their commander for a two-week visit to the space station. Space Adventures previously arranged for seven spaceflight participants to fly on eight missions ot the space station between 2001 and 2009. Actress Yulia Peresild and billionaire Yusaku Maezawa have been announced as launching to the International Space Station on separate Russian Soyuz missions in October and December 2021 to be filmed in orbit. (Roscosmos/Yulia Peresild/Yusaku Maezawa) "Challenge," the first feature film to be shot in space, is jointly being produced by Roscosmos, Russia's Channel One and Yellow, Black and White studios. (Roscosmos) Director Klim Shipenko will fly with actress Yulia Peresild on Soyuz MS-19 to film "Challenge" aboard the space station. (Roscosmos) Production assistant Yozo Hirano will launch on Soyuz MS-20 to document Yusaku Maezawa's first spaceflight. (Space Adventures) Prime and backup crew members for Soyuz MS-19, from left to right: director Klim Shipenko, backup director Alexey Dudin, actress Yulia Peresild, her backup Alena Mordovina and Galina Kairova, who did not make the crew but was invited to continue training as a cosmonaut. (Roscosmos) 2021 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved. A Canadian book lover has left TikTok users horrified and disturbed by some of her unconventional reading habits, which include intentionally cracking the spines of books, writing to-do lists on the covers, and even bringing tomes into the shower. Esme, who lives in Ontario, shares a lot of book-related content on her social media channels but her most recent videos have proven controversial. The 21-year-old classics student has demonstrated her 'book habits that make others uncomfortable' a description that turned out to be an understatement, as comments have poured in from distressed viewers who insist her videos 'physically pain' them. Controversial: A Canadian book lover has left TikTok users horrified and disturbed by some of her unconventional reading habits Broken: Esme intentionally cracks the spines of her books, folding the front cover around the back Oh no! Most shockingly, she reads books in the shower for a few minutes while leaving conditioner in her hair, getting the book wet and creating water damage 'Is this necessary? No,' she admits. 'But I'm not standing her for 45 minutes reading. Then I put the book outside the shower in order to wash myself and my hair' Esme clearly loves books she has read 91 so far in 2021 but she certainly isn't precious about their physical condition She demonstrates how she uses open books that she's reading as coasters, putting drinks like iced coffee on one page while she reads the other. Naturally, when she lifts her glass off the page, it leaves behind a ring of liquid. She also intentionally cracks the spines of books folding the front cover around the back and folds down pages to keep her place. When she finds a favorite part, she tears off a corner to mark it. 'I tear off the corners when I'm reading outside and I didn't bring all of my [Post-it] tabs with me, so that I know where to go back to later to annotate. I do this instead of dog-earring because I find that dog ears come unfolded too easily,' she explains. She also annotates her books with ink, underlining her favorite parts and adding notes sandwiched between the print. 'I annotate books because I like reviewing books. I do it on my Instagram. And it makes it easier to go back and review a book,' she says. Tossed: She doesn't keep dust jackets, easier, pulling them off and folding them for the trash when she things the cover is 'prettier' than the jacket Jotting down: She takes notes on the end papers about things unrelated to the books themselves Desecration: She also writes in her books with ink to annotate them 'I annotate books because I like reviewing books. I do it on my Instagram. And it makes it easier to go back and review a book,' she says That's not the only writing she does: In addition to taking notes on the end papers about things unrelated to the books themselves, she also writes to-do lists on the covers of hardbacks. 'Reading is my main form of procrastination and if I put a to-do list on the front, I have to check everything off on the to-do list before I'm allowed to read the book. So it holds me accountable,' she says. She doesn't keep dust jackets, easier, pulling them off and folding them for the trash when she things the cover is 'prettier' than the jacket. But most shockingly, Esme likes to read in the shower, holding her book with wet hands and allowing resulting water damage. Esme explains that she'll read for three to five minutes while the conditioner is sitting in her hair, and notes that she can't simply listen to audiobooks because she is deaf. 'Is this necessary? No,' she admits. 'But I'm not standing her for 45 minutes reading. Then I put the book outside the shower in order to wash myself and my hair.' Destruction: She tears off corners of her favorite parts and folds pages to save her spot 'Reading is my main form of procrastination and if I put a to-do list on the front, I have to check everything off on the to-do list before I'm allowed to read the book,' she says Whatever's handy: Writing a to-do list 'holds me accountable,' she says Stained: She demonstrates how she uses open books that she's reading as coasters, putting drinks like iced coffee on one page while she reads the other The videos have gone viral, with one being viewed 2.6 million times but many of her commenters are aghast at how she treats her books. 'For my sake, never touch another book again,' warned one, while another said she 'screamed when the book spine cracked as if it was my own spine.' 'This is something that feels illegal but isn't technically illegal,' wrote yet another. Some said she should 'apologize' and go to the wizarding prison Azkaban, with one complaining, 'Part of me just died.' 'In France we cut the head of our king for less than that,' wrote one more, while one book lover called Esme her 'archnemesis.' 'I gasped when you folded the dust jacket and forgot how to breathe when you did the to do list,' one more commented. 'My therapist knows absolutely everything about ur account,' another complained. The words sizzle on the page: 'I do not love her in bed. It is you I love.' And their explicitness is, at times, eyebrow-raising: 'Why did you not tell me when we first slept together that you were a virgin? . . . had I known, with what more tender slowness I would have come to you!' Just imagine, for a moment, finding letters like these in an old box in the attic then realising the author was none other than your grandfather. And that he wasn't writing passionately just to his wife, but also to his mistress. That was the extraordinary situation in which Julia Parry found herself. And the papers of her grandfather, the academic Humphry House, are even more tantalising because they also contain the ardent replies from his mistress, the celebrated novelist Elizabeth Bowen, as well as wounded missives from his wronged wife, Madeline. Presumably Humphry, who died in 1955, did not foresee for a moment that his wife who outlived him would one day read all his soul-searching letters, never mind that, nearly 90 years on, his granddaughter would also read of his personal exploits. Yet so it came to pass. For decades the letters were locked away in the loft of Humphry and Madeline's son John, before being passed on to Julia in 2012 when he died. Pictured: Humphry House (centre) with Elizabeth (left), his wife Madeline (second from left) and Elizabeth's cousin Noreen Colley Now she has published these electrifying billets-doux in a book which reveals a fascinating, and at times painful, literary love triangle. 'When I first opened the box, I was greeted by a chaos of paper,' says Julia, a secondary school teacher. 'Once I'd sorted through, I discovered we'd ended up with both sides of the correspondence. 'Elizabeth had left Humphry's letters behind during a house move and the new homeowner had returned them to my uncle John. The whole relationship, for so long the stuff of family whisperings, was there at my fingertips. 'My grandfather, who had died before I was born, became a tangible presence. I was starstruck by Elizabeth one of my favourite novelists but felt for my grandmother, who died over 40 years ago. I have childhood memories of her wearing a tweed suit, smoking, her eyes bright behind her glasses. What impact did the affair have on her? And why did she preserve her rival's love letters? 'My concerns were for my grandmother. And reading her letters, I had the unsettling feeling of reading over her shoulder.' Humphry was 24 when he first met Elizabeth, who was married and nine years his senior, at an Oxford University luncheon in 1933. The letters begin just after then. Over the course of that year and indeed the following two decades the pair orchestrated illicit meetings in London, Oxford and at her family home in Ireland. All the while, Humphry maintained his relationship with the forbearing Madeline, whom he would marry in December 1933. Humphry, it's clear, is something of a cad, promising Madeline at one point that, regardless of marriage, he will indulge in 'violent and casual physical attraction to all kinds of women'. 'I find some of the letters both gripping and awful,' says Julia. 'I'm struck by Humphry's selfishness and insensitivity and his frankness about his infidelity. My grandmother was expected not just to tolerate it but to understand. He even demanded that the two women meet each other.' Pictured: Elizabeth at her ancestral home in County Cork, Ireland in 1962 The affair was at its most intense between 1933 and 1935 with Madeline and Elizabeth painfully aware of each other's existence but rumbled on for years, with the meetings becoming gradually more platonic and less frequent until Humphry's early death at the age of 46. While tales of Humphry's liaison with a famous writer were passed down the generations, it was only when Julia set out to piece the story together in full that all the details emerged. Here, this extraordinary tale of love and betrayal is told through the letters themselves. So which woman do you sympathise with: the betrayed wife, or the helplessly romantic mistress? August 1933 Madeline darling, I am on the way towards two things: (a) being drunk for the first time for months; (b) being angry with you for not writing to me . . . A thing I meant to talk about in one or other of my earlier letters, but did not mention because I was shy (and now the shyness is gone because I am towards being drunk) is are you consciously jealous when I talk of my attractions to other women? Chiefly, at present, are you jealous of my feeling for Elizabeth? This is a solid and extremely valuable thing for me, and I think a permanent one; the history of it you know, but you have not commented on it, so that I do not know what your attitude is. Inevitably you will meet her. I have already told her that you and I are going to be married, and she says it makes her extremely happy. I want to know how you feel. Secondly, I cannot cure myself, even now our marriage is settled, of violent and casual physical attraction to all kinds of women whom I meet or see. I may even do sensual acts which are technically 'unfaithful' but would you be jealous of those? To me they will not be betrayals or falsifications, but trivial and regrettable incidents . . . Good night, darling. I wish we were together tonight. My love, Humphry Humphry was then appointed Classics lecturer at the University College of the South West of England, Exeter. Away from both women, he encouraged them to meet each other which they did, over a glass of sherry, in London. For Humphry it was important that the triangle had, as far as he could see, no sharp edges. October 25, 1933 Elizabeth my dear, I am going to write you a hurried note . . . First about Madeline . . . You are right in finding her 'moral' qualities courage, simplicity, honesty, etc her strongest. It is these things that make her (apart from the charm, which is very real) so much a worthwhile woman; but hitherto she has lacked the best sphere for them and squandered them on second-raters. Instinctively, she has always gone with people inferior to herself: it is difficult to understand. The lack of 'social personality' is difficult: she rarely contributes anything to a general conversation which is of real value. I think it is marriage she needs. Humphry In the 48 hours before his marriage, which took place in Exeter on December 21, 1933, Humphry wrote to both women. December 19, 1933 Madeline darling, What hotel are you staying in tomorrow night? . . . There's still a fearful muddle about times . . . The quite definite things are these: 1. I have arranged the wedding here at the Registry Office for 2 o'clock on Thursday. You must catch the 9 o'clock train from Paddington on Thursday morning, arriving Exeter 12.35. I will meet you at S. David's Sta. 2. Between then and lunch you will have time finally to decide what wedding ring you are to wear for life, as I shall have made a provisional selection. I am choosing very thin gold ones: no platinum or thickness. 3. About 1.0 or 1.15 we have lunch at the Clarence: 2.0 wedding. 4. Short gap for love-making. 5. We catch 3.25 for London, arriving 6.50 Paddington. 6. Arrangements separate dinners, later call by me as already suggested . . . I love you a very great deal: I look on this as the confirmation of your everlasting mistresshood: you may be a mother as often as you care to arrange: but do not ever be a wife! But it may be I sometimes want a wifely mistress! Darling, I love you. Today Elizabeth wrote to bless us . . . I was glad, because in some odd way I seem to have come into her life rather. I do not love her in bed. It is you I love. Dear, Humphry December 20, 1933 Elizabeth my dear, Your excellent letter reached me yesterday morning . . . Yes; I am sure I am doing a good thing. We shall be happy. All the strains and changes of our relationship have left few gaps: we both know what this marriage will be like . . . In a few months I shall be very changed. But I shall not be changed in my feeling for you. All along you have known that would not really change from its first quality and direction: we are complementary in many things. I admire you, love you admiringly, deeply. Good night, my dear; Good night Humphry Early on in their marriage, Madeline asked Humphry whether he wanted a divorce so he could marry Elizabeth. Humphry roared with laughter and exclaimed, 'Good heavens, no!' He wanted the best of both worlds. By summer 1934, Madeline was pregnant with the first of what would be three children, much to her rival's distress. July 23, 1934 My dear Elizabeth, Your letter came today, and must have an immediate answer: I do not like, and do not wholly understand, the charges against me for lacking 'simplicity' because I did not tell you that Madeline was having a child. To begin with, you are right in thinking that one of the reasons I did not mention it was I thought you would be hurt . . . You did not like to be reminded of my marriage . . . When I married Madeline we agreed we should have no children for two years: we took a flat (on an agreement until next March) which could not be lived in by more than two people. All contraceptive arrangements were in Madeline's hands, and she said they were good enough: yet a child was begotten a child I had not intended to exist, nor provided to house . . . I do not resent the child. I look forward to it. I have a full share of fatherly instincts . . . But for 'simplicity' directness, why, Elizabeth, did you not tell me when we first slept together that you were a virgin? I thought you had some malformation. For you said only: 'I am as difficult as a virgin.' I could not know you were one: and had I known, with what more tender slowness I would have come to you, and how much less gloom would have sat across that breakfast tray! My dear Humphry, The above letter and the reference to his lover's virginity exposes his lover's marriage to Alan Cameron, later Secretary to the Central Council of School Broadcasting, as a sexless union something Elizabeth, unsurprisingly, was loath to discuss. At the end of the month, Humphry contrived to bring his two loves together yet again. It did not go well, and later letters show Elizabeth's resistance to any familiarity with Madeline. November 8, 1934 Dear Humphry, I do not want to stay with you and Madeline because your daily life with her is something which it would be most insincere of me to pretend to have any part in . . . But the idea of you letting me go fills me with despair on your behalf as much as on my own . . . If you cut away our sensuous feeling for one another, there would be nothing left. While this sensuous feeling exists I cannot be your and Madeline's family friend . . . Write soon, Elizabeth When war broke out in 1939, Humphry considered becoming a conscientious objector, but instead became a trooper in the Tanks Corps of the Royal Armoured Corps in 1940 and was initially stationed in Salisbury. Madeline remained in London, but contact between husband and wife in the early part of the war was fitful. One of few letters in this time shows Madeline's angst. April 1941 My dear, You've read in the papers, I expect, that Wednesday night's raid on London was the biggest of the war: and we realised it very clearly while it was happening. Planes started coming over before 9pm, and there wasn't a moment's pause till 1.30am. It wasn't just that as the sound of one plane faded away to the north another could be heard coming up from the south, but that the whole sky seemed full of them the whole time. I've never heard anything like it. It was horrifying. I hadn't any real fears for our own personal safety, for it was obvious the bombs weren't intended for us; but the horror lay in sitting helpless under that roaring stream as it went northward to work destruction and death. And all the next day seemed blackened and awful. But I've recovered now . . . Love, Madeline Humphry was made an officer in 1941, only for his army career to grind to a halt a year later. An attack of lumbago (lower back pain) put paid to any chance of active service. On his way home, Humphry stayed with Elizabeth in London, and later made an extraordinary suggestion to Madeline. March 17, 1942 Dear Madeline, Saturday and Sunday at Elizabeth's were splendid. Good talk and good company I do need . . . She is a really great woman, and there is now no possibility of anything in my friendship for her affecting relations with you in any way. She suggested that when it's possible we should take the children with her to the zoo and then to tea at Clarence Terrace. A great plan for my next seven days' leave. Love Humphry, The affair between Humphry and Elizabeth was over, and he saw no reason why they couldn't all just be friends. Months later, Madeline addressed the matter in a letter for the first time. May 28, 1942 My dear, I've not taken steps to see Elizabeth in the last six years for the simple reason that I've not had the slightest wish to, nor supposed that she had the slightest wish that I should. This last meeting with her was the first I've ever really enjoyed. And I enjoyed it because I had got out of the old pattern in my ways of thinking of her. I admire her a lot; but I don't consider her faultless; and I know where I get on and off in any relations I may have with her. Yet you talk as if I were a simple, impressionable, flatterable child who is bowled over by another woman I did like seeing her that zoo day. But your remarks on the meeting belong to the sort of attitude which buggers things up. Love, darling Madeline Postscript After the war, the relationship between Elizabeth and Humphry thinned to an occasional lunch in London and, in 1948, Humphry was awarded a lectureship in English at Oxford. Elizabeth's last surviving letter to Humphry came weeks after her husband's death. She thanked him for his letter and 'kindness', expressing a hope to see him again. Less than three years later, Humphry died of a heart attack aged 46, survived by Madeline and their children: Rachel, then 20, Helen, 18, and John, nine. Julia Parry is one of nine grandchildren he never met. But his passionate spirit lives on in his letters. On parenting and breaking the 'cycle of suffering' Prince Harry criticised the way he was brought up within the Royal Family, seemingly blaming his experience both on Prince Charles and the childhood his father had. He said when it comes to his own children he was determined to do things differently. 'Isn't life about breaking the cycle?' he asked. 'There's no blame. I don't think we should be pointing the finger or blaming anybody. 'But certainly when it comes to parenting, if I've experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, I'm going to make sure that I break that cycle. So I don't pass it on. 'Basically, there's a lot of genetic pain and suffering that gets passed on anyway. And we as parents we should be doing the most of what we can to try and say, 'You know what that happened to me, I'm gonna make sure that doesn't happen to you.' Prince Harry criticised the way he was brought up within the Royal Family, seemingly blaming his experience both on Prince Charles (pictured) and his father's childhood in an interview Referring specifically to the way Prince Charles treated him, he referred to the heir to the throne's documented difficult relationship with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as he said: 'For me it comes down to awareness like I never, I never saw it, I never knew about it and then suddenly I started to piece it all together and go, okay, so this is where he went to school [Gordonstoun], this is what happened I know this bit about his life. 'I also know that's connected to his parents, so that means that he's treating me the way that he was treated which means, how can I change that for my own kids and, well, here I am. 'I've now moved my whole family to the US, that wasn't the plan. Sometimes you got to make decisions and put your family first and put your mental health first and when I'm talking about mental health, again on that spectrum is that mental illness is at one end and then total joy and happiness is at the other. 'Life is a roller-coaster ride. And the way that I view it now that gives me such peace of mind which is the bad stuff that happens, what can you learn from it. If the universe is basically saying to you right I'm going to school you. 'What can I take from each of those moments, that's going to make me better prepared for the next time around. And if you go into life like that. Certainly for me, it helps so much.' He added: 'So living here (in Los Angeles) now I can actually lift my head and I feel different, my shoulders have dropped, so have hers, you can walk around feeling a little bit more free, I can take Archie on the back of my bicycle, I would never have had the chance to do that.' Referring to Princess Diana, he said: 'I didn't acknowledge that clearly what happened to me when I was 12 years old losing my mum and all the other pieces that happened, the traumatic experiences that happened to me since then. 'I didn't acknowledge, one, perhaps maybe I need to deal with this. Because if I don't. How the hell am I going to be a decent father to my son and my daughter.' On mental health The prince said he was told 'you need help' when he was younger. He did not specify who said it but added he was told: 'You're unhinged, you're not very well, go and seek help.' He said such attitudes had caused him to 'object and run away' and had prompted him to 'mask' and 'reject' his feelings, pretending instead to feel 'fine'. He claimed that when he speaks about mental health it ends up being 'weaponised by certain people' although he did not make clear whom. He says: 'That doesn't worry me anymore. I used to be fearful of it. Now it's almost like the same groups of people that come at it so negatively or try and turn it against you, or weaponise it, and therefore affect so many other millions of people from doing so actually encourages me to speak out more.' Harry said telling someone they need help can often push them to 'object, run away, delay... Or go and drink or take drugs or whatever you find.' His 'privilege' Harry lectured about how his 'many, many years' travelling the world had given him the ability to relate to people. 'Seeing other people suffer, and being able to have that empathy for them, the ability to put myself in their shoes. Yeah, that was the education that I had,' he said. 'So the weird thing is that, yeah, I was born into this privilege, but the privilege also gave me the most unbelievable front row seat and education. My education is not in school, my education is about being my meeting people across the Commonwealthlike everywhere I go I ask questions everywhere I go I try and listen. Speaking on Dax Shepard's 'Armchair Expert' show, Harry said he felt clarity about what he wanted to do after a conversation with Meghan (both pictured in October 2019) 'I don't want to come in and say these are what I think my students are like, I already know, they're probably looking at me going, you're a prince you come from a palace where's your crown? Where's your cape? Yeah, sorry kids, yeah, there is no crown. 'That's why I feel more comfortable now being able to talk about my own struggle because I do it to help other people. 'I don't see it as complaining, I don't think anyone should see talking about your own issues is complaining, it's about sharing your story, knowing that how relatable, it is because you will, I guarantee you, by sharing the vulnerabilities and experiences that you've had growing up, there will be at least, probably, depending on what platform you're using, whether it's podcasts or otherwise...you're going to have a positive impact on someone's life. His wild younger days Harry touched on drug use he was sent to meet addicts in a rehabilitation centre after being caught using cannabis in his teens as he discussed his host's own well-documented addictions. But he also suggests that his 'wild' partying went on well into his 20s. 'Look how many other people do that as well, they wouldn't necessarily have the awareness at the time, I certainly didn't have the awareness, when I was going wild. Like, why am I actually doing this? In the moments, it's like well why not? I'm in my 20s, it's what you are supposed to do, right?' On being a royal Harry said he wanted to quit royal duties as a younger man but persuaded himself to stay after seeking therapy and vowing to try to use his position for good. He said: 'It's just the job, right? Grin and bear and get on with it? What was it...in my early 20s, I was a case of like, I just, I don't want this job. I don't want to be here. I don't want to be doing this. 'Look what it did to my mum, how am I ever going to settle down, have a wife and a family when I know that it's going to happen again? As I know, I've seen behind the curtain. I've seen the business model. I know how this operation runs and how it works. I don't want to be part of this. 'And then once I started doing therapy, suddenly there was like the bubble was burst. I plucked my head out of the sand. Gave it a good shake off. And I was like, okay, you're in this position of privilege. Stop complaining or stop thinking as though you want something different. Make this different? Because you can't get out. 'So how are you going to do this differently? How are you going to make your mom proud? How are you going to use this platform to really affect change, and be able to give people that confidence to be able to change their own lives.' He added: 'Now looking back at it, I realised that helping other people helped me.' The prince revealed that initiatives like the Invictus Games for injured service personnel are a means of 'therapy' for him. 'Once I started doing it, once I started to see the progress and the impact. I suddenly was like, wow, healing other people heals me,' he said. Those naked Vegas photos The host of the show Dax Shepard said that he was 'excited' to meet Harry because of 'those awesome nude photos in Vegas'. Pictured: Harry at the Las Vegas Encore Beach Club The host of the show said that he was 'excited' to meet Harry because of 'those awesome nude photos in Vegas' Harry was photographed in a Las Vegas hotel suite in 2012 wearing just a necklace, after a game of 'strip billiards', and holding on to a naked woman. Complimented by the host for his 'good body', Harry said he had been training for a frontline tour of Afghanistan at the time. He added: 'At least I wasn't running down the [Vegas] strip, stripping, or naked.' When it comes to parenting, if Ive experienced pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering my father or my parents had suffered, Im going to break that cycle ...its a lot of genetic pain... [Charless] life is connected to his parents, so that means hes treating me the way he was treated... so how can I change that for my own kids? His transformation Harry said he felt clarity about what he wanted to do after a conversation with Meghan. 'She could tell that I was hurting. And that some of the stuff that was out of my control was making me really angry. And it would make my blood boil,' he says. 'It's not a temper. It's the fire. I've never screamed, I never shouted 'For me, prior to meeting Meghan, it was very much a case, certainly connected to the media, that anger and frustration of 'this is so unjust'. The three major times I felt completely helpless: one when I was a kid in the back of the car and my mum being chased by paparazzi, two was in Afghanistan in Apache helicopter. And then the third one was with my wife. 'Those are the moments in my life where feeling helpless, hurts, it really hurts. And that's when you think yourself 's***, like, I got the privilege. I've got the platform, I've got the influence. And even I can't fix this. I can't change this. 'And when you start getting in your head about it, that's when it starts sort of taking a toll.' The Truman Show He likened his life as a royal to being in the Truman Show, a film in which a man discovers his entire life is a television show and his family just actors. Describing his life like being 'in a zoo', Harry said: 'I think the biggest issue for me was that being born into it you inherit the risk, you inherit the risk that comes with it you inherit, every element of it without choice. And because of the way that the UK media are, they feel an ownership over [it].' He claimed the paparazzi in the US had turned his life into a 'feeding frenzy' and argued that he shouldn't just have to accept it because he was well known. He also revealed that he was in phone contact with actor Orlando Bloom, who lives nearby in California, tipping each other off about paparazzi. Harry likened his life as a royal to being in the Truman Show (pictured: Jim Carrey in the film), a film in which a man discovers his entire life is a television show and his family just actors Texting Meghan in supermarket Harry said the first time his future wife came to stay with him in London they met up in a supermarket and pretended not to know each other to avoid attention. He said they were texting each other across the aisles. He added: 'People [were] looking at me, giving me all these weird looks and coming up and saying hi, whatever, and I was there texting like, is this the right one? She was like no, you want parchment paper [baking paper]. I was like 'okay, where's the parchment paper?' He also said that Meghan told him that 'you don't need to be a princess, you can create the life that will be better than any princess'. Unconscious bias One of the biggest criticisms of Harry is that he has failed to acknowledge his own errors while lecturing people about theirs, specifically when it comes to racism. As a trainee at Sandhurst he was filmed using appallingly racist language to describe an Asian colleague and was famously photographed wearing a Nazi outfit. Although he did not reference the incidents, Harry finally admitted that he 'screwed up' when he was younger and that everyone is guilty of 'unconscious bias'. 'Unconscious bias is actually something that is inherent. Unfortunately in every single one of us, but it is possible to educate yourself, to be more aware of the problems and therefore be part of the solution rather than part of the problem,' he said. Compassion for trolls Harry said people are 'not born to hate' and says he tries to have compassion for those who do. 'When it comes to trolling on social media, the best way to look at it is like, okay, take a moment, be aware of what this is doing to me and how it's making me feel. But then look at them and go. How's your day going,' he says. 'And actually have some compassion for them which is really hard when you're on the receiving end of this like just viral toxic abuse but the reality is, as you say, flip it, flip it and say what happened to you?' A new test developed by researchers at UC Santa Cruz looks for both the coronavirus and the flu, with an accuracy level comparable to gold-standard COVID tests. The test uses a fluorescent probe to search for antigens - proteins on the surface of a virus molecule - which may belong to either disease. Since COVID and flu have similar symptoms, a fast yet highly accurate test like this will help quickly rule out one infection and potentially confirm the other so that patients only have to endure one of the unpleasant screenings. And from a public health perspective, confirmation that someone has flu, coupled with a negative test for Covid will offer confidence that the person positive for flu doesn't need to quarantine, or be contact traced to prevent an outbreak. The novel technology developed for this test may also be adapted in the future to test simultaneously for other diseases. A new test developed by researchers at UC Santa Cruz looks for both the coronavirus and the flu, with an accuracy level comparable to gold-standard COVID tests Testing has been one of the most challenging aspects of the pandemic, as researchers and medical professionals alike struggle to determine how many people are actually infected with the coronavirus. And while lines of thousands of cars snaked away from drive-in testing sites during the fall and holiday surges of COVID-19 in the U.S., the prospect of getting a 'brain scraper' test for Covid is hardly appealing. Currently if someone who tests negative for Covid wants to know if their symptoms are due to flu, they'll have to go through a similar test again. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu all but disappeared this past season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Stepped-up hand-washing, masking and people generally staying away from one another amid the pandemic was likely responsible for a dramatic reduction in the transmission of flu. But experts also suspect that this year's flu cases are an undercount because many Americans skipped care generally amid fears of contracting COVID-19, or didn't follow up with flu diagnostics after testing negative for coronavirus. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for either Covid or flu, commonly accepted as the 'gold standard,' is highly accurate. But it can take days for patients to receive their results, and the test is expensive- making it challenging to use on a broad scale. Antigen tests have steadily become more popular as a faster, cheaper alternative to PCR. While a PCR test searches for specific genetic material that matches the coronavirus, an antigen test looks for a protein on the surface of that virus. These tests are also commonly called 'rapid tests' because they can give patients a result in fifteen minutes. Such a short time frame makes it easy for patients to act upon their result. But the widely-used antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR. They have a higher rate of false negatives, meaning that someone who receives a negative result on an antigen test is more likely to actually be infected with the coronavirus, compared to someone who receives a negative result on a PCR test. A new antigen test from researchers at University of California Santa Cruz addresses this accuracy issue and broadens the test's utility by looking for the coronavirus and a common flu virus at the same time. The novel test uses fluorescence to quickly (yet accurately) provide a diagnosis. The test uses two biomarkers to identify a sample as coronavirus or influenza. If the patient has COVID, the test lights up green, and if they have the flu, it lights up red. Like other antigen and PCR tests, the UC Santa Cruz test starts with a nose swab. This sample is then examined with a fluorescent reporter probe: a piece of genetic material that will 'light up' with fluorescence if it identifies a specific virus. For this test, the UC Santa Cruz researchers developed a new molecule coded to look for a coronavirus antigen and a flu virus antigen at the same time. This special molecule shines brightly enough that someone administering a test can see it without any extra equipment. And the genetic material doesn't need to be amplified (copied over and over), so this test may provide results quickly like other antigen tests. At the same time, since this fluorescent molecule is linked specifically to coronavirus and flu proteins, it can identify these viruses with a higher degree of accuracy than other antigen tests. For this reason, the researchers call their test 'ultrasensitive.' The test also has special, colored markers to distinguish between the two viruses. If coronavirus is present, the test will show a green light pattern, and if influenza is present, the test will show a red light pattern. Novel tests help U.S. experts keep track of where the coronavirus is spreading. This ability to distinguish between two common viruses may be especially useful during flu season. COVID and the flu share similar symptoms. The CDC lists ten that are common to both diseases: fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. While the 2020-2021 flu season has been mild in the U.S., past flu seasons have sent hundreds of thousands of Americans to the hospital. The 2017-2018 flu season, which was particularly harsh, killed an estimated 61,000. Using a test like this one could help doctors quickly diagnose patients who come in with any of the common flu/COVID symptoms. The test may be useful in both hospitals and outpatient clinics. 'This test could certainly be used in a central lab and provide high sensitivity and highly reliable antigen tests,' senior author Holger Schmidt told DailyMail.com. The UC Santa Cruz test would also have great utility as an over-the-counter product. Some rapid antigen tests are now available at pharmacy chains, without any doctor's note- imagine if you could go to your local CVS and pick up a test that can tell you, in 15 minutes, if you have COVID or the flu. Schmidt said that over-the-counter use may be further in the future for this technology, but he does see it as a possibility. This fluorescent technology may be useful for detecting other viruses as well. In fact, the researchers were originally developing this technology for Zika virus when the pandemic hit. 'Once we were allowed to come back to the lab for essential research, my students started coming in to work in the lab by themselves on a coronavirus test,' Schmidt said in a press release. 'It was a heroic effort by my students to develop these tests from scratch. First we were shut down by the pandemic, and then the wildfires hit and we had to evacuate our samples to Stanford and shut down again. But they kept going.' Schmidt told DailyMail.com that future research for his team includes modifying the test to look for more diseases at the same time, speeding up the test for even faster results, and streamlining it for commercial use. Dr Anthony Fauci has finally said that fully vaccinated Americans can ditch their masks outdoors - just hours before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can safely go maskless outside or inside, except in crowded indoor settings. 'If you are vaccinated, you don't have to wear a mask outside,' the top U.S. infectious disease expert told CBS This Morning on Thursday. 'Weve got to make that transition. Hours late, officials made another, bigger transition, to a virtually mask-free life for 119 million for Americans who have had their full Covid vaccine regimens. 'It would be a very unusual situation, if you were going into a completely crowded situation where people are essentially falling all over each other, then you wear a mask. But any other time, if youre vaccinated and youre outside, put aside your mask. You dont have to wear it.' Dr Fauci has been reluctant to endorse going maskless outdoors, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines, updated last month, saying that fully vaccinated people can safely do just about anything outdoors - except be in a crowd - without a mask. His reversal comes as the U.S. adult population that is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 rises to 45 percent, with nearly 60 percent having had at least their first dose. And earlier this week, the CDC came under fire for still exaggerating the risk of coronavirus transmission outdoors, which the agency said was less than 10 percent, but experts assert is really less than one percent. 'If you are vaccinated, you don't have to wear a mask outside,' the top U.S. infectious disease expert told CBS This Morning on Thursday - more than two weeks after the CDC said it was safe The CDC's guidance was long-awaited and welcome, but led to confusion about how to tell who has been vaccinated or unvaccinated Over the holidays, the CDC warned that the primary source of spread was indoor gatherings. But now that nearly half of adults and more than a third of the overall U.S. population have been fully vaccinate and the weather is warming, allowing more people to gather outdoors. The CDC said on April 27 that fully vaccinated people could safely exercise and gather with small groups of either vaccinated or unvaccinated people outdoors without their masks, but should still mask up in large crowds like those attending sporting events or concerts. It was welcome news, but accompanied by confusion as Americans pointed out that there's not easy way to tell who walking down a street has been vaccinated and who has not, and officials including both Dr Fauci and President Joe Biden have continued to wear masks outside. Some saw Dr Fauci and President Biden's continued use of masks as calling creating greater confusion for Americans, after even the cautious CDC acknowledged the low risk of outdoor transmission. Even then, the CDC gave an estimation of that risk that many experts said was too high. When the federal health agency released new guidelines on masks for fully vaccinated people last month, director Dr Rochelle Walensky stated that 'less than 10 percent' of coronavirus spread was occurring outside. Epidemiologists and infectious disease scientists tell DailyMail.com that although the figure is not incorrect, the true risk is believed to be much lower. The number of COVID-19 cases linked to outdoor spread is below one percent, and may even be as low as 0.1 percent. It comes as New York Times critic David Leonhardt criticized the agency on Tuesday using mischaracterized data - from studies at construction sites in Singapore - to tell Americans to keep their masks on outside rather than following other interventions to help drive down infection rates. Prior to the CDC releasing its estimate last month, officials had not stated a concrete number on the risk of outdoor transmission. But, according to The Times, when the agency did settle on 'less than 10 percent,' it cited studies showing a large share of COVID-19 cases contracted outside occurred at construction sites in Singapore. For example, in one study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 95 cases out of 10,926 documented around the world were classified as outdoors. All 95 were linked to a cluster at a building site in Singapore. The data comes from Singapore's Ministry of Health, but officials there don't classify the cases as 'outdoor transmission.' 'We didn't classify it according to outdoors or indoors,' spokesman Yap Wei Qiang told The Times. 'It could have been workplace transmission where it happens outdoors at the site, or it could also have happened indoors within the construction site.' The Times discovered that, in many of the cases, the workers had been in close contact with each other and had either met or eaten in enclosed outdoor spaces. What's more, several locations that researchers had defined as outdoors for their academic papers were actually a mix of indoors and outdoors as outdoors, meaning many of the Singapore transmissions could have actually occurred inside. However, even if all the Singapore cases were classified as outdoor transmission, that still represents fewer than one percent of the total cases. In another study, in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers conducted a systematic review of the cases in Singapore and other around the world, and states they found that the proportion of global infections that occurred outdoors is below 10 percent. 'In the paper, they write there is limited data but certainly less than 10 percent,' Dr Aaron Richterman, an infectious disease physician at the University of Pennsylvania, told DailyMail.com. 'You don't want to overstate a claim in academic journals, so that's probably where the 10 percent figure came from. 'That 10 percent then got translated to the guidance, even though when you look at it, it's much less than one percent.' Advertisement Dr Anthony Fauci says he is not sure if US schools should require children to get the COVID-19 vaccine before they return for in-person learning. The nation's top infectious disease expert said parents should be encouraged to get their children immunized, especially on the heels of news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advisory committee recommended children aged 12 to 15 be given the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus shot. Parents are split over whether to vaccinate their children - about 50/50, according to a recent Axios/Ipsos poll - and as the shots become available to younger teens and tweens, many are left conflicted and confused over whether U.S. health officials are saying their kids should or should not get inoculated against Covid. So far, Dr Fauci and most top health officials are united in saying that, although only a small fraction of a percent of kids who get Covid die of the disease, parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their kids, but not required to do so. At a Tuesday Senate hearing, CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said: 'I would encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated...but Im also encouraging children to ask for the vaccine.' Dr Fauci is worried there will be strong opposition if schools demand youngsters and adolescents receive the vaccine, which could lead to lower rates of vaccination overall. 'Whenever you're talking about requiring something, that's always a charged issue,' Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), during an appearance on CBS This Morning. It's highly unlikely that schools will require children to get vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall, because the shot is still not fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is only available through emergency use authorization, a form of temporary approval given to life-saving preventives and treatments under extreme circumstances. 'I'm not so sure we should be requiring children at all; we should be encouraging them. But you got to be careful when you make a requirement of something, that usually gets you into a lot of pushback, understandable pushback.' His comments come as the CDC director and the president of the second-largest teacher's union call for a full return to in-person classes by the fall, a call echoed by CDC director Walensky in a recent interview with CNN. Dr Anthony Fauci said on CBS This Morning on Thursday (pictured) that he is not sure if US schools should require children to get the COVID-19 vaccine before they return for in-person learning Fauci told host Gayle King (left) that parents should be encouraged to get their kids vaccinated, but that mandating shots could 'get a lot of pushback' The @CDCgov has cleared the way for 12 to 15 year olds to get Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, which means adolescents will be able to get the shot nationwide. Dr. Anthony Fauci joins us now to explain. pic.twitter.com/VLkNV0Rd67 CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) May 13, 2021 Parents have voiced their opinions about getting their children vaccinated on some social media, with some feeling relief and others expressing concern. 'I want my kids to return to school but I am torn,' wrote one Twitter user. 'Do I want them back in the belly of the beast? The system that was against virtual, then for it yet delivered total failure, forced children to wear masks inside, required vaccines next? Do I want my child to re-enter this machine.' Another user, Michelle Bailey wrote: "if they were to tell me my kids had to have it before coming to school...My kids would no longer be attending that school.' Some parents said they were happy to hear about the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine eligibility expanded to children. 'I am a pediatrician and my children will be vaccinated as soon as possible after the vaccine is approved,' tweeted Konstantin Papakostas. One user wrote: 'Such a relief to be able to vaccinate my child. The MRNA vaccines are safe and reliable.' Parents took to social media to voice their opinions about vaccinating their children and whether or not they should be mandated before returning to school The CDC has already said in no uncertain terms that children can and should return to school full-time, regardless of whether they or their teachers have been vaccinated. In the U.S., public schools in most states require students to be vaccinated against several diseases, including chickenpox, measles, tetanus and polio, with exemptions for children with certain medical conditions or allergies. However, these vaccines are all fully FDA approved, and have been for decades. So far, there have been no signs in trials or real-world data to suggest that Pfizer's vaccine poses any danger to children, but it is not yet fully approved, and likely won't be for months, if not years. Without that full seal of approval, it would be a tough sell for schools to try to require it, but the shot will likely be recommended by education officials. On Wednesday, 14 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 'yes' to give the shot to younger teens with one member recusing herself. The vaccine was authorized for Americans aged 16 and older in December 2020 and Pfizer has been in clinical trials for teens since October of last year. With the formal recommendation from ACIP, and emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) given on Monday, it paves the way for most states to begin giving out the shot to adolescents on Thursday Expanding eligibility means another 17 million Americans will be allowed to get vaccinated, which many see as a critical step to reaching herd immunity. However, parents and health experts have been debating whether or not to give the vaccine to children, who make up only 0.1 percent of COVID fatalities. Fauci admitted on CBS This Morning that children are at a lower risk for infection than adults, but that they can transmit the disease. 'We are starting to see younger people get into serious trouble, again at a very low rate, but serious trouble,' and young people who are infected can inadvertently pass infection to vulnerable people at greater risk for serious disease,' he said. To assuage parents' concerns, the NIAID director said there is currently no evidence that the vaccine comes with long-term effects and encouraged doctors to address parents' concerns. 'You don't want to in any manner or form have the parents feel like they're doing something wrong by questioning,' he said. 'I mean, it's a perfectly normal thing to be concerned about your children and to question. And that's the reason why you want to get them as much information as you possibly can and be very open and transparent about the information.' Meanwhile, CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky said it is highly likely that the U.S. will see a return to in-person learning by the start of the next school year. 'I think we should be five days a week everybody present in school in the fall,' she told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Wednesday night. 'I think we will be in a place in this pandemic that we will be able to do that. I think we should all be leaning in.' Her comments were echoed by a statement from Randi Weingarten, president of the nation's second-largest teachers' union. 'There is no doubt: Schools must be open. In person. Five days a week,' Weingarten, who heads the American Federation of Teachers said on Thursday, according to The New York Times. 'The United States will not be fully back until we are fully back in school. And my union is all in.' Schools across the country are beginning to lift student mask requirements and make masks optional. Pictured: Students walk between classes at White Plains High School in New York Parents and students protest students wearing masks to school during a rally in Farmington, Utah, April 10 Meanwhile, schools across the country are begin to ditch their mask requirements for students. School boards in mostly southern states, including Florida, South Carolina and Arkansas have decided that pupils should wear masks only if they want to. 'The mask is a personal choice, and I wore it at the beginning, but I just decided that it wasn't about the mask anymore,' parent Cynthia Licharowicz, a Milton, Florida, resident told the Associated Press. 'So I decided to take it off, and I wanted my child to have the same choice.' In Arkansas, a law will make it illegal by the end of the summer for schools or any government entity to require masks. While many parents are for getting risk of mask mandates, many are also in favor of keeping them, including Christie Back of Mesa, Arizona. Pictured: Black with her two children, Luke (left) and Angela (right) in front of their home, May 11 On Wednesday in South Carolina, schools Superintendent Molly Spearman dropped a statewide student mask mandate but said Gov Henry McMaster had no legal basis for an order letting parents choose for their children whether or not to wear masks. Spearman said districts could continue to apply their own mask rules. Many parents in school districts where masks have become voluntary are concerned. 'I am so frustrated...I don't see any harm in wearing masks, and there is potential harm in not wearing a mask,' Christie Black, the mother of a kindergartner and a third grader in Mesa, Arizona, told the AP. Black said she was puzzled by the decision of the state's largest school district to make masks optional indoors starting earlier this month. 'I feel like because the governor and the school board caved to peer pressure, it's now up to my children not to cave to peer pressure,' she said. 'It just feels like we're more concerned with our own freedom and rights than doing what's best for the most vulnerable.' Advertisement Fully-vaccinated Americans can finally stop wearing their masks almost anywhere - indoors or outdoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday. Those who have finished their shot regimen can now go out to eat, see a movie, shake hands and give hugs at will, according to the new guidance. The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but could ease restrictions for reopening workplaces and schools. People who are fully vaccinated but immunocompromised people may still be advised by their doctors to keep masking. Even President Biden - along with several lawmakers meeting him to discuss infrastructure in the Oval Office - stripped off his mask upon the news, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Democrat from New York, told the Guardian. However, the CDC's recommendation is just that - an unenforceable recommendation. States, cities and businesses can still require masks. The office of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said its health department is reviewing the new guidelines, but has not issued an official update. Equinox Gym notified members Thursday afternoon that masks are still required while working out at its New York gyms. The White House officially lifted its mandate requiring masks on the premise, allowing staffers and journalists on Thursday to uncover their faces on for the first time since Biden took office. 'Today is a great day for America,' Biden said in an afternoon press conference, as he declared the new guidance a 'great milestone.' The ability for vaccinated Americans to unmask comes as a product of enough people being vaccinated to start to peel back other measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. More than a third of the U.S. population - and 45 percent of adults - are now fully vaccinated, and nearly 60 percent of adults have had at least a first shot. As vaccination has become widespread, scientists in the U.S. - and especially in Israel - have had a chance to see real-world proof that the shots prevent almost all transmission. What's more, as vaccination rates have risen, President Biden noted that average daily COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have fallen to their lowest level since April 2020 - just after the pandemic took hold in the U.S. - falling to 586 a day, according to CDC data. And cases are nearing pandemic-lows too. The seven-day rolling average of new infections is down to 36,832 - the lowest it's been since the July lull between surges. 'Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in activities indoors or outdoors, large or small, without physical distancing,' announced CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky during a Friday White House press briefing, she said, praising the rapid vaccination effort for allowing masks to come off, and Covid cases to stay down. IN THE GREEN: CDC's updated infographics shows that fully vaccinated Americans can safely do just about anything without wearing a mask 'If you are fully vaccinated you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some semblance of normalcy. 'This is an exciting and powerful moment.' CDC's announcement comes as the agency and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people - people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose - in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. With the guidelines relaxed, politicians and public figures on both sides of the aisle shifted to celebrating on Thursday afternoon. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declared himself 'free at last' as he left the Senate for the week, sans mask. First lady Dr Jill Biden exited her plane maskless upon landing in West Virginia to visit a vaccination clinic for students, after departing Washington, D.C. in a pink face covering. Actress Jennifer Garner, who is touring with the first lady, whipped off her own face covering when she greeted a maskless Biden on the tarmac. In a seemingly prescient moment, Speaker Nancy Pelosi removed her mask in public for the first time in months on earlier Thursday during her weekly Capitol Hill press conference. She took off her face covering once she got to the podium, and cited new House rules that require all members to wear masks on the floor - unless they are speaking. Speaker Nancy Pelosi took off her mask in public for the first time in months during her Thursday press conference, citing new House Rules requiring members to wear masks on the floor unless they are speaking (left). The CDC is expected to update its guidelines for the public to say that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors - except in crowded settings like planes and buses. The CDC is expected to say on Thursday that people can stop wearing masks indoors. It comes after Republican lawmakers blasted CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky (right) over the agency's mask guidelines on Tuesday First lady Jill Biden exited her plane maskless upon landing in West Virginia to visit a vaccination clinic for students, after departing Washington, D.C. in a pink face covering. Actress Jennifer Garner, who is touring with the first lady, whipped off her own face covering when she greeted a maskless Biden on the tarmac HOW AMERICA FLIP-FLOPPED ON FACE MASKS FOR COVID-19 DECEMBER 31 2019: Officials in Wuhan, in China's Hubei Province identify a cluster of pneumonia cases from an unknown cause. JANUARY 12 2020: China shares genetic sequence of a new virus, later named SARS-NoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19. JANUARY 21 2020: CDC confirms first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. in a man in his 30s who returned to Washington state from China. FEBRUARY 12 2020: CDC tells Americans it does not recommend masks. At the time, there were just 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., and officials that day confirmed the first death. 'At this time, some partners are reporting higher than usual demand for select N95 respirators and face masks. CDC does not currently recommend the use of face masks for the general public. This virus is not spreading in the community,' said then-director of CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Dr Nancy Messonnier. The CDC did say that people who were sick with possible COVID-19 or in close contact with someone who might have it should wear a mask when around others. MARCH 2020: Federal officials at the CDC, Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Surgeon General all said that while the U.S. should brace for the spread of coronavirus, Americans should not wear them if they were not sick with suspected Covid or around someone who might be infected. Experts said that surgical and cloth masks were not tightly woven enough to reduce the spread of the tiny virus and that people didn't know how to properly use them. And they continued to urge Americans not to buy up high-grade N95 masks in order to preserve them for health care workers who might be in contact with COVID-19 patients. Masks were already being bought up, and former President Trump used the Defense Production Act to obtain N95s from M3 to bolster supplies for health care workers. APRIL 3 2020: CDC officially recommends all Americans wear cloth masks in public voluntarily. Former President Trump announced the guidelines, but said he would not wear one. He would not e seen wearing a mask until July 11. APRIL 10 2020: Masks became extremely hard to find as Americans bought up massive supplies of them and shipments from china, where mot were made, were cut off. APRIL 17 2020: Five states - New Jersey, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland and New York, had all mandated masks in public by this date. JUNE 8 2020: The WHO, which had also urged people not to buy masks to preserve supply for medical workers, finally recommended people wear masks in public. JULY 11 2020: Former President Trump was seen wearing a face mask for the first time while visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC. More than 20 states already had mask mandates in place. JANUARY 20 2021: President Biden issued a mask mandate for all federal property. JANUARY 31 2021: TSA issues a mask mandate for all federally operated mass transit, including buses, trains, train stations, airplanes and airports. APRIL 6 2021: CDC updates guidance to say that wearing two masks, such as a cloth mask over a surgical one, may offer up to 95 percent better protection than wearing two - almost exactly one year after it made its first mask recommendation. APRIL 20 2021: CDC updates its guidelines to say that fully vaccinated Americans can safely exercise and gather with vaccinated and unvaccinated people outdoors - but should still wear a mask indoors if they are around vaccinated people or when in crowded outdoor settings like concerts. MAY 13 2021: CDC updates its guidelines again to say that fully vaccinated Americans can go without masks indoors or outdoors, in large or small groups, except in crowded indoor locations like planes, buses and prisons, or in places with specific measures like hospitals. Advertisement The CDC's new guidance also comes two weeks after the agency recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds - advice that White House adviser Dr Anthony Fauci only just publicly endorsed earlier on Thursday. In that update, the CDC also exaggerated the risk of Covid transmission outdoors as accounting for less than 10 percent of cases when the figure is likely less than one percent, experts say. That's sown distrust and confusion, fueling claims that the CDC has been keeping mask guidelines in places longer than it needs to. Things came to a head earlier this week, as Republican lawmakers grilled CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky over masking guidelines, claiming that the agency had let them drag on too long. To-date, more than 117 million Americans are fully vaccinated, accounting for just over a third of the U.S. population, and 45 percent of adults have had at least one dose. The CDC also recommended on Wednesday that eligibility to get Pfizer's two-dose vaccine be expanded to children as young as 12. Real-world data, mostly gathered in hospitals where CDC is expected to still advise masking - suggests that vaccination cuts the risk of infection by some 97 percent among staff who primarily interacted indoors. But that data was gathered while guidelines recommended masks were still in place, so how the virus could spread among vaccinated, unmasked people indoors remains unknown. The chance to ditch the mask 'could only happen because of the work of so many who made sure we had the rapid administration of three safe, effective vaccines,' said Dr Walensky. 'It could also only happen because we had an adequate supply of those vaccines for everyone 12 years and older in this country.' Her remarks come less than 24 hours after the CDC recommended that states start giving Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to children as young as 12. The FDA on Monday expanded emergency use authorization for the shot to children between 12 and 15 (it was previously available to those 16 and older). Health officials have welcomed the expansion, but critics have noted that the U.S. is vaccinating children against a virus that is only fatal to less than one percent of kids who get it before sharing vaccines with poorer nations where more at-risk adults and health care workers remain unvaccinated, such as India. Despite her optimism and enthusiasm for the speed of the U.S. vaccine rollout, Dr Walensky cautioned that there is not guarantee that the U.S. is fully past the crisis. 'This past year has shown us that this virus can be unpredictable, so if things get worse, there is always a chance we may need to make changes to these recommendations, but we know that the more people are vaccinated, the less cases we will have and the less chance of a new spike or additional variants emerging.' Republican lawmakers on Tuesday charged that health guidelines have unnecessarily remained in place even as more and more Americans get vaccinated. 'I always considered the CDC to be the gold standard. I don't anymore,' Maine Senator Susan Collins said during a Capitol Hill hearing on the pandemic response Tuesday. Collins, who was reelected to her fifth term in November, told Walensky that she 'used to have the utmost respect for the guidance from the CDC' but now feels it has issued 'conflicting, confusing guidance' that contradicts health officials. 'I used to have the utmost respect for the guidance from the CDC. I always considered the CDC to be the gold standard. I dont anymore,' she lectured the agency head. She accused the agency whose leaders repeatedly said they operate based on the science and the available data of 'exaggerating' the risk of transmission of COVID-19. 'So, here we have unnecessary barriers to reopening schools, exaggerating the risks of outdoor transmission, and unworkable restrictions on summer camps. Why does this matter?' Collins continued. 'It matters because it undermines public confidence in your recommendation, in the recommendations that do make sense, in the recommendations that Americans should be following.' The attack by Collins, an influential senator who sometimes cooperates with Democrats, came as her state's Democratic governor joined a zoom call with President Joe Biden to talk about vaccine distribution and the pandemic. At one point, Maine Gov. Janet Mills joked about people in her state responded to the CDC's initially recommended 6-foot social distancing guidance. 'Some people asked, why so close?' she quipped. Dr Anthony Fauci had only publicly endorsed the previous guidelines, advising fully vaccinated Americans they could unmask outdoors except in crowded places, for the first time earlier on Thursday The updated guidance is expected to still recommend that fully vaccinated Americans wear masks in certain crowded settings, like airplanes (pictured, file) and buses. The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) renewed its mask requirement for all public mass transit - including airplanes and train stations - on April 30 Walensky - who in March warned about a feeling of 'impending doom' as U.S. infections rose - spoke with optimism about vaccines approved for young people aged 12-15 - even appearing to suggest they lobby their parents for the shot. She made the statement when asked about government approval to extend the emergency use authorization for Pfizer for children aged 12-15. 'I recognize some parents want to see how it goes, but I am encouraging all children to be vaccinated,' she said during the hearing. 'And I am also encouraging children to ask for the vaccine.' 'I have a 16-year-old and I continue he wanted to get the vaccine. He wants his life back,' she said. Officials are eyeing young people as a cohort that can help boost the nation's overall vaccine rates with a substantial number of adults still saying they aren't sure they want to get the shots. BOOK OF THE WEEK ELEGY FOR A RIVER by Tom Moorhouse (Doubleday 14.99, 272 pp) William Boot, the hapless hero of Evelyn Waughs novel Scoop, famously observed in his nature notes column for the fictional Daily Beast: Feather footed through the plashy fen passes the questing vole. That just shows how little Mr Boot really knew about voles. They are not feather footed and they do not quest but move with a sort of rapid waddle, says Tom Moorhouse, who knows more about the behaviour of the water vole than is entirely healthy. Tom Moorhouse who is a researcher at Oxford University's zoology department, has penned a book about voles (pictured) Mr Moorhouse, a researcher at Oxford Universitys zoology department, was offered the chance to study voles for a doctorate in 1999. His first discovery was that catching voles from a rowing boat is nobodys idea of a good time. Motor boats sped past and threatened to overturn him. He was heckled by tipsy champagne drinkers on narrow boats. He was bitten by voles, who also urinated down his fleece in their fury at being caught. On one trip he was rowing home through torrents of rain when one of his rowlocks snapped so that he had to punt, using his oar as a makeshift pole. It was at this moment that he passed a tourist, sitting on the bank under an umbrella: I was sodden, chilled, late, tired, aggravated, filthy, and smelt strongly of vole urine. The tourist took a photograph. Despite this, he writes very affectionately even wittily about voles, the model for sensible, kindly Ratty of Wind In The Willows. They have been living on our river banks for at least 14,800 years, but numbers dropped by an astonishing 99 per cent in the years between 1939 and 1998. And all because of the fashion for fur coats. In the 1920s, American mink were imported into Britain. Some of these mink, understandably reluctant to be turned into fashionable items for bright young things, escaped. For a while, their numbers were kept down by otters, who not only kill mink but chew off their testicles to teach these incomers a lesson they wont forget. But when otters were killed off in turn by farm pesticides washing into rivers, the mink had a free hand. Voles have been living on our river banks for at least 14,800 years, but numbers dropped by 99 per cent in the years between 1939 and 1998. Pictured: Ratty and Mole in The Wind In The Willows It was the authors job to breed voles in captivity and then introduce them to 12 rivers in Oxfordshire, and he did this with some success. Not that everything ran entirely smoothly. To keep track of the voles, researchers fitted the little creatures with tiny radio collars. This had an extraordinary consequence the number of female babies dropped by half. It seems that the collars were causing stress in the mothers, and a natural hormonal mechanism kicked in which raised the male birth rate. Female voles occupy distinct territories, while male voles roam widely in search of a good time. In times of crisis a food shortage or, as we now know, when a zoologist fits you with a radio collar it makes sense to give birth to more males, who wont clutter up your territory. Isnt nature clever? After discovering this, Moorhouse found himself lambasted in the media. Scientists studying the causes of the water voles decline are to blame, said one accusing newspaper headline. Tom claims that the vole (pictured) population will never truly recover until American mink are largely eradicated Moorhouse concluded that the vole population will never truly recover until American mink are largely eradicated, and so he turned his attention to another weedy British native under threat from a brash American rival. The white-clawed crayfish has been almost wiped out by the burly and aggressive signal crayfish, imported in 1976 for a scheme to harvest home-grown crayfish. This idea could not have been more damaging. According to Moorhouse, there are now probably billions of signal crayfish in our rivers and streams, and they have ferocious appetites. They eat small invertebrates, fish eggs, frog and toad spawn. They churn up river beds, which is why rivers are not as clear as they used to be. Signal crayfish have made rivers emptier of everything except signal crayfish, he says. ELEGY FOR A RIVER by Tom Moorhouse (Doubleday 14.99, 272 pp) And yet this was all for nothing. There is no thriving trade in British crayfish. We actually import crayfish from China, where its cheaper to prepare them for sale in supermarkets. Whats particularly enjoyable about this book is its upbeat tone. The author clearly very much enjoyed his work, even when he was being bitten, and sunburned, and used as a vole lavatory. Its only towards the end of his cheery journey, up to his waders in the rivers of Oxfordshire and beyond, that he strikes a gloomy note. What, he wonders, has all the effort been for? For all the real-world, on-the-ground, species-saving impact that my research has had, I could pretty much just have spent my time bumbling amiably around the British countryside, he says. My research achieved almost nothing of practical value. The problem is money. Isnt it always? He estimates that adequate conservation measures would cost around $100 billion (71.2billion) a year worldwide. It sounds a lot, but he claims that America spends double that annually on fizzy drinks. He suggests that, if insurance agencies invested $10 billion (7.1 billion) a year on coastal habitats, it would save them $52 billion (37 billion) annually in claims for flood damage. If the seafood industry invested the same amount, their profits would rise by $53 billion (37.8 billion). Put like that the case is very convincing, but will government and big business really be persuaded in the current economic circumstances? Id suggest that a cornered water vole has a better chance of persuading a mink to go vegan. Despite its proud Spanish roots, Iberian car giant SEAT now has a true-blue Briton driving it on. The firm's new multi-lingual president Wayne Griffiths, 55, is charged with electrifying and expanding the SEAT and sporty Cupra brands. Significantly, the UK is SEAT's third largest market after Germany and its home-market Spain. Taking charge: SEAT's new British president Wayne Griffiths (pictured with a Cupra Formentor hot hatch) has worked for more than three decades within the giant Volkswagen Group As a useful touchstone to help keep things fun, he also enjoys driving his classic red Jaguar E-Type Roadster built in 1966, the year of his birth, out along the Spanish coastline. And to help keep him grounded, his redoubtable Welsh grandmother Dorothy Griffiths, from Llandudno, now in her 90s and a life-long Daily Mail reader, will be intently scrutinising every line of this report, he informs me. Leading the way: Wayne Griffiths has been appointed president of SEAT Born in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, this Englishman with a Welsh name who speaks fluent German has worked for more than three decades within the giant Volkswagen Group mainly for Audi in Bavaria. He has been running Spain's SEAT and sporty Cupra brands from Barcelona since October. He's developed an odd accent along the way, too. The Mancunian lilt is still there but overlaid with some German and a lively Spanish twang: 'I do think in all three languages. But sometimes I get a bit mixed up,' he said. A proud grammar school boy who studied at Hyde Grammar in Greater Manchester, Griffiths said Latin lessons and a love of Shakespeare helped his languages. He worked in the family car dealership before studying international management and German at Leeds University. Age 23, he worked his way up the management pole with Audi in Germany. Earlier this month, he outlined to the world at SEAT's online annual press conference exactly where the car firm is heading and how it plans to get there. Actress Ursula Andrews bought the first SEAT 133 when it went on sale in 1974 and became something of an ambassador for the model He's got a lengthy 'to do' list including returning SEAT to profitability in the wake of Covid and an aim to produce more than 500,000 electric cars per year. He said: 'Last year was tough. But I'm positive about 2021. This year will be a turning point. We have the best line-up ever and a lot of people are wanting to buy our cars.' He suspected there would be a post-Covid mini-boom: 'We're planning for that. I think the UK will be one of the quickest back because of the vaccinations, the confidence and optimism.' Before the pandemic, 2019 was a record-breaking year for SEAT. With 68,800 annual sales (up 9.5 per cent), the UK was SEAT's third largest market after Germany (132,500) and Spain (108,000). Take a SEAT: Current line-up The top-selling Ibiza (the best-selling SEAT of all time with more than 6 million sold globally) priced from 16,905 to 22,155, with a refreshed version from August. :: Fourth-generation Leon launched in 2020 priced from 20,405 to 37,740 comprising electrified (e-HYBRID), petrol and diesel models. Arona compact SUV from 19,215 to 25,880, with a refreshed version arriving in in summer. A face-lifted Ateca, the first SUV, launched last year and originally introduced in 2016 and priced from 24,110 to 35,805 Tarraco seven-seater SUV costing from 29,155 to 42,405, with an e-hybrid to join later this year. The single-spec Mii Electric from 20,300 Last year began with the launch of three new cars: the SEAT Leon, Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor all with plug-in hybrid options. A revamped SEAT Ibiza and Arona arrive this summer with electric models in the pipeline, including the new Tarraco plug-in hybrid. A major highlight this month, ahead of UK deliveries early next year, will be the first fully electric Cupra, called Born, which promises a 310-mile range, fast-charge to 161 miles in 30 minutes, and is expected to cost around 28,000 after deduction of the 2,500 plug-in car grant. Griffiths said: 'It opens up a new era.'It shows electric cars can be fun and sexy. Urban electric cars will make mobility accessible to the masses.' Top seller: A SEAT Leon. Before the pandemic, 2019 was a record-breaking year for SEAT. With 68,800 annual sales (up 9.5 per cent), the UK was SEAT's third largest market after Germany A SEAT Leon plug-in hybrid. The Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor are also available as plug-in hybrids A new Cupra Tavascan electric SUV is confirmed for 2024. Griffiths began working at Audi AG in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in 1989. In September 2016 he was appointed SEAT Vice-President for sales and marketing, as well as CEO of Cupra. Sales went up 40 per cent and SEAT became Europe's fasting growing car brand, resulting in Griffiths' appointment as president of SEAT and Cupra. SEAT was founded 71 years ago as a state-owned car-maker during the Franco dictatorship in Spain, with the first vehicles rolling off the production line in 1953. The SEAT Ateca - priced from 24,110 to 35,805 - is available with a frugal 1.0 litre engine Early cars including one driven by Bond girl Ursula Andress were rebadged or re-styled Fiats. The Spanish government sold SEAT in 1986 to Volkswagen Group. The first sporty SEAT Cupra derivative arrived in 1996. But in 2018, Cupra was launched as a stand-alone brand. Griffiths says the brand will play an important role in putting the firm back on financial track, with sales set to more than double. The first ground up Cupra is the Formentor. There are six trim levels and five engine variants offered and the range starts at 27,400 up to 42,240. Griffiths said: 'Seventy years ago we put this country on wheels. Our aim now is to put Spain on electric wheels.' Granny in Wales will be proud. Two out of three investors bear ethical issues in mind while the rest focus solely on financial returns, new research shows. The vast majority believe that investing responsibly will either create increased profit or make no difference to their returns, with just 15 per believing it will reduce potential gains, according to research by Close Brothers Asset Management. But investing jargon around 'environmental, social and governance' goals tends to baffle investors, with most admitting they have little to no understanding of the terms often bandied around by the finance industry. Responsible investing: Two out of three investors bear ethical issues in mind More people have piled into responsible investments over the past couple of years, and several large pension firms have signed up to carbon emission goals after research revealed most avers want their retirement pots invested to help combat climate change. Close Brothers asked investors which of five statements best reflected their approach to investing. How do you invest? Traditional - 35 per cent My only priority is to maximise my financial return Ethical - 32 per cent My priority is to maximise my financial return, but I would prefer to exclude unethical sectors/practices Sustainable - 22 per cent I want to maximise my financial return, and would like my investments to also consider social and environmental good to bring about positive change to society Impact - 8 per cent My priority is for my money to have a positive social or environmental impact, but I'd also like to make a financial return Philanthropic - 3 per cent My only priority is my money having a positive social or environmental impact (This is distinct from general philanthropists, who may donate generously to charity regardless of their investment goals.) The wealth manager surveyed 2,000 adults who currently hold a general investment account, a stocks and shares Isa, a self-invested or managed pension, or a share dealing account. Men were a bit more likely to consider themselves 'traditional' investors, with 40 per cent motivated solely by financial returns versus 31 per cent of women. Some 30 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said their only priority was to maximise their financial return, the lowest across all age groups. Half of people aged 55-plus identified most with this outlook, a much higher proportion than those in the middle age groups where between 35 and 39 per cent declared themselves traditional investors. Close Brothers found that many people are bewildered by the jargon used by the financial industry to describe responsible investing and its goals. While two in five people were sure they knew what responsible investing meant, the majority were baffled by acronyms like ESG and SRI. The latter simply means socially responsible investing, which more people would understand if spelt out instead of abbreviated. Source: Close Brothers Asset Management Close Brothers did not test people who said they grasped the jargon, to see if they really did know the correct meaning. However, even if some were overconfident about their knowledge, it is likely they would be offset by the people who were less confident but if pushed would reveal they knew more than they thought. Darren Saddler, head of investment business development at Close Brothers Asset Management, says: 'Significant numbers of UK investors prioritise responsible investing, but their understanding around it is very limited. 'This should be of concern to the industry as our findings point to a significant knowledge gap in a world where terminology is critically important.' What does responsible investing jargon mean? Close Brothers offers the following guide. Responsible investing Investors explicitly acknowledge the relevance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decisions, with the long-term return of an investment portfolio in mind. ESG Environmental, social and governance issues which are not traditionally part of financial analysis, yet have financial relevance and may be material for companies. Examples in each category are as follows. - Environmental: Climate change, resource depletion, waste, pollution, and deforestation - Social: Human rights, modern slavery, child labour, working conditions, employee relations How do you work out if companies are well run? Financial experts reveal the clues to follow here - Governance: Bribery and corruption, executive pay, board diversity and structure, political lobbying and donations, tax strategy Sustainable investing Seeking investments in companies contributing positively to the world, and incorporating ESG factors into decisions Impact investing Seeking to generate a measurable, positive social or environmental impact as well as a financial return. SRI This stands for socially responsible investing. It means investors consider both financial returns and social and environmental good to bring about positive change to society. These strategies often have specific ethical, ESG, and impact criteria, and may employ screening. Ethical screening The application of filters to lists of potential investments to rule companies in or out of contention for investment, based on an investors preferences, values or ethics. UN Sustainable Development Goals The UN has established 17 sustainable development goals, which are a call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. Progress on investment sustainability outcomes can be assessed against the UN SDGs. Greenwashing Conveying a false impression or providing misleading information or a misleading narrative about how a company and its products are environmentally sound or positive. Slowdown: Rolls-Royce is paid for the number of hours its jet engines fly Rolls-Royce is in talks with Boeing to build a new plane as it battles to survive the Covid crisis. The British engineering giant would provide the engines for a mid-sized aircraft Boeing is considering. Rolls is paid for the number of hours its jet engines fly meaning a large portion of its revenues were wiped out when the pandemic hit and global air travel ground to a halt. Working on the project would give Rolls an edge, as it currently only supplies engines for large aircraft. Rapid advances in technology mean that smaller planes can increasingly fly long-haul routes, meaning jumbo planes will be needed far less in the coming years. Rolls boss Warren East confirmed the talks yesterday as the firm said its engines spent 60 per cent less time in the air during the first four months of 2021 than in the same period of 2019, before the pandemic hit. East said: 'We faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 with events that were beyond our control.' Twenty-two women in Democratic Republic of Congo have raised allegations of sexual abuse by aid workers during an Ebola outbreak, a report said on Wednesday. They said they were sexually exploited or abused in acts that included alleged rape or led to unwanted pregnancies by men in the east of the country, The New Humanitarian (TNH) and the Thomson Reuters Foundation said. The men offered them jobs in exchange for sex, identifying themselves as working for major aid organisations. Three of the seven organisations named are UN agencies, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), which features in 14 of the claims. Health workers flooded into eastern DR Congo to help fight Ebola after the disease broke out in the region in August 2018 (file photo) The allegations centre on Butembo, a major trading city and an epicentre of the 2018-2020 outbreak of Ebola that claimed 2,200 lives. The investigators said: 'One woman said she was raped by a man who said he was with the WHO, and reporters learned of three others who said they had become pregnant. 'One of those women died after a botched abortion as she tried to conceal the pregnancy from her husband and children, her sister said.' The men offered them jobs in exchange for sex, identifying themselves as working for major aid organisations (file photo) The fight to roll back the Ebola epidemic, Democratic Republic of Congo's worst ever, has been tarred by allegations of sexual abuse by well-paid aid workers who flooded into the poor region. A probe last year by TNH, a news agency that covers humanitarian crises, gathered testimony from 51 women who said they had suffered sexual exploitation in Beni. The WHO, reacting to the latest accusations, said it had identified two women in Butembo as 'potentially having had sexually exploitative relationships with individuals' connected to the agency. That information will be shared with an independent investigative commission set up last October, it said. The allegations centre on Butembo, a major trading city and an epicentre of the 2018-2020 outbreak of Ebola that claimed 2,200 lives (file photo) Spokesman Marcia Poole said: '(The) WHO is committed to taking prompt and robust action, including collaborating with relevant national authorities on criminal proceedings, in all cases where WHO staff may be found guilty of perpetrating (sexual exploitation and abuse).' The new report said sexual predators also claimed to work for the UN's International Organization for Migration; the UN's children's fund, Unicef; the International Rescue Committee (IRC); International Medical Corps (IMC); the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA); and DRC's health ministry. Most of the aid workers allegedly involved were Congolese, the report said. A spokesman for the independent commission said the panel aimed to publish the results of its inquiry at the end of August. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party has withdrawn its backing for a Muslim candidate because she was pictured in a poster with her head covered. Sara Zemmahi, who is an engineer, was dragged into the latest argument about Muslim dress in France after her image was tweeted by Marine Le Pen's National Rally party. She was seen dressed in a white heard scarf as she stood smiling with colleagues on posters and pamphlets in Montpellier, where she is standing in regional elections in June. While France bans Muslim headscarves in classrooms, they aren't forbidden in the public space or on campaign posters. But Stanislas Guerini, the leader of Mr Macron's La Republique en Marche party, told radio station RTL Tuesday that the party wouldn't back Ms Zemmahi, one of four people in the poster. 'We consider that ostentatious religious signs don't have their place on posters, whatever the religion,' Guerini said. President Macron's close ally Aurore Berge, a leading En Marche MP for the Paris region, said: 'When you are a candidate for election you represent all the French, not just a community or your religious opinions.' President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party has withdrawn its backing for a Muslim candidate because she was pictured in a poster with her head covered. Sara Zemmahi (far left) was seen dressed in a white heard scarf as she stood smiling with colleagues on posters and pamphlets in Montpellier, where she is standing in regional elections in June Mahfoud Benali, the lead candidate on the list who one of two men pictured on the poster with Ms Zemmahi, said that he was 'frankly pained by the decision'. Ms Zemmahi was on a work trip and not immediately available to comment, Mr Benali said. The poster for the June 20 and 27 local elections shows Mr Benali, another man and two female candidates, including Ms Zemmahi, under the sign 'Different But United For You.' On the bottom, it notes the candidates stand for the 'presidential majority.' The decision to pull support from Ms Zemmah, which drew criticism from some members of Macron's own party, underscored the divisiveness of France's long-standing debate on headscarves, and secularism. In next year's presidential vote, Mr Macron could find himself in a repeat of the 2017 race, facing off against far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Stanislas Guerini, the leader of Mr Macron's La Republique en Marche party, told radio station RTL Tuesday that the party wouldn't back Ms Zemmahi, one of four people in the poster. Pictured: Mr Macron on Wednesday A tweet from Le Pen's deputy, Jordan Bardella, brought the poster into the public eye. He said above the image: 'That's the fight against separatism', a reference to Mr Macron's effort to tackle Islamic extremists. In a later tweet, Bardella said the Muslim headscarf is 'contrary to all our values' and said his National Rally party 'will forbid it in public.' He was clearly making a reference to an eventual victory of Le Pen in next years presidential race. A lawsuit has been filed against President Joe Biden's administration for prioritizing restaurants and bars owned by women and minorities in its COVID-19 relief package, arguing white men are being 'pushed to the back of the line' for aid for their eateries. The lawsuit, which names U.S. Small Business Association Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman as the defendant, was filed by a conservative legal outfit on behalf of Antonio Vitolo, the owner of Jake's Bar and Grill in Harriman, Tennessee. The suit comes after the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan Act established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund - which the SBA said 'would only process and fund priority group applications' from May 3 to May 24. Those 'priority groups' include businesses majority-owned by women, veterans, or those who are 'socially and economically disadvantaged' such as applicants 'who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias,' the SBA said. The lawsuit names U.S. Small Business Association Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman as the defendant The lawsuit was filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty on behalf of Antonio Vitolo, the owner of Jake's Bar and Grill in Harriman, Tennessee A marquee shows Jake's Bar and Grill in Harriman, Tennessee - for whom the lawsuit was filed Biden has previously said that female-owned and minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately hurt by the COVID-19 economic crisis. 'In March 2021, the United States pushed aside equality under the law by enacting a grant program that gives special treatment based on race and gender,' the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty wrote in the lawsuit. The suit added that the business was harmed in a number of ways. 'First, they have been pushed to the back of the line, regardless of when they applied, for a limited fund that may run out before their application is processed,' the lawsuit reads. 'Second, even if the fund does not run out, Plaintiffs are harmed by being treated differently because of their race and gender during the application process for a grant under the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program.' The lawsuit claims that the SBA 'adopted a firstcome, first-serve queue to process grant requests until the money runs out, but has then re-sorted applicants within the queue based on their race and gender.' The suit claims Vitolo immediately applied for aid May 3 when the SBA started accepting applications but doesn't qualify to receive aid yet because he's a white male. His wife is Hispanic and owns 50% of the restaurant, just shy of the 51% requirement to be considered a women-owned business. 'I do not want special treatment. I just want to be treated equally under the law. I am opposed to race and sex discrimination, and I would hope my government lived up to the same principle,' Vitolo said in a press release from the legal group. The group argues the gender and race distinctions are unconstitutional and is seeking an immediate halt to payouts under the program until the government starts processing them on a first-come, first-served basis. 'Given the limited pot of funds, this puts white male applicants at significant risk that, by the time their applications are processed, the money will be gone,' the lawsuit reads. The program relies on a definition of 'socially disadvantaged' that is limited to people 'subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities.' Groups presumed to be socially disadvantaged include: Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; Asian Pacific Americans; and Subcontinent Asian Americans. The lawsuit argued that the government 'pushed aside equality' and violated the Constitution Located in a strip mall, Jake's Bar and Grill menu also sells a number of coronavirus masks, with quippy names such as: 'Socialism Distancing' and a 'False Sense of Security' mask The Small Business Administration announced on Wednesday that women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners have already applied for $29 billion of funds through more than 147,000 applications. However, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund was established by the American Rescue Plan Act with just $28.6 billion. Payments totaling $2.7 billion have already been sent out to 21,000 restaurants, officials said. Beyond just the initial priority groups, the administration said it has received more than 266,000 applications total, representing more than $65 billion. Officials said the application portal will remain open because the administration still has potential money available for businesses with 2019 annual revenue of $50,000 or less. 'The numbers show that weve been particularly successful at reaching the smallest restaurants and underserved communities that have struggled to access relief,' said Guzman, the administrator, in a statement. The program extends to other similar types of businesses that meet a threshold for on-site eating and drinking, from bakeries to breweries. The U.S. Department of Justice and a Small Business Administration spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty similarly has spearheaded a lawsuit against the Biden administration on behalf of white Midwestern farmers over another portion of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, alleging last month that they can't participate in a COVID-19 loan forgiveness program because they're white. Under the Biden restaurant relief program, restaurants and bars can qualify for grants equal to their pandemic-related revenue losses, with a cap of $10 million per business and $5 million per location. The program has set aside $9.5 billion for the smallest restaurants and bars, and a third of the applications were filed by businesses with annual pre-pandemic revenues of less than $500,000. Located in a strip mall, Jake's Bar and Grill menu also sells a number of coronavirus masks, with quippy names such as: 'Socialism Distancing,' 'Defund the Media', 'Masks are a Door to 1984', 'Resist Tyranny' and a 'False Sense of Security' mask. Astonishing footage has showed the moment a hoodie-clad arsonist set fire to a passenger train before calmly leaving the carriage and wandering off down the platform. The video released by police on Thursday morning showed the man casually pouring accelerant from a plastic water bottle over three seats on the train in Laverton in Melbourne's south-west. He then appeared to bend down and use a lighter to set the seats on fire before walking out onto the platform as the flames flickered behind him. Police allege the man set fire to the train while it was stopped at Laverton station on March 16. He then boarded the next west-bound train to Werribee and got off two stops later at Williams Landing. 'The fire caused damage to the seat and floor of the train which had to be removed from service to be repaired,' Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson said. No one was injured during the incident. Footage has captured the astonishing moment an arsonist wearing a hoodie set fire to a Melbourne train Anyone who was near Laverton station about 11.10am on March 16 or anyone who may recognise the man is urged to come forward. Viewers watching video of the arson incident online hit out at the man's reckless behaviour. 'If anyone knows this guy, they should tell the police,' one wrote. Police have released a photo of the man they allege set fire to the train seats in March and called for a public appeal to track him down 'He is clearly unbalanced and needs help before he causes the loss of lives.' 'Public lashings of the cane for this grub,' another added. An 'eshay' is a term for urban teenagers with bad haircuts donning Nike TNs and slinging bumbags over one shoulder, who are known for prowling around with a generally menacing attitude. The rise of the eshay is said to be striking fear into middle-class parents worried their children want to emulate a dangerous sub-culture. Whatever the motive for urban teenagers with bad haircuts donning Nike TNs and slinging bumbags over their shoulders, they are apparently overtaking the suburbs An eshay is easily identifiable by the aforementioned TN trainers, worn with polo shirts, puffer jackets, tracksuit pants or baggy shorts and baseball caps. Favoured labels for the fashionable eshay include Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lacoste, paired with Nautica, Adidas, Under Armour and Ellesse. He should give the impression he is looking to score drugs or moments away from robbing an innocent passerby of their belongings. In January a young 'eshay' with a mullet threatened to bash an adult on a Melbourne train, before declaring that he 'owns Frankston'. A bystander filmed the boy, who appeared to be about 13 years old, attempting to intimidate - or 'staunch' the man (pictured) Some eshays scramble words and put 'ay' on the end in a form of pig Latin. 'Eetswa' means 'sweet' and 'chill' becomes 'illchay'. The term eshay is similar to the UK phrase 'chav' and can be interchangeable with 'lad', which in turn sometimes becomes 'adlay'. 'Eshay' may have started as 'eshay adlay' - pig Latin for 'he's lad' or be related to 'sesh', for a prolonged period of drug consumption. Thousands of Australians have beaten the border closures and travelled back and forth from overseas multiple times in the past year. Australian Border Force figures show 134,758 Australian citizens and permanent residents were granted exemptions to depart the country between March 20 last year, when the lockdowns began, and April 20 this year. Just over a quarter of them (37,456) were allowed to leave on compassionate or humanitarian grounds. New figures reveal almost 140,000 Aussie citizens and permanent residents were allowed to leave the country between March 20 last year and April 20 this year. Pictured, travellers at Sydney Airport More than 10 per cent (almost 14,000) who were given permission to fly out returned and then departed again on more than one occasion, with some leaving five times, the Herald Sun reported. The ABF said the 13,762 Australians who left more than once in the past 12 months included those who had 'legitimate reasons to undertake multiple trips, many of whom don't take quarantine places from returning Australians'. They included members of the Australian Defence Force, medical workers, airline crew, and those who travelled to and from New Zealand after the travel bubble started on April 19. The national security committee will meet on Thursday to look at tightening the exemption criteria, as other countries open up international travel. 'I'm concerned about these figures, which is why I've directed the Australian Border Force to provide me with advice on how outbound travel exemptions can be tightened,' Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said. Shadow home affairs minister Kristina Keneally said the government gave out 'far more travel exemptions than there are seats on planes or quarantine places in Australia'. Australia shut its international borders at 9pm AEDT on March 20 last year, with only citizens and permanent residents allowed to enter, with the exception of the New Zealand travel bubble that came 13 months later. Australia shut its borders on March 20 last year, with only citizens and permanent residents allowed to enter, with the exception of the travel bubble arrangement with New Zealand which started on April 19 this year. Pictured, travellers arriving in Sydney this month Australians returning from overseas must undertake two weeks of mandatory hotel quarantine on return. Pictured, a returned traveller entering quarantine in Melbourne last month The government is not anticipating reopening the borders, beyond the NZ travel bubble and perhaps a few more to come, until mid-2022. Australians who have been in India in the past 14 days are banned entirely from entering until Saturday. The government came under fire when it was revealed a man who sparked a snap three-day lockdown in Perth after testing positive to Covid was granted permission to fly to India to get married before returning to Australia four months later. Comedian Adam Hills last month defended being allowed to travel back and forth between Australia and London on multiple occasions. 'I can see how it looks as if I'm just flitting in and out,' he told The Age. 'I kind of want to explain to people that look, just before Covid hit, we decided my wife and kids were going to move to Melbourne and I was going to stay in London and try and go back and forth. 'And unfortunately, this thing has meant I had to choose between either feeding my family or seeing them. I tried to do both as best I can.' Australia's neighbouring countries are suffering an explosion of coronavirus cases with Asia and the Pacific recording 5.9 million new infections in just two weeks. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been pushed to the brink of collapse to deal with the sudden surge in cases. Out of the ten countries around the world doubling their case numbers, seven are in Asia and the Pacific, according to the International Federation of Red Cross. The startling figures have prompted fears the virus could easily slip into Australia amid a slow rollout of the vaccine. An explosion of coronavirus cases has been seen in Australia's neighbours with Asia and the Pacific recording 5.9million new infections in just two weeks (pictured a Covid-19 patient in India) Alexander Matheou, the Asia Pacific Director of the IFRC made a desperate call out for supplies to be given to those countries gripped by the devastating crisis. 'COVID-19 is exploding across much of Asia, overwhelming hospitals and healthcare. More people have been diagnosed with the disease in Asia over the past two weeks than in the Americas, Europe, and Africa combined,' he said. 'Right now, we need global solidarity for regional support with more medical equipment, support for prevention and urgent access to vaccines.' Laos in southeast Asia took just 12 days for its infection rates to double while in India Covid-19 cases have soared to more than 23 million. Back in March a record number of Covid-19 cases from Papua New Guinea were detected in Queensland hotel quarantine. Six infections were recorded in one day, prompting the Australian government to ship over specialists and healthcare workers to the country. Healthcare workers are seen rushing a coronavirus patient into intensive care in India Flights from PNG into Cairns were earlier suspended as the country battled the virus, with Australia sending over some of its vaccine stocks. Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly previously said he was 'very concerned about the situation in Papua New Guinea' and the government was keeping a close eye on its neighbour. While vaccinations rollouts have began in Asia, they've been hindered by shortages and costly logistics, Mr Matheou says. 'We must remember that behind these staggering numbers are people who are struggling to breathe, desperate for help and scared they will never see their loved ones again,' he said. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been pushed to the brink of collapse to deal with the sudden surge in cases (pictured healthcare worker with patient in India) 'Frontline workers are risking their lives and doing an incredible job despite being under-resourced and exhausted, but they cannot manage this crisis alone. 'Millions of dedicated Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to fill gaps, providing ambulance services, clinics, vaccines and other relief in all corners of every country in Asia and the Pacific.' He begged for 'greater global cooperation' so that these regions can be given vaccines, funds and medical equipment to combat the virus' spread. 'We're only safe when everyone is safe,' he said. Amid the countries doing it tough is the Maldives which saw a sudden increase with 1,572 cases on Wednesday. The International Federation of Red Cross have put an urgent call out for supplies to be sent to Asian countries battling the pandemic (pictured in Indonesia) Meanwhile, India's coronavirus deaths crossed 250,000 on Wednesday in the deadliest 24 hours since the pandemic began, as the disease rampages through the countryside, overloading a fragile rural healthcare system. Deaths swelled by a record 4,205 while infections rose 348,421 in the 24 hours to Wednesday, carrying the tally past 23 million. Lacking beds, drugs and medical oxygen, hospitals have been forced to turn away droves of sufferers. Many victims die without a doctor on hand to issue a death certificate, and even when a doctor is available, COVID-19 is not specified as the cause of death unless the deceased was tested for the disease, which few have been. Australia's controversial travel ban on residents returning home from India is set to be lifted on Saturday. Coles, Kmart and Woolworths have locked up their aerosol products to stop children as young as seven sniffing them to get high in an Outback town. Mount Isa, a mining town in the desert of western Queensland, has persistent problems with substance abuse, and is known as Australia's most poisonous town. Youth workers pleaded with retailers to move the products from shelves into locked cabinets as so many kids inhale the toxic chemicals. Mount Isa Youth Hub has approached retailers asking them to remove aerosol spray cans, such as deodorants and paints from shelves, as the town tries to reduce the incidence of volatile substance misuse by children Chroming has forced retailers to remove deodorant cans from sale across Queensland. In this photo kids are spotted chroming by a concerned mum outside Helensvale Westfield. Children as young as seven are understood to be addicted to the high they get from fumes of deodorant cans, paint tins, peroxides, and hair dyes. Also known as chroming or huffing, it is usually practiced by teenagers and even younger children as a cheaper way to get high than illicit drugs. It is not illegal but can be extremely damaging, causing dangerous confusion and disorientation because it deprives the brain and body of oxygen. Prolonged use can lead to heart problems, hypoxic brain damage, and even death from cardiac arrest, freezing of the larynx or a fluid build-up in the lungs. Woolworths, Coles and other major retailers complied with the request, but some smaller retailers are still stocking the products on shelves. The highs and woes of Mount Isa - the district is a mining powerhouse but the town centre has been plagued by youth crime for years Mount Isa was known as the 'Oasis of the Outback' but one of the issues upsetting locals is chroming and substance abuse by local children Adam Kuzmanovic, manager of the Youth Hub, run by Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services, told the ABC there were at least 20 'high risk' children using the service who were known to be chronic chromers. North West Hospital and Health Service confirmed there were 10 presentations for VSM and other drug poisoning in 2020, but there were already 11 this year. Melissa, store manager in the Guardian Pharmacy in West Street, told Daily Mail Australia 'any spray can needs to be behind the counter'. Sam, acting store manager at Autopro in Mount Isa said the store has to put all its spray cans away from the public to stop young children stealing them for sniffing. 'All of our aerosols including spray paints are in the back room for that reason,' she said. Sam, who said she grew up in Mount Isa, said chroming was openly practiced and it was 'heartbreaking' to see. Mining powerhouse Mt Isa is regarded by some health campaigners the most poisonous city in Australia, and many of its children are making the situation worse by poisoning themselves 'The youngest I've seen is about seven, which is the same age as my daughter. They don't hide it either, they do it right in front of you because they know nothing will happen,' she said. The town has previously seen major problems with petrol sniffing. 'I grew up here and I have spent my life here and I've seen them sniffing everything from petrol to paint, to spray paint to anything in a spray can,' Sam said. 'They even sniff the air spray can you use you clean your computer keyboard because they think they can get high off it. 'This needs to be brought back to the families - it's the responsibilities of their parents and they should be held accountable. 'If my daughter was out there spray painting walls and sniffing paint I'd kick her ass, but she's not.' Woolworths Queensland general manager Chris Peters told Daily Mail Australia deodorant was being removed from shelves in Mt Isa but also in other towns in the Sunshine State. 'We take product misuse really seriously and want to make sure we are playing our part in the community,' he said. Coles said the issue was 'an extremely sensitive topic' and it voluntarily took steps to make the products that could be misused less accessible. While Mount Isa remains an important mining town its population has been in decline for years This included placing behind the service desk or including restricting access by placing behind the service desk or in a locked cabinet. '[It was done] on a store-by-store basis where we've identified a concern or based on advice from Police, government agencies or community groups,' Coles said. A Kmart spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that after discussions with locals 'on ways to support the health and well being of local youth', staff at the Mount Isa store has locked up 'select products' in the store. Children under 10 cannot be charged with a crime in Queensland and there is a campaign to raise that age to 12. Social workers and youth campaigners argue making substance abuse such as chroming a legal issue could make matters worse for the families concerned by removing children's only support networks. Mr Kuzmanovic added when the deodorants were not available the children were smoking marijuana. 'If we can just remove one thing and then work on another thing, eventually there should be nothing left,' he said. In 2019, almost 100 Queensland children, many of them aged below 15, were admitted to hospital as a result of 'huffing' aerosols in the past year, according to state Health Minister Steven Miles. Daily Mail Australia also contacted Queensland Health and Kmart for comment. Advertisement England's lockdown-easing plans were left hanging in the balance today as a Government minister suggested the final step in the roadmap could be delayed due to fears about the Indian Covid variant. Foreign Office minister James Cleverly claimed officials were waiting on the assessments of No10's top scientific advisers before deciding if longer restrictions are needed. SAGE will today convene an emergency meeting to analyse the latest evidence on the Indian B.1.617.2 variant from the UK and around the world. One expert on the panel told The i newspaper that a delay to the June 21 unlocking 'is possible'. Public Health England is expected to announce today that domestic cases of the Indian variant have more than tripled in a week, with the figure expected to be in the region of 1,700. The Government was criticised for being 'weeks too late' with enforcing its travel ban on India, which only came into force in late April despite officials knowing about the variant for weeks. The move allowed thousands of travellers from coronavirus-stricken India to pour into the UK. Studies suggest the variant first detected in Britain in February may be 60 per cent more transmissible than the highly infectious Kent version (B.1.1.7) that triggered the UK's raging second wave. But experts have no reason to believe it evades vaccines and reports from India suggest it still protects against severe illness. Surveillance data shows it is already dominant in Bolton and Blackburn, where infections have doubled in the last seven days. Testing figures also show it is behind half of all Covid infections in Bedford, South Northamptonshire and Sefton in Merseyside. Cases are also increasing in London. While only pockets of the country are being impacted at present, scientists have warned against tiered localised lockdowns and said the variant should be viewed as a national problem. Professor James Naismith, a biologist at Oxford University, claimed the strain will eventually 'get everywhere' as the Kent variant did when it emerged in the South East last autumn. He told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'I think we should view it as a country-wide problem. It will get everywhere. 'We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. When we tried locally having different restrictions in different regions that didn't really make any difference. So I don't think thinking about a localised strategy for containment will really work.' Striking a more optimistic tone, No10 adviser Professor Steven Riley, from Imperial College London, told Times Radio there was a need to keep an eye on variants but suggested the UK was currently in a good place. It comes as Downing Street sources played down the possibility of a delay to the lockdown roadmap and insisted the schedule was still on track. Restrictions will be eased in England on Monday to allow pubs, restaurants and bars to serve customers indoors again. But Environment Secretary George Eustice refused to rule out local lockdowns from next month when the national restrictions are expected to end, adding that officials were 'closely monitoring' several outbreaks that had cropped up in recent weeks. An emergency meeting will be held by experts at the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies committee today after it was found that India's Covid variant is now dominant in five local authorities in England. There are mounting concerns that it is more infectious than the currently dominant Kent strain How Bolton's rising infection rate has been triggered by the Indian variant: Public Health England data shows the strain is making up almost 70 per cent of new cases in the Greater Manchester town after its prevalence doubled a month Professor James Naismith (left), a structural biologist at Oxford University, claimed the strain will eventually 'get everywhere' as the Kent variant did when it emerged in the South East last autumn. Striking a more optimistic tone, SAGE adviser Professor Steven Riley (right), from Imperial College London, told Times Radio there was a need to keep an eye on variants but suggested the UK was currently in a good place Public Health England has divided the Indian variant into three sub-types. Type 1 and Type 3 both have a mutation called E484Q but Type 2 is missing this, despite still clearly being a descendant of the original Indian strain. Type 1 and 3 have a slightly different set of mutations. The graphic shows all the different variants that have been spotted in Britain Surveillance data shows it is already dominant in Bolton and Blackburn, where infections have doubled in the last seven days. Pictured, a sign urging people to get tested in Bolton town centre People line up outside a mobile vaccination centre in Bolton, where coronavirus cases have almost doubled in a week Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, whose family originate from India revealed that her father died from Covid last year. She said: 'I'm worried sick about this news of the Indian variant being in Bolton' In other coronavirus developments today: More than nine out of 10 over-65s in England now have signs of Covid immunity for the first time, an official survey has revealed; The decision to delay second Covid vaccine doses in the UK saved thousands of lives, more research has found, and scientists say the strategy would reduce death rates even in countries with slow rollouts; Sources have said that face coverings in shops, social distancing and working from home will all be scrapped on June 21 and wedding limits could be lifted too; Covid cases are at the lowest level since August and just one in 2,000 over-55s now have the virus, a major study Government-backed study has revealed; Mixing and matching Covid vaccines could lead to more side effects, according to a University of Oxford study which found people jabbed with AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs were more likely to report symptoms like fever, chills or headaches; AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE INDIAN VARIANTS? Real name: B.1.617 now divided into B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 When and where was it discovered? The variant was first reported by the Indian government in February 2021 but the first cases appear to date back to October 2020. Its presence in the UK was first announced by Public Health England on April 15. There have since been at least 520 cases spotted in genetic lab testing. What mutations does it have? It has at least 13 mutations that separate it from the original Covid virus that emerged in China. The two main ones are named E484Q and L452R, although the most common version in Britain (.2) does not have E484Q. Scientists suspect L425R can help it to transmit faster and E484Q helps it get past immune cells made in response to older variants. There is also a mutation called T478K but researchers don't yet know what it does. Is it more infectious and can it evade vaccines? Research is ongoing but British scientists currently believe it spreads at least as fast as the Kent variant and potentially faster, but it is unlikely to slip past vaccine immunity. SAGE advisers said in a meeting last week: 'Early indications, including from international experience, are that this variant may be more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 [Kent] variant.' Dr Susan Hopkins, a boss at Public Health England, said: 'We are monitoring all of these variants extremely closely and have taken the decision to classify this as a variant of concern because the indications are that this is a more transmissible variant.' Expectations are that the current Covid vaccines will still protect people against the Indian variants. Early research by the Gupta Lab at Cambridge University found there was a small reduction in vaccine effectiveness on the original Indian variant, but it found the jabs worked better against it than they did on the South African strain. The team have not yet tested the .2 strain, which is the most common in the UK. A paper published by SAGE advisers recently suggested two doses of the Pfizer vaccine is good enough to protect against all known variants, and it is likely the others will provide very strong defence against severe illness, even if there is a risk of reinfection. Professor Sharon Peacock, of PHE, claimed there was 'limited' evidence of E484Q's effect on immunity and vaccines. How deadly is it? Professor Peacock said: 'There isn't any evidence that this causes more severe disease. There's just not enough data at the moment.' Scientists say it is unlikely that the variant will be significantly more dangerous than the Kent strain. This is because there is no evolutionary benefit to Covid becoming more deadly. The virus's sole goal is to spread as much as it can, so it needs people to be alive and mix with others for as long as possible to achieve this. Although there have been claims that the Kent variant is more deadly than the virus it replaced the Government claimed it was around 30 per cent there is still no conclusive evidence to show any one version of Covid is worse than another. Is the variant affecting children and young adults more seriously? Doctors in India claim there has been a sudden spike in Covid hospital admissions among people under 45, who have traditionally been less vulnerable to the disease. There have been anecdotal reports from medics that young people make up two third of new patients in Delhi. In Bangalore, under-40s made up 58 percent of infections in early April, up from 46 percent last year. But this could be completely circumstantial older people are more likely to shield themselves or to have been vaccinated and there is still no proof younger people are more badly affected by the new strain. The risk of children getting ill with Covid is still almost non-existent. Why is it a 'variant of concern' and should we be worried? Public Health England listed the variant as 'of concern' because cases are growing rapidly and it appears to be equally infectious or potentially even more than other strains in Britain. Last time a faster-spreading variant was discovered it caused chaos because the outbreak exploded and hospitals came close to breaking point in January, with almost 50,000 people dying in the second wave. But there is currently no reason to be alarmed. Scientists believe our current vaccines will still work against the variant, preventing people from getting seriously ill or dying in huge numbers. If it spreads faster than Kent it could make it harder to contain and make the third wave bigger, increasing the number of hospital admissions and deaths among people who don't get vaccinated or for whom vaccines don't work, but the jabs should take the edge off for the majority of people. A vaccine that can make vaccinated people very sick en masse would be a real crisis for Britain and could 'cause even greater suffering than we endured in January', Boris Johnson warned today but there are not yet any signs the Indian variant will be the one to do this. How many cases have been detected in the UK? According to data by PHE released on Friday, there are, at present, 520 confirmed cases of the B.1.617.2 variant in the UK, from 202 over the last week. The report also showed 261 cases of B.1.617.1 and nine cases of B.1.617.3. The cases are spread across the country, with the majority in two areas the North West, mainly in Bolton, and London. PHE said around half of these cases are related to travel or contact with someone who has been abroad. Surge testing is expected to be deployed where there is evidence of community transmission. Is B.1.617.2 variant driving the second wave in India? India reported 412,262 new Covid-19 cases and 3,980 Covid-19-related deaths on Thursday both new single-day records. In the past 30 days, the country has recorded 8.3million cases. However, it remains unclear whether the new coronavirus variants are driving the second wave. Experts say large gatherings, and lack of preventive measures such as mask-wearing or social distancing, are playing a key role in the spread of the virus. Although India has the world's biggest vaccine making capacity, the country has partially or fully immunised less than 10 per cent of its 1.35billion people. Advertisement Asked if the Indian Covid variant could 'frustrate' the vaccine programme, Professor Naismith said not enough was known to say for sure. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The vaccines don't 100 per cent prevent infection for people. What they do, is they almost 100 per cent prevent hospitalisation and serious illness. 'We don't know enough to know yet whether the Indian strain will behave differently than that. 'So even the regular virus can infect people who have been vaccinated and sometimes you do get reinfection. And the very, very large number of cases in India mean things that are rare will be detected.' It came after the environment secretary yesterday said the Government 'can't rule anything out' when it comes to localised lockdowns and trying to get on top of the Indian variant. He told Sky News: 'We want to try and avoid having to get into a tiered system and regionalisation, we tried that last autumn and in the end we had to go for full lockdown. 'But there is always a risk and the greatest risk we have is a new variant that will come in that the vaccine is less effective against it.' Quizzed about the lockdown-easing timetable, SAGE's Professor Riley told Times Radio it would be a political decision but suggested the vaccines would prevent rising infections turning into a wave of hospitalisations. He added: 'Whether the restrictions run on a timetable is a Government decision and it's just not useful to try and speculate what they will do. 'I think there's two key things that have got to be kind of evaluated: if infections go up, how quickly will they go up but then after that, are they linked to the hospitalisations? 'The top-line Government policy is driven by protecting the NHS, so even if infection starts to go up, we then need to assess whether that's bringing a lot of new cases into hospitals, and there's certainly no sign of that at the moment.' Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for over-16s in Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester area to be offered Covid vaccines earlier to quell the rise in cases of the Indian variant in Bolton. Residents there today expressed fears to MailOnline that the rise of the strain could jeopardise the easing of the lockdown and prevent normal life from returning. Businessman Dalawar Majeed, 42, who visited India earlier this year, before it was placed on the red list said: 'It's been a disastrous year financially and just when I was hoping that things would improve, we've now been hit with this Indian variant. 'I was in India visiting family in January at the situation was not that bad out there. There are many people in this town with ties to the country and regularly travel there and have obviously brought this strain back.' Frank Sullivan, 56 said: 'I was really looking forward to sitting inside a pub and having a pint. The concern now is that given the Indian variant, that might not happen. 'The Government have already said that they might introduce local lockdowns so if things continue as they are, Bolton might be one of those places. It's a big worry for us all.' Concerns over the spread of the variant have further increased as three-day Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims across the world. Bolton has a large Muslim population, many of them originating from India. Shah Ahmed, a member of a local mosque said: 'The mosques have been making announcements telling people not to visit each other's homes, hug and to maintain social distancing. 'But that is going to be very hard to implement. Eid is a festival that brings families and friends together, people have had a very had year and they are going to want to celebrate in the way they traditionally do.' Surge testing has been rolled out in Bolton and nearby Blackburn with Darwen where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. Trevor Lee, 55 was waiting for his wife Caroline, 49 outside a vaccination centre. He said: 'There seem to be so many variants floating around I just can't keep up with it. To be honest, I've stopped following the news because it just gets me too worried. I'm going to carry on as normal and continued taking all the precautions.' Caroline added: 'I've just had my vaccine and I'm going to make sure that I get tested regularly because this Indian variant is very worrying for all of us. I just don't think we're ever going to see the back of this coronavirus problem.' Ray Cumberstone, 42 said: 'We should all be worried because we don't know how quickly this strain can spread. 'The good thing is that the authorities have picked up on this quite quickly so I'm praying that they will be able to control it before things get out of hand.' Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, whose family originate from India revealed that her father died from Covid last year. She said: 'I'm worried sick about this news of the Indian variant being in Bolton. I family used to travel back and forth from India quite a lot, but we've stopped doing that since the pandemic started last year. 'Cases in Bolton have been spiking and that could have an impact on the lifting of the lockdown. The other problem is that I know of a lot of people in the Asian community who haven't got vaccinated. My family is not like that and we are taking all the precautions that we can. 'But if people in the community are not protected and this variant spreads further then it will be a big problem for all of us.' Gillian Callaghan, 56 said: 'I have had both vaccines, but it seems that with this Indian variant that might not be enough. Both my husband and I get tested regularly and we're going to continue with that, even though we've both had the jabs.' Her daughter Amy, 28 added: 'We were hoping to go on a family holiday to Scotland at the end of August. My fear is that if this variant gets out of control then they might lock Bolton down and that would be a disaster for us all.' Nicola Sturgeon tweeted last night that officials were 'monitoring very closely' the Indian variant's spread in Glasgow after cases rose above 50 per 100,000 - Scotland's threshold for easing restrictions. Infections have doubled since the end of April. Yesterday it was revealed that India's Covid variant is now dominant in four local authorities in England and its rapid spread could jeopardise plans to ease lockdown. Analysis by one of the UK's biggest variant trackers warned the strain is focused in hotspots Bolton and neighbour Blackburn with Darwen, where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. While Mr Eustice refused to rule out local lockdowns from next month, the Prime Minister stayed optimistic about ending lockdown, saying he expected to scrap advice for people to work from home in June and adding that he anticipated town and city centres to be 'full of bustle again' soon. However he also warned that the Indian strain was 'of increasing concern here in the UK' and could 'pose a potential lethal danger'. He said: 'The end of lockdown is not the end of the pandemic. 'The persistent threat of new variants, should these prove highly transmissible and elude the protection of vaccines, would have the potential to cause greater suffering than we had in January.' It came as the UK yesterday confirmed another 2,284 positive tests, up seven per cent on last Wednesday's figure, along with 11 more deaths. Another 485,260 vaccines were given out yesterday, of which 350,000 were second doses. Early lab trials suggest the current vaccines will still protect against the Indian variants but there are concerns that a faster rate of spread could lead to a bigger outbreak, giving more opportunities for people to get reinfected. AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. And Pfizer said in a report there was 'no evidence' its shot would need to be updated to fight off the current variants. Data shows that seven out of England's 10 Covid hotspots are in the North of England with three in the Midlands (Erewash, Bedford and North Lincolnshire), while the places where positive tests are rising fastest are scattered across the country. There are not yet conclusive links to the variant. There are three Indian variants but only B.1.617.2 has sparked major concerns because cases have doubled in the past week, with 520 officially spotted since the first positive sample was detected in late February. It now makes up six per cent of cases nationally, a leap from fewer than one per cent last month. Some scientists have criticised Boris Johnson's plan to push on with lockdown easing on Monday, warning the rising cases and spread of the Indian variant suggest he should 'absolutely' hit the pause button until further research is carried out on its impact on the jab. Data show that seven out of England's 10 Covid hotspots (inset) are in the North of England with three in the Midlands (Erewash, Bedford and North Lincolnshire), while the places where positive tests are rising fastest are scattered across the country Sources at Downing Street played down the possibility of a delay to the Government's lockdown roadmap and insisted Boris Johnson's roadmap would go ahead. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham called for over-16s in Bolton and wider Greater Manchester area to be offered Covid vaccines earlier as the Indian variant continues to rise Cases in Bolton have begun to rise in recent days as the variant takes hold in the area Blackburn with Darwen is also seeing virus cases beginning to tick up, reversing a four-month long trend of plummeting infections Bedford, where the variant may make up more than 70 per cent of cases, is also seeing a rise South Northamptonshire is starting to see its Covid cases rise, official data shows Proof vaccines still work against the Indian variant? 33 fully inoculated care home staff test positive in Delhi but NONE get severely ill AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. There are concerns the Indian variants, which have started spreading in the UK, could make jabs less effective and risk vaccinated people getting sick anyway. But in a case of 33 care home workers getting infected after vaccination in Delhi, India, none became seriously ill with the virus, the Financial Times reports. In the UK's second wave around one in 13 people who tested positive for the virus ended up in hospital, suggesting at least two of the 33 might have done so. Although the figure suggests the vaccine may struggle to prevent infection, it also hints that it will stop serious Covid and death, providing massive insurance against future outbreaks. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson today admitted the Indian variant spreading in Britain, known as B1617.2, is 'of increasing concern' as data showed it is already dominant in at least four parts of the country Bolton, Blackburn, Bedford and South Northamptonshire, with cases also surging in London. Pfizer said it believes its jab will work against the strain and SAGE advisers think it will protect against all known variants but real-world data is lacking. More than 36million people in the UK have had at least one dose of a vaccine and 18.4m are totally vaccinated. Most of the remaining lockdown rules are set to end next week. Reports of people getting infected in India after vaccination have worried some corners because it suggests the strain can slip past immunity. But experts say this is likely just a result of the sheer size of the outbreak. Vaccines are known to fail for a small proportion of people and, the more people getting exposed to the virus, the more people this small proportion will be equal to. For example if 1,000 vaccinated people came into contact with the coronavirus and the vaccine's failure rate was one per cent, you would expect 100 cases. But if a million vaccinated people encountered the virus with the same failure rate there would be 10,000 cases but the vaccine isn't performing any worse. In reality the jabs are thought only to prevent 60-85 per cent of infections but more than nine out of 10 deaths. Advertisement Sanger Institute figures on the variants aim to exclude cases from international travellers and surge testing, revealing how troublesome variants spread in the community. For this reason their data do not include every case of the Indian variant identified. It is also impossible to sequence a strain from every swab because some contain too few virus particles. Bolton had the most cases of the Indian variant in England over the week to April 24, their data showed. There were 47 samples spotted (55 per cent of all cases in that area). It was followed by neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen, with lab sequencing spotting 19 genetic matches (55.7 per cent). Ten were also found in Bedford over the same period (53.8 per cent) and five in South Northamptonshire (76.9 per cent). But University College London mathematician Professor Christina Pagel cited other Sanger Institute data suggesting the strain may already be responsible for more than 65 per cent of cases in the hotspots. She found 75 per cent of those in the community in Blackburn with Darwen were down to the variant, and as many as 73 per cent in Bedford and 69 per cent in Bolton. Department of Health data shows Covid cases were ticking upwards in all three areas in the week to May 9, a reversal on a four-month trend of plummeting infections. Surge testing was only launched in Bolton four days ago, but officials say it will take about a week before it shows up in the statistics. Bolton has registered 707 new Covid cases over the two weeks since April 24, which means the true number of cases of the Indian variant spotted there could be in the region of 400. Cases jumped by 93 per cent in the space of a week. There were 241 Covid cases in Bolton over the week to May 1, and 466 in the week to May 8, a surge of 93 per cent. And Blackburn with Darwen had 229 infections over the same time period, indicating they may have more than 130 cases of the strain. This was a jump of 86 per cent. When official data was broken down to a more granular level it showed that five of the ten worst-hit neighbourhoods in the country were in Bolton. This is despite more than 50 per cent of people in the same postcode areas having already been vaccinated. Dr Gabriel Scally, an epidemiologist at Bristol University and Independent SAGE member, warned the Indian variant becoming dominant in some areas was a cause for concern. 'Its coming to dominance in the local area shows it has the potential to out-compete other strains of the virus,' he told MailOnline. 'It also reminds us that when lockdown ended last summer, we now know that there were several local authorities which still had high levels of virus infections. They formed the nucleus of the resurgence of the virus at the end of the summer. 'We are in difficulty if it becomes ingrained in some local authorities, particularly if those share characteristics such as a high level of deprivation, overcrowding, BAME, because we know that all those factors are associated with transmission of the virus.' This map shows the spread of the Indian variant across the UK. It is focused in key hotspots, and around Greater London Public Health England data show how infection rates have been rising for the past fortnight in some areas of the North West and central England More than 92% of over-65s now have signs of Covid immunity, official data shows More than nine out of 10 over-65s in England now have signs of Covid immunity for the first time, an official survey has revealed. Antibody testing on random members of the population shows that protection against coronavirus is now more widespread than ever as the UK's huge vaccine rollout today extended to people in their 30s. An Office for National Statistics report shows that 92.3 per cent of people aged 65 or older would now test positive for antibodies, which are virus-fighting proteins developed after a Covid illness or a vaccine. These figures from April 19 mark the first time the figure has risen above 90 per cent as the country has spent the past month focusing on getting second jabs to older people 12 weeks after their first doses were given out. Vaccines now look so effective that SAGE has suggested the next 'wave' of infections, expected to start from next week when most remaining lockdown rules are lifted, could be 'very small' if people keep social distancing. The ONS data show that 69.3 per cent of adults in England had antibodies by April 19 up slightly from 68.3 per cent on April 11 along with 61 per cent in Wales, 62.5 per cent in Northern Ireland and 58 per cent in Scotland. The report suggests 73 per cent of adults in England have had at least one vaccine dose while 27 per cent have been fully vaccinated. Government figures show 35.7million first doses have been given out and 18.4m boosters. 'Across all four countries of the UK, there is a clear pattern between vaccination and testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies,' the ONS said. 'But the detection of antibodies alone is not a precise measure of the immunity protection given by vaccination.' Advertisement He criticised the Prime Minister's decision to push on with stage three of lockdown easing, which will allow pubs and restaurants to serve indoors again. 'There is some concern the fourth test seems to be being set aside at the moment,' he said. Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, warned the Indian variant was 'really taking off' at present and may be sparking the rise in cases nationally. He said: 'In the last seven days there have been 15,895 cases reported which is a 12 per cent increase on the previous seven-day period. This represents the largest week-on-week increase since early January. 'Looking at public data from the COG-UK website, which suggest an increasing proportion of the cases they sequence are the Indian variant B.1.617.2, this may suggest the increase in infections may be due to the spread of this variant. 'As discussed at the Downing Street press briefing on Monday, this variant has been increasing rapidly in recent weeks. 'There has been a lot of debate about when and if a further wave of infection will happen in the UK. The reports today suggest that this wave may have already begun. 'That hospitalisations have yet to increase would be consistent with the view that the vaccine is still effective at reducing the risk of severe disease and gives hope that this new wave, if it indeed continues, will be less damaging to the NHS.' And Professor Pagel warned that the situation was 'not looking good at all' with the Indian variant. She tweeted: 'In England, within two weeks to May 1, B.1.617.2 went from one to 11 per cent of cases. A massive increase. She added that the roadmap should 'absolutely' be slowed until 'we either know for sure it's not more transmissible or vaccine resistant, or we've stamped out the outbreaks or we've got further in the vaccine programme'. Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister stressed the need for caution and vigilance as lockdown was eased, adding that the end of restrictions was not the end of the pandemic. 'The World Health Organization has said that the pandemic has now reached its global peak and will last throughout this year,' he said. 'Our own scientific advisers judge that although more positive data is coming in and the outlook is improving, there could still be another resurgence in hospitalisations and deaths. ONS figures show that the proportion of people testing positive for coronavirus antibodies increases with age, with an average of 92.3 per cent of over-65s showing signs of immunity. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Charts show how the high levels of antibodies seen in the UK's oldest populations are being caught up by younger people as the vaccine rollout extends to lower age groups. 'We also face the persistent threat of new variants and should these prove highly transmissible and elude the protection of our vaccines, they would have the potential to cause even greater suffering than we endured in January.' Mr Johnson confirmed on Monday that England would be steaming ahead with easing further restrictions on May 17, in a positive sign that No10 does not consider the Indian variant to be a significant concern. The irreversible roadmap has four tests that must be met before moving to each stage, including that the risks are not 'fundamentally changed' by variants and that cases are not rising in a way that risks more hospitalisations and deaths due to the virus. From May 17 current plans will see restaurants, pubs and bars again allowed to serve customers indoors, foreign holidays permitted, and Britons allowed to have visitors indoors for the first time since last year. Scotland has already slammed the brakes onto plans to ease restrictions in Moray when the rest of the nation takes a further step to freedom on Monday because of a growing outbreak but this is not thought to be down to the Indian variant. An 'escape tunnel' discovered at a West Australian immigration detention centre reminiscent of The Shawshank Redemption was actually just a partially dug hole, authorities insist. Refugee advocates claimed the tunnel, found at the Yongah Hill Detention Centre northeast of Perth about 10am on Monday, was 20m long and 3m high. They estimated the escape route to have cleared two inner fences and stretched to within 5m of the perimeter barrier, the Refugee Action Coalition said on Tuesday. An 'escape tunnel' was discovered at Yongah Hill Detention Centre (pictured) about 10am on Monday A refugee advocacy group said the tunnel under a cell was 20m long and had took the inmate months to construct, similar to the plot of The Shawshank Redemption (pictured) The caper was remarkably similar to the plot of the 1994 Academy Award nominated film The Shawshank Redemption. In the film Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is wrongly convicted of killing his wife and sentence to life in prison where he meets and befriends fellow inmate Ellis 'Red' Redding, played by Morgan Freeman. Over the course of nearly two decades, Dufresne formulates and a plan to escape involving gradually chipping away at his cell wall with a small rock hammer and emptying the dirt in the exercise yard. According to Refugee Action, a detainee emptied dirt from the tunnel through a hole in his pocket into the yard, as done in another famous prison break film, The Great Escape Set in a Nazi prisoner of war camp in World War II, the 1963 classic follows the true story of Allied airmen digging a tunnel to escape under their captors' noses. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION PLOT Spoilers ahead. The film was released in 1994 being made with a budget of $25million. The plot revolves around accountant Andy Dufresne who is wrongly convicted of killing his wife and her lover. He is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary where he meets fellow inmate and smuggler Ellis 'Red' Redding. The film follows his friendship with Red and battles with the staff over the course of almost two decades in the prison. Towards the end of the film Andy is revealed to have been chipping away at his cell wall for years with a small rock hammer and covering the hole with a poster. He manages to escape through the tunnel he has dug, reuniting with Red after he is released. Advertisement Contrary to both films and the refugee group's claims, authorities said on Wednesday the tunnel at the WA facility actually stretched a mere 2.4m and was just 60cm high. Refugee Action spokesperson Ian Rintoul claimed the tunnel, which began underneath cell 6F occupied by a Polish man in his 40's, took the would-be escapee months to carve out. The man, known as a '501' because that is the section of the Migration Act his visa had been cancelled under, also had help - with a mobile phone camera showing at least one other man digging alongside him. Despite disputing the scale of the tunnel, ABF officials have not revealed what tools were used in the dig or whether anyone has as yet been charged. Mr Rintoul said he was aware escaping a detention centre was a crime but was unsure whether attempting to escape was also an offence. 'All he has done is dig a hole,' Mr Rintoul said. The tale caught the attention of WA Premier Mark McGowan who also likened the attempted escape to Hollywood film. 'It's absolutely remarkable. It sounds like something out of Shawshank Redemption,' he said. 'I'd just say to the Commonwealth they need to explain what went on, how it was uncovered, whether there is any other tunnels being build, who was responsible. They're the sorts of things that the public needs to know.' China to continue with policies that help lessen business burden, keep jobs stable and expand employment, and further support flexible work Xinhua) 11:29, May 13, 2021 BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China will extend certain pro-job policies that help lessen business burden till the end of this year, and will further support flexible employment, the State Council's Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on May 12th. "Employment shall remain front and center in the government's efforts to maintain stability on the six priority fronts and provide protections in the six key areas," Li said, "Job creation is as much about development as it is about people's well-being. The positive growth of China's economy last year was very much underpinned by the 11 million new jobs created." China rolled out an array of unconventional, time-limited measures last year to ease corporate burden, keep employment stable and boost job creation. Notable results were achieved in securing employment. This year, China will continue to put employment first. The policy support for market entities, especially smaller firms, in keeping payrolls stable and for the employment of key populations will stay in place. "Employment pressure remains significant and is not to be underestimated. For a big country as China with 1.4 billion people, the government must always put employment high on its agenda, and maintain the consistency and sustainability of the job policy," Li said. The policy of refunding unemployment insurance contributions by companies to help them keep workers employed will continue. In regions whose balance of the unemployment insurance funds in the previous year can cover such refunds for at least one year, a maximum of 30 percent of the unemployment insurance contributions paid in the previous year will be refunded to eligible large enterprises this year, and 60 percent to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Some support policies implemented last year will be extended till the end of this year, including subsidies for vocational training, upskilling and college graduate internship, unemployment subsidies and provisional living allowances, as well as support for college graduates to work at the primary level. Enterprises that employ key populations will receive tax breaks and social insurance subsidies in line with relevant regulations. "We must pay close attention to the employment of key groups, particularly college graduates. We need to promote market-oriented employment, bolster policy support for entrepreneurial activity and innovation, provide guaranteed loans and interest discount for business startups, and encourage college graduates to land jobs and start businesses by relying on their own efforts," Li said. Flexible employment is an important means for people to land jobs and earn more. Some 200 million Chinese are now flexibly employed across the country. Efforts will be made toward lifting the house registration restrictions on flexibly employed people to enroll in social insurance schemes in places where they work. The responsibilities of platform companies will be defined as appropriate. A mechanism will be explored under which employers shall purchase commercial insurance, insurance companies offer concessional rates as appropriate and the government provides support. "We should act swiftly to formulate the backstop measures for flexibly employed people to participate in the basic old-age insurance scheme for rural and non-working urban residents. Regarding occupational injury, business, government and insurer should work together to pilot occupational injury insurance for people engaged in platform-based flexible employment," Li said, "Fees and fines that are unwarranted or inconsistent with superordinate laws should be promptly overhauled, as part of the effort to foster an enabling environment for flexible employment." (Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun) More than 130 US personnel, including a military officer and his two-year-old son, have suffered brain injuries in suspected directed-energy attacks possibly made by Russia, a report said on Wednesday. Spies, diplomats and soldiers started experiencing mysterious brain injuries five years ago with the tally now higher than 130 people - more than double the number of 60 previously confirmed cases, The New York Times reported. That number does not include a group of injured CIA officers, the total of which is not public, according to the outlet. The 60 cases previously known were concentrated in China and Cuba, leading for the injuries to be called 'Havana Syndrome,' but the new total adds cases from Europe and Asia - many of which remain classified. Officials have investigated incidents both in the United States and in other countries - where the majority of the episodes have taken place, according to the outlet. The Times revealed that in one 2019 case, which had not previously been reported, a military officer serving overseas had been targeted with his two-year-old son. The mysterious brain injuries started in 2016 after dozens of Americans became ill in Havana, Cuba - leading for the injuries to be called 'Havana Syndrome' Spies, diplomats and soldiers started experiencing mysterious brain injuries five years ago with the tally now higher than 130 people The Times revealed that in one 2019 case, which had not previously been reported, a military officer serving overseas had been targeted with his two-year-old son The officer was driving his car when he pulled into an intersection and was 'overcome by nausea and headaches' while his toddler sat in the back seat crying, current and former officials told the outlet. The officer was able to pull away from the intersection when the nausea stopped and his kid stopped crying, according to The New York Times. Several other military personnel were hurt in Europe and Asia, though none were injured in combat zones. That incident reportedly angered officials in both the Trump and Biden administrations leading them to investigate further. The CIA has reportedly formed a new 'targeting cell' to investigate the episodes 'with a similar rigor and intensity' to hunting Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At least three CIA officers have reportedly been required to undergo outpatient treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or other facilities since December - with one of the cases happening in just the last two weeks. Some Pentagon officials told the Times they believe Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, was behind the incident with the officer and his son - and that evidence points to Russia in other cases too. Intelligence agencies and the White House have not determined what is responsible for the episodes or whether they constitute as attacks from foreign powers - while Moscow officials have repeatedly denied being involved. 'As of now, we have no definitive information about the cause of these incidents, and it is premature and irresponsible to speculate,' Amanda J. Schoch, the spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, told The New York Times. Marc Polymeropouloss, a former Russia-based CIA officer, developed such bad migraines he had to retire Emily J. Horne, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said the agency started an intelligence review to find if more unreported incidents fit the pattern. 'We are bringing the U.S. government's resources to bear to get to the bottom of this,' she said. The White House has tried to balance showing the issue being taken seriously while trying to keep panic from spreading within the government - and has worked to standardize reporting of the episodes while improving medical treatment. However, even some Democrats have ripped the administration while demanding the White House be more aggressive in addressing the episodes. Rep. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, is a former Marine and heads the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. 'I don't believe that we as a government, in general, have acted quickly enough. We really need to fully understand where this is coming from, what the targeting methods are and what we can do to stop them,' he said. The National Academy of Sciences issued a report in December that claimed the injuries were probably caused by a 'microwave weapon,' the outlet reported at the time. Some intelligence officials have been skeptical a foreign country could be behind the episodes as others even doubted the cause of the brain injuries. A view shows the building of the US Embassy at 8 Bolshoi Devyatinsky Lane in Moscow, Russia Cubans drive past the US embassy during a rally calling for the end of the US blockade against Cuba, in Havana, March 28, 2021 Marc Polymeropoulos, pictured in the Middle East, fuels suspicion that Russia is carrying out sonic attacks on Americans A painting by one former CIA officer injured while overseas is on display at Walter Reed, the outlet reported. Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer who was hurt in Moscow in 2017, said it signified the artist's feeling that victims wished they had been shot instead so their injuries would be more readily believed. The mysterious brain injuries started in 2016 after dozens of Americans became ill in Havana, Cuba. Similar cases were later identified in Guangzhou, China. In October, the Times revealed that CIA officers in Russia reported symptoms as early as 2017. In February, Polymeropoulos told BBC News that CIA agents were 'suffering in silence' after 'several senior agency officials' were affected by headaches, dizziness or loud noises in their head. 'What happened to US diplomats in Cuba, happened to me in Moscow,' Polymeropoulos said. Lawmakers have also been briefed on injuries sustained by U.S. troops in Syria, Politico reported. Last year, one incident reportedly took place near the Ellipse, a 52-acre park south of the White House fence in Washington D.C. when a National Security Council official is believed to have developed the mystery illness. In 2019, a White House official who was walking her dog in a Virginia suburb near Washington reported experiencing symptoms of the mystery illness. Victims of the so-called 'sonic attacks' have suffered long-term brain injuries including debilitating headaches, vertigo, nausea, and head or neck pain - while physicians at Walter Reed have warned officials that some are at risk for suicide. Police are set to start cracking down on customers who refuse to or avoid scanning QR codes to check into venues, with large fines to start being handed out. South Australia Police have announced they will start deploying plain-clothed officers at businesses making sure people are scanning the coronavirus codes that keep track of potential exposures and outbreaks in a move called 'Operation Trace'. Businesses will face fines of up to $5,060 if they don't enforce checking in, while people will cop a $1,060 fine if they don't scan the QR codes. The move is a response from the state government after a man positive with the virus left hotel quarantine and travelled to Melbourne earlier this week. A curry house he dined it in the city only saw a handful of diners check in the same evening, causing massive problems as the government scrambled to try to alert those potentially exposed. South Australia Police have announced they will start deploying plain-clothed officers at businesses making sure people are scanning the coronavirus codes or face fines Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says Operation Trace, which will begin Thursday, aims to remind residents that pandemic is not over and discourage complacency. 'We are seeing a level of complacency regarding Covid-19 check-ins and now is not the time to stop,' he said. 'If you speak to any person in the street, they'll tell you about their observations regarding people simply walking past those QR codes. A man in his 30s recently left hotel quarantine after receiving negative results to his mandatory testing but contracted the virus from a person in a room adjacent and was infectious in the community after travelling home to Melbourne. He ate at the Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar which only saw 18 people, including staff, check in that night while the owner believes they had as many as 38 customers. 'Some people are checking in, but people need to be reminded most of the time,' owner Kailash Sharma told Seven. '99.9 per cent of people are paying from the credit card so they might get the details from there.' The move comes after a man travelled from hotel quarantine in Adelaide to Melbourne while infectious with coronavirus Commissioner Stevens, who is also the state's coronavirus coordinator, says more than one million people check in with the app every day and police will aim to check in with at least 100 businesses to ensure people are complying. 'SA has done very well so far these steps have been taken to make sure that if we do have an outbreak in South Australia, SA Health are in the best position to respond and minimise the likelihood of us having to move to more harsh restrictions as a result. 'The outbreak from SA's medical hotel is a great reminder to us that whilst this particular individual travelled to Victoria, they could just as easily have moved back into the SA community.' He hopes the legislation will act as a deterrent and see South Australians 'go home and talk to their friends and relatives about the fact that they were stopped and spoken to by police.' 'Hopefully the message will move through the community that we take this seriously and it's important that people do the right thing.' China has threatened to bring 'economic carnage' upon Australia in response to big defence spending announced in Tuesday's federal budget. The government outlined a huge boost for the defence force, more funding for spies and help for exporters to find new markets in a massive push back against an increasingly assertive Beijing. In response, Chinese newspaper the Global Times - a mouthpiece for the Communist Party government - has warned that Beijing will block more Australian exports after already banning a range of goods including barley, wine, beef and coal. In an article titled 'Canberra's defence spending means more economic carnage', the publication warned Australia's natural gas exports could be next in the firing line. The government outlined a huge boost for the defence force, more funding for spies and help for exporters to find new markets in a massive push back against an increasingly assertive Beijing. Pictured: Soldiers at Australia's school of infantry The article referred to a report by Bloomberg that two Chinese gas importers were told not to buy from Australia next year. 'While the authenticity of the report remains unclear and China is unlikely to issue export ban without justified reasons, it doesn't mean China won't seek diversification of LNG supplies,' the editorial warned. 'In fact, considering the tensions between the two sides and Canberra's reluctance to show even the slightest sign of willingness to repair bilateral ties, China's diversification push may cover more products.' Australia's natural gas exports were worth a staggering $49billion in 2019, making Australia the largest exporter of LNG in the world. The article accused the Morrison government of 'further escalating regional confrontation by substantially increasing investment in defense and national security'. It also said Australia was only doing this to act as an 'attack dog' for America's 'so-called Indo-Pacific strategy aiming to contain China.' The article also accused Australia of 'relentless and unreasonable provocations' and warned of retaliation. In an article titled 'Canberra's defence spending means more economic carnage', the publication warned Australia's natural gas exports could be next in the firing line 'Certainly, China does not seek to initiate a ''trade war'' but a comprehensive counter plan is necessary to not just protect China's interests but also deter any potential provocation from Canberra,' it said. Canberra-Beijing relations have deteriorated since last year when Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus which was identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China has blocked key Australian exports including coal, seafood, beef and barley - and has been blamed for a series of ongoing cyber attacks on Australian institutions. Some analysts have warned there could be war in the Pacific region in the next five years if China tries to 'reunify' Taiwan by reclaiming the self-governing island of 25 million people. In the face of this potential threat, the 2021 federal budget contained a series of measures that help Australia defend its national security and project power beyond its shores. On Monday, Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan warned World War Three could be on the cards. 'We have a high debt to GDP than we have ever had since the end of World War Two and without being too dramatic, we could be on the edge of World War Three with the all the tension in our region,' he told the Today show. 'We should put ourselves in a position so we are strong enough to withstand the tensions and threats that could be coming our way.' Spies Australia's secret intelligence service, ASIO, will get $1.3 billion over the next ten years. The government says the cash will boost its ability to protect Australia from security threats. 'This investment will significantly enhance ASIO's capability to identify and respond to threats in a more complex security environment. Australia's secret intelligence service, ASIO, will get $1.3 billion over the next ten years. Pictured: Australia's spy chief Nick Warner pictured meeting Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte 'It will also enable ASIO to better leverage Australian industry to help respond to challenges posed by rapid technological change,' the budget says. Due to the secret nature of the service, it was not revealed how the money would be spent. The staffing levels of ASIO are also kept secret from the public. Help for exporters Thousands of exporters around the nation - from coalminers and farmers to fishermen and winemakers - have been crippled by Beijing's blocks on Aussie products Before the pandemic about one third of Australia's exports went to China and some companies almost exclusively sold into the world largest market. The government is advising Aussie companies to find new markets such as Indonesia, India and Vietnam to avoid being stung again in the future. Farmers and other exporters will be helped to find other markets. Pictured: A wheat farmer in Parkes, NSW Some $198.2 billion over the next four years will help companies diversify their exports markets, increase Australia's contribution to global efforts to reform the World Trade Organization and enhance Australia's capability to engage in WTO dispute settlement. Australia has appealed China's ban on barley exports to the WTO and is considering doing the same with the ban on wine, which it believes is unjustified. The cash will also 'expand Australia's advocacy and cooperation with partners internationally in pursuit of a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific,' the Budget says. Furthermore, a Global Resources Strategy will be set up at a cost of $20.1 million over two years to help the resources industry develop new markets. The Strategy will establish new initiatives to support Australian resources industries and build relationships across governments and businesses to identify new investment opportunities in existing and new export markets. The government will boost the number of staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by 87 to support these measures. Cyber security Last year Scott Morrison called an extraordinary press conference in which he declared that a foreign state was launching a series of ongoing cyber attacks on Australian institutions such as banks, businesses and hospitals. Mr Morrison did not name China but sources said Beijing was behind the campaign. China was not named by the PM as being behind cyber attacks. Pictured: President Xi Jinping In this year's budget, the government will provide $42.4 million over two years to improve security arrangements for critical infrastructure assets, including those designated as Systems of National Significance such as Qantas airline and energy companies. The government is also spending $43.8 million over three years to expand the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund. The Fund invests in projects to improve the quality and quantity of cyber security professionals in Australia. Defence The Defence Force will receive a $747million funding boost to improve ADF training facilities, weapons training simulation, and firing ranges in the Northern Territory. The areas to benefit from the upgrade are Robertson Barracks Close Training Area, Bradshaw Field Training Area, Kangaroo Flats Training Area and Mount Bundey Training Area. Mr Morrison said the funding will not only protect Australians in the event of battle, but will also provide jobs and the local economy in the Top End. The Defence Force will receive a $747million funding boost to improve ADF training facilities, weapons training simulation, and firing ranges in the Northern Territory. Pictured: Troops in Iraq 'We continue to invest more than $270 billion [over ten years] across Australia, ensuring we have a capable defence force to meet a changing global environment, while backing thousands of ADF men and women with the newest technology and training,' he said. The budget also contained a $66.1 million commitment to upgrade the RAAF Base Williamtown runway to accommodate long-range aircraft and facilitate international flights. This runway is part of the Newcastle Airport, and will support a dual purpose use for both Defence and civilian aircraft. 'We are committed to position Defence to increase our strategic competition, now and into the future,' Defence Minister Peter Dutton said. In June 2020, Scott Morrison announced he would spend $270 billion over ten years on defence Last week, the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price announced $155 million in infrastructure works at HMAS Cairns to support the introduction into service and sustaining of the new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels. Last June the federal government announced it will spend $270billion over the next ten years on beefing up the Australian Defence Force with state-of-the-art equipment including long-range missiles and new artillery systems amid strategic and political tensions with China. The main aim of the beef-up, which will include hiring 800 extra soldiers, is to deter aggression against Australia and its allies - but the Prime Minister also wants to prepare the defence force for war in case tensions escalate. More than half of $270billion will be spent on improving Australia's air and maritime forces, including buying new AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles from the US. The missiles, which were designed in America in 2014, cost around $5million each and can hit a target 370km away, giving Australia significant new range. They will be attached to F/A-18F Super Hornet planes and can also be paired with other defence aircraft. Troops will be trained how to use the weapon next year. The government is also considering buying a range of other weapons and defence systems including the surface-to-air Missile, the High Mobility Rocket Artillery System and the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System. In addition, between $5billion and $7billion will be spent on undersea surveillance systems, and up to $17billion will go towards buying more fighter aircraft. Up to $11billion will be spent on remotely-piloted and autonomous combat aircraft, including air teaming vehicles. More than half of $270billion will be spent on improving Australia's air and maritime forces, including buying new AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles from the US And between $8 and $11.5 billion will buy long range rocket fires and artillery systems including two regiments of self-propelled howitzers. In May 2020 Australia unveiled The Loyal Wingman unmanned drone, its first military aircraft to be built on home soil in 50 years. The drone will fly alongside fighter jets including Strike Fighters, Super Hornets and Growlers to provide support and intelligence and can hold several systems including a radar, an infrared search and track system and a defensive laser system. Billions will also be spent on space capabilities and cyber security as Australia faces ongoing attacks on institutions and companies from a 'state actor' which intelligence sources believe is China. The shift in focus on the Indo-Pacific comes as Australia pulls out of the Middle East with the training mission at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq concluded. The Duchess of Sussex won her copyright battle over a letter to her father after an 'unequivocal and definitive' intervention from her former aide, the High Court ruled yesterday. Jason Knauf, former communications secretary at Kensington Palace, rendered the Mail on Sunday's case 'unreal', said Lord Justice Warby. Yesterday he handed another victory to Meghan as he ruled against the newspaper for publishing extracts from the letter she sent Thomas Markle after the 2018 royal wedding. She had sued the title the Daily Mail's sister newspaper for breach of privacy and copyright, and has now won on both points. The Duchess of Sussex won her copyright battle over a letter to her father after an 'unequivocal and definitive' intervention from her former aide, the High Court ruled yesterday The duchess asked for the damages owed to her to reflect the money the newspaper made from publishing the articles about her letter. The judge has ordered the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online to work out the profits which will be considered at another court hearing in October. But Lord Justice Warby threw out a claim by Meghan's lawyers that the newspaper's lawyers had acted dishonestly in the case. He ruled it had not been unreasonable for the newspaper to mount a defence to the duchess's copyright claim on the basis that it believed evidence would show Mr Knauf had helped Meghan write the letter. Jason Knauf, former communications secretary at Kensington Palace, rendered the Mail on Sunday's case 'unreal', said Lord Justice Warby Mr Knauf made it clear through his solicitors that although he had given the duchess advice on a draft, he did not believe this made him a 'co-author' and he had no claim on its copyright. The judge said Mr Knauf's position was 'unequivocal and definitive', and had the effect of undermining the Mail on Sunday's case. A front page statement on the outcome of the case, ordered by Lord Justice Warby, is on hold pending the outcome of an application the Mail on Sunday has lodged with the Court of Appeal. Yesterday it emerged Mr Knauf, who was also the official who made bullying claims against Meghan, allegations she denies, is to quit as chief executive of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's charitable foundation at the end of this year. Mr Knauf, who worked for the couple for seven years, is said to have left because his husband has taken up a job overseas. A babysitter who told a three-year-old 'I will bash you' before inflicting injuries that left the child with permanent disabilities has been jailed. It's unclear what exactly Xing Shen did to the boy she was babysitting with her partner Xi Zhang at the couple's Docklands apartment in Melbourne in May 2019. A cleaner overheard Shen telling the boy 'I will bash you', before hearing a loud bang in the couple's bedroom and finding the boy facing the corner, unresponsive, as a punishment. The boy suffered brain bleeding from that night and required surgery. He also sustained permanent cognitive disabilities and requires ongoing speech pathology and physiotherapy support. Shen, 25, on Wednesday faced Victoria's County Court, where she was sentenced to a total of two years and three months in prison. A couple left a three-year-old boy with permanent disabilities after babysitting him inside their Docklands, Melbourne home, Victoria's County Court heard (stock image) She must serve one year and nine months before being eligible for parole. Her partner, Zhang, was sentenced to a total of two years in prison after he was found to have reached an 'understanding or agreement' with Shen that they would treat the boy roughly. Judge Trevor Wraight said while the 23-year-old man did not physically harm the boy, he was 'complicit' in the offending due to this agreement. Zhang must serve at least one year and six months before being eligible for parole. The two Chinese nationals, who were living in Australia on student visas, pleaded guilty to negligently causing serious injury and will be deported after serving their sentences. Court documents show Shen told a neighbour the boy had a 'small accident' and hit his head on a wall after 'playing' on Zhang's shoulders before they took him to hospital. He was at this point 'shaking, convulsing and non-responsive'. Shen repeated a similar story about an 'accident' to hospital staff and said bruises found on the boy's body had occurred at child care. He required resuscitation and brain surgery, with a paediatrician describing Shen's accident story as 'improbable if not impossible' given the injuries sustained. Later, Shen told a social worker she and Zhang had twice locked the boy outside on the balcony as punishment for 'lying'. Xing Shen, 25, and her partner Xi Zhang, 23, pleaded guilty to negligently causing serious injury in Victoria's County Court (pictured) The boy, she said, kicked her in retaliation, leading her to push him off the couch into a wall, where a hole was found by police. Court documents filed by defence lawyer Hayden Rattray said the boy kicked at Shen's stomach and she feared this could harm her unborn child. The lawyer told the court Shen had little to no experience in caring for children. She had since given birth in custody, but the baby girl was taken away and is being cared for by relatives in China. Shen had missed her daughter's first words, Mr Rattray said, and had never been able to hold or feed her. 'At a human level, it's difficult to comprehend the hardship that must have befallen (Shen) in the days since she gave birth to her daughter,' the lawyer said. The pair have already served 734 days in custody. Queensland schools have been forced to lock up toilets to crack down on students vaping in the bathroom during classes. Aquinas College on the Gold Coast have closed their toilets and students will now undergo a check-in procedure to get their teacher's permission to use the facilities during a lesson. On Wednesday a letter was sent to parents advising of a 'procedural change' in response to 'behavioural and students welfare concerns,' the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Aquinas College (pictured) students in QLD have check-in procedure to use toilet in class to crack down on vaping during class time Schools forced to close toilets during class time to deter pupils vaping in lessons (pictured: stock image of person using vape pen) 'No student will be denied access to the toilet or to leave class, with teacher permission,' wrote principal Peter Hurley. 'From today toilets will be locked during class time. They will be reopened during the transition between Periods 1 and 2 also between Periods 3 and 4. As usual, all toilet blocks will be open during morning tea and lunch breaks.' The parents of students at the college have expressed mixed reviews on the decision, with many encouraging the prevention of vaping on school grounds. 'Well, I guess if it's going to stop that (vaping), why not I say,' one parent told 9News. The crackdown comes as the pocket-sized devices - which involve inhaling a vapour that contains nicotine from an electronic cigarette - continue to plague school yards across the country. Principal Peter Hurley wrote to parents on Wednesday that 'no student will be denied access to the toilet or to leave class, with teacher permission' A single vape pen (pictured) can contain 6 per cent of nicotine which is equivalent to one packet of cigarettes The popular canisters come in various flavours including lychee and apple and can be bought at stores for $29.95 without an ID check, 9News reported. Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillian said that using vape pens is a gateway to tobacco cigarettes in the future. 'People who have been using e-cigarettes compared to those who are non-e-cigarette users are three times more likely to transition to tobacco cigarettes,' Ms McMillian said. A single vape pen can contain six per cent of nicotine which is equivalent to one packet of cigarettes. 'We really need to be ensuring that providers of such substances are being vigilant,' Ms McMillian said. Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson backed the response and praised the college for seeing 'what is happening in their communities, and they respond as such.' Daily Mail has contacted Aquinas College for comment. British tourists will be able to enjoy tax-free shopping in Europe for the first time from Monday. Those buying alcohol, perfume, fashion and technology in the EU will be able to claim more than a fifth off the purchase price thanks to Brexit. The potential savings are likely to revive booze cruise trips across the Channel to destinations such as Calais, which died out as tax savings shrunk and UK supermarkets improved their ranges. A total of 31 European countries are offering deals under the new rules to attract UK tourists. First on the list is Portugal, where Britons can legally travel from Monday and claim back a 23 per cent discount on any products bought there. British tourists buying alcohol, perfume, fashion and technology in the EU will be able to claim more than a fifth off the purchase price thanks to Brexit The savings will reduce the price of a 30ml bottle of Chanel No 5 perfume from 250 to 203, a Louis Vuitton tote bag from 2,680 to 2,178, and a Gucci poppy flowers print silk dress from 3,100 to 2,500. Portugal will also offer tax discounts on wine and port but customers will be limited to what they can carry on the plane. Tax reductions on products bought in European capitals such as Paris, Milan and Lisbon were previously available only to travellers from non-EU countries such as China and the US. The discounts were extended to those from the UK after Britain left the EU at midnight on December 31, but Britons have been unable to take advantage until now because of coronavirus travel restrictions. Tax reductions on products bought in European capitals such as Paris, Milan and Lisbon were previously available only to travellers from non-EU countries such as China and the US Popular destinations including France, Greece, Spain and Italy all offer tax discounts of 20 to 24 per cent on tourist shopping when travel restrictions end. But so far Gibraltar and Iceland are the only other European nations besides Portugal on the green list, requiring no quarantine on return. Others are expected to follow in late June or early July. UK travellers are set to spend a third more as a result of the tax breaks, according to the tourist shopping firm Global Blue. Before the pandemic UK residents made 70million trips to Europe a year, spending a total of 34billion. The UK economy will not benefit from the flow of European tourists coming the other way, as the Chancellor scrapped duty-free shopping from January 1. It is up to individual countries whether they want to offer tax-free shopping. To claim, shoppers must show their passport when they buy items and fill in a form at departure lounges. They can receive cash from a refund kiosk or use an app to have money paid back to a bank card. A very friendly galah has been filmed flying into an Australian woman's car in a hilarious attempt to go to work with her. Amber, from Macdonnell in the Northern Territory, was on her way to work this week with her young child when the bird named 'Gilly' stopped by to perch on her window. The galah is heard asking the mother 'what are you doing?' before she tells the bird she's on her way to the office - but Gilly refuses to leave her side. In the incredible footage, Amber is then seen driving off with Gilly, clearly familiar with the family, still clinging onto the car window. Amber, from Macdonnell in the Northern Territory, was on her way to work this week with her young child when the bird named 'Gilly' stopped by to perch on her windowsill 'Guys I drove off and Gilly is still on the car!' she says as she breaks out into a fit of laughter. 'Gilly get off!'. The galah then manages to make its way inside the car to sit on Amber's head rest as she begrudgingly turns around and drops the bird back home. Galahs are native to Australia and can be kept as pets without a licence. They can learn to mimic human's speech and talk to their owners. It's illegal to catch galahs in the wild but those who own them are urged to house them in a large aviary. Galahs are also known to be very social birds that require a lot of attention. Advertisement Australians have been warned not to import the IsraeliPalestinian conflict Down Under after a Sydney woman was arrested for allegedly burning the Israeli flag during protests - as the United Nations warns the violence in the Middle East could explode into a full-scale war. At least 200 protestors gathered in Lakemba, Sydney's Muslim heartland, on Tuesday night for an unauthorised anti-Israel rally at the reserve on The Boulevarde. The ugly scenes on the streets of the city's south-west saw Prime Minister Scott Morrison caution Australians not to bring the war over here. 'Of course we are all very concerned about what is happening there,' he told Ben Fordham on 2GB. 'We have been urging restraint from all parties involved there to not take any unilateral action on those very stressful and tense situations we are finding there. 'But those things should not be played out here in Australia.' A woman in Australia (pictured above) caught the attention of police after waving a burning Israeli flag in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday night With police (pictured) attempting to calm the situation, the woman allegedly tried to flee the scene in Lakemba, in Sydney's south-west - she was later charged Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops at in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday In heated scenes in Lakemba, police seized the alleged burning flag from the beanie-clad woman, 48, and extinguished it at 9.30pm. The anti-Israel protester had allegedly been running through the traffic holding the burning flag. She allegedly fled the scene but was arrested a short time later and charged with behaving in an offensive manner in public and deliberating obstructing police and other members of the public. The woman is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on July 8. Mr Morrison also restated the government's policy of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and described Australia as 'an agent for peace'. He urged Australians with ties to the conflict to act with tolerance and respect. The protest comes as tensions flare in the Middle East, sparking the worst violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2019. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it's important the conflict in the Middle East did not spill onto the streets in Australia Pictured: Smoke and flames rise after Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes over Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip, on May 13, 2021 as Israel pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 11 senior Hamas military figures Six high-ranking commanders and a further five key Hamas figures were 'neutralised' on Wednesday, including Brigadier General Bassem Issa and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit, according to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Israel on Thursday pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 11 senior Hamas military figures and toppling a pair of high-rise towers housing Hamas facilities in a series of airstrikes. But the Islamic militant group showed no signs of backing down and fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities. Palestinian militants have stockpiled enough missiles to continue bombing Israel for the next two months, security experts have warned, as escalating fighting led the UN to warn of 'all-out war'. Meanwhile, street clashes continued across Israel, with Jewish and Arab citizens both attacking one-another in numerous incidents, leading to over 370 arrests across the country. In one incident, an Arab man was dragged from his car and beaten by Jewish ultranationalists, while in another a Jewish citizen was attacked by sticks and stones by Arab Israeli protesters. At least 67 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave's health ministry. Seven people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said. Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz vowed more attacks on Gaza to bring 'total, long-term quiet' before they would consider truce talks after six days of violence. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military would only use 'increasing force' in the conflict. 'We eliminated senior Hamas commanders and this is just the beginning,' he said. 'We will inflict blows on them that they couldn't even dream of.' The leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh hit back, vowing that 'if Israel wants to escalate, we are ready for it'. A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish following an Israeli airstrike on targets in the southern Gaza strip, early on May 12, 2021. - Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip have hit the homes of high-ranking members of the Hamas militant group, the military said Wednesday, with the territory's police headquarters also targeted Six high-ranking commanders and a further five key Hamas figures were 'neutralised' on Wednesday, including Brigadier General Bassem Issa and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit, according to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). The UN's Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland warned the latest violence was 'escalating towards a full-scale war'. And UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said he was 'gravely concerned' by the ongoing troubles. Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired more than 1,000 missiles in the first 48 hours of the conflict which began on Monday, an average of one every three minutes, and has enough to keep the bombardment going for two months. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus said: 'According to our estimates we're talking about between 20,000 and 30,000 rockets in Gaza today, rockets and mortars. 'We've seen a constant expansion in terms of range and also in terms of the size of the warheads. They have an advanced arsenal of rockets, I think it's on a par with the fire capabilities of a few small European countries.' While Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system has intercepted nine out of ten Palestinian rockets, the remainder have killed at least six civilians and injured more than 90. Families in Tel Aviv spent most of yesterday taking cover in underground shelters. Israel's retaliation has included hundreds of air strikes on Gaza, led by F-35 stealth bombers and Apache attack helicopters, which are understood to have killed 32 and wounded 300. Israel says most of the dead were terrorists and insists 13 children killed were victims of stray Palestinian rockets. Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border, Israel, 12 May 2021. At least 70 people have been killed in the conflict, including around 16 children Pictured: Palestinians leave their neighbourhood to head to a safer location as Israeli warplanes continue air strikes on Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, Gaza on May 12 Palestinian protesters (pictured) running from stun grenades fired by Israeli security forces outside the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on May 8 - the situation is threatening to turn into all out war The UN security council met yesterday to discuss the crisis. The heaviest offensive between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in the Hamas-ruled enclave has increased international concern that the situation could spiral out of control. 'Israel has gone crazy,' said a man on a Gaza street, where people ran out of their homes as explosions rocked buildings. Sirens went off in northern Israel on Thursday, local media said, warning of what may be the longest-range Palestinian rocket launch from the Gaza Strip during this week's surge in cross-border fighting. There was no immediate word of a rocket strike or casualties in Nahalal, some 100 km (62 miles) from Gaza. Unrest has been growing in Israel and Gaza in recent weeks following violent confrontations between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem and a long-running dispute over the eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem in favour of Jewish settlers. Netanyahu vows to 'inflict blows that Hamas has not dreamed of' before Israeli air strike levels 14-storey building and Hamas retaliates with 130 rockets Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday threatened to 'inflict blows that Hamas has not dreamed of' before Israeli rockets levelled a 14-storey tower bloc, prompting Hamas to retaliate with 130 rockets of its own, as the deadly fighting in the middle east continued on Wednesday. Israeli fighter jets dropped two bombs on the 14-storey Al-Sharouk tower, which housed the bureau of the Al-Aqsa television channel, and is the third tall structure in Gaza City levelled since the bombing campaign began Monday. The Israeli Prime Minister issued the threat as he visited a hospital in the city of Holon today, paying tribute to those wounded in fighting between the two sides that is now at its worst point since the 2014 Gaza War. Referencing the deaths of Hamas commanders earlier in the day - including Brigadier General Bassem Issa and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit - Netanyahu vowed: 'This is only the beginning.' Another multi-storey building was destroyed in Gaza on Wednesday evening by an Israeli air strike, prompting Hamas to retaliate with 130 rockets of its own, as the deadly fighting in the middle east continued on Wednesday. Pictured: Smoke rises from Al-Sharouk tower hit by an Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021 Heavy smoke and fire rise from Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021. An Israeli air strike destroyed a multi-storey building in Gaza City today Pictured: Rescuers and people gather in front of the debris of Al-Sharouk tower that collapsed after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021 Israel diverts flight from Ben Gurion to southern airport after US airlines suspend flights to country Israel diverted an incoming flight from Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday to a southern airport designed to serve as a wartime alternative to its main international gateway outside Tel Aviv, aviation tracker Avi Scharf said on Twitter. The El Al Israel Airlines flight 332 was en route to land at Ramon Airport near Eilat, said Scharf, an editor with Israel's Haaretz newspaper said. Online data suggested the flight had come from Brussels. It came after United States airlines - American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines - suspended flights to Israel through Thursday amid rising violence in the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, and Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets at targets in Israel, including the main airport in Tel Aviv. American Airlines cancelled its daily flight from New York to Tel Aviv on Wednesday and Thursday and offered to put passengers on flights at later dates, according to an airline spokesman. United cancelled flights from Chicago, Newark and San Francisco, and Delta cancelled flights from New York to Tel Aviv. Company representatives said the airlines were monitoring the situation for when they might resume the flights. Advertisement His comments came despite international calls for urgent deescalation and as Israel braces for more missile strikes overnight to avenge the deaths of its commanders. In just two days of fighting, Hamas has fired more than 1,000 rockets at Israel, while the Jewish state has carried out counter-strikes against what it called military targets. But the civilian death toll is quickly mounting, with at least with at least 67 Palestinians including 14 children and three women killed as of Wednesday evening, alongside seven Israelis including one child and one soldier. Israeli police announced Wednesday that they are imposing a nighttime curfew on the central city of Lod, that was the scene of unrest in recent days Police said in a statement that officers would enforce the ban on people entering Lod, residents leaving their homes, and people in public spaces starting at 8 p.m. Lod has seen two nights of violent protests, including the torching of dozens of vehicles, a synagogue, and violent clashes between Arab protesters and police. Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency in the city and deployed Border Police forces. Hamas has confirmed that Bassem Issa, commander of its Gaza City Brigade, was among those 'martyred' today. Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, named another three slain Hamas officers: Jamaa Tahla, responsible for the improved accuracy of the group's rockets; Jamal Zabeda, chief of 'special projects' in the munitions department; and Hazzem Hatib, head engineer in the munitions wing. The militants have launched more than 1,050 rockets at Israel since Monday, killing six civilians, including an Arab-Israeli girl in the city of Lod in the early hours of this morning. 'The army will continue to attack to bring a total, long-term quiet. Only when we reach that goal will we be able to speak about a truce,' Defence Minister Benny Gantz said today from the southern town of Ashkelon where two Israeli women were killed by Hamas rockets on Tuesday. Along the Gaza border, an Israeli soldier was also killed by an anti-tank missile, the military said. Rockets are launched towards Israel from Rafah, in the southern the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, on May 12, 2021 An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, as the IDF ramps up its operation against Hamas Smoke and fire rise above buildings in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, during an Israeli air strike, on May 12, 2021 Israeli ultranationalists attack Arab driver in Tel Aviv suburb and Jewish citizen is attacked as clashes on the streets continue on Wednesday, leading to over 370 arrests As rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews fought each other on the streets below and rioters torched vehicles, a restaurant and a synagogue in one of the worst spasms of communal violence Israel has seen in years. The violence lead to over 370 arrest, police said. The mayor of the mixed town of Lod, which saw the worst of the violence Tuesday, compared it to a civil war or a Palestinian uprising. Arab experts and activists say the violence was fueled by unrest in Jerusalem that has brought Israel to the brink of another Gaza war, but is rooted in deeper grievances that go back to the founding of the state. Violence flared again Wednesday night with a wave of apparent revenge attacks. In Bat Yam, a Tel Aviv suburb, a large crowd of ultranationalist Israelis pulled a man from a car who they thought was Arab and beat him until he lay on the ground motionless and bloodied. A hospital said he's in serious condition without identifying him. Earlier, a group of black-clad Israelis smashed the windows of an Arab-owned ice cream shop in Bat Yam and ultranationalists could be seen chanting, 'Death to Arabs!' on live television during a standoff with Border Police. In the northern city of Tiberias, video uploaded to social media appeared to show flag-waving Israelis attacking a car. Israel's Channel 13 quoted a senior police officer as saying Arabs are suspected of attacking and seriously wounding a Jewish man in the coastal city of Acre amid new clashes there. Pictured: A video grab from footage released by Kan 11 Public broadcaster on May 12, 2021, shows a far-right Israeli mob attacking who they considered an Arab man, on the seafront promenade of Bat Yam This video grab obtained from a footage released by Kan 11 Public broadcaster on May 12, 2021, shows a far-right Israeli mob attacking who they considered an Arab man, on the seafront promenade of Bat Yam In a late night television interview, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, whose figurehead office is meant to serve as the nation's moral compass, said the country was gripped by civil war and urged citizens to 'stop this madness.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on both Jews and Arabs to cease attacks on each other: 'It doesn't matter to me that your blood is boiling. You can't take the law in your hands,' he said. Police said they arrested nearly 400 people allegedly 'involved in riots and disturbances' across the country Wednesday. The violence comes at a time when Israel's Arab minority appeared to be gaining new acceptance and influence. Mansour Abbas, the head of an Arab party with Islamist roots, emerged as a kingmaker of sorts after March elections and was poised to play a key role in a coalition that would oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies. But in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Abbas indicated that coalition talks would be put on hold because of the escalating violence. 'If there is a cease-fire, we will return to the political track to form a government,' he said. In recent days, Arab citizens of Israel have held mass protests across the country over Israel's policing of a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem and plans to evict dozens of Palestinian families in the city following a legal campaign by Jewish settlers. Adding to the tensions are increasingly powerful far-right groups in Israel that won seats in March elections and are allied with Netanyahu. In recent days, far-right politicians have visited the tense east Jerusalem neighborhood where the families are threatened with eviction and staged marches elsewhere in the bitterly contested city. After police broke up a protest Monday night in Lod, a young Arab resident was shot and killed. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the man was with a group of rioters threatening Jewish homes, and that Jewish residents opened fire in a 'life-threatening situation.' He said three people have been detained for questioning and police are investigating. Arab residents of Lod disputed the account, pointing out that the slain man was unarmed. Pictured: Palestinians gather during confrontations with the Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 12,2021 His funeral the next day drew thousands of people and a heavy police presence. Clashes broke out between the two sides, leading to riots in which several vehicles and a synagogue were set ablaze. A 56-year-old Jewish man was severely wounded after Arabs pelted his car with rocks, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service. The violence soon spread to other mixed communities across Israel. In neighboring Ramle, ultra-nationalist Jewish demonstrators vandalized Arab cars. In Acre, protesters torched Uri Buri, a famous Jewish-owned seafood restaurant. Magen David Adom said 46 people were wounded in the riots. Rosenfeld said there were several different instances of Arabs attacking Jews, and that 12 police officers were wounded. He said 270 suspects were arrested at 40 locations across the country where vehicles were set on fire and public property was damaged. 'The Arabs don't want us here, but we're going to stay,' said Avraham Sagron, a Jewish resident of Lod, as he surveyed the charred entrance of the synagogue, the interior of which appeared largely untouched. Netanyahu visited Lod and Acre, where he pledged to 'stop the anarchy' and restore order 'with an iron fist if needed.' He called on Arab and other community leaders to condemn the violence and act to stop it. Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 12,2021 Authorities deployed hundreds of police reinforcements to Lod and other areas, including paramilitary border police who usually operate in the occupied West Bank. They also ordered a nighttime curfew in Lod. Arabs say the violence of the past two days was not directed at Jews, but at religious nationalists with close ties to the settlement movement who have moved into mixed areas in recent years, pushing Arab residents out. Israel's Arab minority makes up about 20% of the population and are the descendants of Palestinians who stayed in the country after the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, when an estimated 700,000 fled or were driven from their homes in towns like Lod. They have citizenship, including the right to vote, but face widespread discrimination. Arab citizens speak Hebrew and are well-represented in Israel's medical profession and universities, but they largely identify with the Palestinian cause, leading many Israelis to view them with suspicion. Lod's Arabs, who make up about a third of the city's population, are among the poorest communities in Israel. 'We're talking about young people who have no horizon, no dreams, who are unemployed and live in a very difficult reality,' said Dr. Nasreen Haddad Haj-Yahya, the director of the Arab-Jewish relations program at the Israel Democracy Institute, an independent think tank. Authorities deployed hundreds of police reinforcements to Lod and other areas, including paramilitary border police who usually operate in the occupied West Bank. They also ordered a nighttime curfew in Lod She said the anger of the last two days was not directed at Lod's longtime Jewish community but at more ideological recent arrivals. 'It's not because of who they are. It's because they are trying to Judaize Lod. They are trying to drive out the indigenous Arab residents,' she said. 'The young people see it as a threat to their presence in the land, to their existence.' Thabet Abu Rass, the co-director of the Abraham Initiatives, which promotes Jewish-Arab coexistence, said the six Arab members of Lod's municipal council have been sidelined and the city's budget heavily favors Jews. He accused Mayor Yair Revivo of inciting against Arabs. Revivo, a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, has courted controversy by complaining about the volume of the Muslim call to prayer in Lod and for remarks that appeared to cast its Arab residents as a national security threat. 'He should be a mayor for everybody,' said Abu Rass, who lives near Lod and has an office there. 'He's not giving equal services for all residents.' The mayor's spokesman said he was not available for comment. Earlier, Revivo had urged Arab residents to end the violence, saying: 'The day after, we will still have to live here together.' Israeli officials often hold up the Arab minority as proof of their commitment to tolerance, frequently pointing out that Arab citizens enjoy civic rights and freedoms that many Arab states deny their own people. Ghassan Munayyer, a Lod-based activist, says the veneer of coexistence conceals deeper disparities, including in housing and infrastructure, comparing its Arab neighborhoods to 'refugee camps.' 'The Jews love saying there's coexistence. They go out to eat in an Arab restaurant and they call it coexistence,' he said. 'But they don't see Arabs as equal human beings who have rights that they have to respect.' Britain, the United States and Russia among international voices calling for de-escalation in Israel-Gaza conflict Calls for deescalation of the conflict have come from senior politicians around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia. Washington announced that it planned to send an envoy, Hady Amr, for talks with Israel and Palestinians. 'My expectation and hope is this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself,' Biden said on Wednesday after speaking to Netanyahu. Biden did not explain the reasons behind his optimism. Netanyahu's office said he told the U.S. president that Israel would 'continue acting to strike at the military capabilities of Hamas and the other terrorist groups active in the Gaza Strip'. Biden's British counterpart Boris Johnson Boris condemned the spiralling conflict, saying he was 'urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint' on Wednesday morning. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for an urgent meeting of the Middle East Quartet in order to halt violence between Israel and the Palestinians. Pictured: Rockets fired from Gaza fly towards Israel, as seen from Gaza City, 12 May 2021 Ms Psaki said that the Biden administration has 'had more than 25, high level calls and meetings by senior US officials with senior officials from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and their partners and other stakeholders. 'A lot of it is happening, privately through diplomatic channels, it's happening with officials in the region we're in regular dialogue, multiple times per day as I noted with the Egyptian and Qatari officials, who have significant influence over Hamas - and our objective here is descalation as we look to protecting the people to reach out.' Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has called Netanyahu to reaffirm America's support for Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks. The country's State Department said he also repeated U.S. calls for a de-escalation of violence and the Biden administration's belief that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety and security. Blinken announced earlier he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to make similar appeals in person to Israeli and Palestinian officials. He also said that Israel had an 'extra burden' to avoid civilian casualties as it responds to the attacks. According to the State Department, Blinken also told Netanyahu that as he and President Joe Biden have said in the past, the administration believes Israelis and Palestinians should 'enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy.' He also 'emphasised the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy,' in an apparent effort for the Biden administration to demonstrate that it cares about Palestinian rights, according to Politico. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wants to see an 'urgent de-escalation of tensions' between Israel and Hamas amid the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 Gaza war. Black smoke billows after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip early on Wednesday. According to military experts, the plumes of smoke seen rising suggest the Israelis are deploying bunker buster bombs, targeting underground infrastructure Smoke rises during an Israeli air strike on suspected Hamas targets in Gaza City on Wednesday Johnson tweeted on Wednesday that the United Kingdom is 'deeply concerned' and urged leaders to 'step back from the brink.' He was one of many leaders around the world offering up advice after longtime tensions in contested Jerusalem erupted into rocket-fire from the Gaza Strip and an intense response from Israel. British Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly told Parliament that Britain 'unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and other locations in Israel.' He called Hamas' conduct 'terrorism' and called on militants to 'end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel.' Cleverly said Israel has a 'legitimate right to self-defense,' but added that in doing so, 'it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.' Also on Wednesday, speaking alongside United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russia's Lavrov said: 'Today we've come to the common opinion that the most pressing task is to convene the Quartet of international mediators - Russia, the United States, the UN and the EU.' Hamas militants and their allies have fired more than 1,000 missiles at Israel, though many have been shot down by the Iron Dome defence system, while others have landed inside Gaza. The Israeli towns of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Yehud have been struck, as well as the most populous city, Tel Aviv. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Air Force has targeted suspected Hamas strongholds in Gaza City as well as the southern settlements Rafah and Khan Yunis Terrifying footage shows Hamas rocket blow up a bus, yards from civilians Terrifying video footage has emerged of a rocket launched by Hamas militants blowing up a bus in Israel as civilians watched on in horror. Video shows the city bus erupting in flames, with black smoke billowing from the burning vehicle, in the central city of Holon, just south of Tel Aviv, last night. In other videos, dozens of Israel's Iron Dome defence system's missiles can be seen lighting up the night sky yesterday as they shot down a bombardment of rockets fired by Hamas militants. Residents of Tel Aviv, Israel's most populous city, hid in their houses and under shelters as scores of rockets were seen flying overhead before they were struck down by Israeli missiles. Video shows the city bus erupting in flames, with black smoke billowing from the burning vehicle, in the central city of Holon, just south of Tel Aviv, last night Advertisement Just after daybreak, the Israeli Air Force unleashed dozens of strikes within the course of a few minutes with what appeared to be bunker buster bombs targeting underground Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli Defence Forces later dispatched two infantry brigades to the area of a downed militant drone, indicating preparations for a possible ground invasion. Boris Johnson condemned the spiralling conflict this morning hours after his former counterpart Donald Trump blamed 'weak' Joe Biden for allowing things to escalate. 'I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint,' the Prime Minister said. 'The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties.' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to the Israeli foreign minister on Tuesday and will speak to the Palestinian prime minister on Wednesday, MPs were told in Westminster. Despite international condemnation for the bloodshed, the worst since the 2014 war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for ceasefire, vowing last night to 'step up' attacks. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in turn that 'if Israel wants to escalate, we are ready for it'. The tensions began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Muslim neighbourhoods ignited protests and clashes with police. On Monday, a riot on Temple Mount left hundreds of Palestinians wounded before Hamas started launching rockets. The International Criminal Court at the Hague announced this morning it was looking at possible 'crimes' committed as the ferocious cross-border engagement entered its third day. 'I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute (which founded the ICC)', Fatou Bensouda tweeted. More than a hundred Hamas rockets were launched at Israel's most populous city, Tel Aviv, last night after a tower block in Gaza suspected of being a Hamas headquarters was destroyed by an Israeli air strike. Palestinian women check the damage inside their apartment on Wednesday morning after it was bombed by the Israelis Smoke billows from an Israeli bombardment at sunrise on Khan Yunish in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday A Palestinian father carries his children away from their home to head to a safer neighbourhood after a bombardment warning on Wednesday Palestinians assess the damage caused by an Israeli air strike in the town of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 12, 2021. Heavy exchanges of rocket fire and air strikes, and rioting in mixed Jewish-Arab towns, fuelled fears today that deadly violence between Israel and Palestinians could spiral into 'full-scale war' A Palestinian man takes pictures of the aftermath of a bombardment on Wednesday morning as a mound of dirt lies in the street beside mangled cars in Gaza City Smoke billows from an Israeli air strike on a tower block in Gaza as it collapses. The destruction of apartment apartment towers was among several tactics used during the 2014 war that are now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court into possible war crimes. Israel is not a member of the court and has rejected the probe. Israelis sing to keep their spirits up in a Tel Aviv bomb shelter Footage has emerged of Israelis singing in a bomb shelter as fighting between the Jewish state and Hamas intensified today amid warnings of all-out war. The video was taken in Tel Aviv overnight as the city was targeted by a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. It shows a large group of people standing in what appears to be a basement car park being led in song by Shuli Rand, a well-known Jewish actor and musician. The song is called Between Holiness and Secularity, and the lyrics that appear in the video translate as: 'Please save me and please keep me from harm.' What's happening now in the Holy Land... A bomb shelter in Tel Aviv. Posted by Shifra Chana Hendrie on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Footage has emerged of Israelis in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv overnight singing as the city was targeted by 201 Hamas rockets Tel Aviv found itself targeted overnight by rockets as Hamas said 210 rockets had been fired at the city, which is Israel's most-populous. The strike was in retaliation for a multi-storey block of apartments that was blown up in Gaza, Hamas said. At least 67 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave's health ministry. Six people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said. Advertisement The IDF have assassinated several top militant commanders, including Hassan Kaogi, head of the Hamas intelligence department, in their airstrikes. In a statement, the army said it carried out a 'complex and first-of-its-kind operation.' Those targeted, it said, were 'a key part of the Hamas 'General Staff'' and considered close to the head of the group's military wing. Hamas later confirmed they had lost several of their top brass, including its military chief in Gaza City, Bassem Issa. The Israelis accuse the Palestinian fighters of using their own people as human shields, but the civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip have only hardened the position of the extremists who have launched hundreds more missiles. In Israel's central city of Lod, a girl and her father were killed in the early hours of Wednesday by rocket fire from Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry identified the girl as 16-year-old Nadin Awad, an Arab Israeli. Her cousin, Ahmad Ismail, told public broadcaster Kan that he was near Nadin when she was killed alongside her father Khalil Awad, 52. 'I was at home, we heard the noise of the rocket. It happened so quickly. Even if we had wanted to run somewhere, we don't have a safe room,' Ismail told Kan. Lod also saw riots after thousands of mourners joined a funeral for an Arab man killed by a suspected Jewish gunman the previous night. The crowd fought with police, and set a synagogue and some 30 vehicles, including a police car, on fire, Israeli media reported. Paramedics said a 56-year-old man was seriously hurt after his car was pelted with stones. The Israeli President Reuven Rivlin described it as a 'pogrom' carried out by a 'bloodthirsty Arab mob,' after Netanyahu declared a state of emergency in the mixed Jewish-Arab city. 'The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob, injuring people, damaging property and even attacking sacred Jewish spaces is unforgivable,' Rivlin said. Yair Revivo, mayor of the city, last night called for army back-up to help secure the area, saying 'civil war' was breaking out. 'This is Kristallnacht in Lod,' said Revivo, in reference to the Nazi pogrom against German Jews in 1938. 'I have called on the prime minister to declare a state of emergency in Lod. To call in the IDF. To impose a curfew. To restore quiet. There is a failure of governance. 'This is a giant incident - an Intifada of Arab Israelis. All the work we have done here for years [on coexistence] has gone down the drain.' Netanhayu made a pre-dawn tour of the city to declare a state of emergency. 'We will not tolerate this; we need to restore calm,' Netanyahu said in Lod. 'If this isn't an emergency situation, I don't know what is. We are talking about life and death here.' A thick black column of smoke and red flames rise into the sky over Gaza on Wednesday during Israeli bombardments A Palestnian family flee their home on Wednesday to head to a safety from Israeli airstrikes as rubble fills the street A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning as Israel's bombardment of Hamas targets continues Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza border A colossal crater blown into a Gaza street is seen on Wednesday beside wrecked shops and homes in nearby tower blocks An overturned car lies in the street filled with debris after a tower block was levelled in Gaza by Israeli warplanes last night Smoke billows over Gaza on Wednesday as the Israeli bombardments continued throughout the night and into dawn A Palestinian boy walks past rubble on a street in Gaza City on Wednesday after bombardments by the Israeli Air Force throughout the night Display mannequins from a damaged clothing shop are scattered amid the debris outside the heavily-damaged Al-Jawhara Tower in Gaza on Wednesday morning Cars are wrecked by rubble after buildings collapsed last night in Gaza during the Israeli barrages An Israeli security officer comforts a man in the town of Holon near Tel Aviv during rocket attacks by militants in Gaza on Tuesday night Two Palestinian women survey the damage to their bombed out flat in Gaza City on Wednesday morning Footage released by the IDF shows precision airstrikes on densely populated Gaza IDF announced they had killed at least four Hamas commanders on Wednesday. They included Gaza City Brigade chief Bassem Issa; Jamaa Tahla, responsible for the improved accuracy of the group's rockets; Jamal Zabeda, chief of 'special projects' in the munitions department; and Hazzem Hatib, head engineer in the munitions wing. TRUMP: 'WEAK' BIDEN TO BLAME FOR CONFLICT Former US President Donald Trump blamed his successor Joe Biden's 'weakness' for the renewed clashes in the Middle East. Writing on his website Trump, he said: 'When I was in office we were known as the Peace Presidency, because Israel's adversaries knew that the United States stood strongly with Israel and there would be swift retribution if Israel was attacked. 'Under Biden, the world is getting more violent and more unstable because Biden's weakness and lack of support for Israel is leading to new attacks on our allies. 'America must always stand with Israel and make clear that the Palestinians must end the violence, terror, and rocket attacks, and make clear that the U.S. will always strongly support Israel's right to defend itself. 'Unbelievably, Democrats also continue to stand by crazed anti-American Rep. Ilhan Omar, and others, who savagely attack Israel while they are under terrorist assault.' Advertisement Asked whether the actions of the police against protesters may have played a role, he shut down the suggestion, saying: 'These events have no excuse; this is fundamental hate.' It comes after the PM, speaking after two women were killed in Hamas strikes yesterday, said he 'deplored' the deaths in Israel, adding that the country's military would 'further increase both the intensity and the rate' of its own air strikes against Gaza. 'Hamas will be hit in ways that it does not expect,' Netanyahu said. 'We have eliminated commanders, hit many important targets and we have decided to attack harder and increase the pace of attacks.' The homes of three Hamas commanders were destroyed overnight on Wednesday. A significant barrage had begun by 3am, with Israel firing into the Gaza Strip. 'In response to HUNDREDS of rockets in the last 24 hours, the IDF has struck a number of significant terror targets and terror operatives across the Gaza Strip, marking our largest strike since 2014,' the IDF confirmed. 'We are currently striking more terror targets in Gaza.' In Israel, five people including three women have been killed. One of the three women was in her 60s and another in her 80s, and died during Hamas rocket attacks earlier on Tuesday. The third woman, aged 50, was killed on Tuesday evening when a rocket hit a building in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Lezion. Police are appealing for support following the disappearance of a university student from Sydney's south. Zhou Wu, 24, was last heard from when he texted his family in China last Saturday on May 8. Zhou attends university in Sydney's eastern suburbs and is known to frequent the areas of Croydon Park, Wolli Creek and Ashfield. Zhou Wu, 24, has not be heard from after he texted his family on Saturday May 8 He has been described as having Asian appearance being about 160-170cm tall, of slim build with black hair. Police officers from the area have been notified and have begun inquiries into his whereabouts. Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Boris Johnson yesterday backed plans for a national Covid memorial at St Pauls Cathedral, telling the Commons it would be a fitting place of reflection. The Prime Minister announced the creation of a commission to examine ways for the nation to remember the victims of the gravest crisis since the Second World War. And he specifically praised plans backed by the Daily Mail to create a magnificent memorial at the cathedral in central London. Mr Johnson told MPs there was a solemn duty on our whole United Kingdom to come together and cherish the memories of those who have been lost. He said he had been deeply moved by a late night visit to the Covid memorial wall mural opposite Parliament earlier this month. He added: And I wholeheartedly support the plan for a memorial in St Pauls Cathedral, which will provide a fitting place of reflection in the heart of our capital. Boris Johnson (pictured) yesterday backed plans for a national Covid memorial at St Pauls Cathedral, telling the Commons it would be a fitting place of reflection The Remember Me campaign backed by the Mail plans to produce a multi-faith memorial at St Pauls, one of the symbols of Britains defiance against the Blitz. The new commission will look at whether local communities in different parts of the country also want to create their own memorials. And it will examine the case for a national day of remembrance for the 127,640 people who have lost their lives. It would probably be held on March 23 the anniversary of the start of the first lockdown. Plans could also include the planting of a new national forest. Mr Johnson yesterday said that the work of the commission would be above party politics. The PM said the plans would aim to honour the heroism of those who saved lives and the courage of frontline workers who kept our country going, celebrate the genius of those who created the vaccines, and commemorate the small acts of kindness and the daily sacrifice of millions who stayed at home, buying time for our scientists to come to our rescue. He said the commission would work with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to preserve the spirit which has sustained us in the gravest crisis since the Second World War, resolving to go forwards together, and to build back better. The make up of the commission and its precise remit will be set out in the coming weeks. The permanent memorial in St Pauls will feature an oak portico with the words Remember Me engraved in several languages. It will be open free of charge to people of all faiths and none. Inside, a chapel will display screens showing a virtual book of remembrance which organisers hope will bear the names of those lost to the virus. The initiative has the support of all main political party leaders, as well as senior figures from all the main faiths. Donations have come in from more than 7,000 generous Mail readers raising more than 260,000 towards the 2.3million target. As much as 98,000 of this has arrived in cheques while more than 165,000 has been donated on the cathedrals Crowdfunder page. And generous pledges from businessman Mohamed Mansour, entrepreneur Matt Moulding, Apprentice star Lord Sugar and philanth- ropists Sir Michael Hintze and Sir Tom Hunter have seen more than 1million raised since the Mail started its drive. 24k drive inspired by my grief for Dad By Rachel Halliwell and Inderdeep Bains A grieving daughter who lost her father to Covid has raised 24,000 for the Remember Me campaign to create a lasting tribute to all those lost in the pandemic. Annette Allen, 60, began her fundraising with the Yellow Hearts To Remember movement after losing her father Ray Maskell, 88. The movement was founded by David Gompertz, who was widowed by the virus, with a simple idea for the bereaved to display a yellow heart as an act of remembrance to those taken by the virus. Mrs Allen, a teaching assistant from Bournemouth, had been left devastated after not being able to visit her father before he died in a nursing home in April last year and found great comfort in the group. Wanting to honour his memory, she started raising money online via Crowdfunder by sending out yellow heart pin badges in return for a donation to the Remember Me campaign. Today the mother-of-one has raised just over 24,000 towards the national memorial at St Pauls Cathedral which will feature a grand oak portico engraved with the words Remember Me. Annette Allen, 60, lost her father Ray Maskell, 88, and has raised 24,000 for the Remember Me campaign to create a lasting tribute to all those lost in the pandemic Together with more than 1million raised by the Daily Mails campaign and funds already collected by St Pauls, it means that almost 1.5million has been pledged towards the 2.3million tribute. It felt like we lost Dad twice over first to dementia and then to Covid, Mrs Allen said. The pain of not being able to comfort him in his final moments was incredibly difficult to carry. I needed a way to tell the world he had gone, that he mattered and would always be remembered. She added: Dad was born in London, and he was very fond of St Pauls Cathedral, visiting it often... the idea of him being honoured there means so much. This memorial means that hell be more than just a statistic to history too hell be remembered in a place that was already in his heart. That gives me great pride and is a huge comfort. Wanting to honour his memory, she started raising money online via Crowdfunder by sending out yellow heart pin badges in return for a donation to the Remember Me campaign The Yellow Heart To Remember movement was created by retired medical scientist Mr Gompertz, 84, after he lost wife Sheila to the virus last year. His idea was for those who had lost someone to Covid-19 to put a yellow heart in a window of their home as an act of remembrance. A year on, Yellow Hearts To Remember is a Facebook support group for the grieving with more than 7,000 members and Mr Gompertz is backing the Remember Me campaign. Our Facebook group is transitory in its nature a place where people can share how they feel in a particular moment whereas a memorial is a permanent statement of love for those we have lost, and something that can be physically visited, the grandfather from Birmingham said. I was very pleased to be asked to get involved with the Remember Me campaign. In the years to come thats something people will always need. This is a place where people can come and share how theyre feeling and their memories of the loved ones they lost. Were not a religious family, but St Pauls is a beautiful building that transcends religion. Mr Gompertzs wife Sheila, a retired computer scientist, died aged 83 in a care home in April last year. Patients should be remotely screened before being directed to the most appropriate health service for their problem, new NHS guidance says. Doctors are being told the system of 'total triage' must be embedded into general practice, despite the Royal College of GPs' reservations. The method was brought in during the pandemic and sees a person checked by phone, video or online, unless clinically appropriate. It comes despite the RCGP saying patients must be able to access both remote and face-to-face doctor appointments in a post-Covid world. In a new report, general practice leaders said while remote consultations should be an option, they must not become the 'automatic default' for GP care. Doctors are being told the system of 'total triage' must be embedded into general practice, despite the Royal College of GPs' reservations (file photo) Currently around half of consultations in general practice are being delivered face to face. Before the pandemic, some 70 per cent of appointments were face-to-face and 30 per cent were phone, video or online; but this switched to around 30 per cent face-to-face and 70 per cent remote during the crisis. The new RCGP study pointed to benefits of online and phone care, including offering patients convenience and flexibility, which may suit people who struggle to take time off work or housebound patients. But it said remote consultations are better suited to more straightforward conditions or queries and where a physical examination is not required. More complex conditions or those of a sensitive nature are better suited to face-to-face appointments, it said. It added: 'In some cases, non-verbal or 'soft' cues such as signs of anxiety, self-harm, or smelling alcohol on a patient's breath, may be more easily missed remotely, or there may be concerns about a patient's safeguarding, capacity or confidentiality.' The report added: 'Every patient is likely to sit somewhere along a spectrum between needing remote and face-to-face care, and this will change according to their needs at any particular time and as symptoms or circumstances change.' The report warned that the long-term impact of greater use of remote care on the general practice workforce is currently unknown, with some GPs reporting 'that remote consultations can often be exhausting, leading to 'Zoom fatigue'.' Some 63 per cent of GPs in a poll said delivering all or mostly remote consultations reduced their job satisfaction and 61 per cent said remote consultations are making the role more transactional. Some 88 per cent of GPs in the snap poll of 600 GPs also thought face-to-face consultations were important for building and maintaining trusting patient relationships. The study said the extent to which patients really have a preference for remote care as the need for social distancing is lifted, is also unknown. The College is calling on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of total triage platforms and recognise it should not just become the default. Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'People choose to be GPs to care for patients, as a medical specialty one of our key tools is our ability to build doctor-patient relationships in order to deliver holistic care, and our members tell us face-to-face appointments are important for this. Professor Martin Marshall (pictured), chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'People choose to be GPs to care for patients, as a medical specialty one of our key tools is our ability to build doctor-patient relationships in order to deliver holistic care, and our members tell us face-to-face appointments are important for this' 'It is possible to build relationships via video or phone consultations, but it's a very different skill to doing so in person, in a consultation room, which GPs have been trained for. 'GPs deserve credit for the remarkable way in which we swiftly transformed the way we deliver care in general practice once NHS England issued its pandemic guidance, both in terms of consulting remotely and implementing 'total triage' across the board. 'This was necessary so that we could continue delivering general practice services to patients whilst maintaining infection control in surgeries and keeping people safe. 'Remote consultations have advantages, particularly in terms of access and convenience for patients and making it easier for some hard to reach patient groups to access care.' Prof Marshall said there is 'certainly going to be a place' for remote in the future of general practice and IT investment is needed. 'But we know many patients prefer to see their GP face to face and that many GPs prefer consulting in person, as well,' he said. 'Furthermore, these new ways of working do not reduce GP workload - in fact, there is evidence to suggest triage results in an increase in consultation numbers and remote consultations can take longer. 'As we move out of the pandemic, it needs to be down to individual GP practices to be able to decide how they deliver services, based on their knowledge of their patient population. 'Ultimately, we want to be able to offer patients the choice as to how they want to access GP services based on their health needs.' Fire chiefs have warned teenagers against a TikTok phenomenon which sees them forcing themselves into toddlers' park swings and getting stuck. The London Fire Brigade urged teenagers 'in their quest for TikTok fame' to 'think twice' before taking part in the challenge and 'wasting the time of emergency services' following a rise in cases across the UK. The phenomenon initially started last year but firefighters have noticed the social media craze sweeping across UK once again in recent weeks. Figures show firefighters in London attended 21 instances of people stuck in park swings this year, with 12 of this year's incidents taking place last month. Last year firefighters also assisted in the rescue of 52 people stuck in swings and in 2019 there were 32 such incidents. The latest warning comes just weeks after firefighters from Ruislip Fire Station's Green Watch were called to rescue a 14-year-old girl after she became stuck on a toddler swing in Ruislip, north west London, on May 1. The London Fire Brigade said members from Ruislip Fire Station's Green Watch were called to rescue a 14-year-old girl who became stuck on a swing in Ruislip on May 1 During their rescue, crew members were forced to dismantle the swing and then use pressure to expand it around where the girl was stuck in order to rescue her. The Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations, Jane Philpott, said: 'Our firefighters attend a wide variety of challenging incidents and far be it from us to judge the precarious positions some people find themselves in. 'But in their quest for TikTok fame, people have been potentially diverting our crews from more serious incidents and that isn't something we want to see. 'Each job our firefighters do attend takes time and we are hoping to prevent further call outs to such incidents by issuing this warning. 'We would ask people to please just think twice before taking part in this challenge think of the injuries you could cause yourself, the damage to the swings which have to be cut apart and most of all the fact you're tying up resources which could be needed for a genuine emergency. 'It might be a fun story for your friends, but wasting the time of emergency services is serious. The fire brigade warned teenagers against the TikTok phenomenon following a rise in cases across the UK During their latest rescue attempt, firefighters said they were forced to dismantle the swing The scenes come nearly a year after a 14-year-old girl had to be rescued by firefighters after she got stuck in a baby swing while making a video for TikTok. Layani Maclean had to be rescued by the emergency services after she became trapped in the swing in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, in July last year. The teenager had been in the park taking turns with friends to get into the swing, meant for children between six months and four years old, when she found herself stuck. Upon their arrival, the firefighters had to unscrew the swing's chains and try to ease the swing down from the teenager's waist. They then poured washing up liquid onto her legs and the swing before eventually freeing the teenager. Afterwards, the teenager's mother Charlie said: 'It was a really bizarre situation to walk into. 'When my neighbour called to tell me I just started laughing, but when I arrived it was clear it was a bit more serious than I initially thought. Layani Maclean had to be rescued by the emergency services last year after she became trapped in the swing in Faringdon, Oxfordshire 'My daughter was really embarrassed when we had to call the firefighters, but when they arrived they were amazing. 'They did a great job, whilst cracking all the possible swing jokes they could think of. 'This definitely wasn't the first job they'd been to like that and they assured both me and my daughter that it wouldn't be their last. 'We're in the middle of baking them a cake now to say thank you.' Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have been given dramatic new evidence in their case against Christian Brueckner. Detectives claimed to have reached a breakthrough in the probe last summer when they identified the convicted rapist as their prime suspect. The 44-year-old is currently serving a prison term in Germany and is thought to be the man responsible for her abduction. Three-year-old Madeleine, known as Maddie, vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007. She had been left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings while her parents were dining in a nearby tapas restaurant with friends. Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann (left) have been given dramatic new evidence in their case against Christian Brueckner (right) German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has now revealed that new evidence has been gathered in recent days, though he declined to reveal specifics The disappearance of Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann, known as Maddie, disappeared from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007. She was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann; her two-year-old twin siblings; and a group of family friends and their children. She and the twins had been left asleep at the apartment, while the McCanns and friends dined in a restaurant 55 metres (180 ft) away. The parents checked on the children throughout the evening, until Kate discovered she was missing at 10pm. What followed is widely regarded as one of the most reported on missing person investigations in the world. Portuguese authorities closed their enquiries in July 2008 but Maddie's parents continued with private detectives. Scotland Yard launched their own investigation - Operation Grange - in 2011 and enquiries are ongoing. Advertisement German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has now revealed that new evidence has been gathered in recent days, though he declined to reveal specifics. He told the Sun: 'We are still building the case and at some time in the future we shall share the details with the suspect and his lawyer but now is not the time. 'I cannot disclose the type of evidence we have been given, it is not forensic I can tell you that but it is new circumstantial evidence which all adds to the working theory that he is the man responsible. 'We have always insisted that the man we identified as the main suspect is the man we believe committed the crime and we are not looking for anyone else. I am optimistic that we will solve this case.' Authorities hope to be in a position to charge Brueckner by the end of the summer, with a reconstruction soon due to take place in the Praia da Luz resort following a tip-off from a key witness. It comes after Madeleine's parents said this month they 'hang on to hope, however small' that they will see their daughter again as they marked the 14th anniversary of her disappearance alone. In a message shared online, Kate and Gerry McCann noted that this year's anniversary was even more poignant because it would have been missing Maddie's 18th birthday. The message, which was shared on the Find Madeleine website, read: 'Every May is tough a reminder of years passed, of years together lost, or stolen. 'This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleines 18th birthday. Enough said.' A five-year-old boy killed in Israel by rocket fire from Gaza has been pictured, after he became one of the country's seven victims of the latest cross-border conflict. Ido Avigal was fatally stuck by shrapnel after the building he was in with his mother was hit by a missile on Wednesday night. In the building, found in the town of Sderot on the border with Gaza, seven people were hurt when it suffered a direct hit from a rocket. Ido Avigal, who was killed in his home in Sderot by a rocket fired from Gaza on May 12, 2021. Avigal was pronounced dead several hours later, becoming the seventh Israeli victim of the cross border conflict that started earlier this week An injured boy is stretchered from the scene of the attack in Sderot that killed five-year-old Ido Avigal yesterday A woman is treated in the aftermath of the rocket attack that killed five-year-old Ido Avigal in Sderot The boy's mother grabbed him and took him into a fortified room when the in-coming rocket sirens sounded, according to local Hebrew media reports cited by the Times of Israel. However, in a rare tragedy, shrapnel from the rocket punctured the shelter's window, critically wounding the boy and also injuring his mother. Avigal was pronounced dead several hours later, becoming the seventh Israeli victim of the cross border conflict that started earlier this week. So far, Israel has seen five Israeli citizens killed, one Indian national and an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldier in the latest violence in the region. As of Wednesday night, at least 67 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, including 16 children. Israel says most of the dead were terrorists and insists the children killed were victims of stray Palestinian rockets. A flat, said by the Times of Israel to be the one Ado Avigal was in when it was hit by a Hamas rocket, burns in the aftermath Smoke continues to rise from the flat in Sderot after it suffered a direct hit from a Hamas rocket . @DanaYarkechy @Itsik_zuarets pic.twitter.com/DswQZibPyz (@kann_news) May 12, 2021 Pictured: Rockets are launched from Gaza city, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, in response to an Israeli air strike on a 12-storey building in the city, towards the coastal city of Tel Aviv, on May 11, 2021 Israel on Thursday pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 11 senior Hamas military figures and toppling a pair of high-rise towers housing Hamas facilities in a series of airstrikes. But the Islamic militant group showed no signs of backing down and fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities, including heavily populated Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Palestinian militants have stockpiled enough missiles to continue bombing Israel for the next two months, security experts have warned, as escalating fighting led the UN to warn of 'all-out war'. Local media said 1,500 missiles have been fired from Gaza towards Israel so far this week. The launch of around 350 rockets had failed, while hundreds more were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system, the army said. The rest, however, have found their target, killing and injuring many. Meanwhile, street clashes continued on Israel's streets across the country, with Jewish and Arab citizens both attacking one-another in numerous incidents, leading to over 370 arrests across the country. In one incident, an Arab man was dragged from his car and beaten by Jewish ultranationalists, while in another a Jewish citizen was attacked by sticks and stones by Arab Israeli protesters. A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish following an Israeli airstrike on targets in the southern Gaza strip, early on May 12, 2021. - Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip have hit the homes of high-ranking members of the Hamas militant group, the military said Wednesday, with the territory's police headquarters also targeted Britain's Boris Johnson led international leaders in calling for the two sides to step back from the brink yesterday, but a UN Security Council meeting failed to agree on a on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, Israel's key ally, diplomats said. Pleas for calm appeared in vain as Israeli and Palestinian leaders traded blood-curdling threats and further rocket strikes, with a rocket setting off alarms in the north of Israel in the early hours of Thursday morning - some 62 miles North of Gaza - sending thousands of Israelis to shelters. And after a senior Hamas commander was killed yesterday, the Islamist militant group responded with a barrage of rockets into southern Israel which rescue workers said killed a six-year-old boy. Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz vowed more attacks on Gaza to bring 'total, long-term quiet' before they would consider truce talks after six days of violence. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military would only use 'increasing force' in the conflict. 'We eliminated senior Hamas commanders and this is just the beginning,' he said. 'We will inflict blows on them that they couldn't even dream of.' The leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh hit back, vowing that 'if Israel wants to escalate, we are ready for it'. Pictured: Palestinians gather during confrontations with the Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 12,2021 In just three days, this latest round of fighting between the bitter enemies has already begun to resemble - and even exceed - a devastating 50-day war in 2014. Like that previous war, neither side appears to have an exit strategy. But there are key differences. The fighting has triggered the worst Jewish-Arab violence inside Israel in decades. And looming in the background is an international war crimes investigation. Israel carried out an intense barrage of airstrikes just after sunrise, striking dozens of targets in several minutes that set off bone-rattling explosions across Gaza. Airstrikes continued throughout the day, filling the sky with pillars of smoke. At nightfall, the streets of Gaza City resembled a ghost town as people huddled indoors on the final night of Ramadan. The evening, followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday, is usually a time of vibrant night life, shopping and crowded restaurants. Vaccinated Australians may be able to go overseas and home quarantine when they get back, according to plans being worked on by Scott Morrison. The federal budget assumes Australia's borders will not open until mid-2022, but the prime minister said there could be a chance for overseas holidays before then. He has tasked the medical experts with finding out if it's safe to reduce hotel quarantine requirements for vaccinated Aussies. Vaccinated Australians may be able to go overseas and home quarantine when they get back, according to plans being worked on by Scott Morrison 'I've been seeking to get support for Australians who are vaccinated would be able to travel overseas and return in some sort of modified quarantine arrangement,' he told radio 2GB on Thursday. 'I've been seeking that for some time, but that also has to be done safely. These are all of the options that we need to work practically on.' Mr Morrison did not say if the 'modified' arrangement meant home quarantine or reduced hotel quarantine - but he has previously spoken about the possibility of home quarantine. 'Borders is just not a binary option of open one day, shut the next. There are various grades of that and that's actually what the Budget assumes,' he added. 'They need to be practical, they need to be safe, they need to ensure that we don't put at risk the great gains that have been made.' Federal budget documents on Tuesday said that inbound and outbound international travel into Australia 'will remain low through to mid-2022.' Officials assume there will then be a 'gradual' return to normal travel after that point. 'Safe travel zones' will be established, as Australia has done with the New Zealand travel bubble. Australia's borders to the outside world will remain virtually shut through to mid-2022 according to federal budget forecasts released on Tuesday evening On Thursday Health Minister Greg Hunt said the mid-2022 assumption was 'cautious', suggesting borders could open before then. 'We wanted to make sure that we would under-promise, rather than overpromise,' he said. Mr Hunt said the decision would be influenced by how long vaccine protection lasts for and how easily the virus can pass between vaccinated people. He also said Australians may need booster shots next year to protect against new variants of the virus before the borders can be fully opened. Last year the Government predicted international borders would be open in October 2021 after the whole adult population has been offered a vaccination. However, this timeline has now been pushed back as Australia's vaccination rollout falls behind due to supply shortages and vaccine hesitancy. Even when the borders open, Treasury officials admit the number of Aussies travelling overseas won't return to pre-pandemic levels for some time. Tuesday's forecast is only a government assumption which could be wrecked at any point by a serious Covid outbreaks or mutant virus variants. At the weekend, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the border would remain closed 'indefinitely' to protect the Australian way of life. 'We sit here as an island that's living like few countries in the world are at the moment,' he said. 'We have to be careful not to exchange that way of life for what everyone else has.' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's budget contained the 'assumption' that overseas travel will not return until 2022 Australians have been banned from leaving the country since March 2020 unless granted special exemptions. Only citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders have been allowed to enter under some of the strictest Covid-19 border rules in the world. The budget documents also say the government expects occasional Covid-19 outbreaks to plague the country throughout the rest of the year. However, they believe they will successfully be contained by authorities. The government also believes there won't be 'extended or sustained state border restrictions' this year. But the government is at the mercy of the virus and premiers such as West Australia's Mark McGowan on that. International students are likely to begin trickling back into the country at the end of 2021 and re-enter Australia in increasing numbers in 2022. Advertisement Tens of thousands of Muslims have celebrated the end of Ramadan by observing the Eid-al-Fitr festival on Thursday morning. Men, women and children descended on Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's south-west to give thanks and commemorate the end of their month-long fast during daylight hours. Devotees crammed inside and outside Australia's biggest mosque, saying their morning prayers in the car park and the surrounding streets after the mosque quickly reached capacity. This year's event was made all the more significant with a dramatic escalation of hostilities between Israeli and Palestinian forcers this week. And Muslims were not able to gather in such number in 2020 because of Covid restrictions. Worshippers take to the street to participate in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney Men, women and children descended on Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's west (pictured) to give thanks and commemorate the end of their month-long fast Muslim worshippers observe the morning Eid al-Fitr prayer, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan This year's event was made all the more significant with a dramatic escalation of hostilities between Israeli and Palestinian forcers this week During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and use the month as a period of introspection and communal prayer. It is one of the five pillars of Islam alongside regular prayer, giving to the poor, a profession of faith and pilgrimage to Mecca. Devout Muslims are expected to abide by the pillars of Islam to the best of their abilities. When the month of Ramadan comes to a close, followers gather en masse to give a traditional prayer signifying its completion. The Eid-al-Fitr is one of only two major festivals in the Islamic faith and sees Muslims give money to the poor and needy as an obligatory act of charity. Children are often given new clothing and gifts to celebrate the end of fasting. Daily Mail Australia have been unable to confirm the exact number in attendance with the Lakemba Mosque and the Lebanese Muslim Association. But photographs showing worshippers spilling out into the surrounding streets suggest the number could be as high as 50,000. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and use the month as a period of introspection and communal prayer. Pictured: A large crowd gathers outside Lakemba Mosque During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and use the month as a period of introspection and communal prayer Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam alongside regular prayer, giving to the poor, a profession of faith and pilgrimage to Mecca Devout Muslim woman stand together to commemorate the end of Ramadan at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney This week tensions in the middle east boiled over with the Israeli Defence Force and Palestinian Militants exchanging deadly rocket fire. Gaza's Ministry of Health said IDF shelling has resulted in the deaths of 65 people, including 16 children. The death toll on the Israeli side currently stands at six. There are around 72,000 Muslims in the Canterbury-Bankstown Council area of Sydney, comprising 21 per cent of the local population, according to the 2016 Australia Bureau of Statistics data. Across Sydney there are over 17,000 Palestinians. Pictured: A large crowd flocks to the Lakemba Mosque to observe the end of Ramadan Pictured: A large crowd at Lakemba Mosque spills out in the car park as devotees say a traditional prayer to mark the end of Ramadan Pictured: Muslim worshippers are seen at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney taking part in the Eid al-Fitr festival Pictured: Hundreds of Muslim worshippers bow their heads as they say traditional prayers to market the end of Ramadan A scorned husband who attacked his wife by throwing eggs at her because she wouldn't take him back then sent her more than 100 abusive messages. James Lee Robinson, 50, from Bondi, and his estranged wife of four years agreed to meet for their anniversary on February 28 but she backed out on the day. He then let himself into her Randwick flat with flowers and groceries, planning to make her lunch, and was waiting when she returned home. A Bondi man has been sentenced for assaulting his estranged partner by throwing eggs at her (stock image) Robinson's wife demanded that he leave when she found him inside her home, Waverley Local Court in Sydney heard on Wednesday. Despite repeatedly being told to go and the woman yelling to neighbours to call the police, he began searching the house claiming she was hiding another person, reports The Daily Telegraph. She called police after locking him out of the flat, and when they arrived they found her covered in broken eggs and visibly shaken, though uninjured. Officers took Robinson to Maroubra police station where he was served with a restraining order banning him from any contact with his estranged wife. However, he disregarded the order and sent her more than 100 WhatsApp messages over the next month - which Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman labelled 'abusive, disgusting' and an attempt to control her. A mock up of messages the man sent to the woman labelled as 'disgusting' by a court 'You like moving the goal posts don't you c*** where are they now f**k ya, you low dog,' one message read, according to court documents. 'Your not even a b**** because a dog knows its master wouldn't just dump him and let him go out in the cold on his god damn birthday (sic),' another read. Robinson was charged with assault, contravening a restraining order, and using a carriage service to menace or harass. For the egg assault and disregarding the restraining order, he was slapped with a three year Community Corrections Order which includes a ban on drugs and alcohol. He was also fined $400 for breaking into the woman's flat. The magistrate also issued a three-year Commonwealth Recognisance Order for using a carriage service to menace or harass. A woman enjoying a toboggan ride at a theme park got the shock of her life when she noticed she was heading straight towards a large snake. The woman had visited the Toboggan Hill Park near Nelson Bay, around 2.5 hours north of Sydney, when she spotted the coiled up reptile sitting on the edge of the track. To her horror she was unable to stop and instead had to keep riding straight past the snake - just inches away from its head. She shared the terrifying encounter to TikTok this week with the caption: 'It's horrible to meet a snake when you have no way to pass!'. The video received more than 67,000 views with many quick to reassure the woman the snake was a harmless python. One person commented they had visited the park once and saw nine snakes on the track. 'They (staff) went down with a wheelie bin and just put them in that,' they said. Others admitted they'd be equally horrified to see the reptile. 'Oh no thankyou!' one said. A woman had been riding down a toboggan track in New South Wales this week when she suddenly spotted a huge snake in her way 'Holy cow. I'd be wondering what it was going to do when you got closer!' another said. Pythons are non-venomous but can inflict serious injuries on people if bitten. They're commonly found across Australia but those who spot them are urged not to worry as they will only attack if they feel threatened. A cute toddler has failed to hide his guilt after ripping up toilet paper from his family's bathroom. Thomas Tindall shot the video at their Morningside home in Brisbane in April when he caught his son, Tommy, destroying the toilet paper. In the short clip, Mr Tindall is heard shouting 'hey! What are you doing!' Mr Tindall said he 'lost it' when his son looked up guiltily after being caught Tommy then turned and fled the scene with his father in hot pursuit Tommy then fails to hide his guilt as he looks at his father for a second before running off. 'Get back here, get back here!,' Mr Tindall laughs as he chases Tommy down the hallway. 'What have you done?' Mr Tindall said as he inspected the mess. The footage continues to show the extend of the mess left behind the by the 'toilet paper bandit'. Mr Tindall said they caught Tommy in the act saying he 'lost it' when he saw Tommy's face. 'So, we caught a little toilet paper bandit today. I literally lost it when he made that face after getting busted,' he told Newsflare. The toilet paper bandit left a huge mess as he ripped the toilet paper to shreds Tommy quickly threw the toilet paper away before sprinting down the hallway Buckingham Palace has requested that a doctored image of Queen Elizabeth wearing a MAGA hat and QAnon brooch be removed from the 'Trump Train' bus. A Palace spokesperson confirmed that 'representations asking for (the photo's) removal have been made' Buzzfeed News reported. The 'Trump Train' bus is adorned with multiple doctored images, including former president Trump's head on a boxer's body with abs, former president Ronald Reagan wearing a red TRUMP hat and the Queen wearing a MAGA hat and a QAnon brooch. The tour bus is owned by a Trump supporter named Buddy Hall and serves as 'the unofficial campaign tour bus to support the 2020 reelection of President Trump,' Hall said in a GoFundMe raising money for the bus upkeep, including gas and repairs. It still is driving around post-election. The doctored picture of the Queen has been on the bus for more than a year, but was not widely noticed until the bus's appearance at last week's 'America First' rally, Buzzfeed News reported. The original image - the one before it had been doctored - of the Queen was taken by Getty Images photographer Christopher Furlong on April 1, 2011, in Anglesey, Wales, Buzzfeed News reported. Buckingham Palace has requested a doctored image of Queen Elizabeth II (pictured) wearing a MAGA hat and QAnon brooch be removed from the 'Trump Train' bus The 'Trump Train' bus (pictured) is adorned with multiple photoshopped images, including former president Trump's head on a boxer's body with abs, former president Ronald Reagan wearing a red TRUMP hat and the Queen wearing a MAGA hat Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (pictured left) poses with 'Trump Train' bus owner Buddy Hall (pictured right) Buckingham Palace is not the only camp reaching out to Hall. Popular website hosting service GoDaddy has also asked that their logo be removed from the bus. 'GoDaddy doesn't sponsor the bus and we don't have any advertising relationships with the bus/owner whatsoever,' GoDaddy spokesman Dan Race told the Huffington Post. 'They don't have permission to use our brand on the bus and we've asked them to remove.' Hall says he did not mean to suggest GoDaddy was a sponsor. 'They built us a nice website. I just wanted to show my appreciation,' he told the Huffington Post in a statement. The bus was most recently spotted at Republican representatives Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene 'America First' rally in Florida. Hall posted a video on Facebook during the Florida stop of tour where he talked about future plans for the bus 'We're on the Trump 2024 revenge tour,' he said. The 'Trump Train' bus has a doctored image of Queen Elizabeth II in which she wears a MAGA hat and a QAnon brooch A Palace spokesperson confirmed that 'representations asking for (the photo's)removal have been made' Buzzfeed News reported He said the bus recently underwent a makeover, with the year in 'Trump Pence 2020' being replaced with '2024,' suggesting a presidential run in the upcoming election and 'Ready for Round 2' being replaced with 'Ready for Round 3,' referring to a third presidential campaign in 2024 for Trump, who has not confirmed plans to run for president again. Hall also said he is planning on replacing Vice President Mike Pence on bus. 'We were going to put Pence under the bus, but he don't even qualify to be there,' Hall said. A spokesperson for Greene told BuzzFeed News that they were not affiliated with the bus but did not see any problem with the fact that the Queen's image was being used. 'You do know what a meme is right? Isn't that what Buzzfeed is all about?' 'We're sure Her Majesty has greater concerns than motor vehicle traffic in [the retirement community where the rally was held] The Villages Florida,' Harlan Hill, a spokesperson for Gaetz, told Buzzfeed News. Aldi shoppers were happy to wait in queues 400 metres long just to snag the latest Special Buys from their favourite low price retailer. Hundreds of customers were filmed waiting in massive lines that extended into the car park of an Aldi store in western Sydney on the morning of May 8. The loyal shoppers waited patiently to get their hands on the supermarket's new Special Buys range sale of aluminium saucepans, frypans and baking dish - priced between $19.99 and $24.99. Aldi shoppers waited in massive 400m lines on May 8 at a western Sydney store (pictured) In shocking footage posted online droves of customers can be seen piling their trolleys with electronic items like heaters and air fryers. The in-demand five kilo clothes dryer that retails for $199 was filmed being lifted over crowds of customer's heads into jam-packed trolleys. Many Aldi fans were left unsurprised by the frenzy as others reported seeing similar events at their local stores. 'I saw a woman at Aldi Greensborough Plaza yesterday with a trolley full of the pots and pans. She had them stacked two and three high,' one shopper said. 'Was the same at my local Aldi too, heaps of heaters - but the pots and pans, all gonski,' said another. Droves of customers waited to grab the special buys saucepans, frypan and baking dish (pictured) An Aldi worker said their store at Glenmore Park had the same 'crazy' queue of eager shoppers. 'We had to open up five registers this morning within the first 2-3 minutes, air fryer, heaters and all pots and pans are already sold out,' they said. Other viewer's didn't understand the hype over 'standard pots and pans.' 'Bizarre. Nothing really that special about the pots and pans that warrants this reaction. You can get similar elsewhere without the queues and the battle scars,' one said. 'I thought the toilet roll thing was ridiculous. This is worse,' another commented. Australia has secured 25 million doses of Moderna coronavirus jabs from the United States, with the surprise deal also paving the way for local production of mRNA vaccines. The first 10 million doses of the double-shot jab will be delivered by the end of this year, destined for people under 50. Another 15 million booster shots are set to arrive next year, designed to guard against emerging COVID-19 strains. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was important to prepare for possible variants of the disease. Moderna will deliver 10 million doses this year and 15 million booster shots next year provided the Therapeutic Goods Administration approves both jabs 'We're now well into the phase of dealing with what's coming next because the pandemic is not going anywhere,' he said on Thursday. Labor's health spokesman Mark Butler wants the government to explain why the deal has taken so long. The US, Canada, the UK, European Union, Korea, Japan and Israel are already using the jab. 'Tens and tens of millions of doses of this state-of-the-art vaccine have already been delivered to the people in those countries,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'Why do Australians have to wait until the end of this year?' The vaccine and booster shot are still subject to approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration before they can be used in Australia. The US, Canada, the UK, European Union, Korea, Japan and Israel are already using the jab (pictured, a different vaccine being administered in Brisbane) Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government had not changed its position on a no-fault compensation scheme for Moderna. Mr Hunt said the company agreed to the government's terms. Moderna is an mRNA - or messenger RNA - vaccine, which teaches cells how to make a protein to trigger an immune response. Australia does not have the domestic capacity to manufacture such a jab. But the US biotech company has expressed interest in setting up an Australian base. Health Minister Greg Hunt (pictured on Thursday) said the government had not changed its position on a no-fault compensation scheme for Moderna 'We look forward to continuing discussions with Australia about establishing potential local manufacturing opportunities,' Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said. The government will commence an approach to market in coming days for mRNA vaccine manufacturing in Australia. But Health department secretary Brendan Murphy said it was not likely to be established before 2022. In the meantime, the federal government is focused on rolling out the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. More than 2.8 million vaccine doses have been administered across the country. Mark Anthony Cameron - the soldier husband of Nine newsreader Davina Smith - will plead not guilty to a rape charge, a court heard on Thursday The Army soldier husband of a high-profile TV anchor will fight a rape charge a Sydney court has heard - as his heavily pregnant wife delivered the morning news. Mark Anthony Cameron, Nine newsreader Davina Smith's husband of ten years, will stand trial after being charged with sexually assaulting another woman two-and-a-half years ago. Prosecutors allege that Cameron raped the woman in Sutherland - not far from the family home in Cronulla - in the early hours of December 2, 2018. But Cameron will plead not guilty to the single charge of sexual intercourse without consent, the Downing Centre Local Court heard on Thursday. The court heard that Cameron has also been hit with a restraining order on behalf of the alleged victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons. A stony-faced Cameron stood for several minutes in front of a magistrate as he learned he will formally enter a not guilty plea in front of a judge next month. About the same time this morning, Ms Smith - his wife and mother of their four-year-old daughter - delivered the morning news update from Channel Nine's headquarters in the city's north, updating the country on the nation's troubled vaccine rollout and chaos in the Gaza strip. Husband and wife: Cameron, 43, and pregnant Ms Smith have been married for a decade. She has previously written about how they have been forced to spend time apart due to his deployments Cameron remains free on bail while he waits to fight the charges in front of a District Court judge at a later date Cameron was arrested in November but the fact he had been charged wasn't publicly known until it was revealed by a local news outlet in March. Sutherland Local Court has previously heard that prosecutors will allege the alleged sexual assault occurred against an 'intoxicated victim'. According to the St George Shire Leader, police have alleged in court documents that the 'prosecution case in this matter is extremely strong.' Prosecutors claim the accused has 'made admissions to the offence which were captured under the authorised warrant'. That will likely be a matter for a jury to determine should the case proceed to trial as expected. Smith had a picture of his family as his background on his phone Cameron has previously been deployed to Afghanistan but his current role with the Army is unclear Cameron could be seen scrolling through a phone in the court lobby on Thursday - a photo of his family as his screen saver - as he waited for the brief mention. Cameron was escorted to and from court by three suited men and his lawyer. He remains free on conditional bail. Last year, Ms Smith wrote in a social media post how she and her daughter were separated from Cameron due to coronavirus border closures. He was based in Queensland with the Army. 'We're no strangers to distance and separation but this is unlike any deployment or work trip we've faced,' Ms Smith wrote. 'Normal life as a military family is tough, life as an MWDU member with dependent unaccompanied is tougher.' Cameron's exact role while facing the charges is unclear with the Defence Department declining to comment. 'For privacy reasons, Defence does not comment on current or former serving Australian Defence Force members unless the individual has provided written consent,' a spokeswoman said. He has previously been deployed to Afghanistan. Cameron is expected to receive a trial date in June. Farmers struck by a relentless mouse plague will be given a $50million support package after a sudden backflip by the New South Wales government, after previously insisting they had no money for it. Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced Thursday morning the government would offer financial aid to farmers after masses of rodents have left months worth of crops completely destroyed. The government will offer free baits to farmers using banned poison Bromadiolone, which has now been made legal for use, which NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall described as 'napalm for mice'. It comes after Mr Marshall told the ABC on Wednesday he didn't have the aid money 'on my fingertips'. Tracey Jones, who lives in Dubbo, shared an alarming video of mice falling out of her auger when her son went to the clean the machinery The move is a stark contrast to Mr Marshall's comments on Wednesday, where he said the burden of drought relief had handcuffed the government The government announced they would offer free grain treatment for major producers and rebates for treatment and baits for all farmers. The move is a stark contrast to Mr Marshall's comments on Wednesday, where he said the burden of drought relief had handcuffed the government. 'The proposal that I've read in media reports would cost anywhere between $600-700million. After spending nearly $4.5billion in drought support, I don't have that money on my fingertips,' he told the ABC. Mr Barilaro changed tact Thursday, saying they had listened to the cries for help and had found $50million in funding to assist. 'We know the financial pressure this mice plague is putting on farmers and household budgets, we have heard the concerns of regional NSW and we are acting on it,' Mr Barilaro said. They will offer $1,000 rebates for small businesses, $500 rebates for households and free mice bait for all farmers. Farms across New South Wales have been overrun with plagues of mice in recent months (pictured property in Gilgandra) Farmers have collected scores of rodents across Australia (pictured above) who have been causing havoc with stock Mr Barilaro changed tact Thursday, saying they had listened to the cries for help and had found $50million in funding to assist 'Today's announcement of free baits to treat grain almost completely removes the cost burden on our farmers and croppers and complements our popular workshops to arm farmers with the tools needed to build a mice-free fortress to protect their paddocks,' Mr Marshall said. 'I've seen first-hand the impact these rodents are having. They are a scourge on our agricultural production so we are giving landholders a fearsome suite of tools to manage mice. 'We're making this as easy for farmers as we possibly can. No tedious rebate forms to fill out, just bring your grain to have the experts treat it free of charge. 'Free bait is better than any rebate for our farmers, who we continue to stand behind post drought, bushfires and floods.' Some farmers have estimated losses of between $50,000 and $150,000 due to grain and fodder being destroyed, NSW Farmers Grains Committee Chair Matthew Madden said. 'Farmers and rural communities are still in the midst of combatting a ceaseless mouse plague that is continuing to impact the northern and central west regions and rapidly spreading and growing through the south,' he said. A survey on farmers around the state found that more than 80 per cent had suffered significant damage to machinery and infrastructure from mice. It was also found that 75 per cent of farmers couldn't access bait when they needed it most. In early February, Ben Storer filmed the mice as he drove through the horde in a ute on his family farm in Warren in central northern NSW (pictured) NSW Farmers and the Country Women's Association met at State Parliament on Tuesday to detail just how much their lives have been put on hold to cope with the endless stream of mice. They asked for $25,000 per farm to help buy and set up mouse baits to kill the rodents and save their crops and homes. Lisa Minogue, a farmer from Barmedman, in central NSW said the mice kept coming and couldn't be stopped, and the smell they left behind was 'horrific'. 'You can pick up all the mice you see but there is always more,' she said. 'I did 38 loads of washing in three days. My house is pretty much packed up in boxes.' Dead mice are seen at a property in Coonamble in central west NSW, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Dubbo farmer Tracey Jones shared an alarming video of mice falling out of her auger when her son went to the clean the machinery. 'When you clean out the auger and it rains mice!' she captioned the video as countless rodents flew out of the pipe to land on the dirt. Ms Jones said the mouse plagues were devastating for her family that relies on grain farming for its livelihood. 'People out here are struggling badly with them in our houses,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'My 90-year-old mother in law is living out of an esky because it's the only way she can mouse-proof her food. 'Mice are in everything, rooves and walls eating wiring, cupboards and pantries eating, nesting in and soiling in food and clothing, in cars and machinery chewing through wiring. 'The smell of dead mice is overwhelming, it's everywhere.' Mr Marshall said he found it odd the farmers met at a time when government ministers were unable to attend but said there were several workshops being set up to help those combat the mice. 'No amount of money could ever wipe out the mice impacting farmers in parts of the State,' he said. 'The most effective way to manage mouse populations is to reduce the availability of food and shelter in combination with pesticide bait control. 'The feedback I have heard from farmers on the ground is the need for increased tools to combat these pesky rodents. 'That is why we have secured the experience of Australia's leading expert to provide tailored on-farm advice alongside a series of workshops to ensure people are equipped with the knowledge they need to effectively manage mice.' 'The NSW Government has also successfully lobbied the Commonwealth's APVMA to allow off-label use of zinc phosphide and worked to ensure there is no shortage of baits.' Chicago has released 1,000 feral cats onto its streets in an effort to deal with the city's rodent problem after it was named the rat capital of the United States for the sixth year running. Animal shelter the Tree House Humane Society is behind the Cats at Work program, neutering the animals before they are returned to patrol the Windy City. The shelter says it uses felines that who 'wouldnt thrive in a home or shelter environment', or 'those cats cannot be reintegrated into their former colonies' for the pest control. Chicago was named the rat capital of the US for the sixth year running in October last year after pest control specialists Orkin ranked metro regions by the number of new rodent treatments performed from September 2019 to August 31, 2020. Tree House Humane Society started the program in 2012; since then it has released up to 1,000 cats on to the city's streets, WGN9 first reported. The shelter says: 'Cats are placed two or three at a time into residential or commercial settings in order to provide environmentally friendly rodent control. 'Property and business owners provide food, water, shelter, and wellness to the cats who work for them. In most cases, our Cats at Work become beloved members of the family or team and some even have their own Instagram pages.' Chicago has released 1,000 feral cats onto its streets in an effort to deal with the city's rodent problem after it was named the rat capital of the United States. One such cat is pictured Animal shelter the Tree House Humane Society is behind the Cats at Work program, neutering the animals before they are returned to patrol both residential and business areas Chicago was named the rat capital of the US for the sixth year running in October last year after pest control specialists Orkin ranked metro regions by the number of new rodent treatments performed from September 2019 to August 31, 2020 THE TOP TEN RATTIEST CITIES IN THE US 2020 1. Chicago 2. Los Angeles 3. New York 4. Washington, D.C. 5. San Francisco 6. Detroit 7. Philadelphia (+3) 8. Baltimore (+4) 9. Denver 10. Minneapolis (-2) Advertisement Shelter spokesperson, Sarah Liss, said: 'We've had a lot of our clients tell us that before they had cats, they would step outside their house and rats would actually run across their feet.' Rather than killing the rats Liss says the cats 'are actually deterring them with their pheromones' adding: 'That's enough to keep the rats away.' Those living in Chicago can apply for a cat online. Chicago has had problems with rats dating back to the 1970s when residents were paid $1 to kill one. Last May it was reported rats had become even more aggressive in their search for food in US cities as their supply dried up amid coronavirus restaurant lockdowns. Things became so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out a new advisory alerting people to be aware of 'aggressive rodent behavior' on the unsuspecting public. 'Community-wide closures have led to a decrease in food available to rodents, especially in dense commercial areas,' the CDC said at the rime. 'Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food.' The advisory added: 'Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior.' The CDC also suggested that homeowners and restaurant owners check their properties and seal up holes where rats might be able to sneak inside and feast on garbage. Tree House Humane Society started the program in 2012; since then it has released up to 1,000 cats on to the city's streets, WGN9 first reported In April it was reported that some rats have even resorted to cannibalism as the hunt for food becomes more difficult. 'A restaurant all of a sudden closes now, which has happened by the thousands in not just New York City but coast to coast and around the world, and those rats that were living by that restaurant, some place nearby, and perhaps for decades having generations of rats that depended on that restaurant food, well, life is no longer working for them, and they only have a couple of choices,' urban rodentologist Bobby Corrigan told NBC News. Advertisement Hundreds of New Yorkers were seen lining up to receive COVID-19 vaccines and a free train pass at subway stops around the Big Apple on Wednesday. Even though many New Yorkers still won't ride the subway, some people stood in line at Grand Central Terminal an hour before the vaccine site opened at 8am - and nearly 100 people had been vaccinated in just two hours, Gothamist reported. The vaccine site at Grand Central is one of eight train stations offering vaccines through Sunday as part of a pilot program run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The program had been announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday. MTA officials said at a press conference that the agency had enough of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to inoculate as many as 300 people at each subway and train site per day. Six of the sites were in the city with one on Long Island and another in Westchester County. New Yorkers praised the convenience of getting the jab and a free MetroCard even as the financially exhausted MTA has staved off massive cuts to subway service for the next two years after receiving federal aid and a bump in tax revenue. A weeklong unlimited MetroCard costs $33, according to the agency's website. The MTA suffered a steep drop in ridership fare through the pandemic, which further hurt the agency after years of criticism for a crumbling infrastructure and padded pensions. Scroll down for video Commuters line up to receive a Johnson and Johnson one time COVID-19 vaccine at Grand Central Station on Wednesday People are seen waiting in line for vaccines inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City on Wednesday Governor Andrew Cuomo had announced eight new pop-up vaccination sites at MTA station stops in the New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions New Yorkers praised the convenience of getting the jab and a free weekly MetroCard even as the financially exhausted MTA has staved off massive cuts to subway service. A weeklong unlimited MetroCard costs $33. MTA security contractor Janet Santiago reacts after she received a shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for the coronavirus disease during the opening of MTA's public vaccination program at the Coney Island subway station in Brooklyn Straphangers receive the COVID-19 vaccine at pop-up vaccination site at the 34th Street subway station Hugh G., a 71-year-old security guard who got the vaccine at the Jamaica-179th Street station in Queens, told the New York Post that he drove to the train station to get the vaccine because he no longer rides the subway, calling it 'too dangerous.' 'I saw on the news it was one shot, no appointment, in and out in 15 minutes, so I said great! I was a little hesitant,' he said. 'I tried with an appointment a few weeks ago but the website was a little confusing and the drug stores kept telling me to call back, they were out of appointments or something.' Some who opted to get the vaccine Wednesday had appointments schedule for vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna - but stuck out the line for the one-dose jab. Thomas Kontogeorgos, 50, was the first in line at Grand Central and said he wanted the one-dose vaccine. 'Giving people options, you know, to just walk in and have the vaccine in without even planning, I think it's a good option,' Kontogeorgos said. 'And it shows, because there are many people that showed up today, and I'm sure that there will be many more people.' Baruch College student Dekyi Tameng, 23, told Gothamist: 'I have a [vaccine] appointment coming up, but I won't be able to make it. I have an exam that day. So, I thought this was a great opportunity to get it.' People who received the vaccine told the outlet that they had heard about the vaccine program during their commutes. The vaccines are being offered to residents as well as visitors. A volunteer holds a sign encouraging people to get free COVID-19 vaccinations inside Penn Station in New York City Anyone can get vaccine for free including visitors to New York from other parts of the country or from other countries as well Everyone who receives the vaccine is getting free 7-days unlimited MetroCard to travel on buses and subways Daniella Roca, from Spain, received their vaccine at Grand central Station as commuters line up to receive a Johnson & Johnson shot A commuter receives a shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for the coronavirus disease during the opening of MTA's public vaccination program The MTA is notifying straphangers of where and when the vaccine will be available on more than 1,200 screens and in audio messages in more than 500 stations People wait in line to get a COVID-19 vaccination shot at the Broadway Junction subway station in Brooklyn on May 12, 2021 A commuter receives a shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for the coronavirus disease during the opening of MTA's public vaccination program at a subway station in the Brooklyn borough of New York City According to Gothamist, the MTA is notifying straphangers of where and when the vaccine will be available on more than 1,200 screens and in audio messages in more than 500 stations, as well as in train cars and on buses. Montse Mateos - a 21-year-old resident of Puebla, Mexico - received the jab while on vacation with her brother on Wednesday. She said that the 'contrast' regarding the approach to getting vaccines between the two countries was 'remarkable.' 'It's incredible. Here in the U.S.A., the government begs people to get the vaccine and also gives you free tickets. In Mexico, everybody is fighting for the vaccines. Like, 'Please give me one.' The contrast is really remarkable,' she said. It was not immediately clear how much the free passes given out with vaccines are expected to cost the agency, even as the agency has been accused of mishandling its finances. Also on Wednesday, the New York Daily News revealed that another transit worker made at least $79,000 of unauthorized overtime pay 'thanks to a breakdown in the MTAs management structure.' The revelation was made by the MTA's inspector general - who noted that the payroll processor received an hour or two of overtime 'for nearly every shift she worked from November 2018 to March 2019.' The New York Times reported in February that, according to McKinsey & Company analysis commissioned by the MTA, ridership may only reach 80 to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. Officials said at the time that the MTA might cut subway and bus service if ridership does not return to pre-pandemic levels by then. The Covid-19 infection rate among Australian citizens returning from India could be in the double digits when flights resume this weekend. About 200 repatriated Australians are expected to start two weeks' quarantine at Darwin's Howard Springs facility once the travel ban is lifted on May 15. They will be some of the most urgent and vulnerable cases among the 9000 Australians stranded in the coronavirus ravaged sub-continent, which has recorded more than 250,000 deaths. Northern Territory health officials are preparing for 10 per cent of passengers on Saturday's flight to be infected, five times more than repatriation flights from other countries. India has suffered 250,000 deaths linked to Covid-19 and has seen 23.3 million infections to date (pictured, a family mourn at a crematorium in New Delhi on Wednesday) About 200 repatriated Australians are expected to start two weeks' quarantine at Darwin's Howard Springs facility once the travel ban is lifted on May 15 (pictured, Scott Morrison at the facility in April) Chief Minister Michael Gunner says NT Health and AUSMAT are 'on track to handle' any cases from India after they skyrocketed in late April and led to flights being suspended. 'We're genuinely carrying a heavy load for the nation,' Mr Gunner told reporters on Thursday. Three flights are expected to land in Darwin from India during May and early June. That will push Howard Springs' population to about 1,200 people, expanding to 2,000 by the end of that month. The facility can handle about 100 positive cases, but AUSMAT and NT Health are aiming to keep that number at 50. About 490 people are quarantining at Howard Springs. India has been ravaged by a fatal second wave of the virus (pictured, a mother cries upon seeing her son's body after he died from Covid-19 in New Delhi on Wednesday) Three flights are expected to land in Darwin from India during May and early June (pictured, other passengers arriving there in October) The number of people with coronavirus has fallen to five from more than 50 two weeks ago, with no cases linked to previous Indian repatriation flights expected by Friday. NT Deputy Chief Health Officer Charles Payne has previously said he was confident the Territory's health system could cope with the Indian arrivals due to new daily pre-flight coronavirus testing and a ban on positive cases travelling. He said if the numbers of positive cases in the NT gets too high, flights from India may be paused again, but that is unlikely. About 260 of 400 new health workers have been recruited to work at the jointly run facility, which is expected to be handed over to the Territory in June. Asked about the prospect of another NT quarantine facility being set up in the short term, Mr Gunner said it was unlikely to happen. The India flights will push Howard Springs' population to about 1,200 people, expanding to 2,000 by the end of the month (pictured, other passengers arriving there in October) 'We've got the Todd facility in Alice Springs, the Howard Springs facility here and the military are using the Bladin Village site, if you want to look beyond that, you need to look at other parts of the country,' he said. 'It's important that others pick up that load.' Mr Gunner said Territorians' health and safety needed to be protected. Royal Darwin Hospital has just two intensive care beds available for serious cases. 'We have got arrangements with other states to shift that load from our health system if we need to and we have got the capacity to expand but it has a ripple effect,' Mr Gunner said. A young couple have stumbled across a hidden cave overlooking the ocean that's been dubbed one of Australia's 'best kept secrets'. Katie Tuffery, 28, and her boyfriend spent two hours trying to find the hidden spot nestled between rocks on the cliffside of Jervis Bay on New South Wales' south coast. After seeing videos of the secluded location on social media, the couple decided to make the daring trek up the coastline themselves - adding the climb was definitely worth it. TikTok users replied saying it looked like the famed Fisho's Hut, which is built into the cliffs of Beecroft Peninsular, but Ms Tuffery refused to divulge its location while local officials warn reaching it can be exceedingly dangerous Katie Tuffery, 28, and her boyfriend spent two hours trying to find the hidden spot nestled between rocks on the cliffside of Jervis Bay, in New South Wales' south coast 'We were so scared but it was so refreshing when we found it because you can't see it from up the top [of the cliff],' Ms Tuffery told Daily Mail Australia. 'We had to bend down and peak over the rocks but as soon as we saw it, it was just the best feeling.' In footage shared to her TikTok, Ms Tuffery and her partner are seen sitting on a bench that had been setup in the cave. The spot has been around since the 80s and was once used by fishermen but locals are trying hard to keep it a secret. There's a treacherous drop to the ocean below with any explorers urged to be careful when making their way through the rocks. For those lucky enough to track the cave down there's even a log book for adventurers to leave a message 'Ever since it has come up on social media people have vandalised it which is such a shame,' Ms Tuffery said. 'It is quite dangerous, my boyfriend had to help me down!' For those lucky enough to track the cave down there's even a log book for visitors to leave a message. More cheap flights could be on the way if Australians snap up the remaining 137,000 cut-price fares. The Morrison government in March announced 800,000 half-price flights to boost tourism in regions struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. With 663,000 airfares bought in two months, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack remains open to extending the scheme. 'When those 800,000 tickets are gone, I'm very happy to look at what we can do in the future,' he told Sky News on Thursday. More cheap flights could be on the way if Australians snap up the remaining 137,000 cut-price fares (pictured Port Douglas in Queensland) The federal transport minister said he would 'quite potentially' release more cheap tickets when the allocation runs out. 'We'll look at Cairns, we'll look at places like Darwin, Kangaroo Island,' Mr McCormack said. 'We'll see if the program has worked successfully as we wanted it to, and we'll also see the economics of those regions.' Consideration will be given to the flow-on effects for businesses in hospitality and other sectors, as well as the tourism industry. All stakeholders initially panned the $1.2billion cheap flight program with the exception of airlines, which welcomed the plan. The federal transport minister said he would 'quite potentially' release more cheap tickets when the allocation runs out - including to locations like Kangaroo Island (pictured) The government rejected claims the 15 select routes were mainly in marginal seats, instead pointing to a lack of international business numbers in those areas. Darwin and Adelaide were added after the initial list was released. In Queensland, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and the Whitsundays and Mackay region including Proserpine and Hamilton Island were included. Uluru and Alice Springs in the NT, the Tasmanian towns of Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broome in WA, Avalon near Melbourne, Merimbula in NSW and SA's Kangaroo Island were also listed. Meanwhile, Virgin has joined Qantas in pushing back its planned resumption of international flights from October to December. The airlines made the decision after the federal budget assumed international travel would not resume until at least mid-2022. Passengers on board a Jetstar flight were 'distressed and vomiting' after pilots pulled out from a landing as the plane approached the runway. Frequent flier Graham Vaughan-Jones said flight JQ263 from Auckland went through a 'very rough' descent into Wellington Airport on Tuesday night. He said passengers were so distressed they vomited after the pilots canceled their approach and accelerated past the runway to circle around for a second attempt. Jetstar flight JQ263 from Auckland to Wellington performed a 'go-around' on Tuesday leaving many passengers shaken (stock image) 'I had a young woman alongside me who was very distressed [and] said she was going to faint. So I tried to talk her through it saying... I was sure that the pilots were on top of it,' Mr Vaughan-Jones told Stuff. With decades of air travel travel behind him, he found the experience 'entertaining' and thought the pilots and flight crew handled themselves well. Mr Vaughan-Jones said after the plane landed on the second try, the passengers burst into 'sustained clapping'. 'I thought they handled it really, really well. I said to the in-flight staff who were standing there [on disembarking] '10 out of 10', and they said 'well, you better convey that to the people up front',' he said. Jetstar said the procedure was a routine 'go-around' in which the pilot pulls out from the landing if they feel safety conditions for the runway are not met. One experienced air traveler said he found the experience entertaining though others on the plane vomited (stock image) In this case the pilot made the decision because of a 'large gust of wind' as the plane descended. 'The flight subsequently landed normally at Wellington Airport, 10 minutes after its planned schedule,' Jetstar said. 'Our pilots are comprehensively trained to operate in these types of weather conditions, and performing go-arounds is a normal procedure that pilots may elect to use during any approach.' According to Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, about 800 go-arounds are performed in the country each year - averaging about two per day. New Zealand's government is increasingly concerned its already slow COVID-19 vaccination programme could run aground in coming weeks. The country has vaccinated just five per cent of its population to date, placing it outside the world's top 100 nations for rollout speed. And yet, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins are sounding the alarm further problems lie ahead. New Zealand has only vaccinated 5% of population placing it outside top 100 nations for roll out speed (pictured: stock image of person receiving Pfizer vaccine) In a major speech to Business NZ in Auckland on Thursday, Ms Ardern warned diminishing stocks of vaccine could slow or stop the rollout. 'There is some risk that we'll have a period between shipments when we run low or out of vaccine temporarily,' she said. 'If this does happen, it would ... speak to the difficulty in scaling up smoothly and managing eligibility, demand and supply.' New Zealand is aiming to give every adult Kiwi the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses, in 2021 - a pledge Ms Ardern repeated on Thursday. Mr Hipkins said vaccinators were currently delivering more shots than they are receiving on a weekly basis 'to the point where there will be next to nothing left by the time we get to the end of the June'. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) warned diminishing stocks of vaccine could slow or stop the rollout A crunch is dependent on Pfizer's delivery schedule. 'What we know from Pfizer is that when they say they're going to do something they do it. And when they give us certainty around delivery then we can bank that,' he said. 'From July onwards ... that delivery schedule is not 100 per cent locked down yet. 'Indications from Pfizer that they are confident.' In the mean time, the government is vaccinating high-risk groups, beginning with border and health workers, their families, disabled Kiwis and prisoners. Over-65s are due to become eligible later this month. Vaccinators are also visiting small regional towns, such as Murchison and Reefton on the South Island, treating all residents in one hit to ease logistical challenges. Health authorities hope to open large clinics - including at Auckland's Eden Park - to reach the general population from July. New Zealand is aiming to give every adult Kiwi the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses, in 2021 (pictured: Covid-19 vaccines are prepared at the Counties Manukau Police station) Mr Hipkins has admitted anxiety that New Zealand's health system may not be up to it. 'From July onwards, that's when we really get the really big scale up. I'm nervous about that,' he said. 'That is going to be a bit bumpy. It's going to be a huge undertaking for our health system. And so we're throwing everything at it to make sure we prepared for it.' New Zealand opened its borders to Australia last month, and will also restore quarantine-free travel to the Cook Islands on Monday. Ms Ardern said the tiny island state of Niue would come next in June, but the restoration of pre-COVID border settings to the rest of the world depended on the efficacy of vaccination programs. Massive groups of demonstrators took to the streets across the U.S. Wednesday on both sides of the Israel-Palestine situation as fighting overseas continued to rage - with patches of violence flaring in American streets. It wasn't just in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles - though there were major protests in both cities. But across the U.S. in unexpected places like Oklahoma and Ohio. In Downtown Chicago, a rally organized by the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine, drew a crowd of nearly 1,000 protestors who said Palestinians were being mistreated. One woman held sign that said: 'Free Palestine!' In New York, protesters clashed in Times Square, with both sides screaming at each other and separated by barricades. Pro-Israel supporters could be seen draped in flags. In Cleveland, an Israel supporter asked people not to forget the people suffering in that country, even though he said Palestinians are made out to be the victims. And in Los Angeles, pro-Israel demonstrators gathered in front of the city's federal building; the prior day in the city there had been skirmishes between the factions, but photos from the scene showed only Israel supporters waving American and Israel flags. Scroll down for video Pro-Israel supporters (pictured) hold up wave American and Israeli flags during a march in East Los Angeles on Wednesday Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel protestors (pictured) clash during Wednesday's pro-Israel rally held in Times Square on Wednesday Tensions rose between protestors (pictured) during a pro-Israel rally held in Times Square on Wednesday The Chicago rally included a two-hour-long march that ended outside the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest at 500 W. Madison St, the Chicago Sun Times reported. 'We've watched illegal land grab after illegal land grab while the world fell silent. The people of Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem and Gaza said, 'No more!' They turned on their phones and said to the world: 'Are you OK with this?' Gloria Imseih Petrelli, co-chair of USPCN, said at the rally. In Oklahoma, around 60 University of Oklahoma students gathered on campus on Wednesday to protest the escalating violence in Jerusalem and on the Gaza strip, OU Daily reported. Mukarram Zuhair, an Oklahoma resident whose family is in Gaza, spoke at the rally and asked for a peaceful solution to the conflict. 'My entire family is in Gaza. The youngest is three years old...there's bombing everywhere. Nobody is safe,' Zuhair said. 'This is nothing short of a massacre...We love our Jewish brothers and sisters, we love our Christian brothers and sisters. Palestine has always been the home of all people from all faiths, (but) we despise Zionism.' Bombs in Gaza have killed at least 67 people and at least seven people in Israel are dead, BBC reported. The White House said on Tuesday that Israel had a legitimate right to defend itself from rocket attacks but applied pressure on Israel over the treatment of Palestinians, saying Jerusalem must be a place of coexistence. A protestor (pictured) in Chicago holds up a 'Free Palestine' sign during a pro-Palestine march on Wednesday Former president Donald Trump posted to his website, saying that America 'will always strongly support Israel's right to defend itself' as he criticized President Joe Biden over the growing crisis. Israel carried out hundreds of air strikes in Gaza into the early hours of Wednesday local time, as the Islamist group Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups fired multiple rocket barrages at Tel Aviv and Beersheba. One multi-story residential building in Gaza collapsed and another was heavily damaged after they were repeatedly hit by Israeli air strikes. Israel said it attacked Hamas targets, including intelligence centers and rocket launch sites. It was the heaviest offensive between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in Gaza, and prompted international concern that the situation could spiral out of control. Pro-Palestine protestors (pictured) wave Palestinian flags during a rally in Downtown Chicago on Wednesday Pro-Israeli protestors (pictured) made their way to the Federal Building in East Los Angeles during a rally in support of Israel on Wednesday As the bloodshed continued on Wednesday so did the rallies. In East Los Angeles, at least 100 Pro-Israel demonstrators amass outside a federal building to show support for Israel and to call for an end to rocket launching by the Islamist group Hamas, Los Angeles Daily News reported. Roz Rothstein, chief executive officer of international Israeli education program StandWithUs and organizer of the protest, spoke up in defense of Israel. 'Israel wants peace,' Rothstein said. 'We are calling for an immediate end to rocket attacks and, ultimately, peace.' In Cleveland, over 500 people gathered and marched to show their support for Israel during the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Israeli-American Council's pro-Israel rally and march. Rabbi Stephen Weiss of B'nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike was among the speakers at the rally, in which participants marched a half mile, Cleveland Jewish News reported. Weiss told rally attendees to remind others that the conflict has also severely impacted Israelis as well. 'Do not let your friends and others say, do not stand for the media saying, "Oh Israel, they're the powerful one. They have the Iron Dome, they aren't suffering," Weiss said at the rally. 'These families suffered unimaginable loss. Our hearts are filled with grief and anguish over the loss of life on both sides. But we affirm strongly that we continue to stand tall alongside Israel, to defend her, to defend Israel's right to exist in peace and Israel's right to defend itself.' In Oklahoma, around 60 University of Oklahoma students (pictured) gathered on campus on Wednesday to protest the escalating violence in Jerusalem and on the Gaza strip A pro-Palestine protestor (pictured) holds up a sign that reads' Anti-Semitism is a crime, Anti-Zionism is a duty' at a pro-Palestine rally in Downtown Chicago on Wednesday In New York City thousands gathered on Wednesday in support of Israel in Times Square. The rally, organized by the Israel American Council, drew thousands of impassioned pro-Israel supporters, many with flags in hand, the Times of Israel reported. 'We need to be there for Israel, and for our brothers and sisters, who are under brutal attack by terror organizations,' IAC Co-founder and CEO Shoham Nicolet said at the rally. The pro-Israel rally came one day after Tuesday's violent pro- Palestine rally in Midtown Manhattan where Israeli and Palestinian supporters clashed, fist fighting just outside the Consulate General of Israel. Jeff Bezos pushed an unfounded theory that Saudi Arabia was behind the revelation of his affair with Lauren Sanchez, a new book claims, which also says a picture that was purported to be of his penis was actually lifted from a gay escort site by her brother. Bezos, 57, revealed in 2019 that he was the victim of an unsuccessful extortion attempt by the National Enquirer which published intimate text messages between him and Sanchez, 51, and claimed it had a 'cache of lewd selfies taken by Bezos.' 'The horndog e-commerce mogul even sent Sanchez a below-the-belt selfie otherwise colloquially known as a 'd*ck pic' in an unsparing close-up that's too explicit to describe in detail,' the tabloid published at the time. The National Enquirer had claimed that its editors 'decided not to publish the image or details about it out of respect to the billionaire's privacy.' Bezos and his longtime wife McKenzie Scott had just announced their divorce. Jeff Bezos pushed an unfounded theory that Saudi Arabia was behind the revelation of his affair with Lauren Sanchez after he and his wife McKenzie Scott announced their divorce Bezos, 57, revealed in 2019 that he was the victim of an unsuccessful extortion attempt by the National Enquirer which published intimate text messages between him and Sanchez The National Enquirer reportedly received nine photos from Sanchez' brother in a deal worth $200,000 After the National Enquirer published its 'expose,' Bezos made a post to Medium in which he suggested that Saudi Arabia was behind the tabloid's scoop. Bezos' private investigator Gavin de Becker furthered those claims in a Daily Beast article. 'Our investigators and several experts concluded with high confidence that the Saudis had access to Bezos' phone and gained private information. As of today, it is unclear to what degree, if any, AMI was aware of the details,' de Becker wrote. The revelations were made in a new book Amazon Unbound by Brad Stone American Media Inc., which owned the National Enquirer at the time, later told the Washington Post - which is owned by Bezos - that Michael Sanchez, Lauren's brother, was its 'sole source for information about the extramarital affair.' Author Brad Stone has revealed in his new book Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire that the purported selfie the Enquirer claimed it had of Bezos' penis was not even real and was taken by Michael Sanchez from a website for gay escorts, according to the New York Post, which reviewed a copy of the book. Stone revealed that the Enquirer never received the penis photo and was instead shown a photo of another man's genitalia that Sanchez had taken from the website Rent.men. However, Stone claimed that the Bezos photo was shown to the National Enquirer in a meeting with reporter Andrea Simpson during on November 21, 2018. The book also claimed that there was no 'conclusive evidence' to back up Bezos' allegations that Saudi Arabia had been in cahoots with the National Enquirer. '[Michael Sanchez] later told FBI investigators for the Southern District of New York that he never actually had an explicit photograph of Bezos in his possession,' Stone wrote in the book. Stone claims Michael Sanchez did sell the Enquirer nine photos he allegedly received from his sister, who 'frequently forwarded' Bezos' text messages to him, for around $200,000, according to the book. The penis picture was not one of them. 'The sibling relationship was, to put it mildly, unusual,' Stone writes. The author wrote that Bezos 'took the already muddled question of how the paper obtained his private text messages and photographs and confused it further.' Stone particularly called out parts of Bezos' Medium post in which he said the origin of the National Enquirer story was 'still to be better understood' and that 'the Saudi angle seems to hit a particular nerve' with the Trump-friendly American Media Inc. Bezos pushed his unfounded theory in a post made to Medium Bezos is pictured with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. The Saudi Arabian leader was reportedly upset about the Washington Post's coverage of the death of Jamal Khashoggi Mother Jones noted that, at the time, the Washington Post's 'relentless coverage' of the grisly death of its columnist, Jamal Khashoggi, allegedly enraged Saudi crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who allegedly ordered Khashoggi's murder. The outlet reported in January 2020 that the United Nations had called for an 'immediate investigation' of the alleged hacking of Bezos's iPhone. The United Nations reportedly cited forensic evidence showing that a WhatsApp account linked to MBS 'infected the billionaire's phone while the two were chatting in May 2018,' according to The Guardian. 'This analysis found it 'highly probable' that the intrusion into the phone was triggered by an infected video file sent from the account of the Saudi heir to Bezos, the owner of the Washington Post,' The Guardian reported. Stone wrote in the new book that Bezos' Saudi Arabia allegations amounted to 'only a fog of overlapping events, weak ties between disparate figures and more strange coincidences.' 'For Bezos and his advisors, though, who were still trying to positively spin the embarrassing events surrounding his divorce, such a cloud of uncertainty was at the very least distracting from the more unsavory and complicated truth,' he wrote. The restaurant industry has become so decimated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that owners have started offering $10,000 sign-on bonuses - and have even been struggling to fill $100,000 salary positions. The locking of Australian's borders has caused chaos for the food industry, which relied on chefs, kitchen hands and wait staff from around the world to sustain the country's venues. 'I've had $80,000 or $100,000 positions that I can't fill,' Jacqui Poulier, owner of the Lorida Greek restaurant on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula told The Age. 'Gone are the days when I could be selective and say you need restaurant hatted experience, that would be laughable now,' co-owner of Melbourne's iconic Coda restaurant Kate Bartholomew said 'I've had $80,000 or $100,000 positions that I can't fill,' Lorida owner Jacqui Poulier said of the current market Tuesday's Budget announcement did little to reduce the burden on Australia's restaurants, cafes and bars despite acknowledging the impact the continued travel ban had on its current state. The Federal Government announced a lifting of the cap for international workers - previously only allowed to work 40 hours a week, but the lack of applicants has seen establishments look for younger and less qualified staff. Chief Executive of Signature Hospitality Group James Sinclair said the company's businesses have been forced to offer sign-on bonuses as high as $10,000 to entice skilled workers due to the applicant shortage. The conglomerate, which owns TGI Fridays, have offered the huge lump sum to find experienced chefs to join their team with Mr Sinclair saying it was a necessary step until international labour returned. Chief Executive of Signature Hospitality Group James Sinclair said their businesses, including TGI Fridays, have had to offer sign-on bonuses of up to $10,000 for experienced chefs Ms Poulier, who runs the Greek restaurants in Victoria, said her once seven-day-per-week restaurant now has been forced to close on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays due to a lack of staff. 'There's just so many little things that we have to teach,' she said. 'They come in not knowing the difference between a chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.' She said they have attempted to bridge a gap between new staff and customers by having her employees wear 'training badges' to ask for patience. Co-owner of Melbourne's iconic Coda restaurant Kate Bartholomew said the most important thing restaurants were focusing on now was keeping staff happy, which is exceedingly difficult given most businesses have lost a lot of money. 'Gone are the days when I could be selective and say you need restaurant hatted experience, that would be laughable now,' she said. The Burke and Wills Roadhouse in the Outback of far-north Queensland owners admitted they were getting 'burnt out' as they struggled with a lack of employees The Burke and Wills Roadhouse in Four Ways, an Outback town 1,500km from Brisbane in far-north Queensland, is struggling to find employees to share the workload, with owners saying they're close to being 'burnt out' after a boom in business. Owners of the roadhouse are struggling to 'keep their heads above water' due to a limited workforce - with overseas backpackers banned from entering Australia and taking up regional jobs. The situation has left many regional towns in crisis, with farmers among the worst hit with few fruit pickers to help with the harvest. Queensland currently has the most available job advertisements on SEEK across Australia, with 35,500 vacant positions. The owners of the roadhouse have said they're fully booked out for most of the last month and the next two months The owners wrote that a number of similar roadhouse businesses are being forced to shut their doors as they didn't have enough staff, having usually benefitted from an influx of round-the-year travellers opting for casual work. 'Other businesses are closing their doors for certain days during the week, reducing their opening hours or closing all together,' the owners said. 'All because no one can find help. We are now at our very own crossroads.' Burke and Wills Roadhouse is not the only local business struggling to find workers, with others forced to send out more than 1,000 messages looking for staff. 'A good friend of ours who owns another great Australian roadhouse has posted over 1,200 messages/posts looking for people with no success,' they wrote. Virtual wards, 3D eye scanners and at-home antibiotic kits are among the new initiatives to be trialled as part of a multimillion-pound effort to tackle lengthy waiting lists in the NHS. Funding of 160 million has been announced by NHS England to aid the health service's recovery after the pandemic. Figures last month revealed the number of people in England waiting to begin hospital treatment had risen to a new record. A total of 4.7 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of February - the highest figure since records began in August 2007. Patients are now waiting 12.1 weeks on average, up from 8.4 weeks in January 2020. This remains well below the 19.6-week median wait recorded in July 2020. But NHS England said indicators suggest operations and other elective activity were at four-fifths of pre-pandemic levels in April, which is 'well ahead' of the 70 per cent threshold set out in official guidance. Funding worth 160million is announced to help NHS tackle the post-Covid waiting lists which has reached record highs as the NHS deals with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic What are some of the measures to be trialled by NHS England? Virtual wards - the NHS says these will offer 'wrap-around' support to people in their homes with the aim of reducing the need for avoidable hospital admission. 3D eye scans - High-powered NHS eye tests which offer detailed imaging. They prevent patients with minor problems being unnecessarily referred to specialist hospital clinics, freeing up ophthalmologists to treat more severe problems. Pre-hab - Prehabilitation enables people who are due to undergo surgery to prepare at hospital before they are treated by promoting healthy behaviours in order to help them cope better and improve long-term outcomes. Advertisement It said it is working to speed up the health service's recovery by trialling new ways of working in 12 areas and five specialist children's hospitals. The so-called 'elective accelerators' will each get some of the 160 million as well as extra support for new ways to increase the number of elective operations, NHS England said. Tens of thousands of patients in the trial areas will be part of initiatives including a high-volume cataract service, one-stop testing facilities and pop-up clinics to allow patients to be seen and discharged closer to home. Other trials over the next three months include virtual wards and home assessments, 3D eye scanners, at-home antibiotic kits, 'pre-hab' for patients ahead of surgery, artificial intelligence in GP surgeries and so-called 'Super Saturday' clinics, bringing multi-disciplinary teams together at the weekend to offer more specialist appointments. Virtual Wards offer 'wrap-around' support to people in their homes which the NHS says will ensure they can receive care that meets their needs in a timely fashion with the aim of reducing the need for avoidable hospital admission. People can either be added to the 'Virtual Ward' list as they leave hospital to return home or can be added by partner professionals from across the multi-professional team when they are identified as requiring additional support. Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief operating officer, said: 'With Covid cases in hospitals now significantly reducing thanks to the extraordinary success of the NHS vaccination programme, our focus is now on rapidly recovering routine services. 'Early figures show local teams are already well ahead of schedule, but we want to go further, faster, which is why we are investing 160 million to find new ways to tackle waiting lists. 'The additional support announced today will help us create a blueprint for continuing that progress over summer and beyond, in a way that doesn't heap extra pressure on staff, so that as many people as possible benefit from the world-class care the NHS provides.' Pictured: Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief operating officer says additional support announced today will help us create a blueprint for continuing that progress over summer and beyond Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said lengthy waiting times have been a 'worry' for patients and welcomed the initiative. She said: 'The importance of treatment being timely, to ensure the best possible outcomes, is well recognised. 'Effective communication with patients at this critical juncture is also essential, and we have been pleased to work with NHS England on developing principles for effective communication with patients about their elective treatment.' The full list of areas to receive between 10m and 20m in funding South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw North East & Cumbria Lancashire and South Cumbria Coventry and Warwickshire Nottinghamshire Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Suffolk & North East Essex North Central London Surrey Heartlands Hampshire & Isle of Wight Devon Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Advertisement A recent report by the British Medical Association estimated it will cost 4 billion to clear the backlog of patients in England in need of elective care, its council chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said. He added: 'So to trumpet a cash boost of 160 million is wholly disingenuous.' He said the idea of 'Super Saturday' clinics showed 'a grave lack of understanding of the rocketing workload and demand already facing GPs'. He said: 'What we need to see is a workable plan that sufficiently supports the needs of the health service as a whole, and it is imperative that the allocation of funding and resources is reasonable and caters to the needs of primary, secondary and community care - all of whom have been completely stretched in the past year. 'Importantly, this must be underpinned by ongoing efforts to expand the medical workforce and to ensure that the utmost is done to retain doctors and NHS staff and give them enough support through the challenging time ahead.' NHS England said a coalition of specialist children's hospitals, led by Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Trust, will work together to improve paediatric services, including Alder Hey, Sheffield Children's, Royal Manchester Children's and Great Ormond Street. Illegal drag racing has exploded in popularity amid the coronavirus pandemic, with motorheads taking to emptied-out roads to participate in the dangerous and illegal practice. Increases in street racing have been reported in dozens of states and have led to multiple deaths since the shutdown commenced last March. Georgia, New York and Arizona are among states now responding to the threat by introducing new laws in a bid to prevent further fatalities. Last week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill named in honor of Jaye Sanford - a 52-year-old mother-of-two who was killed last November when a man in a Dodge Challenger muscle car crashed into her while he was drag racing. The bill, which first passed through the General Assembly, mandates at least 10 days of jail time for all drag racing convictions. The measures additionally requires those convicted of drag racing on three occasions within five years to forfeit their vehicles. 'This illegal activity is very dangerous,' Gov. Kemp said at a bill-signing ceremony. 'Our goal is simple: to protect every family in every community.' Illegal drag racing has exploded in popularity amid the coronavirus pandemic, with motorheads taking to emptied-out roads to participate in the dangerous and illegal practice. Street racers are pictured gathering for a competition in a stock image Last week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill named in honor of Jaye Sanford - a 52-year-old mother-of-two who was killed last November when a man in a Dodge Challenger muscle car crashed into her while he was drag racing. Sanford is pictured at left Footage taken by a local news network at the scene of a street race that killed Sanford Meanwhile, in New York City, authorities received more than 1,000 drag racing complaints over six months last year - a nearly five-fold increase over the same period in 2019. 'Illegal street racing puts lives at risk and keeps us up at night,' said New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman. 'While theres been less traffic during the pandemic, some drivers have used this as an opportunity to treat our streets like a NASCAR speedway.' The Democratic lawmaker has introduced legislation that would authorize New York City to operate its speed cameras overnight and on weekends in hot spots for illegal street racing. The Senate Transportation Committee recently unanimously approved the measure, setting it up for a floor vote. Elsewhere, in Arizona, the state Senate has passed a bill to impose harsher penalties on drag racing which awaits a House vote. Under an ordinance approved in March by the Phoenix City Council, police can impound a car involved in street racing or reckless driving for up to 30 days. Last week, 28-year-old Charissa Coleman was killed in Phoenix when a street racer crashed into her car. A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Under an ordinance approved in March by the Phoenix City Council, police can impound a car involved in street racing or reckless driving for up to 30 days. A drag racer is seen in the city above Last week, 28-year-old Charissa Coleman was killed in Phoenix when a street racer crashed into her car. A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, handed out thousands of tickets for speeding and racing since a crackdown began in October. 'Racing up and down our streets is so deadly, especially while more kids, seniors, pedestrians and cyclists are out during this pandemic,' said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. In Denver, Colorado, police have deployed a helicopter to track races and closed lanes often used by street racers. On April 3, mom-of-two Jessica Marie Allen was killed when a street racer broadsided her car in downtown Denver. Fatalities from street racing have also been reported in Portland, Oregon, prompting concerned citizens to call on politicians to act. On April 3, mom-of-two Jessica Marie Allen was killed when a street racer broadsided her car in downtown Denver. Her vehicle is pictured Sanford (pictured) leaves behind two young children after her car was hit by a street racer last month Last month, a motorcyclist was killed last month in a crash that police said apparently involved racing. Business owners have written wrote to the mayor and city commissioners, asking them to take action. One employee in the Portland French Bakery neighborhood told the Associated Press that the roadsides are littered with alcohol containers on Mondays after weekends of racing and stunts. Spray-painted lines mark start and finish lines and parking lots are scarred by circular tire tracks or completely eroded in places by spinning tires. 'A lot of the employees are afraid to go anywhere near them, honestly. Theres been a couple of shootings,' the woman stated. Portland police say they're too overwhelmed to do much about it. 'The city of Portland has experienced an enormous increase in our shooting rate, a staggering amount of volatile demonstrations, while our staffing numbers have dwindled,' said acting Lt. Michael Roberts, who is tasked with addressing illegal street racing. 'We often do not have the bandwidth to address the street racer calls.' Police investigators are pictured at the scene of a street racing incident in California last October where one person was killed when a pickup truck over turned while doing donuts Australians can boost their superannuation and halve the amount of tax they pay. From July 1, 2021, workers will be able to put up to $27,500 a year into their retirement savings, up from $25,000, and only pay 15 per cent tax. That is half the usual marginal tax rate of 32.5 per cent for most workers earning between $45,001 and $120,000 a year. The 15 per cent concessional rate is a third of the 45 per cent rate for those earning more than $180,000. Accountant Ben Johnston, the director of Johnston Advisory, said workers could ask their employer to top up their superannuation through salary sacrificing. Australians can boost their superannuation and halve the amount of tax they pay. From July 1, 2021, workers will be able to put up to $27,500 a year into their retirement savings, up from $25,000, and only pay 15 per cent tax (stock image) Accountant Ben Johnston, the director of Johnston Advisory, said workers could ask their employer to top up their superannuation through salary sacrificing 'A lot of people don't appreciate, when your money goes into super through your employer, and through salary sacrifice, it's taxed at 15 per cent in your fund,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'That's why it's so attractive. I actively encourage my clients that are in their early twenties to find any sort of hole in their budget - $20, $30 a week to start making additional super contributions.' Superannuation savings also come with compound interest after many years. 'It could have potentially an enormous impact - with compounding, if someone did it for $1,000 or $10,000, no matter what, it's going to have a fundamental benefit,' Mr Johnston said. 'The earlier that you do it, in age, the more than you do it in dollar terms, it's going to have a bigger and bigger impact. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia recommends a single Australian needs $535,000 to retire comfortably but most workers don't have nearly enough. Superannuation savings also come with compound interest after many years Australians who want to claim a super contribution as a tax deduction need to fill out a lodge a notice of intent form with their super fund so it's taxed at the concessional rate of 15 per cent. From July 2022, the $450 month earning threshold is being scrapped before workers receive compulsory super contributions from their employer, with the Budget measure designed to help the low-paid and those in casual work. Colonial First State, a retail super fund, calculated that under super existing rules, a 30-year-old woman with $50,000 in retirement savings would only have $57,651 by the time they turned 40. But this same woman, who took some time out of her career to raise children, would have $64,485 in superannuation within a decade under the scrapping of the $450 a month threshold - a $6,824 difference. The Association of Superannuation Funds recommends a single Australian needs $535,000 to retire comfortably but most workers don't have nearly enough (stock image) Superannuation Minister Jane Hume told the ABC's Q&A program the existing $450 monthly threshold had been in place since compulsory super debuted in 1992, back when the tax-free threshold was $5,400. From July 1 this year, the compulsory super guarantee is increasing from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent. They will be increasing in half a percentage point at the start of each financial year until it reaches 12 per cent by July 2025. Women, in particular, are urged to top up their superannuation, as their average balances stood at $73,139 in December 2020 - a 17.8 per cent gap compared with the average male balance of $88,934, Colonial First State data showed. Figures from Colonial First State's 750,000 accounts showed its average super balances for all age groups stood at just $82,163 in December 2020. Florida's governor on Wednesday night announced live on air clemency for everyone in his state who is being punished for violating COVID rules. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of the state, appeared on Fox News to make the announcement. He was flanked by Mike and Jillian Carnevale, gym owners from Plantation, Florida, who were repeatedly arrested for refusing to enforce a mask mandate. The state itself didn't have mask mandates, as DeSantis spoke strongly against them throughout the height of the pandemic, but individual counties and municipalities did have them, despite DeSantis inveighing against them. Now, people who were ensnared by the local rules will have their slates wiped clean, DeSantis said. Ron DeSantis appeared on Fox News on Wednesday night to make his announcement DeSantis announced that he was granting clemency to the Carnevales (left) Mike Carnevale was first arrested on July 27, for what their supporters, in a GoFundMe page to pay their legal costs, described as 'taking a stand for the health and freedom of his community and country'. He was arrested twice more, on August 6, and August 7, for not enforcing facial coverings during strenuous exercise. Jillian Carnevale was also arrested on August 7. The couple will be granted clemency, DeSantis said, describing the punishment as 'a total overreach' - and the same deal will be granted to everyone in his state. STATES OPENED Multistate, a government-relations firm, crunched state data and gave each state a score based on their easing of COVID-19 restrictions. These states scored between 96 and 100 percent on the scale of being fully re-opened as of Wednesday: Alabama - 100 Arizona - 100 Arkansas - 100 Florida - 100 Georgia - 100 Alaska - 96 Indiana - 96 Iowa - 96 North Dakota - 96 Oklahoma - 96 South Dakota - 96 Texas - 96 West Virginia - 96 Source: Multistate.us Advertisement 'I'm glad you have Mike and Jillian on, and I'm also glad to be on to be able to say that effective tomorrow morning, I'm going to sign a reprieve under my constitutional authority,' he said. 'So that will delay the case for 60 days against both of them, and then when our clemency board meets in the coming weeks, we'll issue pardons not only for Mike and Jillian, but for any Floridian that may have outstanding infractions for things like masks and social distancing.' DeSantis earlier this month lifted all of the state's remaining COVID rules saying the state is 'no longer in a state of emergency'. DeSantis was at a waterfront restaurant in St. Petersburg when he signed SB-2006 - a bill that allows him to override all local rules and bans vaccine passports from July 1 onward. Florida is among only five states that have opened fully, according to a tally being kept by Multistate, a government-relations firm. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas and Georgia all have 100 percent scores on the firm's tally when it comes to being fully open. Eight other states are almost all the way open - with a 96 score. (Illinois is the lowest with 45 and New York is 52, while California is 50.) As for the clemency, Florida is the first state in the U.S. to issue such a clemency, and DeSantis has positioned himself throughout the pandemic as a pro-Trump bulwark against Democrat 'authoritarianism'. The number of people affected remains unclear. For perspective, just in Miami-Dade County alone, there were 1,882 citations issued totaling $760,600, The Orlando Sentinel reported at the end of October. Another 215 citations totaling $109,650 were issued by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, comprising 45 per cent of the $1,940,162 in fines tallied by DeSantis' office. In Naples, 3,996 citations worth $789,762 were issued, nearly 41 per cent of the total. Demonstrators march through Sanford, Florida on July 1 in a protest against lockdown Floridians have strongly pushed back against CDC guidelines during the pandemic Florida, hard-hit by the pandemic in the early days, was lax about restrictions by April 2021 Partygoers flocked to the state in March and April, to flaunt CDC guidelines without fear Overall, 52 out of 67 counties and 212 out of more than 400 municipalities responded to the Sentinel's inquiry. In metro Orlando, no fines were issued. Orange County did report 13 arrests of people who violated the curfew when it was in effect, the paper said. Florida, meanwhile, has stood out from many other states when it comes to its hands-off coronavirus rules. Since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, no two states have been more different in their approaches than California and Florida, for instance. In early March, California Gov Gavin Newsom limited gatherings, closed bars and indoor dining at restaurants, implemented mask mandates and implored residents to stay at home. Comparatively, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has enacted few measures, lifting an ordinance that prevented people from operating businesses and restaurants as well as lifting COVID-19 related fines and penalties in September Despite these different approaches, both states ended up with roughly the same outcome. A DailyMail.com analysis showed that as of mid-February, over the preceding two months, the states have each seen cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall by about one-third. A protester in Volusia County, angered by a rule that masks must be worn inside schools Still, not all is rosy. More recent data points a more mixed picture. Cases of variant forms of COVID have surged in Florida just weeks after the state was inundated with spring breakers, data has revealed earlier this week. Florida now has the distinction of being the home to the most variant COVID-19 cases in the country as state health officials reported more than 11,800 cases of COVID-19 variants on Wednesday, the Sun Sentinel reported. In mid-March 753 cases were reported from three 'variants of concern' - the B.1.1.7, the P.1, and the B. 1.3.5.1. That number swelled to 5,177 cases from five types of variants on April 15 and just two weeks later, the number of variant infections exploded to 9,248 on April 27, according to health data reviewed by WFTV. In Florida, 243 people have been hospitalized with variants and 67 have died. And since only one percent of all COVID-19 cases in Florida undergo testing to study their genetic coding, the number of variant infections is likely much higher than reported. There are fears that the spread of variants could make vaccines less effective, and prolong the covid pandemic as people who have already had the disease or been vaccinated risk being reinfected. The NSW Families Minister has stood aside after confirming he is under investigation by child abuse detectives over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred in 2013. Minister for Families, Gareth Ward, released a statement confirming he'd stepped aside but denied any wrong doing. Ward said he had not been contacted by police and was 'not aware of any allegations'. A New South Wales state MP is being investigated by child abuse detectives over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred from 2013. Pictured: NSW Parliament House It is normal for police to conduct inquiries without informing the suspect. In a statement, New South Wales Police said: 'Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad have established Strike Force Condello to investigate allegations of sexual violence-related offences. 'The incidents were reported to have occurred from 2013. 'As investigations are continuing, no further information is available.' It comes after federal politics was rocked by a series of sex scandals this year. Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by a colleague in a minister's Parliament House office in 2019. And former Attorney-General Christian Porter was accused of raping a woman after a debating competition when he was 17, allegations he strongly denies. Police decided not to charge him after the alleged victim took her own life last year. Last month Ms Higgins met Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney to discuss how women's safety could be improved. Her ideas included updating rules for Parliament House security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and call an ambulance if anyone is found unconscious. She claims she was sexually assaulted after security let her and a colleague into the building after a boozy night out. Her attacker allegedly raped her on a couch in then-defence minister Linda Reynold's office before she was found half-naked and unconscious by security hours later. Ms Higgins has reported her allegations to the Australian Federal Police. No charges have been laid. Businesses who aren't ensuring customers scan Covid-19 QR codes at their venues will be slapped with fines of up to $1,652, Victoria Police has announced. The crackdown comes after a three week blitz found a third of businesses in the state had ignored the health advice around the rules for guests to check in. If the venues are found to breach the rules again, they'll be given another fine of $9,913. Earlier South Australia Police revealed they'd be handing out $5,060 fines to businesses that also don't enforce QR scanning and $1,060 penalties to individuals who refuse to check in. The move is a response from the the state governments after a man positive with the virus left hotel quarantine in SA and travelled to Melbourne earlier this week. A curry house the positive man dined at in Melbourne only saw a handful of diners check in the same evening, causing massive problems as the government scrambled to try to alert those potentially exposed. South Australia Police have announced they will start deploying plain-clothed officers at businesses making sure people are scanning the coronavirus codes or face fines Businesses in Victoria will be fined $1,652 if they are found ignoring health orders ensuring guests check in During the blitz in Victoria last month, more than 4,000 hospitality and retail businesses were checked with 165 copping infringement notices for failing to use QR codes, not having a Covidsafe plan and no signage with density limits. Officers will be out in full force over the next two months, ensuring businesses are complying to the rules. Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson said any breaches would not be tolerated. 'While most businesses are doing the right thing, those who aren't are letting down every Victorian who has sacrificed to get us where we are today,' he said. 'This new on-the-spot $1652 fine sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any business ignoring its responsibility to help Victoria stay safe and stay open.' Meanwhile in SA, police have announced they will start deploying plain-clothed officers at businesses making sure people are scanning the coronavirus codes that keep track of potential exposures and outbreaks in a move called 'Operation Trace'. The crackdown comes after a Covid positive man dined at the Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar in Melbourne after contracting the virus in SA hotel quarantine Healthcare workers are seen inspecting a restaurant where a Covid positive man had dined at in Melbourne Police Commissioner Grant Stevens says Operation Trace, which will begin on Thursday, aims to remind residents that the pandemic is not over and discourage complacency. 'We are seeing a level of complacency regarding Covid-19 check-ins and now is not the time to stop,' he said. 'If you speak to any person in the street, they'll tell you about their observations regarding people simply walking past those QR codes. A man in his 30s recently left hotel quarantine after receiving negative results in his mandatory testing but contracted the virus from a person in a room adjacent and was infectious in the community after travelling home to Melbourne. He ate at the Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar which only saw 18 people, including staff, check in that night while the owner believes they had as many as 38 customers. 'Some people are checking in, but people need to be reminded most of the time,' owner Kailash Sharma told Seven. '99.9 per cent of people are paying from the credit card so they might get the details from there.' The move comes after a man travelled from hotel quarantine in Adelaide to Melbourne while infectious with coronavirus Commissioner Stevens, who is also the state's coronavirus coordinator, says more than one million people check in with the app every day and police will aim to check in with at least 100 businesses to ensure people are complying. 'SA has done very well so far these steps have been taken to make sure that if we do have an outbreak in South Australia, SA Health are in the best position to respond and minimise the likelihood of us having to move to more harsh restrictions as a result. 'The outbreak from SA's medical hotel is a great reminder to us that whilst this particular individual travelled to Victoria, they could just as easily have moved back into the SA community.' He hopes the legislation will act as a deterrent and see South Australians 'go home and talk to their friends and relatives about the fact that they were stopped and spoken to by police.' 'Hopefully the message will move through the community that we take this seriously and it's important that people do the right thing.' Another seven cases of a rare blood clotting condition in Australia have been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration reported the new cases in its weekly Covid-19 vaccine safety briefing on Thursday. The authority said three cases were confirmed as a syndrome involving blood clots combined with a low platelet count - and four were deemed 'probable' cases. The three confirmed cases are a 75-year-old man from Victoria, a 59-year-old man from Queensland, and a 75-year-old man from Western Australia. The TGA said two of the patients were treated and released from hospital while the third man is in a stable condition. The TGA said on Thursday there have been another three confirmed and four 'probable' blood clot cases after the AstraZeneca vaccine with the cases recovering The four 'probable' cases are a man, 70, from NSW and three men, 65, 70 and 81, from Victoria. The condition, known technically as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, is 'very rare', according to the TGA, with the rates in Australia consistent with other countries. Of the 1.8million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine given in Australia up to Thursday, there have been 18 confirmed blood clot cases. Australia overnight secured 25 million doses of the alternative Moderna coronavirus vaccine from the US, with the surprise deal also paving the way for local production of mRNA vaccines. The first 10 million doses of the double-shot jab will be delivered by the end of this year, destined for people under 50. Another 15 million booster shots are set to arrive next year, designed to guard against emerging Covid-19 strains. Australia could become completely self-reliant with its Covid vaccination program in six months. Pictured: A nurse receives a Covid jab Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was important to prepare for possible variants of the disease. 'We're now well into the phase of dealing with what's coming next because the pandemic is not going anywhere,' he said on Thursday. Labor's health spokesman Mark Butler wants the government to explain why the deal has taken so long. The US, Canada, the UK, European Union, Korea, Japan and Israel are already using the jab. 'Tens and tens of millions of doses of this state-of-the-art vaccine have already been delivered to the people in those countries,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'Why do Australians have to wait until the end of this year?' The Moderna vaccine and booster shot are still subject to approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration before they can be used in Australia. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government had not changed its position on a no-fault compensation scheme for Moderna. Mr Hunt said the company agreed to the government's terms. Moderna is an mRNA - or messenger RNA - vaccine, which teaches cells how to make a protein to trigger an immune response. Australia does not have the domestic capacity to manufacture such a jab. But the US biotech company has expressed interest in setting up an Australian base. Staff prepare Covid vaccines in the pharmacy area at the Olympic Park Vaccination Centre on Monday 'We look forward to continuing discussions with Australia about establishing potential local manufacturing opportunities,' Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said. The government will commence an approach to market in coming days for mRNA vaccine manufacturing in Australia. But health department secretary Brendan Murphy said it was not likely to be established before next year. Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said his state was the prime candidate for the site, given it was home to 30,000 professionals working in the sector and had already put money on the table. 'We are the heart and soul of medical research in this country,' Mr Merlino told reporters in Melbourne. 'We've also got funding through the breakthrough fund to provide additional support if required.' In the meantime, the federal government is focused on rolling out the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. More than 2.8 million vaccine doses have been administered across the country. Relatives of a wealthy wife who died in a holiday swimming pool are taking legal action against her husband to stop him gaining her assets. The family of Paula Leeson, who drowned aged 47 in Denmark, have launched civil proceedings against her former partner Donald McPherson. Mr McPherson stood trial over the murder of Paula earlier this year with the prosecution alleging he had been attempting to claim 3.5 million on her life insurance and other assets. But Mr Justice Goose QC directed he be found not guilty after ruling the evidence was not strong enough for a jury to be able to reach a verdict but said it was clearly more likely that the defendant had killed her than the alternative explanation of a tragic accident. The Leeson family remain convinced that he was responsible and have appointed a barrister for civil proceedings launched against the widower. Mr McPherson says he did not kill her and is innocent. Paulas brother Ben, 46, said: Ive not got any faith in the legal system. But its something we have to do. Paula Leeson, who drowned aged 47 in Denmark, was married to Donald McPherson, 47 Its not for financial reasons. But as long as it means he wont have gained from Paulas death, then its worth it for us. It was hard enough to lose Paula. But the one thing we had was the trial and thinking: At least hes not going to get away with it. Then youre dashed again, he added to the Times. The idea of the civil case is to try and halt any insurance claims or assets the family believe should go to her son, Ben. There is also a review hearing into Paulas death which is said to be due next week. Her relatives are hoping it could lead to a full inquest, which could make an unlawful killing finding. The trial had heard that Paula was a healthy mother of one found drowned in a 4ft-deep swimming pool in June 2017. Danish summer house where Paula Leeson drowned in a four foot deep swimming pool Experts found 13 separate injuries on her body, which could have been caused while being restrained - or being rescued. After her death Mr McPherson transferred 27,000 from his joint account with her to his personal accounts to help clear debts of 67,000. He was painted in court as a serial liar with a string of aliases and 27 convictions for dishonesty and was jailed in 2000 for his part in stealing 12 million from a German bank. But Mr Justice Goose QC felt there was not enough evidence in the murder trial for jurors to be able to make a decision. He said at the time: I have come to the conclusion that as a matter of law that the evidence in relation to how Paula Leeson came to drown is not sufficiently strong to allow you to reach a proper verdict in relation to the defendant causing it by killing her. I understand how difficult it will be therefore for the family to accept from their point of view the loss of a daughter. This court has obvious sympathy for them, but the law must be applied equally. After his acquittal, Mr McPherson released a statement saying: "On the 6th of June 2017, a terrible accident occurred in Norre Nebel, Denmark, that led to the death of my wife, Paula Leeson. "A tragic accident is what it was and it saddens me, deeply, that the events in question should ever have been seen differently and that I was ever suspected of playing a part in Paula's death." MailOnline have made efforts to contact his lawyer over the new civil case. Boris Johnson is plotting a 'three-pronged' defence in the looming coronavirus inquiry as he braces for an onslaught from Dominic Cummings. The PM is set to be quizzed under oath over his life-and-death decisions on lockdown, care homes and PPE after ordering a public inquiry into the Government's handling of the pandemic. And although the probe is not expected to start before next Spring, ministers are anticipating a row will flare within weeks as former No10 aide Mr Cummings spells out his version of events. The PM's former chief adviser has already described the Department of Health as a 'smoking ruin' after its 'disastrous' response, and is due to give bombshell evidence to MPs later this month. Mr Johnson is said to be preparing his arguments on three fronts likely to be the focus for Mr Cummings - who has a treasure trove of private messages and papers. They include allegations that he was too slow to trigger the first lockdown in March last year, with the PM expected to insist that SAGE was intially resistant to blanket restrictions and wanted to let the disease spread at a measured pace. Boris Johnson (pictured right jogging this morning) is plotting a 'three-pronged' defence in the looming coronavirus inquiry as he braces for an onslaught from Dominic Cummings (left) Dominic Cummings to lift lid on Number 10 in second meeting with MPs in May Dominic Cummings could confirm Boris Johnson and the Government pursued a strategy of 'herd immunity' before the first coronavirus lockdown last March when he gives evidence to MPs this month. Mr Cummings is due to be grilled on the Government's response to the pandemic by a joint session of the health and science select committees on May 26. Downing Street will be on red alert ahead of his appearance amid a bitter briefing war between the PM and his former chief aide. Reports suggested that Mr Cummings could use his appearance to discuss whether 'herd immunity' was ever an official Government strategy. In a session on March 17, Cummings branded Whitehall a 'disaster zone' and said bureaucracy 'destroys' effective operations and 'drives out' the best people in the government. In a brutal assault on Mr Hancock and his department, Mr Cummings said the PPE and therapeutics efforts were a 'smoking ruin'. Advertisement A second theme could be the decision not to impose a lockdown in September as cases rose - something Mr Cummings is thought to have supported along with medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance. According to The Times, Mr Johnson is preparing to say that a two-week circuit breaker in Wales in late October had little effect in halting the spread of the virus. 'There was no evidence it would have made a difference,' a government source said. The third prong will be the emergence of the Kent variant, which heralded a huge spike in cases and the third lockdown. Mr Johnson and Downing Street are likely to argue that it could not have been predicted. Officials are said to have ensured there is a clear 'paper trail' of the pivotal decisions. 'Everyone has always known that an inquiry was inevitable. And people have made sure that they've covered their backs,' one source told the Times. Whitehall offices will have a full record of all formal communications, but ministers' private texts and WhatsApp messages will have to be obtained separately. The Prime Minister surprised MPs yesterday by announcing a full public inquiry into the crisis will be launched next spring. He told them: 'Amid such tragedy the state has an obligation to examine its actions as rigorously and as candidly as possible, and to learn every lesson for the future.' The inquiry will have powers to interview witnesses under oath and disclose all relevant evidence. Downing Street said Mr Johnson was willing to hand over private emails and messages if necessary and would be prepared to give evidence for days, if required. His spokesman said: 'If asked, the Prime Minister will give evidence.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer repeated his call that the inquiry should start this year. But Mr Johnson said the process would place a heavy burden on ministers and officials still dealing with the crisis. Ministers are braced for criticism in a number of areas when the inquiry is eventually held. Key concerns include delays in ordering the lockdowns, both last spring and last autumn, the lack of PPE during the first wave, the slow pace at which testing was expanded and the disastrous decision to discharge thousands of older people from hospitals into care homes without testing as the pandemic grew. They will also have to hand over secret analysis of the likely economic, health and social costs of lockdown, which were commissioned by government departments but never published. And the inquiry will examine the Government's preparedness for a pandemic, and the initial response of Mr Johnson and other ministers to the emerging crisis in China in January last year. Downing Street confirmed yesterday an internal 'lessons learned' review has already been completed, but will not be released. No 10 said the Government had not yet decided who would lead the inquiry, but stressed that it will have to be an 'independent' figure. Ministers hope they will get credit for the big early bets placed on vaccine development, which have now paid off handsomely, and believe many of their decisions can be defended, given the unprecedented challenge of the pandemic. A university president quit after he was caught plagiarizing a 2014 graduation speech by the Navy SEAL who led the mission to kill 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. Ousted ex-University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen sparked controversy after he copied the remarks made by retired Admiral William McRaven during a commencement address at graduation ceremonies last week. During the speech on May 7, Caslen made matters worse by referring to his school as 'the University of California', a blunder which caused the crowd to audibly gasp. The damning mistakes made during the speech at the university's Williams-Brice Stadium sparked anger among the audience, with many calling for his resignation. University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen sparked controversy after he copied the remarks made by retired Admiral William McRaven during a commencement speech at graduation ceremonies last week Caslen has resigned after he plagiarized a 2014 graduation speech from Admiral William McRaven (pictured), a Navy SEAL who was in charge of the mission to take out terrorist leader Osama bin Laden Caslen, a retired three-star general and West Point superintendent, said he was 'truly sorry' after admitting to have plagiarized a graduation speech made by Adm. McRaven in 2014 at the University of Texas in Austin. Amid the backlash, the President offered his resignation on Monday to the university and it will go into effect on Thursday. 'I am truly sorry,' said in a statement seen by Military.com. 'During my remarks in our weekend commencement ceremonies, I shared a well-known quote from Admiral William McRaven and failed to cite him as its original author and speaker. 'I was searching for words about resilience in adversity and, when they were transcribed into the speech, I failed to ensure its attribution. I take full responsibility for this oversight.' 'I sincerely apologize to Admiral McRaven, someone I know and respect; our graduates; their families; and the entire university community for not leading by example,' he added. During the speech on May 7, Caslen made matters worse by referring to his school as 'the University of California', a blunder which caused the crowd to audibly gasp President Bob Caslen has resigned During the plagiarized speech, Caslen, 67, said in his concluding remarks: 'Know that life is not fair and, if you're like me, you'll fail often. 'But if you take some risks, step up when times are toughest, face down the cowardly bullies and lift up the downtrodden, and never, never give up - if you do those things, the next generation and the generations to follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today. 'And what started here today will indeed change the world for the better.' This section of his speech is nearly word for word of Adm. McRaven's 2014 speech, which has been viewed over 13 million times on YouTube. Adm. McRaven has been commended for overseeing the May 2011 SEAL raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at his Pakistan hideout. Caslen also caused a stir when he congratulated the graduates as 'the newest alumni from the University of California', which drew groans from the audience. Realizing his mistake, he told the crowd: 'I owe you push-ups.' 'Turns out he was probably not the right fit to run USC,' Eddie Floyd, the longest-serving trustee on the USC board, told The Post and Courier Newspaper in Colombia. The newspaper reported that Caslen had delivered the same plagiarized remarks during at least one other ceremony the following day. Caslen had offered his resignation over the weekend, but Board chairman Dorn Smith rejected the move. But despite this assurance, Caslen called Smith on Monday to say he was resigning. 'He just thought it was time to go, and I think that he was concerned about the support of the faculty and the students and everyone else,' Smith said. 'We're disappointed with the way things worked out.' 'I think Bob Caslen did a great job at a long of things that he won't get credit for,' Smith added. 'I think he handled the Covid crisis fabulously. And it's just unfortunate that there were some missteps that were well publicized.' Caslen said in a statement that he believes he has 'lost' the trust of those in the university community. 'Trust is the most important ingredient of effective leadership, and when it is lost, it is nearly impossible to lead,' Caslen said in an email to students and staff. 'I believe that is the case right now between the University of South Carolina and its president. Therefore, I have submitted my resignation to the Board of Trustees this evening, May 12, and they have accepted it. This resignation is effective May 13, 2021. 'I am sorry to those I have let down. I understand the responsibilities and higher standards of senior level leadership. When those are not met, trust is lost. And when trust is lost, one is unable to lead.' Former University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides will now become the interim president and take over on May 14. Advertisement Israel unleashed a devastating show of force in the early hours of Friday with a massive barrage designed to take out a network of tunnels dug from Gaza into Israel. The Israeli Defence Forces said that 160 aircraft flying simultaneously conducted a 40-minute attack on a network of tunnels dug by the Hamas, with 450 missiles dropped on 150 targets in northern Gaza. After the air strikes were launched, some 500 artillery shells some flares and some explosive along with 50 tank shells were fired in a follow-up attack. It was unclear whether there were any casualties. At least 115 people are have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian health authorities said on Friday morning, and seven have died in Israel since the conflict exploded into life on Monday, in the most intensive aerial exchanges for years. A building in Gaza City is seen alight in the early hours of Friday morning The night sky on Friday is lit up as rockets are fired towards Israel from Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip An Israeli firefighter walks in the early hours of Friday around a synagogue, after it was set on fire by Arab-Israelis, in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod Late on Thursday night and into the Friday morning, two Israelis were injured in the latest barrage of rocket fire launched from Gaza. Five rockets landed in the Israeli city of Ashkelon - one of them hit a residential building and seriously injured a 60-year-old man, receiving debris to his stomach. Another man, aged 90, sustained light injuries when he was hit in the head on the way to a bomb shelter. Officials ordered everyone living within miles of the border to go to bunkers amid fears of fierce retaliation from Hamas. Fears of an all-out war escalated in the early hours of Friday morning as the military said just after midnight that air and ground forces were attacking the Hamas-run enclave. Rocket barrages from Gaza swiftly followed. Its statement gave no further details but military affairs correspondents who are briefed by the armed forces said it was not a ground invasion, and that troops were firing artillery from Israel's side of the border, rather than there being boots on the ground. Residents in northern Gaza, near the Israeli frontier, said they had seen no sign of Israeli ground forces inside the enclave but reported heavy artillery fire and dozens of air strikes. There was confusion when the Israel Defense Force (IDF) tweeted from its official account on Thursday night: 'IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip.' This seemed to be reinforced by military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus, who said: 'There are ground troops attacking in Gaza, together with air forces as well.' However, the IDF then clarified just two hours later that its troops had not entered the Gaza Strip as it had earlier stated, blaming an 'internal communication' problem for the confusion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, posted: 'I said that we would charge a very heavy price from Hamas. 'We do it and we will continue to do it with great intensity. The last word was not said and this operation will continue as long as necessary.' Hamas military spokesman Abu Obeida said the group was not afraid of a ground invasion, saying the move would be a chance 'to increase our catch' of dead or captive soldiers. It is not yet clear if any offensive will be to destroy rocket sites or Hamas leaders or part of an extended campaign to invade Gaza. Earlier Israel called up 9,000 reservists to bolster its forces as it deployed troops to the border in preparation for the ground assault. Relentless air strikes continued to decimate Hamas strongholds in the Strip on Thursday as their brigades held funerals for slain commanders, including the terror boss of Gaza City and their intelligence chief. Meanwhile three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel but reportedly fell into the Mediterranean without injuring anyone. Local media said they were fired by one of the Palestinian factions in Lebanon and that it was not the start of Hezbollah getting involved in the conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing the prospect of a war on two fronts as internal rioting by Jewish and Arab mobs descended into 'lynchings' in the worst civil unrest for decades. Hamas requested a ceasefire on a 'mutual basis' late on Wednesday after firing more than 1,600 rockets into densely populated Israeli neighbourhoods, killing seven civilians including a five-year-old boy. Netanyahu rejected the peace offering despite growing international alarm at the rising civilian death toll after over 600 air strikes on Hamas targets - 103 Palestinians have been killed, including 27 children and 11 women. An explosion lights the sky following an Israeli air strike on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 14 as the violence continues An Israeli 155mm self-propelled howitzer, loaded on a trailer, arrives at a position along the Israel-Gaza border on Thursday A graphic shows some of the areas of Gaza that have been targeted by air strikes from Israeli forces and the position of some Israeli weaponry Palestinian families are pictured in a street after evacuating their homes east of Gaza City on May 13 due to heavy shelling by the Israeli military Palestinian families are pictured in a street after evacuating their homes east of Gaza City late on Thursday evening amid shelling Smoke and flames rise after Israeli forces launched ground, sea and air attacks towards Gaza Strip overnight Israeli firefighters battle a field fire after a rocket launched from Gaza strip struck last night in Ramla Rockets are fired towards Israel from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip after Israel pounded Gaza and deployed extra troops to the border An explosion lights the sky following an Israeli air strike on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip last night An Israeli air strike on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip lights up the sky as the conflict continues to rumble on Smoke and flames rise after Israeli forces launched ground, sea and air attacks towards Gaza Strip overnight Rockets fired from Gaza fly towards Israel, as seen from Gaza City, in response to days of violent confrontations between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in Jerusalem Smoke rises over houses in Ashkelon following a rocket attack launched from Gaza towards Ashkelon, southern Israel Rockets are seen in the night sky fired towards Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Friday An Israeli firefighter battles a field fire after a rocket launched from Gaza strip struck overnight in Ramla, Israel Rockets are seen in the night sky fired towards Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip in the early hours of Friday Israeli security forces have also been scrambled to contain deadly riots between Jews and Arabs, and projectiles have been fired on Israel from Lebanon. The United Nations said the Security Council would meet on Sunday to address the conflict, while the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was 'deeply concerned about the violence in the streets of Israel'. 'We believe that Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, security, dignity and prosperity,' Blinken said. The Israeli army clarified early Friday that its troops had not entered the Gaza Strip as it had earlier stated, blaming an 'internal communication' problem for the confusion. There were intense artillery exchanges on Thursday night, with Israeli troops seen assembling at the security barrier. Balls of flames rose high into the sky after strikes smashed into densely packed Gaza. Dozens of rockets were fired from Gaza towards the southern Israeli coastal cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon, and in the vicinity of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. Lt Col Conricus said the country was 'prepared, and continue to prepare for various scenarios', describing a ground offensive as 'one scenario'. Troops were ordered to the Gaza border on Thursday in 'various stages of preparing ground operations', a military spokesman said, a move which recalls similar incursions during Israel-Gaza wars in 2014 and 2008-2009. The IDF had said an infantry assault was just 'one scenario' which was being considered as it deployed several units to the border, including the Paratroopers Brigade, Golani Infantry Brigade and 7th Armoured Brigade. 'The campaign is still far from over,' a minister said after a cabinet meeting last night with Netanyahu. 'Whatever we don't do now, we will have to do in six months or a year from now.' He told Israeli news site Ynet: 'When we have hit all our targets and the other side has still not surrendered, we will launch a ground operation even though we do not seek it.' Plans for the ground invasion were earlier being drafted for approval by Israeli Defence Force Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Aviv Kohavi later on Thursday, according to the Jerusalem Post. If they get the General's sign off, the plans will be passed on to Netanyahu and his cabinet. 'This will not end in the next few days,' the cabinet minister added. 'Israel will not stop and has no interest in stopping. 'It is all moving in the right direction. We will act until they admit that opening fire was a mistake, just as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah did after the Second Lebanon War in 2006.' Rockets are launched from Gaza Strip to Israel, early Friday morning as the growing Middle East conflict continues Smoke rises following Israeli missile strikes on Gaza City, Friday, as the Israeli military said air and ground troops struck Gaza in what appeared to be the heaviest attacks yet Rockets light up the night sky as they are fired towards Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday morning Smoke rises following Israeli missile strikes on Gaza City, Friday, as the Israeli military said air and ground troops struck Gaza in what appeared to be the heaviest attacks yet Rockets are launched from Gaza Strip to Israel, early Friday morning as the growing Middle East conflict continues Rockets light up the night sky as they are fired towards Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday morning Rockets launched towards Israel from the northern Gaza Strip and response from the Israeli missile defense system known as the Iron Dome leave streaks through the sky A fire started by rioters in the middle of the street in the Hadar neighborhood late on Thursday night in Haifa, Israel Jewish and Arab mobs engage in nightly riots amid fears that 'lynchings' could lead to Israeli civil war Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a 'massive reinforcement' of security forces to quell mob violence across the country, where police stations have been attacked and people savagely beaten on both sides. Coinciding with the aerial bombardments is surging violence between Arabs and Jews inside Israel. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that violence was at a nadir not seen for decades and that police were 'literally preventing pogroms from taking place'. Hundreds were protesting in the Arab town of Kafr Kassem in central Israel, burning tires and torching police vehicles, he said. He added that nearly 1,000 border police were called in to quell the violence, and that more than 400 people had been arrested. On Wednesday night, Israeli far-right groups took to the streets across the country, clashing with security forces and Arab Israelis. Police said they had responded to violent incidents in multiple towns, including Lod, Acre and Haifa. Israeli television Wednesday aired footage of a far-right mob beating a man they considered an Arab until he lay unconscious on his back in a street in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. 'The victim of the lynching is seriously injured but stable,' Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital said, without identifying him. A state of emergency has been declared in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod, where an Arab resident was shot dead and a synagogue has been torched. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, in unusually strong language, denounced what he described as a 'pogrom' in which 'an incited and blood-thirsty Arab mob' had attacked sacred Jewish spaces. Advertisement It comes as the U.N. Security Council will publicly discuss the worsening violence between Israel and Palestinian militants on Sunday, diplomats said, reaching a compromise over U.S. objections to a meeting on Friday. Diplomats said the United States, a close ally of Israel, had initially suggested a virtual public meeting could be held on Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday he hoped waiting a few days would allow for 'diplomacy to have some effect and to see if indeed we get a real de-escalation,' adding that Washington was 'open to and supportive of a discussion, an open discussion, at the United Nations.' Hostilities entered their fifth day overnight, with no sign of abating. Israel fired artillery and mounted more air strikes against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip amid constant rocket fire deep into Israel's commercial centre. The 15-member council has met privately twice this week about the worst hostilities in the region in years, but has so far been unable to agree on a public statement, diplomats said. Such statements are agreed to by consensus, and the United States did not believe it would be helpful, they said. All council members also have to agree to a meeting under rules guiding the body's virtual operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the US State Department has urged citizens to 'reconsider travel to Israel' due to the recent surge in violence. The travel advisory level, which had been lowered in recent weeks due to improvement in the country's Covid-19 situation, was stepped up to Level 3, out of a maximum of four. 'Reconsider travel to Israel due to armed conflict and civil unrest,' the department said in a statement. 'Rockets continue to impact the Gaza periphery and areas across Southern and Central Israel, including Jerusalem,' it said. 'There has been a marked increase in protests and violence throughout Israel.' Washington was also advising that Americans 'do not travel' to Gaza due to 'Covid-19, terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict,' as well as avoiding the West Bank due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. As Joe Biden and Boris Johnson made appeals for calm, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a forceful partisan condemnation - saying that Israel needed to be taught a 'lesson'. He told Russia's Vladimir Putin during a phone call of the need for 'the international community to give Israel a strong and deterrent lesson' as he called on the UN to intervene with a 'determined and clear message.' The appeals fell on deaf ears as Israel and Hamas exchanged cross-border blows throughout the early hours of Thursday - sending Israelis fleeing into air raid shelters, while Palestinians evacuated their apartments. Among the high-ranking commanders 'neutralised' in strikes on Wednesday were Brigadier General Bassem Issa, chief of the Gaza City Brigades, and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit and responsible for the improved accuracy of their projectiles. The IDF has now launched strikes - 95 per cent of which have been carried out aerially - on more than 700 targets, including militants, infrastructure, missile-launch sites, central banks and administrative buildings key to maintaining power in the Strip. The military insists the loss of such key Hamas infrastructure will affect the militant group for years to come. Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Palestinian families fleeing from their homes at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, take shelter in a school as Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza Strip Gaza's death toll passes 100 with 27 children and 11 women killed, officials say Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll has climbed to 103. Palestinians, including 27 children and 11 women, with 580 people wounded. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas has acknowledged 13 of its militants killed, including a senior commander. Israel says the number of militants dead is much higher. Seven people have been killed in Israel. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack. Advertisement Brigadier General Hidai Zilberman told reporters early Thursday: 'Tonight we started destroying government targets in the Gaza Strip, such as central banks and internal security buildings. Hamas is beginning to discover cracks and there is pressure in the organization, even among the Gaza public who is losing its patience and sees these ruins on the eve of the holiday (Eid).' Three tower blocks have been levelled in assaults by the Israel Air Force and the Islamists' network of underground tunnels has been decimated by bunker buster bombs. As well as high-ranking commanders, the IDF say they have killed another 60 Hamas militants. Funerals for 14 slain Hamas members, including the terror chief Issa, were held at the Omari Grand Mosque in Gaza City on Thursday. Hundreds of men were seen walking through the streets with the bodies draped in the green flags of Hamas as sobbing women and children watched from windows and balconies. At the same time, in the Israeli settlement of Eliakim, hundreds of family members and comrades attended the funeral of 21-year-old soldier Omer Tabib. Tabib was killed close to the border with Gaza on Wednesday by an anti-tank missile fired at his jeep. 'Omer, my beautiful child, six years we waited for you and the patience paid off we received a beautiful child with an eternal smile on his face,' his mother Tali said, according to Haaretz. 'I refuse to believe that instead of a blessing for your [finishing the army], I'm searching for words to summarise the period of your life. I'm sorry, but I don't know how to do it. In my blackest dreams I never thought I'd reach this point. Omer, my beautiful child, give us the strength to know how to continue on.' The fighting has sparked violent clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel, in ugly scenes which have not been witnessed for more than 20 years amid fears of a civil war. Israeli soldiers fire an American-designed 155mm self-propelled howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position near the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday. It comes amid a build up of troops at the border in preparation for a possible ground invasion of the Strip Israeli troops take cover from their bombing position as an M109 howitzer shells the Gaza Strip on Thursday An Israeli tank crewman picks up a shell to load into the M109 howitzer during barrages on the Gaza Strip on Thursday An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border Israeli troops lay down in a field during action outside the town of Sderot in southern Israel during the Gaza bombing campaign An explosion lights the sky following an Israeli air strike on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip early on Friday morning Palestinian paramedics rescue the body of a dead person found in the rubble of a collapsed house belonging to the al-Tanani family, destroyed following an Israeli air strike in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip Palestinians gather to pray around the bodies of 13 Hamas militants, killed in Israeli air strikes, during their funeral in at the al-Omari mosque in Gaza City Smoke billows from an explosion as another air bomb (top) falls during an Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercept rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon A ball of fire engulfs a tower block in Gaza City early on Thursday morning as Israel presses forward with its campaign against Hamas. 'The campaign is still far from over,' a cabinet minister said after last night's meeting with Netanyahu. 'Whatever we don't do now, we will have to do in six months or a year from now.' A missile is seen heading for a tower block in Gaza on Wednesday, left; and an explosion rises into the sky in the early hours of this morning, right A colossal explosion erupts as an Israeli bomb blows apart a Hamas target in Gaza City on Thursday. The pattern of the smoke and debris flying through the air suggests use of a bunker buster bomb, used to destroy the vast underground networks used by the Islamist militants An Israeli AH-64 Apache attack helicopter releases flares near Sderot, in southern Israel on the border with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip A Palestinian protester hurls a Molotov cocktail at Israeli police forces in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday night as internal violence threatens to plunge Israel into a war on two fronts Fireworks explode on the streets of Hebron in the West Bank as Palestinians riot against Israeli forces in solidarity with their brethren in the Gaza Strip A sequence of images shows the moment an Israeli missile speeds towards a Hamas target in Gaza City on Thursday Debris and shrapnel flies through the air as the bomb explodes on a suspected Hamas compound in Gaza City on Thursday Palestinians gather to pray around the bodies of 13 Hamas militants, killed in Israeli air strikes, during their funeral in at the al-Omari mosque in Gaza City, on Thursday Israeli mourners attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Omer Tabib, 21, in Elyakim in northern Israel, on Thursday. Tabib was killed by an anti-tank missile near the border yesterday Netanyahu speaks to border police who have been deployed to the city of Lod to help keep the peace as Israel imposed a curfew following two nights of rioting A man is seen walking down a street in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, unaware of a bomb about to explode on a compound behind him The explosion is seen erupting as the man starts to hurry down the road in Rafah before he disappears from view in the massive dust cloud Serial killer Joanna Dennehy plans to marry her street robber fiancee who told she was not allowed to murder anyone else, it has been reported. Dennehy, 38, who was jailed in 2014 after killing three men during a 10-day spree, plans to wed street robber Hayley Palmer who has been released after serving 16 years. The pair reportedly fell in love while both were incarcerated at the privately-run HMP Bronzefield in Middlesex. They were then moved to separate prisons, with Palmer going to HMP East Sutton Park in Kent while Dennehy now resides in HMP Low Newton in Durham. Friends told the Mirror Palmer is seeking legal advice on arranging the wedding despite Dennehy serving a whole life tariff for murdering three men. One told the newspaper: 'It's a very strange relationship. It's very weird to say but they seem good for each other. Joanna Dennehy, 37, (pictured) who was jailed in 2014 after killing three men during a 10-day spree plans to marry street robber Hayley Palmer who has since been released from prison 'Hayley speaks about Joanna like she's her high school sweetheart. They talk every single day and fully intend to get married. 'Hayley joked that they would not be allowed to cut their wedding cake because there's no way that they'd let Joanna have a knife.' The couple reportedly want to be married by the end of the year with friends claiming Palmer has already changed her surname to Dennehy. Mother-of-two Dennehy is one of only two women in Britain serving a whole-life prison term - the other is Rose West. Serial killer Joanna Dennehy is currently serving a full life sentence - one of only two women to be doing so in the country She stabbed three men to death whose bodies she dumped in ditches outside Peterborough, where she lived before knifing two more men in Hereford. Dennehy's first victim was a Polish man, Lukasz Slaboszewski, 31, who had come to believe Dennehy was his girlfriend. She lured him to a property with suggestive texts, then stabbed him through the heart. Dennehy then used a pocket knife to kill her housemate John Chapman, 56, stabbing him once in the neck. The third victim was her landlord, Kevin Lee, 48, who she lured with the promise of sexual favours. Excited by the police manhunt for her, she then stabbed Robin Bereza from behind in Hereford on April 2 2013. Nine minutes later, she knifed John Rogers. Both men survived. She was caught after two days on the run. Dennehy, who was brought up in a stable family home in the Home Counties, carried out the attacks to gratify her 'sadistic love for blood'. The Old Bailey was told the killer had a 'sexual and sadistic motivation'. Dennehy (pictured) told psychiatrists she killed 'to see how it would feel' and found it more-ish Low Newton prison near Durham where the Joanna Dennehy is currently serving her sentence Later she told a psychiatrist: 'I killed to see how I would feel, to see if I was as cold as I thought I was. Then it got more -ish.' Experts said Dennehy craved notoriety and wanted to humiliate her victims through sick sex games. Before the killings she had boasted she had already killed four times. When the three bodies were found, police launched a high-profile murder investigation. Meanwhile Dennehy travelled to Hereford and started scouring the streets with accomplice Gary Stretch for more men to kill. She told him: 'I want to have my fun.' The pair randomly selected two dog walkers, retired fireman Robin Bereza, 64, and John Rogers, 56. Dennehy stabbed them in frenzied knife attacks. Both survived the horrific attacks only because of swift medical intervention. During her search for further victims, Dennehy posed for photos with a huge serrated knife and bragged that she and Stretch were 'like Bonnie and Clyde', whose gang killed nine policemen in 1930s America. Australians have been told to enjoy the autumn sun while they can as a cold snap is expected to hit the east coast this weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology warned the cool weather would set in on Friday, with a blast of cool air from the south-east delivering a string of cold fronts. 'A wintery blast is on its way for parts of NSW as a series of cold fronts move up from the Southern Ocean', the Bureau said on Thursday afternoon. Residents have been told to rug up this weekend as a 'wintery blast' travels towards parts of NSW. Pictured: Woman braces herself against the cold in Sydney Lower than average temperatures have been predicted for the next few days, as a trough and cold front cross the southeast. The frontal system is predicted to deliver rain, showers and gusty winds in southeast South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Luke Johnston from the Bureau of Meteorology told Daily Mail Australia that the weather system would hit Tasmania the hardest. Temperatures on the island state will drop as low as -5C, with snow to hit areas of higher elevation including Cradle Valley, Liawenee, Lake St Clair and Tarraleah. But the meteorologist said the south-east of the mainland will share the same frontal system, with another cold front to hit on Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of a cold snap sweeping across the east coast this weekend, due to set in on Friday A southerly flow in the wake of a front and another frontal system will generate showers and rain in southern SA, VIC, and TAS, falling as snow on the highlands on Friday 'The cold burst is going to last the weekend, but during next week things are becoming more stable and will be dominated by high pressure systems', he said. The first in a series of cold fronts is crossing Victoria today, with further fronts to hit early on Friday, Saturday and Monday. Victorians should brace for showers throughout the weekend, with moderate to strong winds and a potential thunderstorm to hit the south coast on Saturday. Residents in NSW and the ACT will need to rug up this weekend as a high pressure system near Western Australia continues to drift east. 'A cold front will skim across the state's south tonight and Friday, followed by a second front on Saturday bringing markedly cooler conditions to the region', the Bureau said. The cold burst is expected to last the weekend with temperatures becoming more stable next week. Pictured: People walk in front of the Sydney Opera House during windy weather Sydney will see temperatures dip below 10C over the weekend, as will Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart. Canberra could see temperatures plummet as low as -4C in the CBD on Sunday as the cold front moves across the nation's capital. The Northern Territory and Perth will see average temperatures throughout the week. The stormy weather experienced at the start of the week came as millions of Australians were plunged into an early winter. In the Bureau's outlook for June to August, rainfall this winter is expected to be above average for most of inland Australia but will remain drier than average in western WA and northern QLD. Winter days are likely to be warmer in the north and the south, while winter nights are likely to be warmer than average across the country. A 'blizzard' has lashed Australia's ski resorts on Tuesday night as the nation is plunged into an early winter Temperatures fell to nearly 0C on Tuesday night, seeing a heavy downpour of snow to fall throughout the night through New South Wales snowy mountains. Both Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts received a 10cm dump of snow at their village level alone, with much deeper powder at the top of the runs. Temperatures fell to near zero, but even colder weather will see massive snowfall across the NSW snowy mountains over the weekend. Experts are predicting a strong system moving across the area over the weekend, which could result in another huge snow dump to the area. Police called to the Athens home of a British mother who was murdered during a horror break-in found her 11-month-old daughter 'hitting' the body and 'trying to wake her up'. Officers revealed today that they found 20-year-old Caroline Crouch, a student, 'pale and frowning' inside the home with her hands tied behind her back, before realising she was dead. Next to her was her 11-month-old daughter - Lydia - who was 'hitting her mother with her hands and trying to wake her up', according to an officer identified only as Christos, who is himself a father. Baby Lydia was said to be 'half on her, screaming and hitting her mother with her hands to wake her up' when help arrived, while dad Charalambos Anagnostopoulos, 33 - known as Babis - was tied up, blindfolded and gagged on the floor. Mr Anagnostopoulos, speaking outside the house today, said he did not know Caroline was dead until officers arrived and took off tape that was covering his eyes. He then left the house carrying baby Lydia and found his mother waiting, who took the child in a moment captured by photographers. Baby Lydia is carried by her grandmother away from the scene of a horrific burglary-turned-murder in Athens on Tuesday Burglars broke into the home of Caroline Crouch (left) and husband Charalambos 'Babis' Anagnostopoulos (right), strangled her and then fled with 35,000 in cash and jewellery Mr Anagnostopoulos weeps as he speaks to reporters outside the family home in Athens today, saying he did not know his wife was dead until police arrived and took his blindfold off A neighbour who was the first to be alerted to the tragedy after being called by Babis, described what happened as the baby was brought out. She told MailOnline: 'I came outside and I saw the police were here. Babis was in shock and could not speak. 'Babis was holding the baby. I went inside and got a blanket to wrap up the baby. The grandmother came and took the baby. 'Babis and the baby are being cared for by the mother.' The neighbour added that Babis had been able to raise the alarm by using his nose to dial his phone and call the most recent dialled number, which was hers. She took the early-morning call, but initially could not understand what was being said because Babis had been gagged. She said: 'He was screaming, he was screaming but I could not understand what he was saying because his mouth was gagged. 'I thought it was a medical problem. I went outside to investigate and I saw and then I knew it was much more important. 'Earlier in the night I heard the dog barking but I thought he must be fighting with the cats, they have four cats. 'I only wish I had come to investigate sooner.' As more details of the tragedy emerged today, police continued hunting for the perpetrators including interviewing those with links to criminal networks. It is thought that investigators are trying to track down 300 known gang members who have previously served time for burglary and been released from jail in the last three years to see if they can shed any light on the horrific crime. Meanwhile, extensive DNA testing is being carried out on the victims' clothes as well as items used to bind and throttle the couple - such as a pair of trousers - in the hopes that it will provide more information on the killers. Police point out that the thieves spent more than an hour inside the property demanding the couple hand over money and jewellery - even though Babis quickly gave them the location of 10,000 in cash hidden inside a Monopoly box - and believe they will have left enough evidence behind to identify them. Babis, a helicopter pilot, had earlier given a more-detailed account of the 'nightmare' ordeal, saying he begged burglars not to hurt his family before they held a pistol to his daughter's temple. Babis said he was asleep at his home near Athens on Tuesday alongside Caroline Crouch and baby Lydia when a gang of thieves broke in around 5am. He told the police that the masked raiders - armed with handguns - tied him up on the floor and tied Caroline to the bed before demanding 'where's the money?' in broken Greek. He said the couple had a large amount of cash at home because they had recently bought a plot of land and needed to pay builders for work, and he revealed his hiding spot - inside a Monopoly box - quickly in order to spare his loved ones being tortured. But the thieves demanded more money and jewellery, then pointed a gun at his infant daughter's temple before suffocating Caroline when she started screaming, according to Greek media. 'I heard my wife screaming for help tied to the bed while I was tied to the floor,' Babis is said to have told police. 'We screamed not to be hurt. 'The baby was crying, my wife was crying and someone or some people were looking for the house to find more money and jewelry. Suddenly they left the room and I couldn't hear my wife's voice anymore.' Caroline Crouch, 20 (right), was killed at her home in Athens, Greece, that she shared with husband Babis Anagnostopoulos (left) and their infant daughter (pictured) Police have described the crime as the 'most heinous' they have ever investigated, and say it was carried out with a 'brutality' that is rare in Greece. Pictured: the house (right) where the murder took place The burglars walked through a path (pictured) to the back of the house to access the property before the attack took place Investigators say Tuesday's raid began around 4.30am when the gang approached the couple's house (pictured) and broke a security camera outside Forensic marks seen on the door and windows in the rear yard of the house where the burglars are believed to have entered The rear of the house shows the attic bedroom where the couple were asleep next to their child when the burglars entered Speaking to Greek TV outside the family home later the same day, Babis added: 'I wish no one ever goes through what we went through last night. It was a nightmare. 'We begged the thieves not to harm us. We told them where the money was and asked them to leave us alone. The police will catch them.' Police were called to the scene by Mr Anagnostopoulos who managed to get to a phone and dial the emergency number with his nose. Police have described the crime as the 'most heinous' they have ever investigated, and say it was carried out with a 'brutality' that is rare in Greece. A 250,000 reward for information has been offered, and investigators are thought to be working on the theory that the gang was well organised, likely surveilled the couple before the raid, and somehow knew they were keeping a large amount of cash at home. Officers are questioning friends, neighbours and relatives of the couple to see if anyone was spotted hanging around the house in the days before the raid, or whether anyone had given away information about them keeping money in the house. Police are also investigating similar burglaries to see if they were perhaps carried out by a single gang, including a raid in the nearby Chalandri suburb of Athens back in December. During that break-in, men speaking 'broken Greek' smashed their way into the lower floor of a house then forced the couple to reveal the location of their money while threatening their daughter with a knife. One of the witnesses in that crime described the men as being Roma. Another theory being worked on by police is that the most-recent burglary was committed by a gang who have spent time in jail, but may have been recently released and returned to their old activities. Investigators say Tuesday's raid began around 4.30am when the gang approached the couple's house and broke a security camera outside. They then removed security pins from a basement window and climbed inside the property, where they found the family's dog downstairs. Police say the husky was strangled using its own leash before its body was hanged from a stair banister. The men then made their way upstairs to an attic bedroom where the couple were asleep next to their child. Babis was attacked first - with the men tying him to a bed post and covering his mouth with duct tape. They then set upon Caroline, a trained martial artist, and tied her up using a t-shirt. Caroline, who is thought to have been born Greece but has a British passport, began dating Babis in 2017, married him in 2019, and gave birth in June last year Caroline was a student at the University of Piraeus, according to Greek media, though it is unclear what she studied. Pictured: Caroline and Babis with their daughter For around an hour they tortured the couple, demanding the location of the family's money and jewellery. It is thought that Babis quickly gave up the location of money he was holding for building works by pointing the thieves to a Monopoly box. But this failed to satisfy the masked raiders, who demanded more money and jewellery. According to news site Ta Nea, Babis told police that the men - speaking in broken Greek - had told Caroline that they would hurt the baby if she did not give them the location of the safe. The men then pointed a gun at the infant, the site reports, causing Caroline to scream for help. She was then suffocated to keep her quiet, possaibly using a blouse or pillowcase. A medical examiner has said he believes Caroline would have suffered a 'slow and torturous death' and if she did fight back against the robbers, her DNA will be found on her finger nails. Grigoris Leos told the To Vima newspaper: 'This crime has a noticeable difference with several others that take place after a robbery, as many times the robbers do not intend to kill. 'But in this case we are talking about a young girl and we are talking about people who were determined to kill this girl and if it is confirmed for a suffocating death we are talking about a slow and torturous death. Therefore, the perpetrator wanted to lead his victim to death.' Mr Leos added: 'They chose a type of killing that requires contact between the perpetrator and the victim. 'All this will have very rich genetic material, the perpetrators will have left fingerprints and if the girl really resisted, genetic material will be found on her nails, as well as in the dog that was killed.' After taking the family's valuables, the men fled. Babis told police that the trio spoke a foreign language among themselves, though he was unable to identify it. At around 6am, Babis managed to reach a phone and called police, who rushed to the scene which has since been cordoned off. Babis and his daughter were taken to hospital, while officers began examining the house for evidence. Social media profiles reveal Caroline and Babis met in 2017 and were married in July 2019 in a ceremony in Portugal. Caroline, who appears to have ties to the UK through her father's side of the family, then gave birth to their first child in June last year. Police say hooded men broke into the home in the Glyka Nera suburb while one stood guard, strangled the family dog, tied up the husband, then tortured and suffocated his wife Caroline was killed in front of her infant daughter after thieves broke into the home she shared with her husband The pair lived in Athens, where Babis worked as an 'air taxi' pilot flying out of Athens international airport and a smaller airfield in nearby Megara. Caroline was a student at the University of Piraeus, according to Greek media, though it is unclear what she studied. Caroline grew up on the Greek island of Alonnisos. A family friend quoted in the paper said she had a British father and a Filipino mother. 'I don't know if she was born on the island or just raised there,' she said. 'She was a very beautiful girl and she was a very active child, doing lots of swimming and scuba diving. 'Her mum was a sweetheart and she was so proud of her daughter. Her mum was saying just a few days ago how happy she was to be able to visit Caroline in Athens once in a while.' Caroline married Babbis in May 2018. In an Instagram post in July last year, Babbis wrote: 'Happy Birthday to my awesome wife, closest friend, and best mom our daughter could have.' A post a month earlier announced the birth of their daughter. Babbis said it was the 'best day in a man's life'. Police say it appears the robbers were experienced, and likely surveilled the couple for some time before the raid. Investigators are now reviewing local CCTV cameras to see how the burglars got away and whether they were in the area before the raid. They are also interviewing the couple's neighbours and friends to see if anyone gave away information about the pair keeping large amounts of cash in the house. Virgin Australia has delayed its planned resumption of international flights - but still intends to start services between Australia and Fiji and Bali before the end of 2021. The airline is offering bookings online to both popular holiday destinations from December 1 after revised travel forecasts from the Federal Budget. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he assumed international travel would be limited through to mid next year, before adding all Australians would be offered a vaccine before the end of the year. Qantas also delayed a planned restart until December 2021, but said it was 'optimistic' travel bubbles would open when vaccine rollouts were complete. Virgin Australia are now accepting bookings to Bali and Fiji from December 1 this year - pictured a woman on holiday at Bali's Kelingking Beach With treasurer Josh Frydenberg declaring all Australians should be vaccinated by the end of the year, airlines such as Virgin and Qantas are taking bookings to Indonesia and Fiji (pictured above) from December 1, 2021 Alistair Hartley, Virgin's chief strategy and transformation officer, said patience was key when it came to the projected return of international travel. 'While we know some Australians are itching to travel overseas, it is clear that international travel won't return to normal as quickly as first anticipated,' he said in a statement. 'We (Virgin) are being realistic when it comes to restarting short-haul international flying.' Despite Virgin boldly spruiking flights online from the start of summer to Indonesia and Fiji, services to Vanuatu, Samoa and the Solomon Islands remain on hold. Mr Hartley pledged Virgin will be reactive when circumstances change and that 'doing the right thing for our customers' remains at the heart of their decision making. On Wednesday Qantas confirmed their adjusted timeline for international travel is now in December, having previously said they were working towards a return in October this year. 'We remain optimistic that additional (travel) bubbles will open once Australia's vaccine rollout is complete to countries who, by then, are in a similar position, but it's difficult to predict which ones at this stage,' the company said in a statement. 'This planning assumption will allow the Qantas Group and Australia to be ready to take advantage of pockets of tourism and trade opportunity as they emerge in a post-Covid world. 'We will keep reviewing these plans as we move towards December and circumstances evolve.' Alistair Hartley, Virgin's chief strategy and transformation officer, said the possible return of mass international flights is 'exciting news' (pictured Virgin aircraft at Adelaide Airport) Thomas Bassett (pictured) has been banned from contacting his ex-lover for five years A besotted boyfriend has been banned from contacting his ex-lover for five years and has been ordered to pay her 150 damages after he admitted sending more than 1,000 emails begging for them to get back together. Thomas Bassett, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, sent 100 of his messages to Bethany Anderson in a single day and left her in such fear for her safety she changed the locks to her home and refused to go out. Bassett, 26, created 11 different email accounts between February and April this year so he could continue hounding Miss Anderson even after she blocked him. He also messaged her via Instagram and sent her a handwritten letter as well as a Moonpig card with photos of them together asking to rekindle their romance. Bassett, attending Manchester Magistrates' Court, admitted stalking and was prohibited from contacting Miss Anderson under the terms of a restraining order. He was also sentenced to 26 weeks jail suspended for two years, ordered to complete a 'Building Better Relationships' programme and pay 213 in costs. The court heard the pair had begun dating in 2018 but broke up in February 2021. Prosecutor Miss Tess Kenyon said: 'They had temporarily split up in the summer of 2019 but got back together although she says he was manipulative in them resuming their relationship. 'After the February split, the defendant sent apologetic messages to the complainant and he hinted at suicide trying to make her feel responsible. 'He sent photos from the back of her home address and it made the complainant so worried, she felt the need to change the locks. 'The defendant sent over 100 messages on 4 February until she blocked the number. The defendant the left a voicemail asking to get back with him and to sort things out. She then changed her number. 'As a result the defendant created 10 more email accounts to send further messages and pictures to the complainant. Over a period of two months, he sent at least 587 emails as well as trying to message her via Instagram. 'On February 24, the defendant sent a hand written letter. In it he said he was sorry for his behaviour. He also sent a Moonpig card with photos of them together asking for her to get back with him. 'As a result she says she feels scared. This clearly had a significant impact on her.' Bassett, attending Manchester Magistrates' Court (pictured), admitted stalking and was prohibited from contacting Miss Anderson under the terms of a restraining order Miss Anderson, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, eventually passed the messages to police before Bassett messaged again saying: 'F***ing me over some more? I can't believe you grassed to the police, well done. 'Why did you go to the police, I am absolutely f***ed, goodbye my lover.' In a statement the victim said: 'I just feel scared as he said he was "going to get me" - whatever that means. 'I feel threatened and the fact that he knows my address makes matters worse. I just wants the messages to stop and I do not want to go out.' Bassett, who works at an Aldi supermarket, later told investigators: 'She is the love of my life and I still love her. I just kept getting upset and angry and that is why I have my little rages. 'I probably sent her over 1,000 emails but I love her so much. I realise now I was a bit obsessive and I understand the effect it would have had on her.' In mitigation Bassett's lawyer Robert Travis said: 'He has had healthy relationships in the past but he struggled to cope with the break up in this relationship because he feels her family had adopted him and when the relationship ended, he lost a partner and contact with the family. 'He accepts the conduct was distressing and accepts he should never contact her again. He is deeply embarrassed and ashamed by his behaviour. 'He is working at Aldi now and is a valuable member of the team, he gets on well with all staff members.' Sentencing District Judge Bernard Begley told Bassett: 'You now have the threat of a prison sentence hanging over your head.' Bassett admitted stalking and was prohibited from contacting Miss Anderson under the terms of a restraining order. He was also sentenced to 26 weeks jail suspended for two years, ordered to complete a 'Building Better Relationships' programme and pay 213 in costs. Detectives searching for a missing teenager have appealed for revellers who attended a rave in a disused quarry to come forward 11 days after he vanished. Frantisek Morris, who is known as Frankie, was last seen walking in Pentir, near Bangor in Gwynedd, North Wales, at around 1.20pm on Sunday May 2. The 18-year-old had attended a party in Waunfawr, near Snowdonia National Park, the night before his disappearance. North Wales Police released an image of Mr Morris pushing his bike near the Vaynol Arms pub in Pentir taken around the time he was last seen. The bike, which reportedly had a puncture, was found near the pub on May 9. The latest appeal comes after the teenager's mother, Alice Morris, said in a dedicated Facebook group set up to help share information about his whereabouts that she fears something bad happened to him. Ms Morris is said to live in Czech and cannot fly over to the UK to join the search for her son without taking two Covid tests and quarantining for 10 days. Police in North Wales are urgently appealing for information relating to the disappearance of 18-year-old Frankie Morris (pictured left and right) who has not been seen since May 2 North Wales Police released an image of Mr Morris pushing his bike near the Vaynol Arms pub in Pentir on May 2, taken around the time he was last seen Detective Chief Inspector Lee Boycott said: 'We are really grateful to the community for the hundreds of phone calls and online reports we have received in response to our previous appeals. 'As a result we are examining numerous different lines of inquiry. I would like to appeal directly to anyone who attended a rave in the disused quarry above Waunfawr on Saturday May 1 who hasn't already come forward to do so. 'I understand people may be reluctant due to the fact that the rave was not an organised event, but I would like to reassure you that we are only concerned in piecing together as much information about Frankie's movements as possible. 'If you attended the rave, and you have any photos or video whatsoever on your mobile, or you have any information however small, that may help us, you can visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/60NWP19A03-PO1 . 'You will be able to pass on information or upload images/video directly to the investigation team in complete anonymity.' He added: 'Residents in Pentir will have noticed an increased police presence in the area over recent days, which will continue. 'If you were in the area on Sunday May 2 and may have seen Frankie please get in touch, especially if you have dashcam or any other form of video. 'Finally, I would ask residents in Pentir and the surrounding areas to check any sheds or outbuildings on their land, and contact us if you find anything out of the ordinary.' A Facebook post from Mr Morris' mother, which was shared with the groups 5,200 members, said: 'I know Frankie so well and I also know his lifestyle. 'I do think that he visited one of his friends in Bangor and something bad probably happened to him there. The bike, which reportedly had a puncture, was found near the pub on May 9. Detective Chief Inspector Lee Boycott said: 'I would like to appeal directly to anyone who attended a rave in the disused quarry above Waunfawr on Saturday May 1' 'I have been asking the police to investigate the people who he knows in Bangor and go to their houses to check but the response seems to me to be a bit slow. 'I think they should make it a priority to investigate all his friends in Bangor.' An urgent plea was earlier shared by police investigating Mr Morris' disappearance. Officers asked the public to check CCTV and dashcam footage in the Bangor and Caerhun areas of North Wales for any signs of the teenager. Police said Frankie, who is from Llandegfan, Anglesey, was walking north in the direction of Caerhun, wearing a grey T-shirt and blue shorts - the same clothes he wore to the party the evening before - and pushing a bike. Officers previously asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch. The Vaynol Arms Pub in Pentir, Bangor, where Frantisek Morris, also known as Frankie, was last seen. Officers asked the public to check CCTV and dashcam footage in the Bangor and Caerhun areas of North Wales for any signs of the teenager Chief Insp Llinos Davies said: 'I would like to appeal directly to Frankie and want him to know that our only concern is to know that he is safe and well. 'I urge Frankie or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to make contact with us. We will need to check on Frankie's welfare, but his confidentiality and wishes will be respected. 'We continue to be concerned about Frankie, and are still utilising a considerable amount of both police and partner agency resources, both of which have been dedicated to finding Frankie for nearly a week. 'We are working closely with Frankie's family to explore every possible line of enquiry at this difficult time. If you have any information regarding Frankie's whereabouts, please get in touch.' It was understood search and rescue teams conducted searches with dogs in the area on Tuesday. Anyone with information is advised to contact police on 101. An indigenous attorney-general has launched a blistering attack on an 'inner city Melbourne' Greens senator who assumed she was a 'white man'. During a speech in Canberra on Tuesday, Senator Lidia Thorpe assumed NT Attorney-General Selena Uibo was a man who was 'hopefully' white. Senator Thorpe, a Gunnai Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman, was delivering a speech about changes to youth bail laws when she made the blunder. 'I do hope the Attorney-General, given he probably didn't read the royal commission recommendations, hopefully he listens to these experts,' she said. 'Hopefully, they're white. You know, white is right in this place.' During a speech in Canberra on Tuesday, Senator Lidia Thorpe (pictured) assumed NT Attorney-General Selena Uibo, Gunnai-Gunditjmara woman, was a man who was 'hopefully' was white Ms Uibo hit back at Senator Thorpe's 'galling' and 'frustrating' remarks on Thursday Ms Uibo hit back at Senator Thorpe's 'galling' and 'frustrating' remarks on Thursday. 'There is nothing more galling or frustrating than when we have a senator from inner-city Melbourne, who visits the Territory for five minutes, flies home and then goes back to the Senate and makes deceitful comments,' she said. 'I am an Aboriginal woman with ancestral lands and connections in the Groote Island archipelago and the Numbulwar East Arnhem regions of the Northern Territory.' Ms Uibo also called out Senator Thorpe for 'playing on her phone the whole time' while fronting a committee hearing in Borroloola. 'You should take their time before you travel to a remote community to ensure you are appropriately dressed for the community visit and not dressed like some southern tourist on their dry season holiday,' she said. NT's parliament passed changes to youth bail laws that could see some child offenders automatically placed on remand for breaching bail conditions. Advocates have condemned the reform, saying it will roll back critical recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. Under the planned changes, children accused of serious re-offending while on bail will be taken into custody except when a court is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances. NT's parliament passed changes to youth bail laws that could see some child offenders automatically placed on remand for breaching bail conditions. Pictured: Gunnai Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman and Green Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe Ms Uibo also called out Senator Thorpe for 'playing on her phone the whole time' while fronting a committee hearing in Borroloola Breaching electronic monitoring conditions or curfew and failing to attend court or complete diversion programs will also be grounds for bail being revoked. The list of crimes where bail may not be granted will also be expanded to include unlawful entry, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, assault of a worker or police officer. Police will also be given more powers to immediately place electronic monitoring on alleged offenders and breath test children without an adult guardian present. The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency has led the criticism against the legislation amendments with protests outside NT parliament. This is the incredible moment a waterspout forms off the Jersey Shore as amazed locals film the natural phenomenon. The whirling column of air and water mist formed on the Barnegat Bay in Toms River, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 8th at around 2:30pm. Residents of nearby homes pulled out their cameras to capture the waterspout, just '100 to 200 feet' away, after it appeared suddenly and lasted around five minutes. Footage captured the bizarre moment the North Atlantic sea appeared as if it was being lifted into the sky by the weather phenomenon. Forecasters issued a special marine warning during the incident, advising anyone out on the water to return to the harbor. No injuries or damage was recorded, NBC reports. Waterspouts are in the tornado family but stay over water. They are intense columns of swirling clouds that stretch from the surface high into the sky. They are most commonly found in subtropical areas and disappear shortly after they come into contact with land. Waterspouts are generally not dangerous but they can be a risk for aircraft flying through the area and for coral reefs and marine life in the water below them. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts as the consequences of floating into one could be disastrous. The whirling column of air and water mist formed on the Barnegat Bay in Toms River, New Jersey, just 100 feet from nearby houses, on Saturday, May 8th at around 2:30pm Jersey Shore forecasters issued a special marine warning during the incident, advising any people out on the water or boats to return to the harbour The most common type of waterspout is a fair weather waterspout. They happen when winds merge from opposite directions near the waters surface, creating a small area of spin. Sudden warm air at the surface, usually from a thunderstorm, causes the spinning air to rotate faster and it starts to rise picking up water at the same time. Sometimes the air spins so fast that it stretches and a funnel appears from the water to the thunderstorm cloud above. Five university students in China have been jailed for exploiting a glitch in KFC's online ordering system. The group were charged with fraud and jailed for taking advantage of a scam that cost the fast food giant more than 200,000 yuan in total ($40,000AUD.) The mastermind of the scam, a 23-year-old student at a university in Jiangsu with the surname Xu, discovered the loophole by chance. Xu realised he could get free food by using a coupon on the KFC app and then get a refund using the same coupon on the chain's WeChat account. The university student decided to take his scam even further by selling the meals and coupons to others to make a profit, the Global Times reported. Xu discovered a glitch in KFC's app and WeChat system in April 2018, causing the fast food chain losses of over $40,000 over a course of six months Xu brought four other students into his side-hustle and taught them how to receive the free KFC meals. Over the course of six months, Mr Xu caused economic losses of 58,000 yuan (nearly $12,000) to the the Shanghai-based Yum China Holdings Inc, the operator of KFC restaurants in China. His four mates caused economic losses of up to 47,000 yuan ($9,460AUD). The Xuhui District People's Court in Shanghai ruled that Xu be sentenced with two-and-a-half years for crimes of fraud and imparting criminal methods. The student was also fined 6,000 yuan ($1,200AUD). The five university students took advantage of the loophole by receiving free food and coupons which they sold to others to make a profit The other four students were given prison sentences that ranged from 15 months to two years and were fined smaller amounts. The court explained that the scam was similar to the act of someone deciding to take cash from a malfunctioning ATM. The case of the KFC loophole has caused a stir on social media, with internet users questioning if taking advantage of a glitching system is breaking the law. The NSW Families Minister has stood down after confirming he is under investigation by child abuse detectives over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred in 2013. Minister for Families, Gareth Ward, released a statement confirming he'd stepped aside but denied any wrong doing. 'Today I have been made aware by a journalist of an investigation into me by NSW Police,' he said on Thursday evening. 'I have not been contacted by Police in relation to any allegations. I deny any wrongdoing. 'Until this matter is resolved, it is appropriate I stand aside from my role as Minister. I will also remove myself from the Liberal Party room. NSW Families Minister Gareth Ward has stood aside after confirming he is under investigation by child abuse detectives over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred in 2013. Minister for Families, Gareth Ward, released a statement confirming he'd stepped aside but denied any wrong doing. Pictured with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian 'I will not be making any further comment at this time.' NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she has been made aware of the investigation through media reports on Thursday. 'I have subsequently received advice from Minister Gareth Ward of his decision to step aside as Minister and sit on the cross bench while there is speculation about his future,' she said in a statement. 'I support his decision. The Attorney General will act in Mr Wards portfolio responsibilities.' In a statement, New South Wales Police said: 'Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad have established Strike Force Condello to investigate allegations of sexual violence-related offences. 'The incidents were reported to have occurred from 2013. As investigations are continuing, no further information is available.' Mr Ward, who represents Kiama, south of Sydney, was previously caught up in a 'secret massage' extortion incident. He was staying at the Intercontinental Hotel near Broadway in New York in 2017 when he allegedly called for what he believed was a masseur. But what was supposed to be a moment of holiday relaxation turned into a 'terrifying' blackmail attempt, he said. 'Look I contacted someone who I thought was a masseur and when he came to my hotel - he brought a friend - it became clear they wanted more. I made it clear that was not what I wanted and asked them to leave,' he told Daily Mail Australia at the time. 'They became aggressive and pulled out their phones and began recording and demanding money.' Mr Ward said he told the men he would get them the money and took the lift to the lobby, where he told the clerk while the pair 'bolted.' Former political staffer Brittany Higgins (centre) alongside boyfriend David Sharaz (right) Attorney General Mark Speakman will take on Mr Ward's portfolio responsibilities. It is the second such incident of sexual assault against a NSW MP this year following allegations Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen raped a sex worker in 2019. He has since resigned from parliament. Mr Johnsen has not been charged by police and denies the allegation, calling it unfair and unfounded. It comes after federal politics was rocked by a series of sex scandals this year. Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by a colleague in a minister's Parliament House office in 2019. And former Attorney-General Christian Porter was accused of raping a woman after a debating competition when he was 17, allegations he strongly denies. Police decided not to charge him after the alleged victim took her own life last year. Last month Ms Higgins met Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney to discuss how women's safety could be improved. Her ideas included updating rules for Parliament House security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and call an ambulance if anyone is found unconscious. She claims she was sexually assaulted after security let her and a colleague into the building after a boozy night out. Her attacker allegedly raped her on a couch in then-defence minister Linda Reynold's office before she was found half-naked and unconscious by security hours later. Ms Higgins has reported her allegations to the Australian Federal Police. No charges have been laid. A squirming David Cameron today denied his 'frenetic' lobbying for Greensill was motivated by greed as he admitted he should have used more 'formal' approaches. Grilled by MPs who suggested he had been 'stalking' key players with a barrage of messages on behalf of the supply chain finance firm, the former PM insisted he had not broken any rules. But he conceded that people who had held the highest office in the land should be held to a different 'category' of standards, suggesting that the two-year cooling off period between leaving government and being allowed to lobby should be longer. 'This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much... in these circumstances,' Mr Cameron said. 'I abided by the rules that were in place... but rules alone are never enough.' Pressed on whether he was aware during the pandemic that the firm was under unbearable financial pressure, he said: 'There was certainly no sense of jeopardy.' Mr Cameron wriggled as he was challenged on how much he had stood to gain if Greensill had floated on the stock market, saying it was 'significant' but 'private' - and dismissing 'absurd' claims it could have been $60million. 'The motivation for contacting the government was that I thought we had a really good idea,' he said. Earlier this week the Treasury Committee released dozens of texts and emails Mr Cameron sent to ministers and senior officials appealing for their help in gaining access for Greensill to Covid support programmes. They included toe-curling messages to senior civil servants saying he was looking forward to an 'elbow bump' with Rishi Sunak. He also signed some off 'Love, Dc.' Mr Cameron said this afternoon that he routinely signed off his texts 'Love, Dc' to 'anyone I know even at all well'. 'I don't know why,' he added. There were also direct contacts with the Chancellor, Matt Hancock and Michael Gove, as well as senior officials at the Treasury and the Bank of England. In the end the firm did not get access to the government schemes - with Mr Cameron suggesting that in hindsight officials who rejected his approaches were right. 'I think they came to a very justifiable position,' he said. Mr Cameron said he had not had any formal lobbying role with Greensill, but thought that because of the coronavirus crisis it was 'appropriate' to have made calls and sent texts to key players. However, he added that 'in normal times' he would not do the same again. 'If ever there is an occasion - and I doubt there will be - when a business has a commercial proposition to put to government it will be a single letter or email,' he said. He also rejected suggestions that he had wasted the time of ministers and senior civil servants at a time of massive strain. He later told the Public Accounts Committee he had been hired to 'win over new clients' overseas rather than to lobby the UK public sector. David Cameron today admitted he should have used more 'formal' approaches lobbying for Greensill as he was grilled by MPs Mr Cameron pictured with Lex Greensill on a trip to Saudi Arabia in January last year Mr Cameron sent a toe-curling message saying he was looking forward to an 'elbow bump' with Rishi Sunak (pictured) David Cameron's toe-curling barrage of messages lobbying ministers David Cameron's toe-curling barrage of messages to ministers and officials as he lobbied on behalf of Greensill were revealed earlier this week. The Treasury Committee published a full list of the former PM's contacts after he disclosed them ahead of the evidence session today. They show that he fired off an array of texts and emails, some signed 'Love Dc' and suggesting meet-ups for 'elbow bumps'. The powerful cross-party committee is investigating the collapse of Greensill Capital and lobbying of the Treasury and Bank of England on its behalf. Mr Cameron has denied breaking any lobbying rules, but admitted he should have made approaches in a more formal way. The messages revealed include to Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove. He also contacted vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi. One text message to Mr Gove on April 3 last year acknowledged the minister is 'manically busy', adding: 'But do you have a moment for a word? I am on this number and v free. All good wishes Dc.' Advertisement Mr Cameron told the Treasury Committee: 'It was the greatest honour of my life to be prime minister of this country. 'When my service as prime minister came to an end, I wanted to build a new career based on a mix of charitable and pro-bono work for causes that I care about, like dementia and international development, and business interests in areas of cutting-edge technology. 'I believe that an ex-prime minister should be able to do that and I thought carefully about the choices I made, and took extensive advice.' Mr Cameron said in his opening statement to the Commons Treasury Committee that he abided by the rules that were in place, but added: 'Rules alone are never enough. 'We learnt that in this place over so many issues, personal conduct and codes of behaviour, and how such conduct and behaviour both appears and can be perceived, these things matter too. 'I completely accept that former prime ministers are in a different position to others because of the office that we held and the influence that continues to bring. 'We need to think differently and act differently.' In one bruising exchange, Tory chair of the committee Mel Stride asked what he 'would expect to have gained' had his involvement in the business 'gone to plan'. Mr Cameron said: 'Well, I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than what I earned as prime minister and I had shares, not share options, but shares in the business which vested over the period of time of my contract. 'And so it is important for the committee to know that I absolutely had a big economic investment in the future of Greensill, I wanted the business to succeed, I wanted it to grow. 'I haven't put a number on those things because while I think it is very important and the questions you are asking, what was my role, how did I carry it out, was it appropriate to lobby, did I overstep the mark - the broader questions of what ex-prime ministers should and shouldn't do - the fact that I had this economic interest, and a serious economic interest, that is important. 'But I don't think the amount is particularly germane to answering those questions and as far as I am concerned it is a private matter.' Mr Stride pressed the former premier insisting it would be 'distinctly different' if it was a 'matter of some tens of thousands of pounds' than if it was 'multiple millions of pounds'. 'You must accept that? Do you view the $60million figure as just totally absurd?' he said. Mr Cameron said: 'It is a completely absurd figure. But I can tell you the motivation for contacting the Government was that I thought we had a really good idea for how to help extending credit to thousands of businesses. What is supply chain financing and what are the risks? Supply chain financing also known as reverse factoring is where a company brings in a middleman to pay a supplier on its behalf. In many cases, this is done through so-called 'early payment' schemes where suppliers are offered the chance to be paid early, but at a discount, by the lender. The company that bought goods from the supplier then settles the debt with the lender later on. The lender makes money by taking a share of the discount taken off a supplier's payment, but this can be less than if it took out a commercial loan. Supporters say the 'win-win' arrangement allows suppliers to get paid promptly, while big businesses can smooth out their flow of outgoings. In a typical example, a company such as a supermarket chain, concerned about its small food suppliers during a temporary shock such as the COVID-19 pandemic, approaches its bank. The small suppliers issue invoices to the supermarket, which confirms to the bank they are valid. Those suppliers then get their money right away from the bank, rather than having to wait 30 days or even months to be paid by the buyer, as they might in normal times. At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, use of supply chain financing is reported to have hit a record high in Europe, with banking providers alone earning about $27 billion (19bn) in fees, data from Coalition shows. Although primarily used for short-term payments, Greensill turned the loans into complicated products that were not what they seemed at first. Supply chain finance does not have the same disclosure requirements applied to more conventional forms of debt. Companies involved often say simply 'we have an arrangement with suppliers for early payments' in their accounts, which provides the only real clue that they are effectively taking on potentially large amounts of debt to pay suppliers. Often this does not come to light until a company runs into trouble, a risk that prompted credit ratings agency Moody's to liken supply chain financing to 'tiger traps'. Britain's Carillion, Spain's Abengoa and the United Arab Emirates' NMC Health are high profile examples of companies which collapsed on the weight of debt, much of it undisclosed. Founded by Lex Greensill, a former Citigroup and Morgan Stanley banker and adviser to the British government, Greensill is the largest non-bank provider of supply chain finance. Its technology-driven approach has provided $143 billion of financing in 2019 across 10 million customers and suppliers. In 2019, it secured $1.455 billion of funding over two rounds from SoftBank's Vision Fund, one of the biggest venture capital funds in the world. A spokesperson told Reuters in December that it saw volumes and new business increase in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. But Credit Suisse and Swiss fund GAM suspended funds linked to Greensill, prompting it to say it was in talks about selling large parts of its business. It collapsed in March. Advertisement 'I would quite like to explain why i thought it was such a great idea because I think you know, I have sat on the other side of the fence in government where you have a credit crunch, you have difficulties in the credit market and you are desperate to get banks lending, desperate to get credit to businesses... 'And I well remember standing at the despatch box and being asked, well this scheme that you announced six months ago, how many companies are taking part, how many banks are taking part, and often having to give very disappointing answers. 'So I was very keen for us to put forward our scheme because I thought it was absolutely in the public interest to try and get money into small businesses.' Mr Cameron appeared to concede that he would be less in demand for business work in the wake of the Greensill lobbying backlash. Highlighting his work on dementia, he said: 'I think that is the most important mission that I have got. 'I maybe now will have even more time to pursue it.' Mr Cameron suggested there could be a role for a committee of former senior officials and business people to advise former prime ministers on their business contacts after they leave office. 'There really isn't a road map for an ex-prime minister, particularly for a younger one who doesn't just want to be on the board of some big bank and make the odd speech around the world, but who wants to get stuck in to help business expand,' he said. Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh quoted a speech on lobbying Mr Cameron had made, in 2010, in which he described lobbying as 'the next big scandal waiting to happen'. When asked if he saw the irony of the speech and the subsequent actions on behalf of Greensill, he cited the 2014 Lobbying Act and its aim of greater transparency. 'When I made those remarks there had just been, I think, a lobbying scandal involving a firm that was approached by a journalist, pretending to be from the government of Uzbekistan. 'The lobbying firm in question said 'we can get you into ministers, we can get you to see people and no-one needs to know who you are lobbying on behalf of'. 'So, the change that the Lobbying Act brought in I know it's criticised now but that changed the Lobbying Act to make sure that multi-client lobbyists had to register who their clients were.' Mr Cameron described it as an 'important change', adding: 'You got two very valuable tools to make sure we can see who is lobbying whom and on whose behalf. 'With my interactions from Greensill to the Government, I absolutely knew that if the meetings I wanted to take place that did take place, they would be properly reported on, and everyone would know about them, and that is absolutely right.' Mr Cameron refused to comment on whether he still regretted the Treasury's decision to refuse Greensill's offer, given its subsequent collapse. He told the Treasury Committee: 'I thought that by the time we got to the final answer of something that was really tailored to British firms, British supply chains, putting that money into small businesses, I think that we had a great idea. 'But, looking back, I think ultimately the Treasury gave a very good explanation for why, although this scheme, as they put it, 'could have great merit and could help a lot', it was too different to what the scheme that they had set up had originally intended to do.' Mr Cameron accepted he may have described himself as a director of Greensill in an email, but insisted it was a mistake. 'I was not a director of the company. I was an adviser and I did not sit on any of those sort of subcommittees of the board.' He denied being a 'shadow director' of Greensill someone controlling the company without actually being on the board. 'In my case, there's absolutely no question that I was in any way controlling this company while not being on the board, so I don't think that applies to me at all,' he said. Mr Cameron said it was 'depressing' to be part of a company that goes into administration. But while he said there were 'faults' with Greensill Capital, he strongly denied that it represented a 'giant fraud'. He told the Treasury Committee: 'I am extremely sorry and sad that it has come to this end. Clearly there were faults with the business, there were vulnerabilities that weren't properly addressed. 'Just because a business goes into administration doesn't mean that everything was wrong, it doesn't mean the whole thing was necessarily a giant fraud.' He denied his lobbying of the NHS on behalf of Greensill was motivated purely by commercial gain. 'I wouldn't accept that for one second,' he said. He said enabling NHS staff to draw down their salary as they earned it rather than having to wait to the end of the month 'could go some way to ending the use of pay day lending'. Mr Cameron said he was not offered a job while prime minister by Lex Greensill, who was an adviser to the Government at the time. 'I think I met him twice while I was in Downing Street and I can absolutely confirm at no stage did he ever suggest that I would go and work with him or for him afterwards,' he said. 'That happened after I left office.' The Government has said Greensill's applications were dealt with properly and were ultimately rejected. However there has been criticism of how a former prime minister was able to exploit his personal contacts with former colleagues and officials in the pursuit of commercial gain. In one message to Mr Sunak, Mr Cameron complained the Treasury's objections to Greensill's application were 'nuts', adding: 'Think there is a simple misunderstanding that I can explain.' David Cameron grilled over 'love, DC' lobbying texts to Treasury official David Cameron today defended his infamous 'love, DC' lobbying text messages to Treasury officials as he said he ends all his messages to people he knows 'even at all well' that way. The former prime minister was grilled on the messages as he appeared in front of the Treasury Select Committee this afternoon. Mr Cameron sent dozens of messages to people in Whitehall last year as he lobbied on behalf of Greensill. And in one of them to Treasury Permanent Secretary Tom Scholar he signed it off with 'love, DC'. Tory MP Harriett Baldwin asked Mr Cameron: 'You signed off one of your texts to him 'love, DC' which was the only one you signed off 'love, DC'. 'Can you just help the committee understand in particular why you used that to him or did you have a closer or wider personal relationship outside the formal one that you described?' Mr Cameron replied: 'I think I have seen him perhaps once or twice since leaving office. 'Anyone I know even at all well I tend to sign off text messages with 'love, DC'. 'I don't know why, I just do. But my children tell me that you don't need to sign off text messages at all and it is very old fashioned and odd to do so. 'But anyway, that is what I do.' Advertisement In an exchange with Mr Gove, the former prime minister messaged: 'Am now speaking to Rishi first thing tomorrow. If I am still stuck, can I call you then?' 'Of course! Any time,' Mr Gove responded. Meanwhile the City watchdog has said it is launching a formal investigation into the collapse of Greensill which filed for insolvency in March. The Financial Conduct Authority said some of the allegations made about the firm were 'potentially criminal in nature'. Greensill had major financial ties to GFG the owner the UK's third largest steelmaker, Liberty Steel and its failure has put thousands of jobs at risk as GFG seeks to refinance. In a letter to the committee, Mr Cameron said he first became concerned that the company might be in serious financial difficulty in December last year. 'Up until that point, I firmly believed that Greensill was in good financial health,' he said. Appearing before the Treasury Committee on Tuesday, the firm's founder, Australian financier Lex Greensill, said he was 'truly sorry' and took full responsibility for what happened. 'Please understand that I bear complete responsibility for the collapse of Greensill Capital. 'I am desperately saddened that more than 1,000 very hard working people have lost their jobs at Greensill. Likewise I take full responsibility for any hardship being felt by our clients and their suppliers, and indeed investors in our programmes.' But at the same time he said the decision of the company's leading insurer, Tokio Marine, ultimately led to the collapse. He said that Covid-19 and the actions of authorities in Germany had played a role in the insurance company's decision. 'It's deeply regrettable that we were let down by our leading insurer whose actions assured Greensill's collapse, and indeed some of our biggest customers. 'To all of those affected by this. I am truly sorry.' A dressed-down David Cameron left his London home today as he braces for a grilling from MPs over his lobbying for collapsed finance firm Greensill Capital Mr Cameron fired off an array of texts and emails, some signed 'Love Dc' and suggesting meet-ups for 'elbow bumps' Advertisement Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year Thursday as the COVID-19 pandemic again forced mosque closings and family separations on the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. In the embattled Gaza Strip, the call to prayer echoed over pulverized buildings and heaps of rubble as Israeli warplanes continued to pound the territory in the worst outbreak of violence since the 2014 war. Hamas, the Islamic militant group ruling Gaza, urged the faithful to mark communal prayers inside their homes or the nearest mosques and avoid being out in the open. 'It is all airstrikes, destruction and devastation,' said Hassan Abu Shaaban, who tried to lighten the mood by passing out chocolates to passersby. GAZA: Palestinians pray at dawn amid the ruins of bombed-out building in Beit Lahia, Gaza, as Eid al-Fitr celebrations take place amid fighting between Israel and Hamas GAZA: An Islamic cleric hugs a young man following morning prayers on Eid al-Fitr in Beit Lahia, Gaza, which has been hit by Israeli bombing in recent days GAZA: A Palestinian man takes a photo with his son on the rooftop of a building in Beit Lahia, surrounded by buildings that have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes JERUSALEM: A Palestinian man sprays foam at Muslims worshippers as they gather at the Noble Sanctuary - known to Jews as Temple Mount - compound in Jerusalem to celebrate Eid al-Fitr JERUSALEM: Muslim men wave a Palestinian flag and unfurl a banner covered in pro-Palestinian slogans in front of the Dome of the Rock, the holiest site in Judaism, during Eid celebrations in Jerusalem today JERUSALEM: A Palestinian man does a back flip in front of Damascus Gate, one of the entrances to Jerusalem's Old City, and the site of recent clashes with Israeli security forces amid Eid al-Fitr celebrations Worshippers wearing masks joined communal prayers in the streets of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The world's most populous Muslim-majority nation allowed mosque prayers in low-risk areas, but mosques in areas where there was more risk of the virus spreading closed their doors, including Jakarta's Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia. Indonesians and Malaysians were banned for a second year from traveling to visit relatives in the traditional Eid homecoming. In Bangladesh, however, tens of thousands of people were leaving the capital, Dhaka, to join their families back in their villages for Eid celebrations despite a nationwide lockdown and road checkpoints. Experts fear a surge in cases in a country grappling with a shortage of vaccines and fear of Indian variants of the coronavirus spreading. 'I understand that we all miss our relatives at times like this, especially in the momentum of Eid,' Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in televised remarks. 'But let's prioritize safety together by not going back to our hometowns.' PAKISTAN: Mass prayers take place in Karachi this morning as Muslims mark the start of Eid al-Fitr, despite the threat of the coronavirus pandemic PAKISTAN: The Pakistani government allowed some mass prayers to go ahead marking the start of Eid today including in Karachi, despite fears they could turn into super-spreader events PAKISTAN: Muslim women in headscarves and with their hands marked by henna take part in prayers marking Eid al-Fitr at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, today PAKISTAN: Muslim men gather at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, this morning to offer prayers on Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan PAKISTAN: Two men hug each other following prayers on Eid al-Fitr in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, which allowed mass events to go ahead despite the threat of coronavirus PAKISTAN: An elderly Muslim man sits as those around him stand during prayers marking the start of Eid al-Fitr in Rawalpindi Despite the similar ban a year ago, the number of daily cases in Indonesia had picked up by 37% three weeks after the holiday. Similar patterns followed other holidays in the country that has counted 1.7 million infections and more than 47,600 fatalities from COVID-19. The Jakarta governor also ordered malls, restaurants and leisure destinations usually packed during the holiday period to shut. With no congregational prayers at mosques, no family reunions, no relatives bearing gifts and cookies for children, 'Eid is not a grand event anymore,' Jakarta resident Maysa Andriana said. 'The pandemic has changed everything... this is too sad!' she said. While police set up highway checkpoints and domestic flights and other modes of transportation were suspended, anxiety lingers that people will defy the prohibition. Television reports showed city dwellers hiding on disguised trucks or fishing boats and officers at roadblocks being overwhelmed by desperate motorists. 'We followed the government decision that banned us visiting my parents for Eid last year, it's enough! Nothing can stop me now,' said factory worker Askari Anam, who used alleys and shortcuts to avoid being stopped from visiting his hometown. INDONESIA: The world's most-populous Muslim nation allowed some mosques to open for Eid prayers provided social distancing remained in place (pictured, prayers at Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya) but closed many others INDONESIA: Prayers take place with social distancing in place at Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya, Indonesia, though the country closed many other mosques including its largest, Jakarta's Istiqlal Grand Mosque INDONESIA: Socially-distanced prayers take place at Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya, Indonesia, marking the start of the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of Ramadan 'Of course I'm worried,' he said when asked about possibly contracting the virus. 'But I leave it to God.' Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin expressed concern of a virus spike and feared people would travel despite the ban. In the southern Philippines, coronavirus outbreaks and new fighting between government forces and Muslim insurgents in one province prevented people from holding large public prayers. Instead, most hunkered down in their homes, while in Maguindanao province, many families displaced by recent fighting marked the holiday in evacuation camps. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unexpectedly announced another nationwide lockdown from Wednesday until June 7 to curb a spike in cases. Inter-state travel and all social activities are banned, which means that like in Indonesia, Muslims cannot visit each other or family graves. Muhyiddin acknowledged that many are angry with the lockdown but defended the need for drastic measures, saying hospitals have almost reached their capacity. Malaysia reported 4,765 cases on Wednesday, pushing its tally to 453,222, nearly fourfold from the start of the year. Deaths also rose to 1,761. 'Is this government tyrannical? But I am not a tyrant,' Muhyiddin said, 'Imagine if you have guests over, then the virus will spread. ... If the guest visits 10 homes, then 10 families will be infected with COVID-19 and in the end as soon as (Eid) ends, the number of positive cases in the country could jump to tens of thousands daily.' TURKEY People take part in the Eid al-Fitr prayer amid a coronavirus lockdown outside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul People take part in the Eid al-Fitr prayer amid a coronavirus lockdown outside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque People gather inside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque to perform prayers on Eid al-Fitr Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate Ali Erbas gives a speech during Eid al-Fitr prayers in Istanbul, Turkey People wearing protective face masks and maintaining social distancing perform the Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, Turkey SAUDI ARABIA Muslim worshippers gather around the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in the Grand Mosque complex in Saudi Arabia's Mecca, to offer prayers on Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan Muslim worshippers perform the Eid al-Fitr morning prayer at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan Muslim worshippers perform the Eid al-Fitr morning prayer at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz taking part in Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan IRAQ An aerial view shows Iraqi worshippers taking part in the Eid Al-Fitr prayer in the Old City of Mosul, in the courtyard of the damaged Umayad mosque, Iraq Iraqi Muslims gather to perform the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan at the Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man mosque in Adhamiya neighbourhood of the capital Baghdad Iraqi Muslims gather to perform the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan at the Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man mosque in Adhamiya neighbourhood of the capital Baghdad IRAN Iranian Muslims perform the morning parayer on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Tehran Iranian Muslim women perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in western Tehran A cleric chants slogan during a pro-Palestinian demonstration after Eid al Fitr prayers in Tehran, Iran A worshipper chants slogan during a pro-Palestinian demonstration after Eid al Fitr prayers in Tehran, Iran JORDAN People attend Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of the month of Ramadan, at Baqaa refugee camp near Amman, Jordan People attend Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, at Baqaa refugee camp near Amman A man gestures as he attends a demonstration to express solidarity with the Palestinian people during the first day of Eid al-Fitr, that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at Baqaa refugee camp near Amman, Jordan EGYPT Muslims perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer within precautions against Covid at Amr Bin As Mosque in Cairo Muslims perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer within precautions against Covid at Amr Bin As Mosque in Cairo A young Muslim boy takes part in dawn prayers marking the start of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday at the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, at a mosque in Cairo, Egypt INDIA Girls walk along with their mother on Eid-al-Fitr day in Srinagar, in the Indian-administered part of Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities further tightened curfew restrictions today : People offer Eid prayers while maintaining social distance in Srinagar, in the Indian-administered part of Jammu and Kashmir eople offer Eid prayers while maintaining social distance in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir An assault rifle hangs from the shoulder of a policeman near a check point in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir KOSOVO Muslims attend a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in Pristina, Kosovo Muslims attend a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in Pristina, Kosovo A Kosovar Muslim attends a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosque in Pristina, Kosovo RUSSIA Russian service members and cadets attend the morning prayers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan, Russia Muslims attend the morning prayers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan, Russia Muslims pray in Cathedral Mosque during celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, in Moscow, Russia, with stickers on the floor indicating correct social distancing aqmid the Covid pandemic BOSNIA Bosnian Muslims, wearing face masks to protect themselves from Covid by wearing face masks, take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers in Konjic, Bosnia Bosnian Muslims, wearing face masks to protect themselves from Covid by wearing face masks, take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers in Konjic, Bosnia Bosnian Muslims attend a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, in Gazi Husrev Bay's Mosque in Sarajevo, Bosnia CHINA Chinese worshippers participate in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan, at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing Chinese worshippers participate in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan, at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing Chinese worshippers participate in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan, at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing BRITAIN A worshipper at the Leeds Makkah Mosque in Yorkshire, England, ahead of the start of Eid al-Fitr Worshippers observe social distancing during the Isha evening prayers at the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, London A Muslim man wearing a high-vis jacket takes part in prayers to mark the start of Eid al-Fitr in Birmingham, England, today A shadow minister has quit her frontbench role after being accused of trying to intimidate a Tory MP seeking to assist a parliamentary worker who raised allegations of sexual harassment against a former Labour MP. Kate Hollern has left her role in Sir Keir Starmer's top team after the accusations were made during an employment tribunal against Mike Hill. The parliamentary worker accuses Mr Hill, the former Hartlepool MP, of carrying out a campaign of sexual harassment and bullying against her over a 16-month period while he was in office. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told the Central London Employment Tribunal yesterday that Ms Hollern made 'malicious' remarks designed to 'scare' him away from helping the woman. Labour today confirmed that Ms Hollern, the MP for Blackburn, had resigned as shadow minister for local government, but did not comment further. Kate Hollern has left her role as a shadow minister after accusations were made against her during an employment tribunal against former Labour MP Mike Hill Mr Bridgen told the tribunal that the woman, known only as Ms A, had confided in him that she was allegedly being 'sexually harassed and sexually assaulted'. In a written statement, he said he was approached by Ms Hollern in the House of Commons' terrace, who asked him for a private word away from other MPs. He wrote that Ms Hollern told him: 'Everyone is saying in the Labour Party that you are having an affair with (Ms A) and if I were you I would keep away from her, because you have a wife and baby and you would not want to lose them if it got in the papers.' He said he responded that 'this is rubbish' and he said he regarded the remarks as 'malicious and designed to scare me away from offering Ms A any help or support'. During a virtual hearing yesterday, Mr Bridgen said he had been made aware of the allegations but claimed he was told not to get involved. He told the tribunal judges: 'She [Ms A] confided in me that she was being sexually harassed and assaulted by Mr Hill. I was particularly upset about it at the time. 'She didn't want me to take any action on her behalf. 'I watched her mental health and wellbeing disintegrate. For Kate Hollern to come and try and intimidate me, I totally believe it was to isolate Ms A from any help and support. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told the Central London Employment Tribunal yesterday that Ms Hollern made 'malicious' remarks designed to 'scare' him away from helping the complainant 'I felt that was pretty appalling, I felt it was malicious and I don't respond well to intimidation like that I can assure you.' Mr Hill denies the allegations against him and the tribunal, due to last a week and a half, continues. He was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over the allegations, but was reinstated in October of that year to fight the general election. Mr Hill resigned from his seat in March this year, triggering a by-election that saw the Hartlepool constituency taken by the Conservatives. Advertisement A bankrupt businessman whose multi-million pound property business fell apart after he was jailed for crashing his Porsche while high on cocaine, has been found dead in a Dubai hotel room, MailOnline can reveal. Martin Skinner, 43, who had a ten-year-old son, was in the UAE as part of a global trip where he was trying to rebuild his empire. He had posted a series of social media updates with the message: Living my best. Homeless but no longer bankrupt life. Mr Skinner had, in the past few weeks, travelled to Mexico, the US and Turkey before heading to Dubai in a bid to re-build his property business. But his body was discovered in a hotel room as friends told MailOnline that he had begun using cocaine again and living the high life. Martin Skinner (pictured, left, with girlfriend Olga Velskaya) whose pound property business fell apart after he was jailed for crashing his Porsche, has been found dead in a Dubai hotel room where he was attempting to rebuild his business empire Skinner hit a tree so hard and at such a speed that the engine flew out of the back of his Porsche 911 GT3 - which has a top speed of 190mph - tearing through the back end of the car. After the crash, he was banned from driving until May 2022 Mr Skinner was convicted of careless driving and failing to provide a specimen to police and was jailed for 22 weeks Skinner (above) was admonished by magistrates when he turned up for his trial two hours late driving a McLaren super car One said: He was a 1000mph man. Always in the fast lane. He owed a lot of people a lot of money, but that never seemed to stop him from partying. Another posted in a Whatsapp group RIP Martin Skinner set up to mourn his passing: I know this is hard to hear, but I was literally talking to him about the drug he was using right before he died. I asked Martin are you safe doing cocaine because why are your eyes rolling in the back of your head . . . he just laughed. I was talking to him about how I needed him to turn his life around . . . that I needed him to clean up and check himself into rehab. His girlfriend Olga Velskaya confirmed his death on Instagram saying: 'Yes Martin passed away. 'Don't ask me what happened! I love you baby so much! I cant believe it! I'm sure you're in a better world right now!' On the night he died, Mr Skinner made a series of phone calls to his girlfriend Olga Velskaia who had moved hotels, after they had an argument. She told MailOnline: I'm sorry that we had a falling out and he called all that night and I didn't come because of my pride. We had a little fight, but we both knew that we would make up. It was a stupid mistake. He wanted to see me but I thought "we will do it tomorrow. On the night when he died, he called me but I slept, and after one minute, I replied to him but (there was) no answer anymore. Confirming his death on social media, Olga Velskaya (pictured with Martin) wrote: 'I'm sure you're in a better world right now' She added: I was very happy with him. We were together for a year and it was a difficult period for him. Circumstances were against him, but I do not know a more optimistic persistent person. He was the most talented creative person who never condemned anyone and was not afraid of public opinion. He was very vulnerable at times. Martin was always a leader in the company, he was a bright person, but he burned out very quickly. He was not to leave so quickly. She added: We met each other at a house party in July and since last September started to live together. He hadnt any money. We moved all the time, but we were very happy. He had so big a heart. He helped people even when he needed help himself. He was ready to give his last to the people he loved. Ms Velskaia said she met with police the morning after his body was discovered and both the hotel and officers informed her of the tragedy. Friends rushed to pay tribute to the 43-year-old across social media with one writing: 'I am deeply saddened by the news that our good friend Martin passed away. 'Martin you had the kindest heart full of life and energy, You introduced so many people to so many people, its mad to think that youre no longer in the London circle, well miss you.' Martin Skinner, 43, (pictured) who had a ten-year-old son, was in the United Arab Emirates as part of a global trip where he was trying to rebuild his business empire but friends say he was 'living the high life' and had begun to use class A drugs again Pictured: Martin Skinner whose multi-million pound property business fell apart after he was jailed for crashing his Porsche while high on drugs, has been found dead in a Dubai hotel room where he was attempting to rebuild his business empire Another added: 'A good man who touched lots of our lives positively. Very few of us actually cared about his health and well-being. 'Martin was an excellent man with a huge heart and would help anyone any way he could. 'Martin taught us to lift people up. Not step over people. For those of us who actually loved you Martin, actually cared and helped you, you will be missed and not forgotten. 'Heres to all the lives you changed for the positive by bringing us together. You helped people find friendship, love, safety, success and growth. We love you Martin.' While one friend wrote: 'I am absolutely heartbroken. Martin was one of the kindest people Ive ever met. He was generous and loved by so many.' Mr Skinner, who had lived in Mayfair, London, walked free from prison in November 2019, having served less than half his five-month sentence for the car smash that left his female passenger with life-changing injuries. In August 2018, he was under the influence of the Class A drug when he ploughed his car into a tree, going at such speed that the engine flew out of his Porsche 911 GT3. Mr Skinner was convicted of careless driving and failing to provide a specimen to police and was jailed for 22 weeks and banned from driving until May 2022. Pictured: Mr Skinner, formerly of Mayfair, London, founded Inspired Asset Management, a property development firm Pictured: Martin Skinner leaving prison after serving half of his five-month sentence for crashing his Porsche in Worthing In the incident, his 30-year-old female passenger received serious brain injuries. The conviction left his reputation in tatters as well his 500 million property business. The 43-year-old founded London developer Inspired Asset Management and pioneered micro apartment developments, where offices were developed into residences. After his release from jail, he told MailOnline that prior to his conviction he was struggling to stave off administration for his property firm which had been badly hit by Brexit and government changes to the buy-to-let market. 'Before my arrest, I probably slept around eight hours in one week,' he said. 'To keep the business going, I put my health and my survival at risk. 'At the time of the court case I didn't have any money for the train. All my money was going into the business. Everything. 'I went into prison with 43p in my bank account and 30p in my pocket. And at the time we had about 500 million in projects.' Muslims died of Covid at more than twice the rate of Christians in England, official data shows. Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released today show 4,191 Muslims died with the virus up to February 28. The religious group was by far the worst affected in the country, with Muslim men having a death rate of 966.9 per 100,000 and women 519.1 per 100,000. They were followed by Hindus (605.2 among men and 346.5 for women), Sikhs (573.6 and 345.7) and Jewish people (512.9 and 295.4) and Christians (401.9 and 249.6). The least affected were atheists (336.6 and 218.2). In its report the ONS did not explain why some religions were at higher risk than others. Bu previous research has shown ethnic minority groups, and particularly South Asians, are at more risk of dying of Covid in the UK. This may be linked to higher rates of health problems like heart disease or to living in inner cities. Experts have also suggested ethnic minority people are more likely to be on low incomes so working in public-facing jobs that increase their exposure to the virus. The links are complicated but, when the ONS stripped out the effects of people's health and lifestyles, the death risk supposedly linked to faith dropped significantly. The report admitted it was 'difficult to separate' the link to religion from the link to ethnicity. But the groups with the lowest Covid death rates in the report Christians and atheists were 94-95 per cent white. Muslims had more than twice the Covid death rate of Christians in England during the pandemic, Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released today show In the first wave of the pandemic from January 24 to September 11, 2020 Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu men all had significantly higher death rates than Christian men Muslim, Hindu and Sikh men and women all had statistically significant higher Covid death rates than Christians in the second wave from September 12 to February 28 The ONS adjusted its death rates for age to counter the effects of younger people being less likely to die of Covid and also less likely to be religious, which could have skewed the results. Statisticians then tried to adjust the death rates for location, wealth, occupation, living arrangements and pre-existing health conditions. In the first wave of the pandemic from January 24 to September 11, 2020 Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu men all had significantly higher death rates than Christian men. And Muslim, Hindu and Sikh men and women all had statistically significant higher Covid death rates than Christians in the second wave from September 12 to February 28. Across all religions men were more likely to die than women in either the first or second wave. The ONS said: 'After adjustments, the Hindu population and Muslim men were disproportionately affected throughout the pandemic. 'For other religious groups, the excess risk relative to the Christian group was only observed in the first wave (Jewish and Buddhist men) or second wave (Sikh men and women and Muslim women).' Muslim men were 2.3 times as likely to die with Covid than Christian men in the first wave and 3 times more likely in the second wave, when just adjusting for age. But when the report took into account the men's health, location and lifestyles the risk increase fell to 30 per cent and 93 per cent, respectively. WHY WERE JEWISH PEOPLE MORE AT RISK? Statisticians have admitted they were baffled as to why Jewish people appeared to be more at risk of dying from Covid-19, saying more research is needed to uncover the reason behind the increased odds of death. But it is not the first time alarm bells have been rang over the risk of coronavirus in the Jewish community. At the start of the crisis, Jewish leaders in Britain urged their community to 'preserve life' after it was claimed that five per cent of Covid funerals up to March 27 were Jewish ceremonies. Sources told MailOnline they were confident most Jewish people were abiding by government guidance, while those from the ultra orthodox said its communities were following the rules. Friday night dinners with family are often a highlight of the week in the Jewish community which involve close contact in the form of hugging and kissing. Jewish ceremonies such as bar mitzvahs also involve the sort of contact that were banned in the UK under social distancing guidelines. The period before Passover, on April 8 last year, is always a popular time for celebrations within some parts of the community because it begins a period of semi-mourning called the Omer. Therefore, it is common for some Jewish families in Britain to hold many parties and social in February and March during the run-up to this period. Advertisement This shows that other aspects of the Muslim men's lives not their faith were drivers behind a significant proportion of their Covid death risk. After these adjustments, Muslim women were also still slightly more likely to have died with Covid in the first wave than Christian women. The report said: 'Further adjustments... reduced the excess risk observed in these groups, but rates of death involving Covid remained statistically significantly increased for all three groups compared with those identifying as Christian.' The data also showed that atheists were nearly 20 per cent less likely than Christians to die with Covid. When adjusting for just age, non-believers were 18 per cent less likely to die with Covid than Christians and women 16 per cent less likely. But after adjusting for all factors, atheist men were nine per cent less likely and women eight per cent. The ONS report did not make a direct link between the Covid death risk changes seen in religions and seen in ethnic groups. Past research has repeatedly found that black and Asian populations in Britain have a higher risk of dying of Covid than white people. And in this ONS report, 82 per cent of Hindu people were South Asian, 65 per cent of Muslims were South Asian and 8 per cent black, and 77 per cent of Sikhs were South Asian. The report said: 'For some religious groups, there is considerable overlap with ethnic background. 'This means that it is difficult to separate the observed association between Covid-19 mortality risk and religion from the risk associated with ethnic background.' A study by Queen Mary University in London, published in January, found that black, Asian and ethnic minority people were up to 50 per cent more likely than white people to die of Covid in hospital. It found the risk of dying from Covid was 50 per cent greater in Asian Brits than white people. For black people, the risk was 30 per cent higher. The study looked at hospital patients during the first wave of the crisis and researchers adjusted for other factors such as age, sex, obesity and whether they smoked. The analysis of nearly 1,800 patients in hospitals in London also found the risk of falling critically ill and needing mechanical ventilation was 80 per cent greater in black Brits than white people at the first peak. For Asian patients the risk was 54 per cent larger. Researchers behind the study said they were shocked that minority patients were 'significantly younger in age' and 'less frail' than white patients, despite being at a bigger risk of falling seriously unwell. The research, published in BMJ Open, analysed records of 1,737 patients aged 16 years or over five hospitals within Barts Health NHS Trust in central London. Police are on the hunt for a man who took a luxury ride-on lawnmower for a test drive - but failed to return. An elderly man, 63, from Edmonton near Cairns in Far North Queensland, was approached by a shirtless man who asked to look at his John Deere mower about 3.30pm on May 3. The man then took the luxury mower for a test-drive in neighbouring streets but never came back. Video released by Queensland Police shows a man, wearing a red cap and shorts, making a very slow 'escape' in the Tropical region. The man (pictured) asked to look at the John Deere mower at an address in Edmonton near Cairns in Far North Queensland on May 3 - but never came back The high-end mower has since been recovered, but police are trying to locate the man who allegedly stole it. He was driving a blue Toyota Aurion sedan before he took off on the mower, in a decision best described as rash. An 'entry level' John Deere E110 ride on lawnmower retails for approximately $3,600. They are described as 'compact yet powerful', and are fairly easy to use thanks to its two-pedal hydrostatic transmission. In 2018, a John Deere ride on lawnmower was among the items stolen from a cemetery in Queensland's remote Gympie Region. At the time, Bill Greer, the Senior Constable for Imbil Police, described the brazen theft as 'appalling behaviour.' It remains unknown if the lawnmower was eventually recovered. Nearly 5million people in England are waiting for hospital treatment the highest number ever recorded. Despite the second Covid wave having been almost entirely squashed, the NHS is still struggling to recover from the impact of the virus on normal care. Some 4.95million people were waiting to start routine treatment in March, the most since records began in 2007, according to NHS England statistics published today. They also showed that the number waiting more than a year to get hospital care in March stood at 436,127. This is also the highest number in a single calendar month since August 2007, when the figure was 578,682. Pre-lockdown figures show just 3,000 patients were waiting more than a year to start hospital treatment in March 2020. The Royal College of Surgeons branded the numbers 'stomach-churning', saying Britons living with pains and illnesses had been 'forced to put their lives on hold' due to the pandemic. Boris Johnson said the NHS faced a 'massive national challenge' to battle through the backlog but said he knew the health service could 'cope' because it 'was never overwhelmed by Covid'. The NHS figures look at patients waiting for routine surgeries such as hip and knee operations, cochlear implants and vascular operations. These procedures have repeatedly been delayed during the crisis as the NHS turned its attention to dealing with influxes of Covid patients. It comes as health leaders called for social distancing rules in hospitals to be loosened so doctors can get through the backlog quicker. NHS bosses last night announced another 160million in funding to help tackle the waiting list, with virtual wards, 3D eye scanners and at-home antibiotic kits among new initiatives to be trialled. NHS England statistics show more patients are on the waiting list since the previous record in August 2007, when health leaders first started collecting the figures GPS TOLD TO SCREEN PATIENTS ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE Patients should be remotely screened before being directed to the most appropriate health service for their problem, new NHS guidance says. Doctors are being told the system of 'total triage' must be embedded into general practice, despite the Royal College of GPs' reservations. The method was brought in during the pandemic and sees a person checked by phone, video or online, unless clinically appropriate. It comes despite the RCGP saying patients must be able to access both remote and face-to-face doctor appointments in a post-Covid world. In a new report, general practice leaders said while remote consultations should be an option, they must not become the 'automatic default' for GP care. Currently around half of consultations in general practice are being delivered face to face. Before the pandemic, some 70 per cent of appointments were face-to-face and 30 per cent were phone, video or online; but this switched to around 30 per cent face-to-face and 70 per cent remote during the crisis. Advertisement The number of people on waiting lists for routine surgery in England has risen by 250,000, or five per cent, since February, despite routine surgery restarting when the second Covid wave died down. Speaking at a primary school in Ferryhill, County Durham, Mr Johnson said: 'There's no question that the NHS now faces a huge backlog. 'It's a massive national challenge but I also know that a great, great national institution that has proved itself capable of rising to the most phenomenal challenges. 'It was never overwhelmed by Covid, it hasn't been so far and I know it can cope with the backlog. 'I want to say to people who have conditions that need attention, whether it's cancer or stroke or whatever, they should be coming forward to get the medical care they need.' Tim Mitchell, the vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, suggested officials had become desensitised to the knock-on effects of shutting down NHS services to tackle the pandemic. He said: 'In recent months we've become accustomed to seeing the record broken each month for the number of people waiting for NHS hospital treatment. 'But we must not forget that behind these stomach-churning numbers are ordinary people who have been forced to put their lives on hold. Today's figures show the impact that a year of Covid has had on NHS surgery.' For cancer patients, there were 45,000 fewer starting treatment compared to before the pandemic. Cancer Research UK's chief executive Michelle Mitchell warned the UK faced a 'cancer crisis' and survival rates 'going backwards for the first time in generations'. 'Despite NHS staff working tirelessly to protect cancer services, a substantial cancer backlog remains that must be urgently cleared.' For those suffering from heart disease, the NHS has carried out 10,000 fewer operations a month since the pandemic began. Figures showed a total of 378,000 heart procedures and operations took place in the first 13 months of the pandemic, compared to the 508,000 expected. NHS CARRIES OUT 130,000 FEWER HEART OPERATIONS THAN EXPECTED SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN NHS doctors have carried out 130,000 fewer heart operations than expected since the pandemic began. This equates to about 10,000 fewer heart operations a month in England for the 13 months from last month. There was also a 61 per cent rise in the number of patients waiting more than four months to be seen by a heart specialist, NHS figures show. There were 51,700 people who had been on the waiting list for this long by March 2021, compared to 31,186 in the month before the pandemic. As many as 5,185 heart patients had waited more than a year, compared to just 28 before the pandemic. Hospitals cleared whole wards during the pandemic and cancelled routine procedures to handle the influx of Covid patients. Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, said: 'The longer people wait for routine heart care and treatment, the more chance they could become more unwell, or even die. 'Significant delays to cardiovascular care have already likely contributed to thousands of extra heart disease and stroke deaths during the pandemic. 'Disappointingly, these latest figures again show a rise in waiting times and fewer heart treatments delivered.' Advertisement There was also a 61 per cent rise in the number of patients waiting longer than four months to be seen. Associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, warned treatment for those suffering from heart disease was still 'significantly disrupted'. 'The longer people wait for routine heart care and treatment, the more chance they could become more unwell, or even die,' she said. 'Significant delays to cardiovascular care have already likely contributed to thousands of extra heart disease and stroke deaths during the pandemic.' In a letter to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, health leaders asked for strict social distancing rules to be eased in hospitals so the NHS can seize on a 'summer of opportunity' and get through as many patients as possible. The NHS Confederation said the success of the vaccine rollout means people can safely be seen in clinics. At the moment, Covid rules mean hospitals can only operate at about 60 per cent capacity. Danny Mortimer, interim chief executive of the confederation, told The Times that clinics wanted to 'just see if they could get an extra 10 or 15 per cent, in terms of patient numbers that they could see'. He suggested six-bed bays in hospitals that contained only three patients could be extended to four or five, for example. NHS England figures also showed A&E emergency attendances in April were more than double the levels the previous month, after 1.87million were registered. But this was likely a reflection of lower-than-usual numbers the same time the previous year because it was during the first lockdown. NHS England said the health service had seen almost a quarter of a million people with suspected cancer in March as services 'began to bounce back' after the peak of the winter Covid wave. Dame Cally Palmer, NHS cancer director, said: 'From Covid-friendly cancer drugs to fast tracking specialist radiotherapy for patients, NHS staff have gone to great lengths to ensure cancer treatment could continue safely throughout the pandemic. 'It is welcome news that more people than ever before came forward for potentially life-saving checks in March, with the vast majority being seen very quickly.' Last night it was revealed the NHS is ploughing 160million into a series of trials to reduce waiting lists caused by the pandemic. With cases now at their lowest levels since last summer, health officials hope to start making inroads into the millions of people needing routine surgery and care. NHS England has earmarked between 10-20 million each to 15 pilot schemes across the country. These include a cataract clinic designed to perform hundreds of procedures a day in Devon, surgical hubs in London and mobile cancer screening units in Nottingham. Over the next three months, tens of thousands of patients across the country will be asked to trial the new facilities such as one-stop testing facilities and pop-up clinics. Virtual wards and home assessments, 3D eye scanners, at-home antibiotic kits, 'pre-hab' for patients about to undergo surgery, AI in GP surgeries and 'Super Saturday' clinics, where multi-disciplinary teams come together at the weekend to offer more specialist appointments, will also be trialled. Officials hope these 'new ways of doing things' will increase the numbers of tests and treatments as they did before the pandemic, while helping to develop a blueprint to implement on a nationwide scale. A six-year-old schoolgirl has been compared to the Terminator after being caught on camera sprinting out of her house and down the road after an ice cream van. Grace Hill had just returned home with her mum Crystal, 37, and older sister Bailey, ten, when she heard the nearby chimes of the truck. Concerned she was going to miss out on her favourite treat, home security footage captured the hilarious moment the sweet-toothed youngster bolted out of her front door in Michigan, on May 5. Wearing only socks on her feet the lightning-fast Grace reached the end of her driveway and was hitting the bend in the road within four seconds. In another matter of seconds, the shoeless six-year-old had caught up with the truck further down the street where she was able to pick up her favorite Oreo ice cream. The clip quickly went viral with tens of thousands of views as users compared Grace to the T-1000 robot from Terminator 2 - claiming the ice cream truck was 'John Connor'. Software engineer Travis said: 'Grace is always concerned that she will miss out on the ice cream truck. 'She busted out the door before her mom had a chance to react, and quickly followed after with the money. 'Crystal thought it would look funny on our camera, but didn't realise just how funny. When she showed me when I got home, we couldn't stop laughing about it. Grace Hill, six, had just returned home with her mum Crystal, 37, and older sister Bailey, ten, when she heard the nearby chimes of the truck and bolted outside (bottom right) Within four seconds of being out of the house, lightning-fast Grace had already reached the end of her driveway and was hitting the bend in the road In another matter of seconds, the six-year-old had caught up with the truck 'Grace loves ice cream, but there is something special about the ice cream truck in particular. She can't stand the thought of missing it. 'She has run after it before, but never with that amount of vigor. I have never seen her run that fast in my life. I was very impressed with her form. 'She will sometimes ask to get out of the car at the end of our road and race the car home, and even then, she has never run like that. Grace Hill with her mother, also named Grace, and father Travis (pictured) 'Grace wasn't very happy when we first saved the clip because she thought we were teasing her, but she loves the funny comments. 'We haven't been able to keep up with them all, but she's been compared to the T-1000 running after John Connor and a future track star. She's loved it.' The footage has had more than 80,000 upvotes on Reddit and, as well as comparing Grace to the T-1000 robot from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, commenters have suggested that someone had given her Captain America's super serum. Social media users compared Grace to the T-1000 robot from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Pictured: Robert Patrick as T-1000 One commenter said: 'She sprints like she's a Terminator and John Connor is driving that ice cream truck.' Another person wrote: 'Get that girl into track, just make sure there is an ice cream truck at the finish line.' One commenter said: 'Might be cheating, looks like someone gave her super soldier serum. She reminds me of the foot chase in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.' Former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has attacked Boris Johnson's plan to force people to show ID to be allowed to vote, saying the proposal was 'total b******s'. The Prime Minister wants to make it compulsory for people to prove their identity with passports or driving licences to reduce the risk of election fraud. But he is facing strident opposition from within his own party on civil liberties grounds. Labour also opposes it, claiming it is an attempt to disenfranchise the poorest voters - who are more likely to back the opposition. An estimated 3.5million voters may not have photo ID in the UK and critics argue that it will disproportionately negatively affect marginal groups such as ethnic minorities. Ms Davidson, who is soon to become a Conservative peer in the House of Lords, took the plan to task on ITV's Peston last night, saying proponents 'can't cite any evidence' that voter fraud is a problem. 'I think in terms of this particular part of the Queen's Speech, I think it's total b*****ks, and I think it's trying to give a solution to a problem that doesn't exist, and that makes it politics as performance,' she said. The Prime Minister wants to make it compulsory for people to prove their identity with passports or driving licences to reduce the risk of election fraud. Ms Davidson, who is soon to become a Conservative peer in the House of Lords, took the plan to task on ITV's Peston last night, saying proponents 'can't cite any evidence' that voter fraud is a problem. An estimated 3.5million voters may not have photo ID in the UK and critics argue that it will disproportionately negatively affect marginal groups such as ethnic minorities. Popular Tory who clashed with Boris Johnson on Brexit Ruth Davidson the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives who quit after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister. The 42-year-old gay mum-of-one made little secret of her dislike of Mr Johnson as he ran to replace Theresa May in 2019. Ms Davidson, who campaigned for Remain in the 2016 European referendum, had clashed with Mr Johnson over the issue of the UK's future membership of the EU. Having been touted as a future leader of the UK Conservatives until she explicitly ruled out taking on the post - she went up against Mr Johnson in a televised referendum debate at Wembley Stadium in 2016. During the race to succeed Theresa May Ms Davidson backed first Sajid Javid and then Jeremy Hunt over the eventual winner. Scottish Tories were said to have launched a plan codenamed Operation A*se to steer votes to Mr Johnson's rivals. Having led the party in Scotland for eight years she stepped down in August 2019, barely a month after he entered Downing Street. However, she returned to the limelight in July last year after her successor Jackson Carlaw quit amid unhappiness at his leadership. He was replaced by MP Douglass Ross, but because he did not have a seat in the Scottish Parliament, she led the party at Holyrood until he could win one last week. She is now set to become a Tory peer at Westminster, where she is unlikely to toe the party line too closely. Ms Davidson became a mother for the first time in October 2018 with partner Jen Wilson when she gave birth to their son Finn after IVF treatment. She stepped out of the political frontline to go on maternity leave, with her deputy Jackson Carlaw standing in as interim leader. Her leadership transformed the fortunes of the Conservatives north of the border after she took on the job in November 2011 - just six months after she became an MSP. Under her, the Scottish Conservatives won a record 31 seats at Holyrood in the 2016 election, with the Tories ousting Labour from second place. But the Scottish Tories lost her Edinburgh Central seat to the SNP last week, with former MP Angus Robertson winning it. Advertisement 'And I think that given where we are and the year we've had, we've got real problems to solve in this country, and the idea that this is some sort of legislative priority I think is for the birds.' Ms Davidson is a well-known critic of Mr Johnson who stepped down as leader of the party in Scotland last year. She was replaced by Douglas Ross, but remained leader at Holyrood until he won a Scottish Parliament seat at last week's election. She is now set to become a Tory peer, and is likely to be unafraid to speak her mind, even if it goes against the party line. The 42-year-old gay mum-of-one made little secret of her dislike of Mr Johnson as he ran to replace Theresa May in 2019. Ms Davidson, who campaigned for Remain in the 2016 European referendum, had clashed with Mr Johnson over the issue of the UK's future membership of the EU. Having been touted as a future leader of the UK Conservatives until she explicitly ruled out taking on the post - she went up against Mr Johnson in a televised referendum debate at Wembley Stadium in 2016. During the race to succeed Theresa May Ms Davidson backed first Sajid Javid and then Jeremy Hunt over the eventual winner. Having led the party in Scotland for eight years she stepped down in August 2019, barely a month after he entered Downing Street. The government's legislative agenda for the next year, announced on Tuesday, includes a plan to tighten election rules for postal and proxy voting, and to require voters in general elections to show photo ID at polling stations. At present, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that requires voters to prove their identities at polling stations. Critics accuse the Government of overstating the scale of the problem. According to research by Parliament, there was one conviction in 2017 for impersonation at polling stations, and none in 2018. The government said a 'broad range' of identification documents will be accepted under the new rules, including passports, driving licenses and old-age bus passes. The Electoral Commission, which oversees voting, has estimated that 7.5 per cent of the electorate, or around 3.5 million people, lack any of those forms of identification. Newly-released research for the Cabinet Office suggested around 98 per cent of voters held some form of photo ID, including documents which had expired. But the UK-wide study said this figure fell to 96 per cent when considering if recognisable ID was held, suggesting around two million people were at risk of missing out. The research carried out for the Government suggested only 91 per cent of over-85s have photo ID that is recognisable. People with a disability were also found to be disproportionately affected, with 94 per cent said not to have recognisable ID. The unemployed were also less likely to have any form of ID, at 92 per cent. Some 27 per cent of people without photo ID, and 19 per cent of those with only unrecognisable ID, said they would be less likely to vote if they had to present the documentation to vote. The Electoral Reform Society, a political pressure group, said the new law was 'a colossal waste of energy and resources.' It came as Jacob Rees-Mogg highlighted a ban on MPs wearing overcoats and hats during Commons divisions as he defended the Government's plan to require photographic identification to vote. The Commons Leader insisted measures are in place in Parliament to prevent impersonation during votes, and therefore steps should be taken to stop the problem arising at elections. Shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire described the plan as an 'attack on democracy' and added that just '0.000002 per cent' of votes cast in 2019 were found to be fraudulent. She asked in the Commons: 'Will the Leader of the House please explain to his own constituents why they can't vote by giving their name to a clerk and being counted by a teller when this is how their own MP votes in this place - in normal times at least?' Mr Rees-Mogg replied: 'It is important that elections are fair and proper. '(Ms Debbonaire) mentioned we don't have to prove who we are when voting in the division lobbies in normal circumstances, but she's forgetting that we're not allowed to wear overcoats in the division lobbies just in case we send somebody through to vote in our place or indeed - as Mr Speaker helpfully says - hats. 'So therefore there are requirements in this place to prevent personation.' Labour former minister Chris Bryant shouted that MPs are allowed to vote while wearing masks during the pandemic, but Mr Rees-Mogg said they do need to show their identity cards under the current arrangement. Mr Rees-Mogg added: 'Having photographic identification is ensuring a problem doesn't arise. 'This country has an electoral system of which people can be proud and of which people can have confidence. We mustn't allow that confidence to slip.' In a nod to previous election controversies in the United States, Mr Rees-Mogg said: 'We don't want hanging chads and then to deal with it afterwards; we want to stop hanging chads happening before that becomes an issue, and before personation becomes a risk it is only reasonable to ask people to turn up with their photographic identification or get it from their local council so they can vote. 'I fear it is absolutely classic from the socialists - they don't have any confidence in their own voters. 'We have confidence in our voters. We think our voters will not find it unduly onerous or taxing to turn up with an identity document of some kind. Worthy Down Camp vehicle specialist was 'drunk and happy' at the event A British Army soldier has been cleared of groping a female colleague at an Oktoberfest party while dressed in German lederhosen. Warrant Officer Moape Sigani had allegedly fondled the woman after 'dancing provocatively' at her while in fancy dress. A court was told that the long-serving soldier, 50, had grabbed her breasts and rubbed his groin against her during the boozy military event. The woman - who was also wearing the traditional German leather shorts - had to be 'rescued' by a friend, it was heard. Appearing before a panel at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, WO1 Sigani was today acquitted after a deliberation lasting an hour and 40 minutes. WO1 Sigani, who had 'completely' denied sexually assaulting the woman, kept a blank face as the verdict was read out. Warrant Officer Moape Sigani has been clear by a military court of allegedly fondling a female colleague after 'dancing provocatively' at her while in fancy dress at an Oktoberfest party WO1 Sigani, who had 'completely' denied sexually assaulting the woman, kept a blank face as the verdict was read out The court martial at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard that on the evening of the alleged incident the 50-year-old drank German beer from a traditional ceramic stein, three Foster's lagers, two rum and cokes, and a Sambuca shot. However, he claimed he was sober because he 'didn't want to be stinking the next day in front of a Brigadier'. Wearing a chequered red shirt and black lederhosen, WO1 Sigani took part in dancing competitions to Thriller by Michael Jackson and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song. The court heard that 'spirits were high' at the party and everyone was dressed in thematic attire including the alleged victim - a civilian who worked at Worthy Down Camp MoD base near Winchester, Hants. WO1 Sigani, an Army vehicle specialist known as 'Mo', was said to have approached the woman, called her 'lovely' and asked her to come home with him. The court martial at Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard that on the evening of the alleged incident the 50-year-old drank German beer from a traditional ceramic stein, three Foster's lagers, two rum and cokes, and a Sambuca shot The woman, who described WO1 as an 'acquaintance', rejected advances from WO1 - who had a long-term partner. However, he later returned and groped her, it was claimed The warrant officer, based in Southampton, Hants, said they never 'danced as a couple', only as part 'of the group'. Pictured: Bulford Military Court A witness, Paul Gallagher, said: 'I saw Mo with his hand on her wrist - she didn't look worried but she didn't look happy. 'I asked what was going on. She mentioned that she was not interested and I said get off her and put my hand on his wrist to get him off her. He let go and that was it. 'I had to apply some pressure to get his hand off her wrist, it was not hard but it was not easy to push him off. 'I said "she is not interested" and he looked slightly intoxicated with a slight smirk - because he was drunk and happy.' WO1 Sigani, who has 22 years service, denied sexual assault 'completely', insisting he did not touch the woman. In his interview with the police, WO1 Sigani - of the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration - said he had only seen the woman fall over and helped pick her up. Speaking from the witness box, the soldier said he had 'invited her to come home [with him] to give her some alcohol because the bar had run out of alcohol' as it closed at 1am. The warrant officer, based in Southampton, Hants, said they never 'danced as a couple', only as part 'of the group'. When questioned by defence, Richard Jones, as to whether he touched her, WO1 Sigani said: 'No - I am clear and I know. I had a long term girlfriend at the time.' Following a deliberation that lasted an hour and 40 minutes, the panel at Bulford Military Court now acquitted WO1 Sigani of sexual assault. Judge Alistair McGrigor said: 'The position is that you are now free to go back to your normal duties.' Advertisement More than nine out of 10 over-65s in England now have signs of Covid immunity for the first time, an official survey has revealed. Random antibody testing shows protection against coronavirus is now more widespread than ever, thanks to the UK's mammoth vaccination rollout which today extended to people in their late 30s. An Office for National Statistics report shows 92.3 per cent of people aged 65 or older tested positive for virus-fighting antibodies in mid-April. These figures mark the first time the figure has risen above 90 per cent as the country has spent the past month focusing on getting second jabs to older people 12 weeks after their first doses were given out. Government data show 35.7million first doses have been given out and 18.4m boosters. Vaccines now look so effective that SAGE has suggested the next 'wave' of infections, expected to start from next week when most remaining lockdown rules are lifted, could be 'very small' if people keep social distancing. There are some concerns that the Indian variant B1617.2, now spreading rapidly in England, could slip past some of the immunity given by vaccines and delay lockdown-easing plans, but scientists say the jabs still appear to work well enough to stop severe illness, even if there are lower levels of effective antibodies. The ONS data show 69.3 per cent of adults in England had antibodies by April 19 up slightly from 68.3 per cent on April 11 along with 62.5 per cent in Northern Ireland, 61 per cent in Wales and 58 per cent in Scotland. 'Across all four countries of the UK, there is a clear pattern between vaccination and testing positive for Covid antibodies,' the ONS said. 'But the detection of antibodies alone is not a precise measure of the immunity protection given by vaccination.' ONS figures show that the proportion of people testing positive for coronavirus antibodies increases with age, with an average of 92.3 per cent of over-65s showing signs of immunity. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Charts show how the high levels of antibodies seen in the UK's oldest populations are being caught up by younger people as the vaccine rollout extends to lower age groups. Government figures show 35.7million first doses have been given out and 18.4m boosters. Pictured: A woman gets vaccinated at City Hall in Hull, East Yorkshire The ONS report showed that positive antibody tests were more common in older age groups, in line with the order people are getting vaccinated in. Among over-80s, 92.3 per cent of people tested positive, followed by 88.8 per cent of 75 to 79-year-olds, 86.4 per cent of 70-74, 81.8 per cent of 65-69, 82.9 per cent of 60-64, 86.2 per cent of 50-59, 53.4 per cent of 35-49, 46.2 per cent of 25-34 and 47.7 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds. VACCINES OPEN TO 38 AND 39-YEAR-OLDS The coronavirus vaccine programme in England opened up to people under the age of 40 for the first time today. NHS England said around a million adults aged 38 and 39 will be invited to come forward for their jab. They will be offered either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on the back of guidance from medical regulators last week. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said under-40s should be given an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab due to its link to rare blood clots. People who qualify for a jab will be invited via a text from 'NHSvaccine', which includes a web link to the health service's online booking service. Those who can't access the internet can call 119 instead to get an appointment at one of 1,600 sites administering the vaccines across England. So far more than a quarter of the entire UK population - 18.1million - has been fully vaccinated against Covid and more than half - 35m - have received the first dose. NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said the success of the rollout was owed to 'careful planning and precision of NHS staff'. Advertisement Animated charts show how the high levels of antibodies seen in the UK's oldest populations are being caught up by younger people as the vaccine rollout extends to lower age groups. Most people are developing antibodies after being vaccinated but some will have them from having been infected with Covid in the past. The proteins are developed to stick to the coronavirus if it gets into the body, preventing it from latching onto cells and causing infection. But they are not the only part of the immune system. Some people who test positive for antibodies will still get ill although the jab vastly reduces the risk of them ending up in hospital or dying and some people who have been vaccinated won't develop antibodies because they don't work for 100 per cent of people. A regional breakdown of the ONS blood testing showed that signs of immunity are spread evenly across most of England, with all seeing positivity rates of between 64 and 70 per cent. The vaccination rate is lowest in London at 59.7 per cent, compared to 71.5 per cent in the East of England, but there is still a high antibody positive rate, showing a lot of people have developed immunity from past infection. A Government-commissioned study by Imperial College London today revealed that the vaccine rollout made infection rates among people over 55 plummet during April and experts said it has broken the link to hospital admissions and deaths. The UK's largest national survey tracking the coronavirus outbreak found that infections plummeted by 50 per cent between March and April and infections fell most sharply by two thirds in the 55 to 64 age group as millions of them received their first dose of a vaccine. The study found that overall one in 1,000 people in England tested positive in the final two weeks of April. This was down from one in 500 at the end of March and one in 64 at the beginning of January. The REACT survey sent out swabs to a representative sample of households across England to track the pandemic, testing around 127,000 people in total regardless of their symptoms. Out of just 115 positive results recorded throughout April, it found that infections were lowest among older age groups, almost all of whom have now been vaccinated with at least one dose. The ONS data show that 69.3 per cent of adults in England had antibodies by April 19 up slightly from 68.3 per cent on April 11 along with 61 per cent in Wales, 62.5 per cent in Northern Ireland and 58 per cent in Scotland. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] The vaccination rate is lowest in London at 59.7 per cent, compared to 71.5 per cent in the East of England, but there is still a high antibody positive rate, showing a lot of people have developed immunity from past infection. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Women have slightly higher vaccination and immunity rates than men in England. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Minister hints England's June 21 'freedom' day could be DELAYED if SAGE decides Indian variant poses a threat England's lockdown-easing plans were left hanging in the balance today as a Government minister suggested the final step in the roadmap could be delayed due to fears about the Indian Covid variant. Foreign Office minister James Cleverly claimed officials were waiting on the assessments of No10's top scientific advisers before deciding if longer restrictions are needed. SAGE will today convene an emergency meeting to analyse the latest evidence on the Indian B.1.617.2 variant from the UK and around the world. One expert on the panel told The i newspaper that a delay to the June 21 unlocking 'is possible'. Public Health England is expected to announce today that domestic cases of the Indian variant have more than tripled in a week to 1,723. The Government was criticised for being 'weeks too late' with enforcing its travel ban on India, which only came into force in late April despite officials knowing about the variant for weeks. The move allowed thousands of travellers from coronavirus-stricken India to pour into the UK. Studies suggest the variant first detected in Britain in February may be 60 per cent more transmissible than the highly infectious Kent version (B.1.1.7) that triggered the UK's raging second wave. But experts have no reason to believe it evades vaccines and reports from India suggest it still protects against severe illness. It comes as Downing Street sources played down the possibility of a delay to the lockdown roadmap and insisted the schedule was still on track. Restrictions will be eased in England on Monday to allow pubs, restaurants and bars to serve customers indoors again. But Environment Secretary George Eustice refused to rule out local lockdowns from next month when the national restrictions are expected to end, adding that officials were 'closely monitoring' several outbreaks that had cropped up in recent weeks. Advertisement One of the study's authors, Imperial College epidemiologist Professor Paul Elliott, said: 'There has been a halving of the prevalence in the period from the end of March to mid-April and the beginning of May... 'There is a fall in all age groups except the 25 to 34-year-olds, with a particularly significant fall in 55 to 64-year-olds and, of course, this coincides with the rollout of the vaccine programme to that age group.' He added: 'We saw falls earlier in the older people who had been vaccinated and there was an uncoupling of infections from hospital admissions and deaths. We are seeing the effects of vaccines in our data.' Co-author Professor Steven Riley said: 'The last time that we estimated prevalence to be this is actually just at the end of August, so we're back into levels of last summer.' He added that vaccination has 'broken the link' between infections and a rise in deaths and hospital admissions but cautioned: 'If there is going to be a big increase in transmission the models suggest it's going to be around now... 'There is potential for prevalence to go up in the short-term but there remains a very, very weak link between infections and hospitalisations and deaths.' It comes after a Government minister today suggested England's lockdown-easing plans were hanging in the balance, hinting that the final step in the roadmap could be delayed due to fears about the Indian Covid variant. Foreign Office minister James Cleverly claimed officials were waiting on the assessments of No10's top scientific advisers before deciding if longer restrictions are needed. SAGE will today convene an emergency meeting to analyse the latest evidence on the Indian B.1.617.2 variant from the UK and around the world. One expert on the panel told The i newspaper that a delay to the June 21 unlocking 'is possible'. Public Health England is expected to announce today that domestic cases of the Indian variant have more than tripled in a week to 1,723. The Government was criticised for being 'weeks too late' with enforcing its travel ban on India, which only came into force in late April despite officials knowing about the variant for weeks. The move allowed thousands of travellers from coronavirus-stricken India to pour into the UK. Studies suggest the variant first detected in Britain in February may be 60 per cent more transmissible than the highly infectious Kent version (B.1.1.7) that triggered the UK's raging second wave. But experts have no reason to believe it evades vaccines and reports from India suggest it still protects against severe illness. It comes as Downing Street sources played down the possibility of a delay to the lockdown roadmap and insisted the schedule was still on track. Restrictions will be eased in England on Monday to allow pubs, restaurants and bars to serve customers indoors again. But Environment Secretary George Eustice refused to rule out local lockdowns from next month when the national restrictions are expected to end, adding that officials were 'closely monitoring' several outbreaks that had cropped up in recent weeks. The most recent results from the REACT random swab-testing study showed there had been a significant fall in the infection rate of 55 to 64-year-olds between the end of March and the start of May. The researchers said this 'coincides with the rollout of the vaccine programme to that age group' Antibody positive rates by age group for Wales Antibody positive rates by age group for Scotland An American and a Swiss climber have died from exhaustion on Mount Everest, the first fatalities on the world's highest peak this season, expedition organizers in Nepal said today. Puwei Liu, 55, from the US, and Abdul Waraich, 41, from Switzerland, collapsed while descending the slopes of the mountain on Wednesday, hiking company officials said on Thursday. 'Additional sherpas were sent with supplies and oxygen but unfortunately they could not save them,' said Thaneshwar Guragai, a manager of the expedition organizer, Seven Summit Treks in Nepal. Mr Waraich, who was on his way down after reaching the 29,029 feet (8,848 metres) summit, died near the south summit, according to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, another official of the company. Puwei Liu, 55, from the US, and Abdul Waraich, 41, (pictured) from Switzerland, collapsed while descending the slopes of the mountain on Wednesday, hiking company officials said on Thursday The two deaths are the first fatalities on the world's highest peak this season (file photo) 'Abdul successfully reached the summit but began experiencing issues during his descent,' he said. 'We sent two additional Sherpas with oxygen and food. Unfortunately, the Sherpas couldn't save him.' Mr Liu died at the highest camp on the mountain at South Col. He had reached the Hillary Step - an outcrop just below the summit - but could not go any further after he suffered snow blindness and exhaustion. With the help of support team members and additional oxygen, Mr Liu was brought back to the camp at South Col, which is at a height of 25,918 feet (7,900 metres), but died on Wednesday evening, the organizers said. The bodies will be brought back down when the weather clears, organizers said. No other details were given on the dead climbers and when their bodies would be brought down. Bad weather conditions have forced climbers to descend to lower altitudes for now. Carrying bodies down the icy and slippery slopes from the highest altitudes is a difficult task that takes lots of time, requires several Sherpa workers and is generally very costly. Mr Waraich, (pictured in Nepal) who was on his way down after reaching the 29,029 feet (8,848 metres) summit, died near the south summit, according to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, another official of the company Victim: Abdul Waraich Tributes have poured in on social media for the climbers. 'May their departed souls rest in peace,' said Sherpa. 'We express our sadness and deepest sympathy over the passing of Mr. Abdul and Mr. Liu.' Mr Puwei was described as having a 'genuine passion for alpinism' by his friend Sungil Nam. He wrote on Facebook: 'Puwei, it is such a frightening and sad news to hear your passing. We shared a tent on our climb to Muztagh Ata in 2016. 'Cannot express my sorrow on this tragedy. May your soul be in peace! 'Your genuine passion for alpinism will be remembered.' Mr Waraich, a senior engineer for NGO The International Association of Ahmad Architects & Engineers (IAAAE), was described as a 'kind' and 'humble' man. Wofa Mohammed, an Imam at a mosque where Mr Waraich frequented, said on Twitter: 'Abdul Waheed Waraich was a very humble kind and a devoted man, May Allah give him high ranks in paradise and steadfastness and patience to all the bereaved. Amin.' The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, a group of mosques in Germany, paid tribute to Mr Waraich, who was the local president of a mosque in Waldshut, which is on the border with Switzerland. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of our very dear brother Abdul Waheed Waraich, local president of AMJ Waldshut, who passed away on 11 May 2021 during the descent after conquering Mount Everest and completing his mission to raise the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat [the flag of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] on the top of all 7 continents of the world,' the group said. 'He was a dedicated member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany. He will be remembered as a person with great character, humility and kindness. 'May he rest in peace and may Allah grant his family the strength to bear this loss. Ameen.' Mr Waraich, a senior engineer for NGO The International Association of Ahmad Architects & Engineers (IAAAE), was described as a 'kind' and 'humble' man The IAAAE said in a statement: 'It is with a heavy heart that we must report on his way back from Mount Everest [Waraich's] health deteriorated and he passed away. 'Warraich was a key senior member of the IAAAE family who served humanity selflessly. You are requested to remember him and his family members in your prayers.' Everest has been scaled by more than 6,000 climbers since it was first conquered by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. At least 311 people have died on its slopes. On average, around five climbers die every year on the world's highest peak. But in recent seasons, Everest has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. Eleven people died climbing the world's highest peak in 2019, with four deaths blamed on overcrowding. On one day, 354 people were lined up to reach the top from Nepal's southern side and Tibet's northern approach. To ease the crowding, Nepal's tourism ministry announced rules capping the number of people who can summit the mountain per window of suitable weather. Expedition organisers have been told to send teams up the peak in accordance with permit numbers or to limit the climbers who go up at one time. Nepal has issued 408 climbing permits this season, topping the previous record of 381 in 2019. A city of tents hosting more than 1,000 people - foreign climbers and support staff - has built up at the foot of Everest and the hotels along the trek are back in business. In this aerial photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, base camp is seen on May 25, 2020. China will draw a 'separation line' atop Mount Everest to prevent the coronavirus from being spread by climbers ascending from Nepal's side of the mountain The Covid-19 outbreak at Mount Everest Base Camp has seen dozens of climbers evacuated from base camp, it has been claimed. The Base Camp is pictured above The pandemic wiped out last year's season, but Nepal has eased quarantine rules to attract more climbers despite the difficulties of treating them if they contract the coronavirus. The warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections. In recent weeks more than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from base camp, although only three have been confirmed as having had coronavirus. The usual communal parties are absent this year at base camps after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others. Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among climbing groups could pose severe health risks. On Sunday, Chinese state media reported that authorities would set up a 'separation line' on the peak of Mount Everest to avoid possible Covid-19 infections by climbers from virus-hit Nepal. The world's highest peak straddles the China-Nepal border, with the north slope belonging to China. Tibetan authorities told reporters they would take the 'most stringent epidemic prevention measures' to avoid contact between climbers on the north and south slopes or at the top, reported the official Xinhua news agency. Guides would set up dividing lines on the summit before allowing mountaineers to start the gruelling climb up, the head of the Tibet Mountaineering Association was quoted as saying by Xinhua. China has banned foreign nationals from climbing Everest since last year due to the virus outbreak. Advertisement A lion has been captured reflecting on where it all went wrong - before turning to drink to cheer himself - in a set of striking photographs taken in South Africa. The male adolescent with the thousand-yard stare appeared to be filled with anguish as he lay beside the watering hole in Greater Kruger National Park. But fortunately he was able to rally out of the melancholy pool of despair and instead drown his sorrows in the nearby water, appearing to be more than somewhat cheered after having a sip. The images were captured by Kruger guide Moosa Varachia who said that as a young lion soon due to leave his family to strike out alone, he was perhaps starting to feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. 'Maybe this lion felt sad because soon he would soon have to leave his pride and go fend for himself,' Mr Varachia said. 'The lion could definitely have been experiencing a life crisis about leaving his home and going out into the real world.' Existential dread: The adolescent male with the thousand-yard stare appears to be filled with anguish as he lies beside the watering hole in Greater Kruger National Park. The images were captured by parks' guide Moosa Varachia who said that as a young lion he was perhaps having a tough time adjusting to his new responsiblities. ' Maybe this lion felt sad because soon he would soon have to leave his pride and go fend for himself,' Mr Varachia said. 'The lion could definitely have been experiencing a life crisis about leaving his home and going out into the real world.' Drowning the sorrows: The young male was finally able to rally out of his despair by taking a drink from the nearby watering hole A market town that was once crowned 'Britain's Best High Street' has lost its battle to stop a national chain from opening the high street's first non-independent store. Residents in Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons are used to independent shops proudly lining their high street and reacted with fury at plans to open a Co-op in the picturesque Welsh town. Families were out in force to protest the proposal that would bring the first national chain to the high street, with more than 100 objections being lodged with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. But despite months of outcries from locals, the British food giant has won its David vs Goliath battle with planners to set up their own shop in the beautiful Welsh hills. The Co-op want to convert the former Conservative Club on High Street into a supermarket - after Tesco lost a similar battle in 2015. Crickhowell, pictured above, was crowned Britain's Best High Street in 2018 and is known for its raft of independent retailers More than 100 local families and the MP for Brecon and Radnorshire spoke out against the now confirmed plans to build a Co-op convenience store in the picturesque market town of The move comes after after hundreds of protesters railed against a scheme to transform the town's former Corn Exchange pub into a Tesco supermarket six years ago. Demonstrations were held by the Totally Locally Crickhowell Campaign, who successfully fought off plans to transform the historic pub into a large retail outlet. Prince Charles visited Crickhowell in the summer of 2018 to sing the praises of the high street that was crowned Britain's Best High Street locals battling to turn the pub into a community hub instead of a supermarket. But this week, the Brecon Beacons National Park Planners were persuaded to give the green light to transform the high street's former Conservative Club into a Co-op convenience store. Those who run Crickhowell's beloved independents, who have been hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic, have slammed the decision. Eden Phillips, who owns a bakery in the town, fears the decision is 'going to affect the town dramatically'. He said: 'I think it's going to affect all the independent retailers who have been fighting through this pandemic to be honest. 'It's a bit of a shame really but hopefully all our loyal customers will stay. That's all we can hope for really.' Prince Charles is welcomed while on a royal visit to Crickhowell, Powys on his summer tour of Wales in 2018 A spokesperson for Co-op said the British food giant is looking 'forward to the opportunity to serve the community.' Pictured: a Co-op store in LLandaff North, Cardiff Chloe Masefield, owner of Natural Way health food store, was also disappointed with the decision. She said: 'I'm surprised because I know the community have put a lot of effort into trying to stop it from coming to Crickhowell. 'Lots of people have been campaigning against it so I'm really surprised. 'People in the town feel strongly about supporting the independent nature of Crickhowell. 'It's one of the reasons we chose to come here because the community is so supportive of these businesses so for that to just be ignored by these large retail chains regardless of the nature of the town is just disappointing.' Fay Jones, the Tory MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, was also an outspoken critic against the plan, saying: 'I live near Crickhowell and am hugely proud of its award-winning independent high street. 'As they return to work and shoppers come back to the High Street, now is not the right time for these businesses to face additional pressures.' A spokesperson for Co-op said: 'We understand that the planning committee has approved the application and we look forward to the opportunity to serve the community.' A furious row has broken out between a Tory MP and her Labour predecessor over a hospital visit for treatment on an infected finger. Dehenna Davison, the Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland, tweeted that she had gone to hospital for treatment on a 'dodgy finger'. That prompted criticism from Helen Goodman, who Ms Davison beat for the seat at the 2019 general election, as she questioned why her successor had gone to hospital 'to get a plaster on your finger'. Ms Davison then accused Ms Goodman of 'constant trolling' before the latter then hit back and accused Tory MPs of 'online bullying'. A furious row has broken out between Tory MP Dehenna Davison (pictured left) and her Labour predecessor Helen Goodman (pictured right) The row was triggered after Ms Davison tweeted that she had visited hospital for treatment on an infected finger Ms Goodman questioned why Ms Davison had gone to hospital 'to get a plaster on your finger', prompting a furious response from the Tory Ms Davison became the first Conservative to represent the Bishop Auckland constituency after her victory in 2019. She took the 'Red Wall' seat from Ms Goodman who had been the constituency MP since 2005. Ms Davison tweeted about her visit to hospital on May 9 as she said: 'I always said an election would one day land me in hospital! 'Thankfully, today, only for a dodgy finger! A massive thanks to both Mark and Jackie at Bishop Auckland Hospital, who had me in and out in less than 10 mins after Id consulted NHS 111 online.' Ms Goodman replied: 'You went to hospital to get a plaster on your finger!!!!!!what??' Ms Davison then hit back and said: 'I was directed to the Urgent Care Centre on professional advice from NHS 111 to have it drained, dressed, and to have antibiotics prescribed. 'Next time, Ill just give you a buzz for medical advice.' Ms Goodman then told Ms Davison that hospitals get 'too many people who should go to the chemist/gp' and 'it's a very expensive way of giving treatment'. Ms Davison responded: 'NHS 111 professionals directed me to the Urgent Care Centre since its a weekend and my GP surgery isnt open. Besides, its impossible to attend A&E in Bishop since it closed under your watch. 'I have another meeting with the Minister on Tuesday to try and reverse the damage.' Ms Davison subsequently accused Ms Goodman, who she beat for the seat of Bishop Auckland in 2019, of 'constant trolling' Ms Goodman then accused Tory MPs of 'online bullying' as she rejected the claims of 'trolling' The Tory MP later tweeted: 'I have lost count of the number of people who, unprompted, have pointed out the constant trolling I have received from my predecessor. This has come from friends, colleagues, and even strangers, including from members of Helens own party.' She added: 'I have largely stayed quiet because I havent wanted to cause a fuss nor sink to her level, but online bullying must be called out, and enough is enough.' Fellow Tory MP Richard Holden, who represents the nearby North West Durham seat, got involved in the row and claimed Ms Goodman had attempted to troll Ms Davison. Ms Goodman responded: Here we go even Tory MPs join in online bullying! Im 63 I dont even know what trolling means let alone attempt to do it Richard Holden.' Advertisement A third of pubs, restaurants or cafes warned today that they don't have enough staff to cope with the reopening of indoor hospitality next Monday as Britons prepare to spend 2.5billion on eating and drinking out next week. Four in five hospitality firms also say there is a lack of skilled talent coming into their business, while 87 per cent are having to invest more time and money into retraining as colleagues return to work from furlough. It comes amid an exodus of foreign workers back to their home countries during the pandemic, with EU staff now making up 39 per cent of the UK hospitality workforce, down from 43 per cent at the same point in 2019. Some 104million trips out for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks are set to be made across the seven days from May 17 as indoor seating resumes, with sales expected to peak next Saturday when 426million is spent in just one day. Experts say the hospitality industry will bounce back with a much-needed revenue boost in the remaining months of 2021, making 80.5billion by the end of the year which will be nearly two-thirds more than in 2020. Rob Lindsay of The Talbot Tap House in Ripley, Derbyshire, rolls beer barrels today ahead of reopening his pub next Monday Pub landlord Rob Lindsay at The Talbot Tap House in Ripley, prepares to reopen his doors to customers on May 17 Venues such as The Talbot Tap House in Ripley, pictured today, will still only be permitted to offer table service next Monday A report by the Centre for Retail Research for VoucherCodes.co.uk predicts that 104million people will be heading to hospitality venues in the week from next Monday to make the most of sitting inside for the first time this year. On their first day of full reopening next Monday, venues are expected to seat 13.6million customers, who are forecast to spend 297million enjoying their first indoor drinks and meals out since at least December 16, 2020. Predicted customer numbers and hospitality spend for w/c May 17 DAY CUSTOMER NUMBERS HOSPITALITY SALES Monday, May 17 13.6million 296.8million Tuesday, May 18 14.3million 328.4million Wednesday, May 19 14.8million 335.7million Thursday, May 20 14.9million 348million Friday, May 21 16.1million 389.1million Saturday, May 22 18.3million 426.2million Sunday, May 23 12.2million 354.5mmillion Totals 104million 2.5billion With May's poor weather conditions set to continue into next week, amid a mixture of sunny spells and rain expected throughout, venues will be thankful for the boosted custom from indoor bookings. This is forecast to steadily increase throughout the week, and Friday and Saturday are set to be the busiest days, with 16.1million and 18.3million people planning to head out, spending 389.1million and 426.2million respectively. Predicted sales are also expected to be significantly higher than average. Compared to the same week in 2019 - during the last 'normal' May before Covid - venues are set to see a 34.8 per cent per cent increase in sales next week. Consumers are expected to spend 41.2 per cent more on Saturday than the same day in 2019, when it was 301.84million. In 2021, the hospitality industry is forecast to make an increase of 63.3 per cent in sales compared to 2020, equivalent to 31.2billion. By the end of 2021, the industry is set to make a total of 80.5billion. Looking ahead to 2022, the report predicts that hospitality is set for a bumper year as people enjoy their first full year without restrictions since 2019. Hospitality venues are forecast to take in 120.6billion by the end of 2022, which is 40billion or 49.7 per cent more than in 2021. Angus Drummond, senior director or commercial at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: 'If people in the UK are known for anything it's our love for pubs and restaurants, so it's no surprise to see that so many people are planning to make the most of being able to sit inside and enjoy drinks and meals out next week. Beer barrels are delivered to The Talbot Tap House in Ripley today as the Derbyshire pub prepares to reopen next Monday Pub landlord Rob Lindsay at The Talbot Tap House in Ripley cleans a table as he prepares to reopen the pub next Monday Pub landlord Rob Lindsay puts up an NHS Test and Trace QR code on a door at The Talbot Tap House in Ripley today Rob Lindsay of The Talbot Tap House in Ripley is seen putting tables in place today ahead of the reopening next Monday 'It's been an incredibly tough year for the hospitality industry with large periods of closure, so it's particularly encouraging that this report forecasts a quick and strong recovery over the next couple of years.' Staff prepare to welcome back Harry Potter fans to Warner Bros Studio Tour Staff are making final preparations to exhibits from the Harry Potter films at the Warner Bros Studio Tour today as it prepares to reopen to visitors next Monday for the first time since closing last December. The Celebration of Slytherin feature which first ran last year will continue, with visitors entering through the Great Hall doors to be greeted by Slytherin house banners suspended from the enchanted ceiling, in reference to the final scenes in the Philosopher's Stone. A Warner Bros Studio Tour worker dusts off one of the exhibits props before welcoming Harry Potter fans back next Monday A number of original costumes belonging to Slytherin's witches and wizards are also on display, including those of Draco Malfoy and Lord Voldemort. The tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, will reopen with safety measures in place including reduced capacity, regular enhanced cleaning and all visitors required to wear a face mask unless seated in a cafe or restaurant. A figure of Rubeus Hagrid is prepared before the tour reopens Advertisement Meanwhile a study by UK hospitality charity Springboard has surveyed 15 of the country's biggest hospitality employers, with a combined workforce of more than 100,000, to learn more about their recruitment concerns. Some 80 per cent of those surveyed said a lack of skilled candidates, specifically amongst young people, was a key concern, while 33 per cent warned they don't currently have enough staff to cope with the expected increase in demand over the coming weeks and months. Almost nine in ten (87 per cent) said they were finding it difficult to recruit for kitchen and back of house roles, while one in three said there was a lack of supply for critical senior management positions. The survey, which included the likes of Compass Group, Odeon and InterContinental Hotels (IHG) and BaxterStorey, came after Springboard saw a 400 per cent increase in applications to the Kickstart scheme from hospitality employers after the Prime Minister set out the lockdown roadmap on February 22. Its has launched a drive called 'Springboard to 2022' through which it aims to have 10,000 young people trained and ready to work by next year in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry to tackle the staffing crisis. It comes a fortnight after Britain's hospitality staffing crisis was laid bare as industry experts revealed 15 per cent of furloughed staff won't return to their jobs in the sector because they have moved abroad or taken a different role. Restaurant bosses have been being hampered in their search for staff ahead of the reopening of indoor hospitality on May 17 because of the uncertainty still surrounding whether coronavirus restrictions will be lifted. Data from hospitality software provider Fourth revealed 35 per cent of new starters in the first three months of 2021 were from the EU, which was a significant drop from 49 per cent in the first quarter two years ago. The overall workforce headcount is also still down 28 per cent compared to shortly after the pandemic began in April 2020, and the number of hours worked across the sector this month was at 72 per cent of the level last July. The research based on analysis of more than 700 firms also found staff aged 18 to 21 made up just 4 per cent of all hours worked last month, compared to 10 per cent in March 2019 - suggesting younger people are working less. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry body UKHospitality, said last month that there were 'two elements' to the recruitment crisis and pointed out that it was being felt differently across the country as the lockdown is eased. Meanwhile a separate study today found 81 per cent of adults in Britain are feeling socially apprehensive as lockdown ends - with returning to the office, visiting the in-laws and dating being among the key stress points. Research by TV channel Dave in partnership with Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably) also found 76 per cent of Britons admitted to being nervous about interacting with people in real life once again. The three top social situations Britons are dreading the most are greeting etiquette (44 per cent), going to a party of more than six people (32 per cent) and interaction with staff and fellow diners in restaurants (28 per cent). Advertisement Divers hunting for lost artwork from the legendary Amber Room looted by the Nazis are to begin searching a WWII shipwreck at the bottom of the Baltic Sea after photos revealed unidentified paintings and possible artefacts. The 12-man team from the Baltictech diving group will spend 10 days off the coast of Gdansk, Poland, at the end of May at the site where the German steamer Karlsruhe was sank by a Royal Navy submarine in 1945. Tomasz Stachura from Baltictech told MailOnline that initial observations of the wreck had revealed several 'non-military crates' as well as what appears to be the remains of 'picture frames and rotting canvases'. He added that the handles of several crates suggest they could be from museums. The team hopes to uncover the contents of the lost Amber Room, an ornate chamber of panels made from six tonnes of amber built for Tsar Peter the Great in the 1700s and ransacked by Hitler's invaders in 1941. According to the ship's official cargo documents, there was 360 tonnes of goods on board before it was hit by a torpedo from HMS Truant and scuttled in April 1945. Crates which the divers hope could contain artefacts which the Nazis stole from the legendary Amber Room Tomasz Stachura from Baltictech told MailOnline that initial observations of the wreck had revealed several 'non-military crates' (pictured) as well as what appears to be the remains of 'picture frames and rotting canvases' Artefacts buried underneath sand inside the ship at the bottom of the Baltic Sea The team believes they have spotted chests which may have been used by a museum, as well as fragments of canvas which may have come from paintings A reconstruction of the Amber Room was made in 1979 and completed at the Catherine Palace in St Petersburg (pictured) The Amber Room (pictured in Russia in 1917), which was packed with amber, gold and precious jewels, was looted by the Nazis in 1941 and its contents mysteriously disappeared with the collapse of Hitler's regime in 1945 Towards the end of the war, as Hitler's defeat loomed, the 196ft Karlsruhe was used to evacuate Germans in what was called Operation Hannibal from what was then the city of Koenigsberg in East Prussia. Stachura said: 'It was in Koenigsberg that the Amber Chamber was seen for the last time. 'From there the Karlsruhe left on its last voyage with a large cargo.' The Amber Room was assembled in Russia's Catherine Palace near St Petersburg and stood there for three centuries, but it was dismantled by German troops during their ill-fated invasion of the USSR. In 1941, the Amber Room's contents were placed in storage in Koenigsberg - now a Russian city known as Kaliningrad - and then disappeared when Hitler's regime fell to ruins in 1945. The wreck was found lying 288ft below the Baltic in September last year by the Baltictech divers. Stachura said at the time: 'It is practically intact. In its holds, we discovered military vehicles, porcelain and many crates with contents still unknown.' The divers will now document and make an inventory of what they discover. If anything of interest is found, the Polish authorities will then authorise a state dive to start bringing the crates to the surface. Stachura added that as the people who died on the ship were German citizens, Germany could declare the site a sea grave, which would make it illegal to disturb it A ring-shaped object is displayed on the screen after divers carried out a survey of the sea floor following the discovery of the Karlsruhe, a wrecked German steamer, earlier this year Underwater discoveries: Baltic divers say they found chests and other items and will continue their search in April as they examine whether the wreck of the Karlsruhe could answer the decades-old question of what happened to the Amber Room The divers said that 'a lot of items from the ship's interior have spilled out,' adding that they had found 10 trunks and 'lots of other trinkets' while examining the area of the shipwreck Polish divers search for the World War II German cruiser Karlsruhe at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, where they believe the lost treasures of the Amber Room - looted by the Nazis and missing since 1945 - could be buried A clue to the Amber Room mystery? A screen shows a man-made object on the floor of the Baltic Sea where divers searching for the long-lost treasures say that a sonar survey has revealed chests and other objects lying around a wrecked Nazi ship The ship brought 1,083 refugees and 360 tons of cargo and has been lying 290ft underwater for decades Divers have discovered military vehicles, porcelain and many crates with so far unknown contents Documentation from the time suggests that the Karlsruhe left Koenigsberg in a hurry, with a large cargo and 1,083 people on board. Stachura previously said of the ship: 'She brought 1,083 refugees and 360 tons of cargo with her. She set off on her last journey under a strong escort. 'Sunken April 13, 1945 in the morning. Only 113 people were saved. 'We don't want to get excited, but if the Germans were to take the Amber Chamber across the Baltic Sea, then [the] Karlsruhe steamer was their last chance.' After discovering the wreck, the divers later said it was too deep to salvage, saying that 'we started the story but now it's up to someone else to finish it'. The shipwreck was found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea several dozen kilometers north of Ustka The wreck of the German cruiser Karlsruhe was discovered off the Polish coast by divers exploring the area in search of the ship which was sunk in April 1945 Divers found the shipwreck at a depth of 88 meters and say most of it is practically intact The explorers say that the ship was in Konigsberg around the time the Amber Room was last seen Stachura said: 'As archaeological divers, we can only officially dive to 130ft, but the ship is over 260ft down. Military divers could do it but it could cost millions.' The ship is not to be confused with a different Karlsruhe which was also recently discovered off the coast of Norway, having sunk in 1940. In 2015, Poland was hit with Gold Train fever after explorers in the town of Walbrzych said they had found a tunnel which they believed was laden with looted Nazi treasure. But after weeks of hype and speculation, when the explorers eventually began digging they discovered the tunnel was empty. The episode has led to a general wariness surrounding claims of stolen World War II treasure being discovered, with authorities wanting 'real evidence' to support the claims rather than rumours. Russian craftsmen have since constructed a replica Amber Room in the Catherine Palace. Karlsruhe took part in Operation Hannibal, a German naval operation involving the evacuation by sea of German troops and civilians The ship is not to be confused with the Karlsruhe which was also recently discovered off the coast of Norway, which was sunk in 1940 Tomasz Zwara from Baltictech added: 'The history and available documentation show that the Karlsruhe was leaving the port in a great hurry and with a large load' The remains of the Amber Room after it was seized by the Nazis, who packed the amber panels in 27 crates and shipped them to Germany, where they vanished and have not been seen since Murdered PCSO Julia James was killed in an 'extremely violent and apparently random' attack a court heard today. The details emerged as the man accused of bludgeoning her to death was told he faces a four-week trial. Callum Wheeler, 21, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent, via video link with London's Belmarsh Prison, having been charged on Monday. Wearing a grey T-shirt and trousers with black mask, he simply replied 'Yeah' when asked to confirm his name during the hearing in front of Judge Philip Statman, and sat flanked by prison officers and with his arms folded under his top. The court was told the earliest start date for a trial would be November 29, with a time estimate of up to four weeks. No members of Mrs James' family attended the hearing. Prosecutor Martin Yale told the court she died as a result of an 'extremely violent and apparently random' attack. Detectives investigating the death of PCSO Julia James charged Callum Wheeler, 21 He added there were a number of 'outstanding forensic enquiries', including ones on an iron bar. Mrs James, a 53-year-old mother of two, was allegedly murdered by Wheeler while walking her beloved Jack Russell dog Toby near to her home in Snowdown, in the parish of Aylesham, Kent, on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 27. Her body was found next to Akholt Wood in the Aylesham Road area at about 4pm by members of the public, with her dog unharmed beside her. A post-mortem examination revealed the grandmother had suffered significant head injuries. Police officers line up as they prepare to walk into the woodlands during their searches for evidence following Mrs James' death Police officers search a field off Ratling Road in Aylesham, Kent, earlier today as part of the investigation into the death Wheeler, of Sunshine Corner Avenue, Aylesham, was arrested on Friday, May 7, and charged three days later. He appeared before Medway magistrates on Tuesday (May 11) where he was remanded in custody until the crown court hearing. That same day, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate staged a reconstruction of the PCSO's last steps, with her pet being walked by an actress. Mrs James, who was married to Paul, 57, had been working from home on the day she was killed and is believed to have set off from the property just after 2pm. Lesley Manley, defending Wheeler, confirmed there would be a need for a psychiatric assessment. There was no application for bail but Mr Yale said it would be opposed. Wheeler was remanded in custody by Judge Statman until a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 8. Described as 'fiercely loyal' by her family, she worked with the Vulnerability Investigation Team based at Canterbury police station, helping domestic abuse victims. The murder investigation has involved extensive searches of the area, including Wheeler's home since his arrest. Sniffer dogs were brought in yesterday to assist forensic teams. A Chinese student who exploited a glitch in KFC's online ordering systems to get endless free chicken has been jailed. The 23-year-old, identified only as 'Xu', managed to take 6,500 in free food in just six months after uncovering the glitch back in 2018. He also shared the secret with four friends, who took a combined 15,500 of chicken before they were stopped. A 23-year-old student, named only as Xu, exploited a glitch between KFC's WeChat pay site (pictured) and its mobile app to generate infinite free food vouchers This week, Xu was jailed for two and a half years for fraud and fined 700 over the scheme, while his friends were jailed for between two years and 13 months. Xu discovered the glitch while buying food using a voucher from KFC's phone app in April 2018, according to Chinese state-run media. He found that by switching between the KFC app and the company's store on WeChat, China's equivalent of WhatsApp, he could place an order using the voucher though it still remained in his wallet on the other account. This effectively generated infinite free food vouchers, which he used to buy 6,500-worth of chicken between April and October that year. Xu kept some of the food for himself, but also sold cut-price meals to his classmates. Over the course of six months, Xu ordered chicken worth 6,500 and shared the glitch with three friends who used it to take a further 15,500 of chicken (file image) He also shared the secret with four close friends, who exploited it in similar fashion and got away with free food worth between 1,000 and 5,200 each. The gang were eventually caught and Xu admitted to using the glitch to order free food, as well as passing the valuable information on to his friends. He was brought before a court in Shanghai this week where he was handed a two and a half year sentence, reduced to two years because of his guilty plea. Xu's friends were given jail sentences ranging from two years to 13 months, and handed fines of between 400 and 100. A couple in their 60s died from Covid in separate hospitals within an hour of each other in an 'out of the blue' tragedy. Graeme and Margaret Carling, from Scotland, passed away at hospitals in Dundee in January after testing positive for the virus. Mrs Carling, 65, was diagnosed with Covid after Christmas and fought the disease for two weeks before she died at Royal Victoria Hospital on January 19. Her husband, 66, was admitted to Ninewells Hospital after complaining of a sore head. He died on the same day after testing positive for the virus. The grandparents were laid to rest in a double funeral in February. Their son, Graeme Jr, received a call to tell him his father had passed away while he was travelling home from saying a final farewell to his mother. 'There was just an hour between the deaths - you couldn't write the script on that,' he said. 'It's obviously been tough. They were young. 'They didn't need to go yet, they didn't have to die. But they did.' Graeme and Margaret Carling, from Scotland, passed away at hospitals in Dundee in January after testing positive for the virus Mrs Carling's phone received a message inviting her to book a Covid vaccination a day later. Describing the day of his parents' deaths, Mr Carling said: 'I took a phone call from my sister at about 6pm saying our mum was away to pass. 'I rushed there and minutes later she passed away. It was awful and sad. A month earlier my mum was fine. 'I was walking up the corridor at [Royal Victoria Hospital's] Roxburghe House and my phone went - Ninewells Hospital. 'The nurse called and asked if now was a good time. I told her my mum had just died but still wanted to hear about my dad. 'She said he was doing OK. The oxygen was working but she would have liked more improvement. 'We hadn't really been worried about my dad. Our attention had been on mum.' Mrs Carling, 65, was diagnosed with Covid after Christmas and fought the disease for two weeks before she died at Royal Victoria Hospital on January 19. Pictured: Mr Carling and his daughter-in-law Leanne Mr Carling asked his wife Leanne to drive to Broughty Ferry to allow him some time to collect his thoughts before returning home to his two children. On the way he phoned his father's eldest brother Bob to tell him about his mother's death. It was then that the nurse from Ninewells Hospital called again. 'She was in pieces - I'd only just told her about my mum,' Mr Carling said. 'She said "I'm really sorry but when I went back to the ward your dad had passed away". 'I went completely white. I just thought this can't be happening. Then I phoned my uncle back to tell him his brother had died now. 'It was complete and utter shock and I was in shock for a couple of months. It was my worst nightmare and so out of the blue.' Mrs Carling was transferred away from her husband at Ninewells Hospital two days before her death. She was admitted to a specialist palliative care unit in Dundee. Her children Graeme and Michelle believe their mother caught Covid during her first stay at Ninewells, and then passed it on to her husband. Their son, Graeme Jr (above), received a call to tell him his father had passed away while he was travelling home from saying a final farewell to his mother Mrs Carling was transferred away from her husband at Ninewells Hospital two days before her death. She was admitted to a specialist palliative care unit in Dundee. Pictured: Roxburghe House The mother, who suffered with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, was initially admitted on December 22. Mrs Carling tested negative for Covid-19 and was discharged on Christmas Eve. But the grandmother-of-seven was readmitted on December 29 and tested positive. 'When I saw her at Roxburghe House she had moments of being lucid,' Mr Carling said. 'She was all wired up but she'd see me in the chair and you could see the joy in her face. 'It was heartbreaking. She couldn't speak but was so happy to see me. That was horrible. 'After he was admitted to Ninewells on January 9, my dad didn't ask about mum. I don't know where he was mentally. 'We weren't allowed to see him. We'd text him but when we opened his phone after the event he hadn't read any of the messages. 'He didn't know my mum had passed away - it was only the nurse I'd told and he was dead by the time she went back to his ward.' Her children Graeme and Michelle believe their mother caught Covid during her first stay at Ninewells Hospital (above), and then passed it on to her husband Mr Carling said his son Mitchell, 13, and daughter Blaire, 10, have been hit hard by suddenly losing both of their grandparents. At a double funeral in February, Mitchell played the bagpipes and read a eulogy. 'Mitchell was so close to my dad - he used to take him to Dens Park where he had a season ticket,' he said. 'We're a really tight knit family.' The couple met at a disco at Kirkton Community Centre and were married in 1973. Mr Carling worked at Dundee Plant Company Limited as a manager. After a spell as a transport manager in Dundee and Kent for Portway International, he became chief executive of North East Ice and Cold Storage, based in Peterhead. His wife, who also hailed from Dundee, was a homemaker. The couple had three children - Graeme, Michelle and Wayne, who died in 2006 at the age of 30 from oesophageal cancer. The Carling family raised more than 200,000 for cancer causes. Paying tribute to his parents, Mr Carling said: 'It's obviously been tough. 'There have been days you want to hide under the covers and not get up, but we can't do that. We've really got a good team of people. I don't want sympathy. 'My dad has always been there for me. The guy I looked up to. A Kirkton boy made good. In recent years he was an important part of our team. 'He had a great way with people especially when we've been looking to make acquisitions. 'I can hear my dad saying to crack on and keep moving forward. Both my parents will be greatly missed.' A gambling tips website has been ordered to remove an ad suggesting betting could be a job. The Advertising Standards Authority ordered Paul Coleman - trading as VIP Inner Circle - to ensure his ads were socially responsible. A probe was launched after a member of VIP Inner Circle challenged the company's 'life-long money back guarantee'. The ASA said the complainant had been signed up for four months - but made no profit - and wasn't refunded, even after asking for their money back. The Advertising Standards Authority investigated the www.private-syndicate.co.uk website that offered a private tipster subscription service It also 'challenged whether the ad was socially irresponsible because it suggested that gambling was an alternative to employment and a way to achieve financial security'. The page - which has since been amended - appeared on www.private-syndicate.co.uk. The headline, set against the backdrop of jockeys out racing, said in capital letters: 'Welcome to VIP Inner Circle.' It was followed by a link to 'Join here - enter the world of professional betting...and totally tax-free cash.' The description continued: 'Please read my proposal to you because what I am about to tell you is 100 per cent true. 'I want you to read on with an open mind and only make a decision after you have read the last word. The ASA ordered the company to amend its website having promised subscribers a 'guaranteed income' 'I say this because you must have had so many mailings promising all sorts of get rich quick schemes. 'You must ask yourself by now - do any of these really work?...I want to help you now because what I have to offer you is 100 per cent genuine and I hope you can clearly see I am not trying to con you in any way. All I want to do is prove that there is a genuine way to make you easy tax-free money'. The ad also sensationally claimed: 'You could be only one pay cheque away from financial disaster.' It added: 'When your friends and neighbours are struggling in a few weeks' time, you will be still making money because you will be having a regular income from the VIP Inner Circle Syndicate.' A further claim said: 'You will see for yourself how using the VIP Inner Circle Service you can make excellent profits now and in the future or...I will give you your money back Guaranteed for Life'. Paul Coleman reportedly told the ASA in response to the complaint that he had thought that person had already received their refund and 'that he had always promptly refunded clients who had requested refunds'. Mr Coleman also reportedly added he 'had satisfied clients using his service who had been with him for many years and had no complaints'. He also agreed to comply with any advice and remove the guarantee from his website, however he failed to 'provide a substantive response to the ASA's enquiries on the second point of complaint'. The website was ordered to remove the advert and 'not make claims that they offered a money-back guarantee if they were unable to do so'. They have also been ordered to 'ensure that their ads were prepared in a socially responsible way and did not suggest that gambling could provide an alternative to employment or a way to achieve financial security'. A spokesperson for GamGare, a charity that helps with the harms of gambling, said: 'Gambling is not a way to seek financial security, 70 per cent of callers to our helpline cite financial problems when seeking help and 10 per cent of callers cite debts between 20,000 and 99,999. 'We run the National Gambling Helpline and provide treatment for those suffering from gambling harm in 161 locations all over Great Britain. 'We know from people that use our services that the volume of advertising they are exposed to can be problematic for their recovery and that the burden is currently on consumers to block access to gambling ads on each platform they visit if they wish not to be served with these. We believe this should change. 'We also believe that advertising should routinely include more prominent and engaging safer gambling messaging of resources of support such as our National Gambling Helpline so people can easily access the help and support they might need.' A teacher trainee was hauled before a fitness to practise meeting after saying he 'would not hesitate' to use images of the Prophet Mohammed in a class - sparking a fierce backlash from freedom of speech advocates. The Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) student had told his course leader he was 'extremely concerned' about the recent case of a teacher at Batley Grammar School who was suspended after he showed an image of the prophet to pupils. The Batley, West Yorkshire teacher and his family are still under police protection, and the threat to their safety is judged as so severe that even their relatives do not know where they are now living, more than six weeks after fleeing their home. The MMU student, who is set to complete his Postgraduate Certificate in Education course this summer, had written an email to his course leader on April 1 saying he worried about the 'cowardly response from the unions and other bodies connected to teaching', The Telegraph reports. 'I would like to know whether or not MMU is prepared to stand up for any student who finds themselves in a similar position,' he added, arguing that the protests which arose amid the row were a 'clear attempt to enforce a de facto blasphemy law on teachers and schools'. 'I would not hesitate to use drawings of any religious figure, including Mohammed, and I certainly will not bow to any pressure from protests, and I would like to think that my university will stand with me,' he said. The course leader did not reply, but one month later the student was contacted by the head of the teacher education department demanding he attend a 'fitness to practise cause for concern meeting'. The reaction has prompted fury as critics voiced their support for the trainee teacher. The Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) student had told his course leader he was 'extremely concerned' about the recent case of a teacher at Batley Grammar School who showed an image of the prophet to pupils (pictured: Protests outside Batley, March 26) The course leader did not reply, but one month later the student was contacted by the head of the teacher education department demanding he attend a 'fitness to practise cause for concern meeting'(pictured: Brooks building of Manchester Metropolitan University) The Free Speech Union said: 'It is absolutely ludicrous that a trainee teacher could be barred from teaching for supporting the Batley Grammar School teacher over the Mohammed cartoons. 'There is no blasphemy law in England, nor should there ever be again.' Social media users agreed with the union's statement, with one saying: 'Where are all the teachers backing him up? Should be ashamed of themselves.' Another said: '@GavinWilliamson I'm a teacher. The profession is being intimidated. The people in charge of education acquiesce to the demands of a religion.' A third said: 'He should not be fighting to keep his job, this is a clear case of the tail wagging the dog. The people at the top need to stand up, grow a pair and tell everyone that they will not be cowed or intimidated in this way.' The fitness meeting could result in a referral to a Fitness to Practise Panel following the MMU student's comments claiming he would be willing to show the picture of Mohammed in class, he was told. The head of department told him it could be a breach of Teachers' Standards - which include upholding 'public trust in the profession'. The concern 'specifically relates to the Prophet Mohammed' due to 'particular sensitivities' around drawings of him, the student was told. The student teacher called the response 'ludicrous and humiliating'. The reaction has prompted fury as critics voiced their support for the trainee teacher. The Free Speech Union said: 'It is absolutely ludicrous that a trainee teacher could be barred from teaching for supporting the Batley Grammar School teacher over the Mohammed cartoons. There is no blasphemy law in England, nor should there ever be again' Many social media users agreed with the union's statement, with one saying: 'Where are all the teachers backing him up? Should be ashamed of themselves' An MMU spokesman told MailOnline: 'Manchester Metropolitan University has always supported and championed freedom of speech. We provide an academic environment in which debate and the sharing of views is encouraged. 'However, there is a difference between the expectations on students within an academic environment on a University campus and the expectations once our students move into a professional practice environment, such as a primary school. 'We look at all cases on their individual merits and in knowledge of the full context around a particular issue, and then take a course of action that is relevant and most suitable to deal with that specific issue. 'In this instance, it was thought best to have an initial discussion with the student about the potential impact in a primary school environment of the suggestion that he would be happy to share imagery which would be upsetting to people of a particular faith. 'We believe the discussion with the student was positive and constructive and we await further feedback from him before deciding whether any further steps are required.' It comes after the row over Batley deepened this month as Imam Adil Shahzad, who travelled to Batley from Bradford to join the protests, insisted he wants the teacher dismissed. The MMU student, who is set to complete his Postgraduate Certificate in Education course this summer, had written an email to his course leader on April 1 saying he worried about the 'cowardly response from the unions and other bodies connected to teaching' amid the row over the Batley teacher 'A precedent has to be set. Suspending the teacher was in the right direction and we won't accept anything less than a sacking,' he said. Speaking through his father, a 14-year-old Muslim pupil had revealed what happened to spark the row, telling the Mail on Sunday that cartoons depicting the Prophet were shown on an overhead projector along with other images of the former US President Donald Trump, Pope Francis and Boris Johnson. The Prophet cartoons were first published by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in September 2005 and again in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, later the target of a gun rampage that left 12 members of staff dead. The schoolboy said pupils were unaware of who was shown in the cartoons until the teacher spelled out it was the Prophet and asked for their reaction. 'No one said anything. I was just gobsmacked. But no one raised their hand to say anything,' the pupil said. The teenager said the teacher, a declared atheist, was popular with students and had never previously shown any disrespect towards Islam. 'He never said anything bad, but he likes to challenge pupils' minds. That's the way he teaches.' When the lesson ended and the students began to file out, the teacher asked: 'So who is going to tell their parents tonight?' The 14-year-old was one of those who did, initiating first an exchange of messages on a WhatsApp group for parents and then complaints to the school. One of the parents has claimed to have spoken to the teacher on the phone, writing on social media: 'I got a call from Mr *****. I asked him to confirm what [my son] told me and he agreed. He [claimed] he has freedom of expression under his British values and could use that image. He stated he got consent from the children beforehand.' By the following day, scores of Muslim protesters were at the school gates demanding the teacher be sacked. Among them was local imam Mohammed Amin Pandor, who has opposed gay marriage and even shared a fatwa against the Covid-19 vaccine. He said: 'Ideally this teacher's teaching days are over.' On March 24, the teacher was suspended and the school accompanied its unreserved apology with the announcement of an independent panel to investigate. More than 130 Islamic clerics including Imam Shahzad wrote an open letter to Boris Johnson, accusing the teacher of 'white supremacist ideology'. In a reply, Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: 'It is never acceptable to threaten or intimidate teachers. We encourage dialogue between parents and schools when any issues emerge. Schools are free to include a full range of issues in their curriculum.' Support for the teacher is growing among parents. 'The teacher should have known better but if it's a mistake, he should be allowed back,' said Mohammed Akram, 56. 'We should forgive him and move on.' In a statement, Batley Multi-Academy Trust said: 'The investigator will make recommendations so, where necessary, appropriate lessons can be learned.' Details of who paid for Boris Johnson's controversial refurbishment of his Downing Street flat could be revealed within weeks, his new adviser on ministerial behaviour said today. Lord Christopher Geidt, a former aide to the Queen, told MPs that he planned to release the long overdue register of ministerial interests by the end of May. And he confirmed that he expected Mr Johnson's entry covering the renovation of his No11 apartment, and his own advice on the issue, would be released as part of it. Mr Johnson is under pressure to reveal if any Tory donors were involved in funding the costly renovation. The Prime Minister has insisted he paid for the work, but has been silent on whether anyone else was initially approached to fund it, in a move which would raise conflict of interest concerns. Lord Geidt has just taken over as independent adviser on ministerial standards. He replaces Sir Alex Allan, who resigned earlier this year over the PM's refusal to take action against Home Secretary Priti Patel for bullying staff. The list of ministers' interests has not been published since July last year. Facing the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee this morning Lord Geidt said it was 'unfortunate' that the register of ministerial interests was not published last December when it should have been. 'I'm determined that it should be published by the end of this month,' he said. 'I think public confidence, I think in my judgment, demands that this list be published without further delay. The publication of the list of interests will include the Prime Minister. 'And of course, as part of my appointment, I have been asked to make an inquiry on the facts of the circumstances of the refurbishment of the flat at Downing Street and to advise the Prime Minister on his declaration of interests so that by the time we get to the end of the month we will have that declaration and alongside that I will report, and I will do so in a timely fashion, in other words simultaneously, a report into the necessary context to the declaration of ministers' interests.' Lord Christopher Geidt, a former aide to the Queen, told MPs that he planned to release the long overdue register of ministerial interests by the end of May. Mr Johnson is under pressure to reveal if any Tory donors were involved in funding the costly renovation. Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds is said to have hired upmarket designer Lulu Lytle to carry out the makeover. Miss Lytle charges up to 840 for a roll of wallpaper and 19,950 for a sofa. The Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into the funding of work on the prime minister's apartment in Downing Street, saying there were grounds to suspect an offence had been committed. Johnson says he has followed the rules and covered the costs of the refurbishment. Election watchdogs are quizzing Tory chiefs over a secret 60,000 payment for the lavish makeover. They have asked Conservative chairman Ben Elliot to explain whether the party complied with strict laws on political donations. Mr Johnson's fiancee Carrie Symonds is said to have hired upmarket designer Lulu Lytle to carry out the makeover. Miss Lytle charges up to 840 for a roll of wallpaper and 19,950 for a sofa. Asked if the PM was happy with Lord Geidt's publishing plan today, his spokesman said: 'The terms of reference set out he can publish advice in a timely manner and he has set out at the end of the month.' Scrutiny over the overhaul of the flat above No11 where Boris Johnson and fiancee Carrie Symonds and son Wilf live has refused to abate despite the government's efforts to draw a line under the issue The commission is looking at whether the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 has been broken, with most of the offences civil matters and punishable with fines of up to 20,000 - although it can refer more serious abuse to the police. It is not clear what part of the Act the watchdog believes might have been breached. Investigators can demand documents, information and explanations, and could potentially seek a statutory interview with the Prime Minister as part of the process. Scrutiny over the overhaul of the flat above No11 where Mr Johnson and fiancee Carrie Symonds and son Wilf live has refused to abate despite the government's efforts to draw a line under the issue. Downing Street has declined to deny that Tory funds were used to cover 58,000 of the costs - on top of the 30,000 annual allowance given by the taxpayer. But the gift last July has not been declared anywhere as yet, and Mr Johnson now insists he has paid the sum himself - with speculation he took out a loan. No10 has come under fire for saying Conservative funds are not currently being used for a refurbishment, without addressing the issue of whether they were in the past. An NYPD transit cop charged with murdering his autistic eight-year-old son was emotionless in court as prosecutors showed photos of the boy's soiled clothes on Wednesday. Michael Valva, 41, sobbed the previous day after a recording of the 911 call he made on the day of Thomas' killing was played in the Long Island courtroom. Valva has been charged in the murder of his son, who was allegedly starved, beaten and locked outside their Long Island home. He died of hypothermia after sleeping in an unheated garage on a freezing night on January 17. His former fiancee Algela Pollina, 42, who is also charged with second-degree murder, appeared to wipe away a tear during Wednesday's pre-trial hearing. Michael Valva, 41, who is charged with murdering his autistic eight-year-old son was emotionless in court Wednesday (pictured) as prosecutors showed photos of the boy's soiled clothes Valva has been charged in the murder of his son Thomas (pictured), who was allegedly starved, beaten and locked outside their Long Island home. He died of hypothermia after sleeping in an unheated garage on a freezing night on January 17 Valva's (left) former fiancee Algela Pollina, 42, (right) who is also charged with second-degree murder, appeared to wipe away a tear during Wednesday's pre-trial hearing They were shown images of Thomas' shirt, socks and soiled pants on a screen inside the courtroom during Suffolk County detective Michael Ronca's testimony. Ronca told Suffolk County Supreme Court that he was at the family's home in Center Moriches when another detective said Valva had removed Thomas' clothing and deposited them in a while plastic bag in the backyard patio. 'It was my goal to find that bag,' Ronca said in court on Wednesday, reports the New York Post. The detective managed to find the bag in the yard, which had been placed next to large black bags. 'You have a children's shirt, a pair of socks and a pair of pants,' Ronca said, adding that the pants were soiled. On Tuesday, the chilling emergency call made by Valva on January 17 last year was played to the court. Michael Valva breaks down and cries during his hearing in Criminal Court in Riverhead, New York on May 11 Suffolk County detective Michael Ronca testified at Suffolk County Supreme court on Wednesday Judge William Condon (left) looks at picture of evidence presented by detective Ronca (right) Valva was given custody of Thomas and his brother in September 2017 despite desperate pleas from Thomas' biological mother, Justyna Zubko-Valva, and concerns from school officials that they were being abused. During the 911 call, Valva can be heard telling an operator that his son had 'stopped breathing,' before saying: 'He fell down and banged his head.' 'I don't know if he's breathing or not His heart stopped. He banged his head pretty good.' 'His belly is filling up, like it's filling up with air.' The operator responds: 'Are you sure he's not breathing?' to which he replies: 'I don't know, to be honest.' As emergency responders arrived at the scene, Valva can be heard saying: 'He banged his head. 'He was OK. I got him dressed.' Valva and Pollina were were shown images of Thomas' shirt, socks and soiled pants on a screen inside the courtroom during Suffolk County detective Michael Ronca's testimony on Wednesday. Pictured: Valva appears emotionless inside the courtroom on Wednesday According to Valva's lawyer John LoTurco, it was the first time Valva had heard the 911 call. 'That was an emotional moment for him and I imagine for Angela as well,' the lawyer said. On Tuesday, Suffolk County Police Sergeant Gregory Turzer told the court that Pollina had said Thomas had fallen in the driveway and had defecated and wet himself. She also claimed she had helped Valva take Thomas to a shower in the basement to get him 'cleaned up', Turzer testified. Valva's lawyer Anthony La Pinta also told reporters that the defense is 'attacking the legality of the search of the residence involved here'. He said the police needed a warrant before searching the home. Matt Touhey, Pollina's lawyer, added that Polina will take the stand during the pre-trial hearings this week. 'When someone's innocent, they're not hiding behind anything and she wants to get up,' Touhey said. Valva is facing 25 years to life in prison for the death of his son if he is found guilty. Authorities were dispatched to the home where Thomas had been living at about 9.40am on January 17, 2020 after his father said the boy had fallen in the driveway and lost consciousness while running for the school bus. Authorities were dispatched to the home where Thomas had been living at about 9.40am on January 17, 2020 after his father said the boy had fallen in the driveway and lost consciousness while running for the school bus Valva was given custody of Thomas and his brother in September 2017 despite desperate pleas from Thomas' biological mother, Justyna Zubko-Valva, and concerns from school officials that they were being abused. Valva's house is pictured above Responding officers found Valva performing CPR on Thomas in the basement. The little boy was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Prosecutors allege he had been forced to sleep in the garage, despite it being 19F outside, with no blankets. Thomas' cause of death was determined to be hypothermia. According to police, cameras and microphones that had been set up in Mike Valva's home captured audio of him and Angela taunting Thomas as he froze to death. Thomas was one of six children in Mike and Angela's care who were living at the home at the time the little boy died. Thomas' brothers have since been placed in the custody of their mother while Pollina's daughters were placed in the custody of their biological fathers Angela Pollina is presented for indictment by the Grand Jury, for second-degree murder of Thomas Valva, 8, at Suffolk County Court, in Riverhead, New York. February 6, 2020 The audio files allegedly recorded the couple discussing the fact that Thomas was suffering from hypothermia, had been washed with cold water, couldn't walk and was 'face-planting' on the concrete. They laughed as they said 'he's hypothermic' and that he had 'face-planted' the floor. Pollina remarked: 'You know why he's falling?'. Valva replied: 'Because he's cold.... boo f*****g hoo'. Thomas' death has since prompted an investigation into the social services department and how it dealt with abuse allegations against the couple and the children who lived with them. A separate task force will examine how the department handles cases of children with developmental disabilities. Following his death, Thomas' brothers were placed in the custody of their mother. Pollina's daughters were placed in the custody of their biological fathers. A drink driver said 'I've killed him, I know I have!' after an accident which left an e-scooter rider in hospital Shelby Barclay was behind the wheel of a Mercedes A 200 in Middlesbrough town centre when she struck a 20-year-old man on an e-scooter. Barclay, 23, told police the scooter rider had shot through a red light while she had a green signal and could proceed through the junction. Shelby Barclay was behind the wheel of a Mercedes A 200 in Middlesbrough town centre when she struck a 20-year-old man on an e-scooter on April 12 Barclay, pictured yesterday outside Teesside Magistrates Court admitted one count of drink driving and was banned for 14 months and ordered to pay 239 in fines and costs The scooter rider suffered a broken leg and head injuries and needed hospital treatment following the crash. Barclay, from Hartlepool, admitted drink driving at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Prosecutor Lynne Dalton told magistrates that police were called to the scene of the accident at 10.25pm on April 12. She said: 'Officers found a man lying in the road and an e-scooter close to the man. 'Officers spoke to Ms Barclay and she told them that the man had gone through a red light and hers was on green.' Barclay then said 'I've killed him, I've killed him, I know I have' as the man lay in road. A roadside breath test was carried out and Barclay was found to have 46mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. She was then arrested by officers. Barclay, who represented herself at Teesside Magistrates' Court said: 'I am so sorry for everything and it was a huge mistake' Barclay, who represented herself in court, told magistrates of her remorse and that she had lost her job as a result of the incident. She said: 'I am so sorry for everything and it was a huge mistake. 'My main concern was how he was and making sure he was OK and I co-operated at the scene. 'It will live with me forever. It was a massive mistake.' Magistrates banned Barclay from driving for 14 months and fined her 120. She must also pay costs and surcharges of 119. Advertisement Boris Johnson today admitted he was 'anxious' about the Indian variant spreading rapidly in the UK and warned the Government would 'rule nothing out' in its effort to contain it, as official figures revealed weekly Covid cases have doubled in four hotspots where the strain is surging. The Prime Minister claimed England's lockdown-easing plans on Monday and June 21 were still on track despite cases of the B.1.617.2 strain also tripling nationally in the last seven days but hinted the schedule could change if the variant spirals. He also said officials were considering localised measures. These may include surge vaccinations - in which jabs are offered to all adults in badly-hit areas, rather than sticking to prioritising older groups - as well as door-to-door surge testing which is being used to tackle other variants. It came as Public Health England's weekly surveillance report, which goes up to May 9, revealed Covid infection rates doubled in six authorities. Four were areas where the Indian variant has already become the dominant strain Bolton, Bedford, Sefton and Blackburn with Darwen. Britain's daily Covid cases remained flat today but creeping upwards after 2,657 were identified, Department of Health data showed. This was up by two per cent on the same time last week. Covid deaths fell by 15 per cent, with 11 fatalities recorded. During a visit to a primary school in County Durham today, Mr Johnson said: 'It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it. There are a range of things we could do, we want to make sure we grip it. 'We want to make sure we take all the prudential, cautious steps now that we could take, so there are meetings going on today to consider exactly what we need to do. There is a range of things we could do, we are ruling nothing out.' The PM added: 'At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead on Monday and indeed on June 21, everywhere.' Hinting that the Government was prepared to go even further with local restrictions, he said: 'If we have to do other things, then of course the public would want us to rule nothing out. We have always been clear we would be led by the data.' It came as health officials in Blackburn began urging all over-18s to come forward for a jab, going against official guidance, after suffering a spike in cases. No10's top scientists on SAGE today convened an emergency meeting to decide whether any restrictions will need to remain in place for longer to contain the spread of B.1.617.2. One expert on the advisory panel said that a delay to the June 21 unlocking 'is possible'. Foreign Office minister James Cleverly claimed officials were waiting on the assessments of No10's top scientific advisers before deciding if longer restrictions are needed. Studies suggest the variant first detected in Britain in February may be 60 per cent more transmissible than the highly infectious Kent version (B.1.1.7) that triggered the UK's raging second wave. Experts have no reason to believe it evades vaccines and reports from India suggest it still protects against severe illness. Despite the huge success of Britain's vaccination drive, which No10 has hailed as being the country's way out of the pandemic, a third of adults have still yet to be inoculated meaning millions of unvaccinated people could still be infected if the variant is allowed to spread. Jabs were prioritised for older adults who are most at risk of dying but they are not perfect and some immunised Brits will still get severely ill. Boris Johnson (visiting a primary school in County Durham today) admitted he was 'anxious' about the Indian variant spreading rapidly in the UK and warned the Government would 'rule nothing out' in its effort to contain it An emergency meeting was held by experts on the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies committee today after it was found that India's Covid variant is now dominant in five local authorities in England. There are mounting concerns that it is more infectious than the currently dominant Kent strain How Bolton's rising infection rate has been triggered by the Indian variant: Public Health England data shows the strain is making up almost 70 per cent of new cases in the Greater Manchester town after its prevalence doubled a month Public Health England has divided the Indian variant into three sub-types. Type 1 and Type 3 both have a mutation called E484Q but Type 2 is missing this, despite still clearly being a descendant of the original Indian strain. Type 1 and 3 have a slightly different set of mutations. The graphic shows all the different variants that have been spotted in Britain Public Health England's weekly surveillance report, which goes up to May 9, found that cases had increased in half of England's local authorities in the most recent week (shown left, compared to the previous seven-day spell, right). But PHE cautioned there was no need to panic yet because infections nationwide were 'stable' and hospitalisations have continued to drop Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, whose family originate from India blamed the Government for allowing the variant to take off in the UK. She said ministers should have banned travel from India weeks earlier In other coronavirus developments today: More than nine out of 10 over-65s in England now have signs of Covid immunity for the first time, an official survey has revealed; The number of Brits getting ill with Covid every day has risen by 65% in a week to 2,800, according to a symptom tracking study, but top experts say vaccines have 'changed the game' because they are making the infection mild; The decision to delay second Covid vaccine doses in the UK saved thousands of lives, more research has found, and scientists say the strategy would reduce death rates even in countries with slow rollouts; Sources have said that face coverings in shops, social distancing and working from home will all be scrapped on June 21 and wedding limits could be lifted too; Covid cases are at the lowest level since August and just one in 2,000 over-55s now have the virus, a major study Government-backed study has revealed; Mixing and matching Covid vaccines could lead to more side effects, according to a University of Oxford study which found people jabbed with AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs were more likely to report symptoms like fever, chills or headaches; AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE INDIAN VARIANTS? Real name: B.1.617 now divided into B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 When and where was it discovered? The variant was first reported by the Indian government in February 2021 but the first cases appear to date back to October 2020. Its presence in the UK was first announced by Public Health England on April 15. There have since been at least 520 cases spotted in genetic lab testing. What mutations does it have? It has at least 13 mutations that separate it from the original Covid virus that emerged in China. The two main ones are named E484Q and L452R, although the most common version in Britain (.2) does not have E484Q. Scientists suspect L425R can help it to transmit faster and E484Q helps it get past immune cells made in response to older variants. There is also a mutation called T478K but researchers don't yet know what it does. Is it more infectious and can it evade vaccines? Research is ongoing but British scientists currently believe it spreads at least as fast as the Kent variant and potentially faster, but it is unlikely to slip past vaccine immunity. SAGE advisers said in a meeting last week: 'Early indications, including from international experience, are that this variant may be more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 [Kent] variant.' Dr Susan Hopkins, a boss at Public Health England, said: 'We are monitoring all of these variants extremely closely and have taken the decision to classify this as a variant of concern because the indications are that this is a more transmissible variant.' Expectations are that the current Covid vaccines will still protect people against the Indian variants. Early research by the Gupta Lab at Cambridge University found there was a small reduction in vaccine effectiveness on the original Indian variant, but it found the jabs worked better against it than they did on the South African strain. The team have not yet tested the .2 strain, which is the most common in the UK. A paper published by SAGE advisers recently suggested two doses of the Pfizer vaccine is good enough to protect against all known variants, and it is likely the others will provide very strong defence against severe illness, even if there is a risk of reinfection. Professor Sharon Peacock, of PHE, claimed there was 'limited' evidence of E484Q's effect on immunity and vaccines. How deadly is it? Professor Peacock said: 'There isn't any evidence that this causes more severe disease. There's just not enough data at the moment.' Scientists say it is unlikely that the variant will be significantly more dangerous than the Kent strain. This is because there is no evolutionary benefit to Covid becoming more deadly. The virus's sole goal is to spread as much as it can, so it needs people to be alive and mix with others for as long as possible to achieve this. Although there have been claims that the Kent variant is more deadly than the virus it replaced the Government claimed it was around 30 per cent there is still no conclusive evidence to show any one version of Covid is worse than another. Is the variant affecting children and young adults more seriously? Doctors in India claim there has been a sudden spike in Covid hospital admissions among people under 45, who have traditionally been less vulnerable to the disease. There have been anecdotal reports from medics that young people make up two third of new patients in Delhi. In Bangalore, under-40s made up 58 percent of infections in early April, up from 46 percent last year. But this could be completely circumstantial older people are more likely to shield themselves or to have been vaccinated and there is still no proof younger people are more badly affected by the new strain. The risk of children getting ill with Covid is still almost non-existent. Why is it a 'variant of concern' and should we be worried? Public Health England listed the variant as 'of concern' because cases are growing rapidly and it appears to be equally infectious or potentially even more than other strains in Britain. Last time a faster-spreading variant was discovered it caused chaos because the outbreak exploded and hospitals came close to breaking point in January, with almost 50,000 people dying in the second wave. But there is currently no reason to be alarmed. Scientists believe our current vaccines will still work against the variant, preventing people from getting seriously ill or dying in huge numbers. If it spreads faster than Kent it could make it harder to contain and make the third wave bigger, increasing the number of hospital admissions and deaths among people who don't get vaccinated or for whom vaccines don't work, but the jabs should take the edge off for the majority of people. A vaccine that can make vaccinated people very sick en masse would be a real crisis for Britain and could 'cause even greater suffering than we endured in January', Boris Johnson warned today but there are not yet any signs the Indian variant will be the one to do this. How many cases have been detected in the UK? According to data by PHE released on Friday, there are, at present, 520 confirmed cases of the B.1.617.2 variant in the UK, from 202 over the last week. The report also showed 261 cases of B.1.617.1 and nine cases of B.1.617.3. The cases are spread across the country, with the majority in two areas the North West, mainly in Bolton, and London. PHE said around half of these cases are related to travel or contact with someone who has been abroad. Surge testing is expected to be deployed where there is evidence of community transmission. Is B.1.617.2 variant driving the second wave in India? India reported 412,262 new Covid-19 cases and 3,980 Covid-19-related deaths on Thursday both new single-day records. In the past 30 days, the country has recorded 8.3million cases. However, it remains unclear whether the new coronavirus variants are driving the second wave. Experts say large gatherings, and lack of preventive measures such as mask-wearing or social distancing, are playing a key role in the spread of the virus. Although India has the world's biggest vaccine making capacity, the country has partially or fully immunised less than 10 per cent of its 1.35billion people. Advertisement PHE's report today found that Bolton was the English authority where the Covid case rate increased the most in the first week of May - rising from 85.2 per 100,000 to 187. It was followed by St Helens in Merseyside, where there was a similar percentage rise but actual case numbers remain low. Its infection rate rose from 8.3 per 100,000 to 18.3 in the most recent period. The Indian variant is not believed to be responsible for the rise. Beford and Sefton - where the virulent strain makes up more than half of cases - both saw infection rates more than double by May 9. Bedford is now recording a rate of 82.5 and Sefton's is 59.9. Blackburn's overall rate rose by 96 per cent in the latest week, jumping to 106.2. The Indian variant is the dominant strain in the Lancashire town. The report also found that cases had increased in half of England's local authorities. But PHE cautioned there was no need to panic yet because infections nationwide were 'stable' and hospitalisations have continued to drop. PHE is also expected to announce today that domestic cases of the Indian variant have more than tripled in a week, with the figure expected to be in the region of 1,700. Meanwhile, everyone over the age of 18 in Blackburn is being urged to come forward for a vaccine as local officials take matters into their own hands to deal with the Indian strain. It is not understood if the Government was aware of the move. The current guidance recommends that only adults aged over 38 should be invited to book vaccinations, with the exception of younger people who are key workers or have underlying health conditions. Local politicians in Blackburn slammed health officials after no arrangements were put in place for surge testing or vaccination. Three wards within Blackburn have reported cases of the deadly variant but no mobile units were in place for residents to get urgent tests. Councillor Iftakahr Hussain, who represents the ward of Bastwell and Daisyfield, one of the affected areas, told MailOnline: There are a lot of people in my area who are of Indian origin and many of them travelled to the country right up until it was placed on the red list. The Government have said how dangerous the Indian variant is, so it is quite ridiculous that no facilities are in place for surge testing. I just dont understand how that can happen? And I think the Government also needs to tell us why it took so long to put India on the red list. Mr Hussain said that coronavirus had already wreaked havoc within the area and fears are now increasing that the Indian variant might push up the death toll. He added: My ward is predominantly Asian, and we have already suffered enough with coronavirus. We have had many deaths and many people have been infected. Now the Indian variant is threatening to make the situation worse, just when we thought we had got over the worst of it and the lockdown was easing. The health authorities need to respond quickly and one of the best ways to do this is to ensure that people can get tested in these areas. Its very shocking for me that this is not happening. Mr Hussain claimed that in addition to travelling to India, many of his constituents also have family ties to Bolton, where Indian variant cases are even higher. But in contrast to Blackburn, several mobile testing sites had been set up in Bolton. Councillor Suleman Khonat, who represents the ward of Shear Brow and Corporation Park, another area hit by the Indian variant said: India should have been placed on the red list well before the UK Government actually did it. A lot of people from this area travel to India and returned at a time when cases there were very high. We have all seen the situation in India on the news and we are all worried that people from Blackburn have brought the variant from there back here. He added: My fear is that Blackburn could be placed under a local lockdown and that would have a devastating impact on the town. Locals claim that one of the locations where they had been informed that surge testing would be carried out was outside a local mosque. Khalid Hussain, 24 said: I went there with my parents and nothing was happening. Morning Eid prayers had finished but after that it was deserted. Were meant to be in the middle of a pandemic and if the Indian variant is in our area, then they should have testing in her for everyone. Its criminal that this isnt being done. His comments were echoed by a cross-party group of MPs and families living in other hotspots grappling the new variant. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus said a 'failure to act swiftly enough' had propelled the spread of the highly-infectious strain, which they warned could undo the success of the jab rollout and winter lockdown. Ministers only added India to the 'red list' in late April, despite the country suffering a devastating second wave and UK officials knowing about the B.1.617.2 variant for weeks. The delay saw thousands of travellers from the coronavirus-stricken nation flood into the UK. A Bolton woman whose family originate from India told MailOnline the Government was 'to blame' for an outbreak of the strain in the Greater Manchester town and rapidly rising case numbers nationally. Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, said she personally knows of dozens of fellow Bolton residents who arrived back in the town from India just days before travel was restricted. Doctors in India where the variant has triggered an explosion in cases claim there was sudden spike in Covid hospital admissions among people under 45, who have traditionally been less vulnerable to the disease. There have been anecdotal reports from medics that young people make up two third of new patients in Delhi. In Bangalore, under-40s made up 58 percent of infections in early April, up from 46 percent last year. But this could be completely circumstantial older people are more likely to shield themselves or to have been vaccinated and there is still no proof younger people are more badly affected by the new strain. The risk of children getting ill with Covid is still almost non-existent. Testing figures show the new variant is behind half of all Covid infections in Bolton, Blackburn, Bedford, South Northamptonshire and Sefton in Merseyside. Cases are also increasing in London. Fears are growing on the ground in Bolton, according to residents who spoke to MailOnline. Ms Shaikh said the blame for the outbreak of the variant lay firmly at the feet of ministers. 'Bolton has a very large community of people with Indian origins like me. And they were frequently travelling back and forth to the country right up until the moment India was placed on the red list,' she added. 'The UK Government should have got its act together and if you ask me, they're to blame for the Indian variant being in this country. The coronavirus situation in India started getting bad in March but there were people from Bolton who were still travelling there. 'They were coming back after about two or three weeks, returning to work and their kids went back to school. Look at the situation now in India and it's madness that our Government didn't' stop people from travelling there much earlier.' While only pockets of the country are being impacted at present, scientists have warned against tiered localised lockdowns and said the variant should be viewed as a national problem. Professor James Naismith, a biologist at Oxford University, claimed the strain will eventually 'get everywhere' as the Kent variant did when it emerged in the South East last autumn. He told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'I think we should view it as a country-wide problem. It will get everywhere. 'We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. When we tried locally having different restrictions in different regions that didn't really make any difference. So I don't think thinking about a localised strategy for containment will really work.' Striking a more optimistic tone, No10 adviser Professor Steven Riley, from Imperial College London, told Times Radio there was a need to keep an eye on variants but suggested the UK was currently in a good place thanks to how effective the vaccines were. Asked if the Indian Covid variant could 'frustrate' the vaccine programme, Professor Naismith said not enough was known to say for sure. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The vaccines don't 100 per cent prevent infection for people. What they do, is they almost 100 per cent prevent hospitalisation and serious illness. 'We don't know enough to know yet whether the Indian strain will behave differently than that. 'So even the regular virus can infect people who have been vaccinated and sometimes you do get reinfection. And the very, very large number of cases in India mean things that are rare will be detected.' It came after the environment secretary yesterday said the Government 'can't rule anything out' when it comes to localised lockdowns and trying to get on top of the Indian variant. George Eustice told Sky News: 'We want to try and avoid having to get into a tiered system and regionalisation, we tried that last autumn and in the end we had to go for full lockdown. 'But there is always a risk and the greatest risk we have is a new variant that will come in that the vaccine is less effective against it.' Quizzed about the lockdown-easing timetable, SAGE's Professor Riley told Times Radio it would be a political decision but suggested the vaccines would prevent rising infections turning into a wave of hospitalisations. People line up outside a mobile vaccination centre in Bolton, where coronavirus cases have almost doubled in a week Covid infections DOUBLE in a week in four Indian variant hotspots Coronavirus infections have doubled in a week in four Indian variant hotspots, official figures show, amid fears lockdown easing measures could be delayed because of the mutant strain. But Public Health England cautioned there was no need to panic yet because infections nationwide were 'stable' and hospitalisations have continued to drop. Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE's medical director, said it was proof that vaccines were working. Its latest surveillance report which goes up to May 9 shows Bolton saw the sharpest spike in cases last week, after its infection rate spiralled by 120 per cent. Infections also leapt by around 100 per cent in Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen and Sefton. Analysis by one of the UK's biggest variant trackers shows these areas are hotspots for the Indian variant, which now makes up the majority of cases in each. PHE did not give figures for another part of the country where the strain is thought to be dominant, South Northants. PHE publishes a surveillance report on the spread of the virus across the nation every week. It displays infection rates for every council. Bolton had the biggest spike in infections in the country last week, their figures showed, after cases leapt from 85.2 per 100,000 residents to 187.8. This was also the highest infection rate in the country. Bedford had the third biggest jump in cases, which surged by 107 per cent over seven days from 39.8 to 82.5 per 100,000. Sefton had the fourth, by 106 per cent from 26.1 to 53.9 per 100,000. And Blackburn with Darwen had the sixth, by 96 per cent from 54.1 to 106.2 per 100,000. PHE does not provide data on how many of these cases are down to the Indian variant, but sequencing by the Sanger Institute suggests it is dominant in these areas. The second biggest spike in infections was recorded in St Helens, also in Liverpool, where cases rose by 119 per cent. But they only increased from 8.3 to 18.3 per 100,000. It is thought the apparent high rise may be down to the low case rates, because even a small number of cases could lead to a big uptick. Sanger Institute data shows the B.1.617.2 variant has not been spotted in this borough at present. Advertisement He added: 'Whether the restrictions run on a timetable is a Government decision and it's just not useful to try and speculate what they will do. 'I think there's two key things that have got to be kind of evaluated: if infections go up, how quickly will they go up but then after that, are they linked to the hospitalisations? 'The top-line Government policy is driven by protecting the NHS, so even if infection starts to go up, we then need to assess whether that's bringing a lot of new cases into hospitals, and there's certainly no sign of that at the moment.' Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for over-16s in Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester area to be offered Covid vaccines earlier to quell the rise in cases of the Indian variant in Bolton. Residents there today expressed fears to MailOnline that the rise of the strain could jeopardise the easing of the lockdown and prevent normal life from returning. Businessman Dalawar Majeed, 42, who visited India earlier this year, before it was placed on the red list said: 'It's been a disastrous year financially and just when I was hoping that things would improve, we've now been hit with this Indian variant. 'I was in India visiting family in January at the situation was not that bad out there. There are many people in this town with ties to the country and regularly travel there and have obviously brought this strain back.' Frank Sullivan, 56 said: 'I was really looking forward to sitting inside a pub and having a pint. The concern now is that given the Indian variant, that might not happen. 'The Government have already said that they might introduce local lockdowns so if things continue as they are, Bolton might be one of those places. It's a big worry for us all.' Concerns over the spread of the variant have further increased as three-day Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims across the world. Bolton has a large Muslim population, many of them originating from India. Shah Ahmed, a member of a local mosque said: 'The mosques have been making announcements telling people not to visit each other's homes, hug and to maintain social distancing. 'But that is going to be very hard to implement. Eid is a festival that brings families and friends together, people have had a very had year and they are going to want to celebrate in the way they traditionally do.' Surge testing has been rolled out in Bolton and nearby Blackburn with Darwen where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. Trevor Lee, 55 was waiting for his wife Caroline, 49 outside a vaccination centre. Britain records 2,657 Covid cases and 11 deaths as outbreak creeps upwards Britain today announced 2,657 more coronavirus cases and 11 deaths as the country's outbreak remains flat but hospital admissions are still tumbling thanks to the vaccine rollout. The case count was on par with last Thursday's a 1.7 per cent rise from 2,613 while deaths were down 15 per cent, continuing three months of decline. Just 99 people were admitted to hospitals across the UK with Covid on Sunday the most recent count marking only the second time since last August that fewer than 100 new patients were taken in. Despite a levelling off in cases, which without vaccines would lead to stagnant hospital cases and deaths, Public Health England's medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle said today: 'Hospitalisations continue to fall, which shows the vaccine is working.' Another 184,210 people got their first doses yesterday along with 452,437 booster jabs, meaning 35.9million people have had at least one vaccine and 18.9m are fully immunised. But concerns are growing that the Indian variant is taking off in England and threatening plans to ease lockdown, with PHE figures showing that cases have doubled in areas where the strain is known to be spreading. Boris Johnson today admitted he was 'anxious' about the Indian variant spreading rapidly in the UK and warned the Government would 'rule nothing out' in its effort to contain it, but insisted the June 21 roadmap remains on track. Advertisement He said: 'There seem to be so many variants floating around I just can't keep up with it. To be honest, I've stopped following the news because it just gets me too worried. I'm going to carry on as normal and continued taking all the precautions.' Caroline added: 'I've just had my vaccine and I'm going to make sure that I get tested regularly because this Indian variant is very worrying for all of us. I just don't think we're ever going to see the back of this coronavirus problem.' Ray Cumberstone, 42 said: 'We should all be worried because we don't know how quickly this strain can spread. 'The good thing is that the authorities have picked up on this quite quickly so I'm praying that they will be able to control it before things get out of hand.' Gillian Callaghan, 56 said: 'I have had both vaccines, but it seems that with this Indian variant that might not be enough. Both my husband and I get tested regularly and we're going to continue with that, even though we've both had the jabs.' Her daughter Amy, 28 added: 'We were hoping to go on a family holiday to Scotland at the end of August. My fear is that if this variant gets out of control then they might lock Bolton down and that would be a disaster for us all.' Nicola Sturgeon tweeted last night that officials were 'monitoring very closely' the Indian variant's spread in Glasgow after cases rose above 50 per 100,000 - Scotland's threshold for easing restrictions. Infections have doubled since the end of April. Yesterday it was revealed that India's Covid variant is now dominant in four local authorities in England and its rapid spread could jeopardise plans to ease lockdown. Analysis by one of the UK's biggest variant trackers warned the strain is focused in hotspots Bolton and neighbour Blackburn with Darwen, where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. It came as the UK yesterday confirmed another 2,284 positive tests, up seven per cent on last Wednesday's figure, along with 11 more deaths. Another 485,260 vaccines were given out yesterday, of which 350,000 were second doses. This map shows the spread of the Indian variant across the UK. It is focused in key hotspots, and around Greater London Cases in Bolton have begun to rise in recent days as the variant takes hold in the area Blackburn with Darwen is also seeing virus cases beginning to tick up, reversing a four-month long trend of plummeting infections Bedford, where the variant may make up more than 70 per cent of cases, is also seeing a rise South Northamptonshire is starting to see its Covid cases rise, official data shows Professor James Naismith (left), a structural biologist at Oxford University, claimed the strain will eventually 'get everywhere' as the Kent variant did when it emerged in the South East last autumn. Striking a more optimistic tone, SAGE adviser Professor Steven Riley (right), from Imperial College London, told Times Radio there was a need to keep an eye on variants but suggested the UK was currently in a good place Proof vaccines still work against the Indian variant? 33 fully inoculated care home staff test positive in Delhi but NONE get severely ill AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. There are concerns the Indian variants, which have started spreading in the UK, could make jabs less effective and risk vaccinated people getting sick anyway. But in a case of 33 care home workers getting infected after vaccination in Delhi, India, none became seriously ill with the virus, the Financial Times reports. In the UK's second wave around one in 13 people who tested positive for the virus ended up in hospital, suggesting at least two of the 33 might have done so. Although the figure suggests the vaccine may struggle to prevent infection, it also hints that it will stop serious Covid and death, providing massive insurance against future outbreaks. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson today admitted the Indian variant spreading in Britain, known as B1617.2, is 'of increasing concern' as data showed it is already dominant in at least four parts of the country Bolton, Blackburn, Bedford and South Northamptonshire, with cases also surging in London. Pfizer said it believes its jab will work against the strain and SAGE advisers think it will protect against all known variants but real-world data is lacking. More than 36million people in the UK have had at least one dose of a vaccine and 18.4m are totally vaccinated. Most of the remaining lockdown rules are set to end next week. Reports of people getting infected in India after vaccination have worried some corners because it suggests the strain can slip past immunity. But experts say this is likely just a result of the sheer size of the outbreak. Vaccines are known to fail for a small proportion of people and, the more people getting exposed to the virus, the more people this small proportion will be equal to. For example if 1,000 vaccinated people came into contact with the coronavirus and the vaccine's failure rate was one per cent, you would expect 100 cases. But if a million vaccinated people encountered the virus with the same failure rate there would be 10,000 cases but the vaccine isn't performing any worse. In reality the jabs are thought only to prevent 60-85 per cent of infections but more than nine out of 10 deaths. Advertisement Early lab trials suggest the current vaccines will still protect against the Indian variants but there are concerns that a faster rate of spread could lead to a bigger outbreak, giving more opportunities for people to get reinfected. AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. And Pfizer said in a report there was 'no evidence' its shot would need to be updated to fight off the current variants. Data shows that seven out of England's 10 Covid hotspots are in the North of England with three in the Midlands (Erewash, Bedford and North Lincolnshire), while the places where positive tests are rising fastest are scattered across the country. There are not yet conclusive links to the variant. There are three Indian variants but only B.1.617.2 has sparked major concerns because cases have doubled in the past week, with 520 officially spotted since the first positive sample was detected in late February. It now makes up six per cent of cases nationally, a leap from fewer than one per cent last month. Some scientists have criticised Boris Johnson's plan to push on with lockdown easing on Monday, warning the rising cases and spread of the Indian variant suggest he should 'absolutely' hit the pause button until further research is carried out on its impact on the jab. Sanger Institute figures on the variants aim to exclude cases from international travellers and surge testing, revealing how troublesome variants spread in the community. For this reason their data do not include every case of the Indian variant identified. It is also impossible to sequence a strain from every swab because some contain too few virus particles. Bolton had the most cases of the Indian variant in England over the week to April 24, their data showed. There were 47 samples spotted (55 per cent of all cases in that area). It was followed by neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen, with lab sequencing spotting 19 genetic matches (55.7 per cent). Ten were also found in Bedford over the same period (53.8 per cent) and five in South Northamptonshire (76.9 per cent). But University College London mathematician Professor Christina Pagel cited other Sanger Institute data suggesting the strain may already be responsible for more than 65 per cent of cases in the hotspots. She found 75 per cent of those in the community in Blackburn with Darwen were down to the variant, and as many as 73 per cent in Bedford and 69 per cent in Bolton. Department of Health data shows Covid cases were ticking upwards in all three areas in the week to May 9, a reversal on a four-month trend of plummeting infections. Surge testing was only launched in Bolton four days ago, but officials say it will take about a week before it shows up in the statistics. Bolton has registered 707 new Covid cases over the two weeks since April 24, which means the true number of cases of the Indian variant spotted there could be in the region of 400. Cases jumped by 93 per cent in the space of a week. There were 241 Covid cases in Bolton over the week to May 1, and 466 in the week to May 8, a surge of 93 per cent. And Blackburn with Darwen had 229 infections over the same time period, indicating they may have more than 130 cases of the strain. This was a jump of 86 per cent. When official data was broken down to a more granular level it showed that five of the ten worst-hit neighbourhoods in the country were in Bolton. This is despite more than 50 per cent of people in the same postcode areas having already been vaccinated. ONS figures show that the proportion of people testing positive for coronavirus antibodies increases with age, with an average of 92.3 per cent of over-65s showing signs of immunity. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Charts show how the high levels of antibodies seen in the UK's oldest populations are being caught up by younger people as the vaccine rollout extends to lower age groups. The ZOE Covid Symptom Study app found the number of symptomatic Covid cases caught a day had risen by 65 per cent in a week to 2,800. But they said any infections in vaccinated people tended to be milder Valentin Marcone, 29, is being hunted by French police on suspicion of killing two of his colleagues at a sawmill Police in France are hunting for a sawmill worker who shot dead two colleagues after he was teased for not saying 'bonjour' as he arrived for his shift. Valentin Marcone, 29, is being sought by officers investigating a double murder in the village of Les Plantiers, in the south of France, on Tuesday morning. Police say Marcone - a married father with a newborn child - killed boss Luc Teissonniere, 55, and colleague Martial Guerrin, 32, in the sudden attack around 9.30am. Witnesses said Marcone opened fire with a handgun after being chided by Teissonniere for not saying 'hello' as he arrived for work. Teissonniere was shot three times in the head, before Marcone turned the gun on Guerrin as he tried to intervene, prosecutors said. Marcone - an experienced hunter who owns dozens of legal weapons - then fled into the surrounding forest and has not been seen since. While police have not disclosed an official motive, colleagues say Marcone had recently clashed with Teissonniere over his working hours. He was wearing a camouflage smock when last seen running into the mountainous countryside that surrounds Les Plantiers, which is in the middle of the Cevennes national park. Police say Marcone pulled a handgun and shot boss Luc Teissonniere three times in the head at this sawmill after he teased him for not saying hello, then shot colleague Martial Guerrin 'He has disappeared into the mountains, and is still in possession of at least one handgun and plenty of ammunition,' said an investigating source. 'Some 300 police and soldiers are now actively engaged in the manhunt for the suspect, who knows the area very well, and can easily survive in isolated countryside.' Eric Maurel, the Nimes prosecutor, said a double murder inquiry had been launched, and that Marcone was the prime suspect. He said he still 'presented a very real danger to public safety' and that anybody who spotted him should call the authorities immediately. The fact that Marcone took a gun to work 'suggested premeditation,' said Mr Maurel, and no motivation could be ruled out. 'We want to challenge this individual,' Mr Marcone said on Wednesday. 'If I have a message to send him, it is to come to his senses, and to lay down his arms. 'He owes it to his family, and to those of his victims. Our hope is a peaceful surrender.' GCSE and A-level papers from last summer's cancelled exams are being sold online for 1 each, it has emerged today. Schools in England are likely to turn to the 2020 papers, which were not sat by students, to help them determine grades for this year's candidates. Teachers will use mock exams and coursework to decide how highly a student should score in their GCSEs and A-levels following Boris Johnson's decision to axe examinations for a second year. But leaked copies of the papers have now emerged on social media, with accounts offering to sell question and answer sheets for as little as 1. One TikTok user has shared short clips scrolling through GCSE papers from the AQA and Edexcel exam boards - both of whom have not publicly released papers from 2020. In another post, they open a 'megalink' full of past papers for 12 subjects. GCSE and A-level papers from last summer's cancelled exams are being sold online for 1 each, it has emerged today. Pictured: A post offering the papers for 1 One account asked users to 'trade' papers while another shared a 'megalink' for sale for 12 The user says in the comments it is '12 for the link', while others have posted the November papers freely for people to view. A separate account took a different approach, asking fellow TikTok users to trade papers with them. In a video, they said: 'Anyone wanting Paper 2 Physics, Chemistry and Biology (GCSE AQA 2020)!! 'Trade any below! History (Edexcel); English lit and lang (AQA); Spanish (AQA)'. Similar posts can be found sharing A-Level papers, with one user writing simply: 'A-Level and AS 2020 and 2019 biology, chemistry and maths papers. 'DM my Instagram for prices. Enjoy lads.' Several exam boards had delayed the publication of their 2019 papers to allow teachers more options when grading pupils in early 2021. The AQA website says: 'Teachers can now access our June 2019 papers on e-AQA secure key materials (SKM). One TikTok user has shared short clips scrolling through GCSE papers from the AQA and Edexcel exam boards There are concerns that marks given by teachers could be undermined by pupils sharing the 2020 papers ahead of their mocks. Pictured: Papers posted online 'They will be available for longer, so that there is access to unseen mocks later in 2020 and early 2021. 'The 2019 papers will also be published on our main website in July 2021.' However, there are concerns that marks given by teachers could be undermined by pupils sharing the 2020 papers ahead of their mocks. One mother told the Guardian: 'The exam boards have assured the schools that the papers are 'secure' and are not in general circulation and are therefore safe to be used as exam papers. 'Last night I received an email from my son's school to say that they had become aware that he had been able to get prior access to the AQA biology paper 2 that he sat yesterday morning and as a result they were going to make him sit an entirely new exam on his own next week.' Teachers will use mock exams and coursework to decide how highly a student should score in their GCSEs and A-levels She added that results will be 'unreliable' if they are based on leaked exam papers. The Joint Council for Qualifications, which represents UK exam boards, said: 'We would strongly encourage students to use only publicly available materials via our websites, in addition to those provided by their exam centre.' The JCQ added the sale or exchange of assessment materials is 'unacceptable.' Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, also discouraged pupils from 'buying or selling papers on the internet.' He said: 'Everybody will be trying to do their best to assess their students as fairly as possible, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.' The fiance of a geography teacher who admitted to having sex with her 14-year-old student has vowed 'never to leave' her - just hours before appearing in court accused of raping a teenager he met on Snapchat. Mohammed Krayem, 22, stunned his friends by insisting he would stick by his fiancee Monica Elizabeth Young, 24, after she pleaded guilty to three charges of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent with a teenage pupil. But in a shock twist, Krayem fronted Bankstown Local Court on Thursday facing his own sexual assault charges. The 22-year-old was charged with sexual intercourse without consent following an alleged incident in a carpark in Sydney's western suburbs last year, 7 News reported. Krayem met the 19-year-old alleged victim on Snapchat in June last year, before meeting up in the carpark of Chullora Marketplace on August 24, the court heard. Mohammed Krayem, 22, vowed to stick by his fiancee Monica Elizabeth Young, 24, after she admitted to having sex with a student. He is now charged with raping a woman in a car The night before Krayem fronted court over rape charges, he insisted Young would 'always have my full support' Krayem shared a picture of his partner eating fairy floss, along with a red love heart last month in an intimate statement of support Police allege Krayem was naked in his car while he waited for the woman to arrive. The pair engaged in some consensual sexual acts, but police allege the intercourse that followed was not. Krayem's fiancee Young was in jail at the time of the alleged rape as her court case dragged on. She is now out on strict bail awaiting her sentencing hearing in June. When leaving court on Thursday, Krayem repeatedly told reporters 'no comment' when questioned about the charges. But the night before, Krayem insisted Young would 'always have my full support'. 'You never leave your loved ones, especially through a tough time,' he told Daily Mail Australia when asked if he was still together with his on-again, off-again partner. A source close to Krayem also claimed the couple were '100 per cent' back together, pointing toward his affectionate posts of support about Young three weeks ago as evidence. Krayem (left) faced court on Thursday charged with raping a teenager in a carpark in Sydney's west last year. His fiancee Young (right) was in jail at the time of the alleged incident Late last month Krayem posted a 'message to the haters' on his Facebook page dedicated to Young. He uploaded a video of himself kissing Young on the cheek and captioned it as 'my always and forever', before posting a separate picture of Young decorated with a love heart. Krayem had put on a united front with Young since she was charged in July last year, however, the couple split a few months back before reigniting flames. 'I'm fine,' he told Daily Mail Australia at the time. 'I'll be sticking beside her no matter the outcome. I'll always be beside her.' During her two last appearances at the NSW District Court, Young went without her engagement ring and had been supported by family. Young, 24, admitted three counts of sexual intercourse without consent earlier this week - sparing her victim from having to testify in court Young and Krayem were childhood sweethearts. They were due to be married before she was arrested on 12 charges relating to engaging in a sexual relationship with a child. She maintained her innocence right up until the last minute, when her legal counsel approached the Director of Public Prosecutions and indicated she would be willing to plead guilty to three of the charges. Her victim and another teenage boy were due to pre-record their evidence ahead of her five day trial beginning on September 21. However, the DPP indicted Young solely on the three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child - meaning her victim was no longer required to testify. Young's barrister, former top prosecutor Margaret Cunneen SC, told the court her client was 'very anxious to avoid a situation where [the victim] had to endure another weekend of concern about having to do this [give evidence]'. 'My instruction from Ms Young is to put him out of his misery as soon as possible,' she said. Krayem told Daily Mail Australia he will always support Young 'no matter the outcome' - but now faces serious sexual assault charges of his own Young (pictured) donned an all-black ensemble when she appeared in court last month Young stood before Judge Kate Traill in April and meekly pleaded guilty to having sex with her teenage student on three separate occasions in Sydney's west between June 21 and July 3 last year. A police statement of facts previously tendered in court said Young drove her pupil to a western Sydney park, mounted him and had sex in her car. Investigators obtained CCTV footage allegedly showing Young's car approaching the park, according to material before the court. The aggravated element of each of the charges stems from the fact that the boy was under her authority and that Young had a position of trust at the time of offending. She will undergo a psychiatric assessment before she is due to be sentenced in June. 'We have medical personnel lined up and are hopeful for some treatment regimes before the inevitable,' Ms Cunneen told the court. Judge Traill did not alter Young's bail conditions and she was allowed to remain at liberty. Young spent a month in custody last year before she was released on strict bail conditions The maximum penalty for each count of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child under 16 is 12 years' imprisonment. Crown Prosecutor Alexander Terracini told the court he would argue custody 'is the only option' for Young when she is sentenced on June 24. Currently living with family, Young must report to police on a daily basis, adhere to a strict 8pm to 8am curfew and can only leave the house while accompanied by her parents or grandmother. A NSW Education Department spokeswoman said Young was removed from its school as soon as they were made aware of the charges against her. 'Ms Young is on the Not To Be Employed List and cannot teach in NSW public schools.' An eyewitness 'saw Lady Lavinia Nourse sexually abuse a young boy twice' while her late husband, a Court of Appeal judge, 'promised to deal with it', a court heard today. Lady Lavinia, from Newmarket in Suffolk, is on trial at Peterborough's Nightingale court, in the Knight's Chamber at the city's cathedral, charged with historical sexual abuse. The 77-year-old was married to Sir Martin Nourse, who died in 2017 aged 85. Today, a woman told how she twice walked into a room and saw Lady Lavinia carrying out a sexual act on the boy. Giving evidence, she claimed that she told Nourse's late husband what she had seen after each incident and he had promised 'to deal with it.' Dame Mary Archer also appeared as a character witness and told the court that Lady Lavinia was a 'kind hearted' and 'generous' woman, and a keen flower arranger and hostess. Dame Mary Archer (pictured above) appeared as a character witness for Lady Lavinia Nourse, the widow of a High Court judge, at a child sex abuse trial today Lady Lavinia, from Newmarket in Suffolk, 77, pictured arriving at Peterborough Knights Hall, a temporary nightingale court in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral, today Earlier today, an eyewitness told how she twice walked into a room and saw Lady Lavinia carrying out a sexual act on the boy. The woman said Nourse and the boy were alone in the room when she first witnessed the abuse. She said that the second incident happened possibly several weeks or 'a couple of months later' when another woman was also present. The witness said she saw the other woman 'smiling' as Nourse carried out the abuse in front of her. Mr Caplan, defending, suggested to the witness that the abuse did not happen. Dame Mary (above outside court today) said she had gotten to know Nourse and her husband in 1980 He told her: 'I am suggesting that you have misconstrued in your recollection some innocent behaviour which was not abuse or inappropriate.' The woman replied: 'I am terribly sorry, but I did see what I saw, and no way can I say that I didn't, and that's it.' The alleged victim in the case spoke to the witness and recorded their conversation three years ago. He told her in the recording which was played to jurors that he had been abused as a boy and that Sir Martin had 'looked the other way'. The woman told the alleged victim during the conversation that she had witnessed him being abused once. Mr Caplan asked her why she had later told police that she had seen two incidents of abuse. She replied that she had just wanted to let the alleged victim know that she 'had seen something' and then told police 'what I had actually seen'. Defence barrister Jonathan Caplan QC then introduced Dame Mary to jurors as the wife of Lord Archer, chairman of the Science Museum and President of Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust in Cambridge. Dame Mary said she had gotten to know Nourse and her husband in 1980 when they both lived in the same village of Grantchester near Cambridge. Lady Nourse (pictured on Tuesday) has gone on trial at the temporary nightingale court, where she denies 17 counts of sexually abusing a boy under the age of 12 She said: 'My husband and I moved to Cambridge in 1976 so I could take a job and we brought our wonderful home, the Old Vicarage at Grantchester in 1979. 'Lavinia came to me fairly early in 1980 to ask if I would be so kind as to open my garden to the public as she was county organiser for the National Garden Scheme. Dame Mary went on: 'If I say she was house proud, it's not quite what I mean. Her two houses that I knew were perfect. She could cook and flower arrange and do the things I cannot do terribly well. 'She has a kind heart. She has a wide circle of friends. She is well read and I am very, very fond of her. 'I would say that she is normally quite outgoing, but I remember a patch in the early 1980s when she didn't seem so well. I don't know the reason. I remember we had wined and dined at each other's houses. 'I remember Martin and Lavinia coming to lunch, I am pretty sure it was a Sunday. I remember Martin helping Lavinia out of the car. She looked terrible. She looked really bad. 'I came to the conclusion that she must have had a miscarriage or something.' Dame Mary also said that she understood Nourse had been involved in a shoplifting incident at the time which did not result in a conviction. She added: 'Clearly she was not herself at all.' Asked about the level of their friendship, Lady Archer said: 'She is one of my closest friends and one of my oldest friends too. We have shared a lot of confidences. 'For example her daughter Charlotte married a barrister. That marriage sadly failed. Before it was public she came to me terribly upset about it. She shared confidences with me.' The court also heard that Lady Lavinia was voluntarily interviewed about allegations of historical sexual abuse at Parkside police station in Cambridge in January 2019 with a solicitor present. A transcript of part of her interview under police caution was read to the jury, with Detective Constable Mark Beaven reading his lines and Lady Lavinia's responses read by prosecution barrister Jennifer Knight QC. Lady Lavinia (pictured on Tuesday), the widow of Court of Appeal judge Sir Martin Nourse, told police that the allegations against her were 'Cloud Cuckooland', jurors heard on Thursday In the interview transcript, Mr Beaven asked Lady Lavinia: 'What account could you give me about that allegation?' She replied: 'It simply never happened.' She was asked if she had ever touched the boy sexually, and she replied, 'No'. When asked if she had ever allowed him to touch her sexually or if she had any sexual interest in children, she said repeatedly: 'Certainly not'. Referring to the allegations made against her, she said: 'It is complete fantasy. I can't give an account of something that didn't happen. I don't know what to say It is real cloud cuckoo land.' She told the officer: 'I had depression, mental breakdown, I suffer from quite severe depression.' Mr Beaven asked if this 'incapacitated' her, to which she replied: 'Yes, I was receiving therapy.' Asked how often this was she replied 'not really', adding: 'It was an aim to get me back on my feet, it got less and less.' She said she was never admitted to hospital but had appointments with the then head of the psychiatric department at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. She said he allowed her to use a rear entrance to the hospital so she did not have to come through the main building 'to help me to keep my dignity'. Lady Lavinia denies 17 counts of sexually abusing a boy under the age of 12. The charges, which all relate to the same male complainant, are five counts of indecently assaulting a boy and 12 counts of indecency with a child. Lady Lavinia and Sir Martin Nourse married in 1972 and had two children together. Lady Archer appearing at the court as a character witness for the judge's widow at a child sex abuse trial today Lady Archer holds up her bag to be checked as she arrives at the court. The trial, which is set to last two weeks, continues The couple moved to the 18th century Dullingham House in Newmarket, Suffolk, in 1994. The pair were described by The Telegraph as 'gregarious' and often threw soirees at their country estate with friends. Sir Martin was born in Cambridge in 1932. His father was a GP and his maternal grandfather was Sir Charles Henry Sargant, a High Court judge in Chancery and a Lord Justice of Appeal. Inspired by his mother's father, he went on to attend Winchester College before going on to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge after two years' national service. In a distinguished career spanning decades, he specialised in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division at the Court of Appeal. He retired in 2006 but continued to sit in the court part-time. One of his most notable cases took place in 1979, when he gave the Inland Revenue permission to sue the estate of the late Selfridges billionaire Sir Charles Clore. The trial continues. Advertisement BA chiefs have today revealed the future of post-Covid air travel ahead of the lifting of the UK's international travel ban. Online check-in systems, virtual queuing schemes and even a virus-busting UV robot are among a raft of new measures lined up at Heathrow Airport ahead of the lifting of restrictions on non-essential travel next week. Britons will be given the green light to legally leave the UK on Monday when the Government finally opens the airport gates for holidays and trips abroad. Families will be allowed to travel to a handful of 'green list countries' without having to self-isolate on their return from Monday. Countries including Portugal, Iceland and conflict-torn Israel are among the destinations on the list. However airline chiefs are still anxiously awaiting news on whether Portugal will lift its travel ban for British travellers, with a decision expected ahead of Sunday. Ahead of the lifting of restrictions in the UK, BA have today announced their new measures for keeping passengers safe from Covid. Among the measures are: A new online check-in system which allows customers to book a check-in slot in advance of their flight; A new virtual queuing system which travellers can use for check-in and for boarding the plane; A cheaper 40.41 PCR test and a lateral-flow test which passengers can take while they are abroad; T he trial of a super accurate 25 second Covid test which could be rolled out to customers later this summer; A dedicated family check in area for parents with children aged up to 12; Use of powerful UV robots to help clean high contact areas such as toilets. BA chiefs have today revealed the future of post-Covid air travel ahead of the lifting of the UK's international travel ban. Online check-in systems will be part of the measures Virtual queuing schemes and even a bacteria killing UV robot are among a raft of new measures lined up at Heathrow Airport ahead of the lifting of travel restrictions next week. Pictured: Heat stations which track people's temperatures will also be implemented Passenger areas, including the lounges (pictured), will be social distanced to minimise any transmission risks Passengers will be able to use a virtual queuing system to board the plane - preventing a 'bottleneck' at the gates A staff member cleans in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in west London ahead of international travel restarting on Monday A passenger looks for a seat in the departures area in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport earlier today before next week's rush A Heathrow COVID safety marshal patrols the departures area in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in west London today Temperature checks on passengers in the departures area in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in west London today One of the biggest changes will see BA push for customers to do more before they get to the airport - though they can still opt for the usual check-in method if they chose. British Airways reveals world-first trial of Covid test that gives results in 25 SECONDS British Airways today announced it will be the world's first airline to trial an ultra-rapid coronavirus test which produces results within 25 seconds ahead of the return to global travel from Monday. The airline, which has been forced to make thousands of redundancies as a result of the enormous damage inflicted on the global travel industry during the coronavirus crisis, called the pilot scheme a 'game changer'. Flight and cabin crew will be required to take a Pelican covid antigen test from medical tech company Canary Globalm, with results to be compared against their standard test results. Users apply a sample of their saliva to a disposable sensor unit, which is shaken and inserted into a digital reader connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device such as a smartphone. The test result is made available on an app within 25 seconds and correctly identifies 98 per cent of people who have coronavirus and 100 per cent of those who do not, the airline said. In a statement, BA said the pilot scheme was 'recently approved for use in Europe and UK' and is being assessed in the US. BA this week penned an open letter alongside the bosses of Delta, Virgin, American Airlines and JetBlue which begged US President Joe Biden and British premier Boris Johnson to reopen transatlantic travel urgently to save economies and reunited families separated for more than a year. It comes after Downing Street declined to add the US to its 'green list' of safe destinations that British holidaymakers will be allowed to visit from Monday, May 17 without having to quarantine. However, arrivals must test negative for coronavirus before and after getting back to the UK. BA chief executive Sean Doyle said today: 'As we start to see the opening up of travel we remain committed to exploring easy and affordable testing solutions to help our customers travel again, whether it's for business, to reunite with family and friends or take a much-needed break abroad. 'We think this new ultra-rapid test is a game changer so we are delighted to work with the team at Canary to begin initial trials with our flight and cabin crew, before exploring what role it could play as a customer testing option.' Advertisement BA will utilise its app to encourage people to book a check-in slot online before arriving at the airport. Customers will also have a specific area - called Right To Fly - in their app which will allow them to check the travel restrictions in the country they are visiting. They can then 'tick off' the measures, including submitting evidence of negative Covid tests, uploading their vaccine credentials and giving details for their passenger locator forms in advance. BA will also team up with Verifly to offer an alternative service, for those wanting to use a different app. Passengers will also be encouraged to book Covid tests in advance - with each country having different rules on which tests are needed for entry and when they should be taken. BA today revealed it had signed a new deal to offer cut price 40.41 PCR tests - which can cost upwards of 100. PCR tests are currently regarded as the 'gold standard' of testing. Results come from a laboratory - meaning they are more expensive and can take days to produce a result. BA say they are also trialling a new 'nanotech' saliva based antigen test which could produce results in up to 25 seconds with between 98 to 100 per cent accuracy. The tests, provided by Pelican, are currently being trialled on BA cabin crew, but bosses say it could be available to passengers by the summer. BA chief executive Sean Doyle said today: 'We think this new ultra-rapid test is a game changer so we are delighted to work with the team at Canary to begin initial trials with our flight and cabin crew, before exploring what role it could play as a customer testing option.' The airline revealed they have also signed a deal with Qured, a company which allow customers to take a lateral flow test abroad, book a video appointment so a doctor can watch the test take place, and then submit the results online. Bosses say such schemes will be useful for those travelling to countries without large testing infrastructure. When arriving at the airport, customers - who will have to wear facemasks inside the terminal - will have access to a huge supply of Covid killing hand-sanitiser and hand wipes. BA chiefs say they will have 10,000 anti-bacterial wipes and 3,000 litres of hand sanitiser fluid, in 400 dispensers, available to customers at its Heathrow check-in areas at any one time. There will also cleaning carried out by special virus-busting UV robots, which burn bacteria to death. The robots, commonly used to clean operating theatres, will be used in areas such as the toilets of Heathrow. The machines omit harmful UV rays which destroy the DNA of viruses and bacteria. But, because of the dangers, the robots can only be used to clean empty rooms and are operated remotely by staff. Along with bacteria killing robots, BA have also set up a virtual queuing system which they say will 'stop bottlenecks' of passengers. Passengers will scan a QR-code into the Qmatic system and wait for their number to be called before going to the check-in area. The trial will also be used at the check-in gate. Other initiatives include a family check-in gate, specifically aimed at parents travelling with children aged under 12. However, despite the raft of new measures, BA say they do not expect customers to arrive earlier than usual at the airport. BA chiefs say they will have 10,000 anti-bacterial wipes and 3,000 litres of hand sanitiser fluid, in 400 dispensers, available to customers at its Heathrow check-in areas at any one time There will also cleaning carried out by special virus-busting UV robots, which burn bacteria to death A female member of staff stands by check-in in Terminal 5 and pulls out some surface wipes to clean the area A virtual queuing system will be in place through Qmatic, which will prevent customers from waiting around at the check-in desks In fact, BA chiefs hope the new measures will actually cut time at the terminals - thus reducing the amount of time passengers spend waiting around. Tom Stevens, BA Director of Customer Experience told MailOnline: 'We are doing everything we can to make it as familiar as possible. Is the air safe on planes? BA medical chief explains how the ventilation system really works A BA medical chief has revealed how plane air systems really work, amid passenger concern about catching Covid. Dr Mike Harrigan, Head of BA Health Service, BA, told MailOnline that the air system on planes in flight is half recycled air and half air from the outside of the plane. But he said that the recycled air is put through an air circulation system before being pumped back into the cabin. He said the filter used is a High Efficiency Particulate Filter - the type used in operating theatres. He told MailOnline: 'In reality the air in a cockpit is replaced every two or three minutes. This is about 15 times more than the average home with a ventilation system.' Advertisement 'We are not asking people to come to the airport earlier and we are not expecting congestion as you check in. 'We are doing a huge amount of work pre-airport.' Meanwhile, flight crew and pilots are being prepared ahead of the return to international travel on Monday. With much of the airline's fleet grounded during the pandemic, many BA staff, including pilots, have been furloughed. But bosses say pilots have been rotated to keep them flying throughout the pandemic to keep them practised. BA's Director of Flight Operations, Captain Al Bridger, told MailOnline that staff were 'looking forward' to flying again. He said: 'I think it is natural for people to be apprehensive, but when they see all the measures that have been in place to make it Covid secure and the other measures that have been put I place I'm sure people will feel relaxed. 'I think all of the staff are really looking forward to getting back to flying again.' BA has been forced to make thousands of redundancies as a result of the enormous damage inflicted on the global travel industry during the coronavirus crisis. Thousands of staff have also been furloughed due to the low number of passengers taking flights during the non-essential international travel ban - which is due to end on Monday. Earlier this week the airline penned an open letter alongside the bosses of Delta, Virgin, American Airlines and JetBlue which begged US President Joe Biden and British premier Boris Johnson to reopen transatlantic travel urgently to save economies and reunited families separated for more than a year. It comes after Downing Street declined to add the US to its 'green list' of safe destinations that British holidaymakers will be allowed to visit from Monday, May 17 without having to quarantine. However, arrivals must test negative for coronavirus before and after getting back to the UK. The Department for Transport has said it will review its policy on June 28. British Airways staff standing in the doorway of a plane as they prepare to welcome holidaymakers on Monday, May 17 BA staff wearing face masks stand at check-in in Heathrow's Terminal 5 as they prepare to welcome back tourists An aerial view of a gate in Terminal 5 shows how seating has been made covid-secure, with signs blocking every other chair A waiter wearing a face mask in Terminal 5 brings customers glasses of alcohol before they fly with British Airways Airport staff in Terminal 5 make the terminal covid-secure as they prepare to welcome holidaymakers from next week The countries on the 'green list' from May 17 are: Portugal including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; the Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; the Falkland Islands; and Israel They said they need adequate time to plan routes and to staff them after an announcement is made, and that June 11-13 - when the two leaders meet at the G7 in Cornwall, England - would be the perfect time to announce it. 'The return of Transatlantic flying would not only have a significantly positive impact on our respective economies but will also reunite those who have been separated from their loved ones for over a year.' THE RULES ON UK-US TRAVEL ENTERING AMERICA FROM THE UK No non-citizens can enter the US from the UK without a visa waiver or other special circumstances. The UK is on a list of banned countries along with 27 in Europe, Iran, China, India and South Africa, from which direct travel is banned if it has happened in the last 2 weeks. WHO CAN TRAVEL TO AMERICA? Every other country in the world that is not on the banned list. ENTERING THE UK FROM AMERICA The US is now on a list of 'Amber' countries in the UK which means people can travel from them but upon arrival in the UK, they have to quarantine for 10 days and take multiple COVID-19 tests. WHO CAN TRAVEL TO THE UK? Only countries on the 'Green' list can travel freely to the UK and only from May 17. Those countries are; Australia, Brunei, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel and Jerusalem, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Georgia, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Advertisement Both the US and the UK have vaccinated roughly a third of their populations and travel to and from each country from multiple others is allowed, but free travel between them has been banned since March 2020. Currently, and as has been the case since March last year, a non-US citizen cannot fly directly from the UK into America. British rules have fluctuated but currently, anyone from the US can fly to the UK so long as they quarantine for 10 days upon arrival and take multiple Covid-19 tests. A new report on Tuesday from Airlines for America revealed that in the first quarter of 2021 alone, the major US airlines lost $7billion between them. That is on top of the $35billion they collectively lost in 2020. The report predicted that it will take until 2023 for normal levels of air travel to resume. Between February 2020 and February 2021, the number of US airline employees dropped by 66,000. Globally, it dropped by 46,000. BA caused panic for thousands of Britons rushing out to Portugal from May 17 after sending an official warning that their holiday could be illegal and they may be fined 5,000 each if they go. The airline's message to customers booked on to planes to Faro next week came just six days before the country is put on Britain's 'green list' from Monday. In a message sent to passengers booked on flights from Heathrow to Faro, seen by The Independent , BA warns: 'You can only travel internationally from England for legally permitted reasons. This does not include holidays.' And adding to the confusion, BA has said that passengers must fill out a Declaration to Travel form, even though they are due to be axed from May 16. Failure to fill one in is punishable by a 5,000 fine and even arrest. The message added: You may be required to show the form at the port of departure. It is an offence to enter a port of departure or embarkation point without a properly completed form if you are travelling internationally. Some job-related exemptions apply. 'You may be issued with a fixed penalty notice and directed to return home if you do not have a valid reason for travel.' The confusion over guidance is bad news for BA, whose flights to the Algarve are one of its few 'Green List' destinations. Last week the Foreign Office updated its official travel advice to say that they no longer advise against all but essential travel to Portugal. But the Portuguese Government is yet to update its entry requirements to match, just six days until Britons are due to start arriving on holiday. Yesterday MailOnline revealed that thousands of Britons will use a loophole to fly into 'green list' Portugal after May 17 before travelling over land to their holiday homes in Spain, France and Italy. A British Airways pilot wearing a face mask sits in the cock-pit as Terminal 5 prepares to welcome holidaymakers A shot of Terminal 5 in Heathrow shows social distancing markers and public health messaging on 'hands, face and space' A view of a surface wiper dispense at baggage drop-off and check-in at Terminal 5 in Heathrow ahead of Monday, May 17 A member of staff wearing a mask holds a smartphone after scanning a QR code to check-in virtually in Terminal 5 A member of staff is seen wearing a mask and wiping down chairs separated by protective glass in Terminal 5 A waiter presents a BA customer with glasses of alcohol next to a surface wiper dispenser in Heathrow's Terminal 5 Travellers wearing face masks walk through Heathrow's Terminal 5 ahead of the easing of restrictions on Monday, May 17 A female traveller wearing a face mask waits for a flight out of Heathrow's Terminal 5 ahead of restrictions easing A BA member of staff wearing a face mask stands next to a coronavirus testing centre in Terminal 5 in Heathrow Downing Street played down the possibility of a delay to the Government's lockdown roadmap and insisted its schedule was still on track The opening up of flights next week has seen a rush of people planning to jet to Faro, Porto or Lisbon with nothing to stop them renting a car so they can then drive into Europe, experts say. The land border between Portugal and Spain is open with the French border with EU countries expected to follow suit from as early as May 19, meaning British travellers will likely avoid having their passports checked. And Britons with second homes in Europe can travel to them if they are preparing them for sale or need to carry out urgent repairs - but with most short haul flights to France and Spain axed, people are planning alternative ways to get there. Online flights search engine Skyscanner has said that bookings to Portugal are already up 660 per cent per day based on a week ago - and people have taken to social media to admit they are planning to use the loophole to get to holiday homes. Travel guru Paul Charles, founder of the PC Agency consultancy, told MailOnline: 'I think you will see a big rush on flights to Portugal because there are hundreds of thousands of Britons with second homes in Spain, France and Spain. 'Many won't have visited for more than a year - and will be desperate to get away from the UK. Others may want to see family abroad. They could drive across and then sit tight until the end of June when those countries are expected to go green'. Mr Charles has also predicted that a version of the NHS' digital vaccine passport will be up and running by May 17, while UK and Portugal Government advice warning against travel to and from Portugal will be changed ahead of the great holiday restart in a week's time. 'Holidaymakers travelling to and from Portugal will be viewed as a way to test how the travel system will work in Covid times before opening up to the rest of Europe, probably around June 21', he said. BA warned passengers on flights to Faro: 'You can only travel internationally from England for legally permitted reasons. This does not include holidays', despite Portugal being on the official 'Green List' from Monday Thousands of Britons have booked to go to Portugal as the country opens up properly to tourists for the first time since 2020, but official guidance is yet to be updated British second home owners with properties in Spain, France and Italy may choose to fly into Portugal and drive to them when flights open up on May 17, experts have predicted Mr Charles added that while the borders between Portugal and its European neighbours would be open, travellers would have to be aware of the local rules in their final destination, but France, Spain and Italy are all easing their lockdown in the coming weeks. The border between Spain and Portugal is open - while proof of a negative test is required to pass into France from Spain. Anyone caught travelling abroad from the UK for a non-essential reason to a non-green list country could be issued with a fixed penalty fine of 5,000. Can I go on holiday from May 17? The Government has announced the green, amber and red lists for international travel. -Who is on the green list? It consists of Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, plus several small remote islands which are British Overseas Territories. - So I can go on holiday to anywhere on that list? Not quite. Entry to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and the Faroe Islands is severely restricted. - Where can I go? Portugal plans to welcome UK tourists who have had a recent negative test, have recovered from the virus and therefore have antibodies, or had both doses of a vaccine. Gibraltar will not require UK visitors to be tested or vaccinated, whereas Israel will initially reopen its border on May 23 only to groups of foreign tourists who have had both jabs. None of these destinations will require arrivals to quarantine. - What about the amber list? That covers the most popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said 'you should not be travelling to these places right now' - What if I go against that guidance? People returning from amber countries must take two post-arrival tests. They are also required to self-isolate at home for 10 days, although they can reduce that time if they take an additional negative test on day-five. - How about the red list? Those returning from a red list country must stay in a quarantine hotel for 11 nights at a cost of 1,750. - Will the lists change? The lists can be amended at any time, but wholesale changes are not expected to occur until the situation is reviewed at a 'checkpoint' on June 28. - What about vaccine passports? Grant Shapps confirmed that people in England will be able to demonstrate they have had both doses of a vaccine through the NHS app. Advertisement But if you have a second home, you are legally authorised to travel there from the UK if you are going to organise selling it, buying it, renting it or letting it out. The same rules apply in Europe, where Brits are expected to argue why it is 'vital' to travel to those homes in a pandemic. A spokesman for the airline said: 'At British Airways we are looking forward to welcoming our customers back on board. We are in the process of adjusting our emails to customers, to reflect the change in the government's travel advice to certain destinations.' People have taken to social media to admit they are planning to use the Portugal loophole. One said: 'Do you realise that I can travel to Portugal, a green country, rent a car then drive to Spain or France (amber countries) then come back home to the UK and completely avoid any testing or isolation requirements? Another tweeted: 'Fly to Gibraltar and enter Spain? It can be recorded as you're crossing an international border. Fly to Portugal and drive to Spain? Who's to know'. One user urged to Government to put Spain on 'green' to ensure visitors don't bring back Covid variants. He wrote: 'So you can fly to Portugal, drive then into Spain and fly back to Uk from Portugal and be treated as a green country. So why not put Spain on then Green list and ensure the necessary testing is in place'. Hugh Aitken, vice president of flights at online booking service Skyscanner, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'On Friday we saw over 119 per cent increase in bookings day on day just as travellers started to respond to the green light to start international travel. 'Portugal itself saw a well over a 660 per cent increase in bookings out of UK day on day. Very positive and a good start. The key thing is we're certainly seeing the demand out there'. Zina Bencheikh, managing director in Europe for Intrepid Travel, which operates small group tours around the world, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We know there is a pent-up demand, we know that travellers want to travel, it's just about when they will be able to do so. 'I do think that travellers need to book their holidays in advance because there are so many flexible possibilities, they can change last-minute, they can request for a refund as well dependent on which company they book their trip with, and I think that flexibility will give peace of mind for not worrying about prices increasing in the near future.' It came as Britons learned they could head to Italy without having to quarantine on arrival as soon as mid-May - but will still be forced to self-isolate for 10 days on their return if they don't stay for six weeks or so. Foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said he is planning on lifting quarantine restrictions for travellers from Britain, Israel and European countries in a bid to revive its flagging tourism industry. Quarantine requirement may be scrapped for those arriving from the United States from June, Di Maio said. He met with Health Minister Roberto Speranza to discuss the easing of restrictions for countries where vaccination levels are high. 'We are working to lift the 'mini-quarantine' for people coming from European countries, the UK and Israel, if they have a negative swab, proof of vaccination or have recovered from COVID within the last 6 months. Same thing for the U.S.', he wrote in a post on Facebook. People entering Italy from other European countries and Israel currently face five days of quarantine and mandatory testing both before arrival and at the end of their isolation period. The current rules on EU arrivals expire on May 15. There has been a rush on flights and holiday bookings to the Algarve from next week, but some Brits may choose to go further afield as Europe opens up For travellers arriving from the United States the required quarantine period is 10 days. However, for UK holidaymakers, Italy remains on the 'amber' list of countries meaning people are being advised not to travel there. Travellers who go against the guidance and head to an amber destination must self-isolate at home for 10 days and take two post-arrival tests. Other popular holiday destinations are on the amber list including France, Greece and Spain, whereas Portugal, Israel and Gibraltar are on the green list. Di Maio said Italy would also be working to increase the number of 'Covid-free' flights to and from the United States, and to end the quarantine requirement from June. Italy began a cautious reopening on April 26 after months of coronavirus restrictions, with bars and restaurants permitted to serve customers outdoors. The country is desperate for the return of tourists as it seeks to recover from a major recession sparked by the pandemic, but health experts still urge caution. Italy recorded another 10,000 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday and 224 deaths, taking the total to more than 122,000 - the highest rate in the EU, while around 27 per cent of the population have received their first vaccination dose. 'I, like I think most Italians, want to reopen, I want people to go back out to work, to have fun, to be together,' Prime Minister Mario Draghi told reporters Saturday after an EU summit in Portugal. 'But... we have to do it safely, that is, calculating the risk that we run.' He highlighted the importance of getting the EU's mooted 'Green Pass' up and running, which would allow travel within the bloc to those with immunity, vaccinations or a negative coronavirus test. Italy had been the world's fifth-most visited destination, but visitor numbers collapsed by more than 60 percent from 2019 to 2020. Google searches for 'holidays to Portugal' soared more than 3,000 per cent in the hour after the Government named it as one of the countries that will be on its 'green' safe travel list from May 17. On Friday, the Department for Transport revealed at a Downing Street briefing that travellers will be able to visit 12 destinations - including Portugal - from May 17 without having to self-isolate on return to England. Speaking soon after the briefing, the boss of a travel firm analysing Google data said that searches for 'holidays to Portugal' had 'skyrocketed' by 3,233 per cent compared to ten minutes before Transport Secretary Grant Shapps' announcement. Searches for Israel and Gibraltar - which are also on the green list - were up by 1,329 per cent and 488 per cent, the Sun reported. However, travel bosses demanded that more countries be put on the quarantine-free list as they criticised the 'overly cautious' ministers for only approving 12 destinations so far. Of the nations and territories on the list, only the above three, as well as Iceland, are allowing Britons in without the need to quarantine. People returning to England from a green destination from May 17 will not be required to self-isolate and are only required to take one post-arrival coronavirus test. The green list also features several remote British Overseas Territories and destinations where visits are heavily restricted, such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and the Faroe Islands. Advertisement Universal credit benefit fraud and error has nearly doubled in a year during the pandemic to hit a record high - with 8.4billion lost in just 12 months, Government data revealed today. Officials said the shockingly high figure, up from 4.6billion the previous year, was almost entirely down to fraud with the number of people on universal credit also doubling to six million since the Covid-19 crisis began. The increase in fraud has been put down to more Britons applying for the benefit and the value of each case going up - rather than a higher proportion of people carrying out the crime, the Department for Work and Pensions said. Overall fraud and error across the benefits system went up by nearly two-thirds in a year to 3.9 per cent in 2020/21, while the rate on universal credit went up by more than a half to 14.5 per cent. Many cases involve people claiming too much money, such as by withholding some income details while others see criminal gangs stealing people's details to apply for advance payments before the real person gets the bill. Overall overpayments and underpayments are shown as a percentage of expenditure in the above Government graph. Some 3.9 per cent of benefit expenditure was overpaid in 2021/21, which was the highest overpayment rate to date and amounted to 8.4billion of overpayments. Meanwhile 1.2 per cent of benefit expenditure was underpayed, also the highest rate to date The proportion of total benefit expenditure that relates to universal credit has almost doubled, as the above graph shows Within the total overpayment rate, the increase was driven by a significant increase in the fraud overpayment rate Problems were exacerbated after the Government relaxed some welfare rules amid a surge in demand for universal credit in March and April last year when the pandemic first took hold in Britain, reported BBC News. Criminal gangs started targeting the benefit and managed to steal up to 1.5billion after identity checks were processed online rather than in person, and some information was not checked such as the cost of rent. Another issue was many new claimants last year applying for both universal credit and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme with income from the latter meaning people should receive less universal credit. It comes as benefit chiefs are set to recheck one million universal credit cases for possible fraud, with one DWP director saying thousands of people face getting a 'tap on the shoulder' following the rise in fraud and error. Within total overpayments, the increase was driven by a rise in fraud overpayments, from 1.4% in 2019/20 to 3% in 2020/21 The increase in the universal credit overpayment rates has been driven by an increase of 5.2 percentage points in fraud The rise in the fraud overpayment rate is primarily due to a 2.5 percentage point increase in earnings/employment Many claimants now face receiving an 'administrative penalty' to repay amounts they were wrongly given in future benefits, while the DWP said criminal prosecution will be used in the biggest cases of 'egregious fraud'. Claimants who gave the wrong information in the heat of the pandemic risk being slapped with an 'administrative penalty', forcing them to repay any amounts they were wrongly given out of their future benefits. But Labour MP Stephen Timms, chairman of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, told the Daily Mirror: 'DWP has falsely accused many people of fraudulently claiming a universal credit advance. 'They took money out of the salary of one of my constituents, and he didn't get it back for over a year. I worry that this new checking exercise could cause similar problems.' The rise in the universal credit underpayment rate has been driven by an increase of 0.5 percentage points in claimant error The increase in the claimant error underpayment rate is mainly due to a 0.3 percentage point increase in housing costs Almost half of universal credit 'cannot review' cases were categorised as 'inconclusive' Another Labour MP and committee member, Neil Coyle, told the newspaper: 'Universal credit has the highest fraud and error rate of any UK benefit ever introduced. Ministers have been ignoring its problems for far too long.' A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said today: 'Fraud and error in the benefits system remains low with 95 per cent of benefits worth more than 200billion paid correctly. 'We take any abuse of taxpayers' money very seriously and those who claim benefits they are not entitled to will face criminal prosecution. 'We also have robust plans in place to recover fraudulent claims and drive fraud and error down to the lowest feasible level.' Labor has pledged to build 30,000 social and affordable houses over five years through a $10billion future fund if the party wins the next federal election. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese used Thursday's budget reply speech to reveal his plans to create the kitty from borrowed money. In its first five years, investment returns would build 20,000 social houses with 4,000 allocated for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and older women on low incomes at risk of homelessness. Health and emergency services workers would be allocated a further 10,000 affordable properties. 'The security of a roof over one's head should be available to all Australians,' Mr Albanese told parliament. Labor has pledged to build 30,000 social and affordable houses over five years through a $10billion future fund if the party wins the next federal election Labor expects 21,500 full-time jobs in construction and broader economy will be created in the first five years, with a guarantee one in ten on-site workers will be apprentices. The money to create the fund would be borrowed and not come from the federal budget. The Future Fund Board of Guardians would manage it with investment returns annually transferred to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation. Returns are also slated to provide $200million for repairs and improvements on housing in remote Indigenous communities. Some $100million would be spent of crisis housing for women fleeing violence and older women at risk of homelessness. Veterans who are homeless or at risk of falling into that category would be provided with $30million in new houses and specialist services. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese used Thursday's budget reply speech to reveal his plans to create the kitty from borrowed money Mr Albanese also pledged $100million to support 10,000 apprentices who chose to train for jobs in solar, green hydrogen, energy efficiency home upgrades and renewable manufacturing. There would be 2500 places a year over four years with $2,000 for starting a qualification and the same amount each year as well as on completion, capped at $10,000. The federal government in Tuesday's budget promised to spend $2.7billion over four years giving first-year subsidies to employers who take on new apprentices and trainees. Mr Albanese said the government's big-spending budget was all about trying to get voters to forget the coalition's failures over the past eight years. 'Make no mistake - the budget handed down on Tuesday night is not a plan for the next generation - it is a patch-up job for the next election,' he said. Mr Albanese also pledged $100million to support 10,000 apprentices who chose to train for jobs in solar, green hydrogen, energy efficiency home upgrades and renewable manufacturing The Labor leader also promised to implement federal wage theft laws after consulting with unions, employer groups and state governments. The coalition dumped wage theft from its industrial relations omnibus bill despite the proposal receiving support from across the political spectrum. Mr Albanese pledged to make bosses responsible for taking reasonable measures to eliminate sexual discrimination, harassment and victimisation at work. The government has come under fire for its response to Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins' Respect At Work report, which made 55 recommendations including that legal change. Labor would also offer 2,000 students the opportunity to be mentored by innovative universities and private-sector incubators to turn their ideas into future businesses. Downing Street today accused the EU of 'issuing threats at any sign of difficulties' after France signalled it will block a post-Brexit deal on financial services unless the UK gives ground on fishing rights. Number 10 said it was taking a 'consistent, evidence-based approach' to granting EU boats permission to fish in British waters amid a rumbling row. Sources in Paris claimed yesterday that the French government will delay a deal on financial services between Britain and Brussels unless Boris Johnson grants European fishermen greater access. But the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said a deal on financial services 'is in the best interests of both sides' as he took aim at the EU for failing to use the 'mechanisms of our new treaty to solve problems'. One source said yesterday that France had 'made a link' between the two issues as the post-Brexit dispute over access to the UK's fishing grounds continues. Sources in Paris claimed yesterday that the French government will delay a deal on financial services between Britain and Brussels unless Boris Johnson grants European fishermen greater access Number 10 said it was taking a 'consistent, evidence-based approach' to granting EU boats permission to fish in British waters amid a rumbling row. Fishing vessels are pictured off the coast of Jersey on May 6 The fishing row last week saw France and the UK send patrol vessels to Jersey as French trawlers protested there. Another source, an EU diplomat, claimed Britain was failing to adhere to the terms of the deal governing its post-Brexit trade ties with the bloc. The person told Reuters that there could be no progress in other areas, like financial services, until the fishing row and other disagreements are resolved. 'It's not just France and it's not just fishing,' the European diplomat said. 'Britain must fully apply the agreements it signed up to, which is not the case right now.' The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman hit back and said: We are taking a consistent, evidence-based approach to licensing EU vessels using information supplied by the European Commission. This is another example of the EU issuing threats at any sign of difficulties instead of using the mechanisms of our new treaty to solve problems. We have always been clear that an agreement on financial services is in the best interests of both sides. Britain's huge financial services sector was largely cut off from the EU, its biggest export customer, on December 31 when the post-Brexit transition period came to an end. The new UK-EU trade deal does not cover financial services and direct access to the single European market for financial firms in the City of London has yet to be decided by the bloc under a process known as equivalence. The two sides have agreed in principle on a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between financial regulators. But it has yet to be formally ratified by the bloc's 27 member countries, including France. 'We will resume our equivalence assessments once the regulatory cooperation framework is in place and do so on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the UK's regulatory intention,' the EU's financial services chief Mairead McGuinness said on Tuesday. The post-Brexit dispute over access to the UK's rich fishing grounds last week saw France and Britain send patrol vessels to the Channel island of Jersey as French trawlers protested there (pictured) Banks in Britain have said they do not expect the EU to grant meaningful direct access to Europe soon and time would be better spent on making the City more globally attractive. French fishermen say Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, unilaterally imposed restrictions on the waters they could fish in when it issued licences in April. Jersey has since proposed delaying post-Brexit restrictions on French fishermen until the end of July, French Seas Minister Annick Girardin told parliament on Tuesday. 'New proposal by Jersey: We're not there yet,' the minister later tweeted. Big Brother star Nikki Grahame's cause of death has been confirmed as anorexia, it emerged today. A hospital investigation looking into the events before the Big Brother star's death on April 9 is ongoing, but no inquest will be required after a doctor recorded her cause of death as Anorexia Nervosa. Ms Grahame, 38, had been found dead on April 10 in her London home, a day after she was discharged from Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester after a three week stay to treat her for anorexia. Tragic loss: Nikki's body was discovered on April 10 in her London home 'It's been really, really hard': Her mother Sue recently claimed her daughter's 30-year battle with anorexia worsened because of the coronavirus pandemic (pictured together) Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust, the trust which runs the hospital (pictured) where the star had received treatment prior to her death, have launched a review into the case Health chiefs have launched an investigation into the death of Big Brother star Nikki Grahame (pictured in 2019), after claims by family members that she was released too early from hospital What is anorexia? Anorexia is a serious mental illness where a person restricts their food intake, which often causes them to be severely underweight. Many also exercise excessively. Some sufferers may experience periods of bingeing, followed by purging. Sufferers often have a distorted view of themselves and think they are larger than they really are. Untreated, patients can suffer loss of muscle and bone strength, as well as depression, low libido and menstruation ceasing in women. In severe cases, patients can experience heart problems and organ damage. Behavioural signs of anorexia include people saying they have already eaten or will do later, as well as counting calories, missing meals, hiding food and eating slowly. As well as weight loss, sufferers may experience insomnia, constipation, bloating, feeling cold, hair loss, and swelling of the hands, face and feet. Treatment focuses on therapy and self-help groups to encourage healthy eating and coping mechanisms. Source: Beat Eating Disorders Advertisement Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will continue examining the events surrounding the star's death, the Daily Star reported. A spokesperson for the trust said: 'Staff at the Trust were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Miss Grahame, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Miss Grahame. 'A full internal investigation into the care Miss Grahame received is currently underway. This is in line with standard procedures following any sudden death. 'All information and findings arising from this investigation will be shared confidentially with Miss Grahame's family.' The news comes following claims that Nikki Grahame's family believe she was discharged from hospital too soon amid her anorexia battle and was not ready to have treatment at home. A source had told The Sun last month: 'Those close to Nikki feel she would be alive today if she wasn't discharged so soon. 'Her family feel she wasn't strong enough physically to care for herself. It's left them shocked and heartbroken.' Nikki shot to fame on the 2006 series of Big Brother and gained an army of fans with her iconic phrase 'who is she?'. She was pictured with Big Brother winner Pete Bennett in one of her final images, as she cuddled up to her ex-boyfriend in the poignant snap. Nikki had struggled with anorexia for much of her life and was first admitted to a psychiatric hospital at age 12. Earlier this month, Nikki's friends reactivated her fundraiser to help her heartbroken family pay for her funeral and help others with eating disorders. The fundraiser was initially set up a month ago by Nikki's friends and raised 65,000 for the Big Brother star to have specialist treatment for her eating disorder. Health chiefs recently launched an investigation into Nikki's death, after claims by her family that she was released too early from hospital, having weighed just five stone when she died. Family: The late Big Brother star spent three weeks in Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester before she left on April 9 (pictured with her mother Sue) BB 2006 runner-up Glyn Wise had paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend Three Republican-led states have already officially banned critical race theory in public schools and nearly a dozen others are currently trying to pass similar laws - as those who are against the theory argue it is indoctrinating children. The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year and lawmakers have been introducing bills that, in varying degrees, aim to ban educators from teaching children they are either 'privileged' or 'oppressed' in classrooms. Oklahoma is the latest state to sign into law a ban on teaching critical race theory in public schools, with Gov Kevin Stitt arguing that it will allow history to be taught without labeling a 'young child as an oppressor'. Idaho and Tennessee have already approved similar bans. A handful of other states - including North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and West Virginia - are currently debating, or in the process of approving, similar bills. While there is currently no legislation in the works in Florida and South Dakota, the governors of those states have publicly declared they oppose critical race theory. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project. It regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Three Republican-led states have now signed laws banning critical race theory in public schools and nearly a dozen others are currently trying to pass similar bills that block or limit it from becoming part of curriculums Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Cases have emerged in recent weeks across the country of teachers and parents saying their children are being forced to learn critical race theory. Parents in Virginia released a commercial on Tuesday to oust members of their school board after it vowed to push critical race theory onto their children. Meanwhile, a New York City parent made national headlines after he pulled his daughter from an elite Manhattan private school over its anti-racism policies. Here's a breakdown of the states that have, or are aiming, to ban critical race theory in public schools: Oklahoma Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed his state's bill into law last Friday after the GOP-controlled House voted 70-19 in favor. Under the new law, which is officially known as House Bill 1775, Oklahoma City public school teachers are prohibited from teaching certain concepts of race and racism, including critical race theory. The bill, which takes effect on July 1, also prevents colleges and universities from requiring students to undergo training on gender or sexual diversity. Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed his state's bill into law last Friday after the GOP-controlled House voted 70-19 in favor Stitt said last week that the new law will allow history to be taught without labeling a 'young child as an oppressor'. 'As governor, I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans about their race or sex. That is what this bill upholds for public education,' he said. 'We must keep teaching history and all of its complexities and encourage honest and tough conversations about our past. Nothing in this bill prevents or discourages those conversations. 'We can and should teach this history without labeling a young child as an oppressor or requiring that he or she feel guilt or shame based on their race or sex. I refuse to tolerate otherwise.' The bill has received pushback from some, including the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education who unanimously voted on Monday to denounce the law. All eight board members took turns criticizing Stitt's bill, including Ruth Veales who argued that the legislation was attempting to shut off conversations about racism to 'protect white fragility'. 'As a district that's over 80 percent students of color, this is definitely an insult,' Veales said. 'It is a situation that is so egregious to me.' Idaho Idaho's Republican Governor Brad Little signed legislation in April that prevents schools and universities from 'indoctrinating' students with critical race theory. The state's bill allows the teaching of critical race theory but bans curriculums from forcing belief systems onto students that claim groups of people are inferior or superior to others because of their race, gender or religion. It also prevents teachers from making students 'affirm, adopt or adhere to' belief systems that claim individuals of any race, sex or religion are responsible for the past actions of other members of the same group. Idaho's Republican-controlled Senate had earlier passed the bill with a 28-7 vote. One Republican, Senator Dan Johnson, broke rank and joined Democrats in opposing the bill. Idaho's Republican Governor Brad Little signed legislation in April that prevents schools and universities from 'indoctrinating' students with critical race theory. Students filled the gallery as the legislation was passed in the Senate last month Governor Brad Little became the first to sign the critical race theory ban into law last month 'The claim that there is widespread, systemic indoctrination occurring in Idaho classrooms is a serious allegation,' Little said. 'Most worryingly, it undermines popular support for public education in Idaho.' State Democrats had accused Republicans of holding crucial education budget bills hostage while they focused on passing the bill - as they argued the bill was contrary to First Amendment rights. Senator Janie Ward-Engelking argued the bill was 'not needed' and said the idea that schools are 'brainwashing' children with 'a liberal leftist indoctrination' false. 'Our universities and school districts districts already have procedures in place that will deal with any problem we have in curriculum,' she told the Idaho Press. 'What's happening is we have a group that's put out for public release comments that our teachers are brainwashing our children with a liberal leftist indoctrination. And that's simply not true.' Tennessee The Tennessee General Assembly last week passed a law that bans critical race theory from being taught in the state's public schools. Republican Governor Bill Lee has already committed to signing the bill when it comes to him. Under the law, which will come into effect next year, funding will be withheld from schools that teach about white privilege. The Tennessee General Assembly last week passed a law that bans critical race theory from being taught in the state's public schools. Republican Governor Bill Lee has already committed to signing the bill when it comes to him While most of the majority-white GOP caucuses in the House and Senate supported the bill, black Democratic lawmakers warned it would make schools fearful to teach about history on race in the US. 'Critical race theory is rooted in critical theory, which argues that social problems are created and influenced by societal structures and cultural assumptions,' Sen. Katrina Robinson, a black Democrat from Memphis, said. 'How ironic that a body made up of a simple majority of white privileged men can determine whether even my grandchildren can see reflections of themselves in the history lessons at their school.' Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey argued that teaching the theory was 'harmful to our students'. 'Critical race theory teaches that American democracy is a lie. It teaches that the rule of law does not exist and is instead a series of power struggles among racial groups,' he said. 'It is harmful to our students and is antithetical to everything we stand for as Americans and as Tennesseans.' Texas Texas is in the process of approving similar legislation to ban critical race theory in public schools. The Texas House voted 79-65 to pass the legislation - known as House Bill 3979 - on Tuesday. The bill is now going to the Republican-controlled House Senate. A similar bill - titled Senate Bill 2202 - was passed in the Senate late last month. Texas Gov Greg Abbott has already expressed support for it and is expected to sign it into law. Speaking of the Senate bill, Texas' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Texans rejected critical race theory and other related 'woke philosophies'. 'These divisive concepts have been inserted into curriculums around the state, but they have no place in Texas schools. SB 2202 will ensure that they cannot be taught,' he said. 'When Texan parents send their children to school, they expect their students to learn to think critically without being forced to consume misinformation about our country's founding and the biases of advocacy groups that seek to belittle our democracy and divide us.' A number of teaching organizations have opposed the legislation by arguing that it is attempting to downplay the role of racism in America's history. Among them are the Texas AFT, the Texas State Teachers Association, the Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition, the Texas Council for the Social Studies and The Education Trust. Texas is in the process of approving similar legislation to ban critical race theory in public schools. Texas Gov Greg Abbott has already expressed support for it and is expected to sign it into law CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequnces of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement Arizona An Arizona bill banning 'biased' topics in schools, such as critical race theory, has advanced. The Arizona House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill last week to ban racist, sexist, politicized or other controversial topics in schools and penalize teachers with fines. Under the bill, which is now with the Senate, charter schools and state agencies would be banned under the Unbiased Teaching Act from discussing controversial issues with students unless teachers give equal weight to divisive topics. Violations would result in $5,000 fines. House Democrats voted against the bill and argued it was unconstitutional. They said it was reminiscent of a 2010 law that banned Mexican-American studies but was later struck down in court. Republican state Rep. Michelle Udall hit back at arguments the bill is trying to ban conversations regarding racism. 'We cannot allow children in our public schools to be taught that their skin color or ethnicity or sex somehow determines their character or actions. No forms of racism should be allowed to enter our classrooms,' Udall said. 'Biased teaching needs to be stopped.' Iowa A bill that will ban Iowa students from being taught that the US or the state is systemically racist is currently with Republican Governor Kim Reynolds. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the bill in a 53-35 vote earlier this month. The Senate also passed it 30-18. In Iowa, the pending legislation will limit the 'divisive concepts' that can be taught in schools and in diversity training in government-related jobs. Republicans who support the bill argue that it will prevent students from being indoctrinated. While debating the bill earlier this month, Republican Rep. Steven Holt said it would not ban discussions about slavery, sexism, racism or discrimination. He argued, however, that teachers didn't need to 'use racism to teach against racism'. 'Of course these issues must be taught. They must be discussed, and they can be without scapegoating entire groups of people,' Holt said. Missouri Republicans in Missouri are currently trying to ban school districts from teaching critical race theory and anything related to 1619 Project. The ban was included in an amendment to House Bill 1141 that was introduced last month. The amendment seeks to ban teachers from identifying any people or institutions as racist, biased, privileged or oppressed. Representative Nick Schroer, who sponsored the amendment, said at the time: 'I sponsored the amendment to stop 'critical race theory,' including the erroneous and hate-filled 1619 Project, from being shoved into our curriculum in our Missouri schools. 'For those trying to push scare tactics claiming this is about 'white washing' history, you are dead wrong. This is about ensuring no one taints a factual teaching of our American history.' The ACLU of Missouri has since launched a campaign to stop the legislation from being approved, arguing it is 'loaded down with harmful amendments seeking to undermine the rights of people all across the state'. Rhode Island Republican legislators introduced a bill back in March that seeks to ban teaching divisive concepts in schools. The bill, known as H.6070, has since stalled after being debated by the House Committee on Education. Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan, who is behind the bill, argued that teachers should not make white students, in particular, feel bad because of their skin color. When the bill was first put to the committee, more than 150 people submitted written testimony objecting to it. There is currently no law banning critical race theory in Florida but Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly vowed not to let it be taught in the state's schools Florida There is currently no law banning critical race theory in Florida but Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly vowed not to let it be taught in the state's schools. DeSantis declared back in March that critical race theory would not be taught in the state's schools because it 'teaches kids to hate their country and each other'. He made the comments as he proposed a $106 million boost in funding for civics education in across the state using money from President Biden's COVID-19 aid package. DeSantis said $17 million would be targeted for developing civics curricula with 'foundational concepts' - and not 'unsanctioned narratives like critical race theory'. 'Let me be clear: There is no room in our classrooms for things like critical race theory,' he said. 'Teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other is not worth one red cent of taxpayer money.' New Hampshire Lawmakers in New Hampshire are currently debating a critical race theory amendment that is included in the state's proposed budget. Republicans are now trying to compromise with Democrats in the House about the amendment that seeks to ban 'divisive' topics regarding race and gender in schools. West Virginia Republican lawmakers first introduced a bill in February that seeks to ban schools from promoting 'divisive concepts'. The bill was referred to the state House's Workforce Development Committee. The ACLU West Virginia is objecting to the bill, arguing it would prevent discussions 'in curriculum regarding the racial history of the United States, implicit bias, and privilege'. South Dakota Likewise in South Dakota, there is no legislation banning critical race theory. Governor Kristi Noem, however, has put her name to the '1776 pledge' that opposes the teaching of critical race theory in public schools. 'Teaching our children and grandchildren to hate their own country and pitting them against one another on the basis of race or sex is shameful and must be stopped,' Noem said earlier this month. The 1776 Pledge was launched as an attempt to counter the 1619 Project, which posits the true founding of America in 1619, when the first African slaves arrived, rather than 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has boasted of signing the '1776 pledge' that opposes the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in public schools North Carolina North Carolina House Republicans approved a plan on Wednesday to prohibit public schools from embracing certain ideas related to critical race theory. The measure passed by a vote of 65 to 48 and now heads to the Senate. If approved, it would go to Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's desk. House Bill 324, if approved, would prevent schools from endorsing the view that any person should feel guilty because of their race or sex, or that the person's race or sex makes them inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, even if unconsciously. North Carolina's proposal doesn't prohibit teachers from introducing the ideas to students as long as they make it clear that the school isn't endorsing such concepts. Democrats and racial justice advocates in the state have accused Republicans of trying to rewrite history and deprive pupils of a fulfilling curriculum. Louisiana A bill to ban schools and colleges from teaching 'divisive concepts', including critical race theory has now stalled in Louisiana amid opposition from some lawmakers and education officials. Efforts by the House Education Committee late last month to kill the bill failed in a 7-7 vote, which means the bill can resume being debated later. Rep. Ray Garofalo, who is chairman of the committee, has already said he intends to try to push forward with the bill. GOP House Speaker Clay Schexnayder was among those who raised concerns about it. Garofalo said he was trying to take the 'politics out of the classroom' and ensure 'a learning environment free of discrimination' with the bill. 'I have no doubt there are certain factions in this country that are trying to infiltrate and indoctrinate our students,' he said. Those who oppose it said the proposal was a distraction from the real education problems Louisiana faces and is an attempt to whitewash American history. Rep. Gary Carter, a New Orleans Democrat, said: 'The state of Louisiana was fundamentally, institutionally racist in the past.' Advertisement Israelis have described being attacked by Arab mobs 'like something out of The Purge' films amid escalating violence between the two sides that has pushed the region to the brink of all-out war. People in the city of Lod, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, say they have been forced to take up positions on the streets and rooftops armed with guns and bats to protect themselves during two nights of rioting by Israeli Arabs. Synagogues, shops and cars have been torched and while Israeli authorities have now imposed an overnight curfew, those on the ground say there has been little police protection. Meanwhile, a right-wing Israeli mob was filmed pulling an Arab man from his car just nine miles away in Bat Yam and beating him unconscious, with medics saying he was seriously injured but is now in a 'stable' condition. Etyan Meir, 32, a resident of Lod who has since fled the city with his two children and heavily pregnant wife, described the city to MailOnline as a 'war zone' filled with 'non-stop blasts and screaming'. Another man who is not from Lod but knows people in the city, said it currently resembles something out of 'The Purge' and that he heard of one family sleeping on their rooftop with a gun for protection. Arabs and Israelis can be seen running away from gunfire amid burning buildings in Lod last night. Residents say there is little effective policing to help them with the situation Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Meir said: 'In the evenings for the past three nights, it has literally been a war zone. There has been non stop blasts and screaming. 'Rioters - who I refer to as terrorists because I don't think there is another way to refer to them - have been burning Jewish property. 'Last night there was nine or ten shots. It is frightening - police presence is not enough. 'We have a community watch and whoever has guns is there on street corners to protect us. There are people armed only with bats. 'All of our cars and property has been vandalised and shattered and we had it easy. We are about 100 meters away from the Arab neighbourhood and if you go through there, it's complete wreckage. 'It is a pomgrom. The first night they burned synagogues, they burned down Jewish property, they burned down an academic institution. This is the situation right now. 'It is just mayhem and the police are not doing enough. I don't blame them, we love our police but the higher ups are not giving the right support. Israeli Arabs gather next to a mosque during clashes between Jews, Israeli police and Arabs in Lod overnight on Wednesday A truck burns in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod, where a state of emergency has been declared following riots Cars as well as homes have been destroyed amid the unrest. One resident said this neighbourhood 'got off lightly' with others completely ruined 'They are just using dispersal methods, they are using hand flash grenades and spraying pepper spray which shoos them away for a little bit but then they just come back. This is the situation. 'For us, the rockets are just the secondary thing.' Mr Meir said he plans on returning to Lod as soon as his wife has given birth, leaving her and the children behind as he helps his neighbours and friends protect themselves. One resident in Sderot, where a Hamas bomb fell yesterday killing a six year old Israeli boy, said: 'For us, the scariest thing is what is happening right now in Lod. 'There is not police protection and I can only describe it as like something from the film The Purge. 'People are having to go out onto the streets with personal guns to protect themselves. 'Many families have had no sleep now for three nights as all they are doing is desperately trying to protect their children. 'I heard about one man who slept on the roof of his building with his family and just a pair of binoculars and a gun to protect himself. 'It is really crazy what is happening in Lod and the police are not helping, I think because they are overwhelmed and too scared themselves. 'There are thousands of Arabs attacking Jews there. This video grab obtained from a footage released by Kan 11 Public broadcaster on May 12, 2021, shows a far-right Israeli mob attacking who they considered an Arab man, on the seafront promenade of Bat Yam An Israeli police officer inspects the car of an Israeli Arab man who was attacked and injured by an Israeli Jews mob Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron on May 12 Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops at in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday 'The Israeli border police have been drafted in and they are not a joke. They are not soldiers but have more training than regular police but the Arabs are not scared of them.' Another resident from Sderot, Dov Trachtman, 29 said: 'I had to just come back from shopping when I heard the rocket yesterday. It landed on top of a building. 'I was shopping because I knew I would have to spend a long time in the shelter so I was preparing. 'I heard the siren and saw rockets being intercepted by the iron dome and then this one got through. 'I saw so many clouds but it was not so close to me. A young boy was severely injured from the shrapnel and later died. 'The home of the mother of my sister-in-law was very badly damaged. She is very traumatised and has been taken to stay with relative in a Southern village to recover.' Fighting broke out between Israel and Hamas on Monday following a weekend of tensions centered around the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem, which is a sensitive holy site for both Muslims and Jews. Muslims had been protesting over access to the Old City's Damascus Gate for weeks when violence suddenly escalated during the final Friday prayers of Ramadan last week. Israeli police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds at the Al-Aqsa mosque, some of which landed inside the mosque itself, causing outrage that drew more Palestinian protesters on to the streets. Clashes with Israeli security forces reached a peak on Monday as hundreds of Palestinians were wounded around the mosque and in Jerusalem's Old City, before Hamas issued a 6pm deadline for police to withdraw. A first barrage of rockets was fired from Gaza shortly after the deadline lapsed. Since then, Hamas has fired more than 1,000 rockets at locations across Israel including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with border police officers who have been deployed on the streets of Lod to help keep the peace after two nights of rioting Netanyahu gives a speech to officers charged with keeping the peace in Lod, which has seen synagogues, shops and cars burned during two nights of rioting by Israeli Arabs Hamas sent another heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday, and Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes. Previous fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers, including a devastating 2014 war, was largely confined to the impoverished and blockaded Palestinian territory and Israeli communities on the frontier. But this round seems to be rippling farther and wider than at any time since the 2000 Palestinian intifada, or uprising. While some rocket attacks have reached the Tel Aviv area, Arab and Jewish mobs have rampaged through the streets, savagely beating people and torching cars. Flights have been canceled or diverted away from the country's main airport. Palestinians, meanwhile, somberly marked the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday as militants fired one barrage of rockets after another and Israel carried out waves of bone-rattling airstrikes. Since the rockets began Monday, Israel has toppled three high-rise buildings that it said housed Hamas facilities after warning civilians to evacuate. Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll has climbed to 83 Palestinians, including 17 children and seven women, with more than 480 people wounded. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas has acknowledged 13 of its militants killed, including a senior commander. Israel says the number of militants dead is much higher. Seven people have been killed in Israel. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack. Police in Georgia have arrested a man wanted for trying to steal gas from a line of parked U-Haul trucks amid the fuel crisis in the South following the Colonial Pipeline shutdown. Jesse Smith, 25, is accused of making off with five gallons of fuel, but not before he caused a 45-gallon spill in the city of Griffin. Cops took Smith - who was caught on security footage by his red F-150 near a KFC - into custody after receiving a flurry of tips from the public, Griffin police told DailyMail.com. He was charged with criminal damage to property and theft, but more charges related to the fuel spill could be added, police said. The U-Haul gas thief was seen here on security footage in the city of Griffin after stealing five gallons of fuel The suspect's red F-150 is seen here parked behind a KFC in Griffin Instead of waiting in lines like this one in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the suspect stole gas from parked U-Haul trucks in a Georgia city The suspect drilled into an unknown number of parked U-Haul trucks, stole five gallons of fuel and left behind a 45-gallon fuel spill 'While we understand that there is a shortage on gas, we also want to remind everyone to exercise safety, patience and common sense,' the city of Griffin Police Department said in a statement. 'The shortage is temporary and we anticipate the gas stations returning to full operations soon. In the meantime, remain calm and don't do anything to endanger yourself and others.' The theft comes amid a national fuel crisis sparked by the Russian cyberattack and shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies almost half the gasoline and other fuels used on the East Coast. Jesse Smith, 25, was charged with criminal damage to property and theft The pipeline reopened Wednesday for the first time since the ransomware attack, after reportedly paying $5M ransom, but it is not expected to return to full capacity for two weeks amid fears the fuel shortage will intensify. The crisis caused more than 10,000 gas stations run dry across the South to close, and governors of Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia declared states of emergency as of Wednesday. Georgia's U-Haul gas theft was the latest panic-induced incident and comes a day after a man and a woman brawled over a gas pump two at a North Carolina station. A witness said a woman had tried to cut the line for gas, and then screamed obscenities and spat on a man who refused to let her in. The man jumped out of his vehicle, spit on the woman in return, and began grappling with her, video shows. Alexus Orianna Harris, 25, was charged with simple assault and Matthew James-Stark Artero, 47, was charged with assault on a female and damage to personal property. Both were cited and released with a pending court date. Indeed, the Biden administration begged drivers not to hoard fuel or panic buy and took the extraordinary step of warning the public not to fill plastic bags with gas. Two people are charged with assault after a fight in a line at a North Carolina gas station as a fuel pipeline shutdown sparks panic-buying, authorities said Footage shows as the man and woman spit at one another before the altercation turns physical and they trade blows as frustrations boiled over in a long line for gas at the station Southern states were hit hardest by the Colonial Pipeline shutdown The Colonial Pipeline reopened Wednesday, but Colonial said it's not expected to return to full capacity for two weeks Even though the pipeline reopened, Colonial warned that the relief would not be instant, and that it would take time to get the 5,500-mile pipeline fully operational. Colonial Pipeline said in a statement: 'It will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. 'Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period.' A female diversity officer has quit after only seven months in the role at a top 17,000-a-year private school. Andreia Borges de Lima handed in her notice at The Norwich School, which is currently advertising her replacement, to 'pursue an interest in the church'. The school was last year accused of 'widespread racist abuse' in a letter signed by 250 students. Ms de Lima was brought into the role in September to oversee the school's response after a range of experiences of racism were shared by more than 20 pupils. These included incidents of anti-Semitic 'jokes' and one student waving a Swastika, with allegations ranging from micro-aggressions including a black pupil being told to wear beige tights, to racial abuse. Less than a year after Ms de Lima took on the role, the school has opened up applications for the job, which pays up to 26,870-a-year. Andreia Borges de Lima (pictured) handed in her notice at The Norwich School, which is currently advertising her replacement, to 'pursue an interest in the church' Headmaster Steffan Griffiths said: 'We have had someone in the post for this academic year who is a person of faith but who has decided to leave to pursue an interest in the church, which we understand. 'We are very pleased with how that person improved us as a community, it showed the value of the role. Some important interaction we held with pupils and staff and with parents. 'We are looking forward to finding a successor to carry on the good work that she initiated.' He said the school would be seeking an 'inspiring individual with a track record in making a culture of inclusion a reality and have a solid awareness and understanding of equality issues'. A total of 37 former and current pupils last year came forward to detail alleged racist abuse between 2010 to 2020 that included a black pupil being told to 'go die on a plantation' and others being told to 'go back to where they came from'. One ex-teacher claimed a group of pupils who were 'well-known for their racist views were tolerated' at the school. Mr Griffiths said Ms de Lima was involved in group meetings, tutorials, lessons, assemblies and carried out a survey of attitudes. 'Having someone who is focused on that role and those issues has been really useful,' he added. 'We're embarking on this path with humility and keen to establish positive cultures and practices and this role is helping us do that in all parts of the community, pupils, parents and staff.' An advertisement for the role reads: 'We particularly welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.' The school (pictured) was last year accused of 'widespread racist abuse' in a letter signed by 250 students In response to allegations of racism at the school, put forward in a letter written by three former students in June last year, the school apologised and Mr Griffiths said it was making changes but admitted it had a long way to go. He said the experiences of racism at the school made for very uncomfortable reading and shocked him but added it was a wider problem not only confined to Norwich School. 'Lots of schools are going through this process,' he said. 'Day by day I see a happy school with friendships across different ethnicities but we recognise there is more for us to do.' Attached to the letter was a document filled with examples of racism which more than 20 former and current pupils said they suffered at the hands of both teachers and their peers. The examples included one pupil being asked to apologise for wearing a Black Lives Matter badge and another claiming a teacher told him he would grow up to be a 'drug dealer'. Other instances included a teacher mimicking an Indian accent in class and a student who reported racism by another pupil being told to 'move on' by a teacher after the incident was investigated. Headmaster Steffan Griffiths (pictured) said Ms de Lima had decided to leave to pursue her interest in the church Several BAME students said they changed their names to teachers would stop saying them wrong or confusing them for another BAME pupil. The letter read: 'When left unchecked these incidents can help to affirm racist attitudes that are carried into both university and the working world by the perpetrators of these actions.' At an alumni drinks event one black person was allegedly told by an ex-pupil: 'Black people are the worst'. This was recorded on camera and reported to police at the time. Thousand-year history of The Norwich School The Norwich School is one of the oldest in England and has a traceable history back as far as 1096. The episcopal grammar school was founded by Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich, to teach 90 sons of Norwich citizens. It holds the motto Praemia Virtutis Honores (Honours are the rewards of virtue) and is currently housed in the Close of Norwich Cathedral. In the 16th century the school came under the control of the city of Norwich and moved to Blackfriars' Hall following a petition to Henry VIII. In 1547, it was refounded in a royal charter granted by Edward VI. Four years later it moved to its current site beside the cathedral. In the 19th century it became independent of the city and its classical curriculum was broadened in response to the falling demand for classical education. It now boasts around 1,020 pupils. For most of its history it was a boys' school, before becoming co-educational in the sixth form in 1994 and in every year group in 2010. The school is divided into the Senior School, which has around 850 pupils aged from 11 to 18 across eight houses, and the Lower School, which was established in 1946 and has around 250 pupils aged from 4 to 11. The school educates the choristers of the cathedral, with which the school has a close relationship. They are then used for morning assemblies and events throughout the academic year. In league tables of British schools it is consistently ranked first in Norfolk and Suffolk and among the highest in the UK. Former pupils are called Old Norvicensians or ONs and notable alumna include Lord Nelson, Sir Edward Coke and 18 Fellows of the Royal Society Advertisement Pupils also wrote that a teacher went on a 'rant' about how people should stay in the countries they are born in and another teacher 'publicly ridiculed' a pupil's name for sounding 'funny'. Meanwhile, one ex-pupil wrote they were told by their teacher the reason for their bad grades was because they were Jewish. The authors of the letter said the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, compelled them to call on the school to change. In a statement they said: 'This is just an important first step to affecting real change and holding the school to account for the way their pupils and staff have treated BAME students.' It added: 'When left unchecked these incidents can help to affirm racist attitudes that are carried into both university and the working world by the perpetrators of these actions.' Mr Griffiths said pupils from all backgrounds enjoyed their experiences at Norwich School and was shocked by some of the examples in the letter. The incidents date from pupils who left the school in 2015 to the present day and were reported anonymously over a five-hour period in an online document. The letter called for 'everyday racism and microaggressions awareness' to be added to the curriculum, a place where pupils who do experience racism can properly report it and Bystander Intervention Training for staff and prefects to help them recognise and address racism. In response to the letter, the school's chairman of governors Patrick Smith wrote: 'I would like to say how sorry I am that pupils have felt hurt and belittled during their time at school and that, largely, they have not felt they could do anything about the cause of their hurt.' He said the experiences tell a 'sorry tale of pain' and would be addressed with a variety of measures. He said he and Mr Griffiths viewed 'favourably' the three suggestions made. He added: 'We must all seek to do better. This is not confined to Norwich School.' Mr Griffiths also said changes had been made to the curriculum in recent years to make it more multicultural, particularly history and English. This was in response to a separate letter sent by another ex-pupil which called for a 'decolonised' curriculum. A similar letter, regarding the lack of diversity in the curriculum and amongst teaching staff has been sent to private schools across the country. Mr Griffiths said in a letter to current and former pupils: 'I hope you will agree that, in general, the school's ethos is indeed one of tolerance and compassion. 'I also hope the letter shows that education about diversity, including the unacceptability of racism, is part of the Norwich School curriculum.' Mr Griffiths said pupils had been moved by a visit paid by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose son Stephen was killed in a racist attack in London in 1993. 'Our pupils' eyes were opened to the extent of racism that her family experienced,' he said. 'In this Norfolk bubble there has not been an appreciation of the negative experiences that people have had.' Regarding a lack of diversity among staff he said the school had made 'less progress than is comfortable'. He added: 'We must work harder to make candidates of all backgrounds view Norfolk, Norwich and Norwich School as somewhere they might wish to work.' The president of America's second largest teachers' union has called for the full reopening of schools for the next academic year, saying 'schools must be open in person five days a week.' Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said Thursday morning that 'nothing should stand in the way' of public schools fully reopening and staying open by the fall. Weingarten, whose union has 1.7 million members, admitted that a return to the classroom is not 'risk-free' but is crucial because 'prolonged isolation is harmful' to students across America. 'There is no doubt: Schools must be open. In person. Five days a week,' she said. 'The United States will not be fully back until we are fully back in school. And my union is all in.' However, she is calling for certain COVID-19 safety measures to remain in place including lower class sizes and spacing students three feet apart from each other. Reopening schools across the US has become a source of tension for months as parents and lawmakers pushed for a return to classroom learning, while many teachers and teachers' unions tried to thwart in-person comebacks. Parents have argued that both the grades and mental health of their children has suffered from at-home learning, while they have also struggled to help with their education while juggling work. But teachers' unions have argued staff members are at risk of contracting COVID-19 if they return to the classroom. To date, only about half of all public schools across America are back to offering in-person learning to all students five days per week, despite the pace of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Now, 46.4 percent of all Americans have received at least their first dose of the vaccine while more than a third (35.4 percent) are fully vaccinated. Scroll down for video The president of America's second largest teachers' union has called for the full reopening of schools for the next academic year, saying 'schools must be open in person five days a week.' Randi Weingarten speaking in the live speech Thursday morning Weingarten, who represents her union's 1.7 million members, gave a speech titled 'Return, Recover and Reimagine: Toward A Renaissance in America's Public Schools' Thursday morning which was posted online live. 'We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in person teaching, learning and support,' said. 'And we must keep them open fully and safely five days a week.' She continued: 'Nothing should stand in the way of fully reopening our public schools this fall and keeping them open.' Weingarten admitted that a full reopening of schools is 'not risk-free' but said it is a necessary step toward the nation as a whole getting back on its feet from the pandemic. Explaining her support for a return to the classroom, the union boss added: 'What was the game changer? 'It's the vaccines. I hear it in educators voices and I see it in our polling results. The fear that they will bring the virus home decreases the moment they get the shot... '89% (of union members) are fully vaccinated or want to be.' Weingarten pointed out the toll that a year of remote learning has taken on both students and their families. She said the 'prolonged isolation' of at-home learning had been 'harmful' to students' mental health as well as their learning, while it has left many parents, particularly mothers, unable to work due to a need to stay home with their children who would have been in school. 'We know that's how kids work best and that prolonged isolation is harmful, it's where children's learn, it's where they work together and play together. It's where they form relationships and learn resilience,' she said. She added that many families rely on schools to feed their children breakfast and lunch. Children are seen spaced out in the classroom in a school in LA in April. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said 'nothing should stand in the way' of public schools fully reopening and staying open by the fall Meanwhile, white-collar workers have been forced to juggle childcare and working from home while parents with blue-collar jobs have been left unable to go to work at all. More than 3 million American women have left the labor force over the last year - something she tied to women being more likely to be caregivers to children stuck at home during the pandemic. 'Parents rely on schools too not only to educate their kids but so they can work,' she said. 'Like the 3 million moms who dropped out of the workforce during the pandemic. This pandemic has also underscored how important educators are .' She added that reopening schools would help bolster confidence among parents and teachers who remain skeptical that institutions can operate safely. The union boss said the 'threat' of COVID-19 can be managed by keeping COVID-19 safety protocols in place including mask-wearing, handwashing, practicing social distancing, sanitizing classrooms, improving ventilation, and focusing on testing and contact tracing. She also called for students to be distanced three feet apart and recommended lass sizes be lowered to enable this - a move she said would also benefit children's education. Some schools will need to find extra space outside their buildings to make this possible, she said. Weingarten laid out a pledge from the union to invest $5million in a back to school campaign that includes talking to parents about safeguarding, offering school open houses and participating in mass vaccinations for students, families and communities. 'Returning is not enough. We have to focus on recovery,' she added. Students wait in socially distanced lines outside a school in California. Weingarten is calling for certain COVID-19 safety measures to remain in place including lower class sizes and spacing students three feet apart from each other 'Students will enter schools this fall with an array of social, emotional and academic needs and schools must meet them.' Weingarten blasted that teachers have been 'scapegoated' and 'blamed' during the pandemic for issues 'out of their control'. 'Critics have scapegoated teachers and vilified unions because of the school closures during the pandemic,' she said. 'Creating safe conditions in school during a public health crisis is not an obstacle to reopening. It's the pathway to going back, staying back and creating trust through the school community.' She insisted that 'exhausted' teachers also want to get back to the classroom. 'Educators have yearned to be back in school with their students and they only ask for two things - a safe workplace during this pandemic and the resources they and their students need to succeed.' She praised educators who have been working 'longer hours, troubleshooting IT problems and trying to connect with students despite the barriers whether at a computer screen or plexiglass shield.' She said 97 percent of schools are now open for full time or part time in person learning and that 89 percent of her members are vaccinated or willing to be, meaning this number should only grow. The close ally of Joe Biden hit out at Donald Trump for doing 'nothing to help' schools get back up and running during his time in the White House. 'Donald Trump tweeted at schools to reopen but did nothing to help them do so safely,' she said. Weingarten admitted that a return to the classroom is not 'risk-free' but is crucial because 'prolonged isolation is harmful' to students across America 'The Trump administration politicized safety and undermined science and as a result from last April 2020 right up to January 19 2021 we were working to reopen schools in a climate of chaos, fear and misinformation as the pandemic surged wave after wave.' The union boss praised the Biden administration who she said 'changed course' and started 'fighting the pandemic with science, through transparency and, yes, money.' Biden made it a priority in his first 100 days to have most schools reopened. Yet, many schools continue to offer hybrid teaching and some schools are still closed altogether. Weingarten's comments are likely to be welcomed by many parents but some - particularly communities of color - remain concerned about the safety of in-person learning. Her stance may also not be welcome to some teachers who have been accused of delaying a return saying staff were at risk of contracting COVID-19 by returning to the classroom. There is no official death toll for teachers during the pandemic but the American Federation of Teachers said it knows of around 530 school staffers who died from COVID-19 last year. The CDC has said there is little evidence of the virus spreading in schools. Research has shown that both the grades and mental health of students suffered from at-home learning, particularly among already vulnerable children. An October article by the American Psychological Association cited concerns about 'how kids will cope psychologically with the ongoing loss of access to the friends, teachers, and routines associated with going to a physical campus'. Howard University professor and psychologist Celeste Malone warned that children of color and less well-off backgrounds were at the greatest risk of facing mental health challenges by missing out on classroom learning. 'Communities of color typically have reduced access to mental health providers, but these kids need support more than ever right now,' she said. 'They are more likely to have parents who are essential workers and experiences of grief and loss because of COVID, plus they are seeing persistent police brutality and unrest.' Different states and school distracts have risen to the challenge in different ways. California Governor Gavin Newsom allocated 10 percent of the state's supply each week to teaching staff in an effort to get schools back up and running. Meanwhile, in Florida a school board made the controversial decision to lift a mask mandate. The Santa Rosa school board voted unanimously to make masks optional for all grades effective immediately in May, joining several other schools across the country. A preservative in AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine may trigger a rare overreaction from the immune system that causes blood clots, a scientist has claimed. Tiny numbers of people given the jab or the one made by Johnson & Johnson have developed a clotting condition that spooked some countries into turning their backs on it. The reasons for this have been unclear but one German expert has suggested it may begin with a chemical used to make the vaccine. EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, might trigger an immune overreaction by forming clumps using platelets in the bloodstream. EDTA commonly used in medicines and cosmetics may make more ingredients of the intra-muscular jab leak into blood vessels. Dr Andreas Greinacher said they could make the body over-produce antibodies and trigger a second reaction from the immune system which then starts clotting blood. Medical regulators in the UK have spotted 262 cases of the clots in 23.36m people given AstraZeneca's jab a rate of around one in 100,000. The clots remain rare and far less of a risk than Covid but people under the age of 40 have been advised to get a different vaccine if they can, to be on the safe side. The AstraZeneca Covid vaccine remains one of the most widely used in the world because it prevents severe Covid and is widely available, but some countries have restricted its use only for older people who have a higher risk from coronavirus that outweighs danger of side effects (Pictured: A nurse in Dublin fills a syringe with vaccine) WHAT IS THE THEORY? Dr Greinacher's theory hinges on events that may be triggered by the EDTA preservative in the AstraZeneca vaccine, Pharmaceutical Technology reports: EDTA increases amount of vaccine proteins that leak from muscle into blood; Proteins from the vaccine interact with naturally-circulating platelets to form clumps, activating the platelets; Platelet activation releases another protein (platelet factor 4 or PL4) which sticks to proteins from the vaccine, including virus fragments; The presence of PL4 and proteins in the blood triggers release of antibodies from the immune system; Large numbers of anti-PL4 antibodies trigger a larger immune response, parts of which may be inflammation (swelling) and increased blood clotting in some people. Advertisement MHRA boss Dr June Raine said last week the benefits of AstraZeneca's continue to outweigh the risks for the 'vast majority of people'. But she said: 'The balance of benefits and risks is very favourable for older people but is more finely balanced for younger people. 'We advise that this evolving evidence should be taken into account when considering the use of the vaccine.' The Government opted to make it policy to give adults aged 40 or younger a choice of vaccines when they go to their appointment because the rate of the clots with low platelets appeared more common among them, at around one in 60,000 people. The NHS rollout expanded to 38 and 39-year-olds today for the first time. One of the main theories for why the clots were happening was that the body was over-producing antibodies that triggered a reaction that led to blood clotting. Now Dr Andreas Greinacher, a blood expert and immunologist at the University of Greifswald, may be able to explain why, Pharmaceutical Technology reports. Dr Greinacher and colleagues did studies on mice that suggest that EDTA causes proteins in the vaccine liquid to leak into the bloodstream and activate platelets by bumping into them. Platelets are tiny components of clots and are always circulating in the blood in case they are needed to heal an injury. But once they are sparked into action they start a chain reaction of immune responses, releasing another protein, known as PL4, which sticks to more proteins from the vaccine and starts to form more lumps. DOCTORS CLAIM TO HAVE FOUND A CURE FOR VACCINE BLOOD CLOTS Doctors say they may have discovered a life-saving cure for the type of blood clots linked to Covid vaccines. Doctors in Aurora, Colorado, tried a blood thinner known as bivalirudin when a 40-year-old woman developed a blood clot in her brain two weeks after getting the J&J vaccine. Not only did the drug help break up the woman's blood clots but she was able to leave the hospital and go home just six days later. Just days earlier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had advised doctors not to use the blood thinning medication heparin. This is because the condition blood clots alongside low levels of platelets is very similar to one that can be caused by heparin, called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The new condition is dubbed vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia. Medical chiefs have not yet announced a standard treatment for people who are diagnosed, although usual blood clot treatments are likely to be used. Advertisement These lumps then alarm the immune system and antibodies not Covid ones are produced to destroy the clumps of proteins, antibodies and platelets. Large amounts of these antibodies then trigger a higher level reaction from the immune system which can include swelling in the blood vessels and blood clots, potentially leading to the clotting being seen in vaccine patients. The most high profile of the cases were in a vein leading out of the brain, a condition known as CVST, but the majority of cases in the UK (163 out of 262) were elsewhere in the body. A total of 51 people are known to have died in the UK after developing a blood clot following vaccination. Some countries, including Denmark and Norway, have stopped using the AstraZeneca vaccine completely while others have restricted it to older people. Last week health officials in the UK said people under 40 should be offered an alternative to the jab because the risks and benefits were finely balanced. For older people who are at a genuine risk of dying if they catch Covid, the benefits of protection from the virus clearly outweighed any negative side effects. Experts said the infection rate in the UK is now so low that the risk of the rare clots outweigh that of Covid in younger adults, who often only suffer mild illness. They will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead, so long as there is enough supply and it won't delay the rollout. Anyone, no matter what age, who has been given their first dose of the AstraZeneca jab and didn't suffer the complication is being urged to come forward for their second. England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, claimed the change would not affect the Government's target to vaccinate all adults by July 31. 'Our vaccine supply schedule will support the change without limiting the speed and scale of the vaccine roll-out,' he told a televised Downing Street press conference. 'I do expect that we are still on target to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July.' It was previously recommended on April 7 that healthy under-30s should be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca. An investigation is underway after a sixth-grade Asian American student in Syosset, New York was allegedly called a 'COVID starter,' in an incident of anti-Asian American bias. A group of fellow sixth-graders told the student to 'Go back to your country,' according to a Facebook post from the victim's mother. They also allegedly called him a 'COVID starter' and uttered the phrase 'white lives matter too.' The mother further alleges that the incident became physical, with the sixth-grader being pushed and punched. An investigation is underway after a sixth-grade Asian American student at South Woods Middle School (pictured) in Syosset, New York was allegedly called a 'COVID starter' in a verbal and physical attack The mother of the student who was allegedly attacked posted about it on Facebook 'We need to consider the safety of our Kids from THE RACISM at school,' a Facebook post about the incident reads. 'I am very disturbed by this incident.' District officials tell News 12 that an incident happened during recess last Thursday at South Woods Middle School in the Long Island town. The school said that an investigation was quickly launched into the incident. 'The district acted swiftly, initiating an investigation with over a dozen interviews conducted and additional interviews taking place,' the school said in a statement. 'Multiple communications with the community were sent, and a plan was initiated to build on the existing programs embedded in the K-12 curriculum to combat racism and promote inclusivity in our school community,' the statement continued. The school also revealed that the investigation is ongoing. 'At the conclusion of the building-level investigation, the district will review the findings and take appropriate steps to address the issue,' the statement added. A school board meeting was held on Monday night, days after the alleged incident A concerned member of the community speaks during Monday's school board meeting School District Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers stated, 'This behavior has no place in Syosset or any other school.' The district has declined to detail the specific handling of the investigation and any forthcoming discipline due to privacy laws. The Nassau County Police Department are not involved in the investigation and there are no charges pending after the parent declined to press charges. 'This is an internal school investigation and none of the allegations are criminal in nature,' the police stated. 'The parents also do not wish to press any charges at this time.' Ariane Lee, who previously helped to start a group at the district HS called Asians Speak Up Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers (right) said 'This behavior has no place in Syosset or any other school' in responding to the incident During a school board meeting on Monday night, Rogers spoke of 'multiple incidents where different students verbally expressed different types of bias, and at least one of those incidents became physical.' According to Newsday, two of the board members, Carol Cheng and Susan Falkove, condemned anti-Asian bias during the meeting. 'The recent racial bias incident at South Woods has caused a lot of concern for the future and safety of our children here in Syosset, especially if you are Asian,' said Cheng, who is Chinese-American. 'Anti-Asian hatred and racism of any kind, that has been so rampant in our world, truly breaks my heart and must stop,' Falkove added. During the board meeting, many parents also spoke about the incident and expressed concern over issues of bias. 'A hate act to one child is a hate act to all,' one parent said, according to WABC. 'What concerns me, was this an isolated incident or was it something more?' another parent asked during the meeting. Current high school seniors Brian Gao and Ariane Lee previously started a group called Asians Speak Up to help combat bias. 'I want to see more action,' Lee said, believing the school could do more in regards to these issues. NYSED data from the previous school year shows South Woods Middle School was made up of 51 percent white students and 40 percent students who identify as Asian or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander. The district has declined to detail the specific handling of the investigation due to privacy laws The Nassau County Police Department are not involved in the investigation (school pictured) This is not the first case of bias in the school district following a case of anti-Semitism in 2017. Police arrested five high school students in the district after they allegedly spray painted swastikas and other anti-Semitic messages on walls, doors and windows of the high school. Last week's incident comes amid growing concern over anti-Asian-American bias linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Some people believe the pandemic began in China, propped up by Donald Trump's use of 'China virus' to describe COVID-19. A recent report from Stop AAPI Hate reveals 6,603 incidents of hate nationally from March 19, 2020 through March 2021. Of those reports, 65.2 percent were verbal harassments, while 12.6 percent of the reports were of physical violence. Xi stresses developing traditional Chinese medicine Xinhua) 13:45, May 13, 2021 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a memorial facility dedicated to Zhang Zhongjing, a famous Chinese pharmacologist and physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), in Nanyang, central China's Henan Province, May 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) ZHENGZHOU, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for efforts to further develop traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour of Nanyang City in central China's Henan Province, where he visited a memorial facility dedicated to Zhang Zhongjing, a famous Chinese pharmacologist and physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), and a local company producing mugwort products on Wednesday. "The Chinese nation relied on TCM to treat diseases and save lives for thousands of years," Xi said. "Having fought against COVID-19, SARS and other major infectious diseases, we have a deeper understanding of the role of TCM," he noted. Highlighting the need to promote TCM development, Xi said efforts should be made to interpret the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology with modern science and to incorporate both TCM and Western medicine into treatment. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun) Advertisement Param Sharma, 25, has been charged with reckless driving after he was caught sitting in the backseat of his Tesla as it sped along a California highway on Autopilot A California man arrested over a reckless Tesla stunt was once dubbed 'the most spoiled teen in the United States' and has repeatedly bragged about his wealth on social media while mocking 'blue collar peasants'. Param Sharma, 25, was charged with reckless driving Tuesday after a Bay Area police officer spotted him sitting in the backseat of a Tesla Model 3 as it cruised along a highway on Autopilot without anybody in the front. In recent weeks, other stunned motorists have also recorded video showing Sharma in the backseat of a Tesla while it was on Autopilot. Sharma himself has posted multiple videos to his Instagram account in which he pulls off the same dangerous stunt. California law mandates that motorists sit in the driver's seat at all times a vehicle is running, even when autonomous driving systems are activated. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of Tesla's Autopilot function, given that it has been in use during numerous fatal crashes in recent years. But Sharma is unrepentant about his antics, telling KTVU Wednesday that he will continue to sit in the backseat while his Tesla drives on Autopilot. '[Tesla founder] Elon Musk really knows what he's doing and I think people are tripping and they're scared,' Sharma told the news network, proclaiming that nobody will be using a steering wheel to drive by mid-2022. Sharma's lack of remorse is not out of character. In recent years, he has become notorious for his wild behavior and his unapologetic attitude. Digital Trends once dubbed him 'Instagram's richest troll', after he shot to fame boasting about his parents' purported riches in outrageous social media snaps. Stunned motorists have also recorded video showing Sharma in the backseat of a Tesla Sharma first hit headlines when he was a teenager thanks to his outrageous Instagram account on which he boasted about his parents' purported wealth Sharma's account prompted him to hit headlines while he was still in high school, with the grotesque displays of wealth attracting ire of many who described him as 'the most hated teenager' on social media Sharma is seen showing off a pricey Cartier bracelet in a social media snap that is several years old Sharma's account saw him hit headlines while he was still in high school, with his flashy displays of wealth attracting the ire of many who described him as 'the most hated teenager' on social media. Now, at the age of 25, Sharma hasn't toned down his behavior. His current Instagram bio reads: 'I'm a gold collar, you're a blue collar. Left the pandemic richer than ever before'. However, little is known about the origins of Sharma's alleged wealth. He was reportedly born in New Delhi, before being raised in San Francisco. Reddit threads posit that his parents may be wealthy textile merchants, while Vice speculates that his mother may be marketing executive Anu Sharma. Sharma himself told Vice in 2013 that he would not reveal how his parents acquired their alleged fortune, stating: 'We prefer to not comment on it because of their reputation'. Despite bragging about his affluence, Sharma attended a public school in the Bay Area and does not appear to have a college degree. In 2018, he also recycled a series of Instagram photos that were more than five years old, sparking speculation that he was not actually wealthy and that his Instagram persona was simply a virtual prank. Back in 2013, DailyMail.com ran an article asking whether Sharma's social media profiles could be a 'hoax'. Sharma's captions are also outrageous, fueling speculation that he is trolling his followers. In one image he is seen pouring pricey San Pellegrino sparkling water into a toilet with the caption of the photo reading: 'Only take s***s in sparkling water peasants' While Sharma says he now owns a Tesla, he was seen behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce in a photo taken when he was a teen Another image shows a person, purported to be Sharma, holding bars of solid gold 'Ohhh you wear one Louis [Vuitton] belt, b***h? I wear two,' Sharma captioned this image Sharma's Instagram captions are also outrageous, further fueling speculation that he is trolling his followers. In one image he is seen pouring pricey San Pellegrino sparkling water into a toilet with the caption of the photo reading: 'Only take s***s in sparkling water peasants'. Another snap shows Sharma's dog bundled up in a Louis Vuitton blanket. The caption: 'My dog's outfit costs more than your rent'. He also posted an image from his alleged residence, writing: 'I buy penthouses in the sky to look down on the poor'. And while Sharma allegedly owns the Tesla he was busted sitting in the back of earlier this week, he also says he has a Lamborghini. 'You guys are all cheap poor low class peasants that can't afford Lambo trucks and iPhone 11s'. I purposely drive it in your ghetto to make you feel small,' he captioned one image of himself standing beside a black Lamborghini. Meanwhile, this week's arrest hasn't been Sharma's first brush with the law. SF Gate reports that he was arrested in 2014 'for an incident involving an iPhone and was placed in the jail's psychiatric ward'. In relation to the Tesla incident, he is due to appear in court on the reckless driving charge on July 6. 'Mama always told me to eat my greens b***h,' Sharma captioned this selfie with packs of cash in his mouth In this photo, the youngster is seen with a haul of Louis Vuitton shopping bags spread out on a hotel bed In one elaborate stunt, Sharma tied $2000 to helium balloons and let them fly through the sky Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene confronted Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in what witnesses described as an aggressive encounter outside the House chamber on Wednesday afternoon during which she accused the Democrat of supporting terrorists. It prompted a complaint by Ocasio-Cortez's to authorities to ensure Congress remained 'a safe, civil place for all members and staff.' The episode erupted on Wednesday afternoon after Ocasio-Cortez had criticized the Biden administration's stance on Israel. QAnon sympathizer Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of supporting 'terrorists' in an aggressive confrontation outside the House chamber on Wednesday As Ocasio-Cortez left the House chamber Greene shouted 'Hey Alexandria' twice to get her attention, according to Washington Post journalists who saw the confrontation. Greene tried to catch up to the New York representative, asking why she supports antifa and Black Lives Matter, describing them as 'terrorist' groups. She then accused the left-wing Democrat of failing to defend her 'radical socialist' beliefs and refusing to debate her face-to-face. Marjorie Taylor Greene confronted AOC on the House floor in April to demand a debate on the Green New Deal after the Democrat claimed climate change was the result of racism 'You don't care about the American people,' Greene shouted. 'Why do you support terrorists and antifa?' Ocasio-Cortez kept walking, pausing only to throw up her hands in a gesture of exasperation, said the witnesses. Her office responded by calling on congressional authorities to protect members of Congress and foster a climate for safe debate. 'Representative Greene tried to begin an argument with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and when Rep. Ocasio-Cortez tried to walk away, Congresswoman Greene began screaming and called Rep. Ocasio-Cortez a terrorist sympathizer,' Ocasio-Cortez spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said in a statement given to the newspaper. 'We hope leadership and the Sergeant at Arms will take real steps to make Congress a safe, civil place for all members and staff especially as many offices are discussing reopening. One member has already been forced to relocate her office due to Congresswoman Greene's attacks.' Greene kept up her attacks on Twitter after their face-to-face encounter, accusing AOC of being afraid to defend her beliefs House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her office had been informed of what she described as the 'verbal assault and abuse' of a colleague. 'It is so beyond the pale of anything that is in keeping with bringing honor to the House or not bringing dishonor to the house,' she said at her weekly news conference, adding that it should go to the ethics committee. 'This is beneath the dignity of a person serving in the Congress of the United States and is a cause for trauma and fear among members, especially on the heels of an insurrection,' she said. After the exchange, Greene accused Ocasio-Cortez of cowardice. 'She's a chicken, she doesn't want to debate the Green New Deal,' she told reporters. 'These members are cowards. 'They need to defend their legislation to the people. That's pathetic.' Greene has a record of spreading conspiracy theories and Democrats voted to strip her of committee assignments. She confronted Ocasio-Cortez on the House floor in April to demand a debate on the Green New Deal after the Democratic Representative said climate change was the result of racism. For her part, Ocasio-Cortez attracted criticism after wading into the spiraling Israel-Gaza conflict on Wednesday. AOC took to Twitter on Wednesday, criticizing President Biden's comments on the spiraling Israel-Gaza violence, chiding him for overlooking what she said were the root causes of the conflict She accused President Joe Biden of issuing a 'blanket statement' that failed to acknowledge the root causes of the crisis which included the Israeli police raid of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the looming evictions of dozens of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem. 'By only stepping in to name Hamas' actions - which are condemnable - & refusing to acknowledge the rights of Palestinians, Biden reinforces the false idea that Palestinians instigated this cycle of violence,' she wrote on Twitter. 'This is not neutral language. It takes a side - the side of occupation.' Hours earlier, Biden said: 'Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.' An Alabama father is facing a capital murder charge after an autopsy was completed on his five-week-old son whose body was discovered in the woods overnight - just hours after he sobbed and begged for the child's return in a press conference. The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said investigators recovered the remains of five-week-old Caleb 'CJ' Whisnand Jr in Lowndes County, Alabama, late on Wednesday, two days after his parents reported him missing. The boy's father, Caleb Whisnand Sr, 32, was initially charged with reckless manslaughter, but during a press conference on Thursday morning, authorities said the charge will be upgraded to capital murder based on evidence that was obtained during an autopsy. Officials declined to reveal how the infant died and remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the father's arrest, citing the ongoing investigation. Whisnand was arrested soon after he took part in a bizarre press conference about CJ's disappearance alongside the child's innocent mother, Angela Gardner. Gardner is not facing any charges over the death of her son. Scroll down for video Caleb Whisnand Sr, 32 (left), faces a capital murder charge for the death of his five-week-old son, Caleb 'CJ' Whisnand Jr (right) Whisnand was arrested on Wednesday night, just hours after taking part in a press conference alongside CJ's mother, Angela Gardner, to appeal for help in finding their child The elder Whisnand said during the news conference that he didnt remember much, and asked the public for information, including where he had been before the disappearance. 'I dont remember a lot. But I did remember I was breaking up with the cops. If anybodys got anything, any place I could have gone,' he said. Gardner, 28, said her youngest son was with Whisnand and he told her that he realized the infant was missing when he went to go pay at a gas station on Monday. 'Please, find him, please,' Gardner told reporters Wednesday afternoon. Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Capt. Trent Beasley said authorities were alerted to the situation after they received a 911 call Monday night from a convenience store about the missing child. Baby CJ's body was discovered in a wooded area on Wednesday. He had been reported missing by his father on Monday night Whisnand said he was paying for gas at this Circle K gas station in Montgomery, Alabama, at 10.45pm on Monday when CJ vanished There is an apparent discrepancy in the timeline, because Whisnand told reporters the family were last together on Saturday night, and a missing child alert stated that CJ was last seen at 9pm on Saturday (Whisnand and Gardner and pictured with their 2-year-old son) However, a missing child alert from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the baby was last seen at 9pm on Saturday. And during Wednesday's press conference, Whisnand Sr told reporters the last time the whole family was together was on Saturday night when 'we were all together sleeping.' Moments later, his girlfriend said she was home with her 2-year-old on Monday and CJ was with Whisnand Sr at the gas station on Monday night. Neither the parents nor the authorities provided an explanation for the discrepancy in the timeline, nor addressed the infant's whereabouts between Saturday and 10.45pm on Monday, when Whisnand reported him missing from the Circle K gas station on Wetumpka Highway. According to an affidavit that was filed in the case on Thursday, CJ was killed sometime between 3.45 and 5.30pm on Monday, hours before Whisnand made the call to the police. The man then allegedly buried his slain son in a remote area about 30 miles southwest of the gas station in Montgomery. Whisnand said during Wednesday's news conference he didn't remember much Gardner broke down in tears, pleading: 'please, find him, please' At the time of his arrest, Whisnand was already under indictment on unrelated charges of meth and heroin possession, reckless endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia stemming from a June 2020 arrest. CJ's maternal grandmother, Margaret Hope, told Al.com that her daughter was about to break up with Whisnand at the time of their child's disappearance and death. Whisnand was booked into the county jail on a count of reckless manslaughter punishable by up to 20 years in prison. His bond was set at $100,000. The parents of a Bowling Green State University student who died from alcohol poisoning after an alleged fraternity hazing ritual have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the frat and several of its members. Stone Foltz, 20, a sophomore business major at the Ohio university, died in a hospital on March 7 - three days after he was allegedly blindfolded and forced to drink 40 shots while pledging Pi Kappa Alpha's Delta Beta chapter. Foltz was found unconscious by a roommate on March 4 after members of the fraternity allegedly dropped him off at his apartment. He was put on life support and died after his family arranged for his organs to be donated. On Tuesday, his parents, Cory and Shari Foltz, filed the suit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court alleging that their son died after he experienced 'extensive hazing' and are seeking at least $25,000 in compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney fees. Cory and Shari Foltz filed a wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against Pi Kappa Alpha's Delta Beta chapter, the national fraternity and several of its members after their son, Stone Foltz, died of alcohol poisoning in March after an alleged hazing incident Bowling Green State University expelled the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity after charging it with violating six code of conduct rules after sophomore Stone Foltz (left) died following a hazing ritual. He is pictured (right) with his father Cory Foltz's heartbroken parents have said previously they feel their son was 'murdered'. 'To me he was forced into something, the outcome is he was murdered,' Foltz's mother told Good Morning America on March 24. Speaking of her son's death, she declared: 'I can't describe the pain - there's a piece of my heart that's gone.' The wrongful death lawsuit states that they are seeking damages that the defendants' conduct 'was so extreme and outrageous as to go beyond the bounds of decency and was such that the conduct can be considered utterly intolerable in a civilized society.' It describes how pledges were allegedly blindfolded and taken into a basement where they were encouraged to down an entire bottle of alcohol each. The suit states that Stone was forced to drink the bottle, the equivalent of 40 shots, then dropped off at his apartment and left on the sofa unsupervised. His roommate later found him still breathing and called Stone's girlfriend, then 911. The 20-year-old was rushed to hospital where he died a few days later. The suit names the local chapter and international fraternity, as well as ten current or former fraternity members as defendants. Eight of the students named have already been charged in connection with Foltz's death. They are: Jacob Krinn, 20; Daylen Dunson, 20; Troy Henricksen, 23; Canyon Caldwell, 21; Niall Sweeney, 21; Jarrett Prizel, 19; Aaron Lehane, 21; and Benjamin Boyers, 21. Six are facing felony charges including involuntary manslaughter and the other two are charged with hazing and failure to comply with underage alcohol laws. They are due to appear in court later this month. Incredibly, Shari says she was able to forgive the students who she holds responsible for her son's death, but demands they face justice. 'I forgive them,' said Shari, who described the pain of Stone's loss as 'unimaginable'. 'But I won't forget.' The lawsuit describes multiple hazing incidents at Pi Kappa Alpha chapters across the country over the past six decades. 'Pi Kappa Alpha and its chapters across the country have for decades had incidents of hazing and misconduct resulting in disciplinary actions by universities, civil suits, and serious injuries,' the suit reads. 'Pi Kappa Alpha knows, or in the absence of negligence has reason to know, that its policies, procedures, and practices for bringing new members into the fraternity, managing its chapters and protecting pledges from the misuse of alcohol in connection with membership are unsafe.' On April 9, the university permanently expelled the fraternity on one count of 'hazing', four counts of 'offenses against persons' and one count of 'offenses disrupting order or disregarding health and safety.' TIMELINE OF STONE FOLTZ'S DEATH As per the Foltz's family's lawsuit the events of March 4 allegedly unfolded as: Between 8.15pm and 8.45pm, Stone Foltz exchanged text messages from several of his friends and a pledge brother. Around 9pm., Stone Foltz went to 318 North Main Street in Bowling Green, which served as the off-campus fraternity house for Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Beta Chapter. According to the Delta Beta Chapter's New Member Handbook, two events were scheduled for March 4, 2021: 'Pledge Ed, Round Robin Before Big/Little' which was categorized as an 'Education' event; and 'Big/Little' which was categorized as a 'Ritual Event.' Defendants Daylen Dunson, Jacob Krinn, Jarett Prizel, Garrett Hord, Jamir Dodson, Canyon Caldwell, Benjamin L. Boyers, Niall R. Sweeney, and Aaron Lehane were present for the Big/Little Ritual Event. While Defendant Troy Henricksen was not present for the Big/Little Event, he planned the event, paired the 'Bigs' and 'Littles' together, and notified pledges and actives what the 'Big/Little' Event would entail. Defendant Troy Henricksen also instructed Stone Foltz and the other pledges that they would need to inform faculty members of their likely absence from class the following day. It was only at the last minute that Defendant Troy Henricksen delegated responsibility for the party to Jarett Prizel. After Stone Foltz arrived at 318 North Main Street, he and the other pledges discussed the pledge process during the Round Robin event. Afterwards, Stone Foltz and the other pledges were blindfolded by active members and led into a basement area while being yelled at and pushed in an effort to disorient them. Stone Foltz's 'Big Brother' was Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Beta Chapter member Jacob Krinn. In the basement, Defendant Jacob Krinn provided a bottle of alcohol to Stone Foltz. Stone Foltz was then forced to consume the entire bottle of alcohol before he left 318 North Main Street. Stone Foltz consumed the bottle of alcohol in as little as 18 minutes. Around 10pm, defendant Jacob Krinn and others left 318 North Main Street with Stone Foltz. Jacob Krinn and others dropped Stone Foltz off at his apartment. Jacob Krinn was supposed to spend the night with Stone Foltz to make sure he was safe and to take care of him. Jacob Krinn did not stay with Stone Foltz. Instead, Stone Foltz was taken from the car into his apartment and left alone on the couch to die. Around 10.30pm, Stone Foltz's roommate Wade McKenzie arrived home and found Stone face down on the couch in the living room. At the time, Stone was still breathing. Wade McKenzie sat with him and kept watch to try and make sure he was safe. Wade also called Stone's girlfriend, Maddy Borja, to come over and watch Stone. Tragically, shortly after Maddy arrived, Stone Foltz stopped breathing and his face and ears turned purple and blue. At 11.23pm, Maddy Borja called 911. During the 911 call and before EMTs arrived, Wade McKenzie performed CPR. At 11.25pm, EMTs arrived and began efforts to save Stone's life. Stone Foltz was taken to Wood County Hospital and then transported by helicopter to ProMedica Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Unfortunately, due to the lack of oxygen for an extended period, doctors were unable to bring Stone Foltz back. From March 5 until his death on March 7 doctors at ProMedica Hospital went through herculean efforts to prepare Stone's body for organ donation. Advertisement The fraternity house of Pi Kappa Alpha's Delta Beta chapter. The fraternity has been permanently expelled from the university. The parents of Stone Foltz allowed his organs to be donated following his death 'This expulsion is because of hazing, which is absolutely intolerable,' university officials said in a statement. 'The University's investigation found the fraternity to be reckless with a disregard for the health and safety of our community. This investigation also revealed a deep culture of deception rooted in the organization, filled with dishonesty and disrespect for our community,' they added. In March an anonymous student told local news network WTOL about the initiation pledge that new fraternity members are allegedly forced to undergo. 'We have to drink a handle of any alcohol that our big gives us. We have to finish the whole thing in the time we're there before we leave,' the stated. A handle of alcohol contains about 40 shots of liquor. 'I've never seen my roommate more drunk in his entire life. He immediately went to the bathroom and was throwing up in the toilet for just 15 minutes to an hour and making himself vomit,' the student continued. Shari explained that she'd had some concerns when Stone decided he wanted to pledge Greek life. 'We had many conversations as to, 'Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, make sure you're checking these fraternities out,' Shari said. Sadly those fears appear to have been well founded after Shari and her husband Corey received the call at midnight on March 4, telling them their son was unconscious. Foltz's distraught parents Cory and Shari are calling for individual members to be charged over their son's death 'I can't describe the pain - there's a piece of my heart that's gone. It's just unimaginable, I can't even explain to you': Shari is pictured with Stone at his high school graduation The proud parents want to make sure the fraternity is hold accountable for Stone's death 'He was found not breathing, they had to revive him and [was] on a ventilator keeping him alive,' said father Cory who immediately drove the two hours to the school from their home. 'So we spent two hours, driving to his school, holding my wife's hand, praying in my mind that Stone was going to be okay. No parent should have to sit in their car wondering if their son is going to be okay.' After four nights in the hospital, however, Stone was declared brain dead. 'We are living every parent's worst nightmare and will not be at peace until fraternity hazing is seen for what it truly is abuse. It's unacceptable, and in Stone's case, it was fatal,' the family later said in a statement. This expulsion is because of hazing, which is absolutely intolerable. The University's investigation found the fraternity to be reckless with a disregard for the health and safety of our community. Bowling Green State University 'How many injuries and deaths will it take for people in positions of power to do the right thing? We demand zero tolerance. Anything less will result in additional innocent lives lost and parents like us pleading for change.' The Foltz's family attorney, Rex Elliot, warned that there had to be 'serious consequences for this behavior, otherwise it won't stop.' 'Our mission is to make sure no other young life is lost,' Elliot told the Fremont News Messenger. He said all universities and colleges need to adopt zero-tolerance policies for hazing that permanently ban organizations that fail to comply. 'We think that is the only way this type of senseless injury and death will stop,' he said. 'We are not going to stop on this effort until there is dramatic reform and we stop these injuries and deaths.' A cocktail bar which only accepts 'mixed gender groups' and asks same-sex groups to 'meet management' before their booking can be accepted has been slammed by equality law experts. Lawyers say the venue could be breaching the Equality Act if its policy means LGBT groups are turned away because they make up single-sex parties. Archer Street - which has bars in Soho and Clapham in London - markets itself as an exclusive cocktail lounge. But the bar says it is currently only accepting mixed bookings of men and women as it unlocks following the easing of Government coronavirus rules. It said: 'Archer Street will only accept bookings of mixed gender groups. We do, on occasion, allow smaller groups of the same-sex, although you may be asked to come down to Archer Street to meet with management, before confirmation of your booking.' In another part of the website, it adds: 'Archer Street asks for an even split of gender for all bookings. On occasion we can make an exception, but this has to be authorised by Management.' Lawyers say the venue could be breaching the Equality Act if its policy means LGBT groups are turned away because they make up single-sex parties Despite the ban on same-sex parties, the venue posted this image of a group of girls drinking at one of their London bars Some have suggested the rule is to keep stag and hen dos away from the venue, but this is covered explicitly in a separate rule. Hannah Price took to Twitter to complain after her friend was turned down when trying to make a reservation. She said: 'My friend tried to book a table for five people at Archer Street in Clapham and was told they don't take bookings for "same-sex groups"* What? 'They also assumed genders based on the names she provided when booking.' Legal experts said if the bar turned down single-sex bookings of LGBT people celebrating weddings or civil partnerships, this could be breaking equality law. Prof Stephen Whittle, an equality law expert at Manchester Met University, said: 'If a booking is for a group of men or women only for a party night, then a bar can refuse the booking if the bar has knowledge or experience of such groups wrecking the joint. 'If they refuse a booking because it is to celebrate the wedding or civil partnership of a same-sex couple, or a couple where one or both partners is trans, then the refusal is almost certainly contrary to the Equality Act 2010.' He added: 'It is the "because" that matters.' Hannah Price took to Twitter to complain after her friend was turned down when trying to make a reservation Archer Street describes itself as 'the first and only exclusive Billecart-Salmon Champagne bar in the United Kingdom'. Pictured, inside one of the bars before covid restrictions Imogen Hamblin, a member of the Law Society's LGBT+ committee, said: 'This would be either direct discrimination or alternatively, indirect discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.' She said a case in 2016, when a hotel banned same-sex couples from sleeping in a double room together, was found as direct discrimination. Direct discrimination roughly translates as 'less favourable treatment on grounds of sexual orientation'. Ms Hamblin added: 'The bar's policy could also fall into indirect discrimination, which is a where a policy, criterion or practice (PCP) when applied to all, substantially disadvantages a group of people with a protected characteristic. 'The PCP is the refusal to allow same-sex individuals to book at the restaurant. 'The PCP would apply to all, in that I imagine the restaurants enforce this against same-sex individuals whether they are in a romantic relationship or not. 'The protected characteristic is sexual orientation and there is a clear disadvantage in that they cannot go out for a meal with their partner.' Some have suggested the rule is to keep stag and hen doos away from the venue, but this is covered explicitly in a separate rule A photograph of two of the bar's waiters was shared ahead of its reopening last month Following the revelations embittered Twitter users shared their fury at the policy Archer Street describes itself as 'the first and only exclusive Billecart-Salmon Champagne bar in the United Kingdom'. Its website reads: 'Archer Street Soho is the ideal destination for a great night out in London. 'Crafted by some of the best mixologists in London, our bespoke cocktail menus are based on seasonal fresh produce and use only premium spirits for our guests to enjoy.' Following the revelations embittered Twitter users shared their fury at the policy. Milan Vrucinic wrote: 'Is this even legal? I totally understand that Archer Street can choose not to take stag/hen parties, but blank ban on same-sex group bookings?! Its 2021, in the UK, they have HQ in Soho, and this just sounds so weird (and unlawful)!' Richard Ellett added: 'It's not unheard of to refuse hen and stage parties but this is surely gross discrimination. I hope they get the negative publicity they deserve.' Matt Dechaine said: 'This is absurd and hugely discriminatory. What about groups of same-sex couples? I appreciate how stag/hen groups can be rowdy if thats their concern but these blanket policies are just not on. Hopefully youll reconsider.' Archer Street has been contacted for comment. More than 150 Republicans have signed on to a letter calling for people to 'reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative' signaling the possible formation of a third party as former President Trump cements his takeover of the GOP. The letter, organized by former 'Anonymous' op-ed author Miles Taylor and former CIA officer Evan McMullin, mentions the ouster Wednesday of former GOP conference chair Rep. Liz Cheney. It raises the possibility of a complete break with the GOP and the creation of a third party in the face of what the signers term 'despotism.' They declare their intention 'either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative.' It all comes in a week when the GOP's internecine divisions were on display in the House even as the party stands a chance of recapturing the House in the wake of redistricting and Democratic retirements. Were a third party to break way, it could further hamper Republicans, who have failed to capture a majority of the popular vote in a succession of presidential elections. The group, which includes four former governors and 27 former GOP members of the House, states that they oppose the 'disenfranchisement of voters' and 'reject populism and illiberalism, whether of the right or the left.' It all comes as former President Donald Trump has been cementing his control of the Republican Party, after endorsing Rep. Elise Stefanik to replace Cheney as top party leaders come calling to him at Mar-a-Lago in the wake of the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. Although Trump faced blowback after the riot including a speech by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McMconnell claiming it was Trump who 'provoked' it his grip on the party has grown in succeeding weeks. State officials have acted to censure Republicans who broke with Trump. Sen. Mitt Romney, the party's standard bearer in 2012, got booed at the state convention in Utah. And a number of states have acted to restrict voting and add ID requirements in the wake of Trump's claims of voter fraud, as polls show a substantial number of Republicans believe Joe Biden's victory wasn't legitimate, despite a string of courts tossing out fraud claims. Among those signing onto the letter are former prominent political figures such as former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, former Trump White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, former presidential candidate and Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, and former South Carolina governor and House Rep. Mark Sanford. More than 150 Republicans signed the 'Call for American Renewal' where they discussed a new political movement The list includes former RNC chair Michael Steele and former national security officials including NSA head Michael Hayden and former Bush homeland security chief Michael Chertoff. Several of their founding principles echo criticism individual group members have lodged at Trump. 'We oppose the employment of fear-mongering, conspiracism, and falsehoods and instead support evidence-based policymaking and honest discourse,' they write. Trump mocked the group and Taylor in particular in a statement Wednesday, dissing Taylor, who became a staunch Trump critic after penning his infamous anonymous op-ed in the New York Times. 'A guy named Miles Taylor, who I have no idea who he is, dont remember ever meeting him or having a conversation with, gets more publicity pretending he was in the inner circle of our Administration when he was definitely not,' Trump wrote in an email from his 'Save America' PAC. Anthony Scaramucci, who served a very brief tenure in the Trump White House, signed the letter The list includes former governors and members of Congress, such as former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, and former Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) Former governors signed the letter, including former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge and former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman The group, which includes four former governors and 27 former GOP members of the House, states that they oppose the 'disenfranchisement of voters' and 'reject populism and illiberalism.' Signing the letter were former RNC chair Michael Steele and former diplomat John Negroponte Former New York Rep. Rick Lazio, who ran for Senate against Hillary Clinton, also signed on Signers of the 'Call for American Renewal' challenging the GOP Andrew Sagor; Anthony Scaramucci; Arne Carlson; Barbara Comstock; Bill Weld; Bob Inglis; Bob Worsley; Bob Yudin; Bobbie G. Kilberg; Bruce Maloch; Bryan Jones; C.J. Diegel; Chad Mayes; Charles Djou; Charles R. Jeter; Charles R. Work; Charlie Dent; Chip Felkel; Christine Todd Whitman; Christopher T. Bayley; Christopher J. Gagin; Chris Vance; Claudine Schneider; Cole Wist; Connie Morella; Daniel Barkhuff; David Almacy; David Billings; David Durenberger; David Meeks; Davy Carter; Denver Riggleman; Dick Zimmer; Dov S. Zakheim; Edward T. Tobin III; Eileen Padberg; Eli Lehrer; Eliot A. Cohen; Elizabeth Neumann; Emil Frankel; Evan McMullin; Gabriel Schoenfeld; Gene Kussart; George Conway; Glenn J. Schatz; Gregory Wilson; H. Bryan Cunningham; Hannah Kummer; Heath Mayo; Jack Weinstein; Jacob Perry; James Kunder; James Leach; James W. Peppe; Jeff Timmer; Jeffrey N. Shane; Jennifer Horn; Jerid J. Miller; Jim Glassman; Jim Greenwood; Jim Hendren; Jim Kolbe; Joe Hunter; Joe Walsh; Joel F. Brenner; Joel Searby; John Bellinger; John Fluharty; John Kingston; John LeBoutillier; John M. Mitnick; John Negroponte; Jonathan C. Rose; Josh Venable; Julie Meier Wright; Justin L. Kurth; Karen A. Johnson; Karen Kirksey; Kathy Varga; Kristopher Purcell; Laura Holmes Jost; Lucy M. Caldwell; Lynn A. Schmidt; Marilee Cunningham; Mark Sanford; Mark Weatherford; Marty Linsky; Mary E. Peters; Matthew S. Sarelson; Matt Walton; Max Boot; Michael L. Belitzky; Michael Burchstead; Michael Chertoff; Michael Hayden; Michael Steele; Michelle Udall; Mickey Edwards; Mike Bober; Mike Madrid; Mike Murphy; Miles Taylor; Mindy Finn; Molly McKew; Mona Charen; Murray Dickman; Nate Bell; Neal J. Simon; Olivia Troye; Paul Rosenzweig; Paul C. Jost; Paul Mitchell; Peter McCloskey; Peter Smith; R.J. Lyman; Rachel Hoff; Randy Brockway; Reed Howard; Reid Ribble; Richard W. Painter; Rick Lazio; Rina Shah; Robert F. Orr; Robert Patricelli; Robert Shanks; Rod Chandler; Sam Reid; Scott Rigell; Shellie Bressler; Shermichael Singleton; Sophia Nelson; Soren Dayton; Stanley A. Twardy Jr.; Steve Bartlett; Steve Carey; Stuart Gerson; Susan Del Percio; T. Greg Doucette; Tara Setmayer; Tatyana V. Bolton; Ted Roosevelt; Thomas Hill; Thomas E. Petri; Tim Boyle; Tom Campbell; Tom Coleman; Tom Ridge; Trevor Potter; Valerie Smith Boyd; Wayne Gilchrest; William J. Kilberg; William F.B. OReilly. Advertisement 'Some people refer to him as absolutely nothing. I hear he is on CNN and MSDNC all the time, but he had nothing to do with any of my decisions, and I wouldnt even know what he looks like,' Trump continued. Trump also called him a 'lowlife,' adding: 'Now hes putting together a group of RINOs and Losers who are coming out to protest President Trump despite our creating the greatest economy ever, getting us out of endless wars, rebuilding our Great Military, reducing taxes and regulations by historic levels, creating Space Force, appointing almost 300 Judges, and much, much more!' Trump added: 'Miles Taylor and his fellow RINO losers like Tom Ridge, Christine Todd Whitman, and Crazy Barbara Comstock voted for Biden, and now look what they have a socialist regime with collapsing borders, massive tax and regulation hikes, unrest in the Middle East, and long gas lines. The letter, titled: 'A Call For American Renewal,' is an exploratory move toward forming a breakaway party, two of its organizers said. The group, which includes former officials at both state and national level, is dismayed by what it says is a modern Republican Party driven by its allegiance to Trump, who continues to falsely claim the 2020 election was stolen from him. 'The Republican Party is broken. It's time for a resistance of the 'rationals' against the 'radicals,' said Taylor. It was an extremely symbolic and powerful moment ... Liz Cheney is one of the few Republicans that still maintains her spine in a sea of spinelessness, Former Trump staffer @MilesTaylorUSA says on Cheneys defiant speech as she faces ouster from GOP leadership. pic.twitter.com/cxbt2L7wND New Day (@NewDay) May 12, 2021 Over 100 Republican officials will sign a letter on Thursday declaring that if the Republican Party does not break with former President Donald Trump (left with one of the petition organizers Miles Taylor) and change course, they will back the creation of a third party 'The Republican Party is broken. It's time for a resistance of the 'rationals' against the 'radicals,' said Miles Taylor, one of the organizers, explaining the letter, headlined: 'A Call For American Renewal' Taylor added: 'This is us saying that a group of more than 100 prominent Republicans think that the situation has gotten so dire with the Republican Party that it is now time to seriously consider whether an alternative might be the only option, 'I'm one of those in the group that feels very strongly that if we can't get the G.O.P. back to a rational party that supports free minds, free markets, and free people, I'm out and a lot of people are coming with me.' The letter is timed for release just hours after House Republicans booted Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming from her post as the Party's No. 3 leadership position following her own denunciation of those who put forward the 'lie' that the election was stolen from Trump. Taylor commented Wednesday morning on Cheney's speech, delivered to colleagues in a brief floor speech Tuesday night. 'It was an extremely symbolic and powerful moment that showed exactly where the GOP stands,' Taylor told CNN. He called her 'one of the few Republicans that still retains her spine in a sea of spinelessness.' Among the signatories are governors, members of Congress, ambassadors, cabinet secretaries, state legislators and Republican Party chairmen. Taylor, while serving in the Trump White House, wrote an anonymous opinion piece in the New York Times in 2018 headlined: 'I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration.' The group first raised the threat in February here, following the deadly January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters to try to disrupt congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential election victory He declined to outline the exact changes the group will demand from the Republican Party. The group first raised the threat in February here, following the deadly January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters to try to disrupt congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential election victory. The letter highlights the wide intraparty rift over Trump. The preamble to the full statement, which is expected to be released on Thursday, reads: 'When in our democratic republic, forces of conspiracy, division, and despotism arise, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to act collectively in defense of liberty and justice'. House Republicans oust edRepresentative Liz Cheney from her No. 3 party leadership position within the chamber Most Republicans remain fiercely loyal to the former president. The letter signatories, who include former ambassadors, governors, congressional members and Cabinet secretaries, want the Republican Party to return to 'principled' leadership and reject division and conspiracy theories, or face a new party dedicated to fighting for Republicans such as Cheney and against fearmongering and lies. Backers of the reform group include former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, George W. Bush-era Transportation Secretary Mary Peters. Backers of the reform group include former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge (left), former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (center), George W. Bush-era Transportation Secretary Mary Peters (right) Also involved are former House members Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania (left), Barbara Comstock of Virginia (center), Reid Ribble of Wisconsin (right) Also involved are former House members Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Barbara Comstock of Virginia, Reid Ribble of Wisconsin, and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma. Former CIA agent Evan McMullin who ran for president as an independent candidate in 2016, is also involved. They may face an uphill battle in getting any current Republican officeholders to sign on - including Cheney herself, who in February rejected the idea of a third party, saying it would empower Democrats. A spokesman for Trump, Jason Miller, said: 'These losers left the Republican Party when they voted for Joe Biden.' Evan McMullin said if the Republican Party does not reject lies and extremism, part of it 'will have no choice but to part ways with it and build something new. We're excited about that prospect. Former house member Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma and former CIA agent Ewan McMullin who ran for president as an independent candidate in 2016, are also involved The letter comes as Trump loyalists have flexed their muscle in Congress even after the president's defeat and the Jan. 6th riot. Just 10 House Republicans voted to impeach Trump; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago weeks after holding an angry phone call with him while the Capitol was under siege. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, delivered a blistering speech where he said Trump 'provoked' the riot. But within months, the Senate Republican campaign arm presented Trump with a 'Champion of Freedom' award that didn't previously exist. The grieving parents of Aishwarya Aswath, who died from an infection at Perth Children's Hospital, say they were treated without compassion and have no doubt she would still be alive if their concerns had been addressed. Aswath Chavittupara, 39, and Prasitha Sasidharan, 33, have laid bare their devastation at the loss of their seven-year-old daughter. The couple say an internal report into the Easter Saturday incident has raised more questions than answers, and have renewed calls for an independent inquiry into their daughter's death and other critical incidents at the hospital. Aswath Chavittupara, 39, (left) and Prasitha Sasidharan, 33 (right) say they were treated without compassion during their time at Perth Children's Hospital Their daughter Aishwarya Aswath, 7, (pictured) waited for two hours in the emergency room of Perth Children's Hospital only to die soon after she finally received treatment 'We didn't get the answers that we were looking for,' an emotional Mr Chavittupara told reporters on Thursday. 'We knew they would only look at some of the areas and ignore the rest. That's why we've been pushing for an external inquiry.' Aishwarya was taken to the $1.2 billion hospital's emergency department with a fever and triaged by staff in the second-least urgent category. Her parents pleaded for her to be assessed after her eyes became cloudy and her hands turned cold but were forced to wait for almost two hours. She died soon after she was finally seen. The grieving couple have no doubt their seven-year-old daughter Aishwarya would still be alive if their concerns had been addressed A report by WA's Child and Adolescent Health Services found Aishwarya died of sepsis after contracting an infection related to group A streptococcus. The McGowan government has ruled out an independent inquiry into her death, while Health Minister Roger Cook has fended off calls for his resignation. At times struggling to speak, Mr Chavittupara said Mr Cook's apology was 'not good enough' and the system needed to change. 'I think some of the staff were ignoring us ... they didn't even pass on the message to their superiors so they could decide,' he said. 'We found the staff were a bit rude and we found that the level of humanity that they had was very low.' At times struggling to speak, Mr Chavittupara said Health Minister Roger Cook's apology was 'not good enough' and the system needed to change Among the report's recommendations is a review of staff awareness of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The family have questioned whether their ethnicity influenced their treatment and believe a systemic review is needed. Pictured: Seven-year-old Aishwarya Aswath 'If we can start connecting the dots, maybe we can find an answer there,' Mr Chavittupara said. The CAHS report made 11 recommendations which the government has agreed to implement at PCH within the next six months, including improvements to triage policy. An independent inquiry will also be held into the PCH emergency department. Aishwarya's death followed months of concerns about understaffing, treatment delays and record ambulance ramping at Perth's hospitals. But Premier Mark McGowan said Mr Cook had 'done a very good job for over four years'. 'It is a big job, a big workload, a big system and to manage that entire workload is very difficult,' he told reporters. 'We do have issues occur and this is clearly a big issue.' Opposition health spokeswoman Libby Mettam said the minister had his head in the sand about the state of the health system. 'I'm not sure what report (he) was reading but the buck stops with him,' she said. AMA WA president Andrew Miller echoed calls for Mr Cook to resign, saying doctors had been warning for more than a year of emergency department overcrowding. State Premier Mark McGowan said of the incident: 'We do have issues occur and this is clearly a big issue' The government has accepted the resignation of CAHS chair Debbie Karasinski, who Dr Miller described as a 'sacrificial lamb'. Aishwarya's parents believe a lack of escalation, rather than a lack of staff, was the main issue. The couple wants a new system - to be named 'Aishwarya's Care' - to be implemented at the PCH emergency department, giving concerned parents the right to have their children's care escalated and be seen within three minutes. 'We lost our child,' Ms Sasidharan said. 'This shouldn't happen to anybody else.' This is the adorable moment a musical dog accompanies her owner's violin playing by howling loudly. One-year-old puppy Iris refuses to let her owner Megan Freivogel play in peace as she tries to practice for a virtual performance, at their home in Illinois. The professional musician can only play a note or two from the piece before her enthusiastic dog lets out a tuneful howl. Amazingly the dog seems to adjust her pitch to the violin, howling on the high notes and growling as the piece reaches the deeper ones. Amused by her dog's involvement Ms Freivogel, who plays with the Jupiter String Quartet, bends down to tell Iris 'good girl' before continuing to play. Iris looks intently at her owner as she lets out a tuneful howl followed by low growls. Her owner exclaims: 'Oh my ears' After deciding that she has had enough of the dog's singing, Ms Freivogel gives Iris a pat on the head, telling her: 'I love you, thank you.' The award-winning violinist said afterwards: 'Iris is our pandemic dog and is very attached to us.' Megan Freivogel, a professional musician, was only able to play a note or two from the piece before her enthusiastic dog Iris decides to get involved at their home in Illinois Iris looks intently at her owner Ms Freivogel as she lets out a tuneful howl followed by low growls She shared the sweet video, filmed on April 23, to social media where commenters were impressed at the dog's tone. One viewer, Marc Rhodes, wrote: 'Oh my goodness! The doggie loves to sing along with you! And she changes her tone to add melody! 'Wow dogs are amazing. And she's mellow. 'I've seen dogs howling along but its always one tone, loud, and out of sync. Iris is very special. And your violin playing is great too. You may become a famous duet!' Another commenter wrote: 'Lol the growl at the end killed me.' The sorrowful sounding piece which Iris sings along to is by American composer Judd Greenstein. Two of the five girls who were discovered on the land of a farmer near the Mexico-United States border in Texas on Sunday were kidnapped with their mother and beaten by their captors before their family member paid a ransom in exchange for their freedom. A Guatemalan woman identified as Daisy, 22, is one of three parents who are reportedly missing and haven't been heard from in weeks, family members told Univision on Wednesday. Her sister, Yolanda, told the network that Daisy had left her family home in February with her boyfriend, a Honduran national identified as Ashley, and her two daughters, Ashlei, 5, and her 11-month-old sister Valeria. The family settled in Mexico and shared a home with Ashley's sister, Sandra, her husband, and two daughters, Nashley, 7, and Cristal, 4. Five girls from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico were found on Sunday by Texas onion and watermelon farmer Jimmy Hobbs on his property in the border town of Quemado, across from the Mexican state of Coahuila. The photo was posted on Twitter by Congressman Tony Gonzalez on Sunday after first being shared on border Facebook groups Guatemalan national Daisy, 22, and her two daughters, Ashlei (top right) and Valeria (bottom right) went missing in March after they were kidnapped in Mexico. Her sister told Univision that the captors forced her and the children naked and beat them. They were later freed after a $3,000 payment was made. Ashlei and Valeria are two of the five children who were found on a farm in Texas on Sunday. Univision reported that Sandra spoke by phone to her sister Katerine in Honduras two weeks ago and said that she was planning on crossing the United States-Mexico border with her daughters, Nashley (front left) and Cristal (front right) and was also accompanying her brother's daughter and stepdaughter. The children and a fifth girl were found on a Texas farm on Sunday. However, her whereabouts are unknown According to Univision, Ashley left Honduras in 2018 following the murder of his older brother, who was part of a gang. His sister Sandra followed him to Mexico in 2019. There he met Guatemalan native, Daisy, who in 2020 gave birth to his daughter, Valeria. He migrated to the United States in December 2020, but went back to Mexico in March after learning that Daisy and his daughter and stepdaughter had been abducted Ashley was the first of the adults who was able to migrate to the United States, doing so in December 2020, but returned to Mexico in March after learning that Daisy and the two girls had been abducted. While in captivity, Daisy and her daughters were locked in a room, forced to get naked and whipped by their captors. After paying the abductors as much as $3,000 to be freed, Daisy reportedly attempted to cross the border but was mugged at gunpoint by cops and remained in Mexico. According to the Univision report, Sandra had spoken two weeks ago to her sister, Katerine, back home in Honduras and told her of the plan to cross into the United States with the four girls and turn themselves in to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Katerine said Ashley and Sandra left Honduras, in 2018 and 2019, respectively, following the murder of the siblings' older brother, who was a member of a local gang. Valeria, an 11-month-old girl from Mexico, was found Sunday on a Texas farm with five other children, including her sister, after they had been smuggled across the United States-Mexico border. The whereabouts of her mother, a Guatemala national, and father, a Honduras native, are unknown On Sunday morning, Katie Hobbs and her husband Jimmy Hobbs discovered five migrant girls near a river on their farm in Quemado, Texas, which borders with the northeastern Mexican state of Coahuila The farmer and his wife gave the girls food, water and sat them in shade while they waited for CBP to arrive at the scene While in Mexico, Ashley met Daisy, who became pregnant with the couple's first daughter, Valeria. Ashley, Sandra and her husband had been working in Mexico to raise money to migrate to the United States. 'What she was going to do was cross and turn herself in with the girls to immigration (authorities),' Katerine said. The girls were spotted Sunday morning on a Quemado, Texas, farm which is owned by Jimmy Hobbs. The property is located across from the Mexican state of Coahuila. The 75-year-old onion and watermelon farmer and his wife, Katie Hobbs, spotted the girls on their farmland next to river. Video footage released by the couple showed the wife of one of their workers feeding Valeria. 'These children dumped out on the side of the river here on our farm,' Jimmy Hobbs told Congressman Tony Gonzales in an interview posted on Twitter. 'If this doesn't make you mad and make you want to take to the streets, I don't know what will. They have no mother, no father, no nothing. This is one of our workers' wives right here taking care of this tiny one. No one with these children.' Hobbs took the girls over to the shade and gave them food and water before the police arrived. Each of the children were carrying the phone numbers of their relatives in the United States. Valeria had a phone number written on her diaper. The children did not require medical attention and were taken to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection station in Uvadale and turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorities have not identified the parents of the fifth girl, a native of Honduras. The whereabouts of Daisy, Ashley and Sandra are currently unknown. The top U.S. homeland security official said on Thursday the Biden administration still faced challenges on the U.S.-Mexico border but that it had made extraordinary efforts to move unaccompanied migrant children out of crowded border stations. Federal authorities have reduced the number of unaccompanied children in border stations from a peak of 5,700 in late March to under 500 this week, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in opening remarks at a congressional hearing. 'The challenge is not behind us, but the results are dramatic,' Mayorkas said. Recent border data obtained by The Associated Press showed that 21,000 children are currently in the custody of the U.S. government. An Army base in Texas has more than 4,500 minors as of Monday. A CBP monthly report released Tuesday showed that border agents encountered 17,171 unaccompanied children, down 9 percent from 18,890 in March when a record number of unaccompanied migrant children entered U.S. custody along the southern border. The Queen is looking to hire a cyber security expert to protect the Firm's emails and Google searches from hackers. The Royal Household posted an advertisement for a Cyber Security Engineer, earning between 50,000 and 60,000 and working 37 and a half hours a week. The role will involve monitoring the household's 'network and systems', identifying security threats and leading 'response activities'. The advert, posted on the royal vacancies website, asks that candidates submit their CVs by May 26, before interviews start in June. Other jobs currently listed on the site include a liveried helper - responsible for getting the Queen's horses ready for Royal events - and an operational support coordinator for the Royal Collection Trust. The advert for the cyber job states the job involves 'delivering work that matters' and 'being a part of the professional business behind the monarchy'. The Queen (pictured during a zoom call) is looking to hire a cyber security expert to protect the Firm's emails and Google searches from hackers The Royal Household (pictured) posted an advertisement for a Cyber Security Engineer, earning between 50,000 and 60,000 and working 37 and a half hours a week It adds: 'Joining our Cyber Security team, you'll have a vital role in delivering our Cyber Security and Resilience Strategy. 'You'll monitor our network and systems, identify potential security threats and lead on response activities. 'Carrying out technical investigations, you'll identify potential risks and impacts, and ensure controls are in place across our hardware and software to keep us cyber secure and resilient. 'You'll regularly review and evaluate our cyber security and response activities and working in close collaboration with the IT and Information Assurance teams, you'll look to maintain our policies, standards and best practice. 'Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer, you'll work together to create a culture of continuous security improvement. 'You'll provide expertise and insight on controls and procedures to minimise cyber incidents and strengthen resilience. 'And you'll be relied upon to identify future projects and technologies that will develop our strategy further. The role will involve monitoring the household's 'network and systems', identifying security threats and leading 'response activities'. Pictured: The Royal Family 'You'll also be involved in creating and delivering cyber awareness training to employees across the organisation, keeping everyone up-to-date on important security standards. 'The range of work will expand your knowledge further, and knowing your work is integral to the security of the organisation will continue to drive you.' It asks that candidates are 'educated to degree level or equivalent in a computer related subject' and have experience in cyber security. The household wants 'an expert in IT risk management' who has a 'practical experience of delivering strategies'. 'With a collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills, you'll be able to provide clear and concise advice to non-technical colleagues and will be confident at building strong working relationships with a variety of people across the Household,' it continues. 'You're highly organised and agile, able to systematically manage, prioritise and deliver your own workload to meet varied needs and deadlines, balancing day-to-day detail with wider team objectives. The Queen's (pictured in December) staff at Buckingham Palace staff are likely going to enjoy 'more flexible ways of working' after the pandemic 'Above all, you'll enjoy working a part of a wider team of specialists to deliver exceptional results.' Earlier this year it was revealed that Royal Household staff are going to enjoy the benefits of 'flexible working' even after the pandemic. Like organisations across the country, the Royal Household has been forced to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions and has introduced flexible working options for its 1,200 members of staff who work at royal residences across the UK. A job advert for a Senior Employee Communications Assistant - responsible for keeping internal digital platforms updated - hinted there are plans to continue remote working even once restrictions lift. The Royal Household earlier advertised for a Senior Employee Communications Assistant to keep internal digital platforms updated as employees continue remote working The posting for the 27,000-a-year role, based at Buckingham Palace, read: 'Working as part of our professional and supportive HR team, you'll underpin all aspects of our employee communications and will join at an interesting and important time. 'With c.1200 employees spanning a diverse range of roles, our internal digital platforms are currently more important than ever; ensuring everyone is informed, connected, engaged and able to work effectively regardless of their location. 'And as we look ahead, more flexible ways of working is likely to continue post pandemic, making your role key to our future.' The successful candidate will create posts and videos to keep staff and potential job applicants up-to-date with the latest goings on, the posting continues. The posting adds: 'No two days will be the same. And as you support others, you'll have exceptional opportunities to grow your own career. A job advert for a Senior Employee Communications Assistant, pictured, responsible for keeping internal digital platforms updated, hints there are plans to continue remote working even once restrictions lift 'We don't stand still here; and you'll be encouraged to make an impact at the heart of this world-famous institution.' Analysis carried out by Femail revealed the Queen carried out almost half of her 2020 engagements listed on the Court Circular by telephone or video link. Among the engagements carried out in person was the knighting of Captain Sir Tom Moore at Windsor Castle in July and a joint outing with prince William to meet counter-terrorism experts in Salisbury in October. A source told Vanity Fair earlier this month that Her Majesty is preparing for her return to work after being vaccinated against Covid-19. Yesterday Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge all shared video messages to celebrate Burn's Night. Hillary Clinton on Thursday blasted a group of retired admirals and generals who penned a blistering open letter that questioned President Joe Biden's mental fitness and put forward some of Donald Trump's election fraud claims. Alongside a link to a story about the letter, the former secretary of state tweeted: 'Bizarre, shameful, and untrue.' Clinton, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, forged ties with senior military members while in Congress, before serving as the nation's top diplomat in the Obama administration and losing the presidential election to Donald Trump in 2016. The pushback also comes from some prominent former military members, including academics, who called out their fellow former officers for launching a 'partisan' attack, that did not even fall in an election year. Jim Golby, an expert in civil-military relations, tore into the effort in comments to Politico as a 'shameful effort to use their rank and the military's reputation for such a gross and blatant partisan attack.' Retired Air Force colonel Marybeth Ulrich, who teaches at the Air Force Academy, termed it 'anti-democratic.' The retired military officers did not quibble with their compatriots expressing political views but in joining in a sweeping attack on the commander in chief. Also ripping the effort was retired Adm. Mike Mullen, who served as chair of the joint chiefs of staff and outranks those on the letter, said: 'I think it hurts the military and by extension it hurts the country. He cast it as 'right-wing Republican talking points.' 'This is really, to my mind, a classic very bad example of the erosion of civil-military relations in America, which is the bedrock of our democracy,' another retired military leader, Army Col. Jeffrey McCausland, told HuffPost. Alongside a link to a story about the letter, Clinton tweeted: 'Bizarre, shameful, and untrue.' Senior officers, including former members of the joint chiefs of staff, have occasionally put their name to documents that fit a political context including one days after the Jan. 6th riots. "The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process," the joint chiefs wrote in a letter to the Armed Forces days after the attack. 'We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection,' they wrote. The pushback came after a group of more than 120 retired military officers have written to President Joe Biden to tell him his election was less than legitimate while questioning his mental acuity. The letter echoes former President Donald Trump's claims of widespread election fraud which have not been borne out in the courts and comes on a day when Rep. Liz Cheney ripped Trump for his claim that the election was 'stolen.' 'Without fair and honest elections that accurately reflect the 'will of the people' our Constitutional Republic is lost,' the letter from retired officers says. A group of more than 120 retired military officers have written President Joe Biden (pictured Wednesday) to tell him his election was less than legitimate Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle The group calls itself 'Flag Officers 4 America' and consists of retired military officers including generals and admirals. 'The FBI and Supreme Court must act swiftly when election irregularities are surfaced and not ignore them as was done in 2020,' they wrote. The letter, called an 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals,' was reported by Politico. It echoes Trump's claims that absentee ballots are not secure as it goes after Biden, who serves as Commander in Chief of the military. 'Election integrity demands insuring there is one legal vote cast and counted per citizen. Legal votes are identified by State Legislature's approved controls using government IDs, verified signatures, etc,' they write. 'Today, many are calling such commonsense [voter ID] controls racist in an attempt to avoid having fair and honest elections. Using racial terms to suppress proof of eligibility is itself a tyrannical intimidation tactic,' they write. The retired officers raise doubts about Biden's mental capacity and reference Speaker Nancy Pelosi's move to get assurances about the nuclear codes in the days after the January 6 MAGA riot. The 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals' blasts Biden for 'excessive lockdowns' and 'censorship of written and verbal expression,' while questioning his mental acuity The retired officers hit the Iran nuclear deal and even slap Biden for stopping the Keystone Pipeline project, while saying 'anarchy' in cities cannot be tolerated 'The mental and physical condition of the Commander in Chief cannot be ignored. He must be able to quickly make accurate national security decisions involving life and limb anywhere, day or night,' they write. 'Recent Democrat leadership's inquiries about nuclear code procedures sends a dangerous national security signal to nuclear armed adversaries, raising the question about who is in charge. We must always have an unquestionable chain of command.' The group Flag Officers 4 America call themselves 'retired military leaders who pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' The letter is a counterpoint to impactful public statements by national security officials who weighed in for Biden during the campaign. One such effort came when 10 former secretaries of Defense penned an extraordinary op-ed in the Washington Post warning there is 'no role' for the U.S. military in the outcome of U.S. elections, and stating the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. That letter came three days before the Capitol riot. The signers of the attached their names to the letter. Among them was Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle, who served in Vietnam and later commanded the US Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC) at Rock Island, Illinois. Arbuckle, who organized the effort, told Politico: 'Retired generals and admirals normally do not engage in political actions, but the situation facing our nation today is dire.' He continued: 'We are facing threats greater than at any other time since our country was founded. To remain silent would be a dereliction of duty.' The effort drew immediate pushback from military members who lamented people who wore the uniform jumping into an organized political effort. More than 120 former military officers signed the letter, including Gen. William Boykin (left) and John Poindexter (right) Members of the military vote in elections and have protected constitutional rights, but military leaders have warned of the risks of intruding in domestic politics. In the run-up to 2020, retired Gen. James Mattis denounced Trump, whom he served as Defense Secretary, in a June response to the events at Lafayette Square. 'We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,' Mattis wrote. Other signers of the anti-Biden letter included include Vice Adm. John Poindexter, who was convicted in the Iran-Contra Affair. Also signing on was Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc, who lost the Republican primary in 2020 to challenge Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and is planning another Senate run. Another signer, Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, who was termed anti-Muslim for his comments to a Christian congregation, CBS previously reported, after Boykin said of a Somali warlord: 'I knew that my God was bigger than his.' A suspect in the Time Square shooting last weekend that injured three people, including a four-year-old girl, insisted he was innocent and that he wasn't even in New York City at the time of the shooting, in an interview from a Florida jail. 'I still don't know nothing of nothing,' Farrakhan Muhammad told a WCJB reporter on Wednesday, a day after he and his girlfriend were arrested at a McDonald's parking lot near Jacksonville, Florida, some 1,000 miles away from the scene of the shooting. Muhammad, 31, insisted that he was out of the state when gunfire erupted in Times Square just before 5pm on Saturday. Scroll down for video Wasn't him: Times Square shooting suspect Farrakhan Muhammad, 31, told a WCJB reporter in a jailhouse interview on Wednesday that he was not in New York City at the time of the incident Muhammad, who was caught near Jacksonville, Florida, on Wedesday, claimed that he had been evicted from his New York apartment and traveled to New Jersey to stay with his girlfriend's family 'I left New York a few days ago. I was in [New] Jersey,' he said. Muhammad claimed that he had been evicted from his apartment in New York and traveled to New Jersey with his two dogs to stay with his girlfriend's family. New York State lawmakers previously extended a statewide moratorium on residential and commercial evictions through August 31, meaning landlords should be unable to evict their tenants until the end of the summer. Muhammad and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Kristine Vergara, later made their way to Bradford County, Florida, where he said they stayed with other family members. The suspect confirmed that he and Vergara were near the McDonald's in Starke at the time of their arrest on Tuesday, but claimed that they were on their way to look at an apartment for purchase. They changed their minds about the property after a Confederate flag was spotted flying over the apartment building, and instead headed to the McDonald's for lunch. 'We parked by McDonalds so we could eat McDonalds real quick and thats what happened,' claimed Muhammad. US Marshals apprehended Muhammad and booked him into the county jail on an out-of-state warrant, charging him with being a fugitive from justice. His girlfriend, who lives in Jacksonville, is facing a count of accessory to second-degree attempted murder. A suspect said to be Farrakhan Muhammad has been arrested on suspicion of Saturday's shooting in Times Square, which left three people injured Muhammad made his initial court appearance in Bradford County, Florida, and opted to delay his extradition Colonel Brad Smith, with the Bradford County Sheriffs Office, told DailyMail.com that although Muhammad initially was leaning towards not fighting extradition back to New York, during his first court appearance on Thursday he changed his mind. Smith said the judge told the defendant that he could be assigned a public defender who would explain his legal options to him, and Muhammad agreed to it. Another hearing was scheduled for May 20. Spectrum NY1 reported that Muhammad's attempted escape came to an end due to fuel shortages caused after Russian hackers targeted the Colonial Pipeline. The fuel line supplies much of the United States east coast, with ongoing disruption caused by the hack causing gas shortages and panic buying across much of the south east. An estimated 10 per cent of Florida gas stations have run out of fuel. NYPD detectives told a press conference Wednesday that they obtained intelligence shortly after Saturday's shooting which suggested that Muhammad was heading south. US Marshals in Starke, Florida, shared this photo of Muhammad after his arrest on Wednesday Muhammad (left) was booked into jail on an out-of-state warrant. His girlfriend, Kristine Vergara, 22 (right), faces a charge of accessory to attempted murder He was later spotted traveling through Fayetteville, North Carolina, and eventually picked up another 436 miles away in Starke. ABC News correspondent Aaron Katersky tweeted a photo of Muhammad's arrest, with police saying he'd shaved his long hair short in an attempted disguise. Muhammad's apprehension came four days and 975 miles way from the scene of Saturday evening's shooting. He had been staying with his girlfriend since. She was driving the car when Muhammad was arrested, but has not been charged with any crime. Cops said the suspected shooter had shaved his hair to try and disguise himself. This map shows the 975 mile trip Muhammad took from New York after Saturday's shooting, which ended when his car ran out of gas because of fuel shortages, police sources say Muhammad was arrested after being caught in a car with his girlfriend and their two dogs in the parking lot of this McDonald's in Starke, Florida, on Wednesday morning Officials told NBC4 he had been found with his girlfriend, and apprehended without incident. The two apparently left New York City together after the shooting, according to one senior law enforcement official, though it's not clear if the woman knew he was wanted in the Times Square gunfire at that point. Muhammad's brother - who was also in Times Square at the time of the shooting - has since confirmed to the NYPD that he was the intended target, journalists were told on Wednesday. NYPD detectives checked cameras that showed him leave Times Square after the gunfire and go to a hotel near West 42nd Street, NBC reported. There he changed clothes and was seen leaving with his girlfriend. Muhammad was caught in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the Wall Street Journal, and will be extradited back to New York at a later date. A NYPD spokesman told a press conference Wednesday that Muhammad was determined to be fleeing south in the wake of the shooting, and was picked up as he traveled through Fayetteville, North Carolina. Detectives said they have yet to track down the gun used in the shooting, and have appealed for further information. Muhammad, who sold CDs in the famed Manhattan plaza, was believed to have been targeting his brother, who he'd just gotten into an argument with, when he opened fire, sending hundreds of people fleeing for their lives. Four-year-old Skye Martinez, 23-year-old Wendy Magrinat and 43-year-old Marcela Aldana were all injured in the attack. The shooting occurred at around 5 p.m. Saturday night in front of the Minskoff Theater. It normally hosts the hit musical Lion King, but which is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Upon hearing gunshots, many victims have said they felt panic and confusion, with dramatic footage showing frightened crowds scattering as they realized what was happening. Magrinat said onlookers began filming her with their mobile phones rather than help in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. This graphic shows how the Colonial Pipeline hack is affecting the US, with those in the southeast hardest hit by the attack She was on a sightseeing trip from Rhode Island when she was shot in the leg while standing with her husband Yoel, their two-year-old daughter Elise, and her mother, stepfather and eight-year-old sister. Magrinat said she started screaming after she had been shot in the leg: 'I don't want to die, please help me! The pain was too much, and I dropped to the floor. 'I understand people get in shock. But if you're in shock, you shouldn't be recording. But that's how people are right now.' Danae Romero, 16, meanwhile, said she was waiting in line at a toy store with her four-year-old niece Skye when the shooting began. Romero said the pair ran for their lives - but described how Skye was struck by a stray bullet in her calf. 'She didn't feel anything. Even when we noticed when we were at the corner, she wasn't crying,' Romero told the Post. Instead, she sat there, as Police Officer Alyssa Vogel sprinted down the tourist spot. stopping at Skye and immediately applying a tourniquet to her leg. Body camera footage shows Vogel then scooped up the child, and ran her to a nearby ambulance. Cop Alyssa Vogel was filmed running from the tourist hotspot with four-year-old Skye Martinez in her arms on Saturday after gunman Farrakhan Muhammed, 31, opened fire (right). On Monday, Vogel said she was just doing her job In an interview with DailyMail.com, Vogel said she thought any police officer in that situation would have done the same thing She said she wanted to get Skye the help she needed and treated her as her own child. 'I think any officer that would've responded to a job just like that would've done the exact same thing,' Vogel previously told DailyMail.com. In an interview with Good Morning America on Monday, Vogel said the only time Skye was uncomfortable was when she and another cop tightened a tourniquet around her leg on the way to the hospital. 'This little girl is the strongest person I have ever seen for somebody just been shot, she was just standing there obviously scared but she wasnt crying or anything. She only yelled when we tightened the tourniquet. 'She was very calm for someone who was in a very traumatic situation,' she said. Vogel previously told The New York Post: 'I kept telling her [the child's mom] to breathe, that I know what she's going through because I have a baby myself. It was very difficult for her, very traumatic. She saw her daughter just get shot. 'I kept telling her to breathe and that her daughter was going to be OK. I kept trying to calm her down because she was obviously very scared. Former school teacher Vogel joined the NYPD four years ago. Her father, husband and brother are also cops. 'I just wanted to join the police department and help people.' The shooting began Saturday night in front of the Minskoff Theater that hosts the hit musical Lion King, but which is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions Crosstown traffic was shut down indefinitely following the shooting, as police investigated the incident that left three injured Police presence increased in Times Square in the days that followed the shooting The shooting came amid criticism from the Sergeants Benevolent Association and mayoral candidates. They said Saturday's shooting was proof of the need of more funding for the NYPD, who had their budget slashed by $1billion last summer by Mayor Bill de Blasio. He was celebrating his 60th birthday when the shooting occurred Saturday night, but later tweeted he was glad the victims were in stable condition. 'The perpetrators of this senseless violence are being tracked down and the NYPD will bring them to justice,' he wrote. 'The flood of illegal guns into our city must stop.' Violent crime has skyrocketed in New York City over the last few years. Data from the New York Police Department shows there have been over 2,600 grand larceny arrests in April alone and 1,630 assault cases. Those figures are up 62 and 35 percent, respectively, from the same time last year. Violent crime has skyrocketed in recent months, with shooting at their most frequent since 1998 Shootings, meanwhile, are at their most frequent since 1998. 'Live from Times Square Disney in NYC the center of the world and the 'Happiest Place on Earth' where 4 year old girls are shot in broad day light, only feet away from a police precinct,' the SBA tweeted about the incident that night, including a photo of the Times Square Mickey Mouse. 'Tourists avoid NYC dont become a victim, please go to the real Disney in Florida.' Tourists were just starting to come back to the Big Apple following a 18-month break in travel thanks to COVID-19, mayoral front-runner Andrew Yang said, who added that the Big Apple 'cannot afford' to listen to left-wing calls to defund its police department. 'When I talk to New Yorkers, I get a very different message every single day. Nothing works in our city without public safety, and for public safety we need the police. 'My message to the NYPD is this: New York needs you, your city needs you. We need you to do your jobs professionally, responsibly and justly. I will have your back.' His rival Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain who edged ahead of Yang in a recent poll, slammed Yang for only now picking up on the rise in crime, which he said has been prevalent in poorer neighborhoods for years. 'You know what, Andrew? These shootings have been happening blocks from my house for years and blocks from the houses of poorer New Yorkers for years. 'It is time for us to recognize it when it is in every square block of our city. Shame on you for not realizing that,' he said. One of Adams' campaign promises is to reinstate the disbanded NYPD anti-crime unit which de Blasio canceled last year amid criticism of its violent tactics. NYC Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang has pledged to establish a new 'anti-violence plain clothes unit to reduce guns and gun violence'. 'The police will be key to our recovery,' he said. Times Square has remained a popular tourist destination despite a rise in crime In a news conference following the shooting, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said that his officers have been taking guns off the streets at an 'alarming rate over the past two years.' 'It's time now that we have consequences for those,' he added, seeming to refer to bail reform policies that see many suspects, including those caught with illegal firearms, walk free without posting cash bond. 'How many more kids do we need to be shot before we realize that bad policies have consequences?' said Shea. 'We need action, and we need policies regarding laws to have consequences.' Detectives started looking into Muhammad as a possible suspect for the shooting after they approached a man on West 31st St in Manhattan on Sunday believing that he looked like him, The Post reported. 'I'm his brother,' the man told the detectives. Police then released Muhammad's mugshot and were asking for any help in locating him, as he fled the scene immediately after the shooting. He had previously been arrested on suspicion of assault. Florida teenager Tristyn Bailey was filmed walking alone to her death with the teenage boy accused of stabbing her a 'horrific' number of times, police say. New details in the case emerged on Wednesday night with the release of the police report. Aiden Fucci, 14, has been charged with Tristyn's murder. He is in custody. Police have not released the surveillance video but it was described in the report. It is said to show Aiden and Tristyn walking near the community center in St John's, Florida, at 1.45am on Sunday. It was the last time she was ever seen alive. Aiden was filmed walking away from the community center alone at 3.27am, nearly two hours later, according to the report. He had taken his white Nike sneakers off and was carrying them, it is alleged. When cops went to his house, they found bloody clothes - the same ones he was wearing in the video, their report states. New details in the case emerged on Wednesday night with the release of the police report. Aiden Fucci, 14, has been charged with Tristyn's murder. He is in custody. Tristyn Bailey was stabbed a 'horrific' number of times The teenagers were last seen walking near the Durbin Amenity Center in St John's at 1.45am. It's unclear what she was doing there or if Aiden was with her Narrative for arrest report of Aiden Fucci pic.twitter.com/D5jXOPfCQe Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) May 11, 2021 Once in custody, Aiden was left alone in an interview room with his mother Crystal Smith. He told her that he'd taken off his shoes because his feet 'hurt'. It's unclear from the redacted police report whether or not he confessed to the killing but the cops say comments he made, combined with physical evidence, is what led them to arrest him. The report was released via a records request on Wednesday night, after police issued a warning to people who had set up fake social media accounts trying to garner notoriety from the case. 'There are a number of accounts however that are using this case to try to gain fame and followers. Please know that these individuals had nothing to do with this incident,' St. John's County Sheriff's Office said. Some of the fake Instagram accounts flagged up by investigators had #freeaiden hashtags on their posts. Aiden's father Jason Fucci (pictured left during his son's Zoom hearing and right during his arrest), 36, spent time in jail after he was charged with lewd or lascivious battery and child abuse in 2003 Aiden posted this selfie on social media after being taken in for questioning. Sheriffs say the 'egregious' post shows he was proud of what he did Prosecutors are still deciding whether to charge Aiden as an adult. On Sunday night, he took a selfie in the back of a cop car which he then posted on Snapchat with the caption 'Hey guys has inybody (sic) seen Tristyn lately'. It was before her body was found in woods. Now, police say they will use that 'egregious' selfie as evidence against him and that it proves he was 'proud of what he did'. Cops are investigating Instagram pages like this one which they say are trying to cash in on the tragedy but have no connection to it 'I know it looks egregious with him making those statements in that car, but that is now evidence that we gather and use against him. So that just makes our case a better case to present to the State Attorney's office and to present to a jury down the road saying this was his mindset. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Aiden's father Jason was previously jailed for child abuse in 2003 after he had sex with a 15 year-old when he was 18. He attended his son's first court hearing earlier in the week. CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, was grilled by liberal hosts about the agency's mask guidelines, one day before it said fully vaccinated people don't have to wear them indoors anymore. MSNBC's Shep Smith, CNN's Chris Cuomo and The Daily Show's Trevor Noah all slammed the mixed messaging that has been coming out of the CDC in recent weeks, despite 45 per cent of U.S. adult population being fully vaccinated, with nearly 60 per cent having had at least their first dose. Indeed, just yesterday, a new report accused the CDC of exaggerating the risk of outdoor transmission, saying it was 10 per cent, when in fact it is really less than one per cent. CNN host Chris Cuomo asked the CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky why full vaccinated Americans can't take their masks off in separate interviews CNBC host Shepard Smith grilled her on the very same question after weeks of mixed messages CNBC and CNN hosts Shepard Smith and Chris Cuomo tackled the same subject in separate interviews with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Smith asked Walensky, 'Why do we have to - we're all vaccinated - why do we have to wear masks? What do I get for being vaccinated? Can't I take this off?' Chris Cuomo asked Walensky a similar question, 'What data do you have that says it's unsafe?' and said the CDC is 'playing it too safe.' Walensky's answers were nearly identical, saying they're studying the science in 'the real world setting.' 'We were looking for signs to ensure that the vaccine works just as well in the real world setting as it did in the trials,' Walensky told Smith. Trevor Noah criticized the CDC's outdoor mask guidelines during his show, saying they were confusing and complicated 'We need to ensure that the vaccines are working against all of the circulating variants that we have here in the United States. We're following that carefully.' On Cuomo's show, Walensky said the the rising number of variants in the US are creating an unknown. From a political point of view, the CDC's convoluted mask guidelines play right into the hands of the right's arguments against the vaccine, Cuomo said. 'Now you have the right saying, see, see? They go too slow, it wasn't as bad as they said it was, about surfaces, about masks, about aerosols, about outdoor. They've been overplaying it the whole time, see, we were right,' Cuomo said. The Daily Show's Trevor Noah had a field day with the old guidance chart in his opening monologue leading into his April 27 show. 'The really frustrating thing about this chart is that they've spent five months telling us to get vaccinated. "Oh, get vaccinated and this will all be over. Get vaccinated!'" Noah said. 'And I was like, "Great, I'll get all four of the vaccines if it means I'll get my life back." 'Now they're putting out a chart that says even if you get vaccinated, you can only do two more things without a mask on? Two? Guys, what the hell? The s**t you're saying to people is incoherent. You're telling us these new vaccines are 95 per cent effective and will stop coronavirus, but we still can't do anything without a mask on anyway?' Earlier this week, CDC came under fire for still exaggerating the risk of coronavirus transmission outdoors, which the agency said was less than 10 per cent, but experts assert is really less than one per cent. Walensky stated that 'less than 10 per cent' of coronavirus spread was occurring outside, but epidemiologists and infectious disease scientists tell DailyMail.com that although the figure is not incorrect, the true risk is believed to be much lower. The number of COVID-19 cases linked to outdoor spread is below one per cent, and may even be as low as 0.1 per cent. It comes as New York Times critic David Leonhardt criticized the agency on Tuesday for using mischaracterized data - from studies at construction sites in Singapore - to tell Americans to keep their masks on outside rather than following other interventions to help drive down infection rates. Tucker Carlson said during his show on Monday night that the fact Americans are being told to still wear masks outside amid the COVID-19 pandemic 'should shock us' Prior to the CDC releasing its estimate last month, officials had not stated a concrete number on the risk of outdoor transmission. But, according to The Times, when the agency did settle on 'less than 10 per cent,' it cited studies showing a large share of COVID-19 cases contracted outside occurred at construction sites in Singapore. For example, in one study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 95 cases out of 10,926 documented around the world were classified as outdoors. All 95 were linked to a cluster at a building site in Singapore. Right-wing hosts like Fox's Tucker Carlson have been telling viewers that it's safe to take their masks off for weeks. During his April 26 show, Carlson said the fact that Americans are being told to still wear masks outside 'should shock us.' 'The next time you see someone in a mask on the sidewalk or the bike path, don't hesitate. Ask politely but firmly: 'Would you please take off your mask? Science shows there is no reason to wear it. Your mask is making me uncomfortable',' Carlson said. 'We should do that, and we should keep doing it, until wearing a mask outdoors is roughly as socially accepted as lighting a Marlboro in an elevator. It's repulsive. Don't do it around other people. That's the message we should send because it's true.' The US Air Force is looking to cut its fleet of fighter jets from seven to four which could spell the end for the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. Despite only spending 16 years in service and costing $150million the F-22 has been hit by an increasing number of repairs. And now it could be retired alongside the F-15E Strike Eagle in a bid to modernise the force. Gen. Charles 'CQ' Brown said during the annual McAleese conference the service is trying to find the right combination of aircraft through an internal tactical air study. The US Air Force is looking to downsize its range of fighter jet fleets from seven to four, with the F-22 Raptor (pictured) forced into retirement The F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, which was introduced in 2005, and the F-15E Strike Eagle (pictured) could be retired in the plans to modernize the force He said, according to Military.com: 'Right now we have seven fighter fleets, my intent is to get down to four. 'And really, a four plus one, because we're going to have the A-10 for a while.' The general said the range will likely include the A-10 and F-16, the F-35, which 'will be the cornerstone' for the fleet, the F-15EX, and the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. The NGAD program features a network which could include an advanced fighter aircraft alongside sensors, drones or weapons. Absent from his list were the $143million F-22 and F-15, signaling their potential retirement. An Air Force spokesman confirmed to Air Force Magazine the F-22 will 'eventually' retire from the inventory but Brown is thinking long term with his plans. They said it will likely be replaced by the NGAD. The general said the future range will likely include the A-10 Warthog (pictured) Service leaders have hinted that the F-15EX, a fourth-plus generation fighter, could replace the legacy F-15C/D models and the E Strike Eagle model in the future. Manufacturer Boeing says it will incorporate 'hypersonic weapons up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 7,000 pounds'. The F-22 has needed a growing number of repairs and upgrades which include improvements to its stealth coating. Lt. Gen. David S. Nahom, deputy chief of staff for plans and programs for the Air Force, said in Wednesdays session that the F-22 is still the dominant air superiority platform in their inventory. But he admitted it has shortcomings, particularly in terms of maintainance He said: 'The crews that fly and the crews that maintain and fix it are just amazing people because that is a tough airplane to maintain, and move around.' The F-22 Raptor is a single seat, stealth air-dominance and multi-role fighter that has been flying since 1997 and entered service in 2005. A mother from an exclusive Sydney suburb who took to social media to slam a local plumber for his 'outrageous' fees sparked a heated debate. The homeowner from Balmain posted the rant to a local Facebook group on Tuesday, where she explained the tap on her vanity had desperately needed replacing. The frustrated woman said she had already bought the new tap and simply needed a professional to replace it. The Sydney woman explained she had already bought the new tap and just needed a plumber to replace it, a 17 minute service that cost her $330 'A lovely young man arrived, he placed the conditions of the job into an app on his iPad and it calculated to a total cost of $500', she wrote. 'This was outrageous to me, so I told him it was too much.' The woman said the plumber adjusted his fee to $330, a price she was still unhappy with. She said she eventually agreed because she was 'desperate' for the new tap. 'However it only took him 17 minutes to change the tap. 17 minutes for $330!', the resident complained, calling the service a 'complete rip-off'. The woman said that although the plumber was a 'lovely guy' she wouldn't recommend a company that 'quotes on app calculation and not job assessment'. The Sydney woman took to a local Facebook group to slam the local plumber, however the majority of members said they thought his fee was fair Hundreds flocked to the comments to share their opinion on the pricey plumber, with some agreeing the fee was steep. 'Plumbers make more than lawyers by the hour', one person wrote. 'Thanks for the heads up! What a rip off! Some businesses are just greedy', another woman said. '300 bucks for $17 minutes. Regardless of any way you look at it, that's an outrageous cost to fit a pre-bought tap', a third agreed. However the majority of users disagreed with the Sydney mother, saying if she didn't like the price she shouldn't have agreed to it. 'You already stated you were desperate for a new tap - that's the market. The market dictates the cost,' one man stated. One member suggested the woman was charged a minimum call-out fee, while another 'fellow tradie' asked her to factor in the plumber's driving time, cost of tools and licence upkeep 'You were probably charged a minimum call-out fee. $330 is about right. Plumber's aren't cheap, you could have used a handyman,' a second advised. 'No one forced you to hire them, why didn't you get a quote on the phone or a ballpark like a sensible person,' a third commented. One member who described himself as a 'fellow tradie' asked the frustrated resident to consider the bigger picture. 'It's not just 17 minutes of work, have you factored in the driving time, tolls, fuel, insurance, licence upkeep, tools, GST, advertising, super and the many years of work the guy probably had to endure to do the job in 17 minutes?', he asked. 'It's not as easy as it looks, or as stress free as working for someone else, but someone needs to do it.' The journalist suspended from her role editing Teen Vogue before she even started has bagged her first job since the scandal with a report for MSNBC's Morning Joe. Alexi McCammond, 27, joined Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski Thursday morning to discuss her story for NBC's Know Your Value, in which she explains the impact black women will likely have on the 2022 midterm elections. Brzezinski referenced the Teen Vogue debacle - which saw McCammond dropped over past anti-Asian tweets she'd previously apologized for - while welcoming her. McCammond responded by admitting the drama over her appointment and rapid departure from the Conde Nast online magazine had been 'painful.' It is unclear if McCammond has been hired as a permanent staff member or occasional contributor to MSNBC, with her Twitter biography still empty of any job details. Brzezinski said: 'Alexi, it's great to have you back on Morning Joe. And for our viewers, you may have heard of Alexi and her story, because we talked about her, right here on Morning Joe. 'It was a very lengthy segment about cancel culture and forgiveness. And if you missed it, you can see that on our website,' she said. 'And Alexi since you weren't there, we were talking about you. Before you get into your new article, would you like to say anything?' Alexi McCammond admitted her resignation from Teen Vogue had been 'painful' while chatting with Mika Brzezinski during her first assignment since McCammond's first report was about black female politicians tipped to do well in the 2022 midterm elections. It also appeared on NBC's Know Your Value website 'First, Mika, thank you so, so much for having me on this morning,' McCammond said in response, 'It's so good to see you, even though we're not together in person. 'And I appreciate you even asking that question. The last few weeks have been really painful, to be sure, not just for me, but for many folks in the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community and others who were hurt by all of this. 'And I totally understand that,' she said. 'And I'm just really grateful to have the opportunity to be reporting again on the issues that I care about, to really try to lift up minority voices and the voices of folks from marginalized communities who might not get the coverage that they deserve otherwise.' McCammond then shared her report about black female politicians to watch ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. It also appeared on the Know Your Value section of NBC News's website. Know Your Value is inspired by a self-help book of the same name written by Brzezinski, and is described as 'an empowered community helping women to grow their career, form healthy habits and reach their full potential.' Prior to the Teen Vogue outcry, McCammond was named 'Emerging Black Journalist of the Year' by the National Association of Black Journalists in 2019. She covered Joe Biden's presidential campaign as a reporter for politics website Axios, and was serving as a contributor for NBC and MSNBC, before she was offered the editor-in-chief position at Teen Vogue in March 2021. But just two weeks later, officials for Conde Nast, which owns Teen Vogue, announced that she had resigned in light of racist tweets she wrote in 2011. Bosses initially resisted calls to fire McCammond, but were spooked when advertisers including Ulta Beauty withdrew ads from Teen Vogue over the appointment. They included a message saying 'Outdone by Asian #whatsnew,' another that read 'now googling how not to wake up with swollen Asian eyes,' and a third tweet attacking a 'stupid Asian T.A.' (teaching assistant) 'After speaking with Alexi this morning, we agreed that it was best to part ways, so as to not overshadow the important work happening at Teen Vogue,' Stan Duncan, the chief people officer at Conde Nast, which owns Teen Vogue, said in an internal email obtained by The New York Times as her departure was announced. At around the same time, McCammond took to Twitter saying she 'decided to part ways with Conde Nast.' 'My past tweets have overshadowed the work I've done to highlight the people and issues that I care about - issues that Teen Vogue has worked tirelessly to share with the world - and so Conde Nast and I have decided to part ways,' she wrote. 'I should not have tweeted what I did and I have taken full responsibility for that.' Diana Tsui, the editor director for food magazine The Infatuation, found her old tweets and posted them on Instagram when she was announced as the new editor in chief for Teen Vogue McCammond had previously apologized for the tweets in 2019 and deleted them. Diana Tsui, the editor director for food magazine The Infatuation, however, managed to find the tweets and post them to her Instagram, saying 'Let's talk about Conde Nast HR and this questionable hire for Teen Vogue EIC.' Within days, more than 20 staff members at Teen Vogue used their personal social media accounts to say they had made a complaint to company leaders about McCammond's hiring in light of these tweets. When she heard this, McCammond once again apologized, writing on Twitter, 'There's no excuse for perpetuating those awful stereotypes in any way. I am so sorry to have used such hurtful and inexcusable language.' McCammond had been vetted before Conde Nast hired her, The New York Times reports, and top executives were aware of the tweets. Anna Wintour, chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, allegedly discussed them with leaders of color in the company before offering her the job. Conde Nast officials told The New York Times they were not aware of a photo circulating on right-wing media of McCammond, right, in a Native American costume for Halloween The Conde Nast executives decided to overlook them, a company executive told the Times, because they felt she was 'an impressive candidate' and 'her 2019 apology showed she had learned from her mistakes.' They did not, however, know of another photo that circulated on right-wing media showing McCammond wearing a Native American costume at a Halloween party because it had been deleted. Her boyfriend TJ Ducklo, 32, was hit with his own scandal after being forced to resign as the White House's deputy press secretary in February over threats to a female reporter. Ducklo, who has battled stage four lung cancer, stepped down after it emerged he'd threatened to 'destroy' Politico reporter Tara Palmeri. He issued the threat after Palmeri she contacted him about his romance with McCammond during last year's presidential campaign and highlighted the potential conflict of interest. McCammond was working for Axios, covering Joe Biden's campaign for president, when she was offered the editor in chief position at Teen Vogue Teen Vogue social media manager Christine Davitt, pictured, came under fire for her use of racist language in the wake of McCammond's departure Versha Sharma, pictured, has since been announced as McCammond's replacement at Teen Vogue After McCammond's departure, Teen Vogue was hit by a second hypocrisy scandal after racist tweets by social media editor Christine Davitt emerged. On Monday, the company announced that it had hired Versha Sharma from NowThis News to be its new top editor. Sharma has worked at NowThis since 2014, as managing editor of the social media-focused news organization. In addition to overseeing daily news, video and social platforms, she directed US election coverage over four election cycles, according to Conde Nast. Her appointment takes effect on May 24. Multimillionaire Ghislaine Maxwell has sent one of her alleged victims a $13.70 bill for legal admin after the woman sued the British socialite for recruiting her for Jeffrey Epstein when she was just 13-years-old. Maxwell, who is said to have a net worth of $20.5 million, has been slammed by the alleged victim's lawyer for 'going after one of her victims for $13.70 from behind bars'. The 59-year-old made the move after her accuser, known as Jane Doe, resolved her claims of sexual abuse out of court with the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program. By resolving the case within the program, Jane Doe was forced to withdraw her federal lawsuit against Maxwell, 59, and Epstein's estate. It led Maxwell's lawyer Laura Menninger to file legal documents requesting compensation for her client's 'search and printing costs' and filing fees relating to the case on Tuesday, reports the New York Daily News. Multimillionaire Ghislaine Maxwell has sent one of her alleged victims a legal bill of $13.70 after the woman sued the British socialite for recruiting her for Jeffrey Epstein when she was just 13-years-old. Pictured: Court sketch of Maxwell when she appeared in Manhattan Federal Court in New York on April 23, 2021 'It wasn't enough for Ms. Maxwell to abuse young women,' Jane Doe's lawyer Robert Glassman told the newspaper. 'Now, despite being in jail for that abuse, she is going after one of her victims for $13.70 from behind bars. It's crazy.' The moves comes after Judge John Koetl ruled in March that Maxwell is allowed to demand compensation for legal costs relating to the lawsuit. In January 2020, Jane Doe filed a civil suit, claiming that Maxwell and Epstein abused her from the age of 13. The accuser alleges that she was first approached by the pair in 1994 at a summer music camp in Michigan when she was 13. She was then repeatedly abused by the pair over 'years'. Maxwell's lawyers released a photo of Ghislaine Maxwell with a bruise under her left eye. It is not clear how she got the bruise, but Maxwell told lawyers it might have come from shielding her eyes during the nighttime checks Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide in jail in 2019 before he could face trial in a sex trafficking case in New York 'Jane Doe was their first known victim and was subsequently abused by Epstein and Maxwell for years as a young girl, suffering unimaginable physical and psychological trauma and distress,' her complaint alleges. 'Maxwell also regularly facilitated Epstein's abuse of Doe and was frequently present when it occurred.' According to the civil complaint, 'Epstein's system of abuse was facilitated in large part by his co-conspirator and accomplice, Maxwell, who helped supply him with a steady stream of young and vulnerable girls - many of whom were fatherless, like Jane Doe, and came from struggling families.' Jane Doe also claims that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump when she was 14, asking the future US President: 'This is a good one, right?' Trump 'smiled and nodded in agreement,' according to the suit. The development comes as US District Judge Alison J Nathan said on Tuesday that Maxwell's trial will start in November on charges that she recruited teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse over a 10-year-period. The development comes as it was revealed on Tuesday that Maxwell's trial will start in November. Jury selection can occur in the week of November 15 and opening statements will begin on November 29, Judge Nathan said. The order was issued a day after prosecutors told the judge that both sides would be ready for trial in November, though defence lawyers preferred it begin on November 8 while prosecutors wanted it to start on November 29. The judge recently scrapped a July 12 trial date after defence lawyers complained that sex trafficking charges added in March left them insufficient time to investigate and prepare for trial. Ghislaine Maxwell's trial will start in November on charges that she recruited teenage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse over a 10-year period. Pictured: Maxwell with Epstein in 2005 Maxwell, 59, has been jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn since last July, when she was arrested at a New Hampshire estate. Judge Nathan has denied bail three times, twice rejecting a 28.5 million dollar (20.1 million) proposed package that would have required Maxwell to remain in a New York City dwelling with 24-hour armed guards. The judge said she believed Maxwell was a risk to flee despite the US citizen's claims that she was willing to renounce her citizenship in the UK and France to prove her willingness to appear for trial. Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges that she recruited teenage girls from 1994 to 2004 for Epstein to sexually abuse during encounters sometimes described as sexualised massages. Prosecutors say their case hinges primarily on the evidence of four women who were abused, including two who say they were recruited when they were 14. Defence lawyers have challenged the charges on numerous grounds, although Judge Nathan has rejected most of them. They have succeeded in severing perjury charges from those alleging sex abuse. Epstein killed himself in August 2019 in a federal Manhattan jail as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. It emerged earlier this month that prison guards are shining a torch into Ghislaine Maxwell's cell every 15 minutes while she sleeps for her own safety. Judges asked prosecutors to explain why the accused madam was being monitored in such a way after the regime was revealed by her lawyer a week ago. Prosecutors told Manhattan federal court Judge Alison Nathan Wednesday that she was on an 'enhanced security schedule'. 'MDC staff conduct flashlight checks every fifteen minutes because the defendant, while not on suicide watch, is on an enhanced security schedule,' prosecutors wrote in a letter. They said it was necessary because of the nature of her charges, the potential stress she faces in a high-profile criminal case and because of a need to ensure her safety in a cell where she is alone. Earlier this month, Maxwell's lawyers released a photo of Maxwell with a bruise under her left eye. It is not clear how she got the bruise, but Maxwell told lawyers it might have come from shielding her eyes during the nighttime checks. Maxwell, 59, has been held without bail since July on charges alleging she recruited teenage girls from 1994 to 2004 for Epstein to sexually abuse. She has pleaded not guilty. A superseding indictment in March added a fourth teenage girl to the allegations and extended the years of the alleged conspiracy to 2004. Advertisement Ten million people could have their second dose of a coronavirus vaccine brought forward as the Government tries to slow the spread of the Indian variant. Ministers last night approved plans aimed at slowing the spread of the imported strain of Covid-19, after cases doubled in a week. Older people living in areas of high infection are also to be offered their second dose of the vaccine early to protect them. It means a total of ten million people who are considered to be most vulnerable could have their second doses of the vaccine brought forward to prevent them getting hospitalised if Britain faces a third wave, The Times reported. So far, most people aged over 65 have had both doses, but only around a quarter of people in their 50s have - leaving more than six million people in this group still without full protection. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday he was 'anxious' about the 100 per cent increase in cases in some areas, as the national infection rate started to also creep back up. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has also been asked to examine the case for 'targeted vaccinations' of all over-17s in the worst-hit areas. Surge testing for the new coronavirus variant will also be deployed in areas where it is spreading rapidly. Boris Johnson said he was 'anxious' about the variant and refused to rule out local lockdowns to help try to contain it. Government sources also played down the risk that outbreaks of the 'variant of concern' could derail the plans to lift the lockdown on June 21 - as some scientists called for the lifting to be postponed. Mr Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings also shared on social media warnings by scientists that the roadmap out of lockdown should be delayed. The new variant spreads at an alarming rate, with Public Health England last night revealing that cases in the UK had more than doubled from 520 to 1,313 in a week. But a source said there was no evidence so far that current vaccines would fail to protect against serious disease and death. 'If it is just spreading quicker, that is no reason to change course,' the source said. 'The important thing is that we do not see a rise in hospitalisations and deaths. But we have to be cautious because we just do not know enough about this variant.' Elsewhere in the Covid crisis: A preservative in AstraZeneca's vaccine may trigger an overreaction from the immune system that causes clots, a scientist claimed; New research showed the antibody response in people aged over 80 was more than three times greater for those who had a second vaccine dose after 12 weeks, compared to those who were given it after three weeks, as recommended by Pfizer; A separate study published in the British Medical Journal, estimated that delaying the second dose of a vaccine could reduce overall deaths from coronavirus by as much as 20 per cent; Portugal is expected to enforce Brussels' blanket travel ban on non-EU travellers including British holidaymakers until at least May 30, despite being on the UK's 'green list' of safe destinations from Monday; More than 90million fewer face-to-face GP appointments were carried out last year, MailOnline can reveal; BA chiefs revealed the future of post-Covid air travel ahead of the lifting of the UK's international travel ban; A couple in their 60s died from Covid in two hospitals inside an hour of each other in 'out of the blue' tragedy. Slide me Public Health England data show that Covid cases increased in more local authority areas in the week ending May 9 than in the previous week, when they were falling in the majority of areas An emergency meeting will be held by experts at the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies committee on Thursday after it was found that India's Covid variant is now dominant in five local authorities in England. There are mounting concerns that it is more infectious than the currently dominant Kent strain Could this derail the exit plan? What's going on? Cases of a coronavirus variant first detected in India are rising in the UK, potentially threatening the lockdown-easing roadmap. B.1.617.2 has been upgraded by Public Health England from a variant under investigation (VUI) to a variant of concern (VOC). Cases are still relatively low but they are rising, particularly in parts of London, the Midlands and North West. How did it get here? Initial cases last month were linked to overseas travel but the rising number of infections now points to more widespread community transmission. Have people not been quarantining? It is not known how exactly infections are spreading, although there is a suggestion cases have increased through work or religious gatherings. That said, it is only travellers rather than whole households who must quarantine, so family members could unknowingly be spreading the virus. What is the Indian variant? B.1.617 has three strains or sub-types that are genetically similar B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3. It has 13 mutations that separate it from the original Chinese virus, but the E484Q and L452R mutations are of most interest. Scientists believe they have the potential for it to transmit faster and to get past immune cells made in response to older variants. So why is it now a 'variant of concern'? The second sub-type of the Indian variant B.1.617.2 was upgraded to a VOC because of concerns over its spread. While it is hoped the vaccination programme will offer good protection to many, the more cases there are the more severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths there could be in those unable to be vaccinated or where vaccines haven't worked. Is it more deadly? Probably not, but we don't know for certain. PHE said there was insufficient evidence to indicate the Indian variants cause more severe disease, while experts suggest that the high mortality in India is more likely the result of high infection levels and its healthcare system being overwhelmed. What about vaccines? Again, we don't know for sure but the signs are good. Scientists are testing whether the new variant is capable of 'immune escape', meaning antibodies created after vaccination or a prior infection may not stop a person becoming infected. There is some laboratory evidence that the mutations are 'escape mutations' suggesting they could make vaccines less effective. However, scientists say reinfections are likely to be mild compared to primary infections, suggesting the strain is not more deadly. Research has shown current vaccines continue to provide good levels of protection against all the existing variants. BioNTech this week said the Pfizer vaccine will not need tweaking to protect against current variants. And an updated jab by Moderna successfully neutralised South Africa and Brazilian variants in lab trials. What next? Door-to-door testing is under way in infection hotspots such as Bolton to detect further cases in a bid to stop the strain from spreading. Everyone living within specific postcodes is asked to get a PCR test, even if they do not have any symptoms. But while experts say this is finding cases, they are less confident it is enough to stop the spread. Downing Street says it has not ruled out surge vaccinations and ministers also have plans to give booster jabs in the autumn. Advertisement Last night's move will see people aged over 50 and those with underlying health conditions offered their second jab earlier if they are living in an area where the Indian variant is spreading fast. Figures yesterday showed the UK had recorded its biggest daily rise in cases since April 27. There were 2,657 new cases of the disease, up from 2,284 new cases the day before. Eleven patients were confirmed to have died within 28 days of a positive test, the same as the previous day. Blackburn with Darwen Council in Lancashire yesterday claimed jabs would be offered to all over-17s, after infection levels doubled in a week, but later changed its mind and said the vaccines would be offered only to those age groups which had been invited to come forward by the NHS. But neighbouring Bolton which has the highest infection rates in the country last night pleaded with the Government to be allowed to administer jabs to all adults. David Greenhalgh, the council's Conservative leader said: 'Send us more vaccinations and allow us to vaccinate 18 years-plus now. That is the answer, not further restrictions.' Other known hotspots include Bedford and Sefton in Merseyside. Britain's national outbreak remains generally flat, with another 2,657 more coronavirus cases and 11 deaths. The Prime Minister said yesterday: 'It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it.' Speaking at a primary school in Ferryhill, County Durham, he said: 'There is a very wide range of scientific opinion about what could happen. We want to make sure we take all the prudential, cautious steps now that we could take. There is a range of things we could do we are ruling nothing out.' The variant spreads more quickly than the Kent strain, which is currently the most dominant in the UK, although scientists are not yet sure whether it causes more severe illness and hospitalisations. Public Health England confirmed yesterday that several of the areas in England with the highest infection rates are those where the Indian variant is known to be rampant. But scientists remain divided as to whether the variant can be contained locally through increased vaccination and testing or whether the Government should delay the next stage of the easing of restrictions. Professor John Edmunds, epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a member of Sage, said that at this stage, efforts should be focused on local measures. He said: 'We should look at whatever we can locally in terms of containing the spread. That's a much better way of doing it. It's still fairly isolated. 'It's only if it gets out there and it becomes more widespread, that more widespread measures might be necessary.' But Dr Deepti Gurdasani, a lecturer in epidemiology at Queen Mary's University of London, told Times Radio: 'If it's growing now, with current restrictions, we can't afford to be easing restrictions. 'We are seeing rapid exponential growth. And if we ease restrictions further, that's leading us straight into another lockdown.' Professor Christina Pagel, the director of the clinical operational research unit and a member of the Independent Sage group of experts, said in The Guardian on Wednesday that the rate at which cases of the new variant were increasing showed the lifting of lockdown restrictions should be delayed. Dominic Cummings then shared a separate Tweet saying that if there was only a 20 per cent chance that Professor Pagel was correct, 'the cost of another big wave is much higher than the cost of delaying the next stage of the Roadmap' - suggesting he supports a delay in lifting lockdown restrictions. Professor Ravi Gutpa, a professor of clinical microbiology at Cambridge University, said it was 50:50 whether restrictions would be eased on June 21. He told Sky News: 'The problem is that (the variant) has seeded so quickly that it's probably spread to other areas. 'So we may get dissemination of the virus before the vaccine has taken effect. It's going to be a difficult decision and it's 50:50 at the moment.' Steve Baker, of the 70-strong Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, said ministers should not be considering extending lockdowns. He added: 'Why on Earth would we lock down when the vaccines continue to break the link between cases and hospitalisations and deaths?' The case count was on a par with last Thursday's a 1.7 per cent rise from 2,613 but the number of positive test results have been rising for over a week, with fears growing about the highly infectious Indian variant that is spreading quickly. Deaths were down 15 per cent, continuing three months of decline, and hospital admissions are also still tumbling thanks to the vaccine rollout. The figures came after research today, reported in The Times, showed the antibody response in people aged over 80 was more than three times greater for those who had a second vaccine dose after 12 weeks, compared to those who were given it after three weeks, as recommended by Pfizer. A separate study by US researchers, which was published in the BMJ, estimated that delaying the second dose of an effective coronavirus vaccine could reduce overall deaths from the disease by as much as 20 per cent. The effectiveness of the AstraZeneca jab has also been shown to be better after a larger gap between doses. Writing in The Times on Thursday, Anthony Harnden, deputy chairman of the JCVI, said: 'At the time, there were some sceptics both domestically and abroad who thought this was a risky decision I hope our European friends will be encouraged by these findings, as prioritising the first dose may help to bring the virus under control and save more lives, especially in countries where we are currently seeing high infection rates.' Boris Johnson (pictured visiting a primary school in County Durham on Thursday) admitted he was 'anxious' about the Indian variant spreading rapidly in the UK and warned the Government would 'rule nothing out' in its effort to contain it WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE INDIAN VARIANTS? Real name: B.1.617 now divided into B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 When and where was it discovered? The variant was first reported by the Indian government in February 2021 but the first cases appear to date back to October 2020. Its presence in the UK was first announced by Public Health England on April 15. There have since been at least 520 cases spotted in genetic lab testing. What mutations does it have? It has at least 13 mutations that separate it from the original Covid virus that emerged in China. The two main ones are named E484Q and L452R, although the most common version in Britain (.2) does not have E484Q. Scientists suspect L425R can help it to transmit faster and E484Q helps it get past immune cells made in response to older variants. There is also a mutation called T478K but researchers don't yet know what it does. Is it more infectious and can it evade vaccines? Research is ongoing but British scientists currently believe it spreads at least as fast as the Kent variant and potentially faster, but it is unlikely to slip past vaccine immunity. SAGE advisers said in a meeting last week: 'Early indications, including from international experience, are that this variant may be more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 [Kent] variant.' Dr Susan Hopkins, a boss at Public Health England, said: 'We are monitoring all of these variants extremely closely and have taken the decision to classify this as a variant of concern because the indications are that this is a more transmissible variant.' Expectations are that the current Covid vaccines will still protect people against the Indian variants. Early research by the Gupta Lab at Cambridge University found there was a small reduction in vaccine effectiveness on the original Indian variant, but it found the jabs worked better against it than they did on the South African strain. The team have not yet tested the .2 strain, which is the most common in the UK. A paper published by SAGE advisers recently suggested two doses of the Pfizer vaccine is good enough to protect against all known variants, and it is likely the others will provide very strong defence against severe illness, even if there is a risk of reinfection. Professor Sharon Peacock, of PHE, claimed there was 'limited' evidence of E484Q's effect on immunity and vaccines. How deadly is it? Professor Peacock said: 'There isn't any evidence that this causes more severe disease. There's just not enough data at the moment.' Scientists say it is unlikely that the variant will be significantly more dangerous than the Kent strain. This is because there is no evolutionary benefit to Covid becoming more deadly. The virus's sole goal is to spread as much as it can, so it needs people to be alive and mix with others for as long as possible to achieve this. Although there have been claims that the Kent variant is more deadly than the virus it replaced the Government claimed it was around 30 per cent there is still no conclusive evidence to show any one version of Covid is worse than another. Is the variant affecting children and young adults more seriously? Doctors in India claim there has been a sudden spike in Covid hospital admissions among people under 45, who have traditionally been less vulnerable to the disease. There have been anecdotal reports from medics that young people make up two third of new patients in Delhi. In Bangalore, under-40s made up 58 percent of infections in early April, up from 46 percent last year. But this could be completely circumstantial older people are more likely to shield themselves or to have been vaccinated and there is still no proof younger people are more badly affected by the new strain. The risk of children getting ill with Covid is still almost non-existent. Why is it a 'variant of concern' and should we be worried? Public Health England listed the variant as 'of concern' because cases are growing rapidly and it appears to be equally infectious or potentially even more than other strains in Britain. Last time a faster-spreading variant was discovered it caused chaos because the outbreak exploded and hospitals came close to breaking point in January, with almost 50,000 people dying in the second wave. But there is currently no reason to be alarmed. Scientists believe our current vaccines will still work against the variant, preventing people from getting seriously ill or dying in huge numbers. If it spreads faster than Kent it could make it harder to contain and make the third wave bigger, increasing the number of hospital admissions and deaths among people who don't get vaccinated or for whom vaccines don't work, but the jabs should take the edge off for the majority of people. A vaccine that can make vaccinated people very sick en masse would be a real crisis for Britain and could 'cause even greater suffering than we endured in January', Boris Johnson warned on Thursday but there are not yet any signs the Indian variant will be the one to do this. How many cases have been detected in the UK? According to data by PHE released on Friday, there are, at present, 520 confirmed cases of the B.1.617.2 variant in the UK, from 202 over the last week. The report also showed 261 cases of B.1.617.1 and nine cases of B.1.617.3. The cases are spread across the country, with the majority in two areas the North West, mainly in Bolton, and London. PHE said around half of these cases are related to travel or contact with someone who has been abroad. Surge testing is expected to be deployed where there is evidence of community transmission. Is B.1.617.2 variant driving the second wave in India? India reported 412,262 new Covid-19 cases and 3,980 Covid-19-related deaths on Thursday both new single-day records. In the past 30 days, the country has recorded 8.3million cases. However, it remains unclear whether the new coronavirus variants are driving the second wave. Experts say large gatherings, and lack of preventive measures such as mask-wearing or social distancing, are playing a key role in the spread of the virus. Although India has the world's biggest vaccine making capacity, the country has partially or fully immunised less than 10 per cent of its 1.35billion people. Advertisement Just 99 people were admitted to hospitals across the UK with Covid on Sunday the most recent count marking only the second time since last August that fewer than 100 new patients were taken in. Despite a levelling off in cases, which without vaccines would lead to stagnant hospital cases and deaths, Public Health England's medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle said: 'Hospitalisations continue to fall, which shows the vaccine is working.' Another 184,210 people got their first doses yesterday along with 452,437 booster jabs, meaning 35.9million two-thirds of adults have had at least one vaccine and 18.9m are fully immunised. In a bid to clear up confusion about a vaccines free-for-all in Blackburn a council spokesman said in a statement: 'Contrary to earlier social media and news reporting, vaccines at the clinics will not be widely available to over-18s. 'They will be available within current Government guidance, which is currently anyone over the age of 38, anyone over 18 with an underlying health condition or who lives with someone who has lowered immunity, health and social care staff and carers. 'Blackburn with Darwen Council and NHS partners have responded immediately to provide doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the clinics following yesterday's announcement on a rise in cases of Covid-19 linked to, in part, a new variant of concern, first identified in India, that may spread more easily.' PHE publishes a surveillance report on the spread of the virus across the nation every week displaying infection rates for every council. Bolton had the biggest spike in infections in the country last week, the figures showed, after cases leapt from 85.2 per 100,000 residents to 187.8. This was also the highest infection rate in the country. Bedford had the third biggest jump in cases, which surged by 107 per cent over seven days from 39.8 to 82.5 per 100,000. Sefton in Merseyside had the fourth, by 106 per cent from 26.1 to 53.9 per 100,000. And Blackburn with Darwen had the sixth, by 96 per cent from 54.1 to 106.2 per 100,000. PHE does not provide data on how many of these cases are down to the Indian variant, but sequencing by the Sanger Institute suggests it is dominant in these areas. The second biggest spike in infections was recorded in St Helens, also in Liverpool, where cases rose by 119 per cent. But they only increased from 8.3 to 18.3 per 100,000. It is thought the apparent high rise may be down to the low case rates, because even a small number of cases could lead to a big uptick. Sanger Institute data shows the B.1.617.2 variant has not been spotted in this borough at present. The fifth largest rise was in Middlesbrough, after infections there increased 97 per cent in a week from 25.5 to 50.4 per 100,000. It is not clear why cases have risen, although it may be down to outbreaks triggered in schools. There is no suggestion that the Indian variant has been detected in the area. Dr Doyle said: 'Our surveillance shows case rates have remained stable in the majority of age groups around England, although hospitalisations continue to fall, which shows the vaccine is working. 'This, along with the concern about cases of the variant VOC-21APR-02 (B.1.617.2) which was first detected in India, should keep us cautious and remind everyone that this is not yet over. 'On Monday more restrictions will lift, but don't jump the gun this weekend. Every day that we limit mixing is another day that we help reduce infections. 'Only socialise in groups of six or in two households outside, remember 'hands, face, space, fresh air' even when the next restrictions ease and accept the vaccine when offered.' During a visit to a primary school in County Durham on Thursday, Mr Johnson said: 'It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it. There are a range of things we could do, we want to make sure we grip it. 'We want to make sure we take all the prudential, cautious steps now that we could take, so there are meetings going on today to consider exactly what we need to do. There is a range of things we could do, we are ruling nothing out.' The PM added: 'At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead on Monday and indeed on June 21, everywhere.' But he hinted door-to-door testing could be rolled out in dozens of areas where the mutant strain is known to be spreading, warning 'there may be things we have to do locally and we will not hesitate to do them if that is the advice we get'. It came as a cross-party group of MPs and families living in hotspots currently grappling the new variant slammed No10 for taking too long to ban travel from India. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus said a 'failure to act swiftly enough' had propelled the spread of the highly-infectious strain, which they warned could undo the success of the jab rollout and winter lockdown. Ministers only added India to the 'red list' in late April, despite the country suffering a devastating second wave and UK officials knowing about the B.1.617.2 variant for weeks. The delay saw thousands of travellers from the coronavirus-stricken nation flood into the UK. A Bolton woman whose family originate from India told MailOnline the Government was 'to blame' for an outbreak of the strain in the Greater Manchester town and rapidly rising case numbers nationally. Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, said she personally knows of dozens of fellow Bolton residents who arrived back in the town from India just days before travel was restricted. Doctors in India where the variant has triggered an explosion in cases claim there was sudden spike in Covid hospital admissions among people under 45, who have traditionally been less vulnerable to the disease. There have been anecdotal reports from medics that young people make up two third of new patients in Delhi. In Bangalore, under-40s made up 58 percent of infections in early April, up from 46 percent last year. But this could be completely circumstantial older people are more likely to shield themselves or to have been vaccinated and there is still no proof younger people are more badly affected by the new strain. The risk of children getting ill with Covid is still almost non-existent. Testing figures show the new variant is behind half of all Covid infections in Bolton, Blackburn, Bedford, South Northamptonshire and Sefton in Merseyside. Cases are also increasing in London. Fears are growing on the ground in Bolton, according to residents who spoke to MailOnline. Ms Shaikh said the blame for the outbreak of the variant lay firmly at the feet of ministers. 'Bolton has a very large community of people with Indian origins like me. And they were frequently travelling back and forth to the country right up until the moment India was placed on the red list,' she added. SURGE TESTING DEPLOYED IN SEFTON AFTER CASES OF INDIAN VARIANT CONFIRMED Surge testing has been deployed in parts of Sefton, Merseyside, after cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus were found. The Department of Health and Social Care said a number of cases had been discovered in the Formby area, although it did not confirm how many. Those with confirmed cases have since self-isolated while their contacts are being identified. NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing and genomic sequencing in partnership with Sefton Council and everyone over the age of 16 who lives, works or studies in the area is being urged to take a PCR test. PCR tests are taken at a test site or at home, with results processed by a lab. People with symptoms can book a free test online or by phone so they can be tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to them at home. It comes as Public Health England revealed on Thursday cases of the Indian variant had risen from 520 to 1,313 over the past week in the UK, with the agency saying cases were 'rising in the community' and it was assessing the impact and severity of the variant. Speaking at a primary school in Ferryhill, County Durham, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was 'anxious' about the variant and suggested new local measures could be brought in to combat the spread, should it get out of control. Asked if local lockdowns were possible, Mr Johnson said: 'There are a range of things we could do, we want to make sure we grip it. Obviously there's surge testing, there's surge tracing. If we have to do other things, then of course the public would want us to rule nothing out.' Advertisement 'The UK Government should have got its act together and if you ask me, they're to blame for the Indian variant being in this country. The coronavirus situation in India started getting bad in March but there were people from Bolton who were still travelling there. 'They were coming back after about two or three weeks, returning to work and their kids went back to school. Look at the situation now in India and it's madness that our Government didn't' stop people from travelling there much earlier.' While only pockets of the country are being impacted at present, scientists have warned against tiered localised lockdowns and said the variant should be viewed as a national problem. Professor James Naismith, a biologist at Oxford University, claimed the strain will eventually 'get everywhere' as the Kent variant did when it emerged in the South East last autumn. He told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: 'I think we should view it as a country-wide problem. It will get everywhere. 'We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. When we tried locally having different restrictions in different regions that didn't really make any difference. So I don't think thinking about a localised strategy for containment will really work.' Striking a more optimistic tone, No10 adviser Professor Steven Riley, from Imperial College London, told Times Radio there was a need to keep an eye on variants but suggested the UK was currently in a good place thanks to how effective the vaccines were. Asked if the Indian Covid variant could 'frustrate' the vaccine programme, Professor Naismith said not enough was known to say for sure. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The vaccines don't 100 per cent prevent infection for people. What they do, is they almost 100 per cent prevent hospitalisation and serious illness. 'We don't know enough to know yet whether the Indian strain will behave differently than that. 'So even the regular virus can infect people who have been vaccinated and sometimes you do get reinfection. And the very, very large number of cases in India mean things that are rare will be detected.' It came after the environment secretary yesterday said the Government 'can't rule anything out' when it comes to localised lockdowns and trying to get on top of the Indian variant. How Bolton's rising infection rate has been triggered by the Indian variant: Public Health England data shows the strain is making up almost 70 per cent of new cases in the Greater Manchester town after its prevalence doubled a month Public Health England has divided the Indian variant into three sub-types. Type 1 and Type 3 both have a mutation called E484Q but Type 2 is missing this, despite still clearly being a descendant of the original Indian strain. Type 1 and 3 have a slightly different set of mutations. The graphic shows all the different variants that have been spotted in Britain Data show that seven out of England's 10 Covid hotspots (inset) are in the North of England with three in the Midlands (Erewash, Bedford and North Lincolnshire), while the places where positive tests are rising fastest are scattered across the country PHE data showed Covid cases had dropped People line up outside a mobile vaccination centre in Bolton, where coronavirus cases have almost doubled in a week George Eustice told Sky News: 'We want to try and avoid having to get into a tiered system and regionalisation, we tried that last autumn and in the end we had to go for full lockdown. 'But there is always a risk and the greatest risk we have is a new variant that will come in that the vaccine is less effective against it.' Quizzed about the lockdown-easing timetable, SAGE's Professor Riley told Times Radio it would be a political decision but suggested the vaccines would prevent rising infections turning into a wave of hospitalisations. He added: 'Whether the restrictions run on a timetable is a Government decision and it's just not useful to try and speculate what they will do. Rukhsana Shaikh, 49, whose family originate from India revealed that her father died from Covid last year. She said: 'I'm worried sick about this news of the Indian variant being in Bolton' 'I think there's two key things that have got to be kind of evaluated: if infections go up, how quickly will they go up but then after that, are they linked to the hospitalisations? 'The top-line Government policy is driven by protecting the NHS, so even if infection starts to go up, we then need to assess whether that's bringing a lot of new cases into hospitals, and there's certainly no sign of that at the moment.' Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for over-16s in Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester area to be offered Covid vaccines earlier to quell the rise in cases of the Indian variant in Bolton. Residents there expressed fears to MailOnline the rise of the strain could jeopardise the easing of the lockdown and prevent normal life from returning. Businessman Dalawar Majeed, 42, who visited India earlier this year, before it was placed on the red list said: 'It's been a disastrous year financially and just when I was hoping that things would improve, we've now been hit with this Indian variant. 'I was in India visiting family in January at the situation was not that bad out there. There are many people in this town with ties to the country and regularly travel there and have obviously brought this strain back.' Frank Sullivan, 56 said: 'I was really looking forward to sitting inside a pub and having a pint. The concern now is that given the Indian variant, that might not happen. 'The Government have already said that they might introduce local lockdowns so if things continue as they are, Bolton might be one of those places. It's a big worry for us all.' Concerns over the spread of the variant have further increased as three-day Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims across the world. Bolton has a large Muslim population, many of them originating from India. Shah Ahmed, a member of a local mosque said: 'The mosques have been making announcements telling people not to visit each other's homes, hug and to maintain social distancing. 'But that is going to be very hard to implement. Eid is a festival that brings families and friends together, people have had a very had year and they are going to want to celebrate in the way they traditionally do.' Surge testing has been rolled out in Bolton and nearby Blackburn with Darwen where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. Trevor Lee, 55 was waiting for his wife Caroline, 49 outside a vaccination centre. He said: 'There seem to be so many variants floating around I just can't keep up with it. To be honest, I've stopped following the news because it just gets me too worried. I'm going to carry on as normal and continued taking all the precautions.' Caroline added: 'I've just had my vaccine and I'm going to make sure that I get tested regularly because this Indian variant is very worrying for all of us. I just don't think we're ever going to see the back of this coronavirus problem.' Ray Cumberstone, 42 said: 'We should all be worried because we don't know how quickly this strain can spread. 'The good thing is that the authorities have picked up on this quite quickly so I'm praying that they will be able to control it before things get out of hand.' Gillian Callaghan, 56 said: 'I have had both vaccines, but it seems that with this Indian variant that might not be enough. Both my husband and I get tested regularly and we're going to continue with that, even though we've both had the jabs.' Her daughter Amy, 28 added: 'We were hoping to go on a family holiday to Scotland at the end of August. My fear is that if this variant gets out of control then they might lock Bolton down and that would be a disaster for us all.' Nicola Sturgeon tweeted last night officials were 'monitoring very closely' the Indian variant's spread in Glasgow after cases rose above 50 per 100,000 - Scotland's threshold for easing restrictions. Infections have doubled since the end of April. Yesterday it was revealed that India's Covid variant is now dominant in four local authorities in England and its rapid spread could jeopardise plans to ease lockdown. Analysis by one of the UK's biggest variant trackers warned the strain is focused in hotspots Bolton and neighbour Blackburn with Darwen, where outbreaks have grown by 93 and 86 per cent in a week, respectively, with more than half of lab-checked cases proven to be the Indian strain. It came as the UK yesterday confirmed another 2,284 positive tests, up seven per cent on last Wednesday's figure, along with 11 more deaths. Another 485,260 vaccines were given out yesterday, of which 350,000 were second doses. This map shows the spread of the Indian variant across the UK. It is focused in key hotspots, and around Greater London Cases in Bolton have begun to rise in recent days as the variant takes hold in the area Blackburn with Darwen is also seeing virus cases beginning to tick up, reversing a four-month long trend of plummeting infections Bedford, where the variant may make up more than 70 per cent of cases, is also seeing a rise South Northamptonshire is starting to see its Covid cases rise, official data shows Proof vaccines still work against the Indian variant? 33 fully inoculated care home staff test positive in Delhi but NONE get severely ill AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. There are concerns the Indian variants, which have started spreading in the UK, could make jabs less effective and risk vaccinated people getting sick anyway. But in a case of 33 care home workers getting infected after vaccination in Delhi, India, none became seriously ill with the virus, the Financial Times reports. In the UK's second wave around one in 13 people who tested positive for the virus ended up in hospital, suggesting at least two of the 33 might have done so. Although the figure suggests the vaccine may struggle to prevent infection, it also hints that it will stop serious Covid and death, providing massive insurance against future outbreaks. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday admitted the Indian variant spreading in Britain, known as B1617.2, is 'of increasing concern' as data showed it is already dominant in at least four parts of the country Bolton, Blackburn, Bedford and South Northamptonshire, with cases also surging in London. Pfizer said it believes its jab will work against the strain and SAGE advisers think it will protect against all known variants but real-world data is lacking. More than 36million people in the UK have had at least one dose of a vaccine and 18.4m are totally vaccinated. Most of the remaining lockdown rules are set to end next week. Reports of people getting infected in India after vaccination have worried some corners because it suggests the strain can slip past immunity. But experts say this is likely just a result of the sheer size of the outbreak. Vaccines are known to fail for a small proportion of people and, the more people getting exposed to the virus, the more people this small proportion will be equal to. For example if 1,000 vaccinated people came into contact with the coronavirus and the vaccine's failure rate was one per cent, you would expect 100 cases. But if a million vaccinated people encountered the virus with the same failure rate there would be 10,000 cases but the vaccine isn't performing any worse. In reality the jabs are thought only to prevent 60-85 per cent of infections but more than nine out of 10 deaths. Advertisement Early lab trials suggest the current vaccines will still protect against the Indian variants but there are concerns that a faster rate of spread could lead to a bigger outbreak, giving more opportunities for people to get reinfected. AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine appears to be protecting people from the Indian variant of the virus, reports suggest. And Pfizer said in a report there was 'no evidence' its shot would need to be updated to fight off the current variants. Data shows that seven out of England's 10 Covid hotspots are in the North of England with three in the Midlands (Erewash, Bedford and North Lincolnshire), while the places where positive tests are rising fastest are scattered across the country. There are not yet conclusive links to the variant. There are three Indian variants but only B.1.617.2 has sparked major concerns because cases have doubled in the past week, with 520 officially spotted since the first positive sample was detected in late February. It now makes up six per cent of cases nationally, a leap from fewer than one per cent last month. Some scientists have criticised Boris Johnson's plan to push on with lockdown easing on Monday, warning the rising cases and spread of the Indian variant suggest he should 'absolutely' hit the pause button until further research is carried out on its impact on the jab. Layla Moran MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, said: 'The latest figures are deeply concerning and suggest the government failed to act swiftly enough to prevent the Indian variant being imported into the UK. 'Ministers only added India to the red list several weeks after this mutation was identified as a variant of concern, by which time it was too late. 'Our cross-party report has called for countries to be added to the 'red list' as soon as variants of concern are identified, and for quarantine rules to then come into force with immediate effect. 'The government must rethink its flawed approach to international travel and focus on preventing the importation of variants, which scientists agree pose the biggest risk to our hard-won progress against Covid-19.' Sanger Institute figures on the variants aim to exclude cases from international travellers and surge testing, revealing how troublesome variants spread in the community. For this reason their data do not include every case of the Indian variant identified. It is also impossible to sequence a strain from every swab because some contain too few virus particles. Bolton had the most cases of the Indian variant in England over the week to April 24, their data showed. There were 47 samples spotted (55 per cent of all cases in that area). It was followed by neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen, with lab sequencing spotting 19 genetic matches (55.7 per cent). Ten were also found in Bedford over the same period (53.8 per cent) and five in South Northamptonshire (76.9 per cent). But University College London mathematician Professor Christina Pagel cited other Sanger Institute data suggesting the strain may already be responsible for more than 65 per cent of cases in the hotspots. She found 75 per cent of those in the community in Blackburn with Darwen were down to the variant, and as many as 73 per cent in Bedford and 69 per cent in Bolton. Department of Health data shows Covid cases were ticking upwards in all three areas in the week to May 9, a reversal on a four-month trend of plummeting infections. Surge testing was only launched in Bolton four days ago, but officials say it will take about a week before it shows up in the statistics. Bolton has registered 707 new Covid cases over the two weeks since April 24, which means the true number of cases of the Indian variant spotted there could be in the region of 400. Cases jumped by 93 per cent in the space of a week. There were 241 Covid cases in Bolton over the week to May 1, and 466 in the week to May 8, a surge of 93 per cent. And Blackburn with Darwen had 229 infections over the same time period, indicating they may have more than 130 cases of the strain. This was a jump of 86 per cent. When official data was broken down to a more granular level it showed that five of the ten worst-hit neighbourhoods in the country were in Bolton. This is despite more than 50 per cent of people in the same postcode areas having already been vaccinated. ONS figures show that the proportion of people testing positive for coronavirus antibodies increases with age, with an average of 92.3 per cent of over-65s showing signs of immunity. [Dark blue line shows antibody positive rate, green line shows estimate of how many people have had their first vaccine dose and light blue is second vaccine doses] Charts show how the high levels of antibodies seen in the UK's oldest populations are being caught up by younger people as the vaccine rollout extends to lower age groups. The ZOE Covid Symptom Study app found the number of symptomatic Covid cases caught a day had risen by 65 per cent in a week to 2,800. But they said any infections in vaccinated people tended to be milder Advertisement The boss of HS2 has said he hopes the UK 'gets behind' the controversial project following the launch of its first giant tunnelling machine. Chief executive Mark Thurston described the start of work to dig a 10-mile tunnel under the Chiltern Hills as 'a major step forward'. The 558ft (170m) long tunnel boring machine (TBM) was launched at a site in West Hyde, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, on Thursday. The machine, named after nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, is fitted with a drill head which is 33feet wide. It will operate as a self-contained factory with a crew of 17 people working 12-hour shifts to keep it running continuously for three years. There is major concern about the cost and environmental impact of building the high-speed railway. The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned in 2018 that the final bill could reach 106 billion (at 2019 prices) due to it running tens of billions of pounds over budget. The 558ft (170m) long tunnel boring machine (TBM) was launched at a site in West Hyde, Rickmansworth, in Hertfordshire, on Thursday The machine is fitted with a drill head which is 33feet wide and will work non-stop for three years The machine will operate as a self-contained factory with a crew of 17 people working 12-hour shifts to keep it running continuously Meanwhile, environmental activists sprayed pink paint on to the London office of HS2 last week, in protest at the CO2 emissions created by the construction work. In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Thurston said: 'HS2 is a way of getting investment into the economy when we know the economy is struggling on the back of the pandemic. 'I would hope the country gets behind what is a national endeavour and takes pride in the fact that this is creating jobs for British people.' HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson claimed it is 'odd' that green groups oppose the railway. He said: 'You've got the Green Party in France and other countries that have championed high-speed rail. The TBM launched on Thursday is named Florence after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing who spent many years in Buckinghamshire. Pictured: A statue of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of mines, sits next to Florence There is major concern about the cost and environmental impact of building the high-speed railway. Pictured: A worker walks beneath the boring machine Workers on Florence - the largest ever tunnel boring machine used on a UK rail project - which was unveiled at the HS2 site in West Hyde near Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire on Thursday A total of 10 TBMs will be deployed between London and the West Midlands for Phase 1 of the high-speed railway 'It seems odd that in the UK we have environmental campaigners who still do not see the benefit in a low-carbon mass infrastructure project.' He said 'cutting-edge techniques' are being used to reduce carbon emissions during construction, and claimed an electric railway is 'far better than having people in cars'. A total of 10 TBMs will be deployed between London and the West Midlands for Phase 1 of the high-speed railway. The line will be extended from Birmingham to Crewe in Phase 2a, with Phase 2b planned to run from Crewe to Manchester, and from Birmingham to Leeds. The high-tech machine is the largest ever tunnel boring machine used on a UK rail project. Pictured: A worker makes adjustments on the machine's control system The machine will travel at a speed of around 50feet (15metres) a day, digging away earth and installing precision engineered segments as it goes Tunnel segments sit on a low loader near the boring machine. Florence will install the segments as she makes progress boring through the earth But Tuesday's Queen's Speech raised fears that the eastern leg could be scrapped due to the cost of the project. A Bill providing the powers to extend the line to Manchester was announced alongside the speech which set out the Government's agenda, but no mention was made of the stretch to Leeds. Asked if he could guarantee that the eastern leg will be built, Mr Stephenson replied: 'We are committed to bringing the benefits of high-speed rail to the Midlands and the North. 'The sequencing of those investments is subject to the Integrated Rail Plan, and we are very much hoping to have that published as early as possible.' Around 100 migrants are believed to have crossed the English Channel today despite downpours of rain. Border Force intercepted the first boat of the day at around 7.30am, which contained approximately 20 men. The group were brought to Dover on the Border Force cutter Speedwell. More were seen huddling blankets and wearing face masks on the back of Border Force vessel Hunter around 9.30am. Immigration Enforcement officers escorted them up the gangway at Dover Marina, Kent for processing. An additional 15 migrants also reportedly managed to land their boat on a beach in Dungeness, Kent. An estimated 100 migrants successfully crossed the English channel earlier today Some of the migrants were intercepted by Border Force cutter Speedwell and brought to Dover Marina The migrants in Dover have been brought to a facility so they can be processed by Border Force officials They were seen next to a police van with officers keeping watch. Speedwell continued to taxi migrants into the harbour as daily figures were again expected to surpass 100. The Home Office is yet to confirm how many migrants successfully crossed the Channel today. It comes after 186 migrants arrived on Tuesday in one of the busiest days for small boat crossings of the year so far. It was the second highest daily figure for 2021 after 209 made the treacherous journey in nine boats on April 28. These two inflatables, pictured, were used by some of the migrants to cross the channel The migrants were landed in Dover Marina before being processed by UK Border Force officials May is on track to be the busiest month of the year so far with 636 migrants crossing in the first 12 days compared with March's record-breaking month of 831. The first arrivals were seen huddled on the back of Border Force cutter Speedwell at around 6.30am with their large grey rigid hulled inflatable boat in tow. The men and women, many appearing to be Vietnamese, all wore orange lifejackets and face masks as they disembarked at Dover Marina, Kent for processing. More men were brought in around 9am on smaller Border Force vessels due to the size of the large RHIB used. The last boat carrying almost 30 migrants was intercepted late in the day and brought in for processing around 5pm Children under the age of 10 wearing thick winter coats were among a group brought in around 11am. The last boat carrying almost 30 migrants was intercepted late in the day and brought in for processing around 5pm. French authorities also prevented 96 migrants from making the dangerous voyage in seven boats, according to the Home Office. At around 7am, 29 migrants including five women were dropped off at Dunkirk after their boat was discovered stranded on the riprap of the breakwater near Malo-les-Bains dyke Four migrants in difficulty were also rescued by the Notre-Dame-de-Risban SNSM lifeboat eight miles off Calais. They were returned shortly after 9.30am. A total of 2,744 migrants have arrived this year so far. A Covid conspiracy theorist who won a county court judgment against Boris Johnson for 'defaming her' is an is 'an eccentric loner', her neighbours said today - as Downing Street had the claim struck out. Yvonne Hobbs, 59, lives in the picturesque Leicestershire village of Ashby Parva, on the outskirts of Lutterworth, on a smallholding where she keeps alpacas. She used the Online Civil Money Claims service to state that the Prime Minister owed her 535 in a case first revealed by Private Eye which stunned Westminster. But Downing Street today said it had the judgment struck out, prompting questions about how it managed to be made in the first place. The Mail revealed Ms Hobbs has launched multiple claims against Mr Johnson and public institutions and declares 'I'm taking on the Government' on her social media. The grandmother of two declined to comment at her home today, when approached by MailOnline. But a local said: Yvonne is known as a bit eccentric and something of a loner who doesn't really mix with others in the village. 'She has a reputation for falling out with her neighbours, so it's no great surprise that she has made this county court claim against the Prime Minister.' Yvonne Hobbs, 59, lives in the picturesque Leicestershire village of Ashby Parva, on the outskirts of Lutterworth, on a smallholding where she keeps alpacas. Official records revealed yesterday that the Prime Minister was being chased for failing to settle a 535 bill It is understood that Mr Johnson had no idea about it until the first details were revealed by Private Eye yesterday. Ms Hobbs often sends copies of her complaints to the Queen, the BBC, the House of Commons and House of Lords. She has launched legal actions against Marks and Spencer, Royal Mail, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and numerous public companies. The judgment initially appeared to be a fresh embarrassment for Mr Johnson, who is already facing an investigation by the Westminster watchdog over who paid for his 15,000 holiday to Mustique and three separate inquiries into who funded the lavish redecoration of his Downing Street flat. But last night details obtained by the Daily Mail show that the potentially damaging court order relates to an unlikely allegation of slander. Another recent complaint to 'wrongdoer' Mr Johnson was also filed. Mr Johnson has never made a public statement referring to Ms Hobbs. Because letters about the alleged debt were apparently sent to 10 Downing Street but went unanswered, a default County Court Judgment was issued on October 26 last year without any defence being offered. Online records show the debt is still 'unsatisfied', meaning it has not yet been paid. Downing Street believes the claim is completely bogus and the CCJ should not have been issued. It is understood that Mr Johnson had no idea about it until the first details were revealed by Private Eye yesterday. Defamation cases are meant to be dealt with by senior judges in the High Court, so questions will be asked about why the claim was approved by the online small claims court. The correspondence was sent to 10 Downing Street rather than any property Mr Johnson owns, or 11 Downing Street, which is where his flat is. And it was not made under his real name, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. Under what used to be known as the small claims court procedure, anyone can make an official demand for another person or a business to pay them money owed. It costs as little as 25 to make an online court claim. Details of the amount owed will then be sent by post to the debtor. But if they do not respond to requests to pay up, the county court can issue a judgment ordering them to do so. A government website explains: 'If you get a judgment, this means that the court has formally decided that you owe the money.' A judgment also gives details of who to pay and how, and a deadline. If the judgment is also ignored, the claimant can try to force the debtor to attend court and provide evidence of their income. They can even ask the court to send bailiffs round to collect the money. The debtor is also likely to struggle to obtain a bank loan or mortgage if there is an outstanding CCJ against their name. To have the judgment cancelled, a court hearing may be held at which the defendant will have to prove either they did not owe the sum or that the order had been issued incorrectly. Asked whether there should be concerns about Mr Johnson's personal finances, his press secretary said: 'You should not be concerned, no.' A Northern Ireland veteran could face criminal charges over the 'Ballymurphy massacre' 50 years ago. The former paratrooper, known only as M3, killed builder Edward Doherty in August 1971, a judge said this week. It came on the day the government vowed to bring in law to protect soldiers from the conflict being dragged to court during the Queen's Speech. On Tuesday, coroner Mrs Justice Keegan found those who died in Belfast in the August 1971 violence were 'entirely innocent'. She found nine of the 10 had been killed by soldiers and the use of lethal force was not justified. Boris Johnson today sent a letter to the families of the Ballymurphy victims recognising the 'terrible hurt caused'. John Teggart, son of Daniel Teggart, who was among those killed in the series of shootings in Ballymurphy, Belfast, between August 9-11, 1971, speaks to the media alongside other families of people who were killed, holding a letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson The letter sent from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the families of among killed in the series of shootings in Ballymurphy, Belfast The Ballymurphy families have received a letter from Boris Johnson (pictured in County Durham today) in which he expressed his personal sorrow for the 'terrible hurt that has been caused' by the deaths of 10 civilians 50 years ago Only one soldier is facing prosecution over the historical death because the coroner could only conclude M3 was responsible in the case of Mr Doherty. She said there was a 'threat' to the paratrooper 'from a petrol bomber with the result that M3 was in fear for his life'. She said he would have been justified to shoot the target but he fired his Sterling submachine gun 'disproportionately' with a bullet hitting Mr Doherty. It is believed a report will be sent to the Public Prosecution service in Northern Ireland to decide whether to charge M3, who is in his 70s. Mr Johnson's letter was received by the families as Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told the Commons the Government was 'truly sorry' for the killings. In his letter the Prime Minister said: 'I unequivocally accept the findings of the coroner. 'Those who died over that terrible period were innocent of any wrongdoing. The events at Ballymurphy should never have happened. 'You should never have had to experience such grief at the loss of your loved ones and such distress in your subsequent quest for truth.' However, the Ballymurphy families, who had gathered for a press conference in Belfast, were left angered by the timing and the content of the letter The families held a meeting with Sinn Fein President Mary-Lou McDonald. They are pictured after receiving the letter What did Boris Johnson's letter to the families say? 'I wanted to write to you to express how personally sorry I am for the terrible hurt that has been caused to you and all of the other families who lost loved ones in Ballymurphy in August 1971. 'I unequivocally accept the findings of the coroner. 'Those who died over that terrible period were innocent of any wrongdoing. The events at Ballymurphy should never have happened. 'You should never have had to experience such grief at the loss of your loved ones and such distress in your subsequent quest for truth. 'The duty of the State is to hold itself to the highest standard and that requires us to recognise the hurt and agony caused when we fall short of those standards. 'For what happened on those terrible few days in Ballymurphy, and for what the families have gone through since you began your brave and dignified campaign almost five decades ago, I am truly sorry. 'I recognise that no words of apology can make up for the lasting pain that you have endured. Thank you for the dignity and strength you have shown.' Advertisement He continued: 'The duty of the State is to hold itself to the highest standard and that requires us to recognise the hurt and agony caused when we fall short of those standards. 'For what happened on those terrible few days in Ballymurphy, and for what the families have gone through since you began your brave and dignified campaign almost five decades ago, I am truly sorry. 'I recognise that no words of apology can make up for the lasting pain that you have endured. 'Thank you for the dignity and strength you have shown.' But the Ballymurphy families, who had gathered for a press conference in Belfast, were left angered by the timing and the content of the letter. Their solicitor, Padraig O Muirigh, broke down as he read out Mr Johnson's letter, saying he had been left upset by the 'disgraceful conduct' of the Prime Minister. The families were also angered by Mr Johnson's use of the word 'events' to describe the Ballymurphy deaths. John Teggart, whose father was killed by a soldier at Ballymurphy, said the main emotion from the families was anger. He said: 'There is no mention of a massacre, there is no mention of the Paras. 'If this was to be done right he would have sat back, took his time, consulted with the families before he put that out. The manner in which he has done it is totally unacceptable to the families.' The families held a meeting with Sinn Fein President Mary-Lou McDonald. Speaking after that meeting Ms McDonald said: 'We have met with the families. 'They have articulated their very great anger with the botched way in which the British Prime Minister has approached the issue of an apology. 'An apology which is, frankly, the least that these families are entitled to, an apology that recognises the full truth and horror of what happened here in Ballymurphy over three days 50 years ago in 1971. 'These families are heroic, nothing short of that. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald speaks to the media in Ballymurphy, Belfast, after meeting with the families 'They have shown a dignity, courage, resilience and stamina which is unmatched and I think Boris Johnson could do well to borrow from these families some of that dignity, some of that sense of purpose and he certainly needs to recognise what happened here.' She added: 'They have their truth now and I know that they are intent on receiving justice.' In his statement in the Commons, Brandon Lewis said: 'The findings of the coroner are clear, those who died were entirely innocent of wrongdoing. 'The events at Ballymurphy should never have happened. The families of those who were killed should never have had to experience the grief and trauma of that loss. 'They should have not had to wait almost five decades for judgment this week, nor been compelled to relive that terrible time in August 1971 again and again in their long and distressing quest for the truth.' He added: 'There is no doubt that what happened on those awful few days in Ballymurphy also fuelled further violence and escalation, particularly in the early years of the Troubles. 'The Government profoundly regrets and is truly sorry for these events and how investigations after these terrible events were handled, and for the additional pain that the families have had to endure in their fight to clear the names of their loved ones.' Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald is shown around the area of Ballymurphy, Belfast, by the families of people who were killed in the 'Ballymurphy massacre' Mr Lewis said 'thousands of murders remain unresolved' in Northern Ireland, with many families yearning for answers. He told MPs: 'With each passing year the integrity of evidence and the prospect of prosecution do diminish, and the Government is not shrinking away from those challenges. 'We are determined to address them in a way that reflects the time that has passed, the complexity of Northern Ireland's troubled history and the reality of compromises that have already been made. 'But above all we're determined to address it in a way that enables victims and survivors to get to the truth which they deserve. 'We must never ignore or dismiss the past, learning what we can, we must find a way to move beyond it and the coroner's findings this week are part of that very often painful process. 'This Government wants to deliver a way forward in addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland, one that will allow all individuals of families who want information to seek and receive answers about what happened during the Troubles with far less delay and distress. 'We want a path forward which will also pave the way for wider societal reconciliation for all communities, allowing all the people of Northern Ireland to focus on building a shared, stable, peaceful and prosperous future.' Three California women including Amber Lucas (pictured) were arrested on Wednesday and charged with vandalizing the former home of a defense witness in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin Three California women were arrested on Wednesday and charged with vandalizing the former home of a defense witness in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Amber Lucas, 35, Rowan Dalbey, 20, and Kristen Aumoithe, 34, are all charged with one count of conspiracy and two counts of felony vandalism after they allegedly smeared pig's blood and left a severed pig's head outside the former Santa Rosa home of Barry Brodd, who served as a defense witness in the trial. The women appear to have believed Brodd was still the owner when they allegedly vandalized the property. Lucas is a self professed Black Lives Matter activist who attended protests in the aftermath of George Floyd's killing by cop Derek Chauvin. According to her social media presence, Lucas she is also a lifestyle and wine influencer, and a commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women in Sonoma County. Police reported that she along with Dalbey and Aumoithe, struck the property at around 3am on April 17, days after Brodd, as a use-of-force expert, took the stand defending the actions of the former Minnesota police officer, who would ultimately be convicted in Floyd's murder. Clad entirely in black, the trio allegedly smeared pig's blood on the front door and garage of the residence, and tossed the pig's head on the front porch before fleeing. Rowan Dalbey (left) and Kristen Amouithe (right) were charged with one count of conspiracy and two counts of felony vandalism Police said the trio struck around 3 a.m. on April 17, smearing pig's blood on the front door and garage of Brodd's former residence in Santa Rosa, California 'Because Mr. Brodd no longer lives in the city of Santa Rosa, it appears the victim was falsely targeted,' police said Soon afterwards, police said the group splattered animal blood on a statue of a hand in a nearby shopping mall, leaving a sign with a picture of a pig and the words 'Oink Oink.' Police estimated the cost to clean up the results of the vandalism was in the 'thousands of dollars.' Detectives said they believe there were additional suspects involved in the alleged vandalism, and are asking for more information that could lead to their arrest. Brodd, however, had not resided in the home for some time. 'Mr. Brodd has not lived at the residence for a number of years and is no longer a resident of California. Because Mr. Brodd no longer lives in the city of Santa Rosa, it appears the victim was falsely targeted,' police said in a statement. Brodd, who had a long career in law enforcement including with the Santa Rosa Police department, is now a consultant who serves as an expert witness on police procedures and tactics. Brodd (above) testified on April 13 that police were justified in keeping Floyd pinned because he kept struggling instead of 'resting comfortably' The other target in the vandalism spree was a large statue of a hand, carved from marble, that rests outside Santa Rosa Plaza shopping mall Floyd died in Minneapolis last May after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes while he was handcuffed. Chauvin is charged with manslaughter and murder, and the case is expected to go to the jury this week. On April 13, Brodd testified police were justified in keeping Floyd pinned because he kept struggling instead of 'resting comfortably.' That sparked a lectern-pounding response from prosecutor Steve Schleicher: 'Did you say 'resting comfortably'?' he asked incredulously. 'Or laying comfortably,' replied Brodd, whose testimony contradicted that of authorities from inside and outside the Minneapolis Police Department who said Chauvin violated his training. 'Resting comfortably on the pavement?' Schleicher asked again. Brodd responded: 'Yes.' Following Brodd's testimony in Chauvin's defense, Santa Rosa Police Chief Rainer Navarro issued a statement disavowing Brodd's view on the case. 'Mr. Brodd has not been employed by the department since 2004. His comments do not reflect the values and beliefs of the Santa Rosa Police Department,' Chief Rainer said. Cops said that the damage to Brodd's former home exceeded $400, making the crime a felony. Lucas appeared to attend protests in the aftermath of George Floyd's killing. Lucas is a wine and lifestyle influencer according to her social media presence Chauvin was convicted of the murder of George Floyd on April 23. The other target in the vandalism spree was a large statue of a hand, carved from marble, that rests outside Santa Rosa Plaza shopping mall. The perpetrators who targeted the hand were seen fleeing the area and matched the descriptions of the suspects who vandalized the house. The statue, titled 'Agraria' by artist Larry Kirkland, does not appear to have any political significance that would make it a target. Kirkland has said he intended the sculpture as a tribute to immigrant agricultural workers in Santa Rosa, the county seat of fertile Sonoma County. The sculpture is a well-known landmark for tourists visiting Sonoma's wine country, and visitors often pose with the giant hand for photos. The associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz who first told police the lawmaker had sexually trafficked a 17-year-old girl is expected to plead guilty to federal charges, sparking rumors he will turn on Gaetz in exchange for a lighter sentence. Joel Greenberg, a former politician and friend of Republican Rep. Gaetz, is facing a string of charges that included embezzling, stalking an opponent and sex trafficking a girl between the ages of 14 and 17. He was first arrested last year, and told police that the Florida congressman had sexually trafficked a 17-year-old girl, according to anonymous Washington Post source. Gaetz has not been charged and he denies ever paying for sex, claiming instead that he is the victim of an extortion plot. In April, The Post cited unnamed sources who said Greenberg had been begging prosecutors to cut him a deal in exchange for information he gave them about Gaetz. He is said to have told them prosecutors how they paid women for sex with 'cash or gifts' in what the source said might violate sex trafficking laws. It's unclear how old the women he was talking about were. On Thursday, court documents revealed that Greenberg - who had denied all of the charges - intended to change his plea, which suggests his lawyers may have reached a deal with prosecutors. It's unclear what charges he will plead guilty to. He will appear in court in Florida on Monday May 17 to enter those pleas. Neither the US Attorney nor Greenberg's attorney has commented. Joel Greenberg has been giving prosecutors information on Matt Gaetz and the alleged sex trafficking for months. Now, it looks as though he might have reached a deal with prosecutors Greenberg's attorneys filed this document Thursday which shows he will change his plea on Monday Greenberg was arrested last year on charges of stalking a political opponent. An indictment alleged he mailed fake letters to his opponent's school claiming sexual misconduct. He was subsequently charged with sex trafficking a girl between the ages of 14 and 17. Last month he was further charged with embezzling $400,000 from the Seminole County tax collector's office, where he worked. It then emerged that he was negotiating a deal. 'I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today,' said Fritz Scheller, Greenberg's lawyer, said last month. The Justice Department is investigating whether Gaetz violated sex trafficking laws by having sex with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her to travel across state lines - claims that Gaetz denies and asserts are part of a scheme to extort his family for $25 million. The Republican congressman and close ally of Donald Trump fired out a series of tweets Tuesday claiming a former Justice Department employee had been trying to extort $25 million from him and his family while 'threatening to smear my name' Gaetz went on Tucker Carlson to deny the sex trafficking claims but it was a fumbled interview that Carlson later described as the 'weirdest ever' He shrugged off the allegations during a recent speech. 'I'm a marked man in Congress, I'm a cancelled man in some corners of the internet, I might be a wanted man by the deep state,' he said at a rally in The Villages, a retirement community and pro-Trump stronghold. The saga exploded in March when The New York Times reported that Gaetz was being investigated for sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl across state lines. Gaetz responded, denying all of the allegations, and claiming a Justice Department official - David McGee - was trying to extort him over it. McGee angrily denied his claim. Gaetz's father backed him up and said that they'd taken the extortion plot to the FBI. 'The FBI asked me to try and get that information for Matt and an indication we would transfer money to Mr. David McGee,' his father said. McGee, an attorney at Beggs & Lane law firm and the former lead attorney for the DOJ's Organized Crime Task Force, said: 'It is completely false. It's a blatant attempt to distract from the fact that he's under investigation for sex trafficking of minors. 'I have no connection with that case at all, other than, one of a thousand people who have heard the rumors.' The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers accused of helping their colleague Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd will be pushed back to March 2022, a judge ruled Thursday. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao were scheduled to face trial August 23 on charges they aided and abetted both murder and manslaughter. The officers co-defendant, Chauvin, has already been convicted of murder and manslaughter counts. All four officers also face federal charges that allege they violated Floyds civil rights during his May 25, 2020 arrest. If convicted on these charges, all four defendants could face the federal death penalty or life in prison. Judge Peter Cahill said he changed the date on the murder trials so the federal case can go forward first. He also said he felt the need to put some distance between the three officers trial and Chauvins due to all the publicity around the case. Scroll down for video The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers (L to R), J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, will be pushed back to March 2022 Judge Peter Cahill (pictured in court) said he changed the date on the murder trials so the federal case can go forward first. He also said he felt the need to put some distance between the three officers trial and Chauvins due to all the publicity around the case The news that the trial was being pushed back came during a Thursday hearing on pretrial motions. Defense attorneys for all three former officers agreed to the postponement. The state, via Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, did not support the delay. It wasnt made clear at Thursdays motions hearing who originally sought the change. Cahill also weighed Thursday a request that prosecutors be sanctioned after media reports that Chauvin had planned to plead guilty a year ago, and allegations that they havent disclosed information about the alleged coercion of a witness. Attorneys for Lane, Kueng and Thao have said they want the court to require prosecuting attorneys to submit affidavits under oath that they arent responsible for the leak to the media. In a filing late Wednesday, Thaos attorney also alleged that the Hennepin County medical examiner was coerced to include 'neck compression' in his findings and that prosecutors knew of it. The former officers waived their right to appear at Thursdays hearing. Surveillance video shows Minneapolis police officers from left, Tou Thao, Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane while Floyd is on the ground under Chauvin's knee Floyd (pictured) died last Memorial Day during an arrest over a counterfeit bill Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes (above) until he died on May 25 Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is prosecuting the officers, has said allegations that his office was involved in a leak are false. His office had no immediate comment on the allegations of coercion. A spokeswoman for Dr. Andrew Baker, the medical examiner, said they could not comment due to the pending case. Chauvin, who was seen in widely viewed bystander video pressing his knee into Floyds neck as the black man said he couldnt breathe, was convicted on April 20 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Hes to be sentenced on June 25, but his lawyers have filed an appeal seeking a new trial over allegations of witness intimidations, undue pressure on the jury to convict Chauvin, and inappropriate conduct by some jurors. Lane, Kueng and Thao are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Their trial was separated from Chauvins to comply with COVID-19 courtroom spacing restrictions. Bob Paule, Thaos attorney, said in a court filing Wednesday that Baker initially said there was no physical evidence that Floyd died of asphyxiation. But after talking twice to Dr. Roger Mitchell a former medical examiner in Washington, D.C. he amended his findings to include neck compression as a factor, according to Paule. On April 20, Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter charges Paule said that in one of the conversations, Mitchell called Baker and told him he was going to submit an opinion piece critical of Bakers findings to the Washington Post. When Baker released final autopsy findings June 1, they included neck compression, Paule wrote, and Mitchell never submitted his piece to the newspaper. Mitchell, now chairman of the Department of Pathology at the Howard University College of Medicine, did not immediately respond to a phone message left at the department after hours. Paule also took aim at Mitchells criticism of Dr. David Fowler, a key defense witness for Chauvin who testified that the former officer was not responsible for Floyds death. Mitchell sent a letter signed by 431 doctors from around the country to the Maryland attorney general, saying Fowlers conclusions were so far outside the bounds of accepted forensic practice that all his previous work could be questioned. Maryland officials then announced they would review all in-custody death reports during Fowlers tenure. Paule said Mitchells accusations had a chilling effect on Thaos ability to find medical experts unafraid to testify on his behalf. He said prosecutors have yet to give the defense evidence about Mitchells actions. Hes asking that the case against Thao be dismissed. Chauvin is pictured in his booking photo after being convicted of Floyd's murder Paule also said in a court filing in February that he wants an order sanctioning the state for 'its role directly or indirectly in the leaking of highly prejudicial information related to potential plea agreements of co-defendants.' The New York Times reported on February 10 that Chauvin was ready to plead guilty to a third-degree murder charge last year but then-Attorney General William Barr rejected the agreement. The Associated Press published a similar report the next day, citing two law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the talks. Paule alleged that the leaks came from the state, and asked that anyone who did so be barred from participating in the trial. Tom Plunkett, Kuengs attorney, echoed his statements. Ellison earlier dismissed Paules motion as 'completely false and an outlandish attempt to disparage the prosecution.' Earl Gray, Lanes attorney, has a motion asking Judge Cahill to compel the state to disclose all use-of-force reports over the past 50 years in which a Minneapolis police officer used force and another officer intervened verbally or physically. Gray said its necessary to show the jury that no such intervention has been made in the past 50 years, which would call into question the states expert testimony about the duty of officers to intervene. Prosecutors have said that request should be denied. Theyve noted that department policy requires officers to intervene when excessive force is used, and say Gray hasnt shown how the testimony of experts could be called into question by a lack of interventions. All four officers on Friday were indicted on federal charges alleging they violated Floyds civil rights by failing to provide medical care to Floyd The convicted killer and the three other cops have been slapped with federal charges for failing to provide medical care to Floyd during his fatal arrest outside a convenience store. Chauvin is further charged with violating Floyd's right to be free from unreasonable force by a police officer, while Thao and Kueng are charged with failing to intervene to stop Chauvin using unreasonable force. An 11-year-old boy who was killed during the devastating winter storms in Texas died of carbon monoxide poisoning not hypothermia, according to an autopsy report. Cristian Pavon was found unresponsive inside his family's mobile home in Conroe on February 16 after it lost power and temperatures plunged to single digits. The boy, who had no pre-existing conditions, was pronounced dead that afternoon, with his cause of death formally revealed on Wednesday. Cristian's family had been convinced he'd died of the cold, and sued grid operator the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for $100 million over his death. They have yet to comment on whether they plan to continue with that claim. A Conroe Police Department spokesman who announced the autopsy verdict said:' 'The Conroe Police Department expresses our condolences to the family and friends who have been impacted by this tragic event. 'The criminal investigation into this tragic death is considered closed. The Conroe Police Department will have no further comment.' An 11-year-old boy who was killed during the devastating winter storms in Texas died of carbon monoxide poisoning not hypothermia, according to an autopsy report. Cristian Pavon above Just hours earlier, Cristian been excited to see snow for the first time after moving to the US from Honduras in 2019 to live with his mom. Tragic home video footage shows him playing in the snow. His mom Maria Pineda, who discovered her son huddled beneath blankets to stay warm, believed he had died of hypothermia and sued energy grid Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for $100 million. Cristian was one of almost 200 killed amid the record power outages that ravaged the state in February, leaving millions without heat and water for days on end amid three devastating winter storms. Just hours earlier, he'd been excited to see snow for the first time after moving to the US from Honduras in 2019. Tragic home video footage shows him playing in the snow Pineda's sister-in-law Jaliza Yera told the Houston Chronicle the autopsy results had brought some closure to Cristian's mom because she no longer feared he had cried out for her in the night but she didn't hear him. However, she said it left them with questions about how the carbon monoxide had only impacted the 11-year-old. Almost 200 people were killed during the historic storm, most of them from hypothermia. But multiple Texans like Cristian died of carbon monoxide poisoning after bringing gas-powered portable generators into their homes to provide heat and electricity. Those generators are only intended to be used outdoors, and can cause a deadly build up of carbon monoxide - which is colorless and odorless - if brought into confined spaces. Yeza said investigators reenacted what they thought had happened, with the heavy snowfall covering an air vent on the roof of the trailer above the water heater. The family filed a $100 million lawsuit against ERCOT and electric provider Entergy Texas back in February, accusing them of gross negligence that led to Cristian's death. 'Despite having knowledge of the dire weather forecast for at least a week in advance, and the knowledge that the system was not prepared for more than a decade, ERCOT and Entergy failed to take any preemptory action that could have averted the crisis and were wholly unprepared to deal with the crisis at hand,' it read. Cristian was found unresponsive inside his family's mobile home (above) in Conroe on February 16 after it lost power and temperatures plunged to single digits The suit said the Pineda family 'huddled' for warmth as temperatures plunged to historic lows because of the blackouts. 'As the storm worsened on Tuesday, the temperatures reached historic lows - as low as 10 degrees in the Pinedas' area,' the suit says. 'To stay warm, the entire family of five huddled in a single room. Cristian Pineda shared a bed and tried to warm his younger brother, while his mother and stepfather comforted his baby brother nearby.' The suit, filed when the family suspected hyperthermia was his cause of death, accuses the energy suppliers of choosing profits over lives. '(Cristian) died because grid wasn't a priority, and the energy provider made decisions based on profits,' the suit claims. The boy, who had no pre-existing conditions, was pronounced dead that afternoon His mom Maria Pineda (pictured together) believed he had died of hypothermia and sued energy grid Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for $100m ERCOT responded to the suit calling Christian's death 'a tragedy' and saying 'our thoughts and prayers are with the family.' Entergy Texas said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in our community.' Power outages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning as desperate homeowners resort to alternative methods to get some warmth and power into their homes. Most common causes are from using generators to get some supply of power or using grill or camp stoves to cook food. Texas is one of just six states with no statewide requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted inside homes. Officials have not revealed the cause of the carbon monoxide poisoning in Cristian's case. The boy was one of almost 200 killed as a result of the winter storms and power outages in Texas back in February. Almost 200 killed amid the record power outages that ravaged the state in February, leaving millions without heat and water for days on end amid three devastating winter storms. People wait in a long line to buy groceries at H-E-B on South Congress Avenue in Austin Pike Electric service trucks line up after the snow storm in Fort Worth, Texas, during the historic winter storm on February 16 Images showed bare shelves and desperate Texans queued in long lines outside. A shopper is pictured at a H-E-B supermarket in Austin on February1 8 At least 194 Texans died, including at least 100 from hypothermia and 16 from carbon monoxide poisonings of residents, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis last month. Other victims include Etenesh Mersha and her 7-year-old daughter Rakeb Shelemu who died from carbon monoxide poisoning after they huddled in their car in the garage for warmth amid a blackout in their Houston home. Pramod Bhattarai, 23, a college student from Nepal, also died from carbon monoxide after he used a charcoal grill to heat his home in the city. When the historic winter storms struck, ERCOT instructed energy providers to cut supply, causing rolling power blackouts across the state. At the peak of the crisis more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were left without power, many for multiple days on end. Many bundled into warming shelters and furniture stores for warmth, despite concerns about COVID-19. While the Americans he represents perished in the icy temperatures with no power, Ted Cruz (seen at the airport) famously abandoned his state and jetted off to Cancun While struggling to survive with a lack of power and heat, the crisis worsened as the state faced the prospect of running out of food and water. Around 15 million residents were left without any clean drinking water and were placed under boil water notices as water treatment facilities were knocked offline and freezing temperatures burst water mains and pipes. Many resorted to boiling snow to drink or lined up at spigots for hours to get some clean water. The crisis exposed cracks in the state's energy supply, despite Texas long regarding its energy independence as a source of great pride. ERCOT admitted at the time the state had been just 'seconds and minutes' away from 'months-long' blackouts, as the CEO tried to defend the company's actions that sparked the greatest forced blackout in US history. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz sparked fury when he jetted off on a holiday to a beach resort in Cancun, Mexico, at the height of the crisis, leaving his constituents struggling to survive back home. Following the backlash, Cruz turned around less than 24 hours after he jetted off. He then claimed he was trying to be a 'good dad' and admitted he made a 'mistake' but ignored calls to resign over the scandal. Gas shortages sparked by the Colonial Pipeline hack have panicked millions of American drivers, with 10,000 gas stations running dry and thousands of others reporting long lines and serious shortages. Anxious motorists in more than a dozen states across the southeast are now lining up for gas, with many trying to hoard whatever remains left in the pump. Photos shared to social media show some filling up buckets and giant barrels under the cover of darkness, angering those behind them who had been waiting for hours to fill up their own vehicles. Fights broke out at some stations as one Twitter user compared the gas crisis to 'the first 20 minutes of a disaster movie'. Another stated that he never expected to see cars lining up for fuel in the United States, saying it looked like 'Ethiopia'. Gas stations from DC to Florida have put signs out front saying they have run out of fuel, while some businesses that still have supplies are increasing their prices to a whopping $9.99 a gallon. Photos shared to social media show drivers filling up buckets and gigantic barrels, angering those behind them who had been waiting for hours to fill up their vehicles In multiple states, desperate Americans were seen filling up large drums that they brought to stations on the back of their pick-up trucks. While some sympathized with the motorists for stockpiling supplies, others blasted them for their perceived selfishness. 'I actually need gas and I'm running on empty,' one Twitter user wrote sharing a photo of a man in front of her hoarding fuel. Meanwhile, others bought bottles, buckets and tubs to the gas pump in a bid to take what they still could. Elsewhere, drivers stopped to take photos of signs outside gas stations selling fuel for $9.99 a gallon, accusing them of price gouging. Nationwide, the cost of gas currently stands at an average of $3.02 per gallon. However, prices have been rising since before the Pipeline hack. Last month's average price was $2.82 per gallon. Last year, the average national price was just $1.82 per gallon. In multiple states, desperate Americans were seen filling up large drums that they brought to stations on the back of their pick-up trucks Enraged drivers stopped to take photos of signs outside gas stations as some businesses put their prices up to $9.99 per gallon How long will it take before the situation is normal in my state? GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan provided these estimates of how long it will continue to be a 'headache' to buy gas in each affected state. Alabama, Delaware, Mississippi, West Virginia: 2-5 days of headaches if you need fuel DC, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee: 5-12 days of headaches Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia: 7-14 days of headaches Advertisement The Colonial Pipeline was forced to shutdown last Friday after a sophisticated ransomware attack by Russia's DarkSide hackers. The pipeline is the largest in the US and is responsible for transporting more than 100 million gallons of gas daily, in pipes from New Jersey to Texas. Colonial has now begun to slowly restart the nation's largest fuel pipeline, but it will take several days for the 5,500 mile pipeline network to return to normal operations. Gas travels through the pipeline at just five miles per hour, meaning it will take two weeks to reach New York once flow is restored from the Texas refining hub, according to Bloomberg. Diesel and jet fuel take even longer. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan expects shortages to get worse over the next two days before they get better, tweeting: 'While the Colonial Pipeline is restarting, the [gas station] outage numbers may drift higher over the next 48 hours before then beginning to fall.' On Thursday, President Joe Biden said the FBI does not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for the ransomware attack. 'We do not believe the Russian government was involved in this in attack. But we do have strong reason to believe that the criminals who did this attack are living in Russia,' he stated. 'We have been in direct communication with Moscow about the imperative for responsible countries to take decisive action against these ransomware networks,' he said. Asked about reports that Colonial Pipeline paid the hacker gang DarkSide a $5million ransom in cryptocurrency to regain control of their systems, Biden said: 'I have no comment on that.' Biden also urged drivers to not get more gas than they need, saying he expects the situation to improve by this weekend and warned gas stations against price gouging. 'Nobody should be using this situation for financial gain, that is what the hackers were trying to do,' he said. Initial reports from Reuters and Washington Post claimed that Colonial Pipeline did not plan to pay the ransom demanded by hackers who encrypted data on systems that run the pipeline. Both the reports claiming that Colonial refused to pay the hackers and Bloomberg and CNBC reports saying that they did pay were based on anonymous sources. A spokesperson for Colonial did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com on Thursday asking whether the ransom was paid. Brett Callow, a threat analyst with Emsisoft, warned that paying off ransomware gangs would only lead to more attacks on critical infrastructure. 'If Colonial has indeed paid, it unfortunately puts other US critical infrastructure providers even more in the crosshairs than they were before,' Callow told DailyMail.com on Thursday. 'Like legit businesses, criminal enterprises do things that have been proven to work and, if infrastructure attacks work, they'll do more. Rinse and repeat,' he added. On Wednesday, Biden ordered the creation of an air accident-style cyber review board and the imposition of new software standards for government agencies following a spate of digital intrusions that have rattled the United States. The executive order's initiatives include the creation of a organization that would investigate major hacks along the lines of National Transportation Safety Board inquiries that are launched after plane crashes. They also include the imposition of new security standards for software bought by government agencies Colonial said it was working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack and had taken additional security measures before beginning the restart. The Colonial Pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey and carries 100 million gallons of fuel daily A school has threatened a mother-of-four with debt collectors over a 32 unpaid bill for her children's daily canteen lunches. The unnamed woman said she was angered by the letter from the school's head office, admitting that she had found it difficult to keep up with payments. She said she was told if she did not pay the money she owed, that the debt would be passed on, North News and Pictures reported. 'I was fuming. I wrote them a strongly-worded letter pointing out that we are in the middle of a global crisis. 'You know you owe it, but couldn't they just wait until the end of the month when my husband gets paid?' The woman told the outlet that the school's headteacher later phoned to apologise. 'She said she didn't mean it to be like that, but it's really distressing to get a letter saying that if you don't pay, they'll forward it to a debt collecting agency.' A school has threatened a mother-of-four with debt collectors over a 32 unpaid bill for her children's daily canteen lunches. The unnamed woman said she was angered by the letter from the school's head office, admitting that she had found it difficult to keep up with payments [Stock image] The woman, who has four children aged eight, nine, 12 and 16, said she had to spend around 200 each month on school meals, which works out at 13 per cent of the family budget. 'We don't qualify for Universal Credit because my husband works and so the children don't get free school meals. We get by, but the dinners situation is quite expensive. 'It would make a massive difference if the Government changed the rules on free school meals. 'It would be one less thing to worry about.' The woman said her youngest child was in year two during the coronavirus outbreak and would normally have qualified for free school meals then, but she did not even get vouchers. 'Feeding four children during lockdown was expensive - they were just going backwards and forwards to the fridge. 'With my husband being paid monthly, you owe, you owe, you owe. 'Extending free school meals would just take the pressure off,' she said. How much should the free school meals really be worth? Free school meal allowances are usually 2.34 per pupil per day, an additional 3.50 per seven days has been added in lockdown, equalling 15.20 a week. The Government has told schools to work with their school catering team or provider to make up the food parcels, especially if kitchens are open. Unlike in the first lockdown, vouchers are considered only after every effort to provide the supply boxes have been exhausted. The government guidance suggests 'you can consider other local arrangements, which might include vouchers for local shops and supermarkets'. School costs of providing the vouchers can then be reimbursed by the government to the amount of 15 per week. A school catering source told MailOnline: 'Staff haven't experienced anything like this before. They are working through a pandemic to make the food boxes for the parents some don't even collect them. 'For those in school staff were expecting 120 children from the key worker parents and vulnerable children for free school meals still, 40 turned up.' Advertisement The mother's story comes as a report revealed that more than 35,000 pupils in the North-East who live below the poverty line do not qualify for free school meals under current legislation. The new report, The Cost of Missing Lunchtime, reveals one in four children from poorer families in the region are not entitled to a free, nutritious daily meal at school. The data also highlights another 4,000 North East pupils, living in families with no recourse to public funds, due to their immigration status, may also miss out if the temporary extension of school meals to these households is not made permanent. Luke Bramhall, from Children North-East, which carried out the study with the Child Poverty Action Group and the North East Child Poverty Commission, said: 'It is clearly not right that many thousands of primary and secondary pupils in our region are being deprived of that vital nutrition. 'We believe the current eligibility threshold for free school meals is too low so we are calling on the Government to restore the previous eligibility threshold, which included all families on Universal Credit. 'This should be extended to all those on equivalent benefits,' Bramhall said, adding: 'We want to see the temporary extension of free school meals eligibility to be made permanent for those households with no recourse to public funds.' In 2013, the Government introduced a temporary measure, making all families in receipt of Universal Credit eligible for free school meals. This was designed to protect families from losing out on entitlements during the initial stages of the roll-out. Since April 2018, families have had to have an income less than 7,400 to be eligible. Children North East, CPAG and the NECPC say this has led to many pupils who are living in poverty falling through the free school meals net. The report says poorer children are not only missing out on nutrition, but are also being deprived of extra help in the classroom as free school meals take-up is directly linked to Pupil Premium funding. Alison Garnham, chief executive of CPAG said: 'We know that free school meals help struggling families to stay afloat, as well as improve the health and education outcomes of their children. 'But many across the North-East are missing out, exposing children to hardship. 'Government must step up urgently and expand eligibility for free school meals to make sure no kid goes hungry. The woman, who has four children aged eight, nine, 12 and 16, said she had to spend around 200 each month on school meals, which works out at 13 per cent of the family budget [Stock image] 'Schools and local authorities can also play an important role by making sure families who are already eligible take up free school meals: this has benefits for eligible children but also increases school funding which helps all pupils.' The three organisations have calculated that it would cost 38.1m to expand free school meals to all households in the North-East in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefits, on top of the current status quo. Amanda Bailey, director of the NECPC, said this is cost effective: 'Research shows that free school meals have a number of proven benefits and are an effective anti-child poverty measure. Free school meals have existed for more than 100 years The origin of free school meals (FSM) stretches back to the Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906 when local authorities were granted powers to provide food to the poorest children through local taxes. This system remained until the Second World War when in 1941 nutritional standards were drawn up, followed three years later with the 1944 Education Act mandating local authorities to hand out FSM to the poorest pupils. In 1986, during Margaret Thatcher's premiership, the Social Security Act required local authorities to outsource the supply to private companies. In 2013, a new, more rigorous set of foods standards was implemented. Advertisement 'They can help boost children's learning and attainment as well as supporting their health through providing a balanced meal each day. 'Children also benefit from the social experience of sitting down together, eating the same food and sharing the dining hall experience. For families, free school meal entitlement can relieve pressures on household budgets and free up money for other living costs. Expanding free school meals to more children can also help to tackle inequalities by decreasing the number of children in low income families who miss out, and it can reduce stigma associated with the entitlement.' Recommendations in the report, which is being sent to North-East MPs, local authorities and schools, include that local authorities should review their free school meal policies, processes and practices to ensure they are maximising the number of families taking up their free school meal entitlement. Data suggests the current take-up rate of free school meals in the North East is 89 per cent (116,000 eligible pupils with only 103,000 claiming). Authorities should also make information about free school meals easily accessible, and directly linked to Covid-response pages/other financial inclusion information on their websites. Schools should identify and address any existing policies or practices that either prevent pupils taking up their free school meal entitlement or further disadvantage them. Local authorities and schools should offer child poverty training to school staff to help increase awareness of the issue and help schools identify practical ways they can increase support to families who might be struggling. Neville Harrison, headteacher of St Bede's in Lanchester, which was not the school which issued the letter to the struggling mother, said: 'It is great that these organisations are keeping the free school meals debate in the public domain. 'The more MPs, local authorities and schools can discuss this matter, the better the outcomes for the children and families in need.' The global Wearable Medical Devices market size is expected to reach USD 85.6 billion by 2027 according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report Wearable Medical Devices Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Device Type (Diagnostic Devices, Sleep Monitoring Devices, Neuro-monitoring Devices, Therapeutic Devices, Glucose Monitoring Devices, Respiratory Therapy Devices); By Site; By Application (Sports and Fitness, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Home Healthcare); By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2020 2027 gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth. Wearable medical devices are defined as the autonomous devices worn by the individual to provide medical or fitness monitoring and support over a period of time. They are either worn as a body accessory or being embedded in cloth or shoes. They incorporate non-invasive sensors, wireless transmission, real time data processing capabilities, and also provide medical feedback. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/wearable-medical-devices-market/request-for-sample Recent developments in wearable medical devices include alert mechanisms, decision support systems, and real time analysis. These wearables offer point of care, and remote management for rehabilitating individuals, disabled and chronically ill. The prominent factors favoring the wearable medical devices market growth include an increase in the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, consumer awareness towards fitness, and advancement in technology and medical innovation with ever increasing interest of consumer electronic companies. According to the study published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2015, there were approximately 415 million diabetic people and it is expected to increase to 640 million by 2040. The high prevalence of diabetes is an important driver boosting market growth. With a spike in infectious diseases over the past decade, the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab (SHIL) set up a team to study the impact of wearables to track infectious diseases. Moreover, in April 2020, Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) launched DETECT, under which data from activity trackers and smart watches would be integrated into public health surveillance program for proactive disease tracking and population health programs. Market participants such as Medtronic plc, OMRON Corp., Biotelemetry Inc., Apple, Inc., Koninklijke Philips, Dexcom Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Verily Life Sciences, GE Healthcare, Bio-Beat Technologies, Masimo Corporation, iRhythm Technologies, Inc., Preventice Solutions, Inc., CONTEC Medical Systems Co. Ltd, VitalConnect, Minttihealth, Biotricity Inc., Cyrcadia Asia Limited., Garmin Ltd, Xiaomi Technologies, ten3T healthcare, Fitbit, Inc., and Huawei Corporation are some of the key players operating in the Wearable Medical Devices market. Players in the market are focusing on developing low cost wearable accessible to all strata of the population within the geographic footprint. In line with this, India based Muse Wearables is manufacturing a wrist based wearable tracker at a cost of INR 3,500. With this, it will continuously monitor skin temperature, blood O2 saturation levels, and heart rate to track body vital signs to diagnose COVID-19 symptoms in early stages. The device is Bluetooth enabled and could be connected via Muse Health App. Polaris Market research has segmented the Wearable Medical Devices market report on the basis of device type, site, application, and region Wearable Medical Device Type Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Diagnostic Devices Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Heart Rate Monitors Activity Monitors Electrocardiographs Pulse Oximeters Spirometers Blood Pressure Monitors Others Sleep Monitoring Devices Sleep trackers Wrist Actigraphs Polysomnographs Others Electrocardiographs Fetal and Obstetric Devices Neuro-monitoring Devices Electroencephalographs Electro-myographs Others Therapeutic Devices Pain Management Devices Neuro-stimulation Devices Others Insulin/Glucose Monitoring Devices Insulin Pumps Others Rehabilitation Devices Accelometers, Sensing Devices Ultrasound Platform Others Respiratory Therapy Devices Ventilators Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices Portable Oxygen Concentrators Others Wearable Medical Devices Site Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Handheld Headband Strap/Clip/Bracelet Shoe Sensors Others Wearable Medical Devices Application Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Sports and Fitness Remote Patient Monitoring Home Healthcare Wearable Medical Devices Regional Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe France Germany UK Italy Spain Netherlands Austria Asia Pacific China India Japan Malaysia South Korea Indonesia Central & South America Mexico Brazil Argentina Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/wearable-medical-devices-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: http://www.polarismarketresearch.com Advertisement Nearly 20 elephants are believed to have been killed by lightning strikes, according to examiners looking into the animals' deaths. Forest officials in the north eastern area of India discovered the bodies of the group of 18 clustered together in two groups. They suspect they died during a recent storm in the Nagaon district of Assam state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a statement that he was concerned about the deaths of such a 'huge number of elephants'. Nearly 20 elephants are believed to have been killed by lightning strikes, according to examiners looking into the animals' deaths. Pictured: People stand near the dead elephants in the Nagaon district of Assam state on May 14 Forest officials in the north eastern area of India discovered the bodies of the group of 18 clustered together in two groups. Pictured: Villagers offer prayers to a dead wild elephant on May 14 Forest officials suspect they died during a recent storm in the area. Pictured: A villager walks near two elephants suspected of dying during a lightening strike Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a statement that he was concerned about the deaths of such a 'huge number of elephants'. Villagers lay flowers next to a dead wild elephant while offering prayers to the animal on May 14 Amit Sahay, from the state's forest department, said: 'Four elephant carcasses were found at one spot and 14 others at another spot. 'The preliminary investigation revealed that the elephants could have been killed by lightning. 'Top officials of the forest department and veterinary doctors have been rushed to the spot.' Amit Sahay, from the state's forest department, said: 'Four elephant carcasses were found at one spot and 14 others at another spot'. Villagers were emotional after finding the large elephants collapsed in the forest Top officials of the forest department and veterinary doctors rushed to the scene. Pictured: A dead elephant is found collapsed after a suspected lightening strike Assam's Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya tweeted: 'Deeply pained by the death of 18 elephants last night due to massive thunderstorm under Kothiatoli Range in Nagaon' India is home to nearly 30,000 elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population Wild elephants in the state have previously been victims of poaching, train-related accidents, poisoning and even electrocution, according to local media Assam's Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya tweeted: 'Deeply pained by the death of 18 elephants last night due to massive thunderstorm under Kothiatoli Range in Nagaon.' India is home to nearly 30,000 elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population. Wild elephants in the state have previously been victims of poaching, train-related accidents, poisoning and even electrocution, according to local media. Armie Hammer is 'happier and healthier' than ever thanks to his new dental hygienist girlfriend in the Cayman Islands, DailyMail.com can reveal. A source with close ties to the actor tells DailyMail.com that he and new Canadian girlfriend Lisa Perejma have been dating for three months and says she has 'really helped turn Armie's life around.' 'Armie's happier and healthier than I've seen him in a long time,' they said. 'He's even introduced her to his father and stepmother - it won't be long until she meets his kids.' It's a far cry from earlier this year, when the often out of it Call Me By Your Name star was accused by several ex-girlfriends of abuse, with leaked messages showing the actor discussing cannibalism fetishes and rape fantasies. Armie Hammer has been dating Canadian dental hygienist Lisa Perejma in the Cayman Islands for three months In March, the actor was spotted looking relaxed as he dined with a female companion, now believed to be girlfriend Lisa, at seafood restaurant called Over The Edge Cafe in the Cayman Islands A source with close ties to Armie tells DailyMail.com that he is 'happier and healthier' and says Lisa has 'really helped him turn his life around'. Armie 'liked' Lisa's social media post Photos from Lisa's social media show her lounging on the beach in a bikini displaying her toned physique and long blond locks The actor has been in the Cayman Islands since December, when he flew out to reunite with his two children; Harper, six, and Ford, four after being separated for several months due to visa issues amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to the source the only 'obstacle' in the budding romance is Armie's estranged wife Elizabeth Chalmers who has 'made his life a living hell.' The source said Armie has even moved into his own home on the island. 'He left the Ritz [Carleton] because Elizabeth made his life a living hell,' they said. 'Lisa is a super nice girl and has a great reputation on the island. Armie has reportedly introduced new girlfriend Lisa to his father Michael Hammer 'Shes so good for him.' Photos from Lisa's social media show her lounging on the beach in a bikini displaying her toned physique and long blond locks. Earlier this year the actor was rocked by accusations of abuse by several ex-girlfriends along with a series of leaked messages online, purported to be from the star, discussing cannibalism fetishes and rape fantasies. Then in March, a woman named Effie accused Armie of violently raping her in hotel room during their four-year relationship, sparking an investigation by the LAPD. The star was accused by the 24-year-old of forcing himself upon her during an incident in April 2017, where she claims he 'committed acts of violence' against her which she 'did not consent' to. During a press conference with her attorney Gloria Allred, Effie alleged: 'On April 24, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles. During which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall bruising my face. 'He also committed other acts of violence against me to which I did not consent.' After the leak of those texts, several of Hammer's former partners including Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich have accused him of being controlling and physically abusive during their relationship. Hammer's estranged wife Elizabeth Chambers whom he married in 2010 and split from last year broke her silence on the matter in February, when she said she was 'shocked, heartbroken, and devastated' and insisted she will always 'support any victim of assault or abuse'. Elizabeth and Armie, who married in 2010, share two children, daughter Harper and son Ford; Elizabeth, Armie, Harper, and Ford pictured in 2020 Lisa Perejma is a dental hygienist from British Columbia, Canada, who has lived in the Cayman Islands for some time The actor has been spotted on the island without a care in the world, enjoying himself in the company of several friends. He was seen with friends during a lunch outing at Macabuca on Grand Cayman on Wednesday, May 5. Sporting a shorter haircut, Armie cut a casual figure in a T-shirt and shorts as he met up with five friends. He was seen sat next to an older couple and was also joined by three women. And in March, the actor was spotted looking relaxed as he dined with a female companion, believed to be Lisa, at seafood restaurant called Over The Edge Cafe. A source told People on Tuesday, 'They seem happy and comfortable with each other. They seem to have lots of friends and she introduces him to any friends who haven't met him before when they are out.' People's insider also alleged that the pair 'were recently on a 'staycation' out East, the other side of the island from where they live.' Armie has denied the allegations made against him, and his lawyer has provided screenshots of alleged text conversations between him and Effie which seemingly suggest he told her they couldn't pursue a relationship, though these are not verified. The source adds that the only 'obstacle' in the budding romance is Armie's estranged wife Elizabeth Chalmers who has 'made his life a living hell' The actor has been in the Cayman Islands since December, when he flew out to reunite with his two children; Harper, six, and Ford, four after being separated for several months due to visa issues amid the coronavirus pandemic; Elizabeth, Harper, and Ford pictured in May 'Mr. Hammer responded, making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her,' Armie's team said in a statement. 'On April 24, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles. During which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall bruising my face.' Armie's ex - known only as Effie - alleged in March. Hammer claims it was all consensual 'It was never Mr. Hammer's intention to embarrass or expose [Effie's] fetishes or kinky sexual desires, but she has now escalated this matter to another level by hiring a civil lawyer to host a public press conference. 'With the truth on his side, Mr. Hammer welcomes the opportunity to set the record straight. From day one, Mr. Hammer has maintained that all of his interactions with [Effie] and every other sexual partner of his for that matter have been completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory. '[Effie's] attention seeking and ill-advised legal bid will only make it more difficult for real victims of sexual violence to get the justice they deserve.' In one message, Armie allegedly told Effie: 'I am not going to be able to engage in you in that specific way right now. It never ends well. We can talk and be friends, but I can't do that.' Armie Hammer was seen in concerning videos obtained by DailyMail.com last January looking 'out of it', cracking open a beer while driving and licking white powder off his friend's hand The actor's lawyer also said Armie's encounter with Effie was 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory'. In a statement, the lawyer said: 'Effie's own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. As recently as July 18, 2020, [she] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her.' Following the scandal, Hammer left several projects including upcoming film Shotgun Wedding opposite Jennifer Lopez. He was replaced by Josh Duhamel. Social media video from a pro-Palestine protest in Manhattan shows the moment a bloodied man - who proudly displayed a Star of David necklace - was forced to flee across the street to get away from an advancing group of demonstrators. The man had allegedly made hateful comments to the protesters, who threw a metal chair toward his face prior to the chase. It's not clear what those comments may have been. Video appears to show a police officer ushering the man, who has not been identified, with a bloodied face across the street around 7pm Tuesday. One person asks about what happened to the man as he is hurried down the stairs, with no response. WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO A man was hit by a metal chair after allegedly making hateful comments during a pro-Palestine rally The bloodied man then made his way to a store across the street, fleeing the crowd for safety A woman replies saying that the man tried to cut through a march to make hateful comments. 'He said really hateful comments,' a woman says. As photographers and reporters appear to surround the man, another woman could be heard shouting intensely. Someone says, 'Run p***y' as the man darts across the street, with several people carrying the Palestinian flag following close behind. The bloodied man winds up in a local store as a woman repeats 'f*** you' towards him. Video shows the bloodied man being led away from the crowd by a police officer The officer appears to help lead the man down some stairs and across the street Meanwhile, pro-Palestine protesters continue to follow the man towards a store The man manages to get behind the store's door, where he displayed his Star of David The NYPD begins to forcefully move some of the protesters away from the store while the man holds up his Star of David, a Jewish symbol. The video ends with a protesters and NYPD officer in a dispute, with the protesters asking the officer to stop touching him. Later video shows the man being led into the back of an ambulance while surrounded by officers, though he appears to be okay. A protester told reporter Elad Eliahu that a person from the Free Palestine protest allegedly threw a chair at the man after he made hateful comments, leading him to be mobbed. Eliahu later added that NYPD riot squad managed to catch up to the alleged chair-thrower, but ultimately decided to let him go. Hundreds of people participated in a rally and march in support of Palestine on Tuesday Protesters rally in support of Palestinians who clashed with Israeli police earlier in the week Protesters were joined by some Orthodox Jews from the anti-Zionist sect Neturei Karta, which opposes a Jewish state The NYPD told DailyMail.com, 'Police observed a verbal altercation with a crowd of people. The complainant entered the crowd and was struck in the head with a metal chair by an unknown individual, causing a laceration to their head. 'The complainant was removed to Bellevue Hospital,' the NYPD continued. 'There are no arrests at this time.' They also stated that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The incident came before groups of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Wednesday on both sides of the Israel-Palestine divide as fighting overseas continued to rage. In New York, protesters clashed in Times Square, with both sides screaming at each other and separated by barricades. In New York City thousands gathered on Wednesday in support of Israel in Times Square. Clashes were seen between the two groups and police kept them apart Protesters clashed in Times Square, with both sides screaming at each other At least 83 people have been killed in Gaza and seven in Israel since violence between the two sides was renewed (Tuesday's demonstration pictured) The rally, organized by the Israel American Council, drew thousands of impassioned pro-Israel supporters, many with flags in hand, the Times of Israel reported. 'We need to be there for Israel, and for our brothers and sisters, who are under brutal attack by terror organizations,' IAC Co-founder and CEO Shoham Nicolet said at the rally. The pro-Israel rally came one day after Tuesday's violent pro-Palestine rally in Midtown Manhattan where Israeli and Palestinian supporters clashed, fist fighting outside of the Consulate General of Israel. The BBC reports that at least 103 people have been killed in Gaza and seven in Israel since violence between the two sides was renewed. Authorities in Gaza claim that at least 27 of those who have died are civilian children. A ball of fire engulfs a tower block in Gaza City early on Thursday morning as Israel presses forward with its campaign against Hamas Israeli soldiers fire an American-designed 155mm self-propelled howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position near the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday. It comes amid a build up of troops at the border in preparation for a possible ground invasion of the Strip Israel, meanwhile, claims that many of the deaths were of Gaza militants or due to rocket misfires from Gaza. Israel claims to have been targeted by 1,600 rockets and is sending reinforcements to the border. Two infantry units and an armored unit were positioned near the border with Gaza on Thursday. At least 7,000 army reservists have also been called into duty by the Israeli army. No decision about a ground attack has been made yet. On Thursday, three rockets were fired from Lebanon into the sea off of northern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. No group has claimed responsibility for those rockets. Smoke from an Israeli air strike climbs into the skies over Gaza City on Thursday as bombardments hit Hamas targets A colossal explosion erupts as an Israeli bomb blows apart a Hamas target in Gaza City on Thursday. The pattern of the smoke and debris flying through the air suggests use of a bunker buster bomb, used to destroy the vast underground networks used by the Islamist militants Israel's military claimed on Thursday that it hit several targets in Gaza, including intelligence buildings and homes, as well as businesses that were allegedly being utilized by militants. Hamas fired more rockets towards Israel from Gaza, with a spokesman saying the group had shown 'only a small part' of their capabilities. More violence between Jewish and Israeli Arab groups with Israel also broke out as some international airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, suspended their service to Israel. The violence began after Israelis and Palestinians clashed at a hilltop compound in East Jerusalem. Hamas, which controls Gaza, demanded Israel take away police from the area and a nearby district before they began firing rockets. Palestinians in the district live under the constant threat of being evicted by Jewish settlers. The Jesuit priest who delivered the homily at a special Mass for the inauguration of President Joe Biden has resigned as president of Santa Clara University over allegations of misconduct stemming from drunken dinners with graduate students. The Rev Kevin O'Brien announced he was stepping down from the post he had occupied since July 2019 effective Monday, two months after he had been put on leave pending an internal investigation into his conduct. John Sobrato, chairman of SCU's Board of Trustees, stated in a letter addressed to the college community that the investigation conducted by the Jesuit West Province found that O'Brien 'engaged in behaviors, consisting primarily of conversations, during a series of informal dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries.' 'The Province also advised the Board that alcohol was involved and that no inappropriate behavior was found in any settings outside of these dinners.' Scroll down for video Rev Kevin O'Brien (center), who in January presided over a Mass for President Biden (left), on Sunday offered his resignation as president of Santa Clara University O'Brien had been on leave since mid-March over allegations of misconduct involving boozy dinners with graduate students Sobrato's statement revealed that O'Brien offered his resignation to the Board of Trustees on Sunday, and that it was accepted the following day. 'The Board of Trustees takes this situation very seriously and fully supports those who came forward to provide their accounts,' Sobrato stated. In a letter published on Wednesday, O'Brien confirmed that he was stepping down as head of the university and cited his personal issues related to 'alcohol and stress management. O'Brien revealed that in early March, he was approached by the Rev. Scott Santarosa, provincial of the Jesuits West, who had told him he was concerned about his 'well-being.' 'These concerns were based on accounts of my behavior over the past year in certain social settings with adults that did not meet the highest standards of decorum expected of me as a Jesuit,' OBrien wrote. O'Brien has known Joe and Jill Biden for 15 years. On January 20, he delivered the homily at a special Mass for the inauguration of the nation's second Catholic president Joe and Jill Biden are seen attending services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with with O'Brien presiding prior to the inauguration At the conclusion of the internal probe, Santarosa asked O'Brien to enter a treatment program to address his personal struggles. 'In April, I entered an outpatient or nonresidential treatment program, which many Jesuits over the years have found helpful in living a full, healthy life of service,' wrote the priest. 'In my case, the program is expected to take four to six months.' Upon completing the treatment, O'Brien is expected to return to 'active ministry as a Jesuit priest,' but not as the president of Santa Clara University. 'After much prayer and thought and out of deep love for Santa Clara, I have concluded that the best service I can offer to our beloved university is to step aside now,' he stated. The Board of Trustees will establish a process to conduct a search for the universitys next president. In a letter, O'Brien confirmed he was stepping down over his personal issues involving 'alcohol and stress management,' and was entering treatment program SCU Provost Lisa Kloppenberg will continue serving as the universitys acting president until a permanent replacement is found. OBrien presided over the inaugural Mass at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Washington, in January for Biden, who is the nations second Catholic president, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, their families and elected officials before the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol. OBrien also presided over services for Bidens inaugurations as vice president. After leaving behind his career as a lawyer, OBrien joined the Society of Jesus in 1996, according to the university, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2006. The priest has known Bidens family for about 15 years, according to the university. OBrien was then serving at Georgetown University, another Jesuit college. Advertisement New charts reveals exactly how Joe Biden's inauguration triggered a surge of immigrants arriving at the southern border, despite repeated claims from administration officials that they inherited a broken system. The graphs - showing that border detentions and child arrivals dropped to their lowest level in years at the end of 2020 before rocketing as soon as Biden took office - derailed efforts by the top U.S. homeland security official to deliver a rosy message when he appeared before senators on Thursday. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was forced on the defensive after Sen. Ron Johnson produced his dramatic red chart displaying 'border apprehensions.' Republican senators used a graph compiled by the office of Sen. Ron Johnson during a hearing to demonstrate how a surge in arrivals at the border coincided with Joe Biden's inauguration Sen. Mitt Romney said he found it 'stunning' that Mayorkas believed things were going well at the border when the data suggested a very different picture was emerging This chart shows how the number of unaccompanied children at the border soared after Biden's Inauguration 'The first step in solving any problem is admitting you have one,' said Johnson during a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. 'And it just seems like we're in a state of denial.' 'This is President Biden's inauguration. Here's the surge. That's the surge.' Sen. Ron Johnson He pointed to measures taken by Trump to reduce immigration, such as working with Mexico on keep families from heading north or the use of Title 42 - a public health code that bars entry to people that may present a risk - to turn back anyone arriving with COVID-19, and how they coincided with steep declines in arrivals. 'It really worked. We pretty well stopped a robust surge of illegal immigration at the border and that was pretty much in effect,' he said. 'It started ramping up with Democratic presidential candidates started talking about open borders and free healthcare.' Briefly pausing for dramatic effect, he turned back to the red bar graph behind him and pointed out Jan. 20 with his finger. Biden's top Homeland Security official Alejandro Mayorkas was forced on to the defensive as Republican senators grilled him using a graph showing how border apprehensions increased as soon as Biden took power Migrants from Colombia wave their hands after crossing the United States and Mexico border to turn themselves over to authorities on May 13, 2021 in Yuma, Arizona 'This is President Biden's inauguration,' he said. 'Here's the surge. That's the surge.' From about 7,000 unaccompanied children arriving each month in early 2018, the number dropped to 741 after Title 42 was enacted. Now it is running at about 17,000 a month, he added. In one of his first acts after taking office, Biden moved to reverse some of Trump's restrictive immigration policies. But now his administration must contend with a surge in immigrants arriving at the border with Mexico. About 173,000 migrants were picked up in April, the highest monthly total in 20 years. Republicans say the result is a crisis triggered by a more liberal regime. But Biden and his officials insist it is the legacy of Trump's efforts to dismantle the immigration system and they refuse to call it a 'crisis.' For his part, Mayorkas repeatedly referred to the problems as a 'challenge.' He said the Biden administration had made progress in ensuring that children were not being held at crowded border stations, reducing the number from 5,700 in late March to less than 500 this week. 'The challenge is not behind us, but the results are dramatic,' Mayorkas said. Law enforcement officers search migrants from Columbia, after they turned themselves over to authorities at the United States and Mexico border May 12, 2021 in Yuma, Arizona However, the graphs, compiled from Customs and Border Protection data, was used by a string of Republican senators to question his optimistic view that the administration's position that it was not to blame. Sen. Mitt Romney expressed his incredulity at what he was being told. 'I must admit that I have found this hearing to be stunning in that it seems Mr Secretary that you're proud of the progress being made by the administration, that things are going well at the border,' he said. 'And, and I look at this chart that was prepared by Senator Johnson, and I see an extraordinary crisis, I mean, do you recognize this as an alarming crisis?' 'Senator, I look at immigration as a challenge that has been persistent for many many years ' he said before being cut off. Advertisement President Joe Biden told Americans who have their full COVID vaccine to remove their face masks and his wife Jill, visiting West Virginia, did just that. 'If you're fully vaccinated, take your mask off. You've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world, greeting others with a smile,' President Biden said during remarks in the White House Rose Garden. And a maskless first lady was all smiles when she stepped off her plane in Charleston, W. Va., on Thursday, one of the first to appear in public without a face covering after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced their new guidelines. Actress Jennifer Garner greeted Dr. Biden. She had a face mask on but took hers off when she saw the situation. The mood was jovial with the maskless duo chatting excitingly on the tarmac. Back at the White House, President Biden took the credit for bringing the virus under control. He said: 'I think it's a great milestone, a great day. It's been made possible by the extraordinary success we have had in vaccinating so many Americans, so quickly. 'Over the past 114 days, our vaccination program has led the world and that's due to the incredible hard work of so many people. 'The scientists and researchers, the drug companies, the National Guard, the US Military, FEMA, the nation's governors, doctors, nurses, pharmacists. Everyone who has moved heaven and Earth to get as many shots into arms of as many Americans as possible. It's truly been an all hands on deck for the country effort.' Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden go without their face masks in the Rose Garden of the White House after new CDC guidelines were announced Actress Jennifer Garner greets first lady Jill Biden in Charleston, W.Va.; the two women followed new CDC guidelines and went maskless President Biden steps out of the Oval Office without a face mask President Joe Biden, with Vice President Kamala Harris beside him, asked those not fully vaccinated to continue to wear a face mask although he promised no mask police White House staff remove their face masks; from right: Communications Director Katherine Bedingfield, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, senior adviser Anita Dunn, Chief of Staff Ron Klain, and White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeffrey Zients President Biden tempered his delight at the new rules with words of caution. 'We've gotten this far. Please protect yourself until you get to the finish line. Because as great as this announcement is today. We don't want to let up,' he said. 'The rule is very simple. Get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do is vaccinated,' he added. He also noted there would be no enforcement, addressing concerns of some they may have to prove their vaccinated status. 'We're not going to go out and arrest people,' Biden said. 'If you've been vaccinated you don't wear your mask, and they can shake hands and give each other a hug. But if you've not been vaccinated. Please wear a mask. Please wear the mask.' On Thursday the CDC announced that most fully-vaccinated Americans can stop wearing their masks almost anywhere - indoors or outdoors. The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters but is meant to help get vaccinated Americans back to their normal lives. The Biden administration faced pressure to ease up on restrictions as more than 108 million Americans have been fully vaccinated. It's also hoped the new guidelines will coax those reluctant to get their second dose or to get inoculated at all to get the vaccine. White House aides were in the Rose Garden maskless, including chief of staff Ron Klain, senior adviser Anita Dunn, and press secretary Jen Psaki. Other White House staff tweeted their excitement at being able to see colleagues without a face covering. And Vice President Kamala Harris, standing out in the Rose Garden without a mask, greeted the president upon his arrival with: 'You've got a great smile.' Thursday started out like the past 15 months have gone. President Biden wore a face mask in the Oval Office when he met with Republican senators on infrastructure. Jill Biden, dressed in a white dress with a pink blazer over it, wore a pink face mask mask when she departed Washington D.C. earlier in the day. But she was happy to remove it. 'We feel naked,' the first lady said about not wearing one. Then she paused. 'I didn't mean it that way!' She also joked she learned about the new rule during the flight - and after she had bought a mask that matched her outfit. 'We just learned as we got off the plane,' she said of new mask guidance. 'And here I had gone out to buy one that was coordinated with my outfit so you can't win.' Actress Jennifer Garner (R) looks on as First Lady Jill Biden speaks with a student getting vaccinated at Capital High School in Charleston, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and his wife Gayle - in the back - joined Jill Biden for her trip to West Virginia as the White House woos Manchin for its legislative agenda Mark Shriver, the president of Save the Children Action Network; Jennifer Garner; Jill Biden; Gayle Manchin; and Senator Joe Manchin in West Virginia Jill Biden wore a pink face mask when she left for West Virginia on Thursday morning President Biden started his day in a face mask, wearing one in a meeting with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito First lady Jill Biden, right, arrives at a vaccination clinic, at Capital High School in Charleston, W.Va. Arriving with her are actress Jennifer Garner, center, along with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, left, and his wife, Gayle Manchin HOW AMERICA FLIP-FLOPPED ON FACE MASKS FOR COVID-19 DECEMBER 31 2019: Officials in Wuhan, in China's Hubei Province identify a cluster of pneumonia cases from an unknown cause. JANUARY 12 2020: China shares genetic sequence of a new virus, later named SARS-NoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19. JANUARY 21 2020: CDC confirms first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. in a man in his 30s who returned to Washington state from China. FEBRUARY 12 2020: CDC tells Americans it does not recommend masks. At the time, there were just 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., and officials that day confirmed the first death. 'At this time, some partners are reporting higher than usual demand for select N95 respirators and face masks. CDC does not currently recommend the use of face masks for the general public. This virus is not spreading in the community,' said then-director of CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Dr Nancy Messonnier. The CDC did say that people who were sick with possible COVID-19 or in close contact with someone who might have it should wear a mask when around others. MARCH 2020: Federal officials at the CDC, Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Surgeon General all said that while the U.S. should brace for the spread of coronavirus, Americans should not wear them if they were not sick with suspected Covid or around someone who might be infected. Experts said that surgical and cloth masks were not tightly woven enough to reduce the spread of the tiny virus and that people didn't know how to properly use them. And they continued to urge Americans not to buy up high-grade N95 masks in order to preserve them for health care workers who might be in contact with COVID-19 patients. Masks were already being bought up, and former President Trump used the Defense Production Act to obtain N95s from M3 to bolster supplies for health care workers. APRIL 3 2020: CDC officially recommends all Americans wear cloth masks in public voluntarily. Former President Trump announced the guidelines, but said he would not wear one. He would not e seen wearing a mask until July 11. APRIL 10 2020: Masks became extremely hard to find as Americans bought up massive supplies of them and shipments from china, where mot were made, were cut off. APRIL 17 2020: Five states - New Jersey, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland and New York, had all mandated masks in public by this date. JUNE 8 2020: The WHO, which had also urged people not to buy masks to preserve supply for medical workers, finally recommended people wear masks in public. JULY 11 2020: Former President Trump was seen wearing a face mask for the first time while visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC. More than 20 states already had mask mandates in place. JANUARY 20 2021: President Biden issued a mask mandate for all federal property. JANUARY 31 2021: TSA issues a mask mandate for all federally operated mass transit, including buses, trains, train stations, airplanes and airports. APRIL 6 2021: CDC updates guidance to say that wearing two masks, such as a cloth mask over a surgical one, may offer up to 95 percent better protection than wearing two - almost exactly one year after it made its first mask recommendation. APRIL 20 2021: CDC updates its guidelines to say that fully vaccinated Americans can safely exercise and gather with vaccinated and unvaccinated people outdoors - but should still wear a mask indoors if they are around vaccinated people or when in crowded outdoor settings like concerts. MAY 13 2021: CDC updates its guidelines again to say that fully vaccinated Americans can go without masks indoors or outdoors, in large or small groups, except in crowded indoor locations like planes, buses and prisons, or in places with specific measures like hospitals. Advertisement But the first lady was gleeful about the chance to go maskless. 'Now, the clouds are finally breaking. Spring's more beautiful than ever. And the best is yet to come,' she said. 'Let's have some fun.' Garner, meanwhile, revealed two of her three kids with actor Ben Affleck will get vaccinated on Friday. Children 12 and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine, according to CDC guidelines. There are about 17 million children between the ages of 12 and 15 in the United States, which is about 5 percent of the population. 'I am thrilled to be vaccinating, two of my three kids on Tuesday,' she said. 'I don't even know if they know it yet.' Garner, who had her parents with her, praised the Biden administration for being able to go maskless. It's so exciting I kind of can't believe that I'm standing here without a mask on looking at maskless faces, and we owe that to President Biden, Garner said. Biden said he would get us vaccinated. Boy, did he mean it,' she added. Garner, a West Virginia native, served on the board of Save the Children with Dr. Jill Biden and campaigned for Joe Biden during the 2020 campaign. She and Biden spent several minutes talking animatedly at the airport - waving their hands at each other - before posing for a round of photos. Two local students gave each woman a bouquet of flowers. Mark Shriver, the president of Save the Children Action Network, an organization that provides resources to low-income families, also was at the airport. Jill Biden gave him an elbow bump. Biden also was accompanied by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and his wife, Gayle as the White House woos the West Virginia senator on its legislative agenda. The East Wing invited Manchin because it is his home state, and he accepted the invitation, according to Jill Biden spokesman Michael LaRosa. The group went to Capital High to visit a vaccination clinic for students age 12 - 15, where a group of junior ROTC officers greeted them upon their arrival. 'I know you just want to see Jennifer Garner,' Biden joked with them. 'They've seen me their whole lives!' 'Garner exclaimed. 'Thank you for your service, kids.' At the vaccination clinic in the school gym, Biden held the hand of a teenager getting vaccinated, and then asked the girl if she knows Garner. 'Yes I love all of your movies,' the girl said. Garner congratulated her on getting vaccinated, and spent several minutes talking with her. Manchin touted the new guidelines and what they mean for his state during the stop. 'You've all seen the latest from the CDC? That means no masks inside or outside,' Manchin said. He said 'it means get vaccinated. We feel free!' Garner also teased Manchin about his moderate reputation in the Senate where he has voted with both Democrats and Republicans. 'We have a lot of work ahead to get everyone to get COVID crushed and to get our little kids in school ready to learn. I'm looking forward to working with Republicans, Democrats, and even Senator Manchin,' she said. 'I'm teasing you. That's a little Manchin joke.' And Jill Biden thanked him and his wife Gayle for their friendship to the Bidens. 'Senator Manchin, you know you've been a champion for West Virginia, and you've always found ways to bring people together, and your integrity and commitment to this state is steadfast. And Joe and I are so grateful to you and to Gayle for the friendship that we built over - I don't even know how many years it's been, but it's been a long time. So thank you very much,' she said. Manchin, a moderate senator, is a key vote for Democrats in the 50-50 Senate. President Joe Biden will need his support on his two massive legislative packages - his $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan - with its focus on infrastructure - and his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan with its focus on social programs. He told reporters in West Virginia that 'the president and I had a very very good meeting' at the White House on Monday. He said that the amount of the infrastructure package was not his main issue. 'We're gonna find out what the needs are,' he said. First lady Jill Biden talks to a student who received her coronavirus vaccination Thursday Jennifer Garner said two of her three children were getting vaccinated on Tuesday Jill Biden celebrated being able to go maskless - 'let's have some fun,' she said White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Communications Director Katherine Bedingfield laugh without protective face masks in the Rose Garden President Biden exits the Oval Office to discuss new mask guidelines - without a face covering Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden greet their staff after speaking on updated guidance on mask mandates, in the Rose Garden of the White House Tears-NN strikes again: CNN host Alisyn Camerota chokes up on live TV over CDC news that Americans can finally ditch the masks CNN host Alisyn Camerota teared up live on air after the CDC revealed that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks, saying: 'It feels a little bit like it's over'. The emotional reaction came after the CDC's Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky issued new guidance on Thursday that Americans can finally stop wearing masks indoors and outdoors. Speaking to CNN's Dr Sanjay Gupta, Camerota - who was joined by co-host Victor Blackwell - said she wanted to 'take a moment' after the announcement as she reminisced on how, at one point, they didn't know if they would survive. 'I found myself welling up when Dr Walensky was talking,' she said. 'You and I talked every morning during the past year about how many more Americans were going to die, what's going to happen, were we going to make it to the vaccine, were we all going to survive.' CNN host Alisyn Camerota dramatically teared up live on air while speaking to Dr Sanjay Gupta on Thursday after the CDC revealed that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks Camerota went on to say that '580,000 Americans didn't make it to this day.' She then held up her mask, saying: 'This day where they said we can throw these away that we've all been clinging to. 'We just didn't know when this day would come. It feels a little bit like it's over, doesn't it?' Dr Gupta then chimed in, saying: 'It's a really important day. 'As hard as it was to do the science-based things at the beginning, we should not make the mistake of stopping doing things that are no longer necessary. 'We've got to follow the science, whatever direction it takes us.' Advertisement Garner grew up in Charleston and she has previously testified before Congress in support of education programs for preschoolers in poverty. The actress was originally scheduled to travel with Dr. Biden to Alabama last month, to promote the administration's COVID relief efforts for early childhood education, but that trip was scrapped because of severe weather. Biden and Garner have also worked together as board members on the Save the Children charity organization. Garner campaigned for Joe Biden in last year's election, hosting an event on Instagram with Jill Biden. Jennifer Garner and Jill Biden have worked together on the board for Save the children - above Dr. Biden, Bvlgari Group CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, Joe Biden, and Garner attend the 5th Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on October 18, 2017 in New York City Jennifer Garner also has testified before Congress on education issues - above she speaks about high-quality, early-childhood education at a event on Capitol Hill last year President Biden is also wooing moderate Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. He hosted both Sinema and Manchin at the White House for separate meetings this week. Manchin told reporters his hour-long conversation with the president was 'encompassing.' 'We talked about everything, we really did. It was a great conversation,' he said. Given the evenly split Senate, Biden can't afford to lose a single Democratic vote on his massive spending packages. By meeting with Manchin and Sinema, he's giving them a voice and a chance to influence what ends up in the final legislative package. Fully vaccinated Americans can officially ditch their masks INDOORS: CDC says it's safe for people who have had all their shots to go maskless anywhere except inside crowded places like planes and hospitals Fully-vaccinated Americans can finally stop wearing their masks almost anywhere - indoors our outdoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday. The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but could ease restrictions for reopening workplaces and schools. People who are fully vaccinated but immunocompromised people may still be advised by their doctors to keep masking. But the CDC also no longer recommends that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. 'Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in activities indoors or outdoors, large or small, without physical distancing,' announced CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky during a Friday White House press briefing. 'If you are fully vaccinated you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some semblance of normalcy. 'This is an exciting and powerful moment.' CDC's announcement comes as the agency and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people - people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose - in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. In a seemingly prescient moment, Speaker Nancy Pelosi removed her mask in public for the first time in months on Thursday during her weekly Capitol Hill press conference. She took off her face covering once she got to the podium, and cited new House rules that require all members to wear masks on the floor - unless they are speaking. The CDC's new guidance also comes two weeks after the agency recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds - advice that White House adviser Dr Anthony Fauci only just publicly endorsed earlier on Thursday. In that update, the CDC also exaggerated the risk of Covid transmission outdoors as accounting for less than 10 percent of cases when the figure is likely less than one percent, experts say. That's sown distrust and confusion, fueling claims that the CDC has been keeping mask guidelines in places longer than it needs to. Things came to a head earlier this week, as Republican lawmakers grilled CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky over masking guidelines, claiming that the agency had let them drag on too long. To-date, more than 117 million Americans are fully vaccinated, accounting for just over a third of the U.S. population, and 45 percent of adults have had at least one dose. The CDC also recommended on Wednesday that eligibility to get Pfizer's two-dose vaccine be expanded to children as young as 12. Real-world data, mostly gathered in hospitals where CDC is expected to still advise masking - suggests that vaccination cuts the risk of infection by some 97 percent among staff who primarily interacted indoors. But that data was gathered while guidelines recommended masks were still in place, so how the virus could spread among vaccinated, unmasked people indoors remains unknown. Speaker Nancy Pelosi took off her mask in public for the first time in months during her Thursday press conference, citing new House Rules requiring members to wear masks on the floor unless they are speaking (left). The CDC is expected to update its guidelines for the public to say that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors - except in crowded settings like planes and buses. The CDC is expected to say on Thursday that people can stop wearing masks indoors. It comes after Republican lawmakers blasted CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky (right) over the agency's mask guidelines on Tuesday IN THE GREEN: CDC's updated infographics shows that fully vaccinated Americans can safely do just about anything without wearing a mask The chance to ditch the mask 'could only happen because of the work of so many who made sure we had the rapid administration of three safe, effective vaccines,' said Dr Walensky. 'It could also only happen because we had an adequate supply of those vaccines for everyone 12 years and older in this country.' Her remarks come less than 24 hours after the CDC recommended that states start giving Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to children as young as 12. The FDA on Monday expanded emergency use authorization for the shot to children between 12 and 15 (it was previously available to those 16 and older). Health officials have welcomed the expansion, but critics have noted that the U.S. is vaccinating children against a virus that is only fatal to less than one percent of kids who get it before sharing vaccines with poorer nations where more at-risk adults and health care workers remain unvaccinated, such as India. Despite her optimism and enthusiasm for the speed of the U.S. vaccine rollout, Dr Walensky cautioned that there is not guarantee that the U.S. is fully past the crisis. The updated guidance is expected to still recommend that fully vaccinated Americans wear masks in certain crowded settings, like airplanes (pictured, file) and buses. The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) renewed its mask requirement for all public mass transit - including airplanes and train stations - on April 30 'This past year has shown us that this virus can be unpredictable, so if things get worse, there is always a chance we may need to make changes to these recommendations, but we know that the more people are vaccinated, the less cases we will have and the less chance of a new spike or additional variants emerging.' Republican lawmakers on Tuesday charged that health guidelines have unnecessarily remained in place even as more and more Americans get vaccinated. 'I always considered the CDC to be the gold standard. I don't anymore,' Maine Senator Susan Collins said during a Capitol Hill hearing on the pandemic response Tuesday. Collins, who was reelected to her fifth term in November, told Walensky that she 'used to have the utmost respect for the guidance from the CDC' but now feels it has issued 'conflicting, confusing guidance' that contradicts health officials. 'I used to have the utmost respect for the guidance from the CDC. I always considered the CDC to be the gold standard. I dont anymore,' she lectured the agency head. She accused the agency whose leaders repeatedly said they operate based on the science and the available data of 'exaggerating' the risk of transmission of COVID-19. 'So, here we have unnecessary barriers to reopening schools, exaggerating the risks of outdoor transmission, and unworkable restrictions on summer camps. Why does this matter?' Collins continued. 'It matters because it undermines public confidence in your recommendation, in the recommendations that do make sense, in the recommendations that Americans should be following.' The attack by Collins, an influential senator who sometimes cooperates with Democrats, came as her state's Democratic governor joined a zoom call with President Joe Biden to talk about vaccine distribution and the pandemic. At one point, Maine Gov. Janet Mills joked about people in her state responded to the CDC's initially recommended 6-foot social distancing guidance. 'Some people asked, why so close?' she quipped. Walensky - who in March warned about a feeling of 'impending doom' as U.S. infections rose - spoke with optimism about vaccines approved for young people aged 12-15 - even appearing to suggest they lobby their parents for the shot. She made the statement when asked about government approval to extend the emergency use authorization for Pfizer for children aged 12-15. 'I recognize some parents want to see how it goes, but I am encouraging all children to be vaccinated,' she said during the hearing. 'And I am also encouraging children to ask for the vaccine.' 'I have a 16-year-old and I continue he wanted to get the vaccine. He wants his life back,' she said. Officials are eyeing young people as a cohort that can help boost the nation's overall vaccine rates with a substantial number of adults still saying they aren't sure they want to get the shots. New York prosecutors are probing Donald Trump's Chief Financial Officer over potential tax evasion involving private school fees in a bid to get him to turn on the- ex-president, it is claimed. Sources told the Wall Street Journal Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.'s office has issued a subpoena against Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School over $500,000 in fee payments made for Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg's grandchildren. Those payments were made between 2012 and 2019 using checks signed by both Donald Trump and Weisselberg, it is claimed. They are said to have been made as a form of financial assistance to Weisselberg's son Barry and his ex-wife Jessica so their two children could attend the school. Barry managed Trump's ice rink in New York's Central Park on a salary of $223,000, until the city officials axed their contract with the ex-president this year. He claims not to have been able to afford for his children to pay to attend Columbia Grammar & Prep, located on New York's Upper West Side. His former spouse Jennifer has claimed they believed the school fees were part of Barry's payment package. Vance's investigation is said to center on whether the fee payments should have been flagged as gifts or loans, rather than as 'financial assistance.' If so, they should have incurred tax, meaning the Weisselbergs may have evaded their dues to the IRS with the payment arrangement. The school has indicated it will comply with the prosecutor's request. Weisselberg has not been accused of or charged with any crime, and Trump has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Allen Weisselberg is pictured behind Donald Trump and Don Jr in 2017. Manhattan prosecutor Cyrus Vance is reportedly trying to 'flip' Weisselberg into turning on his boss and friend Those fee payments were made so that the children of Weisselberg's son Barry could attend. Barry claims they were a form of 'financial assistance' to him and his ex-wife Jennifer. Prosecutors could use any allegations of wrongdoing against Weisselberg to try and get him to turn on Trump, in exchange for leniency. Weisselberg has worked at the Trump family firm for decades. He is thought to be one of Trump's closest confidantes and was entrusted to run the company with Don Jr. and Eric while he was president. He also oversees the Trump family's personal finances. The DA's office has reportedly spent months trying to 'flip' Weisselberg into turning on his boss amid the probe into Trump and the organization's finances. Jennifer Weisselberg, who was married to Barry from 2004 to 2018 and is the mother of the two children at the school, has already turned witness for state investigators. New York prosecutors issued a subpoena against an elite private school attended by his CFO's grandkids in a bid to get the longtime confidante to turn on the former president, according to a report. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School above Jennifer told the Journal more than $500,000 in tuition fees for her children was paid for with checks written either by Trump or Allen Weisselberg between 2012 and 2019. An individual breakdown of the amounts paid for by Trump and Weisselberg has not been shared. She said she told investigators she and her ex-husband had believed the tuition payments were part of his compensation package as an employee at the Trump Organization. Jennifer said neither she nor Barry ever paid their children's tuition but that she had delivered checks for the payments to the school that were signed by Trump and Weisselberg. In a 2018 deposition for their divorce, Barry said he could 'not afford' to pay for his children's education and that his parents had instead paid the school fees. He claimed he didn't know if Trump had personally paid for any of his family's expenses and said tuition fees paid by his father were 'financial assistance' rather than gifts or loans - which at that amount would have been taxable. However a source said the payments were a gift. The subpoenas means prosecutors will be able to get access to the transactions and determine if it was indeed Trump or Weisselberg behind them. Prosecutors could be trying to determine if Weisselberg or his son Barry committed tax evasion through the financial arrangement, the Journal reported. Sources said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.'s office subpoenaed the school over more than $500,000 in tuition fees allegedly paid by Trump and Allen Weisselberg (pictured) Weisselberg is viewed as an important figure in the DA's probe and sources told the Journal prosecutors have been trying to turn him for months. As a key figure in the Trump Organization's finances for decades, he could be offered leniency for his own part if he hands over crucial information, the Journal reported. Weisselberg has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing. His bank records have already been subpoenaed as part of the DA's probe. People close to the top exec told the Journal they believe he will remain loyal to Trump. However Jennifer has previously said she thinks he could flip in order to protect his own children. 'I think that he'll turn on him,' Jennifer told Chris Cuomo in March. 'I think that his sons have too much liability.' Columbia has several ties to Trump and his organization. Jack, Allen and Barry Weisselberg. Weisselberg's grandchildren (Barry's children) attend the $50,000 a term school and prosecutors are thought to be looking into the tuition fee payments to determine if the Trump Organization broke tax laws Trump's former 'fixer' and personal lawyer Michael Cohen previously served as the chairman of Columbia Prep's board. Jennifer said he had helped put her children forward for admission to the elite school. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to multiple counts of tax evasion, unlawful campaign contributions and lying to Congress. He has already been cooperating with Vance's office for some time and has met with top DA officials at least eight times. Cohen has previously claimed Weisselberg was involved in the scheme to provide hush payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Trump. Trump denies these claims. Meanwhile, Barron Trump also attended the school when the Trump family lived in New York City before he entered the White House. Weisselberg's grandchildren by his other son - Jack - also used to attend the school. Jennifer Weisselberg, who was married to Allen's son Barry from 2004 to 2018 and is the mother of the two children at the school, has already turned witness for state investigators. She told Chris Cuomo in March (above) she believes he will 'turn' on Trump Tax filings also show that the Trump Foundation, Trump's now-defunct charity, made $150,000 in charitable donations to Columbia between 2014 and 2016. The charity was dissolved after New York Attorney General Letitia James brought a lawsuit accusing it of misusing funds. Jennifer was subpoenaed by the DA's office last month to turn over financial documents obtained through her divorce from Barry. The documents included bank and credit-card records, tax records and net-worth statements. She has met with prosecutors several times. Jennifer is also a cooperating witness in a separate investigation into Trump by the New York Attorney General's office. The latest subpoena comes as the probe into the former president's potential criminal wrongdoing is ramping up. Trump is believed to be facing a probe into his tax affairs, and whether he inflated the value of his assets to obtain more favorable terms on loans. Vance is standing down from his position as DA at the end of the year and so it is expected that the probe will be wrapped up by then. CNN host Alisyn Camerota teared up live on air after the CDC revealed that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks, saying: 'It feels a little bit like it's over'. The emotional reaction came after the CDC's Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky issued new guidance on Thursday that Americans can finally stop wearing masks indoors and outdoors. Speaking to CNN's Dr Sanjay Gupta, Camerota - who was joined by co-host Victor Blackwell - said she wanted to 'take a moment' after the announcement as she reminisced on how, at one point, they didn't know if they would survive. 'I found myself welling up when Dr Walensky was talking,' she said. 'You and I talked every morning during the past year about how many more Americans were going to die, what's going to happen, were we going to make it to the vaccine, were we all going to survive.' CNN host Alisyn Camerota dramatically teared up live on air while speaking to Dr Sanjay Gupta on Thursday after the CDC revealed that vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks Camerota went on to say that '580,000 Americans didn't make it to this day.' She then held up her mask, saying: 'This day where they said we can throw these away that we've all been clinging to. 'We just didn't know when this day would come. It feels a little bit like it's over, doesn't it?' Dr Gupta then chimed in, saying: 'It's a really important day. Soon after the CDC's announcement, President Biden and Vice President Harris appeared without masks, for the first time, for a press conference 'As hard as it was to do the science-based things at the beginning, we should not make the mistake of stopping doing things that are no longer necessary. 'We've got to follow the science, whatever direction it takes us.' Their segment came after the announcement from the CDC, which prompted President Biden - along with several lawmakers meeting him to discuss infrastructure in the Oval Office - stripping off their masks. Camerota's CNN segment comes just one day after CNN president Jeff Zucker defended the network's anchors for voicing their opinions and showing emotions as 'authentic' and 'real'. 'One of the things that I've tried to encourage is authenticity and being real,' he told the Washington Post. 'If we pretend not to be human, it's not real.' In the past year, CNN a number of CNN hosts and reporters have cried on air, including Sara Sidner and Brianna Keilar, who both teared up while covering the pandemic. In the past year, CNN a number of CNN hosts and reporters have cried on air, including Sara Sidner. Sidner apologized to viewers after becoming emotional while reporting on COVID-19 deaths Brianna Keilar also cried on air while discussing the COVID-19 pandemic Sidner apologized to viewers after becoming emotional while reporting on COVID-19 deaths. The CNN boss addressed the Sidner situation directly, saying: 'What I told her [Sidner] was, 'Don't ever apologize like that again. She was just being real. She's a human being. She was expressing an emotion that probably many people in the audience were feeling. 'And I'm totally comfortable with that happening on television. What people react to is authenticity and reality.' Zucker admitted that there have been times when he has had to call anchors to tell them their coverage 'might have been a little too much'. It is not known what examples Zucker is referring to but Anderson Cooper was forced to apologize after comparing Trump to 'an obese turtle on his back, flailing in the hot sun, realizing his time is over'. And Chris Cuomo is now prohibited from speaking with his New York governor brother Andrew on air after the latter was accused of sexual harassment and a cover up of COVID deaths in nursing homes. Former CNN anchor Carol Costello said Dana Bash, the anchor who described the first presidential debate of 2020 a 's*** show', may well have faced disciplinary action for those words in the past. President Joe Biden commented again on the exchanges of rockets and missiles between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza saying Thursday he has not seen a 'significant escalation' by the key U.S. ally. Biden made the comment at the White House when asked about the violence which has included repeated rocket attacks from Gaza toward civilian areas in Israel, and Israeli military airstrikes targeting militants that have also taken the lives of civilians, including children. 'One of the things that I have seen thus far is that there has not been a significant overreaction,' Biden said. 'One of the things that I have seen thus far is that there has not been a significant overreaction,' President Biden said when asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was doing enough to stop violence from escalating amid clashes with Gaza Soon after, the Israeli military announced that air and ground forces were attacking the Hamas-run enclave. Reports that a full-scale invasion was under way were quickly replaced by briefings that ground forces were involved in an artillery barrage. At the White House, Biden was asked whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he spoke to Wednesday, was doing enough to stop violence from escalating. Biden referenced his 'brief conversation' with Netanyahu Wednesday. 'And I have my intelligence community, the Defense Department, as well as the State Department. I've been in contact with all of their counterparts not only in Israel but in the region.' 'And one of the things that I have seen thus far is that there has not been a significant overreaction,' he said. 'The question is how we get to a point they get to a point where there is a significant reduction in the attacks, particularly the rocket attacks that are indiscriminately fired into population centers,' he said, calling out the militant attacks from Palestinian-controlled Gaza. 'We haven't just spoken with the Israelis,' Biden made a point of saying. He also said talks have included the Egyptians and the Saudis 'and others.' Biden also backed up Israel in comments Wednesday. 'My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later,' he said. 'Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory.' Although Biden has found support in comments by senior Democratic lawmakers, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday retweeted another lawmaker, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who accused the U.S. of 'funding' the violence. Israel and Egypt are consistently the top recipients of U.S. military aid. 'We cannot just condemn rockets fired by Hamas and ignore Israel's state-sanctioned police violence against Palestinians including unlawful evictions, violent attacks on protestors & the murder of Palestinian children,' Pocan (D-Wis.) wrote. 'U.S. aid should not be funding this violence.' His comments come as Israeli has been pounding targets in Gaza, and preparing for what could be a ground invasion. Israel called up 9,000 reservists to bolster its forces today as it deployed troops to the Gaza border in preparation for a possible ground invasion. Biden also backed up Israel in comments Wednesday. He said his team has been in contact with the Egyptians and the Saudis Relentless air strikes continued to decimate Hamas strongholds in the Strip this afternoon as their brigades held funerals for slain commanders, including the terror boss of Gaza City and their intelligence chief. Netanyahu is facing the prospect of a war on two fronts as internal rioting by Jewish and Arab mobs descended into 'lynchings' last night in the worst civil unrest for decades. Hamas requested a ceasefire on a 'mutual basis' late on Wednesday after firing more than 1,600 rockets into densely populated Israeli neighborhoods, killing seven civilians including a five-year-old boy. Netanyahu rejected the peace offering despite growing international alarm at the rising civilian death toll following more than 600 air strikes on Hamas targets - 83 Palestinians have been killed, including 17 children. Troops were today ordered to the Gaza border in 'various stages of preparing ground operations', a military spokesman said, a move that would recall similar incursions during Israel-Gaza wars in 2014 and 2008-2009. The IDF said that an infantry assault is just 'one scenario' which is being considered as it deployed several units to the border, including the Paratroopers Brigade, Golani Infantry Brigade and 7th Armoured Brigade. 'The campaign is still far from over,' a minister said after a cabinet meeting last night with Netanyahu. 'Whatever we don't do now, we will have to do in six months or a year from now.' He told Israeli news site Ynet: 'When we have hit all our targets and the other side has still not surrendered, we will launch a ground operation even though we do not seek it.' Plans for the ground invasion were being drafted for approval by Israeli Defence Force Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi later on Thursday, according to the Jerusalem Post. If they get the General's sign off, the plans will be passed on to Netanyahu and his cabinet. 'This will not end in the next few days,' the cabinet minister added. 'Israel will not stop and has no interest in stopping. It is all moving in the right direction. We will act until they admit that opening fire was a mistake, just as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah did after the Second Lebanon War in 2006.' Israeli soldiers fire an American-designed 155mm self-propelled howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position near the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Wednesday. It comes amid a build up of troops at the border in preparation for a possible ground invasion of the Strip A ball of fire engulfs a tower block in Gaza City early on Thursday morning as Israel presses forward with its campaign against Hamas. 'The campaign is still far from over,' a cabinet minister said after last night's meeting with Netanyahu. 'Whatever we don't do now, we will have to do in six months or a year from now.' A missile is seen heading for a tower block in Gaza on Wednesday, left; and an explosion rises into the sky in the early hours of this morning, right A colossal explosion erupts as an Israeli bomb blows apart a Hamas target in Gaza City on Thursday. The pattern of the smoke and debris flying through the air suggests use of a bunker buster bomb, used to destroy the vast underground networks used by the Islamist militants An Israeli AH-64 Apache attack helicopter releases flares near Sderot, in southern Israel on the border with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip A Palestinian protester hurls a Molotov cocktail at Israeli police forces in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday night as internal violence threatens to plunge Israel into a war on two fronts Fireworks explode on the streets of Hebron in the West Bank as Palestinians riot against Israeli forces in solidarity with their brethren in the Gaza Strip A sequence of images shows the moment an Israeli missile speeds towards a Hamas target in Gaza City on Thursday Debris and shrapnel flies through the air as the bomb explodes on a suspected Hamas compound in Gaza City on Thursday Palestinians gather to pray around the bodies of 13 Hamas militants, killed in Israeli air strikes, during their funeral in at the al-Omari mosque in Gaza City, on Thursday Israeli mourners attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Omer Tabib, 21, in Elyakim in northern Israel, on Thursday. Tabib was killed by an anti-tank missile near the border yesterday Smoke from an Israeli air strike climbs into the skies over Gaza City on Thursday as bombardments hit Hamas targets Israeli security force members patrol during a night-time curfew following violence in the Arab-Jewish town of Lod on Wednesday night following riots in the city Israeli Arabs gather next to a mosque during clashes between Jews, Israeli police and Arabs, in the mixed town of Lod, central Israel on Wednesday Israeli troops take cover from their bombing position as an M109 howitzer shells the Gaza Strip on Thursday A column of thick black smoke rises from a compound in Gaza City on Thursday as the Israeli bombing campaign continues undeterred by Hamas peace efforts An Israeli tank crewman picks up a shell to load into the M109 howitzer during barrages on the Gaza Strip on Thursday An Israeli JDAM missile plummets towards a compound in Gaza as the bombardments continue on suspected Hamas targets. JDAM (or Joint Direct Attack Munition) is a guidance kit that converts unguided ('dumb') bombs into precision-guided munitions equipped with GPS and inertial guidance technology Pictured: Israeli boy, five, killed by Hamas rocket shrapnel A five-year-old boy killed in Israel by rocket fire from Gaza has been pictured, after he became one of the country's seven victims of the latest cross-border conflict. Ido Avigal was fatally stuck by shrapnel after the building he was in with his mother was hit by a missile on Wednesday night. In the building, found in the town of Sderot on the border with Gaza, seven people were hurt when it suffered a direct hit from a rocket. Ido Avigal, who was killed in his home in Sderot by a rocket fired from Gaza on May 12, 2021. Avigal was pronounced dead several hours later, becoming the seventh Israeli victim of the cross border conflict that started earlier this week The boy's mother grabbed him and took him into a fortified room when the in-coming rocket sirens sounded, according to local Hebrew media reports cited by the Times of Israel. However, in a rare tragedy, shrapnel from the rocket punctured the shelter's window, critically wounding the boy and also injuring his mother. Avigal was pronounced dead several hours later, becoming the seventh Israeli victim of the cross border conflict that started earlier this week. So far, Israel has seen five Israeli citizens killed, one Indian national and an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldier in the latest violence in the region. As of Wednesday night, at least 67 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, including 16 children. Israel says most of the dead were terrorists and insists the children killed were victims of stray Palestinian rockets. Advertisement As Joe Biden and Boris Johnson made appeals for calm yesterday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a forceful partisan condemnation - saying that Israel needed to be taught a 'lesson.' He told Russia's Vladimir Putin during a phone call of the need for 'the international community to give Israel a strong and deterrent lesson' as he called on the UN to intervene with a 'determined and clear message.' The appeals fell on deaf ears this morning as Israel and Hamas exchanged cross-border blows throughout the early hours of Thursday - sending Israelis fleeing into air raid shelters, while Palestinians evacuated their apartments. Among the high-ranking commanders 'neutralised' in strikes on Wednesday were Brigadier General Bassem Issa, chief of the Gaza City Brigades, and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit and responsible for the improved accuracy of their projectiles. The IDF says it has launched strikes on 650 targets, including militants, infrastructure, missile-launch sites, central banks and administrative buildings key to maintaining power in the Strip. Brigadier General Hidai Zilberman told reporters early Thursday: 'Tonight we started destroying government targets in the Gaza Strip, such as central banks and internal security buildings. Hamas is beginning to discover cracks and there is pressure in the organization, even among the Gaza public who is losing its patience and sees these ruins on the eve of the holiday (Eid).' Three tower blocks have been levelled in assaults by the Israel Air Force and the Islamists' network of underground tunnels has been decimated by bunker buster bombs. As well as high-ranking commanders, the IDF say they have killed another 60 Hamas militants. Funerals for 14 slain Hamas members, including the terror chief Issa, were held at the Omari Grand Mosque in Gaza City on Thursday. Hundreds of men were seen walking through the streets with the bodies draped in the green flags of Hamas as sobbing women and children watched from windows and balconies. At the same time, in the Israeli settlement of Eliakim, hundreds of family members and comrades attended the funeral of 21-year-old soldier Omer Tabib. Tabib was killed close to the border with Gaza on Wednesday by an anti-tank missile fired at his jeep. 'Omer, my beautiful child, six years we waited for you and the patience paid off we received a beautiful child with an eternal smile on his face,' his mother Tali said, according to Haaretz. 'I refuse to believe that instead of a blessing for your [finishing the army], I'm searching for words to summarize the period of your life. I'm sorry, but I don't know how to do it. In my blackest dreams I never thought I'd reach this point. Omer, my beautiful child, give us the strength to know how to continue on.' The fighting has sparked violent clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel, in ugly scenes which have not been witnessed for more than 20 years amid fears of a civil war. Benjamin Netanyahu meets with members of the Israeli border police in the city of Lod, which has seen nightly riots by Arab Israelis - a fresh escalation in violence between the two sides Netanyahu speaks to border police who have been deployed to the city of Lod to help keep the peace as Israel imposed a curfew following two nights of rioting Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system is activated to intercept a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border A man is seen walking down a street in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, unaware of a bomb about to explode on a compound behind him The explosion is seen erupting as the man starts to hurry down the road in Rafah before he disappears from view in the massive dust cloud Nine high-ranking commanders and other senior Hamas figures have been neutralised since Monday, including Brigadier General Bassem Issa and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit, according to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Women and children watch the funeral procession for Hamas military chief of Gaza City Bassem Issa on Thursday Relatives and Palestinians carry the body of Hamas terror chief Bassem Issa, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air stike, through the steets of Gaza City on Thursday The body Hamas military chief Issa is borne through the streets of Gaza City, where he led Hamas's Gaza City Brigades in the fight against Israel Palestinians carry the bodies of Hamas militants, who were killed by Israeli forces, during their funeral in Gaza City on Thursday The body of a Hamas militant is carried through the streets of Gaza City on Thursday as residents braced for more bombardments Militants wrapped in the green flags of Hamas are laid inside the Omari Grand Mosque during their funeral in Gaza City on Thursday Jewish and Arab mobs engage in nightly riots amid fears that 'lynchings' could lead to Israeli civil war Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a 'massive reinforcement' of security forces to quell mob violence across the country, where police stations have been attacked and people savagely beaten on both sides. Coinciding with the aerial bombardments is surging violence between Arabs and Jews inside Israel. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that violence was at a nadir not seen for decades and that police were 'literally preventing pogroms from taking place'. Hundreds were protesting in the Arab town of Kafr Kassem in central Israel, burning tires and torching police vehicles, he said. He added that nearly 1,000 border police were called in to quell the violence, and that more than 400 people had been arrested. On Wednesday night, Israeli far-right groups took to the streets across the country, clashing with security forces and Arab Israelis. Police said they had responded to violent incidents in multiple towns, including Lod, Acre and Haifa. Israeli television Wednesday aired footage of a far-right mob beating a man they considered an Arab until he lay unconscious on his back in a street in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv. 'The victim of the lynching is seriously injured but stable,' Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital said, without identifying him. A state of emergency has been declared in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod, where an Arab resident was shot dead and a synagogue has been torched. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, in unusually strong language, denounced what he described as a 'pogrom' in which 'an incited and blood-thirsty Arab mob' had attacked sacred Jewish spaces. Advertisement Twenty were injured last night as mobs attacked each other in the central city of Lod which has been the epicentre for the troubles despite a curfew imposed earlier this week and a state of emergency declared by Netanyahu. Israeli police said two people were shot and wounded while an Israeli Jew was stabbed on his way to the synagogue by a Muslim Arab on Thursday morning despite the deployment of additional security forces. Dozens of people were arrested there and in other towns across Israel where clashes and rioting broke out. A Jewish man was left in intensive care after being beaten with metal bars and rocks by an Arab gang in the northern city of Acre. In Jerusalem, a 25-year-old Arab employee was set upon by a gang of Jews while taking out the rubbish. He was stabbed in the neck and remains in hospital, according to the Israel National News. In the coastal city of Bat Yam, less than ten miles from Lod, Israeli nationalists attacked an Arab motorist, dragging him from his car and beating him until he was unconscious. 'The victim of the lynching is seriously injured but stable,' Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital said, without identifying him. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who celebrated a Ramadan 'iftar' meal just weeks ago, on Wednesday condemned what he termed a 'pogrom' by a 'blood-thirsty Arab mob.' 'The sight of the pogroms in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob, injuring people, damaging property and even attacking sacred Jewish spaces is unforgivable,' Rivlin said in an unusually strongly-worded statement on Wednesday. Netanyahu said that 'what has been happening these last few days in Israeli towns is unacceptable.' 'Nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews, and nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs,' he said, adding that Israel was fighting a battle 'on two fronts'. Netanyahu warned that he was prepared to use an 'iron fist if necessary' to calm the violence Yesterday Mr Johnson tweeted a plea for Israel and Hamas to 'step back from the brink' and 'show restraint'. He added: 'The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions.' His calls were backed up by similar messages from the EU, the US, Russia and Turkey. British Airways on Thursday joined a raft of other international airlines in cancelling routes to Tel Aviv as the conflict saw no signs of abating. Family and friends, including Israeli soldiers, mourn during the funeral of Israeli soldier Omer Tabib, a 21-year-old killed by a missile close to the border on Wednesday elatives and friends mourn during the funeral of first sergeant Omer Tabib on Thursday A comrade of Tabib cries beside his coffin during the funeral in Elyakim on Thursday after he was killed by an anti-tank missile from Gaza Comrades of 21-year-old Omer Tabib mourn over his coffin in the town of Elyakim in Israel on Thursday A soldier wipes away a tear in the foreground as friends and family of Israeli soldier Omer Tabib mourn him at his funeral in Elyakim today Comrades of Omer Tabib mourn at the 21-year-old's funeral in Elyakim, Israel, on Thursday A funeral is held at Omari Grand Mosque for 14 Hamas militants killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, at Omari Grand Mosque in Gaza City Hamas members are carried through the Omari Grand Mosque in Gaza during their funeral on Thursday 'The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely,' British Airways said. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines on Wednesday all cancelled flights between the United States and Tel Aviv. The UN's Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland on Wednesday warned the latest violence was 'escalating towards a full-scale war'. And UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said he was 'gravely concerned' by the ongoing troubles. Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired more than 1,000 missiles in the first 48 hours of the conflict which began on Monday, an average of one every three minutes, and has enough to keep the bombardment going for two months. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus said: 'According to our estimates we're talking about between 20,000 and 30,000 rockets in Gaza today, rockets and mortars. 'We've seen a constant expansion in terms of range and also in terms of the size of the warheads. They have an advanced arsenal of rockets, I think it's on a par with the fire capabilities of a few small European countries.' A fire ball spews from a tower block in Gaza City on Thursday as Israel's offensive against Hamas enters its fourth day Israeli artillery soldiers prepare propelling charges for a howitzer as the escalation continues between the Israeli Army and Hamas forces at the Gaza Border An Israeli firefighting plane extinguishes a fire on a field of wheat after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed near homes in Moshav Zohar, Israel Palestinians gather to survey the damage to a wrecked block of apartments on Thursday in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on a building in Gaza City on Thursday after Israeli air strikes that have decimated the Hamas command structure since Monday Israeli troops kneel down behind mounds of earth as a howitzer pummels the Gaza Strip near Sderot in southern Israel on Thursday Israeli troops lay down in a field during action outside the town of Sderot in southern Israel during the Gaza bombing campaign Smoke rises after Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes in Gaza City on Thursday Rockers are launched from the Gaza Strip as the cross-border conflict continues to rage. Many of the Hamas rockets fail and land in their own territory, wounding Palestinian people, the IDF says Smoke rises in Gaza City on Thursday following a fresh Israeli bombardment of suspected Hamas strongholds in the territory Palestinian youths take pictures with their smart phones of a huge crater on a main road in Gaza City on Thursday morning after Israeli bombardments throughout the night Members of Sror family inspect the damage of their apartment in the Israeli town of Petah Tikva after it was struck by a Hamas rocket fired from the Gaza Strip Wednesday night While Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system has intercepted nine out of ten Palestinian rockets, the remainder have killed at least six civilians and injured more than 90. Families in Tel Aviv spent most of yesterday taking cover in underground shelters. Israel's retaliation has included hundreds of air strikes on Gaza, led by F-35 stealth bombers and Apache attack helicopters, which are understood to have killed 32 and wounded more than 300. Israel says most of the dead were terrorists and insists the children killed were victims of stray Palestinian rockets. The UN security council met yesterday to discuss the crisis. The heaviest offensive between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in the Hamas-ruled enclave has increased international concern that the situation could spiral out of control. 'Israel has gone crazy,' said a man on a Gaza street, where people ran out of their homes as explosions rocked buildings. Israel's army on Thursday said it had received a rocket warning in the north of the country, the first time the alert has been given there since hostilities soared between Israel and Palestinians earlier this week. Smoke and fire rises into the sky over Gaza City this afternoon as the relentless shelling of Hamas targets in the Strip continues A block of flats in the Israeli town of Petah Tikva after it was struck by Hamas rockets overnight Members of Sror family inspect the damage of their apartment after it was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip overnight, in Petah Tikva, central Israel A Palestinian man looks at the destruction of a building on Thursday hit by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish following an Israeli airstrike on targets in the southern Gaza strip, early on May 12, 2021. - Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip have hit the homes of high-ranking members of the Hamas militant group, the military said Wednesday, with the territory's police headquarters also targeted Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border, Israel, 12 May 2021. At least 70 people have been killed in the conflict, including around 16 children Pictured: Palestinians leave their neighbourhood to head to a safer location as Israeli warplanes continue air strikes on Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, Gaza on May 12 Palestinians walk home after performing Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday amidst debris near the al-Sharouk tower, which housed the bureau of the Al-Aqsa television channel in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip An Israeli man checks the damages after a rocket attack from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, in the central Israeli city of Petah Tikva, on Thursday The approximately 1,500 rockets fired from Gaza by Hamas militants since Monday had so far set off warnings in southern and central Israel, but not in the north, the army said. However in the small hours of Thursday morning, alarms not only sounded in the economic capital Tel Aviv in the middle of the country - where residents rushed to shelters - but also in Jezreel Valley in the north. There was no immediate word of a rocket strike or casualties in Nahalal, some 62 miles. Since hostilities escalated on Monday evening, Hamas has fired around 1,500 rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory, according to the latest estimate by Israel's army. The launch of around 350 rockets had failed, while hundreds more were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system, the army said. Seven people in Israel have been killed by the onslaught, including a six-year-old and a soldier. Rockets are launched from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, towards Israel on Wednesday night Men look at rubble in Gaza City on Wednesday as smoke spews from a fresh bombardment by the Israelis The ruins of buildings which were destroyed in Israeli air strikes amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday People gather to look at the damage to an apartment building in the northern Gaza Strip following air strikes on Thursday Palestinians walk along a destroyed road following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on Thursday The remains of a tower block is seen in Gaza City on Thursday after it was destroyed by Israeli air strikes Unrest has been growing in Israel and Gaza in recent weeks following violent confrontations between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem and a long-running dispute over the eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem in favour of Jewish settlers. The UN Security Council held another emergency meeting on Wednesday on worsening hostilities, again without agreeing on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, Israel's key ally, diplomats said. According to several sources, 14 of the 15 members of the Council were in favor of adopting a joint declaration aimed at reducing tension. However, the United States saw the Security Council meeting as a sufficient show of concern, diplomats told AFP on condition of anonymity, and did not think a statement would 'help de-escalate' the situation. 'The United States has been actively engaged in diplomacy behind the scenes with all parties, and across the region, to seek to de-escalate the situation. At this stage, a Council statement would be counterproductive,' said one source familiar with discussions, also speaking anonymously. A new meeting - this time public - could be held within days, however. Israelis take cover as rockets are fired from Gaza and bomb sires sound today amid attacks by Hamas Netanyahu vows to 'inflict blows that Hamas has not dreamed of' before Israeli air strike levels 14-storey building and Hamas retaliates with 130 rockets Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday threatened to 'inflict blows that Hamas has not dreamed of' before Israeli rockets levelled a 14-storey tower bloc, prompting Hamas to retaliate with 130 rockets of its own, as the deadly fighting in the middle east continued on Wednesday. Israeli fighter jets dropped two bombs on the 14-storey Al-Sharouk tower, which housed the bureau of the Al-Aqsa television channel, and is the third tall structure in Gaza City levelled since the bombing campaign began Monday. The Israeli Prime Minister issued the threat as he visited a hospital in the city of Holon today, paying tribute to those wounded in fighting between the two sides that is now at its worst point since the 2014 Gaza War. Referencing the deaths of Hamas commanders earlier in the day - including Brigadier General Bassem Issa and Jamal Zabda, head of the group's rocket unit - Netanyahu vowed: 'This is only the beginning.' Another multi-storey building was destroyed in Gaza on Wednesday evening by an Israeli air strike, prompting Hamas to retaliate with 130 rockets of its own, as the deadly fighting in the middle east continued on Wednesday. Pictured: Smoke rises from Al-Sharouk tower hit by an Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021 Smoke and flames rise after Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes over Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Thursday as Israel pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip Heavy smoke and fire rise from Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021. An Israeli air strike destroyed a multi-storey building in Gaza City today Pictured: Rescuers and people gather in front of the debris of Al-Sharouk tower that collapsed after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021 Israel diverts flight from Ben Gurion to southern airport after US airlines suspend flights to country Israel diverted an incoming flight from Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday to a southern airport designed to serve as a wartime alternative to its main international gateway outside Tel Aviv, aviation tracker Avi Scharf said on Twitter. The El Al Israel Airlines flight 332 was en route to land at Ramon Airport near Eilat, said Scharf, an editor with Israel's Haaretz newspaper said. Online data suggested the flight had come from Brussels. It came after United States airlines - American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines - suspended flights to Israel through Thursday amid rising violence in the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, and Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets at targets in Israel, including the main airport in Tel Aviv. American Airlines cancelled its daily flight from New York to Tel Aviv on Wednesday and Thursday and offered to put passengers on flights at later dates, according to an airline spokesman. United cancelled flights from Chicago, Newark and San Francisco, and Delta cancelled flights from New York to Tel Aviv. Company representatives said the airlines were monitoring the situation for when they might resume the flights. Advertisement His comments came despite international calls for urgent deescalation and as Israel braces for more missile strikes overnight to avenge the deaths of its commanders. In just two days of fighting, Hamas has fired more than 1,000 rockets at Israel, while the Jewish state has carried out counter-strikes against what it called military targets. But the civilian death toll is quickly mounting, with at least with at least 67 Palestinians including 16 children and three women killed as of Wednesday evening, alongside seven Israelis including one child and one soldier. Israeli police announced Wednesday that they are imposing a nighttime curfew on the central city of Lod, that was the scene of unrest in recent days Police said in a statement that officers would enforce the ban on people entering Lod, residents leaving their homes, and people in public spaces starting at 8 p.m. Lod has seen two nights of violent protests, including the torching of dozens of vehicles, a synagogue, and violent clashes between Arab protesters and police. Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency in the city and deployed Border Police forces. Hamas has confirmed that Bassem Issa, commander of its Gaza City Brigade, was among those 'martyred' today. Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, named another three slain Hamas officers: Jamaa Tahla, responsible for the improved accuracy of the group's rockets; Jamal Zabeda, chief of 'special projects' in the munitions department; and Hazzem Hatib, head engineer in the munitions wing. The militants have launched more than 1,050 rockets at Israel since Monday, killing six civilians, including an Arab-Israeli girl in the city of Lod in the early hours of this morning. 'The army will continue to attack to bring a total, long-term quiet. Only when we reach that goal will we be able to speak about a truce,' Defence Minister Benny Gantz said today from the southern town of Ashkelon where two Israeli women were killed by Hamas rockets on Tuesday. Along the Gaza border, an Israeli soldier was also killed by an anti-tank missile, the military said. Rockets are launched towards Israel from Rafah, in the southern the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, on May 12, 2021 An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, as the IDF ramps up its operation against Hamas Smoke and fire rise above buildings in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, during an Israeli air strike, on May 12, 2021 Israeli ultranationalists attack Arab driver in Tel Aviv suburb and Jewish citizen is attacked as clashes on the streets continue on Wednesday, leading to over 370 arrests As rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews fought each other on the streets below and rioters torched vehicles, a restaurant and a synagogue in one of the worst spasms of communal violence Israel has seen in years. The violence lead to over 370 arrest, police said. The mayor of the mixed town of Lod, which saw the worst of the violence Tuesday, compared it to a civil war or a Palestinian uprising. Arab experts and activists say the violence was fueled by unrest in Jerusalem that has brought Israel to the brink of another Gaza war, but is rooted in deeper grievances that go back to the founding of the state. Violence flared again Wednesday night with a wave of apparent revenge attacks. In Bat Yam, a Tel Aviv suburb, a large crowd of ultranationalist Israelis pulled a man from a car who they thought was Arab and beat him until he lay on the ground motionless and bloodied. A hospital said he's in serious condition without identifying him. Earlier, a group of black-clad Israelis smashed the windows of an Arab-owned ice cream shop in Bat Yam and ultranationalists could be seen chanting, 'Death to Arabs!' on live television during a standoff with Border Police. In the northern city of Tiberias, video uploaded to social media appeared to show flag-waving Israelis attacking a car. Israel's Channel 13 quoted a senior police officer as saying Arabs are suspected of attacking and seriously wounding a Jewish man in the coastal city of Acre amid new clashes there. Pictured: A video grab from footage released by Kan 11 Public broadcaster on May 12, 2021, shows a far-right Israeli mob attacking who they considered an Arab man, on the seafront promenade of Bat Yam This video grab obtained from a footage released by Kan 11 Public broadcaster on May 12, 2021, shows a far-right Israeli mob attacking who they considered an Arab man, on the seafront promenade of Bat Yam In a late night television interview, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, whose figurehead office is meant to serve as the nation's moral compass, said the country was gripped by civil war and urged citizens to 'stop this madness.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on both Jews and Arabs to cease attacks on each other: 'It doesn't matter to me that your blood is boiling. You can't take the law in your hands,' he said. Police said they arrested nearly 400 people allegedly 'involved in riots and disturbances' across the country Wednesday. The violence comes at a time when Israel's Arab minority appeared to be gaining new acceptance and influence. Mansour Abbas, the head of an Arab party with Islamist roots, emerged as a kingmaker of sorts after March elections and was poised to play a key role in a coalition that would oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies. But in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Abbas indicated that coalition talks would be put on hold because of the escalating violence. 'If there is a cease-fire, we will return to the political track to form a government,' he said. In recent days, Arab citizens of Israel have held mass protests across the country over Israel's policing of a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem and plans to evict dozens of Palestinian families in the city following a legal campaign by Jewish settlers. Adding to the tensions are increasingly powerful far-right groups in Israel that won seats in March elections and are allied with Netanyahu. In recent days, far-right politicians have visited the tense east Jerusalem neighborhood where the families are threatened with eviction and staged marches elsewhere in the bitterly contested city. After police broke up a protest Monday night in Lod, a young Arab resident was shot and killed. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the man was with a group of rioters threatening Jewish homes, and that Jewish residents opened fire in a 'life-threatening situation.' He said three people have been detained for questioning and police are investigating. Arab residents of Lod disputed the account, pointing out that the slain man was unarmed. Pictured: Palestinians gather during confrontations with the Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 12,2021 His funeral the next day drew thousands of people and a heavy police presence. Clashes broke out between the two sides, leading to riots in which several vehicles and a synagogue were set ablaze. A 56-year-old Jewish man was severely wounded after Arabs pelted his car with rocks, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service. The violence soon spread to other mixed communities across Israel. In neighboring Ramle, ultra-nationalist Jewish demonstrators vandalized Arab cars. In Acre, protesters torched Uri Buri, a famous Jewish-owned seafood restaurant. Magen David Adom said 46 people were wounded in the riots. Rosenfeld said there were several different instances of Arabs attacking Jews, and that 12 police officers were wounded. He said 270 suspects were arrested at 40 locations across the country where vehicles were set on fire and public property was damaged. 'The Arabs don't want us here, but we're going to stay,' said Avraham Sagron, a Jewish resident of Lod, as he surveyed the charred entrance of the synagogue, the interior of which appeared largely untouched. Netanyahu visited Lod and Acre, where he pledged to 'stop the anarchy' and restore order 'with an iron fist if needed.' He called on Arab and other community leaders to condemn the violence and act to stop it. Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in the city centre of the West Bank town of Hebron, on May 12,2021 Authorities deployed hundreds of police reinforcements to Lod and other areas, including paramilitary border police who usually operate in the occupied West Bank. They also ordered a nighttime curfew in Lod. Arabs say the violence of the past two days was not directed at Jews, but at religious nationalists with close ties to the settlement movement who have moved into mixed areas in recent years, pushing Arab residents out. Israel's Arab minority makes up about 20% of the population and are the descendants of Palestinians who stayed in the country after the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, when an estimated 700,000 fled or were driven from their homes in towns like Lod. They have citizenship, including the right to vote, but face widespread discrimination. Arab citizens speak Hebrew and are well-represented in Israel's medical profession and universities, but they largely identify with the Palestinian cause, leading many Israelis to view them with suspicion. Lod's Arabs, who make up about a third of the city's population, are among the poorest communities in Israel. 'We're talking about young people who have no horizon, no dreams, who are unemployed and live in a very difficult reality,' said Dr. Nasreen Haddad Haj-Yahya, the director of the Arab-Jewish relations program at the Israel Democracy Institute, an independent think tank. Authorities deployed hundreds of police reinforcements to Lod and other areas, including paramilitary border police who usually operate in the occupied West Bank. They also ordered a nighttime curfew in Lod She said the anger of the last two days was not directed at Lod's longtime Jewish community but at more ideological recent arrivals. 'It's not because of who they are. It's because they are trying to Judaize Lod. They are trying to drive out the indigenous Arab residents,' she said. 'The young people see it as a threat to their presence in the land, to their existence.' Thabet Abu Rass, the co-director of the Abraham Initiatives, which promotes Jewish-Arab coexistence, said the six Arab members of Lod's municipal council have been sidelined and the city's budget heavily favors Jews. He accused Mayor Yair Revivo of inciting against Arabs. Revivo, a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, has courted controversy by complaining about the volume of the Muslim call to prayer in Lod and for remarks that appeared to cast its Arab residents as a national security threat. 'He should be a mayor for everybody,' said Abu Rass, who lives near Lod and has an office there. 'He's not giving equal services for all residents.' The mayor's spokesman said he was not available for comment. Earlier, Revivo had urged Arab residents to end the violence, saying: 'The day after, we will still have to live here together.' Israeli officials often hold up the Arab minority as proof of their commitment to tolerance, frequently pointing out that Arab citizens enjoy civic rights and freedoms that many Arab states deny their own people. Ghassan Munayyer, a Lod-based activist, says the veneer of coexistence conceals deeper disparities, including in housing and infrastructure, comparing its Arab neighborhoods to 'refugee camps.' 'The Jews love saying there's coexistence. They go out to eat in an Arab restaurant and they call it coexistence,' he said. 'But they don't see Arabs as equal human beings who have rights that they have to respect.' Britain, the United States and Russia among international voices calling for de-escalation in Israel-Gaza conflict Calls for deescalation of the conflict have come from senior politicians around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia. Washington announced that it planned to send an envoy, Hady Amr, for talks with Israel and Palestinians. 'My expectation and hope is this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself,' Biden said on Wednesday after speaking to Netanyahu. Biden did not explain the reasons behind his optimism. Netanyahu's office said he told the U.S. president that Israel would 'continue acting to strike at the military capabilities of Hamas and the other terrorist groups active in the Gaza Strip'. Biden's British counterpart Boris Johnson Boris condemned the spiralling conflict, saying he was 'urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint' on Wednesday morning. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for an urgent meeting of the Middle East Quartet in order to halt violence between Israel and the Palestinians. Pictured: Rockets fired from Gaza fly towards Israel, as seen from Gaza City, 12 May 2021 Ms Psaki said that the Biden administration has 'had more than 25, high level calls and meetings by senior US officials with senior officials from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and their partners and other stakeholders. 'A lot of it is happening, privately through diplomatic channels, it's happening with officials in the region we're in regular dialogue, multiple times per day as I noted with the Egyptian and Qatari officials, who have significant influence over Hamas - and our objective here is descalation as we look to protecting the people to reach out.' Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has called Netanyahu to reaffirm America's support for Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks. The country's State Department said he also repeated U.S. calls for a de-escalation of violence and the Biden administration's belief that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety and security. Blinken announced earlier he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to make similar appeals in person to Israeli and Palestinian officials. He also said that Israel had an 'extra burden' to avoid civilian casualties as it responds to the attacks. According to the State Department, Blinken also told Netanyahu that as he and President Joe Biden have said in the past, the administration believes Israelis and Palestinians should 'enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy.' He also 'emphasised the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy,' in an apparent effort for the Biden administration to demonstrate that it cares about Palestinian rights, according to Politico. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wants to see an 'urgent de-escalation of tensions' between Israel and Hamas amid the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 Gaza war. Black smoke billows after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip early on Wednesday. According to military experts, the plumes of smoke seen rising suggest the Israelis are deploying bunker buster bombs, targeting underground infrastructure Smoke rises during an Israeli air strike on suspected Hamas targets in Gaza City on Wednesday Johnson tweeted on Wednesday that the United Kingdom is 'deeply concerned' and urged leaders to 'step back from the brink.' He was one of many leaders around the world offering up advice after longtime tensions in contested Jerusalem erupted into rocket-fire from the Gaza Strip and an intense response from Israel. British Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly told Parliament that Britain 'unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and other locations in Israel.' He called Hamas' conduct 'terrorism' and called on militants to 'end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel.' Cleverly said Israel has a 'legitimate right to self-defense,' but added that in doing so, 'it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.' Also on Wednesday, speaking alongside United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russia's Lavrov said: 'Today we've come to the common opinion that the most pressing task is to convene the Quartet of international mediators - Russia, the United States, the UN and the EU.' Hamas militants and their allies have fired more than 1,000 missiles at Israel, though many have been shot down by the Iron Dome defence system, while others have landed inside Gaza. The Israeli towns of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Yehud have been struck, as well as the most populous city, Tel Aviv. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Air Force has targeted suspected Hamas strongholds in Gaza City as well as the southern settlements Rafah and Khan Yunis Terrifying footage shows Hamas rocket blow up a bus, yards from civilians Terrifying video footage has emerged of a rocket launched by Hamas militants blowing up a bus in Israel as civilians watched on in horror. Video shows the city bus erupting in flames, with black smoke billowing from the burning vehicle, in the central city of Holon, just south of Tel Aviv, last night. In other videos, dozens of Israel's Iron Dome defence system's missiles can be seen lighting up the night sky yesterday as they shot down a bombardment of rockets fired by Hamas militants. Residents of Tel Aviv, Israel's most populous city, hid in their houses and under shelters as scores of rockets were seen flying overhead before they were struck down by Israeli missiles. Video shows the city bus erupting in flames, with black smoke billowing from the burning vehicle, in the central city of Holon, just south of Tel Aviv, last night Advertisement Just after daybreak, the Israeli Air Force unleashed dozens of strikes within the course of a few minutes with what appeared to be bunker buster bombs targeting underground Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli Defence Forces later dispatched two infantry brigades to the area of a downed militant drone, indicating preparations for a possible ground invasion. Boris Johnson condemned the spiralling conflict this morning hours after his former counterpart Donald Trump blamed 'weak' Joe Biden for allowing things to escalate. 'I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint,' the Prime Minister said. 'The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties.' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to the Israeli foreign minister on Tuesday and will speak to the Palestinian prime minister on Wednesday, MPs were told in Westminster. Despite international condemnation for the bloodshed, the worst since the 2014 war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for ceasefire, vowing last night to 'step up' attacks. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in turn that 'if Israel wants to escalate, we are ready for it'. The tensions began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Muslim neighbourhoods ignited protests and clashes with police. On Monday, a riot on Temple Mount left hundreds of Palestinians wounded before Hamas started launching rockets. The International Criminal Court at the Hague announced this morning it was looking at possible 'crimes' committed as the ferocious cross-border engagement entered its third day. 'I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute (which founded the ICC)', Fatou Bensouda tweeted. More than a hundred Hamas rockets were launched at Israel's most populous city, Tel Aviv, last night after a tower block in Gaza suspected of being a Hamas headquarters was destroyed by an Israeli air strike. Palestinian women check the damage inside their apartment on Wednesday morning after it was bombed by the Israelis Smoke billows from an Israeli bombardment at sunrise on Khan Yunish in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday A Palestinian father carries his children away from their home to head to a safer neighbourhood after a bombardment warning on Wednesday Palestinians assess the damage caused by an Israeli air strike in the town of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 12, 2021. Heavy exchanges of rocket fire and air strikes, and rioting in mixed Jewish-Arab towns, fuelled fears today that deadly violence between Israel and Palestinians could spiral into 'full-scale war' A Palestinian man takes pictures of the aftermath of a bombardment on Wednesday morning as a mound of dirt lies in the street beside mangled cars in Gaza City Smoke billows from an Israeli air strike on a tower block in Gaza as it collapses. The destruction of apartment apartment towers was among several tactics used during the 2014 war that are now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court into possible war crimes. Israel is not a member of the court and has rejected the probe. Israelis sing to keep their spirits up in a Tel Aviv bomb shelter Footage has emerged of Israelis singing in a bomb shelter as fighting between the Jewish state and Hamas intensified today amid warnings of all-out war. The video was taken in Tel Aviv overnight as the city was targeted by a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza. It shows a large group of people standing in what appears to be a basement car park being led in song by Shuli Rand, a well-known Jewish actor and musician. The song is called Between Holiness and Secularity, and the lyrics that appear in the video translate as: 'Please save me and please keep me from harm.' What's happening now in the Holy Land... A bomb shelter in Tel Aviv. Posted by Shifra Chana Hendrie on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Footage has emerged of Israelis in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv overnight singing as the city was targeted by 201 Hamas rockets Tel Aviv found itself targeted overnight by rockets as Hamas said 210 rockets had been fired at the city, which is Israel's most-populous. The strike was in retaliation for a multi-storey block of apartments that was blown up in Gaza, Hamas said. At least 67 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave's health ministry. Six people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said. Advertisement The IDF have assassinated several top militant commanders, including Hassan Kaogi, head of the Hamas intelligence department, in their airstrikes. In a statement, the army said it carried out a 'complex and first-of-its-kind operation.' Those targeted, it said, were 'a key part of the Hamas 'General Staff'' and considered close to the head of the group's military wing. Hamas later confirmed they had lost several of their top brass, including its military chief in Gaza City, Bassem Issa. The Israelis accuse the Palestinian fighters of using their own people as human shields, but the civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip have only hardened the position of the extremists who have launched hundreds more missiles. In Israel's central city of Lod, a girl and her father were killed in the early hours of Wednesday by rocket fire from Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry identified the girl as 16-year-old Nadin Awad, an Arab Israeli. Her cousin, Ahmad Ismail, told public broadcaster Kan that he was near Nadin when she was killed alongside her father Khalil Awad, 52. 'I was at home, we heard the noise of the rocket. It happened so quickly. Even if we had wanted to run somewhere, we don't have a safe room,' Ismail told Kan. Lod also saw riots after thousands of mourners joined a funeral for an Arab man killed by a suspected Jewish gunman the previous night. The crowd fought with police, and set a synagogue and some 30 vehicles, including a police car, on fire, Israeli media reported. Paramedics said a 56-year-old man was seriously hurt after his car was pelted with stones. The Israeli President Reuven Rivlin described it as a 'pogrom' carried out by a 'bloodthirsty Arab mob,' after Netanyahu declared a state of emergency in the mixed Jewish-Arab city. 'The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob, injuring people, damaging property and even attacking sacred Jewish spaces is unforgivable,' Rivlin said. Yair Revivo, mayor of the city, last night called for army back-up to help secure the area, saying 'civil war' was breaking out. 'This is Kristallnacht in Lod,' said Revivo, in reference to the Nazi pogrom against German Jews in 1938. 'I have called on the prime minister to declare a state of emergency in Lod. To call in the IDF. To impose a curfew. To restore quiet. There is a failure of governance. 'This is a giant incident - an Intifada of Arab Israelis. All the work we have done here for years [on coexistence] has gone down the drain.' Netanhayu made a pre-dawn tour of the city to declare a state of emergency. 'We will not tolerate this; we need to restore calm,' Netanyahu said in Lod. 'If this isn't an emergency situation, I don't know what is. We are talking about life and death here.' A thick black column of smoke and red flames rise into the sky over Gaza on Wednesday during Israeli bombardments A Palestnian family flee their home on Wednesday to head to a safety from Israeli airstrikes as rubble fills the street A fire rages at sunrise in Khan Yunish in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning as Israel's bombardment of Hamas targets continues Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza border A colossal crater blown into a Gaza street is seen on Wednesday beside wrecked shops and homes in nearby tower blocks An overturned car lies in the street filled with debris after a tower block was levelled in Gaza by Israeli warplanes last night Smoke billows over Gaza on Wednesday as the Israeli bombardments continued throughout the night and into dawn A Palestinian boy walks past rubble on a street in Gaza City on Wednesday after bombardments by the Israeli Air Force throughout the night Display mannequins from a damaged clothing shop are scattered amid the debris outside the heavily-damaged Al-Jawhara Tower in Gaza on Wednesday morning Cars are wrecked by rubble after buildings collapsed last night in Gaza during the Israeli barrages An Israeli security officer comforts a man in the town of Holon near Tel Aviv during rocket attacks by militants in Gaza on Tuesday night Two Palestinian women survey the damage to their bombed out flat in Gaza City on Wednesday morning Footage released by the IDF shows precision airstrikes on densely populated Gaza IDF announced they had killed at least four Hamas commanders on Wednesday. They included Gaza City Brigade chief Bassem Issa; Jamaa Tahla, responsible for the improved accuracy of the group's rockets; Jamal Zabeda, chief of 'special projects' in the munitions department; and Hazzem Hatib, head engineer in the munitions wing. TRUMP: 'WEAK' BIDEN TO BLAME FOR CONFLICT Former US President Donald Trump blamed his successor Joe Biden's 'weakness' for the renewed clashes in the Middle East. Writing on his website Trump, he said: 'When I was in office we were known as the Peace Presidency, because Israel's adversaries knew that the United States stood strongly with Israel and there would be swift retribution if Israel was attacked. 'Under Biden, the world is getting more violent and more unstable because Biden's weakness and lack of support for Israel is leading to new attacks on our allies. 'America must always stand with Israel and make clear that the Palestinians must end the violence, terror, and rocket attacks, and make clear that the U.S. will always strongly support Israel's right to defend itself. 'Unbelievably, Democrats also continue to stand by crazed anti-American Rep. Ilhan Omar, and others, who savagely attack Israel while they are under terrorist assault.' Advertisement Asked whether the actions of the police against protesters may have played a role, he shut down the suggestion, saying: 'These events have no excuse; this is fundamental hate.' It comes after the PM, speaking after two women were killed in Hamas strikes yesterday, said he 'deplored' the deaths in Israel, adding that the country's military would 'further increase both the intensity and the rate' of its own air strikes against Gaza. 'Hamas will be hit in ways that it does not expect,' Netanyahu said. 'We have eliminated commanders, hit many important targets and we have decided to attack harder and increase the pace of attacks.' The homes of three Hamas commanders were destroyed overnight on Wednesday. A significant barrage had begun by 3am, with Israel firing into the Gaza Strip. 'In response to HUNDREDS of rockets in the last 24 hours, the IDF has struck a number of significant terror targets and terror operatives across the Gaza Strip, marking our largest strike since 2014,' the IDF confirmed. 'We are currently striking more terror targets in Gaza.' In Israel, five people including three women have been killed. One of the three women was in her 60s and another in her 80s, and died during Hamas rocket attacks earlier on Tuesday. The third woman, aged 50, was killed on Tuesday evening when a rocket hit a building in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Lezion. An active-duty Marine Corps officer who was caught on camera helping a mob force its way into the Capitol building during the January 6 riots faces federal charges for assaulting multiple police officers. Major Christopher Warnagiris, 40, of Woodbridge, Virginia is the first active-duty service member to be charged in the insurrection, the Department of Justice said. Warnagiris, who has been stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico since last summer, was arrested Thursday in Virginia, and charged by the U.S District Court for Washington, D.C. Security cameras captured Warnagiris- decked out in a dark jacket, military green backpack and black and tan gloves- push his way into the Capitol past a line of police officers through a doorway in the East Rotunda, charging documents said. Security cameras captured Major Christopher Warnagiris (pictured) hold the door open to allow members of the mob into the Capitol building A U.S. Capitol police officer told the FBI that Major Christopher Warnagiris shoved him as he tried to get him away from the doorway in the East Rotunda After he got in, the major appears to use his body to keep the door partially open and helped pull other members of the mob inside, authorities said. A U.S. Capitol Police officer, who tried to close the door Warnagiris was wedging open, said Warnagiris resisted to keep the door open. The officer told the FBI that he had tried to push Warnagiris out of the way and he shoved him back, authorities said. Warnagiris was first reported to the FBI in March after a co-worker recognized him from photos posted online. The next day, FBI agents went to his military command and showed pictures of Warnagiris to another co-worker, who also positively ID'd him. Major Christopher Warnagiris, 40, was first reported to the FBI in March after a co-worker recognized him from photos posted online More than 400 people have been charged so far for their part in the January 6 storming of the Capitol Warnagiris has served in the Marines for 18 years and has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Warnagiris currently is assigned to the training and education command of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training Program at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia, CNBC reported. The Marine Corps has denounced Warnagiris' actions, saying 'there is no place for racial hatred or extremism' in its ranks, AP reported. 'Those who can't value the contributions of others, regardless of background, are destructive to our culture, our warfighting ability, and have no place in our ranks,' the Corps said in a statement. Warnagiris faces charges including assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and obstruction of justice. He faces a maximum 20 year sentence if convicted. Warnagiris was ordered released after a brief appearance before a federal judge in Virginia. It was not immediately clear Thursday if he had an attorney to comment on his behalf, AP reported. The Major is just one of more than 400 people who have been charged so far in the siege. Among them are four members or reservists of the National Guard and about 40 military veterans, according to the Justice Department. The charges against the rioters range from misdemeanor offenses, such as disorderly conduct in a restricted building, to serious conspiracy cases against members and associates of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers extremist groups. The global Radar Sensor Market is anticipated to reach USD 44.4 billion by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the non-imaging radar sensor segment accounted for the highest Radar Sensor market share in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global Radar Sensor market revenue in 2017 . The growing military expenditure in countries such as China, U.S, and others have resulted in radar sensor market growth. The advancements in technologies and increasing need for national security would further lead to radar sensor market growth. Increasing demand for high range and enhanced radar accuracy, along with stringent security regulations supplement the growth of radar sensors market. Growing adoption of radar sensors in developing nations provide growth opportunities for the market. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/radar-sensor-market/request-for-sample Features of radar sensors such as increased discrimination accuracy, enhanced sustainability, greater detection ranges and high reliability are propelling the growth of global radar sensor market. Furthermore, viewing the real-time data with the help of Radar through interfaces such as internet is opportunistic for the market expansion. Increasing cases of road accidents and stringent vehicle safety regulations supplement the market growth. Increasing development of self-driving and autonomous vehicles provide growth opportunities for radar sensor industry. North America generated the highest Radar Sensor market share in terms of revenue in 2018, and is expected to lead the global Radar Sensor industry throughout the forecast period. The adoption of radar sensors is expected to increase significantly in this region owing to increasing need to offer safety and security. The increasing demand for surveillance and border monitoring also drives the radar sensor market across various countries. Market players in the global radar sensor industry are introducing highly efficient and low-cost radar sensors to cater to the growing consumer needs. These market players are also integrating advanced technologies to improve the radar systems to cater to wider audiences. Increasing safety concerns, growing military expenditure, and development of autonomous vehicles are factors encouraging market players to launch efficient radar sensors across the globe. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/radar-sensor-market Leading global players are expanding their presence in developing nations of India, China, and Japan to tap the growth opportunities offered by these countries. For instance Continental AG, a German automotive manufacturer company on November 2017 incorporated their extensive, long standing expertise in vehicle surrounding sensors into fifth generation of short and long range radar sensors. This resulted in more accurate detection of smaller objects such as a lost spare wheel or an exhaust that has fallen off. Long range radar, has maximum range of 300 m and an opening angle of 60 depending on required performance. The series production of the same will start in 2019. The well-known companies profiled in the Radar Sensor market report include Delphi Automotive LLP, Autoliv Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, NXP Semiconductors N.V., Continental AG, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Denso Corporation, Infineon Technologies AG, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., and Smart Microwave Sensors GmbH. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Check for discount: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/radar-sensor-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Two teenagers were found dead in Wildwood, Florida on Wednesday morning with injuries that resembled gunshot wounds, police said. The police received a call about the two deceased male teenagers at 5:08am on Wednesday morning. They were found off of County Road 219, close to an intersection with Highway 44. The Daily Commercial reports that the intersection is close to an entrance ramp for Interstate 75. In a statement, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office later identified the teenagers as Isaiah Nelson, 17, and Preston Nixon, 16. Both teenagers were from Wildwood. Scroll down for video Preston Nixon, 16 (left) and Isaiah Nelson, 17 (right) were found dead in Florida on Wednesday A cause of death has not been released, though the police believe that their killings do 'not appear to be a random act.' In the latest statement released on Thursday afternoon calling it a 'brutal and senseless murder,' police stated that both victims had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. 'This is a tragedy and it has deeply impacted our community,' Captain Jon Galvin said. Police also stated that they believe both victims may have known their assailant, though a spokesman for the Sherriff's Office declined to share why detectives believe this with DailyMail.com. Police are actively seeking information from the community to help solve the case. Police received a call early on Wednesday morning reporting the two deceased teens The Sumter County Sheriff's Office has released several statements on their investigation Nelson attended Wildwood Middle High School until 2020, according to police. ClickOrlando.com reports that both students were being homeschooled at the time of their deaths. The police stated that grief counselors would be made available in the school district to those impacted by the tragedy. Police added that GoFundMe accounts were being started on behalf of the victims, although none appeared to be live as of Thursday afternoon. Lindsay Boylan, 36 Former aide Lindsay Boylan, 36, was the first woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment in a Medium post on February 24. She claimed that the governor asked her to play strip poker and kissed her on the lips without her permission when she worked for him in 2017. Lindsay Boylan, 36 Charlotte Bennett, 25 Charlotte Bennett, 25, came forward a few days after Boylan and claimed that Cuomo sexually harassed her last June while she was working as a health policy adviser in his administration at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Bennett accused Cuomo of 'grooming' her and asking inappropriate questions about her sex life. She also claimed that he told her he was open to dating women in their 20s. BENNETT said the governor asked her about her love life - including whether she ever had sex with older men - and talked about his own, saying that age differences didn't matter in relationships and he was open to dating women over 22. During a meeting alone in his office, the governor said he was lonely and talked about wanting to hug someone, Bennett said. She said she swiftly complained to Cuomo's chief of staff and was transferred to another job. She said she spoke to a lawyer for the governor, but didnt insist on further action because she liked her new post and wanted to move on. Charlotte Bennett, 25 Anna Ruch, 33 Anna Ruch was the third woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment and the only one thus far who did not work with him in a professional capacity. She claimed that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her just moments after they met at a September 2019 wedding in Manhattan. Anna Ruch, 33 Ana Liss, 35 Ana Liss, 35, a former aide, said Cuomo asked her whether she had a boyfriend, once kissed her hand at her desk and called her by patronizing names, including 'blondie,' 'sweetheart' and 'honey.' At a reception, the governor hugged her then put his arm around her lower back and waist as they posed for photo, Liss said. She said she eventually asked for a job transfer. In an interview, Liss said she was 'not claiming sexual harassment per se,' but felt the administration 'wasn't a safe space for young women to work.' Liss, who previously served as Cuomo's policy and operations aide between 2013 and 2015, told the Wall Street Journal that during her time in his administration, the governor had subjected her to unsolicited advances, including touching her lower back, kissing her hand and quizzing her about her love life. Ana Liss, 35 Karen Hinton, 62 The oldest allegations against Cuomo came from Karen Hinton, who served as a press aide for him when he led the US Department of Housing and Urban Development two decades ago and she was a consultant for the agency. Hinton told the Washington Post about a 2000 incident when she said Cuomo summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event. She said she tried to pull away from Cuomo when he pulled her back and held her before she managed to escape the room. Karen Hinton, 62 Unnamed sixth accuser The most damning allegations leveled against Cuomo to date came from a sixth accuser, whose name has not been released. The accuser, who is a member of Cuomo's staff, alleged that he closed a door, reached under her blouse and fondled her after summoning her to the governor's mansion in Albany for help with his cellphone, according to the Times Union of Albany. It first reported on her accusation last month; she then gave more detail in her first interview on the matter, published Wednesday. The woman spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect her privacy, although her identity is known within the governors circle, the Times Union reported. The woman, an executive assistant, told the Times Union the governor gave her kisses on the cheek and inappropriately tight hugs for years and made remarks including, 'If you were single, the things that I would do to you' and 'I'm single and ready to mingle.' Then, one day in November, she was summoned to his Executive Mansion office to help him with a cellphone problem, she said. He got up from his desk, started groping her and told her 'I don't care' after she tried to deflect him by saying he was going to get them into trouble, and then he slammed the door, she said. Then he reached under her blouse and clutched one of her breasts over her bra, she told the newspaper. The woman told a colleague this winter about the alleged encounter, and the co-worker told a supervisor in early March, according to the newspaper. Cuomo called the report 'gut-wrenching' in a March statement and said: 'I have never done anything like this.' Another female aide, who has remained anonymous, claimed he called her to his Executive Mansion last year, reached under her blouse and fondled her Jessica Bakeman Jessica Bakeman claimed in a first-person article for New York Magazine that she was sexually harassed by Cuomo on several occasions since the start of her journalism career in 2012. Bakeman added her voice as the seventh accuser as she detailed inappropriate touching by the governor as he continued to deny all of the claims. 'He took my hand, as if to shake it, then refused to let go,' Bakeman wrote of an interaction with Cuomo as she said goodnight at a holiday party in 2014 when she was only 25 years old. 'He put his other arm around my back, his hand on my waist, and held me firmly in place while indicating to a photographer he wanted us to pose for a picture.' At the time Bakeman had been working for what is now Politico New York and claimed that red flags went up as her 'job was to analyze and scrutinize him'. 'I didn't want a photo of him with his hands on my body and a smile on my face,' she wrote. Jessica Bakeman, a reporter who once covered the Cuomo administration, was the seventh woman to come forward with claims of harassment 'But I made the reflexive assessment that most women and marginalized people know instinctively, the calculation about risk and power and self-preservation. I knew it would be far easier to smile for the brief moment it takes to snap a picture than to challenge one of the most powerful men in the country.' In an earlier 2012 incident while she was working for USA Today, Bakeman also claims that Cuomo kept her pinned to his side as he told a story to her male colleagues. 'He left it there, and kept me pinned next to him, for several minutes as he finished telling his story,' she said. 'I stood there, my cheeks hot, giggling nervously as my male colleagues did the same. We all knew it was wrong, but we did nothing.' The reporter, who now works in Florida, claimed that Cuomo 'never let me forget I was a woman' as she also alleged that he made frequent attempts to humiliate her, including calling out her purple phone instead of answering her question during a press gaggle. Alyssa McGrath, 33 McGrath, a current administrative assistant in Cuomo's office, told The New York Times that he looked down her shirt, quizzed her about her marital status, and told her she was beautiful, using an Italian phrase she had to ask her parents to interpret. McGrath didn't say the governor made sexual contact with her but thought his behavior was sexual harassment. She recalled Cuomo kissing her on the forehead and gripping her firmly around the sides while posing for a photo at a 2019 office Christmas party. Alyssa McGrath (pictured) is one of two aides who have come forward to accuse the governor of harassment Sherry Vill, 55 Sherry Vill, 55, accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct during a press conference with her attorney Gloria Allred on Monday. She alleges Cuomo grabbed her face and kissed her 'aggressively and in a sexual manner' on both cheeks in May 2017 while he was touring her home in Greece, near Rochester, as he inspected local flood damage. Vill, who said she felt uncomfortable at the time, shared an image her daughter took on the day that showed Cuomo holding her face as he kissed her cheek and her attorney held up multiple photos showing the Governor inside her home. The same photos appear on Cuomo's Flickr account, as well as multiple others that show him kissing and greeting residents as he toured the town. None of the women in the other photos have accused the governor of inappropriate behavior or wrongdoing. The gunman who allegedly murdered two central Texas deputies who was furious that they had come into his yard to catch an unruly dog, a witness claimed. Jeffrey Nicholas, 28, shot and killed Concho County deputies Stephen Jones and Samuel Leonard, and critically injured city employee Ronnie Winans when the deputies 'made contact' with him while they were responding to a complaint of unruly, Texas Department of Public Safety officials say. The deputies were trying to catch the animals, one of which had bitten someone earlier that day, when a dog ran into Nicholas' yard. David Hutchings, a city employee who helps with animal control told the San Angelo Standard-Times that Nicholas told Jones and Leonard to 'get off his property' and that he 'has civil rights' before warning that he would shoot. Sgt. Justin Baker, of the Texas Department of Public Safety said that the deputies, along with Winans, had arrived at Nicholas' home shortly after 8:40 p.m. when, he said, 'an altercation occurred and quickly escalated to gunfire.' Witnesses heard around 9 or 10 gunshots at the property in the city of Eden, which is about 210 miles southwest of Dallas. A standoff then lasted for approximately 30 minutes, a witness told KTXS. Both Leonard, a married father, and Jones, also married, were killed. Concho County deputies Samuel Leonard (left) and Stephen Jones (right) were shot and killed Monday evening when a dog they were chasing wandered onto the yard of Jeffrey Nicholas. Witnesses said Nicholas warned the officers to 'get off his property' before opening fire. Fundraising campaigns have been set up in the two officers' names. Hutchins said that Winans, whom he works with, was shot in the stomach when a bullet penetrated the door of a city pickup truck. Winans was rushed to Shannon Medical Center, in San Angelo, where as of Wednesday he was in stable condition, DPS reported. Upon his arrest Nicholas was charged with two counts of capital murder of a peace officer. Jeffrey Nicholas, 28, was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder Hutchings said Nicholas did not own either of the dogs. Eden Mayor Pete Torres, who lives around the corner from the crime scene, reportedly helped defuse the situation and convince Nicholas to surrender, according to San Angelo Live! There were reports of a brief car chase preceding the shooting, though the Texas Department of Safety did not comment on whether those reports were true. Leonard's funeral service is set for Monday, while Jones' funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, according to the Concho County Sheriff's Office. Leonard leaves behind a wife and young daughter, and a Fund the First campaign was started in his name. 'Samuel was the life of the party and anyone who knew him, loved him,' the fundraising campaign read. 'He was quick to crack a joke or offer a sarcastic comment and never hesitated to be the first one to laugh. His death leaves a hole in the lives of his family and friends but his legacy will continue on.' A Gofundme was set up in both officers' names. The scene shows a large gathering of law enforcement following the shooting A local city employee, Ronnie Winans was shot in the stomach, but listed in stable condition, authorities said Deputies were responding to a dog complaint. A witness said two dogs had reportedly bitten someone in the area earlier in the day With the officers' deaths came an outpouring of sympathy. On Wednesday Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered flags at half staff and said in a statement that 'our hearts are broken.' 'This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our brave law enforcement officers face while protecting our communities,' Abbott said. The Lubbock Police Department said in a statement that it was 'heartbroken' to learn of the deaths and that its officers on Tuesday would escort the deputies' bodies to a forensics lab in Lubbock, which is about 200 miles northwest of Eden. Texas Department of Public Safety officials say Jeffrey Nicholas, 28, shot and killed Concho County deputies Stephen Jones (left) and Samuel Leonard (right) and critically injured city employee Ronnie Winans when the deputies 'made contact' Leonard, a married father, (pictured with his wife and child) was killed in the shootout Police departments across the region also took to Facebook to share condolences for the officers. Pictured is Jones Rep. August Pfluger also released a statement in response to the tragic shooting. 'Camille and I are absolutely devastated by the news that two of our Concho County Sheriffs deputies were killed in the line of duty last night in Eden. These officers protected the community until the very enddefending our freedoms, values, and safety. Though we are unable to thank them for their sacrifice, we will never stop honoring their legacy and service,' Pfluger said in a statement, according to KXAN. 'I've spoken with Judge Dillard, Mayor Torres, and Sheriff Miller to offer my condolences. My office stands ready to provide any support that we can,' Pfluger continued. 'We join with our Concho County neighbors in mourning the loss of these heroes. Please keep our entire law enforcement community in your prayers.' Police departments across the region also took to Facebook to share condolences for the officers. 'We pray for all whose lives have been touched by tragedy, whether by accident or a deliberate act. For those who mourn, immerse them in your love and lead them through this darkness into your arms, and light,' the San Angelo Police Department wrote. 'Prayers for the Concho County Sheriffs Office and their two deputies families,' added the Coleman County Sheriffs Department. The Texas Rangers are involved in the investigation of the shooting. Nicholas was booked at the Tom Green County Jail at 5:38am, where is bond is currently set at $4 million, $2 million for each count of capital murder. The San Angelo Standard-Times reports that a candlelight vigil will be held in the victims' honor at Eden Square on Tuesday evening. A further six Victorians may have been exposed to coronavirus after staying at the same South Australian quarantine hotel where a Melbourne man is suspected of catching COVID-19. The Department of Health has identified six people now in Victoria as having left the third floor of Adelaide's Playford Hotel during the potential transmission period. All have been contacted and are now urgently being tested as they undergo another 14-day quarantine stint. SA authorities have issued similar orders for 10 discharged returned travellers still in their state. The announcement comes as the Victorian government cracks down on businesses flouting QR code check-in rules after the state's latest coronavirus scare exposed flaws in the system. Pictured: Adelaide's The Playford hotel. Health authorities in Victoria have identified six people now in the state who are suspected of catching the virus at the quarantine hotel Contact tracing efforts were hampered this week as some patrons at the Curry Vault restaurant, where the infected Melbourne man dined on Friday night, failed to use the QR code system. In response, the state government on Thursday announced businesses breaking check-in rules will face a new $1652 on-the-spot fine, and further penalties of up to $9913 and prosecution for repeated breaches. Checks last week showed more than a third of businesses are not complying with QR code rules. It follows authorities dishing out 165 enforcement notices and 300 warnings as part of a three-week blitz of 4000 cafes, shops and restaurants in April. The breaches included a lack of signage, failing to use QR codes, and not having a COVID-safe plan. While most businesses are doing the right thing, Acting Police Minister Danny Pearson said others were 'letting down' Victorians after the state fought to defeat its deadly second wave. The Services Victoria QR code system will only become mandatory for businesses from the end of May, with the opposition questioning why it didn't follow NSW's lead earlier. A woman wearing a mask is seen walking along Swanston Street on Wednesday. An infected Melbourne man dined at the Curry Vault restaurant, which failed to use the QR system The Curry Vault restaurant. A QR code system administered by Services Victoria will be compulsory by the end of May An average of 28,000 check-ins are being registered on the system every day, with more than 91,000 businesses signing up. Health authorities, meanwhile, are still awaiting test results for about 30 close contacts of Melbourne's most recent virus case. Of the 121 primary close contacts of the infected man from Wollert in Melbourne's north, 90 have returned negative tests so far. Australia is moving to shore up supplies of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters with the federal government backing a second manufacturing plant. The decision comes as flights from India resume on Saturday, following a pause to allow the Howard Springs quarantine facility to catch its breath. The Qantas flight due into Darwin on Saturday morning is expected to have around 200 repatriated Australians on board, who will do two weeks of quarantine at Howard Springs. Health Minister Greg Hunt said an approach to market would be launched within the next 10 days for companies to locally produce mRNA vaccines, such as that produced by Pfizer and Moderna. He expects at least one to be made in Australia by next year. The US, Canada, the UK, European Union, Korea, Japan and Israel are already using the Moderna jab (pictured, a different vaccine being administered in Brisbane) 'I won't make a guarantee on that, but I am confident that over the future period we will have mRNA production in Australia,' Mr Hunt told reporters in Canberra. Health Department boss Brendan Murphy said the vaccine production could be broader than COVID-19, possibly extending to flu jabs. Moderna has expressed interest in setting up an Australian base, as Mr Hunt confirmed 25 million doses of the US biotech company's vaccine had been secured. The first 10 million are due to arrive this year while the rest - booster jabs for different variants - are slated to be delivered next year. The Moderna jab has not yet been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration but the company is expected to apply for that soon. People under 50 are set to receive the Moderna vaccine. Moderna will deliver 10 million doses this year and 15 million booster shots next year provided the Therapeutic Goods Administration approves both jabs CSL is already making the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne, while the Pfizer vaccine is fully imported. A clear flow of supply will be needed as GPs begin the rollout to all Australians aged over 50 from Monday. However, the government is under fire for sending mixed messages over the timetable for the rollout's completion. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters on Tuesday all Australians who wanted to be vaccinated should have received their second dose by the end of the year. But Prime Minister Scott Morrison and cabinet colleagues have walked it back. The number of jabs delivered so far is inching towards three million. Labor's health spokesman Mark Butler is pleased the government has now got access to booster shots via the Moderna deal, but said the rollout had to ramp up. 'Booster shots need to follow having completed the full population vaccination,' he said. 'And still, we can't get a clear answer from the prime minister or treasurer about when that's going to happen.' Meanwhile, Virgin has joined Qantas in pushing back its planned resumption of international flights from October to December. The airlines made the decision after the federal budget assumed international travel would not resume until at least mid-2022. The federal government has expressed caution about a NSW idea to bring international students back to university campuses using purpose-built housing to quarantine them. Australia will face prolonged economic pain and risk damaging its reputation as an 'open and tolerant society' unless it re-opens its borders to the world, a new report has warned. A University of Sydney task force has urged the federal and state governments to move away from a 'zero Covid' strategy which aims to keep the virus out of the country completely. The report said Australia faces a lost decade if it does not switch to a 'living with Covid' approach. Ex-New South Wales Premier Mike Baird will launch the plan on Friday just three days after the government announced in Tuesday's Budget the international border would likely remain closed until mid-2022. Scroll down for video A hotel quarantine worker in PPE at the Intercontinental Hotel on April 8 in Melbourne. Australia will face prolonged economic pain and risk damaging its reputation if it doesn't reopen its borders to the word, a report has warned Poll Do YOU want the borders to re-open? Yes No Do YOU want the borders to re-open? Yes 232 votes No 365 votes Now share your opinion The 58-page report said Australia could not afford to be left behind when the rest of the world starts to move on from the pandemic, The Australian reported. 'If Australia is not ready to reopen effectively when the world recovers from the worst of the pandemic then we face enormous dislocation socially and prolonged pain economically,' the report said. The report said Australia needed to create a 'psychological runway' to reopen, as well as overhaul the nation's quarantine system and focus on mass vaccinations. 'We need to move from the anxiety of the last year to a more confident and outward-looking future. If we do not, it is no exaggeration to say that young people, in particular, face a lost decade,' the report reads. Among the task forces' recommendations is a tailored quarantine system where travellers would have a unique plan based on their industry or country of origin. A traveller at Sydney International Airport on May 1. The report said Australia faces a lost decade if it does not switch to a 'living with Covid' approach The sector is also campaigning for those who work in different sectors such as tourism or eductation to be granted their own travel bubbles. Ex-New South Wales Premier Mike Baird will launch the plan on Friday urging the states and the federal government to work towards opening the borders On Tuesday night, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg defended his decision to keep the border shut long after the rest of the world returns to normal, and passed responsibility for the decision to health bureaucrats. 'We're being conservative and cautious,' he told 9News. 'We'll only move on borders when the medical advice says it is safe to do so.' As yet, the medical advice the government is relying on says it is not safe to do so despite there being only six people in Australia in intensive care due to Covid-19. 'We're in the middle of a pandemic and it's very difficult to forecast as we know. There's hundreds of thousands of cases (of Covid-19) right now around the world.' He said even when most Australians are vaccinated there were other factors to consider, including the level of virus transmission in other countries. Conservative activists with the Project Veritas group that has dedicated itself to penetrating left-wing organizations and Democrats helped plan efforts to discredit perceived 'deep state' elements within the Trump White House including Trump's security advisor according to a stunning new report. The New York Times reports that the activists were aided in part by an ex-British spy, Richard Seddon, who had previously worked with Trump Erik Prince, a security contractor with close Trump ties and whose sister Betsy DeVos served as Trump's Education Secretary. A top target in the program was former Trump national security advisor H.R. McMaster, a three-star general who some hardcore Trump loyalists took to be a 'deep state' element undermining elements of the MAGA agenda on the Iran nuclear deal and other matters, the outlet reports. The paper said the operation was 'run' by Project Veritas, although the group's founder, James O'Keefe, said in a video released in response to the story that the group had 'nothing' to do with it. The Times based its account on interviews with former Project Veritas employees, current and former government officials and internal Veritas documents. Efforts to ensnare McMaster intensified after he was quoted in a 2017 Buzzfeed article dumping on the president. McMaster was quoted calling Trump an 'idiot' who had the intelligence of a 'kindergarten.' President Donald Trump, left, and H.R. McMaster, national security advisor, walk toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, June 16, 2017. The New York Times reported on a plot by conservative activists to try to catch McMaster on video dumping on Trump McMaster had already been quoted calling Trump an 'idiot' The project set in motion reportedly involved trying to enlist a female spy to stake out his favorite restaurant, Tosca, in downtown D.C. The plan was to have the woman use a hidden camera to try to catch McMaster dumping on Trump to try to force him out of the administration. It is a tactic known to be used by Project Veritas, the conservative group that has targeted Acorn, Democratic campaign groups, and unions in video sting operations. The same team, including Seddon, a former MI6 officer, penetrated the Michigan office of the American Federation of Teachers, a powerful union, the Times reported last year. Barbara Ledeen, a former Senate Judiciary Committee staffer who also once worked for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, said as part of the plan someone whose name she did not recall provided a tip on McMaster that proved useful. 'Somebody who had his calendar conveyed to me that he goes to Tosca all the time,' she said. She said she gave the information to a person she thought was a Project Veritas operative. The paper identified Tarah Price as the woman recruited to conduct the spaghetti stakeout operation. An email obtained by the paper stated she was offered $10,000 for the operation. Former Senate staffer Barbara Ledeen admitted to being a messenger but denied being in on the plot James O'Keefe called a report on the project a 'smear' An intelligence officer who worked with Erik Prince, the former Blackwater executive, trained personnel on targeting Trump 'enemies' Seddon reportedly brought former military figures to Project Veritas, and taught staff intelligence techniques in tactics disseminated at the Prince ranch in Cody, Wyoming. The activists rented a townhouse in Georgetown and also targeted FBI employees, who Trump cast as part of a 'witch hunt' that was out to get him in the Russia probe. They reportedly created fake online identities in order to try to entrap FBI agents after the FBI lovers were exposed in real-life text messages running own Trump. O'Keefe is quoted in the story calling it a 'smear.' His group has sued the Times for defamation over its earlier reporting on it. 'Because The New York Times is losing to Project Veritas in a court of law, it is trying to smear Project Veritas in the court of public opinion,' he said. 'I think the court, like me, may well be appalled at The New York Timess continued pattern of defamation of Project Veritas.' Ledeen was quoted about delivering a message related to the effort, but said: 'I am not part of a plot.' There is no information that Trump had knowledge of the plot. The lengthy Times account does not say who funded or conceived of the operation, which it does not say was ever carried out. O'Keefe in a video posted on the Project Veritas YouTube channel called it a 'hit piece' that 'was filled with vapid supposition, subliminal suggestion, nebulous facts' and 'circumstantial inferences.' O'Keefe said he had 'nothing' to do with the project, but then also flagged various other investigations into 'federal employees behaving badly.' Advertisement The two Indian asylum seekers whose arrest in Scotland sparked seven hours of street protests today thanked Glaswegians for their 'overwhelming' support that eventually forced police to release them. Lakhvir Singh, 34, says officers sent by the Home Office 'barged' into his Glasgow flat yesterday at around 10am and arrested him and his friend Sumit Sehdevi on suspicion of immigration offences having lived in the UK without leave to remain for ten years. As 'word spread', hundreds of people then flooded into Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, surrounding the police van and stopping it from leaving, with locals saying Mr Singh and Mr Sehdevi were popular members of the local Sikh Gurdwara temple where the friends also worked feeding the homeless. At around 5pm yesterday the police relented, and released the two suspects, to cheers from the crowd, some of whom had laid down in the way of the van with one person getting under it. Thanking their supporters, Mr Singh, 34, speaking through a translator, told ITN today: 'I was taken unannounced from my flat, they barged in and took me into the van. 'I was anxious and upset wondering how I would be treated at the detention centre. I'm so happy that my fate brought me here to live in Glasgow where the people are so connected that they'll come out into the streets to help one of their own. 'I've been astonished and overwhelmed by the support I've received from the people of Glasgow. It's the happiest feeling. Thank you very much.' Mr Singh added: 'There were only five or six people at the time but word spread and then there were crowds of hundreds. We are so grateful for the support.' The incident also sparked an unlikely row as the favourite to take over Britain's largest trade union, Howard Beckett, was suspended by Labour and allegedly reported to the police for a hate crime after he called for Priti Patel to be deported. The Prime Minister's spokesman said the raid had been entirely legal and correct and 'not linked to Eid in any way', but campaigners accused the Home Office had acted 'like the mafia' and treating the two asylum seekers like rapists or murderers. Lakhvir Singh (left) and Sumit Sehdevi (right) were detained and then released after a Home Office raid in Glasgow Lakhvir Singh (centre in white) and Sumit Sehdev (behind him waving) both raised their arms as they are released by police today following a huge stand-off with protesters in Glasgow Protestors surround an Immigration Enforcement van to stop it from departing after individuals were detained in Glasgow There were wild celebrations when both men were freed and allowed to return home after seven hours Mohammad Asif told the PA news agency: 'People are fed up with a climate of fear... it was the people's revolution, led by the people - ordinary people of Glasgow in Pollokshields.' Hard-left 'hard man' Howard Beckett who says socialism is his religion is still tipped to become Unite general secretary Left-wing firebrand Howard Beckett, 52, is the clear favourite to win the Unite election and replace his friend 'Red Len' McCluskey, who will stand down later this year. The Northern Irish born lawyer is viewed by many as a tough guy at the top of the union, and is currently Assistant General Secretary for Politics & Legal. Born in Belfast, his father had converted to Catholicism after meeting Beckett's mother who had fled one of Ireland's Magdalene laundries. But despite his parents' faith, friends say he disavowed religion - apart from socialism - and was a huge supporter of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Recently he lumped in Sir Keir Starmer with Boris Johnson, and will be a thorn in the side of the Labour leader if he takes control of Unite. He would have preferred Rebecca Long-Bailey to have won the leadership. Beckett declared on Twitter: 'Boris Johnson & Keir Starmer, I have a message for you both. We won't stand idly by while you dump the pandemic fall out on the working class'. His critics have said his previous conduct us a cause for concern. He was fined 5,000 in 2009 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, when his law firm deducted fees from money for victims of industrial injuries, including lung disease. Advertisement Mr Asif, 54, director of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, joined the protest from 10am until the men's release shortly after 5pm. Asked what message the protest's success sends, Mr Asif said: 'The Home Office shouldn't act like the mafia, they should have a more humane way of removing people. 'We don't say every person should come to the UK and live here, but we've been watching these dawn raids - myself for the past 20 years. 'The Home Office does it in a very brutal way... it's like you've committed murder or rape - there are different ways to remove people without taking them from their bed.' Huge crowds cheered and applauded yesterday when the two Indian men, initially detained by Border Force officials in the van, were eventually released by police following a stand-off with hundreds of protesters. Howard Beckett, a Northern Irish socialist lawyer and who is running to succeed Len McCluskey as general secretary of Unite, was widely condemned for his tweet that he stood-by then deleted after 30 minutes. In a message posted on Twitter yesterday, the Jeremy Corbyn supporter who says socialism is his religion, was accused of racism and sounding more like a far-right fascist, when he called for the Home Secretary, Britain's most senior ethnic minority politician, to be kicked out of the UK. The tweet, in response to an attempt to deport the two asylum seekers in Glasgow, read: 'Priti Patel should be deported, not refugees. She can go along with anyone else who supports institutional racism. She is disgusting.' Beckett initially refused to back down, before deleting the message and apologising. But it prompted an immediate backlash, with social media users telling Mr Beckett it was 'racist' and warning his remark 'sounded like the BNP'. Locals had surrounded the enforcement vehicle on Thursday afternoon, with some sitting on the road in front of it, and one even laying underneath it, as part of a demonstration against an earlier immigration raid. Around 200 protesters were at the scene, with chants of 'Leave our neighbours, let them go' and 'Cops go home' being heard as a ring of police stood around the van, before the men were eventually released. The mid-morning forced removal saw the two young men taken from a top-floor flat by Home Office officials. Authorities say they were detained on suspicion of immigration offences before being released on bail pending further investigation. Footage posted to social media then captured the moment they stepped out of the van, surrounded by dozens of officers. Campaigners hailed their release as a victory for Glaswegian solidarity and insisted officials had 'messed with the wrong city'. Howard Beckett (centre) is running to succeed Len McCluskey as general secretary of Unite, but has been suspended by Labour Beckett called Priti Patel (pictured) 'disgusting' in the tweet which has been roundly criticised This is the moment both men were freed from Home Office immigration van after mass protests in Glasgow yesterday Mr Beckett then also weighed in, but his comments have since sparked a huge backlash. Sky News reports that he has been reported to the police for a hate crime. Meanwhile he has also been suspended from the labour Party for his outburst. Gurinder Singh Josan, a member of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee who is also a Unite member, tweeted: 'Howard showing his true colours? 'I totally disagree on pretty much everything with Priti Patel but this is simply dog whistle racism against a woman of colour. Delete this now!' Mr Beckett initially refused to back down, arguing that his tweet was 'about society being able to do without anyone who promotes racism'. However, he removed it last night, writing: 'I'm very sorry for my earlier tweet. I was angry to see Muslim refugees being deported on the morning of Eid Al Fitr.' It is understood neither of the men involved in the situation in Glasgow is Muslim. Miss Patel was born in London after her parents came to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s. Mr Beckett is the closest lieutenant to the outgoing Mr McCluskey and is currently assistant general secretary. Speaking about the incident in Glasgow, Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the Home Office's actions had been 'reckless'. Saying that immigration was a reserved issue, he tweeted: 'Situation should never have occurred - the UK Govt's hostile environment is not welcome here'. He added: 'I abhor Home Office immigration policy at the best of times, but to have taken the action they have today is at best completely reckless, and at worst intended to provoke.' However, a source close to Miss Patel condemned the actions of the demonstrators, claiming: 'It is completely unacceptable for a mob to stop the lawful removal of people living in our country illegally. 'This government 100% backs the frontline in removing those with no right to be here.' Two men are released from the back of an Immigration Enforcement van accompanied by lawyer Aamer Anwar and Mohammad Asif, director of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, in Kenmure Street, Glasgow A huge ring of police officers surrounded the two men as they were released and walked away from the immigration van Police escort two men (white jacket & grey hoodie), who were detained by Immigration officials, away from a van after crowds stop it from departing Two men are released from the back of an Immigration Enforcement van following a huge demonstration in Glasgow today Dozens of police officers surround the two men as they are released from custody following a huge stand-off in Glasgow Police officers are pictured entering an immigration van on Kenmure Street, in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, which is surrounded by protesters in a bid to stop the deportation of their neighbours Demonstrators sit in front of police by an immigration van in Glasgow today. Police were called to the street where it is understood protesters were trying to prevent immigration officers from removing people from a property A line of police officers wearing face masks stand next to an immigration van which is surrounded by protesters. Around 200 protesters are at the scene, with chants of 'leave our neighbours, let them go' and 'cops go home' being heard Police stand in a line with their arms crossed next to the immigration enforcement van. Glasgow MSP Alison Thewliss wrote: 'This is absolutely awful, but heartened to see local residents in Pollokshields standing up for their neighbours' First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she is 'deeply concerned' about the incident 'in the heart of a community celebrating Eid', adding: 'My office is making urgent enquiries and stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to those detained' Nicola Sturgeon says Home Office needs to reflect after Glasgow detentions spark protests Nicola Sturgeon has said the Home Office needs to ask 'itself hard questions' after mass protests took place over the detention of men in Glasgow. In response to the scenes, the First Minister tweeted: 'The Home Office needs to ask itself hard questions after today. 'Doing this on Eid, in the heart of our Muslim community, and in the midst of a serious Covid outbreak was staggeringly irresponsible - but the even deeper problem is an appalling asylum & immigration policy.' It is understood neither of the men is Muslim. Advertisement Home Office launches EU settlement scheme campaign as deadline approaches The Home Office has launched a new information campaign urging EU citizens living in the UK to apply for its settlement scheme as soon as possible. EU citizens have a deadline of June 30 to apply for settled status. This will afford them legal status to carry on living and working in the UK now the Brexit transition period and freedom of movement has ended. The latest figures show 5.4million applications have been made to the scheme, with more than 4.9 million grants of status. There were 4.88million applications from England, 268,500 from Scotland, 89,800 from Wales and 88,600 from Northern Ireland. The campaign launched on Thursday aims to make sure that EU citizens and their family members are aware of the deadline and know they need to apply, with adverts appearing on social media, TV and radio. So far, 8million has been spent on communication around the EU settlement scheme. Immigration minister Kevin Foster said: 'Every day, thousands of people are being granted status under the hugely successful EU settlement scheme and I would urge people who are eligible to apply as soon as possible to secure the status they deserve in UK law. 'This new campaign will help us encourage those who need to apply to act now before the June 30 deadline. 'The Government is committed to making sure everybody eligible for the scheme can apply, including those who are the most vulnerable or need extra support.' Advertisement A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The UK Government is tackling illegal immigration and the harm it causes, often to the most vulnerable people by removing those with no right to be in the UK. 'The operation in Glasgow was conducted in relation to suspected immigration offences and the two Indian nationals complied with officers at all times. 'The UK Government continues to tackle illegal migration in all its forms and our New Plan for Immigration will speed up the removal of those who have entered the UK illegally.' A Police Scotland statement said Superintendent Mark Sutherland had decided to release the detained men 'in order to protect the safety, public health and wellbeing of those involved in the detention and subsequent protest'. The force asked those nearby to disperse from the area as soon as possible. A spokeswoman said earlier: 'Police Scotland does not assist in the removal of asylum seekers. Officers are at the scene to police the protest and to ensure public safety.' Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier she was 'deeply concerned' about the incident 'in the heart of a community celebrating Eid'. Ms Sturgeon, who was sworn in on Thursday as MSP for Glasgow Southside, added: 'My office is making urgent enquiries and stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to those detained.' Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was 'disgusted by the Home Office raids'. He tweeted: 'It is particularly unacceptable that this is happening during a pandemic, in an area that has a spike in cases and on the day of Eid.' Ms Sturgeon also accused the Home Office of creating 'a dangerous and unacceptable situation' in the city. She wrote on Twitter: 'The @ukhomeoffice action today is creating a dangerous and unacceptable situation in Pollokshields. As local MSP, I am also seeking urgent answers from them - they must resolve this situation ASAP.' Glasgow Central MSP Alison Thewliss added: 'This is absolutely awful, but heartened to see local residents in Pollokshields standing up for their neighbours and refusing to accept the brutality of the UK Home Office. 'I am taking this matter up with Ministers. Not in our name.' Co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, wrote: 'It's horrific that people are forced to take such action to defend their most vulnerable neighbours from the brutality of the UK Home Office. 'We need an asylum system worthy of the name, and asylum support provided to a standard our communities can be proud of.' Imagery shared on social media showed a refreshments stall has been set up in a nearby bus stop on Kenmure Street for protesters. Another video shows a man placing a sign outside his window on the street which reads: 'If this is Team UK we reject it.' Lawyer Aamer Anwar tweeted: 'What a cynical provocative & disgusting move, on the day of #Eid @policescotland are assisting @pritipatel Home Office immigration in enforcement raid- as people of Pollokshields turn out. These are our neighbours. Let them go.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'At around 9.55am this morning, police were called to support colleagues at the UK Border Agency at an address in Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow. A person places themselves underneath the immigration enforcement van which was stopped by protesters in Glasgow A man holds a sign out of a window reading 'if this is team UK we reject it' above police officers guarding the immigration van Police and demonstrators seen near an immigration van in Kenmure Street, Glasgow, which was surrounded by protesters Police warn people away from the direction of an immigration enforcement van which had been surrounded by protesters Police restrain protesters who blocked a Home Office van to stop it from leaving Kenmure Street in Ms Sturgeon's constitency Police officers and protesters are seen wearing face masks near the immigration van on Kenmure Street in Glasgow today Demonstrators pictured in front of an immigration van on Kenmure Street in Glasgow. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'At around 9.55am this morning, police were called to support colleagues at the UK Border Agency' Remote hearings allow for post-deportation appeals, High Court judge rules Improvements in technology mean people who have been deported can 'reasonably' bring their appeals from abroad, a High Court judge has said. Yusuf Arman and a second unrelated man, known as GY, are Turkish citizens who had spent decades in the UK, but were deported in 2017 following multiple criminal convictions. The men each made human rights claims to remain in the country but, after they were rejected and they were deported, both have launched appeals. Both men asked the High Court for permission to review whether it was lawful that they were deported before their appeals were heard, meaning they had to bring their cases remotely. Non-citizens convicted of crimes can be deported before their appeal is heard or determined, as long as it is not a breach of their human rights. In a decision on Thursday, Mr Justice Mostyn said that while the Supreme Court's decision was 'almost inevitable' due to the poor quality of the IT equipment used in the courts service in 2017, conditions were now different. He said: 'The necessity of most civil and family hearings to be conducted remotely while the virus has rampaged has been the mother, not so much of the invention, but of an accelerated evolution of practice and procedure bringing the law into the digital age.' Advertisement 'A number of protesters are now at the location. Officers are at the scene and inquiries are continuing.' Police later added: 'The call was made by UK Immigration Enforcement (UKIE) after a group of protesters gathered at the address where UKIE staff were in attendance. 'Police Scotland does not assist in the removal of asylum seekers. 'Officers are at the scene to police the protest and to ensure public safety.' Mohammad Asif, director of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, was one of what he said were hundreds of neighbours protesting against the action. The 54-year-old said: 'We're here against the hostile environment created by the Tories and the British state. 'The same people who run from the British and American bombs put at the back of the van right now. And they are about to be deported. 'And it's on Eid you know the guys are not even allowed to pray. How do you do that in a democratic society? It's a sad day.' Mr Asif, who left Afghanistan as a refugee himself in 2000, said the atmosphere amongst the protesters is peaceful. Sabir Zazai, chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, wrote: 'Not close to the details on this but this is shocking, disgraceful and racist if people are raided by enforcement officers amidst the pandemic on the day of #Eid.' Lotte, an artist and member of the Scottish tenants union Living Rent, lives on a street nearby and joined the protest when she saw a small group outside the property on Kenmure Street at 10am on Thursday. The 26-year-old said: 'I'd like to express my utter disgust at the brutal removal of my neighbours from their home. 'It is an awful thing to do on any day, but today being Eid makes it 10 times worse. I hope they will let our neighbours go. 'Police are surrounding the Home Office van... they are refusing to answer questions about whether they have access to legal representation. 'They claim that they don't know anything about the deportation and are just 'protecting the Home Office'.' Protesters hold up placards reading 'migrants and refugees welcome here' as they block an immigration enforcement van Protesters block a UK Home Office van to stop it from leaving Kenmure Street in First Minister Ms Sturgeon's constituency Police officers stood in a row in front of the immigration enforcement van today. Mr Asif, who left Afghanistan as a refugee himself in 2000, said the atmosphere amongst the protesters is peaceful asda A six-month-old puppy has been euthanised by police after allegedly being deliberately set on fire by its owner while locked in a cage. Emergency crews were rushed to a unit on Wonga Road in Lurnea in Sydney's south-west just after 3.20am on Friday morning after reports of a house fire. The blaze - which caused significant damage to the unit - was extinguished and the puppy was then found in a cage on the balcony suffering from severe burns. Police allege the puppy, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, had been set alight by its owner. The puppy has been humanely euthanised, a New South Wales Police spokesman said. A six-month-old puppy, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, has been allegedly deliberately set on fire by its owner (file image) A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station. He has been charged with committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal and damaging property by fire. He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today. The puppy was found suffering from severe burns in a unit on Wonga Road in Lurnea in Sydney's south-west after emergency crews extinguished a fire at the apartment just after 3.20am on Friday morning Daily Mail Australia understands the accused told police the puppy was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Authorities though have yet to verify the exact breed of the puppy. Neighbours had evacuated before emergency crews arrived. There have been no further reports of injuries. A crime scene has been established as inquiries continue. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki defended American colleges and universities teaching theories of systemic racism as 'responsible' on Thursday as she denied allegations that it amounted to 'liberal indoctrination.' The issue has become one of the frontline skirmishes in the country's culture wars in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter protests. Conservatives allege that students are being taught a warped version of American history that claims the impact of slavery remains present throughout society. And Sen. Tom Cotton this week introduced a bill that would raise a 1% tax on endowments held by the country's wealthiest schools to fund job training schemes. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Sen. Tom Cotton's suggestion that young people were being indoctrinated was 'mysterious and dangerous' as she defended teaching on systemic racism During her daily briefing, Psaki was asked about his proposal and whether America's most prestigious universities were indoctrinating young people 'Well without much detail of where he thinks our youth are being indoctrinated, it sounds very mysterious and dangerous,' she said with a smile. CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequnces of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement 'I don't think we would think we believe that educating the youth, next leaders of the future, leaders of the country, on systemic racism is indoctrination. 'That's actually responsible.' Cotton's legislation is entitled the Ivory Tower Act. 'Our wealthiest colleges and universities have amassed billions of dollars, virtually tax-free, all while indoctrinating our youth with un-American ideas,' he said when it was introduced. 'This bill will impose a tax on university mega-endowments and support vocational and apprenticeship training programs in order to create high paying, working-class jobs.' He and his allies have criticized the New York Times 1619 Project, which offered a new look at history based on the date when slaves arrived on American shores, and the teaching of 'critical race theory', which asserts that systems and institutions protect white privilege. Conservatives took up the term after Trump referred to 'critical race theory' an expression previously restricted to academic circles last year in ordering the Office of Management and Budget to stop funding of diversity training. They say the teachings reduce people to 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on skin colour. But supporters say it is vital to understand how race impacts society in order to eliminate racism. Republicans around the country have introduced bills targeting what they see as liberal indoctrination. This week the Texas House passed a bill limiting what can and cannot be taught about race and racism, including concepts that 'one race or sex is inherently superior to another,' or that someone is 'inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive' based on their identity. KEY MARKET PLAYERS There are various market players operating in the global pancreatic cancer market. PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc.; Clovis Oncology; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Merck & Co., Inc.; and Pfizer, Inc. Global Pancreatic Cancer Market Overview The global pancreatic cancer market, as per a report by Market Research Future (MRFR) is touted to register 8.1% CAGR during the forecast period (2017-2023). Pancreatic cancer can be defined as an enlarged tumor, which is generally caused by malignant cells present in the tissues of the pancreas. This type of cancer is generally caused due to drinking alcohol, smoking, genetic factors, radiotherapy in the past, obesity, inflammation of the pancreas, and diabetes mellitus. It is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas and is a highly lethal disease. Pancreatic Cancer is an enlarged tumor caused by malignant cells in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas are organ situated behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer can be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol, radiotherapy in the past, genetic factors, age, inflammation of the pancreas, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. According to Cancer Research UK, 7 out of 10 cases of chronic pancreatitis are due to heavy drinking habits. Rising rates in tobacco consumption, increasing cigarette smokers are likely to enhance the growth of pancreatic cancer market. Additionally, rising prevalence of cancer, increase in intake of alcohol, growing obesity rates, and growing awareness pertaining to various treatment options available are propelling the market growth at a global level. However high costs, and the side effects related to the treatment of pancreatic cancer are likely to hamper the growth of pancreatic cancer market. Free Sample Report of Pancreatic Cancer Market : https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1638 Industry Updates On August 2019, a team of scientists at the Huntsman Cancer Institute made discoveries in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The researchers discovered that the growth of cancer could be blocked by turning on a protein used by pancreas cells. Celgene Corporation Founded in 1980, and headquartered at US, Celgene Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company aimed in the detection and development of treatments for various cancers and inflammatory diseases. Celgene Corporation has its presence all over the world. The firm has focused on various inorganic and organic growth strategies to enhance its services and increase its patient base. For instance in the year 2015, Celgene Corporation received approval from European Commission (EC) for ABRAXANE, a nanotechnology therapy for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The firm has been focusing on improving lives of patients with pancreatic cancer. For instance in 2015, Celgene Corporation invested 30% of its revenue on research and development to produce advanced technologies to support patients with pancreatic cancer. By this approval and high research and development expenditure, the firm aims to focus on patient needs and increase its customer base. Novartis AG Founded in 1895, and headquartered in Switzerland, Novartis AG is engaged in the manufacture and development of a wide range of healthcare products. In 2016, Novartis and Pfizer collaborated to form a study on tumors driven by mutations in a gene called KRAS that causes cancer. Additionally, in 2017 Novartis and Perthera partnered to support clinical trials for lung cancer patients. This collaboration and partnership enables the firm to widen its foothold in various geographies. Regional Analysis: Geographically, the pancreatic cancer market is segmented into four key regions: the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further segmented into North America and South America. And North America is segmented into the U.S. and Canada. Globally, the U.S. is the largest market for pancreatic cancer owing to rising prevalence of cancer, increasing consumption of alcohol, increase in per capita R&D spending, along with rise in demand for new and advanced products and techniques. Asia pacific region is expected to be fastest growing region in pancreatic cancer market owing to its growing population and eventually growing patient population. Additionally, increasing healthcare expenditure and growing demand for newer and advanced technologies to treat the growing demand for increasing prevalence of cancer. For instance, US Census Bureau has estimated that by 2050, two third of the worlds older population will reside in Asia. Similarly increasing healthcare spending is likely to grow the demand for pancreatic cancer market. Similarly, according to CMS (Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services) U.S. health care spending increased 4.3 percent to reach USD 3.3 trillion per person in 2016.For instance, according to National cancer institute, in 2016, around 1,685,210 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. Similarly, in 2016, U.S. spent over USD 125 billion for cancer care and is expected to spend over USD 156 billion by 2020. According to CDC, around one third of the population is affected with obesity. Europe accounts for the second largest market due to rising incidence of cancer, growth in research and development to produce advanced technologies, increasing funds, government support and increasing healthcare expenditure. For instance according to Eurostat, Germany spend over EUR 321 billion in the year 2014. Similarly, according to cancer research UK, there were around 9, 921 cases of cancer diagnosed in 2015. This high incidence of cancer is likely to enhance the growth of pancreatic cancer market. On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa is expected to witness limited growth due to limited access to the healthcare resources and rising healthcare cost. In the Middle East, the growth of the market is driven by increasing research and development for newer technologies and rising healthcare infrastructure. Browse full report of Pancreatic Cancer Market @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pancreatic-cancer-market-1638 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. The Federal Aviation Administration fined an 'abusive' JetBlue passenger $10,500 after he refused to wear mask and 'coughed and blew his nose into a blanket.' The man, whose name was not revealed, had boarded a JetBlue flight from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport on December 27 when he began to act unruly, according to a press release from the FAA. Rapper Lil Pump may have been the man against whom the fine was levied, the Washington Post indicated - while noting that the rapper had been banned by JetBlue for refusing to wear a mask during a flight on that same date and route. Lil Pump has been an outspoken critic of mask mandates and said he does not 'believe in corona,' according to the outlet. Rapper Lil Pump may have been the man against whom the fine was levied, the Washington Post indicated. The rapper had been banned by JetBlue for refusing to wear a mask during a flight on that same date and route The Federal Aviation Administration fined an 'abusive' JetBlue passenger $10,500 after he refused to wear mask and 'coughed and blew his nose into a blanket' The man, whose name was not revealed, had boarded a JetBlue flight from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. PICTURED: Fort Lauderdale airport A chart shows the total number of coronavirus infections in the United States A chart shows the total number of coronavirus deaths in the United States 'The FAA alleges the passenger repeatedly ignored, and was abusive to, flight attendants who instructed him to wear a facemask,' the release reads. 'At one point, while not wearing a mask, he coughed and blew his nose into a blanket. The passenger's disruptive behavior diverted flight crewmembers from their duties.' There have been 32,815,408 total coronavirus infections in the United States with 583,690 deaths as of Thursday. The FAA also fined another JetBlue passenger $9,000 for being 'disruptive' on a March 16 flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. While boarding the flight, the man 'yelled, slammed overhead bins, and shouted profanities at the cabin crew, including threatening to harass a flight attendant during the entire flight,' the FAA alleged. 'He also shouted profanities at the captain when the captain entered the cabin to ensure the passenger got off the plane. Law enforcement met the passenger at the boarding gate and escorted him out of the terminal,' the release reads. Nearly 1,300 cases of unruly passengers have been reported to the FAA since February, marking a large increase from previous years. In January, the FAA announced an order 'directing a stricter legal enforcement policy against unruly airline passengers in the wake of recent, troubling incidents.' The agency extended the policy in March. 'These incidents have stemmed both from passengers' refusals to wear masks and from recent violence at the U.S. Capitol,' FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said at the time. Federal law prohibits interfering with aircraft crew or physically assaulting or threatening to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft - and passengers can face civil penalties. Passengers can face criminal fines and imprisonment for interfering with the performance of a crewmember's duties by assaulting or intimidating that crewmember. A Florida data scientists who claimed that she was fired for refusing to manipulate the state's COVID-19 data never actually had access to the raw information, according to a new report. Rebekah Jones, 31, became the darling of liberal media over the summer when she accused Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, of attempting to cover up the true scale of the pandemic, and was a frequent face in magazines and on cable news. Jones was fired in May 2020, and described herself as a whistleblower, and set up her own website to rival the Florida Department of Health's - although the two use the same data. On Thursday, however, journalist Charles C.W. Cooke claimed in The National Review that Jones never had access to the raw data that she was allegedly told to manipulate. He said she was simply uploading the information to the website. Jones called Cooke's report part of 'a smear campaign' against her. Rebekah Jones, 31, was fired in mid May 2020 from her job at Florida's Department of Health Jones called The National Review's report a 'smear campaign' and has denied criminal charges Jones accused Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, of presiding over a cover-up She was arrested in January on one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, and is currently awaiting trial. Jeb Bush, the former presidential candidate and former governor of the state, tweeted a link to Cooke's article. 'Thank you, Mr. @JebBush, for drawing attention to how smear campaigns targeting whistleblowers reach all levels in the political hierarchy, from the rising to the fallen, the current and the irrelevant, the Desantises and even the Jebs,' she responded. Cooke further claims that Jones was not fired for refusing to manipulate data, but rather for misconduct. He obtained her personnel record from the Department of Health, which showed that as early as April she was vociferously contradicting the department on Facebook, and giving frequent media interviews. Jones is seen in her booking photo when she handed herself in in January Jones was briefly held, then released on January 15 to await trial Jones, on losing her job, then set up a rival website to the state's official COVID dashboard In June Jones confirmed her own website used the same data as the state health department Her supervisors asked her to stop. They expressed repeated concern, and she was placed in special management supervision, in a bid to save her job. For a while it worked, but on May 7, 2020, she altered the design of the data site to make herself the sole administrator. 'This created unnecessary delays in updates to the dashboard over the next few days until all content was appropriately moved and layers properly recreated,' her supervisors wrote in the file. 'This change, without my approval, directly disobeyed my instruction the previous day. 'Because the team was not informed, the team began troubleshooting the issue as if it were a system issue.' Jones was removed as administrator of the dashboard. On May 15 she sent an email to all those on the mailing list, including some external individuals, 'stating that she was no longer assigned to the dashboard that in my opinion casted doubts on the integrity moving forward as she indicated that she was removed because she would not manipulate data. 'This email caused and immediate influx of request from media outlets,' her file states. Jones was fired in mid May. On November 10, a message was sent to all of her former colleagues urging them to 'speak up' about COVID. 'It's time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don't have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it's too late,' the message stated. Jones was accused of using old login credentials to gain 'unauthorized access' to an employee messaging platform to send the group text. Jones' home was raided on December 7 by Florida law enforcement (pictured) Jones is suing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement over the raid, calling it excessive On December 7 Florida law enforcement agencies obtained a warrant to search her Tallahassee home, on the grounds that Jones illegally accessed the system sending a message to approximately 1,750 people and downloaded confidential FDOH data and saved it to her devices. The warrant also alleges that Jones downloaded and saved health department data containing contact information for 'approximately 19,182 people across the state of Florida' to her own devices, and tried unsuccessfully to gain access to the messaging platform again on November 12. She claimed that the police brandished guns and terrified her family, but video footage of the incident obtained by Tampa Bay Times showed an orderly seizure of her electronic devices, without guns drawn. According to Jones, Florida investigators 'found no evidence' related to the incident that officials said had triggered the raid: a chat message that was sent to a planning group on an emergency alert platform, urging people to speak out publicly about Florida's coronavirus strategies. She wrote on Twitter after the raid: 'police did find documents I received/downloaded from sources in the state, or something of that nature.' She has maintained her innocence, and is suing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for 'terrorizing' her family and violating her First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. She handed herself in to law enforcement on January 18, once an arrest warrant was issued. She is awaiting trial on a $2,500 bond, conditional on her having no contact with any of the people whose personal information was allegedly downloaded and no contact through state of Florida computer systems. The judge ruled against GPS monitoring and a ban on Internet access, which the state had requested. What's going on? Cases of a coronavirus variant first detected in India are rising in the UK, potentially threatening the lockdown-easing roadmap. B.1.617.2 has been upgraded by Public Health England from a variant under investigation (VUI) to a variant of concern (VOC). Cases are still relatively low but they are rising, particularly in parts of London, the Midlands and North West. How did it get here? Initial cases last month were linked to overseas travel but the rising number of infections now points to more widespread community transmission. Have people not been quarantining? It is not known how exactly infections are spreading, although there is a suggestion cases have increased through work or religious gatherings. That said, it is only travellers rather than whole households who must quarantine, so family members could unknowingly be spreading the virus. What is the Indian variant? B.1.617 has three strains or sub-types that are genetically similar B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3. It has 13 mutations that separate it from the original Chinese virus, but the E484Q and L452R mutations are of most interest. Scientists believe they have the potential for it to transmit faster and to get past immune cells made in response to older variants. It is not known if the vaccine will be effective against the new strain but the signs are good So why is it now a 'variant of concern'? The second sub-type of the Indian variant B.1.617.2 was upgraded to a VOC because of concerns over its spread. While it is hoped the vaccination programme will offer good protection to many, the more cases there are the more severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths there could be in those unable to be vaccinated or where vaccines haven't worked. Is it more deadly? Probably not, but we don't know for certain. PHE said there was insufficient evidence to indicate the Indian variants cause more severe disease, while experts suggest that the high mortality in India is more likely the result of high infection levels and its healthcare system being overwhelmed. What about vaccines? Again, we don't know for sure but the signs are good. Scientists are testing whether the new variant is capable of 'immune escape', meaning antibodies created after vaccination or a prior infection may not stop a person becoming infected. There is some laboratory evidence that the mutations are 'escape mutations' suggesting they could make vaccines less effective. However, scientists say reinfections are likely to be mild compared to primary infections, suggesting the strain is not more deadly. Research has shown current vaccines continue to provide good levels of protection against all the existing variants. BioNTech this week said the Pfizer vaccine will not need tweaking to protect against current variants. And an updated jab by Moderna successfully neutralised South Africa and Brazilian variants in lab trials. What next? Door-to-door testing is under way in infection hotspots such as Bolton to detect further cases in a bid to stop the strain from spreading. Everyone living within specific postcodes is asked to get a PCR test, even if they do not have any symptoms. But while experts say this is finding cases, they are less confident it is enough to stop the spread. Downing Street says it has not ruled out surge vaccinations and ministers also have plans to give booster jabs in the autumn. Hundreds of people are dying each week waiting for vital social care support while Britain waits for Boris Johnson to fix the broken system. Town halls received more than 30,000 requests for home help or other assistance from 2019 to last year which were never acted upon because the applicant died before the claim had been considered. The latest available figures equate to 83 calls for help every day, or 585 every week. Labour said that although some of the requests could be from the same person, it was clear that hundreds a week were dying waiting for care. The charity Age UK said the figures showed that families were suffering as a result of the Prime Ministers failure to reform the social care system. In July 2019, Mr Johnson stood outside Downing Street in his first speech as Prime Minister and announced that his government would fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared. But no plan has been forthcoming, with councils, care providers and charities warning the creaking care system is about to topple over after being ravaged by Covid-19 and years of inadequate funding. Hundreds of people are dying each week waiting for vital social care support while Britain waits for Boris Johnson to fix the broken system. Pictured: A woman is given a card with the details of her vaccination having administered a dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine at her home in Hasland, near Chesterfield, central England on April 14, 2021 Steve Reed, Labours shadow communities and local government secretary, said: This Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and said he had a plan to fix social care but it is still nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile thousands are tragically dying while waiting for care and others are burning through savings or selling their homes to pay for basic support. The Government could have drawn on countless reviews drawn up in the last ten years to fix social care but did not come forward with proposals in the Queens Speech. He added: Older and vulnerable younger adults in need of good-quality care cant afford to be ignored any longer: its time for the Prime Minister to deliver on his pledge and give them the help they so desperately need. The data from NHS Digital showed that between April 2019 and March 2020 there were 30,415 requests for care from people who subsequently died. This is a slight reduction on the same period in 2018 to 2019, when there were 30,555 requests, but an increase on 2017 to 2018, when the figure was 28,170. Last night Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: These tragic new figures show just how many older people are now suffering from the Governments failure to act decisively on social care. No one can say whether some of those who have died might have lived longer had they received care, but at the very least their final weeks and months might have been more comfortable and their families lives made easier, had they been given more support. Delays in putting care packages in place for older people reflect a social care system that is inadequate to the task and struggling to cope. She added: Councils are often overwhelmed and therefore slow in processing applications and carrying out assessments, and even once all the paperwork has been completed there can be long delays because there are simply no paid carers available locally to provide help. Older people have really suffered more than enough in the last year. Unless the Government does a lot more to support social care now and in the longer term the numbers waiting for help that never arrives will just keep on growing. The Mails campaign to end the dementia care betrayal is demanding action so sufferers are no longer forced to sell their homes to fund their support. The Department of Health and Social Care was approached for comment last night. MPs yesterday demanded a cap on the sky-high bills older people have to pay for care. A report by the cross-party Commons health and social care committee asked for an extra 7billion a year in funding for social care and a lifetime cap of around 46,000 on how much individuals have to pay. A pubgoer has been bashed with an axe and robbed in a hotel bathroom after winning on the pokies, police say. Just before 11am on Thursday cops were called to a venue on Hassall Street, Parramatta in Sydney's west where they were told a 37-year-old man had been attacked. The man was in the pub bathroom when he was allegedly approached by another man who demanded his poker machine payout ticket. When he refused, the man allegedly struck him with an axe and took his wallet. Police said on Thursday a pubgoer was attacked with an axe and robbed of his pokie winnings (stock image) The alleged attacker then fled the pub with a woman. Paramedics arrived shortly after and treated the pubgoer for head wounds and he was transported to Westmead Hospital where he is in a stable condition. Following inquires a 28-year-old man was arrested at Little Street, Parramatta, and 35-year-old woman was arrested at Hassall Street, Parramatta on Thursday. Both were taken to Parramatta Police Station. The man was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon cause wounding/grievous bodily harm. The woman was charged with accessory after the fact robbery armed/in company. Both were refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Local Court on Friday. An aircraft due to bring home the first group of the 9,000 Australians stranded in coronavirus-ridden India will leave from the Northern Territory. The Qantas plane will depart Darwin International Airport in the early on Friday afternoon, with just 12 hours to go before a federal government travel ban expires. The plane will return on Saturday morning to Darwin, where those on board will be transported to the Howard Springs quarantine facility just outside the city. NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner confirmed on Friday the facility will be able to accommodate 2,000 quarantining people a fortnight by the end of June. 'We're expected 450 from India over the rest of May as well as 600 from London and Istanbul,' he told Seven Network. An aircraft due to bring home the first group of the 9,000 Australians stranded in coronavirus-ridden India (pictured) will leave from the Northern Territory Mr Gunner said there was a lot of compassion in Darwin for the Australians and residents trying to get home. The NT took in the first returning Australians in February last year from Wuhan, China, which was then the global epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak. There have never been any breaches at the facility. 'No complacency,' Mr Gunner said, 'but we've set ourselves a challenge to always get better'. On Thursday, the NT government warned the Covid-19 infection rate among those returning from India could be in the double digits. About 200 repatriated Australians are expected to start two weeks' quarantine at Darwin's Howard Springs facility once the travel ban is lifted on May 15 (pictured, Scott Morrison at the facility in April) About 200 repatriated Australians are expected to start their two weeks of quarantine at Howard Springs in the coming week. They will be some of the most vulnerable cases among the 9,000 stranded in the Covid-ravaged sub-continent, which is racking up an average of 300,000 new infections a day. NT health officials are preparing for 10 per cent of the passengers on Saturday's flight to be infected - five times more than repatriation flights from other countries. Three flights are expected to land in Darwin from India during May and early June. That will push Howard Springs' population to about 1,200 people and on track to 2,000 by the end of June. Three flights are expected to land in Darwin from India during May and early June (pictured, other passengers arriving there in October) The facility can handle about 100 positive cases, but AUSMAT and NT Health teams hope to keep that number at 50. NT Deputy Chief Health Officer Charles Payne said if the number of positive cases got too high, flights from India could be paused again, but that is unlikely. About 490 people are quarantining at Howard Springs, where the number of people with coronavirus has fallen to five from more than 50 two weeks ago. About 260 of 400 new health workers have been recruited to work at the jointly-run facility, which is expected to be handed over to the NT in June by the federal government. The man who served both Presidents Obama and Trump as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has blasted the generals and admirals who signed a blistering open letter questioning President Biden's ability to do his job. General Joseph Dunford, known as Fighting Joe in his 42-year career, rounded on the signatories of the missive which claims the Commander in Chief's 'mental and physical condition cannot be ignored' and perpetuates election fraud allegations. The retired four-star general in the top job from 2015 to 2019 exclusively told Dailymail.com: 'It is inappropriate for them to comment on the performance of the President.' He was adamant to reinforce that his criticism was aimed at former senior officers trying to influence policy and did not want to be embroiled in commenting on the accusations themselves. Dunford said: 'I don't believe it is appropriate for retired military officers to be publicly critical of administration policy in or out of uniform. 'It is perfectly legitimate for us to provide substantive input and advice. 'But when it comes to assessing the capabilities of the Commander in Chief to perform his duty, when it comes to being critical of policy, my own view is that this undermines proper civil military relations.' General Joseph Dunford, left, rounded on the signatories of the missive which claims Joe Biden's 'mental and physical condition cannot be ignored'. He served both Presidents Obama and Trump as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dunford took on the most senior military role in the United States in October 2015 after being nominated by President Obama as part of a stellar career in the United States Marine Corp. He was nominated for a second term in 2017 by President Trump and retired in November, 2019. It was while leading his US Marines regiment in the 2003 invasion of Iraq that he earned the nickname Fighting Joe, under the command of senior officer and later US Secretary of Defense James Mattis. His powerful condemnation has added to a welter of opposition to the letter, branded 'bizarre, shameful and untrue' by former First Lady and losing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had close ties with senior military members while in Congress. She also served at the nation's top diplomat in the Obama administration before Trump's 2016 election victory. Other ex-senior military officers, analysts and academics have also pushed back against the former top brass for launching a 'partisan' attack'. The letter was produced by the group Flag Officers 4 America, whose website said it has now gained 124 signatures. Hillary Clinton on Thursday also blasted the group of retired admirals and generals who penned a blistering open letter that questioned President Joe Biden's mental fitness and put forward some of Donald Trump's election fraud claims. Alongside a link to a story about the letter, the former secretary of state tweeted: 'Bizarre, shameful, and untrue.' Clinton, a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, forged ties with senior military members while in Congress, before serving as the nation's top diplomat in the Obama administration and losing the presidential election to Donald Trump in 2016. The pushback also comes from some prominent former military members, including academics, who called out their fellow former officers for launching a 'partisan' attack, that did not even fall in an election year. Jim Golby, an expert in civil-military relations, tore into the effort in comments to Politico as a 'shameful effort to use their rank and the military's reputation for such a gross and blatant partisan attack.' Retired Air Force colonel Marybeth Ulrich, who teaches at the Air Force Academy, termed it 'anti-democratic.' The retired military officers did not quibble with their compatriots expressing political views but in joining in a sweeping attack on the commander in chief. Also ripping the effort was retired Adm. Mike Mullen, who served as chair of the joint chiefs of staff and outranks those on the letter, said: 'I think it hurts the military and by extension it hurts the country. He cast it as 'right-wing Republican talking points.' 'This is really, to my mind, a classic very bad example of the erosion of civil-military relations in America, which is the bedrock of our democracy,' another retired military leader, Army Col. Jeffrey McCausland, told HuffPost. Alongside a link to a story about the letter, Clinton tweeted: 'Bizarre, shameful, and untrue.' A group of more than 120 retired military officers have written President Joe Biden (pictured Wednesday) to tell him his election was less than legitimate Senior officers, including former members of the joint chiefs of staff, have occasionally put their name to documents that fit a political context including one days after the Jan. 6th riots. 'The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process,' the joint chiefs wrote in a letter to the Armed Forces days after the attack. 'We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection,' they wrote. The pushback came after a group of more than 120 retired military officers have written to President Joe Biden to tell him his election was less than legitimate while questioning his mental acuity. The letter echoes former President Donald Trump's claims of widespread election fraud which have not been borne out in the courts and comes on a day when Rep. Liz Cheney ripped Trump for his claim that the election was 'stolen.' 'Without fair and honest elections that accurately reflect the 'will of the people' our Constitutional Republic is lost,' the letter from retired officers says. Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle The group calls itself 'Flag Officers 4 America' and consists of retired military officers including generals and admirals. 'The FBI and Supreme Court must act swiftly when election irregularities are surfaced and not ignore them as was done in 2020,' they wrote. The letter, called an 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals,' was reported by Politico. It echoes Trump's claims that absentee ballots are not secure as it goes after Biden, who serves as Commander in Chief of the military. 'Election integrity demands insuring there is one legal vote cast and counted per citizen. Legal votes are identified by State Legislature's approved controls using government IDs, verified signatures, etc,' they write. 'Today, many are calling such commonsense [voter ID] controls 'racist' in an attempt to avoid having fair and honest elections. Using racial terms to suppress proof of eligibility is itself a tyrannical intimidation tactic,' they write. The retired officers raise doubts about Biden's mental capacity and reference Speaker Nancy Pelosi's move to get assurances about the nuclear codes in the days after the January 6 MAGA riot. The 'Open Letter from Retired Generals and Admirals' blasts Biden for 'excessive lockdowns' and 'censorship of written and verbal expression,' while questioning his mental acuity The retired officers hit the Iran nuclear deal and even slap Biden for stopping the Keystone Pipeline project, while saying 'anarchy' in cities cannot be tolerated 'The mental and physical condition of the Commander in Chief cannot be ignored. He must be able to quickly make accurate national security decisions involving life and limb anywhere, day or night,' they write. 'Recent Democrat leadership's inquiries about nuclear code procedures sends a dangerous national security signal to nuclear armed adversaries, raising the question about who is in charge. We must always have an unquestionable chain of command.' The group Flag Officers 4 America call themselves 'retired military leaders who pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' The letter is a counterpoint to impactful public statements by national security officials who weighed in for Biden during the campaign. One such effort came when 10 former secretaries of Defense penned an extraordinary op-ed in the Washington Post warning there is 'no role' for the U.S. military in the outcome of U.S. elections, and stating the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. That letter came three days before the Capitol riot. The signers of the attached their names to the letter. Among them was Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle, who served in Vietnam and later commanded the US Army Industrial Operations Command (IOC) at Rock Island, Illinois. Arbuckle, who organized the effort, told Politico: 'Retired generals and admirals normally do not engage in political actions, but the situation facing our nation today is dire.' He continued: 'We are facing threats greater than at any other time since our country was founded. To remain silent would be a dereliction of duty.' The effort drew immediate pushback from military members who lamented people who wore the uniform jumping into an organized political effort. More than 120 former military officers signed the letter, including Gen. William Boykin (left) and John Poindexter (right) Members of the military vote in elections and have protected constitutional rights, but military leaders have warned of the risks of intruding in domestic politics. In the run-up to 2020, retired Gen. James Mattis denounced Trump, whom he served as Defense Secretary, in a June response to the events at Lafayette Square. 'We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,' Mattis wrote. Other signers of the anti-Biden letter included include Vice Adm. John Poindexter, who was convicted in the Iran-Contra Affair. Also signing on was Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc, who lost the Republican primary in 2020 to challenge Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and is planning another Senate run. Another signer, Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, who was termed anti-Muslim for his comments to a Christian congregation, CBS previously reported, after Boykin said of a Somali warlord: 'I knew that my God was bigger than his.' Gladys Berejiklian has been left 'shocked and distressed' by sexual assault allegations against families minister Gareth Ward. Liberal MP Mr Ward, 39, stood down from the NSW ministry last night after confirming he is under investigation over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred in 2013. According to reports, the alleged crimes happened in a hotel room against an adult. In a brief press conference on Friday morning, Ms Berejiklian said: 'I think all of us were incredibly shocked and distressed by what unfolded yesterday afternoon'. Minister for Families, Gareth Ward, released a statement confirming he'd stepped aside but denied any wrong doing. Pictured with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian 'None of us will tolerate behaviour that is regarded as completely unacceptable.' The premier added: 'I asked him if he'd done anything wrong. He denied any wrongdoing. 'He was very categoric in saying police had not contacted him as yet.' Last night Mr Ward, who as families minister was responsible for 17,000 vulnerable children, released a statement confirming he'd stepped down as a Liberal MP and will sit on the cross bench. 'Today I have been made aware by a journalist of an investigation into me by NSW Police,' he said. 'I have not been contacted by Police in relation to any allegations. I deny any wrongdoing. 'Until this matter is resolved, it is appropriate I stand aside from my role as Minister. I will also remove myself from the Liberal Party room. 'I will not be making any further comment at this time.' NSW Families Minister Gareth Ward has stood aside after confirming he is under investigation by detectives over violent sex offences that allegedly occurred in 2013 Ms Berejiklian said she has been made aware of the investigation through media reports on Thursday. 'I have subsequently received advice from Minister Gareth Ward of his decision to step aside as Minister and sit on the cross bench while there is speculation about his future,' she said in a statement. 'I support his decision. The Attorney General will act in Mr Ward's portfolio responsibilities.' In a statement, New South Wales Police said: 'Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad have established Strike Force Condello to investigate allegations of sexual violence-related offences. 'The incidents were reported to have occurred from 2013. As investigations are continuing, no further information is available.' Mr Ward, who represents Kiama, south of Sydney, was previously caught up in a 'secret massage' extortion incident. He was staying at the Intercontinental Hotel near Broadway in New York in 2017 when he allegedly called for what he believed was a masseur. But what was supposed to be a moment of holiday relaxation turned into a 'terrifying' blackmail attempt, he said. 'Look I contacted someone who I thought was a masseur and when he came to my hotel - he brought a friend - it became clear they wanted more. I made it clear that was not what I wanted and asked them to leave,' he told Daily Mail Australia at the time. 'They became aggressive and pulled out their phones and began recording and demanding money.' Mr Ward said he told the men he would get them the money and took the lift to the lobby, where he told the clerk while the pair 'bolted.' Attorney General Mark Speakman will take on Mr Ward's portfolio responsibilities. It is the second such incident of sexual assault against a NSW MP this year following allegations Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen raped a sex worker in 2019. He has since resigned from parliament. Mr Johnsen has not been charged by police and denies the allegation, calling it unfair and unfounded. It comes after federal politics was rocked by a series of sex scandals this year. Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped by a colleague in a minister's Parliament House office in 2019. And former Attorney-General Christian Porter was accused of raping a woman after a debating competition when he was 17, allegations he strongly denies. Police decided not to charge him after the alleged victim took her own life last year. Last month Ms Higgins met Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney to discuss how women's safety could be improved. Her ideas included updating rules for Parliament House security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and call an ambulance if anyone is found unconscious. She claims she was sexually assaulted after security let her and a colleague into the building after a boozy night out. Her attacker allegedly raped her on a couch in then-defence minister Linda Reynold's office before she was found half-naked and unconscious by security hours later. Ms Higgins has reported her allegations to the Australian Federal Police. No charges have been laid. Going to bed at a sensible time and waking up early could help obese people reduce their risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, a new study claims. Experts from the University Federico II of Naples, Italy analysed 172 middle-aged obese people, examining the time they wake in the morning and go to bed at night. All the participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32 - higher than the healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9 - at the time of the study, but those waking late were at greater risk. Study authors found that night owls were six times more likely to develop type two diabetes and four times more likely to have heart disease than early risers. They didn't investigate exactly what causes the increased risk, but earlier studies have found night owls suffer disruptions to their body clock due to over activation of systems in the body that control stress, digestion and the immune system. Going to bed at a sensible time and waking up early could help obese people reduce their risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, a new study claims. Stock image WHAT IS A CHRONOTYPE? A chronotype is the behaviour linked to the circadian rhythms of the body. It is about the time of day a person is most likely to sleep. Morning chronotype (MC) people sleep early and have peak activity levels in the morning. Evening chronotype (EC) people sleep late in the evening and have peak activity level late in the day. Intermediate chronotype (IC) people also have peak activity in the morning but go to bed at a range of times. Advertisement The team say sleep habits should be considered when managing obesity, including 'promoting an alignment of daily activities according to the body clock.' They looked at the chronotype of the volunteers, that is the time they are most predisposed to sleep, from morning (MC), evening (EC) and intermediate (IC). The 'evening chronotype' is a pattern of later waking and peak activity later in the day, whereas the 'morning chronotype' wake earlier and have their peak activity levels earlier, according to study authors. Previous studies have shown that people with an evening chronotype have disruptions to their body clock that can alter their metabolic processes. This is due to over-activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is a collection of linked body systems that control our reaction to stress, digestion, the immune system and various other functions. Evening chronotype is also often associated with sleep disturbances, they said. The aim of this study was to investigate if evening chronotype contributes to the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people living with obesity, beyond sleep disturbances and other clinical characteristics. About 30 per cent of morning chronotype volunteers had cardiovascular disease, compared to 54.5 per cent of those with evening chronotypes. When it came to type 2 diabetes, nine per cent of volunteers with morning chronotypes had the condition, compared to 36.4 per cent of evening types. Night owls also reported a tendency to follow an unhealthy lifestyle when compared to early and intermediate risers, the study authors discovered. This included performing less regular physical activity and smoking, they found. Experts from the University Federico II of Naples, Italy analysed 172 middle aged obese people, examining the time they wake in the morning and go to bed at night. Stock image Study author Dr Giovanna Muscogiuri said the assessment of chronotype should be taken into account in the management of obesity. '[This is] because promoting an alignment of daily activities according to the body clock or circadian rhythm of people living with obesity might reduce their risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.' The findings are being presented at the latest meeting of the European Congress on Obesity. Excavations at Nottingham Castle have unearthed the remains of three monkeys dating back to the Georgian era that were likely kept as exotic animals. Archaeologists came across the large bones of the guenon monkeys which are native to central and western Africa during redevelopment works on the castle. Experts believe that the imported primates may have been kept by a former castle tenant the eccentric and flamboyant Jane Kirkby as part of a menagerie. A major royal fortress in the Middle Ages which occupied a prominent position on 'Castle Rock', the original Nottingham Castle was largely demolished in 1651. The Duke of Newcastle later built on a mansion on the site, but one his successors would later avoid as the the Industrial Revolution left Nottingham sizeable slums. Instead, they rented the property out to tenants like Miss Kirkby. In 1831, however, the mansion was targeted as part of the 'reform riots' launched in protest against the then current's duke's opposition to a change in voting rights. The castle which was been closed for the last three years to allow for the 30 million renovations will re-open to the public on June 21 this year. Scroll down for video Excavations at Nottingham Castle have unearthed the remains (pictured) of three monkeys dating back to the Georgian era that were likely kept as exotic animals Archaeologists came across the large bones of the guenon monkeys which are native to central and western Africa during redevelopment works on the castle, pictured Experts believe that the imported primates may have been kept by a former castle tenant the eccentric and flamboyant Jane Kirkby as part of a menagerie. Pictured: excavations at Nottingham Castle. The bones were unearthed during work to construct a new gallery GUENON MONKEYS Guenons or 'Cercopithecus' are a genus of Old World monkeys. All species of guenon are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, with most occupying forest habitats. Today, many are threatened or endangered as a result of habitat loss. Advertisement According to York Archaeological Trust head researcher Gareth Davies, the bones date back to sometime during the late 18th century. 'At that time, the ducal palace had been converted to apartments and these bones were just found in a levelling layer of rubbish,' he told BBC News. 'We don't know whether originally they were buried and then disturbed.' The archaeological team were used to finding other types of animal bones at the site, Dr Davies noted. However, he added, the monkey remains took the researchers by surprise. Remains of another relatively exotic bird European crane were also found. 'At some point people were keeping a menagerie, like a little zoo, in the grounds of the ducal palace when it was turned into apartments,' Dr Davies told BBC News. According to former Nottingham Castle volunteer Yvonne Armitage, the most likely former resident from that time to have kept exotic monkeys was one Jane Kirkby. Dubbed its 'most flamboyant' tenant, Miss Kirkby lived in the castle between 17911825 and was known for her hospitality, but demonised as 'eccentric' and 'peculiar' by the Nottingham press for being an independently wealthy, unmarried woman. Her status and riches came from her grandfather, who was an illegitimate son of the Earl of Chesterfield, Ms Armitage told BBC News. The archaeological team were used to finding other types of animal bones at the site (pictured), Dr Davies noted. However, he added, the monkey remains surprised the team 'At some point people were keeping a menagerie, like a little zoo, in the grounds of the ducal palace when it was turned into apartments,' Dr Davies told BBC News. Pictured: zoologist Marius Illie analysis the monkey bones, while an actress dressed as Miss Kirkby the most likely keeper of the monkeys looks on It is unclear how the guenon monkeys died but, Dr Davies told BBC News, the wear on their teeth suggested that they had lived to a 'good age'. Pictured: a guenon monkey According to historical records, Miss Kirkby kept pets during her time in Nottingham Castle among which were lap-dogs and a 'large ape' that, Ms Armitage said, served as Miss Kirkby's 'constant companion'. It is not clear if this is a reference to the monkeys found during the dig or an entirely different animal. It is also unclear how the guenons died but, Dr Davies told BBC News, the extent of the wear on their teeth suggested that they had lived to a 'good age'. During the 18th century, Dr Davies told BBC News, 'the ducal palace [depicted] had been converted to apartments and these bones were just found in a levelling layer of rubbish' Nottingham Castle which has been closed for the last three years to allow for the 30 million renovations will re-open to the public on June 21 this year Healthcare eDiscovery Market Overview: According to a report published by Market Presearch Future (MRFR), the global healthcare eDiscovery market is anticipated to grow exponentially at a CAGR of 11.5% over the forecast period of 2017 to 2023. The global healthcare sector, due to its, litigious and regulated nature, has been facing a need for an intelligent information governance solution, a reliable healthcare data management system such as an eDiscovery platform to maintain the security of information of the patients, such as patients billing, radiological images, and medical history combined with management of healthcare data. The healthcare eDiscovery market is driven majorly by the growing demand for a data management system for the electronic health records, increasing the use of software for healthcare system for data management, and strict regulation of storage of clinical and patient data on a cloud-based platform. Risks of managing healthcare data comprise of the use of pirated software, data security issues and the threat of cyber-attacks, which restrains the growth of the global market for healthcare eDiscovery platforms. The high expenditure of healthcare data management solutions and lack of awareness among the medical staff may also act as a restraining factor. Request Free Sample @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/706 Healthcare eDiscovery Market Key Players: Some of the key market players of the healthcare eDiscovery market are Google (U.S.), Commvault (U.S.), IBM (U.S.), Actiance, Inc. (U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), Barracuda Networks Inc. (U.S.), Allscripts (U.S.) Global Relay Communications Inc. (U.S.), and others. These macroeconomic expansions attract major medical device & IT companies looking for a geographical extension for growing their sales and achieving market growth. The acquisitions, new product launches, partnerships are various strategic approaches of these market players that subsequently lead to massive market growth . Healthcare eDiscovery Market Segmental Analysis: The global market for healthcare eDiscovery solutions is segmented based on deployment, application, and end-user. Based on deployment, the healthcare eDiscovery market is bifurcated into the on-premise systems, and cloud systems. Based on application, the market is segmented into communication, application audit trail via metadata, EHR-hosting, and other applications. By end-users, the market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, healthcare IT companies, pharmacy, and others. Based on the region, the global healthcare eDiscovery market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Healthcare eDiscovery Market Regional Analysis: North America has been assessed to account for the largest market share, which is attributed to the growing importance of storage and archival, retrieval of clinical data, the rising demand for quality healthcare, extensive use of software solution for healthcare management and data storage, growing demand of genuine software solutions, and growing awareness about eDiscovery platforms and clinical data sharing. Europe has been assessed as the second largest market for healthcare eDiscovery, due to the growing use of data management solutions and regulations prevailing the use of healthcare information by hospitals and health insurance companies. The Asia Pacific has been assessed as the fastest growing region with India, Japan, and China being the leading countries towards market growth. Increasing patient pool, awareness concerning the significance of medical records in legal matters and the increasing demand for lucrative healthcare IT solutions for management are the major driving factors for the growth of the healthcare eDiscovery market in this region. Additionally, governments focus and initiatives to promote healthcare IT, the increasing use of healthcare software solutions, and technological advancements, among others, are additional drivers of the market in the Asia Pacific. moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure and widespread growth of the medical device industry also influence the use of medical devices for diagnosis of various chronic or serious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and others. The Middle East & Africa is has been estimated to showcase gradual and steady growth in the global healthcare eDiscovery market due to the low technological penetration and comparatively poor healthcare infrastructure, especially in the economically under-developed Africa. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are the major contributors to the market growth owing to the increase in the availability of specialty healthcare diagnostics and proper treatment services and increasing demand for software solutions for patient care. But growing regulatory initiatives towards improving the healthcare sector in this region is estimated to be a driving factor for the market over the forecast period. Browse Complete Report with TOC @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/healthcare-ediscovery-market-706 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. If you have teenagers at home, it's likely you often feel like you're speaking to a brick wall. Now, a study has confirmed that teenagers really do ignore you, spending less time looking at your face when you're speaking to them than another adult would. A team led by the University of Kent recorded three groups of volunteers, aged 10-19, 20-40 and 60-80 in real-world social interaction situations. The situations involved them having a face-to-face conversation and navigating an environment, with eye-tracking glasses used to monitor their interactions. The findings revealed that adolescents pay less attention to social cues in real-world interactions than adults. They found that teens and older adults spend 12 per cent less time looking at the face of someone they are talking to, and two per cent less time looking at people in the navigation task compared to young adults aged 20 to 40. Interpreting the facial expression, tone of voice and gestures of others is a vital element of social interaction, the researchers explained. Teenagers spend less time looking at the face of a person they are speaking to them adults, researchers claim, showing that teens really do ignore you. Stock image Secondary schools should consider starting the day 70 minutes LATER To be better synchronised with the body clocks of teenagers, secondary schools should consider starting the day 70 minutes later, a study has concluded. Experts from the US studied the impact of shifting back the school day by different amounts by age group on around 28,000 students between the ages of 518. They found that students at the US high school level (ages 1418) benefitted most from their delated start at 8.20 am getting 3.8 hours of extra sleep per week. For children and teenagers, sleep is essential to health, social development and academic achievement yet many are clinically sleep deprived. The main reason for this is that sleep cycles are affected by puberty in such a way that makes it difficult for adolescents to fall asleep early. When this is combined with typically early school start times, students end up effectively burning the candle at both ends and end up getting insufficient sleep. Advertisement The findings show that social attention undergoes age-related change, according to the researchers, adding that this has potential implications for how successfully we can interpret social interactions in daily life and throughout our lifespan. 'Interpreting the facial expression, tone of voice and gestures of others is a vital element of social interaction,' the authors wrote. 'These skills allow us to make rapid inferences about others' mental states, such as their intentions, emotions, desires and beliefs.' Successful social interaction prompts perspective-taking and empathy along with other essential social skills, and plays an important role in enhancing our wellbeing. The research led by PhD student, Martina De Lillo, alongside Professor Heather Ferguson is the first of its kind to examine how social attention is allocated during adolescence and whether it differs from adulthood. De Lillo and colleagues recorded participants in two real-world social interaction situations, a face-to-face conversation and navigating an environment. They used mobile eye-tracking glasses to monitor their attention to social and non-social information as they navigated the situation. Adolescents (10-19 years old), young (20-40 years old) and older (60-80 years old) adults were assessed in both scenarios. In the first experiment adolescents and older adults spent less time looking at the experimenter's face during conversation, and more time fixating the background, compared to young adults. In the second experiment adolescents and older adults spent less time looking at people while navigating a busy university environment, compared to young adults. This is likely because adolescents and older adults found the social situation more challenging to maintain than young adults, and they managed this difficulty by avoiding the complex social information of the face. De Lillo said: 'Using mobile eye-tracking technology allowed us to gain a unique understanding into social interaction and the everyday use of social cognition in real-world contexts. 'It can play a critical role in further understanding how social interaction develops across the lifespan.' Professor Ferguson explained that focusing less on people and their faces means that adolescents and older adults miss important cues. A team led by the University of Kent recorded three groups of volunteers, aged 10-19, 20-40 and 60-80 in real-world social interaction situations. Stock image He added that this 'could lead to larger impairments in social interaction, or less opportunities to engage in social interaction with others.' 'During adolescence, 10-19-year-olds are still learning and developing peer relationships, so they are experiencing a rapid change in their social experiences and preferences,' Ferguson explained. 'For older adults, a substantial decline in social participation can lead to isolation, loneliness and poor health. Both groups can therefore be significantly impacted by a lack of social engagement.' The findings have been published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. Scientists have found the earliest-known evidence of mammals at the seashore, in a former water lagoon at the Hanna Formation of Wyoming. Footprints left by two species of mammals one identified and one not were made 58 million years ago, according to analysis by the US experts. The identified mammal species is Coryphodon, a primitive hooved creature with four legs about the size of a brown bear one of the largest-known mammals of its time. Comparable to a modern hippopotamus, Coryphodon was slow and heavily built with squat legs, for supporting a heavy body rather than fast running. The findings suggest mammals may have first used marine habitats at least 9.4 million years earlier than previously thought, in the late Paleocene era (66-56 million years ago), rather than the Eocene era (56-33.9 million years ago). Today's large mammals congregate near water as protection from predators and biting insects, as well as to forage for foods and get access to salt sources. Ancient, extinct mammals may have had similar reasons for seeking out a day at the beach, according to the team. A reconstruction of the brown-bear-sized mammals (Coryphodon) that made thousands of tracks in a 58-million-year-old, brackish water lagoon in what is now southern Wyoming Today, the rocks of the Hanna Formation in south-central Wyoming are hundreds of miles away from the nearest ocean. But around 58 million years ago, Wyoming was at the oceanfront The newly-discovered tracks include underprints (impressions in soft sediment made by heavy animals) overlying sediment layers, as well as prints pressed into the surfaces of ancient tidal flats. They were discovered at the Hanna Formation in September 2019 by Dr Anton Wroblewski at the University of Utah, who has authored a study on the discovery. 'Paleontologists have been working in this area for thirty years, but they've been looking for bones, leaf fossils, and pollen, so they didn't notice footprints or trackways,' said Dr Wroblewski. 'When I found them, it was late afternoon and the setting sun hit them at just the right angle to make them visible on the tilted slabs of sandstone. 'At first, I couldn't believe what I was seeing I had walked by this outcrop for years without noticing them. 'Once I saw the first few, I followed out the ridge of sandstone and realised they were part of a much larger, more extensive trackway.' Section of the 58-million-year-old tracksite with three separate trackways made by five-toed mammals walking in parallel (highlighted in white by the researchers using flour) Dr Anton Wroblewski points to an underprint made 58 million years ago by a heavy mammal (likely Coryphodon) walking on the deltaic deposits above. Underprints form when sediment is displaced downward by footsteps from heavy animals Today, the rocks of the Hanna Formation in south-central Wyoming are hundreds of miles away from the nearest ocean. But around 58 million years ago, Wyoming was right by the water next to what's sometimes referred to as the Cannonball Sea with large hippo-like mammals traipsing through nearshore lagoons. Cannonball Sea was part of the Western Interior Seaway a shallow stretch of water ran from the Gulf of Mexico through to the Arctic Ocean and divided the continent into two landmasses. Now preserved in sandstone, the tracks at Hanna Formation run for more than half a mile (one kilometre) and were made by two different animals. One set showed relatively large, five-toed footprints, comparable to the foot size of a modern-day brown bear, while another showed medium-sized, four-toed footprints. The authors suggest that the five-toed prints were made by the semiaquatic Coryphodon, but they're unsure about the four-toed footprints. Blunt-toed print of the five-toed left by animal walking left to right, with digits numbered (right) The four-toed prints did not match skeletal evidence of mammals known from the late Paleocene, but show similarities with artiodactyls and tapiroids (types of hoofed mammals), which have yet to be shown to have existed in the Paleocene era. Fossilised plants and pollen helped the researchers determine the age of the tracks to be around 58 million years old, during the Paleocene epoch. Before this finding, the earliest known evidence of mammals interacting with marine environments came from the Eocene epoch, around 9.4 million years later. According to Dr Wroblewski, the Hanna Formation tracks are the first Paleocene mammal tracks found in the US and only the fourth in the world. Sandstone outcrops in the Hanna Formation, taken in the search for ichnofossils and other evidence of Paleocene life Two sets have been previously been found in Canada and one other has been found in Svalbard, Norway. The new discovery is also the largest accumulation of Paleocene mammal tracks in the world in both aerial extent and the absolute number of tracks. With at least two species leaving the tracks, it's also the most taxonomically diverse. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows the exciting potential of easily-missed trace fossils fossils of a footprint, trail, burrow or any other trace of an animal that isn't the animal itself to spill secrets. 'No other line of evidence directly records behaviors of extinct organisms preserved in their preferred habitats,' said Dr Wroblewski. 'There's still a lot of important information out there in the rocks, waiting for somebody to spot it when the lighting is just right!' Elon Musk's SpaceX and Google have joined forces to to deliver data, cloud services, and applications to customers at the network edge. This new partnership will see SpaceX setup ground stations at the tech giant's data centers around the world, enabling the secure, low-latency, and reliable delivery of data from 1,550 Starlink satellites in orbit via Google Cloud. The SpaceX-Google cloud capabilities are expected to be available in the second half of 2021 for enterprise customers, Google shared in a press release. The Musk-owned firm plans to install the first Starlink terminal at Google's Albany, Ohio data center, with more location set to be announced in the coming months. Scroll down for video Elon Musk's SpaceX and Google have joined forces to to deliver data, cloud services, and applications to customers at the network edge SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said: 'Combining Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband with Google's infrastructure and capabilities provides global organizations with the secure and fast connection that modern organizations expect. 'We are proud to work with Google to deliver this access to businesses, public sector organizations, and many other groups operating around the world.' Google Cloud provides customers with computing resources for developing, deploying and operating applications on the internet. The SpaceX-Google cloud capabilities are expected to be available in the second half of 2021 for enterprise customer 'Organizations with broad footprints, like public sector agencies, businesses with presences at the network edge, or those operating in rural or remote areas, often require access to applications running in the cloud, or to cloud services like analytics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, Google shared in a statement. Combining this with the Starlink internet satellites in orbit, will create a path for these organizations to deliver data and applications to teams distributed across countries and continents, quickly and securely, according to Google. Urs Holzle, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure at Google Cloud, said: 'Applications and services running in the cloud can be transformative for organizations, whether theyre operating in a highly networked or remote environment. 'We are delighted to partner with SpaceX to ensure that organizations with distributed footprints have seamless, secure, and fast access to the critical applications and services they need to keep their teams up and running.' Google Cloud's high-capacity private network will support the delivery of Starlink's global satellite internet service, bringing businesses and consumers seamless connectivity to the cloud and Internet, and enabling the delivery of critical enterprise applications to virtually any location, Google shared in a press release. Bikash Koley, Googles head of global networking, said: 'This is one of a kind. I dont believe something like this has been done before. This new partnership will see SpaceX setup ground stations at the tech giant's data centers around the world, enabling the secure, low-latency, and reliable delivery of data from 1,550 Starlink satellites in orbit via Google Cloud 'The real potential of this technology became very obvious. The power of combining cloud with universal secure connectivity, its a very powerful combination.' Cloud companies have also tapped into the telecoms sector, thanks to a jump in demand for 5G connectivity. Google's cloud business accounts for about seven percent of its total revenue, as of the latest earnings report. The deal comes at a time when demand for cloud-computing services has soared, with players like Microsoft Corp and Amazon dominating the market, as first reported on by CNBC. Amazon launched its cloud business in 2006 to provide general-purpose computing and storage tools from its Amazon Web Services division. This service offers a secure cloud service, which Google can now list on its features when it rolls out capabilities with Starlink. Google is not the only tech giant taking advantage of Musk's internet satellite constellation, as Microsoft won a similar deal in October 2020 to connect its Azure cloud computing platform to Starlink. Once the service is unleashed, it will 'provide high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband for the new Azure Modular Datacenter (MDC),' Microsoft shared in a press release last year. Google is not the only tech giant taking advantage of Musk's internet satellite constellation, as Microsoft won a similar deal in October 2020 to connect its Azure cloud computing platform to Starlink SpaceX, known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX's interplanetary goals. However, rival Amazon is ramping up to create its own internet satellite constellation, which could launch more than 3,000 devices. The Jeff Bezos-founded firm received approval from the Federal Communications (FCC) last July to build the $10 billion constellation. The plan is to send devices into three different altitudes and the firm claims just 578 satellites are needed to being service for paying customers. The Antarctic ice sheet could suffer a chain reaction collapse as melting ice exposes land underneath, leaving less heat to be reflected away and causing temperatures to rise further and weather patterns to be changed, a study has warned. Researchers used climate modeling and data for the Middle Miocene period - which was 13 to 17 million years ago - when carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures were similar to those expected at the end of the 21st century. They found that the Antarctic ice sheet was more unstable in its past than initially thought. If the ice sheet becomes unstable, it becomes harder for it to reform and could eventually collapse, especially if the climate continues to warm. The research, published in Nature Geoscience on Thursday, suggests that if global temperatures continue to rise, the ice sheet could give way to the land underneath it. This would lead to higher temperatures and greater amounts of rain in the region, further accelerating the ice loss. 'When an ice sheet melts, the newly exposed ground beneath is less reflective, and local temperatures become warmer,' the study's lead author, University of Exeter professor Dr. Catherine Bradshaw, said in a statement. 'This can dramatically change weather patterns,' Bradshaw continued. The Antarctic peninsula as seen in the summer. The ice shelf, the largest on Earth, was more unstable in its past than previously believed, triggering concerns about what will happen if the climate gets warmer 'With a big ice sheet on the continent like we have today, Antarctic winds usually blow from the continent out to the sea,' Bradshaw explained. 'However, if the continent warms this could be reversed, with the winds blowing from the cooler sea to the warmer land - just as we see with monsoons around the world.' 'That would bring extra rainfall to the Antarctic continent, causing more freshwater to run into the sea.' Because freshwater is less dense than saltwater, it does not sink and circulate in the same way - causing the surface ocean to become warmer and making the warming problem worse. The scientists stress that the conditions experienced during the Middle Miocene are not identical to those now. But a collapse of the ice sheet may have only been prevented then because of the orbital position of the Earth relative to the Sun, the researchers say. This image, taken from another study, details how how the Antarctic could look as the ice sheet disappears as temperatures increase The Antarctic ice sheet -- along with the Greenland ice sheet -- is one of the polar ice caps. It also contains a history of the planet's climate In early January, NASA said that 2020 was the warmest on record, tied with 2016. The global average temperature was 1.84 degrees Fahrenheit (1.02 degrees Celsius) warmer than the mean between 1951 and 1980. The ice sheet covers about 98 percent of the Antarctic continent and is the largest single ice mass on the planet. The researchers found that there were significant fluctuations recorded in the deep-sea temperatures during the Miocene period. When combined with the position of the Earth relative to the Sun, weather patterns were altered and significant ice loss was seen until the warm period ended. 'When the Middle Miocene climate cooled, the link we have found between the area of the ice sheet and the deep-sea temperatures via the hydrological cycle came to an end,' study co-author and University of Stockholm associated professor Agatha De Boer added. 'Once Antarctica was fully covered by the ice sheet, the winds would always go from the land to the sea and as a result rainfall would have reduced to the low levels falling as snow over the continent we see today.' The study's findings imply that the oceans are 'sensitive' to ice sheets retreat and expose previously covered land, study co-author Dr. Petra Langebroek, a senior researcher from NORCE and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, added. Cardiff University professor Carrie Lear said the findings of the study are 'concerning.' Nonetheless, additional 'research is needed to determine exactly what this means for the long-term future of the modern Antarctic ice sheet,' Lear added. Apple's newly released tracker device has already been hacked by an IT security researcher, just days after its release. German security researcher Stack Smashing tweeted on May 8, just one week after the device went on sale, that they managed to 'break into the microcontroller of the AirTag.' The IT researcher added that he was able to 'dump the firmware and some important areas,' essentially modifying the device's tracking software. And while the standard AirTag opens Apple's Find My website, the hacked one diverted users to a non-related URL. It opens the risk that hacked AirTags could be used for phishing scams, 9to5Mac reports. A video of the hack was also posted to YouTube, detailing how it was done. Daily Mail has reached out to Apple with a request for comment on the hack. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Apple's AirTag was hacked by German IT researcher Stack Smashing after he took control of the software and broke into the microcontroller, essentially, opening the device up for phishing scams German IT researcher Stack Smashing said on May 8 that he had finally broke into the AirTag microcontroller, becoming the first to hack the new Apple device Similar to the already popular Tile, AirTags can be attached to keys, a wallet or other products and provides notifications when you become separated from the item. It equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an iPhone or iPad or third party device. The location of the AirTag is sent to iCloud and then it can be seen on a map, according to Apple's website. Using the 'Find My' app, the system provides step-by-step directions to locate the tag and the missing product. AirTags, which were announced in April, retail for $29 individually or $99 for a four-pack. By comparison, Tile's tracker costs $25, with discounts for multi-packs. AirTags only work with a new software update, iOS 14.5, which was released on Monday evening and features a controversial privacy update. Apple announced AirTags, which use Bluetooth to find lost items such as iPhones, iPads or third-party devices, in late April The circular device, which competes with other third-party trackers such as Tile, costs $29 or $99 for a four-pack 'AirTag requires iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later,' Apple says. At the April unveiling, Apple emphasized AirTags are not for tracking people, adding that it has privacy features to ensure they are not used for anything but to find inanimate objects. On their initial release, Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, said: 'We're excited to bring this incredible new capability to iPhone users with the introduction of AirTag to help them keep track of and find the important items in their lives.' 'With its design, unparalleled finding experience, and built-in privacy and security features, AirTag will provide customers with another way to leverage the power of the Apple ecosystem and enhance the versatility of iPhone.' There is a built-in speaker that plays sounds to help locate AirTag, while a removable cover makes it easy for users to replace the battery. Users can also assign AirTag to an item and name it with a default like 'Keys' or 'Jacket,' or provide a custom name of their choosing. Once AirTag is set up, it will appear in the new Items tab in the Find My app, where users can view the items current or last known location on a map. If a user misplaces their item and it is within Bluetooth range, they can use the Find My app to play a sound from the AirTag to help locate it. Users can also ask Siri to find their item, and AirTag will play a sound if it is nearby. Claire Bentley, Managing Director at British Airways Holidays, reveals how to book the perfect getaway , the places she wants to visit once we travel again and what she never leaves home without. What makes a holiday with British Airways Holidays unique? We provide our customers with great value holidays that come with the quality and peace of mind theyd expect from British Airways. Claire Bentley, Managing Director at British Airways Holidays The airlines extensive global network means we are in the unique position to offer convenient flights and secure great deals to the most amazing destinations. Booking their flight and hotel or flight and car together means our customers can save both time and money. Bookings also come with a range of additional flexible options, which is more important now than ever. These include low deposits (from just 60 per person), flexible payments, the ability to defer paying the balance until three weeks before travel, ATOL protection and a 24-hour holiday helpline. What health and safety measures have British Airways Holidays put in place to help protect guests in resorts? We work with more than 11,000 carefully selected hotels and villas, and have always expected the highest standards from them. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have updated our requirements to implement new health and safety procedures in line with World Health Organization guidance. These include social distancing, enhanced cleaning processes and additional staff training. The airline also continues to incorporate protective measures on the ground and in the sky to keep customers safe. What should readers look for when booking a holiday? Id recommend customers consider a holiday providers flexible booking policies in case Government advice changes or the unexpected happens. With British Airways Holidays, customers can change a booking for free or cancel it for voucher credit, valid until April 2023, with just three weeks notice. If we cannot fulfil the holiday, we guarantee a full refund within 14 days. You never go on holiday without taking... Our holiday helpline phone number! It is available 24/7, and the team is always helpful and ready to assist. I confess to using it on occasions when perhaps I shouldnt have it has made me a lazy traveller! What is your all-time favourite holiday destination? Italy, because of its myriad options, from the culture and history of Rome to the glistening Italian lakes, the secluded beaches of Sardinia and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Every time I visit, it feels like a completely different holiday. And, after quite a bit of home cooking in recent months, Im desperate to get back to indulge in some pizza, pasta and gelato! What are your top three bucket list destinations and why? Number one is the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. British Airways Holidays has a long-term partnership with wildlife charity Born Free and, just over a year ago, we helped facilitate the forever home of two lionesses that were rescued from a failed zoo in Spain. They have settled in really well, and are enjoying their golden years together. It would be so special to see first-hand how content they are in their new surroundings. Costa Rica is also on the list, for its abundance of wildlife, luscious rainforest and mesmerising beaches. Listening to the wake-up calls of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws while sipping a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee sounds idyllic! Finally, there are some European cities Ive yet to explore, including Dubrovnik in Croatia. Searches on our website for Dubrovnik and Venice holidays have spiked in recent weeks, as people look to take advantage of visiting these tourist hotspots without the crowds. Keira Maguire has finally revealed why she split form Love Island hunk Matt Zukowski, after the duo mysteriously parted ways earlier in the year. On Wednesday, the 35-year-old Bachelor In Paradise star spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the demise of their romance in January, after split rumours emerged when the pair unfollowed each other on social media. Keira, who is launching her own brand Skyn Collective on Thursday, revealed: 'Our relationship didn't end for any other reason than I was so just so busy with work, but who knows what could happen in future. Speaking out: Keira Maguire has finally revealed why she split form Love Island hunk Matt Zukowski, after the duo mysteriously parted ways earlier in the year After confirming the duo did part ways in January, she added: 'We still talk every day, so it's like one of those things. We get along so well. 'I'm still young, I'm not in any rush and everything is about timing. I'm very focused and very driven on what I'm passionate about.' When asked who decided to end the relationship, Keira confirmed it was very much a 'mutual decision'. Just friends: When asked who decided to end the relationship, Keira confirmed it was very much a 'mutual decision' The pair both unfollowed each other on Instagram earlier in the year - and although Keira re-followed the professional wrestler shortly after, he did not return the favour. When asked by Daily Mail Australia if they'd split at the time, Matt, 25, didn't confirm or deny the rumours - but he did appear to hint they might still be together, saying: 'I don't know where you're getting that from.' Prior to the cryptic social media activity, the duo would often share loved-up photos together on their respective accounts - and even spent Christmas Day together. Loved-up: Prior to the cryptic social media activity, the duo would often share cute photos together on their respective accounts - and even spent Christmas Day together The pair began dating last March, a few months after she finished filming for Bachelor in Paradise in Fiji. They went 'Instagram official' just hours after her dramatic exit from the show aired on television. 'Went on the wrong show... but doesn't matter, I found you,' Keira captioned her photo, which showed the lovebirds cuddling in a car. Meanwhile, Keira is currently focusing on her new beauty company Skyn Collective. The first three products are set to be released on Thursday, and will include a cleansing brush with rose quarts heat activation, a love heart face sculptor and a rose quartz textured contoured roller. Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are eager to add another child to their family of three. The Hills: New Beginnings stars revealed they are actively trying to have a second child during an interview with People on Wednesday. 'Still working as hard as possible at it,' Pratt, 37, confessed after being asked to elaborate on the pair wanting to expand their family. Prattling on: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are eager to add another child to their family of three, revealing they are actively trying to have a second child during an interview with People on Wednesday; the family is seen in 2018 'No spoiler alerts but no baby yet. That is the struggle in real life, reality,' he added. The couple, who wed in 2008, are already parents to three-year-old son Gunner Stone. The media personality explained that neither he nor his wife, 34, thought having a second baby would 'be this challenging.' 'We tried different lifestyles and everything we could think of. So yeah, we're still working on that one,' he went on. Working at it: 'Still working as hard as possible at it,' Pratt, 37, confessed after being asked to elaborate on the pair (photographed in 2019) wanting to expand their family Family: The couple, who wed in 2008, are already parents to three-year-old son Gunner Stone; the family is here in 2019 The reality television starlet addressed rumors that she might be expecting back in February, Tweeting: No I am not pregnant yet. Just a little overweight.' The duo, who began dating in 2006 and had their romance documented on the hit MTV series The Hills, have been outspoken about their desire to give Gunner a younger sibling. 'Thinking about baby #2,' she Tweeted back in October 2019. And in July 2018, Spencer told E! that he and his wife were thinking of popping out another 'next year,' adding: 'A psychic did tell us we're gonna have twins, so watch out Mary-Kate and Ashley!' 'I'd love a girl or a boy. "I love having a son. It's so much fun. So if we have another boy, we'll probably have three [kids],' Heidi said at the time. Outspoken: The duo, who began dating in 2006 and had their romance documented on the MTV hit series The Hills, have been outspoken about their desire to give Gunner a younger sibling; the family were photographed in 2019 Controversy: The duo are still dealing with the aftermath of Stephanie Pratt joking on social media that her famous sister-in-law looked pregnant as she shared a bikini pic of Heidi on her Instagram Story (Stephanie is pictured in 2019) The duo are still dealing with the aftermath of Stephanie Pratt joking on social media that her famous sister-in-law looked pregnant as she shared a bikini pic of Heidi on her Instagram Story. Posting a photo of the star walking on a beach in a lime green two-piece, Stephanie wrote: 'Yay Heidi's pregnant!! I hope she has a little girl this time! Cute bump.' As fans grew excited about the couple's 'baby news', Spencer shut down the comments, explaining that his wife was 'not pregnant. Just being body shamed.' Stephanie also shared a pic of her brother with his son on the beach in which he's shirtless and joked: "I wonder what my brother is having.' Posting a photo of The Hills: New Beginnings star walking on a beach in a lime green two-piece, Stephanie wrote: 'Yay Heidi's pregnant!! I hope she has a little girl this time! Cute bump' Terse: As fans grew excited about the couple's 'baby news', Spencer shut down the comments, explaining that his wife was 'not pregnant. Just being body shamed' Over the weekend, Spence honored his wife for Mother's Day on his Instagram account, sharing a sweet slideshow of intimate family moments. 'Even though you have read every single book about being a mom you continue to write your own version everyday. I have watched you sacrifice every part of yourself to be the best mom you could dream of being,' he captioned the post. 'I truly believe becoming a mom has taken you to superhero level. Im so sorry that i have held off your powers during this pandemic from becoming a mother to another miracle baby! I promise i will do everything possible to make sure it happens,' he added. He concluded the lengthy message by sharing their desire for more kids: 'I cant wait to watch your powers expand because they will definitely need to with another child in this house.' The reality star couple eloped in Mexico in November 2008 and welcomed their son in October 2017. The reported reunion between Hollywood exes Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez has left the showbusiness world in shock. But on Wednesday, Australian radio host Em Rusciano shared a bizarre conspiracy theory that the entire 'romance' is a just publicity stunt, after getting 'inside gossip' from someone allegedly in the know. The 42-year-old, who admits to being 'obsessed' with the couple, said on her Emsolation podcast she'd been contacted by one of her listeners regarding the recent photos of Bennifer enjoying a romantic trip together in Montana. Back on or just for show? The reported reunion between Hollywood exes Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez has left the showbusiness world in shock - but is there more to the story? Pictured together on July 27, 2003, in Los Angeles Reading out the message she'd received on Instagram, Em said: '"I have a very close family connection to someone in J.Lo's camp. '"We laugh a lot about this story, and we are so shocked that people are buying it hook line and sinker. It's total bulls**t."' The 'insider' went on to claim the relationship is 'the Hollywood machine trying to change the narrative' to show that J.Lo is still 'hot and desirable' after rumours emerged her ex-fiance Alex Rodriguez had been unfaithful. Rumours of cheating have always been shut down by both parties. Theory: Radio host Em Rusciano (pictured) shared a bizarre conspiracy theory on Wednesday that the entire 'romance' is a just publicity stunt, after getting 'inside gossip' from someone allegedly in the know '"[Ben's] image is a bit shaky, and J.Lo is feeling like she's been rejected,"' the 'insider' alleged, according to Em. '"So now the news story is that she's still hot, and he can still get the girl. It's not true."' Daily Mail Australia has contacted representatives for Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck for further comment. Claims: Em said on her podcast that a listener who knows 'someone in J.Lo's camp' had dismissed the new romance as a set-up designed to make J.Lo look 'hot and desirable' after rumours her ex Alex Rodriguez (right) had been unfaithful. Both have denied the allegations Ben, 48, and Jen, 51, have been spotted spending time together on numerous occasions of late, sparking rumours the couple - who were engaged in 2002 and split in 2004 - could be back together. Most recently the pair were pictured on a getaway at a luxury ski resort in Montana, where the actor is understood to own a chalet. Sources have claimed to E! the pair spent 'about a week' together at the resort, and they 'were alone' during their stay. They arrived back in LA on Saturday. David 'Kochie' Koch had a fright when he and Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr received the coronavirus vaccine live on Channel Seven's breakfast show on Thursday. The co-anchors got their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine with the help of a nurse and Dr Ginni Mansberg, who talked them through the process. Before getting the shot, 65-year-old Kochie was given a blood pressure reading that delivered a worrying result, leaving him with 'sweaty palms'. Getting the jab: Sunrise hosts David 'Kochie' Koch (left) and Natalie Barr received the Covid-19 vaccine live on Channel Seven's breakfast show on Thursday. Pictured with a nurse 'It's got nothing to do with the vaccine whatsoever, but we doctors are obsessive about taking everyone's blood pressure,' Dr Ginni explained. Natalie, 53, received a result of 117 over 87, which was a good result according to Dr Ginni. Kochie, on the other hand, had to get another blood pressure test after a result of 160 over 94, which was slightly concerning. 'We might retake that one,' Dr. Ginni said. Nerve-wracking: Before getting the shot, 65-year-old Kochie had received a rather worrying blood pressure result, which made him get 'sweaty palms' Kochie found the results baffling, saying: 'I usually suffer from low blood pressure!' 'Now I've got sweaty palms,' he said. A second blood pressure test was done during an ad break and returned a normal result, proving the first result had been incorrect. Phew! A second blood pressure test was done during an ad break and returned a normal result, proving the first result had been incorrect. Kochie is pictured here in November 2018 How effective is the AstraZeneca vaccine? A US trial done in March reportedly found that the AstraZeneca vaccine is 100 percent effective at keeping people out of hospital and stopping them dying of the disease An extra trial of the vaccine in America found it was more effective than it was in the UK research preventing 79 percent of all symptomatic infections and nobody got seriously ill The trial - which involved 32,000 people in total - also confirmed the vaccine doesn't increase the risk of blood clots, which is a confidence boost after safety concerns in Europe Advertisement A relieved Kochie said: 'Good, I was getting nervous.' Soon after this, he and Natalie got the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. Kochie was in good spirits and joked with the nurse that his arm muscles might be hard to get through with the needle. 'Just watch my guns here, if it's too hard you might need to go a bit further,' he chuckled. Afterwards, he remarked: 'Oh that's pretty easy!' Natalie appeared to wince as she got the jab, before giving a thumbs up. Kochie also reminded viewers he has Friday off for a business conference, so his absence won't be because he is unwell due to any mild side effects. Dr Ginni explained they might get some symptoms of fever, headaches or a sore arm in the coming hours. According to 7News, Kochie and Natalie will wait 12 weeks to get their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. According to new reports, U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna has agreed to deliver 25 million Covid vaccine shots to Australia by the end of next year. Moderna will deliver 10 million doses this year and 15 million booster shots next year - provided the Therapeutic Goods Administration approves both jabs. The market for homeopathy has expanded remarkably because of the increasing demand for natural remedies. Growing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and fertility issues have led to a faster adoption of alternative medical treatments such as homeopathic medicine. However, the market is regulated by strict laws pertaining to the application of homeopathy in some developed nations like the U.K. and Germany. Meanwhile, many developing economies pose a high possibility for development attributing to the cultural propinquity for natural medication. Get Free Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4411 The Worldwide Homeopathic Medicine Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. The global homeopathic medicine market is expected to show sharp growth over the forecast period. Rising prevalence of chronic disease and increasing demand for medicines from natural sources and overall increase in the awareness about medicines and treatment options in homeopathy drive the market growth. Furthermore, homeopathy is gaining attention in many of the emerging market throughout the globe. Lack of awareness about homeopathy in developing countries may act as a barrier for the market growth. Growing incidences of lifestyle-related and chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and fertility problems have led to the increased adoption of alternative medical treatments such as homeopathic medicine, this driving market demand.The homeopathic medicine market is restrained by the implementation of strict regulations surrounding the use of homeopathy in certain developed economies such as Germany and the U.K. Meanwhile; emerging economies carry a high potential for growth due to the cultural affinity for natural medication in several fast emerging markets. Key Players The competitive analysis of the market in MRFRs report records the strategies and market positions of leading market players such as Natural Health Supply, Boiron, HomeoLab USA, Hylands Homeopathic, SBL, Nelson & Co. Ltd., and Hahnemann Laboratories Inc. Latest Industry News NHS funded homeopathic treatments have been cut off with exceptions to be considered on a case by case basis. Indian homeopathy start-up Welcomecure has raised undisclosed investment from Bollywood Thier association with the brand is expected to increase demand. Market Segmentation The global homeopathic medicine market is segmented on the basis of type, indication, and end users. On the basis of drugs, market is segmented into plants based, animal based and mineral based. Plant based is further segmented into Arnica montana, Bryonia alba, Cinchona officinalis, Pulsatilla nigricans, Rhus tox, Symphytum. Animal based is further segmented into Latrodectus mactans, Tarentula Hispania, Tarentula cubensis, Naja tripudians, Vipera, Sepia, and Cantharis. Mineral based is further segmented into Calcarea carbonica, Phosphorus, Calcarea phosphorica, Natrum muriaticuma and others. Other segments are Nosodes, Sarcodes and Imponderabilia. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into skin & hair, reproductive health, lifestyle disorders, bones, joints, and muscles diseases, brain and nerves disorders, respiratory diseases, childhood diseases, hormonal disorders and others. On the basis of end user, the market is divided into hospitals, homeopathic clinics, and others. Regional Analysis Led by the U.S, the Americas account for the largest share of the global market due to the high awareness regarding homeopathic medicine. Highly expensive healthcare often encourages patients to adopt homeopathic medicine. Moreover, the region is witnessing a rising occurrence in lifestyle-related diseases which further facilitate increased demand for homeopathic medicine. Europe accounts for the second largest share due to the high number of homeopathic practitioners available in the region. U.K leads the regional market with the most significant share. The European region has widespread use of homeopathic medicine for day to day use in assisting the treatment of minor health problems. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific offers great potential for market growth over the assessment period. The growing urbanization of the region has led to an increase in lifestyle-related diseases. Moreover, the emerging economies of the APAC region have a long history with natural remedies, which has resulted in a high adoption and increased demand for homeopathic medicine. There are a high number of clinics, and research institutes dedicated to the field of homeopathy which is further encouraging growth for the market. Browse Complete 206 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 77 Respective Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/homeopathic-medicine-market-4411 About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Miley Cyrus' song Malibu turned four on Tuesday May 11 and conjured up some memories of her relationship with ex-love Liam Hemsworth in the process. The 28-year-old Plastic Hearts crooner penned a heartfelt message on Instagram while reflecting on the ballad which she said was an ode to 'a place and person that at the time [she] loved very much.' The pair's decade long relationship was marked by many ups and downs including a broken proposal, a reconciliation, and ultimately marriage before they called it quits in 2019. Malibu memories: Miley Cyrus, 28, reflects on her relationship with ex-love Liam Hemsworth as she celebrates the four year anniversary of her song Malibu which she said was about 'a place and person that at the time [she] loved very much' Love lost: The pair's decade long relationship was marked by many ups and downs including a broken proposal, a reconciliation, and ultimately marriage before they called it quits in 2019; pictured May 2019 Miley shared a video of herself first recording the song at her home studio in 2017 as she belted out various notes while wearing a graphic sweatshirt. The stripped back song was the lead single off her album Younger Now and the video featured her frolicking around various scenic locations in the upscale beach town. 'Today is the 4 year anniversary of Malibu. A song about a place and person that at the time I loved very much,' she began her caption. 'That love was reciprocated beyond what I could describe here with freedom & escapism. I lost that home along with many others in 2018. Here is a video of me writing it in my home studio.' Blast from the past: 'That love was reciprocated beyond what I could describe here with freedom & escapism. I lost that home along with many others in 2018. Here is a video of me writing it in my home studio,' she shared in her post Rocky waters: Miley who has come out as pansexual described aspects of her on-off relationship with Hemsworth as 'playing house'; pictured March 2018 The pair first began dating in 2009 after meeting on the set of The Last Song and he eventually proposed in 2012, before they broke things off in 2013. The couple reconciled in 2015 before they tied the knot in 2018. She and The Hunger Games actor, 31, lost their Malibu home shortly before they wed to the Woolsey Fires which destroyed over 1,600 homes including that of Gerard Butler, Robin Thicke and former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Camille Grammer. At the time Liam had called it a 'heartbreaking few days,' sharing a photo of the remnants of their home with a singed sign that read 'Love,' ironically enough. And Miley shared on Twitter that though she was devastated by the loss she was 'one of the lucky ones,' while calling Liam the 'love of her life.' Tragedy: The couple lost their Malibu home in 2018 to the Woolsey Fires which swept California as they shared photos of the damage; November 2018 Heartbreak: And Miley shared on Twitter that though she was devastated by the loss she was 'one of the lucky ones,' while calling Liam the 'love of her life' 'I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that's all that matters right now. My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong,' she wrote before thanking the first aid responders. After the couple's split she confessed to Rolling Stone in December 2020 that the fire actually prompted the two to get married, in what she called 'one last attempt to save myself.' 'In a way, it did what I couldn't do for myself. It removed me from what no longer was serving its purpose. And then as you drown, you reach for that lifesaver and you want to save yourself. I think that's really what, ultimately, getting married was for me. One last attempt to save myself,' she shared. Wedding bells: In an interview with Rolling Stone she called their marriage 'one last attempt to save myself'; pictured 2018 Authenticity: 'I learned a lot about what I can and cannot be for someone else and what I can and cannot accept for myself,' she said; pictured March 2021 And she continued to say that in the years since the relationship's end she has gained a 'healthy perspective,' on life and love. 'I learned a lot about what I can and cannot be for someone else and what I can and cannot accept for myself,' she said. Cyrus who performed on Saturday Night Live over the weekend has enjoyed a string of relationships with both men and women including Brody Jenner's ex-wife Kaitlynn Carter and Cody Simpson. Phylicia Rashad is going back to college, but this time she'll be in a leadership role. Howard University announced Wednesday that the 72-year-old Cosby Show star would be joining the the university as the dean of its College of Fine Arts. It's a homecoming for the actress, who graduated magna cum laude from Howard with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1970. New role: Phylicia Rashad, 72, will become the dean of Howard University's College of Fine Arts, the HBCU announced on Wednesday; seen in 2018 in NYC Rashad is set to begin her role as the dean starting on July 1, according to the university. 'In this full circle moment, Ms. Phylicia Rashad will take the training and skills that she honed as a student at Howard and exuded in an outstanding performing career, and she will share those pearls of wisdom with the next generation of students in the College of Fine Arts,' said Provost Anthony K. Wutoh in a statement. Howard University's president, Dr. Wayne Frederick, also weighed in on Rashad joining the administration. 'I can think of no individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,' he said. Right person for the job: 'I can think of no individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,' Howard University President Dr. Wayne Frederick; pictured at Howard University's Charter Day in 2009 Alma mater: Rashad graduated magna cum laude from Howard with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1970; pictured at Howard University's Charter Day in 2009 Rashad's new position won't be her first time working at Howard, as she previously served as a guest lecturer and had an adjunct faculty post that allowed her to teach master's-level courses. The Raisin In The Sun actress was a member of the Board of Trustees from 19961999, and she returned to serve from 20132016. Rashad had a strong connection to the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman when he was a student at Howard. She served as his mentor and even talked her friend Denzel Washington into paying for Chadwick and some of his fellow students to attend a summer theater program that they weren't able to afford. 'It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and to work with the Howard University administration, faculty and students in reestablishing the College of Fine Arts,' Rashad said in the announcement. 'I would like to see the work that was established during my time blossom again with a new thrust,' she added in an interview with The Washington Post. Roots: Rashad was previously a trustee and an adjunct faculty at the university and even mentored the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman when he was a student; seen in January 2020 in NYC 'I would like to see a program contemporized without losing knowledge,' she said, explaining her goals. 'I would like to see faculty empowered to create and produce and design robust systems and a robust program. I would like to see students engaged in the disciplines of fine arts as they participate and engage in the university at large. I would like to see us graduate artists who are scholars as well. 'And I would love to see us be a premiere program at the university. I would like to see the College of Fine Arts not only reestablished, but see it exulted,' she added. Her hiring comes as the College of Fine Arts once again becomes its own school, after becoming parts of the College of Arts and Sciences in the late 1990s as a cost-cutting move. Howard is one of the United States' premiere historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which primarily serve Black Americans. Rashad is best known for playing Claire Huxtable, the wife of Bill Cosby's character on The Cosby Show, which earned her two Emmy nominations during its run. She's done reality TV, sponsored Instagram content and even penned a book. But now Angie Kent has moved into the podcasting space, with the 31-year-old Bachelorette star dropping the debut episode of Angie Tries It on Tuesday. In the first episode of the podcast series, the Gogglebox alum took a 'past life tour' and discovered she had once been a troubled woman named Rosie. Branching out: Angie Kent has moved into the podcasting space, with the 31-year-old Bachelorette star dropping the debut episode of her Angie Tries It podcast on Tuesday Guided through the process by 'Certified Soul Regression Therapy Practitioner' Natasha Halias, Angie said she was 'in the hypnotic stage' after 20 minutes. She described what she was seeing throughout the experience, including a white door that opened by itself onto a countryside landscape. Angie then described a scene, presumably from a past life, in which a woman dressed like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz was lying on the ground, being stared at by three men in old-fashioned clothes. Trying it: In the first episode, the Gogglebox alum (pictured with hypnotist Natasha Halias) took a 'past life tour' and discovered she had once been a troubled woman named Rosie Saying she believed she was the woman, whose name was 'Rosie', Angie described running away from home following issues with Rosie's mother and stepfather. She also believed one of the men staring down at her owned the town in which the scene took place. The reality TV star was then led through this past life, all the way through to the day of her death, 'in her late thirties'. Kent described her last breaths and her spirit leaving her body. 'Oh my gosh, that was heavy,' said Angie after finishing the session. 'It was intense.' 'I wouldn't have believed you in a billion years': Kent recently marvelled at her success of turning her reality TV fame into a long-term media career Last week, Angie proudly told The Daily Telegraph that she never imagined reaching the goals she's achieved today. The TV personality said: 'If someone had have told me 10 years ago, when I was fresh out of uni at 21, that I would be where I am now and have done everything I have done, I wouldn't have believed you in a billion years.' She first graced our screens on Gogglebox from 2015 to 2018 with her then-housemate Yvie Jones. After quitting the show in 2019, they joined season five of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Later that year, Angie was cast as The Bachelorette and found love with Carlin Sterritt, but they called it quits in June 2020. Rise to fame: She first graced our screens on Gogglebox from 2015 to 2018 with her then-housemate Yvie Jones TV romance: After quitting the show in 2019, they joined season five of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Later that year, Angie was cast as The Bachelorette and found love with Carlin Sterritt (right), but they called it quits in June 2020 Soon after her Bachelorette stint she released her memoir, If You Don't Laugh You'll Cry: Life and Love from Either Side of the TV Screen. She also went on to compete on Channel 10's Dancing with the Stars last year. In addition to television work, she posts sponsored content on Instagram for brands like Nissan, Mentos and Liddells Lactose Free Dairy. She's an author! Soon after her Bachelorette stint she also released her memoir, If You Don't Laugh You'll Cry: Life and Love from Either Side of the TV Screen Influencer life: In addition to television work, she posts sponsored content on Instagram for brands like Nissan, Mentos and Liddells Lactose Free Dairy She is also set to start in her first film, an Australian-produced horror movie called The Possessed, alongside Lincoln Lewis - set for release in August. The actress said of her career pivot: 'It's not something I really planned it all just kind of happened. I put the call out to the universe and it delivered.' Angie recently surprised fans by announcing she will start a Try Guys-inspired podcast called Angie Tries It, produced by Nova Podcasts. The series will document her experiences as she samples new therapies and learns about the mind. 'Sister loves a chat': Angie recently surprised fans by announcing she will start a Try Guys-inspired podcast called Angie Tries It, produced by Nova Podcasts. The series will document her experiences as she samples new therapies and learns about the mind 'Sister loves a chat, asking all them questions is one of my favourite things to do, and I am absolutely mad for therapy/learning about how this mad mind ticks,' she wrote on Instagram last week. Her intriguing career move comes after she recently purchased her first home in Mount Tamborine, near the Gold Coast. Angie's fixer-upper property features three-bedrooms, four-bathrooms, which she bought for $615,000 in April. Things are still going strong between her and her much older boyfriend Scott Disick. But Amelia Hamlin was seen enjoying some healthy time away from the 37-year-old Talentless founder on Wednesday as she ran errands around Los Angeles. The 19-year-old Instagram model's first stop of the day was at a Pilates class in West Hollywood. Busy lady! Amelia Hamlin was seen enjoying some healthy time away from her beau Scott Disick on Wednesday as she ran errands around Los Angeles Hamlin showcased her enviably toned legs in a pair of black high-waisted leggings, which she styled with a cropped sweatshirt in dark green. She wore her lengthy brunette hair in a high ponytail and appeared to be wearing little to no makeup. Amelia completed her workout ensemble with a pair of brown slide sandals. After working up a sweat, the daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin ventured to Beverly Hills. Workout time: The 19-year-old Instagram model's first stop of the day was at a Pilates class in West Hollywood Toned: Hamlin showcased her enviably toned legs in a pair of black high-waisted leggings, which she styled with a cropped sweatshirt in dark green She was seen returning to her parked vehicle, after picking up a variety of skincare items at Perfect Skin by Christie Kidd. Amelia juggled her shopping bag, wallet, cellphone, and face mask in her hands as she attempted to open her driver's side door. In contrast to her makeup-free appearance on Wednesday, Hamlin went full glam for some recent modeling shots, which she shared to Instagram on Tuesday. 'killer & a sweet thing,' captioned Amelia, who stared into the camera seductively for one shot, while holding back a black cropped blazer to expose her cleavage. She was sat atop a stool, while rocking a black bustier and sheer stockings. The second black-and-white snap saw Amelia posing a see-through polka dot dress and black velvet arm-length gloves. When Amelia is not focused on her modeling aspirations, she is busy spending plenty of quality time with her beau Scott. In love: Things are still going strong between her and her much older boyfriend Scott Disick, who she was first romantically linked to last October; the pair pictured in February The age gap couple were first romantically linked in late October, when they were seen arriving to Kendall Jenner's star-studded birthday party in West Hollywood. Since then, the couple have made their relationship Instagram official and have gone on several lengthy vacations together to Mexico and Miami, Florida. Scott has also introduced Amelia to his three children, sons Mason and Reign and daughter Penelope, whom he shares with ex Kourtney Kardashian, 42. Despite being a full fledged relationship with Amelia, Scott's seemingly lingering feelings for Kourtney are being aired out on the current and final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Living the dream: Since then, the couple have made their relationship Instagram official and have gone on several lengthy vacations together to Mexico and Miami, Florida; Scott and Amelia pictured in February Meeting the fam: Scott has also introduced Amelia to his three children, sons Mason and Reign and daughter Penelope, whom he shares with ex Kourtney Kardashian, 42; Kourtney and Reign pictured E! recently reported that Scott is 'uncomfortable' seeing Kourtney in a 'serious relationship' with her new beau Travis Barker, whom she went Instagram official with in mid-February. 'It's uncomfortable for Scott to see Kourtney in a serious relationship, although he knew this day would come,' said the source. 'He is glad she is happy, but it's definitely been hard on him. He doesn't like to bring it up and it's a weird convo for him.' Additionally the insider added that in turn he has 'really distanced himself' from Kourtney substantially, and that all communication revolves around their three children. Uncomfortable? E! recently reported that Scott is 'uncomfortable' seeing Kourtney in a 'serious relationship' with her new beau Travis Barker, whom she went Instagram official with in mid-February; Kourtney and Travis pictured in April Kourtney and Travis' relationship came as a bit of a shock to Disick who has been open about lingering feelings and hopes of rekindling their romance on their reality show. But as the duo continue to pack on the PDA on social media, with both having said 'I love you,' and Barker even inking her name on his chest, Scott has come to realize that a future romance between them is 'never going to happen.' 'At one point, the family was really encouraging Scott and Kourtney to try the relationship again and it's a bit of an eye opener for him, that it's truly never going to happen,' the insider shared. He announced on Wednesday that he is expecting his first baby with girlfriend of one year, Mich. But since Bachelor in Paradise star Alex McKay shared his happy news, the reality TV star has copped backlash and slammed by nasty trolls who think he is moving too fast after only going public with the mother of his baby in November. The father-to-be posted one mean comments he received from a disgruntled fan on his Instagram page on Thursday. Bachelor In Paradise star Alex McKay has been slammed by nasty trolls for having a baby with his girlfriend of just one year Mich 'Do people not actually have a decent length relationship before getting pregnant anymore?' the fan wrote. Despite receiving criticism, fellow Bachlelor stars Ciarran Stott, Jake Ellis, Jackson Garlick and Renee Barrett sent messages of support to Alex and his partner. The tattooed hunk revealed on Wednesday that he and Mich will be welcoming a baby in November. Alex shared a picture of them both holding their pet dog and a sonogram image of their unborn child, with Alex gushing: 'Love you both so much.' Haters: 'Do people not actually have a decent length relationship before getting pregnant anymore?' the fan wrote Bachelor support: Despite receiving criticism, fellow Bachlelor stars Ciarran Stott, Jake Ellis, Jackson Garlick and Renee Barrett sent messages of support to Alex and his partner 'Moosies poo isn't the only poo I'll be picking up in November!' he wrote, referring to their dog. 'Already so proud of Mich, love you both so much,' he added. In November last year, Alex announced his relationship with Mich and shared a series of loved-up photos of the pair together on Instagram. Joy: 'Already so proud of Mich, love you both so much,' Alex said in his announcement post Smitten: In November last year, Alex announced his relationship with Mich and shared a series of loved-up photos of the pair together on Instagram 'Waited patiently for a long time for you and for this feeling! Very grateful! @mich_nich,' he captioned one post about this time. Alex appeared on Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, where he briefly dated Keira Maguire. During their time on Paradise, Keira decided to quit the show, forcing him to do the same. Familiar face: Alex appeared on Angie Kent's season of The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, where he briefly dated Keira Maguire She was upset when she learned that no more contestants would be arriving in Fiji. And while Alex had given her his rose the night before, he'd also made it clear he was not romantically interested and just wanted to be friends. 'Obviously we've talked a few times and there's nothing there, so what's the point of sticking around?' she told him. 'I gotta go for someone who can handle me.' 'That's it. Fair enough. If you want to go home, I'm more than happy to go home as well,' Alex replied. I'm A Celebrity 2021 could reportedly return to Gwrych Castle in Wales after Australia warned international borders will remain closed indefinitely. Earlier this week, Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said reopening the borders too soon would expose the country to another and more ruthless outbreak of Covid - with Finance Minister Simon Birmingham pushing the date to 2022. Due to current regulations, travel to Australia is only permitted if travellers are 'exempt' or have been 'granted an individual exemption'. Return? I'm A Celebrity 2021 could reportedly return to Gwrych Castle in Wales after Australia warned international borders will remain closed indefinitely (Ant and Dec pictured in 2020) According to the Mirror, 'talks are thought to be ongoing at ITV' while Gwrych Castle is said to 'have an agreement' to host I'm A Celebrity again this year. A source told the publication: 'I'm A Celebrity will happen this year, it is just a case of deciding the location.' The 2020 series relocated from the Australian jungle to Gwrych Castle due to the coronavirus pandemic, it saw Giovanna Fletcher crowned the first-ever Queen of the Castle. It comes after hosts Ant and Dec said that plans to return to Australia for I'm A Celebrity this year are 'still up in the air'. Going back for round two? Earlier this week, Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said reopening the borders too soon would expose the country to another and more ruthless outbreak of Covid (Gwrych Castle in Wales pictured) MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment. Earlier this week, Scott Morrison warned international borders will remain closed indefinitely if it means protecting Australians from deadly outbreaks of mutant Covid-19 strains from overseas. The Prime Minister said Australians had come to accept local lockdowns as 'part of living with Covid-19' and that residents did not have 'an appetite' for change. He warned that reopening the borders too soon would expose the country to another and more ruthless outbreak of Covid-19, like the ones experienced in the UK, India and Europe. Regulations: Due to current regulations, travel to Australia is only permitted if travellers are 'exempt' or have been 'granted an individual exemption' (Ant and Dec pictured presenting in Australia in 2019) 'We sit here as an island that's living like few countries in the world are at the moment,' he told The Sunday Telegraph. 'We have to be careful not to exchange that way of life for what everyone else has.' Australians have been banned from leaving the country since March 2020 without special exemptions, and only citizens and permanent residents have been allowed to enter under some of the strictest Covid-19 border rules in the world. But Mr Morrison denied adopting an 'elimination strategy' and said suppressing the virus remained the Government's primary focus. Queen of the Castle: Giovanna Fletcher won the 2020 series which was held at Gwyrch Castle in Wales after the show relocated due to the pandemic (pictured with Ant and Dec) 'Australia's COVID suppression strategy has not changed to an 'elimination' strategy nor is 'zero cases' our goal,' he clarified on Sunday. 'There will always be cases as we return Australians home from overseas. As always, we will continue to listen to the medical advice and make decisions in the best health and economic interests of all Australians.' Last year, the Government predicted international borders would be open in October 2021 after the adult population had been offered a vaccine. However Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the date will be pushed back to some time in 2022 amid the slow vaccine rollout and uncertainty over the Covid-19 vaccine's ability to protect against mutating strains of the virus. Delays? Last year, the Government predicted international borders would be open in October 2021 after the adult population had been offered a vaccine - however, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the date will be pushed back to some time in 2022 (Sydney Airport in April) Earlier this month, hosts Ant and Dec said that plans to return to Australia for I'm A Celebrity this year are 'still up in the air'. The Geordie duo, both 45, revealed producers are having conversations with Australia 'to see if they'll let us in' for the show which is set to air this autumn, although they added that they would 'happily go back to Wales' for the next series. Speaking on Lorraine, Dec said of the upcoming series: 'It's still all up in the air, people are having conversations with Australia to see if they'll let us in. 'If not, we've got a lovely alternative to go back to Wales, which we had a great time there. 'We had a really lovely series and the people of North Wales made us feel very welcome. We'd gladly go back there. But we'll see whether it's Oz or Wales, we're not quite sure yet.' Unsure: It comes after hosts Ant and Dec said that plans to return to Australia for I'm A Celebrity this year are 'still up in the air' Ant then chipped in to say: 'Having the castle as a backdrop really helped with the challenges. We would happily go back to Wales.' It comes after it was reported last month that I'm A Celebrity will not know if it's able to a return to its usual home in Australia for the upcoming 2021 series until September. According to The Mirror, everyone is thought to be 'very keen' to return to the jungle and it is now just a 'waiting game' to know if it'll be possible. One insider said: 'Everyone is keen to get back Down Under this year but, of course, it depends on what the Australian authorities will allow. 'We won't know for sure if we can get back to the Gold Coast until the start of autumn, when things will be much clearer. Until then, it's a waiting game.' MailOnline contacted representatives for I'm A Celebrity for further comment at the time. In March, ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall confirmed that bosses are hoping the show will return to the jungle as that is how the show is 'meant to be'. Speaking as the network published its group annual results, she said: 'If we can go back to Australia and this show is meant to be in Australia then that's what we'll do. We have a very good plan if not, as we have already done it once (in the castle).' Prior to the confirmation, hosts Ant and Dec sparked claims that this year's series will be returning to Wales. The presenting duo said they'd be 'very happy' to remain in the UK for filming when the series returns later this year, joking they 'wouldn't miss the jet lag'. 'It's a waiting game': It comes after it was reported last month that I'm A Celebrity will not know if it's able to a return to its usual home in Australia for the upcoming 2021 series until September (Ant and Dec pictured at Gwyrch Castle in 2020) Last year's I'm A Celebrity was relocated to Gwrych Castle in Wales after plans to record the usual show in Australia became impossible due to COVID. Speaking to Digital Spy magazine, Ant said: 'If during coronavirus we have to stay put and do it in Wales again, I'd be very happy. 'We were very welcomed in Wales. There were cardboard cut-outs of me and Dec in the butcher's, and the local school did a tribute. We'd happily go back there. We'd miss the sunshine, mind.' Dec added that he 'wouldn't be disappointed' if filming was once again taking place in Wales later this year, adding: 'The people in Wales were lovely... 'They made us feel very welcome. I had a lovely time. I will miss the sunshine, but I will not miss the jet lag of coming back from Australia.' It was reported in February that ITV bosses had already secured use of the castle for another series if the Covid crisis prevented a return to Australia. A source told The Sun: 'Ultimately they are at the mercy of COVID-19 restrictions. Formally an agreement is in place for the use of Gwrych Castle this year. Should the show need to be held there again it has all got the green light.' ITV hired the 19th century castle for six weeks in 2020, costing 1million, after Covid-19 ruled out the usual setting in Australia. The network also announced an extreme Covid Management Plan to ensure the series ran smoothly. This included the celebrities being tested every three days and crew members wearing proximity buzzers, masks and getting temperature checks on arrival. The celebrities also had to isolate for two weeks ahead of their arrival. The new venue was warmly received by viewers, with some even calling for the show to make Wales its new permanent home. Christopher Meloni was spotted back at work filming Law & Order: Organized Crime in New York City. The 60-year-old actor was spotted walking through the Big Apple set on Wednesday afternoon as filming continues on the hit spin-off. Meloni returned as Elliot Stabler back in April in an episode of the long-running Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, that lead into this new spin-off Organized Crime. Elliot is back: Christopher Meloni was spotted back at work filming Law & Order: Organized Crime in New York City The actor was spotted in an all-black ensemble, wearing a black shirt under a black leather jacket. He also had a silver chain with a cross dangling around his neck, with a set of black headphones while holding what appeared to be a script as he walked through set. Meloni completed his look with black pants and black boots as production continued on the spin-off. Chris' look: The actor was spotted in an all-black ensemble, wearing a black shirt under a black leather jacket Resting up: In between take, he kicked back in a director's chair and donned a mask as required by ongoing pandemic protocols Meloni starred as Detective Elliot Stabler on the first 12 seasons of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as the partner to Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson. His character was written off the show as putting in his retirement papers to the NYPD, though he ultimately returned to the police force with this new spin-off. Stabler and Benson had their long-awaited reunion during the April 1 episode of SVU, which was followed directly by the debut of Law & Order: Organized Crime. 12 seasons: Meloni starred as Detective Elliot Stabler on the first 12 seasons of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as the partner to Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson Fan favorite: He returned to the franchise to star in his own spin-off also from the stable of Dick Wolf The show follows Stabler as he returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime, 'after a devastating personal loss.' 'Stabler will aim to rebuild his life as part of a new elite task force that is taking apart the city's most powerful criminal syndicates one by one,' according to the description. Meloni leads a cast that also includes Dylan McDermott and Tamara Taylor, with the show airing Thursday nights at 10 PM on NBC. Return: The show follows Stabler as he returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime, 'after a devastating personal loss' New team: Meloni stars in the show with Danielle Mone Truitt On the beat: Meloni and Truitt engaged in some action sequences for the new episode of their drama Successful comeback: Meloni leads a cast that also includes Dylan McDermott and Tamara Taylor, with the show airing Thursday nights at 10 PM on NBC NBC announced earlier this month that they have given the green light for yet another Law & Order spin-off entitled Law & Order: For the Defense. The show will take an unbiased look inside a criminal defense firm, while putting, 'the lawyers under the microscope, along with the criminal justice system with every week delivering the promise of a contemporary morality tale.' Carol Mendelsohn (CSI) will serve as showrunner and executive producer, along with Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, Arthur Forney, Julie Weitz and Peter Jankowski. Law & Order: Organized Crime is filmed on the streets of New York City like its predecessors Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Dani Soares is currently pregnant with her first child. On Thursday, the 33-year-old confirmed the gender of her unborn child while also debuting a striking makeover on Instagram. In a lengthy post, the Brazilian bombshell confirmed she's having a baby girl. Brand new me! Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Dani Soares debuted a brand new look on Instagram after cutting her hair short (left) 'I've always been a girlie girl, even when I used to spend hours everyday playing RPG,' she wrote. 'When I found out I was pregnant, all I really wanted was a healthy baby and didn't really care about anything else,' she continued. 'But now, I'm looking forward to having my little girl and developing that mother and daughter relationship.' 'I'm looking forward to having my little girl': In a lengthy post, the 33-year-old confirmed she's having a baby girl Dani also showed off her new elegant bob haircut, as well as a glamorous makeup look with bright red lipstick. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last month, the Sydney-based reality star opened up her difficult journey to motherhood and plans for the future. She admitted that it 'definitely' hasn't been an easy pregnancy now that she's so far along. 'Once you get to a certain stage you just can't sleep properly anymore, it's like what your life's gonna be like after the baby's here,' she said. Is he? The Brazilian beauty has refused to reveal whether or not co-star Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux is the father of her unborn child 'And I've been eating so much sweets... it's pregnancy cravings because I'm usually more of a savoury person and I've just been binging ice creams and cakes and stuff like that - it's not like me at all!' However, the reality star played coy when asked exactly how far along she was and if her co-star Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux is the father of her unborn child. 'I'm very far,' she said cryptically before breaking into laughter. Below Deck Sailing Yacht is currently airing on Bravo in the U.S. and available to stream on Hayu in Australia. European viewers of the Oscar-winning black comedy Promising Young Woman were outraged after realizing that Laverne Cox's role had been dubbed in the Italian version by a male actor. Viewers first noticed that Cox, a transgender woman, had been dubbed by a man after Universal Pictures Italy posted a clip from the film on May 6 that featured her role, according to The Guardian. In response to the criticisms, Universal Pictures International said it will delay the dubbed releases and will have Cox's role redubbed by female actors. Misgendering: Laverne Cox's role in Promising Young Woman was dubbed by a man in the Italian version and will now be redubbed, according to The Guardian; seen April 22 in LA Cox plays a small role in Promising Young Woman as the manager of a coffee shop where Carey Mulligan's character works. Mulligan stars in the dark film as a woman who pretends to be drunk or incapacitated in order to lure predatory men into trying to rape her, before teaching them a lesson. The movie was a hit with critics and audiences alike, and it took home the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, which went to writerdirector Emerald Fennell. Although Italian viewers expected someone who would sound something like Cox, they instead heard the Italian actor Roberto Pedicini, who has a distinctively deep voice. Supporting role: Cox plays a small role in Promising Young Woman as the manager of a coffee shop where Carey Mulligan's character works Acclaimed feature: The movie was a hit with critics and audiences alike, and it took home the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, which went to writerdirector Emerald Fennell 'I think this dubbing choice was a straight-up act of violence,' Italian transgender actor Vittoria Schisano told The Guardian. 'Its insulting. Id feel bullied if I were [Cox].' Schisano previously dubbed Cox in the Netflix documentary Amend: The Fight for America, though she said she wasn't approached about dubbing Cox for Promising Young Woman. Universal Pictures International apologized to Cox in a statement to The Guardian and vowed to recast the voice part with women. 'We are deeply grateful to Laverne and the transgender community for opening our eyes to a bias that neither we nor many in our industry had recognized. While there was no malicious intent behind this mistake, we are working diligently to fix it. We have begun redubbing Ms Coxs voice with female actors in our international territories and are pushing back release dates to ensure the correct version is available.' Controversial choice: The Italian actor Roberto Pedicini voiced Cox's part, despite having a distinctively deep voice that's significantly different from Cox's voice; seen in 2012 with Desiree Noferini On hold: The film was scheduled for a May 13 release but its now delayed to redub the part. Versions for German and Spain will also be redubbed; still from Promising Young Woman The film was originally scheduled for a May 13 release date, though that's now off the table. 'We are sorry for the pain caused but are thankful that we can address the situation on this film and prevent similar mistakes from happening again on future projects,' the distributor added. A Spanish version was already released in April that had a man voicing Cox's role, but it will reportedly be redubbed for its home video release. According to People, Cox didn't know that she was being dubbed by men, 'but provisions have been put in place to prevent this from ever happening again.' It has been an ongoing issue for her, as the male actor Andrea Lavagnino voiced Cox's characters in Orange Is The New Black, The Mindy Project and Doubt. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm saw its star, Sacha Baron Cohen, explore some unsavoury and dangerous aspects of American life. And Sacha's wife, actress Isla Fisher, has now revealed the British comedian, 49, kept details of the pranks he was pulling a secret from her during filming. 'I'm so grateful I didn't know before, so I didn't have to worry,' the Wedding Crashers star, 45, admitted in an interview with Marie Claire Australia. Under wraps: Isla Fisher revealed in this month's Marie Claire Australia that her husband, Sacha Baron Cohen, refused to tell her about the dangerous pranks he was filming for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm so she 'didnt have to worry' Sacha was away for 70 days shooting the Amazon Original movie, during which time Isla was in the dark about his exploits. 'Sacha was very kind in not sharing what he intended to shoot each day,' she said. After he got home safe, the Ali G star told his wife of one scene: 'Oh, I was at a pro-gun rally; everyone was carrying guns.' The scene in question depicted Sacha - as Borat - leading a racist singalong at a gun rally, before fleeing the event in a bulletproof vest after his real identity was exposed. In the dark: 'I'm so grateful I didn't know before, so I didn't have to worry,' the Wedding Crashers star, 45, admitted. Pictured: Sacha and Isla in Sydney on April 26, 2021 He's alright, folks! One scene depicted Sacha - as Borat - leading a racist singalong at a gun rally, before fleeing the event in a bulletproof vest after his real identity was exposed. After he got home safe, Sacha told his wife: 'Oh, I was at a pro-gun rally; everyone was carrying guns' Elsewhere in the interview, Isla spoke candidly about her marriage to the funnyman and their decision to relocate Down Under with their three children. The notoriously private actress admitted she felt 'very lucky to have met' the Sacha at a party in Sydney in 2002. 'I'm always surprised that I'm employed, married and have my family everything else feels like a bonus,' the mother of three said. Danger zone: Sacha is pictured in character with his Borat 2 co-star Maria Bakalova The redhead looks gorgeous in an orange embellished dress on the cover of Marie Claire Australia, which is on newsstands now. In the accompanying spread, she models a series of chic designer outfits, including a sheer Gucci top and black heels. Isla is one of Australia's top Hollywood exports and is known for her roles in films such as Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Godmothered. QINGDAO, China, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - On May 10, at an event in Shenzhen, KANTAR and Google jointly released the BrandZaA report listing the Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders, on which Hisense placed 7th, the highest ranking among the firms in the household appliance sector that had also achieved a ranking. This is the fifth year in a row that Hisense has not only been included in the list but also found itself among the top ten. At the same time, Hisense ranked 8th on the inaugural BrandZa list of Top 20 Rising Stars in Emerging Markets, also placing highest among rivals in the household appliance sector. The KANTAR BrandZaA Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders is one of the world's most informative and watched ranking of brands. The 2021 report surveyed more than 860,000 consumers across 11 markets, resulting in an authoritative evaluation that objectively identifies and classifies the brands that most appeal to consumers worldwide. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1508699/image.jpg She celebrated Mother's Day over the weekend with her husband Michael Miziner and their two children - Violet, seven, and , Dominic, four. And Rachael Finch has now shared the adorable handmade card her daughter made for her. The former beauty queen, 32, shared a video of herself opening the pink note which was adorned with multicoloured hearts. Heart melt! Rachael Finch has shared the adorable homemade card her daughter Violet, seven, made her for Mother's Day Cute! The former beauty queen, 32, shared a video of herself opening the pink note that was adorned with multicoloured hearts Inside, Violet sweetly wrote - 'Dear Mama, I love you to the moon and back. I love you'. The youngster also drew a big coffee pot on the back of the card. Rachael recently revealed that Violet was fluent in Russian by the age of five after taking classes in the European language. The mother-of-two shared a glimpse of her online session with her Russian language teacher Alna Ragozina on her Instagram Story. Love: Inside, Violet sweetly wrote - 'Dear Mama, I love you to the moon and back. I love you' Learning the language: Rachael recently revealed that Violet was fluent in Russian by the age of five after taking classes in the European language She showed her laptop screen and the Word Document program and the file with an anatomy diagram in the language. In the video, the brunette beauty greeted her teacher in Russian and then showed her work books and writing. Rachel, who is half-Ukrainian through her mother, told her followers she was 'learning about the body today and look at my fabulous drawing' as she giggled. Online: The 32-year-old shared a glimpse of her online session with her Russian language teacher Alna Ragozina on her Instagram Story. She wrote also wrote on the post: 'Learning how to talk about the body in Russian today' She wrote also wrote on the post: 'Learning how to talk about the body in Russian today,' and tagged her teacher Alna. Rachael previously revealed that her daughter Violet, who was five years old at the time and now seven, was fluent in the language thanks to her Russian-born husband and former Dancing With The Stars professional dancer, Michael Miziner. 'Violent is fluent in Russian and she'll be speaking Russian at her new school where they have Russian as a second language,' Rachael explained to 9Honey in 2019. Fluent: Rachael previously revealed that her daughter Violet, who was five years old at the time, was fluent in the language thanks to her Russian-born husband and former Dancing With The Stars professional dancer, Michael Miziner Bilingual: 'Violent is fluent in Russian and she'll be speaking Russian at her new school where they have Russian as a second language,' Rachael explained to 9Honey in 2019 The brunette beauty added that she was struggling to pick up the language, but Violet and her younger son, Dominic, four, are finding it much easier. Rachael noted: 'Kids find it easier. They are like sponges.' The brunette beauty and professional dancer Michael met on Dancing with the Stars in 2010. They tied the knot in 2013, and welcomed Violet later in the year, followed by Dominic in 2017. Advertisement She's jaw-dropping Spanish model who oozes effortless glamour on any occasion. But on Thursday, Elsa Pataky looked completely unrecognisable as she ditched her boho-chic style for full military gear while filming Netflix's new film Interceptor. The 44-year-old actress, who is playing the lead role of army lieutenant JJ Collins, was seen wearing a padded army jacket and grey trousers as she filmed underneath the autumnal sunshine in Sydney. What a transformation! On Thursday, Elsa Pataky looked completely unrecognisable as she ditched her glamorous style for full military gear while filming on the set of Netflix's new action film Interceptor Elsa was completely makeup free for the filming session, and wore her hair scraped back into a slick bun. The ensemble was teamed with a pair of brown shoes and a large khaki carry-on bag. She appeared in high spirits as she casually chatted to crew on-set, before standing to attention and saluting while the camera rolled. Elsa will lead the film as a soldier who must save the world when 16 nuclear missiles are launched in the United States. In her role: The 44-year-old actress, who plays army lieutenant JJ Collins, was seen wearing a padded army jacket and grey trousers as she filmed underneath the autumnal sunshine in Sydney Military chic: Elsa was completely makeup free for the filming session, and wore her hair scraped back into a slick bun Attention! She appeared in high spirits as she casually chatted to crew on-set, before standing to attention and saluting while the camera rolled Style: The ensemble was teamed with a pair of brown shoes and a large khaki carry-on bag The model has been training hard for the new role, recently flaunting her incredible biceps as she posed alongside her stunt double on Instagram. Elsa's husband Chris Hemsworth is producing the action film alongside Kathy Morgan, Christopher Mapp, Robert Slaviero, and Peter D. Graves. Australian actor Luke Bracey will co-star, but Elsa's husband is not expected to act in the movie, instead settling for a behind-the-scenes role. In March, Elsa told News Corp that she has been rehearsing moves for the film using a toy pistol at home with her husband Chris and their three children. 'I brought home a toy gun to practice with and was showing my kids a fight I have to do and they were really excited. Especially my daughter, who has two brothers who keep telling her "we're stronger than you" and she says "no way!" Looking good! The model has been training hard for the new role, recently flaunting her incredible biceps as she posed alongside her stunt double on Instagram Starring role: Elsa will lead the film as a soldier who must save the world when 16 nuclear missiles are launched in the United States 'Look at the shred!' Elsa recently showed off her ripped figure during a gruelling workout with her husband Chris Hemsworth's personal trainer Luke Zocchi The actress continued: 'She can now see in what ways she can be stronger.' Last month, Chris' personal trainer Luke Zocchi put Elsa through her paces during a tough workout focusing on her back, arms and shoulders. 'Look at the shred! There is a new big dog in town,' Luke said as he filmed Elsa during her sweat session. Luke not only trains Chris, but also Chris' stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton. Bobby was heard in the gym cheering on Elsa, yelling: 'Yes, Elsa! Smashing it!' Danny Boy Rating: Sex, Myths And The Menopause Rating: Let's start at the very end. As the credits rolled on the Iraq War drama Danny Boy (BBC2), a caption flashed up. 'A disciplinary tribunal into Phil Shiner's work revealed evidence of errors and misconduct,' it read. 'As a result, he was struck off.' That masterpiece of understatement amounted to the only real criticism of the former solicitor. It was tucked away at the end of a 90-minute dramatisation of the war crimes case he waged for six years against British soldiers. Anyone who blinked and missed those two muted sentences will have no idea what a vile, deceitful weasel Shiner is. On the contrary, if you knew nothing about the story before watching this drama, Toby Jones's portrayal must leave a very different impression. Jones played him as an impassioned workaholic, a lone warrior for human rights who sacrificed his health in pursuit of the truth. He was an anti-authority crusader, speaking truth to power. Anyone who blinked and missed two muted sentences at the end of the 90-minute Danny Boy will have no idea what a vile, deceitful weasel Phil Shiner is. Pictured: Toby Jones (centre) as Shiner in Danny Boy The BBC's press release with the preview for this show described Shiner as a 'determined' and 'tenacious human rights lawyer'. In fact, a two-day hearing in 2017 decided he was guilty of 22 misconduct charges, including multiple allegations of acting without integrity. In part, that involved paying a middleman to ferret out people in Iraq willing to level accusations against British soldiers. His firm, Public Interest Lawyers, made more than 1.6 million pursuing unfounded allegations against servicemen and women. In total, he made more than 1,000 vexatious claims of abuse by British troops, and cost the taxpayer 31 million in legal expenses. That's what is concealed by the BBC's phrase 'evidence of errors and misconduct'. By contrast, the soldier at the centre of the story, Colour Sergeant Brian Wood, was painted as a man traumatised by a brief but intense skirmish in the Iraqi badlands, in May 2004. It's rare to see an actor give a convincing account as a soldier and Anthony Boyle, who played Wood, didn't achieve it here. Scenes in which he was racked by post-traumatic stress were powerful and moving but most of the time he spoke, moved and looked without the inner certainty that service life imparts. Wood's relationship with his father Gavin (Alex Ferns), himself an ex-NCO with more than 20 years in the Forces, was strongly drawn. Neither knew how to show the other affection, except through macho competition, and both dealt with emotions by sealing them in a vacuum chamber. Emotion was everywhere as Davina McCall confronted the 'change of life' in Sex, Myths And the Menopause (C4). She parked a trailer on the sea front with headlines plastered across a red billboard: 'Your sex drive fades,' 'Your memory fades,' 'Your days are sweaty.' For Sex, Myths And The Menopause, Davina McCall parked a trailer on the sea front with headlines plastered across a red billboard: 'Your sex drive fades,' 'Your memory fades,' 'Your days are sweaty' Her statements resonated with a lot of women. 'The menopause hit me hard and I really struggled to cope,' said Davina, who experienced the first symptoms at 44. 'I was advised not to talk about it, that it was ageing and a bit unsavoury.' Though the title implied this was a show about sex in later life, the saucy business was shunted into the last five minutes thank goodness, because nobody wants too much of Davina waving a vibrator around like it's a Biro. Mostly, her very personal documentary was a plea for better information to be available via GPs. She was also an ardent advocate for the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Her explanation of the risks, which involved sitting in a children's playpen under a cascade of plastic balls, lost me completely. But it's great to see another medical taboo vanquished. She performed her single Driver's License at the Brit Awards in London on Tuesday night. And on Wednesday, Olivia Rodrigo touched down in New York City ahead of an appearance on this weekend's Saturday Night Live. The Disney star, 18, made sure to grab attention as she walked through the arrivals terminal in a bralet. Stood out from the crowd: Olivia Rodrigo, 18, made sure to grab some attention as she arrived at New York's JFK Airport on Wednesday wearing a tiny bralet and joggers with bone motifs Rodrigo had a black hoodie tied around her waist and wore baggy black joggers with bone motifs. She added a pair of shiny black bovver boots and styled her hair in a long braid. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series actress is set to perform her new single good 4 u from her debut album Sour on SNL. TV gig: The Disney star added shiny black bovver boots and styled her hair in a long single braid. She's in the Big Apple to appear on this weekend's Saturday Night Live Last month, the teen told Elle magazine she is always mindful of 'keeping it real' for her fans. 'Whether its in my fashion or my songs or my social media, I want to just be like, "Yo, this is me. And Im sometimes weird as f***, and Im sometimes polished and put together,' she shared. 'I think songwriting has really helped me home in on what I like about myself and my art...I just want to be effortless, I guess,' she added. Bright outfit: On Tuesday, Rodrigo had walked the red carpet at the Brit Awards in London wearing a custom-made Dior neon strapless gown Rodrigo has history with SNL; back in February her single Driver's License was the subject of a sketch starring castmember Pete Davidson. 'Pete Davidson, who is my biggest celebrity crush, was singing it and comparing me to Taylor Swift, who is my idol like it was just insane. It was my 18th birthday too, so it was just a crazy day,' she tweeted at the time. Meanwhile, she returns to Disney+ when season two of HSMTMTS premieres on the premium streaming service on Friday. She's worked as a TV presenter, magazine columnist and podcaster. And Sam Armytage, 44, has now added another feather to her cap by featuring in a new photography book about dogs alongside her beloved Labrador Banjo. On Wednesday, photojournalist Suzanne Stevenson announced that Sam and Banjo will appear in her upcoming book Country Dogs on Doorsteps. Paw-fect new gig! Ex-Sunrise host Sam Armytage, 44, has added another feather to her cap by featuring in a new photography book about dogs alongside her beloved Labrador Banjo Posting to Instagram Stories, Ms Stevenson shared glimpses of Sam and Banjo posing for photos around the former Sunrise host's Southern Highlands estate. 'Excited to have the very adorable and hilarious Banjo and his lovely mumma in the upcoming Country Dogs on Doorsteps book,' she wrote. Sam reposted the images to her own Instagram account, alongside a humorous caption about how she and her dog looked alike. Coming soon: On Wednesday, photojournalist Suzanne Stevenson announced that Sam and Banjo will appear in her upcoming book Country Dogs on Doorsteps (pictured) Puppy love: Sam welcomed Banjo into her life in December 2016, revealing at the time her new pup was the 'best' Christmas present to herself ever 'When dogs and owners have the same laughing face', she wrote. Sam welcomed Banjo into her life in December 2016, revealing at the time her new pup was the 'best' Christmas present to herself ever. Banjo has since made regular appearances on her social media pages, and even boasts his own popular Instagram account. Popular pooch! The pooch also made several memorable appearances on Sunrise during Sam's tenure as host The pooch also made several appearances on Sunrise during Sam's tenure as host, and featured as 'best man' at her recent wedding to Richard Lavender. Sam's new book appearance comes amid rumours she is considering jumping ship to another network when her contract with Seven expires at the end of the year. According to New Idea, Channel 10 is hoping to 'entice' Sam to front a new morning show to rival Sunrise and Nine's Today show in 2022. Heading to Channel 10? Rumours are swirling that Sam is considering jumping ship to another network when her contract with Seven expires at the end of the year The proposed new breakfast show would either replace the network's current morning program, Studio 10, or be a revamped version of it. However, a source said Sam isn't keen on returning to early starts and would 'prefer a spot on' nightly current affairs show The Project. 'That would be her prize job,' the insider added. 5 Seconds of Summer guitarist Michael Clifford and his fiancee Crystal Leigh were forced to postpone their wedding earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But on Wednesday, the engaged couple looked stronger than ever despite the setback as they showed off their matching pink hair on Instagram. While they have remained tight-lipped about their nuptials, a source close to the pair said they're putting their wedding on hold until it's safe for both their families to attend. Still going strong! 5 Seconds of Summer's Michael Clifford and fiancee Crystal Leigh showed off their matching pink hair on Wednesday after they were forced to postpone their wedding Michael and Crystal are said to be waiting for international travel to resume so his parents, who live in Sydney, are able to travel to Los Angeles for the ceremony. Their wedding was originally scheduled for January, but travel restrictions caused by the global pandemic meant they had to scrap their plans. Back in December, Crystal had treated her 709,000 Instagram followers to a glimpse of her Galia Lahav wedding gown. Delays: Michael and Crystal's wedding was originally scheduled for January, but travel restrictions caused by the global pandemic meant they had to scrap their plans. Crystal is pictured here at a dress fitting in December Preparing for her special day: Back in December, Crystal had treated her 709,000 Instagram followers to a glimpse of her Galia Lahav wedding gown 'I said yes to the dress (actually just the designer). I was way too obsessed with everything I tried on, so we decided to design a custom dress together,' she said. Michael proposed to his model girlfriend in January 2019. His groomsmen will be his 5 Seconds of Summer bandmates: bassist Calum Hood, drummer Ashton Irwin, and lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Luke Hemmings. His best man will be Calum. Delays: While they have remained tight-lipped about their nuptials, a source close to the pair said they're putting their wedding on hold until it's safe for both their families to attend Explaining his decision, Michael told Daily Mail Australia: 'We were talking about it for a long time and the only reason I picked Calum is I've known him the longest.' 5 Seconds of Summer was formed in western Sydney when the band members were still in high school. The group has gone on to release a string of hit albums, including latest release Calm, which was voted by Billboard as one of the 25 Best Pop Albums of 2020. Happily ever after: Michael proposed to model Crystal in July 2019 Charlyne Yi took to Instagram Wednesday with a checklist for Seth Rogen, after Rogen hinted that his longtime personal and professional relationship with James Franco is at a crossroad amid Franco's ongoing sexual misconduct scandal. The 35-year-old actress, who was previously critical of Rogen, 39, amid his support of Franco amid the allegations, called for Rogen to 'apologize to survivors for making their lives even more vulnerable by publicly siding with an abuser, further damaging their careers and safety.' Yi asked he 'commit to educating self about coercion, sexual assault, and how to be a protective ally;' and to promote, protect and hire survivors of sexual abuse and misconduct.' The latest: Charlyne Yi, 35, took to Instagram Wednesday with a checklist for Seth Rogen, 39, after Rogen hinted that his longtime personal and professional relationship with James Franco is at a crossroad amid Franco's ongoing sexual misconduct scandal The Los Angeles native said that Rogen's past support of Franco 'caused denial, loss of reality, loss of intuition to protect self from future abusers, life-long health issues, [and/or] attempt in suicide.' Yi, who's been seen in films such as This Is 40, Knocked Up and Happily, suggested the names of five actresses for Rogen to apologize toward, as well as 'the unnamed people who have been anonymously shared or been too afraid to.' Yi opened up to more than 48,000 followers on the social media platform after Rogen publicly distanced himself from his longtime friend and collaborator when asked about the validity of the charges in a chat with The Sunday Times. 'What I can say is that I despise abuse and harassment and I would never cover or conceal the actions of someone doing it, or knowingly put someone in a situation where they were around someone like that,' Rogen said. He added that it was 'not a coincidence' he hasn't worked with Franco in recent years, as Franco faced sexual misconduct accusations in 2014 and again in 2018. Speaking out: Yi took to the social media site with a detailed accounting of what she was looking for from Rogen after he said that he despises 'abuse and harassment' Embattled: Rogen added that it was 'not a coincidence' he hasn't worked with Franco in recent years, as Franco faced sexual misconduct accusations in 2014 and again in 2018. Franco was snapped in NYC in 2019 He added, 'However, I do look back at a joke I made on Saturday Night Live in 2014 and I very much regret making that joke. It was a terrible joke, honestly.' The Vancouver native's joke was in reference to accusations a 17-year-old girl made against Franco that he had reached out to her on Instagram to meet up. Rogen said in the monologue: 'I decided to prank James Franco. I posed as a girl on Instagram, told him I was way young. He seemed unfazed. I have a date to meet him at the Ace Hotel.' In the interview with the newspaper Sunday, Rogen said his stance has shifted on continuing to collaborate with Franco. Background: Rogen, seen last year in a charity event, said that he was filled with regret but acknowledged his situation was 'not as painful and difficult as it is for a lot of other people involved,' adding, 'I have no pity for myself in this situation' Flashback: Among the projects Rogen and Franco worked together on included The Interview in 2014 'I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now,' he said. 'I dont know if I can define that [our friendship] right now during this interview. 'I can say it, um, you know, it has changed many things in our relationship and our dynamic.' Rogen said that he was filled with regret but acknowledged his situation was 'not as painful and difficult as it is for a lot of other people involved,' adding, 'I have no pity for myself in this situation.' Among the projects Rogen and Franco worked together on included the NBC Cult classic Freaks and Geeks and films such as Pineapple Express, This Is the End, The Disaster Artist, and The Interview. Franco earlier this year settled a suit with two women who were students of his former acting school Studio 4, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, who accused him of misconduct in their interactions. Franco said of the allegations on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018: 'The things that I heard that were on Twitter are not accurate, but I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they didn't have a voice for so long. So, I don't want to shut them down in any way. It's a good thing and I support it.' The Today Show cohost Savannah Guthrie sat down for an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on Wednesday following her announcement that she'll be ending her long-running daytime talk show. Guthrie, 49 taped her interview with DeGeneres, 63, on Wednesday, though the conversation won't be broadcast until Thursday on Today. DeGeneres also filmed her opening monologue addressing her planned departure during her on-set session, which will be broadcast on Thursday as well. Getting the details: Today host Savannah Guthrie, 49, taped the first TV interview with Ellen DeGeneres, 63, after she announced Wednesday that she was ending her talk show in 2022 Guthrie is one of the main cohosts of NBC's Today, which she anchors with alongside Hoda Kotb, with Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly and Natalie Morales also featured. This makes two high-profile interviews for the journalist within 24 hours, as she previously interviewed US Representative Liz Cheney, according to Adweek. Cheney served as the Chair of the House Republican Conference until Wednesday, when her fellow Republican representatives ousted her from the number three position in the House of Representatives via a voice vote. Cheney's colleagues moved to purge her from her leadership position after she made speeches attacking former President Donald Trump and pushing back against lies that he had won the 2020 election. Double duty: Guthrie had a busy 24 hours after filming an interview with ousted House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney; seen in 2019 in LA Guthrie rose to fame in 2007 when she began to work as a correspondent for NBC News, and one of her highest-profile jobs came amid the 2008 election when she was assigned to follow Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. She became the co-anchor of the 9 a.m. hour of Today in 2011, and later moved up to being the main co-anchor with Matt Lauer in 2012. Although Guthrie will be taking the lead in her interview with DeGeneres, is was filmed on the comedian's TV set, with her in her usual seat as the host. Coming soon: Guthrie, who became co-anchor of Today in 2012, will broadcast her interview with DeGeneres on Thursday.; seen in 2019 in NYC DeGeneres shared the news of her decision to end her long-running talk show after one more season when she delivered her show-opening monologue earlier on Wednesday. The comedian claimed she had known for years that she would end her show after it's upcoming 19th season, despite recent controversy over her allegedly toxic work environment. DailyMail.com revealed earlier on Wednesday that DeGeneres would be stepping down from her series after taping more than 3,000 episodes. Farewell: DeGeneres delivered her first monologue announcing her departure from her talk show on Wednesday after DailyMail.com revealed she was ending the show DeGeneres opened the monologue, which will be broadcast on Thursday, with the news of her departure. 'Today I'm announcing that next season, season 19 is going to be my last season,' she said, via People. 'The past 18 years ... has changed my life. You all have changed my life. I am forever grateful to all of you for watching, for laughing, for dancing sometimes crying. This show has been the greatest experience of my life and I owe it all to you,' she continued. DeGeneres added that she had 'thought a lot about this decision' in consultation with her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, 48. Tearful: 'The past 18 years ... has changed my life. You all have changed my life. I am forever grateful to all of you for watching, for laughing, for dancing sometimes crying,' she said Not a light decision: DeGeneres added that she had 'thought a lot about this decision' in consultation with her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, 48 'I sat with it for a while. I meditated on it. I talked to Portia. I talked to myself. A few times I was talking to myself and Portia thought I was talking to her. One time I was talking to Portia but she thought I was talking to myself because of the other times when I was talking to myself and she thought I was talking to her,' she joked. 'One time I was talking to Alexa and Siri answered, and another time I was talking to the TV and I accidentally texted my eye doctor. The point is, I need to take a break from talking.' DeGeneres went on to claim it had always been her plan to end the series after season 19, though she didn't address how claims that she fostered a toxic work environment and allowed her producers to bully employees might have sped up the end of her show. 'Two years ago, I signed a deal for three more years. I always knew in my heart that season 19 would be my last,' she said. 'The truth is I always trust my instincts. My instinct told me it's time. As a comedian, I've always understood the importance of timing. In all seriousness, I truly felt like next season was the right time to end this amazing chapter.' Suspicious timing: DeGeneres claimed she always planned to end the show after season 19, though she didn't address how claims that she fostered a toxic work environment impacted it More to come: The former standup promised to have a 'fantastic final season' with 'a lot of surprises,' as well as 'trips down memory lane' to pay tribute to her loyal fans She continued, comparing the decision to end her show amid the ongoing controversy to her decision to come out as gay while starring on her eponymous TV series in the 1990s. 'In 1997, I knew it was time to come out on my sitcom and live my truth. Back then I had a vivid dream that a bird flew out of a cage and set itself free because it needed to get out of that cage. Recently I had a dream that a bird, a beautiful bird with bright red feathers, came to my window and whispered, "You can still do stuff on Netflix." And that was the sign I was looking for,' she joked. 'Eighteen years ago, on the very first show, I said that this was gonna be a relationship. And we're gonna continue that relationship even when this show ends. But not in this house. 'Cause you know I love to move.' The former standup promised to have a 'fantastic final season' with 'a lot of surprises,' as well as 'trips down memory lane' to pay tribute to her loyal fans. Ellen's final season is set to premiere on September 13 of this year. Last one: Ellen's final season is set to premiere on September 13 of this year DailyMail.com previously revealed DeGeneres's plan to leave her show. A source close to the host told DailyMail.com that Ellen was expected to make the announcement on Wednesday because she 'has had enough and told her team that she's done.' 'She's promised one more season after this one and will exit at the end of the 2021/2022 season the 19th season of the show,' they continued. 'The ratings have tanked and have been truly appalling this year and Ellen knows her time is up.' In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ellen confirmed the news and said, 'When you're a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it's just not a challenge anymore.' The show's end comes after several former and current employees accused Ellen of fostering a toxic work environment last year and turning a blind eye to bullying by executives. Ellen and Warner Brothers are expected to make a public announcement as early as Wednesday afternoon, according to the source. Longevity: DailyMail.com previously revealed that DeGeneres was ending her series at taping more than 3,000 episodes; seen in 2016 Ellen told her staff of the show's ending on Tuesday and will discuss the news on Thursday's show with Oprah Winfrey. Our source said, 'The show has bled viewers since the toxic environment around Ellen and her show was made public.' The ratings for total households from February 2020 to February 2021 were down 40% in New York City and Chicago; in Los Angeles she's lost 59% of viewers. In Philly ratings in the same time period were down 32% and in San Francisco she lost 50% of viewers. Since its season premiere in September, the show garnered an average of 1.5 million viewers by March - down 1.1 million from the same time-frame a year ago, which had 2.6 million average viewers. Not invigorating: Ellen confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter: 'When you're a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it's just not a challenge anymore' The Ellen DeGeneres Show got off to a strong ratings start last fall in her 18th season premiere when she addressed the scandal, but has seen a swift decline in the months since. 'I learned that things happen here that never should have happened,' Ellen said in her season premiere. 'I take that very seriously. And I want to say I am so sorry to the people who were affected. 'I know that I'm in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes responsibility. I take responsibility for what happens at my show.' 'This is me and my intention is to always be the best person I can be, and if I've ever let someone down, if I've ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that,' she said. 'If that's ever the case, I've let myself down and I've hurt myself as well because I always try to grow as a person. 'I look at everything that comes into my life as an opportunity to learn. I got into this business to make people laugh and feel good, that's my favorite thing to do.' A source close to the host tells DailyMail.com,' She has had enough and told her team that she's done' Executive producers (left to right) Jonathan Norman, Kevin Lenman and Ed Glavin were accused by over 30 former employees of sexual misconduct and were all fired The claims of Ellen's toxic work environment were revealed in July 2020 by one current and 10 former employees of the daytime talk show who accused three executive producers, Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner, of 'bullying.' Executive producers Glavin, Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman were all fired from the popular talk show following the accusations leveled against them by current and former staffers. Ellen came out with an apology after it was announced that her show was subject to a probe by WarnerMedia which looked into 'staff experiences on set'. The host sent her staff a memo in which she wrote she was 'taking steps... to correct' issues with her employees. 'On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry,' Ellen said in the memo. 'As we've grown exponentially, I've not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I'd want them done. Clearly some didn't,' she added. 'That will now change and I'm committed to ensuring this does not happen again.' Among the allegations was one made by a Black woman who claimed she suffered a number of 'microaggressions,' her request for a raise was ignored and she was accused of 'walking around looking resentful and angry' after asking for staff members to undergo diversity and inclusion training. Another former employee alleged they were fired after taking medical leave for one month following a suicide attempt. A popular claim that circulated is that staff members were instructed not to speak to Ellen. Some claims included that staff are required to chew gum before speaking to her because of her 'sensitive nose', and that she polices staff lunch orders and bans anyone from eating fish or meat. Ellen got off to a strong ratings start last fall in her 18th season season premiere when she addressed the scandal, but has seen a swift decline in the months since In addition to these claims, the show was rocked again when three dozen employees of the daytime talk show alleged that senior executives who work behind the scenes groped and kissed staffers, solicited one of them for oral sex, and were 'handsy with women.' Jonathan Norman, a co-executive producer, is alleged to have 'groomed' a former employee by taking him to concerts and showering him with other gifts and perks before attempting to perform oral sex on him. Kevin Leman, the show's head writer and executive producer, is alleged to have solicited oral sex from an employee. Others say they witnessed Leman grope another colleague. And Ed Glavin, an executive producer, allegedly 'had a reputation for being handsy with women,' according to former employees. The former staffers told BuzzFeed News that they believe the host knew that several of her senior showrunners and producers were alleged to have committed sexual misconduct against junior-level employees. Amy Schumer cradled her two-year-old son Gene in a heartwarming new snap she posted to Instagram this week. The 39-year-old was bringing him to a 'Set visit,' presumably to the shoot of her upcoming Hulu series Life & Beth. She had been seen just the previous day shooting a night scene for the show on a sidewalk in New York City. 'Set visit': Amy Schumer cradled her two-year-old son Gene in a heartwarming new snap she posted to Instagram this week During the scene she could be glimpsed outside The Fat Black Pussycat which is the sister bar of the iconic Greenwich Village comedy club The Comedy Cellar. In real life Amy has a long history with the Comedy Cellar - she even performed her first set as a mother there just two weeks after she delivered Gene. When she was trolled online for returning to work so soon after giving birth she joked: 'Ive always wanted to be mom shamed!!!!' She will be writing and directing multiple episodes of Life & Beth on which she also has an executive producer role. Family: In her personal life Amy shared a heartfelt tribute to her chef husband Chris Fischer on their son Gene's second birthday last week Amy stars as a successful wine distributor who begins reexamining her life amid a series of flashbacks to her teenage years, Deadline reports. In her personal life Amy shared a heartfelt tribute to her chef husband Chris Fischer on their son Gene's second birthday last week. The Trainwreck star wrote that her son will 'most likely' inherit his father's autism and encouraged fans to get tested. While Amy was pregnant with Gene she came down with such a severe bout of hyperemesis gravidarum that she was hospitalized multiple times. Words of advice: The Trainwreck star wrote that her son will 'most likely' inherit his father's autism and encouraged fans to get tested Her pregnancy was shown on last year's HBO docuseries Expecting Amy where she was seen telling Christy Turlington she was considering surrogacy next time. She said there was a '90% chance' of her contracting hyperemesis if she got pregnant again and quipped that she was 'never' going to do so. Early last year she began the in vitro fertilization process for another baby but then she decided to pause it because of the coronavirus pandemic. Amy revealed on The Howard Stern Show last April that 'we were gonna like try to make a move and COVID happened.' A sibling for Gene?: Last month on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Amy said she and Chris were 'trying to figure out' the process of having a second child The Snatched actress explained: 'And I'm just kinda like walking it back like: "Okay, maybe we''ll just revisit that in a minute."' Last summer she told Access that IVF was 'really hard on my body, it was really hard on me emotionally. You know, and we got one embryo so that's not like, you know, we knocked it out of the park but we're grateful that we got one normal embryo.' Then last month on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Amy said she and Chris were 'trying to figure out' the process of having a second child. She's the Australian actress who is married to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. And while Isla Fisher and her husband are very much in the public eye, they are notoriously private about their children. In an interview with Marie Claire Australia, Isla, 45, revealed exactly why she won't share photographs of her three kids on social media. Private matters: In an interview with Marie Claire Australia, Isla Fisher revealed exactly why she won't share photographs of her three children on social media. 'Motherhood is actually my favourite topic but I keep it private,' she said 'Motherhood is actually my favourite topic but I keep it private,' she said. 'I think all parents are trying to protect their kids, especially in the social media age. 'I want our children to have a normal childhood being able to play outside without pressure or scrutiny. All kids have the right to just be kids, and I would never sell a film or magazine by speaking about [mine].' Blessed: She told the latest issue of Marie Claire Australia she felt 'very lucky to have met' the Borat star, 49, at a party in Sydney in 2002. Pictured, Isla (right) and Sacha (left) While the Wedding Crashers star kept mum on her offspring, she did however speak candidly about her marriage to Sacha. In the same issue of Marie Claire Australia Isla said she felt 'very lucky to have met' the Borat star, 49, at a party in Sydney in 2002. Her in-depth interview was accompanied by a stunning photo shoot in which she posed in a variety of designer outfits. Cover girl: In Marie Claire Australia, Isla said she felt 'very lucky to have met' the Borat star, 49, at a party in Sydney in 2002 Her story: Notoriously private actress Isla Fisher has spoken candidly about her marriage to Sacha Baron Cohen and their decision to relocate Down Under with their three children Inside, she also revealed the 'secret' to her long-lasting relationship with the British comedian as they approach 20 years together, and she said that 'humour helps'. 'I wish I had an answer. I'm very lucky to have met him,' she added. She also touched upon how grateful she is for everything in her life, particularly her career and family. Grateful: She also touched upon how grateful she is for everything in her life, particularly her career and family. Isla, who was born in Oman but grew up in Perth, also discussed moving back to Australia with her family after years spent living in Los Angeles. While reports suggested she and Sacha had wanted to escape 'Trump's America', Isla said relocating to Sydney was a personal rather than a political decision. Isla said it 'feels very magical' to be back home after spending so long in the U.S. and that she can 'be herself' in Australia. Karl Stefanovic looked every bit the doting dad during a day out with wife Jasmine Yarbrough and their one-year-old daughter Harper on Thursday. The couple stopped by a cafe in Sydney's Double Bay, but with Harper now walking, the 46-year-old Today host had his work cut out for him. As Karl and Jasmine, 37, made a feeble attempt to stop for a break, an active Harper made a dash for freedom. Family outing: Karl Stefanovic looked every bit the smitten dad during a day out with wife Jasmine Yarbrough and their one-year-old daughter Harper on Thursday Abandoning Jasmine, Karl chased after his young daughter as his wife of over two years watched on and laughed. The veteran TV host was quick to run after his daughter, following a barefoot Harper down the pavement. Meanwhile, a bemused Jasmine crouched down and watched as her husband and daughter's high-speed chase unfolded. On the run: The couple stopped by a cafe in Sydney's Double Bay, but with Harper now walking, the 46-year-old Today host had his work cut out for him Taking off: As Karl and Jasmine, 37, made a feeble attempt to stop for a break, an active Harper made a dash for freedom After catching up to Harper, Karl scooped her up in his arms and planted a kiss on the unimpressed toddler's cheek. The father-of-four carried Harper back over to her waiting mum, who showed Karl something on her phone. The couple then shared a laugh, before Karl handed Harper over to Jasmine to hold. Game over: Harper seemed highly unimpressed after her dad finally caught up to her and picked her up Daddy's girl: After catching up to Harper, Karl scooped her up in his arms and planted a kiss on the unimpressed toddler's cheek Phoning it in: The father-of-four carried Harper back over to her waiting mum, who showed Karl something on her phone At one stage, the renowned larrikin had both Jasmine and Harper in fits of laughter as he leant against his daughter's pram and chatted with them. An adorable Harper smiled happily as she sat in her mother's arms, having seemingly forgotten all about her run for freedom. As they left, Karl pushed the pram, while Jasmine carried Harper across a busy street. On the phone: Jasmine appeared to have read something aloud to Karl on her phone as they stood talking All smiles: An adorable Harper smiled happily as she sat in her mother's arms, having seemingly forgotten all about her run for freedom Cracking up: At one stage, the renowned larrikin had both Jasmine and Harper in fits of laughter as he leant against his daughter's pram and chatted with them Happy family: Karl and Jasmine shared a laugh as they stood talking with their young daughter in Double Bay The family appeared to have been in high spirits during the outing, smiling happily as they made their way down the street together. Jasmine smiled animatedly at their daughter as they waited to cross a street, before showering her with hugs and kisses. Meanwhile, a cheeky Karl played with his wife's topknot as he stood behind them and happily watched on. On the move: As they left, Karl pushed the pram, while Jasmine carried Harper across a busy street Dressed down: Both Karl and Jasmine were dressed casually for the outing, with the Channel Nine star stepping out in geometric-patterned blue and white shorts Fancy footwear: Karl also wore a plain black T-shirt and donned black socks with white open-toe slides Fun day out: The family appeared to have been in high spirits during the outing, smiling happily as they made their way down the street together They eventually stopped by a cafe, where they ordered takeaway cups of coffee and food. After placing their order inside, the family then sat at a bench outside to enjoy their food and drinks. With Harper now strapped safely in her stroller, the doting parents bent down and smiled at the tot. Baby love: Jasmine smiled animatedly at their daughter as they waited to cross a street, before showering her with hugs and kisses Hair-raising: A cheeky Karl played with his wife's topknot as he stood behind them and happily watched on At one stage, a smiling Jasmine reached out to Karl, appearing to feed him something. Both Karl and Jasmine were dressed casually for the outing, with the Channel Nine star stepping out in geometric-patterned blue and white shorts. He also wore a plain black T-shirt and donned black socks with white open-toe slides. All tied up: The shoe designer wore black sneakers and a pair of oversize cat-eye sunglasses, and her long blonde hair was tied up in a topknot 'One year ago today you came into our world and filled our hearts with so much love. You are the most precious soul who we love beyond words,' Jasmine wrote on Instagram Meanwhile, Jasmine opted for black workout tights with sheer panels on the sides and a grey hooded sweatshirt. The shoe designer also wore black sneakers and a pair of oversize cat-eye sunglasses, and her long blonde hair was tied up in a topknot. Harper turned one on May 1, with Jasmine paying sweet tribute to her little girl on Instagram at the time. Placing an order: They eventually stopped by a cafe, where they ordered takeaway cups of coffee and food Soaking up the sun: After placing their order inside, the family then sat at a bench outside to enjoy their food and drinks Food for thought: At one stage, a smiling Jasmine reached out to Karl, appearing to feed him something So in love: With Harper now strapped safely in her stroller, the doting parents bent down and smiled at the tot 'One year ago today you came into our world and filled our hearts with so much love. You are the most precious soul who we love beyond words,' she wrote. 'Thank you for making my world Harper May! You have completely filled Mummy's heart.' Karl and Jasmine were married in December 2018 in a star-studded ceremony in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Advertisement Paris Hilton put her iconic fashion sense on full display as she modeled an array of eye-catching outfits on Wednesday afternoon. The 40-year-old fragrance mogul sifted through the racks at the Philipp Plein store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Hilton slipped her enviably slender frame into five contrasting looks, including a sparkling red wrap dress with a heart-shaped buckle. Iconic: Paris Hilton put her iconic fashion sense on full display as she modeled an array of eye-catching outfits on Wednesday afternoon High end: The 40-year-old fragrance mogul sifted through the racks at the Philipp Plein store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California It also featured slight shoulder pads, long sleeves, and a pleated effect on the skirt portion of the dress. The ultra mini dress' plunging neckline drew attention to the heiress' smooth decolletage. Paris appeared to love the ruby red get-up, which she paired with black nylons and a pair of vinyl stiletto heels. The tights that she chose had the designer's full name written down one leg in black glitter. Lady in red: Hilton slipped her enviably slender frame into five contrasting looks, including a sparkling red wrap dress with a rhinestone heart-shaped buckle Vintage touches: It also featured slight shoulder pads, long sleeves, and a pleated effect on the skirt portion of the dress All eyes on Paris! The ultra mini dress' plunging neckline drew attention to the heiress' smooth decolletage She kept her hazel eyes concealed behind a pair of rhinestone-covered cateye shades that matched the large skull detail on her designer handbag. Hilton's bright blonde hair was parted down the middle and tucked behind one ear for the impromptu runway show. The Simple Life star ended up loving the sparkling dress so much that she traded in the red variation for a stunning pale blue one. Finishing touches: Paris appeared to be loved the ruby red get-up, which she paired with black nylons and a pair of vinyl stiletto heels All in the details: Paris' tights featured the designer's name down one leg Shady lady: She kept her hazel eyes concealed behind a pair of rhinestone-covered cateye shades that matched the large skull detail on her designer handbag Hilton beamed as she slipped into the powder blue number. She posed for one photo with her well manicured finger pressed to her chin, before twirling around for the camera. As she twirled, Paris revealed extra details about her designer shoes, including the silver spikes on the heels. Round two: Hilton beamed as she slipped into the powder blue number Twirling: She posed for one photo with her well manicured hand pressed to her chin, before twirling around for the camera Almost missed it! As she twirled, Paris revealed extra details about her designer shoes, including the silver spiked heels Next, Hilton decided to slip into another mini dress but in an even bolder shade. The stunner reemerged in a highlighter yellow number with a plunging neckline and ruching on the skirt portion. In order to keep the dress the focus, Paris left on her black tight and stiletto heels. Next up! Next, Hilton decided to slip into another mini dress but in an even bolder shade Neon: The stunner reemerged in a highlighter yellow number with a plunging neckline and ruching on the skirt portion Feeling herself: She was clearly feeling herself in the third outfit as she stared seductively into the camera and struck several poses in front of a mirrored wall displaying various shoes She was clearly feeling herself in the third outfit as she stared seductively into the camera and struck several poses in front of a mirrored wall displaying various shoes. Channeling her inner disco diva, Hilton slipped her fit physique into a silver sequin peek-a-boo dress. Like the highlighter yellow dress, Paris' fourth get-up featured an ultra flattering ruched lower half that further refined her curves. Disco diva: Channeling her inner disco diva, Hilton slipped her fit physique into a silver sequin peek-a-boo dress Nice touch! Like the highlighter yellow dress, Paris' fourth get-up featured an ultra flattering ruched lower half that further refined her curves Sultry: While discussing the next look of the day, Paris briefly removed her rhinestone shades to reveal her sexy smokey eye makeup While discussing the next look of the day, Paris briefly removed her rhinestone shades to reveal her sexy smokey eye makeup. For the final look of Hilton's in-store shoot, the blonde beauty showcased her sporty side in a pair of black leggings with checker print down each leg. The House Of Wax actress completed the look with a studded motorcycle jacket and a black v-neck top that she tucked into the waistband of her tight leggings. Grande finale: For the final look of Hilton's in-store shoot, the blonde beauty showcased her sporty side in a pair of black leggings with checker print down each leg Perfect pairing: The House Of Wax actress completed the look with a studded motorcycle jacket and a black v-neck top that she tucked into the waistband of her tight leggings Hilton had a thick black choker fastened around her neck and sexy leather riding gloves on her hands. The fiancee of Carter Reum traded in her stilettos for a pair of pointed black booties that featured the same studs as her moto jacket. For one shot, Paris cradled a bright red bag in her hands, which the camera man zeroed in on. Finishing touches: Hilton had a thick black choker fastened around her neck and sexy leather riding gloves on her hands Switch up: The fiancee of Carter Reum traded in her stilettos for a pair of pointed black booties that featured the same studs as her moto jacket Another saw Hilton posted up against a glass display case with her hand in her shoulder-length hair. Hilton's ultra glamorous photoshoot at the Philipp Plein store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California comes after she revealed she would be televising her journey to the altar in Peacock's 13-part docuseries, Paris In Love. 'I'm getting married and you're invited,' the 40-year-old bride-to-be - who boasts 46.2M social media followers - gushed. Exciting! Hilton's ultra glamorous photoshoot at the Philipp Plein store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California comes after she revealed she would be televising her journey to the altar in Peacock's 13-part docuseries, Paris In Love Paris In Love: 'I'm getting married and you're invited,' the 40-year-old bride-to-be - who boasts 46.2M social media followers - gushed 'Go behind-the-scenes with me on my wedding journey on my new show coming soon to Peacock. Loves it!' Paris In Love will cover the entire process from bridal gown to venue to bachelorette bash as viewers witness 'a personal side of Paris that only her closest friends and family get to see.' Hilton and her fiance Carter Reum - who've already undergone the egg extraction procedure for IVF - just celebrated their 17-month anniversary as a couple on April 29. Stella Maxwell looked absolutely sensational in a plunging black lace bodysuit as she grabbed dinner with friends at Katsuya in Studio City on Tuesday evening. While putting her stunning physique on full display under a satin pantsuit, the 30-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel strutted into the Japanese restaurant wearing a pair of $830 Gucci sneakers. Her bright blonde tresses cascaded past her shoulders, while she kept her nose and mouth covered under a black face mask amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Beautiful: Stella Maxwell looked absolutely sensational in a plunging black lace bodysuit as she grabbed dinner with friends at Katsuya in Studio City on Tuesday evening The outing comes just days ahead of her birthday on Saturday and less than a week after unveiling her stunning L'Officiel magazine cover. 'Thank you team,' began Maxwell, who posed with a bottle of Chanel No. 5. 'exclusive for @chanelofficial shot by the talented @renee_parkhurst.' For the Chanel-themed shoot, Stella donned a wavy, jaw-length wig with wispy fringe. Dinnertime: While putting her stunning physique on full display under a satin pantsuit, the 30-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel strutted into the Japanese restaurant wearing a pair of $830 Gucci sneakers She sported a minimal amount of makeup and kept covered with a black lacy top in order to make the perfume bottle the focus. Although she is most famous for her modeling, Stella has also gained recognition for her several high profile romances with the likes of Kristen Stewart and Miley Cyrus 'Honestly, I never worried about my sexuality,' Maxwell told The Advocate back in September. Covergirl: She recently graced the cover of L'Officiel magazine in head-to-toe Chanel Love life: Although she is most famous for her modeling, Stella has also gained recognition for her several high profile romances with the likes of Kristen Stewart and Miley Cyrus 'I look forward to the world getting to the point where we don't think about what someone's sexual preference is, what their gender is. Let's really just live and accept and celebrate people's individuality.' If the Monot FW/21 catwalker has a type, it's 'kind and honest' people who 'love dogs and animals' and 'have the space in your life to share.' Stewart has since moved on with girlfriend Dylan Meyer, who she began dating in August 2019, months after they called it quits in November 2018. Rebel Wilson split with boyfriend Jacob Busch in February. And the 41-year-old actress may now be ready to move on and find love again after sharing a cryptic post to Instagram. Posing for a glamorous photo in a stylish red ensemble, Rebel wrote: 'Open door, open book, open heart.' Posing for a glamorous photo in a stylish red ensemble, Rebel Wilson wrote: 'Open door, open book, open heart' Last year, Rebel revealed that she'd love to become Australia's next Bachelorette. She told News.com.au that she wants to 'represent more real-looking women' on the Channel 10 dating show. However, she joked that she's unsure if Channel 10 could afford her $20million fee. 'I've turned into such a romantic. I'm not ashamed to admit that I watch and love shows like The Bachelor and Bachelorette,' said Rebel in the interview. When asked if she'd consider signing up herself, she laughed: 'My price is $20million so I don't think [Channel 10] can afford it I'm not going to expose myself publicly in that way for a low price. 'But I think it'd be interesting to represent a more real-looking woman as the Bachelorette. I think that'd be a really positive message and I think people would find it more interesting.' Meanwhile, Rebel recently thanked fans for their support in a heartfelt update in which she revealed her fertility struggles. 'Just wanted to say I woke up this morning and read through everyone's kind messages and stories about their journeys and I can't tell you how much that meant to me and has made me feel a lot better today,' she wrote. 'Social media for the win here in terms of creating connection when I was in a very lonely place. So thank you everyone.' Split: In early February, Rebel split from her boyfriend Jacob Busch, after the couple had dated for a little more than a year Rebel had suggested she was 'struggling with fertility' in her cryptic Instagram post shared just days earlier. The Aussie star, who split from her boyfriend Jacob Busch after a year of dating in February, shared an image of herself standing by the ocean, along with a caption that suggested she had received 'bad news'. In the post, she penned: 'I got some bad news today and didn't have anyone to share it with... but I guess I gotta tell someone. To all the women out there struggling with fertility, I feel ya... Tough times: The 41-year-old's post comes after she thanked fans for their support in a heartfelt update in which she revealed her fertility struggles 'The universe works in mysterious ways and sometimes it all doesn't make sense... but I hope there's light about to shine through all the dark clouds.' Last year, Rebel revealed she wanted to improve her health because she had decided to freeze her eggs. She explained: 'I was thinking about fertility and having good quality eggs in the bank, so I was like, 'OK, I'm going to do this. I'm going to get healthy.'' As part of her 'year of health', the Pain & Gain star shed a whopping 30kg in 2020. Candace Owens has branded Chrissy Teigen a 'massive, disgusting hypocrite' after the model apologised for sending Courtney Stodden abusive tweets encouraging the former teen bride to commit suicide. Political commentator Owens, 32, took to Twitter on Thursday after the apology as she unearthed more vile tweets Teigen, 35, made in the past. Addressing the recent Stodden controversy, Owens penned: 'Chrissy Teigen has offered a public apology to Courtney Stodden for encouraging her to commit suicide as a teenager, but ONLY because I blew the story up. 'The media has given Chrissy a pass for YEARS as she has monstrously attacked people, repeatedly for simply existing.' Teigen penned an apology on Twitter for her previous actions on Wednesday. saying she was 'ashamed and completely embarrassed' by her actions. But Stodden, who recently came out as non-binary, said that while they accept the apology and forgive the swimwear model, they doubt the sincerity of the message. They wrote: 'I accept her apology and forgive her. But the truth remains the same, I have never heard from her or her camp in private. In fact, she blocked me on Twitter. 'All of me wants to believe this is a sincere apology, but it feels like a public attempt to save her partnerships with Target and other brands who are realizing her 'wokeness' is a broken record.' Taking aim: Candace Owens has branded Chrissy Teigen a 'massive, disgusting hypocrite' after the model apologised for sending Courtney Stodden abusive tweets Shocking: Political commentator Owens, 32, took to Twitter on Thursday after the apology as she unearthed more vile tweets Teigen, 35, made in the past Distressing: Owens also shared a tweet allegedly penned by Teigen in which she called on the politician to 'shoot herself in the face' Calling out: The political commentator questioned Target's partnership with the model amid the Twitter storm Owens shared a series of unearthed posts by Teigen, one aimed at Lindsay Lohan in 2011, that said the actress 'adds a few more slits to her wrists when she sees emma stone [sic]', while another tweet targeting politician Sarah Palin read: 'listen. i don't want much from sarah palin. i just want her to admit partial fault, then shoot herself in the face. is that wrong? [sic]' Addressing Teigen's tweet about Lohan, Owens shared: 'Another @chrissyteigen suicide tweet. This time dedicated to Lindsay Lohan. 'Isn't John Legend's wife just SO FUNNY when she encourages self-harm? All of you celebrities are massive, disgusting hypocrites who treat people like dirt.' In response to the tweet about Palin, Owens tweeted: 'Chrissy Teigen also pleaded with Sarah Palin to commit suicide by shooting herself in the face. @target is still carrying her products.' Under fire: Chrissy Teigen has been accused of 'hypocrisy' after a string of past tweets were unveiled in which she mocked suicide attempts Never: Courtney Stodden claims that Chrissy Teigen 'never' reached out to them privately to apologize for the abusive tweets and direct messages that she sent in 2011 Forgiven? The former teen bride said they were dubious about the intention behind Teigen's apology and posted an image showing they had been blocked by the model on Twitter MailOnline has contacted Teigen's representatives for comment. The unveiling of the tweets comes after Teigen has repeatedly come under fire for a string of vile remarks made over the years. Back in 2018, Twitter users unearthed several outrageous comments made by Teigen, including one from 2009 in which she ridiculed transsexual contestants on America's Next Top Model by posting: 'God. Can we just come out and call the freaking show America's next top tr***y because this s**t has been t***tastic for the past five years.' She also mocked Lady Gaga's appearance in 2010, saying: 'Aaaaah. I feel like lady gaga. But with lady parts.' She taunted Demi Lovato about her stay in an addiction clinic: 'demi lovato is out of rehab! I hope she made the bed for Charlie.' When Mariah Carey announced she was having twins in 2010, Teigen cruelly shamed her: 'why is anyone surprised mariah is having twins? I was always pretty positive there were 2-15 babies growing inside of her.' In 2013, she attacked Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham: 'farrah Abraham now thinks she is pregnant from her sex tape. In other news you're a whore and everyone hates you.' She also lashed out at Avril Lavigne in a since deleted tweet: 'If u told me I could I have kid but it would be exactly like avril, I would choose to have a barren, sterile existence that ends when I die.' She mocked comedian Jay Mohr over the name of his baby son in 2011. In 2009: Teigen ridiculed transsexual contestants on America's Next Top Model In 2010: The model mocked Lady Gaga's appearance in tweers since Also in 2010: When Mariah Carey announced she was having twins, Teigen cruelly shamed her A year later in 2011: Teigen mocked comedian Jay Mohr over the name of his baby son In 2013: She attacked then nine-year-old actress Quvenzhane Wallis for her presenting performance at the 2013 Oscars 'NikkI Cox and Jay Mohr named their son Meredith. Their son, Meredith. Meredith is their son's name. The name of their son is Meredith.' And she attacked then nine-year-old actress Quvenzhane Wallis for her presenting performance at the 2013 Oscars. 'Is it okay to call a small child cocky?' she tweeted. Although Teigen did not apologise at the time for her past tweets, she recently issued an apology to Courtney Stodden, after the model accused her of cyber bullying. 'I'm mortified and sad at who I used to be,' Teigen tweeted on Wednesday. 'I was an insecure, attention seeking troll. I am ashamed and completely embarrassed at my behavior.' Apology: Teigen addressed the controversy on her Twitter account on Wednesday as she penned a lengthy apology Earlier this week, Stodden, 26, revealed that Teigen 'would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself' on Twitter, after Teigen had publicly insulted the model on the social media platform telling them to 'go to sleep forever.' Some of the tweets Teigen was responding to are no longer available to view on Twitter. Stodden - who has shared their new pronouns, they/them/their - first addressed the abusive tweets in an Instagram post last year, and said they had not received an apology from Teigen. 'I was an insecure, attention seeking troll': Although Teigen did not apologise at the time for her past tweets, she recently issued an apology to Courtney Stodden (left) However, the wife of John Legend has now fully admitted her wrongdoing, as she tweeted: 'I have tried to connect with Courtney privately but since I publicly fueled all this, I want to also publicly apologize. I'm so sorry, Courtney. I hope you can heal now knowing how deeply sorry I am.' Teigen added: 'And I am so sorry I let you guys down. I will forever work on being better than I was 10 years ago, 1 year ago, 6 months ago.' Stodden - who was just 16 years old at the time of the messages - revealed this week: '[Chrissy] wouldn't just publicly tweet about wanting me to take 'a dirt nap' but would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself. Things like, 'I can't wait for you to die.'' Stodden believes Teigen's apology on Wednesday was motivated by her commercial deals rather than her true feelings, referencing her partnership with Target. Teigen has a highly successful Cravings empire, which has produced various kitchenware and cookware lines, two popular cookbooks, and a full fledged lifestyle website. Back in September of 2018, Teigen and her brand launched the Cravings by Chrissy Teigen collection, which was made 'available exclusively at Target.' The range, according to an official press release published by Target at the time, consisted of 40 different kitchenware items 'ranging in price from $4 for drinkware to $140 for a 12-piece cookware set.' Mark Tritton, who is now the former executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Target, praised the collaboration in the 2018 press release, stressing that Target '[has] a great relationship with Chrissy and have worked with her in a number of ways over the years.' Since the collection's initial launch, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen has continued to launch products through Target, with one of the more recent drops occurring in December 2020. A 'dirt nap' alludes to a dead person's burial, and Teigen's 2011 tweet to Stodden reads: 'My friday fantasy: you. dirt nap. mmmmmm baby.' Another tweet from Teigen to Stodden stated: 'go. to sleep. forever.' It is not clear what triggered Teigen to compose the public attacks on Stodden, other than at the time they were just 16-years-old and had gained notoriety for marrying Green Mile actor Doug Hutchinson, who was 51. In March this year, Stodden criticized Teigen and called her out for being a hypocrite for temporarily leaving Twitter over negative comments, when she herself had made such disparaging remarks towards Stodden. The model and singer claimed 'bullying' by Teigen on social media. Calling her out: Stodden brought up a 2011 tweet from Chrissy attacking them, as they criticized the wife of John Legend for temporarily leaving Twitter over negative comments Abusive: Chrissy made a series of abusive remarks towards Stodden in 2011 saying she fantasized about the model taking a 'dirt nap' which alludes to a dead person's burial Teigen revealed she was quitting Twitter (though would later rejoin) amid a string of negative comments from trolls, which the model said had left her feeling 'deeply bruised.' At the time of Teigen's brief departure from Twitter, Stodden brought up a 2011 tweet from the model which read: 'Saying Courtney Stodden's FB age got shut down for being too sexy is like saying the Nazi's were just meanies. As in, not quite.' Stodden first accused Teigen of bullying her in an Instagram video last April, they appeared to suggest the negative comments had all started after their controversial marriage to Hutchinson was first made public. Stodden claims: 'She wouldn't just publicly tweet about wanting me to take 'a dirt nap' but would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself.' 'I'm going through a lot right now behind closed doors and I'm coming to a lot of, kind of like, revelations I guess about the choices that I made but also that the adults made around me when I was a minor and got married,' Stodden said. 'This video is definitely calling out Chrissy Teigen. She stalked me. She harassed me. She bullied me, and keep in mind, I was a minor.' 'She would call me a whore, a slut, she would tell me she hated me. Every name in the book she called me,' Stodden went on to claim. Mean tweets: Messages from Teigen towards Stodden began to resurface on Monday Attacks: Teigen went so far as to say she hated Stodden in a series of abusive tweets Meanwhile, in a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Beast on Monday, Stodden also talked about facing insults from The View's Joy Behar and Courtney Love, saying: 'There were a lot of celebrities acting like playground bullies. Some of the worst treatment I got was from women.' 'Joy Behar had a field day with calling me a 'slut.' Courtney Love told me I was a 'whore.' People came out of the woodwork to beat up on a kid because she was in a situation that she shouldn't have been in,' Stodden claimed. Stodden went on to speak about feeling suicidal during dark moments, explaining: 'There have probably been five times that I've felt like I wanted to kill myselfand made the actions to go ahead and do it. So, there's been a lot of dark moments in my life.' Fame: Stodden first found fame in 2011 when they were just 16, after marrying actor Doug Hutchison, who was 50 at the time. They're seen in 2013 above. Last month, the media personality and model revealed they 'don't identify as she or her,' saying their 'spirit is fluid' in an Instagram post, coming out as non-binary. 'They/them/theirs. I don't Identify as she or her,' Stodden wrote, explaining: 'I've never felt like I ever fit in anywhere.' While Teigen had remained silent on the claims from Stodden until now, she did address her own negative experiences on Twitter in March. 'Hey. For over 10 years, you guys have been my world. I honestly owe so much to this world we have created here. I truly consider so many of you my actual friends,' she began. 'But it's time for me to say goodbye. This no longer serves me as positively as it serves me negatively, and I think that's the right time to call something,' she admitted. Change of heart: Meanwhile in March this year, Chrissy Teigen revealed she was quitting Twitter (though would later rejoin) amid a string of negative comments from trolls 'My life goal is to make people happy. The pain I feel when I don't is too much for me. I've always been portrayed as the strong clap back girl but I'm just not,' wrote the star, referring to her frequent fiery Twitter exchanges. 'My desire to be liked and fear of pissing people off has made me somebody you didn't sign up for, and a different human than I started out here as! Live well, tweeters. Please know all I ever cared about was you!!!' Teigen noted that, over the span of her nearly 11 years of Twitter, she has 'said f**ked up s**t and killed myself over it as much as you killed me. But one thing I haven't learned is how to block out the negativity. 'I'm just a sensitive s**t, okay!? I don't wanna be this way! I just am! But I love you guys and I cherish our time together, I truly do. I also hate you,' concluded the star, with a heart. She was rushed to hospital late last week where she battled an autoimmune disease. And Jack Whitehall's girlfriend Roxy Horner seemed like she had made a full recovery from her recent illness as she posed for two sultry bathroom mirror selfies on Thursday. The model, 29, showed off her lithe legs and pert posterior in the new snaps uploaded to her Instagram Story where she slipped into a white jumper which had bunny ears on the hood. Recovery: Jack Whitehall's girlfriend Roxy Horner posed for sultry bathroom mirror selfies in just a hoodie on Thursday after battling an autoimmune disease in hospital Fresh from a pamper session, she wore a pink towel on her head and went makeup free as she snapped away. In a second sexy picture the blonde beauty flashed a hint of her peachy derriere in just the hoodie. It comes after Roxy was rushed to hospital on Sunday where she battled an autoimmune disease. Cheeky: In a second sexy picture the blonde beauty flashed a hint of her peachy derriere in just the hoodie At the time she admitted she didn't know whether to 'laugh or cry every five minutes' while in hospital. Posting a stunning throwback snap from a photoshoot, Roxy penned: 'Ever stare life right in the face like really??? 'Currently sitting in hospital not knowing to laugh or cry every 5 mins but Im going to choose to try and laugh because life is too damn short.' Roxy has not disclosed what type of autoimmune disease she was battling, and MailOnline have contacted her representatives for further comment. Worrying: It comes after Roxy was rushed to hospital on Sunday where she battled an autoimmune disease Candid: The model, 29, took to Instagram on Sunday as she admitted she didn't know whether to 'laugh or cry every five minutes' Roxy, who has been dating Jack since early 2020, signed off her post with: 'Screw auto immune diseases though!' Autoimmune diseases can cause either low or over activity of the immune system. The immune system can mistake body parts, such as skin, joints or organs, as bacteria or viruses so attacks them and healthy cells. Roxy was then discharged from hospital on Monday and gave her fans the update while sharing a selfie from her hospital bed. What are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases can cause either low or over activity of the immune system. The immune system can mistake body parts, such as skin, joints or organs, as bacteria or viruses so attacks them and healthy cells. It is not known exactly what causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Advertisement Over a picture of her smiling while wearing a hospital gown, she wrote: 'I can leave tonight yay.' Before revealing news of her discharge, Roxy shared a loved-up picture with Jack and gushed: 'I'm so lucky and grateful for my man, my biggest support through everything. I don't know what I would have done this past year without you.' Since the first lockdown Roxy has been dating comedian Jack, 32, after the pair met during a trip to Australia, with the model moving into his London home after just a few weeks of dating. Scary: Roxy, who has been dating Jack since early 2020, signed off her post with: 'Screw auto immune diseases though!' (pictured with Jack last year) Jack previously admitted although the decision 'accelerated' their relationship, they did miss out on doing ordinary things like restaurant and cinema dates. Speaking on the Couples Quarantine podcast, he said: 'Weirdly that was quite nice because we spent a lot of time together and it accelerates the relationship in a way. 'Then when lockdown ended, there's a lot of things we realised. We'd never gone to see a film together. We'd never been to a restaurant in England because we met in Australia.' Grateful: Before revealing news of her discharge, Roxy shared a loved-up picture with Jack and gushed: 'I'm so lucky and grateful for my man' Jack dated actress Gemma Chan, 38, between 2011 and 2017, and he previously said that he regretted not marrying her. Speaking to his mother Hilary in an episode of his Netflix series, Travels With My Father, he said: 'I f****d up my chance of that. I did. I could have got married but I messed it up.' In the episode, which was filmed before Jack began dating Roxy, he apologised to his mother for being the only single member of their immediate family as it meant he had to attend his sister Molly's wedding alone. He added: 'I'm sorry I'll be attending the wedding alone and I'm sorry you have two children who have model relationships and one who is going to be there on his own trying to s**g a bridesmaid.' Fiona Falkiner and Hayley Willis welcomed their first child, son Hunter, in March. And on Thursday, the former Biggest Loser host, 38, revealed plans to have another child with her fiancee. 'I think we are going to have another one pretty soon actually,' Fiona told The Daily Telegraph. Baby plans: New mums Fiona Falkiner and her fiancee Hayley Willis revealed baby plans - two months after welcoming their son Hunter 'We will play it by ear but two or three kids in total would be amazing. We may as well get the sleep deprivation over with together,' she added. Fiona also revealed the couple are planning to have another child after their wedding in October. 'After the wedding we will get Hayley pregnant,' she revealed. Growing family: Fiona also revealed the couple are planning to have another child after their wedding in October and Hayley will be carrying the baby Fiona and Hayley welcomed their son Hunter into the world on Monday, March 22 - and announced his arrival via a sweet Instagram post. Fiona wrote: 'For two years you were a dream. Over nine months we watched you grow. In a second you stole our hearts, and showed us a love we did not know. 'Introducing Hunter William Falkiner Born 22.3.2021. 3.3kgs of baby gold. Mummy Fee and bub are doing fantastic. Family: Fiona and Hayley welcomed their son Hunter into the world on Monday, March 22 - and announced his arrival via a sweet Instagram post 'A huge thank you to our incredible OB Ellie all the wonderful midwives of SAN Maternity who helped us navigate these first few days of motherhood'. Fiona announced her pregnancy in September, sharing a photo to Instagram of Hayley cradling her bump. They revealed they were expecting a boy the following month. The couple became engaged in April 2019 while on holiday in Vanuatu, sharing the sweet moment to Instagram. A new behind-the-scenes image from the set of Jurassic World: Dominion has been released, featuring star Chris Pratt on a perilous-looking boat ride. Joining him in the image is Omar Sy, who is reprising his role as velociraptor handler Barry from Jurassic World, and director Colin Trevorrow. Chris - who returns to the Jurassic Park franchise for the third time as gamekeeper-turned-hero Owen Grady - is seen talking to Colin in the image, with Omar looking on. Behind-the-scenes: A new image from the set of Jurassic World: Dominion sees star Chris Pratt on a perilous-looking boat ride with Omar Sy and director Colin Trevorrow The trio seem engrossed in a discussion about the scene, which sees them on a rickety-looking vessel, sailing underneath some arched tunnels. The boat is named Fair Spanish Lady - seemingly a nod to original Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg's classic creature feature Jaws, the movie that put him on the map in 1975. In Jaws, Captain Quint [played by Robert Shaw] sings the shanty Farewell And Adieu Fair Spanish Ladies while his boat drifts along during a respite from battling the titular great white shark. Trevorrow appears to have named the Jurassic World: Dominion boat as a nod to this moment, paying homage to Spielberg - who is executive producing this sixth instalment in the dinosaur franchise. Homage: The boat is named Fair Spanish Lady - seemingly a nod to original Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg's classic creature feature Jaws Iconic: Jaws is the movie that put Spielberg on the map in 1975 Classic: In Jaws, Captain Quint [played by Robert Shaw] sings the shanty Farewell And Adieu Fair Spanish Ladies Spielberg helmed 1993's Jurassic Park and the 1997 follow-up, The Lost World. From Jurassic Park III [2001] onwards, he has acted as executive producer for the film series, which took a 15-year hiatus and was rebooted in 2015 by Trevorrow with Jurassic World. 2018's Fallen Kingdom followed - directed by J. A. Bayona - which saw the action move from the tropical Isla Nublar setting onto mainland America, which is where Dominion - set for a June 2022 release - will pick things up. The film will bring back legacy cast members Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum, as well as the likes of Sy, Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong, to deal with the flock of dinosaurs that were released on the mainland at the end of Fallen Kingdom. Dominion hit major snags, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis - with Trevorrow detailing this in depth in a new interview with Empire. Quint and co drift along during a respite from battling the titular great white shark on the fishing boat Grizzly: Trevorrow appears to have named the Jurassic World: Dominion boat as a nod to this moment, paying homage to Spielberg - who is executive producing this sixth instalment in the dinosaur franchise Outbreak! Dominion hit major snags, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis - with Trevorrow detailing this in depth in a new interview with Empire Talking to the film publication, the director explains that he was mid-way through shooting a scene on location in the UK when he was told production would be shutting down for lockdown - with no indication on when things could resume. This took place in early 2020, with cast and crew sent home for three months. The movie was the first major production to resume filming in July 2020. 'The scariest moment was [in late October] when we just had a couple of weeks left and the cases were rising exponentially,' Trevorrow recalls of the moment the film nearly shut down for a second time. Returning stars: Trevorrow will bring back Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt for the next film [pictured in 2019] Back again: Original stars Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum will return [pictured in Jurassic Park with the late Richard Attenborough] 'Because we had the crew that we did and the actors were always on set, we were able to accelerate what we were doing. But we definitely had a fear that we might have a movie that was nine-tenths finished and remain that way.' The virus-proof set cost between $6-8 million, and filming wrapped in November. The film - which is set to be the last of the Jurassic World reboot trilogy but not necessarily the final film in the franchise - was initially intended for a summer 2021 release, but is now scheduled to hit cinemas on June 10, 2022. Professional ballroom dancers AJ and Curtis Pritchard starred in Hollyoaks on Tuesday, however their performance was quickly criticised by former EastEnders star Michael Greco. 50-year-old Michael who is best known for portraying Beppe DiMarco on the BBC soap between 1998 and 2002 branded AJ, 26, and 25-year-old Curtis' performance 'shocking.' Michael's opinion was echoed by viewers across the country, with one taking to Twitter after the episode aired to write: 'Don't get why AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis are in #Hollyoaks their acting is terrible.' Screen stars: Professional ballroom dancers AJ and Curtis Pritchard starred in Hollyoaks on Tuesday, however their performance was quickly criticised Fans were not satisfied with AJ and Curtis' acting skills, and quickly started reposting a scene in which the pair who play twins Marco and Jacob discuss plans to make life difficult for dance rival Trish Minniver (Denise Welch) while standing in a children's playground. One fan said: 'I'm so sorry and hate to say but #ajpritchard and Curtis let's say maybe better sticking to dancing. It's very stiff and cringe. Sorry nothing against the lads of course.' A second wrote: 'Curtis and AJ Pritchard really do be ruining Hollyoaks for me,' while a third went as far as to say: 'AJ Pritchard is the worst actor I've ever seen.' Michael tweeted his harsh review of AJ and Curtis' performance in response to former Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy, who criticized non-actors being hired based on their 'social media following'. Michael said: 'I think people can watch this and learn so much from it. How 'not' to act. Shocking' Throwback: Michael is best known for portraying Beppe DiMarco on the BBC soap between 1998 and 2002 (pictured in 2004) Gerard, 40 who is best known for playing Hollyoaks' Kris Fisher for four years penned: 'The next time a producer/casting director says the words "but they have a big social media following". Just point them in the direction of this absolute car crash!' Michael responded: 'I think people can watch this and learn so much from it. How "not" to act. Shocking.' It was announced in February that the brothers would be joining the Hollyoaks cast as twins who help open a dance school on the soap. Soap stars: Michael was replying to former Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy, 40, who criticized non-actors being hired based on their 'social media following' (pictured in 2015) Gerard penned: 'The next time a producer/casting director says the words 'but they have a big social media following'. Just point them in the direction of this absolute car crash!' AJ and Curtis were tipped to arrive in the village as dance teacher Trish hosted the grand opening of her brand-new dance school. Talking about their appearances at the time, AJ said: 'I can't believe we will be featuring on Hollyoaks, we have grown up with the show on TV and it's always been one of our favourite serial dramas. 'Our characters are fantastic, and we can't wait for everyone to see how we bring them to life.' Not happy: Fans were not satisfied with AJ and Curtis' acting skills, and quickly started talking about the scene on Instagram Curtis added: 'I am so excited to be working with my brother AJ on a show we grew up watching! I am also excited to continue our journey together with Channel 4 & E4.' The talented brothers have already had lots of practice on TV, however this is their first acting gig. AJ shot to fame as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, which he left last year, and appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! before Christmas. While his younger brother Curtis become a household name after a stint on Love Island, where he was coupled up with Maura Higgins. He then bagged the role of receptionist on TV competition The Greatest Dancer and is also on the current series of Celebs Go Dating on E4. She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to choosing stylish ensembles. And Vogue Williams was showcasing her fashion flair even in a low-key outfit as she headed to a TV studio in Leeds on Thursday for an appearance on Steph's Packed Lunch. The Irish TV and radio personality, 35, looked casually chic in comfy cream co-ords as she strutted her stuff along the pavement. Style: Vogue Williams was showcasing her fashion flair even in a low-key ensemble as she headed to a TV studio in Leeds on Thursday for an appearance on Steph's Packed Lunch Vogue completed her look with some bright white trainers and carried a baby blue knitted bag on her arm full of her essentials. The beauty styled her blonde tresses in tousled waves and enhanced her delicate features with natural make-up. Vogue accessorised perfectly with a pair of black sunglasses and beamed as she stepped out in the sunshine. Stepping out: The Irish TV and radio personality, 35, looked casually chic in comfy cream co-ords as she strutted her stuff along the pavement The outing comes after Vogue recently revealed she plans to try for a third baby after summer and also candidly told some facts about her husband's body hair. The TV presenter is mother to Theodore, two, and Gigi, 10 months, with her husband, 32, and the couple are planning on expanding their brood later this year. Speaking on comedian Joanne McNally's podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, Vogue told how she plans on getting pregnant in the coming months. Low-key: Vogue completed her look with some bright white trainers and carried a baby blue knitted bag on her arm full of her essentials Vogue and Joanne spoke about Wayne Lineker's appearance on this year's series of Celebs Go Dating and Vogue joked the pair should go out to Ibiza to visit his Ocean Beach club before she gets pregnant again. She said: 'I'm going to try and get pregnant after the summer, I'm putting it out there and we have to go to Ibiza. 'I'm going to do it for the winter, I'll enjoy the summer and we have to go see Wayne before the summer is out. Even if it's for three nights, that's probably all I can take.' Plans: It comes after Vogue recently revealed she plans to try for a third baby after summer and also candidly told some facts about her husband's body hair Vogue also discussed Spencer's body hair, admitting he is 'bald everywhere except his head'. She added: 'He hates having all that hair but I love it. He just gets rid of all of it. 'You should see the f*****g shower when he's finished.' Turkey-China commerce moves forward despite pandemic Xinhua) 15:18, May 13, 2021 ISTANBUL, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and China have managed to further develop and diversify their growing trade relationship despite the COVID-19 pandemic as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971, and since then, their ties have intensified on political, cultural, and economic levels. Their trade volume is around 24 billion U.S. dollars as of 2020, and despite the pandemic, China and Turkey boosted their commercial ties and transactions significantly, according to experts. The China-Turkey trade volume increased by 44 percent in the first three months of 2021, reaching 8 billion dollars, the Turkish Statistical Institute data revealed. Observers agreed that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was kicked off to create a global infrastructure and transportation network, made it easier to export to China by freight trains. A railroad from Istanbul covering a distance of 8,693 kilometers across Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and Kazakhstan to reach the Chinese city of Xi'an is operational since the end of 2020. The cargo transportation time between Turkey and China decreased to 12 days from one month, a breakthrough in commercial understanding, as it slashes costs, Hasan Safak, director-general of the Istanbul-based transport firm Fevzi Gandur Logistics, told Xinhua. Safak also pointed out that freight train trade needs time to reach full commercial maturity. "I believe that over time this alternative to maritime transportation will gain momentum," he said. Safak praised the Chinese government's economic and production policies, calling them "very efficient" at a time when global trade is gaining pace as vaccination programs in major economic players are showing positive results in the fight against COVID-19. "In the coming period, China is bound to be a global production hub," he noted. In the past decade, China and Turkey have diversified their trade, as China is exporting more high technology goods while Turkey is exporting food products to China. Experts believed that the BRI project will change the economic landscape in the region and beyond. "Turkey is participating in this initiative with the Middle Corridor project. And in the past several months, we have seen a boost of trade towards and from China," Selcuk Colakoglu, an expert on China and director of the Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, told Xinhua. The professor of international relations said that trade cooperation between Ankara and Beijing is on the upward trend and that China is also addressing the problem of Turkey's deficit in the bilateral trade volume. "The trade balance is very much in favor of China, which is a problem from Turkey's point of view. However, China is actively inviting Turkish firms to participate in trade fairs and expos that it hosts to promote Turkish consumer goods to the Chinese market," he said. "This has to be hailed as it aims to narrow Turkey's trade deficit," Colakoglu added. Despite the negative impact of the pandemic on global trade, major Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have made direct investments in Turkey in the past year, launching production in Istanbul, Turkey's financial hub. Chinese Internet giant Alibaba also recently invested 350 million dollars in Turkish e-commerce firm Trendyol in a capital increase, according to media reports citing an entry in the country's trade registry. Alibaba purchased Trendyol in 2018. Trendyol, one of Turkey's best-known e-commerce platforms, has drawn backing from foreign investors and holds a leading position in the country's e-commerce market. (Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun) Russell Tovey praised the Channel 4 drama, It's A Sin, as 'groundbreaking' and 'amazing' as he confirmed he is working with the show's actor, Omari Douglas on an out-of-this-world play. The actor, 39, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Thursday to promote his podcast, Talk Art, and during the discussion, he applauded the series which follows a group of gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. He also called It's A Sin creator, Russell T Davies, a 'genius' after he revealed he is with Omari, 27, (Roscoe Babatunde) in a new drama about a couple in an alternate universe. 'It is groundbreaking': Russell Tovey praised It's A Sin as 'amazing' during his appearance on GMB on Thursday as he confirmed he is working with the show's actor, Omari Douglas on a new play Russell said: 'Constellations is a play about a couple in alternate universe, my couple is with Omari Douglas who was in Its A Sin as Roscoe, he is a firecracker.' Host Susanna Reid, 50, asked the star: 'How important was Its A Sin?' The Being Human actor, who is engaged to his long-term boyfriend Steve Brockman, responded: 'Ground-breaking, amazing TV, tragic.' GMB presenter Ben Shephard, 46, noted that Russell had previously worked with It's A Sin creator Russell T, 58, for the Manchester-based drama Years and Years. Inspiring: The actor, 39, applauded the series which follows a group of gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s Co-star: While promoting his podcast, Talk Art, he revealed he is working with Omari, 27, (Roscoe Babatunde) on a new drama about a couple in an alternate universe Russell added: 'Yes he's a genius, what Russell does. I think it's great to have that British story because we've had the American AIDS story a lot with the Angels of America, The Normal Heart. 'But we've never really had a proper one that encapsulated the story for the UK and now we've got that.' Olly Alexander, who took on the lead role Ritchie Tozer in It's A Sin, spoke candidly about his experience filming the hit show with GQ Hype Magazine earlier this year. He gushed that it was a 'revelation' to star in the drama alongside so many other queer actors. Impressed: Russell said: 'Constellations is a play about a couple in alternate universe, my couple is with Omari Douglas who was in Its A Sin as Roscoe, he is a firecracker' Credit where credit is due: He also called It's A Sin creator Russell T Davies (pictured in 2019) a 'genius' for 'encapsulating' a story about the AIDS crisis in the UK But looking back at the pressure of doing the intimate scenes, he said: 'I had a bit of a hysterical breakdown. I was really worried I couldnt do it. I just didnt feel safe.' He explained that Ita O'Brien, the show's intimacy co-ordinator, helped him with his fears by telling him to bring whatever made him feel comfortable on stage with his band onto the set. 'So I would sing before the takes, be a little bit of Olly on stage', he said. 'That was my way of tricking my brain and thinking it was a character. Which, of course, it was.' Russell T, the writer and producer behind Queer As Folk, the 2005 revival of Doctor Who and Cucumber, loosely based It's A Sin on his own experiences in the eighties. Experience: Olly Alexander, who took on the lead role Ritchie Tozer in It's A Sin, spoke candidly about his experience filming the hit show with GQ Hype Magazine earlier this year Gushing about his fellow cast mates, Olly went on: 'It was a revelation. Ive never been on a set with so many queer people. 'Ive never even worked with a gay director, so it was a completely new experience. We understood these characters [with a] kind of shorthand that gay people understand.' Of depicting the HIV/AIDs epidemic in the show so candidly, he added: 'Its an issue that is deeply surrounded by stigma and theres a lot of trauma there and a lot of fear. I know, personally, it was an area that I was scared to really engage with.' Olly also spoke about his own life, detailing how he suffers from insecurities and an 'irrational anxiety' over being rejected by gay men. He emotionally explained to the publication: 'I have this - I think irrational - anxiety about gay men tearing me down. 'And I tried to interrogate that within myself and I think its complicated, because a lot of it has to do with internalised phobias and shame, about how I see myself versus how other people see me. 'What I do know is that I want them to not hate me. And I want to make the community proud. 'Its been at the heart of pretty much every decision Ive ever made. And I dont know if Ive always got it right.' Madeline Holtznagel left little to the imagination as she attended the Million Dollar Beard Ball with her boyfriend Justin Hemmes on Thursday. The glamorous model, 24, was in danger of suffering a wardrobe malfunction as her ample assets almost spilled out of her very low-cut dress. Displaying her jaw-dropping curves, Madeline wore the figure-hugging frock which also featured a very high slit. Be careful! Justin Hemmes' glamorous girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel (pictured) almost suffered a wardrobe malfunction in a VERY low-cut dress as she attended the Million Dollar Beard Ball with her billionaire pub baron beau on Thursday She teamed the ensemble with a pair of black strappy heels, hoop earrings and held a black bag. Madeline swept her blonde locks back and let her natural beauty shine, opting for a neutral palette of makeup. After arriving to the event, the glamorous model posed alongside Justin and Jimmy Niggles, whose real name is Scott Maggs. Dangerous! The glamorous model was in danger of suffering a wardrobe malfunction as her ample assets almost spilled out of her very low-cut dress Leaving little to the imagination! Displaying her jaw-dropping curves, Madeline wore the figure-hugging frock which also featured a very high slit Jimmy, who is the man behind the charity Beard Season, began growing his beard in honour of his friend Wes Bonny who was tragically killed by melanoma at the age of 26. He partnered with Merivale and Justin Hemmes and aims to encourage everyone to get their skin checked. Meanwhile, Madeline and Justin have been dating for some time and she also spent lockdown at his Vaucluse mansion last year. She now reportedly lives in a Coogee penthouse that he owns. Accessories: She teamed the ensemble with a pair of black strappy heels, hoop earrings and held a black bag Strike a pose! After arriving to the event, the glamorous model posed alongside Justin and Jimmy Niggles, whose real name is Scott Maggs The couple have been spotted out and about in Sydney several times lately, after confirming their romance. Madeline lifted the lid on their relationship in October last year, telling The Sydney Morning Herald she was yet to introduce Justin to her parents. 'My parents and my sister Anna haven't met him yet, but [her other sister] Simone has been introduced to him and really liked him,' she said. Madeline remained tight-lipped about how long she and Justin had been dating, but hinted they'd been seeing each other for longer than reports suggested. To donate to Beard Season click here She's spent recent months living it up in LA and Turkey. And Jessica Alves headed straight to Harrods in London on Wednesday after landing in the UK following her travels. The Brazilian TV star, 37, looked glamorous in a plunging leopard print top and shiny black skirt as she strutted into the store which recently reopened. Glam: Jessica Alves headed straight to Harrods in London on Wednesday after landing in the UK following her travels to LA and Turkey She showed a glimpse of her ample assets in the eye-catching top which featured tie detailing and was cinched in at the waist by her pleated skirt. The beauty accessorised with a quilted black Chanel bag and wore shiny heels as she strutted her stuff along the pavement with a male friend. Jessica wore her long blonde tresses in a poker-straight style and opted for a typically glamorous makeup look along with a red manicure. Turning heads: The Brazilian TV star, 37, looked glamorous in a plunging leopard print top and shiny black skirt as she headed into the store which recently reopened alongside a male pal It comes after last month Jessica revealed she's considering a gastric bypass after gaining weight following her recent sex reassignment surgery, leaving her 'suffering with her confidence'. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, she admitted that she's considering going under the knife to help with her weight as she revealed she's 'at 100 kilos' and 'can't shift it'. Meanwhile, Jessica also told that following her sex change operation three months ago, she's now able to have intercourse with her 'new vagina', but she's just looking for the 'right man' to take her virginity. Despite appearing self-assured, Jessica has been battling confidence issues after being diagnosed as obese following her post-surgery weight gain. Plans: It comes after last month Jessica revealed she's considering a gastric bypass after gaining weight following her recent sex reassignment surgery, leaving her 'suffering with her confidence' In a bid to combat her weight, Jessica said: 'I am considering a gastric bypass since I am at 100 kilos and I can't shift it.' The TV personality, who said this is the best surgery she's 'ever had' also spoke about her plans for her new vagina and is on the hunt for the 'right man' to get intimate with. She explained: 'This week completes three months that I have had my sex change surgery in Thailand and I am feeling amazing, this was by far the best surgery that I have ever had. Weight loss: Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, she admitted that she's considering going under the knife to help with her weight as she revealed she's 'at 100 kilos' and 'can't shift it' 'From now I will be able to use my new vagina and to have intercourse but I haven't met the right guy yet to break my virginity.' And while Jessica is on the whole happy with her new look, she did add that she wants to make some changes to her breasts and will be having further surgery in a fortnight. 'My next surgery in two weeks will be my breast I will change from 725cc to a 1200cc', she explained. 'My current breasts are far apart and too low for them to look good. I must wear a push up bra always and it hurts a lot.' Ana de Armas was in good company on Thursday as she enjoyed breakfast with a mystery man, days after ex Ben Affleck appeared to rekindle his relationship with Jennifer Lopez. The Cuban star caught the eye in a hot pink top and cropped denim shorts during an alfresco appearance at a local cafe in picturesque Palma De Mallorca, Spain. Accompanied by handsome male friend, Ana - who celebrated her 33rd birthday in April - appeared to be in high spirits as they made their way to an outdoor table. Here they come: Ana de Armas was in good company on Thursday as she enjoyed breakfast with a mystery man, days after ex Ben Affleck appeared to rekindle his relationship with Jennifer Lopez It was their second consecutive appearance together after dining together in the same spot the previous day. The actress was taking a break as she prepares to shoot forthcoming action-thriller The Gray Man with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans on the Spanish island. Her latest outing comes following her split from Ben Affleck, 48, in January after almost a year of dating. The pair first met on the set of their soon-to-be released erotic thriller Deep Water, which began filming in New Orleans in November 2019. Looking good: The Cuban star caught the eye in a hot pink top and cropped denim shorts during an alfresco appearance at a local cafe in picturesque Palma De Mallorca, Spain They seemed to be inseparable as they spent much of the pandemic together last year, taking daily walks with Ana's dog and grabbing coffee. 'The quarantine was unique because they had downtime and really got to know each other spending time at home,' a source told Page Six at the time. Now, Affleck is sparking romance rumors with his ex-fiance, who he whisked away on a private jet this past weekend for a romantic getaway trip to a luxury ski resort in Montana, where the actor is understood to own a chalet. This looks familiar: It was their second consecutive appearance together after dining together in the same spot the previous day Old times: Her latest outing comes following her split from Ben Affleck in January after almost a year of dating The former celebrity couple who were engaged in 2002 but postponed their 2003 wedding and officially split in 2004 have been seen reuniting with one another following JLo's split with ex-fiance Alex Rodriguez, and the revelation that Ben has been an active user on the celebrity dating app Raya. Talking about their getaway, a source told PEOPLE on Monday: '[Jennifer] spent several days with Ben out of town. They have a strong connection. 'It's all been quick and intense, but Jennifer is happy.' Line Of Duty star Martin Compston has said viewers 'need time away' from the show after a backlash over the 'disappointing' finale. The BBC police drama wrapped up season six earlier this month by finally revealing who the 'Fourth Man' was, but viewers were left underwhelmed, taking to social media in droves to share their upset. Speaking to ES Magazine about the show's future, the 37-year-old actor admitted he would be 'heartbroken' if it doesn't return, and the fate of the series is currently hanging in the balance. Time out: Line Of Duty star Martin Compston has said viewers 'need time away' from the show after a backlash over the 'disappointing' finale Martin, who played DI Steve Arnott in the series, also admitted he understood why some fans were disappointed by the finale, in which DSU Ian Buckells was unveiled as 'H'. He said: 'You've got to respect people have invested so much in this thing and everybody has a different version of their ending, but yes it's been a pretty wild few days.' Martin added that there would have been 'riots in the streets' if the series didn't give away H's identity, but praised the show's creator Jed Mercurio for not taking the 'easy option' and showing a 'crazy gun shoot-out', which he believed would have been a 'cop-out'. Underwhelming: The BBC police drama wrapped up season six earlier this month but viewers were left underwhelmed (pictured Martin as Steve Arnott and Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming) There has yet been no word on whether Jed has decided to end the show or will write season seven to air in the future. Although this has been the case after every season, Martin revealed that there is extra significance this year following the fan backlash. He explained: 'The idea that I would never work with all the guys again together would be heartbreaking. 'But also with everything that's just gone on this week, I think everybody, including the audience, needs a bit of time away from it. So we'll see.' Line Of Duty fans across the nation were left 'fuming' earlier this month as the nail-biting series finale drew to a close and the mysterious antagonist 'H' was finally unmasked. Seasoned fans took to social media in their droves to share their frustrations as officers from the police anti-corruption unit AC-12 discovered the identity of the elusive 'fourth man', who had been colluding with the organised crime group (OCG), was none other than DSU Ian Buckells. It saw the words 'fuming', 'disappointing' and 'underwhelming' all trend on social media in the aftermath of the show. Really? Line Of Duty fans across the nation were left 'fuming' earlier this month as the nail-biting series finale drew to a close and 'H' was finally unmasked as DSU Ian Buckells And the disbelief it could be him was compounded by the way he was only caught because of his repeated mis-spelling of the word 'definitely' - hardly the blunder of a hardened criminal mastermind. The detective - widely thought until Sunday to have been just a bungling stooge - was first introduced to viewers in series one as the SIO in the case of murdered businesswoman Jackie Laverty by then Chief Superintendent Derek Hilton. He later went on to become Detective Chief Inspector in series four before being promoted once more to Detective Superintendent in this final series. One to watch: BBC bosses are yet to confirm whether the show - which began in 2012 - will return, despite an average of 13 millions viewers tuning in for the latest series While the finale tied up many unresolved storylines, there were still some gaping plot holes and storylines left unanswered. The sixth series also saw DI Arnott finally called in for a meeting with Occupational Health, who noted that while he had not broken the law through his excessive painkiller use, he would have to surrender his firearms licence. However, the 60-minute episode's end failed to offer any resolution on whether the team of DI Steve Arnott, DI Kate Fleming and Superintendent Ted Hastings would return, ending on the revelation that the team has 'never been weaker.' The mystery surrounding the identity of 'H' has been up for speculation since his character was first mentioned at the end of series three, which aired in 2016, and detectives at the anti-corruption unit discovered there were four officers working within the force who had links to the underground criminal network. BBC bosses are yet to confirm whether the show will return, despite an average of 13 millions viewers tuning in for the latest series, which faced multiple delays due to the Covid pandemic. Jed also admitted that he 'doesn't know' if there will be a series seven of the hit show, which began in 2012. Speaking to The Radio Times he said: 'We don't know. Since probably season four, we've been talking to the BBC about the realistic longevity of the series. 'I've experienced broadcasters pulling the plug while we were still developing a storyline Bodies and Cardiac Arrest both ended prematurely on the BBC. So it's an ongoing discussion, is all I can say.' Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard were forced into action on Thursday after an animal rights campaigner graphically described the slaughter of battery hens. A faction of viewers almost choked on their cornflakes after PETA animal rights spokesperson Dr. Carys Bennett bluntly detailed the manner in which chickens are prepared for human consumption during a live interview at 8:30am. But her descriptive language prompted audible gasps from the presenting team, with its principal hosts cutting in as they discussed a new bill that enables any animal with a vertebrae to legally feel emotions such as joy and sadness. Cutting in: Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard were forced into action on Thursday after animal rights campaigner Carys Bennett graphically described the slaughter of battery hens Appearing on the show remotely from her Leicester home, Bennett said: 'Billions of chickens are killed a year in the UK, their life is just a living hell. 'They're killed at just six weeks old having suffered a super-sized body; they're so heavy their legs break beneath them. They're crammed into crates breaking their wings in the process.' She added: 'They're shipped off to the slaughterhouse, hung upside down, electrocuted, and their throats are slit.' Candid: The PETA animal rights spokesperson bluntly detailed the manner in which chickens are prepared for human consumption during a live interview at 8:30am Moving on: Ben and Susanna cut in as they discussed a new bill that enables any animal with a vertebrae to legally feel emotions such as joy and sadness With Bennett demanding how the process can justifiably continue, Susanna and Ben quickly diverted attention to farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, who was on hand to offer a contrasting opinion from his own home in North Wales. The interaction prompted a mixed response from viewers, with some defending the activist's right to free speech while others expressed unhappiness with her choice of words. Taking to Twitter, one raged: 'Why did you stop her telling your viewers the truth???? The meat industry is disgusting.' Your turn: With Bennett demanding how the process can justifiably continue, Susanna and Ben quickly diverted attention to farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, who joined in the debate While a second wrote: 'Obviously a twisted farmer is going to say to eat innocent defenceless animals because they sell them for GREED.' Hitting out at Bennett, another commented: 'Nice. Does this woman know young children are watching?? Throats being slit, oh dear.' While a fourth added: 'Calm down, this is all a bit much for 8.30 in the morning!' Mixed opinion: The interaction prompted a mixed response from viewers, with some defending the activist's right to free speech while others expressed unhappiness with her choice of words The new Animal Sentience Bill, part of a Government drive to raise welfare standards, will give any animal with a spine the legal right to the same feelings experienced by humans. However Bennett insists that it should be extended spineless beings such as octopus and lobster, which she says have developed brains and nervous systems and endure enormous suffering after being caught. As well as the Animal Sentience Bill, an Animals Abroad Bill will ban the import of animal hunting trophies, while a Kept Animals Bill prevents live animal exports and stops families from acquiring primates as pets. The trailer for the upcoming action comedy film Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard was released on Lionsgate Movies' official YouTube account on Thursday. The Ryan Reynolds-starring feature sees him returning to his role as Michael Bryce and being assigned to protect his former colleague, played by Samuel L. Jackson, as well as his ex-partner's wife, played by Salma Hayek. The movie serves as a sequel to the original Hitman's Bodyguard film, which was released in 2017 and received praise for the on-screen chemistry between its stars. New look: The official trailer for the upcoming action comedy film Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard was released on Lionsgate Movies' YouTube account on Thursday The trailer begins with Reynolds' and Jackson's characters, Michael Bryce and Darius Kincaid, laughing as they are told by a duo of interrogators that they have to reveal everything that they know about a perilous situation. When the latter is tased by one of the figures, the 44-year-old Deadpool star comments that his counterpart is strong enough to withstand torture, and when the weapon is turned his way, he notes that he will say anything. The scene then changes to a therapist's office, where Bryce is told by a professional that he has to leave his bodyguarding past behind, which he finds difficult to accomplish. Afterward, Reynolds' character is shown assisting Kincaid's wife Sonia, played by the 54-year-old actress, as the two make a perilous getaway from a squad of gun-toting mercenaries chasing them through the streets of a European city. Stacked cast: The forthcoming film features Frida actress Salma Hayek in a starring role Second time around: The movie serves as a sequel to the 2017 feature The Hitman's Bodyguard Storyline: The film is centered around Reynolds' character, Michael Bryce, who is tasked with keeping his former colleague and his wife, Darius and Sonia Kincaid, protected while working to defeat a treacherous villain played by Antonio Banderas She is then seen having a tense conversation with her husband, portrayed by the 72-year-old actor, who noted that he did not want Bryce anywhere near them, although Reynolds' character appeared to be relieved to be around his old colleague. The film's villain, played by Antonio Banderas, steps into a clandestine facility to look upon a device that will cause a massive cyberattack across all of Europe. When the three protagonists are debriefed on the situation and told that they need to operate at their highest levels to stop the plot, Bryce humorously comments that they are 'definitely going to screw this up.' Getting over it: The trailer opens with Bryce receiving treatment from a therapist and admitting that he finds it hard to leave his profession Harsh reunion: The bodyguard is then reunited with his former colleague after saving Kincaid's wife from a group of gun-toting mercenaries Serious business: Banderas' character was shown gazing upon a device that will set off a cyberattack that will affect all of Europe Although Reynolds' character informs his counterparts that he has given up bodyguarding, they begin making out while driving and he is forced to reach from the backseat and take control of the wheel. Sonia then tells Bryce that he has to protect the couple in order for them to welcome a child, and after a few violent scenes are shown, he comments, 'may God have mercy on our souls.' After the two partners load up on guns and boats, they are seen asking two Interpol officers for assistance, although every time Reynolds' character tries to do so, he unintentionally makes a slightly sexually charged remark, much to their confusion. Low expectations: After being debriefed about stopping a cyberattack, Bryce humorously comments that he and his friends are 'definitely going to screw this up' Back at it: Kincaid and Bryce are then shown returning to their old habits during a rapid-fire montage of action scenes Great expectations: After Sonia informs Bryce that she and her husband are trying to welcome a baby, he comments, 'may God have mercy on our souls' Kincaid then tells his friend that they should go 'do what we do and blow some things up' before a rapid-fire montage of car chases and explosions is shown. When the three take a break from running at a remote location, Sonia thanks Bryce for his moral support and commends his 'powerful asexuality that makes you such a good listener.' The trailer ends with Reynolds' character attempting to note that the three have reached a new beginning before they are shot with poison darts and fall on each other in compromising positions. One-track mind: Kincaid and Bryce are shown having a conversation where the former advises that they go 'do what we do and blow some things up' It happens: The trailer ends with the three leads being shot with poison darts and landing on each other in compromising positions. The lead actors received much critical praise for their portrayals of the lead characters in the original 2017 film, with many reviewers pointing to their comedic timing and genuine action-star appeal. Hayek and Banderas were previously the subject of attention for their roles in the Western action film Desperado, which was released in 1995. The Hitman's Bodyguard's Wife was originally supposed to be released in August of last year before the premiere date was pushed back due to the onset of the global pandemic, and it is currently set to make its debut on June 16th. She credited her stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle with giving her a new lease of life. And Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, 64, showed no signs of slowing down this year after revealing she bought herself a brand new Vespa. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Beverley said she was 'growing old disgracefully' as she shared a series of pictures sat on her scooter. 'Growing old disgracefully': Beverley Callard, 64, revealed to her 160,000 Instagram followers on Thursday that she had bought herself a Vespa Beverley, who famously played Liz McDonald on Corrie, returned to social media after a five week absence to show her 160,000 followers her new scooter. She said: 'I know I've been a bit boring and a bit quiet on here recently. Hope everyone is enjoying life now that some restrictions have lifted. 'We definitely are... @jonmmac55 [her husband Jon] and I have been on a few little adventures that I'm so excited to share with you soon but for now.. I wanted to show you this... growing old disgracefully [laughing face emoji]' The actress beamed from ear to ear as she sat on the seat of her bike for pictures, even lifting her feet in the air at points. Vroom vroom: The Coronation Street legend showed no signs of slowing down as she posted a series of pictures of herself on her new scooter She cut a casual figure for the pictures, wearing a checked shirt and a pair of blue denim shorts with black lace-up boots. Beverley then took to her stories explaining she is 'getting ready for the summer' before singing Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles. The mother-of-two also revealed that the bike, which typically retails for around 5,000, came with a matching black handbag for a helmet. Happy: The actress beamed from ear to ear as she sat on the seat of her bike for pictures, even lifting her feet in the air at points Beverley's fun snaps came after she recently claimed she was 'axed' from Coronation Street's 50th anniversary due to her past depression battle. The actress, who quit the show in 2019 after 30 years, has spoken bravely about her struggles with her mental health over the years. Talking about her time on the cobbles, Beverley claimed that she was axed after a male crew member told her that her clinical depression made her 'flaky and unreliable'. No more social media silence: After not posting for weeks, Beverley shared the pictures in which she cut a casual figure - wearing a checked shirt and a pair of blue denim shorts Speaking on Melanie Blake's GIRL TALK series, the actress alleged: 'I had returned to work and I was filming virtually every scene every day because the McDonalds were involved in a storyline. 'Then a man said to me, "You are not going to be involved in the 50th storyline of Coronation Street's birthday, because you've had clinical depression you may be flaky and unreliable."' To which former celebrity agent Melanie asked: 'You were written out?' to which Beverley claimed: 'Yes.' Famous role: The actress played Liz McDonald, pictured, on Coronation Street before she quit in 2019 after 30 years She added: 'Men are treated differently, completely differently. A man can, if they tell someone off on set and say: "I am not accepting this, I need to do this again", whatever, it will be fine. 'But if a woman does that then the whispers will go round and say: "You know what, I think so and so is a bit of a diva." 'That's so not true, I've heard it said about female co-stars of mine but they never say it about the men.' In 2010 Coronation Street marked its 50th Anniversary with a jaw-dropping week of storylines, which saw Weatherfield thrown into chaos as an explosion led to a tram derailing and crashing onto the cobbles. The action-packed scenes led to the death of two long-term characters, Molly Dobbs and Ashley Peacock, and left several on deaths door, including Peter Barlow. For the Anniversary Week bosses also broadcast a live episode, with Peter marrying fiance Leanne from his hospital bed, and Fiz Stape giving birth to her premature baby, unaware her serial killer husband John had taken another victim hours earlier. The scenes were also an homage to a 1967 storyline which saw a tram crash through the viaduct, leading to the famous line from Corrie veteran Rita Sullivan: 'What is it with me and trams?' Claims: Beverley claimed that she was once axed from a 50th storyline after a male crew member told her that her clinical depression made her 'flaky and unreliable' (pictured on Corrie in 2016) Beverley has previously been vocal about her battles with mental health and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after suffering a nervous breakdown in 2009. In 2019, the actress admitted that although her breakdown left her confidence in tatters, 10 years on she feels like she has regained her inner strength. Beverley explained: 'I was very confident when I first started out, but I lost that when I went through my breakdown. Ive always said that depression is the curse of the strong, I tried to hide it for so long and it ended up in a breakdown. 'During that time I would agree to go to an event then on the day Id get myself into such a state that I couldnt go. I was terrified about what people would think of me and I lost all confidence in myself.' She added: I was dubious about turning 60 but it has brought with it a feeling of contentedness. Im the most confident Ive been in years. For the first time in a long time, I dont care what people think.' Disastrous: Coronation Street marked its 50th Anniversary in 2010 with an epic disaster which was a tram crashing onto the cobbles Beverley revealed in 2019 that she had quit Coronation Street after 30 years on the hit ITV soap after first joining as Liz McDonald in 1989. Earlier this year, the actress confirmed that she has 'shut the door' on the ITV soap 'forever'. Beverley admitted she has no plans to ever reprise the role again and has given Coronation Street bosses permission to kill off her character. Speaking to the Sunday Express magazine, she said: 'It was a massive decision for me to make, but I believe I did it for the right reasons. I felt Liz had run her course. I'd hate to cheat any fans... I felt like she'd lost her way.' 'Sadly, you can't decide your own storylines and since I'm not going to film an exit they could even kill me off-screen. If they do I'll accept it with grace. I've thought long and hard about this and I know that this time I've shut the door forever.' Beverley won't get the chance to film an exit for Liz amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, and although she 'toyed with the idea' of going back to the cobbles one more time, she's now 'sure' that her time on the show is over. She said: 'I was actually toying with the idea of going back to film an exit, but I felt that they wouldn't be able to do Liz justice under the current Covid restrictions.' Since leaving Corrie, the soap star enjoyed a stint on the 2020 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in Wales late last year. It's the end of an era. And Kim Kardashian is worried about Scott Disick's future without the show as she chatted with Kourtney in a new trailer for Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The 40-year-old reality star looked comfortable in bed as she noted that 'big change hasn't been positive' for the father of Kourtney's three children. Talk about it: Kim Kardashian is worried about Scott Disick's future without the show as she chatted with Kourtney in a new trailer for Keeping Up With The Kardashians Kim and Kourtney agreed that Scott seemed a little off since the family announced their intent to stop filming the show that made them household names. 'I feel like Scott ... I feel like he feels like maybe as a family, we're gonna be gone if we're not scheduled to all meet up,' Kim noted. 'I think it's just change ... some people have a really hard time with change,' Kourtney added. Deep convos: The 40-year-old reality star looked comfortable in bed as she noted that 'big change hasn't been positive' for the father of Kourtney's three children 'I think it's just change ... some people have a really hard time with change,' Kourtney added. 'I think about all the times he's had big change, hasn't been positive for him,' Kim said. 'So maybe he's scared in this way that he feels like well what if I have nothing to do and I get so restless and that was giving me a purpose and giving me something to do, and what if I start drinking or what if I start this or what if I start that. I can only imagine.' Kourtney agreed: 'I know that we are Scott's only family and that he feels insecure about not being able to spend time with the whole family now that the show's ending. 'I feel like he feels like nostalgic, or like, sad about it.' 'I think about all the times he's had big change, hasn't been positive for him,' Kim said. 'So maybe he's scared in this way that he feels like well what if I have nothing to do and I get so restless and that was giving me a purpose and giving me something to do, and what if I start drinking or what if I start this or what if I start that. I can only imagine' 'I know that we are Scott's only family and that he feels insecure about not being able to spend time with the whole family now that the show's ending. Family forever: The eldest of the Kardashian/Jenner brood shares three children with her ex, who she dated on-and-off for nearly 10 years: Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six; seen in 2015 The eldest of the Kardashian/Jenner brood shares three children with her ex, who she dated on-and-off for nearly 10 years: Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six. He's since moved on and dated Sofia Richie before his new romance with Amelia Hamlin, 19, while Kourtney went public with her relationship with Travis Barker earlier this year. 'I think he wants to make sure that we're all going to see each other when we're not filming and I want to make sure that, like, he knows we will always be in each other's lives,' Kourtney said. 'I think he just needs to think of positive ways to spend his time,' Kim said, to which Kourtney agreed. The Kardashians began filming their famous show in 2007 and have since created multiple spin-off shows, including Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Dash Dolls, Khloe & Lamar, Rob & Chyna, Life of Kylie and Flip it like Disick. Guardians Of The Galaxy star Dave Bautista has confirmed the third film in the franchise will be his last as Drax The Destroyer. The actor, 52, spoke candidly about his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in scenes set to air on the Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday, and admitted he was 'left in a bad place' when director James Gunn was fired and re-hired. Disney had fired Gunn in July 2018 after old tweets dating back to 2009 resurfaced in which he joked about rape, homophobia and paedophilia, but he was later rehired when the cast penned an open letter asking that he be reinstated. Candid: Guardians Of The Galaxy star Dave Bautista confirmed the third film will be his last on the Jonathan Ross Show in scenes set to air on Saturday Discussing the decision to make the third film, he said: 'I did, I signed. They came back around and re-hired James. 'He is, we're going to finish this journey together. I'm really excited about wrapping this up. It's a long time coming, we've been waiting. 'The anxiety of not knowing whether James was going to be there with us to finish it left me in a bad place personally and professionally because I was on the outs with Disney.' He added: 'I just felt like he was done wrong and he should be there to finish. So we're going to wrap it up.' 'We're going to finish this journey together': Dave admitted he was 'left in a bad place' when James Gunn was fired and rehired in 2018 Shock: Disney had fired Gunn (pictured) after tweets with controversial jokes dating back to 2009 resurfaced, but was re-hired when the cast wrote an open letter asking he be reinstated Dave confirmed he and his co-stars will start filming in November, going on to say: 'We're going to wrap this whole journey up. I'm super excited about it. 'Originally slated to film there [in London]. So many bouncing back and forth with Covid issues. They decided to move it here to Atlanta.' Reflecting on how he previously claimed the next flick would 'probably be the end' for his character, Dave went on: 'The thing is, I didn't think that was going to be news when I said it. Candid: Dave said the next film will 'probably be the end' for him before, but he added: 'James has already stated that this third will be his last. I don't care to continue on without James' Thoughts: Dave claimed James firing and re-hiring 'left me in a bad place personally and professionally because I was on the outs with Disney' 'James has already stated that this third will be his last. I don't care to continue on without James. That's the way these films usually work - trilogies.' He went on: 'That people are going to miss this character... makes me feel like I did something right.' Dave also addressed rumours he'll be in Thor: Love And Thunder, hinting 'there is a possibility' he headed to Australia on the same plane as Chris Pratt and his co-stars, and quarantined with them, for a reason. Honest: Dave said of James, 'I just felt like he was done wrong and he should be there to finish. So we're going to wrap it up' On Wednesday, the former WWE Superstar was promoting his new Netflix movie Army of the Dead in an interview with Collider, when he said Marvel 'dropped the ball' when it came to his character. Dave claimed: 'That role changed the trajectory of my life. It's always going to be special to me. Now that I'm four films in...I really wished they would have invested more in Drax, personally. 'Drax has more of a story to tell. I think Drax has a really interesting backstory which they dropped the ball on.' Exciting: Dave confirmed he and the crew will start filming in November, going on to say: 'We're going to wrap this whole journey up. I'm super excited about it' He clarified his statement was not a, 'dig on Marvel,' adding he knows they have their 'slate' and he knows, 'what they're focused on.' Dave claimed: 'But man, I think they really missed the ball on Drax. He has such a great backstory.' The actor continued that they just threw the 'Destroyer' aspect of his name out the window because fans loved the character's comedic side so much they 'really dug a hole into it.' The Jonathan Ross Show, Saturday 15th May, 9.35PM on ITV and ITV Hub. Sharon Stone almost died in 2001 when she suffered an aneurism at the San Francisco mansion she shared with husband at the time Phil Bronstein. And when on The Late Late Show With James Corden on Wednesday evening, the Basic Instinct star, 63, said she almost died. 'There was this tunnel of light and I was swooping up through this tunnel of light and at the top of it was kind of this hole and several people that I had been very close to or I had been their caretakers until they died were kind of looking down through that open hole at the top and I felt like they were telling me this is all great,' said the actress who was promoting her memoir The Beauty Of Living Twice. Near death: Sharon Stone almost died in 2001 when she suffered an aneurism at the San Francisco mansion she shared with husband at the time Phil Bronstein Near heaven? And when on the James Corden show on Wednesday evening, the Basic Instinct star said she almost died. 'I was just gone and I felt myself kind of so this sweep upwards,' she began her story Stone took her time relaying her story. The Hollywood icon collapsed at home and then went to the hospital thinking something was very wrong. 'In my case, um, I had bleeding into my brain for several days before I went to a hospital and I became unconscious when I got there and they put me in a cat scan machine to find out what happened to me,' said the perennial cover girl. 'And when |I came to I was on a table in a very quiet emergency room, no one was in there, just the doctor, no one is doing anything urgently you're like, oh,' and she uses her hand across her neck to signal she was nearly dead. The light: She added, 'And there was this tunnel of light and I was swooping up through this tunnel of light and at the top of it was kind of this hole' Pals there: 'And several people that I had been very close to or I had been their caretakers until they died were kind of looking down through that open hole at the top,' said the mother of three 'And the doctor is just looking at me so compassionately and I said, am I dying and I realized it was a bad situation, it's way too quiet and nobody is helping... he stroked my hair and I thought oh yup, yuppers... and he said you are bleeding into your brain,' said the red carpet favorite. Her new book is The Beauty Of Living Twice 'I called my mom and then he said that they were going to transfer me to a neurological hospital that they didn't have what I needed,' added the Pennsylvania native. Then she detailed her near death experience. 'They put me on this gurney... and all of a sudden that was it and I was just gone and I felt myself kind of so this sweep upwards and there was this tunnel of light and I was swooping up through this tunnel of light and at the top of it was kind of this hole and several people that I had been very close to or I had been their caretakers until they died were kind of looking down through that open hole at the top and I felt like they were telling me this is all great, this is going to be fine, it's going to be wonderful,' said The Specialist actress. A year before her stroke: Stone and husband Bronstein attend the 57th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2000 'And I felt like "Oh I am going to be with you guys" and I was really moving quickly it was like the tunnel was miles and miles long. 'And then all of a sudden I felt like - and I don't know if they defibrillated me - but I felt like I got really kicked in the chest, really really hard and I gasped and sat up and I was back in the emergency room on the gurney and someone said, "What's happening?" and the doctor said don't touch her and then asked her what she needed. She said she really had to 'pee.' The change: Stone then said, 'I felt like they were telling me this is all great' And the doctor pointed to the bathroom 'and he did not want anyone to touch me and the floor looked very far away, it seemed like I was floating and then they took me to the other hospital. 'It was very beautiful, it was very strange,' she added. She went to another hospital and she got an angiogram and they missed her brain bleed. She bled for another five or six days and she said they thought she was 'faking it' and they wanted to send her home but she told her best friend Mini Craven she was dying. Mimi threw a 'fit' and they gave her another angiogram and then they realized an artery had ruptured. She woke up: 'And then all of a sudden I felt like - and I don't know if they defibrillated me - but I felt like I got really kicked in the chest, really really hard and I gasped and sat up and I was back in the emergency room on the gurney,' she added She had a seven hour surgery and she survived it but the recovery process was long. It was 10 days after 9/11 and she said 'the whole world was upside down.' The experience was detailed in her book The Beauty of Living Twice. Corden said he loved the outpouring of support from the book. She said she was not prepared for people reading the book and she started panicking that people would see it, and she never thought it would be this successful. She also touched on being an auctioneer for charity. 'In the beginning I was not good, I was shy, and I was very nervous and as I got into it I realized I had to invent a character, as we do, I tried to do it as myself and I was crying, and then I invented this character, and she's kind of dirty and loves to pick people out of the room and say really crazy things to them.' She remembered she singled out Calvin Klein and bet he was wearing Calvin Klein underwear and at the end of the bidding, he had to take down his pants to prove it. One heck of a look: The Sliver star looked sensational in a yellow one strap dress with a choker that had a yellow flower attached. Her hair was brushed back as she had on golden beige makeup that made her look decades younger James then said he felt Sharon was a 'force for good.' The Sliver star looked sensational in a yellow one strap dress with a choker that had a yellow flower attached. Her hair was brushed back as she had on golden beige makeup that made her look decades younger. Sharon also said she has had many hit songs in other countries, and this year she wrote a song Never Before for Hayley Sales that 'hit' making people aware of her 'side hustle' of making music. More to say: Stone also talked about her success in the music business with Hayley Sales And the song went up to number four on adult contemporary charts. She also said Robin Thicke came over to her house the other day - stopping to say she was bragging - to pick up some songs for his artist. And now the Casino actress has a music manager. 'My songs are going out to people and it's really exciting,' she added, which James said was 'incredible.' This comes after Stone said she thinks women are at their most powerful after 40. The actress has rubbished the idea that women become less powerful with age and she thinks now is the perfect time to release her upcoming memoir, 'The Beauty of Living Twice'. In People's look at Sharon's 'Super Soul' interview with Oprah Winfrey, she says: "I think that as we grow older, we have this societal pressure where people start to try to tell us that our worth is diminished." However, the Hollywood star revealed she sees the situation totally differently. She explained: 'I think this is a time in our life when our worth is the most enhanced. I believe that's because it's the first time in your life when your worth becomes so much more. You become the most powerful than you've ever been.' Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kim Kardashian and her half-sister Kylie Jenner posed in bikinis alongside their momager Kris Jenner and her BFF 'Aunt' Shelli Azoff. The 40-year-old reality star - who boasts 324.6M social media followers - captioned the picture on Thursday: 'Family forever.' Kim's snap appeared to be taken back on April 21 when they wore the same bikinis to lay out in the backyard of her $60M Hidden Hills mansion once owned by Lisa Marie Presley. 'Family forever': Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kim Kardashian (2-L) and her half-sister Kylie Jenner (L) posed in bikinis alongside their momager Kris Jenner (R) and her BFF 'Aunt' Shelli Azoff (2-R) Throwback Thursday? The 40-year-old reality star's snap appeared to be taken back on April 21 when they wore the same bikinis to lay out in the backyard of her $60M Hidden Hills mansion once owned by Lisa Marie Presley May 24 would have marked Kardashian's seventh wedding anniversary to third husband Kanye West, but she filed for divorce on February 19. The 43-year-old rapper-designer was still wearing his wedding band as recent as April 28 when he visited DJ Khaled's $22M Miami Beach mansion for breakfast. 'Kim and Kanye are getting along. They have both stayed true to their commitment to make the best situation for the kids,' an insider People last month. End of an era: May 24 would have marked Kim's seventh wedding anniversary to third husband Kanye West, but she filed for divorce on February 19 (pictured in 2014) What does it mean? The 43-year-old rapper-designer was still wearing his wedding band as recent as April 28 when he visited DJ Khaled's $22M Miami Beach mansion for breakfast An insider People last month: 'Kim and Kanye are getting along. They have both stayed true to their commitment to make the best situation for the kids. Kim is very happy that they have managed to keep things calm. She thinks Kanye is a good dad' (pictured in October) 'Kim is very happy that they have managed to keep things calm. She thinks Kanye is a good dad. She wants him to be able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants.' Speaking of which, the estranged couple will next celebrate the eighth birthday of their eldest child, North West, on June 15. Kim and the 22-time Grammy winner - who's been recording his 10th studio album Donda in Wyoming - are also parents of son Saint, 5; daughter Chicago, 3; andson Psalm, 2. 'She wants him to be able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants': Speaking of which, the estranged couple will next celebrate the eighth birthday of their eldest child, North West, on June 15 (pictured May 5) Christmas Eve family portrait: Kardashian and the 22-time Grammy winner are also parents of son Saint, 5; daughter Chicago, 3; andson Psalm, 2 Kardashian executive produces and stars in the 20th (and final) season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which airs Thursdays on E! On December 10, the aspiring lawyer and her famous family signed a new multi-year global content deal with Hulu/Star, which starts streaming in late 2021. The KKW Beauty/SKIMS CEO will also voice a mystery character in Cal Brunker's animated feature PAW Patrol: The Movie, which hits US theaters August 20. She's never shied away from delighting fans with her sexy look. And Ed Westwick's model girlfriend Tamara Francesconi certainly set pulses racing on Thursday as she slipped into a skimpy orange bikini in a shoot for PrettyLittleThing. The brunette beauty, 24, appeared in a slew of sunkissed snaps for the brand after being seen arriving to pose for the shoot earlier in the day. Sexy: Ed Westwick's model girlfriend Tamara Francesconi certainly set pulses racing on Thursday as she slipped into a skimpy orange bikini for a PrettyLittleThing shoot Tamara flaunted her incredible abs in the revealing rust-coloured bikini top with a chain halterneck along with matching bottoms. The next image then showed the fashion star posing in a matching velvet crop top and skirt for the sun-soaked images. As the images from her shoot were released, Tamara was also seen arriving at the PrettyLittleThing headquarters in an appropriately-branded taxi for their latest shoot. Sexy: The brunette beauty appeared in a slew of sunkissed snaps for the brand, parading her toned abs in an orange velvet crop top and matching skirt Low-key: Earlier in the day Tamara was seen heading to the PrettyLittleThing headquarters in London for her latest fashion shoot Simple: She opted for a tie-dye hoodie from the online fashion brand, teamed with skinny black leggings She opted for a casual tie-dye hoodie from the online retailer and skintight black jeans as she headed to the shoot. Tamara recently enjoyed a romantic few days with Ed, 33, at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. The couple looked more loved-up than ever as the influencer shared a sweet snap of the pair posing for a mirror selfie during their trip on Wednesday. Tamara looked sensational in a white crop top and matching trousers from PrettyLittleThing while she also wrapped up in a knitted jumper. Prepared: Tamara carried her essentials in a large Saint Lauren tote bag and a silver suitcase as she exited her taxi Loved-up: She recently enjoyed a romantic few days with Ed, 33, at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds The model captioned the post: 'Escape to the countryside'. Tamara has documented some of their excursion on social media, sharing snaps from the room they are staying in. In one snap, Ed could be seen wrapped up in a beige bathrobe as his girlfriend fed him candy while they lay in bed. Tamara also shared a photo of a black board in their room which they wrote 'Ed hearts Tam' on it. Getting serious! The couple recently revealed they had taken their relationship to the next level by getting a puppy together when Tamara shared a clip of the dog on social media Sweet: Posting a clip of Ed holding the puppy, she wrote: 'Our new baby, Humphrey Bogart @edwestwick', seemingly named after the famous American actor The couple recently revealed they had taken their relationship to the next level by getting a puppy together when Tamara shared a clip of the dog on social media. Posting a clip of Ed holding the puppy, she wrote: 'Our new baby, Humphrey Bogart @edwestwick', seemingly named after the famous American actor. Last Friday, Tamara also shared a look at some of the puppy bits they had bought for Humphrey, as well as a sweet shot of him 'joining her for a work out'. Tamara recently travelled to her native South Africa with actor Ed, just months after they celebrated their one-year anniversary. The influencer revealed that the Gossip Girl star - who she has been dating since October 2019 - first approached her via her Instagram DMs as she treated her followers to a rare peek at their romance last year. Stella Maxwell dressed to the nines for her latest dinner with friends. The 30-year-old supermodel sported a chic purple suit as she headed to trendy sushi restaurant Katsuya in Los Angeles on Wednesday. She paired the silk blazer and matching pants with a low-cut lace top for the revealing night out. Chic! Supermodel Stella Maxwell, 30, sported a chic purple suit as she headed to trendy sushi restaurant Katsuya in Los Angeles on Wednesday The Victoria's Secret Angel wore her stunning blonde tresses down for the trip, which she kept pulled back behind her ears. She wore a pair of white Gucci sneakers to give her ensemble a slice of high fashion comfort. The New Zealand born beauty kept accessories to a minimum with small gold earrings and a black bracelet, skipping the purse to carry her iPhone in her hands instead. Although mask guidance is becoming less strict amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, she still kept on a black face covering as she walked to the celebrity hotspot. Stylish: The Victoria's Secret Angel paired the silk blazer and matching pants with a low-cut lace top for the revealing night out The outing may have been an early birthday celebration, with the bombshell turning 31 on Saturday. Last week, she unveiled her stunning L'Officiel magazine cover. 'Thank you team,' began Maxwell, who posed with a bottle of Chanel No. 5. 'exclusive for @chanelofficial shot by the talented @renee_parkhurst.' For the Chanel-themed shoot, Stella donned a wavy, jaw-length wig with a wispy fringe. Covergirl: She recently graced the cover of L'Officiel magazine in head-to-toe Chanel Best friend: Stella's sweet dog often makes appearances on her Instagram page, which boasts 5.5million followers; Stella and her dog pictured in November She sported a minimal amount of makeup and kept covered with a black lacy top in order to make the perfume bottle the focus. Although she is most famous for her modeling, Stella has also gained recognition for her several high profile romances with the likes of Kristen Stewart and Miley Cyrus. 'Honestly, I never worried about my sexuality,' Maxwell told The Advocate back in September. 'I look forward to the world getting to the point where we don't think about what someone's sexual preference is, what their gender is. Let's really just live and accept and celebrate people's individuality.' If the Monot FW/21 catwalker has a type, it's 'kind and honest' people who 'love dogs and animals' and 'have the space in your life to share.' Little Mix made 8million - or 200,000-a-night - from tour dates they managed to complete before the Covid pandemic, new figures have revealed. The group, who made history as the first-ever girl band to win Best British Group at Tuesday's BRIT Awards, generated the money on their LM5 tour, accounts for their touring business show. It comes as Little Mix sent fans wild on Thursday night with a cryptic 'hello, it's me your ex' countdown - as Twitter speculated it could be their new song Heartbreak Anthem, which they collaborated with David Guetta and electronic duo Galantis. Amazing! Little Mix made 8million - or 200,000-a-night - from tour dates they managed to complete before the Covid pandemic, new figures have revealed (pictured on Tuesday) The company Eternal Magic Touring Limited, which manages their live concert income, saw its assets rocket to 9.6million in 2020. The girls played 40 dates across Europe from September to December 2019 generating the cash before the global economy began to close as the pandemic gripped in January 2020. The latest figures cover the 12 months up to the end of August 2020 and would have been even bigger if they had been allowed to go ahead with 21 gigs planned for June and July last year, which were shelved by the Covid crisis. The tour had been scheduled to begin on April 28, 2021, but has now been delayed once again until April 2022. So exciting! It comes as Little Mix sent fans wild on Thursday night with a cryptic 'hello, it's me your ex' countdown - as Twitter speculated it could be their new song Heartbreak Anthem, which they collaborated with David Guetta and electronic duo Galantis Success: The group, who made history as the first-ever girl band to win Best British Group at Tuesday's BRIT Awards, generated the money on their LM5 tour, accounts for their touring business show (pictured in 2019 with former member Jesy Nelson - centre left) But despite this the girls saw their cash reserves hit 9.3million and they were owed a further 300,000. The accounts do not reveal how much the band paid themselves in dividends or salaries. However it does reveal the huge earnings meant they were landed with a whopping 1.8million corporation tax bill. Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson - who left the band last year, were already said to be worth 50million, and the latest earnings mean their fortune grew by nearly 20% to almost 60million. Jesy, 29, quit the band in December after 'constant pressure' had 'taken a toll on her mental health', she remains a director and shareholder in the company. Wow: The company Eternal Magic Touring Limited, which manages their live concert income, saw its assets rocket to 9.6million in 2020 - the girls played 40 dates across Europe from September to December 2019 before the pandemic forced artists to delay their shows It is ten years since the group were first formed on The X Factor in 2011 and on Tuesday night Little Mix made history as the first-ever girl band to win Best British Group. It comes as Little Mix sent fans wild on Thursday night with a cryptic 'hello, it's me your ex' countdown and website scheduled for Friday evening. Twitter users were quick to speculate that it could be their new song Heartbreak Anthem, which they collaborated with David Guetta and electronic duo Galantis. Amazing: Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson - who left the band last year, were already said to be worth 50million, and the latest earnings mean their fortune grew by nearly 20% to almost 60million (pictured in 2019) Earlier this year it was reported that the group launched an investigation after their first song without Jesy leaked online ahead of the highly-anticipated launch. The girlband's management were said to have begun a probe into the leak after their first single as a three-piece appeared online. MailOnline contacted Little Mix's representative for comment at the time. One person said: 'HEARTBREAK ANTHEM FINALLY EVERYBODY JUMP.' Countdown! It comes as Little Mix sent fans wild on Thursday night with a cryptic 'hello, it's me your ex' countdown and website scheduled for Friday evening A different fan put: 'HEARTBREAK ANTHEM OMFG.' Another follower commented: 'Hearth break anthem is coming you all.' While a different account added: 'we're getting the confetti acoustic performance AND heartbreak anthem???? we won.' MailOnline has contacted Little Mix's representative for further comment. She went public with her new romance last year. And Teresa Giudice was anything but shy on a PDA-packed date with boyfriend Luis Ruelas in New York City on Wednesday evening. The 48-year-old reality star planted kisses on her new beau as they bundled up for a horse carriage ride around Central Park. Lucky in love: Teresa Giudice was anything but shy on a PDA-packed date with boyfriend Luis Ruelas in New York City on Wednesday evening Teresa looked ready for date night wearing a dusty lilac colored top with a matching fur bomber jacket. She stayed on trend with a pair of straight leg jeans which featured distressed elements on her knees and rocked a Chanel logo belt. The Real Housewives of New Jersey store laced up a pair of silver sneakers and carried a black leather Balenciaga bag in one hand. Smooch: The 48-year-old reality star planted kisses on her new beau as they bundled up for a horse carriage ride around Central Park Date night: Teresa looked ready for date night wearing a dusty lilac colored top with a matching fur bomber jacket Wow! Date night was in full effect for the couple as they hopped onto a white horse-drawn carriage for a special tour of the city Teresa's long brunette hair was partially tied back, with wavy tendrils resting across her shoulder. Luis sported a pair of black jeans with a matching blazer and wrapped a green scarf around his neck. Date night was in full effect for the couple as they hopped onto a white horse-drawn carriage for a special tour of the city. A look: Teresa's long brunette hair was partially tied back, with wavy tendrils resting across her shoulder Dressed up: Luis sported a pair of black jeans with a matching blazer and wrapped a green scarf around his neck Classic: She stayed on trend with a pair of straight leg jeans which featured distressed elements on her knees and rocked a Chanel logo belt Love is in the air: Teresa and Luis wrapped up in each other's arms and were unafraid to put on a romantic display while taking in the sights Teresa and Luis wrapped up in each other's arms and were unafraid to put on a romantic display while taking in the sights. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star began dating Ruelas in November 2020 after her divorce from ex-husband Joe Giudice was finalized. Teresa recently vacationed in the Bahamas with her four daughters Gia, Gabriella, Milania and Audriana and her ex-husband Joe, a holiday which also included Luis. She served a nearly year-long prison stint in 2015 for a guilty plea to 41 counts of fraud after being charged accused of engaging in bank, mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud with Joe. He was deported back to Italy in 2019 after serving a 41-month prison sentence. New: The Real Housewives of New Jersey star began dating Ruelas in November 2020 after her divorce from ex-husband Joe Giudice was finalized It's good news and bad news for Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro after his recent domestic violence arrest. The 35-year-old won't be facing any charges over an alleged incident with his girlfriend, Saffire Matos, in late April, but he will have to head to court over violating his probation, according to TMZ on Thursday. In the incident last month, Saffire contacted authorities and alleged that Ortiz-Magro had gotten physical with her following an argument. Legal woes: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro won't be facing any charges over an alleged incident with his girlfriend in late April, but he will have to head to court over violating his probation, according to TMZ on Thursday (Pictured 2018) The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office informed TMZ that the reality star would not be charged with a misdemeanor over the alleged incident. However, since Ronnie was on probation at the time of his arrest from a previous brush with the law, the City Attorney said he will have to head to court in June. The outlet previously reported that the District Attorney's Office declined to charge Ronnie with a felony due to insufficient evidence. Despite facing no charges over the ordeal with Saffire, Ronnie could still find himself behind bars due to the potential probation violation. Good and bad: The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office informed TMZ that the reality star would not be charged with a misdemeanor, however, since Ronnie was on probation at the time of his arrest from a previous brush with the law he will have to head to court in June 'We are very happy that after further investigation both the LA County District Attorney's office and the LA City Attorney's office determined that criminal charges were not warranted against Ronnie related to the incident that occurred in April,' Ronnie's attorney, Scott Leemon told TMZ. 'We will review the alleged violation of probation claim and deal with it accordingly,' he added. Leemon went on to say that Ronnie was in the process of getting treatment for 'psychological issues that he has ignored for a long time.' 'His only present goal is to address these issues professionally and make himself and better person and the best father he can be to his loving daughter,' the lawyer said. Incident: In April, Ronnie's girlfriend phoned cops claiming she'd been physically harmed by Ronnie and police, citing injuries on Matos, took Ortiz-Magro into custody on suspicion of felony domestic violence In April, Ronnie's girlfriend phoned cops claiming she'd been physically harmed by Ronnie and police, citing injuries on Matos, took Ortiz-Magro into custody on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Matos later took to Instagram Stories with a statement clarifying her take on the incident, and seemingly solidarity with Ortiz-Magro. 'Ronnie and I are fine there is a lot misleading information floating around out there,' she said. 'With anybody who reached out with concern I appreciate it with all my heart, but everything that's being portrayed out there are not facts. 'I don't think it's fair that people are using false accusations to gain attention. Please leave Ron and I alone. You don't know what someone is going through at the end of the day. Don't believe everything you hear or read online.' 'We are very happy that after further investigation both the LA County District Attorney's office and the LA City Attorney's office determined that criminal charges were not warranted against Ronnie related to the incident that occurred in April,' Ronnie's attorney, Scott Leemon told TMZ. In his statement, Ortiz-Magro thanked his 'real friends' for standing by him amid the troubled times. 'Thank you for being by myself the last few [weeks],' he said. 'I take all experiences as lessons. You learn who really cares about you when [you're] down and out and [then] you see who doesn't! But I guess they call it the weeding process. Thank you to my real friends who haven't left my side and haven't betrayed me!' Prior to this incident, Ronnie was on probation stemming from a separate domestic violence case he was involved with October 4, 2019 involving his ex-girlfriend Jen Harley, 32, with whom he shares daughter Ariana Sky, three. In that case, the MTV personality made a plea deal, entering a guilty plea to seven misdemeanors in the incident, including domestic battery and resisting arrest. Mrs Hinch has revealed she's reached full term in her pregnancy as she awaits the birth of her second son with her husband Jamie. Taking to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the cleaning guru, 30, whose real name is Sophie Hinchcliffe, admitted she was exhausted after months of preparations for the arrival of her baby boy. It comes just days after Mrs Hinch pleaded for fans' suggestions to help 'bring on her labour' as she grew more 'uncomfortable' during the final weeks of her pregnancy. Not long now! Mrs Hinch, 30, has revealed she's reached full term in her pregnancy as she awaits the birth of her second son with her husband Jamie Sophie shared a video to her Instagram Stories of her typically spotless living room as she told fans she was now full term in her pregnancy. She said: 'I think it's safe to say it's hit me now guys, nine months pregnant full term and I'm exhausted, I'm not gonna lie now, I'm done.' Filming the cot, all set up for her new arrival, she added: 'So yes hopefully he comes very very soon I've washed all of this and it's ready for me now, that was Ron's I'm really exciting to see him in there. 'I'm gonna sit on the sofa with my pregnancy pillow and watch EastEnders with this little one.' Counting down: Taking to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the cleaning guru, whose real name is Sophie Hinchcliffe, admitted she was 'exhausted' Ready to go! Sophie shared a video to her Instagram Stories of her typically spotless living room as she told fans she was now full term in her pregnancy As she enjoyed her final days as a family of three, on Thursday Sophie appeared to be doing little more than relaxing with her son Ronnie, 22 months. She wrote: 'This is how I'll be spending today guys. sniffing Ron, watching cocomelon, eating junk snacksand taking in these last few days before Ron's baby brother arrives. 'I feel like I've hit a pregnancy wall and my energy has just gone. So I'll be back in a couple of days or before of course if our baby Hinch no.2 arrives. Lots of love to you all, thank you for always being so kind.' Worn out: She said: 'I think it's safe to say it's hit me now guys, nine months pregnant full term and I'm exhausted, I'm not gonna lie now, I'm done' Waiting: Filming her cot, she added: 'So yes hopefully he comes very very soon I've washed all of this and it's ready for me now, that was Ron's I'm really exciting to see him in there' Waiting for baby! As she enjoyed her final days as a family of three, on Thursday Sophie appeared to be doing little more than relaxing with her son Ronnie, 22 months On Friday, Sophie also took to social media to ask her fans for suggestions on how she could kick-start her labour. She said: 'Any suggestions to help bring on Baby Hinch no.2? I'm really uncomfortable now'. Some common 'natural' methods of inducing labour include; long walks, eating spicy food and having sex. An unimpressed Sophie later appeared on her Instagram to reply to her fans, as she said: 'I'm reading your suggestions guys on how to bring on labour.' Suggestive: On Friday, Sophie also took to social media to ask her fans for suggestions on how she could kick-start her labour She raised her eyebrows as she said: 'Jamie is happy to try it out but me on the other hand... couldn't think of anything worse right now.' Mrs Hinch announced she was pregnant for the second time on New Year's Day and in February she confirmed that she's having another son. It comes after Mrs Hinch revealed her second pregnancy has been much easier than her first, which left her in and out of hospital before she welcomed Ronnie. Speaking to Fabulous magazine, she said: 'With Ron it almost got to the point where I was in hospital more than I wasn't. 'So I'm just so grateful for a pregnancy that I'm quite enjoying, instead of being in a lot of pain and worrying all the time.' Sophie suffered a series of painful attacks in her back and groin while pregnant with Ronnie which eventually caused her to collapse and be rushed to hospital. Coronation Street's iconic pub The Rovers Return is set to be sold in the coming weeks after years of being owned by Johnny Connor. In upcoming scenes Johnny decides to put the tavern on the market after deciding to split from wife Jenny, having learned she cheated on him while he was in prison for armed robbery. Johnny will join a long list of Corrie veterans who have held the keys to the Rovers Return over the years, including Stella Price, Liz McDonald and Bet Lynch. On the market! Coronation Street's iconic pub The Rovers Return is set to be sold in the coming weeks after years of being owned by Johnny Connor In scenes set to air next week, Johnny (played by Richard Hawley) surprises Jenny (Sally Ann Matthews) by returning home after his early prison release, but is devastated to learn she slept with B&B guest Ronnie Bailey. Realising there's no saving their marriage, a furious Johnny decides to put the pub on the market, with images obtained by The Sun showing the pub with a For Sale sign from estate agent Purple Bricks. It is just the latest in a series of collaborations between the soap and real-life brands, having already had product placement from Costa Coffee and Co Op. On the market! In upcoming scenes Johnny decides to put the tavern on the market after deciding to split from wife Jenny Upset: Johnny is devastated to learn Jenny cheated on him while he was in prison, and immediately puts the pub up for sale Brand deal: Corrie has collaborated with Purple Bricks for the scenes, with one of the estate agent's signs set to appear outside the iconic pub Speaking about the scenes, producer Iain MacLeod said: 'The upcoming story around the sale of the Rovers Return stems from something exciting that happens between Jenny and Johnny - but it also led to an exciting opportunity to team up with Purplebricks to sell the nation's most iconic pub. 'The presence of a real Purplebricks sign outside adds a little bit of extra realism to a really relatable story between two of our best-loved characters.' Purplebricks' Ben Carter added: 'We are delighted to work with Coronation Street to ''sell'' a true British television icon like the Rovers Return.' Johnny is one of a long line of Corrie stars to have held the keys to the Rovers Return, with some of the soap's most legendary characters appearing behind the famous bar. The history of Corrie's landladies Annie Walker Annie Walker (Doris Speed) was the first Rovers landlady and made her debut behind the bar in 1960. She retired from her duties when she departed the cobbles in 1983. Bet Lynch To many Bet (Julie Goodyear) is Corrie's most iconic Rovers landlady, after being appointed manager in 1983. She gave up her position in 1995 when she couldn't afford to buy the pub from brewers Newton & Ridley. Vera Duckworth While Vera is one of Corrie's most iconic characters, she and husband Jack had a turbulent time running the pub in the late 1990s, clashing with their business partner Alec Gilroy when he tried to evict them. Natalie Barnes Natalie received the keys to the Rovers after buying the pub from Alec in 1998. While she was well-liked be the residents, she faced backlash when she attempted to sell the tavern to The Boozy Chain, before the pub was saved by businessmen Duggie Ferguson, Fred Elliott and Mike Baldwin. Stella Price Stella (Gemma Collins) landed the job of Rovers landlady when she first arrived on the cobbles in 2011 after buying the pub from the McDonald family. She eventually sold the pub and left Weatherfield after learning her husband Karl killed his mistress Sunita Alahan to cover up his involvement in a fire at the bar. Liz McDonald Liz and her son Steve were co-owners of the Rovers on more than one occasion, having first poured pints behind the bar from 2006 to 2011, and again from 2013 to 2017. Steve decided to sell the pub after he split from wife Michelle in 2017, with Liz handing over the keys to Peter Barlow and Toyah Battersby. Advertisement Iconic: Annie Walker was the first Rovers landlady and made her debut behind the bar in 1960 Legend: Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) became Corrie's most iconic landlady thanks to her iconic look of leopard print and high heels, but decided to sell up in 1995 Famous: Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) earned the Rovers' keys in 1998, but faced backlash from locals when she tried to sell the pub to The Boozy Chain Annie Walker (played by Doris Speed) was the first and spent 50 years working behind the bar, but retired from those duties when she departed the cobbles in 1983. Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) became Corrie's most iconic landlady thanks to her iconic look of leopard print and high heels, but decided to sell up in 1995. Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) earned the Rovers' keys in 1998, but faced backlash from locals when she tried to sell the pub to The Boozy Chain, before the tavern was saved by businessmen Duggie Ferguson, Fred Elliott and Mike Baldwin. Ahead of Johnny buying the pub in 2017 with wife Jenny, Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) had been the pub's landlady alongside her son Steve (Simon Gregson), but decided to sell up after his turbulent split from wife Michelle. Coronation Street continues tomorrow at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV. She is known for her high-profile appearances as a supermodel and as a Victoria's Secret Angel. And on Thursday morning, Candice Swanepoel showed off her runway-ready form by sharing a trio of sizzling snaps to her Instagram account and Story. The 32-year-old supermodel was pictured wearing an outfit from her own swimwear company, Tropic of C, which she initially launched in 2018. Showing it off: Candice Swanepoel shared three sizzling snaps to her Instagram account and Story on Thursday morning Swanepoel wore a black Rio bikini top that exposed her placed her toned arms and tummy on full display for her 15.2 million Instagram followers. She paired her top with a matching bottom, which placed an emphasis on her curvy hips and beautifully tanned thighs. The South African's gorgeous blonde hair cascaded onto her shoulders and backside during the scorching photoshoot. The fashion industry icon accessorized with a single gold armband and a pair of matching hoop earrings while giving her best looks to the camera. Keeping it simple: The South African wore a revealing black bikini top and a matching bottom during the scorching photoshoot All her own: The clothing articles came from Swanepoel's own swimwear line, Tropic of C, which she initially launched in 2018 Swanepoel's final shot placed her rear end on full view for her millions of followers. Both of her articles of clothing were from her Tropic of C swimwear line, which she established several years ago. When coming up with the vision for the brand, the supermodel made a point of emphasizing the use of environmentally-conscious fabrics in both her products and their packaging. Solid vision: Swanepoel has made a point of incorporating eco-friendly practices into the manufacturing of Tropic of C's products During an interview with Daily Front Row, the runway fixture spoke about how she wanted her company to set a standard for eco-friendly businesses despite the challenges she expected to face in the field. 'In general, with everything I do, I like to try my best to be as ethical as possible. Obviously its hard to be 100 percent, especially in the swim industry,' she said. Swanepoel went on to note that her company was still actively looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint and that they were committed to doing so in the future. Not messing around: During an interview, the supermodel expressed that she tries her best 'to be as ethical as possible' when figuring out how her brand's products are going to be made 'Right now were using about 70 percent recycled materials and still researching. A lot of the fabrics actually work better than new fabrics we sourced so its not like we are giving anything up,' she expressed. The designer went on to detail her vision for Tropic of C's future and remarked that her experience in the non-creative sides of her company has prepared her for its future. 'I would love to make it into a lifestyle brand and constitute to incorporate new elements and learn new things. Ive already learned so much just being on the back end of the business,' Swanepoel said. Uncommon James founder Kristin Cavallari struck a sultry pose aboard Aviator Yacht in Marina Del Ray, CA for a nautical fashion spread shot by Rowan Daly. 'I just want to enjoy life right now,' the Denver-born 34-year-old said in her Mr. Warburton Magazine cover story. 'I really love where everything is at with Uncommon James and my kids. I'm feeling really at peace and really happy right now.' Boudoir beauty: Uncommon James founder Kristin Cavallari struck a sultry pose aboard Aviator Yacht in Marina Del Ray, CA for a nautical fashion spread shot by Rowan Daly Kristin donned feathers and frills in the glamorous Marion Davies-inspired shoot styled by the magazine's co-owner and creative director Derek Warburton. In one psychedelic-style shot, Cavallari posed in full glam while reclining in a bathtub. The Very Cavallari alum admitted it's been 'challenging' co-parenting three children under age 8 with her estranged husband Jay Cutler, whom she separated from last year. 'Especially in the beginning when everything is so fresh still. But we're just navigating it the best way we know how,' Kristin explained. The Denver-born 34-year-old said in her Mr. Warburton cover story: 'I just want to enjoy life right now. I really love where everything is at with Uncommon James and my kids. I'm feeling really at peace and really happy right now' Old Hollywood glam: Kristin donned feathers and frills in the glamorous Marion Davies-inspired shoot styled by the magazine's co-owner and creative director Derek Warburton Party! In one psychedelic-style shot, Cavallari posed in full glam while reclining in a bathtub 'Now that I'm older, I really respect that. I always want my kids to see Jay and me as a united front. He's their father. That's important and they need to see that from me.' Cavallari stressed: 'Never put the kids in the middle of it. No matter how mad you are at your ex-spouse. One thing that my mom did was she never said anything bad about my dad.' The 5ft3in blonde only returns for one episode of the second season of The Hills: New Beginnings - airing Wednesdays on MTV - despite producers asking her to become a series regular. 'I loved filming and seeing everybody - it was like no time had passed. Even though I come from that world and I started at 17, there's an element of stress that comes with people judging your life,' Kristin said. 'Especially in the beginning when everything is so fresh': The Very Cavallari alum admitted it's been 'challenging' co-parenting three children under age 8 with her estranged husband Jay Cutler, whom she separated from last year (pictured in 2019) Kristin explained: 'Now that I'm older, I really respect that. I always want my kids to see Jay and me as a united front. He's their father. That's important and they need to see that from me' Cavallari stressed: 'Never put the kids in the middle of it. No matter how mad you are at your ex-spouse. One thing that my mom did was she never said anything bad about my dad' 'I wouldn't go back to The Hills as a regular because I'm really enjoying my life right now and I don't want my life all over TV. I have a really solid balance between work and life, and I don't want to rock that boat.' On Thursday, Cavallari's castmate Brody Jenner teased to PeopleTV that she 'comes in, she stirs up the pot. She gets everybody riles up and definitely knows how to make some good TV.' The True Comfort author famously starred in the MTV spin-off from 2009-2010 after heading up Laguna Beach from 2004-2006 - both of which were criticized for fabricating storylines. Airing Wednesdays on MTV! The 5ft3in blonde only returns for one episode of the second season of The Hills: New Beginnings despite producers asking her to become a series regular Kristin said: 'I loved filming and seeing everybody - it was like no time had passed. Even though I come from that world and I started at 17, there's an element of stress that comes with people judging your life' Cavallari continued: 'I wouldn't go back to The Hills as a regular because I'm really enjoying my life right now and I don't want my life all over TV. I have a really solid balance between work and life, and I don't want to rock that boat' On Thursday, her castmate Brody Jenner teased to PeopleTV that she 'comes in, she stirs up the pot. She gets everybody riles up and definitely knows how to make some good TV' Kristin just expanded her four-year-old jewelry company into beauty and skincare with five new 'core products everybody needs as part of their daily routine.' Cavallari spent her Thursday promoting Uncommon Beauty to numerous outlets via Zoom. The millennial mama - who boasts 5.3M social media followers - was wearing a pink halter top so clingy she joked via Instastory: 'Free the damn nipple. Get over it.' Surprise! The True Comfort author expanded her four-year-old jewelry company into beauty and skincare with five new 'core products everybody needs as part of their daily routine' 'Old press days are for the birds!' Kristin spent her Thursday promoting Uncommon Beauty to numerous outlets via Zoom She's the Australian actress who confirmed her romance with Dutch model Marthe Woertman last month. And former Neighbours star Adelaide Kane is turning up the heat with her lover as she posts throwbacks from their recent holiday in Cancun, Mexico. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the Teen Wolf star, 30, posted a photo of herself straddling Marthe in a skimpy black bikini. Sizzling: Former Neighbours star Adelaide Kane (left) is turning up the heat with her lover Marthe Woertman (right) as she posts throwbacks from their recent holiday in Cancun, Mexico 'I miss you already,' Adelaide captioned the picture, which was taken in the couple's hotel room at the Grand Coral Beach resort. In late April, Adelaide confirmed her relationship with model Marthe. Posting to TikTok at the time, she shared a video of the pair kissing. Marthe, 21, also shared the footage on her own account. She's taken! In late April, Adelaide confirmed her relationship with model Marthe In the footage, Adelaide cuddled up to Marthe before the pair locked lips. It comes after the couple posted another social media clip in which they sang along to How You Feel (Freestyle) by DJ Scheme and gazed into each other's eyes. 'Surprise shawty! (No one was surprised),' Adelaide teased fans in the caption. Cute: Posting to TikTok at the time, the Teen Wolf star, 30, shared a video of the pair kissing. Marthe, 21, also shared the footage on her own account Marthe then posted a countdown video which showed her travelling on a plane in order to meet Adelaide. According to the 9Honey, the pair have known each other for a few months and got together after following each other on TikTok. Kane recently came out as bisexual in a TikTok video, and also told her Instagram followers: 'Spoiler alert, I'm not straight.' Bisexual: Kane recently came out as bisexual in a TikTok video, and also told her Instagram followers: 'Spoiler alert, I'm not straight' In the past, she dated actor Jacques Colimon and fashion exec Joey Pauline. Adelaide shot to fame in 2006 when she was cast as Lolly Allen in Australian soap Neighbours, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood. She's best known for playing Mary, Queen of Scots, in the Stan drama Reign. Tiger King star Carole Baskin wants to help locate the missing tiger currently roaming the Houston area. The 59-year-old reality television star's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa, Florida, is offering a $5,000 reward 'to the person responsible for the immediate, safe hand over of India the Tiger to a sanctuary that is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries.' Carole is extremely worried about the creature's well-being considering 'the owners of the tiger have shown a serious lack of responsibility so far,' she told TMZ on Thursday. Reward: Tiger King star Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa, Florida, is offering a $5,000 reward 'to the person responsible for the immediate, safe hand over of India the Tiger to a sanctuary that is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries' She pointed out that whoever turns in the animal must work with law enforcement in order to receive the money. The efforts must be 'sufficient to convict both buyer and seller involved in the transfers of the tiger,' Baskin told the outlet. India would not be coming to her Big Cat Rescue, she added, but another accredited big cat sanctuary that would provide lifetime care. Carole first garnered attention as one of the subjects of the hit Netflix docuseries in 2020. Carole, 59, is extremely worried about the creature's well-being considering 'the owners of the tiger have shown a serious lack of responsibility so far,' she told TMZ on Thursday (here in 2020) Placing blame: Baskin blasted Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn during a CNN appearance Wednesday as the search for the tiger has now stretched into its fifth day On Wednesday, she blasted Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn as the search has now stretched into its fifth day. Baskin said the senators are to be blamed for the current caper because they did not sign her Big Cat Public Safety Act last year. The federal bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives, seeks to prohibit private individuals from owning tigers and other large animals as domestic pets. Texas state laws currently allow big cats to be kept as pets - although the City of Houston has its own separate rules barring people from doing so. Search: The nine-month-old Bengal tiger, named India, has been at large since Sunday when its alleged owner, Victor Hugo Cuevas, bundled the animal into the back of his white Jeep Cherokee while fleeing from police Suspect: Victor Hugo Cuevas, 26, is a suspect in the July 2017 murder of student Oseikhuemen Omobhude, 20, who was shot dead outside a sushi restaurant in Richmond, west of Houston 'This has become kind of commonplace in Texas,' Baskin claimed during an interview with CNN on Wednesday morning. 'I really hope Sens. Cruz and Cornyn will sign on to the Big Cat Public Safety Act because if they they had last year, when the house passed this bill, this wouldn't have happened.' While Baskin has been an advocate for big cats, Tiger King fans took to Twitter after making memes mocking the reality star for weighing in on the new saga in Texas. The nine-month-old Bengal tiger, named India, has been at large in Houston since Sunday when its alleged owner, Victor Hugo Cuevas, 26, bundled the animal into the back of his white Jeep Cherokee while fleeing from police. Social media users poked fun at Carole Baskin after seeing her weigh in on the saga on CNN 'Houston's own Tiger King,' said another poster, with a picture of Cuevas with the tiger He was caught and arrested, and later released on bond on Wednesday... but there is still no sign of his predator pet. Footage on social media showed the animal wandering around a west Houston neighborhood on Sunday, prompting the large-scale search for the predator. A Houston Police Department told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that there had been no further leads on the big cat's whereabouts - but that they'd issue updates on Twitter as soon as they have any. Cuevas is a suspect in the July 2017 murder of student Oseikhuemen Omobhude, 20, who was shot dead outside a sushi restaurant in Richmond, west of Houston. An attorney for Cuevas continued to insist to reporters on Wednesday that his client is not the tiger's owner and like authorities is worried about the animal's safety. 'We're going to do everything we can do to try to find this cat and get this cat to a nice, safe place where it can enjoy a nice comfortable life. Thats really what we want to do,' attorney Michael W. Elliott said during a brief news conference outside the Fort Bend County Jail. He reportedly recently had to call security to deal with trespassers breaking into the huge Mission: Impossible 7 set in Yorkshire. Yet Tom Cruise appeared in good spirits on Wednesday as he posed for a socially-distanced selfie with fans after landing via helicopter in the outskirts of London. The actor, 58, wore a protective black face mask amid the pandemic as he arrived near another Mission: Impossible 7 film set. Mission (not so) Impossible: Tom Cruise appeared in good spirits on Wednesday as he posed for a socially-distanced selfie with fans after landing via helicopter in the outskirts of London Tom wore a cosy blue cable knit jumper which he teamed with dark denim jeans and brown biker boots. Fans appeared to be shocked by the actor's arrival via helicopter as they stopped to take socially-distanced selfies in the sprawling field. It comes after Tom reportedly had to call security to deal with trespassers breaking into the huge Mission: Impossible 7 set in Yorkshire. The movie has been filming in the village of Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire, with the movie using Darlton Quarry for some of the stunt scenes. Cautious: The actor, 58, wore a protective black face mask amid the pandemic as he arrived near another Mission: Impossible 7 film set Stunned: Fans appeared to be shocked by the actor's arrival via helicopter as they stopped to take socially-distanced selfies in the sprawling field A source told The Sun that because the area is so large, it has been difficult to seal it off and stop daredevil's from trying to climb the production's equipment. They explained: 'So trespassers have been getting in and attempting to scale the rigs and equipment set up for the stunts. 'Police were called to one incident last week and then Tom was forced to take action when it happened again. 'Extra security might have to be drafted in Along with it being a safety nightmare, Tom and the team don't want any delays to filming.' Impressive: Tom arrived near the Mission: Impossible 7 set in the outskirts of London The second incident mentioned by the source reportedly involved two intruders 'clambering' all over the set, however security were on site to get them off. MailOnline contacted Tom Cruise's representative for further comment at the time. Last month, the cast and crew of Mission: Impossible 7 were seen prepping an action sequence with a moving train - however it was almost derailed by angry locals. Tom was spotted squaring off in an epic fight atop a moving train with the sequel's villain, played by Esai Morales, while filming in North Yorkshire. For the scene, the team have reportedly built a track which stops over the old quarry, with the train said to go hurtling off the tracks and fall 160 feet into a water tank, while Cruise's Ethan Hunt and Morales' unnamed villain fight atop the locomotive. Scary: It comes after Tom reportedly had to call security to deal with trespassers breaking into the huge Mission: Impossible 7 set in Yorkshire (pictured in April) However, The Sun reported that the production team received complaints from a local couple who claimed the shoot would 'shatter the tranquillity' of the area. The filming application was objected by retired couple, Elizabeth Longbottom, 80, a former health visitor, and her husband Robin, 76, a retired surveyor. 'This is an area of beauty and tranquillity and that's going to be shattered when Mr Cruise and his team turn up. He means nothing to me, it's 46 years since my husband and I went to the cinema,' Elizabeth said. Robin added: 'I assume the film company are paying handsomely for the privilege of disrupting everyone's lives.' The couple's objection also added that they felt the scene, 'could be done more economically and with less disturbance by being digitally generated.' On location: The movie has been filming in the village of Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire, with the movie using Darlton Quarry for some of the stunt scenes (pictured one of the sets) While there were others that objected to the shoot, the Peak District National Park Authority approved the application, while the production company Jupiter Springs promised to keep the disruption to a minimum. Mission: Impossible 7 filming has been hit with several set backs and delays amid the Covid pandemic, with it shooting on location in Italy, the UK and Norway. And in December it was reported that five crew members had 'quit after Tom launched into two rants. The actor was said to have given staff a dressing down after he caught them breaking UK Covid rules at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. A source claimed after news of the first outburst was made public, there was 'more anger' at the already 'tense' production. A source claimed: 'Trespassers have been getting in and attempting to scale the rigs and equipment set up for the stunts' (pictured, a train track at a quarry near Stoney Middleton) An insider said: 'Tension has been building for months and this was the final straw. Since it became public there has been more anger and several staff have walked. 'But Tom just can't take any more after all the lengths they have gone to just to keep filming at all. He's upset others aren't taking it as seriously as him.' They added that it was Tom who feels responsible for the production after putting so much time and money into ensuring precautions are in place so the team can film. It was previously reported that the Hollywood star scolded workers who flouted social distancing rules while filming at Warner Bros. Studios. MailOnline contacted Tom's representatives for further comment at the time. Mission: Impossible 7 is currently slated for release on May 27, 2022, with Mission: Impossible 8 expected to follow on July 7, 2023. Chrissy Teigen has parted ways with retail giant Target, it was revealed on Thursday, just a day after the model apologized to Courtney Stodden for telling the teen bride to commit suicide in resurfaced tweets from 2011. TMZ reported that Target removed her cookware line Cravings by Chrissy Teigen last month, but a source close to Teigen tells DailyMail.com that the partnership ended in December last year and had nothing to do with the controversy. While Target's website is no longer displaying Teigen's range - which she launched with them exclusively in 2019 - they are still selling three of her cookbooks. The source adds that Teigen and Target parted ways 'amicably' with the model preferring to sell her cookware range through her own website as well as other retailers. Target confirmed the news to DailyMail.com in a statement on Thursday, saying: 'We made the mutual decision in December to no longer carry the cookware line, given our continued focus on brands we develop and that can only be found at Target.' Stodden first made the claims against the model as early as April last year in an Instagram post saying they felt bullied by her. Revealed: Chrissy Teigen 'has parted ways' with retail giant Target as the star continues to face backlash for her past tweets The offending tweets were then resurfaced in March this year when Teigen temporarily quit Twitter and Stodden called her out for being a hypocrite over her past bullying behavior. Teigen began working with retailer Target in 2019, offering around 40 products from her kitchenware collection with prices ranging from $4 to $140. Yesterday, Teigen, 35, issued a lengthy apology to Stodden over abusive tweets and direct messages that she sent in 2011, where she encouraged the former teen bride to end her life. 'I'm mortified and sad at who I used to be,' Teigen tweeted on Wednesday. 'I was an insecure, attention seeking troll. I am ashamed and completely embarrassed at my behavior.' Earlier this week, Stodden, 26, who recently came out as non-binary, revealed that Teigen 'would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself' on Twitter, after Teigen had publicly insulted the model on the social media platform telling them to 'go to sleep forever.' Stodden - who has shared their new pronouns, they/them/their - first addressed the abusive tweets in an Instagram post last year, and said they had not received an apology from Teigen. Apology: Chrissy Teigen addressed the controversy on her Twitter account on Wednesday However, the wife of John Legend has since fully admitted her wrongdoing, tweeting: 'Not a lot of people are lucky enough to be held accountable for all their past bulls*** in front of the entire world. I'm mortified and sad at who I used to be.' 'I have tried to connect with Courtney privately but since I publicly fueled all this, I want to also publicly apologize. I'm so sorry, Courtney. I hope you can heal now knowing how deeply sorry I am.' Teigen added: 'And I am so sorry I let you guys down. I will forever work on being better than I was 10 years ago, 1 year ago, 6 months ago.' Stodden - who was just 16 years old at the time - revealed this week: '[Chrissy] wouldn't just publicly tweet about wanting me to take "a dirt nap" but would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself. Things like, "I can't wait for you to die."' Teigen was called out further this week, for calling Quvenzhane Wallis 'cocky' in 2013, who was just nine-years-old at the time, as well as Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham a 'wh**e' the same year. Calling her out: Stodden brought up a 2011 tweet from Chrissy attacking them in March this year when Chrissy Teigen quit Twitter over 'negativity' she experienced on the platform 'Is it okay to call a small child cocky?' Teigen tweeted at the time when Wallis had been nominated for an Oscar in 2013. 'I am forced to like Quvenzhane Wallis because she's a child right? Okay fine.' Teigen, 35, appeared to suggest that the young actress had come across as precocious at the ceremony, where she had been nominated for her turn in Beasts of the Southern Wild. But facing backlash at the time, Teigen later deleted the tweet. Satirical website The Onion famously mocked Teigen at the time, posting a joke based on her comment that read: 'Everyone else seems afraid to say it, but that Quvenzhane Wallis is kind of a c***, right?' but they also deleted their tweet, and apologized to Teigen. Writer Clarkisha Kent brought up the incident in light of Teigen's apology to Stodden yesterday, writing: 'Apologize to Quvenzhane Wallis as well... I hope this is the day you realize that some things come with their own punishment & that projecting your self-hate onto others isn't "quirky."' 'Is it okay to call a small child cocky?' Teigen tweeted at the time when Quvenzhane Wallis had been nominated for an Oscar in 2013 (pictured above) Target: Teigen also took at aim at a then-21-year-old Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham, tweeting: 'you're a whore and everyone hates you' (Pictured, 2019) That same year, Teigen took at aim at a then-21-year-old Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham, tweeting: 'farrah abraham now thinks she is pregnant from her sex tape. in other news you're a whore and everyone hates you whoops not other news sorry.' Stodden claimed yesterday that Teigen 'never' reached out to them privately to apologize for the abusive tweets and direct messages that she sent in 2011. 'I accept her apology and forgive her. But the truth remains the same, I have never heard from her or her camp in private,' wrote Stodden via Instagram on Wednesday. Stodden, who recently came out as non-binary sharing new pronouns, they/them/their, recently revealed that Teigen had sent an abusive direct message where she told the former teen bride to commit suicide. Blocked? 'In fact, she blocked me on Twitter,' Stodden wrote, followed by a screengrab showing that they were unable to view Chrissy's account due to being allegedly blocked; Stodden pictured in 2019 Never: Courtney Stodden claims that Chrissy Teigen 'never' reached out to them privately to apologize for the abusive tweets and direct messages that she sent in 2011 The 26-year-old also said they had been 'blocked' by Teigen on Twitter, which is where the model had chosen to issue her apology to Stodden earlier that day. 'In fact, she blocked me on Twitter,' Stodden wrote, followed by a screengrab showing that they were unable to view Chrissy's account due to being allegedly blocked. 'All of me wants to believe this is a sincere apology, but it feels like a public attempt to save her partnerships with Target and other brands who are realizing her "wokeness" is a broken record,' Courtney concluded. Stodden was referencing to Teigen's highly successful Cravings empire, which has produced various kitchenware and cookware lines, two popular cookbooks, and a full fledged lifestyle website. Shane Brown is one of the most in-demand engineers in Reggae and Dancehall music. He comes from a long legacy of musicians and has been in the business for over two decades producing and engineering for Shabba Ranks, Ritchie Spice, and Tarrus Riley. He produced Rileys latest album Healing which was totally recorded during the pandemic. Most recently, he produced God is Love by Beres Hammond and Popcaan. In this interview, we talk about his journey to become a notable music engineer at the heart of some of the genres major hits. How are you doing Shane? I am great, I am home working. I am always home, they say to quarantine and I was always quarantining anyway. You seem very healthy, what is your daily routine? I wake up at 5:00 am, go to the gym, feed my dogs, take care of my fish, then get ready and come downstairs to the studio to work, then back to bed. Creative people always love animals. A dog is a mans best friend. A dog dont business if you are rich. He is right there for you. I have big dogs. Whats your spiritual center? I believe that nothing I am given is guaranteed. Everything is a favor. My surroundings are a favor, to come down and make music is a favor. I dont say I deserve this favor or say I work for this favor so therefore I am very spiritual and thankful. Is that where your music comes from? My music comes from passion. Growing up they always had to play music for me. I had a passion for music but then my talent is the blessing and thats where spirituality comes in because I am not better than anyone else. How did you get into music professionally? My family was into music from the 60s. My Grandmothers brother is Duke Reid. He had the first sound system and the first record label in Jamaica. Thats where the family business started, he was a retired policeman and had a liquor hardware and a studio upstairs. My Grandmother asked her brother to give her son Errol, who is my dad a job. He had a special relationship with Marcia Griffiths. When Duke Reid died Marcia said Errol let me carry you to Hope Road and from 1978 till Bob died he was Bob Marleys engineer. I was discouraged by my family from coming into music. My dad always said go to school and I couldnt get into music but I used to play a sound system Santana International. My sound had PanHead, Super-Cat, Frankie Paul, Quench Aid, Major Mackerel, and Tumpa Lion, they were all on my sound. Sound system was how people started back in the days? I just knew I had to be involved in music somehow. When you started to work with your father how was that experience? I am going to be very honest, it was Tuff Gong Studio in 1993 but my dad wasnt there. He was touring with Ziggy Marley. Clive Hunt etc. was there and I was there as an apprentice learning and getting in everything I could. It was the happiest time of my life learning. It was Chow who had a liking for me and taught me everything. Chow trained my ears using an oscillator. To this day I have perfect pitch. He used that and tuned my ears in the studio. What was the first major project you worked on? The first major song I worked on was Ritchie Spices Grooving. I recorded that song for Island Records and nobody wanted me to mix. At the end of the session Clive Unit told me to run off a balance of the song and Fedex it to Chris Blackwell. In those days you had to FedEx and keep a copy. We sent off the copy to London to Chris Blackwell and days later Chris Blackwell called to say I love the mix. Clive said the song dont mix, and Chris is saying, what you mean I love it. Only one problem: you didnt do a version. Clive said its Errol little son I asked to do a balance and Chris Blackwell said That is the mix. From that day the rest is history I have been mixing away. On the Creation Riddim there is a crisp ingredient, same thing I got from listening to Tarrus Rileys last album Healing that you produced, how do you know when the mix is good verses when it need some more touch up? Every time I mix a song I am nervous. It all starts there with praying I dont mess up the peoples song. I created a sound in my studio. I also mixed a lot of songs off Bujus (last) album in my studio. I know the perfect mix when I can see through the mix. The mix is just so transparent, crystal clear like water. Music is a lot of different instruments so nobody can be fighting; they just have to be in their own space. When you are mixing you think of the charts? When I am mixing I more listen to Hip Hop and overseas music more than local music because sometimes we dont get the right mastering locally. Local music does not get the right mastering sometimes. There are some local mixes I can listen to but I try to lift the standard of our music. I dont think the quality should be different. I mix for many international artists too so its just my standard where I want to go when I am mixing and I am my biggest critic. Your company JukeBoxx? Yes, I want (it to be) a full service company where I want to record, distribute music, mix, manage the artists and artists development. How do you think you can help as a producer, artists to hit the Billboard charts? Jamaicans are ambitious and we want to reach the highest peak but are we ready? Sometimes we are not ready because the quality is not there. Second (some of) the artists are not prepared; they are raw talent but no artist development. I toured with Shaggy for ten years and one of the things I admired about Robert Livingston is artist development. Makes no sense carrying an artist to the highest peak and no one can understand him. A lot of things come together for international success and artists are at times blindsided by Jamaica. Check the people who are successful. Its always the more prepared people who are humble and have a good team around them. Do you think artists should focus on owning their masters rather than just perform a song? But artists are not the producers. Licensing of masters has a lot to do with publishing and a lot of these opportunities come from publishing houses. Its a way, if the artist has the right publishing set up, then the publisher is going to work to get the opportunity for the artist. Jamaican culture dont like to sign and dont like commitment. What do you think about Jamaicas music now? We want more opportunities and we want more ears. We want to make ourselves more marketable. We are as good as any other music but we want to be more marketable. Sean Paul, Shaggy who are successful make sing along hooks. Thats why its called a hook. People need to understand the hook or chorus. Bam Bam not even saying anything but the melody is so catchy. If the people cant catch on or hold on to anything you singing then what are you singing to? A lot of Caribbean people caught up in their home country. Jamaica is the hypest people but it dont make sense to be hot a yard and nobody knows us abroad. We got to make songs for the world. People looking to Jamaica for the Jamaican sound like the Diwali Riddim, thats dancehall music but it break international. We have to bridge the gap between our culture and the world. The world needs to be able to understand even a little part of what we are saying. Give ourselves an opportunity, we need to know our direction and where we are going. Shane Big Up Thank You For Your Time JR Email worldmusicviews@gmail.com worldmusicviews.com To ensure smooth admission, a Covid triage center was opened today with a capacity of 50 beds with the support of Empower and Excel, an NGO from USA, which provided cots, foam beds, pillows and bed sheets, and also offered to provide air-purifiers, the collector said. (Photo: Twitter @krishnadgoap) VIJAYAWADA: The services and support of voluntary organisations is the need of hour in this fight against Coronavirus, said Krishna District Collector A.Md. Imtiaz. Pointing out that the government human and infrastructure resources are being stretched thin, he called upon non-governmental organisations to come forward and take part in the efforts to provide succor to the people reeling under the Corona onslaught. The Collector was speaking after inaugurating a Corona treatment camp built with German hanger technology on the premises of Siddhartha Medical College on Thursday. It is a Covid triage centre set up with the support of Empower and Excel, a not-for-profit organisation. The Collector enquired about the medical facilities at the triage centre and made a few suggestions for the convenience of patients. Later addressing the media, the Collector said, "To ensure smooth admission, a Covid triage center was opened today with a capacity of 50 beds with the support of Empower and Excel, an NGO from USA, which provided cots, foam beds, pillows and bed sheets, and also offered to provide air-purifiers." He thanked the organisation for their humane service in times of need. Empower and Excel CEO Ayesha Charagulla virtually joined the inauguration from the USA and its India chapter head K Kalyan represented the organisation at the inaugural event. Ayesha said, it is heartbreaking to see what India is going through the most difficult moment in the pandemic so far. Daily Covid-19 cases continue to set new high records, with hospitals filled and in need of urgent supplies to cope up with the increasing number of patients." She further said, "Empower and Excel wanted to help by addressing the need for patient beds. Our goal is to provide 400-500 beds in Andhra Pradesh wherever the need is. Appreciate all frontline heroes for tirelessly working to protect as many lives as they can. Sub-Collector and Joint Collector L. Siva Sankar and HM Dhyan Chandra, GGH Superintendent Dr K. Siva Sankar, Empower and Excel volunteers K Srisyam, Dr Sriram Saran, K. Pawan Kumar and others were present. New Delhi: Under pressure from several states to increase the production of the two vaccines available in India, the Centre on Thursday said it is ready to allow private companies to manufacture the country's indigenous vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is jointly developed by ICMR and Bharat Biotech and is currently being produced by Bharat Biotech. The government has now engaged five Public Sector Undertakings to help increase production of Covaxin. Since under this vaccine, live virus is inactivated, any company making this vaccine must have Bio-Safety Lab level 3 labs. Covishield is developed by Oxford University and produced by AstraZenca and Serum Institute of India. The patent for the vaccine is not with India. "While people are welcome to make Covaxin there is only a problem with the technology platform. The company making this vaccine must have Bio-Safety Lab level 3 to ensure bio safety of the virus. We give an open invitation to companies who want to produce as per our norms. Even Bharat Biotech has welcomed our decision to open up production to other players and it has also reached out to a few companies. Centre will assist in all ways to increase the capacity of vaccines, said Dr VK Paul, member NITIA Aayog, who is part of Centres major policy decisions on health. Government has been facing criticism due to shortage of vaccines particularly Covaxin that was given full permission at a later stage compared to Covishield. Several states have suggested the government to open up its production to other companies as well to increase supplies. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had earlier urged Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to direct Bharat Biotech and ICMR-NIV to transfer the Covaxin manufacturing technology and provide the viral strain to all those who are capable of manufacturing the vaccine and ramp up production as present rate of vaccines output was slow and did not cater to the country's requirement. It may take several months to get all vaccinated at this pace. Please explore the possibility of involving all such production firms and enable them with the technology, intellectual property rights to deliver the vaccine as quickly and as affordable as possible. Anyone who can manufacture or is interested in manufacturing the vaccine should be encouraged to do so in the larger public interest," Andhra CM said. Bharat Biotech's Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella has on Wednesday said the company was working overtime to supply vaccines despite hardships of lockdown and 50 of employees testing positive to COVID. District Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu told this newspaper that they waived dues pertaining to electricity connection for the unit which is capable of producing 4 tonnes of oxygen per day. AFP Nellore: With supplies unlike to fully meet the rapidly growing demand for oxygen from Covid patients anytime soon, officials have taken up revival of the two sick oxygen production units in the district on a war-footing. Officials are trying to ensure that Krishna Teja Air Products located at Budanam in Chillakur mandal is brought back on stream and starts filling up cylinders from Saturday. District Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu told this newspaper that they waived dues pertaining to electricity connection for the unit which is capable of producing 4 tonnes of oxygen per day. He said they are taking the help of Commandant Dipayan Kumar and his team from the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam to help resume production after the plant managers expressed helplessness to mobilise technicians in such a short notice to resume operations. The Dockyard team was deputed to Nellore to assist the administration in operating the oxygen plants in major hospitals without a break, the Collector informed. Once the unit is revived, 440 cylinders of 10 liters capacity each can be filled a day and it would help meet the needs of all the small empanelled Covid hospitals in the district. The Collector also said they are also looking at alternative options to supply 10 tonnes of oxygen to the 3 Nellore-based gas filling agencies which are supplying to individuals and some hospitals. Hitherto, the agencies were securing oxygen from Chennai but the supplies were suspended from May 2, 2021, after the central government took control of the distribution of oxygen, Chakradhar Babu informed. He opined that all the ordeals for oxygen would come to an end in the district if they can revive another oxygen plant with 80 tonnes capacity, SBQ Steels, in Chillakur mandal. It can produce 70 per cent of oxygen in the form of gas and 30 per cent in the form of liquid. The officials have intensified their efforts to bring it into operation at the earliest. This is the second time the gap between the two doses of COVISHIELD is increased after it was earlier permitted for 4-8 weeks of spacing. (Photo: AFP) New Delhi: In a significant decision, the Centre on Thursday increased the gap between the two doses of COVISHIELD, anti-COVID-19 vaccine from existing 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. There is no change in the gap between the other vaccine COVAXIN. This is the second time the gap between the two doses of COVISHIELD is increased after it was earlier permitted for 4-8 weeks of spacing. India on Thursday had about 3.63 lakh new cases of COVID-19 and 4,120 deaths due to it and there is huge rush among people to get vaccinated to escape harsh effect of the COVID infection. The decision for higher spacing between two shots comes amid speculation that it has been done in view of shortage of the vaccines. However, the Union Health Ministry said the decision to increase time was based on the recommendations of the COVID Working Group and was completely science based decision. This Working group has also said that those who test positive for COVID-19 should not go for vaccination for six months after recovery. Based on the available real-life new evidences that have come from Oxford, the COVID-19 Working Group agreed for increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 weeks between two doses of COVISHIELD vaccine. No change in interval of COVAXIN vaccine doses was recommended, ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava adding in the coming days more scientific data in this regard will be presented. NITI Aayog Member Dr VK Paul underlined there was no pressure from any side to increase the gaps. It was done in good faith without any pressure with the sole purpose of providing protection cover to the people of India. It was felt that otherwise breakthrough infections will increase. Reviewing the vaccine doses is constant and dynamic process. Several other countries are doing it. UK and WHO has already increased space between Covishield and other vaccine like Pfizer but many countries did not change the vaccination pattern. We have taken a scientific decision, Dr Paul said. He added that there will be no impact on efficacy of the vaccine due to this extension and the single dose itself is good very strong. Facing criticism for shortage of vaccines in several States, the Centre tried to clarify its position saying States have been given the flexibility to buy from vaccine manufacturers directly and also take supplies from Centre. He said Delhi has been so far given 75 crores of COVAXIN and part from that the UT government has procured 1 lakh and private sector has bought 20 lakh doses. Delhi Government has stopped giving COVAXIN shots citing shortage of doses. Dr Paul said in the coming six months more than 200 crore doses of various vaccines will be available in the country to significantly boost the vaccination drive as COVID-19 vrius has started spreading in to rural areas now. Production of vaccines in India is being ramped up due to which more than 200 crore doses of COVID vaccines will be available between August to December this year. Those doses would include 75 crore of AstraZeneca's vaccine produced in India by Serum Institute of India, 55 crore doses of COVAXIN made by Bharat Biotech, 30 crore doses of the shot developed by India's Biological E (which is Phase 3 of trials), 20 crore doses of Novavax from Serum Institute, 15.6 crore doses of Sputnik V, 10 crore doses of Bharat Biotech's nasal vaccine (single dose vaccine), 5 crore from Zydus Cadila (in phase 3 trial stage and will apply for license soon), and 6 crore doses of Gennova vaccine, said Dr Paul. He added by the first quarter of the next year, the number is likely to be 300 crore. Dr Paul further said a consignment of Russia's Sputnik vaccine has arrived in India, and is expected to be available in the market from next week. There should be no doubt that vaccines will be available for all as we move forward... Any vaccine that is approved by FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), WHO can come to India. Import license will be granted within 1-2 days. No import license is pending. We are also pursuing Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson (JJ) for their vaccines at a very high diplomatic level and hopefully the JJ vaccine should come to India along with transfer of technology under Quad agreement, Dr Paul said. Meanwhile, the Drugs Controller General of India on Thursday approved Phase II and III clinical trials of COVAXIN in the age group of 2 to 18 years. Bharat Biotech will conduct these trials on 525 healthy volunteers. In the trial, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. Several doctors are falling ill and not able to report to work. There is a shortage of doctors in the department. PTI HYDERABAD: The health department on Thursday advised people not to let their guard down in the Covid19 context and stressed that the situation is slowly stabilising in Telangana state. Over the last two days of the lockdown, it is being noticed that people are crowding around during the relaxation hours and not wearing masks properly. This is seen at shops, in super markets and even at wine shops. Such behaviour might not help in controlling the spread of the disease and cases, health director Dr G.Srinivasa Rao said. The government, he said, will take strict action against those not wearing masks and also forming crowds. There is a general trend over the past few days of a lesser number of people approaching hospitals for admission and for treatment. This is a sign that the current second wave might be coming under control, he said. On the vaccination drive, he said the second dose of the vaccines will be given to those of 45 years and above and there is no need for people to book time-slots online for their second shots. The facility is available at all vaccination centres, all medical facilities are exempt from the lockdown and they are functional. The state health department has set up a task force and all requirements of remdesivir, tocilizumab injections, anti-viral medicines and other antibiotics can be procured directly from the government. Senior officials are monitoring and ensuring that all medicines and oxygen needed for hospitals are available, he said. Dr Srinivasa Rao said the current state-wide fever survey has covered more than half the state and more than 1,59,000 people found with Covid19-like symptoms have been provided with medicine kits. Why is it that the maximum of people are not being tested or those found with symptoms not being tested? The priority, he said, is to fight the symptoms instead of wasting time and wait for test results. The health department says there are sufficient stocks of oxygen in all government hospitals. An oxygen audit team is checking on its usage in private hospitals. Dr Ramesh Reddy, director of health and medical education, said, "We have sufficient stocks of oxygen and if the levels in the tank come down, the company is notified immediately. This is a clear process. We also appeal to young doctors to come forward to work in the government sector." The state government is keen on recruiting doctors but the response from the medical fraternity is lukewarm. Many of them have not come forward. Several doctors are falling ill and not able to report to work. There is a shortage of doctors in the department. There are also complaints of non-functional ventilators and CPAP machines in government hospitals. Dr Reddy says, "The response from companies as regards the technical glitches is delayed. We would appoint an agency that will deal with the snags." Guwahati/ Nagaon: Eighteen elephants died in lightning strikes at a forest in Nagaon district of Assam, a senior Forest Department official said on Thursday. The incident happened on Wednesday night at a hill in the Kundoli proposed reserve forest in the Kathiatoli range, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahay told PTI. "The area is very remote, near the Nagaon-Karbi Anglong border, and our team could reach there on Thursday afternoon. It was found that carcasses were lying in two groups. Fourteen were lying atop the hill and four were found at the bottom of the hill," he said. The preliminary investigation found that the jumbos were killed due to electrocution caused by lightning, but the exact reason will be known only after post-mortem, which will be done on Friday, Sahay said. "Two Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and one Conservator of Forest have conducted the preliminary investigation. On Friday morning, another team with veterinary doctors will reach the spot and conduct the post-mortem," he added. When asked how could such a huge number of elephants die together, Sahay said usually elephants stay in huddles in case of storms or rain. "Probably, at that very moment, lightning struck and the entire group got killed. I have asked the concerned DFO to provide more information like how many males or females were there. It will take some more time," he said. Nagaon DFO Binod Dulu Bora said the Forest Department with the help of the Veterinary Department will conduct the post-mortem. "Now, forest officials have started their departmental investigation of the case at the spot," he added. Villagers living near the hill claimed that the herd of the wild elephants was screaming unnaturally throughout the night and the cries faded gradually as the day broke. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the incident and asked Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit the spot to inquire into the matter. Suklabaidya mourned the deaths and said he would visit the site with Sahay and other officials on Friday morning to take stock of the situation. Elephant expert Bibhuti Lahkar termed the incident shocking and said such cases are very rare and unheard of in the Northeast. "In open areas of some places like the African grassland such accidents have taken place, but rarely in India. If we consider Eastern India, then one such incident took place at Jaldapara in West Bengal around 12-15 years ago, but the number of deaths was not so high," he said. Though officials are attributing the reasons to lightning from preliminary investigation, it is too early to arrive at a conclusion before the post-mortem as the number of elephants dying is "simply too high", said Lahkar, the head of elephant conservation at NGO Aaranyak. "If they really died due to lightning, then these are signals of climate change. Our climate has become erratic, thunderstorm, rain -- everything has become erratic. If we really want to arrest this, we need to save our nature," said the winner of the 'Heritage Heroes Award 2016' of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The CEC said that elections will be held only after the Covid situation improves. (Photo: AP/File) Hyderabad: Keeping the Covid pandemic situation in mind, the Election Commission has postponed the Legislative Council elections from the MLA quota elections in both the Telugu states. Announcing the decision in a statement on Thursday, the CEC said that elections will be held only after the Covid situation improves. Three MLC sets will be vacant on May 31 in Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana state, the tenure of six MLCs will end this month. It includes that of Legislative Council chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, deputy chairman Neti Vidyasagar, former deputy chief minister Kadiam Srihari, Fariduddin, Akula Lalitha and Bodakunti Venkateswarlu. The term of Prof. M Srinivas Reddy, who was nominated in the Governors quota, is also ending this month. The six MLCs under the MLAs quota and one under Governor quota must be in place by June 16 in Telangana state. Nizamabad: Telugu people in Israel in grip of fear as clashes between Israel and Palestinian continued. There are around 10,000 people from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh living in various parts of Israel. Around 1,000 people from undivided Nizamabad, Adilabad and Karimnagar districts have also gone to Israel in search of livelihood. The family members of Israel migrants are worrying over the safety of their beloved ones during the war like situation. The kin of migrants get in touch with migrants over video calls and social media apps. For the last three days, they are constantly contacting the migrants to know their well-being. After Gulf countries, the majority of unemployed youths from north Telangana districts have shown interest to work in Israel. They believe that working conditions and pay packages are more satisfactory in Israel than Gulf countries. As a result, for the last 10 years youths from two Telugu states thronged Israel for employment. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle from Israel on Thursday night, Telangana-Israel Association working president Bommakanti Maheshwar Goud said that they are safe in Israel. Each household has safety bunker and people rushed to their safety with sirens blown by Israel authorities minutes before rocket attacks, he said. Maheshwar Goud said that food and accommodation is available and they are doing daily work as usual. Rocket attack claimed the life of Keralite Soumya, just one kilometre away from our residence, he explained. Most of the Telugus are working as caregivers in Israel, he added. Israel government takes utmost care for safety and welfare of all citizens without any discrimination, he said. A busy year lies ahead for local independent film company, Black North Productions, which prides itself in giving ordinary people who would never have had an opportunity to become involved in a movie, the chance to do so. With new movie 'Stealth' due to premiere before the end of this month, the company is currently working on 'Grief,' a film detailing the pain and loss caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The second instalment of 'Long Shot,' entitled 'Long Shots Letter,' is also due for completion. After 'Grief' is shot and edited by mid-June, it's on to 'West Banksy' which will deal with drug addiction and abuse. The group's alternative news programme, 'Its News To Me,' will be launched in September and it is hoped three more short films by the end of the year, one of which will focus on bullying in the secondary sector. Joseph McCarthy, writer, director and producer with Black North, which he founded, said: We have already sourced school ties and shirts and will need to source jumpers, trousers and skirts too. In between times, we will complete the third part of our Troubles Trilogy, so we will be very busy for some time. We will also be casting for new members when the lockdown lifts. Joseph said Black North Productions was formed to get the message out there that the North of Ireland 'is not a place to avoid, not a place of hate and despair.' He added: The North of Ireland is a beautiful place, populated by friendly people who have been trapped by history that is not of our making. We aim to show the positive aspects of Northern Ireland, that is second to no other place in artistic talent. Joe explained how Black North came into being. We came about due to a marked lack of opportunity for people who had artistic ability, but in essence no real outlet. I began writing poetry and plays some years ago and I wrongly assumed that long established arts venues would nurture new talent. A good example of this was when I tried to get one of my plays performed in the city. I approached the then chief executive of that venue and spoke with a panel of their governing body regarding getting some assistance to have my play produced. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that there was an insular attitude and mercenary outlook, which left me both surprised and disappointed. Needless to say, I have had no contact with either that venue or those 'art experts' since. Its interesting to note, that the play I approached them with which was called 'Enough is Enough' won the University of Ulsters Greer Garson Award for Theatre soon after that meeting. I formed the impression that I was being 'grilled' on that occasion and that in itself, was an unpleasant experience. I came up with idea of forming Black North Productions and at that particular time, the North of Ireland was being avoided by many people from the Republic of Ireland and the UK. The 'Nordies' were cast in a dark light that we simply did not deserve to be in that position. I set out to show that we in the North, and in particular our city, can produce poetry, plays and short films that can be deemed as artistic works of the highest quality. There was never any formal meeting or expressions of interest highlighted at that time. I came up with idea, developed the idea, enlisted the help of others who were of the same mind-set, both regarding the attitudes of outsiders to the North of Ireland and the dismal lack of assistance that prevailed in the city and unfortunately still does to a large extent. Black North's first film was 'Wish You Were Here.' Joe explained its storyline: It revolved around a writer played by Greta McTeague, who whilst writing a detective novel gets, side-tracked by the historic events that have happened in the city. The film opens in 1969 and in her mind she imagines she is speaking with the people from that time. The central character is the likeable and fair- minded Michael Quinlivan. I intended to produce a Troubles Trilogy moving from 1969 to 1984 and then to present day. The theme was in essence about the 'Troubles' children, who lived through that period, suffered so much and yet seamlessly formed bonds with total strangers who shared the same experiences and through those experience formed bonds that still exist today. To date, Black North has made six films as well as 'Wish You Were Here,' there has been 'Right Reasons For Wrong,' 'Long Shot,' 'F1-11,' 'Unlucky Lucky' and and'Snowflake Generation.' Joseph added: We will premiere 'Stealth' by the end of the month and have quite a lot of work completed on our final 'Troubles' film, 'Half Ticket No Return.' but due to such a large cast and the urrent restrictions, we have had to put that one onhold. Joseph said 'Stealth' was a 'really interesting' piece. He added: It is set in both present day and the future and shows our technical abilities and innovations through an intriguing storyline that will make people sit up and think. It is very much an Orwellian piece with a modern twist. Black North is currently working on Grief, telling the story of loss due to the pandemic. Joe said it came about 'for a number of reasons.' He added: Having known so many people who have lost loved ones and listened to their heart-wrenching stories of not getting to say that final goodbye, or to be there when they felt they were most needed, made me feel that there needs to be some kind of closure. A chance to say that final farewell. Joseph conceded the film's topic was 'difficult topic' to deal with it. He said: As we all know, Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on so many people and has brought entire countries to a standstill. It was a difficult topic to deal with in a sensitive and constructive way, I have done my best to alleviate the sense of loss and hurt that this terrible virus has caused. I really hope that we, as a team, have done that. From our extras, who will play mourners, to the bikers who will escort the coffin into the city, to our choir and central characters played by Jamie Coll, Chantel Carlin, Gabriel White, Kieran Dallas, Corey Hanna and Dean ODonnell, I really hope we have. So, how did the bikers become involved? Joseph explained: Gerry McGeady, a leading light with Centurions MC, is the main man when it came to organising bikers. Gerry is a well-respected biker of many years and has strong connections to the world of bikers and, in particular, the local clubs. I have to thank him for all his efforts in bringing together a dedicated bunch of bikers in the form of The Exiles RC and The Centurions MCC. The bikers are a great team to work with and they are keen to become involved in 'Grief' as they too understand the immense sense of loss felt by so many people. Joseph said Black North's was 'very proud' of its wide range of cast members. He said: The pandemic has made casting for parts very difficult for us, but we have done our best to continue to bring in new members and 'Grief' will comprise of several new member and a younger cast. Quite often, a member will suggest a family member who would suit a part or a friend or relative and once we give that person a piece to perform and have a chat with him/her, we then film them and take it from there. We are proud of our wide and varied cast members. We have people from all backgrounds such as: bricklayers, plasterers, council workers, accountants, health care workers, secondary school pupils, students, basically from every walk of life. Some people were hesitant and lacked confidence, those same people are now much more confident and outgoing. Indeed, this has been one of greatest achievements to date, to see people develop and grow in confidence, people who would never have had an opportunity to become involved in film. -- Irish President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to the Derry author Seamus Deane who has died at the age of 81. Mr Deane had an impressive career and is best known for his book Reading in the Dark about growing up in Derry. He was educated at Queen's University and Cambridge University. President Higgins said Mr Deane's death was an 'incalculable loss' to Irish writing. Seamus Deanes contribution to critical and creative writing was delivered, not only at home in Ireland but in some of the most prestigious universities of the United States of America, be it Berkeley, Notre Dame, Indiana, Oregon. In such universities, news of Seamus Deanes participation in a seminar immediately drew huge interest from scholars young and old, partly due, no doubt, to the sheer breath of the materials he would cover, but also due to the unique connection he would make between the life and the work. To Derry he leaves the incomparable legacy of the life, the writing, the concerns, the despair and the hope, that he shared with its people and to which so much of the work would respond. Few cities have a writer more embedded in its people, its history, its challenges, its hopes and its humour. There are, to me, parallels between Seamus Deanes relationship to Derry and, in his time, Sean OCaseys relationship to Dublin in the way the full experience of its peoples are placed at the centre of the writing. All of the living is allowed its place. Seamus Deane was, too, a leading part of the great burst of intellectual revival that led to the Crane Bag, the Field Day Anthology of Irish Literature and many other innovations, which will be recalled as examples of the collaboration he had with his scholarly neighbours, and others, in giving a valuable affirmative to the importance and energy of Irish writing. When reasonably criticised for omission in a work he replied with the candour of a critic who had become himself the subject of a legitimate criticism. This was typical of the scholar in him. The price paid for a great talent, such as Seamus Deane had, was high and is revealed, I believe, in his work, including his fine novel, Reading in the Dark. That work too was delivered with a truth that combined the word, the place, the history, the lives, and the power of communal humour in the act of survival. All of this is put so well, for example, in his poem Derry, which opens with the lines: The unemployment in our bones Erupting on our hands in stones The thought of violence a relief, The act of violence a grief Our bitterness and love Hand in glove. Eternal peace be with our great writer and critic Seamus Deane. Sabina and I send our sympathies to his family, the people of Derry and his friends and former students at home and abroad. Siochan siorai da anam lach. Kartik Aaryan Contributes To Priyanka Chopra's Fundraiser Towards COVID Relief Work The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in the country. The Healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to the scarcity of medical oxygen and hospital bed. Kartik Aaryan has been amongst the most vocal personalities to generate awareness against the virus by repeatedly asking people to use marks and maintain social distancing. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and husband Nick Jonas recently set up a fundraiser, Give India, to help the country fight the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then several Bollywood stars have come out in support by lending whatever they possibly can from their end. Now, the latest celebrity to donate a substantial amount to it is Kartik Aaryan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Kartik Aaryan has now come forward to donate for Priyanka Chopra Jonas fundraiser. The actor has donated a whopping amount of Rs 5 lakhs for her fund. As per the latest report, around 4.9 crores have been raised till now, and the amount will be directly used for health workers and other requirements. This is not the first time that Kartik Aaryan had donated for the Coronavirus crisis. In an initiative by Bhumi Pednekar, the actor had donated twice helping save almost two lives. Rhea Chakraborty Thinks About How History Will Remember The Covid-19 Crisis: '... And Just Like That Humanity Was Restored' Rhea Chakraborty has been boosting morale and offering help to her followers in the current Covid-19 crisis through social media. Looking on brighter side of things, on Wednesday, the Chehre actress penned her thoughts on the how the pandemic brought down borders in a divided world to lend a helping hand. It fills my heart to see how we are standing together in this crisis that will go down in history, but what really will go down in history is that the human race was divided, but in the face of adversity they united and turned into human beings again..and helped each other, lifted each other, didnt judge, didnt hate, fought together and won together and just like that Humanity was restored and we saved the world. Keeping the faith With Love Rhea, her note in an Instagram story read. Rhea had been missing from social media for a good part of a year after her boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajputs death and only resumed activity recently offering help to those in need as the Covid-19 cases surged in April. On the professional front, reports claim that the actress has been trying to get life back to normal and has been looking for work in Hyderabad after lack of offers from Bollywood. She will be seen next in AmitabhBachchan and Emraan Hashmi starrer Chehre. Vubiquity, part of the Amdocs Media division, has signed a content services partnership agreement with Telefonica Hispam, the Telefonica Group's Latin American business. According to a press release from the provider of content services and media technology solutions, as per the agreement, Vubiquity will provide content, licensing, and processing for the Movistar Play service in several markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. "Vubiquity holds relationships with hundreds of content creators and distributors around the globe, bringing the latest release content from major studios, leading independents, library classics, and a host of genre-based categories to provide viewers with compelling content choices from Telefonica HispAms Movistar Play service," it said. As part of the service, Vubiquity will offer a full suite of content acquisition, curation, and management services to support Telefonica HispAms consumer platform. Pablo de Cara, Director of Video, Partnerships, and Brand for Telefonica HispAm, said: We are expanding and complementing the successful engagement we already have with Amdocs Medias Vubiquity in Brazil to provide the latest Hollywood and independent studio content to our HispAm customers. As the media market evolves, we are confident with our selection of Amdocs Medias Vubiquity, who will continue to be a major part of the value we provide to our Movistar Play viewers. Darcy Antonellis, Head of Amdocs Media, said: As part of our long-standing, successful relationship, we are very pleased to support Telefonica HispAm and their strategy to provide a tailor-made, best-in-class experience to Movistar Play viewers across Latin America. As expected, Ethiopia's state telecoms monopoly, Ethio Telecom, has launched a mobile money service with the aim of boosting growth by offering cashless transactions. Called telebirr, it is, for now at least, the only mobile financial service permitted in the country. Foreign operators, when they arrive, will be barred by law from offering such services. Users will be able to send and receive money, deposit or take out cash at appointed agents, pay bills to various merchants and receive cash sent from abroad. This is quite a change for Ethiopia, where the failings of the banking system are likely to give alternative financial services a real boost. Certainly, expectations are high for the new service, with figures like 33 million users in five years being bandied about by Ethio. According to Reuters, the companys chief executive Frehiwot Tamiru even suggested that some 40 to 50 percent of Ethiopias annual economic output could be transacted on the platform in five years. Meanwhile the government is readying itself to sell a 45 percent stake in Ethio and to auction two new full-service telecoms licences, neither of which will allow the winners to roll out mobile financial services. According to Bloomberg, the government has admitted that it will take a financial hit from this stance. In fact the prime minister has been quoted as saying that forbidding new entrants to offer mobile money could have cost the government some $500 million due to lower bidding. Presumably the expectation is that Ethios service will be highly profitable. Theres certainly a strong incentive to bring mobile money to Ethiopia, given the success of such offerings in so many other African countries. However, Ethio will now have to prove that it doesnt need competition to perform well in this market. In the last console generation, the PlayStation 4s long list of high-quality exclusive titles gave it an edge over Microsofts Xbox One console. It looks like Sony isnt ready to give up that edge just yet. In an interview with Wired, PlayStation Studios Lead, Hermen Hulst, notes that the group has over 25 titles in development for the PS5. Further, over half of the titles will be brand new IP. This means that PlayStation 5 users will get to see a lot of new characters, stories, and games coming their way over the next few years. As of right now, we know of four PS5 titles that are being developed by PlayStation Studios as exclusives. This includes Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, God of War: Ragnarok, and Gran Turismo 7. As you might have noticed, all four titles are sequels. So one can consider it good that developers are planning to introduce fresh stories and are not only relying on known names to entice gamers. The last console generation saw the rise of new IPs like Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Until Dawn. So it seems like Sony is still open to experimenting and finding new success stories. Of course, its not like PlayStation Studios has a dearth of big-name IPs. The group is home to some of the biggest and most respected names in the business. This includes Naughty Dog (Uncharted Series), Santa Monica Studio (God of War series), Polyphony Digital (Gran Turismo series), and many more. In fact, Hermen Hulst himself is a Co-Founder of Guerrilla Games, which developed Horizon: Zero Dawn. However, the biggest problem PlayStation fans are facing is not the lack of games, but the lack of consoles. The PS5 has been incredibly hard to come by and usually goes out of stock within minutes. However, the console will be available for pre-booking in India from May 17, 12 PM onwards. TikTok is one of the most popular platforms on social media which allows the young talent to express themselves through short videos. The application immediately caught the eye of the public as soon as it was launched and has since then been on top of the charts. The tech giant knows that it has a huge user base in millions and hence it tries to maintain the application and works day in and out to make sure their application is entertaining as well as secure for the users.The social media giant has recently announced some new features and guidelines which will be very beneficial for the young users on the platform.TikTok very recently has published Guardian Guide as a part of their Safety Centre feature. This guide is a resource which breaks down how the application works and lists down what steps are the best for users to take in order maintain their security and privacy on the application. The guide also describes features like Family Pairing which is a guide for parents and caregivers and informs them ways through which they can manage their children account by setting restrictions on screen time and having access to search and direct messages.Apart from this, the Safety Center has also given out a handful of more articles that are related to bullying, privacy and security. It has launched Bullying Prevention Guide which is launched by TikTok's US Content Advisory Council in collaboration with Cyberbullying Research Center, Net Family News and other organizations. This guide is a resource which offers ways to prevent harassment on the platform, offers tips on how users can identify bully behavior and how victims can find help in case of being harassed on the platform.The platform also has added prompts which are designed to discourage rude messages before they go live.Another tool the platform is testing is known as the recruitment tool. The tool is said to be a way for users to find jobs and positions through the platform and recruiters to find suitable candidates for the positions they offer. According to Axios , the recruitment tool will not be present on the TikTok application itself but will appear on a webpage with a list of job postings which are expected to entry level positions. The resume also has a twist because since this is TikTok, applicants will post video style resumes rather than the same old boring written ones. The application gives users the freedom to add the resume video to your profile as well.The company understands that it has a large number of content creators on the application who are young and aspiring and it would be a great way for brands to reach the people they're looking to hire. Apart from this there is also a chance that users may lose their jobs when recruiters take a look at their TikTok in case there is some ill-advised post present on the accounts hence it is advised to set up a secondary account for professional purposes, depending on what kind of job you're looking for.Lastly, as per BB , TikTok is planning on launching another feature that has been inspired by Facebook. The company went on a slightly different kind of shopping spree in 2020, adding commerce functionality like the previously mentioned shopping tab, product information in Reels, and it hasnt stopped there. Facebook is also testing sticker ads in Stories.The tech giant, TikTok is introducing an in app shopping spree feature. The application has introduced several features which are related to shopping on their platform like giving creators the ability to sell merchandise through an integration with Teespring, partnering with Shopify, and reportedly working on some kind of live-video infomercial product.However, this new feature is slightly new. The feature unlike its previous attempts has a separate shopping option under the brands profiles that lists products with images and prices. However, if you are wondering why you cannot see this feature is because the tech giant has said that it is still under testing feature because the feature is currently only accessible in the Europe region. The tech giant in Europe has partnered with several brands, including UK-based streetwear company Hype.Though the Hype account in many parts of the world does not show this option under their user profile, the company has confirmed that it is indeed participating in the test with the tech giant.If you think about it shopping and TikTok together does not look like a really bad pair but indeed it can go hand in hand with each other. The bite-sized length and stickiness of TikTok videos seem perfectly suited for advertising, while the passive watching that TikTok encourages and makes it easy to consume a lot of content.The tech giant is currently testing this feature however, if it introduces a shopping accessibility through their application we are sure it will be great. Considering how brands can partnership with creators on the application. Creators will be able to tag clothes and products they use in their videos, tapping on which can lead users directly to the page it sells and it will be easier for viewers to buy one if they want for themselves.Wherever, TikTok lands with shopping, tests like these seem to show the viral video app is ready to take advantage of its status as a household name and grow whether its shopping or spreading TikTok features across other apps.The tech giant has always managed to introduce some really great features and has always lived up to the users expectations. The features that the company has launched currently seem great and we are sure that they will be offering some new and unique features in the future as well because we are sure they have a lot in their bag for us and we cannot wait to see what they have to offer to us.Read next: TikTok Is Adding Two New Tools In Order To Establish Better Communication With Third Party Apps Subscriber content preview SEATTLE (AP) The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing a renovation and expansion of its Seattle waterfront base that during the next decade will be home to three new icebreakers, and probably other vessels. The Coast Guard's aging Seattle operations hub supports Pacific Northwest and polar missions. The Seattle Times reports the Coast Guard will have a higher profile role in the coming years as the U.S. ramps up its presence in an Arctic region rapidly changing as the climate warms. . . . Subscriber content preview EUGENE, Ore. (AP) The homes of three Eugene city councilors were defaced with anti-police graffiti that called for defunding the police, according to city officials. Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis condemned the actions, which police said happened Sunday night or early Monday, The Register-Guard reported. . . . Subscriber content preview ATLANTA (AP) U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday just as planned new guidelines say it's OK for people of any age to get a coronavirus shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations. The shots will let kids safely attend camps this summer and help assure a more normal return to classrooms next school year, concluded advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. . . . Columbia Pacific lends $39M for NYC project The recently created Columbia Pacific Recovery Fund has deployed a $39.1 million bridge loan to help complete a mixed-use project in New York City, said Columbia Pacific. The fund is intended to help owners and developers complete pandemic-delayed projects. The eight-story mixed-use project is now under construction; it'll have 24,357 square feet, with 10 rental units over retail. Eric Jordan of Columbia Pacific said in a statement, We are pleased to provide the first loan through the Columbia Pacific Recovery Fund for 68-70 Spring St. in SoHo, which is ideally located near one of the strongest retail corridors in New York City. The new fund will deploy more bridge loans for periods of two to five years. In SoHo, landowner P. Zaccaro Co. is developing the project for the LLC that took the loan. CNY Group is the builder, and Bialosky + Partners is the architect. Construction began in 2018, replacing an old one-story retail building. (The Zaccaro family is well known in NYC real estate, after a century in that business; John Zaccaro was married to the late vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro.) Subscriber content preview SEATTLE An old seven-plex at 1940 11th Ave. W. sold for $2.9 million, according to King County records. The seller was an LLC related to the Long family, which had owned the property for decades. . . . * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Nineteen companies, including Dell, Wistron, show interest in PLI scheme for IT Hardware A total of 19 companies, including Dell, ICT (Wistron), Flextronics, Rising Stars Hi-Tech (Foxconn) and Lava, have filed their application under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for IT Hardware, which was notified on 3 March 2021. Besides these, 14 companies, which include Dixon, Infopower (JV of Sahasra and MiTAC), Bhagwati (Micromax), Syrma, Orbic, Neolync, Optiemus, Netweb, VVDN, Smile Electronics, Panache Digilife, HLBS, RDP Workstations and Coconics, have filed applications under the category `Domestic Companies. These companies are expected to expand their manufacturing operations in a significant manner and grow into national champion companies in IT Hardware production. Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for IT Hardware was notified on 3 March 2021. The scheme was open for filing applications till 30 April 2021. Incentives are applicable under the scheme from 1 April 2021. The PLI Scheme offers an incentive of 4 per cent, 2 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, on net incremental sales (over base year of FY 2019-20) of goods under target segments that are manufactured in India to eligible companies, for a period of four years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25). In his address marking the conclusion of application window under the scheme, union minister for electronics and IT, communications, law and justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, said that PLI scheme for IT Hardware has been huge success in terms of the applications received from global as well as domestic companies engaged in manufacturing electronics hardware products. This, he said, is testimony to the fact that industry has reposed its faith in Indias stellar progress as a world class manufacturing destination and supports the prime ministers clarion call of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. We are optimistic and looking forward to building a strong ecosystem across the value chain and integrating with the global value chains, thereby strengthening electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country, the minister further said. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis visionary initiatives like the Digital India and Make in India programmes, India, he said, has witnessed an unprecedented growth in electronics manufacturing in the last five years. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 envisions positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) by focusing on size and scale, promoting exports and enhancing domestic value addition by creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally. After the success of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme in bringing investments in mobile phone (handsets and components) manufacturing, the union cabinet chaired by the prime minister approved the PLI Scheme for IT hardware products. The target IT hardware segments under the proposed scheme include Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One Personal Computers (PCs) and Servers. The scheme proposes production linked incentives to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the value chain of these IT Hardware products. Over the next 4 years, the scheme is expected to lead to total production of about Rs1,60,000 crore. Out of the total production, IT Hardware companies have proposed production worth over Rs1,35,000 crore, and domestic companies have proposed production to the tune of Rs25,000 crore. The scheme is expected to promote exports significantly. Out of the total production of Rs1,60,000 crore in the next 4 years, more than 37 per cent will be contributed by exports of the order of Rs60,000 crore. The scheme will bring additional investment in electronics manufacturing to the tune of Rs2,350 crore, generate approximately 37,500 direct employment opportunities in next 4 years and additional indirect employment of nearly 3 times the direct employment. Domestic value addition is expected to grow from the current 5-12 per cent to 16-35 per cent. With the demand for electronics in India expected to grow manifold by 2025, the union minister expressed confidence that the PLI scheme and other initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing will help in making India a competitive destination for electronics manufacturing and give boost to AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Creation of domestic champion companies in electronics manufacturing under the scheme will give a fillip to `Vocal for Local while aiming for global scale. Covid care: RBI opens Rs50,000-cr liquidity tap for banks Reserve Bank of India has opened an on-tap liquidity window of Rs50,000 crore to help banks provide immediate liquidity for ramping up Covid-related healthcare infrastructure and services in the country. The new on-tap liquidity window will be used to extend loans to banks with tenors of up to three years at the repo rate till 31 March 2022. Under the scheme, banks can provide fresh lending support to a wide range of entities, including vaccine manufactures, importers/suppliers of vaccines and priority medical devices, hospitals/dispensaries, pathology labs, manufactures and suppliers of oxygen and ventilators, importers of vaccines and Covid-related drugs, logistics firms and also patients for treatment. Such lending by banks has been brought under priority sector lending in order to incentivise quick delivery of credit. These loans will continue to be classified under priority sector till repayment or maturity, whichever is earlier. Banks may deliver these loans to borrowers directly or through intermediary financial entities regulated by the RBI. Banks are expected to create a Covid loan book under the scheme. By way of an additional incentive, such banks will be eligible to park their surplus liquidity up to the size of the Covid loan book with the RBI under the reverse repo window at a rate which is 25 bps lower than the repo rate or, 40 bps higher than the reverse repo rate, RBI stated in a release. Priority sector lending Also, to provide further support to small business units, micro and small industries, and other unorganised sector entities adversely affected during the current wave of the pandemic, RBI announced special three-year long-term repo operations (SLTRO) of Rs10,000 crore at repo rate for the small finance banks (SFBs). This facility, which will be available till 31 October 2021, will be deployed for fresh lending of up to Rs10 lakh per borrower. Small finance banks (SFBs) have been playing a prominent role by acting as a conduit for last mile supply of credit to individuals and small businesses. Lending by SFBs to MFIs for on-lending will also be classified as priority sector lending. At present, lending by SFBs to micro-finance institutions (MFIs) for on-lending is not reckoned for priority sector lending (PSL) classification. In view of the fresh challenges brought on by the pandemic and to address the emergent liquidity position of smaller MFIs, SFBs are now being permitted to reckon fresh lending to smaller MFIs (with asset size of up to Rs500 crore) for on-lending to individual borrowers as priority sector lending. This facility will be available up to 31 March 2022. RBI also extended the permission for scheduled commercial banks to deduct credit disbursed to new MSME borrowers from their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) for calculation of the cash reserve ratio (CRR) with a view to incentivise credit flow to the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) borrowers. This exemption, currently available for exposures up to Rs25 lakh and for credit disbursed up to the fortnight ending 1 October 2021 is being extended till 31 December 2021. RBI noted that the resurgence of Coid-19 pandemic in India in recent weeks and the associated containment measures adopted at local/regional levels have created new uncertainties and impacted the nascent economic revival that was taking shape. This has hurt individual borrowers, small businesses and MSMEs the most. In order to ease the pain of these groups of borrowers, RBI also announced a new set of measures. Under this, individuals and small businesses and MSMEs having aggregate loan exposure of up to Rs25 crore and who have not availed restructuring under any of the earlier restructuring frameworks (including under the Resolution Framework 1.0 dated 6 August 2020), and who were classified as Standard as on 31 March 2021 shall be eligible to be considered under Resolution Framework 2.0. Restructuring under the proposed framework may be invoked up to 30 September 2021 and shall have to be implemented within 90 days after invocation. In respect of individual borrowers and small businesses who have availed restructuring of their loans under Resolution Framework 1.0, where the resolution plan permitted moratorium of less than two years, lending institutions are being permitted to use this window to modify such plans to the extent of increasing the period of moratorium and/or extending the residual tenor up to a total of 2 years. In respect of small businesses and MSMEs restructured earlier, lending institutions are also being permitted as a one-time measure, to review the working capital sanctioned limits, based on a reassessment of the working capital cycle, margins, etc. Easier KYC norms RBI also extended the scope of video KYC known as V-CIP (video-based customer identification process) for new categories of customers such as proprietorship firms, authorised signatories and beneficial owners of legal entities and for periodic updation of KYC. RBI also made conversion of limited KYC accounts opened on the basis of Aadhaar e-KYC authentication in non-face-to-face mode fully KYC-compliant and enabled the use of KYC identifier of Centralised KYC Registry (CKYCR) for V-CIP and submission of electronic documents (including identity documents issued through DigiLocker) as identify proof. Besides, RBI announced the introduction of more customer-friendly options, including the use of digital channels for the purpose of periodic updation of KYC details of customers. Further, keeping in view the Covid related restrictions in various parts of the country, RBI has advised regulated entities not to take punitive restriction on operations of customer account(s) where periodic KYC updating is due/pending, till 31 December 2021, unless warranted due to any other reason or under instructions of any regulator/enforcement agency/court of law, etc. At the same time, RBI has asked account holders to update their KYC during this period so far as possible. In order to mitigate the pandemic related stress on banks and as a measure to enable capital conservation, RBI has allowed banks to utilise 100 per cent of floating provisions/countercyclical provisioning buffer held by them as on 31 December 2020 for making specific provisions for non-performing assets with prior approval of their boards. Such utilisation has noe been permitted with immediate effect and up to 31 March 2022. Announcing the measures, RBI governor said, the focus should be on a post pandemic future of strong and sustainable growth with macroeconomic and financial stability even as we address the challenges posed by the current wave of the pandemic and remaining on guard against future waves. Fianna Fail Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed the publication of the General Scheme of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill by Minister Roderic OGorman. Over and above access to information and records, the legislation also establishes a comprehensive tracing service for persons who want to make contact, share information or request information from a birth relative. It also establishes a new statutory Contact Preference Register. People will be able to apply to this register where they wish to record their preference in relation to having contact with birth relatives, as well as where they wish to lodge, for the attention of a specified relative, communications, contemporary medical information or requests for information. This ground-breaking legislation will provide a full and clear right of access for adopted people and others with questions on their origins to birth certificates, birth and early life information confirmed the Louth based Senator. The legislation takes a comprehensive approach, encompassing all people who may have a question in relation to their origins and supporting access to the broad range of birth, early life, care and medical information that may be contained in institutional or other records. The proposed legislation takes account of the issues facing people who are the subject of an illegal birth registration. In addition to this, Minister OGorman, brought a separate memo to Cabinet regarding wider support for affected individuals to address the issue of their incorrect birth registration and to have choice and clarity on the question of their identity. These proposals were developed by an Interdepartmental Group established by the Department of Children, Disability, Equality and Integration and will be the subject of consultation with those affected by illegal birth registration in the weeks and months ahead. Senator McGreehan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration. Hong Kong: SJ to visit Shenzhen Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng will depart for Shenzhen today to sign a record of meeting with the Supreme People's Court on May 14. The record of meeting concerns the mutual recognition of and assistance to insolvency proceedings between the courts of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Ms Cheng will also attend a forum on legal and practical issues concerning cross-boundary insolvency co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in the afternoon. She will return to Hong Kong on May 15. This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Young Chinese woman wins praise for helping villagers increase their income by developing a local bee breeding industry People's Daily Online) 16:02, May 13, 2021 Yuan Xiaomei, a woman born after 1990, has recently won praise from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, for her contribution to thickening the pockets of villagers through the development of a local bee-keeping business. A screenshot taken from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunyings Twitter account shows that she tweeted on May 7 on Yuan Xiaomeis story of helping local villagers to develop a bee breeding industry in her hometown. "With persistence and love for organic honey, a young girl helped the villagers in her mountainous hometown develop a bee breeding industry worth nearly one million yuan annually ($154,5537) in Nayong County, southwest China's Guizhou Province," the spokeswoman tweeted on May 7, extending high praise to Yuan for her efforts. "I was so thrilled when my friend told me that the spokeswoman gave me a thumbs up. After winning her recognition, I become more determined than ever to ensure the quality of my products and help more villagers achieve prosperity through the business, Yuan said jauntily. According to Yuan, her keen interest in beekeeping dates back to her childhood when honey was a luxury for both her family and local people. So she always had a dream of keeping bees and hoped one day to be able to afford organic honey. Photo shows Yuan Xiaomei working at her bee breeding base. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) In 2019, after five years of working in southeast Chinas Fujian province, Yuan returned to her hometown and established a bee breeding base, a move which initially was frowned upon by her friends and family members. "Since there had never been a beekeeper in my family, they were worried about my lack of experience in the trade. But I was highly motivated and firmly believed that I would succeed somehow," Yuan explained, adding that for her, the pleasant ecological environment in her hometown also served as a plus for developing her new business. Yuan learned her beekeeping skills from the internet and books, as well as a number of experts. She encountered countless difficulties during the process of keeping the bees, not to mention having been stung by bees many times. However, all her arduous efforts eventually paid off, with the young woman securing sales revenues for her honey adding up to more than 200,000 yuan in 2019. Photo shows Yuan Xiaomei and her father working at her bee breeding base. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Yuan explained that word-of-mouth and live-streaming marketing helped her to generate more and more customers. The annual production of honey at her bee breeding base now exceeds 1,000 kilograms, with a total estimated output value of 400,000 yuan. After Yuan gained a reputation as a skilled beekeeper among residents in nearby villages, she began to share her beekeeping skills with the villagers free of charge. Yuan has successfully explored domestic and foreign markets and helped over 200 households in the surrounding villages develop a bee breeding industry with a combined annual output value of nearly 1 million yuan. Photo shows Yuan Xiaomei advertising her honey products during a live-streaming session. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) According to Yuan, in the past, when villagers were engaged solely in agriculture, their annual income was only about 10,000 yuan. But they can now earn as much as 70,000 to 80,000 yuan per year through the addition of honey production. "The supply of my honey has always been unable to meet demand. So I can offer help to villagers who have difficulty with selling their own honey, Yuan said. Photo shows Yuan Xiaomei sharing beekeeping skills with local villagers. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) She still has many future plans, including providing training for more villagers and offering guidance for more people to enter into the apiculture industry, in this way supporting people to improve their lives. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Manx Telecom considers removing phoneboxes A consultation over the future of phone boxes on the Island has begun. Manx Telecom is proposing to remove boxes which are not used. Signage has appeared on a number of telephones boxes across the Island include Peel and Ramsey about potential removal. People are being asked to give their views until the middle of next month. Late last month, Discord introduced Stage Channels, a Clubhouse-like feature that allows Community servers to broadcast audio conversations to a group of people without everyone talking over one another. Now the company plans to make finding those broadcasts and the servers that host them easier. In June, Discord will roll out a feature called Stage Discovery. You'll see it as a new interface within the app that will highlight some of the Stage Channels that are broadcasting at that exact moment, including those from servers of which you're already a member. You can tap any one of them to start listening without leaving the Stage Discovery interface. However, if you decide to click through, you'll find Discord has made a small but, in its view, significant tweak to the Stage Channels interface. At the top, you'll find a new icon you can click or tap to join the community that put together the discussion you're listening to currently. Discord Discord is positioning Stage Discovery as another tool servers can use to grow their numbers. "Audio events are great, but they're a window into Discord's communities," says Jesse Wofford, a senior product marketing manager with the company. "We don't want you endlessly scrolling through Stage Discovery. The goal for us is that you look at these audio events as a way to find a new community." The introduction of Stage Channels and now a new tool to find those conversations comes following a year of significant change for Discord. Thanks in large part to the pandemic, the company has seen people flock to its platform. In 2020, year-over-year user growth doubled, and now Discord says it has more than 150 million active monthly users and 19 million active servers. Last year, Discord also started rebranding itself, an effort it's continuing today, to distance itself from its previous identity as a mostly gaming-focused app. Moving forward, you'll see the company continue to invest in features that allow it to play to a more diverse audience. As just one example, it's working on adding support for ticketed audio events sometime later this year. At the same time, the company is aware of the perception that it's moving away from the narrow focus that made it stand out in the first place but feels like it has built its platform in a way that allows you to engage with it however you want. "It's something we think about every day," Wofford says. "Ultimately, you're opting into these communities. Even if a million more people join Discord tomorrow, your experience is still what you choose it to be." Google's flexible Android ecosytem has allowed it to expand beyond phones into TVs and even vehicle infotainment. But, at the same time, the open-source software has raised questions for regulators wary of the tech giant's outsized sway over multiple markets. Now, officials are trying to reign in some of that power. Italy's competition watchdog has ordered Google to pay over 100 million ($123 million) for abuse of its dominant position. The regulator said Google had shut out an electric vehicle recharging app from its Android Auto infotainment platform for cars for over two years. The company at the core of the action is Enel X a subsidiary of Italian energy provider Enel which through its JuicePass app gives EV drivers access to about 95,000 public charging points in Europe. The watchdog said by blocking the app for over two years Google was essentially favoring Google Maps, which also lets users search for nearby EV charging points. Along with the fine, the regulator told Google to make the JuicePass app available on Android Auto. Echoing concerns raised by its EU and UK counterparts, the Italian authority pointed to Google's gatekeeper status over the digital economy. The regulator said Android OS and the Google Play store had given the company a "dominant position" that allowed it to" control the access of app developers to end users." In the case of Enel X, the watchdog said that by excluding the JuicePass app Google had put its rival's business in jeopardy and potentially hobbled the advancement of electric mobility. "Consequently, possible negative effects could occur to the diffusion of electric vehicles, to the use of "clean" energy and to the transition towards a more environmentally sustainable mobility," the regulator said in its statement. Lenovo has launched a new sub-brand called Lenovo Go that focuses on designing and manufacturing accessories for the PC. The sub-brand's products will be designed for better mobile productivity and will fall under three categories meant to address "the most common pain points of flexible working:" Time, input and audio. To introduce its new line, the company has revealed two products under the Lenovo Go banner. One is a USB-C powerbank for laptops, while the other is a wireless multi-device mouse. The Lenovo Go USB-C Laptop Power Bank has a 20,000 mAh capacity and a 65-watt power output designed to charge a laptop at least once. It can be used with other devices, though, and charge up to three gadgets simultaneously through two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Even if the powerbank itself is charging, you can still plug in two devices at once. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Go Wireless Multi-Device Mouse can pair with up to three devices and can cycle between them with the push of a button. Lenovo says a single charge can last for two to three months, and charging it is as easy as putting it on top of a wireless Qi pad or plugging it in via USB-C for an hour-and-a-half or less. While there are plenty of similar products out there, you won't have long to wait if you'd rather get Lenovo's new offerings. You can buy both the powerbank and the mouse in June 2021 for $90 and $60, respectively. Lenovo Go will also announce new audio solutions that address ambient noise and sound quality later this year. No matter how many Android handsets HMD releases, it's the remakes of Nokia's classics that generate the most hype. We've already seen new takes on the iconic 3310, the 8110 (aka the "bananaphone") and the music-focused 5310. But nothing screams noughties like a flip phone. Well, HMD actually released one of those in 2019 with the Nokia 2720 Flip (an updated version of the 2720 Fold) but it wasn't available in the US. That's about to change, though, as the feature phone is heading to these shores on May 20th as an exclusive to Verizon (Engadget's parent company). Of course, the best thing about a flip phone is that you can clasp it shut to end a call, which is immensely more satisfying than thumbing a screen. That, along with a keypad, may justify the $80 price tag for some. Though, you'll have to adjust to the tiny 2.8-inch screen if you're downsizing from a modern handset. An even smaller external display, meanwhile, shows you who's calling and lets you check your notifications. HMD Global Apart from that, the new 2720 is best summed up as a feature phone with some bells and whistles. Extras include 4G connectivity, Google Assistant, a web browser, access to a pared-down KaiOS app store featuring Facebook, WhastApp and some mobile games. The lack of background apps also means the battery will last a lot longer than a smartphone's. You can grab the Nokia 2720 V Flip on May 20th from Verizon's online store or the My Verizon app. 2021-05-12 Maeci On 12 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio met UN Special Envoy for Libya Jan Kubis at the Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, Italian support for UN action in Libya was confirmed. The talks also focused on the institutional transition and the importance of the electoral calendar. Finally, the central role of the Irini and Eubam missions was reaffirmed. 2021-05-13 Maeci The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi di Maio, meets today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Minister for Southern Itay and Territorial Cohesion, Mara Carfagna. MoU between Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry for the South and Territorial Cohesion Explanatory note to the Memorandum of Understanding Watch press statements DALLAS, May 13, 2021 -- Higher body mass index (BMI) in adolescence is associated with a significantly higher risk of first ischemic stroke in adults under age 50 regardless of whether they had Type 2 diabetes, according to new research published today in Stroke, a journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. While rates of adolescent obesity and stroke among adults under the age of 50 years continue to rise around the world, the precise link between the two conditions is still not fully understood. "Adults who survive stroke earlier in life face poor functional outcomes, which can lead to unemployment, depression and anxiety," said study co-author Gilad Twig, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., an associate professor in the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces and the department of military medicine, Faculty of Medicine of The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. "The direct and indirect costs attributed to stroke prevention and care are high and expected to keep increasing since the rate of stroke continues to rise." This study specifically analyzed adolescent BMI and first stroke before the age of 50 among 1.9 million men and women (ages 16 to 20; 58% men; 84% born in Israel) from two nationwide databases: the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli National Stroke Registry. All the participants in the database had undergone one complete medical exam between 1985 and 2013. Standard BMI groups are underweight (less than 5th percentile), low-normal BMI (5th to 49th percentile), high-normal BMI (50th to 84th percentile), overweight (85th to 94th percentile), and obese (greater than 95th percentile). Details on percentile BMI measures by gender are in the article. During the follow-up period, for all 1.9 M participants between 2014 and 2018, researchers found: Overall, 1,088 strokes occurred (921 ischemic strokes, 167 hemorrhagic strokes), and the average age at the time of the stroke was 41. Adolescent BMI was directly related to the risk of first ischemic stroke. Compared to participants in the low-normal BMI group, adolescents who were in the overweight category had a 2-times higher stroke risk before the age of 50, and adolescents with obesity had a 3.4-times higher risk. Even adolescents with BMIs in the high-normal range were more likely to have a stroke before age 50 compared to those in the low-normal BMI group. After accounting for Type 2 diabetes, adolescents who were in either the overweight or obesity category still had a higher risk of stroke (1.6-times and 2.4-times, respectively) compared to people who had BMI values within the normal range. Despite overweight and obesity during adolescence being a common problem, researchers were surprised to find that Type 2 diabetes did not explain the higher risk for ischemic stroke, which occurred even before the age of 30 in some cases. Current medical literature has shown that having a stroke early in life may lead to recurrent stroke, heart attack, long-term care and premature death, Twig noted. "Our findings underscore the importance of effective treatment and prevention of high normal and excessively high BMI during adolescence," Twig said. "Our study is also the first to show that the risk of stroke associated with higher BMI values is the same for both men and women." A major limitation of the study is that BMI data at follow-up were not available for all participants, which meant that researchers were unable to assess the contribution of obesity over time to stroke risk and to determine the independent risk of BMI during adolescence. ### Co-authors are Aya Bardugo, M.D., M.Sc.; Boris Fishman, M.D., M.P.H.; Carmit Libruder, M.Sc.; David Tanne, M.D.; Amit Ram, R.N., M.P.H.; Yael Hershkovitz, M.Sc.; Inbar Zucker, M.D.; Ariel Furer, M.D.; Roy Gilon, M.D.; Gabriel Chodick, Ph.D.; Shmuel Tiasono, M.D., M.P.H.; Estela Derazne, M.Sc.; Dorit Tzur, M.B.A.; Amon Afek, M.D., M.H.A.; Orit Pinhas-Hamiel, M.D.; Cole Daniel Bendor, M.D.; Gal Yaniv, M.D., Ph.D.; and Ran Shmuel Rotem, Ph.D. The study was funded by the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link: https:/ / newsroom. heart. org/ news/ obesity-during-adolescence-linked-to-increased-risk-of-stroke-as-an-adult?preview= bd07c3666c0054b9ef1f4739a610fcfe Statements and conclusions of studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers are available here, and the Association's overall financial information is available here. About the American Stroke Association The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public's health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Sydney, Australia; New York City, USA (May 13, 2021)--In a collaborative report published today in Cell, scientists from Sydney and New York describe the critical worldwide need to improve the diversity of cells used in medical research. Currently, 95% of all human cell lines used in research are of European descent. The authors provide actionable steps that researchers and the biomedical community can take to promote more inclusivity in preclinical and basic science research. The commentary, "Ancestry Matters: Building inclusivity into preclinical study design," is co-authored by Sophie Zaaijer, PhD, who co-founded FIND Genomics (findgen.bio), a company that aims to improve reproducible cell-based science through its genetic cell tracking software "FIND Cell", and is affiliated with Cornell Tech, New York, and by Amanda Capes-Davis, PhD, from Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney, Australia. The authors emphasize that lack of action now could have a far-reaching negative impact on the future of precision medicine for people of non-European ancestry. Human cell lines play a vital role in medical research. About a thousand cell lines are commonly used and kept in storage, such as at CellBank Australia, which was founded by Dr Capes-Davis. The authors of this publication point out that most of the commonly used cell lines were sourced in the 1960s and 1970s and predominantly come from people of European descent. "As the Black Lives Matter movement was unfolding before our eyes, we saw this as an opportunity to highlight the same issue in the cells we look at every day under the microscope - the timing just seemed right," Dr Capes-Davis says. "We explain in our report how the lack of diversity had slipped into biomedical research unconsciously yet systematically, " says Dr. Zaaijer. " Now the time has come to correct this inequity." Dr. Zaaijer adds, "Let's take drug discovery as an example; a process that heavily relies on human cell lines for initial drug screening. If most of the cell lines used to discover new drug treatments are from people of European descent, do those drugs work equally well in non-European individuals? More and more evidence has come to light showing that, unfortunately, this is not always the case." Some diseases are more common in particular communities, such as the Ashkenazi Jewish community, which has a high rate of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and breast and ovarian cancer. The African American community has a relatively high rate of prostate cancer in men - yet only one in ten prostate cell lines regularly used in research is of African descent. Lack of diversity in prostate cancer cell lines means that initial anticancer drug screening may miss compounds that are particularly effective for African American men. Why is there a lack of diverse cell lines available to science? Lack of trust in medical research is an important reason why some communities have hesitated to donate cells for scientific discovery - and with reason. Past breaches of trust, such as the historical use of tissue samples without consent, affected community perceptions of research. Recently, however, impressive efforts have been made to form respectful partnerships between community groups and researchers to improve trust and inclusivity. "A successful model of collaboration between under-represented communities and the scientific community is the Maori in New Zealand, who have worked closely with researchers to develop guidelines for cell and tissue donation using culturally safe practices," Dr Capes-Davis says. "This kind of initiative should be replicated and scaled up worldwide." Conscious inclusion of diverse cell lines is important for personalised medicine The biomedical landscape is slowly changing, partially driven by new funding models. In a new research initiative being spearheaded by the New York Genome Center, leaders of the New York City cancer research community have joined together to advance cancer genomics and its practice in clinical care by leveraging the City's large and diverse population. This innovative collaborative project, Polyethnic-1000, is designed to deepen understanding of the contributions ethnicities make to the incidence and behavior of cancers, thereby improving outcomes for many patients, especially those who currently lack access to the most recent advances in medical science. In September, 2020, Polyethnic-1000 awarded grants to fund seven projects that address the role of ethnicity in several major cancer types, taking advantage of the diversity of patients being treated at health care institutions throughout the New York City area. Considering the genetic variation within the human population is critical for providing personalized care", says Nicolas Robine PhD, Director of Computational Biology at the New York Genome Center. "However, after finding population specific variants associated with higher incidences of disease, you need hands-on experiments in the laboratory to find a cure. Using representative cell lines during this phase is key for progress". "When you or your loved ones donate cells for science -- wouldn't you want your cells to be actually used for developing effective treatments in the lab?" Dr Zaaijer asks. "It is time for more conscious and strategic consideration of cell line inclusivity in preclinical and fundamental research by laboratory scientists, out of respect for cell and tissue donors and to better serve the needs of all communities." Change is not a simple process particularly for cell-based research projects, which can take many years to complete. Improving diversity means changing habits, and means managing more cell lines to ensure that many ancestral backgrounds are included. These efforts in particular may form a serious burden for scientists working with cell lines each day. "We saw an urgent need for tools to make organising, collaborating and tracking cell lines easy," Dr Zaaijer says. To address that need, FIND Genomics developed a cutting-edge software platform specially designed for digitizing cell culture called FIND Cell that integrates daily cell tracking and management with genetic verifications. "FIND Cell can help to scale up inclusive biomedical experimental design" Dr Zaaijer adds. In their report in Cell, the authors propose further actions to improve cell diversity for researchers, biobanks, publishers, funding agencies, and community representatives to consider. "We hope we can contribute to finding cures for all people in the long run, but it all starts with becoming aware of the problem and working together on solutions," says Dr Capes-Davis. ### FIND Genomics (findgen.bio) is co-founded by Sophie Zaaijer, PhD, and Tyler Joseph, PhD. They created FIND Cell, a software platform that integrates cell line tracking and management with genetic verifications. The company's mission is to accelerate biomedicine through reproducible cell-based science, working closely with the scientific community and broader stakeholders to find optimal solutions to achieve their goals. The software is currently used by academic laboratories and will be available for all subscribers later this year. FIND Genomics is a New York City-based start-up company that is backed by the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech. Media: For more information, interviews in relation to FIND Genomics, please email to: media@findgen.bio. Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) pioneered microsurgery, immunisations against lethal childhood illnesses, and care for premature babies, all of which has improved the lives of countless Australian children over the last 61 years. Today, CMRI is an independent institute and the site of world-leading research in the areas of cancer, neurobiology, embryology and gene therapy. CMRI is affiliated with the University of Sydney and is a founding partner of Luminesce Alliance and the Westmead Research Hub. Find out more at http://www. cmri. org. au . This not-for-profit institute is funded by competitive grants and a community of supporters who participate in events like Jeans for Genes Day, which is held on the first Friday in August. Visit http://www. jeansforgenes. org. au . Media: For more information, images or interviews in relation to CMRI, please contact Monique Cowper on mcowper@cmri.org.au or call +61 410 629 363. According to data from a cohort of adult and pediatric patients with antibody deficiencies, patients that often fail to make protective immune responses to infections and vaccinations showed robust T-cell activity and humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. The new study, led by researchers at Children's National Hospital, is the first to demonstrate a robust T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised patients. "If T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 are indeed protective, then it could suggest that adoptive T-cell immunotherapy might benefit more profoundly immunocompromised patients," said Michael Keller, M.D., director of the Translational Research Laboratory in the Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI) at Children's National. "Through our developing phase I T-cell immunotherapy protocol, we intend to investigate if coronavirus-specific T-cells may be protective following bone marrow transplantation, as well as in other immunodeficient populations." The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology, showed that patients with antibody deficiency disorders, including inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), can mount an immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The findings propose that vaccination may still be helpful for this population. "This data suggests that many patients with antibody deficiency should be capable of responding to COVID-19 vaccines, and current studies at the National Institutes of Health and elsewhere are addressing whether those responses are likely to be protective and lasting," said Dr. Keller. The T-cell responses in all the COVID-19 patients were similar in magnitude to healthy adult and pediatric convalescent participants. Kinoshita et al. call for additional studies to further define the quality of the antibody response and the longevity of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised patients compared with healthy donors. Currently, there is also very little data on adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in these vulnerable populations. The study sheds light on the antibody and T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 protein spikes based on a sample size of six patients, including a family group of three children and their mother. All have antibody deficiencies and developed mild COVID-19 symptoms, minus one child who remained asymptomatic. Control participants were the father of the same family, who tested positive for COVID-19, and another incidental adult (not next of kin) experienced mild COVID-19 symptoms. The researchers took blood samples to test the T-cell response in cell cultures and provided comprehensive statistical analysis of the adaptive immune responses. "This was a small group of patients, but given the high proportion of responses, it does suggest that many of our antibody deficient patients are likely to mount immune responses to SARS-CoV-2," said Dr. Keller. "Additional studies are needed to know whether other patients with primary immunodeficiency develop immunity following COVID-19 infection and will likely be answered by a large international collaboration organized by our collaborators at the Garvan Institute in Sydney." ### Media contact: Valeria Sabate | vsabate@childrensnational.org | 202-476-6741 New York, May 13, 2021 - The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (HDPFH) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health announced today the creation of the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Justice in Fragile Settings which will be awarded annually as part of the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund, hosted by Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) at the United Nations Foundation. The Scholarship's mission is to honor Jennifer's memory and her professional accomplishments by creating a group of highly trained, passionate public health leaders, who are bound together by a shared opportunity and commitment to championing the field of SRH justice. The Scholarship, which will commence in 2022, will provide travel stipends to select students pursuing SRH field experience in fragile settings. The Memorial Fund will provide the generous gift to HDPFH, which will administer the Scholarship each year. The Memorial Fund was created by the family of Jennifer Schlecht, a beloved friend, colleague, and alumnus of HDPFH, from which she graduated in 2004. Jennifer received a dual MPH-MSW degree while studying at the Columbia Mailman School and was the recipient of a Wyman scholarship in recognition of her exceptional academic merit. Jennifer was dedicated to upholding the rights of women and girls in crisis situations, and the Scholarship will allow students to experience the type of professional and research opportunities that shaped Jenn's passion and life's work. "Jenn believed her experience living and working in local communities and the relationships she developed during her field work enriched her professional experience. She would be so pleased that this scholarship will enable MPH students to have the opportunity to gain field experience," said HDPFH assistant professor Sara Casey, a friend and colleague of Jennifer. Jennifer conducted research and supported initiatives within HDPFH for years, working closely with faculty and staff in the Program on Forced Migration and Health, as well as with Dr. Casey and others as a member of the Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies Initiative (RAISE) team. There she supported efforts in northern Uganda, Darfur, and South Sudan to provide displaced populations with excellent SRH services, as well as co-authored several publications, including with Assistant Professor Casey and RAISE founding Director Professor Emerita Therese McGinn. "For 15 years, Jenn devoted her life and career to helping women and girls affected by war and natural disaster; her impact on sexual and reproductive health justice was enormous," said HDPFH Professor and Department Chair Terry McGovern. "She embodied all that we hope for in our graduates: courage, compassion, and brilliance. We are honored to support a scholarship in her memory, within a department shaped by her efforts." In addition to her work with HDPFH, Jennifer was also a Senior Advisor on Emergency Preparedness and Response for FP2020, a global partnership within the United Nations Foundation that accelerates rights-based family planning use by leveraging the investments of governments, civil society, youth and donors. In this role, Jennifer focused on building bridges between humanitarian and development efforts and on integrating SRH services into national disaster preparedness planning. FP2020 has expanded into the newly branded partnership FP2030 and gifted the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund to HDPFH. Jennifer was also a member of the Women's Refugee Commission team for eight years, where she advocated for and conducted research on family planning access, adolescent reproductive health, and child marriage. The launch of the Scholarship coincides with Jennifer's birthday, in celebration of her life and of the lasting impact she had on the lives of women and girls globally. ### The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (HDPFH) addresses a wide range of challenges to health, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights, forced migration, gender justice, child and adolescent health, environmental justice, and complex health systems. HPDFH works to affirm that health is a basic human right by utilizing varied interdisciplinary scientific and technological approaches and a justice framework to understand factors undermining health and wellbeing to shift policy and practice. Combining knowledge of the impact of law and global governance on public health at the local level with complex health systems analysis and implementation science, HDPFH prevents and addresses public health threats in low-income, unstable, and inequitable environments globally. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Twenty-seven years ago, more than 1 million Rwandans were killed during the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda from April 7 to July 4, 1994. It is estimated that 100,000 to 250,000 women were raped during the 100-day genocide, and that 10,000 children were born as a result. A new study finds that Rwandans who were conceived by mothers who survived the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi have poorer adult health outcomes than those who were conceived by Rwandan mothers living outside the country at that time. In addition, those who were conceived through genocidal rape have poorer adult health outcomes than those conceived by genocide survivors who were not raped. The findings are published in Social Science and Medicine. The study was led by Glorieuse Uwizeye, a Rwandan genocide survivor and anthropology postdoctoral fellow of the Society of Fellows at Dartmouth. As a mental health nurse, in 2010, she started working with survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi, including women who were raped. "I was finding that these women's children who were born by genocidal rape, were kind of forgotten by everybody, including by policymakers and researchers," explains Uwizeye. "For these women, having children of perpetrators was an additional burden and this was a topic that was drawing little attention. She says, "It was then that I decided to shift my focus to working with Rwandan children who were conceived by genocidal rape. By studying their mental and physical health outcomes, I wanted to be able to write about their experience and be able to speak on their behalf with the hope that my research leads to the design of interventions that could mitigate these health effects of exposure in early life." In March and April 2019, Uwizeye collected data from a total of 91 Rwandan men and women, who were 24-years old. There were three groups: 30 conceived by genocidal rape, 31 born of genocidal survivors not raped, and 30 born of women with neither exposure who left Rwanda before the genocide and returned afterwards (i.e. a control group). The participants were recruited from communities and organizations, including the Solidarity for the Development of Windows and Orphans to Promote Self-Sufficiency and Livelihoods (SEVOTA) and the Association of Genocide Widows Agahozo (AVEGA). In Kinyarwanda, an official language of Rwanda, participants were asked a series of questions regarding their mental and physical health status. This included data on post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), anxiety, depression, overall mental function, overall physical function, pain level, and interference with daily physical function. Demographic and socioeconomic information was also obtained, and prenatal exposure to genocide or genocidal rape or neither condition was noted. Data was also collected on adverse childhood experiences, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse; living in a household with violence and/or substance abusers; and exposure to community violence and resilience. The findings demonstrate that participants conceived during the genocide had higher scores of depression, PTSD, pain intensity, and poorer mental health and physical function, than those not prenatally exposed to the genocide. Those who were born as a result of genocidal rape had poorer mental and physical health outcomes, including higher levels of depression, PTSD, and pain intensity and interference with daily function, than those who were exposed solely to the maternal stress of genocide. Both groups had more exposure to adverse childhood experience than the control group. "Participants conceived by genocidal rape and who had high adverse childhood experiences had the worst adult health outcomes," explains Uwizeye. "Adverse childhood experiences appear to exacerbate health outcomes for those who were prenatally exposed to genocide." "In the past, most research has just looked at prenatal environments in relation to adult health but has not considered this postnatal period," says co-author Zaneta Thayer, an assistant professor of anthropology at Dartmouth. "This research is important because it suggests that intervention at any point, even postnatally, can help reduce poor health following adverse prenatal exposures." The research was part of Uwizeye's dissertation at the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago. "Glorieuse Uwizeye's work is essential to understanding the transgenerational impact of the genocide against the Tutsi and has major implications for ongoing sociopolitical violence around the world. It is not only the immediate survivors who are affected, but their children and even beyond," says senior author Julienne N. Rutherford, biological anthropologist and associate professor of Human Development Nursing Science at the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago, who served as Uwizeye's Ph.D. advisor. "Glorieuse Uwizeye, Zaneta Thayer and I plan to continue building on this research by working with these young adults as they age and start families of their own, to better understand how their early life experiences affect future generations." Uwizeye and Thayer are currently studying ways to share their results with the participants in Rwanda. Thayer says, "As researchers, we have an ethical responsibility to communicate our findings back to the community, and we want to do that in a way that is thoughtful, informative and hopeful, not negative or pathologizing. We're looking forward to developing methods for dissemination and to working with community members and organizations on the ground to address these important health impacts." ### Uwizeye is available for comment at: glorieuse.uwizeye@dartmouth.edu. It's a tough time to be a shark. Pollution, industrialized fishing, and climate change threaten marine life, and the populations of many top ocean predators have declined in recent years. In addition to studying sharks in the wild, scientists working to save sharks rely on ones living in zoos and aquariums so that they can help build breeding programs and learn more about the conditions sharks need to thrive. One important way the scientists do that is by playing matchmakers to the sharks, pairing up individuals in ways that increase genetic diversity. In a new study in Scientific Reports, scientists undertook the largest-ever effort to artificially inseminate sharks.Their work resulted in 97 new baby sharks, including ones whose parents live on opposite sides of the country and a few that don't have fathers at all. "Our goal was to develop artificial insemination as a tool that could be used to help support and maintain healthy reproducing populations of sharks in aquariums," says Jen Wyffels, the paper's lead author who conducted the research for this paper with the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation and is currently a researcher at the University of Delaware. "Moving whole animals from one aquarium to another to mate is expensive and can be stressful for the animal, but now we can just just move genes around through sperm," says Kevin Feldheim, a researcher at Chicago's Field Museum and a co-author of the study who led the DNA analysis of the newborn sharks to determine their parentage. Figuring out shark parentage can be tricky because shark reproduction isn't always straightforward. In some species, female sharks can store sperm for months after mating and they use it for fertilization "on demand", so the father of a newborn shark isn't necessarily the male the mother most recently had contact with. Some female sharks are even capable of reproducing with no male at all, a process called parthenogenesis. In parthenogenesis, the female's egg cells are able to combine with each other, creating an embryo that only contains genetic material from the mother. To study shark reproduction, the researchers focused on whitespotted bamboo sharks. "When people think of sharks, they picture great whites, tiger sharks, and bull sharks--the big, scary, charismatic ones," says Feldheim. "Whitespotted bamboo sharks are tiny, about three feet long. If you go to an aquarium, they're generally just resting on the bottom." But while bamboo sharks' gentleness and small size make them unlikely candidates for Hollywood fame, those qualities make them ideal for researchers to try to artificially inseminate. Before attempting artificial insemination, researchers have to make sure that the potential mothers aren't already carrying sperm from a previous rendezvous. "Candidate females are isolated from males and the eggs they lay afterwards are monitored to make sure they are infertile," says Wyffels. Egg-laying sharks regularly lay eggs on a regular schedule, much like chickens, says Wyffels, to the point that they're nicknamed "chickens of the sea." To determine if the eggs are infertile, scientists shine an underwater light through the leathery, rectangular egg cases (called "mermaid's purses") to see if there's a wriggling embryo on top of the yolk. If there are no fertilized eggs for six weeks or more, the shark is ready to be inseminated. Scientists collected and evaluated 82 semen samples from 19 sharks in order to tell the difference between good and bad samples. Some of the good samples went to nearby females for insemination, while others were kept cold and shipped around and across the country. Once the semen reached Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies or Aquarium of the Pacific, where a female was waiting, researchers sedated her and placed the semen in her reproductive tract--the procedure took less than ten minutes. All in all, 20 females were inseminated as part of the study. Baby sharks hatched from fertilized eggs after 4 months of incubation. "The hatchlings are about the size of your hand, and they have distinctive spot patterns that help to tell them apart," says Wyffels. Tissue samples were taken from all the babies, along with their parents, so Feldheim could analyze their DNA at the Field Museum's Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution. Feldheim developed a suite of genetic markers to determine parentage. "We sequenced the DNA and found sections where the code repeats itself," says Feldheim. "These repeating bits of code serve as signatures, and when we see them in the babies, we match them up to the potential dads." The team found that freshly collected semen was effective in fertilizing eggs in 27.6% of cases; semen that had been cold-stored for 24 or 48 hours had 28.1% and 7.1% success rates, respectively. In the genetic analysis of the offspring, the team also found two instances of parthenogenesis, where the mother reproduced on her own without using the sperm she'd been inseminated with. "These cases of parthenogenesis were unexpected and help illustrate how little we know about the basic mechanisms of sexual reproduction and embryo development among sharks," says Wyffels. From these preliminary results, the scientists hope to help aquariums expand and manage their shark breeding programs. "There have been other reports on artificial insemination of sharks, but they include very few females. In this study, we're in the double digits and as a result we could investigate different methods for preparing and preserving sperm for insemination" says Wyffels. "And a hatchling from shark parents that live almost 3,000 miles apart from sperm collected days in advance, that's definitely a first." "One of the goals of this pilot project was to just see if it worked," says Feldheim. "Now, we can extend it to other animals that actually need help breeding, from other species in aquariums to sharks under threat in the wild." The researchers also note that if studies like these contribute to the conservation of sharks in the wild, it will be largely thanks to aquariums. "We wouldn't know about parthenogenesis in sharks if it wasn't for aquariums," says Feldheim. "Aquariums allow you to observe the same individual animals over time, and that's very difficult to do in the wild," says Wyffels. "Aquarists have eyes on their animals every day. They pick up on subtle changes in behavior related to reproduction, and they tell us what they see. Research like this depends on that collaboration. We are already taking what we learned from this study and applying it to other species, especially the sand tiger shark, a protected species that does not reproduce often in aquariums." ### This study was led by researchers from the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation in collaboration with, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, The Florida Aquarium, Adventure Aquarium and the Field Museum. PASADENA, Calif. -- Among cancer patients with health coverage in Southern California, those who were diagnosed and treated at Kaiser Permanente, an integrated health care organization, had better survival rates, especially Black and Latino patients, according to Kaiser Permanente research published in The American Journal of Managed Care. "Kaiser Permanente is committed to finding and addressing health care inequities," said the study's senior author, Reina Haque, PhD, a cancer epidemiologist in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. "We investigated survival among insured patients with cancer to help pinpoint factors associated with mortality. We found that although Kaiser Permanente Southern California had a higher proportion of minority patients and those from lower socioeconomic status groups, the overall mortality rate among Kaiser Permanente members was still lower than in the group with other health coverage." She added that the researchers also found markedly lower mortality across all age groups and diagnosis stages among Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California. Researchers conducted the retrospective cohort analysis of all insured adults diagnosed with 8 common cancers (breast, prostate, lung, colon, melanoma, uterine, kidney, and bladder) from 2009 to 2014 from the California Cancer Registry and followed them through December 2017. Nearly 165,000 adults were included in the study. Patients were covered through various health plans, such as HMOs, PPOs, and other private insurance plans. About one-quarter were covered through Medicare. The study found that in comparison to patients diagnosed with cancer at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and after accounting for socioeconomic status, age, stage at diagnosis, gender, cancer site and primary cancer treatments, African American patients diagnosed in non-Kaiser Permanente hospitals had a 14% higher risk of death and Latino patients had a 23% increased risk of death. The study highlights the value of integrated health care delivery when treating patients with complex conditions such as cancer, said the lead author of the study, Robert Cooper, MD, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. "We suspect that the integrated nature of the Kaiser Permanente care system, where all care occurs in the same system and all caregivers are connected through the same electronic health record, may optimize care for patients with complex diseases," Dr. Cooper said. "The long history of connectedness has allowed for the development of systematic practices such as sharing of expertise and safety nets focused on caring for all of a patient's needs. These practices may help mitigate the poor outcomes for patients experiencing health disparities." A related study that used the same California Cancer Registry data set was published in February in Cancer Causes & Control by the same authors. That study also examined mortality in insured cancer patients throughout Southern California and found that lower socioeconomic status was a stronger driver of mortality risk than race or ethnicity in the covered population of patients. In that study, the highest mortality rates were observed in the lowest social-economic status groups compared to patients in the highest socioeconomic status group, and that pattern persisted across all racial and ethnic groups. In fact, the study showed a 70% increased risk of mortality when comparing those in the lowest socioeconomic group versus the upper socioeconomic group. Both studies were supported with funds from Kaiser Permanente Community Health, administered through the Kaiser Permanente Regional Research Committee. Authors, in addition to Drs. Cooper and Haque, are Joanie Chung, MPH, and Tiffany Hogan, MD. ### About Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. New Orleans, LA - Research conducted by an international team of scientists discovered a mechanism that leads to Herceptin resistance, representing a significant clinical obstacle to successfully treating HER2-positive breast cancer. They also identified a new approach to potentially overcome it. The work is published online in Nature Communications, available here. "This work attempts to understand why some HER2-positive breast cancer patients do not benefit from treatment with Herceptin, which is a generally effective HER2-targeted therapy," explains Bolin Liu, MD, Professor of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans' School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center. The researchers found increased signaling by IGF2/IRS1 (genes involved in regulating cell proliferation, growth, migration, differentiation and survival) in the HER2-positive breast cancer cells poorly responding to Herceptin. Further studies showed that disruption of a negative feedback loop formed by an important protein, FOXO3a, and several miRNAs that are controlled by FOXO3a causes abnormal activation of the IGF2/IRS1 signal, thereby leading to Herceptin resistance. "Resistance to Herceptin frequently occurs and currently represents a major clinical challenge for successful treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer," notes Dr. Liu. "Data presented in the study not only improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism through which IGF-1R signaling activation leads to Herceptin resistance, but also promote identification of precision therapies to reverse the resistance phenotype." The researchers write, "Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. HER2-positive breast cancer is defined as a breast cancer subtype with amplified and/or overexpressed HER2 (or erbB2) gene. Amplification/overexpression of HER2 is observed in approximately 20-25% of breast cancers and is significantly associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Herceptin (or trastuzumab), a humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (Ab), is an effective HER2-targeted therapy against early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancers. It has dramatically improved the survival of breast cancer patients with HER2-positive tumors, but not all HER2-positive breast cancers respond to Herceptin-based regimens. To date, we lack validated biomarkers predictive for Herceptin response." "Our results may provide new avenues to identify useful biomarkers predictive for Herceptin efficacy and facilitate the development of novel approaches to enhance HER2-targeted therapy, thereby improving the survival of refractory breast cancer patients," Dr. Liu concludes. ### In addition to Dr. Liu, the research team included LSU Health New Orleans' Dr. Hui Lyu, as well as Drs. Liyun Luo, Zhijie Zhang, Ni Qiu, Li Ling, Xiaoting Jia, Ying Song, Hongsheng Li, Jiansheng Li, Hao Liu, Zhimin He, and Guopei Zheng from Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. This study was supported by the LSU Health New Orleans Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars, Guangdong Natural Science Funds, Guangdong Special Support Program, Guangzhou Key Medical Discipline Construction Project Fund, and Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou. The immune system's main job is identifying things that can make us sick. In the language of immunology, this means distinguishing "self" from "non-self": The cells of our organs are self, while disease-causing bacteria and viruses are non-self. But what about the billions of bacteria that live in our guts and provide us with benefits like digesting food and making vitamins? Are they friend or foe? This isn't only a philosophical question. An immune system that mistakes our good gut bacteria for an enemy can cause a dangerous type of inflammation in the intestines called colitis. An immune system that looks the other way while gut microbes spill past their assigned borders is equally dangerous. Understanding how the immune system learns to make a brokered peace with its microbial residents, called the microbiota, is therefore an important area of research. "Right now, each of us has immune cells in our body that can recognize and attack specific members of our gut microbiota," says Gretchen Diehl, an immunologist in the Sloan Kettering Institute. "So, it's a puzzle why more of us don't have colitis caused by these cells attacking our gut microbes." To try to solve that puzzle, Dr. Diehl and her colleagues, including SKI postdoctoral researcher Daniel Zegarra-Ruiz and immunologist Matthew Bettini at the University of Utah, recently conducted a study using lab mice to explore what happens to microbe-specific T cells (a type of immune cell) when mice are exposed as young pups to a common gut microbe. "We thought that maybe T cells specific for this microbe would be eliminated from the mice, or perhaps the mice would develop anti-inflammatory T cells that would protect them from developing colitis," Dr. Diehl says. In other words, they hypothesized the bacteria would be seen as self. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case. Not only were the microbe-specific T cells not deleted, they actually grew in number. The results, which were published May 12, 2021, in Nature, document a previously unknown way that gut microbes interact with the immune system and raise yet more questions about what goes awry in autoimmune disease. Hidden Highway The scientists focused their attention on an immune system organ called the thymus, which is located in the upper chest behind the breastbone. The thymus's main role is "educating" T cells about which markers, or antigens, in the body are self versus non-self. T cells that recognize self are actively culled while those that do not recognize self are spared. The non-self-recognizing T cells are then released into the circulation where they patrol for viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. The education process is thought to be primarily about protecting the body from self-attacking T cells that could cause trouble in the form of autoimmunity. Dr. Diehl and her colleagues were taken aback to find that rather than eliminating T cells that recognize gut bacteria, the thymus was giving them the green light. "We were very, very surprised that when we colonized mice with gut bacteria, instead of seeing the development of regulatory T cells that calm immune reactions or loss of microbe-specific T cells, we saw an expansion of them," she says. "As far as we are aware, this is the first time anyone has shown the thymus playing this role in the expansion of microbe-specific T cells." Next they asked: How is information about gut bacteria making its way to the thymus? Using standard gut microbiota detection techniques, they could see that bacterial DNA was showing up in the thymus, suggesting that the gut is somehow in communication with this organ via DNA. But that only raised the further question of how this DNA was getting there. One possible explanation is that bacterial DNA is carried there by immune cells called dendritic cells, whose main job is, in fact, to carry suspicious antigens from tissues to lymph nodes. Traveling from the gut to the thymus hadn't been seen, but the scientists couldn't rule out that possibility. To track the movement of dendritic cells, Dr. Diehl and her colleagues took advantage of a hi-tech lab mouse developed by Kat Hadjantonakis's lab at MSK. The mouse had been engineered to make a fluorescent marker called green fluorescent protein (GFP) in its cells. When GFP-containing cells are hit with light from a laser, they change from emitting green fluorescence to emitting red. By shining the laser in the intestine of the mouse, the scientists could turn gut dendritic cells red and then watch and see if red cells turned up in the mouse thymus. Sure enough, they did. "The dendritic cells are clearly migrating that whole way, which is kind of crazy," Dr. Diehl says. A Temporary Window The gut-to-thymus journey only happens in very young animals. When the scientists looked at older animals, they didn't see the red cells turning up. Nor did they find any gut microbe DNA in the thymus or expansion of gut-specific T cells. What might be the purpose of this gut-to-thymus traffic that only happens during a specific developmental window in the mice? "What we think is happening is a kind of templating on the immune system," Dr. Diehl says. "In that timeframe, the mouse immune system is very underdeveloped and the most relevant thing for it to recognize is microbes. So, it brings gut antigens to the thymus to educate the T cells about these and related dangers." As evidence for this possibility, they showed that the T cells that recognize the introduced bacteria also afford protection against pathogens the mice hadn't yet seen. But because they recognize gut microbes, these T cells can also cause inflammation that can lead to colitis. What the scientists next want to understand is whether this process differs in people who are more susceptible to colitis. Dr. Diehl wonders: "Do you have this happening for a more extended period of time in people with colitis? Do you have it happening for less? Does it restart in someone with colitis? These are all questions we want to explore." ### This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants R01AI136963, R01AI125264, R01DK114456, R01AI130152, R01 DK114252, P30 CA125123, and S10 RR024574), the Kleberg Foundation, Rainin Foundation, and a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar Award. CHICAGO --- For men physicians, the professional perks of networking on social media, like being asked to give a talk, are abundant, a new Northwestern Medicine study reports. For women physicians, the benefits are far less plentiful, the study found. What's more, women physicians are more than twice as likely to be sexually harassed on social media than men physicians, according to an earlier study, published in January, of this same group of study participants. The findings mirror the struggles women physicians face in person when trying to advance their careers, said first author Nicole Woitowich, research assistant professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "There's been this line of thinking that social media can be used to level the playing field and give women equal opportunities, but it turns out the same biases that promote men are occurring online as well," Woitowich said. "Women are not reaping the benefits of social media, and they're doing so in the face of more online harassment." The study will be published May 13 in the journal JAMA Network Open. "Our study makes it even more clear that it is necessary to be intentional in how we engage on social media, and the importance of amplifying women, minorities and those with intersectional identities," said senior author Dr. Shikha Jain, a hematologist and oncologist at University of Illinois Chicago. "There are many benefits that can come from engaging online, as has been shown in other studies, but pitfalls that exist in the real world are just as prevalent in the digital space." The data also suggest these gender biases may be occurring in other, nonmedical, fields that are traditionally dominated by men, which is worrisome, as a majority of interpersonal interactions have shifted online during the pandemic, Woitowich said. 'I use social media to ...' In the study, "Gender Differences in Physician Use of Social Media for Professional Advancement," 577 participants completed a survey the study authors sent via traceable links on Twitter between Feb. 6 and March 20, 2019. Participants could choose to identify as "female," "male," "non-binary/third gender" and "prefer to self-describe." No respondents identified as "non-binary/third gender" or "prefer to self-describe." Anyone who identified as "prefer not to say" were excluded from further analysis. The survey asked respondents to answer if they agreed or disagreed with questions such as "social media has increased my collaborators with individuals at other institutions," "social media has directly led to a speaking opportunity or engagement" and "social media has resulted in a scholarship opportunity." While both men and women physicians said that they have expanded their professional network through social media, men were more likely to receive requests to give talks (39% of men respondents versus 30% of women respondents) and participate in other scholarly activities (25% of men versus 21% of women) than women. While men in the study reported being more likely to use social media for research and educational purposes (83% of men versus 68% of women), women in the study said they were motivated to use social media for additional social support (73% of women versus 55% of men). Woitowich said this is likely because men in academic medicine do not face the same levels of sexual and verbal harassment and gender discrimination as women and thus don't need an outlet to seek advice and counsel from their same-gendered peers. "We did not address this in our survey, but it may be likely that women also use social media to voice and address these gender inequities," Woitowich said. "Simply put, women physicians may not be afforded the luxury of browsing social media solely for scholarly purposes." "There are strategies and solutions to ensure these inequities do not persist," Jain said. "Groups such as Women of Impact and the Women in Medicine Summit have created strategic social media amplifiers to lift up the voices of those that are often underrepresented. Others, such as IMPACT and Dear Pandemic, have leveraged social media to collaboratively lift up the voices of women experts while also becoming trusted resources during the COVID-19 pandemic." ### Other Northwestern study authors include Dr. Seth Trueger, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Feinberg, and Tricia Pendergrast, a medical student at Feinberg. Other authors include Dr. Michael Gottlieb from Rush University Medical Center and Dr. Vineet Arora from the University of Chicago. A new strategy for capturing the 3D shape of the human face draws on data from sibling pairs and leads to identification of novel links between facial shape traits and specific locations within the human genome. Hanne Hoskens of the Department of Human Genetics at Katholieke Universiteit in Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS Genetics. The ability to capture the 3D shape of the human face--and how it varies between individuals with different genetics--can inform a variety of applications, including understanding human evolution, planning for surgery, and forensic sciences. However, existing tools for linking genetics to physical traits require input of simple measurements, such as distance between the eyes, that do not adequately capture the complexities of facial shape. Now, Hoskens and colleagues have developed a new strategy for capturing these complexities in a format that can then be studied with existing analytical tools. To do so, they drew on the facial similarities often seen between genetically related siblings. The strategy was initially developed by learning from 3D facial data from a group of 273 pairs of siblings of European ancestry, which revealed 1,048 facial traits that are shared between siblings--and therefore presumably have a genetic basis. The researchers then applied their new strategy for capturing face shape to 8,246 individuals of European ancestry, for whom they also had genetic information. This produced data on face-shape similarities between siblings that could then be combined with their genetic data and analyzed with existing tools for linking genetics to physical traits. Doing so revealed 218 locations within the human genome, or loci, that were associated with facial traits shared by siblings. Further examination of the 218 loci showed that some are the sites of genes that have previously been linked to embryonic facial development and abnormal development of head and facial bones. The authors note that this study could serve as the basis for several different directions of future research, including replication of the findings in larger populations, and investigation of the identified genetic loci in order to better understand the biological processes involved in facial development. Hoskens adds, "Since siblings are likely to share facial features due to close kinship, traits that are biologically relevant can be extracted from phenotypically similar sibling pairs." ### Peer-reviewed; Experimental study; People In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Genetics: http://journals. plos. org/ plosgenetics/ article?id= 10. 1371/ journal. pgen. 1009528 Citation: Hoskens H, Liu D, Naqvi S, Lee MK, Eller RJ, Indencleef K, et al. (2021) 3D facial phenotyping by biometric sibling matching used in contemporary genomic methodologies. PLoS Genet 17(5): e1009528. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pgen. 1009528 Funding: The KU Leuven research team (P.C., H.P., G.H.) and analyses were supported by the National Institutes of Health (1-R01-DE027023), The Research Fund KU Leuven (BOF-C1, C14/15/081) and The Research Program of the Research Foundation - Flanders (Belgium) (FWO, G078518N). The collaborators at the University of Pittsburgh (S.M.W., J.R.S.) were supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (U01-DE020078, R01-DE016148, and R01-DE027023). Funding for genotyping by the National Human Genome Research Institute (X01-HG007821 and X01-HG007485) and funding for initial genomic data cleaning by the University of Washington provided by contract HHSN268201200008I from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research awarded to the Center for Inherited Disease Research. The collaborators at the Pennsylvania State University (M.D.S.) were supported by the Center for Human Evolution and Development at Penn State, the Science Foundation of Ireland Walton Fellowship (04.W4/B643), the US National Institute of Justice (2008-DN-BX-K125 and 2018-DU-BX-0219), the US Department of Defense, and the University of Illinois Interdisciplinary Innovation Initiative Research Grant. The collaborators at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (S.W.) were supported by the National Institute of Justice (2015-R2-CX-0023, 2014-DN-BX-K031, and 2018-DU-BX-0219). The collaborators at Stanford University (J.W.) were supported by the National Institutes of Health (1-R01-DE027023 and U01-DE024430), the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the March of Dimes Foundation (1-FY15-312). The UK Medical Research Council and Wellcome (Grant ref: 102215/2/13/2) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. The publication is the work of the authors and H.H. and P.C. will serve as guarantors for the contents of this paper. A comprehensive list of grants funding is available on the ALSPAC website http://www. bristol. ac. uk/ alspac/ external/ documents/ grant-acknowledgements. pdf ). ALSPAC GWAS data was generated by Sample Logistics and Genotyping Facilities at Wellcome Sanger Institute and LabCorp (Laboratory Corporation of America) using support from 23andMe. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. It is difficult for us to succeed in whatever we set out to do if we lack motivation. We usually need it as a driving force to achieve both short- and long-term goals, from household chores to getting a degree. However, because of the ongoing pandemic, our lifestyles have been subjected to drastic and dynamic changes, and many work- and study-related activities are now carried out online exclusively. This, among other complex factors, have made it difficult for some people to stay focused and motivated, and psychology researchers are trying to find effective and widely applicable solutions to address such problems. In a recent study published in BMC Psychology, researchers from Ritsumeikan University and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan, have explored a simple strategy to increase motivation in college students by nurturing a positive emotion: gratitude. Many studies have shown that even short "gratitude interventions," which are activities that increase an individual's awareness of feelings of gratitude, can have a lasting positive effect on that person's mood, satisfaction, and well-being. However, based on previous studies, the available evidence on the effect of such interventions on academic motivation is somewhat inconclusive. This prompted the researchers to test the effects of a different type of gratitude intervention: daily gratitude journaling. "Our main hypothesis was that engaging in an online gratitude journal by writing down up to five things one felt grateful for each day could make students be more aware of their academic opportunities--their 'blessings'--and help them re-evaluate their motives and goals, ultimately improving their motivation," explains Dr. Norberto Eiji Nawa from NICT, first author of the study. They recruited 84 participants, all Japanese college students, and divided them into a control group and an intervention group. Over the course of two weeks, students in both groups had to evaluate aspects of their daily life through online questionnaires each day, but only the intervention group had to keep the online daily gratitude journal. At the start of the intervention and after 1, and 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months, the participants had to complete the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), a tried-and-tested tool for measuring different aspects of academic motivation. The results were certainly promising; through statistical analyses, the researchers found that the gratitude intervention through daily journaling significantly increased the students' academic motivation. Most notably, this robust positive effect was not restricted only to the two-week period of the intervention, as the increased level of academic motivation was maintained even after three months. In addition, through an exploratory analysis, the researchers established that the enhancement in academic motivation was mostly driven by a decrease in "amotivation scores." Amotivation, in this context, refers to the state in which a person perceives that their own actions are irrelevant to the resulting outcomes, leading to feelings of helplessness and incompetence. Academic motivation can be one of the primary determinants of both academic achievements and satisfaction with school life, and developing widely applicable intervention strategies is critical to foster student growth. "Online interventions have the advantage of being more accessible, scalable and affordable to large portions of the population. Gathering solid evidence to support their deployment will be essential to unleash their true potential in the future," concludes Professor Noriko Yamagishi from Ritsumeikan University. Fortunately, it appears that the positive impact of gratitude interventions extends well beyond the already-documented effects on individual well-being. This study was partly supported by a research grant from the Ritsumeikan Inamori Philosophy Research Center. This Center aims to promote multidisciplinary research on the management philosophy advocated by Dr. Kazuo Inamori, a prominent Japanese entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist. With this major goal in mind, Professor Yamagishi, alongside Dr. Nawa, have been working on the scientific elucidation of the emotions of "altruism" and "gratitude" from the perspective of cognitive psychology and neuroscience. This particular study was conducted as part of this more overarching research. Until the day these human emotions become clearer, we can safely give this piece of advice: remember to count your blessings. ### Reference Title of original paper: Enhanced academic motivation in university students following a 2-week online gratitude journal intervention Journal: BMC Psychology DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1186/ s40359-021-00559-w About Ritsumeikan University, Japan Established in 1869 with a spirit of liberalism and internationalism, Ritsumeikan University is one of the top-ranking universities in Japan; it was the first to be rated by Quacquarelli Symonds. The university now counts with three main campuses in Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka and boasts over 36,000 students. It is the No. 1 recommended destination for exchange students and even offers the opportunity to earn some degrees entirely in English. Its educational philosophy is based around peace and democracy, and the university strives to face the current era of rapid changes with a rich diversity of people and ideas. Website: http://en. ritsumei. ac. jp/ About the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is Japan's sole National Research and Development Agency specializing in the field of information and communications technology and is charged with promoting the ICT sector as well as research and development in ICT, which drives economic growth and creates an affluent, safe and secure society. Website: https:/ / www. nict. go. jp/ en About Professor Noriko Yamagishi from Ritsumeikan University, Japan Noriko Yamagishi received a PhD from Purdue University, USA, in 1995 and an MBA with Dean's honors from McGill University in 2016, Canada. She worked as postdoctoral fellow at UC, San Diego, USA and the University of London, UK, and as senior researcher at the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institutes International and the Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. She joined Ritsumeikan University as a Professor in 2019, where she now leads the Yamagishi Vision Dynamics Laboratory. Her research interests lie in the fields of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, especially in vision, attention, emotion, and human wellbeing. About Norberto Eiji Nawa from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan Norberto Eiji Nawa is a senior researcher and principal investigator at the Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. He received a PhD in Informatics from Kyoto University, Japan, in 2003. His research interests lie in the fields of psychological sciences and cognitive neuroscience, including the neural mechanisms underlying episodic memory and emotion processes, the study of gratitude and other positive emotions, and how they relate with the psychology and physiology of human wellbeing. Funding information This research was partially supported by a project research fund for the Ritsumeikan Inamori Philosophy Research Center. The funding source was not involved in any stage of the research described in this article. Media contact: Kazuki Kurajo Office of Public Relations Ritsumeikan University E-mail: kurajo@st.ritsumei.ac.jp Press Office Public Relations Department National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) E-mail: publicity@nict.go.jp Compared with the superresolution microscopy that bases on squeezing the point spread function in the spatial domain, the superresolution microscopy that broadens the detection range in the spatial frequency domain through the spatial-frequency-shift (SFS) effect shows intriguing advantages including large field of view, high speed, and good modularity, owing to its wide-field picture acquisition process and universal implementation without using special fluorophores labeling. To enable spatial-frequency-shift microscopy with a superresolution at the subwavelength scale, it is essential to use the near-field evanescent wave with a larger wave vector than the far-field propagation wave for illumination, which can be built on the integrated photonics, paving the way for compact nanoscopy on a thin chip. In recent years, the research group led by Dr. Xu Liu and Dr. Qing Yang from Zhejiang University pioneered in using the evanescent wave illumination with large wave vector and long propagation distance for superresolution imaging, and achieved the chip-based label-free spatial-frequency-shift superresolution microscopy with a field of view 1-2 magnitude larger than the other wide-field label-free superresolution techniques. However, the lack of an approach to actively tune the spatial-frequency-shift in a large range hampers the progress to achieve deep-subwavelength resolution through evanescent illumination with ultra-large wave vectors. When the wave vector of the illumination surpasses two folds of the cutoff frequency of the objective, a missing band exists between the shifted components and the zeroth component in the spatial frequency domain, which causes severe artifacts and distortion in the image. It thus restricts the resolution below triple of the Abbe diffraction limit of the detection system, as shown in Fig. 1. In this month's cover article in the Journal of SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy, the researchers propose a broadly-tunable large-spatial-frequency-shift effect and a chip-compatible 3D nanoscopy. With their method, the resolution of the linear optical system can be freely improved using an illumination chip of a larger effective refractive index without a theoretical limit. This method is also significant complementation to the Nobel-prize-awarded superresolution techniques that rely on labeling sample with fluorophores of nonlinear property and requires a point-by-point scanning process or capturing thousands of raw images. Simultaneously, compared to traditional superresolution microscopy imaging technology, this method is based on on-chip waveguide illumination and has the advantages of integration, low cost, and high stability. It can be further integrated with microfluidic and optoelectronic functional chips, providing a comprehensive research platform for the study of modern biological problems. Dr. Qing Yang, one of the corresponding authors, introduced, "In order to avoid the missing band in the large -spatial-frequency-shift microscopy and achieve the deep-subwavelength resolution, we proposed the method of tunable large-spatial-frequency-shift microscopy and proposed several approaches to actively tune the spatial-frequency-shift value. In the early days, we use multiple-wavelength illumination to tune the spatial-frequency-shift value, while its tuning range is very limited. We must find other ways that allow the spatial-frequency-shift value to be tuned much more broadly." This research reports a wide-range 3D tunable deep SFS imaging method compatible with photonic chips, which makes the resolution enhancement of SFS imaging fundamentally get rid of the limitation of the detection aperture and no longer has the theoretical limit. In the lateral dimension, the spatial-frequency-shift tunability is realized by modulating the azimuthal propagation direction of two evanescent waves. The effective wave vector of their superposition can be tuned actively and broadly to enable a wide-range and complete detection in the spatial frequency domain, as shown in Fig. 2. In the vertical dimension, a sectional saturation effect by intensity modulation is used to tune the vertical spatial frequency spectrum of the evanescent illumination so as to solve the vertical spatial distribution within the evanescent penetration depth. Finally, a 3D superresolution image can be achieved by multiplying the lateral and vertical distribution together. The researchers select GaP as the waveguide material, considering its high refractive index and low optical loss in the visible spectrum. A lateral resolution of ?/9, which is five folds of the diffraction-limited resolution, and a vertical localization precision of Dr. Xu Liu introduced, "This proposed 3D large-spatial-frequency-shift tuning method is compatible with waveguides chip and can provide a mass-producible and robust chip module endowing a standard microscope with fast, large FOV and 3D deep-subwavelength resolving capability. With the improvement of micro-nano processing technology and the establishment of photonic integrated chip production lines, on-chip integrated photonic chips can reduce costs and achieve mass production, which would put forward the real application of deep-subwavelength superresolution in biomedicine, life science, and materials, etc." ### This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61735017, 61822510, 62020106002, 61905097, and 62005250), the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science of China (Grant No. LR17F050002), and the Zhejiang University Education Foundation Global Partnership Fund. See the article: Xiaowei Liu, Mingwei Tang, Chao Meng, Chenlei Pang, Cuifang Kuang, Wei Chen, Clemens F. Kaminski, Qing Yang, and Xu Liu, Chip-compatible wide-field 3D nanoscopy through tunable spatial frequency shift effect, SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy, 2021, 9 (294211). Two-thirds of California prisoners who were offered a COVID-19 vaccine accepted at least one dose, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. "We found that many incarcerated people in California prisons were willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19," said Elizabeth Chin, the lead author of the study and a PhD candidate in biomedical data science. "This is an encouraging sign for other states at an early stage of rolling out vaccination programs in their prisons and jails." The researchers also found that nearly half of those who initially turned down a COVID-19 vaccine accepted it when it was offered to them again. The finding is an important indication that vaccine hesitancy is not necessarily fixed. Two-thirds of 97,779 incarcerated residents in the state's 35 prisons were offered vaccines and 66.5% of offerees accepted at least one dose, the researchers found, although uptake varied across different groups. Acceptance was highest among Hispanic (72.6%) and white incarcerated people (72.1%); slightly lower among American Indian or Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islanders (67.7%); and substantially lower among Black incarcerated people (54.9%). Vaccine acceptance levels did not differ according to whether those offered had previously been infected with the coronavirus. The study, conducted by members of the Stanford-CIDE Coronavirus Modeling Team based at Stanford Health Policy, was published May 12 in the New England Journal of Medicine. "Prisons and jails are high-risk settings for COVID-19, with case and mortality rates far exceeding those in the general community," said Chin. "Achieving and maintaining sufficient population-level immunity to avoid large outbreaks will be challenging in carceral settings. High and equitable uptake of vaccination is crucial. Attaining it may depend on successful efforts to build trust and vaccine confidence, and regular re-offers to decliners." Using data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the researchers tracked the vaccine rollout at California's 35 prisons, which incarcerate roughly 100,000 people. From Dec. 22, 2020, when vaccinations began, through March 4, 2021, two-thirds of the residents had received offers of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and two-thirds of those who received offers accepted them. Younger and healthier residents were less likely to accept vaccines than older and medically vulnerable residents, respectively. Black residents also had lower rates of acceptance than residents of other racial or ethnic groups. "The disparities in acceptance, particularly along racial lines, are cause for concern," said David Studdert, LLB, ScD, MPH, a professor of medicine at Stanford Health Policy and of law at Stanford Law School. Studdert is the study's senior author. "But there is encouraging news here too. Nearly 80% of the most vulnerable residents accepted, which is close to what we have seen in nursing homes. And the surprisingly high rate of acceptance among people who initially passed on receiving the shot suggests re-offers should be a key component of these programs." Jeremy Goldhaber-Fiebert, an associate professor of medicine and a study co-author, noted, "This is one of the largest state prison systems in the country, and if it can achieve high vaccination coverage among its incarcerated population, then the federal and other state prisons systems can and should do the same for the more than 2 million people that they currently incarcerate." ### Other Stanford co-authors of the study include Tess Ryckman, a PhD candidate at Stanford Health Policy; Yiran Liu, a PhD candidate in cancer biology; Lea Prince, PhD, a social science researcher at Stanford Health Policy; Jason Andrews, MD, an associate professor of infectious diseases; and Joshua Salomon, PhD, a professor of medicine and senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. The study was supported by Stanford's COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, established with a gift from The Horowitz Family Foundation, and grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (though the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists), the National Science Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med. stanford. edu/ school. html . The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health. For information about all three, please visit http://med. stanford. edu . Print media contact: Beth Duff-Brown at (650) 736-6064 (bethduff@stanford.edu) Broadcast media contact: Margarita Gallardo at (650) 723-7897 (mjgallardo@stanford.edu) Climate change may be accelerating the degradation of ancient rock paintings in Indonesia, including the oldest known hand stencil in the world which dates back to 39,900 years ago, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Rock paintings made using red and mulberry-coloured pigments in the limestone caves and rock shelters of Maros-Pangkep, Indonesia have been dated to between 20,000 and 45,000 years old. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the paintings have been deteriorating at an accelerated rate in recent decades, but the reasons for this have been unclear. Jillian Huntley and colleagues investigated the potential causes of accelerated rock art degradation at 11 cave art sites in Maros-Pangkep, by analysing flakes of rock that had begun to detach from cave surfaces. The authors found salts including calcium sulfate and sodium chloride in flakes of rock at three of the sites. These salts are known to form crystals on the rock surfaces, which cause the rocks to break apart. The authors also found high levels of sulphur, a component of several salts, at all 11 sites. The findings may indicate that the process of salt-related rock art degradation is widespread in Maros-Pangkep. The authors suggest that repeated changes in temperature and humidity caused by alternating periods of seasonal rainfall and drought create conditions that promote salt crystal formation and rock art degradation. They propose that these changes may be accelerated by rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change and El Nino events. Long-term monitoring and conservation efforts are needed to protect ancient rock art in tropical regions, the authors conclude. ### Article details The effects of climate change on the Pleistocene rock art of Sulawesi DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87923-3 Corresponding Author: Jillian Huntley Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia Email: j.huntley@griffith.edu.au Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends): Fossilised footprint tracks, recently discovered within the Hanna Formation in Wyoming, USA, which have been dated to 58 million years ago, may represent the earliest evidence of mammals gathering by the sea, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. The findings suggest that mammals may have first used marine habitats at least 9.4 million years earlier than previously thought, in the late Paleocene (66-56 million years ago), rather than the Eocene (56-33.9 million years ago). Drs. Anton Wroblewski and Bonnie Gulas-Wroblewski examined and photographed over 1,000 metres of fossilised footprints in an area dated back to 58 million years ago by plant and pollen fossils. The authors identified various different tracks. One set showed relatively large, five-toed footprints, comparable to the foot size of a modern-day brown bear, another showed medium-sized, four-toed footprints. The authors suggest that the five-toed prints were made by Coryphodon, a type of semiaquatic Pantodont, similar to a hippopotamus. The four-toed prints did not match skeletal evidence of mammals known from the late Paleocene, but show similarities with artiodactyls and tapiroids (types of hoofed mammals) which have yet to be shown to have existed in the Paleocene. The tracks led to and crossed an area which also held traces of prehistoric marine molluscs and worms, as well as sea anemones, indicating the area was once a shallow tidal lagoon or bay. The authors speculate that prehistoric mammals gathered by the sea for similar reasons as modern-day mammals, such as crossing to migrate, protection from predators and biting insects, and to access sodium minerals, which would have been limited in prehistoric North American tropical forests. ### Article details Earliest evidence of marine habitat use by mammals DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88412-3 Corresponding Author: Anton Wroblewski University of Utah, Utah, USA Email: anton.wroblewski@utah.edu Ph: 1-281-658-7138 Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends): Vijayawada: In a swift move, the state government has invited global tenders for the supply of Corona vaccine to meet the huge demand in the state. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted a review meeting on the Covid-19 situation and Corona vaccination, at the CM camp office at Tadepalli on Thursday. The officials informed that bidders have to file tenders by June 3 and there is a possibility of pre-bid meeting being held on May 20-22 in this regard. They pointed out that AP is the first state to call for global tenders. The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to focus on setting up a dedicated oxygen plant with at least 300 tonne capacity either in Krishnapatnam or Kadapa, as the current consumption already exceeded 600 tonnes a day and to avoid oxygen shortages in near future. The officials informed that the oxygen allocations from the Centre were increased to 590 tonnes from 360 tonnes, but the consumption crossed 600 tonnes and to bridge the deficit, eight cryogenic storage tanks were sent to different districts. The Chief Minister said that all measures should be taken to ensure that oxygen reaches hospitals with proper pressure and asked the officials to use the services of Naval and other technical personnel. The Navy is already inspecting pipelines in hospitals and making necessary changes, as well as improving the pipeline system. When the CM ordered arrangement of 15,000 oxygen concentrators, 10,000 D-type cylinders in all Covid hospitals and to provide more facilities to the patients, the officials said that an additional 250 ventilators were being installed, of which 50 had already been supplied to the hospitals. They said that policies for constructing 125 kilo liters mega storage tank were being finalised, which would be installed at the proposed oxygen manufacturing plants, besides establishing 53 PSA oxygen plants across the state and laying 6,500 new medical and gas pipelines. Further, the authorities said that the number of oxygen tankers was increased to 78 from the existing 56 and they arranged 14 other vehicles to refill and deliver the tanker as soon as it arrived. As of now, 36 vehicles were being used to transport 210 metric tonnes of oxygen per day from various factories in Odisha, where four vehicles were being airlifted daily from Vijayawada to Bhubaneswar by Air Force aircraft. The officials said that two ISO tankers were coming to the state after getting filled with oxygen from Durgapur and another 25 tankers are due by the middle of June. The officials said that German hanger tents were being set up at select hospitals. Each can accommodate 25-50 beds based on the available area. The authorities informed the Chief Minister that there are 47,693 beds at 669 Covid hospitals, of which 39,749 beds are occupied. 26,030 people are being treated under Aarogyasri Scheme. There are 6,513 ICU beds, 23,357 non-ICU oxygen beds and 17,823 non-ICU oxygen beds with a total of 3,460 ventilators. As far as availability of essentials are concerned, there are 6,42,911 N-95 masks and 7,18,086 PPE kits and 3,826 surgical masks across the state. In regard to recruitment, a total of 17,901 posts were filled up, including technicians, data entry operators, MNOs and FNOs. Similarly, in regard to vaccination, 75,49,960 Covid vaccine doses were received so far from the centre, and of them 62,60,400 were Covishield and 12,89,560 were Covaxin doses. Deputy Chief Minister Alla Krishna Srinivas, Chief Secretary Adityanath Das, DGP Gautam Sawang, Covid command control chairman Dr K.S. Jawahar Reddy, Health Principal Secretary Anil Kumar Singhal, Covid task force committee chairman M.T. Krishna Babu, Health Commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar, Health Secretary M. Ravi Chandra, 104 call centre in-charge A Babu, Aarogyasri CEO Dr Mallikarjuna, APMSIDC VC and MD Vijayarama Raju and other officials were present. Proteins that enable the sense of touch in humans have an evolutionary cousin that helps plants grow their root systems LA JOLLA, CA--A family of proteins that sense mechanical force--and enable our sense of touch and many other important bodily functions--also are essential for proper root growth in some plants, according to a study led by scientists at Scripps Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The discovery, published in the points to an ancient evolutionary origin for the PIEZO proteins, which until now had mainly been characterized in animals. This advance in basic biology may also lead to new strategies for improving crop yields, the researchers say. "Our finding that PIEZO proteins work as transducers of mechanical forces in plants, as well as animals, suggests the broad importance of these proteins for living organisms on Earth," says lead author Seyed Ali Reza Mousavi, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Scripps Research laboratory of Ardem Patapoutian, PhD. "It's remarkable that evolution has utilized the same type of molecule for us to sense touch and for plant roots to sense the hardness of soil," says Patapoutian, professor and Presidential Endowed Chair in Neurobiology at Scripps Research and an investigator at HHMI. Patapoutian, the senior author of the study, is credited with the discovery of PIEZO proteins about a decade ago--an accomplishment that earned him the 2020 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience and many other awards. The discovery led to a host of additional findings that have shed light on how to a range of medical conditions, from heart failure to chronic pain. Sensing physical force PIEZO proteins have little resemblance to any other family of biological proteins. In mammals--the only large class of animals in which they have been studied much--they form striking, propeller-like structures in the outer membranes of cells. When stretched or pressed beyond a threshold, these structures allow charged molecules, called ions, to flow into or out of their host cells. The two PIEZO proteins in mammals, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, underlie a wide variety of functions that require this conversion of mechanical force to cellular signals--functions including the sense of touch, the sense of body and limb positions that enables balance, the sense of bladder fullness and the regulation of blood pressure. Patapoutian's lab and others have found PIEZO-type proteins, with apparent mechanical sensor functions, in other animals including Drosophila fruit flies. An important role in the plant kingdom When in the long history of life on Earth did these unique, versatile proteins evolve? To help address that question, Mousavi and other members of Patapoutian's team examined Arabidopsis thaliana, a weedy relative of the mustard plant that's a standard lab model for plant biology research. Arabidopsis's genome includes a gene encoding a PIEZO-type protein, hinting that these proteins work as mechanosensors in the plant kingdom, too. The scientists first examined the locations in the plant where the protein, PZO1, is made, and found it concentrated in the root tips. Deleting the PZO1 gene, they observed that the Arabidopsis plants grew shorter roots. In a lengthy set of further experiments, they found that PZO1 in root tip cells responds to mechanical stimuli with ion flows--which establishes it as a mechanosensor like its mammalian counterparts. Exactly how PZO1's mechanosensing abilities help roots grow remains a mystery. But Mousavi, Patapoutian and colleagues suspect that it helps root tip cells sense and adjust themselves to the potentially strong mechanical forces they encounter as the root tries to penetrate soils--especially drier, harder soils. "If the activity of PZO1 increases, it might help plants expand their root systems in dry conditions and get better access to water," Mousavi says. If that proves to be the case, boosting PZO1 activity could be a way of increasing crop yields in difficult soil conditions, he says. Mousavi is now trying to clarify PZO1's precise function in Arabidopsis with experiments in real-world conditions. He also hopes to study the role of PIEZO-type proteins in food crops including maize and rice. ### The study, "PIEZO ion channel is required for root mechanotransduction in Arabidopsis thaliana" was authored by Seyed Mousavi, Adrienne Dubin, Wei-Zheng Zeng, Adam Coombs, Khai Do, Darian Ghadiri, William Keenan, Chennan Ge, Yunde Zhao and Ardem Patapoutian. Support for the research was provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (P300PA_164695, P2LAP3_151727), the National Institutes of Health (GM114660, R01HL143297), HHMI and the China Scholarship Council. Higher education staff and students value the ideal university student as a hard-working and punctual person, but not necessarily a genius The 'ideal student' - valued by both learners and university staff - is a punctual, organized, hard worker and enthusiastic learner - rather than someone with excellent academic results, high intelligence and good employability. That's the results of a new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Educational Review, which involved a survey of over 1,000 students and staff at British universities, and focus groups with 132 members of both these groups. Participants were asked to write down their top five most and least important characteristics of an ideal student. The researchers then asked 1,043 university students and staff across the UK to rate each of the characteristic on a scale of one to five of importance. The results showed that there are eight dimensions to being the 'ideal student', and of these characteristics by far the most important dimension valued by both groups was 'diligence and engagement' - reflecting the importance of attributes like a positive attitude towards learning, a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for a subject, and dedication and effort. The second most important dimension respected was 'organisation and discipline', including being organised, prepared, punctual and following the rules of the institution. 'Academic skills', 'employability skills' and 'intelligence and a strategic approach' were ranked in the bottom three by both staff and students. Academic skills refer to assets typically valued and rewarded at university, such as critical thinking, use of statistics, report writing and presentation skills. Employability skills on the other hand include attributes typically valued by employers, including communication, leadership and social skills, as well as work experience and extracurricular activities. The least rated dimension was 'intelligence and a strategic approach', showing that being academically smart, capable and high-achieving was seen as least important overall. "Being intelligent and strategic do not appear to be that important for staff and only moderately more important for students," says Dr Billy Wong, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Reading who co-authored the paper. "This is surprising, given the extent to which graduates are often judged on their degree results. Universities are also increasingly measured, advertised and ranked by the employment statistics of their graduates, so it is interesting to see that employment skills feature towards the bottom of the ideal list of attributes." The eight dimensions of what makes an ideal student were chosen, in order, as: diligence and engagement organisation and discipline reflection and innovation positive and confident outlook supportive of others academic skills employability skills intelligence and strategic approach However, perhaps not unsurprisingly, staff and students differed slightly in their idea of the 'ideal student'. For instance, staff rated employability skills as less important than students. Having a 'positive and confident outlook' was also ranked third by students and sixth by staff, reflecting the greater importance of mental health and happiness to students. "The importance of student happiness and confidence is crucial in efforts to promote better student mental health and wellbeing, especially as demands for university mental health services and counselling have reportedly increased in recent years," says Dr Billy Wong. "Our study highlights a discrepancy between staff and students in their perceptions and priorities around student welfare, suggesting it might be beneficial for staff professional development to include training on the role that staff can play in supporting the welfare of students." ### Upcoming Solar System exploration missions will search for extraterrestrial (ET) life, but ET life may not be like Earth life; a new mass spectrometry analysis technique may allow for process-based ways to find ET life that is compositionally alien Scientists have begun the search for extraterrestrial life in the Solar System in earnest, but such life may be subtly or profoundly different from Earth-life, and methods based on detecting particular molecules as biosignatures may not apply to life with a different evolutionary history. A new study by a joint Japan/US-based team, led by researchers at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, has developed a machine learning technique which assesses complex organic mixtures using mass spectrometry to reliably classify them as biological or abiological. In season 1, episode 29 ("Operation: Annihilate!") of Star Trek, which aired in 1966, the human-Vulcan hybrid character Spock made the observation "It is not life as we know or understand it. Yet it is obviously alive; it exists." This now 55-year old pop-culture meme still makes a point: how can we detect life if we fundamentally don't know what life is, and if that life is really different from life as we know it? The question of "Are we alone?" as living beings in the Universe has fascinated humanity for centuries, and humankind has been looking for ET life in the Solar System since NASA's Viking 2 mission to Mars in 1976. There are presently numerous ways scientists are searching for ET life. These include listening for radio signals from advanced civilisations in deep space, looking for subtle differences in the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars, and directly trying to measure it in soil and ice samples they can collect using spacecraft in our own Solar System. This last category allows them to bring their most advanced chemical analytical instrumentation directly to bear on ET samples, and perhaps even bring some of the samples back to Earth, where they can be carefully scrutinised. Exciting missions such as NASA's Perseverance rover will look for life this year on Mars; NASA's Europa Clipper, launching in 2024, will try to sample ice ejected from Jupiter's moon Europa, and its Dragonfly mission will attempt to land an "octacopter" on Saturn's moon Titan starting in 2027. These missions will all attempt to answer the question of whether we are alone. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a principal technique that scientists will rely on in spacecraft-based searches for ET life. MS has the advantage that it can simultaneously measure multitudes of compounds present in samples, and thus provide a sort of "fingerprint" of the composition of the sample. Nevertheless, interpreting those fingerprints may be tricky. As best as scientists can tell, all life on Earth is based on the same highly coordinated molecular principles, which gives scientists confidence that all Earth-life is derived from a common ancient terrestrial ancestor. However, in simulations of the primitive processes that scientists believe may have contributed to life's origins on Earth, many similar but slightly different versions of the particular molecules terrestrial life uses are often detected. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemical processes are also able to produce many of the building blocks of biological molecules. Since we still have no known sample of alien life, this leaves scientists with a conceptual paradox: did Earth-life make some arbitrary choices early in evolution which got locked in, and thus life could be constructed otherwise, or should we expect that all life everywhere is constrained to be exactly the same way it is on Earth? How can we know that the detection of a particular molecule type is indicative of whether it was or was not produced by ET life? It has long troubled scientists that biases in how we think life should be detectable, which are largely based on how Earth-life is presently, might cause our detection methods to fail. Viking 2 in fact returned odd results from Mars in 1976. Some of the tests it conducted gave signals considered positive for life, but the MS measurements provided no evidence for life as we know it. More recent MS data from NASA's Mars Curiosity rover suggest there are organic compounds on Mars, but they still do not provide evidence for life. A related problem has plagued scientists attempting to detect the earliest evidence for life on Earth: how can we tell if signals detected in ancient terrestrial samples are from the original living organisms preserved in those samples or derived from contamination from the organisms which presently pervade our planet? Scientists at the Earth-Life Science Institute at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (The National MagLab) in the US decided to address this problem using a combined experimental and machine learning computational approach. The National MagLab is supported by the US National Science Foundation through NSF/ DMR-1644779 and the State of Florida to provide cutting-edge technologies for research. Using ultrahigh-resolution MS (a technique known as Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (or FT-ICR MS)) they measured the mass spectra of a wide variety of complex organic mixtures, including those derived from abiological samples made in the lab (which they are fairly certain are not living), organic mixtures found in meteorites (which are ~ 4.5 billion-year-old samples of abiologically produced organic compounds which appear to have never become living), laboratory-grown microorganisms (which fit all the modern criteria of being living, including novel microbial organisms isolated and cultured by ELSI co-author Tomohiro Mochizuki), and unprocessed petroleum (or raw natural crude oil, the kind we pump out of the ground and process into gasoline, which is derived from organisms which lived long ago on Earth, providing an example of how the "fingerprint" of known living organisms might change over geological time). These samples each contained tens of thousands of discrete molecular compounds, which provided a large set of MS spectra that could be compared and classified. In contrast to approaches that use the accuracy of MS measurements to uniquely identify each peak with a particular molecule in a complex organic mixture, the researchers instead aggregated their data and looked at the broad statistics and distribution of signals. Complex organic mixtures, such as those derived from living things, petroleum, and abiological samples present very different "fingerprints" when viewed in this way. Such patterns are much more difficult for a human to detect than the presence or absence of individual molecule types. The researchers fed their raw data into a computer machine learning algorithm and surprisingly found that the algorithms were able to accurately classify the samples as living or non-living with ~95% accuracy. Importantly, they did so after simplifying the raw data considerably, making it plausible that lower-precision instruments, spacecraft-based instruments are often low power, could obtain data of sufficient resolution to enable the biological classification accuracy the team obtained. The underlying reasons this classification accuracy is possible to remain to be explored, but the team suggests it is because of the ways biological processes, which modify organic compounds differently than abiological processes, relate to the processes which enable life to propagate itself. Living processes have to make copies of themselves, while abiological processes have no internal process controlling this. "This work opens many exciting avenues for using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry for astrobiological applications," says co-author Huan Chen of the US National MagLab. Lead author Nicholas Guttenberg adds, "While it is difficult if not impossible to characterise every peak in a complex chemical mixture, the broad distribution of components can contain patterns and relationships which are informative about the process by which that mixture came about or developed. If we're going to understand complex prebiotic chemistry, we need ways of thinking in terms of these broad patterns - how they come about, what they imply, and how they change - rather than the presence or absence of individual molecules. This paper is an initial investigation into the feasibility and methods of characterisation at that level and shows that even discarding high-precision mass measurements, there is significant information in peak distribution that can be used to identify samples by the type of process that produced them." Co-author Jim Cleaves of ELSI adds, "This sort of relational analysis may offer broad advantages for searching for life in the Solar System, and perhaps even in laboratory experiments designed to recreate the origins of life." The team plans to follow up with further studies to understand exactly what aspects of this type of data analysis allows for such successful classification. ### Reference: Nicholas Guttenberg1,2,3, Huan Chen4, Tomohiro Mochizuki1, H. James Cleaves II1,5,6,*, Classification of the Biogenicity of Complex Organic Mixtures for the Detection of Extraterrestrial Life, Life, DOI: 10.3390/life11030234 1. Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan 2. Cross Labs, Cross Compass Ltd., 2-9-11-9F Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0033, Japan 3. GoodAI, Na Petynce 213/23b, 169 00 Prague, Czech Republic 4. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, 1800 East Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310-4005, USA 5. Institute for Advanced Study, 1 Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA 6. Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98104, USA More information: Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) stands at the forefront of research and higher education as the leading university for science and technology in Japan. Tokyo Tech researchers excel in fields ranging from materials science to biology, computer science, and physics. Founded in 1881, Tokyo Tech hosts over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students per year, who develop into scientific leaders and some of the most sought-after engineers in industry. Embodying the Japanese philosophy of "monotsukuri," meaning "technical ingenuity and innovation," the Tokyo Tech community strives to contribute to society through high-impact research. The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) is one of Japan's ambitious World Premiere International research centers, whose aim is to achieve progress in broadly inter-disciplinary scientific areas by inspiring the world's greatest minds to come to Japan and collaborate on the most challenging scientific problems. ELSI's primary aim is to address the origin and co-evolution of the Earth and life. The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) was launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to help build globally visible research centers in Japan. These institutes promote high research standards and outstanding research environments that attract frontline researchers from around the world. These centers are highly autonomous, allowing them to revolutionise conventional modes of research operation and administration in Japan. In the fall of 2019, Ariel Santos, M.D., MPH, joined 15 other telemedicine experts from across the United States as they convened in Washington, D.C. at the headquarters of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Their goal was to develop a competency-based curriculum for telemedicine. In March, approximately 18 months after the effort began, that goal was achieved when AAMC published, "Telehealth Competencies Across the Learning Continuum." The guide, part of the AAMC series, New and Emerging Area in Medicine, is intended for people who develop curricula within the field of medicine and for those learning to practice or continuing their professional development. Santos, an associate professor of surgery at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine and director of the university's telehealth program, worked on the guide primarily as the principal investigator for the TexLa Telehealth Resource Center, a federally funded program that provides technical assistance and resources to new and existing telehealth programs in Texas and Louisiana. Even before the pandemic, Santos said there was an uptick in telehealth activities because when appropriately used, telehealth, also known as virtual care, can potentially improve and maximize the delivery of health care. In addition to increasing access to health care, which it has done effectively during the pandemic, it can lead to improved patient outcomes, potentially decrease health care costs, lead to better overall patient experiences and increase physician satisfaction. "With the increase in utilization of telemedicine, we need to make sure we have competency- and evidence-based education across the continuum of providers to ensure delivery of high quality virtual care," Santos said. "It can standardize care, which can decrease liability and improve reimbursement as well improve the quality of care provided." Santos said competency-based education (CBE) or learning is a framework for teaching where students or learners advance from one learning level to higher based on their demonstration of knowledge and mastery of skills rather than time spent on a specific course. CBE is individualized, learner-centered and formative and emphasizes interprofessional communication, professionalism and system-based practice. "CBE has improved health care since the focus is aligning the educational program with health system needs and priorities," Santos explained. "We want to make sure our students are equipped with competencies -- the knowledge, abilities and skills needed to function on a real life medical practice." Santos and his AAMC colleagues quickly identified several barriers to the large-scale adoption of telemedicine such as lack of resources, logistical costs, inadequate training, time and manpower shortages, poor reimbursement, regulatory restrictions and a lack of internet connectivity and broadband service. However, the unanticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it developed into a public health emergency benefitted and accelerated the adoption of telemedicine. "Federal and state statutory changes, regulatory waivers and emergency orders have led to a significant scaling of telehealth services worldwide," Santos added. "Also, telehealth became an essential tool to maintain access to health care because it helps reduce patient and provider exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, but primarily the lifting of regulatory restrictions is what has led to the increase use of telemedicine." Early on, many believed the use of telehealth would again subside as social distancing restrictions were eased. However, Santos said that is no longer the case because state and federal laws are currently being revised to encourage the wide adoption of telemedicine. "The pandemic serendipitously helped telemedicine, but I think the adoption will continue considering our current lifestyle and demand for easy access," Santos said. "With the improvement of technologies and wearables, there will be an increase in remote patient monitoring to address common illnesses as well as chronic conditions." Santos said that's another reason why the new AAMC telehealth competencies guide is an essential tool. The competencies do not solely apply to medical students; they are just as relevant for trainees, practicing physicians and allied specialists as well. "There is a need for competencies across the learning continuum," Santos stressed. "This will help to develop a template of expectations and competencies needed to make sure we provide a standardized and high quality virtual care to our patients. I am hoping that we can adopt these competencies in our existing medical curricula, training and assessment. Hopefully, this will ensure that we will have competent, culturally sensitive and innovative physicians that will provide high quality virtual care to the society." ### Tufts University has been selected to join the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of America's leading research universities noted for their accomplishments in education, research, and innovation. Tufts joins a select group of 65 other highly regarded institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, and MIT. Member universities help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation, promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society. "Every day, Tufts makes a positive difference in the world and helps to address the great challenges of our time through its teaching, research, and people, especially by nurturing the next generation of world leaders and innovators," said President Anthony P. Monaco. "Joining AAU is a great honor that enhances our impact by placing us in the company of like-minded and similarly-driven universities that are changing the world and driving innovation in our society." AAU member institutions earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that advances public health, addresses national challenges, and contributes significantly to the nation's economic strength. For example, Tufts was selected last year by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to lead Strategies to Prevent Spillover (STOP Spillover), a $100 million, five-year program to understand and address threats posed by zoonotic viral diseases that can "spill over" from animals to humans, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. "Our faculty and researchers deserve to be proud that the excellence of their work is being recognized with this honor," said Provost Nadine Aubry, who oversees the university's research and education enterprise. "It's a reflection of their ingenuity and commitment to advancing knowledge, making new discoveries that change the way we think, live and learn, and transferring that knowledge and innovation mindset to the next generation of visionary leaders and global citizens. It is also exciting that in this new role Tufts will have the opportunity to work with its peers on policy for higher education, science and innovation." Tufts is one of the nation's top research universities, earning the "tier 1" classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the university's output of research activity. As one of the smaller and most undergraduate-focused research universities with this classification, Tufts encourages faculty to collaborate with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students in a wide range of innovative research across multiple disciplines. "Tufts University has long been one of our nation's most distinguished universities, and we are very proud to welcome Tufts to AAU," said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder. "AAU's members are at the vanguard of scientific and educational excellence, and Tufts is an important addition to our ranks. We look forward to working with President Monaco and his team at Tufts as we advance the causes of higher education, scientific inquiry, and economic innovation." "The institutions that make up AAU excel at combining research and education to positively impact the lives of their students, communities, and nation," added AAU Board Chair and Brown University President Christina H. Paxson. "We welcome Tufts to AAU and applaud the work of the faculty, staff, and students in building a truly world-class institution." Peter Dolan, chair of the Tufts Board of Trustees, said the accomplishment reflects years of commitment and investment by the university to support its research mission, resulting in accomplishments that have been acknowledged by its peer research universities. "With its selection to join AAU, Tufts is being recognized as one of the premier institutions in the world, a high-impact contributor of innovation and new discoveries that contribute to a brighter world," said Dolan. "As an alumnus, parent, and long-time supporter of the university, I know I speak for our community when I say it's a great day for Tufts and a sign of more great things to come." ### A large-scale randomised trial of annual screening for ovarian cancer, led by UCL researchers, did not succeed in reducing deaths from the disease, despite one of the screening methods tested detecting cancers earlier A large-scale randomised trial of annual screening for ovarian cancer, led by UCL researchers, did not succeed in reducing deaths from the disease, despite one of the screening methods tested detecting cancers earlier. Results from the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) have been published in a report in the medical journal The Lancet. In the UK, 4,000 women die from ovarian cancer each year. It is not usually diagnosed until it is at a late stage and hard to treat. UKCTOCS was designed to test the hypothesis that a reliable screening method that picks up ovarian cancer earlier, when treatments are more likely to be effective, could save lives. The latest analysis looked at data from more than 200,000 women aged 50-74 at recruitment who were followed up for an average of 16 years. The women were randomly allocated to one of three groups: no screening, annual screening using an ultrasound scan, and annual multimodal screening involving a blood test followed by an ultrasound scan as a second line test. The researchers found that, while the approach using multimodal testing succeeded in picking up cancers at an early stage, neither screening method led to a reduction in deaths. Earlier detection in UKCTOCS did not translate into saving lives. Researchers said this highlighted the importance of requiring evidence that any potential screening test for ovarian cancer actually reduced deaths, as well as detecting cancers earlier. Professor Usha Menon (MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL), lead investigator of UKTOCS, said: "UKCTOCS is the first trial to show that screening can definitely detect ovarian cancer earlier. However, this very large, rigorous trial shows clearly that screening using either of the approaches we tested did not save lives. We therefore cannot recommend ovarian cancer screening for the general population using these methods. "We are disappointed as this is not the outcome we and everyone involved in the trial had hoped and worked for over so many years. To save lives, we will require a better screening test that detects ovarian cancer earlier and in more women than the multimodal screening strategy we used." Women aged between 50 and 74 were enrolled in the trial between 2001 and 2005. Screening lasted until 2011 and was either an annual blood test, monitoring changes in the level of the protein CA125, or a yearly vaginal ultrasound scan. About 100,000 women were assigned to the no screening group, and more than 50,000 women to each of the screening groups. Blood test screening picked up 39% more cancers at an early stage (Stage I/II), while detecting 10% fewer late-stage cancers (Stage III/IV) compared to the no screening group. There was no difference in the stage of cancers detected in the ultrasound group compared to the no screening group. The initial analysis of deaths in the trial occurred in 2015, but there was not enough data at that time to conclude whether or not screening reduced deaths. By looking at five more years of follow up data from the women involved, researchers are now able to conclude that the screening did not save lives. Professor Mahesh Parmar, Director of the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL and a senior author on the paper, said: "There have been significant improvements in the treatment of advanced disease in the last 10 years, since screening in our trial ended. Our trial showed that screening was not effective in women who do not have any symptoms of ovarian cancer; in women who do have symptoms early diagnosis, combined with this better treatment, can still make a difference to quality of life and, potentially, improve outcomes. On top of this, getting a diagnosis quickly, whatever the stage of the cancer, is profoundly important to women and their families." Professor Ian Jacobs, from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), a co-investigator who has led the ovarian cancer screening research programme since 1985 and who was lead investigator of UKCTOCS from 2001-2014, said: "My thanks to the thousands of women, healthcare professionals and researchers who made this trial possible. The multimodal screening strategy did succeed in detection of ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, but sadly that did not save lives. This is deeply disappointing and frustrating given the hope of all involved that we would save the lives of thousands of women who are affected by ovarian cancer each year." Professor Jacobs noted: "Population screening for ovarian cancer can only be supported if a test is shown to reduce deaths in a future randomised controlled trial. I remain hopeful that a new effective screening test will be found eventually, but it will take many years to conduct a large trial of the test. Realistically, this means we have to reluctantly accept that population screening for ovarian cancer is more than a decade away." A huge wealth of samples and data from the trial has been donated by the participants for future research. This resource, referred to as the UKCTOCS Longitudinal Women's Cohort (UKLWC), is now being used by researchers worldwide, helping to improve understanding of ovarian cancer as well as other cancers and other diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Researchers say that the study has also generated insights into how best to design, conduct and analyse a large-scale randomised clinical trial particularly in individuals who have no signs of disease. These insights will be helpful to future trials in all areas of health. It has also contributed to advances in risk assessment, prevention and diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The UKCTOCS trial was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme and the charities Cancer Research UK and The Eve Appeal. Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK's Chief Executive, said: "Trials don't always find the result we had hoped for, but we need long-term studies like this to know whether new tests save lives. Cancer Research UK will continue to fund vital research into aggressive forms of ovarian cancer so we can reduce the impact of this disease. "Screening is for people without symptoms, so it's still important that if you notice unusual or persistent changes to talk to your doctor. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be quite vague and similar to symptoms caused by less serious conditions, which can make spotting the disease tricky. Whether it's needing to go to the toilet more often, pain, bloating, or something else, raise it with your GP - in most cases it won't be cancer but it's best to get it checked out." Professor Nick Lemoine, Medical Director, NIHR Clinical Research Network, said: "These important findings from a large-scale trial, involving 200,000 participants, show that annual screening did not succeed in reducing deaths from ovarian cancer. "However, it's important to note that negative results can be as important as positive. The study has provided important new evidence and insights into how to conduct and analyse future large-scale randomised clinical trials into ovarian cancer, in the hope that this will prevent and diagnose this disease more effectively in the future. "We thank every single person who took part." Athena Lamnisos, CEO, The Eve Appeal, said: "The threshold for introducing a national cancer screening programme is a mortality benefit. Of course this is key - saving lives. It's disappointing that this research programme did not show a reduction in mortality from ovarian cancer and so can't be recommended as a national screening programme. However, the impact it had on earlier diagnosis is impressive and important. "Ovarian cancer is so often diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 and shifting diagnosis one stage earlier makes a huge difference to both treatment options and quality of life. Earlier diagnosis will often reduce the amount and intensity of treatment, and this makes all the difference to women and their families who are living with cancer. It may have also given them more precious time with their loved ones." ### Despite having been driven nearly to extinction, the California condor has a high degree of genetic diversity that bodes well for its long-term survival, according to a new analysis by University of California researchers. Nearly 40 years ago, the state's wild condor population was down to a perilous 22. That led to inbreeding that could have jeopardized the population's health and narrowed the bird's genetic diversity, which can reduce its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. In comparing the complete genomes of two California condors with those of an Andean condor and a turkey vulture, UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley scientists did find genetic evidence of inbreeding over the past few centuries, but, overall, a wealth of diversity across most of the genome. "You need genetic diversity in order to adapt, and the more genetic diversity they (California condors) have, hopefully, the more chance they have to adapt and persist," said Jacqueline Robinson, a UCSF postdoctoral fellow and first author of a paper about the analysis appearing today in the journal Current Biology. "Our study is the first to begin quantifying diversity across the entire California condor genome, which provides us a lot of baseline information and will inform future research and conservation." The health of the bird's genome is probably due to the species' great abundance in the past. Robinson and her colleagues, including Rauri Bowie, UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology, used statistical techniques to estimate the bird's historical population and found that it was far more abundant across the United States a million years ago than even the turkey vulture, America's most common vulture today. The bird likely numbered in the tens of thousands, soaring and scavenging from New York and Florida to California and into Mexico. "They have this legacy of high genetic diversity from their former abundance, so I think there is a chance that, with genetic information, we could manage the population going into the future to really maintain the genetic diversity that they do have now and not have any further losses," Robinson said. "You could even choose individual mates to, in a sense, reverse the inbreeding." Co-author Cynthia Steiner, associate director in conservation genetics for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation organization affiliated with the San Diego Zoo, agreed that the genomic information will help refine conservation strategies to maintain genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. Inbreeding may already be causing an increase among wild condors in a lethal form of dwarfism, chondrodystrophy, and leading to an increase among some birds in the number of tail feathers, from 12 to 14. "We finally have a genomic resource or tool in-hand for the species that will allow understanding the genetic basis of disease and phenotypic traits, such as chondrodystrophy and the 14-tail feather syndrome, and potentially manage these deleterious traits in the breeding program," Steiner said. Bowie, an ornithology curator in UC Berkeley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), hopes to continue working with the San Diego Zoo to analyze the genomes of all 22 original individual condors in the founding population -- the ancestors of all living California condors -- to assess the species' overall genetic diversity. With captive breeding, the aim has always been to mate unrelated condors in order to prevent inbreeding. By generating genome profiles of all individuals of an endangered species, conservationists could more finely tune breeding to weed out any negative health consequences, called inbreeding depression. "With most endangered species, when you look at their genomes, they have very little genetic diversity left. In other words, they have very little capacity to adapt to change," he said. "That is definitely not the case with the California condor. With these genome data in hand, maybe there is a way to mitigate chondrodystrophy by cross-breeding certain individuals or finding other ways to help them deal with that." Condor's steady decline The California condor, Gymnogyps californianus, is considered critically endangered, despite herculean efforts to rescue the species that began in 1987. This involved capturing all wild condors -- 27 at that time -- and breeding them in zoos. The program's success was celebrated in 1991 with the reintroduction of captive-bred condors into the wild. Today, more than 300 individuals roam California, Mexico, Arizona and Utah, while another 200 remain in captivity. With a wingspan larger than any other bird in the United States -- up to 3 meters, or nearly 10 feet, slightly less than that of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), its closest relative -- it also is one of the longest-lived birds, often surviving until the age of 60. Based on the team's genetic analysis of two California condor genomes over the past million years, condor populations gradually fluctuated downward until a precipitate decline began around the time humans settled the Americas 15,000 years ago. This coincides with the disappearance of large land animals -- megafauna -- which were likely exterminated by early inhabitants of America between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago. The carcasses of North American megafauna were undoubtedly a major source of food for these carrion-eating scavengers, and condors may have become restricted to the Pacific Coast because they could take advantage of marine mammal carcasses after land animals became less abundant. The decline accelerated over the last few hundred years with the rising destruction of condor habitat, increased human poaching and persistent lead poisoning from ingested shotgun pellets. Small population inbreeding Robinson, who works in the lab of co-author Jeffrey Wall, a professor in UCSF's Institute for Human Genetics, has focused on genetic studies of small populations where inbreeding increases the incidence of normally rare recessive traits, many of them deleterious. She currently is involved with genetic studies of Mexico's vaquita, the world's smallest porpoise, which is critically endangered in its range within the Gulf of California. She co-authored a report last year that found very low diversity in the vaquita's genome, which is a result of its natural rarity and historically low abundance prior to its recent human-driven population crash, she said. She embarked on the current study after Bowie collaborated with the San Diego Zoo and the Baylor College of Medicine to produce what he called a "Rolls Royce" version of the condor genome -- a high-quality genome that is a rarity for any wild animal and which rivals the quality of the known genomes of the commercial chicken and the laboratory mouse. "What I mean by a Rolls Royce genome is that it has very few fragments -- basically, all the chromosomes are intact," she said. "With that, you can get a really good assessment of not only how much genetic diversity there is, but how it is distributed across the genome. And that is really helpful if you are trying to find genes that are related to disease or if you are interested in things that are important for enabling condors to do what they do -- the adaptive genes." Robinson compared Bowie's condor genome, obtained from the blood of an Arizona condor, and the genome of the San Diego Zoo's condor with the genomes of the Andean condor and the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), which had already been sequenced. Surprisingly, given the California condor's history, the two genomes contained the highest levels of diversity among all three species. "Andean condors are somewhat rare, but turkey vultures are extremely abundant, so this result was a bit unexpected, as it doesn't match current population sizes," Robinson said. "Genetic diversity is tied to species abundance, so the high genetic diversity in California condor genomes contrasts starkly with the extremely small number alive today." Bowie attributes the condor's success at passing through its near-extinction bottleneck while retaining much of its original genetic diversity to the bird's long lifespan and slow reproductive rate, which determine its generation time. "Even though their numbers dramatically plummeted, because of their generation time they hadn't passed through many generations, so a lot of that genetic diversity was retained," he said. The California condor project is one piece of Bowie's current focus on genetic diversity among all living and extinct vultures. Graduate student Mackenzie Kirchner-Smith is currently analyzing vulture skulls in the MVZ and UC Museum of Paleontology collections to understand past vulture populations, while Bowie has just launched an effort to sequence the genomes of the world's living species of vulture, in part to understand how the scavenging lifestyle developed independently among three very distinct bird groups. Robinson hopes to continue with the condor work, as well. Despite having visited condor habitat in the past, she saw her first condor only a few weeks ago when visiting Pinnacles National Park, a popular hangout for condors along the Central California Coast. "As I was looking at them, I was literally thinking, these almost disappeared during my lifetime. That would have been such a tragedy," she said. "I would say that we shouldn't write off any species just because there may only be a few individuals left. The California condor came back from a population size of just 22 individuals." Robinson's co-authors, in addition to Bowie, Steiner and Wall, include David Mindell of UC Berkeley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. The work was funded in part by the National Science Foundation (DEB-1441652). ### A new, noninvasive method for measuring brain blood flow with light has been developed by biomedical engineers and neurologists at the University of California, Davis, and used to detect brain activation. The new method, functional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy, or fiDWS, promises to be cheaper than existing technology and could be used for assessing brain injuries, or in neuroscience research. The work is published May 12 in Science Advances. "Now we can assess how well the brain regulates blood flow, and even detect brain activation noninvasively in adult humans, using principles similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), but at a fraction of the cost," said Vivek Srinivasan, adjunct associate professor of biomedical engineering at UC Davis and senior author on the study. The human brain makes up 2% of our body weight but takes 15% to 20% of blood flow from the heart. Measuring cerebral blood flow is important for diagnosing strokes, and for predicting secondary damage in subarachnoid hemorrhages or traumatic brain injuries. Doctors who provide neurological intensive care, would also like to monitor a patient's recovery by imaging brain blood flow and oxygenation. Existing technology is expensive and cannot be applied continuously or at the bedside. For example, current techniques to image cerebral blood flow require expensive MRI or computed tomography scanners. There are light-based technologies, such as near-infrared spectroscopy, but these also have drawbacks in accuracy. The new method takes advantage of the fact that near-infrared light can penetrate through body tissues. If you shine a near-infrared laser on someone's forehead, the light will be scattered many times by tissue, including blood cells. By picking up the fluctuation signal of the light that finds its way back out of the skull and scalp, you can get information about blood flow inside the brain. Naturally, that signal is extremely weak. Srinivasan and postdoctoral researcher Wenjun Zhou overcame that problem by making use of interferometry: the ability of light waves to superimpose, reinforcing or canceling one another. In particular, through interferometry, a strong light wave can boost a weak light wave by increasing its detected energy. Prefrontal cortex activation They first split the laser beam into "sample" and "reference" paths. The sample beam goes into the patient's head and the reference beam is routed so that it reconnects with the sample beam before going to the detector. Through interferometry, the stronger reference beam boosts the weak sample signal. This allowed the team to measure the output with the type of light-detecting chip found in digital cameras, instead of expensive photon counting detectors. They then use software to calculate a blood flow index for different locations in the brain. Srinivasan and Zhou worked with Dr. Lara Zimmerman, Dr. Ryan Martin and Dr. Bruce Lyeth at the UC Davis Department of Neurological Surgery to test the technology. They found that with this new technology, they could measure blood flow more rapidly and deeper below the surface than with current light-based technology. They could measure pulsating cerebral blood flow and could also detect changes when volunteers were given a mild increase in carbon dioxide. When volunteers were given a simple math problem, the researchers were able to measure activation of the prefrontal cortex through the forehead. ### Additional authors on the paper are Oybek Kholiqov, Jun Zhu and Mingjun Zhao, all at the UC Davis Department of Biomedical Engineering. The work was supported by grants from the NIH. The university has applied for a patent on the technology. Laura Riesenberg was visiting a local amusement park with three of her children when she suffered a massive heart attack. "I was down for about 20 minutes and they defibrillated me twice on site, possibly three times," she says. "Obviously, I was unaware of it. I know from reading the reports what happened." "I was extremely fortunate that someone found me within seconds of collapsing," says Riesenberg. "Had it happened anywhere else I wouldn't be talking to you right now. If I had been in the basement doing laundry, I would have been in trouble." The 51-year-old Loveland, Ohio, resident was transported to UC Health's West Chester Hospital where she learned she was a Type 2 diabetic and had suffered previous damage to the heart that led to a big blockage of her left coronary artery while at the amusement park. That type of blockage is often referred to as the "widow maker." Donald Lynch Jr., MD, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and UC Health cardiologist, says that the link between diabetes and heart disease often leads to adverse health outcomes for patients. Approximately 65% of deaths among patients with diabetes are due to cardiovascular disease. Lynch, also Riesenberg's current cardiologist, will be presenting preliminary research virtually at the American College of Cardiology on Saturday, May 15, that suggests plasma proteins discovered in the blood samples of diabetic patients who went on to develop obstructive coronary disease (OCAD) may serve as biomarkers of severe heart blockage. The findings might benefit patients like Riesenberg in the future. Riesenberg says an internal defibrillator was implanted in her heart after her heart attack. "There was no explanation why I survived the first heart attack or second heart attack. They also diagnosed me as diabetic that day. Mind you, I should have known. I had been a gestational diabetic, and I had been overweight, but I thought I was doing all the right things." "I had lost a significant amount of weight, and I was active. I was eating well or at least I thought I was eating well. I had absolutely no idea," she adds. "I wish someone had been able to tell me that there was a strong link between diabetes and heart disease." Riesenberg, a homemaker, and her husband, Jay, are both diabetic and they worry if their medical hereditary history might someday impact their family; in addition to the three children who joined their mom at the park the couple have another seven. As part of his research Lynch, a researcher in the UC Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, looked at stored plasma samples from 70 diabetic patients: one group was found to have obstructive coronary disease while the second group did not. A total of 248 plasma proteins were identified; 15 were present in patients with obstructive coronary disease while only three were present in patients without OCAD. "We took samples of plasma and used mass spectrometry to see if we could find biomarkers that were predictive of patients developing obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. "The significance of this is I see patients who have diabetes and unfortunately develop blockages but no symptoms." Lynch says Riesenberg was fortunate that she survived her heart attack and cardiac arrest. "For many patients that's not the case," he says. "We know patients with diabetes are much more likely to have blockages in the heart and unfortunately they are more likely to be asymptomatic which places them at significant risk. We don't have good tools to figure out which patients will develop blockages." "What we found is that we can use a blood test and identify patients with diabetes who might develop obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. "It is a challenge to identify which patients with diabetes are at higher risk. This may be a good tool in our toolbox to help us in our fight against cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes." "We can get them to a provider and have them assessed early for the possibility of developing obstructive coronary disease," says Lynch. The research is particularly important to Lynch, who disclosed he also battles diabetes. He has planned future studies to further evaluate the ability of these biomarkers to identify patients with coronary disease and improve cardiac outcomes for patients with diabetes. The preliminary research has definitely captured the interest of Riesenberg, who spoke with Lynch about his findings. "It fascinates me that a simple blood test might be able to tell my children that this is on their horizon, and you don't have to be dependent on a cardiac device for the rest of your life," says Riesenberg. ### Other research co-authors from UC include David Hui, PhD, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine along with Auriela Howze, a UC undergraduate majoring in chemistry. Additional co-authors include Koen Raedschelders, PhD, Jennifer Van Eyk, PhD, and Mitra Mastali, PhD, all of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles and James Januzzi, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Funding for the research is from Cedars-Sinai Advanced Clinical Biosystems Research Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Rehn Family Research Award. How people consume news and take actions based on what they read, hear or see, is different than how human brains process other types of information on a daily basis, according to researchers at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. While the current state of the newspaper industry is in flux, these journalism experts discovered people still love reading newspapers, and they believe a newspaper's physical layout and structure could help curators of digital news platforms enhance their users' experiences. "Many people still love print newspapers, and to an extent, we also see that they like the digital replicas of print newspapers as much as they do the physical version," said Damon Kiesow, a professor of journalism professions and co-author on the study. "But we believe there is more to understanding this notion than just simply habit and experience. We feel newspapers are fulfilling some sort of need in a person's daily life that is not currently being effectively fulfilled with the digital experience. The contextual clues that help tell readers what stories are important, why they should care about what stories they are reading and where to locate the news that is most important to them, are being weakened by structures missing in digital news." The study is based on psychologist James Gibson's theory of "affordances," which argues an object's properties indicate what desired action should be taken with the object. The researchers believe this theory can apply to print newspapers in the way that various surfaces, layout, colors and labels can help contextualize a news story and give it meaning to the reader. By conducting in-depth interviews with 12 long-time newspaper subscribers, the team was able to identify 10 affordances of people who read print newspapers. They are: Physical affordances, or the ability to physically hold something, navigate a newspaper's defined sections and pages, and create a physical archive of multiple editions for later viewing. Perceived affordances, or the ability to determine a story's importance, how visual elements are added for contextual purposes, to allow readers to express feelings of possession, and to allow readers to distinguish between different topics of interest. Relational affordances, or the ability to generate trust, to allow the reader to either actively or passively seek information, and to allow for the discovery of unexpected information. By better understanding these affordances, the researchers now believe print newspapers have moved to digital platforms without first having a proper understanding of how readers use printed contextual clues to make sense of the news. Kiesow, who has a background in human-computer interfaces, believes these affordances can help inform news organizations when making decisions on their digital platforms to deliver the day's news. "There is a need for better understanding how print-centric workflows and publishing tools might be hampering readers' understanding of the news on digital platforms," Kiesow said. "Publishers should be looking at elements such as navigation and labels, but also how contextual signals are carried across platforms, including social media, where first impressions of what the news is about are often initially formed before a click occurs. What news organizations should be doing is testing and designing their digital platforms more for understanding, rather than just usability." Shuhua Zhou, a professor of journalism studies and corresponding author on the study, focuses his research on how people learn from the news. He said Gibson's theory can help explain the many perceptions of the news that people have. "Gibson has a beautiful theory to help explain whatever we do as human beings, that there are meanings that we assign to those actions," Zhou said. "His use of affordances focuses on what can be done, or the action-potential. Here, we can think about news consumption in a similar way. When a reader sees a headline, the style -- bold type and font size -- gives the news story some type of meaning to that person. That is the action-potential that Gibson refers to in his theory. So, by using this theoretical concept, it can help us better understand why people perceive the news in the way that they do. I think the problem with most newspaper websites is that they are built without thinking about the features which are conductive to readers taking in and making sense of information." ### The study, "The Values of Print: Affordances and Sensemaking for Newspaper Consumers," was published in Journalism Practice. Lei Guo from the University of Nebraska-Omaha is also an author on this study. Funding was provided by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute housed at the Missouri School of Journalism. Justice Kulkarni said, If we were to have door-door vaccination sometime back, so many of our prominent citizens across fields, who were not in good health, we could have saved them. PTI Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Central government to reconsider its current protocol that doesn't allow door-to-door vaccination. The court also said that had the government incorporated such a policy earlier, it could have saved lives of senior citizens and specially-abled persons who were unable to visit vaccination centres. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Girish S. Kulkarni was hearing a PIL filed by city-based lawyers Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari, seeking directions to the Centre, the Maharashtra government and the BMC to provide door-to-door vaccination facility for people over 75 years of age, the specially-abled and the bed-ridden. On April 22, observing that senior citizens should be given priority and cannot be left to die, the HC had directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to have a relook at its decision and find a solution or via media to cater to requirement of the senior citizens of getting vaccinated. On Wednesday, the HC noted that the Centre had not taken a decision as per its order yet and told the Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh that when the court had passed the reasoned order on April 22, the government should have considered either way. When the court was informed that persons without any identity cards required for vaccination could simply register through Cowin website, it questioned whether beggars, homeless and transgenders can avail such facilities by complying with the modalities prescribed and also asked the Mumbai, Pune and other civic bodies to inform about steps taken to vaccinate such persons and the number of beneficiaries from such categories. Justice Kulkarni said, If we were to have door-door vaccination sometime back, so many of our prominent citizens across fields, who were not in good health, we could have saved them. CJ Datta also said that he, along with senior administrative judges, had a meeting with BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday wherein he said by May 17, BMC would be putting in place a system of vaccination camps each across more than 200 wards in Mumbai. Grant will help fund program for students who are members of the Kiowa, Wichita tribes NORMAN, OKLA. - University of Oklahoma researcher Stefan Wilhelm, Ph.D., recently received a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Program Award from the National Science Foundation. The NSF awarded Wilhelm a $761,727 CAREER award to continue his research in nanotechnology, which assists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. Wilhelm's work focuses on individual nanoparticles - which are about 1,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair - and how they interact with the body's cells. "I'm so pleased to get this kind of recognition and financial support from the National Science Foundation," said Wilhelm, who joined the OU faculty in 2017. "The award not only allows me to continue my research to help design safer and more effective nanoparticles to diagnose and treat diseases, but also will help increase the number of Native American students in college STEM programs." Beyond research, the grant will fund Wilhelm's BE4NANO - Bionanotechnology Engagement for Native Americans in Oklahoma - an outreach program that focuses on high school juniors, including students who are members of the Kiowa and Wichita tribes, in rural southwest Oklahoma. "Working and partnering with the Kiowa and Wichita tribes as well as the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center over the past years has given, and will continue to give, me an opportunity to support and learn from tribal educators and youth who live in these communities," Wilhelm said. The NSF's CAREER awards are five-year grants given to early-career faculty who show potential to serve as academic role models. In 2014, Wilhelm earned a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Regensburg, Germany, and from 2014 to 2017, he continued his training as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto in the Canadian province of Ontario. The project is jointly funded by the Nanoscale Interactions Program with the Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems Division of the NSF and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. ### World-first nanotechnology developed by the University of South Australia could change the lives of thousands of people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) as groundbreaking research shows it can improve the effectiveness of the CF antibiotic Tobramycin, increasing its efficacy by up to 100,000-fold. The new technology uses a biomimetic nanostructured material to augment Tobramycin - the antibiotic prescribed to treat chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in severe cases of CF - eradicating the infection in as little as two doses. In Australia, cystic fibrosis (CF) affects one in 2500 babies - or one baby born every four days - causing severe impairments to a person's lungs, airways and digestive system, trapping bacteria and leading to recurrent infections. Lung failure is the major cause of death for people with CF. The UniSA research team, which includes Professor Clive Prestidge, Dr Nicky Thomas, and PhD candidate, Chelsea Thorn, says the discovery could transform the lives of people living with CF. "CF is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent, chronic lung infections and limits a person's ability to breathe," Thorn says. "The disease causes thick, sticky mucus to clog a person's airways, attracting germs and bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which leads to recurring infections and blockages. "Tobramycin is commonly used to treat these infections but increasingly antibiotics are failing to make any significant difference to lung infections, leaving sufferers requiring life-long antibiotic therapy administered every month. "Our research successfully treats advanced human cell culture lung infections using nano-enhanced Tobramycin and shows how it can eradicate serious and persistent infections after only two doses. "This could be a real game-changer for people living with CF." Researchers enhanced the Tobramycin with a biometric, nanostructured, lipid liquid crystal nanoparticle (LCNP)-based material, testing it on a new lung infection model to showcase its unique ability to penetrate the dense surface of the bacteria and kill the infection. Dr Nicky Thomas, says the discovery continues the global battle to eradicate and prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Tobramycin works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacteria and causing cell membrane damage. Yet, as it's a concentration-dependent antibiotic, achieving a sufficiently high concentration is critical," Dr Thomas says. "Our technology improves the performance of Tobramycin without increasing the toxicity of the drug, so what we're doing is a far more effective and efficient treatment for chronic lung infections." The technology is currently entering pre-clinical trials and hopes to be on the market in the next five years. ### Notes to editors: The research group for this study includes the University of South Australia; the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health and Research; the ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology; the Biofilm Test facility at UniSA's Cancer Research Institute; the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland; and Saarland University. The research directly relates to these papers: * Thorn, C. R., Carvalho-Wodarz, C. D., Horstmann, J. C., Lehr, C-M., Prestidge, C. A., Thomas, N., "Tobramycin liquid crystal nanoparticles eradicate cystic fibrosis-related Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms". Small: 2021. https:/ / onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ 10. 1002/ smll. 202100531 * Thorn, C. R., Raju, D., Lacdao, I., Gilbert, S., Sivarajah, P., Howell, P. L., Prestidge, C., Thomas, N., "Protective liquid crystal nanoparticles for targeted delivery of PslG - a biofilm dispersing enzyme". ACS Infectious Diseases: 2021. Online ahead of print: https:/ / pubs. acs. org/ doi/ 10. 1021/ acsinfecdis. 1c00014 Media contact: Annabel Mansfield T: +61 8 8302 0351 M: +61 417 717 504 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au Researcher: Chelsea Thorn T: +61 439 703 006 E: chelsea.thorn@mymail.unisa.edu.au Dr Nicky Thomas T: +61 8302 0125 E: Nicky.Thomas@unisa.edu.au Professor Clive Prestidge T: +61 8 8302 2438 E: Clive.Prestidge@unisa.edu.au TORONTO, ON - A team of evolutionary biologists from the University of Toronto has shown that Anolis lizards, or anoles, are able to breathe underwater with the aid of a bubble clinging to their snouts. Anoles are a diverse group of lizards found throughout the tropical Americas. Some anoles are stream specialists, and these semi-aquatic species frequently dive underwater to avoid predators, where they can remain submerged for as long as 18 minutes. "We found that semi-aquatic anoles exhale air into a bubble that clings to their skin," says Chris Boccia, a recent Master of Science graduate from the Faculty of Arts & Science's Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB). Boccia is lead author of a paper describing the finding published this week in Current Biology. "The lizards then re-inhale the air," says Boccia, "a maneuver we've termed 'rebreathing' after the scuba-diving technology." The researchers measured the oxygen (O2) content of the air in the bubbles and found that it decreased over time, confirming that rebreathed air is involved in respiration. Rebreathing likely evolved because the ability to stay submerged longer increases the lizard's chances of eluding predators. The authors studied six species of semi-aquatic anoles and found that all possessed the rebreathing trait, despite most species being distantly related. While rebreathing has been studied extensively in aquatic arthropods like water beetles, it was not expected in lizards because of physiological differences between arthropods and vertebrates. "Rebreathing had never been considered as a potential natural mechanism for underwater respiration in vertebrates," says Luke Mahler, an assistant professor in EEB and Boccia's thesis supervisor. "But our work shows that this is possible and that anoles have deployed this strategy repeatedly in species that use aquatic habitats." Mahler and co-author Richard Glor, from the University of Kansas, first observed anoles rebreathing in Haiti in 2009 but were unable to carry out further observations or experiments. Another co-author, Lindsey Swierk, from Binghamton University, State University of New York, described the same behaviour in a Costa Rican species in 2019. These early observations suggested that rebreathing was an adaptation for diving, but this idea had not been tested until now. Boccia became interested in aquatic anoles after encountering one in Panama. He began his rebreathing investigations in Costa Rica in 2017 and continued the research in Colombia and Mexico. As the authors point out, the rebreathing trait may have developed because anoles' skin is hydrophobic -- it repels water -- a characteristic that likely evolved in anoles because it protects them from rain and parasites. Underwater, air bubbles cling to hydrophobic skin and the ability to exploit these bubbles for breathing developed as a result. While further work is required to understand how the process works in detail, Boccia, Mahler and their co-authors suggest different ways in which rebreathing may function. In its simplest form, the air bubble on a lizard's snout likely acts like a scuba tank, providing a submerged animal with a supply of air in addition to the air in its lungs. This is what aquatic arthropods like water beetles do to extend the time they can remain submerged. The researchers also suggest that the rebreathing process may facilitate using air found in a lizard's nasal passages, mouth and windpipe that would otherwise not be used by the lizard in breathing. The bubble may also help rid waste carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled air through a process other researchers have already observed in aquatic arthropods. Those studies concluded that because CO2 is highly soluble in water and because the level of CO2 in the bubbles is higher than in the surrounding water, exhaled CO2 dissolves into the surrounding water rather than being rebreathed. Finally, the authors speculate that the bubble may act as a gill and absorb oxygen from the water -- again, something already observed in arthropods. Boccia and Mahler are planning further research to confirm if these rebreathing processes are occurring with anoles. According to Mahler, "This work enriches our understanding of the creative and unexpected ways that organisms meet the challenges posed by their environments. That is valuable in its own right, but discoveries like this can also be valuable to humans as we seek solutions to our own challenging problems." "It's too early to tell if lizard rebreathing will lead to any particular human innovations," says Boccia, "But biomimicry of rebreathing may be an interesting proposition for several fields -- including scuba-diving rebreathing technology, which motivated our naming of this phenomenon." ### Mahler's participation in the research was supported by an NSERC Discovery Grant and a Harvard University Ken Miyata Field Research Award. Boccia's participation was supported by an NSERC CGS M Grant, a National Geographic Young Explorer Grant and a Sigma Xi Grant in Aid of Research. MEDIA CONTACTS: Luke Mahler Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto luke.mahler@utoronto.ca Sean Bettam Communications & Public Affairs, Faculty of Arts & Science University of Toronto s.bettam@utoronto.ca Epidemic. Pandemic. These terms have become second nature to us, popping up in everyday conversation, and for good reason -- COVID-19 is the latest pandemic to pose a threat to humanity. But in recent months, far less attention has been paid to another widely spread problem that has been proliferating since the late 1970s: Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most reported vector-borne disease in the country. Over the past 20 years, the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in both the number of reported cases and the geographic distribution of the disease. In Virginia, the disease is transmitted by blacklegged ticks, which are infected with the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Virginia Tech Assistant Professor Brandon Jutras and his lab have continued to tackle the Lyme disease epidemic over the past year, and they have recently identified another missing piece of the Lyme disease puzzle. "This discovery furthers our understanding of how Borrelia burgdorferi causes inflammation and disease," said Mari Davis, who is the lead author on the paper, a former master's graduate of the Jutras lab in the Department of Biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "It is a testament to how unique that this bacterium is -- and how we need to keep working to understand more about what is going on behind the scenes in order to develop future diagnostics and treatments." Their findings were recently published in PLOS Pathogens, a peer-reviewed open-access medical journal. Almost all bacteria, including the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, make a mesh-like bag to protect the inside of their cells. This bag is known as peptidoglycan. In 2019, Jutras identified peptidoglycan, a lingering cell wall component of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, as a likely culprit of the inflammation and Lyme arthritis, the most common late-stage symptom of Lyme disease. Jutras' previous research has shown that peptidoglycan in Borrelia burgdorferi lingers in the bodies of Lyme arthritis patients after the bacteria has entered the body. Weeks to months after the initial infection, the peptidoglycan remains, inciting inflammation and pain. In this newest development, the lab discovered a protein associated with the peptidoglycan of Borrelia burgdorferi that plays an amplifying role in causing inflammation in Lyme arthritis patients by acting as a molecular beacon that antagonizes the patients' immune system. Using an unbiased proteomics approach and The Mass Spectrometry Research Incubator (VT-MSI) from the Fralin Life Sciences Institute's Core Services, the team identified the protein to be NapA. NapA, which stands for Neutrophil Attracting Protein A, is a remarkable immunomodulatory molecule that is able to recruit immune cells, called neutrophils, toward the inflammatory peptidoglycan. "We are thrilled about Dr. Jutras' NapA discovery, publication, and the implications for Lyme disease diagnostics and treatment. His research perfectly aligns with our institute's vision to impact society by taking a problem-centric approach to tackling environmental and life sciences-related global challenges," said Matt Hulver, executive director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. "NapA is another piece to an ever-evolving puzzle; it seems to play a basic role in everyday bacterial life by helping the overall protective properties of peptidoglycan, but it moonlights as a devious protein capable of tricking our immune system," said Jutras, an affiliated faculty of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute and the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens. "We believe NapA's devious side has two modes: Early in infection, when bacteria are dying and releasing NapA and peptidoglycan, it acts as a decoy to attract immune cells, which allows the viable bacteria to escape and cause disease. In later stages of disease, it may act to attract immune cells to peptidoglycan, a molecule capable of causing inflammation and arthritis," Jutras said. To determine how NapA attracted neutrophils, Davis sought out Caroline Jones, who was an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Virginia Tech College of Science at the time of the discovery. Her lab specializes in the study of neutrophil chemoattraction. Jones placed neutrophils in the middle of a microfluidic chip, which acts as a maze that cells can wander through. On one side of the chip, there was pure peptidoglycan, on the other was peptidoglycan with NapA. The Jones and Jutras labs showed that neutrophils rapidly migrate toward the side with NapA, proving that the protein is able to give off chemical signals that attract neutrophils in the direction of it, and peptidoglycan. With this new piece to the puzzle in hand, Jutras plans to add to the lab's current efforts to improve the diagnostic testing and treatment of Lyme disease. "From a prevention and diagnostic perspective, it's possible that the combination of peptidoglycan and NapA could be a novel target for diagnostics," Jutras said. "It could, in theory, be a possible avenue of vaccine development as well. These are big picture possibilities that we are actively pursuing. One thing that we know for sure is that this finding furthers our understanding of how peptidoglycan can drive Lyme arthritis patient symptology." ### Davis, who is in the process of obtaining a medical degree at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, will continue to work with the Jutras Lab. She conducted this study with the support of a George Washington Carver Assistantship, which is awarded by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences annually. The assistantships are awarded to graduate students from historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, students from the Appalachian region, and nontraditional students, who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, scholarship, and community service. Aaron Brock, a third-year biochemistry Ph.D. student in the Jutras lab and co-author on the NapA study, is the most recent biochemistry recipient of the assistantship. This project was partially funded by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, internal funding from Virginia Tech, and the support of the Grassi family. Multiple studies have shown that African American women with breast cancer have lower survival rates than white women with the disease. But the association between race or ethnicity and treatment outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer -- an aggressive type of tumor that does not respond to hormonal or other targeted therapies -- has not been well defined. Now, new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that non-Hispanic African American women with triple-negative breast cancer also do not fare as well as non-Hispanic white women with this type of breast cancer. The study demonstrates the need for additional research to address disparities in cancer care and understand whether tumor biology or nonbiological reasons such as systemic racism -- or a combination of such factors -- may prevent African American women from receiving the same quality of care as white women. The study appears online May 13 in JAMA Oncology. Among women with triple-negative breast cancer, the researchers found that African Americans had a 28% increased risk of death compared with Americans of European descent, and that this disparity was at least partially due to lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy among African American patients. "Regardless of subtypes of breast cancer, many studies have shown that African American patients have lower survival than white patients," said epidemiologist and senior author Ying Liu, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences. "But there have been conflicting studies on triple-negative breast cancer outcomes. Some of these studies have shown no disparity in survival, but these were smaller studies with fewer triple-negative or African American patients. Our research uses a large study from a national dataset demonstrating that African American patients also have lower survival for this type of breast cancer. If we want to eliminate these disparities, we must first identify what they are and work to understand what drives them." Breast cancer is classified into categories based on whether the tumor's growth is driven by hormones such as estrogen or progesterone or by proteins such as HER2, called growth factors. Hormonal therapies that block or reduce these hormones and drugs that target HER2 can be effective in treating these tumor types. In contrast, triple-negative breast cancer continues to grow even in the absence of all these hormones and growth factors, forcing doctors and patients to rely on surgery, chemotherapy and, less often, radiation. About 10% to 12% of all invasive breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are triple-negative. And for reasons that remain unclear, African American women are at higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer than white American women. For the study, researchers mined a large database maintained by the National Cancer Institute that included over 23,000 women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer from 2010 to 2015. Twenty-five percent of the patients were African American, and patients' tumors were stages 1, 2 or 3, but not stage 4, meaning they had not yet spread to other parts of the body. In a follow-up 3 years later, 3,276 patients had died from breast cancer. The five-year survival rate was about 77% for African American women and about 83% for white women. Compared with white patients, African American patients had 31% lower odds of receiving surgery and 11% lower odds of receiving chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is used less often for this type of cancer, but the researchers found no difference between the two groups. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors, tumor stage and size, treatment differences and other factors, the risk of death among African Americans remained increased by 16%. Even when chemotherapy was given, there was some evidence that the treatment was less effective in African American patients. "This suggests there may be differences in tumor biology or tumor environment between African American and white patients," said Liu, also a research member of Siteman Cancer Center. "We need more research to understand if any differences exist between these tumors in their molecular biology or in their immune landscape, for example, so we can try to address them with different targeted therapies." On average, African American patients were diagnosed at younger ages (56 years) than white patients (59 years). Tumors of African American patients also tended to be larger, diagnosed at more advanced stages and included more lymph node involvement, which is a sign the cancer is beginning to spread. Additionally, African American patients were more likely to have health insurance through Medicaid and to live in urban areas and in counties that were more socioeconomically disadvantaged. "There are a lot of factors beyond tumor biology that are likely contributing to these disparities," Liu said. "Our study couldn't measure many of these factors, but we know, for example, that African American patients are more likely to have unsatisfying communications with their doctors, experience discrimination in the health-care system, and have more difficulty with transportation to and from their appointments." Curiously, researchers said the racial disparity in mortality was not found among triple-negative breast cancer patients over age 65 or those living in rural or socioeconomically poorer counties. "Some of these associations are difficult to explain because data is limited," Liu said. "We can speculate that perhaps health care in rural or poorer communities is more difficult for cancer patients to access in general, so perhaps disparities are less apparent. But at this point, we don't know. We will need more research to understand what factors are causing these differences in treatment and survival, so that we can find ways to address them." ### This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant numbers R01CA215418, P30CA091842; the American Cancer Society through a Denim Days Research Scholar Grant, number RSG-18-116-01-CPHPS; the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; and the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Cho B, et al. Evaluation of racial/ethnic differences in treatment and mortality among women with triple-negative breast cancer. JAMA Oncology. May 13, 2021. Washington University School of Medicine's 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, consistently ranking among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare. Your support helps Excelsio to keep delivering open content. A small contribution is so valuable for us. The United Nations is warning of the risk of "full-scale war" as the clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians continue. Thursday, May 13, 2021 Just after David Ferrie died, Perry Russo called the media in Baton Rouge to talk about his experiences with the man. But he did not mention Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, or any party where the assassination was discussed. Let's have a look at what he said. First, he gave an interview to WAFB on February 24, 1967 : Some comments on this interview: David Ferrie talked in a joking way "that it could be done." And that was the entire conversation during the summer. No conversation with David Ferrie about Lee Harvey Oswald, and Russo had never heard of Oswald until the assassination. No mention of Clay Shaw or Clay Bertrand. He said Ferrie talked about how Castro was getting a bad deal, and that Castro was a good thing in Cuba. Ferrie had a roommate who was "sterile" as regards to politics. Russo "forgot" about his conversations with Ferrie after the Warren Report came out. The Baton Rouge State-Times Advocate also ran an article about Perry Russo on February 24, 1967: Russo said Ferrie talked about the "ease with which a President could be assassinated" but that it was just a "general conversation" No party, no meeting and nobody else was there. The Baton Rouge Advocate ran an article on February 25, 1967: Some comments: Russo did not take Ferrie's comments "seriously" until he saw Ferrie's picture in the newspapers upon his death. Even after JFK was assassinated, Russo did not think of this conversation with David Ferrie. One of Russo's friends also made the Baton Rouge State-Times Advocate on February 25, 1967.: So, how do conspiracy theorists treat the story told by Perry Russo in Baton Rouge? Here's Jim Garrison from On The Trail of The Assassins: (page 151) "When he [Russo] heard about our investigation, Russo wrote us a letter, but we never received it. Later he met a reporter from the Baton Rouge State-Times and in an interview the morning of Friday, February 24, he told him about a meeting he had attended at Ferrie's apartment at which the assassination of President Kennedy had been discussed." Garrison doesn't just ignore Russo's Baton Rouge story - he just changes it. James DiEugenio makes it seem like Russo had the same story from day one. Here is an excerpt from his book, Destiny Betrayed: (page 217) "In February of 1967, Perry Russo was a young insurance salesman living in Baton Rouge. .He had also been a former friend of David Ferrie. Russo had written to Garrison when he became aware of his investigation, but the letter was never delivered. Russo then gave interviews to both a local TV station and a reporter from the Baton Rouge State-Times. When the interviews appeared, Garrison immediately sent Andrew Sciambra, a young assistant DA, to take a deposition from Russo in Baton Rouge. Russo said he had known Ferrie fairly well and had attended a gathering at Ferrie's apartment in mid-September of 1963. He revealed that, late in the evening, after most had left, he, Ferrie, two of Ferrie's friends, and several Cuban exiles remained. Russo had brought two friends to Ferrie's that night, Sandra Moffett and Niles Peterson. Both left early, but Peterson later remembered a man named Leon Oswald. By the time the discussion took place, both of Russo's friends were gone. Almost everyone else had left except Ferrie, Leon Oswald, and a tall, distinguished, white-haired man named Clem Bertrand." DiEugenio continues for several paragraphs and repeats the Russo story told in New Orleans after the hypnosis and sodium pentothal. He makes it all sound seamless - that Russo told one consistent story from the start. When first edition of Destiny Betrayed came out, James Phelan sent a letter. on October 9, 1992, to Ellen Ray, co-owner of Sheridan Square Press, publisher of Destiny Betrayed and On The Trail of the Assassins: "DiEugenio uses a different tactic. He falsified what Russo said when initially interviewed. See pages 143-145 in his book. He takes what Russo said under hypnosis in New Orleans, and moves it back a week to Baton Rouge. He thus falsely transforms Russo to a consistent witness who told only one story. This requires him to censor extensive passages of the trial record and eliminate the cause of Garrison's court disaster." I don't know if Ellen Ray sent a copy of the letter to James DiEugenio. What I do know is that DiEugenio did not change his text from the first edition of Destiny Betrayed to the second. Tomorrow: Another look at Perry Russo and his interview with James Phelan in Baton Rouge. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q took another step toward moving its headquarters from downtown San Antonio with City Council approval Thursday of the sale of about 57 acres on the West Side. The popular barbecue chains corporate offices and commissary have been at Santa Rosa Avenue and Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard since 1971. Its catering operation also is based nearby. Its new site, at the northwest corner of Texas 151 and Old Highway 90, has been owned by the city since it acquired the land as part of a lawsuit settlement in the mid-1990s. In January 2020, an independent appraiser assessed the propertys value at nearly $3.1 million. The city received an offer from Brazos De Santos Partners Ltd. to buy it for that amount on behalf of the Miller family, who own Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. On ExpressNews.com: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q plans to move downtown HQ to San Antonio's West Side Its unclear what the company plans to do with its downtown buildings on about 3.4 acres, which are assessed at $12.2 million, according to the Bexar Appraisal District. Jim Guy Egbert, the companys president and CEO, said Monday he would not be available until at least Friday to discuss the move. District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said she has focused since taking office on drawing more businesses to the area where Bill Millers operations will be relocated. Theres a lot of activity thats been going on, she said during the council meeting Thursday. Im grateful to see this development go up ... I know that theyll be good neighbors. Im excited to have them there. The proceeds from the sale will be deposited in the citys general fund. madison.iszler@express-news.net Angelina Jolie was an Oscar winner for the drama Girl, Interrupted before she was 25. She spent the next decade or so pursuing the kind of career Tom Cruise or Denzel Washington had, mixing a few prestige products with lots of thrillers. The critics may not have loved them, but moviegoers applauded Rotten Tomatoes shows her audience scores are typically much higher than critics scores during those years and Jolie became one of the highest-paid, and most famous, actors in Hollywood. Her relationships with Billy Bob Thornton and Brad Pitt were tabloid fodder for years. The starring roles, and headlines, have been fewer in recent years as Jolie has focused on her family and her work with the United Nations in support of refugees. But shes back on screen this week in a new thriller, Those Who Wish Me Dead, playing a survival expert trying to protect a teenage boy from a pair of killers and an out-of-control wildfire. Its a reminder of the career the actress, now 45, had and could have again. Here are five other Angelina Jolie thrillers you can watch at home now. The Bone Collector (1999): Jolie teams up with Denzel Washington in this adaptation of the first book in Jeffrey Deavers bestselling Lincoln Rhyme series. Washington plays Rhyme, a genius criminologist who was paralyzed in an on-the-job accident. Jolie is the beat cop he recruits to be his eyes and arms and legs in the field. Together they follow the trail of a serial killer who is re-creating notorious murders committed in old New York. They get help from a strong supporting cast, including Queen Latifah, Luis Guzman and Ed ONeill. Where to see: AMC+. Original Sin (2001): This period melodrama is the only movie on this list that doesnt pretend not to notice the beauty of its stars; it basically wallows in it. Antonio Banderas plays a wealthy Cuban businessman, Jolie his American mail-order bride. In an effort to guard against a gold-digging bride, his ad makes him sound poor, and her response makes her sound plain. Whos conning whom? The fact that she narrates her tale from jail may be a clue. Silly and steamy. Where to see: Tubi and Pluto TV. Taking Lives (2004): FBI profiler Illeana Scott (Jolie), who likes to soak in the tub surrounded by crime-scene photos, is dispatched to Quebec to help catch a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims. She soon becomes involved with a witness to one of the crimes, an art gallery owner played by Ethan Hawke. Illeana may not immediately realize hes the killer, but everyone watching the movie will, even if they never quite figure out how or why. Theyll probably keep watching, though, because of D.J. Carusos stylish direction, Phil Glass compulsive score and the charming scenes of life in Montreal. Where to see: Tubi. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): This action-fueled romantic comedy is best remembered as the movie where Angelina met Brad, but it has its moments, even if theyre mostly borrowed from other films: Mission: Impossible, War of the Roses, Prizzis Honor, even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Jolie and Pitt are a married couple who, unknown to each other, work as assassins for rival secret organizations. Of course theyre each sent to kill the other, which leads to the movies funniest exchange: I missed you, he says when he gets home. I missed you, too, she replies. Where to see: IMDb TV. Salt (2010): Jolie plays CIA officer Evelyn Salt in her most Tom Cruise-like role, which sees her jumping off speeding trucks and peeling off rubbery disguises. When a Russian defector accuses Salt of being a sleeper agent programmed to kill a political leader, she goes on the run to clear her name. Scratch that. She goes on the run to do sleeper agent stuff and kill the political leader. That would be a really bad ending, but thankfully, the movies only half over, so there clearly are some twists to come. Where to see: AMC+ and Hulu. jkiest@express-news.net | Twitter: @en_salife A COVID-19 patient on oxygen support waits in an ambulance outside the District Hospital Koti, in Hyderabad, on Friday, May 7, 2021. (Photo: PTI/File) Hyderabad: The Telangana state government on Thursday made authorisation mandatory for the entry of Covid patents from other states. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar issued a memo in this regard, which was communicated to the chief secretaries of neighbouring states. The government invoked the provisions of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Disaster Management Act, 2005 in support of its decision. Referring to several people rushing to the city for hospitalisation without prior tie-up with any hospital, the Chief Secretary said such patients would not only lose precious time in moving from one hospital to another but also potentially spread the infection of different strains. The Chief Secretarys communique to the chief secretaries comes after the Telangana High Court described stopping ambulances at the states borders as inhuman and against the Constitution. The court gave clear direction to not stop ambulances at the borders. The Chief Secretary, however, came up with a procedure according to which the hospital should apply in the prescribed format to the state government, giving details of the name of the patient, age, attendant name, mobile number and type of bed reserved and care required. They should send these details to control room with phone number 040-24651119, Whatsapp to 9494438251 and email to idsp@telangana.gov.in. On receiving the details, the control room will issue authorisation based on which the patient can come to Telangana state for hospitalisation. The Chief Secretary asked the neighbouring states administration to give wide publicity of the arrangement for the benefit of people. Larry W. Smith/Getty Images A San Antonio man has been arrested after Google told police he emailed images of child pornography to himself, an arrest affidavit said. Brandon Garza, 22, was charged with two counts of promoting child pornography and one count of continuous sex abuse of a child. A fire destroyed a popular restaurant in Leon Springs early Thursday morning, taking with it a piece of casual dining history. San Antonio firefighters arrived to find The Grill at Leon Springs, located at 24100 Interstate 10 in northwest Bexar County, engulfed in flames and its chimney collapsed. According to the San Antonio Fire Department, firefighters were forced to fight the fire from outside the building after a part of its roof collapsed. Firefighters knocked down the fire in less than 25 minutes but remained on the scene for several hours to keep it from flaring up. On ExpressNews.com: Standoff near a South Side H-E-B ends peacefully Officials on the scene said one of their concerns was to keep the fire from spreading to the adjacent Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q restaurant, which is only separated from the now-destroyed building by a walkway. No other buildings were damaged by the fire, but the restaurant was a total loss, officials said. The eatery informed its customers of the fire in a Facebook post Thursday morning. "This is a huge hit to The Grill family, all our staff, and loyal customers," the post said. Soon after, messages of support began to pour in for the restaurant that once housed the first Romano's Macaroni Grill in 1988. The establishment would go on to become a national chain. The building was later sold to chef Thierry Burkle and restaurateur Armand Obadia. When the pair opened The Grill at Leon Springs in 2006, it made waves not just because Leon Springs suffered from a shortage of nice places to eat, but because hopeful acolytes saw it as an extension of the magic Burkle and Obadia already had built with their Alamo Heights French restaurant LEtoile. When LEtoile closed in 2009, the burden of its legacy fell on The Grill, one it bore gracefully at times, uncomfortably at others. The menu reflected a hodgepodge aesthetic, representing Asian, French, Mexican, Spanish, Italian and American influences, emanating from a kitchen where tortilla soup, tempura shrimp, Thai snapper and Italian pasta bolognese all found a place under Burkles watchful eye. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's best fine dining: The Grill at Leon Springs The restaurant itself exuded a dowagers sense of style, from its blue neon star over a hacienda facade to its stone lodge interior grafted with ferns and fancy glass pendant shades, a place that always felt like stepping back into whatever was fashionable 10 years ago. More recently, Burkle entered the downtown San Antonio restaurant scene with Bunz Handcrafted Burgers, a craft hamburger operation on East Houston Street that recently earned a spot on the Express-News Top 15 Burgers list. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire. Express-News dining critic Mike Sutter contributed to this report. taylor.pettaway@express-news.net Google Maps La Vernia Independent School District on Wednesday closed its high school through May 18 "out of an abundance of caution" after a student who attended prom last weekend tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to parents. The students were sent home early Wednesday after school officials learned about the positive test. The students will attend class virtually until the campus reopens May 19, the letter said. A bill opposed by both environmental and some oil interests that would have given a nuclear waste company in West Texas a big break on state fees failed to receive a vote in the Texas House before a key deadline this week. House Bill 2692, which also would have banned the most dangerous type of radioactive waste from entering Texas for disposal under state law, was blocked from advancing by a point of order brought by state Reps. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, and Harold Dutton, D-Houston. It was sent back to committee and failed to be voted out a second time before Monday, the last day House committees could report measures and have a chance of passing. State Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, whose district includes Andrews County, where the nuclear waste company Waste Control Specialists operates, had sought in the legislation to stop a plan to build a 332-acre site in West Texas near the New Mexico border to store the riskiest type of nuclear waste: spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants, which can remain dangerously radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years. But opponents of the bill including Craddick, whose district is nearby said the legislation wasnt strong enough to stop the federal government from forcing Texas to take the dangerous materials. Opponents believe the primary purpose of the legislation was to give the company a break on fees it pays for its existing lower-level radioactive waste disposal facility. This legislation would have not added the protections needed, Craddick wrote in a statement saying he killed Landgrafs bill. Walking back on a promise to the Permian Basin is not an option. Craddick and Dutton who is known for bringing successful points of order blocked the bill on the grounds that the bills analysis does not adequately explain the legislation. Landgraf appeared taken aback by the opposition and apologized to the House for taking up time on what he thought would be a bipartisan bill to ban high-level nuclear waste from coming to Texas. It was never my intention for this bill to be a contentious issue, Landgraf said. He said that stakeholders agreed to the language in the bill in March. Waste Control Specialists has been disposing of the nations low-level nuclear waste, including tools, building materials and protective clothing exposed to radioactivity, for a decade in Andrews County. The company is currently pursuing, with a partner, a federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission license to store spent nuclear fuel on a site adjacent to its existing facility, a plan that both environmentalists and some oil companies that operate in the region have long opposed. Landgrafs bill would have reduced some state fees on the existing lower-level waste facility. With states in Texas radioactive waste compact, which currently include only Texas and Vermont, the bill would have eliminated a 5 percent fee that now goes to Texas and cut the fee on waste from other states from 20 percent to 5 percent. In a written statement, Waste Control Specialists President and Chief Operating Officer David Carlson said the company remains committed to working closely with our community, our regulators, and the State of Texas to ensure the facility remains viable, safe, and an asset to the state and the states economy, and thanked Landgraf for his work on the legislation. Environmental and consumer groups opposed the bill along with the states GOP, which called it a bad bill and terrible for communities in an April 29 tweet from the partys official account. Adrian Shelley, director for Public Citizen, an Austin environmental and consumer advocacy group, said the fee reductions were his primary concern because it would have left the state with less money to clean up the site if an accident ever occurred. The bill, front and back, was pretty concerning, he said. Its not the first time elected officials have blocked a fee reduction for the company in the Legislature. In 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a widely supported bipartisan bill to protect domestic violence survivors because an amendment was erroneously added to delay an increase to a surcharge and state fee paid by Waste Control Specialists. Opponents said they are concerned that the idea to reduce fees on the facility is not dead; until the Texas Legislature adjourns on May 31, lawmakers may still file last-minute amendments or emergency legislation. We expect (Waste Control Specialists) will try to sneak it in somewhere, somehow, again, like they did last session, when they snuck it on to the domestic violence bill, said Karen Hadden, the executive director of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Coalition, an alliance of businesses and organizations that opposes the nuclear waste facility. In a statement to the Tribune, Landgraf said he has other important work to focus on this session. It is highly unlikely that a statutory ban on the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Texas, or any other provisions contained within HB 2692, will be achieved this legislative session, Landgraf said. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Potential tenants can no longer be denied housing because of how they pay their rent if their landlords are partners with the city. The San Antonio City Council approved a housing policy Thursday morning that requires rental projects that partner with the city to accept Section 8 and Veterans Affairs housing vouchers as a source of income. The ordinance removes barriers for those seeking affordable housing, according to Veronica Soto, director of neighborhood and housing services. The vouchers are designed to bridge the gap between the market rate rent and what a person can afford, Soto said. The new policy only applies to projects that get incentive contracts - such as grants, loans or tax abatements - with the city after the ordinance is in effect. Previously approved projects will not be affected. On ExpressNews.com: Future San Antonio developments may risk losing funding if they deny tenants with housing vouchers The ordinance was first considered by council April 15 as the Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance, but the vote was postponed for further discussion. The measure also was later renamed the Housing Voucher Incentive Policy. Councilmen Manny Pelaez, of District 8, and Clayton Perry, of District 10, were against the original version of the ordinance, which included criminal charges as a potential consequence for violators. Pelaez said the ordinance would threaten our partners. After hammering out the details in a special briefing the next week, the ordinance now specifies different consequences for housing providers who refuse voucher holders. Violators will receive a written warning and need to complete compliance training after their first violation. A second violation requires more training and a $500 fee, and housing providers who violate the agreement a third time will get a notice of default, which will state a deadline to cure the violation. If the housing provider doesnt fix the issue, the city will terminate the incentive agreement and recapture its awarded funds. The provider would also be barred from future incentive programs with the city. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio seeks to float bonds for affordable housing Tenants can file complaints by calling 311. The city will also conduct proactive testing to ensure partners are abiding by the agreement by calling landlords as potential tenants with vouchers. The San Antonio Apartment Association supported the ordinance. In a letter to council Wednesday, Teri Bilby, the associations executive director, said the multi-strategy approach will better address the challenges and opportunities of the voucher program by not just requiring rental developments receiving incentives to accept vouchers, but also by providing education and by partnering with the rental housing industry. Perry was still skeptical at Thursdays meeting and wanted data to prove that this is an issue that needs to be fixed. Still, he said hed vote in favor of the policy. Ultimately, the ordinance passed unanimously. As of late March, about 14,800 San Antonio households use vouchers, most of which are with the San Antonio Housing Authority. About two-thirds of San Antonio Housing Authority voucher holders are women, according to Brandee Perez, chief operating officer. In 2020, more than half of San Antonio voucher holders were unable to find housing within the first three months, Soto said in a previous meeting. The ordinance is one of the many steps the city is taking toward implementing the San Antonio Housing Policy Framework, approved by the Mayors Housing Policy Task Force in 2018. Im grateful that those who are voucher dependent will not have a barrier to the housing that exists, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. We are going to be leveraging our own assets as a public to ensure that those who are most vulnerable in our community do not have a barrier to access. liz.hardaway@hearst.com | Twitter: @liz_hardaway San Antonio budget officials predict a long road to the citys economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic complicating city leaders plans for the next few years. Still, signs of the citys recovery abound, officials told City Council members Wednesday. As more people get doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, shoppers and diners are spending more at stores, bars and restaurants driving up sales tax revenue. Travelers are slowly filling hotel rooms and planes flying in and out of San Antonio International Airport. Homebuilders are more productive now than before the world ever heard of COVID-19. The citys unemployment rate is falling but still is not down to pre-pandemic levels. It will likely take years for the citys economy to fully recover particularly the travel and tourism industry, hit hard as COVID-19 spread last year. Passenger traffic to the San Antonio airport wont likely bounce back for another two years, the citys budget director Scott Huizenga told council members Wednesday. He predicted hotels wouldnt see the number of guests they saw before COVID-19 until 2025. As a result, the city is preparing for $187 million in revenue losses over the next five years as sales tax receipts from hotel room bookings and events at the Alamodome and Convention Center slowly recover. Separately, the city will likely have to look for $150 million in cuts to its general fund budget which pays for services such as police and fire protection, streets and infrastructure and parks. The economy is improving, but a lot of uncertainty does remain, Huizenga said. A silver lining: San Antonio is slated to get $465.5 million out of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill President Joe Biden signed into law in March, to help the city plug budget holes, fund programs to keep people in their homes and maintain operations at San Antonio International Airport, among other things. Were on the verge of unprecedented levels of stimulus funding to give a shot in the arm to the economy as we move forward, Huizenga said. And, in the short term, the city has seen better-than-expected revenue from sales taxes and development fees allowing officials to bring back some of the $87 million in spending they cut last year as the pandemic sapped the citys coffers. That includes $16.2 million in street maintenance and $5.8 million in pay increases for city employees. Many council members agreed they should try to find some way to restore funding whether its through federal dollars or their own to arts agencies the city cut off last year. Graciela Sanchez, who heads the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, implored the council Wednesday to dig into the stimulus for money to fund the arts. City officials said they are combing through federal guidelines on how to spend money out of the American Rescue Plan. We are the corazon de San Antonio, so please consider these funds, Sanchez said. The city shouldnt rule out dipping into its own reserves in order to make up for potential budget shortfalls, District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry said. In the past, city officials have resisted the idea for fear it would damage the citys borrowing ability. If we have some critical areas that we cant fill the gaps with, I think that should be on the table also, Perry said. City budget writers will soon begin banging out the citys spending plan for next year. The $1.29 billion general fund is expected to stay relatively flat year over year. District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez had a warning for his fellow council members. Everybody expects their piece of the budget, Pelaez said. But quite honestly, what Im hearing is not everybodys going to get the piece that they were expecting this time around. Were all just going to have to swallow that difficult pill. The gloves are off in the campaigning for San Antonio City Councils District 9 runoff election June 5. Repeat challenger Patrick Von Dohlen, who had already labeled Councilman John Courage a Socialist and Marxist, now is circulating reports that Courage is endorsed by prominent Democrats. City Council races are officially nonpartisan, but Von Dohlen, who lost to Courage in 2017 and 2019, issued an urgent appeal to fellow Republicans on Tuesday stating his opponent had solicited the help of gun-grabbing Beto ORourke and ultra-leftist Wendy Davis, former statewide candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor, respectively. Actually, no such appeals or endorsements have been made, nor would they be accepted, Courage said in a statement released the same day. I do not serve as a partisan, Courage said. The only endorsements I care about are the ones given by the voters of District 9, whom I have served faithfully and enthusiastically for these past four years. His staff said Von Dohlen made a similar claim last week at a meeting of the Heart de San Antonio Republican Women. In response to the mention of ORourke and Davis, two women in attendance can be heard saying, Oh, my gosh on a recording of the event they provided. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio city elections are non-partisan, and heres why Its really too bad that my opponent feels he needs to frighten all those Republican women, Courage said in an interview. Hes just making all this up. People judge me by my work. Von Dohlen has not returned repeated calls seeking comment. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio councilman John Courage, a Democrat in a GOP-friendly district, seeks third term Courage won a plurality in the May 1 election with 47 percent of the vote to Von Dohlens 36 percent in a field of four candidates. Their national party alignments are no mystery. Von Dohlen, a financial planner, stirs his supporters with charges that Courage supports federally-funded abortion on demand, defunding the police and the radical Marxist Black Lives Matter movement. Courage, a retired school teacher and Air Force police officer, has made unsuccessful runs as a Democrat for Congress and the state Senate. He points to his vote for a current city budget that increased funding for police and says he has been able to win twice in a district that went 60 percent for Donald Trump in November by staying focused on neighborhood priorities like potholes, sidewalks and street lights. bselcraig@express-news.net Sister Margit Nagy hesitates to say shes really, truly retiring. She prefers to say shes taking a break from full-time teaching. But make no mistake: Its the end of an era. At last weekends graduation ceremony at Our Lady of the Lake University, Nagy, 78, concluded a remarkable 42-year teaching career a half century if you include her service in Texas Catholic schools. Shes the last member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, which established the university, to teach on its full-time faculty. OLLU president Diane Melby said its now the responsibility of every faculty member to carry the legacy and advance the mission of our founders as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary. Nagys emeritus status marks another notable point on the Lakes timeline. Its a reminder of the declining numbers of Catholic nuns and priests in the U.S., another passing of the baton at a San Antonio institution of higher learning that has focused on serving Mexican American and Mexican students. OLLU has trained a large cadre of first-generation college graduates, among them educators, social workers and social justice advocates. In 1968, it famously hosted a U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearing on discrimination against Mexican Americans in the Southwest, a proceeding that sent reverberations across the country. OLLU says it was the first university in the state to establish a bilingual education program for teachers in South Texas and the first in the state to establish a weekend degree program. Thirteen years ago this month, its iconic main building withstood a devastating fire. OLLU pulled through and grew stronger. Now, it sits adjacent to a beautifully renovated city park along Elmendorf Lake, a picture-perfect setting for university life. OLLU has never forgotten where it is. Nagy started teaching history there when 30 other members of the congregation were on the faculty. She co-founded the universitys Center for Women in Church and Society. She did post-doctoral research at the University of Tokyo School of Law as a Fulbright visiting professor, and she pioneered coursework on modern Asia and modern Japan. Theres much to unpack about her life. It began in Budapest at the start of World War II. Nagy said her family lived through bombing raids carried out by Americans by day and the British by night. Nagy said her father, a Navy man, helped the family escape Hungary by leading a flotilla out of the city in 1942. At age 2, she was a refugee. Her family lived in refugee camps in Austria and Germany before reaching the United States, stopping in New Orleans before settling in San Antonio. She attended the long-shuttered St. Marys School downtown. She recalls being drawn to others who were different and who, like her, didnt speak English. Nagy was called to religious life early, enrolling at age 13 in a school run by the Sisters of Divine Providence for young women interested in religious life. She eventually chose Asia as her field of study, inspired by a fellow nun from South Asia. It was a part of the world that we learned about when they did something to us, or we did something to them, Nagy said. At the University of Washington, she earned a masters degree and a doctorate with a focus on modern and pre-modern Japanese history, modern Chinese history and U.S. social and urban history. She studied in Japan, living with Japanese Catholic nuns who were first-generation Christians. She traveled to South Korea, China and the Philippines. Because she spoke Japanese, she participated in San Antonios Sister City relationship with Kumamoto and was president of the Japan America Society of San Antonio. She was honored by the Japanese government for promoting understanding between the two countries. She worked with Japanese exchange students, and she saw how the experience challenged their preconceptions about people of color and poor people in this country. Nothing could have changed their minds more than their interactions with OLLU students, she said. The university will do fine without her, she said. It will remain successful if it stays true to its mission and encourages people to be knowledgeable about their roots. Above all, it should teach the importance of maintaining an inviting heart, she said. Nagy sees her retirement as more of a sabbatical. Shell focus on research, writing and thinking. She plans to translate her uncles memoir from Hungarian to English. A Marianist priest, he chronicled life under Nazism and Soviet communism. Nagy also plans to write about her familys experience as refugees, and she says shell teach a class perhaps her last this summer. eayala@express-news.net Enrollment in Texas traditional public schools declined between 2019 and 2020, according to the Texas Education Agency the first year-to-year decline in the states recorded history. Meanwhile, charter school enrollment seems to have expanded significantly though TEA hasnt released any official estimates. Its likely much of this years shift is due to the pandemic. Yet the growth of the charter sector in Texas is hardly a new phenomenon; the pandemic may simply be accelerating the rate at which parents look outside traditional districts. For charter school supporters, that thought is a slender ray of hope in a very difficult time. But sadly for charter opponents, the pandemic is yet another opportunity to offer by-now-familiar assertions that charter-driven enrollment declines drain money from traditional public schools. For years, opponents of school choice have used this claim as a scare tactic. Yet, according to a new study commissioned by our organization, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, its wrong. The study uses enrollment and fiscal data from 2001 to 2018 to analyze the relationship between the local market share of independent charter schools known as open enrollment charters in Texas and the finances of host school districts in 21 states, including the Lone Star State. The study finds that host districts total revenues per pupil increased as the percentage of local students who enrolled in charter schools rose. For example, a 10 percentage-point increase in Texas students who enrolled in a charter school was associated with a 3 percent increase in the local school districts total revenue per pupil. The study also finds that Texas districts instructional spending per pupil increased as students left for charters. Importantly, these increases werent caused by changes in the types of students host districts enrolled, such as the share of district students who were low-income, eligible for special education or classified as English language learners all designations associated with additional per-pupil funding under state and federal law. So why do Texas school districts with more charters get more money? First, Texas charter schools dont have access to local revenue, but families who send their children to charters still pay local taxes, meaning that host districts have fewer students to serve with the same local dollars. In some cases, wealthy host districts may lose some of those additional dollars because of the states Robin Hood recapture program. However, even in the wealthiest districts, some local funding stays in the district. The other potential reason that host districts wind up with more money per pupil is state funding. Successive generations of Texas legislators have inserted hold harmless provisions into the states funding system from declining enrollment to target revenue. The Texas Legislature has made a good-faith effort to fund charters more equitably in recent years. Yet a recent analysis found the states charters receive significantly less funding per pupil than traditional public schools. Opponents of school choice have been relentless in seeking to deny funding to vulnerable students whose parents dare send them to nondistrict schools. Despite those efforts, urban charter schools outperform their district counterparts, both nationally and in Texas. Some studies have also found that their presence boosts the achievement of students in traditional public schools. From the perspective of Texas students and families, the growth of charter schools is truly a win-win proposition. Michael J. Petrilli is president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Melissa Gutwein is a research intern there. As yet another legislative session moves toward a close this month, we are again watching elected leaders exploit LGBTQ people for political gain and attempt to write discrimination into state law. As a Christian pastor, my heart aches to see people targeted and exploited because they express their God-given identity. But this year, I am particularly shaken by especially cruel bills targeting transgender youth and their families amid the isolation of a pandemic and an increase in hate crimes against our transgender siblings. The intensity of the heartache is palpable in pastoral relationships with parents and children, who express deep fear for their safety and mental and spiritual well-being. It is saddening that our elected officials will further isolate transgender children and their families when access to social support is greatly diminished due to COVID-19. Some bills would effectively ban transgender students from participating in school sports, treating them like outcasts. Others would criminalize age-appropriate, gender-affirming health care for transgender teens. One bill would even brand parents who consent to this medically recommended care as criminal abusers for simply loving and supporting their transgender child. OnExpressNews.com: Editorial: What if military had responded to Guillen's complaints Heres what I believe: We are all Gods children and created in the image of the divine, gay or so-called straight, transgender or cisgender. In Galatians 3:28, Paul asserts there are no male or female, but all are one in Christ Jesus. From this oneness, we all are extended the grace to find our path in this life. That elected leaders would seek to turn transgender youth and their families into political punching bags is contrary to Acts 10:15, which states: What God has made clean, you must not call profane. Such behavior is a violation of Gods spirit that is within each person and thus against God. Supporters of these bills grossly mischaracterize this medical care. But it is actually crafted thoroughly and thoughtfully in consultation among medical experts, parents and guardians, and transgender youth. Withholding this care, the American Medical Association has warned, can have tragic health consequences, both mental and physical. Even so, I have heard lawmakers justify these bills by pointing to their Christian faith perspective. The author of one bill argued on the Senate floor that providing gender-affirming care to transgender children meant trying to reverse Gods creation. That is not my Christian faith perspective. I am always wary of elected leaders who claim to know Gods will and use that as a justification for passing laws about people whose lives they dont understand and who will suffer for it. Transgender children are not a threat to God, nor to our society or to you. In fact, we can learn a lot from them as they embody the costly act of cultivating and expressing the person God created us to be. Thus, for us as churches, transgender youth help us live more fully into being a reflection of the church as Christs body. And for us as a nation, they help us embrace the American motto: E pluribus unum out of many one. I know it can be hard for some people to understand what it means to be transgender, especially if they have never met someone who is. But I hope we can all agree that transgender people, and especially youth, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, just like everyone else. Indeed, my religious faith teaches that we should treat others as we wish to be treated, and through this golden rule of love, we find unity with all people of conscience. Transgender children, like all children, have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and receive the health care they need. These bills would take that possibility away from them in Texas. As people of conscience, the opportunity is before us to hold our elected officials accountable. Now is not the time to play politics with our children or families but to face the multiple crises we have, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the winter storm recovery. The Rev. Andries Coetzee is pastor at University Presbyterian Church in San Antonio (upcsa.org) and a part of Just Texas (justtx.org). Hyderabad: On May 9, Sunday, 84-year-old Satya Broto Dasgupta passed away at his residence in Bharani Colony, Sainikpuri. The peaceful end came, not from Covid or ill-health but of the former soldier of the Indian army having lived his full life at 7.15 am, after he had his cup of tea, lied back on the sofa, and with a smile on his face, told his wife and life partner of over half a century, I think my time to go has come. He died a few minutes later. On getting the news, his only son, Joyanta (Joy for his friends), rushed to Hyderabad for the last rites. His mother, and he, luckily passed the harrowing test of getting a doctor to visit their house and issue a death certificate with little effort. But after the cremation rituals were finally over, given the long queues on Monday, the next day, at the Bharani Colony crematorium in Neredmet, Joy had his first shock the crematorium could not give him a receipt. Satya Broto Dasgupta Joy, whose full name is Col. Joy Dasgupta, SM, is currently serving as the Commanding Officer, 129 Infantry Batallion (TA), ECO, JAK LI, and is posted at Jammu and Kashmir. With just a few days of his emergency leave left to return to his post on Indias borders, his little time left to be with his mother in the moment of grief began to be consumed in tackling an issue of getting, or at least, to apply for the death certificate. The family could make peace with the death, or given the pandemic the lack of a proper funeral, which would have been possible during normal times. But that a man who has worked for the Indian Army, Corp, EME, and subsequently, the national space agency, the National Remote Sensing Agency, Department of Space, would not even have a receipt of his funeral, making it impossible to apply for an official death certificate, did shake the stoic family. The in-charge of the crematorium told us that they cannot issue a receipt because the GHMC has not given them a new receipt book. Given the high number of deaths, it seems to have run out of it and they cannot give anything for now, revealed Mathie, a childhood friend of Col. Dasgupta. The GHMC app does not provide for any complaints to be registered on the issue of death certificates. As per the app, only can only retrieve digitally signed death certificates available on the system. A call to the call centre had the agent say that requests for issuing of receipt books to crematoria cannot be taken up virtually or at the call centre. Please visit the Malkajgiri GHMC office physically, the call centre agent informed. When contacted by Deccan Chronicle, GHMC commissioner Lokesh Kumar did not respond or even reply to a question requesting to be pointed to someone else who could help if he was busy. A slightly distraught Col. Joy Dasgupta, incidentally, is a rare breed amongst society and people. He is a war hero, decorated for his bravery in Kargil. As a Major in 18 Grenadiers, winner of the Sena Medal, on June 13, 1999, the Indian Army records, (https://bit.ly/3fgnHRb) on its official website, Dasgupta, a Coy Cdr of assaulting coy, was tasked to launch an attack on a tactically important feature HUMP. Undaunted by resistance from well-fortified and well stocked intruders and difficulty posed by the hostile, snow-capped terrain over 15,000 feet, the officer instilled confidence and motivation in his men. While advancing one enemy bunker with two Machine Guns which seriously impeded the advance of the assaulting column, he displayed quick response and forethought and moved with a small team to tackle the enemy position with total disregard to his personal safety. He closed in on the bunker and charged inside killing four intruders in close combat, the citation salutes. Further, it says, His action motivated his troops to press on. In an ably led operation of twenty hours, spread over the night and next afternoon despite severe cold and fatigue, he was able to capture Hump, obviating enemys observation and domination over Drass, Tololing and Bhimbat Nala. Maj Joy Dasgupta displayed exceptional courage, bravery, astute tactical planning and able leadership by his personal example in the face of the enemy. He went on to win several decorations from the Indian army for his bravery and leadership subsequently, and was deputed overseas as part of United Nations peace corp. Over two decades ago, an entire country saluted him and his city received him with a welcome befitting a hero. A report in a national magazine (https://bit.ly/3bnBuEJ) described this daredevil thus: INDIA fought on fatal terrain. It fought without equipment like gun-locating radars. But it won because it found unusual men. Up there at Rocky Knob, a spur of Tiger Hill, with a rock as a pillow, lay Major Joy Dasgupta of 18 Grenadiers. His voice was matter-of-fact in a situation that wasnt. He said it was snowing, his mens boots were torn, he was surrounded by 300 mines with unfamiliar mechanisms. Then he says he is getting bored, Give me something else to do. Down at the base, they are laughing, trying desperately to relieve the tension, teasing him about a girl who ran away. Dasgupta, it seems, took leave, went to Hyderabad to get married. But the girls family refused, saying they didnt know if he was going to come back. Alive. His friends tease, If I say, bhagi hui ladki aa rahi hai? Replies the laconic Dasgupta, Sir, tab hum Lahore chale jayenge. Surrounded by three hundred mines and he is talking about girls. That was 1999. Today, in the age of a pandemic, Dasgupta confronts a problem to many a war hero. A nation that forgets too quickly and does not care. He is not asking for recognition as a man who has risked his life. He is not asking for anything more than, as a son, be told how to get a death certificate for his father. Analysts of warfare and military affairs have over the years highlighted the significance of his actions. As per Bharat Rakshak ( https://bit.ly/3honpdF ), the importance of this victory cannot be underestimated. Re-taking Tololing was truly the turning point of the war. Today, he is just waiting for his neighbourhood crematorium to be provided a receipt book so he can fight the maze of bureaucratic processes to get a death certificate for his deceased father. Or at least to apply for it. It is not a heroic wait. Major (retired) Jason Jacob Jesu, another Hyderabadi hero in uniform, decorated twice, winner of the Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal, who has never met Joy and only heard of him, reacted saying, a war hero mourns the death of his father, a veteran. He shouldnt have to run from pillar to post for a death certificate. He will, of course, go back soon to the frontier to serve the nation. He shouldnt have to carry this bureaucratic burden. Yes, with or without a piece of paper, a soldier and officer like him will go back to his post at the border and fight for India, even if no one will fight for him, his family, or care. Because he, like his father, cares much more for the idea of India. And always will. In life, or death, or beyond. By the time the angry mob met the Greyhound bus carrying civil rights activists as it rolled into Anniston, Ala., on May 14, 1961, the civil rights movement was in a lull. The sit-ins of Southern lunch counters had been a year earlier. The first of the historic Alabama campaigns, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, ended in 1956, and the campaigns in Birmingham and Selma were two and four years away. Racism was entrenched, the walls of segregation still in place as the fight to root out and overcome these evils continued. But the fight wasnt often publicized. What was needed was a dramatic, nonviolent action that would spotlight a wrong and push Southern racists to commit, in public, the violence they usually committed in private. It happened during the sit-ins, it would happen in Birmingham and Selma, and it was about to happen in Anniston. Sixty years ago this month, the Freedom Rides were initiated to challenge and publicize segregation in public transportation. Like Montgomery, buses would be the vehicle of protest. But the boycott was about Black citizens refusing to ride city buses, for more than a year, to force a change in laws. By contrast, Black and white passengers sat together on the bus pulling into Anniston to see if changes in the laws were being followed. The rides, organized by James Farmer, director of the Congress of Racial Equality, would test if Southern states were complying with a pair of Supreme Court decisions Morgan v. Virginia (1946), which ruled segregation on interstate buses and trains illegal, and Boynton v. Virginia (1960), which declared segregated bathrooms, waiting rooms and lunch counters illegal. The Freedom Riders understood the maelstrom of hate and violence awaiting them. They went anyway. The original group of 13 were seven African Americans and six whites. Among them was a future congressman and icon, 21-year-old John Lewis. They left Washington, D.C., on a Greyhound bus on May 4, heading to New Orleans. In Rock Hill, S.C., on May 12, Lewis and two other Freedom Riders, including a white World War II veteran, were beaten in the bus terminal. In Atlanta, some of the Riders got on a Trailways bus to Birmingham. When the Greyhound arrived in Anniston on Mothers Day, a mob of about 200 white people were waiting. The bus driver kept going, but the mob got in cars and followed. After the buss tires blew out, a bomb was hurled into the bus, which erupted in flames. The mob tried to keep the door closed, hoping the Riders would burn to death. The Riders escaped, but as they did, they were beaten. The photograph of the bus engulfed in fire was seen around the world and is one of the most iconic images of the civil rights era. Later that day, when the Trailways bus arrived in Birmingham, the other Freedom Riders were beaten with metal pipes. There would be more rides and more violence, but there would also be more Americans, outraged and inspired by what they saw, who would go south and become Freedom Riders. The Freedom Rides led to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy petitioning the Interstate Commerce Commission to ban segregation in interstate bus travel and to enforce the ban, which went into effect Nov. 1, 1961. Down the road from the Freedom Rides phase of the civil rights movement would come the Birmingham campaign, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Selma campaign, leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Freedom Riders were a literal representation of our nations ongoing journey to expand democracy and equal rights. We thank and remember them for their courage and patriotism in overcoming mobs and fighting to stop voter suppression. Yet as a reminder of the unfinished journey, we are thanking them in a year in which we must overcome mobs, stop voter suppression, and continue the fight for democracy and equality. Fairfield educator to become new Westport assistant principal The Westport Board of Education announced Parthena Penny Proskinitopoulos will be the new Staples High School assistant principal, effective July 1. Proskinitopoulos was a social studies teacher with the Fairfield Public Schools from 2006 to 2014 when she assumed the role of technology integration specialist. This past year, Proskinitopoulos served as an interim assistant principal at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. Proskinitopoulos holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from St. Johns University and both a masters of arts in teaching and sixth year diploma in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University. Proskinitopoulos also has a doctorate of educational leadership from the University of Bridgeport. Art exhibit featuring artwork with various items An art exhibition titled: John Knuth: The Dawn is opening at the Hollis Taggart art gallery in Southport on Saturday, May 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Knuth will be present at the event. The exhibition will then be on view through July 3, at the art gallery. The art exhibition is going to feature works made with the help of household flies, snake venom and horseshoe crabs. Hollis Taggart Southport is located at 330 Pequot Ave., in Southport. Knuth is a Los Angeles based artist. Kiwanis Club of Fairfield assists Project from the Heart volunteers In honor of Memorial Day, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield recently assisted Project from the Heart volunteers with their weekly assembling of We Care boxes for the U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group also presented a donation to help defray the postage costs associated with mailing the packages. Mary Lou Edwards accepted the donation from Kiwanis member Dirk Vanderblue along with several retired police wives, and concerned Connecticut residents. Visit www.fairfieldkiwanis.org to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield. Fairfield Police commemorating National Police Fairfield Chief of Police Robert Kalamaras and the Fairfield Police Department are honoring fallen officers during National Police Week, which spans May 9 to 15. The week is observed across the U.S. as a way to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, also May 15, Fairfield Police will join agencies nationwide in flying its flags at half-staff. Fairfield Police will also be grilling and providing meals for all Fairfield Police personnel throughout the week. The grill, donated by Fairfield resident Daniel Blanco, is the latest addition to the departments new outdoor break area for sworn and civilian personnel. During this week, we honor and remember those who have lost their lives protecting the communities they serve, Kalamaras said. We also recognize our current officers who continue to selflessly serve. Every year, 25,000 to 40,000 law enforcement officers from around the world would normally gather in Washington, D.C. to pay their respects during a number of planned events. Though this years in-person events are canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a candlelight vigil was held virtually on May 13. A total of 362 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2020 and 119 have been killed so far in 2021, according to the Fairfield Police Department. Tax relief applications due Any new applications for the seniors and disabled tax relief program are due by May 14. Anyone currently receiving benefits will not need to reapply this year and will continue their benefits at the same level. More information is available on the towns website. Dogs allowed off leash again First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick announced shes lifting the restrictions requiring all dogs remain on leashes at the towns open spaces effective immediately. The rules and regulations for open space properties will be restored to their pre-pandemic limits. The rules require all dogs to be kept under voice command or leash control at all times on open space areas. Pets that cannot be controlled by voice commands must be kept on leash. All dogs must be leashed within 100 feet of parking lots or picnic areas. Effective April 1 dogs are not allowed on public beaches. Kupchick said the decision was made in consultation with the towns health director and is concisent with the state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Make Music Day returning to Fairfield Make Music Day is returning to Fairfield June 21. Make Music Day Fairfield is the Fairfield chapter of the global event happening every year on the summer solstice, also June 21, every year. It is an open invitation for all people to make, enjoy, perform, teach, learn, and experience music on the longest day of the year. Visit www.makemusicday.org/fairfield for more information. All Make Music Day events are free, and open to the public. Participants who wish to perform, or to host musical events, may register at www.fairfield.makemusicday.org. A full schedule of events will be posted on the website in early June. WASHINGTON (AP) Former White House counsel Don McGahn will answer questions in private from the House Judiciary Committee in an apparent resolution of a longstandin dispute over his testimony, according to a court document filed Wednesday evening. Democrats who run the committee have sought McGahn's testimony for two years as part of an investigation of potential obstruction of justice by former President Donald Trump during special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. They pressed ahead with the subpoena even after President Joe Biden took office in January. Under an agreement negotiated by the committee and Justice Department, McGahn will only be questioned about information attributed to him in publicly available portions of Mueller's report. The date of the private interview has not been set. A transcript will be made public about a week later, the filing in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, said the agreement is a good-faith compromise that satisfies our subpoena, protects the Committees constitutional duty to conduct oversight in the future, and safeguards sensitive executive branch prerogatives. Trump's Justice Department had fought efforts to have McGahn testify. U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson in 2019 rejected Trump's arguments that his close advisers were immune from congressional subpoena. Biden has nominated Jackson to the appeals court in Washington. The case has been in that court ever since Jackson's ruling. The full appeals court is scheduled to hear the case for a second time next week. The issue is whether the House has authority under the Constitution or federal law to ask courts to enforce a subpoena against an executive branch official. The administration and the House have asked the court to call off the hearing, preferring to reach an agreement rather than risk an unfavorable court ruling. SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) El Salvador's president sent 34,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to seven towns in Honduras on Thursday, responding to video pleas from their mayors posted to social media. The small-scale diplomacy by President Nayib Bukele raised eyebrows in El Salvador and Honduras, but most people agreed that ultimately it would benefit a population in desperate need of vaccine. El Salvador has been more successful than neighboring Honduras and Guatemala in obtaining vaccine, though all lag in vaccinating their people. The highly public move also provided a distraction at a time of growing concern among some Salvadorans and international observers over the consolidation of power in El Salvadors three branches of government by the party led by Bukele, who is highly popular domestically. On Tuesday, the same day Bukele met with White House Special Envoy Ricardo Zuniga, who expressed the U.S. government's reservations about developments in El Salvador, the president received the seven Honduran mayors and told them his government would help. When I saw your videos, what I saw was a little desperation, Bukele told them. I said to the minister and the vaccine people in El Salvador: How can we help? Early Thursday, seven refrigerated trucks left for Honduras carrying the doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In one video, Amable de Jesus Hernandez, mayor of San Jose Colinas, said, Our people are dying of COVID, our government doesnt respond, thats why we come to you. Carlos Galeano, the mayor of Santa Maria del Real, who also traveled to El Salvador for the vaccines, said Thursday he decided to make his plea because he wanted to help his community and the Honduran government was moving too slowly. We didnt do it to confront the government, nor the political party that is in power, Galeano said, responding to critics who suggested the mayors were trying to embarrass Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. We arent causing any damage to the country. Rather, we want to save lives. The towns were to divide the doses according to their respective populations. Galeano said his town was getting 4,000 doses that would be given to senior citizens and teachers. El Salvador has given at least a single dose to nearly 1 million people, less than a quarter of its target population, but it is far ahead of its two Northern Triangle neighbors in obtaining vaccine. It already received 1.9 million doses and expects more shipments in the coming days. Honduras, by contrast, had gotten only about 59,000 vaccine doses before Thursdays donation. In March, Mexican customs agents seized 5,700 doses of purported Sputnik V vaccine from a private plane in the Gulf coast state of Campeche. The Russian Direct Investment Fund identified the doses as fake and a Honduran businessman later said he had been trying to obtain vaccine for his employees and their families. Ida Berenice Molina, the Honduran official in charge of the countrys vaccination program, told local media that the government had not received any official information about the vaccine donation, including the type and expiration date. El Salvadors health secretary, Francisco Alabi, supervised the vaccines departure. We hope that in the coming hours our Central American brothers can begin applying this immunization model we are sharing, he said. To a certain point it is a humanitarian act, said Mario Gamero, head of the El Salvador Infectology Association. In the medical field we are more human than political and so we see it from a more human point of view. He added though that the government cant ignore our patients who urgently deserve the vaccine. Amilcar Santillana, a cab driver in San Salvador, had a similar view You have to help your neighbor, but first you have to vaccinate all Salvadorans, said Santillana, a 55-year-old awaiting his second dose. In Honduras, Fernando Anduray, leader of the governing National Party, suggested Bukele's motivation was political, though he wouldnt complain about more vaccine coming to Honduras. Bukele is in his political game there. Hes pressuring for other things and hes probably using this as a small distraction, Anduray said on Frente a Frente, a Honduran news show. Hes scoring a political point for his purposes in El Salvador and in front of international political opinion. Bukele has offered help to neighbors before. Recently, Costa Ricas government asked the Central American Integration System, the regions economic and political organization, for loans of medicine. El Salvador donated 10,000 doses of the powerful painkiller fentanyl, which is used in COVID-19 patients who require intubation. You dont loan help, you give it without conditions, Bukele said at the time via Twitter. They would have done the same for us. Bukele said Thursdays vaccine donation would not hinder El Salvadors vaccination campaign. He said that the government is vaccinating people as quickly as possible and that scheduled vaccine shipments would give the country a margin for some donations. El Salvador has so far tallied more than 70,000 confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 2,100 deaths from COVID-19. ___ Associated Press writer Marlon Gonzalez in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, contributed to this report. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Ei Hlaing, University of Lynchburg (THE CONVERSATION) One of the first signs of the military coup that overthrew Myanmars democratically elected civilian government was a Facebook Live video of regional lawmaker Pa Pa Han being arrested, which was posted by her husband. Soldiers stormed Pa Pa Hans home around 3 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2021. While her young daughter wailed and her husband pleaded to see an arrest warrant, Pa Pa Han stalwartly grabbed her handbag and a coat and left with the soldiers. Other parliamentarians were simultaneously being roused from bed and arrested across Myanmar by soldiers who claimed election fraud had occurred in the November elections. By daybreak, Myanmar was under military rule. Ever since, thousands of people in Myanmar most of them young, many of them women have been protesting the coup daily and demanding the restoration of democracy. More than 770 civilians had been killed and over 3,738 detained as of May 6, according to the nonprofit Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Myanmar, formerly called Burma, is a conservative country with rigid gender roles. A 2015 survey rated it Southeast Asias most traditional society when it comes to family structure, deference to elders, respect for authority figures and conflict avoidance. Yet Myanmars Generation Z activists, born between 1997 to 2012, are defying many of these social norms with their protests and busting gender stereotypes while theyre at it. A very traditional society One act of creative resistance on March 8 involved hanging womens sarongs on clotheslines above streets across Yangon. The young protesters suspected that many soldiers would avoid going underneath the clotheslines for fear that doing so would diminish their hpon a kind of mojo that belongs to only men. They guessed right: Soldiers sent to arrest the protesters climbed atop their army trucks to clear the clotheslines before passing underneath, giving protesters extra time to avoid arrest. Such beliefs around hpon reflect a pervasive concept in Myanmar that men are superior to women and born with special spiritual protection. In a 2015 Asia Barometer survey, 60% of Myanmar respondents agreed that if they could have only one child, a boy would be preferable, compared with 46% in the Philippines and 30% in Cambodia. Having grown up in Myanmar, I was raised to believe in these same gender roles and sexist superstitions. After being exposed to a U.S. liberal arts education, I came to question the gender inequality buried in traditions and Burmese culture. Now, as a psychologist who teaches about sex and gender, among other topics, I am tracking how Myanmars young protesters are rejecting sexism and subverting gender norms to their advantage. After the sarong tactic, some of those activists questioned whether using sarongs to deter the soldiers might itself have been sexist because it played into old misogynistic superstitions. Shortly after the March 8 protest, activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi wrote on Twitter that womens clothing should be flown proudly as our flag, our victory not used as a weapon. Gender violence in Myanmar Spousal rape and domestic violence is still legal and pervasive in Myanmar, and when it occurs people often blame the victims rather than the perpetrators. On April 20, a 17-year-old coup protester named Shwe Yamin Htet, who had just been released from jail after six days, reported on social media that a 19-year-old female protester detained with her had been beaten with a metal pipe and kicked in her groin and that her vagina was bleeding due to the kicking. Rather than express outrage at the assault, some on social media worried that publicizing the young womens sexual abuse would bring shame to her and asked Shwe to remove the post. She did not oblige. A few women have defied the odds to obtain power in Myanmar including the countrys deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who came to power in 2012. Rather than seeing her as an inspirational symbol of womens leadership, however, researchers Mala Htun and Francesca Jensenius reported in their 2020 study that most people in Myanmar view Aung San Suu Kyi simply as an exception. Before the coup, women held 15% of political posts in Myanmars civilian government. Now, just one woman sits on the coup regimes 17-member state administration council. The militarys history of oppression The military has run Myanmar as a dictatorship on and off since 1962. In addition to airstrikes and attacks with heavy artillery, it is known to use sexual violence as a weapon in its long-standing effort to crush separatist movements in the border regions of Myanmar. Self-identifying ethnic Burmese make up 32% of the population. For nearly six decades, several ethnic minority groups the Kachin, Karen and Karenni have been fighting for autonomy and self-determination. For just as long, the Myanmar army has violently suppressed them. Human rights groups report widespread and systematic rape in Karen state, in southwest Myanmar, over many decades. When women are captured by the military, soldiers use them as porters to carry shells during the day. At night, they may be gang-raped. In Kayah state, another conflict zone north of Karen, women generally do not go out alone even for basics like groceries, because the military is known to target women. The military oppression and gender violence so familiar to rural Burmese in conflict zones is now affecting the urban middle and working classes groups that were long sheltered from the countrys borderland conflicts. On April 24, soldiers were reported to have physically abused a transgender woman who spoke out against the coup online, forcing her to change into male clothing before arresting her. Womens political future in Myanmar Despite the risks, women continue to participate in the front lines of Myanmars fight for democracy. Some have been arrested, including Thin Thin Aung, co-founder of a leading independent news site called Mizzima, and union leader Myo Myo Aye. Others were shot dead, like Khukhu Cilena, of the womens rights group Women for Justice. [Over 100,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.] After the coup, a group of pro-democracy advocates formed a parallel government called the National Unity Government led by the elected lawmakers, which is financially supporting the civil disobedience movement. Myanmars opposition lawmakers are also busting glass ceilings: Ethnic minority party affiliates make up 25% of its 32 members, women make up 28%, and one member identifies as LGBT a first in Myanmar. The National Unity Government and Generation Z offer Burmese society a vision of a more equitable, inclusive future should democracy prevail. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/myanmars-anti-coup-protesters-defy-rigid-gender-roles-and-subvert-stereotypes-about-women-to-their-advantage-159507. FAIRFIELD The Walter Fitzgerald Campus was placed on lockdown after reports of a possible weapon at the school, officials said Thursday afternoon. The Fairfield Police School Safety Unit and Walter Fitzgerald High School administrators put a shelter in place in effect around 8:15 a.m. Thursday after police and school officials learned of an incident that occurred on school property Wednesday afternoon, Police Lt. Antonio Granata said. A Walter Fitzgerald student told school officials they were the victim in an altercation that happened on school grounds during the school day on Wednesday. The student further reported they believed the other student involved to be in possession of a handgun during the altercation, Granata said. The incident wasnt reported when it happened, Granata said. In an abundance of caution, police and school officials had students shelter in place as the school was searched for weapons and police investigated the incident, he said. No weapons were found on the school property and the investigation was unable to confirm the existence of a weapon during the altercation. The shelter in place was lifted at approximately noon today. Police investigated the reported incident from Wednesday and a juvenile summons has been issued to the 17-year-old male for second-degree breach of peace, Granata said. Walter Fitzgerald Campus is the districts alternative high school. Granata said there is no known connection between this incident and the two reported racist incidents involving students from Warde and Ludlowe high schools over the past several days. FAIRFIELD The Greater Bridgeport NAACP said it will meet with school officials next week to discuss two racist incidents involving students in the Fairfield Public Schools community. Superintendent Michael Cummings on Wednesday sent a letter to families informing them that a second racist incident this one involving students from Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe high schools happened last weekend. Again, there was an investigation, those involved were identified and appropriate actions were taken, Cummings said. But the school hasnt shared what disciplinary actions those involved faced, citing student privacy reasons. We take these incidents very seriously, Cummings said. The weekends incident followed one last Friday involving Fairfield Warde students. That incident where officials said a racist caption was added to a social media post prompted the schools principal to launch a coalition to focus on addressing discrimination. Following Fridays incident, a student was arrested. Its unclear if an arrest was made after the weekend incident. Rev. D Stanley Lord, president of the Greater Bridgeport NAACP, said Thursday that his organization was investigating the first incident and hadnt heard about the second one. He said now that they know about the second, a meeting planned for May 17 with school officials will focus on both cases. Lord said his organization had planned to meet with the superintendent and principal of Fairfield Warde, but said he would request the principal at Fairfield Ludlowe join the meeting as well. We need to send a strong message that this wont be tolerated, Lord said. He said the NAACP has been working with the victims mother from the first incident. Lord said a civil rights complaint was filed. We will be suing, he said. Lord said the only way to stop incidents like this from happening is to educate the students and start a dialogue. We need to have a real honest and open conversation about race and lets stop placating and sugar-coating that theres no racism in our towns, Lord said. Everybody has implicit bias ... The whole idea is to educate, get people to rethink their mindset. Lord said racism is not something learned overnight, adding that it usually cultivates in an environment that allows it. We need to come together as a community with a mindset of oneness, with a mindset that we can all live together, strive together, work together, play together. But we have to do it with respect and love, Lord said. Cummings said support is available to anyone in the school community impacted by the recent incidents. Together, as a community, we can move forward and make progress, Cummings said. They were whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, twin sisters excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. A comment from a white classmate in Twinsburg, Ohio still stings: I dont even think of you as Black. I said, Thank you. And I felt pride, Dr. Brittani James recalls, shuddering. I believed we were special. I believed other people in our neighborhood werent as good as us," she said. The twins were indeed special they won free rides to the Ivy League, earned medical degrees at prestigious universities, and have thrived in a profession where they are vastly outnumbered by virtue of their skin color. But their mission now is to dismantle the entrenched bigotry behind that classmates backhanded remark. At 33, James and her twin, Dr. Brandi Jackson, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. Were teaching how to see it and how to undo it, Jackson said. James, a family medicine doctor, and Jackson, a psychiatrist, have developed anti-racist coursework used in two Chicago medical schools. Theyve co-founded the Institute for Antiracism in Medicine, where physicians can earn continuing medical education credit for taking classes on how their profession has made Black patients sicker. Theyre seeking federal legislation to require hospitals to reveal outcomes by race, with penalties when Black patients consistently fare worse. Theyve even hatched a plan to create black physician coats. Thats not as radical as it might sound -- black coats were the tradition in the 19th century. Their latest achievement? Helping lead a charge against the American Medical Association and the influential research journal it publishes. The pandemic year and relentless police violence have fueled their resolve to fight structural racism. It is literally killing us, James said. ___ In recent years the AMA has made an effort to atone for decades of excluding Blacks from its ranks. Even today, just 5% of all U.S. physicians are Black. But in February, a podcast hosted by the AMAs flagship medical journal caused a stir. The tweet promoting the podcast read, No physician is racist, so how can there be structural racism in health? It was a gut punch, said Dr. Aletha Maybank, AMAs chief health equity officer. The sisters institute started a petition, demanding that the journal diversify its mostly white editorial staff and ensure that medical research relating to race and racism gets published. The effort has garnered more than 8,800 signatures so far. AMA suspended the journals chief editor and a deputy editor resigned. The group held a meeting last month where James and other Black doctors voiced their concerns. James says the AMAs new anti-racism plan in the works long before the sisters activism makes her optimistic. In an 83-page document released Tuesday, AMA vowed to dismantle structural racism within the U.S. medical establishment, including diversifying its own staff and collaborating with outside groups. The group reached out to James and other physicians to discuss the plan a hopeful sign, she said. We still have to hold their feet to the fire," she said. The sisters message isnt new, said Dr. David Ansell, a Rush physician who has worked with their institute. But their timing is uncanny -- coming at the convergence of a deadly pandemic that has highlighted racial health inequities, a rise in white supremacism, and civil unrest over police brutality. At such a moment, he said, the sisters can make a difference. ___ Their scientific curiosity started young. James remembers taking field notes" while spying on people. Jackson remembers turning their mothers blue bead case into a bug hospital. We emptied it and would go under rocks in search of potato bugs, worms. We gave each their own compartments ... then would examine them and took notes when they appeared sluggish. Their parents were hard-working and supportive, but the twins didnt tell them when they were accepted at Cornell University, knowing the cost was prohibitive. They broke the news when they landed full scholarships. It was during a college summer program that James for the first time saw a Black doctor. She stared. It was like a unicorn, but it planted a seed. They separated for medical school -- Northwestern for Jackson, University of Michigan for James. Now, they serve as mentors to other medical students from nontraditional backgrounds. James treats patients at a clinic on Chicagos South Side and teaches at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jackson has taught at Rush Medical College and is the behavioral health director for a Chicago health network that treats LGBTQ and other underserved patients. Medical resident Shan Siddiqi is a Canadian Muslim whose parents are from Pakistan. He works under James guidance at a clinic where James says the sickest of the sick go for treatment, patients with chronic illnesses worsened by poverty, stress from living in violent neighborhoods and now COVID-19. Siddiqi said hes impressed by her compassion, taking the time to treat them as humans and helping them overcome challenges to getting medication or specialty care. Jordan Cisneros, a third-year Rush medical student who Jackson has mentored, says her guidance has helped him get through a tough year. His father died from COVID-19 in January and George Floyds televised death last May felt personal. Ive had run-ins with police. Ive had run-ins with racism. Ive seen things firsthand, he said. Jacksons tears over Floyds death let students know it's OK for doctors to be vulnerable, Cisneros said. ___ The sisters are extremely close, often finishing each others sentences, but there are differences too. Jackson is single, loves to cook in her spare time and thinks like a scientist in the kitchen, marveling at how a humble carrot can transform into something sublime with just a little butter and brown sugar. James is married to a white physician, a guy she thought was a math nerd when they met but is now her partner in battle. She tears up when asked what she wishes for their 1-year-old daughter, Lillian. I dont want her to have to live in a box like I did, James said. I want her to raise her voice so she knows its OK to be everything that she is, especially when the world is trying so hard to make Black and brown girls small and not heard. ___ Follow Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner. ___ 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. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year Thursday as the COVID-19 pandemic again forced mosque closings and family separations on the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. In the embattled Gaza Strip, the call to prayer echoed over pulverized buildings and heaps of rubble as Israeli warplanes continued to pound the territory in the worst outbreak of violence since the 2014 war. Hamas, the Islamic militant group ruling Gaza, urged the faithful to mark communal prayers inside their homes or the nearest mosques and avoid being out in the open. It is all airstrikes, destruction and devastation, said Hassan Abu Shaaban, who tried to lighten the mood by passing out chocolates to passersby. Worshippers wearing masks joined communal prayers in the streets of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation allowed mosque prayers in low-risk areas, but mosques in areas where there was more risk of the virus spreading closed their doors, including Jakartas Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia. Indonesians and Malaysians were banned for a second year from traveling to visit relatives in the traditional Eid homecoming. In Bangladesh, however, tens of thousands of people were leaving the capital, Dhaka, to join their families back in their villages for Eid celebrations despite a nationwide lockdown and road checkpoints. Experts fear a surge in cases in a country grappling with a shortage of vaccines and fear of Indian variants of the coronavirus spreading. I understand that we all miss our relatives at times like this, especially in the momentum of Eid, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in televised remarks. But lets prioritize safety together by not going back to our hometowns. Despite the similar ban a year ago, the number of daily cases in Indonesia had picked up by 37% three weeks after the holiday. Similar patterns followed other holidays in the country that has counted 1.7 million infections and more than 47,600 fatalities from COVID-19. While police set up highway checkpoints and domestic flights and other modes of transportation were suspended, anxiety lingers that people will defy the prohibition. Television reports showed city dwellers hiding on disguised trucks or fishing boats and officers at roadblocks being overwhelmed by desperate motorists. We followed the government decision that banned us visiting my parents for Eid last year, its enough! Nothing can stop me now, said factory worker Askari Anam, who used alleys and shortcuts to avoid being stopped from visiting his hometown. Of course Im worried, he said when asked about possibly contracting the virus. But I leave it to God. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin expressed concern of a virus spike and feared people would travel despite the ban. In the southern Philippines, coronavirus outbreaks and new fighting between government forces and Muslim insurgents in one province prevented people from holding large public prayers. Instead, most hunkered down in their homes, while in Maguindanao province, many families displaced by recent fighting marked the holiday in evacuation camps. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unexpectedly announced another nationwide lockdown from Wednesday until June 7 to curb a spike in cases. Inter-state travel and all social activities are banned, which means that like in Indonesia, Muslims cannot visit each other or family graves. Muhyiddin acknowledged that many are angry with the lockdown but defended the need for drastic measures, saying hospitals have almost reached their capacity. Malaysia reported 4,765 cases on Wednesday, pushing its tally to 453,222, nearly fourfold from the start of the year. Deaths also rose to 1,761. Is this government tyrannical? But I am not a tyrant," Muhyiddin said, Imagine if you have guests over, then the virus will spread. ... If the guest visits 10 homes, then 10 families will be infected with COVID-19 and in the end as soon as (Eid) ends, the number of positive cases in the country could jump to tens of thousands daily. Egyptians marked the holiday with group prayers outside, after the government imposed new restrictions on public gatherings. Hundreds prayed shoulder-to-shoulder in the courtyard of an historic Cairo mosque, almost all wearing masks. Group prayers were banned last year due to the pandemic. It is a feeling of happiness that we were missing, said Ahmed Saeed, one worshipper. We hope corona ends and we always gather together. The Egyptian government is trying to minimize a third wave of infections, with daily reported new cases surpassing 1,000 in the past two weeks. Last week, it ordered a 9 p.m. curfew for restaurants, shops, cafes and social clubs and closed the countrys public beaches and parks for the duration of the Eid. Believers in Turkey were able to attend communal prayers in mosques, however. Hundreds prayed in Istanbuls iconic Hagia Sophia, the sixth-century Byzantine cathedral which was reconverted into a mosque last summer. At the end of April, the Turkish government imposed its strictest lockdown yet, until May 17, ordering people to stay home, but mosques have been open, citing strict adherence to rules to fight infections. In Bosnia, the number of people allowed inside the mosques was limited and strict hygiene measures were in place. Older people were advised to stay at home. Hadis Bajric, a resident of Sarajevo, Bosnias capital, acknowledged that this Eid would be different to some in the past. We have to be responsible, considering all these epidemiologic restrictions, he said. Eid is the crown of our belief, of everything that we did throughout the year, all that positive energy from the month of Ramadan." ___ Associated Press writers Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Julhas Alam in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, and Zeynep Bilginsoy in Istanbul contributed to this report. I want to tell you about a news report that hasnt got the attention it deserves. With very few exceptions its been ignored by our newspapers and television channels. Yet it raises deeply disturbing questions about the governments handling of the entire coronavirus crisis. Indeed, you could even say it provides proof of the governments irresponsibility. Thats why its a story we need to know about so each of us can decide what we make of it. In that spirit I shall proceed. On May 1, Reuters released a story headlined Scientists say India government ignored warnings amid coronavirus surge. It claimed five scientists from the government-appointed consortium of national laboratories tasked with genome-sequencing, INSACOG, had warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country. The story added: Four of the scientists said the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. So, in a nutshell, the government had been effectively forewarned to expect a possible exponential rise in cases but did virtually nothing. The story carries a quotation from Shahid Jameel, the head of INSACOG, that suggests corroboration. As scientists we provide the evidence, policymaking is the job of the government. That seems to say INSACOG had done its duty, but the government did not. On May 5, I interviewed a member of INSACOG. Three days earlier he had retired as director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. His name is Rakesh Mishra. He confirmed the Reuters story. This concern was raised, he said. It was a kind of warning that we are heading towards danger. In fact, Dr Mishra went further. It was a high concern and theres no doubt about it we were very, very concerned dreading something bad would happen. Dr Mishra said INSACOGs concerns were conveyed directly to Sujeet Kumar Singh, the director of the National Centre for Disease Control, to whom INSACOG reports. He added: I think it went to the health secretary. More important, he said its impossible to believe the Prime Minister would not have been told. This means Dr Mishra did a lot more than confirm the Reuters story. He suggested the responsibility for not responding to INSACOGs warning lay with the Prime Minister. Not surprisingly, a desperate government struggled to defend itself. Renu Swarup, biotech secretary, told a major financial daily that she wasnt aware of any warning but then, bizarrely, added: I also dont understand the word warning at all. If this was intended to scotch the Reuters story and rubbish Dr Mishras confirmation, it failed miserably. Several INSACOG members confirmed that Dr Mishra spoke the truth. Of course, they didnt do so in public. When I told them of Renu Swarups response, they laughed. What else could she have done?, one asked. Meanwhile, Dr Mishra repeated his confirmation to a major newspaper. This brings me to the governments response. Remember, the warning from INSACOG came in early March. But on March 7 health minister Harsh Vardhan told the Delhi Medical Association: We are in the endgame of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. That was the first sign that the government was paying no heed to INSACOG. Thereafter, it got worse. Right through March massive political rallies, with tens or hundreds of thousands, took place in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. In West Bengal they continued well into the second half of April. There were also shahi snans, with two or three million taking part, both in March and April. Ask yourself a simple question: after receiving INSACOGs warning, was it all right to continue with these gatherings? Thats not all. After INSACOGs warning, Assams health minister (who is now the chief minister) said publicly that there was no need to wear a mask. Uttarakhands chief minister said faith in God and the power of Mother Ganga would protect people at the shahi snans. In the light of what we now know, was this the right response from health ministers and CMs? In fact, deliberate disregard, not just of INSACOG but science itself, goes all the way to the top. When questioned, the home minister said political rallies cant be held responsible for spreading Covid as Covid cases were rising in Maharashtra, where there were no rallies, not in Bengal, where he was present. If only he could see the situation today. Maharashtra is plateauing or declining, West Bengal seems to be shooting for the stars. Perhaps the most incriminating proof of how our government disregarded science and ignored INSACOG came from the Prime Minister himself. On April 17, when cases were growing by over 260,000 a day, he applauded the massive turnout at his Asansol rally. Yet the tens of thousands in front of him were doing things he should never have permitted: they werent wearing masks and they werent maintaining do gaj ki doori. However, when INSACOG advised the government cases could rise dramatically it was also, at one remove, telling the authorities serious illness, hospitalisation and deaths would go up sharply. This should have prompted the government to immediately increase hospital beds, ICU facilities, ventilators and, most important, oxygen. It didnt. Instead, the facilities set up to tackle the first wave were dismantled. Now, let me ask a critical question. Doesnt this story suggest actually prove the government was forewarned of the looming crisis but chose to ignore scientific advice? Worse, the government did all the wrong things. Doesnt that amount to irresponsibility? So that our political divisions dont prejudice us, I put this question to one of the worlds most highly regarded experts on global health, Prof. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health. He said he has no doubt the government failed to respond in a serious way even though the data was clear. He also said the Kumbh Mela could end up being the biggest uperspreader in this pandemics history. But he went one critical step further. He said this failure must be explained by the people in power. India, he added, is owed an explanation by its government. Now can you see why this story is so important and you should know about it? If the answer is yes, ask why the vast majority of our media kept quiet and failed to tell you? Just as the government owes us an explanation for its irresponsibility, doesnt the media owe you an explanation for keeping you in the dark? The writer is a television commentator and anchor The Northern Irish government has announced that it will invest 10 million into developing new beef facilities. Agricultural institutions AFBI and CAFRE will both receive the investment, as existing facilities are 'no longer fit for purpose'. NI farming minister Edwin Poots announced the funding to ensure the region's beef sector has a 'vibrant future'. The project will integrate the future delivery of research, technology transfer and education at both of the institutions, he explained. This investment will ensure that they both have the capacity to carry out leading research and demonstrate technologies which assist the delivery of education programmes." The minister said such technology had the potential to be adopted on beef farms across Northern Ireland 'over the next 20 to 30 years'. These new facilities will be critical to ensuring the positive contribution of beef production to the management of the rural environment and supporting the rural economy. "In so doing the project will provide multiple long term benefits for the Northern Ireland beef industry, agri-food industry and wider economy, Mr Poots said. The 10m project comes following the recent launch of a 75 million investment for CAFRE campuses Greenmount Campus and Loughry College. The buildings at the heart of both campuses - where agricultural students live, study and socialise - were built over 50 years ago. As part of the investment, they will have new modern student accommodation built, along with high-tech facilities to support student learning. Organisers of country shows are having to cancel for a second year running due to continued uncertainty on large gatherings this summer. From 21 June, the government hopes to lift restrictions on large events such as festivals and country shows, but the uncertainty means many cannot afford to plan. The government is also looking at whether visitors to large gatherings may have to present proof of having a Covid-19 vaccine, causing further doubt for organisers. Revesby Country Fair, which usually takes place on the first Sunday in August, is one show that has again been cancelled for this year. The organising committee came to the decision despite the UK's lockdown easing considerably. The event is one the oldest in Lincolnshire, and usually attracts more than 10,000 visitors and over 200 local businesses every year. John Roe, chairman of Revesby Country Fair said: After much consideration, the difficult decision has been taken to delay until 2022. "The whole organising committee is saddened to have to postpone for a second year running, but our primary concern is the safety of everyone involved." The Royal County of Berkshire Show, which was due to take place in September, has already been cancelled due to continued uncertainty. It was hoped that the agricultural event one of the biggest in the South of England would return in 2021 having been postponed last year. However the Newbury and District Agricultural Society, which organises it, said that uncertainty over the situation would make it a 'large financial risk'. The society said the decision was not taken lightly and 'hoped that the show would return in future years'. However, it admitted that if it did so it would probably be on a 'much smaller scale' due to financial concern. Organisers of the Royal Welsh Show have also confirmed that this year's event will be cancelled and postponed until 2022. The Welsh government had provided 200,000 funding for Wales' flagship and largest agricultural event after the 2020 show was called off due to the pandemic. Now the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has again announced that the popular show will not be taking place for a second year running. It said the 'various alert levels' and 'current restrictions' meant that it was 'impossible' to hold large events this summer. Leicestershire County Show, which was due to take place in mid-August, will also not take place this year, a spokesperson said. "Following the uncertainty around the year ahead, we have made the difficult decision to not have a show in 2021. We hope to be back, bigger and better in 2022." Meanwhile, some country show organisers are again turning to a virtual format for this year due to the uncertainty. The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has confirmed that a live event will go ahead for 2021, albeit with no audience. Taking place in the week commencing 14 June, the Royal Highland Showcase will see livestock judging, equestrian, food and drink and rural skills. The annual event will be livestreamed from the showground in Edinburgh to an online audience. It comes after the RHASS' future was called into question following a substantial loss of income due to the mass cancellation of events last year. Chairman Bill Gray said: The support we have garnered from the wider agricultural sector, coupled with Scottish government funding, reinforces the importance of the show. "This showcase will enable us to shine a light on our farmers and rural communities, who have been steadfast throughout this pandemic and allow us the opportunity to promote rural Scotland to a wider audience. The government must establish a 'new deal for farming' that secures farmers' livelihoods while they help fight the climate crisis, a thinktank says. The current system being developed should better encourage producers to take action to adopt green measures, the Institute For Public Policy Research (IPPR) argues. And at the same time, the government should design financial support schemes that are 'accessible to the majority of farmers'. In the UK, agriculture contributes around 10 percent of the country's greenhouse emissions, according to figures. As well as the climate crisis, farmers are facing their biggest upheaval in 50 years as the UK leaves the EU payment schemes and forges new trade deals. The thinktank's new report argues that the time is now for the government to support farmers to face these multiple challenges with a 'new deal'. It says that the governments plans for paying farmers for managing their farms in a way that benefits the environment must be 'clarified and improved'. There is a 'clear risk' that as currently proposed, the scheme will only 'support business as usual'. Financial support schemes need to be designed to be accessible to all farmers, the IPPR says, but with sufficient incentives to progress ambitious environmental targets. And public money should not be used to fund farms that arent providing a benefit to the public, its report adds. Luke Murphy, head of IPPR's environmental justice commission, said that as of present, farms were 'making the climate crisis worse'. If farming is to be at the vanguard of the battle against climate change and for the recovery of nature, then responsible farming must be profitable," he said. "It has to offer good livelihoods for farmers and workers, and for farms of different types and sizes. To see this realised, the government must step up to support current and future farmers through the many changes they are facing. The report also calls for more support for young people to get into farming by encouraging community ownership of farms and land sharing schemes when existing owners retire. On the topic of international trade, any new deals with other countries should set high standards for animal welfare and the preservation of nature, the IPPR says. They should also protect British farmers by not allowing unfettered access to UK markets for food produced to lower environmental standards. Marcus Nyman, senior research fellow at IPPR, said the farming industry played a 'critical role' in tackling the climate crisis. "But the more we ask UK farmers to deliver, the more we should be supporting them along the way," he added. Making the best use of our land whether for growing food, capturing carbon, restoring habitats cant be done without putting farming communities at the heart of our plans. 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. This week sees the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkey). For the second year, coronavirus restrictions mean that the usual celebration of the end of the month of fasting will be more subdued however, its still good to take a look at how it would usually be celebrated. Ramazan Bayram (Eid-al-Fitr) The end of Ramazan is celebrated with three days of feasting. Its a time of renewal and houses are cleaned from top to bottom and people don their best clothes or even buy new ones. Its an important time for families to be together and it is customary to visit ones relatives, especially older ones, and kiss their hand as a sign of respect. Children may go door-to-door, kissing hands of the grown-ups and receiving sweets and small amounts of money in return. Its also a time of reflection, with many families visiting the graves of those no longer around to share in the feasting. Seker Bayram (Sugar Feast) Ramazan Bayram has an alternative name in Turkey, Seker Bayram (the Sugar Feast), because people treat their guests to sweets and traditional desserts during the festival. Many Turks also give away sweets and desserts (you may have noticed shops and supermarkets piled high with all sorts of sweets and chocolate) The emphasis on the first day is on sweet food. Baklava and serbet are ever-present; muhallebi (rice pudding) and seker pare (sweet biscuit) are commonly served. As well as the parade of desserts, there are endless savoury nibbles such as nuts, seeds, and pulses. One Seker Bayram tradition has the host peeling pieces of fruit for guests and practically standing over them while they eat. Ramazan Bayram 2020 a subdued Eid under curfew Last year, Fethiye Times had permission to be out and about to record Ramazan Bayram under curfew. Heres what we found Things you should know Ramazan Bayram 2021 in Turkey will begin on Thursday, May 13 and end on Saturday, May 15. People greet each other by saying Bayramnz Kutlu/Mubarek Olsun, meaning May Your Feast Be Blessed. If youre new to the Turkish language it is perfectly acceptable to say Iyi Bayramlar (Ee-ee bay-ram-lar) meaning literally Good Holidays. Miheeka Bajaj and Rana Daggubati tied the knot during the lockdown last year and today the couple celebrates a year since the day Rana proposed marriage to her. Miheeka and Ranas wedding pictures had gone viral on the internet and the actors fans couldnt keep calm and dropped in several congratulatory messages on his posts. Today as Miheeka and Rana completed a year since they decided to tie the knot, Miheeka shared an adorable picture with Rana and wrote, "He asked and I said yes... Best decision ever! Can't believe it's been a year already! Thanks for asking btw... I love you!" Arent these two super cute? Its going to be quite busy for Shahid Kapoor once the lockdown is lifted as the actor has a lot on his plate. With his next film, Jersey all set to release, Shahid moved on to shooting for his OTT debut with directors Raj and DK. A thriller web series starring Raashi Khanna and Vijay Sethupathi, the untitled series finished its Goa schedule and moved back to Mumbai when the lockdown started. They will start shooting in Mumbai once the restrictions are eased. Not just this, the lockdown has also caused Shahids next film to postpone till he finds a suitable time to shoot. An OTT project, the film is based on Operation Cactus which was conducted in 1988m when the Indian troops went to Maldives to trounce the attended coup by a Maldivian group led by Abdullah Luthufi that attempted to overthrow the government. Owing to the shooting restrictions and the current situation, Shahid has decided to put the project on hold and only start shooting once Raj and DKs series is over. Powerhouse Energy Group plc ("Powerhouse" or the "Company") 12th May 2021 Loan Facility to Protos Project SPV Powerhouse Energy Group plc (AIM: PHE), the sustainable hydrogen company pioneering hydrogen production from waste plastic, is pleased to announce that the Company has agreed to enter into a loan agreement to provide up to 3.8 million to Protos Plastics to Hydrogen No. 1 Limited, the Peel NRE Special Purpose Vehicle (the "SPV"). The loan is to progress the development of the Protos plant, the first proposed commercial application of Powerhouse's DMG waste plastic to hydrogen technology, which it is expected will be licensed to the Peel NRE SPV. Peel NRE is a group company of the Peel Group. Under the agreement Powerhouse has agreed to provide a loan facility of up to 3.8 million. This facility is for the specific purpose of securing long lead time items and project design services in respect of the Protos project, prior to securing long-term debt funding arrangements to be facilitated via Peel NRE. The facility is available for 6 months and drawdown will be in agreement with the budgeted Protos development cash flow. It will be repaid following the final investment decision or on the second anniversary of the loan, whichever is earlier. The loan is set at Bank of England base rate plus 2% per annum and will accrue daily. Any drawn down amount is to be secured on all of the issued share capital of the SPV, its land lease, the design and any procured assets. The loan follows the sanctioning of the project by the Powerhouse Board. It will supplement the existing Peel NRE project investment which is to be transferred into the SPV. The project will use the proceeds of the loan to commit to procurement of the long lead items including the Thermal Conversion Chamber, the syngas process module, the compression and power generation modules. The procurement packages have followed the Peel commercial review of the facility and the design has been refined to optimise the supply, mix and use of waste material feedstocks for the site in addition to the provision of options for hydrogen export. Completion of the Protos plant remains the Company's top priority. The Board believes the provision of this loan will protect the project development schedule and facilitate the finalisation of the SPV agreements. Tim Yeo, Executive Chairman, said: "Powerhouse is now putting its money where its mouth is. The joint Peel NRE/Powerhouse technical delivery team have done a fantastic job in aligning the chosen suppliers to meet the specification for DMG. "We are confident that this loan facility has the great benefit of protecting the delivery schedule for Protos. The plant is modular and the majority of our project fabrication activities are covered in these contracts." Myles Kitcher, Non-Executive Director of Powerhouse and director of Peel NRE, said: "I would like to congratulate the team in aligning the design to meet our operational needs. The commitment made by Powerhouse supports the Peel NRE expenditure and will cover the project planned budget commitments with protections until all financial agreements are in place. Significant progress has been made across all aspects of the project since the beginning of the year, including site preparation, and we anticipate full construction to commence over the coming months." -ENDS- For more information, contact: Powerhouse Energy Group plc Tel: +44 (0) 203 368 6399 Tim Yeo, Executive Chairman WH Ireland Limited (Nominated Adviser) Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 James Joyce/ Lydia Zychowska Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd (Joint Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 203 657 0050 Andrew Thacker/James Pope SisterSmith PR (media enquiries) Becca Smith Mob: +44 (0) 7766522305 Notes for editors: About Powerhouse Energy Group plc Powerhouse, the sustainable hydrogen company, has developed a proprietary process technology - DMG - which can utilise waste plastic, end-of-life-tyres, and other waste streams to efficiently and economically convert them into syngas from which valuable products such as chemical precursors, hydrogen, electricity and other industrial products may be derived. Powerhouse's technology is one of the world's first proven, distributed, modular, hydrogen from waste (HfW) process. The Powerhouse DMG process can generate up to 2 tonnes of road-fuel quality hydrogen and more than 58MWh of exportable electricity per day. Powerhouse's process produces low levels of safe residues and requires a small operating footprint, making it suitable for deployment at enterprise and community level. As announced on 11th February 2020 under its Supplemental Agreement with Peel Environmental, Powerhouse will receive an annual license fee of GBP500,000 in respect of each project which is commissioned. Powerhouse is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM Market under the ticker: PHE and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information see www.powerhouseenergy.net Mainland advances implementation of favorable measures for Taiwan-funded firms Xinhua) 16:21, May 13, 2021 BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that the mainland will carry on implementing a raft of favorable measures to support the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises involved in agriculture and forestry on the mainland. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference. Known as "22 measures on agriculture and forestry," the steps were unveiled in March and cover a variety of aspects including the use of agricultural and forest land, financing and funding support, investment and business operation, research and development, innovation, and local market exploration. Zhu detailed the efforts made by local authorities in Sichuan, Fujian, Zhejiang, Shandong and Guizhou to carry out the measures, ranging from the construction and upgrade of agricultural zones, cooperation and exchange activities to financial assistance for Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Successful issue of a US$1 billion sustainability-linked bond; Avon synergies raised in April to between US$350 million and US$450 million SAO PAULO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura &Co (NYSE - NTCO; B3 - NTCO3) recorded another quarter of double-digit revenue growth in the first quarter, again outperforming the global Cosmetics, Fragrance, and Toiletries market thanks to a strong increase in digital sales, while EBITDA was up more than four-fold. Consolidated net revenue in Q1 stood at R$9.5 billion, up 25.8% in Brazilian Reais and 8.1% at constant currency, driven by sales growth in BRL at all four of the Group's iconic brands. Reported EBITDA grew by 470.7% to R$829.1 million, with margin up 690 basis points to 8.8%, and adjusted EBITDA, which excludes transformation costs and Avon-related acquisition effects, rose 68.5% to R$963.2 million, with margin of 10.2%, up 260 basis points. This strong Q1 performance was powered by further growth in digital social selling and e-commerce across all brands. Total group online sales were up a very strong 166%. At the Natura brand, digital sales were up by 253% and Avon globally also recorded triple-digit growth of 132%. Aesop's total online sales grew 102% in the quarter, representing 29% of revenue. The Body Shop continued its pivot to e-commerce and direct selling channels, up respectively by 119% and 251%, to jointly represent 51% of total sales. Relationship selling using apps advanced vs. Q1-20, with Avon e-brochure sales up by 175% globally. Considering Natura brand in Latin America, the average number of consultants sharing content increased by more than 350%, and orders through the 1.3 million+ consultant online stores in the region grew by 80% vs. Q1-20. Natura &Co also made further advances in its integration of Avon, with a new commercial model being rolled out. At its recent Investor Day in April, Natura &Co raised its synergies target for the Avon integration by US$50 million to between US$350 million and US$450 million by 2024. Earlier this month, Natura &Co also successfully completed a US$1 billion bond issue linked to sustainability goals. The issue was carried out by its subsidiary, Natura Cosmeticos SA ("Natura"), with Natura & Co Holding S.A. acting as the guarantor. The transaction commits Natura to meet two material environmental performance indicators by end-2026: i) reduction of its relative greenhouse gas emissions intensity by another 13% across scopes 1, 2 and 3, and ii) reaching 25% of post-consumer recycled plastic in packaging. These goals are aligned with the Group's "Commitment to Life", its Sustainability Vision for 2030, and support Natura &Co's efforts to address the global climate crisis and move towards full circularity. Roberto Marques, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, declared: "Natura &Co turned in another strong performance in the first quarter despite a persistently challenging environment, demonstrating again the strength of its direct-to-consumer, multichannel model. All of our brands and businesses posted growth in Brazilian Reais in the quarter, and our continued pivot to digital and online sales allowed us to once again outperform the global CFT market. The recent successful completion of our US$1 billion bond issue with clear and advanced sustainability-linked targets shows the company's consistency in connecting financial and environmental targets." Natura &Co Latam's net revenue increased by 24.6% in BRL in Q1. The Natura brand's net revenue rose by 29.6% in BRL, with strong growth both in Brazil (+12.6%), and Hispanic Latam (+60.4%). The Avon brand's net revenue increased by 20.0% in BRL, with strong growth of 35.1% in Hispanic Latam more than offsetting a 2.8% drop in Brazil. Adjusted EBITDA for Natura &Co Latam surged 119.2% to R$630.3 million, with margin of 12.2%, up 690 bps. Natura &Co's clear CFT leadership in Latam was confirmed by Euromonitor, reaching market share of 12.5% in 2020, +70 basis points vs. the prior year, with a strong 17.0% in Brazil, 10 basis points vs. 2019. Avon International posted Q1 net revenue growth of 11.4% in BRL, with market share gains in all eight of its top markets, including the UK. Adjusted EBITDA was R$97.4 million, with 4.1% margin (-70 bps), reflecting the impact of the global pandemic in key categories, mainly in Europe, and strategic investments in areas such as digital and commercial to accelerate future growth. The Body Shop posted another strong quarter, with net revenue increasing 47.7% in BRL. It succeeded in offsetting lost retail sales, notably in Europe, thanks to its continued ramp-up in its direct sales channel and e-commerce. EBITDA in Q1 was R$194.2 million, with margin of 14.7% (-30 bps). Aesop posted another outstanding performance in Q1, with strong double-digit growth in both sales and profitability in Reais. Net sales grew 71.9% in Q1, with growth in all regions despite continued store closures in Europe, Canada and parts of Australia, with a remarkable performance in Asia and a strong increase in digital sales. EBITDA more than doubled to R$156.6 million, with margin up 390 basis points to 26.7%. About Natura &Co Natura &Co is a global, purpose-driven, multi-channel and multi-brand cosmetics group which includes Avon, Natura, The Body Shop and Aesop. Natura &Co posted net revenues of R$36.9 billion in 2020. The four companies that form the group are committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. For 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian multinational in the cosmetics and personal care segment, leader in direct sales. Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand that seeks to make a positive difference in the world. The Australian beauty brand Aesop was established in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for skin, hair and the body. CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 12, 2021 / Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (the "Company") (CSE:XOP)(LSE:COPL), an international oil and gas exploration and development company, today announces that is has requested a temporary Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") from the Alberta Securities Commission ("ASC") in connection with the Company's filing of its unaudited interim financial statements and the applicable CEO and CFO certifications in respect of such filings for the period ended March 31, 2021 (collectively the "Interim Filings"). The Company recently completed its acquisition of Atomic Oil and Gas LLC ("Atomic") and Southwestern Production Corp. ("SWP"), two closely held oil and gas companies with producing oil and gas assets in Wyoming, United States (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition closed on March 16, 2021 with an effective date of December 1, 2020. The Company has not yet received the audited financial statements of Atomic and SWP for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are required to complete the Interim Filings because of the effective date of the Acquisition. Therefore, the Company will now be further delayed in respect of preparing the Interim Filings. The Company is requesting the MCTO in order to secure additional time for the Company to prepare the interim financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2021. Accordingly, the Company has applied to the ASC for the MCTO that will prohibit the management of the Company from trading in the securities of the Company until such time as the Interim Filings are filed. No decision has yet been made by the ASC on this application. The ASC may grant the application and issue the MCTO or it may impose an issuer cease trade order if the Interim Filings are not filed in a timely fashion. The Company notes that: The Company is required to file its Interim Filings by May 15, 2021 (the "Filing Deadline"), as required pursuant to National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. At this time the Company is uncertain as to whether it will be able to complete its Interim Filings on or before the Filing Deadline. The Company and its auditors are working diligently to prepare and file the Interim Filings, on or before June 30, 2021. The Company confirms that, other than as disclosed in prior press releases, there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed since the filing on April 28, 2021 of the Company's latest annual financial reports for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Until the Company has filed the Interim Filings, members of the Company's management and other insiders are subject to an insider trading black-out. During the period of default and until filing of the Interim Filings, the Company intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines as required by National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders. About Atomic Atomic is currently a closely-held private oil and gas company incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado. COPL will acquire 100% of the shares of Atomic on closing of the acquisition on March 16, 2021. Atomic's assets are located in the Powder River Basin in Converse County, Wyoming, USA where it holds operated interests in 58,552 acres (gross) of contiguous leasehold. There are two oil production Units within the lease block: the Barron Flats Shannon Miscible Flood Unit (57.7% WI) and the Cole Creek Unit (66.7%), as well as one unitized exploration area - the Barron Flats Federal Unit (deep). Atomic has two affiliates: The Southwestern Production Corp, the operating entity; and Pipeco, a midstream company holding the pipeline and facility assets. About the Company COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, development and production company actively pursuing opportunities in the United States through the acquisition of Atomic Oil and Gas LLC with operations in Converse County Wyoming, and in sub-Saharan Africa through its ShoreCan joint venture company in Nigeria, and independently in other countries. For further information, please contact: Mr. Arthur Millholland, President & CEO Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited Tel: + 1 (403) 262-5441 Cathy Hume CHF Investor Relations Tel: +1 (416) 868-1079 ext. 251 Email: cathy@chfir.com Charles Goodwin Yellow Jersey PR Limited Tel: +44 (0) 77 4778 8221 Email: copl@yellowjerseypr.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements relating to the timing for completion of the Interim Filings and the granting of the MCTO by the ASC and other statements that are not historical facts. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. The securities of the company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. SOURCE: Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647126/Canadian-Overseas-Petroleum-Limited-Requests-Management-Cease-Trade-Order-to-Allow-for-Additional-Time-to-Prepare-Interim-Financial-Statements-for-the-Period-Ending-March-31-2021 Greenyn Biotechnology received USFDA NDI acknowledgement without objection for Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia "Antromax" Taipei, Taiwan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2021) - On April 12th, Greenyn Biotechnology Corporation hosted a seminar - "The international development of Taiwan's Antrodia cinnamomea and its clinical application," and announced Antromax's acknowledgement without objection by USFDA NDI. It was a great feat for Greenyn, and will certainly boost the morale of the Antrodia industry to devote more resources in the US market. A. cinnamomea is an edible fungus that grows on the endangered Cinnamomum kanehirae tree, which is found only in Taiwan. This indigenous fungus is traditionally used to ameliorate liver disorders, hangovers, fatigue, and enhance immunity. "Ruby of Taiwan" was given to this miracle fungus. Dr. Kao Shung-te (middle) of China Medical University Hospital and Dr. Houng Jer-yiing (left) of I-Shou University Medical School presented the study results of the randomized double-blind clinical trial and the bioavailability of Antromax in different dosages forms, respectivley. If you cannot view this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/83800_a1d579ccd424bb30_001full.jpg Antromax- dripping pills, mycelia powder, emulsion powder (left to right). If you cannot view this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/83800_a1d579ccd424bb30_002full.jpg Taiwan's Antrodia industry sets to enter the international markets "We are surprised that this time we have obtained the USFDA NDI No. 1170 notification without objection for Antromax for marketing in the United States," pointed by Luo Hsuan, CEO of Greenyn. Over the past years, it was difficult to obtain such notification because A. cinnamomea is unknown to the western world; its' safety data, eating and application history is very limited. "It is a significant milestone and a good timing for us to step into the global market. We do hope that Taiwan's A. cinnamomea industry may take this opportunity to march into the global arena." Luo Hsuan added. According to Dr. Hsu Pang-kuei, the R&D director of Geeenyn, A. cinnamomea is rare and grows very slowly in the wild. For medicinal purposes, you need to wait three years until it is fully grown and it is impossible to increase production/cultivate indoor as the tree Cinnamomum kanehirae is protected under the plant conservation laws. Fortunately, with Greenyn's solid-state fermentation technology, we are able to cultivate Antromax "mycelia of A. cinnamomea" with active ingredients similar to the fully grown in just 3 months. This patented fermentation process will not only maintain the conservation of the tree, but will also lower the production cost, so the public may enjoy this natural healthy food at a reasonable price. Manufacturing site of Greenyn Biotechnology in Taichung If you cannot view this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/83800_a1d579ccd424bb30_003full.jpg Health food of Antromax in livercare in Taiwan (left) and Antromax complex beverage (right). If you cannot view this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/83800_a1d579ccd424bb30_004full.jpg Health benefits of Antromax During the seminar, Dr. Kao Shung-te, Attending Physician of China Medical University Hospital, shared the findings of Antromax in the clinical adjuvant treatment for hepatitis B. "Through medical trials, it is discovered that Antromax have an adjuvant treatment effect combined with the hepatitis B medicine. The liver function indexes are improved, and there are no adverse effect on the biochemical values of the blood and urine." In Addition, Dr. Houng Jer-yiing, Associate Dean of the I-Shou University Medical School, shared that the bioavailability of Antromax in different dosage forms have similar adjuvant effects -lowering liver function indexes, liver fat accumulation and alcohol-related liver injuries, as well as enhancing activities of antioxidant enzymes. Greenyn's facility is built to the international standards in the Central Taiwan Science Park with capacity of up-to 12 metric tons annually which is sufficient for the global markets. Dr. Hsu says, "At present, we will focus on the US and Europe markets, and next we might start to promote in Asia such as Korea, Southeast Asian countries and Australia." In view of the US herbal supplements market worth USD 9.6 billion, Greenyn is honored to lead Taiwan's biotech industry to promote A. cinnamomea in the US markets. It is foreseeable that the health benefit of A. cinnamomea to the world during COVID-19 will create another pride for Taiwan. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1f84y2vzeY Media Contact Greenyn Biotechnology Co. Ltd. Phone: +886-968- 191-636 Contact: Wayne Wei Email: info@greenyn.com.tw Website: http://en.greenynbio.com/index.php To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83800 Notification of Transactions of Directors/Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (PDMRs) TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / AEX Gold Inc. (AIM: AEXG)(TSXV:AEX) announces that on May 13, 2021 it was informed that a number of its directors have acquired a total of 418,750 common shares of no par value in the Company at an average price of C$0.512 or 30.21p. Director Common Shares Acquired Resulting Holding % Issued Share Capital Eldur Olafsson 100,000 8,006,385 4.52 Graham Stewart 100,000 2,043,058 1.15 George Fowlie 25,000 269,000 0.15 Jaco Crouse 93,750 100,000 0.06 Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson 100,000 6,727,834 3.80 DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Eldur Olafsson Graham Stewart George Fowlie Jaco Crouse Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: CEO and Director Chairman Non-executive Director Chief Financial Officer Non-executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name AEX Gold Inc b) LEI: 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares of no par value in AEX Gold Inc. ISIN: CA00108V1022 b) Nature of the transaction: Purchase of common shares of no par value in AEX Gold Inc c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) 1) C$0.5383 30.0p 30,000 70,000 2) 28.457p 29.3p 30.0p 15,000 17,000 68,000 3) C$0.52 C$0.52 10,500 14,500 4) C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 C$0.52 6,000 2,000 2,500 5,000 2,500 500 1,500 50,000 21,000 1,500 1,000 250 5) 29.875p 100,000 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume: Price: Aggregated volume Price 1) 100,000 30.530p* 2) 100,000 29.650p 3) 25,000 C$0.52 4) 93,750 C$0.52 5) 100,000 29.975p e) Date of the transaction(s): 11 May 2021, 12 May 2021 10 May 2021, 11 May 2021 10 May 2021, 11 May 2021 11 May 2021 11 May 2021 f) Place of the transaction 1) XTSX and XLON 2) XLON 3) XTSX 4) XTSX 5) XLON * Converted using a CAD: GBP exchange rate of 0.59 Enquiries: AEX Gold Inc. Eddie Wyvill, Investors Relations +44 7713 126727 ew@aexgold.com Eldur Olafsson, Director and CEO +354 665 2003 eo@aexgold.com Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Callum Stewart Simon Mensley Ashton Clanfield +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Camarco (Financial PR) Gordon Poole Nick Hennis +44 (0) 20 3757 4980 About AEX AEX's principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of gold properties in Greenland. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Project, an advanced exploration stage property with an exploitation license including the previously operating Nalunaq gold mine. The Company has a portfolio of gold assets covering 3870 km2, the largest portfolio of gold assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region. AEX is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act. Inside Information The information contained within this announcement is considered to be inside information prior to its release, as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014, and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. SOURCE: AEX Gold Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647115/DirectorPDMR-Shareholding 13 May 2021 PHSC PLC ("PHSC" or the "Company") Commencement of Share Buyback Programme PHSC (AIM: PHSC), a leading provider of health, safety, hygiene and environmental consultancy services and security solutions to the public and private sectors, announces the commencement of a share buyback programme in respect of ordinary shares of 10p each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") up to a maximum of 2,201,589 Ordinary Shares or such number of Ordinary Shares as may be acquired for a gross amount of 325,000, whichever number is the lower (the "Buyback Programme"). The Buyback Programme forms part of the Company's broader strategy to deliver shareholder value and the Company intends to buy Ordinary Shares in the market as well as any larger parcels of Ordinary Shares, to the extent they become available. The Company's board of directors (the "Board") has decided to effect the Buyback Programme, in part, due to the additional cash generated and held further to the successful disposal of the Company's Essex property in late September 2018 for 305,000 gross (the "Disposal") and in light of the fact that PHSC's closing middle market share price as at 12 May 2021, being the latest practicable date prior to this announcement, of 14p represents a significant discount to its net asset value per share of approximately 35.42p (unaudited) as at 31 March 2021. The Board believes that the Buyback Programme will enable the Company to achieve a more efficient capital structure. The Buyback Programme will be managed by Novum Securities Limited ("Novum"), the Company's broker. The Buyback Programme will be implemented in accordance with the terms of the Company's pre-existing authority to make market purchases of its Ordinary Shares (the "Authority"), as granted at the Company's annual general meeting held on 30 September 2020 and will be conducted within certain set parameters. Pursuant to the Authority, the maximum price to be paid per Ordinary Share is to be no more than 105 per cent. of the average middle market closing price of an Ordinary Share over the five business days preceding the date of purchase. The Buyback Programme will commence today and will continue, subject to not being completed earlier, until 1 August 2021, when its efficacy will be further reviewed. Any shareholders wishing to sell Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Buyback Programme should contact Novum on the telephone number set out below. Any repurchases shall be at the sole discretion of the directors of the Company (other than the Concert Party Directors, as defined below) and shall be effected in such manner and on such terms as they may from time to time determine in line with the Authority. Any Ordinary Shares acquired by the Company pursuant to the Buyback Programme will be announced to the market and will initially be held in treasury and may be cancelled at a later date. Due to the limited liquidity in the issued Ordinary Shares, any buyback of Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Authority on any trading day may represent a significant proportion of the daily trading volume in the Ordinary Shares on AIM and may exceed 25 per cent. of the average daily trading volume, being the limit laid down under Article 5(1) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and, in such circumstances, the Company will not benefit from the exemption contained in that Article. The Company confirms that it currently has no other unpublished price sensitive information other than that which has been disclosed above. City Code Considerations, Concert Party and Related Party Transaction The Board notes that certain of the Company's directors, namely Stephen King (Chairman and CEO) and Nicola Coote (Deputy Chairman and Deputy CEO), co-founders and longstanding executive directors of the Company, are deemed, along with their respective spouses and close relatives, to be members of a concert party in respect of the Company as defined in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "City Code") (the "Concert Party"). The Concert Party is currently interested, in aggregate, in 6,384,342 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 43.50 per cent. of the Company's existing issued share capital. The City Code, which is issued and administered by The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Panel"), applies to the Company, as an AIM quoted company with a UK registered office, and, as such, the Company's shareholders are entitled to the protections afforded by the City Code. As the Buyback Programme may result in an increase in the proportionate voting interests of each Shareholder who retains an unaltered shareholding following any share purchases effected by the Company, it gives rise to certain considerations under the City Code. Under Rule 9 of the City Code, where any person acquires, whether by a series of transactions over a period of time or not, an interest (as defined in the City Code) in shares which (taken together with shares in which such person is already interested and in which persons acting in concert with such person are interested) carry not less than 30 per cent. but does not hold more than 50 per cent. of the total voting rights of a company which is subject to the City Code, that person, and any person(s) acting in concert with them, is normally required by the Panel to make a general offer in cash to all of the remaining shareholders to acquire the remaining shares in that company not held by it and/or its concert parties (a "Rule 9 Offer"). Rule 37.1 of the City Code further provides that when a company redeems or purchases its own shares, any resulting increase in the percentage of shares carrying voting rights in which a person or group of persons acting in concert is interested will be treated as an acquisition for the purposes of Rule 9 of the City Code. Accordingly, certain members of the Concert Party, namely Stephen King and Nicola Coote (the "Concert Party Directors"), have agreed, prior to any share purchases occurring pursuant to the Buyback Programme, to enter into irrevocable undertakings in respect of the Buyback Programme (the "Irrevocables"). Pursuant to the terms of the Irrevocables, the Concert Party Directors will irrevocably and unconditionally agree to sell (in the case of Stephen King, via his SIPP provider, the entity which holds the majority of his interest in the Ordinary Shares) to the Company such number of Ordinary Shares as is required to ensure that the existing aggregate percentage holding of the Concert Party does not increase at any time as a result of the implementation of the Buyback Programme. Any such disposals shall be conducted at the same time and on the same terms as the third party trade(s) under the Buyback Programme triggering the requirement, and it is intended that such trades be effected so as to broadly maintain Stephen King's and Nicola Coote's existing respective percentage holdings. The Irrevocables shall ensure that the Concert Party's existing aggregate interest of approximately 43.50 per cent. in the Company's existing issued share capital does not increase as a result of the Buyback Programme and, accordingly, that no mandatory Rule 9 Offer shall be triggered or be required in connection with the Buyback Programme under the City Code. The Concert Party Directors shall also undertake pursuant to the terms of the Irrevocables not to otherwise participate in the Buyback Programme. Entry into the Irrevocables by the Concert Party Directors is deemed to constitute a related party transaction for the purposes of Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. Accordingly, the Board (excluding the Concert Party Directors, who are not deemed to be independent) (the "Independent Directors") consider, having consulted with the Company's nominated adviser, Strand Hanson Limited, that the terms of the Irrevocables are fair and reasonable insofar as the Company's shareholders are concerned. For further information please contact: PHSC plc Stephen King Tel: 01622 717 700 Stephen.king@phsc.co.uk www.phsc.plc.uk Strand Hanson Limited(Nominated Adviser) Tel: 020 7409 3494 James Bellman / Matthew Chandler Novum Securities Limited (Broker) Tel: 020 7399 9427 Colin Rowbury About PHSC PHSC, through its trading subsidiaries, Personnel Health & Safety Consultants Ltd, RSA Environmental Health Ltd, QCS International Ltd, Inspection Services (UK) Ltd and Quality Leisure Management Ltd, provides a range of health, safety, hygiene, environmental and quality systems consultancy and training services to organisations across the UK. In addition, B2BSG Solutions Ltd offers innovative security solutions including tagging, labelling and CCTV. The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM) Thursday said it signed an agreement to sell its Intellectual Property Management or IPM business to NCC Group in the UK. All of the assets associated with IPM will be sold to NCC for gross proceeds of $220 million, or around $165 million on an adjusted basis. The transaction is expected to close in early June 2021. IPM represented revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $33 million and $22 million, respectively. 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. LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A London charity and military club is so 'happy' with Monday's roadmap announcement that they have created a video of staff singing and dancing along with 'Happy' - the Pharrell Williams song. The Victory Services Club (VSC) is a military members club, located in Central London near Marble Arch. The Club is a registered charity that re-invests revenue from commercial events to fund schemes, including free breaks for injured members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. In March 2020, the VSC had to close its event venues, restaurants and bars and instead operate as a key worker hotel supporting NHS and military personnel whilst working in London. Operations Director, Mark Field said: "We are all so 'Happy' to be able to welcome members back to our restaurants and bars next week. Since March 2020, our journey has been rather varied and our staff have been on and off furlough, or working hard to enable us to operate as a Covid secure key worker hotel. Everyone was coping with the constantly changing rules, which impacted on how we operated and the constant flux of what we could and couldn't do, but the fun element that we used to enjoy at work was missing. So, we decided to inject some fun back into the lives of our team and to create something to show how happy we all are to be able to reopen fully on the 17th May. Our staff loved creating the video and we now want to share our happiness wider." The video opens with the Club's CEO, Air Commodore Nigel Beet CBE and includes appearances from Operations Director Mark Field, Executive Chef Paul Mattocks, the sales and marketing team, housekeeping, maintenance, reception, kitchen and bar staff and the Club's chairman, Major General Seumas Kerr CBE. Established in 1907, the VSC has a lounge bar, coffee bar, a grill restaurant and 200 bedrooms. The Club's seven event spaces can cater for a capacity of 10-300 and can accommodate a wide spectrum of events, including conferences, meetings, exhibitions, receptions and award ceremonies. Video - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lp4g250du9ckfer/AADZqiQIyprXkFw7kJ0vQrSRa?dl=0 Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509306/VSC_Happy.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509307/The_Victory_Services_Club_Happy.jpg Second clinical molecule from Exscientia collaboration with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma to begin Phase 1 trials in United States. Clinical study of DSP-0038, a dual targeted 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist to be assessed for treatment of Alzheimer's disease psychosis. Exscientia Ltd. (Headquarters: Oxford, UK; CEO: Andrew Hopkins) is pleased to acknowledge that Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. (Head office: Osaka, Japan, Representative Director, President and CEO: Hiroshi Nomura) has announced that they will initiate a Phase 1 clinical study of DSP-0038 in the United States for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease psychosis. DSP-0038 is the third molecule created using Exscientia's Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enter clinical trials. The two earlier compounds are DSP-1181, announced in 2020 together with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Exscientia's immuno-oncology agent, EXS-21546, announced earlier this year. Joint research between Exscientia and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma designed DSP-0038 to be a single small molecule that exhibits high potency as an antagonist for the 5-HT2A receptor and agonist for the 5-HT1A receptor, whilst selectively avoiding similar receptors and unwanted targets, such as the dopamine D2 receptor. Selective dual targeting is a major challenge for conventional drug discovery, and psychiatric indications also require exceptional selectivity to avoid off-target effects. The successful design of DSP-0038 demonstrates opportunities to design selective molecules with dual activity. DSP-0038 will be assessed for improved antipsychotic effects associated with Alzheimer's disease psychosis, as well as improvements in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia which include agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression. Toru Kimura, Representative Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, said: "We have been impressed by the outstanding productivity of Exscientia's AI technologies. The combination of Exscientia's AI with our company's deep experience in monoamine GPCR drug discovery has now led to two molecules reaching our clinical pipeline from this collaboration." Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, said: "This is further validation that our AI platform can turn complex biological challenges into high-quality clinical candidates quickly. To have what we believe to be the world's first three clinical molecules created using AI arising from our own platform two with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is a wonderful achievement. We hope that through the creation of DSP-0038 improved treatments for Alzheimer's disease psychosis will be realized." About Exscientia Exscientia is an AI-driven pharmatech company committed to discovering and designing the best possible medicines in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia is the first company to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting and repeatedly demonstrate the ability of AI to transform how drugs are created. Exscientia's AI platform has now designed two drugs that are in Phase 1 human clinical trials. Drug design is precision engineering at the molecular scale. Exscientia has built dedicated AI systems that efficiently learn from the widest range of data and consistently reapply enhanced knowledge through iterations of design. Because Exscientia's AI platform learns more effectively and rapidly than human-led efforts alone, candidate molecules satisfying complex therapeutic requirements are created with revolutionary efficiency. Exscientia believes that designing better drugs, faster, will allow the best ideas of science to rapidly become the best medicines for patients. Exscientia has offices in Oxford, Miami, Osaka and Dundee. For more information visit us on www.exscientia.ai or follow us on Twitter @exscientiaAI. About Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma defines its corporate mission as "To broadly contribute to society through value creation based on innovative research and development activities for the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of people worldwide." By pouring all our efforts into the research and development of new drugs, we aim to realize our corporate mission and provide innovative and effective pharmaceutical solutions to people not only in Japan but also around the world. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's goal is to create innovative pharmaceutical products in the focus research areas of Psychiatry Neurology, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine/Cell Therapy. For further details, visit https://www.ds-pharma.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005059/en/ Contacts: Enquiries: Edelman Anitra Sprauten P: +44 (0)7896 859386 Anitra.Sprauten@edelman.com Stephanie Crisp P: +44 (0)7583 003417 Stephanie.Crisp@edelman.com For Exscientia Mark Swindells: contact@exscientia.ai The more digitally proficient a company is the more likely it is to anticipate growth in the next year, according a new report by global software consultancy ThoughtWorks LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New international research commissioned by ThoughtWorks reveals that, against the backdrop of businesses recovering from the most seismic challenges in living memory, the most tech-proficient enterprises are the ones anticipating growth in the coming months. The study, which covered 12 countries, surveyed a representative sample of 969 CEOs and CIOs about their level of proficiency when it came to business technology, and its bearing on business confidence and long-term goals. The research suggested that digitally proficient businesses were significantly more likely to be growing. Four in five (82%) businesses that described themselves as fully proficient said they anticipated growth in 2021. This fell to 50% among enterprises that recognized their tech proficiency was behind the competition. Tech-savvy businesses have greater appetite for risk Asking about the priorities for the coming year, the results suggested that the most proficient businesses were also the most likely to be expanding their enterprises in the next six months. In comparison to less proficient businesses, they were significantly more likely to be launching new service lines (36% vs. 25%), investing in attracting the best talent (46% vs. 34%) and launching into new markets (36% vs. 30%). Underpinning these growth initiatives, tech proficient businesses were also most likely to place importance on improving operational efficiency (51%), enhancing profitability (46%) and to actively invest in developing their leadership team's technology know-how and proficiency (40%). Technology issues preventing expansion The report found that a high proportion of businesses overall knew their existing systems were in need of urgent modernization to achieve many of their goals for the coming year. Two in five (42%) businesses surveyed would not be able to launch into new markets, or launch new service lines (39%), without a considerable tech upgrade. Meanwhile, for day-to-day operational activities, over a third (36%) said their systems were not fit for purpose for operational activities, to grow their customer base, or to train members of staff. Larger businesses leverage their scale advantage The ThoughtWorks research also found that larger companies had a distinct advantage over their smaller counterparts when it came to harnessing the full potential of new technologies. Overall, 71% of larger businesses (1,000+ employees) described themselves as advanced in their tech proficiency, compared with 54% of smaller enterprises (fewer than 250 employees). They were also more likely to anticipate growth in the coming months (71% vs 65%). In terms of priorities for the year ahead, larger businesses were investing in twice as many areas of technology to achieve their priorities in the next 12months as smaller businesses. UK companies underinvesting in technology In the UK, companies were more likely to anticipate growth this year than the global average, and more likely to describe themselves as fully tech proficient. Seventy six percent of all companies anticipated growth this year, slightly above the global average (71%), while 76% described themselves as fully proficient (again, above the global average of 67%). However, when it came to investing in technology applications for the year ahead, UK companies lagged behind the global average. Just 15% of UK firms were looking to invest in six or more areas of technology (compared with a global average of 20%). Specific areas where UK companies lagged behind included digital transformation (40% investing compared with 56% of companies globally), enterprise modernization (24% vs 34% globally), and customer experience (35% vs 49% globally). Ruth Harrison, Managing Director ThoughtWorks UK commented: "In this new economic climate, business executives, managers and entrepreneurs will become more reliant than ever upon software, platforms and data to ensure their business remains competitive, they can expand into new markets and increase profitability. "Our findings should be a wake-up call for companies that are not taking the implications of digital transformation seriously enough. Far from being a technical problem - one that can be fixed by buying new equipment or software - this is about cultural change from within. It requires a top-down approach, with all members of the organization aligned and trained accordingly. The rate at which things are changing, accelerated in part by people's reliance on technology during the pandemic, underlines the importance to act now. The gap between tech proficient companies and those that struggle with tech will only get wider." Turkish researchers have developed a cooling technique in which water is sprayed via an air-assisted external mixing flat fan nozzle. The system can produce smaller droplet sizes to ensure the even distribution of water on panels.Researchers at Ataturk University in Turkey have evaluated the impact of water spray cooling on solar panel performance. They have proposed a number of technical improvements to optimize and scale up this active cooling technology. The scientists said in "Optimization of operational parameters for a photovoltaic panel cooled by spray cooling" - recently published in Engineering ... 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. Cylera, the leading healthcare IoT (HIoT) cybersecurity and threat intelligence company, and The AbedGraham Group, a physician-led global technology group, announced today that Dartford and Gravesham (DGT) NHS Trust has chosen the strategic technology partners to safeguard its medical device and IoT infrastructure. As one of the key hospital trusts in North Kent, England, DGT provides acute and outpatient services for a local population of 500,000 people. DGT recognized the need to identify and secure against clinical and enterprise IoT cybersecurity risks as top priority. Other more generalist solutions considered could scan networks and inventory devices, but only Cylera and its unique integration with The AbedGraham Group's clinical risk analysis platform provided the ability to examine and quantify real-time risks to patient safety and clinical services, align with regulatory requirements, and optimize clinical workflows and devices, all in one simplified platform. Through the strategic partnership, The AbedGraham Group's Clinical Security Analytics Platform, [CCOM2], is seamlessly integrated into Cylera's MedCommand platform. "Medical devices and IoT devices are critical to our ability to provide the best patient care possible to our local community. Over recent years the broad range of medical devices being networked and integrated with clinical systems has led to a new focus of cyber risk, requiring greater local intelligence and control," said Neil Perry, Director of Digital Transformation at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. "Through Cylera's patented technologies and integration with AbedGraham's analytics we are now able to identify cyber risks associated with this foundational approach." "Cylera and AbedGraham have been active participants in our journey to secure the devices most critical to our patient care delivery and cybersafety," said Shaun van Niekerk, Head of IT and Cybersecurity and Joint Chair of NHS Cyber Associates Network. "All NHS hospitals are in a similar situation with the need to accelerate towards the goal of decreasing IoT cyber risk. This unique compilation of technology provides the exceptional capabilities needed to reach this goal." [CCOM2] is a first of its kind, cloud based Clinical Security Analytics Platform natively integrated into Cylera MedCommand that analyzes and quantifies the clinical risks that stem from IT and IoT endpoints across healthcare networks. From network infrastructure to complex medical devices, [CCOM2] ingests rich data from Cylera and using physician developed algorithms allows assets and vulnerabilities to be ranked for remediation based on tangible threats to patient safety and care delivery. "Like many hospitals around the world, DGT forms the cornerstone of its region's care pathways by offering both elective and urgent care services." said Dr. Saif F. Abed, Partner Director of Cybersecurity Advisory Services, at The AbedGraham Group. "Accordingly, the need to protect clinical workflows by identifying tangible connected device risks is paramount. We are thrilled to be integrated with Cylera, a partner that addresses the significant clinical risks posed by IoT." Purpose-built to solve the complex technological and operational challenges of securing and managing connected medical devices, enterprise IoT and Operational Technology (OT). Cylera's Healthcare IoT Platform delivers real-time visibility, inventory, operational intelligence, risk and vulnerability analysis, risk mitigation, segmentation, fleet optimization, and threat detection and response. The platform's capability is unified through a central management console to streamline operations and provide value across multiple sites and teams. "The combination of Cylera and The AbedGraham Group shows how two distinct technologies can dramatically complement each other to give healthcare organizations and hospitals the optimal outcome of a secure IoT and medical device infrastructure," said Timur Ozekcin, Co-Founder CEO of Cylera. "As we continue our relationship with DGT in the UK, we look forward to expanding our presence in the region." Cylera is now available in the U.K. through our partner, cybersecurity specialists and solutions provider, Core to Cloud, Ltd., located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Learn about this compelling solution for securing IoT and IoMT in this coming webinar with Core to Cloud. Please visit www.cylera.com or download the joint solution Executive Brief or Cylera Platform datasheet. ABOUT CYLERA Founded in late 2017, and headquartered in New York, Cylera is the IoT and IoMT security and intelligence solution for healthcare. It has the only centralized cybersecurity solution that secures the entire connected healthcare IoT environment. Cylera's patented platform is contextually-aware for asset management, risk analysis and threat detection to deliver the strongest, most advanced healthcare IoT (HIoT) and medical device cybersecurity risk management solution for the industry. For more information go to www.cylera.com. ABOUT ABEDGRAHAM The AbedGraham Group is a physician-led, global technology and advisory services group supporting technology companies, healthcare providers and government agencies to achieve positive patient outcomes through cybersecurity. The AbedGraham Group's first of its kind clinical security analytics platform [CCOM] is the company's flagship solution and is actively integrated with a range of security products including IoT, vulnerability management, SIEM and SOAR platforms. See www.CCOM2.com and contact us at info@ccomsquared.com. ABOUT CORE TO CLOUD Core to Cloud was founded in 2015 and delivers highly disruptive security and compliance technologies to the market. Core to Cloud has a great go to market strategy that provides a solution led approach that puts the customer first. There is a logical process that means the vendors they work with have a greater opportunity to engage with the end user at the right time rather than just pushing a product for the sake of it. Core to Cloud is excited to be able to aid the expansion of its relationships by adding the Cylera product to its portfolio. To find out more about Core to Cloud please visit: www.coretocloud.co.uk View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005223/en/ Contacts: Danielle Ostrovsky Hi-Touch PR 410-302-9459 Ostrovsky@hi-touchpr.com Paula Elliott C8 Consulting Ltd +44 7894 339645 paula@c8consulting.co.uk The ENvue system consists of an electro-mechanical device with embedded software and enteral feeding tubes that addresses healthcare's pressing needs SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the North American enteral feeding tube navigation market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes ENvizion Medical Ltd with the 2021 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Award. Addressing the limitations of blind insertions and radiography-based adjuvant method, Israel-based ENvizion Medical has developed a revolutionary feeding tube navigation system for accurate enteral tube placement in adult patients. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1508994/Award_ENvizion_Medical.jpg The FDA 510(k)-cleared ENvue system consists of an electro-mechanical device with embedded software and enteral feeding tubes. Leveraging the power of electromagnetic technology, the device creates a personalized body map of patients, allowing the medical staff to precisely place the tube in the stomach or small intestine through the oral or nasoenteric route. "Unlike competing products, the ENvue system creatively displays a frontal, lateral, and axial view of the patients' actual body contours simultaneously, while also highlighting the enteral feeding tube's direction in real time," said Neeraj Nitin Jadhav, Senior Research Analyst. "Such real-time and multi-faceted visualization and directional guidance provides increased confidence to healthcare support staff while inserting the feeding tube, eliminating the risk of placement in the patients' lungs, and; thus, associated complications." The ENvue system's novel electromagnetic tracking technology reduces the tube placement procedure time by half compared to commercially available products. Frost & Sullivan notes that shortening the time required to initiate feeding is extremely important for critically ill and malnourished intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Moreover, it eliminates the need for repeated X-ray confirmations, resulting in minimized radiation exposure and associated health complications which subsequently reduce the healthcare costs. "Enteral feeding plays an important role in providing critical nutrition to hospitalized patients who cannot tolerate the standard method of food intake," noted Jadhav. "The pioneering ENvue system provides uniquely safe and rapid feeding tube positioning, contributing to improved outcomes for critically ill patients." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that develops a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify the industry's best practices. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh P: +91-20 6718 9725 E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com About ENvizion Founded 2013, ENvizion Medical is a privately held medical device company located in Tel Aviv, with U.S. distribution headquarters in Minneapolis. ENvizion is an innovation leader in the field of enteral feeding, focused on improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care, encompassing the development of advanced, personalized navigation technology for feeding tubes, responding to the challenges of the ever changing healthcare environment, while continuously focusing on the customer. For more information, visit https://www.envizionmed.com/ Open letter from MEPs calls inaction discriminatory and a health risk; "the duty for food companies to behave responsibly toward animals and toward consumers does not end at the borders of the continent" BRUSSELS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strongly-worded letter released today, Members of European Parliament are calling on food companies to end the caged confinement of animals in their global supply chains. The letter, which was circulated by international NGO Lever Foundation and Polish NGO Green REV Institute, was signed by MEPs from Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Sweden, France, Italy, Denmark, Portugal and Austria. "We urge all globally-operating European food companies that have not yet done so to set a public timeline for ending the sale of caged eggs in their international supply chains," reads the letter. "The duty for food companies to behave responsibly toward animals and toward consumers does not end at the borders of the continent. For European food companies to use in their supply chains in Asia, the Middle East or elsewhere practices that are so cruel and unsafe as to be illegal in the E.U. - and practices that in many cases violate the companies' own stated animal welfare policies - is an abdication of corporate social responsibility." A 2019 report by the European Food Safety Authority found that the shift to cage-free has resulted in lower rates of salmonella poisoning in customers, a benefit noted by Members of Parliament in their letter. "Given the increased health risks of eggs from caged hens, inaction on this issue puts international customers at increased risk of illness and hospitalization," the letter adds. "Failing to provide Asian, Middle Eastern, African or Latin American consumers the same level of food safety and food quality provided to European consumers can rightly be viewed as discriminatory." "We applaud the Members of European Parliament for calling attention to this important issue," said Kirsty Tuxford, Program Manager at animal protection organization Lever Foundation, which has worked with a number of European and international companies on ending the use of caged eggs. "The strong statement made by European decision-makers and Members of the European Parliament in the context of animal rights motivates us to continue our efforts," added Green REV Institute CEO Anna Spurek. View the letter: https://leverfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MEPletter.pdf CONTACT Kirsty Tuxford: kirsty@leverfoundation.org, +44 1865 60 0892 LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust plc (SMT.L) reported Thursday that its net return after taxation for the year to 31 March 2021 surged to 9.21 billion pounds or 632.84 pence per share from 973.06 million pounds or 66.10 pence per share last year. Net return before taxation for the year climbed to 9.22 billion pounds from 974.27 million pounds in the previous year. The Directors recommending that this year the total dividend be increased by 5.2% to 3.42 pence. Scottish Mortgage said it remains confident that the company merits a place in all portfolios. 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. DGAP-News: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.: - PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATION APPLICATION 13.05.2021 / 10:20 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. STEINHOFF INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS N.V. - PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATION APPLICATION Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. ("SIHNV" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, "Steinhoff" or the "Steinhoff Group") notes recent press commentary regarding a filing in the South African courts of an application for inter alia the provisional liquidation of SIHNV. On 12 May 2021 entities affiliated with the former shareholders of Tekkie Town (Pty) Ltd ("Tekkie Town Claimants") filed the aforementioned application in the Western Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa. The Tekkie Town Claimants have requested the matter be heard on an urgent basis on 24 May 2021. As previously noted, SIHNV is a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and is registered with the Trade Register in the Netherlands under number 63570173, with tax residency in South Africa. On 15 February 2021, the Company announced that it had resolved to lodge an application for a Dutch "suspension of payments" procedure ("Dutch SoP") with the Amsterdam District Court to implement its proposal to settle the multi-jurisdictional legacy claims against it. The Amsterdam District Court approved the application on the same day and appointed two administrators, namely Mr. F. Verhoeven and Mr. C.R. Zijderveld. SIHNV will oppose the application by the Tekkie Town Claimants and will vigorously defend any attempt to disrupt the proposed global settlement and the Company's ongoing Dutch SoP and the proper forum of the Dutch courts. The global settlement proposal currently under consideration by the Dutch court incorporates provisions to address the disputed claims of the Tekkie Town Claimants against the Company which relate to transactions between the Tekkie Town Claimants and the Company in 2016. Further Information Further updates and information relating to the Steinhoff Group global settlement, including information for any claimants, are available at: www.SteinhoffSettlement.com. The Company has a primary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Stellenbosch, South Africa 13 May 2021 Complexity and the reluctance of operators and regulators to support permanent roaming means intelligent eSIM localisation is critical for IoT to achieve full potential GUILDFORD, England, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global IoT projects will fail to reach their potential unless the problems of global permanent roaming are resolved, according to a new research report published by leading telecommunications analyst firm, Kaleido Intelligence, commissioned by global IoT connectivity specialist Eseye. The 'Solving Permanent Roaming Challenges Through eSIM and Localisation' report analyses why global IoT rollouts have failed to meet expectations, the challenges of permanent roaming and future regulatory concerns, and why advanced eSIM and localisation is a long-term, flexible solution to meet industry requirements. Despite global cellular IoT connections standing at 1.7 billion1, the limiting factor influencing future growth now lies in guaranteeing connectivity for commercial IoT devices, regardless of where they are deployed. This is especially crucial in applications such as telehealth or telecare, where personal health depends on reliable connectivity. Without guaranteed in-country connectivity, business cases become untenable, projects cannot scale and there is an unacceptable level of risk. Permanent roaming is not viable for long-term commercial IoT deployments Roaming is the historical solution for connecting consumer cellular devices outside of their domestic market. When an IoT device is connected to a network outside its home country for more than 90 days, it is deemed to be permanently roaming and risks being disconnected from the network. The implications for enterprise IoT deployments include: Permanent roaming is becoming more frequent given that commercial models for inbound roaming are not as attractive for the mobile network operators (MNOs). In contrast, a localised eSIM connection generates up to five times more revenue per device for regional operators. 80% of roaming agreements between operators do not support both PSM and eDRX which are essential for battery life management in IoT devices. These functions are often limited to devices that are connecting locally to a network. Commercial disputes between MNOs over roaming agreements, which can often be at short notice, can result in the termination of connectivity agreements between the parties, leading to a loss of connectivity for enterprise IoT devices. Countries such as Australia , the United States , China , Canada , India , Turkey , and Singapore have introduced restrictions, and in some cases, outright bans on permanent roaming, meaning any IoT deployments at scale will be affected. , , , , , , and have introduced restrictions, and in some cases, outright bans on permanent roaming, meaning any IoT deployments at scale will be affected. Roaming data must be backhauled leading to poor application performance due to data routing architectures causing network capacity, latency, and performance issues, which is unacceptable for most IoT applications. Nick Earle, CEO, Eseye comments: "Negative attitudes towards permanent roaming - from the perception that the volume of connections may cause network capacity and performance issues to regulators objecting to cross-border data transit - mean operators are unable or unwilling to guarantee the global connectivity required for successful large-scale projects. A more flexible solution is needed to de-risk global IoT projects and reduce uncertainty in the pre-deployment phase by ensuring devices can connect to the best provider, wherever they are located." Steffen Sorrell, Chief of Research, Kaleido Intelligence adds: "Kaleido Intelligence has found that while the installed base of eSIM-enabled IoT devices reached over 300 million in 2020, less than 20% of those devices were actively using the eSIM to connect to data services. Thus, it is clear that the current state of eSIM has not made a considerable dent in reducing IoT roaming or delivering the benefits of eSIM localisation for international IoT deployments. Furthermore, unless connections produce substantial amounts of data that can make inbound roaming connections financially viable, operators are losing out on significant revenue by not localising those connections, which will also allow enterprises to enjoy near-ubiquitous connectivity in their deployments." Achieving true global IoT deployment through eSIM and localisation Eseye has built a global network of localisation agreements with regional operators, unrestricted by existing roaming agreements. Its unique multi-IMSI eSIM with advanced eUICC profile management is completely agnostic and can store up to 10 bootstrap profiles. These profiles can be easily uploaded over-the-air, enabling seamless switching between MNOs to deliver optimum connection levels for customers. Guaranteed connectivity allows device owners to circumnavigate permanent roaming restrictions, which is not possible with the majority of available eSIM solutions that rely on a single global SIM and bootstrap option. These are unable to offer the long-term flexibility to deliver high levels of global connectivity at all times, especially if device circumstances change. To address this, Eseye offers more comprehensive, reliable connectivity for IoT devices, across a greater number of territories, than any other provider can deliver, eliminating the cost and risk of devices being disconnected. Earle concludes: "Uncertainty about both initial and lifetime device connectivity is a huge concern for businesses rolling out large-scale IoT projects. Global rollouts are not cheap, and the level of investment needed is harder to justify in commercial terms when the connectivity environment is not assured. This situation will continue to stifle the enormous potential of IoT unless an alternative, such as advanced intelligent eSIMs supported by a network localisation capability, is adopted." Download Eseye's 'Solving Permanent Roaming Challenges Through eSIM and Localisation' white paper here. Register for the Kaleido Intelligence and Eseye webinar on 17 June About Eseye Eseye empowers businesses to embrace IoT without limits. We help them to visualise the impossible and bring those solutions to life through innovative IoT cellular connectivity solutions that enable our customers to drive up business value, deploy differentiated experiences and disrupt their markets. Our pioneering IoT cellular connectivity solutions, versatile hardware, technical consultancy and round-the-clock support allows businesses to overcome the complexity of IoT design, development and deployment. We guide them every step of the way, so they can move forward with IoT projects without the fear of getting it wrong. Supported by our unique AnyNet Secure SIM technology, Connectivity Management Platform and a powerful partner ecosystem, we help more than 2,000 customers to seamlessly connect millions of devices across 190 countries, agnostic to over 700 available global networks. Find out more at www.eseye.com Media Contacts Jim Pople C8 Consulting jim@c8consulting.co.uk +44 (0) 7955 030191 1 https://roaming.kaleidointelligence.com/pf/global-roaming-data-hub-q4-2020/ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce sampling results from the newly discovered Day Trip Zone which is located ~3.5 km southeast of the Cloud Drifter Trend on the Goldrange Project. The Goldrange Project is located approximately 25 km south of the town of Tatla Lake with logging road access to the north end of the 367 km2 project. Highlights: Discovery of a 90 x 70 m zone of extensive gold bearing sulfide-cement breccias in float with grades up to 20.1 g/t Au. Discovery of sheeted quartz-sulfide veins up to 6.7 g/t Au in outcrop. Open-ended talus fines anomaly up to 8.4 g/t Au. Identification of a previously unrecognized intrusive-hosted orogenic gold system similar in style and scale to the Cloud Drifter Trend. "The Day Trip Zone was discovered over a 3-day trip last summer when David Loretto, Kingfisher's President, and I camped in the alpine to try and explain a conspicuous gossan we had seen from the air. The discovery of this new zone of high-grade gold mineralization ~3.5 km away from the nearest sample at the Cloud Drifter Trend highlights the regional prospectivity of the Goldrange Project." Stated Dustin Perry, CEO. The Goldrange Project covers a significant deformation zone with numerous precious metal veins across the project. Mineralization at Goldrange occurs as orogenic gold and intrusion-related gold systems. Several areas of historical hand mining are located within the project and date back to the 1930s. The Day Trip Zone was discovered by prospecting a gossan formed from hornfels alteration of sedimentary rocks intruded by a Bendor Suite monzonite intrusion. The area is situated on flat to low angled slopes on a mountain approximately 3.5km to the southeast of the nearest samples within the Cloud Drifter Trend in an area with no documented historical exploration. Ridgetop talus fine sampling (85 samples) revealed an area over 500 m long of high-contrast gold anomalism (figure 1) with coincident anomalous Ag, As, Sb, Cu, Bi, Hg, Te, and W. Talus fine sampling includes values from below detection limit to 8386.2 ppb Au (8.4 g/t Au) with 2 samples over 1 g/t Au and 9 samples over 0.5 g/t Au. Figure 1: 2020 Talus Fine Samples Rock sampling (figure 2) at the Day Trip Zone outlined a 90 x 70 m zone of arsenopyrite-cement breccia interpreted to be subcrop. The zone is located on an alpine plateau where transport of the material is unlikely. Within the area of anomalous gold in talus fines, sulfide-cemented breccia rubble comprises ~20% of all rock in the area. Subcrop material of sulfide-cemented breccia are up to 1m in length and 40 cm wide. This zone of sulfide mineralisation is highly anomalous in gold with grades from 3.4 g/t Au up to 20.1 g/t Au with coincident highly anomalous pathfinders (Ag, As, Sb, Cu, Bi, Te, Zn, and W). To the west and slightly down slope of the area of sulfide-cement breccia is an area of intrusive-hosted sheeted quartz veins. Quartz veins textures are indicative of a high-level epizonal setting and are up to 2m wide. Within this area, samples range from below detection limit to 6.7 g/t Au. The area has limited outcrop exposure with extensive quartz vein subcrop, potentially indicating that veins are more common than seen in outcrop. Additionally, a float sample of sulfide-cement breccia occurs downslope of this area and returned 18.2 g/t Au and potentially indicates a second breccia body to the west. Figure 2: 2020 Rock Samples Geological mapping of the Day Trip Zone revealed a similar geological and structural setting (figure 3) to the Cloud Drifter Trend. A Bendor Suite monzonite intruded Cloud Drifter Formation sedimentary rocks which overlaps with a regional-scale dextral faulting event which is associated with gold mineralization within the Yalakom Gold Belt. A more detailed presentation of the results included with this release can be found on the Company's website: Day Trip 2020 Rock and Talus Sampling Results. Additionally, Dustin Perry and Gayle Febbo discuss the presentation in more detail: Goldrange: Day Trip 2020 Rock and Talus Sampling Results - YouTube. Figure 3: Geology Quality Assurance and Quality Control Soil samples weighing approximately 250 grams per sample were delivered by company personnel to Acme Labs, a division of Bureau Veritas, located in Vancouver, BC, an ISO9001:2008 accredited laboratory. The soil samples were prepared using the SS80 method by drying them at 60C and sieving to less than 180 m (80 mesh). A 30 gram split of the sieved soil sample was then subjected to a modified aqua regia digestion (1:1:1 HNO3:HCl:H2O) and analyzed for 37 major and trace elements using ICP-ES/MS (method code AQ252). Field duplicates were collected and submitted every 40 samples. Rock samples were submitted to Acme Labs, a division of Bureau Veritas, located in Vancouver, BC, an ISO9001:2008 accredited laboratory. The rocks samples were prepared using the PRP70-250 method by crushing 1.0 kg of rock to =>70% passing through a 2 mm sieve. Two hundred and fifty grams was then pulverized so that =>85% passes through a less than 75 m sieve. A 0.25 g split was then subjected to a 4 acid near total digest where the split is heated in a HNO3, HClO4 and HF solution to fuming, dried and then dissolved in HCL. The resulting solution was then analyzed for 45 major and trace elements using ICP-ES/MS (method code MA200). A 30 g split was analyzed for gold using a lead collection fire assay fusion that was then digested and analyzed using AAS (method code FA430). A 30 g split of samples that assayed >10ppm gold and/or >200ppm Ag were analyzed using a lead collection fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish (method code FA530). Samples that assayed for >200 ppm W, > 4000ppm Bi, Mo, Sb, >10000 ppm Cu, Pb or Zn were digested using a HNO3, HClO4 and HF solution to fuming, dried and then dissolved in HCL. The resulting solution was then analyzed using ICP-ES (method code MA370). Samples that assayed > 10000 ppm As were digested using a modified aqua regia digestion (1:1:1 HNO3:HCl:H2O) and analyzed using ICP-ES (method code MA370). Qualified Person Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release. About Kingfisher Metals Corp. Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia. Kingfisher has three 100% owned district-scale projects that offer potential exposure to high-grade gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 68,945,801 shares outstanding. For further information, please contact: Dustin Perry, P.Geo. CEO and Director Phone: +1 236 358 0054 E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include; success of the Company's projects; prices for gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour- related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader 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 or 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: risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic; fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647130/Kingfisher-Samples-up-to-201-gt-Gold-in-Rock-and-84-gt-Gold-in-Talus-Fines-from-New-Discovery ESCONDIDO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Marijuana Company of America, Inc. (OTC PINK:MCOA) and Cannabis Global, Inc. (OTC PINK:CBGL) today announced the closing of a definitive agreement establishing a new manufacturing and research center for advanced cannabis concentrates, cannabinoid polymeric nanoparticles and nanofibers. The joint venture, operating under an entity named, MCOA Lynwood Services, Inc, will be managed by Natural Plant Extracts of California (NPE) at its Lynwood, California location. Cannabis Global is majority owner of Natural Plant Extracts, holder of a Type 7 cannabis manufacturing permit. The new venture will immediately focus on the production of cannabis concentrates, which will be processed at the licensed NPE facility and will continue the research and development of Cannabis Global polymeric nanoparticle technologies, for which patent applications were filed late last year. Cannabis concentrates will be sold into the regulated California market and will be used within the Company's upcoming products. Under the terms of the joint venture, MCOA will contribute capital and leases on production equipment to be used as the means of production. Cannabis Global will own 60% of the joint venture, while MCOA will own 40%. The Companies will each appoint two individuals to the new JV's board of directors. Jesus M. Quintero, CEO of MCOA stated, "We firmly believe that with the capital resources that MCOA will be providing in order for the new venture to procure equipment and start up expenses, we will be able to recognize additional reoccurring revenue immediately prior to the upside potential that will come with shared profits. Both companies share a strong entrepreneurial spirit and we look forward to the opportunity in which this brings for our shareholders and the important role it plays in our overall strategy of empowering consumers to take health and wellness into their own hands." "We see numerous benefits to the joint venture," commented Arman Tabatabaei, CEO of Cannabis Global. "Cannabis concentrates are one of the fastest growing areas of the regulated cannabis market and the pursuit is natural considering our recently renewed Type 7 license for volatile extraction, the licensing of which is strictly limited by the State of California. We also see powerful vertical integration and cost savings by being able to produce our own inputs to be added to our own brands. These cost savings will be further amplified by sending our finished products through our own distribution company and license - Northern Lights Distribution." Last year, according to data published by MJBizDaily, "The cannabis concentrate product category was up by more than 40%, representing one of the fast growing cannabis sub-categories. Pricing of products in the category also rose last year by five percent, primarily driven by increased demand as consumers continued to move away from vape products due to health concerns and as consumers in mature markets, such as Los Angeles, are increasingly demanding more potent cannabis products." Cannabis Global also plans to continue its research and development programs relating to cannabinoid polymeric nano technologies and to support its patent applications via this newly created joint venture operations. During 2019 and 2020, Cannabis Global filed six provisional patents and three non-provisional patent applications on various cannabis technologies, including unique polymeric nanoparticles and fibers for use in oral and dermal cannabinoid delivery. About Marijuana Company of America Inc. Marijuana Company of America Inc. is a diversified holding company with wholly owned subsidiaries and financial investments in various private and publicly traded companies across the Cannabis industry emerging company offering unique exposure to the global cannabis sector. Marijuana Company of America Inc. (MCOA) changed its strategy in 2020 and focused on acquisitions, as well as its sales & marketing efforts of MCOA's wholly owned hempsmart premium brand of hemp-based CBD (legal cannabidiol) products both domestically and internationally. Strategic decisions and long-range planning have also led the company to pivot away from farming and focus on supplying the cannabis industry across an ever-expanding market landscape. About Cannabis Global, Inc. Cannabis Global, Inc., formerly known as MCTC Holdings, Inc., is a fully audited and reporting Company with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, trading with the stock symbol CBGL. The Company is an emerging force in the area of cannabinoid sciences and highly bioavailable hemp and cannabis infusion technologies. The Company does not engage in the production, distribution, or sales of any controlled substances, including marijuana. The Company has an actively growing portfolio of intellectual property having filed six patents in the areas of cannabinoid delivery systems and cannabinoid polymeric nanoparticles. The Company markets its consumer products under the Hemp You Can Feel brand name. Cannabis Global launched its Project Varin early in 2020, to develop new delivery methods for rare cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THV-C) and to develop products based on this cannabinoid. Legal Status of Cannabis While legalized in California for recreational and medicinal use, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 811) and illegal under the federal law. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements," which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs, and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate," "seek," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.marijuanacompanyofamerica.com or visit www.sec.gov. Contact info@marijuanacompanyofamerica.com info@mcoainvestments.com 888-777-4362 SOURCE: Marijuana Company of America, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647128/Marijuana-Company-of-America-and-Cannabis-Global-Reach-Definitive-Agreement-Establishing-Advanced-Cannabis-Concentrate-and-Nanoparticle-Manufacturing-Laboratory ENDEAVOUR REPORTS STRONG Q1-2021 RESULTS Production up 102% l AISC down 3% l CFPS pre-WC up 48% l Adjusted EPS up 111% Q1-2021 HIGHLIGHTS Strong Q1-2021 performance with production up +102% over Q1-2020 to 347koz, while AISC decreased by 3% to $868/oz Well positioned to meet FY-2021 guidance of 1,365-1,495koz at AISC of $850-900/oz following successful integration of Teranga assets Adjusted Net Earnings up $78m over Q1-2020 to $105m; up 111% on a per share basis to $0.50/sh Operating Cash Flow before working capital up $170m over Q1-2020 to $265m; up 47% on a per share basis to $1.28/sh Healthy balance sheet at quarter-end with a net debt to adjusted LTM EBITDA ratio of 0.16x, reflecting the consolidation of Teranga debt Strong focus on shareholder returns with first dividend of $60m paid on February 5, 2021, and $13m of shares repurchased post the quarter-end Organic growth on track with construction of Sabodala-Massawa Phase 1 expansion on schedule for completion by year-end; DFS underway for Sabodala-Massawa Phase 2 expansion, Fetekro, and Kalana projects George Town, May 13, 2021 - Endeavour Mining (TSX:EDV) (OTCQX:EDVMF) ('Endeavour' or the 'Group' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2021, with highlights provided in Table 1 below. Management will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday May 13, at 8:30am Toronto time (ET) to discuss the Company's Q1-2021 financial and operating results. For instructions on how to participate please refer to page 17. Table 1: Consolidated Highlights1 In US$ million unless otherwise specified. THREE MONTHS ENDED March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2020 - Q1-2021 vs. Q1-2020 PRODUCTION AND AISC Gold Production, koz 347 344 172 +102% All-in Sustaining Cost2, $/oz 868 803 899 (3)% CASH FLOW FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS3 Operating Cash Flow Before Non-Cash Working Capital 265 297 95 +178% Operating Cash Flow Before Non-Cash Working Capital2, $/share 1.28 1.82 0.86 +48% Operating Cash Flow 207 384 100 +107% Operating Cash Flow2, $/share 0.99 2.36 0.90 +10% PROFITABILITY FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS3 EBITDA2 335 227 102 +229% Adjusted EBITDA2 311 297 107 +191% Net Earnings/(loss) Attributable to Shareholders2 95 66 19 +389% Net Earnings per Share2, $/share 0.46 0.40 0.18 +160% Adjusted Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders2 105 164 26 +298% Adjusted Net Earnings per Share2, $/share 0.50 1.00 0.24 +111% SHAREHOLDER RETURNS Dividends paid 60 - - n.a. Share buyback (commenced in Q2-2021) - - - n.a. FINANCIAL POSITION HIGHLIGHT Net Debt/(Net Cash)2 162 (75) 473 (66)% Net (Cash)/Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio2 0.16 (0.09) 1.06 (85)% 1All amounts include Teranga assets from February 10, 2021 2This is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. 3From Continuing Operations excludes the Agbaou mine which was divested on March 1, 2021. Sebastien de Montessus, President and CEO, commented: "Over the past twelve months we have significantly transformed our company into a resilient business capable of rewarding our shareholders through the cycle. This quarter's strong performance demonstrates the quality of our enhanced portfolio of operating mines, following the successful integration of the Teranga assets within our business. Moreover, we are pleased to report significant increases in our per share metrics. The combined portfolio is on track to meet its FY-2021 guidance and deliver strong cash flows, bolstering our balance sheet and providing the flexibility to advance our exciting organic growth opportunities while continuing to reward shareholders through our dividend and share buyback programs. From a capital markets perspective, we remain on track to obtain our premium listing on the London Stock Exchange in June, which we expect to broaden our appeal to a wider pool of investor capital, whilst benefiting from the projected increase in indexation demand. We look forward to continuing to build on the progress we have made throughout the remainder of this year." UPCOMING CATALYSTS The key upcoming expected catalysts are summarized in the table below. Table 2: Key Upcoming Catalysts TIMING CATALYST Q2-2021 Corporate Capital markets virtual teach-in event ahead of UK lisiting Q2-2021 Corporate Premium LSE Listing Q3-2021 Afema Initial resource estimate Q3-2021 Sabodala-Massawa Exploration update Q3-2021 Exploration 5-year exploration strategy Q4-2021 Sabodala-Massawa Completion of Phase 1 plant upgrades Q4-2021 Sabodala-Massawa Completion of Definitive Feasibility Study for Phase 2 Q4-2021 Fetekro Completion of Definitive Feasibility Study Q1-2021 SUMMARY Continued strong safety record for the Group, with a significantly below average Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.14 for the rolling twelve months ending March 31, 2021. The acquisition of Teranga Gold was completed on February 10, 2021 and as such the Wahgnion and Sabodala-Massawa assets have been consolidated into the financial statements from this date. The sale of Endeavour's non-core Agbaou mine closed on March 1, 2021, and as such it has been classified as a discontinued operation. As shown in the tables below, the Group is well positioned to meet its full year 2021 production guidance of 1,365-1,495koz at an AISC of $850-900/oz, following the strong performance in Q1-2021 and the successful integration of the Teranga assets, which will be fully reflected in Q2-2021. Table 3: Consolidated Group Production THREE MONTHS ENDED 2021 FULL YEAR GUIDANCE March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2020 (All amounts in koz, on a 100% basis) Sabodala-Massawa1 39 - - 310 - 330 Hounde 66 101 56 240 - 260 Ity 71 61 61 230 - 250 Boungou 60 64 - 180 - 200 Mana 52 61 - 170 - 190 Wahgnion1 25 - - 140 - 155 Karma 22 28 28 80 - 90 PRODUCTION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 334 315 144 1,350 - 1,475 Agbaou2 13 28 27 15 - 20 GROUP PRODUCTION 347 344 172 1,365 - 1,495 1Included for the post acquisition period commencing February 10, 2021. 2Divested on March 1, 2021. Table 4: Consolidated All-In Sustaining Costs1 (All amounts in US$/oz) THREE MONTHS ENDED 2021 FULL YEAR GUIDANCE March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2020 Sabodala-Massawa2 749 - - 690 - 740 Hounde 839 612 1,076 855 - 905 Ity 786 1,054 651 800 - 850 Boungou 690 532 - 690 - 740 Mana 954 802 - 975 - 1,050 Wahgnion2 780 - - 940 - 990 Karma 1,179 1,132 866 1,220 - 1,300 Corporate G&A 31 20 19 30 Sustaining exploration - - - 5 AISC FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 858 779 890 840 - 890 Agbaou3 1,131 1,066 951 1,050 - 1,125 GROUP AISC 868 803 899 850 - 900 1This is a non-GAAP measure. 2Included for the post acquisition period commencing February 10, 2021. 3Divested on March 1, 2021. CASH FLOW BASED ON ALL-IN MARGIN APPROACH The table below presents the cash flow for Endeavour for the three month period ending March 31, 2021, based on the All-In Margin, with accompanying notes below. Table 5: Reconciliation of All-In Margin to Free Cash Flow1 THREE MONTHS ENDED In US$ million unless otherwise specified. Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 GOLD PRODUCTION, koz 334 315 144 GOLD SOLD, koz (Note 1) 364 301 147 Realized gold price, $/oz (Note 2) 1,749 1,841 1,538 REVENUE 636 553 226 Total cash costs1 (Note 3) (273) (210) (112) Corporate costs (11) (8) (5) Sustaining capital1 (Note 4) (28) (16) (14) ALL-IN SUSTAINING MARGIN FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 324 319 95 All-in Sustaining Margin from discontinued operations1 10 22 18 ALL-IN SUSTAINING MARGIN1 333 341 113 Less: Non-sustaining capital1 (Note 5) (57) (39) (18) Less: Non-sustaining exploration1 (Note 6) (6) (23) (15) ALL-IN MARGIN1 270 278 80 Growth projects1 (Note 7) (23) (4) (2) Exploration expense2 (10) (1) (1) Changes in working capital, other non-cash changes (Note 8) (86) 35 10 Interest paid (Note 9) (9) (6) (11) Taxes paid (Note 10) (43) (47) (9) Other operating cash flow changes (Note 11) (12) 4 (1) FREE CASH FLOW1 87 261 66 Acquisition and restructuring costs (Note 12) (12) (14) (4) Cash flows generated from/(used in) investing activities, excluding expenditures on mining interests3 (Note 13) 9 (13) (3) Cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities, excluding interest paid4 (Note 14) 119 (39) 111 Cash flows used in financing activities by discontinued operations (Note 15) (45) (8) 0 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (4) 4 (1) CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) FOR THE PERIOD 154 191 167 1This is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. 2Exploration expense per the statement of comprehensive (loss)/earnings. This cash outflow relates to expenditure on greenfield exploration activity. 3Investing activities excluding expenditures on mining interests consists of the investing cash flows from continuing operations less expenditures on mining interests, as disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. 4Financing activities excluding interest paid consists of the financing cash flows from continuing operations less interest paid, as disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. NOTES: 1) Gold sales increased by 63koz in Q1-2021 compared to Q4-2020 due to the addition of the newly acquired Sabodala-Massawa and Wahgnion mines and by 190koz compared to Q1-2020 as a result of the SEMAFO and Teranga acquisitions. 2) The realized gold price for Q1-2021 was $1,749/oz compared to $1,841/oz for Q4-2020 and $1,538/oz for Q1-2020, inclusive of the Sabodala-Massawa and Karma streams. The Sabodala-Massawa stream amounted to 1,567 ounces on a consolidated basis in Q1-2021. The Karma stream amounted to 3,333 ounces in Q1-2021. The Company completed the delivery of 100,000 ounces of gold from the Karma mine as at March 31, 2021. Going forward, the Karma stream will be reduced to 6.5% of gold production. Both streams result in the Company being paid at 20% of the spot gold price for gold subject to the stream. 3) Total cash costs increased in Q1-2021 compared to Q4-2020 due to increased production, while cash costs increased compared to Q1-2020 due to both increased production and higher royalty costs. 4) As shown in the table below, sustaining capital expenditure from continuing operations increased by $23/oz in Q1-2021 compared to Q4-2020, amounting to $28 million which represents 16% of the FY-2021 guided amount of $172 million. The increase, on a per ounce basis compared to Q4-2020, is attributable to the consolidation of the Sabodala-Massawa mine (which incurred high unit sustaining capital costs related to waste capitalization and heavy mining equipment purchases), while increases at Ity and Boungou were partially offset by a decrease at Hounde. Further details by asset are provided in the mine sections below. Table 6: Consolidated Sustaining Capital In US$ million unless otherwise specified. THREE MONTHS ENDED Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Ity 5 3 1 Karma 0 1 1 Hounde 5 7 12 Mana 3 3 n.a. Boungou 4 1 n.a. Sabodala-Massawa 10 n.a. n.a. Wahgnion 1 n.a. n.a. Sustaining capital from continuing operations 28 16 14 5) As shown in the table below, the total non-sustaining capital expenditure from continuing operations increased in Q1-2021 over Q4-2020 mainly due to the addition of the Teranga assets and the expected increase at Hounde, Mana and Boungou. The $57 million spent in Q1-2021 represents 28% of the FY-2021 guided amount of $201 million, with expenditures expected to be more weighted towards H1-2021. Further details by asset are provided in the mine sections below. Table 7: Non-Sustaining Capital In US$ million unless otherwise specified. THREE MONTHS ENDED Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Ity 12 12 11 Karma 1 3 2 Hounde 7 5 2 Mana 24 18 n.a. Boungou 4 1 n.a. Sabodala-Massawa 5 n.a. n.a. Wahgnion 4 n.a. n.a. Non-mining 0 1 3 Consolidated non-sustaining capital 57 39 18 Agbaou 0 0 0 Total non-sustaining capital from all operations 57 39 18 6) The non-sustaining exploration capital spend decreased by $17 million over Q4-2020 and by $9 million over Q1-2020 to $6 million, as a greater portion of the spend was classified as expensed. Exploration drilling is expected to ramp-up in Q2-2021 to take advantage of the dry season. 7) Q1-2021 includes $19.6 million for the purchase of an additional stake in the Fetekro property as announced on December 21, 2020, $0.5 million for the Sabodala-Massawa expansion project and $2.8 million on Kalana. 8) The tables below summarize the Q1-2021 working capital movements. Table 8: Working Capital Movement THREE MONTHS ENDED In US$ million unless otherwise specified. Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Q1-2021 comments Trade and other receivables (16) +35 (8) Outflow mainly due to an increase in VAT receivables at Karma, Hounde, Wahgnion and Mana. VAT received during Q1-2021 was $11 million made up of Wahgnion mine $3 million, Hounde mine $7 million and Karma mine $1 million. Trade and other payables (48) +48 +2 Outflow mainly related to payments made at Ity, as well as acquisition related costs paid in relation to the Teranga acquisition. Inventories +19 +4 +12 Inflow primarily due to the decrease in inventory stockpiles, GIC and finished gold balances at Boungou, Karma, Ity, Mana and Wahgnion which were largely offset by increase in stockpile balance at Hounde and Sabodala-Massawa. Prepaid expenses and other (13) - (1) Outflow mainly due to an increase in prepayments at Boungou of $3 million, Mana of $8 million and Wahgnion and Sabodala-Massawa of $2 million offset by reduction in prepaid expenses at Hounde by $1 million. Other non-cash adjustments (27) (51) +5 Non-cash adjustments relate to the amortization of the PPA fair value bump on inventories. Total (86) +35 +10 9) Interest paid increased by $3 million in Q1-2021 compared to Q4-2020, as the convertible bond semi-annual coupon is paid in the first and third quarter of each year. 10) Taxes paid from all operations decreased by $3 million in Q1-2021 compared to Q4-2020 and increased by $35 million compared to Q1-2020, with details shown in the table below. Notably, taxes paid from the discontinued Agbaou mine increased by $19 million due to the withholding tax payable on the dividend which was declared in Q4-2020. Table 9: Tax Payments THREE MONTHS ENDED In US$ million unless otherwise specified. Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Karma 0 0 0 Ity 6 0 0 Hounde 4 3 6 Mana 0 1 n.a. Boungou 1 0 n.a. Sabodala-Massawa 6 n.a. n.a. Wahgnion 0 n.a. n.a. Exploration 0 0 0 Corporate 6 4 1 Taxes from continuing operations 23 8 7 Agbaou 20 39 2 Consolidated taxes paid 43 47 9 11) Other operating cash flow changes is the sum of cash paid on settlement of DSUs and PSUs, cash paid on settlement of other financial assets and liabilities, and foreign exchange gain/loss as disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows. 12) Amounts relate mainly to M&A and advisory fees for the SEMAFO and Teranga acquisitions. In addition, $40 million of acquisition costs were incurred by Teranga prior to the closing of the transaction. 13) Other cash flows from investing activities in Q1-2021 comprised of $27 million of cash acquired upon acquisition of Teranga, $14 million of outflows related to an increase in long term inventory, and the net cash consideration received relating to the disposal of the Agbaou mine of $5 million at the closing of the sale 14) Other financing cash flows include the proceeds from the private placement of $200 million, dividends paid in the quarter of $60 million, and the net draw down of the corporate loan facilities of $47 million after the repayment of the debt facilities acquired from Teranga. Further notes are provided in Note 21 below. 15) Cash flows from discontinued operations relate to the Agbaou mine which was sold on March 1, 2021. The cash outflows in Q1-2021 relate to the payment of a dividend to the minority shareholder which was declared in December 2020. NET CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY SOURCES Endeavour's balance sheet remains healthy with Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) of 0.16x at quarter-end, with a Net Debt balance of $162 million despite absorbing approximately $332 million of Net Debt from Teranga. Along with the completion of the Teranga acquisition on February 10, 2021, Endeavour closed a $800 million corporate loan facility refinancing. The refinancing proceeds were used to retire Teranga's various higher cost debt facilities amounting to $359 million and to settle Teranga's gold off-take agreement for an amount of $50 million. The table below summarizes operating, investing, and financing activities, key balance sheet items and the resulting impact on the Company's Net Debt position, with notes provided below. Table 10: Cash Flow and Net Debt Position for Endeavour THREE MONTHS ENDED In US$ million unless otherwise specified Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Net cash from (used in), as per cash flow statement: Operating activities (Note 19) 198 364 126 Investing activities (Note 20) (105) (97) (57) Financing activities (Note 21) 65 (80) 100 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (4) 4 (1) INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 154 191 167 Cash position at beginning of period 715 523 190 CASH POSITION AT END OF PERIOD (Note 22) 868 645 357 Cash included in assets held for sale 0 70 0 Equipment financing (Note 23) 0 0 (70) Convertible senior bond (Note 24) (330) (330) (330) Drawn portion of corporate loan facility (Note 25) (700) (310) (430) NET DEBT/ (CASH) POSITION (Note 26) 162 (75) 473 Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio1 (Note 27) 0.16x (0.09)x 1.06x 1Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA are Non-GAAP measures. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. NOTES: 19) Operating cash flows after changes in working capital were $198 million in Q1-2021 compared to $364 million and $126 million in the comparative periods of Q4-2020 and Q1-2020 respectively. Q1-2021 decreased by $166 million compared to Q4-2020 mainly due to a lower realized gold price and the outflow in working capital as significant payments were made to suppliers of the Wahgnion and Sabodala-Massawa mines. Q1-2021 has increased by $72 million relative to Q1-2020 due to increased production for the year from the Company's existing mines, as well as from the Wahgnion, Sabodala-Massawa, Mana and Boungou mines, at higher realized gold prices. 20) Cash flows used by investing activities were $105 million in Q1-2021 compared to $97 million and $57 million in Q4-2020 and Q1-2020 respectively. The Q1-2021 amount has increased relative to Q4-2020 mainly due to expenditure on mining interests of $114 million, and an increase in long term inventory of $14 million. The increase was offset by cash acquired on acquisition of Teranga of $27 million and cash outflows on the disposal of the Agbaou mine net of proceeds received, of $5 million. 21) Cash flows generated from financing activities were $65 million in Q1-2021 compared to cash outflows of $80 million in Q4-2020 and cash generated from financing activities of $100 million in Q1-2020. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company received additional funds of $200 million following the completion of the La Mancha investment. The Company drew down $490 million on the corporate loan facilities and repaid $443 million of the debt acquired upon the acquisition of Teranga during the same period. The Company also paid out dividends amounting to $60 million. Other significant payments during the period were the settlement of the gold offtake agreement which was acquired from Teranga amounting to $50 million as well as repayment of lease obligations of $11 million. 22) At quarter-end, Endeavour's liquidity remained strong with $868 million of cash on hand and $100 million undrawn of the RCF. 23) The equipment finance lease obligations were repaid in full during FY-2020. 24) In 2018, Endeavour issued a $330 million convertible note, maturing in February 2023. 25) Endeavour's corporate loan facility was increased from $430 million to $800 million in Q1-2021 to retire Teranga's various higher cost debt facilities. At quarter-end $700 million was drawn on the facility. 26) Net Debt amounted to $162 million at quarter-end, marking a Net Debt increase of $236 million compared to the beginning of the year due to the increase in gross debt as a result of acquiring Teranga. 27) The Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio ended the quarter at a healthy 0.16x. Despite the increase in gross debt as a result of the Teranga acquisition, the ratio has improved by 85% from the corresponding period last year when the ratio stood at 1.06x times. OPERATING CASH FLOW PER SHARE Operating cash flow before non-cash working capital from continuing operations amounted to $1.28 per share in Q1-2021, marking an increase of $0.41 per share compared to Q1-2020, due primarily to the increase in production and the higher realized gold price. It also represents a decrease of $0.55 per share over Q4-2020, despite higher production due to a lower realized gold price, higher total cash costs per ounce and income taxes paid. Table 11: Operating Cash Flow Before and After Non-Cash Working Capital Per Share1 THREE MONTHS ENDED In US$ million unless otherwise specified. Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 INCLUDING DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Cash flows generated from operating activities 198 364 126 Changes in working capital1 58 (98) (7) Taxes on additional dividend declared at Agbaou - 45 - Adjusted operating cash flows before working capital 256 311 119 Divided by weighted average number of outstanding shares, in thousands 208 163 111 Adjusted operating cash flow per share from all operations 0.95 2.23 1.14 Adjusted operating cash flow before working capital per share from all operations 1.23 1.91 1.08 EXCLUDING DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Cash used by operating activities by discontinued operations (9) (20) 26 Cash generated from operating activities by continuing operations 207 384 100 Changes in working capital from continuing operations 59 (87) (5) Operating cash flows before working capital from continuing operations 265 297 95 Divided by weighted average number of outstanding shares, in thousands 208 163 111 Operating cash flow per share from continuing operations 0.99 2.36 0.90 Operating cash flow per share before working capital from continuing operations 1.28 1.82 0.86 1Operating Cash Flow Per Share is a Non-GAAP measure. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE Total Net Earnings from continuing operations amounted to $0.50 per share in Q1-2021, marking an increase of $0.26 per share compared to Q1-2020, due primarily to the increase in production and the higher realized gold price. It also represents a decrease of $0.50 per share over Q4-2020, despite higher production due to a lower realized gold price, higher total cash costs per ounce, higher income taxes paid and a larger portion of earnings attributable to NCI. Adjustments made in Q1-2021 relate mainly to gain on financial instruments, adjustments related to non-cash depreciation of inventory associated with the fair value adjustment on the purchase price allocation of SEMAFO and Teranga, loss on discontinued operations, deferred income tax, share based compensation, non-recurring items and acquisition and restructuring costs. Table 12: Net Earnings and Adjusted Net Earnings1 In US$ million unless otherwise specified. QUARTER ENDED Mar. 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 TOTAL NET EARNINGS FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS 115 30 35 Adjustments1,2 19 149 (1) ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS 135 179 34 Less portion attributable to non-controlling interests 30 15 8 ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS 105 164 26 Divided by weighted average number of O/S shares, in millions 208 163 111 ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (BASIC) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 0.50 1.00 0.24 Add back adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders from discontinued operations (5) 3 7 Add back adjusted net earnings per share from discontinued operations (0.03) 0.02 0.06 ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM ALL OPERATIONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS 0.48 1.02 0.30 1Adjusted Net Earnings is a Non-GAAP measure. Refer to the non-GAAP measure section of the MD&A. 2For further details please refer to the MD&A. OPERATIONAL DETAILS BY MINE SABODALA-MASSAWA MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production slightly decreased, despite a slight increase in the gold recovery rate, due to a reduction in the throughput rate and lower average processed grades. Tonnes of ore mined decreased due to a slightly higher strip ratio and an increase in the proportion of fresh ore mined, as mining primarily focused on the Sofia Main and Sofia North deposits on the Massawa permit, with contributions from the Golouma West and Kourouloulou pits. Tonnes milled slightly decreased due to the increased scheduled maintenance which affected mill availability and the increase in the proportion of fresh rock sourced from the Sofia North pit. Processed grades slightly decreased as higher grade ore was prioritized from the Sofia Main and North pits during the ramp-up in the previous quarter during Q4-2020. Recovery rates slightly increased due to the ore blend. AISC increased due to the higher sustaining capital and higher mining costs due a higher proportion of fresh ore being processed. Sustaining capital expenditure of $9.5 million was related to waste capitalization and purchases of additional mining equipment. Non-sustaining capital expenditure of $4.6 million mostly related to the relocation activities of the Sabodala village, the new haul road and infrastructure developments at the Massawa permit mining areas. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights The Sabodala-Massawa mine was consolidated from February 10, 2021. Plant Expansion Update The Massawa deposit is being integrated into the Sabodala mine through a two-phased approach, as outlined in the 2020 PFS. Phase 1 of the plant expansion will facilitate processing of an increased proportion of high grade, free-milling Massawa ore through the Sabodala processing plant. The installation of an additional electrowinning cell, a carbon regeneration kiln, an acid wash and elution circuit and an additional leach tank has commenced and the project is on schedule for completion in Q4-2021. In Q1-2021 a total of $6 million was incurred for the Phase 1 plant expansion, of which $5 million was incurred by Teranga prior to February 10, 2021, the remainder has been incurred by Endeavour. Phase 2 of the expansion will add an additional processing circuit to process the high grade refractory ore from the Massawa deposit, through the addition of a new refractory ore plant. A DFS for Phase 2 is underway and is on track for completion in Q4-2021. Table 13: Sabodala-Massawa Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q1-20211 (Consolidated) Q4-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,622 1,056 2,131 Total tonnes mined, kt 10,713 5,831 11,628 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 5.62 4.52 4.46 Tonnes milled, kt 1,027 550 1,100 Grade, g/t 2.48 2.53 2.51 Recovery rate, % 90 90 89 PRODUCTION, KOZ 75 39 79 Total cash cost/oz n.a. 564 n.a. AISC/OZ n.a. 749 n.a. 1For the post acquisition period commencing February 10, 2021. 2021 Outlook Sabodala-Massawa is expected to meet guidance and is on track to produce between 310-330koz at AISC of $690-740 per ounce for the period February 10, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The Sofia Main and Sofia North pits, on the Massawa mining permit, will continue to contribute the majority of the ore mined for the remainder of 2021. A higher head grade is expected in the latter portion of the year with higher grade feed from the Sofia pits. 2021 Exploration Program A $13.0 million exploration program has been planned for 2021 to define new resources on near-mine targets at Sabodala-Massawa, including CZ, Sofia, Samina, Tina and Niakafiri, and to evaluate the potential of other near-mine and regional exploration targets. In Q1-2021, approximately $2.0 million was spent, comprised of over 20,000 meters of drilling. The majority of the drilling activity was focused on the Samina, Tina, Delya and other targets within the Massawa project area. During the remainder of 2021, drilling will be focussed on extending the non-refractory ore resources at the Sofia North deposit and following up on positive reconnaissance drilling results at the satellite deposits Samina, Tina and Delya. HOUNDE MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production decreased due to the scheduled increase in waste stripping, mining lower grade ore, as well as lower recovery rates associated with the reduction in oxide ore processed as ore from Kari Pump was blended with increased amounts of fresh ore from other pits. Tonnes of ore mined decreased due to the focus on waste stripping at the Kari Pump and Vindaloo Main pits as mining was confined to low-grade areas and supplemented with ore mined from the Bouere and Vindaloo Center pits. Tonnes milled increased slightly due to the increased milling rate that resulted from improved rock fragmentation. Average gold grade milled decreased as mining was constrained to low grade areas of the Kari Pump and Vindaloo Center pits. Recovery rate decreased to 91% due to the decrease in the proportion of oxide material milled as Kari Pump ore was blended with fresh ore from other pits. AISC increased due to an increase in the strip ratio and the decrease in grade milled and recovery rates, which was partially offset by lower fleet maintenance costs, as well as lower reagent and power cost associated with improved rock fragmentation. Sustaining capital of $4.7 million is related to waste capitalization at the Kari Pump and Vindaloo Main pit. Non-sustaining capital of $6.7 million is related to the costs associated with the development of the Kari West mining area. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights Production increased due to higher processed tonnes and higher grades. AISC decreased due the lower mining unit costs, lower strip ratio as well as the expected decrease in sustaining capital, which was slightly offset by higher royalties associated with the higher gold price realised. Table 14: Hounde Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q4-2020 Q1-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,625 2,120 900 Total tonnes mined, kt 13,937 10,741 11,311 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 7.58 4.07 11.57 Tonnes milled, kt 1,147 1,117 1,066 Grade, g/t 1.89 3.06 1.76 Recovery rate, % 91 94 91 PRODUCTION, KOZ 66 101 56 Total cash cost/oz 768 541 868 AISC/OZ 839 612 1,076 2021 Outlook Hounde is on track to meet its full year guidance and produce between 240-260koz in 2021 at AISC of $855-905 per ounce. Q1-2021 performance was better than initially scheduled as the improved mining fragmentation resulted in temporarily higher mill throughput. In the upcoming quarters, mining will continue to focus on the Kari Pump pit with contributions from the Bouere and Vindaloo Centre pits, while stripping activities are expected to increase at the Vindaloo Main pit. Grades are expected to be higher in the latter portion of the year due to stronger contributions from Vindaloo Main and the Kari area. 2021 Exploration Program An exploration program of up to $7.0 million has been planned for 2021, comprised of approximately 47,000 meters of drilling. In Q1-2021, approximately $2.0 million was spent, comprised of 25,000 meters of drilling focused on Vindaloo South, Mambo and the intersection of Kari Gap and Kari Center. For the remainder of the year, the exploration program will focus on following up on initial results at Vindaloo South, Mambo and the intersection of Kari Gap and Kari Center as well as reconnaissance drilling at Dafra T3, Marzipan, Kari Deep and Vindaloo Deep targets. ITY MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production significantly increased due to higher throughput, higher processed grades, as well as higher plant recovery rate. Total tonnes mined increased due to a decrease in the proportion of fresh ore mined, higher mining fleet availability and less rainfall, which resulted in better road conditions improving the performance of the mining fleet. Tonnes of ore mined decreased due to a higher strip ratio as ore was mainly sourced from the Bakatouo, Walter and Daapleu pits in Q1-2021. Tonnes milled increased due to a decrease in the proportion of fresh ore milled, as well as increased plant operating time. Processed grades increased due to the benefit of the higher grade ore from the Bakatouo pit, which was supplemented with ore from the Daapleu pit and the Walter pit. Recovery rate increased due to the benefit of a higher proportion of oxide ore from the Bakatouo and Walter pits in place of the fresh sulfide ore from the Daapleu pit which has lower recovery rates. AISC per ounce decreased due to lower mining and processing unit costs as a result of lower fleet maintenance and reagent costs respectively. Fleet maintenance costs were reduced due to improved road conditions and reagent consumption was improved through a reduction in the proportion of Daapleu ore processed. The cost reductions were slightly offset by higher royalties and sustaining capital expenditure Sustaining capital expenditure of $5.2 million related to waste stripping at the Ity pit. Non-sustaining capital expenditure of $12.0 million mainly related to the construction of the Stage 3 raise of the Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF"), the Le Plaque haul road construction, and the Cavally river diversion. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights Production increased due to the higher throughput and higher processed grades which more than offset the lower recovery rate. AISC per ounce increased due to higher mining unit costs associated with mining at lower elevations, higher processing costs due to a higher proportion of fresh being processed and increased sustaining capital, related to waste capitalization and equipment component change-outs. Table 15: Ity Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q4-2020 Q1-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 2,105 2,660 1,909 Total tonnes mined, kt 6,816 6,546 5,226 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 2.24 1.46 1.74 Tonnes milled, kt 1,550 1,456 1,410 Grade, g/t 1.76 1.72 1.63 Recovery rate, % 79 76 84 PRODUCTION, KOZ 71 61 61 Total cash cost/oz 715 989 633 AISC/OZ 786 1,054 651 2021 Outlook Ity is on track to meet its full year guidance and produce between 230-250koz in 2021 at an AISC of $800-850 per ounce. Q1-2021 performance was better than initially scheduled as higher grade oxide ore was brought forward in the mine plan and the mill throughput out performed. Plant feed is expected to continue to be sourced from multiple areas, notably the Daapleu and Bakatouo pits, which will be supplemented with ore from the Ity, Walter and Colline Sud pits, as well as historical stockpiles. Greater volumes of fresh ore are expected to be processed in the upcoming quarters which is expected to reduce mill throughput and recovery rates. Mining at Le Plaque remains on schedule for Q4-2021, which is expected to result in a higher average mill grade. 2021 Exploration Program An exploration program of $9.0 million is planned for 2021. Drilling will focus on adding resources at Le Plaque, West Flotouo (Verse Ouest), Daapleu SW, Walter, Bakatouo Deep and Greater Ity. Reconnaissance drilling will also test the South Floleu area and Daapleu deep targets. In Q1-2021, approximately $4.0 million was spent, comprising 29,000 meters of drilling focused on Flotouo, Yopleu-Legaleu, Le Plaque South (Delta Extension), Daapleu Deep and the intersection of Walter and Bakatou. BOUNGOU MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production decreased due to the lower plant throughput rate and lower average processed grade, while recovery rate remained flat. Total tonnes mined increased as mining activities ramped up following the commissioning of two excavators and additional production drills early in the year. Tonnes ore mined decreased due to the expected increase in strip ratio following the ramp up of mining activities and the commencement of pre-stripping activities at the East Pit. Tonnes milled decreased due to lower mill availability as continued enhancements were made to the SAG mill, pebble crusher and vertical tower mill which started in Q4-2020 following the restart of mining. Processed grade decreased as the the mill feed was mainly sourced from the West Pit, with reduced contributions from higher grade stockpiles, which were used to support the mill feed in Q4-2020 during the ramp-up of mining activities. AISC per ounce increased due to increased sustaining capital, which was partially offset by lower mining unit costs due to the ramp up of mining activities and the commissioning of new equipment. Sustaining capital expenditure was $4.1 million and related to waste capitalization at the West pit. Non-sustaining capital expenditure was $4.5 million and related to waste stripping at the East pit. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights The Boungou mine was consolidated from July 1, 2020. Table 16: Boungou Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q4-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 246 335 Total tonnes mined, kt 6,672 2,240 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 26.11 5.69 Tonnes milled, kt 315 333 Grade, g/t 5.52 6.92 Recovery rate, % 96 96 PRODUCTION, KOZ 60 64 Total cash cost/oz 619 513 AISC/OZ 690 532 2021 Outlook Boungou is on track to meet its full year guidance and produce between 180 - 200koz in 2021 at AISC of $690 -740 per ounce. Q1-2021 performance was better than initially scheduled as higher grade ore extraction at the West Pit was brought forward. Plant feed is expected to continue to be sourced from the West Pit with waste stripping activities continuing at the East Pit throughout the year. Mill throughput is expected to remain relatively stable throughout the remainder of the year while recovery rates are expected to slightly decline to a more normalized rate. The average processed grade is expected to slightly decline over the upcoming quarters, as mining focuses on waste extraction, with an improvement expected in the latter portion of the year. 2021 Exploration Program An exploration program of up to $7.0 million, totaling approximately 85,000 meters of drilling, has been planned for 2021, with the aim of identifying new near-mine resources. In Q1-2021, $0.4 million was spent, comprising 7,000 meters of drilling on several near mine targets. Exploration efforts will continue to ramp up in Q2-2021, focused on delineating these near mine targets. MANA MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production decreased due to the lower average processed grades and decreased plant throughput rate. Total open pit tonnes mined decreased due to the planned waste development at the Wona South pit in order to provide access to ore. Open pit ore was mainly sourced from the Wona Main pit following the completion of mining at the Siou pit in 2020. Total underground tonnes mined increased, however the average grade was lower, due to the mine sequence. Tonnes milled decreased due to a decrease in mill availability attributable to scheduled plant maintenance. The average processed grade decreased due to the guided lower open pit grades mined from the Wona Main pit and lower grades from the Siou Underground. AISC increased due to higher open pit unit mining costs associated with the longer hauling distance to the Wona South pit, as well as higher underground unit mining cost due to the higher density of saprolite ore. The increase was partially offset by lower processing unit costs due to improved power supply from the newly installed generators. Sustaining capital of $2.8 million is related to the development of the additional underground decline and open pit equipment rebuilds. Non-sustaining capital expenditure was $24.1 million and mainly related to open pit waste development, the TSF raise and other infrastructure projects. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights The Mana mine was consolidated from July 1, 2020. Table 17: Mana Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q4-2020 OP tonnes ore mined, kt 355 435 OP total tonnes mined, kt 8,533 9,227 OP strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 23.01 20.21 UG tonnes ore mined, kt 245 215 Tonnes milled, kt 604 629 Grade, g/t 2.90 3.33 Recovery rate, % 90 90 PRODUCTION, KOZ 52 61 Total cash cost/oz 907 740 AISC/OZ 954 802 2021 Outlook Mana is on track to meet guidance and produce between 170 - 190koz in 2021 at AISC of $975-1,050 per ounce given its strong Q1-2021 performance as a result of better than scheduled mill throughput and grades. The strip ratio will continue to remain high throughout the year as open pit mining activity continues to focus on waste development at the Wona pit. Tonnes of ore processed is expected to slightly decline in the upcoming quarters while recovery rates are expected to remain fairly constant. The average processed grade is expected to increase in the latter portion of the year due to higher underground grades. 2021 Exploration Program An exploration program of up to $8.0 million has been planned for 2021, comprised of 44,000 meters of drilling, to focus on mine lease targets including Kona, Siou and Maoula and proximal mine lease targets including Fofina Sud. In Q1-2021, approximately $2.5 million was spent, comprising 35,000 meters of drilling focused on several targets, including Maoula and Deep Siou Underground, where drilling will continue during Q2 2021. WAHGNION MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production increased due to a higher average processed grade as recovery rates and throughput remained flat. Tonnes of ore mined decreased slightly as mining focused on the deeper elevations with slightly greater volumes of fresh material mined. Mining continued to be supported by contractors and was primarily focussed on the Nogbele North and South pits and supplemented by the Nangolo pit, where mining activities finished in February. Tonnes milled remained flat, but began to decrease toward the end of the quarter as the proportion of fresh ore mill feed increased. Processed grades increased as a result of higher grade stockpiles supplementing the mill feed. Recovery rates remained in line with the Q4-2020 but began to decrease towards the back-end of the quarter as increased volumes of fresh ore were fed into the plant. The AISC decreased due to the lower sustaining capital, strip ratio and G&A unit costs which more than offset higher mining and processing unit costs. Sustaining capital expenditure of $1.0 million was related to waste capitalization and Fourkoura pit infrastructure. Non-sustaining capital expenditure of $3.7 million related to TSF stage 2 raise and acquisition of six dump trucks. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights The Wahgnion mine was consolidated from February 10, 2021. Table 18: Wahgnion Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q1-20211 (Consolidated) Q4-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,183 649 1,247 Total tonnes mined, kt 7,751 4,451 7,977 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 5.55 5.86 5.40 Tonnes milled, kt 962 538 967 Grade, g/t 1.46 1.35 1.36 Recovery rate, % 95 94 95 PRODUCTION, KOZ 43 25 41 Total cash cost/oz n.a. 746 n.a. AISC/OZ n.a. 780 n.a. 1For the post acquisition period commencing February 10, 2021. 2021 Outlook Wahgnion is on track to meet guidance and is expected to produce between 140-155koz in 2021 at AISC of $940-990 per ounce for the period February 10, 2021 to December 31, 2021 Waste extraction is expected to increase, resulting in a higher strip ratio over the upcoming quarters which is expected to grant access to higher grade oxide ore from the Fourkoura and Nogbele South pits in the latter portion of the year. Plant throughput and recoveries are anticipated to decrease marginally during the wet season with a higher proportion of fresh ore being processed. 2021 Exploration Program The 2021 exploration program, with a planned expenditure of approximately $12.0 million, will focus on Nogbele North and Nogbele South deposits, targeting the continuation of mineralized structures between the Nogbele pits. Additionally, the north-northeast continuation of the Fourkoura deposit and the Hillside target will be tested for extensions. On the exploration permits, efforts will be focused on various attractive targets such as Kafina West and Korindougou. In Q1-2021, approximately $1.0 million was spent, comprising approximately 4,000 meters of drilling focused on Nogbele and Fourkoura deposits. The exploration program will ramp up in Q2-2021 focusing on Nogbele North and South deposits and the Fourkoura target. KARMA MINE Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production decreased due to lower stacked grade and lower recovery rates on account of longer than normal leach periods for the GG1 ore, which led to a temporary build up of gold in circuit. Decreased production was partially offset by increased stacking due to increased feed from the GG1 pit. Total ore tonnes mined decreased slightly due to the increase in strip ratio. Ore continued to be sourced from the GG1 and Kao North pits. Ore tonnes stacked slightly increased compared to the previous quarter as a higher proportion of coarse material from the GG1 pit was available, with stacker availability and utilisation remaining consistent. Ore tonnes from the GG1 and Kao North pit were mostly oxide with a blend of transitional materials. The proportion of transitional material increased with stacked tonnes being supplemented by stockpiles. The stacked ore grade decreased due to a greater proportion of the lower grade GG1 ore being stacked with ore from the Kao North pit and stockpiles supplementing the feed. Recovery rate decreased due to the increased proportion of ore from the GG1 pit and an increased proportion of transitional ore, which has a lower associated recovery rate. AISC per ounce increased due to increased mining strip ratio, which was partially offset by lower mining, processing and G&A unit costs on account of lower production drilling, blasting, rehandling and reagent and crushing costs. Sustaining capital expenditure was $0.2 million and related to capitalized waste at the Kao North pit. Non-sustaining capital expenditure was $0.8 million, which was related to construction of new cells within the heap leach pad. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights Production decreased due to lower grade material being processed and lower recovery rates due to longer leach times. The production decrease was partially offset by increased volumes of ore stacked. AISC per ounce increased due to increased sustaining capital and lower grade ore being stacked, which had lower associated recoveries. The cost increase was partially offset by lower mining and processing unit costs. Table 19: Karma Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-2021 Q4-2020 Q1-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 1,242 1,253 1,229 Total tonnes mined, kt 5,146 5,012 4,953 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 3.14 3.00 3.03 Tonnes stacked, kt 1,380 1,327 1,114 Grade, g/t 0.71 0.78 1.02 Recovery rate, % 66 72 82 PRODUCTION, KOZ 22 28 28 Total cash cost/oz 1,169 1,103 843 AISC/OZ 1,179 1,132 866 2021 Outlook Karma is expected to meet its full year guidance and produce between 80-90koz in 2021 at AISC of $1,220-$1,300 per ounce. Mining activity is expected to continue at Kao North and GG1 pits throughout the year with the overall strip ratio expected to be higher in upcoming quarters. Production is expected to be higher in the second half of the year due to higher grades and gold recovery rate from Kao North. 2021 Exploration Program No material drilling is planned for 2021 AGBAOU MINE (SOLD 1 MARCH 2021) Agbaou Sale Insights On March 1, 2021, Endeavour completed the sale of its interest in the non-core Agbaou mine in Cote d'Ivoire to Allied Gold Corp ("Allied Gold") for a consideration of up to $80 million with further upside through equity exposure in Allied Gold and a Net Smelter Return royalty. Q1-2021 vs Q4-2020 Insights Production and associated costs presented are for the pre-disposition period ending on March 1, 2021. Mining focused on the deeper elevation of the North, West and South Pits with greater volumes of fresh material mined. Tonnes milled was below plant capacity due to lower mill throughput rate on account of a higher proportion of fresh material delivered to the plant. Processed grades decreased as mining focused on lower grade ore from the North, West and South pits. Recovery rate increased slightly due to lower milling rate leading to better residence time. The AISC increased due to higher mining and processing unit costs associated with mining at deeper elevation and processing a higher proportion of fresh ore. The increase was slightly offset by lower sustaining capital due to the decrease in waste capitalised. Non-sustaining capital remained low. Q1-2021 vs Q1-2020 Insights Production decreased compared to same period in prior year due to operating the mine for a shorter period as the operations was discontinued through a sale. Average grade decreased due to lower grade at the deeper elevation of the North, West and South pits mined. Recovery rate remained flat. AISC increased in line with expectation as a result of lower ounces sold as well as higher mining cost and higher processing cost. This was partially offset by lower sustaining capital spend. Table 20: Agbaou Quarterly Performance Indicators For The Quarter Ended Q1-20211 Q4-2020 Q1-2020 Tonnes ore mined, kt 353 433 757 Total tonnes mined, kt 2,456 4,383 6,433 Strip ratio (incl. waste cap) 5.95 9.13 7.50 Tonnes milled, kt 348 691 732 Grade, g/t 1.09 1.37 1.31 Recovery rate, % 95 93 94 PRODUCTION, KOZ 13 28 27 Total cash cost/oz 1,116 1,001 753 AISC/OZ 1,131 1,066 951 1For the pre acquisition period ending March 1, 2021. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES As detailed in the table below, exploration will continue to be a strong focus in 2021 with a budget of $70 - $90 million, as previously announced. Efforts are expected to be focussed on the newly acquired mines with the aim of extending their lives. In addition, significant efforts will focus on greenfield and development properties such as Fetekro, Afema, Kalana, Bantou, Siguiri and other earlier stage exploration projects. In Q1-2021, the group exploration spend amounted to $16 million, of which $12 million was spent at mine operations as detailed in the project sections above and $4 million was spent on greenfield and development projects, where the focus was mainly on delineating maiden resources at Afema and expanding the resource at Fetekro. In total, 164,000 meters of drilling was completed during the quarter, of which 120,000 meters was drilled around mine operations and 44,000 meters was drilled at greenfield and development projects. Exploration efforts are expected to be accelerated in Q2-2021 ahead of the wet season. In Q1-2021 at the Fetekro development property, $2 million was spent on exploration work, comprised of 17,000 meters of drilling which was focused on expanding the Fetekro resource in the area between Lafigue Center and Lafigue North. Additional mineralization has been identified in the northwest of Lafigue Center for which we expect to update the resource estimate at Fetekro during H2-2021. The Definitive Feasibility Studies at Fetekro and Kalana are on track to be completed by year-end 2021 and Q1-2022 respectively. At Fetekro early geotechnical, hydrogeological and sterilization work is being completed, while at Kalana metallurgical testing is underway. Table 21: Consolidated Exploration Expenditures1 (All amounts in US$m) Q1-2021 2021 GUIDANCE Sabodala-Massawa 2 ~13 Wahgnion 1 ~12 Ity 4 ~9 Mana 3 ~8 Hounde 2 ~7 Boungou 0 ~7 Karma 0 ~0 MINE SUBTOTAL 12 ~56 Greenfield and development projects 4 ~14 - 34 TOTAL $16 $70 - 90 1Consolidated exploration expenditures include expensed, sustaining, and non-sustaining exploration expenditures. Amounts may differ from MD&A due to rounding. CONFERENCE CALL AND LIVE WEBCAST Management will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday May 13, at 8:30am Toronto time (ET) to discuss the Company's financial results. The conference call and webcast are scheduled at: 5:30am in Vancouver 8:30am in Toronto and New York 1:30pm in London 8:30pm in Hong Kong and Perth The webcast can be accessed through the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/drgvvuhp Analysts and investors are also invited to participate and ask questions using the dial-in numbers below: International: +1 646-741-3167 North American toll-free: +1 877-870-9135 UK toll-free: +44 (0) 8002796619 Confirmation Code: 7972969 The conference call and webcast will be available for playback on Endeavour's website. QUALIFIED PERSONS Clinton Bennett, Endeavour's VP Metallurgy and Process Improvement - a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. CONTACT INFORMATION Martino De Ciccio VP - Strategy & Investor Relations +44 203 640 8665 mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com (mailto:mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com) Brunswick Group LLP in London Carole Cable, Partner +44 7974 982 458 ccable@brunswickgroup.com (mailto:ccable@brunswickgroup.com) Vincic Advisors in Toronto John Vincic, Principal +1 (647) 402 6375 john@vincicadvisors.com (mailto:john@vincicadvisors.com) ABOUT ENDEAVOUR MINING CORPORATION Endeavour Mining is one of the world's senior gold producers and the largest in West Africa, with operating assets across Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and a strong portfolio of advanced development projects and exploration assets in the highly prospective Birimian Greenstone Belt across West Africa. A member of the World Gold Council, Endeavour is committed to the principles of responsible mining and delivering sustainable value to its employees, stakeholders and the communities where it operates. Endeavour is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the symbol EDV and will be seeking a secondary listing as a Premium issuer on the London Stock Exchange during Q2-2021. For more information, please visit www.endeavourmining.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements", including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, the success of exploration activities, the declaration, payment and sustainability of Endeavour's dividends, the completion of studies, mine life and any potential extensions, the future price of gold, the share buyback program, and the expected timing of a premium listing on the LSE. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", "anticipates", believes", "plan", "target", "opportunities", "objective", "assume", "intention", "goal", "continue", "estimate", "potential", "strategy", "future", "aim", "may", "will", "can", "could", "would" and similar expressions . Forward-looking statements, while based on management's reasonable estimates, projections and assumptions at the date the statements are made, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the successful integration of acquisitions or completion of divestitures; risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions and the impact of credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; Endeavour's financial results, cash flows and future prospects being consistent with Endeavour expectations in amounts sufficient to permit sustained dividend payments; the completion of studies on the timelines currently expected, and the results of those studies being consistent with Endeavour's current expectations; actual results of current exploration activities; production and cost of sales forecasts for Endeavour meeting expectations; unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; increases in market prices of mining consumables; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; extreme weather events, natural disasters, supply disruptions, power disruptions, accidents, pit wall slides, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of development or construction activities; changes in national and local government legislation, regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations and changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices in the jurisdictions in which Endeavour operates; disputes, litigation, regulatory proceedings and audits; adverse political and economic developments in countries in which Endeavour operates, including but not limited to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, civil disturbances, non-renewal of key licenses by government authorities, or the expropriation or nationalization of any of Endeavour's property; risks associated with illegal and artisanal mining; environmental hazards; and risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Although Endeavour has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business. NON-IFRS MEASURES Some of the indicators used by Endeavour in this press release represent non-IFRS financial measures. These measures are presented as they can provide useful information to assist investors with their evaluation of the pro forma performance. Since the non-IFRS performance measures presented in the below sections do not have any standardized definition prescribed by IFRS, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, they 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. The non-IFRS financial performance measures are defined below and reconciled to reported IFRS measures. Endeavour believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors may find that the total cash cost per ounce sold provided useful information to assist investors with their evaluation of performance and ability to generate cash flow from its operations. All-in sustaining cost represents the total cash cost plus sustainable capital expenditures and stripping costs presented per ounce sold. Endeavour believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors may find that the all-in sustaining cost per ounce sold better meets their needs by assessing its operating performance and its ability to generate free cash flow. Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK Attachments 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. One Media iP Group Plc - Result of AGM One Media iP group PLC ("One Media", or "OMiP" or the "Company") Result of Annual General Meeting At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held at 11.00 a.m. on 13 May 2021, all of the resolutions were duly passed. The results of the proxy voting will be available shortly on the Company's website, http://omip.co.uk/investor-relations/ The person who arranged for the release of this announcement was Michael Infante, Chief Executive Officer. -Ends- One Media iP Group Plc Claire Blunt - Chairman Michael Infante - CEO Alice Dyson - COO +44 (0)175 378 5500 +44 (0)175 378 5501 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nominated Adviser) Liam Murray Jo Turner Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0)20 7213 0880 Cenkos Securities plc (Broker) Max Hartley Max Gould Michael Johnson (Sales) +44 (0)20 7397 8900 PPR Publicity +44 (0)7930 304301 About One Media iP Group Plc One Media is a digital music rights acquirer, publisher and distributor. The Group specialises in purchasing and monetising intellectual property rights with proven, repeat income streams. One Media adds value to its content by maximising its availability in over 600 digital stores globally, including Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon and Spotify. One Media's music is also widely used for synchronisation in film and TV whilst its video content is primarily viewed on YouTube where One Media operates over 20 YouTube channels as a certified partner. Additionally its www.tcat.media copyright infringement and digital music audit tool software TCAT, is used daily with major record labels and the world leading digital international distributor. Men & Motors its branded car channel is now available via its web site www.menandmotors.com and YouTube. One Media is listed on the London Stock Exchange on the AIM index, under the symbol 'OMIP'. For further information, please visit www.omip.co.uk and http://www.harmonyip.com/ Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Heliostar Metals Limited (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the start of its 2021 drill program at the Unga project in Alaska. The company mobilized three drill rigs to the project in April and has completed five holes so far, across the SH-1 and Apollo targets. Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, "This program is the earliest commencement of drilling undertaken at the project in its history. With three drill rigs operating, the company plans to complete an initial 7,000 metre program to follow-up and extend the open gold intersections defined last year at SH-1, Apollo, and Aquila. The company has C$7.2 million in cash and investments and closing the recent capital raise has allowed us to expand the Phase 1 program. Heliostar looks forward to some of the earliest assay results from summer projects in Alaska and Canada in 2021 due to this early start." Figure 1: Location of Heliostar's main 2021 targets at the Unga Project, Alaska To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/83878_4b0442c1d4305b0e_003full.jpg Unga Program Details The company is taking a four-prong approach to the 2021 Unga exploration program to expand upon the existing resource, expand two new open gold intersections and drill test new targets: At the SH-1 Resource (an inferred resource of 384,000 ounces at 13.8 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold), drilling will focus on expanding the resource beneath open intersections; At the historic Apollo-Sitka Mine, drilling in 2020 found gold mineralization beyond the footprint of the former mine and drilling will aim to define the historically defined, but never mined, zones of gold-, silver- and base metal-rich mineralization; Expansion drilling at Aquila, to follow up on the 2020 discovery of 31.6 metres at 1.8 g/t gold, including 5.75 metres at 5.56 g/t gold; District-scale exploration to advance high priority targets to drill-ready status and drill test the highest ranked opportunities. This program employs two reverse circulation (RC) drills and a diamond drill core rig. Each drill will be used to maximize its comparative advantages. Diamond drilling will be focused on SH-1 to match previous drilling for confidence in any future resource estimation. The company will employ RC drilling on the large, earlier stage targets such as Aquila, Apollo, and the broader district prospects. RC drilling has the advantage of rapid penetration for greater speed, ease of transport and small footprint, which are ideal for preliminary assessment work. SH-1 Resource Figure 2: Longitudinal section of SH-1 Resource Area with location of 2021 planned drilling shown To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/83878_4b0442c1d4305b0e_004full.jpg Drilling at SH-1 is targeting the down-dip extension of high grade gold mineralization below the Main zone. The 2020 results from shallow drilling support the interpretation that the high grade zone dips more steeply than previously recognized, an interpretation that will guide the deeper drilling planned for 2021. Hole BM-1 is the deepest hole in the resource and intersected 5.48 metres grading 23.99 g/t gold and is open to depth (Figure 2). Hole SH20-09 was drilled in 2020 to test the downdip extension of the Main zone but did not reach the target depth. It intercepted low grade veins similar to those observed in nearby holes, however, did not reach the depth required to intersect the interpreted continuation of high grade veins. As such, follow-up drilling to test the target depth is the initial priority at SH-1. Apollo The Apollo drill program focuses on the Apollo Shaft 2 area before expanding to include drilling at Sitka Mine, to the east, and the Apollo Shaft 1, to the west (Figure 3). The Apollo Shaft 2 area has never been drilled despite being the focus of significant historic exploration at the time of original mining between 1886 and the 1920s that comprised shaft sinking, drifting, and cross cutting to discover veins. Historic reports note that many drifts and crosscuts encountered veins with gold, silver and base metals. These zones of defined mineralization were not mined due to the lack of flotation technology to treat sulphide ore, technology that has now been industry-standard for multiple decades. Figure 3: Apollo plan map with completed 2020 drillholes and planned 2021 drillholes shown To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/83878_4b0442c1d4305b0e_005full.jpg Historic exploration reached depths of more than 225 metres below surface by way of a vertical mine shaft, from which hundreds of metres of horizontal drifts and cross cuts were run. Reports from historic sources provide information on the presence of veins in these developments but provide much less information on their exact locations and orientations. Available data suggests panels of steeply dipping veins that project from Shaft 2 to the northeast and southwest. The company is testing this area by drilling fences of holes to clearly define the location and orientation of veins before stepping out along strike and at depth to define the extent of mineralization. At Sitka, drilling from 2020 (APS20-04) intersected a stockwork zone of quartz veins that returned 24.99 metres at 1.06 g/t gold equivalent adjacent to historic workings. Drilling will continue to test the extents of mineralization along strike from this intercept and from the historic workings. Aquila Figure 4: Aquila plan map with completed 2020 drillholes and planned 2021 drillholes shown To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/83878_4b0442c1d4305b0e_006full.jpg The Aquila drill program will principally test the Amethyst Vein which returned 31.6 metres at 1.8 g/t gold, including 5.75 metres at 5.56 g/t gold, from hole AQ20-01. This drill hole was the only hole to intersect the target structure during the 2020 drill program (Figure 4). A recently-completed compilation and digitization of historic trenching results indicates that this mineralized structure is continuous at surface over a strike length of more than 700 metres (Figure 4). Mineralized widths from trenching range from 5 to 15 metres and mineralization is unconstrained at depth by drilling. In addition to drilling at the Amethyst Vein, the 2021 drill program will further expand upon the 2020 discovery by systematically stepping along strike and to depth to determine the full size of the mineralized vein zone. 2021 Exploration Plan Summary The company is excited about the aggressive 2021 drill program. Unga is a highly endowed mineral system that hosted multiple historic mines. We believe it has much more to offer and our initial goal for the project is to increase resources on the project to greater than one million ounces of gold. Our current exploration plan is designed to answer some critical questions regarding the extent of gold mineralization at SH-1, Aquila and Apollo. And our field reconnaissance should identify new targets for exploration. About Heliostar Metals Ltd. Heliostar is a well-financed junior exploration and development company with a portfolio of high-grade gold projects in Alaska and Mexico. The company's flagship asset is the 100% controlled Unga Gold Project on Unga and Popof Islands in Alaska. The project hosts an intermediate sulfidation epithermal gold deposit, located within the district-scale property that encompasses 240km2 across the two islands. Additional targets on the property include porphyry, high sulphidation and intermediate sulphidation epithermal veins. On Unga Island, priority targets include: the SH-1 and Aquila, both on the Shumagin Trend, the former Apollo-Sitka mine, which was Alaska's first underground gold mine and the Zachary Bay porphyry gold-copper prospect. Gold mineralization at the Centennial Zone is located on neighbouring Popof Island within four kilometres of infrastructure and services at Sand Point. In Mexico, the company owns 100% of three early stage epithermal projects in Sonora that are highly prospective for gold and silver. Cumaro forms part of the El Picacho district, while the Oso Negro and La Lola projects are also prospective for epithermal gold-silver mineralization. Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Stewart Harris, P.Geo., Exploration Manager for the Company. Mr. Harris is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. For additional information please contact: Charles Funk Chief Executive Officer Heliostar Metals Limited Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com Rob Grey Investor Relations Manager Heliostar Metals Limited Phone: +1 778 357 1313 Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.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. Forward-Looking Information. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include Heliostar's plans to continue aggressive exploration at Unga in 2021 and its goal of defining a resource in excess of one million ounces, its plan to continue infill drilling to expand to depth where the system remains open, and its belief that the SH-1 prospect has considerable potential for expansion. Although Heliostar believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not a guarantee of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, weather, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83878 WUXI, China, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wuxi UtmoLight Technology Company ("UtmoLight" or "the Company"), a world-leading perovskite photovoltaic module company, held a press conference on May 13 in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province to launch its innovative perovskite photovoltaic technology. The integrated solutions, named Utmorigin, can ensure large-area preparation, high efficiency and high stability of perovskite solar cells and include three novel techniques. During the conference, UtmoLight signed strategic cooperation agreements with partners including SVOLT, an emerging force in lithium batteries, FTXT who specializes in hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology, as well as Greatwall Estate. Together they will explore the application of perovskite solar technology in hydrogen production, energy storage, green construction and estabilish an ecological circle of green energy. According to Dr. Zheng Ce, co-founder and deputy general manager of UtmoLight, "Methylamine-free perovskite solar cells warrant higher efficiency and better stability in theory, but large-area preparation of methylamine-free perovskite film has been a challenge for the industry. In addition to the optimal precursor proportions from theoretical calculations, the UtmoLight formulation contains phase stabilizer and passivation agents which guarantee the stability, high efficiency and large-area preparation of perovskite solar cells." "In-situ film crystalization" is an innovative preparation technique for large-area, high-quality and high-stability perovskite film layer. The technique ensures satisfying conformity and yield, and is compatible with perovskite-silicon tandem cells. The nanoparticle conductive ink for the charge transport layer is made from a unique formulation by UtmoLight. The charge transport layer made from the ink is highly conductive, dense and protects the perovskite layer, thus improves the conversion efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells," added Dr. Zheng. Adopting these techniques, UtmoLight perovskite solar modules achieve a certified efficiency of 20.5% with an area of 63.98cm. This efficiency record leads the industry by a wide margin. Presently, the team is also applying the same techniques to 30cm2 perovskite modules and expects to exceed 19% efficiency soon. Meanwhile, construction of a pilot line of one-square-meter size perovskite modules is commencing in the third quarter of 2021 with the product expected to reach market next year. UtmoLight is invested by Great Wall Holdings, and is engaged in the commercialisation of perovksite photovoltaics, optoelectronics and materials. UtmoLight takes innovation as its driving force, industrialization as its propulsion, and endeavors to transform energy and build a green ecology. LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Materia, a medical cannabis and wellness company focused on the European market, today announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary Materia Malta Operating Ltd. ("Materia Malta" or the "Company") has received its European Union Good Manufacturing Practices ("EU GMP") certification from the Malta Medicines Authority. EU GMP is the global gold standard for pharmaceutical production and a requirement for medical cannabis in most European jurisdictions. This certification will enable Materia to begin processing and exporting medical cannabis flower from Malta into end markets across Europe, following the final post-certification steps in accordance with the licensure process. The Company also intends to apply for a licence amendment to process cannabis extracts imminently, leveraging the comprehensive preparatory work already completed. "Becoming EU GMP certified in Malta represents our most significant milestone since we embarked on this project over two years ago," said Deepak Anand, CEO of Materia. "We are excited to turn the engine on and showcase the full potential of a Malta-based cannabis processor to the industry, especially global partners seeking access to the European market." Nick Pateras, Managing Director, Europe of Materia, added, "We are tremendously proud to join the small group of cannabis companies with an EU GMP certified facility. Our team in Malta has been relentless in pursuit of this goal and adapted exceptionally to the circumstances of the last year, demonstrating why we consider them amongst the industry's best. Having successfully developed our envisioned European infrastructure, commercialization now becomes our focus." Materia Malta will utilize its network of qualified supply chain partners to introduce new, high quality medical cannabis to the European market, including into Germany through the pharmacy distribution channels of Materia Deutschland GmbH. About Materia Materia's vision is to be the enabler of global cannabis access. Materia has developed a robust EU-GMP manufacturing and distribution ecosystem to grow the legal cannabinoid market across Europe. With its research-driven team and regulatory expertise, Materia focuses on the high-margin downstream activities of processing, formulation and distribution into markets wherever there is a patient in need of cannabis medicine or CBD consumers seeking innovative new products. Contact: Materia: Deepak Anand, CEO, Email: investors@materiaventures.com, Website: http://www.materia.global/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509239/Materia_Ventures_Materia_Announces_Receipt_of_EU_GMP_Certificati.jpg ~ Data Show No Clinically Significant Correlation Between Pre-Existing NAbs and FIX Activity ~ ~ Further Supports Potential for AAV5 Gene Therapies to be Viable Treatments in Nearly All Patients -- ~ Data Presented at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting ~ LEXINGTON, Mass. and AMSTERDAM, May 13, 2021showing clinical benefit in hemophilia B patients with pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to AAV5, and no relationship between AAV5 NAbs and the tolerability of the therapy. The data were featured on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting in an oral presentation by Michael Recht, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., professor of pediatrics, division of hematology and oncology at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine. These data were previously presented at a medical meeting late last year. "The ASGCT presentation highlights these initial HOPE-B data that demonstrate the successful treatment with an AAV5 gene therapy of patients with pre-existing NAbs," stated Ricardo Dolmetsch, Ph.D., president of Research and Development at uniQure. "Patients in the trial who may not have been eligible for other gene therapies because of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies have achieved similar results with etranacogene dezaparvovec compared to those who did not have pre-existing NAbs. We believe this distinguishes etranacogene dezaparvovec as the only hemophilia gene therapy shown in a clinical trial to have the potential to treat nearly all patients, regardless of NAb levels in the generally prevalent range." Patients in the Phase III HOPE-B clinical study were initially enrolled into a prospective, observational lead-in period of at least six months during which bleeding events and FIX replacement therapy usage were monitored. All patients required prophylactic routine FIX replacement prior to entering the clinical trial, and patients were not excluded from the trial based on pre-existing NAbs to AAV5. Fifty-four participants were dosed and completed 26 weeks of follow-up, 31 of whom (57.4%) had no pre-existing NAbs to AAV5. Of the 23 participants (42.6%) with pre-existing NAbs, the median titer was 56.9, with a distribution representative of the general population. No clinically significant correlation of pre-existing NAbs with FIX activity was observed up to a titer of 678, a range expected to include more than 95 percent of the general population. Mean FIX activity at 26 weeks was 32.7 percent in participants with NAbs versus 41.3 percent in those without. A single participant with a NAb titer of 3,212 did not respond and remained on prophylaxis; it is expected that less than 1 percent of the general population have a pre-existing NAb titer of more than 3,000. All other participants, both with and without NAbs, discontinued prophylaxis and remained prophylaxis-free at 26 weeks. The data presentation from ASGCT can be found on the Investors & Newsroom sectionof uniQure's corporate website. About Etranacogene Dezaparvovec Etranacogene dezaparvovec ) -based gene therapy for the treatment of patients with severe and moderately severe hemophilia B. Etranacogene dezaparvovec consists of an AAV5 viral vector carrying a gene cassette with the patent-protected Padua variant of Factor IX (FIX-Padua). uniQure and CSL Behring have entered into a commercialization and license agreement providing CSL Behring exclusive global commercialization rights to etranacogene dezaparvovec. The collaboration combines uniQure's differentiated gene therapy candidate in hemophilia B and CSL Behring's strong global reach and commercial infrastructure in hematology in an effort to accelerate access of etranacogene dezaparvovec to hemophilia B patients around the world. About uniQure uniQure is delivering on the promise of gene therapy - single treatments with potentially curative results. We are leveraging our modular and validated technology platform to rapidly advance a pipelineof proprietary gene therapies to treat patients with hemophilia B, Huntington's disease, Fabry disease, spinocerebellar ataxia Type 3 and other diseases. www.uniQure.com uniQure Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to", "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, whether etranacogene dezaparvovec or AAV5-based gene therapies generally can provide clinical benefit to patients with pre-existing neutralizing antibodies. uniQure's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, risks associated with the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our Company and the wider economy and health care system, our Commercialization and License Agreement with CSL Behring, our clinical development activities, clinical results, collaboration arrangements, regulatory oversight, product commercialization and intellectual property claims, as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in uniQure's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2021. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. uniQure Contacts: MONTREAL, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Exploration Inc. ("BRW" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that is has signed an amendment to the option agreement made in October 27th 2020 with prospector Robert Murray to acquire a 100% interest in the Menzies Lake Claim ("Property"), located 20 kilometers west of the City of Saint John, New Brunswick. The Property is adjacent to the Fundy Gold project and hosts a new vein grab sample discovery grading 70.40 g/t Au, 20.0 g/t Ag and 0.28% Cu in close proximity to the highly prospective Spruce Lake Shear Zone (Figure 1). Mr. Killian Charles, President of BRW, commented: "We are very pleased to further consolidate our Fundy Gold project and work with Rob on another exciting greenfield discovery in southern New Brunswick. The mineralization is interpreted to be near the Spruce Lake Shear Zone which is host to the 67.2 g/t Au discovery announced at Little Lepreau in 2020. Company prospectors have arrived at Fundy Gold and will initially follow-up on anomalous soils results from our 2020 grid (see Press Release dated March 17 2021)." Menzies Lake Overview The total Property comprises 27 units with a total surface area of 614 hectares (6.14 square kilometres). The grab sample mineralization is hosted in an outcrop with abundant quartz carbonate veins within the Ludgate Lake Granodiorite. The Spruce Lake Shear Zone is believed to be the fluid conduit for mineralization at the Little Lepreau discovery extending to Shadow Lake and Menzies Lake, for a strike length of roughly 16 kilometers. Highlight of the bedrock sample on the property is: Sample ID Au g/t Ag g/t Cu ppm ML36 70.40 20 2830 Option Amendment and Purchase Terms (All dollar figures in Canadian dollars) Brunswick Exploration has amended the Option Agreement with Robert Murray (See Press Release dated October 27th 2020). The amended payment schedule which includes the October 27, 2020 claims as well as Menzies Lake is as follows: An option payment of $10,000, upon the closing of the formal agreement ( Paid ); ); An option payment of $10,000, upon closing of the Amendment ( Paid ); ); An option payment of $22,500 and share payment of 12,000 shares on or before the 1st year anniversary of the effective date An option payment of $22,500 and share payment of 22,000 shares on or before the 2nd year anniversary of the effective date An option payment of $22,500 and share payment of 22,000 shares on or before the 3rd year anniversary of the effective date An option payment of $32,500 and share payment of 54,000 shares on or before the 4th year anniversary of the effective date An option payment of $35,000 and share payment of 110,000 shares on or before the 5th year anniversary of the effective date The schedule can be accelerated at BRW's discretion. The Menzies Lake claims are subject to the same 2% NSR terms as outlined in the October 27, 2020 Option Agreement. The first half (1%) of the NSR may be repurchased upon payment of $1,000,000 from BRW and the second half (1%) of the NSR may be repurchased upon payment of $2,000,000. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Charles Kodors, P. Geo, Manager New Brunswick of Brunswick Exploration. About Brunswick Exploration The Company, formerly Komet Resources Inc. is a Montreal-based mineral exploration venture listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on exploration and development of gold and base metal properties in Eastern Canada. Current projects include gold-polymetallic vein systems in Southern New Brunswick (Fundy Gold Project), base metals VMS in the Bathurst Camp in northern New Brunswick and in the Chibougamau region of Quebec (Waconichi), and the new Lac Edouard nickel-copper project in Quebec. Investor Relations/information Mr. Killian Charles, President). Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporation's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Transforms Charge's Infrastructure Division by enhancing suite of world-class EV charging installation solutions for any type of electric vehicle NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Charge Enterprises Inc. (OTC PINK:CRGE), ("Charge" or "the Company"), connecting people everywhere with communications, infrastructure and charging, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of ANS Advanced Network Services ( "ANS") , a turnkey provider of direct current (DC) power installation and telecommunications services, the company referenced in Charge's March 5, 2021 press release announcing the signing of a non-binding letter of intent. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2020. "We believe ANS' proven expertise will scale our Infrastructure Division's capability, advance our strategy in 5G and enhance our vision of electronic vehicle, or EV, installation," said Charge's CEO Andrew Fox. "With ANS, we believe Charge can accelerate its entry into the 5G infrastructure market and leverage the ANS brand to start laying the foundation for the future of sustainable mobility. The goal with ANS is to build on its current business and also introduce EV charging infrastructure to the ANS offering by building, installing and maintaining the infrastructure that EV will require." "Similarly, for our Communications Division, ANS augments our telecom client set with complementary relationships with the largest telecommunications, enterprise and government customers across the country who routinely use ANS' installation services," Fox added. "We are delighted to welcome ANS to Charge as we seek to become the most trusted EV and telecom infrastructure organizations in the world." "ANS is proud to join Charge in its vision of bringing state of the art EV car charging and wireless communications infrastructure to all corners of the globe. Over the last several months, it has been my pleasure to get to know Andrew Fox and his team at Charge, and our strategy and vision for deploying state of the art technology is in total complete alignment. Over several decades, ANS has been committed to keeping our employees safe, creating meaningful jobs, continuous investment in our employees, exceeding our customers' expectations. Andrew's team holds the same vision. So let's CHARGE forward into the future." said ANS CEO Paul Fettuccia. Founded in 1991, ANS' predecessor company, Telecommunications Analysis Group, Inc., began with a strategic focus on communications and telephone networks in the enterprise and higher education market, providing high-quality Engineering, Furnishing and Installation (EF&I) services for building and developing infrastructure. Over time, ANS has grown from servicing telephone networks to providing high-quality engineer, furnish and install (EF&I) services for wireless carriers, tower owners, enterprise facilities, and government offices. This includes in-building wireless (DAS), cell tower and network infrastructure services, as well as DC and UPS backup power services. Today, ANS's U.S. footprint extends from Chicago to the Northeast and down the East Coast, with as-needed support nationwide. About Charge Enterprises Inc. Charge Enterprises Inc; With a mission of connecting people everywhere with a strategy in telecom network infrastructure, connected calls, power banks, EV charging infrastructure installation and maintenance. Trading under the Ticker: CRGE. We're a public company that shares our success with all stakeholders. Our business operates in three distinct divisions through a number of recently acquired, or newly formed subsidiaries, including: Charge Communications, with a strategy to offer Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and Communication as a Platform Service (CPaaS), providing termination of both voice and data to Carriers and Mobile Network Operators (MNO's) globally for over 2 decades. Charge Infrastructure, addresses telecom network infrastructure, including 5G small cell installation, portable power banks, micro-mobility charging, and EV charging installation, stations & maintenance. Charge Investment, along with marketable securities, the investment division focuses on opportunist investments in EV and telecom related businesses Charge's strategy is to do the unglamorous part of connecting phone calls and powering the future of movement. We have recently acquired a number of subsidiaries, through which we operate our three business divisions. To Learn more about Charge, visit https://www.charge.enterprises/. Safe Harbor Statement Information in this news release may contain statements about future expectations, plans, prospects or performance of Charge Enterprises, Inc. that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words or phrases "can be," "expects," "may affect," "believed," "estimate," "project," and similar words and phrases are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Charge Enterprises, Inc. cautions you that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of Charge Enterprises, Inc. is not a guarantee of future performance. None of the information in this press release constitutes or is intended as an offer to sell securities or investment advice of any kind. Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, some of which are beyond Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s control. In addition to those discussed in Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s press releases, public filings, and statements by Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s management, including, but not limited to, Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s estimate of the sufficiency of its existing capital resources, Charge Enterprises Inc's ability to raise additional capital to fund future operations, Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s ability to repay its existing indebtedness, the uncertainties involved in estimating market opportunities and, in identifying contracts which match Charge Enterprises, Inc.'s capability to be awarded contracts. All such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date on which such statements were made. Charge Enterprises, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which any such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact: LHA Investor Relations Carolyn Capaccio, CFA ccapaccio@lhai.com 212.838.3777 SOURCE: Charge Enterprises Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/646987/Charge-Enterprises-Enters-into-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-ANS-Advanced-Network-Services-To-Expand-Its-Infrastructure-Business Argo Blockchain (LSE:ARB) (OTCQX: ARBKF), a global leader in cryptocurrency mining today announced that, further to the share purchase agreement with GPU.one announced on February 3, 2021, it has completed the acquisition of the two data centres in Quebec, Canada. The acquisition is part of the company's strategy to increase control over the mining facilities in which its machines are hosted, with a view to providing the company with long term stability. The data centres have a combined total of 20MW of power capacity and currently house a significant proportion of Argo's cryptocurrency mining equipment. The data centres are powered almost entirely by electricity generated from hydro power, which is a key part of the company's green mining vision. The consideration for the acquisition was mainly non-cash consisting of the assumption of existing bank obligations related to these facilities and the application of a previously paid deposit. Peter Wall, Chief Executive of Argo, said: "Argo's purchase of data centres in Canada represents another milestone for the Company as we seek to take greater control over our mining production and mining cost base, while also laying solid foundations for long-term growth." About Argo: Argo Blockchain plc is a global leader in cryptocurrency mining with one of the largest and most efficient operations powered by clean energy. The Company is headquartered in London, UK and its shares are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker: ARB and on the OTCQX Best Market in the United States under the ticker: ARBKF. argoblockchain.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005498/en/ Contacts: North America Wachsman argo@wachsman.com Tel: +1-212-835-2511 Europe Emma Valgimigli emma@tancredigroup.com Tel: +44 7727 180 873 Salamander Davoudi salamander@tancredigroup.com Tel: +44 7957 549 906 Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solution provider for workforces, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract worth approximately US$390,000 with the U.S. Department of Defense under NASA's Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement ("SEWP"), a United States Government-Wide Acquisition Contract Vehicle ("GWAC"). The contract, the second from a U.S government agency in recent days, follows the May 7, 2021 announcement of a US$1.15 million order awarded to Plurilock by the U.S. Department of the Navy. Under the SEWP contract, Plurilock will deliver Public Key Infrastructure ("PKI") products and services to the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, the contract provides the agency with an optional extension for 4 years to continue licensing the Company's PKI offerings. The Company has a history of deploying and supporting Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification Standard for federal employees and contractors, which establishes the mandatory requirement for secure and reliable forms of identification for federal employees and contractors. The Company's past performance includes deploying and supporting various multi-factor authentication ("MFA") solutions, PKI, as well as various MFA auxiliary and card management solutions. About NASA's SEWP and GWAC SEWP consists of over a large pool of pre-competed prime contract holders, including more than one hundred U.S. small businesses. The contract is part of "SEWP V", the latest version of GWAC, which NASA released in May 2015 and boasts the largest pool of contractors yet as well as detailed and automatic reporting to Chief Information Officers ("CIOs") in order to help meet Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act. About Plurilock Plurilock provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. Plurilock offers world-class cybersecurity solutions paired with AI-driven, cloud-friendly security technologies that deliver persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely-while reducing cybersecurity friction. For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact: Ian L. Paterson Chief Executive Officer ian@plurilock.com 416.800.1566 Roland Sartorius Chief Financial Officer roland.sartorius@plurilock.com Prit Singh Investor Relations prit.singh@plurilock.com 905.510.7636 Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") which relate to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, impact of general economic conditions, success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83897 NEW DELHI, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Indian Wi-Fi brand IO by HFCL Limited, today announced the launch of its Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi compliant Access Points. TIP is a global community of companies and organizations that are driving infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. The TIP OpenWiFi platform will ensure plug and play interoperability across multiple vendors resulting in a faster roll out of features. HFCL has been working very closely with TIP to develop cost effective open source powered Access Points and wireless controllers to extend the reach and accelerate the growth of high-speed broadband services across the world. HFCL is also collaborating with a few leading core solutions providers, to offer IO Outdoor and Indoor TIP OpenWiFi compliant Access Points for PM-WANI deployments. PM-WANI is an Indian Government's public Wi-Fi project, aimed at deploying millions of Wi-Fi hotspots and provide affordable high-speed Internet to everyone in the Country. Relying on its indigenously developed secure Wi-Fi solutions, along with TIP OpenWiFi integration, HFCL aims to create a robust and interoperable Wi-Fi Network integrated with third party captive portal and AAA solutions for the use and benefit of users across the Country. VVDN Technologies, a premier product engineering and manufacturing company, has been the preferred technology manufacturing partner of HFCL for Making in India all of HFCL's Wi-Fi and unlicensed band radio solutions. HFCL strongly believes that using TIP OpenWiFi, together with the Government of India ambitious BharatNet initiative, would augment broadband uptake in every part of India. "Our vision to connect the unconnected has further been strengthened with TIP OpenWiFi compliance for our IO Indoor and Outdoor Access Points. It will enable us to extend our reach globally and offer open source powered Wi-Fi solutions interoperable with other TIP compliant provider products thereby helping faster, cost effective, and plug and play deployments", said Mr. Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL Limited. "To be successful, true disaggregation of a network technologies requires a range of approaches and form factors, provided by a range of industry suppliers. On behalf of TIP, we are excited to have HFCL as a member of the TIP OpenWiFi ecosystem," said David Hutton, Chief Engineer, TIP. About HFCL: HFCL Limited (formerly Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited) is a leading technology enterprise engaged in manufacturing of high end Transmission and Access Equipment, Optical Fiber, Optical Fiber Cables (OFC) and is specialized in setting up modern communication network for Telecom Service Providers, Railways, Defense, Smart City and Surveillance projects. The Company has state-of-the-art Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable manufacturing facilities at Hyderabad, Optical Fiber Cable manufacturing plant in Goa and in its subsidiary i.e. HTL Limited at Chennai along with FRP Rod manufacturing facility in its subsidiary at Hosur. It also has a telecom equipment manufacturing facility at Solan. The Company's in-house Centre for Excellence in Research located at Gurgaon & Bengaluru along with invested R&D Houses and other collaborators at different locations in India and abroad, innovate futuristic range of technology products and solutions. Some of the newly developed products through R&D are Wi-Fi Systems, Unlicensed Band Radios, Switches, Electronic Fuses, Electro Optic Devices, Cloud Management Systems and Video Management Systems. There is a suite of products under development which include Software Defined Radios, Routers, PON, Small and Macro Cell for 5G, Intelligent Antenna Systems and Ground Surveillance Radars among others. Find out more: http://www.hfcl.com About the Telecom Infra Project The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is a global community of companies and organizations that are driving infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. Half of the world's population is still not connected to the internet, and for those who are, connectivity is often insufficient. This limits access to the multitude of consumer and commercial benefits provided by the internet, thereby impacting GDP growth globally. However, a lack of flexibility in the current solutions - exacerbated by a limited choice in technology providers - makes it challenging for operators to efficiently build and upgrade networks. Founded in 2016, TIP is a community of diverse participants that includes hundreds of companies - from service providers and technology partners, to systems integrators and other connectivity stakeholders. We are working together to develop, test and deploy open, disaggregated, and standards-based solutions that deliver the high-quality connectivity that the world needs - now and in the decades to come. Find out more: http://www.telecominfraproject.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509751/HFCL_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509752/Mahendra_Nahata_MD_HFCL.jpg Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SCZ) (the "Company" or "Santacruz") reports its operating results from the Zimapan Mine located in Zimapan, Hidalgo, Mexico and the Rosario Project located in Charcas, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, for the first quarter 2021 ("Q1"). The Company is not including production from the Veta Grande Project in this report as operations at Veta Grande were suspended during Q1 2020. Production Highlights: Silver equivalent ounces produced 706,978 Silver head grades increase 9.4 % at Zimapan Mine as compared to Q1 and Q4 2020 Increased tonnage throughput from Lomo del Toro zone of the Zimapan Mine from 4,000 during January and February to 6,000 tonnes for the month of March New mining method introduced in late March at Rosario that is expected to significantly reduce costs by less handling of waste material Carlos Silva, Santacruz's COO, stated, "As we keep advancing our workings deeper into the higher-grade Lomo del Toro manto and increase the tonnage mined from this zone, we are seeing a corresponding increase in head grades at our Zimapan Mine. We are progressing well towards our objective of reaching 15,000 tonnes per month of mill feed from this higher-grade area by the end of the second quarter." Mr. Silva continued, "We expect further efficiencies at our Rosario Project during Q2 as a result of a revised mining plan which results in less waste material being handled. These very encouraging improvements were unfortunately partially offset by an unstable power supply from Mexico's Comision Federal de Electricidad (Mexico's power supply Company). The unstable power supply impacted the mill throughput at both mines in February as motors for the ball mills were damaged. The matter was resolved in early March but mill throughput was materially reduced for eight days." COVID-19 Update The Company continues to take all appropriate measures to prevent COVID-19 among the work force and local communities and to monitor the effectiveness of these measures in mitigating any potential impact on business activities. The Company's actions have been successful to date and the pandemic has not had any material impact on the business. CONSOLIDATED PRODUCTION RESULTS 2021 Q1 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 176,239 191,043 157,400 Silver eqv. ounce production 706,978 943,103 902,765 Silver production (ounces) 325,376 318,764 274,678 Gold production (ounces) 72 71 83 Lead production (tonnes) 945 970 965 Zinc production (tonnes) 2,285 2,838 2,674 Copper production (tonnes) 354 365 438 Average Head Grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 176 221 241 Development (metres) 2,212 2,891 2,170 ZIMAPAN MINE PRODUCTION RESULTS 2021 Q1 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 156,433 171,313 139,903 Silver eqv. ounce production 646,085 858,362 829,514 Silver production (ounces) 294,099 277,154 245,344 Silver head grade (g/t) 85 77 77 Gold head grade (g/t) - - - Lead head grade (%/t) 0.63 0.63 0.73 Zinc head grade (%/t) 1.99 2.25 2.41 Copper head grade (%/t) 0.31 0.32 0.43 Silver recovery (%) 69.0 65.5 71.2 Gold production (ounces) - - - Lead production (tonnes) 892 900 913 Zinc production (tonnes) 2,067 2,620 2,443 Copper production (tonnes) 354 365 438 Average Head Grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 182 228 250 Development (metres) 1,724 2,095 1,418 ROSARIO MINE PRODUCTION RESULTS 2021 Q1 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 Material Processed (tonnes milled) 19,806 19,730 17,497 Silver eqv. ounce production 60,893 84,741 73,251 Silver production (ounces) 31,277 41,610 29,334 Silver head grade (g/t) 61 74 63 Gold head grade (g/t) 0.19 0.18 0.22 Lead head grade (%/t) 0.34 0.40 0.36 Zinc head grade (%/t) 1.51 1.38 1.78 Copper head grade (%/t) - - - Silver recovery (%) 80.3 88.3 82.4 Gold production (ounces) 59.4 61.6 68.7 Lead production (tonnes) 78.0 89.6 82.0 Zinc production (tonnes) 73.0 79.8 73.9 Copper production (tonnes) - - - Average Head Grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 72 71 84 Development (metres) 488 70 52 * In the above tables Ag Eq has been calculated as follows: 2021 Ag Eq was calculated using metal prices of: Ag $25.00/oz, Au $1,925/oz, Pb $0.85/lb, Zn $1.05/lb and Cu $3.00/lb. 2020 Ag Eq was calculated using metal prices of: Ag $17.85/oz, Au $1,480/oz, Pb $0.92/lb, Zn $1.09/lb and Cu $2.80/lb. Silver Equivalent Comparative Production As noted in the tables above, there is a significant reduction in silver equivalent ounces produced in Q1 2021 as compared to that produced in Q1 and Q4 2020. This negative change in production is due in large part to the metal prices used for this calculation in 2021 as compared to 2020. For example, had the Company used the 2020 metal price deck for its silver equivalent production calculation at the Zimapan Mine in Q1 2021, the reported silver equivalent ounces produced would have been 868,750, an increase of 9.1% over the current reported balance. On a comparative basis within any particular fiscal year or between periods in different fiscal years where the metal price decks are relatively equivalent, this computation is useful for comparing production from one period to another. When the price decks are not relatively equivalent, the usefulness of this production indicator is diminished. About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Santacruz is a Mexican focused silver company with two producing silver projects (Zimapan and Rosario) and two exploration properties, the La Pechuga property and Santa Gorgonia prospect. The Company is managed by a technical team of professionals with proven track records in developing, operating and discovering silver mines in Mexico. Our corporate objective is to become a mid-tier silver producer. 'signed' Arturo Prestamo Elizondo, Executive Chairman For further information please contact: Mars Investor Relations Telephone: (778) 999 4653 scz@marsinvestorrelations.com Arturo Prestamo Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. Email: info@santacruzsilver.com Telephone: (528) 183 785707 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 information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to production at the Zimapan Mine and Rosario Project and the Company's plans to grow it. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions., including, but not limited to, assumptions as the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, that the Company will receive all required regulatory approvals, and that future metal prices and the demand and market outlook for metals will remain stable or improve. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to above prove not to be valid or reliable; market conditions and volatility and global economic conditions, including increased volatility and potentially negative capital raising conditions resulting from the continued COVID-19 pandemic and risks relating to the extent and duration of such pandemic and its impact on global markets; risk of delay and/or cessation in planned work or changes in the Company's financial condition and development plans; risks associated with the interpretation of data (including in respect of third party mineralized material) regarding the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the uncertainty of the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and the risk of unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade and/or recovery rates; risks related to gold, silver, base metal and other commodity price fluctuations; risks relating to environmental regulation and liability; the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83902 Prilenia's global phase 3 trial in Huntington's Disease (PROOF-HD) has enrolled 120 patients on schedule reaching 25% of its target PROOF-HD is the most advanced clinical trial in HD assessing impact on clinical progression Dr. Y Paul Goldberg joins Prilenia to enhance the broader scientific strategy for pridopidine Prilenia Therapeutics B.V., a clinical stage biotech company focused on developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, is pleased to announce that it has now enrolled more than 120 patients in its Phase 3 trial of pridopidine in HD (PROOF-HD), reaching 25% of the total target enrollment. The study remains on target to complete enrollment by Q4 2021 as originally planned. The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Huntington Study Group at 60 sites across North America and Europe. To date, no safety signals of concern have emerged and none of the participants have dropped out from the study. This is consistent with the previously established favorable tolerability and safety profile of pridopidine. The Company also announces the appointment of Dr. Y Paul Goldberg (MB ChB, PhD) as Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Early Clinical Development. Dr. Goldberg will lead the scientific strategy and build the early clinical development plan for pridopidine in new indications including evaluation of opportunities for expanding Prilenia's pipeline. Dr. Goldberg brings more than 20 years of industry experience, working across clinical development, drug discovery and medical genetics. Most recently, he served as VP of Clinical development at Ionis Pharmaceuticals where he led rare disease programs with a strong neurological focus. Prior to this, Dr. Goldberg served in various roles at Xenon Pharmaceuticals including Senior VP, Clinical Development. Dr. Goldberg obtained an MB ChB and PhD at the University of Cape Town. He obtained his fellowship in medical genetics (FRCPC) from the University of British Columbia and practiced as a medical geneticist for many years with a focus on adult neurogenetic disorders. Dr. Michael R. Hayden, CEO and Founder of Prilenia, commented: "We are delighted that Dr. Y Paul Goldberg joins the Prilenia team. His proven track record in clinical development and his strong academic background will be of enormous value to our company." Dr. Y Paul Goldberg, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Early Clinical Development said: "Joining Prilenia presents a fantastic opportunity to help advance a new and promising oral therapy offering relief for severely undertreated neurological diseases. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate the development of pridopidine, to potentially provide a much needed treatment option for patients and their families." Notes to Editors About Prilenia Prilenia is a clinical-stage biotech founded in 2018 with the purpose of improving lives of patients and families by developing treatments for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Prilenia raised 88.5 million thus far and is backed by a group of well-respected investors: Talisman, Forbion, Morningside and Sectoral and ALS Investment Fund. It's based in Naarden, Netherlands, Herzliya, Israel and Boston, U.S. Its lead asset, pridopidine, is a first-in-class, highly selective S1R agonist with established safety profile and therapeutic potential in several neurodegenerative diseases. www.prilenia.com @prileniaTx. About PROOF-HD PROOF-HD is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating efficacy, safety and effect of 45mg bid pridopidine on functional capacity, motor and behavioral features in early-stage HD patients. https://huntingtonstudygroup.org/proof-hd/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005058/en/ Contacts: Prilenia Therapeutics Limor Ben Har, COO E: info@prilenia.com Instinctif Partners Melanie Toyne-Sewell Agnes Stephens T: +44 (0) 207 457 2020 E: prilenia@instinctif.com For the first time ever, Ferring and Rebiotix, a Ferring Company, will present landmark Phase 3 efficacy and safety data from the PUNCH CD3 trial evaluating investigational microbiota-based live biotherapeutic RBX2660 for reduction of recurrent Clostridioides difficile(C. difficile) infection. This trial is part of the world's largest and most robust clinical development program in microbiome-based therapeutics. Additionally, an interim analysis of the PUNCH CD3-Open-Label Study (OLS) will be presented for the first time. PUNCH CD3-OLS has expanded inclusion criteria allowing for enrollment of patients with recurrent C. difficile infection who healthcare providers more commonly see in clinical practice, including those with co-morbidities such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The final presented study will be an innovative analysis evaluating mortality rates and healthcare costs among U.S. Medicare patients with primary and recurrent C. difficile infection who may also have experienced sepsis, a potentially devastating complication of C. difficile infection. Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Rebiotix, a Ferring Company, today announced that Phase 3 data evaluating its investigational microbiota-based live biotherapeutic RBX2660 for reduction of recurrent Clostridioides difficile(C. difficile) infection will be presented as part of an invited talk at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2021. The congress will take place virtually from May 21-23, 2021. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005129/en/ "These data are the pinnacle of a decade of ground-breaking research and development, driven by the goal of helping those who are experiencing the debilitating effects of recurrent C. difficile infection," said Lee Jones, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rebiotix, a Ferring Company. "We're striving to deliver innovative therapeutics to help people live better lives, and are proud to be pioneering a new category of scientifically-validated, microbiome-based therapeutics that are standardized for quality and safety. We're looking forward to sharing this milestone data with the entire community at DDW." The clinical development program for RBX2660 is the largest and most robust ever conducted in the field of microbiome-based therapeutics, including six clinical trials enrolling more than 1,000 patients to date. C. difficile infection is a serious and potentially deadly disease that impacts people across the globe. Declared a public health threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requiring urgent and immediate action, C. difficile infection causes an estimated half a million illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. alone each year.1,2,3 C. difficile infection recurs in up to 35% of cases after initial diagnosis4,5 and people who have had a recurrence are at significantly higher risk of further infections.6,7,8,9 Recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) is associated with disruptions to the gut microbiome, or "dysbiosis". The current standard of care treatment for rCDI is antibiotics, which does not address the underlying dysbiosis or restore the gut microbiome.10 To further amplify the impact of this devastating disease, Ferring will also present an analysis of mortality rates and healthcare costs among Medicare patients with primary C. difficile infection and rCDI in cohorts of patients with and without sepsis. Sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection and a life-threatening medical emergency11, can be a complication of C. difficile infection. The details of the three presentations are as follows: Session Number: 2155 Session Title: Beyond FMT: A Pragmatic Approach to Microbiome Therapies: RBX2660 Study Presenting Author: Christine Lee, MD, FRCPC, Clinical Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Medical Microbiologist and Researcher, Island Health EMBARGOED UNTIL PRESENTATION TIME: FRIDAY, MAY 21 AT 1:24 PM ET Session Number: 6320 Poster Number: Sa611 Title: Interim Analysis of a Phase 3 Open-Label Study Indicates Safety and Efficacy of RBX2660, an Investigational Live Biotherapeutic, in a "Real-World" Population of Patients With Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Presenting Author: Colleen Kraft, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine EMBARGOED UNTIL PRESENTATION TIME: SATURDAY, MAY 22 AT 12:15 PM ET Session Number: 5345 Poster Number: Fr559 Title: A Real-World Comparison of Mortality, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Cost Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Clostridioides difficile Infection With and Without Sepsis Presenting Author: Alpesh Amin, MD, MBA, Thomas Mary Cesario Chairman, Department of Medicine, Executive Director, Hospitalist Program, University of California Irvine EMBARGOED UNTIL PRESENTATION TIME: FRIDAY, MAY 21 AT 12:15 PM ET DDW has made abstracts available on their website. About RBX2660 RBX2660 is a potential first-in-class microbiota-based live biotherapeutic being studied to deliver a broad consortium of diverse microbes to the gut to reduce recurrent C. difficile infection. RBX2660 has been granted Fast Track, Orphan, and Breakthrough Therapy designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The pivotal Phase 3 program builds on nearly a decade of research with robust clinical and microbiome data collected over six controlled clinical trials with more than 1,000 participants. About the gut microbiome and C. difficile infection The gut microbiome is a highly-diverse microbial community that plays an essential role in human health. There is a growing body of evidence that shows when there is a disruption of the composition and/or diversity of the gut microbiome, there may be an associated risk for serious illnesses, such as C. difficile infection. C. difficile is a bacterium that causes debilitating symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness or pain, loss of appetite, nausea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon).1 Estimated to cause up to half a million illnesses and thousands of deaths annually in the U.S. alone every year, C. difficile infection is considered an urgent threat to public health by the CDC and can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization, surgery, sepsis and death.1,2 C. difficile infection is often the start of a vicious cycle of recurrence, causing a significant burden for patients and the healthcare system.12,13 Theuse of antibiotics has been shown to disrupt the ecology of the gut microbiome, and are a predominant risk factor for C. difficile recurrence occurring in up to 35% of patients after initial C. difficile infection diagnosis.4,5,10 After the first recurrence, it has been estimated that up to 60% of patients may develop a subsequent recurrence.14 Restoring the gut microbiome is increasingly accepted as a promising treatment option for recurrent C. difficile infection.15 About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. Headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in specialty areas within gastroenterology and urology. Ferring has been developing treatments for mothers and babies for over 50 years and has a portfolio covering treatments from conception to birth. Founded in 1950, privately-owned Ferring now employs approximately 6,500 people worldwide, has its own operating subsidiaries in nearly 60 countries and markets its products in 110 countries. Learn more at www.ferring.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Ferring is committed to exploring the crucial link between the microbiome and human health, beginning with the threat of recurrent C. difficile infection. With the 2018 acquisition of Rebiotix and several other alliances, Ferring is a world leader in microbiome research, developing novel microbiome-based therapeutics to address significant unmet needs and help people live better lives. Connect with us on our dedicated microbiome therapeutics development channels on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Rebiotix Rebiotix Inc, a Ferring Company, is a late-stage clinical microbiome company focused on harnessing the power of the human microbiome to revolutionize the treatment of challenging diseases. Rebiotix has a diverse pipeline of investigational drug products built on its pioneering microbiota-based MRT drug platform. The platform consists of investigational drug technologies designed to potentially rehabilitate the human microbiome by delivering a broad consortium of live microbes into a patient's intestinal tract. For more information on Rebiotix and its pipeline of human microbiome-directed therapies for diverse disease states, visit www.rebiotix.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. About DDW Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW is a fully virtual meeting from May 21-23, 2021. The meeting showcases more than 2,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at www.ddw.org. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is C. Diff? 17 Dec. 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cdiff/what-is.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biggest Threats and Data. 14 Nov. 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html. Fitzpatrick F, Barbut F. Breaking the cycle of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012;18(suppl 6):2-4. Lessa FC, Mu Y, Bamberg WM, et al. Burden of Clostridium difficile infection in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(9):825-834. Cornely OA, et al. Treatment of First Recurrence of Clostridium difficile Infection: Fidaxomicin Versus Vancomycin. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2012;55(S2):S154-61. Riddle DJ, Dubberke ER. Clostridium difficile infection in the intensive care unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2009;23(3):727-743. Nelson WW, et al. Health care resource utilization and costs of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in the elderly: a real-world claims. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. Published online March 11, 2021. Kelly, CP. Can we identify patients at high risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012; 18 (Suppl. 6): 21-27. Smits WK, et al. Clostridium difficile infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16020. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.20. Langdon A, Crook N, Dantas G. The effects of antibiotics on the microbiome throughout development and alternative approaches for therapeutic modulation. Genome Med. 2016;8(1):39. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sepsis. 27 Jan. 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 24 June 2020. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/threats-report/clostridioides-difficile-508.pdf. Feuerstadt P, et al. J Med Econ. 2020;23(6):603-609. Leong C, Zelenitsky S. Treatment strategies for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Can J Hosp Pharm. 2013;66(6):361-368. van Nood E, Vrieze A, Nieuwdorp M, et al. Duodenal infusion of donor feces for recurrent Clostridium difficile. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):407-415. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005129/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact Heather Guzzi Director, Brand Communications Communications Digital Innovation +1-862-286-5254 Heather.Guzzi@ferring.com Courtney Jones Associate Director, Marketing and Communications Rebiotix Inc, a Ferring Company +1-651-705-8774 Courtney.Jones@ferring.com Lindsey Rodger Senior Manager, Corporate Communications +41 58 451 4023 (direct) +41 79 191 0486 (mobile) lindsey.rodger@ferring.com First Quarter Revenue of $6.8 Million on Diversified Product Sales Continuing to Supply ENVG-B Night Vision, Medical and International Programs HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / eMagin Corporation, or the "Company", (NYSE American:EMAN), a leader in the development, design and manufacture of Active Matrix OLED microdisplays for high-resolution, AR/VR and other near-eye imaging products, today announced results for its quarter ended March 31, 2021. "Our first quarter of 2021 was marked by continued strength in our product sales, which offset decreases in certain government contract work," said eMagin CEO Andrew G. Sculley. "We saw recovery in sales across a number of markets that were impacted by the pandemic, as well as an overall increase in international sales. "We continued to supply sole-sourced displays under the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) program, as well as other key military programs worldwide. eMagin is a proud supplier of the microdisplays that provide critical information to our soldiers in the battlefield, and we are the only manufacturer of OLED microdisplays in the United States. In combat and in training, soldiers value the super-fast response times of our displays, their high brightness and contrast, power efficiency, and their thin and light form factor. "Bookings in the first quarter saw significant diversity across market segments and geography. We experienced a strong uptick in order activity from our medical and veterinary customers, as well as thermal sights for hunting and military applications. We expect these areas will continue to grow as the pandemic subsides. Internationally, we saw strong orders across multiple product segments. In addition to the growth in existing programs, we saw new program activity in several military helmet-mounted display (HMD) programs, industrial security applications, and new hunting scopes. In all, as of March 31, our sales backlog was $10.7 million. "Our ongoing work with NordicNeuroLab is representative of our capabilities across a broad range of industries. As we recently announced, we have a strong relationship with this maker of functional MRI brain imaging applications. They have integrated their binocular head-mounted display with our WUXGA display, which is designed for near-to-eye applications, to project high-resolution 2D and 3D images to patients undergoing fMRI scanning. Our proprietary, color OLED technology delivers high brightness, extended life and sharp contrast under all conditions and is ideal for mission-critical medical applications like these that require stringent specifications and exacting reliability. "We continue to advance our Direct Patterning Display (dPd) technology and remain on target for a peak luminance of 10,000 cd/m2 for the high-resolution prototypes we are fabricating for a tier-one consumer company this year. We are also advancing our higher brightness XLE technology, which will give customers a sizeable boost in luminance and/or lifetime over their current eMagin displays. We remain confident that further improvements in this technology will be manufacturable in volume in the near term. "As a result of the long-term lease we signed last quarter, we have increased our manufacturing footprint by more than 25% and are underway in ordering and installing new equipment funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. As we noted last quarter, we are increasing our engineering headcount, and with our continued investments in R&D, we are enhancing our technical capabilities as we build for the future." First-Quarter Results Total revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were $6.8 million, compared with $6.7 million reported in the prior year period. Total revenues consist of both product revenue and contract revenue. Product revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were $6.1 million, an increase of $0.5 million from product revenues of $5.6 million reported in the prior year period. The increase in display revenues for the quarter resulted from higher sales to medical and veterinary customers compared with the same period in 2020. Contract revenues were $0.7 million compared with $1.1 million reported in the prior year, reflecting the completion of several government contracts during 2020. Total gross margin for the first quarter was 25% on gross profit of $1.7 million, compared with a gross margin of 21% on gross profit of $1.4 million in the prior year period. The increase in gross margins reflects improvement in yields, higher product revenues and the impact of a change in overhead allocation, partially offset by lower contract revenues compared with the comparable 2020 period. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2021, including R&D expenses, were $3.7 million, compared with $2.8 million in the prior year period. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were 54% in the first quarter of 2021, compared with 41% in the prior year period. The year-over-year increase in R&D advanced the Company's dPd technology and development of its XLE display. Operating loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $2.0 million, compared with an operating loss of $1.3 million in the prior year period, reflecting increased investments in R&D in the current year. However, results for the current period also reflect a $2.0 million gain on the forgiveness of the Company's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Net loss for the current period also includes a $7.2 million non-cash loss, related to the change in fair value of a warrant liability. Therefore, net loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $7.4 million, or $0.10 per share, compared with a loss of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per share, in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of the change in the fair value of the warrant liability, net loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share, versus a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA increased in the first quarter of 2021 to $0.8 million, compared with negative $0.8 million in the prior year period. The Company's management believes this non-GAAP measure provides investors with a better understanding of how the results relate to the Company's historical performance. The additional adjusted information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial statements. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information to GAAP results appears in the financial tables below. Balance Sheet Highlights As of March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $10.7 million and working capital of $8.3 million. During the first quarter, the Company repaid $1.7 million under its asset-based lending (ABL) facility and realized proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $5.1 million. Borrowings and availability under the ABL facility were $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2021. In January 2021, the Company took delivery of an advanced wafer inspection tool valued at $1.1 million, which was the first equipment to be received under the combined $39.1 million in U.S. government funding awarded to eMagin to enhance its manufacturing capabilities as the only U.S. provider of OLED microdisplays. eMagin continues to place down payments with vendors that are building the equipment requested under the government funding awards, and the Company remains on track with the program's requirements. Measurement of Inventory In recognition of a shift in product demand toward larger, more complex displays yielding fewer die per wafer, the Company has concluded that measuring output by the number of displays produced per quarter is no longer an accurate measure of productive capacity. The Company determined that measuring output based on the number of wafers produced per quarter is a more appropriate measure of production volume. As the number of wafers produced per quarter has remained consistent for the past two years, the Company concluded it was no longer in a period of abnormal production that would require limiting the amount of overheads allocated to inventory. The Company also believes that fully allocating the overhead to work in process and finished goods inventories results in more accurate inventory valuation and computation of costs of goods sold, in addition to providing better information to management in making pricing decisions. Under this change in estimate for allocating overhead, which was adopted in the first quarter of 2021, overhead is now fully allocated to products, resulting in an increase in standard costs and inventory values. In the first quarter of 2021, the impact of this change was an increase of approximately $0.9 million in the carrying value of the Company's work in process and finished goods inventory, with a corresponding decrease in product costs of goods sold. Conference Call and Webcast Information Management will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 9 a.m. ET on May 13 to discuss eMagin's quarterly results, business highlights and outlook. To join the live listen-only webcast, please visit the Company's website at www.emagin.com or use the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2471/41214. To join the conference call, dial 1-877-545-0320 in the United States, or 1-973-528-0016 internationally. The entry code is 717445. Participants are encouraged to join at least 15 minutes before the start of the call. An archive of the webcast will be available approximately one hour after the live call. About eMagin Corporation eMagin is the leader in OLED microdisplay technology for the next generation of computing and imaging devices, serving world-class customers in the military, consumer, medical and industrial markets. The Company invents, engineers and manufactures display technologies of the future and is the only manufacturer of OLED displays in the United States. eMagin's Direct Patterning Technology (dPd) will transform the way the world consumes information. Since 2001, eMagin's microdisplays have been used in AR/VR, aircraft helmets, heads-up display systems, thermal scopes, night vision goggles, future weapon systems and a variety of other applications. For more information, please visit www.emagin.com Important Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including those regarding eMagin Corporation's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company's most recent filings with the SEC. For a more complete description of the risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from current expectations, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in eMagin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and in any Form 10-Q filed or to be filed by eMagin, and in other documents the Company files with the SEC from time to time. Contact eMagin Corporation Mark A. Koch Acting Chief Financial Officer 845-838-7951 investorrelations@emagin.com Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc. Nicholas Manganaro 617-542-5300 eman@investorrelations.com eMAGIN CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,705 $ 8,315 Restricted cash 1,671 2,111 Accounts receivable, net 4,423 5,314 Account receivable-due from government awards 97 1,013 Unbilled accounts receivable 374 253 Inventories 8,413 8,379 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,095 943 Total current assets 26,778 26,328 Property, plant and equipment, net 22,118 21,132 Operating lease right - of - use assets 35 50 Intangibles and other assets 124 126 Total assets $ 49,055 $ 47,636 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,266 $ 1,206 Accrued compensation 1,929 1,628 Paycheck Protection Program loan - current - 982 Revolving credit facility, net 198 1,875 Common stock warrant liability 11,830 4,622 Other accrued expenses 1,474 1,693 Deferred revenue 124 425 Operating lease liability - current 36 51 Finance lease liability - current 1,028 1,027 Other current liabilities 621 757 Total current liabilities 18,506 14,266 Other liability - long term 42 56 Paycheck Protection Program loan - long term - 982 Deferred Income - government awards - long term 4,473 4,309 Finance lease liability - long term 11,733 11,783 Total liabilities 34,754 31,396 Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $.001 par value: authorized 10,000,000 shares: Series B Convertible Preferred stock, (liquidation preference of $5,659) stated value $1,000 per share, $.001 par value: 10,000 shares designated and 5,659 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. - - Common stock, $.001 par value: authorized 200,000,000 shares, issued 72,137,858 shares, outstanding 71,975,792 shares as of March 31, 2021 and issued 68,890,819 shares, outstanding 68,728,753 shares as of December 31, 2020. 72 69 Additional paid-in capital 274,165 268,729 Accumulated deficit (259,436 ) (252,058 ) Treasury stock, 162,066 shares as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. (500 ) (500 ) Total shareholders' equity 14,301 16,240 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 49,055 $ 47,636 eMAGIN CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Revenues: Product $ 6,105 $ 5,634 Contract 668 1,097 Total revenues, net 6,773 6,731 Cost of revenues: Product 4,707 4,790 Contract 358 507 Total cost of revenues 5,065 5,297 Gross profit 1,708 1,434 Operating expenses: Research and development 1,842 980 Selling, general and administrative 1,824 1,798 Total operating expenses 3,666 2,778 Loss from operations (1,958 ) (1,344 ) Other (expense) income: Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability (7,208 ) (20 ) Interest expense, net (210 ) (17 ) Gain on forgiveness of debt 1,963 - Other income, net 35 12 Total other (expense) (5,420 ) (25 ) Loss before provision for income taxes (7,378 ) (1,369 ) Income taxes - - Net income (loss) allocated to common shares $ (7,378 ) $ (1,369 ) Loss per share, diluted $ (0.10 ) $ (0.03 ) Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic and Diluted 70,272 51,639 Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement the Company's consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis; the Company has provided non-GAAP financial information, namely earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and non-cash compensation expense ("Adjusted EBITDA"). The Company's management believes that this non-GAAP measure provides investors with a better understanding of how the results relate to the Company's historical performance. The additional adjusted information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial statements. Management believes that these adjusted measures reflect the essential operating activities of the Company. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information appears below (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Net loss $ (7,378 ) $ (1,369 ) Non-cash compensation 13 43 Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability 7,208 20 Depreciation and intangibles amortization expense 733 480 Interest expense 210 17 Adjusted EBITDA $ 786 $ (809 ) SOURCE: eMagin Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647091/eMagin-Corporation-Announces-First-Quarter-2021-Results LITTLETON, CO / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG)(TSX:URE) announces that its Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Klenda will present at 9:45 a.m. MT / 11:45 a.m. ET on May 18, 2021 at the Q2 Virtual Investor Summit to be held May 17-18, 2021. Mr. Klenda will provide an overview of the Company's business during the presentation and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors who are registered to attend the conference. Ur-Energy's presentation will begin at 11:45 a.m. ET on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. You may join the webcast at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QbSzBL0pSTq7VGl63VArBg. The presentation will be webcast live. The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors. The Q2 Investor Summit will take place virtually, featuring 100 companies and over 300 institutional and retail investors. If you would like to participate in the conference, including scheduling a time to meet with Mr. Klenda, please click on the following link to register for the conference https://investorsummitgroup.com/. About Ur-Energy Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in-situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. We have produced, packaged, and shipped approximately 2.6 million pounds from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy now has all major permits and authorizations to begin construction at Shirley Basin, the Company's second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming, and is in the process of obtaining remaining authorizations for expansion of Lost Creek. Ur-Energy is engaged in uranium mining, recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for Ur-Energy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." Ur-Energy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is located in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is located in Ottawa, Ontario. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Jeffrey Klenda Chairman & CEO 866-981-4588 Jeff.Klenda@Ur-Energy.com SOURCE: Ur-Energy Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647140/Ur-Energy-to-Present-on-May-18-at-the-Q2-Virtual-Investor-Summit Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - PharmaDrug Inc. (CSE: BUZZ) (OTC Pink: LMLLF) ("PharmaDrug" or the "Company"), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of controlled-substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis and naturally-derived approved drugs, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Paul Van Slyke and promoted him to Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) for all of PharmaDrug Inc. As part of the employment agreement, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Company's stock option plan, the PharmaDrug Board of Directors has approved the grant of 2,000,000 stock options to Paul Van Slyke. The options expire five years from the date of grant and are exercisable at a price of $0.09 per common share. 500,000 of the options vest immediately and 1,500,000 of the options vest in one half increments after 6 months and 12 months. Paul previously served as CSO of Sairiyo Therapeutics on a consultancy basis. Given all of the advancements in the company's Cepharanthine activities and the quickly evolving DMT strategy, the Board of Directors felt Paul's attention was needed on an exclusive and full-time basis. The Board of Directors is also extremely impressed with Paul's business acumen and believes he can play a positive role in PharmaDrug's other divisions where he can contribute to product expansion and development. Dr. Van Slyke is an entrepreneur-scientist with 18 granted and filed patents, and most recently co-founder and former CSO of Vasomune, a clinical stage Canadian biotech company. Paul brings to PharmaDrug a breadth of experience in preclinical and IND-enabling activities. Having completed his PhD at the University of Toronto, Department of Medical Biophyics, Paul brings exercises a multidisciplinary approach to developing market ready solutions to foundational biological questions. Paul's previous research interests are broad and complementary to those of PharmaDrug; spanning a number of clinical indications including acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, vascular inflammatory disease, sepsis and oncology. "We are extremely excited to have Paul join the company on a full-time basis. We also believe Paul will add tremendous value as a C-suite executive as he gets involved in both Super Smart and PharmaDrug Production in Germany" said Daniel Cohen, CEO of PharmaDrug. "We look forward to Paul continuing to grow with PharmaDrug while he helps build out our team as we evolve in all facets of the Company." "I am delighted to take on the role of CSO at PharmaDrug and look forward to working collaboratively with the world-class team of leaders and innovators. The Company's diversified business model spans multiple key verticals including traditional pharma, medical cannabis, and the burgeoning field of psychedelics. This is an exciting opportunity to represent and grow Canadian biotech globally" says Dr. Van Slyke. About PharmaDrug Inc. PharmaDrug is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of controlled-substances and natural medicines such as psychedelics, cannabis and naturally-derived approved drugs. The Company owns 80% of Pharmadrug Production GmbH, a German medical cannabis distributor, with a Schedule I European Union narcotics license and German EuGMP certification allowing for the importation and distribution of medical cannabis to pharmacies in Germany and throughout the EU. The Company also owns 100% of Super Smart, a Dutch company building a modern adult use psychedelic retail business with an elevated and educational focus. PharmaDrug recently acquired Sairiyo Therapeutics, a biotech company that specializes in researching and reformulating established natural medicines with a goal of bringing them through regulatory and research driven clinical trials. For further information, please contact: Daniel Cohen, Chairman and CEO dcohen@pharmadrug.co (647) 202-1824 Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results of the Company. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulations under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein, such as, but not limited to dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; the ability to locate additional supply of medical cannabis, owning interests in companies or projects that are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under United States federal law; changes in laws; limited operating history, reliance on management, requirements for additional financing, competition, hindering market growth; regulatory and political change. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83851 Highlights Include Sales Per Quarter Increase Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Splash Beverage Group, Inc. (OTCQB: SBEV) ("The Company") (https://www.SplashBeverageGroup.com), a holding company of leading portfolio of beverage brands, announces today the filing of its Q1 2021 Report on Form 10-Q, for Period Ending March 31, 2021, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2021 (the "Quarterly Report"). Highlights from the report include: Quarter over Quarter Sales Growth with Increase in Cash Equivalents: The Report demonstrates impactful sales growth Q over Q since Q1 2020 as demonstrated in the linked images below. Splash Beverage Group Inc. - QoQ Sales Growth To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7319/83881_fd2217c9148a29f6_002full.jpg As of March 31, 2021, The Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $1,225,406, as compared with $380,000 at December 31, 2020. The increase is primarily due to cash received from its PPM, an offering of 3,636,364 shares of the common stock of the Company, $0.001 value per share at a purchase price of $1.10 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,000,000. As part of the PPM, each purchaser received a warrant to purchase one share for every two shares purchased. The Company completed its PPM by issuing a total of 3,637,065 of shares and warrants with gross proceeds of $4,000,771. Splash Beverage Group Inc. - QoQ Sales and Increase To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7319/83881_fd2217c9148a29f6_003full.jpg Year over Year Sales Growth Alongside Reduced Cost of Goods Sold: As depicted in the linked image above, revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $2,417,701 compared to revenues of $112,003 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The $2,305,698 increase in sales is due to an increase within our vertically integrated B2B and B2C e-commerce distribution platform called Qplash. This platform sells goods on both Amazon and Shopify. In addition, we had increased sales from our single-serve wine business. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1,742,875 compared to cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $107,214. The $1,635,661 increase in cost of goods sold for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 is primarily due to our increased sales, and as our sales increased, our cost of sales for those sales correspondingly increased. Successful $9M Capital Raise in February 2021, Opening the door to new opportunities for The Company, and closing the door on equity holders' ability to convert equity to debt: In connection with the merger The Company committed to its previous preferred stock and debt holders to raise $9 million in a secondary IPO or debt, as defined in the agreements. In the original merger agreement it was stated that, if the capital raise were not met, debt holders would have the opportunity to convert their equity back to debt in the Company. In February 2021, The Company successfully raised the $9 million, and said equity holders no longer have the ability to convert the equity to debt. The full 10-Q Annual Report for OTCQB: SBEV can be found here: https://bit.ly/3uVoNJ3 Follow Splash Beverage Group on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SplashBev Learn more about COPA DI VINO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopaDiVino/ Splash Beverage Group Inc. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7319/83881_fd2217c9148a29f6_004full.jpg Splash Beverage Group Inc. Product Line To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7319/83881_fd2217c9148a29f6_005full.jpg About Splash Beverage Group, Inc.: Splash Beverage Group specializes in manufacturing, distribution, sales & marketing of various beverages across multiple channels. SBEV operates in both the non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage segments which they believe leverages efficiencies and dilutes risk. SBEV believes its business model is unique as it ONLY develops/accelerates brands it perceives to have highly visible pre-existing brand awareness or pure category innovation. Forward-Looking Statement This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed transaction or to complete the transactions contemplated by the non-binding term sheet, matters discovered by the parties as they complete their respective due diligence investigation of the other. Other factors include the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close, including due to the failure to receive required security holder approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Contact Information: Splashbeveragegroup.com info@splashbeveragegroup.com 954-745-5815 SOURCE: Splash Beverage Group, Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83881 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. (CSE: OILS) (OTCQB: OILFF) (FSE: L0MA) ("Nextleaf", "OILS", or the "Company"), the world's most innovative cannabis extractor, is pleased to announce its initial entry into branded consumer products, with the acquisition of all rights associated with the award-winning, prohibition-era brand, "Glacial Gold", a previous category leader in speciality concentrates and extracts, with market validated formulations. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmypl2Q1r8 "In alignment with our B2B extraction and processing business, this launch into B2C branded products allows us to fulfill the value of our IP through commercialization, diversify revenue streams, and utilize the cannabis plant to its full potential," said Nextleaf CEO, Paul Pedersen. "Our established advantage in processing efficiency, and low-cost, high purity cannabinoid ingredients translates easily into manufacturing Glacial Gold products at scale." About Glacial Gold Best known for its award-winning cannabis concentrates (2017 Karma Cup, 2016 Canadian Cannabis Awards), Glacial Gold built traction around a portfolio of accessibly priced extracts and specialty concentrates, formulated with quality at the forefront. The brand earned deep loyalty with consumers for providing unparalleled value and gained recognition through distribution on a national scale. Glacial Gold pioneered many processing techniques as part of its product development, such as triple-distilled, cold extraction that helped differentiate Glacial Gold from its competitors. "Our entire team is motivated to see a legacy brand with deep roots in our BC backyard, make the successful leap into the recreational market and legal-era," said Nextleaf CTO, Ryan Ko. "We've been building towards this gold-rush and we're ready to shake things up." - Nextleaf Solutions Director of Marketing, Emma Andrews To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5347/83905_ef609badb4e5ca76_001full.jpg Commercialization Strategy Nextleaf and Glacial Gold have signed a copyright release which will include rights for Nextleaf to use the "Glacial Gold" brand identity on any products and formulations at the Company's discretion, in addition to an existing online presence and audience base across multiple channels. The Company plans to refresh the brand as part of its launch strategy, while still retaining the brand's fun, engaging, authentic identity. Following receipt of its Sales Amendment in April 2021, Nextleaf, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Nextleaf Labs Ltd. ("Nextleaf Labs" or "Labs"), filed initial applications with the provincial distribution boards for British Columbia and Alberta as part of the preliminary listing process, prior to entry into retail. Additional expansion across Canada is targeted for later this year. "Our initial launch will include a broadly appealing, market-validated product assortment featuring distillate produced through Nextleaf Labs," said Nextleaf Director of Marketing, Emma Andrews. "We have our sights set on additional product formats that consumers have come to know and love from Glacial Gold, as well as innovation that will welcome in the next generation of consumers. This is a brand everyone can enjoy." OILS also plans to leverage the Human Trials Amendment to its Research Licence during formulation and product development, as well as during retail roll-out to engage and educate buyers and decision-makers. "We can offer unparalleled value and access through our unique combination of IP and licenses," said Andrews. "We've been building towards this gold-rush and we're ready to shake things up." Extension of Early Warrant Exercise Incentive Program Nextleaf is also pleased to announce it has extended its warrant exercise incentive program designed to encourage exercise of up to 10,400,000 of its outstanding share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") through July 15, 2021 and has amended the expiry date of the Warrants from May 15, 2021 to July 15, 2021. As previously announced, the Company amended the exercise price of the Warrants to $0.265 per common share of the Company (each, a "Share"). Under the incentive program, the Company is offering an inducement to each holder of Warrants (each, a "Warrantholder") who exercises their Warrants prior to July 15, 2021. All Warrantholders who exercise their Warrants prior to July 15, 2021 will receive one additional share purchase warrant (each, an "Incentive Warrant") for each Warrant exercised. Each Incentive Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at $0.35 per Share until July 15, 2022 (the "Term"), subject to acceleration. If, for any ten consecutive trading days during the Term, the closing price of the Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") exceeds $0.44 then, upon the Company sending to the holders of the Incentive Warrants notice of acceleration of the expiry date by way of a news release, the Incentive Warrants will only be exercisable for a period of 30 days following the date of such news release. Any Shares issued upon exercise of the Incentive Warrants will be subject to a statutory four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance of the Incentive Warrants. If, for any 10 consecutive trading days during the unexpired term of the Warrants the closing price of the Shares on the CSE exceeds $0.33, then, upon the Company sending to the Warrantholders notice of acceleration of the expiry date by way of a news release, the Warrants will only be exercisable for a period of 30 days following the date of such news release. Nextleaf Issues Shares As part of the acquisition of Glacial Gold rights and associated material, the Company issued 440,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.25 per share. Nextleaf has issued an aggregate of 427,500 common shares at a deemed price of $0.25 per share to consultants of the Company, as compensation for services provided. About Nextleaf Nextleaf is an innovative cannabis processor that owns one of the largest portfolios of US patents for the extraction, distillation, and delivery of cannabinoids. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Nextleaf Labs Ltd, a licensed processor, the Company is a low-cost producer of cannabis distillate and private label THC & CBD oils. Nextleaf's proprietary closed-loop automated extraction plant in Metro Vancouver has a design capacity to process 600 kilos of dried cannabis into oil per day. The Company owns 13 US patents and has been issued over 70 patents globally. Nextleaf is developing delivery technology through its Health Canada Research Licence with sensory evaluation of cannabis via human testing. The Company's proprietary RAPID Emulsion Technology by OILS powers differentiated ingestible cannabis products. Nextleaf Solutions trades as OILS on the Canadian Securities Exchange, OILFF on the OTCQB Market in the United States, and L0MA on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Follow OILS across social media platforms: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. www.nextleafsolutions.com For more information please contact: Jason McBride 604-283-2301 (ext. 219) investors@nextleafsolutions.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Paul Pedersen, CEO Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's ability to capitalize on its IP portfolio, the Company's strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to the risk factors discussed in the Company's MD&A for the most recent fiscal period. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. The CSE has not reviewed or approved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83905 Delivers Entry-Level Talent to Fill Nationwide Labor Shortage HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Recruiter.com Group, Inc. (OTCQB:RCRT), an on-demand recruiting platform, today announced the launch of its "First Job" Initiative to deliver curated pipelines of qualified first-time job seekers to employers across the US. Employers looking to draw from this pipeline of talent may visit https://www.recruiter.com/employers.html. "First-time job seekers are facing a higher unemployment rate than established professionals. At the same time, companies hiring career-oriented hourly wage workers are struggling to fill roles," said Evan Sohn, Recruiter.com's Chairman, and CEO. "Our First Jobs Initiative is an opportunity to solve both problems at once. Our goal, however audacious, is to connect these candidates with the companies looking to hire." As companies look to staff back up amid the nationwide easing of pandemic restrictions, Recruiter.com's First Jobs Initiative can match employers with pre-vetted, motivated applicants who are eager to start their careers. Recent graduates from high schools and 2 and 4-year university programs are unemployed or underemployed at a higher rate than other demographics in the workforce. Last week, BLS reported a record-high number of job openings. At the same time, forty percent of recent college grads are underemployed, compared to 33 percent of all college grads; the unemployment rate for recent grads is 7.2 percent, compared to 4.7 percent for all college grads. These unemployed and underemployed candidates comprise a robust talent pool that could help close the labor shortages plaguing so many companies in the wake of the pandemic. To help close this gap, Recruiter.com is working with Fortune 100 companies looking to hire early career applicants, and in turn, is providing candidates with excellent first job experience. "With today's job seekers changing jobs slightly more often than their predecessors, the way we think about first jobs must change. For recent grads, a first job is a stepping-stone into the professional world," added Sohn. "Our First Jobs Initiative has the potential to help hundreds of job seekers start their professional lives with high-quality customer service, support, and sales roles at major US brands and companies. Likewise, Recruiter.com's expansive candidate pool can be a source of skilled job seekers at a time when employers need them most but can't seem to find them." Recruiter.com's curated talent pipelines draw from a differentiated database of diverse candidates. Of all candidates, roughly 50 percent have less than five years of professional work experience, 27 percent are first-generation college graduates, and 49 percent identify as non-white. "Our candidate pool represents more than 7,000 colleges and universities globally," said Jacqueline Loeb, SVP of Recruiter.com." Most importantly, our comprehensive video-enabled profiles allow employers to look beyond the resume and understand the nuances of how a candidate thinks and what motivates them. Candidates, too, have an avenue to present the full range of their soft and hard skills, which can otherwise be challenging for a recent grad with a limited resume. We allow candidates to get hired based on their potential in addition to their prior experience." Recruiter.com Group, Inc. Recruiter.com is an online hiring platform delivering on-demand recruiting technology and services to both large and small businesses. With AI and video technology, and the world's largest network of recruiters, Recruiter.com delivers on-tap recruiting that flexes with hiring needs. To learn more, visit https://www.recruiter.com. For investor information, visit https://investors.recruiter.com Please follow social media channels for additional updates: LinkedIn Recruiter Network Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/42370/ LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1240434 Twitter Company Page: https://twitter.com/recruiterdotcom Facebook Company Page: https://www.facebook.com/RecruiterDotCom Company Contact: Sarah Schultz Director of Communications Recruiter.com Group, Inc. sschultz@recruiter.com Phone: (855) 931-1500 Investor Relations: Dave Gentry RedChip Companies, Inc. Phone: (407) 491-4498 dave@redchip.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "forecasts" "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is likely," "will," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include continued demand for professional hiring, the accuracy of the Recruiter Index survey, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job market and the economy as virus levels are again rising in many states, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. SOURCE: Recruiter.com Group, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647188/Recruitercom-Launches-Early-Career-Campaign-to-Match-Motivated-Candidates-to-Top-Employers SUWANEE, GA / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / SANUWAVE Health, Inc. (OTCQB:SNWV), a leading provider of next-generation wound care products, has engaged international investor relations specialists MZ Group (MZ) to lead a comprehensive strategic investor relations and financial communications program across all key markets. MZ Group will work closely with SANUWAVE management to develop and implement a comprehensive capital markets strategy designed to increase the Company's visibility throughout the investment community. The campaign will highlight how SANUWAVE is successfully advancing the commercialization of an Energy First, next-generation wound care product portfolio for the repair and regeneration of skin, musculoskeletal tissue and vascular structures. MZ has developed a distinguished reputation as a premier resource for institutional investors, brokers, analysts and private investors. The firm maintains offices worldwide and was recently ranked No. 7 in the world in business communication. Brian M. Prenoveau, CFA, Managing Director at MZ North America, will advise SANUWAVE in all facets of corporate and financial communications, including the coordination of non-deal roadshows and investor conferences across key cities and building brand awareness with financial and social media outlets. Ted Haberfield, Chairman & President of MZ North America, commented: "Wound Care is a significant and vital category of the overall healthcare market, with demand regularly growing due to an aging population and the high prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases. The U.S. Diabetic Foot Ulcer market alone stands at $15 billion. SANUWAVE can address the entire continuum of wound care with its comprehensive portfolio of Energy First products, from acute care such as accidents and injury, to chronic and advanced care treatments for ulcers and other serious injuries. Brian Prenoveau added: "SANUWAVE offers a non-contact ultrasound fluid mist device as well as human tissue biologics - enabling differentiated, end-to-end wound care addressing the entire patient journey when paired with their core dermaPace System, an FDA cleared non-invasive energy transfer device for the treatment of chronic wounds. "When taking into account positive reimbursement dynamics in the U.S., the Company is poised for a significant revenue ramp that the capital markets community may not yet fully realize - we look forward to sharing this unique valuation disconnect with our diverse network of family office, high-net-worth and institutional investors," concluded Prenoveau. "2020 was an important inflection point for SANUWAVE with the acquisition of Celularity and its immediately accretive product portfolio," said Kevin Richardson II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SANUWAVE. "We expect to realize significant growth from cross-selling synergies brought on by the acquisition, fortifying our foothold in key global markets. Looking ahead, we are aggressively focused on the international commercialization of UltraMIST in the large, growing international wound care market, and continued R&D investment into other medical and non-medical applications. We look forward to working with Brian and the entire team at MZ Group to communicate the multiple avenues to drive continued, sustained growth - building sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders." For more information on SANUWAVE, please visit the Company's investor relations website at www.SANUWAVE.com. To schedule a conference call with management, please email your request to SNWV@mzgroup.us or call Brian Prenoveau at (561) 489-5315. About MZ Group MZ North America is the US division of MZ Group, a global leader in investor relations and corporate communications. MZ North America was founded in 1996 and provides full scale Investor Relations to both private and public companies across all industries. Supported by our exclusive one-stop-shop approach, MZ works with top management to support the clients' business strategy in six integrated product and service categories: 1) IR Consulting & Outreach - full service investor relations and roadshow services; 2) ESG iQ & Advisory - reporting technology platform and audit and reporting guidance; 3) SPAC Alpha IR+ & IPO Advisory - providing critical and timely guidance through business combinations and IPOs; 4) Financial & Social Media - lead generation and social media relations; 5) Market Intelligence - real time ownership monitoring; 6) Technology Solutions - webhosting, webcasting, conference calls, distribution services and board portals. MZ North America has a global footprint with offices located in New York, Chicago, San Diego, Aliso Viejo, Austin, Minneapolis, Taipei and Sao Paulo. About SANUWAVE Health SANUWAVE Health (OTCQB: SNWV) is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of its patented, Energy First non-invasive and biological response-activating medical systems for the repair and regeneration of skin, musculoskeletal tissue, and vascular structures. SANUWAVE's end-to-end wound care portfolio of regenerative medicine products and product candidates help restore the body's normal healing processes. SANUWAVE applies and researches its patented energy transfer technologies in wound healing, orthopedic/spine, plastic/cosmetic, and cardiac/endovascular conditions. For more information, please visit. www.SANUWAVE.com. Investor Relations Contact Brian M. Prenoveau, CFA Managing Director MZ Group - MZ North America (561) 489-5315 SNWV@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us SOURCE: SANUWAVE Health, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647141/SANUWAVE-Health-Engages-MZ-Group-to-Lead-Strategic-Investor-Relations-and-Shareholder-Communication-Program LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Biopharmaceutical company CureVac N.V. (CVAC) announced Thursday that its second generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate, CvnCoV, demonstrated high immunogenicity against virus variants in preclinical study. The first clinical trials for CV2CoV are expected to start in the third quarter of 2021. CV2CoV is being developed in collaboration between Germany's CureVac and GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK). This second generation vaccine candidate differs from CureVac's first-generation vaccine candidate, CVnCoV, currently in late-stage clinical testing. The new CV2CoV vaccine candidate is based on a new mRNA backbone that features targeted optimizations designed to improve intracellular mRNA stability and translation for increased and extended protein expression. CV2CoV showed high levels of antigen production in rat model. There was also a fast onset of strong neutralizing antibody titers after first vaccination and high cross-neutralizing capacity of induced antibodies against selected COVID-19 variants of concern, including the Denmark variant (B.1.1.298), the UK variant (B.1.1.7) and the South African variant (B.1.351). CureVac and GlaxoSmithKline aim to jointly develop second-generation vaccine candidates that offer improved immune responses and target emerging variants. Combined with lower doses, these second-generation vaccines could enable also broad protection against selected strains in a multivalent vaccine format. The COVID-19 collaboration between CureVac and GlaxoSmithKline announced in February 2021 extends the existing strategic mRNA technology partnership both companies entered in July 2020. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Cross River Ventures Corp. (CSE: CRVC) (FSE: C6R) (the "Company") is pleased to report that field work, including prospecting and focused mapping, has commenced at its 100% owned, 6,570-hectare, Manitou Gold Project, located within the Archean Uchi Subprovince, NW Ontario, Canada. Bayside Geoscience has been contracted to conduct a 2-week reconnaissance program at the Manitou property. This Phase 1 field campaign will focus on assessing gold-bearing structures along strike and parallel to historic high-grade gold occurrences, within broad NE trending shear zones that transect the property. The field team will evaluate mineralization styles and potential strike extensions, collect samples and field data for analysis, and consider exploration techniques for follow-up property work (e.g. geochemistry, geophysics, drill testing). The Cross River technical team's review of historic data from the Manitou property indicates potential for significant shear-zone hosted gold, and the field campaign will focus on areas of interest highlighted by the initial review and target ranking. On April 22, 2021, the Company announced the expansion of the Manitou project through the acquisition of the Lower Manitou mineral claims, which yield a large contiguous land position. The addition of the Lower Manitou claims will allow Cross River to systematically explore prospective shear zones over an 8km+ strike length, contextualize the larger scale geologic controls on known showings, and to seek additional damage zones with the potential to host gold on the property. The newly consolidated Manitou gold property is located within the eastern margin of the Archean Eagle-Wabigoon-Manitou lakes Greenstone belt, approximately 40km south of the community of Dryden, Ontario. The property is underlain by mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks and course clastic metasedimentary rocks, which are locally intruded by intensely altered granodiorite porphyries with significant sulfide mineralization. Deformation zones are widespread, and alteration is extensive on the property, with regional scale faults and gold-hosting shear zones trending north-northeast. The Manitou area has undergone sporadic exploration from the late 1800's to present day, and the property itself has seen several drill campaigns and sampling programs, in addition to minor historic gold production. Drilling by St Joes Canada Inc (1983), and prospecting, sampling, and stripping (Ivar J. Riives, 2003; Rubicon Minerals Corp, 2005; Manitou Gold, 2011) have uncovered several north-northeast trending shear zones cutting through the property. The most notable mineralization discovered to date occurs in 2 parallel NE-trending mineralized shear zones including; a) the Queen Alexandria-Bird Island trend (5 km+ strike length with rock samples to 78.1 g/t Au; MDI152F07NW00008), and b) the Reliance Prospect (2 km strike length of well-defined sulfide bearing, quartz flooded shearing over a 20 ft width, with rocks samples including 9.7 g/t Au, 6 g/t Au, and drill intercepts incl. 1m at 3.36 g/t Au; Manitou Gold, 2011; Riives, 2003; St. Joes Canada; 1983). Both shear zones are open along strike and the Cross River team believes there is potential for untested gold mineralization both in strike extensions and in parallel structures. Figure 1: Manitou Gold Project and surrounding claims, NW Ontario, Canada To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/83907_a96ea6ba44cbd973_002full.jpg Figure 2: Queen Alexandra-Bird Island Trend and Reliance Shear, Manitou Gold Project, NW Ontario, Canada To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/83907_a96ea6ba44cbd973_003full.jpg Subsequent Phase 2 work on the Manitou property will be contingent on results from the initial field program and may consist of follow-up sampling, targeted geochemical surveys, or geophysics designed to define diamond drill targets. Tahsis Option Agreement Terminated The Company also announces that it has elected not to proceed with its existing option to acquire the Tahsis Gold Project, located in northern Vancouver Island. The Company has provided notice of termination of the option to the existing owner of the Project and has arranged to reimburse the owner for certain expenditures requirements on the Project as required by the terms of the original option. The Company has not assumed any ongoing obligations associated with the Project. The decision to terminate the option was made to allow the Company to focus capital on its project portfolio in Northwestern Ontario. * Grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true grade or style of mineralization across the property The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Rob Carpenter, P.Geo., Ph.D., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Historical assay results contained in this press release were not verified by the Company, however, the historical reports referenced were authored by experienced geoscientists and copies of laboratory assay sheets were commonly inserted in the reports. About the Company Cross River Ventures Corp. is a gold exploration company focused on the development of top tier exploration properties in premier mining districts. The Company controls a multiple project portfolio (over 28,000 hectares) in NW Ontario, Canada, with highly prospective ground in and among prolific, gold bearing greenstone belts. Cross River's common shares trade under the symbol "CRVC" on the CSE. On behalf of the Board of Directors of CROSS RIVER VENTURES CORP. Alex Klenman CEO 604-227-6610 aklenman@crossriverventures.com www.crossriverventures.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. References Queen Alexandria MDI: http://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/mdi/data/records/MDI52F07SW00008.html St Joes Canada Inc 1983: http://www.geologyontario.mndmf.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/52F07NW0016/52F07NW0016.pdf Ivar J. Riives 2003: http://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/52F07SW2001/52F07SW2001.pdf Rubicon Minerals Corp 2005: http://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/20000001076/20001993.pdf Manitou Gold Inc. 2011: http://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/20000006947/20009983.pdf To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83907 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR2) ("Fremont" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Blaine Monaghan as President and CEO of the Company, effective immediately. The Board thanks Mr. Monaghan for his efforts. Dennis Moore, has agreed to assume the role of CEO on an interim basis, effective immediately. Mr. Moore is the Company's President, and is one of the founders of Fremont and is consequently very familiar with the Company's assets. He has a proven track record of gold discovery and is ideally placed to advance the Company. About Fremont Gold Founded by geologists that have a track record of making multi-million-ounce gold discoveries, Fremont has assembled a portfolio of quality gold projects located in Nevada's most prolific gold trends. The Company's property portfolio includes North Carlin, a new discovery opportunity, Cobb Creek, which hosts a historic resource, Griffon, a past producing gold mine, and Hurricane, which has returned significant gold intercepts in past drilling. Qualified person The content of this news release was reviewed by Dennis Moore, Fremont's President and Interim CEO, a P.G. and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Alan Carter" Alan Carter Chairman Fremont Gold Ltd. For further information, contact: Corporate Information Fremont Gold Ltd. Dennis Moore, President and Interim CEO Telephone: +1 604-676-5664 www.fremontgold.net https://twitter.com/GoldFremont https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are referred to collectively as "forward-looking statements". The United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "continues", and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this include but are not limited to the Company's future exploration plans . Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Fremont undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83927 Berwyn, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE American: ANVS), a clinical-stage drug platform company addressing Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, today announced it has filed an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to receive orphan drug designation for its lead drug candidate, ANVS401, for the treatment of AD in persons with Down syndrome (DS), referred to as DS-AD. DS occurs in about 1 in 700 newborns and approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. have the condition. People with DS often experience a gradual decline in cognition as they age, which can lead to AD. Newer screening methods and publications estimate DS-AD begins in people in their late thirties, with measurable decline starting before 40 years of age. Remarkably, over 80% of those with DS over age 65 are demented due to AD. There are approximately 17,000 people living with DS-AD in the United States, making the condition an orphan indication. With improved healthcare, the DS population is both growing and aging. However, with improved longevity comes a very high risk of AD. The percentage of DS patients with AD is growing faster than the percentage of AD patients in general. The condition results in significant suffering and financial burden for those who care for people with DS. ANVS401 is being tested in Phase 2a trials designed to show that it lowers levels of amyloid precursor protein, alpha-synuclein and tau and by doing so can increase axonal transport, lower inflammation, and protect nerve cells from dying. In seven animal models it fully restored the affected function back to normal, including four models of memory and learning: trisomic DS mice, transgenic AD mice, stroke mice and traumatic brain injury rats. Based on these and other data, the Company believes that ANVS401 can change the course of AD in DS patients. Subject to the approval of the orphan drug designation by the FDA, Annovis Bio hopes to initiate a Phase 3 trial in DS-AD patients by the end of 2021. Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., CEO of Annovis Bio, commented, "The FDA orphan drug application for ANVS401 to treat DS-AD is an important milestone for Annovis as we focus on building a robust product pipeline focused on novel uses of AVNS401 to treat significant unmet medical needs. We are currently evaluating ANVS401 in two Phase 2a clinical trials targeting AD and PD. The data from these studies will guide us in the continuing development of ANVS401 for chronic neurodegenerative diseases - specifically in DS-AD and in PD." The Orphan Drug Act grants special status to a drug or biological product to treat a rare disease or condition upon request of a sponsor. This status is referred to as orphan designation (or sometimes "orphan status"). The FDA grants orphan status to products that treat rare diseases, providing incentives to sponsors developing drugs or biologics. The FDA defines rare diseases as those affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States at any given time. The incidence of DS-AD is well within the limit of 200,000 for orphan indication status. Orphan drug designation would qualify ANVS401 for certain benefits and incentives, including seven years of marketing exclusivity if regulatory approval is ultimately received for the designated indication, potential tax credits for certain clinical drug testing costs, activities, eligibility for orphan drug grants, and the waiver of the FDA New Drug Application filing fee of approximately $2.4 million. About Annovis Bio Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Annovis Bio, Inc. (Annovis) is a clinical-stage, drug platform company addressing neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome (DS-AD). We believe that we are the only company developing a drug for AD, PD and DS-AD that inhibits more than one neurotoxic protein and, thereby, improves the information highway of the nerve cell, known as axonal transport. When this information flow is impaired, the nerve cell gets sick and dies. We expect our treatment to improve memory loss and dementia associated with AD and DS-AD, as well as body and brain function in PD. We have two ongoing Phase 2a studies: one in AD patients and one in both AD and PD patients. For more information on Annovis, please visit the company's website: www.annovisbio.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "will," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast" or other similar words, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the timing, effectiveness and anticipated results of ANVS401 clinical trials. Forward-looking statements are based on Annovis Bio, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate, including that clinical trials may be delayed. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Annovis Bio, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations: Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies Inc. 407-491-4498 Dave@redchip.com SOURCE: Annovis Bio, Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83928 SYDNEY, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 12th and 13th 2021, AlphaESS launched its latest residential and commercial energy storage solutions and the Alpha Installer Network (AIN) Program at the Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, Australia. Upcoming products Some latest technology has been reviled and made available to the public, which will also be launched in other parts of the world in the coming months. These products include portable power station, new All-in-one residential solution, and 30kW hybrid C&I solution, filling the gap in the market and leading the trend for the future. The 1kW/1kWh portable power station (PPS), which supports 11 devices simultaneously, can be used for outdoor activities as well as emerging power supply for families. This is a lifestyle change-maker and the dream device for adventurers. The 3kW SMILE-B3 PLUS is specially designed for retrofit. Cost effective, super easy to install and capable for scale. This no-meter design with 5kWh built-in battery is available for all retrofit requirements, with capacity expandable to 30 kWh. A high-voltage battery is rolling out with 8.2kWh capacity and can be configured either for single-phase (6kW) or three-phase (10 kW) applications, both on-grid & off-grid. The 30kW STORION-H30 fills the gap in the market, supporting both on-grid and heavy duty off-grid. The three-phase inverter can be configured to supply 60kWp and support unbalance load. The cost-effective solution is designed for the outback, farms, and remote areas. Discover more @ https://www.alpha-ess.com/Web/Product.aspx Trends and opportunities Dong Lin, PhD, VP AlphaESS, has given a speech on Global Industry Perspective: Market and Price Forecasts at the Smart Energy Conference. He points out that the No. 1 factor for the energy storage trends is PAYBACK, and forecasts that, as for the price, a 15-20% drop will be reasonable and the VPP and community battery will bring the payback down to less than 3 years. Installer Network A trusted network of installers is launched for those who deliver exceptional customer experience with Alpha products. AI technology will be used to match installers with jobs based on the installer service area, rating, experience and many more. It will significantly strengthen the installation efficiency and customer services. [About AlphaESS] AlphaESS is a leading energy storage integrator, with 10+ subsidiaries around the world providing local services and more than 60,000 systems actively running in over 60 countries. marketing@alpha-ess.com www.alpha-ess.com +61-1300968933 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509673/Products.jpg LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than three years after establishing themselves into the luxury liquor industry Rome De Bellegarde have secured their first award. Topping 17 houses and around 40 prestige cognac entries the Spirit Business have honored them with gold place in the Ultra Premium Cognac Masters. Their success has been built around a strong brand ethos of "nourish the good and extinguish the bad" which has been demonstrated with their distinct delivery of luxury. On May 1st 2021 Rome De Bellegarde announced their win with the Spirits Business, who is the only international spirits magazine and website in the world. The Spirits Business who launched in 2008 declared their spirit list for 2021 to be more varied and potent than ever. The global spirits masters host 18 separate competitions and employ specialist judges for each category who complete the tasting blind to ensure fairness. Their annual competition has been recognised by all in the Liquor industry as a global platform to celebrate and showcase new and renowned brands. The Executive Director David Bellegarde-Smeralda had some words about the victory, "During our launch in 2018 we generated 300 millions impressions 10 days after our very first article went live and we knew we had something very special at hand. Even so, to win a gold medal for our X.O. Cognac from the Spirit Business- the most trusted and only international spirits magazine and website in the world is an honor I was not expecting during our third year of business. It is humbling recognition of our hard work and another great encouragement to our vision of becoming one of the most acclaimed and inspirational luxury brands within our respective industry- led by the new generation." Rome De Bellegarde known as the 'most expensive cognac in the world' has a history that dates back to 1725 in the French province of Grande Champagne. Their ethos continues to be strengthened by their deep love for family, culture and prestige. Their XO cognac is said to balance intense aromas in a complex and elegant way. This award is a testament to the Rome De Bellegarde family but especially Dimitri Nalin, the global brand director at Rome De Bellegarde and an award winning sommelier. Who says "It is with great honour and a huge pride for our family and I to see Rome de Bellegarde Cognac being awarded the prestigious gold medal out of 40 entries for the ultra premium cognac category organised by the Spirit Business & Spirit Masters." Although this victory came swiftly to Rome De Bellegarde, it can be assured that they are just getting started. "This great award will enable Rome de Bellegarde to gain the exposure that it deserves among the trade globally and it motivates all of us to keep focus on reviving the great legacy passed on by our ancestors." - Dimitri Nalin For press enquiries regarding Rome De Bellegarde contact micah@interepretellc.com SAN MATEO, Calif., May 13, 2021,) the cybersecurity leader whose mission is to protect data and all paths to it, announces Kate Barecchia as Global Data Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel. She will mature the Company's privacy posture and data protection strategy, advise product development teams on best practices for privacy solutions Imperva delivers to customers, and ensure compliance with global privacy laws and regulations. "The security and privacy of our employees', customers' and partners' data is core to what we do," says Pam Murphy, CEO, Imperva. "As we expand our portfolio of data privacy solutions, Kate is a critical addition to our team to help us navigate the changing data privacy, privacy and compliance landscape." Most recently, Barecchia was Associate General Counsel and Global Data Privacy Officer at Infor, where she was responsible for their global compliance with data privacy regulations. At Infor, Barecchia implemented a privacy-by-design strategy, and led Infor to achieve third party attestations, such as GDPR Privacy Program Validation and APEC Cross Border Privacy Rules Certification from TrustArc, as solid evidence of strong data privacy practices. "Data privacy must be central to any business operating model - particularly at a time when trust is now the unspoken currency that drives an organization's success," says Kate Barecchia, Global Data Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel, Imperva. "I'm excited to join Imperva, a company that is equally committed to the privacy of its employees and customers as it is to introducing innovative solutions to help other organizations address this critical issue." Previously, she was Of Counsel at Blank Rome LLP, where she partnered with clients to mitigate risk while meeting their business objectives. Prior, as Assistant General Counsel at SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Barecchia handled intellectual property and litigation matters, and advised on the impact of international data privacy laws on the company's use of data. She has a deep background in litigation, including various commercial and intellectual property matters. Barecchia earned Bachelor of Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University. About Imperva Imperva is the cybersecurity leader whose mission is to protect data and all paths to it. Customers around the world trust Imperva to protect their applications, data and websites from cyber attacks. With an integrated approach combining edge, application security and data security, Imperva protects companies through all stages of their digital journey. Imperva Research Labs and our global intelligence community enable Imperva to stay ahead of the threat landscape and seamlessly integrate the latest security, privacy and compliance expertise into our solutions. 2021 Imperva, Inc. All rights reserved. Imperva is a trademark of Imperva, Inc. and its subsidiaries. TORONTO, ON and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / GlobeX Data Ltd. (OTCQB:SWISF)(CSE:SWIS)(FRA:GDT) ("GlobeX" or the "Company"), the leader in Swiss hosted secure communications and secure data management, is pleased to report that it has signed a Distribution Agreement for a distribution deal in Sri Lanka with Dialog Broadband Networks (Private) Limited, part of Sri Lanka based Dialog Axiata PLC, itself part of Malaysia based telecom giant Axiata Group Berhad. Dialog Axiata PLC, is one of Sri Lanka's largest telecommunications service providers, and the country's largest mobile network operator with 14.9 million subscribers which amounts to 57% of the Sri Lankan mobile market. Axiata Group Berhad (AXIATA) commonly known as Axiata, formerly known as TM International Berhad, is a publicly traded Malaysian multinational telecommunications conglomerate with extensive operations in Asia. It is one of the largest wireless carriers in the Malaysia. According to Axiata Group's corporate website, As one of the leading telecommunications groups in Asia in pursuit of a vision to be the Next Generation Digital Champion by 2024, Axiata has transformed itself from a holding entity with a portfolio of pure-play mobile assets into a Triple Core Strategy-driven business focusing on Digital Telco, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure. According to Axiata's corporate website Axiata Group has 150 million subscribers, making it one of Asia's largest networks, covering Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Pakistan. The terms of the Distribution Agreement are in accordance with general telecom operator distribution agreements and are based on revenue-share model where all sales revenues are shared among the telecom operator and the Company. Both the Company and the telecom operators sign strict Non-Disclosure Agreements and details of the terms need to remain confidential. The term of the distribution agreement is set for one (01) year, commencing on the Effective Date of the signed agreement and may thereafter be automatically renewed on a yearly basis unless, under the same renewal terms basis unless terminated by either Party with sixty (60) days written notice before termination. If either Party breaches a material provision of this Agreement, the other Party may immediately terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other Party. Alain Ghiai, CEO of GlobeX Data said: "We are very happy to have signed this distribution agreement with Dialog Axiata's, Dialog Broadband Networks. It is ground breaking as Axiata is a telecom giant serving the Indo-Pacific, Asian and ASEAN regions of the globe. This is the region where commerce is growing the most in the coming decade and GlobeX is now ready to serve customers in the entire region, through its partnership with Dialog Axiata first, and eventually as we grow in Sri Lanka, growing to other countries of the Axiata Group. As this is our second telecom operator we are signing up, after Latin America's America Movil, we are now on a path to work with leading telecom operators globally. The Dialog Axiata agreement plots the course for continued growth in the fastest growing Emerging Markets, as we push our leading Internet privacy and secure communications platform Sekur. As we are not connected, and never have been connected, to AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud platforms, commonly referred to as "Big Tech", we can offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications through secure messaging, secure voice record transfer and secure email and secure video conferencing, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. With the latest SolarWinds hack of Microsoft Exchange platform and other platforms associated with it, and the new WhatsApp rules to share all users' data with Facebook, we have seen a surge in demand and inquiries for our secure and private communications solutions. Security and privacy are becoming a global concern, and we are looking forward to provide Swiss privacy and protection to all users of the Dialog Axiata group of companies." GlobeX already has an agreement in place with America Movil the 7th largest telecom in the world, and largest in Latin America, as announced recently in its press release dated October 13 2020, and this would be the second telecom conglomerate it would sign up in the emerging markets. Recently, Alain Ghiai, CEO of GlobeX Data, has been featured in an Interview in Cybersecurity Asean, based in Malaysia, as the region has suffered some disastrous damage due to cyber-attacks as Southeast Asia remains a hotspot for cyber-attacks according to this article from Computer Weekly, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many medical and financial records have been stolen by cyber criminals. Sekur, which includes SekurMessenger as part of a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one app solutions, includes the Company's latest SekurMail technology, which includes proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients' email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large Enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology ("DLP") with real time continuous archiving. Recent data breaches in messaging applications and in particular in the WhatsApp application have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications form cyber-attacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices. SekurMessenger eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not only not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a user's phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a user's phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a SM number. The SM number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other SM users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including GlobeX's proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers. Additionally, SekurMessenger now comes with a proprietary feature and technology called Chat by Invites. This feature allows a SekurMessenger user ("SM user") invite a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way, without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, financial, government, energy, mining, manufacturing, trade and medical sectors. GlobeX's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner. Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved. About GlobeX Data Ltd. GlobeX Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure data management and secure communications. The Company distributes a suite of secure communications, encrypted e-mails and messaging, secure cloud-based storage, disaster recovery, document management tools. GlobeX Data Ltd. sells its products through its approved wholesalers and distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. GlobeX Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. On behalf of Management GLOBEX DATA LTD. Alain Ghiai President and Chief Executive Officer +1.416.644.8690 corporate@globexdatagroup.com For more information, please contact GlobeX Data at corporate@globexdatagroup.com or visit us at https://globexdatagroup.com. For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com. Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. GlobeX cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond GlobeX's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in GlobeX's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, GlobeX undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. SOURCE: GlobeX Data Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647148/GlobeX-Data-Signs-Distribution-Agreement-with-Sri-Lankas-Dialog-Axiata-Group--Part-of-Axiata-Group--South-Asias-Largest-Telecom-Operator--for-its-Swiss-Hosted-Sekur-Secure-Email-and-Secure-Messaging-Application Increase in demand for renewable power sources, higher efficiency than fossil energy sources, and environment-friendly nature, and reduced carbon emission drive the global wind energy market PORTLAND, Ore., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Wind Energy Market by Type (Offshore and Onshore) and End-User (Industrial, Commercial, and Residential): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027." According to the report, the global wind energy industry generated $62.1 billion in 2019, and is expected to generate $127.2 billion by 2027, witnessing a CAGR of 9.3% from 2020 to 2027. Prime determinants of growth Increase in demand for renewable power sources, higher efficiency than fossil energy sources, and environment-friendly nature, and reduced carbon emission drive the global wind energy market. However, high installation and maintenance costs of offshore wind plants hinder the market growth. On the other hand, advancements in wind turbine structure present new opportunities in the coming years. Download Sample PDF (249 Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10901 Covid-19 Scenario Nationwide lockdown led to the shutdown of many wind energy plants and impacted the growth. Many investors and market players reduced or locked investments for new projects. Many orders for the installation of wind turbines and plants are canceled or postponed. Wind turbine manufacturing companies from countries such as Germany and China hindered their manufacturing activities due to lockdown. Limited availability of workforce and raw material supply restricted daily operations too. and hindered their manufacturing activities due to lockdown. Limited availability of workforce and raw material supply restricted daily operations too. The operations would get back on track during the post-lockdown and the demand would rise steadily. The projects will be launched as the economy gains stability. The onshore segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Based on type, the onshore segment contributed to the highest market share in 2019, accounting for nearly 94% of the global wind energy market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is due to ease in installation and lower maintenance cost of onshore wind turbines as compared to onshore plants. However, the offshore segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.9% from 2020 to 2027, owing to a higher capacity factor than that of onshore wind turbines as there is a consistent flow of wind at the seashore. Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Wind Energy Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/10901?reqfor=covid The industrial segment to continue its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on end user, the industrial segment held the highest market share in 2019, contributing to more than half of the global wind energy market, and will continue its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 10.1% from 2020 to 2027. This is attributed to surge in demand for renewable energy sources and the demand from rural and isolated areas where grid power is unavailable. The report provides a detailed analysis of segments including commercial and residential. Europe, followed by North America, to register the largest CAGR Based on region, Europe, followed by North America, is expected to register the largest CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period, owing to rise in investments in countries such as France, the U.K., and Norway. However, Asia-Pacific held the largest share in terms of revenue in 2019, contributing to more than three-fifths of the global wind energy market, and will maintain its dominance by 2027. This is attributed to rise in concerns from governments across emerging nations, such as China, India, and South Korea regarding zero-emission norms. Schedule a FREE Consultation Call with Our Analysts/Industry Experts to Find Solution for Your Business @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/10901 Leading market players Siemens General Electric Enercon GmbH Vestas Wind Systems A/S Exelon Corporation (EXC) NextEra Energy, Inc. American Electric Power Company, Inc. Xcel Energy Inc. Avangrid, Inc. Ameren Corporation Interested in Procure Data? Visit Here: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/wind-energy-market/purchase-options Access AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter Similar Reports We Have: Floating wind turbine market is projected to reach $30.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 32.5% from 2020 to 2027. Solar energy market is projected to reach $223.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2019 to 2026. Renewable energy market is expected to reach $1,512.3 Billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 6.1% from 2018 to 2025. Wave energy market is projected to reach $141.1 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 17.8% from 2020 to 2027. Small Wind Power Market is expected to reach $8,874 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 13.2% from 2016 to 2022. Offshore Wind Energy Market is expected to reach $11,334 thousand by 2023, registering a CAGR of 19.4% from 2017 to 2023. Pre-Book Now with 10% Discount: Wind Electric Power Generation Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Small Wind Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 Wind energy foundation market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 Green Energy Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2028 Marine Wind Turbine Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027 Energy as a Service (EaaS) Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2020-2027 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Toll Free (USA/Canada): 1-800-792-5285, 1-503-446-1141 International: +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-855-550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow us on | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg The board of Golar LNG Limited ("Golar") is pleased to announce that they have appointed Mr. Karl Fredrik Staubo as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company in their board meeting on 13th May 2021. Mr. Staubo has since May 2020 been the Chief Executive Officer of Golar LNG Partners LP, recently successfully sold to New Fortress Energy. Since September 2020 Mr. Staubo has also been acting as Chief Financial Officer of Golar. Mr. Staubo has a broad shipping/energy background from Clarksons Platou Securities (2010-2018) and Magni Partners (2018-2020). He has a MA (Business Studies and Economics) from the University of Edinburgh. The board has in the same meeting also appointed Mr. Eduardo Maranhao to take over Mr. Staubo's role as Chief Financial Officer of Golar. Mr. Maranhao has since 2015 been supporting Golar in different functions including as Chief Financial Officer of Golar Power/Hygo Energy Transition Limited until its recent sale to New Fortress Energy. Prior to joining the Golar group, he was the Chief Executive Officer of CELSE. Mr. Maranhao has vast experience in international energy projects and infrastructure financing having worked at different financial institutions including Lakeshore Partners, Santander, Credit Agricole, Banco Votorantim and Citibank. Mr. Maranhao graduated in Business Administration from the Universidade de Pernambuco and has completed a Management Programme from INSEAD in France. Golar's Chairman, Tor Olav Troim, said in a comment "The board is very pleased by the new management appointments. Both individuals have deep knowledge about our company, they are good leaders, have strong work ethics, dynamic minds and have delivered solid value to the group over the last years. Together, with the rest of Golar's management and board, we are convinced that the Company has a strong management team ready to stream-line Golar's existing operations and also explore the opportunities we see in the LNG market today. Through the Company's strong strategic positions through the LNG value chain, including upstream, midstream, and downstream, Golar is well positioned to take an active part in the ongoing energy transition with the target to deliver cheaper and cleaner energy." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities and events that will, should, could or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "forecast," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "propose," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Golar LNG undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Hamilton, Bermuda May 13, 2021 Enquiries: Golar Management Limited: + 44 207 063 7900 Karl Fredrik Staubo - CEO Eduardo Maranhao - CFO Stuart Buchanan - Head of Investor Relations Banca Ifis: net profit for the quarter comes to 20,1 million Euro with two-figure growth seen in revenues from core business The first quarter of 2021 saw an all-time high recorded for cash collections on Npl portfolios acquired, which came to 81 million Euro (+24%) coupled with excellent performance in revenues from commercial and corporate banking (+21%) on the same period of last year. Faced with an improving macroeconomic context, positive signs are recorded by customers: more than a third have chosen to resume payments of the instalments that had benefited from moratoriums, early. Concrete commercial contributions from the digitisation of business. Capital ratios have improved further; liquidity position and quality of assets are amongst the best in class. Equity position strengthened with CET1 at 11,77%, (+0,48% on 31 December 2020) Net banking income totalled 137,7 million Euro, up 30% from the first quarter of 2020 Cost of credit 1 of 16 million Euro, including 8 million Euro in additional provisions made on performing exposures under the scope of the additional prudence applied in respect of the Covid-19 scenario Solid liquidity position: approximately 1,2 billion Euro at 31.03.2021 in reserves and free assets that can be financed by the ECB (LCR above 1.400%) Retail funding stable at 4,5 billion Euro Dividend of 0,47 Euro per share scheduled for payment on 26 May First quarter 2021 results Reclassified data1 - 1 January 2021/31 March 2021 Net banking income up to 137,7 million Euro (+30% on 31.03.2020), benefiting from the macroeconomic recovery and progressive normalisation of the Npl business. 137,7 million Euro (+30% on 31.03.2020), benefiting from the macroeconomic recovery and progressive normalisation of the Npl business. Operating costs at 91,3 million Euro (+24,2% on 31.03.2020) due to higher variable costs linked to the legal business of the Npl Segment, the entrance of Farbanca into the scope and new ICT projects. at 91,3 million Euro (+24,2% on 31.03.2020) due to higher variable costs linked to the legal business of the Npl Segment, the entrance of Farbanca into the scope and new ICT projects. Net profit of 20,1 million Euro, up 10 million Euro on the first quarter of last year (excluding the extraordinary capital gain of 24,2 million Euro from this and the related tax effect due to the sale of the Milan property in Corso Venezia). Capital requirements with the consolidation within La Scogliera CET1 up to 11,77% (11,29% at 31 December 2020) with respect to an SREP requirement of 8,12%; TCR: 15,47% (14,85% at 31 December 2020) with respect to an SREP requirement of 12,5%. These results are calculated without including the profits generated by the Banking Group during the first three months of 2021. Capital requirements without the consolidation within La Scogliera2 CET1: 15,97% (15,47% at 31 December 2020); TCR: 20,51% (19,87% at 31 December 2020). These results are calculated net of the profits generated by the Banking Group during the first three months of 2021. Mestre (Venice), 13 May 2021 - The Board of Directors of Banca Ifis, chaired by the Deputy Chairman, Ernesto Furstenberg Fassio, today approved the results for the first three months of 2021. "Banca Ifis is a unique, highly resilient organisation that can well oversee specific businesses that call for a distinctive skill set", Frederik Geertman, the Group's CEO starts out. "The results of the first quarter, which closes with net period profit of 20,1 million Euro consequently confirm the validity of a model based on quality and specialisation that today boasts good industrial performance. The commercial business has shown very dynamic performance and greater disbursements, particularly in loans backed by Mediocredito Centrale, reporting revenues of 65 million Euro, up 21% on the first quarter of 2020. We are speeding up the digitisation of processes with a view to increasing efficiency, speed and an omni-channel approach, already obtaining concrete commercial contributions. In the first quarter of 2021, one fifth of our new customers were acquired digitally. The aim is to incorporate technology into our processes and offer customers a "business-measure" experience. The new platforms will allow for not only the marketing of the Bank's products but also, indeed above all, the more automated management of back-office in order to focus people and skills on the activities with high added value" Mr Geertman continues. "The performance of the Npl business, with revenues of 58,3 million Euro, +35% on the first quarter of 2020, benefits from a normalisation of the court's work and a better management of the voluntary recovery plans, with an increase in "balances paid off" on the most uncertain realignment plans, on the basis of the analysis of each individual position. In the Npl business, the strategy aims to optimise servicing in terms of costs and recovery time: in these first three months of the year, we have achieved an all-time high in cash collection on portfolios acquired, which comes to 81 million Euro, up 24% on Q1 2020. The cost of credit was 16 million Euro and includes 8 million Euro in additional provisions made on performing exposures under the scope of the additional prudence applied in respect of the Covid-19 scenario. We have devoted particularly close attention to monitoring loans in moratorium with a segment analysis and for the main positions. The initial feedback is positive: to date, one third of our customers have chosen to resume making payments of their instalments that had benefited from moratorium early, thanks to the progressive improvement of the macroeconomic context. The CET1 has reached 11,77%, calculated excluding the quarter profit. The allocation of capital will be according to the profitability of the individual business units and projects, in any case maintaining a diversification between the commercial business and the NPLs, which has confirmed its value even amidst the Covid-19 crisis", Mr Geertman concludes. Highlights RECLASSIFIED DATA 13 The Banca Ifis Group's consolidated income statement for the first three months of 2021 reported a profit attributable to the Parent Company of 20,1 million Euro. Highlights from the Banca Ifis Group's income statements for the first three months of 2021 are set out below. Net banking income1 Net banking income totalled 137,7 million Euro, up 30% from 106 million Euro at 31 March 2020. This increase of 31,8 million Euro is mainly linked to the following two factors: effect of the better general economic context on the Npl Segment , in particular court activities and, consequently, lawsuits to collect debt that resulted in growth of net banking income of around 15,0 million Euro; , in particular court activities and, consequently, lawsuits to collect debt that resulted in growth of net banking income of around 15,0 million Euro; contribution of the Commercial & Corporate Banking Segment, with growth of approximately 11,2 million Euro, mainly due to the Corporate Banking & Lending Business Area following: the contribution for 4,8 million Euro of Farbanca S.p.A. (a company that was not yet part of the Banca Ifis Group in Q1 2020); the net profit of assets measured at fair value for 2,0 million Euro, up 4,0 million Euro on the loss recorded during the first three months of 2020, due to the unique macroeconomic context and the instability of the main listed indices used in the valuation models; Segment, with growth of approximately 11,2 million Euro, mainly due to the Corporate Banking & Lending Business Area following: the positive contribution of the Governance & Services and Non Core Segment, up approximately 5,6 million Euro, due to the greater contribution made both by the PPA for approximately 2,8 million Euro, for certain early repayments made at the start of 2021 and other positive components of net banking income connected with investments in financial assets. Net impairment losses1 At 31 March 2021, net credit risk losses came to 16,1 million Euro, as compared with the 18,5 million Euro booked at 31 March 2020 (-13,0%). In particular, during the first quarter of 2021, the Factoring Area records net write-backs for 4,3 million Euro due to the reduction in non-performing exposures, in particular in segments considered as more at risk in connection with the economic effects of the pandemic and a review of the credit risk measurement models. This positive contribution is juxtaposed against the Leasing Area, whose net value adjustments on receivables come to 3,7 million Euro (4,3 million Euro at 31 March 2020) and the Corporate Banking & Lending Area, with net adjustments 6,3 million Euro, up 4,2 million Euro on the same period of last year, due to additional provisions made for reasons of prudence in connection with the Covid-19 scenario. Finally, the Governance & Services and Non-Core Segment contributes with net adjustments for 10,4 million Euro, up on the 7,5 million Euro at 31 March 2020, mainly due to the write-down of a significant position in the run-off portfolio. Operating costs Operating costs totalled 91,3 million Euro, showing an increase of 24,2% on 31 March 2020. The trend is linked to the increase in payroll costs, mainly due to the entrance of Farbanca into the scope, to higher legal costs and costs for the collection of NPLs, new ICT projects, greater investments made in marketing and advertising, in addition to net period provisions made for risks and charges and to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF). Below are details of the item's main components. Personnel expenses rose by 5,5% to 33,8 million Euro (32,0 million Euro for the period ended 31 March 2020). The slight increase in this item as compared with Q1 2020, is mainly due to the entrance of Farbanca S.p.A. into the Banca Ifis Group, for approximately 0,8 million Euro and greater variable provisions made for around 1,0 million Euro. The number of Group employees at 31 March 2021 was 1.765 as compared with 1.750 resources at 31 March 2020. Other administrative expenses at 31 March 2021 come to 52,5 million Euro and increase by 29,5% on 31 March 2020, mainly due to the higher legal costs and costs for collecting on NPLs (+5,5 million Euro as compared with the first quarter of 2020, which had been impacted by the court closures), entrance of Farbanca into the consolidation scope (+1,2 million Euro), higher costs linked to ICT projects (+2,2 million Euro as compared with the first quarter of 2020), professional services (+0,6 million Euro on 31 March 2020) and investments in marketing and advertising (+0,7 million Euro on the same period of 2020). Net allocations to provisions for risks and charges amounted to 7,4 million Euro, an increase on the 4,9 million Euro at 31 March 2020. Net period provisions refer 4,0 million Euro to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF). Provisions are also made for 2,5 million Euro for commitments to disburse funds and guarantees. Other net operating income of 6,8 million Euro is down by 14,8% on the same period of last year, which had been positively impacted by indemnities against guarantees received on the sales of Npl portfolios. Net profit attributable to the Parent Company At 31 March 2021, net profit pertaining to the Parent Company came to 20,1 million Euro, up 10 million Euro on the to the same period of 2020 (excluding the extraordinary capital gain of 24,2 million Euro from this and the related tax effect due to the sale of the Milan property in Corso Venezia). Focus on individual Segments Below are the main dynamics recorded in the individual Segments that go towards forming the economic-equity results at 31 March 2021. Net profit from the Commercial & Corporate Banking Segment rose by 40,5% on 31 March the previous year and came to 15,3 million Euro. This change is due to the growth of net banking income for 11,2 million Euro, and by greater credit risk losses for 5,3 million Euro as compared with the first quarter of last year. Operating costs rose by a total of 8,8 million Euro on the figure recorded for Q1 2020. The contribution made by the Factoring Area towards net banking income booked by the Commercial & Corporate Banking Segment came to 34,0 million Euro in the period, down 6,5% on the same period of last year. This result was due to the lower contribution both of net interest income (down by 1,2 million Euro, -5,3%) and net commission income (down by 1,3 million Euro, -9,0%). During the period, the net banking income is less by 2,4 million Euro on the same quarter of 2020. Net banking income from the Leasing Area amounted to 13,6 million Euro, +15% on 31 March 2020. The higher margin is due for 1,9 million Euro to lesser interest expense. This positive effect on the interest margin is partially offset by the reduction in the commission margin for 0,2 million Euro. Net banking income of the Corporate Banking & Lending Area came to 17,3 million Euro, up 11,7 million Euro on 31 March 2020. In detail, the increase is the result of the sum of 6,7 million Euro in interest margin, one million Euro in commission and 4 million Euro in other items making up net banking income. Period profit of the Npl Segment1 is approximately 11,5 million Euro, up 69,5% on the same period of 2020 thanks to the recovery of all business activities. The net banking income of the Segment1 amounted to 58,3 million Euro (+34,8%) as compared with 43,2 million Euro at 31 March 2020. The increase is due to both the increase in the amount of loans at amortised cost that generated interest income for 36,2 million Euro (up 4,9% at 31 March 2021), and the improvement of cash flow forecasts as a result of collections made in respect of projections, with an effect of 27,5 million Euro on the interest margin in Q1 2021 (+82,5%). Collections made in the Npl Segment in Q1 2021 came to 80,9 million Euro, +24% on the 65,2 million Euro booked for Q 2020 and include the instalments collected on realignment plans, garnishment orders and transactions performed. Operating costs go from 33,5 million Euro in the first quarter of 2020 to 41,5 million Euro for 31 March 2021, an increase of 23,9% mainly due to the variable costs connected with debt collection. At 31 March 2021, the Governance & Services and Non Core Segment recorded a loss of 6,0 million Euro as compared with the profit of 8,8 million Euro of 31 March 2020, which benefited notably from the capital gain, net of the related costs of sale, of 24,2 million Euro of the sale of the property in Corso Venezia, Milan. The Segment's net banking income comes to 14,5 million Euro, up 5,6 million Euro on the same period of last year and with an increase seen both in the Non Core Area for 4,7 million Euro and in the Governance & Services Area for 0,9 million Euro. Operating costs come to 12,9 million Euro, up 0,9 million Euro on 31 March 2020. The increase is almost exclusively the result of the higher cost for the contribution to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF): approximately 1,0 million Euro more than the allocation made during the same period of last year. The breakdown of the main statement of financial position items of the Banca Ifis Group at 31 March 2021 is shown below. Receivables due from customers measured at amortised cost Total receivables due from customers measured at amortised cost amounted to 9.032,1 million Euro, down 1,1% on 31 December 2020 (9.135,4 million Euro). The item includes debt securities for 1,4 billion Euro (1,3 billion Euro at 31 December 2020). The Commercial & Corporate Banking Segment is down on the same period of last year (-2,7%). This reduction is concentrated above all on the Factoring Area (-8,8%) and was only partially offset by the growth of the Corporate Banking & Lending Area (+5,0%, equal to growth of approximately 92 million Euro); leasing is also slightly down, -0,6%. Receivables of the Npl Segment are down 0,5%, whilst an increase is recorded of 63,5 million Euro in exposures of the Governance & Services and Non-Core Segment, mainly due to the purchase of debt securities. Total net non-performing exposures, which are significantly affected by the receivables of the Npl Segment, amounted to 1.598,0 million Euro at 31 March 2021, compared to 1.591,9 million Euro at 31 December 2020 (+0,4%). Net of the Npl Segment portfolio, non-performing loans come to 222,1 million Euro, up on the 210,8 million Euro recorded at 31 December 2020. Funding During the first three months of 2021, the Group continued its strategy of differentiating between distribution channels, in order to ensure a better balance with respect to retail funding. The Group has surplus liquidity in respect of its needs (approximately 1,2 billion Euro at 31 March 2021 in reserves and free assets that can be financed in the ECB), thereby enabling it to easily respect the LCR and NSFR limits (with indexes more than of 1.400% and 100% respectively). At 31 March 2021, total funding came to 9.735,3 million Euro, -1,7% on the end of FY 2020; the funding structure was as follows: 56,8% customers; 10,9% debt securities; 9,2% ABSs; 20,5% TLTROs; 2,7% other. Payables due to customers at 31 March 2021 totalled 5.526,3 million Euro: +1% on 31 December 2020, recording substantial stability of retail funding (mainly Rendimax and Contomax), which comes to 4.489,2 million Euro at end March 2021 (+0,7%). Payables due to banks amounted to 2.251,1 million Euro, down 4,9% compared to 31 December 2020. Securities issued at 31 March 2021 came to 1.957,9 million Euro, down on the 2.069,1 million Euro at end 2020. During the first quarter of 2021, upon reaching the due date, the debenture loan that had, at the time, been issued by the incorporated Interbanca, and which at 31 December 2020 had a residual balance of 62,7 million Euro, was repaid in full. Equity and ratios At 31 March 2021, the Group's consolidated equity was up 1,4%, coming in at 1.571,7 million Euro as compared with the 1.550,0 million Euro at end 2020, mainly due to the period result pertaining to the Parent Company for 20,1 million Euro and the net positive change of 0,9 million Euro in the valuation reserve on securities in the first quarter of 2021. With prudential consolidation within La Scogliera, capital ratios at 31 March 2021 amounted to a CET1 ratio of 11,77%4 (compared with 11,29% at 31 December 2020), a TIER1 ratio of 12,38%4 (11,86% at 31 December 2020) and a Total Capital ratio of 15,47%4 (compared with 14,85% at 31 December 2020). At 31 March 2021 the ratios for the Banca Ifis Group only, without considering the effects of consolidation within the parent company, La Scogliera, amounted to a CET1 ratio of 15,97%44 (compared with 15,47% at 31 December 2020), a TIER1 ratio of 15,99%54 (15,49% at 31 December 2020) and a Total Capital ratio of 20,51%4 (compared with 19,87% at 31 December 2020). In addition, please note that the Bank of Italy has asked the Banca Ifis Group to satisfy the following consolidated capital requirements in 2021, in continuity with 2020, including a 2,5% capital conservation buffer: Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio of 8,12%, with a required minimum of 5,62%; Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 10,0%, with a required minimum of 7,5%; Total Capital Ratio of 12,5%, with a required minimum of 10,0%. At 31 March 2021, the Banca Ifis Group easily met the above prudential requirements. Significant events occurred in the period The Banca Ifis Group transparently and promptly discloses information to the market, constantly publishing information on significant events through press releases. Please visit the "Investor Relations" and "Media" sections of the institutional website www.bancaifis.itto view all press releases. Corporate reorganisation of the Group's business in the Npl Segment On 1 January 2021, the Npl Segment underwent a corporate reorganisation with the creation of a vertical chain aiming to guarantee the separation and independence of loan acquisitions and collections. The Group's business in the Non-Performing Loans has therefore been reorganised into three separate companies: Ifis Npl Investing, Ifis Npl Servicing and Ifis Real Estate. The first acquires the portfolios, the second deals with management and collection and Ifis Real Estate deals with the real estate business, servicing the other two companies. Resignation of Director Divo Gronchi On 14 January 2021, the Independent Director Divo Gronchi tendered his resignation, with immediate effect, from the position of Director and, consequently, member of the Company's Appointments Committee and Supervisory Body. Having acknowledged the resignation tendered by Mr Gronchi, the Board of Directors resolved to replenish the Appointments Committee members, choosing Monica Billio as new member. The Board has also resolved to replenish the members of the Bank's Supervisory Body, appointing Beatrice Colleoni as new member. Agreement for the cessation of contracts with Luciano Colombini On 11 February 2021, Chief Executive Officer Luciano Colombini tendered his resignation, as already announced in December 2020, from the role of Chief Executive Officer and the position of director on the board of Banca Ifis, to embark on new professional challenges. Mr Colombini ceased office upon conclusion of the Shareholders' Meeting held on 22 April 2021. On 11 February 2021, the Bank's Board of Directors therefore approved, with the opinion in favour given by the Remuneration Committee and the Board of Auditors, an agreement for the cessation of contracts with Luciano Colombini. This agreement, which is in line with the Bank's approved Remuneration Policy, establishes that Mr Colombini will be paid his remuneration for the office of Chief Executive Officer until the date on which he effectively leaves office, as well as the deferred components of the bonus already accrued and recognised for FY 2019, which will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Remuneration Policy. In addition, at the date on which he leaves office, Mr Colombini will receive severance indemnity equal to the fixed and variable remuneration envisaged for the residual term of the three-year mandate originally conferred upon him (12 months of recurring remuneration), to be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Remuneration Policy (and, therefore, 50% in financial instruments, with a deferral period, of a portion of 40% of the indemnity, of 3 years, without prejudice, in any case, to the application of the malus and clawback clauses). No non-competition obligations are envisaged. Banca Ifis has developed the first securitisation in Italy of NPLs backed by assignment orders On 22 March 2021, Banca Ifis declared that for the purpose of a loan, through the subsidiary Ifis Npl Investing, it had implemented the very first securitisation in Italy of a non-performing portfolio mainly comprising unsecured loans backed by assignment orders. The transaction is an innovative solution for this type of non-performing exposure, where the debt collection procedure through compulsory enforcement (attachment of one fifth of the salary) and is at an advanced stage. The transaction aimed to collect funding for Ifis Npl Investing of up to 350 million Euro in liquidity on the institutional market, without deconsolidating the underlying credits. The loan portfolios concerned by the transaction (a portfolio of secured loans and an unsecured portfolio backed by assignment orders) owned by the subsidiary Ifis Npl Investing, was transferred to a newly-established SPV called IFIS NPL 2021-1 SPV S.r.l., which issued senior, mezzanine and junior notes. Significant subsequent events The Shareholders' Meeting has approved the 2020 financial statements. Geertman C.E.O. The Shareholders' Meeting of Banca Ifis, which met on 22 April 2021 chaired by Sebastien Egon Furstenberg, approved the 2020 annual financial statements and the distribution of a unitary gross dividend of 0,47 Euro per share, deducted from own funds at 31 December 2020. The amount will be payable starting 26 May 2021 with record date on 25 May 2021 and ex-dividend date (no. 23) of 24 May 2021. The Shareholders' Meeting confirmed Frederik Geertman as CEO, previously coopted as director on 11 February 2021, and approved the proposal made by the majority shareholder La Scogliera S.p.A. to appoint Monica Regazzi as new independent director, to replace the resigning director Luciano Colombini. The Board of Directors, which met at the end of the Shareholders' Meeting, therefore appointed Frederik Geertman as Chief Executive Officer of Banca Ifis, granting him the relevant powers. Verified the independence requirements of the director Monica Regazzi On 13 May 2021, during the meeting the Board verified the independence requirements, according to the criteria set out in Legislative Decree no. 58/1998 and in the Corporate Governance Code, of the director Monica Regazzi. Declaration of the Corporate Accounting Reporting Officer Pursuant to article 154 bis, paragraph 2 of the Consolidated Law on Finance, the Corporate Accounting Reporting Officer, Mariacristina Taormina, declares that the financial information contained in this press release corresponds to the related books and accounting records. Rosalba Benedetto Director of Communications, Marketing and External Relations Banca Ifis S.p.A. Eleonora Vallin Head of the Press Office Banca Ifis S.p.A. M. +39 342 8554140 Andrea Nalon Press Office Banca Ifis S.p.A. M. +39 335 8225211 Martino Da Rio Head of IR and Corporate Development Banca Ifis S.p.A. M. +39 02 24129953 Cristina Fossati, Luisella Murtas Press Office Image Building + 39 02 89011300 Reclassified Financial Statements Net credit risk losses of the Npl Segment were reclassified to interest receivable and similar income to present more fairly this particular business, for which net impairment losses represent an integral part of the return on the investment. Reclassified Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ASSETS (in thousands of Euro) AMOUNTS AT CHANGE 31.03.2021 31.12.2020 ABSOLUTE % Cash and cash equivalents 88 82 6 7,3% Financial assets held for trading through profit or loss 6.053 20.870 (14.817) (71,0)% Financial assets mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss 142.699 136.978 5.721 4,2% Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income 759.471 774.555 (15.084) (1,9)% Receivables due from banks measured at amortised cost 1.080.307 1.083.281 (2.974) (0,3)% Receivables due from customers measured at amortised cost 9.032.139 9.135.402 (103.263) (1,1)% Property, plant and equipment 116.564 115.149 1.415 1,2% Intangible assets 61.043 60.970 73 0,1% of which goodwill 38.787 38.798 (11) (0,0)% Tax assets: 374.264 381.431 (7.167) (1,9)% a) current 65.742 74.255 (8.513) (11,5)% b) deferred 308.522 307.176 1.346 0,4% Other assets 268.582 317.478 (48.896) (15,4)% Total assets 11.841.210 12.026.196 (184.986) (1,5)% LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (in thousands of Euro) AMOUNTS AT CHANGE 31.03.2021 31.12.2020 ABSOLUTE % Payables due to banks measured at amortised cost 2.251.098 2.367.082 (115.984) (4,9)% Payables due to customers measured at amortised cost 5.526.263 5.471.874 54.389 1,0% Debt securities issued measured at amortised cost 1.957.906 2.069.083 (111.177) (5,4)% Financial liabilities held for trading 8.158 18.551 (10.393) (56,0)% Tax liabilities: 52.524 48.154 4.370 9,1% a) current 15.619 12.018 3.601 30,0% b) deferred 36.905 36.136 769 2,1% Other liabilities 406.769 438.311 (31.542) (7,2)% Post-employment benefits 8.747 9.235 (488) (5,3)% Provisions for risks and charges 58.080 53.944 4.136 7,7% Valuation reserves (19.065) (19.337) 272 (1,4)% Reserves 1.390.274 1.320.871 69.403 5,3% Share premiums 102.555 102.491 64 0,1% Share capital 53.811 53.811 - 0,0% Treasury shares (-) (2.948) (2.948) - 0,0% Equity attributable to non-controlling interests (+/-) 26.916 26.270 646 2,5% Profit (loss) for the period (+/-) 20.121 68.804 (48.683) (70,8)% Total liabilities and equity 11.841.210 12.026.196 (184.986) (1,5)% Reclassified Consolidated Income Statement ITEMS (in thousands of Euro) PERIOD CHANGE 31.03.2021 31.03.2020 ABSOLUTE % Net interest income 115.827 91.416 24.411 26,7% Net commission income 18.767 21.097 (2.330) (11,0)% Other components of net banking income 3.135 (6.561) 9.696 (147,8)% Net banking income 137.729 105.952 31.777 30,0% Net credit risk losses/reversals (16.102) (18.512) 2.410 (13,0)% Net profit (loss) from financial activities 121.627 87.440 34.187 39,1% Administrative expenses: (86.234) (72.549) (13.685) 18,9% a) personnel expenses (33.779) (32.029) (1.750) 5,5% b) other administrative expenses (52.455) (40.520) (11.935) 29,5% Net allocations to provisions for risks and charges (7.421) (4.889) (2.532) 51,8% Net impairment losses/reversals on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (4.413) (4.039) (374) 9,3% Other operating income/expenses 6.800 7.978 (1.178) (14,8)% Operating costs (91.268) (73.499) (17.769) 24,2% Gains (Losses) on disposal of investments - 24.161 (24.161) (100,0)% Pre-tax profit (loss) from continuing operations 30.359 38.102 (7.743) (20,3)% Income taxes for the period relating to continuing operations (9.590) (11.660) 2.070 (17,8)% Profit (loss) for the period 20.769 26.442 (5.673) (21,5)% Profit (Loss) for the period attributable to non-controlling interests 648 16 632 n.s. Profit (loss) for the period attributable to the Parent Company 20.121 26.426 (6.305) (23,9)% Own funds and capital adequacy ratios OWN FUNDS AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIOS (in thousands of Euro) AMOUNTS AT 31.03.2021 31.12.2020 Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) 1.051.021 1.038.715 Tier 1 Capital (T1) 1.105.665 1.091.858 Total Own Funds 1.382.291 1.366.421 Total RWAs 8.932.891 9.203.971 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio 11,77% 11,29% Tier 1 Capital Ratio 12,38% 11,86% Ratio - Total Own Funds 15,47% 14,85% Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 Capital, and Total Own Funds at 31 March 2021 do not include the profits generated by the Banking Group in the first three months of 2021. OWN FUNDS AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIOS: BANCA IFIS BANKING GROUP SCOPE (in thousands of Euro) AMOUNTS AT 31.03.2021 31.12.2020 Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) 1.425.407 1.422.796 Tier 1 Capital (T1) 1.427.184 1.424.610 Total Own Funds 1.829.995 1.827.409 Total RWAs 8.923.965 9.194.733 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio 15,97% 15,47% Tier 1 Capital Ratio 15,99% 15,49% Ratio - Total Own Funds 20,51% 19,87% Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 Capital, and Total Own Funds at 31 March 2021 do not include the profits generated by the Banking Group in the first three months of 2021. 1 Net credit risk losses of the Npl Segment were entirely reclassified to Interest receivable and similar income to present more fairly this particular business, as they represent an integral part of the overall return on the investment. 2 Consolidated own funds, risk-weighted assets and solvency ratios at 31 March 2021 were calculated based on the regulatory principles set out in Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD IV) and Regulation (EU) 575/2013 (CRR) of 26 June 2013, as updated and amended over time and transposed, where applicable, in the Bank of Italy's Circulars no. 285 and no. 286 of 17 December 2013. In particular, the CRR provides for the prudential consolidation of Banca Ifis in the holding La Scogliera. For the sake of disclosure, we calculated the same indicators without including the effects of the consolidation within La Scogliera. Therefore, the reported total own funds refer only to the scope of the Banca Ifis Banking Group, as defined in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree no. 385/93, thus excluding the effects of the prudential consolidation within the parent company La Scogliera S.p.A. 1 Net credit risk losses of the Npl Segment were entirely reclassified to Interest receivable and similar income to present more fairly this particular business, as they represent an integral part of the overall return on the investment. 3 The term "PPA reversal" refers to the reversal over time of the difference between the fair value as measured in the business combination and the carrying amount of the receivables of the former GE Capital Interbanca Group, acquired on 30 November 2016. 4 Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 Capital, and Total Own Funds at 31 March 2021 do not include the profits generated by the Banking Group in the first three months of 2021. Attachment DECATUR, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Energy Worldnet, Inc. (EWN), a provider of technology, compliance, and workforce development solutions for Operator Qualification (OQ) in the energy industry, announced Friday the appointment of Brian Dresel to the role of Executive Director for their Compliance Division. Dresel, who has worked in the industry for over 30 years, most recently served as the Technical Training and Operator Qualification Manager for Black Hills Energy and is a former PHMSA inspector and instructor. His presence in the EWN Compliance Division adds a rich knowledge of the industry and a keen insight into the intent of federal pipeline regulation. When asked about his passion and purpose behind the move to EWN, Dresel stated, "The choice to join Energy Worldnet was an easy one for me. EWN is widely respected as the best in the Industry - the premier solution available for companies seeking world class operator qualification and regulatory compliance programs. EWN is more than a vendor. EWN is a partner, who you can count on to make your company better and safer. I want to be a part of the solution, and there's no better place to do that than with the best in the Industry." As a leader in industry education and records management, EWN has continued to push the envelope with compliance verification, recordkeeping, and comprehensive computer-based and instructor-led training options for its clients. In the Compliance Division, Dresel's role will serve to launch EWN's compliance-based services and products to the next level, with an emphasis on integrity and credibility. Coleman Sterling, EWN's Chief Executive Officer, concluded, "Brian's dedication to improving the safety and wellbeing of this industry is an inspiration to me and to the EWN team. I am proud to be working with a long-time friend and true industry professional. We will all be able to benefit from his experience." ENERGY worldnet, Inc. has over 26 years of experience providing training, evaluations, record management, and consulting services to the energy industry. EWN's continued industry presence and leadership has earned the company a dominant position in the global marketplace. Based in Decatur, Texas, EWN supports training and compliance requirements for well over 1,000 clients throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America. CONTACT: Coleman Sterling CEO info@energyworldnet.com SOURCE: Energy Worldnet, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/646982/Energy-Worldnet-Inc-Names-Brian-Dresel-Industry-Leader-and-Former-PHMSA-Inspector-Head-of-Compliance-Division Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) ("Altiplano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a new arm's-length option agreement (the "Agreement") on the Maria Luisa project (the "Property"), whereby the Company may acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Property for a total acquisition cost of US$2,000,000 over three years. This Agreement replaces the current revenue sharing agreement on the Property, previously announced on August 27, 2020, which can be viewed here. Under the terms of the Agreement, Altiplano may acquire a 100% interest in the Property by paying a total of US$2,000,000 over three years, as follows: US$200,000, paid in 12 equal monthly payments in the first year; US$800,000, paid on the first-year anniversary of closing the Agreement; US$500,000, paid on the second-year anniversary of closing the Agreement; US$500,000, paid on the third-year anniversary of closing the Agreement. CEO Alastair McIntyre commented, "We are pleased to have concluded a new agreement for Maria Luisa. These new terms provide the opportunity for Altiplano to acquire 100% of the project and retain 100% of the anticipated profits. Maria Luisa offers a great opportunity to build on our revenue generation model from the development of a high-grade gold/copper historical producer. Our next step is to finalize our design review for the underground development and submit our application for permitting." Figure 1 - Location map. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/83861_01ecafc0c48cd838_001full.jpg About Maria Luisa The Maria Luisa gold-copper project is located approximately 100 km north of La Serena at Incahuasi, within the Atacama Region of Chile. Gold-copper vein type deposits are part of a well outlined continuum of mineralization related to extensional fault bounded environments. This setting is ideal for the discovery of high-grade gold-copper veins, with many examples occurring throughout northern Chile. Figure 2 - Access to Historical Underground Workings. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/83861_01ecafc0c48cd838_002full.jpg About Altiplano Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) is a Canadian mining company focused on the acquisition and development of near-term cash flowing assets and exploration projects of significant scale. Altiplano's goal is to grow into a mid-tier producer of copper, gold and silver with immediate plans of generating profits from three cash flowing projects in 2021. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing on opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value. John Williamson, B.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document Altiplano is part of the Metals Group of companies, managed by an award-winning team of professionals who stand for technical excellence, painstaking project selection and uncompromising corporate governance, with a proven ability to capitalize on investment opportunities and deliver shareholder returns. www.metalsgroup.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD /s/ "John Williamson" Chairman For further information, please contact: Alastair McIntyre, CEO alastairm@apnmetals.com Tel: (416) 434-3799 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 release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify any historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the issuer is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Any decision to commence production is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with any production decision. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83861 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Xcel Energy, Inc. (XEL) announced Thursday that Chairman and CEO Ben Fowke will retire as CEO, effective August 18, 2021. Bob Frenzel, president and chief operating officer, will become the company's next CEO and president. This transition is the next step in Xcel Energy's long-term, strategic succession planning process. Meanwhile, Fowke will continue to serve on the Xcel Energy Board of Directors as executive chairman during a transition period. As executive chair, he will focus on national energy policy and will continue to work closely with Frenzel. Fowke was named Xcel Energy's chair, president and CEO in August 2011, and during his tenure the company has met or exceeded its carbon reduction goals and financial commitments every year. Frenzel joined Xcel Energy as CFO in 2016 and was named president and chief operating officer in March 2020. He served as CFO for Luminant, the Energy Future Holdings, Inc. prior to his roles at Xcel Energy. Frenzel also worked as vice president in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs, following his tenure as a manager and senior consultant in the strategy, finance and economics practice at Arthur Andersen. 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. JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated to rioting and violent clashes between Jews and Arabs on Israeli streets. The mayor of Lod, Yair Revivo, alleged that Arab-Israeli rioters burned synagogues and vehicles, and destroyed Israeli flags. Israeli police was accused of storming a mosque in Lod during prayers. Militants in Gaza have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel since the fighting erupted on Monday, which resulted in seven deaths. Israel counter attacked with airstrikes that have so far killed 67 Palestinians, including top commanders of Hamas. The United Nations expressed concern that the worst rounds of violence between the two sides in recent years may escalate to full-blown war. 'We're escalating towards a full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation,' said Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He conveyed his unwavering support for Israel's security and for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians. 'The two leaders agreed to maintain the close consultation between their teams, which has included consistent engagement by their respective foreign ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of defense, and national security advisors, and to stay in touch personally in the days ahead,' the White House said in a statement. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Quaterra Resources Inc. (OTCQB: QTRRF) (TSXV: QTA) ("Quaterra" or the "Company") has announced the appointment, effective immediately, of Mr. Travis Naugle as CEO and Mr. Stephen Goodman as President. Mr. Naugle is a seasoned executive and officer in gold, copper and strategic & critical metals mining companies. He has led in the design, construction, and operation of mining projects in the U.S., Eurasia, Russia, and Asia. His track record includes a focus on environmental and sustainability initiatives in collaboration with local and indigenous peoples, numerous asset- and company-level transactions, negotiating international joint ventures, and securing a bilateral mining treaty between two sovereign nations. A licensed Professional Engineer, Mr. Naugle received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and holds a degree in mining engineering from Montana Tech. Mr. Goodman has been involved as a senior executive, director and investment banker in several hundred million dollars of acquisition, exploration and production financings for mining companies listed on the CSE and TSX-V. After several years at Canaccord Capital, he moved to New York to work as an investment banker working at firms including Casimir Capital, Knight Capital Group, KGS Alpha Capital Markets (now BMO) and StormHarbour Securities LP. Mr. Goodman is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, attained a Master of Business Administration from the Institut des Hautes Etudes Economiques et Commerciales in France; and Post-Graduate Diploma in Asia Management from Capilano University. "These appointments underscore Quaterra's resolve to move the MacArthur oxide copper deposit toward production as quickly as possible," states Quaterra Chairman Tom Patton. "Travis and Stephen will work collaboratively to complete a Prefeasibility Study, and with favorable results, to advance the financing and development of a mine." Quaterra began a 7,000-10,000-foot core drilling program at MacArthur on May 4th (Please see News release of May 7, 2021 for details). This drilling program is the first major step toward completion of a prefeasibility study (PFS) which will be followed by a program of large diameter core drilling for the purpose of obtaining fresh samples for metallurgical testing; column leach testing to refine estimates of copper recovery and acid consumption; and mine plan optimization and financial model updating. The Company estimates that completion of the PFS will require 12-15 months and an expenditure of US$3.5M-$4.0M, dependent upon results and the availability of funds. The successful completion of the PFS will substantially de-risk the project and inform whether the project should proceed to permitting, development, construction and operation. About Quaterra Resources Inc. Quaterra Resources Inc. is a copper-gold exploration company focused on projects with the potential to host large-scale mineral deposits attractive to major mining companies. It is advancing its Yerington copper project in the historic Yerington Copper District, Nevada. It continues to investigate opportunities to acquire prospects in North America on reasonable terms and the partnerships with which to advance them. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Thomas Patton, Chairman Quaterra Resources Inc. For more information please contact: Karen Robertson Corporate Communications 778-898-0057 Jay Oness Investor Relations 604-808-9479 Thomas Patton, Chairman Quaterra Resources Inc. 604-641-2758 Email: info@quaterra.com Website: www.quaterra.com Disclosure note: Some statements in this news release are forward-looking statements under applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83891 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) announced Thursday agreed to sell Rome, Georgia-based Redmond Regional Medical Center, a 230 bed hospital, to AdventHealth for approximately $635 million. The sale completes the company's divestiture of hospitals in the surrounding areas of Atlanta. As a result of the sale of Redmond Regional Medical Center, a hospital that was not able to fully benefit from a broader HCA Healthcare network in the area, the company will no longer have a presence in northwest Georgia. HCA Healthcare, which has a long history of caring for communities in Georgia, currently operates four other hospitals in the state. Additionally, HCA Healthcare recently expanded its network of care in southeast Georgia with the purchase of Meadows Regional Hospital in Vidalia, Georgia from Meadows Health Alliance. The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, provides strategic value to HCA Healthcare by increasing financial flexibility for investments in ongoing and future initiatives in core markets. 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. MANILA, PHILIPPINES / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / CryptoSX Digital Asset Exchange and Covario jointly announced a collaboration to develop digital assets management services that include Security Token Offering (STO), digital asset trading, and digital wealth management. Covario's Prime Brokerage platform provides comprehensive direct and OTC agency trading, algorithmic trading, clearing, financing, and custody solutions complemented by a professional team with decades of experience building large-scale trading systems with a deep understanding of asset management industry. Developed with the needs of our institutional clients in our minds; our services combine asset protection and global reach with operational ease and efficiency. "We are grateful for the opportunity to support the growth of this new and exciting asset class. STOs have come a long way over the past few years, and CryptoSX have been a great partner for us. CryptoSX is regulated & compliant operating practices that match our own and that of our institutional client base. Along with the development of the DeFi space, the STO market is one of the great new paradigms offered by blockchain technology. and we're happy to be part of it." Mark Banner, Covario Co-Founder. CryptoSX has completed 4 STO listings to professional and accredited investors over the past 12 months, covering rare Scottish single malt cask investment fund, copper mining in Peru, and biotech/agriculture in Cambodia. CryptoSX expects to list another 10 STO in 2021 including Resort properties, commercial real estate, agritech, solar energy, rare gemstone, gold, fintech incubation projects in the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Laos, Africa, etc. CryptoSX is bringing secondary liquidity to traditionally illiquid asset classes. The First Bullion platform is the premier market for primary issuance and secondary trading of tokenized assets. "Covario prime brokerage is a best-in-class digital asset manager leveraging the highly successful Telegram social media platform to extend their services to institutional investors. Covario's strong European ties and network will benefit from CryptoSX existing and growing STO pipeline and open up a new asset class of digital tokens." Philip Tam, CryptoSX Founder. About Covario Based in Switzerland, Covario AG is an independent prime broker for digital asset managers. It offers trade execution services including direct market access, best execution, and OTC trading, alongside lending, margin financing, custody, and capital introduction. The team unites decades of experience building large-scale trading and risk management systems with a deep understanding of the asset management industry. About CryptoSX Empowered by world-leading technologies, CryptoSX is building a cutting-edge crypto exchange platform for STO backed by Fiat/Crypto conversion capabilities. The exchange is the preferred digital platform for companies wishing to tokenize their assets, issue, and trade security tokens. CryptoSX is compliant with all applicable financial and virtual exchange policies and regulation of the Philippine government under CEZA (Cagayan Economic Zone Authority). The exchange platform was awarded a Full Principal License by CEZA in 2018. Since then, CryptoSX have been working very closely with CEZA to further develop and enhance STO listing procedures, as well as compliance and reporting requirements. For more information, please visit: www.cryptosx.io and philip@cryptosx.io https://www.covar.io contact@covar.io SOURCE: CryptoSX View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647173/Cryptosx-Partner-with-Swiss-Based-Covario-to-Extend-Digital-Assets-Management-Services Renowned Neuroscience Institute in Zurich To Soon Offer Next-Gen Non-Invasive Brain Cancer Treatment ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. today announced the imminent installation of its advanced ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform at the Swiss Neuro Radiosurgery Center (SNRC), an organization within the Swiss Clinical Neuroscience Institute (SCNSI) in Zurich, Switzerland. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005002/en/ ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform (Photo: Business Wire) Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a well-studied and effective treatment for many brain cancers including primary and metastatic brain tumors, as well as select intracranial functional and vascular disorders. Considered an alternative to surgery for these indications, SRS is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that often provides equivalent to superior outcomes, yet no surgical incision, and little to no recovery period. The ZAP-X system is recognized for using gyroscopic motion to direct radiosurgical beams from a multitude of unique angles which precisely concentrate radiation to the tumor target, resulting in significantly less healthy brain tissue exposure than those of multi-purpose radiation delivery systems. This unique approach supports the clinical objective of protecting healthy brain tissue and neuro-cognitive function. ZAP-X is also the first and only dedicated radiosurgery system to no longer require Cobalt-60 radioactive sources, thus eliminating the significant costs to license, secure and regularly replace live radioactive isotopes. "The local core-team consisting of neurosurgeon Christoph Weber, MD, radiation oncologist Cristina Picardi, MD, and myself are looking forward to putting Switzerland's first ZAP-X into operation," said Andreas Mack, PHD, founder and chief executive officer of SNRC. "With an interdisciplinary focus on neuro-radiosurgical treatments, the project is a cooperative effort including the Klinik Hirslanden Institute for Radiotherapy, the Center for Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, namely Robert Reisch, MD, and Nikolai Hopf, MD, and the Center for Micro Neurosurgery, namely Ralf Kockro, MD," added Mack. "Additionally, SNRC is scientifically advised by the clinical team at the University Hospital of Basel, Department of Neurosurgery, namely Luigi Mariani, MD, Raphael Guzman, MD, and Ethan Taub, MD." "ZAP Surgical is excited to partner with SNRC to bring world-class radiosurgery to Zurich and the surrounding communities," said Hakan Baraner, ZAP Surgical's Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. "We believe SNRC's ZAP-X program will serve as an example to many other medical centers, both locally and globally." SNRC estimates first patient treatments with ZAP-X will commence in the summer of 2021. For more about the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform, please visit: https://zapsurgical.com/. Detailed system overview animations can be found at https://youtu.be/9ph-cdb5QO0. About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform. ZAP was founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler, CEO and founder of ZAP Surgical and Emeritus Dorothy TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University. Dr. Adler is also the inventor of the CyberKnife and founder of Accuray, Inc. ZAP-X incorporates a unique vault-free design that typically eliminates the need for costly shielded treatment rooms. ZAP-X also utilizes a modern linear accelerator to eliminate historical use of Cobalt-60. Learn more at www.zapsurgical.com. About Swiss Neuro Radiosurgery Center (SNRC) SNRC opened in 2021 as part of the Swiss Clinical Neuro Science Institute (SCNSI) and offers radiosurgical treatments in a pleasant, patient-friendly outpatient setting. Centrally located in Zurich, SNRC offers an interdisciplinary focus on neuro-radiosurgical treatment. Learn more at: https://www.snrc.ch/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005002/en/ Contacts: Mark Arnold Senior Vice President, Marketing ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc. +1-650-492-7797, ext. 101 Email: info@zapsurgical.com Maya Muller Head of Administration Swiss Neuro Radiosurgery Center (SNRC) +41 44 576 72 72 Email: m.mueller@snrc.ch Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Tamino Minerals Inc. (OTC Pink: TINO) ("Tamino" or the "Company") has been informed that the Securities and Exchange Commission "SEC" has prohibited this Convertible Noteholder "Noteholder" from trading so-called "Penny Stocks". Therefore, they will not be in a position to convert the Note that they currently hold into shares. Therefore, Tamino will have no conversions at all as it had been posting on Social Media. Back in 2014, Tamino Minerals, Inc. entered a two staged financing with Noteholder consistent of a Direct and an Indirect component and because of their trading ban they will not be able to complete any further transactions. The Company will provide further details as the litigation proceeds and we will be seeking punitive damages in this litigation. Government regulators are providing good oversight of the Penny Stock Market. We are hereby making this Material Information available to our shareholders as we move towards becoming Pink Current Information in order to access a much higher Financial Reporting Tier. The Company will soon be disclosing additional information regarding its ongoing Geological Exploration activities. TAMINO MINERALS, INC. TAMINO MINERALS INC. is exploring for high-grade gold deposits within a prolific gold producing geologic state, Sonora. www.facebook.com/taminominerals www.twitter.com/taminominerals www.instragram.com/taminominerals www.linkedin.com/company/taminominerals On behalf of the Board, Pedro Villagran-Garcia, President & CEO Tamino Minerals, Inc. www.taminomineralsinc.com For further information, please contact the Company at 1-307-212-4657 or by email at info@taminominerals.ca Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "contemplate," "target," "plan," "continue," "budget," "may," "intend," "estimate," "project" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83942 SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - Hyundai Motor Group said it plans to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future electric vehicles, enhance production facilities and further its investments in smart mobility solutions. The company's U.S. facility will begin EV production in 2022. The Group will also further invest in robotics, urban air mobility or UAM and autonomous driving technology to ensure future competitiveness. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corp., said it will invest in EV manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a suite of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year. Hyundai Motor Group said it plans to working with the U.S. government and other business partners to expand the U.S. hydrogen energy ecosystem. Later this year, Hyundai will proceed on demonstration project in preparation for commercialization of fuel cell electric trucks. Hyundai Motor will also work with local partners to conduct a hydrogen refueling demonstration project for fuel cell electric truck. Hyundai Motor Group noted that it will launch a subsidiary in Washington, D.C. to spearhead the Group's UAM businesses. The subsidiary will focus on creating an UAM ecosystem and revolutionizing the mobility experience. The Group also will establish its presence in the robotics field through Boston Dynamics. The Group said last year that it agreed to acquire a controlling 80 percent interest in Boston Dynamics in a deal that values the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion. In addition, Hyundai Motor Group has created the joint venture, Motional, in partnership with the leading U.S. mobility technology firm Aptiv. Motional has obtained driverless license in the state of Nevada and plans to commercialize robotaxi service in 2023 along with its partner Lyft. Motional has started testing Hyundai's all-electric IONIQ 5 equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology on public roads. The Hyundai Motor Group and Motional will enhance its autonomous driving technology in preparation for Lyft's robotaxi launch in 2023. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX HYUNDAI-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Lunaphore Technologies SA, a Swiss life-sciences company developing innovative next-generation equipment for cancer research, announces the appointment of Matthias Weber, former President of Leica Biosystems, to its Board of Directors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005627/en/ Matthias Weber The new member of Lunaphore's Board of Directors (Photo: Business Wire) Mr. Weber brings extensive experience in the cancer diagnostics and immunohistochemistry fields, marked by excellence in a range of diverse strategic roles including Product Management, R&D, Operations, Sales Marketing, and most notably as President at Leica Biosystems, a position which he held between 2012 and 2019. Mr. Weber commented: "I am delighted to join Lunaphore's Board and to be part of a great team of innovators that will change the future of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Cancer Diagnostics", and he added: "especially in the field of immuno-oncology, the Lunaphore high-plex staining technology offers researchers unique opportunities to simultaneously identify multiple markers while preserving the morphology of the tissue and cells." With this appointment, Lunaphore aims to strengthen its position in the field of spatial biology. Mr. Weber's expert engagement will be instrumental in assisting the efforts to consolidate the company as a leading provider of innovative solutions for immuno-oncology research and tissue analysis. Lunaphore's Chairman of the Board, Joe Bernardo, said: "I am excited to have Matthias Weber, MD join our Board. Matthias is a great business leader with global experience at GE Healthcare and Danaher. The knowledge acquired during his 7 years at the helm of Leica Biosystems, a global leader in Anatomical Pathology and especially in Immunohistochemistry, will help us to fully exploit the company's potential by supporting Lunaphore with the creation of a world class network of KOLs, providing guidance to achieve successful instrument launches into global markets and building strategic partnerships". About Mr. Weber Matthias Weber is an international executive with more than 20 years of experience in the Medical Devices and Diagnostics industries. He is a Medical Doctor (MD; PhD) by training, and has professional experience in Cardiology, successively leading positions in Product Management, R&D, Operations and Sales Marketing. Since 2004 global P&L responsibility with multiple global locations. From 2012 until 2019 he was the President of Leica Biosystems, a leading $1B Cancer Diagnostics company with extensive presence in the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) space. About Lunaphore Lunaphore Technologies S.A. is a Swiss company transforming the field of spatial biology in cancer research and tissue analysis through the development of innovative staining and imaging technology platforms. The award-winning technology at its core is called FFeX (Fast Fluidic Exchange). Using high-precision microfluidics, complex assays can be automated, extracting comprehensive data much faster than current techniques. Lunaphore was founded in 2014 with the vision of accelerating spatial biology and has been recognized as one of the most innovative companies internationally. For further information on Lunaphore and its products, please visit www.lunaphore.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005627/en/ Contacts: Irene Tamayo Lunaphore Corporate Communications Email: communications@lunaphore.com Theophile Mounier Lunaphore Corporate Finance Email: theophile.mounier@lunaphore.com Totaling $1.5B for the 2019-2020 family of funds, TTCP has also expanded its team SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Top Tier Capital Partners (TTCP) today announced it has closed on nearly 260 million EU (approximately USD 310 million) in new capital commitments for a dedicated European investment fund, exceeding its target of 250 million. This builds on the nearly $1.2 billion raised for Top Tier Venture Capital IX, Top Tier Venture Velocity Fund 3, and related separate accounts, bringing the total capital committed across the family of funds to $1.5 billion. Focused almost entirely on European funds with some investments in Israel, the Luxembourg-based investment fund seeks to invest broadly across the region, including in niche-focused venture funds and high-growth, expansion-stage technology startups. The fund will also invest into strategic secondaries and co-investments. One of the fund's key limited partners is British Business Investments, who made a 100M commitment to the fund in 2019 strategically aimed at addressing the technology funding gap in the UK. Top Tier Capital Partners has been investing in European venture capital since 2005, but this is the firm's first dedicated fund focused on the region. TTCP believes Europe remains an underserved venture market and represents a significant investment opportunity. As an established Silicon Valley firm coming to Europe, managers in the region value TTCP's experience and expertise. While many of the Valley's top firms have opened outposts in Europe in recent years, there are still very few dedicated capital pools for European venture. With successful past investments such as Accel, Creandum, and Medicxi, TTCP is well-established in the region, and is a direct investor in a handful of strategic European companies as well. "Our first commitment through the Managed Funds Programme, which is designed to increase access to longer-term patient capital for high potential companies, was to Top Tier Capital Partners at first close, in 2019. It is great to see the fund reach final close and continue to support some of the UK's most innovative sectors, including technology and healthcare," said Judith Hartley, CEO of British Business Investments. "We believe strongly in the potential of the European venture capital market," said Jessica Archibald, Managing Director at Top Tier Capital Partners. "We previously opened an office in London to demonstrate our commitment to the region, and we continue to see high rates of innovation and increasing amounts of overall capital and liquidity." Alongside the new capital raised, TTCP has invested in its team and internal resources to support the firm's growth. In 2019, TTCP opened an office in London to support European investment, and the firm's Boston office also supports its European investments. Nurturing and acquiring talent is a key part of TTCP's global strategy, and TTCP is strengthening both its back office and its investment team with opportunistic hires and promotions from within. Sean Engel, an 11-year veteran of the firm who co-leads the Velocity team, was recently promoted to Managing Director. New hires include: Chief Financial Officer Promit Bhattacharya, who previously led finance and operations at multi-billion dollar funds including SVB Capital, WestBridge Capital, and Hall Capital Partners; previously Managing Director with Capstone Partners, Brian DeFee was hired as Director of Corporate Development EMEA, to lead business development in Europe; Janice Kary, Director of Investor Services, joined TTCP after running IR at Intellectual Ventures; Julia Gonzalez Sanders, VP Legal, was previously a Senior Associate at Orrick, Herrington, & Suttcliffe, LLP; Controller Erica Suzuki launched her career at Deloitte and spent the last decade at Stanford University; and Sunny Gill, VP Talent, who helped recruit most of this team. "The European fund is a strategic part of our global investment strategy and part of the overall maturation of the business from a partner-driven firm to an investment institution. It also represents a larger shift in the market," said David York, Managing Director at Top Tier Capital Partners. "We're looking forward to deepening our partnerships in Europe and Israel, which will also help inform our Velocity investing outside of the U.S." With investments in more than 350 funds worldwide and a database of more than 9500 companies, TTCP is uniquely positioned to offer reliable data-driven insights into the innovation private market. The firm's vast amount of data gathered over two decades gives TTCP highly reliable pattern recognition, allowing it to triangulate trends and understand GP blind spots. The firm's success shows in its distributions as well-in 2020, TTCP's portfolio saw 36 IPOs and returned more than $800M to investors.[1] [1] Distributions include portfolio companies invested into by the TTCP's portfolio of fund managers. Not all IPOs are profitable. The positions can be acquired at a price that is less than the price at which TTCP and/or the underlying portfolio fund purchased its interest for the funds they manage. The information is being presented to reflect TTCP's ability to select investments that are likely to be acquisition targets and not to reflect any positive investment experience. Past performance is not indicative of future results. To learn more, visit the redesigned website at https://ttcp.com/. About Top Tier Capital Partners Top Tier Capital Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco specializing in managing niche-focused funds of funds. Leveraging an extensive global network and two decades of experience, including its predecessor firm Paul Capital, Top Tier Capital Partners makes primary and secondary investments in venture capital funds and co-investments in select portfolio companies. Whether entrepreneurs sell to businesses, consumers or both, Top Tier Capital Partners offers a powerful network and data-driven support to an impressive set of diverse portfolio companies, primarily in the software and technology sectors. With nearly $6 billion in capital commitments since 2002 invested, Top Tier Capital Partners was built to spot emerging trends early, develop longstanding partnerships, and deliver returns. Follow us @TTCP_SF and on LinkedIn. Lauren Graffort PR Representative BuzzKat, Inc. 6618039432 This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. Inaugural 36-month apprenticeship program with 16 apprentices in first cohort of advanced aircraft maintenance engineering course Virtual classroom and on-site modules provide agile training environment for students to attain critical "B" Licence certification Graduates will have the opportunity to earn full-time positions at expanding London Biggin Hill Service Centre establishing infusion of talent and skills Gillian Keegan, Skills and Apprenticeships Minister, Department for Education, to visit May 13 to interact with apprentices and tour facility BIGGIN HILL, United Kingdom, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is pleased to announce the introduction of its comprehensive, new apprenticeship program at its London Biggin Hill Service Centre with its first cohort of maintenance apprentices becoming immersed in the aircraft maintenance training program. Sixteen men and women make up the 36-month program's first apprentice cohort, which kicked off in March. The combination of virtual classroom and onsite training provides apprentices with an agile, in-depth learning environment to achieve their critical EASA part 66 modules (B Licence) Certification as well as a Level 4 City & Guilds Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation. The London Biggin Hill Service Centre apprenticeship program is a collaboration between Bombardier and Seetec, an experienced provider of training and apprenticeships. It is supported by KLM UK Engineering Ltd and the Department for Education. Upon completion of the program, graduates have an opportunity to earn full-time positions as maintenance technicians at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre, establishing an invaluable infusion of talented, skilled technicians at the facility. The program is one more example of how Bombardier is working closely with various communities worldwide to establish a strong pipeline of aerospace talent. "Indispensable apprenticeship programs provide qualified students with an important pathway to an exciting aerospace career - a powerful gateway to exciting, new opportunities. It's an honour to provide future generations of aircraft technicians with essential training for the next steps in their aircraft maintenance careers," said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier. "Our world-class London Biggin Hill facility offers these students the best on-the-job training possible in a technologically advanced workplace environment - with the possibility for full-time employment at the facility upon graduation." "Apprenticeships play a vital role in helping to rebuild our economy by enhancing workforces, boosting skills and developing talent for the future, as we focus on our recovery from the pandemic and continue to build back better," said Gillian Keegan, Skills and Apprenticeships Minister at the Department for Education. "It is great to see Bombardier's continued investment in apprenticeships and its their commitment to giving people the chance to train and launch fantastic careers. Bombardier's innovative new program presents a brilliant opportunity for first-class training and superb future job prospects. I wish all of those involved the best of luck for their journeys ahead." Bombardier has worked closely with Seetec, an employee-owned business group based in the UK and Ireland, to develop its apprenticeship program. Seetec Outsource is a business division within the group that provides apprenticeships, adult education and wider skills opportunities. It achieves this by providing essential training and support to learners, so that they are armed with the skills to further their career ambitions. "Seetec is delighted to be working with Bombardier with the support of KLM UK Engineering Ltd to move forward with this new aircraft maintenance apprenticeship program," said Neil Bates, Managing Director of Seetec Outsource. "By focusing on a skills-led recovery that develops talented apprentices to become part of the aviation industry's skilled workforce of the future, more progress can be made to help the sector rebound after navigating a challenging operating environment during the pandemic. The Skills Minister's visit to Biggin Hill also draws an important focus on the aviation industry's recovery and the need to invest in science, technology, engineering and maths skills to boost the country's competitiveness in a post-COVID world." KLM UK Engineering team is also playing an important role, providing the "B" Licence certificate training portion of the program via an online learning environment. "KLM UK Engineering Ltd is delighted to be able to support Bombardier and Seetec apprentices in studying to gain their B licence certification, via our online virtual learning environment (VLE) and instructor led sessions," said Chris Tubby, Sales Manager Technical Training KLM UK Engineering Ltd. "Our VLE allows the apprentices to study anytime, anywhere, while benefiting from the experience of our qualified instructors. We currently support over 1,000 students around the world who are studying on our VLE, with exam centres in Malaysia, Dubai and China to help support them to start their engineering career. KLM UK Engineering, part of the Air France industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance network, has a 40-year history of developing apprentices for its own heavy maintenance facility in Norwich maintaining Embraer 170/190 and Boeing 737 family aircrafts and is proud to continue to support the next generation of engineers entering the aviation sector." Established in 2017, Bombardier's London Biggin Hill service centre is an invaluable support facility strategically located in London that offers heavy maintenance capabilities on Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. The site is fully equipped to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications and avionics installations, as well as paint repair services. Currently in the midst of a significant expansion to be completed by 2022 adding enhanced maintenance capabilities to service up to 25 aircraft - including the industry flagship Global 7500 aircraft - the enhancement of the facility and its maintenance capabilities is a testament to Bombardier's unwavering commitment to providing customers with worldwide industry-leading services and the OEM expertise they rightfully demand and deserve. The influx of skilled workers this apprenticeship program will provide will ensure the site is well positioned for growth in the next several years. About Bombardier Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, creating innovative and game-changing planes. Our products and services provide world-class experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier is present in more than 12 countries including its production/engineering sites and its customer support network. The Corporation supports a worldwide fleet of approximately 4,900 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments and private individuals. News and information is available at bombardier.comor follow us on Twitter @Bombardier. Notes to Editors Visit the Bombardier Business Aircraft websitefor more information on our industry-leading products and services. Bombardier, Global and Global 7500 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For Information Matthew Nicholls Bombardier + 1 514-243-8214 matthew.nicholls@aero.bombardier.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76eef79c-a912-420d-b923-5d6419420e6b WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / Digital Finance has launched a revolutionary one-stop-shop solely focused on Bitcoin. The Digital Finance team intends to educate people about the digital assets market, to drive further Bitcoin adoption and usage. Therefore, the company is rolling out an educational initiative targeting anyone interested in trading cryptocurrency. Further, this new online service will also include a guide on investing in Bitcoin through the innovative and absolutely free Bitcoin Robo Advisor tool, readily available on the company's website. The Digital Finance platform will also offer financial opportunities through holding Bitcoin, such as by using a Bitcoin Interest Account. The price of Bitcoin as of May 11, 2021, was at $56.3K representing a 555 percent increase from one year ago. On April 13, 2021, Bitcoin price jumped to slightly above $63K, marking the highest price level in the premier cryptocurrency's history. Eventually, this rallying in price elicited a lot of interest among people across the globe who wanted to dive in by leveraging the market bull run and earn some profit. Experts observe a growing interest among institutional and retail investors looking to buy more Bitcoin. Institutional interest has sparked the increased demand against a relatively low supply, leading to the meteoric price increase. However, with the increasing price of Bitcoin and the surge in interest among retail and institutional investors, many new and inexperienced users are left in the dark, not knowing where to buy, store, or even hold their Bitcoin. At least $9 million is lost each day in various cryptocurrency scams. Among the worst affected are new users or crypto enthusiasts who do not fully understand how to safely navigate this nascent market. Digital Finance Produces Solution for Mass Bitcoin Adoption Digital Finance LLC has identified this problem and has launched a first-of-its-kind Bitcoin one-stop-shop platform targeting new and experienced Bitcoin investors alike. The platform has an educational section that explains Bitcoin, ranging from basic information to complex issues such as price discovery strategies. Bitcoin concepts are explained in simple language anyone can understand. With this information, users engaging with Digital Finance can make investment-worthy decisions into Bitcoin with more confidence. For instance, Digital Finance is introducing the innovative Bitcoin Robo Advisor, a tool loaded with customized features that allow investors to buy Bitcoin based on their risk tolerance, funds available, investment goals, and knowledge of the cryptocurrency. To start, all users need to do is easily navigate to the Bitcoin Robo Advisor on the Digital Finance website and then input all information prompted by this innovative tool. Upon considering individual investment preferences and financial background, Robo Advisor reports back on the most appropriate strategy to implement regarding Bitcoin investing. Additionally, Digital Finance LLC works with reputable companies in the crypto universe to extend affordable and accessible ways to buy Bitcoin online. For example, the platform partnered with Moon Pay allowing investors to buy Bitcoin with a daily purchase limit of up to $10,000 and a monthly limit of up to $50,000. Digital Finance has simple KYC (Know Your Client) requirements, which is essential to make the Bitcoin purchase process easier. A user only needs to upload their proof of identification and selfie to the platform. Once verified, which usually takes only a couple of minutes, they can buy their first Bitcoin. When buying Bitcoin with Digital Finance, users can purchase the cryptocurrency using major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as some prepaid, virtual, and gift cards. A partnership with BlockFi enables Digital Finance to provide its users with an opportunity to earn Bitcoin by depositing it to a Bitcoin interest account. This service is available through the platform's Bitcoin interest account section. Instead of storing Bitcoin in a wallet or with an exchange, users can seamlessly deposit it to a Bitcoin interest account. Bitcoin interest account at Digital Finance platform provides a high yield interest of 6 percent per annum. Trust Digital Finance to Lead the Way Overall, the success of Digital Finance is attributed to great talent at the company and the existing partnerships they've forged. The team is led by Maxim Nurov, who is the company's CEO. Maxim has a rich background and experience in banking and finance, with a career spanning over 15 years, and has been the CEO of Digital Finance LLC since its inception in 2016. Maxim's experience spans the industry, including managing a global hedge fund Black Square Capital and working as a General Counsel for various European banks. He has an MBA degree from Fuqua School of Business and has been featured in multiple financial media outlets, including Forbes, CNN Money, and MarketWatch. Media Contact: Company: Digital Finance LLC Contact: Maxim Nurov Email: info@digit.finance Website: https://digit.finance SOURCE: Digital Finance LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647243/Digital-Finance-Launches-the-First-Bitcoin-One-Stop-Shop Carrollton, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - MDM Permian Inc. (OTC Pink: MDMP) provides updated information from its field activities in the Permian Basin of Texas on the Lindley 6103 lease, Lindley A lease, and the Oglesby 1-A lease. Oil prices remain strong and are expected to continue to increase all year. LINDLEY 6103 At the end of February and beginning of March, Texas underwent a major weather event with below freezing temperatures for about a week. Power was lost in the Company's field for the duration of the event. After power was restored, the 6103 well was unable to pump any fluid. The Company attempted to add hot water to the tubing in an effort to get the well pumping again. The attempt was unsuccessful, the tubing was full and the downhole pump was not working. The Company called for a rig to pull the rods and pump. Permian Services had rig on location last week. Permian Services changed out the pump and added 75 bbls of hot water to the tubing to clean out paraffin. The well was put back to production and is producing 18 barrels of oil per day while still returning load water. The well is producing from perforations at the Canyon Sand. OK ET Blackwater, LLC is the investor partner on this well. MDM Permian, Inc. owns all other lease rights. LINDLEY A LEASE The wells on this lease have been fully evaluated by NuTech Energy Alliance. NuTech Energy Alliance has assessed the three A lease wells with over 500,000 barrels of producible oil from overlooked reservoirs. These reserves are from Clearfork at approximately 3000 ft and San Angelo at approximately 2000 ft. The wells were producing from the Canyon Sands at an approximate depth of 6500 ft. The Company placed cast iron bridge plugs over the Canyon Sands and have begun work to open the overlooked zones. Cement squeeze jobs were done to restore integrity to the casing and protect freshwater tables. Permian Services drilled out the cement after the jobs were completed. The Company is planning to open the Clearfork on the A-1 well. The A-3 well was found to have prior cement squeezes near the San Angelo oil bearing section. This made it impossible to accurately get the proper cement mix across the section. The decision was made to plug and drill a new well to the San Angelo at an approximate depth for TD at 2100 ft. A surveyor is expected to stake the new location within the next week so that the Company may apply for a well permit. OK ET Blackwater, LLC. is the investor partner on these wells. MDM Permian, Inc. owns all other lease rights. OGLESBY 1-A The well produces from Canyon sands at an approximate depth of 6500 ft. and makes 1 - 1 1/2 bbls of oil per day with a trace of water. The Company sold oil from the well this month as a split load with the Lindley 6103. NuTech has done a complete assessment for this well at over 1 million barrels of producible oil from multiple zones. The company is in discussion with NuTech Energy Alliance as to the planned opening of additional reservoirs. MDM Permian, Inc. owns this well and lease 100% and has no investor partners. About MDM Permian, Inc.: Based in Carrolton, Texas, MDM Permian, Inc. is a publicly traded energy company with interests in oil and natural gas wells, mineral prospects. The Company's business plan includes building value through reserves and production in the Permian Basin of Texas. MDM Energy, Inc. (the wholly owned operating subsidiary of MDM Permian, Inc.), has been actively involved in the oil and gas industry since 1981 with offices located in Carrolton, Texas. Michael Rafael has nearly 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, serving as founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of MDM Energy, Inc.("MDM"). Mr. Rafael has been directly involved in the drilling, completion, and operation of over 300 oil and gas projects, primarily in the Illinois Basin, and directly supervises and oversees field operations. Mr. Rafael works directly with contract geologists, petroleum engineers and geophysicists from start to finish. For more information about the company, please visit https://www.mdmenergy.com Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mdmpermian Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. For additional information, view the company's website at www.mdmpermian.com or contact MDM Permian, Inc. at: (214) 651-9900. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83995 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Blue Heron Creamery, ("Blue Heron" or the "Company") a global leader in the next generation of plant-based dairy alternatives is pleased to provide an update on the commencement timeline for its new production facility, and it's latest personnel additions as the company embarks on its path to substantially expand the scope and scale of its operations. If you cannot view the image above, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7616/84000_figure1.jpg Production and Distribution Update The Company is pleased to announce that production lines at its new South Surrey production plant are in the process of being finalized and are undergoing commissioning, with test runs being completed and full-scale production taking place shortly thereafter. The local health authority has provided health approval which is a first step to moving into the Company's HACCP certification which is anticipated to be received shortly. The facility is anticipated to provide Blue Heron the capacity to produce upwards of 1,600,000 lbs annually of its world renowned non-dairy cheese and non-dairy alternative products. With retail and eCommerce activities underway, Blue Heron will be updating its product packaging, with an anticipated roll out over the summer and fall of 2021. Upon commissioning the new equipment and when production is underway, an initial 182 store launch with a well-known retailer will take place, initially with 4 SKU's. The retailer has ~260 outlets under its umbrella in Western Canada, providing an avenue for increased distribution. The Company anticipates expanding distribution to all locations by the end of 2021. Ecommerce and Subscription Sales In addition to expanded retail distribution, Blue Heron's products will be available through two leading online grocery channels in the summer of 2021, positioning the Company to grow its eCommerce sales in tandem with increased presence in brick and mortar retailers To grow recurring revenue, a new company-operated eCommerce website has been created for subscription orders and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales using Shopify. The Company is also in the process of creating a la carte ordering using the same platform to provide consumers convenience and flexibility in their order preferences. Blue Heron received over 500 requests to participate in a subscription cheese box trial to understand how best to accommodate forecasted growth in this new channel. This trial was marketed with initial capacity limited to approximately 100 boxes per month, however, after initial marketing efforts, the Company received 5x the anticipated number of requests. CEO Karen McAthy stated: "We were so thrilled by the immediate support from our customer base as we launched our direct to consumer subscription offering. This not only underscores the support we have from consumers, but it really showcases their loyalty as they have showed the desire to have our products as a consistent item on their shopping list." Corporate updates To build on its vision of creating a more sustainable future, the Company has submitted B Corporation certification, which certifies businesses that balance purpose with profit and consider their impacts on the external community and environment. The four-month-long process of putting together B Corporation Metrics and plans towards the certification has been done by working with Decade Impact Group and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2021, being Canada's first plant-based non-dairy cheese company certified and second globally only to Miyoko's. As a means to further its product innovation and remain at the forefront of the plant-based dairy industry, management has also been working on an external non-dilutive funding opportunity aimed to seed various additional R&D projects. This funding opportunity, once finalized, will result in a potential $5-$8M in funding over the next 24 months, which will go towards the development of new innovative product lines and R&D equipment. The Company has engaged KPMG to audit financials and provide tax advice, which will take place over the next five weeks with the audit report expected to be issued early June. About Blue Heron Creamery Blue Heron Creamery is an award-winning, next-generation plant-based innovator and producer of 100% Dairy-free, vegan artisan cheeses. Blue Heron uses true cheese-making methodologies by utilizing a proprietary science-first approach with active bacterial cultures and enzymes specific to plant-based protein reactions. For further information please contact: Karen McAthy Chief Executive Officer Chef@blueheroncheese.com 604-710-6846 Kevan Matheson Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Invest@blueheroncheese.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information In the interests of providing Blue Heron Creamery Ltd. ("Blue Heron " or the "Corporation") potential investors with information regarding Blue Heron, including Management's assessment of future plans and operations relating to the Corporation following the transaction, this document contains certain statements and information that are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, and which are collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to statements and tables (collectively "statements") with respect to: proposed acquisitions and strategies for acquisitions, capital projects and expenditures; strategic initiatives; anticipated activity and industry trends; and anticipated performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, as well as known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur and which may cause Blue Heron's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things: Blue Heron's ability to successfully implement strategic initiatives and whether such initiatives yield the expected benefits; future operating results, Blue Heron's ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its current and future obligations; its ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital; economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the reports and filings made with securities regulatory authorities by Blue Heron. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document or the dates specifically referenced herein. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information, as defined by applicable securities legislation, has been approved by management of Blue Heron. Such financial outlook or future-oriented financial information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and goals relating to the future of Blue Heron. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Corporation is not a "reporting issuer" in any province or territory in Canada or equivalent in the United States. There is no guarantee that a going public transaction will be completed or that the Corporation will become listed on any stock exchange. Accordingly, the Corporation may never complete a going public transaction and may never become a "reporting issuer" in any jurisdiction in Canada or the elsewhere. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84000 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Precipitate Gold Corp. (TSXV: PRG) (OTCQB: PREIF) (the "Company" or "Precipitate") is pleased to announce Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") has reported the completion of its first phase of exploration drilling at the Company's Pueblo Grande Project as part of its earn-in agreement (the "Agreement") whereby Barrick has the right to earn a 70% interest in the Pueblo Grande Project located immediately adjacent to Barrick's Pueblo Viejo gold-silver mine in the Dominican Republic. Barrick reported the completion of 10 diamond drill holes for 2,514 metres ("m") with depths ranging from 90m to 300m. Six of the 10 drill holes were drilled in the southeast and central east portion of the Lithocap Zone, testing multiple targets previously contemplated by Precipitate prior to the execution of the Agreement. Four holes were drilled in the northeast part of the Lithocap Zone. The Company has been advised that core samples have been shipped for laboratory analysis and results will be reported as they become available to Precipitate. At the Company's 100% owned Ponton Project, drilling remains on hold as the Company continues to address certain local community concerns related to mineral exploration and mining. Concurrently, the country is in the midst of a broader national dialogue on facilitating the potential growth of the mineral resource sector while ensuring responsible environmental practices and meaningful community engagement. The Company continues to monitor the situation and will advise on the status of future work at such time as more clarity is attained. The Company wishes to reiterate all necessary government permits and licenses from both the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy & Mines have been obtained and all necessary surface access authorizations required from relevant local private surface rights landholders to conduct the drill program have been secured. The federal and provincial levels of government are liaising with the Company to support its efforts in local engagement. As previously reported, the Company completed two holes of a planned ten-hole drill program at the Ponton Project. The completed holes were drilled at the south end of the lower-priority North Zone geochemical anomaly. Drilling was paused before crews were able to test the more prospective central part of the North Zone and highly prospective South Anomaly where multiple higher grade gold surface outcrop rock samples were identified coincident with a strong magnetic low anomaly. Analytical results from the two completed holes yielded results with highs of 1.53m of 0.72 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") (from 4.57m below surface) in CH21-01 and 1.40m of 0.24 g/t Au (from 5.0m below surface). Drilling bisected two separate and parallel intervals of strong 'massive' silica alteration + weak to moderate argillic alteration with a low pyrite concentration (<5%) measuring from about 7.4 to 13.5 metres wide; both of which reported weakly anomalous gold values. These two intervals of silica alteration appear to be distinct from the high priority gold enriched quartz veins of the South Anomaly area (located about 700m to the southeast), as surface observations and structural measurements at the South Zone show discrete quartz veins with sub-vertical dips and a NW to NNW trend that projects along surface northward to the more favourable gold + quartz veins + argillic alteration of the central portion of the North Anomaly, which is to the northeast of the silica intervals bisected in holes 01 and 02. At such time as drilling at Ponton resumes, the Company plans to adequately test the remaining prospective targets within the two main anomalies. This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore, Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards. About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Pueblo Viejo Mining Camp and Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company is actively exploring its 100% owned Ponton and Juan de Herrera projects. The Company has entered into an Earn-In Agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation, whereby Barrick can earn a 70% interest in the Company's Pueblo Grande Project by incurring US$10M within six years and producing a qualifying Pre-feasibility Study. Precipitate is also actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value, in the Dominican Republic and other favourable jurisdictions. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp., "Jeffrey Wilson" President & CEO For further information, please contact: Tel: 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 investor@precipitategold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.'s ("Precipitate" or the "Company") current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Precipitate to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83983 hear.com N.V., the largest online provider of expert, medical-grade hearing care globally, today announced that it has postponed plans for its initial public offering due to current challenging equity market conditions. The company will continue to monitor the market for more stable conditions. Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the proposed offering and as representatives of the underwriters for the proposed offering. Deutsche Bank Securities and Goldman Sachs Co. LLC are acting as active book-running managers. BofA Securities, William Blair, and Truist Securities are also acting as book-running managers for the proposed offering. A registration statement on Form F-1, including a prospectus, relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), but has not yet been declared effective. These Securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted until the Registration Statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these 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 registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from the SEC's website or from: Morgan Stanley Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, or by email to prospectus@morganstanley.com; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, via Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717; or Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Prospectus Group, 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-2836, telephone (800) 503-4611 or by emailing prospectus.CPDG@db.com; or Goldman Sachs Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 212-902-9316 or by emailing Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com. About hear.com hear.com is on a mission to bring high quality hearing care to anyone, anywhere. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in the Netherlands, hear.com has grown to become the largest online provider of expert, medical-grade hearing care globally. hear.com has helped millions get on the path to better hearing with its Hearing Success Program. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513006018/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations: Jack Smet Head of Investor Relations jack.smet@hear.com Media: Daniel Yunger Maddie Sewani Kekst CNC daniel.yunger@kekstcnc.com maddie.sewani@kekstcnc.com Saturn expects to be debt-free in 24 months based on production forecasts, capital budget, hedging levels and current forward pricing Mission is to continue to be an acquirer of accretive assets in Western Canada Acquisition builds on Saturn's existing environmental, social and governance ("ESG") performance, while supplying responsibly-produced ethical Canadian crude oil to service global market demand Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSXV: SOIL) (FSE: SMK) ("Saturn" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arms-length definitive agreement to acquire assets in the Oxbow area of Southeast Saskatchewan (the "Oxbow Assets" or the "Acquisition") for approximately $93 million, funding for which is outlined below. Pursuant to the Acquisition, Saturn will acquire approximately 6,700 boe/d (~95% light oil and liquids)1 with over 450 net sections of land, largely positioned across one of the most economic oil plays in North America. The Acquisition enhances Saturn's financial and operational strength through the addition of a high-quality and very low decline (12%) light oil asset base that is projected to generate robust free cash flow at current prices. The Oxbow Assets produce primarily from the Frobisher and Midale formations and feature a sizeable inventory of targets for workover, development and optimization. The Oxbow Assets are expected to generate $65-70 million in net operating income over the next 12 months2. "This Acquisition is in our 'backyard' in southeast Saskatchewan, furthering Saturn's strategy of building a scalable portfolio of free cash flow generating assets that offer attractive opportunities to allocate capital for both near and longer-term development, while increasing our exposure to some of Canada's most highly economic plays," said John Jeffrey, Chairman and CEO of Saturn. "We believe the Oxbow assets - purchased from a very experienced oil operator - provide significant upside value with near-term recompletion and optimization opportunities, as well as long-term growth from a deep inventory of booked and un-booked drilling locations on the properties. Pro forma the Acquisition, we forecast 2021 average production of over 7,500 boe/d (91% oil), which greatly enhances our business model and positions Saturn for significant free cash flow generation that can be directed to debt repayment and future growth opportunities that enhance shareholder returns. I would like to thank all of our employees and partners for their time and effort in supporting Saturn through this transformational period." The Acquisition will be funded through proceeds from an $82.0 million senior secured term loan ("Senior Secured Term Loan") a best-efforts agency private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $6.0 million being led by Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (the "Brokered Private Placement") and a concurrent non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $15.0 million (the "Non-Brokered Private Placement" and together with the Brokered Private Placement, the "Private Placements"). Details of the Senior Secured Term Loan and the Private Placements are provided below. _______________________ 1 As at April 1, 2021 Production report. Comprised of 6,197 bbls/d of light and medium crude oil, 149 bbls/d of NGLs, and 2,165 mcf/d of conventional natural gas. 2 May 5, 2021 future prices, $5 diff (US), $1.23FX, blowdown metrics (future 12 months on blowdown scenario) Strategic Benefits and Rationale for Saturn The Acquisition is aligned with Saturn's strategy to become a premier, publicly traded light oil producer through the acquisition and development of undervalued, low-risk opportunities to build a strong portfolio of cash flowing assets with strategic development upside. The highlights of the Acquisition and the anticipated benefits associated with the Oxbow Assets include, but are not limited to, the following: Attractive purchase price with material asset expansion ~6,700 boe/d (~95% light oil and liquids) 1 of sustainable, reliable and high working interest production (88% WI) that is 76% operated Highly attractive purchase price of ~1.4x cash flow 3 or ~$14,000 per flowing boe Saturn's Oil and Gas production will increase by more than 2,000% over current volumes while PDP reserves will grow more than 1,300% over the Company's year end 2020 reserves Land base increases by 775% with an increase in booked drilling locations of more than 180% Conventional multi-zone asset base with large, identified low-risk drilling inventory and significant workover opportunities Concentrated in the Midale / Frobisher formations, the Oxbow Assets provide exposure to highly economic light oil plays 4 offsetting leading operators, with competitive forecast returns Large inventory of 244 booked and more than 200 un-booked locations 5 supports long-term development Saturn has identified the potential to generate significant annual free cash flow 6 through optimizing and recompleting more than 500 existing well bores over the next three years Low capital expenditures required, with approximately $5 million of annual workover capex expected to offset low declines and grow annual production by approximately 200 boe/d Highly economic assets with attractive netbacks 6 and free cash flow profile Expected to be highly accretive Highly productive wells with strong operating netbacks 7 (over $28/boe) and capital costs on new drills estimated at $0.92 million per well, with per unit royalties forecast at $7 to $8/boe and operating costs of $5 to $7/boe on new drills within the first three years Locked-in area economics with approximately 70% of forecast production hedged over the next year, 60% for the second year and ~50% for years three and four with incremental volumes from growth capital fully exposed to commodity prices Scale, strategic optionality and enhanced flexibility Expanded scale provides increased strategic optionality in adapting to operating and capital markets conditions and improves financial capacity due to increased cash flow generation Low leverage with pro forma debt to cash flow of approximately 1.7 at closing. Saturn anticipates being debt free in 24 months based on current strip pricing, The addition of another material core area provides improved flexibility in capital deployment can offer better returns on investment and robust returns for shareholders Scale provides opportunities for cost savings along with greater operating efficiencies to reduce per unit production costs _______________________ 3 May 5, 2021 future prices, $5 diff (US), $1.23FX, blowdown metrics (future 12 months on blowdown scenario) 4 Source: Scotiabank's September 2019 playbook. 5 Midale/Frobisher/Alida/Spearfish/Tilston/Red Jacket locations in SE Saskatchewan 6 $5 million Capex budget per year for workovers 7 See "Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas Operational Information and Non-IFRS Measures" under "Reader Advisory" below". Strong infrastructure position with multiple sales points and capacity for future growth 60 owned, operated and well maintained key production facilities with excess capacity Extensive battery network featuring comprehensive Kingston Midstream connections with production predominantly LACT-connected Conserved gas processed at third-party gas plants Furthers Saturn's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") performance Fresh water usage will be negligible as no fracture stimulations are required to develop the assets Future potential to initiate an enhanced oil recovery initiative using only produced water Saturn's environmental footprint will be minimized with pipeline-connected, multi-well pad development of the Oxbow Assets Liability clean up accelerated by over $10 million of federal Accelerated Site Closure Program funding Asset Acquisition Summary Purchase Price $93 million Production 6,700 boe/d Annual decline rate8 ~12% Land ~280,000 net acres (450 net sections) Drilling Locations9 244 booked (200 unbooked) Forecast 2021 average operating netback (strip)10 $28.00/boe Forecast future 12 month Net Operating Income11 $65-70 million Reserves12 PDP Reserves 24.19 mmboe Total Proved Reserves 33.24 mmboe Total Proved + Probable Reserves 44.73 mmboe Acquisition Metrics Future 12 Month Cash Flow Multiple13 1.4x Estimated Production Cost (at April 1, 2021)14 $14,000/boe/d Estimated Total Proved Reserves Cost15 $2.80/boe Estimated PDP Reserves Cost $3.84/boe _______________________ 8 Decline rate based on 2021 versus 2020 PDP reserves. See "Reader Advisory - Reserves Disclosure", below. 9 244 net booked horizontal locations. See "Reader Advisory - Drilling Locations" for additional details. 10 The estimated operating netback was derived using estimated go-forward royalties and operating costs utilizing May 5, 2021 strip pricing which averages US$64.29/bbl; an MSW/WTI differential of US$5.00/bbl; an AECO price of $2.80/GJ; and a USD/CAD exchange rate of $1.23 all for the forecasted 12-month period from the Effective Date of April 1, 2021. The operating cost and royalty utilized for the operating netback calculation is $26.49/boe and $7.53/boe (or 11.75% of oil and gas revenue), respectively. See "Reader Advisory - Non-IFRS Measures" for additional details. 11 12 month future Net operating income based on production acquired and an operating netback in respect of the Assets of $28.13/boe. See Note (10), above, and "Reader Advisory - Non-IFRS Measures" for additional details. 12 YE20 independent reserve evaluation, working interest before royalty reserves, May 5, 2021 Future Prices, $5 diff (US), $1.23FX. 13 Assuming blowdown case with future 12 month net operating income of $65-70MM 14 Calculated by dividing the Purchase Price by production of 6,700 boe/d. 15 Calculated by dividing the Purchase Price by Total Proved Reserves (BOE) acquired. Saturn Pro Forma Future 12 months16 Post-Acquisition Capital Budget $5 million Average Daily Production17 ~7,500 boe/d % Oil and NGL ~95% Future 12 month Net Operating income $77-82 million Drilling Locations 372 booked / >250 unbooked Pro-Forma numbers are based on pricing assumptions of: a WTI price of US$64.29/bbl; an MSW/WTI differential of US$5.00/bbl; an AECO price of $2.80/GJ; and a USD/CAD exchange rate of $1.23. The Acquisition has an effective date of April 1, 2021 and is expected to close on or about May 31, 2021, subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory and other approvals. Acquisition Funding Private Placements In connection with the Acquisition, Saturn intends to complete a Non-Brokered Private Placement of special warrants ("Special Warrants") by issuing an aggregate of 125,000,000 Special Warrants at a price of $0.12 per Special Warrant for aggregate gross proceeds of $15.0 million. Each Special Warrant will be convertible into one unit of Saturn (each, a "Unit") without payment of additional consideration and shall be deemed to have been converted on the earlier of (a) four months and one day from the date of issuance, and (b) five (5) days after receipt of a final receipt for a short form prospectus filed in compliance with applicable Canadian securities laws (the "Conversion Date"). Each Unit will be comprised of one Common Share and one Warrant of the Company, each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share (each a "Warrant Share") in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.16 per Warrant Share for 24 months from date of issuance of the Special Warrant. In addition, the Company has engaged Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. to act as the lead agent and sole book runner to complete a concurrent $6.0 million best-efforts agency Private Placement of 50,000,000 subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.12 per Subscription Receipt. Upon satisfaction of the escrow release conditions, being the closing the Acquisition, each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted into one Special Warrant on the same terms as the Special Warrants above. The Company has agreed to grant the Agents an option (the "Agents Option"), which will allow the Agents to offer such number of additional Subscription Receipts as is equal to up to 15% of the Subscription Receipts issued under the Brokered Private Placement, having the same terms as the Subscription Receipts. The Agents' Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time up to two days prior to the closing of the Brokered Private Placement. The Private Placements will take place by way of a private placement pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements in the offered jurisdictions, and in those jurisdictions where the Offering can lawfully be made, including the United States under private placement exemptions. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file a preliminary short form prospectus in the provinces where the Special Warrants are sold, qualifying the distribution of the Units and the Compensation Options (as defined below), within 30 days after Closing (as defined below). The Company has agreed to promptly resolve all comments received or deficiencies raised by the securities regulatory authorities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to file and obtain receipts for the final short form prospectus as soon as possible after such regulatory comments and deficiencies have been resolved. _______________________ 16 Management prepared - Calculated by estimated capital cost of $5,000/bbl in workover costs for reactivations/workovers 17 Average production weighted 5% to conventional natural gas, 90% to crude oil and 5% to NGLs. In consideration for their services, certain advisors as well as the Agents and certain finders will receive commissions as set forth below. The Agents will received a commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Brokered Private Placements and will issue such number of compensation special warrants ("Compensation Special Warrants") equal to 7% of the number of Special Warrants sold in the Brokered Private Placement (subject to reduced commission of 3.0% cash and 3.0% Brokers Warrants payable on subscriptions sourced by the Company). On the Non-Brokered Private placement, certain finders will receive commissions of 6% cash and 6% Compensation Special Warrants. In connection with the Acquisition, certain advisors will also receive Compensation Special Warrants. Each Compensation Special Warrant will be exercisable into one (1) compensation option (a "Compensation Option"), for no additional consideration, at any time after the Closing, and each Compensation Special Warrant not previously exercised shall be deemed exercised on the later of (i) the day after a receipt is issued for a final prospectus qualifying the Units for distribution in qualifying jurisdictions and (ii) the date that is four months and one day following the Closing. Each Compensation Option shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Unit (on the same terms as the Units above) at an exercise price of $0.12 at any time up to 24 months following the Closing. The closing of the Private Placements ("Closing") is expected to occur in one or more tranches on or before May 31, 2021 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Special Warrants will and, unless their distribution is qualified by a final prospectus, the Common Shares and Warrants comprising the Units, the Warrant Shares, Compensation Special Warrants, and the securities underlying the Compensation Special Warrants to be issued under the Private Placements will have a hold period of four months and one day from the Closing Date. The proceeds of the Private Placements will be used to fund the cash deposit and the closing proceeds to the vendor pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition and for general corporate purposes. Certain management and directors of Saturn have committed to subscribing for $560,000 of the Non-Brokered Private Placement. On completion of the Private Placements, the Company expects to have 409,573,715 common shares (basic) outstanding. Senior Secured Term Loan Saturn has executed a commitment letter in respect of the Senior Secured Term Loan with a reputable U.S.-based institutional lender (the "Lender") for proceeds of $82.0 million. The loan will bear interest at a rate of CDOR + 11.5% and will amortize over three years, with 50% repayable in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the final year. Based on forecast production rates and hedged commodity prices, Saturn anticipates repaying the loan in full well in advance of its scheduled amortization payments. The commitment of the Lender is subject to the execution of mutually acceptable credit documentation giving effect to the terms provided in the commitment letter, and the satisfaction of the other customary conditions to closing, including the satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the Acquisition. Saturn's existing reserve-based revolving note facility will be amended to be senior secured notes, extended to November 2024 and subordinated to the Senior Secured Term Loan, with interest payable 7.5% cash and 7.5% PIK. On the Closing Date, Saturn's total debt position is estimated to be approximately $108 million, representing approximately 1.4x pro forma net operating income and approximately 1.7x pro forma cash flow. Advisors Alvarez & Marsal Canada Securities ULC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Saturn with respect to the Senior Secured Term Loan and the Acquisition. Dentons Canada LLP acted as Saturn's legal counsel in connection with the Acquisition, the Private Placements and the Senior Secured Term Loan. About Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSXV: SOIL) (FSE: SMK) is a public energy company focused on the acquisition and development of undervalued, low-risk assets. Saturn is driven to build a strong portfolio of cash flowing assets with strategic land positions. De-risked assets and calculated execution will allow Saturn to achieve growth in reserves and production through retained earnings. Saturn's portfolio will become its key to growth and provide long-term stability to shareholders. Investor & Media Contact: Saturn Oil & Gas John Jeffrey, MBA - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Tel: +1 (587) 392-7902 www.saturnoil.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. Reader Advisory This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Boe Disclosure The term barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf/bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. All boe conversions in the report are derived from converting gas to oil in the ratio mix of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil. Reserves Disclosure All reserves information in this press release was prepared by an independent reserve evaluator, effective December 31, 2020, using the reserve evaluators December 31, 2020 forecast prices and costs in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101") and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE Handbook"). All reserve references in this press release are "Company gross reserves". Company gross reserves are the Company's total working interest reserves before the deduction of any royalties payable by the Company and before the consideration of the Company's royalty interests. It should not be assumed that the present worth of estimated future cash flow of net revenue presented herein represents the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast prices and costs assumptions will be attained and variances could be material. The recovery and reserve estimates of the Oxbow Assets and Saturn's crude oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein. Drilling Locations This press release discloses drilling locations with respect to the Assets in two categories: (i) proved locations; and (ii) un-booked locations. Proved locations are derived from the Company's internal reserves evaluation as prepared by a member of management who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGEH effective December 31, 2020 and account for drilling locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as applicable. Un-booked locations are internal estimates based on the Company's assumptions as to the number of wells that can be drilled per section based on industry practice and internal review. Un-booked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources. Of the total 444 drilling locations identified herein, 244 are proved plus probable locations and 200 are un-booked locations. Un-booked locations have been identified by management as an estimation of Company's multi-year drilling activities based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering, production and reserves information assuming completion of the Acquisition. Assuming completion of the Acquisition, there is no certainty that the Company will drill all un-booked drilling locations and if drilled there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling locations considered for future development will ultimately depend upon the availability of capital, regulatory approvals, seasonal restrictions, oil and natural gas prices, costs, actual drilling results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and other factors. While certain of the un-booked drilling locations have been de-risked by the drilling of existing wells by the vendor in relative close proximity to such un-booked drilling locations, other un-booked drilling locations are farther away from existing wells where management has less information about the characteristics of the reservoir and therefore there is more uncertainty whether wells will be drilled in such locations and if drilled there is more uncertainty that such wells will result in additional oil and gas reserves, resources or production. Non-IFRS Measures This news release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as "operating netbacks", "Cash Flow", "Net Debt", and "Net Operating Income". These terms are not defined in IFRS and do not have standardized meanings or standardized methods of calculation and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons. Operating Netback: equals petroleum sales (before realized hedging gains or losses on derivative instruments) less royalties and operating costs calculated on a boe basis. Net Debt: defined as outstanding long-term debt and net working capital. Net Operating Income: equals petroleum sales (before realized hedging gains or losses on derivative instruments) less royalties and operating costs Future Oriented Financial Information Any financial outlook or future oriented financial information in this press release, as defined by applicable securities legislation, including future (but not limited to) operating and fixed costs (and reductions thereto), debt levels, net operating income, has been approved by management of Saturn. Readers are cautioned that any such future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management's knowledge and opinion, the Company's expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future activities or results. Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, statements concerning: timing of the Acquisition; satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions in the acquisition agreement; receipt of required legal and regulatory approvals for the completion of the Acquisition (including approval of the TSXV and Competition Act (Canada) approval); funding and payment of the purchase price in respect of the Acquisition; estimated assumed liabilities associated with the Oxbow Assets; expected production and cash flow related to the Oxbow Assets; expected number of future drilling locations related to the Oxbow Assets; the anticipated closing date of the Private Placement; the closing of the Private Placements, the Senior Secured Term Loan and the terms thereof; the use of proceeds from the Private Placements and the Senior Secured Term Loan; reserve estimates; future production levels; decline rates; drilling locations; future operational and technical synergies resulting from the Acquisition; management's ability to replicate past performance in the Oxbow Asset fairway; future negotiation of contracts; the ability of the Company to optimize production from the Oxbow Assets on the timeline provided herein; future consolidation opportunities and acquisition targets; the business plan, cost model and strategy of the Company; future cash flows; and future commodities prices. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Saturn, including expectations and assumptions concerning the receipt of all approvals and satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the Acquisition, Private Placement, and Senior Secured Term Loan, the timing of and success of future drilling, development and completion activities, the performance of existing wells, the performance of new wells, the availability and performance of facilities and pipelines, the geological characteristics of Saturn's properties, the characteristics of the Oxbow Assets, the successful integration of the Oxbow's Assets into Saturn operations, the successful application of drilling, completion and seismic technology, prevailing weather conditions, prevailing legislation affecting the oil and gas industry, commodity prices, royalty regimes and exchange rates, the application of regulatory and licensing requirements, the availability of capital, labour and services, the creditworthiness of industry partners and the ability to source and complete asset acquisitions. Although Saturn believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Saturn can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, the current COVID-19 pandemic, actions of OPEC and OPEC+ members, changes in legislation impacting the oil and gas industry, adverse weather or break-up conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Saturn's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Saturn believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because Saturn can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the Acquisition, Private Placement, and Senior Secured Term Loan. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Saturn undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Acquisition is considered a "Fundamental Acquisition" under the policies of the TSXV and as such the Acquisition is subject to TSXV approval. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84012 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 13, 2021 / GLG Life Tech Corporation (TSX:GLG)(OTC PINK:GLGLF) ("GLG" or the "Company"), a global leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high-quality zero-calorie natural sweeteners, announces financial results for the three ended March 31, 2021. The complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com. FINANCIAL SUMMARY The Company reported revenues of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, a $0.7 million improvement compared to the first quarter of 2020 ($2.6 million). The Company also reported an increase of thirteen percentage points in gross profit margin for the first quarter 2021 (25%), relative to the same period in 2020 (12%). The improvement in gross profit margin was driven by improvements in monk fruit margins as well as a decrease in idle capacity charges in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. The Company continues to closely manage its SG&A expenses, resulting in a $0.4 million reduction in G&A expenses for the first quarter of 2021 ($0.8 million) relative to the first quarter of 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders of $3.8 million, an improvement of $4.8 million or 56% over the comparable period in 2020 ($8.7 million). The Company reported a net loss per share of $0.10 for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $0.23 for the first quarter of 2020. CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS Company Outlook In recent quarters, one of the most critical items that management has focused on and continues to focus on is the development and implementation of plans to stem the losses that the Company has suffered in recent years and to ameliorate the Company's financial position. As a result of those sustained losses, the Company lacks the cash necessary to fully fund the business operations and its strategic product initiatives. The Company continues to manage its cash flows carefully to mitigate risk of insolvency. As a result of these efforts, management has been successful in improving the Company's cash flows in recent quarters. Nevertheless, without an infusion of cash in the months ahead, the Company may not be able to realize its strategic plans and could eventually cease to be a going concern. To address that cash need, management negotiated a CAD $1 million revolving loan facility with a related party for working capital purposes in 2020. In 2020, management also realized the sale of one of its two idle assets; the sale of the "Runhao" facility resulted in significant debt reduction and better positions the Company to be able to access additional lines of working capital. Management also continues to explore options for the sale or repurposing of its idle "Runyang" primary processing facility in Jiangsu province to further address its cash needs and balance sheet. Another factor that continues to contribute to the Company's financial situation is the competitive price pressure in the stevia market over the last year that has reduced mainstream "Reb A" products (such as Reb A 80 and Reb A 97) to the lowest price levels in years. While these products have historically formed the core of the Company's product sales, the margins on sales of these products have grown increasingly slim. To address this, the Company has taken a three-pronged approach. First, the Company has taken decisive steps to reduce its SG&A costs as well as its production costs. Both its North American operations and Chinese operations have significantly reduced SG&A costs. For the last several years, the Company's production capacity has been far greater than its projected order levels as it had sought rapid increases in orders for Reb A products. The Company's aim continues to be to "right-size" its Chinese operations - i.e., to optimize its staffing and production planning to meet the Company's projected production requirements while retaining the ability to accommodate growth in future order volumes - and management has made significant progress in this area and continues striving to optimize staffing and production plans. As a result, this has enabled the Company to sell its goods at more competitive and/or more profitable prices although the competitive price pressures remain strong. Second, the Company has increased its focus on specialty stevia products, relative to its Reb A products. These specialty products are more differentiated than Reb A products and can bring more revenue opportunities and more meaningful margin contributions to the Company's bottom line. Third, the Company continues to explore options to enter the CBD/hemp market, where it could leverage its production expertise and equipment towards an investment that would jump start its ability to quickly begin producing high-quality low-cost products. While the Company continues to face substantial risks and 2021 is another pivotal year for the Company, management remains optimistic about the future opportunities for the Company. With the first idle asset sale now closed, right-sizing efforts progressing well, the optimization of production efficiencies, costs, and planning, and the Company's refocused product strategies, management is proceeding down the best available path to increased financial stability and profitability. SELECTED FINANCIALS As noted above, the complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com. Results from Operations The following results from operations have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for 2020 and the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. 3 Months Ended March 31 % Change In thousands Canadian $, except per share amounts 2021 2020 Revenue $ 3,254 $ 2,565 27 % Cost of Sales $ (2,426 ) $ (2,254 ) 8 % % of Revenue (75 %) (88 %) 13 % Gross Profit $ 828 $ 311 166 % % of Revenue 25 % 12 % 13 % Expenses $ (1,155 ) $ (1,627 ) (29 %) % of Revenue (35 %) (63 %) 28 % (Loss) from Operations $ (327 ) $ (1,316 ) 75 % % of Revenue (10 %) (51 %) 41 % Other Expenses $ (3,533 ) $ (8,495 ) 58 % % of Revenue (109 %) (331 %) 223 % Net Income (Loss) before Income Taxes $ (3,860 ) $ (9,811 ) 61 % % of Revenue (119 %) (382 %) 264 % Net Income (Loss) $ (3,860 ) $ (9,811 ) 61 % % of Revenue (119 %) (382 %) 264 % Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (NCI) $ (29 ) $ (1,133 ) 97 % Net Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (3,831 ) $ (8,678 ) 56 % % of Revenue (118 %) (338 %) 221 % Net Income (Loss) per share (LPS, Basic & Diluted) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.23 ) 56 % Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 997 $ (5,399 ) 118 % % of Revenue 31 % (210 %) 241 % Comprehensive Net Income (Loss) $ (2,863 ) $ (15,210 ) 81 % Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (20 ) $ (3,022 ) 99 % Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (2,843 ) $ (12,188 ) 77 % % of Revenue (87 %) (475 %) 388 % Revenue Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $3.3 million compared to $2.6 million in revenue for the same period last year. Sales increased by 27% or $0.7 million for the period ending March 31, 2021, compared to the prior period. The sales increase of $0.7 million was driven primarily by increases in international stevia and monk fruit sales, while China stevia sales decreased. Internationally, monk fruit sales increased more substantially than stevia sales, although stevia sales continue to deliver most of the Company's revenues. International sales continue to be the predominant component of the Company's revenues (98% in first quarter 2021 versus 93% in first quarter 2020). Cost of Sales For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the cost of sales was $2.4 million compared to $2.3 million in cost of sales for the same period last year ($0.2 million or 8% increase). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 75% for the first quarter 2021, compared to 88% for the comparable period, an improvement of 13 percentage points. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the prior comparable period, is primarily attributable to improvements in monk fruit margins as well as a decrease in idle capacity charges in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. Capacity charges charged to the cost of sales ordinarily would flow to inventory and are a significant component of the cost of sales. Only two of GLG's manufacturing facilities were operating during the first quarter of 2021, and capacity charges of $0.2 million were charged to cost of sales (representing 9% of cost of sales) compared to $0.5 million charged to cost of sales in the same period of 2020 (representing 22% of cost of sales). Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $0.8 million, compared to a gross profit of $0.3 million for the comparable period in 2020. The gross profit margin was 25% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 12% for the same period in 2020, an increase of 13 percentage points. This 13 percentage point increase in gross profit margin for the first quarter of 2021, relative to the comparable period in 2020, is primarily attributable to improvements in monk fruit margins as well as a decrease in idle capacity charges in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. Selling, General and Administration Expenses Selling, General and Administration ("SG&A") expenses include sales, marketing, general and administration costs ("G&A"), stock-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization expenses on G&A fixed assets. A breakdown of SG&A expenses into these components is presented below: 3 Months Ended March 31 % Change In thousands Canadian $ 2021 2020 G&A Expenses $ 845 $ 1,275 (34 %) Stock Based Compensation Expenses $ 45 $ 149 (70 %) Depreciation Expenses $ 265 $ 203 31 % Total $ 1,155 $ 1,627 (29 %) G&A expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $0.8 million, a decrease of $0.4 million compared to $1.3 million in the same period in 2020. The $0.4 million decrease in G&A expenses was driven primarily by reductions in salary expenses, consulting expenses, professional fees and office expenses. Net Loss Attributable to the Company 3 Months Ended March 31 % Change In thousands Canadian $ 2021 2020 Net Income (Loss) $ (3,860 ) $ (9,811 ) 61 % Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (29 ) $ (1,133 ) 97 % % of Revenue (1 %) (44 %) 43 % Net Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (3,831 ) $ (8,678 ) 56 % % of Revenue (118 %) (338 %) 221 % For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company of $3.8 million, a decrease of $4.8 million or 56% over the comparable period in 2020 ($8.7 million). The $4.8 million decrease in net loss attributable to the Company was driven by (1) a decrease in other expenses ($5.0 million) and (2) a decrease in loss from operations ($1.0 million), which were offset by (3) a decrease in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests ($1.1 million). Quarterly Basic and Diluted Loss per Share The basic and diluted net loss loss per share from operations was $0.10 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared with a basic and diluted net loss of $0.23 for the comparable period in 2020. Additional Information Additional information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Additional information relating to the Company is also available on our website (www.glglifetech.com). For further information, please contact: Simon Springett, Investor Relations Phone: +1 (604) 669-2602 ext. 101 Fax: +1 (604) 662-8858 Email: ir@glglifetech.com About GLG Life Tech Corporation GLG Life Tech Corporation is a global leader in the supply of high-purity zero calorie natural sweeteners including stevia and monk fruit extracts used in food and beverages. GLG's vertically integrated operations, which incorporate our Fairness to Farmers program and emphasize sustainability throughout, cover each step in the stevia and monk fruit supply chains including non-GMO seed and seedling breeding, natural propagation, growth and harvest, proprietary extraction and refining, marketing and distribution of the finished products. Additionally, to further meet the varied needs of the food and beverage industry, GLG, through its Naturals+ product line, supplies a host of complementary ingredients reliably sourced through its supplier network in China. For further information, please visit www.glglifetech.com. Forward-looking statements: This press release may contain certain information that may constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or words and phrases that state or indicate that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations about future events, the statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include amongst others the effects of general economic conditions, consumer demand for our products and new orders from our customers and distributors, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2020. In light of these factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Further, although the Company has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. As there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: GLG Life Tech Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/647301/GLG-Life-Tech-Corporation-Reports-2021-First-Quarter-Financial-Results Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2021) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (the "Company" or "Aires") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 through the issuance of up to 33,333,333 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company ("Common Share") and one (1) transferable Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one (1) Common Share to be issued on the due exercise of the Warrants (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.30 per Warrant Share for twenty-four (24) months from the date of the closing of the Private Placement, subject to an Acceleration event (as defined and described below). The expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated by the Company at any time following the date that is four (4) months from the closing of the Private Placement and prior to the expiry date of the Warrants if the volume weighted average price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is greater than $0.45 for any ten (10) consecutive trading days (the "Acceleration Event") at which time the Company may, within ten (10) business days of the Acceleration Event, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by issuing a press release announcing the reduced warrant term whereupon the Warrants will expire on the 20th calendar day after the date of such press release ("Acceleration"). A finder's fee may apply to a portion of the proceeds raised under the Private Placement of a cash commission equal to 7% of the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Units under the Private Placement, and finders warrants equal to 7% of the number of Units sold under the Private Placement, exercisable for Units of the Company. All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issue. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used by the Company for working capital and for other general and administrative costs. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to all customary regulatory and board approvals of the Company. About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a nanotechnology company which has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The technology was developed by a team of highly credited scientists and confirmed by independent third-party validation including peer reviewed studies and publications in scientific journals. The technology specifically targets cellphones, computers, baby monitors, Wi-Fi radiation and general EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices. Aires has launched a full suite of consumer products under the brand name "Airestech" for use on almost all consumer electronic devices. The Company has adopted a global ecommerce and distribution platform that scales easily as sales grow. Since launching in 2019, Aires has enjoyed exuberant growth. The company has been aggressively building out their ecommerce platform which is now capable of delivering up to 10,000 shipments a day along with recent customer service center agreements. Strategically placed fulfillment centers have been secured to ensure prompt delivery around the globe (see PR Jan. 31, 2020). With the launch of 5G networks around the world, this year, we are seeing an increase of news, reports and leading health organizations discussing the potential harm of EMR and the importance of identifying solutions to reduce these harmful rays. Aires products are the solution. www.airestech.com On behalf of the board of directors Company Contact Dimitry Serov, CEO Email: dimitry@airestech.com Telephone: (905) 482-4667 Website: www.airestech.com For further information please contact: Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Not intended for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States Securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/84016 Panaseer, a London, UK- and NYC-based Continuous Controls Monitoring platform for enterprise security, secured $26.5m in series B funding. The round, which brought total funding raised to date to $43m, was led by AllegisCyber Capital with participation from existing investors Evolution Equity Partners, Notion Capital, AlbionVC, Cisco Investments and Paladin Capital Group, as well as new investor, National Grid Partners. The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations, its development efforts and business reach. Led by Jonathan Gill, CEO, Panaseer provides a Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM) platform for enterprise security. The CCM platform uniquely correlates data from all security tools to identify and measure missing assets, control gaps, and advise on underperforming controls. Clients include the worlds largest institutions and enterprises. FinSMEs 13/05/2021 Query.AI, a Brookings, S.D.-based provider of a security investigations control plane for modern enterprises, raised $4.6m in seed funding. Backers included ClearSky Security, DNX Ventures, and South Dakota Equity Partners. As part of Query.AIs launch, Jay Leek, the former CISO of Blackstone, is joining the companys board of directors. The company will use the funding to scale its go-to-market and engineering teams. Founded by Dhiraj Sharan and Andrew Maloney, Query.AI provides a platform for security teams to elevate security investigation and response through real-time access and centralized insights to data across on-premises, multi-cloud, and SaaS applications, without duplicating it from its native locations. Query.AI simultaneously normalizes and enriches data across any platform, including SIEM, SOAR, and XDR, to enable investigations without complexity. FinSMEs 13/05/2021 Garmin, one of the leading smartwatch and fitness accessory company, has announced actor and serial exerciser, Mandira Bedi as their brand ambassador. She will now be promoting Garmin smartwatches and accessories in India across various platforms including print, television and online. With the announcement, Garmin highlighted their new Lily smartwatch, that was designed for women. It has a small, modern design and has features such as menstrual cycle tracking, pregnancy tracking, and other health tracking capabilities. Commenting on the new brand association, Ali Rizvi, Director of Garmin India Pvt. Ltd. said: Mandira bedi is not only a star icon but also an inspiration to many fitness enthusiasts and women globally. We are thrilled to have her on board with us and are confident that this partnership will strengthen our brand reach and encourage more people to choose a healthier lifestyle. Mandira Bedi said: Paxton, IL (60957) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. "Xi Jinping Collection Room" in S. Korea's top university meaningful to learn about China Xinhua) 16:23, May 13, 2021 SEOUL, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The "Xi Jinping Collection Room" in South Korea's top university is meaningful for university students, professional researchers as well as the general public to learn more accurately about China. The "Xi Jinping Collection Room," opened in October 2015, is the only room inside the central library of the Seoul National University (SNU) that is named after the leader of a foreign country. During a state visit to South Korea in July 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the SNU, vowing to donate more than 10,000 books and video materials on China to the university's library for educational and academic research purposes. Xi also invited 100 SNU students to come to China to participate in the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for university students. As an expression of gratitude, the university dedicated the "Xi Jinping Collection Room" inside the library in honor of the Chinese leader. "The donations began in May 2015 through the Chinese Embassy (in South Korea). (The library) had no extra space for it, so (the university) renovated (the previous office of the chief librarian) and prepared for contents to open it in October 2015," An Yu-gyung, librarian of Collections and Information Management Division at the SNU, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Many Chinese students attend class in our university," said An. "It would be a little more meaningful to them." "It opened as the 'Xi Jinping Collection Room,' but we plan to collect more materials on China more broadly and turn it into a place of exchanges," she added. The SNU library has signed contracts with Peking University, Tsinghua University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to exchange academic information and share the copies of books and academic journals, she said. "(President Xi Jinping) donated books and helped the SNU open the library stacks to create space for valuable materials on China for the entire universities and the entire youths of South Korea," said Kwon Ki-sik, head of the Korea-China City Friendship Association. "Going forward, the library stacks, created by President Xi Jinping, will become a core center to let people in South Korea understand China," he said. "I look forward to (the 'Xi Jinping Collection Room') collecting more materials and becoming a place of learning to let professional researchers and students understand China accurately," he added. At the entrance of the collection room stands a wooden sign of President Xi that reads, "Explore Truth and Seek Light," which is in line with the SNU motto of "Veritas lux mea," Latin for "Truth is my light." A total of 10,052 donations, namely 9,297 books and 755 video materials about Chinese history, philosophy, culture, arts, natural science, engineering, and situations in Northeast Asia have been delivered to the collection room before the opening ceremony. The number recently increased to more than 14,000. The books can be read and taken from the library by all Seoul citizens as well as SNU students and staff. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Dustin Chase is a film critic and associate editor with Texas Art & Film, which is based in Galveston. Visit texasartfilm.com. Galveston, TX (77553) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 79F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. If you're looking for something cool to do tonight or next weekend make sure you... Google Chrome, the most widely used Internet browser, has officially started warning users that unencrypted Web pages are not secure. Among those not secure, as of Aug. 9: The front pages of the official government websites for 14 states and four of the nations 10 most populous cities.Encryption most easily represented with an HTTPS rather than HTTP in front of a sites Web address is the practice of encoding data traveling between a website and its visitor so that any third parties who are able to peek into the data dont know whats happening. With encryption, users can reasonably expect that their connection is private. Without it, bad actors can do things like steal information and change a Web pages content without the user realizing it.It has become more or less the standard for the Internet. According to Google, 93 percent of Web traffic on Chrome takes place on encrypted pages. The tech giant started labeling non-HTTPS pages as not secure to push laggards toward encryption.Historically, thats when you would encrypt websites when there was sensitive information like payment card data, said Andrew Hanks, Montanas chief information security officer. Back a decade ago, it was expensive to encrypt, to get the certificates to work. Now thats not the case and encryption is the standard.Googles tactic appears to be working. The number of government websites without encryption on the front page has actually been dropping somewhat quickly. Since the last time checked in on this subject in March, 15 states Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin have all encrypted their front pages. Two of the 10 biggest cities New York City and San Antonio have done the same.Several IT officials in state government pointed to Google as a force driving the move toward encryption. A common concern is the worry, or even confusion, that the not secure message might cause for a citizen visiting their governments website.We certainly dont want to alarm anybody, said Audrey Hinman, chief of Montanas Application Technology Services Bureau. We were going to encrypt anyway but the timing of it definitely was focused on Googles announcement.The states with unencrypted front pages are represented in a map above. The major cities lacking front-page encryption are Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas and San Jose although a message on the Philadelphia front page says it will move to a new website "this summer."Its actually not the case that all of these websites lack encryption completely. Most, if not all, have encryption on pages that handle sensitive information such as credit card payments or home addresses. Many of the front pages have encryption too but users have to take the time to type out HTTPS:// before the site address in order to access it. If they type in the address without that, they will be taken to an unencrypted page.Trust with citizens is important for government IT shops. Government websites these days handle licensing and permitting, they take property tax payments and give people election night voting totals.Recent cybersecurity breaches in Mecklenburg County, N.C. Atlanta and other places probably doesnt help.In addition to stopping malicious hacking attempts, encryption helps assure users that theyre on a trusted site, wrote John Dipko, communications director for Wisconsins Department of Administration, in an email. Because some search engines and all browsers visually discourage visits to untrusted sites by displaying that to the user, using SSL [Secure Sockets Layer, a standard way to secure data in transit] helps maintain traffic to our Web properties and boosts our search result rankings compared to untrusted sites.Jim Flynn, director of information security for the company CivicPlus which provides Web services to governments, including website setup said that citizens might get confused in situations where some pages on a government website are encrypted and others arent. Worse, those websites might be undermining their own protection of user data, because theyre giving attackers the ability to access cookies related to a users activities on a non-encrypted portion of the website.If theres any sensitive information stored in the cookie and that information is not secured over HTTPS, that could be exposed to man-in-the-middle attacks, he said.Since there are thousands and thousands of local governments in the U.S., it would be difficult for any individual organization to get a good idea of how many of them have encrypted websites. But CivicPlus, which has deployed more than 3,000 websites on its CivicEngage platform, can come up with a sampling.About a year ago, Flynn said, about 15 percent of CivicEngage sites had an SSL certificate. Only 1 percent had HTTPS by default that is, users were automatically sent to encrypted pages sitewide.CivicPlus undertook a campaign to drive that number up, acquiring certificates for its websites and streamlining the testing process inherent in migrating to HTTPS. Today, Flynn said, all CivicEngage sites have a certificate and 20 percent are HTTPS by default.He expects that number to increase as awareness about encryption spreads.Weve seen a major spike, an increase in this, Flynn said. Its a very positive thing. Weve seen a major spike since May, weve seen 300 sites migrate to HTTPS by default.One of the larger obstacles in the way of Web page encryption appears to be mixed content, that is, content on the page that is loaded through an unencrypted path. A common example would be a picture. According to Flynn, mixed content can either cause the browser to mark the page as unencrypted or could even cause the page to fail to load.A lot of time government IT shops spend migrating sites to HTTPS is done performing tests to find mixed content. Flynn attributes much of CivicPlus success transferring customers to encryption to the companys streamlining of that process.Chris Rein, New Jerseys new CTO, said the problem with mixed content can be especially common in governments like his, where agencies have historically been responsible for their own websites, as opposed to a central authority handling them.You may have heard the cliche, if youve seen one website youve seen one website, Rein said. Theres such diversity among the content, the age, the genre of what tools are used. In New Jersey we provide services to over 50 offices and state agencies in the executive branch and over time there have been a lot of different [website] management styles.Another issue, perhaps more ancillary, is network security. Ironically, some network administrators might see HTTPS as a step backward in cybersecurity because encryption gives them less visibility into the traffic coming over a network, hindering their ability to identify malicious activity.Most people dont seem to think thats enough to justify keeping a website unencrypted.I think as encryption became adopted as a practice, that was probably more true yesterday than it is now, Rein said. There are tools and measures that are in use right now that actually are able to inspect traffic coming in, traffic going out, even if its encrypted.Those include tools that look at the metadata that comes through the network, rather than the core information itself, for red flags.At the end of the day, Montanas Hinman said the state just didnt see any good reasons not to encrypt.From my perspective, its easy to be attained technically, and theres nothing that we give up by doing it, so why not have that protection? Hinman said. Nikita Mazepin lacks "respect" for his fellow Formula 1 drivers, and it may be because of the support of his wealthy father Dmitry. That is the view of Nicolas Kiesa, a Danish driver who contested 5 grands prix for Minardi and Jordan in 2003 and 2005. Russian rookie Mazepin, also regularly lambasted on social media, is now the subject of constant negative media headlines and rebukes from his rival drivers. "He lacks the respect for what is agreed between the drivers, especially in qualifying," Kiesa, who now works for the broadcaster TV3, told BT newspaper. He thinks the reason for Mazepin's attitude is his father, whose Uralkali company is the title sponsor at Haas - and even linked with a full team buyout. "When it comes to your behaviour and etiquette out on the track, it makes a difference when you know that no matter what you do, Dad will always keep on paying," said Kiesa. "You certainly can't think this when you're from the Scandinavian countries," he insisted. "We have to behave properly and not do much on our own initiative until we have earned the right to say 'ok, now I'm good enough'." (GMM) GMC is showcasing some of the HUMMER EV Pickups off-road testing on challenging trails near Moab, Utah in the lead-up to its production debut this fall. The teams testing and calibration included Adaptive Air Suspension hardware, Extract Mode, Terrain Mode, One-Pedal Driving control, e4WD and torque distribution, eLockers, stability control, rear steering, CrabWalk and more. Available Terrain Mode, part of the GMC HUMMER EVs Drive Mode Control, will offer two braking calibrations, with a mild braking option for two-foot driving and a purpose-designed One-Pedal Driving control in low-speed off-road driving. As pioneered by General Motors for other electric vehicles, One-Pedal Driving enables the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. With Terrain Mode, that same One-Pedal Driving control is adapted with unique calibrations for speed-limited off-road driving, helping the driver to negotiate steep grades, rock crawling and other challenging terrain without having to toggle between the accelerator and brake pedal. One-Pedal Driving offers a great feeling of control by optimizing the regenerative braking, friction braking and drive motor torque all through the accelerator pedal. Drivers will quickly realize the benefits once they try it off-road. Aaron Pfau, GMC HUMMER EV lead development engineer When the road gets tough, the upcoming available Extract Mode feature enables the Adaptive Air Suspension height to be raised approximately 6 inches in order to help the GMC HUMMER EV negotiate extreme off-road situations, such as clearing large boulders and fording deeper water. The GMC HUMMER EV was a blank slate that was filled out by a dedicated team of engineers who are hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Features like One-Pedal Driving, Terrain Mode and Extract Mode1 result in an absolute off-road beast that will take you to new places. Aaron Pfau A collaboration between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the University of Washingtons Urban Freight Lab has developed a prototype webapp that combines smart sensors and machine learning to predict parking space availability. The prototype is ready for initial testing to help commercial delivery drivers find open spaces without expending fuel and losing time. The webapp combines curbside maps with data from nearly 300 sensors placed within 74 parking spaces in commercial and passenger loading zones from 1st to 3rd avenues and between Battery and Stewart streets in the Belltown neighborhood in downtown Seattle. Since late December, PNNL researchers gathered the sensors real-time data about parking behaviors and combined it with historical data to train the model. They analyzed the combined data and fed it to a traffic model to provide real-time visibility of parking spaces occupancy and a glance into future occupancy. Delivery drivers can access the webapp through web browsers on their phones and tablets. They can see available and unavailable parking spots depicted in green and red, respectively. Amelia Bleeker, PNNL software engineer who developed the webapp The data update every 10 to 15 seconds and provide a range of vehicle sizes that a space can accommodate. Spaces that are open but may not accommodate a particular vehicle size are highlighted as yellow. Vinay Amatya, a PNNL computer scientist who, along with data scientist Milan Jain, performed predictive modeling for the webapp, added that information about available parking in commercial and passenger loading zones can be obtained in both real time and prediction mode, allowing the webapp to predict which spaces will be available up to 30 minutes in the future. The team is testing the webapp to determine its accuracy and, when fully rolled out, will provide metrics on efficiencies and what improvements can be made. We can use the data to compare driver behaviors of those using the tool against those not using the webapp. For example, we can assess efficiencies such as length of time for stops, time spent searching for parking, number of deliveries performed per stop, and whether the webapp is actually helping improve or change actions drivers are taking when making a delivery. Giacomo Dalla Chiara, a postdoctoral scholar from the Urban Freight Lab Dalla Chiara said freight carriers have expressed enthusiasm for the webapp, but the research team also hopes to extend it to additional carriers and drivers. Beyond Belltown, the team is also assessing the webapp in a location in Bellevue, Washington, just east of Seattle. The project is supported by the US Department of Energys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technologies Office. Resources GREENWICH Plans to build a large assisted-living facility in central Greenwich are getting additional scrutiny from the town Planning and Zoning Commission, as it considers whether to grant the project a special bonus incentive. The proposal to build luxury housing for seniors by Renamba Greenwich and developer Amba Sharma is seeking a special text amendment to the town code, which would allow for greater density and a larger building than what would currently be allowed on the site. The development team is looking for a special zoning overlay at the site on Old Track Road in order to encourage the development of age-friendly housing options that provide assisted living services to broaden the range of housing and health care options for Greenwichs increasing elderly population, as the application says. Bruce Cohen, the attorney representing the plan, told the commission at a meeting Tuesday evening that there is a strong demand for assisted living facilities in Greenwich. The need is clearly stated, we know there is a need, Cohen said. Greenwich residents are looking for this kind of project. ... Its for folks who want to stay in Greenwich and age in Greenwich. Seniors from the community have been moving to similar residential complexes in Stamford or Scarsdale, N.Y., due to the lack of a local option, he said. The development team is looking for the special overlay request that would allow it a greater floor area ratio the ratio of a buildings total floor area compared to the size of the parcel on which it is built. The project, called the Ambassador at Greenwich, would be constructed at an old contractors yard on Old Track Road near Old Field Point Road. The proposed site is about 2.5 acres. The same development team has built and managed a similar operation, the Ambassador at Scarsdale, that provides a large assortment of amenities for seniors and a large staff for support for residents. The site in Central Greenwich near the Metro-North Railroad tracks was purchased for $11.5 million. The application stated the project would cost nearly $70 million to bring to completion. The need for a large number of services, as well as a big staff, necessitated the construction of a larger building for the development, Cohen said. The aim is to satisfy an upscale client base, one that tends to be more amenity rich than price conscious, said Bradford Perkins, the architect for the project. The structure would be four stories tall, with about 140 units for seniors. But planning commissioners said they had concerns about granting a special zoning overlay. Should we be giving zoning incentives for this purpose? Is that consistent with what the town wants us to do? Commission Chairwoman Margarita Alban asked. The project management would enter into a contract to use nearby land owned by the state Department of Transportation, running along the Metro-North Railroad tracks, for landscaping purposes and to gain more acreage for the development. That issue also raised concerns among some commissioners. The issue of increased traffic along the narrow road is another source of concern. The development would be at the very end of the roadway. The project is still in the preliminary stages, and Alban said the commission will continue its review and communications with the developers. Well give you our issues and concerns, and you can come back, and we can keep talking, she said. We look forward to seeing you again. The project was originally proposed in July 2020 and has been modified in recent months. While the Greenwich community has a number of smaller-scale options for senior living, it has limited capacity for assisted-living units that provide amenities, services and medical care to older people. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A bill that would change the way prisoners are counted when Connecticuts legislative district lines are redrawn heads to Gov. Ned Lamont's desk. The proposal received final legislative approval in the Democratic controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday, passing 95-49 along party lines. Currently, those incarcerated in the state are counted as members of the community in which they are imprisoned. Under this bill, they would instead be counted toward the city and town where they lived before entering prison, which advocates contend would be fairer to those communities. There are three districts where about 10% of the population is actually made up of incarcerated people from elsewhere in the state, said Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, who called the legislation a once in a decade opportunity to make a change for the better" in Connecticut. Advocates of the legislation noted that most inmates return to their prior communities after serving their sentences. But at least one critic, Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplan, called the bill an effort by the majority Democrats to rig the system. Because thats what its doing, he said. It is artificially enhancing a district for the purposes, for the political purpose of assigning representatives for those people who dont live there, wont live there and may never live there. If Lamont signs the bill into law, Connecticut will become the 11th state to count inmates, for legislative redistricting purposes, as living in the community where their last place of residence was located. Rep. Daniel Fox, D-Stamford, co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said the bill will not change formulas for grant funding or other allotments to municipalities that host prisons. GREENWICH A decision looms that would result either in the removal of trees on the campus of Greenwich High which would rankle a faction of preservationists in town or the further delay of the Cardinal Stadium project frustrating the school board and other members of the schools community. A public hearing held Wednesday started the clock for Greenwichs Tree Warden Gregory Kramer. For an hour-and-a-half, members of Board of Education, which petitioned to remove 34 trees to build parts of the new stadium; the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, which is opposing the proposal; and the general public weighed in. According to state statutes, Kramer now has three business days to reach a decision, based on the input hes heard from the community. I am generally very supportive of our open space and our trees, said Laura Kostin, a Greenwich parent. But this is not an arboretum. This is a school property. It exists to serve the needs of our school community and the community at large. 5 1 of 5 Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5 The Board of Educations plan, originally, wouldve included the removal of 34 trees just east of the existing stadium to create parking spaces compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an emergency access road and other infrastructural necessities for the project, which has moved forward in fits and starts in the last five years. A revised plan from the Board of Education, presented Wednesday during a hearing by architect Russell Davidson, of KG&D Architects, would result in the removal of just 21 trees in Phase One (the current phase) of the project. Davidson said the school district will continue to work with the town and the tree warden to try to further reduce that number. Members of the Board of Education have referred to the area as overgrown and the trees that have sprouted mostly a result of poor maintenance. But members of the nonprofit Tree Conservancy, including Chair Peter Malkin and Executive Director JoAnn Messina, have been particularly vocal about the potential removal. According to the Tree Conservancy, the trees provide an important buffer from East Putnam Road, are environmentally significant and, in some cases, are specimen trees that were planted intentionally. The Board of Educations plan should be re-evaluated to determine whether an alternative location for the service road and other aspects of the plan are possible, theyve said. Messina also argued that the issue of trees should have been brought up earlier in the process. At the hearing, Messina responded directly to school board member Joe Kelly, who has taken a lead on the Cardinal Stadium project and who lamented the ongoing delays the project has endured in the last five years. So in five years there, why wasnt the discussion of trees brought up? Messina said. It was not five years ago, it was not three years ago. Ive been executive director of the Tree Conservancy for 15 years. And Ive worked with all of these projects, and most of them have been wonderful. But we need to talk about the benefits of our trees. And we need to talk about it early in the process. Messina also took issue with the way the project is being framed. It is not trees or ADA compliance, she said. And Kramer, earlier this week, suggested similar. It is possible to preserve trees and achieve ADA compliance, he stated. But some in the community see the effort to preserve these trees as an affront to efforts to make the stadium ADA accessible. Davidson, the schools architect, noted that the ADA was passed in 1990. Structures built before the federal law was passed are grandfathered in. But any construction subsequent to the federal laws passage must include ADA compliance and members of the Board of Education, including Kelly, are concerned that the home-side bleachers, which are currently being built, could be completed but unusable without handicap accessibility. Alan Gunzberg, chairman of the First Selectmans Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, said hed consulted with a U.S. attorney at the Department of Justice and the office of the Connecticut Attorney General and said he believed federal ADA laws trump state statutes that empower the tree warden. He suggested that he would seek to involve the Department of Justice should the warden rule in favor of preserving the trees. This tree hearing is a violation of federally mandated and protected civil rights for people with disabilities. The town of Greenwich and the state of Connecticut do not have jurisdiction over these trees in question, Gunzberg said. Youre violating mandated ADA civil rights. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 JERUSALEM (AP) Israel on Thursday said it was massing troops along the Gaza frontier and calling up 9,000 reservists ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war. Egyptian mediators rushed to Israel for cease-fire efforts but showed no signs of progress. The stepped-up fighting came as communal violence in Israel erupted for a fourth night, with Jewish and Arab mobs clashing in the flashpoint town of Lod. The fighting took place despite a bolstered police presence ordered by the nations leaders. The four-day burst of violence has pushed Israel into uncharted territory dealing with the most intense fighting it has ever had with Hamas while simultaneously coping with the worst Jewish-Arab violence inside Israel in decades. A late-night barrage of rocket fire from Lebanon that landed in the sea threatened to open a new front along Israels northern border. Saleh Aruri, an exiled senior Hamas leader, told London-based satellite channel Al Araby early Friday that his group has turned down a proposal for a three-hour lull to allow for more negotiations toward a full cease-fire. He said Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations were leading the truce efforts. Also early Friday, the Israeli military said air and ground troops struck Gaza in what appeared to be the heaviest attacks yet. Masses of red flames illuminated the skies as the deafening blasts from the outskirts of Gaza City jolted people awake. The strikes were so strong that screams of fear could be heard from people inside the city, several kilometers away. I said we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a videotaped statement. "We are doing that, and we will continue to do that with heavy force. The fighting broke out late Monday when Hamas, claiming to be the defender of Jerusalem, fired a barrage of long-range rockets toward the city in response to what it said were Israeli provocations. Israel quickly responded with a series of airstrikes. Since then, Israel has attacked hundreds of targets in Gaza. The strikes set off scores of earth-shaking explosions across the densely populated territory. Gaza militants have fired nearly 2,000 rockets into Israel, bringing life in the southern part of the country to a standstill. Several barrages targeted the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv, some 70 kilometers (45 miles) away. Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll has climbed to 109 Palestinians, including 28 children and 15 women, with 621 people wounded. The Hamas and Islamic Jihad militant groups have confirmed 20 deaths in their ranks, though Israel says that number is much higher. Seven people have been killed in Israel, including a 6-year-old boy. In Washington, President Joe Biden said he spoke with Netanyahu about calming the fighting but also backed the Israeli leader by saying there has not been a significant overreaction. He said the goal now is to get to a point where there is a significant reduction in attacks, particularly rocket attacks that are indiscriminately fired into population centers. He called the effort a a work in progress. Thursdays visit by Egyptian officials marked an important step in the cease-fire efforts. Egypt often serves as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, and it has been a key player in ending past rounds of fighting. The officials met first with Hamas leaders in Gaza before holding talks with Israelis in Tel Aviv, two Egyptian intelligence officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Hamas' exiled leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was also in touch with the Egyptians, the group said. Despite those efforts, the fighting only intensified. Israeli aircraft pummeled targets in Gaza throughout the day. And late Thursday, Israel fired tank and artillery shells across the border for the first time, sending scores of terrified residents fleeing for safety. The airstrikes have destroyed scores of buildings, including three high rises. Israel says the buildings housed Hamas militants or facilities, but civilians were inside as well. In the northern Gaza Strip, Rafat Tanani, his pregnant wife and four children were killed after an Israeli warplane reduced the building to rubble, residents said. Sadallah Tanani, a relative, said the family was wiped out from the population register without warning. It was a massacre. My feelings are indescribable, he said. Israel has come under heavy international criticism for civilian casualties in Gaza fighting. It says Hamas is responsible for endangering civilians by hiding and launching rockets from civilian areas. Late Thursday, Israels Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered the mobilization of an additional 9,000 reservists. The chief military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, said troops were massing along the Gaza border for a possible ground operation. He said tanks, armored vehicles and artillery were being prepared for mobilization at any given moment. Hamas showed no signs of backing down. It launched several intense barrages of rockets throughout the day and fired its most powerful rocket, the Ayyash, nearly 200 kilometers (120 miles) into southern Israel. The rocket landed in the open desert but briefly disrupted flight traffic at the southern Ramon airport. Hamas also launched a drone that Israel said it quickly shot down. Hamas military spokesman Abu Obeida said the group was not afraid of a ground invasion, saying any invasion would be a chance to increase our catch of dead or captive soldiers. The fighting cast a pall over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, normally marked by family gatherings and festive meals. Instead, the streets of Gaza were mostly empty. Hassan Abu Shaaban tried to lighten the mood by passing out candy to passers-by but acknowledged there is no atmosphere for celebrating. It is all airstrikes, destruction and devastation, he said. May God help everyone. The current eruption of violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed Israeli police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. A focal point of clashes was Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque, built on a hilltop compound that is revered by Jews and Muslims. Israel regards Jerusalem in its entirety as its capital, while the Palestinians want east Jerusalem to be the capital of their future state. The violent clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel resulted in scenes not witnessed in more than two decades. The confrontations erupted again late Thursday. Jewish and Arab mobs battled in the central city of Lod, the epicenter of the troubles, for a fourth consecutive night, despite a state of emergency and heavy police presence. A Jewish man was shot and seriously wounded, and Israeli media said a second Jewish man was shot. In the Tel Aviv neighborhood of Jaffa, an Israeli soldier was attacked by a group of Arabs and hospitalized in serious condition. The fighting deepened a political crisis that has sent Israel careening through four inconclusive elections in just two years. After March elections, Netanyahu failed to form a government coalition. Now his political rivals have three weeks to try to do so. Those efforts have been greatly complicated by the fighting. His opponents include a broad range of parties that have little in common. They would need the support of an Arab party, whose leader has said he cannot negotiate while Israel is fighting in Gaza. Naftali Bennett, leader of a small right-wing party, was quoted as saying he did not believe an alternate coalition could be formed in the current atmosphere. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who is leading the coalition-building efforts, said the country was facing an existential threat and urged Bennett to join him to help rescue the country. We are on the brink of the abyss, he said. ___ Akram reported from Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ashraf Sweilam in al-Arish, Egypt, also contributed to this report. Aluminum prices continue to rise According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first quarter, the output of alumina, electrolytic aluminum, and aluminum were 19.23 million tons, 9.76 million tons, and 13.89 million tons, respectively, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.7%, 8.8%, and 31.1%, and an average increase of 2.7% in two years. , 6.7%, 15.5%. According to statistics from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, since the beginning of this year, the price of aluminum has continued to rise, hitting a new high in the past 10 years. The average spot price in March reached 17,363 yuan/ton, a year-on-year increase of 40.8% and a month-on-month increase of 7.9%; the average spot price in the first quarter was 16201 Yuan/ton, a year-on-year increase of 20.6% and a month-on-month increase of 3.4%. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, in the first quarter, imports of bauxite and alumina (physical volume) were 27.17 million tons and 756,000 tons, down 4.3% and 26.5% year-on-year, and the rate of decline narrowed by 2.7 and 2.8 from January to February. Percentage points; imports of aluminum scrap and unwrought aluminum were 221,000 tons and 552,000 tons, an increase of 11.2% and 156% respectively over the same period last year. In the first quarter, 1.235 million tons of aluminum products were exported, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%. Affected by the Aluminum prices continue to rise the Silicon Nanoparticles market is changing rapidly. 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About Ozbo.com Ozbo.com (aka.Tanki New Materials Co.Ltd.) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12 years experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials.As a leading nanotechnology development and Silicon Nanoparticles manufacturer,Tanki New Materials Co.Ltd dominates the market.Our professional work team provides perfect solutions to help improve the efficiency of various industries,create value,and easily cope with various challenges.If you are looking for Silicon Nanoparticles, please send an email to: sales@ozbo.com These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Samsung's next big Unpacked event is going to be... packed. Aside from the next generation Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip smartphones, and perhaps even the S21 FE too, the company is also planning on releasing not one but two new smartwatch models, each in two sizes. We're talking about the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch Active4. Both of these are to run Wear OS by Google, in a rare but big change of strategy for the Korean company, which in the past few years has relied on the in-house developed Tizen OS for its wearables. Samsung Galaxy Watch3 The problem with Tizen is its lack of third party apps, which seems to be what prompted Samsung to work with Google again. Hopefully the cooperation will somehow yield better battery life than Wear OS smartwatches are usually known for. The Galaxy Watch4 will come in 42mm and 46mm sizes, while the Watch Active4 will be offered in 40mm and 42mm models. The former will have a "traditional watch design", while the latter will have a "casual and simple design". Neither device will have support for the sometimes-rumored non-invasive blood sugar reading feature. This may or may not arrive in a future Samsung wearable. Source (in Korean) | Via Haiti - COVID : The Bahamas extend the ban on travelers coming from or transiting through Haiti The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas informs that the ban on entering the territory of the Bahamas for travelers directly from Haiti (by air or sea) or transiting through Haiti, is extended from May 12, 2021 for 30 days. As the Bahamas seeks to manage the spread of the virus within its own borders, the Government, based on advice from health officials, has found it necessary to take this step to prevent risks to nationals and residents of the Bahamas, as well as for visitors, given the lingering uncertainties regarding the management of the pandemic in Haiti. It is also concerned that the Government of Haiti still has not accepted the Astrazeneca vaccine offered under the World Health Covax Facility, and still has not put an alternative measure for vaccination in place. Let's recall that this is the third quarantine imposed on Haiti by the Bahamas since February 15, 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33041-haiti-flashthe-bahamas-put-haiti-in-quarantine.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33248-haiti-flash-the-bahamas-quarantine-haiti-for-30-days.html S/ HaitiLibre Never Mind: Elon Musk Says Tesla Will not Accept Bitcoin For Car Purchases Any More Tesla is executing a rapid U-turn on Bitcoin. Months after Tesla embraced Bitcoin, CEO Elon Musk said on Wednesday the automaker would no longer accept the cryptocurrency for car purchases due to its environmental impact. Bitcoin is very energy-intensive. The "coins" are created through a process called "mining," in which powerful computers solve difficult math problems. That requires electricity - a mind-boggling amount of it. "We are concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions," Musk explained in a tweet, "especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel." The tweet comes just three months after Tesla surprised many by saying it would allow customers to pay for their electric vehicles with Bitcoin. Not only that, but the company said at the time it also invested $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency. It was a good investment. In its most recent quarterly statement, Tesla bitcoin holdings contributed substantially to its net profits. But on Wednesday, Musk also said Tesla would no longer sell the cryptocurrency. From the start, the company came under fire for embracing a currency with a substantial carbon footprint even though Musk has said that Tesla is dedicated to fighting climate change, Bitcoin enthusiasts point out that renewable energy can power that mining. But critics point out that does not mean there is no impact. And in some cases, Bitcoin mining has actually kept fossil fuel power plants in production when they would otherwise be inactive, adding to the world carbon footprint. "Cryptocurrency is a good idea on many levels and we believe it has a promising future, but this cannot come at great cost to the environment," Musk also said on Twitter, a platform he frequently uses to comment on his companies. Bitcoin values fell by thousands of dollars in the minutes immediately after Musk tweet. But the price is still north of $50,000 per Bitcoin - 100 times what they were trading for five years ago. In his tweet, Musk added the company is open to other cryptocurrencies with significantly fewer energy requirements. The announcement comes days after Musk led to a plunge in another cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, after calling it a "hustle" while hosting Saturday Night Live. Dogecoin, which started as a joke but became backed with real money, had previously surged in value after Musk expressed support for the cryptocurrency. Using Bitcoin For Car Purchases will also cause the price of ford ev charger to fluctuate. For more technical information about ford ev charger, please send an email to sales@grasen.com The market trend of ford ev charger The global electric vehicle charging station market is expected to grow from 2.115 million units in 2020 to 432.28 million units in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 50%. Growing demand for energy-saving commuters, government support for the electric car and through preferential policies, subsidies and tax rebates of charging infrastructure and other factors have led to a growing demand for the ford ev charger, and in the next 20 years, governments around the world have already announced plans to phase out fossil fuel cars from the market. Increased investment by governments around the world to develop charging station infrastructure and provide incentives to buyers will create more opportunities to expand their revenue streams and geographical distribution. The ford ev charger is expected to experience the fastest growth in the Asia-Pacific market due to high demand for electric vehicles and the aggressive reforms by governments in China, Japan, South Korea and other countries and their efforts to facilitate the development of EV charging station infrastructure to make EV charging stations more accessible. At the same time, the ford ev charger market is also growing in North America and Europe due to government initiatives and growing demand for the fast charging market. The price of ford ev charger Initial investment such as quick charging involves high cost and objective requirements such as the better battery, technology, raw materials, etc. Therefore, the cost of ford ev charger will be affected accordingly, and the price of ford ev charger will fluctuate continuously. And because the entire ecosystem was destroyed when COVID-19 first broke out, the production and sale of new cars around the world stopped. OEMs had to wait until the lockdown was lifted to resume production, which affected ford ev charger business. As a result, car manufacturers have had to adjust production. Subsequently, the ford ev charger manufacturers of electric vehicle charging stations will also be affected to some extent. However, in terms of EV charging stations, the number of products is growing faster than a year ago, as countries plan to accelerate EV use and increase investment in EV charging infrastructure. The auto industry is highly capital intensive and relies on frequent financing to continue its operations. As a result, shutdowns and low demand during an outbreak may have an unprecedented impact on the selling price and performance of ford ev charger. For more technical information or price of ford ev charger, please send an email to sales@grasen.com The ford ev charger price continues to be affected by the momentum of the ford ev charger market rise, various opportunities and challenges and other factors. As a result, during the forecast period from June 2021 to June 2028, the global ford ev charger sales market is expected to expand substantially. The growth rate will continue to rise. It is expected that the price of ford ev charger will increase to some extent in the second half of this year. About Grasen Power Technologies Co.Ltd.- the ford ev charger supplier Grasen Power Technologies Co.Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, sales and service of new energy electric vehicle charging equipment. The company provides high-quality DC quick chargers, charging stations, powder modules, onboard EV chargers, DC-DC converters for EV charging station owners, EV manufacturers, government departments, EV drivers and many other groups. The Grasen ford ev charger is part of a complete solution that includes an EV Quick DC/AC Charging Station, cloud-based software with features and programs suitable for every industry as well as world-class service and maintenance. For a no-obligation quote latest price of ford ev charger or technical support, please please send an email to sales@grasen.com and well get back to you within 24 hours. Haiti - News : Zapping... FIFA extends the suspension of the VP of the FHF FIFA has extended by 90 days the suspension of Rosny Grant (Vice-President of the Haitian Foootball Federation) pending completion of the investigation into him for alleged acts of sexual abuse. The CEP on route for June 27 The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) is launching three days of training on strategic and operational planning for members of the deconcentrated bodies of the eleven electoral jurisdictions. Kidnapping : Recommendations from Colombians The 4 Colombian experts on mission in Haiti as part of the technical support on the phenomenon of kidnapping https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33193-haiti-news-zapping.html had a review meeting with the Director General of the PNH accompanied the High Command, the Central Director of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), members of the Office of International Narcotics Affairs and Law Enforcement (INL) and members of the Cell Against Abduction (CCE). These experts also took the opportunity to make recommendations and give advice aimed at strengthening the capacity of the UNECE in this area. Midwives : Upcoming training in the North Midwives will soon be able to receive their training in Limonade in the North, as well as in the North-West thanks to financial support from the Canadian Government through UNFPA, the United Nations population agency. Fort Liberte : Support from FAO Luis Fernandez Jose, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited families in the municipality of Fort Liberte supported by FAO in urban and peri-urban agriculture to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on their food security. It should be noted that FAO's technical assistance has enabled these families, headed for the most part by women, to diversify their sources of income by producing vegetables in salvage equipment. This intervention, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, was greatly appreciated by the beneficiaries and the local authorities. Training for consular missions From May 10 to 14, the Ministry of Justice is organizing, jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, training sessions for officials of Haitian consular missions abroad, in particular on civil status documents and functions of the Notary. HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/05/12 On May 11th legendary film producer Lee Choon-yun breathed his last, and the greater South Korean film world went into mourning. The Filmmakers' Chairman, as he was often called, was discovered collapsed at his home and pronounced dead after being moved to a hospital. He was sixty-nine years old. Though not well-known to general fans of South Korean film, Lee Choon-yun was a major inside and a large number of stars credit him with providing crucial assistance earlier in their careers. His funeral is expected to be a major event which will be attended by a large number of stars, and has been set for May 15th. Several promotional events have been canceled to facilitate this funeral. Among those expected to attend this funeral are directors Im Kwon-taek, Lee Chang-dong, Park Chan-wook, Jung Jin-woo, and Bong Joon-ho. Major actors include Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo, and Son Ye-jin. This is not a complete list, with many arrangements yet to be made. Lee Choon-yun started his film career in 1983, following a stage career in the seventies. His most recent major credit was as the producer of "Whistle Blower" in 2014, though he made many cameo appearances in various films. Despite the seeming recent gap in his record, Lee Choon-yun continued doing film work until the day he died. Purportedly he had conducted a meeting for the Asiana Short Film Festival earlier on May 11th. From humble beginnings on an island in the Sinan district of the southern Jeolla province, Lee Choon-yun's death will be widely mourned by the world-renowned South Korean film industry he helped to create. Written by William Schwartz By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/05/12 With the action thriller drama "Mouse" entering its final week, viewers have gotten accustomed to actor Lee Hee-jun in his element as a serious detective on the trail of a notorious serial killer. Yet Lee Hee-jun is not so limited in the kinds of roles he has portrayed throughout his career. This can be seen in his recent surprise appearance on "Dramaworld - Season 2" as ping pong player Yoo Dae-soo of the national team, determined to capture the gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Such unusual appearances are nothing new for Lee Hee-jun. He also appeared in the first episode of "Vincenzo" as a petty thief who robs the title character in a humorous manner. Up until that moment the mafia lawyer had been played by lead actor Song Joong-ki as a cool, classy individual who can't be outsmarted. The two actors will meet again as the leads in "Bogota" as cop and criminal in the internationally minded crime drama. As far back as 2016 Lee Hee-jun could also be seen in the independent film "Worst Woman" as a highly melodramatic character, a contrast to the self-imposed, self-believing farce of the title character, played by Han Ye-ri, and her relationship with men in general. For the foreseeable future, however, Lee Hee-jun, will focus on lead roles, including in the upcoming dramas "When the Day Breaks" and "Chimera" this year. "Mouse" had ratings of 5.479% in its eighteenth episode which aired on May 12th. Written by William Schwartz Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Harper alum leading Illini Solar Car Team Harper College alum Tim Damisch has his sights set on the Santa Fe Trail. As president of the Illini Solar Car Team, hes been helping lead a crew of more than 80 students to build a sleek, light and efficient car they hope will thrive this summer on the 900-mile American Solar Challenge course from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its one of the coolest things Ive done with myself so far, Tim, originally from Palatine, said of being a part of the Illini Solar Car Team. Helping Tim prepare for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his role with the team was his time in Harpers Engineering Pathways program. His journey to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign began at Harper, where Tim was part of the Engineering Pathways program. He earned both the Pathways scholarship and the Motorola Solutions Foundation Award for Excellence scholarship. Without that generosity, I dont know where I would be now, especially with the pandemic, Tim said. Having the money simply made my life easier. Tim studied mechanical engineering at Harper and graduated in spring 2019. He credits the Pathways program for his academic successes, in part because it held him accountable for certain tasks. For example, to be part of the Pathways program, Tim said, participants needed to spend at least two hours a week in a study hall setting. That really helped me to reach out to the tutors there, and I dont know if I would have done that otherwise, he said. It forced me to study and get work done. Plus, the requirement helped him build relationships with other Pathways students, creating a peer network, which helped Tim complete his work. After graduating Harper, Tim enrolled at UIUC, and he plans to graduate with his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in December 2021. The classes are UIUC are understandably different, with more students per class and less time for personal attention from professors. As a result, the skills he learned from Harpers tutors built a foundation of minimum study requirements, which has helped him succeed in classes where theres less one-on-one help than he might have received at Harper. A highlight at UIUC, of course, has been the Illinois Solar Car Team, which creates each aspect of the car, from the electrical and mechanical parts to the solar parts. Theres even a business team, which is required because, it turns out, building a solar car is pretty expensive. The American Solar Challenge is from July 27 to Aug. 7, which includes rounds of safety checks and a track race, culminating in the road race on the trail from Aug. 4 to 7. During his time on the team, Damisch has had a variety of roles. He started as a general mechanic who designed the cars latching system, like a door handle, and moved to the mechanical team lead, directing 15 members on design. And now, hes the team president. I manage the group leadership, network with the university and ensure the successful completion of our car, he said. All the while, I help out with building the careverything from carbon fiber layups and chassis assembly to sanding, mold prep, material testing and suspension assembly. Tim is not the first team member from Harper College: When he joined, a fellow Pathways alum, who is now employed by Ford, was already on the team. It was cool to see somebody from Harper whos heading the majority of the design for the car, he said. The team started in 2015, so the Illini team is a relatively young one in the scope of the race. The UICU team will compete against 10 others, from schools including Stanford and Michigan Institute of Technology. Despite the competition and his teams youth, Tim said, hes confident about his cars chances. Most of these teams placing in the top have been around since the 90s, when the competition started, he said. Slowly but surely, were trying to build up our foundation for the future. With this race, we think we have a good chance of placing or even taking first. That Tim has been able to succeed at UICU is due in part to Pathways, he said: Having a good system (got) me to a good university. Taiwan DPP criticized for its refusal of mainland vaccines Xinhua) 16:31, May 13, 2021 A Taiwan compatriot receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in east China's Shanghai, April 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority's refusal to receive COVID-19 vaccines and kits from the mainland. The DPP authority ignores the health and well-being of Taiwan people, and fabricates absurd reasons to refuse the vaccines and kits, practicing "dark politics," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. She made the remarks in response to a question concerning the shortage of vaccines in Taiwan, where many people are eagerly awaiting donations of vaccines and kits from the mainland. "We attach great importance to the lives and health of Taiwan compatriots, and Taiwan compatriots who live in the mainland are treated equally when it comes to vaccine use," she said. On May 7, The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinopharm for emergency use, making it the sixth vaccine to receive WHO approval for its safety, efficacy and quality. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Havre resident and local amateur documentarian Clayton Quinnell, who published a self-made documentary on the effects of COVID-19 on the Hi-Line in December of last year, is hoping to make another video memorializing those who lost their lives to the virus. Quinnell said he wants to make COVID-19s effects on the community more clear for people whose lives it hasnt touched directly. I want to put a face to all the victims of COVID, he said. He said he wants to go beyond statistics and show the human impact the pandemic has had on people. I was trying to figure out a way that we could make that number seem more real to people, he said. Its easy to say 44 people have died but I really want to put it out there that, you know, this is person number 5, this is person number 10, he was a grandfather, he had grandchildren. This woman was young, she had so much to live for. You can argue with any statistic you want, he added. ... But you cannot argue with someones broken heart. Quinnell said part of his motivation for creating this video is the ongoing vaccine hesitancy he sees on the Hi-Line, a problem he wants to help solve. I want people to get vaccinated, Im tired of seeing people die, he said. ... If we get herd immunity we can get rid of this thing. According to the latest numbers from the Hill County Health Department, only about 37 percent of the eligible population in Hill County is fully immunized, and health experts say herd immunity for COVID-19 is likely between 70 and 90 percent of the total population. With the federal government approving emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in people 12 and older, more people now can get vaccinations, but that also increases the number of eligible people. Despite his personal feelings, Quinnell said, hes not looking to make this video an opportunity to proselytize, that its ultimately a vessel for those whove lost loves ones to tell their stories. He said hes only received two responses so far, and hes looking for more people willing to talk about their experiences and their loves ones. Quinnell said he may also be interested in talking to people who survived their own bouts with COVID-19 about their experiences, but that would need to be a different project. Though hes never had COVID-19 himself he said losing people to COVID-19 and seeing the suffering it inflicts on those who survive are both things he has experienced. Ive lost people. Ive seen the health problems it can cause, he said. Quinnell was originally planning to make a part 2 to his original documentary COVID on the Hi-Line, which, in contrast to part 1, was going to examine local peoples opinions on the pandemic as well as feature his own thoughts. He said hes had very little success finding people willing to go on camera despite his stated intention to represent everyone, including those he disagrees with, fairly. Im not looking to upset people, Im just trying to get a good litmus test out there of what people believe, he said at the time. He said hes found no shortage of people willing to give their opinion to him specifically, but few have wanted to express those opinions in his documentary. I cant get anyone to go on the record, he said. ... Everybodys got an opinion but they dont want the public to know it. Part 1 of the documentary can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frLwZ7hioiI . The lack of progress on part 2 of his documentary has been disheartening but understandable given the contentious nature of the subject, Quinnell said, but his personal mission has not been completed and he plans to continue, albeit in a slightly different way. I hate COVID and Im willing to do whatever it takes to get it eradicated, but beating people over the head dont work. Quinnell also has a website at https://www.covidonthehiline.com with a counter of how many people in Hill County have lost their lives, as well as a list of places people can go to get vaccines and links to the Centers for Disease Control and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services information pages on COVID-19. He said if anyone thinks something should be on the website but isnt they should get in touch with him. Press release Kremlin residents Robert Bob and Kathryn (Johnson) Rinehart left multiple donations posthumously for gifts to Montana State University-Northern in the care of the MSU-Northern Foundation, including the latest gift from their estate of $235,000. The Rineharts, life-long residents of the Hi-Line, were philanthropic through their wills to various charities in the area. While neither Bob nor Kathryn appeared to have attended Northern, both indicated intent for gifts to be given from their estate to support the university, specifically nursing students. The initial gift came after Kathryn Rinehart died. Her will indicated that she would like to give a gift to Northern via the Foundation to set up an endowment to support nursing students. Her gift set up the Kathryn Rinehart Nursing Scholarship Endowment, a fund that now has $9,000 and will be fully endowed when interest earned back into the endowment brings the balance to the threshold of $10,000. The most recent gift of $235,000 came after Bob Rinehart passed away with a gift from their estate, also to be endowed to fund scholarships for students in the nursing program in perpetuity. The two endowments from the Rineharts combined are a gift of $245,000 endowed that will fund the Robert and Kathryn Endowed Nursing Scholarship. We are humbled by gifts from private supporters to our university, Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel said. Thanks to generous people like the Rineharts, we can continue to give our students an affordable education. Estate planning and endowments are a wonderful way to leave behind a legacy, support Northern students and support north-central Montana, said Shantel Cronk, executive director for the MSU-Northern Foundation. We are thankful for every gift and extremely appreciative of the Rineharts who will forever be remembered through their scholarships. Starting in the 2022 award season, Bob and Kathryn Rineharts scholarships to Northern will bring more than $7,000 a year to Northern nursing students, forever. Northerns Foundation is a 501(c)3 with the mission is to engage alumni and friends of the university, enrich student experiences and provide ethical stewardship while supporting the universitys strategic goals. People wait in January at Holiday Village Mall to enter a COVID-19 vaccine clinic run by Bullhook Community Health Center, Hill County Health Department and Northern Montana Hospital. At that time under Phase 1B only people 70 and older, Native Americans and other people of color at a higher risk, people 16 and older with eligible health conditions, and people eligible under Phase 1A, primarily health care workers, were eligible. That eligibility has steadily expanded, and this week, the federal government granted emergency use authorization to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to anyone 12 and older. Editors note: This has been updated to include a Pfizer vaccine clinic set for Havre May 20. With the federal government authorizing and issuing recommendations Wednesday for administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to people 12 and older, some local residents already are taking advantage of the opportunity. Rocky Boy Health Center CEO Joel Rosette said that after the recommendations came out from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wednesday, health center personnel administered some of the vaccine to younger recipients at a ground-breaking event that afternoon. "I think we did 20 yesterday at our event," he said. Previously, the government had given emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 and older. Other vaccines, such as the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, are only authorized for people 18 and older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine in people 12 and older Monday, and health organizations were waiting for recommendations on how to proceed from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations, which were released and adopted Wednesday. "Today, I adopted CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendation that endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement released Wednesday. "CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away." "Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization," she contineud. "There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects." "For vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part," Walensky added. "That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible. This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation's efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19. Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected." Although studies are ongoing in people 12 to 17 for other vaccines including the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, and for children from 6 months to 12 years for the Pfizer and other vaccines, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for people younger than 18 at this point. Vaccine availability The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at extremely cold temperatures and is not available in many locations, but local residents do have some access. Northern Montana Health Care announced today Fort Belknap Health Services would be bringing Pfizer vaccine for a vaccination clinic at the flu clinic east of Northern Montana Hospital next Thursday, April 20. The clinic will run from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. with walk-ins only, no appointments scheduled. The announcement said parents with questions can call 262-1585. Rosette said Rocky Boy Health Center has a mobile clinic - and are having a celebration Friday for receiving a new one - it has been using to take vaccine out to people on the reservation, and he is in contact with Hill County Health Officer Kim Berg to set up using the mobile units to bring vaccine to Havre and possibly other locations off-reservation in the county. Berg said this morning dates and locations were not yet available, but would be publicized once they are set. The Rocky Boy Health Center had previously opened its vaccinations to any eligible person. A post on its Facebook page today said people can visit its mobile clinic or call 395-1655 to schedule an appointment for anyone 12 and older. In a COVID-19 update Wednesday evening, Blaine County Health Department noted the recommendations were adopted. "We plan to include this newly approved age group in our upcoming vaccination clinics as supply allows," the release said. "If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please call our office at 357-2345." Fort Belknap Health Services had not responded to a request for information by printing deadline this morning, but a post on the Fort Belknap Indian Community Facebook page said COVID-19 vaccinations are available to the general public. People can call 353-3219 to schedule an appointment, the post said. Liberty County Health Department has said people can call 406-759-5517 to schedule an appointment for a vaccination with the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine and that if enough interest is shown, it might be able to obtain the Pfizer vaccine for a clinic or scheduled vaccinations. Chouteau County has been offering vaccinations with the Moderna and Johsnon & Johnson vaccines so far. People can call the Chouteau County Health Deparatment at 406-622-3771 and at Big Sandy Pharmacy at 406-622-5588 to schedule a vaccination and for more information. 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. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Ellen DeGeneres appears during a taping of the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," in Burbank, Calif. May 24, 2016. AP-Yonhap Ellen DeGeneres, a star of daytime American talk show culture, on Wednesday said she was calling it quits after 19 seasons anchoring a TV staple that had become tainted by toxic workplace allegations. The 63-year-old host, writer, producer, actress and comedian won dozens of Emmy awards for the show and has been a pioneer of the LGBTQ community in the United States since she came out as gay in 1997. Her trailblazing revelation made by DeGeneres's character in a sitcom named after her shocked America and nearly derailed her career. On Wednesday she insisted her decision to bring the curtain down on her afternoon show had nothing to do with allegations in the past year of a workplace environment rife with bullying, racial discrimination and sexual harassment. Former and current staffers alleged that "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has been a torrid place to work. It has also been hit by slumping ratings. "When you're a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged. And as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it's just not a challenge anymore," DeGeneres told The Hollywood Reporter trade publication. When the complaints from people working on the show came out last summer, DeGeneres acknowledged there were problems, apologized and pledged to do better. DeGeneres herself was not accused of wrongdoing but three senior producers were fired. In this March 2, 2014, file photo, Ellen DeGeneres appears backstage during the Oscars in Los Angeles. AP-Yonhap Here on the coast of California, we like to think of ourselves as progressives. Phrases like Five Migrant Girls, including an Infant, were discovered alone without adult supervision along the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas last Sunday. The Five Migrant Girls, including an Infant, could have died in the desert On Sunday, when temperatures were expected to hit over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Eagle Pass Station Border Patrol got a call from a Maverick County constable about five girls being found near Normandy, Texas, reported CBS News. An officer did meet the children, whose ages range from 11 months to seven years old. Three of them are from Honduras, with the other two are from Guatemala. Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales, representing Maverick County, shared a picture of the young girls on Twitter. He also uploaded a clip of a farmer driving along on Mother's Day morning when he spotted the girls exposed to the life-threatening heat. Take a good hard look at the #BidenBorderCrisis These young girls were found outside a ranch near Quemado, Texas in #TX23. The Del Rio Sector border patrol tell me they are uninjured, healthy, and in good spirits. @POTUS enough is enough lets work together solve this crisis. pic.twitter.com/mt5P7ysN9g Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) May 9, 2021 He informed Border Patrol and the Maverick County constable when he found them based on the farmer's account was confirmed by Fox 40. He said, "I was driving around the farm, it was at 8:30 a.m., and all of a sudden I see them on the side of the river. Five little baby girls, all alone, starving and crying." MSN reported the incident. One of the children, according to the farmer said KCTV5, one of the children was not clothed. He notified law enforcement and had one of his employees bring food and water to the girls and get them into the shade. Adding, "I don't think the five migrant girls including an Infant would have made it if I hadn't found them." The heat that day had reached 103 degrees which was terrible if they were not found. Read also: Democrat Senators Urge Biden to Pay Back Arizona for Expenses Incurred at US Border The children did not need medical attention, remarked the Customs and Border Patrol, and were brought to Uvalde Station for processing until being transferred to Health and Human Services custody. In a statement reported CBS News was issued last Monday by Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II said," It's disturbing to see such small children on their own in the middle of nowhere." Skero added told KENS5, "Unfortunately, this happens all too often lately. These little girls would have been all alone in face of over 100-degree temperatures and if it wasn't for our neighborhood and law enforcement members." Mentioning the government data obtained by CBS News, Border Patrol agents have encountered more than 2,100 unaccompanied migrant children who are believed to have fled their families voluntarily to seek refugee status after President Biden took office. The Biden administration has been able to turn back tens of thousands more migrants due to its continued use of the Title 42 policy. The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, provided a small glimpse into a pattern that advocates believe is related to the record number of child migrants arriving at the southern border. All children did not require medical attention, say the officials, and were transferred to the Uvalde Station for processing. The five girls were transferred to the care of the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday morning, according to CBP's Office of Public Affairs. Five migrant girls, including an infant, are casualties of the Biden administration's failed border policy that they still deny is not working. Related article: House GOP Say If They Win Midterms, US-Mexico Border Wall Will Be Restarted @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Colonial Pipeline, the nation's largest fuel pipeline, reopened on Wednesday, just days after a group of hackers forced it to shut down. Due to distribution issues and panic buying, the disruption triggered long queues at gas stations throughout the Southeast, depleting stocks at thousands of stations. Colonial Pipeline says no gas shortage, only problems in gas deliveries Late Wednesday, Colonial began resuming pipeline operations, stating that all pipes, including some lateral lines running manually, would return to regular operations, as per the AP News. However, the company said that it would take some days for deliveries to return to normal. Drivers in some Southeast states have reported having gas stations with little to no gas. While there was no gasoline shortage, there was a challenge in delivering the fuel from Gulf Coast refineries to the states that needed it, and authorities scrambled to find alternative routes. The Colonial Pipeline, which transports about 45 percent of the fuel used on the East Coast, was targeted by hackers on Friday, who locked computer systems and demanded a ransom in exchange for their release. Once again, the attack sparked questions about the weakness of the country's vital infrastructure. Read Also: Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack: More States Declare Emergency Over Gas Shortage Panic buying after Colonial Pipeline cyberattack Outside of gas stations, lines have emerged. Officials have cautioned against putting gas in plastic bags. Many gas stations also imposed restrictions on sales and advised consumers not to be alarmed. The cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline caused gasoline transportation in the Southeast to be temporarily halted, threatening to trigger short-term gas shortages. Although analysts and government officials have urged drivers not to hurry to gas stations, panic buying has intensified, potentially exacerbating shortages and rising prices. "This is the worst panic buying for fuel since the Carter Administration," said Tom Kloza, the Oil Price Information Service's global head of energy analysis, as per USA Today. Outages at more than 10,000 gas stations, according to Kloza, are creeping through the East Coast like a bad rash. People in the Florida peninsula, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are buying fuel at twice the average cost, which is contributing to the crisis. The pipeline, which transports approximately 2.5 million barrels of gas, diesel, heating oil, and jet fuel every day, is vital to the US petroleum infrastructure. It also spans 5,500 miles, transports almost half of the East Coast's gasoline supply, and provides jet fuel to airports such as Atlanta and Baltimore. According to The Sun, gas prices have risen since the pipeline was shut down on Friday, with the national average surpassing $3 per gallon for the first time since 2014. Some parts of the Southeast are already running out of gas as residents rush to the gas station in panic. On Wednesday, 65 percent of North Carolina gas stations were out of gas, with over 43 percent of stations in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia running out of supply. Officials said they formed a comprehensive federal response to bring the pipeline back online because of its significance. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense collaborated to get the business up and running in no time. Related Article: US Identifies Criminal Group in Colonial Pipeline Hack; Gas Shortage, Price Hike Imminent Amid Cyberattack @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Academy of Art University believes in inclusivity and applicants can see this belief reflected in every interaction they have with the school. That includes opportunities for military personnel to pursue opportunities in the art world. In fact, the Academy was honored as a military-friendly school for the 2021 - 2022 academic year. This was a major honor for the staff, signifying the school's commitment to go above and beyond to help veterans feel welcome when inquiring about a career as an artist. Academy of Art University is happy to highlight just how the open admissions policy is perfect for veterans who are ready to start fresh with a new career. Military Friendly School Designation This designation is granted by Military Friendly. This advocacy group helps veterans and their spouses by identifying programs and organizations that support the future aspirations of veterans. Military Friendly Schools are selected using both public data and survey responses from any given school. More than 1,200 schools participated in 2021 - 2022 and the Academy was one of only 747 that made the cut. Academy of Art University understands the unique needs of a veteran before entering into an art program. That's why the school has been approved for Military Tuition Assistance and Veterans GI Bill benefits. Military Scholarships may be granted to Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Coast Guard service members to help them prepare for the transition. Those ready to exit the military will have access to expert advisors at every step of the way. Academy of Art University goes the extra mile for veterans, allowing them to see and evaluate the possibilities before settling on a new path for themselves. Explaining all military benefits to service members is a priority for the staff, as it improves the odds of success for their students. (Veterans can learn more about education benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by visiting the department's website.) Military Success Stories Academy of Art University has given the spotlight to several students to illustrate just how rewarding it can be for a veteran to enter one of its many programs. From Navy to Gaming David Markowitz is an alum of the School of Illustration and the U.S. Navy. He had no training when he joined the Academy, but he's now a professional animator at Jam City, a mobile games company. Mr. Markowitz is a team lead for several popular Disney titles, including Disney Frozen Adventures. Markowitz might not have had a formal education when he signed up for classes, but he always loved to draw in his spare time. When he was in the Navy, he remained dedicated to his passion while he was traveling around the world. David found that drawing always kept him calm, and that experience would set him up to easily transition to an art career after his time in the Navy was over. After being discharged from the Navy, David knew he wanted to do something in art school, but wasn't sure how to go about pursuing an art career. Academy of Art University didn't require a traditional portfolio, and the campus location was perfect for where Mr. Markowitz was living at the time. From Flying to Wine Christopher Bingham is a student at the School of Photography, and he's known for capturing the real-world conditions of the locations that he shoots. The Bay Area might be known for its opulence, but laborers in the wine industry have to deal with far less glamour regularly. When the smoke from wildfires obscured the sun and kept locals indoors, Bingham was there to photograph those who couldn't stay inside. This former military pilot spent 20 years in the service and another 10 as an advocate in Sonoma County. In 2017, he returned to school to pursue his Master's in Fine Arts, and the Academy was happy to welcome him. The laborers in the fields are the people who keep the whole economic sector going, and telling their story is a way to shed light on their lives. Bingham was surrounded by professional photographs as a child, courtesy of his grandfather. Later, he would become interested in the principles of architecture and experiment with his photographs. Once he joined the service though, it would be many years before he met a veteran who had just received his master's in photography at Academy of Art University. This veteran inspired Bingham to pursue a degree for himself. The Practice of Inclusion For the Academy, the practice of inclusion goes far beyond applying to become a military-friendly school. Veterans can be enrolled under Chapter 30, 33, 31, 35, 1606, or 1607, making it easier to take advantage of a wide range of benefits. Education Service Officers are also encouraged to learn about Academy events or schedule an event on their base so service members know about their options. From acting to advertising to architecture, the Academy offers programs for people with a variety of interests and talents. There's also the Veterans Resource Center on campus, a place where students can come to relax and connect with former service members. When people leave the military, it's not always obvious where to go next. The staff at the Academy is committed to bridging the gap for veterans, especially if they already love the art and design industry. It's their work that makes it possible for veterans to discover (or, in many cases, rediscover) their passions and get the education they need to pursue a new career. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In this Nov. 12, 2019, file photo, SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrives on the red carpet for the automobile awards "Das Goldene Lenkrad" given by a German newspaper in Berlin. Electric car maker Tesla will stop accepting bitcoin as a payment, CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Wednesday, citing environmental concerns. Reuters-Yonhap Electric car maker Tesla will stop accepting bitcoin as a payment, CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Wednesday, citing environmental concerns. ''We are concerned about rapid increasing use of fossil fuels for bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel,'' Musk said on Twitter. He added that cryptocurrency is a ''good idea on many levels'' but its promise cannot come at a ''great cost to the environment.'' Tesla, he added, won't be selling any of the bitcoin it owns. The price of bitcoin fell about 5 percent to $51,847 after Musk's comments on Twitter. Tesla's stock finished Wednesday down 4.4 percent. In late March, a discharged soldier from Unit 974 sexually assaulted and killed a female student in Myongchon County, North Hamgyong Province, according to initial reports. The soldier was a former member of Unit 974, the unit tasked with protecting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un's ex-bodyguard allegedly assaulted, killed a student "On March 28 in Myongchon County, a man in his twenties called Lee from Unit 974 killed a female student," a source in North Hamgyong Province told Daily NK on May 4. "He sexually abused the student until he killed her. When the community heard that this criminal had been in Unit 974, they were shocked." The source said Lee was discharged from the military in mid-May 2015 and returned to his hometown of Myongchon County. Although he was released dishonorably, the county party committee paid him extra respect because he had closely guarded Kim Jong Un. He was given preferential treatment to others, such as being assigned to a comparatively prosperous position. Lee, on the other hand, soon established a reputation as a troublemaker in the area. He was sentenced to six months in prison for sexually harassing a coworker by the end of 2015, the year he returned to his hometown. For related offenses, he was sentenced to 17 months in jail in 2017. Then, at 8 PM on March 28, Lee ambushed a 17-year-old student surnamed Yang, who was on her way home after hiding in the vicinity of an apartment building located near a Myongchon County police station. According to the source, the student was physically and sexually assaulted and was crying for help. The police later apprehended Lee, but the victim died due to "excessive blood loss." Soldiers in Unit 974 are taught to be warriors armed with philosophy. The fact that a guy with a history of working in those positions committed murder and sexual harassment bewilders people. North Korean leader Kim Jong Il treated Unit 974 members with special care, referring to them as his "children." During the April 2018 inter-Korean summit, Unit 974 troops also guarded Kim Jong Un's vehicle. Read Also: North Korea Upset, Responds Angrily to Biden's Speech, Warns of Dire Consequences Kim Jong Un allegedly executed a choir conductor and an official A recent article in a South Korean newspaper reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the execution of a choir conductor who was reportedly shot 90 times in front of the general public. The choir was also required to march past the body, according to the report. Per Newsweek via MSN, journalist Joo Seong-ha of the Dong-A Ilbo daily paper provides this incredible account. The story was first released on April 29, but it has received a lot of attention online. The tale has yet to be independently verified. The story started on February 16, Kim's birthday, according to Joo. North Korea commemorates the Day of the Shining Star, and Kim Jong Un and his wife attended a night of performances at Pyongyang's Mansudae Arts Theater to mark the occasion. One of the shows that night, according to Joo, was called "Shadow Magic," and it showed actors doing magic tricks behind screens as if they were shadows. Kim allegedly admired the performance afterward, but a conductor nearby commented that he didn't think the show was all that interesting. The conductor was arrested later that night, according to Joo. Two days later, a summons was released for all Pyongyang artists. According to the reporter, on February 20, a crowd assembled at an execution site to see the choir's conductor being tied. In April, The Mirror reported that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un had sentenced a senior official to death after ordering low-cost medical supplies to get a hospital up and running. When the perpetrator, a deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, negotiated for Chinese equipment to be shipped, the despot was said to become furious. Sources in nearby South Korea claimed that Kim Jong Un demanded that medical equipment at the Pyongyang General Hospital come from Europe. Since last year, the hospital has been in the works. But it has yet to open despite Kim setting an October deadline due to the COVID-19 crisis. Since the official could not obtain the required equipment in Europe due to sanctions imposed on the rogue regime, he was said to have turned to China for assistance. Related Article: North Korea Claims COVID-19 Could Enter Via South's Propaganda Leaflets Sent Through Balloons @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The SSN-21 Seawolf-class are attack subs that operate solo for long periods in unknown parts of the world's oceans. Designed to attack soviet ICBM subs like the Typhoon missile sub and launch attacks against surface targets. SSN-21 Seawolf-class is fast and silent The hunter-sub's primary mission is to kill Soviet ballistic missile submarines before attacking American targets. Subs are one of the most resilient assets in the Soviet arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles, reported Fas Org. It is are well-suited for battlespace preparation roles in addition to fighting enemy submarines and other surface ships. The incorporation of sophisticated electronics produces enhanced indications and warning, surveillance, and communications capabilities. These systems can seamlessly connect into a combat group's infrastructure or quickly switch to a land-battle support role. The features of the sub are a strengthened sail that can tolerate missions in the cold polar regions where the Soviets are close by. It has an eight-tube, double-deck torpedo room to launch torpedoes at multiple threats for defense or attack. Deadly and quiet when hunting Typhoons Made to run silent with sophisticated quieting technology to pace with the threat posed by the Soviet Union. One of the quickest submarines in the United States in terms of speed. Much of the design effort went into noise removal, and the fully coated boat is anticipated to regain the acoustic advantage that the US Navy had for the past three decades. SSN-21 Sea Wolf Class is a fast and silent underwater beast made to remind America's adversaries what the US can do. Its advanced propulsion system makes it ten times silent than the Improved-688 class and 70 times quiet than the first generation of Los Angeles 688-class submarines over their complete operating range. Read also: US Submarines Get Improved Arctic Port to Dock Courtesy of Norway An advanced propulsion system should enable it to move twice as quickly as the I-688 in terms of tactical distance. Tactical speed is the absolute maximum at which a submarine could stay invisible when effectively pursuing target submarines. Improvements in the SSN-21s propulsion system is a 75-percent improvement over the I-688's, which is significant. Before getting detected, making it closer to its target in the water 75% faster to get into attack position. Some say the LOS Angeles-class submarine at pier side makes more noise than an SSN-21 making 25 knots underwater, cited Naval Technology. A dry deck shelter (DDS) and a new, primarily built combat swimmer silo will be included in SSN 23's special operations force capabilities, mentioned Navy Recognition. DDS is an air-transportable device that can store and launch a swimmer delivery vehicle and combat swimmers when piggybacking on the submarine. The silo is a lock-out chamber that can deploy up to eight fighting swimmers and their equipment at one time. This vessel uses a new welding material to join the steel into plates, hull parts, and long cylindrical sections. One of the first American attack submarines using a hull made entirely of high-pressure HY-100 steel instead of HY80 steel used by previous subs. The US Navy's deep-diving SEA CLIFF and TURTLE submarines, able to reach depths of over 10,000 feet, were the first to use HY-100 steel in submarines in the early 1960s SNN-21 Seawolf-class, which dives deep for more stealth underwater. Related article: One of the Most Advanced Attack US Navy Submarines Sighted in Troms @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chicago sets loose 1,000 feral cats with a surge in rodents in the City that is considered a severe pest infestation. These many rats have earned the windy City the rat capital of the United States for the sixth year in a row. Chicago sets loose 1,000 feral cats as a last-ditch attempt The City has been having a problem with rats for a long time, which has bothered city officials to control its surging rat population. In October of last year, pest control company Orkin proclaimed Chicago the rat capital of the United States for the sixth year in a row, depending on the percentage of new rodent treatments performed from September 2019 to August 31, 2020. Its Cats at Work program is operated by the Tree House Humane Society, neuters the cats before allowing them to roam the Windy City for mousy prey, reported Daily Mail via MSN. Chosen for pest control are cats that will not thrive in-home or shelter area, and those which cannot get along with other cats noted Aljazeera. These feral cats, which can never be pets of a feline group, are considered the best mousers for the job. Such a distinction of having the most rats running around forced these cats to be pushed into their jobs to control the rat population naturally. Having too many rodents can pose health risks to the public. The Tree House Humane Society Its program was begun way back in 2012; since then, according to WGN9, Chicago sets loose 1,000 feral cats from that time. Read also: Joe Biden's Family Record Show Drug Usage, Drunk Driving, and Other Charges, But No One Was Jailed Cats are placed two or three at the same time in residential or commercial settings providing environmentally sustainable pest management, mentioned the shelter. Most of the Property and business owners give food, water, shelter and tend to the cats who work for them. Our Cats at Work become cherished members of the family or team in most cases, and some even have their own Instagram pages. 'We've had a lot of our clients tell us that before they got the cats, they would step outside their house and rats would immediately run across their feet,' explained Sarah Liss, the shelter representative. She added the cats don't always kill the rodents; instead, the pests are deterring with cat pheromones emitted. At times one of the reasons rats would just run away from cats, even before seeing them. Residents of Chicago may apply for a cat through the internet. Ever since the 1970s, when residents were paid $1 to kill a rat, Chicago has always been run over by a rat epidemic. In May of last year, it was documented that rodents in US cities had become even more active in their search for food as their supply slowed down owing to the coronavirus restaurant closing. These conditions had gotten so out of hand that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an official advisory telling folks about 'violent rodent actions' on unsuspecting people. The CDC also advised homeowners and restaurant owners to inspect their properties and close any holes where rats might come through and feast on garbage. Chicago sets loose 1,000 feral cats as one way to stop rats more effectively. Related article: Grandmother Faked Blindness to Steal $1.2m Welfare From UK Government a @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Financial Supervisory Service Governor Yoon Suk-heun delivers a speech during his retirement ceremony at its headquarters in Seoul, May 7. Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung Banks will be less motivated to provide compensation for victims of a controversial currency-linked financial derivatives option, amid weakening pressure from watchdogs after the hawkish leader of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) left office last week. The dispute over the knock-in-knock-out (KIKO) options started in 2007, when a group of big commercial and state-run banks sold the financial products to around 700 export-driven Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At that time, the lenders spoke highly about the products, promoting them to investors, saying that the derivatives could help them hedge foreign exchange risks. But during the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, the companies which invested in the KIKO options suffered massive losses estimated to be worth as high as 3 trillion won ($2.66 billion). Legal disputes ensued, and the Supreme Court ruled that banks had not engaged in any unfair sales activities, so they did not hold legal responsibility for providing compensation for the KIKO victims. But with former FSS Governor Yoon Suk-heun taking office in 2018, he raised the need to reinvestigate the KIKO incident from square one. A dispute settlement committee from the regulator then issued a recommendation in 2019 that six banks including Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank and the Korea Development Bank needed to pay compensation as high as 41 percent of the losses incurred by the KIKO victims. Only three lenders including Shinhan and Woori banks accepted the recommendation, with the others refusing, arguing that the dispute came to an end back in 2013 when the top court reached its final decision. But a group of 10 banks, which sold the KIKO options, launched a consultative body last year to discuss how to compensate the 145 firms that have not been fully compensated by the banks. The action was taken amid fears over possible retaliatory actions from the FSS, unless they showed a gesture of abiding by the recommendation from the top watchdog. The autonomous consultative body, however, has since failed to generate concrete outcomes as to the compensation, as the move was aimed at displaying their "moral responsibility," rather than actually discussing details over how to provide compensation to the victims. Korea Development Bank Chairman Lee Dong-gull also stepped up his criticism of the FSS early this year, saying that the ruling from the watchdog was nothing more than "political populism." With the head of the state-run lender reaffirming its determination not to take part in any compensation, other commercial banks also have also kept a low profile and walked on eggshells when dealing with the FSS over the past few months. But chances are growing that the discussion will not be able to make progress after Yoon ended his three-year tenure last week and left the FSS. Details over who will replace Yoon have not been confirmed, but it appears unlikely that the new leader will be able to resume the drive at a time when public sentiment toward the watchdog is worsening, after the FSS became mired in a series of controversies surrounding its "excessively harsh attitude" towards leaders of financial institutions. Officials from the financial industry also said the KIKO compensation issue has in effect come to an end. "The dispute was already legally settled by the court, but the FSS raised the issue once again," an official from the industry said. "Even if there is no legal basis for us to engage in discussions about the KIKO compensation, banks have had no choice but to follow the guidelines of the watchdog." "The banks are not holding discussions on the issue, and no lenders are willing to do so as of now," the official said. Another official from the industry also raised doubts over the sincerity of the FSS' moves. "If the FSS had had enough willingness to reinvestigate the issue, it would have forced banks to compensate for the victims, but it has not done so, instead only urging the banks to discuss the issue by themselves." Former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae / Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han Financial regulators want stock crime investigation team restored By Park Jae-hyuk Attention is being focused on the Ministry of Justice's ongoing review of restoring the joint prosecution team on securities crimes, which received severe backlash from former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae who disbanded the team in January last year as part of efforts to reduce "direct investigations" by prosecutors. Since its launch in May 2013, the Stock Crime Joint Investigation Team under the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office had been dubbed the "Grim Reapers of Yeouido," as the team, comprised of prosecutors, investigators and officials from the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the Korea Exchange, was able to launch investigations without FSS inspections if the FSC regarded a case as a "serious financial crime." Until the team's abolishment, it indicted 965 individuals for violations of the Capital Markets Act. These include former executives of Goldman Sachs and Daiwa Securities, who allegedly made unfair profits by manipulating stock prices. Choo, however, wrote on Facebook, Thursday, that its members had been misinterpreted as financial experts because they had conducted illegal investigations by using prisoners with financial knowledge. "After hearing the news that the justice ministry will restore the team, I have been worried about the resumption of unfair bargaining between prosecutors and prisoners," she wrote. Justice Minister Park Beom-kye speaks to reporters at the Government Complex Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Yonhap Her remarks came out after incumbent Justice Minister Park Beom-kye told reporters a day earlier that the team's reinstatement is under review. This was in response to the reports that the ministry was in talks over an organizational reform of the prosecution regarding the team's possible return. "After the illegal speculations by Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH) employees, I have heard what comes next after real estate is securities," he said. "The buoyancy of the KOSPI and Kosdaq is good news, but I have been concerned about stock price manipulation, false disclosure and violations of the Capital Markets Act using false information." Although he stayed mum about specific measures, he hinted at a high probability of the team's restoration, saying there had been "a few" illegal investigations "in the past," when he was asked Thursday for his opinion on his predecessor's remarks. Prosecutors stand in front of the Stock Crime Joint Investigation Team's office when the team was transferred to the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in February 2014. Yonhap Antony Gormley / Courtesy of Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac By Park Han-sol An official poster for "Art Busan" fair / Courtesy of Art Busan Art Busan, the largest premium art fair in Korea, kicked off Thursday at BEXCO Exhibition Center in the southeastern city of Busan, with the participation of 110 renowned local and international galleries from 10 countries. Founded in 2012, the 10th edition of the four-day fair began with a press and VIP preview session and will be open to the public until Sunday. Some prominent galleries have returned to the fair once again, including Europe-based Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, which recorded one of the highest sales figures at last year's event with the works of artists Georg Baselitz and Alex Katz, as well as Berlin's Peres Projects. Other international galleries are joining Art Busan for the first time amid Koreans' rising interest in the art market. These include Berlin-based Esther Schipper and Commonwealth and Council from Los Angeles, which previously participated in the leading fair Art Basel and Frieze Art Fair. Major local galleries, such as Kukje Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, Arario Gallery, PKM Gallery and Gana Art, present the latest contemporary art trends, while rising galleries, including Gallery Planet and Artside Gallery, are gearing towards the increasing number of young collectors. Philippe Parreno's "My Room is Another Fish Bowl" (2016) / Courtesy of Art Busan Appointment 13 May 2021 Dennis brings over 20 years of legal expertise having advised some of the most renowned public and private companies in the world, coming to Quest following an eleven-year tenure with Delaware North - a global leader in hospitality and food service management. During this time, Dennis held the role of Head of Legal & Compliance APAC and was recently awarded the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Lawyer of the Year. As General Counsel, Dennis will lead the legal function of the Quest business, providing strategic direction to support the growth and financial health of the company in line with commercial imperatives. "Dennis is a highly experienced legal professional with tremendous intellect, capable of managing the intricacies of our unique business format franchise model and will further streamline and strengthen Quest's legal function to deliver outcomes which empower us for ongoing, sustainable growth", said Managing Director of The Ascott Limited Australia, David Mansfield. Of his appointment, Dennis said: "It is a privilege to be joining the Quest team ahead of what is going to be a period of immense growth and innovation globally, under the wings of The Ascott Limited. "I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a distinguished legal career with many years focused on the tourism, hospitality, and accommodation sectors. I'm incredibly passionate about this industry and confident I can help Quest navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead". Appointment 13 May 2021 Kamal Atal joins Quest as Chief Financial and Commercial Officer, replacing Jason Vanderzam. Kamal holds over two decades' experience in the finance sector, having held senior positions for Hyatt in India, Vietnam and Dubai before joining Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours in 2018 as General Manager of Finance - APAC. Quest has recently announced it will open seven new hotels in New Zealand between June 2021 and July 2022. In addition, the company has a further nine agreements for lease signed in Australia, with construction due to commence in the next 12 months, totalling 715 rooms. In this June 6, 2020, file photo, North Korean students stage a rally to denounce South Korea following that defectors and other activists in South Korea flew anti-Pyongyang leaflets over the border, at the Pyongyang Youth Park Open-air Theatre in Pyongyang, North Korea. The United States will continue to tackle the North Korean nuclear issue while at the same time pressing for improved human rights conditions, including freedom of religion, in the reclusive state, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday. AP-Yonhap The United States will continue to tackle the North Korean nuclear issue while at the same time pressing for improved human rights conditions, including freedom of religion, in the reclusive state, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday. Daniel Nadel, a senior official from the U.S. Department of State office of international religious freedom, also argued that a push for improved human rights conditions in the North would ensure "better outcomes" by addressing fundamental problems. "The nuclear issues are real. They are a significant challenge. We intend to address those issues head on, as we have. But there is no trade off between addressing human rights issues or addressing other matters of national security or bilateral concern," he said in a telephonic press conference. "We can do all of these things at once, and in doing so, we both demonstrate the importance of our fundamental principles, but we also make better outcomes, because if we don't address these things in totality, then the possibilities for lasting peace and stability in the region are, in our view, reduced," he added. His remarks came after the State Department released its latest international religious freedom report, which said the North continued to "strictly restrict" religious freedom of its people in 2020. In December, the U.S designated the North as a state violator of religious freedom for the 19th consecutive year. Nadel said putting human rights at center of diplomacy did not mean the issue will be raised at every chance the U.S. has to talk with North Korea. "It's really a matter of the fact that this administration has made it clear that human rights, including religious freedom, are central focuses of United States foreign policy overall," he said later in a virtual interview with Yonhap News Agency. "Of course, it depends on the conversation, depends on the timing, it depends on all sorts of other factors, but the overarching perspective of the United States when it comes to these issues is they are not going to be parceled out and excluded from the broader discourse. That's the basic premise that we're working from," he added. North Korea has often reacted angrily to the U.S. reports on human rights and religious freedom, threatening to sever or boycott any dialogue with the U.S. Nadel said the U.S. reports were not about the U.S. pointing its finger at others. "When you look at what the reports actually are, these reports are not the voice of the United States government," he said in the interview. "The only time the U.S. government appears in the reports is as an actor in the U.S. government action section," he added. "The rest of the reports are simply a gathering or collecting of information from a wide range of public sources from the United Nations, from NGOs, from religious communities themselves, and we are correlating that information but we don't originate that information." In his earlier press conference, Nadel had also stressed the importance of a free flow of information into North Korea in a reaction to questions related to South Korea's anti-leafleting law that prohibits sending propaganda leaflets across the inter-Korean border to North Korea. The U.S. official said the U.S. understood the concerns South Korea has in relation to the safety of its people who live close to the border. "As part of our efforts to promote fundamental freedoms, we do believe access to information is vital. But we also recognize and understand the concerns that the Republic of Korea government was operating under with respect to this law," he told Yonhap, referring to South Korea by its official name. "So I don't believe we have an opinion on the law itself. However, the important principle is that the information be available to individuals inside of North Korea," he said, adding the U.S. seeks to use a "number of different means" to transmit information to people in closed societies. (Yonhap) Press Release 13 May 2021 While their properties are gradually reopening around the world, Relais & Chateaux, a non-profit association, has chosen the symbolic date of May 12, the day of its founding in 1954, to give a voice to the change makers within the network. Through their testimonials, those who shape the future of the hospitality industry explain their hope of building back better after this time for reflection. Advertisements Pioneering a more conscious approach to travel 67 years ago, eight hoteliers and chefs in France, united by shared values, signed the birth certificate of what has become the most prestigious hospitality association in the world. Pioneering the art of slow travel, the network brings together women and men passionate about a place and promoting their culture and cuisine, offering travellers a real connection to local people, while playing an active role in the preservation of their respective environment. Established in all regions of the world, from Tokyo to New York, from Provence to the plains of Montana, via the islands of Oceania or the savannah in Africa, the 580 properties located in more than 60 countries are each the embodiment of a living heritage. Conscious travel is rooted in Relais & Chateauxs DNA and in its sustainability initiatives. The members join forces alongside international NGOs such as Slow Food International and Ethic Ocean in the support of good causes: protection of marine species (Relais & Chateaux chefs committed in 2009 to stop serving Bluefin tuna, and the fish stock is doing much butter now), fight against overfishing (petitioning against electric pulse fishing in 2018), safeguarding heirloom ingredients at risk of extinction (adding products to Slow Foods Ark of Taste), promoting best practice beekeeping in favour of local biodiversity, etc. A renaissance and accelerating effects of the pandemic "Like all the major players in the sector, Relais & Chateaux has withstood the biggest crisis it has ever faced, and the situation is still critical in some countries. Today, hope is reborn and most of our properties throughout the world are starting to welcome guests again to a new and different world. The pandemic has changed us in many ways and our clients are looking to travel back better. Now more than ever, travellers are searching for what Relais & Chateaux do best: authentic experiences that are off the beaten path and respectful of the environment. As of early May, the number of bookings at Relais & Chateaux for the summer has already returned to 2019 levels, and it is even higher in countries such as the United States and England. Some properties are almost full until the end of October in those countries," explains Philippe Gombert, International President of Relais & Chateaux. While the pandemic affected the tourism industry in an unprecedented way, this sudden interruption allowed many owners and managers of Relais & Chateaux properties to take a step back - a time to consider their profession from a new angle and generate ideas to push their vision of hospitality one-step further. Now at a time of gradual reopening, three local North American members of the association share their findings and insights from the last year; additional quotes are available upon request: Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director, The Wickaninnish Inn During the period where we were able to safely open last summer and early fall, we recognized not all guests would be wholly comfortable with our high-touch, personalized levels of service and we endeavored to offer the same level of quality while respecting personal space. Some of the new initiatives we implemented above and beyond what have already been mentioned are: We created a new position of Welcome Ambassador to greet guests as they arrived on the property grounds which helped to ensure we were able to always maintain comfortable physical distancing, reduce the number of casual walk-through guests who just wanted to view the property, provide a welcome personal greeting while answering questions, providing information, and advising arriving guests what to expect. We created another new position of Housekeeping Concierge to reach out to each arriving guest to customize how and when guests would like to have their room serviced during their stay. We offered Roomba Robot vacuums to guests for cleaning guest carpets for those guests who wanted a touch up but were not so comfortable having a member or our team in their guestroom. We added a selection of videos to our in-room iPads to serve a variety of needs such as to provide guests a welcome introduction to their guest room and all the amenities therein or accessible on an ask for basis, introduction to our Clefs dOr Concierge services that are normally done in person. We expanded our dining spaces into nearby public spaces that were now not being utilized for guest relaxation and interaction to ensure sufficient space to provide 6 ft. physical distancing yet able to accommodate everyone for all meal periods. To ensure guest comfort levels we kept all our guest rooms out of service for at least 24 hours between guests. George Goeggel, Managing Partner, Auberge du Soleil The magnitude of the pandemic changed everything not only for the short term but for years to come. The effects were particularly severe for those of us who work in the hospitality industry where our entire purpose revolves around personal interaction. Putting restrictions on the human aspects of our roles has been a challenge for team members and guests alike. But in a way that challenge created a deeper appreciation for each other and for the special, welcoming atmosphere we, as hoteliers, create for our guests. At least for the bit of time guests are with us they can forget their troubles and allow themselves to be carried away. This is important for everyone now more than ever. For our teams, the pandemic required out-of-the-box thinking and an increased emphasis on collaboration. This mindset allowed us to be nimble and implement things like touchless menus, and temperature check stations. We had to find ways to heighten experiences and make guests feel safe while taking away familiar elements they expect (like books, magazines, newspapers, and fresh fruit in their guest rooms and early morning coffee and pastries in guest reception). Everyone found themselves taking on new and different responsibilities given the reduction in our workforce. It was great to see everyone working together to come up with ideas for sharing something positive, creative, or sustainable with our guests outside the norm. David Kinch, Owner and Executive Chef, Manresa Due to the changes in labor, and a lot of the COVID restrictions with social distancing, we have reconfigured our dining room set up, and plan to take some tables out and concentrate even more on a personalized guest experience. We always aimed to impart the feeling of welcoming guests into a home and not into a business and will build on that more than ever. We do not want to open the restaurant where we left off, and instead will be re-opening in a dynamic fashion, incorporating what we have learned over this past year. Opinion Article 13 May 2021 Fort Lauderdale, often regarded as the "Venice of America," is the seat of Broward County and the center of economic activity in the area. The Intracoastal Waterway is lined with waterfront restaurants, scenic walkways, and marinas. Dubbed the Yacht Capital of the World, the city hosts the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the worlds largest in-water boat show, which generated $1.3 billion in 2019. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 show continued as planned with necessary precautions in place.[1] Fort Lauderdale remains a popular tourist and yachting destination in South Florida, which positions the market for a strong recovery as it continues to benefit from its year-round warm climate, increases in domestic travelers, and staycations. This will be especially evident as travelers opt to vacation domestically, whether to drive-to or short-flight destinations, in lieu of cruise and international travel. Advertisements Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increases in activity at the airport and cruise port were echoed in the continued opening of new hotels, with over 3,000 rooms introduced from 2017 through 2019. Despite the pandemic, development continued into 2020 with the addition of nearly 800 rooms. Most recently, the AC Hotel by Marriott Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise opened in early April 2021 with 174 rooms.[2] Growth in Hotel Supply from 20172020 STR Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the greater Fort Lauderdale market was experiencing unprecedented growth across all spectrums of the hospitality and tourism industries. While Broward County did not mandate the complete closure of hotels, state and local emergency orders went into effect mid-March that limited the type of guests hotels could accept to essential travelers only. By April 2020, some hotels had temporarily suspended operations. Shortly after Memorial Day weekend, hotels began welcoming guests back. Based on discussions with market participants, the summer months marked an increased in leisure travelers, including both local residents and out-of-state visitors. The strong leisure demand continued well into the fall, which is often considered the shoulder season in South Florida. According to the GFLCVB Hospitality Report dated March 2021, year-over-year metric comparisons for Broward County show occupancy increased 61%, average daily rate (ADR) remained flat, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 48%.[3] This growth is particularly notable as the pandemic started exactly one year prior to the comparison point. New Supply As mentioned previously, Fort Lauderdale has experienced significant growth in terms of new hotel supply in recent years, and this trend continues. The map below shows the hotels that are under construction and slated for opening in either 2021 or the following years. In addition to the hotels now under construction, several hotels are in various developmental stages throughout Fort Lauderdale and the greater market but have not yet broken ground. Hotels Currently Under Construction STR and Real Capital Analytics Broader Initiatives Based on discussions with representatives, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance continues to focus on attracting impactful industries to the area, including aviation and aerospace, financial services, and global logistics. Local officials are reportedly taking advantage of Fort Lauderdales evolving reputation in these sectors, coupled with the desirable lifestyle that the city and Broward County have to offer, to successfully entice businesses to either relocate headquarters or open satellite offices. In the wake of the pandemic, Visit Lauderdale launched the LauderDeals campaign, providing various deals and packages specifically geared at boosting the local hotel and tourism industry. Originally, this program was intended for the summer months, but its success has prompted local participants to extend deals into the latter part of 2021. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. The Federal Aviation Administrations independent passenger forecast shows FLL as having the highest passenger growth rate among the large hub airports through 2035.[4] The airports passenger volume registered year-over-year growth from 2013 to 2019, with the passenger count doubling in that timeframe.[5] The Broward County Aviation Departments Master Plan for the airport will ensure that the facilities and infrastructure of the airport meet the needs of the market. Most recently, the airport underwent a $95-million renovation, which included upgrades to its oldest runway.[6] In addition to physical enhancements, airlines regularly launch new routes out of FLL. While FLL, along with most airports throughout the country, was affected by the pandemic, it remained on the radar for major airlines to expand routes. As of April 2021, American Airlines had launched three new routes out of FLL to Boston Logan International, New York John F. Kennedy International, and Los Angeles International Airports. These new routes and continued improvements at the airport reinforce a positive outlook for Fort Lauderdale. The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is currently closed to undergo a $1-billion expansion. The highly anticipated upgrade will bring the size of the facility to 1.2 million square feet upon completion. Phase I of the project includes an expansion of the existing main exhibit hall, which is expected to open in the fall of 2021, according to local officials. The latter two phases of the project will include a standalone development and an onsite 800-room hotel, to be operated by Omni Hotels. Additional plans call for the modernization of technology throughout the facilities. While the COVID-19 pandemic has set back the timeline for completion, convention officials anticipate it to be completed by 2024/25.[7] Port Everglades is among the top three cruise ports in the world, hosting nearly four million passengers annually. Its proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the beaches is one reason for its success. According to Port Everglades, in fiscal 2019, the total value of the facilitys economic activity was nearly $33 billion, supporting more than 219,000 jobs. However, Port Everglades was affected immensely by the COVID-19 pandemic, and cruise lines are still under a federal government no sail order that is expected to last through much of 2021. Norwegian Cruise Line has been among the first to announce plans to resume sailing as early as July 2021, although the companys request was still pending approval from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the time of this article.[8] Despite these circumstances, the Ports $1.6-billion expansion is underway and is slated for completion by 2025.[9] Recovery The continued improvements at the airport and cruise port and the full revamping of the convention center should support the existing hotel supply and the expected new hotel developments. With a strong start to the year, hotel operators will likely continue to focus on occupancy growth while gradually increasing ADR to pre-pandemic levels. Given the strong leisure demand prevalent in the market, recovery is already underway. The outlook for Fort Lauderdales hotel market is positive based on the historical hotel performance and pre-pandemic development. Over the long term, Fort Lauderdales profile as a premier beach destination, coupled with efforts by the complementary sectors, should bode well for a full recovery. For more information, contact Emeldina Paratusic or anyone else on the HVS Miami team. [1] Ashley Portero, South Florida Business Journal, "Economic Impact of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show surpasses Super Bowl." May 26, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2021. [2] HVS Participation Model [3] Visit Lauderdale, "GFLCVB Hospitality Report." March 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021. [4] Federal Aviation Administration, Terminal Area Forecast Summary. Fiscal years 2017-2045. Retrieved April 1, 2021. [5] Broward County, "FLL Monthly Statistics." Retrieved April 1, 2021. [6] Broward County Aviation Department, "FLL Wins FDOT Award for North Runway Rehabilitation Project." October 27, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2021. [7] Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, "Convention Center Expansion." Retrieved April 7, 2021. [8] Port Everglades, "Port Everglades Expansion on Track." May 12, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2021. [9] Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, "Norwegian Cruise Line is ready to sail again, but youll need a vaccine." April 5, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021. The former Sears Midtown has completed its $100 million metamorphosis into the Ion, a tech-focused office and collaboration center that debuted Thursday. Gone are the escalators and a large chunk of the roof, allowing light to filter in through the heart of the building. The first floor opens into a sweeping staircase that doubles as seating for 250 people. Restaurants, offices and a space to meet investors surround the stairwell; overhead, two new stories have been added to the top of the converted mall, offering sweeping views of the city. A journey from the basement to the fifth floor is a tour through the various layers of the technology ecosystem, starting with classrooms where colleges can bring students, moving through spaces meant for startups and investors and arriving at the offices of major tech corporations such as Microsoft. Tenants are building out their spaces, and a grand opening is planned for the fall when Rice University, which owns the development, expects the pandemic will have subsided enough to loosen its restrictions on indoor gatherings. On HoustonChronicle.com: Greentown Labs opening marks clean-energy milestone in Houston The project is a manifestation of city and civic leaders efforts to see Houston emerge as a destination for start-up companies and investment in new technologies. While that role has been staked out by Austin, San Francisco, Boston and other cities, academic and business organizations are betting that Houstons innovation corridor will begin to draw some of those opportunities. Were not Silicon Valley, but I think we do have momentum, said Barbara Burger, president of Chevron Technology Ventures. It helps when you have some physical spaces where its OK for different organizations big companies, small companies, investors to meet and to hear the same messages and to work together. Creating a central space for investors and companies will be crucial for bringing more capital to Houstons nascent start-up scene, said Ryan LeVasseur, managing director of direct real estate at Rice Management Co., which is leading and financing the Ion. Rather than flying to Houston and driving from the Energy Corridor to The Woodlands to downtown to meet with individual groups, companies can use the Ions 2,000-square-foot investor studio as a one-stop shop for meetings and networking. The challenge with Houston is that its so geographically complex, its so spread out, LeVasseur said. Were trying to create a nexus for capital. Innovation corridor takes shape The 270,000-square-foot project at 4201 Main marks a milestone in the transformation of a 4-mile stretch between downtown and the Texas Medical Center into what city officials are calling the innovation corridor. LeVasseur estimated the Ion eventually will be home to 1,500 tech workers. The 16-acre corridor has already attracted 50 start-up companies to Greentown Labs, a clean-energy incubator a block east of the Ion. The Ion itself is currently 56 percent leased, with negotiations underway for an additional 20 percent of its space, LeVasseur said. Microsoft and Chevron Technology Ventures, an arm of the oil and gas giant that scouts and funds energy-related tech start-ups, are among the developments major tenants. The coworking operator Common Desk is occupying an entire floor 58,000 square feet to provide flexible work arrangements to startups. More from R.A. Schuetz: Where Texas A&M real estate economist Jim Gaines sees ups - and downs - in the year ahead The center will also be home to restaurants including Late August, led by Chris Williams and Dawn Burrell of famous Third Ward restaurant Lucilles; Lymbar, which will offer a fusion of Latin American and Asian cuisines; and Common Bond On-the-Go, a takeout version of the well-known Montrose bakery. Management is interviewing a small Houston brewer to lease a tap room, and across Richmond Avenue, in the former site of Shipleys Do-Nuts, there will soon be a Stuffd Wings, a brick-and-mortar location for a Third Ward food truck of the same name. The Ion has been intentional about bringing in diverse, local businesses, said Robin Owens, a project manager with Mpact Strategic Consulting, who was brought in to help the development be inclusive. That philosophy applies both to tenants and to contractors working on the next buildings, Owens said. A storied site looks to the future Rice has owned the Sears parcel for close to 80 years. It leased the land to Sears in 1945 under a 99-year agreement. The management company bought the department store out of its lease in 2017 as it was closing stores across the country. The iconic 40-foot-long Sears sign from its previous life has been carefully saved, and the developers are searching for ways to give it new life, possibly as part of a public art installation. They also saved other historic items from the Sears, such as shoe racks and antique clocks. More from Shelby Webb: Sporos announces $38M in funding for biotech companies Later this year, Rice Management Co., which owns three blocks in the area, plans to begin construction on a 10-story garage with 1,585 parking spots in the block between the Ion and Greentown Labs. The garage will have 10,000 square feet of retail, a 1,500-square-foot art gallery and 2,000 square feet of space for large projects. If, for example, an Ion tenant is working on automobile-related technology, the ground floor space could accommodate it. The company also plans to break ground on three more buildings, with retail on the ground floor and apartments and office space above, just north and east of the Ion in 2022. Although swaths of the Ion and the innovation corridor are still under construction, its first tenants are ready to move in. Raamel Mitchell, corporate citizenship director of Microsoft, said he plans to use the companys Ion platform to help bring technical innovations to the energy industry and help with the energy transition. He said the timing of the opening could not be better. Were coming out of the pandemic, and companies are thinking about how to innovate and create, Mitchell said. I think it represents the future of innovation in Houston. Were not just the energy capital we can be an innovation capital too. This story includes previous reporting by Nancy Sarnoff. rebecca.schuetz@chron.com twitter.com/raschuetz shelby.webb@chron.com twitter.com/shelbywebb BP is partnering with Cemex to reduce carbon emissions from the cement industry, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize globally. The British oil major on Thursday said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mexico-based cement giant to develop solutions to decarbonize the cement production process and transportation. Potential solutions include using low-carbon power and transport, improving cement productions energy efficiency and using carbon offset and carbon capture and storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We're proud to collaborate with a global company that shares our goal to transition to a more sustainable future, Angelica Ruiz, BP's senior vice president for Latin America said in a statement. Our collaboration with Cemex is another step towards our ambition to be a net-zero company by 2050 or sooner and help the world to get to net-zero." Oil companies are under increasing pressure to lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions not only from their own operations, but from other fossil-fuel intensive industries such as cement manufacturing, commercial aviation and maritime transportation. Cement manufacturing is one of the worlds largest producers of carbon dioxide, emitting the greenhouse gas both from the burning of fossil fuels and as a byproduct of the production process. ENERGY TRANSITION: Chevron, Toyota look to partner on hydrogen Other oil majors have partnered with their clients to tackle the global problem of climate change. Chevron last month said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Toyota North America, headquartered in Plano, to develop hydrogen fuel stations and storage facilities to expand the market for hydrogen vehicles. Cemex, whose North American headquarters is in Houston, said it expected the world will continue to rely on concrete even as societies shift toward a low-carbon future. Concrete is the primary building material for residential and commercial construction and highways and roads. Concrete plays an integral role in society, and there are no substitutes for its key attributes, strength, and resilience, Juan Romero, Cemex executive vice president of sustainability, said in a statement. We believe it will continue to have a critical role in a low carbon economy, and the challenge for the industry is to find solutions to the manufacturing process emissions." Over the past couple of years, Hank Wetzel has seen his Alexander Valley Vineyards complex threatened by a terrifying fire that would destroy a number of outbuildings on the historical property, undergone a knee replacement and found himself in total lockdown because of the pandemic. I havent been anywhere, Wetzel said. Until this past weekend. Wetzels coming-out party took place in what might be the 68-year-old Californians favorite city. Since he began selling his AVV wines in our neck of the woods in the early 1990s, no market in the country has been more lucrative nor more laudatory than Houston. He came to take yet another victory lap after his flagship wine, the Bordeaux-style blend Cyrus, claimed Grand Champion Best of Show honors for the fourth time in the 16 years the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has held its International Wine Competition. Asking Wetzel which Cyrus victory has been the dearest to him is like asking which of his sons, John and Robert, would be. But he admits the first, won in the rodeos inaugural wine judging in 2004 with the 1999 vintage, stands out because its the last one I made before turning duties over to Kevin Hall, who still presides over the AVV cellar. But the reigning champ, the 2014, might be the most satisfying because the quality of the wines entered has increased dramatically through the years, and routinely so has the number of entries. More than 2,600, from 18 countries, were in the mix when the judges convened in a socially distanced manner back in November. And the middle two Cyrus Bests of Show, the 2006 (in 2011) and the 2008 (in 2013), gave Wetzel two victories in three years. The only other wine to accomplish that was the Marchese di Antinoris Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore, in 2012 and 2014. So, yes, H-town has been very good to the Wetzels and AVV, which harvested its first grapes in 1975, 13 years after his parents purchased Cyrus Alexanders homestead. For his part, the pioneering Alexander began farming in the Alexander Valley in the 1840s, but wine grapes, to be sure, were not on his radar screen. At the outset, AVV produced just 7,000 cases of wine. Now, its viable short-term goal is 250,000. Three of the four largest harvests by volume having happened since 2018, so the prospects seem good for continued growth. The Cyrus, nonetheless, will remain but a tiny percentage of same. The quality controls vis-a-vis the selected grapes are too tight to expand much beyond the current level, which rarely exceeds 3,000 six-packs annually. I think were right where we need to be, Wetzel said. And he was right where he both needed and wanted to be Saturday night, taking his curtain call at NRG Center. A specially engraved 9-liter bottle of the 2014 Cyrus sold for $200,000 at the annual Wine Auction and Dinner, which was scaled down in size because of COVID-19 concerns but not in energy and generosity. The winning bid was made by a group of friends Lisa Blackwood, Randa and Ray Gilliam, Julie and Alan Kent, and Kristina and Paul Somerville for whom this was hardly their first rodeo when it comes to spending freely for a great cause. The four champion Cyrus wines have now raised nearly $700,000 combined for kids scholarships. It is an honor to be involved in this organization, and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to fund scholarships this year, Blackwood said. We are really excited to be here for the kids. The 2021 Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show, Le Chemin Du Roi Brut Champagne, was purchased for $160,000 by Demetra and Frank Jones and Leticia and Stephen Trauber. As a bonus, they got to meet the wines celebrity owner, 50 Cent. Like Wetzel, the rapper, whose given name is Curtis Jackson, was also in attendance. When they told me I won, I almost fainted, Jackson was quoted on RodeoHoustons Facebook page. I was really excited. Im very proud of this. As it happens, hes living in Houston now, and he made a huge splash at his rodeo debut party, having his company buy a $25,000 table and also donating two packages featuring dinners for 10 with 15-liter bottles of his champagne that brought in an additional $200,000. sportywineguy@outlook.com Pondicheri chef Anita Jaisinghani, the Houston Chronicles Houston Harvest recipe columnist, has landed a book contract with prestigious Bay Area cookbook publisher Ten Speed Press. Jaisinghanis Masala a tribute to her love of spices will be published in the spring of 2022. Im hoping it will make people jump into their car, drive to the store, buy some ingredients, and start cooking, she says. Thats just me dreaming. Its actually easy to imagine for readers who have daydreamed over the inventive chefs Houston Harvest recipes for a mango and avocado sandwich, a ravishingly lovely panna cotta strewn with foraged beautyberries, or an upside-down banana cake made with a fruit that grows surprisingly well here in our subtropical climate. Jaisinghani credits former Houston food writer Robb Walsh, who now lives in Ireland, for urging her to write a book and making the connection with the editor of Chronicle Books, Lorena Jones, who now has her own imprint at Ten Speed. If it werent for him pushing me for the last twenty years, I wouldnt have done it, says Jaisinghani. Ten Speeds photographer has already shot the photographs here in Houston, with Jaisinghani herself assisting with the styling. Currently, the text is written and in the editing process. Im very nervous, admits Jaisinghani. I want it to land like something will hold a place in someones kitchen for a long time. To that end, shes aiming ease of use, which is one of the appeals of the recipes in her Chronicle column. Ive taught cooking classes here at the restaurant and online, she says, and Ive realized that people dont want to spend that much time worrying about one meal. If youre well organized in your pantry and fridge, you can cook something with just a few great ingredients. Its not a high-falutin book, she says. She hopes to coax readers to look at spices with new eyes, persuading them that having a batch of fresh cardamom is not the same as th one you pull out of your spice drawer thats been there for three years. She delves briefly into the long history of world spice trade from India and Indonesia, points out cultural connections and even includes an ancient recipe for Bengali mustard. Its been a condiment for 2,000 years there, Jaisinghani points out, and French colonialists brought the first mustard seeds planted in Dijon, the French mustard capital. Admirers of Jaisinghanis beverage finesse will find a couple of cocktail recipes, a chai formula and a few other drinks as well. Jaisinghani takes a keen interest in the health properties of ingredients, so she has written what she calls a short laymans section on Ayurveda the subcontinents ancient alternative medicine practice. Ive kept it more do-able than if it came from a high-level yogi, she adds. Mostly, however, she hopes Masala will impress upon readers the flavor possibilities they can find in cardamom, say, or mace, or a beautiful black peppercorn. Theyre right in front of our eyes, says Jaisinghani, but we dont see them. alison.cook@chron.com Whitney Jansen had to fight back tears as she spoke about the new attendance boundaries for Humble ISDs Middle School No. 10. Jansen spoke to the school board before it unanimously approved the attendance zone recommended by the Attendance Area Committee during a monthly meeting on Tuesday. STATE: Abbott commits $11B in federal stimulus money to Texas schools The new middle school will open in August 2022 and is expected to limit overcrowding at Woodcreek and West Lake middle schools. It is located next to Ridge Creek Elementary School along the intersection of Beltway 8 and Woodland Hills Drive. The attendance boundary will keep all three schools under 1,200 students in 2022. The new zone was selected after a survey was sent to stakeholders with four attendance boundary options. After residents voted in favor of options A and B, the district combined elements of the two plans to create the motion approved by the school board on May 11. It includes an option for Lakeshore residents to attend either No. 10 or West Lake Middle School. This Recommended Attendance Area for Middle School No. 10 addresses comments about keeping neighborhoods together when possible, according to the agenda. Under the Recommended Attendance Area, Groves remains together at West Lake Middle School. Balmoral remains together zoned to Middle School No. 10. Lakeshore remains together at Middle School No. 10 but may flex to West Lake Middle School with bus service provided in the flex zone. More Information Under the Recommended Attendance Area for Middle School #10, students residing in these neighborhoods would be zoned to attend Middle Schools No. 10: 90-ac lakefront (55A) Advenir at Eagle Creek (12D) Aria @ Ralston (12D) Balmoral I (15E & U) Balmoral II (15P) Balmoral III (15Q) Chapman Crossings (55K) Etteridge (15S) Future Multi-Family (15R) Generation Grove (15T) Lakeshore (55E)* Lakewood Pines (55A) Park Lakes East (12E) Pointe at West Lake (55E)* Potential Future Multi-Family (12E) Reserve at Park Lakes (12E) Stillwater on Lake Houston (55I) Summer Lake Ranch (55I) Sunset Ridge East I (15T) Sunset Ridge East II (15R) Sunset Ridge West (12D) Sunset Ridge West Sec. 5, 7 (12F) Timberhills (12F) See More Collapse Jansen said parents are frustrated with changing boundaries in the rapidly growing school district. People have moved into these subdivisions and were told that their children were going to attend the Westlake Middle School and now were being zoned to Middle School No. 10, Jansen said. In my opinion, I dont think our neighborhoods had a voice in the zoning committee, and from the survey that went out, there were no changes to how our area was zoned because our area is smaller compared to the other neighborhoods. Our comments got lost in the shuffle. Board Vice President Martina Lemond Dixon said the districts attendance boundaries often change due to rapid population growth, making it difficult for developers to honestly say where homes will be attending public schools in the area before it is set. Developers always speak to zoning and they like to tell people this is where your kids are going to go to school, but that is always a moving target. Its not really fair to home buyers or developers to do so. MASKS: Cy-Fair ISD plans to lift mask requirements starting June 7 Face masks optional The school board also voted to remove mask requirements. The change will start on May 29, or the day immediately following the last regular school day of the current school year, according to the school boards agenda. This falls in line with the end of the Texas Education Agencys COVID-19 Public Health Planning Guidance for the 2020-21 school year. Robert Scarfo confirmed during the meeting that while it will not be required to wear masks and PPE, they will still be allowed. People can still use personal protective equipment, they want to use a mask, a shield. Were not saying you cant, it really in effect becomes optional.... Scarfo said. savannah.mehrtens@chron.com The death of an 11-year-old Conroe boy after Februarys historic arctic blast was confirmed by authorities Wednesday as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Found lifeless in a bed Feb. 16 in a mobile home that lost power during the storm two nights before, Cristian Pavon Pinedas death was initially suspected as hypothermia. The Bozman Intermediate sixth-graders autopsy, performed Feb. 18 by the Montgomery County Forensics Center, found the cause of death as acute carbon monoxide toxicity, according to information from the Conroe Police Department. The criminal investigation into this tragic death is considered closed. The Conroe Police Department will have no further comment, read a statement from Conroe PD. Cristians mother, Maria Elisa Pineda, on Feb. 18, described the boy as healthy prior to his unexpected death. His three-year-old step-brother, with whom he was sharing the bed, was unaffected. Everything was well. He was happy that day. He was not at all sick, Maria Pineda said about Cristian on the afternoon before when she let him play in the snow for half an hour. The boys family were plaintiffs in a $100 million lawsuit against the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and electric provider Entergy Texas. Filed Feb. 20 by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, the suit accused both parties of not warning residents of a known hazard, not properly guarding against winter storms, not following industry practices and procedures and not informing customers. On Wednesday, however, a family member said Buzbee is no longer representing the family. Jaliza Yera, who is Maria Pinedas sister-in-law, said Buzbee was removed as a lawyer upon the moms request following media appearances by the lawyer. The Buzbee Law Firm could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday afternoon. A lawsuit is going forward with another law firm. This is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, ERCOT said in a statement at the time of Buzbees suit. Around the time of the storm, ERCOT instructed energy providers across the state to cut supply. More than half of Houston-area households suffered power losses. Nearly 200 people in Texas died during the mid-February cold snaps and ensuing blackouts, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis. At least 16 died from carbon monoxide poisoning, the analysis found. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in our community, Entergy Texas stated when the lawsuit was filed. Yera said Conroe PD disclosed the results to the family on Wednesday and previously informed them the boy had carbon monoxide toxicity. She said Maria Pineda had expressed finding some closure at the news as she was relieved there was no outcry from him in the middle of night that she failed to hear. Obviously, it still hurts, Yera said. Investigators were at the boys home, a 40-year-old single-wide trailer, reenacting the scenario that may have led to Cristians death, Yera said. They covered the vent on the roof above the trailers water heater to reproduce the effects of snow, which had fallen a couple of nights before the boys death, she explained. Authorities then called the Conroe Fire Department, which found traces of carbon monoxide, Yera said. The space where the water heater stood, had an opening, she added. Though the family views the results as explaining Cristians death, they remain confounded. Why did it affect only him? Thats just something that were always still (going to be) asking ourselves, Yera said. The boys remains, Yera said, were flown to his native Honduras for a funeral, as his mother had wanted. jose.gonzalez@chron.com twitter.com/jrgzztx Ethiopia launches Chinese-developed mobile money service solution Xinhua) 16:35, May 13, 2021 Abiy Ahmed, Prime minister of Ethiopia(L), and Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio Telecom(R), attend the launching of "Tele birr", an innovative mobile money solution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Ethiopia's state-owned Ethio-Telecom on Tuesday evening launched a Chinese-developed mobile money service solution named "Tele-Birr", which expects to register 21 million users for the first-year service. With the launching of the "Tele-Birr", Ethio-Telecom customers can send, store and receive money by just using their telephone number. ADDIS ABABA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's state-owned Ethio-Telecom on Tuesday evening launched a Chinese-developed mobile money service solution. The launch of the Ethio-Telecom's mobile money service solution, called "Tele-Birr", was attended by high level Ethiopian government officials including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as well as various foreign dignitaries. The "Tele-Birr" mobile money service solution which took five months to develop and complete was undertaken by Chinese hi-tech giant Huawei. Speaking at the "Tele-Birr" launching ceremony, Ahmed commended all relevant stakeholders that enabled the completion of the project in a short period of time. With the launching of the "Tele-Birr", Ethio-Telecom customers can send, store and receive money by just using their telephone number, said Ahmed. "Tele-Birr aims to extend mobile money services solutions to financially excluded sections of Ethiopian society," he further said. Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio-Telecom, said she expects to register 21 million users for the first-year service of "Tele-Birr", eventually rising to 33 million customers in a five years period. Photo shows the launch ceremony of the Ethio-Telecom's mobile money service solution called "Tele-Birr" in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) "I expect about 40 to 50 percent of Ethiopia's economic activity to be transacted on the "Tele-Birr" platform within a five years period," the Ethio-Telecom CEO said. Ethio-Telecom is also working with various service providers to create a conducive environment for transactions, such as water and sewage, electric service, revenue authorities, supermarkets, gas stations, aid agencies, cafes, transport service providers and print media. Tamiru also commended Huawei for finishing the mobile money services solution project in five months, down from an initial projected completion period of two years. "We mobilized enough resources as part of a new strategy under Project Implementation Plan. Many of our experts came from China, even amidst COVID-19 pandemic scare, to finish the project as soon as possible," said Chen Mingliang, Huawei Ethiopia CEO. Chen also remarked on China's successful mobile money services system, as a way to show it's possible for the Ethiopian economy which is dominated by cash transfers to transition to a cashless economy. "In China we don't bring cash every time, we often use mobile phones to pay through applications on our mobile phone," Chen told Xinhua. "This will be the beginning in Ethiopia of using mobile money instead of cash every time. It's a safer and more convenient way as well as being accessible to all sections of Ethiopian society," Chen said. Ethiopia is undertaking extensive telecom modernization services with the help of Chinese firms as part of the east African country's aim of realizing digital inclusion and boosting the size of its digital economy, with the provision of reliable, high band-width and high-speed telecom services. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) A woman wearing a face mask as a precaution against the coronavirus walks near a banner at a park in Seoul, May 11. AP-Yonhap South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases rebounded to over 700 Thursday as the country's vaccination campaign nearly stalled over tight vaccine supply amid spreading variant cases. The country reported 715 more COVID-19 cases, including 692 local infections, raising the total caseload to 129,633, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. Thursday's daily caseload jumped from 635 cases Wednesday, 511 Tuesday, 463 Monday and 564 Sunday, and marks the highest since April 28 when it reached 775. There were seven additional virus fatalities, raising the total to 1,891. The fatality rate was 1.46 percent. The upsurge in daily infections came as the country's inoculation drive showed little progress recently due to tight supply of vaccines. Since late February, the country has been ramping up its vaccination campaign with an aim to achieve herd immunity by November. A total of 3,711,023 people, accounting for 7.2 percent of the country's population, have received their first shots of COVID-19 vaccines since the country started its vaccination program on Feb. 26, including 4,408 on Wednesday. AstraZeneca's vaccine has been given to 2.03 million people, while 1.67 million have received that of Pfizer. For almost a week, daily vaccination has hovered below 10,000 due to tight vaccine supply, but health authorities said shipments of vaccines are scheduled to arrive here on time without a major glitch. Health authorities said around 8.95 million people between age 60 and 74 will receive vaccination shots in the coming weeks. Starting May 27, people between age 65 and 74 will be administered with AstraZeneca's vaccine. Those between age 60 and 65 will receive AstraZeneca's vaccine starting June 7. Of the locally transmitted cases, 466 cases came from the capital area, with 227 from Seoul, 222 from Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital and 17 from Incheon, just west of Seoul. South Korea's southeastern port city of Ulsan and southern port city of Busan reported 31 and 20 more cases, respectively. There were 23 additional imported cases, raising the country's total number of imported cases to 8,653. The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients was 160, down seven from the previous day. The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries was 119,906, up 533 from a day earlier, with 7,836 people being isolated for COVID-19 treatment. (Yonhap) Deval Sanghavi spent his childhood Thanksgivings feeding the hungry at Houstons George R. Brown Convention Center. The early exposure to volunteer work sparked a passion that prompted the Sugar Land native to uproot his investment banking career and launch a philanthropic organization in his parents homeland of India. Now, more than two decades later, Sanghavi and members of his organization, Dasra, are grappling with a devastating COVID-19 rampage and working with community nonprofits across India that are battling on the frontlines. Weve seen a lot of disasters in 22 years, said Sanghavi, a 45-year-old Mumbai resident. And nothing compares to this. After early success in tackling the pandemic, Indias coronavirus case count began climbing in late March as large gatherings and a slow vaccine rollout coincided with the spread of virus variants. The numbers exploded day after day in April, overwhelming the medical system, pushing hospitals and crematoriums to capacity and creating deadly supply shortages. Case counts appear to be plateauing this week, according to New York Times data, but Tuesdays daily death toll reached a new high of 4,205. Experts say the official numbers likely represent undercounts. From banking to philanthropy Dasra is an NGO for NGOs that Sanghavi and his wife, Neera Nundy, founded to invest in community nongovernmental organizations. Dasra collaborates with and educates potential funders while helping nonprofits work efficiently and scale up to increase their impact. The groups philanthropic approach is based on trusting and empowering communities, Sanghavi said. Weve always been in awe of these leaders, these communities that are lifting themselves out of poverty, Sanghavi said. So for us, its how do we serve them the same way they serve the communities? The idea was born from late-night discussions at Morgan Stanley, where Sanghavi worked and met his wife. The couple realized their management and financial skills could be translated to the nonprofit sector. Sanghavi had seen the need in India on trips to visit his family, where he saw people his age begging on street corners, and again after college when he volunteered with an organization serving children in Mumbai. Sanghavi was born and raised in Sugar Land and attended the University of Texas at Austin. His father was a civil engineer and his mother worked as a caretaker for children with special needs. Though Sanghavi considers India home, he retains ties with family members in the Houston area and his sons are devoted Texans fans. Niranjan Shrestha, STR / Associated Press The extended family was shocked when Sanghavi left his New York job and moved to India, said his cousin, Apurva Sanghavi. He was like, Thats not the life for me, the 40-year-old cousin said. Long story short, it was just incredible. For a while we were shocked and then immediately became supportive of itOur extended family is always championing their organization. NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here. Through the recent turmoil in India, the extended Sanghavi family in Houston has helped with Dasras fundraising efforts by sending messages out to their community networks. They check in with Sanghavi via Zoom calls. Many extended family members have been affected and some have died, Apurva Sanghavi said. Its unfortunate and sad to see, and we're all just doing anything we can from the stateside to support and stay in touch, he said. Communities across India respond to crisis As the COVID-19 crisis escalates in India, members of Dasra and other nonprofits are confronting the direct impact of the virus among their own ranks. Three board or team members at Dasra lost their mothers last week, Sanghavi said. Everyone knows someone in the hospital, and messages arrive each day with news that someones family member has died. Many groups have paused operations with up to half of their employees infected or responsible for caring for an infected family member. A few weeks ago, one colleague made hundreds of calls searching for a hospital bed in Delhi for her uncle, Sanghavi said, but found no open bed. The man died. Its horrific, he said. As the cases began to climb, Sanghavi emailed hundreds of individuals, foundations and corporations with a request for support. The response was an immediate and overwhelming outpouring of donations that totalled $2.3 million as of last week, Sanghavi said. The funds will be dispersed in $100,000 amounts to dozens of nonprofit partners who are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, Sanghavi said. The money will help groups scale up efforts that are already underway, he said, and each groups plans will differ depending on the current status of the COVID-19 crisis and particular needs of their community. Channi Anand, STF / Associated Press Last week, for example, one of Dasras partner organizations in Delhi used the funding to purchase oxygen cylinders in response to the dire shortage in New Delhi hospitals as local cases surged. In Mumbai, where cases peaked weeks ago, Dasras nonprofit partners are instead working to scale up the vaccination effort in slum communities. Small family dwellings, no running water and communal bathrooms shared by hundreds of people make it impossible to follow health guidance like hand washing or social distancing, Sanghavi said. Community groups are working to bring vaccines into the slums for people who lack the resources or time to visit a government-run vaccine distribution site. In Bangalore, nonprofits are partnering with hotels to convert them into makeshift hospitals for less-critical COVID-19 patients, Sanghavi said. Were trying to spread this out in different geographies, different communities and different interventions, Sanghavi said. So many people are being affected by this that we dont want to have it just to go to one or two large organizations, but instead spread it as much as possible to enable many, many communities to benefit from this. Responding to the immediate crisis is just the first step. The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic will extend far beyond the next few weeks or months, Sanghavi said. Far before the pandemic, many of Indias poorest residents were struggling with lack of water, lack of health facilities or other deadly viruses like malaria, Sanghavi said. Theyve just been suffering for decades, he said. Its sad, but the unfortunate nature is its not like in the next three months their sufferings going to end Were going to work towards that billion thriving with dignity and equity across the country, and thats really our goal. Dasra is accepting online donations for its #BackTheFrontline campaign. Funds will be deployed to the organizations partner NGOs. anna.bauman@chron.com RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's administration failed to thoroughly monitor how $3.1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds it oversaw last year were being used, increasing the risk for misuse, a state audit said Thursday, The report from State Auditor Beth Wood's office focuses on federal funds that the state received toward COVID-19 aid in the spring of 2020. The legislature proceeded to pass laws directing how $3.6 billion should be given to state agencies, education, local governments, hospitals and nonprofits for a host of medical, economic and recovery needs. The Office of State Budget and Management and a new temporary state Pandemic Recovery Office within OSBM were charged with carrying out the laws, reporting how money was being used and ensuring that the spending followed U.S. Treasury Department rules. But auditors determined that the Pandemic Recovery Office failed to design procedures to ensure the money was being spent the way the legislature required and was achieving the anticipated results. The audit says it performed limited monitoring" of the funds by failing to independently verify the monthly expenditure reportsfiled by recipients until November, when the majority of funds were already spent. The Pandemic Recovery Office also failed to ensure the nearly 500 recipients of $3.1 billion combined through October set objectives on how funds would be spent and measurements of how to meet goals, according to the audit. That includes whether the Department of Health and Human Services was spending $423 million it received for things like COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and mental health services, or whether $34 million for hospitals was spent on patient care. Almost 10% of the recipients of funds failed to report any objectives, according to the review. As a result, (the pandemic office) was limited in its ability to know whether Coronavirus Relief Funds were achieving legislatively intended results and to take timely corrective action if necessary," auditors wrote. According to the audit, the Pandemic Recovery Office said it decided to prioritize coordinating and distributing funds and providing technical assistance to recipients, instead of ensuring it had ways to measure results. In a letter attached to Wood's report, State Budget Director Charlie Perusse and pandemic office Executive Director Stephanie McGarrah wrote, we take the findings presented in this report very seriously. They said changes were already being made to ensure the Pandemic Recovery Office will be well-equipped to handle the additional federal recovery dollars the state will receive. The legislature will have to decide how to spend another $5.3 billion earmarked for North Carolina in the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in March. Perusse and McGarrah also wrote the General Assembly funded the Pandemic Recovery Office at half of the amount requested, which led to understaffing and delays in verifying spending. The pandemic office is now hiring additional staff and strengthening its nine-part monitoring process, they wrote. Longer-term funding is also being sought for the pandemic office, which otherwise closes at the end of 2021. Wood, a Democrat like Cooper, is elected statewide separately from the governor. Unionized nursing home workers agreed to postpone strikes planned for Friday at 26 facilities across Connecticut after Gov. Ned Lamont's administration reached an agreement with union leaders and nursing homes operators that includes $267 million in state funds to help pay for historic wage increases. The workers including nurses, nurses aides, housekeeping staff and laundry workers have threatened to walk out over what they call poverty-level wages and dangerously low staffing levels. Lamont announced during a COVID-19 briefing with reporters Thursday afternoon that his administration had reached a basic agreement with the nursing home operators and the union. While the state is not a party to the talks, it plays a crucial role because it provides the bulk of nursing home revenues through Medicaid payments. Its a good deal. Its a good deal for the front-line nurses, the biggest increase theyve gotten in many a year, Lamont said. I think it shows were keeping faith with the folks who are taking care of our parents and grandparents. District 1199 New England, SEIU, announced it has already reached a tentative four-year contract with iCare Health Network, owner of 11 of the homes, that will set a $20 hourly minimum wage for certified nursing assistants and a $30 hourly minimum wage for licensed practiced nurses. But the union said it has issued new strike notices for the 26 facilities, with roughly 2,800 residents and 2,800 unionized workers, for June 7 to give more time for negotiations on final agreements with iCare, Genesis Healthcare and Autumn Lake Healthcare. Strike notices set previously for May 28 at 13 long-term care facilities, affecting more than 1,200 workers, will remain in place. That list includes seven RegalCare homes. The Connecticut Association of Healthcare Facilities, an association of 150 skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, credited the increased financial support with jumpstarting the labor talks. Nursing home residents, their families, caregivers and the operators all can rest easier tonight with this critically important breakthrough achievement said Matt Barrett, the group's president, in a written statement. The governor's announcement of an agreement was made after a slightly revised version of an earlier proposal was released on Thursday. Among other things, the revamped offer extended the labor-management agreement from two to four years and included additional money for health care and pension benefits enhancements. The $267 million in state funds is slightly less than the $280 million the administration first proposed on Monday. Paul Mounds, Lamont's chief of staff, said the nursing home industry ultimately provided more money toward the deal, so less state money was needed. The agreement includes a 10% rate increase in Medicaid payments to nursing homes over nine months, so long as they meet new state public health standards such as hiring full-time infection prevention experts and reducing three- and four-bed rooms to single or double rooms. Nursing homes will be required to assume responsibility for all resident and staff COVID-19 testing beginning July 1. There's also $145 million for wage enhancements for workers, ranging from certified nurses aides to housekeeping, that equate to 4.5% in fiscal year 2022 and 4.15% in fiscal year 2023; $13 million in workforce training, such as helping CNAs become LPNs or RNs. The administration said the proposal is more than four times the average rate increase in workers' wages over the past 14 years. Some of state's share of COVID-19 relief funds will also be used to provide child care to nursing home workers. Beginning Jan. 15, a special child care support line will be available through 2-1-1 for nursing home workers. The threatened nursing home worker strike has highlighted the political pressures the Democratic governor is feeling from the liberal wing of his party, many of whom have accused the wealthy former businessman of not being bold enough in addressing the inequities underscored by the pandemic. Despite Lamont offering a record boost in state funding, both the union and some Democratic state legislators initially said his first proposal fell far short of whats needed to solve the problem of long-standing poverty wages. One lawmaker publicly pinned the blame on Lamont if the threatened walkouts happened. This work stoppage ... is going to lead to widespread, state-sanctioned neglect of our most vulnerable residents and all because of the governors well-known reluctance to invest equitably in Connecticuts workforce and Connecticuts most vulnerable care, Rep. Anne Hughes, D-Easton, a leader in the General Assemblys Progressive Caucus, said Wednesday during a press conference Besides his plan for nursing home funding, Lamont has taken heat from left-leaning Democrats on other issues in recent weeks, especially his opposition to a Democratic tax plan that includes higher taxes on wealthier residents. Lamont predicted he will ultimately coalesce with legislative Democrats around the budget and other issues. Weve got a significant package when it comes to equity and social justice and investments in our most distressed communities, which is important to me and important to many of our legislators, he said. "I think were pretty unified on that. ___ This story corrects that strikes were planned at 11 iCare Health Network homes, not seven. ONSCENE TV Two brothers were shot, one fatally, early Thursday in a reported home invasion in a southeast Houston apartment, according to police. A man wearing a mask came into the first-story apartment home and began shooting around 1:30 a.m. in the 10900 block of Interstate 45 South, near Edgebrook, the brothers' mother told Houston Police Department officers. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Just moments after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that Americans can now forgo wearing a mask for both indoor and outdoor activities, the state of Texas hit two key milestones in its vaccination efforts. As of Thursday afternoon, 40 percent of all Texans have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, according to a Houston Chronicle data analysis. And 40 percent of Texans aged 16 or older are now fully vaccinated, the data show. The rate of vaccinations has been trending downward for weeks, after supply of the once-coveted vaccines caught up with demand in April. Currently, the state reports that an average of 138,000 doses are administered per day. Five teens on Wednesday joined more than 20 million Texans who have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, less than two hours after federal health officials officially recommended the distribution of the vaccine to 12- to 15-year-olds nationwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use in 12- to 15-year olds on Monday, in a move that experts expect to boost flagging vaccination rates across the country. Under the new guidelines, 17 million adolescents, or more than 5 percent of the U.S. population, are now eligible for the vaccine. Christopher and Caitlin, the children of Baylor College of Medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas R. Hunt, lined up for vaccines on the third floor of the Baylor College of Medicine with a handful of other adolescents Wednesday afternoon. As nurse Lisa Icard prepared needles for their doses, she asked, So who wants to get vaccinated fir? Uh, me, Christopher volunteered with confidence before Icard could even finish her question. He barely felt it. When Caitlins turn came, she turned her head as Icard administered the dose. She later said it didnt hurt much. I felt it less than the flu shot, she said. HOW TO BE AROUND PEOPLE AGAIN: A guide for back-to-office anxiety and awkwardness Dr. Thomas Hunt, chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and a surgeon for the Texans, and the twins mother Teri beamed as their kids received the vaccine Christopher on his left arm, Caitlin on her right. Dr. Hunt, who donned a hedgehog-patterned tie, had rushed over from his office for the long-awaited occasion, during which five children with family members who work at Baylor received the shots. Kennedy Gant, 12, left early from classes at Baylor College of Medicine Academy, after an aunt who works as a Baylor College of Medicine nurse asked her family whether Kennedy wanted the shot. I didnt know what was going to happen, said Kennedy, who was nervous about the side effects. While she knew one person whose hand swelled after receiving a shot, everyone else she knew only experienced pain at the injection site. Now Playing: Video: Houston Chronicle Parents and guardians can rest assured that the agency undertook a rigorous and thorough review of all available data, as we have with all of our COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorizations, Dr. Janet Woodcock, acting FDA commissioner, said earlier this week. The vaccine, which was tested on thousands of adolescents, triggered similar side effects in teens as it has in adults: sore arms; fatigue headache; chills and fever. None of the teens vaccinated Wednesday at Baylor College of Medicine experienced adverse side effects during the 15-minute waiting period. Children and adolescents have to be vaccinated for the country to reach herd immunity, said Dr. James Versalovic, interim pediatrician-in-chief and pathologist at Texas Childrens Hospital. We know the virus spreads among children and adolescents and from children to adults, and vice versa, Versalovic said. If a substantial portion of our population is under the age of 18, we need to vaccinate that population to attain anything resembling herd immunity. COVID HELP DESK: I had terrible side effects after my first vaccine dose. Why should I get the second? With adult vaccination rates waning across Texas, Versalovic said vaccinating children and adolescents is key to stopping the spread and mutation of the virus. Moderna and Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccines are not yet authorized for emergency use in teens, but both manufacturers are testing the shots in children and teens. Moderna said its vaccine was 96 percent effective in preventing severe illness in teens so far. COVID is now a preventable disease, and we know we can prevent this disease by vaccination, Versalovic said. We can also greatly reduce transmission, as well. That strategy must include children and adolescents in our country. More than 1.5 million adolescents nationwide between 11 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with COVID-19, including more than 14,000 at Texas Childrens, nearly 5,000 of which were treated for severe complications. Versalovic said no age has been spared with this virus. Kennedy Gants mom, Angela Gant, worried about Kennedys return to in-person learning at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan in Third Ward without a vaccine. I was nervous when they went back, but I was making sure she took every precaution and had all the tips and resources, Angela said. Its been a long wait for vaccines to reach adolescents. With all clinical trials, for a new drug or vaccine, adults are the first to be tested. Once a drug is found safe for adults, researchers can look at trials for children and adolescents, Versalovic said. We know that children arent just small adults, so safety is our top priority, he said. Once we know the drugs work in adults, we can use that information to tailor these new vaccines to children or adolescents. Texas Childrens is currently partnering with Baylor and other institutions across the country on COVID-19 vaccine trials for three age groups: babies 6 months to 2 years; 2- to 5-year-olds; and 5- to 11-year-olds. The trial is in Phase 1, which is focused on safety and determining the correct dose for each age group. Versalovic expects the research institutions will apply for FDA emergency use approval by the end of the summer. NEARING THE END?: Texas COVID rates are down. But is this herd immunity? Vaccine sites across Houston have already opened appointments up for adolescents, who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the appointment. Families can book appointments at Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, Harris Health, Texas Childrens and other sites for the coming days. Starting Thursday, vaccine appointments will be available at more than 5,600 CVS pharmacies in the U.S. Parental or legal guardian consent is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The adolescents who received their first doses just an hour after the CDC recommendation said the shot was a relief. The Hunt twins are eager to see their friends again; Kennedy plans to register for summer camp. Im nervous but kind of excited because Im one of the first in the state, Kennedy said. Im excited to get back to things. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com julie.garcia@chron.com The search for Erica Hernandez is over, but her familys quest to find out what caused the Houston mothers death continues. The confirmation on Wednesday that Hernandezs body was found in a vehicle submerged in a Pearland neighborhood retention pond raises more questions among loved ones who have been searching for her since her April 17 disappearance. Why was she driving in a neighborhood 10 miles away from her Sunnyside home? What caused her vehicle to go into a retention pond? What led police to search in that location? The family hopes to find those answers while Pearland police work through the early stages of their investigation. Were not done, said Hernandezs younger sister, Ashley Hernandez. Were still looking for answers, and we want to let people know that this is not something that she would have done on her own will. Hernandezs cause of death remains under investigation by the Galveston County Medical Examiners Office, Pearland police spokesman Jason Wells said during a Wednesday news conference. He said it was too early in the investigation to comment on whether investigators suspect foul play. Authorities say Hernandez never made it home April 17 after leaving a friends house in southwest Houston. The disappearance sparked a massive search that included the FBI, Houston police and Texas EquuSearch. At one point, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee drew attention to the search effort. Hernandezs children passed out flyers and pleaded through the media for any tips that would lead them to her. Last week, Houston police intensified their search in Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City, where divers found another submerged vehicle that did not belong to Hernandez. Then, on Tuesday, Houston police officers gathered information with the FBI that led them to Pearlands Shadow Creek Ranch subdivision, a 3,500-acre master-planned community. The homes surround multiple retention ponds throughout the neighborhood. Houston police found evidence that a vehicle struck a curb near one pond at the intersection of Reflection Bay and North Clear Lake. Divers were called and quickly spotted Hernandezs GMC Acadia in the water, which police say ranges in depth from 8 to 15 feet. Police also found damage on the vehicle consistent with striking a curb. On Tuesday, Houston police Commander Kevin Deese said he could not reveal the tip that led officers to that location. During Wednesdays news conference, Wells said Hernandez was the only person in the vehicle but could not release any further details. It is very early in this investigation... so were still waiting to learn details on any and all causes of the death of Ms Hernandez, Wells said. The League of United Latin American Citizens on Wednesday issued a statement upon hearing news of her death. We in LULAC are heartbroken that Erica's children and family members will never again have the joy of having their loved one around, said district director Agustin Pinedo. We pray that they find the strength to deal with such great tragedy and loss. About 20 of Hernandezs family members gathered Wednesday at the neighborhood retention pond and prayed. Addressing reporters, Ashley Hernandez pleaded for nearby residents to search through any surveillance videos that might provide more clues about her death. Her family, she said, is still processing the loss. Im pretty sure we havent processed the fact that my sister is not here with us, she said. Im sure its going to hit hard tonight. Ashley described her sister as a loving single mother of her three children: Briza Armenta, 19; Dennis Armenta, 16; and Luciano Armenta, 3. Erica verified insurance benefits at Community Health Choice and was always moving, always doing something for the kids, Ashley said. Theyre good kids, and that shows a lot about who Erica is, she said. Ashley recalled her sisters delicious cooking, especially her potato salad, pozole and menudo. She teared up when she recalled Ericas joy and dimpled smile. She said the family is planning a vigil this week but have not set a date. Her story is not finished yet, Ashley said. Its like its just begun. julian.gill@chron.com It wasnt enough for Texans to shiver for days in our heatless houses. It wasnt enough to miss work for lack of internet. For Mom and Pop to shutter their already struggling business. For homeowners to face broken pipes and water damage. For ratepayers to face sky-high electric bills. For us to wait in line at the grocery store for water because the stuff coming out of faucets was contaminated. It wasnt even enough for nearly 200 people to die, some freezing to death in their beds, during Texas devastating winter blackouts. Now, lawmakers expect ordinary Texans to pick up the bill for the governments incompetence and the private sectors greed. After months of testimony, legislative debates and finger-pointing, its still anyones guess what solutions will become law. But its clear who will pay for some of them: consumers, who never voted for Texas wild west energy market in the first place and bear no blame for Februarys statewide calamity. Last week, the House approved a $2.5 billion plan to bail out Texas electricity entities at risk of defaulting on debts from the storm. The bill would impose an undisclosed fee on electricity companies, which would be passed on to residential and business ratepayers and the proceeds would be used for bonds to help cover the costs. It was Gov. Greg Abbotts appointees at the Texas Public Utility Commission, the elected Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and the bureaucrats at ERCOT, the states grid operator, whose cascade of failures brought Texas grid within seconds of complete collapse. Indeed, it was governments fumbling that we now know made a terrible situation worse. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that while ERCOT was desperately trying to meet surging demand amid dwindling power supply, it inadvertently paid natural gas companies to go offline. ERCOT said that when it activated a program that pays large industrial power users to reduce consumption during emergencies, it didnt know the list of participants included key pieces of natural gas infrastructure needed to generate power: We do not know what type of facility it is, Kenan Ogelman, ERCOTs vice president of commercial operations, told the Journal. Who pays for that shoddy bookkeeping? Consumers. Its ratepayers, including those who chose fixed-rate energy plans and have thus far avoided higher costs, who could end up with a line-item expense on their monthly bills for years or even decades to compensate, in part, for the billions that electric coops and other entities were charged for power during the states astronomical energy pricing that turned out to be both unnecessary and woefully ineffective at luring more power onto the grid. The added sum on each bill isnt likely to make many eyes bulge but the unfairness of the charge irks consumer advocates, especially since it isnt going to anything constructive. Youre putting a lien on future generations who are still going to have to pay for what went wrong, says Tim Morstad, who tracks utility policy at AARP. Its a cleanup cost. Those billions of dollars arent going to make the gas supply more reliable by making those improvements or making the power generation facilities hardened to be able to withstand cold better. A bill to retroactively re-price energy during a point in the storm when ERCOT, the states grid operator, left it in place long after the emergency was over, had passed the Senate but was shut down by House Speaker Dade Phelan. The fallout has been severe with several entities in bankruptcy. Somebodys got to bail them out. Why not consumers, who unlike industry, have very little voice in any aspect of Texas system, from the ERCOT board to public utility regulation? And it wont just be Texas consumers. Our energy market is so big that the winter freeze that crippled our energy grid had a broad impact, with gas utilities as far north as Minnesota complaining that spiking gas prices left them, and potentially their customers, with a $800 million bill. The ineptness and disregard for common-sense utility regulation in Texas makes my blood boil and keeps me up at night, Katie Sieben, chairwoman of the Minnesota Public Utility Commission, told the Washington Post in a story last month. It is maddening and outrageous and completely inexcusable that Texass lack of sound utility regulation is having this impact on the rest of the country. We couldnt have said it better. Beyond the sudden and calamitous price surges, Texas big failing ahead of the storm was its refusal to require energy companies to winterize their facilities. The state didnt require it and the companies didnt bother to do it on their own. And who will pay for it? Meanwhile, taxpayers across the nation could technically compensate Texas for its poor planning if bipartisan legislation by Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, succeeds in supplying federal taxpayer funds to cover winterization that private companies should have completed long ago. Mandated weatherization itself is probably the most important provision in any of the bills addressing the winter storm. Abbott has thrown his support behind the effort and legislation has even included hefty fines for noncompliance. Lawmakers should resist pressure to cut deals with oil and gas or any other industry seeking to squirm out of investing in basic insurance against predictable extreme weather events. Its the least, the very least, lawmakers can do in a session that has been pathetically short on real action. Legislation that offered fundamental market reform went nowhere, so Texas system still incentivizes crisis with high profits for producers. And no legislation being seriously considered appears to prevent another blackout. I dont know any lawmakers who will say this wont happen again, Morstad says. In what world is it OK for consumers to pay a heavy price for such a paltry result? In Texas. As a cybersecurity researcher, I track data breaches and the black market in stolen data. The destination of stolen data depends on who is behind a data breach and why theyve stolen a certain type of data. For example, when data thieves are motivated to embarrass a person or organization, expose perceived wrongdoing or improve cybersecurity, they tend to release relevant data into the public domain. In 2014, hackers backed by North Korea stole Sony Pictures Entertainment employee data such as Social Security numbers, financial records and salary information, as well as emails among top executives. The hackers then published the emails to embarrass the company, possibly in retribution for releasing a comedy about a plot to assassinate North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un. Sometimes when data is stolen by national governments it is not disclosed or sold. Instead, it is used for espionage. For example, the hotel company Marriott was the victim of a data breach in 2018 in which personal information on 500 million guests was stolen. The key suspects in this incident were hackers backed by the Chinese government. One theory is that the Chinese government stole this data as part of an intelligence-gathering effort to collect information about U.S. government officials and corporate executives. But the majority of hacks seem to be about selling the data to make a buck. Though data breaches can be a national security threat, 86 percent are about money, and 55 percent are committed by organized criminal groups, according to Verizons annual data breach report. Stolen data often ends up being sold online on the dark web. For example, in 2018 hackers offered for sale more than 200 million records containing the personal information of Chinese individuals. This included information on 130 million customers of the Chinese hotel chain Huazhu Hotels Group. Similarly, data stolen from Target, Sally Beauty, P.F. Chang, Harbor Freight and Home Depot turned up on a known online black-market site called Rescator. While it is easy to find marketplaces such as Rescator through a simple Google search, other marketplaces on the dark web can be found only by using special web browsers. Buyers can purchase the data they are interested in. The most common way to pay for the transaction is with bitcoins or via Western Union. The prices depend on the type of data, its demand and its supply. For example, a big surplus of stolen personally identifiable information caused its price to drop from $4 for information about a person in 2014 to $1 in 2015. Email dumps containing anywhere from a hundred thousand to a couple of million email addresses go for $10, and voter databases from various states sell for $100. Where stolen data goes Buyers use stolen data in several ways. Credit card numbers and security codes can be used to create clone cards for making fraudulent transactions. Social Security numbers, home addresses, full names, dates of birth and other personally identifiable information can be used in identity theft. For example, the buyer can apply for loans or credit cards under the victims name and file fraudulent tax returns. Sometimes stolen personal information is purchased by marketing firms or companies that specialize in spam campaigns. Buyers can also use stolen emails in phishing and other social engineering attacks and to distribute malware. Hackers have targeted personal information and financial data for a long time because they are easy to sell. Health care data has become a big attraction for data thieves in recent years. In some cases the motivation is extortion. A good example is the theft of patient data from the Finnish psychotherapy practice firm Vastaamo. The hackers used the information they stole to demand a ransom from not only Vastaamo, but also from its patients. They emailed patients with the threat to expose their mental health records unless the victims paid a ransom of 200 euros in bitcoins. At least 300 of these stolen records have been posted online, according to an Associated Press report. Stolen data including medical diplomas, medical licenses and insurance documents can also be used to forge a medical background. What can you do to minimize your risk from stolen data? The first step is to find out if your information is being sold on the dark web. You can use websites such as haveibeenpwned and IntelligenceX to see whether your email was part of stolen data. It is also a good idea to subscribe to identity theft protection services. If you have been the victim of a data breach, you can take these steps to minimize the impact: Inform credit reporting agencies and other organizations that collect data about you, such as your health care provider, insurance company, banks and credit card companies, and change the passwords for your accounts. You can also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission to get a tailored plan to recover from the incident. Sen is an associate professor of Information and Operations Management at Texas A&M University. This piece was first published by The Conversation. My American friends keep asking me the same question these days, and for weeks I have struggled to find a conclusive answer: What happened to Germany? Wasnt Germany the poster child for the world initially, efficiently tackling the pandemic on the onset, acting assertively and swiftly, imposing a strict but short lockdown that let the infection numbers plummet, while the United States sank into an abyss of chaos and denial, infection and death rates soaring? Veteran New York Times columnist Roger Cohen was in such awe of Angela Merkels leadership, he was close to burning incense at the altar of the new Jeanne dArc who had brought the pandemic to its knees. The Germans overwhelmingly closed ranks behind their chancellor, who collaborated closely with the governors of the 16 German states. The approval rating of her center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union, took a robust upswing while the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany which opposed the strict measures took a nose dive. When I visited my native country last September, life had almost returned to a kind of normalcy. Yes, people wore masks indoors and kept the mandatory distance, but museums, theaters, stores and restaurants were open and joyfully frequented. When I returned to the U.S. later that month, Germanys death toll hovered around 9,000, whereas America had already hit the six digits. And now? Everything seems to be reversed. While the U.S. has altered the course of the pandemic and is vaccinating efficiently at an impressive speed, Germany is lagging in testing and vaccinating, teetering from one lockdown to the next while deaths have surpassed 80,000. How bad is it? The country that BioNTech the company that developed the first mRNA vaccine in tandem with Pfizer calls home is now considering ordering the Sputnik vaccine from Russia. After a relatively carefree summer, which saw crowds of unfazed Germans flock to warmer shores, the second wave of infections set in, aggravated by the cooler temperature which made outdoor dining impossible. A silver lining appeared on the horizon when in mid-November BioNTech/Pfizer announced the breakthrough of their new vaccine. The U.S. still under the Trump administration secured large quantities, the FDA accelerated approval, and within a month or so the vaccination campaign started. The priority list including front line medical staff, the elderly and vulnerable made sense, and as access quickly grew, disputes over who got priority quieted down. On the old continent everything moved forward at a much slower pace, partly due to the fact that every single step had to be coordinated by the bureaucracy of the European Union. Dont misunderstand me: I am an ardent proponent of the European idea but I learned to loathe the self-serving and self-centered bureaucracy which is about to pervert the noble idea. Merkel anxiously tried to avoid the impression that rich Germany selfishly grabbed all the vaccine for itself and left the poorer members out in the dark. While in Houston, NRG stadium was converted to a mass vaccination drive thru, the bureaucracies in Germany and in the EU got entangled in discussions. After a delayed vaccine approval, the start of the campaign was equally bumpy, devolving into endless debates about where to vaccinate and whom to vaccinate first. Most aggravating was the lack of sufficient vaccine. So far, the German governments new promise is that in June the priority list will be rescinded and everyone can apply for a shot on the condition that enough vaccines are available. No guarantee there. With no quick antidote at hand and confronted with exploding numbers toward the end of 2020, Merkel seemed to panic and again imposed a complete lockdown, sweetening the bitter pill with the promise that this harsh measure would allow for happy family reunions come Christmas. It wasnt going to happen. Restrictions were partly lifted only to be reimposed a few weeks later. The most recent lockdown was in April. The unanimity between the federal government and the governors began to crumble, small and mid-size businesses felt the pinch, while federal subsidies were granted slowly and in a cumbersome bureaucratic manner. Schools were opened, only to be closed soon after. There seemed to be no strategy, a lack of vision, the government being fixated on the incidence rate the number of new infections per 100,000 people within a 7-day period. Particular circumstances and low risk factors were ignored. Some of the restrictions lacked any common sense, banning outdoor activities while it is common knowledge that indoor gatherings hold the highest risk. In the beginning, only extremists on the left and right voiced their loud protests against the government, but the initial support of the population is waning, which is getting tired of Merkels zig-zag course. The country is in pre-election mode and competing candidates even within the same party have added to the chaos. While I am writing these lines, the situation seems to get a bit rosier in Germany and there is hope that vaccine will be indeed available for everyone in June. I am afraid that among the casualties of the pandemic along with the people who died and the economic devastation caused by the virus will be the democratic system itself. People seem to have lost confidence in the wisdom and guidance of their elected leaders. Shockingly, recent polls in Germany reveal that 80 percent of Germans dont think that the parties rose to the occasion. The Euroskeptics will win, as well. Didnt Great Britain fare so much better in the pandemic because it has left the European Union? I am far from being an alarmist, but these tendencies concern me. No matter where in the world someone will fill the void when people perceive the system failed them. Panta Rhei everything is in flux as one of the Greek philosophers said. It is as true in our times as it was 2,500 years ago, life is always good for surprises like it or not. Muenzel has lived and worked in numerous countries around the globe. She holds a Ph.D. in history and has taught international studies. Currently, she works as a realtor - locally and globally - and as an international consultant, based in Houston. People relax at Yeouido Han River Park in Seoul, May 9. Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han By Jun Ji-hye Controversy is growing over the Seoul Metropolitan Government's (SMG) recent announcement that it is considering designating the 11 parks on the Han River as alcohol free zones. The city government cited concerns over COVID-19 infections, but critics called the measure an "excessive regulation" that infringes on individual freedom. Park Yoo-mi, chief of citizens' public health for the city government, told a press briefing, Wednesday, that concerns have been raised over the possible spread of COVID-19, because people have been flocking to Han River parks in recent weeks as the weather has been getting warmer. Many people visit the parks at nighttime to drink, as bars and restaurants close at 10 p.m. as part of the social distancing guidelines. "Regarding the designation of a no alcohol zone, we have been talking to the relevant departments about the scope and timespan," Park said. The city's discussion about the designation comes as the National Health Promotion Act was revised lat December to impose a fine of up to 100,000 won ($88) on those caught drinking in zones designated as alcohol free by local governments. The revision is set to take effect June 30. The city said that it is currently reviewing various measures, including designating parts of the 11 Han River parks as alcohol free zones or prohibiting drinking at nighttime only. The announcement has drawn criticism from citizens who say that the measure is too excessive, at a time when many people are suffering from worsening mental fatigue due to having to follow the social distancing guidelines amid the prolonged public health crisis, which has lasted for more than a year. "People go to the Han River parks to experience the feeling of freedom in an open and wide space amidst the pandemic. Drinking is way of relaxing and relieving stress," Yim Joon-seok, a 36-year-old office worker in Seoul, said. "The no alcohol zone designation seems like repression." Political commentator Kim Min-ha also pointed out, "Although the measure that the city is considering reflects concerns over COVID-19 infections, designating no alcohol zones is too excessive. Regardless of whether people are drinking in the Han River parks or not, this is an issue that government officials and the police should resolve instead by just making sure that people are indeed complying with social distancing guidelines." But others have said that, in addition to virus concerns, the designation is necessary due to a recent incident in which a medical school student in his 20s went missing, and was then found dead in the Han River after drinking in Banpo Hangang Park with his friend. Flowers are laid on the banks of the Han River at Banpo Han River Park, May 9, to express condolences for a medical school student who was found dead in the river. Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han The battle over gun legislation in Texas was already dividing some Republicans, but now the head of the Republican Party of Texas is picking a fight with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over it. Party Chairman Allen West took to social media on Thursday, accusing Patrick, an ardent supporter of the 2nd Amendment, of adding poison pills to the so-called constitutional carry legislation to sink it. West said Dan Patrick and Senate Republicans had tried to kill the legislation that would allow Texans, 21 years of age and older, to carry handguns without any license or required training. The legislation is a top priority of Republican gun rights activists. Patrick returned fire on Twitter later on Thursday, saying in part that despite an avalanche of misinformation and just plain lies from outside agitators, we are on track for a big #2A win. Patrick didnt mention West by name, but Allen Blakemore, a political adviser to Patrick, was more direct. Undermining @TexasGOP again @allenwest feeding his own political ambition. Now hes lying about HB1927 to divide conservatives and kill #2A carry bill. No poison pill. No clue, Blakemore tweeted. This is becoming par for the course for West who took over the leadership of the Republican Party in the summer of 2020. West, a former Florida congressman who is originally from Georgia, has now publicly criticized each of the top three Republicans in state government, Gov. Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan and now Patrick. While Wests tactics have brought praise from some GOP activists, other Republicans say hes stirring up internal GOP fights to revive his own political career. Whatever the reason, West made clear that he sees Patrick as the problem on the permitless carry of handguns. If it werent for Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks poison pill amendments this bill HB 1927 would already be on the way to Gov. Abbotts desk instead of having to go to a conference committee, West said. The House originally passed the bill back in mid-April, but Patrick announced then that the Senate didnt have the votes to pass it. Law enforcement has repeatedly testified against the legislation. As a compromise, the Senate added several amendments aimed at settling opposition from police. It worked, in that the bill passed the Texas Senate. The amendments, among other things, would stiffen penalties for felons carrying guns, as well as for others caught with guns who shouldnt be carrying them, such as domestic violence offenders. Another amendment would prohibit people from carrying firearms in public while intoxicated. But late Wednesday night, House Republicans refused to accept the amended version of the bill and instead called for a conference committee for the House and Senate to work out differences over the legislation in closed-door sessions among a handful of lawmakers. If they strike a deal, the bill would go back to a vote in both chambers. If it passes then, it goes to Abbott, who has already said he wants to sign a bill to allow permitless carry in Texas. The bill already has language to assure people with a criminal history would not be eligible to carry. About 20 other states allow permitless carry in some form, but Texas would be by far the largest state to adopt such a law. Its not just West trying to apply pressure to Patrick. Texas Gun Rights is running digital ads calling on supporters to call Patrick to demand he FIX Constitutional Carry. When people click on the ads, it takes them to a page that declares they tell lawmakers: No compromises. No delays. No excuses! jeremy.wallace@chron.com The Texas House on Wednesday night rejected the Senates version of legislation to allow Texans to carry handguns without a permit, but debate over the bill is far from done. House and Senate members will now appoint a committee of lawmakers from both chambers to hammer out a compromise version of the legislation, which has already overcome other seemingly insurmountable barriers. If that committee comes up with a deal, the bill would have to be voted on by both the House and Senate before it could go to Gov. Greg Abbott for his review. It was just over three weeks ago that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who oversees the Senate, declared he did not have the votes to pass House Bill 1927. But last week, Patrick took the bill to the Senate floor where it passed, with a slew of amendments pushed by law enforcement groups. The amendments, among other things, would stiffen penalties for felons carrying guns, as well as for others caught with guns who shouldnt be carrying them, such as domestic violence offenders. Another amendment would prohibit people from carrying firearms in public while intoxicated. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox On Wednesday, State Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, objected to the eight amendments added to the bill. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House refuse to concur on the Senate amendments and request the appointment of a conference committee, he said. The legislation would allow any person over the age of 21 to carry a handgun in a holster in public unless he or she has a criminal history. About 20 other states allow permitless carry in some form, but Texas would be by far the largest state to adopt such a law. Republicans supporting the bill have argued that the U.S. Constitution already allows people the right to bear arms, and the state should not subject people to permit fees in order to exercise that right. Critics say the licensing requirement in Texas assures that handgun owners have basic safety training before they can carry the weapons in public. The House passed its version of the legislation on April 16 by an 87 to 58 vote. The Senate passed its version on May 5, 18-13. Abbott has made clear that he will sign the bill if it gets to him. I support it, and I believe it should reach my desk, and we should have constitutional carry in Texas, Abbott said in April. jeremy.wallace@chron.com You could miss both questions about sexual harassment and still pass the preventative training required every two years for Texas House staffers. The online training, a roughly 15-minute lecture on sexual harassment sandwiched between lessons on anti-discrimination and workplace violence, mostly dwells on definitions, with a narrator explaining different types of sexual harassment. But it offers no real-life examples or hypothetical situations both of which are key to an effective sexual harassment training, three experts who reviewed the video said. At the end, staffers only need a 70 percent to pass the 10-question quiz. They can take it as many times as needed to pass. It felt like it was the very bare minimum that they could afford, and I just kind of viewed it as a box I needed to check, said one staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear theyd be punished for speaking out without authorization. Did I feel that it was helpful and gave me resources and equipped me to be able to respond if I felt harassed or discriminated against? No. I did not feel that way. The online training is also emblematic of past efforts to address complaints of rampant sexual harassment and predatory behavior toward women who work at the Capitol symptoms of what House Speaker Dade Phelan called a culture that has been festering in this building far too long. Concerns were heightened by reports late last month that a lobbyist used a date-rape drug on a Capitol staffer during an off-site incident. Phelan has said he is already working to revamp the training and make it an in-person class in the future. The first-year speaker has also established a new email for members, staffers and Capitol visitors to report misconduct anonymously: complaints@house.texas.gov Late Tuesday, the House passed a bill mandating sexual harassment training for all elected officials and lobbyists; it now heads to the Senate for approval. There is significant room for improvement in how the House educates about, prevents and addresses allegations of sexual harassment, which is why Speaker Phelan directed the House Administration to make signage available to make reports confidentially and revamp the training for new employees to include interactive training, Phelan spokesman Enrique Marquez wrote in an email. BACKGROUND: Drugging report prompts Texas lawmakers call for lobbyist sexual harassment training The changes were sparked by the reported incident involving the lobbyist. The Department of Public Safety investigated the incident and decided not to bring charges declaring that no crime occurred in this instance as attorneys for the accused lobbyist claimed that the allegation was made up. Still, the incident hit a nerve in the House, where lawmakers across the aisle promised to attack the underlying problem identified in a series of news reports in 2017 amid the #MeToo movement\. Anonymous Capitol staff members contributed to reports by The Daily Beast and The Texas Tribune that exposed a long list of incidents, from groping and vulgar language to repeated unwanted sexual advances. That year, the House instituted the sexual harassment prevention training, and during the next session in 2019, the House revamped the way it investigates complaints. The chamber had said in 2017 that it had not received a single formal complaint of sexual harassment since 2011. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Meanwhile, a group of women who worked at the Capitol began documenting incidents in what they called a Burn Book of Bad Men with 38 names, The Daily Beast reported. Four staffers said in interviews that almost every woman they know who works in the Capitol has a story. A current staffer, also speaking on condition of anonymity, recalled an incident from early in her career, when a member propositioned her and implied that he would pay her to be his girlfriend. He said she would be a well-taken-care-of woman if she wanted to leave her post in the Legislature, she said. I didnt feel like I was in a position where I could do anything without compromising my job or without fear of losing my job, she said. So I did nothing. Hearst Newspapers requested an updated count of sexual harassment complaints fielded by the chamber on April 30 but has not yet received a response. It needs to be a culture change Three experts who reviewed the Houses online training said it only covers basic legal principles, leaving much room for improvement. Good training, they said, may prepare staffers for uncomfortable situations and give them resources to report misconduct. But the most important part of weeding out sexual harassment in the workplace is buy-in from leaders who hold bad actors accountable and treat survivors with respect and dignity. Training is one component, but if you dont address the culture and all of the underlying issues, its almost a waste of time, said Kelsey Medeiros, an assistant professor of management at the University of Nebraska Omaha, who has spent years researching workplace ethics and sexual harassment. If you dont have this environment around it that is going to support what people have just learned, its not going to work. It needs to be a culture change. Medeiros said the training is especially important in a place like the Legislature, a historically male-dominated work environment that could be conducive to harassment, especially of women. The experts specialize in ethics and sexual harassment and reviewed the training at the request of Hearst Newspapers, which obtained the video through a public records request. A switch to in-person training could also help with engagement, since the online format makes it easy for people to turn their attention elsewhere while a video plays, said Jessica Ramey Stender, senior counsel for workplace justice and public policy at Equal Rights Advocates, an activism group that focuses on gender-based issues in the workplace. It also doesnt help that some people dont take the training at all: In some legislative offices, one employee will take the training and print out multiple certificates of completion for their colleagues, staffers said. One of the main reasons why sexual harassment trainings arent successful is that they can be pretty boring and dry and dont hit home for people, Stender said. In this training, they launch right into the law, without talking about the kind of specific power dynamics that really play into and contribute to sexual harassment occurring in this context and make it more likely to occur. In the next iteration of the training, House leadership would do well to include more information about the ways a person experiencing harassment is affected by it, said Amy Averett, the director of the SAFE Institute program, the training and services arm of the Austin-based nonprofit SAFE that works to prevent sexual abuse and misconduct. It doesnt give any context for how difficult it is and why people dont speak up, she said. There wasnt that kind of invitation or offering of support, kind of thinking about it from the survivors perspective. In the state Senate, the online training does include hypothetical examples of harassment. The upper chamber has also contracted with a third-party agency to conduct in-person training every two years. Training in the House could look similar in the near future. The prevalence of sexual harassment in both chambers despite different approaches to training underscores the need to supplement the seminars with discussions about identifying and stopping sexual harassment as it occurs, including implementing clear consequences for perpetrators, the experts said. On Tuesday, as the House considered mandatory training for lobbyists and elected officials, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston and the sponsor of the measure, lauded Phelan for supporting the bill and quickly moving it forward. It passed the chamber with just two no votes. Thompson said she hopes the legislation will make the Capitol a sexual harassment-free place for men and women to work. cayla.harris@express-news.net As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. 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. Korea brought in another 835,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines, enough for 417,500 people on Thursday amid concerns over a tight vaccine supply. The vaccines developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant and Oxford University are shipped in under the World Health Organization's global vaccine COVAX Facility project. So far, AstraZeneca vaccines, under COVAX, for 1.26 million people have already been brought in, with another shipment of the products for 835,000 people slated for June. A series of mishaps in securing COVID-19 vaccines as scheduled has spawned concerns that the country's nationwide inoculation scheme may be delayed, which in turn may put its goal to create herd immunity by November in jeopardy. The shipment also comes as health authorities have been speeding up the vaccine rollout that kicked off in late February, by giving out second shots. The bottles that recently arrived will be used to give the second shots for the elderly population aged over 75, as well as for the first shots of elders aged between 65 and 74, those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases and those working at nursery schools. Korea has secured enough COVID-19 vaccines to inoculate 99 million people under COVAX and separate contracts with five foreign drug firms, including AstraZeneca. As of Wednesday, a total of 3.71 million people, or 7.2 percent of the population, have been given COVID-19 vaccine shots. AstraZeneca's vaccine has been administered to 2.03 million people, while 1.67 million people have received that of Pfizer Inc. A total of 82,890 people have received two doses. (Yonhap) The search began on Tuesday. The district attorney's office confirmed at 7 p.m. that the body recovered from Pontoosuc Lake on Thursday was that of a missing New York man. The individual's name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified. Pittsfield firefighters recovered the body after three days of intensive searching by local and state authorities. Pittsfield Police are still investigating what is being described as an "apparent drowning." The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and Colonie (N.Y.) Police are assisting in the investigation. Authorities have not found any evidence to suggest anyone else was involved or evidence of foul play. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Update: Pittsfield Police are currently recovering a body from Pontoosuc Lake. According to Lt. Gary Traversa, Police were "in the midst of the recovery process" around 1:00 p.m. According to scanner reports in the late morning, police found a male under the water near the docks at the Rusty Anchor. It has not been confirmed to be the body of the New York man they have been searching the southern portion of the lake for since Tuesday. Cruisers are currently staged in the Rusty Anchor parking lot. Traversa said any further media inquiries will be coordinated through the District Attorneys Office. Story developing... _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Original Post, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 2:05 p.m. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake. The man's identity and where in New York he was from has not been released. A State Police truck and boat trailer was parked at the boat ramp. Several officers were in a yellow boat with equipment slowly moving through the south part of the lake on Wednesday. Several other boats were also being used. The search commenced Tuesday morning with assistance from the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, Environmental Police, and State Police. After searching the water for seven hours, it was determined that additional resources and equipment would be required to continue. The search resumed on Wednesday. The police first received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Blue Anchor Park off Pontoosuc at about 2:23 p.m. on Monday. Initial responding officers determined that the vehicle may have been abandoned, as it was revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was reported missing out of New York State on May 5. Further investigation lead police to believe he had not left the area and searchers turned to the lake. Police said the search of Pontoosuc Lake will be active until a recovery is made, those involved have reached their daily limitation, or the suspected missing party is located by other means. The PPD asks that the public avoid the area of Blue Anchor Park and the Pontoosuc Lake boat ramp in order to allow public safety partners to maneuver freely. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Pittsfield Police Department is coordinating a search operation for a missing New York man on and around the southern portion of Pontoosuc Lake. Officers Michael Wandrei and Joshua Baker were recognized Monday for helping deliver a baby in March. Police Chief Scott Kelley reads a statement at the ceremony organized by Sgt. Donna Malloy. Town Administrator Jay Green says it is important for police to be recognized as caring members of the community. PreviousNext Adams Recognizes Officers Who Aided Resident In Birth Sgt. Donna Malloy congratulates Officer Michael Wandrei. ADAMS, Mass. The town recognized Officers Michael Wandrei and Joshua Baker who helped deliver a baby in March. Town officials held a small ceremony Monday at Town Hall to recognize the officers who helped resident Jayme Pulasky give birth to her daughter, Calla. "We want to raise our department up because it only raises our town up. When you have a valuable asset like this and they do something like this you need to put it out there and let everybody know," Police Chief Scott Kelley said. "I know because they are humble they won't say it, but I know they are proud of what they did. This is a great thing to be part of something like this. They do it every single day. I am proud to be their chief." Kelley said both officers responded to the Hoosac Street medical call on March 11 at 8:55 p.m. He said the officers found that Pulasky was actively in labor. "They were first on scene and found she was indeed in labor," he said. He said Wandrei stayed with Pulasky while Baker cleared the way for an incoming ambulance and other emergency services. "Officer Wandrei was a calming presence assisting in any way he could with the delivery of the child as being the only emergency service person there at the time," Kelley said. "Baker then started taking measures to ensure that all parties made it safely from the house to the waiting ambulance. This included chipping ice, shoveling snow, removing debris to make it safe." He said baby Calla was born healthy at 9:08 p.m., 13 minutes after the officers were dispatched. "Both officers assisted in moving mom and child from the residence," he said. Sgt. Donna Malloy, who organized the ceremony and brought the case to Kelley, gave each officer a "Stork Award" certificate and a pin. Kelley, originally from South Carolina, said he has been impressed since he came on the job in January by Adams' officers and their commitment to the community. "Since my arrival, I have seen these police officers go above and beyond in the community every single day," Kelley said. "That tells me that the officers in this department love this community, and we will continue to celebrate occasions like this." Town Administrator Jay Green agreed and said it is important for the public to see that every single officer is a member of the community and cares for it "It is important for a smaller community like ours to let people see and appreciate when they see the black-and-white or an officer in uniform," he said. "It doesn't mean that behind that uniform, behind that tactical vest and the tools of the job that there isn't someone that cares about the public and cares about the person in front of them." State Rep. John Barrett III addresses the Board os Selectmen after Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito dialed in to announce the state was releasing $6.5 million for the Grelock Glen project. State Commits Funds to Build Greylock Glen Outdoor Center ADAMS, Mass. The state will commit $6.5 million to fund the construction of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, and construction is slated to begin in August. The Selectmen were in for a bit of a surprise Wednesday and instead of discussing the wastewater treatment plant at a scheduled workshop meeting, they got a call from the lieutenant governor's office. "I received a call from what has been long-awaited in Adams from Gov. Charlie Baker and he was kind enough to inform me that the Baker-Polito administration is happy to fund the development of the Adams Outdoor Center," Town Administrator Jay Green said. "That will finally realize a long-waited 60-year dream." Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who called into the workshop via Zoom, said she was happy to announce that the administration has committed funds that would mark the first development on the proposed 1,063-acre resort "You are stewards of an amazing asset, and you have done a lot with the area," she said. "The trails the amenities have welcomed people from all over to see the beauty in the area of which you live and work. We know there is more we can do." The story of the Greylock Glen's development goes back more than 50 years with many startups and letdowns along the way. Chairman John Duval actually pulled up a newspaper article from 1971 marking some of the first attempts to develop the Glen. "It was a thought of many people who have never given up on this and what it means to the community," Duval said. The Greylock Glen's recent history has had a tighter focus with the town more in control of a concept that includes a camping area, amphitheater, outdoor educational center, trail network, and lodge. More recent developments include an overhauled trail network and completed designs of the outdoor center that would represent the first building on the complex. But the town has been in a holding pattern waiting for the state to release the construction funds needed to actually involve shovels in the shovel-ready project. State Rep. John Barrett III thanked the governor for realizing the project's importance for the community and its economy. He added that he felt it could be just as important as Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams. "This is just so special. I can't even tell you. I get emotional talking about it," Barrett said. "We have gone through some difficult times ... and it was a guy named Charlie Baker ... who has his fingerprints all over Mass MoCA and the governor has his fingerprints on this project that is as important to the area as Mass MoCA." Polito thanked Barrett, members of the select board, and town employees who never gave up on the project. She said assets such as the Glen were important during the pandemic and will continue to be. "People needed to go places with their families for well-being to just connect with nature and to escape the challenges associated with COVID-19," she said. "To be able to be in a beautiful place right here in your back yard. It was a real sense of relief and a real sense of support for a lot of people." The projected opening of the outdoor center when it was first announced was fall 2020. This was obviously delayed and not at all hastened by the pandemic. Director of Special Projects and former Community Development Director Donna Cesan, who Green said was pulled out of retirement to continue to work on the project, said the entire effort was collaborative and she looked forward to continuing to work on it. "We are very proud of this project, and we have worked very hard on this," she said. "It does my heart good to see that we are all working together and that you can see our vision for this property and what it can do for the town and for the region ... we have worked hard for this and we are grateful." Polito said she was excited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony with the governor. Barrett took a moment to thank past board members who never got to see the project move as far as it has. He then looked to Cesan and told her there is still quite a lot of work to do. "This is going to get harder and you are stewards of this project and will make sure it gets done," he said. "The best words I can leave you with is 'never sell yourself cheap.' You didn't throughout this project and I tell you, you are going to build a fine project in this community." MCLA Food Pantry Receives $3,000 Grant from James and Robert Hardman Fund NORTH ADAMS, MASS.The MCLA Food Pantry has received a $3,000 grant from the James and Robert Hardman Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The Hardman Fund grant will support the diversification of the food pantry's offerings, including the addition of more fresh and perishable food items, one of the pantry's longtime goals. The pantry will also purchase carts so guests can pick up pre-packaged meals and supplies outside the pantry. Funds will also be used to hire student employees to take inventory and maintain the pantry's physical space, as well as work on its resource page which launched this spring on MCLA's curriculum software Canvas. Student employees will also restart MCLA's Swipe Out Hunger program, paused due to the pandemic, which allows students to donate excess parts of their meal plan to redistribute to students in need. The MCLA Food Pantry opened in 2017 and provides canned goods, prepackaged meals, and supplies such as toilet paper and cleaning products to MCLA students from its location in the Amsler Campus Center. Half of MCLA's students are eligible to apply for a Pell Grant, which are available for college students who demonstrate extreme financial need. In 2020, the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice conducted a national survey that found that 41 percent of four-year college students are food insecure. Of MCLA's students, 37 percent have self-reported experiencing food insecurity. The pandemic has greatly increased this need and the pantry has experienced more demand for their services. The pandemic has provided new challenges for the pantry. When MCLA pivoted to remote learning, the pantry lost many of its student employees and volunteers, and had to restructure their distribution system to accommodate remote ordering and pickup. MCLA's Director of Civic and Community Engagement Spencer Moser said the biggest concern has been "decreased and irregular contact with our students. We are frequently alerted to students struggling with basic needs by professors or staff and will work with students to provide aid beyond immediate relief." These services include counseling in how to apply for SNAP benefits and rental assistance, as well as how to access transportation. These are resources the pantry hopes to make more accessible with the Hardman Fund's grant by hiring a part-time student to refine the pantry's online resources. From September 2020 through March of 2021, the pantry served 40 individuals, many of whom utilize its services regularly, and gave out 607 items. To aid students over the extended winter break, the pantry partnered with the MCLA Advancement Office to collect donations from MCLA students, staff, and alum to institute a Walmart gift card program which served 46 MCLA students, several of whom applied multiple times to the program. For those interested in donating to the MCLA Food Pantry, the staff accepts shelf-stable items such as pasta and peanut butter, as well as non-food items like deodorant and toothbrushes. To donate to or access the pantry's resources, connect with the MCLA Food Pantry on Facebook or email Spencer.Moser@mcla.edu. The first and second floors of the home experienced severe fire, smoke, and water damage. Noyes confirmed that it is non-inhabitable, adding that the fire essentially gutted it. He believes the home has two units in it. Thursday Morning Fire Severely Damages Pittsfield Home PITTSFIELD, Mass. Firefighters responded to a Von Nida Avenue structure fire Thursday morning that left one man with injuries. The Pittsfield Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the structure fire that "gutted" a West Side home and resulted in uninhabitable damage and a man being taken to Berkshire Medical Center. The Fire Department responded to an alarm at 16 Von Nida Ave. at 5 a.m. and the fire took one hour to control. According to the media report, when command arrived on the scene they saw heavy fire showing from the first and second floor of the home and immediately requested a second alarm and to bring all on-duty members and apparatus to the scene. Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Noyes said that when Deputy Fire Chief Ron Clement arrived, the structure was "showing heavy, heavy fire and they needed to double up immediately." Three engines, one ladder, and the command vehicle were on the scene. Lanesborough and Dalton fire departments responded along with off-duty Pittsfield firefighters while the fire was being fought. The first and second floors of the home experienced severe fire, smoke, and water damage. Noyes confirmed that it is uninhabitable, adding that the fire essentially "gutted" it. He believes the home has two units in it. Three adult individuals exited the structure before the department's arrival and a man who is believed to be an occupant was taken to BMC for observation with unknown injuries. This was the only reported injury on the scene. According to Pittsfield property records, the structure was a single-family home built in 1920. The Red Cross and Salvation Army were notified to assist the displaced occupants of the home. Starr Williams: A BCC Success Story Starr Williams gives the valedictory speech at Berkshire Community College's 2019 commencement. "I like to be a statistic breaker," says Soncere "Starr" Williams . That's putting it mildly. At age 40, Williams, Berkshire Community College's 2019 valedictorian, has overcome more obstacles than most people would in a lifetime. Once a high school dropout, she is the product of an abusive foster home who entered into a dark world of substance abuse, mental illness, and juvenile crime. Today, she's an outspoken advocate for the underprivileged and she's headed to Columbia University for a master's degree in social work (MSW). "I come from poverty. I come from a place where people don't succeed, because there are far too many barriers to climb over. It's one of the reasons I'm in social work," says Starr, who graduated BCC with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning an associate's degree in human services and an addiction recovery assistant certificate before transferring to Elms College in Chicopee. She will graduate from Elms in a few weeks with a bachelor's degree in social work, once again earning a 4.0 GPA, before beginning classes at Columbia this summer. Getting accepted into an Ivy League school still has Starr pinching herself. "The fact that I'm going to have an MSW from Columbia University still kind of feels like, no, this isn't happening, this is a dream," she says. "People like me are told, 'You're not going to be anything.' When you grow up in that in that environment, you're pegged as going nowhere for the rest of your life. Now, I'm going to have an Ivy League education, and I did it on my own." Climbing out of the depths Starr credits many mentors along the way for helping her succeed. Most recently, she has been working with Celia Clancy, president and CEO of Berkshire Business and Professional Women , who has been cheering her on through the application process and sent her an enthusiastic note of congratulations upon learning of her acceptance to Columbia. At BCC, mentors included Assistant Dean of Students Beth Wallace (now retired), Professor of Human Services Kari Dupuis, Associate Professor of Human Services Pamela Coley McCann, and Professor of Sociology Stacy Evans. "They are amazing individuals who are there to support their students," Starr says, recalling many after-hours conversations with Evans. "We talked about climbing out of the depths of poverty and addiction and how hard that is. She gets it." Starr applied to four highly competitive schools for her MSW degree Fordham University, University of Southern California, Saint Louis University, and Columbia University and was accepted into all four. She chose Columbia not only because of its stellar reputation and its renowned social work program, but also because it is the only Ivy League school that offers a completely online option for an accredited MSW degree. Remote learning fits well with Starr's busy life juggling two jobs; she is a young-family support worker for 18 Degrees Family Services for Western Massachusetts and a residential support worker for Berkshire County Arc . She is also the mother of a daughter, who is soon approaching high school graduation and will begin college courses, and a high-functioning autistic son, who is a junior in high school. "I can't just move to go to school. I have two full-time jobs, a full-time school schedule, and I'm a full-time single mother," Starr says. "I might make it look easy, but it's exhausting. There are many days when I study until 4 a.m. and get up to go to work at 6 a.m." Career and life plans But she doesn't let her jam-packed workload daunt her. She has a plan, and she's sticking to it. "I had totally mapped out a plan to go to BCC, transfer to Elms, and then get my MSW. It was a plan I'd written before I even started classes at BCC," Starr recalls. She hadn't initially allowed herself to dream of going to an Ivy League school, but as she continued to maintain a 4.0 GPA, became the BCC valedictorian, and kept getting encouragement from her teachers and peers, she realized it might be a possibility. "Applying to Columbia was definitely a reach, but I wasn't going to let that stop me," she says. And if Starr has her way, her path won't end there. She plans to remain at Columbia to pursue a doctorate degree in social work (DSW). "I don't want to stop my momentum. I plan to have 'doctor' in front of my name," Starr says. "The great thing about that is I can say to all the people who told me I'd never make it, 'Well, I did make it, and that's Dr. Williams to you,'" she adds with a laugh. Williams plans to pursue her master's and doctorate in social work at Columbia University. On a more serious note, Starr says her traumatic childhood experiences gave her the incentive to become part of the change in the foster care system. "I've thought about social work and helping others for a long time," she says. "I've always had that drive inside me that I want to change things, because this system just isn't fair." But creating life plans and making them happen are two different things, and it took Starr many years to begin achieving her goals. "I was a single parent. Going back to school wasn't an option, especially with an autistic child," she said, recalling the years she spent researching her son's diagnosis and finding him the right school where he could thrive. "Once I finally knew he was going to be okay, that's when I made the leap and signed up for classes at BCC. I knew I wanted to go to school for social work, specifically political advocacy ... "It's a big job, but we need more social workers who are willing to speak out politically, who are willing to talk about the policies we write and how they keep people from succeeding. Our society shuns people at the low end of the totem pole, but the majority of these people don't want to be stuck where they are. They have dreams, they have goals, they have hopes. They want to reach them, but there are far too many barriers and far too little support." Real people helping real people Starr knows her personal experiences will make her a better social worker and mentor one who can relate to the struggles of her clients because she's been there herself. "There are a lot of people out there like me who, if an opportunity presents itself, can succeed," she says. "But the system is not conducive to helping people who are in dire straits. For me, just overcoming mental health illnesses, addiction, and trauma is a success in and of itself, but on top of all that to keep pushing forward is incredibly hard. That's one of the reasons I want to go into political social work: We need real people who've had real experiences and real struggles to represent real people." Starr thinks often about what the future holds for her after she completes earning her academic degrees. "I want to be a mentor, but more than that, I might become a teacher, because teaching future social workers is imperative. I have this perspective of what social work should be and what it needs to be, which comes from personal experience. So many people are struggling and suffering," she says. "We have a lot of work to do." Starr bought a house this year, a first for her family. "I'm the first person in my family to go to college, the first to earn a degree, the first to get accepted into graduate school, and the first to buy a house," she says. "I like to prove people wrong." But with all these successes, she doesn't forget where she came from and where she got her start. She maintains friendships with the students and teachers she met at BCC, a network she calls "a huge support system." She also returns to BCC often to speak, including a recent engagement as an alumna speaker for Students for Recovery, a program encouraging students to access peer support through one-on-one discussions and drop-in sessions. Clearly a BCC success story, Starr says it's never too late for non-traditional students like herself to start bettering their lives and further their education. "My advice is to just start, and start small. Sign up for one or two basic classes. Sit in on some forums. You don't have to know what you're going to do, but you just might find something that clicks with you," she says. "Nothing will be accomplished if you don't start it. Take that step. It's a scary step, but take it." Conservative main opposition People Power Party Reps. Choi Hyung-doo, left, and Park Jin walk through a passenger terminal of Incheon International Airport, Wednesday, to depart for Washington, D.C., where they will meet with officials of the U.S. government and discuss COVID-19 vaccine cooperation between the countries. Yonhap By Jung Da-min The conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has sent two of its lawmakers to the U.S., seeking to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies with the help of the U.S. government and Congress, after determining that the Moon Jae-in government lacks the ability to do so. Four-term lawmaker Rep. Park Jin and PPP floor spokesman Rep. Choi Hyung-du departed for Washington, D.C., Wednesday morning (KST). According to the PPP, the two lawmakers are set to meet high-ranking U.S. government officials, including Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sung Kim, and officials of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as Korean American Congress members Young Kim and Michelle Park Steel, to discuss vaccine cooperation between the countries. They will also meet members of Washington-based think tanks, including The Wilson Center. The lawmakers likewise plan to meet representatives of vaccine developers like Pfizer to propose designating Korea as an Asian hub for COVID-19 vaccine production. The PPP's dispatch of what it calls a "vaccine diplomacy delegation" came without consulting with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) or the Moon administration. PPP floor leader and acting chairman Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon said Tuesday that the PPP had earlier asked the government and the DPK to form a diplomatic delegation to request the U.S. to supply vaccines, but the liberal ruling bloc did not respond. Kim said the PPP decided to send its own delegation as the matter of securing more vaccine supplies is an urgent task for the country, which is undergoing an imbalance in supply and demand. "As of May 9, only 0.98 percent of the population has completed receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and only 7.09 percent have received the first dose," Kim said. "Now, we cannot neglect or condone the threat to the lives and safety of the people." On Monday, before the departure of the delegation, Rep. Park submitted a resolution with the signatures of all 101 lawmakers of the party, calling on the government to establish a vaccine partnership with the U.S. to seek various cooperative measures. But the DPK criticized the PPP's unilateral dispatch of the vaccine diplomacy delegation, calling it a publicity stunt that will not bring any tangible results. "The PPP has so far focused on emphasizing the adverse effects of the vaccine to raise jitters over vaccine safety, and it is now talking about what it claims to be a supply-demand imbalance to mislead people into believing that there is a lack of vaccines," DPK spokesman Rep. Lee Yong-bin said, Wednesday. This Dec. 24, 2020, photo shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer, shown at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, California. AP-Yonhap SVHC Welcomes New Legal Counsel BENNINGTON, Vt. Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) announced Jason Morrissey, attorney, as its legal counsel. In addition to acting as counsel to SVHC, Morrissey will continue operating his private law practice in Bennington. The late Tom Jacobs had served as SVHC's general counsel until his death in 2020. "We are so grateful for Tom Jacobs' long and dedicated service to SVHC," said Thomas A. Dee, FACHE, SVHC's president and CEO. "We are fortunate to have someone of Jason's caliber to step in and fulfill this very important role within our organization." Morrissey received his bachelor's in finance from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and his juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. He has owned his own law practice in Bennington since 2008. He started practicing law in Bennington in 2004 as an associate attorney at Cummings, Dailey & Cohen, LLP, where he later became a partner. Prior to moving to Bennington, Morrissey worked as a senior account manager and in other roles for steel companies in Pennsylvania and Maryland. "Jason has the skills and experience to guide SVHC through the legal aspects of our operations," said Tommy Harmon, the chair of SVHC's Board of Trustees. "He will make a great advisor to both our Board and management team." Morrissey serves on the boards of The Bank of Bennington and the Park Lawn Cemetery. He is vice president and trustee of the Cooper-Kelley Scholarship Fund, a member of the Vermont Bar Association's Real Estate Title Standards Committee, and Moderator for the Town of Bennington. He is a former member of the Bennington Select Board and former Director for Hospice of Bennington County. "SVHC is such an integral part of our community," Morrissey said. "I look forward to contributing to the future of this great organization." As general counsel, Morrissey will attend meetings of the SVHC Board of Trustees and consult on legal matters for the health system. Huge marine parks off Christmas and Cocos islands target illegal foreign fishing by Graham Readfearn May 13,2021 | Source: The Guardian Australia is adding an area of the Indian Ocean bigger than France to its network of marine parks in an attempt to keep out international fishing boats and promote scientific discovery in two biodiversity hotspots. The Morrison government announced $5.4m would be spent to create two marine parks around Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands covering 740,000 sq km a huge expanse of ocean almost as large as the state of New South Wales. Conservationists said the promised marine parks would be a significant step for ocean protection. The government is still to decide the level of protection the region will receive, and the extent to which commercial activities will be limited. The area is more than twice the size of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and, once declared, would be the second largest protected area in Australias waters behind the 989,000 sq km Coral Sea marine park. Christmas Island, which emerged 60m years ago from a volcanic seamount, is about 350km south of Indonesia and 1,500km west of Australia. The island is known for its migration of millions of red crabs that move from the forests to the shore and were made famous by Sir David Attenborough. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, about 970km west of Christmas Island, are two coral atolls surrounded by deep ocean. Environment minister Sussan Ley said she was opening consultation with the island communities and the commercial fishing industry. The Christmas and Cocos Islands boast some of the most fascinating and unique ecosystems on Earth and this is about extending that protection to the surrounding waters of the Indian Ocean. This is an international marine treasure on Australias doorstep, one that is from a scientific perspective relatively undisturbed and undiscovered. A protected area across the two island communities would provide greater protection from illegal international fishing operations and support scientific research and support island economies, she said. We know that this is a critical area for spawning bluefin tuna and, while we are yet to unlock its many other secrets, it is important that we protect the oceans unique habitats and the species that rely on them. Marine protected areas can offer varying levels of protection, from sanctuary zones that heavily restrict access to areas that allow destructive activities such as fossil fuel exploration. Ley said Australia had a record of establishing strong protections within marine parks and while the level of protection for the new areas would be decided after a consultation process we will, of course, be looking to build our strong record. Prof Jessica Meeuwig, a marine ecologist and director of the Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia, said the two regions were rich in biodiversity because theyre stepping stones across the wider ocean. She said the rising global population raising demand for fish with large-scale commercial fishing in open waters was an increasing threat. Marine parks can act as engine rooms, giving you more fish. They also build resilience and we know that areas that are highly protected are more resilient to climate change. The challenge for the government and for the community will be to find the right balance. Meeuwig has worked in the region and carried out a survey around the Cocos (Keeling) Island in 2018. Its this crazy hotspot of biodiversity, she said. Because the islands were so remote, they acted like a magnet for marine species. The region around Christmas Island and to the east is the only known spawning ground for southern bluefin tuna a species listed internationally as critically endangered. Scalloped hammerhead sharks, also critically endangered, are seen in the waters off Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Mark Rochfort, 58, is a fishing store owner and one of two commercial fishers on Christmas Island catching mainly Wahoo and yellowfin tuna for locals from his 6-metre boat. He says the marine environment is spectacular, with common sights including whale sharks the worlds biggest fish as well as marlin, tuna and billfish. There are lots of sharks, he said. Large factory fishing vessels that target deeper waters in the region were a threat, he said. He used to see them near the island often in the 1980s and 1990s, but says the Australian governments increased presence for border controls had coincided with their disappearance from local waters. What a marine park will do is make us feel more secure with what weve got, he said. Data on international fishing fleets from charity Global Fishing Watch shows commercial fishing is happening in the waters around Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Gordon Thomson, Christmas Island shire president, said the announcement was exciting news for the island. But he said the marine park must be designed with our people at the forefront. Aindil Minkom, Cocos (Keeling) Islands shire president, said the islands people had a rich and strong culture that was intimately connected to the ocean. 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Govt. of Sierra Leone accused of selling precious coastal land to Chinese fishmeal producers by Abdul Rashid Thomas May 13,2021 | Source: Sierra Leone Telegraph The government of Sierra Leone has sold off 250 acres of protected rainforest and beach land located in Black Johnson Beach to the Chinese. The proposed use is for fish meal production. What this means is that vast quantities of fish are ground down to make fish meal pellets for export. Industrial fish meal production is hugely damaging to the environment. Fish meal factories discharge toxic chemicals. They destroy fish breeding grounds. They decimate fish stocks for local fishermen. They pollute both the land and ocean, killing fish, animals and plants. They wipe out the main local food source. This cannot go ahead. It would cause an international ecological and national human disaster. It would destroy pristine rainforest, plunder fish stocks, pollute the marine environment and five individual eco systems that are fish breeding grounds and support endangered bird and wildlife species. Part of the land earmarked is a lagoon in the dry season that opens as a river in the rainy season. The lagoon is a major breeding ground for many species of fish. The lagoon is the nursery. The young fish then move into the ocean when it opens into a river when the rains come. It flows into Whale Bay. It is a very special place with five individual ecosystems in a small area. Polluting Whale Bay would decimate 1000s of land and marine species including fish, turtles, dolphins, many bird species and, as the name suggests, whales. It is an area where pangolins, an endangered species, still breed and exist. If this is allowed to happen it will jeopardise the entire nations food security where 80% of the countrys protein comes from fish and artisanal fishing is most coastal families mainstay. Residents would be forced from their homes; fishermen and traders unable to make a living; tourist businesses would be forced to close overnight causing unemployment and severe hardship; food security in the country would be destroyed and people would not have enough to eat. According to first-hand information, money has already been paid. A secretive deal has been done (confirmed on 6th May 2021). We have sent open letters to the President and First Lady asking them to use their power to reverse this decision with immediate effect. We are also calling for a judicial review and independent inquiry into this deal with the Chinese. Turning fish into fish meal for export to feed pigs is not in the public interest. The deal is corrupt and must be condemned by the international community. This must be stopped. It is exploitation of the most brutal kind. The environment will be irreparably damaged, and people will suffer. This is not a local issue, it is an international problem, the exploitation of fish stocks in West Africa affects the entire planet destroying vital resources and breeding grounds. We are all the ultimate consumer of this toxic and merciless trade. Wherever you are in the world now is the time to act. Use your voice to demonstrate to H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and his government that the world is watching. International pressure is needed now to prevent this environmental catastrophe. The Sierra Leone Telegraph Reserves Copyright Theme(s): Others. Lake Victoria Basin clean-up put on hold as coronavirus disrupts project by KENNEDY SENELWA May 13,2021 | Source: The East African People living within the Lake Victoria catchment area in Kenya have to wait a little longer before enjoying a better environment in the face of increasing rainfall variability and rising temperatures. A project funded by the Adaption Fund to adopt and implement nature-based solutions to build resilience to climate change has been extended to 2022 following implementation challenges. Covid-19 impacted the project execution and was one of the reasons the extension was requested, said Adaption Fund manager Mikko Ollikainen in an e-mail to The EastAfrican on the project. Communities that depend on farming and fishing are seeing reduced fish stocks as well as agricultural productivity around the lake. These increase pressure on subsistence livelihoods, commercial activities and food security. Unsustainable use of natural resources in the region, which is exacerbated by rapid population growth, also degrades woodland and wetland ecosystems around the lake leading to soil erosion and low water quality. The Lake Victoria transboundary water catchment management project received $5 million funding for projects in the five countries that share the Basin. The Adaption Fund, hosted by Global Environment Facility is a nature-based solution harnessing nature and ecosystem services to build climate change resilience. It uses ecosystem restoration, woodland conservation and wetlands to control soil erosion, extend reservoir lifespans to improve water quality. Other approaches involve training in adaptation solutions, water catchment management, water conservation techniques, climate-smart agriculture, production of detailed and downscaled climate information and forecasts. Dry seasons are accompanied by droughts and low flows in rivers while rainy seasons bear floods. These changes lead to decrease in water quality and availability for people and industries around Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). The LVB catchment area being home to the worlds second largest freshwater mass faces the challenges of climate change, deforestation, environmental pollution and heavy metals like mercury contaminating ground and surface water due to mining activity. Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin project approved by the Adaption Fund Board on May 5, 2017 started in June 2018 and was to end in June 2021. The United Nations Environment Programme is overseeing implementing of project and Lake Victoria Basin Commission is executing entity. Completion date was extended by 18 months to 2022 and approved by Adaptation Fund Board at Uneps request. Nation Media Group Theme(s): Others. gettyimagesbank South Korea's intelligence chief has met Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and called for efforts to improve relations between the two countries strained over a string of historical issues, a diplomatic source said Thursday. Park Jie-won, the head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), paid a courtesy call on Suga on Wednesday as he was visiting Tokyo to attend a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and U.S. counterparts. At the meeting, Park said that relations between the Asian neighbors "should not remain like this," saying efforts are necessary to improve ties, and Suga echoed the need, the source said without providing more details. Bilateral ties between South Korea and Japan remain frayed over the prolonged row regarding wartime forced labor and sexual slavery issues. Imperial Valley News Center FEDLINK Awards Recognize Federal Library Community Trailblazers Washington, DC - The Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) has announced the winners of its national awards for federal librarianship, which recognize the many innovative ways that federal libraries, librarians and library technicians fulfill the information demands of the government, business and scholarly communities and the American public. Federal libraries and staff throughout the United States and abroad competed for the awards. The fiscal year 2020 winners are as follows. 2020 Federal Libraries/Information Centers of the Year Large library/information center (staff of 11 or more federal and/or contract employees): Joint Base Lewis-McChord Library System, Washington The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Library System is recognized for its commitment to providing high quality, in-demand programs and services to the entire base community of military service members, their families, retirees, civilian employees, contractors and students. The system ensured service members had the materials needed to access necessary educational programming while providing opportunities for families during times of transition. From a focus on early literacy for children to online training for adults, the library system provided services to 200,000 patrons who borrowed over 109,000 items, more than any other Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library in the world. Despite limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the library system still offered 439 programs, including bilingual story hours, prerecorded story times, interactive online programming and summer reading programs. Small library/information center (staff of 10 or fewer federal and/or contract employees): Barr Memorial Library at Fort Knox, Fort Knox, Kentucky The Barr Memorial Library is recognized for its quick and responsive innovation in adapting existing services to the virtual world. The library developed and implemented a popular contactless carryout service, a model adopted by several other Army libraries. Its outreach efforts increased adult reading program participation by more than 50%, and the library's 356 programs, which ranged from author events to story hours for preschool children to craft programs for all ages, attracted nearly 20,000 in-person and virtual participants. The library developed and led 20 Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Libraries in the creation and support of Fantober, a comic-themed event at 20 different installations that reached 8,400 participants with 155 unique programs. Beyond attracting new or lapsed users to libraries, the event created partnerships with 35 on-Post agencies, attracted eight sponsors and created collaborations with 32 private, commercial and individual partners. 2020 Federal Librarian of the Year Mariana Long, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC Long is recognized for her outstanding service at Department of Justice libraries. Long and her staff of 12 provided research support to four of the seven litigating divisions at DOJ, including civil, civil rights, criminal and environment and natural resources. Long and her staff handled nearly 40% of the librarys 36,651 research and reference queries. Additionally, she taught docket research to more than 100 attorneys, support staff and coordinated a continuing legal education class series assisting more than 300 attorneys with their legal education requirements. She provided orientations to more than 100 attorneys and staff from across the department. As co-chair of the library's marketing committee, Long anticipated the needs of customers and widely promoted services, resources and collections. She took the lead in improving instruction and training for staff on expert witness vetting and, with her staff, vetted more than 300 experts in fiscal year 2020. 2020 Federal Library Technician of the Year Sharon D. Pemberton, Cyber Research Center at the Cyber Center of Excellence, Fort Gordon, Georgia Pemberton is recognized for her dedication to the library mission and its community. In the midst of the pandemic, the Cyber Research Center migrated to a new library services platform. Pemberton navigated this change between two cataloging systems, cataloging more than 100 books in each system, set migration priorities and offered insightful ideas for improvements. Dedicated to supporting the research, customer service and cataloging needs of the center, she implemented a new concierge system for book lending and created interactive forms and spreadsheets to track the library budget, expenditures and yearly metrics. Determined to offer excellent support for military education students research projects and assignments, Pembertons work was essential to executing the training and education missions of the center. About FEDLINK The Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) is an organization of federal agencies working together to achieve the optimum use of the resources and facilities of federal libraries and information centers by promoting common services, coordinating and sharing available resources and providing continuing professional education for federal library and information staff. FEDLINK serves as a forum for the discussion of the policies, programs, procedures and technologies that affect federal libraries and the information services they provide to their agencies, Congress, the federal courts and the American people. About the Library of Congress The Library of Congress is the worlds largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States and extensive materials from around the world both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Imperial Valley News Center Solar Energy Technologies Office Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) released its Multi-Year Program Plan, describing the priorities, actions, and goals to accelerate the advancement and equitable deployment of solar technology by 2025. The need to address the climate crisis, create high quality jobs, and ensure energy justice are foundational for the plan, which will inform SETOs funding opportunities and strategic planning through the next five years. Because solar electricity is now often cost-competitive with conventional generation, SETO has added three new priorities beyond cost reduction: reliable electricity, rapid deployment, and energy beyond electricityspecifically, using solar-thermal technology to reduce carbon emissions in industrial processes. To achieve the Biden Administrations goal of decarbonizing the U.S. grid by 2035, solar technology will need to provide 30%50% of electricity. Achieving the goals laid out in SETOs Multi-Year Program Plan will enable the solar industry to meet this target. The plan features 16 specific goals spanning the offices five research areas: photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, soft cost reduction, and manufacturing and competitiveness. The goals include: Imperial Valley News Center United States Trains Ukraine To Identify and Respond to the Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Targeted Assassinations Washington, DC - The United States recently conducted a virtual training exercise with partners from Ukraine to help domestic security services, law enforcement, and first responders identify, respond to, and investigate assassinations involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This is part of a series of engagements the Department of State is conducting across Europe. Recent events in Europe have highlighted the real threat of government-sanctioned, targeted weapons of mass destruction attacks. These attacks have highlighted the need for countries to have effective national responses, particularly strong and established communication between technical experts, law enforcement, and national security stakeholders. As part of the training in Ukraine, U.S. law enforcement and medical experts provided local officials with information to identify the medical symptoms that indicate WMD material use, the attack cycle involved in WMD assassination attempts, and the specific measures that enable safe and secure detection and response to WMD incidents. The engagement between U.S. and Ukrainian experts also involved sharing best practices and lessons learned, resulting in an increased level of preparedness against potential WMD attacks. Developing these partnerships and communities of excellence to identify and mitigate state-sponsored use of WMD in targeted assassinations are vital to addressing future attacks. The United States is committed to working with allies and partners to counter Russian malign activity like the use of WMD as tools of assassination. In less than two weeks, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund attracted more applications than an all-you-can eat dinner special. The Small Business Administration, the agency overseeing the $28.6 billion grant program for hard-hit foodservice businesses, reported on Wednesday that since RRF's May 3 launch, it received more than 266,000 applications, representing more than $65 billion in requested funds. Nearly half, or 147,000 applications, came directly from women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, who requested $29 billion in relief funds. That will leave hundreds of thousands of other restaurant owners out of the money. For its first 21 days of operation, the RRF program was open only to businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. To date, $2.7 billion of relief funds have been dished out to 21,000 restaurants. The SBA estimates that RRF awards take approximately 14 days to be reviewed and validated. It's unclear if there's willingness in Congress to authorize additional funding, though several lawmakers, including Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), along with Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)--the primary sponsors of the bill that initialized RRF--called for the fund to get replenished. "We need to work swiftly in a bipartisan way to replenish this critical fund so that all local restaurants can access the relief required for a full recovery," said the lawmakers in a joint statement. The program was created by the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Biden signed into law on March 11. Congress intended for the RRF to provide food and beverage businesses with grants equal to their pandemic-related revenue losses, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per location. The SBA is opting to keep its funding portal open because there's still money available to the smallest businesses. Ahead of the program's launch, SBA administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced she would apportion additional set-asides to improve equitable access among businesses. In addition to the $5 billion authorized by Congress for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000, the SBA put $4 billion aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of $500,001 to $1.5 million. The agency also set aside $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $50,000. The SBA says that last set-aside is still open to eligible borrowers. That's little comfort to the hundreds of thousands of businesses that never even had a shot at the program. "Right now, SBA has more than $36 billion in applications from small, struggling independent businesses that will not receive funding," Sean Kennedy, the National Restaurant Association's executive vice president for public affairs, said in a statement. What's more, he added, thousands of businesses eligible to apply within the first 21 days still don't know if their applications have been approved. The SBA was unable to say how many applicants had been notified to date. A spokesperson said the agency should have final data next week. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines leaves a hotel in Seoul, Thursday, to visit the Demilitarized Zone between South and North Koreas. Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines' visits to South Korea and Japan are being interpreted as moves to pressure China and North Korea, after she opened up her trip to the media in an apparent move to showcase the close cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, according to analysts. Government sources said Haines visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border region between the two Koreas, Thursday, after arriving in the South the previous day at the U.S.'s Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The intelligence chief came here after attending a trilateral meeting with South Korea's National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won and Japan's Cabinet Intelligence Director Hiroaki Takizawa in Tokyo earlier on Wednesday. The sources said Haines is expected to call at Cheong Wa Dae, Friday, for a meeting with President Moon Jae-in or his security advisor Suh Hoon. If the meeting takes place, President Joe Biden's new North Korea policy and cooperation between Seoul and Washington are anticipated to be on the agenda. However, the presidential office refused to confirm any details. Haines oversees the entire U.S. intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, reporting directly to the U.S. president. Generally, visits by U.S. intelligence chiefs to South Korea are not made public, and this is the first time in 26 months that such a trip has been open to media outlets since former DNI Dan Coats' visit in March 2019. Haines' consecutive visits to Japan and South Korea are interpreted as emphasizing the close cooperation between Washington and its Asian allies, and to pressure China, given her hardline stance toward Beijing. In an annual threat assessment released last month, the DNI's office described China as an "unparalleled" priority in security matters, saying the country "increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple arenas." "Since Haines is an intelligence chief, most of her activities are not for public knowledge," said Shin Beom-chul, director of the Center for Diplomacy and Security at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. "So this should be understood as a political message to China showing that the trilateral relationship is this strong." On a similar note, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Japan and South Korea together in March, and delivered remarks aimed at "containing China." A motorcade carrying U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines travels in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on a visit to the Demilitarized Zone between South and North Korea, Thursday. Yonhap Haines' visit to the DMZ was seen as a message to North Korea to desist from engaging in provocative actions and come forward for negotiations. While the Biden administration has recently completed its North Korea policy review, it has not revealed any details, although it has contacted Pyongyang to explain the new approach. Against this backdrop, Haines' presence in the border area bears meaning, according to North Korea watchers. "It is rare event to let the public know about a U.S. intelligence chief visiting South Korea," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University. "Her visit to the DMZ is a message of deterrence, that the three countries are cooperating and Pyongyang should not undertake any provocations." Shin also said that Haines' visit was a message for the North to refrain from provocative action, while Washington seeks to engage Pyongyang in talks through other channels. In the wake of the visit, hope is growing among some liberal politicians who cite the former DNI Coats' visit to South Korea on a potential improvement in the current stalemate in inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea relations. Three months after Coats' meeting with President Moon, the leaders of the two Koreas and the U.S. held a trilateral meeting at the DMZ. When Virgin Hyperloop co-founder Josh Giegel saw the Biden Administration's infrastructure proposal, he couldn't help but think some details sounded familiar. The American Jobs Plan calls for "the second great railroad revolution"--trains that are faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient, which is the kind of technology Giegel's California-based company has been working on since 2014. As such, Giegel has little doubt the company will be able to capitalize on America's push toward greener infrastructure. "At the end of this decade," he says, "I think we'll be talking about the decade of Hyperloop." It's still early days for the infrastructure plan, but Virgin Hyperloop is one of many tech companies well-positioned to capitalize on it. The proposal, which will need approval from the Senate and House before it can be signed into law, calls for a $2 trillion commitment to clean energy projects, roads and bridges, transit systems, agriculture, and home and building upgrades, among other initiatives. Companies in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to construction all stand to benefit. "The private sector will play an essential role in this," says climate economist Gernot Wagner, associate professor at New York University and co-author of Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a Hotter Planet. "This is about incentivizing, motivating, and providing the money for private contractors and private businesses to come and build." For its part, Virgin Hyperloop has been pushing to get its high-speed, magnetic levitation rails built in the U.S. since it began as Hyperloop One in a Los Angeles garage seven years ago. The startup rebranded after Richard Branson invested and joined its board in 2017. Last November, the company held its first passenger test when Giegel and a colleague rode in a Hyperloop pod within a vacuum-sealed tube. Virgin Hyperloop has held discussions with local governments about potential routes like Seattle to Portland and Chicago to Pittsburgh. Giegel says a fully constructed Hyperloop will be able to travel at the speed of an aircraft, with a 10th the energy consumption. One railway in each direction could move as many people as a 30-lane highway--with a fraction of the carbon emissions, given that the system runs on electricity. "We have an opportunity now for a seismic change," says Giegel. "We can make decisions now that we'll benefit from in the 2060s and 2070s and beyond." Greenhouse effect Biden's infrastructure plan calls for upgrading four million buildings and two million homes to make them more energy-efficient. Lauren Salz, co-founder and CEO of New York City-based Sealed, hopes her company would benefit from the legislation. Sealed uses artificial intelligence and algorithms to calculate savings to a potential client's utility bill based on factors like geographic location, size, and age of the home. If an upgrade makes financial sense, the company hires contractors to perform the work, which can include sealing leaks and installing new HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient LED bulbs. There's no cost to the homeowner, and Sealed keeps the cost of the energy savings. Sealed currently operates in New York State and is looking to expand soon. The infrastructure plan might necessitate that. "Private-public partnerships are definitely a possibility with this bill," says Salz. "If that opportunity arose, and if it made sense for us and our customers, we'd definitely be interested." Even if no such deals come to fruition, Salz points out that having home-efficiency upgrades included in the plan should give the industry momentum. "There's been a lack of awareness around how important energy efficiency is, particularly in the residential market," says Salz. "It's pretty exciting that it's making it into the national discussion." Jump-starting growth Construction firms will be sure to get a boost from new infrastructure legislation--as will tech companies that specialize in various aspects of the building process. Chicago-based software company CityZenith builds digital twins of physical spaces, allowing engineers and politicians to study proposed and in-progress projects to see how certain materials and features would impact the project's carbon footprint and energy usage. The firm is currently working with the organizers of a new sports and entertainment district in Orlando and the 2030 District in New York City, a set of neighborhoods being outfitted with renewable energy and more sustainable design. CityZenith founder Michael Jansen thinks the Biden proposal would be a boon for business. "We expect to get a lot of different types of work out of this," he says. "The plan affords a lot of opportunities for projects that address climate change. It's bold--and right now, the nation needs bold." Not all green tech entrepreneurs agree. Johnnie Taul, CEO of Scottsdale, Arizona-based solar power plant company Depcom Power, which claimed the No. 5 spot on the 2018 Inc. 500 and expects to hit $1 billion in annual revenue by next year, isn't encouraged. "From what I've seen of the plan, I don't have any positive takeaways," he says. Taul doesn't believe the government should play a role in helping certain industries grow, even if his industry is one that stands to benefit. He has a different idea for how to ensure the solar industry continues its growth. "Lowering taxes," he says. "It allows good businesses like ours to hire more, innovate more." NYU's Wagner thinks it isn't so simple, especially when something like climate change is at stake. "If you want the outcome that's best for society and best overall, there is a very real role for government to play," he says, adding that he believes Biden's plan will have a positive overall impact on the private sector. "Investing money in green infrastructure creates jobs." Wagner notes that entrepreneurs in any industries potentially impacted by the plan should take the time now to ensure they're ready if it's passed. If you're a roofer, for example, make sure you know how to install solar panels, but also know what permits and certificates you need, how to deal with local utility companies, how to talk with customers about pricing, and what you'll need to do to potentially earn a government contract. The Black Keys Delta Kream The blues flow through The Black Keys music as steady as the Mississippi River. Now theyre going right to the source on Delta Kream, a sweltering collection of some of their favourite hill country blues standards. This is far from the first time Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have paid tribute to their heroes. Their excellent 2006 EP, Chulahoma: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough, included a letter from Auerbach detailing how the bluesman inspired him to drop out of college in order to pursue music. The fact theyre exploring such familiar territory is to the albums benefit. The Black Keys know this music as well as their own. Recorded in just two afternoons with no rehearsals, Delta Kream celebrates true musicianship. Theres no polish here these songs are muscular, grime-covered beasts squelching through the mud of history. The duos take on Robert Lee Burnsides Poor Boy a Long Way From Home chuffs along on choppy rhythms and fiery licks of slide guitar from veteran Kenny Brown (affectionally known to the late Burnside as his white son). Sad Days, Lonely Nights emulates the grit of Kimbrough's original live recording; Auerbach slurs and hollers out each phrase as though hes slumped at the end of the bar, 10 whiskies deep. He sounds hypnotised by the groove on Crawling Kingsnake, which slithers over Carneys hisses of percussion. And theres something voyeuristic about his throaty croon on Stay All Night, like hes watching you from behind dark glasses. Delta Kream is a soundtrack for those hot and heady nights of late summer. Its brilliant. ROC Sons of Kemet Black to the Future Sons of Kemet are uninterested in subtlety. The political urgency of their music is immediately evident which isnt to say that its surface level. The jazz outfit have built a reputation for producing malleable, multilayered music that rewards repeat listens. With their fourth record Black to the Future, the London four-piece further cement their standing as one of the UKs most genuinely exciting acts. There are notes of jazz here the genre that Sons of Kemet have been squished into by critics but true to their experimental identity, Black to the Future gracefully slides between soca, calypso, jungle and Afrofuturism. Bandleader Shabaka Hutchings told The Independent that its a sonic poem a sufficiently sprawling and academic descriptor for an album that was partly inspired by the works of Angela Davis and Stokely Carmichael. Sons of Kemets provocatively titled 2018 album Your Queen is a Reptile earned them their first Mercury Prize nomination, bringing with it busier gigs and bigger venues. Black to the Future ensures their new fans stick around for the long run. Its a versatile record that stretches between spoken word, on Field Negus, to danceable tracks such as Hustle and the grime-inflected For the Culture. Never once do Sons of Kemet compromise on their fiercely individual sound. AN Five Chinese students ended up in jail after one of them exploited a glitch in KFCs online ordering systems to get an unlimited supply of free chicken and then resell them to friends. A 23-year-old university student, identified as Xu, swindled KFC out of 6,500 worth of free food in just six months after he first discovered the loophole in its mobile application in 2018. He then shared the secret with four of his friends and five of them together carried out fraud of worth 15,500 of chicken before they were busted by police, Thepaper.cn reported. Xu was jailed for two and a half years and fined 700 while his friends were jailed for period between 13 months and two years. He first discovered the glitch when he accidentally found out he can buy food using vouchers from KFCs phone application but get a refund of the coupons by using WeChat app. Ever since Xu started getting free food from KFC for himself and shared the scheme with his friends. He also started selling the food to his friends at cut-price to make profits without paying anything. The five of them were eventually busted and Xu pleaded guilty for using the glitch to get free chicken as well as sharing the information with his friends. The incident became a trending topic of discussion on Chinese social media with some users saying the punishment is harsh while others said the app should be blamed for loopholes in its ordering system. The court ruled that five of them used criminal methods to take advantage of data mismatch in KFCs ordering systems and committed fraud. Between April to October in 2018, Xu caused losses worth 6,500 to KFC with his orders and similarly his friends ordered food worth 1,000 and 5,200 each, the court said. Authorities in the Indian state of Bihar have installed a net across Ganges after dozens of bodies of suspected Covid-19 victims were retrieved from the river. While 71 bodies were removed from the water in the Buxar district, at least 25 bodies were found in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, according to The Indian Express. Bihars water resources minister Sanjay Kumar Jha said on Wednesday that a net has been placed in the river at Ranighat, bordering Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. We have advised the Uttar Pradesh administration to be vigilant. Our administration is keeping vigil as well, he wrote on social media. He also said that post-mortem examinations of the bodies confirmed that the deaths had taken place four or five days ago. A Bihar official, who requested not to be named, told The Hindu that some bodies floating in from Uttar Pradesh were found tangled in the net on Wednesday and the states administration has been informed about it. While Buxar authorities have said that some bodies may have floated in from Uttar Pradesh, officials in the neighbouring state have denied the claim. India recorded 362,727 new Covid-19 infections and 4,120 deaths in the 24 hours ending on Thursday morning, taking the death toll to 258,317. The discovery of the bodies had sparked fears of spread of the infection but experts now say coronavirus transmission cannot happen through water. Reports have quoted locals as saying that bodies end up in the river because relatives cant afford the wood to cremate them, or because crematoriums have run out of space as a second wave of Covid-19 ravages India. There is also the fear of stigma, so people are quietly disposing of the bodies in the river, The Indian Express says. The UKs decision to delay the administration of second Covid vaccinations has been vindicated by new research which suggests that the policy saves more lives than the standard dosing schedule. Delaying the second dose so that more people can receive a first shot could reduce deaths by up to a fifth, according to new modelling from US experts. Published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), one example showed that if a first dose offered 80 per cent protection against Covid, deaths fell to 207 per 100,000 people if the second dose was delayed. This compared with 233 deaths if people received their second dose after three to four weeks, which is the usual timeframe outline for most of the currently approved vaccines. The researchers used a simulation model based on a "real-world" population of 100,000 US adults, finding that delaying a second dose could prove beneficial if a single dose offers at least 80 per cent protection and if vaccination rates stood at 0.1 per cent to 0.3 per cent of the population per day. The experts, including from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), calculated the strategy could prevent between 47 and 26 deaths per 100,000 people overall. The effect was particularly strong for the under-65 age group, where a delayed second dose strategy performed consistently well under all vaccination rates tested. The policy of delaying vaccine doses was widely contested at the time that Britain adopted this approach amid a shortage of supplies and surging infections rates. Many critics argued that the delayed administration of a first and second vaccine dose had not been fully tested during the clinical studies. Advocates insisted the data was there to support the policy, arguing it was the only option available to save as many lives as possible. It became clear that, while the bottle-neck was vaccine availability, far more lives could be saved, and hospital and critical care admissions prevented, by providing one dose to as many people as possible, particularly those at highest risk of serious Covid-19 disease outcomes, before providing second doses, said Dr Peter English, a former chair of the BMA Public Health Medicine Committee. This was the basis for the UK decision to delay the second dose until 12 weeks, which has proven highly effective. Dr English said that concerns surrounding a supposed lack of evidence on the effectiveness of delaying doses were misplaced. Everything we already knew about vaccines also tells us that a longer prime-boost interval enhances the breadth and depth of the immune response, giving longer-lasting immunity that is likely to provide greater cross-protection against variant strains. Addressing the BMJ research, he said: This study demonstrates using modelling that the same is likely to apply, not just in-country, but globally; that delaying the second dose worldwide will most quickly control the disease. The authors of the study said: "The results suggest that, under specific conditions, a decrease in cumulative mortality, infections, and hospital admissions can be achieved when the second dose of vaccine is delayed. UK news in pictures Show all 51 1 /51 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, 5m project to conserve York Minsters South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2021 Dark rain clouds above an oast house at Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst in Kent during one of the rainiest Mays on record, with the UK seeing 131 per cent of the usual months rainfall already PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2021 The Premier League trophy with the Manchester City club colour ribbons on, at Etihad Stadium, prior to the last Premier League match of the season. City will finally pick up the trophy after they won the league on 11 May Getty UK news in pictures 22 May 2021 Gary Kenny lifts the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy after Warrington Rylands won the FA Vase Final against Binfield at Wembley Stadium Getty UK news in pictures 21 May 2021 A family buffeted by the wind whilst crossing the the Millennium Bridge in London, with wind and rain forecast to ravage the UK on the first Friday that people have been allowed to meet in large groups outside in England PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2021 Devon And Cornwall Police Demonstrate Their Skills For Policing The G7 Summit Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Londons Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Womens Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London. The Blues won the game 4-1, (and the tie 5-3 on aggregate) sending them through to their first Champions League final AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 1 May 2020 Demonstrators during a march through London during a 'Kill the Bill' protest Angela Christofilou UK news in pictures 30 April 2021 Shoppers queue outside Primark in Belfast as shops reopen and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2021 Specialist operators at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, near Telford, Shropshire, clean the Hawker Hunter aircraft displayed within the museum's National Cold War Exhibition, during annual high-level aircraft cleaning and maintenance PA UK news in pictures 28 April 2021 Millions of tulips in flower near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, as Belmont Nurseries, the UK's largest commercial grower of outdoor tulips, offers socially-distanced visits to its tulip fields at Hillington to raise funds for local charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2021 Paula Laughton checks one of the newly installed Lego models in the new Lego Mythica land at Legoland Windsor Resort PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2021 A red panda rests on a tree at Manor Wildlife park, which reopened its doors as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, in Tenby, Wales Reuters UK news in pictures 25 April 2021 Sheep climb the hillside as flames from a moor fire are seen on Marsden moor, near Huddersfield AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 April 2021 Supporters protest against Manchester United's owners, outside English Premier League club Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in Manchester AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 23 April 2021 People enjoy the warm weather at City Hall near Tower Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 22 April 2021 Uyghurs during a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, which is being held ahead of a House of Commons debate, bought by backbench MP Nus Ghani, on whether Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2021 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Orchard in Alnwick REUTERS UK news in pictures 20 April 2021 People stand in front of anti Super League banners outside Anfield as twelve of Europe's top football clubs, including Liverpool, launch a breakaway league Reuters UK news in pictures 19 April 2021 Women enjoy sunny weather in Greenwich, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain, Reuters UK news in pictures 18 April 2021 Stephen Maguire (right) of Scotland interacts with Jamie Jones of Wales during day 2 of the Betfred World Snooker Championships 2021 at The Crucible, Sheffield PA UK news in pictures 17 April 2021 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburghs coffin, covered with His Royal Highnesss Personal Standard arrives by Landrover Defender at St Georges Chapel carried by a bearer party found by the Royal Marines during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Getty Images "This was most significant when the second dose was delayed in people below 65 years of age, with second doses still prioritised for those over 65. "The conditions in which these benefits were observed included the first-dose vaccine efficacy being above 70 per cent and vaccination rates remaining below 1 per cent of the population per day." They added: "Delaying the second dose but prioritising it for people aged under 65 can result in lower mortality rates compared with the standard two-dose strategy, even at vaccination rates up to 1 per cent of the population per day." MI5 was considering closing its investigation into a terrorist when he launched a deadly knife rampage in London, an inquest has heard. A Security Service officer said it had no intelligence that Usman Khan was planning an attack, despite months of surveillance following his release from prison in 2019. The woman, who can only be named as Witness A because of an anonymity ruling, told Thursdays hearing: After nearly 11 months of investigation after his release, we were looking at closing the investigation. The officer said MI5 did not oppose probations decision to allow Khan to travel to the rehabilitation event at Fishmongers Hall where he launched the attack on 29 November 2019. She told the inquests into his victims deaths that agents viewed it as an opportunity to provide enhanced coverage on Khan and provide assurance before closing the probe into him. At a joint operational team meeting between MI5 and counter-terror police on 18 November 2019, Witness A said that no-one raised the possibility that the trip created the risk of a terror attack. The context was a rehabilitation event organised by individuals he had a long-standing relationship with, she added. We were hopeful coverage could have been delivered, but regrettably it was not possible. Witness A said that both police and MI5 now believe that Khan deliberately targeted members of the Learning Together team in the attack, after bypassing Fishmongers Hall staff. Isis claimed responsibility for the rampage, but its statement contained no specific information and the officer said nothing had been found to support the claim. At the time, MI5 rated Khan as a priority three subject of interest, meaning he required further action to determine whether he posed a threat. The inquests heard that Khan first became known to MI5 as a member of the banned al-Muhajiroun Islamist network in 2008. Usman Khan: What we know about the London Bridge attacker Two years later he was prosecuted for preparation of terrorist acts after planning to set up a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. Khan was part of a cell of extremists who also planned attacks at the London Stock Exchange and other high-profile targets. The hearing was told that although Khan was not prosecuted over that plot, MI5 intelligence gathered at the time showed he had discussed bombing pubs in Stoke and making a pipe bomb from an al-Qaeda recipe. Witness A said MI5 mounted an investigation solely focused on Khan after he was put in jail on remand, over fears that he would continue to engage in terrorist activity by communicating with people on the outside to plan attacks or fund terrorism. Officers received intelligence that inside several different high-security prisons, Khan became an influential inmate among Islamist extremists, and sought to associate with other terror offenders and radicalise inmates. The inquests heard that despite continuing evidence demonstrating Khans extremist mindset, including that he wanted to die and go to paradise, MI5 closed the investigation in 2015. Witness A said she believed the decision was right, adding: We had carried out quite a significant period of investigation while he was in prison, we received a steady stream of intelligence while in prison, and we saw no activities of national security concern. Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, who were stabbed to death by terrorist Usman Khan during a prisoner rehabilitation event at the Fishmongers Hall in London (Metropolitan Police/PA) MI5 reopened its investigation into Khan in late 2018, ahead of his automatic release that December. The hearing was told that officers received two pieces of intelligence - one that he was going to return to his old ways of terrorism once freed, and another that he wanted to plan an attack himself - but that they were of unknown validity and uncorroborated. Witness A said MI5 shared the intelligence with counter-terror police, but it was not the services role to make sure that was shared with the probation officers and less senior officers managing Khan. She added that she believed other officials shared concerns that Khans apparent compliance with licence conditions and rehabilitation schemes could be to avoid scrutiny. The inquest heard that an internal report concluded that MI5 could not have prevented the attack with different decisions, and found the investigative and operational decisions were sound. Khan is believed to have used his unaccompanied train journey to London strap a fake suicide vest to himself and conceal it under clothing. He arrived at Fishmongers Hall carrying a bag containing knives, which he strapped to his hands in a break before launching his attack. Khan murdered Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, and stabbed three other people before being shot dead by police on London Bridge. Witness A said MI5 was not aware of the purchases Khan made, including the knives and equipment for the fake suicide vest, days before the attack and may have arrested him if they were. The inquests continue. A terrorist wrote a play about a released prisoner who carried out a series of knife murders before carrying out his own attacks, but MI5 was not concerned. Usman Khan, 28, murdered two victims in a rampage at Fishmongers Hall in London on 29 November 2019. The attack came 11 months after he was released from prison, after serving a sentence for planning to set up a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. Inquests into his victims deaths heard that he had been known to MI5 since 2008 as an Islamist extremist, and the Security Service started investigating him again in prison and then a third time shortly before his release in December 2018. Thursdays hearing was told that around that time, officers received intelligence that Khan was going to return to his old ways of terrorism once freed, and wanted to plan an attack himself. A senior officer, who can only be named as Witness A because of an anonymity ruling, said MI5 mounted an investigation and put Khan under surveillance on his release. She told the inquests that between that point and his attack, agents received no intelligence of national security concern or suggesting that Khan was planning an attack. Jonathan Hough QC, counsel to the inquests, said that in early 2019 Khan wrote a play called Drive North. He said it was about a conversation on a car journey between two people, who were later revealed to be the same protagonist in conversation with himself. The character was somebody who had been in a secure institution being treated for a personality disorder and goes on to commit a series of murders, Mr Hough said. The play ends with an investigation to establish if the attacks could have been prevented. The protagonist in Khans play used a knife for the murders, as Khan did in his own rampage. There have been several reviews, and now the inquests, examining whether his attack could have been prevented. Terrorist Usman Khan talks to victim Saskia Jones before the attac Witness A said MI5 agents read the play but saw it very much as part of the literature he had been producing on courses as part of his rehabilitation. It didnt give them cause for concern, she added. Khan had done a creative writing course in prison with Cambridge Universitys Learning Together programme, which saw inmates taught alongside students in jail. He went on to do more courses and become a peer mentor for the scheme, despite prison intelligence at the time stating that he was involved in violence and radicalising prisoners. Learning Together invited Khan to several events following his release as an alumnus, and he recorded a video played to the inquests expressing his gratitude to the course. In August 2019, Khan was invited to attend an anniversary celebration for the programme at Fishmongers Hall on London Bridge. The inquests heard that Khans probation officer approved the unescorted trip in the belief the security services did not object. However, MI5 and counter-terror police did not discuss the event as a potential attack risk in a meeting days before, and had not considered any monitoring or protections that could be put in place. Khan arrived at the event wearing a concealed fake suicide vest and carrying knives in a bag, which he taped to his hands in a break. He murdered Learning Together course coordinator Jack Merritt, 25, and volunteer Saskia Jones, 23. The terrorist stabbed two other people linked to the scheme, and a man who fought him, before being chased onto London Bridge and shot dead by police. Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, who were stabbed to death by terrorist Usman Khan during a prisoner rehabilitation event at the Fishmongers Hall in London (Metropolitan Police/PA) Witness A said that both police and MI5 believe that Khan deliberately targeted the Learning Together team during the attack, after bypassing Fishmongers Hall staff. She insisted that there was previously no intelligence of the plan, and that MI5 believed Khan had a constructive and long-standing relationship with the group. An internal review carried out by MI5 found that it could not have taken different decisions or actions that would have prevented the attack. The inquests, which are establishing the circumstances of the victims deaths and whether they could have been prevented, continue. The row over the court judgment against Boris Johnson for an unpaid 535 debt has taken a bizarre twist, after it emerged it was for a claim of defamation. Yvonne Hobbs is reported to have launched multiple claims against the prime minister and public institutions often sending copies of her complaints to the Queen, the BBC and Parliament. The information has raised questions about how the claim was approved by the online small claims court, when defamation cases are usually dealt with by senior judges in the High Court. Later, it appeared No 10s attempt to set aside the judgement had succeeded, after District Judge Hammond considered an application on Thursday. A court official confirmed there was no longer a county court judgment present in the case, but declined to provide any further details. The ruling made six months ago had appeared to be a fresh embarrassment for Mr Johnson has he faces multiple inquiries by standards watchdogs. The Electoral Commission is investigating who originally paid for his flat renovations while the parliamentary commissioner for standards is probing a luxury 15,000 Christmas holiday in the Caribbean. But Downing Street was confident that an application to strike out the debt judgement would be successful, describing it as totally without merit. No 10 was blindsided by the story revealed by Private Eye magazine but quickly made clear it was nothing to do with the controversy over his lavish flat makeover. Legal experts suggested it was a default judgment, issued when someone has not put up a defence to the claim issued against them. Generally, they are sent in the post, with three different correspondence including a letter before claim, a final demand and then a claim form from the court. But it appears the correspondence was sent to 10 Downing Street rather than any property Mr Johnson owns, or 11 Downing Street, which is where his flat is. A file shows the claim was made by an Yvonne Hobbs against The Rt Hon Boris Johnson the reasons cited being defamation and committed repeated defamation. Under the small claims court procedure, anyone can make an official demand for another person or a business to pay them money owed, paying as little as 25 for an online claim. A No 10 spokesman said: An application will be made for an order to set aside the default judgment, to strike out the claim and for a declaration that the claim is totally without merit. David Cameron has been accused of demeaning the office of prime minister, as he answered MPs questions about his role in the collapse of Greensill Capital. And an MP told him that his frenetic messaging of ministers including Rishi Sunak was more like stalking than lobbying. The former PM was confronted by Labour MPs Siobhain McDonagh and Angela Eagle as he gave evidence to the House of Commons Treasury Committee. Describing the dozens of texts, WhatsApps and emails which Cameron sent to ministers and Whitehall officials as more like stalking than lobbying, Dame Angela asked him: Looking back, arent you at least a little embarrassed by the way you behaved?... Dont forget, there were thousands of people dying at the time. Ms McDonagh told him that former Treasury minister Lord Myners had described the firms operations as a Ponzi scheme. She told him: You had the enormous privilege of being the prime minister of our country, youre one of just five people post-war to have been re-elected to lead our government. Do you not feel that you have demeaned yourself and your position by WhatsApping your way around Whitehall based on a fraudulent enterprise, based on selling high risk debt to unsuspecting investors? She asked: Did you know that 90 per cent of Greensills business represented unsecured loans to high-risk borrowers, and half the time without any invoice whatsoever? And referring to his involvement in the Earnd app used in the NHS to allow staff to receive payments up-front, she asked him: Do you accept that your lobbying of the NHS wasnt for its health but for the health of Greensill expand its balance sheet? But Mr Cameron insisted that the NHS pay scheme was intended to stamp out payday lending by allowing staff to access money they had learnt. He told Ms McDonagh: My view is that what I did was I made a choice to work for a business which I hoped would be a UK FinTech success story - and many people believed that it would - and I wanted to help that company. What I did at that time of economic crisis was put to the government what I genuinely believed was a good idea of how to get money into the hands of small businesses and get their bills paid early. After the ex-PM told the committee he did not realise that Greensill was in trouble, Labour MP Rushanara Ali told him: It seems like you either conveniently turned a blind eye on things or you didnt do the due diligence properly or you didnt have proper oversight and your reputation is now in tatters. Keir Starmer's poll ratings are now worse than Jeremy Corbyn's at the same point in their respective leaderships, polls show. A new survey from YouGov conducted on Monday found Sir Keir has a net rating of -48, with just 17 per cent of voters saying he is doing well and 65 per cent saying he is doing badly. At around the same point in Jeremy Corbyn's leadership in September 2016, Sir Keir's predecessor had a net rating of -40 per cent. 21 per cent of voters then believed Mr Corbyn was doing well while 61 per cent thought he was doing badly. Mr Corbyn had by this point survived an attempt by internal opponents to oust him as leader, winning the 2016 leadership contest by 62 per cent to 38 for his rival Owen Smith. His ratings stayed around the same level until 2017, recording a net score of -43 per cent in mid-December. The dire comparison is a blow for Sir Keir, whose pitch to Labour members centered around the idea that he would be more popular with voters than Mr Corbyn. But his approach has so far failed to bear electoral fruit, with Labour last week losing a slew of council seats across the country last contested under Mr Corbyn. An embarrassing parliamentary by-election defeat in Hartlepool, a seat Labour won in 2017 and 2019, has also sparked a wave of criticism, as has his handling of an ensuing reshuffle. A source who was close to Jeremy Corbyn's leadership told The Independent: "Keir is proving the old adage right that if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything. "Jeremy's ratings were low at this point after a year of being savaged by the media and his own MPs. Keir's had a softball ride. "Unless Starmer develops a backbone, shows people what he's about and what his alternative for the country is, his ratings will fall further in an election rather that rise dramatically like Jeremy's did." UK news in pictures Show all 51 1 /51 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, 5m project to conserve York Minsters South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA UK news in pictures 24 May 2021 Dark rain clouds above an oast house at Bewl Water reservoir near Lamberhurst in Kent during one of the rainiest Mays on record, with the UK seeing 131 per cent of the usual months rainfall already PA UK news in pictures 23 May 2021 The Premier League trophy with the Manchester City club colour ribbons on, at Etihad Stadium, prior to the last Premier League match of the season. City will finally pick up the trophy after they won the league on 11 May Getty UK news in pictures 22 May 2021 Gary Kenny lifts the Buildbase FA Vase Trophy after Warrington Rylands won the FA Vase Final against Binfield at Wembley Stadium Getty UK news in pictures 21 May 2021 A family buffeted by the wind whilst crossing the the Millennium Bridge in London, with wind and rain forecast to ravage the UK on the first Friday that people have been allowed to meet in large groups outside in England PA UK news in pictures 20 May 2021 Devon And Cornwall Police Demonstrate Their Skills For Policing The G7 Summit Getty Images UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Londons Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Womens Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London. The Blues won the game 4-1, (and the tie 5-3 on aggregate) sending them through to their first Champions League final AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 1 May 2020 Demonstrators during a march through London during a 'Kill the Bill' protest Angela Christofilou UK news in pictures 30 April 2021 Shoppers queue outside Primark in Belfast as shops reopen and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2021 Specialist operators at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, near Telford, Shropshire, clean the Hawker Hunter aircraft displayed within the museum's National Cold War Exhibition, during annual high-level aircraft cleaning and maintenance PA UK news in pictures 28 April 2021 Millions of tulips in flower near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, as Belmont Nurseries, the UK's largest commercial grower of outdoor tulips, offers socially-distanced visits to its tulip fields at Hillington to raise funds for local charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2021 Paula Laughton checks one of the newly installed Lego models in the new Lego Mythica land at Legoland Windsor Resort PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2021 A red panda rests on a tree at Manor Wildlife park, which reopened its doors as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, in Tenby, Wales Reuters UK news in pictures 25 April 2021 Sheep climb the hillside as flames from a moor fire are seen on Marsden moor, near Huddersfield AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 April 2021 Supporters protest against Manchester United's owners, outside English Premier League club Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in Manchester AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 23 April 2021 People enjoy the warm weather at City Hall near Tower Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 22 April 2021 Uyghurs during a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, which is being held ahead of a House of Commons debate, bought by backbench MP Nus Ghani, on whether Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2021 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Orchard in Alnwick REUTERS UK news in pictures 20 April 2021 People stand in front of anti Super League banners outside Anfield as twelve of Europe's top football clubs, including Liverpool, launch a breakaway league Reuters UK news in pictures 19 April 2021 Women enjoy sunny weather in Greenwich, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain, Reuters UK news in pictures 18 April 2021 Stephen Maguire (right) of Scotland interacts with Jamie Jones of Wales during day 2 of the Betfred World Snooker Championships 2021 at The Crucible, Sheffield PA UK news in pictures 17 April 2021 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburghs coffin, covered with His Royal Highnesss Personal Standard arrives by Landrover Defender at St Georges Chapel carried by a bearer party found by the Royal Marines during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Getty Images Keir Starmer's team did not respond to a request for comment on the poll findings. Labour sit as far as 10 points behind the Conservatives in the voting intention polls for the next general election, according to the latest surveys. Sir Keirs personal ratings have been on the slide in earnest since November, with every YouGov poll since one conducted on 23 November showing an increase in his negatives and a fall in positives. Since the middle of February more voters have said they have a negative view of the Labour leader than a positive one. By Steven Hamilton "Migration benefiting all" is a mantra echoed throughout the halls of my agency, the International Organization for Migration, and the entire United Nations. While some critics might raise outlier examples where this could genuinely be argued, the overall evidence clearly supports this being a valid statement, not only in terms of a human rights perspective, but also demographic, social, and economic. Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon once said of migrants, "their cultures, values, and traditions not only enrich our societies, but enable us to adapt successfully to a world that is changing fast." Steven Hamilton Vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks or socially distance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced. The highly-anticipated change in guidance was made by CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky, who said: We have all longed for this moment. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. If you are fully vaccinated you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy. Dr Walensky said that the new guidance only applied to those Americans who were fully vaccinated, and asked anyone who was immunocompromised to talk to their doctor before giving up their mask. Fully vaccinated people are those people who are two weeks past their last required Covid-19 vaccine dose. She then said that the change in guidance was not meant as an incentive to get more people vaccinated and that the CDC had followed the science in making its decision. Dr Walensky said that the decision was also not based on public pressure but the effectiveness of the vaccine. She added that the guidance had not changed on mask-wearing on planes, buses or trains and that masks still have to be worn while travelling and at airports and stations. And she also confirmed that locations such as healthcare facilities would continue to follow their own infection safety guidelines. This an exciting and powerful moment. It could only happen because of the work of so many who made sure that we had the rapid administration of three safe and effective vaccines, she said. Dr Walensky also told unvaccinated Americans that they had to continue to wear their masks, and urged them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The updated advice comes two weeks after the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people continued to wear masks at all indoor settings, and outdoor at crowded situations like concerts and sporting events. But she warned that if the situation became worse again, the CDC may have to change its guidelines. More than 32.8 million people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the United States during the pandemic, with 583,000 deaths caused by it. The CDC director also said that the government was releasing $7.4bn (5.27bn) to hire, train and support public health workers across the country. She said that $4.4bn would go to hiring tens of thousands of public health workers in public health departments, and $3bn would be spent on preparation for future pandemics. The president of the University of South Carolina has stepped down after he was caught plagiarising his commencement speech and mistakenly congratulating his students on graduating from the University of California. Bob Caslen has resigned after he re-used parts of a speech by retired Admiral William McRaven, the Navy SEAL and commander of Special Operations Command who led the mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011. During his speech on 7 May, the retired three-star general, who served as superintendent of West Point from 2013 to 2018, echoed guidance given by Admiral McRaven to graduates at the University of Texas in 2014. The admiral served as the chancellor of The University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. Admiral McRaven said in his now-famous speech: Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often. But if you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up if you do these things, then the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today. And what started here will indeed have changed the world for the better. In a letter, Mr Caslen wrote that he was truly sorry and that he was searching for words about resilience in adversity and when they were transcribed into the speech, I failed to ensure its attribution. I take full responsibility for this oversight. Multiple uploads of the speech by the retired four-star admiral on YouTube have been viewed more than 13 million times, with one video reaching more than 19 million views. After General Caslens second blunder of his speech, mistaking South Carolina for California, prompting audible gasps from the crowd, he said: Sorry about that, I owe you push-ups. In his letter to students, obtained by local TV station WIS, he wrote: I understand the responsibilities and higher standards of senior-level leadership. When those are not met, trust is lost. And when trust is lost, one is unable to lead. Eddie Floyd, the member of the universitys board of trustees who has served the longest, told The Post and Courier: Turns out he was probably not the right fit to run USC. General Caslen delivered the same speech, including the plagiarised section, during at least one subsequent graduation ceremony the next day, the paper reported. He offered to resign over the weekend but was rebuffed by the chairman of the board, Dorn Smith. But the general called Dr Smith on Monday to say he was leaving his post. He just thought it was time to go, and I think that he was concerned about the support of the faculty and the students and everybody else, Dr Smith told The Post and Courier. Were disappointed with the way things worked out. I think Bob Caslen did a great job at a lot of things that he wont get credit for. I think he handled the Covid crisis fabulously. And its just unfortunate that there were some missteps that were well-publicised, Dr Smith added. Former USC President Harris Pastides will return to his post and serve as the interim president, taking over on 14 May. The Jesuit priest who presided over an inaugural Mass for President Joe Biden has resigned his position as president of Santa Clara University in Northern California college officials said, after an investigation found he engaged in inappropriate, alcohol-fueled conversations with graduate students. The Rev. Kevin OBrien, at the direction of Jesuit officials, has begun a therapeutic outpatient program to address personal issues, including alcohol and stress counseling. He had been president of Santa Clara University since July 2019 and was placed on leave in March. The university announced O'Brien's departure in a statement to the campus community on Wednesday that included messages from acting President Lisa Kloppenberg and board of trustees Chair John M. Sobrato. O'Brien had notified the board of his resignation Sunday and the trustees accepted it the next day. The private Jesuit institution in the Silicon Valley, founded in 1851 as the first Jesuit university in the West, is ranked as one of the top 25 schools for undergraduate teaching nationwide. California Govs. Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown are among its alumni. OBrien has known the Bidens for about 15 years; they met when he was serving at Georgetown University another Jesuit college. O'Brien gave the service at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Washington, in January for Biden, who is the nations second Catholic president, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris their families and elected officials before the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. He also presided over services for Bidens inaugurations as vice president. This is a challenging time for Santa Clara, but Fr. OBrien has shown both generosity and freedom in wanting to do what is best for the university, said the Rev. Scott Santarosa, head of the Jesuits West Province that conducted the investigation, in a statement. With care for the faculty, staff, students and entire Santa Clara community, he has decided to step down. Sobrato's statement said the investigation found that O'Brien engaged in behaviors, consisting primarily of conversations, during a series of informal dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries. The dinners involved alcohol, Sobrato wrote, but no inappropriate behavior was discovered outside of these events. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP on Wednesday called for the Jesuits to broaden the investigation to other places O'Brien previously worked, including Georgetown University, to see if other students would come forward. SNAP is alarmed with the limited amount of information that has been provided about the case and wants to see the probe expanded, the statement said. The US Department of Defence has been working on a wearable sensor that would detect invisible radio frequencies amid reports that a microwave weapon might be causing a mysterious illness in US personnel. Reports first surfaced from Cuba in 2016 of attacks on US embassy personnel that caused significant brain injury. The mysterious illness, which was named the Havana syndrome, causes symptoms like debilitating headaches, loss of hearing and balance, and permanent brain injuries. Although the cause of the illness remains under investigation, the DoD appeared to be taking it seriously by funding research into a wearable sensor that would detect these radio frequencies, the New Scientist reports. The new device would be capable of recording exposure to harmful levels of electromagnetic energy and inform the user. The detector would be analogous to devices already used by US soldiers to warn them of nerve agents and other chemical attacks. A wearable RF [radio frequency] detector to signal and document exposure to injurious levels of RF energy will allow personnel to take timely and appropriate protective measures, enable confident diagnoses of RF exposure injury, and serve as a critical intelligence resource for defining current battlefield threats, according to the project plan. If the device were to work as intended, the project plan stated it could be useful for a wide variety of military operations while also serving commercial purposes in medical, industrial, manufacturing, and test facilities. This development comes after the mysterious illness that causes brain injuries has occurred in more than 130 spies, diplomats, soldiers and other US personnel overseas within the last five years, The New York Times reports, sparking concern within the Biden administration. Prior to the report, it was estimated that about 60 people were impacted by the illness while overseas in Cuba and China. The additional number of cases have come from Europe and other parts of Asia, as well as multiple potential instances on US soil. President Joe Biden and his administration have now intensified their efforts to understand these anomalous health incidents among US personnel. All of the 18 intelligence agencies, as well as the Pentagon and State Department, have briefed lawmakers on several instances related to the mysterious illness, Politico reports. A State Department-commissioned study released in December found that the incidents experienced by US personnel in Havana were similar to the incidents reported in China. The study summarised the incidents as being the effect of directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy. But investigators were still working to find hard evidence that radio frequency energy was the cause of the mysterious illnesses developing in US personnel overseas. An open letter signed by 124 retired US military officers has called President Biden s health into question, earning a strong rebuke from Hillary Clinton and others. The mental and physical condition of the Commander in Chief cannot be ignored, wrote Flag Officers 4 America , an organisation of former generals and admirals. He must be able to quickly make accurate national security decisions involving life and limb anywhere, day or night. The ex-officers did not go into further detail, and listed no specific ailments as possibilities. As evidence, the letter only cites recent Democrat leaderships inquiries about nuclear code procedures, which it interprets as raising the question about who is in charge. Doubts about Mr Bidens health and about Ms Clintons in 2016 have long been a talking point of right-wing pundits. Fox News Sean Hannity , in particular, has insisted for months that Mr Biden is struggling cognitively. On Thursday, Ms Clinton lashed out at the letter on Twitter, calling it bizarre, shameful, and untrue. Ms Clinton wasnt the only one to object. Military experts, including some currently in service, denounced the letter in a report by Politico . One serving Navy officer, who did not wish to be named, called it disturbing and reckless. Marybeth Ulrich, a retired Air Force colonel, called the letter anti-democratic. That was way worse than I was expecting, Ms Ulrich told Politico . They are absolutely violating the norm to be apolitical. They are being used for partisan purposes. A medical summary released in 2019 by Mr Bidens doctor described him as a healthy, vigorous, 77-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency. The White House says it will release another assessment after the presidents checkup later this year. In the Flag Officers letter, a four-sentence discussion of Mr Bidens health is last in a long list of points, many of which echo the grievances of former president Donald Trump . At the top is an accusation which has been thoroughly debunked that the 2020 election was fraudulent. Without fair and honest elections that accurately reflect the will of the people our Constitutional Republic is lost, the letter says. The FBI and Supreme Court must act swiftly when election irregularities are surfaced and not ignore them as was done in 2020. The letter also complains that illegals are flooding our Country [sic], troops at the US Capitol are guarding against a non-existent threat, and Politically Correct policies like the divisive critical race theory are being pushed on the military. Many of these charges are common talking points on Fox News and other conservative media. The letter even mimics the random capitalization and syntax of Mr Trumps tweets, railing about Socialism and Marxism and the Democrat Party. Retired Army Major General Joe Arbuckle, who organized the letter, insisted that the dangers the US is facing are too great to remain silent. Retired generals and admirals normally do not engage in political actions, the Vietnam veteran told Politico, but the situation facing our nation today is dire and we must speak out in order to be faithful to our oath to support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic. An armed conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians has become more vicious and much broader far quicker than anticipated, potentially altering the calculations of regional and global powers eager to ignore the long-simmering crisis. The latest sequence of events began with attempts by Israeli settlers to appropriate Palestinian properties in Jerusalem and Israeli armed forces raids on the al-Aqsa mosque considered the third holiest site in Islam. The Gaza-based militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad responded with barrages of rockets against Israel, which launched ferocious airstrikes on targets in Gaza. Dozens of civilians have died. Every harrowing detail of the escalation has been caught on mobile phone cameras, broadcast on television and disseminated via social media, inflaming passions worldwide. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was scheduled for Wednesday two days after another one on Monday. All this comes after much of the world has sought to shelve the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The administration of President Joseph Biden came into office seeking to pivot the United States away from the Middle East and focus on Far East Asia and its own domestic challenges. Europe and the United Kingdom have also shifted their focus from the Arab Israeli conflict and focus on recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, grappling with the ambitions of Russia, and restoring the Iran nuclear deal. The wealthy states of the Arabian Peninsula began long ago downplaying the Palestinian cause. Last year, coaxed by former US President Donald Trump, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed a deal with Israel. Morocco and Sudan also signed normalisation deals with Israel meant to signal a new era of cooperation. But the communal violence and escalating armed conflict could waylay any hopes of putting the Middle East on the back-burner. It shows if you try to ignore the Middle East it has a habit of sucking you back into its orbit, said Michael Stephens, a former UK Foreign Office analyst now at the Royal United Services Institute. The conflict has now escalated to the point where it cannot be ignored. So far, the uptick in violence has had little immediate diplomatic fallout. Along with the rest of the Arab world and Muslim majority nations such as Turkey and Iran, Saudi Arabia and all five other Arabian Peninsula nations that make up the wealthy Gulf Cooperation Council have condemned the attempt by Israeli settlers to seize Palestinian properties in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem and the Israeli armed forces incursions into the al-Aqsa during prayers. A pro-Palestinian Jewish Orthodox wears a face mask during a protest near the Israeli Consulate following a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence in Manhattan (REUTERS) Theres very little possibility that Arab states would break off or even downgrade ties with Israel over the ongoing conflict. But the escalation will likely complicate budding ties between pro-American Gulf monarchies such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain with Israel, potentially any damaging attempts to bring Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman or any other Arab states into a peace with Israel. The Trump administration wanted the Arab governments to bury rather than resolve the Palestinian issue, said Giorgio Cafiero, chief of Gulf State Analytics, a Washington risk management firm. Events that have been unfolding this month show that that is completely impossible. On Tuesday, following days of pressure on social media and images broadcast worldwide of Palestinian children killed in airstrikes, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAEs de facto ruler, issued a statement that expressed his concern over the violence in occupied East Jerusalem, and called for an end to violations and practices that lead to the continuation of a state of tension and confrontation in the holy city, as well as stopping any practices that violate the sanctity of the blessed al-Aqsa mosque, according to the official WAM news agency. This is just a facade of we have to do something, said Andreas Krieg, a Middle East specialist at Kings College. Theyve always turned a blind eye to the plight of Palestinians. Theres an elite level apathy toward the Palestinian cause. Mr Krieg said influential UAE social media figures had gone further, actively adopting the anti-Palestinian rhetoric of the Israeli far-right. The relationship with Israel is not just an opportunity to win over Washington, it is also based on some ideational synergies on world views, he said. Even before the latest crisis the Gulf leaders sought to ignore the Palestinian issue. Arab leaders aligned with Washington and hostile to Iran have frequently remained silent or even cheered Israel as it has taken on Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Gaza-based militant groups backed by Tehran. But this time Israels newfound Arab partners may be feeling the heat. They are being blasted on social media for not doing enough to stand up for the Palestinian cause. The origins of the escalating conflict in a dispute widely seen even in the United States as provoked by far-right Israeli settlers and the ferocity of the ongoing Israeli offensive may pose a challenge to typical Arab regime apathy. Despite the Abraham Accords, the Gulf states appear to have very little influence over Israeli actions, and there were were signs that the GCC was scrambling to catch up to Arab public opinion, which is stridently pro-Palestinian. The governments which signed diplomatic deals with Israel last year find themselves in difficult positions today, said Mr Cafiero. Outspoken statements and shows of support by leaders in Turkey and Iran have added to the pressure. Take a great country like Egypt, or Jordan, who is Israels neighbour, why are they silent? Irans president Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday. As an Arab leader you are required to show some sense of responsibility for the Palestinian issue; tou cant just pretend that its not there, said Mr Stephens. The Abraham Accords were sold as giving Arabs leverage over Israelis, but theres just no evidence that is the case. The UAE on Wednesday was to host an emergency meeting of Arab lawmakers to discuss Jerusalem. The Arab League, widely seen as a toothless plaything of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza as indiscriminate and irresponsible as images of explosions and grieving Palestinians flooded pan-Arab news channels. Rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system (AFP via Getty Images) The situation in Palestine is not sustainable in this way and that the Israeli attacks will lead to further escalation, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit was quoted as saying by the Egyptian state news agency. Western powers have come under pressure to act or speak out beyond bland statements calling for de-escalation and restraint by all sides in the conflict. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called for an urgent convening of the Middle East Quartet of negotiators that includes the United Nations, Russia, the US and the EU. The Americans have tried to sit this one out, but it has escalated way beyond what anyone had assumed, said Mr Stephens. Its a classic example of the Middle East pulling you back in. Close Harrowing footage shows Palestinian fathers final moments before he is killed in Israeli air strikes.mp4 More than 52,000 Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli airstrikes, the United Nations aid agency said on Tuesday. About 47,000 of the people displaced people have sought shelter in 58 UN-run schools in Gaza, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told reporters, according to Reuters. It comes as the Israeli army unleashed a fresh wave of airstrikes on Gaza overnight. Israels army said it was once again targeting an underground metro system it says is being used by Hamas operatives to evade surveillance. The residences of five Hamas commanders were also struck, with the Israeli military asserting that some of the homes had been used as command and control centres, while an anti-tank squad in Gaza City was also targeted. On Monday, President Joe Biden expressed support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas rulers in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US leader stopped short of demanding an immediate end to the violence, but expressed his support for a ceasefire and encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, the White House said. Mr Biden also renewed his his firm support for Israels right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks, a readout of the call said. At least 213 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes so far, including 61 children, with more than 1,400 people wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Meanwhile, ten people have been killed in Israel, including two children, Israeli authorities have said. Israels army has announced that its air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip. Although the statement gave no further details, Israeli military affairs correspondents who are briefed regularly by the armed forces said it was not a ground invasion, and that troops were firing artillery from Israel's side of the border. Tsahi Daboush, the defense correspondent of Army Radio, tweeted: When the [Israeli army] says ground troops it means artillery and tanks on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza. Rocket barrages from Gaza swiftly followed. Residents of northern Gaza, near the Israeli frontier, said they had seen no sign of ground troops inside the enclave but reported heavy artillery fire and dozens of air strikes. Residents said it was among the heaviest bombardments they have ever experienced, rivalling some of the worst nights during the seven-week war in 2014. The houses were shaking, they were dancing from the relentless airstrikes and artillery fire, said Nedal Hamdouna, a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Beit Lahia, that came under heavy fire. Its the worst I can remember, worse than the nights in 2014. He said Palestinain families in the north fearing a full scale ground invasion and a massive bombardment against their homes had begun to flee south. Photos taken from the area showed women and children with bags escaping the border areas. Videos shared with The Independent showed children cowering in their home as the explosions erupted in the background. Israel said it was massing troops along the Gaza frontier on Thursday and calling up 9,000 reservists ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory. "I said we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas," Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in a videotaped statement. "We are doing that, and we will continue to do that with heavy force." Jang Ok-soon, right, poses for a photo at Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Education in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Education By Bahk Eun-ji An octogenarian has passed a qualification exam equivalent to a high school diploma, becoming the oldest person to achieve the feat, according to the Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Education, Tuesday. Jang Ok-soon, 84, said she hopes to become a college student if she has enough energy to do so. "I really want to go to college. If I were like 14 years younger than now, I would have entered college without any worries, but I wonder how my health would be, considering my age," she said. Jang passed the exam for a middle school diploma in August 2017. Since 2018, she applied six times for the biannual high school equivalency diploma and finally passed this time. "I was so disappointed when I failed last year's exam with an average score of 59.85 points," Jang said, adding the minimum score to pass the test was 60 points. "I like mathematics because it's fun, but studying English was the most difficult because I'm not really good at memorizing new vocabulary. I only just managed to do it but I'm proud of myself." Jang was born in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. Like many children at that time, financial difficulty in her family prevented her from going to school. At the age of 19 she moved to Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, and got married when she was 25. "I entered elementary school during the Japanese colonial period, and after liberation, I graduated from elementary school during the Korean War. I couldn't study any longer because of such difficult circumstances. I always thought about studying, but when my husband died 30 years ago, I lost another chance because I had a hard time raising my children alone." Jang said she belatedly resumed her study at a senior welfare center in Jecheon in 2016. "I had my two sons study at universities because I didn't want them to give up learning. I didn't want them to experience such an empty feeling I had when I had to stop going to school," Jang said. Treaty Fishery Anticipated to Re-open in June SIPEKNEKATIK, FN. Following a submission to the United Nations detailing the racist and violent acts of last fall including those against the Mikmaq people of Sipeknekatik, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has now called on Canada to account for these actions. A team comprised of Mikmaq legal counsel, as well as human rights experts, Justice for Girls and community members compiled the final document for review and provided CERD with regular status updates throughout the winter. We are grateful for the team who took the initiative to work through the necessary international channels to bring attention to the human rights violations our fishers and community members have endured, said Chief Mike Sack. Pam Palmater, Rosalie Francis, Zoe Craig-Sparrow, Alisa Lombard, Sue Brown and Annabel Webb made the submission to the United Nations, on behalf of the fishers, Sipeknekatik Chief and Council and the community at large. I am relieved that the UN has seen merit with our complaint and now will hold Canada accountable for the violation of our Mikmaq peoples human rights and Aboriginal and Treaty rights, said Rosalie Francis, legal advisor to Sipeknekatik. Canada doesnt want to be accountable to the Mikmaq, so now they can be accountable to the international community. The letter signed by Yanduan Li, Chair of CERD calls on Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Ms. Leslie Norton to submit a response on behalf of Canada by 14 July 2021. Being recognized by a body that represents marginalized people experiencing the destructive and intergenerational effects of systemic racism is a new milestone in our communitys efforts to overcome poverty and oppression, said Chief Sack. It is anticipated the Sipeknekatik Treaty fishery will re-open in the first week of June, 2021 operating from the Saulnierville Wharf in Digby County. Concurrently the communitys fishery department will be supporting a conservation study led by Dr. Megan Bailey of Dalhousie Universitys Marine Biology Dept., to better determine species health in the non-commercial lobster season, data that is not currently collected by DFO. Following the announcement of the Dalhousie study on April 22, DFO through the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat released their 2019 report assessing the species as being categorized in the healthy zone in LFA 34 during the annual commercial season between November and May. Several requests for regionally specific and more recent species health assessments through the fall and winter went unanswered by DFO. Were this report released earlier in the fall it would have done a great deal to provide clarity and balance to those people acting out in violence against our people in the name of conservation, said Chief Sack. We want to fish in peace and exercise our Treaty right we are hopeful that the aggressive and hostile behaviour of the commercial fishery and the Canadian government will subside and the people responsible for these actions will be held accountable if necessary by the international community. A complete copy of the UN CERD letter of notice can be found at this link: INT_CERD_ALE_CAN_9398_E.pdf (ohchr.org) At 65 people have died in Gaza that includes 16 children. Seven people as per Israel have died there that include a soldier as well as an Indian national. Israel has vowed not to stop Gaza attacks until there is "complete quiet" as airstrikes and rocket fire continued. Twitter With the tensions escalating, international pop icon Rihanna has called for peace. She says her heart breaks to see innocents losing their lives and living in fear. "I stand with humanity," she wrote. AFP "My heart is breaking with the violence Im seeing displayed between Israel and Palestine! I cant bare to see it! Innocent Israeli and Palestinian children are hiding in bomb shelters, over 40 lives lost in Gaza alone, at least 13 of whom were also innocent children! "There needs to be some kind of resolve! We are sadly watching innocent people fall victim to notions perpetuated by government and extremists and this cycle needs to be broken," she added in a post. Other international stars including Zayn Malik, Gigi Hadid, Mark Ruffalo, Bella Hadid have also called for peace. Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot wrote, "Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation. Our neighbors deserve the same", calling for a peaceful resolution between the two nations. After remaining low for two consecutive days, fresh cases again breached the 3.5 lakh benchmark on Wednesday. Deaths also remained over 4,000 for the second day in a row. Overall, the day saw 3,62,720 cases and 4,136 Deaths. Maharashtra Extends Lockdown Until May 31 To Curb Spread Of COVID-19 Maharashtra government on Wednesday agreed to extend the lockdown-like restrictions for two weeks till May 30. The current curbs end at 7am on May 15. CM Uddhav Thackeray will take the final decision and a notification will be issued accordingly in the next two-three days, said public health minister Rajesh Tope. BCCL Shops selling essentials can be open only for four hours from 7am to 11am, home deliveries are allowed until 8pm. Buses, autos, taxis can ply with 50% capacity but travellers have to prove that moving about is necessary. Weddings are restricted to 2 hours with not more than 25 people present. Kerala Records Highest Daily Tally Of 43,529 Cases, TPR Reaches 30% There seems to be no respite from the rising number of daily Covid positive cases in Kerala as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that 43,529 turned positive from 1,46,320 samples tested in the past 24 hours. BCCL The tally was the highest so far, and the test positivity rate stood at 29.75 per cent, while the state has 4,32,789 active cases. No Covaxin For 18-44 Year Age Group In Delhi From Today No centre in the national capital will be able to administer COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' to the age group of 18-44 years due to unavailability of its stock, said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi Marlena on Wednesday. AFP "Despite the number of vaccination centres being increased extensively, the stock for Covaxin is absolutely finished, and due to this, nearly 100 centres administering Covaxin have been forced to temporarily shut down. So, from Thursday, Delhi will not be able to administer Covaxin to the 18-44 age group, due to the shortage of vaccines. Bharat Biotech has refused to deliver any additional doses of Covaxin to Delhi," Atishi said. WHO Warns Variant In India Could Be Highly Contagious A virus variant that has been spreading rapidly in India and designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) might be more contagious than most versions of the coronavirus, the agency said in a report it published on Tuesday evening. Representative Image The WHO emphasised in its report that it wasnt yet clear how much the variant, known as B.1.617, had contributed to the devastating surge that has crushed India in recent weeks. It cautioned that India, like many countries, is only sequencing a tiny fraction of positive samples, and that with so little surveillance, its difficult to reach any firm conclusions about B.1.617. American India Foundation Raises $25 Million For COVID-19 Assistance An Indian-American non-profit body has raised USD25 million for COVID-19 assistance to India as the country battles a severe outbreak of the viral disease, its functionaries said. BCCL "So far, we have ordered and have commitments for 5,500 oxygen concentrators, 2,300 hospital beds, 25 oxygen plants, and 30,000 non-electric ventilators," Nishant Pandey, CEO of the American India Foundation (AIF), told PTI. WhatsApp has gone ahead and filed an affidavit with the Delhi High Court, claiming that many other tech apps collect the same or more amount of user data than they were intending to with their updated privacy policy. BCCL Also Read: Indian Antitrust Body Investigating WhatsApp For Its Privacy Policy Change Reported first by Inc42, WhatsApp's affidavit was filed against the petition surrounding WhatsApps privacy policy update. In this affidavit, theyve cited privacy policies of internet companies like Zomato, Ola, Koo, Truecaller, Big Basket as well as the contact tracing app launched by the Government of India -- Aarogy Setu. The petition was filed by advocate Harsha Gupta, through advocates Vivek Sood and Dhruv Gupta, that challenged the texting apps general terms of services as well as WhatsApp Business terms of services, regarding them as a violation of the provisions of the IT Act and the Right to Informational Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. WhatsApp says, a review of the privacy policies of many internet-based applications and websites confirms that such policies include provisions describing the information they may collect that are similar to and in many instances much broader than those in the 2021 Update. The texting app also states that if it is not permitted to roll out its new privacy policy, it could severely impact the operations of tech companies in the nation. This includes companies that are working on grocery deliveries. Also Read: WhatsApp Cancels May 15 Deadline To Accept Privacy Policy, Won't Delete Your Account This response came right after it announced the scrapping of the deadline of May 15 for users to accept the updated privacy policy. The company had issued a statement revealing that No accounts will be deleted on May 15 because of this update and no one in India will lose functionality of WhatsApp either. Getty Images Also Read: New WhatsApp Features Coming In 2021: Multiple Device Support And Web Calls WhatsApp had stated that it would follow up with reminders to people over the next several weeks, although it stated that a majority of users have already accepted the new privacy policies. Have you agreed with the updated privacy policies laid out by WhatsApp? Tell us in the comments below. Ever since the outbreak of coronavirus, our free-flow movement has largely come to an abrupt halt. Inbound fights have been restricted and cross border travel has been shelved. Thus, to disperse travel inertia gloom, Australian airline Qantas has come up with something unique. Quants Airways has decided to cheer up its citizen by organising a flight to nowhere. Reuters Let the term not fool you into thinking that the flight won't be going anywhere. In fact, the designated flight will be headed to a special destination - to witness the supermoon and lunar eclipse. Also Read: 17 Stunning Pictures Of The Year's First 'Pink Supermoon' Yes, you heard it right. The flight will take the passengers on a three-hour-long trip to the super moon watching party on May 26, 40,000 ft above the ground. The occasion will also mark the last lunar eclipse of the year. The phenomenon (lunar eclipse) is the second and the last astronomical occurrence of 2021. So it will be like a double bonanza. AFP The term flight to nowhere is used in the sense that the passengers would not eventually be reaching anywhere and would come back to the Sydney station, but after witnessing the natural phenomenon. Also Read: Guy Takes Rare Pic Of Space Station In Front Of Moon, Caught In Sunlight Qutans spokesperson said that this flight would enable its passengers a spectacular view of the moon. The super moon would be visible from the selected part of Australia, New Zealand, some Pacific regions and part of the US West Coast. In a press release, the flight spokesperson said the company is working with astronomer Dr Vanessa Moss to design "the optimal flight path over the Pacific Ocean," that would enable maximum Moon-viewing chances. Moss would also accompany passengers on flight sharing facts and interesting information about the May 26 event. NASA has called it a "super blood Moon eclipse" because the Moon would be at its closest point to the Earth at 357,311 kilometres at 7:20 am IST (11.50 am AEST) on May 26 and thus would appear bigger and brighter to the human eye. Also Read: Impressed With His Hard Work, Company Gifts Noida Employee Land On Moon The Qantas flight will take place on a Boeing 787 Dreamliners as its big windows would be ideal for Moon gazing." The ticket price for the one-off flight cost between $500 and $1500 and only 100 passengers can be adjusted. However, if you are planning to book the flight you are already very late. Qantas announced all the tickets for the flight were sold in a record time on Sunday: 2.5 minutes to be exact. Pizza and volcano - a bit hard to imagine both the things in a single frame given one is comfort food for many of us and the other is something that would push us out of our comfort zone, so as I would like to believe. But for David Garcia, the combination of freshly baked pizza, that on the streams of molten lava is nothing less than an ultimate adventure and in disguise, an opportunity. AFP Making the best of the situation, Garcia has decided to bake pizza on the smouldering ashes of Guatemala's Pacaya volcano that has been simmering for some time now. According to an AFP report, the volcano in Guatemala has been simmering since February and is continuously spewing molten lava. It is one of three active ones in Guatemala and is located just 25 km from the capital city. Also read: Time For A Quick Meal! Man Cooks Bacon And Eggs On Fagradalsfjall Volcano's Molten Lava AFP The fact that it is an active volcano is not deterring daredevil Garcia who thought of cashing this opportunity by offering "Pacaya Pizza" to tourists who are willing to climb up the massive volcano. Interestingly, Garcia has made the volcanic site his makeshift kitchen and has started to make pizza. In the video, he can be seen spreading the dough in the tray, adding tomato sauce and cheese and keeping it for baking on the volcano ashes. Some time into it and voila, the pizza is ready. Also read: Earth-Sized 'Hell' Planet Found Where Rocks Vaporise, Oceans Are Full Of Lava He is later seen enjoying the pizza with other people on the island. By professional account, Garcia said that he came up with the idea of baking pizza a few years ago. But then he didnt sell many. But this time the idea took off. "Many people today come to enjoy the experience of eating pizza made on volcanic heat," Garcia told AFP. "It's ridiculous just thinking that you're going to eat something cooked on lava, but it's something that you can see only here" in Guatemala, said Kelt Van Meurs, a Dutch visitor. Indeed, it's not every day that you get to eat pizza freshly baked on volcanic ash. Also read: A Sight To Behold: Instead Of Fiery Orange, The Lava From This Volcano In Indonesia Is Electric Blue A public petition posted by a female professor at Yeungnam University, who claims to have been raped by a male colleague, is accusing the university of trying to cover up the crime. The petition has gathered over 170,000 signatures as of Thursday morning. Screenshot from Cheong Wa Dae's official website By Lee Hyo-jin A female professor at Yeungnam University in North Gyeongsang Province, who claims to have been raped by another professor, is accusing the university of trying to cover up the alleged crime. She posted a public petition on the Cheong Wa Dae website, Wednesday, introducing herself as professor Kim Hye-kyung of Yeungnam University. The names of the people and university involved have since been blurred out by the website managers. "I was raped by a male coworker working at the same research center (in the school), but the school is attempting to cover up the case. After the incident, I demanded that the head of our center separate him from me, but I was told to 'stop making a fuss,'" the petition read. "Then, they began to exclude me from my work and duties by eliminating my position and not calling me in for meetings." In addition, although Kim made a request to the gender equality center at the university to separate the male professor from students, out of concerns that similar incidents may happen, the university replied that such a measure was unnecessary. The petitioner wrote that the school is only "pretending" to resolve the issue through a committee on sexual misconduct, and demanded that the government conduct a thorough investigation of the university. The petition had gathered over 170,000 signatures as of Thursday morning. Following mounting public attention, the university released a statement denying that it had tried to cover up the alleged crime. "Regarding the case, a police investigation is underway, and the university has also been conducting its own investigation, following the principles and procedures of the relevant regulations," the statement read, adding that the university will do its best to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. Last July, a Dalit employee at Cisco, based in Santa Clara County, complained to Californias Department of Fair Employment and Housing that he was being discriminated against at his workplace by two Indian American supervisors. Above: A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'Dalit Lives Matter' during a protest in New Delhi on Oct. 4, 2020. (Sajjad Hussain/AFP via Getty Images) The interior of the BAPS Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Kanu Patel, the CEO of BAPS, which is known for community service and has been taking an active role in the Indian American initiative to help India amid the current COVID-19 surge, told The New York Times, I respectfully disagree with the wage claim. (commons.wikimedia.org photo) New Jersey on Tuesday renewed subsidies of about $300 million a year for the states three nuclear power reactors at Salem and Hope Creek, the source of 90% of the states carbon-free electricity. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the subsidies, called Zero Emission Certificates, for three years for the Hope Creek Generating Station and the twin-unit Salem Nuclear Power Plant, located in Lower Alloways Township on Delaware Bay. The giant reactors supply New Jersey with about 37.5% of its power, including about 90% of its electricity produced without greenhouse gas emissions. The owners of the plants, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) of New Jersey and Exelon Corp. of Illinois, had argued that without the subsidies, the plants would struggle to compete in markets where prices are set by low-cost natural gas power plants. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauded Tuesdays unanimous vote, saying it kept New Jersey on track to meet carbon-free energy targets. But critics, including NJ Ratepayers United, a coalition of consumer groups and nonnuclear power suppliers, argued that the subsidies boosted prices for consumers as well as the profits for nuclear energy producers. This will take money away from offshore wind, solar, and energy efficiency programs in New Jersey, said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, who called the subsidies a blank check. The subsidies add about 0.4 cents to the price of a kilowatt hour of electricity, or about $2.60 a month for a typical residential customer that uses 650 kWh. Thats about 2% of a typical residential customers $123.44 monthly bill from Public Service Electric & Gas, the states largest utility and an affiliate of the majority owner of the nuclear plants. The subsidies were supported by the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy. Todays decision prioritizes public health and our environment by ensuring emissions will not go up as a result of losing nuclear power, said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, president of the regulatory agency. Keeping the plants running will also maintain the stability of New Jerseys electricity grid and support over 1,000 good-paying jobs, both of which are central in helping the states economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Several states, including Illinois, New York and Connecticut, have provided subsidies to keep nuclear plants operating, though Pennsylvania in 2019 declined to award support for atomic power, leading Exelon to permanently shut down Three Mile Island Unit 1. Executives at Philadelphia International Airport and its largest air carrier, American Airlines, highlighted signs Wednesday of an ongoing economic recovery from the lowest points of the pandemic for the travel industry. For now, that recovery is riding on leisure travel, while demand for international and business flights continues to lag. More than three out of four of our customers are now comfortable taking a domestic flight, as well as staying in a hotel, said American Airlines vice president Lakshman Amaranayaka, who leads the companys Philadelphia hub operations, citing customer sentiment data. Between March 1 and March 31, customer comfort level with flying in the United States jumped from 60% to nearly 79%, according to his presentation Wednesday at a town-hall virtual meeting on air service at PHL. As of this month, all of Americans aircraft are back in service, and that is a tremendously good sign, Amaranayaka said. This summer, the airline intends to operate 90% of its domestic capacity and 80% of its international capacity, compared with 2019 levels, Amaranayaka said. We are preparing to hire pilots to support future operations, he said, adding that its another positive indicator for the industrys recovery. At the pre-pandemic peak, in June 2019, the Philadelphia airport filled 34,500 daily seats for American. A year later, in June 2020, that figure plunged about 85%, to 5,400 daily seats. Ive never seen anything like that. I dont think anyone else here has, said Ryan Isemeyer, an American Airlines manager for domestic network planning and strategy. But as we talk about rebound, and we talk about our road to recovery, weve been really happy with what we see in Philadelphia, he said, as demand has grown for leisure-oriented destinations. The airline has responded to that demand by adding flights to Florida destinations such as Key West and Daytona Beach, as well as such places as Nantucket, Mass., and Salt Lake City, Utah. Weve also seen a lot of recovery in our visiting friends-and-relatives markets, and so weve responded to that by adding flights to Santiago, Dominican Republic, Isemeyer said. Demand for business-oriented flights out of Philadelphia, to cities including Cleveland, Boston, and Milwaukee, hasnt recovered the same way it has for Florida destinations. But Americans Philadelphia team is preparing for the return of business travelers, Isemeyer said, by adding seats to such places as Nashville, Atlanta, Houston, Boston and Austin, Texas. Our schedule is going to represent that were ready for you when you do decide to come back, he said. Before the pandemic, Philadelphia served as Americans main gateway to Europe. But coronavirus travel restrictions on both sides of the Atlantic have depressed demand for flights between the U.S. and European countries. Now we are slowly bringing back transatlantic service and were keeping a very close eye on the various countries and their stages of opening, said American Airlines Henning Greiser, director for international networking planning. Each country is taking a very different approach, Greiser said, so depending where they are in this process, it has different implications for our capacity. Greece has already announced reopening plans for vaccinated travelers or those with a negative test, and American is planning to start service to Athens in mid-August, Greiser said. Spain, France, and Italy have not yet set specific timelines or parameters for reopening. Were currently set up to bring back service to these destinations also by the middle of August, Greiser said. Whether or not we can hold that date will very much depend on what the opening actually looks like. American has already added passenger service from Philadelphia to London, Dublin, and, more recently, Amsterdam even though each respective country still has various travel restrictions in place. These three are actually unique in the sense that all three have a significant amount of cargo demand, so were operating full bellies on these aircraft, Greiser said. The Philadelphia School Partnership on Tuesday will name Stacy Holland, a nonprofit leader with broad education experience in Philadelphia, as its new executive director. Holland said she was poised to lead PSP, an organization that has raised $120 million for Philadelphia charter, private, and traditional public schools since it was founded 10 years ago, through a crucial time. COVID is the greatest educational crisis in our lifetime, one that has impacted all students in Philadelphia, especially students of color, Holland said. But it also presents us with a tremendous chance to reimagine how we provide high-quality educational options that are urgently needed for all children. Holland, 50, has nearly 30 years of experience in education and college and career development in the city, including stints as executive director of the Lenfest Foundation, chief of strategic partnerships of the Philadelphia School District, and cofounder and CEO of the Philadelphia Youth Network, a workforce development organization. She recently worked as a consultant advising public and private schools and philanthropic organizations. READ MORE: How COVID-19 has challenged and changed one Philadelphia family PSP has had a hand in creating 20 new schools across the city and all educational sectors, and has given money to expand and revamp dozens more. It is funded through private donors and large organizations like the Walton Family Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Holland succeeds Mark Gleason, the founding leader of PSP, who announced his departure in January. Under Gleason, PSP took heat from some in education circles who said the organization furthered inequities and contributed to the privatization of public education. Education has been politicized, Holland said, but the goal must be focusing on the needs of all school sectors in Philadelphia. Politics are not the work, Holland said. Its really finding out what young people need and building the conditions so they can get what they need, and supporting those educators who at the end of the day are working really hard to get kids what they need. PSP has been a bit of a lightning rod, Holland said, but shes focusing on what excited her about the organization when she heard about its creation a decade ago the ability to pull in significant resources not typically available to schools. Holland, who grew up in Willingboro, was a creative kid who wasnt quite sure what she should do with her life. When she realized she wasnt talented enough to make a career as a violinist, she panicked. Arts saved me, said Holland, recalling how they helped her develop confidence and leadership skills. And along the way, I ran into these magnificent educators who saw something I didnt see and opened up all these doors and possibilities. After earning an undergraduate degree at the College of New Jersey, Holland received a masters degree at Columbia University and, more recently, a doctorate in workplace learning and development at the University of Pennsylvania. Handing a teacher who was her first mentor a copy of her dissertation was a dream come true, Holland said. Walking into school buildings still fills her with a wild sense of hope. I personally want to see everybody experience that hopefulness, she said. READ MORE: Philly kids, teachers march for schools, racial justice: Normal was never enough Hollands appointment drew praise from officials around the city. Mayor Jim Kenney said her leadership and experience in advocating for children and educators make her an outstanding partner in our extensive efforts to improve educational outcomes in every Philadelphia neighborhood. Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said Holland has distinguished herself in the development of education and community-based opportunities for young people from all walks of life. Michael ONeill, PSP board chair, said Holland is a tremendous force for good on behalf of children and youth in our city, and she brings both a sterling reputation and a wealth of experience to bear on the challenge of providing a great education for all students. Holland starts her new role in July. I think this next season is about coming out of that space and focusing directly on kids, and on educators, she said. Everybody wants the same things. We just dont know how to get there. We have to challenge ourselves how can we be different to get there? A Springfield chiropractor will face trial in Delaware County Court on charges that he assaulted seven women who went to him for treatment. Ardel Cirio, 61, is charged with seven counts of indecent assault and one count of aggravated indecent assault. Prosecutors say he groped and fondled the women in his office in Newtown Square at various points over the last two years. In a nearly four-hour court hearing Wednesday, the seven women described chiropractic sessions with Cirio that they said left them paralyzed with fear as he groped their breasts and in one case digitally penetrated a womans vagina. READ MORE: Delaware County chiropractor charged with sexually assaulting 5 patients One woman said she felt frozen on the table during one alleged assault. She didnt immediately report it, she said, because she had been a patient of his for three years and trusted him. I didnt want to believe what I felt, the woman said. I knew something was off and I didnt want it to be true, because I considered him and his wife my friends. Other longtime patients said Cirio had always made chiropractic adjustments over their clothing but suddenly began to reach underneath their clothing or asked them to remove it entirely in sessions that quickly turned disturbing as they said he groped them and kissed or licked their breasts. In March, two women reported the assaults to Newtown Township police, and Cirio was arrested. After the charges became public, five other women came forward with similar reports of assault as recently as last month. In court Wednesday, Cirios attorney, Arthur Donato, asked Magisterial District Judge Leon Hunter to dismiss the case, saying Cirios behavior was not sexual and was part of the normal course of chiropractic treatment. Donato said there was no evidence he was trying to have sex with these women or anything sexual in nature. Assistant District Attorney Kristin Kemp sharply disagreed, saying that Cirios actions were invasive and nowhere near normal for a chiropractor. We are not talking about someone going to a gynecologist or for a breast exam, Kemp said. A chiropractor doesnt have implied consent to touch these victims in any way he chooses. The Rev. LeRoi Simmons, 74, a business owner, minister, and longtime community activist, died Thursday, May 6, at Einstein Medical Center from complications of sickle-cell anemia. A family man, Rev. Simmons built a life around standing up for children and his Germantown neighborhood, fighting injustice whenever he saw it. But he somehow remained hopeful about the world, said City Councilmember Helen Gym, a friend. He was clearheaded without ever being cynical, said Gym. LeRoi just exhorted us to do more, every day. Born in North Philadelphia to Lubertha Mae and Leroy Simmons, Rev. Simmons graduated in 1965 from Benjamin Franklin High School. His father died when Rev. Simmons was 14, forcing him to grow up young, giving him a sense of responsibility for others that never left him. Rev. Simmons served in the Marine Corps, became a licensed barber, and graduated in 1975 from Antioch University. In 1980, he started his own business in Germantown, LeRoi & Cinzia Simmons Full-Service Beauty Salon, which still operates. A man of faith, Rev. Simmons earned a masters degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1993. He spent time as a minister at Canaan Baptist Church and more than a decade as an associate minister at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was deeply committed to an Afro-sensitive perspective of his Christianity, said the Rev. Alyn E. Waller, Enons senior pastor. He was a man of God who was a man of the community. Waller first met Rev. Simmons through Rev. Simmons work in Germantown. In the mid-1980s, Rev. Simmons began speaking out about overcrowded conditions at J.B. Kelly Elementary, where his daughter attended school. He and others pushed the Philadelphia School District to take action. Later, he became the school and community coordinator at Pickett Middle School, where he continued to advocate for resources and empowering families. It was a job he relished, said Najah Purnell, Rev. Simmons daughter. He loved children as well as helping families and removing barriers to education. From the late 1990s until 2010, Rev. Simmons served as executive director of the Central Germantown Council and the Germantown Clergy Initiative. He spoke out against gun violence and for more resources in schools. Gym met Rev. Simmons in the mid-2000s, when they both began asking questions at School Reform Commission meetings about then-schools CEO Paul Vallas and a $73 million deficit in the districts budget. Along with some other parents, Gym and Rev. Simmons founded Parents United for Public Education, which advocated for better schools. It was his belief in justice, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow that really got him up and going every single day thats what drove him, said Gym. I felt like nothing was impossible with him by my side. Rev. Simmons was devoted to his family, including wife Cinzia Simmons, whom he met in 1984 when she and a friend came into his salon to have their hair done. Though he was a minister and a formidable presence in the community, he was something of a soft touch as a dad, said Purnell. He would always joke around and make silly songs, she said. He liked the corny jokes that Alexa tells. They were so horrible, but he would ask for a joke every day, and laugh. Though he had three children of his own, Rev. Simmons acted as a father to many more, Purnell said. Theres plenty of people who called him another dad, or another grandfather, she said. Sickle-cell anemia caused Rev. Simmons pain throughout his life; he was board chairman of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. But he remained busy, even as his health worsened at the end of his life. He was a frequent caller to WURD, the citys Black-owned talk radio station, and some longtime customers at his salon still insisted he cut their hair, even as his sight dimmed. Rev. Simmons went fully blind about 18 months ago. He lost his sight, but not his vision for a better tomorrow, Waller said. In addition to his wife and daughter, Rev. Simmons is survived by sons John Simmons and Derek Murchison; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends. A viewing will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, at the chapel at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 1201 Easton Rd., Philadelphia, followed by a graveside service. Memorial donations may be made to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, 5300 Wynnefield Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19131. Gettyimagesbank By Ko Dong-hwan A stream in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, has turned blue after fluid from a nearby photovoltaic power station construction site upstream leaked into it, angering local residents. It was first discovered on May 7 by residents of Hyundong, a village in the county's Jaesan Township, according to local reports. Chosun Ilbo, citing one of the witnesses, said the stream's water looked like it had been "mixed with a blue watercolor paint." Some of the residents, upon discovering the bizarre sight, went upstream to find the cause. Two kilometers upstream, they found the solar farm construction site, where they saw a blue fluid leaking into the stream. The startled residents reported it to Jaesan Township Office the following day. On May 9, officials from Bonghwa County Office arrived to investigate. The investigation led them to the construction firm that was building the solar farm. Having begun the construction in February, the company had already finished compacting soil and laying down preliminary geotechnical foundations across a 16,000-square-meter plot. They hadn't started erecting photovoltaic panels that were altogether planned to generate some 1.4 megawatts of electricity. The company told the county officials that the source of the blue fluid seemed to be from spraypaint used to mark spots across the site where grass seedlings were to be planted. Planting grass there was intended to keep the soil from shifting, according to the county officials. The company also claimed the paint is harmless to humans. According to the company, the spraypaint markers must have been washed away by rainfall on May 7 and washed into the stream. "Spraypaint needs some time to dry so we never use it on wet days," one of the company workers said, adding they did not expect to see rain on May 7. Following the county official's investigation, the company sent a sample of the blue spraypaint to the Korea Testing and Research Institute for toxicity testing and provided the results to Bonghwa County Office. The test report confirmed the paint was harmless to humans and plants. "It has been found that the paint was the one of those markers often used on soil for agricultural farming where pesticides are to be sprayed," a county official said. But even after the test results were revealed, local residents said they are still concerned about the discolored stream. The stream had been designated by the Ministry of Environment as the cleanest "first-grade" water source in the area and has been a source of drinking water for Hyundong residents. The residents were also worried that the pollutant may have reached other parts of Jaesan and the neighboring township of Myeongho, where the stream also runs. There are about 2,000 households in both districts. "So the water has been tested harmless and we are supposed to drink this blue water like nothing happened?" one of the residents asked. Some residents, according to Chosun Ilbo, said they would demand the company halt the solar farm construction. Bonghwa officials sent a sample of the stream water to the province's health environment research lab for further toxicity testing. On May 12 the construction company began pumping out water from the stream and replenishing it with fresh water. Update: Philadelphia found MOVE remains in cardboard boxes in a storage room, Kenney says Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley resigned Thursday after admitting that he arranged for the cremation and disposal of remains from victims of the 1985 MOVE bombing found about four years ago in the city Medical Examiners Office, but without identifying the remains or notifying family members. Mayor Jim Kenney said he asked for Farleys resignation after learning this week of the health commissioners actions in 2017. This action lacked empathy for the victims, their family, and the deep pain that the MOVE bombing has brought to our city for nearly four decades, he said. Medical Examiner Sam Gulino, who Farley said disposed of the bone fragments at his direction, was also placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation, the mayor said. Kenney appointed Cheryl Bettigole, the current director of the health departments Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, acting health commissioner. Farleys resignation came on the 36th anniversary of the MOVE bombing, in which 11 people, including five children, were killed in West Philadelphia. It also came hours before about 200 community members gathered at the intersection of Cobbs Creek Parkway and Osage Avenue the site of the bombing to mark the anniversary in a previously scheduled event. READ MORE: On the anniversary of the MOVE bombing, fresh pain and calls for accountability on Osage Avenue Farleys disclosure represented the second controversy in less than a month over mishandling of the MOVE victims remains. In late April, the Penn Museum arranged to return bone fragments from one girl killed in the bombing after the remains had for decades been shuttled between researchers and staff at the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University. Kenney said the incident involving Farley was unrelated to that case. But city officials had few details about it. They said they did not know how many victims remains were in the citys possession when Farley authorized their cremation or how they were disposed. Managing Director Tumar Alexander said he and Farley talked about that, but said he couldnt remember whether he had specifically asked Farley where the remains went. In a statement to The Inquirer, Farley called his decision a terrible error in judgment, one that he reconsidered in the wake of the news reports regarding Penn and Princeton. Believing that investigations related to the MOVE bombing had been completed more than 30 years earlier, and not wanting to cause more anguish for the families of the victims, I authorized Dr. Gulino to dispose of the bones and bone fragments, Farley said. I made this decision on my own, without notifying or consulting anyone in the managing directors office or the mayors office, and I take full responsibility for it. The May 1985 deadly police bombing followed a standoff at the compound occupied by the Africa family that formed MOVE, a West Philadelphia-based activist organization. The ensuing fire destroyed more than 60 homes across a predominantly Black neighborhood. Kenney said he met Thursday with members of the Africa family and apologized for the citys actions. He said the city announced the information at their request. It has been years now this family has been abused, not listened to, not taken seriously, Kenney said. These are all human beings. I try to think about my own family, if they had been treated like that in postmortem. How angry, sad, confused, and traumatized I would be. Kenney said his administration has hired the Dechert LLP law firm to investigate the incident, and at the request of the Africa family will allow their own lawyers to take part in the investigation. Farley said it was standard procedure for the Medical Examiner to retain certain specimens in case they are needed for subsequent investigations. After the investigations are complete, these specimens are disposed of, without notifying anyone, he said. But Kenney also said he would consider changing city policy for handling remains, noting that it is not uncommon for remains to be disposed of in this manner, and its wrong. Michael Coard, a lawyer for the Africa family, said Kenneys apology seemed genuine and sincere, but noted that MOVE has been victimized by the system. He also said the four family members who met with Kenney on Thursday were outraged and confused. They dont really trust the city. That starts with the mayors office, Coard said. So we will have our people at the table actively involved in the investigation to make sure that nobody is hiding anything. Standing Thursday at the site of the bombing, Mike Africa Jr. said there were a lot of thoughts running through his mind about the revelations. Before we get to those, he said, we have to say their names. He then proceeded to list the names of the 11 people killed, and shared his memories of them. Kenney said he had not spoken directly with Farley about the MOVE victims remains. The mayor said he learned of the incident Tuesday evening hours after he and Farley held a virtual news conference announcing plans to lift coronavirus restrictions. He had appointed Farley as the citys health commissioner in 2016, at the start of his first term. Farley previously served as health commissioner in New York City, where he led efforts under former mayor Michael Bloomberg to limit the size of sugary drinks, and he helped Kenney push for a tax on soda and sweetened beverages in Philadelphia. Last year, Farley became the face of the citys response to the coronavirus pandemic, speaking at daily briefings. Thursday marked the second time this year that a controversy involving the city health department attracted national headlines; Farley apologized in January for the citys failed vaccine partnership with Philly Fighting COVID, a group of self-described group of college kids. The new questions over the MOVE victims remains surfaced last month when an opinion piece published in the Inquirer brought to light that a Penn anthropologist had been in possession of part of a pelvis and femur believed to be from Tree Africa, one of the youngest to die that day. The anthropologist who had the remains, Alan Mann, had been hired by the Medical Examiners Office in the 1980s to identify the bones, but had been unsuccessful in doing so. In the intervening years, the remains moved between Penn and Princeton, where Mann later worked. At Princeton, they were used as a case study in a forensic anthropology class taught by Janet Monge, a colleague of Manns. Videos of that class were made available online, sparking protests by MOVE and other advocates. Reached Thursday, Mann said he hadnt been aware the city had any other MOVE remains aside from those given to him. Penn has since apologized for separating the remains from the Africa family, and helped to facilitate their return to members of MOVE. Late last month, Mann turned the remains over to the Terry Funeral Home in West Philadelphia in preparation for their final resting place, at the discretion of the Africa family. Meanwhile, Christopher Woods, the director of the Penn Museum, has said an independent investigation has been opened into why the two universities kept the remains for decades. Abdul-Aliy Muhammad, the activist who wrote the Inquirer op-ed last month, said Thursday that news of the citys mishandling of the remains was cause for Kenney to resign. I am absolutely horrified at what else we will find out, because the layers of this are so complex, they said. The sorrys, the fake apologies are not enough. This is violence. This is generational violence. I am disgusted. City Council held a moment of silence Thursday morning to commemorate the anniversary. Council voted last year to apologize for the bombing, marking the first time the city issued an apology. After Kenneys announcement Thursday, several Council members issued statements condemning Farleys action and citing it as an example of racism that persists within government and institutions. Council President Darrell L. Clarke said the disposal of the remains was unconscionable, unacceptable, and outrageous. Institutions across the country are struggling to explain their conduct in possessing and handling the remains of peoples of color over many decades, Clarke said. Our city should and must hold itself to a higher standard of care. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, whose district includes the neighborhood destroyed in the MOVE bombing, attended Thursdays remembrance event and called for a full accounting of the mishandling of the remains. The original incident was horrible. Its one of the most atrocious acts that have ever happened in the country, Gauthier said. And now to know that there was further disrespect of a Black life through the way that these remains were handled. Its just utterly disgusting. Staff writers Ellie Rushing, Vinny Vella, Sean Collins Walsh, and Anna Orso contributed to this article. Buy American. It sounds like a familiar bumper sticker, like a sign you see in store windows. Until now. Five days into his term, President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring federal contracting and procurement come from American made goods by American workers and with American-made component parts. The executive order takes substantive steps to close loopholes in existing trade agreements that have long rendered so-called Buy American provisions ineffective, while strengthening cross-agency oversight and enforcement. How well this all works hinges on the enforcement, which is long overdue. American manufacturing has been in decline for decades, with the federal government playing a frustrating role in its demise. The federal procurement process often leans to the lowest bidder, regardless of country of origin or quality of product. Americans pay the price when this happens. According to an Economic Policy Institute study, every $1 million spent on the manufacturing of durable goods products that bring value over a long period as opposed to single-use or consumable goods creates 1.8 direct jobs and 16.5 indirect jobs, one of the highest multipliers of any industry. Indifference to enforcing Buy American policies has a substantial impact on the industry in which I work: U.S. hydropower manufacturing, which has historically played an important role in Pennsylvanias economy and arguably powered the industrialization of the United States. The federal government owns and operates the dams that generate approximately half of the countrys hydroelectric power; its purchasing decisions shape the present and future of an industry that produces critical infrastructure. READ MORE: Bidens next economic challenge: Getting manufacturing jobs back Today, the power-generating machinery in dams owned by the American taxpayer are often built by workers in the lowest-cost manufacturing regions in the world. When turbines and generators need upgrades or full replacements, many of these multi-million-dollar contracts do not benefit highly skilled welders and machinists in the United States. President Bidens executive order, if strictly enforced, would begin to roll back decades of bad policies. Congress should strengthen the executive order by including Buy American provisions in infrastructure or other legislation. Last week, a bipartisan group of Senators reintroduced the Build America, Buy America Act. This legislation requires that federal infrastructure projects source products made in the United States. Bill sponsor Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said, Its simple: American tax dollars should go toward American-made projects that support American jobs. Period. Enacting such a bill or including it in the infrastructure package currently being debated in Congress would sharpen the teeth of existing Buy American laws. Building for and buying from America can have ancillary benefits ideally, employing the skilled workers who build these cutting-edge machines in the United States and so earn good middle-class wages while contributing to the clean energy economy. Pennsylvania stands to benefit from Buy American laws because our commonwealth has been a hotbed for manufacturing, especially hydropower, for 150 years. At my company, Voith Hydro, our York-based U.S. headquarters traces its roots back to the 1870s, when S. Morgan Smith began producing hydraulic turbines not far from where my office currently sits. Today, we build hydroelectric turbines and generators installed nationwide. However, decades of failure to follow the principles of Buy American has whittled the U.S. hydropower industry to relying on us one company with a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing facility capable of building the turbines and generators required for projects large and small. Put simply, America has abandoned its leadership in a vital component of the global clean energy economy. President Biden won Pennsylvania and the presidency on a message of building back better. Its a recognition the country must rebuild after the pandemic. It cannot do so by going back to a status quo that left many Americans behind. The Buy American executive order is a strong start, alongside the investments in clean energy outlined in Bidens infrastructure bill. The President and Congress - need to follow through so Pennsylvanias workers reap the benefits. No more bumper stickers. We need Buy American policies that actually work. Stanley J. Kocon is president and CEO of Voith Hydro Inc., based in York, Pennsylvania. Voith Hydro designs, manufactures and installs turbines, generators and automation technology for hydropower facilities. As Republican lawmakers across the country have moved to tighten voting laws after former President Donald Trumps lies about a stolen election, Pennsylvanias GOP-controlled legislature has waited to act during months of hearings. Now Republicans in Harrisburg are making their first moves, with the state House GOP releasing a report Monday that outlines a sweeping set of changes they hope to negotiate in time for next years elections, when open races for governor and U.S. Senate will be on the ballot. The 99-page report from Rep. Seth Grove (R., York), chair of the House State Government Committee, summarizes testimony from elections administrators, advocates, and policy experts the committee gathered during 10 hearings. We have a god-awful election law, Im not going to sugarcoat it, Grove said in an interview Monday before the reports release. How do we improve access? We need to make voting easier, and harder to cheat. How do we make sure we have full accessibility for those who are legally allowed to vote, with the right security, integrity provisions put in there to make sure you do have a secure election, minimizing any disenfranchisement? The emerging GOP plan comes as other Republican legislatures have moved to tighten voting laws. In Pennsylvania, battle lines are already being drawn before negotiations begin. Gov. Tom Wolf, a second-term Democrat, could veto any election legislation. Wolfs chief of staff told the Associated Press last week that he wouldnt accept changes to the states voter ID rules. That prompted Grove to say he was disheartened the administration wouldnt engage in discussions. The doors still open for me, even though we got burned by the Wolf administration, Grove said. The Wolf administration didnt comment Monday. Democrats in Harrisburg have generally approached the issue with skepticism, noting that dozens of state GOP lawmakers signed letters urging Congress to reject President Joe Bidens victory in Pennsylvania. Among the signatories was Grove, who has since said he accepts the election results. Ideas in the report include: Increased uniformity around election policies and procedures, including by having more explicit language in state law and reducing the amount of administrative guidance issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, which oversees elections. Eliminating the permanent list that voters can sign up to receive mail ballot applications every year and has led to voter confusion and created significant administrative burdens for county elections offices. Banning or limiting third-party mailing of mail ballot applications and voter registration forms. Requiring post-election audits be conducted by a third party, such as the state auditor general. Restoring an earlier voter registration deadline of 30 days before Election Day. Current law, changed in 2019, allows people to register up to 15 days before an election. Establishing earlier mail ballot deadlines, which would give voters less time to request a mail ballot but expand the window between the deadlines for requesting and returning ballots, a window that is currently so tight it can disenfranchise thousands of voters. Requiring signature verification for all mail ballots, which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last fall isnt required under existing law. Implementing stricter voter ID rules, with all eligible voters able to receive a free compliant identification. (Current law requires voters show identification when voting for the first time at a precinct in person.) Applying polling place rules to drop boxes and satellite elections offices, which could allow partisan poll watchers into elections offices where voters request, fill out, and submit mail ballots. Its unclear what impact Groves as-yet-undrafted legislation would have on elections including who might gain or lose voting access, and how security might be tightened or loosened. The report doesnt provide detailed recommendations. Grove hopes to negotiate with Wolfs office and others before writing legislation that could be introduced as soon as this month. Many of the reports ideas center on modernizing and standardizing election administration. Some are likely to appeal to liberals, who tend to focus more on voter access, while others will likely be supported by conservatives, who tend to focus on election security and integrity. Notably missing from the suggestions are ideas championed by the most conservative Republicans such as banning mail ballot drop boxes or repealing mail voting altogether or those on Democratic wish lists, such as same-day voter registration, expanded in-person early voting, or automatic voter registration. The ideas include voter ID rules that are implemented fairly and accessibly, an idea sure to draw criticism because of nationwide Republican attempts over the last decade to introduce ID requirements that could disproportionately affect low-income voters and voters of color. Pennsylvania verifies identities at various parts of the voting process, such as through a drivers license or Social Security number, but it is not as strict as some other states. Also missing from the report is an explicit endorsement of processing mail ballots prior to Election Day whats known as pre-canvassing despite broad support for allowing it so votes can be counted more quickly, preventing delays in election results. Grove said Republicans had already supported the idea last year and continue to back it. READ MORE: It didnt need to take that long: What Pennsylvanias election could have looked like with earlier counting Some prominent Republicans have continued to amplify Trumps false fraud claims, none more so than State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin), a likely candidate for governor next year. Mastriano has invited Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani to appear at a campaign fund-raiser later this week. The goal of this was how to fix our law moving forward that was our mission, and thats what the report highlighted, Grove said. [Mail voting is] here, its not going away, so how do we fix it and improve upon it moving forward? He described mail ballots as popular. Our caucus is a very big caucus, he said. There are members who will not vote to repeal mail-in ballots at all. There are members that would vote 50 times to get rid of mail-in ballots. Its working through those individuals to come up with a compromise. Maybe everybody needs to beat their chest, get it out of their system, and move on. Connecticut officials on Monday proposed an additional $280 million in funding for nursing homes in an effort to avoid strikes by nearly 4,000 health workers that are set to begin Friday if negotiations fail. Democratic Governor Ned Lamonts budget director, Office of Policy and Management Secretary Melissa McCaw, sent letters to labor union and industry officials outlining the proposed funding, which includes $149.5 million for 4.5% wage increases for nurses, aides and other nursing home workers in the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. Weve got an aggressive proposal on the table because theres nothing more important than taking care of our seniors, and I hope to God the nurses are there to do it, Lamont said Monday. McCaw sent the letters to the Service Employees International Unions District 1199 New England, which represents about 5,000 nursing home workers in Connecticut, and the presidents of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities and LeadingAge Connecticut, which represent nursing homes and other health care facilities around the state. There was no immediate response from the union or the two industry groups. The Lamont administrations proposed funding package also includes a temporary 10% Medicaid rate increase from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, totaling $85.8 million. In addition, the state would increase funding by $19.5 million for pension enhancements for workers, $13 million for worker training and $12.5 million for hazard pay for workers. If there are strikes, plans are in the works to send in replacement employees. Negotiations are ongoing. More than 3,400 workers at 33 Connecticut nursing homes are ready to strike beginning Friday if demands for better wages, benefits and staffing ratios arent met. Union officials said Monday that 600 additional workers at another six nursing homes have voted to strike beginning May 28. Also Monday, District 1199 New England and Yale Law School released a report saying Connecticuts nursing home workers continue to struggle with severe staffing shortages, a lack of protective equipment and low pay during the coronavirus pandemic. They called for more Medicaid money and other funding to address what they said was a long-standing underfunding problem. They also said state officials havent done enough to hold nursing homes accountable for violating COVID-19 protocols and guidance. The report, titled We Were Abandoned: How Connecticut Failed Nursing Home Workers and Residents During The COVID-19 Pandemic, was written by Yale Law School students for District 1199 New England. These workers risk their lives and the lives of their loved ones back home to care for these residents in unsafe conditions and for low pay, Yale student Aaron Bryce Lee said during a news conference held by video conference Monday. The state must make the financial investments necessary to improve compensation, benefits and staffing levels. Matthew Barrett, president of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, a group of 150 skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, said Monday that he could not comment on the Yale report because he was still reviewing it. Barrett has previously said his members have been sounding an alarm bell to the General Assembly and Lamonts office for the urgent need for a significant increase in funding to address decades of underfunding in Medicaid payments and the increased costs from the pandemic. Out of the more than 8,100 Connecticut residents who have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic, nearly 3,900 were nursing home residents. Sixteen District 1199 New England union workers also have died, said Jesse Martin, a vice president at the union. Nursing home workers need to be recognized for their sacrifices, need to be put in a position where they live a life outside of poverty, Martin said during Mondays news conference. A bill now before state lawmakers would increase minimum staffing level requirements at nursing homes and mandate them to maintain a three-month supply of personal protective equipment, among other measures. The Yale students also said the state has done little to hold nursing homes accountable for health care violations. A review of Public Health Department citations during the pandemic showed 34 COVID-19-related violations at nursing homes and an average fine of less than $2,900, significantly below the allowed maximum fine. The review also showed there were no records of citations or fines for another 170 nursing homes where nearly 3,400 residents died, the report said. Responding to the reports claims about oversight, Lamont said the state has been really strict and really firm with nursing homes in terms of fines if they were not following the protocols. The report cited low wages for many nursing home workers. Nurses aides in Connecticut, for example, earn a median wage of $16.19, while the median wage for entry level workers is $13.71. Tanya Beckford, a nurses aide at Newington Rapid Recovery Rehab Center, said it will be difficult for the nursing home workers to strike because they care about the residents. Everything we want to do is to make sure that theyre getting the best quality of care because thats what they deserve and thats what theyre paying for, she said at the news conference. As for us, we are just so tired right now. Its just so exhausting every single day to go in there and having to take care 15 to 17 residents. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Senior Care Connecticut Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers a speech while co-chairing a video conference between the NPC and the China-Bridge association with Hans-Peter Friedrich, vice president of the German Bundestag, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) A senior Chinese legislator Wednesday called on China and Germany to enhance cooperation and communication to address climate challenges. They should together build a fair, reasonable, cooperative, and win-win result environmental governance system. Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks when co-chairing a video conference between the NPC and the China-Bridge association with Hans-Peter Friedrich. Friedrich is the vice president of the German Bundestag. Wang highlighted climate change as the most promising cooperation area between China and Germany and China and the EU. He said China's announcement of the vision and targets of carbon dioxide emissions peaking and carbon neutrality demonstrates China's firm resolution and sense of responsibility to address climate change. The NPC would work with the German Bundestag to make joint efforts and promote the China-Bridge association to become the bridge that connects the peoples and cooperation between the two countries, Wang said. Friedrich said the German Bundestag and the China-Bridge association are willing to play a positive role and contribute to addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development with China. Specialist Risk Group (SRG), the London-based insurance intermediary, announced the acquisition of specialist Irish liability and property managing general agent (MGA), Blackrock Insurance Solutions. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. SRG said this acquisition further demonstrates its commitment to the Irish broker market, as it invests in specialist underwriting capability and technical expertise, to support existing wholesale broker TUE and motor specialist MGA, LIME. SRG has been building its MGA capability, following the acquisition of GB Underwriting and CLS Risk Solutions (subject to regulatory approval) earlier this year. Blackrock will now join GB Underwriting, LIME and CLS RS, to form the foundations of the groups underwriting business. Warren Downey, group CEO at SRG said: We are thrilled to further support our Irish broker partners through the acquisition of Blackrock Insurance Solutions. The Blackrock team is a group of genuine specialists who add tremendous value and expertise to the groups underwriting capability. We remain committed to supporting Irish brokers with their specialist risks and our acquisition of Blackrock solidifies this commitment, commented Lee Anderson, CEO of Specialist Risk Underwriting Solutions. Neil McSherry, managing director of Dublin-based Blackrock, said: I believe SRG are an exciting home for our business, as we look to our next stage of growth. We are very much looking forward to joining forces with Warren, Lee, and the team to continue to service our brokers within the Irish Market. About Specialist Risk Group Specialist Risk Group (SRG) is a group of insurance intermediaries that arrange specialist insurance for more than 45,000 end corporate and individual policyholders operating in the UK and internationally. SRG is owned by its management team and HGGC, a middle-market private equity firm based in Palo Alto, Calif. Source: Specialist Risk Group (SRG) Topics Mergers Insurance Wholesale Airbus SE and Air France-KLM could face charges of involuntary manslaughter over the deadly crash of a Paris-bound plane off the Brazilian coast over a decade ago. The Paris appeals court ruled Wednesday that the case should be taken to trial, according to a court official, who declined to be identified in line with policy. The ruling overturned an earlier decision to drop charges against the companies over the crash that killed 228 people. Air France Flight 447 plunged 38,000 feet in three-minutes into the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil in June 2009 in the deadliest crash in the airlines history. None of the people on board the Airbus A330 survived. A 2012 report by accident investigators concluded the crash was caused by the pilots confused reaction to inaccurate speed readings, while highlighting problems with training and the A330s flight display. Airbus and Air France said they intend to appeal the decision at the countrys top court. Following a criminal probe that began a decade ago, investigative magistrates decided to drop the charges against Airbus and Air France in 2019. Prosecutors and plaintiffs in the case appealed that decision. Sebastien Busy, a lawyer representing the victims families, said the Paris appellate court considered that Airbus underestimated the seriousness of deficiencies in its speed instruments and that Air France didnt properly train its crews. The court decision does not reflect in any way the conclusions of the investigation that led to the dismissal of the case, Guillaume Steuer, a spokesman for Airbus, said. Air France said that it did not commit any criminal wrongdoing leading to this tragic accident. With assistance from Tara Patel. Photo credit: Salvage teams work to retrieve debris from the wreckage of Air France flight 447 off the coast of Brazil in this photo taken on Monday, June 8, 2009. Photo credit: Forca Aerea Brasileira. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Abuse Molestation Aviation Aerospace France This wrap-up of international People Moves details recent appointments at AXA XL and MS Amlin. AXA XL announced that it has added five Toronto-based underwriters to strengthen its casualty, professional liability and commercial property expertise. Gladys Adams, Joseph Renton and Gary Tobin have joined the casualty team as senior underwriters. They report to Liana Martire, head of Casualty, Canada. Charles Benson, senior underwriter, reports to Chris Lawrence, head of Professional Liability, Canada. John Hua, senior underwriter, Commercial Property, reports to Jennifer Arezes, head of Property, Construction & Energy, Canada. *** MS Amlin AG, the global reinsurer, announced the appointments of Louis De Segonzac as chief underwriting officer (CUO), and Maria Amelio as lead casualty underwriter, U.S., at MS Amlin AGs Americas business in New Jersey and Miami. De Segonzac took on his role on May 1, and Amelio joined the company on May 10. Amelio will report to De Segonzac while De Segonzac will report to Charles Goldie, CUO of MS Amlin AG. A reinsurance industry veteran with more than 30 years of market experience, De Segonzac joined MS Amlin in October 2014 with responsibility for establishing its Miami office and managing the business Latin American treaty portfolio. His appointment as CUO marks a new combined role for the business in the Americas operating out of offices in New Jersey and Miami. A veteran of the U.S. re/insurance business, Amelio joins MS Amlin AG from WKFC Underwriting Managers / CorRisk Solutions, where she was the EVP-CUO specialty casualty for the past four years. In her role as lead casualty underwriter, she will be responsible for building on MS Amlin AGs portfolio of casualty business. Topics Underwriting Reinsurance Mississippi Canada AXA XL Pouch, an insurtech MGA using telematics to reward small businesses for safe driving, disclosed it has raised some initial financing that will help accelerate its launch into the commercial auto insurance market. ILS Capital is behind the seed round. The Bermuda-based company is an investment firm specializing in insurance-linked securities, according to its web site. Pouch is initially available in Illinois, with plans to roll out in initial states over the coming months. It insures through Stonegate Insurance and Unique Insurance, McKay told Carrier Management through a spokesperson. Neither side disclosed financial details of the investment. Pouch, a Chicago-based managing general agency, said the deal gives it access to a portfolio ecosystem and expertise, among other things. ILS Capital has given us everything we need to move as fast as possible to take advantage of the opportunities in commercial auto insurance, Steve McKay, founder and CEO of Pouch, said in prepared remarks. They helped us bring to market our fresh approach and rewards for safe driving so that we can immediately help businesses protect some of their most valuable assets. Tom Libassi, co-founder and managing partner at ILS Capital, said in prepared remarks that the startup opens up access to the direct-to-business market and telematics, which are highly complementary to what we do. Pouch frames the investment as giving it competitive advantages, helping it to launch after just eight months rather than the 18 months or more typically required for startups of this nature. The startup sees contractors, landscapers, florists and other small businesses that depend on vehicle fleets as its customers. Coverage includes free GPS tracking for every insured vehicle, helping small business owners better manage and protect their assets while earning discounted rates and other incentives. How Pouch Works McKay describes his company as efficiently using telematics data for commercial work in order to build a uniquely fast user experience that functions well with partners. For example, we can provide a rate to a potential customer that already has telematics data without asking any questions. Because we work with partners, our customers get vehicle tracking services that are much better than what other insurers can offer, McKay said. He described the companys telematics approach as being richer than other insurance telematics programs, enabling it to offer features designed specifically for business owners by its software partners. Our quote is much faster and connected data is flowing from customers who have existing devices, he said. We can give you credit for the data you already have. McKay added the startup will use whatever telematics/app combinations its partners provide, though it will likely be a device most of the time. . In some ways, Pouchs approach resembles Root Insurance. Root launched a few years ago as an Insurtech auto insurance startup that relied on an iPhone or Android phone app to measure driving behavior, with good drivers getting discounts. The company, a full-stack insurer, raised $724.2 million in an IPO held at the end of October 2020. It lost $363 million in 2020, though the company is pursuing accelerated growth plans in 2021. Unlike Pouch, however, Root focuses mostly on personal lines. Pouch also noted its rating is designed for commercial cover driver agnostic, using the experience in the vehicle to rate. Source: Pouch Topics Commercial Lines Insurance Wholesale A sweeping bill that would shield Nebraska businesses and local governments from coronavirus-related lawsuits won initial approval from state lawmakers on May 11, despite complaints that senators havent done enough for workers who were at risk. Lawmakers advanced the proposal, 39-3, through the first of three required votes. The measure would bar pandemic-related lawsuits against businesses or governments as long as they were following federal public health guidelines. At least 29 other states have enacted laws addressing the issue, including 12 that are similar to the Nebraska proposal, said state Sen. Tom Briese, of Albion. Kentucky and Arizona passed broad protections for businesses last month. We need to do everything we can to help our state recover from the impact of the pandemic, and thats what this bills intended to do, said Briese, the measures sponsor. Briese said Nebraska businesses face the threat of needless, unwarranted lawsuits from the pandemic if lawmakers dont pass legal protections. The proposal has strong backing from Nebraska businesses, hospitals, schools, counties and cities. Organizations representing Nebraska trial attorneys and public school teachers opposed it. Some senators also criticized the bill because they said lawmakers havent done enough to help on-the-ground workers who faced the pandemic directly, risking their own health because they had a job that needed to be done in-person. Lawmakers this year have rejected paid sick-leave requirements for businesses and additional coronavirus protections for meatpacking workers. Sen. Megan Hunt, of Omaha, proposed an amendment to the lawsuit bill that would have required businesses with 50 or more employers to allow unpaid sick leave for workers. Hunt said it would give wins to both employers and employees, but the legislative speaker declared the proposal not germane to the main bill, and lawmakers did not vote on it. Sen. Matt Hansen, of Lincoln, said the state is taking a serious misstep with liability protection for businesses, not directly for the people of Nebraska. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Lawsuits Legislation Nebraska A bill recently passed out of the Texas House of Representatives Insurance Committee would secure the right of an auto insurance policyholder to challenge their insurance companys appraisal of a loss if they dont agree with it. House Bill 2534 was filed by Rep. Travis Clardy, District 11; Sen. Cesar Blanco, District 29, filed the Senate companion legislation, Senate Bill 1706, which is identical to HB2534. The legislation seeks to address the problems that arise when insurer loss statements or estimates that are too small result in unsafe vehicle repairs. According to the authors statement: When a dispute arises over the proper repair plan or loss settlement, a policy with limited or restricted appraisal rights can leave the policy holder with an unsafe vehicle and expensive losses. The legislation would require auto insurance policies to contain an appraisal clause allowing an insured to contest an insurers appraisal. It would authorize an insurer or the named insured to demand an appraisal not later than the 90th day after the date a proof of loss is filed with the insurer if the insurer and insured do not agree on the amount of the loss. Under HB2534, with respect to the appraisal : each party must appoint a competent appraiser and notify the other party of that appraisers identity not later than the 15th day after the date an appraisal is demanded; the appraisers appointed by the parties must determine the amount of loss; the appraisers must select a qualified umpire and the appraisers and umpire must determine the amount of loss if the appraisers fail to agree; the determination of the amount of loss agreed to by both appraisers or by one appraiser and the umpire is binding on both parties; and the insurer or the named insured may request that a court in the county in which the named insured resides select the umpire if the two appraisers are unable to agree on an umpire on or before the 15th day after the date the appraisers determine an umpire is needed. Each party would be responsible for paying its own appraisal costs but the bill notes circumstances in which one party may be required to refund the other partys expenses. Other expenses, such as the cost of an umpire, would be shared. Neither party would be required to waive any rights under the policy that is the subject of the appraisal by demanding an appraisal. It would apply to auto insurance policies in effect on or after Jan. 1, 2022. If signed into law, its effective date is Sept. 1, 2021. Representatives of the auto dealership and vehicle repair industries have spoken in favor of the legislation. Insurance industry trade groups have expressed opposition to it. Topics Texas Auto A life insurance company based in Little Rock, Arkansas, will pay $90,000 to settle a retaliation discrimination lawsuit, federal officials say. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), USAble Life (USAL), which also has a presence in Florida, fired an employee after she complained of discrimination. The EEOCs lawsuit alleges USAL first received notice around March 26, 2018, of the complaints of an employee in its Little Rock office to a third party that the company was discriminating against her based on her pregnancy, a form of sex discrimination, and disability for her anxiety and post-partem depression. On April 11, 2018, USAL fired her as retaliation for her complaints, the EEOC said. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect employees who engage in protected activity, such as complaining about discrimination, from retaliation. The case was set for trial before U.S. District Court Judge Brian S. Miller on June 1 in Little Rock. In addition to the monetary amount, the settlement provides that USAL will take the following steps at its Little Rock location: Amend and enforce its written policies prohibiting discrimination; Electronically disseminate a copy of its anti-discrimination and harassment policy to all employees; Provide training to its human resources, management and supervisory employees within 90 days; Prior to the training, USALs highest chief executive officer will appear in person or by recorded video and state that USAL does not retaliate against employees who complain about discrimination and the consequences for engaging in such conduct; and Provide complaints of retaliation and USAL responses to the complaints to the EEOC. USAL was founded in 2005 by two Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) organizations. USAL serves BCBS plans across the country, and its business focus is providing specialty insurance programs to BCBSs health insurance programs. The specialty insurance programs include disability, accident, hospital, cancer, critical illness and life coverage. Topics Lawsuits Carriers Arkansas Fort Worth, Texas-based independent insurance and financial services firm, Higginbotham, has partnered with Haik Insurance, an independent broker in Lafayette, Louisiana, to establish Higginbothams third office in Louisiana, With the transaction, Haik Insurance becomes a Higginbotham company. In addition to Lafayette, Higginbotham has an office in Baton Rouge and Bossier City. Higginbotham named Haik Insurance President Christopher Haik a managing director. He will continue leading his namesake agency with the existing workforce of 12 serving more than 1,100 commercial and individual customers. Haik started his career at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. He currently serves as a board member for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL) and as a committee member for the Louisiana Property & Casualty Insurance Commission. Source: Higginbotham Topics Louisiana Millers Mutual Insurance, a regional property and casualty insurance carrier focused on multifamily housing, is expanding into North Carolina. As of July 1, 2021, Millers Mutual will offer property & casualty insurance in the state, bringing the total number of states it writes in to seven: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Millers Mutual underwriting appetite is focused on multifamily housing & dwellings, commercial real estate and affordable housing. It offers a suite of commercial insurance products and services, including businessowners policies, umbrella liability, data response and cyber liability, employment practices liability and equipment breakdown insurance. The company is actively searching for independent agencies to represent Millers Mutual in North Carolina. Interested agents can learn more or become appointed through the companys website. Millers Mutual is based in Harrisburg, Pa., and has in operation since 1890. Topics North Carolina A lightning strike in Florida launched a chunk of highway pavement through a truck windshield and injured two people inside the vehicle on Monday morning, according to fire officials. The Walton County Fire Rescue responded to the accident on Interstate 10 near DeFuniak Springs, news outlets reported. Photos shared by the department on social media showed the Ford pickup trucks windshield and back window shattered. Walton County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Corey Dobridnia told the Tallahassee Democrat that the two occupants of the vehicle suffered minor lacerations from the smashed glass and will be fine. A study published last month by a Finland-based environmental monitoring company found that Oklahoma had narrowly overtaken Florida as the lightning capital of the U.S., news outlets reported. But Florida ranked No. 1 in cloud-to-ground strikes. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Florida By Kaushik Basu ITHACA As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic outstrips the severity of the first, a clear global bifurcation is emerging. The pandemic is abating, gradually and unevenly, across richer countries, but flaring up in several developing and emerging economies, most notably India, but also to varying degrees in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Kenya. There are many reasons for this divide, but uneven access to health care particularly the glaring inequity in access to COVID-19 vaccines is impossible to ignore. On Jan. 18, the director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus, noted that more than 39 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in at least 49 higher-income countries. By contrast, he said, "Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million; not 25 thousand; just 25." More than one billion vaccine doses have now been administered worldwide, but vast disparities remain. Seychelles tops the list, having fully vaccinated 59 percent of its citizens, while Israel (56 percent), Chile (34 percent), and the United States (30 percent) also rank high. Brazil, however, is 43rd globally, with just 5.9 percent of its population fully vaccinated, while India and Bangladesh are much lower, at 1.8 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. And in some countries, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, virtually no one has been vaccinated. Given that a COVID-19 vaccine is an essential good like food and shelter, we should be ashamed of such grave inequities. Making the problem worse, many rich countries are stockpiling vaccines beyond what they need, as a precautionary buffer. Until a few months ago, activists for access to medicines and open science were hopeful that the enormity of the pandemic would lead to a rejection of proprietary science and patent-based market monopolies. In May 2020, for example, the WHO launched the global COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) with the aim of encouraging the widespread voluntary sharing of pandemic-related intellectual property. Similarly, the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility, also established last year, was supposed to provide subsidized vaccines to poor countries, with financial support from the rich world. But even by then, as Alexander Zaitchik echoing a common sentiment recently wrote in the New Republic, "The optimism and sense of possibility that defined the early days were long gone." If we reflect on the world's failure to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, we will at least be less likely to leave poor countries in the lurch in the future. The failure is both intellectual and moral. With the best of intentions, many activists' plans and proposals paid little attention to individual incentives. But while it is right to campaign for corporations to behave morally, it is folly to assume they are moral. We can conceive of a future where people invest in knowledge creation and then contribute their findings to an open-access pool, instead of trying to make money. But we clearly are not there yet. For now, we must let private players acquire rights over the intellectual property they create to ensure that they invest in costly research. At the same time, there is scope for cutting the profits of pharmaceutical firms considerably by compelling them to sell products more cheaply and enable generic producers to sell in certain regions without killing the pharmaceutical industry's incentives to spend on research. To do this properly, we need to understand the structure of markets for knowledge-based products like new vaccines. Currently, we do not: the "market" is a mishmash of competition and side deals. According to a recent paper from the Institute for New Economic Thinking, governments and pharmaceutical companies last year concluded 44 bilateral COVID-19 vaccine deals, many of which have undisclosed details and poorly understood escape clauses. Poor countries were, by and large, left out. We sorely need a theoretical framework to understand this market. Currently, it resembles what oligopoly must have looked like before Augustin Cournot captured its essentials in 1838. Cournot's breakthrough later enabled the development of the first antitrust laws, like the U.S. Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which allowed firms to set prices but prohibited secret multilateral deals to prop up prices. These laws gradually became sharper. Today, we are making vaccine-market rules while trapped in a fog of uncertainty. From the little we know, it is clear that intellectual property rights must continue to play a role, at least for now. On the other hand, pharmaceutical firms are arguably making vastly larger profits than needed to sustain their incentive to innovate (especially given how much of their IP has resulted from publicly funded research). In large pandemics such as the current one, we should compensate drug companies with lump-sum payments to cover costs, revoke some of their patents, and allow generic firms to mass-produce essential vaccines. In the long run, we can go further, by emphasizing that a society's success does not depend on profit alone. The popular slogan, "None of us will be safe until everyone is safe," amounts to urging the rich to be more selfish, because helping others is in their self-interest. But the pandemic is a clarion call to start thinking beyond the narrow confines of economic rationality and identify others' interests as part of our own. Kaushik Basu, a former chief economist of the World Bank and chief economic adviser to the Government of India, is professor of Economics at Cornell University and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). A Florida man has been arrested for workers compensation premium fraud and additional charges for allegedly concealing payroll information to avoid paying more than $193,000 in workers compensation premiums, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services. Julio Enrique Maldonado, owner of G.G.M. Construction LLC, faces charges of workers compensation fraud, under reporting payroll greater than $100,000, workers compensation fraud false statements on application greater than $100,000, and Florida communication fraud aggregated value of $50,000 or more. The charges follow an investigation by the DFS Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (DIFS), Bureau of Workers Compensation Fraud that found Maldonado claimed $120,000 in annual payroll to Builders Insurance Co. for the policy periods of February 2018 to November 2019. Due to the estimated annual payroll provided, the estimated premium calculated for the policy period was $15,780. During the investigation, detectives discovered that Maldonado cashed several checks from January 2019 through December 2020, which totaled over $5.5 million. Maldonado did not respond to the request from Builders Insurance Company to conduct an audit. Based on Maldonado grossly underestimating/reporting his business payroll, Builders Insurance Company, was deprived of $193,284 in premiums, DFS said. Maldonado was arrested on April 30, 2021 and booked into the Orange County Jail. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This type of fraud has a major impact on our state as it raises insurance rates for Florida families. I appreciate the hard work of my fraud detectives for bringing this alleged fraudster to justice, Patronis said. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Topics Florida Workers' Compensation A Sparks, Nev. police officer who is accusing the city of violating his free speech rights is seeking $1 million in damages after he was suspended for four days for making comments on his private social media account that the city says constituted threats to Black Lives Matters activists and others. The City Council voted Monday to hire independent counsel to defend Sparks against the federal lawsuit filed last month by George Forbush, a bomb squad technician who has served 19 years on the force. It alleges the city violated his First Amendment rights when it punished him because of his particular viewpoint of his political opinions as expressed on his personal social media. The four Twitter posts cited last summer included his comments about tossing gasoline toward protesters seen in a video trying to burn a fire-resistant American flag and his plan to build a couple AR pistols just for BLM, Antifa or active shooters who cross my path and cant maintain social distancing. The citys disciplinary investigation, which launched after an anonymous complaint, confirmed all Forbushs posts were made on his own time, as a private citizen and that nowhere in the posts or on his Twitter feed did he identify himself as a Sparks police officer, the lawsuit said. A public employer may not discipline or retaliate against its employees for the content of their political speech as private citizens on matters of public concern, according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Reno. Officer Forbush did not relinquish his right to think, care, and speak about politics and current events when he accepted a job as a police officer, it said. A former deputy sheriff in rural Humboldt County, Forbush is highly trained in bomb disposal and also supervises Sparks police vehicle fleet and surplus military equipment. After reviewing more than 700 of his Twitter posts, the city suspended Forbush over four of the posts, including one that criticized an officer convicted of planting evidence. He said it would be ironic if someone planted drugs by cramming them into a body cavity so they could be found during an intake search when he goes to prison for what he did. City officials and police didnt respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit asks the court to order the city to purge Forbushs personnel file of all disciplinary actions based on the unconstitutional punishment of protected speech and implement a policy governing officers personal social media use that is consistent with the Constitution. The city does not have a clear, consistent, and Constitutional policy regarding officers personal social media use, the lawsuit said. The current climate of uncertainty, and arbitrary enforcement targeting political viewpoints, chills the exercise of the constitutional rights of speech and political participation of all city personnel. The city policy says, Employees and elected officials should not post discriminatory remarks, harassing statements, and threats of violence or any language that can be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating toward fellow employees, citizens, or vendors. The lawsuit said it makes no distinction between speech that could reasonably be expected to disrupt the departments operations, and speech that would not. Forbushs case is a warning broadcast to all city employees that they had better not say anything, anywhere, in any forum, even in their personal social media discussions of matters of public concern, it said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Nevada A Willamette Valley, Ore., grass seed dealer accused of mislabeling over 8 million pounds of seed will pay $300,000 in a settlement with Oregon state agriculture officials. Dynamic Seed Source LLC and owner Trevor Abbott have agreed to pay the fines to to the Oregon Department of Agriculture as part of the deal, The Capital Press reported. The company will additionally have its wholesale seed dealers license suspended for one year, starting June 30, and after that will be on probation for three years. Investigators determined the company between 2016 and 2018 mislabeled 161 seed lots as Kentucky-31, a popular variety of tall fescue used for livestock forage, manicured lawns, erosion control and turf. Each lot equals up to 55,000 pounds of seed. False labeling is a violation of both the Federal Seed Act and Oregon seed laws, regulating the sale and commerce of agricultural seed crops. K-31 is sought after for its heat and drought tolerance, low maintenance and durability, fetching a premium price for growers. About half of all K-31 grass seed comes from Missouri and the other half is grown in Oregon, according to Elizabeth Savory, Seed Regulatory Program manager at the state agency. In 2017, Missouri experienced a record-low harvest caused by several years of difficult weather. The shortage led to a jump in demand and prices. The Oregon Seed Association in 2018 requested an industry-wide investigation. Savory said no other violations have been uncovered to date, but the investigation is ongoing. Under the settlement terms reached May 6, Abbott and the company neither admit nor deny any wrongdoing. In a statement, Abbott and Dynamic Seed Source said ODAs case was unnecessary. ODA sued anyway, and after two years of litigation the parties settled, the company said. They are glad the lawsuit is over and look forward to putting it all behind them. Oregon is the largest producer of cool-season forage and turf grasses in the U.S., producing nearly 591 million pounds in 2017. Grass seed is the fifth-largest agricultural commodity in Oregon, worth more than $517 million. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Oregon A firm in Bournemouth, United Kingdom has been fined by Apple for selling counterfeit products like charging adapters and cables. The fine set by Apple exceeds over $147,000. The same firm, CK IT Solutions, was raided by Apple earlier in 2018. The company had been found guilty of not complying with Apples guidelines of making authentic chargers and accessories for iPhone, via its Made For iPhone (MFi) program. The raid followed a shipment of 220 counterfeit Apple products to the company being detained at East Midlands Airport. The areas local newspaper, Bournemouth Echo, reported that the company has been charged by the Bournemouth Crown Court with fine piling up over 100,000 (~$147,400). The firm has been told to pay the money within three months under the Proceeds of Crime Act. CK IT Solutions has been caught selling products without complying to even UKs PAT (portable appliance testing) procedures. The company is a small company working hard and legitimately to have a successful business, concluded Judge Brian Forster, QC. However, the judge ruled that the firm had made over 100,000 profit from its illegal activities and hence were ordered to pay the sum, plus some further fines and costs. This is not the first time Apple has raided a company for making counterfeit products. Back in June 2020, the US Customs office seized counterfeit AirPods and lightning cable being shipped from Hong Kong. Online marketplaces are one way for these firms to sell these counterfeit Apple products, as the report notes. Apple has also previously reported that it has taken down over 1 million fake listings from Instagram and other online shopping websites. Have you ever bought an Apple product that turned out to be fake? Well, in case youre scammed, you can always report counterfeit Apple product listing on Apples legal website. [Via Bournemouth Echo Burma Chin Teenager Killed as Myanmar Regime Bombards Resistance Town Junta soldiers at the Public Health Department at Mindat. / CJ An ethnically Chin teenager was killed and six other members of Chin States civilian resistance forces opposing Myanmars regime were injured by junta artillery in Mindat on Thursday. Fighting between junta troops and the civilian resistance in Mindat started on Wednesday night after a ceasefire broke down. Since about 6am on Thursday, civilians in Mindat have been attacked with artillery based in Kyaukhtu, Magwe Region, 33km to the east, according to a resistance fighter. A 17-year-old was killed. They are still firing on us from Kyaukhtu. About six others were injured, a member of Mindat Defense Force, a civilian defense group fighting the junta, told The Irrawaddy. The resistance fighters, largely armed with homemade hunting rifles, face junta troops with automatic rifles and artillery. On Wednesday night, shootouts between junta troops and resistance fighters occurred at Mindats police station and a government office near the headquarters of the militarys 274 Battalion. The artillery battalion is in Kyaukhtu. We agreed a ceasefire with the military after they agreed not to deploy more troops to the town and not to pass through the town in military vehicles, said a Mindat resident. Civilians later agreed that 17 vehicles carrying around 270 junta troops could pass through from Matupi Township in exchange for the release of five young protesters being held by the security forces. The ceasefire ended after the military regime reportedly claimed it would release only four of the five. Our demands were not met. Shootouts are ongoing. They are firing continuously from Kyaukhtu. We also hear planes, said a Mindat Defense Force member. There will be no more talks. We will protect our town as best we can. The use of artillery on civilian targets has led to talk of possible genocide being committed against the mountainous community. On April 24, a nighttime shootout occurred when junta forces broke promises to release seven young anti-regime protesters. On April 26 and 27 the newly formed Mindat Defense Force attacked military reinforcements approaching the town using homemade weapons, leaving at least 20 junta troops dead. The military casualties led to talks with residents and the ceasefire. In early May, civilians allowed military troops to pass through the town. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Regime Wants to Welcome Back Chinese Tourists KIA Launches Attack to Seize Major Road from Myanmar Junta Myanmar Junta Arrests Former NLD Lawmakers From Rakhine State Burma Myanmar Junta Arrests Former NLD Lawmakers From Rakhine State Daw Ni Ni May Myint (Left) and Daw Chit Chit Chaw (Right). Junta forces arrested two former National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmakers from Rakhine State on Wednesday afternoon. Daw Ni Ni May Myint and Daw Chit Chit Chaw are both from Taungup Township, Rakhine State but were arrested in Yangon. Daw Ni Ni May Myint was reportedly detained while she was taking her child to school. Her arrest is confirmed. The child was sent back to her relatives. Daw Chit Chit Chaw was arrested, too. The younger brother of Daw Ni Ni May Myint has also been detained recently, said U Lin Naing, the husband of Daw Ni Ni May Myint. A number of NLD politicians from Rakhine State have been arrested by the junta in recent days, including Ma Moe Hsan Suu Kyi, the daughter of ousted Rakhine State chief minister U Nyi Pu. Ma Moe Hsan Suu Kyi was detained in her apartment in Hledan in Yangons Kamayut Township on Sunday evening. She is a member of the NLDs central committee for youth affairs and is from Gwa Township in Rakhine State. Her father U Nyi Pu has been charged under article 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly causing fear or alarm through an offense against the state or public tranquility. He faces up to two years in prison. Daw Ni Ni May Myints younger brother Ko Hein Min Htet, also a member of the NLDs central committee for youth affairs, was arrested on May 8, along with NLD central executive committee members U Ba Myo Thein and U Soe Lay while they were at the NLDs Yangon headquarters in Bahan Township. Following their arrests, junta forces have been searching for other members of the NLDs central committee for youth affairs in Yangon, according to members of the NLD. Daw Ni Ni May Myint and Daw Chit Chit Chaw were previously arrested by the Arakan Army (AA) in Taungup Township, Rakhine State in October last year while they were campaigning ahead of the November 2020 general election After talks between the AA and the Myanmar military, the two women were released by the AA in January, along with another detained lawmaker U Min Aung. The three were then flown to the Rakhine State capital Sittwe by military helicopter But all three lost their parliamentary seats in the November election as they were detained for most of the election campaign and its immediate aftermath. They were defeated in the election because they were being held by the AA. Although they are not involved in the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw [a committee made up of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta], they are friends with its members. Their arrests may be for that reason, a friend of Daw Ni Ni May Myint said. More than 200 NLD members, including State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and all of the partys Central Executive Committee have been detained by the junta since their Feb. 1 coup. A number of NLD members are believed to have been tortured to death by junta forces during their interrogations. Many other NLD members are in hiding from the military regime. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Writer and Family Detained by Junta Myanmar Regime Files High Treason, Other Charges Against Detained Protest Leader Two civilians were shot by junta forces in Magwe after the attacks. Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Detain Dozens of Civilians in Village Raid Talokmyo residents take shelter in the forest after the raid. Junta troops detained between 50 and 100 civilians in a raid Wednesday morning in Talokmyo village-tract, Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, according to the latest figures confirmed by the villagers. Talokmyo was surrounded from all directions by the junta forces. The villagers ran to the west of the village and were cornered in the graveyard, said a local resident. The detained villagers were taken away in two military trucks. I am sure at least 50 to 100 people were arrested, he added. Six young people, including a woman from Myingyan, who were helping the residents of Talokmyo in their resistance movement against the junta forces were among those arrested, said villagers. Media outlets controlled by the military regime reported that M-16 rifles, traditional firearms, air guns and grenades were seized from the six. The clash between the villagers and junta forces began on Tuesday afternoon when more than 100 regime troops attempted to enter Talokmyo, which is made up of a number of villages. Faced with unexpected resistance from the villagers, some 400 more soldiers were brought in on Wednesday morning to attack Talokmyo. Junta forces reportedly used drones to make an aerial reconnaissance and opened heavy fire on villagers as they raided the villages, forcing the residents to flee. Over 5,000 people including elderly persons, women and children have fled from their homes, according to local residents. Nine in ten households have fled after junta troops raided the village on Wednesday morning. Junta forces took chickens and pigs left behind by villagers as well as liquor from the village bar, and drank at the village monastery the whole day. In the evening, the drunken soldiers wandered around the village, said one resident. Two junta troops died and three were injured in the shootout on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to local sources. Two civilians were injured in their arms, and a university student from Myingyan was hit in his thigh. You may also like these stories: UN Panel Calls on Intl Business Community to Take Stand on Myanmar Juntas Abuses Myanmar Military-Owned Brewers Sales Halved as Boycott Bites Myanmar Villagers Detained After Overnight Battle with Junta Troops By John L. Micek In three decades in the news business, most of them spent covering government and politics, I've been to more than my share of press conferences. They're part of the gig when you're a reporter. And you just kind of learn to make your peace with them. Some of them are informative. Most are self-serving and explicitly partisan. Some are mercifully short. And some of them, to borrow from Dave Berry, may still be going on to this very day. But in terms of pure cynicism and rank partisanship, you'd be hard pressed to equal the propaganda event that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis orchestrated with his willing collaborators on "Fox & Friends" last week. With a perfect set-up from host Brian Kilmeade, who waxed rhapsodic about the brilliance of DeSantis and his fellow Republicans in managing the 2020 election and the need to return to normal, the Florida governor signed into law some of the most restrictive voting "reform" measures in the country. The bill, among other things, limits the use of mail-in voting and drop boxes, which, you guessed it, were favored by Democrats and Black voters last November, helping to put President Joe Biden into the White House. The bill already faces legal challenges, according to the Florida Phoenix, a publication that covers Florida politics. "Me signing this bill says: Florida, your vote counts, your vote is going to be cast with integrity and transparency and this is a great place for democracy," DeSantis said. Which is pure nonsense, given the circumstances under which DeSantis signed the bill: Local journalists were shut out of the event, which, in turn, meant the vast majority of Floridians who will be impacted by the legislation were similarly denied the chance to see their government in action. So much for transparency and democracy. Even with the laughably thin denial that there was nothing secret about the event, DeSantis' meticulously stage-managed news conference reached its intended audience: A grumpy, reality-averse former president ensconced in his own personal Xanadu just a short hop away from the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach. Donald Trump, as we all know, monitors Fox News and conservative media obsessively, and with a sweep of his pen, DeSantis telegraphed his loyalty to the autocratic 45th president who's still working, six months later, to knock the legs out from the under the credibility of last November's election result. The event in West Palm Beach is of a piece with the closed-door news conference in March where Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed his state's own restrictive voting bill, and whose most indelible image remains state Rep. Park Cannon, a Black woman lawmaker, being hauled away by police after trying to gain entrance to the room where the public's business was being conducted. From Atlanta and West Palm, it's ridiculously easy to draw a straight line to Capitol Hill, where Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney is about to lose her job in the House GOP leadership, not for being sufficiently conservative (she is staunchly conservative), but for refusing to bend the knee to the government-in-exile in Florida, and for refusing to push the Big Lie that the election was stolen. In Biden's first 100 days in office, Republicans refused to put up any votes for the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that was wildly popular among voters including their own. But they have not been shy about rushing out to take credit for it. It now seems baked in that Democrats will have to pass Biden's infrastructure and family bills without GOP votes as well, even though those proposals are similarly popular, and as a recalibrated electorate looks for the government to spend more and to shoulder more responsibilities. But rather than take heed of this change in the national mood, Republicans who are equal parts terrified of primaries from their right, and dead-set on recapturing Congress and the White House have thrown in with a twice-impeached autocrat who still commands a scary cult-like hold on the GOP base. And instead of governing, Republicans have methodically moved to whittle away as much of the electorate as they possibly can by shutting them out of the polls. All of which makes Florida's DeSantis the perfect public face of the GOP as it is now: Obsessed with hanging onto power, fact-averse, representing an ever-shrinking coalition, and loyal, not to the American public, but to the sad, strange old man who can't accept that he lost. An award-winning political journalist, John L. Micek (jmicek@penncapital-star.com) is editor-in-chief of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star in Harrisburg, Pa. His article was distributed by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Burma Myanmar Regime Wants to Welcome Back Chinese Tourists A Chinese tourist rides in a horse-drawn carriage in Bagan in July 2019. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy Myanmars military regime is pressing ahead with plans to promote Chinese tourism to the country, despite the political crisis caused by the juntas Feb. 1 coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Military-controlled newspapers said U Maung Maung Ohn, the junta-appointed Minister for Hotels and Tourism (MOHT), made inspection tours of hotels and tourist sites in the commercial capital Yangon on Wednesday to assess their readiness for the potential arrival of Chinese tourists. U Maung Maung Ohn met with officials working to promote tours from China to discuss how to bring Chinese tourists to Myanmar in ways that accord with current COVID-19 regulations. Anti-Chinese sentiment has risen dramatically in Myanmar following the coup, amid the widespread belief that Beijing is backing the military regime. But U Maung Maung Ohn said that Chinese tourists will bring income into the country and boost local employment opportunities. During the meeting they also discussed plans to facilitate the smooth flow of Chinese tourists, according to the military-controlled newspapers. Visitors from China, which borders Myanmar in the southwest of the country, were the top foreign travelers to Myanmar in 2018 and 2019, with Chinese tourists able to apply for visas on arrival. In 2020, the China-Myanmar Culture and Tourism Year was launched during Chinas President Xi Jinpings visit to the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw, which was hosted by the ousted National League for Democracy government. Both sides agreed to invite more Chinese tourists to Myanmar. However, the plan was postponed due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Myanmars tourism industry has been one of the sectors of the economy hit hardest by the pandemic. Tourism revenue has dropped by as much as 75 percent since March last year. On Wednesday, the military-controlled MRTV said that the regime wants to promote Chinese tours to Myanmar as they had a previous agreement to do so. Despite the juntas deadly crackdowns on anti-regime protesters, the MOHT minister has visited several tourism-related sites in the country since March, including Ayeyarwady Region and Shan State, to see how tourism can be resumed in the country. The MOHT has also allowed hotels to reopen in popular tourist destinations such as Chaung Tha beach, Taunggyi and Inle Lake. The promotion of Chinese tourism comes after the regimes extension of entry restrictions to Myanmar for all travelers to the end of May. Myanmar reported 23 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing the national tally to 142,997. There have been 3,211 reported deaths, according to military-controlled media. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military Launches Air Raid in Karen State Myanmar Swimmer to Forgo Tokyo Olympics in Protest at Junta Violence Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Chin State Fighting Burma Myanmar Writer and Family Detained by Junta Hnin Pan Eain with her family. / Hnin Pan Eain / Facebook Writer Hnin Pan Eain, her husband Ko Nay Oo a former political prisoner and their son were detained by the regimes forces in South Dagon, Yangon, on Wednesday night. According to a source close to the family, soldiers and police searched their house at midnight and detained the family. The reason for their arrest and their whereabouts are unknown. Hnin Pan Eain formerly took part in the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP)s mental health assistance program for former political prisoners and their relatives and to help COVID-19 patients last year. The program was suspended after the coup and she is no longer connected with the association, U San Min of the AAPP said. Due to its consistent documentation on the regimes detentions and killings since the Feb. 1 coup, which are used as a reference domestically and internationally, the junta says it will take severe action against the group, accusing it of inflating the numbers killed. It has labeled the AAPP an unlawful association. The military-run television and newspapers, citing the police, reported that only 258 people were killed between the coup and April 15, while the AAPP confirmed a death toll of at least 726 during the same period. Ko Nay Oo was jailed from 1998 to 2005 under the former junta for his pro-democracy activities. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military Launches Air Raid in Karen State Myanmar Swimmer to Forgo Tokyo Olympics in Protest at Junta Violence Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Chin State Fighting Burma Myanmars Junta Sentences Four More to Prison for Incitement Dr. Cho Yu Mon, headmistress of Hpa-an Governments Technical High School (left) and DVB reporter Ko Min Nyo (right) Myanmars military regime handed down prison sentences against a headmistress, a reporter, a student leader and a National League for Democracy (NLD) township member on incitement charges Wednesday. Headmistress of Hpa-an Governments Technical High School in Karen State Dr. Cho Yu Mon was sentenced to two years imprisonment on a charge of violating Article 505 (b) of the Penal Code, which criminalizes inducing someone to commit an offense against the state or against the public tranquility. Her sentence was handed down by a court in Hpa-an Prison. Police arrested the headmistress in her home in Hpa-an on Feb. 5 for taking part in a red ribbon campaign to show defiance against the coup. The headmistress told police that she was joining the civil disobedience movement (CDM) and it was within her rights as a citizen to express her views peacefully. At the time, police assured her that she wouldnt be placed under arrest for her protest but insisted that she accompany them to a meeting so they could ask few questions. She was then put under detention for more than 90 days and as of Wednesday faces two years in prison for her peaceful protest. On the same day, a court inside Pyay Prison in Bago Region handed down a maximum sentence, three years, to Ko Min Nyo, a reporter from Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB). He was charged under Article 505 (a) of Penal Code, which criminalizes circulating comments that cause fear or spread false news. He became the first reporter to be sentenced among the journalists detained since the coup. Ko Min Nyo was violently beaten and arrested on March 3 while covering an anti-regime protest in Pyay. The judge, law officer and defense lawyers are the only outsiders allowed to attend trials inside prisons. No relatives are allowed to attend. Ko Thant Zin Tun, a student leader in Pyay, who has been behind bars for more than 80 days, was sentenced to six years imprisonment under two charges of Section 25 of the Natural Disaster Management Law for allegedly breaking the COVID-19 rules and Article 505 (a) of Penal Code on Wednesday. The student leader was arrested Feb. 18 for protesting against the military coup. U Kyaw Kyaw Nyan Win, information team member of NLDs Pyay branch office was also sentenced to three years imprisonment on Wednesday under Penal Codes Article 505 (a). He was also arrested in mid-February. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) which tracks detentions and killings since the coup, about 5,000 people were arrested following the military takeover on Feb. 1 and of those, 3,885 remain under detention. About 90 have been sentenced. Arrest warrants have been issued for 1,600 more, including doctors, nurses, teachers, student unions members and journalists. You may also like these stories: ChinTeenager Killed as Myanmar Regime Bombards Resistance Town Myanmar Regime Wants to Welcome Back Chinese Tourists KIA Launches Attack to Seize Major Road from Myanmar Junta Burma Student Tortured to Death After Myanmar Junta Forces Raid Mandalay Village-Tract Ko Zin Ko Tun was a first-year IT student from Myingyan. A university student was tortured to death in military custody after being detained during a raid by junta forces on Talokmyo Village-tract in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region on Wednesday, according to sources close to him. Family members were told on Thursday morning to collect the body of Ko Zin Ko Tun, who was arrested with five other students during the raid on Talokmyo on Wednesday afternoon. He was struck by a bullet in Talokmyo and arrested. And he died in military custody, a source said. Ko Zin Ko Tun, a first-year IT student from Myingyan, had only an arm wound when he was taken away by the junta forces. He was still alive when he was arrested. All six were beaten with rifle butts as junta forces arrested them. He died during interrogation. Another one who was hit in the leg also reportedly had his leg amputated, said a source close to Ko Zin Ko Tun. Junta forces planted weapons on the six when photographing them immediately after their arrest to make the crime look more serious. When the militarys mouthpiece, Myawaddy TV, reported the news, Ko Zin Ko Tun was not shown, and more arms and ammunition were displayed instead. In the first photo, they [junta forces] intentionally added their weapons. And more weapons were added in the photo published by Myawaddy. They are attempting to make it appear as if a more serious crime occurred, a source close to Ko Zin Ko Tun said. The pictures published by Myawaddy intend to make the crime look more serious. It was unnecessarily cruel of the junta forces to use more than 400 troops to launch a violent crackdown on unarmed civilians, a Talokmyo resident said. Of the six, five including a woman are university students from Myingyan. The identity of the sixth is still unknown. They were in Talokmyo to help villagers with their resistance movement against the military regime. Junta troops detained between 50 and 100 civilians in the raid Wednesday morning in Talokmyo. The clash began on Tuesday afternoon when more than 100 regime troops attempted to enter Talokmyo. Faced with unexpected resistance from the villagers, some 400 more soldiers were brought in on Wednesday morning to attack the village-tract. Two junta troops were killed and three injured in the shootout. Three civilians were injured. Locals have fled their villages following the raid, but junta forces are searching for them in nearby forests. You may also like these stories: KIA Launches Attack to Seize Major Road from Myanmar Junta Myanmar Junta Arrests Former NLD Lawmakers From Rakhine State UN Panel Calls on Intl Business Community to Take Stand on Myanmar Juntas Abuses Burma UN Panel Calls on Intl Business Community to Take Stand on Myanmar Juntas Abuses Anti-coup protesters are seen in downtown Yangon in February. / The Irrawaddy UN human rights experts on Wednesday urged international businesses to take a stand against the Myanmar regimes human rights violations and put pressure on the coup leaders to halt their grave human rights violations across the country. Amid pro-democracy supporters calls for urgent action to cut off foreign currency flows to the military junta, the human rights experts said that businesses must uphold their human rights responsibilities. While some businesses have reiterated their public support for the rule of law and human rights, and cut ties with the junta, many continue to engage in business with the military as if nothing has happened, the experts from the UN working group on business and human rights were quoted as saying in a statement from the UN Human Rights Office. However, they did not mention any businesses by name. The experts urged companies to act in line with the UNs Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to avoid contributing to rights violations, or becoming complicit in crimes if they continue to operate in Myanmar. Surya Deva, vice chair of the UN working group on business and human rights, said, Because the risk of gross human rights violations has greatly increased in Myanmar, action by states and human rights due diligence by business, and investors, should be rapidly and proportionately heightened. Following the military takeover on Feb. 1, nearly 50 foreign companies mostly from Western countries investing in Myanmar, including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Nestle, Unilever, Facebook and H&M, signed a statement expressing concern about the military takeover. However, Asian companies have largely remained silent. Moreover, public campaigns to cut the coup leaders financial lifelines have intensified both in the country and abroad. Human rights groups have repeatedly asked oil and gas companies to cut ties with the military regime, as the sector earns Myanmar more than US$1.5 billion annually. However, energy giants like Chevron of the US and Total of France remain reluctant to follow those demands. Chevron has intensively lobbied the US State Department and key congressional offices against sanctions, warning that they could disrupt its joint ventures in Myanmar. Totals gas operation in Myanmar has been propping up the military junta by diverting funds from gas sales to offshore accounts instead of the government, according to documents accessed by French newspaper Le Monde. Businesses, both individually and collectively, should exert the maximum leverage on the military in Myanmar to halt what the High Commissioner for Human Rights has said may amount to crimes against humanity, said Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The experts said the militarys economic interests, including access to arms and technology, remain largely untouched and unchallenged by other states, and businesses operating in the country. The revenues that the military earns from domestic and foreign businesses substantially enhance its ability and capacity to carry out these grave violations, Andrews said. The UN experts said that measures taken by businesses, such as suspension of payments and financial flows that may aid the perpetration of widespread and systematic human rights violations, should target the military and have the minimum possible negative impact on the rights of employees and the general population. All states, including leaders of ASEAN and G20 countries, should take strong, decisive and coordinated action, and encourage their businesses operating in Myanmar to prevent further human rights violations, the experts added. There may come a point at which businesses might need to suspend operations or even consider [an] exit from the country if risks of involvement in human rights abuse cannot be reasonably managed, while doing so in a manner to safeguard the well-being of workers and affected communities, Deva said. This week, several international companies and organizations including Coca-Cola, McKinsey and Reuters moved out of Sule Square, a high-end office block in downtown Yangon, after human rights group Justice for Myanmar called on 18 tenants of the complex of offices and shops to stop supporting a military-linked business by renting space there. The complex was built on land owned by the military, according to the UN. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military-Owned Brewers Sales Halved as Boycott Bites Myanmar Villagers Detained After Overnight Battle with Junta Troops Myanmar Junta Looks to Replace Striking University Staff After spending years and millions transforming a 19.77 acres underdeveloped island in the Exumas, Bahamas, into a spectacular resort-like destination, music power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have placed the island on the market, according to a CNBC report. The island, which Hill ad McGraw renamed Lile dAnges, is on the market for $35 million. The couple bought the island, known then as Goat Cay back in 2003. The listing is represented by Edward de Mallet Morgan, of the London-based luxury real estate broker and partner at Knight Frank. In the listings web page, the island is described as a private island like no other. A safe haven paradise, providing perfect tranquility, nestled within pristine turquoise waters. Heaven on earth. The island property includes a 6,517-square-foot main residence is made up of eight structures described as pods, which are interconnected by 5,000 square feet of thatch-covered verandas and breeze ways. The website describes the principal residence as having the most spectacular panoramic views, whilst giving a feeling of refuge and peace in its elevated position well above the water. There are two beaches and hundreds of imported palm trees. For a video of the property, click here. Exodus Cry has been in the media lately for its new campaign called Traffickinghub. This human rights activist group was founded by filmmaker Benjamin Nolot, and it's making some serious strides to curb the exploitation of people in the porn industry. We'll look at what the campaign is all about and why their cause is being backed by some prominent celebrities in the business. The Rise of Exodus Cry Exodus Cry rose to prominence and global visibility after the release of CEO Benjamin Nolot's film, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, a documentary about human trafficking, would be the spark that would lead him to a larger mission. He visited 19 different countries, including those in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The goal was not to make money, but to wake people up to what is happening all around them. Change is possible for all of us, as long as we have the courage to see the situation for what it is. Pornography is undoubtedly a charged topic for those who discuss it. Even in private, it can be a difficult conversation, but the level of scrutiny is raised to another level when it's made public. The danger with these facts is that the stigma can be so high that people attempt to ignore it entirely. Fighting the industry starts with acknowledging how it operates. A Call to Action Exodus Cry was not created to fight specifically against any one company or individual, but its latest campaign was more targeted against Pornhub. After many allegations against the website and the parent company MindGeek, there is a clear link between human trafficking and some of the videos that can be found on MindGeek's websites. This is a cause that is stoking a lot of celebrity attention as well. Traffickinghub is being hashtagged on social media by stars like Jenna Jameson, previously a porn actress herself, as a way to call attention to the problems that are inherent in her past line of work. Jameson may have notoriety, but when she retired from the industry, she would detail her own experiences with trafficking in her book. After posting a petition on Change.org last year, the organization gathered 2.2 million signatures to shut down Pornhub completely. These signatures were garnered after Exodus Cry made an impassioned plea to the public, one that was focused on human rights for people all around the globe. This is a small but important way that people can take part in ending harmful cycles. MindGeek Investigation MindGeek is the parent company of Pornhub, one with plenty of unsavory stories in its past. It runs more than 160 websites and has been accused of promoting nonconsensual and pedophilic material to viewers. Thankfully, it's been under investigation from a number of different groups, including those in Canada and the US, and Exodus Cry was a key driver in many of these criminal investigations. With headquarters in Montreal, the Canadian Parliament took key steps to address this issue by holding public hearings in February 2021. During these hearings, the group listened to witness testimony about the practices of MindGeek and how the company took advantage of different populations to produce content. It was just four days after the hearings that MindGeek executives met with the ethics committee to discuss their side of the story. And while these executives continue to insist that they want to create a safe environment, their actions suggest otherwise. The outcry has been overwhelming against their business model, and advocates are proud to stand with the victims to ensure that their voices are every bit as loud as the executives on the other side of the proverbial table. The Canadian Parliament's Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics received a multi-page letter that included a collective of 104 survivors of sexual exploitation and 525 nongovernmental organizations from 65 different countries. It called on the committee to impose more restrictions in the industry and to perform a full criminal investigation into MindGeek. The Petition 'Shut Down Pornhub and Hold Its Executives Accountable for Aiding Trafficking' is the name of the petition that managed to attract so much attention. It's a non-religious and non-partisan effort by Exodus Cry and its founder Benjamin Nolot that has the full support of international activists from nearly 200 countries and more than 300 organizations. Pornhub generates millions of dollars every year, plus 42 billion visits from people all over the world. Yet, as their revenue climbs, they have no systems in place to correctly identify exploitative content. The website even admitted that a child was 'verified' on its site via a Tweet. While this admission has been taken down since, the evidence still remains. A Public Health Crisis There have been news-worthy efforts made in Canada, but the US has taken steps as well to come out against an often seedy industry. Montana became the 13th state in the nation to declare pornography a public health crisis due to its detrimental effects on brain development. In addition to stories shared in homes or on social media among peers, there have been larger campaigns waged by a variety of beloved public figures. Celebrities like Terry Crews, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chris Rock have opened up about what it means to invite porn into your life and what it can do to your relationships. People might paint this as nothing more than a healthy hobby, but this is a whitewashed version of the truth. The executive director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Dawn Hawkins, has compared the effects of porn to that of tobacco. Turning the Tides To take people from their homes and commit trafficking, there needs to be a system in place. In some ways, we're just beginning to learn more about what the processes entail. In December 2020, 40 women would come forward to file a lawsuit against Pornhub due to the website's profit from their exploitation. Exodus Cry was created to break the cycle of exploitation and be a service to everyone who needs their help. The organization performs international work to ensure that every person can be free. This couldn't come at a better time, especially when there's been so much more discussion about what happens to people who are involved. Nicholas Kristof penned an article in the New York Times at the end of 2020 as a vendetta against Pornhub. In it, he alleged that the company hadn't enforced its own policies and said that the site was 1,000 times worse than Jeffrey Epstein. These are strong words against the company, and part of the reason why Nebraska-senator Ben Sasse implored the Department of Justice to investigate MindGeek. The BBC also reported on videos of the rape of a 14-year-old girl named Rose Kalemba, which were then promoted on Pornhub. The NY Post reported that a 15-year-old girl from Florida ended up on Pornhub as well. Her mother had been looking for her for close to a year before the videos surfaced of her. Exodus Cry is proud to be a part of efforts that will turn the tide. The non-profit organization is calling people to become more aware of how others are being treated. And while this group is not the only one that is playing a pivotal role, it's been a particularly important one to address the policies of Pornhub and its parent company MindGeek. The Larger Industry Trafficking is really just one part of a much larger problem, and no one knows this better than the team at Exodus Cry - to really tackle everything from violence to inequality, strategies have to expand to encompass the people that it affects. There are those who can take control of the situation and do things on their own terms. Then, there are also plenty out there who feel forced to make difficult decisions that offer no alternatives outside a life of exploitation. So even if they weren't physically or mentally coerced into something, that doesn't mean that they're making a fully informed choice. For Exodus Cry, this is not about judgment, but about education and opportunity. This group wants to empower people and free them from a seemingly unwinnable situation. They want to disrupt the entire industry, replacing its exploitative practices with a system that will treat everyone fairly. With the media on the organization's side and millions of people supporting their cause, advocates like Benjamin Nolot are in a prime position to affect change and be the hope they want to see in the world. From performance and features to design, Asus Zenfone 8 series packs a punch. A visual candy for users, its cameras cater to photographers regardless of their expertise. Asus launches all-new Zenfone 8 series, which it labels as the most powerful generation to date of the innovative Zenfone smartphone family. The super-compact 5.9-inch Zenfone 8 and the photography-focused 6.67-inch Zenfone 8 Flip are designed to meet the needs of every type of user. The new series is powered by the latest flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, featuring the fastest possible 5G speeds. High-capacity batteries 4000 mAh in Zenfone 8 and 5000 mAh in Zenfone 8 Flipdeliver outstanding battery life for on-the-go users. Both Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip feature gorgeous Samsung Amoled displays with Delta-E <1 colour accuracy, offering a superbly immersive visual experience with ultra-vivid colours. Additionally, Zenfone 8's display has an ultrafast up to 120 Hz refresh rate. The displays also include in-display fingerprint sensors for convenient security. Flagship Sony camera sensors, Asus says, add superb photo and video capabilities to both phones. Zenfone 8 showcases fixed rear dual-camera system, while Zenfone 8 Flip features the innovative triple-camera Flip Camera, a motorised flip-up module that enables the same high-resolution photos and videos at both front and rear. Zenfone 8 has a sleek all-new design, with dimensions specifically chosen to fit pockets and effortless one-handed operation. A 3D-curved back with a new frosted glass finish for a more secure grip. Zenfone 8 is additionally the recipient of a 2021 Red Dot Product Design Award, awarded by an international jury in recognition of its outstanding design. Flagship performance Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip use the latest flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, built using a 5-nanometer process technology. This processor offers up to 25% faster CPU performance and up to 35% faster graphics rendering compared to the previous generation. Outstanding battery life for on-the-go lifestyles is ensured by high-capacity batteries4000 mAh in Zenfone 8 and 5000 mAh in Zenfone 8 Flip. Advanced battery-care systems maximise battery lifespan, and the new System Mode in the ZenUI 8 operating system has a variety of automatic power-management modes that users can easily switch depending how they want to use the phone, ranging from maximum performance to maximum battery life. Advanced manual configuration of power-saving parameters is also possible. Experience visual perfection Both Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip are equipped with bright, ultra-responsive Samsung Amoled displays. Tuned in collaboration with industry-leading visual processing company Pixelworks, the superb visual experience is enhanced with Delta-E <1 colour accuracy and DC Dimming technology. The displays are also HDR10+ certified to bring out the detail in even the darkest scenes. In-display fingerprint sensors make unlocking the phones simple and intuitive. Zenfone 8 has a 120 Hz Samsung Amoled display with a 1 ms response time for silky-smooth scrolling and blur-free visuals. The cinema-grade 112% DCI-P3 colour gamut brings videos and images to life, and the 1000-nits brightness allows easy outdoor readability. And to keep it looking great for longer, the display's protected by the latest and toughest-ever Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Zenfone 8 Flip has an all-screen, 100% notch-free 90 Hz Samsung Amoled NanoEdge display with vivid colours and smooth responsiveness. Pro-grade photography Advanced professional-grade camera systems in the Zenfone 8 series, which feature all-Sony sensors, cater to photographers. The rear dual-camera system on Zenfone 8 captures every precious moment with superb-quality photos under any conditions. The 64 MP Sony IMX686 main camera delivers unprecedented resolution, dual-pixel autofocus, optical image stabilisation and a high level of light sensitivity, for perfect photos day and night. The ultrawide 12 MP Sony IMX363 camera allows even more freedom for composition and it can also take incredible macro shots with close-up details. At the front, a 12 MP Sony IMX663 punch-hole camera with dual-pixel autofocus delivers crystal-clear selfie shots and videos. Zenfone 8 Flip features the Flip Camera, a motorised flip-up module with an evolved triple-camera system that offers the same high-resolution photo and video capabilities whether the module is front-facing or rear-facing. The main camera is a Sony IMX686 64 MP high-resolution wide-angle camera with dual-pixel phase-detection autofocus for maintaining an ultrasharp focus on subjects, plus Quad Bayer technology and enhanced light sensitivity for stunning photosday or night. A secondary ultrawide-angle camera is powered by a Sony IMX363 sensor, and this camera supports up to 4 cm macro photography for incredibly detailed close-up shots. The third camera is a telephoto camera, which enables 3X optical zoom, up to 12x total zoom, and seamless transitions between cameras while recording. Irresistible design Zenfone 8 redefines portable design to deliver the ultimate performance, with none of the weight or bulk. It's designed to lightweight and built to impress with its premium feel. A key design goal was to make Zenfone 8 exceptionally easy to use, even with just one hand. The all-new One-handed Mode gives users full and comfortable control using just their thumb. The 3D-curved back perfectly fits the palm, and the brand-new frosted glass coating gives Zenfone 8 a clean and sleek look, all the time, while making it even easier to grip. Zenfone 8 Flip has been redesigned and reshaped to allow a better grip. ZenUI 8 The new ZenUI 8 combines smoothness with speed. One-handed operation in One-handed Mode is just a gesture away for easier control, and Dark Mode automatically adjusts apps to a dark colour scheme, helping users to stay focused, reduce eye strain and improve visibility. System Mode offers several different modes that allows users to either prioritise performance or extend battery life. Smart Key allows instant access to favourite actions. AudioWizard allows users to instantly tailor their audio experience to whatever they're listening to, with Dynamic, Music, Cinema and Game presets to enhance any kind of sound environment. By Casey Lartigue Jr. My friends often marvel at my ability to not only think outside of the box, but to flip the box upside down, look at things from both inside and outside of the box, and to even stand on the box. I enjoy flipping the script on myself and others by actively attacking cliches and conventional wisdom. Once upon a time when people met in-person, a chit chat discussion topic was: "Which person would you bring back from the dead to talk to?" I would sit patiently with my intellectual shotgun ready to unload on the first person who cited someone like George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. To scoff at the question, I would first predict that President Washington would die from a heart attack from the shock of being brought back from the dead centuries later. But let's say he survived the shock and met me for coffee. He might ask the first white man he saw, "Who owns this mulatto? Who taught him how to read and write?" Let's say you are the next person who gets to talk with him. I would flip the script. What makes you think George Washington would want to talk with you? You might want to talk with him, but that doesn't mean the reverse is true. He might have his own wish list of things to do or people that he might want to meet. He first might want to catch up on what has been happening the last 222 years since he died, especially in those couple of years after he died in 1799. Instead of talking to a history professor, he might want to get into the bringing-people-back-from-the-dead game. "I feared Alexander Hamilton would screw things up and get shot. Could I bring him back from the dead?" To the persistent ones who insist that President Washington might want to talk with them, I ask: If you think George Washington might want to talk with you, then tell me: how many leading figures today are seeking your counsel? If the answer is "none," that might match the number of historical figures returned from the dead who might seek you out or want to talk to you longer than thanking you for bringing them back to life. There are other people I like to flip the script on. Among my favorite targets: gift-givers. Now you may be wondering, "Lartigue, how could anyone criticize a gift giver?" In most cases that I have seen, people speaking the language of love through gift-giving don't really seem to be thinking about the recipients. They want to give gifts, whether or not if you want them. It isn't surprising that so much money gets wasted every year in unwanted gifts. When it comes to gift-giving, it is said that it is the thought that counts, and I make that point when a gift-giver later asks me what I did with the gift. "I re-gifted it to a gift-giver I know. You wouldn't believe how much trouble I had getting someone to keep it." If they complain about me re-gifting it, I will remind them: "It is the thought that counts. I thought that other person might want the gift" Or out of the blue, I will say, "I am saving it to give to George Washington in case I can finally bring him back from the dead. I have a whole closet of gifts waiting for him." I also like to flip the script on experts who talk about what they would say to the North Korean dictator if they had a chance to talk to him. Back in 2012, I was asked in a radio interview what I would say to the then-new dictator Kim Jong-un, my response was: "Nothing." Why would Kim Jong-un waste time talking with me when he might be choosing which "Pleasure Squad" girl he would rape today or drinking the latest foreign wine brought to him? Some people will insist, saying they might be able to say something that could get Kim Jong-un to change his murderous ways. So I flip that script on them too: What could Kim Jong-un say that could possibly convince you get to start supporting his reign of terror? When people talk about changing someone else's mind, they don't flip the script to consider that the reverse could be true: the other person wants to change your mind. As you can guess, flipping the script on people makes them uncomfortable. The good news is that the gift-givers tell me they are going to take my name off their Christmas lists. But that's okay. To thank me for bringing him back from the dead, George Washington may bring me some gifts to deliver to Kim Jong-un. Casey Lartigue, Jr., (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is editor of "Voices from the North" and co-founder along with Eunkoo Lee of Freedom Speakers International (FSI). The global pandemic has ushered hybrid work models where people move between remote and on-site work. Progress introduces Progress Moveit 2021 to help businesses adjust to the hybrid workforce and to safeguard their data. Progress launches Progress Moveit 2021, a secure, automated managed file transfer (MFT) software that can be deployed both on-premises and in the cloud. With enhancements such as data encryption key rotation, Moveit Transfer notification branding, Rest API improvements and more, Moveit 2021 managed file transfer software directly addresses the most critical market developments and top customer concerns in security, usability, and integration. Stewart Bond, research director, data integration and intelligence software research, IDC, explains: In 2020 over 40% of the global population turned to remote work models. With the ebb and flow of the global pandemic in 2021, hybrid work models are enabling workers to return to on-site work while others continue to work remotely or move between remote and on-site work. Businesses must adjust their strategies to manage this new hybrid workforce and maintain secure and trusted remote file transfers to safeguard the sharing of data, he adds. Todays file transfer environment demands quickly and easily sharing critical information without risking security. Progress says a secure and reliable data transfer platform ensures visibility across core business processes and provides compliant transfer of sensitive data between partners, customers, users, and systems. Progress Moveit 2021 makes it easy for users to safely transfer data and collaborate with each otherall while improving business scalability and minimising IT burden. New security enhancements in Moveit 2021 include: Data Encryption Key Rotation Moveit 2021 enables security administrators to automatically rotate data encryption keys, as well as schedule, pause, restart, and report upon data encryption key status. IP/Username Lockout Mechanism -- Moveit Automation administrators can now set automatic lockouts for users or IP addresses that fail login attempts too many times, providing an additional layer of security often required by larger organisations, and enterprises. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) support for the desktop Moveit Client New MFA support for the Moveit desktop client means better security at every access point of an organisations network. Moveit 2021 also gives customers new features for easier implementation and enhanced integrations, including: S3 Compatible Host Support Moveit Automation administrators can now create hosts for third-party storage solutions that use Amazons S3 protocol. This expands the variety of storage locations available for hybrid cloud workflows. HTML Email Notifications Moveit Automation automatically-generated emails can now be formatted in HTML as well as plain text. This includes support for links, fonts, bullets, tables, macros, and more. These changes make it easier for users to customise and validate email notifications. Branded Emails Email notifications generated by Moveit Transfer can now include the branding or logo associated with a user interface, helping recipients recognise email notifications as being trustworthy. Updated User Interface for Advanced Task Configuration UI improvements to the Advanced Task Configuration Interface make the web-based tool easier to use and improve productivity when creating workflowsall without needing to download and install a client application. Rest API Enhancements A wide variety of Rest API enhancements have been added to Moveit, giving users far more options for integrating with third party systems and automating workflows. John Ainsworth, senior vice president, core, products, and progress, notes: As the economy becomes increasingly digital, the growing cyber threat is outpacing most companies ability to manage it effectively." He concludes: With more than half of the new security, usability, and integration enhancements in Moveit 2021 developed in response to changing market dynamics, we are committed to helping our customers keep their critical information safe. Genius Armoury aims to identify and attract potential cyber security talent within the autistic community. Genius Armoury developed by Untapped Holdings with BHP, DXC Australia, Splunk, La Trobe University and Curtin University is intended to help tackle part of Australia's cyber security skills shortage. The $15 million, three-year initiative (partially funded by AustCyber's projects fund) is designed to help the Australian cyber security industry grow, while reducing unemployment among autistic people. The unemployment rate for autistic individuals is 31.6%, according to Amaze three times the rate for people with a disability, and almost six times the rate for people without a disability. Untapped Holdings points out that some autists possess traits that are extremely useful in cyber security roles including attention to detail, the ability to focus for long periods and identify patterns, photographic memory, integrity and honesty. Hence Genius Armoury, which according to Untapped CEO Andrew Eddy provides autists who have little or no prior knowledge of cyber security with a syllabus of fundamental learning. "The materials are provided in an accessible, inspirational and engaging format intended to ignite interest and the pursuit of further learning. Delivered via a virtual, asynchronous platform, the materials can be undertaken by participants at any time, even in remote locations," he said. "The Genius Armoury concept came from the realisation, through autism employment assessment workshops, that autists considering educational options and career paths have little understanding of the opportunities of a cyber security career. "When explained, there was often a high level of interest in the type of work undertaken in these roles. This generated the idea of providing an autism-friendly, deep-dive learning experience into the world of a cyber security analyst to spark interest amongst this cohort." Genius Armoury comprises five modules: Introduction to cyber security; Threats and exploits; Networks; Digital forensics; and Cyber security tools. Participants receive a certificate on completion, and information is offered about education and employment options. AustCyber CEO Michelle Price said "Genius Armoury is a world leading and innovative solution for inclusion and diversity in the cyber security workforce and will benefit all sectors of the economy more broadly. "If we can better support autistic individuals to find jobs that take advantage of their often-unique set of skills in cyber security, we are taking another step to meet the current skills shortage with a pool of currently untapped talent. Perhaps more importantly, the day to day of cyber security offers highly productive and challenging work and employers are increasingly aware of the workplace environment that will attract and retain autists as part of a more sophisticated approach to workforce strategy and development." Genius Armoury wants to engage with additional educational institutions and employers. Guest Opinion: Business owners have always tried to solve this biggest question How does Google determine if a company website is worthy enough to be on its number one page for search ranking? Many factors like the actual web content and its relevancy had made it easier to understand the ranking system. But now, the experience that users have when they load your webpage is going to become more important than ever. Google is ready to gradually launch its Page Experience Algorithm Update with Core Web Vitals become ranking signals from mid-June. But it will not come in full force in search rankings until the end of August. This carefully crafted update will highlight pages that offer exceptional user experiences. Another interesting part of Google core update will have to be that Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) will no longer act as a benchmark for showing results on its Top Stories carousel feature. It will index websites that meet the Google News policies. Also, Google Search will no longer use the AMP badge icon. Hence, AMP content will have no indication once the page experience update starts to roll out later. But Google said that websites should not expect drastic changes. The page experience will still remain one of many factors that their systems will take into account. Gradual Rollout of Google's June 2021 Update The search giant has been considerate to web publishers and site owners by rolling the Google core update gradually. They wanted to ensure that everyone has some time to implement the changes and monitor the impact of the update or any unexpected issues. It will prove to be a good heads-up for site owners to make refinements to their website with page experience in mind. This is going to be great news for developers and webmasters who might get that extra time to ensure that their pages are up to mark as by Googles standards. This additional time will surely allow them to sort everything out. What Makes This Update So Important? If we try to understand the motive of this core update carefully, we will see that Google Search has really put users on its top priority. It seems to be on a mission to adapt its new Google core algorithm update in a way such that those sites feature first that users love the most. This new algorithm is really taking it one step ahead. It will ensure that sites that rank at the highest are not creating experiences that users do not like. There is no doubt that that page experience will have a huge part in the site's visibility. It will possibly become the determining factor between two similar websites. A lot of site owners are believing that this is going to be a radical change and the start of a big shift in SEO. This will also lead to brand queries (the number of users who search for your brand name on Google and click on your website) impacting Google search rankings. Combining New Page Experience with Core Web Vitals For technical SEO specialists and web developers who work on prioritising the user, the page experience principles are not a surprise. In the past, page experience was seen as a combination of various factors that Google used to evaluate the site. The factors were already considered with SEO and included things such as page speed, mobility, page speed, interactivity, and much more. But now, a dedicated Page Experience Report is going to be available in the Search Console which will combine the Core Web Vitals report with other page experience signals like: Mobile usability : A URL should not possess any mobile usability errors in order to qualify for good mobile usability. : A URL should not possess any mobile usability errors in order to qualify for good mobile usability. Security issues : Any kind of security issues will have disqualification all URLs on that site : Any kind of security issues will have disqualification all URLs on that site HTTPS usage : A page should have served over HTTPS and not HTTP to become eligible for a good page experience. : A page should have served over HTTPS and not HTTP to become eligible for a good page experience. Ad Experience: A site must not contain those advertising techniques which can be interrupting, distracting, or hampering a good user experience. What Are Core Web Vitals and How They Perform as Ranking Factor? Google introduced Core Web Vitals as a benchmark to user-centric metrics that help quantify key features of the user page experience. They help in measuring varied dimensions of web serviceability such as responsiveness, interactivity, content relevancy, and load time. Precisely, below mentioned have made the cut as the Core Web Vitals: Largest Contentful Paint: This talks about the time a page will take to load its main content. It should be ideally 2.5 seconds or quicker. First Input Delay : It focuses on the time taken by a page to load and become interactive. The ideal measurement should be lesser than 100 ms. : It focuses on the time taken by a page to load and become interactive. The ideal measurement should be lesser than 100 ms. Cumulative Layout Shift: The emphasis on the amount of unexpected layout shift that occurs in the visual page content. The ideal measurement should be less than 0.1. These signals will help to measure users experience and interaction with the page. While these signals are important for all websites in general, they are especially critical in E-commerce SEO. What Can Be Done to Prepare for The June Algorithm Update? It is not a new fact that every time Google updates its algorithm, site owners have to work on many features regarding their websites. Like with the newest Google Core Update June 2021, one will have to pay attention to the experience that your customers are having on the website. If you have not fully prepared for this Google update, this is the ideal time to gear up and make adjustments. For many technical SEO specialists, Googles update for this page ranking algorithm may seem a strenuous job. Many companies might even think to hire an SEO Sydney agency to revamp their websites and create online content. Regardless of the type of industry, you are working in, it is always vital to stay up to date with any algorithm update. Google has recommended AMP as a cost-effective way to optimise your site for the page experience signal. After the grand announcement that Google has incorporated Core Web Vitals into the ranking algorithm, new measurement capabilities have been added to many of its existing tools. Here are a few tools that SEO Specialists and webmasters can use to evaluate your readiness for the Google page experience update. Search Console Search Console will now have a detailed Core Web Vitals report to help web developers and site owners assess the page performance throughout the website. This report will identify those pages that demand immediate attention and group their performance by metric type, status, and groups of similar web pages. But be aware that with this report, URLs can be omitted if they are unable to display a minimal amount of reporting data. PageSpeed Insights As the name suggests, PageSpeed Insights will perform a full X-ray of your pages content. It will then deliver suggestions on how you can improve the speed of your page. Lighthouse Lighthouse is an extremely useful professional tool available for site developers. It helps to analyse your site performance and carry additional audits. It can be readily used as an open-source package or as a plugin with web browsers like Firefox and Chrome. This automated auditing tool is capable to improve the users experience on the sites. Chrome DevTools Chrome DevTools is another interesting tool to help site SEO strategists and site owners discover and fix any visual instability issues that may lead to Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). If you want to view the particulars in the Summary tab, you would just have to select the Layout Shift. If "you wish to visualise where exactly the shift took place, gradually hover your cursor over the Moved from and Moved to fields. Chrome UX Report Popularly known as CrUX, it focuses on the vast public dataset of real end-user experience on n number of websites. The Chrome UX report will measure field versions for all the Core Web Vitals. This will provide you with actual-world data instead of lab data. Webpagetest.org This site performs interesting work to keeps things simple or spices them up with advanced testing options (like content blocking, video capture, and more). Summary It is extremely essential that your site developers, SEO team, and content creators become proactive. They should collaboratively chalk out a plan to prepare your site for this change. The tools above can greatly benefit companies who are already thinking about how they can improve their website user experience. Before the ranking rollout starts in mid-June 2021, Google had provided companies valid time to analyse their websites and shift focus on customer interests. Every businesss vision should be to build a web ecosystem that users love and share. The right tools and resources are already available in the market. One just needs to get on this bandwagon and use them to build great user-friendly websites, which will ultimately always will the race for Organic traffic. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. By Steven L. Shields A time-honored hymn sung around campfires at church retreats and in prayer meetings is a favorite of mine, as it reminds me of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The primary phrases declare, "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart." Most of us Christians leave those good thoughts on the church's doorstep or at the gate of the retreat center when we return home. We feel good that we sang the song. But then most of us go about doing the tasks of life much as we have always done. We smugly avoid thoughts, people and places that are "sinful," seemingly forgetful that Jesus was almost always found smack-dab in the middle of all of those. A Facebook friend posted a meme on her page that reminded me of what it means to be more like Jesus. The unattributed meme listed at least six points, each taken from the Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. Each one of these six points is something that Jesus was constantly doing. First, hang out with sinners. Second, upset religious people. Third, tell stories that make people think. Fourth, choose unpopular friends. Fifth, be kind, loving and merciful. Finally, take naps on boats. For me, some of these points are easy and have become second nature, while others are not so easy to do. I still have not figured out the sixth point, although it does sound comforting and peaceful. But here in the giant metropolitan region of Seoul, it is not easy to find a boat that offers the possibility of a nap. Nevertheless, all of us who claim Jesus Christ as our savior, redeemer and friend need to be more engaged with the other five points. Finding sinners is not tricky. Choosing to hang out with them is tougher. Defining who a sinner is demands a broad understanding of humans. The notion that all are sinners is a Christian precept, but it is easy to hang out with fellow sinners who also attend church. Much more challenging is to choose to hang out with a hardcore sinner, who is condemned vociferously by the vocal Christian conservative lobby. One must also define "sin" carefully. Just because I think something is a sin, or that my pastor says is a sin, does not make something a sin, nor someone a sinner. However, go ahead, hang out with those people. It's an excellent place to start. I make a habit of upsetting religious people. I do this mainly by embracing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender/transsexual (LGBT+) community and by referring to God in the female gender. Doing either of these things is sure to raise eyebrows and voices among most people who call themselves Christians. I have some other habits, too. My choice of friends can also cause raised eyebrows. The first, second and fourth points are related. Telling stories that make people think challenges the storyteller a bit, but life's experiences have given me plenty of material to draw on. And thinking is one of the essential tasks of humanness, for thinking is how we engage with society at a deeper level. The "church" also needs to think more and be more thoughtful about its proclamations. Perhaps the most challenging for me is the fifth point. I want to be kind, loving and merciful, but sometimes such behaviors are displaced by the urgency of raised ire. Kindness and mercy need my constant attention. My days get stressful sometimes; I get tired sometimes. The busyness of the city and the masses of people trying to get from one place to the next can be brutal. Trains get crowded; we scramble for seats and often push through the crowds without being mindful of others' space. Some time back, I was with a visiting church leader at a restaurant. I gave the server a hard time too hard. My colleague, whom I respected deeply, turned to me and said, "Steve, grace and mercy. Brother, grace, and mercy." I have never forgotten his counsel. I work every day to be that kind of person. Although acting with grace and mercy has become easier as time moves on, it remains a matter for improvement. A philosopher and Christian writer of some note, the late Dallas Willard (professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California), once wrote, "The gospel is less about how to get into the kingdom of heaven after you die, and more about how to live in the kingdom of heaven before you die." We who call ourselves Christians must spend our lives chasing, embodying and sharing the compelling character of Jesus Christ. Let us not be Christians running from hell or hoping for a future reward. Then we can sincerely sing the lyrics of the song, "Lord, I want to be a Christian, I want to be more loving, and I want to be like Jesus," in our hearts and our actions. Steven L. Shields (slshields@gmail.com) has lived in Korea for many years, beginning in the 1970s. He served as a copy editor at The Korea Times in 1977. He is a retired clergyman and president of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill. 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. President Moon Jae-in, fourth from right, poses with government officials and business executives during an event announcing a development plan for the country's semiconductor industry at Samsung Electronics' plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok Korean chip firms to invest over $450 bil.; gov't plans to offer huge tax cuts By Baek Byung-yeul The government announced Thursday that it will help establish the world's largest semiconductor supply chain in Korea by 2030 in cooperation with firms in the private sector, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, to make the country a global leader in both memory and system chips. To achieve this auspicious goal, the administration said it will provide huge tax incentives to companies constructing semiconductor facilities, after chip manufacturers vowed to invest more than 510 trillion won ($450 billion) for this and research and development (R&D) by the target year. The government will offer tax credits of between 40 percent 50 percent for investments into R&D projects for new chip technologies and from 10 percent to 20 percent for spending on new factories. Under the plan, the government said it will create a so-called "K-Semiconductor Belt" in the western part of the country incorporating Pangyo, Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek and Onyang, and the central region connecting Icheon, Yongin and Cheongju. The belt will encompass every scope of the semiconductor business manufacturing, materials, components and equipment, and design. The administration announced the plan at Samsung Electronics' semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, at an event participated in by officials from the government and private sector including President Moon Jae-in, Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Kim Ki-nam and SK hynix Vice Chairman Park Jung-ho. "Countries around the world are fiercely competing to reorganize their own supply chains. The direction we need to go in is clear. We are trying to make this opportunity ours by making preemptive investments that will not be shaken by external shocks, and strengthening the domestic industrial ecosystem to lead the global supply chain," Moon said during a speech at the plant. In response to the government's vision of the country becoming a global chip powerhouse by 2030, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix the world's Nos. 1 an 2 memory chip makers welcomed the support being offered and announced their investment plans. Samsung said it will spend an additional 38 trillion won to become a leader in both the memory and system semiconductor sectors, bringing its total long-term investment to 171 trillion won. In 2019, the company announced it would invest 133 trillion won in its chip business by 2030. "The entire semiconductor industry is facing a watershed moment and now is the time to chart out a long-term strategy and investment plan," Samsung's Kim said. "In the memory business, where Samsung has maintained its undisputed leadership position, the company will continue to make preemptive investments to lead the industry." Samsung recently held a ceremony with Hyundai Motor and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy pledging to jointly work on solving the automotive chip shortage issue, which has been undermining productivity in the global auto industry. Though details have yet to be provided, the industry ministry said the agreement will be a cornerstone in strengthening cooperation. SK hynix will also double its in 8-inch foundry business capacity in order to support the development, mass production and global market expansion of domestic fabless companies. President Moon Jae-in speaks during an event announcing the country's chip industry development plan at Samsung Electronics' chip-making plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok Page Content Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Nonceba Molwele encouraged people to recommit to the efforts of building communities that are grounded on positive values. She said this during discussions about Moral Regeneration on her weekly show Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) last night, 12 May 2021. The movement is a civil society-driven initiative that aims at working against the escalating moral decay or anti-social behaviour that manifest in many areas of South African life. It is on this platform where society rededicate itself to building a caring society in pursuit of creating lasting peace and prosperity in the country. The MRM does not replace or duplicate any existing initiatives and processes aimed at combating moral regeneration. "The MRM in Johannesburg was very active during the term of former and late Speaker of Council, Mme Connie Bapela, and she worked very hard and closely with the Moral Regeneration Movement to keep it alive and impactful. When I came into office, it was very important for me to resuscitate the Moral Regeneration Movement in Johannesburg, given the social ills that we experience in the City. It is for this reason that I appointed an Interim Structure MRM that will be in office until October 2021," said Cllr Molwele. She started by introducing MRM committee members in attendance namely Zandi Ndamase, Chairperson of the Committee Kglalalelo Mmeti, an SA ambassador of Moral Regeneration and Neo Chaka from the Moral Regeneration Movement at National Level. Cllr Molwele also to acknowledge City's Junior Speaker, Shumikazi Radebe, and Junior Mayor Katlego Matsaba, who are both from the current Johannesburg Student Council. Father, Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, a special guest and a founder of the MRM, said he was very impressed about the quality of Joburg MRM committee. He expressed a desire to use the model of City of Joburg as an example for the country as a whole. Dean Dhlwathi, a committee member, said: "It is imperative that as individuals and as collective, we begin to be part of the solution in the journey of transforming moral decay/fiber of society. When you participate and become part of the MRM you become part of the solution and transformation." He encouraged people to stand up and be part of the movement of transforming the status quo, committing themselves since MRM has good initiatives aiming at instilling good and sound moral values/norms in the society such as respect, integrity to name a few. Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, a member of the Ethical Leadership portfolio in CoJ MRM committee, said the movement hopes to partner with youth organisations to exchange information and pass through the importance of ethical leadership and integrity. The MRM aims to communicate to communities of Joburg, hold round table discussion with business and schools on different topics under ethical leadership through its initiative and programmes. Last night's discussion was live on City of Joburgs Facebook page, Speaker's social media page, Nonceba Molwele on Facebook and @Speaker_CoJ on Twitter. Speaker also welcomed a new partner, Pulse FM, the new City of Joburg virtual radio station, Jozi FM, Eldos FM, Alex FM and Chai FM, as well as Dr Fundile Nyati, a long-term partner in civic education. Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction CEO Jung Yeon-in, fifth from left, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's growth business head Kim Sang-don, fourth from left, and other company officials commemorate the signing of the two companies' cooperation in hydrogen-related businesses at the Bundang Doosan Tower, Wednesday. Courtesy of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction By Kim Hyun-bin More conglomerates such as Hanwha, Hyundai, and Doosan are expanding their hydrogen energy business as one of their future growth engines, as more companies around the world are turning to green energy. Hydrogen has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels as it produces only water and heat when generating power instead of harmful pollutants. Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction signed a deal with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to cooperate on hydrogen-related businesses, the company announced Thursday. Under the deal, Doosan Heavy and KHNP will develop technologies to produce and store hydrogen by using small- and medium-sized nuclear reactors and water-powered systems, while key affiliate Doosan Fuel Cell, equipped with advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology, aims to take part in hydrogen projects with KHNP in the near future. Last month, Doosan Group formed a taskforce to tap into the global hydrogen market. Hanwha Group and Korea Development Bank (KDB) signed an agreement Wednesday to cooperate in green energy and financing projects worth 5 trillion won ($4.5 billion) over the next five years. Hanwha Group has been focusing extensively on expanding its green and renewable energy businesses, including solar and hydrogen energy, by actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions and engaging in research and development on a global scale. Planning to invest up to 9 trillion won over the next five years, the group has conducted a paid-in capital increase and issued sustainability bonds. The partnership with KDB is part of the state-run bank's cooperation programs with local enterprises to nurture low-carbon and eco-friendly energy sectors. The joint effort is expected to boost the group's long-term development initiative in the global energy sector. Hyundai Oilbank established a joint venture with Korea South-East Power (KOEN) to establish a joint venture that will generate electricity using hydrogen fuel cells as part of its parent company Hyundai Heavy Industries' future roadmap to build a complete hydrogen value chain by 2030. KOEN is set to provide its know-how and technology on renewable energy production. The joint venture aims to supply electricity to other power companies that are trying to meet the government's initiative to generate 10 percent of power from renewable energy sources by 2023. Hyundai Oilbank has set a goal to produce 100,000 tons of eco-friendly "blue" hydrogen by 2025 and aims to reduce its reliance on oil refinery revenues to 40 percent by 2030 from the current 85 percent. Blue hydrogen refers to splitting natural gas into hydrogen and carbon dioxide and capturing and storing the latter. In March, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group unveiled its "Hydrogen 2030 Roadmap" to establish a hydrogen value chain from production to transport, storage and use. An Israeli artillery unit fires toward targets in Gaza Strip, at the Israeli Gaza border, Wednesday, May 12. AP-Yonhap Israel on Wednesday pressed ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing as many as 10 senior Hamas military figures and toppling a pair of high-rise towers housing Hamas facilities in a series of airstrikes. The Islamic militant group showed no signs of backing down and fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities. In just three days, this latest round of fighting between the bitter enemies has already begun to resemble and even exceed a devastating 50-day war in 2014. Like that previous war, neither side appears to have an exit strategy. But there are key differences. The fighting has triggered the worst Jewish-Arab violence inside Israel in decades. And looming in the background is an international war crimes investigation. Israel carried out an intense barrage of airstrikes just after sunrise, striking dozens of targets in several minutes that set off bone-rattling explosions across Gaza. Airstrikes continued throughout the day, filling the sky with pillars of smoke. At nightfall, the streets of Gaza City resembled a ghost town as people huddled indoors on the final night of Ramadan. The evening, followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday, is usually a time of vibrant night life, shopping and crowded restaurants. ''There is nowhere to run. There is nowhere to hide,'' said Zeyad Khattab, a 44-year-old pharmacist who fled with a dozen other relatives to a family home in central Gaza after bombs pounded his apartment building in Gaza City. ''That terror is impossible to describe.'' Gaza militants continued to bombard Israel with nonstop rocket fire throughout the day and into early Thursday. The attacks brought life to a standstill in southern communities near Gaza, but also reached as far north as the Tel Aviv area, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) to the north, for a second straight day. The military said sirens also wailed in northern Israel's Migdal Ha'Emek area, the farthest the effects of Gaza rockets have reached since 2014. ''We're coping, sitting at home, hoping it will be OK,'' said Motti Haim, a resident of the central town of Beer Yaakov and father of two children. ''It's not simple running to the shelter. It's not easy with the kids.'' Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll rose to 67 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas acknowledged that a top commander and several other members were killed. Smoke rises from Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, May 12. AFP-Yonhap A total of seven people have been killed in Israel, including four people who died on Wednesday. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack. The Israeli military claims the number of militants killed so far is much higher than Hamas has acknowledged. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said at least 14 militants were killed Wednesday _ including 10 members of the ''top management of Hamas'' and four weapons experts. Altogether, he claimed some 30 militants have been killed since the fighting began. More raids conducted early Thursday were aimed at several ''strategically significant'' facilities for Hamas, including a bank and a compound for a naval squad, the military said. While United Nations and Egyptian officials have said that cease-fire efforts are underway, there were no signs of progress. Israeli television's Channel 12 reported late Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet authorized a widening of the offensive. U.N. chief Antonio Guterres condemned the ''indiscriminate launching of rockets'' from civilian areas in Gaza toward Israeli population centers, but he also urged Israel to show ''maximum restraint.'' U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken called Netanyahu to support Israel's right to defend itself and said he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to try to calm tensions. The current eruption of violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed Israeli police tactics during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. A focal point was the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built on a hilltop compound that is revered by Jews and Muslims, where police fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters who threw chairs and stones at them. Hamas, claiming to be defending Jerusalem, launched a barrage of rockets at the city late Monday, setting off days of fighting. The Israeli military says militants have fired about 1,500 rockets in just three days. That is roughly one-third the number fired during the entire 2014 war. Israel, meanwhile, has struck over 350 targets in Gaza, a tiny territory where 2 million Palestinians have lived under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas took power in 2007. Two infantry brigades were sent to the area, indicating preparations for a possible ground invasion. In tactics echoing past wars, Israel has begun to target senior members of Hamas' military wing. It also has flattened three high-rise buildings in a tactic that has drawn international scrutiny in the past. Israel says the buildings all housed Hamas operations centers, but they also included residential apartments and businesses. In all cases, Israel fired warning shots, allowing people to flee, and there were no reports of casualties. People run away from the vicinity of Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, May 12. AFP-Yonhap The deal sees Red River become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cal-Maine, which previously owned half of the business. Red River Valley Egg Farm owns and operates a shell egg production complex with approximately 1.7 million laying hens, pullet capacity, feed mill and processing plant, on approximately 400 acres near Bogata, Texas. Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine, said: We have enjoyed a good working relationship with Rose Acre Farms since we formed this partnership and are pleased to assume full ownership of Red River Valley Egg Farm. When it commenced operations in 2015, Red River Valley Egg Farm significantly increased the availability of cage-free and other specialty eggs to meet the growing consumer demand for those products, and we look forward to continuing to support our valued customers in this important region. He added: We believe this transaction will offer us additional opportunities to expand our production capacity and to meet the anticipated growing demand for cage-free and specialty eggs. Baker said Red River Valleys management team will remain in place and be integrated into Cal-Maines operation. Cal-Maine, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the US. In December, it announced plans to expand a facility in Kentucky to increase its production of cage-free eggs. Bangladesh Accord unions to withdraw from RMG Council UNI Global Union and IndustriAll Global Union, the labour signatories of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, have given notice to withdraw from the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) on 1 June. The national RSC was set up last year to take over the technical responsibilities of the Accord, whose remit finishes at the end of the month. While there have been discussions to renegotiate the Accord, nothing has yet been agreed or signed. Unions and industry organisations have been calling on brands to sign a global agreement that will take the work of the Accord into the future and remove any risk of a return to self-monitoring. The withdrawal of IndustriAll and UNI Global Union means they will no longer be part of the RSC and its board of directors "stripping away any credibility of the RSC as an effective worker safety organisation," they say. The RSC was created by the Accord through negotiations with the Bangladeshi garment industry in order to include factory owners as stakeholders, with the understanding of a new legally-binding agreement between unions and brands to succeed the Accord, according to IndustriAll. The global unions say they cannot accept replacing the "extremely effective" Accord model with an alternative proposal from brands derived from the "failed approaches of the decades prior to the Rana Plaza industrial homicide". In recent months, global apparel brands have insisted upon a new framework for the future which discards the key elements that have led to the Accord's success in making garment factories in Bangladesh safe for workers, for example, individual brand accountability and independent monitoring of the brands. "The Accord and the independent secretariat empowered to report on brand performance, and more recently through the cooperation agreement with the RSC, have successfully prevented the loss of lives during the last eight years," says IndustriAll Global Union general secretary Valter Sanches. "The brands' proposal of self-monitoring is a dangerous step backwards and undermines the credibility of the programme. It will have immediate consequences for the safety of millions of workers in the brands' supply chains." UNI Global Union general secretary, Christy Hoffman, adds: "Instead of bargaining over the next phase of our joint safety work in Bangladesh, the brands have pursued an 'Accord Exit' strategy designed to write away any meaningful role for unions in the future. We can't be a rubber stamp for an industry-brand partnership without real accountability and robust oversight. This is a time when we should be moving forward and building on progress, not going in reverse." The Accord model has been widely cited as unparalleled in its success and in its consistency with UN Guiding Principles, OECD guidelines, and the tenets of credible supply chain responsibility and business and human rights obligations. At a recent panel discussion hosted by the Clean Clothes Campaign and facilitated by the Worker Rights Consortium, speakers raised serious concerns for garment workers if another agreement is not signed soon. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), however, has said the RSC and the Bangladesh Government are more than capable of ensuring the highest standards of monitoring and inspections. This article was first published by the IndustriAll global union. Ralph Lauren is to sell its Club Monaco brand to global private equity firm Regent, LP as the US fashion company increases its focus on its core namesake brands. Announced today (13 May), the deal comes after Ralph Lauren outlined a Fiscal 2021 Strategic Realignment Plan last year that would accelerate its Next Great Chapter Plan, which was first announced in 2018. Included in this realignment was an evaluation of the companys brand portfolio, with a focus on ensuring its core brands are well-positioned for sustainable growth. The sale of Club Monaco to Regent, combined with the licensing of the Chaps brand last year, concludes this portfolio evaluation. For the past twenty-two years, Club Monaco has been an important and valued part of the Ralph Lauren family, and we are grateful for the many contributions the brand and its team have made to our company, said CEO Patrice Louvet. As we increase our focus on our core namesake brands, we want to ensure the Club Monaco brand is also well-positioned for long-term success. We are confident that Regent is the right home for Club Monaco to realise its full potential, as they will be able to leverage their strategic and operational expertise to continue Club Monacos growth. Michael Reinstein, chairman of Regent, added Club Monaco has a long runway for growth, with the firm seeing a tremendous opportunity for the brand. The transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close by the end of June. In this file photo taken on March 31, doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine against the coronavirus are pictured at a doctor's office in Deisenhofen, southern Germany. Norway will not resume use of the COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said Wednesday. AFP-Yonhap Norway will not resume use of the COVID-19 vaccine made by AstraZeneca, and a decision on whether to include Johnson & Johnson (JJ) shots in its mass inoculation scheme remains on hold, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Wednesday. A government-appointed commission had recommended that both vaccines be excluded from Norway's program due to the risk of rare but harmful side-effects. Authorities on March 11 suspended the AstraZeneca rollout after a small number of inoculated people, some of whom later died, were hospitalized for a combination of blood clots, bleeding and a low platelet count. A study in Denmark and Norway found slightly increased rates of blood clots among people who have had a first dose of AstraZeneca's vaccine, including in the brain, compared with expected rates in the general population. JJ vaccine has not been used in Norway so far despite European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval. On May 10, a public panel of medical, legal and other experts said the two vaccines should not be offered as part of the national inoculation scheme, although volunteers should be allowed to take them. "The government has decided that the AstraZeneca vaccine will not be used in Norway, not even for volunteers," Solberg said. The government will build a stockpile of JJ shots, primarily as an emergency backup, while AstraZeneca doses will likely be redistributed, either to European Union countries or through the global Covax scheme, Solberg said. Norway currently uses only vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, and expects all adults to be offered at least one dose of either by late July. One third of Norwegian adults have so far received the first of two doses. Volunteers keen to speed up their vaccination will be allowed to take the JJ shot, when the guidelines for such use are approved, but AstraZeneca shot will be excluded completely, the health ministry said. JJ and AstraZeneca were not immediately available for comment. (Reuters) Sierra Leones government will move to abolish the death penalty in the West African state, deputy justice minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma said on Wednesday. No execution has taken place in the country since 1998, and death penalties are often commuted. Sierra Leone, which is still recovering after decades of civil war, has frequently come under fire from rights groups for keeping capital punishment on the books. Once the legislation goes to parliament and gets approved, that ends the story of the death penalty, Koroma told AFP. He added that the cabinet of President Julius Maada Bio had decided to push to abolish capital punishment in order to uphold the fundamental human rights of Sierra Leoneans. The date of the cabinets decision is unclear. But the government announced the move on Wednesday during a review of Sierra Leones human rights record at the United Nations, Koroma said. The European Unions ambassador to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens, congratulated Bio on the move. We will continue to partner with you in promoting a progressive human rights agenda, he tweeted. Falling executions Sierra Leones 1991 constitution allows the use of the death penalty for aggravated robbery, murder, treason and mutiny. However, the last executions in the country were carried out in 1998, when 24 military officers were put to death after a coup attempt the year before. The former British colony was ravaged by a 1991-2002 civil war that claimed 120,000 lives. A truth and reconciliation commission set up in 2005 to investigate the brutal conflict recommended abolishing the death penalty, calling it an affront to civilised society. But the authorities resisted immediately abolishing capital punishment, and courts condemned 84 people to death between 2016 and 2020, according to the UN. Koroma told AFP that the government would seek to amend the punishments for crimes that currently carry the death penalty, suggesting life in prison as an alternative. If parliament passes the ban, Sierra Leone will become the latest African country to abolish the death penalty since Chad outlawed it in May. According to Amnesty International, 108 countries had completely abolished the death penalty by the end of 2020, while 144 had abolished it in law or in practice. Both executions and death penalties also fell across sub-Saharan Africa last year, the rights group said. Recorded death sentences fell by six percent, from 325 in 2019 to 305 last year, while executions were down 36 percent, falling from 25 in 2019 to 16 in 2020. Continuing the work started three weeks earlier on former ruler Yahya Jammehs judicial auxiliaries, Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) continued to go back in time by confronting a selection of former Ministers of Justice, chosen from among the 18 appointed in twenty years of dictatorship. In July 1994, when Jammeh took over the country, his junta accused the previous regime of rampant corruption and promised a new era of probity and accountability. But swiftly, dozens of former government officials, facing charges of graft, were arrested along with security officers who resisted the revolution or were suspected of counter-coup. There was little due process. To legitimize abuses, the military hired the services of Gambias legal minds. A plethora of decrees ensued, granting soldiers so-called Executive Council lawmaking and even judicial powers and making the courts unable to question their actions. It could have been worse One of Jammehs long-lasting justice ministers was Joseph Henry Joof. He held the position from January 2001 to November 2003. Months before his nomination, Ebrima Barry, a student, was allegedly beaten to death by members of the Fire and Rescue Services. Shortly afterwards, a girl named Binta Manneh, a student athlete from Brikama Ba, was reportedly raped by a security officer. Students took to the street demanding justice. The repression of that demonstration would kill 14 of them, injuring dozens of others. Joof sat in the inquiry Commission opened to investigate the events. Vital witnesses were not called, nor the command responsibility which the TRRC established to have come from Jammeh. On April 26, Joof was in the hot seat before the Truth Commission: There is nowhere in the report where it is stated that the orders came from the President to shoot at the students, TRRC counsel Mariama Singhateh put to him. We were interested in the evidence So, a lot of them said it was from above. They did not mention his name directly, said Joof. In simple terms, you are telling that you were just interested in those who shot the students and not those who gave orders? We set out to look into that, but the evidence was not sufficient In January 30, 2001, Jammeh appointed Joof as Justice Minister, thus making it his responsibility to advise on issues relating to his own inquiry. Joof said he drafted a cabinet paper requesting for the students to be compensated but the president objected. He was misguided, because he felt that the armed forces did not do anything wrong, said Joof. But at the same time, the same Joof went ahead to amend the 1982 Indemnity Act to indemnify the security forces. Do you have any regrets? asked Commissioner Mustapha Kah. What? retorted Joof, who also claimed his human rights background. All these amendments including the Indemnity Act? I was very proud to serve my country I was not serving Jammeh. If some of us did not get in there, it could have been worse I never regretted that. Joseph Henry Joof, former justice minister under Yahya Jammeh (2001-2003). Mustapha K. Darboe The Islamic republic Mama Fatima Singhateh was Jammehs Justice Minister twice, from August 2013 to August 2014 and from January 2015 until the end of the regime, in December 2017. She was one of Jammehs few ministers who refused to abandon him. She was in charge when Jammeh decided to turn Gambia into an Islamic state, with no change in the laws and Constitution. Singhateh testified on April 29, before a Truth Commission unconvinced by her claim that she advised Jammeh about the unconstitutionality of his declaration: It was your responsibility as the adviser to advise [Jammeh] according to the Supreme law of the land which is the constitution, observed TRRC Counsel Haddy Dandeh Jabbie. I hear you but what you should know is that even though I am the principal legal adviser, the President has many advisers. So, if my advice as a lawyer is in conflict with religious advice, knowing that this is what he wants, there is no way that he would accept my advice However at the time, despite major legal problems, Jammehs ministers including Singhateh were referring to the country as the Islamic Republic of the Gambia. Singhateh was also in office when, in April, 2016, an opposition activist, Ebrima Solo Sandeng, disappeared in state custody. Members of the opposition United Democratic Party took to the street demanding his body dead or alive. Subsequently, several supporters were arrested and leaders put on trial. They were, documented the TRRC, denied bail for a bailable offence while their colleagues were reportedly brutalized in detention. Both the National Intelligence Agency, where Sandeng was reportedly killed, and Gambias High Court, where the trials took place, share fences with Singhatehs office, but she appears to know little in that case. Werent they entitled to bail? asked TRRC Counsel Haddy Dandeh Jabbie. Of course, it is a bailable offence, is it not? replied Singhatey. Isnt it correct that you advised the director of public prosecution to oppose bail? That is not true. That is the information we have. That is false information In any event, he did oppose bail even though it was a bailable offence. I am not aware of that Gambias human rights records under you was poor, later commented counsel Jabbie. Most of the so-called violations that happened were not within my knowledge. It would have been nice for these things to be brought to my attention by my colleagues and so-called human rights defenders I had an open-door policy, retorted Singhatey. Mama Fatima Singhateh, former justice minister under Yahya Jammeh (2013-2017). Mustapha K. Darboe Bensouda, one of the yes-women From very early on in Jammehs leadership, with first Minister of Justice Fafa Edrissa Mbai and first Solicitor General Amie Bensouda, to the last moments, with Singhatey, for Gambians Jammehs abuses would not have been possible without yes-men or women at the Justice Ministry. But among his faithful servants, there may be those who have not yet been called or perhaps will never be called. One of them is the current outgoing International Criminal Court prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, who was Jammehs Justice Minister from July 1998 to March 2000 and has been accused of either involvement or knowledge of human rights violations. I have no doubt that she has committed infractions and displayed biases in favor of her boss (Jammeh), said Sidi Sanneh, a Gambian political and social commentator. Justice Info has gathered a new testimony alleging Bensoudas judicial interference in a case that has been brought before the TRRC. It follows others that have been made public and which point in the same direction. Lamin J. Darboe, who was a senior magistrate at Brikama Magistrate Court, told Justice Info that in 1999 four men came before him including the late Imam of Brikama Alhaji Karamo Touray, charged for allegedly demolishing a mosque. Evidence before the Commission showed that it was a typical Jammeh-era tactic to bring charges against innocent people or charge them in a wrong court, to justify an incarceration. The fact is that Imam Touray, known to be close to Jammehs most fierce opponent Ousainou Darboe, was being persecuted for his opinions. In January, 2020, three people familiar with this saga including the Imams son Alfusainey Touray, detailed the case before the Truth Commission. Alfusainey was working for the National Intelligence Agency at the time. When the case was transferred to Brikamas court, the Imam was already, with three others, in the infamous Mile 2 prison for eight months before Lamin Darboe acquitted and discharged him. With a truckload of armed paramilitary personnel surrounding the Court premises, it was a dramatic day at Brikama, Darboe told Justice Info. Bensouda called to protest my decision Although terrified, I was clear about my responsibility as a judicial officer sworn on oath to impartially apply the laws of the Gambia. However, Bensouda called to protest my decision, he said, and proceeded to report to the Chief Justice who instructed the Judicial Secretary to oversee the dispute. The Judicial Secretary ordered an apology to the Minister [Bensouda] and I refused, said Darboe in an interview with Justice Info on May 9. On the very next morning, I received a direct call from the Honourable Minister of Justice. She claimed my decision put her under a lot of pressure and demanded information on why I acquitted and discharged the defendants. I told her to read the record. She demanded to know whether I even read the file, and yet again, I suggested she consult the record. Stunned, the Minister of Justice angrily demanded if I knew who I was talking to. With all due respect, I said, you know what to do if you dont like my decision. She hung up! According to a 1999 report Amnesty International asked the government to clarify the reasons for the arrests of the Imam and others in Brikama and to end their incommunicado detention. No response was received. The first time Darboe went public with this information was 2012 when Bensouda reportedly told Aljazeera in an exclusive interview quite frankly that my work as Justice Minister has never been interfered with. But this apparently evaded the Truth Commission in their current hearings on judicial interference. If (Mama Fatima) Singhateh was harassed over ideological and philosophical positions why not someone who directly interfered in a judicial process to the extent of threatening a magistrate? asked Darboe to Justice Info. Non-interference in a murder case The outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court served Jammeh as a justice minister and an attorney general from 31 July 1998 to March 2000. Prior to that, she was director of public prosecution in Banjul, by February 1994, five months before the coup detat that brought Jammeh to power. She was 33 years old. This was a rather meteoric rise for this young lawyer during the Jammeh regime. During that time, Batch Samba Jallow and Sainey Faye were arrested for reportedly protesting against the Junta before the American embassy. Jallow who appeared before the Commission in January, 2019, and Faye who appeared February 2019 both said they were wrongly accused and detained without enough evidence to prove their guilt, as Justice Info reported last year. As well as abusing due process and the law, the TRRC has documented how Jammeh used the security forces to maim and kill, often in his own inner circle. Such was the case in January 2000, two months before Bensouda left office, when Lt. Almamo Manneh, a soldier perceived to be close to Jammeh and implicated in 1995 in the torture of political detainees, was allegedly killed by Ousman Sonko, a former Interior Minister currently in pre-trial detention in Switzerland, and others. According to Lalo Jaiteh, a former bodyguard who appeared before the TRRC in September 2019, Manneh was murdered in cold blood. Justice Minister Bensouda took no public action in relation to this matter. Mannehs body was not restituted to his family for burial and no one was held accountable for the murder. He was reportedly buried at Yundum barracks but the Truth Commissions exhumation team couldnt find his body. Ongoing press freedom violations The ex-minister has also been accused of failing to act over violations of human rights and press freedom during her two-year mandate. In January 1999, almost six months after Bensouda was appointed, Amnesty International summed upGambias human rights records in these few sentences: At least 20 prisoners of conscience were held for short periods. At least three prisoners were reportedly tortured. Three military prisoners were sentenced to death. There were no investigations into past human rights violations. There were also a number of press freedom violations that year and the next. In February 1998, Boubacar Gaye and Ebrima Sillah, two journalists of the radio station Citizen FM, were arrested. The following day Citizen FM was shut down and deprived of its licence. In late August, when Bensouda was minister, the court ruled that Citizen FM would remain closed and fined the two men for operating a radio station without licence. The radio remained close throughout 1999. Then the government lawyers failed to turn up in court and a new magistrate was appointed to hear the case, which prolonged the radios closure. The Ministry of Justice, under Bensouda, also ordered The Independent newspaper to cease operations for failing to register its business name with the Commissioner of Income Tax. When the managing editor, Alagi Yorro Jallow, tried to pay the registration fee on 27 July 1999, he was told that the Commissioner of Income Tax had been ordered not to accept his payment. In June, a month before Bensoudas appointment, a Nigerian freelance journalist with the Daily Observer was detained and deported from the Gambia. According to Amnesty International, until March 1999, immigration officers conducted open surveillance of The Daily Observer, in a policy of intimidation aimed at non-Gambian journalists. In August, after her appointment, the editor of Daily Observer Demba Ali Jawo, who was the President of the Gambia Press Union, and his managing director Theophilus George were arrested and detained for two days. Their arrests followed the publication of an article which the government claimed threatened security, about a wall that collapsed at President Yahya Jammehs residence, revealing military equipment. These violations, and many more, were presented before the Truth Commission by the Gambia Press Union Secretary General Saikou Jammeh in July 2019. The chances that Gambians will hear Bensouda shed light on these events is dwindling. The TRRC hearings have entered their final phase, with the commission expected to submit its final report to the countrys president in July. How Henrik Follmann described the impact of Brexit on its household chemical companies as a disaster. The company is headquartered in northern Germany, and recently cancelled plans to expand its British factory due to Britains departure from the European Union. Three years ago, Follmann Chemie planned to invest about 2.5 million pounds to produce more adhesives at its factory in Andover, southern England, to increase exports to EU customers. But its chief executive stated that the plan was undermined by the additional difficulties of transporting goods in both directions across the English Channel: Brexit has always been a nightmare, increasing costs and time. We intend to increase production and warehousing to provide products to customers on the African continent, but we have postponed production and have now made a strategic decision to cancel this plan and instead expand business in the European Union, his family said. The third generation Foreman said. Operating companies. Compared with many companies, Foremans Brexit is more severe. However, the increased cost and the experience of shipping delays between the United Kingdom and the European Union are typical examples of the distress of many companies in dealing with the additional bureaucracy and pitfalls brought about by the new customs inspection. Henrik Follmann, CEO of Follmann Chemie Even if the UK and the EU reach a final agreement Trade transaction In order to avoid imposing tariffs on most goods during Brexit on January 1, the trade between the two has always been Its messy Higher transportation costs, transportation delays, health certification requirements and more complex customs requirements in border areas. National Statistics Office Wednesday Say Britains exports to the EU in the first three months of this year fell by 18.1% from the previous quarter, while imports from the EU fell by 21.7%. In contrast, trade between the UK and non-EU countries increased slightly during the same period. There are signs that the initial interference after Brexit has partially recovered, as trade between the UK and the EU increased in March, albeit at a slower rate than other countries.But since a comparable record began in 1997, the UKs imports from outside the EU in March surpassed its imports from within the EU for the first time, highlighting the way the UK trades Transferred From the group. It may be too early to talk about the long-term impact of Brexit on trade. Although we have seen these major changes in the data recently, it may be that companies are starting to learn how to deal with these customs procedures, Ludwig Munich- Lisandra Flach, professor of economics at Maximilian University, said. Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the United Kingdom has been a trading partner of other EU countries and has been steadily declining in this regard. According to Eurostat, Chinas share of exports in the 27 member states has dropped from more than 17% before the vote to 14% last year.In January and February of this year, the UKs share of EU exports outside the EU fall down Less than 13%. Forman said that he is worried that some major British customers are considering transferring certain products to the European Union to serve the groups customers. Since the Brexit referendum, there have been signs that foreign direct investment in the UK has been suppressed. According to fDi data, in the five years ending March 2021, the number of FDI projects entering the UK increased by only 12% over the previous five years. This was due to the slow growth of investment in North America and Western Europe (main investment regions) Markets, a Companies owned by the Financial Times that track foreign investments. This is much lower than the 33% growth in EU countries. In the 12 months to March 2021, the number of foreign greenfield investment projects entering the UK has fallen by 40% compared to the previous 12 months. Although this was largely the effect of the pandemic, the decline was greater than the 30% contraction of investment registered in the EU. Flach said: The company has made many adjustments in the years before Brexit, he wrote for the German government a report on the impact of the British withdrawal last year. Germany accounts for a quarter of all EU exports to the UK, which means that the impact of Brexit on the UK is greater than most countries. Many small and medium-sized companies that are the backbone of Germanys export-oriented economy are struggling with the additional customs inspections and bureaucracy required to ship goods to the UK. Klaus Winkler, CEO of the crankshaft machinery manufacturer Heller Thomas Kienzle / FT There is no vaccine against Brexit, said Klaus Winkler, chief executive officer of Heller. Heller is an expert in manufacturing crankshaft machines for milling engine parts. The factory is located in Nurdingen near Stuttgart in southwestern Germany. It has assembled many machines in Redditch at a factory in the UK. Winkler said: A truck from Nurtingen to Redditch takes twice as long. We have to spend more time in all the bureaucracies. This is troublesome. We have to increase the inventory. Level and maintain the inventory level because it has not improved. Paul Maeser of BDI, Germanys main trade association, said many smaller companies have asked them to provide assistance with the new British customs requirements. He added: Some of them say they can no longer cope with this, so they will no longer continue to serve this market. Both Heller and Follmann have encountered problems with the rules of origin clause in the Brexit trade agreement. These regulations stipulate that all products must be able to prove their origin in the European Union or the United Kingdom (the British content of most products accounts for about 50% of the British content) in order to be eligible for zero tariff treatment. Certain products exported by Foreman to the UK are produced by third parties outside the EU, which means that they have begun to levy tariffs. The companys chief executive said: We did not expect this. He added that the cost of container transportation in the UK has risen by 20% to 30%. Winkler said that some Chinese customers require Hellers products to be manufactured in the EU instead of the UK, which means that Heller has to re-produce to assemble more machines in Germany. The UK has postponed comprehensive customs inspections of certain products imported from the EU until January, which means that even some of the largest exporters in continental Europe are worried that the damage of Brexit may worsen. BMW has factories in the UK and the European Union. BMW said: We welcome the fact that the Brexit Agreement has led to a zero-tariff trade arrangement, but the additional administrative complexity has increased our business costs, and this will make us take full responsibility. Until January 2022, the United Kingdom People can feel this feeling after the full implementation of customs control. Now, the doctor in charge of Project Trauma Support says she regrets that she has decided to allow registered sex offenders to mentor a group of sexual assault survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder under her care. Seven female first responders and veterans of the Canadian Forces Shared their stories publicly with CBC News yesterday. They said that Dr. Manuela Joannou violated their trust because she failed to tell them that her most recent peer tutor was convicted in two separate sexual assault cases, and then participated in a six-day trauma retreat in July 2018. CBC News obtained images of Joannous statement on Facebook on Wednesday, apologizing to her show participants. Joannou wrote in a Facebook post: What makes me deeply sad is that the compound pain and suffering caused the registered offenders to participate in our plan in 2018 and caused harm to many people. If I had a chance to do it again, it would not happen. Did we make some mistakes in our early efforts? No doubt, but this affected our consciousness and the way we move forward. The day after Joannou communicated with CBC News, the position defended her actions and did not apologize for using the retired Canadian Force Major General Jonathan Hamilton as a fellow mentor for the retreat. Participants in the retreat said they were upset about Joannous public apology after several major donors to the program-including the Canadian Society for Emotional Disorders and the Royal Canadian Legion-severed contact with her charity after the CBC report was released, and Said that they will not fund the future. Joannou said that she launched Project Trauma in 2015 to prevent suicide. CBC News interviewed a member of the Canadian Forces, who claimed that she committed suicide after participating in the program. Watch: A retired corporal said she left the trauma support program to commit suicide and was still very injured Tina Sharp introduced her experience in Project Trauma Support and why she felt suicidal when she left the project. 3:43 The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO) investigated the case and in 2019 advised Joannou to be extra careful when hiring her. Joannou wrote in a Facebook apology that she has now drawn up a code of conduct agreement for peer instructors to sign, and is conducting police background checks on them. Joannu wrote: We fully intend to continue to provide our programming, because we think it is unethical to stop the mission that has resonated so much. We are committed to doing better The Center of Excellence for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder said that Joannous actions violated its membership agreement and it will no longer be affiliated with her or the trauma assistance program. The centers chief executive and president, Dr. Patrick Smith, said in his speech: We stand shoulder to shoulder with the women who have been affected by this cruel act and are aware of the serious harm associated with this situation. Military doctors leave the trauma program After the story, the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed that its head of rehabilitation drugs has now left his role as a volunteer and is serving in the trauma support program. Lieutenant Colonel Markus Besemann (Markus Besemann) has provided rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers during his career. He has been a volunteer in the Project Trauma Support and is listed on the projects website Wear a uniform on top. Some participants stated that they participated in 2018 due to Besemanns reputation in the field. The Office of the Veterans Ombudsman said that the retired Brigadier General Paul Rutherford retired and no longer serves as the Veterans Ombudsman Advisory Committee. In light of the CBCs story, his name has been removed from its website. Rutherford is the chair of the Trauma Program Support Committee and an advisor to the Veterans Ombudsman. He and Joannou signed a letter in response to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) report, stating that the truth cannot be achieved by listening to the story. Veterans Ombudsman Nishika Jardine said she was deeply disturbed by the participants statements. Jardin issued a statement to CBS News: Anyone who has suffered a sexual trauma should not be placed in a position where a peer supports a mentor as a sex offender. People who have experienced this trauma need the safest space to come. Promote their recovery. Female participants supported by the Trauma Project participated in a collective hug at the Maze Center in Perth, Ontario. (Hallie Cotnam / CBC) The Crown Prosecutor did not approve After CBC News published a story about the militarys handling of one of his court cases, some of the women who participated in the retreat had fully understood the instructors criminal just before this month passed. In 2017, a judge convicted Hamilton of illegally entering Kingstons house and sexually assaulting his retirement. Captain Schamuhn (Annalize Schamuhn) On two different occasions. Hamilton was also convicted of beating Schamuhns husband and retired major general Kevin Schamuhn twice. According to the Attorney Generals Office, Hamilton was sentenced to three years of parole. In a second unrelated case, Hamilton was sentenced to three years in prison on April 20, 2018 after a jury found him guilty of two crimes of sexual assault. According to a report obtained by CBC News from the college, Joannou told CPSO that she obtained permission from the Crown Prosecutor and Hamilton Court to participate in the trauma project. But the Attorney General of Ontario said on Wednesday that although he agreed to stay in Hamilton as part of community service, the royal family did not approve him as a peer mentor. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Brian Gray said in a statement to CBS News: I can confirm that the official has not authorized Mr. Hamilton to participate in any peer steering group. Watch: I feel a bit of a violation: The first responder talked about support for the trauma program SAN DIEGO Firefighters prevented the forward spread of a 30-acre bush fire that broke out on Interstate 8 in the Lake District on Wednesday afternoon. According to San Diego Cal Cal, the fire broke out at about 3:30 pm west of Los Coches Road, and the current level of containment is 10%. The fire chief of the national agency Thomas Shoots said that as the crew battled the fire on the ground and on firefighting aircraft, the flames spreading eastward rose along the grassy slopes to along the carob trees and lotus alleys. Houses within a few hundred feet. Sheriff Lieutenant Colonel Mark Moreno said that deputies to the National Peoples Congress suggested that the residents of these houses should be cleared out just in case. Cal Fire said no buildings were damaged or destroyed by the fire. The shooting said that the firefighters flames did not stop until 5 pm. They are expected to stay in the area well at night, eliminating hot spots and causing fires. The cause of the fire is under investigation. FOX 5 breaking news email subscribers received this story in their inbox. Please return for the latest information about this developing story. A TOTAL of 67 Palestinians, including 17 children, have now been killed after airstrikes hit Gaza and rockets were fired into Israel in the worst violence since 2014. Hamas this morning said it fired 130 rockets at Tel Aviv after an Israeli airstrike destroyed a tower block in Gaza. Six Israelis, including two children, have also been killed, medical officials have confirmed. Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas that it will pay a heavy price for their belligerence as the country steps up its attacks on the Gaza Strip. It follows Israel threatening Hamas with days of airstrikes after a rocket attack on Jerusalem on Monday. Hamas launched another offensive last night after a 13-storey residential block in the Gaza Strip collapsed yesterday following an Israeli airstrike. The building housed an office used by the political leadership of Gazas Islamist rulers Hamas. The escalation in violence followed a decision by Israeli cops to storm a compound at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Violence erupted for a third night in a row with many were struck by rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas ahead of a planned Jewish nationalist march. Read our Israel-Gaza live blog below for all the latest news and updates The Pentagon failed to provide the legally required report on Chinese companies with military ties to Congress because US President Joe Biden is about to make a decision on whether Americans can invest in such organizations. Two people familiar with the matter said that Congress required the U.S. Department of Defense to submit a report by April 15. But the Pentagon told members of Congress that it missed the deadline. The Biden administration decides whether to keep Executive order Former President Donald Trump signed that prohibits Americans from investing in Chinese companies named on the previous Pentagons blacklist. U.S. Treasury Department in January extend the deadline The ban will take effect on May 27. The move is designed to allow the government time to evaluate executive orders as part of Trumps extensive review of actions related to China. Bidens hawkish stance on China far exceeds the expectations of many foreign policy experts. A Pentagon spokesperson did not explain the reason for the delay, but said the Department of Defense will submit a report by October. The Financial Times reported last year that the Pentagon responded to Trumps pressure to compile an initial blacklist more than two decades after Trump was first authorized by Congress. The former president used the list as a basis and banned direct investment or investment through funds. Congress not only requires the Pentagon to update this report every year, but also expands the scope of the standard to target companies that help the Peoples Liberation Army through military-civilian integration, which requires them to share technology with the Chinese military. This has the potential to greatly expand the scope of any investment ban. Some U.S. lawmakers expressed concern about this delay. Influential Republican Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton (Tom Cotton) said, The Department of Defense must continue to focus on documenting and advocating Chinese military companies operating in the United States. He added that the government needs to defeat the Communist Partys attempts to use our judicial system against us. Cotton Company made a comment after the Pentagon agreed to remove Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi from the blacklist. The judge said that the reason was flawed. The White House stated that after the court stated that the Trump administration had failed to establish a sufficient legal basis for its decision, the White House stated that it was forced to remove the company. But Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said that Biden is deeply concerned about the potential investment by the United States in companies with links to the Chinese military and is fully committed to maintaining pressure on such companies. . John Smith, a partner at Morrison & Foster Law Firm and a former U.S. Treasury Department official, said the Obama administration was in trouble. He said: I am sure that the Biden team is happy to throw things away, he said, referring to the complicated legal circumstances surrounding Trumps departure from Biden. They may not, because they cant be seen as weak to China, and they dont want to be weak to China. Respected Smith said Biden needs to work out how to implement the list so as not to cause more losses in court. Eric Sayers, an Asia expert at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, said that although lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in the implementation of the order, they should recognize that Biden said he would maintain a strong stance. He said: The government has stated that it does not want to give up its efforts, but to improve it through a more rigorous coordination process. Whether Congress can wait patiently this summer and whether the Biden team can effectively reconstruct this approach, it will be The key to watch this summer. Follow Demetri Sevastopulo Twitter Can effectively check the family experience of COVID-19, so to speak A candidate said that the participation of bereaved families will be the absolute key to the success of an independent investigation into the governments handling of the pandemic. Boris Johnson revealed on Wednesday that the investigation will begin next spring and will put the states actions under the microscope. Rivika Gottliebs father, Michael, who died in the first wave of the pandemic, has been one of the people who have asked for an investigation since last year. Ms. Gottlieb said in front of the National Coronavirus Memorial in London: We have been conducting reviews since last May. We hoped to have a quick review last summer because we wanted to learn the lessons immediately before the winter peak, but that didnt happen. I firmly believe that if these lessons were learned last summer, thousands of lives could have been saved. Honestly, the idea of ??waiting another year before conducting a public investigation scared me. Bev Standing lives on the pipe, Advertising, corporate video, voice mail system, etc. voice work . These tracks are usually produced in a recording studio in her bungalow in Welland, Ontario, but she said her voice has also been heard around the world in countless videos on the social media platform TikTok. Stand and talk TikTok Use her voice recording without permission, So she sued ByteDance, whose parent company is headquartered in China, in a US court for violating the copyright of its voice. Standing and saying, This is my livelihood. This is what I do every day, every day, every weekend. It is not right to let you do what you want to do as you want. If Stantons claim is correct, but she cannot reach a settlement or lose the case in court, legal experts worry that the voice actors will be in trouble and cannot prevent their work from being used free of charge. Pina DAgostino, an expert in copyright law and associate professor at York Universitys Osgoode Hall School of Law in Toronto, said: If this is a mistake, then you will almost eradicate the industry. You can say that everything is free. TikToks parent company is estimated to be worth $400B The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in early May. CBC News asked TikTok about the case, but the company did not comment. TikTok allows users to post and share videos ranging from 15 seconds to one minute in length, covering everything from dance and fashion to education and social issues. TikTok, which has offices in the United States, is especially popular among young people. It was launched in 2016 and has almost 690 million users worldwide Its parent company is the most recent Estimated to be worth nearly 400 billion U.S. dollars . In contrast, standing power is only a small part. Watch | Canada sues TikTok owner for using her voice: A Canadian woman is suing the company after discovering that the company that owns TikTok used her voice to narrate the video without her permission. 2:12 After taking a weekend course on voice work in 2008, she was gradually able to transform it into a career and become a full-time job before 2014. She said: I am a freelancer fighting against a huge conglomerate. Its totally overwhelming, but I have no choice. What did she say the incident happened According to Standing, after the company launched a new feature on the app, she somehow became a narrator for TikTok videos. In the fall of 2020, TikTok first launched a tool that can convert text typed by users into voice, and then play it on a video. Standing and speaking, for users who are trying to use the text-to-speech feature in North America, the app will automatically add a computer-generated version of her voice to their video. I am a freelancer in a large conglomerate. This is totally overwhelming, but I have no choice. -Voice actor Bev Standing Standing and saying that it was the first time she saw TikTok video using her voice. It was a video sent to her by a friend living in Portugal at the end of last year. Then, she said that her daughter found a video tape, followed by her stepdaughter. Standing and saying: Then everyone started sending me these videos,This is you, this is you. This is how I found out. She said that at first, she thought it was cool, but then she started to worry about how often it happened. She said that she found that some users were using the feature to express vulgar language or offensive speech, which made her feel uneasy and threatened her reputation. Standing and saying, My brand is very clean. I wont say anything that I disagree with, and I wont swear. You know, I want to be a brand for a big product. Therefore, they may not accept me now. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, headquartered in China, with offices in Los Angeles County, Culver City, California. TikTok was launched in 2016 and has nearly 690 million users worldwide. (Chris Delmas/AFP/Getty Images) The person standing said that she believed she knew how her voice was used in this way. She said she was hired as Institute of Acoustics , A research institution of the Chinese government. The job is simple, but on a considerable scale. I have to read English sentences, and thousands of English sentences will be dissected for translation. The standing lawyer and her lawyer believed that these recordings were owned by TikTok to some extent and were used as raw speech to generate text-to-speech narration. Legal issues and what she wants Robert Sciglimpaglia, an attorney based in Stantin, Connecticut, said that his client never allowed anyone to use her voice in a way he claimed was used by TikTok. The core of the case is the claim that the standing record suffered major and irreparable injuries, while TikTok deprived [her] The ability to control her reputation. Because standing and saying her voice is Used in TikTok advertisements of companies such as McDonalds, Sciglimpaglia said, his clients have also been deprived of potentially profitable contracts. He said: If she really wants to be McDonalds voice on TikTok, it may be a six-figure job, depending on the number of records they record. The webmaster wants TikTok to stop using her voice, and she is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. As compensation, Sciglimpaglia said: The maximum penalty for each infringement is $150,000. However, because they could not obtain TikTok records, they could not tell how many times Statins voice was used. He said that before filing the lawsuit, he had contacted TikTok to negotiate a settlement, but TikTok completely ignored us. Copyright law expert Pina DAgostino is an associate professor at York Universitys Toronto Osgood Hall School of Law. She said she is worried that if Stanton loses in court, you Would say everything is free. (Submitted by Pina DAgostino) Osgoodes copyright expert DAgostino (DAgostino) said she was worried that TikTok might drag the case back. They have an army of lawyers behind them. They will argue that they are within their rights and everything they do is completely legal. But she said that the company may be inclined to reconcile, because if Stanton proves that she is her voice, then she has a good reason to be based on the so-called moral rights. DAgostino (DAgostino) said that this means standing has the right to express her own voice, in essence, she has the right to the authenticity and integrity related to her work. As far as she is concerned, Standing hopes that TikTok will be responsible for any unauthorized use of my voice, no matter what it looks like. She also hopes that other large and small companies know that you cant. This will have an impact. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced today that the federal government has launched a new program that will allow families of victims who were killed in the last two air crashes and have connections with Canada to obtain access here. Permanent residency. The new policy applies to relatives of victims who were Canadian citizens or permanent residents who died on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. This policy also applies to victims of foreigners who have been deemed eligible in their Canadian permanent residence application. It will allow those family members already in Canada to apply for permanent residency before May 11, 2022. The government said it is also expanding an existing policy to allow certain family members of the victims of Flight 752 to obtain temporary residency rights in Canada. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed six minutes after taking off from Addis Ababa International Airport in March 2019. All 157 passengers were killed, including 18 Canadians and many people with ties to Canada. Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by the Iranian military in January 2020 shortly after leaving Tehran airport during the heightened military tensions in the region, killing all 176 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents . Mendicino said in a press release: The center of these disasters is grieving families, and they need broad support from the Canadian government. This new path of permanent residence is one of the ways we help the families of victims in Canada to cope, and we hope they can live in Canada. Mendicino is about to hold a press conference, which is expected to start around 9 am, and he will announce more details. This note discusses the legislation proposed in the Oregon Legislation section this year. Specifically, Senate Bill 408Titled Enforcement Reform, it aims to amend the regulations related to recreational marijuana and the regulations promulgated and implemented by the Oregon Alcohol Control Commission (OLCC). The main supporters of SB 408 are Oregon Marijuana Retailers Association (Hereinafter referred to as ORCA) Oregon Cannabis Association The bill was initiated by FARMS Inc. Senator Prozansky. Judging from the habitat where we represent cannabis producers, processors, retailers and wholesalers, SB 408 looks pretty good. The following are some of the changes suggested by SB 408. Limit the time during which OLCC may delay processing applications or take other enforcement measures Currently, ORS 475B.060 stipulates that after receiving a license application, OLCC shall not unreasonably delay processing, approve or reject the application, or issue a license if the application is approved. The regulation does not provide additional guidance on when the OLCC will delay processing. Therefore, what happened when the application was submitted (months and months) may be a mystery to the applicant. Sometimes delays occur because OLCC is dealing with a large backlog. However, sometimes OLCC will set a reservation right to the application for various reasons, which is usually unknown to the applicant. SB 408 will revise ORS 475B.060 applicants by specifying that OLCC may delay processing, approve or reject applications. The new language will allow OLCC to only delay in three situations. First-if the applicant or the person named in the application already holds a license, and OLCC has issued a notice of its proposed cancellation or suspension. Second-if the applicant is seeking to obtain a license for the premises of the existing licensed business ownership, and OLCC has issued a notice that it intends to revoke or suspend the existing business license. Third-The information received by OLCC from law enforcement agencies shows that the applicant is or has been engaged in commercial activities in the illegal marijuana market. Therefore, the idea here is a good idea because it should help OLCC and applicants understand when and why the application can be postponed. OLCC is required to establish a timetable for violations and outline the content that violates the law ORS 475B.256 explains when OLCC can revoke, suspend or restrict licenses. What often attracts the licensees attention is the inclusive clause in ORS 475B.256(b). The subsection says that if the OLCC finds that the committee has other reasons to withdraw, suspend or restrict the license for reasons of public convenience or necessity, then OLCC can revoke, suspend or restrict the license. This is A lot of discretion. SB 408 deleted this subsection. SB 408 proposes many other positive changes to 475B.256. One of the requirements is for the OLCC to develop a timetable outlining the number and types of violations, and if implemented within two years, it will indicate ignorance of the law and inability to control houses. This will be a welcome change because it will allow OLCC to decide for itself and make it clear to OLCC what actions may or may not lead to revocation, suspension or restriction. With the development of the cannabis industry, OLCCs application and enforcement of its rules should become more and more clear-what kind of illegal behavior should be punished. The problem that licensees often encounter is uneven enforcement. In addition to whether there is an imbalance in law enforcement, what is not important at all is that the appearance of imbalance in law enforcement is also detrimental to OLCC, just as it is to the judicial department.Report like this These ones Dont help. We welcome the changes to 475B.256, which provide OLCC and licensees with better processes and better clarity. New rules that allow producers to transfer specific products For a long time, growers have been restricted in transferring products. This creates a veritable market for wholesale licenses, where changes in wholesalers are not important. SB 408 will make changes to benefit growers. It clearly stated that the grower is allowed to deliver or receive (i) the cannabinoid products, extracts and concentrates produced by the processor from the hemp of the grower, which do not contain the hemp of other growers, and (ii) the processor unprocessed The growers own hemp (that is, it can be returned to the grower), and (iii) the hemp between two growers with joint ownership. Increase the possession limit from one ounce to two ounces SB 408 will increase the limit on the possession of usable marijuana in public places from one ounce to two ounces. Needless to say. Reducing plastic use in Oregons recreational cannabis industry For green industries and states, Oregons hemp products must use a lot of plastic packaging. SB 408 will instruct OLCC to consider changing laws or regulations to reduce the use of plastic in the recreational cannabis industry and report on its findings. I encourage readers to click the link above and read the bill for themselves, as this article only discusses some of the changes suggested by SB 408. I believe people in the industry generally support SB408. If you have the same idea, please contact yours. State representatives and told them to enact SB 408. For more information about OLCC, the latest changes and other regulations, see: A gay man in Ontario will appear in court later this month, arguing that Health Canada discriminates against him by overseeing the prohibition of blood donations from men who have recently had sex with other men. The federal government has been trying to stop this challenge, believing that it has no right to change the donor standards of the Canadian Blood Service. A federal court judge will hear the case on May 27. The case dates back to 2016, when Christopher Karas filed a human rights complaint against Health Canada for the first time. He accused the department of discriminating against him on the basis of his sexual orientation, because the department adheres to the Canadian Blood Services policy, which prohibits gay men from donating blood in Canada unless they have been single for some time. When Karas first applied to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the period was one year; it has since been reduced to three months. For many years, the non-profit Canadian Blood Service Company has believed that the extension is necessary because HIV is more prevalent among men who have sex with men (sometimes called MSM populations). Before accepting donations, the non-profit organization screened out MSM through its donor health assessment questionnaire. Karas said the ban made his sense of self-worth heavy and made him feel that his value is very small. He said: Adopting such an outdated and discriminatory wrong policy, prohibiting donors and preventing donors from donating and creating stigma is a way for our blood system to not function properly, he said. What kind of society do we want to live in? Do we want to live in a society where LGBTQ people are put on hold, excluded, and have no opportunity to participate fully? Chris Karas filed a human rights complaint against Health Canada, accusing it of discriminating against him based on his sexual orientation. (Mitsui Evan/CBC) Karas and his lawyer Gregory Ko argued that although Health Canada does not directly accept blood donations, it has received regulatory approval for screening by the Canadian Blood Service. Ko said: Health Canada is closely involved in the implementation, of course, to approve this blood ban on homosexuals. They speak frankly with their fingers. Health Canada said: There is no public interest in making a complaint. Health Canada disagrees, saying it has never issued a directive requiring the Canadian blood service to adopt the ban. The department said that for security reasons, it only reviews blood service policies and procedures, and there is no legal authorization to direct independent agencies to do anything. Canadas blood regulations do authorize the department to require Canadian blood services to address emerging health problems, such as SARS or West Nile virus. Health Canada stated that this does not apply to Karass complaint because his situation is not an emerging health problem or a potential epidemic. Part of the content submitted by Health Canada to the Canadian Human Rights Organization stated: It has no public interest to file a complaint against a party like Health Canada that has not been suspected of discrimination and has no right to revoke the policy that caused the suspected discrimination. In 2019 Put into use. That year, the commission sent Karass complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for further investigation, saying that preliminary evidence indicated that the relationship between Health Canada and CBS was worthy of further investigation. The Human Rights Commission said: In the initial stage, the defendant is not a party to the so-called discrimination. This is not obvious, and it is also obvious. Now, the Attorney General of Canada is trying to stop this inquiry on behalf of Health Canada and is seeking judicial review of the Canadian Human Rights Commissions decision at the federal court level. In a court document filed earlier this year, the government reiterated that Health Canada did not discriminate against Karas and also accused the Canadian Human Rights Commission of conducting an unfair investigation. The document said: The committee failed to interview Health Canada witnesses. They could have determined that Health Canada has a limited role as a blood safety regulator. The committees decision reflects this unilateral and incomplete investigation. It did not consider any opinions of Health Canada. The committee said it would not comment on the matter due to ongoing court proceedings. The lawyer said, concerns about the big issue of optics Ko said that the federal governments attempt to conduct judicial review is tantamount to an attempt to end the investigation by the Human Rights Court. He said: The approach taken by the federal government is both surprising and aggressive. The government is also looking for costs, which Callas said will cause a huge financial burden. He said: This is the story of David Goris. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waved a flag while participating in Torontos annual Pride Parade on Sunday, July 3, 2016. The Liberal government continues to pledge to end the so-called discriminatory blood donation ban. (Nathan Dennett/Canada Press) Ko said he believes Ottawa is using this challenge to try to get rid of allegations of discrimination. He said: There is a big problem with optics. Of course [its] A government that does not want to disclose its involvement in such discriminatory policies has troubled the actions of the federal government to some extent. The Liberal government continues to pledge to end the so-called non-discriminatory ban on unpaid blood donations, and challenges will follow. Commitments were made in the 2015 and 2019 federal elections. When asked how the government coordinated the court challenge with the pledge, a spokesman for Health Minister Patty Hajdu said he could not comment because the case is still in court. Karas said: I think this should be a cause for the attention of all of us, because they have been screaming on this document but are reluctant to take action. There is no political will. I think we need to continue to promote this goal. The Quebec government will propose a plan to strengthen the provinces landmark language law, Act No. 101. The provinces minister in charge of French, Simon Jolin-Barrette (Simon Jolin-Barrette) first hinted last fall of upcoming changes. The bill will be submitted on Thursday morning. Prime Minister Francois Legault said that the Quebec Union flyover government will invoke the clause, which is a tool that overrides certain chapters of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to change the rules around the sign. Legot said in April: If we really believe in French, then we really should take action. The despite clauses in Article 33 of the Constitution allow provinces to give priority to the exercise of certain basic rights guaranteed in the document. Since its introduction in 1982, it has hardly been used, and it is usually only called in response to a court decision. The revised law is expected to include (among other things) an upper limit on the number of French and heterophonic students allowed to participate in English CEGEP, stricter business signage rules, and a review of bilingual municipalities and borough lists. Research shows that Quebecs French level has fallen Prior to the introduction of this new regulation, Quebecs French-language inspectorate, the Quebec French Office (OQLF), conducted a number of studies and found that the provinces French level was declining. A 2018 study predicted that the proportion of Quebecers who speak French at home will drop from 82% in 2011 to about 75% in 2036. Quebecs language laws and identity have long been a source of tension in the province. The PartiQuebecois government of Rene Leveque passed Act 101 in 1977 to strengthen and protect the French language in Quebec. It makes French the only official language in government, courts and workplaces. (Ron Pauline/Canada Press) The second study was also completed in 2018 and looked at the language spoken in the workplace. The survey found that a quarter of the employees surveyed in Montreal said that they use French and English equally at work, and only 18.7% of employees said they only speak French at work. Quebecs opposition party expressed support for stronger language reforms. Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, leader of the House of Representatives of the Quebec Solidarity Organization, said that the focus of the reform is to protect and promote the French language, not to choose the English-speaking community. Nardo Dubois said: The debate surrounding French is not necessarily a divided debate. This may be a unified debate in Quebec society. I know that many young English speakers of our generation fully agree with the spirit of Act 101. Bill 101 is a watershed moment The PartiQuebecois government of Rene Leveque passed the original law in 1977 to strengthen and protect the French language in Quebec. Act 101 or the French Charter makes French the only official language of the Quebec government, courts and workplaces. It includes regulations restricting the use of English on outdoor commercial signs and forcing all children to study in French, except for adults who study in English in Canada. Quebec historian Lorraine ODonnell, head of the Quebec English-speaking Community Research Network, said that the original Act 101 had a lasting impact. She said: Bill 101 is regarded as a watershed in Quebecs history. It marks the consciousness and views of English-speaking Quebecers. The congregation of a small towns contempt for the COVID-19 public health order and the communitys surveillance of parishioners created a toxic environment. On Friday, when a judge decided whether to lock the door of the Church of God in Elmer, Ontario, This environment will reach its peak. Despite the courts order to stop meeting the COVID-19 restrictions, the church, Pastor Henry Hildenbrandt and Assistant Pastor Patrick Wall were tempted by the court for continuing to provide personal services. Justice Bruce Thomas of the Supreme Court of Ontario must now decide what penalty (if any) to impose. Thomas told the virtual court on Thursday: This incident has turned a small community in Ontario into a cauldron of hostility and brought conflicts between neighbors and neighboring countries. I am deeply concerned about Aylmers toxic environment. Although this congregation and these people are different from the mainstream population in southwestern Ontario, they used to live a peaceful and peaceful life in this community. Now, I see a broken community, a fragile community. The town church is one of the few organizations in Canada that has challenged the constitutionality of public health orders prohibiting assemblies (including church services). These will be heard in October. Locking the doors of Canadian churches is a terrible symbol of the threat to our democracy. -Lisa Bildy, lawyer at the church, Elmer, Ontario When the pandemic started last year, churches in southwestern Ontario held door-to-door service, which is prohibited by provincial law, and then gradually escalated to a gathering of 200 people in the building, with no distance between people or wearing masks. Hildebrandts sermons, in front of the conference, are available on YouTube and Facebook, as shown in the picture below. (Aylmer/YouTubes Church of God) The Aylmer police repeatedly sold tickets to the church and its priests and parishioners. Lisa Bildy, a lawyer at the Constitutional Liberty Justice Center, which represents the church, believes that all external doors were physically locked too tightly, as required by the royal family. She said: Locking the doors of Canadian churches is a terrible symbol of the threat to our democracy. It took two weeks to flatten the curve. It has been more than 60 weeks now. There has been no outbreak in the church yet. I dont think we should lock the doors of churches in this country. The church is very important to these people. Further fines are welcome Many church members come from the Mennonite tradition, speak Low German (multiple languages ??or dialects), and wear plain clothes to show that the church is a way of life for them, not just attending on Bildi on Sunday Said the activity. they [Church of God] Contempt of laws and public health orders. Locking the door is the only way to ensure that they will not enter the building. -Royal Attorney Connie Vernon (Connie Vernon) She said: Pastor Hildebrandt did not show resistance. He did not become a leader in the movement. He wants the parishioners to have some communities. Billy said that he has now assumed a nominal role. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Hildebrandt has launched a no more lockdown campaign, which included a rally of 2,000 people in the small town against COVID-19 restrictions. He has declared that the virus does not exist and has encouraged people to flout the provincial lockdown rules. In front of the conference, his sermons can be found on YouTube and Facebook. Royal Attorney Connie Vernon stated in the argument in court that the church and its pastor are committed to openly and continuously disregarding public health measures. She said: They made it clear that they plan to violate any court order, encourage civil disobedience, and encourage others to come to church. very clear [Hildebrandt] Further fines are welcome and the church will continue to be opened. They ignore laws and public health orders. Locking the door is the only way to ensure that they will not enter the building. There is no sign that they will stop inviting people to join. Official hope: All exterior doors will be locked until there are no more public health orders. For Hildebrandt and his assistant pastor, each will be fined $10,000. The church will be fined $50,000. Pay $100,000 in court fees for the church. Bildy argued that court fees were too high and monetary penalties were too high. If the door is locked, the priest should be allowed to enter the building for inspection from time to time, and it should be unlocked when the sanitation order is less restrictive. Hundreds of people stood beside the main street in Aylmer, Ontario, before rallies and marches to protest against public health measures. (Kate Dubinski/CBC) Thomas said he will make a decision on Thursday, but added that he does not see Hildebrandt as a passive role in the movement against public health orders. Thomas said: He chose his current role. He chose to act as a spokesperson for the infringement. He uses the forum as a forum to follow his example to others. It is not about Gods word, but also about his worries about exhorting others to violate the rules and regulations. He was chosen as the face, the front and center of the movement. The Philadelphia Music Festival (Flyly Music Fest) is a reduced virtual event in 2020, but the organizers revealed that the event will be held in person this year. The concert will be held at five locations this fall and will last five nights.There will be six performances in total Participate with nineteen bands. The 2021 lineup includes Hop Hop, Mom Moore, Son Little, Ivy Sole, West Philadelphia Orchestra Cowboy Queen with The spirit of the hive. Philadelphia Music Festival starts on Wednesday October 6th to October 10th Sunday. Tickets are currently on sale online The price of each performance ranges from $25 to $39. Menzingers, a Scrantons punk band, The festival will be concluded with two performances at the Ardmore Concert Hall. Alex G of Havertown will be the theme for the opening night of World Cafe Live. The Philadelphia Music Festival (as the name suggests) is known for exclusively playing Philadelphia bands and artists in independent venues.Non-profit music festival for emerging musicians and Raise funds for childrens music education Charities like settled music school, jazz house kids and girls rock Philadelphia. In the past five years, the Philadelphia Music Festival has exhibited 96 local bands. Tired Palestinians are preparing to hold a grand feast on Thursday to celebrate the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as Gaza is ready for Israeli air strikes. After weeks of protests and violence in Jerusalem, community violence broke out across Israel. Since the Palestinian uprising or uprising in 2000, the latest outbreak of violence in the Middle East has also penetrated into Israel. Arabs and Jewish mobs raged in the streets, brutally beat people, burned cars, and diverted flights from the countrys main airport. The last three wars between Israel and the militant Hamas rulers in Gaza were largely confined to impoverished and blocked Palestinian territories and Israeli communities on the border. But this round of fighting (like an uprising, beginning in Jerusalem) seems to be spreading everywhere. Eid al-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of a month of fasting throughout the day. It is usually a festive holiday where families buy new clothes and gather to enjoy a big meal. But in Gaza, the militants fired one rocket after another, and the Israelis suffered more damage. Israel launched waves of heinous air strikes, emitting thick smoke into the air. Since the launch of the rocket on Monday, Israel has toppled two high-rise buildings after warning civilians to evacuate, which covered up Hamas facilities. The rocket reaches the Tel Aviv area The Islamic militant group Hamas seized power in Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, urging the believer to mark the communitys Eid prayers in their homes or the nearest mosque, rather than in the open air as traditionally done. Hassan Abu Shaaban tried to ease the mood by distributing sweets to passersby after praying, but he admitted that Eid al-Fitr has no atmosphere at all. He said: This is all air strikes, destruction and destruction. May God help everyone. The Gaza militants continued to bombard Israel with rockets all day until early Thursday. The attack paralyzed the southern community near Gaza, but it also reached Tel Aviv, about 70 kilometers to the north, for the second day in a row. Watch | Escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians: As the Israeli army and Palestinian militants continued their attacks on the third day, violence broke out in Jewish Arab cities. 4:38 The Ministry of Transport said that Israel has begun to transfer some flights from Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv to Ramon Airport in the southernmost part of the country. The Israeli military said that more than 1,600 rockets have been launched since Monday, of which 400 have not missed and landed in Gaza. The military said that Israeli airstrikes have hit about 600 targets in Gaza. The footage shared by the Israeli military showed that early Thursday, there was a rocket impact between apartment buildings in Petah Tikva, a suburb of Tel Aviv, which apparently caused a fire. It said the strike hurt the people and caused heavy losses. On Thursday, in Petah Tikva in central Israel, members of the Sror family inspected the apartment for damage after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip overnight hit. (Odd Baliti/Associated Press) We are dealing with it, sitting at home, and hope everything will be fine, said Morty Heim, a resident of downtown Bill Yayakov and father of two. Running to the shelter is not easy. For children, it is not easy. The Gaza Ministry of Health said the death toll rose to 69 Palestinians, including 16 children and 6 women. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas admitted that a senior commander and several other members were killed. Israel says the number of militants killed is much higher than Hamas admits. A total of 7 people were killed in Israel, including 4 who died on Wednesday. These included a soldier who was killed by an anti-tank missile and a six-year-old child was hit in a rocket attack. On Wednesday, an Israeli artillery unit opened fire on targets in the Gaza Strip on the Israeli-Gaza border. (Yonatan Sindel/Associated Press) United Nations and Egyptian officials say that ceasefire efforts are ongoing, but there are no signs of progress. Israeli TV Channel 12 reported on Wednesday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet approved an expansion of the offensive. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets from civilian areas in Gaza to the Israeli population center, but he also urged Israel to show maximum restraint. President Joe Biden called on Natanyahu to support Israels right to self-defense, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was sending a senior diplomat to the area to ease tensions. Arabs and Jews clash in Israel The current outbreak of violence began in Jerusalem a month ago. During Ramadan, Israel adopted a severe police strategy. Jewish settlers threatened to expel dozens of Palestinian families, which triggered protests and clashes with the police. The focus is on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built on a hillside and is admired by Jews and Muslims. The police fired grenade at tear gas and demonstrators who threw stones at grenade. Hamas said it was defending Jerusalem and fired a rocket at the city late Monday, triggering days of fighting. These exchanges have triggered violent conflicts between Arabs and Israeli Jews in scenes that have not been seen in more than two decades. Netanyahu warned that he was prepared to use an iron fist when necessary to calm the violence. Listening to Middle East journalists discuss the current conflict: trend18:44Israel responds to Hamas rockets with air strikes, and the death toll rises The escalating rockets between Hamas and Israeli forces killed dozens of people. We will discuss growing tensions with the Associated Press correspondent Fares Akram in Gaza City; Steve Hendrix, Director of the Washington Post Office in Jerusalem. 18:44 But ugly clashes broke out across the country on Wednesday night. Despite the state of emergency and night curfew, Jews and Arab mobs are still fighting in the downtown city of Lod. In nearby Bat Yam, a group of Jewish nationalists attacked an Arab motorist, dragged him from the car and beat him until he was motionless. The Israeli military said that in the occupied West Bank, Israel defeated a Palestinian shooting that wounded two people. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said the suspected gunman was killed. No details are available immediately. It is unclear how the fighting in Gaza will affect Netanyahus political future. After the parliamentary elections in March were inconclusive, he failed to form a government coalition, and now his political opponents have three weeks to try to form a government coalition. His rival has invited a small Islamic Arab party. But the longer the battle lasts, the more likely it is to hinder their attempts to form an alliance. Abbeville The Louisiana Military Museum will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31, 2021, from 11 am to 12:30 pm in honor of those service members who are no longer with us. This event is free and open to the public. The Memorial Day ceremony will take place inside the museum and will include an inspiring keynote address, as well as the posting and retiring of the colors by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard and an explanation of the MIA/POW Table by the American Legion Vermilion Post #29. Following the indoor ceremony, guests will be invited to step outside for a 21-gun salute and live performance of taps. World War II and Vietnam-era planes will provide a Missing Man Aerial Salute. A chicken fettuccini and bread pudding lunch will be available immediately after, with all proceeds benefiting the Louisiana Military Museum. Guests are invited to come in uniform or wear patriotic attire in support of the museums mission to honor our veterans and remembertheir stories. The museum is located in the green hangar ofthe Chris Crusta Memorial Airport at 911 Revis Sirmon Loop, Abbeville, LA 70510. For more information, follow the Louisiana Military Museum on FaceBook, visitwww.LaMilitaryMuseum.orgor call 337.898.9645 Foreigners wait in a designated area for observation after receiving COVID-19 vaccines at a vaccination site in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, May 12, 2021. Anhui has recently started COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in the province. Foreign nationals of appropriate age, following the principle of voluntary participation, giving informed consent and assuming personal responsibility for risk, take the COVID-19 vaccine. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) A foreigner receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, May 12, 2021. Anhui has recently started COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in the province. Foreign nationals of appropriate age, following the principle of voluntary participation, giving informed consent and assuming personal responsibility for risk, take the COVID-19 vaccine. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) A medical worker learns about a foreigner's medical history before vaccination at a vaccination site in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, May 12, 2021. Anhui has recently started COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in the province. Foreign nationals of appropriate age, following the principle of voluntary participation, giving informed consent and assuming personal responsibility for risk, take the COVID-19 vaccine. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan) Korean drama "Law School," starring Kim Myung Min, Kim Bum, and more, left the audience with powerful and shocking revelations every episode. With a few more episodes left, the JTBC drama proved that it gained a favorable response from the public with their increasing rating every episode. According to Nielsen Korea, "Law School" viewership rating broke its own highest rating for two consecutive weeks after garnering 5.5 percent nationwide and 5.6 percent in the metropolitan area. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Law School' Episode 8 Hits All Time High + Go Yoon Jung Presented as the New Witness to Pin the Murder Case to Kim Myung Min "Law School" Episode 9 Recap: Jeon Ye Seul Caught Up in a Bad Situation The mystery crime drama is slowly unfolding the secrets behind every character. "Law School" episode 9 now focuses not just on Kim Myung Min's role as the feisty prosecutor turned criminal law professor but gravitated towards Jeon Ye Seul, played by Ko Yoon Jung, and her complicated relationship. The latest episode starts with Ye Seul and her boyfriend Ko Young Chang (Lee Hwi Jong) having an intense argument in the parking lot. There, the pretty law student tried to stop Go Young Chang from spreading his explicit video. Unfortunately, she accidentally pushed him to the curb, which left him unconscious. She called her best friend, Kang Sol A (Ryu Hye Young), but Professor Yang Jong Hoon (Kim Myung Min) grabbed her phone and called the hospital instead. Assemblyman Ko Hyeong Soo (Jung Won Joong), who is the father of Ye Seul's boyfriend, was furious over his only son's devastating situation. Shortly after the politician arrived, police came in and wanted to take Ye Seul to the station to question her. However, Han Joon Hwi (Kim Bum) intervened and said that she is not in a good state to be questioned. Professor Yang also backed this as he tried to stop the arrest by telling Assemblyman Ko that there will be a lot of damage on his side if she goes to the station. Ko Young Chang's Surgery Fortunately, Ko Young Chang's surgery went well, but it will take him a little time to recover. As for Ye Seul, she has to undergo legal proceedings after Assemblyman Ko is eager to put this in the court. Professor Yang's Fourth Trial The trial continues for Professor yang and his involvement with the death of professor Seo Byeong Joo (Ahn Nae Sang.) Since Ye Seul backed as a witness, they cannot use her statement to pin the case to Yang Jong Hoon. "Law School" episode 9 delves into Professor Seo's health illness, and his blood sugar level emerged as a new issue. Prosecutor Jin Hyeong Woo (Park Hyuk Kwon) proved his argument by submitting Professor Seo's blood sugar tester as evidence. His aim is to counterattack Professor Yang's claim that he did not put a sugar packet on his coffee and highlighted that Professor Seo was high on that day. Self-Defense In Kim Eun Sook's (Lee Jung Eun) office, the group, including Han Joo Hwi and Kang Sol A, gathered to figure out how they can help in Jeon Ye Seul's case. Since there is still no lawyer who wants to accept the case, the group assesses how they can state Ye Seul's innocence. Kang Soll A and Han Joo Hwi pointed out self-defense. Although professor Kim warned the group that the court has strict restrictions regarding self-defense as grounds, they still insist on raising this point. A Big Surprise from Professor Yang Jeon Ye Seul's first trial began and was attended by her whole study group alongside Professor Kim. The law students were surprised upon seeing Assemblyman Ko's powerhouse lawyers. In the courtroom, the students, including Ye Seul, were anxious that her attorney had not shown up. "Law School" episode 9 featured a big surprise as professor Yang entered the court and presented himself as Ye Seul's lawyer and requested a jury trial. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills The much-awaited confession of Jung Ba Reum (Lee Seung Gi) finally happened, but it didn't put him behind the bars - yet. Daniel Lee Revealed Truth Behind Jung Ba Reum's Past Life "Mouse" Episode 18 was released on May 12, and it started with a flashback from the night where Jung Ba Reum and Sung Yo Han (Kwon Hwa Woon) were involved in a fatal incident. It was also the reason why the male doctor died, wrongfully accused of being a predator. After looking for the suspect who killed his friend Na Chi Kook (Lee Seo Jun), Jung Ba Reum went home and saw Dr. Daniel Lee (Jo Jae Yun) waiting for him inside. The police officer confronted the doctor for not telling him earlier that he is a psychopath. Dr. Lee mentioned that he met Sung Yo Han before and told him everything about Jung Ba Reum and the OZ organization. Meanwhile, the young police officer explained that some of the people he killed were innocent and that there is someone behind it who put them in a play in order to trigger his psychopath behavior. When he was about to hurt Dr. Lee, director Choi Hong Ju (Kyung Soo Jin) visited Jung Ba Reum in the house asking him to participate in an interview, but he refused to and said that he has an important guest. The next thing he knew was that Dr. Lee had already escaped from his house and Choi Hong Ju's surprise visit was planned to save the doctor. Meanwhile, after saving him, he told the female director about Sung Yo Han and Jung Ba Reum's real identities. And there she finds herself more determined to continue her documentary of proving that Sung Yo Han was innocent and not a murderer. Jung Ba Reum Finally Confessed to Go Mu Chi about His Real Identity Inside the police station, Go Mu Chi (Lee Hee Joon) was about to go find Jung Ba Reum after watching all the CCTV footage in the place where the previous crimes happened. These gave him a clearer vision that Jung Ba Reum was the real predator. Just when he was about to leave, Jung Ba Reum appeared and he immediately grabbed his collar and accused him of being a psychopath. The young police officer was shocked by what the detective said. Oh Bong Yi (Park Ju Hyun) saw the chaos inside the office and was quick to butt in to save Jung Ba Reum that's why she grabbed Go Mu Chi's head. But it didn't work and made the scenario worse. Go Mu Chi was about to show the memory card where all the evidence is, but he was surprised that someone stole it from his jacket. He immediately looked for detective Lee Min Soo (Kim Min Soo) who he also thinks is part of the OZ organization. The detective failed to show the evidence and went out of the office to visit Lee Min Soo's house. There he found Jung Ba Reum, that was also the perfect time for him to confront the young police officer. Go Mu Chi stated all the past murder cases happened and was surprised that Jung Ba Reum didn't hesitate to confess that he was the predator. But the police officer asked for a favor from the detective, he will surrender himself to the police but first, he will find the real culprit behind the death of his friend, Na Chi Kook. Jung Ba Reum started to live more with his emotions, to look for justice that his loved ones deserve. Have you watched "Mouse" Episode 18? What can you say about it? Don't forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Shai Collins Click here for updates on this story SILVERTON, OR (KPTV) -- Oregon State Police say a 20-year-old man was arrested for multiple charges, including attempted murder, following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 214 Wednesday. Kenneth Williams Peden III, of Woodburn, is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder, unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, first-degree kidnapping, and fleeing and attempting to elude by vehicle. OSP said Marion County deputies and Silverton police officers were involved in a pursuit Wednesday evening of a possible kidnapping suspect, later identified as Peden, who was driving a white Ford F-150. During the pursuit, OSP said Peden fired multiple rounds toward law enforcement as they traveled through Silverton. The Ford came to a stop on Highway 214 near Forest Ridge Road Northeast where Peden exchanged gunfire with officers, according to OSP. Peden was detained at the scene and a female passenger was taken by Life Flight to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The name of the passenger has not been released at this time. OSP said multiple patrol vehicles were hit by gunfire, but no officers or deputies were injured. On Thursday, OSP identified the officers and deputy involved in the shooting as: Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Ron Cereghino, who has been in law enforcement for 23 years. Silverton Police Officer J.J. Lamoreaux, who has been in law enforcement for 14 years. Silverton Police Officer Braden Anderson, who has been in law enforcement for one year. All three have been placed on administrative leave. OSP will be leading the investigation, which is ongoing. The Marion County Sheriff's Office told FOX 12 that there is more than one scene involved in the investigation. No additional information has been released by OSP at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or *OSP. Please refer to case number SP21-126472. PORTLAND, Ore. -- A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Samuel Joyner, a Beaverton man, with conspiracy to commit computer and access device fraud, trafficking and use of unauthorized access devices, and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices. This investigation spanned across the Pacific to our shores in Australia, showing that while crimes may be borderless, our law enforcement response is united across countries. Following a referral of information from our FBI law enforcement partners, the Australian Federal Police arrested, charged, and secured a conviction against a Sydney man, and we also seized more than a million dollars worth of cryptocurrency assets which were the proceeds of his crime, Australian Federal Police cybercrime operations case officer Joanna Kondos said, Cybercrime is not a victim-less crime this case uncovered stolen account details from millions of people around the world, and we work to investigate these crimes on behalf of those who have had their personal details scammed for someone elses profit. According to the indictment, between February 2018 and March 2019, Joyner and an accomplice, Evan McMahon, 23, of Sydney, Australia, conspired with one another to create and operate an online service called AccountBot. AccountBot offered a paid subscription service where customers could obtain account credentials to access popular internet streaming services at a greatly reduced rate. Joyner and McMahon illegally acquired usernames and passwords to the various streaming services through credential stuffing attacks, a computer hacking technique where individuals obtain large sets of account credentials, often made available as a result of large data breaches, and, using an automated tool, repeatedly enter credentials into a website or internet-based service to verify their authenticity. Verified credentials obtained via credential stuffing can then be used to access online user accounts without authorization. Joyner was arrested without incident today by the FBI and made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released pending a five-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 13, 2021. GOLD BEACH, Ore. The Curry County Sheriff's Office says that two men have been arrested after a sting operation for online sexual corruption of children, with more arrests anticipated in the days ahead. During April, detectives from the Sheriff's Office worked with a local task force seeking to find and arrest men who were seeking out children and "attempting to engage them in sexualized chat" or meet up for sex. The investigation found five men in southern Oregon between the ages of 21 and 71, who each participated in sexualized chats online sending pornographic pictures and videos to someone that they thought was a child, the Sheriff's Office said. Two of those men arranged to meet up in person with the "child" for sex. When they arrived at the appointed location, however, they were met by deputies and detectives from the task force, which included elements of the Sheriff's Office, Brookings Police, and Oregon State Police. The men were identified as 47-year-old Domonique Jason Mclean and 71-year-old Robert Chester Wittren, who both live or have temporary addresses in Curry County. Both men were arrested and charged with Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree, and Luring a Minor. The Sheriff's Office says that the task force has probable cause to arrest three other men, with arrest warrants forthcoming. "The Curry County Sheriffs Office would like to remind and caution parents that their childrens electronic devices, to include gaming systems give their child a doorway to the rest of the world," the agency said in a statement. "Unfortunately, there is no shortage of people looking to exploit them in one form or another. Please educate your children about the dangers that exist online and monitor their use of devices connected to the internet." GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- On Friday, May 14, Dutch Bros Coffee will mark its 15th annual Drink One for Dane day. Dutch Bros will donate a portion of proceeds from all of its more than 400 shops to ALS research, care, advocacy, educational and professional programming. Drink One for Dane began after Dutch Bros co-founder, Dane Boersma was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). While Dane passed away in 2009, The Boersma family and Dutch Bros started 'Drink One for Dane' as a way to increase awareness of the disease, raise support for those affected, and support research to find treatments and cures for ALS. "For the last 15 years, our customers have astounded us with their support for Drink One for Dane," said Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros. "This day is a testament to Dane's spirit and positive attitude that lives on through Dutch Bros every day. We're honored to partner and support the mission of finding a cause and cure for ALS." Dutch Bros is hoping to raise $1.6 million, which would bring the grand total donated to MDA over the last 15 years to $10 million. As a thank you, customers who swing by on May 14 can snag a limited-edition Drink One for Dane sticker. SALEM, Ore. Oregon has reached a milestone two million people either partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Oregon Health Authority reported on Wednesday. The agency said that 2,006,179 Oregonians had received at least one shot. Just over 1.5 million were fully vaccinated. CDC data indicates that Oregon vaccine providers have reached 49 percent of all Oregonians with at least one shot, though this percentage is not limited to the 16 and older group. Oregon ranks 21st in the nation for the percentage of total population who have received at least one dose, just over the national average of 46 percent. Based on our current trends, Oregon is on track to meet our goal of vaccinating 70 percent of adults by mid- to late-June, said OHA Director Patrick Allen. Thanks to all of our partners for helping us stay ahead of a virus that is circulating in our communities. Governor Kate Brown announced on Tuesday that most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted when 70 percent of the 16 and older population has received at least one dose. Counties will be able to enter Lower Risk when their local rate hits 65 percent. We still have work to do but its encouraging to see so many local partners working to achieve parity in vaccination rates for communities of color," Allen continued. "The more people who have access to vaccines and choose to get vaccinated, the sooner we can end this pandemic and go back to doing the things we enjoy. Jackson County officials said on Wednesday that just under 46 percent of residents 16 and older have received at least a first dose. Preliminary data suggests that other southern Oregon counties are in a similar position or worse. OHA reported 616 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, in addition to nine more deaths attributed to the virus. The latest fatalities bring Oregon's death toll to 2,558. ASHLAND, Ore. Joining a growing list of both public and private Oregon colleges, Southern Oregon University announced Thursday that it will require students and staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be on campus for the fall term. With most of SOUs courses returning to in-person for fall term, the implementation of a vaccination requirement is the best way to make our work and learning environment as safe as possible, said SOU President Linda Schott. SOU said that university administrators made the decision following conversations with both student and employee groups. Guidance from Governor Brown's office and the Oregon Health Authority also weighed into the decision, "as did the growing number of peer universities opting to require vaccinations." Many of our employee and student groups support requiring a vaccine in order to protect the health and safety of our university community and the communities we serve, said Schott. Administrators noted that more than 200 colleges and universities across the U.S. have now announced a similar vaccination requirement. As with Oregon's other public universities, SOU will be bound by state law to allow for exemptions to the requirement. "We recognize that there are individuals with medical or religious reasons that preclude them from getting vaccinated. SOU will honor all exceptions legally required by state or federal law be they medical, religious, or otherwise, Schott said. Less: Just look at London, Ont. Same: We hear more bad news. More: Canada is on the right path. Vote View Results PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned the 2017 murder conviction of a teenager who fatally stabbed a woman. The appeals court overturned the conviction of Jaime Tinoco-Camarena on Wednesday, concluding that prosecutors should not have introduced testimony about his conviction in the 2014 rape of a woman in Eugene. Tinoco-Camarena was accused of stabbing Nicole Laube to death in 2014 outside a Cedar Mill apartment complex in Portland. Tinoco-Camarena was living with his parents across from the complex at the time. A jury convicted Tinoco-Camarena of aggravated murder and unlawful use of a weapon. An Oregon Department of Justice spokeswoman said attorneys are reviewing the ruling. SALEM, Ore.-- Gov. Kate Brown gave the green light for those 12 to 15-year-olds to start receiving the Pfizer vaccine. The governor said children in this age group can start getting the vaccine on Thursday. She made the decision based on an analysis done by Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. This group was created in October of 2020 to independently review the Food and Drug Administration's actions on the COVID-19 vaccine. California, Nevada, and Washington also take advice from this group. The governors for those states also gave the go-ahead for the vaccine to be administered to 12 to 15-year-olds. Gov. Brown said this in a statement: "This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families. Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones. With todays review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, young Oregonians and parents can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for youth. It is completely normal for parents and kids to have questions about vaccinesI urge you to reach out to your family doctor or pharmacist and get your questions answered today. By Ritah Kemigisa and Prossy Kisakye Muslim leaders have asked the president to pardon and release political prisoners who were arrested before, during and after the January elections. Leading Eid prayers at Old Kampala Mosque, the leader of the Uganda Muslim Supreme council and the Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje said those arrested need to enjoy their freedom. We request the president to pardon all those who have been confined due to the political situation which has been in the country, let them be released, some of the people arrested are Muslims who need to enjoy Eid with their families, said Sheik Mubajje . He adds that following the swearing in of president Museveni yesterday, now is the time to forgive, forget the past and unite so that peace can prevail. Mubajje is also asking the president to order police to return the over 1000 motorcycles that were impounded on the eve of his swearing in saying it is wrong to deprive the youth of their daily source of income. It is a desperate move by our youth to get a daily bread thats why they were still moving in late hours, let them be pardoned and their motorcycles returned at no cost, added Sheikh Mubajje. Police have since revealed that 1200 motorcycles and 33 motor vehicles were impounded on Tuesday night after they intensified operations on curfew enforcement in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire says at least 50 suspects were also arrested for failing to comply with the Ministry of Health guidelines against the spread of Covid-19. He said most motorists will be issued with express penalty scheme fines while others will be arraigned in courts of law on allegations of doing negligent acts likely to spread Covid-19. By Xinhua In an April rainy morning in Nyanza district, about a two-hour drive from the Rwandan capital city Kigali, Immaculee Kayitesi was seated at the counter of her dairy business, listening to the radio, while busy passing a bottle of sanitizer to one of her customers to sanitize his hands before buying milk products from her company. Dozens of customers lined up waiting to be served with different milk products such as yogurt, pasteurized milk, and fermented milk in the shop while scores of workers were operating milk processing machines to convert milk into different end products in another section of the company, named Zirakamwa Meza Dairy. April rains remind of a dark and grave period we went through in April 1994 when Interahamwe militias attacked our village and killed my husband, family members, friends and neighbors. The month of April is a dark period in my life that I will never forget, said the 58-year-old, who became a widow during the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over one million lives, mainly ethnic Tutsis during the about 100 days starting from April 7. Although almost all of her immediate family members including husband, parents, siblings, cousins as well as in-laws were killed during the genocide, the then secondary school teacher managed to escape from the killers by hiding in swamps and dense vegetation for one month until she came across Rwanda Patriotic Army soldiers, who later ended the genocide and turned into the national military. She had even thought she might be the last woman left standing in the whole Nyanza district because it was almost impossible to survive. I was terribly devastated and depressed after losing my husband before we could have any child because the genocide happened when we had spent only six months together after getting married, said Kayitesi while wiping tears from her eyes. That period of life was hell on earth, she said, adding that she was left with many scars like someone widowed at a young age. Even three years after the genocide ended, Kayitesi still faced all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions from trauma, despair, profound sadness and grief but due to words of comfort from the current government, religious teachings, words of courage of the genocide widows association Avega Agahozo, meaning Association of Genocide Widows, she managed to pick up the pieces and focus on rebuilding her life rather than wallowing in sorrow. In 1997, she got a job at Electrogaz, the predecessor of current Rwanda Energy Group and Water Sanitation Corporation, and was paid a monthly salary, which enabled her to start a small dairy shop, which is now estimated to be worth over 300 million Rwandan francs (about 305,000 U.S. dollars).At the beginning, she sold her milk to neighbors and passersby, but due to the high demand for milk, she came up with the idea of launching a dairy company. Around 1998, the brave woman quit her job and requested a loan of 400,000 Rwandan francs from a local commercial bank to expand her business. In 2002 and 2013 respectively, she applied for more loans and eventually expanded a diary shop into a dairy milk processing company with a production capacity to process about 3,000 liters of milk per day. Every day on average, her company, which hires over 20 employees, sells about 500 packed yogurt containers of 150 milliliters, 1,000 liters of pasteurized milk and 300 liters of fermented milk. The majority of the customers come from Kigali and the rest are from Nyanza and other neighboring districts such as Ruhango, Huye and Muhanga. The company is only one km away from her family members. On April 22, she visited them at the Nyanza genocide memorial, the final resting place of over 24,000 genocide victims. Food giant Glanbia will pay its member milk suppliers 34.6 cent per litre (cpl) (including VAT) for April creamery milk supplies at 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein. Glanbia Ireland (GI) says will pay a base milk price for April of 34.18 cpl (including VAT) for creamery milk at 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein. This is unchanged from the March base price. The company says farmer will also receive a 0.42 cpl (including VAT) payment from Glanbia Co-op on all milk supplied this month as their Share of GI Profit. The firm says Glanbia Ireland base price and Co-op Share of GI Profit payment will be adjusted to reflect the actual constituents of milk delivered by suppliers. The Glanbia milk price for April creamery milk, based on LTO constituents of 4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein, is 37.65 cpl. Glanbia Ireland Chairman John Murphy said: While there is volatility in the price returns for some products, dairy markets generally remain solid. Retail demand continues to be strong, while food service demand is starting to recover in some regions. The Board will continue to monitor developments on a monthly basis. A protest will outside St Luke's Hospital later this morning as part of a nationwide protest calling for maternity partner restrictions to be lifted. This is part of a nationwide protest by @Irishbirthmovement @aims Ireland to lift Maternity Partner restrictions. "We, the-- Irish Birth Movement --are calling now for a nationwide protest for partners to have unrestricted access so they can support the birthing person at all times. There are many reasons for this. "We are asking pregnant people, partners, new parents, midwives doulas friends and family come join us. "We are asking for restrictions in maternity hospitals to be lifted. We want the birth partners to stay with the birthing person through all of labour and birth. Partners are not visitors! They are essential to the well being of the war birthing person and the baby. We also call for restrictions to be lifted during antenatal appointments, scan appointments, on hearing sad news and on visiting their child/children in the NICU unit," a spokesperson said. The protest will take place today at 11am with social distancing and mask wearing is promoted. Restrictions on maternity partners at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny cannot be eased due to restrictive infrastructural challenges, the Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG) says. The IEHG says that national guidance is being adhered to by all maternity units in the Ireland East Hospital Group, and this includes advice provided by the local hospital infection prevention and control teams specific to the hospital. "With the exception of the National Maternity Hospital, the three Regional Maternity Units in IEHG are part of a general hospital campus and are therefore not standalone maternity hospitals," says the IEHG. "As a consequence these hospitals have specific infrastructural challenges where social distancing cannot be sufficiently met within the Covid guidelines while facilitating partners to attend with the maternity patients. Restrictions are in place to ensure that the hospitals are protecting all patients who may be required to attend the hospital, this includes a large number of patients who have not yet been vaccinated, including our maternity patients and their partners. "The hospitals restrictive infrastructural challenges, particularly where wards are co-located with other patients and areas where spaces are not sufficient and contrary to Infection Prevention and Control guidance, we cannot further ease partner restrictions at this time. However, work is ongoing to ensure that as much access as possible can be facilitated in the coming weeks as more people from vulnerable groups are vaccinated. These changes will be led by Infection Prevention Control advice." St Lukes General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny has worked on a solution which will facilitate partners into the 20-week scan by May 31. Partners can also attend active labour and theatre for scheduled Caesarean Sections. Ireland East Hospital Group and St Lukes General Hospital say they are continuously working to see how restrictions can be further eased for all maternity patients and their partners, as soon as possible. MASON CITY, Iowa - Staffers with the Cerro Gordo County Department of Engineering are counting the days when the keys to their new facility are officially handed over. The roughly $3.5 million facility, located behind the county Law Enforcement Center on the west side of Mason City, will feature a wash bay, expanded garage, sign shop and offices, as well as gasoline and diesel tanks, is a combination of three existing facilities. These include the Clear Lake shop next to the city pool, a sand/material lot on the east side of Clear Lake, and the South Federal Avenue shop. The sale of these properties is part of what is allowing the project to come in under budget. To help with further cost savings, the department is moving some existing equipment into the new facility, and some work like dirt removal, seeding and some interior work is being done by the department itself. County engineer Brandon Billings says the new facility will help improve operational efficiency. "The efficiency of the building is going to be amazing, and the money savings we have with heating and cooling the building. The access will be better, especially the engineer's office, not being on the second story anymore. The benefits to the public and the savings it's going to have for us is going to be a big improvement." One of the benefits of the new complex is the centralization of many functions. "I think it's being close to one of my sheds so I can actually talk to them easier every day than using the telephone. Interpersonal contact really helps the guys understand what I'm thinking better. It helps them give confidence in my orders because they're able to talk to me about it." The centralization of the new facility will also streamline snow moving abilities during the winter months, with trucks having easier access to be deployed directly onto county roads, as opposed to having to drive through town to access them. The facility is part of a larger plan that involves constructing new maintenance buildings or modernizing existing buildings throughout the county. MASON CITY, Iowa - Hunger remains a persistent problem in the U.S. Feeding America says 1 in 11 Iowans are struggling with hunger; for children, 1 in 8 struggle. A pilot program launching in two North Iowa counties aims to address that. Americorps is partnering with several organizations, including Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, Hope for Life, the Charles City Cultural Equity Board, CG Public Health, Healthy Harvest and MercyOne, on Fruits & Vegetable Vouchers. The vouchers will be available for those who qualify in Floyd and Cerro Gordo Counties beginning this year. The vouchers can be honored at farmers markets in Clear Lake, Mason City and Charles City, as well as the Charles City Hy-Vee. Erica Chick with Americorps notes of the need for access to fresh food can be found not just in urban, more populated areas. "It doesn't how matter how large your town is, that need is everywhere. It doesn't matter how small, how large. The important factor is getting the people to the food, and getting the food to the people." She adds that it makes sense to partner with farmers markets, considering their familiarity each summer, and the direct access to fresh food. "Connecting people with good food is very important, and that is something that will get us closer to becoming a Blue Zone, which is our ultimate goal." Melissa Clough with Iowa DHS says it's important to make good, high quality, healthy food available to those in need. "Depression, diabetes, there are many underlying conditions that people can benefit from eating and having that access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and how to prepare those, make it simple or complex. There's always something to learn and always a gap to fill." There are talks to expand it year-round, in partnership with Hy-Vee. "That way these vouchers are available to the citizens and people who really need the access to food can go directly to Hy-Vee and redeem thse vouchers as well." The voucher program, which was launched by the University of Northern Iowa about half a decade ago, has had great success in the Cedar Valley. Chick is hoping the program can be expanded throughout North Iowa. For those interested in participating in the program, contact your physician. Vouchers will be handed out during a free movie event in Charles City in June. ROCHESTER, Minn. - The CDC has made its final approval for kids ages 12 and up to get Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly a quarter of the new cases here in the U.S. are kids and teens, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With the final green light for 12 to 15-year-olds now eligible to get vaccinated, those statistics could end up changing. In Minnesota, that gives the go-ahead for nearly 300,000 more people to get the shot. Medical experts say doses could be available as soon as Thursday, but they're anticipating not every newly eligible person will be able to get the vaccine the first day. One Rochester dad said his 15-year-old daughter will get it as soon as she can. "We want to end this pandemic as soon as possible," explained Andrew Hodge. "I mean it's been chaotic, you've seen a lot of deaths and everything. But I want to get through it. I don't like this mask rule. I just want to live my life as normal as possible." Hodge is already thinking about when his toddler goes to school in the future. "Schools should require it, honestly. It's much safer now. Then you don't have to worry about who has it, who doesn't, who's going to be quarantined," he explained. "I mean, it's much easier." In late March, Pfizer said the clinical trial data showed its vaccine was 100% effective in preventing the illness in 12 to 15-year-olds. It would be the same two-dose series that's given to adults, with three weeks in between. Johnson & Johnson is studying its one-dose vaccine in ages 12 to 17. Pfizer and Moderna have begun trials with children as young as 6 months. MASON CITY, Iowa An assault over some trash results in jail time for a Mason City man. Joseph Randall Upshaw, 51, pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury for an incident on October 12. 2020. Authorities say Upshaw argued with someone over trash bins in the 500 block of 1st Street NE in Mason City. After the victim took Upshaws garbage and threw it into his yard, investigators say Upshaw hit the victim in the head with a blunt object. Upshaw has been sentenced to 17 days in jail, one year of supervised probation, and a $430 fine. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Emergency management officials issued a first-of-its kind alert following a high-speed collision Wednesday afternoon. Police describe the crash as a two-vehicle "T-bone," leaving at least one person injured. The incident forced authorities to close a stretch of Valleyhigh Drive NW in order to investigate the crash, blocking off a busy Rochester roadway for over an hour. In an effort to mitigate the disruption, officials sent wireless emergency alert to all cellphones within a targeted area near the crash, urging recipients to stay away until further notice. Rochester's Emergency Management Director Ken Jones tells KIMT it was the first time the city has issued such an alert, having only developed the ability and authority to do so within the past few months. "In the past, we were only able to use them for dire emergencies, not public safety issues, and we could only alert for the county, versus a small area," Jones said So now that we can send it out for other types of issues like this crash, we just decided 'hey, let's go ahead and use it for this, because this is a busy roadway, and it's going to be blocked for quite a while.'" Jones says similar targeted alerts may be used in the future, but only in the event of serious public safety and civil emergencies. He adds it's officials don't overuse the "The sort of things that we use it for will be very limited. It won't be just to say 'oh, there's a crash here, avoid the area.'" He continued, "we really want to reserve it for the more severe public safety issues, not just the sort of thing that we run across every day." ROCHESTER, Minn. - Plans for a new downtown apartment complex took another step forward Wednesday after securing support from Rochester's Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission voted unanimously to recommend city council members approve a preliminary plan for the project, being referred to as City Walk Apartments. The proposed seven-story complex would be located on the southwest corner of 2nd Street SW and 6th Avenue SW, featuring 131 units. The building would also include three floors of underground parking, as well as a pool deck. While the development is expected to exceed the property's density requirements, city staff say it would be consistent with the surrounding area. The plan is expected to be reviewed by the Rochester City Council next month. If approved, developer 988 Rochester LLC would need to submit a final plan for review before beginning construction. ROCHESTER, Minn. - May is Mental Health Awareness Month. US Senator Tina Smith is introducing a bipartisan bill to encourage more people to enter the mental health care field. The Health Resources and Services Administration estimates there will be a shortage of more than 250,000 mental health resources by 2025. Right now, more than 120,000,000 Americans live in areas with a shortage of these workers. Rural communities are people of color are most likely to be impacted by the shortage. The Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act would repay up to $250,000 in student loans for mental health care professionals working in a shortage area, and repay one-sixth of their loans for each year of service. Sen.Smith has shared her mental health journey with depression on the Senate floor, and more recently took to Twitter to talk about it for mental health awareness month. "I think there's some power in speaking out about this, sharing our stories, so we can start to address some of the stigma that exists still today over what's fundamentally a health challenge," she explains. A bipartisan companion bill has been introduced in the house. Sen. Smith is also working on legislation to expand mental health access in schools. FOREST CITY, Iowa 18 months after her arrest, a Forest City woman pleads guilty to possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Kirstie Michelle Pienta, 30, took a plea deal and was given three to five years of supervised probation. Pienta was arrested in November 2018 after Forest City police got a complaint of marijuana odor coming from Pientas apartment. Officers said a search of the apartment found Pienta inside with eight grams of marijuana, a bottle of Vyvanse with someone elses name crossed out, and two drug pipes. Vyvanse is a stimulant used to treat ADHD and binge-eating disorder. Rain chances return to southern Minnesota and northern Iowa Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Scattered rain showers will be possible on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday holds a better chance of rain, especially late in the day and into Sunday night. Definitely some good news, as much of the area, is still experiencing moderate drought conditions. Each hospital in Boone County will provide a daily report of either green status, yellow status or red status. COLUMBIA - During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people traveled. As people stayed home, revenue from the City of Columbias hotel occupancy tax has decreased. Hotel occupancies were especially low in May 2020, a time of year devoted to graduation ceremonies that never happened. Courtyard by Marriott's General Manager Eric Lawson said that the past year has been difficult. I think the struggles have just been people not travelling. The industry itself has just really been hit by that, Lawson said. The hotel industry is also dealing with labor shortages. Lawson said he is hiring in nearly every department and saw many other Columbia hotels having the same problem. With lockdown in full swing and graduation ceremonies moved to virtual formats, May 2020 saw hotel occupancy tax revenue drop heavily, down to $78,980. Comparingly, in May 2019, Columbia reported $360,941.88 in hotel occupancy tax revenue, according to a City of Columbia records request. 2016-2021 Monthly Columbia Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue City of Columbia records request showing the monthly revenue from the hotel occupancy tax from 2016-2021. 2020 and 2021 graduates have been able to cross the stage in-person this year, bringing back families and friends to town. Jim Clausing and his family came from Chicago to celebrate his daughter Megans 2020 graduation, a year later. It gave Megan a chance to have that goodbye if you will that she really didnt get to get last year, Clausing said. The Clausings stayed for the weekend at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Their ability to travel is a relief after a year of lockdown and even a positive COVID-19 diagnosis for Clausing and his wife. Thankfully, it was very mild symptoms, Clausing said. But we all went and got vaccinated, so I think there is hopefully light at the end of the tunnel. As people start to travel again, especially for in-person graduations in Columbia, hotels hope to see occupancies increase. That means more revenue for the city. Columbia has 35 hotels and motels with over 3,600 rooms, according to the 2021 fiscal year budget. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Tax revenue from hotel stays are important for Columbia as a resource for funding. A standard 4% tax is levied on each hotel stay to pay for the citys Convention and Tourism Fund. An additional 1% tax was added to help pay for improvements to the Columbia Regional Airport. The Convention and Tourism fund devotes 3% of the tax to promoting conventions and one percent to promoting tourist attractions. May 2019 occupancy tax revenue was the second highest total of the year. Only November, with many people coming to town for Thanksgiving, was higher with $370,445.32 in revenue. Much of Mays revenue came from families coming into town to see their loved one cross the stage at graduation ceremonies. City of Columbia Finance Department Business Services Manager Janice Finley said hotels are making a slow recovery in occupancy. We saw a pretty big drop, especially in April and May, Finley said. It seemed to make some recovery later in the year. Revenue surpassed $150,000/month from August to November, but dropped to $79,406.80 as COVID cases increased in December. Finley said the city saw a 46% drop in hotel tax revenue from 2019 to 2020. That represents about $1.5 million dollars. She said the drop in revenue will not affect construction on renovations at the Columbia Regional Airport. As in-person graduation returns, Finley expects the numbers to increase in May and beyond. We certainly expect the gross receipts and the occupancy rates to increase substantially, especially during the graduation season, Finley said. He also said greater occupancy rates mean more revenue for the city to use for attracting conventions and events, economic development and airport improvements. Greater occupancy rates are also important for hotel managers like Lawson. Thats why you work. Its to see the interactions with people and to have people in your hotel and to be able to take care of people. Thats why we do what we do, said Lawson. This May is looking better for tax revenue, as the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College have held or are holding in-person commencements. Position Objective: The Practice Manager has full responsibility and accountability for: the overall operation, financial and administrative performance of the assigned physician's practices (two to four); operational improvement, effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, and superior patient experience; election, mentoring, education, development, and performance of practice/HCE employees; leading cross practice projects and coordination with other practice managers/supervisors; communication and cooperation with AAMC stakeholders relevant to the physician practices; and contribution to the strategic decision making, applicable to the physician practices. The Practice Manager must establish and maintain a working relationship with and trust of the physician(s) and keep the Director informed of all issues which affect the practice. The Practice Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating with other HCE functions such as, but not limited to, the Central Business Office, Information Support, Training, AAMC HR, and AAMC Risk Management. The intent of this position description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Duties may be deleted and additional duties may be assigned at the Executive Director's discretion. Essential Job Duties: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to Meets at regular intervals with office staff to implement office and personnel performance improvement initiatives. Meets regularly with the physicians to discuss operational issues. Leads in the development of an annual operating budget for each practice. Monitor the day to day activities of the office and assure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for efficient and effective operations. Acts as office spokesperson for outside agencies and contacts Maintains appropriate documents and licenses required to assure compliance with regulatory mandates. Approve bi-weekly payroll for all practice employees. Approve all expenditures and ordering of supplies according to HCE policies and signature authority. Communicates financial and billing information with providers on a regular basis. Maintains contact with the Executive Director or Practice Director regarding important issues. Monitor the daily charge capture process and provides feedback to the Central Billing Office. Assist in the quality enhancement programs and insure HIPAA compliance at all times. Educational/Experience Requirements: Bachelor degree or equivalent in business administration, health administration, finance or related field, and three or more years of experience managing a private physician practice or, Proficient in the use of spreadsheet software and database systems Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated Physician relationship skills Strong presentation skills Ability to manage multiple priorities, conflicting demands High motivation and achievement orientation Ability to manage multiple practice locations RequiredLicense/Certifications: Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Physical Demands - Light Work 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. The unprecedented events of 2020 changed so much about life as we knew it. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This map shows vaccine uptake by ZIP code across the state, with blues being higher vaccination rates and reds representing lower uptake. Locally, Steuben County, northeast Noble and western DeKalb counties are showing higher uptake, while more rural areas are showing far lower rates. Western LaGrange County, with a high Amish population, is one of the lowest vaccinated areas in the state. Primary responsibility is for all accounts payable functions. Shared duties involve: accounts receivable payroll accounting functions including account reconciliations and collections, etc. Experience in Payroll preferred. Full time, Monday thru Friday plus benefits package. If you would like to become a part of our community hospital, submit your information and begin the application process by emailing Kim Frank, Director of Human Resources. Virginia Gay Hospital is the communitys largest employer and provides a wide array of services, diagnostic testing, and clinical expertise (Acute Care (inpatient), Emergency Medicine, Home Health, Imaging Services, Laboratory, Nursing and Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy, Sleep Studies, Surgical Services and Therapy Services. As a leader in rural healthcare and specializing in family medicine Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics serves families in the greater Benton County, Iowa with family medical clinics in Atkins (SE Benton Co.), Van Horne (SW Benton Co.), Urbana (NE Benton Co.) and in Vinton. Founded with a gift from Virginia Walcutt-Gay in 1914, the hospital has been able to maintain independence because of the generous support from the community. recblid nzyqywnf192ofl988n0s5dw2c2ybkh Students in Hefei University of Technology present bouquets to nurses who are on campus vaccinating students against COVID-19 to express their wishes on May 12, 2021. International Nurses Day is marked annually on May 12. (Photo by Yang zhu/Anhui Daily) Li Kui and Wang Anran, a couple who work as nurses in Binhu Hospital, examine an old man in a nursing home in Hefei, capital of Anhui province, on May 11, 2021. International Nurses Day is marked annually on May 12. (Photo by Cheng Zhao/Anhui Daily) A Chinese Communist Party (CPC) member in Hefei, capital of Anhui province, volunteers to present flowers and a cake to nurses in a local hospital to express gratitude on May 10, 2021. International Nurses Day is marked annually on May 12. (Photo by Zhao Ming/Anhui Daily) (By Yang Zixuan) BUS DRIVERS LET YOUR CDL TAKE YOU PLACES! Opportunities in Kansas City Greyhound is always interested in meeting CDL drivers who bring a history of safe driving and a commitment to customer service with them. As part of our driving team you'll benefit from the unending support of a transportation leader and profit from the generous compensation you deserve. PAID TRAINING EXCELLENT WAGES AND BENEFITS FREE TRAVEL PASSES Take your place in the driver's seat and Go Greyhound. Apply online Today for a seat at our next paid training program. GREYHOUND About Greyhound: Greyhounds iconic brand is synonymous with affordable long distance travel in North America and a unique national network. Founded in 1914, Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving 2400 destinations across North America with a modern, environmentally friendly fleet. It has become an American icon, providing safe, enjoyable and affordable travel to nearly 16 million passengers each year in the United States and Canada. The Greyhound running dog is one of the most-recognized brands in the world. While Greyhound is well known for its regularly scheduled passenger service, the company also provides a number of other services for its customers. Greyhound Package Express service offers value-priced same-day and early-next-day package delivery to thousands of destinations in North America. And the company also offers charter packages for businesses, conventions, schools and other groups at competitive rates. Greyhound has additional operating entities: BoltBus, serving the Northeast and Western regions of the United States. In 2010, the company launched its premium city-to-city service, Greyhound Express, and has since quickly expanded the popular service to more than 135 markets across North America. It also operates Greyhound Connect, a service that connects rural communities to larger Greyhound markets in the United States. In addition, Greyhound has interline partnerships with a number of independent bus lines across the United States. These bus companies provide complementary service to Greyhound Lines' existing schedules and link to many of the smaller towns in Greyhound Lines' national route system. Amtrak passengers use Greyhound to make connections to cities not served by rail on Amtrak Thruway service by purchasing a ticket for the bus connection from Amtrak in conjunction with the purchase of their rail ticket. Passengers may also buy a bus ticket directly from Greyhound. Greyhound is owned by FirstGroup plc, the leading transport operator in the United Kingdom and North America. We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. With revenues of more than 5 billion per annum and about 110,000 employees, the company transports more than 2.2 billion passengers every year recblid 0rtxh58l31qzs6langwtd63aomntay POSITION TITLE: Welder III (Metal Fabrication Department) STRONGARM Designs provides the ideal HMI solution to the healthcare, bio-pharmaceutical, food, and other industries. We are diligently seeking to hire a candidate for TIG/GTAW welding formed sheet metal and cast metal components. This position provides welded metal components which are used to support and fabricate our entire line of products including CleanMount, Vertica, Mobile Stations, and Suite-Stations. Join a team and company with endless innovative visions in a rapidly growing, leading industry! JOB DESCRIPTION: Operate a TIG welding machine to join metal together based on provided print. Fit, tack, and weld metal which include various sizes and shapes from either the press brake, laser cutter, or cast parts. Welding includes components with both square and curved surfaces. Maintain and ensure quality and aesthetic standards to for custom HMI systems. This position reports directly to the Manufacturing Manager. WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL IS THE FOLLOWING: $23-$27/hr competitive compensation based on experience and certification PTO, Sick, and personal days 401K, Health insurance, vision, dental Continuous improvement company philosophy STRONGARM swag Yearly employee reviews A place to grow professionally and personally 25 coke machine REQUIREMENTS: Prior experience TIG welding thin gauge stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum a must (typically 14-gauge 304 stainless steel). Experience reading prints and welding symbols a must Able to use and read various measuring devices such as calipers and protractors High-energy individual who is able to stand, bend, lift, and/or walk for 2+ hours at a time Mechanically inclined with an eye for detail Knowledge of the different types of metal used at STRONGARM (stainless steel, CRS, and aluminum) Knowledge of sheet metal gauges Prior knowledge and ability to weld all typical types of joints (including butt joints, lap joints, corner joints, tree joints, and edge joints) RESPONSIBILITIES: Join metal together using a TIG welding machine including both square and curved surfaces. Perform measurements/inspection to ensure conformance to work orders and drawing specifications such as flatness, parallelism, and dimensions. Fill non-conforming materials reports for incoming materials that are out of spec or defective. Ensure quality and aesthetic standards are maintained. Clock in and out of work order travelers using the VISUAL bar code system. DESIRED REQUIREMENTS: A willingness to learn and take direction Continuous Improvement professionally and personally Works well with others and with little supervision Positive attitude and driven STRONGARM SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR COVID-19: Safety protocols at STRONGARM include disinfecting high touch areas every day, every two hours: door handles, bathroom stalls, etc. They include mandatory masks, social distancing, and temperature checks. Hand sanitizer is available at every workstation. Employees are encouraged to stay home if they experience any related symptoms and the company offers an extra 2 weeks paid time off for COVID-19 related reasons. recblid 013c6auvocb6tfccjysi48pqwhm7ez POSITION TITLE: Machine Operator Level II STRONGARM DESIGNS provides the ideal HMI solution to the healthcare, biopharmaceutical, food, and other industries. We are diligently seeking to hire a candidate for operation of our HAAS machining center. This position provides machine components supporting our entire line of products including CleanMount, Vertica, Mobile Stations, and SuiteStations. Join a team and company with endless innovative visions in a rapidly growing, leading industry! JOB DESCRIPTION: Operate the HAAS machining centers to machine parts from various materials including fabricated and cast aluminum, stainless steel, and cold rolled steel. Ensures quality and machined tolerances meet requirements set by design engineers. This position reports directly to the Manufacturing Manager. WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER THE RIGHT INDIVIDUAL IS THE FOLLOWING: $19$22/hr competitive compensation based on experience and certification PTO, Sick, and personal days 401K, Health insurance, vision, dental Continuous improvement company philosophy STRONGARM swag Yearly employee reviews A place to grow professionally and personally 25 coke machine REQUIREMENTS: Prior machining experience a must Prior knowledge of G and M codes a must (0.52 years) Ability to read prints Problemsolving skills a must Able to use and read various measuring devices including calipers, depth gauges, etc. Highenergy individual who is able to stand, bend, lift, and/or walk for 2+ hours at a time Mechanically inclined with an eye for detail Prior machining experience a must, 25 years RESPONSIBILITIES: Accurately clock in and out of work order travelers using the VISUAL barcode system Code, setup, and operate the machining centers Maintain equipment as required by the operator manual and company maintenance schedule Assist in tracking stock of supplies and raw materials to ensure adequate level of inventory Perform work within the perimeters of the company policies and procedures Ensure quality standards are maintained Ensure designed machined tolerances are met Fill out quality documents for nonconforming materials DESIRED REQUIREMENTS: A willingness to learn and take direction Continuous Improvement professionally and personally Works well with others and with little supervision Positive attitude and driven STRONGARM SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR COVID19: Safety protocols at STRONGARM include disinfecting high touch areas every day, every two hours: door handles, bathroom stalls, etc. They include mandatory masks, social distancing, and temperature checks. Hand sanitizer is available at every workstation. Employees are encouraged to stay home if they experience any related symptoms and the company offers an extra 2 weeks paid time off for COVID19 related reasons. recblid wjtpi3ayj0s4exmuf4h6i6vxcaml47 It has long been a divisive issue: how much money the United States gives to foreign nations in aid, what kind of effect development assistance actually has on recipient nations, and whether America should be involved in the aid-giving business at all. Advocates of foreign aid say programs backed by U.S. funding help feed the needy, promote social and economic progress, and foster political stability. Critics, on the other hand, point to fraud and the misuse of aid, inadequate tracking of provisions, and the prospect of nations becoming dependent on U.S. handouts. So whats true and whats false about one of politics most contentious issues? More than 20% of Americas federal budget goes to foreign aid. False The amount is actually about 1%. The current projected spending for fiscal year 2017 is $4 trillion. The Obama administration had planned for $41.9 billion in foreign aid for this year. Polls show that Americans typically believe that the U.S. spends 25% to 27% on foreign aid. Tons of basic food supplies such as grains, flour and protein powders, donated by the U.S. Agency for International Development, are kept in secured buildings to provide for the hundreds of thousands of people at the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) Afghanistan is slated to be the biggest recipient of U.S. foreign aid this year. True The planned amount of American aid for Afghanistan in 2017 is $4.7 billion, according to the website ForeignAssistance.gov, a tool for tracking U.S. foreign assistance spending. Funding to this Asian nation is intended to support the agricultural sector by creating jobs; build a national education system; assist reproductive health; and establish basic infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, according to information published by the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. In 2014, Afghanistan received $7.3 billion in foreign assistance from the U.S., of which more than half went toward conflict prevention and security, according to USAID. Israel comes in second among U.S. aid recipients, with a planned disbursement of $3.1 billion in 2017, according to U.S. government statistics. Jordan is third at $1 billion. This 2012 photo shows hand pump mechanics who have been trained through USAIDs Afghan Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project. They are paid by community contributions for the maintenance of wells. (Tetra Tech) Slashing foreign aid would reduce the federal deficit by as much as 20%. False Experts say cutting the foreign aid budget, which currently amounts to $50.1 billion, would do very little to reduce the deficit, which in 2016 was $552 billion. The New Stock Exchange in New York. (Bryan R. Smith / AFP/Getty Images) President Trump wants to slash the U.S. foreign assistance programs by more than 20%. True In March, as part of his suggested budget for fiscal year 2018, President Trump proposed a combined budget of $25.6 billion for both the State Department and that U.S. Agency for International Development. That would be an estimated 28% cut in current spending on foreign assistance programs and U.S. diplomatic engagement, which total $50 billion for the current fiscal year. According to a 15-page State Department budget document obtained by Foreign Policy magazine and detailed in a report by the publication in April, global health programs would take a 25% cut in aid while, among other sectors, the Bureau for Food Security, which works on eliminating hunger, would lose 68% of its funding. Congress would have to vote on the presidents budget once he releases it, possibly late this month. In the meantime, a more than $1-trillion funding package that Congress and the White House agreed to on Sunday to keep the government afloat through the remainder of the 2017 budget year maintains most foreign aid programs and increases spending for international famine relief. Copies of President Trump's America First budget at the Government Publishing Officebookstore in Washington, D.C. (Shawn Thew / European Press Agency) Aid to Israel will face the ax next year. False Aid to Israel is safe at least under Trumps proposed budget. Last year, the U.S. signed a 10-year defense deal with Israel that promises to provide the Middle Eastern nation a record $38 billion in security aid. The United States agreed to a $38 billion, 10-year aid package for Israel in September. (Drew Angerer / Pool Photo) Scandals that have beset U.S. aid programs include theft of malaria drugs and laundering of HIV/AIDS program funds. True Millions of dollars worth of antimalarial drugs provided by the U.S. government are being stolen and resold on the black market in Africa, according USAIDs office of inspector general, which monitors the agency. The U.S. government fights malaria in 19 African countries through a program called the Presidents Malaria Initiative. In January, the inspector generals office reported that an investigation it launched in the West African nation of Guinea led to the arrest of eight people on suspicion of illegally selling USAID-issued antimalarial drugs in public markets of Conakry, the countrys capital. U.S. funding for combating malaria has exceeded $72 million since fiscal year 2011 and amounted to $15 million in fiscal year 2016, according to the office. Last year, the monitoring agency announced the relaunch of its Make a Difference Malaria hotline to make it easier for Nigerians to report stolen, counterfeit or resale antimalarial drugs. The hotline offers rewards of $100 to $10,000. A similar program is underway in Malawi, according to the office. USAIDs funds have also fallen victim to money laundering. In February, the agency announced the arrest of a South African doctor, Eugene Sickle, who served as deputy executive director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute program. Sickle is being investigated for his alleged role in a fraud scheme that targeted funds from USAID, which since 2012 has awarded grants worth nearly $77 million to help strengthen treatment programs for HIV/AIDS patients, according to the agency. A baby in Kenya receives a malaria vaccine. (Karel Prinsloo / Associated Press) Once a foreign aid recipient, always a foreign aid recipient. True and false Critics have contended that foreign aid make nations perpetually needy and unable to break the cycle of dependency. Perhaps the largest reason is corruption, James M. Roberts, a research fellow for economic freedom and growth at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has called for a scaling back of USAID funding, wrote in a 2014 commentary. Its the pre-existing condition that keeps many aid recipients from ever recovering. Its a major obstacle to economic growth. Some critics single out Afghanistan, where international aid has become the backbone of its economy, as a likely candidate for dependency on aid. They point to a 2014 report from the the office of special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, which said evidence strongly suggests that Afghanistan lacks the capacity financial, technical, managerial or otherwise to maintain, support and execute much of what has been built or established during more than a decade of international assistance." But several of Americas key trading partners were once recipients of U.S. aid and today receive limited, if any, assistance from USAID, according to data from the agency. South Korea, for example, has been dubbed by some analysts as a poster child for successful poverty eradication and is today itself a donor of humanitarian assistance. USAID calls the Asian nation a textbook example of aid-recipient-turned donor. According to a 2012 report from the Center for Global Development and the Center for American Progress, nations need not be aid recipients forever. In the 1960s, nations across Latin America and Asia were dismissed as perennial basket cases yet countries in both regions combined sensible reforms with a jump-start from U.S. assistance programs to achieve dynamic, lasting growth, according to the report. South Korea, once a recipient of U.S. aid, is today Asia's fourth-largest economy (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) Foreign aid has long enjoyed bipartisan support among Republicans and Democrats. True In the 1990s, foreign aid bills had a hard time passing through Congress, but that changed with Presidents George W. Bush and Obama, said George Ingram, a senior fellow in the global economy and development program at the Brookings Institution . Speaking during a Brookings Cafeteria Podcast last month, Ingram said the last Congress had passed eight bills supporting foreign aid. After Trump proposed cuts to foreign aid and international diplomacy in his budget, 43 U.S. senators signed a bipartisan letter urging against the reductions. The U.S. Capitol in Washington, where U.S. foreign aid has long enjoyed bipartisan support. (Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images) Foreign aid does more harm than good and is a waste of money. Depends on whom you ask Supporters arguments include: Helping to end maternal and child mortality. At least 4.6 million children and 200,000 mothers are alive today in part because of USAID-funded programs, agency officials said. Ensuring that people dont go hungry. The U.S. governments Feed the Future initiative has helped more than 9 million farmers gain access to new tools or technologies such as high-yielding seeds, fertilizer application, soil conservation and water management, according to USAID. Improving reading instruction and creating safe learning environments for more than 41.6 million children from 2011 to 2015. Providing access to clean water and sanitation. As of 2015, more than 7.6 million people had received improved access to drinking water and more than 4.3 million people had improved sanitation. Helping to stabilize nations by promoting democracy, human rights and good governance around the world. Detractors counter that: U.S. aid shouldnt go to countries that harbor terrorists who want to harm Americans, such as Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden had taken refuge not far from a Pakistani military compound before U.S. intelligence discovered him there. The U.S. has drastically cut aid to Pakistan in recent years, but the South Asian nation still received $383 million in 2016, according to U.S. government data, and $742,200,000 is planned for Pakistan in fiscal year 2017. There is too little accountability for those who abuse U.S. aid through theft or misuse. Foreign aid encourages corruption and conflict and stifles the will to pursue free enterprise, because recipients become dependent. A saturation of food aid can undermine opportunities for local agricultural markets to develop. American money should be spent on aiding Americans, such as the almost 50,000 U.S. veterans who are homeless, according to data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. ann.simmons@latimes.com For more on global development news, see our Global Development Watch page, and follow me @AMSimmons1 on Twitter UPDATES: 5:05 p.m., May 10: This article has been updated to reflect current data from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the website ForeignAssistance.gov. This article was originally published at 6:45 p.m. on May 3, 2017. Market Data Insights Analyst, Apple Music - Russia Seattle , Washington , United States Software and Services Summary Posted: May 10, 2021 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200245115 Do you love music? Movies? Are you passionate about analyzing data? We do! As part of the Evaluation & A/B team, you will be a market expert for our Apple Music and Apple TV service. We represent the user's perspective as they vet new features being introduced to Apple Music and Apple TV. Our day-to-day responsibilities will include reviewing data, analyzing data, and creating innovative ideas to help improve Apple search features, and reporting systematic issues to statisticians and engineers. We are looking for someone who is just as passionate about movies and tv as we are! This individual must have Native or fluency in a regional language: Russian and English. Key Qualifications Demonstrated experience analyzing large data sets and generating reports that identify patterns for Apple Music Works well with cross-functional teams, Engineers/Data Scientists who build complex algorithms Ability to work effectively in a team environment with exceptional interpersonal skills Technical - strong quantitative skills, including analytical abilities and math proficiency Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Solid verbal and written communication skills Ability to work successfully with teams on multiple projects under tight deadlines High attention to detail Willingness to be proactive in bringing new, innovative ideas to the table Required: Native or fluent in a regional language: Russian and English Experience with data, financial, or business analysis using SQL, macros, etc. Experience with search and recommendations engines Experience working in the music or movies/tv space Description This person will be accountable for the day-to-day analysis for their market, and ensuring timely completion of projects. Supervise the quality of ratings for external vendors, collaborate and provide feedback to vendor PMs Create high quality reports analyzing the issues and patterns for your market and provide feedback to managers, statisticians, and engineers Train and lead fellow Analysts, help improve overall team growth Collaborate with Statisticians and Engineers to evaluate and analyze Apple's search algorithms and data, and identify opportunities for improvement Vet new relevance algorithms and features by rating pages and providing feedback to the engineers for improvement Use metrics and query logs to uncover relevance and data issues and suggest changes to algorithms Work cross-functionally to help resolve search and recommendations issues Education & Experience BA/BS or equivalent industry experience A missing case quickly turned into murder when the body of a Las Vegas toddler was discovered, prompting the confession of the suspect to the heinous crime. The body of the two-year-old victim, identified as Amari Nicholson, was found on Wednesday. After hours, the suspect, the boyfriend of the victim's mom, was ordered held without bail, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. KTNV Las Vegas said that Nicholson went missing on May 5 near Paradise Road and Twain Avenue. Because of this, the authorities prompted a massive search as the victim's family and volunteers hoped to find the Las Vegas toddler. READ NEXT: Birthday Celebrant Names the Victims in Colorado Springs Shooting Missing Las Vegas Toddler Found Dead Washington Examiner reported that Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the boy was found in the 400 block of East Twain Avenue. The said location is less than a mile from the Emerald Suites, where the Las Vegas toddler was last seen. The victim's body was found around 1:10 in the afternoon. The death of the toddler was announced by the mother on Facebook, saying, "my baby is gone and is never coming home." The mother also noted on her post that she never knew anything about her boyfriend's involvement in her son's disappearance. However, a public page on Facebook confirmed that the post was already taken down. Mom's Boyfriend Confesses On Tuesday, Terrell Rhodes was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to Amari's disappearance. After which, Rhodes admitted to the authorities that he hit the child multiple times, causing his death. He said he hid the child's body. On the same day of the dead body's discovery, at around 2:00 p.m., the authorities started a probe on the apartment where the victim's mother, Tayler Nicholson, and Rhodes lived. Crime scene tapes were reported to be surrounding a parking lot of the Sigel Suites at 454 E. Twain Avenue. The prosecutor confirmed that Rhodes hid the body of the toddler. The authorities also discovered blood on the wall of his apartment and soiled clothing of a child. "I never knew he did this, he never said anything to me about his involvement," said the mother of Nicholson on the then deleted post. Meanwhile, the grandmother of the Las Vegas toddler is convinced that Rhodes is guilty of murdering her grandson. The grandmother also confirmed in KRDO that the suspect murdered the toddler because the child peed in his pants. "This case started as a missing person investigation, and unfortunately, I'm here to tell you today that it is now a homicide," said Lt. Richard Meyers from the Las Vegas Police Department. Meyers also added that as the investigation progressed, it became clearer for them that Rhodes is their primary suspect. Rhodes, who now faces homicide charges for the case of the missing Las Vegas toddler, is due to be back in court on May 17. READ MORE: "The Worst Nightmare": District Superintendent Says as Sixth Grade Girl Opens Fire at Idaho Middle School WATCH: What are child abuse and neglect? - from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sinaloa cartel's Jesus "El Rey" Zambada has been granted relief with his removal from the United States financial sanctions due to good behavioral change. He was known to have testified against El Chapo during the trial. U.S. Treasury Department's information stated that El Rey was removed from the sanctions list of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, according to a U.S. News report. A spokesman from the department said that the former Sinaloa cartel top official was no longer involved in sanctionable activities. The spokesman added that the person could be re-designated should new evidence or situations merit. El Rey was the Sinaloa cartel's chief accountant for more than 15 years. He has also served as a star witness during El Chapo's 2018 trial in New York. READ MORE: Sinaloa Cartel Founder 'El Guero' Is Still in Custody of Mexican Authorities El Rey Testifying El Rey testified that his brother Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and El Chapo were considered to be the chief leaders of the Sinaloa cartel. The prosecution used El Rey as only its third witness, which caused a surprise in the trial. His 2008 arrest for drug trafficking charges extradited him to the U.S., and he pleaded guilty. El Rey admitted during El Chapo's trial that he had organized helicopter transport for the drug kingpin after a prison escape in 2001. He also divulged that he had spoken to El Chapo a number of times and was informed of the management of the cartel. El Rey was asked numerous times why he knew all the things that he said at the court. He answered he was also in the cartel at a high level, according to another The Guardian report. He also revealed about allies in the law enforcement, noting that the shipment of cocaine from Colombia unto Chiapas was secured by government officials from the PGR or attorney general's office. El Rey also said that the federal transport police were on their side. He also said that he himself, with his brother's lawyer, personally met with Genaro Garcia Luna, former Mexican President Felipe Calderon's top security official. El Rey said he first met Garcia Luna between 2005 and 2006. During that time, he said he gave Garcia Luna the $3 million in exchange for political protection for the Sinaloa cartel's operation, according to a Rolling Stone report. El Chapo of Sinaloa Cartel El Chapo had managed to escape Mexican authorities by fleeing Mexico's most secure prison. Hours after his capture in Los Mochis on Jan. 8, 2016, he warned police that they are all going to die, according to a BBC News report. El Chapo has been served a life sentence plus 30 years for international drug smuggling in a three-month trial that revealed his criminal organization. He started being a member of organized crime at the age of 15. He was reported to grow his own marijuana plantation with his cousins. El Chapo's mother said that her son had always fought for a better life. The now-notorious leader of the Sinaloa cartel had risen through ranks when he first started as a hitman. He is now imprisoned in ADX Florence, which is a maximum facility. READ NEXT: Mexican President Defends Release of Infamous Drug Kingpin Targeted by U.S. WATCH: El Chapo trial witness: Ex-Mexico security chief was bribed - from CBS News U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has decided to resume the border wall construction after initially fighting former President Donald Trump's border wall plans. The Biden administration will now continue the construction of a long section of wall in Texas as the current administration struggles with the growing migrant crisis at the border, according to The Daily Wire report. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin said that the news outlet had confirmed through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the border construction in the Rio Grande Valley will resume after pressure from residents and politicians. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that he had a conversation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees last month. During the discussion, Mayorkas opened that the administration was considering finishing the holes left in the wall. READ MORE: Biden Urged To Declare National Emergency at the Border Biden Administration Cancelling Border Wall Construction Pres. Biden has signed an executive order on January 20 about the border wall construction during the Trump administration. Under the proclamation, Biden stated that the federal government would no longer use taxpayers' money to construct a border wall, according to a USA Today report. Biden earlier said that the U.S. has the right to secure its borders. However, he added that building a wall is not a serious policy solution. The president noted that it is a waste of money that diverts focus from the real threats in the U.S. Secretaries of involved agencies, such as Defense and Homeland Security, were mandated to develop a plan for the redirection of funds. The signed executive order did not state whether the border wall would be torn down. Biden has earlier said that there will not be another foot of wall built during his administration. Biden's official website earlier said that he would divert the funds on the border wall to other resources, such as smart border enforcement efforts and improving screening infrastructure. Trump's Border Wall Around 654 miles of the border wall were already in place before Trump became president in 2017. The border wall covers the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, according to a BBC News report. The Trump administration announced that they had completed more than 400 miles of a border wall since then. Trump earlier claimed in 2016 that Mexico would pay for the wall. However, this did not push through. The federal government has to pay for the wall, which caused arguments between the Trump administration and Congress about funding it. In January 2018, Trump had asked Congress to pay $18 billion over the next decade for the next construction of the border wall. However, Trump failed to procure funds, which led the former president to use national emergency powers in 2019 to divert funds from the Defense Department. The Customs and Border Protection face over 173,000 immigrants crossing the U.S. from the border with Mexico, which is a slight increase from March, according to an NBC News report. The CBP said that 62.5 percent of migrants were expelled under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority. ALSO READ: Biden Admin May Have To Restart Border Wall Construction To Fill Holes WATCH: Biden administration to finally resume border wall construction | Breaking - from Fox News Following a call on social media to report similar incident to the law enforcement, a California man spotted traveling in the back seat of a driverless Tesla was arrested in the Bay Area on Monday night, authorities said. In a statement released on Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol said Param Sharma was arrested on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and disobeying a peace officer. The 25-year-old California man went home after spending the night in Santa Rita Jail. According to The New York Times, the Highway Patrol said that the police officers responded at around 6:35 p.m. after 911 dispatchers received calls regarding a Tesla Model 3 traveling east on Interstate 80 across the Bay Bridge with no one in the driver's seat. Based on the Highway Patrol report, one of their highway patrol officers at the bridge's toll plaza seen the Tesla with its sole passenger sitting in the back seat. The officer from the Highway Patrol also saw the California man moved into the driver's seat while he was trying to pull the car over. Param Sharma then stopped the Tesla on the shoulder of Interstate 80, where he was arrested. Param Sharma was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, and the Tesla Model 3 was towed from the area where the California man was arrested. The said vehicle would be considered as evidence. The New York Times asked Param Sharma for a comment on his case on Wednesday. However, he did not respond. READ NEXT: San Diego Region Can Outlast Drought Conditions Possibly in the Next 1-2 Years, Water Authority Suggests California Law for Self-Driving Cars Like Tesla A Highway Patrol's spokesman, Officer John Fransen, said that it is illegal in the state of California for a self-driving vehicle to operate without a person behind the wheel. He noted that they want the people to recognize that driving is an "immense responsibility." Fransen added that driving should not have distractions and it is not playing around with the technology. After his release from jail, Sharma told the news station KTVU that his use of the Tesla car was not dangerous. The California man noted that he would not change his behavior after his arrest. He also said that he was just "gonna go in the back seat right now" as he waiting for his car to charge. Meanwhile, a man who appears to be Sharma was seen on an Instagram video sitting in the back seat of a moving Tesla with his foot on the steering wheel. The video was seemed to be posted on Tuesday on Sharma's Instagram with an account name "GoldCollarLavish." A device was also visible inside the vehicle that shows an article with the headline, "Man seen riding in the back of Tesla with no driver." The arrested California man has praised the chief executive of Tesla, Elon Musk, saying he really knows what he's doing. He also told KTVU that he thinks people are tripping and they are just scared. Before the Arrest of Param Sharma Before the arrest, the Highway Patrol noted that residents of the Bay Area captured in a video someone who resembled Sharma using a driverless car in the same reckless manner. The California man had been cited on April 27 for similar behavior by the Oakland area division of the agency, The New York Post reported. READ MORE: White House Announces Partnership with Uber and Lyft: Free Rides to Vaccination Sites WATCH: Tesla Owner Arrested After Being Caught 'Backseat Driving' - From Good Morning America California Governor Gavin Newsom said that the residents may soon enjoy the outdoors as the state will no longer require Californians to wear their face masks by June 15. The governor confirmed the changes on the mask mandates in an interview with Fox 11, as cited by Fox News on Tuesday. Newsom emphasized that restrictions will not take in any "way, shape, or form." I ask @GavinNewsom what CA looks like on June 15th? "That world looks a lot like the world we entered into before the pandemic, we're not wearing face coverings, we're not restricted..." The exception? "Huge large scale indoor convention events where we'll use our common sense" pic.twitter.com/plORqOwdZJ Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) May 12, 2021 Newsom confirmed the details a day after he announced the second wave of $600 stimulus check intended for the middle-class and low-income taxpayers of California. On Monday, the California governor shared that taxpayers earning $75,000 will be given the stimulus check, as well as an additional $500 to the families who have dependent children. Undocumented families in the state will also benefit from the said plan. READ NEXT: Newsom To Face Recall Election After Signature Threshold Reached What Happens to Face Masks by June 15? Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed that face-covering will be out by June 15 and the activities that people used to do will also not be restricted. However, the governor noted that face masks might still be required to "large-scale indoor conventions" where the people need to use their common sense. June 15 will mark one year since Californians were required to wear face coverings in public places. The said guidance will not require the residents to wear face masks in public places. However, apart from large indoor gatherings, face masks should be worn during an indoor gathering with people who are not vaccinated. Meanwhile, fully vaccinated Californians will be allowed to attend indoor gatherings without masks. Newsom's confirmation on Tuesday comes as California's Secretary of Health and Human Services Mark Ghaly also said the same day that the state is on track in dropping the tier restrictions that have limited capacity at businesses, Deadline reported. However, ABC News pointed out that Newsom altered his words a day later, saying that California "sill still have likely some mask guidelines and mandates," when it comes to indoor activities. "The bottom line is, we'll go back to most of broad strokes semblance of normalcy if we continue down this path," said Newsom. He added that they hope sooner or later, the face mask indoor mandates "will be lifted as well." Meanwhile, Fox News noted the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is considering changing its workplace mask rules later this month. The proposed rule by the state board would not require the employees to wear face masks in the workplace if all the workers are fully vaccinated, and no employees possess COVID-19 symptoms. California and Vaccination Gov. Gavin Newsom was placed under pressure to relax the coronavirus restrictions as the number of new cases decline in the state. ABC News highlighted that the rate of people in California testing positive for COVID-19 1.1 percent, which is the lowest in the whole U.S. In terms of vaccination, more than 14.6 million people are fully vaccinated against coronavirus and 5.1 million are partially vaccinated against the notorious virus. Despite Newsom's confirmation of easing the mask mandate by June 15, spokeswoman for the California Department of Public Health, Ali Bay, encouraged the Californians to follow the state's current face mask guidelines. READ MORE: Democrats Express Support to Gavin Newsom Over Recall Elections WATCH: California aims to fully reopen its economy June 15, Newsom announces - from FOX 11 A Florida woman was arrested after she allegedly entered a Miami school and pretended to be a high school student to promote her Instagram account. Audrey Nicole Francisquini was charged with burglary, educational institution interference, as well as resisting an officer, People reported. The 28-year-old Florida woman reportedly sneaked into the American Senior High School in Hialeah. An arrest report said that she started blending in with the students after she entered the school. Audrey Nicole Francisquini was reported to have a backpack and dressed the same as the students. She was also reportedly carrying a skateboard and a painting, according to Miami-Dade police. Instagram Account Promotion The Florida woman also handed out pamphlets with her Instagram account name and asked students to follow her. Security then stopped Francisquini after she was seen walking through the halls while classes are ongoing. The suspect claimed that she was looking for the registration office. But she continued to roam the halls instead of going to the registration office, NBC News reported. The Florida woman was then stopped for the second time by the security, causing her to fled. Security then reported her as a "potential threat" on the campus. Police identified Audrey Nicole Francisquini through her Instagram account, leading to her arrest in North Miami Beach on Monday. The Florida woman was taken to a Miami-Dade jail. According to court records, she has since been released from prison. A spokesperson for Miami-Dade County Public Schools said the incident is being reviewed now. The spokesperson continued to say that Miami-Dade County Public Schools will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of their students and working personnel. READ NEXT: Florida Woman Who Coughed On a Cancer Patient Gets 30-Day Jail Time Another Florida Woman Arrested In a separate case, Danielle Miller of Miami, Florida was charged Tuesday with wire fraud. She allegedly accessed and used the victim's online Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles records to fraudulently claim a pandemic-related federal loan that she used for a private flight to California. Danielle Miller even stayed at luxury hotels before she has been arrested, police said. Prosecutors noted that the 31-year-old Florida woman applied for a claim and received more than $100,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan through U.S. Small Business Administration in August, Tampa Bay Times reported. Authorities said the suspect posted photos of herself at the hotels on her Instagram account. Danielle Miller reportedly has an active social media presence on her Instagram "killadmilla" account with over 34,000 followers. Prosecutors said she also tried to fraudulently apply for $900,000 other loans. Miller faces up to 20 years in prison if proven guilty of the charges filed against her. She is set to appear in a federal court in Boston at a later date. Florida Crime Rate Florida's violent crime rate stands at 384.9 incidents per 100,000, which is almost exactly in line with the national crime rates in 2020. Florida City was identified as the most dangerous city in the state, with 3,052.8 incidents per 100,000 people. It was eight times higher compared to the national violent crime rate. According to USA Today, Opa Locka and Lake City also ranked among the most dangerous cities in the country. READ MORE: 2 Spring Breakers Arrested for Drugging, Raping a Woman Who Later Died WATCH: Woman Charged For Posing As Student, Sneaking Into American Sr. High To Promote Her Social Media - From CBS Miami The involvement of Chinese criminals in handling drug proceeds from Mexican drug cartels is nothing new. Many recent court cases in the United States have revealed crucial information about how these schemes work involving Chinese money-laundering syndicates and Mexican drug cartels, and these have alarmed the authorities. According to Insight Crime, the amount of money being laundered is huge. The news agency also shared that it seemed that behind it all were legitimate businessmen. Imprisonment of Gan Xianbing A U.S.-based Chinese citizen, identified as Gan Xianbing, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment in late April. He ran a scheme wherein the money from Mexican drug cartels were picked up in Chicago, transferred to bank accounts in China, and then sent back to Mexico undetected. While flying from Hong Kong to Mexico during a layover, Gan handled $534,206 in drug money before being arrested at Los Angeles Airport in November 2018. Since then, Gan became the most well-known Chinese money launderer connected to numerous dangerous drug cartels in Latin America, including the Sinaloa Cartel. In the sentencing document of Gan, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean J.B. Franzblau and Richard M. Rothblatt noted that the defendant was part of a relatively small network of Chinese money brokers in Mexico who come to dominate international money laundering markets. READ NEXT: San Diego Region Can Outlast Drought Conditions Possibly in the Next 1-2 Years, Water Authority Suggests Other Chinese Criminals With Ties to Mexican Drug Cartels After the arrest of Gan, two other key figures among Chinese money launderers emerged, namely Long Huanxin and Pan Haiping. Both of them were believed to have been working with Gan to handle the drug money proceeds received in Chicago and ensure their laundering through Chinese bank accounts. In February 2020, Long was arrested at Vancouver airport in Canada. He was then extradited to the U.S. on charges related to Gan. Haiping, on the other hand, was arrested in Mexico and currently waiting for extradition to the U.S. Individually, the Chinese men presented themselves as legitimate businessmen and had no entanglements with the law. Gan owned a seafood business in Guadalajara, Mexico, while Long was the purchasing manager for his family's clock and toy business in Mexico, Reuters reported. Last September, another individual was sentenced to five years in prison by a federal court in Virginia. He was identified as Wu Xueyong, who agreed to forfeit over $4.2 million in laundered drug proceeds from cocaine trafficking in the U.S. In Gan's sentencing memorandum, the U.S. attorneys noted that many of these brokers are also engaged in a legitimate business. They said these Chinese criminals are using their businesses to cover for and do further money laundering activity with Mexican drug cartels. In his defense, Gan noted that he is not a money launderer himself and that a certain Pan Haiping had duped him after allowing his Chinese bank account to be used for these transfers. The scheme allowed the laundering process to avoid scrutiny in China. The financial regulators in the country put a limit on private individuals from handling more than $50,000 in foreign currency. Any transfers that surpass the limit must be granted a special dispensation, but there is no such limit on domestic transfers. Meanwhile, one of Gan's associates, Singaporean Seok Pheng Lim, testified that she coordinated several weekly pick-ups from representatives of Mexican drug cartels. She noted that large sums of money between $150,000 and $1 million were being transferred. Once the money was in the hands of the launderers, she said they get in touch with one among a network of Chinese-owned businesses in the U.S. and Mexico and asked them to transfer the money through Chinese banking apps. It happened entirely via the Chinese domestic banking system, outside the scope of American authorities. One of the U.S. sources reportedly noted that it is the most sophisticated form of money laundering that's ever existed. READ MORE: In Diplomatic Shift, Honduran Pres. Juan Orlando Hernandez Says He May Open a Trade Office in China WATCH: Battlegrounds w/ H.R. McMaster | Panama: Economic Dev., Trade, Organized Crime, & Immigration Crises - From Hoover Institution After going missing for almost three weeks, the remains of a Texas mom were recovered Tuesday by authorities inside an SUV submerged in a Pearland pond. Erica Hernandez was last seen leaving the house of a friend in southwest Houston at around 2:30 a.m. on April 18. Since then, police and family members have been looking for the 40-year-old Texas mom of three. According to ABC News, authorities went to search the retention pond in Pearland after receiving information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Kevin Deese, Commander of the Houston Police Department, said the police surveyed the area, and they were able to find evidence suggesting the vehicle struck a curb and went into the water. The police department's dive team then searched the man-made lake and recovered a black GMC Acadia at the bottom of the pond that had the same body, make and license plate as Erica Hernandez's vehicle. A body found inside the SUV was immediately sent to the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office. On Wednesday, the medical examiner's office confirmed that the person found inside the vehicle was indeed Erica Hernandez, News4A San Antonio reported. The Pearland Police Department, which is leading the investigation, said that her cause of death has yet to be determined. On the day she disappeared, officials said the Texas mom, a Hispanic, was driving a black 2020 GMC Acadia with Texas license plates. READ NEXT: Indiana Mom Charged After 4-Year-Old Daughter Nearly Died From Severe Lice Infestation Pulling the Texas Mom's Vehicle Out of Pearland Pond The SUV, which has Erica Hernandez's remains, was recovered at around 7 p.m. or more than two hours after the dive team entered the body of water. Officials noted that it was evident that the car has been submerged in the Pearland pond for a long time, KTRK reported. As of the moment, authorities could not give more information on what led them to the pond or where they found the vehicle in the pond, which ranged from 8 to 15 feet deep. Erica Hernandez's Disappearance Hours before her disappearance, Hernandez was recorded on a doorbell camera leaving her brother's home on April 17 in the evening. After leaving her brother's house, relatives said that the Texas mom took her children home and proceeded to go to her friend's house. Hernandez's family told KTRK that she was even able to text that she was only five minutes away from her house after leaving her friend's home. Police noted that after her disappearance, the Texas mom's phone stopped sending location signals, as well as her car's OnStar connection. The police initially ruled out foul play. Since Erica Hernandez went missing, her family and friend have looked for her for weeks. They even passed out flyers and have studied possible routes she could take going home for clues. Hernandez's sister told reporters at the discovery site Tuesday that the family felt numb and sick to their stomach. READ MORE: Missing Florida Cheerleader Found Dead, 14-Year-Old Boy Arrested WATCH: Body Found Inside Submerged SUV in Pearland Pond Positively Identified as Erica Hernandez, Police Say - From KHOU 11 The Bethlehem Area School District in the next week is holding two COVID-19 vaccine clinics for parents and students 12 and up. The first clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Wind Creek Bethlehem. The second clinic will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 20. To register for the May 15 clinic, visit here. To register for the May 20 clinic, go here. More than 200 teens 16 and up and their parents were vaccinated Monday at the districts first vaccine clinic. A parent or guardian must accompany a student to the vaccine clinic. The Bethlehem Health Bureau will be administering the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has emergency use authorization for children 12 and up. Federal authorities officially authorized the use on Wednesday and shortly after Lehigh Valley youth began receiving shots that afternoon. Both St. Lukes University and Lehigh Valley health networks are offering appointments to 12-to-15-year-olds currently. Find info on health network scheduling here. Superintendent Joseph Roy is urging older students and their families to help finish the fight against the coronavirus and get vaccinated to facilitate a full K-12 school reopening and a return to normalcy. (Cant see this map? Click here.) Currently, 56% of Northampton County residents have at least one shot and 54% of Lehigh County residents have at least one shot. Pennsylvania has administered at least one shot to 53.3% of the total population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new vaccine option comes as Pennsylvanias COVID-19 cases have been rising in people under age 49, with 5-to-12-year-old accounting for 8% of cases in May -- up from 4% in January, the department reports. Ages 13-18 accounted for 11% of cases in May, up from 6.3% in January. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Northampton Countys drive-through COVID-19 testing center will start operating under reduced hours on Monday. The testing center at 3100 Emrick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township will now be closed on Saturdays, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure announced in a news release Thursday. The virus is still active in our area and I encourage people to get tested for COVID-19 if they begin showing symptoms, McClure said. Contact tracing, social distancing, wearing a mask and vaccination are all critical to preventing transmission of the virus. The hours are as following: * Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. * Tuesday/Thursday: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The testing center will be closed on Memorial Day. You do not need a doctors order for testing. The testing site is open to everyone, but only Northampton County residents can get free testing if they do not have health insurance. All testing will be conducted through HNL Lab Medicine unless insurance requires an alternate laboratory. Patients should bring a photo ID and their insurance card, if they have one, to the testing site. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Interstate 78 East will be reduced from three to two travel lanes approaching the Delaware River toll bridge and continuing across the bridge until further notice. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced the new lane configuration Wednesday, a day after the lane was shut down due to safety reasons east of the Morgan Hill Road/Route 611 interchange (Exit 75). A section of an expansion joint where the bridge meets the New Jersey-side highway broke off and became a travel hazard, the commission said in a news release. Commission officials had hoped the repair could be completed Tuesday into Wednesday, but the job will require engineering a permanent repair that might be completed by the Memorial Day weekend, the release states. Until then, I-78 East will be reduced to two travel lanes beginning after Exit 75 in Pennsylvania and continuing across the Delaware River. The entry ramp from Morgan Hill Road/Route 611 onto I-78 East will remain open, but a temporary stop sign is necessary to control entry onto the highway. Slight delays are possible at this location during morning peak commuting periods. The commission owns and maintains the 2.25-mile section of I-78 between the Morgan Hill Road/Route 611 exit and the I-78 Toll Bridge. The commission also is responsible for the westernmost 4.2 miles of I-78 in New Jersey. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and former Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent are among a group of Republicans threatening to create a new political party if the GOP continues to align with former President Donald Trump and his false claims the 2020 election was stolen. Ridge, Dent and 150 other Republicans are part of A Call for American Renewal, which threatens to break from the GOP and form a third party. The group includes former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman and former ambassadors, cabinet secretaries, and Republican Party chairs. The Republicans had an op-ed in the Washington Post on Thursday that said: The GOP has lost its way. Fellow Americans, join our new alliance. Extremists may have fired the first shot in this moral struggle for Americas future, but with truth as our lodestar, those laboring to renew America will fire the last, the op-ed says. The group says it is the patriotic duty of citizens to defend liberty and justice in the face of conspiracy, division and despotism, and lists 13 principles to follow. We, therefore, declare our intent to catalyze an American renewal, and to either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative. We call for a rebirth of the American cause and do so in partnership and loyal competition with others committed to the preservation of our Union, the group says on its website. With abiding belief in the value and potential of every soul and with goodwill for all, we hereby dedicate ourselves to these principles and make common cause in the flourishing of this great nation and its diverse states, communities, and citizens. Miles Taylor helped organize the movement. Taylor served as a Department of Homeland Security chief of staff under Trump, and wrote a then-anonymous opinion piece in 2018 in the New York Times called, I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration. The Republican Party is broken. Its time for a resistance of the rationals against the radicals, Taylor told Reuters. In a statement Wednesday, Trump said Taylor was putting together a group of RINOs and Losers who are coming out to protest President Trump. Earlier this week, Dent wrote about the House GOPs push to remove Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from leadership, which was ultimately successful via a voice vote. Cheney reiterated that the 2020 presidential election was not stolen and those that repeated false claims it was are turning their back on the rule of law, and poisoning our democratic system. Dent said the move to remove Cheney shows Trumps iron grip on the House GOP and its base voters. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. The grants are adding up for Lehigh Valley International Airports planned $22 million terminal connection and security checkpoint expansion. PennDOT announced the airport will receive a $1.8 million grant for the three-year project, which will connect the main terminal to the Wilfred M. Wiley Post Jr. Concourse above ground. The money is part of $10 million in state grant funds for 12 Pennsylvania airports. Aviation plays a vital role in keeping our states economy moving, Gov. Tom Wolf said in a news release. These investments will help Pennsylvanias airports operate safely, expand to meet current demands, and sustain growth well into the future. LVIAs current Transportation Security Administration screening area was built in the 1970s, an underground tunnel between the terminal and the concourse. There are currently two checkpoints and no room for expansion in the cramped space. That was made more of an issue during the pandemic as the airport needed space for social distancing in the TSA queue. After COVID-19 decimated air travel, travelers are slowly making their way back to Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. The airport has made a few changes to keep travelers safe, including extended the pathway to the TSA checkpoint, seen here on June 11, 2020.Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com The airport plans to relocate the checkpoints to the new above-ground walkway and add two more checkpoints to screen more passengers. Plans also include four new escalators and four new elevators. Outbound traffic would continue to use the underground tunnel, which leads to the airports baggage claim, pickup area and entrance to the airports parking lots. The walkway would be the first new construction at the terminal since the Wiley Post concourse opened in 1997 The project previously received $820,958 Alternative and Clean Energy Program grant and $1 million from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The COVID-19 pandemic decimated air travel last year, following stay-at-home orders, people working from home and closed international borders, and it is still a fraction of what it was pre-pandemic. Officials with the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, which runs the airport, have been cautiously optimistic as passengers, specifically leisure travelers, have started to return in recent months. The airport parking lot has looked fuller and in March LVIA saw 46,596 passengers, a 4.7% increase compared to March 2020, when Gov. Tom Wolf began the statewide shutdown. The TSA is also seeing a surge in travelers. On Sunday it screened 1,707,805 people, the busiest day for agents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proving how far airports and airlines still have to go in recovering, on that same day in 2019 the TSA screened 2.5 million people. Rednerings of a planned new terminal connector at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.Photos Courtesy The Sheward Partnership | For lehighvalleylive.com Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Phillipsburgs hospital on Thursday celebrates its 100th anniversary of serving the community, parent St. Lukes University Health Network announced. The former Warren Hospital became St. Lukes Warren Campus in 2012 with its sale to the network. Leading up to the acquisition, Warren Hospital had entered its 10th decade with its outlook dimmed, St. Lukes said in a news release announcing the milestone. The health care industry was rapidly evolving, the release states, and Warren Hospital was struggling to keep up with the pace of change. Today, St. Lukes says the Warren Campus is thriving. The hospital and its satellite locations provide a wide array of medical services to area residents, regardless of their ability to pay, according to the release. These services range from primary care and wellness education to advanced imaging, surgery and cancer care, bolstered by a new clinical, academic and research collaboration agreement with the Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health system, St. Lukes says. The hospital proper boasts an expanded emergency room, modernized infusion center and refurbished inpatient units as well as a state-of-the-art intensive care unit and IR/catheterization lab. Expanded outpatient facilities, meanwhile, extend care into nearby neighborhoods and communities, according to the health network. St. Lukes goal is to keep people healthy and close to home, whether they receive care at the hospital or in nearby outpatient offices, stated Scott R. Wolfe, who took over as hospital president in 2012 and led its integration into the St. Lukes network. Organized health care in the Phillipsburg area began on May 13, 1921, with the founding of the Maternity Hospital and Infantorium, a facility for delivering babies and treating young patients, according to St. Lukes. Soon thereafter, the old Warren Hospital was built on Wilbur Avenue in town. As the local population grew and diversified, and health care technology became more specialized, the hospital moved into a new facility on Roseberry Street built in 1958 with federal funding, community contributions and a generous corporate sponsorship from Ingersoll-Rand Co. As part of St. Lukes, the Warren Campus has over 600 employees and a medical staff of over 80 primary care and specialty physicians, and it provides care to patients for 5,000 observations and admissions, 25,000 emergency department visits and 95,000 outpatient visits annually. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, St. Lukes says the hospital used the clinical protocols adopted throughout the network to treat those sickened by the virus could at the Warren Campus, avoiding unnecessary patient transfers. And to avoid hospital admission and infection, special clinics were set up to administer monoclonal antibody therapy and COVID-19 vaccinations. St. Lukes Warren Campus greets its second century with unbridled optimism and a renewed commitment to ensuring that quality care is accessible to this community and beyond far into the future, Wolfe stated. St. Lukes rounded up the following community comments about what the hospital means to the area: Phillipsburg Mayor Todd Tersigni: St. Lukes has a pristine reputation in our area. They will be here for many years to come. Theyre a great partner for our community. Karen Kubert, St. Lukes Warren board chairwoman: St. Lukes Warren has become a premier hospital supported by a strong, widely geographic and diverse network. Being connected to the St. Lukes network is a real plus for this community. Bob Rumfield, former board chairman at Warren Hospital and former board member of St. Lukes: We can be proud that a small hospital that started on Wilbur Avenue today offers excellent healthcare to the greater Phillipsburg/Warren County population. Im proud to have been just a small part of this 100-year story. Helene Meissener, director of the NORWESCAP Food Bank: St. Lukes is an important part of the Warren County community. They saved the hospital, and they continue to improve the quality of care and quantity of care here. This is something Meissner knows from personal experience, according to St. Lukes: When she needed a heart procedure before flying across the country to her daughters wedding, St. Lukes cardiologist Dr. Narpinder Singh arranged his schedule to treat her at St. Lukes Warren so she could keep her travel plans. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Five Laois heritage projects have been awarded funding of over 44,000, announced today May 13. The projects include two museums, a church, Laois Tidy Towns, historic buildings and the archive for Laois' famous airman who flew the Bremen. The Col James Fitzmaurice Commemoration Society is to get 7,550 for: Conservation and Digitization of Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Society Archive - Phase 1. Donaghmore Famine Workhouse & Agricultural Museum is to get 10,800 for a Donaghmore Accessibility Enhancement Project to undertake elements of the Museum Accessibility Audit supported by the Heritage Council in 2020 to enrich visitor experiences. Mountmellick Development Association which houses Mountmellick Museum, is awarded 11,350 to improve the visitor experience with storyboards and two digital productions for use inhouse/website/Facebook. The Laois Heritage Society receives 3,400 to digitally record and make accessible vulnerable carved stone features at three Laois sites - Killeshin Romanesque Doorway, Timahoe Romanesque Doorway & Early Christian Cross-Slabs at Clonenagh Finally Laois Federation of Tidy Towns has been awarded 11,326 to establish baseline data of built and architectural heritage via a checklist and monitoring of the key heritage features identified by a Tidy Towns as a tangible indicators of Climate Change. The total for Laois is 44,426. Cathaoirleach Catherine Fitzgerald welcomed the grant awards. These Heritage Council grants amount of over 44,000 to be injected into the Laois economy and Id like to congratulate each of the voluntary groups involved - the Col James Fitzmaurice Commemoration Society, Donaghmore Famine Workhouse & Agricultural Museum, Mountmellick Development Association, Laois Heritage Society and Laois Federation of Tidy Towns for their hard work on behalf of the people and heritage of the county. "Laois always punches above its weight when it comes to quality and quantity of community heritage projects and Im delighted to see that trend continuing. I wish all of the groups the best with their projects and look forward to hearing about some of them during Heritage Week in August. Below: Trevor Stanley (Secretary of Donaghmore Workhouse &Agricultural Museum) with Catherine Casey (Heritage Officer , Laois Co. Council ) at the opening of the Dining Hall at Donaghmore Workhouse in 2014. The Museum has been awarded funding to improve accessibility for all under the new Heritage Council Community Grants Fund. Photo: Michael Scully Sean Murray is Chairman of Laois Heritage Society. We are delighted to have obtained funding for digital 3-D modelling recording of three sites in Co. Laois. The survey will include sites identified as of National importance with regards to the Early Church tradition in Ireland. The Hiberno-Romanesque doorways of Killeshin Church and Timahoe Round tower and Early Medieval Cross Slabs uncovered at Clonenagh in 1989, which were associated with St. Fintan's Monastery there, will all feature as part of the project. The project will engage with the local communities in the areas and workshops are planned later in the year to train people who have an interest in the digital recording heritage monuments. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform is Malcolm Noonan, TD. I would like to acknowledge the fantastic work of the Heritage Council in supporting community heritage through this important scheme. As the scope and scale of these projects illustrate, communities play a vital role in caring for all aspects of our heritage. The new national heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030, which will be published later this summer, will recognise the role of communities in safeguarding our heritage and ensure that they continue to be supported. Michael Parsons is Chairman of The Heritage Council and a member of Laois Heritage Society. These schemes continue to provide a central focus for the work of The Heritage Council. They are testament to the close collaboration between the Council, local authorities and community groups, all sharing a common purpose. Below: Teddy Fennelly of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Society and Michael Parsons, Chair of the Heritage Council, pictured in Fitzmaurice Place Portlaoise (Photo: Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Office). The grants are from the National Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grants Scheme, part of 1.2 million allocated to community groups and not-for-profit organisations around Ireland. They follow an award of 374,599 made to community heritage projects in April 2021. The funding is hoped to boost local economies, grow tourism, and enhance community spirit by supporting local heritage projects. The projects are all undertaken by voluntary groups and the topics in Laois range from improved access for people with disabilities at Donaghmore Workhouse, and community monitoring of Climate Change on local built heritage to conservation of historic newspapers reporting the historic first East West Transatlantic Flight by the Col James Fitzmaurice and digital recording of medieval monuments. Covid-19 march in the south and west of Laois halved in the past two weeks and also improved on the opposite side of the county but the progress has slowed around Portlaoise. The latest Local Electoral Area (LEA) breakdown published on May 13 on the Covid-19 Ireland data hub covers the 14 days from April 27 to May 10. There were just 13 new cases in Portlaoise during these two weeks - down from 14 new cases in Portlaoise in the previous fortnight examined to May 3. The new cases mean the latest incidence has fallen to 40.9 per 100,000 population down from 44 per 100k previously. The Portlaoise incidence remains well below the national 14-day incidence level recorded to May 10 of 128.1 per 100k. The national rate decreased in the most recent analysis. The population of the Portlaoise LEA is 31,794 people with more than 20,000 living in the county town environs. It includes Abbeyleix, Ballyroan and Ballinakill. It borders Kilkenny. The latest figures from the Portarlington Graiguecullen show further improvement despite the fact that it has a big border with Kildare which has the worst incidence in Ireland. There were just 12 new cases in the two weeks to May 10 down from 28 in the previous recording period. This means the incidence is down to 42.7 per 100k from 56.9 per 100k to May 3. The population in this LEA is 28,096. Apart from the two big towns, it includes Stradbally, Timahoe, Ballylinan, Ballyadams, Killeshin, Crettyard, Killenard, Ballybrittas. It borders Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Offaly. The latest figures from the Mountmellick to Borris-in-Ossory LEA also show the most improvement. A total of nine tested in the past two weeks positive down from 17 up to May 3. The latest incidence has fallen to 36.3 per 100 k from 68.5 per 100 k. The district is less populated than the others. With 24,807 people it includes Rathdowney, Mountrath, Durrow, Castletown, Camross, Errill, Clonaslee and Rosenallis. It borders Tipperary, Offaly and Kilkenny. Health Protection Surveillance Centre figures for all of Laois in the 14 days to May 10 show that there were 36 new Laois cases - down ten on the previous two weeks. The countywide incidence is 42.5 per 100 k down from 54.3. The daily average remains two new cases a day. The latest published figures for Laois were published by NPHET up to midnight May 12 show little change. The incidence has fallen to 41.3 per 100 k due to 35 new cases in the previous two weeks. The five-day moving average is two new detections a day. The national incidence to midnight of May 12 was 129.3 per 100 k due to 6,159 new cases in the previous 14 days. The daily average for new cases is 456 a day over five days A new cairn has been discovered in County Laois in the last 2 weeks. Located on the summit of Coolnacarrick Hill near the Rock of Dunamase the cairn was discovered by two non-professional archaeologists with a driven and determined interest in the heritage of Ireland. The discovery has been reported to the National Monuments Service of Ireland and can now be seen on the Historical Environment Viewer (HEV) of the service. Readers can go here https://maps.archaeology.ie/HistoricEnvironment/and search for Coolnacarrick, Laois to check out the Historical Environment Viewer. Click on the red dot to see the information now being provided by the National Heritage Service. The discovery was made by the pair of explorers first examining Google Earth imagery and then painstakingly heading to the site to investigate. Access took 2-3 hours of cutting through nearly 100m of dense gorse, briars and other scrub up the side of Coolnacarrick Hill until they reached the location and confirmed the cairn. The views from the cairn over County Laois and surrounding counties are exceptional but somewhat interfered with by the surrounding scrub and gorse. However, it is unlikely that many people will be able to visit the cairn in the near future to appreciate the find due to its overwhelming inaccessibility The discoverers are Gerry Moloney and Shane McGrath from Kildare. Gerry Moloney is a lecturer in Emerging Technologies in Institute of Technology Carlow while Shane McGrath is a product designer and owner/MD of Limelight Media Group. The pair have made many other observations and potential discoveries and intend to report these to the National Monuments Service in the near future as research time permits. Required Application Type: Teacher / Admin Salary/Pay Scale: Per Teacher's Contract Job Description The North Rose-Wolcott Central School District is seeking candidates for the following anticipated position for the 2021-22 school year: 1.0 FTE Art Teacher Job Qualifications Certification: Visual Art or Art The North Rose-Wolcott Central School District is located in Central New York, on the south shore of Lake Ontario. The school district covers 162 square miles. North Rose and Wolcott are both rural, agricultural communities with a diverse population. Many residents commute to the Rochester and Syracuse regions for work. North Rose-Wolcott Central Schools enroll approximately 1,200 students. Students in grades pre-K through four attend NRW Elementary School. Leavenworth Middle School serves students in grades five through eight. Students in grades nine through 12 attend NRW High School. The mission of the North Rose-Wolcott Central School District is to prepare each student for a successful future. recblid ij6cu0qrb59z7gn3m8mr50gwn8owvi An Taisce seems hell-bent on safeguarding the interests of a chosen few driving what seems to be a very personal vendetta against farmers, a Laois TD has claimed. Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan is one of four former Fine Gael ministers to strongly criticised An Taisce for appealing a High Court decision to grant planning permission for a 140m cheese plant on the Kilkenny/Waterford border. Deputies Charlie Flanagan (Laois/Offaly), Paul Kehoe (Wexford), John Paul Phelan (Carlow Kilkenny) and David Stanton (Cork East) and Senators Garret Ahearn (Tipperary) and John Cummins (Waterford) said it is not too late for An Taisce to withdraw their appeal. However, An Taisce has hit back at the politicians and other critics saying it is not against farmers or rural Ireland and it aims to ensure there is a viable farming sector and the long term. The statement from the six Fine Gael Oireachtas members dismisses the position taken by the charity that works to promote environmental awareness and action in the context of the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Glanbias proposed investment at Belview is a joint venture with a Dutch firm specialising in cheesemaking. This notice to appeal the decision made by Kilkenny County Council, An Bord Pleanala and now the High Court doesnt cast Ireland in a good light locally, regionally or internationally particularly at a time when we urgently need foreign direct investment and sustainable, well-paying jobs in our rural economy. How An Taisce (funded by the taxpayer) are taking the planning system and Government policy to a second court is beyond comprehension, as is how they are also objecting to housing, and forestry up and down the country. Timber supplies nation-wide are running critically low as a direct consequence of this, with direct impacts now evident across the construction sector. In taking this further appeal An Taisce is alienating the main group involved in environmental protection across Ireland our farmers and their families. The government must now look again at An Taisce being funded by the taxpayer, its consistent opposition of government policy and possibly their special status under the planning acts. The actions of An Taisce and the environmental lobby withdrawal from the 2030 food strategy illustrates their unwillingness to find compromise or to work with farmers to find realistic solutions. This small cohort has been allowed to hijack an entire industry. Which sector is next? They're alienating the profession which has the most influence over the environment they claim they are protecting. Its not too late for An Taisce to withdraw their latest appeal and to work with the planning system, rather than constantly against it. Surely a constructive conversation around a table could iron out with Glanbia and its partner any outstanding concerns. This is a major blow to the thousands of dairy farmers supplying Glanbia. Theyre already facing supply restrictions from next year following the delay in developing this plant and a subsequent surplus of milk in the system. This appeal is a massive blow to the entire workforce at the company and it must put in jeopardy a much-needed project that would create hundreds of jobs in a part of Ireland which has struggled and consistently lagged behind over the past decade. An Taisce claims in its statement that it is appealing in the public interest and also that it is taking this recourse to promote human and ecosystem wellbeing and resilience for the benefit of the nation. The farmers of the South-East region and beyond have proven themselves to work with nature rather than against it and to be exceptionally responsible in this regard. The only interests An Taisce seems hell-bent on safeguarding are those of a chosen few driving what seems to be a very personal vendetta against farmers, the rural economy and a company like Glanbia which has a century-old cooperative roots in every town and village in this region, said the public representatives. An Taisce has issued a detailed statement as to why it has taken its position. It insists that its priority is viability. "Very little of that comment has addressed the substantive issue - the sustainability of an industry that everybody acknowledges as being of great importance and value to Ireland and Irish life. The arguments have been based solely on the need to maintain jobs and increase growth often without reference to the climate impacts or environmental consequences. "The request for a judicial review and the subsequent request for an appeal is not a case taken against farmers - it was a case taken for the environment and for the future viability of Irish farming which is currently endangered by planning decisions that are not compliant with our environmental legal obligations. "Contrary to the thrust of some recent public commentary, An Taisce cares deeply about the viability of Irish rural life. We want Irelands agriculture and food sector to be strong and assured long into the future, as the anchor for a vibrant rural economy and society based around family farms that are sustainable and profitable in the medium term. "In our understanding and judgement of what is possible however, the continued expansion of intensive dairying of the type that is embodied in the proposal for this factory presents an existential threat to that possibility. In that scenario there will be some (short-term) winners mainly industrial-scale producers and food processors and many losers in both the short and the longer term. "Decision makers and commercial interests in the agriculture and food production sectors must recognise the urgent need to bring Ireland into compliance with its binding national and European legal obligations and frame policy and investment for the future in that context. "We recognise that we are holding a position that differs from strong and vocal lobby groups who see themselves as having a primary obligation to shareholder and contractual partners. Science supports our position, and we believe that it would lead also to better long-term outcomes for all other partners also," they say. FULL GLANBIA STATMENT The historic Georgian market square in Mountmellick, Laois is to undergo an upgrade by Laois County Council. An upgrade design has been completed according to the local authority, and O'Connell Square will undergo works shortly, the council announced at the April meeting. The costs will be met by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 Accelerated Measures fund. These were added to the usual TVRS to enhance public realms and support tourism and local enterprises as society emerges from lockdowns and public health restrictions. Mountmellick's works and also footpath upgrades in Cullahill, will be funded to the total tune of 50,000. Money is also coming for Mountmellick's project from leftover former Town Council funds. Kildare has now replaced Donegal as the county with the highest Covid-19 disease incidence in the country. Experts said the 14-day incidence in Donegal has fallen nearly six times faster than Kildare over the past week. The changes in the national Covid-19 statistics come around 12 days after Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said "a large number of people" in Donegal were not complying with the public health guidelines. According to figures released last night, Kildare has a 14 day incidence rate per 100,000 people over the past two weeks of 251.7 compared to the national average of 129.7. The nearest county is Donegal with an incidence rate of 240.6. The data also shows there have been 560 new Covid-19 cases during the past fortnight in Co Kildare. In a statement last night, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said it had been notified of 8 additional deaths related to COVID-19. Of the deaths notified, 3 occurred in March, 2 occurred in February and 3 occurred in January or earlier. The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 40 92 years. There has been a total of 4,937 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. As of midnight, Tuesday 11th May, the HPSC has been notified of 448 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 254,013 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Of the cases notified : 213 are men / 230 are women 78% are under 45 years of age The median age is 29 years old There were 229 in Dublin, 38 in Meath, 35 in Kildare, 34 in Cork, 16 in Limerick and the remaining 96 cases are spread across 16 other counties**. As of 8am today, 109 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 34 are in ICU. 12 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of Monday 10th May, 1,882,635 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 1,376,583 people have received their first dose 506,052 people have received their second dose. A woman who was trying to send a text message to her husband while her case was being heard was reprimanded by the sitting judge at Naas District Court on May 12. Manuela Lacatus, 22, whose address was given as 8 Willowbrook Park, Celbridge was prosecuted for taking 223 worth of goods from the Lidl store in Sallins on April 30 last. Read more County Kildare news Sgt Jim Kelly said the woman had the groceries in a pram. He said she paid for some of the items and the property was recovered. Judge Desmond Zaidan noted that the woman was texting and asked a garda to take the phone from her. Barrister Mark Gibbons said she was texting her husband. He added she has been here for six years and has four children aged under five. He said she gets 200 per week on social welfare and her husband earns a similar amount delivering leaflets. He also said the woman is five months pregnant and she was doing it to provide food. He said the pregnancy might explain her poorly thought out decision. He said she had 200 in court. The woman has three previous convictions. Judge Desmond Zaidan said the costs of providing security in stores to combat theft is passed on to consumers. He said the woman had demonstrated total disrespect for the court and her legal representative. He imposed an eight months custody term. Rathangan resident, Paddy OByrne has released a new collection of poetry based on his childhood. Titled Down Kellys Hill, the book is based on his years growing up in his home town of Tinahely, Co Wicklow. All proceeds from the sale of the book, which is priced at 10, go to South Wicklow Hospice Homecare Team. Paddy explained how he undertook the project during the various lockdowns. Following conversations with former school friends and acquaintances, it got him reminiscing about times gone by. The poetry collection became his memoir and spans from 1968 to 1980. I had to have a care of duty when I was writing the book. I contacted the family of anyone that was identifiable and got their permission to include them. That was very important for me, explained Paddy. He said the book is rich with fond characters, local shops long gone and well known landmarks. Its got a massive response. Its gone down really well, he said. I decided to do it in aid of the hospice because of the work they do. My brother died on February 19 and they were around to help. They give support to people, offering them fuel, drivers, equipment and other support. Its a group of locals, who work away quietly in the background. They get orthopaedic chairs for people, they cost around 3,000 or so and they make a huge difference to families, he said. Characters The book is printed by Naas Print and is available from Rathangan Parish Office or by emailing obyrepaddy0@gmail.com I know its about Tinahely but it could be any village in Ireland. I think it has a broad appeal. Every town has its own characters and stories. I think people will identify with it, he said. Having lived in Rathangan for 30 years, Paddy has self- published a number of collections of poetry, donating the proceeds to nominated charities. Workshops He has facilitated creative writing workshops, adult education classes and has also liaised with children at national school level and transition year classes. He has performed to live audiences in venues across Kildare, Laois and Wicklow. Having returned to education in recent years, he graduated from the national university of Ireland Maynooth, with a degree in Community Studies. GARDAI are warning of a so called 'romance fraud' after a man was recently targeted by criminals operating out of Africa. The injured party - a man in his early 20s from the Roxboro area of Co Limerick - reported to gardai the incident occurred sometime after he accepted a friend request from an unknown female on Facebook. "After a number of messages back and forth, the young man forwarded a compromising image of himself to this female's account. Immediately the female stated that she would circulate his image on social media if he did not forward money to an account and she provided details," stated divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch. While the man blocked the woman's account and did not transfer any money, gardai say he shouldnt have sent a compromising image of himself in the first place especially when he had no idea who he was sending it to. Gardai say from their enquiries they believe the Facebook account is located on the Ivory Coast despite the young man being told that the woman was here in Ireland. "Gardai know that if money is sent under these circumstances the person holding the image will just continue to try and get more money, so dont send any money and report it to gardai," said Sgt Leetch. The identity of a 44-year-old mother who is to stand trial next week accused of murdering her three young children at their family home can now be published following the lifting of a court order. Last November at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White ruled that the accused Deirdre Morley, who had been previously named by the media, could no longer be named or identified because the case concerned an alleged offence against her children. As the deceased children could not be identified, Ms Morley could not be named, as to do so would have identified them. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC, representing Ms Morley, had brought the application to have his client's identity protected in light of a Court of Appeal ruling on the interpretation of Section 252 of the Children Act. Barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anne-Marie Lawlor SC had not objected. Ms Morley of Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin, is charged with murdering her sons Conor (9) and Darragh (7) and her daughter Carla (3). The children's bodies were discovered at the family home just before 8pm on January 24 last year. Bernard Condon SC told Mr Justice Paul Coffey at the Central Criminal Court today (Thursday) that he was standing in for Ms Lawlor and said he understood that the reporting restrictions in the case could be lifted on consent. The defence, who had originally applied for the order, told the court that there was consent to the application. Addressing the parties, Mr Justice Coffey said he would grant the order. The Children (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins last month after passing in the Dail and the Seanad and came into force last week. This means that, following the controversial Court of Appeal ruling in October last year, the law has now been changed to remove the restriction on naming deceased children except in certain exceptional circumstances. In cases where specific orders remain, applications have to be made to the courts by media organisations or relatives in each case to lift those orders. The Court of Appeal found that Section 252 of the Children Act, 2001 prohibited the identification of child victims and made it an offence to publish anything that could identify a child who is an alleged victim of an offence, including a deceased child. GARDAI have arrested a man following a significant drugs seizure in Limerick city in the early hours of this morning. Shortly before 12.30am this morning, members of the divisional Drugs Unit stopped and searched a car in the Castletroy area of Limerick. During the course of the search Gardai seized 200,000 of suspected cannabis herb. "The driver, a man in his 60s, was arrested at the scene and was brought to Henry Street garda station where he is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996," said a garda spokesperson. "As part of the investigation, gardai carried out a number of follow-up searches in Limerick city. During the course of one search at a house on Hyde Road, gardai seized a further 30,000 of suspected cannabis herb. No further arrests were made following these searches," he added. All of the suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Subject to court orders, the man being questioned by gardai can be detained for a maximum of seven days. GARDAI are investigating reports that a woman, living in Limerick, recently received a call from a person who claimed to be a garda. "The lady, whose aged in her 30s and from the city centre, received a phone call from a male reporting to be a member of An Garda Siochana. He asked for her bank details and personal details, which without thinking, she provided," said divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch. According to gardai, the caller then asked the woman to download software onto her computer which she did. He then took control of her bank account online and removed over 400 from her bank account. "These criminals are very persuasive but under no circumstances will a garda ask you for your bank details or to download anything to your computer. Nobody will ask you to do that except somebody who is out to scam you of your money," warned Sgt Leetch. Gardai at Henry Street are investigating. LIMERICKs Covid-19 vaccination centre is to move to a new location. This morning, the Minister of State for Further Education Niall Collins confirmed that, with the Radisson Hotel set to re-open to customers on July 1, the venue for inoculations against coronavirus will move. It will now be located in the Limerick Racecourse. Confirming the news in a statement, the HSE said the move to Limerick Racecourse will allow an increase in booth capacity of potentially up to 44 vaccination booths in comparison to the 32 booths currently available at the Radisson Blu Hotel. It is expected that the new centre at Limerick Racecourse will open in mid-June and that the two centres will operate simultaneously initially, to ensure a seamless transition of the service. On top of this, the HSE is working on putting in place a dedicated bus service to both the Radisson in its final days as vaccination centre and the Limerick Racecourse. The chief executive of the UL Hospitals Group Collette Cowan, who also chairs the Mid-West Covid-19 Vaccination Steering Committee said: "It is a positive sign that the hospitality sector is gradually getting back on its feet. Vaccination remains one of the most important tools at our disposal for protecting the population from Covid-19 and in allowing us to reopen society and the economy. The new centre at Limerick Racecourse will allow us to increase our overall capacity and preparatory work is already underway to make this relocation as seamless as possible. She thanked the Radisson Hotel, and said that staff have reported what a "privelege" it had been to work there, pointing out 70% of the 60,000 vaccinations administered in the region had been there. Mr Collins said: "I was very frustrated by the initial decision of the HSE to use the Radisson. Ive been working hard to secure a more suitable location. I think this is a good decision to relocate now as we are ramping up the number of vaccinations. The racecouse at Patrickswell is easily accessed by people from west Limerick, south Limerick and east Limerick." Mr Collins also confirmed a shuttle bus service will be put in place for people in the city in order to access the venue which is a 20 minute walk from the village of Patrickswell. Limerick vaccination centre is to be moved to a new venue in the coming weeks with a dedicated shuttle bus service to be... Posted by Niall Collins T.D. on Thursday, 13 May 2021 The Racecourse has plenty of indoor space, it has plenty of car parking, and it caters for big events like the general election count, Mr Collins added. Its anticipated the vaccination centre will formally move across to the Racecourse next month. He expects the Racecourse to be the venue for the foreseeable future. Ive been working very hard to secure this, said the Fianna Fail TD, People across Limerick were deeply unhappy with the Radisson. A TOTAL of 1.4m has been set aside for an exciting new food hub at the Milk Market. The allocation has come following an application by the Citizen Collaboration Programme, with the money allocated under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Fine Gael councillor Olivia OSullivan said: I welcome this commitment to local food from Limerick City and County Council in supporting the progression of small and micro food producers. The development of the Milk Market will be great for all of Limerick. She added: The Milk Market has been home to numerous artisan food producers throughout the region and is renowned all over the country as one of the best markets in Ireland. It is certainly already a hub of food in Limerick and this funding will help further develop its potential in terms of assisting producers and further developing the market for the city. Cllr OSullivan is co-founder of Limerick Food Group, a non-profit voluntary organisation that works to promote Limerick as a quality food destination. They organise the annual Pigtown food and culture festival and other food events. Olivia has also worked in marketing roles for restaurants and festivals for many years and developed the Eat in Limerick food guide. A GREAT-GRANDFATHER from County Limerick received a suspended prison sentence after he was convicted, at Tullamore District Court, of multiple road traffic charges. Richard O'Brien, aged 71, Lower Maiden Street, Newcastle West was visiting his daughter in Tullamore on April 21 2021 when he was stopped at Cloncollig. He was uninsured and did not have a driving licence and subsequently failed to produce them to gardai. Solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client was visiting his daughter who was unwell. He had driven a short distance to a shop when he was stopped. He very much regrets what he did. Mr Farrelly went on to explain that Mr O'Brien suffers from a number of serious medical conditions including heart disease and diabetes. The defendant had 28 previous convictions including four for no insurance. The last conviction was at Newcastle West court when he was disqualified from driving for four years for driving without insurance. Judge Catherine Staines noted that Mr O'Brien was also driving while disqualified. In addition to the suspended prison sentence she imposed a four year disqualification. HONG KONG: Chinas commerce ministry on Thursday welcomed the removal of Xiaomi Corp. from a U.S. government blacklist, a day after the U.S. reversed a ban on U.S. investments in the smartphone maker that was imposed under former President Donald Trump. China has always believed that removing sanctions and restrictions and stopping suppression of Chinese companies will benefit China, the United States, and the world," Gao Feng, spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Commerce, said at a news briefing Thursday. Xiaomi, a Beijing-based company known for its value-for-money smartphones and smart devices, was added to a Defense Department blacklist in January this year in the last few days of the Trump administration, which accused it of links to Chinas military. U.S. investors were ordered to divest their stakes held in Xiaomi by November. In response, Xiaomi sued the U.S. government over the ban, demanding to be removed from the list. It denies having any links with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army. On Wednesday, a U.S. court filing said that the U.S. Department of Defense will remove Xiaomi from the blacklist after the two parties reached an agreement, media reports said. A Xiaomi spokesperson said that the company was paying close attention to the issue. The company's Hong Kong-listed shares fell nearly 2.9% Thursday, a day after gaining 6% on news of it was being removed from the U.S. blacklist. Under the Trump administration, Chinese technology companies such as drone maker DJI and telecommunications equipment supplier Huawei were put on a trade blacklist out of concerns such companies might be security risks. U.S. companies and individuals are banned from dealing with companies on such lists or in some cases must seek special permission in advance. Companies like Huawei and DJI have both denied that they send any data to China, although China hawks say that such companies may be obliged to assist espionage efforts as stipulated in Chinas national intelligence law. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Scientists world-wide are racing to understand why Covid-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca PLC and Johnson & Johnson are causing rare but potentially deadly blood clots. Determining the connection would help patients, doctors and health agencies better assess any risks posed by the vaccines and safely calibrate their use. In recent weeks, the U.S., the Canadian province of Ontario and several European countries including Norway and Denmark either paused or completely halted rollouts involving these vaccines. Understanding the cause is of highest importance for the next-generation vaccines, because [the novel] coronavirus will stay with us and vaccination will likely become seasonal," said Eric van Gorp, a professor at Erasmus University in the Netherlands who heads a group of scientists studying the condition. In Germany, one researcher thinks he has found what is triggering the clots. Andreas Greinacher, a blood expert, and his team at the University of Greifswald believe so-called viral vector vaccineswhich use modified harmless cold viruses, known as adenoviruses, to convey genetic material into vaccine recipients to fight the coronaviruscould cause an autoimmune response that leads to blood clots. According to Prof. Greinacher, that reaction could be tied to stray proteins and a preservative he has found in the AstraZeneca vaccine. Prof. Greinacher and his team has just begun examining Johnson & Johnsons vaccine but has identified more than 1,000 proteins in AstraZenecas vaccine derived from human cells, as well as a preservative known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA. Their hypothesis is that EDTA, which is common to drugs and other products, helps those proteins stray into the bloodstream, where they bind to a blood component called platelet factor 4, or PF4, forming complexes that activate the production of antibodies. The inflammation caused by the vaccines, combined with the PF4 complexes, could trick the immune system into believing the body had been infected by bacteria, triggering an archaic defense mechanism that then runs out of control and causes clotting and bleeding. Prof. Greinacher has compared the activation of the dormant responsewhich has been supplanted in the evolution of the human immune system, but still lurks in its foundationsto awakening a sleeping dragon." Prof. John Kelton of McMaster University in Canada, whose outfit runs Canadas reference lab for testing patients with blood-clotting symptoms after vaccination, said the lab replicated some of Prof. Greinachers research and confirmed his findings. Yet the cause was unclear. [Prof. Greinachers] hypothesis could be right, but it could also be wrong," Prof. Kelton said. Prof. Greinacher is working to confirm his theory, hoping to get cooperation from vaccine makers. His team has tested AstraZeneca vaccines and has just received doses from Johnson & Johnson. Greifswald University is now negotiating with the drugmakers about greater access to their vaccine-making processes. We strongly support raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of this very rare event, and we are currently exploring a potential collaboration with Dr. Greinacher," said a Johnson & Johnson spokesman. AstraZeneca didnt respond to a request for comment. The type of clotting observed is known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, or VITT. Peer-reviewed studies by Prof. Greinachers group, as well as from teams at the University of Oslo and University College London have independently confirmed its existence. Most of the science hubs investigating the clotting issue, first identified in March, are experts in a condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or HIT, which has near-identical symptoms and outcomes to VITT. With HIT, the blood-thinning drug heparin causes clots paired with an abnormal decrease in the bloods natural clotting agents. Some scientists think the adenoviruses themselves could play a role in triggering the condition because they have been linked to blood clotting. Others speculate that people affected could have genetic predispositions, or that their immune systems had previously developed the problematic antibody. Another theory suggested by Prof. van Gorp is that the brief but strong flulike symptoms many recipients report after taking the shot are also causing inflammation that could trigger or exacerbate autoimmune reactions leading to blood clotting. One reason vaccine-induced clotting might not have been reported in the past is because shots using viral vector technology havent been administered at scale. The Russian vaccine Sputnik V and the shot by CanSino Biologics from China use the same technology as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, but havent been linked to the condition so far. The only similar shot widely administered before the pandemic is one against Ebola by Johnson & Johnson, which was given to at least 60,000 people as of last July. Clotting occurs between one in 28,000 and one in 100,000, according to European dataextremely rare amid the hundreds of millions of doses administered so far, yet higher than one in 150,000 previously assumed by some medical authorities, Prof. Greinacher said. Most of the hundreds of people who have been diagnosed recover, but between a fifth and a third have died, and others could suffer permanent consequences. Data from U.S. and European regulators so far suggest young women are primarily affected by the condition. But several scientists, including Sabine Eichinger, a senior Austrian hematologist who treated one of the first-known patients, have said the correlation could reflect that medical workers and teachers were among the first to get the vaccines in Europe, and the majority of them are younger women. There is no indication that taking contraception pills or having a history of similar diseases puts vaccine recipients at greater risk, Prof. Eichinger said. Anton Pottegard, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Southern Denmark, co-wrote a study of more than 280,000 people in Denmark and Norway who received the AstraZeneca vaccine. The study, which was published in the British Medical Journal on May 5, found the incidence of rare but severe blood clots among vaccine recipients was 2.5 in 100,000. Prof. Pottegard added that countries such as Denmark and Norway, which this week discontinued using AstraZenecas vaccine and donated its doses to other countries, were able to change their inoculation plans because they had alternative shots and low infection rates. Doing the same in countries where the pandemic is raging, such as India or Brazil, could result in more deaths, he warned. Covid-19 is much, much, much more dangerous than this extremely rare condition," Prof. Greinacher said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. In 1917, the US Bureau of Animal Industry was worried about a mysterious cattle infection killing unborn calves. It realized that a cow that had an abortion was highly likely to become immune to it, calves born and raised in such an affected herd had tolerance of the disease, and so the phrase herd immunity took birth. As the covid pandemic engulfs the world in wave after tsunamic wave of sickness and death, the only light at the end of this tunnel seems to be humans achieving vaccine-induced herd immunity. The rapid development of covid vaccines has been the biggest triumph of science in recent times. A combination of fundamental research in mRNA, the marvel of gene sequencing and the instant availability of data off the internet gave the world a new kind of vaccine within a year of the diseases global outbreak. But even as the world strives for elusive immunity, the question of how to vaccinate almost 8 billion people as rapidly as possible has not yet been answered. There are multiple obstacles to vaccinating the proportion of our population needed to achieve herd immunity: the production of enough doses, their logistics and transportation, and affordability. Good protocols on who needs to be immunized earlier and systems to track the vaccinated need to be created. Privacy issues around health records and demographic identity need to be addressed. Often, social and religion-based resistance needs to be overcome, and people need an incentive to be vaccinated. Additionally, it is not enough to vaccinate an entire country, or even an entire continent. Viruses mutate rapidly and cross oceans with remarkable ease. A lot is being done, though in a haphazard manner. The much-hyped CoWin app in India often has glitches. In the US, paper-based records are being used. Many countries are not even bothering with a mechanism. For those who are, the mechanisms are centralized, and while this has its benefits, the virus behaves in a distributed and decentralized manner. Central command-and-control has constrained our ability to react to the pandemic in a timely manner and held back the creation of local and flexible systems. This crisis is an opportunity to build a decentralized, robust and scalable track-and-trace backbone for this pandemic and those that will inevitably follow. It is possible to combine digitization, decentralization, data localization and data privacy to build an agile and responsible health management ecosystem that is inclusive of institutions and citizens. A technology that could aid this is blockchain. One way to describe it is as a digital, secure and public record book of transactions. It is a universal ledger in the cloud with strong cryptological protections that is distributed among various parties, and updated by the consensus of a majority of participants. A blockchain enables a high-trust environment through transparency, security and immutability, and also decentralization through distributed ownership and a consensus mechanism for decision-making. It can impact every industry, but healthcare could benefit the most. Among its promising use-cases, it can improve how companies track vaccines and medicines, and also provide people with a secure and private digital health record. This backbone can also enable counterfeit-resistant vaccination passports in a more transparent, safe and open manner, without compromising personal data. A blockchain-based backbone can provide for bullet-proof safety of data, so that personal health records belong only to the person concerned and can be shared only with her explicit consent. It will be virtually non-hackable. A private-public consensus mechanism could prevent the misuse of data by any central authority. Another exciting use-case is how a cryptocurrency can be linked with this blockchain, which could then be used as an incentive for people to vaccinate themselves. A crypto could be used to buy other health benefits or for vaccine donations to the poor. The technology building blocks exist. A startup called ODE Holdings, for instance, has an application that stores data in a secure data vault and allows people to own, control and share it by consent while upholding digital freedom and privacy. Blockchain can be a life-changing technology, though its sometimes like a hammer looking for a nail. If this technology can nail our vaccination and vaccine passport problem and help us achieve herd immunity, it would indeed change the world. The best time to start something like this was yesterday. But the next best time is now. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. By Michael Nava Amble Press. 282 pp. Paperback, $17.95 - - - John Grisham is usually the first name to come up in discussions of legal fiction - and justifiably so. But it's time to recognize another master of the genre: Michael Nava, whose ninth mystery, "Lies with Man," was published last month. This engrossing novel is set in 1986, at the height of the AIDS crisis, and centers on the battle over a ballot initiative that, as first-person narrator Henry Rios explains, "would allow county officials to identify and round up people who were HIV positive and force them into quarantine camps." As the novel opens, polls show Proposition 54, as it is numbered, holding a 12-point lead. The medical consensus was shifting then, from the early fear that AIDS could be spread by casual contact, to the eventual understanding that it is communicable only in a limited number of avoidable ways, such as by unsafe sex, an infected blood transfusion or needle-sharing among drug addicts. Prop 54's proponents, however - a right-wing congressman and a coalition of religious groups - regard AIDS as divine retribution for the "abomination" of homosexuality, which they are determined to stamp out in California. (Like most other Americans at the time, they are unaware that HIV can also be transmitted via straight sex.) In clumsy hands, this setup could lead to a stacked-deck battle between mean-spirited crusaders and beleaguered gay activists, but Nava, a six-time Lambda Literary Award winner, paints a nuanced portrait of a fascinating character on the pro-initiative side. Daniel Herron is the pastor of a nondenominational church called Ekklesia who accepted Jesus Christ as his savior almost two decades earlier, during his hippie phase in San Francisco. His dilemma in 1986 is that he still cherishes the values of peace and compassion that he embraced during the Summer of Love but feels bound to uphold the biblical teaching on homosexuality. Some gay foes of the initiative - they go by the moniker QUEER, for Queers United to End Erasure and Repression - are angry enough to flirt with violence. The flirtation reaches a consummation when a bomb blows up at Ekklesia, killing someone who wasn't supposed to be there at the time. Rios, a criminal-defense attorney, ends up representing two clients with ties to the killer, one of whom is the attorney's new boyfriend. Lawyers and laws abound in "Lies with Man," a title that riffs on the denunciation of homosexuality in the Book of Leviticus. A nice touch appears on an introductory page. Nava gives us the proposition's text followed by the state attorney general's explanation of what it means and would accomplish. Ahead of each election, every registered California voter receives in the mail a sample ballot containing such explanations, which are necessary to foil initiative-sponsors' efforts to mask their intentions. As you might guess, the feature that Proposition 54's sponsors want to fudge is the quarantine camps. A similar proposition appeared on the real-life California ballot in November of 1986 but lost decisively. To crank up the drama of his story, Nava makes the vote much closer. That is certainly his prerogative, but I would have liked to see some analysis of why Californians - both actual and fictional - rejected the impulse to quarantine. (The contemporary covid-related quarantines are different in being largely self-enforced, and those quarantined are not ghettoized in camps.) In Nava's telling, Justice is not only blind but, on occasion, also two-headed. Take, for example, the assault victim who fears that the sum total of evidence he can provide to a criminal court will fall short of the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard required to convict his assailant. At Rios's direction, his client instead files a suit for monetary damages in a civil court, where a plaintiff can prevail with a mere preponderance of the evidence. With so much law going on, I hasten to report that Nava explains it all clearly. Nor is he above making fun of the profession. Invited into a judge's chambers, Rios notes the profusion of framed certificates on the walls, along with "the obligatory plaques handed out like candy by various bar associations; no profession is as self-congratulatory as the law." The law can also congratulate itself for turning out more than its share of novelists, including the talented Michael Nava. - - - Dennis Drabelle is a former mysteries editor of Book World. Click here to read the full article. Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change. To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVE Visit each individual category, according to the awards show from THE EMMYS HUB Link to film awards hub THE OSCARS HUB DRAFT>>>PRE-SEASON>>>REGULAR SEASON>>>POST SEASON 2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS: OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE UPDATED: May 28, 2021 AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: The filmed version of the hit Broadway musical was one of the key items that lifted spirits amid the pandemic in July 2020. What better way to reward it for its efforts than its writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, who received a nomination from the Golden Globes, although on the film side of the house. With the added attention around Miranda this June when his In the Heights drops, he could be a safe bet for a nom here. The Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr is now fresh off double Oscar noms for One Night in Miami, which only serves to elevate his visibility for Emmy voters. He is one of our most talented performers in the industry but will likely split some votes with his co-star Miranda. When Showtimes adaptation of James McBrides The Good Lord Bird premiered, people penciled in Ethan Hawke to snatch his first television nomination for his portrayal of John Brown. Thus far, hes scored nods from both the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. With Emmys to likely follow, in part because the four-time Oscar nominee doesnt do a lot of television, and hes one of the easiest ways to recognize the series in a major way. Hollywood director, writer and actor Joel Edgerton has been incredible in films like The Gift and Boy Erased, but he has his finest acting moments of his career in Barry Jenkins beautiful and heartbreaking The Underground Railroad. While a difficult sit for many, his role is layered and textured in a way that should appeal to voters, perhaps even making him one of the frontrunners for the prize. Thus far, Hugh Grants first and only Emmy nom came just two years ago in this category for A Very English Scandal. But after snatching up a Golden Globe nom and a SAG nod for his work as a sociopathic doctor, husband, and father in HBOs The Undoing, he is poised to receive more attention from the TV Academy. The series may have been divisive, but he and co-star Nicole Kidman received the lions share of praise for their performances. The respect of two-time Emmy winner Jeff Daniels runs deep. In fact, one of the most shocking moments of the Emmys was when he emerged victorious against a monster lineup that included Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Damien Lewis (Homeland) and Jon Hamm (Mad Men). Now in the running for his portrayal of real-life FBI Director James Comey, his success will be dependent on how tired members are of the political realm. The eligibility period ends on May 31 before nomination-round voting begins on June 17, concluding on June 28. The Primetime Emmy nominations will be announced on July 13, 2021. AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE : Joel Edgerton "The Underground Railroad" (Amazon Prime Video) EMMY HISTORY: Never nominated ROLE: Ridgeway CREATOR: Barry Jenkins SYNOPSIS: A young woman named Cora makes an amazing discovery during her attempt to break free from slavery in the deep south. STARRING: Thuso Mbedu, Chase W. Dillon, Aaron Pierre, Joel Edgerton Ethan Hawke "The Good Lord Bird" (Showtime) EMMY HISTORY: Never nominated ROLE: John Brown CREATOR: Ethan Hawke SYNOPSIS: Ethan Hawke stars as abolitionist John Brown in this series based on the novel. "Onion" is a fictional enslaved boy who becomes a member of Brown's family of abolitionist soldiers and finds himself in the 1859 raid at Harpers Ferry. STARRING: Ethan Hawke, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Beau Knapp, Nick Eversman, Ellar Coltrane, Jack Alcott, Mo Brings Plenty, Daveed Diggs, Joshua Caleb Johnson Hugh Grant "The Undoing" (HBO) EMMY HISTORY: One nomination ROLE: Jonathan Fraser CREATOR: David E. Kelley SYNOPSIS: A modern twist to a classical "whodunnit" tale, when the life of a wealthy New York therapist turns upside down after she and her family get involved with a murder case. STARRING: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Edgar Ramirez, Noah Jupe, Lily Rabe, Matilda De Angelis, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Edan Alexander, Michael Devine, Donald Sutherland Bryan Cranston "Your Honor" (Showtime) EMMY HISTORY: 15 nominations, 6 wins (lead actor in a drama series for "Breaking Bad" in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014 and outstanding drama series for "Breaking Bad" in 2013 and 2014). ROLE: Michael Desiato CREATOR: Peter Moffat SYNOPSIS: A judge confronts his convictions when his son is involved in a hit and run that embroils an organized crime family. Facing impossible choices, he discovers how far a father will go to save his son's life. STARRING: Bryan Cranston, Hunter Doohan, Hope Davis, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Michael Stuhlbarg, Carmen Ejogo Lin-Manuel Miranda "Hamilton" (Disney Plus) EMMY HISTORY: Four nominations, one win (original music and lyrics for the song "Bigger" from the "The 67th Annual Tony Awards") ROLE: Alexander Hamilton CREATOR: Lin-Manuel Miranda (book), Thomas Kail (director) SYNOPSIS: The real life of one of America's foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater with the original Broadway cast. STARRING: Daveed Diggs, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos, Phillipa Soo NEXT IN LINE CONTENDERS : Jeff Daniels "The Comey Rule" (Showtime) EMMY HISTORY: Five nominations, two wins (lead actor in a drama series for "The Newsroom" in 2013 and supporting actor in a limited series or movie for "Godless" in 2018) ROLE: James Comey CREATOR: Billy Ray SYNOPSIS: Jeff Daniels and Brendan Gleeson star as former FBI Dir. James Comey and President Donald J. Trump in this limited series of the story of two powerful men, whose strikingly different ethics and loyalties put them on a collision course. STARRING: Jeff Daniels, Holly Hunter, Michael Kelly, Jennifer Ehle, Scoot McNairy, Jonathan Banks, Oona Chaplin, Amy Seimetz, Steven Pasquale, Brendan Gleeson Leslie Odom Jr. "Hamilton" (Disney Plus) EMMY HISTORY: One nominations ROLE: Aaron Burr CREATOR: Lin-Manuel Miranda (book), Thomas Kail (director) SYNOPSIS: The real life of one of America's foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater with the original Broadway cast. STARRING: Daveed Diggs, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos, Phillipa Soo Paul Bettany "WandaVision" (Disney Plus) EMMY HISTORY: Never nominated ROLE: Vision CREATOR: Jac Schaeffer SYNOPSIS: Blends the style of classic sitcoms with the MCU, in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision - two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives - begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. STARRING: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Debra Jo Rupp, Fred Melamed, Kathryn Hahn, Teyonah Parris, Randall Park, Kat Dennings, Evan Peters Chris Rock "Fargo" (FX) EMMY HISTORY: 19 nominations, four wins (outstanding variety, music or comedy special and outstanding writing for a variety or music program for "Chris Rock: Bring the Pain" in 1997, outstanding writing for a variety or music program for "The Chris Rock Show" in 1999 and outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy special for "Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger - London, New York, Johannesburg" in 2009) ROLE: Loy Cannon CREATOR: Noah Hawley SYNOPSIS: Various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. Yet all of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota. STARRING: Chris Rock, Jessie Buckley, Jason Schwartzman, Ben Whishaw, Jack Huston, Salvatore Esposito, E'myri Crutchfield, Andrew Bird, Anji White, Jeremie Harris, Matthew Elam, Corey Hendrix, James Vincent Meredith, Francesco Acquaroli Andrew Scott "Oslo" (HBO) EMMY HISTORY: One nomination ROLE: Terje Rd-Larsen CREATOR: Bartlett Sher (directed by) SYNOPSIS: Recounts the true-life, previously secret, back-channel negotiations in the development of the pivotal 1990s Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. STARRING: Andrew Scott, Ruth Wilson, Jeff Wilbusch, Salim Daw, Waleed Zuaiter, Igal Naor ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS (UNRANKED) : AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie) The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is televisions most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades. For wins: This category has had many rule changes and inceptions in its history, but its worth noting that Laurence Olivier has the most wins in this category, with four with Peter Ustinov behind him with three. For nominations: Hal Holbrook has the most nominations in this category of any actor with seven, while Benedict Cumberbatch and Laurence Olivier follow close behind with six apiece. 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys) The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives. The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Woe betide the grade-school-age lad who finds himself in a movie by writing-directing duo David Charbonier and Justin Powell: He may survive their plotlines, but it wont be pretty. Their official first feature, The Boy Behind the Door (which will debut on streaming platform Shudder July 29) found two such kids fighting for their lives after being abducted by a stranger. In the new, more supernaturally tilted The Djinn, theyve crafted another effective suspense exercise from the same basic premise, trapping a juvenile protagonist in a home with a malevolent nemesis. . IFC Midnight is opening the feature in limited theaters as well as launching on digital and VOD platforms May 14. Set in 1989 for no obvious reason beyond justifying the generic retro dreariness of the interior setting (or perhaps the vintage-synth aspects of Matthew James score), the movie opens with our first among many successively revealing glimpses of the same scene: 12-year-old Dylan (Ezra Dewey) waking in the middle of the night to find his mother (Tevy Poe) sobbing in the kitchen. That this episode did not turn out well is evidenced by the fact that when we next meet Dylan, hes moving into a featureless two-floor apartment or condo with his father (Rob Brownstein). Mom is no longer in the picture, though it takes some time for the script to reveal just why. We do glean, however, that Dylan who is mute, though not deaf worries his inability to speak somehow caused her exit. Dad assures him youre perfect as you are. Still, when the now-solo parent goes off to work (hes a night disc jockey at a radio station), Dylan goes straight for what hes found in his new bedrooms closet: a musty old book containing instructions for magic spells. Using candle, mirror and pinprick of blood, he performs the Wish of Desire ritual to plead for a voice from the titular wish-granting spirit. He barely notices the proviso But beware the djinns toll; for the gift that you seek may cost your soul. To his disappointment, there is no immediate result, vocal or otherwise. Soon, however Dylan is puzzled by electronic devices that turn on by themselves, the telephones vanishing and other inexplicable disturbances. By the half-hour mark here, hes horrified to spy the creature hes summoned one that will mostly be seen in various human forms, as it is an imitative changeling. Not long afterward, he realizes that somehow all the homes exits have become impermeable. In a moments respite from attack, our asthmatic hero reads in the magic book that he must outlast an hour in the ghouls company and/or snuff out its candle flame in order to survive. Neither task will be remotely easy. The Djinn was actually shot before Boy Behind the Door, though the second played festivals last fall. While both are bare-bones concepts requiring few budgetary frills, this effort more starkly illustrates a goal of creating (as a press-kit directors statement puts it) an exciting story despite having extremely limited resources and virtually no money. The story might just as easily have lent itself to a half-hour horror-anthology format. But the directors manage to sustain its tension over a still-compact longer haul, not so much via any notable plot ingenuity as by building a mood of constant, credible emergency. Julian Amaru Estradas camera does a lot of ominous prowling, setting us up for the jolt each time there really is something alien in the frame; Powell keeps the editorial rein taut. There are also interesting tricks played with William Tabanou and Nathan Ruyles sound design, which makes the most of distinctions between Dylans and the djinns sensory aptitudes. But theres no question the film works as well as it does primarily thanks to Dewey (whos also in Door). His impressive job expressing not-quite-helpless terror for the films bulk almost single-handedly carries the proceedings. What you see is what you get with The Djinn (as well as Boy Behind the Door), with scant explanation of a villain that simply wants to kill our protagonist for the run times duration. Theres not a lot to linger on afterward, and it will be interesting to see how the filmmakers fare with more complex stories and expansive production resources. But there is definitely something to be said for talents that start out with a small, attainable goal then nail it. Reviewed online, San Francisco, May 11, 2021. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 81 MIN. Running Time: 81 MIN. MPAA Rating: R Production An IFC Midnight release of an IFC Films presentation of a Mad Descent and Kinogo Pictures production. Producers: Ryan Scaringe, Carter Armstrong, Meghan Weinstein. Executive producers: Jilbert Daniel, David Charbonier, Justin Powell. Crew Director-writers: David Charbonier, Justin Powell. Camera: Julian Amaru Estrada. Editor: Powell. Music: Matthew James. With Ezra Dewey, Rob Brownstein, Tevy Poe, Donald Pitts, John Erickson. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A grand jury has indicted the alleged stabber that killed a man and seriously injured five others at the Sugar Rush Partyland on 4502 McPherson Road, the Webb County District Attorneys Office announced on Wednesday. Anthony Tays Jr., 18, was charged with one count of murder and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison and a possible $10,000 fine. Tays is out on bond. The grand jury also rendered a true bill for Lester Gerardo Herrera, 34, on the charge of deadly conduct. Herrera remains at large. To report his whereabouts, call police at 795-2800 or Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS (8477). Information provided via Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Callers will remain anonymous. The incident occurred when officers responded to a shooting at approximately 4:58 a.m. on April 5 at Sugar Rush. First officers on scene encountered four men ages 25, 26, 29 and 31 with injuries. Officers observed several pieces of shattered glass from beer and liquor bottles. They also discovered several spent casings scattered on the floor. Laredo Medical Center emergency personnel called police saying that a man identified as Jaime Leal-Rodriguez, 22, was dropped off with injuries he sustained at Sugar Rush. Leal-Rodriguez had several cuts and lacerations to his upper torso, according to police. He would later die due to his injuries. Shortly after, police found out about a 23-year-old man who had arrived at Doctors Hospital with a laceration to his arm. Further investigation revealed he was stabbed at Sugar Rush, states the affidavit. Surveillance video from Sugar Rush allegedly shows Tays taking out what appears to be a knife and stabbing one man. Leal-Rodriguez then appears to defend the man by punching Tays. Leal-Rodriguez and Tays fall to the floor with Leal-Rodriguez on top, the affidavit states. Leal-Rodriguez punches Tays in the face several times while Tays continues swiping Leal-Rodriguezs back with the knife. Leal-Rodriguez gets up and staggers toward the entrance door where he assists another injured person, according to the affidavit. However, Tays is subsequently seen on video walking toward Jaime (Leal-Rodriguez). As Jaime (Leal-Rodriguez) is seen directing his attention to the injured party, Tays comes from behind with the knife still in hand and swipes at Jaimes (Leal-Rodriguezs) upper chest area. Jaime (Leal-Rodriguez) immediately grimaces before quickly escaping through the front door where he is seen walking through the shattered glass of the door and to the parking lot. Preliminary medical reports indicate that Jaime (Leal-Rodriguez) subsequently bled out from the apparent stab wounds and ultimately died, the affidavit states. Police said the video also shows Tays stepfather, Herrera, shooting a firearm up in the air multiple times. Tays denied the allegations saying he was the one assaulted, according to the affidavit. Tays was served with warrants on April 6. U.S. Border Patrol agents have arrested a sex offender and a man convicted of homicide as they attempted to enter the country illegally in Zapata County, authorities said. On Tuesday morning, agents arrested Hector Daniel Martinez-Martinez, a 45-year-old Mexican citizen. He was one of seven migrants apprehended by Zapata Station agents. Traveller representative group Pavee Point have described the decision taken by members of its own community to host a wedding party in defiance of Covid-19 regulations as reckless. A spokesperson from the non governmental organisation said the rationale of those behind an event which saw over 100 partygoers attend a post wedding party in Longford last week was highly questionable. Its hugely disappointing, said the spokesperson. It just shouldnt have happened. The work that the HSE and Traveller organisations have done to educate travellers, to see this is just very reckless and disappointing. The comments came as Judge Keenan Johnson said the upshot of last week's events had threatened to undo all the progress traveller representative groups had done in highlighting the needs of its members to the wider public. There is little doubt that travellers have suffered and continue to suffer significant discrimination, he said. However, the actions of the people before this court for contempt does little to further the cause of travellers. Indeed it could be said that their actions only further increase the isolation of travellers from the rest of society and that is something which is wholly undesirable. Once upon a time, there were two little boys. One named Tom and the other named Mark, and they lived in a town called Longford. Tom, and his Teffia Park neighbour Mark, also went to school together, and in the evenings, they often wandered along the old canal line near their homes, and whiled away many adventurous hours together. One day however, as the duo were making their way home from the canal bank, they heard cries from a sack which had been thrown into the waters edge, and as any curious little lads would do, they went over to investigate the mysterious sounds. They opened the sack and inside was a shivering, scared, little black and white puppy, who had been abandoned and cruelly left for dead. The two boys wrapped the puppy in one of their jackets and brought him home, where they fed him, kept him warm and brought him back to life again over the following days, with all the innocent love and attention their new little cuddly friend needed and deserved. But this is no fairy tale, its a real-life story and the little boys were Tom OBrien and his best pal Mark Adams, and when the ISPCA in Dublin learned of this very good deed, their Chief Executive decided to travel to Longford and a delighted and very proud St Michaels Boys National School, hosted a presentation ceremony where the two boys were each presented with a parchment citation and the gift of a battery-operated torch, much treasured by any boy in those days. Apart from the teaching staff at St Michaels School, the guests who attended included Cllr Tom Kilbride, Chairman of Longford County Council, Cllr Tommy Breaden, Chairman of Longford UDC, a number of other local dignitaries, and Paddy Devaney, the RTE cameraman who travelled from Athlone to capture the presentation on film. The following night, the story of the two boys and the presentation, was featured on the six oclock and nine oclock evening news on RTE television, a rare occurrence in those days when provincial stories on TV were seldom about good things that happened. Even at that very young age, Tom OBrien was kind, generous and above all, a lovely human being, and during his far too short life, he never changed. The Longford chairperson of a HSE committee has branded a move by health chiefs to start testing peoples sewage from early next month in a bid to track how Covid-19 as a pile of nonsense and a complete waste of taxpayers money. Cllr Paraic Brady, who is the chairperson of the HSEs Dublin Mid Leinster Forum, slammed the announcement by health bosses to roll out the National Covid-19 Wastewater Surveillance Programme. The programme, which is set to start in early May, will measure the level of SARS-CoV-2 in 68 wastewater catchment areas across the country and will operate as an early warning system for future possible waves of Covid. Longford and Edgeworthstown have been selected as the two locations where sampling will take place over the coming weeks, something Cllr Brady was sharply critical of. This is a pile of nonsense if they are talking about testing peoples sewage to detect Covid-19, he stormed. Its a complete waste of taxpayers money. The programme is led by a specialist team with input from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), HSE, HIU, the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, and Irish Water. Results from the programme will be reported to the HSE Public Health Departments, the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group (IEMAG), and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The findings will inform testing strategy and will play a role in the initiation of preventive public health measures. Dr John Cuddihy, Director of HPSC pointed out that "monitoring wastewater for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 is an internationally recognised tool in many Governments efforts to assess the rate of infection across the population, both as a whole and within individual communities. However, Cllr Brady was quick to call into question those remarks, insisting the focus of the Government and state bodies should be firmly fixed on the countrys vaccine rollout. Whatever monies are available should be spent on the rollout and getting jabs into as many arms as possible and as safely as possible, he contended. By Zhang Shaolin The UK and India recently reached a major agreement to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," according to Indian media reports. The two sides will deepen defense and security cooperation and proposed joint research and development of next-generation fighter jets for the first time. This has attracted widespread attention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a 10-year road map when they reached cooperation between the two countries. The two countries will further deepen their defense and security cooperation under the framework of the UK-India defense and international security partnership, especially in key military technologies such as next-generation fighter jets, ship propulsion systems, and complex weapons and equipment. The UK clearly stated its support for Indias Tejas LCA Mk2 fighter jet project. This is the first time that high-level leaders from the two countries have agreed on the joint development of a new fighter jet. However, the UK and India have their own plans for deepening defense and security cooperation. For India, the signing of the agreement this time is more out of consideration for enhancing its own military strength and expanding its regional influence. On the one hand, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming the focus of global geopolitics and geoeconomics. India is trying to form a regional deterrence by enhancing its military strength. On the other hand, India's defense industry is backward, and its military equipment demand is overly dependent on procurement. Five of the eight major purchases listed by the Indian Ministry of Defense in 2021 depend on imports. For example, India's Tejas LCA Mk1 fighter jets use American or British aero engines. India chose to work with the UK because it hopes to use the technical strength of the UK to accelerate the process of localization of weapons and equipment. As an extraterritorial country, the UK's eagerness to deploy in the Asia-Pacific region has other intentions. On the one hand, the UK sees India as a powerful force that can be relied upon to enter the Asia-Pacific region. This cooperation is based on the premise of leading the path of India's military development and borrowing India's hands to intervene in Indo-Pacific affairs deeply. It aims to pave the way for creating an "Indo-Pacific Order" under the leadership of the UK and the realization of the goal of "Global Britain". On the other hand, after the Brexit, EU countries represented by France and Germany are no longer willing to carry out in-depth cooperation with the UK. At the same time, the US wants independent research and development. Therefore, the UK urgently needs allies. From the perspective of the UK, choosing to work with India means that the UK takes the lead in the development of next-generation fighter jets while obtains financial support from India. It can be said that the defense cooperation between the UK and India, based on their respective national interests, cannot go beyond the scope of "strategic mutual utilization" and is far from a real security alliance. It is surprisingly difficult to build a carbon neutral sailing ship. This is even more the case today, because our standards for safety, health, hygiene, comfort, and convenience have changed profoundly since the Age of Sail. On board the ship `Garthsnaid' at sea. A view from high up in the rigging. Image by Allan C. Green, circa 1920. The sailing ship is a textbook example of sustainability. For at least 4,000 years, sailing ships have transported passengers and cargo across the worlds seas and oceans without using a single drop of fossil fuels. If we want to keep travelling and trading globally in a low carbon society, sailing ships are the obvious alternative to container ships, bulk carriers, and airplanes. However, by definition, the sailing ship is not a carbon neutral technology. For most of history, sailing ships were built from wood, but back then whole forests were felled for ships, and those trees often did not grow back. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, sailing ships were increasingly made from steel, which also has a significant carbon footprint. The carbon neutrality of sailing in the 21st century is even more elusive. Thats because we have changed profoundly since the Age of Sail. Compared to our forebears, we have higher demands in terms of safety, comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. These higher standards are difficult to achieve unless the ship also has a diesel engine and generator on-board. The revival of the sailing ship The sailing ship has seen a modest revival in the last decade, especially for the transportation of cargo. In 2009, Dutch company Fairtransport started shipping freight between Europe and the Americas with the Tres Hombres, a sailing ship built in 1943. The company remains active today and has a second ship in service since 2015, the Nordlys (built in 1873). Since then, others have joined the sail cargo business. In 2016, the German company Timbercoast started shipping cargo with the Avontuur, a ship built in 1920. [1] In 2017, the French Blue Schooner Company started transporting cargo between Europe and the Americas with the Gallant, a sailing ship that was built in 1916. [2] All these sailing ships were constructed in the twentieth or nineteenth century, and were restored at a later date. However, a revival of sail cannot rely on historical ships alone, because theres not enough of them. [3] The Noach, built in 1857. At the moment, there are at least two sailing ships in development that are being built from scratch: the Ceiba and the EcoClipper500. The first ship is being constructed in Costa Rica by a company named Sailcargo. She is built from wood and inspired by a Finnish ship from the twentieth century. The second ship is designed by a company called EcoClipper, which is led by one of the founders of the Dutch FairTransport, Jorne Langelaan. Their EcoClipper500 is a steel replica of a Dutch clipper ship from 1857: the Noach. Old designs are not necessarily the best", says Jorne Langelaan, "but whenever proven design is used, one can be sure of its performance. A new design is more of a gamble. Furthermore, in the 20th and 21st century, sailing technology developed for fast sailing yachts, which is an entirely different story compared to ships which need to be able to carry cargo. More economical sailing ships These two ships one under construction and one in the design phase have the potential to make sail cargo a lot more economical than it is today. Thats because they have a much larger cargo capacity than the sailing ships currently in operation. As a ship becomes longer, her cargo capacity increases more than proportionally. The EcoClipper500 is a full-scale replica of the Noach. The 46 metre long Ceiba is powered by 580 m2 of sails and carries 250 tonnes of cargo. The 60 metre long EcoClipper500 is powered by almost 1,000 m2 of sails and takes 500 tonnes of cargo. For comparison, the Tres Hombres is not that much shorter at 32 metres, but she takes only 40 tonnes of cargo twelve times less than the EcoClipper500. A larger ship is also faster and saves labour. The Tres Hombres requires a crew of seven, while the EcoClipper500 only has a slightly larger crew of twelve. Life cycle analysis of a sailing ship Although the EcoClipper500 is still in the design phase, she will be the focus of this article. This is because the company conducted a life cycle analysis of the ship prior to building it. [9] As far as I know, this is the first life cycle analysis of a sailing ship ever made. The study reveals that it takes around 1,200 tonnes of carbon to build the ship. Half of those emissions are generated during steel production, and roughly one third is generated by steel working processes and other shipyard activities. Solvent-based paints as well as electric and electronic systems each account for roughly 5% of emissions. The emissions produced during the manufacturing of the sails are not included because there are no scientific data available, but a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation (for sails based on aramid fibres) signals that their contribution to the total carbon footprint is very small. [4] The EcoClipper500 has a carbon footprint of 2 grammes of CO2 per tonne-kilometre, which is five times less than the carbon footprint of a container ship. If these 1,200 tonnes of emissions are spread out over an estimated lifetime of 50 years, then the EcoClipper500 would have a carbon footprint of about 2 grammes of CO2 per tonne-kilometre of cargo, concludes researcher Andrew Simons, who made the life cycle analysis for the ship. This is roughly five times less than the carbon footprint of a container ship (10 grammes CO2/tonne-km) and three times less than the carbon footprint of a bulk-carrier (6 grammes CO2/tonne-km). [5] Looking aft from aloft on the 'Parma' while at anchor. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Villiers's work vividly records the period of early 20th century maritime history when merchant sailing vessels or tall ships were in rapid decline. Transporting one ton of cargo over a distance of 8,000 km (roughly the distance between the Caribbean and the Netherlands) would thus produce 16 kg of carbon with the EcoClipper500, compared to 80 kg on a container ship and 48 kg on a bulk carrier. The proportions are similar for other environmental factors, such as ozone depletion, ecotoxicity, air pollution, and so on. Although the sailing ship boasts a convincing advantage, it may not be as big as you might have expected. First, as Simons explains, theres scale. A container ship or bulk carrier enjoys the same benefits over the EcoClipper500 as the EcoClipper500 enjoys over the Tres Hombres. It can take a lot more cargo on average 50,000 tonnes instead of 500 tonnes and it needs only a slightly larger crew of 20-25 people. [6] Second, fossil fuel powered ships are faster than sailing ships, meaning that fewer ships are needed to transport a given amount of cargo over a given period of time. The original ship on which the EcoClipper500 is based, sailed between the Netherlands and Indonesia in 65 to 78 days, while a container ship does it in about half the time (taking the short cut through the Suez canal). Building a fleet of sailing ships Theres two ways to further lower the carbon emissions of sailing ships in comparison to container ships and bulk carriers. One is to build ships from wood instead of steel, such as the Ceiba. If the harvested trees are allowed to grow back (which the makers of the Ceiba have promised), such a ship may even be considered a carbon sink. However, theres a good reason why the EcoClipper500 will be made from steel: the companys aim is to build not just one ship, but a fleet of them. Jorne Langelaan: There are few shipyards who can deliver wooden ships nowadays. Steel makes it easier to build a fleet in a shorter period. A possible compromise would be a composite construction, in which a steel skeleton is clad with timber keel, planks, and deck. Andrew Simons: This would reduce the carbon footprint of construction by half. It could also be feasible to make superstructures and some of the mast sections and spars from timber instead of steel. Driving sprays over the main deck of the 'Parma'. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Towards the future, another possibility to further decrease a sailings ships emissions per tonne-km is to build it even larger. While the EcoClipper500 has much more cargo capacity than the cargo sailing ships now in operation, she is far from the largest sailing ship ever built. Historical ships such as the Great Republic (5,000 tonnes), the Parma (5,300 tonnes), the France II (7,300 tonnes), and the Preussen (7,800 tonnes), were more than 100 metres long and could take more than ten times the freight capacity of the EcoClipper500. Langelaan already dreams of a EcoClipper3000. Passengers Most cargo sailing ships travelling across the oceans today can also take some passengers. Fully loaded with cargo, the EcoClipper500 takes 12 crew members, 12 passengers, and 8 trainees (passengers who learn how to sail). If the upper hold deck is not used for cargo, another 28 trainees can join, so that the ship can take up to 60 people on board (with a smaller cargo volume: 480 m3 instead of 880 m3). The carbon footprint for passengers amounts to 10 g per passenger-km, compared to roughly 100 g per passenger-km on an airplane. Consequently, and since ocean liners have disappeared, the EcoClipper500 also becomes an alternative to the airplane. According to the results of the life cycle analysis, the carbon footprint for passengers on the EcoClipper500 amounts to 10 grammes per passenger-kilometre, compared to roughly 100 grammes per passenger-kilometre on an airplane. Transporting one passenger thus produces as much carbon emissions as transporting 1 tonne of freight. Engine or not? Importantly, the life cycle analysis of the EcoClipper500 assumes that there is no diesel engine on-board. On a sailing ship, a diesel engine can serve two purposes, which can be combined. First, it allows to propel the ship when there is no wind or when sails cannot be used, for example when leaving or entering a harbour. Second, combined with a generator, a diesel engine can produce electricity for daily life on board of the ship. For most of history, energy use on-board of a sailing ship was not too problematic. There was firewood for cooking and heating, and there were candles and oil lamps for lighting. There were no refrigerators for food storage, no showers or laundry machines for washing and cleaning, no electronic instruments for navigation and communication, no electric pumps in case of leaks or fire. However, we now have higher standards in terms of safety, health, hygiene, thermal comfort, and convenience. The problem is that these higher standards are difficult to achieve when the ship does not have an engine that runs on fossil fuels. Modern heating systems, cooking devices, hot water boilers, refrigerators, freezers, lighting, safety equipment, and electronic instruments all need energy to work. Crewman of the 'Parma' with a model of his ship. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Modern sailing ships often use a diesel engine to provide that energy (and to propel the ship if necessary). An example is the Avontuur from Timbercoast, who has an engine of 300 HP, a 20 kW generator, and a fuel tank of 2,330 litres. Large sail training vessels and cruising ships have several engines and generators on-board. For example, the 48m long Brig Morningster has a 450 HP engine and three generators with a total capacity of 100 kW, while the 56m long Bark Europa has two 365 HP engines with three generators and burns hundreds of litres of oil per day. Depending on the lifestyle of the people on board, the emissions per passenger-km may rise to, or surpass, the levels of those of an airplane. Obviously, the emissions and other pollutants of these engines need to be taken into account when the environmental footprint of a sail trip is calculated. Depending on the lifestyle of the people on board, the emissions per passenger-km may rise to, or surpass, the levels of those of an airplane. To a lesser extent, electricity use on-board also increases the emissions of cargo transportation. Energy use on board a sailing ship The EcoClipper500 has no diesel engine on board, which is a second reason to focus on this ship. Obviously, a sailing ship without an engine cannot proceed her voyage when theres no wind. This is easily solved in the old-fashioned way: the EcoClipper500 stays where she is until the wind returns. A ship without an engine also needs tug boats which usually burn fossil fuels to get in and out of ports. For the EcoClipper500, these tug services account for 0.3 g/tkm of the total carbon footprint of 2 g/tkm. Without a diesel engine, the ship also needs to generate all energy for use on board from local energy sources, and this is the hard part. Renewable energy is intermittent and has low power density compared to fossil fuels, meaning that more space is needed to generate a given amount of power which is more problematic at sea than it is on land. Renewing caulking on the poop of the 'Parma'. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. To make the EcoClipper500 self-sufficient in terms of energy use, a first design decision was to shift energy use away from electricity whenever possible. This is especially important for high temperature heat, which cannot be supplied by electric heat pumps. The ship will have a pellet-stove on board to provide space heating, as well as a biodigester never before used on a ship to convert human and kitchen waste into gas for cooking. Thermal insulation of the ship is another priority. Nevertheless, even with pellet-stove and biodigester (which themselves require electricity to operate), and with thermal insulation, energy demand on the ship can be as high as 50 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day (2 kW average power use). This concerns a worst-case normal operation scenario, when the ship is sailing in cold weather with 60 people on board. Power use will be lower in warmer weather and/or when less people are taken. During an emergency, the power requirements can amount to 8 kW, while more than 24 kWh of energy can be needed in just three hours. Hydrogenerators How to produce this power? Solar panels and wind turbines are only a small part of the solution. Producing 50 kWh of energy per day would require at least 100 square metres of solar panels, for which there is little space on a 60 m long sailing ship. Vulnerability and shading by the sails make for further problems. Wind turbines can be attached in the rigging, but their power output is also limited. The low potential of solar and wind power are demonstrated by the earlier mentioned sailing ship Avontuur. She has a 20 kW generator, powered by the diesel engine, but only 2.1 kW of solar panels and 0.8 kW of wind turbines. The hydrogenerator is the only renewable power source that can provide a large sailing ship with enough energy for the use of modern technology on board. The hydrogenerator is the only renewable power source that can provide a large sailing ship with enough energy for the use of modern technology on board. Hydrogenerators are attached underneath the hull and work in the opposite way as a ships propeller. Instead of the propeller powering the ship, the ship powers the propeller, which turns a generator that produces electricity. In spite of its name and appearance, the hydrogenerator is actually a form of wind energy: the sails power the propellers. Obviously, this only works when the ship is sailing fast enough. Furling sail on the main yard of the Parma. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. The EcoClipper500 will be equipped with two large hydrogenerators, for which Simons calculated the power output at different speeds, taking into account the fact that the extra drag they produce slows down the ship somewhat. He concludes that the EcoClipper500 needs to sail at a speed of at least 7.5 knots to generate enough electricity. At that speed, the hydrogenerators produce an estimated 2,000 watts of power, which converts to roughly 50 kWh of electricity per day (24 hours of sailing). At a lower speed of 4.75 knots, the generators produce 350 watts, which comes down to 8.4 kWh of energy over a period of 24 hours only 1/6th of the maximum required energy. On the other hand, at higher speeds, the hydrogenerators produce more energy than necessary. At a speed of almost 10 knots they provide 120 kWh/day, at a speed of 12 knots this becomes 182 kWh/day 3.5 times more than needed. Saltwater batteries According to her hull speed, the EcoClipper500 will be able to sail a little over 16 knots at absolute top speed this is double the minimum speed required to generate enough power. Achieving this speed will be rare, because it needs calm seas and strong winds from the right direction. Nevertheless, in good wind conditions, the ship easily sails fast enough to produce all electricity for use on board. Good wind conditions can last for days, especially on the oceans, where winds are more powerful and predictable than on land. However, they are not guaranteed, and the ship will also sail at lower speeds, or find herself in becalmed conditions when hydrogenerators are as useless as solar panels in the middle of the night. Because she has no engine, the EcoClipper500 faces a double problem when theres no wind: she cannot continue her voyage, and she has no energy to maintain life on board. Because she has no engine, the EcoClipper500 faces a double problem when theres no wind: she cannot continue her voyage, and she has no energy to maintain life on board. The first problem is easily solved but the second is not. Life on board goes on, and so there is a continued need for power. To provide this, the ship needs energy storage. To cover the needs for three days drifting in cold weather, an energy storage of 150 kWh would be required, not taking into account charge and discharge losses. Five or seven days of energy use on-board would require 250 to 350 kWh of storage. For emergency use, another 25 kWh of energy storage is needed. Scraping the deck onboard the 'Parma'. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Not having an engine, generator and fuel tank saves space on board, but this advantage can be quickly lost again when one starts to add batteries for the hydrogenerators. Lithium-ion batteries are very compact, but they cannot be considered sustainable and bring safety risks. Thats why Jorne Langelaan and Andrew Simons see more potential in very aptly saltwater batteries, which are non-flammable, non-toxic, easy to recycle, have wide temperature-tolerance, and can last for more than 15 years. Like the biodigester, they have never been used on a sailing ship before. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, saltwater batteries are large and heavy. At 60 kg per kWh of storage capacity, a 150 kWh battery storage would add a weight of 9 tonnes, while a 350 kWh storage capacity would add 21 tonnes. Still, this compares favourably to the total cargo capacity (500 tonnes), and the batteries can serve as ballast if they are placed in the lower part of the ships hull. The space requirements are not too problematic, either. Even a 350 kWh energy storage only requires 14 to 29m3 of space, which is small compared to the 880m3 of cargo volume. The emissions that are produced by the manufacturing of the hydrogenerators, biodigester, and batteries are not included in the life cycle analysis of the ship, because there are no data available. However, these emissions must be relatively small. Hydrogenerators have much higher power density than wind turbines, and thus a relatively low embodied energy. A quick back-of-the-envelope calculation learns that the carbon footprint of 350 kWh saltwater batteries is around 70 tonnes of CO2. [7] Human Power Theres another renewable power source and energy storage on board of the EcoClipper, and thats the humans themselves. Like the pellet stove and the biodigester, the use of human power could reduce the need for electricity. Nowadays, cargo ships and most large sailing ships have electric or hydraulic winches, pumps, and steering gear, saving manual labour at the expense of higher energy use. In contrast, EcoClipper sticks to manual handling of the ship as much as possible. Crew at the capstan of the Parma, weighing anchor. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Simons and Langelaan are also considering the addition of a few rowing machines, coupled to generators, to produce emergency power. Two rowing machines could provide roughly 400 watts of power. If they are operated around the clock in shifts, they could supply the ship with an extra 9.6 kWh of energy per day (ignoring energy losses) one fifth of the total maximum electricity use. In fact, as I tell Simons and Langelaan ten rowing machines operated continually in shifts would provide as much power as the hydrogenerators at a speed of 7.5 knots. If there are 60 people on board, and everybody would generate power for less than one hour per day, no hydrogenerators and batteries would be needed at all. A very interesting thought, answers Simons, but what impression would we be painted with? Hot Showers? Even with a biodigester, hydrogenerators, batteries, and rowing machines, the passengers and crew on board the EcoClipper500 would be far short of luxurious, and perhaps too short of comfortable for some. For example, if 60 people on board the ship would take a daily hot shower which requires on average 2.1 kilowatt-hours of energy and 76.5 litres of water on land total electricity use per day would be 126 kWh, more than double the energy the ship produces at a speed of 7.5 knots. The ship could supply this energy at a higher sailing speed, but there would also be a need for 4,590 liters of water per day, a quantity that could only be produced from seawater a process that requires a lot of energy. Even a crew of 12 taking a daily hot shower would require 25.2 kWh of energy per day, half of what the hydrogenerators produce at a sailing speed of 7.5 knots. The Bark Europa is the only sailing ship mentioned in this article that has hot showers in every (shared) cabin, but it is also the ship with the biggest generators and the highest fuel use. On the forecastle head of the Parma in fine weather. Image by Alan Villiers, 1932. Andrew Simons: On the EcoClipper500 there needs to be a manageable compromise between energy use and comfort. Energy use on board will have to be actively managed. Resources are finite, just like for the planet. In many ways the ship is a microcosm of challenges that the wider world has to face and find solutions to. Jorne Langelaan: At sea you are in a different world. It doesnt matter anymore if you can take a daily shower or not. What matters are the people, the movements of the ship, and the vast wilderness of ocean around you. Measuring the right things This article has compared the EcoClipper500 sailing ship with the average container ship, bulk carrier, and airplane in terms of emissions per tonne- or passenger-kilometer. However, these values are abstractions that obscure much more important information: the total emissions that are produced by all passengers and all cargo, over all kilometres. The international ocean freight trade increased from 4 billion tonnes of cargo in 1990 to 11.2 billion tonnes in 2019, resulting in more than 1 billion tonnes of emissions. International air passenger numbers grew from 1 billion in 1990 to 4.5 billion in 2019, resulting in 915 million tonnes of emissions. Consequently, lowering the emissions per tonne- and passenger-kilometre is neither a necessity nor a guarantee for a reduction in emissions. If we cut international cargo traffic more than fivefold, and passenger traffic more than tenfold, then the emissions of all container ships and airplanes would be lower than the emissions of all sailing ships carrying 11.2 billion tonnes of cargo and 4.5 billion of passengers. Vice versa, if we switch to sailing ships, but keep on transporting more and more cargo and passengers across the planet, we will eventually produce just as much in emissions as we do today with fossil fuel powered transportation. The mizzen of the 'Grace Harwar'; view aft from the main crosstrees. Alan Villiers, 1932-33. Of course, none of this would ever happen. The amount of cargo that was traded across the oceans in 2019 equals the freight capacity of 22.4 million EcoClippers. Assuming the EcoClipper500 can make 2-3 trips per year, we would need to build and operate at least 7.5 million ships, with a total crew of at least 90 million people. Those ships could only take 0.5 billion passengers (12 passengers and 8 trainees per ship), so we would need millions of ships and crew members more to replace international air traffic. We should not be fooled by abstract relative measurements, which only serve to keep the focus on growth and efficiency. All of this is technically possible, and as we have seen, it would produce less in emissions than the present alternatives. However, its more likely that a switch to sailing ships is accompanied by a decrease in cargo and passenger traffic, and this has everything to do with scale and speed. A lot of freight and passengers would not be travelling if it were not for the high speeds and low costs of todays airplanes and container ships. It would make little sense to transport iPhones parts, Amazon wares, sweatshop clothes, or citytrippers with sailing ships. A sailing ship is more than a technical means of transportation: it implies another view on consumption, production, time, space, leisure, and travel. For example, a lot of freight now travels in different directions for each next processing stage before it is delivered as a final product. In contrast, all sail cargo companies mentioned in this article only take cargo that cannot be produced locally, and which is one trip from producer to consumer. [8] This also means that even if sailing ships have diesel engines on board, they would still bring a significant decrease in the total emissions for freight and passenger traffic, simply because they would reduce the absolute number of passengers, cargo, and kilometers. We should not be fooled by abstract relative measurements, which only serve to keep the focus on growth and efficiency. Kris De Decker Proofread by Alice Essam. More about the EcoClipper500. Most images: Alan Villiers collection. Notes [1] Between 1978 and 2004, the Avontuur was operated as sail cargo vessel under Captain Paul Wahlen. The Apollonia, originally built in 1946, is another cargo sailing ship in operation since 2014. It is 19.5 metres long and carries 10 tonnes of cargo. [2] Very recently, Grain de Sail was buillt and launched for Trans-Atlantic shipping of wine and cocoa. She is a modern sailing ship without an engine, built from aluminium, and can take 35 tonnes of cargo. [3] Andrew Simons: There are plenty historical sailing ships, but either very costly to get into service as a regulatory compliant cargo vessel, because they are still used for other purposes, or not suitable. [4] Unfortunately the envelope got lost. [5] In the case of the EcoClipper, most of the emissions are produced during the construction of the ship, while in the case of bulk carriers and container ships, they are mainly produced during operation and fuel production. [6] The largest container ships now take 190,000 tonnes of cargo. [7] There is not much data available on saltwater batteries, but they are less energy-intensive to build than many other types of batteries. The calculation is based on an estimate of 66 kg CO2/kWh of storage capacity and three generations of batteries over a period of 50 years. [8] Almost one third of all cargo transported are fossil fuels themselves. [9] The study can be downloaded when you subscribe to EcoClippers newsletter. The research is based on a typical life cycle analysis, but note that this is not a peer reviewed study. (Alliance News) - Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC on Thursday said its performance improved over the past half-year, increasing confidence in its full-year outlook. The London-based provider of wealth management services said total funds increased by 11% to GBP52.6 billion at the end of March compared to GBP47.6 billion at the end of September 2020. Total discretionary funds also were up 11%, to GBP45.7 billion as at March 31 versus GBP41.2 billion at the company's 2020 financial year-end, supported by positive net flows and strong discretionary investment performance. "Our broad range of propositions and distribution channels has enabled us to reach a wider demographic of people and support those clients who have been able to accumulate higher levels of savings over the last year," noted Chief Executive Robin Beer. Total income increased by 14% in the six months to the end of March to GBP199.9 million from GBP175.8 million a year earlier, driven by strong market performance and elevated levels of commissions. Brewin Dolphin declared an interim dividend per share up 5% year-on-year to 4.6 pence. Going forward ,the company said strong first-half performance increased confidence in its full-year outlook. However, it warned that it expects commission income to reduce in the second half and operating costs to increase. Brewin Dolphin shares were trading 0.6% higher in London on Thursday morning at 330.00p each. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Direct Line Insurance Group PLC - Bromley, Kent-based motor and home insurer - Tim Harris retires as chief financial officer and board director. Harris, in post since 2019, had taken a leave of absence back in January while a family member underwent medical treatment. The treatment will take longer than expected, so Harris has decided to step down. Chief Strategy Officer Neil Manser, who had been acting as CFO, will now become CFO and an executive director. Aquis Exchange PLC - London-based operator of Aquis Stock Exchange - CFO & Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Clelland will move to Paris to take on the additional role of chief executive officer of Aquis Exchange Europe. Clelland replaces Graham Dick, who retires from that role and also as group head of Sales. Meanwhile, Aquis hires David Stevens in the newly created role of chief revenue officer. Stevens, who will be based in London, was CEO of foreign exchange broker Global Reach Group and previously worked for JPMorgan Chase & Co and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. "As Aquis continues to grow and we adapt to the post-Brexit landscape, we have decided to further strengthen both the team overall and, in particular, to increase our presence in Paris by basing the company CFO/COO in France rather than the UK," explains Aquis CEO Alasdair Haynes. CVS Group PLC - Norfolk-based veterinary services - Chair Richard Connell steps down from all board committees, after a major shareholder expressed concern about his membership of the audit committee, making the committee not fully independent. Connell had received only 75% support for reappointment at CVS's annual general meeting, and the company consulted with shareholders following this result. Additionally, the remuneration report had received 78.5% support, and CVC says it has made some changes to its long term incentive plan as a result. Shanta Gold Ltd - New Luika and Singida projects in Tanzania and West Kenya project in Kenya - Hires Michelle Jenkins as independent non-executive director, starting immediately. Jenkins is a chartered accountant and geologist in South Africa with 25 years' experience in the mining sector, Shanta notes. She is executive for Finance & Administration for South Africa with Orion Minerals Ltd and a non-executive director of Kumba Iron Ore Ltd, both of which are Johannesburg listings. Getech Group PLC - Leeds-based geoscience and geospatial products for energy market - Hire Michael Covington as non-executive director, effective immediately, while Alison Fielding will retire on June 30. Getech says Covington is an experienced renewable energy and cleantech investment director and consultant. GRC International Group PLC - Ely, England-based provider of products and services for IT governance, risk management and compliance - Executive Director Steve Watkins steps down from board but will remain in senior management team until the end of September. GRC says Watkins's responsibilities within the Professional Services division, IT Governance Europe Ltd, and IT Governance USA Inc will be taken over by his management team. Watkins has been with GRC since 2008. Impact Healthcare REIT PLC - real estate investment trust focused on healthcare properties in the UK - Hires Chris Santer as non-executive director, effective immediately. Santer is chief investment officer for FTSE 250-listed Primary Health Properties PLC. By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - IT security company NCC Group PLC on Thursday said it has agreed to buy the intellectual property management business of Iron Mountain Inc for USD220 million in cash, partly funded by a share issue. The transaction comprises substantially all of the assets of Iron Mountain Intellectual Property Management Inc, together with some other assets of affiliates of Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain Intellectual Property reported revenue of USD32.9 million and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of USD21.6 million for 2020. The proposed transaction is expected to provide NCC with a number of financial benefits, it noted, as well as a greater global presence. "This acquisition will transform NCC Group's Software Resilience business, making it a market leader, and deliver immediate financial and operational benefits to the whole of the group," said Chief Executive Adam Palser. NCC said the consideration and all related transaction costs will be funded through a combination of USD99 million gross proceeds of the share placing, USD70 million from a new three-year term facility agreement, existing cash balances of USD10 million, and the balance from the company's existing revolving credit facility agreement. Upon completion of the placing, the company had raised USD102.3 million, through the issue of 27.9 million shares at a price of 260p each, which represents a 3.4% discount to the prevailing middle market price at the time of agreeing the placing. NCC shares were trading 11% higher in London on Thursday at 283.00 pence each, giving it a market capitalisation of just under GBP790 million. Following the fundraising, NCC will have 308.9 million shares overall, giving a market cap of GBP874.2 million at the current market price. In addition, NCC reaffirmed its current expectation that pre-IFRS 16 adjusted earnings before interest and tax for the financial year ending May 31 will be no less than market consensus of GBP33 million. By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Helium One Global Ltd - Tanzania-focused helium miner - Inks environmental impact assessment certificate for planned drilling at Rukwa project, Tanzania. Helium One now has "all necessary permits in place to commence exploration drilling in early June". AIM-listed production and development-focused investment firm Scirocco Energy PLC notes Helium One announcement. Atalaya Mining PLC - Cyprus-based copper producer - First quarter revenue rises 59% to EUR97.4 million from EUR61.2 million a year earlier. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation surge to EUR47.4 million from EUR9.3 million. Uru Metals Ltd - exploration and development firm - Notes recent share price movement, stock rose 21% on Wednesday, but says it has no explanation for surge. Stock falls 18% on Thursday. Checkit PLC - Cambridge-based workflow management software provider - Says total revenue rises 15% to GBP4.3 million in three months to April 30, from GBP3.7 million a year earlier. Checkit Connect and Checkit Connect US both post revenue growth. "The board remains confident in the outlook for the business," company adds. Empresaria Group PLC - Crawley, West Sussex-based specialist staffing - Hails "strong start" to 2021 and expects first half and full year adjusted pretax profit to top 2021. Adjusted pretax profit in 2020 came in at GBP5.2 million and GBP2.4 million in first half alone. "While there remain some ongoing challenges and risks from Covid-19, visibility of the remainder of the year is improving," company adds. TT Electronics PLC - Woking, England-based electronic resistor manufacturing company - Says in four months ended April, revenue rises 7% annually on organic basis, building on promising first two months of financial year. "As the market recovers, we have seen strong growth across healthcare, automation and electrification markets as demand for products that enable a cleaner, smarter and healthier environment continues," company says. Expects adjusted operating profit at top end of GBP33.6 million to GBP35.4 million range. Notes that just shy of 23% of shareholders vote against remuneration report at annual general meeting. Motion passes, however. "Following the AGM, the remuneration committee will continue to engage with our major shareholders to fully understand their concerns," company adds. Impact Healthcare REIT PLC - real estate investment trust focused on healthcare properties - Says net asset value per share rises 0.8% quarter-on-quarter to 110.48 pence per share from 109.58p. Declares 1.6025p first quarter payout, in line with annual 6.41p target, up 1.9% from 2020's 6.29p. Property portfolio value up 2.0% quarter-on-quarter to GBP427.0 million and collected 100% of rent. Guild Esports PLC - e-sports business headquartered in London - Launches second apparel range, six months after debut line. "Since then, the Guild brand's worldwide recognition has grown strongly, in part driven by victories in major Fortnite and Rocket League tournaments as well as a surge in Guild's owned audience of followers on social media from approximately 10,000 to 450,000, including a network audience of over 13 million across Guild's pro players and content creators," company says. "Prices for the new collection will range from GBP8 to GBP55 at retail." Gaming Realms PLC - London-based mobile games developer - Extends Slingo gaming agreement with Scientific Games. Signs four-year licensing deal with the gaming firm. "This marks an extension to the Company's existing agreement with Scientific Games, in which Scientific Games has been provided exclusive rights to create and produce SLINGO-branded lottery instant scratch games, terminal generated and draw-based games," Gaming Realms says. OnTheMarket PLC - property listing portal based in Aldershot, Hampshire - Signs commercial pact with property data firm Sprift Technologies Ltd. Deal means OnTheMarket can provide agents with "free market appraisal guides". "Providing enhanced data and market intelligence for agents is a priority for OnTheMarket and we're very pleased to partner with Sprift to offer our agents 'best in class', free and easily generated data-rich Market Appraisal Guides. Working with the Sprift team closely over the past few months, we've been consistently impressed by their approach and ambition," Chief Executive Officer Jason Tebb says. Canadian General Investments Ltd - closed-end equity fund - Enters into a prime brokerage services agreement with a Canadian chartered bank. Margin borrowing of USD100 million under this new facility has been used to extinguish the USD100 million borrowed under a one-year secured non-revolving term credit facility that was scheduled to mature on Wednesday. Proceeds will continue to be used on an ongoing basis as part of Canadian General Investments's overall leverage strategy. Best of the Best PLC - car and lifestyle competition company - Confirms that revenue and pretax profit delivered in the year to April 30 are expected to be in line with market expectations. Caledonia Mining Corp PLC - Saint Helier, Jersey-based mining company - Reports gross revenue of USD25.7 million for the three months to the end of March compared to USD23.6 million a year ago. Higher revenue reflects a higher realised gold price offset by lower sales due to lower production, which totalled 13,197 ounces of gold in the quarter, down from 14,233 ounces a year ago. Caledonia says output hurt by underground flooding and lower grades. Dividend paid in the quarter of 11 cents per share, a 47% increase year-on-year. Luceco PLC - LED lighting products supplier - Says strong trading momentum has continued in 2021, with robust demand in all major sales channels. Luceco now expects revenue of GBP105 million and adjusted operating profit of GBP18 million for the first half of 2021. A year ago, the company reported revenue of GBP71.6 million for the half year and adjusted operating profit of GBP9.0 million. "New business wins, superior channel access and the agility of our vertically integrated manufacturing model have allowed us to gain share in an improving market," says Chief Executive John Hornby. Eurocell PLC - Alfreton, England-based UPVC products provider - Says, following the good start it made in the first two months of the year, trading continued to improve through March and April. Group like-for-like sales for the four months to April 30 were up 20% compared to 2019 and up 26% compared to 2020. As a result, Eurocell now expects pretax profit for 2021 to be ahead of current market expectations. DX Group PLC - Slough, England-based mail, courier and logistics company - Says trading performance since March has been stronger than expected. Thus, DX says it will significantly exceed existing market expectations for adjusted pretax profit in the current financial year, with an associated improvement in operating cash flows. While trading at DX Express has been in line with management expectations, revenue growth at DX Freight is now expected to be around GBP10 million higher than previously anticipated. This has been driven by significantly increased volumes, both from existing customers and through new customer wins. The company also proposes to accelerate its plans to expand DX's delivery network by targeting the opening of 12 new depots over the next two years. Goldstone Resources Ltd - Jersey-based resource development company - Says mining and ore stacking at the Homase mine within its Akrokeri-Homase gold project in Ghana has commenced with the first mined ore having been successfully stacked onto the heap leach pad. The first two cells of the heap leach pad have been commissioned, enabling stacking to commence at a rate of 100 tonnes per hour, which is currently ramping up to a target of 200 tonnes per hour. Goldstone says 80,000 tonnes of ore have been stockpiled, equating to around one month of mine production at full 3,000 tonne per day heap leach capacity. Piping is expected to be completed within the next two weeks followed by irrigation. Alumasc Group PLC - Kettering, England-based supplier of building and engineering products - Says momentum has continued following a record first half year performance that saw double digit revenue growth and also a double digit return on sales. All of Alumasc businesses have been successful in winning market share and have been further supported by encouraging export sales. "Together with the benefit of the structural efficiency improvements made by the Group in recent years and the continuing progress on the Levolux turnaround plan, the group is well positioned to benefit from the significant opportunities within our markets, both short and longer term," says Chief Executive Paul Hooper. Kazera Global PLC - investment company focused on opportunities in the resources and energy sectors - Says proposed investment of EUR9.1 million at 2.7p per share appears to remain on track. This investment in Kazera represents part of a package of broader investments in Namibia being made by the prospective investor. The expectation was that the funds would be received imminently following the completion of the banking due diligence. Conduit Holdings Ltd - Bermuda-based insurance company - Reports strong first three months of 2021 trading with strong broker and client support. Estimated ultimate premiums written of USD199.1 million versus USD160.0 million announced in January 14 trading statement. "The market continues to develop very much in line with our expectations and we remain confident that we will deliver on our plan," the company says in its statement Thursday. Angus Energy PLC - oil & gas development company focused on UK - Says the loan facility has now been signed between Angus and Saltfleetby Energy Ltd, as borrower and guarantor respectively, and Mercuria Energy Trading Ltd and Aleph Saltfleetby Ltd, as the co-lenders. This facility will provide funds for continued progress on the detailed engineering design for the rehabilitation of Saltfleetby in England to drill the third production well before reconnecting the two existing gas wells. Concurrently, Angus Energy says it is progressing its potential geothermal projects in the South West, while evaluating other acquisitions and renewable opportunities with its new funding partners and investors. Argo Blockchain PLC - cryptocurrency mining company - Completes the acquisition of the two data centres in Quebec, Canada. The acquisition is part of the company's strategy to increase control over the mining facilities in which its machines are hosted, with a view to providing the company with long term stability. The data centres have a combined total of 20 megawatts of power capacity and currently house a significant proportion of Argo's cryptocurrency mining equipment. No financial details were disclosed by Argo said the consideration for the acquisition was mainly non-cash consisting of the assumption of existing bank obligations related to these facilities and the application of a previously paid deposit. Caspian Sunrise PLC - Central Asian oil & gas exploration and production company - Issues 3.0 million shares at a price of 2.35p per share in satisfaction of an existing debt. Following the admission, the company will have 2.09 billion shares overall. Valeura Energy Inc - Calgary, Canada-based upstream oil & gas company - Reports petroleum and natural gas revenue of USD2.0 million for the three months to the end of March, down from USD2.8 million a year ago. Net loss form operations in the quarter widens to USD1.1 million from USD192,000. This is after production of crude oil & natural gas falls to 684 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 716 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the first quarter of 2020. Nanoco Group PLC - Manchester, England-based heavy-metal-free quantum dots manufacturer - Signs agreement for a development project with an European electronics customer. The project began in May 2020 and was the first piece of work to be performed under the long-term quantum dot material supply agreement. The project extension moves the phase 1 development work to the next stage. Nanoco says it will continue working on a range of materials for a number of potential applications. The extension increases expectation for revenue in 2021 by 40% with the balance of the project revenue to be earned in the first quarter of 2022. SEEEN PLC - social media and technology platform provider - Launches a new product, Dialog-To-Clip, for sale to video creators on Adobe's app store. In order to further focus the company on sales, it has made a strategic advisory appointment of William Jennings as a senior business development executive to accelerate its Go-To-Market plan. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com and Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Banks and building societies have made commitments to preserve access to cash over the long term, trade association UK Finance has said. Barclays Bank UK, Coventry Building Society, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group, Santander UK and TSB have signed up. Together, these financial institutions represent 16 bank or building society brands. The commitments provide certainty that access will be available for people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, both now and in the future, UK Finance said. Banks will also work together to consider possible models for future access to cash. According to UK Finance's payments market report, an estimated 9.3 billion cash payments were made in 2019. David Postings, chief executive at UK Finance said: "The banking and finance industry is committed to making sure there is access to cash for those who need it as we recognise that cash is still an important way to pay for many." Natalie Ceeney, chair of the Community Access to Cash Pilots Board said: "I welcome the commitment from the banking and finance industry to sustaining cash, and look forward to working with them, with regulators and government, to finding a sustainable model for cash." Vicky Shaw source: PA Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. The Cuban-Spanish actress, Ana Celia de Armas Caso, who's better known as Ana de Armas, is shooting a new commercial in Mallorca for Natural Diamond Council which represents 7 of the world's leading diamond producers. When Ana was growing up in Cuba, her family didnt have a video or DVD player, so she used to watch Hollywood movies at her neighbours house. At just 12 years old she decided that she wanted to become an actress, so she memorised monologues and practised them in front of the mirror. At 14, she joined the National Theatre School of Cuba in Havana and was cast in several productions. Ana was able to obtain Spanish citizenship through her maternal grandparents and within two months of moving to Madrid she was cast in the teen drama, El Internado. Her career went from strength to strength and she moved to Los Angeles in 2014 and quickly established herself in Hollywood. Ana has a raft of projects coming up, including a Netflix biopic about Marilyn Monroe called Blonde an espionage thriller called The Gray Man and an erotic thriller called Deep Water. She has been spotted out and about in Palma since the beginning of this week, but the hard work started on Wednesday at Cafe la Llotja, a popular local bar in the Old Town. The bar was turned into a Parisian cafe with a Rue du Moulin plaque on the wall outside and a crew of around 100 cameramen, technicians and producers were on set while Ana and around 20 extras shot the commercial. Ana was immediately recognised by locals who stopped to watch the actress in action, but a large number of security staff prevented them from getting too close and covered the actress with an umbrella to stop people taking photos. As soon as the Director shouted 'Cut' the crew packed up and headed for the 17th century Abacanto Palace in Sa Indioteria to continue filming. On Thursday and Friday, Ana and the crew will be shooting in areas of Mallorca that will double for the Cote dAzur in France. Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said he was hopeful Britain would include Greece on its "green list" of quarantine-free holiday destinations when the list is reviewed at the end of this month. Greece was kept off an initial list of just 12 countries and territories that Britain said travellers could visit from May 17 without having to quarantine on their return home. "I am moderately optimistic that in the next review, if not our whole country, at least our islands should be on the green list," Theoharis said on Greek state TV. Theoharis is currently on a visit to Britain, one of the three largest markets for its vital tourism sector, meeting government officials, tour operators and airlines ahead of the official start of the tourism season on May 15. His comments came as Greek authorities announced a further easing of restrictions after organised beaches, museums, bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen from last week. From Friday, travel between regions including to the islands will be allowed for people with negative COVID-19 tests or vaccinations. Shoppers will also be allowed to go to stores without an appointment, Akis Skertsos, deputy minister to the prime minister said. Greece came out of the first wave of the pandemic last year in better shape than many European countries but it has suffered heavily in recent months as a surge in cases forced it back into lockdown and put health services under severe strain. However, with authorities aiming to vaccinate the population of its islands by the end of June, the government says vaccines and rapid testing as well as warmer weather allowing more outdoor activities mean visitors can now travel safely. Tourism accounts for about a fifth of the Greek economy and employs one in five workers. A collapse in arrivals last year because of the pandemic slashed revenues to 4 billion euros from 18 billion in 2019. Holiday company TUI Group said earlier on Wednesday that it expects countries such as Spain and Greece to be included in Britain's "green list" of low-risk destinations at the end of the month. Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has opened up about the horrific accident which engulfed his car with flames back in November 2020, leaving him with extensive burns on both hands. Grosjean has been trying to continue with his life following the accident in the Bahrain Grand Prix last season. "Every morning I wake up, I need to remove my silicon gloves and put some cream on my hands, and I remember that I am alive, I am here. I can play with my kids, I can go racing again, I've got my lovely wife next to me," Grosjean said on Formula 1's Beyond The Grid podcast. "I have watched it with my kids, with my wife. I can talk about it very openly. I worked with a psychologist after it, just to make sure there were no flashbacks or nightmares or anything bad coming from it. "I had a couple of flashbacks, and a phase in the accident that I needed to understand, to go through with my psychologist." Not only did Grosjean spend 28 seconds in the car which was on fire, causing serious burns to his hands, but he avoided a fatal blow thanks to the Halo on his car. "Yes, you know my hand is not great - I can't go in the sun, I have to be careful with cold temperatures, with hot temperatures and so on. But also, it's working - I can play with my kids, I can still build Lego, and that's what matters," Grosjean concluded. Seven Massachusetts high schoolers are among 161 students from across the nation who have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars. The honor from the U.S. Department of Education recognizes high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. The Massachusetts scholars are: Ritvik Chandra Pulya of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Arden E. Lloyd of Amherst Regional High School (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts) Andrew Harris of Middlesex School in Concord (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts) Caroline Curran of Sturgis Charter School in Hyannis Kevin Wen of Somerville High School Maria Isabella Carpenter of Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts) Julie A Canuto-Depina of Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical High School in South Easton (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education) The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars chooses students each year based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals, the U.S. Department of Education said in a statement. The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams. Officials said this years scholars will be recognized this summer. The program was created in 1964 and has honored more than 7,600 of the nations top-performing students. In 1979, the program was expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. Then in 2015, it was expanded again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. This years scholars, as directed by presidential executive order, include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. More than 6,000 candidates qualified for this years awards as determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundations nationwide YoungArts program, officials said. There are 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year. A complete list of 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available online. The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts is calling for a full school reopening in the fall as COVID-19 vaccinations roll out, and as those immunizations are now available for children 12 and older. The approval this week of the Pfizer-BioNTech for kids ages 12 to 15 contributes to a clear pathway for full school reopening for the next academic year, AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos said in a statement Thursday. The last year has been incredibly difficult for students, for educators, and for parents, but the light at the end of the tunnel is now in sight, Kontos said. With a new administration in Washington, our school districts are finally receiving the resources they need to recover from the pandemic. However, we have major work to do to overcome a lingering lack of trust within communities hit hardest by COVID-19, and to ensure that full school reopening this fall is done safely and equitably. Kontos statement followed a speech from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who announced the unions plan to fully reopen schools for all students come the fall. AFT said school reopening is necessary to help students recover from the impact of the pandemic, though national research indicates that only 73% of parents, and only 59% of Black parents, report feeling comfortable with in-person learning for their child on the fall. Many parents, especially parents of color in low-income communities, have a well-justified lack of trust in local school systems, Kontos said. For years, their children have attended underfunded schools in outdated and unsafe buildings, and during the pandemic, they witnessed firsthand the failures of our state and nation to protect the safety of students and their families Kontos said that billions of dollars in one-time federal COVID relief aid coming to Massachusetts can provide a once-in-a-generation chance to repair economic and racial inequities, create trust in public schools, provide a safe learning environment and rebuild confidence in in-person learning. AFTs research indicates that if safety measures like upgraded ventilation, layered classroom mitigation strategies, rapid surveillance testing, and easily available vaccinations are in place, the percentage of parents comfortable with in-person learning jumps to 94%, including 87% of Black parents, the union said in its statement. This summer, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach, supported by federal funding, to prepare our school buildings and systems for a safe reopening in the fall, Kontos said. In September, we need major investments to provide students with additional academic support through tutoring and smaller class sizes, as well as social-emotional support through counselors and other mental health professionals. We especially need additional support for students with special needs, English language learners, and other students who have struggled the most during the pandemic. Kontos said the union will continue to work collaboratively with school committees, parents and students to help safely resume in-person learning. Later this month, all Massachusetts school districts will be required to offer five days a week of in-person learning to students following a year that included remote and hybrid models. Last month, districts had to resume full-time learning for elementary and middle school students. The same goes for high school students on May 17 unless the district has obtained a waiver. However, that does not mean all students will be physically in class. Parents are able to choose to keep students remote through the end of this school year. Related Content: Active COVID cases in Massachusetts declined further on Wednesday as the state released the latest data on infections among children and teens, Department of Public Health data shows. Officials reported that there are now 16,685 active infections, down from 17,519 on Tuesday, data shows. State health officials confirmed another 626 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. Thats based on 76,716 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health. Officials also reported 13 new COVID-related fatalities after a day of no deaths on Tuesday, bringing the death toll from the pandemic up to 17,357. The seven-day average of positive tests on Wednesday is 1.25%, down from 1.32% the day before. Since the pandemic began, officials have confirmed 654,734 total COVID-19 cases across the state. The number of COVID patients currently hospitalized on Wednesday is 428, down from 441 reported yesterday. Of them, 114 are in intensive care, and 76 are intubated, data shows. There have been a total of 6,907,827 COVID vaccine doses administered in Massachusetts to date, and 3,050,054 residents are now fully vaccinated. Roughly 55% of the state have received at least one dose, and 43% are now fully vaccinated. Over the last two weeks, 712 cases were confirmed in children younger than 4, down from 861 reported the week before. Officials reported 927 infections in children between the ages of 5 and 9, down from 1,055 since the last update. And 1,130 infections were confirmed in children between the ages of 10 and 14, which is down from the 1,263 reported on May 5, according to data released on Wednesday. There were 1,450 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 infected with COVID over the last 14 days, down from 1,753 since the last update. And last week, officials confirmed another 2,159 cases among 20-somethings, down from the 2,969 reported during the last update. Total COVID cases by county: Barnstable County: 13,736 Berkshire County: 6,456 Bristol County: 65,857 Dukes County: 1,317 Essex County: 96,612 Franklin County: 2,531 Hampden County: 51,532 Hampshire County: 9,069 Middlesex County: 133,808 Nantucket County: 1,513 Norfolk County: 54,368 Plymouth County: 48,564 Suffolk County: 91,910 Worcester County: 76,346 Related Content: Massachusetts will keep its current mask guidance in place, officials with Gov. Charlie Bakers administration said on Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people dont have to wear face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings. The CDC on Thursday eased indoor the mask-wearing requirement for people who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The new guidance will still require masks in crowded indoor settings, such as buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but would ease up restrictions for offices and schools. The Administration welcomes the new CDC guidance and will be updating Massachusetts COVID restrictions in the near future. In the meantime, the current mask order remains in place, Sarah Finlaw, Bakers press secretary, said in a statement. The Commonwealth is leading the nation in the vaccination effort and the Administration will continue to make vaccines available to everyone who lives, works or studies in Massachusetts. Massachusetts currently requires all residents wear a face covering when inside, except when dining. That includes in while at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. The CDC recently updated its guidance with respect to outdoor mask wearing, which are no longer required when outside by yourself away from others, or with people who live in your household. In Massachusetts, Baker also eased the outdoor mask requirement amid improving COVID-19 trends. There have been a total of 6,959,591 COVID vaccine doses administered in Massachusetts to date, and 3,088,699 residents are now fully vaccinated. Roughly 55% of the state have received at least one dose, and 43% are now fully vaccinated. Related Content: The Bay State may now be one of the safest places to live amid the coronavirus pandemic. WalletHub released its rankings of the safest states during the COVID-19 public health crisis, and Massachusetts came in third. As the U.S. continues its struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe is one of Americans top concerns. Safety is also essential for getting the economy back on track, as the lower COVID-19 transmission and deaths are in a state, the more that state is able to eliminate restrictions on businesses, WalletHub wrote on its website. Well only be able to get back to life as normal once most of the population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus, and it will still be a while before we can achieve that. As part of its rankings, the personal finance website compared the 50 states and Washington, D.C. using five key metrics: the rates of coronavirus-related deaths, hospitalizations, positive testing and transmission as well as the share of the eligible population thats getting vaccinated. The ratings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to WalletHub. With more than 6.5 million total vaccine doses administered and roughly 2.7 million residents fully vaccinated in Massachusetts as of Wednesday, the Bay State ranked second in the country with its vaccination rate. On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed another 626 new cases of the virus. The agency also reported 428 residents currently hospitalized with the viral respiratory infection and 13 new COVID-19-linked fatalities following a day of no deaths Tuesday. Nearly 655,000 total infections have been identified in the commonwealth since the public health crisis began, and the states death toll from the pandemic stands at more than 17,000. Massachusetts ranked 18th in the U.S. with its death rate, 11th for the hospitalization rate, third for the positive testing rate and 12th for the transmission rate. The commonwealth wasnt the only New England state that earned high marks in WalletHubs study. Vermont was ahead of Massachusetts on the list of safest states in the country during the public health crisis, coming in second. WalletHub listed Maine as the fourth safest state, New Hampshire as the fifth, Rhode Island as the seventh and Connecticut as the eighth. Hawaii earned the No. 1 spot. Related Content: SPRINGFIELD Big Y has already done a dozen on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics for employers, and is open to doing more as vaccine supplies increase and demand troublingly for public health officials starts to lag. It is about trust, said Jennifer Salvon, Big Y pharmacy services manager. The goal is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as we can. And the way to do that is to bring the vaccine to places where people are, in an environment where they feel comfortable. That includes a clinic at The Republican on Thursday set up by Big Y for newspaper employees and their families. Forty-nine people signed up, said Gretchen Halasi-Kun, human resources director for The Republican. That beat the estimate of about 30 people. Its been a challenging year, Halasi-Kun said. Many of our employees print and insert our newspapers. They cant work remotely. George Arwady, publisher and CEO of The Republican, thanked Big Y for putting on the day-long clinic. We want to express our appreciation to the DAmour family and especially to Claire (DAmour-Daley) for making this happen, Arwady said. We have been working on this for months. Not only cant the newspapers entire work force work remotely, but many production workers are on tight schedules and have transportation issues that would make it hard for them to get vaccinated otherwise. We want to protect these people, Arwady said. And also reduce risk to our business if (COVID-19) were to sweep through our building. Big Y is fielding calls from interested employers and has contacted workplaces where it normally puts on annual flu clinics to find out if they are interested in offering COVID shots, Salvon said. The state this week started promoting at-work clinics, announcing the Commonwealths Employer Vaccination Program. The program has two ways for employers to participate either by requesting a block of appointments at a state mass vaccination site, like the one at the Eastfield Mall, or offering to help employers set up on-site clinics through its website. The state said employers must confirm that at least 35 people want the vaccine. But Salvon said Big Y is aiming for about 30 people per clinic. And all employers really need to provide is space in a conference room or lunchroom. Big Y has vaccinators and checks recipients in. The 15-minute observation time after the shot is important, and folks need a place to sit and wait out that time, Salvon said. There is no cost to the vaccinated or to the employer. Those getting vaccinated are asked to provide their insurance card. Increased vaccine supply is making it easier, Salvon said. Big Y offered the one-shot Johnson & Johnson shots at The Republican. Big Y has been providing Moderna shots since January at its clinics, and starting this weekend it will have the Pfizer vaccine recently approved for those ages 12 and up available at open-to-the public clinics in East Longmeadow and Stafford Springs, Connecticut, on Saturday and Sunday. Salvon said there are also no state restrictions on where people can get vaccines anymore. Out-of-state residents can get vaccines in Massachusetts or vice versa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also lifted restrictions on getting COVD shots along with other vaccines, like those fighting the flu or shingles. This means Big Y and others can couple COVID clinics with those other shots, and those who had gone without the shingles vaccine because they wanted the COVID shot can get both. Massachusetts ranks now as the third-safest state in the union, with a high vaccination rate. But demand for the shots has fallen as those eager for the shots have already gotten them. Related content: WEST SPRINGFIELD Troy Industries, an 18-year-old manufacturer of gun parts and shooting accessories, announced Thursday it will move its headquarters and manufacturing from West Springfield to Tennessee citing the changing climate for firearms manufacturers in Massachusetts. The move involves 75 jobs and a $7.2 million investment in Clarksville, Tenn. Neither the state of Tennessee nor the company said in its releases what, if any, subsidies, tax breaks or incentives Troy Industries will receive. But a state spokeswoman said information would be available within 30 days. Nor did founder Steve Troy go into any detail and no one from the company responded to calls Thursday. The company already said it has begun recruiting in Tennessee. The only recent talk of new gun regulations in Beacon Hill is a proposal backed by the group Stop Handgun Violence and lawmakers including state Rep. Bud Williams, D-Springfield, that would ban the manufacture of firearms in Massachusetts that are banned from sale here. Its unfortunate that they have taken that position, Williams said. I guess it is in response to the ban on making assault weapons. But Williams said there are simply too many mass shootings. Too many of these weapons are getting into the hands of the wrong people, he said. We are saying they could manufacture them. But sell to the police. Sell to the military. Sell to people who should have them. He predicted tighter national regulations anyway. Massachusetts always leads the nation, Williams said. But he would have wished for the opportunity to discuss the issue. Im sorry they feel that way, Williams said. He also added that the proposed bill is in the early stages. It barely has a bill number There are no hearings even scheduled. Three other states California, New York and New Jersey have a ban on the manufacturing of assault weapons. There are at least 24 gun manufacturers in Massachusetts, including industry giant Smith & Wesson and Savage Arms in Westfield and the industry supports roughly 7,800 jobs in Massachusetts, according to state statistics. The gun industry here is largely the legacy of Springfield Armory and its century of innovation. West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said he hadnt spoken with Troy about its relocation. He said it is disappointing news. But he said there are manufacturers approaching him and his staff all the time looking for available space, so he is confident that another manufacturer will grow in the Troy Arms building on Capital Drive near Interstate 91. If they are leaving because of state politics they are not going to bother coming to the town hall, Reichelt said. Smith & Wesson with its 1,600 local workers is apparently unfazed, Williams said. He passed a sign Thursday advertising a hiring fair. And there is no trend of gun manufacturers leaving blue states. Connecticut has a strong firearms industry and in New York. Remington Arms has reopened its plant in Ilion. Related content HOLYOKE The Planning Board has expedited Winn Developments $35 million proposal to convert the former Farr-Alpaca Mill at 216 Appleton St. into 88 mixed-income rental units. The board reopened a hearing Tuesday night before approving the project. The project calls for initially constructing 76 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments, with 75 units reserved for income-qualified applicants. A second phase would build an equal number of apartments. The nearly block-long building resides between the Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts Green High-Performance Computing Center. Winn faces a June 9 deadline to pursue state tax credits, which triggered the expedited public hearing. A site plan review typically takes place over a series of meetings. The planning board approval last night is a significant step toward project readiness and a successful financing application stated Adam Stein, Winns executive vice president. The City and the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority have been fantastic to work with, and we are very excited to advance this important and impactful project. The board also approved an off-site parking plan and temporary fencing during construction. Jeff Burkott, the assistant director of planning, set conditions sought by the board, including that any changes to Winns plans undergo additional reviews. Planning director Aaron Vega said Winn presented the Appleton Mill project six years ago and slowly accumulated state historic tax credits. In January, the Baker administration opened a round of funding for Winn and other developers. Its an exciting idea, and obviously, theres a housing issue in Holyoke and Western Massachusetts, Vega said Wednesday. Anytime we can bring housing options online, quality housing is great. Vega estimated demolishing the former mill would have cost the city millions of dollars. He praised Burkott and staff member Jack Carolan, who briefed the Planning Board about Winns accelerated funding and construction timelines. This was expedited much quicker than any of us had thought because we figured it would be years of acquiring tax credits so they (Winn) could go forward, Vega said. Once we got word at the beginning of February there was an opportunity to move his project forward, it was all hands on deck. In all, Winn seeks $4.1 million in tax credits for the two-phase project, with $2.9 set aside for Phase I. Lauren Canepari of Winn told the board the state Department of Housing and Community Development would notify recipients in October. After the vote, Planning Board chair John Kelley said, When we see projects like this, its a home run for Holyoke. Sometimes we got to work very fast. I commend the board for their diligence and getting this approved. Related content: UPDATE: The launch has been postponed again. Massachusetts residents trying to see a National Aeronautics and Space Administration rocket that was first set to launch last Friday will have to remain patient. For the sixth day in a row, the launch of NASAs Black Brant XII sounding rocket was rescheduled. Its now set to take place at 8:02 p.m. Friday, May 14, according to a statement from the administration. Liftoff was previously postponed due to weather-related reasons, either cloudy skies or strong winds. On Wednesday, though, the launch was rescheduled to provide time for an inspection of the rocket after the vehicle came in contact with a launcher support during preparations. LAUNCH UPDATE The Black Brant XII launch scheduled for May 12 has been postponed to provide time for inspection of the rocket after the vehicle came in contact with a launcher support during todays preparations. The next launch opportunity is NET 8:02 pm ET, Friday, May 14. NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) May 12, 2021 The mission, called the KiNETic-scale energy and momentum transport eXperiment, or KiNet-X for short, was first scheduled to start the night of Friday, May 7, with the rocket expected to launch from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. However, Wallops postponed liftoff to Saturday, as camera stations were seeking clear skies, particularly over the Virginia launching site and Bermuda, so they could view the barium vapors the rockets expected to release as part of its mission. The goal is to create a Northern Lights-style atmospheric reaction, NASA explained. The four-stage Black Brant XII rocket will release the barium vapors roughly 9 and half to 10 minutes after liftoff at an altitude of around 217 to 249 miles over the Atlantic Ocean and 540 to 560 miles downrange from the launching site on Wallops Island and just north of Bermuda, according to the administration. The particles are expected to form two green-violet clouds that may be visible for about 30 seconds. The barium vapor isnt harmful to the environment or public health, officials noted. The KiNet-X mission is designed to study what the Wallops facility called a very fundamental problem in space plasmas, the question of how energy and momentum are transported between different regions of space that are magnetically connected. Examples of these movements include auroras on Earth, also known as the Northern Lights, and Jupiters interaction with its third-largest moon, Io. Io is the most volcanically active object in the solar system and possesses a weak atmosphere that interacts with Jupiters space environment to cause an auroral spot to form in the gas giants atmosphere, according to NASA. We know the power generated by Ios interaction, and we know the auroral power from the spot, said Peter Delamere, KiNET-X principal investigator from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, but how are energy and momentum transported along the connecting magnetic field line? Through the KiNET-X mission, NASA is hoping to create a mini-Io reaction, the administration noted. NASA released an image last month that shows when the rocket should be able to be viewed after it launches. In Massachusetts and elsewhere in southern New England, the vehicle is expected show up in the sky roughly 30 to 60 seconds after liftoff. As far west as Illinois, the rocket should be able to be seen around 90 to 120 seconds after it takes off. Related Content: Plans to build a 55-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Peabody have been put on hold as the proposed facilitys owner addresses environmental and health concerns and considers alternate energy options. The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co.s board of directors voted to authorize a minimum 30-day pause on the plans this week, The Salem News reported Wednesday. MMWEC called pausing the project, which has been in the works since 2015, an unusual step. Can we find a way to develop a needed capacity resource that isnt fossil fuel-fired but still reliable in times of need? company CEO Ron DeCurzio said in a statement. It is worth taking another look at whether advancements in technology make a different approach possible today. DeCurzio said technology has changed a lot in the years since the project was first proposed, making the need for reassessment necessary. Two groups opposed to the plant welcomed the pause. We look forward to a thoughtful review process that demonstrates commitment in our public utilities to a livable, breathable future for all, the Massachusetts Community Action Network and Community Action Works said in a statement. SPRINGFIELD Lined up parallel to the monument to the 17 police officers killed in the line of duty was the future of law enforcement for the city. Among the families of officers killed on the job, city politicians and senior officers, Police Commissioner Cheryl C. Clapprood welcomed the 31 new officers who joined the department in April after their graduation from the 26-week Springfield Police Academy. Its important, I felt, that they be here, she said. I want them to know who gave the ultimate sacrifice and I wanted them to know, when it does happen, its something you never forget and its something you never recover from. She also told the young members of the department that when things go bad, they can go bad very quickly. Clapprood said she still remembers exactly where she was when fellow officers Michael Schiavina and Alain Beauregard were shot and mortally wounded during a routine traffic stop in November 1985. She remembers watching friend after friend offering condolences to the family at the funeral of Kevin Ambrose, who was killed while responding to a domestic dispute in June 2012. I didnt forget those days and I dont take them lightly, she said. Every year the Police Department holds a memorial ceremony during National Police Week to remember the 17 men killed in the line of duty. The event was held in front of a stone memorial outside the Police Department headquarters that memorializes all officers killed in the city dating back to 1675, when the city had constables. During the event on Wednesday, a wreath was placed on the monument, taps was played and a bagpiper performed Amazing Grace. I realize how fast things can go bad and I think thats something the general public does not understand and cannot be taught. We cant explain it to them in words, Clapprood said. She also reminded them that police officers are one of the few professionals who will give their lives to protect the lives of others. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno echoed that sentiment and called the men and women standing before him the sentinels of peace and thanked them for making the community safer and better. While officers hear so many complaints, especially during this past year, so many also are praised for their work helping people when they are at their worst, he said. You helped me out. ... You gave me a chance, you put me in the right direction, Sarno said. All the speakers agreed this was one of the most difficult years for police officers, who had to work through the COVID-19 pandemic and then faced national protests over police brutality, sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who was recently convicted of his murder. While 45 officers nationwide were killed by gunfire in 2020, 234 died of COVID-19. A total of 362 officers died last year, said Maura Schiavina, sister of Michael Schiavina. Many officers serve their communities and genuinely care for the community they serve. I know my brother did, she said. While she spoke against calls to defund police, Schiavina also said it is important to take action against those who abuse their power. Police officers who violate their oath of office with unjust actions or behavior is unacceptable, period, she said. We have a justice system which is trusted to uphold the law and punish the violators. She spoke in partnership with Doris Beauregard-Shecrallah, the widow of Alain Beauregard, who said the thin blue line has been taken out of context in the recent past and said the flag that bears the symbol is simply designed to show people support and appreciate police. Please take the time to thank your officers, she said. Take the time to heal. Lets be good to each other. The Springfield Police Departments roll of fallen officers: Authorities said this week theyre still urgently seeking tips in the killing and mutilation of a dog found dead in a plastic bag outside a Massachusetts middle school in March. The Animal Rescue League of Boston Law Enforcement Department is once again seeking information related to the killing of the young female dog whose body was discovered near a middle school in Lawrence, the organization said in a statement Tuesday. The necropsy of the canine revealed her death resulted from extensive abuse and that she was mutilated after being intentionally killed, according to the statement. A Lawrence police officer found the roughly year-old Jack Russell terrier-type dog along a frequented walking trail behind South Lawrence East Middle School at 165 Crawford St. around 10:45 a.m. on March 17, the ARL said. The white and tan dog had been partially wrapped in a pee pad and placed in a black plastic bag. There was blood inside the bag and on the canines body. The animals tail was also stained with urine, according to the organization. It is likely the dog had not been left in the area for very long, the ARL noted. It appears the animal suffered extreme cruelty and abuse, which led to the dogs death. The necropsy determined the dogs cause of death was acute blood loss and multiple skull fractures. Extensive bruising on the canines body indicated she was also intermittently abused in the 36 hours leading up to her death, according to officials. Additionally, the necropsy revealed that the dog was mutilated after it was killed, adding an extra area of public concern for investigators, the ARL said. The ARL explained how extensive research has shown a clear link between animal abuse and other types of violent crimes. Animal abusers are far more likely to perpetrate acts of domestic, child or elder abuse and are a threat to the general public at large, the organization explained. Anyone with information related to the investigation into the dogs death has been urged to contact ARL Law Enforcement at (617) 426-9170 ext. 110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org. Lawrence Police Det. Carmen Purpora can also be called at (978) 794-5900 ext. 625. Related Content: Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld is among 150 prominent conservatives threatening to leave the Republican Party, or start a new political party, in the wake of recent public clashes between Rep. Liz Cheney and the dozens of GOP lawmakers whove latched onto former President Donald Trumps election falsehoods. The conservative group which includes four former governors, 28 former members of Congress and several former government officials such as one-time White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci announced a new political movement dedicated to our founding ideals and a rebirth of the American cause, with or without the Republican Party. The group signed a statement of principles organized by Evan McMullin, a former CIA operations officer who ran an independent White House bid in 2016, and Miles Taylor, a former Trump administration official who anonymously wrote a New York Times op-ed and A Warning, both highly critical of the former president. The statement was published by the Deseret News of Utah, McMullins home state. The conservatives called for a renewed focus on democracy; Constitutional order and the rule of law; truth; and ethical government. They also condemned all forms of bigotry including racism, sexism, religious intolerance or persecution based on sexual orientation. When in our democratic republic, forces of conspiracy, division and despotism arise, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to act collectively in defense of liberty and justice, they wrote. We, therefore, declare our intent to catalyze an American renewal, and to either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative. We call for a rebirth of the American cause and do so in partnership and loyal competition with others committed to the preservation of our Union. With abiding belief in the value and potential of every soul and with goodwill for all, we hereby dedicate ourselves to these principles and make common cause in the flourishing of this great nation and its diverse states, communities, and citizens. Weld was one of a handful of Republicans seeking to unseat Trump last year. Joe Walsh, a former Illinois congressman, also challenged the incumbent and signed onto the McMullin-Taylor statement. In February of 2020 during the run up to Super Tuesday, Weld told The Republican and MassLive that he believed he could beat the Democrats if he could just get past Trump. But as Cheneys ouster as a member of House Republican leadership shows, being a longtime conservative just isnt enough to get past Trump, whose baseless claims that widespread fraud or irregularities handed Biden the White House have come to dominate not only GOP-led talking points and social media but a rash of state legislatures pushing to limit voting rights. Local, state and federal election officials of both major parties from town clerks and county boards to secretaries of state and judges appointed by Trump himself say no widespread fraud or irregularities affected the presidential race. Trumps own Homeland Security experts called the election the most secure in U.S. history, and said they found zero evidence that polling machines were tampered with, a frequent false claim spread by Trump lawyers, Republican politicians and followers on social media. Trumps own attorney general, William Barr, said the Justice Department investigated and found no evidence of widespread fraud. In a blunt House floor speech this week, Cheney made the case that Trump represented a threat to the American republic. She said his false election claims provoked a mob of his followers to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in an effort to steal the election from Biden, and that he risks inciting further violence by persistently trying to convince Americans that the election was stolen. His continued false claims sow seeds of doubt about whether democracy really works at all among Americans and people around the world, with adversaries like China closely watching, Cheney said. Freedom only survives if we protect it. We must speak the truth. The election was not stolen. America has not failed. pic.twitter.com/H4KrMxkPdy Rep. Liz Cheney (@RepLizCheney) May 12, 2021 Millions of Americans have been misled by the former president, the Wyoming congresswoman said. Those who refuse to accept the rulings of our courts are at war with the Constitution. Our duty is clear. Everyone of us who has sworn the oath must act to prevent the unraveling of our democracy. Nearly 150 Republicans voted to overturn Bidens Electoral College wins in multiple states, and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy argued the increasingly public divide between Cheney and the caucus required a leadership change. The McMullin-Taylor conservative statement listed truth as part of their core principles, saying, We recognize truth and reason as essential to a free and just society, and expect our leaders, citizens and press to seek and promote them. We oppose the employment of fear-mongering, conspiracism and falsehoods and instead support evidence-based policymaking and honest discourse. Trump, who called Cheney a bitter, horrible human being this week, has continued to spread false claims about the election without presenting any evidence of fraud or irregularities that shaped the outcome. On Wednesday, Trump claimed to have no idea who Taylor is, though he said his Anonymous editorial caused a treasonous stir. He blasted Taylor as a lowlife and a phony and the conservative group as RINOs, Republicans-in-name-only. Cheney on Wednesday told reporters shell do anything she can to keep Trump out of the White House. She said shed try to lead the fight to keep a strong Republican Party intact, arguing the election falsehoods spread by Trump and his followers may be the partys undoing. Related Content: The smell of propane and smoke wafted through Colby Avenue in Worcester on Thursday as television set crews tried to turn the neighborhood into a winter wonderland despite temperatures nearing 70 degrees. As part of set for the television show Dexter, crews covered yards with what appeared to be white tarps, acting as snow. They also placed fluffy cotton-like strips along sidewalks and stairways. Members of the crew then placed lit propane torches near the material to keep it in place and add a snow-like affect. To add to the wintery set, fake pine trees and deflated Christmas decorations sat in some yards. Red garland wrapped the front stairs of one home. One crew member coiled multi-color lights around the porch of another home. All the work on Thursday is done for a shoot on Friday for the television show Dexter. The show began filming at the AC Marriott in downtown Worcester early Tuesday morning. Large white tents were set up on the citys common Monday morning and various film crew vehicles and stations are set up throughout downtown. Crews assembled similar tents on Colby Avenue on Thursday. The television show has been in Worcester most of the week. In addition to the shoot at the AC Marriott, it also shot at a home on Denison Road on Wednesday, a source told MassLive. Crews will remain in Central Massachusetts as the show moves to filming in Grafton next week. The series has been filming in several nearby locations including West Boylston, Boylston, Gardner, Lancaster, Shelburne Falls and Sterling. The Dexter revival will be a continuation of the original 2006-2013 crime drama mystery, which centered on a forensics expert in Miami who solved crimes in his public life and murdered serial killers in his private life. Michael C. Hall will again star as Dexter Morgan. The upcoming season will be a limited series, which will run for 10 episodes and premiere in October. 19 George Clooney in Worcester to direct film 'The Tender Bar' The filming is the latest in Worcester after George Clooney was in the city last month to direct the movie The Tender Bar. Work on the film was done mostly inside the former Commerce High School on Walnut Street. Related Content: As Worcester prepared to open an equity COVID-19 vaccine clinic Wednesday, it quickly widened the group of eligible residents following approved emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot for children ages 12 to 15. Wednesdays clinic is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, located at 65 Boys and Girls Club Way. Massachusetts requires consent for those under 18 to get the vaccine. The Worcester equity clinics are open to Black, indigenous, people of color or Latin individuals, those who do not speak English, or who prefer to speak in another language, individuals who do not have access to public transportation or who have barriers getting to a vaccination site, those who do not feel comfortable receiving the vaccine in a traditional health care setting, individuals with disabilities and those who have access and functional needs, people experiencing homelessness and individuals with mental illness and/or residents with substance use disorder. Theres another equity clinic scheduled for Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Iglesia de Oracion at 21 Canterbury St. It was not immediately clear if that clinic would also have shots available for young people in the newly eligible 12 to 15 age group. In Massachusetts, vaccine appointments have been open for anyone 16 and older since last month. Anyone looking for more information, or for information in multiple languages, can go online. Related Content: The Worcester Public Schools is planning walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics for middle and high school students. This week, the Pfizer-BioNTech two-shot vaccine was given emergency use authorization for children ages 12 to 15. Previously, the emergency approval of the shot was only for those 16 and older. Massachusetts requires consent for anyone younger than 18 to get the vaccine. Middle school students will need to have a parent or guardian accompany them to the clinics, according to a message from Superintendent Maureen Binienda. Students will need to bring forms to the clinic. Family members age 12 and older can also get vaccinated at the middle school clinics. The high school clinics are only for high school students, Binienda said, and students will need to bring forms to the school nurse. Middle schools will have walk-up clinics for first shots generally from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on the following days: Monday, May 24 at Forest Grove from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Sullivan from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 at Claremont/UPCS Wednesday, May 26 at Worcester East Middle and Burncoat Middle Second shots will be available generally from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on the following days: Tuesday, June 15 at Claremont/UPCS Wednesday, June 16 at Worcester East Middle and Burncoat Middle Thursday, June 17 at Forest Grove from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Sullivan from 3:30 to 6 p.m. High School clinics will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with first shots on the following days: Tuesday, May 18 at Worcester Technical High School Wednesday, May 19 at North and South high schools Thursday, May 20 at Doherty, Claremont and University Park Friday, May 21 at Burncoat High Second shots will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following days: Tuesday, June 8 at Worcester Technical High School Wednesday, June 9 at North and South high schools Thursday, June 10 at Doherty, Claremont and University Park Friday, June 11 at Burncoat High Related Content: WORCESTER -- The road to get to Worcester on Wednesday night has not been an easy one for Danny Santana. The 30-year-old utility man underwent surgery in September 2020 to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow, a procedure called UCL repair and augmentation with an internal brace, according to MLB.com. Its similar to Tommy John surgery, but using a brace to repair the damaged ligament rather than a human tendon, which is used in Tommy John. The recovery time from the procedure is closer to six months versus more than a year of recovery from Tommy John. Santana said that the surgically-repaired elbow is feeling good now, though still sometimes uncomfortable in different weather. Then, as he joined the Red Sox for spring training this March, Santana was hospitalized with a foot infection that required him to have stitches for a couple of weeks. Now, Santana is back on the field and says hes happy to be here. Im very happy about the opportunity they gave to me, Santana said of joining the Red Sox organization. Im more happy now that Ive started playing games. Santana went 2-for-5 with an RBI single in Worcester on Wednesday night, and saw plenty of action in the field at third base. Santana is just a couple of seasons removed from his best year in 2019, during which he smacked 28 home runs and drove in 81 runs, batted .283 with a .324 on-base percentage and .534 slugging percentage, and had 21 steals in 130 games (511 plate appearances) for Texas. It was a standout year for Santana, who owns a .260/.299/418 career slash line in seven major league seasons between the Twins, Braves, and Rangers. Incredible. Its unbelievable, Santana said of his season in 2019. That year was the best year in my career, so I know I can do the same thing, maybe more, so Im going to push myself to do it the same every time, no changes. Calling Santana a utility man seems like an understatement - he has played every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher. Santana said he puts his focus just on the position hes playing that day. I know what I have to do so every time I play a different position, Santana said. Like today its third base and tomorrow might be center field, but I know how I play and how I work in [each] position and that makes me feel more comfortable. Santana brings versatility at the plate as well as a switch-hitter. That kind of adaptability is a boon to any club, but Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora wants to make sure Santana is ready to go before hes added to the big-league roster. We have to be patient, Cora said on May 7. He hasnt played in a while. Its not only the foot injury. Its about him missing last year. We have to make sure he builds up. I talked to him today. He feels good. In the mornings, he feels great but we have to be patient with him. Brennan makes Worcester debut Reliever Brandon Brennan pitched a scoreless seventh in his first appearance for the WooSox. Brennan was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on May 3 and figures to be another bullpen depth option with major-league experience. Brennan was designated for assignment by Seattle in late April. The righty posted a 4.56 ERA in his 2019 rookie season for the Mariners and boasted a 24 percent strikeout rate in 47 1/3 innings that year. Injuries have taken a toll on the 29-year-old, who missed time in 2019 with shoulder problems and was limited to just 7 1/3 innings last season for Seattle due to an oblique strain. Gettys heats up If the Worcester Red Sox are going to bring the same kind of offensive firepower they showed in Tuesdays 8-5 win, they will need more than just Jarren Duran to get going with the bat. Michael Gettys started to heat up Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Prior to Wednesday, Gettys had been 2-for-24 with nine strikeouts in six games. The 25-year-old had a strong year in his first Triple-A season in 2019, hitting .256 with 29 home runs and 31 doubles in 128 games for El Paso. Bazardo called up With the Red Sox placing Nick Pivetta on the COVID-19 injury list, Eduard Bazardo was called up from Worcester. Bazardo tossed two scoreless innings in his second appearance for Boston on Wednesday night. Bazardo has pitched twice in Worcester, and they were very different outings. In his first, he allowed four runs in just 2/3 innings, but bounced back two days later with a shutdown inning. By Guo Xiaobing Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), a Major Command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force, confirmed on May 5 that the planned test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was aborted for reasons still under investigation . The Minuteman III is the only land-based ICBM currently in service in the US army and an important component of Americas land-sea-air integrated nuclear forces. After more than 50 years service, the missile is coming to the end of its life cycle, waiting to be extended and replaced. To verify Minuteman IIIs performance, test its software and hardware added after modernized modification, and deliver deterrence, the US army test-launches the missile every year. According to the US Air Force Global Strike Command, the latest test launch was aborted shortly before the last minute because the computer detected a fault during the countdown and automatically called off the launch, marking the second failed test launch of the missile in recent years. The failure came in the middle of a major debate about whether to develop land-based missiles of strategic deterrence and is highly likely to be used by the military as an excuse to pressure Congress for appropriation and push the upgrade of land-based nuclear forces. The so-called land-based missiles of strategic deterrence refer to next-generation land-based ICBM to replace Minuteman III. The Pentagon is pushing for the research and development of the new missiles, citing Minuteman III being outdated, too expensive to extend its service life, and unable to compete with competitors. Yet, the new missile project has been under much fire due to its budget that mounted from $62.5bn in 2015 to $100bn in 2017. The Congressional Budget Office reckoned in 2019 that it would cost as much as $61bn in the next ten years, much higher than the previous estimate. Another estimate from the Pentagon points to a total of $264bn for the purchase and maintenance of the missiles through the 2070s. Apart from the high cost, another key criticism of the project is its adverse effects on strategic stability. Some Americans involved in arms control held that land-based ICBM deployed in underground launching silos are vulnerable to attacks, which will propel decision-makers to use them at the early phase of a conflict, thus escalating the crisis and undermining strategic stability. Its unclear whether the US will develop next-generation land-based ICBM on the excuse of the aging Minuteman III. On the one hand, Washington has repeatedly announced to rely less on nuclear weapons in its national security policy; on the other hand, it vowed to keep Americas nuclear arsenal secure and effective. What choice it will make eventually is to be seen. Whether the US will upgrade its land-based nuclear forces or not, its mighty nuclear capacity should not be left neglected. The country has nearly 2,000 nuclear warheads for sea-based launch alone, far more than the combined number in all other nuclear states except Russia. Being home to the worlds largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal, the US should earnestly fulfill its special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament and further reduce the number of its nuclear warheads and carrier vehicles. The last thing it does is using the failed missile test launch as a pretext to develop next-generation land-based ICBM and instigate a new round of nuclear arms race. (The author Guo Xiaobing is director of the Institute of Arms Control and Security Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.) Page Content Big boost to yellowtail kingfish stocks with 5,000 juveniles hitting metro waters Fish stocking one of the many initiatives funded through the WA Recovery Plan's $6 million recreational fishing COVID-19 Stimulus Package Yellowtail kingfish is a species known to give recreational fishers a run for their money, but the odds of future catches off Perth shortened today when Fisheries Minister Don Punch joined Recfishwest to release 5,000 more juveniles into Perth waters. Hatched and reared at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Marine Finfish Hatchery in Fremantle, the juvenile fish released from the Cockburn Power Boats Association boat ramp in Coogee have provided another boost to metropolitan Perth's yellowtail kingfish stocks. The McGowan Government's recreational fishing COVID-19 Stimulus Package includes a three-year commitment to barramundi, pink snapper and yellowtail kingfish stocking projects across Western Australia. Yellowtail kingfish are popular as an aquaculture species and ideal for fish stocking because they are hardy, fast growing and a great table fish. They are favoured by recreational fishers due to their reputation as sport-fishing speedsters and the challenging reef areas they inhabit. Metropolitan boat fishers often target kingfish on nearshore reefs, such as those around Rottnest, as well as the Three Mile Reef that runs along Perth's northern coastline. The new North Metropolitan Artificial Reef is also anticipated to attract the yellowtail kingies. Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch: "The McGowan Government has listened to what WA recreational fishers want and committed $6 million to development initiatives; like building new artificial reefs, supporting innovative fish stocking programs and enhancing regional fishing tourism. "So far more than 20,000 yellowtail kingfish have been released in Perth waters and many of today's juveniles could grow to three kilograms within just 18 months - and I am sure recfishers cannot wait for some of these fish to start showing up in their catch in the next few years. "Western Australians love their fishing and the industry supports local jobs while also generating an estimated $2.4 billion a year for our State's economy." Comments attributed to Cockburn MLA David Scaife: "Cockburn Sound is a treasured part of my local community - a place where people work, boat and fish. "The release of 5,000 juvenile yellowtail kingfish demonstrates the McGowan Government's commitment to recfishing in Perth waters and to supporting jobs in our fishing industry. "I look forward to hearing tales from local recfishers about landing these fish in the coming years." Minister's office - 6552 6900 Along with free vaccination under government of India channel, states can also use the non-GoI channel to have holistic vaccination coverage of their population, says Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. At the meeting, Harsh Vardhan highlighted the trajectory of Covid in these states/UT and brought to their attention the consequent stress on the medical infrastructure.He stressed on the continued need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour along with renewed and stringent focus on containment measures for addressing the present surge. He also noted that stringent adherence to implementation of micro-containment zones has helped.Underlining the critical importance of the vaccination drive, Vardhan said, "Vaccination is our big weapon in the fight against Covid-19. India is the fastest country globally to reach the landmark of administering 17 crore doses in 114 days."He pointed out that of these, 13.66 crore people have been administered the first dose, while the second dose has been given to 3.86 crore persons."It is very important that we first focus more on second dose vaccination. States should not lose sight of those who are to get the second dose of Covid vaccine: 70 percent doses at minimum ought to be allocated to meet the requirement of the second jab, while 30 percent ought to be reserved for the first dose," he said.The Health Minister also urged the states to ensure that the healthcare workers and frontline workers are fully vaccinated, as they form the vulnerable categories.Harsh Vardhan said that under the Liberalized Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy, along with free vaccination under government of India channel, states can use the non-GoI channel to have holistic vaccination coverage of their population."Every month, 50 percent of the vaccine doses of every manufacturer would be available for direct procurement by the state governments and private hospitals while the government of India would continue to procure its share of 50 percent of the vaccines and would continue to make them available to the state governments totally free of cost as was being done earlier," he said.The Health Minister also pointed out that various measures are being taken by the Union government to ramp up vaccine production in the country and the production capacity of the vaccine manufacturers is also being augmented, adding that it will touch 8 crore doses by May, and will touch 9 crore in June.Source: IANS Anupam Kher has always been vocal about his endorsement of the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and he has always sung praises of the Prime Minister. In a surprising and almost indigestible move, Anupam Kher has now criticised the centre for failing to address the issues the country has been facing due to COVID-19. People have been complaining about the situation for a while now, but coming from Anupam Kher is a bolt from the blue. Speaking to NDTV, Kher said, It is important to hold the government responsible for what has happened. Somewhere they have slipped. And it is time for them to sort of understanding that there is much more to life than just image building maybe. He went on to add, We should as people... Get angry. Just a couple of days back, bodies were seen floating in the Ganga in Uttar Pradeshs Ballia and Ghazipur districts. More than 70 bodies have been recovered from the river in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Local reports claim more than 100 bodies have been dumped into the river. The discovery of bodies has triggered panic over the spread of Covid-19 through Ganga river water. When asked about this harsh reality, the veteran actor said, I think the criticism is valid in lots of cases and I think it is important for the government to sort of rise to the occasion and do things that they are chosen by people of this country for. He also added, I think only an inhuman person will not get affected by the bodies floating. But for another political party to use it for their gain is also not right. This is utterly shocking and unusual as Kher has always supported the BJP government. People have started to react to the statement given by Anupam Kher and are rubbing their eyes in disbelief as they cannot digest it. There are memes that are also floating on social media. Here are the reactions: Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter Well, Anupam Kher has also joined hands with Global Cancer Foundation, USA and Bharat Forge, India to start an initiative called Project Heal India. Through this initiative, he aims to aid in the current fight against COVID-19 across India by providing medical aid and other relief during these unprecedented times. Are you also as surprised as us about Anupam Kher's comments? Let us know in the comments section below. Israel and Palestine have been at loggerheads for decades. Amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas and Palestine, Israeli actress Gal Gadot has shared a tweet praying for peace. Gadot said it breaks her heart to see her "country at war." The Wonder Woman star added that both Israel and its "neighbour" deserve to live as "free and safe" nations. She wrote, My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days. Twitter/Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman actress' statement received a lot of backlash from netizens who believed her message to be Pro-Israel. They started to address her as a coward. Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter The backlash was so severe that Gadot had to disable the comments section to her tweet. If there are people who are continuing to criticize her, there are people who are supporting her and calling the ones bashing her idiots because she only asked for peace between the two nations. Twitter Twitter Twitter The actress who shot to fame for her performance as Wonder Woman in the DC Comics franchise had earlier faced backlash on December 25, 2020, during the release of Wonder Woman 1984. There was a certain sequence in Wonder Woman 1984 where the superhero had to save young children from Egypt from a war-like situation. Many supporters of Palestine did not support the sequence since the Israeli actress was portrayed as a hero in a middle eastern country. What do you think? Is it fair to target her? Let us know in the comments section below. Fastmarkets calculated its daily steel hot-rolled coil index, domestic, exw Northern Europe , at 1,090.71 ($1,320.36) per tonne on May 13, up by 32.58 per tonne from 1,058.13 per tonne on May 12.The index was also up by 69.88 per tonne week on week and by 185.71 per tonne month on month. Thursdays index was based on market sources estimates of achievable prices at 1,050-1,100 per tonne ex-works, offers at 1,100 per tonne ex-works and... By Margo Kissell, university news and communications Alexandra Hernandez Graduating senior Alexandra Hernandez cant wait to start the next phase of her life after she earns a bachelors degree from Miami University this weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and being active in campus organizations played a large part in finding my place at Miami, she said. The Lima, Ohio woman double majored in international studies and Spanish with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies. She hopes to teach English abroad later this year or in early 2022. Hernandez has been the institutional ambassador on the executive board for UNIDOS, which aims to create a diverse and inclusive environment where Latinx and Hispanic students feel at home on campus. The student organization has a diverse group of students with cultural roots from all over Latin America, Spain and the Caribbean. Hernandez studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain her sophomore year. I spent five months living with a host family and taking classes at the Universidad de Sevilla, she said. It was one of my favorite memories from my time here at Miami. A time for celebrating Hernandez plans to attend the Horizon Graduation Ceremony at 5 p.m. today at Central Quad. The event is a signature program of Miamis Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion. It recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of diverse undergraduate and graduate students as they prepare to start their professional lives. Jannie Kamara, Miamis student body president, will provide the senior address. Other speakers include Nloh Masango-Dibo, director of the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, and Vicka Bell-Robinson, director of the Office of Residence Life. Hernandezs advice to incoming students is to push themselves out of their comfort zone and join organizations that interest them. Joining organizations is a great way to meet new friends, and the relationships you create within these communities help when navigating and confronting difficult situations that might happen during your time here, Hernandez said. There really is a place for everyone on campus, and there are also so many great resources that the school offers. The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion in the Armstrong Student Center has a lot of opportunities and is a great place to connect with other students, she added. Miamis 20th Lavender Graduation Graduating senior Nicole Newsome stopped by the Lavender Graduation reception to receive some of her gifts from the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, including a padfolio for post-grad life (submitted photo). Miami celebrated its 20th Lavender Graduation ceremony on May 1 via Zoom and with an in-person reception for graduates and guests following the ceremony outside on an Armstrong Student Center terrace. The Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous college campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer+ and ally students and to acknowledge and honor their achievements and contributions. It is a signature program of Miamis LGBTQ+ Services. During the Lavender Graduation ceremony, we were honored to be joined by alumni who organized the first Lavender Graduation on Miami's campus and some of the first graduates, said Dasha Harris (Miami '12), assistant director of student activities and Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Celebrations like these are important, Harris said. With Miami University being a predominantly white institution, we host graduation for our underrepresented students to provide them with a more intimate and affirming ceremony and a more personalized graduation experience, she said. Most prestigious career faculty honor recognizes "contribution to the education of the nation." By Susan Meikle, university news and communications Tom Crist, professor and chair of biology, and James Kiper, professor of computer science and software engineering, have been honored with the 2021 Benjamin Harrison Medallion. Named for Americas 23rd president who graduated from Miami in 1852, the medallion is Miami Universitys most prestigious career faculty honor and recognizes contribution to the education of the nation. Beyond their nationally and internationally recognized research and commitment to teaching, each has served as department chair and in other university leadership roles. They are noted by their colleagues for their calm, collaborative leadership styles. They will receive the Harrison Medallion from Miami President Gregory Crawford in a ceremony in the fall (rescheduled from this spring due to COVID-19). Tom Crist Innovative research in biodiversity and ecology; natural leader; talent for helping students Tom Crist in the Pearson Hall lobby. His "calm demeanor" and leadership was invaluable during the four-year renovation of the building, his colleagues said. (images by Scott Kissell). Crist is a natural leader who makes everyone feel valued and listened to, a nominator said. Whether commenting on his service to the profession or to Miami, or working with research collaborators, nominators pointed out Crists thoughtful leadership; how he softens the edges of difficult discussions with his easy warmth and humor; and how aside from his first-rate research, Crist is known for his level-headed and thoughtful leadership style. Crist is considered a world leader in the quantitative study of the patterns and processes by which biodiversity is distributed across landscapes, a nominator said. His research program addresses a central question in ecology, focused on biodiversity and put simply, why are there so many different kinds of plants and animals on earth? He has developed conceptual and analytical tools that help to understand how biodiversity responds to habitat fragmentation, invasive species, agriculture and other human influences. The diversity and breadth of Crists scholarly record within the field of ecology is impressive, and he has shaped entire swaths of the field, a nominator said. His approach to science is innovative, relevant to key components of ecological theory and has relevance to conservation biology, another nominator said, adding, I can think of only a couple of scholars in the field who consistently contribute such profound papers, with both theoretical and practical import. Among his more-than 100 publications, three of Crists papers published in the past 10 years have each been cited more than 1,200 times. Truly, only the very best in the field can boast of such amazing publication statistics, a nominator commented. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. His work has also been supported by non- governmental agencies including The Nature Conservancy and National Geographic Society, underscoring the importance of his research to basic science, to agriculture and to conservation practices. Crist with students in his invertebrate zoology class at Miami's Ecology Research Center. He is a world leader in the quantitative study of the processes by which biodiversity is distributed across landscapes, a nominator said. Crists commitment to educating and training students of all levels is evident in the breadth of his teaching portfolio and his consistently high teaching evaluations including several perfect 4.0 scores. His success in the classroom stems from his calm and gentle demeanor which makes him easy to approach, and he has a talent for understanding where a student is coming from and helping them succeed on their own terms, nominators said. Many of our students develop an unexpected enthusiasm for quantitative ecology, thanks to Crist, nominators said, as evidenced by the huge number of students who select Dr. Crist for their graduate advisory committee; even students in very different areas of biology, and other departments, will ask him to be a member of their masters or PhD committee. His set of traits as incredible ecologist and wonderful leader led the top professional organization in his field to appoint Crist to the Ecological Society of Americas National Policy Office Rapid Response Team, a nominator said. Since 2012, he has helped provide science-based input on national public policy and media issues related to the environment. He has also been an editorial board member for the journals Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2010-2016), Insect Conservation and Diversity (2011-2014) and Ecology Letters (2006-2011), among others. His service to Miami includes chair of the Natural Areas Committee since 2016; member of the planning committee for the Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness facility; and chair of the Sustainability Committee from 2013-2016. Crist, who has served as chair of the biology department since 2015, provides a climate of trust to our large and diverse department, nominators said. When the pandemic hit and campus was ordered closed in March 2020, just as the final laboratory transitions from the renovation were scheduled, Crist kept his cool and worked to develop alternative plans to finalize the renovations and the last set of laboratory relocations within the locked down world we are all too familiar with, a nominator said. Jim Kiper Software engineering expertise; dedicated to increasing women and minorities in STEM; "phenomenal leadership" Jim Kiper is an expert in software engineering and in developing tools and methods for improving computer science and software education. Kiper, who joined Miami in 1986, was the first in his department to receive funding from the National Science Foundation. Characteristic of his commitment to teaching, that NSF award allowed the department to obtain modern workstations, said Cathy Bishop-Clark, associate provost and dean of Miami University Regionals. When we began teaching programming in 1989, we taught these courses in lecture rooms without computers. Jim was instrumental in introducing faculty to a more active type of learning in the classrooms through the use of computer laboratories. To this day, I believe Jims work had a profound effect on the faculty, students, and the university, said Bishop-Clark, who is also a professor of computer and information technology. Kiper is widely known as an expert in the areas of software engineering, software risk assessment and mitigation, and software design rationale. His collaborations with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) led to his being first in the department to receive research funding from NASA. With collaborators from JPL, Kipers research involved software development and its risks to a broader perspective in the development of NASAs complex spacecraft, a nominator said. I believe that the collaborations I have had with professor Kiper have been productive and valuable to our nations space exploration, thanks to not only his expertise in areas of software, risk, clustering and visualization, but, of no less importance, his demeanor and professionalism that make it such a joy to work with him. Kipers current research focus is on developing tools and methods for improving computer science and software education. In the past 10 years he has received approximately $1.4 million in NSF funding for projects including the use of various learning and engagement strategies in a cyberlearning environment to improve students skills in software development. He is widely known for applying research into classroom teaching and education, several nominators said. Several of these collaborative research grants are directly aimed at helping to increase women and minority participation in engineering and computing. Kiper has served on the steering committee for the NSF/Ohio Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program and has been the principal investigator at Miami for five-year LSAMP grants funded from 2013-2018 and 2018-2023. The LSAMP program aims to increase STEM baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded to underrepresented populations. Kiper's deep and steady commitment to a liberal education is perhaps his biggest contribution to Miami, a nominator said (image pre-COVID-19). The LSAMP program at Miami has resulted in many success stories, a nominator said, including increases in underrepresented minority (URM) STEM enrollment, retention, and graduation. Kiper is not only an excellent researcher: His deep and steady commitment to a liberal education is perhaps his biggest contribution to Miami, a nominator said. Kiper is an excellent teacher who has taught virtually every CSE course the university offers from the 100 level to graduate level, the nominator said. A unique example is the art competition, now in its seventh year, he initiated between his department and Miami art students. Winners are paid for their artwork, which is then displayed in Benton Hall for students, faculty, staff and visitors to appreciate. Kiper led an explosive growth in the department during his service as chair of computer science and software engineering (CSE). Between 2010 and 2020, the number of CSE majors increased from 225 to nearly 900, and the number of full-time faculty grew from 12 to nearly 30. This growth has had a great deal to do with Jims overall leadership, a nominator said, by attracting and retaining a strong faculty and building a strong relationship with alumni. Kipers service to the university is nothing short of phenomenal, a nominator said. He did not just serve on committees, he led the development of the university's strategic plan, he changed the way the university approves curriculum. His contributions are numerous, deeply impactful, and broad. He co-led, with former Provost Phyllis Callahan, the Miami 2020 Strategic Plan task force. Currently, he serves on the University Senates Fiscal Priorities and Budget Planning Committee. He has served nine years on the University Senate, on the Liberal Education Council, the Council on Diversity and Inclusion, the Graduate Council, the Regional Campus Process Committee, Liberal Education Revision Task Force, and the Top 25 Courses committee. Kiper is a shining example of collaborative leadership and service with people he leads and people he reports to, a nominator said. Over the course of more than three decades, Dr. Kiper has made extraordinary and sustained contributions to teaching, research, and service at Miami University. By Ashlea Jones, director of executive communications (Image by Scott Kissell) Miami University is on track to welcome its largest and most academically accomplished first-year class in history, with more than 4,600 first-year students confirming their intention to begin this fall. Although ACT or SAT test scores were not required for admission for Fall 2021, average GPAs increased by nearly 2 percent among admitted students, with an average of 3.84. Thirty-seven percent of the class of 2025 confirmations are from out-of-state students. Enrollment of students of color is up 9.6 percent since last year. First-generation student enrollment is up 24 percent. We are excited that these brilliant minds have chosen to further their education at Miami University, Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. At Miami, we are committed to providing a world-class education to students from diverse backgrounds, from 43 states and 28 countries, and helping them carve a pathway for success through academic excellence, mentorship, and experiential learning that will prepare them for impactful careers and life beyond the classroom. Miamis new Honors College, which will launch this fall, has 491 confirmations from students with an average GPA of 4.26, exceeding the goal by nearly 100 students. The Honors College is Miamis only residential college, giving students an opportunity to live and learn together while having more one-on-one interactions with faculty-in-residence. This confirms that even amidst the pandemic, these bright and enthusiastic scholars are eager and excited about acquiring new knowledge and making new discoveries, Crawford said. The Miami faculty, staff and administration are more than ready to inspire and support them as they embark on this new chapter. To further support these students, Miami has offered strong scholarships and financial aid in the wake of the pandemic. The pandemic continues to shape the thoughts and attitudes of families during this recruitment cycle, said Brent Shock, vice president of enrollment and student success. Nationwide surveys indicate that cost and affordability are at the top of nearly everyone's mind, with 55 percent of college seniors indicating that their families had endured a significant financial hardship due to the pandemic. Among the students who confirmed their admission this fall: 4,600 students come from 43 states and 28 countries. 129 incoming students were ranked No. 1 in their class. They have an average GPA of 3.84. 63% are Ohio residents; students come from 85 of the 88 counties in Ohio. 13.7% are first-generation college students. Former Sturgis Chief Pleads Guilty to DWI Former Sturgis Chief Pleads Guilty to DWI May 13, 2021 LANSING - The former Sturgis Police Chief has pleaded guilty in a drunk driving case, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today. Through Zoom, Geoffrey Smith of Sturgis, 46, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired Wednesday morning before Calhoun County District Court Judge Paul Beardslee. He will serve 12 months probation, with in-home alcohol monitoring for the first 90 days. Smith has the right to petition for early release from probation after six months if he remains compliant with all terms and conditions. As part of the plea, Smith admitted that on Aug. 15, 2020, he drove his car while having a blood alcohol level of .17 or higher. "Law enforcement must be held to a high standard. I recognize Mr. Smith's acceptance of responsibility in this case and subsequent accountability for his actions," Nessel said. Smith is also ordered to pay restitution, though that amount has not yet been set because damages from crashing his car into other vehicles are still being assessed. ### Lynsey Mukomel agpress@michigan.gov Attorney General MPSC grants licenses and eligible telecommunications carrier designations for companies to expand access to broadband internet in rural areas MPSC grants licenses and eligible telecommunications carrier designations for companies to expand access to broadband internet in rural areas FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2021 Media Contact: Matt Helms 517-284-8300 Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555 Michigan.gov/MPSC Twitter The Michigan Public Service Commission today approved applications by Thumb Electric Cooperative of Michigan for first-time designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC), allowing the co-op to access federal funds for the construction of broadband infrastructure in areas lacking access to high-speed internet. The Federal Communications Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will provide up to $20.4 billion towards the expansion of broadband into unserved and underserved areas, with a focus on improving network speeds. Thumb Electric and other rural electric cooperatives formed the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) to participate in the RDOF auction, and in December 2020 the NRTC was awarded $59,402,901 to be used in Michigan to provide service to 44,534 locations over 10 years, a portion of which has been assigned to Thumb Electric, doing business as TEC Fiber. The Commission today approved Thumb Electric's application for designation as a high-cost and Lifeline ETC (Case No. U-20962). Concurrently, Thumb Electric sought a permanent license to provide basic local exchange phone service in its service territory, which the Commission also approved (Case No. U-20996). In addition, the Commission approved a temporary license for Starlink, to provide basic local exchange phone service in Michigan. The license approval is a required step toward ETC designation for the California company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, founded by entrepreneur and Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, to provide satellite-based internet in areas of Michigan lacking access to high-speed broadband (Case No. U-21035). In November 2020, the FCC's RDOF auction awarded SpaceX $885 million to provide broadband and standalone voice services in 35 states, including $9,852,045 in Michigan. The Commission also approved expanded ETC carrier designations for two other providers - Mercury Wireless Indiana LLC (Case No. U-20333), Cherry Capital Connection LLC (Case No. U-20964) - and new ETC designation for CenturyLink Communications LLC (Case No. U-21016). These approvals allow for expanded broadband coverage in additional U.S. Census blocks that the FCC awarded to the companies in the RDOF auction in December 2020 to improve access to broadband. RDOF auction winners must use the funding to expand broadband and meet various broadband goals throughout the Census blocks while continuing to offer standalone voice service. MPSC APPROVES I&M POWER SUPPLY COST RECOVERY The MPSC today approved Indiana Michigan Power Co.'s (I&M) power supply cost recovery (PSCR) plan and the utility's five-year forecast (Case No. U-20529). The Commission declined to issue a Section 7 warning under Public Act 304 MCL 460.6j(7) to the utility that it may not recover the full costs from its inter-company power agreement (ICPA) with an affiliate, Ohio Valley Electric Corp., for wholesale electricity. But the Commission said it would closely scrutinize costs incurred under the contract, noting I&M's Code of Conduct responsibilities including an obligation to minimize costs. The Commission also ordered I&M to provide a comprehensive analysis regarding the ICPA including a sensitivity with optimized resources to replace the ICPA relative to its preferred course of action, as part of its 2021 integrated resource plan (IRP) filing. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Sierra Club intervened in the case. MPSC Staff also participated. MPSC ADOPTS RECOMMENDATIONS ON MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS AMONG NATURAL GAS UTILITIES The MPSC today accepted reports and recommendations from a work group on mutual aid agreements between natural gas utilities, a collaborative created as part of the 2019 Statewide Energy Assessment (Case No. U-20631). The Assessment was conducted by the MPSC, at Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's request after a statewide energy emergency in 2019 in which a fire at a utility compressor station in Macomb County disrupted natural gas delivery statewide. The Assessment's final report made 37 recommendations, including convening a workgroup of MPSC Staff experts and representatives of utilities, consumer organizations and other groups to explore developing mutual aid agreements that could help safely restore natural gas outages as quickly as possible as well as contingency planning for transmission of natural gas. The MPSC directed the Staff to file a status report on progress made including the interoperability between Michigan natural gas utilities by March 31, 2022. CONSUMERS ENERGY ONE-TIME VOLUNTARY REFUND APPROVED The MPSC today approved Consumers Energy Co.'s application for a one-time voluntary refund of $28 million, with spending in 2021 and 2022 on programs that the Commission found will enhance customer safety, education, and reliability (Case No. U-20932). Consumers proposed incremental spending on electric service restoration; pipeline pressure testing; gas and electric information technology infrastructure; public outreach on electric residential time-of-use rate implementation; a Percentage Income Pilot Program to assist low-income customers, and a public service announcement on cold weather assistance for customers. Any of the refund amount not spent on these programs will be returned to customers through a bill credit the utility must detail by March 31, 2022. The Michigan Department of Attorney General; Association of Businesses Advocating Tariff Equity; Residential Customer Group (RCG), Citizens Utility Board of Michigan and MPSC Staff participated in the case. MPSC DENIES ALTERNATIVE GAS SUPPLER LICENSE FOR GAS BUNNY LLC An application by Gas Bunny LLC to operate as an alternative gas supplier (AGS) was denied by the MPSC, citing the company's lack of responsiveness to MPSC Staff, failure to provide information on its financial standing, and lack of experience serving as an AGS (Case No. U-20974). Gas Bunny applied for the license on Feb. 1, 2021, but did not provide information to demonstrate compliance with AGS license requirements including having the necessary financial, managerial and technical capabilities to serve Michigan natural gas customers. Gas Bunny canceled a March 1, 2021, meeting with MPSC Staff and did not respond to several attempts by Staff to reschedule. MPSC SEEKS COMMENT ON UTILITY POLE ACCESS FOR WIRELESS SERVICES The MPSC today opened a docket (Case No. U-20980) seeking comment from interested stakeholders and other parties to address issues related to the use of utility poles, ducts, conduits and other rights-of-way by wireless service providers. ExteNet Systems Inc. filed a petition asking the MPSC to initiate a proceeding to issue and make effective rules and regulations implementing Michigan's regulatory authority over wireless pole attachments. The Commission seeks input on questions including whether MCL 460.6g applies to wireless attachments and how costs would be assessed. Comments should reference Case No. U-20980 and must be received no later than 5 p.m. June 10, 2021. Mail comments to Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909. Electronic comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Those needing assistance prior to filing may contact MPSC Staff at 517-284-8090 or mpscedockets@michigan.gov. To look up cases from today's meeting, access the MPSC's E-Dockets filing system. Watch recordings of the MPSC's meetings on the MPSC's YouTube channel. 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. DISCLAIMER: This document was prepared to aid the public's understanding of certain matters before the Commission and is not intended to modify, supplement, or be a substitute for the Commission's orders. The Commission's orders are the official action of the Commission. # # # MRA Business Resource Workshop: Setting Aside Marijuana-Related Adult Criminal Records in Michigan MRA Business Resource Workshop: Setting Aside Marijuana-Related Adult Criminal Records in Michigan May 13, 2021 - The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) has announced the date, time, and location for its second May Business Resource Workshop hosted by the Social Equity Program and featuring a presentation by representatives from Sozo Companies. The topic of the workshop will be marijuana-related convictions in Michigan. Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM Place: Zoom While attendance is free, space is limited and interested participants need to register at the following website: https://bit.ly/MRA-Expunge Representatives from Sozo Companies will cover an overview of the process to set aside marijuana-related adult criminal records, who is eligible and who will have their marijuana-related adult criminal records automatically set aside, associated costs, and legal resources that are available to assist. Please see this document on Sozo's website for more information about what they will be covering at the workshop. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session, which will allow the attendees to ask questions of the representatives from Sozo Companies. $500,000 USDA grant will support Michigan food and agriculture businesses and farmworkers $500,000 USDA grant will support Michigan food and agriculture businesses and farmworkers New initiative will develop food and agriculture technology education and career pathways for migrant and seasonal farmworkers May 13, 2021 Media Contact: Mike Murray, 517-275-1820 LANSING, Mich.-The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), in partnership with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and others, has been awarded a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support the Michigan Agriculture and Food System Workforce Advancement Initiative. This new initiative will support Michigan's food and agriculture industry by developing agriculture technology education and career pathways for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. "The food and agriculture industry is critical to our state's growth, contributing more than $100 billion annually to the state's economy and accounting for about 17% of total employment," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. "Through this initiative, these critical workers will be engaging in agriculture technology-related career pathway and training programs, including participating in experiential learning and completing relevant and stackable courses, obtaining high school and college credit, and earning industry recognized credentials. "It will provide opportunities to obtain financial security for themselves and their families while meeting the skilled workforce needs of our state's food and agriculture employers," Beckhorn said. Joining LEO and the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce in this effort are the Institute of Agricultural Technology, the Center for Regional Food Systems and Migrant Student Services at Michigan State University, and Michigan Food and Farming Systems. "The Michigan Agriculture and Food System Workforce Advancement Initiative is designed to help Michigan food growers, processers and distributors develop the technology- and data-savvy workforce they need to fill critical jobs," said Jeannine LaPrad, Senior Fellow with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce. "This will be accomplished by increasing the number and quality of job-based, experiential learning opportunities and credentials for migrant and seasonal farmworkers." Initiative partners are currently recruiting employers and training organizations to join advisory groups interested in advancing the opportunity for farmworkers to attain a certificate, license or degree, and develop the skills needed for career advancement. This will ensure relevance of education and training. "This initiative is helping to address some of the needs identified in an assessment we conducted in 2019 looking at the workforce of local and regional food systems," said Dr. Jude Barry, Associate Director, MSU Center for Regional Food Systems. "Innovative educational programs in food and agriculture systems and technology we hope will help migrant and seasonal farm workers achieve more work stability and economic opportunity by developing the skills they need to advance." Expanding education and training opportunities for migrant and seasonal farmworkers aligns with Michigan's Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate to 60% by 2030. This work is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative-Agricultural Workforce Training Priority Area [grant no. 2021-67037-34302 /project accession no. 1025675], from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information about the Michigan Agriculture and Food System Workforce Advancement Initiative, contact Hector Arroyo Jr., State Administrative Manager, at ArroyoH@michigan.gov. To learn more about employment services and resources available to Michigan's agricultural workers and employers, visit Michigan.gov/AFLS. May 13, 2021 LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general in sending a letter to congressional leaders requesting the federal government to provide the necessary funding to support state antitrust enforcement efforts. "The investigation and enforcement of alleged antitrust conduct is more complex and resource-intensive than ever before," Nessel said. "States require more funding sources to ensure long-term capabilities to enforce state and federal antitrust laws that protect consumers and businesses. I urge Congress to support our efforts." State attorneys general around the country are currently leading cutting edge, resource-intensive antitrust cases against powerful and sophisticated Big Tech firms. Late last year, Attorney General Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 48 attorneys general in a lawsuit against Facebook for anticompetitive conduct, as well as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in suing Google on antitrust grounds. In addition, in 2019, Nessel joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing an antitrust lawsuit to stop the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint. These are just some examples of the many types of enforcement actions states have and can bring to challenge anticompetitive conduct by major players with vast resources in a variety of industries. Often working closely with federal partners, states bring these enforcement actions in the public interest to ensure competitive markets and protect consumers. As the coalition notes in their letter, sent Monday, to the chairs and ranking members of the respective Senate and House committees, as the nation's economy has grown, so too has the need to staff and finance a greater number of antitrust enforcement actions that are fundamentally more complex and resource-intensive than in the past. There is a growing bipartisan consensus that antitrust is at a turning point, and Congress currently is considering a number of bills that would enable more robust enforcement. Whether antitrust investigations and litigation are pursued together with federal partners or in multistate coalitions, they require massive commitments by lawyers and experts, as well as significant technological resources. Congress is already considering additional funding for the federal agencies, but funding for state agencies will enhance the states' ability to fulfill their obligations as integral enforcers, whether acting independently or as partners to the U.S. Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. DoorDash on Thursday reported that its sales nearly tripled in the first three months of the year as demand for food delivery remained elevated even as U.S. restaurants reopened their dining rooms. DoorDash said its revenue surged 198% to $1.1 billion in the January-March period. That was well above Wall Street's forecast of $994 million, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Even in a market like Florida, where in-restaurant dining has nearly returned to pre-COVID levels, DoorDash said same-store delivery sales for its partner restaurants were up 170% during the first quarter. The impact of reopening really has been more muted than we expected, DoorDash co-founder and CEO Tony Xu said Thursday during a conference call with investors. Based on the results, the San Francisco-based company raised its financial guidance for the full year. It now expects total orders in the range of $35 billion to $38 billion this year, up from its previous forecast of $30 billion to $33 billion. DoorDash reported a net loss of $110 million in the first quarter because it is still spending heavily to win new customers and expand into other services, like delivery from groceries and convenience stores. Non-restaurant deliveries made up 7% of all orders during the quarter. The company narrowed its net loss per share to 34 cents from $2.92 in the same period a year ago. That was short of Wall Street's forecast of an 8-cent loss per share in the latest period. DoorDash said its total orders grew 219% to 329 million during the quarter, surpassing expectations. The company said government stimulus checks likely contributed to higher order levels. Stimulus payments also made it harder for DoorDash to attract its freelance drivers, the company said, leading to some service problems during the quarter. DoorDash said it added a record number of new drivers in late March. More than 2 million drivers earned money on deliveries during the quarter. DoorDash said it expects to see some softness this summer as the impact of stimulus payments subsides, markets continue to reopen and diners head back to restaurants. The percent of meals eaten in restaurants has been steadily rising since April 2020, and reached its highest level since before the pandemic in March, according to NPD Group. In the meantime, DoorDash is trying to gain new restaurant partners with lower fees, a nod to critics who think the company charges restaurants too much for its services. Late last month, DoorDash began offering a new basic plan that charges restaurants 15% per order for delivery, or around half the cost of previous plans. Xu said commission-fee caps, which dozens of cities implemented throughout the pandemic to protect restaurants' profits, are starting to expire. DoorDash said those caps cost it $31 million in revenue during the first quarter. Were very encouraged by what we've seen, which is elected officials allowing capitalism to do its job and allow everyone to make things work for all audiences, Xu said. Uber Eats, DoorDashs chief rival, also saw continued strong demand in the first quarter. Uber Eats said last week that its sales jumped 166% in the January-March period. Food delivery platform Grubhub also reported a 52% sales increase in the first quarter. Xu said he still sees significant opportunity in the delivery business, noting that it still makes up only around 10% of restaurant industry sales. No one has a crystal ball on how this shape of recovery occurs," Xu said. "But what I would say is the long-term trend is, when it comes to convenience, things always move toward the direction of greater convenience. DoorDash's stock was up 7% in after-market trading following the release of the earnings report. It is down 19% so far this year. BANGKOK (AP) Two jailed leaders of a student-led pro-democracy movement that attracted both support and controversy last year when it called for reform of Thailands monarchy were released Tuesday after repeated requests for bail. The Criminal Court freed Parit Penguin Chiwarak and singer Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, who are are both charged with lese majeste, defaming the monarchy. Parit had been hospitalized after starting a hunger strike in jail. They were freed after their lawyers requested bail 10 times and eight times, respectively. The lese majeste law carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison per count. Both men are linked to the pro-democracy movement that sprang up last year and held street demonstrations with three core demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government, amendment of the constitution to make it more democratic, and reform of the monarchy to make it more accountable. The last demand is the most radical and controversial because the monarchy has rarely faced any public scrutiny and is considered by many to be an untouchable pillar of Thai identity. The court prohibited the two from engaging in any activities that defame the monarchy and leaving the country without permission. They must also wear electronic monitoring bracelets. Parit was charged in connection with a Bangkok protest last year. He was detained on Feb. 9 and started a hunger strike on March 15 to demand the right to be granted bail. His lawyers said his health suffered a sharp decline, and last week he was temporarily moved out of jail to a hospital. He left the jail Tuesday night in an ambulance. He still faces other counts of lese majeste for which he could be returned to jail.. Chaiamorn was arrested for burning a portrait of Thailands king in front of Bangkoks Klong Plem Central Prison, and had been detained since March 3. At least three other protest leaders held on lese majeste charges have been freed in the past month. The Corrections Department said last week that two others, Arnon Nampha and Chukiat Sangwong, had been taken to the prisons hospital after testing positive for COVID-19. LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan legislators on Thursday approved mid-year spending bills, including billions of federal coronavirus relief to boost pay for frontline government workers, incentivize unemployed people to return to work and upgrade infrastructure. Under a $3.3 billion plan sent to the Senate by the Republican-led House on a 65-42 vote, some of the U.S. funding would go toward payroll costs and free up state dollars to pay the state's million Flint water crisis settlement instead of borrowing and partially replenish an unemployment benefits fund targeted by fraudsters. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration questioned some elements, saying federal guidance clearly states that COVID-19 funds cannot be used to pay down debt, bolster reserves and finance legal settlements. The House bill is very concerning, said state budget director Dave Massaron. The federal government released guidance earlier this week. It directly contradicts and prohibits many of the proposed expenditures of (American Rescue Plan) funds that the House is proposing in their fiscal year '22 budget and in the supplemental." House Appropriations Committee Chairman Thomas Albert, a Lowell Republican, said the House plan moves the process forward. Democrats have complained we're moving too quickly and too slowly at the same time, he said in a statement. Federal rules generally have allowed flexibility to offset funds this new guidance just came out and we're reviewing it like everybody else is. The House tied state spending on road debt and federally funded hazard pay to a bill, approved 58-49 on party lines, that would limit the governor's power to shift money within departments via the State Administrative Board, which she did during a 2019 budget impasse. House Republicans earlier this week linked federal child care funding to the measure. House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski, a Democrat from Washtenaw County's Scio Township, said it was cruel and shameful for the GOP to again try to tie pandemic relief to curtailing the governor's powers. Republican Rep. Ben Frederick of Owosso countered that his bill would give the executive branch a reasonable amount of flexibility allowing it to increase or decrease a line item by $200,000 in the aggregate while closing the door to wholesale policy making on the part of the Administrative Board. The GOP-controlled Senate, meanwhile, unanimously shipped the House a $445 million supplemental budget bill that would allocate federal emergency rental assistance and other aid that Congress and then-President Donald Trump enacted in December. A deal among the House, Senate and governor remains a ways off. Both chambers this week also approved spending plans for the next fiscal year, which all sides would like to finalize in June. Included in the House's mid-year spending measure is $225 million nearly all of it federal to expand mental health services, primarily for children. Funding would establish crisis stabilization units and pediatric residential treatment facilities, add long-term pediatric psychiatric beds and build a new psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. Rep. Mary Whiteford, a Republican from Allegan County's Casco Township, called it one of the most impactful investments in children's behavioral health in the history of Michigan. ... The earlier that we intervene and help those little brains to heal, the greater the success a child has to develop the tools to survive and to thrive in our world." Also Thursday, Senate Republicans passed a bill over Democrats' objections that would prevent state and local health officials from ordering kids under age 5 to wear a mask. The state health department's pandemic order currently exempts those younger than 2 from a face covering requirement. The legislation, which Whitmer is unlikely to sign, was sent to the House for consideration. Sen. Curt VanderWall, a Ludington Republican, called a mid-April order that extended a mask rule to children ages 2 to 4 in day care facilities and camps silly" and difficult to implement. He said the governor should be loosening restrictions, not tightening them, as more Michiganders are vaccinated or are immune due to infections. The order was issued around the time case rates and hospitalizations peaked in Michigan's third surge. They have since subsided. ___ Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 BANGKOK (AP) A 51-year-old reporter for a now-banned online and broadcast news agency in Myanmar was sentenced Wednesday by a military court to three years in prison for his reporting, his employer said. Min Nyo, a correspondent for the Democratic Voice of Burma is apparently the countrys first journalist since the armys February takeover to be convicted under a recently revised provision in the Penal Code that critics charge criminalizes free speech. It makes punishable by up to three years in prison any attempt to hinder, disturb, damage the motivation, discipline, health and conduct of soldiers and civil servants and cause their hatred, disobedience or disloyalty toward the military and the government. Three DVB journalists who fled Myanmar were arrested earlier this week in northern Thailand for illegal entry. Rights groups and journalists associations are urging Thai authorities not to send them back to Myanmar, where it is feared their safety would be at risk from the authorities. Myanmar's junta has tried to smother all independent news media, and on March 8 revoked DVBs TV license and banned it from broadcasting on any platform. Like many other banned media outlets, it has continued operating. About 80 journalists have been arrested since the army seized power on Feb. 1, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Roughly half are still detained and most of them are being held under the same charge for which Min Nyo was convicted, as are many activists opposed to the military regime. A statement issued by DVB said Min Nyo had been covering a March 3 anti-junta protest in the town of Pyay, 260 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Yangon when he was arrested and severely beaten by police. It said he had been allowed to see a lawyer, but not his wife and two children. Min Nyo had previously served seven years in prison under a previous military government after his arrest in 1996 for alleged ties to a militant student opposition group. Min Nyos wife, Nyomee Moe, told The Associated Press that both then and now, he was unjustly imprisoned. It is inhumane to be beaten and arrested. He never violated journalistic ethics. That is why I want to say that there is no justice in Myanmar, she said, adding that she is consulting with lawyers about appealing the verdict. Rights group Amnesty International said Min Nyo's case showed the ruthlessness of the junta and the risks faced by journalists exposing the junta's abuses. Min Nyos conviction must be quashed, and he should be released immediately along with all other journalists, activists and human rights defenders imprisoned and detained solely for their peaceful opposition to the military coup," Amnesty deputy regional director Emerlynne Gil said in a statement. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) For Brown University students, the Ivy League college's next step in its yearslong quest to atone for its legacy of slavery is clear: Pay up. Nearly two decades after the Providence, Rhode Island, institution launched its much-lauded reckoning, undergraduate students this spring voted overwhelmingly for the university to identify the descendants of slaves that worked on campus and begin paying them reparations. At the University of Georgia, community activists want the school to contribute to Athens' efforts to atone for an urban renewal project that destroyed a Black community in the 1960s to make way for college dorms. And at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., theres growing dissatisfaction among some slave descendants about the Catholic institutions pioneering reparations efforts. Nearly a year after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police sparked the latest national reckoning on racism, student and community activists from New England to the Deep South are demanding institutions take more ambitious steps to atone for past sins from colonial-era slavery to more recent campus expansion projects that have pushed out entire communities of color. Theres been a shift in America, said Jason Carroll, who was student council president during the spring referendum at Brown University. Were at a different place. Just a few years ago, it was controversial to say Black Lives Matter. The 22-year-old Maryland native, who graduated this month, argues Brown has taken nearly every conceivable step to atone for its past save for making slave descendants whole. The school released an exhaustive historical report in 2006 and followed it up with the dedication of a slavery memorial in 2014, among other efforts. An Anti-Black Racism task force is expected to deliver recommendations soon for how the school can further promote racial equity. But university spokesperson Brian Clark stressed its not clear whether the panel, which was formed following last summers racial unrest, will address reparations. Theres real trauma and pain here, said Carroll, who is descended from Carolina slaves. This shouldnt just be an academic question. There are real families that have been burdened and harmed by this and probably still are. Students at Harvard are similarly calling for reparations after years of headline-grabbing announcements from the school, including dropping the law school emblem, which was derived from the crest of a slave-owning family. A panel looking at the university's slave legacy plans to release its findings and recommendations later this year. At the University of Chicago, students are frustrated that the university continues to distance itself from its slavery ties, even as it touts efforts to advance racial equity and justice, said Caine Jordan, a graduate student who co-authored a recent report on the school's fraught racial history. Last year, the university removed markers honoring U.S. Sen. Stephen Douglas, but maintained the Mississippi slave plantation owner donated land to an older version of the school and had no connection to the current one. All of it rings hollow if you're founded on Black pain, and youre not willing to acknowledge that, Jordan said. A university spokesperson declined to respond, but said University President Robert Zimmer will provide an update soon on the school's racial equity efforts. In Athens, Georgia, students and community groups complain the University of Georgia has largely stayed silent on the city's recent efforts to atone for the displacement of some 50 Black families to make way for new dorms for the school in the 1960s. Earlier this year, Mayor Kelly Girtz signed a resolution acknowledging the taking of the homes under eminent domain, and setting into motion a process to provide equitable redress." Student groups rallied Wednesday to call attention to the issue, among other racial justice demands. UGA has got to do more. Its got to come to the table and acknowledge what it did, said Hattie Whitehead Thomas, a 72-year-old Athens resident who grew up in the destroyed Linnentown neighborhood. The university responded in part that the dorms have housed tens of thousands of students from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds providing those students with the transformational benefits of a higher education. In Virginia, a new law mandates the states five public colleges provide tangible benefits for slave descendants. Cauline Yates, a descendant of one of Thomas Jefferson's slaves, said she hopes the law compels the flagship University of Virginia, which Jefferson founded, to provide academic scholarships and economic development projects for descendants. Its time for them to stand up and honor our ancestors, said the 67-year-old Charlottesville resident, who works at the university and co-founded the advocacy group Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVA. Brian Coy, a university spokesperson, said it's premature to say how UVA will meet the new reparations requirement. But he noted the school has already met the first provision of the law to honor and identify the slaves with its Memorial to Enslaved Laborers dedicated last month. Back at Georgetown, the Jesuit university's reparations efforts are meant to atone for the local Jesuit province selling around 272 slaves to settle the schools debts in the 1800s. Ruth McBain, a Georgetown spokesperson, said the university hopes to award the first grants from a new $400,000-a-year fund for community-based projects benefiting slave descendants sometime this year, and will work with the campus and descendant communities on that effort. The recent launch of a $1 billion racial reconciliation foundation by the Jesuit order that founded the university is another important step in building trust and partnership with the descendant community, she added. But one of the main concerns among descendants and students is how committed funds will be spent and whether descendants will truly have adequate say in the process according to Shepard Thomas, who graduated from Georgetown last year and was among the first to benefit from the schools new legacy admission status for descendants of the 272. The fear is that the university will use these funds for their own purposes, the 23-year-old New Orleans native said. The university is trying to control the narrative, and were trying to prevent that. Davarian Baldwin, an American studies professor at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, isnt optimistic many colleges will ultimately meet the demands of students and activists, even with the renewed activism. Universities will do as little as they can get away with, he said. Indeed, at Brown, university leaders have long touted the 2007 launch of an endowment to benefit the Providence public school system as a key part of its slavery atonement. But the university only fully funded its $10 million pledge to the troubled, state-run school district last year after the mayor and others complained. Carroll also argues the effort, while laudable, has nothing to do with compensating Black communities for slavery. The school district, after all, is overwhelmingly Latino. Thats not really a solution," he said. "In a way, its even more insulting. ___ AP Education Writer Collin Binkley in Cambridge, Massachusetts, contributed to this report. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Nevada state lawmakers are bound by a state constitutional requirement to approve revenue-generating decisions with two-thirds majority votes, the state Supreme Court decided Thursday. In a decision with more than $100 million in implications for lawmakers now in session, the seven justices sided unanimously with Republican state lawmakers and rejected arguments by Democrats. The court declared the plain language of the supermajority provision requires more than a simple majority to extend existing revenue sources. In 2019, legislative attorneys advised Democratic leaders that they could prolong two revenue streams with simple majority votes a Department of Motor Vehicles transaction fee and a payroll tax. Since 1996, the Nevada Constitution has required two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers to approve any measure that creates, generates, or increases any public revenue in any form. Because the (DMV and payroll tax) bills did not pass by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, those portions of the bills that would require a supermajority vote are unconstitutional, the court said. The justices also concluded that individual Democratic legislative leaders were not personally liable for costs in the court case because the actions they performed were within the sphere of legitimate legislative activity. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, issued a statement promising to work with legislative leadership on budget implications of the decision. He said state officials will analyze the decision to determine next steps. In a statement on behalf of Senate Republicans, Minority Leader James Settelmeyer accused Nevada Democratic leaders of knowingly violating the Nevada Constitution in 2019. This is a victory for all Nevadans. We should remember it was the voters who placed the two-thirds requirement in the state constitution, and that provision is now guaranteed, he said. Settelmeyer is a named defendant in the Supreme Court case. He told the statewide TV news show Nevada Newsmakers that the state would have to return $107 million to taxpayers and DMV customers. He said the decision wouldn't create unforeseen budget problems because of better-than-expected tax revenue projections released last week. The Nevada Economic Forum, a panel of experts, projected that Nevada would have $9.1 billion in general fund revenue over the next two years a lump sum much larger than expected at the height of the pandemic. The state also has been allocated $2.7 billion in federal pandemic relief funding. Settelmeyer said the implications of the ruling were about Democratic leaders' 2019 actions, not the current budgeting process. What this means is they shouldn't have stolen the money from the citizens of the state of Nevada. They should have followed the Constitution. They recklessly did not, Settelmeyer said. The Legislatures Democratic majority leaders, Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro and Assemblyman Jason Frierson, called the ruling a disheartening product of partisan politics even in the face of unprecedented shortfalls to our states budget this past year. They said the Republican fight against the 2019 votes favored corporations and hurt families and schools. In 2019, the Legislature blocked an unnecessary corporate tax cut and instead funded raises for educators and critical school safety infrastructure, Cannizzaro and Frierson said in a statement. Going forward, we call on our colleagues to work with us on meaningful revenue legislation this session. The payroll tax is projected to generate about $98 million over the next two years. The court opinion noted the $1-per-transaction DMV fee had been expected to raise $14 million during the two-year budget period. Legislative Counsel Bureau attorneys who advised the Legislature in 2019 issued an opinion saying lawmakers could extend the tax and fee without two-thirds approval because they didnt create, generate or increase revenue. Attorney Karen Peterson, representing the Republican lawmakers in May 3 arguments before the state high court, called the constitutional provision unambiguous. The case was Legislature of the State of Nevada vs. Settelmeyer. The opinion was authored by Chief Justice James Hardesty. It upheld a September 2020 ruling by state court Judge James Todd Russell in Carson City. ___ Ritter reported from Las Vegas. Sam Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $3 million in rent over the next two years for unused office space for a state agency that intends to allow most of its more than 400 employees to work from home indefinitely. The North Dakota Information Technology Departments 85,000-square-foot leased space in a newly remodeled, privately owned office building in north Bismarck is unoccupied, except for about a dozen employees, said Greg Hoffman, the agencys director of administration. It is the largest and most expensive leased office space in the state, North Dakota Capitol Facilities Manager John Boyle said. Boyle said each lease has an appropriation clause that allows the state to get out of it if the Legislature doesnt provide funding. Hoffman said agency officials inquired about having lawmakers cut funding for the lease but were told by the state attorney generals office that would cause a legal battle with the buildings landlord, who lives in Fargo. Liz Brocker, spokeswoman for the attorney generals office, said her agency would not comment on legal strategy with a state agency. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem did not return telephone messages. Most state employees have returned to their offices since being told to work from home last spring as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the U.S. Gov. Doug Burgum allowed most state government offices to reopen to the public in a limited capacity last May. Burgum had said some 7,000 state employees at about 1,600 facilities across North Dakota had been part of a remote workforce under his orders since March 2020 due to COVID-19. Hoffman said the agency favored teleworking even before the coronavirus pandemic hit and will continue to do so. The agency began allowing people to work remotely while its rented space underwent a two-year renovation, beginning in 2018. The Republican governor has promoted working from home as a way to cut costs and promote workplace flexibility as a recruiting tool," Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said. Nowatzki did not know how many North Dakota state employees are currently working from home. Boyle estimated 70% of the 1,800 employees at the state Capitol have returned to their offices. Shawn Riley, who heads the Information Technology Department, has sometimes worked remotely from his home in southeast Minnesota since Burgum hired him 2017 with the governors blessing, Nowatzki said. It has not hampered Rileys ability to do his job or communication with the Burgum administration, Nowatzki said. The governor has been in hundreds of hours of online meetings with Shawn, Nowatzki said. Riley told The Associated Press he has spent 90%" of his time in North Dakota since being hired, including officing in person. Nowatzki said the governor is aware of the agencys near-vacant space. He said it could be made available to other agencies, if needed. The leased space for the agency would occupy more than eight floors of the 19-story state Capitol building in Bismarck. In addition to leading the states cybersecurity efforts, the agency supports the information technology needs of state government, K-12 education and higher education. The Legislature this year approved a $275 million two-year budget for the agency, and increased of its workforce from 402 people to 479. Included in the budget is funding for the agencys palatial digs, at about $2.9 million over the next two years. Documents obtained by the AP show the state pays more than $10 million in rent for agencies at about 170 locations statewide, at an average rate of $13.33 a square foot. The IT agencys original 10-year lease expires in 2025. Hoffman said the agency will still need some physical space but I dont think well be asking for as much in the future. The COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer is now available to roughly 170,000 Connecticut residents, ages 12 to 15, at all clinics in the state offering that particular vaccine, Gov. Ned Lamont said Wednesday. The state's announcement came shortly after advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed use of the vaccine in children as young as 12, concluding it would allow kids to safely attend camps this summer and return to classrooms next school year. While COVID-19 generally doesnt affect children as severely as adults, children are not immune from contracting and getting sick with the virus, nor are they immune from spreading it to adults and others who may not be able to be vaccinated. said Dr. Deidre Gifford, the state's acting public health commissioner, who strongly urged parents to get their children in the age group vaccinated. Individuals 12 to 15 can be vaccinated at any clinic that offers the Pfizer vaccine as long as they are accompanied by or have the consent of their parent or legal guardian. While many pharmacies and mass drive-through vaccination clinics offer the Pfizer vaccine, most pediatrician offices don't have it yet. As of Tuesday, more than 71% of Connecticut residents over age 18 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 56% are fully vaccinated, which the Lamont administration said is the highest rate in the nation. In other coronavirus-related news: ___ EXECUTIVE POWERS The Connecticut Senate has agreed to extend Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's civil preparedness and public health emergency declarations until July 20, even though most of the state's remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on May 19. A bill that extended the governor's declarations passed the Senate on Wednesday night, a day after the same legislation cleared the House of Representatives. The bill path both chambers, which are controlled by Democrats, along party lines. We still have work to do. There is light at the end of the tunnel, said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, who supported the two-month extension. While Republicans in both chambers questioned the need to continue granting the governor such extraordinary powers, especially given the state's relatively high vaccination rates, Rep. Mike D'Agostino, D-Hamden, said it's simply prudent to do. He noted that some federal COVID relief programs, including extra food benefits for struggling families, require that such emergency declarations remain in place. Democratic lawmakers have extended Lamont's executive authority several times, often to the dismay of Republicans who argue it's time for the state's legislative branch of government to retake its power. The people need to be brought into this equation and given more of a voice, said Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford. But Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said it was needlessly alarmist to say the General Assembly has handed over its power to the governor. He argued it's prudent to keep the authority in place as the state continues to emerge from the pandemic, especially given the ability of the governor to make fast decisions on short-term matters, unlike the General Assembly. On May 19, all remaining pandemic-related restrictions for businesses are expected to end, with the exception of the requirements for wearing face masks indoors. Also, the Connecticut Department of Public Health is expected to issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events, such as concerts. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has decreased by 315.6, a decrease of 42.5%, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The state reported 187 new confirmed or probable cases since Tuesday. There were also five more COVID-associated deaths, for a total of 8,161. WASHINGTON (AP) In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Today is a great day for America, President Joe Biden said during a Rose Garden address heralding the new guidance, an event where he and his staff went without masks. Hours earlier in the Oval Office, where Biden was meeting with vaccinated Republican lawmakers, he led the group in removing their masks when the guidance was announced. If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask," he said, summarizing the new guidance and encouraging more Americans to roll up their sleeves. Get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do. The guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues even removing the need for social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy, Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said at an earlier White House briefing. The CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people those who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. The countrys aggressive vaccination campaign has paid off: U.S. virus cases are at their lowest rate since September, deaths are at their lowest point since last April and the test positivity rate is at the lowest point since the pandemic began. Walensky said the long-awaited change is thanks to the millions of people who have gotten vaccinated and is based on the latest science about how well those shots are working. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities large or small without wearing a mask or physically distancing, Walensky said. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. The new guidance is likely to open the door to confusion, since there is no surefire way for businesses or others to distinguish between those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not. Millions of Americans are doing the right thing and getting vaccinated, but essential workers are still forced to play mask police for shoppers who are unvaccinated and refuse to follow local COVID safety measures," said Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Are they now supposed to become the vaccination police?" Walensky and Biden said people who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors. Weve gotten this far please protect yourself until you get to the finish line, Biden said, noting that most Americans under 65 are not yet fully vaccinated. He said the government was not going to enforce the mask wearing guidance on those not yet fully vaccinated. We're not going to go out and arrest people, added Biden, who said he believes the American people want to take care of their neighbors. If you havent been vaccinated, wear your mask for your own protection and the protection of the people who also have not been vaccinated yet." On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is not changing the rules requiring masks on the House floor. No, Pelosi told CNN. Are they all vaccinated? Recent estimates have put the percentage of unvaccinated lawmakers in the House at 25%. That ambiguity over who is and isn't vaccinated led Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, to declare the CDC guidance confusing and contradictory. "The public will not feel comfortable in a crowded indoor space if they are unsure if the maskless person standing next to them is or is not vaccinated," he said. The announcement came as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots. Dan Witte, a 67-year-old musician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, stopped wearing a mask after receiving the vaccine two months ago and recently rejoined his band playing gigs at crowded bars and weddings. He was encouraged by the CDCs new guidance, but said it just confirmed his trust that the vaccines offered protection from spreading infections. I went right from being hypervigilant for almost a year to being right in the crowd without a mask, Witte said. To date more than 154 million Americans, nearly 47% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 119 million are fully vaccinated. The rate of new vaccinations has slowed in recent weeks, but with the authorization Wednesday of the Pfizer shot for children ages 12 to 15, a new burst of doses is expected in the coming days. All of us, lets be patient, be patient with one another, Biden said, acknowledging some Americans might be hesitant about removing their masks after more than a year of living in a pandemic that has killed more than 584,000 people in the U.S. and more than 3.3 million people worldwide. The CDC's announcement that Americans could begin to shed one of the most visible symbols of the pandemic stood in stark contrast to other nations, with much of the world still struggling to contain the virus amid global disparities in vaccinations. Just two weeks ago, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds. Walensky said that evidence from the U.S. and Israel shows the vaccines are as strongly protective in real world use as they were in earlier studies and that so far they continue to work even though some worrying mutated versions of the virus are spreading. The more people continue to get vaccinated, the faster infections will drop and the harder it will be for the virus to mutate enough to escape vaccines, she stressed, urging everyone 12 and older who is not yet vaccinated to sign up. And while some people still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, Walensky said, thats rare. She cited evidence that those infections tend to be milder, shorter and harder to spread to others. If people who are vaccinated do develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should immediately put their mask back on and get tested, she said. There are some caveats. Walensky encouraged people who have weak immune systems, such as from organ transplants or cancer treatment, to talk with their doctors before shedding their masks. Thats because of continued uncertainty about whether the vaccines can rev up a weakened immune system as well as they do normal, healthy ones. The new guidance had an immediate effect at the White House, which has taken a cautious approach to easing virus restrictions. Staffers were informed that masks are no longer required for people who are fully vaccinated. First lady Jill Biden, who was traveling in West Virginia, told reporters that we feel naked as she and her party removed their face coverings. Then she paused. I didnt mean it that way! ___ AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard and AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The Jesuit priest who presided over an inaugural Mass for President Joe Biden has resigned his position as president of Santa Clara University in Northern California, college officials said, after an investigation found he engaged in inappropriate, alcohol-fueled conversations with graduate students. The Rev. Kevin OBrien, at the direction of Jesuit officials, has begun a therapeutic outpatient program to address personal issues, including alcohol and stress counseling. He had been president of Santa Clara University since July 2019 and was placed on leave in March. The university announced O'Brien's departure in a statement to the campus community on Wednesday that included messages from acting President Lisa Kloppenberg and board of trustees Chair John M. Sobrato. O'Brien had notified the board of his resignation Sunday and the trustees accepted it the next day. The private Jesuit institution in the Silicon Valley, founded in 1851 as the first Jesuit university in the West, is ranked as one of the top 25 schools for undergraduate teaching nationwide. California Govs. Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown are among its alumni. In a letter to the university community dated Wednesday, OBrien wrote that he hopes to return to active ministry as a Jesuit priest after he completes the four- to six-month outpatient program. He did not give details about his conduct, writing only that there had been accounts of my behavior over the past year in certain social settings with adults that did not meet the highest standards of decorum expected of me as a Jesuit. After much prayer and thought and out of deep love for Santa Clara, I have concluded that the best service I can offer to our beloved university is to step aside now," he wrote. OBrien has known the Bidens for about 15 years; they met when he was serving at Georgetown University, another Jesuit college. O'Brien gave the service at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Washington, in January for Biden, who is the nations second Catholic president, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, their families and elected officials before the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. He also presided over services for Bidens inaugurations as vice president. This is a challenging time for Santa Clara, but Fr. OBrien has shown both generosity and freedom in wanting to do what is best for the university, said the Rev. Scott Santarosa, head of the Jesuits West Province that conducted the investigation, in a statement. With care for the faculty, staff, students and entire Santa Clara community, he has decided to step down. Sobrato's statement said the investigation found that O'Brien engaged in behaviors, consisting primarily of conversations, during a series of informal dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries. The dinners involved alcohol, Sobrato wrote, but no inappropriate behavior was discovered outside of these events. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, on Wednesday called for the Jesuits to broaden the investigation to other places O'Brien previously worked, including Georgetown University, to see if other students would come forward. SNAP is alarmed with the limited amount of information that has been provided about the case and wants to see the probe expanded, the statement said. BRIDGEPORT A local man free on bond and awaiting trials in three state courthouses was arrested again Tuesday following an alleged struggle with police. Shakeil Fautner, 26, of Iranistan Avenue, was charged with interfering with police, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a permit, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and breach of peace. He is a one-man crime wave, Senior Assistant States Attorney Nicholas Bove said during Fautners arraignment Wednesday afternoon. He urged Superior Court Judge Peter McShane to set a high bond. The judge noted that Fautner had been free after posting $345,000 in bonds in seven cases in three courthouses. These are serious charges, the judge continued of the new arrest, that require a serious bond. Fautners lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Caroline Gallucci, urged the judge for leniency but McShane ordered Fautner held in lieu of $200,000 bond and continued the case to May 24. According to police, at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a disturbance at a business on Iranistan Avenue. When officers got there, a store employee pointed to Fautner who was standing in the rear of the store. Police said the officers ordered Fautner to leave the store and as he walked outside, he spat on a police car. Officers ordered Fautner to stop walking but he continued on, police said. Officer Jason Goncalves attempted to grab Fautners left arm but Fautner pulled away and both men fell to the ground, police said. Goncalves and Fautner struggled on the ground while another officer managed to handcuff Fautner, police said. During a search of Fautner, police said they found a loaded handgun in his pocket along with a plastic bag containing six folds of a suspected narcotics stamped King of Death. While being processed in the police department, police said Fautner allegedly told an officer, I will shoot you in the face with a .223. Fautner was released from prison last year after serving a sentence on assault and drug charges. He was was arrested on numerous charges since then in Milford, Seymour and Bridgeport including gun charges, assault and robbery charges, according to court records. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson dropped plans Thursday to expand the state's Medicaid health care program to thousands of low-income adults after the Republican-led Legislature refused to provide funding for the voter-approved measure. The Republican governor said his administration had withdrawn a request to expand coverage that had been submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in compliance with a constitutional amendment passed by voters last August. He noted that the state's $35 billion budget approved by lawmakers last week didn't provide the funding he had requested for an expansion of Medicaid, which is known in Missouri as MO HealthNet. "Without a revenue source or funding authority from the General Assembly, we are unable to proceed with the expansion at this time and must withdraw our State Plan Amendments to ensure Missouris existing MO HealthNet program remains solvent, Parson said Thursday. The decision is likely to trigger a lawsuit from supporters of Medicaid expansion. This is going to end up in court the governor knows its going to end up in court, said Richard von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs With Justice, one of the organizations supporting Medicaid expansion. Missouri Hospital Association spokesman Dave Dillon expressed disappointment over Parsons decision and said the association would coordinate with other Medicaid expansion supporters about the best way to proceed with litigation. Democratic lawmakers denounced Parson's decision. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said Parson had broken his promise to uphold the constitution. Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo said in a written statement that the governor was caving to the new Authoritarian Republican Regime that doesn't respect the outcome of elections. Though the federal government would fund the vast majority of a Medicaid expansion, some Republican lawmakers said the state cannot afford its share of the long-term costs under the terms of a law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010. The Missouri director of the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, which sued unsuccessfully last year to knock the amendment off the ballot, said Parson's decision would protect Missouri taxpayers from unsustainable and reckless government spending. The constitutional amendment passed by voters required Parson's administration to submit a plan to federal officials to expand Medicaid by March 1, which he did. The ballot measure stated that people ages 19-65 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level less than $17,774 annually for an individual or $37,570 for a family of four shall be eligible and shall receive coverage for Medicaid benefits starting July 1. The amendment did not change existing eligibility standards for children and seniors, and it did not say how to pay for the expansion that is projected to cover about 275,000 people. Parson had opposed Medicaid expansion at the ballot box, but he said he would uphold the will of voters and so included $1.9 billion in federal and state funding for it in the budget he proposed to lawmakers earlier this year. While dropping the expansion plan Thursday, Parson referenced a June 2020 state appeals court ruling that the ballot measure didn't direct or restrict the Legislature's ability to decide how to fund Medicaid. Although the Legislature didn't include specific funding for the expansion, Democrats and some health care advocates contend the additional low-income adults could be covered from the general pool of funds that was allotted for Medicaid. Cancer patients cannot wait for legal battles to access the life-saving coverage that Medicaid expansion provides, said Emily Kalmer, the Missouri government relations director for the society's Cancer Action Network. The Legislature's refusal to add money for the Medicaid expansion is not the first time that Missouri lawmakers have sought to undo measures passed by voters. Last year, legislators placed a measure on the ballot to reverse key parts of a redistricting measure approved by voters in 2018. Voters approved the lawmakers' revised version. A decade ago, the Legislature also revised a voter-approved measure imposing regulations on dog-breeding businesses. ___ This story has been corrected to show the ballot measure vote was in August, not November. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media HAMDEN A home was hit by a bullet during a late-night shooting on Tuesday, according to police. Officers responded to the area of Newhall and Marlboro streets for a report of shots fired. Capt. Ronald Smith said evidence was found to indicate the shots were fired within the intersection. NEW YORK (AP) A man suspected of shooting three bystanders in New Yorks Times Square was arrested Wednesday in Florida, four days after the gunfire wounded people including a 4-year-old girl out toy shopping in the tourist haven known as "the Crossroads of the World. Farrakhan Muhammad was taken into custody while eating lunch in a McDonald's parking lot near Jacksonville, police said. While there is no joy today, there is justice, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said. Muhammad, 31, was listed Wednesday in an inmate database for the sheriff's office in Bradford County, Florida. Information on a lawyer who could speak on his behalf was not immediately available. Muhammad is suspected of wounding the three victims with stray bullets during a dispute at about 5 p.m. Saturday in Times Square, where police said he was apparently selling CDs. Wendy Magrinat, a 23-year-old tourist visiting from Rhode Island, was shot in the leg. A 43-year-old woman from New Jersey was shot in the foot. The 4-year-old girl, from Brooklyn, was also shot in the leg. Magrinat, who was in the city for a Mother's Day trip, told the Daily News she was screaming, "I dont want to die, I dont want to die, I have a 2-year-old, after being hit by a bullet that will likely remain lodged in her leg for the rest of her life. Muhammad was apparently aiming for his brother, but investigators haven't yet pinpointed the motive, chief of detectives James Essig said. Police released videos and photos of Muhammad and asked the public for help tracking him down, and Essig said many people called in with tips. Muhammad's family made a public plea for him to turn himself in. Officers identified Muhammad as a suspect within hours and soon realized he was heading south, Essig said. Video then captured Muhammad and a woman, believed to be his girlfriend, buying dog food and other supplies at a store in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Meanwhile, investigators realized he had connections to some addresses in Florida. The U.S. Marshals Service caught up with the two on Wednesday as they were eating in a car outside a McDonald's in Starke, Florida, police said. Two dogs were with the pair when they were arrested, with French fries lying on the car's floor, police said. Muhammad had shaved off some of his hair, Essig said. The woman has not been arrested on any charges, but police consider her a person of interest in their ongoing investigation. Police believe the two had been living together in a building near Times Square. ___ Associated Press writers David Fischer in Miami and Jennifer Peltz in New York contributed to this report. Lisa Reisman / For Hearst Connecticut Media BRANFORD On Saturday, May 15, Avant Garde Holistic Center & Boutique will present Bhakti Bliss with Sitas Light, an evening of easy chanting and eclectic sacred music. Sita Miriam Zernis, who will lead the call-and-response chanting, has gained renown for transporting groups around the world into states of tranquility. Shell be joined by guitarist Andrew Ciarlelli, drum therapist/percussionist Lydia Smith, and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Premik Russell Tubbs. KILLINGWORTH None of the 42 municipal employees cracked $100,000 in earnings last year, according to salary data from the town. The highest-paid municipal employee in Killingworth, Highway Foreman Walter Adametz, earned $86,026 in base earnings and no overtime, according to the data. Rounding out the top three were Finance Director Regina Regolo, who earned $80,153, and First Selectwoman Catherine Iino, who earned $78,109. Salary data for all of the towns employees was provided to Hearst Connecticut Media in response to a Freedom of Information Act request last month. The data does not include salary information from Regional School District 17, which includes the towns of Haddam and Killingworth. Unlike many Connecticut towns, where police officers regularly top lists of highest-paid municipal employees, Killingworth does not have an active police department, and instead relies on a resident state trooper, Rich Mulhall. Iino said the town reimburses the state for Mulhalls salary and overhead. Because he is a state employee, his salary was not included in the list of municipal earnings, though Iino said the town budgeted $179,000 this fiscal year to pay for his salary, which would easily make him the highest paid employee of the town. Its still way less expensive than having a town police department, Iino said. Iino said the town regularly reviews municipal salary information published by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and aims to stay in the middle of the range for towns of a similar size. A 40-year-old active-duty Marine Corps officer was arrested Thursday after federal agents said he violently broke into the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot, pushing through a line of police officers and positioning himself inside a doorway to pull others into the building with him. Maj. Christopher Warnagiris, 40, of Woodbridge, Virginia, has been charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding police officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; and obstruction of justice, among other charges. His arrest was announced Thursday by the Justice Department. Maj. J. A. Hernandez, a Marine spokesman at the Pentagon, confirmed Warnagiris is on active duty. An artillery officer, Warnagiris is currently assigned to the Marine air-ground task force staff training program with Training and Education Command based at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Read Next: Two Men Arrested and Charged with Stealing, Selling Sensitive Air Force Data Warnagiris has served since 2002 and reached the rank of major in September 2013, according to his service records. He previously deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His personal awards include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. When asked about Warnagiris' case, Hernandez said there is no place for extremism in the Marine Corps. A federal complaint says Warnagiris has been stationed at Quantico, which is about 35 miles outside Washington, since the summer of 2020. He is scheduled to appear in a U.S. district court Thursday afternoon. Screenshot taken from YouTube video and released in a court filing allegedly shows U.S. Marine Maj. Christopher Warnagiris at the East Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, January 6, 2021. (U.S. District Court for District of Columbia/YouTube screen grab) Warnagiris is one of dozens of military members and veterans accused of participating in the Jan. 6 takeover of the U.S. Capitol. Supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building to interrupt lawmakers' securing of the 2020 election, which President Joe Biden won. Court documents claim the major was caught on a Capitol security camera among a group near the East Rotunda doors fighting their way into the building. U.S. Capitol Police officers were standing guard outside the door, attempting to hold the crowd back, according to the documents. Related Video: The officers lost ground, and Warnagiris was allegedly the first person to push through the doors. "The subject was wearing a dark jacket with bright green zippers, a military green backpack and black and tan gloves," court documents state. "He had short, dark hair which was trimmed to the skin along the edges of his hairline." As officers tried to physically block more people from getting past the doors, Warnagiris "positioned himself in the corner of the doorway and seemed to use his body to help keep the door partially open and reached for individuals pushing their way through to help pull them inside," the documents state. A police officer tried to position himself between the Marine and the people outside, but Warnagiris allegedly pushed the door open further. The police officer then tried to push Warnagiris out of the way. The Marine allegedly responded by pushing the police officer back "to maintain his position in the open door," the documents state. "This struggle between Warnagiris and Officer A.W. can be seen in the security footage captured at approximately 2:27 PM," the documents add. Footage of Warnagiris inside the Capitol was also captured by a videographer for RMG News, according to the complaint, along with footage posted to YouTube by Freedom News TV. An unnamed witness who saw photos of Warnagiris online reported to the FBI that they recognized him as an active-duty Marine Corps officer. The witness said they worked near Warnagiris about once a week for six months in 2019. On March 17, federal agents met with members of Warnagiris' command and interviewed one of his coworkers, the complaint states. That witness also said they believed Warnagiris was the person seen in video footage inside the Capitol, according to the complaint. -- This story is developing. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Marines, Infantry Most Highly Represented Among Veterans Arrested After Capitol Riot President Joe Biden's nominee to be the next secretary of the Army believes that the National Guard may be stretched too thin and nearing the breaking point, given a year of nonstop activations for the force. "I am concerned about the possibility of unreasonable demands [on] the Guard. I would want to look closely on how that strain is manifesting," Christine Wormuth told senators at her confirmation hearing Thursday. Wormuth, who would be the first woman to hold the role, highlighted the delicate balance Guardsmen must maintain between full-time civilian jobs and their military careers. The Guard has seen an unprecedented volume of domestic deployments over the past year while also serving overseas. Read Next: Army Secretary Nominee Worries the ACFT Will Push Too Many Women Out "I think we have to be mindful they are balancing military service with civilian careers and, from a recruiting and retention standpoint, if we're over taxing them, it can be damaging," she added. Currently, there are 32,000 Guardsmen supporting pandemic efforts and just over 2,300 on civil disturbance missions, including the U.S. Capitol security mission in Washington, D.C. Roughly 20,000 troops are deployed abroad in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, according to the National Guard Bureau. Wormuth's concerns mirror comments made last week by Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville when he told lawmakers that a combination of two decades of war and activations at home might be too much. "Our force has been heavily committed over the past 20 years in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and around the world," McConville told lawmakers during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the service's budget. "My concern is we want to make sure we reduce the op tempo of our troops, including the National Guard who have been heavily employed, whether that's home or overseas." Wormuth also noted the benefits gap between the National Guard and active-duty troops, highlighting a confusing bureaucratic maze of different types of orders that can mean wildly different things in terms of pay and benefits. For example, state active-duty orders do not provide any health care benefits or housing allowance for troops, potentially worth thousands of dollars per month. On those orders, Guardsmen also do not accrue federal benefits such as the GI Bill or become eligible to use the Department of Veterans Affairs if injured. And they are not legally protected from discrimination by civilian employers, meaning there is little recourse for soldiers who may be fired for deploying. However, Title 32 orders, which are also used for domestic missions, entitle Guardsmen to all the benefits and legal rights associated with active duty. Title 32 and state orders are used for the same missions, but Title 32 uses federal funding. If confirmed, Wormuth said she would "look into the status of benefits." Congress has been increasingly looking into bringing Guard pay and benefits closer to parity with the active duty, mostly through proposed bills making it easier for Guardsmen to earn GI Bill benefits. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard, told lawmakers last week that the lack of a free and premium health care service for troops is a key issue, one that Congress may need to address. "What happens if they get sick or injured when they come off orders?" he said during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the Guard's budget. "One of my most pressing concerns is premium free health care for every Guardsman who serves in uniform." -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: National Guard Needs a Break and Health Care, Top Brass Tell Congress Sunday was Mother's Day, but Alejandra Juarez was eager to serve her daughters rather than receive special treatment. Juarez returned Saturday to her Davenport home, nearly three years after being forced to leave while facing a deportation order. Having received temporary permission to come back, she was reunited with her husband, Cuauthemos "Temo" Juarez, and her daughters, Pamela and Estela. Alejandra Juarez made a hybrid breakfast for her Mexican-American daughters: chocolate-chip pancakes to suit their American cravings and chorizo (sausage) with eggs for their Mexican side. Juarez, 41, said she is delighted to be making meals again for her family after 33 months in Mexico. "The only word I can tell you is it felt like a miracle," Juarez said Wednesday morning during a virtual news conference. "It is a miracle, if you look at my history. I have a life bar, meaning that I was never supposed to be able to step into American soil. It is incredible. It is unbelievable. I can't digest it. I can't grasp it yet. I'm still in shock." U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, hosted the news conference. Soto's office worked with President Joe Biden's administration in securing Juarez's humanitarian parole from the Department of Homeland Security. Soto, whose district includes Davenport, is seeking legislative measures to grant Juarez permanent legal residence. Juarez entered the United States illegally in 1998. When first caught at the border, she signed a form that she said she didn't understand that waived all future rights to a visa or citizenship. Juarez crossed again from Mexico without detection and soon married Temo and settled in Davenport. Temo, a retired U.S. Marine, is a naturalized citizen from Mexico. The couple's daughters Pamela, 19, and Estela, 11 are American citizens. A traffic stop in 2013 gained the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Juarez had no criminal record, and under the policy of President Barack Obama she was required to check in with the agency twice a year but not targeted for deportation. President Donald Trump, elected in 2016, instituted a "zero tolerance" policy for undocumented residents. In 2017, ICE agents told Juarez that she was now listed as a candidate for deportation, and her legal challenges failed. Facing the threat of deportation, Juarez boarded a flight for Mexico in August 2018. News crews captured her family's wrenching farewell at Orlando International Airport. Estela lived with her mother for a time in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula but returned to Davenport last year. The family's plight received prominent news coverage, and they were featured in the Netflix series "Living Undocumented." Watching the program, Alejandra Juarez learned about Andrea Martinez, a Missouri-based lawyer shown representing another family. Martinez, who joined the video session, said Juarez sent her an email in late 2019. When they spoke, Juarez said she had a dream that Martinez would help her reunite with her family in Florida. Martinez said she advised Juarez to wait until after the 2020 election. When Biden took office, the lawyer got back in touch and then represented Juarez in her bid for humanitarian parole. That policy allows someone otherwise barred from the country to enter on a temporary basis. Last week, Martinez learned that Juarez's application had been approved when she received an email from DHS asking for her client's flight itinerary. "I was able to do the fun part on Saturday, which was being there for the reunification," Martinez said. The lawyer said Soto's staff, including Chief of Staff Liana Guerra, helped with the process. Juarez was granted a one-year admission, though it can be extended. Juarez said it feels "surreal" to be back with her family. She said she has avoided going to sleep for fear that it will turn out to be a dream. She wept as she described the experience of the past three years, saying she wanted to die after being forced to leave but drew strength from her daughters and from Soto's support. "When I see my daughters and how much they went through you know, as far as for me, I don't know if I deserve it (to return) or not," she said. "But my husband, his military service was ignored, and my U.S. citizen kids, they were hurt so much. I think this was unnecessary. We went through all this for no reason, and they didn't deserve it." Juarez said Estela has struggled in school and will have to repeat a grade. She said the family has been "traumatized" and has talked about seeking counseling. "I'm still fighting," Juarez said. "I'm still thinking of ways how can I make this permanent because I can't put my kids through this again. I can't put my kids through the pain. ... This would be the end of my family." Soto has sponsored a private bill to grant Juarez permanent legal resident status, and he introduced the Protect Patriot Spouses Act, which would allow immigration judges to consider a person's status as a military spouse in granting residency. Temo Juarez served with the Marines in Iraq. Soto also supports legislation to reform the immigration system and give undocumented residents a route toward citizenship. Juarez's return comes at a time when border officials are reporting the largest volume in illegal crossings at the Mexican border in 15 years. Republicans have blamed Biden's immigration policies for the surge. Meanwhile, an immigrants-rights organization is using footage shot during Juarez's reunion with her family in a national ad campaign. FWD.us, which calls itself a bipartisan political organization, created the ad, titled "An American Family Story," which includes interviews with Pamela and Estela. This article is written by Gary White from The Ledger, Lakeland, Fla. and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. The Marine Corps took out a moving ship by firing a Navy missile at it from the back of an unmanned vehicle on land -- a new weapon the service's top general says will make "an adversary think twice." Commandant Gen. David Berger revealed new details about a groundbreaking test announced last month in which Marines in California used a deadly new system to take out a threat at sea. Known as NMESIS, the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System can launch naval strike missiles from the back of a modified Joint Light Tactical Vehicle to destroy targets. Berger said the Marines testing the system were able to sink a ship on the move near California. The Marine Corps' top priority in the 2022 budget, he added, will be ground-based anti-ship missiles. Read Next: Active-Duty Marine Major Arrested After Allegedly Pushing Police Officer in Capitol Riot "A very successful test," the commandant said Thursday during the annual McAleese defense conference. "... That's conventional deterrence because that's a capability that makes an adversary think twice." The Marine Corps is undergoing massive reform after two decades of ground warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan. Berger's Force Design 2030 plans call for the service to ditch heavy legacy equipment, such as tanks, to prepare for lighter, naval-based missions. The plan is largely centered around threats Chinese forces pose to the U.S. military. Emanuel "Manny" Pacheco, a spokesman for Marine Corps Systems Command, said the missile flew an attack path "that exceeded 90 nautical miles before impacting the target." He declined to provide details on additional tests, but said others have been successful. "The Marine Corps is investing in technologies and capabilities to modernize the Corps and ensure we maintain our competitive edge," Pacheco added. Berger said Thursday that Marines will have to support the Navy not only with anti-surface missions to take out enemy ships, but submarines too. The Marine Corps will need to step up to help control straits and other maritime avenues the U.S. and its partners and allies need open, he added. "Littoral warfare is where you expect the Marine Corps to come on strong, and that's where we're headed," he said. Tanks and short-range towed artillery pieces aren't a good fit for Marines to meet future threats. Instead, Berger said, they'll need long-range fires and light amphibious warships. "We are reorienting from a ground, sustained land-forces mode -- which we've had to do for the nation for the past 20 years -- into a naval expeditionary maritime mode," he said. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Marines Fire Anti-Ship Missile from Back of Unmanned Truck to Hit Target at Sea Two men were arrested on suspicions they illegally acquired and sold thousands of U.S. Air Force technical orders and aerospace data to domestic and foreign customers for a profit. Law enforcement officials arrested Sarfraz Yousuf, 43, of Miramar, Florida, and Marc Chavez, 53, of Trabuco Canyon, California, over their alleged involvement in the scheme, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday. Each was charged with one count of theft of government property. According to an affidavit provided to Military.com, the men each ran separate businesses out of their homes. Yousuf obtained and sold 1,875 stolen technical orders -- documents detailing operations, maintenance and schematics of equipment -- to Chavez between 2015 and 2020 in exchange for at least $132,280, according to a filing by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Santa Ana, California. Read Next: Air Force Chief Hints at Retiring the F-22 Raptor in Fighter Downsize In one instance in June 2020, Yousuf, who worked for Summit Aerospace, sold 34 Air Force technical orders to Chavez, including one containing overhaul instructions related to a "Rate Gyro Assembly Flight Control" for $2,170, the affidavit states. The assembly is part of a flight control system that stabilizes an aircraft's altitude in the air. Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek referred questions to the Department of Justice. The DOJ did not provide further comment when asked when the Air Force was alerted to the breach and whether the service was able to reclaim the data. The Air Force breach was discovered while law enforcement officials were investigating a U.S. Navy employee's unlawful sale of government-controlled technical drawings to a Newport Beach, California, company. That employee, civilian engineer Mark Fitting, 54, of Berlin, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in December 2020 to one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of stolen government property and one count of conspiracy. He was employed at a Navy facility in Philadelphia, according to the DOJ. The investigation found that the Newport Beach company, Newport Aeronautical Sales, was unlawfully obtaining Air Force technical orders from a Yahoo email account that belonged to Yousuf, who went by the alias "Mandy," according to the DOJ. In one of the earliest emails, dating back to 2015, "Mandy" corresponded with someone at the company to tout his access to Air Force documents. "I have direct access to the Air Force Portal to which I get the absolute latest revisions to T.O.'s!! I GUARANTEE you the latest revision sent electronically at the time of request once it is not a restricted one!... Hope to hear from you soon. Mandy," the email reads, according to the affidavit. Chavez worked for LTC Products, a company "created in order to meet the demand of the Aviation and Aerospace community for both Aircraft parts and Technical Data," according to a description provided in the affidavit. It also notes that LTC Products maintains "an extensive library of commercial, private and military component repair manuals that cover popular aircraft such as the Boeing, Douglas, Airbus, and Cessna models." Chavez previously worked for Newport Aeronautical Sales, the affidavit states. If convicted, Chavez and Yousef face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: 3 US Army Soldiers Accused of Illegally Selling Weapons Used in Chicago Shootings It's been more than a year since the U.S. Air Force suspended family attendance at Basic Military Training graduation events at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Now, plans are in the works to allow visitors to return to the base. But when they do, the service will likely require proof of vaccination, according to Air Education and Training Command. "We are currently developing options for the return of visitors to Air Force Basic Military Training graduations," the command said in an email Thursday. "We are assessing COVID impacts and risk factors related to vetting guests for installation passes, as well as family and graduate interactions, in order to protect and manage the health of our training pipeline." Read Next: Active-Duty Marine Major Arrested After Allegedly Pushing Police Officer in Capitol Riot The command could not provide a timeframe for when in-person graduation ceremonies will resume, but said visitors likely will be required to present vaccination documentation before they are permitted at the facilities. There will also be a cap on the number of guests each graduate may invite, the command said. Future announcements will be posted on the Basic Training Facebook page, where the service has live-streamed ceremonies over the past year for family and friends to watch virtually. BMT graduations occur weekly. Each class graduates the program following a seven-and-a-half week course; the command reduced the curriculum last year from eight-and-a-half weeks due to COVID. The Air Force temporarily used Keesler Air Force Base as an alternative location for BMT last year. The final class graduated from that location in November 2020. The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, announced last month that eight guests per cadet will be allowed at its May 26 graduation ceremony. That is up from the original plan of three guests per cadet, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. The academy will require all guests to stay together in assigned, non-socially distanced seating, according to its website. It was not immediately clear whether the academy will require visitors to be vaccinated; its website does not specify. The academy did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The news comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most indoor locations. The CDC guidelines do not overrule state or local mask mandates; the public is still advised to wear masks in crowded settings, such as public transportation and hospitals. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Coronavirus Has Changed the Way Airmen Go Through Training, Leaders Say SAN DIEGO Two dead fin whales were dislodged from the hull of a Royal Australian Navy ship that has been conducting exercises in Southern California, authorities said. The destroyer HMAS Sydney was pulling into a pier at Naval Base San Diego on Saturday morning when the carcasses of the two whales dislodged from the hull under the surface, the Australian Department of Defence told KSWB-TV. One whale was 65 feet (19.81 meters) long and the other was about 25 feet (7.62 meters) long, KGTV-TV reported. The Sydney has been holding joint exercises with the U.S. Navy in the area since early April. The Navy takes marine mammal safety seriously and is disheartened this incident occurred, a U.S. Navy statement said. U.S. and Australian agencies will jointly review the incident. Fin whales are found off the San Diego coast all year long, and the dead whales could have been a mother and her calf, John Calambokidis, research biologist at the Cascadia Research Collective in Washington, told KSWB-TV. Because of the speed and size of large ships, its not uncommon for the whales they strike to be discovered only when the ship slows down, Calambokidis said. In the vast majority of cases I'm familiar with, the ship is unaware of having struck the whale, he said. Ship strikes also are suspected in the deaths of a fin whale and two gray whales found last month in the San Francisco Bay Area, experts said. The causes of death haven't been determined for a pygmy sperm whale and five other gray whales found dead in the Bay Area this year, according to The Marine Mammal Center. This article was written by The Associated Press from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter @JosephVMicallef. The views expressed are the interviewee's alone and do not represent those of the U.S. Navy, the Defense Department or the U.S. government. "Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence." -- Sun Tzu In 1993, in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union, James Woolsey, the newly appointed director of the Central Intelligence Agency, observed during his confirmation hearing that "we have slain the dragon, but we live now in a jungle filled with a bewildering variety of poisonous snakes." The stunning, at least initial, success of American military campaigns in the First and Second Gulf Wars and, to a lesser extent, in Afghanistan reinforced the belief that not only was the U.S. the only superpower but that it had no peer rival when it came to waging the "American way of war." That success proved short-lived, however, as initial military victories gave way to never-ending insurgencies that the American way of war proved to be largely inadequate to overcome. Nor were the lessons of the success and failures of the American military lost on Washington's adversaries. Realizing that it would be difficult to defeat the U.S. military in an "American-style" confrontation, they shifted to alternative forms of warfare to achieve their objectives. With the benefit of almost three decades of introspection and the experience of fighting in Afghanistan and the Middle East, it's clear that the U.S. has perfected and dominates one particular style of warfare, but that many other forms are still available to America's enemies. Increasingly, these alternative styles of warfare have revolved around the use of non-state actors, often of unknown or ambiguous nationality, acting "unofficially" under the direction of a national government and drawing on the resources and capabilities of the state and its armed forces to shape the military landscape and influence an opponent's decision making. These forms of alternative conflict have been described as hybrid warfare, cold war, hot peace, or the grey zone, among others. They identify an arena and a form of conflict in "the space below the threshold of major war," the operational zone "between peace and war." The topic has garnered considerable attention and has been extensively discussed among military strategists. Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov, the current chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia and first deputy defense minister, has written extensively on the utility of combining military, technological, informational, diplomatic, economic, cultural and other tactics for the purpose of achieving strategic goals. His comments were termed "The Gerasimov Doctrine," although whether this is actually an operational strategy of the Russian government remains hotly debated. The Chinese version of hybrid warfare was outlined in a seminal book, published in 1999, by Cols. Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui called "Unrestricted Warfare: Two Air Force Senior Colonels on Scenarios for War and the Operational Art in an Era of Globalization." The book examines how China can overcome a technologically superior adversary by avoiding direct military confrontation and relying instead on a combination of legal means, termed "lawfare," as well as using economic, political, diplomatic and mass media tools to obtain leverage over an opponent and eliminate the need for direct military confrontation. Closer to home, military theorist David Kilcullen, in his book "Dragons and Snakes: How The Rest learned to Fight the West," points out that Western dominance over a very particular, narrowly defined form of warfare forces adversaries to adapt in ways that present serious new challenges to America and its allies. Kilcullen notes that state and non-state threats have increasingly come to resemble each other, with states adopting non-state techniques and non-state actors now able to access levels of precision and lethal weapon systems once available only to governments. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Petersen, in a recent article in Strategy Bridge, points out that conventional military responses to provocations in the grey zone take too long to implement and are typically inadequate or counterproductive. Recently, we sat down with Matt to discuss the challenges posed to the U.S. by threats in the grey zone and how the U.S. should respond both institutionally and operationally. Petersen is a naval aviator who has completed multiple patrols in the Indo-Pacific, flying with air detachments on several guided-missile destroyers and cruisers. Ashore, he has served as a helicopter test pilot and project officer. He is currently assigned as a department head in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. He earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School. Joseph Micallef: You define the grey zone as "the space below the threshold of major war," the operational space "between peace and war." You note that in the grey zone, conflict takes the form of "hybrid warfare" -- i.e., use of nonofficial forces, like the role of Russia's "little green men" in the takeover of Crimea; China's use of maritime militia boats or ostensibly civilian fishing craft operating under orders of the People's Liberation Army Navy to harass U.S. Navy ships; the use of mercenary forces like Blackwater or the Wagner Group; cyber warfare; and disinformation campaigns, among other things. Carl von Clausewitz, the Prussian general and military theorist, famously declared that "war was the mere continuation of policy by other means." Is hybrid warfare simply the continuation of warfare by other means? Matt Petersen: Clausewitz also stated that "each period has had its own peculiar forms of war its own theory of war." Hybrid warfare may be employed by state or non-state actors. When used by states, it is a continuation of policy by other means and a form of great power competition. Hybrid warfare is noted for its mix of conventional and unconventional forces, its integration of the tactical and strategic levels of war. I'd add targeting decision-making processes -- similar to what John Boyd described as "moral warfare" -- to that list of characteristics, as well as exploitation of our concepts of space and time. Hybrid actors attempt to execute more quickly than our decision cycles, but also so slowly and over so wide a conceptual space that we may not act against them until the decisive shaping is complete. JM: You have noted that the "ultimate target of hybrid warfare is not territory or military forces but the political decision-making process. But hasn't that been true of conventional warfare also? Prussia didn't fight the Franco-Prussian War because it wanted Alsace and Lorraine but to achieve political objectives. The same was true of the U.S.-Japanese conflict in World War II. Japan ultimately wanted the U.S. to recognize its sphere of influence in the Western Pacific. That was a political decision, which Tokyo hoped that a U.S. military defeat would precipitate. Likewise, the U.S. didn't fight the Vietnam War because it wanted to conquer North Vietnam but to get Hanoi to change its behavior. Wouldn't you say that the tools/arenas have changed but the objectives of warfare have remained the same? MP: The goal of compelling others to one's will has not changed. The distinction is between acting to compel a decision and acting specifically against the capability to decide. The methods of forcing decisions have shifted from destroying the means to resist through the attrition of military forces or industrial capacity, to obviating the means of resistance via maneuver warfare, to paralyzing the choice to resist. This is not to say that there is no place for combat power, mass or kinetic strike; these tools will never be obsolete. However, as parity grows between great powers, the primacy of these tools may be supplanted by other means -- irregular forces, cyber effects and so forth. JM: Conflict that occurs outside a battlefield setting is often described as an event that occurs below the threshold of war. Terms like cold war, hot peace, grey zone and hybrid warfare are used to describe a battle space that you call "neither declared war nor uncontested peace." Why is this type of warfare any different fundamentally than conventional warfare? Sanctioning an entire industry can have the same economic repercussions as bombing its factories. A cyberattack that shuts down a hospital has the same consequences as destroying it, albeit the former could be reversible while the latter is not. Does the distinction between a hot war and a cold war make sense any longer? MP: There is extensive debate about the proper level of response to a less-than-lethal action, such as a cyberattack, although the potential for lethality is certainly there. Another example is shooting down a drone, as we saw in 2019 from Iran. Threats are appearing in greater variety, and options for response will likewise grow more diverse. The evolutionary reality is that the more we exercise our power in a given realm, the greater an incentive exists for actors to find ways to achieve their goals outside of it. Financial sanctions make for an interesting case study. Our expertise in the "American way of war" has led in some ways to its obviation. Our dominance of the international financial system as it presently exists may incentivize similar effects. JM: The speedy concentration and execution of military force, you note, is the core doctrine of U.S. military strategy, but you argue that in the grey zone, success is achieved by dispersion of forces and proceeding in an incremental, what you call "liminal action." You also note that responding with a conventional military response to such actions is ultimately self-defeating. How should the U.S. respond to these kinds of provocations? Should it have a tit-for-tat response? If China builds islands in the South China Sea, should we, along with our allies, build our own? If Moscow encourages secession by Russian nationals in the Baltic states or Eastern Ukraine, should we respond by assisting secessionist elements in the Russian Far East? MP: David Kilcullen examines hybrid techniques in his ideas of liminal maneuver and conceptual envelopment in his book "The Dragons and the Snakes." We should develop our own doctrine of hybrid war to optimally compete in this space. Like hybrid war, this doctrine would be a conceptual mix. At the tactical level, emphasize speed of decision through mission command. Strategically, a whole-of-government approach is needed. The most challenging aspect will be building harmony and defining an efficient interface between the tactical and strategic levels. Layers of intervening "operational" commands and networks make only for delays and attack surfaces in this paradigm. The competency of mission command -- an independent, innovative and risk-seeking mindset -- may be our best offset, and we should foster it to the greatest extent possible. We can nurture this mindset through leadership training emphasizing self-reliance, independent decision and grounded in contextualizing professional education. JM: You note that there is no unified military-civilian office or structure to coordinate hybrid warfare. The U.S. clearly has the means to conduct hybrid warfare:" cyber warfare; engaging in disinformation campaigns (remember Iraq's WMDs?); restricting travel or access to U.S. schools; or conducting economic warfare by imposing sanctions, raising tariffs on imports, suspending exports, or imposing administrative rules that disrupt a foreign country's trade/exports to the U.S. All these capabilities are largely vested in the executive branch. Do we need even more capabilities? What would a "military-civilian office or structure" do that the president can't currently do? MP: There is a vast potential space for capabilities that generate optionality and ambiguity. These include well-known platforms such as unmanned aerial systems, as well as emerging technologies like optionally piloted systems, which can function as either drones or traditionally crewed aircraft. Similar trade space exists organizationally. But we cannot replace strategic thought with technology or bureaucracy. Every system or organization eventually reaches a culminating point where it provides diminishing returns of capability. This can occur as adversaries imitate, duplicate or adapt to a technological offset; or when an institutional structure ossifies and loses the innovative edge it once held. We must be willing to implement "creative destruction" among our own systems and institutions. JM: Is there a risk that creating a "military-civilian office" would end up militarizing all aspects of U.S. relations with a foreign adversary? Should we be prepared to suspend U.S. farm exports, access to social media platforms or enrollment in U.S. universities in response to hybrid warfare, to actions in the grey zone, that Washington considers to be provocative? For example, should we unilaterally reduce enrollment of Chinese students in U.S. universities by, say, 10,000 every time Chinese ships harass a U.S. ship in the South China Sea? Wouldn't this be the equivalent of putting the U.S. on a war footing? Could we do this without declaring a foreign adversary to be an implacable enemy? Couldn't such an action make the situation worse or is it the inevitable outcome regardless? MP: It would be difficult to remain in the grey zone between war and peace while taking overtly belligerent action, implying that there are boundaries to the grey zone, and escalating one's way out is a possibility. The Russian model in particular has displayed this pattern: synchronizing instruments of national power between conventional military force and unconventional, cyber and information operations to shape a strategic landscape; acting overtly; and then deescalating quickly to return to ambiguity. The grey zone exists in this construct like a sort of Schrodinger's War. The true state is undefined until one opens the box. We've discussed escalation here as the catalyst toward that end, but I imagine there could be others. JM: You draw a distinction between "great power competition" and "preparing for a great power war," but isn't conflict in the grey zone simply a great power war fought with different means and tactics? MP: The grey zone of conflict is one of many venues for great power competition. In a naval vocabulary, preparing for great power war often carries the specific meaning of preparation for a force-on-force, Mahanian battle for command of the sea. Such a contest would be deeply costly for all involved. The grey zone offers a potentially less risky avenue to attain the same goals. Likewise, the techniques of hybrid warfare offer means to achieve effects while avoiding contention with the U.S. military's strengths in the high-end fight. If the high-end fight is the only form of great power competition that we prepare for, we risk vulnerability in the grey zone. JM: Many aspects of hybrid warfare occur below the state level -- i.e., directly targeted at private institutions or the civilian population by non-official actors. Is hybrid warfare fundamentally a repudiation of Westphalian principles? MP: Academics debate how "new" hybrid war really is, whether a grey zone between war and peace actually exists, and how much historical precedent it may or may not have. Some of these debates are missing the point. There's no question that we can learn from history, but theory must accommodate reality to remain relevant. It's been almost four hundred years since Westphalia, and this is not the first appearance of non-state actors. It is also important to note that when we discuss hybrid warfare in the context of great power competition, non-state elements may be employed, but state actors call the shots. It's safe to say the Westphalian regime remains alive and well. JM: Thank you. -- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the authors 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Not one, but three Boba Fetts will be flying into Grand Rapids for one of the biggest comic cons in Michigan and the first since the COVID pandemic hit more than a year ago. Organizers canceled Grand Rapids Comic Con in 2020 due to COVID and announced a Spring Fling for this April, but postponed that for what they are now calling a Summer Bash, happening at the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center in Walker from Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15. Despite the pandemic still going on, the Grand Rapids Comic Con Summer Bash is happening without full capacity and many safety protocols in place. We have been in communication with the health department and have been following the Governors guidelines carefully in terms of this event, Mark Hodges, organizer of the event told MLive. We will also be meeting with the health department in late June or early July to get further instructions on what we need to do, and we have every intention of obeying the rules and attendance restrictions. RELATED: Cosplay you have to see to believe from Grand Rapids Comic Con 2019 Among the celebrity guests scheduled to attend include a Star Wars Boba Fett reunion with Dickey Beer (Return Of The Jedi), John Morton (The Empire Strikes Back) and Daniel Logan (Star Wars: Episode II, Star Wars: The Clone Wars). Theres also a My Hero Academia villains reunion planned with Kellen Goff, Leah Clark and E. Jason Liebrecht. Hodges says the states guidelines will determine just how many people they will allow into the DeltaPlex Arena. Before we scheduled this, we spoke to the local health department for advice. They told us that they thought late June or early July should be reasonable at 50% capacity with some additional restrictions, so we thought August would be better and maybe we can get lucky enough to be able to run at say 75%. The amount of people vaccinated at that time will be dictating those numbers so we encourage people to get poked. This is just one of two Grand Rapids Comic Con events planned for 2021. Along with this Summer Bash, Hodges says he is planning a full comic con this winter back at its normal location. The August 13-15 show, even if we run at 100% capacity which we dont expect, will have about 35% of the people as the Downtown show just because of the DeltaPlexs capacity compared to Downtown. Also, we will be doing our usual late fall show Downtown at the DeVos Place on November 12-14 and we are expecting that to run at normal capacity. The Summer Bash will also feature numerous artists and comic guests along with a film festival, artist alley, dozens of venders, the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers, Mandalorian Mercs, League of Enchantment, Ghostbusters, Starfleet and more. Tickets now available at this link: Three-Day $50, Friday $20, Saturday $27, Sunday $20, Kids 5-12 $5/day Summer Bash hours: Friday, August 13 from 12 pm until 7 pm Saturday, August 14 from 10 am until 7 pm Sunday, August 15 from 10 am until 5 pm Summer Bash Celebrity Guests : Michael Biehn: The Terminator, The Mandalorian, Aliens, Tombstone Caitlin Glass: Ouran High School, RWBY, One Piece, Street Fighter IV Jim Winburn: Michael Myers in Halloween (1978), Tron, The Fog, Knight Rider Kellen Goff: My Hero Academia, Five Nights At Freddys Leah Clark: My Hero Academia, Soul Eater, One Piece, Fairy Tail E. Jason Liebrecht: My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Super, One Piece Dickey Beer: Star Wars: Episode VIReturn Of The Jedi, Superman III, Krull, Terminator 3 John Morton: Star Wars: Episode VThe Empire Strikes Back, Superman II, Flash Gordon Daniel Logan: Star Wars: Episode IIAttack Of The Clones, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Sharknado 4 MORE FROM MLIVE: Michigan getting Jim Henson exhibition as seen in NYC with dozens of puppets, costumes, photos Michigan getting Van Gogh floor-to-ceiling multi-sensory experience as seen in Paris Second Van Gogh three-dimensional immersive experience coming to Michigan Pitch Black - Dining in the Dark coming to secret Detroit location: How to get tickets Detroits giant RoboCop statue is real and its spectacular, at 11 feet, 2.5 tons How to see 125 years of US racing history all in one place at a new Michigan exhibit As of yesterday morning we had more than 64 nominees for Michigans Best Inland Lake, which is a little surprising since we have more than 11,000 inland lakes in the state of Michigan. That tells us two things: A lot of you have not had a chance to make your nomination. We are accepting your entries through Friday, May 14, by using the form below. Some of you dont want us to know your secret spot. READ: See all the nominations so far for Michigans Best Inland Lake We discuss both of these possibilities in a recent Michigans Best Podcast where Amy Sherman and I talk about the nominees, which are mainly from the Northern Lower Peninsula region of our state. We also discuss some personal favorites. Amy Sherman loves North Bar Lake near Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore because of its shallow water, ideal for swimming, especially for the little ones. Im a fan of Otsego Lake in Gaylord, known for great boating, fishing and kayaking. Were both fans of Lake Michigamme in the Upper Peninsula, which is mostly in Marquette County with public access at Van Riper State Park. It is one of Michigans largest lakes, covering nearly 5,000 acres. Listen to the Podcast where we also discuss favorite spots in the Jackson, Coldwater, Fenton and other parts of the state. How to nominate Were looking for your favorite inland lakes to swim, fish, float, boat or paddle. The only caveats are that it be a lake that is accessible to the public (no private association lakes). And no Great Lakes. Share your favorite Michigan inland lake by using the form below. You may nominate as many places as youd like. Please be sure to tell us a little bit about your favorite lakes, and what makes these spots extra special. The more details you can provide, the better. We may even share your thoughts in a future story. We are taking nominations now, through Friday, May 14. For this search, like the last one for Michigans Best Vacation Spot, we will only be taking nominations using this form, so be sure to take a moment to fill it out below. If you cannot view the form, use this link instead: https://forms.office.com/r/f2kSwNijRw Polls to vote will go up next week. Michigans Best Reporter Amy Sherman and I will have stories on regional winners coming out over the next few weeks, just in time for the summer season. MORE MIICHIGANS BEST See all the nominations so far for Michigans Best Inland Lake 44 must-visit waterfront restaurants in Michigan Michigans Best Waterfront Restaurant is The Cove These are the 10 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan How to spend a Michigans Best Day in St. Joseph Three great places for waterfront dining in South Haven Torch Lake is Michigans own slice of the Caribbean Michigan luxury glamping destination to add cocktail bar, Treehouse Spa in expansion Gonzo and Amy at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, overlooking the actual Blackrocks during their shoot for Michigan's Best Day. Follow along on our Michigans Best adventures! @mlivemibest on Twitter @mlivemibest on Instagram Facebook at MLiveMIBest. Join in by using the hashtag #mibest. Our most recent search was for Michigans Best Vacation Spot. In addition: Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail. John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to announce Thursday that it will recommend people who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus should be allowed to be mask-free in most indoor settings, according to the Associated Press. The recommendation would still call for people in crowded areas such as buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters to continue to wear a mask, but not in settings such as offices or schools. An official announcement has not yet been made, but Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, is expected to announce the new guidance this afternoon at a White House briefing, according to the AP source. The recommendation comes just two weeks after the CDC continued to suggest fully vaccinated people continue to mask up indoors in most situations. However, as more Americans continue to receive the available vaccines, the number of cases are dropping across the U.S. Cases in the U.S. are at their lowest rate since September and deaths are at their lowest point since last April, according to the AP. Test positivity rates are also at the lowest point since the pandemic began last March. Its estimated that 154 million Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, which represents more than 46% of the population. It is believed that an estimated 117 million are fully vaccinated. Earlier this week the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use on children aged 12-15 meaning even more of the total population will be able to vaccinated in the coming weeks. President Joe Biden appears to be on board with loosening restrictions as well. The AP reports that during a virtual meeting between Biden and a bipartisan group of governors Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called for more freedom for those who are already vaccinated. I would like to say that we have fully vaccinated people; we should start acting like it, Cox, a Republican, told Biden. And thats a big motivation get the unvaccinated to want to get vaccinated. Good point, Biden responded. He added, were going to be moving on that in the next little bit. Despite the CDC recommendation, states still determine localized mask mandates. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly said she wont lift the states mandate until two weeks after 70% of the population 16 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. While the vaccines are helping slow down the spread of the virus, it does not guarantee that the vaccinated are immune from catching or spreading the virus. However, those who are vaccinated experience milder, shorter battles with the virus and it appears to harder to spread to others once youre vaccinated. READ MORE: Offices can reopen May 24 in Michigan but dont expect traffic jams Cancel extra $300, federal unemployment programs, Michigan business group urges Letter from the Editor: We can reopen an office, but its not so easy to recover what COVID has changed Quantum machine learning hits a limit LOS ALAMOS, N.M., May 12, 2021--A new theorem from the field of quantum machine learning has poked a major hole in the accepted understanding about information scrambling. "Our theorem implies that we are not going to be able to use quantum machine learning to learn typical random or chaotic processes, such as black holes. In this sense, it places a fundamental limit on the learnability of unknown processes," said Zoe Holmes, a post-doc at Los Alamos National Laboratory and coauthor of the paper describing the work published today in Physical Review Letters. "Thankfully, because most physically interesting processes are sufficiently simple or structured so that they do not resemble a random process, the results don't condemn quantum machine learning, but rather highlight the importance of understanding its limits," Holmes said. In the classic Hayden-Preskill thought experiment, a fictitious Alice tosses information such as a book into a black hole that scrambles the text. Her companion, Bob, can still retrieve it using entanglement, a unique feature of quantum physics. However, the new work proves that fundamental constraints on Bob's ability to learn the particulars of a given black hole's physics means that reconstructing the information in the book is going to be very difficult or even impossible. "Any information run through an information scrambler such as a black hole will reach a point where the machine learning algorithm stalls out on a barren plateau and thus becomes untrainable. That means the algorithm can't learn scrambling processes," said Andrew Sornborger a computer scientist at Los Alamos and coauthor of the paper. Sornborger is Director of Quantum Science Center at Los Alamos and leader of the Center's algorithms and simulation thrust. The Center is a multi-institutional collaboration led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Barren plateaus are regions in the mathematical space of optimization algorithms where the ability to solve the problem becomes exponentially harder as the size of the system being studied increases. This phenomenon, which severely limits the trainability of large scale quantum neural networks, was described in a recent paper by a related Los Alamos team. "Recent work has identified the potential for quantum machine learning to be a formidable tool in our attempts to understand complex systems," said Andreas Albrecht, a co-author of the research. Albrecht is Director of the Center for Quantum Mathematics and Physics (QMAP) and Distinguished Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, at UC Davis. "Our work points out fundamental considerations that limit the capabilities of this tool." In the Hayden-Preskill thought experiment, Alice attempts to destroy a secret, encoded in a quantum state, by throwing it into nature's fastest scrambler, a black hole. Bob and Alice are the fictitious quantum dynamic duo typically used by physicists to represent agents in a thought experiment. "You might think that this would make Alice's secret pretty safe," Holmes said, "but Hayden and Preskill argued that if Bob knows the unitary dynamics implemented by the black hole, and share a maximally entangled state with the black hole, it is possible to decode Alice's secret by collecting a few additional photons emitted from the black hole. But this prompts the question, how could Bob learn the dynamics implemented by the black hole? Well, not by using quantum machine learning, according to our findings." A key piece of the new theorem developed by Holmes and her coauthors assumes no prior knowledge of the quantum scrambler, a situation unlikely to occur in real-world science. "Our work draws attention to the tremendous leverage even small amounts of prior information may play in our ability to extract information from complex systems and potentially reduce the power of our theorem," Albrecht said. "Our ability to do this can vary greatly among different situations (as we scan from theoretical consideration of black holes to concrete situations controlled by humans here on earth). Future research is likely to turn up interesting examples, both of situations where our theorem remains fully in force, and others where it can be evaded. ### The Paper: "Barren plateaus preclude learning scramblers." Zoe Holmes, Andrew Arrasmith, Bin Yan, Patrick J. Coles, Andreas Albrecht, and Andrew T. Sornborger. Physical Review Letters. https:/ / journals. aps. org/ prl/ abstract/ 10. 1103/ PhysRevLett. 126. 190501 The Funding: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science About Los Alamos National Laboratory (lanl.gov) Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is managed by Triad, a public service oriented, national security science organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the Regents of the University of California (UC) for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. LA-UR-21-24566 This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILY The whole world is still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, with the death toll continuing to rise. This is the framework in which every analysis of the current situation must be put. Starting from this, we can look at some specific aspects by highlighting the different responses to the pandemic. China was able to efficiently control the novel coronavirus within a few months. Furthermore, if we look at the official country figures on accumulated infections, other East Asian countries, such as the Republic of Korea and Singapore, have been relatively quick to control the virus. On the other hand, the Latin American region is struggling to cope with the virus, to the point at which many countries' health systems are being severely stressed. Albeit there are different national realities in this regard, we can mention Brazil and Peru as examples of this dire situation. But it is not only Latin America that is being hit hard by the pandemic. Among the 10 countries with the highest numbers of accumulated infections, six of themthe United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germanyare developed Western countries. This leads to questions about the possible reasons underlying the different situations countries are in amid the ongoing pandemic. In this regard, it is by now apparent that the successful tools to deal with this worldwide crisis lie at the very heart of the socioeconomic, political and cultural traits of a society: social fairness, high technology availability and management, effective state administration, social mobilization and solidarity and a willingness to cooperate with other countries have been key factors in successfully controlling the spread of the virus. By bringing this multidimensional context to the fore, it appears that in China, rapid State intervention manifested itself not only in the effective lockdown of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province that was deadly hit by the epidemic, but also in the channelling of massive financial and infrastructural resources devoted to strengthening the health system. Among these efforts, of course, the in-record-time construction of modular hospitals stands out. In addition to these initiatives promptly initiated from top, one must add the widespread acceptance of the governmental measures and dispositions on behalf of civil society. Here, social acceptance did not equate to mere social acquiescence; citizens affected by mobility restrictions and/or isolated as suspected cases or close contacts were assisted by volunteers in every neighborhood on a daily basis, who checked their health condition and provided them with food and everyday supplies. This, in turn, was only possible within the context of a tight and homogeneous urban population social fabric. State intervention and social mobilization was assisted by information technology and big data tools, applied to monitoring positive infection cases and tracking close contacts, control of people flows and the drawing up of infection maps that were also made available to the public. The Chinese government also turned its communication and international cooperation policies into priorities. Early disclosure of scientific and epidemiological information was followed swiftly by President Xi Jinping communicating with several heads of state around the world, and Chinese national scientific developments and medical resources were made available to other countries. China dispatched medical supplies abroad at an early stage of the pandemic (Argentina, for instance, was one of the receiving countries), and the Chinese government granted its own vaccine developments the status of global public goods to be shared with developing countries. In almost all of these regards, the United States, the major power of the world, performed poorly. The initial response of the US government to the outbreak of the virus was belated at its best, and denying, reactive and blaming at its worst. The US administration then and now has stocked the country with vials for its own population and prohibited exports of related raw materials. On May 5, the Biden administration officially announced that the US will support the suspension of intellectual property protections for vaccines at the World Trade Organization. This measure was first proposed by India and South Africa half a year ago. The announcement soon encountered opposition not only from pharmaceutical corporations but also from the European Union, which reacted by criticizing the above-mentioned US restrictive export policies. Given that the WTO required unanimity for passing resolutions on property rights, the negotiations will surely take time. Finally, there might be difficulties in the process of extending the current US vaccination campaign across the country, given the existence of non-negligible poverty pockets and the large destitute population in several regions of the US. Latin America has some lessons to learn from the contrasting examples of China and the US.Having a structural lack of economic resources and state capacities, together with large populations of poor crowded in slums, social solidarity must be consistently pursued, incentivizing in-territory vaccination campaigns and social assistance within the marginal areas of both cities and the countryside. In addition, international cooperation must be linked with and oriented to the strengthening of the scientific and R&D sector of the Latin American countriesfor there are remarkable developments related to the health sector in Cuba, Brazil and Argentina, for instancethereby making joint and responsible contributions to the fight of mankind against the COVID-19 pandemic. The author is a professor in modern Asian history and Chinese history at National University of Cordoba (Argentina). The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. The latest vaccination enticement in a state of hesitancy is lottery-style prizes: Ohio is offering a weekly $1 million drawing and full-ride college scholarships, The Associated Press reports. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday the plan to get more COVID-19 vaccine shot into the arms of Ohioans, Andrew Welsh-Huggins reports for the AP. About 36% of the states population was fully vaccinated as of Tuesday and 42% had received at least one shot, the report said. However, the number of people seeking vaccines dropped in recent weeks, with about 16,500 starting the process last week, down from more than 80,000 in April. RELATED: Yes, we know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Heres why. DeWine, a Republican, is hoping those numbers will rise with the new incentives. Beginning May 26, adults who have received at least one shot may enter a lottery that will provide a $1 million prize each Wednesday for five weeks. In random drawings, the state will also provide five full four-year scholarships to an Ohio public university including tuition, room-and-board, and books to vaccinated Ohioans under 18. RELATED: CDCs advisory group recommends use of COVID-19 vaccine in teens 12-15 The funds will come from existing federal pandemic relief dollars, DeWine said, and the Ohio Lottery will conduct the drawings. Most of Ohios COVID-19 health orders will end June 2, regardless of vaccination rates. READ MORE: Why expanded vaccine eligibility wont speed up Michigans race to 70% vaccinated Offices can reopen May 24 in Michigan but dont expect traffic jams Letter from the Editor: We can reopen an office, but its not so easy to recover what COVID has changed TRAVERSE CITY, MI After two years and more than $10 million in renovations, a former Holiday Inn on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay is now an upscale boutique resort like no other in the area. The Delamar Traverse City is ready to serve guests, owner Greenwich Hospitality Group announced, and MLive has a sneak peek of the luxe amenities at 173-room waterfront hotel. A guest room at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring a floor-to-ceiling window with a view of Grand Traverse Bay. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group The Delamar is the only full-service upscale resort in the Traverse City area, according to the news release. Amenities include a glass of champagne at check-in, heated indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, pool cabanas, waterfront patio dining, valet parking, 24-hour airport shuttle, on-site yoga classes, e-bike and watercraft rentals, sunset cruises, and private boat charters. The lobby at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring floor-to-ceiling views of Grand Traverse Bay, a grand piano, lounge areas and a huge fireplace. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group Guest rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the bay, and a double shower and bathtub. The lobby also features floor-to-ceiling views of the bay, along with lounge areas, a grand piano and a huge fireplace. Bulgari bath amenities in a guest room at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring a two shower heads and a bathtub. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group Beginning in June, guests can also enjoy fine dining at the Artisan, Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern. With $10 million already invested in upgrades, the ownership group isnt finished. Plans call for additional room upgrades, a full-service spa and private docking facilities for guests arriving by boat. A living room in a suite at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Grand Traverse Bay. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group Weve really enjoyed being a part of the Northern Michigan community over the past two years and spearheading the transformation of one of Traverse Citys first hotels, said Charles Mallory CEO of Greenwich Hospitality Group. Were eager to introduce guests to Delamar Traverse City and offer them an exclusive and extraordinary boutique experience on Lake Michigans Grand Traverse Bay. The lobby at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring floor-to-ceiling views of Grand Traverse Bay, a grand piano, lounge areas and a huge fireplace. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group The ownership group purchased the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn Resort in January 2019 for $23 million. The hotel continued to serve guests throughout the renovation and rebranding project. The hotel was built in 1968 and its new facade as the Delamar Traverse City pays homage to its original design, Mallory said. In addition, headboards in the luxury suites are made from a willow tree that was on the property. A king bed room at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring a floor-to-ceiling window with a view of Grand Traverse Bay. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group The lobby at the Delamar Traverse City resort is shown here, featuring floor-to-ceiling views of Grand Traverse Bay, a grand piano, lounge areas and a huge fireplace. The 173-room hotel has undergone a $10 million renovation and rebranding since the former West Bay Beach Holiday Inn was sold for $23 million to Greenwich Hospitality Group in January 2019.Provided by Greenwich Hospitality Group LANSING, MICH. -- Planning a trip in Michigans great outdoors doesnt have to mean leaving your four-legged BFF behind. Michigans state parks and recreation areas generally welcome pets (with a few ground rules, of course), and several state parks offer pet-friendly lodging, too, from remote yurts to cozy mini cabins. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the following state-managed lodging options are open to pets. Note that there are some additional fees (details here), and that pet owners must follow DNR rules for pets in state parks. Overnight lodging options can be booked up to 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com. Teddy Lake yurt at Craig Lake State Park. Photo by Michigan DNR, used with permission Craig Lake State Park: Teddy Lake Yurt and Small Cabin. Michigans most remote state park offers two pets-welcome lodging options: The smaller of the parks two cabins, which sleeps eight, and the secluded Teddy Lake yurt. Park details here Cheboygan State Park: Poe Reef cabin. Beautiful Lake Huron beckons at this 1,250-acre park; the pup-friendly Poe Reef rustic cabin sits just 40 yards from the beach. Park details here Harrisville State Park: Mini cabin No. 186: For pet-friendly lodging at this Lake Huron park, reserve the salt-box style mini cabin numbered 186. The cabin is ADA accessible and has electricity and an electric heater to keep things cozy. Park details here Lime Island State Park: Mini cabin No. 4. This secluded park encompasses 932-acre Lime Island in the St. Marys River, about two miles from the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula. Mini cabins are available for rent between June 1 and Labor Day; book Cabin No. 4 if you want to bring your pup, too. Park details here A cabin at Little Presque Isle. Photo by Michigan DNR, used with permission Little Presque Isle: Cabins No. 4 and 5. This beautiful tract of land in Marquette County offers several hike-in cabins for overnights, including these two that welcome pets. (Note that no other camping is allowed here.) Park details here Leelanau State Park: Hemlock and Cedar mini cabins. Beloved for its quiet nature, this rustic park at the tip of Michigans pinky has some lovely Lake Michigan shoreline, plus a historic lighthouse and pretty trail system. Reserve the Hemlock or Cedar mini cabins if your doggo is coming along. Park details here Port Crescent State Park: Mini cabin A. Port Crescent is a gem of a spot in Michigans Thumb, offering a dedicated dark-sky preserve and three miles of sandy Lake Huron shoreline. The park has several new lodging options, but as of now, Mini Cabin A is the only one open to pets. Park details here Sleepy Hollow State Park: Modern cabin. If your pupper loves to wade in water, check out this oasis just north of Lansing, which has a dedicated dog beach on Lake Ovid. The parks modern cabin welcomes pets, and as of November 2021, its new rustic cabin will, too. Park details here Van Riper State Park: Rustic Peshekee Cabin and Mini Cabin No. 2. Located 35 miles west of Marquette, Van Riper dishes up waterfront on both Lake Michigamme and the Peshekee River. These two cabins allow pets; the rustic cabin is open year-round. Park details here RELATED: Cottages, safari tents among new lodging options at Michigan state parks and rec areas How to find the most remote camping spots in Michigan These 7 Michigan state parks are perfect for kids Want to work remotely from a Michigan state park? These 10 have WiFi These hidden gem state parks are among the least-visited in Michigan ANN ARBOR, MI The Washtenaw County Election Commission has determined an effort to recall Ann Arbor City Council Member Jeff Hayner, D-1st Ward, can move forward. The commission, on Tuesday, May 11, approved recall petition language as sufficient and factual on a 2-1 vote, with Washtenaw County Treasurer Catherine McClary voting against. County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum and Washtenaw County probate judge Darlene OBrien voted in favor. This means petitions can begin to be circulated immediately. The recall effort is being led by First Ward resident Ariah Schugat. Hayner can appeal the decision in Washtenaw County Circuit Court within 10 days of Tuesdays decision. The court then has 40 days to rule on the appeal. If the appeal is granted, those circulating the petitions must stop their efforts. The recall petition states, On or around April 10th, 2021, Jeff Hayner posted to social media a quote about journalists that included a homophobic slur. City Council then imposed sanctions by stripping him of committee appointments until December of 2021. Ann Arbor councilman stripped of committee assignments for homophobic slur In response to the MLive column shared in a Facebook group about harassment faced by the news media, Hayner used a quote from author Hunter S. Thompsons Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, stating: The press is a gang of cruel f******. Journalism is not a profession or a trade. It is a cheap catch-all for f****offs and misfits a false doorway to the backside of life, a filthy p***-ridden little hole nailed off by the building inspector, but just deep enough for a wino to curl up from the sidewalk and m********* like a chimp in a zoo-cage. During an interview with an MLive reporter on Wednesday, Hayner did not say whether he plans to appeal the recall effort. But he continued to defend the language he used that prompted it, saying he prefers to use the actual words instead of using abbreviations or euphamisms like f-word or n-word. Thats just making the listener say it in their head, Hayner said. Theyre re-releasing all of John Lennons music, should they not release one of his most famous songs that uses foul language? Im not going to say it because youll put me in the paper, Hayner said before referencing John Lennon and Yoko Onos Woman is the N****** of the World, using the n-word in its entirety. Do you think its appropriate 50 years ago when John and Yoko were saying, You get whats going on here world? Youre treating women like youre treating slaves, Hayner said, adding he does think the language was appropriate at the time. During Wednesdays interview, Hayner repeated the homophobic slur he used in April when claiming that individuals who shared his comment were amplifying hate, by sharing his Facebook comment. Just like Erica Briggs, who perpetuated the use of the word f***** by putting my quotes in her newsletter, he said of the 5th Ward council member. Theyre only concerned about one word, theyre hanging on one word. He used the n-word a second time during the interview, saying these words dont just go away because people who are offended by them. These words are powerful, theyre said for a reason, theyre used to express feelings and thats allowed under the constitution. At the April 19 meeting when the city council voted 8-2 to strip Hayners committee assignments, Hayner reiterated an apology he issued in response to the community backlash. I acknowledge that the language I quoted is offensive and I recognize my poor judgment in using it, and I sincerely apologize for the harm I have caused the community, Hayner said. Still, some residents, including Schugat, do not believe his apology was sincere. As a bisexual non-binary member of the LGBTQ community, Schugat said she took offense to Hayner using the quote and his refusal to immediately apologize to those hurt by it. Ann Arbor council member draws criticism, defends use of quote with homophobic slur He initially refused to acknowledge his words had any harm or had any kind of negative impact on people and that was frustrating, Schugat said. Its not about getting Hayner out, specifically, theres a long line of people who think this way and think that this language is acceptable and its not, Schugat said. Ultimately, just watching the city council circus around him is what got me fired up about the recall. We need to keep pushing political figures so that we can feel safe in our community. Schugat said she isnt planning to challenge Hayner in a possible recall election, but is hopeful there will be others who will step up. Since each petition sheet only holds 12 signatures, Schugat said the first thing she will do is make thousands of copies. Schugat can begin collecting the 2,264 signatures needed from Ward 1 voters to force a special November recall election. The number of signatures required is equal to 25% of the votes cast in the ward in the last governors race. Petition signatures would need to be submitted to the county clerks office by 5 p.m. July 30 for a recall election in Ward 1 to occur Nov. 2, according to the county. Hayner automatically will be the Democratic Party nominee unless he declines within 10 days of the recall petition being filed, according to the county website. Hayner, D-1st Ward, was first elected in November 2018 to a four-year term and will be up for re-election in 2022 if he isnt ousted in a recall election this year. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Jeff Hayner faces recall from Ann Arbor City Council for homophobic slur Ann Arbor councilman reports receiving threatening, homophobic mail WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Nobody wants to be the victim of a violent crime, but if it does happen, one hopes the local police has the power to solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice. FBI violent crime data for Washtenaw County in 2019, the most recent data pool available, shows some departments have been more successful than others in solving violent crimes. Washtenaw County has a population of roughly 367,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with 10 police forces in operation. While some of the countys smaller police departments have the highest clearance rates, the rate does not necessarily reflect the quality of police work, as each department provides police services for its various jurisdictions which vary greatly in population when compared to the number of sworn officers on staff and resources available. Listed below is how successful each department was in solving violent crimes in 2019 as reported to the FBI contributing to the National Incident-Based Reporting System. Data for 2020 is expected to be released in the next few months though, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data reported to the system for 2020 will need special consideration when being analyzed, officials said. Violent crimes included in the data are cases involving various degrees of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, sexual assaults, robbery and aggravated assaults. It should be noted cases are not necessarily cleared the same year the incident occurred, meaning there could be some overlap between one or more years. Northfield Township Police Department: 89 percent The Northfield Township Police Department investigated 18 violent crimes in 2019. Of those reported crimes, 16 cases were cleared, giving the department the highest violent crime clearance rate in the county at 89 percent. The township, located north of Ann Arbor, has a population of more than 8,000 residents being served by the department. Pittsfield Township Police Department: 85 percent The Pittsfield Township Police Department investigated 81 violent crimes reported in 2019. Of those, 69 cases were cleared giving the department a high clearance rate of 85 percent. The township, with a population of more than 38,000, recently voted down a public safety millage that was to be used to fund both police and fire operations. University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security: 76 percent University of Michigan police investigated 17 violent crimes reported in Washtenaw County in 2019. Of those, 13 cases were cleared, giving officers a 76 percent clearance rate in the county. The department is responsible for overseeing the safety of students and the public on all University of Michigan property throughout Washtenaw County. Saline Police Department: 71 percent The Saline Police Department investigated seven violent crimes reported in 2019. Of those, five cases were cleared, giving Saline police a 71 percent clearance rate for violent crimes. The city, located south west of Ann Arbor, has a population of more than 9,000 residents being served by the department. Eastern Michigan University Police: 70 percent Eastern Michigan University police investigated 27 violent crimes reported in Washtenaw County in 2019. Of those, 19 cases were cleared, giving officers a 70 percent clearance rate in the county. The department is responsible for overseeing the safety of students and the public on all Eastern Michigan University properties in Ypsilanti. Michigan State Police: 57 percent Michigan State Police investigated 108 violent crimes reported in Washtenaw County in 2019. Of those, 62 cases were cleared giving the state police a 57 percent clearance rate for violent crimes in the county. State police generally investigate crimes outside the jurisdiction of local police forces, cases originating from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office or when requested to investigate a case by local police. Ann Arbor Police Department: 54 percent The Ann Arbor Police Department investigated 354 violent crimes reported in the city. Of those, 190 cases were cleared giving it a 54 percent clearance rate. Crimes in Ann Arbor, with its population of more than 120,000 residents, are investigated by a fully staffed detective bureau, as well as a special victims unit which investigates sexual assault cases. Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office: 52 percent The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office investigated 625 violent crimes reported in the numerous townships in the county in 2019. Of those, 322 cases were cleared giving the office a 52 percent clearance rate for violent crimes. Chelsea Police Department: 50 percent The Chelsea Police Department investigated four violent crimes reported in the city in 2019. Of those, two cases were cleared giving the department a 50 percent clearance rate. Chelsea is a small town west of Ann Arbor with a population of more than 5,000. Ypsilanti Police Department: 29 percent The Ypsilanti Police Department investigated 236 violent crimes reported in the city. Of those reported crimes, 68 cases were cleared giving it a 29 percent clearance rate for 2019. The department currently has only two detectives on staff assigned to investigate serious crimes in the city of more than 20,000 residents. The departments highest clearance rate on record since 2009, according to FBI data, was 47 percent in 2014 when it had 165 violent crimes reported and 77 cases cleared. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Washtenaw County children age 12 and older can start getting vaccinated Friday, May 14. Parents can sign their kids up at one of the many appointments available here, or plan to attend a clinic offering a limited number of walk-up vaccines. The Washtenaw County Health Department has vaccine clinics scheduled on its website through May 27. Children 12-15 are eligible to receive the Pfizer two-dose vaccine at each of the upcoming county hosted clinics. Multiple local providers, including pharmacies also have COVID-19 vaccine appointments available. The health department regularly updates a list of local vaccine sites on its website. In addition to the several school and community site clinics, the health departments ongoing clinic at Eastern Michigan Universitys Convocation Center, 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti, is also providing doses of Pfizer to kids age 12-15. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines have not yet been authorized for use with individuals younger than 18. A parent or guardian must be present for vaccination of minors. The health department does ask that a guardian or parent bring identification, but it is not required. The health department also recommends people eat about an hour before their appointment and stay hydrated with water or non-caffeinated beverages. For months, health officials have said that vaccinating kids is a major piece in the effort to resume in-person gatherings without needing to take further precautions. The authorization for use by 12 to 15 year-olds is a testament to the vaccines efficacy, said Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, Washtenaw County Health Department spokeswoman. Getting more people vaccinated is what will get things back toward normalcy, she said. Its not just a theory that were hoping that it works, were seeing that it works, she said. Its a virus, its going to find people that are vulnerable because its so contagious. Its really unlikely to impact people who are vaccinated. While the state of Michigans mask mandate remains in place, vaccinated people have been given guidance they do not need to wear masks while outdoors. Those folks fully vaccinated can really resume normal activities and they wont necessarily need to wear a mask in every indoor and outdoor setting, she said. On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control recommend people who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus should be allowed to be mask-free in most indoor settings CDC to announce vaccinated people should be able to gather indoors without masks, in most cases Free transportation is available to help people get to vaccination sites. Door-to-door transportation to COVID-19 vaccine clinics is also available to every person of any age in Washtenaw County through the AARP Ride@50+ program. The free rides were made possible through a grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, officials said. Ann Arbors public transportation system, TheRide, is also offering a free shuttle service to the Convocation Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Anyone needing help signing up for an appointment, or wanting more information regarding the vaccine, can reach the health department at 734-544-6700. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Physicians group says COVID vaccine mandates unnecessary, but Michigan universities sticking to their guns Census data shows which areas in Washtenaw County lag behind in COVID-19 vaccinations Jeff Hayner not backing down from debate over offensive language as recall petition moves forward GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Genesee County is the first stop in a series of expungement fairs this year by the Department of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The fair will be held outside the Genesee County Sheriffs Office at 1002 S. Saginaw Street in Flint on Wednesday, June 2. Applicants must pre-register online by Wednesday, May 19. The purpose of the event is to assist eligible individuals in obtaining expungements for misdemeanor marijuana convictions and provide information to those seeking an expungement for other eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions, according to a news release from Nessels office. The first event will only assist individuals with expungements of convictions that occurred in Genesee County, the release states. Those who apply must know the conviction they seek to expunge, the convicting court and be available to attend the in-person outdoor expungement event. The Department of the Attorney General will review applications to assess eligibility and contact eligible applicants to schedule their participation in the event. The ability to expunge these convictions, means an individuals past mistakes no longer have to impact future plans, Nessel said in a statement. We are eager to help residents gain access to the newly expanded expungement process. This law brings about overdue change for residents who would otherwise have to carry around the burden of a public criminal record well past the point of having paid their debt to society. Related: Up to 1 million Michigan residents may be eligible for clean slate criminal expungements Michigans new expungement law took effect on April 11. The law created a process to expunge certain offenses that are no longer crimes following the passage of Proposal 1 in November 2018 that legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana for adults in Michigan. The law also expanded the number of other misdemeanor and felony convictions a person may expunge. Individuals convicted of up to three felonies other than some serious felonies or a life offense can qualify for expungement. A person with an unlimited number of certain misdemeanors can, with some exceptions, can also file an application with the convicting court to expunge all convictions. Individuals with more than three felony convictions on their criminal record are not eligible to seek expungements under the new law. Volunteers will be present at the event to provide information to applicants seeking to expunge eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions from their public record. The Attorney General is partnering with the Genesee County Sheriffs Office and other community leaders to host the expungement fair. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson called the event a front-row seat to witness stigmas of the past wiped away and new chapters of life beginning. All of us have a purpose in life, Swanson said. A basic human right to dignity and a clear conscience. Yet, we still make mistakes. The sheriff said he is honored to work with the attorney general in this expungement effort. The expungement event is the first of multiple events the Department of Attorney General plans to host this year. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the expungement law and process, including application checklists, can access it via the departments website. Under previous law, Michigan residents with up to two misdemeanors or one felony conviction for certain crimes were eligible to ask a judge to clear their record if they havent committed other offenses for five years or more. The changes made by the Clean Slate legislation include: The implementation of an automatic process for scrubbing certain misdemeanors after seven years and certain felonies - not including those involving assault - after 10 years. Automatic expungement isnt likely to be implemented until late 2022 or early 2023. The law expands eligibility to up to three felony convictions and an unlimited number of misdemeanors; however, no more than two assaultive convictions can be expunged. Multiple convictions for the same crime, if they have a maximum penalty of more than 10 years in prison, are also ineligible. The added ability to combine multiple felonies or misdemeanor offenses arising from the same transaction as a single felony or misdemeanor conviction, as long as the offenses happened within 24 hours of one another and are not crimes involving assault, possession or use of a dangerous weapon, or an offense that requires more than 10 years in prison. The expansion of expungement eligibility for lesser traffic offenses, not including operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The added ability for a person to request that a judge expunge one or more marijuana offenses if the violation occurred after Michigan legalized recreational use in December 2018. Read more on MLive: Up to 1 million Michigan residents may be eligible for clean slate criminal expungements Expungement fairs provide resources for Michigan residents navigating new clean slate laws Money raised for 3 Genesee County mothers bail through Black Mamas Bailout program Postal worker arraigned on charges after fight caught on video in Flint Genesee County Parks warns of fake events created for Crossroad Village FLINT, MI -- Flint water prosecutors improperly released thousands of confidential documents related to mediation over the city of Detroits 2013 bankruptcy, attorneys for former Gov. Rick Snyder say. In a motion filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit on Wednesday, May 12, attorneys from Warner Norcross and Judd asked for an evidentiary hearing and an order holding the Michigan Office of Attorney General and the individuals responsible for this improper release of information in contempt of the Bankruptcy Courts mediation and confidentiality orders. Despite our repeated warnings to the Attorney Generals office about the inappropriate release of protected information, they continued with reckless abandon and now appear to have violated not only the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine, and executive privilege, but also federal court confidentiality orders related to the Detroit bankruptcy, Brian Lennon, one of the attorneys, said in a statement issued by Snyders legal team. We are asking the court to hold a hearing and provide guidance on how to correct this latest violation in this flawed prosecution. A spokeswoman for the attorney general said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal that the motion filed on behalf of the former governor appears to be part of an ongoing strategy of distraction by the defense. We look forward to addressing these concerns in court so that we can move forward with the prosecution of those responsible for the Flint water crisis, the statement says. Snyder has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty related to the water crisis in Genesee District Court, a case being prosecuted by Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on behalf of the Office of Attorney General. In January, the former governors attorneys said Hammoud and Worthy failed to use a special taint or filter team in the course of their investigation, creating the potential for tainted evidence having been presented to a one-man grand jury, which indicted Snyder and eight others on criminal charges related to the water crisis earlier that same month. A taint team is a team of prosecutors and agents that is not connected to a criminal investigation and which reviews seized materials to determine whether the information is privileged. Lennon said although only a fraction of the 21 million documents related to the Flint water cases has been released by prosecutors, there are thousands of emails between participants, judges, and mediators in the Detroit bankruptcy case -- documents that had been sealed by the federal court. Notably, many of the documents explicitly state that they are privileged and confidential and subject to this Courts orders requiring confidentiality, the motion says in part. (Prosecutors) easily could have identified and segregated those documents using industry-standard privilege screening protocols and tools. The (prosecutors) inexplicably opted not to do so here, despite numerous warnings about its failure to use a taint team and the need to protect privileged information, the motion continues. Instead, (they appear) to have dumped all of the data ... collected on every state criminal defendant -- flagrantly disregarding any privileges or confidentiality protections it was violating in the process, including this Courts orders requiring mediation confidentiality. Snyders attorneys said in a statement that they are seeking an order holding the Michigan Department of Attorney General and its responsible personnel in civil contempt. No hearing on the motion has been scheduled in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on the Snyder motion, which seeks an evidentiary hearing, an order of contempt, and imposition of sanctions, including attorney fees incurred in bringing this motion. Read more on MLive: Attorney for Snyder says grand jury evidence against former governor may be tainted Its been five years since Detroit declared bankruptcy. Heres whats changed Former Gov. Snyder, 8 others criminally charged, accused of trampling trust of Flint people GRAND BLANC, MI -- Harvard commit. Black belt. Jeopardy contestant. Michigan National Geographic Bee winner. And now, a recipient of one of the nations highest honors for high school students. Grand Blanc senior Shriya Yarlagadda is one of 161 high school students in the country to receive the honor of U.S. Presidential Scholar, which recognizes the countrys most distinguished graduating high school seniors. That was an amazing honor, Yarlagadda said. I was so excited because I did not expect to be receiving a nomination at all. The invite-only program takes students with the best test scores and exceptional talent in visual, creative and performing arts to honor students each year. Yarlagaddas candidacy was a total surprise, she said. Yarlagadda is one of five Michigan high school students to receive the honor, according to a Thursday, May 12 U.S. Department of Education news release. Shriya Reddy from Northville High School, Saaim Ali Khan from Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School, Andrea Maizy from Center Line High School and Calvin Hinds from Interlochen Arts Academy were the other Michigan winners. The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams. Yarlagadda, 17, will soon graduate Summa Cum Laude from Grand Blanc High School as a member of the National Honor Society and will receive an AP Capstone diploma. Soon after, shell be moving on to Harvard University to continue her studies as one of only 3.43 percent of applicants accepted to the Class of 2025. Shes keeping her options open, but plans on exploring government, economics and environmental science. Harvard doesnt offer any merit-based scholarships. However, Yarlagaddas previous accomplishments in academic and scholarship competitions will likely suffice, she said. In December 2018, Yarlagadda became one of the few people in the world to ever lose Jeopardy twice. A story that became her go-to in college interviews, Yarlagadda scored the most of all the first-round losers in a Jeopardy! Teen tournament-based event on NBC. So, despite her loss, she moved on to the next round as a wild card. It was her moving on that awarded her a $10,000 prize, which she saved to use on college expenses. It was such a surreal experience, Yarlagadda said. I grew up watching Jeopardy. When you see it on TV, it doesnt feel as real as when you actually go and film it. Sometimes I try to remember what it was like standing up there and answering questions -- my mind just cannot imagine it because it flew by. Meeting Alex Trebek as well -- that was the most amazing part. Long before her Jeopardy experience, Yarlagadda won second place in National Geography Bee as a sixth grader. That admiration for geography carried on later in life, as Yarlagadda served as a Director of the GeoEd Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving geographic literacy, and on the Model United Nations Club at Grand Blanc. Yarlagadda also finds time to practice karate, serve on the Community Foundation of Greater Flints Board of Trustees and compete on the Quiz Bowl and Mock Trial team. Many of those clubs were forced to be put on hold last March, however, when COVID-19 hit and schools were faced with online-only learning. The last year and a half have been difficult for many, but Yarlagadda credits her teachers and parents for keeping her on track. You can probably tell this already, but I really love school, Yarlagadda said. For most of my life, its been a place where I feel comfortable. One teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Riek, made her entire class bracelets and goody bags for completing the semester. Its things like that that have kept students motivated, Yarlagadda said. I just really appreciate that, Yarlagadda said. I know some teachers have been struggling during this time as well, so the fact that they have taken the time to make sure we are doing okay is something I appreciate. Related: New mental health specialist to normalize service at Flint Boys & Girls Club Community Foundation of Greater Flint awards $7,500 grant to Kettering University for computer science camps 7 takeaways from the May 4 special election in Genesee County Grand Blanc school board member who posted QAnon conspiracies claims community support FLUSHING TWP, MI -- Concerns remains for some residents in Flushing Township after the planning commission approved the draft to a marijuana text amendment ordinance. Ordinance 2021-01-Home Occupations Text Amendment seeks to regulate marijuana growing operations by township caregivers by putting in place new sets of principles many residents have expressed as restrictive to the growing process. Really, really unfortunate how it ended, said Buddy Dalton, owner and president of Clio Cultivation. It wouldve been fine if they changed a few things, send it back to consulting one more time. Its close, its getting better, so if youre asking me if its improving, yes. Is it even close to being right yet? Not quite yet, its not there yet, a couple things need to be changed at this point. The original language to the ordinance proposed that caregivers be required to grow and house their plants in a secured, locked accessory structure on their property -- separate from their home -- and that the attached building or detached accessory structure not, ... occupy more than 25% or 375 square feet of the residential floor area... Additionally, the ordinance would require caregivers to live on the property, possess at least five acres of land, not to operate within 50 feet of a property line, and would also allow township staff, to conduct inspections of the property and home occupation to ensure that all operations are compliant with the zoning ordinance and applicable local and state laws. Although a majority of the language to the new draft of the ordinance remains the same, some principles and sets of regulations have been added and changed that have caused lingering concerns with Dalton and resident Jen Lindemann in how growing operations will be affected if not amended. Dalton and Lindemann were both named to a committee in April to further discuss the ordinance after it was sent back from the township board to the planning commission in March. Draft 3 isnt as good as it should be, its still too restrictive toward growing in an accessory building, Dalton said. Theyre saying its a special land use, and we dont agree with that. Theyre saying we have to get a permit, and have all these inspections, and we dont agree with that, and theyre saying you have to have two acres of land if you want to grow outside in a building so its basically going to ban all outdoor growing operations. Dalton admitted that if a permit is required to grow outside, he would be fine with allowing ...a special land use or a regular permit... but does not want to have a permit if growing indoors. Another evident change to the ordinance is that caregivers must meet as a requirement is the hours of operation ...for all home occupations shall not exceed 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Theyre going to call them a business, and tell them they can only have limiting operating hours. Do they do that for other businesses? Lindemann said. Why would they be restrictive from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.? Township Supervisor Frederick Thorsby said that those regulations apply to anything dealing with home occupations, and its a basic regulation regarding noise ordinance in the township. If youre down in your basement watering your plants at 9 p.m., thats not what its talking about, Thorsby said. Its talking about if you have people coming over to your house purchasing marijuana - that has to stop at 9 p.m., but you can tend to your plants 24 hours a day. You just cant have cars coming and going. Another change from the original draft that has been adjusted to be more specific is the regulation to allow township staff to inspect the property. When deemed necessary, township staff, including but not limited to the building inspector, code enforcement officer, police personnel, or other township staff, as determined by the Board, are permitted to conduct inspections of the property and home occupation to ensure that all operations are compliant with the zoning ordinance..., the ordinance amendment reads. The first draft to the ordinance only stated that township staff are permitted to inspect the property and did not specify who within the township staff are allowed to conduct the inspections. Theyre saying that anybody, anybody in the township can come out and check out your house, and check out the inside of your house and take out their tape measurer to see if you are compliant with the 25% usage of the home and everything else, Lindemann said. That is insane. One additional change the planning commission made was the minimum required acreage from five acres down to two acres. The most significant different from the original draft is the residential floor plan regulation. Although the current draft still requires the caregiver not to occupy more than 25% of the residential floor area within the unit, the total square footage was changed from 375 square feet to 650 square feet. However, the ordinance still called for additional requirements for caregivers to meet regarding the square footage of the home. One of the newly discussed regulations to the residential floor are was the addition to count the basement floor area. They talked about a basement because the basement was one of the things that I actually brought up, Lindemann said. We grow marijuana in our basement and when you talk about square footage of a home, many basements are not included in that square footage. Under the Type 1 home occupation requirements, the language gave three options to choose from regarding the inclusion of the basement floor area. Of the three options there were available to vote on, the planning commission ultimately decided to vote for option 1, which states that, residential floor area shall include all floor area within the dwelling, including basement floor area... It got voted in ... through the planning board, and they didnt even take any of our input and they didnt listen to our comments, Dalton said. The draft to the ordinance presented to the planning commission by a representative of Rowe Engineering - the outside consulting firm hired by the township to draft the ordinance language - was a result of outcry from residents at last months planning commission meeting. The planning commission decided at its April meeting not to vote on the then-language of the ordinance and sent it back for drafting. Although tensions were high and conflict ensued at times during the meeting, after the public hearing was adjourned, planning commission secretary William Mills announced he would be forming a group including himself and those who wanted to come together to discuss a new outline to the ordinance before conducting an official vote at the next meeting. Those named to the group to discuss new language to the ordinance included Mills, Thorsby, Dalton, Lindemann, and Thetford Township Trustee Eric Gunnels. The group met a couple times to review the ordinance to deliberate and address the concerns to the language that have been raised by caregivers and to seek modifications to make it clearer. Lindemann, Dalton, and Thorsby all agreed that the group discussions were progressive and seemed to have gone well. We had these meetings with Mr. Mills, with Mr. Thorsby, and we explained our changes and they seemed very receptive, Lindemann said. After Monday nights vote, Lindemann and Dalton have expressed disdain with the planning commission and their actions to pass the amendment. They straight up used us, and its really sad too because I thought we made so much headway and they agreed with us and then they voted for this garbage, its just outrageous, Lindemann said. I thought we made great progress bridging the gap between caregiver and municipality, but instead I have to condemn the actions of planning member William Mills and Flushing Township Supervisor Frederick Thorsby as a stab in the back. Dalton asserted the belief of exclusion from the planning commission regarding the group that met to discuss the language. The planning board got it wrong again, and they forgot that the whole thing about is they were supposed to take our comments into consideration and talk with us and they didnt do that, Dalton said. Thorsby said township officials took, ...a lot of their concerns into account through this whole process. He affirmed that the group that met between him, Mills, Dalton, Lindemann and Gunnels, was not a sub-committee to the planning commission as, only the chairman of the planning commission can make a sub-committee of the planning commission. Mills was the one to form the group, not planning commission chairman Ron Voigt, therefore, Mills had no authority to form an official sub-committee. He (Mills) got a hold of me and wanted me to meet with him, which I did, and I told him to keep in mind that this group has no authority and that only the planning commission meeting as the planning commission can do anything, Thorsby said. But we did talk about it, and we got some good information, and some of that went back into that ordinance amendment. Although the ordinance drafted was approved by the planning commission, the approval does not mean the ordinance is created and is just instead sent back to the township board for review, Thorsby said. This Thursday night, itll be back at our board meeting for the first reading, he said. Theres still some language issues that the board might want to work out, so they can take it up, talk about it, and they can even tweak it just a little bit, make it a little bit easier to enforce it and then they can approve the first reading, and then have a second reading a month later. To Dalton and Lindemann, its just another hinderance to what could potentially change their lives. If the ordinance is passed by the board at the 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13 township board meeting, the pair said they will call for a voter referendum and seek a recall against trustees. We have one more chance on Thursday, Dalton said. We get to talk to the board of trustees, and were going to ask the board of trustees to please send this back to planning, and hopefully the board of trustees will see it our way, and hopefully they just push it back over to planning, well be involved with it better, make a few changes, and we should be good. Read more on MLive: Flushing Township aims to redraft restrictive medical marijuana ordinance with new committee Residents in Genesee County community upset over proposed medical marijuana ordinance Flushing Township board sends proposed medical marijuana ordinance back to planning commission A pet tiger freely roaming around an open street frightened the residents of 1103 Ivy Wall Drive about 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 9. The scene was caught on camera, showing a Bengal tiger on gunpoint by an off-duty Sherriff's deputy who happens to live in the neighborhood. According to a resident, the armed guy was trying to control the situation while repeatedly yelling at the owner to get the animal back inside. The deputy who was then known as Wes Manion, a Waller County sheriff's deputy, said that the tiger did not seem aggressive and shooting it was the last thing he wanted. Residents say the tiger wore a collar and looked domesticated. Houston Police said in a twitter post that an investigation is already ongoing and finding both owner and tiger is the main concern. Texas Manhunt When Houston PD officers arrived at the scene, the owner who was described as a Hispanic male, about 28 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and about 130 pounds grabbed and put the animal in a white Jeep Cherokee and fled in a high rate of speed. Houston PD officers chased the vehicle but eventually lost track of him. Houston Police spokesperson later confirmed the owner has been identified. Victor Hugo Cuevas, 26, was arrested Monday night and charged with felony evading arrest. He is currently under the custody of the Fort Bend County Jail. Cuevas at the time was bailed out of jail for a murder charge back in 2017 when he shot a man outside a restaurant in Fort Bend County. However, his attorney, Michael W Elliott, said it was an act of self-defense. In the recent negligence, Elliot admits it was Cuevas being on the scene but one cannot fully believe he was the owner of the tiger. He even stated that Cuevas might be the 'hero' who handled the situation. He explained in an interview how quick the HPD rushed to judgment, when all Cuevas did was catch the tiger and brought it to safety. Elliot said the missing tiger's name was India and is nine-months old. In addition, the suspect's attorney stated that Cuevas has an information on the animal's owner and its whereabouts and will speak with investigators for the details. In the recent update, the tiger's whereabouts have not yet been disclosed. Commander Ronald Borza of Houston police said that Cuevas will be charged for evading arrest and his bond on the murder charge will be revoked. Also read: Disney's Sumatran Tiger Relocated to San Antonio Zoo To Ensure Species' Survival Texas Pet Ownership Law Texas is known to have some of the most lenient exotic pet ownership laws in the country. Apparently, there is no law forbidding private ownership of tigers in Texas and people can own exotic pets such as big cats as long as the owner has a license and liability insurance. However, keeping exotic pets in the city limits like Houston is illegal. The danger they can cause to properties or humans should be held liable to the owner. Also read: Animals' Ultimate Sensory Tool: How Do Whiskers Really Work? THETFORD TOWNSHIP, MI -- It has been months since Thetford Township has had any officers in its police department, according to officials. The last Thetford Township officer resigned around the end of October or early November, according to Thetford Township Supervisor Rachel Stanke. Its now up to the Thetford Township Board of Trustees, Stanke said, to determine the future of the department. The process would be that it gets brought to the board meeting, but theres been some other things weve been trying to wrap up as well, so it hasnt made it to the agenda yet, Stanke said. Thetford Township sits in northern Genesee County, east of Clio. Currently, the board is working to hire a code enforcer, Stanke said. She added the discussion over the police department could come in a month or possibly take up to a year. The board is aware that there are no officers in the department, Stanke said. Michigan State Police have been covering the township in the meantime. There will be no gap in coverage by Michigan State Police for emergency situations that occur in the township, MSP Lt. Kim Vetter told MLive-The Flint Journal. We will continue to provide quality service to our citizens of Michigan whenever requested, she said. The board received information about the resignation of the last Thetford Township police officer shortly before the November 2020 election, Stanke said. At that time, Stank was a trustee. She was elected supervisor in November. It was very quick, Stanke said. It was toward the end of his resignation that we were even aware that he had put in his resignation to the supervisor at that time. So, our board at that time didnt really have time to do much because, obviously, we were going into the election. Several board members have only been in office for around five months following the November election and are working through other agenda items, she said. We still have a department, Stanke said. We just havent hired any officers to work in that department at this time. The department is typically funded through both the township general fund and a public safety special assessment, she said. Special assessment dollars are split between the fire and police departments. In the townships current budget, all special assessment dollars went toward fire department costs. The special assessment is $70 a year for residential household, $150 for commercial buildings and $300 for industrial buildings. Stanke said she believes the special assessment was passed by the board in 2015. Before that time, the department was funded solely through the townships general fund. However, in this years budget, $30,000 to maintain the police department facility was covered by the townships general fund, Stanke said. All special assessment money went toward fire department expenses. Stanke said she didnt think it would be right to spend special assessment dollars on the department when it isnt active. The board is also charged with hiring a police chief. Former Thetford Township Police Chief Robert Kenny was let go by the board in February 2020 due to policies and procedures not being followed, Stanke confirmed. He was put on leave for several months before the board made that decision. In an April 2, 2020 ruling, Genesee Circuit Judge David J. Newblatt overruled the decision of District Judge Vikki Bayeh Haley regarding former Thetford Township police Chief Robert Kenny. Related: Embezzlement, obstruction charges reinstated against former Thetford police chief The charges were originally filed against Kenny in August 2018 after an investigation was started by the Genesee County Sheriffs Office into allegations that hed received more than $5,000 for scrapping items received through the federal Law Enforcement Support Office, or LESO, program. Board member Eric Gunnels said he believes funding for the department should be put to a vote. What it really comes down to is, trying to fund a police department on a shoestring budget is not adequate enough, Gunnels said. Gunnels said operating a police department comes with unexpected expenses. If a millage or special assessment was brought to a vote, he said the department could be new and improved. Ive felt that it should have been put to the vote and if the township (residents) do not want to pay for a police department, we should disband it, Gunnels said. Read more on MLive: Prosecutors say police chief pocketed more than $5K from sale of military equipment Case continues against police chief accused in military equipment scam Investigation started into rural townships $1 million of military surplus gear GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The city office tasked in part with independently reviewing the outcome of Grand Rapids police investigations into allegations of officer misconduct has finally begun that work nearly 20 months after its formation. Brand Davis, director of the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA), told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday, May 12, the Grand Rapids Police Department has begun sharing previously withheld internal affairs investigation records. He said his office can now review the outcomes and possibly initiate a secondary investigation. In late April, Davis publicly disclosed the police department had been withholding all internal affairs records and documents from his office, despite numerous requests to review them and being tasked by the city administration to do that work. The OPA was formed in August 2019. The same day of Davis disclosure, City Manager Mark Washington distributed a new administrative order outlining how the police department will share its internal affairs records with the OPA, as well as how the OPA can request additional police records. Related: In wake of controversial traffic stop, police oversight office criticizes GRPD for not turning over misconduct records So far, Davis said, Washingtons order is working as intended, with the police department now sharing requested internal affairs investigation outcome reports and a weekly summary of new internal affairs complaints. The police department should have turned over internal affairs records before the order, Davis said, but his focus now isnt on what shouldve happened. He said going from no access to some access is a great improvement. My focus is on how we move forward since the order has now been issued and signed, he said. My experience thus far has been that the Grand Rapids Police Department has complied with the order and I look forward to continuing to advance accountability and transparency through this process and will review the process as we move forward to make sure that it is accomplishing the goals for which it was set. Davis said he wants to give Washingtons order some time to play out before evaluating it for any deficiencies or potentially needed changes. Grand Rapids Police Department officials said in a statement that Washingtons order provides better clarity of what is expected from the OPA and the GRPD. Our relationship with the OPA is evolving and the GRPD will continue to work with Mr. Davis and his office to ensure a high level of accountability and transparency, police officials said. Because the OPA is still relatively new, establishing mutually agreed upon criteria for sharing information according to established law and procedure, is a process that will take time. There will unfortunately be growing pains, but with the city managers administrative order Chief (Eric) Payne believes there will be greater clarity of what the expectations are for both the OPA and the GRPD. The disclosure that the police department hadnt been handing over records to the OPA came in response to body camera footage that surfaced in April that made national headlines. A city officer was shown punching a Black motorist seven times in the head. The officer said he punched the man because he was reaching for his service pistol during a struggle. The mans attorney disputes that. Footage of the arrest provides no clarity. Davis told The Grand Rapids Press he received multiple inquiries about the incident and wanted to be transparent with the community about the level of access his office had at the time. This is a perfect example of an incident that should be closely monitored and evaluated by OPA, Davis wrote at the time. Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control, OPA is not certain that monitoring will occur in this case. Police Chief Eric Payne initiated an internal affairs investigation into the incident after public outcry. The Internal Affairs Unit is currently investigating another recent high-profile incident in which a Black man was forcibly arrested after police pulled him over thinking he was a different person. Related: GRPD training being questioned after Black man forcibly arrested despite police stopping the wrong vehicle The Grand Rapids Police Departments Internal Affairs Unit investigates allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing by police officers after a person files a complaint with the unit. The investigation determines if there is sufficient evidence to support a claim of wrongdoing. Once an investigation is complete, the OPA can now review a redacted copy of the report detailing the outcome in the same form that is sent to the person who filed the complaint in the first place. OPA staff will check the facts of the outcome report to see if they align with the law and policy. Davis said his office will conduct a secondary, in-depth review of the internal affairs outcome if there are areas of the report that raise concern, such as missing information or people staff believes should have been interviewed during the internal affairs investigation. That review could entail further police records requests. If an internal affairs outcome is found to be inaccurate by the OPA, Davis said he will alert Payne, Washington, and the complainant of his findings, as well as help the person who made the complaint file an appeal of the outcome if they want. The citys Civilian Appeal Board can overturn the results of an internal affairs investigation. A person who wants to appeal the outcome has 14 days to file their appeal from the day the outcome report was mailed to them. Now that the Grand Rapids Police Department is sharing its internal affairs outcome reports with the OPA, Davis said he has requested copies of all reports issued 90 days prior to Washingtons order to share the records. Later, Davis will determine whether to request more outcome reports from months past. Read more: Grand Rapids mayor pushes for progress in opening two downtown streets to two-way traffic Man who took part in Grand Rapids riot gets 120 days jail, but could see record cleared Unemployed will soon have to prove theyre searching for work or lose benefits HOLLAND, MI -- A 27-year-old Grand Rapids man was arrested on multiple charges after police say he led police on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle, then crashed. Ottawa County sheriffs deputies received a report just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11 that a vehicle had been stolen from the 2100 block of Marlacoba Drive in Park Township. Police soon found the vehicle but the driver failed to stop. A short pursuit ensued before the vehicle crashed on Douglas Avenue near South Division Avenue. No one was inured. Police said the driver was arrested on several charges, including fleeing and eluding police, operating while under the influence of drugs and possession of methamphetamine. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A Grandville-based coffee roaster is being recognized for supporting its business partners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Littlefoot Coffee Roasters has received the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Michigan State University Product Center, which provides support and services for businesses in the food, agriculture and natural resources sectors. Littlefoot, which sells coffee beans to retailers and cafes, launched campaigns to support coffee shops and nonprofits shortly after the coronavirus pandemic hit Michigan in March 2020. Since then, it has donated more than $4,000 and 120 pounds of coffee as part of the effort When youre a small cafe, the number of people who walk through your door everyday makes a huge impact on your success, said Rosie Quasarano, who co-owns Littlefoot with Alex Burbo. If youre closed, that is just a really scary prospect. Quasarano and Burbo launched Littlefoot in 2017 while working in the coffee industry in Chicago. They moved into their current location in Grandville, 3049 Broadway Ave. SW, in 2019. Now, their coffee can be found at more than 20 stores in Michigan, including Westborn Markets and select Meijer stores. In Grand Rapids, the coffee can be found at Marthas Vineyard, South East Market and Bridge Street Market. Its also served by several coffee shops and cafes, including Wildroast Coffee Co. in Grandville, Field and Fire cafe in Grand Rapids and Happy Cat Cafe in Grand Rapids. Mollie Woods, director of the MSU Product Center, said Littlefoot was awarded the entrepreneur of the year award because of its innovative business success and commitment to supporting others. This demonstrates the type of creativity, innovation and community commitment that Michigan food companies will need to be successful in the long term, she said. Littlefoot has between eight to 10 blends of coffee, including seasonal varieties, as well as a coffee subscription program that offers weekly, bi-weekly and monthly coffee deliveries. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Littlefoot was still gaining its footing as a coffee roaster, Quasarano said. Like so many other businesses owners, Quasarano suddenly found herself navigating an uncertain future. We had just opened our warehouse the summer prior, she said. We were like very fresh in this new space and still building out our wholesale program. That abruptly came to a halt as some of our partners had to close their doors temporarily. Quasarano asked herself: How could Littlefoot help the coffee shops and cafes that buy the companys beans? In that moment, it was just kind of this thought of if we can still operate in our warehouse because were not inherently public facing, how can we find a way to keep going to help our partners who had to close? she said. A big part of that came out of my experience of having owned my own cafe for five years. Littlefoot launched two support programs for cafes and nonprofits after the coronavirus pandemic hit Michigan. The first was the Little Foot Coffee fund. The program, which ran from mid-March 2020 to mid-April 2020, donated $5 for every $20 spent at its online store to provide 120 pounds of free coffee to cafes in the region, Quasarano said. The other program, which also launched in 2020, was Coffee for a Cause. Under the program, a portion of the sales of a select Littlefoot coffee blend are provided to cafes, coffee shops and nonprofits. To date, the program has provided over $4,000 to eight coffee shops and nonprofits, including Rose Gold Coffee Company in Kalamazoo and Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Quasarano said the idea behind the program is that a little help goes a long way. I think too often we imagine it has to be this big grand gesture to make a difference, she said. But just finding little ways to help or give back, especially during this past year when so many things were overwhelming was what inspired us to do it. Read more: Ann Arbor Art Fair canceled for second-straight year. We exhausted every option, organizers say Great Lakes Loons ease some COVID restrictions for future Dow Diamond games Applications open for expungement fair in Genesee County as clean slate laws take effect WYOMING, MI -- Police have released surveillance camera images of two people suspected of robbing a Verizon Wireless store on Byron Center Avenue SW on Tuesday, May 11. The robbery was reported about 6:25 p.m. at 5811 Byron Center Ave. SW. Wyoming police said two men entered the store and one of them grabbed an store employee and escorted them to a back area. The men took an undisclosed amount of cell phones and cash from the store, then left the area in a four-door silver sedan. There were no injuries. Anyone with information about the robbery can call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300. HILLSDALE, MI -- Actor Tim Allen spoke at Hillsdale College during its 169th commencement honoring graduates, top seniors and retiring faculty. The May 8 ceremonies featured an address from Allen that received laughs, but also focused on more serious topics, such as his personal history, struggles with religion and his ego. He told students not to be without goals like once was, or as he called it, rudderless. The greatest boat of all time has no direction without a rudder, Allen said. Its a very simple thing. The only thing you control in a sailboat is the attitude of the sail, and that comes back to me. I had no direction. I applaud all of you. Youve got a good start here at Hillsdale College. Humans need each other, and I want to say this to the class of 2021: Go forth and conquer. Youve got a world out there that is out of focus. There are substitute teachers and no adults. We need you. Youve got to save the world. No pressure. Actor Tim Allen congratulated and offered advice to Hillsdale College graduates on May 8, 2021. Photo provided by Hillsdale College. The class of 2021 included 353 undergraduate students and 14 graduate students. One class of 2020 student also walked, as the school offered those who didnt get to walk last year the ability to join. Allen also quoted one of his most popular characters, Buzz Lightyear from the movie Toy Story. One of my best friends in the world will say as I leave here, you guys are headed to infinityand beyond! Allen said. READ MORE FROM THE JACKSON CITZEN PATRIOT: Water rates could raise 12% annually in Jackson under new proposed plan White Castle giving away free sliders as part of National Slider Day Michigans Best Podcast: We share our favorite inland lakes Its so dry, giant Dust Devil spins over Michigan farm field Lawmakers want Michigan to pay Enbridges Line 5 legal fees if shutdown fails CDCs advisory group recommends use of COVID-19 vaccine in teens 12-15 KALAMAZOO, MI Its difficult to get a job without an address, but also difficult to get an address without a job. It is a quagmire for many in Kalamazoos homeless community. Two hotel intervention projects in Kalamazoo County have helped some people bridge the gap from homeless and unemployed to housed and employed. But there are many roadblocks, including a lack of affordable housing, that members of the areas unhoused population face. Related: Despite community effort, future still uncertain for many who are homeless in Kalamazoo For some, it is substance abuse. For others, its mental health. And, for some, a criminal past. But whether one of those root issues or another altogether for most already experiencing the trauma of homelessness, it often comes down to one thing: being in survival mode, said Ahja Surratt. To be homeless for four years, five years; how can you really be focused on working? asked Surratt, a housing specialist with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, who has spent the last four months working onsite at the former Knights Inn property with 67 individuals who were homeless when they arrived. Its not like they maybe didnt want to work, but its, Ive got to worry about where Im going to sleep. Ive got to worry about if Im going to make it to the mission or ministry with community on time to get served food, so I can eat, Surratt said. I can only imagine whats that doing to the mental youre depressed, youre probably not feeling your best, youre not feeling like youre worth it. Weve got a lot of people here that experienced trauma upon trauma, and we dont even know what happened in their past until maybe they open up and say, This is why Im hurt. Admitting you have a mental health diagnosis or need medication is not an easy thing to say to a complete stranger, she said. Integrated Services Kalamazoo employee, Ahja Surratt, poses for a portrait outside the LodgeHouse in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, May 3, 2021. Surratt is currently working at the LodgeHouse full time where she is working on finding affordable housing for clients. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com A troubled mind and past David Nuyen, 60, is not ready to retire. But for the past three years he has been riding a greyhound to Florida in the winter and back to Michigan in the summertime, where he panhandles or pumps people gas for 50 cents here and a dollar there. Nuyen spent most of his adult life working as a chef or working for a traveling carnival. He has been to all 50 states, four Canadian provinces and a handful of other countries. But medical conditions have taken their toll on Nuyen of late. Hes bipolar. Hes paranoid. He has cancer. And Nuyen also has a haunted past, one that makes finding housing a challenge. When he was 17, Nuyen was convicted on a charge of criminal sexual conduct. That charge has followed him around his entire life. Last year, he also spent a month in jail in Florida for failing to register as a sex offender even though he didnt have a place to live. I didnt know you had to register with the police once a month if you were homeless, Nuyen said. Nuyen lost his social security as a result, he said, and since ISK harm reduction team member Brandon Mion found him sleeping under a bridge, shoeless, in the middle of January, he has been able to make strides toward getting his Social Security checks coming in again, and to get the medical help he needed. 35 Kalamazoo works on establishing affordable housing for unhoused population Nuyen spent a month in the hospital after Mion found him. There, he was treated for his cancer as well as congestive heart failure and he got back on the psychiatric drugs he needs. Since getting out, he has been staying at the former Knights Inn, now the LodgeHouse, where he obtained a housing voucher and last Friday moved out and into his own place. Related: Kalamazoo motel being transformed into apartments for those without homes Brandon really helped me out, he said. Now I have a caseworker through him, helping me try to get my check back, back on my meds and everything. Ive just got to keep going, keep praying, keep going to church every Sunday. I have a church guy who comes and picks me up, takes me to church and takes me out to lunch after church every Sunday. He helped me out a lot. At the end of January, before I got this place, he paid for a hotel for a whole week. Nuyens friend also took him shopping, bought him new clothes and a new pair of shoes. Then, Nuyen was robbed by another homeless person, who threw all Nuyens belongings into the Kalamazoo River. It is hard to get on your feet when you dont have any shoes and its the dead of winter, he said. You never know You just never know what youre up against, Surratt said. If we want people to get out of the vicious cycle, building of trust and really trying to figure out their story as to how you can help will maybe help lower these numbers of homelessness, because like I said, we dont know what theyve been through. Surratt has been in the trenches, living that experience with the clients she serves. She is in the midst of the war right now, she said, just trying to build trust and make connections to services for them. And with the LodgeHouse closing in a matter of days to be converted into 60 affordable housing units, that war will soon take her and Mion to the streets. There, they will continue their outreach with the unhoused population in Kalamazoo County, work with area police departments and hospitals and try to make transitions smooth for those without places to go, Mion said. Related: Deadlines loom for homeless living in Kalamazoo hotels while long-term fixes explored I think people seem to think that itss something that can be done simply and easy, but if it was, wed be doing it, said Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care Executive Director Sara Jacobs. Everybody in this work, we dont punch a clock. We take it home. All the things we take for granted. Theres always going to be a need. So, the question is how we get from the space that we are in now to the space where people can have their own space, something that is dignified that you would want for yourself. Collaborative efforts from numerous nonprofits and good-hearted citizens are a major step in that direction, she said, but there is much work still to be done. Eyes wide open I love that Kalamazoo County is waking up, said Stephanie Hoffman, executive director of Open Doors of Kalamazoo. This is the first time in the community in my experience that the housing sector has been working in partnership in a way that is intentional and filled with dignity and respect. We are living in a pivotal time, where we can change the trajectory for so many people and some of our nonprofit organizations as well. Related: Kalamazoo commits $250K to help people move from tent encampments to hotel rooms Hoffmans nonprofit is one of a handful that has been involved in the Hotel Intervention Project on the west side of the county in recent months a project that has helped provide temporary housing for 143 individuals, many of them families, who are facing homelessness. Tony Lett, 61, the food service coordinator for HOPE Through Navigation poses for a portrait in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, May 6, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com One of those individuals is Tony Lett, recently hired on as food service coordinator with HOPE thru Navigation, which is also a driving force behind the intervention program. What we are trying to do with the program is help the people who are homeless get un-homeless so to speak, Lett said. We have programs to help get them a job, healthcare, vaccines, testing, education, parenting classes, housing. Im actually taking advantage of that myself. Im part of the program. Lett was not an employee of HOPE thru Navigation prior to the intervention project, although he hopes he will be able to use his degree to continue working for them as time moves on. In recent years, Lett has worked as a freelance caterer, and as such work has not been abundant over the past year, Lett like the others residing at the hotel needed a place to stay. So, when HOPE thru Navigation CEO Gwendolyn Hooker reached out to Lett and offered him a room and a paying job, serving food three times a day for more than a hundred people, he could not turn it down. We have people who are really striving, taking advantage of everything we offer so they can better their lives. Id say thats probably 25% of the people here, Lett said. This program will help you do everything you want to do if you take the first step forward. Lett has seen the success stories those who arrived desperate, and now are going to work 40 hours a week. Its kind of hard to be going to work when youre living in a tent, he said. You cant get clean and you look bad. You get cleaned up, a warm bed and a hot shower, and it works wonders for people. Still, like Surratt, Lett knows theres trauma and a lack of trust. A cynic himself due to his own past, he understands the latter well. The trauma, however, has been eye-opening for him. I am disenchanted, he said. The United States of America, Michigan and Kalamazoo all need to work harder on the mental illness in this country and on helping these people. I never thought Id be exposed to what Id be exposed to here. Its opened my mind to what is going on and its really scary and I think society really needs to understand this and do something about it or at least work toward it and thats what were trying to do here. Shedding some of the cynicism he arrived with, Lett said he has put more than a couple paychecks right back into the program after seeing things that needed attention. I see people that are doing more for people that they dont know than they are for their own households, which is pretty miraculous to me, he said. Is a slow process. And I dont know how anybody can expect to see a miracle in 90 days, six months or even a year ... but the progress is there and that is what we are hoping to continue with, getting everybody to where they need to be, wherever that is. An address is where that starts, Surratt said. People have pasts, she said. But sometimes youve got to give them a second chance, and getting them housed may keep them focused on getting therapy or going to the doctors on a regular basis because they actually have their own address. Editors note: This story was reported in collaboration with WMUK 102.1 FM. More on this topic from WMUKs Sehvilla Mann, in a three-part series: Also on MLive: Kalamazoo homeless encampment doubles in size after Mills Street site vacated $17 million in emergency rental assistance available to Kalamazoo County residents in need Protect and serve means serving homeless population for Kalamazoo police lieutenant STURGIS, MI A former police chief this week pleaded guilty in a drunken driving case. Former Sturgis Police Chief Geoffrey Smith, 46, pleaded guilty Wednesday, May 12, to driving while impaired, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. He entered the plea before Calhoun County District Judge Paul Beardslee, through a Zoom hearing. Smith admitted he drove his car with a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 or higher on Aug. 15, as part of his plea deal, the release said. The case was sent to Calhoun County to avoid any conflict of interest in St. Joseph County, where Sturgis is located. Related: I made a mistake, says former Sturgis public safety chief accused of drunken driving As part of Smiths sentence, he will have in-home alcohol monitoring for 90 days, the release said. He also will serve up to one year of probation. Smith will pay restitution for the crash, but no amount is set at this time, the release said. The cost of crashing his car into other vehicles is still being assessed. Related: Sturgis police chief resigns after crash, drunken driving investigation The city of Sturgis immediately placed Smith on leave and accepted his resignation 10 days later, on Aug. 26. Ryan Banaszak is now the citys public safety director. The former chief had accumulated 24 years of service with Sturgis prior to resigning. More from MLive: From healthcare to welding, virtual event lets Kalamazoo-area students explore career options Finding solutions for Kalamazoo homeless include overcoming prior trauma, criminal backgrounds Police seek teen in Battle Creek-area shooting KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- From healthcare to welding to engineering, the MiCareerQuest Southwest career discovery event had something for every student. The annual event, which was held virtually Wednesday, May 12, introduces local eighth-grade students to a variety of job opportunities and industry experts to help guide them toward their future careers. The virtual event was open to students from school districts across the region, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. A grant from Stryker Corp. allowed the event to continue virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said. Representatives from local businesses were in attendance, including Bronson Healthcare Group, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Michigan State Police, Western Michigan University, Miller-Davis, Wightman and others, the release said. The event serves as a catalyst for area youth to discover self- and option-awareness in a fun, experiential setting, said Jason Luke, KRESA Career & Technical Education career awareness and exploration director. The MiCareerQuest Southwest career discovery event, which was held virtually Wednesday, May 12, introduces eighth-grade students to a variety of job opportunities and industry experts to help guide them toward their future careers. (Photo provided by KRESA) Nicholas Alkema, an eighth-grade student at Hillside Middle School in Kalamazoo, said the virtual event was fun and easy to navigate. I got to meet a lot of different people experts in their respective careers and I got to talk to them, Alkema, 14, said. I got to learn a bunch of things specifically focused on engineering. Alkema spent time Wednesday morning speaking virtually to officials at Stryker and engineering professors from Western Michigan University, he said. Despite being held as a virtual event this year, Alkema said the program was really well put together, and fun. Students began on a homepage where they could choose their career path and branched off into different categories depending on their interests, Alkema said. It was really fun, it was a good event, Alkema said. Im really happy that they put this on. Alkema said his previous experience with robotics led him toward engineering-type careers at the event, but his mind is still open to what he might study later in the KRESA Education for Employment program. KRESAs EFE program gives Kalamazoo County high school students a head start on a career and higher education. Students can gain free job training or college credit and are trained by industry experts to gain advance placement in apprenticeships or post-secondary institutions or go directly to entry-level employment. Jared Birman attended the career event as an eighth-grade student and, in 2019, graduated from the EFEs emergency medical technology, or EMT, program. Birman, 20, was employed as an EMT in Kalamazoo eight days after he graduated from Hackett Catholic Prep, he said. He was a licensed EMT before he graduated from high school after being dual enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College during his senior year. The MICareerQuest event triggered his interest in the EFE program, where he initially thought he would study welding or law enforcement. After taking an anatomy class, Birman discovered his interest in science, he said. While dual-enrolled, Birman attended high school classes and lectures and labs at KVCC during the school week -- at no cost to him, he said. During the labs, he learned EMT skills like splinting, oxygen administration, how to assess a patient, listen to their lungs and other hands-on skills, Birman said. Now an EMT for about two years, he is studying to become a paramedic. I enjoy not knowing whats going to happen every day when I go into work, Birman said. Its always something new. The EMT said he would definitely recommend the career quest event, and EFE program, to future students. The career quest event gives students the lay of the land for all the different programs that KRESA offers, he said. And to able to ask questions of people currently working in that field. Being able to finish high school right away, not exactly knowing what I wanted to do but being able to already be in a rewarding and promising growing career field was definitely great, Birman said. Having KRESA offering that EFE program is an amazing help. This years event was sponsored by the Calhoun Intermediate School District, KRESA, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Works! Southwest, Stryker and Southwest Michigan First, Luke said. Also on MLive: Kalamazoo public safety open house will feature drive-in movie, fire engine demonstration Restaurant workers sue for $12 minimum wage proposal, claiming delay to 2030 was unconstitutional Michigan inventors to appear on Shark Tank, pitch their floating water grill Float N Grill BAY CITY, MI - One of the areas newest industries has brought an old, historic building in downtown Bay City back to life. The former Simmons Jewelers at 208 Center Ave. is now home to Lume Cannabis. A new purple metal facade accented with Lumes golden firefly logo now adorns the rehabilitated building, which had served as Simmons Jewelers for 67 years before it closed its doors in 2013. For a long time this building needed a ton of work and Lume was willing to put in the work and keep a historic building where it needs to be, said Andrew Jackson, a co-manager of the Bay City location. Jackson and the Lume team didnt have a precise date on the age of the building, but he noted that they found a brick that dates the building back to at least July 7, 1921. Lume officially opened its doors in Bay City on April 24 and a ribbon cutting was later held with the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 12. The Bay City store is Lumes 16th operation in the state, according to Bay City store manager and area manager Samantha Gray. She added that Lume is preparing to open new locations in Cedar Springs and Houghton in the near future. Gray explained that Lume is looking to be involved with the community, especially given its location on Center Avenue. The location puts it in the middle of the road closures and sidewalk cafe area for Bay Citys Feet on the Street, which is an outdoor dining initiative that returned for its second year after being introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I think its a great opportunity for us to not only engage with the local traffic but as well as our neighbors and really build a business relationship, said Gray. I think it gives us a great opportunity to be a part of these community events, Im loving downtown. Its beautiful, we have a great neighbor at Beavers. Gray added that Lume is looking to get involved with local festivals and events in Bay City such as the 4th of July Fireworks Festival, the St. Stans Polish Festival, the Tall Ships Celebration, and Rockin the River, which was formerly known as the River Roar. Were exploring a lot of different options but were very excited about the opportunities that the community has presented us to be able to really give back and engage with the community, Gray said. The company is seeing growth with sales increasing across the board nearly 25% in April, 2021 compared to the same time in 2020, according to information provided by Lume. Lume stated that it also introduced five new product lines and more than 30 new individual products while creating nearly 350 jobs statewide in 2020. The company is also preparing to launch Lume Delivery in Bay City, where customers can have their products discretely delivered to their doors. According to Lume, the company made 15,000 deliveries throughout Michigan and covered more than 200,000 miles last year. More from MLive: Bay County scores $420K in marijuana sales tax revenue Big marijuana growing facility approved by Bay City Commission Marijuana grower buys 5-acre industrial site in Bay Citys South End, plans to create 100 jobs 8 things to know if you want to grow or sell marijuana in Saginaw Salt mine and marijuana growers cause Bay City to consider utility deposits for large businesses Recently, the Australian newspaper quoted a Chinese book that is openly out for sale as a "leaked" complete document, in a humiliating article that smears China over the inception of COVID-19, twisting the content of the book to agree with its own intrigue theory that China took part in weaponizing the novel coronavirus some years prior to the pandemic. The Genetic Bioweapon Chinese cybercitizens and experts criticized the newspaper for no longer having its professional ethics by drawing any signs possible to back its own political narrative. Quoting an alleged leaked document the US State Department procured, the Australian made claims that china had been searching whether it could use the coronavirus as a weapon five years prior to the COVD-19 pandemic, and even used the document as proof of China's interest in bioweapons. Yet, the Global Times discovered the leaked document the Australian mentioned was a book named The Unnatural Origin of SARS and New Species of Man-Made Viruses as Genetic Bioweapon. In 2015, Military doctor Xu Dezhong published the book, and is on sale on Amazon, though it is presently out of stock. The book proposes that the 2002 and 2004 SARS epidemic in China emerged through an abnormal way of genetic modification beginning abroad. Also Read: Coronavirus Effects: How COVID-19 Harms Different Body Organs Conspiracy Theory An academic book that was about bioterrorism and the likeliness of viruses being applied in warfare was described as a conspiracy theory by The Australian, which intentionally and malignantly has the intention to produce pretexts to smear China, a professor, and director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, Chen Hong, disclosed this to the Global Times on Sunday. It is a loss of face for Australia's anti-China forces to support their own ideology against China with the basic professional journalistic ethics being at the receiving end, plotting to twist the actual meaning of the book, Chen said. The Infected Cases The book alleges with proof how abroad's biological weapon labs transferred the virus conveniently to civets or other mammals, and how the animals were taken into markets in southern China at that same time. The topic and core disagreement of the book is nothing similar to the report by the Australian making claims that China was weaponizing the SARS virus five years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book's author drew attention to the obvious facts that the infected cases at that time were concentrated in Hong Kong - the Chinese mainland, and the island of Taiwan. The remaining cases were concentrated in regions and countries where Chinese citizens and their descendants inhabited. More cases revealed that amid 15 deaths out of the virus in Canada, 13 of them were from China. "Conspiracies cannot be counted out that terrorists abroad were producing contemporary genetic weapons in order to fight against China," Xu penned in the book. Related Article: New Antiviral Shows Promise Against Highly Contagious Coronaviruses For more news, updates about coronavirus and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Update: Comment from Enbridge has been added to the initial report. The crude oil still pumps and protests are growing. For two days since after midnight on May 12, Calgary, Canada-based Enbridge has continued to defy Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers orders to stop pumping oil through its 68-year-old Line 5 that dips through the the Great Lakes exposed on the bottomlands of the Straits of Mackinac. Supporters, including Republican politicians, the Canadian government and other U.S. states claim the economic value supported by the transport of 540,000 barrels or 23 million gallons of oil per day is too great to lose. State tribal groups, water rights and environmental activists, the mayor of Mackinac Island and a Michigan tourism proponent on Thursday united to explain why they feel the risk isnt worth it and Enbridge cant be trusted. Winona LaDuke, the director of Honor the Earth, a Minnesota-based organization thats been fighting Enbridge operations there and in Michigan, said the company has 275 subsidiaries that shelter the mother corporation from liability. She spoke from near the Mackinaw Bridge where protests are planned today. Lowball estimates of a catastrophic spill behind me are $1.87 billion, LaDuke said. And those subsidiaries cant even handle that, but if that pipe goes, it could be $400 billion. Whos going to pay for that? How do we let a Canadian multinational that doesnt even have the money in an escrow account take over and hold hostage our Great Lakes? A 2019-released report estimated Line 5, which runs from Superior, Wisc., to Sarnia, Ontario by way of Michigan, has spilled at least 1.13 million gallons of oil in 29 incidents since 1968. That doesnt include the 2010 rupture of another Enbridge pipeline in the Kalamazoo River that resulted in one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history, dumping 1.2 million gallons that spread 35 miles and cost in excess of $1.2 billion to clean up. They testified they could detect a leak instantaneously, said Beth Wallace of the National Wildlife Federation. It took them 17 hours to discover that spill, and they were only told about the spill, they didnt detect it. 75 Kalamazoo River oil spill of 2010 Enbridge reported damage to an exposed pipeline support that it discovered during seasonal maintenance in June of 2020 and the line temporarily shut down operations for more than a week. Its not clear exactly when the damage, suspected to have been caused by a ship dragging its anchor, actually occurred. Wallace called that close call the last straw. We are incredibly lucky nothing happened ... she said. Line 5 has known dents, known bends that exceed the limits that were put on the easement, it has protective coating peeling away at a rate they cannot manage. Any time they are looking at that pipeline theyre discovering more problems with it, including external damage which they can never control. Enbridge spokesman Ryan Duffy said Line 5 is inspected annually with and inspections have shown the lines are in good condition. He noted they have shutoff valves on either side of the Straits of Mackinac to minimize any oil leak, should one occur. If there is ever a drop in pressure detected the pipelines are automatically shut down, Duffy said. There are also remotely operated valves on both sides of the straits and Line 5 is monitored 24/7 by our control room and can be shut down remotely if needed. Opponents claim the pipeline is about 20 years beyond its expected lifespan, citing Bruce Trudgen, an original engineer on the project, who said the infrastructure was initially expected to last 50 years during a 2015 interview. Joint Republican members of the Michigan Legislature held their own press conference Wednesday during which they argued the truckload and train capacity needed to equal the supply lost to a Line 5 shutdown would create even more environmental risks. The Legislature already studied this issue and bipartisanly adopted a plan to move the pipeline into a tunnel and at that point then shut down and decommission the existing pipeline, said Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. This governor and others say we cant wait to decommission the line and yet, why cant we wait? McBroom noted the pipeline has operated safely for more than 60 years, even without additional risk mitigation efforts that have been put in place over the last decade, including rules about shutting down the line during bad weather, new monitoring sensors, ship tracking and enforcement to ensure anchors arent being dragged. Opponents scoff at the idea of burying a new pipeline within a tunnel to reduce the risk of a future spill and claim there are enough other ways to transport energy needs without crossing beneath such a crucial waterway. Wallace said the tunnel is only in the permitting phase and it would take approaching seven years, at minimum -- not including likely legal challenges -- to install the tunnel and new pipeline. She called it a misleading alternative thats being used as a business tactic to keep the line open. Michelle Woodhouse, water program manager for Canadas Environmental Defence, agreed the tunnel proposal will take much longer than the two-plus years Enbridge has projected. Woodhouse notes the tunnel construction agreement made with former Gov. Rick Snyder extended use for 99 years, which effectively holds Michigan hostage to fossil fuels as demand is declining. They dont need to be figuring out how to get any more of other peoples oil because the party is ending, LaDuke added. Enbridge calls the tunnel a commonsense solution that would help meet Michigans energy needs and protect the Great Lakes. Our aim is simple: to replace the two pipelines under the Straits with a pipeline encased in a concrete tunnel well below the lakebed, Duffy said. This eliminates the possibility of a vessel anchor strike to Line 5, improves safety and environmental protections and continues to provide Michiganders and neighboring states with the transportation fuel, propane and other energy on which they depend. 4 Enbridge reported damage to its Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac on June 18 Several days of protests against the continued operation of the pipeline are expected this week, including ceremonies in Mackinaw City and Lansing where symbolic eviction notices were delivered to Enbridge offices, and in Detroit, where members of the Michigan Anishanaabek Caucus, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition and Peoples Water Board Coalition rallied Wednesday. Whitmer in November put Enbridge on notice that its Great Lakes easement rights would be revoked effective May 12, but the company fought the order and claims it is not subject to state regulators and rather the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and will continue operations indefinitely. Whitmer, on the eve of the the shutdown deadline, issued a letter to Enbridge Vice President Vern Yu. In it, she wrote that shes confident the state will prevail in court and intends to pursue any profits Enbridge earns from illegal use of the Michigan land beneath the Straits of Mackinac after May 12. Enbridge in court filings last summer when the pipeline was temporarily shut down due to damage said it was losing $1.8 million per day. Sen. McBroom this week tacked an amendment onto a budget bill that would take staffing funds from the Department of Natural Resources to pay the Canadian oil companys legal costs should the state lose its lawsuit with Enbridge. Approved by a 20-16 vote, the amendment seeks to discourage Whitmer and the executive branch from pursuing a foolish legal strategy, McBroom said. More on MLive: Republican amendment would pay Enbridge legal fees Whitmer doesnt back down following Enbridges refusal to shut down Whitmer threatens profit seizures Enbridge settles with shipper after 2018 anchor strike Enbridge pledges to defy Whitmer shutdown order Canadian pressure mounts on Whitmer to back off Line 5 Michigan regulators approve Line 5 tunnel permits Line 5 closure would hike propane costs, consultant says Ohio, Louisiana argue against Line 5 shutdown in court At a political activism event in June of 2019, Democratic volunteer Bridget Huff was excited to spot Baba Baxter Jones, a respected activist in the Black and disability communities. I walked up and put out my hand out to shake his hand and introduce myself. I was very effusive with my praise and excited to meet him, Huff said. She crouched down to be eye-level with him, she said, as he uses a wheelchair. While she was in that position, though, He forcefully and painfully groped me on the rear end, and then slid his hand in-between my legs from behind, she said. People were funneling out of the event and when Huff turned around, she said, nobody else appeared to have seen the interaction. She rushed out of the room, not saying goodbye to the one person she knew there, and into the bathroom. I closed the door and I sat down on the toilet lid and I cried, Huff said. Hers is one of two allegations of sexual assault against Jones, who chaired the Michigan Democratic Partys disability caucus until being suspended from the party over the other allegation from Lizmary Fernandez. In that instance, he is accused of groping a woman at a June 2020 march organized by Detroit Will Breathe. We take all allegations of assault seriously. In this instance, Mr. Jones has been notified that his membership to the Michigan Democratic Party has been suspended. We will continue to investigate and maintain a zero tolerance approach toward anyone in an MDP leadership or staff role that engages in physical, mental, or sexual harassment or assault, said MDP Chair LaVora Barnes in a statement. Jones did not respond to MLives request for comment on the allegations. At a forum hosted by the Disability Caucus last week that MLive obtained a recording of, he denied the June 2020 allegation and said he had not been afforded due process. I feel a great deal of empathy towards this young woman who expressed that she experienced harm during this march. However, I must say at this time, emphatically, that I did not do what was alleged, he said. But Huff sees room for improvement in how the MDP handles such allegations. As its laid out in the partys code of conduct, the party is required to suspend a member over an assault complaint if its accompanied by a documented complaint to proper law enforcement authorities. The MDP did not respond to questions about whether such a complaint existed in this case. When Huff started speaking up about Jones alleged treatment of women, All these defund the police believers are like well you should have called the police. We dont believe you because theres no report, she said. According to data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, only 23% of sexual assaults are ever reported to police. Victims who dont report cite factors like a fear of retaliation, or not believing the police would do anything to help. But for Huff and other progressive activists, theres another layer of consideration: the movement has raised and rallied around concerns about police brutality toward Black people and Black men, specifically. Jones is a Black man who has publicly drawn attention to his treatment by police. The separate allegation of sexual assault occurred at a racial justice protest spurred by the police killing of George Floyd. Tashmica Torok is the founder and CoDirector of The Firecracker Foundation, which works to build community support around survivors of childhood sexual trauma. She said theres a notion that calling the police legitimizes an accusers claims, and people often ask why a police report wasnt filed. But that assumes the legal system works for sexual assault cases. I understand why people ask that question, but its really rooted in a basic misunderstanding of how effective police are in responding to sexual violence, Torok said. When people do go to the police, she said, the vast majority of cases arent prosecuted. Among those that are, even fewer end with jail or imprisonment. Beyond that, she said, the policing system disproportionately incarcerates black and brown people, perpetuates inequity and increases trauma. Sometimes the more effective solution, she said, is within the community. While it is challenging to come up with community-based responses like restorative justice, it also, for survivors, is really the only effective alternative. Because the legal system is not actually providing us justice, Torok said. She said one step is creating a culture where people who come forward can expect to be believed and met with support. It also means re-thinking how to offer survivors of sexual violence support services; right now, much of that funding flows through police departments, she said, cutting off access to victims who dont feel comfortable going to the police. And ultimately, an effective community-based approach will mean accountability for a person who causes harm too, she said. Communities themselves have to explore what that looks like outside of the constraints of the traditional legal system, she said. So far, the main action taken against Jones has been the MDPs suspension of him. But some see room for improvement in that system. Huff issued a statement through the group Survivor Strong, which supports survivors of gender-based violence, calling on the MDP to change how it handles allegations of sexual assault within the party. In a statement co-signed by the Metro Detroit Political Action Network, Michigan Mutual Aid Coalition and The Mosaic Collective, the groups call for the elimination of the language around disclosing assault to law enforcement; extending the window of time in which other code of conduct violations can be filed; allowing bystanders and third parties to report code of conduct violations; and the hiring of a paid MDP employee who could both provide sexual harassment and assault training and coordinate investigations. Huff said the changes would make it easier for victims of sexual assault to come forward than it is in the current system. Everything they lay out has a tremendous flaw in how it treats victims and what it expects of people. None of its trauma-informed, none of this has a shred of decency, Huff said of the current system. Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, is a progressive and a sexual assault survivor. She said in the progressive movement, theres an understanding that police interactions can be deadly for Black men. Asking a victim of sexual assault to report that to the police, even knowing the risks police interaction could pose if their abuser is Black, asks them to walk an unfair line, Pohutsky said. She thinks the MDPs policy around sexual harassment and assault could use some re-examination and noted there had recently been conversations about and revisions to the House and Senates sexual harassment policies, as well. Were becoming less tolerant of abusive and inappropriate behavior and I think that our policies need to be updated to reflect that, Pohutsky said. More on MLive: Michigan Democratic Party suspends caucus chair amid sexual assault allegations Butt pinches, threesome requests and a glass ceiling: sexism is systemic in Michigans political culture Women face sexism in Michigan politics. But the political system desperately needs them. Few have faith in the Michigan Legislatures sexual harassment and discrimination policies. Can that be fixed? On the screen, Lizmary Fernandez starts a livestream and takes a deep breath. She looks strong and resolute. Shes surrounded by friends. And shes about to make a very different video than one of her thats been circulating on Facebook for a few weeks. My name is Lizmary Fernandez. Im 20 years old, and Im a recent graduate of Michigan State University. And today, I wanted to share my story of my sexual assault, she says. On June 29, 2020, Fernandez was marching with the group One Michigan for Immigrant Rights at a protest organized by Detroit Will Breathe, part of the wave of national reaction to the killing of George Floyd. She participated in a number of marches that summer, she told MLive, but theres a reason she remembers this one. Were just walking and I feel someone grab my butt, she said. When she looks back, she said, she sees a man in a wheelchair. She doesnt know who it is at the time, but people fill her in later: they say its Baba Baxter Jones, a respected activist and chair of the Michigan Democratic Partys Disability Caucus. What she didnt know at the time was that the aftermath was all on video. A livestream from that day shows her rushing away from the man, looking back at him. You can hear her reporting what she says happened, first to friends and then to One Michigan leadership, and the video cuts out. She said she remembers a member of the group confronting Jones, and she remembers yelling. She said she was uncomfortable. It was crazy because it happened and we still kept marching. And so, I didnt really have a lot of time to process things, she said. When the march stopped at a park, I just started crying. After she came forward publicly with her allegation against Jones last week, the Michigan Democratic Party suspended his membership pending an investigation. We take all allegations of assault seriously. In this instance, Mr. Jones has been notified that his membership to the Michigan Democratic Party has been suspended. We will continue to investigate and maintain a zero tolerance approach toward anyone in an MDP leadership or staff role that engages in physical, mental, or sexual harassment or assault, said MDP Chair LaVora Barnes in a statement. Fernandez is not the only woman accusing Jones of sexual assault. Another woman, Bridget Huff, alleges he grabbed her butt and slid his hand between her legs at a political activism event in 2019. Jones did not respond to MLives request for comment on the allegations. At a forum hosted by the Disability Caucus last week that MLive obtained a recording of, he denied Fernandezs allegation and said he had not been afforded due process. I feel a great deal of empathy towards this young woman who expressed that she experienced harm during this march. However, I must say at this time, emphatically, that I did not do what was alleged, he said. Not being believed was part of what Fernandez says sacred her in the first place. She says those fears grew when she learned Jones had a position of authority. That was really scary to me. Because I was thinking like, if I say something, is there going to be an army of people telling me that, you know, that didnt happen?... The backlash really scared me. She chose to report what had happened to event organizers who did not return a request for comment and remain anonymous. She says she didnt feel comfortable going to the police. I still dont believe that the police could help me in any way and I just, I didnt want to involve the police. I wasnt comfortable with going and getting a police report, said Fernandez. But also, I just dont think that the police you know historically helps black women, or believes black women. So thats something that I didnt consider. And then, she says, there was another consideration: this happened at a protest sparked by police brutality toward a Black man. Because of the history of Black men being accused of sexual assault and facing terrible consequences, like lynching, she said, saying something against a Black man is difficult. There are naturally people who are going to feel like its unfair or are going to feel like youre targeting Black men or not, you know, giving them a fair process, Fernandez said. In protest spaces, historically, women have walked this line, she said. A lot of the times in civil rights movements, women have been told, you know, we have to focus on the race issue first and then be a woman afterwards. Like it doesnt come both at the same time.... you cant choose when youre just a woman or when youre just Black. And so I think, you know, that plays a big role, Fernandez said. Tonjie Reese is the founder of eleven-24, a group that works to reduce the prevalence of relationship abuse and sexual violence through education and trainings. Much of her work centers on the intersection between race and sexual violence. When it comes to reporting sexual assault by a Black man, she said, there are hundreds of years of history to consider. Last century, the perceived threat of a Black man raping a white woman became almost a kryptonite, she said. In high-profile incidents nationally, Black men were historically imprisoned or killed over such allegations. In 1931, nine Black teenagers dubbed the Scottsboro Boys were tried and imprisoned over false allegations they had raped two white women. In 1955, 14-year-old Emmet Till was murdered after allegedly whistling at a white woman. In 1989, the rape of a white woman jogging in Central Park prompted the imprisonment of five Black and Latino teenagers who were later exonerated when a different man confessed to the crime. So, when it comes to Black men being accused of sexual crimes, The reason why this is so hard is because we cannot ignore the racist past of things. We cant ignore the myth of the Black rapist, because it creates this bias and this belief that black men are dangerous, Reese said. And because of that, theres every attempt possible to make sure that Black men are not seen as dangerous without due process. She said that from what shes seen publicly, she sees a form of community justice at work around Jones. The Michigan Democratic Party has suspended his membership. Some community members have publicly lent support to Fernandez. Justice looks different for everybody and can take a lot of different forms, she said. Sexual violence is so personal, and its that persons body. And thats why we start by believing, we start by believing somebody, Reese said. Fernandez says she thinks the MDPs response was appropriate, and a good step toward accountability. She also wants to see Jones prevented from being in positions of power, or in community spaces where he could harm other people. Some of that, she knows, will take community-wide action. Theres not really a process, a restorative justice process, in our communities. And we dont really know what that looks like. So, I hope that what comes out of this is a way for survivors to seek justice and healing in a way that does not involve the police, said Fernandez. And, she hopes women see that when they come forward about sexual violence, they can be heard and that will be on their side. I just hope that women are empowered to speak out even if the person that harmed them has a lot of power or has a lot of influence, Fernandez said. More on MLive: I sat down on the toilet lid and I cried. Second woman comes forward with sexual assault allegation against Baxter Jones Butt pinches, threesome requests and a glass ceiling: sexism is systemic in Michigans political culture Women face sexism in Michigan politics. But the political system desperately needs them. Few have faith in the Michigan Legislatures sexual harassment and discrimination policies. Can that be fixed? Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson last week asked a judge to excuse her from a May 24 deposition in an ongoing election fraud lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from Nov. 3 Antrim County election results that were initially reported incorrectly to reflect President Joe Biden won in the Republican-leaning county. It was later discovered that tabulation machines reported incorrect numbers due to clerical errors and the results were quickly corrected to show former President Donald Trump actually won the county. The initial complaint cited public statements made by Benson following the Antrim County election mishap, but its unusual for elected officials to be deposed in civil lawsuits. William Bailey, a Central Lake Township resident and voter, sued Antrim County in November alleging election integrity concerns regarding the use of Dominion Voting Systems machines that produced the erroneous results. State lawyers arguing on behalf of Benson said high-ranking government officials cant be forced to testify unless the information they are capable of providing is related to personal knowledge of the matter and its impossible to obtain the same information from a subordinate or representative. In discussions with the opposing attorney, Matthew DePerno, over deposition scheduling, Assistant Attorney General Erik Grill in an email said the request to depose Benson was neither necessary nor appropriate. She was not directly involved in any of the events or issues concerning the Antrim election, and has no information to provide that cannot be obtained through her election staff, the April 19 email said. When the request for deposition wasnt withdrawn, state attorneys filed a motion for a protective order to block the deposition. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on May 18. Benson wasnt initially named in the lawsuit, but filed a request to intervene as an added defendant, in part because the lawsuit posed statewide election integrity questions. Antrim County Circuit Judge Kevin Elsenheimer granted Bailey the opportunity to conduct a forensic audit of the Antrim County election results, voting machines and software. He and DePerno hired Allied Security Operations Group, a Dallas-based cyber-security company with Republican ties, to conduct an audit in December. The eventual report was disputed due to a lack of evidence supporting its bold claims that Dominion Voting Systems machines and accompanying software that is used in numerous Michigan counties were intentionally and purposefully designed with inherent errors to create systemic fraud and influence election results. Bensons staff solicited a report of its own that disputed the Allied Security Operations Group report. The secretary of state hired J. Alex Halderman, a computer security and systems specialist and professor at the University of Michigan, to conduct his own election audit. He released his report titled Analysis of the Antrim County, Michigan November 2020 Election Incident, which outlined procedural and computer-related flaws. Halderman blamed the election night debacle on the mishandling of last-minute ballot design changes, but said its unlikely to have occurred widely in Michigan during the 2020 election. Although vulnerabilities in election technology are well documented, the Antrim County incident was not caused by a security breach, he said. There is also no credible evidence that it was caused deliberately. Bailey and his attorney now claim they have evidence rebutting Halderman thats revealed in a new report entered into the court record as an exhibit on Monday. That report can be viewed here. We have the proof that voting machines used in the 2020 elections can be compromised and votes easily transferred from one candidate to another, DePernos law firm website proclaims. More on MLive: Cyber Ninjas refute Michigan election audit Judge reins in sprawling election lawsuit case Clerks allege fishing expedition Communications with Trump campaign are irrelevant, judge rules Zuckerberg and wife donated millions to Michigan election clerks SOS ordered to turn over communications with big tech Plaintiff claims SOS is withholding records Antrim County hand recount results in 12 new votes for Trump Software isnt good at detecting human error Election recount, legal challenges unlikely to overturn Bidens win in Michigan LANSING, MI The state of Michigan is taking blood samples from firefighters as part of a project to study how much exposure they receive to toxic PFAS chemicals. This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced the launch of the PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) project, a multi-year $1 million biomonitoring effort to assess firefighter exposure to the forever chemicals. Firefighters can be exposed to PFAS when handling aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a type of chemical-based firefighting foam used by airports and municipal departments to battle fires involving gasoline, oil and jet fuel. Recent studies have also shown firefighters can be exposed to PFAS through their gear and by inhaling fire station dust. The findings will help inform activities to minimize firefighters exposure to PFAS, said Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive. Emerging science continues to reveal the effects that PFAS can have on human health, and the firefighters who participate in the PFOMS project will contribute to our understanding of PFAS exposure among firefighters. The state is currently recruiting career and volunteer firefighters at randomly selected departments. The goal is to get blood samples and survey data from 600 to 900 firefighters over the next three years. Drinking water samples are also being taken at fire stations. The project launched April 28 at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Fire Department. Six other departments in Tuscola, Alcona, Lenawee, Ingham, Allegan and Oakland counties are participating in the first year of the project. Those departments include the ACW Unionville Fire Department, Alcona Township Fire Department, Cambridge Township Fire Department, Capital City Airport Department of Public Safety, Dorr Township Fire Department, and Rochester Hills Fire Department. The project is among several studies around PFAS exposure underway at the state health department that involve analyzing the blood of certain populations in Michigan. Its being funded by the state and U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Advocates and experts have sounded the alarm in recent years about occupational exposure for firefighters, who handle the chemicals when fighting fires with foam but are also wearing protective turnout gear that is coated with PFAS chemicals. In 2019, experts with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), published a white paper showing that high levels of the compound PFHxS are being found in the blood of firefighters. The chemical is a common ingredient in firefighting foams and is one of seven PFAS chemicals the state of Michigan regulates in drinking water and groundwater. A 2020 study led by University of Notre Dame researcher Graham Peaslee found that large amounts of PFAS in firefighter gear is leaching into inner layers of their coats. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious diseases, including kidney and testicular cancer, as well as reductions in vaccine efficacy and reproductive complications. The PFAS research builds upon data and studies showing cancer to be a leading cause of death over the past few decades among firefighters. Firefighting foam has caused numerous cases of environmental contamination from PFAS in Michigan and around the country. New state laws were passed in 2020 requiring stricter documentation and notification about the use of AFFF on a fire, as well as more training around handling foam. The state also collected more than 51,000 gallons of Class B AFFF foam in 2020 from local fire departments around Michigan and shipped it to a hazardous waste landfill. Airports are still required by the Federal Aviation Administration to use AFFF foam, although those rules are set to change this fall to allow for use of fluorine-free foams. This spring, an AFFF spill at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport led to a spike in PFAS levels in wastewater discharged to the Kalamazoo River. At the national level, a defense bill passed in 2019 requires the military to phase out PFAS-laden foam use starting in 2024 and stop most training with it. Related stories: 3M sues Michigan to invalidate PFAS rules PFAS exposure may reduce COVID vaccine potency Kzoo airport switches to new foam after AFFF spill Michigan collects 30k gallons of PFAS firefighting foam Whitmer signs bills regulating PFAS foam use Whitmer invokes defense bill to force strict PFAS cleanup Democrats ready to move on PFAS under Biden Pioneering lawyer wants U.S. to move faster on PFAS PFAS activist says blood testing probably saved her life Michigan PFAS site list surges past 100 Kristina Karamo falsely claimed former President Donald Trump won Michigan and spent weeks challenging the election results. Now shes running for Secretary of State, the office responsible for administering election law. Karamo, an Oak Park resident, was a poll challenger at the TCF Center in Detroit who claimed she witnessed irregularities in the processing of absentee ballots. Karamo made dozens of appearances on right-wing media outlets as a whistleblower, testified before a Michigan legislative committee and supported legal efforts to overturn the presidential election. Related: A closer look at how Trump lost Michigan: State releases election results by city, township Michigans certified election results show President Joe Biden won the state by 154,188 votes. Last month, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson released details on 250 post-election audits that reaffirmed the accuracy of the election. The majority of audits were conducted by bipartisan county clerks. The audits found no examples of fraud or intentional misconduct by election officials and no evidence that equipment used to tabulate or report election results did not function properly when properly programmed and tested. Benson, a Democrat, has called the 2020 election the most fair, secure and accurate in Michigans history. The former president and his allies continue to allege widespread fraud caused him to lose the state regardless, despite a lack of evidence. Benson has not announced whether she will run for re-election in 2022. She was elected in 2018 with 53% of the vote. Karamo formed her candidate committee on March 19. Her campaign issued a press release Thursday announcing her candidacy. The release touts her appearance on Fox News programs. Karamo was interviewed by Sean Hannity, Lous Dobbs and other conservative media personalities about her experiences at the TCF Center in Detroit. Her campaign website lists election integrity as a top issue and states Karamo built a patriot team who are researching election failures. Running to be Secretary of State is not a career move for me, Karmano said in a statement. I am running to remove corruption from our elections and from the Michigan SOS office. That corruption is a real threat to our survival as a state and as a nation. A secure election is how we the people, give our consent to be governed. Cathleen Postmus, a Plainfield Township clerk, is also running for the Republican Partys nomination. Postmus was re-elected to the clerks office for a second term in 2020 and ran unopposed. A website for her secretary of state campaign also cites a need for increased transparency and accountability in how we run our elections. Shaun Whitehead filed a candidate committee with no party affiliation in March. Karamo testified before the Senate Oversight Committee during a December hearing on the election. Oversight Committee Chair Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said the probe revealed no evidence of widespread fraud. Like Trump, Karamo criticized Michigan Republicans who pushed back against allegations that the election was stolen. Karamo called then-House Speaker Lee Chatfield, a Republican who met with Trump after the election but refused to replace the Democratic electors, a fraud in a tweet published days after Michigans Electoral College vote. Karamo repeatedly pointed to Antrim County as evidence of alleged irregularities that tipped the state to Biden. A legal battle is ongoing over the results. An audit and hand recount of the votes showed a total of 9,759 votes for Trump and 5,959 for Biden a net change of 12 votes from the tabulated results. Karamo included her affidavit in a lawsuit filed by members of Black Voices for Trump. The lawsuit sought an injunction preventing Michigans results from being certified, but was rejected in a 4-3 decision by the Michigan Supreme Court. Karamo also filed to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general that sought to block Michigans Electoral College votes from being counted. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. Karamo is a member of MIGOP state committee and was on the Black leadership committee with Right to Life, an anti-abortion group. She unsuccessfully ran for Oakland County commissioner in 2018. Karamo teaches a college orientation class at Wayne County Community College. She has a masters degree in Christian Apologetics, the study of defending theology, and a bachelors degree in communication and media studies from Oakland University. MLive contacted Karamos campaign with a request for comment. The campaign did not arrange an interview Thursday. READ MORE ON MLIVE: A closer look at how Trump lost Michigan: State releases election results by city, township Judge reins in sprawling Michigan election fraud lawsuit Antrim County hand recount results in 12 new votes for Trump With the world watching, a Republican state canvasser helps make Bidens win in Michigan official Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday vetoed a bill proposing a tax exemption for broadband internet equipment for qualified businesses. The governor vetoed a similar bill last month, saying internet speed requirements in the bill were too low and the cost was too high. Senate President Pro Tempore Aric Nesbett, R-Lawton, who sponsored Senate Bill 46, said via Twitter that lawmakers took that critique into account, but the bill still did not get signed. Unfortunately, Governor Whitmer again vetoed legislation to expand high speed Internet access, he wrote. We accommodated her request for faster speeds, but now there are new excuses while hundreds of thousands of Michiganders still lack adequate service. Whitmers veto letter said high-speed internet is a priority for her administration, noting $20 million in grants for the Connecting Michigan Communities program, but the bill stopped short of making it accessible for everyone in the state. She said she was disappointed the bill did not include the National Communications Infrastructure Administration grantees, which primarily focuses on businesses serving tribal and minority communities, among those who would receive tax relief. Additionally, the governor said the bill creates a tax exemption for equipment as a solution to a lack of broadband service, but does not create a way for assessors to determine what equipment would be eligible. Both vetoed bills would reduce property tax revenue to the state by an unknown amount that would depend on the specific characteristics of equipment exempted by the bill and the businesses that owned the equipment, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agencys analysis of the tax exemption found it was unlikely it would expand access or add new subscribers. Approximately one-third of households that do not subscribe to internet access service indicate the service is too expensive, according to the agency. The agency provided this assessment: Assuming any tax savings were passed on to consumers, the property tax exemption under the bill would be unlikely to lower prices sufficiently to entice those who do not subscribe for cost reasons to join, given that broadband in Michigan is more affordable than the national average and compared to the cost of the acquisition, maintenance and operational costs of the equipment. Moving forward, Whitmer said she looks forward to working with the Legislature on a spending bill using American Rescue Plan funds toward Michigans high-speed internet infrastructure. The federal plan included $10 billion in funding for broadband projects. More on MLive: Michigan House bill would create state registry for fact checkers Michigan House-passed bill would spell out conflict of interest policy for lawmakers Independent commission kicks off public comment tour for input on drawing political district maps Ghana Health Service (GHS) has shot down claims that there is an increasing trend of babies born with deformities in the Sewum Health Center in the Aowin District of the Western North Region. The Ghana Health Service in a statement said available data shows that there has not been any case of birth defect at the Sewum Health Center in 2021. According to the service, three cases were instead recorded in different facilities in the municipality in the year 2020. The Regional Health Directorate has on record of two (2) cases of birth anomalies reported from Aowin municipality in 2021, and none from Sewum Health Centre, the Ghana Health Service said in a statement. Several news reports earlier this week said medical staff at the Sewum Health Center in the Aowin District say they are recording many cases of newborn babies being born without nose, ears, mouth due to activities of illegal mining popularly known as galamsey. The reports say pregnant women in the community are continuously losing their newborn babies because the women drink water contaminated with chemicals used by the illegal miners. But according to the Ghana Health Service, the reports are false. In 2020, there was no case of birth defect at Sewum Health Center but a total of three (3) case of birth anomalies were reported in the entire Aowin Municipality. From the above, and data available to us at the Western North Region, there is no increasing trend in both anomalies at Sewum Health Center, Aowin Municipality or at Western North region, the Ghana Health Service said in its statement. ---citinewsroom Some angry residents of Keta Municipal Assembly (KeMA) has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo led government to take steps to save the Municipality from what they called a lot of rot, looting, stealing and white-collar robbery." The group demanded a full-scale investigation into the alleged practices of financial malfeasance, indiscriminate sharing of reclaimed lands, and misapplication of funds responsible for the retarded growth of the 33-year old Assembly and for those found culpable to face the law. The demand was contained in a petition to the President, which was read to the media at the end of a street protest organised by Concerned Citizens of Anloland to register their dissatisfaction about happenings in the Assembly. Mr Wonder Setsoafia Deynu, the Convenor who addressed the media said investigations the group painstakingly carried out, revealed Mr Makafui Kofi Woanya, Volta Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party as the one responsible for the unpleasant happenings in the Assembly. The seven-itemised petition dwelt on indiscriminate sharing of reclaimed land, illegal award of contracts, missing COVID-19 funds, missing Persons with Disability (PWDs) funds, failure of technocrats, dereliction of duty by the sub-committee of the Assembly, and other corrupt practices which allegedly deprived the assembly of thousands of Ghana cedis needed to improve lives of citizens. The petition concluded that Mr Woanya who doubles as the Chairman of the Development Sub-Committee at KeMA had no business being an appointee of KeMA but rather the Anloga District Assembly where his polling Station, Anloga Lashibi is located saying, we want to state that until Hon Makafui Woanya and his cronies and assigns are booted out of Keta, this Municipality would sink and sink forever. Mr Courage Adabla, a 20-year old PWD said as vulnerable as he is, he had never received any support from the Assembly and attributed that to the alleged misappropriation of funds. Mr Jonas Yador, an opinion leader at Abutiakope said as a concerned citizen of the area, he had to join in the protest to expose the rot happening at the Assembly for action to be taken to save it from sinking any deeper. ---GNA Listen to article The petitioner in the Assin North election petition case, Michael Ankomah-Nimfa, is asking the court to order another parliamentary election to be held in the constituency. The lawyers of the petitioner made the submission during a court sitting on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. One of the lawyers for Mr. Ankomah-Nimfa, Henry Nana Boakye, in briefing the media after the court hearing indicated that their request is supported with case evidence and that they have already filed their closing addresses. He was hopeful that the judgement on the matter would be in favour of the petitioner. One of the reliefs we are seeking is for the court to order for a re-election to be conducted in Assin North. We have stated our case forcefully, and we have supported it with case evidence. We have even filed our closing addresses, and we are sure that the respondents will be served. All of these are just delay antics and just to drag the matter behind. But we are forthright and resolute that this matter will be determined, and it will be determined on the merit of the case and based on the 1992 constitution and the relevant laws regarding the qualification of an aspirant to be a candidate or to be elected as a member of parliament, he said. Michael Ankomah-Nimfa of Assin Bereku filed the petition at the Cape Coast High Court seeking to annul the declaration of Mr. James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency. Mr. Quayson, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP-elect, polled 17,498 votes against the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Madam Abena Durowaa Mensah, who had 14,793 in the December 7, 2020 election. In November last year, a group calling itself 'Concerned Citizens of Assin North' petitioned the Electoral Commission in the Central Region to withdraw the candidature of Mr. Quayson, arguing that he owes allegiance to Canada. He was challenged for having dual citizenship contrary to the expressed provision of Article 94 (2) (a) of the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which states, A person shall not be qualified to be a member of Parliament if he (a) owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana. Meanwhile, the Cape Coast High Court 3 has adjourned the case to May 18, 2021. ---citinewsroom For the first time, the study provides a comprehensive overview of nature-based solutions (NbS) to reduce climate change and benefit biodiversity in the United Kingdom. The detailed review of the available data, which includes contributions from over 100 scientists, outlines the strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs of NbS in various environments across the UK. NbS "The Nature-based Solutions study provides a real framework for setting practical strategies and incentives that will maximize the gains of nature-based solutions in the UK for the environment and biodiversity," said Professor Jane Memmott, President of the British Ecological Society. Despite the wide variety of advantages that NbS have, the study emphasizes that they can be seen as a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, other climate and conservation actions. Related Article: Sustainable New Normal: Green Energy Capacity Increases by 45% During COVID-19 Pandemic The following are some instances of how NbS can help the environment: Freshwater Freshwater habitats such as rivers and wetlands have high biodiversity, but this is being endangered by climate change, increasing the likelihood of floods and drought due to shifting rainfall patterns. Professor Chris Spray, the lead author of the Freshwater chapter at the University of Dundee, said: "Protecting these endangered habitats would necessitate a 'wholescape' catchment solution that integrates ecological, cultural, and socioeconomic processes. Planting trees along riverbanks, for example, will preserve habitats by providing shelter and building thermal refuges, as well as slowing the flow of water to help mitigate flood risk." Grasslands Grazing grasslands by a diverse range of animals on the same landscape, such as sheep, cattle, horses, goats, and alpacas, will improve grassland sward diversity and greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions can also be reduced by switching from constant grazing to rotational or hybrid grazing. Marine Ecosystems Investing in NbS that preserve or maintain marine areas has several advantages and minor drawbacks. Good coastal habitats provide high biodiversity, playing critical ecological functions such as fish nursery grounds, in addition to providing shelter from storm surges, reducing coastal floods, and improving human welfare. Arable Agroforestry, or the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, is an NbS that provides carbon sequestration and conservation, with average storage of up to 63 tons of carbon per hectare due to the increased presence of trees. Agroforestry also decreases flood risk and soil degradation while increasing biodiversity by providing tree cover and insect and bird habitat. Developed Ecosystems Cities with plenty of trees have a lot of carbon-capture opportunities. Despite occupying 0.03 percent of Britain's land area, the city of Leicester accounts for nearly 0.2 percent of Britain's aboveground carbon store, with trees accounting for over 97 percent of this. Urban trees also have a localized cooling impact, which is expected to save 22 million in annual energy usage in London alone. Furthermore, trees improve leisure and people's relationship to nature and benefit wildlife by creating habitat and improving connectivity. Also Read: Green Consumption: 5 Eco-Friendly, Sustainability-Promoting Brands Worth Checking Out For more news update about Environmental Action, don't forget to follow Nature World News! The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, has called for maximum restraint over the Wesley Girls' SHS decision to prevent Muslims from Ramadan fasting in the school. There has been a media warfare following the decision, with members of the Christian Community seemingly defending the school. But the Chief Imam in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, noted with anxiety the rising tension which constitutes a security threat to the existing state of harmony in the country. According to the statement, in the light of the above, the National Chief Imam wishes to call on all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and allow opportunity for leadership to bring closure to the matter in peace and harmony. ---DGN online The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has advised Citi FM/Citi TV and its Broadcast Journalist, Caleb Kudah, to take legal action against National Security operatives who allegedly assaulted him. The Foundations Executive Secretary, Sulemana Braimah, says no one in the National security is above the law, and that those who break the law must face the consequences. I only hope that as our friend Caleb has narrated, if he was indeed assaulted, this is a matter that we should talk about. We should report to the police and pursue legal action. I dont think that anybody who is a National Security person is immune to our Justice system and so I think is something that we have to do. This comes after the Broadcast Journalist, Caleb Kudah, was arrested by some national security operatives for filming abandoned vehicles procured by MASLOC that had been parked at the Ministry for several years now. Speaking on Eyewitness News, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah, stated that over the last four years, Ghanas ranking in press freedom has declined drastically. I think that over the last four years things have not been good for us. In 2018 Ghana was ranked number one in Africa, in terms of press freedom by reporters in our borders. Subsequently, we keep dropping although our past credentials still look good in terms of our press freedom conditions in relation to other countries in Africa. And so when it comes to the ranking, we are already positively placed, but if you look at the last four years, for example, we have about 56 individual incidents of violations. And some of these violations involved multiple journalists so you may have journalists assaulted in one particular incident. So, if we are talking about individual victims, we may be talking about 70 journalists. He also stated that the situation continues to occur because the victims chose not to seek justice. Unfortunately, nothing is done to ensure that those who commit these crimes are punished and on some occasions, the individual victims tend not to be concerned or not to be interested in pursuing the matter and in seeking justice, he added. ---citinewsroom A former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Mr Stephen Amoah says 96% of the imported cars are in use, while only 12 faulty ones have been parked at the National Security car park. According to him, the vehicles were moved to the present location due to lack of space at the head office and for security reasons. He further explained that as of now and per my checks, we have only 12 of the small cars on the premises of the National Security as a result of a factory defect; they had problems with their engines. Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, the Nhyiaeso legislator in response to whether the vehicles were parked at the national security installation or the car park of the national security office, explained that, I cant provide security details of that. He however said that for the security and protection of the vehicles, we [MASLOC] had the opportunity to use the park of the national security, and they have their own rules. Mr. Stephen Amoah clarified that the GPRTU had rejected the vehicles over claims that the prices were too outrageous so they could not use them. The cars that they [GPRTU] agreed to be procured, were not the [same imported] cars in terms of quality, durability, and functional life so they decided not to take the cars. This explanation was ignited by the recent harassment of two Broadcast Journalists of Citi FM/Citi TV, Caleb Kudah and Zoe Abu-Baidoo Addo, over a phone video capturing some abandoned cars at the National Security office. Recounting his story, Caleb Kudah explained that he was capturing evidence to support his claim that the imported vehicles by MASLOC were wasting away at the National Security premises. Arrest and interrogation Police officers on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, arrested Caleb Kudah, a broadcast journalist with Citi FM and Citi TV. According to the police, he was arrested for filming at the premises of the National Security Ministry, a supposed restricted security zone. About seven heavily armed officers subsequently stormed the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in an attempt to arrest, Zoe Abu-Baidoo, another broadcast journalist with the respected media house, whom they claimed had received files from Caleb Kudah. In an attempt to arrest Zoe after tagging her as Caleb Kudah's accomplice, the heavily armed officers besieged the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in three different vehicles. While at the premises, the officers tried to overpower Zoe, who at the time was standing at the company's car park. Zoe Abu-Baidoo subsequently bolted and reported the issue to her superiors after sensing danger because some of the officers tried to capture her. The incident shocked the staff who had come out in their numbers to catch a glimpse of it. Management of Citi FM headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Attah-Mensah, who was present at the time of the incident, intervened and together with Zoe and other managers of Citi FM/Citi TV, followed the officers to the National Security Ministry. They returned with Zoe Abu-Baidoo, while Caleb Kudah was interrogated for a while longer before his release later. ---citinewsroom The Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM/Citi TV, Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah has called for punitive actions against the Director of Operations of National Security Ministry, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Agyeman. According to him, the soldier exhibited a high level of unprofessionalism by physically assaulting a Citi News journalist, Caleb Kudah who was in the custody of the National Security operatives. Mr. Caleb Kudah was arrested for filming some abandoned MASLOC cars parked within the premises of the National Security Ministry. Another Citi Journalist, Zoe Abu-Baidoo, was also picked up later at the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in a raid for receiving some files from Caleb Kudah. Following his release, Caleb Kudah has been recounting harrowing experiences during his time with the National Security operatives. Mr. Kudah said he was slapped several times and physically assaulted by the security operatives, He said one of the security operatives even kicked him in his groin. Speaking on Citi TV's current affairs programme The Point of View, Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah said the Director of Operations and the operatives who molested Mr. Kudah must be sanctioned to deter others. Mr. Attah-Mensah insisted that their actions have brought disgrace to the entire government and the National Security as an institution. They have to take action against Colonel Agyeman because he is a disgrace to the government, he is a disgrace to the National Security, and he is not fit for that job. For this person to treat this young man (Caleb Kudah) like this because he has done something you (Col. Agyeman) consider inappropriate? This is why we fought for this democracy. Take him [Kudah] to court [if he has done something wrong]. This is what we are saying. Process him for court, this is what we call due process. If he did anything wrong he is wrong and wrong is wrong. So you process him for court and let the due process of the law take its rule. When the likes of Nana Akufo-Addo in the 70s and 80s were fighting for this democracy, where were you? You come and turn everything upside down in the name of primitive National Security. On the same issue, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , has said the action by the national security has embarrassed Ghana on the international scene. National security should stop embarrassing us to the international community and even more worrying, they must stop exposing their pathetic cybersecurity vulnerabilities to criminals and potential enemies of Ghana for as the experts have warned, the next frontier of war is cyberwarfare. ---citinewsroom A Private Legal Practitioner, Samson Lardi Anyenini, says the attitude of National Security operatives of seizing and accessing the content of the mobile phones of Citi News' Caleb Kudah and Zoe Abu-Baidoo was illegal. Caleb Kudah has narrated how he was beaten by some National Security operatives on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, upon his arrest and detention in a dungeon, after his phone was seized and searched by the operatives, and materials deleted from it. Subsequently, seven heavily armed SWAT personnel raided the offices of Citi FM and Citi TV, seized and searched the mobile phone of Zoe Abu-Baidoo. The invasion left many staff members traumatized. Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Anyenini said the actions of the so-called operatives are illegal and backward. You take someones phone, and you access the content. You dont have that power and our court not too long ago pronounced very emphatically on it that you cannot seize the item on the suspect unless the item is deemed to be evident that you are going to use against them in court and even when you have done a proper arrest, and you have taken the item from them, you do not have the power access the content. You need a warrant from the court. So why is it that some of our National Security operatives and policemen keep doing this very backward, unlawful, and illegal practice, and we sit in this country and condone it? What is going on? On the same issue, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , has condemned National Security operatives for besieging the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV. Mr. Ablakwa insists the move by the security agency is outmoded and must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. According to him, this has not only exposed the growing intolerance, dwindling respect for human rights and wanton abuse of power by government officials; it has also brought to the fore the lack of sophistication and the continuous preference for 'buga buga' outmoded security tactics. Mr. Ablakwa also said recent actions of the National Security have exposed challenges within the country's security apparatus to the world. National security should stop embarrassing us to the international community and even more worrying, they must stop exposing their pathetic cybersecurity vulnerabilities to criminals and potential enemies of Ghana for as the experts have warned, the next frontier of war is cyberwarfare. ---citinewsroom Listen to article A private legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Anyenini, says Citi News Caleb Kudah committed no crime by filming at the car park of the National Security Ministry. Samson Lardy Ayenini on Eyewitness News on Wednesday said we have a duty to protect and preserve public property, and to combat misuse and waste. So if journalists will take their cameras, or pens and capture what you are misusing or wasting, they are simply conducting their duty. If you are a journalist or not, and there is something going on in the public place, you are entitled to capture and reflect the same thing to the rest of us, he argued. National Security operatives arrested Caleb Kudah on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, for filming abandoned vehicles procured by MASLOC that had been parked at the Ministry for several years now. The operatives subsequently raided Citi FM in an attempt to arrest Mrs. Zoe Abu-Baidoo Addo, who Caleb had sent some of the files he captured at the Ministry electronically. But the management of Citi FM/Citi TV prevented the operatives from capturing Zoe. They subsequently escorted her to the National Security Ministry where she was interrogated and allowed to go. Mr. Kudah was also released later in the evening on Tuesday. Mr. Kudah on The Point of View on Citi TV on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, revealed how he was physically assaulted by the National Security operatives who arrested him. They seized my phone and pushed me and I sat on the chair. They [National Security operatives] slapped me from the back. I was trying to appeal to them that they had beaten me enough, but they were just slapping me from the back. I'll be talking to another one and someone will just come and slap me from the back. He said one of the security operatives even kicked him in his groin. Lambasting the National Security over the issue, Mr. Lardy Ayenini insisted that the action the security operatives took against Kudah is unlawful. The law says when arresting someone, you have to inform the person on why they are being arrested. Its not about picking up the person in that style that they did and detaining them. You cant be arrested unless the person making the arrest tells you why you are being arrested in a language that you can understand. The constitution says in Article 19(11) that no person shall be convicted of a criminal offence unless its defined. What is the offence read out to Caleb and Zoe? What were they told? he queried. According to him, the police have no right to access the materials [of individuals] when arrested. The constitution provides in Article 18(2), that the privacy of a suspects conversation is protected except where he is in an act that is criminal or endangers health. Some get intimidated and give out their password, but they [the police] are not entitled to break into it. When they do that they are infringing on the laws, he indicated. ---Citinewsroom The alleged beating up of Citi FM/TV's Caleb Kudah, by rogue myrmidon-thugs from our National Security apparatus, must be the career-watershed-moment for all of you. You must not let that metaphorical assault on Ghanaian democracy go unchallenged and unpunished. You could be the next victim. We must stop the assault on media professionals in Ghana. Now. Not tomorrow. Even if he broke any laws - and that is a moot point - nothing can justify the brutal assault on him. Ghana is a civilised African nation - and we are not barbarians either. Full stop. Enough is enough. Since international opprobrium is the only 'Agyemang' that will get the cowardly moderates in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) - who look on helplessly as the assigns of the wealthy criminals who dominate their party, carry out unspeakable and unpardonable crimes, such as the torturing of arrested journalists - to act to stop such egregious-acts-of-impunity, my humble advice to all of you, is to join the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), immediately, if you aren't yet members. After joining the ICIJ, bring Caleb Kudah's torture to their attention. Once the ICIJ intervenes, it will be brought to President Akufo-Addo's attention, and action will follow, for sure. Ghana is a democracy, not a tyrannical banana republic. Finally, I urge all of you to issue a joint statement (copied to the ICIJ) to the nation, condemning the merciless beating up of CitiFM/TV's Caleb Kudah, in no uncertain terms, and demand that all the National Security personnel who assaulted him, are prosecuted. This nonsense must stop. We are a nation of laws - not savages ruled by the law of the jungle. Haaba. There is no doubt that this country needs urgent fixing, and anyone who doesnt think so is obviously benefiting from lapses in the system. This country is sick, and unless something is done to salvage it, we might descend into a hole from which we cannot emerge. Every country has problems but Ghanas problems are almost self-inflicted and most of them defy logical explanation. Its almost as if we have been bewitched never to do well. 1. Ghanas unemployment rate is perhaps one of the worst in the world. Wages and salaries in Ghana are some of the worst in the world relative to the cost of living. And yet we are told that too much of our GDP is spent on public sector salaries and wages and that the only way out is to cut down the public sector wage bill! How do you do that without increasing the unemployment levels or reducing wages and salaries so badly that peoples monthly take-home cannot take them to even Tech Junction? 2. Long before Ghana discovered oil in commercial quantities, we had an oil refinery that refined crude oil into finished products. More than a decade into commercial production of crude oil, the only oil refinery we had is non-functioning and we have not found it necessary to get it to work and to build more refineries. I am not an economist but I think it is simple logic that building oil refineries to refine our crude oil makes more economic sense than putting all the crude into barrels and exporting it. If you build oil refineries you create jobs for your people the chemists, the chemical engineers, the mechanical engineers, the accountants, the HR personnel, the drivers, the security personnel etc. The waakye seller will set up a canteen to sell waakye to these workers, and will have to buy beans and rice and gari from the local dealer. All of these people, who otherwise would have been jobless, will be gainfully employed and would benefit from the oil wealth. All these workers will pay their taxes which will make funds available for government projects. The fact that the crude oil is refined here means that you dont have to spend dollars importing finished oil products from abroad, which in turn will lessen the pressure on the local currency and slow down the depreciation of our cedi. We dont do that. We have killed our only refinery and now export all our crude oil to other countries to be refined, creating jobs for their people, and then spend dollars to import finished products and when the price of fuel goes up and our cedi depreciates we appear helpless. Are we saying that we dont know what five oil refineries will do for the economy of this country? Someone influential is benefiting from the wholesale export of our crude oil and import of finished products. #FixTheRefineries 3. Ghana has been a leading producer of cocoa for over half a century. What is the state of our cocoa processing company(ies)? Are we saying we dont know what five cocoa processing companies will do for job creation in this country and how that will help maximize our benefits from the golden bean? #FixTheCocoaProcessingCompanies 4. Ghana has been mining gold in Obuasi probably long before Johannesburg. Compare Johannesburg the golden city of South Africa and Obuasi the golden city (I was going to say golden village but someone might beat me) of Ghana. #FixTheMiningIndustry 5. When the population of Ghana was less than five million, we saw the need to build a hydroelectric dam to generate energy to power our industries and spur economic growth. The logic was simple: hydroelectricity was cheap, safe and environmentally friendly. Sixty years later we have almost moved to gas-fired turbines. Who develops that way? #FixTheEnergySector 6. Why is there so much corruption in this country? Put a Ghanaian in a place of responsibility and his first job is to look for an opportunity to take advantage of the system. Make a Ghanaian the chairman of the governing board of a public institution and he will make sure that every job vacancy is filled with his cronies and children of his cronies. Every recruitment exercise has "chairman's list" which is usually 9 out of every 10 slots available. Access to government scholarships is based on your proximity to someone in high places. Access to job opportunities is all based on whom you know and not on your own capabilities. We have become a country of connections, a country of protocol, a country of come and see me. How do you develop a country with that attitude? #FixTheCorruption. 7. Why does the average Ghanaian worker have such a terrible work ethic? We arrive at work late and then spend the first hour in prayer, we become clock watchers and leave in the middle of critical work because it is the official closing time. Everything comes to a stop when it rains and we seem to expect the rest of the world also to stop. We have no respect for the hours set aside for work. We pray, we eat, we visit during working hours. We spend hours chatting on the telephone we take a week off for every funeral and then we wonder why we are not competitive. If you dont want to work, who do you think should work to develop the economy for you? #FixTheWorkEthic 8. How do you expect a journalist who lives on soli to adequately play the role of the fourth estate of the realm, fairly, fearlessly and professionally holding those in authority accountable for their actions? #FixThePoorJournalism We need to fix this country and each of us has a role of play: 1. It is time politicians are made aware that they cant come and make sweet promises for us to elect them to power and when they come and renege on their promises and we complain they say we are complaining too much. If you shout #4moreToDoMore and you come and you dont do more, we will rise up and tell you to #FixTheCountry 2. It is important for our leaders to understand that putting money in peoples pockets means creating jobs for them and not sharing ten cedis ten cedis at campaign grounds, and the best way to do that is to create industries out of our resources. 3. It is time the citizenry understood that a corrupt and lazy people do not deserve development. 4. It is time for our pastors and Imams to teach their followers to be responsible citizens by eschewing laziness and corruption. Shalom! By: Dr Richard Tia Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, KNUST. Listen to article A Supreme Court Justice, Yaw Appau, says the fight against corruption by successive governments has failed due to the lack of political will. The ruling government has come under heavy criticism for failing to deal with corruption, particularly following the resignation of Martin Amidu as Special Prosecutor and the retiring of Auditor General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo. Speaking at a Leadership Dialogue series by the Centre for Social Justice, Justice Appau said successive governments have failed at eradicating the canker because of the lack of interest in leaders to prosecute offenders. We have gone through numerous workshops and seminars on what public sector and political corruption is. Why are we not, therefore, addressing it, or why cant we address it? The answer is simple; poverty of leadership and the lack of political will, he said. Despite the backlash, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has said he is satisfied with the effectiveness of his government's anti-corruption fight, adding that there is evidence to this performance. For him, Ghana's improved ranking on global corruption indexes is a testament to how well the government has performed. Speaking in an interview with CNN, President Akufo-Addo said since his government came to power, Ghana's anti-corruption ranking has gone up several notches. Am I satisfied that we've been effective? I will say yes. A lot has been done, and it is reflected in Ghana's growing position and rankings of corruption in the world. We've gone up several notches since I came into office because we are dealing with these matters at the basic level, he said. Nana Akufo-Addo said anti-corruption institutions in the country were poorly resourced at the time he took over office in 2017, however, he has ensured that they are adequately resourced to work. He said his action goes beyond making wonderful statements to actually making efforts to ensure that the tools needed by anti-corruption agencies are provided to ensure that they work efficiently. For the anti-corruption institutions of our country, when I came into office, [they] were very poorly resourced. We can talk all we like about corruption and make all the wonderful statements but if the instruments at your disposal for dealing with it are weak and blunt, you will get no result, he said. Asked about the exit of Daniel Domelevo from office as the Auditor-General, the president said he did not force Mr. Domelevo to leave office. He said Domelevo's exit was purely on the grounds that he had attained the retirement age and was due to retire. Akufo-Addo further said he believes Mr. Domelevo should be open and eager to ensure that the country's law on retirement is obeyed. There's a time for retiring which is prescribed by statute, not my making. If you are 60 years old you are no longer supposed to be able to work in the public service. The Auditor-General, like me, should be some of the first to recognize the laws in our country, he added. ---citinewsroom Popular fetish priestess-turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, yesterday told an Accra Circuit Court that she has settled all her outstanding debts to the National Communications Authority (NCA). In addition to her debt, she also told the court presided over by His Honour Emmanuel Essandor that she has also paid two years' of her licence in advance for the running of her Accra-based satellite television channel 'Thunder TV', which was one of the 49 channels shut down by the NCA for operating illegally. She did not mention the amount paid and did not provide any receipt to show she indeed made any payments. The prosecution led by Detective Inspector Frederick Sarpong however, told the court that he was not aware of either the settlement or the two years' advance payment as Agradaa claimed she made. The court then ordered the prosecution to file all of its disclosures which it intends to rely on for the trial and ensure that counsel for Agradaa is served with the documents to enable her to prepare adequately for her defence for the impending trial. The case was adjourned to May 26, 2021. Main Trial Agradaa was hauled before the court charged with offences of charlatanic advertisement (Sika Gari) contrary to section 137 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960. She has also been charged under section 110 of the Electronic Transaction Act 2008, Act 772. On April 22, Agradaa pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted a GH500,000 self-recognizance bail by the court, which also ordered her to deposit her passport at the registry of the court as part of the bail conditions. Security Swoop She said recently that I was at work when the National Security picked me up. They said my station was one of the 49 they are closing down. I admitted I had not paid my licence for about a year. Sika Gari Her 'Thunder' television station, as well as 47 other networks, were all shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) on April 21. According to the authorities, Agradaa has been using her 'Thunder TV', in particular, to advertise Sika Gari, a supposed money-multiplying ritual intervention, which she describes as her personal god and advertises lavishly. The police later said that a number of people have come forward claiming Agradaa duped them and have subsequently filed official complaints against her. The fraud charges pressed against her were lodged in different police stations across the country, and in all the complaints filed, they mentioned Sika Gari as the reason for being defrauded, according to the police. A video earlier popped up showing the controversial Agradaa defending her Sika Gari rituals, giving reasons she dupes those who want to be rich overnight and makes her hoodlums attack such people when they try to prove stubborn. Agradaa, in a cynical fashion, tried to quote from the Bible by saying that the Holy Book even says that a fool will sweep his home and bring the money to the wise one. In a tone that suggested some level of impunity, Agradaa said spiritual matters cannot be proven in court. Dramatic Shift Agradaa on Tuesday, April 27, held a news conference claiming she is turning to Christ and would not do the fetish business again. She got out of jail on Thursday, April 22, after her highly publicised arrest on Wednesday, April 21, but was quickly re-arrested by the police, supposedly over a complaint filed by Reverend Kwaku Antwi, popularly known as Rev. Obofuor, founder and general overseer of the Anointed Palace Chapel. She was subsequently released on Friday evening, April 23, and she held a news conference later denouncing the gods she has been serving and said she is now an evangelist ready to do the will of God. Seeing Christ She had said, I have seen Christ. I have stopped using the name Nana Agradaa. I am now going to use Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng. She then apologised profusely to all the pastors she had been berating on her 'Thunder TV' saying, I have sinned against all the prominent men of God that I was attacking. I ask for your forgiveness. Agradaa said whilst in detention, she resolved to dedicate her life to the course of God's work. People have been advising me to turn to Christ. My husband Pastor Eric Oduro Koranteng has been telling me to repent. I went to my spiritual father, Pastor Joseph Kyere and he baptized me on Monday ahead of the Easter holidays but I did not want to come out until now, she added. ---Daily Guide As Ramadan comes to an end, volunteers, friends and supporters of the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation (STBHF) wish to send best wishes for a peaceful, safe, blessed and happy Eid al-Fitr holiday to the great Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the entire Ummat Al-Islam. The month of Ramadan has been a time for families, communities, and friends to share the happiness of coming together in intense devotion, reflection and service. Thus, Eid this year falls on Thursday 13th May, 2021 throughout most of the countries. Our Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Qatar and Africa and other places. Eid al-Fitr is one of two major Muslim holidays. Eid el Fitr is the festivity that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. In the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world observe Ramadan through fasting, reflecting, giving, caring and sharing. Ramadan unites all Muslims, regardless of their sectarian affiliation or political preferences, in fasting and prayer. It is our pleasure therefore to extend our Eid Mubarak and good wishes to the great Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the people of Qatar and Muslims all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. We pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and rewards. We are in the Haram and we would like to pray to Almighty Allah for the great Emir of Qatar, and for all Qataris, and the entire Ummat Al-Islam, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept their fasting, their prayers, their worship and all their good deeds done in the blessed month of Ramadan. It is our fervent hope that this is the last Ramadan that Muslims observe while the people of Palestine are undergoing massive human suffering. We all wish and hope for peace and justice in the Middle-east. He is the One God; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and in the earth. He is the Almighty, most wise. (Koran 59:24). May Allah bring joy, happiness, peace and prosperity on this blessed occasion to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and entire people of Qatar on this happy occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak! We conclude by sending this special poem to the great Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: May God send his Love like Sunshine; In his warm and gentle ways; To fill every corner of your Heart; And filled your Life with a lot of Happiness like this EID DAY; Wishing you EID MUBARAK! Sender: Foday M. Kamara Senior Coordinator The Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Foundation-STBHF Mobile Telecom giants MTN has donated assorted items to the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam. The donation of the items is their goodwill gift towards their upcoming Eid celebration on Thursday. Northern Sector General Manager for MTN, Nii Adotey Mingle who presented the items noted that the gesture was their way of partaking the celebration of the Regional Chief Imam and his people. He announced that their compatriots in other parts of the country were doing same for the National Chief Imam, Northern and Western regional Chief Imams. Mr. Mingle said Muslims are a great part of their customer base in the country and there is the need to always show such solidarity. The items which included assorted drinks, MTN airtime and a ram were received by the Regional Chief Imam. Speaking on behalf of the Regional Chief Imam, Ustaz Ahmed Seidu, Executive Secretary of the Ashanti regional Chief Imam expressed gratitude to MTN. He recalled how healthy their friendship with MTN has been in the past 10 years with the latter always giving gifts to the various Muslim groupings. We are very pleased with how they treat us and we talk about MTN everywhere we go, all of us here use MTN. He commended MTN for the good job they are doing for the nation and promised to pray for them during their prayers on Thursday. The international community must do everything possible to avert a new conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, France's foreign minister has said, after Palestinian militants fired hundreds more rockets and the Israeli army launched air strikes. "The cycle of violence in Gaza, in Jerusalem, but also in the West Bank and several cities in Israel risks leading to a major escalation," Jean-Yves Le Drian told parliament. "Everything must be done to avoid...a new conflict, which would be the fourth in the last 15 years," he said. "It is absolutely essential that all actors -- without exception -- show the greatest restraint and refrain from any provocation and any incitement to hatred to put an end to violence whose victims are chiefly Palestinian and Israeli civilians." But in a sign of frustration after the US move to block a Security Council statement condemning the actions, France, along with three other Security Council members from Europe -- Norway, Estonia, and Ireland -- issued their own joint statement later Wednesday. "We condemn the firing of rockets from Gaza against civilian populations in Israel by Hamas and other militant groups which is totally unacceptable and must stop immediately," the statement said. "The large numbers of civilian casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and of Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza, are both worrying and unacceptable. "We call on Israel to cease settlement activities, demolitions and evictions, including in East Jerusalem," they wrote. And Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour published a letter to the organization's top officials Wednesday in which he pleaded with them to "act with immediacy to demand that Israel cease its attacks against the Palestinian civilian population, including in the Gaza Strip." Le Drian initiative Gaza militants have launched more than 1,000 rockets since Monday, according to Israel's army, which has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Islamist groups in the Gaza Strip. Le Drian said that as well as talking to Palestinian and Israeli counterparts, he would in the next hours be speaking to the Egyptian foreign minister, with Cairo seeking to calm the situation. France welcomed the efforts of Egypt -- a traditional mediator and close ally of Paris -- and would seek to coordinate French efforts with those of Cairo to agree a ceasefire, Le Drian said. He said France condemned in the "strongest terms" the firing of missiles from Gaza at Israeli cities including Tel Aviv. The crisis started last Friday when weeks of tensions boiled over and Israeli riot police clashed with crowds of Palestinians at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque. The unrest has been driven by anger over the looming evictions of Palestinian families from the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. Mixed areas targeted Meanwhile, Wednesday saw a second day of violence in areas of Israel with a mixed population of Jews and Arabs. (Around 20% of Israeli citizens are Arabs.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said on Wednesday he would be sending in military forces to help police restore order in cities where violence has broken out. "Nothing can justify an Arab mob assaulting Jews, and nothing can justify a Jewish mob assaulting Arabs," he said in a video statement, as reported by the Times of Israel. Netanyahu said the government would use all its power to protect Israel from enemies outside and rioters inside. Israel said it had killed senior Hamas officials in Gaza and was also targeting missile launching sites, in what the Israeli Defence Force said were the biggest air strikes since the Hamas-IDF conflict in 2014. Hamas confirmed the death of a senior commander and "other leaders". Residents of Gaza were warned to evacuate the buildings before fighter jets attacked, say the IDF, but health officials in Gaza said there were still civilian deaths. Five members of one family were killed in an air strike on Tuesday, including two young brothers, according to AFP news agency. Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden spoke to the Israeli president on Wednesday, and stressed the need to restore a sustainable calm, he also told reporters that Israel had the right to defend itself, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sent an envoy to the region to meet officials on both sides of the conflict. At least 67 people in Gaza and 7 people in Israel have died since the recent upsurge in hostilities. Gaza is densely populated while in Israel there is a network of air raid shelters. Of the 100 cities worldwide most vulnerable to environmental hazards all but one are in Asia, and most are in India or China, according to a risk assessment published Thursday. Across the globe, more than 400 large cities with a total population of 1.5 billion are at "high" or "extreme" risk due to some mixture of life-shortening pollution, dwindling water supplies, deadly heat waves, natural disasters and climate change, the report found. The sinking megalopolis of Jakarta -- plagued by pollution, flooding and heat waves, with worse to come -- topped the ranking, while two other Indonesian cities are in the top 10: Surabaya (fourth) and Bandung (eighth). Pakistan's two biggest urban agglomerations, Karachi (12th) and Lahore (15th), are not far behind. But India, home to 13 of the world's 20 most risk-laden cities, may face the most daunting future of any country. Delhi ranks second on the global index of 576 cities compiled by business risk analysts Verisk Maplecroft, followed within India by Chennai (third), Agra (sixth), Kanpur (10th), Jaipur (22nd) and Lucknow (24th). Mumbai and its 12.5 million people is ranked 27th. Looking only at air pollution -- which causes more than seven million premature deaths worldwide each year, including a million in India alone -- the 20 cities with the worst air quality in the world among urban areas of at least a million people are all in India. Delhi is in pole position. "Together, China and India account for 286 million of the 336 million people living in cities at extreme risk for pollution," the report found. The air pollution assessment was weighted towards the impact of microscopic, health-wrecking particles known as PM2.5, cast off in large measure by the burning of coal and other fossil fuels. China's middle class Outside Asia, the Middle East and North Africa have the largest proportion of "high risk" cities across all threat categories combined, but Lima is the only non-Asian city to crack the top 100. "Home to more than half the world's population and a key driver of wealth, cities are already coming under serious strain from dire air quality, water scarcity and natural hazards," the report's lead author Will Nichols told AFP. Cities in India are at particularly high risk when it comes to air pollution. By Jonathan WALTER (AFP/File) "In many Asian countries these hubs are going to become less hospitable as population pressures grow and climate change amplifies threats from pollution and extreme weather, threatening their role as wealth generators for national economies." While richer than India, China faces formidable environmental challenges as well. Thirty-five of the 50 cities worldwide most beset by water pollution are in China, as are all but two of the top 15 facing water stress, according to the report. But different political systems and levels of development may ultimately play in China's favour, Nichols said. "For China, an emerging middle class is increasingly demanding cleaner air and water, which is being reflected in government targets," he told AFP. Africa hit hardest "China's top-down governance structure -- and willingness to take abrupt measures, such as shutting down factories to meet emissions goals -- gives it more of a chance of mitigating these risks." India's weaker governance, coupled with the size and scale of its informal economy, makes it far harder to address environmental and climate issues at the city level, he added. Africa's two most populous cities, Lagos and Kinshasa, are among those at highest risk environmentally. By PIUS UTOMI EKPEI (AFP/File) When it comes to global warming and its impacts, the focus shifts sharply to sub-Saharan Africa, home to 40 of the 45 most climate-vulnerable cities on the planet. The continent least responsible for rising global temperatures will get hit the hardest not only because of worse droughts, heat waves, storms and flooding, but also because it is so ill-equipped to cope. "Africa's two most populous cities, Lagos and Kinshasa, are among those at highest risk," the report noted. Other especially vulnerable cities include Monrovia, Brazzaville, Freetown, Kigali, Abidjan and Mombasa. The climate index combined the threat of extreme events, human vulnerability, and the ability of countries to adapt. Affected victims of the rainstorm at Birim Central Municipality have received some relief items from government through National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The items included soaps, mosquitos nets, blankets, roofing sheets, mattresses, plastic cups, rubber buckets among others. Before the presentation of items, Mr Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh, the Director General of NADMO urged the Traditional Authorities not to relent on their laurels but rather collaborate with the Assembly to demolish all structures which are in the verge of collapse to prevent loss of lives and properties of people. According to him, government under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo is working persistently in combating climate change issues confronting the country. He, however, called on citizens irrespective of their political affiliations, religions, color, ethnicity among others to support the government to deal with the situation. He informed those who engage in illegal chain saw operations and galamsey activities in the countrys reserved forest to put an end to it since their operations deplete the forest. Mr. Eric Agyemang advised the residents of Akyem Oda and other sub-vented agencies including the Assembly to cultivate the habit of maintenance and maintain all structures due maintenance. This he said would help the Central government saves money to embark on other developmental projects in the Municipality. The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong commended NADMO for their quick response by providing relief items to the victims. He indicated that the government is continuing to mobilize the relief items to ensure every victim is given the needed support and urged those who may not get their share of the relief items to keep calm and in the nick of time, the government would provide them with their items. Mr. Acheampong thanked Mr. Yaw Osafo Marfo, the Senior Presidential Advisor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the MP for Akyem Oda Constituency, Mrs. Victoria Adu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Birim Central, and another philanthropist whose earlier contributions and supports have brought the victims to this far. In a related development, Mrs. Victoria Adu, the Municipal Chief Executive and Chairman of the Municipal Disaster Management Committee assured the dignitaries that the items would be given to the victims accordingly. Nana Akyea Mensa II, who chaired the program congratulated the government for his kind gesture and urged the beneficiaries to put the items into good use. The dignitaries who attended the program were Mr. Yaw Osafo Marfo, the Senior Presidential Advisor to President, Mr. Eric Nana Agyemang Prempah, the Director-General for NADMO, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Kwame Appiah Kodua, the Eastern Regional NADMO Director, Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the MP for Akyem Oda Constituency and Mrs. Victoria Adu, the MCE for Birim Centra. The Ewe Muslim Community Forum has called on the leadership of the Muslim community to as a matter of urgency find a lasting solution to the Wesley Girls fasting impasse. Wesley Girls' High School has been in the news for preventing a Muslim student from taking part in the Ramadan fast. The school has been criticised over the issue. The refusal of the Methodist church to adhere to the Ghana Education Service's directive for the school to allow Muslim students to fast with the consent of parents also attracted mixed reactions from different religious sects and stakeholders. Some Muslims have warned that the issue has the potential of escalating into a Muslim-Christian tussle if left unresolved. But the Ewe Muslim Community Forum has asked the brothers and sisters in the faith to take a break to reflect on our shortcomings during the blissful period. According to the community, the manner in which the Wesley Girls Ramadan-impasse has been handled by the Muslim community is not ideal. Did it occur to us that the WEY GEY HEY incident is just a teaser of a lifelong film being rehearsed behind the screen? Brothers and Sisters in faith, we the Muslim Ummah not foreseeing the coming out of the WEY GEY HEY teaser is a shortcoming. Some of us foreseeing it but not taking any positive action is a shortcoming. The way of handling the case as an Ummah, even though worth applauding, is a shortcoming. We not being able to advise and tell ourselves and the world at large that we were fasting in the face of the provocation is a shortcoming. Nevertheless, we must start from somewhere. Lets all feel remorseful for these shortcomings and pay attention to some of the suggestions mentioned in comments made here and there in this regard, it added. The forum in the statement charged the leaders to rise to the challenge and apprehend the plights of its members, especially the younger up and coming generation. However, it is worth noting that the onus of getting a lasting solution to this canker lies on the leadership of the Muslim Ummah. Leadership should know that they are responsible and accountable to Allah and the Ummah for what is happening to us. We need not remind them of this saying of Prophet of Allah (PBUH): You are all but shepherds, and each one of you is responsible for his flock. So the Leader is a shepherd, and he is responsible for his flock. Read the full statement below; Thanks, praises and gratitude are always due Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, as we equally seek Allahs Peace and Blessings to be upon our noble Prophet Mohammed, his household, his companions and all believers in his guidance. Indeed, Alhamdulillah for the month of Ramadan and all its blessings. Those who were able to observe the Ramadan accordingly are indeed blessed; those who, for their negligence or arrogance, did not observe it too have their own story to tell one day. Brothers and Sisters in faith, as we rejoice over the successful Ramadan 1442 (2021), it is very prudent that we also take a break to reflect on our shortcomings during the blissful period. These few questions might help in this reflection exercise: Were we mindful of our Muslim brothers and sisters who lived their lives, during this Ramadan, in fear and panic in war torn areas around the globe? Did we remember our brothers and sisters who, for one or two reasons, spent the Ramadan in prison? Were we aware of the hundreds of our brothers and sisters who were on sick beds either at home or in the hospital? Did anyone remember that we have orphans across the length and breadth of the country and beyond? Did it occur to us that the WEY GEY HEY incident is just a teaser of a lifelong film being rehearsed behind the screen? Brothers and Sisters in Islam, we draw your attention to the above issues just to substantiate that to err is human. But lets listen to the Noble Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in one of his sayings: Every human being is fallible (and hence makes mistakes), and the best amongst them are those who repent. Yes, repent by first admitting their faults and feeling remorseful about them, and then resolutely deciding on steps to prevent the re-occurrence of such faults. Brothers and Sisters in faith, we the Muslim Ummah not foreseeing the coming out of the WEY GEY HEY teaser is a shortcoming. Some of us foreseeing it but not taking any positive action is a shortcoming. The way of handling the case as an Ummah, even though worth applauding, is a shortcoming. We not being able to advise and tell ourselves and the world at large that we were fasting in the face of the provocation is a shortcoming. Nevertheless, we must start from somewhere. Lets all feel remorseful for these shortcomings and pay attention to some of the suggestions mentioned in comments made here and there in this regard. However, it is worth noting that the onus of getting a lasting solution to this canker lies on the leadership of the Muslim Ummah. Leadership should know that they are responsible and accountable to Allah and the Ummah for what is happening to us. They should rise up to the challenge and apprehend the plight of the members of this Ummah, especially the younger up and coming generation. We need not remind them of this saying of Prophet of Allah (PBUH): You are all but shepherds, and each one of you is responsible for his flock. So the Leader is a shepherd, and he is responsible for his flock. A clarion call at this juncture also goes to the youth to take note of their limits and respect the elderly and leadership. Lets all feel remorseful of our shortcomings regarding this WEY GEY HEY issue and take resolute decisions and steps to get over the hurdle, putting in mind the hadith of the Noble Prophet (PBUH) that says: A believer should not be bitten twice in the same hole May we witness many more blessed Ramadans. May we uphold the good deeds of Ramadan, even after Ramadan. May we rise up to our task as the best Ummah raised for humanity. May we be among those who will fast the six days of Shawwal. Lets stay blessed and strengthened all lifelong. ---citinewsroom Listen to article President Akufo-Addo has, for the first time, spoken on the religious fracas between authorities of the Wesley Girls High School and some Muslim leaders in the country. President Akufo-Addo says educational institutions should not be a place to settle religious scores. Speaking at this years Eid ul-Fitr celebration, at the premises of GBC, President Akufo-Addo said the government is working with all relevant stakeholders to address the issue. According to him, the schools are the first place for young kids to socialize and learn more about each others religious beliefs, dance, languages, and food. We should be proud that our national Constitution simply reinforces these characteristics, and it should, therefore, be easy for us to uphold these basic and fundamental tenets that hold us together. The boarding schools in our country have traditionally served as the training grounds in learning about each other, about tolerance and losing the fear of the unknown. That is where young Ghanaians learn to eat each others food, that is where they learn songs and dances of the different parts of the country and also where they learn about each others religion and a place for lifelong friendships are forged. Throughout the years, the schools have by and large managed to find a reasonable, balanced atmosphere to enable our young people to flourish and this has served us well. The schools have evolved and adapted their practices to suit the times and I would urge that we do not turn them into the place to fight ideological battles. He thus thanked the national Chief Imam for the leadership shown in the midst of the matter. I thank the Muslim community in Ghana for the continued support for my programme of transformation. Insha Allah, I shall continue to work with and for you for the peace, progress and prosperity of our country. Jama, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, for his exemplary leadership not only of the Muslim flock but also of our country generally. The National Chief Imam is the very epitome of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. He continues to make our country the envy of the world for its religious tolerance. His inter and intra-religious co-operation is amazing and sets Muslim communities in our country for which we owe him a great debt of gratitude, the President emphasised. Workers at the Laboratory Services Department (LSD) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are threatening to lay down their tools from Wednesday, May 19. The sit-down strike is to protest what they say is the failure of management to reassign two medical officers who were posted to the department some two years ago. They have therefore given the hospital administration up until the end of Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to address their concerns and have the physicians reassigned or have the industrial action triggered. In a statement to the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, they noted that: If by the close of day Tuesday the 18th of May 2021, these two medical officers are still officially staff within LSD and the Haematology Unit to be precise, then the entire membership of the GALMS-KATH Chapter will begin a sit-down strike beginning Wednesday 19th May 2021. The group claimed that two medical officers, Lesley Osei and Eunice Agyemang Ahmed were posted to the LSD by the Medical Director as clinical haematologists. Various protest letters, they say, were written to the KATH chapter of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLMS) to register their displeasure but to no avail. Members of the association thus agreed to the strike at a joint emergency meeting with their leadership last Tuesday. According to them, there are further series of actions to be taken to resist the move if the two officers continue to be at the LSD unit. Further, actions that have been outlined to press home our demand will be communicated to your office in due course of these two professionals remain as part of the staff of the Haematology Laboratory Unit within LSD. It is our hope that you will act quickly on this letter in order to avoid any disruptions of the industrial peace and harmony within KATH and by extension Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole. The National Association will not hesitate to call a national strike on this matter should the situation remains the same, the statement concluded. ---citinewsroom The National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare sends his best wishes to Muslims across the globe, a happy Eid-Al-Fitr celebration. A Facebook statement signed by Alhaji Said Sinare says; "As we observe the day of Eid al-Fitr amid the unbearable hardship under President Akuffo Addo and Dr. Bawumia, I hope we find both comfort and strength in the healing powers of prayer and devotion. "Known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadana month filled with fasting, prayer, reflection, and other traditional observances. "When the Moon of Eid arises it brings happiness and excitement with itself. May your life always stay filled with such amusing excitement and happiness. "Wishing you all my dear Muslims a very happy Eid Mubarak. "As we continue to charge the president to #FixTheCountry, let's Celebrate and Jubilate our Traditional Duty!!". Muslims in Ghana and around the world will today, celebrate Eid-ul Fitr. The Day is celebrated to commemorate the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. The three-day celebration, which begins on the first day of Shawal, the tenth month on the Islamic calendar is a very important event in Islam, which allows families, loved ones, and communities to fraternize. Throughout the month of Ramadan, the month in which the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Muslims around the world undertake a fast between the hours of sunset and sunrise and spend a lot of time in self-reflection while studying the Quran and connecting with Allah (SWT) on a spiritual level. Few days before the Eid-ul Fitr celebrations, Muslims are expected to give an obligatory payment to a charity known as Zakat al-Fitr, taken for the poor a few days before the end of fasting. This charity is aimed at purifying the 30 days fast from indecent words or actions. This charity is also aimed at providing food for every Muslim on Eid-ul Fitr day. The date for the celebration is normally dependent on the sighting of the Eid crescent moon to announce when it will officially begin. During the three days of merry-making, Muslims are not allowed to fast even if they wanted to continue. It is an occasion for special prayers, family visits, gift-giving, and charity. Listen to article In light of the ongoing #FixTheCountry campaign to put pressure on the government to resolve the myriads difficulties facing the country, a private legal practitioner, lawyer Eric Delanyo Alifo challenges the youth of Ghana to equally rise up against what he terms as "extreme monetization of politics in Ghana." According to him, the political future of the youth is in serious jeopardy if the current flagrant spending by politicians to bribe and influence voters to vote for only the rich does not stop quickly. He thinks it is absurd to find some youths in Ghana who attempt to justify or make excuses for the sordid practice, and canvass for its acceptance as a new norm. To him, the issue is critical, with far-reaching consequences for the future of the nation, and must therefore receive urgent attend. READ HIS FULL MESSAGE AS FOLLOWS: FOR THEIR OWN BETTER FUTURE I CHALLENGE THE YOUTH TO RISE AGAINST EXTREME MONETIZATION OF OUR POLITICS. I cringe whenever I hear or read from our youth, arguments that seek to justify the disgusting profligate spending that has characterized our politics in the last many years, particularly through very high filing fees imposed by political parties on potential contenders for elective offices, on one hand, and the direct bribery of the electorate (delegates) by those running for political offices for the electorate to vote in one way or the other, on the other hand. This issue is critical and has far-reaching and dire consequences for the future of our nation, and it is why I think it requires urgent attention. You would often come across statements like, "this will never change;" "it is the root cause of corruption but nobody can do anything about it;" "as for politics, you cannot do it if you do not have money;" etc., etc. Whenever statements such as these are made by the youth, I feel like telling them that they are becoming irredeemably hopeless and I feel so much pity for their future and that of their children, both born and unborn. At almost all levels in our politics, in recent times, we are failing to elect the right people the most competent, honest, and hardworking to occupy political offices and serve our people. This is so because often, these categories of people do not usually, have very deep pockets to, first, surmount the high filing fees their own political parties ask them to cough out in order for them to be allowed to contest for elective positions in the name of the parties; and then later find the necessary funds to bribe the delegates of their parties to vote for them. Instead of electing people, who will present good plans and programs to the electorate, and give them messages of hope, we are rather electing people, who from the onset would be planning about how much they shall give to each delegate to buy their consciences, and bribe them to vote in particular ways for the rich guys, who may not necessarily be up to the task. Apart from the egregious nature of corruption this breeds, it also promotes mediocrity and results generally in bad governance. We then become persistent complainers because nothing would seem to work for us well in many areas of our society with the wrong persons in charge *_round pegs in square holes_*, as is normally said. Why will anyone not want this situation to change and for us to have some real hope for the future, and for our plight to turn around? And why will the youth, whose future is in serious jeopardy as a result of this despicable state of affairs not be angry enough and rise against this canker in the same manner as the #FixTheCountry crusade is evolving, but instead advance arguments in support of why the stupidity will not stop? It is important for our youth to know that those of them who may have political ambition and may be very capable too, but who may not be extremely rich may never be able to achieve their ambitions if the foolishness continues. This, I think must provoke our youth enough to want to rise and take up this fight. I have never shared in the opinion that the extreme monetization of our politics may never stop. I appreciate all the arguments in support of that notion, but I notoriously reject all of them as they come, and hold the view that we as a nation can flush out the disease and sanitize our politics by good sets of legislations, and make it more attractive to more of the population. In fact, the threats and challenges that we face, which convince some of our people to think that we cannot do away with the unnecessary monetization in our politics had been faced several years back also in many developed democracies like the United States, and in Europe. But as wise as they were, they dealt with the situation (they fixed it) with good legislation. We can equally pass good and reasonable electoral and political party laws that would proscribe the disgraceful practice entirely. We need good political campaign financing laws and laws on the use of campaign funds. We will need good laws to regulate political lobbying and related matters as well. If these laws are made and are strictly implemented alongside the many laws that are already on our books, the hopeless situation shall change in no time, I believe. THE WILL AND COURAGE TO ACT The will and courage of our political leadership to deal with the problem must be seriously questioned. They are the ones who can do something meaningful about the problem. As they refuse to act appropriately to address this problem, they make us believe that they are unwilling to act because they are the ones benefitting most from the reprehensible practice. I think pressure must be brought to bear on the government and the leadership of all the political parties to act responsibly on this issue. Just recently, the General Secretary of my party, the NDC, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah was reported in the news as having lamented about the situation. I was glad to read the news item because Mr. Asiedu Nketiah is in an excellent position to do something concrete and elaborate about the problem in our party. The starting point is to first appreciate the problem. It is obvious that he appreciates the problem. The next step is to have the will and courage to table it for a thorough discussion. We are patiently waiting for this next step, and I am hopeful that at the appropriate time, we shall see and feel his action. Let me conclude this piece by saying that those who think that the extreme monetization of our politics, which many are troubled with is a new norm, and has come to stay, must rethink through it. I reject their propositions; it shall never become a new norm in the long term. My conviction is that as long as it is not a good practice, it shall never remain forever. It shall be fought vigorously and eradicated at all cost, someday. We only have to decide whether we want to start the fight now, or defer it to our children, or their children, or some other generation to fight it in the future. Methinks we must deal with it (fix it) now. The views and hopes expressed in this piece constitute a better approach to fixing the future of our nation and of our youth than the situation, where we are throwing our hands in the air and saying nothing can be done about what we all know as a huge problem. I hope we shall rise to the occasion in good time enough. Thanks for your time. Eric ELANYO Alio Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced a planned French legislation designed to counter Islamist separatism as a "guillotine" of democracy. The draft bill has been criticised both inside France and abroad for stigmatising Muslims and giving the state new powers to limit speech and religious groups. Speaking in Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan said, "The adoption of this law, which is openly in contradiction of human rights, freedom of religion and European values, will be a guillotine blow inflicted on French democracy." The Turkish president added that the planned law would only serve the cause of extremism, putting NGOs under pressure and "forcing young people to choose between their beliefs and their education". "We call on the French authorities, and first of all President Macron, to act sensibly," he continued. "We expect a rapid withdrawal of this bill." Erdogan also tweeted he was ready to work with France on security issues and integration, but relations between the two leaders have been strained for some time. France's government is in the process of passing new legislation to crack down on what it has termed "Islamist separatism", which would give the state more power to vet and disband religious groups judged to be threats to the nation. Erdogan has already denounced the proposed measures as "anti-Muslim". Last October, Erdogan questioned Macron's "mental health", accusing him of waging a "campaign of hatred" against Islam, after the French president defended the right of cartoonists to caricature the prophet Mohammed. The two countries are also at odds on a number of other issues, including Libya, Syria and the eastern Mediterranean. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah, has defended Citi FM's Journalist Caleb Kudahs decision to film some grounded MASLOC cars parked within the premises of the National Security Ministry. Caleb Kudah, whos also the Host of BackPage, a news satirical show on Citi TV, is the latest victim of brutality by security personnel after he was assaulted by some National Security operatives who detained him. He has been criticised by some sections of the public, including the GJA President, Affail Monney, who believes Caleb Kudah breached the code of ethics for journalists by filming the cars in a supposed restricted zone. Whilst the actions of the National Security personnel have been widely condemned, others like Mr. Yeboah have defended Mr. Kudahs filming at the National Security Ministry, saying he did not breach any code as long as he acted in the interest of the public. Insofar as the public/national interest was at stake (as evidenced in his narrative), he was firmly within the bounds of journalism ethics, including Article 13 of the GJA Code of Ethics, Mr. Yeboah said in a post on Facebook. He stressed that the nebulous identity of national security cannot, and should not, be allowed to strip the media of its cardinal constitutional mandate under Article 162(5): All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and SHALL uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana. Mr. Yeboah further asked Ghanaians to encourage civility and the rule of law, which are trademarks and honorifics of constitutional governance rather than brute and barbarism, which are hallmarks and horrific of military juntas. Another Citi FM journalist, Zoe Abu-Baidoo Addo, was also picked up later at the premises of Citi FM for receiving the videos from Caleb Kudah. About half a dozen heavily armed personnel turned up at the station and tried to detain her without following due process. ---citinewsroom Listen to article Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has described the manhandling of Citi News' Caleb Kudah as a slap to media freedom. Mr. Kudah was arrested at the National Security Ministry on Tuesday for filming abandoned MASLOC vehicles parked at the premises of the Ministry. He was then brutalised by the security officers. A team of seven heavily-armed police officers subsequently attempted to detain Citi News Zoe Abu-Baidoo Addo at the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in a Rambo style. The officers took the action because Caleb had forwarded some of the footage he captured to Zoe via WhatsApp. Caleb Kudah, in an account of his ordeal, said he was slapped several times and kicked in the groin by the National Security officers. Executive Secretary of ASEPA, Mensah Thompson in a Citi News interview condemned the action by the National Security operatives and said steps should be taken to ensure that the officers in question are arrested and dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others who take the law into their own hands. We entreat the police to adopt more civil means of dealing with the media when they fall short of the law. We dont want this whole negative publicity and all these things go a long way to affect our media freedom rankings and also our human rights indices as well. We do not want to see some of these things going on now and then. We condemn it unequivocally. ASEPA calls for removal of Affail Monney as GJA president ASEPA in a separate statement also blasted the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Affail Monney for claiming Caleb Kudah breached the GJA Code of Ethics by filming at the National Security Ministry. They must call for the immediate withdrawal or removal of Mr. Affail Monney as their president so that the GJA can show solidarity to their compatriots who were assaulted, the group urged in a statement. Were so disgusted with the comments of the GJA president in the midst of this brutality and assault on journalists. For the GJA president to go on radio and say that the journalists breached the code of ethics of the GJA and so the attacks on them, however bizarre they were, were warranted, I think is very unfortunate. Its certainly not good for the victims especially at the time where you expect the GJA to rally behind these journalists, give them the maximum protection and solidarity that youd expect. ---citinewsroom Dozens of residents of a district in northern Paris have banged saucepans and blown whistles in a fresh bid to force drug dealers from their streets. Ten days after furious residents of the Stalingrad district in northern Paris launched fireworks at the spot where dealers gather, drug trafficking continues, despite a greater police presence in the area. The residents have vowed to create as much noise as possible every evening until the situation is resolved. What we saw this evening was a cry for help, people cannot take any more of this. The saucepans and noise are a message to the police but also to the local authorities," a resident told French channel BFM TV. Jacques, who has lived in the area for 20 years is at breaking point. It seems as though everyone is totally powerless, that in a city like Paris, 200 people can just do what they want. The drug dealers are able to make the rules and lay down the law in a residential district," he told a reporter. At the beginning of May, police said young people living in the area, exasperated by problems created by the drug dealers, appeared to be responsible for launching the fireworks towards the entrance to a building where dealers gather. A resident told Le Figaro newspaper that many of residents were at their wits' end because they can't sleep with the disturbance at night. "We knew something serious would happen, it was just a question of when. Local residents say the situation has worsened since the police cleared the so-called Crack hill, in the nearby la Chapelle district in 2019. They say the police have simply displaced the problem. Pierre Liscia, who describes himself as a spokesperson for the forgotten residents of north-eastern Paris, said local groups alerted the authorities about the drug dealers a long time ago, and that at meetings to discuss the situation people had clearly raised the possibility of more radical solutions to deal with them. Listen to article The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Mr. Kofi Asare has said no mentally stable persons will justify the assault that was visited on Citi TV/ FM journalist, Caleb Kudah when he was arrested and detained by the National Security operatives. Caleb Kudah was said to have filmed at the premises of the National Security Secretariat on Tuesday. According to him, journalists risk their lives to pursue what is in the interest of the general public and therefore, it will be insane for anyone to justify attacks or assaults on them. "I mean, journalists put their lives at risk by doing what some are afraid to do: exposing corruption and demanding accountability in a democracy. Which sane person would attack or justify assaults on a journalist, no matter how irresponsible they were in pursuit of the Public Interest?" Mr. Asare wrote in a facebook post sighted. Read Mr. Asare's full post below You like CNN, BBC etc.. you may not like Joy FM, CITI, or TV3 because they expose corruption and demand accountability from governments. Whether local or international, the news you enjoy is brewed by Journalists, under very unfriendly and perilous environments just to pursue probity and accountability in the Publics Interest. I mean, journalists put their lives at risk by doing what some are afraid to do: exposing corruption and demanding accountability in a democracy. Which sane person would attack or justify assaults on a journalist, no matter how irresponsible they were in pursuit of the Public Interest? May the keeper of the gate of wisdom let us in now! #JournalismIsNotACrime Source: Listen to article Investigative journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate, Manasseh Azure has revealed some reasons why he withdrew his membership from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). Manasseh's revelation came just two days after two broadcast journalists with Citi TV/FM were arrested by operatives of the National Security Ministry. The GJA President Affail Monney was reported to have said that Caleb Kudah breached the Code of ethics of the profession for filming at the car park of the National Security Secretariat. But Manasseh said GJA, a body which should be working for the interest of media practitioners in the country is rather working against the interest of journalists. He accuses the leadership of the professional body of always bashing or tagging as arrogant journalists who pursue government officials and appointees to demand accountability from them. "I stopped being a member of the Ghana Journalists Association when I was convinced its leadership was working against the interest of journalists and the journalists generally do not care about who leads them. If you demand accountability you're tagged as arrogant or accused of hating," part of a Facebook post made by the investigative journalist reads. The journalist also noted that GJA under its current leadership has deviated from the high standard the previous leaderships had set. "The GJA under Gifty Afanyi-Dadzie or Ransford Tetteh was not like this," he noted. Read below his full Facebook post: 2015: Samuel Nuamah of Ghanaian times dies in presidential press corps accident. The vehicle and its driver, according to the journalists on board the vehicle, had issues and they had complained about before the accident. The presidency gave a different account. THE GJA President said he believed the account of the presidency over the journalists. I asked him whether he was doubting the account of the reporter from his own newsroom, Napoleon Ato Kittoe, who was on board the vehicle. He said Napoleon Ato Kittoe was sleeping so he didn't really see what happened. 2017: The GJA issued a press statement against the Robbing the Assemblies documentary I did on the Jospong Group. Without stating any journalistic ethic, I broke, the GJA said I was destroying a local company. That investigation led to the cancellation of a $74 million contract. 2021: After the National Security arrested and beat up Caleb Kudah of Citi FM for going to film vehicles that had been procured with the tax payers' money and left to rust, the GJA President says he broke the GJA Code of Ethics because his motive was not clear. Of course, Affail Monney could not be referring to the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association. Maybe, that code of ethics belongs to the Ghana Jokers Association. The GJA under Gifty Afanyi-Dadzie or Ransford Tetteh was not like this. Fortunately, the GJA is not like the Ghana Bar Association. Being a member is not compulsory. I stopped being a member of the association when I was convinced its leadership was working against the interest of journalists and the journalists generally do not care about who leads them. If you demand accountability you're tagged as arrogant or accused of hating. The tenure of current GJA executive expired in 2020. For whatever reasons, they are holding on to power. This has resulted in a court action. Until seriousness returns to the association one day, it is better to stay aloof and practice without the expectation of a professional representing now. Source: // contributor on modernghana The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) is calling for the immediate removal of the President of the Ghana Journalist Association, Affail Monney over what it says is the failure of the association to protect journalists who have been attacked in the country. This comes after the President of the Ghana Journalists Association stated on radio that Citi FM journalist, Caleb Kudah, breached the Association's code of ethics when he filmed some grounded MASLOC vehicles at the National Security premises, which may have warranted the subsequent assault on him. According to ASEPA, the justification of the assault on Caleb Kudah by Mr. Monney is a betrayal of the principles of the Association. We believe Mr. Monney cannot continue to hold himself as the President of the GJA after such reckless display of not just cowardice but individualism, and failing to uphold the interests of all journalists in the country. We are therefore calling for the immediate removal of Mr. Affail Monney as GJA president. This is the only way the GJA can distance itself from the comments of Mr. Monney and show solidarity to their compatriots, a statement from ASEPA said. The Executive Director of ASEPA, Mensah Thompson, who signed the statement, said the association has failed to protect the interest and safety of its members hence the call. In an interview with Citi News, he stated that: Were so disgusted with the comments of the GJA president in the midst of this brutality and assault on journalists. For the GJA president to go on radio and say that the journalists breached the code of ethics of the GJA and so the attacks on them, however bizarre they were, were warranted, I think is very unfortunate. Its certainly not good for the victims especially at the time where you expect the GJA to rally behind these journalists, give them the maximum protection and solidarity that youd expect. How can the GJA president be making such comments? I mean, which of the code of ethics of the association did they violate? Mr. Thompson insisted that Caleb Kudah did not breach any code of ethics since the issue he was pursuing at the National Security Ministry was in the national interest. ---citinewsroom Private legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged journalists in Ghana to stand up against abuse and intimidation by national security operatives on their colleagues. It follows the arrest of two journalists of Accra-based Citi FM for allegedly filming at the national security premises. Caleb Kudah and his colleague Zoe Abu-Baidoo were arrested in a Rambo style, forced to delete the video, interrogated, and released. Mr Kudah has also recounted how he was beaten up by officers of the national security while they detained him. They were still beating me slapping me from the back, I will be talking to another one and someone will come and slap me from the back and you feel dizzy at once. At this point, they had handcuffed me and every now and again one will come and press it harder so that I feel the pain. Along the line, a man identified as Agyeman came in and I tried to talk to him, and immediately, he asked me to kneel down and he kicked me in the groin. I tried to plead with him that Sir they have beaten me enough. I beg you please let me go because he told me to kneel down, he kicked me in the groin, he told CITI TV. Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Mr. Kpebu condemned the manner in which the arrests were made. According to him until the media stands up to the National Security the intimidation and abuse of citizens will continue. You journalists, what we need to do is that we need to seek more education so that youre empowered. It looks like just because we dont have much education (legal) as soon as they mention national security of course and some of them because they use force then they can intimidate citizens into submission. Its wrong. National security doesnt mean they are not subject to the law. They are also subject to the law. Its not as if they are entitled to do anything anyhow, No! According to him, the Emile Short Commission report on the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election exposed the excesses of the national security secretariat which should have been a wake up call to Ghanaians. You remember the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission report that indicted them relative to the unlawful way they conducted themselves? They were operating a police station there against the law. You saw how the commission uncovered all the rot there? A very bad manner in which they were conducting themselves. So thats it. Journalists you have to stand up otherwise if we just think at the mention of national security it means they are truly doing the interest of the state that will be a big mistake. Mr. Kpebu disclosed national security has always been used as a tool for abusing the rights of citizens. Its not only in Ghana, all over across the world thats the state, if journalists and citizens are not awake people will use national security to cause more crimes than even what ordinary citizens will do. So its a question of who is watching the watchman? National security doesnt mean we cannot scrutinize. The last time we scrutinized they performed very poorly. We saw the illegal police station they were operating and its surprising, they are still operating it there and were quiet. Thats the thing about Ghanaians, were quiet. How many years have passed after Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission report? A journalist should be interested in going there, seek permission to film and find out, are they still operating a police station there? Go in there, youll find that its there. They are still doing these things and we are quiet. Look we have to sit up. ---starrfm Listen to article Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has blasted the National Security operatives for using what he describes as buga buga outmoded security tactics in their operations. According to him, the mode of operations used in their arrests are not only outmoded but are an embarrassment to the country in the eyes of the international community. This comes on the back of the invasion of the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in Accra on Tuesday by armed National Security officials to pick up Zoe Abu-Baidoo, a colleague of Caleb Kudah who had earlier been arrested for filming at the car park of the National Security Ministry popularly called Blue Gate. Speaking on the Rambo-style arrest, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stressed that it has not only exposed the growing intolerance, dwindling respect for human rights and wanton abuse of power by government officials; it has also brought to the fore the lack of sophistication and the continuous preference for 'buga buga' outmoded security tactics. The North Tongu MP added, National security should stop embarrassing us to the international community and even more worrying, they must stop exposing their pathetic cybersecurity vulnerabilities to criminals and potential enemies of Ghana for as the experts have warned, the next frontier of war is cyberwarfare. In a related development, Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has accused the government of deliberately using the continuous attacks on journalists to deliberately promote the culture of silence in the country. Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa as well as of the ruling party, the African National Congress. - Source: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images Listen to article If the outcomes of the most recent meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) of South Africa's governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), are anything to go by, the party has reached a tipping point. As he was giving an update of the NEC meeting, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa's demeanour appeared to be that of a leader in charge, sending his secretary-general Ace Magashule packing , and giving him the executive committee's ultimatum to apologise for his vindictive behaviour. The NEC is the ANC's highest governing structure in between its five-yearly national conferences. Magashule , who has been suspended by the party because he has been charged with fraud and corruption , defiantly ignored his suspension and retaliated by in turn suspending Ramaphosa. In other words, he dared the president, but at his own peril. Ramaphosa is a formidable adversary. Based on his experience of their encounters during the negotiations for the new South Africa, FW de Klerk, the last apartheid-era president of South Africa, warned that Ramaphosa's relaxed manner and convivial expression were contradicted by coldly calculating eyes, which seemed to be searching continuously for the softest spot in the defences of his opponents. His silver tongue and honeyed phrases lulled potential victims while his arguments relentlessly tightened around them. This is what Ramaphosa, with the support of the NEC, has done to Magashule and his allies. He read them the riot act for disobedience. This bodes well for the ANC's renewal project . This entails ridding the ANC of corruption, rebuilding public trust in it and ensuring it delivers on its obligations as a government . According to Ramaphosa, all this is essential if the ANC is to win public trust and be a force for good in society. Finally, Ramaphosa, who was elected president of the party in December 2017 on a slim margin , has his grip on the ANC. Tumultuous epoch Ramaphosa is set to go down in the annals of history as an ANC president who presided over a tumultuous epoch in the party's evolution. He faced opposition from within the party ahead of his election, and his slim victory margin emboldened those who had opposed him. Magashule pointedly took a jab at Ramaphosa shortly after the election: it's just a matter of five years, comrades. The conference happens every five years, so let's work hard. Here, Magashule was mobilising his allies to start working on ensuring that, in the next elective conference in 2022, Ramaphosa is voted out of office. This marked a fissure between the president and secretary-general, which found resonance in the motley crew elected to the leadership of the ANC in December 2017. The scene for internecine contestations was set. Ace Magashule, the suspended secretary-general of the ANC. Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images Magashule is allied to Ramaphosa's nemesis, former party president Jacob Zuma. Their faction within the ANC has fashioned itself as the true custodians of the aspirations of South Africa's still economically weak black majority. They call themselves radical economic transformation forces fighting against the domination of the economy by the minority white population ( white monopoly capital ), of which Ramaphosa is supposedly a lackey. Magashule's fierce opposition was part of his ongoing strategy of establishing a party within the party, from his powerful position. This was a cardinal sin and called for excommunication. But Magashule only got a rap over the knuckles. Instead of nipping it in the bud Ramaphosa pursued the elusive illusion of unity. This spawned mollycoddling, impunity and faustian pacts . Ramaphosa was made to look meek, to the extent that many started to ask whether the centre was holding. The ANC became a platform for free-for-all, where squabbling over access to and control of public resources became a political preoccupation, with Magashule becoming a leading character working tirelessly to eviscerate Ramaphosa. The contestation was not ideologically driven. It was driven by greed. By not acting earlier against Magashule, Ramaphosa's leadership unwittingly became complicit in creating its own challenges. What appears to have broken the camel's back were Magashule's increasing infractions, his frequent contradictions of the president's public statements, especially on matters related to state capture and corruption. Ramaphosa eventually mustered the courage and the support in the party to suspend Magashule and gag his media gibberish. Is the ANC out of the woods? Unfortunately, not by a long shot. Can the ship be turned? Former party leader and president of the country Thabo Mbeki asked a vexing question after the NEC meeting that sealed Magashule's fate: Do we still have any organisation called the ANC? The question is a profound one not because of its literal poignancy, but for its figurative meaning. The moral heritage of the ANC has gone awry. The question for Ramaphosa is, how is his leadership going to bring this back to course? It is disingenuous of Magashule's allies to say the ANC is collapsing, but fudge the reasons for this with insinuations that ascribe developments to his suspension, instead of focusing on why he was suspended. The party had increasingly become a haven for self-preservation rather than, as the governing party, the custodian of public interest. Accountability was met with short shrift and incendiary rhetoric to subvert justice. This included the ANC's step aside resolution , which was taken at its 2017 national conference. The NEC's guidelines for its implementation state that its members who are charged with serious crime should voluntarily step down, and if they fail to do so, should be suspended. The moral indiscretion of some of its leaders has hollowed out any rectitude in the party. Its image in society is ruined. It is because of this that, as its leader, Ramaphosa's job is cut out. To turn things around, he requires taking on the best characterstics of former ANC leaders. The political savvy of Oliver Tambo , who kept the movement together for over three decades in exile; the reconciliatoty benevolence of Nelson Mandela , who led it from 1991 to 1997; the wit of Thabo Mbeki , 1997 to 2007; and the calmness of Kgalema Motlanthe, party deputy president from 2007 to 2012; coupled with a bit of democratic dictatorship. Mashupye Herbert Maserumule received funding from the National Research Foundation(NRF) for his postgraduate studies. He is affiliated with the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) and serves as the editor of the scholarly publication of this knowledges-based organisation - Journal of Public Administration. By Mashupye Herbert Maserumule, Professor of Public Affairs, Tshwane University of Technology GOVERNMENT is working to retain health workers in light of the exodus of staff, especially nurses through the introduction of various schemes that include mortgages and car loans. A number of nurses in both public hospitals and council run clinics are resigning citing poor salaries and working conditions. Bulawayo City Council (BCC) clinics have also been hit hard by the exodus of nurses, a development that has further crippled the citys health delivery system, which was already operating at 60 percent capacity. Council runs 19 clinics in the city and they are operating with staffing levels of between 49 and 61 percent. Council requires a staff complement of 186 nursing staff to operate at full capacity. However, the local authority has for some time been running with 120 nurses and resignations have seen the figure dropping to 87 after 33 nurses left between June last year and March. The world yesterday marked the International Nurses Day which is commemorated on May 12 annually. Speaking soon after touring United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mpilo Central Hospital and Ekusileni Medical Centre yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro said Government has always acknowledged the importance of nurses and other health workers. As Government we are committed to ensuring that the life of the health worker is much better and we want them to feel comfortable when they are at work. The Minister of Health and Child Care Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has pronounced that mortgages for the health workers are back and that they will be able to get car loans with Government cover, he said. It is our policy that all hospitals must make sure that workers canteens are established in those places so that when someone is doing their work, they are happy. Dr Mangwiro said VP Chiwenga has on several occasions emphasised the need for health workers to get proper accommodation and transport with the salary being icing on the cake. The Minister, in many of his presentations made several times, has emphasised that the monetary part should be the last thing as long as the health worker has accommodation and proper transport. The salary should actually be a top up of whatever they already have and thats what we are endeavouring to do, he said. Government is going out to build houses and flats for the health workers and the issue of transport wont be a problem. These measures were pronounced very well by Vice-President Chiwenga in his capacity as Minister of Health and Child Care. The Deputy Minister also warned citizens against complacency as the world battles new variants of Covid-19. He said there is a need to escalate awareness on the vaccination programme. We are witnessing what is happening in Brazil and India, we do not want history to repeat itself here, so people need to be vaccinated as we target to reach herd immunity. We want to assure the nation that we have enough vaccines to vaccinate the nation, he said. People should seek correct information on Covid-19 and vaccinations as fake news spreading on social media is misinforming people which in turn is causing hesitancy in terms of embracing the vaccine. Dr Mangwiro said Bulawayo, by virtue of its geographical location, is a centre for people travelling to neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Botswana hence the need to ramp up the vaccination programme in the city. So far, a total of 61 424 people has received the first dose in Bulawayo while 24 290 got the second jab. Countrywide, total of 539 526 people has been vaccinated against Covid-19. Government has set aside US$100 million for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines. As of Tuesday, Zimbabwe had 38 448 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 36 221 recoveries and 1 579 deaths. Chronicle Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George has said the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum should be blamed for the Wesley Girls Senior High School impasse between the Methodist Church and the Muslim groupings in the country. Speaking on Starr Chat on Starr 103.5 FM, Mr. Sam George explained that key stakeholders on the issue were on an amicable path of solving the issue which the Minister could have properly managed but he failed. The Ningo-Prampram lawmaker who described the issue as Much Ado About Nothing and needless noise said the situation could have been handled better than what has been witnessed for some days now. I think that all sides should have handled it better but on this one, I place the blame squarely on my very good friend Dr. Adutwum, the Minister for Education. I think he messed up and watch the handling of that issue, Sam George said. He continued Why do I say so, the Muslim Parliamentary caucus met with the Methodist Bishops and there was a certain understanding that pointed to a middle ground being sought. Then the education Ministry without recourse to the Methodist church issue directives. And so the Methodist church will also want to show you their power, that you cant issue us that directive. Wesley Girls High School was directed by the Ghana Education Service to permit Muslim students who wish to fast to do so, but the Methodist Church countered the decision and insisted the school cannot bend its rules to allow Muslim students to fast. The issue has degenerated with counter statements from the Muslim Caucus in Parliament, the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) and the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) among other stakeholders. However, Sam George said the Muslim fast is different from the Christian fast because the Muslim fast is a cardinal part of their religion and they should be allowed to fast. Our discussion on religious tolerance must allow us to always accommodate people. Because it is the same way I will not be happy if T. I Ahmadiyya Senior High School said non-Muslim girls should wear the hijab, I will kick against it. So it is fair and right, it is a cardinal part of their religion, he stated. The Ningo-Prampram MP suggested that Muslim parents should be made to sign an undertaking to wave any legal issues that parents may bring against the school on health grounds. The Lawmaker further argued:You see the GES is spineless in responding to the Wesley Girls because they did not respond to Achimota. If you did not whip Achimota in line how do you whip Wesley Girls in line, you cant. ---kasapafm Vikas Mehta, CEO Ogilvy Africa, has been nominated on the jury for the inaugural Global WARC Awards for Effectiveness. The jury comprises of some of the worlds top marketing and communication leaders from the worlds biggest brands and agency professionals from twenty-two (22) countries around the world. Vikas is one of three nominations from Africa, and the only agency professional amongst them. In its inaugural version, the WARC Awards for Effectiveness is run in partnership with Cannes Lions. The platform is built and benchmarked on a consistent global language of the Effectiveness Code and judged using the Creative Effectiveness Ladder. The Ladder, created by Cannes Lions and WARC, is a way for the industry to identify the very best work that drives clear marketing outcomes. The juries will choose winners for Grand Prix, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in five categories. There are also special awards honouring particular areas of excellence. The winners will be announced at the Cannes Lions Festival 2021. Giving his remarks, Vikas said, We are grateful to WARC for the kind nomination and happy to see Africas inclusion in another global platform of scale. A partnership between WARC and Cannes Lions makes this one of the most prestigious effectiveness awards in the industry. I look forward to seeing some of the worlds best campaigns of 2019-20, all in one place. As a marcomms practitioner of over 20 years, Vikas has worked for over 50 countries in Asia-Pacific and African regions. During his years as a strategist, case studies authored by him have won over 100 regional and global effectiveness awards including the Effies (Asia-Pacific, Singapore and India), 4As Jay Chiat Awards, Asian Marketing Effectiveness Awards (Tangrams) and several others. Hes also served on juries for these award shows, and several others. Other judges from Africa include Monali Shah, Africa Head, Marketing Communications for The Coca-Cola Company and Bernice Samuels - Group Marketing Executive at MTN. Established in 1985, World Advertising and Research Council is one of the top companies in the world that helps marketing in improving RoI. WARCs proprietary frameworks, based on unbiased evidence and a unique methodology, have appeared on the BBC, Campaign, CNBC, Forbes and The New York Times. Operating out of the UK, US, Singapore and China, WARC serves a community of over 75,000 marketers in more than 1,200 companies in 100+ countries around the world. The WARC award for effectiveness comprises of five categories namely, Customer Experience, Collaboration & Culture, Sustained Growth, Instant Impact, Brand Purpose and Business-to-Business. About Ogilvy Africa Ogilvy Africa is the largest network agency on the continent catering to 39 countries, with a team of ~900 people across Central, East and West Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi - Kenya, Ogilvy Africa manages a portfolio of over 100 brands for clients such as AB Inbev, Airtel, Africa CDC, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Distell, Equity Bank, Exxon Mobil, Kenya Airways, Mondelez, NCBA, Nestle, Philips, PWC, SAB Miller, Sanlam, Total, UNICEF, Unilever and WWF amongst others. It offers services across the full spectrum of marketing domains including advertising (on and offline), Customer Engagement & Commerce, Digital Transformation, Shopper Marketing, Media, PR & Influence; all under one unified setup. The agency has also created proprietary marketing products in areas such as real-time marketing, social intelligence, virtual experiences, influencer management, e-commerce enablement and content hubs. Its unique operating model, One Ogilvy, allows clients and brands to cut the complexity of agency structures and create seamless omni-channel experiences for their consumers, across touchpoints. Fuelled by the holy trinity of content, data and technology; Ogilvy Africa strives to be the best-practice agency model, for Developing & Emerging markets. With 20+ years in Africa, Ogilvy Africa has won the highest number of regional and global awards for the region including Cannes Lions, Clio awards, Dubai Lynx Festival, SABRE Awards (Global and Africa); to name a few. Ogilvy is a leading global creative network of WPP. Launched by David Ogilvy over 70 years ago. About WARC The global authority on marketing effectiveness WARC is an Ascential company, the path-to-purchase business that combines intelligence, data and insights to drive growth in the digital economy. We do this by delivering an integrated set of business-critical products in the key areas of product design, marketing and sales. For over 30 years WARC has been powering the marketing segment by providing rigorous and unbiased evidence, expertise, and guidance to make marketers more effective. WARC services include 18,000+ case studies, 90,000+ best practice guides, research papers, special reports, and advertising trend data, webinars, awards, events, and advisory services; has 1,200+ client companies, 21,500+ active users in 100+ countries; collaborates with 50+ industry partners; has offices in the UK, US, China and Singapore An Islamic Scholar Sheikh Ibn Saana has noted the decision of management of Wesley Girls' Senior High School to ban Muslim students from practising their religious beliefs is a "recipe for danger." He indicated the minority groups in Ghana are suffering from the rule of majoritaraniasm despite Ghana being a circular state. Sheikh Ibn said the country does not have first Class Ghanaians and second class Ghanaians and that we all have equal rights and not based on our faiths. His comment comes on the back of President Akufo Addos call for dialogue between the Muslim and Christian communities to resolve the standoff at the Wesley Girls' Senior High School. Commending the President on his clarion call, the Islamic Scholar said no institutions rights and rules should supersede the national constitution. Sheikh Ibn who was speaking on the 3FMs Sunrise Morning Show said In Ghana, we have respected the constitution. Go to the other countries around us; countries that have suffered and slipped down the road, the individual organizations like Hezbolla are more powerful than the state which is wrong. If we allow religious groups [I dont want to mention names] to have their way and decide that whatever they do the state should stay off, it is a recipe for danger. According to the Islamic Scholar, the posture of Dr. Bawumia shows he is more tolerant of the Christian and Islamic religion. Meanwhile, the General Advisor, Programme for Muslims -Christian Relations in Africa, Rev. Dr. Johnson Mbillah said Ghana has failed in this latest development. He said the country should avoid the politicization of religion and the religionization of politics. These things that have come up may fall in the hands of those who want to do politics with it and that is not good. The two religions have different philosophies that if we dont use it carefully can be very dangerous. If we dont stay on course we will fall into what I call religious tribalism. Religious tribalism is more dangerous because in all ethnic groups in Ghana we have Christians and Muslims. ---with files from 3news.com Somalia has formally written to the African Union to rescind its decision to send former Ghana President John Dramani Mahama to the country as the AU High Representative for Somalia in an effort to mediate the political impasse in the country. In a letter dated Sunday, May 9, 2021, Somalias Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud outlined the reasons for the withdrawal of support for the AU representative. First of all, he said the process to find an amicable solution to the impasse in the East African country started way back in September, 2020 with the Prime Minister leading efforts to finalise political agreement. He added that the parties had even reached an agreement to meet on Thursday, May 20. Its my concern, introducing envoy into the process now will only confuse the present amicable arrangements and at worse risk the politicisation of the process further than necessary. Secondly, the Foreign Minister doubts Mr Mahamas impartiality and competence to handle the mediation talks given his extensive link with Kenyas government, which is being accused of supporting one of the parties. Secondly, given the politically sensitive nature of the task of a high representative in any case, Im certain you will appreciate the importance of any candidate for such a post to be seen as impartial and competent without any links to the region. The earlier envisaged role of the high representative was all the more sensitive given the political nature of the task. Therefore, its indeed surprising that a candidate with an extensive link with Kenyas leadership has been chosen by the AU to facilitate talks on a political impasse partly engineered by those the Kenyan leadership has supported. I hereby notify the African Union of the formal withdrawal of support by the Federal Government of Somalia for the AU High Representative of Somalia. ---3news.com Listen to article Award-winning investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has taken a swipe at the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Affail Monney for accusing Citi FMs Caleb Kudah of breaching the associations code of ethics. Caleb Kudah, on Tuesday was arrested by the National Security operatives for filming at the National Security Ministry, a security zone. While the display of bravado from the National Security has been criticized by Civil Society Organisations, GJA President Mr. Affail Monney said Caleb Kudah broke the GJA Code of Ethics because his motive for filming vehicles bought with taxpayers money which were left to rot was not clear. Reacting to the claim, Manasseh Azure says the GJA president might be talking about a different code of ethics that is unknown to journalists in the country. He said Caleb Kudah did no wrong in filming MASLOC vehicles that were left to rot. After the National Security arrested and beat up Caleb Kudah of Citi FM for going to film vehicles that had been procured with the tax payers' money and left to rust, the GJA President says he broke the GJA Code of Ethics because his motive was not clear. Of course, Affail Monney could not be referring to the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association. Maybe, that code of ethics belongs to the Ghana Jokers Association, Manasseh Azure said in a write-up on Thursday. Meanwhile, the investigative journalist has revealed that he stopped being a member of the GJA when he was convinced its leadership was working against the interest of journalists. Read the full write-up from Manasseh Azure Awuni below: 2015: Samuel Nuamah of Ghanaian times dies in presidential press corps accident. The vehicle and its driver, according to the journalists on board the vehicle, had issues and they had complained about before the accident. The presidency gave a different account. THE GJA President said he believed the account of the presidency over the journalists. I asked him whether he was doubting the account of the reporter from his own newsroom, Napoleon Ato Kittoe, who was on board the vehicle. He said Napoleon Ato Kittoe was sleeping so he didn't really see what happened. 2017: The GJA issued a press statement against the Robbing the Assemblies documentary I did on the Jospong Group. Without stating any journalistic ethic, I broke, the GJA said I was destroying a local company. That investigation led to the cancellation of a $74 million contract. 2021: After the National Security arrested and beat up Caleb Kudah of Citi FM for going to film vehicles that had been procured with the tax payers' money and left to rust, the GJA President says he broke the GJA Code of Ethics because his motive was not clear. Of course, Affail Monney could not be referring to the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association. Maybe, that code of ethics belongs to the Ghana Jokers Association. The GJA under Gifty Afanyi-Dadzie or Ransford Tetteh was not like this. Fortunately, the GJA is not like the Ghana Bar Association. Being a member is not compulsory. I stopped being a member of the association when I was convinced its leadership was working against the interest of journalists and the journalists generally do not care about who leads them. If you demand accountability you're tagged as arrogant or accused of hating. The tenure of current GJA executive expired in 2020. For whatever reasons, they are holding on to power. This has resulted in a court action. Until seriousness returns to the association one day, it is better to stay aloof and practice without the expectation of a professional representing now. Manasseh Azure Awuni Listen to article President Akufo-Addo is expected to leave Ghana on Sunday, 16th May, for a nine-day official working visit to France, Belgium, and South Africa. These working visits are part of the efforts the President is making to re-engage with the rest of the world, following the onset of the pandemic, and highlight Ghana, once again, as a country with an impressive business-friendly atmosphere, with bright economic prospects for the future. To this end, the President will, on May 18, 2021, attend a summit in Paris, France, on Financing African Economies, which will be held by the French President, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron. The summit, which will bring together several African and European leaders, and heads of international financial institutions, will devise strategies that will boost strong, inclusive recovery in Africa, grounded in a dynamic private sector, help foster sustainable progress and prosperity, and accelerate the green and digital transition in line with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It is expected that a financial package will be devised to enable African countries to overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Participants are expected to agree on critical pro-growth reforms that are needed to enhance the private sector in Africa, and tap its growth potential with the help of local and international financial support, including through risk-sharing instruments dedicated to African entrepreneurs and SMEs, as well as appropriate technical assistance. The summit will, hopefully, further agree on key common rules and enforcement mechanisms that will contribute to securing strong, sustainable growth in Africa. While in Paris, the President is scheduled to have bilateral discussions with the President of the World Bank, and the Managing Director of the IMF, who will both be attending the Summit. President Akufo-Addo will, from Wednesday, May 19, at the invitation of the President of the European Council, H.E. M. Charles Michel, be in Brussels, Belgium, to hold bilateral talks with the President and officials of the European Council, and meet with stakeholders committed to the partnership between Ghana and the European Union. The talks between the President and President Charles Michel are expected to centre on regional security, as well as on sustainability issues in the cocoa and fisheries sectors of Ghana, and their impact on relations between Ghana and the European Union. The President will, in turn, meet with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Dr. Werner Hoyer, and participate in the ceremony for the signing of a one hundred- and sixty-million-euro (160 million) facility between EIB and the Ministry of Finance, towards the establishment of the National Development Bank. He will attend an investor conference in Brussels on Ghana, and also hold a meeting with Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner on International Co-operation, to discuss issues relating to the COVAX Facility, which is currently supplying COVID-19 vaccines to the country. On the last leg of his tour, President Akufo-Addo will, at the invitation of the Speaker, address the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), scheduled to take place on Monday, 24th May, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Deliberations of this Session will be guided by the African Union (AU) theme for 2021: Year of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Levers for Building Africa We Want.'' President Akufo-Addo will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Finance, and officials of the Presidency and the Foreign and Finance Ministries. He will be joined in Brussels by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The President is expected to return to Ghana on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has called for the removal of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) president, Mr Affail Monney after accusing him of betraying the Citi FM/Citi TV journalists arrested by National Security operatives. Caleb Kudah, a journalist with the aforementioned media house was arrested on Tuesday by the National Security operatives for filming the premises of the National Security Ministry, a security zone. Subsequently, officers of the National Security stormed the premises of Citi FM to pick up Zoe-Abu-Baidoo after they found out the video taken by her colleague Caleb Kudah had been sent to her phone. In the midst of condemnation from Civil Society Organisations, GJA President Affail Monney on his part has accused Caleb Kudah of breaching the associations code of ethics. Shocked by the stance of the GJA boss, ASEPA says what Mr Monney has done is to encourage the brutal assault of Journalists (which has become the current norm) if the security agencies are convinced that the Journalist breached any law. A press release from the CSO signed by Executive Director Mensah Thompson adds, We believe this is a betrayal of the GJA and its President not only to Mr. Caleb Kuddah and Ms. Zoe but to the entire journalist fraternity in the country and must be treated with all seriousness. As a result, ASEPA wants the President of GJA removed from his position. We believe Mr. Monney cannot continue to hold himself as the President of the GJA after such reckless display of not just cowardice but individualism and failing to uphold the interests of all journalists in the Country. We are therefore calling for the immediate removal of Mr. Affail Monney as GJA President, this is the only way the GJA can distant itself from the comments of Mr. Monney and show solidarity to their compatriots, part of the ASEPA statement reads. Read the full press release from the GJA below: Even as India continues to struggle with the second wave of COVID-19, many countries, corporates, non-profit organisations, and individuals have extended a helping hand for the victims. However, a sweeping change in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is choking off foreign aid just when the country needs it desperately. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, which was passed in September 2020 has become the worst punishment that Indian government could have inflicted on non-government organisations (NGOs) that are providing relief to people during the pandemic. Many media, including those from abroad, are highlighting the ill-effects of the FCRA amendment and how it is blocking foreign aid for COVID-19 relief in India. "The effect is far reaching," says an article in The New York Times , adding, "Almost overnight, the amendment gutted a reliable source of funding for tens of thousands of NGOs that were already stretched thin by the pandemic. It prompted international charities to cut back giving that supported local efforts and supplemented the governments work in fields such as health, education and gender." The FCRA amendment made it mandatory for NGOs to provide Aadhaar numbers of its chief functionaries, trustees and office-bearers for registration to receive foreign funds, while giving the Indian government powers to stop utilisation of foreign funds by an organisation through a summary enquiry. Further, it mandates NGOs to open a FCRA-designated bank account with the State Bank of India (SBI)'s main branch in New Delhi. As per the amendment, after 1 April 2021 foreign contributions can be received by NGOs only in this bank account. In a report, Noshir H Dadrawala, chief executive (CEO) of the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP), says , "Unfortunately, several NGOs have not been able to open this bank account as yet, thanks to SBI Branch offices that keep complicating matters for NGOs and insisting on compliances which are not part of the given standard operating procedures (SOPs). One common complaint has been about some SBI branches insisting that every trustee of the NGO must have a bank account with SBI. This is unwarranted and ludicrous!" At present, there are 22,591 NGOs, which have registered under FCRA. According to a report from The Hindu , only 16% registered NGOs have active bank accounts with SBI's main branch in New Delhi. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many NGOs could not complete the stringent paper work, making it impossible for foreign donors to send help during the second wave that has now spread to rural areas. Many said that they did not fulfil the eligibility criteria as they did not possess an Aadhaar card as a 'matter of principle'," the report says. As per the report, last week, an NGO based in Andhra Pradesh moved to Delhi High Court seeking exemption from the 31 March 2021 deadline to open an account in SBI's main branch at New Delhi. Three more NGOs from Andhra Pradesh have also approached the court with the same plea. An NGO from Assam filed a plea before the Guwahati HC, stating that its application on 9 March 2021 to open an FCRA account was not processed before the deadline. "On 5th May, the Guwahati HC sent a notice to SBI asking it to explain why Aadhaar was necessary to open a bank account, when in 2018, the Supreme Court in the KS Puttaswamy case had ruled that mandatorily linking Aadhaar to a bank account 'does not satisfy the test of proportionality'," the report from The Hindu says. National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), the IT industry body has also urged the Union government to temporarily relax FCRA to enable the industry to bring in the required aid to India, liberalise vaccine import and formalise data utilisation strategy. These actions will go a long way in helping arrest the immediate crisis at hand and also accelerate the only sustainable short/ medium term solution to the pandemic through increased vaccine supply https://t.co/kHW4qMOvgb Rishad Premji (@RishadPremji) May 12, 2021 Rishad Premji, chairman of Wipro, feels the action proposed by NASSCOM will go a long way in helping arrest the immediate crisis at hand and also accelerate the only sustainable short- and medium-term solution to the pandemic through increased vaccine supply. Last year in September, Nityanand Rai, the minister of state of home, told the Rajya Sabha that there was a need to streamline the provisions of the earlier Act by strengthening the compliance mechanism, enhancing transparency and accountability in the receipt and utilisation of foreign contribution worth thousands of crores of rupees every year, and facilitating genuine NGOs or associations who are working for the welfare of the society. However, opening an FCRA account in SBI or providing Aadhaar details of office-bearers of NGOs are not the only issue with the amended Bill. According to former banker and columnist Amitabha Banerjee, some aspects of this law are quirky, to say the least. For example, he says, "repairs of premises have been put under administrative expenses on which there is a cap. If the principal activity of an NGO is running a residential school for destitute children, it may have to spend quite a bit on keeping its dorms and classrooms in good condition. How is this an administrative expense, and not an essential running expense for this NGO?" ( Read: Are NGOs No Good Outfits Over the past few years, all NGOs in India have been systematically demonised with allegations about misuse of funds, violation of rules and hidden agendas. "In 2015, a year after Narendra Modi came to power, his government tightened restrictions on some prominent charitable groups including the Ford Foundation, citing national security. In September, the Indian government raided the premises and froze the bank accounts of Amnesty International, forcing it to close its India operations. Amnesty said the actions were reprisals for criticizing Indias human rights record. The government said the organization had violated Indias rules on foreign funding," the report from The New York Times says. Interestingly, last year, after announcing the lock-down, prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi had requested social welfare organisations and NGOs to help the government during the lock-down and provide necessities to the underprivileged, supply medical and protective gear, and assist with awareness campaigns on social distancing. During the first week of May 2020, the NITI Aayog approached as many as 90,000 NGOs seeking their help in delivering services to the poor and healthcare workers. However, within next few months, the Modi government came out with drastic changes in the FRCA, which are now blocking foreign aid to the country through NGOs amidst the COVID pandemic. According to Mr Dadrawala, laws like FCRA are regressive and punitive, and if the union government seriously wants NGOs to lend a helping-hand, it must first create a more enabling regulatory framework for giving to India. He says, "To begin with, all the provisions of the FCRA Amendment Act and the FCRA Amendment Rules 2020 should be immediately suspended or put in abeyance at least for the fiscal year 2021-22. Going a step further, at least till such time as the pandemic persists, overseas donors should be allowed to send funds and medical and relief material for COVID relief and rehabilitation even to institutions that do not have FCRA registration or prior permission." Ratings agency Moody's has revised India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for FY2021-22 to 9.3% from 13.7% and to 7.9% from 6.2% for FY21-22 due to negative impact of the second wave of coronavirus (COVID). In a note, the ratings agency says, "Second wave of coronavirus infections would hamper economic recovery and increase risk of longer-term scarring for India. Unlike the first wave where lockdowns were applied nationwide for several months, the second wave 'micro-containment zone' measures are more localized, targeted and will likely be of shorter duration. Businesses and consumers have also grown more accustomed to operating under pandemic conditions. As of now, we expect the negative impact on economic output to be limited to the April to June quarter, followed by a strong rebound in the second half of the year." Moody's also revised India government bond rating to Baa3 with negative outlook. It says, "The credit profile of India is increasingly constrained by obstacles to economic growth, a high debt burden and weak financial system. Policymaking institutions have struggled to tackle and contain these risks, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Mutually reinforcing risks from deeper stresses in the economy and financial system could lead to a more severe and prolonged erosion in fiscal strength, exerting further pressure on the credit profile." The negative outlook reflects mutually reinforcing downside risks from stresses in the economy and financial system that could lead to a more severe and prolonged erosion in fiscal strength than Moody's currently project. According to the ratings agency, persistent obstacles to growthincluding weak infrastructure, rigidities in labour, land, and product markets, and rising financial sector riskscontinue to constrain Indias potential. "These structural weaknesses may impair the economys recovery from domestic or external shocks to a greater extent than we presently assume," it says. Moreover, Moody's says, the nature of stress among banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) is still being revealed and may prove deeper and broader than it has assessed so far. "The materialisation of economic and financial system risks would be mutually reinforcing; a deeper and more prolonged credit crunch would constrain GDP growth further, which would increase pressure on financial institutions balance sheets," it added. However, Moody's says, a rating upgrade is unlikely in the near future for India. Nevertheless, the ratings agency says, Indias economic strength provides key support to its sovereign credit profile. "The country's large and diverse economy, and prospects for population growth and productivity catch-up to boost growth potential over the long term all support economic strength." "In particular, India's very large domestic market has provided strong demand-driven growth, fueled by rising incomes, which has helped to shelter the economy from the impact of external demand shocks. Still, incomes and consumption are vulnerable to negative shocks: India's per capita income increased to about $7,000 on a purchasing power parity basis in 2019, from around $3,500 in 2008, but remained much lower than the Baa-rated median of around $27,000. Such low incomes limit households' capacity to absorb shocks, whether domestic, external, or weather related. We expect rising incomes to continue to drive growth through relatively moderate economic cycles, but at a slower rate than in the past," Moody's says. The ratings agency considers India's legislative and executive institutions, civil society and judiciary to be relatively strong. However, in Moody's view, policy effectiveness has been lower than some international surveys, including the worldwide governance indicators, suggest. "While ongoing government efforts to reduce corruption, formalise economic activity, and bolster tax collection and administration should further strengthen institutions over the medium term, there are increasing risks to their ultimate efficacy," it added. Coming back the pandemic, the second wave started in March in the state of Maharashtra, home to the major urban centre of Mumbai, and has since spread throughout the country. As of early May, India's active caseload count surpassed 3.5 million with daily new cases exceeding 400,000. The surge of the virus, which has been driven by a highly contagious variant, has put significant strain on India's healthcare system with hospitals overrun and medical supplies in short supply. Lock-downs and tightened restrictions have so far focused on the most severely impacted states and districts as 10 states or union territories continue to account for around 75% of active cases. The governments latest order on containment measures, which remain effective until the end of May, advises states and Union Territories (UTs) to demarcate containment zones based on a test positivity or bed occupancy threshold; it recommends measures such as night curfews, prohibition of gatherings, closure of recreational facilities and reductions in public transport operational capacity. The re-imposition of lock-down measures will curb economic activity and could dampen market and consumer sentiment. However, Moody's says it does not expect the impact to be as severe as during the first wave. On the fiscal front, the ratings agency says it expects the renewed surge in the virus to contribute to a marginal shortfall in revenue and a redirection of spending toward healthcare and virus response relative to what the government budgeted in February. "As a result, we now expect a wider general government fiscal deficit of about 11.8% of GDP in fiscal 2021, compared with our previous forecast of 10.8% and an estimated 14% in fiscal 2020. We expect the combined impact of slower growth and a wider deficit to drive the general government debt burden to 90% of GDP in fiscal 2021, gradually rising to 92% in fiscal 2023," Moody's say. India began the third phase of its vaccination campaign for those aged 18-44 on 1 May 2021, making the vaccination available to the entire adult population. However, as of early May, only around 10% of the country's population had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Meanwhile, a shortage of vaccines and logistical difficulties in reaching a large rural population (about two-thirds of the population) complicate the vaccine rollout. The international community has recently contributed to India's vaccine efforts with increased medical and vaccine supplies to help address shortfalls. The spread of the virus and the rate of vaccinations will have a direct impact on economic outcomes, the ratings agency says. On 5 May 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced new liquidity measures to support the economy and financial system during the second wave. Measures focused on loan forbearance and liquidity access to households and businesses, including through a restructuring scheme with the extension of a loan moratorium for up to two years. COVIDs virulent second wave has had a horrific impact on people like us who believed that our social standing, savings and insurance would get us adequate healthcare and protection in a crisis. The virus has shown us the deadly reality. Entire families have been wiped out; young kids had to grow up overnight and take charge of homes and finances. I read one tragic tweet which said just two members of a joint family of 20 have survived the virus! For many, it is a wake-up call to organise ones finances and provide for the family during emergencies. While doing so, we stumble upon the glaring absence of definitions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) which are a tedious irritant in ordinary times but traumatic in a pandemic. Many countries have acted to make life easier for people dealing with an unprecedented global emergency. On 12 May 2020, the Australian government enacted legislation to temporarily introduce electronic and audio-visual Wills. This is called the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Electronic Signing and Witnessing) Regulations 2000. It is utopian to expect this in India, where the government inflicted untold hardship on the poor and self-employed tiny enterprises by imposing a sudden, hard lock-down that left families without food or livelihood. Nothing will change until educated Indians wake up from their slumber and begin to assert their rights instead of the timid acceptance of financial terrorism unleashed by thoughtless rules framed by multiple regulators. At Moneylife, we succeeded in drawing attention to one key issue recently, but a lot more needs to be done. (KYC). On 5th May, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das responded to our effort by ordering banks to temporarily stop freezing customer accounts for delays in updating know-your-customer (KYC). It took another eight days for RBI to amend its master directions to banks to accept video-based KYC as demanded by Moneylife Foundations memorandum to the central bank. Many banks refused to unblock accounts in the past week until formal directions were issued by the regulator. Moneylife Foundations memorandum ( https://www.mlfoundation.in/memorandum/hardship-and-financial-death-inflicted-on-depositors-due-to-arbitrary-freezing-of-bank-accounts/130.html ) pointed out that the lack of SOPs for risk-categorisation or freezing of accounts had unleashed draconian coercive action by banks. The same applies to issues of nomination, succession and transmission with devastating consequences in the second wave. Consider the facility to register a nominee for your bank accounts, insurance, shares, government savings schemes and apartments in cooperative housing societies. This is basic financial hygiene scrupulously followed by prudent people. The nominee is not a legal heir but is legally given access to assets on production of basic identification documents and a death certificate. In practice, there are no SOPs for any of these and organisations have been making their own rules. Since grievance redress is abysmal in India, and legal redress slow and expensive, it inflicts untold hardship on people. Consider how banks handle nomination. Some banks, especially private and foreign ones, have a smooth process and hand over savings account proceeds on production of requisite documents. Others, especially public sector banks (PSBs), make their own rules. R Bhuvaneshwari, a retired manager at Bank of Baroda, discovered these discriminatory practices at the free counselling sessions that she generously conducts at Moneylife Foundation ( https://www.mlfoundation.in/ ). One PSB demands a succession certificate/Will or no-objection-certificate with a sign-off by all legal heirs, even when a valid nomination is in place, defeating the very purpose of nomination. A couple of other banks force nominees to lock-in funds received on the death of a senior citizen for three years. This may be a matter of caution in case there is a dispute among heirs, but is legally wrong. Some others demand the submission of a death claim. RBIs customer service department can easily resolve the mess by issuing SOPs in consonance with legal requirements; but there is no pressure on the regulator to make life easier for stakeholders. The pandemic is finally forcing people to wake up to these issues. Pune-based Rishabh Talera has written to the prime minister and finance minister on 11th May seeking an amendment to the Banking Regulation Act and other legislations to permit more than one nominee for various movable and liquid assets of individuals, trusts, companies and other entities. This is to addresses situations where the sole nominee has also passed away leaving families or businesses without access to legitimate funds. He also wants the government to permit motor vehicles, which are a movable asset, to be held in joint capacities, since the paper work involved in transferring it to a legal heir is no less than a nightmare. Mr Taleras concerns are genuine, but elimination of red-tape without diluting legal obligations of the owner when a vehicle is involved in an accident or used for unlawful activity requires careful thought. Who is interested in doing it? Noted Right to Information (RTI) activist Subhash Agarwal has a better solution. He says outdated nomination rules must make way for successive nomination for bank accounts and government savings schemes; otherwise money that rightfully belongs to the people ends up in investor education funds that have been set up by each financial regulator. As a member of the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) for six long years, I have seen first-hand the lack of any effort to trace beneficiaries of unclaimed deposits and debentures. Instead, enterprising private firms have begun to comb the data and help recover the money for the heirs by charging 25% to 50% as their fees. The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA), which has set up an IEPF authority, does nothing proactively to help. Thousands of crores of rupees are similarly transferred to investor funds of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), RBI and the insurance regulator. It is a national scandal that regulators have no obligation to trace the rightful nominees and can enjoy the proceeds of the money. The amount involved is well over Rs25,000 crore, without including public provident funds and government saving schemes, where the sums are substantially higher. The Union finance minister ought to give an account of this public money in the budget speech every year; instead, there is very little transparency and the money is controlled by bureaucrats. Mr Agarwal had called for a white paper on such unclaimed deposits and savings instruments. That would be a good starting point. He also suggests an amendment to Sections 45ZA to 45ZF of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985, to permit successive nominees for bank accounts and lockers. He says that when senior citizen couples correctly nominate one another to these assets and pass away in quick succession, the funds end up in limbo. Since legal process, especially the probate of contested Wills, can take decades, the money is transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, set up in 2014. He says Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) already provides for successive nomination by filling up Form 5194. This creates a hierarchy of two or more nominees. On the demise of a policyholder, the benefit goes to the first nominee; but if that nominee is also deceased, it automatically goes to the next successive nominee. Incidentally, LIC is the only organisation that has proactively relaxed claims settlement procedures recently by not insisting on municipal death certificate in the pandemic (it accepts death summary containing clear date and time of death issued by Govt/ESI/armed forces/corporate hospitals and counter-signed by LIC class I officers or development officers of 10 years standing, along with cremation/burial certificate or authentic identifying receipt issued by the relevant authority). Contrast this with Subhash Agrawals attempt to take up the issue of successive nominations with RBI last year. Instead of proper application of mind or empathetic consideration, he was sent a bureaucratic reply turning down the suggestion by quoting a bunch of RBIs outdated rules. The public provident fund currently permits joint nomination, where the account-holder has to specify the exact share of benefit that will go to each nominee on the death of the account-holder. But, it is not clear what happens to share of benefit of a nominee when the account-holder as well as one of the nominees or joint nominees is dead, he says. Similarly, mutual funds permit joint holding and also permit multiple nominees but require the number of units per nominee to be specified at the time of making the nomination. The same is true of joint accounts with a survivor clause where one additional person can become a rightful beneficiary. In almost every case, the rules for non-resident Indians (NRIs) are nightmarish, although they have retained Indian citizenship and their remittances were once valued by the country. What happens where successive nomination facilities do not exist? Tedious legal process, disputes, the shockingly slow and expensive process of obtaining a probate ends up depriving rightful heirs from accessing the money. Since India is a patriarchal society, families are often clueless about investments by the head of the family and the funds are gobbled up by the giant maw of government unclaimed money. Wills, succession and heirship certificates also need reform and simplification, but people with any savings are considered a privileged class and their concerns are not a priority for anyone in government. Unless we wake up to the need for a concerted campaign for transparency, accountability and sensible regulation, we are destined to live with stifling red tape, losses, delays and friction. POLICE will leave no stone unturned in establishing how a gold smuggler sneaked out of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport undetected, only to be arrested in South African. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said heads will certainly roll at the RGM International Airport where its suspected a syndicate could have aided the smugglers exit. We are going to leave no stone unturned in finding out what happened. We want to know how this man left the country with all that gold. So far we have established that when he walked in at the RGM International Airport (on Sunday) he didnt have a bag, now we want to establish who gave him that bag, where, and how. Investigations are ongoing, as I said, I am confident we will unearth what transpired on the day as soon as possible, working with our Interpol colleagues, he said. Since the smuggler was nailed in South Africa, Minister Kazembe said Zimbabwe is closely working with Interpol to get to the bottom of the matter. Investigations are ongoing; our police are in contact with Interpol because the person in question was caught in South Africa. However, here investigations are also being done thoroughly. We will get to the bottom of all this, he said. The Civil Aviation is in charge of security at the RGM International Airport, with the police at standby at a police post in the precincts of the airport for back-up. The suspect Tashinga Nyasha Masinire (33), was found in possession of 23 pieces of gold that might have been smuggled through the countrys biggest airport to yet an unknown destination. There are also concerns that gold smugglers might have upped their game following the arrest, seven months ago, of Zimbabwe Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya who was nabbed at the same port with 6kgs of gold worth US$366 destined for Dubai, after canners blipped. Her case is still pending at the courts. In the latest case, insiders at the airport said someone could have aided Masinire by helping him by-pass the scanners. His luck later ran out at the Oliver Tambo International Airport where the customs section of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) busted him leading to his arrest. He had not declared the goods and did not have a permit to transport the gold. South Africas anti-organised crime unit, the Hawks was alerted and he was arrested. He is facing charges of contravening the Customs Act 91 of 1964 and Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005. Masinire has since appeared in the Kempton Park regional court in Gauteng province and granted R100 000 bail and ordered not to leave the country until the matter has been finalised. Masinire was also ordered to report at any nearest police station three times per week. Herald A BULAWAYO family suffered double tragedy when a grief-stricken woman from Mpopoma committed suicide shortly after the burial of her mother in an incident that has left the community in shock. Mrs Sithembiso Phiri -Sibanda who stayed with her husband in Gwanda, had travelled to Bulawayo to attend her 65-year-old mother, Mrs Rita Phiris funeral. Sithembiso committed suicide by hanging herself with a wrapping cloth in one of the rooms a few hours after burying her mother who reportedly died in her sleep on Sunday. The deceaseds visibly shocked husband, Mr Obadiah Sibanda said he was at a loss for words following the double tragedy that befell the family. We went to bury my mother-in-law at around 11am. I had not realised that she did not go to the cemetery. When we returned from the cemetery, we had lunch and neighbours dispersed to their homes, he said. Mr Sibanda said other female relatives were in the house while men were seated outside. He said his wife took a bath after which she went into one of the rooms intending to change clothes. Everyone thought she was changing after taking a bath, but it seems she used that chance to kill herself. We got suspicious when she took long to come out of the room, said Mr Sibanda. He said efforts were made to look for her and they discovered her room was locked. We tried to knock on the door and there was no response. I got worried and alerted relatives and we peered through the window leading to the discovery of her body hanging from the trusses, said Mr Sibanda. She did not leave a suicide note. Another family member Mr Wurayai Shiri said they were struggling to come to terms with the double tragedy. This is so painful and unbelievable. I cannot even join the pieces, it is tough. Maybe if she had left a note, we would be having some answers. We have never experienced something like this in our family. It is a hard time for sure, said Mr Shiri. A sister to the deceased, Ms Regina Phiri could only say: I am just heartbroken about my sister. A neighbour who identified himself only as Mr Ndlovu said they were shocked to hear cries coming from the house a few hours after they left. It was shocking as everyone could identify the crying as that of a person mourning the death of someone. We rushed to the house where we discovered what had happened, he said. Consumer Council of Zimbabwe manager for Matabeleland Mr Comfort Muchekeza who is a neighbour and was at the house said: It is shocking in the sense that we buried the mother in the morning and then she commits suicide. Possibly that is when you will understand that those who commit suicide it is not out of their liking. I think there is an element of mental stress somewhere where people fail to accept reality. He said it was paramount for communities to use channels like the church to be taught about the realities of life so that people accept what befalls them. Mr Muchekeza said death was not a way of evading whatever problem they face but should rather share with others so that they are assisted to overcome their challenges. When a Chronicle news crew arrived at the scene yesterday at around 6PM, the body was being taken to the mortuary. Chronicle May 13, 2021 Escalation In Palestine - Hizbullah Is Ready To Join The Fight The current war the occupiers of Palestine wage on the indigenous population has some unusual features. While the conflict was, without doubt, started by the colonial occupiers the course of the recent escalation seems to be managed by the resistance side. It may well be part of a larger plan. The Israeli army had for some time planned a large scale 30-days long maneuver to rehearse an attack on Hezbullah in Lebanon. Last week Hizbullah reacted to that: The Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror organization has announced it is on high alert following the IDFs launching of its largest-ever military exercise. The IDF launched on Sunday its Chariots of Fire month-long exercise simulating war on several fronts, and primarily against Hezbollah in the north, including the massive firing of missiles and rockets from all arenas on the home front. This is the largest and most comprehensive IDF maneuver in its history... The maneuver had been announced for some time. Hizbullah has feared that the maneuver was a deception for a planned Israeli assault on Lebanon. It came at an interesting moment. The International Day of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) was inaugurated by Imam Khomeini in 1979, the year of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, to revive the Palestinian cause, and is celebrated on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan. The last Friday of Ramadan was May 7. On May 5 the Secretary General of Hizbullah Hassan Nasrallah gave his yearly Al-Quds day speech: [O]ur responsibility for Al-Quds Day is to provide all possible help to the Palestinian people, to the Palestinian Resistance; the Axis of Resistance must be even more united and attached to the cause, and it already is, it must increase its readiness (for the final war), it must strengthen itself further, because it is the Axis of Resistance that will shape the future of the Middle East. If we follow the development of the current phase of the conflict in Palestine those words may getting a deeper meaning: Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the three holiest sites in Islam, has long been an emblem of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation. Al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), the complex in Jerusalems Old City that houses the mosque - which includes the Dome of the Rock and other Islamic shrines - is arguably the most significant symbol of Palestinian sovereignty. Jerusalem has been on edge for weeks over Israel's restrictions on Palestinian access to parts of the Old City during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and Israeli authorities' attempted eviction of several Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood to make way for Israeli settlers. Al-Aqsa found itself at the centre of a long weekend of violence from Friday, that left hundreds of people injured and led to a series of deadly rocket exchanges between the Israel military and Hamas in Gaza. By Tuesday night, Israeli security forces had raided the holy site four times in five days. On Friday May 7, Al-Quds day, the first protests at Al-Aqsa against the stealing of the houses in Sheikh Jarrah happened. They were also against the year's 'Death to Arabs' Flag March by ultra-zionist settlers through east Jerusalem which had been planned for Sunday May 9. The settler march was called off but the protests and the raids on Al-Aqsa continued. By Monday night Israel security forces had stormed Al-Aqsa three times. According to the Palestinian Red Cross 305 Palestinians were injured and 228 others hospitalized including four in a critical condition. On Monday the Israel military called off its Chariots of Fire exercise in the north to concentrate on a possible escalation of violence in Jerusalem. That was the point where the resistance in the Gaza strip joined the conflict by launching missiles on Israeli settlements. The move was not necessary. Gaza voluntarily entered the conflict. Presumably the resistance leadership in Gaza believes that it has the capabilities and backing to sustain a new round of fighting. Since then some 2,000 missiles were fired against Israeli targets as far away from Gaza as Tel Aviv, some 230 kilometers north of Gaza. This is a much greater range than previous missiles fired from Gaza have had. Only some 10-20% of the missiles fired reach their target. Some are caught by Israel's missiles defense but many of the locally produced weapons are not precise enough or simply fail. Still - the psychological effect on the colonial population is severe. Israel immediately began to wage an air war on Gaza. As in previous rounds of the conflict it targeted the media, the police and civil infrastructure. These strikes are war crimes. They were accompanied by an assassination campaign against presumed resistance leaders. On Monday May 10 another front opened up as anti-Jewish protests happened in Lod. Shops were damaged and cars set on fire. The next two night anti-Arab pogroms and anti-Jewish rioting escalated: Israel on Wednesday experienced its worst night of internal Jewish-Arab chaos for many years, amid the ongoing armed conflict with Gaza, as scenes of unrest, rioting, hate rallies and growing social chaos spread throughout numerous cities, some of which were once seen as symbols of coexistence. Violent confrontations erupted in Lod, Acre, Jerusalem, Haifa, Bat Yam, Tiberias and many other locations, with people injured, some of them seriously, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce he was looking at deploying the military inside towns to restore order. ... Jewish mobs were seen roaming the streets of Tiberias and Haifa looking for Arabs to assault. In Jerusalem, an Arab was stabbed by Jews and seriously injured at the Mahane Yehuda market. Death to Arabs was heard in many locations of Jewish rallies. Meanwhile, in Acre, a Jewish man was assaulted by Arab rioters and hit with rocks and iron bars, and was hospitalized in critical condition. Arab rioting was reported in Jerusalem, Lod, Haifa, Tamra and elsewhere. The Israeli military has called up reserves and moved forces down south to the boarder with Gaza. Today the Gaza resistance used for the first time suicide drones against Israeli missile defenses. Israeli troop concentrations around Gaza will have to fear that new weapon. The Israeli government under still Prime Minister Netanyahoo is now threatening a ground invasion of Gaza. But ground assaults always cause casualties within the attacking forces, something the Israelis are usually keen to avoid. It will take more missiles fired from Gaza to goad Netanyahoo into launching such an attack. Despite the Israeli and Egyptian blockade of the Gaza strip the resistance forces there seems to be well supplied. They may well have more capabilities than is currently assumed. With unrest in Jerusalem, pogroms in Israeli cities, a potential third intifada in the occupied West Bank and a ground invasion of Gaza the Israeli army will be very busy. If it comes to that during the next few days the time could be right for Hizbullah, already on full alarm, to step in and to attack the occupation on the grounds that it is holding. Nasrallah's speech last week can be understood as an announcement of such a step: My last message will be for the Israelis themselves. I tell them this: you know well, in your heart of hearts, whether it is based on your religious texts or doctrines, on your books or your prophecies, and also based on what some of your leaders and experts say, and also some of your religious authorities, you know (very well) that this entity (Israel) has no future, that it is on the verge of extinction and that it has little time left to live, very little time. Therefore, in this battle you are wasting your energy, and your young people are wasting their youth and their blood, in vain and to no avail. ... We believe in this near future (where Israel wont exist anymore), we believe in it very firmly, and this faith is not based only on religious and ideological bases, but is based (above all) on the data, on the events which occur, especially on those of the last decades, the last years and on what will happen (soon) in this region. It is possible that Netanyahoo had planned the original escalation in Jerusalem to stay in office: After four elections Israel still has no new government. Prime Minister Netanyahoo is on trial for corruption. A larger war that can be spun into a victory could help him to avoid a judgment and gain votes for the likely soon coming next election. It that was his plan he has achieved a first step towards it: Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett has taken off the table the option of forming a government without Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud, due to the ongoing military conflict with Gaza terrorists, a political source says. Bennett has renewed his negotiations with Likud due to the emergency situation, and teams from both parties met today, the source says on condition of anonymity. But it is not Netanyahoo who can decide when the missiles from Gaza will stop flying. It is not Netanyahoo who can control the Palestinian youth. The escalation dominance is not in his hands but in the hands of the resistance. It is the resistance that decides when the conflict ends. Ali @allushiii_new - 18:19 UTC May 13, 2021 Bismillahhhh 3 rockets fired from Lebanon into Palestine The Daily Star in Lebanon confirmed tonight's rocket strike. If Israel reacts to that provocation as it usually does a war in its north could soon become reality. It would not be a small one. Ansar Allah, the Houthi led movement in Yemen, has offered to join a fight against the colonists. It is well know for its long range surprise capabilities and these may at one point be used in the fight. While I am still not sure that all of this is part of a plan - from Hizbullah's speech, over unrest in Jerusalem, Gaza missiles, pogroms, to now missiles from Lebanon - it surely looks like a well rehearsed and coordinated (re-)action of the resistance front. General Qasem Soleimani's plans are coming to fruition. Posted by b on May 13, 2021 at 19:03 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page As the US economy continues to reopen amid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, energy demand is expected to grow. And there is concern that supplies wont meet rising demand. Concern about energy supplies and security among Texas representatives began earlier this year when new president Joe Biden implemented moratoriums on new oil and gas drilling permits on federal land. That prompted August Pfluger, elected to succeed Mike Conaway as Representative for District 11, to file the Saving Americas Energy Future Act to prevent implementation of that moratorium. Congressman Van Taylor, a fellow Republican representing District 3, which covers much of Collin County north of Dallas, has signed on as a sponsor. He told the Reporter-Telegram in a telephone interview that efforts are ongoing to secure additional sponsors. He said he wished more Democratic legislators would sign on to sponsor the bill. This is an important piece of legislation, he said. We need to ensure US energy independence and we need to develop oil where we find it. The moratoriums raise concerns about US energy security, he said. Energy security and independence is important because they support the economy. Every dollar spent on foreign energy is lost tax revenue, impedes job creation and the development of new technology, Taylor pointed out. Every American needs reliable energy, whether its driving to work, buying products shipped across the state or turning the lights on, he said America needs energy independence and theres not reason not to have it. Taylor said he believes the moratoriums issued in January are the beginning of a number of decisions by the Biden administration that are hostile to oil and gas. In filing his legislation, Pfluger noted that approximately 25 percent of the nations oil and gas production is from federal lands, He pointed out, and a moratorium on new drilling would directly impact Midland and Odessa. A number of producers headquartered in the two cities are also active in southeast New Mexico, he said. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas looked at the impact of possible changes to oil leasing and permitting requirements on federal lands. Authors Garrett Golding and Kunal Patel, both business economists in the banks research department, found those changes could prompt a realignment of Permian Basin activity between Texas and New Mexico. With half of New Mexicos oil and natural gas production coming from federal acreage in the Permian, if theres restrictions on New Mexico permits, well see a shift, well less activity on New Mexico acreage (and) employment will shift to Texas, Patel told the Reporter-Telegram in a telephone interview. The two established three scenarios, including a reference case, assuming an average price of $50 for West Texas Intermediate. Under the reference case, which serves as the benchmark and assumes little-changed leasing, permitting and drilling compared to first quarter 2021 levels, Permian Basin production would rise from 4.3 million barrels a day today to 5.3 million barrels a day in December 205. New Mexico production would grow from 1 million barrels to 1.5 million barrels in that time. Under a hybrid case with no new federal leasing but leaseholders continuing to receive drilling permits under more rigorous reviews that slow approvals and create a costlier operating environment beginning in 2022, Permian production would rise to 5.1 million barrels while New Mexico production would rise to 1.1 million barrels a day as operators gradually relocate drilling rigs and completion crews to non-federal locations. Under the most restrictive case, no new federal permits or extensions would be granted beginning in 2023, when most recently issued permits expire, and the existing freeze adversely affects production near-term due to lack of approvals of permit modifications and pipeline rights-of-way. Permian production would still rise to 4.8 million barrels a day, but New Mexico production would fall to 700,000 barrels a day. In crafting the study, the two assumed a standard three-well pad requiring on average 240 workers. In the Hybrid and Restrictive cases, between 3,500 and 6,600 drilling and completions workers will not be needed in New Mexico from now through year-end 2025, while Texas will require between 5,400 and 7,400 more workers. Patel told the Reporter-Telegram he and Golding see the more moderate hybrid case as the most likely scenario to emerge. Earnings calls weve heard seem to indicate that is (operators) understanding that will be the framework. They expect to continue operating. There will be some ramping up of activity to get permits sooner, said Golding. Patel said it while it was easy to estimate the impact on those directly employed in drilling, completions and workover operations, it was harder to estimate the impact on those who support the industry, from hotel and restaurant workers to housing to retail. If moratoriums on oil and gas activity on federal lands continue, Patel said, We definitely expect field jobs to move across the border. There will be an impact on associated jobs. We also suspect a lot of those jobs were held up by the oil and gas industry despite the broader slowdown in the broader economy. Fasken Oil and Ranch is prepared to continue fighting Waste Control Specialists plan to store high-level nuclear waste in Andrews County, Director of Oil and Gas Development Tommy Taylor said Wednesday. WCS currently has a facility in Andrews County to store low-level waste and applied for a license in 2016 to temporarily store high-level waste there before it would be moved to a permanent repository. A U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission panel recommended approving the application in May 2020. Were not going to sit back and let this happen, Taylor said during a Midland County Republican Womens luncheon. He said Fasken Oil will petition the NRC and file an appeal in Washington, D.C., if the application by WCS is approved. Last week, Rep. Tom Craddick killed a bill co-authored by Rep. Brooks Landgraf that sought to ban the storage of high-level waste in Texas. Opponents of the bill said it didnt have the power to prevent the federal government from storing high-level waste. Taylor said other issues with House Bill 2692 included the tax-cut it would have given to WCS, as well as doing away with containerization for Class A waste and some contract negotiations, which he said would have lessened safety regulations. He said he hoped killing that bill would make WCS come to the table and say we want to operate a good low-level site. Once a permit is issued to WCS to store high-level waste, it will be very difficult to stop the process, Taylor said. He criticized the federal government for looking for temporary solutions rather than developing a permanent repository, and called the casks WCS is seeking to store with high-level waste inside Chernobyl in a can and the most toxic material mankind has ever created. Taylor also said the lack of a permanent storage site will put the nuclear power industry at risk. We dont need to let the pressure off our government. We need to solve this problem, he said. Additionally at Wednesdays MCRW meeting, James Beauchamp, president of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, gave an update on upcoming road projects. Some notable projects he discussed were the completion of Loop 250 and the construction of a corridor on Yukon Road that would connect it to Midland International Airport. Beauchamp also spoke about an eight-to-10-year project on Interstate 20 that would expand the highway from four to six lanes and construct new overpasses. NEW YORK (AP) Children ages 12 and older can now roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., offering parents and schools a chance to relax their pandemic precautions and bringing the country a step closer to controlling the virus. A government advisory committee recommended Pfizer's vaccine for children 12 and older on Wednesday, after the Food and Drug Administration expanded authorization of the shots to the age group earlier in the week. Heres what you need to know: ARE THE SHOTS THE SAME AS THOSE FOR ADULTS? Yes. The dose and the schedule are the same; the two shots are given three weeks apart. WHERE CAN KIDS GET THE SHOTS? Pharmacies, state sites and other places that are already vaccinating people 16 and older with the Pfizer vaccine should be able to give the shots to all authorized ages in most cases. All those sites can simply extend down to the younger age group, Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDAs acting commissioner, said in a call with reporters after the agency expanded authorization. School districts are also preparing to host vaccination clinics to speed up the campaign. And since parents might feel more comfortable with their pediatricians and primary care doctors, health officials are working to make the shots more widely available at private practices. WILL KIDS NEED A GUARDIAN? Parental consent will be needed, but exactly how its obtained could vary. For vaccinations at school-based clinics, for example, parents might be able to give consent by signing a form, said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and president of Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Walgreens said a parent or guardian will need to be present and sign a consent form, but noted guidelines on parental consent vary by jurisdiction. In Pennsylvanias Montgomery County, anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Proof of guardianship and the childs age arent being checked, said Kelly Cofrancisco, a spokeswoman for the county, which began vaccinating younger teens Tuesday. HOW WAS THE VACCINE VETTED FOR KIDS? Pfizer's late-stage vaccine study tested the safety and efficacy of the shots in about 44,000 people 16 and older. The study then enlisted about 2,200 children ages 12 to 15 to check for any differences in how the shots performed in that age group. This is just extending it down from 16 and 17 year olds, and getting further information, Woodcock said. None of the children who got the real shots in the study developed COVID-19, compared with 16 who got the dummy shots. That confirmed previous finding among adults that the shots are highly effective. Children were also followed for two months after the second shot as part of the study. Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, said theres no reason the shots would be less effective or have any unique safety issues in children compared with adults. WHY ONLY THE PFIZER VACCINE? Because only Pfizer, which developed the vaccine with its German partner BioNTech, has completed studies in younger teens. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, but regulators still need to review the results before it can be offered to younger people. WHAT SIDE EFFECTS ARE EXPECTED? Common side effects were similar to those experienced by adults, and included fatigue, headache, muscle pain and fever. Except for pain in the arm where the needle is injected, the effects were likelier after the second shot. Dr. Michael Smith, medical director of the Duke Children's Health Center Infectious Diseases Clinic, noted that younger people tend to have more robust immune systems that respond better to vaccines. That explains why side effects were more common in the 12 to 15 age group than among adults, he said. It's also why trials for children younger than 12 are testing different doses. You need to find that dose that is enough to give a good immune response, without giving too many side effects, Smith said. Dosages for children and adults are the same for many other vaccines, he noted. CAN KIDS GET OTHER ROUTINE VACCINATIONS AT THE SAME TIME? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it's updating its guidance to say other routine vaccinations can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 shots. It previously advised against other vaccinations within a two-week window so it could monitor people for potential side effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics said it agrees with the position. WHEN WILL YOUNGER KIDS BE ELIGIBLE? Its unclear how long the ongoing trials or regulatory reviews will take. But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, recently suggested it could happen this year. We think by the time we get to the end of this year we will have enough information to vaccinate children of any age, he said. WHY SHOULD KIDS GET VACCINATED? Even though children are far less likely to get severely ill if infected, health officials note the risk isn't zero. Vaccinating children is also key to ending the pandemic, since children can get infected and spread the virus to others, even if they dont get sick themselves. About 20% of the U.S. population is younger than 16, according to Census data. That included about 16.7 million children ages 12 to 15 in 2019. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Screams and flying debris enveloped Umm Majed al-Rayyes as explosions hurled her from her bed in Gaza City. Groping in the dark, the 50-year-old grabbed her four children and ran as Israeli bombs struck their apartment building Wednesday, shattering windows, ripping doors to splinters and blasting away concrete. While casualties mounted this week in the most severe outbreak of violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip since a 2014 war, al-Rayyes and other Palestinians in the line of fire faced an all-too-familiar question: Where should we go? This whole territory is a tiny place. It's a prison. Everywhere you go, you're a target, al-Rayyes said by phone from a neighbor's house, where she sought refuge with her teenage sons and daughters and a few bags of clothes after the Israeli airstrike that she says came without warning. In Gaza, a crowded coastal enclave of 2 million people, there are no air raid sirens or safe houses. Temporary United Nations shelters have come under attack in previous years of conflict. In the past two days, Israeli airstrikes brought down three huge towers housing important Hamas offices and some businesses after the Israeli military fired warning shots, allowing occupants to flee. Fighter jets also targeted without warning multiple residential buildings, located in teeming neighborhoods where Israel alleged militants lived. In all, 87 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Monday, including 18 children and eight women, according to Gazas Health Ministry. At least 530 people have been wounded. Among the dead were both militants and civilians who died during the apartment building strikes. At a Gaza City hospital, distraught families told of pulling bloodied relatives from piles of rubble. One woman said her 4-year-old grandson and pregnant daughter-in-law were killed when an Israeli air raid hit their two-story building on Wednesday. They bombed them without any warning. The house had nothing but the kids, Umm Mohammad al-Telbani cried in the hospital morgue. The Israeli government long has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields against retaliatory strikes; militants often launch rockets from civilian areas and set up command centers inside residential buildings. Yet Israel received heavy criticism for its tactic of bombing buildings during the 2014 war with Hamas. Recalling the horror of past wars, Gaza residents say they feel nowhere is safe. They also cannot leave the narrow territory, one of the world's most densely populated places. It has been under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized control in 2007. Along its borders, Gaza is encircled by sensor-studded fences, concrete walls, galvanized steel barriers and the Mediterranean Sea, where Israel restricts boats from Gaza to some 16 nautical miles offshore. There is nowhere to run, there is nowhere to hide, said Zeyad Khattab, a 44-year-old pharmacist in Gaza City, who fled to the family home where he grew up in the central Gaza district of Deir al-Balah with a dozen relatives when bombs pounded his residential high-rise. That terror is impossible to describe. As Hamas and other militant groups fired hundreds of rockets into Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, killing at least seven Israelis, worries grew that the latest violence could spiral into a protracted conflict. The Hamas barrages sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis running to bomb shelters across the country and hit numerous civilian targets, including a bus and a school in the city of Askhelon that was empty because authorities had ordered all schools closed. The people killed by the indiscriminate fire at Israeli population centers included three women and two children, spreading fear on both sides of the border. There is always this undercurrent of anxiety, but this time is different, Khattab said. Airstrikes shook the walls and windows of his apartment building during the devastating wars of 2008 and 2014, but the building that houses some 400 people collapsed on Wednesday. In any other year, Palestinians would be thronging the dusty streets of Gaza City this week ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, one of the biggest and most joyous festivals on the Muslim calendar that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Markets would be hives of activity as shoppers stocked up on new clothes and pastries for feasts. Beachside restaurants would brim with families. Barbershops would be full of men getting fresh haircuts. Instead, shops stood shuttered and the city's streets were eerily empty. Almost nothing moves on the roads except for ambulances and Hamas security vehicles. Bombs thunder in the distance. Plumes of black smoke billow from stricken buildings. Residents walk by rubble-strewn stores and downed power lines, surveying the latest damage to a city already riddled with scars from intense clashes. Its the same atmosphere of 2014, Saud Abu Ramadan, a freelance journalist in Gaza City, said, referring to the bloody 7-week war that killed over 2,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of civilians, and inflicted widespread destruction on Gaza's infrastructure. Warplanes are buzzing, and people are just trying to keep their heads down." This week's mayhem stemmed from clashes at the most sensitive place in Jerusalem, the revered plateau site of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the iconic golden Dome of the Rock. Analysts long have considered flaring tensions at the compound, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, to be the most dangerous accelerant to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Islamic militant groups seized on the violence at Al-Aqsa as the trigger for their hail of rocket fire into Israel. The salvos at times overwhelmed Israeli missile defenses and brought air raid sirens and explosions echoing across Tel Aviv, Israels biggest metropolitan region, and other areas. On Monday, the first night of the fighting, teenage boys in Gaza City clambered onto rooftops, cars and scaffolding to get a better view of the rockets alighting the sky and streaming toward Israeli cities in quick succession. Some cried out with joy, as if at a wedding. Shouts of God is great! erupted from the crowd. People here have been seething, Adnan Abu Amer, a political scientist at al-Ummah University in Gaza City, said. They take a pride and happiness in seeing Hamas defend the sanctity of Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem." But with the rush of outrage comes the anguish of knowing the conflict's heavy toll. There is so much pain, but thank God the children have been through this before and they're strong, said al-Rayyes, who fled her falling apartment in Gaza City. She corrected herself. They're pretending to be strong. ___ DeBre reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates Washington wants to pick up the tab for tens of millions of Americans' internet connections. That may include yours. The Emergency Broadband Benefit, or EBB, was launched Wednesday to help a surprisingly wide range of people hit economically by the coronavirus pandemic. It can pay $50 every month toward the cost of your internet service, and it is available to all families who lost some income in the last year and earn less than $198,000, among others. With $3.2 billion up for grabs, the EBB is the largest federal program to help with internet bills in the three decades Americans have been going online. But there's a catch. You can get the EBB discount on your home internet or cellphone bill only if you sign up. I'll show you how. Just know it may require some patience: so many people are applying, the government's website to prove you're eligible for the EBB went down for some people on Wednesday morning. The program reflects one clear lesson from covid-19: An internet connection has become just as important to American life as electricity and water. Watching many people struggle to go to school, consult the doctor or work online during the pandemic helped Congress realize that the high price of broadband is a root cause of America's digital divide. Okay, maybe it took Congress a few too many months to realize that - but better late than never. Lawmakers authorized the EBB in December as part of a $2 trillion coronavirus aid package. Now the Federal Communications Commission finally has the program up and running in every state and territory with more than 875 internet service providers, or ISPs. For many, the EBB discount may make going online totally free. The money goes straight to your ISP, which will deduct it from your bill every month until six months after the pandemic is officially over - or, more likely, until the program runs out of money. That's one good reason to sign up as soon as possible. But before you can get the EBB, you have to prove you're eligible. The good news: Many, many Americans are eligible for a range of reasons - so many, that not even the FCC has been able to figure out exactly how many people the EBB could affect or how long the money will last. I went through the application process with some of America's largest internet providers. For most people, signing up is a two-part process of proving your eligibility to the government, and then telling your ISP that you want the discount. It involves uploading (or physically mailing) some paperwork, but the FCC says the process shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Before you start, it's helpful to know the lingo. The new monthly discount program is called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, or EBB. There's a different government program called Lifeline that provides basic service for low-income people. People already enrolled in Lifeline can also get the EBB, but the EBB covers many more Americans. Below are the EBB basics, and my advice on how to avoid some complications from ISPs that might want to make you jump through hoops to get the money. Q: How much money can you get from the EBB? A: There's $50 per month off the price of a broadband connection per family, with the money coming straight off your internet bill - not through a rebate check or through your taxes. You can apply it to a home internet connection or wireless cellphone bill, but not both in the same household. Just note: Not all internet plans are eligible, particularly ultrafast ones. The average American monthly internet bill is about $65, estimates Consumer Reports. If your bill is less than $50, you won't get to pocket what's left over from the EBB. The EBB benefit increases to $75 per month for families that live in tribal areas. And there's an additional one-time $100 discount available for people who purchase new equipment like a laptop or tablet through a participating company. Q: Can you apply the EBB to a bundled service plan? A: Technically, you can't use the EBB to pay for cable TV or voice service. But if you've got an internet bundle package that includes one of those, your provider can apply the EBB to the part that pays for internet. Q: Who can get the EBB? A: The FCC has a "Do I Qualify" page online that I recommend reading for the details, but eligibility boils down to three big categories: - Americans who lost jobs or substantial income during the pandemic - which, at the lowest point in May 2020, was about 50 million Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. - People who receive food stamps, Medicaid, supplemental Social Security income, federal public housing assistance, have a child who qualified for free and reduced-price lunch at school or received a federal Pell Grant for education. You also can get it if your income is 135 percent or less than the federal poverty guidelines, which vary by household size and state. - Americans who already receive subsidized or low-income internet service, such the FCC's Lifeline or ISP-sponsored programs such as Comcast's $10 per month internet Essentials. Q: Can retirees apply for the EBB? A: Yes, but just being retired won't qualify you. You'll have to prove you meet another one of the criteria listed above. For example, a family of two that meets the poverty threshold - $23,517 in the 48 contiguous states, D.C. and territories - can apply. Q: Is the EBB only open to U.S. citizens? A: No. All U.S. residents can apply. Q: Can you get the EBB if you lost income in 2020, but got a new job in 2021? A: Yes. You don't need to prove continued unemployment, but you will need to prove that your current annual income is below $99,000 for a single person or $198,000 for a family. Q: Is your ISP participating? A: Your first step in signing up for the EBB is to make sure your internet provider is participating in the program. The United States has thousands of ISPs, some serving just particular counties or Zip codes - and none is required to participate. I was initially suspicious that the voluntary system would leave large swaths of the country uncovered, but I've been impressed. Even Loving County, Tex. (population 169), has a few participating ISPs. Some ISPs, like satellite company Viasat, tell me they've signed up with the FCC to join the program but they're still finalizing details so don't yet show up on the EBB website. The website GetEmergencyBroadband.org links to a page where you can look up which companies are participating in your area by Zip code. Some of the largest wired and wireless internet providers, including Comcast, AT&T, Verizon and Charter have dedicated Web pages about the program. If your ISP isn't participating but there's another in your area that is, you can switch and still get the benefit as a new customer. Q: How do you sign up for the EBB? A: For most people, the process will begin by applying online at the website GetEmergencyBroadband.org, which is available in English and Spanish. This website is run by a company called the Universal Service Administrative Co., but it's still the official government site for signing up. The site ask you to prove your identity, such as by sharing a Social Security number, driver's license, passport or other ID. Then you'll have to upload copies of documents that prove your eligibility, such as a layoff notice or unemployment application and your 2020 tax returns. (You can scan them or even snap a photo with your phone.) You should get notice within two days about whether you've been approved. If you don't have the capability or internet speed to apply online, you can also download and print an application, and then mail it. After you've been approved by the government's verification system, you'll need to go to your ISP and tell them. Some let you flag that online or in store, while others require you to give them a call. Applying is simpler for people already enrolled in Lifeline or programs such as internet Essentials from Comcast. By participating in these programs, your eligibility is already verified - you just need to notify your ISP that you want to take advantage of the EBB benefit. Q: How do you apply for the EBB if the broadband bill is under your roommate or partner's name? A: The EBB applies to "households," which the FCC says includes "an adult who lives with friends or family who financially support him/her." When it comes time to apply, though, that has to happen in the name of the person who qualifies for the benefit. Comcast told me if someone else in the house currently pays the monthly bill, the company might ask to change the name on the account to the person who applied for the benefit. Q: Can you get the EBB if you're already behind on your internet bills? A: The FCC's rules say even if your bill is delinquent, your ISP still has to let you sign up for the EBB. But you'll still have to pay your past-due bills. Q: Can your ISP use the EBB to play tricks with your bill? A: Some ISPs might try to use this as an opportunity to upsell you on faster - and more expensive - service plans. For example, Verizon makes you call a phone number and speak to a rep to sign up. It wouldn't tell me whether the call would involve a sales pitch, and there aren't any rules preventing it. I've also found a number of ISPs claiming their older plans aren't eligible for the EBB. Technically, the rules for the EBB allow for this - they just have to make the EBB available on at least one service for low-income customers. Again, I can imagine some providers trying to use EBB sign-ups as leverage to get people onto new plans that are more expensive. (And ISPs wonder why they're among the least-admired American companies.) Just remember, if you do upgrade your plan, you could be on the hook for higher monthly fees when the EBB money runs out. Q: What happens when the EBB money runs out? A: The EBB money will flow until six months after the federal government declares an end to the covid-19 health crisis - or when the money runs out, whichever comes first. The FCC says it will be watching its totals and will provide notice online when it's nearing the bottom. Of course, Congress could extend the program, which some lawmakers have proposed. Q: Will the EBB close America's digital divide? A: We've been talking about the digital divide for years, yet at least 18 million Americans still lack speedy and reliable connections, the FCC found in a report released last June. Some think that tally still undercounts the real problem. What's different about the EBB is that Congress is addressing the cost of broadband, rather than just building out more physical infrastructure to rural areas, says Jonathan Schwantes, a senior policy counsel for Consumer Reports. "The bigger problem is that broadband is just too darn expensive," he says. In the long run, though, subsidies alone won't fix problems that include a lack of pricing transparency and uniformity of service. Q: What if I have more questions - or discovered some shenanigans? A: You can call the EBB help line at 833-511-0311. This bird eye view shows the coral reefs in China's Xisha Islands, South China Sea.[Photo/Xinhua] A recent article published by Philippine Daily Inquirer by the retired Philippine Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio sought to support Philippine sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea by claiming that the country had the "oldest documentary evidence". However, a review of history shows that the Philippines has no historical basis for its claim to the Spratly Islands, by contrast, sufficient historical records and archeological evidence consolidate the basis of China's sovereignty to features in the South China Sea. The Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands stayed beyond the attention of the Spanish colonial empire The territorial formation of the Philippines can be traced back to the 16th century when Spain began to colonize the islands in 1565, with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi establishing the first permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu. Up to 1898, when the proclamation of a republic marked the Filipinos as the first Asian people to try to throw off European colonial rule, the Philippine Archipelago was incorporated into the so-called Spanish colonial empire. For over three hundred years, the policy of the Spanish colonial administration was more economic than political, designed to exploit the region's rich natural resources. As such, the colonial administration of the Philippines, like that of Spanish colonies in Latin America, aimed at supporting the mother state with wealth from colonies through conquest, commerce and trade. In the Philippine Archipelago, the Manila-based Spanish colonial government took complete control of all affairs relating to economic life, in order to secure a perfect monopoly of trade and commerce. It exploited the fertile soil for commercial agricultural products such as tobacco and coffee and implemented a system of oppressive taxation to raise revenue. Therefore, all the colonial laws and regulations were made to control trade, commerce, agriculture, finance, taxation, the foundation of municipalities, the management of the natives, the control of mines, etc. By contrast, the Spanish in the Philippines did not achieve much progress concerning political affairs, creating a loose colonial administration instead of a strong centralized government. Within such a regime, the Spanish did not have a clear and precise understanding of the size and border of their colonial territory. Regarding the features in the South China Sea including the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands, no convincing documents have proved the Spanish seized them. There are at least two reasons for explanation. First, a strong focus on economic benefits meant that the Spanish colonial government had no interest in offshore islands which were uninhabited and of no economic importance. Second, the establishment of a central authority in the colonies was a burden on Spain. It was thus impossible for the Spanish to waste limited resources to seize and occupy islands in the South China Sea. That's also why when the US and Spain concluded their treaty in 1898, the officials of US government held different opinions concerning the territories for cession since even the Spanish themselves did not have a comprehensive understanding of the size of their colony. The 1734 Murillo Velarde map is unacceptable as uncorroborated evidence The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map (also known as Carta Hydrographica Y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas) has been used by the Philippine government on various occasions as a historical evidence to support its claim to Scarborough shoal. Based on details on the map, the Philippine government deems that the shoal named Panacot (or Masinloc on other maps) lying to the west coast of Luzon Island is Scarborough Shoal. Such an assertion has already been criticized and corrected by academia. This is not only because there are very few ancient maps supporting this conclusion, but because plenty more maps since the late 18th century clearly indicate that Scarborough Shoal is not Panacot. Panacot and two shoals appear for the first time on a map in 1590, when the Portuguese cartographer Bartolomeu Lasso made a chart of the coastal seas of South and Southeast Asia. He drew a group of three shoals to the west coast of Luzon Island, as his contemporary navigators thought that this region was dangerous for navigation. From the eighteenth century onwards, the British and Spanish conducted several surveys in these waters and confirmed that the three shoals did not exist in reality. They eventually discovered the real Scarborough Shoal and confirmed its true geographical position. Such a geographical discovery proves that Panocat is not Scarborough Shoal and the 1734 map is not reliable. The progress of surveys was reflected by numerous maps published in the late 18th and 19th centuries. For instance, in 1775, the French navigator Jean Baptist Nicholas D. de Mannevillette published his Neptune Oreintal (Second Edition) in Paris, in which A Chart of the China Sea originally drawn by British cartographer Alexander Dalrymple was included. On the chart, the "Scarboro" was for the first time marked to the west of the group of three shoals. The co-appearance of Scarborough and Panocot again disproves the Philippine assertion that Scarborough Shoal is Panocot and historically belongs to the Philippines. A part of the A Chart of the China Sea shows the co-existence of the Scarborough Shoal and the group of three shoals to the west coast of Luzon Island. A part of the A Chart of the China Sea shows the co-existence of the Scarborough Shoal and the group of three shoals to the west coast of Luzon Island. The Treaty of Paris and Treaty of Washington do not refer to the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands Scarborough Shoal lies around 230 kilometers to the west of coast of Luzon Island. The Spanish did not know its precise position until the late 18th century. Considering they were of no economic importance and were uninhabitable, the Spanish colonial government had no reason to incorporate it and Spratly Islands into its colonial territory. This explains why the 1898 Treaty of Paris and 1900 Treaty of Washington between Spain and the United States have no words on Scarborough Shoal or the Spratly Islands. Justice Carpio and many other Philippine officials have frequently quoted the Treaty of Washington which states that "any islands belonging to the Philippine archipelago, lying outside the linesas if they had been expressly included within those lines", as a historical evidence to claim the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands which lie beyond the lines defined by the Treaty of Paris. It is necessary to point out that the Philippine quotation is incomplete. The following sentence "and particularly to the islands of Cagayan, Sulu and Sibutu and their dependencies" provides additional information explaining which islands lie outside the lines belonged to the Philippine Archipelago. It is thus evident that the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands were not part of the territory ceded to the US, because they had been never part of Spanish colonial empire as discussed above. That is also why when the French illegally occupied nine islands in the South China Sea in 1933, the Philippine ex-Senator Isabelo de los Reyes noticed and wrote a letter to the Governor General William Francis Murphy to take measures to claim the islands. The letter was forwarded to the War Department which held a cautious attitude as the US thought there was no basis for such a claim. Various historical evidence supports China's legal claim to the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands. Contrary to the fake and weak historical evidence supporting the Philippines' claim to Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Island, China has plenty of historical documentary and archaeological evidence to confirm China's historical authority over these islands. First, Chinese official and private historical records, document, maps, charts and other types of evidence show Chinese expeditions in the South China Sea as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). These historical sources, such as Yi Wu Zhi (Records of Rarities), Chufan Chi, and the official chronicles of each dynasty, also record Chinese activities in the South China Sea, including the naming the features, navigation and commerce in the sea, jurisdiction over the islands, etc. In the 20th century, the Republic of China government entrusted administration of the South China Sea to the local government in Hainan, which was a special prefecture within Guangdong Province until April 1988 when it was "upgraded" to the status of a province. The Republic of China continued to exercise authority over the South China Sea islands through such means as granting licenses or contracts to private Chinese merchants for the development and exploitation of guano and other natural resources on the islands in the South China Sea. Official and non-official maps published in the Republic era invariably include the Spratly Islands as Chinese territory. Third, folk literature, such as Geng Lu Bu (manual of sea routes created by Chinese fishermen) record navigation and fishery activities by Chinese people dating back 600 years. These people sailed to and through the Spratly Islands smoothly, gave names to the features according to their common knowledge, and fished in the region. All these indicate their acquaintance with the Spratly Islands, which could not be obtained without lasting and consistent practice. Fourth, archaeological discoveries demonstrate China's historical ties to the South China Sea. Temples, coins, wells and other traces of Chinese living activities have been discovery on the islands in the South China Sea. Archaeological excavation of shipwreck sites in the South China Sea also prove continual Chinese commercial and shipping activities. Fifth, China's sailing, exploration, and exploitation experience in the South China Sea is richly recorded in the historical sources of various Western countries, including the archives of colonial governments and trading companies to personal records such as travel accounts, navigation logs, etc. For instance, in the 17th and 18th centuries, European commercial companies relied on Chinese traditional sailing routes and trading networks when navigating the waters and conducting commerce in Asia. John Crawfurd, a Scottish colonial administrator and diplomat in the 1830s observed Chinese mariners sailing through the South China Sea to Batavia (now Jakarta), indicating the Spratly Islands was historically known to Chinese mariners. A short conclusion The continua Chinese activities since ancient times have confirmed China's consistent administration and exploitation of the South China Sea resources. Such historical-truth based practice by Chinese government and people became the historical basis for the nine-dashed line, which legally sets forth China's historic title over the South China Sea. Such solid historical foundation cannot be eroded and shaken by the historical fictions of people like Justice Carpio. The author is a postdoctoral researcher at National Institute of South China Sea Studies. Megan Ryan grew up visiting law offices because of her uncle being a Winchester-based attorney and her mother being a legal secretary. But the path to being an attorney and following in their footsteps as she graduated from Winchester High School in 2014 didnt really appeal to her so she thought. I joked that it was boring, Ryan said. Attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ryan quickly found out that the idea of working in law wasnt that boring after all. I got really interested in it when I started studying political science, she said. Since then, Ryan has earned her undergraduate degree in political science, graduating in 2017, then went on to attend the University of Mississippi to earn her law degree and is now settling down to study for the Illinois Bar Association exam, which she will be taking in July. I like the idea that you can advocate for people, she said. It is a male-dominated field and I want to be able to have a voice for women. Not only has she fueled her law career with passion, but she has accepted a position at Rammelkamp Bradney P.C. in Jacksonville bringing her back to the place she loves. For Rammelkamp attorney Ryan Byers, knowing that Ryan is joining their team is a delight, especially after working with her while she was interning at the firm. Megan came to us through a family connection, he said of her uncle, John D. Coonrod. We have been very satisfied with her work. Byers said that its not uncommon for attorneys that are coming straight out of law school to not know exactly what they want to specialize in, adding that the attorneys at his firm will give her enough guidance and work for her to get a taste of what she likes. We are always looking for good people and we hit the nail on the head with this one, Byers said of Ryan. Coonrod, who also graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1979, is elated that Ryan is going to be working in the same field as not only him, but his son, too. Shes continuing somewhat of a family tradition, Coonrod said. Shes a quick thinker and Im proud of her for graduating, he said, adding that shes a good people person. Hitting the ground running, Ryan has also been selected as an associate fellow for the newly formed Rural Practice Fellowship Program through the Illinois State Bar Association. Im happy to be in the inaugural class, she said. The program through ISBA was set up to address the problem of the shortage of attorneys in rural areas across Illinois and to connect rural, small town firms looking for law clerks, associates and newer attorneys. The Illinois State Bar Association has been recognizing the shortage of attorneys, said Sarah Taylor, a committee member for the rural project and an associate attorney for Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes & Hoke LLP in Carbondale. The bar association states that more than half of the counties in Illinois have less than 0.7 lawyers in private practice per 1,000 residents and 35 counties have ten or fewer attorneys with 13 counties having five or fewer available. For Morgan County, there are 0.79 attorneys available per 1,000 people. It benefits us as attorneys but we really want to be able to help the people too, Taylor said. For Ryan, who will receive a stipend for choosing to work in rural Illinois rather than the more populated area, she is excited to get to work with the people that she grew up with and now apply what she has been studying, especially because she grew up on a farm. Right now Im really interested in real estate law, she said, adding that she also likes estate planning and family law so she can not only protect future generations but also protect people who are dealing with legal family matters. I grew up on a farm and estate planning to me is important because I can protect the people, Ryan said. Thats their heritage. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting in the death of George Floyd will be pushed back to March 2022, in part to allow the publicity over Derek Chauvin's conviction to cool off, a judge ruled Thursday. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao were to face trial Aug. 23 on charges they aided and abetted both murder and manslaughter. Their co-defendant, Chauvin, was convicted in April of murder and manslaughter. All four officers also face federal charges that they violated Floyds civil rights during his May 25 arrest. Judge Peter Cahill said he moved the other officers' trial so the federal case can go forward first. No date has been set for the federal case, but Cahill said it carries higher potential penalties. He also said he felt the need to put some distance between the three officers trial and Chauvins due to the high-profile nature of the case. The order for the delay came during a hearing on pretrial motions. The former officers were not in court, but their defense attorneys all agreed to the postponement. The state, via Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, did not support the delay. It wasnt made clear at the hearing who originally sought the change. The attorneys left the courthouse without commenting. Chauvin, who was seen in widely viewed bystander video pressing his knee into Floyds neck as the Black man said he couldnt breathe, was convicted in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Hes to be sentenced June 25, with legal experts saying he faces up to 30 years in prison, though he could get less. Former federal prosecutor Mark Osler, now a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, said the delay could mean the former officers are talking about a plea deal, particularly since their attorneys supported the delay and the prosecution did not. One can infer that the defense attorneys are hoping that the federal case will offer lower penalties for their clients and a dismissal of the state charges, Osler said. Although federal civil rights violations can carry the possibility of the death penalty, experts say that won't happen. Osler said Chauvin could face a life sentence if convicted on the federal charges but declined to predict potential federal sentences for the others. He said they could be less than they might get in state court. Minnesota law treats aiding and abetting the same as the underlying crime. So, if the three other ex-officers are convicted, the state's sentencing guidelines would recommend sentences of 12 1/2 years on the murder counts and four years on the manslaughter counts. But Cahill has some flexibility to go up or down a few years without providing an explanation, and he could go significantly higher if he formally finds there were aggravating factors as he did with Chauvin. During Thursday's hearing, attorneys for the defense argued that prosecutors should be sanctioned after media reports that Chauvin had planned to plead guilty a year ago. Frank said the Attorney General's Office was willing to submit affidavits from personnel involved in the case to state that they were not the source of the leak. A prosecutor from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said they would do the same. Cahill said he would hold an evidentiary hearing on the issue, probably in August. In a separate motion, Earl Gray, Lanes attorney, asked Cahill to compel the state to disclose all use-of-force reports over the past 30 years after initially asking for data dating back 50 years in which a Minneapolis police officer used force and another officer intervened verbally or physically. Gray said its necessary to show the jury that no such intervention has been made, which would call into question the states expert testimony about the duty of officers to intervene. Frank argued that the request was overly broad and should be denied; Cahill said he would take it under advisement. Thaos attorney, Bob Paule, filed a motion late Wednesday asking the court to sanction prosecutors for allegedly failing to disclose information about the alleged coercion of a witness. Paule claimed that the Hennepin County medical examiner, Dr. Mark Baker, was coerced to include neck compression in his findings and that prosecutors knew of it. Frank, in a brief letter to Cahill, said, The bizarre allegations offered in support of the motion are false and wrong and we intend to file a complete response. The issue did not come up during Thursdays hearing. ___ Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: The keys to several Illinois Department of Transportation vehicles were stolen between 5 and 8 p.m. Wednesday from the 500 block of East Walnut Street. Whoever was responsible turned on the flashing hazard lights in some vehicles before leaving, according to a police report. Kimberly Williams, 54, of 740 E. Douglas Ave. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:24 p.m. Wednesday on a theft charge. Angel M. Privia, 43, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Evan D. Zimmerman, 23, of 608 Wall St., Beardstown, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday on a domestic battery charge. Officers assisted a Jacksonville man who called police at 11:38 p.m. Wednesday after his remote control fell next to his chair and because of his condition he could not pick it up to turn off the television. Madison M. Cook, 22, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of failing to yield after the car she was driving and one being driven by Jafre M. Owens, 59, of Jacksonville collided at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday at West College Avenue and South Prairie Street. Death of student in China triggers questions, protests View Photo TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) It was a call no parent wants to receive. On Mothers Day, around 9 p.m., a woman in Chengdu in southwestern China was told that her son, who she had dropped off at school just hours ago, had died. Distraught, she went to Chengdu No. 49 Middle School immediately, but could not even enter the school grounds, she wrote in a series of Twitter-like Weibo posts on Monday that were shared hundreds of thousands of times this week. Her account disputing both the police and local governments account of her 16-year-old sons death has touched a nerve, becoming one of the most discussed topics on Chinese social media this week. One related hashtag #ChengduNo.49Middle# racked up more than 1.5 billion views alone on Weibo. People online called for justice for the mother and questioned the actions of the school, police and local authorities. On Tuesday night, videos of a protest in front of the school circulated. People clutching white flowers shouted the truth! again and again. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the veracity of the videos. The incident reflected the frustration of many Chinese who, in trying to seek justice, are met with local authorities deflecting blame and responsibility. Many called on tightly controlled national media to report on the matter or advised the woman to seek intervention from central authorities in Beijing. The school, which serves both middle and high school students, said in a statement on Monday that the student had fallen at around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday night, and that it was investigating and cooperating with the police. The local branch of the education department in Chenghua district in Chengdu said in a statement Tuesday that the incident was a suicide. Police issued a statement Tuesday saying they were investigating the death of a 16-year-old student at the No. 49 Middle School, and that they had excluded any criminal involvement. The family has no objection, the statement read. We urge the public to not believe rumors and not transmit rumors. But rumors continued to swirl as people demanded more information. Many wondered on the mothers Weibo timeline if she had been silenced by authorities, pointing out that she had changed her username shortly after the posts spread widely and that the cellphone model, which is automatically recorded on each post, also changed. Other users questioned why there was a gap of roughly two hours between the schools statement of the students time of death and when the mother claimed she was told of the news. Why did the school take two hours to notify her of her sons death? Why could she not see his body on the same day? Others simply repeated the line from the police statement, the family has no objection. On Thursday, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency published a report saying that the mother had met with the school on the night of the phone call, but that they had met at the local police department so as to not disturb other students. The schools director of safety said it took two hours to notify the family because they could not identify the student at first due to the severity of injuries to his head. State broadcaster CCTV carried a live report from the school and surveillance footage of the students fall as seen through his shadow passing through trees. The mother, who did not reveal her full name online, did not respond to multiple phone calls. A staffer for the school declined to comment saying they had not received directions to speak to media. A police officer at the Chenghua district station directed the AP to the stations political department, which did not respond to phone calls. In the U.S., when George Floyd died in those dubious circumstances, people had all sorts of demonstrations, but when a high school student dies in dubious circumstances, we cant get any sort of real information, said Mike Liu, a 19-year old college student, who had followed the story closely online. On Tuesday night, a large crowd gathered in front of the school, said the owner of a restaurant across the street who gave his last name as Pan. He said he saw roughly 100 people, as well as police officers and security guards everywhere. Protests in China, while not uncommon, are usually quickly dispersed by authorities. Photos of flowers laid in tribute in front of the school gate on Tuesday night, captured by a photographer for Beijing News, an official paper belonging to the Beijing city government, were quickly deleted from the newspapers website by Wednesday afternoon. Online, people criticized Beijing News for posting the photos, and said the flowers were offered by people paid by foreign forces to stir up trouble. ___ Associated Press news assistant Caroline Chen in Beijing and researcher Chen Si in Shanghai contributed to this report. By HUIZHONG WU Associated Press Expected bombshell testimony fizzles at Brazil virus probe View Photo RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazilian senators expecting explosive testimony from a former government official on President Jair Bolsonaros pandemic response expressed anger Wednesday at what they called his evasive responses and, in some cases, lies. Bolsonaros former communications director, Fabio Wajngarten, testified for more than six hours as part of the Senates investigation into the administrations handling of the coronavirus outbreak. By late afternoon, several senators were calling for Wajngarten to be jailed. Critics of the far-right president had been keenly waiting for Wajngartens appearance following an interview he gave to Brazilian magazine Veja last month in which he said the Health Ministry had shown incompetence and inefficiency in the purchase of vaccines for a nation that has seen more than 400,000 pandemic deaths. In his testimony Wednesday, Wajngarten said a letter sent in September by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer offering a contract for 70 million doses of coronavirus vaccine went unanswered for two months. But he didnt allege any incompetence by individual officials, saying the problems stemmed from the bureaucracys rigid rules for purchasing vaccines. The former official avoided answering questions about ex-Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello. Pazuello had the courage to take office at the worst moment of the pandemic, Wajngarten said. I understand that incompetence is being held hostage by the bureaucracy. Wajngarten found himself the target of ire from most senators on the investigations commission, among them Sen. Omar Aziz, its chairman. Aziz said the session could be suspended if Wajngarten continued avoiding objective answers and threatened to ask Veja magazine for the audio of its interview. He also said Wajngarten could be summoned again as a target of the investigation and no longer be considered a witness. Please dont underestimate our intelligence. Nobody is an idiot here. You are lying to all of us, Aziz said. Sen. Renan Calheiros, who is in charge of summoning the committees witnesses and will write the report on its findings, called Wajngarten a liar. He said Wajngarten should be jailed for not testifying truthfully, as required by law. Leftist Sen. Fabio Contarato echoed that complaint. This man (Wajngarten) must leave here imprisoned for flagrant crime. If he is not imprisoned, this commission will not have the ability to do anything else. You are deliberately lying. Wajngarten did draw support from the 11-member committees four senators who allied with Bolsonaro. You came here as a human bomb. But the feeling among senators is disappointment because the truth is prevailing in this story, said Sen. Ciro Nogueira. Brazil has registered 425,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19. The South American nation recorded more virus deaths in the first four months of 2021 than through all of last year, though the numbers of daily cases and deaths have retreated over the last weeks. Critics say Bolsonaros frequent downplaying of the coronavirus and his fervent opposition to restrictions on economic and social activity have added to Brazils death toll. Wajngarten in his testimony noted he was sick with COVID-19 during the rollout of a government publicity campaign, Brazil cant stop, that argued against lockdowns and called for keeping the economy going. Senators quickly produced videotaped comments from Wajngarten at the time saying he was working normally from home and approving communication strategies. By MARCELO SILVA DE SOUSA Associated Press Sonora, CAGovernor Gavin Newsome gave a speech on Wednesday that focused on the education aspect of his 100 billion dollar California Comeback Plan. This would be a historical high for state school funding in California, investing $20 billion into the system, the California Governor explained his plan by saying Were doing more than just fully reopening for the upcoming school year, were proposing historic investments in public schools to create new opportunities for every student, especially for our neediest students, so that every child can thrive, regardless of their race or zip code, To achieve this goal, were going big targeting $20 billion of investments to transform our public schools, including the creation of universal Pre-K and the establishment of college savings accounts for 3.7 million disadvantaged kids for higher education pursuits or to start their own business. In addition to free prekindergarten, the following was also proposed $3 billion for community schools and wraparound services $4 billion for universal mental health screening and access to treatment for young people $5 billion to implement universal after school programs $3.3 billion for teacher preparedness, grants, residency programs, and loans $1.1 billion to provide more counselors, teachers, and support staff to reduce student-staff ratios $2.6 billion for accelerated learning through tutoring to address learning loss California department of Public Health logo View Photo Sacramento, CA Effective today, anyone 12 and older is eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in California. The states Public Health Department notes that appointments statewide can be made through myTurn.ca.gov. Appointments for minors must be set up by parents or legal guardians. The more Californians who are able to get vaccinated, the better we can protect our communities and slow the spread of COVID-19, said Governor Gavin Newsom. Our efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of Californians are paying off, as were now leading the country with over 32 million vaccines administered and some of the lowest positivity rates in the entire country. Having vaccines expanded to teenagers is the next step in Californias path to safely reopening next month. California has an estimated 2.1 million youth in the 12-15 age group. Just like adults, those who sign up will receive two doses of the vaccine, taken 21 days apart. The state reports that 30-percent of the 16-17 age group has already been vaccinated. Fire near Lyons Reservoir in STF View Photo Update at 2:55 p.m.: The vegetation fire in the area of Lyons Reservoir on the Stanislaus National Forest has been contained at under an acre. Update at 1:50 p.m.: Forest firefighters are working a blaze located in the area of Lyons Reservoir on the Stanislaus National Forest. Forest spokesperson Diana Fredlund tells Clarke Broadcasting, We received a report of a vegetation fire on SPI (Sierra Pacific Industries) land on the Mi-Wok Ranger District. Forest Service units are on scene. There is minimal fire activity. Firefighters will remain to extinguish any active fire and mop up the area afterward. The size is estimated at under an acre. What sparked the fire is under investigation. Original post at 1:27 p.m.: Tuolumne County, CA Forest firefighters are heading to the area of Lyons Reservoir on the Stanislaus National Forest for a report of a vegetation fire. CAL Fire reports it was radioed in by some loggers in the area stating the blaze is north of Highway 108. The image box picture shows a dark plume rising into the sky. However, there are no details on the fires activity or size or whether any structures are threatened being reported just yet. An update will be provided as soon as new details come into the newsroom. The Latest: US advises Americans to reconsider travel View Photo JERUSALEM (AP) The Latest on the harrowing fighting between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers (all times local): WASHINGTON The State Department is advising Americans to reconsider any travel they may have planned to Israel and the Palestinian territories due to increasing Israeli-Palestinian violence. In a notice issued Thursday, the department raised its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza to Level 3 reconsider travel. It had previously been at Level 2, which recommends travelers exercise increased caution. The revised alert cited continuing rocket fire from Gaza into areas across southern and central Israel, including Jerusalem, Israels military response to the attacks and a marked increase in violence and protests throughout Israel. Protests and violence may continue to occur, some with little or no warning, it said. ___ UNITED NATIONS Norways U.N. Mission says the U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency open meeting on Sunday on the escalating violence between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. The mission tweeted late Thursday that the meeting was requested by Norway, China and Tunisia with broad support and is confirmed for 10 a.m. EDT on Sunday. The three countries had pushed for an open meeting on Friday but the United States said it wanted a delay until Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington earlier Thursday: We are open to and supportive of an open discussion at the United Nations. I think were looking at early next week. This, I hope, will give some time for the diplomacy to have some effect and see if we get a real de-escalation and then pursue this at the United Nations. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted: The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza on Sunday. The U.S. will continue to actively engage in diplomacy at the highest levels to try to de-escalate tensions. The Security Council has held two closed-door meetings on the crisis, on Monday and Wednesday, but has so far been silent. ___ WASHINGTON The U.S. Defense Department has flown about 120 personnel out of Israel as a precaution in light of the ongoing violence there. Thats according to Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, who said the American personnel departed on Thursday on a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. They had been in Israel to plan for a future bilateral exercise. Kirby said the conference was scheduled to end this week but the exit was accelerated by a few days. There has been a dangerous escalation this week between Israel and Gazas Hamas militant rulers. Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and shells and called up 9,000 more reservists who could be used to stage a ground invasion. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is deeply concerned about violence in the streets of Israel as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians intensifies. He says Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to freedom, dignity, security and prosperity. Both sides, Blinken said on Thursday, should be able to live in peace. He added, however, that Israel has a basic right to protect itself. Blinken described a fundamental difference between Hamas militants who are firing rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza and Israels government, which is going after those who are attacking it. Blinkens comments at a news conference with Australias visiting foreign minister came after President Joe Biden said that he had not seen a significant overreaction from Israel to the rocket fire. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is deeply concerned about violence in the streets of Israel as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians intensifies. He says Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to freedom, dignity, security and prosperity and that both should be able to live in peace. But, he also stressed that Israel has a basic right to protect itself and that there is fundamental difference between Hamas militants who are firing rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza and Israels government which is going after those who are attacking it. Blinkens comments at a news conference with Australias visiting foreign minister came after President Joe Biden said he had not seen a significant overreaction from Israel to the rocket fire. ___ PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the latest Mideast clashes and says he will speak soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as other regional leaders. A statement from Macrons office on Thursday said the French president expressed condolences for Palestinians killed in the conflict with Israel. But he also condemned attacks by Hamas and urged Abbas to use all means of his influence to restore calm as quickly as possible. Macron urged a return to peace and a decisive relaunch of peace negotiations. Also on Thursday, a few dozen people protested in eastern Paris to show support for the Palestinians. __ JERUSALEM Israels military confirms that three rockets have been fired from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel. The reports said the rockets fell in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday evening. No injuries were reported. Israeli media reported that the rockets were apparently fired by one of the Palestinian factions in Lebanon and that its not the start of Hezbollah getting involved in the conflict. No air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel, which the military said was in accordance with protocol. The development came as Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and called up 9,000 more reservists. ___ JERUSALEM Israels opposition leader says the country faces an existential threat from ongoing violent unrest between Jewish and Arab mobs. Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid on Thursday said that if the ethnic fighting doesnt stop, the state is in danger. He vowed to build an alternative governing coalition and end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus 12-year rule. Netanyahu also has condemned the communal violence. Lapid spoke amid ongoing airstrikes and rocket attacks from Gaza. Earlier Thursday, an Arab man allegedly shot and seriously wounded a Jewish man in the latest incident of ethnic fighting inside Israel. In Jaffa, an Israeli soldier was attacked by a group of Arabs and was hospitalized in serious condition. In south Tel Aviv, two Jewish men attacked a journalist covering a gathering of ultranationalists. Police said officers had arrested at least eight suspects in the northern city of Haifa who were involved in stone-throwing and other violent unrest. Lapid said in his televised address, We are on the brink of the abyss. ___ ISLAMABAD Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken by telephone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the deteriorating situation between Israel and Gazas militant Hamas rulers. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Khan reaffirmed Pakistans support for the rights of Palestinian people. The ministry said Khan strongly condemned the attacks on worshippers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, as well as deadly airstrikes by Israel in Gaza. The development came as Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel on Thursday as Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes and called up 9,000 more reservists. ___ UNITED NATIONS China, Norway and Tunisia say the U.N. Security Council should swiftly hold an open meeting on the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The three nations sought a council meeting on Friday. The Security Council has has been silent on the issue, and China said there would be no open meeting. Council diplomats said the United States informed members it couldnt support the request amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The U.S. said it would support an open meeting on Tuesday. Norways U.N. Mission tweeted that it is working to reach consensus for a Security Council meeting as soon as possible. It urged a halt to the rocket fire, adding, Please dont let innocent civilians suffer. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Thursday that Washington is supportive of an open discussion at the United Nations. I think were looking at early next week. Blinken said he hopes this will give some time for the diplomacy to have some effect and see if we get a real de-escalation. By The Associated Press GOP dumps defiant Trump critic Cheney from top House post View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans dumped GOP Rep. Liz Cheney from her House leadership post Wednesday for her persistent repudiation of Donald Trumps election falsehoods, underscoring the hold the defeated and twice-impeached former president retains on his party. She defiantly insisted shell keep trying to wrench the party away from him and his destructive lies. Meeting behind closed doors, GOP lawmakers needed less than 20 minutes and a voice vote to oust the Wyoming congresswoman from her job as their No. 3 House leader. The banishment, urged by Trump and other top Republicans, showed his ability to upend the careers of antagonists, even those from GOP royalty. Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, has repeatedly rebuked Trump for his oft-repeated falsehood that his 2020 reelection was fraudulently stolen from him and for his encouragement of supporters who assaulted the Capitol on Jan. 6. On Wednesday she unrepentantly lashed out anew. If you want leaders who will enable and spread his destructive lies, Im not your person, she told her colleagues before the vote, according to a person who provided her remarks on condition of anonymity. You have plenty of others to choose from. That will be their legacy. Just minutes after she accused her fellow Republicans of dishonestly buttressing Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told reporters at the White House, I dont think anybody is questioning the legitimacy of the presidential election. I think that is all over with. McCarthy spoke a week after Trump released a statement saying, The Fraudulent Presidential Election of 2020 will be, from this day forth, known as THE BIG LIE! Cheneys critics say her offense wasnt her view of Trump but her persistence in publicly expressing it, undermining the unity they want party leaders to display in advance of next years elections, when they hope to win House control. Several also say GOP voters allegiance to Trump means the partys electoral prospects without him would be dismal. Cheneys ouster effectively means the GOP is setting a remarkable requirement for admission to its highest ranks: adherence to, or at least silence about, Trumps fallacious claim about widespread voting fraud. In states around the country, officials and judges of both parties found no evidence to support his assertions. Cheney, 54, would seem to have an uphill climb in her quest to redirect the GOP away from Trump. Shes told Republicans shes not quitting Congress and will run for reelection next year, but she will have to survive a near-certain GOP primary challenge from a Trump-recruited opponent. Even if she returns to the House, it is unclear how loud her voice will be inside a party that has all but disowned her. Bring it on, Cheney said of a potential challenge by a Trump ally, in a portion of an interview released by NBC News. And though she has establishment lineage and embraces classical GOP conservative stances, it almost seems the party has evolved out from under her. Polls show Trumps hold is deep and wide on the partys voters. And many of the time-tested conservative views she and her father share including a belief in assertively projecting U.S. military force abroad have lost ground to Trumps inward-focused America First agenda. Cheney showed no signs of being bashful about her mission. Outside the GOP meeting, she told reporters that the country needs a Republican Party that is based upon fundamental principles of conservatism, and I am committed and dedicated to ensuring that thats how this party goes forward, and I plan to lead the fight to do that. She added, I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office. Wednesdays voice vote by House Republicans means there is no precise way to measure how much support Cheney would have had, though only a handful of GOP colleagues have spoken out on her behalf. What happened today was sad, said Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., another Trump critic and one of the few Republicans who have publicly defended her. Liz committed the only sin of being consistent and telling the truth. The truth is that the election was not stolen. Hard-right conservatives, among Cheneys fiercest critics, were exultant. And Trump himself took a sharp-elbowed victory lap, saying, Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible human being. I watched her yesterday and realized how bad she is for the Republican Party. She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country. Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye Liz Cheney, tweeted Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina. You cant have a conference chair who recites Democrat talking points, said Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a conservative leader using the formal title for Cheneys former post. As if to underscore Jordans contention, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said: Congresswoman Liz Cheney is a leader of great courage, patriotism and integrity. Today, House Republicans declared that those values are unwelcome in the Republican Party. But President Joe Biden deflected an opportunity to comment on the matter, telling MSNBC, I have enough trouble figuring out my own party all the time, let alone Republicans. Participants said Cheney received a polite standing ovation after her remarks inside Wednesdays meeting. Then she had to endure what Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida said was a deafening voice vote to topple her. Her replacement in the partys House leadership is expected to be Rep. Elise Stefanik of upstate New York, who entered the House in 2015 at age 30, then the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Stefanik owns a more moderate voting record than Cheney but has evolved into a vigorous Trump defender whos echoed some of his claims about widespread election cheating. Some of Washingtons hardest-right conservatives have remained wary of Stefaniks moderate record, but no challenger has emerged. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., said the vote on replacing Cheney will occur Friday. Cheney arrived in Congress in 2017, and by November 2018 was elected to her leadership job unopposed. Her career path seemed to potentially include runs at becoming speaker, senator or even president. She occasionally clashed with Trump during his presidency over issues like the U.S. withdrawal from Syria. But virtually open warfare between the two commenced in January once she became one of 10 House Republicans to back his second impeachment for inciting his supporters deadly Capitol assault. The Senate acquitted him. Cheney withstood a February effort to boot her from leadership in a 145-61 secret ballot, with a McCarthy speech on her behalf credited with saving her. That didnt happen this time. ___ AP reporter Jill Colvin contributed to this report. By ALAN FRAM and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press DALLAS (AP) A man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to killing a 22-year-old Dallas woman as she went to celebrate her birthday with friends, prosecutors said. The Dallas County district attorney's office said Glen Richter, 51, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Sara Hudson. Richter, who was originally charged with capital murder, must serve 30 years before he's eligible for parole, according to prosecutors. MERIDEN A New Haven-based partnership, interested in expanding its holdings in the city, recently bought two downtown buildings on West Main Street. Main Street Meriden LLC paid $1.6 million for 81. W. Main St. and 107 W. Main St., according to city land records. Both are fully rented. The three-story building at 81 W. Main St. is home to El Rincon Boricuaformerly Ebenezer Restaurantand Family Pizza. There are apartments on the second floor. A chiropractors office occupies one of two commercial spaces at 107 W. Main St. and there are six apartments on the second level. Main Street Meriden LLC is a partnership of Moises Grunblatt of Woodbridge and Greenleaf Holdings CT LLC of Charlestown, Mass, according to state business records. New Haven investor and developer Mendel Paris is also a partner in the investment, but referred questions about the deal to New Haven investor and developer Johnny Grunblatt. We feel Meriden is a diamond in the rough, Johnny Grunblatt said. The city has done a lot to put Meriden on the map, the Green, and the train station and the sidewalks. It feels like a good old American town. Johnny Grunblatt described himself as the type of investor who wants to make a difference, in both the community he invests in, and in the lives of the tenants who occupy his buildings. He has other holdings in New Haven. Meriden is an untapped market and ready for change, he said adding he is looking at other opportunities in the city. Paris recently told the Record-Journal, he and his partners were interested in expanding their investment opportunities in the Meriden and Southington areas. In addition to his New Haven holdings, Paris recently purchased the campus that was once home to Lincoln College of New England in Southington. He plans to maintain it as a school. City Economic Development Director Joseph Feest said there has been interest in downtown properties primarily along Colony Street but doesnt recall discussions about 81 W. Main St. Feest said the leased restaurants on the first floor add to its investor appeal. Whenever we have a sale of a building in downtown its a good thing, because it shows interest in the city, Feest said. It was a hefty price tag. The sale adds to sluggish downtown activity as city leaders work to fill some of its vacant and underleased buildings. A foreclosure auction over blight liens and unpaid city taxes is set for May 22 on two blighted buildings at 9-11, and 13-17 on Colony Street. Feest said there has been interest, but it remains to be seen who might turn out. According to a property listing on LoopNet.com, 81 W. Main St. has 19 units, three retail and 16 apartments. The apartments are 14 studio units and two two-bedroom units. The building is 11,000 square feet with on street parking with additional parking across the street. It is in the citys transit-oriented district and less than a quarter-mile from the Meriden Train Station. Johnny Gunblatt said the partnership will make some cosmetic improvements to the interior. mgodin@record-journal.com203-317-2255Twitter: @Cconnbiz San Antonio, more rap artists are coming into the city soon. Stars Bun B, Paul Wall and Ken The Man will perform at the Henny Fest on Saturday, June 12 at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, located 901 North Loop 1604 West. According to the festival's Eventbrite, it plans on celebrating the world's most popular Cognac, food and culture at its event. The event is from 3 to 11 p.m. with tickets ranging from $15 to $350. READ ALSO: 7 San Antonio eateries named among Yelp's top restaurants in Texas According to its Instagram flyer, more than 20 performers are on the lineup, including Ken The Man, 26AR, BL Double, and Stocks. Comedian and actor Juhahn Jones will be hosting the festival as well. Henny Fest will feature beers, spirits, and an unlimited Henny bar (obviously), along with interactive games, DJs and food vendors. For more information, visit eventbrite.com. MySA.com has reached out to the event organizers, HIP Productions, for more information but did not receive comments in time of the release of this article. Duck Donuts Krispy Kreme is giving a huge "thank you" to 2021 grads who have persevered through it all. To celebrate great minds, the company is giving away a free dozen donuts to new graduates who stop in at stores wearing their class gear (like senior T-shirts) or cap and gown. With a backpack slung over her shoulders, a painting under one arm and a skateboard under the other, a woman wandered the halls of a Miami-Dade high school on Monday, distributing fliers with her social media handle to students, prosecutors said. But Audrey Francisquini was not actually a student at American Senior High School. In fact, she isn't a teenager. She's 28-years-old and she snuck into the school in a plot to gain more Instagram followers, police said. Hours after hurrying out of the school once authorities caught on to her alleged scheme, Francisquini was arrested and charged with felony trespassing, misdemeanor interfering with a school and resisting arrest without violence, according to court records. She pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and a Miami-Dade Circuit judge set bond at $2,000. Francisquini's public defender identified in court documents did not immediately respond to a message from The Washington Post late on Tuesday. Francisquini once worked as a police officer in DeKalb County, Ga., but lost her job in 2017 when she was arrested and accused of hacking into another officer's social media accounts and then posting nude images of the officer. In South Florida, she now works in sales for Carnival Cruises, she told the judge on Tuesday. A Carnival spokesperson told WSVN that the company is reviewing her case internally. On Monday, Francisquini walked through the front doors of American Senior High School, took out her phone, and began recording herself handing out pieces of paper, according to an arrest report reviewed by WSVN. A student told the station that Francisquini was showing off her Instagram feed, which featured videos and several images of her wearing a "devil's mask." "It's crazy. It's very creepy," he said. The station showed videos from her account in which Francisquini worse a sinister red mask with pointy ears and black horns. A security guard in the school eventually grew suspicious and confronted Francisquini, police said. Francisquini allegedly claimed she was a student and said she was looking for the registration office. But instead of making her way to registration, she passed the office and resumed handing out fliers. At one point, Francisquini allegedly approached a group of students walking toward their classroom, preventing them from going inside, WPLG reported. When a security officer approached Francisquini again, she dismissed him and continued handing out fliers, the arrest report said. The officer then notified the administration that there was a "potential threat on campus," according to WFOR. Once Francisquini noticed school administrators coming toward her, she quickly made her way to an exit, ignoring instructions to stop, the arrest report said. Thanks to the flier with her Instagram handle, though, police soon tracked her down to her North Miami Beach home on Monday night, where she remained inside and posted on her Instagram story. "I legit have I don't know how many cops outside right now of my house," Francisquini said in a post broadcast by WSVN. "I'm not going outside at all." At a bond hearing on Tuesday, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer questioned how Francisquini pulled off the stunt. "First of all, I don't know how you get into the school," Glazer said. "They have a guard at the front. You have to show your ID." A prosecutor explained that Francisquini "dressed similar to students to try and blend in," according to footage of the hearing broadcast on WSVN. As the prosecutor and judge spoke about her alleged crimes, Francisquini nodded her head vigorously. "Ma'am, stop doing that," her public defender said. As the hearing wrapped up, the lawyer added, "If someone shoves a camera in your face, just don't talk about this." In addition to the three charges, the judge ordered Francisquini to stay away from the high school. In a statement to WTVJ, a Miami-Dade County Public Schools spokesperson called the events an "unfortunate incident" and said the district is doing a "thorough review." "Miami-Dade County Public Schools will continue to work tirelessly to protect the safety and well-being of our students and employees," the spokesperson said. Jail record show that Francisquini has not posted bond as of early Wednesday. It is unclear when she is due back in court. BOISE, Idaho (AP) An Idaho man scheduled for execution in three weeks is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the state from moving forward with his lethal injection while it reviews his case. Attorneys for Gerald Ross Pizzuto Jr. filed the request on Thursday, asking the nation's highest court to review whether he would have been convicted if jurors had known about a secret meeting between court officials and attorneys for a co-defendant who later testified against Pizzuto. The request is likely a long shot it's exceedingly rare for the Supreme Court to agree to consider an extraordinary writ of habeas corpus like the one filed in Pizzuto's case. Pizzuto was one of three men charged in connection with the 1985 murders of Berta and Del Herndon. Berta Herndon, 58, and her nephew Del, 37, were prospecting at a remote cabin near McCall when prosecutors said they were bound, robbed and killed. Both Herndons were beaten and Del was also shot. Pizzuto, James Rice and Bill Odom were arrested in connection with the crime. The three men were camping together nearby, and according to court records Odom and Rice were discussing robbing some fishermen when Pizzuto left and walked toward the Herndon's cabin, saying he was going hunting. Rice and Odom later approached the cabin and said they heard bashing hollow sounds, before Pizzuto emerged with a hammer, a rifle and revolver, money and cowboy boots. Rice went in the cabin and found the Herndons lying on the ground with blood on their heads. Rice then shot Del Herndon, according to the court records, because his legs were shaking and Rice didn't want him to suffer. The three later divided up the money, buried the bodies and robbed the cabin. After staying several days with the other two in Cascade, Rice took a bus to California and reported the murders to police. Rice later reached a plea deal and testified for the prosecution, telling the jury that under the plea he would avoid the death penalty but expected to be sentenced to life in prison for two counts of 2nd degree murder. Odom also reached a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and grand theft charges. Both Rice and Odom were released from prison after serving about 12 and 10 years respectively. Pizzuto was sentenced to death, and it was only years later long after his conviction was final and his first appeal had been denied that Pizzuto learned that prosecutors and the judge had actually promised Rice that he would only serve about 14 years in prison in exchange for his testimony. Pizzuto's attorneys contend that if the jury had known Rice had a secret deal with the judge and prosecutors and lied on the witness stand about it, that Pizzuto might not have been sentenced to death. Pizzuto's attorneys made the same argument to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court several years ago, but lost the case in 2012. In that ruling, a three-judge appellate panel said the evidence of the secret meeting and false testimony was troubling, but that there were enough aggravating factors to Pizzuto's crime to justify the death penalty anyway. One of the judges dissented, however, saying the secret deal and false testimony would likely have thrown the credibility of the entire trial in doubt if jurors had known, potentially leading to a different outcome. The court records in Pizzuto's case are tangled. At one point, the Idaho Supreme Court wrongly wrote in a ruling that Pizzuto, not Rice, had shot Del Herndon. The court later acknowledged the error but never issued a formal correction, causing it to be repeated in articles by The Associated Press and other news outlets over the years. Pizzuto, now 65, has terminal bladder cancer and heart disease and is likely near the end of his natural life. His attorneys have also asked the state's pardons commission to grant him clemency and let him die naturally rather than spending taxpayer dollars on his execution. Pizzuto is scheduled to die by lethal injection on June 2. Idaho has executed three people since capital punishment was resumed nationwide in 1976. Keith Eugene Wells was executed in 1994, Paul Ezra Rhodes was executed in 2011 and Richard Albert Leavitt was executed in 2012. The Biden administration is holding tens of thousands of asylum-seeking children in an opaque network of some 200 facilities that The Associated Press has learned spans two dozen states and includes five shelters with more than 1,000 children packed inside. Confidential data obtained by the AP shows the number of migrant children in government custody more than doubled in the past two months, and this week the federal government was housing around 21,000 kids, from toddlers to teens. A facility at Fort Bliss, a U.S. Army post in El Paso, Texas, had more than 4,500 children as of Monday. Attorneys, advocates and mental health experts say that while some shelters are safe and provide adequate care, others are endangering childrens health and safety. Its almost like Groundhog Day, said Southern Poverty Law Center attorney Luz Lopez, referring to the 1993 film in which events appear to be continually repeating. Here we are back to a point almost where we started, where the government is using taxpayer money to build large holding facilities ... for children instead of using that money to find ways to more quickly reunite children with their sponsors. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, Mark Weber, said the department's staff and contractors are working hard to keep children in their custody safe and healthy. A few of the current practices are the same as those that President Joe Biden and others criticized under the Trump administration, including not vetting some caregivers with full FBI fingerprint background checks. At the same time, court records show the Biden administration is working to settle several multimillion-dollar lawsuits that claim migrant children were abused in shelters under President Donald Trump. Part of the governments plan to manage thousands of children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border involves about a dozen unlicensed emergency facilities inside military installations, stadiums and convention centers that skirt state regulations and dont require traditional legal oversight. Inside the facilities, called Emergency Intake Sites, children arent guaranteed access to education, recreational opportunities or legal counsel. In a recent news release, the administration touted its restoration of a child centered focus for unaccompanied children, and it has been sharing daily totals of the number of children in government custody as well as a few photos of the facilities. This reflects a higher level of transparency than the Trump administration. In addition, the amount of time children spend, on average, inside the system has dropped from four months last fall to less than a month this spring, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Nonetheless, the agency has received reports of abuse that resulted in a handful of contract staffers being dismissed from working at the emergency sites this year, according to an official who wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Attorneys say sometimes, even parents cant figure out where their children are. Jose, a father who fled El Salvador after his village was targeted in a massacre, requested asylum in the U.S. four years ago. He had hoped to welcome his wife and 8-year-old daughter to Southern California this year, but the pair were turned around at the border in March and expelled to Mexico. The little girl crossed again by herself and was placed in the government shelter in Brownsville, Texas, on April 6. Jose called a government hotline set up for parents seeking their migrant children repeatedly but said no one would tell him where she was. I was so upset because I kept calling and calling and no one would tell me any information about where she was, said Jose, who asked to be identified only by his first name out of fear of endangering his immigration case. Finally they told me I had to pay $1,300 to cover her airplane ticket and if I didnt pay, I would have to wait a month more, and I was so anxious. For nearly three weeks, his daughter was held inside the Brownsville facility before finally being released to him in late April after an advocacy organization intervened to get the government to foot the bill for her airfare, as is required by the agency. HHS declined to say whether there are any legally enforceable standards for caring for children housed at the emergency sites or how they are being monitored. The Biden administration has allowed very limited access to news media once children are brought into facilities, citing the coronavirus pandemic and privacy restrictions. HHS has worked as swiftly as possible to increase bed capacity and to ensure potential sponsors can provide a safe home while the child goes through their immigration proceedings, HHS spokesman Weber said in a statement. As soon as wrap around services on-site primary care, including childhood immunizations and physicals, case management, phone calls to family members, education, recreation etc become available as a result of additional infrastructure and staff, they are provided as part of the operation. Weber confirmed a number of specific shelter populations from the data the AP obtained. Of particular concern to advocates are mass shelters, with hundreds of beds apiece. These facilities can leave children isolated, less supervised and without basic services. The AP found about half of all migrant children detained in the U.S. are sleeping in shelters with more than 1,000 other children. More than 17,650 are in facilities with 100 or more children. Some shelters and foster programs are small, little more than a house with a handful of kids. A large Houston facility abruptly closed last month after it was revealed that children were being given plastic bags instead of access to restrooms. The system has been very dysfunctional, and its getting worse, said Amy Cohen, a child psychiatrist and executive director of the nonprofit Every. Last. One., which works to help immigrant families fleeing violence in Central America. Although there have been large numbers of children arriving in the U.S. for years, Cohen said shes never seen the situation as bad as it is today. Cohen described parents receiving calls from people refusing to identify themselves. They are told to be at an airport or bus station in the next two hours to pick up their children, who have been held for more than a month without notice, or they wouldnt be released. Some parents are told to pay a travel agency thousands of dollars to have their child sent to them, she said. The children are coming out sick, with COVID, infested with lice, and it will not surprise me to see children dying as a consequence, as we saw during the Trump years, Cohen said. The Biden administration is feverishly putting up these pop-up detention facilities, many of which have no experience working with children. One reason so many children are now arriving without their parents dates back to a 2020 Trump administration emergency order that essentially closed the U.S.-Mexico border to all migrants, citing public health concerns about spreading COVID-19. That emergency order still applies to adults, but the Biden administration has begun allowing children traveling without their parents to stay and seek asylum if they enter the country. As a result, some parents are sending their kids across the border by themselves. Most already have a parent or other adult relative or family friend, known as a sponsor, in the U.S. waiting to receive them. But first they are typically detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, then turned over to a government shelter. As much as having children spend days on end at CBP is unacceptable, so, too, is having children spend weeks on end in unlicensed Emergency Intake Sites, said National Center for Youth Law attorney Neha Desai. With every passing day, it is increasingly critical that these children are released to sponsors or transferred to licensed facilities. Over the course of 2019, the federal government held nearly 70,000 children in a system of contracted shelters, mass detention camps and foster parents. This year those numbers are expected to be even higher. Some of the facilities holding children these days are run by contractors already facing lawsuits claiming that children were physically and sexually abused in their shelters under the Trump administration, while others are new companies with little or no experience working with migrant children. Collectively, the emergency facilities can accommodate nearly 18,000 children, according to data the agency provided earlier this month. There are a lot of questions about are there standards and who is ensuring that they are meeting them, and what kind of transparency and accountability will there be, said Jennifer Podkul, a vice president at Kids in Need of Defense, which represents children in immigration court. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project is one of several organizations that filed legal claims against the federal government seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for parents who said their children were harmed while in government custody after being forcibly separated at the border under Trump administration policies. In some lawsuits, families claim children suffered physical and sexual abuse while in government custody, at both foster homes and private shelters. If those children were able to come in with their parents, they could be released with their parents and not placed in government custody, said Conchita Cruz, co-executive director at the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project. This administration should lift the current policy in order for families to seek asylum together. Bidens Justice Department is defending the government against these claims, which were filed in 2019 under the Trump administration. But the federal response has been mixed since the change in leadership. Some cases continue to be argued, while others are in settlement discussions. In a recent filing in one case currently in litigation, federal attorneys agreed with the assertion that these policies indeed inflicted harm. President Biden has condemned the human tragedy that occurred when our immigration laws were used to intentionally separate children from their parents or legal guardians ... including through the use of the Zero Tolerance Policy during the Trump administration, Justice Department attorneys wrote. The judge in the case granted a joint request to pause the litigation until June 2 while the parties explore settlement. We want to make sure there is adequate oversight and transparency for these new structures and make sure that children can get out, said Podkul, whose organization has been holding know your rights training with children in the emergency sites. If kids are there for more than 48 hours, kids need to know what to expect. As for the 8-year-old girl, her father, Jose, said she is adjusting to life in Los Angeles, enjoying playing with her older brother and, bit by bit, opening up. She keeps asking me where her mom is, and I keep telling her not to worry, that she is in Mexico and she is OK, he said. Soon I hope shell tell me what it was like inside. ___ AP data journalist Larry Fenn contributed to this report. ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/. JERUSALEM (AP) The Latest on confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians as Israel signals a widening military campaign: ___ JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is condemning the anarchy of Jewish-Arab violence in cities across the country after a day of tumultuous unrest. Netanyahu said Wednesday that nothing justifies Jews attacking Arabs or Arabs attacking Jews. He vows to restore order after two days of violence unchecked by police. In his words: It doesnt matter to me that your blood is boiling. You cant take the law in your hands. Shortly after he spoke, police reported two people injured in a shooting in the restive city of Lod. Despite large police mobilization under a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew, Lod was the scene of street battles between Jewish and Arab mobs Wednesday night. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. President Joe Biden says that Israel has a right to defend itself amid a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian groups from Gaza. Biden says he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the dayslong outbreak of violence that has killed dozens. Says Biden: My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later. He adds, Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. Israel escalated its air campaign in Gaza on Wednesday, killing a string of senior Hamas military figures as it hammered the Gaza Strip with airstrikes. Militants in the territory fired rocket barrages into Israel. ___ MOSCOW Russia is calling for a quick meeting of international mediators to help defuse the spiraling Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says it is necessary to call an urgent meeting of the so-called Quartet of mediators, which includes the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations. Lavrov made the statement after talking Wednesday with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Lavrov says a quick ministerial meeting of the Quartet is the most acute task now. He voices hope that Guterres can help convene such a meeting. Guterres says we are totally committed to revitalizing the Quartet. ___ UNITED NATIONS The U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees has condemned in the strongest possible terms" the killing of four children the previous day in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. UNRWA says the children two siblings and two cousins were killed near the refugee camp of Beit Hanoun. It says they were under the age of 12 and went to schools in the territory sponsored by the agency. Wednesday's statement says: Our hearts go out to their families and friends in communities that have been so cruelly affected by this latest escalation." UNRWA provides critical services to more than 1.4 million Palestine refugees in Gaza and delivers education to some 285,000 Palestine refugee students there. The statement also repeated profound concern regarding the impact of the military escalation on children by placing their lives and futures at risk. The escalation between Israel and Gaza this week has killed 65 Palestinians in Gaza, including 16 children and five women. Seven people have been killed on the Israeli side by rocket fire from Gaza, including a 6-year old and an Israeli soldier, the first military death in this round of conflict. ___ TEL AVIV, Israel A large crowd of ultranationalist Israelis have attacked a car in a Tel Aviv suburb they suspected was driven by an Arab, dragging the driver out of the car and beating him. A video from the scene on Wednesday shows the driver trying to maneuver the vehicle to flee the scene but colliding into two other vehicles. He is then pulled from the vehicle and beaten. TV footage from the scene showed the driver motionless on the ground. A doctor at Tel Avivs Ichilov hospital says the driver is hospitalized with serious injuries. Dr. Eyal Hashiva told reporters he suffered major trauma to his entire body but was in stable condition. However, the suburb of Bat Yams Deputy Mayor Eyal Yariv told Channel 12 that police did not respond to city halls calls for assistance. Police said they deployed forces along the citys border with Jaffa to prevent the mob from entering the Arab neighborhood. Violent unrest has involved Jewish and Arab throngs in Lod, Acre, and Tiberias since the latest escalation between Israel and the Palestinians erupted this week. Also on Wednesday, a crowd of around 100 Jewish protesters marched down Jaffa Street in central Jerusalem, chanting death to Arabs. And in the northern city of Acre, an Arab mob attacked and critically injured a Jewish man. Paramedics said the ambulance was also attacked by the crowd en route to a hospital. ___ UNITED NATIONS The U.N. Mideast envoy has told the Security Council the current violence is the most serious escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in years. Diplomats say Tor Wennesland is worried it could erupt into a civil war. He briefed the council on Wednesday behind closed doors for the second time in three days on the deteriorating situation on the ground but the U.N.s most powerful body again took no action. Diplomats said China, Tunisia and Norway, who called the meeting, wanted the council to issue a press statement but the United States objected. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because the consultations were private. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that Wennesland expressed concern over the growing number of civilian casualties in both Gaza and Israel, and sadness at the death of children in Gaza. Dujarric said the U.N. chief, Antonio Guterres, and Wennesland have both reiterated that indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars from highly populated civilian neighborhoods towards civilian population centers violates international humanitarian law." Wennesland recognizes Israels legitimate security concerns but reiterated that Israeli security forces should exercise maximum restraint, calibrate their use of force to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations. Four European council members France, Estonia, Ireland and Norway issued a statement after the council meeting urgently calling on both sides to de-escalate tensions, end violence and show the utmost restraint. They condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel and called civilian casualties on both sides worrying and unacceptable. Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm America's support for Israels right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza. Blinken spoke on Wednesday with the Israeli leader. The State Department said he also repeated U.S. calls for a de-escalation of violence and the Biden administrations belief that both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety and security. Blinken announced earlier he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to make similar appeals in person to Israeli and Palestinian officials. He also said that Israel had an extra burden to avoid civilian casualties as it responds to the attacks. According to the State Department, Blinken also told Netanyahu that as he and President Joe Biden have said in the past, the administration believes Israelis and Palestinians should enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy. ___ GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Israeli fighter jets have dropped two bombs on a 14-story building in Gaza City and destroyed it. The building housed businesses as well as offices for Hamas Al-Aqsa satellite TV channel. It was located in the old Roman neighborhood, on the busiest shopping street in Gaza. Hamas says it has fired 130 rockets toward Israel in response for the attack on Wednesday. The Israeli airstrike was the latest in a series of assaults on targets in the Gaza Strip after a long dispute between Israel and Hamas erupted into an exchange of rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli retaliation. The building is the third multistory structure that Israeli aircraft have hit directly, reducing two to rubble. The third is still standing but in irreparable condition. - WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel bears an extra burden to avoid civilian casualties as it responds to rocket attacks from Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Blinken says Israel has an absolute right to defend itself and its citizens from militant attacks but that it must take all possible steps to protect innocent Palestinians. He said on Wednesday that Israel should do everything it possibly can to avoid civilian casualties even as it is rightfully responding in defense of its people. Blinken made the comments after announcing that he is sending a senior U.S. diplomat to the Middle East to press Israeli and Palestinians officials both to de-escalate the tensions and violence that now verge on war. Blinken condemned the Hamas rocket attacks and stressed that both Israelis and Palestinians have a right to live in peace and security. ___ WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says hes sending a senior American diplomat to the Middle East to urge Israeli and Palestinian officials to de-escalate the conflict threatening to erupt into a new war. Blinken told reporters on Wednesday he had instructed Hady Amr, the deputy secretary of state for Israel and Palestinian affairs, to travel immediately to the region. The move comes as the situation deteriorates with intensified rocket attacks on Israel from Hamas militants and Israeli retaliation. Amr is the most senior U.S. diplomat tasked with the matter. He served as deputy Middle East peace envoy during the Obama administration. Blinken did not say who Amr would meet with or how long his mission would last. The Biden administration has been criticized by both sides as well as by lawmakers for not doing enough to try to stop the violence. Blinken said the administration is very focused on the matter and remains committed to a two-state resolution to end the decades-long conflict. ___ JERUSALEM Israeli police are imposing a nighttime curfew on a central city that was the scene of unrest in recent days. Police said in a statement on Wednesday that officers would enforce the ban on people entering the city of Lod, residents leaving their homes, and people in public spaces starting at 8 p.m. Lod has seen two nights of violent protests, including the torching of dozens of vehicles, a synagogue, and violent clashes between Arab protesters and police. Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency in the city and deployed Border Police forces. ___ BELGRADE, Serbia Dozens of Palestinians living in Belgrade have staged a protest in the Serbian capital over an escalation in fighting in the Gaza Strip in recent days. The protesters on Wednesday gathered at Belgrades Republic Square to draw public attention to the conflict that has surged after weeks of violence in Jerusalem. The protesters carried banners reading Gaza needs our voices now, and, Freedom! The latest Mideast fighting is rooted in a long dispute over contested Jerusalem. After Hamas rained rockets inside Israel on Monday, the conflict suddenly erupted and now increasingly resembles the 2014 Gaza war. ___ GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Palestinian militant group Hamas has confirmed that its Gaza City commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday. Bassem Issa was the highest-ranking military figure in Hamas to be killed Israel since 2014. Wednesday's statement was the first time Hamas acknowledged the death of militants in this round of fighting with Israel. The armed wing of Hamas said Issa was killed along with a few of his fellow brothers of leaders and holy fighters during the fighting that has been going on for two days in Gaza. Israels internal security agency said a series of airstrikes had killed Issa and several other senior Hamas militants, including the head of rocket development and cyber warfare, the head of rocket production, and the Hamas engineering chief. Issa and several other commanders responsible for the different districts of the Gaza Strip formed Hamas' military council, the highest body deciding on the groups militant operations. The military council is headed by Mohammed Deif. ___ LONDON Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he wants to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Hamas amid the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 Gaza war. Johnson tweeted on Wednesday that the United Kingdom is deeply concerned and urged leaders to step back from the brink. He was one of many leaders around the world offering up advice after longtime tensions in contested Jerusalem erupted into rocket-fire from the Gaza Strip and an intense response from Israel. British Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly told Parliament that Britain unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and other locations in Israel. He called Hamas' conduct terrorism and called on militants to end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. Cleverly said Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense," but added that in doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties." ___ JERUSALEM Israels firefighting service says it has almost completely extinguished a blaze at a petroleum facility in southern Israel that was set alight by a rocket fired by Hamas militants. The rocket landed Tuesday night near a Petroleum and Energy Infrastructures Ltd. facility south of Ashkelon during a major barrage by Gaza militants. The result was a massive fire in a storage tank that blazed through the night and into Wednesday. Israel Fire and Rescue Services said that 20 teams have been working for 25 hours to extinguish the inferno that issued a column of thick black smoke. Israeli state-owned Petroleum and Energy Infrastructures said the fuel had been transferred to another storage facility. On Wednesday, the plume of smoke was still rising over Ashkelon. Israeli health and environment officials have instructed residents of the area to avoid prolonged periods outdoors. ___ JERUSALEM Israels president says the countrys Arab leaders are giving support to terrorism and rioting by staying quiet about an outbreak unrest in mixed communities. Reuven Rivlin said on Wednesday that the silence of the Arab leadership over violence in mixed Jewish-Arab communities amounts to encouraging the rupture of the society amid the most severe outbreak of violence since the 2014 Gaza war. Rivlin says Israel must pursue the rioters with a firm hand (to) restore security and order to all of us, also while fighting terrorism from Gaza without compromise. The unrest that began at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem has spread across Israel itself. It comes after Hamas called for a full-scale Palestinian intifada, or uprising. In the Israeli city of Lod, a 52-year-old Arab Israeli and his 16-year-old daughter were killed early Wednesday when a rocket landed in the courtyard of their one-story home. Lod also saw heavy clashes after thousands of mourners joined a funeral for an Arab man who was killed the previous night, the suspect a Jewish gunman. Israeli media reported that the crowd fought with police, and set a synagogue and some 30 vehicles on fire. ___ JERUSALEM The Israeli military says it has killed several senior Hamas militant commanders in airstrikes in Gaza and Khan Younis. The army released a statement on Wednesday, saying that it carried out a complex and first-of-its-kind operation. Those targeted, it said, were a key part of the Hamas General Staff and considered close to the head of the groups military wing. Hamas had no comment. ___ JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will use an iron fist if needed to stop widespread protests by Arab citizens that have resulted in injuries, arrests, and property damage. Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel will stop the anarchy after deploying Border Police forces to calm unrest in recent days in the cities of Lod and Acre. The mounting unrest comes after weeks of violence in Jerusalem and heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip in recent days. The fighting is rooted in a long dispute over contested Jerusalem. After Hamas rained rockets inside Israel on Monday, the conflict suddenly erupted and increasingly resembles the 2014 Gaza war. Netayahu says Israel will "stop the anarchy and restore governance to the cities of Israel, with an iron fist if needed, with all forces needed and all authorities required. ___ BERLIN Germany is standing by Israel during the most intense fighting since the 2014 Gaza war. Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht on Wednesday condemned the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, saying Germany is standing strongly on the side of Israel. She called for the attacks on Israel to stop, adding that Israel has the right to protect itself. Lambrecht also denounced anti-Semitic acts near synagogues in Germany. She said a spate of Israeli flag-burning and other acts at a time of agony for Israel shows nothing but horrible disrespect for human dignity. German news agency dpa reported that police stopped 13 suspects late Tuesday in the western city of Muenster near a synagogue after an Israeli flag was burned there. Police said that in the western city of Bonn, several people damaged the entrance of a synagogue with stones. Investigators found a burned flag there as well. And in nearby Duesseldorf, somebody burned garbage on top of a memorial for a former synagogue. The justice minister vowed that the perpetrators must be found and held responsible and Jewish institutions must be protected thoroughly. ___ ANKARA, Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the international community should "give Israel a strong and deterrent lesson over its conduct toward the Palestinians. That's according to the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate, which said the two leaders talked by phone on Wednesday about the escalating confrontation sparked by tension over contested Jerusalem. The statement said Erdogan stressed the need for the international community to give Israel a strong and deterrent lesson and pressed for the U.N. Security Council to rapidly intervene with determined and clear messages to Israel. The statement said Erdogan suggested to Putin that an international protection force to shield the Palestinians should be considered. Meanwhile, thousands of people in Istanbul defied a nationwide coronavirus curfew late on Tuesday to demonstrate against Israels attacks. A large convoy of cars drove toward the Israeli Consulate, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags. An image of the Palestinian and Turkish flags was projected onto the Israeli building. ___ ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Pakistan has condemned Israels actions and called for Muslim nations to stand by the Palestinians. Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter, saying: We stand with Gaza and Palestine. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi meanwhile urged Muslim nations to unite over Israels strikes on Palestinian civilian areas. Protesters are expected to hold a small anti-Israel rally later today in the southern city of Karachi. ___ GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip The Gaza Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has climbed to 43, including 13 children and three women. It says nearly 300 Palestinians in the territory have been wounded in the strikes. The strikes began on Monday after Palestinians launched a barrage of rockets into Israel. The worst fighting since the 2014 Gaza war was ignited by clashes in Jerusalem in recent weeks between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police focused on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site sacred to Jews and Muslims. The head of Israels emergency service also says one person has been killed and one seriously wounded by an anti-tank missile fired from the Gaza Strip. ___ JERUSALEM The head of Israels emergency service says one person has been killed and one seriously wounded by an anti-tank missile fired from the Gaza Strip. Eli Bein of Magen David Adom said the Wednesday morning attack hit a jeep. Israeli media reported the assault. The attack came after a night of deadly exchanges of rocket fire between Israel and Palestinians. It was an abrupt escalation of weeks of tension with roots in disputed Jerusalem. WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans sought to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 insurrection during a rancorous congressional hearing Wednesday, painting the Trump supporters who attacked the building as mostly peaceful patriots and downplaying repeatedly the violence of the day. Democrats, meanwhile, clashed with Donald Trump's former Pentagon chief about the unprepared government response to a riot that began when hundreds of Trump loyalists bent on overturning the election broke through police barriers, smashed windows and laid siege to the building. The colliding lines of questioning, and a failure to settle on a universally agreed-upon set of facts, underscored the challenges Congress faces as it sets out to investigate the violence and government missteps. The House Oversight Committee hearing unfolded just after Republicans in the chamber voted to remove Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership post for rebuking Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in inciting the attack. Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, testifying publicly for the first time about Jan. 6, defended their agencies' responses to the chaos. But the hearing almost immediately devolved into partisan bickering about how that day unfolded, with at least one Republican brazenly stating there wasnt an insurrection at all. I find it hard to believe the revisionist history that's being offered by my colleagues on the other side," Rep. Stephen Lynch, a Massachusetts Democrat, proclaimed in exasperation. The violence of that day is well-established, particularly after an impeachment trial that focused on the clashes between rioters and police that left officers beaten and bloodied, including one who was crushed between a door and another shocked with a stun gun before he had a heart attack. Some of the insurrectionists threatened to hang then-Vice President Mike Pence and menacingly called out for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in an apparent effort to find her in the building. But Republican lawmakers on the committee sought to refocus the hearing's attention away from those facts, repeatedly equating the insurrection with violence in American cities last summer that arose from racial justice protests that they said Democrats had failed to forcefully condemn. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona played video footage of violence outside the federal courthouse in Portland last summer. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia said that while there were some rioters on Jan. 6, it was a bold-faced lie to call it an insurrection and likened it in some ways to a normal tourist visit. In ways that fundamentally rewrote the facts of the day and the investigations that resulted, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona said the Justice Department was harassing peaceful patriots." He described Ashli Babbit, a California woman who was fatally shot by an officer during the insurrection after climbing through the broken part of a door, as having been "executed, even though prosecutors have said the officer won't be prosecuted because the shooting did not break the law. "It was Trump supporters who lost their lives that day, not Trump supporters who were taking the lives of others, said Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia, downplaying the violent tactics used by loyalists to the president, including spraying officers with pepper and bear spray. One Capitol Police officer who was injured while confronting rioters suffered a stroke and died a day later of natural causes. Dozens more were severely injured, some of whom may never return to duty. This was a violent white supremacist mob who assaulted the nations Capitol" said Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. "It was a deadly and dangerous insurrection that was incited by Donald Trump. For their part, Democrats clashed with Miller over the hours-long gap between when National Guard support was first discussed and the time troops arrived. Rep. Ro Khanna of California told Miller he was dumfounded we had someone like you in that role. After Miller described a statement from Lynch, the Massachusetts congressman, as ridiculous, Lynch replied that Miller himself was ridiculous. You were AWOL, Mr. Secretary, said Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. That's completely inaccurate, Miller replied. That's completely inaccurate. In testimony aimed at rebutting broad criticism that military forces were too slow to be deployed, Miller told the committee he was concerned before the insurrection that sending troops to the Capitol could fan fears of a military coup and cause a repeat of the deadly Kent State shootings in 1970. No such thing was going to occur on my watch, but these concerns, and hysteria about them, nonetheless factored into my decisions regarding the appropriate and limited use of our armed forces to support civilian law enforcement during the Electoral College certification, Miller said. My obligation to the nation was to prevent a constitutional crisis. Miller said that though military involvement in domestic law enforcement should be a last resort, he regarded the speed at which the National Guard was dispatched as among the most expedient deployments in history. He said he stood by each decision he made that day. He said that though he believed Trump had encouraged his supporters to protest the election results, he did not believe Trump's rhetoric which led to his impeachment was the unitary factor in the riot. That drew complaints from Democrats, who said Miller appeared to be softening criticism of Trump that he voiced in earlier media interviews. Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate of having incited the riot. Miller denied that Trump had any involvement in the Defense Department's response, saying the two of them did not speak that day. Democrats nonetheless honed in on Trump and his role in the riot. The failures of Jan. 6 go beyond the craven lies and provocations of one man," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat and the committee's chairwoman. Rosen in his testimony defended the Justice Department's preparation and also said there was no evidence of widespread election fraud that could have caused the results to be voided. His former boss, William Barr, has said the same. ___ Associated Press writer Nomaan Merchant in Washington contributed to this report. P. Terrys Burger Stand San Antonio already has its share of Austin-based chains, but one more is on the way, with sights set on summer for its Alamo City debut. P. Terry's Burger Stand will open its first location in the city at 8539 Fredericksburg Rd. on July 5, just after the Independence Day holiday, according a rep. Do note, that the opening date is preliminary and subject to change. When it rains, it pours and it also washes up unwanted litter into the San Antonio River. In the past two days (not including Wednesday), around 60 staff members and contractors with the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) have picked up more than 17,000 pounds of trash along the San Antonio River Basin, specifically in the Mission Reach area that extends south of the downtown section. Watershed and Park Operations Senior Superintendent for the SARA Tommy Mitchell said the total doesn't include the tires, mattresses, and shopping carts they've found along the way. He noted they've covered about 3.8 miles and still need more than four miles to go along the Mission Reach. RELATED: Don't mess with the San Antonio River "No matter where you live in San Antonio, your actions can impact positively and negatively to the San Antonio River," Mitchell said. "We ask for everyone to dispose of trash properly so when rain days do occur, it won't wash up this amount of trash." When rain events happen, Mitchell said it is common for litter to pop up, but the amount of rain San Antonio's been getting is causing more trash to return in areas crews already previously cleared. While there is a lot of litter, Mitchell did note they are also cleaning mud piles on trails as well so folks can get back out there and enjoy the river. "Normally, it rains and the crews clean it up quickly, but this situation is different as more rain keeps coming," Yviand Serbones-Hernandez, SARA's public communications coordinator said. "It's taking a bit longer than unusual and they are still out there, and will continue to as the rain doesn't look like it's stopping." Since April 29, the crews have picked up more than 21,000 pounds of trash, with most of it coming from the 17,000 pounds found Monday and Tuesday. For those looking to help, Mitchell said you can join their River Warrior volunteer program and apply at sariverauthority.org. Anyone 15-years-old and older can help keep the creeks and rivers clean. Inseparable Kitten with His Pig BFF Is the Cutest Thing Youll See This Week DailyPaws (David L) Two small planes collided over Colorado and both landed safely, one after deploying a parachute CNN. Crittermom: This is the first Id heard of an airplane having a parachute. Theres a New Definition of Normal for Weather New York Times (Dr. Kevin) Night mode better sleep claims are nonsense, says university ZDNet (Dr. Kevin). Oddly relieved to read this. All I found that night mode did was make it hard to read (as in tire out my eyes). Business of science: Tips and tricks for a perfect investor pitch Nature (Dr. Kevin). Kill me now. Wearable bug pod protects you from Brood X cicadas and your dignity CNET (furzy mouse) Whos in Charge of Psilocybin? Chacruna (PlutoniumKun) Philosophy with children Aeon (Anthony L). Chemical giants hid dangers of forever chemicals in food packaging Guardian (David L, Robert M, Carla R) Ovarian cancer population screening and mortality after long-term follow-up in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS): a randomised controlled trial Lancet. See BBC summary: Ovarian cancer: Setback as major screening trial fails to save lives. What 2,000-year-old poo says about our gut bugs ABC Australia (Kevin W) #COVID-19 Worlds Most Vaccinated Nation Is Spooked by Covid Spike New York Times. Reported six days ago at NC: Seychelles, Worlds Most Vaccinated Country, Hit by Covid Surge.Including Among the Vaccinated There is no time to waste: WHO needs new powers to control future outbreaks, report says Sydney Morning Herald (Kevin W). As if the WHO has covered itself with glory. Comparing the WHO to national health regulators is what the Japanese would call a height competition among peanuts. Merriam-Webster online dictionary expands definition of ANTI-VAXXER to include those who oppose FORCED JABS RT (Kevin W) Science/Medicine Asia UK/Europe US Finance/Economy China? U.S. Tariffs Drive Drop in Chinese Imports Wall Street Journal. Key section: The Trump administration imposed the levies in 2018-19, aiming to boost U.S. factory production by making Chinese imports more expensive for the American companies that bring them in. That so-called re-shoring of manufacturing hasnt happened in any appreciable way, economic data show, as U.S. companies instead turned to other countries in Asia for supply. If the goal was to reduce imports from China then it succeeded, said Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, which represents U.S. companies that do business in China. But if the goal was to increase manufacturing employment in the United States I dont see any evidence that thats happened. If the goal was to increase imports from other countries in Asia or increase manufacturing employment in Vietnam, its succeeded. Meituan: China tech giants shares slide over ancient poem BBC (resilc) In Biden meet, Moon gets a late chance to shine Asia Times (Kevin W) Brexit Old Blighty Blair needs to crawl back under his rock. The whinging about Corbyn supporters who voted with their feet after Labours shameful treatment of him is sore looserdom. Labour arrogantly thought they could kick the left to the curb and win campaigning on Were not Tories. Pinko-bashing is so much more satisfying than a cold clinical look at campaign failures. TONY BLAIR: Why I fear the kamikaze Left could plunge my party into extinction https://t.co/zoe1sCIV15 Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) May 13, 2021 Pain that Begets Pain: Ethiopia is Hemorrhaging, Only Empathy Can Heal a Breaking Nation Ghion Journal Syraqistan Imperial Collapse Watch Insider view: the tragedy of the US Deep State Pepe Escobar (Chuck L) Biden Trump Health Care Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal: We must fix the gaping holes in Medicare Washington Post Woke Watch Our Famously Free Press Tucker Carlson & @ggreenwald Discussing How Many Liberal Journalists & Democrat Politicians Smear Their Enemies As "Russian Agents" In Order To Coerce & Manipulate People To Do What They Want pic.twitter.com/wKAQGUgRy8 The Columbia Bugle (@ColumbiaBugle) May 13, 2021 Elon Musk says Teslas can no longer be purchased with Bitcoin The Hill (UserFriendly) FAA Approves Boeing Fixes for Latest 737 MAX Problem Wall Street Journal. Latest 737 MAX Problem does not inspire confidence. Human rights groups based in the US and China issue joint statement condemning Apples app store monopoly Fight for the Future "It's a good lesson about the hype around technology. The stuff Greensill was doing is centuries old; financing invoices goes back to the Middle Ages. The idea that AI and machine learning could magic away all the risk was just a fantasy." @BondHack. https://t.co/NMaSzujfO2 Ian Fraser (@Ian_Fraser) May 13, 2021 Uber used 50 Dutch shell companies to dodge taxes on nearly $6 billion in revenue, report says Business Insider (Lucy Komisar) Uber, Lyft want more public subsidies to meet California EV mandates Reuters (resilc) Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Tracie H). My guess is that this is an ocelot. And a bonus (Robert M): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. When situations develop in a predictably bad direction and some people including yours truly saw it coming, at least in broad outlines, and pretty much no one took basic steps to change the trajectory, its hard not to marvel at our collective stupidity. I sent a little rant to our Brexit group, which is overweight in experts in banking, IT, and regulatory matter, on the Colonial Pipeline hacking debacle and the role of crypto in it. Note that as of yesterday, gas shortages were starting to stick. Local contacts said nearly all gas stations around Atlanta were out of gas, for instance. From the Wall Street Journal: Last night, Colonial announced it was restarting its service. Im not the only one who noticed the paucity of details such as when they expected to be back to normal. Can someone please explain to me why Colonial Pipeline, which supplies almost half the fuel consumed on the East Coast, doesnt have to disclose a thing about the ransomware attack, whether it paid the attackers, or what steps its taking to prevent another attack? Robert Reich (@RBReich) May 13, 2021 Officially, per Reuters, Colonial is making no comment as to whether it paid or might pay a ransom. However, it appears Colonial is trying to have it both ways. From the article: Colonial Pipeline does not plan to pay the ransom demanded by hackers who have encrypted its data, according to sources familiar with the companys response on Wednesday. Does not plan to is not will not. For instance, from Colonel Smithers: Soon after new year, a client of [Euro TBTF[ in the US was held to ransom. After some high level discussions with regulators, it was decided to engage a negotiator to facilitate the ransom into crypto. It was interesting to hear from our US counterpart that negotiators who specialise in this shadow exist and numbers are growing. And vlade: On your last point. Its the talking point of govts you dont negotiate. The reality is, that they do, most of the time. As long as the ransomers are smart enough to keep under radar (i.e. not to attract media). When at LBS, we had a couple of sessions with professional negotiator, it was fun and one learned lots of interesting tidbits.. (like what is the precise weight of $10k in $100 notes) Now lets step back a little: 1. No one saw this coming??? Did all of these big infrastructure providers, and more important, their government dependents miss Stuxnet and Iran? That was 2010, dudes. Of course, we are now generations into software and hardware where security was never a high priority in design (witness default user IDs and passwords of admin/admin). Retrofitting is much much harder than building it in from the get go, but we are well past where thats attainable. And thats before you get to corporate cultures where inconveniencing workers is a career limiting move for an IT professional. Regarding Stuxnet, Im surprised that a commercial version, as opposed to state actor v. critical facilities, took this long to happen. Of course, this does have to have more features, since presumably you need to turn it off w/o leaving [more] fingerprints. 2. The ransom ($1 billion) has to be due in crypto. Yet no one is saying this is confirmation that letting crypto run wild was a bad idea? And on top of that, the $1 billion ask has now focused the minds of all sorts of criminal mischief-makers as to how profitable holding the right actors hostage could be. By contrast, if anyone tried to move $1 billion through the banking system, even to a bank in a supposedly-beyond-our-reach country, Gina Haspel and every sadistic mercenary in US employ would be on the list for the team to capture and render that banks execs. Wed find it imperative to make an example of them. Wed probably settle for car bombings and strangulations in bathtubs since the Khashoggi treatment is a tad uncivilized. 3. Worse I see crap like this, from a Politico newsletter: Lawmakers could crack down on the anonymity of cryptocurrency marketplaces by requiring them to collect more information about their users. But that effort, too, would provoke strong opposition from the cryptocurrency industry, which is assembling a growing army of lobbyists. So what next, a syphilis lobby? Its not just marketplaces, its the whole damned premise. Banks had to have known that the use case was criminal, which to them means high margin. They stupidly thought they could wind up owning enough of the market for it to make for a decent profit center. So they didnt oppose it and many supported it. As Colonel Smithers pointed out: When pack horses like DB and BNYM, so not just the thoroughbreds, are raring for a piece of the action, you know it wont end well. I get the impression that financial institutions see this like dark pools and the opportunity to trade away from regulatory scrutiny. Even my chiropractor in Pelham, Alabama has worked out what crypto is about. I saw him yesterday and he was asking about Bitcoin and Dogecoin. He said friends were in it, had made some money, and were pressing him to buy. He said he didnt like the volatility (and said theyd got in around $4000, saw it run to over $16,000, and then fall way back and they sold out at a bit over $5,000. I assume they got back in at a higher price). More important, he said he didnt see what you could buy with it and was unfamiliar with the tax issues (which I explained). And he said he didnt like investing in something that had no real use and was mainly good for crime (!!!) and he wanted his investments to be in things that were productive. And vlade pooh poohed the idea that it would be hard to reduce the use of crypto to nuisance/hobby level: Your points re crypto. All I can say is death to crypto!. Its literally the worst invention of humanity, ever. There is not a single positive element (even if you look at it as a wealth-redistribution lottery, lotteries already exist and are at least more transparent). Even leaded petrol and nuclear fusion had some positives. The response to this should be fuck crypto, lets outlaw it, right now *). Instead well get handwringing from Politico and similar crap. *) you could start by making it a crime to be in any blockchain that includes a wallet that can be tied to a known criminal use, as participation in money laundering. Just the uncertainty of that would kill crypto. To add to what vlade said, there is no legitimate purpose for crypto that isnt done as well or better by existing financial services products. Its only use case is for crime. Finally, Elon Musks reversal on Bitcoin as a means of payment for Teslas is oddly timed. Musks professed excuse, that he had no idea what an energy hog Bitcoin is, is laughable. One theory is that Musk is enjoying showing his power by whipsawing crypto prices. But my pet and unprovable belief is that Musk realized or even was quietly told that his legitimation of Bitcoin and therefore crypto generally didnt sit well with key players in the defense/intel state. They may now feel they sat pat for too long and are now playing a rearguard game to curb its use. While Musk has no inhibitions about pushing around a weak regulator like the SEC, he needs the cooperation of the Feds for his SpaceX plans to advance. There are all sorts of plausibly deniable ways to hold up projects like that, such as protracted safety inspections. The time is overdue to crack down on this socially destructive complex. But absent bloody-minded measures like the one vlade suggested, the officialdom will be playing whack-a-mole. Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors who recently made headlines for her massive real-estate buying binge compared her book to Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedongs Little Red Book in a speech unearthed by The National Pulse. (Natural News) (Article by Natalie Winters republished from TheNationalPulse.com) Cullors, who infamously described herself as a trained Marxist, made the comments during a United States Social Forum panel on Transformative Organizing Theory in 2010. Among the breakout sessions at the workshop was Socialism for the 21st Century. During her speech, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) co-founder recounts how a young person insisted her book was like Maos Red Book, a comparison which Cullors embraces: I was speaking to this young person from Arizona whos trying to fight SB 1070, and he grabbed a book and he said, Its like Maos Red Book. [Laughter] And I was like man, thats what I was thinking, and it was just really cool to hear him make that connection, and I was like how about you buy 10 to 15 of these books and you all have like a youth organizing group where you talk about it and you really try to engage this. WATCH: I think I have a really important role in speaking to youth. Maybe its because I came in the movement at 17-and-a-half, so I have just a knack for knowing how to organize young people into this organization, Cullors adds. Originally published at the advent of Chinas Cultural Revolution, the Little Red Book contains hundreds of quotes from then-Chairman Mao. Beyond representing the archetype of communist propaganda, the work was widely used by young revolutionaries to justify purges of anyone short of completely devoted to the Chinese Communist Party. And history appears to be repeating itself: BLM has embedded its messages within public school curricula alongside ideological counterparts including the 1619 Project and Critical Race Theory. Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com (Natural News) A report has revealed that the office of New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo hid the number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes for at least five months. The report claimed that senior advisers blocked state health officials from releasing the actual figures until months later. The revelation fuels the scandals Cuomo is currently involved in with regard to his Wuhan coronavirus pandemic response. The New York Times reported Cuomos concealment of COVID-19 fatalities on April 28. Based on interviews and documents it scrutinized, figures reflecting the true number of deaths in nursing homes did not go public until months later. NYT said that the governors most serious aides engaged in a sustained effort to prevent New York State Department of Health (DOH) officials including Health Commissioner Howard Zucker from releasing the true death toll to both state lawmakers and the general public. The report also showed the extent of suppression health officials faced. A scientific paper incorporating the actual figures was never published and did not see the light of day. Two letters meant for state legislators one by the DOH and another penned by Zucker himself did not reach their recipients. Incidentally, these actions coincided with the period when Cuomo was working on a book regarding the pandemic with the assistance of his top aide Melissa DeRosa and other advisers. The April 28 NYT report came amid a probe Cuomo is facing with regard to his office allegedly provided false data regarding COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes last year. Back in March 2020, Cuomo issued an executive order mandating that nursing home residents who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were to be sent back to their nursing homes as long as providers could take care of them. He issued the order amid the order Cuomos order enabled nursing home residents infected with the Wuhan coronavirus to spread the pathogen to fellow residents. This resulted in the about 6,000 deaths estimated by the Cuomo administration. Meanwhile, the governors office defended the mandate as a result of following federal health guidance. It also added that the order had the intent of addressing hospital capacity issues that time. A report by the state attorney general revealed the discrepancy and other irregularities In late January 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Cuomo of undercounting COVID-19 nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent. The attorney generals office had been conducting a separate investigation since March 2020, according to a Jan. 28 statement. In an example mentioned by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), one care home facility reported 11 COVID-19 deaths to DOH. However, the same facility told Jamess office that 40 people there died of COVID-19 showing a discrepancy of 29 deaths. The OAG statement also said that the probe uncovered the lack of compliance with infection control protocols occurring in some nursing homes. Some facilities failed to isolate infected residents, test employees for possible COVID-19 infection and provide personal protective equipment. These actions exposed elderly residents to an increased risk of harm, the statement said. Furthermore, the OAG statement revealed that care home facilities with low staffing ratings had more residents who died of COVID-19. Staffing ratings reflect the number of hours that care home workers assist residents. Nursing homes with low ratings eventually snapped when coronavirus infections spiked. Of the 401 for-profit nursing homes in New York state, 280 facilities had the lowest staffing ratings. More than half of COVID-19 fatalities in nursing homes occurred in these 280 locations. An example cited in the OAG report mentioned that only two nurse supervisors were in charge of an entire care home due to the lack of manpower. Furthermore, OAG probes revealed that because of understaffed nursing homes sick staff members have had to work consecutive shifts. The statement from Jamess office also slammed the Emergency Disaster Treatment Protection Act. The order by Cuomo signed on March 23 shielded parties from any lawsuits they might face. Under the act, health care professionals are protected from potential liability arising from certain decisions, actions and/or omissions related to the care of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is reasonable to provide some protections for health care workers making impossible health care decisions in good faith during an unprecedented public health crisis, it would not be appropriate or just for nursing homes owners to interpret this action as providing blanket immunity for causing harm to residents, the OAG release remarked. Thus, James recommended that the acts immunity provisions be struck down to ensure no one can evade potential accountability. Visit Deception.news to read more articles about Gov. Andrew Cuomos concealment of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. Sources include: Yahoo.com NYTimes.com AG.NY.gov (Natural News) A 27-year-old British engineer described as fit and healthy died after getting the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. Field service Jack Last died on April 20 at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, England 11 days after being rushed to the emergency room for headaches. The Suffolk resident joins the list of individuals who died after being vaccinated with the AstraZeneca shot recently linked to blood clots. Lasts demise came as a devastating blow to his family, who described him as fit as ever. His 32-year-old elder sister Jasmine commented: It was very unusual for Jack to feel unwell at all. To my knowledge, he never had a day off work due to illness. She also described him as someone who definitely lived an active lifestyle and managing to fit in so much. However, she mentioned that Jack was unsure as to why he was offered the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine despite being only 27 and not having any underlying conditions. The two-dose vaccine made by the British firm is usually administered for older individuals. He didnt know why hed been told to book the [vaccine] appointment, Jasmine remarked. But being the easy-going guy that he was, Jack booked the said vaccine appointment immediately. His sister continued: So quite simply, as he received the [booking] text he did just that and booked it up with no fuss. That was his nature. Jack confirmed the booking and eventually showed up to his March 30 vaccine appointment at the Trinity Park vaccination site in Ipswich. Jasmine eventually revealed the aftermath of Jacks immunization. He developed a bleed on the brain which manifested as headaches. He was then brought to the emergency room of Addenbrookes Hospital, where he passed away on April 20. The Last family said they would not comment on the circumstances surrounding his death until they received the results of autopsy. They also sought to know why Jack was offered the AstraZeneca vaccine. Were waiting for the post-mortem results and the inquest date to be confirmed but we do believe that his death was linked to the vaccine, Jasmine told the Daily Mail. Some of the U.K.s neighbors have eschewed the AstraZeneca vaccine due to reports of blood clots The AstraZeneca vaccine, manufactured in partnership with the University of Oxford, has been linked to rare and life-threatening blood clots in the brain. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said 32 deaths associated with rare blood clots have been reported so far from the 21.2 million people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine until April 14. An MHRA spokesperson said: We are saddened to hear about the death of Jack Last, and our thoughts are with the family. They added that the British regulator is currently conducting a detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with low blood platelet count. The spokesperson elaborated: As with any serious suspected adverse drug reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA including an assessment of post-mortem details if available. Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System Chief Nurse Lisa Nobes meanwhile said: We were deeply saddened to learn of Jacks passing. [Our] thoughts are with his loved ones, who we remain in contact with as we fully investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The cases of blood clots in people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine were not just limited to the U.K. A number of European countries that used the vaccine in their COVID-19 immunization drive also received reports of rare but serious clots in the brains blood vessels, subsequently pausing vaccinations with it. Two Nordic countries Norway and Denmark eschewed the AstraZeneca vaccine for their COVID-19 vaccination programs. A report by The Epoch Times said Norways health agency recommended that the country permanently stop using the AstraZeneca vaccine. The recommendation followed Norwegian scientists findings that the vaccine had caused the blood clots in some healthcare workers below 50 years old. In an April 15 statement, Norwegian Institute of Public Health Director Geir Bukholm said: There is now significantly more knowledge about the connection between the AstraZeneca vaccine and the rare and serious incidents of low platelets, blood clots and bleeding. Based on this knowledge, we have arrived at a recommendation that the AstraZeneca vaccine be removed from the coronary vaccination program in Norway. Denmark also imposed a permanent ban on the AstraZeneca vaccine on the same day, according to a Business Today report. The country reported the first cases of blood clots in citizens who got the shot, with more countries following suit. Danish Health Authority Director-General Sren Brostrm said in a statement: Overall, we must say that there is a real and serious side effect signal in the vaccine from AstraZeneca. Based on an overall consideration, we have therefore chosen to continue the vaccination program for all target groups without this vaccine. According to Brostrm, studies estimate that one in 40,000 people inoculated with the AstraZeneca jab are at risk for this side effect regardless of age and gender. VaccineDeaths.com has more reports about fatalities stemming from the AstraZeneca/Oxford Wuhan coronavirus vaccine. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk TheEpochTimes.com BusinessToday.in (Natural News) Social media giant Facebook blocked posts with a hashtag calling for the resignation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The suppression came amid a second wave of Wuhan coronavirus infections in India that has crippled the countrys healthcare system. Many have criticized Modis leadership due to the way he and other officials have responded to the pandemic. Facebook blocked more than 12,000 posts critical of Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on April 28. Many Indian users noticed that posts with the hashtag #ResignModi were no longer visible, and search results for these returned a temporarily hidden message due to the content purportedly going against Facebook community standards. The social media site eventually restored the aforementioned post hours later. The site later explained that the hashtag was removed by mistake. A Facebook spokesperson said in an email clarifying the incident: We temporarily blocked this hashtag by mistake, not because the Indian government asked us to, and have since restored it. In a Twitter exchange, Facebook Policy Communications Director Andy Stone confirmed that the #ResignModi posts have been put back up. This hashtag has been restored and we are looking into what happened, he tweeted in reply to NBC News Editor Olivia Solon who pointed out the block. Facebook periodically blocks hashtags for a myriad of reasons with some based on manual guidelines and some others based on automated ones. According to the spokespersons email, the block stemmed from associated content in posts with the hashtag and not the hashtag itself. Hours after the posts were restored, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a statement saying that there was no such instruction to block any hashtag. The statement said that a story attributing removal of [a] certain hashtag by [Facebook] to curb public dissent is misleading on facts and mischievous in intent. The government hasnt issued any direction to remove the hashtag, [and Facebook] clarified it was removed by mistake. The suppression came in light of Indias second wave of coronavirus infections Facebooks hours-long block followed public outrage over how Modi and his government responded to the pandemic. Indians have pointed their fingers at Modis government for permitting large crowds to gather for religious festivals and election rallies. These mass gatherings in various parts of the country saw millions of people in attendance which became coronavirus super-spreader events. (Related: SUPPRESSED: Facebook censored over 100 million posts for so-called coronavirus misinformation.) It also occurred amid the Indian governments efforts to stem content critical of the current Indian leadership. The south Asian countrys parliament established new rules calling for Big Tech firms to take down so-called unlawful content as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Twitter defended its moves by saying that it reviews all valid legal requests it receives under the companys guidelines and local rules. The platform helmed by Jack Dorsey complied with the Indian governments new rules, starting with a suspension spree in early 2021. It permanently banned more than 500 accounts and block access to hundreds of other users in India. It did so in compliance with government order to stop the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content related to farmer protests that occurred in the country. Later, the Indian government ordered Big Tech social media firms to block or restrict posts in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. It argued that misinformation spreading on social media risked triggering a panic and disrupted efforts to keep the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus under control. Just like the earlier instance, Twitter complied with the requests. However, no amount of suppression and blocking will conceal the grim situation in India. A fresh wave of coronavirus infections have hit the country, attributed to the mutant B1617 and B1618 coronavirus variants circulating there. Medicines, oxygen cylinders and hospital beds are now in short supply with Indians taking to social media to seek help. (Related: Coronavirus cremations in India suggest death count possibly 10 times higher.) The most recent wave also saw record highs in the Hindu-majority countrys new daily case count. A report by NBC News said India closed off the month of April with a record-breaking 386,452 new infections on April 30. The figures for that day surpassed infections from days prior and the U.Ss highest single-day count of 297,430 new infections. Based on data by Johns Hopkins University, India currently has a total of 19.9 million COVID-19 cases with 16.3 million recoveries and 218,959 fatalities. Visit FacebookCollapse.com to read more news about the social media sites censorship during the ongoing pandemic. Sources include: Bloomberg.com TheQuint.com CNBC.com Coronavirus.JHU.edu (Natural News) Melinda Gates, whose people are undoubtedly trying to distance her from Bills controversies, was reportedly furious after the couple had an uncomfortable 2013 meeting with Jeffrey Epstein who by then was a convicted pedophile. (Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com) People familiar with the matter tell the Daily Beast, the previously unreported meeting was held at Epsteins Upper East Side mansion in September 2013, the same day the couple was awarded the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service award at the Pierre Hotel, where they were photographed with then-Mayor Mike Bloomberg. According to said people, the 2013 meeting would prove a turning point for the Gates relationship with Epstein, with Melinda telling friends after the encounter how uncomfortable she was to be hanging around the wealthy sex offender. According to the New York Times, Gates and Epstein met at least six times , including visits to Epsteins New York mansion on multiple occasions, staying at least once into the night. So the Gates had no problem traveling across the country to meet with the convicted pedophile who named Gates adviser Boris Nikolic as a fallback executor in a will Epstein amended just days before his August 2019 death in a Manhattan jail cell. Now, eight years later, Melinda apparently had a problem with it. Gates thought Epsteins lifestyle was kind of intriguing In a 2011 email to colleagues, Gates wrote: His lifestyle is very different and kind of intriguing although it would not work for me. A spokeswoman or Gates, Bridgitt Arnold, said he was referring only to the unique decor of the Epstein residence and Epsteins habit of spontaneously bringing acquaintances in to meet Mr. Gates, adding It was in no way meant to convey a sense of interest or approval. Perhaps Gates was taken aback by Epsteins main hallway that was covered with rows of artificial eyeballs from England that had been made for wounded soldiers (via the Daily Mail). Also contradicting Gates distancing are flight records, which reveal that Gates flew with Epstein from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Palm Beach on March 1, 2013 , on Epsteins private jet one of the few flights that year where pilot Larry Viskoski recorded the name of a passenger, according to the Daily Mail. Gates hilariously claimed that he wasnt aware it was Epsteins plane! In March 2013, Mr. Gates flew on Mr. Epsteins Gulfstream plane from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Palm Beach, Fla., according to a flight manifest. Ms. Arnold said Mr. Gates who has his own $40 million jet hadnt been aware it was Mr. Epsteins plane. New York Times Meanwhile, employees of the Gates foundation also visited Epsteins mansion on multiple occasions, while Epstein also spoke with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase about a proposed multibillion-dollar charitable fund an arrangement that had the potential to generate enormous fees for Mr. Epstein, according to the Times. In late 2011, at Mr. Gatess instruction, the foundation sent a team to Mr. Epsteins townhouse to have a preliminary talk about philanthropic fund-raising, according to three people who were there. Mr. Epstein told his guests that if they searched his name on the internet they might conclude he was a bad person but that what he had done soliciting prostitution from an underage girl was no worse than stealing a bagel, two of the people said. How Gates and Epstein met, according to the New York Times; Two members of Mr. Gatess inner circle Boris Nikolic and Melanie Walker were close to Mr. Epstein and at times functioned as intermediaries between the two men. Ms. Walker met Mr. Epstein in 1992, six months after graduating from the University of Texas. Mr. Epstein, who was an adviser to Mr. Wexner, the owner of Victorias Secret, told Ms. Walker that he could land her an audition for a modeling job there, according to Ms. Walker. She later moved to New York and stayed in a Manhattan apartment building that Mr. Epstein owned. After she graduated from medical school, she said, Mr. Epstein hired her as a science adviser in 1998. Ms. Walker later met Steven Sinofsky, a senior executive at Microsoft who became president of its Windows division, and moved to Seattle to be with him. In 2006, she joined the Gates Foundation with the title of senior program officer. At the foundation, Ms. Walker met and befriended Mr. Nikolic, a native of what is now Croatia and a former fellow at Harvard Medical School who was the foundations science adviser. Mr. Nikolic and Mr. Gates frequently traveled and socialized together. Ms. Walker, who had remained in close touch with Mr. Epstein, introduced him to Mr. Nikolic, and the men became friendly. Mr. Epstein and Mr. Gates first met face to face on the evening of Jan. 31, 2011, at Mr. Epsteins townhouse on the Upper East Side. They were joined by Dr. Eva Andersson-Dubin, a former Miss Sweden whom Mr. Epstein had once dated, and her 15-year-old daughter. (Dr. Andersson-Dubins husband, the hedge fund billionaire Glenn Dubin, was a friend and business associate of Mr. Epsteins. The Dubins declined to comment.) The gathering started at 8 and lasted several hours, according to Ms. Arnold, Mr. Gatess spokeswoman. Mr. Epstein subsequently boasted about the meeting in emails to friends and associates. Bills great, he wrote in one, reviewed by The Times. I didnt go to New Mexico or Florida or Palm Beach or any of that, claims Gates. There were people around him who were saying, hey, if you want to raise money for global health and get more philanthropy, he knows a lot of rich people. And it looks like Gates was one of Epsteins rich people. According to the report, Gates donated $2 million to MITs Media Lab, which university officials described as having been directed by Epstein. According to Arnold, Gates spokeswoman, Over time, Gates and his team realized Epsteins capabilities and ideas were not legitimate and all contact with Epstein was discontinued. Perhaps Gates and his team should have steered clear of the known pedophile in the first place? Read more at: ZeroHedge.com (Natural News) Hospitals in India scrambled for beds and oxygen as coronavirus (COVID-19) infections surged to a new daily record on Thursday, April 15, with a second wave of infections centered on the prosperous western state of Maharashtra. Indias Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data showed that the country has added 200,739 infections over the last 24 hours a seventh daily record surge in the last eight days. The 1,038 deaths during the same span took Indias COVID-19 death toll to 173,123. The situation is horrible, said Avinash Gawande, an official at a government hospital in the industrial city of Nagpur that was battling a flood of patients. We are a 900-bed hospital, but there are about 60 patients waiting and we dont have space for them. A similar scene is happening more than 9,000 miles away in Brazil. Just over a week ago, Brazil recorded 4,195 deaths in one day. It came close to the peak U.S. daily death toll of 4,476 recorded on Jan. 12, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Brazil second in post-vaccine COVID-19 deaths, India second in COVID-19 infections With 3,560 more deaths on Thursday, Brazils death toll is now at 365,000 second only to the U.S. Brazil has recorded 13.7 million cases since the start of the pandemic, next to Indias 14.3 million. The U.S. is the runaway leader in both categories with 31.5 million recorded cases and 565,000 deaths related to COVID-19. (Related: Brazil records more than 4,000 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours for the first time.) News outlet the Sun reported earlier this month that people in Brazil are digging up skeletons in an overflowing cemetery to make room for more COVID-19 casualties. The rising infection and death rates come as the pace of the vaccination drives in each country has sped up in the past month after an initially sluggish start. India has managed to administer more than 117 million vaccine doses, compared to Brazils almost 33 million though the latter has injected a higher proportion of its population. India has a population of 1.4 billion while Brazil has 214 million. With the recent surge in COVID-19 infections, India is once again home to the worlds second-largest outbreak overtaking Brazil after the Latin American country moved ahead in March. But experts were baffled by the divergence in fatalities between the two nations. Brazils death toll more than doubled that of India despite having around 600,000 less cases and nearly 1.2 billion less population. COVID-19 death ratios in South Asia, including India, are consistently lower than global averages, just as those in Latin America are consistently higher. Were not comparing apples to apples here, were comparing apples to oranges, said Bhramar Mukherjee, the biostatistics chair at University of Michigans School of Public Health. For now, Mukherjee said, both countries present an intriguing puzzle an epidemiological mystery that needs a Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple in action. According to Bloombergs data, deaths in India as a percentage of confirmed cases is 1.2 versus 2.6 in Brazil. Multiple factors could be at play in the fatality gap. Study says low-hygiene nations tend to better cope with COVID-19 A popular theory behind the divergence between Brazil and India centers on the two countries differing environments and experiences concerning diseases. Some scientists say widespread exposure to an array of diseases in India may have helped its citizens build natural resilience against COVID-19. Shekhar Mande, the head of Indias Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has examined and co-authored a published study on this trend. His research found correlations where citizens from low-hygiene nations tended to better cope with COVID-19. Our hypothesis, and this is strictly a hypothesis, is that because our populations are continuously exposed to many kinds of pathogens, including viruses, our immune system does not hyper-react to any new variation that comes in, Mande said. Many experts acknowledge genetics or cross-immunity could be at play as other South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have also seen far fewer deaths than Brazil. Another possible reason could be the fact that 87 percent of Brazilians live in urban areas, and two-thirds of Indians live in rural places with more space and better ventilation, according to Mukherjee. There is also the P.1 variant factor. The P.1 variant has spread through a lot of Brazils cities and states simultaneously, leading to a collapse of the health system, which has lead to a very high mortality rate, said Alberto Chebabo of the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. (Related: Another Plandemic? P1 said to be a different pandemic from the one we saw last year Brazil is the target.) Brazils healthcare system collapsed with the rapid and sustained spread of the P.1 variant. On the other hand, India enjoyed a lull between waves over the last months of 2020, which helped hospitals and frontline workers recover and plan ahead. Were far better prepared for handling this wave than we were earlier in many, many ways, said Suneeta Reddy, managing director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd. Weve learned the clinical protocols to treat COVID-19. Were able to use our assets and beds in a much more rigorous manner. An overcrowded hospital remains a common sight in India these days. But it still looks better, and certainly a lot livelier, than Brazils overflowing cemetery. Follow Pandemic.news for more news and information related to coronavirus pandemic. Sources include: Reuters.com TheSun.co.uk Bloomberg.com (Natural News) Under the Biden-Harris administration, the normalizing of homosexuality and transgenderism within the ranks of the U.S. military is accelerating. (Article by Doug Mainwaring republished from LifeSiteNews.com) History was made on Friday with the first ever all gay U.S. Navy helicopter crew, tweeted veteran Navy Intelligence Officer and left-wing activist Travis Akers, along with pictures of the homosexual flyers. History was made on Friday with the first ever all gay @USNavy helicopter crew. pic.twitter.com/3o1dYRn7Dw Travis Akers (@travisakers) May 1, 2021 During the previous week, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced that a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning Initiative Team (LIT) had been formally established under the umbrella of its Barrier Analysis Working Group (BAWG). The LGBTQ Initiative Team focuses on the LGBTQ community and identifies and works to resolve the issues that disproportionately impede the success of LGBTQ Airmen and Guardians, explained a USAF press release. The creation of this team comes 10 years after the repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell, the legislation that prohibited LGB service members from serving openly. For many of the senior-ranking military members, some of whom served under DADT for nearly two decades, the creation of LIT is a watershed event. Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback, a lesbian and one of the groups founders, said of the USAF LGBT inclusion endeavor, I expect our group will growour community and allies want to help! Within days of taking office, Biden formally revoked the Trump administrations ban on transgender military service. Bidens new executive order declared (but did not explain how) the military thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security. The Washington Post has called Biden the most pro-LGBT equality president in history. Back in 2016, when Barack Obama first injected gender confusion into the ranks, the result was absolute chaos, wrote Family Research Council (FRC) president Tony Perkins after Biden dismantled the Trump-era policy. Instead of making our troops more effective, efficient, and deadly, commanders were retrofitting bathrooms, ordering sensitivity trainings, rewriting health care policies, and worrying how to combat the low morale, explained Perkins. At the time, FRCs Peter Sprigg warned that it could cost taxpayers up to $3.7 billion over the next 10 years for medical costs and lost deployment time more than enough, we pointed out, to buy a Navy destroyer, he continued. And like a destroyer, this decision is equally capable of sinking our militarys mission. The nations most powerful LGBT lobbying group, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), made a surprising assertion earlier this year that may very well be true: There are thousands of transgender members of the U.S. military, making the Department of Defense (DOD) the largest employer of transgender people in America. FRCs Lt. General (Ret.) Jerry Boykin said that Bidens reversal of Trump administration policies has everything to do with President Bidens LGBT agenda and nothing to do with military readiness, which should always be the Pentagons first consideration. While the U.S. military continues its march toward maximum LGBT inclusion and effeminacy, Russian recruitment ads emphasize masculinity: Biden has made it clear that he intends to weaponize the law to crush dissent, in order to implement a far-left agenda, Kristen Waggoner, general counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, told The Washington Post. Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com (Natural News) The billions of taxpayer dollars that the World Health Organization (WHO) was already given to develop vaccines for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) have run dry, and now the globalist United Nations arm is begging for more. According to the pharmaceutical drug dispenser, it is $19 billion short of its $22 billion target this year. And WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that another $35-$45 billion will further be necessary to ensure that most of the worlds adults are immunized against Chinese Germs. At a recent briefing, Ghebreyesus urged all G7 nations to pitch in for a recovery from the Chinese Virus, threatening that the tyranny will not end until the WHO receives all the cash it is demanding. The G7 countries could mobilize a substantial portion of these funds themselves and lead a global effort to accelerate Covid-19 vaccination around the world, Ghebreyesus stated to a room full of world leaders with the power to pull the purse strings in their respective countries. COVAX (the global alliance to ensure equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines) urgently needs 20 million doses during the second quarter of 2021 to cover interruptions in supply triggered by increased demands for vaccines in India where COVAXs main supplier of the AstraZeneca product is based, he added. Ghebreyesus further cited unsubstantiated claims by Western governments and media outlets that India is seeing a surge in new Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) cases. As a result, rich countries need to pay up immediately otherwise things will get a whole lot worse. People with brains are no longer buying anything the government says about the Wuhan Flu The WHO can whine, complain and threaten all it wants to try to extort more cash from world governments, but every day people are no longer buying any of it. Medical fascism is what this all is, and none of it has anything to do with protecting peoples health. We ALREADY have our own personal immune system, wrote one RT commenter. It came free as a gift. Dont be duped into allowing this highly valuable, personal possession of yours your natural immunity to be destroyed by something that is deliberately designed to derail and deprogram it. By something only disguised as immunity, and not at all as effective as the real immunity you already possess, which costs nothing except common sense to maintain, that this cabal of tyrants and criminals are attempting to supplant and immobilize, this same person added. Others pointed out that if the WHO really cared about saving lives, it would stop begging for money like a homeless person and instead offer people the remedies we already know about that support a healthy immune system. These include zinc, vitamin D, and some would also argue, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). They had to ban existing cures and pretend theres no cure for the rebranded flu and pneumonia in order to dust off the emergency authorization procedure for vaccines, another RT commenter pointed out. It happened both here in the United States and all around the world, to be clear. With the exception of perhaps Africa, much of the world jumped on the fearmongering and hysteria bandwagon, allowing for massive tyranny to burgeon. They have collected undeniable evidence that the covid pandemic is a planned criminal operation, yet another commenter wrote. In an interview, Dr. Reiner Fuellmich explains more about what they have found, more specifically about the fraudulent PCR test, which has no ability to detect an infection. According to Dr. Fuellmich, a second Nuremberg trial may be needed to prosecute all who are complicit in this unprecedented crime against humanity. The latest news about Chinese Germs can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) While some states and institutions are finding new and creative ways to get eligible residents vaccinated, West Virginia opts for an old-fashioned one: bribery. As health officials in the state scramble to find willing arms for its supply of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice offers financial incentive to convince younger residents to get vaccinated. The Republican governor said in a briefing Monday, April 26, West Virginians between ages 16 and 35 who get vaccinated will get a $100 savings bond. Our kids today probably dont really realize just how important they are in shutting this thing down, he said. Im trying to come up with a way thats truly going to motivate them and us get over the hump. West Virginia has roughly 380,000 people between the ages of 16 and 35. The offer will apply retroactively to those who have already been vaccinated. The state will use federal funds allocated under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to cover the cost of the bonds. In other words, they are being bribed with taxpayers money. Vaccination bribe cheaper than COVID-19 tests According to the governor, the potential cost of offering the incentive to a demographic proving to be more resistant to vaccination is significantly lower than the $75 million spent by the state on testing people for COVID-19 over the past year. Justice said the idea had been vetted every way that we possibly can to make sure the plan is feasible. He understood not all would agree with his approach. But if Im able to pull this off and we are able to shut this down for the small price of $27.5 million, I would tell those critics to kiss my butt, Justice said. Of the nearly 1.5 million West Virginians eligible for the shots, 52 percent have received at least one dose. But vaccinations in the state have waned in recent weeks, leaving the state short of its goal of immunizing more than 70 percent of residents. If we really want to move the needle, weve got to get our younger people vaccinated, Justice said. If we can get to 70 percent, well shut this virus down. If we do that, the masks go away, the hospitalizations go away and the deaths become minimal. A spokesperson for the governor said theyre still figuring out the details of the $100 savings bond plan, including when young people can expect the money. COVID-19 vaccine incentives range from free drink to job retention The lure on offer in West Virginia is among a multitude of incentives being dangled by states, schools, hospitals and employers. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on Monday touted a two-week program where adults can get a free drink at specific restaurants if they show their vaccination card. The partnership with the Connecticut Restaurant Association is set to start on May 19 to coincide with the lifting of restrictions on businesses across the state. Detroits Wayne State University is adding $10 to the student accounts of those vaccinated while the University of Iowa is offering its inoculated students $10 gift cards good for use in downtown Iowa City. After offering cash incentives earlier in the year, Texas hospital system Houston Methodist is now telling its 26,000 employees that they must get vaccinated by June 7 to keep their jobs. Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Health Security said the U.S. is no longer a supply-constrained nation when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. The country is now a demand-constrained nation. He thinks incentives will become both more necessary and more common. Its unfortunate that it has come to this, that were having difficulties getting people to be vaccinated, Adalja said. I do think that giving people incentives to get vaccinated, especially the vaccine hesitant, especially among those groups who are seeing higher rates of infection, is going to be important. Deaths, adverse events and Big Pharma narrative contribute to vaccine hesitancy Perhaps, its more important to know the reason for their hesitancy. As of April 26, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has recorded 3,848 reports of death among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine. There are also reported cases of severe adverse events, such as a rare case of blood clots in the brain called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The recommended pause for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 13 may have also contributed to vaccine hesitancy. (Related: US military halts use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine amid blood clot reports.) It also doesnt help that Big Pharma executives are already endorsing annual booster shots. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said earlier this month that people will likely need a booster shot or third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated. He also said people will possibly need to get an additional shot each year. BioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer Dr. Ozlem Tureci agreed with him. Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky started using the narrative in February when he told CNBC that people may need to get vaccinated against COVID-19 annually, just like seasonal flu shots. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel also said in a recent interview on CNBCs Squawk Box that annual COVID vaccine boosters will be commonplace going forward, saying the coronavirus is not going away and its not leaving the planet. Big Pharma executives essentially admitted that their COVID-19 vaccines are not going to give people long-term immunity from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. West Virginian Benjamin Sites, who belongs in the 16 to 35 age bracket, pretty much sums up the sentiment of those who dont want to get vaccinated. I dont feel as though its safe, and I dont feel that Im at risk, he said. Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to coronavirus vaccines. Sources include: Fox5DC.com CBSNews.com CDC.gov CNBC.com (Natural News) A British study using real-world data has shown that 25 percent of vaccinated people experience mild side effects after COVID-19 immunization. Researchers looked at data they obtained through an app that tracks the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.K. for their paper. They found that the mild side effects the most common being headache usually lasted two days before disappearing on their own. Kings College London scientists led by epidemiology professor Tim Spector analyzed data from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study App. They looked at information provided by more than 620,000 users who reported side effects. The users received either the Pfizer/BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine within the period of Dec. 8 and March 10. Both vaccines are approved for use in the U.K., alongside the Moderna mRNA vaccine candidate. The researchers study published April 27 in Lancet Infectious Diseases said that 25.4 percent of the vaccinated users reported mild systemic side effects. These side effects not located in the injection site included headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain and nausea. The users also reported local side effects limited to the injection site such as arm pain, redness, tenderness and swelling. Based on their findings, 13.5 percent of people who got their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine reported side effects. Twenty-two percent of people who got the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine said they experienced these mild conditions. However, 33 percent of people who got the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine experienced mild side effects. The users reported headaches as the most common side effect post-vaccination. The side effect was experienced by 22.8 percent of AstraZeneca vaccine recipients. Some 7.8 percent of first-dose Pfizer vaccine recipients reported the condition, while 13.2 percent of second-dose Pfizer vaccine recipients said they suffered from these headaches. The researchers noted in their study that headache, fatigue and fever were more prevalent in those immunized with the British pharmaceutical firms vaccine. It is worth noting that the data did not include figures for blood clots in the brain reportedly linked to the shot. Vaccinated people are still at risk from more serious side effects, however Clinical trials for the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines in 2020 showed more instances of mild side effects vis-a-vis the April 2021 study. Data from Pfizers phase three trial showed 77.4 percent of volunteers experiencing at least one systemic side effect after the first dose. AstraZeneca trials showed a slightly lower percentage, with 75.8 percent of volunteers experiencing these effects after the first dose. Spector remarked that the studys results served to placate fears of people regarding vaccines. The data should reassure many people that in the real world, after-effects of the vaccine are usually mild and short-lived especially in the over-50s who are most at risk of the infection, he remarked. Study co-author Dr. Cristina Menni added: Our results support the after-effects safety of both vaccines with fewer side effects in the general population than reported in the Pfizer and AstraZeneca experimental trials. [This] should help allay safety concerns of people willing to get vaccinated. Both vaccines require two full doses to work, although with significant differences. The Pfizer vaccine made in partnership with German company BioNTech uses an mRNA vector. On the other hand, the AstraZeneca vaccine made in partnership with the University of Oxford uses an adenovirus vector. Regardless of the manufacturer and mechanism, both vaccines have been linked to serious adverse reactions that have led to fatalities. Back in March, two health workers in Denmark suffered from blood clots and brain hemorrhage after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine. The two developed the conditions less than two weeks after they were immunized. Because of these cases, the Scandinavian country temporarily suspended use of the vaccine on March 11. Danish health authorities eventually banned the vaccine from the countrys COVID-19 immunization program. (Related: Danish regulator says woman who died after AstraZeneca jab had unusual symptoms including from blood clots.) Meanwhile, a medical professional in the U.S. state of Florida died 16 days after his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Fifty-six-year-old Dr. Gregory Michael got vaccinated on Dec. 18, and sought medical treatment after seeing red spots on his extremities. Michaels fellow doctors said he developed a condition called acute immune thrombocytopenia, which negatively impacted his bloods clotting ability. He eventually died in early January 2021, with a subsequent autopsy concluding that he died of natural causes. (Related: mRNA vaccines for the Wuhan coronavirus caused blood disorder in at least 36 people.) Visit VaccineDamage.news to read more articles about the side effects of getting COVID-19 vaccines. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk TheLancet.com Reuters.com SST.dk StraitsTimes.com NYPost.com (Natural News) An Antifa protester at a demonstration near Seattle was filmed proudly proclaiming, I cant wait until black people lynch white people. (Article by Paul Joseph Watson republished from Summit.news) Yes, really. The chant was heard during a far-left black bloc protest against a Billy Graham association event. At first a woman is heard stating, I cant wait until black people hang you, I cant wait. When she is asked to repeat the statement, she proudly clarifies, I cant wait until black people lynch white people. I can't wait until black people lynch white people A person part of the #antifa black bloc at the protest against Billy Graham association event near Seattle shouted racist statements yesterday. They also chanted death to America & burned US flags. pic.twitter.com/Rlob8ynIlI Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) May 12, 2021 When asked if anyone else in the group agrees with the statement, a man puts his hand up and says I do, I do! According to journalist Andy Ngo, the leftists also chanted death to America! while burning U.S. flags. As we highlighted last month, a group of Black Lives Matter protesters in Minneapolis were caught on camera telling a white liberal ally, Youre white! You dont belong! before demanding that he leave the area. Following the conviction of Derek Chauvin, BLM mobs also descended on diners in New York while telling white restaurant owners to get the f**k out of the city. The George Floyd Autonomous Zone in Minneapolis also last month issued a list of rules for white people that they have to abide by in order to enter the area. Read more at: Summit.news (Natural News) In April, Apple announced it would not produce a film about slavery in Georgia in light of the states recent voting law. A month later, the tech giant was found to have relied on Chinese slave labor to build parts for its tech products. (Article by Santi Ruiz republished from FreeBeacon.com) Apple moved production of its upcoming drama Emancipation to Louisiana after star Will Smith and director Antoine Fuqua said they could not support a state that enacts regressive voting laws that are designed to restrict voter access. But this week, The Information released a report naming seven Apple suppliers that rely on the forced labor of Uyghurs. Apple is the latest corporation to suspend business in protest of a law that added requirements for absentee ballots. House majority whip Jim Clyburn and President Biden have referred to the law as a new Jim Crow. But Apples continued reliance on forced labor raises questions about the companys dedication to human rights. According to The Information, one of Apples suppliers is based in Xinjiang, where up to 1 million members of the Uyghur Muslim ethnic minority have been detained in reeducation camps. Multiple reports have detailed torture and forced sterilizations in the camps. The report is not the first to document Apples reliance on forced labor. In March 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that some Apple suppliers were required to provide political indoctrination to Uyghur laborers. Other Apple suppliers are not based in Xinjiang, but records show that workers were shipped from Xinjiang to their plants. Avary Holdings, which makes circuit boards for Apple, received 400 Xinjiang workers at one of its factories. Shenzen Deren Electronic, which makes internal cables, received 1,000 workers. According to The Information, a video produced by a fourth supplier outlines how it used forced labor in 2018 and 2019. Apple, along with Nike and Coca-Cola, has lobbied extensively against a bill that would create stricter penalties for companies caught using forced labor. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would make operating Chinese supply chains more difficult for these multinational corporations. Apple bought the film rights to Emancipation in 2020 for $130 million. The film is based on true events featuring the subject of a famous Civil War-era photograph who displayed the web of scars on his back. Apple has denied relying on forced labor in the past and did not respond to requests for comment. Read more at: FreeBeacon.com and DemonicApple.com (Natural News) Comedian Bette Midler wants you to know that she is so dedicated to saving lives from the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) that she is willing to murder your unvaccinated child to make it happen. In a disturbing tweet that apparently aligns with Twitters community standards, Midler wrote that every parent in America needs to get their children vaccinated or Im gonna start killing kids with peanut allergies. Midlers deranged view is that anti-vaxxers are responsible for the spread of the Chinese Virus, so the only way to end the plandemic is to kill everyone who refuses to get injected. If my kid cant bring peanut butter to school then yours cant bring the deathly plague, Midler wrote. Vaccinate or Im bringing the Jiffy. The Twitter gods fully endorse Midlers threatening language, even though it would have been instantly removed had a conservative written it about vaccinated shedders, who are the ones actually responsible for spreading disease and death to others. Threatening to kill kids if someone doesnt inject their kids with an experiment? What a great person you are, one person responded to Midlers sociopathic tweet. Hey Bette I have a plus three to peanut from the MMR jab 31 years ago plus partial deafness in my left ear from the dtap. Whats your super funny joke for that one? wrote another. Leftists want to medically experiment on you and your children at gunpoint The leftist side of Twitter, which claims some of the most mentally deranged losers on the planet, actually took Midlers tweet seriously and even endorsed it. See now @BetteMidler, youre gonna trigger comments about anaphylaxis shock and how thats not a fair comparison when it actually is, one leftist of the female variety wrote, adding that Covid kills. Another complimented Midler for her great analogy, adding that she is a cook who thinks keeping allergens away from children is equally as courteous as forcing other children to receive experimental gene therapy injections. As a culinary arts teacher, I stopped making Peanut Butter cookies years ago accommodating allergies so it is not that big of an ask, imo to demand that all children be forcibly injected so others who are fearful of Chinese Germs can feel safe. My mom would do something like this, wrote yet another Twitter leftist, unironically. Thanks, Bette. Someone named Giga Shapiro added that she thinks children should not be allowed to get an education unless they have their DNA permanently reprogrammed through forced vaccination. Now that vaccines are available for 12-15 year olds I agree, Shapiro wrote. Proof of vaccine before attending school in the fall for 12 year olds and up! This is the type of fascism that breeds and spreads within the depths of the Twitter cesspool. Forced medical experimentation on children is now a leftist virtue, even though these same hypocrites subscribe to an ethos of my body, my choice when it comes to murdering unborn children in the womb. Ironically, forced medicine and deprivation of education for non-compliance would otherwise be seen by these deranged leftists as human rights abuses were they happening to migrant children at the border, for instance. Because we are talking about American children, however, leftists are ready to commit murder if your refuse their injections. Branch Covidians are dangerous psychopaths, in other words. They are a threat to every freedom-loving American and a festering cancer to this country. At a minimum, they are not to be taken seriously ever. Realistically, however, they must be resisted with prejudice at every turn so their collective disease does not spread. For more related news about the medical fascists on the left can be found at Libtards.news. Sources for this article include: NewsWars.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The Biden regime is proposing a new health-focused federal agency modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that threatens to turn the United States into a full-scale digital dictatorship. Branded as a way to end cancer you know, so it sounds good Bidens proposed health DARPA would merge national security with health security to basically diagnose pre-sickness throughout the populace. Such a system is a recipe for a technocratic pre-crime organization with the potential to criminalize both mental and physical illness as well as wrongthink,' reports Blacklisted News. The mainstream media has been praising China Joe for the plan, which it touts as creating a new biomedical research agency modeled after the U.S. militarys high-risk, high-reward DARPA initiative. According to Beijing Biden himself, the program will lead to the development of innovative and breakthrough treatments for cancer, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, and a range of other chronic illnesses caused by the pharmaceutical-chemical-industrial-complex. Hunters dad is seeking $6.5 billion from Congress to fund the new agency, which would be controlled by Eric Lander, his former top science adviser. Lander, formerly the head of the Silicon Valley-dominated Broad Institute, has been controversial for his ties to eugenicist and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his relatively recent praise for James Watson, an overtly racist eugenicist, Blacklisted News reveals. Despite that, Lander is set to be confirmed by the Senate and Congress and is reportedly significantly enthusiastic about the proposed new health DARPA.' HARPA would be housed within Faucis NIH, raising budget to over $51 billion Known as HARPA, or ARPA-H, the new agency would of course be housed within Anthony Faucis National Institutes of Health (NIH), raising that corrupt agencys budget to more than $51 billion. Unlike other agencies within the NIH, HARPA projects would not need to be peer-reviewed in order to receive funding. Instead, hand-picked program managers would be tasked with making all funding decisions for whatever projects they personally want to see move forward. Funding would also take the form of milestone-driven payments instead of the more traditional multiyear grants, reports explain. One area of research that is expected to be heavily promoted within HARPA is messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which is found within the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections offered by Moderna and Pfizer. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, along with Moderna, have already indicated that they are planning to develop mRNA vaccines for cancer next, stating that cancer is the next problem to tackle with mRNA tech post-covid. With funding and support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, BioNTech has kept busy working on gene therapies for not just cancer but also tuberculosis and HIV. It is important to note that the idea of a health DARPA was first brought up during the Trump administration. Biden then ran with the idea during his campaign, presenting it under different justification than what the Trump administration had proposed. In 2019, the same foundation and individuals currently backing Bidens ARPA-H had urged then-president Trump to create HARPA, not for the main purpose of researching treatments for cancer and Alzheimers, but to stop mass shootings before they happen through the monitoring of Americans for neuropsychiatric warning signs, reports indicate. Robert Wright, the former vice chair of General Electric (GE) and former president of NBCUniversal, is said to be the one-man driving force behind HARPA. Wright has been aggressively lobbying for years to develop new tools with biomedical capabilities for the millions of Americans who are not benefitting from the current system. Wright is a personal friend of Trump. More related news about the Biden regimes assault on medical freedom can be found at Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: BlacklistedNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Elon Musk just ignited a firestorm of controversy when he announced Tesla would not longer accept Bitcoin due to the environmental concerns related to Bitcoin mining and its gargantuan energy consumption. The pro-Bitcoin community erupted in a fierce backlash, claiming that most of Bitcoins energy usage comes from renewables, and that the more energy Bitcoin uses, the better it is for the world. As you might have suspected, however, both claims are patently false. Bitcoin uses enormous amount of energy, and most of it does not come from renewables, as youll see here. Such claims are little more than propaganda from Bitcoin propagandists who need to keep burning more coal to power their enormously wasteful Bitcoin mining ecosystem but they want to pretend its all somehow green. Bitcoin uses about half the electricity of the entire nation of Australia Bitcoin mining currently consumes over 115 terawatt-hours per year, according to Digiconomist research, meaning Bitcoin consumes more energy than the entire nation of the Netherlands. Bitcoin uses so much electricity that it could power nearly half the electricity usage of the entire nation of Australia. Bitcoin operations also produce more CO2 than the nation of Singapore (over 55 Megatons per year), and over 11 kilotons of electronic waste. Shockingly, every single Bitcoin transaction has a footprint of using over 1,100 kWh of electricity, which is the amount of power that a typical U.S. household would consume in about 38 days, explains Digiconomist: The continuous block mining cycle incentivizes people all over the world to mine Bitcoin. As mining can provide a solid stream of revenue, people are very willing to run power-hungry machines to get a piece of it. Over the years this has caused the total energy consumption of the Bitcoin network to grow to epic proportions, as the price of the currency reached new highs. Why does the Bitcoin ecosystem use about 38 days worth of household electricity for every Bitcoin transaction, on average? The answer is found in Bitcoin mining an activity that uses vast amounts of electricity to carry out proof of work processing that has no real value in the real world and produces nothing of use outside the Bitcoin system of virtual value. The entire purpose of this proof of work is to engage in artificial difficulty to make it extremely costly for anyone to try to game the system with counterfeit blockchain ledger entries. So the massive use of electricity doesnt actually produce anything except excess heat. It merely serves as a disincentive against the system being rigged by bad faith cyber operators. As explained in a Bitcoin mining science paper announcement published on Eurekalert.org: Bitcoin miners guarantee a system without fraud by validating new transactions. Miners solve puzzles for numerical signatures, a process that requires enormous amounts of computational power. In return, miners receive Bitcoin currency. That means Bitcoin has managed to invent the worlds most expensive and wasteful security system ever created. 115 terawatt-hours per year seems outrageous. Remember, this much electricity could power about half the country of Australia. Is it really necessary to burn this much electricity just to keep Bitcoin secure? Bitcoin footprint data via Digiconomist.net Bitcoin proponents falsely claim its all powered by 75% renewable energy Bitcoin proponents dont disagree that Bitcoin uses vast amounts of electricity, but they argue it mostly comes from renewable energy. This claim repeated by Zero Hedge and Anthony Pompliano is based entirely on a flawed study from a pro-Bitcoin propaganda group called Coinshares. Much of the Coinshares website reads like it was written by Bitcoin fundamentalist zealots. The company doesnt even pretend to be unbiased or critical in its thinking about Bitcoin. In fact, Coinshares actually writes, It is in our interest to consume more energy not less. You read that correctly: They want Bitcoin to use as much energy as possible. This is good for the world, some Bitcoin proponents argue, and if Bitcoin uses more energy than all the countries on planet Earth combined, that can only be good for Bitcoin profits. The problem is that Coinshares has zero credibility as a research organization and is wildly biased toward a pro-Bitcoin worldview. Its claimed research on hydropower sources for Bitcoin mining in China turned out to be quackery. As Digiconomist explains: One can argue that specific locations in the listed countries may offer less carbon intense power. In 2018 Bitcoin company Coinshares suggested that the majority of Chinese mining facilities were located in Sichuan province, using cheap hydropower for mining Bitcoin. Subsequent studies have, however, never been able to support this claim and/or found the opposite. Confronted with this evidence, the lead author of the Coinshares paper had to admit mistakes were made. While Coinshares claimed that most Bitcoin mining was taking place in Sichuan province where hydropower dominated the local power supply, they failed to account for the fact that hydropower is seasonal in Sichuan. Theres only hydropower during the rainy season. When the hydropower runs dry which happens every year Bitcoin miners shift back to coal, which remains the predominant fuel source powering Chinas vast power grid. As Digiconomist explains, The main challenge here is that the production of hydropower (or renewable energy in general) is far from constant. In Sichuan specifically the average power generation capacity during the wet season is three times that of the dry season. Because of these fluctuations in hydroelectricity generation, Bitcoin miners can only make use of cheap hydropower for a limited amount of time. Pompliano doesnt seem to be aware of any of this, and Zero Hedge unfortunately contributes to the disinformation by implying that Pompliano is correct when hes actually citing a debunked, discredited piece of flawed research from Coinshares. But this behavior seems rather typical from the Bitcoin world, where research that gets touted is whatever research helps greenwash Bitcoins atrocious record on polluting the world with fossil fuels. Zero Hedge writes that its nonsensical to think Bitcoin isnt good for the environment, for example. Legitimate research reveals the shocking reliance on fossil fuels to power Bitcoin The real research on this topic conducted by actual scientists rather than Bitcoin propagandists was published in the journal Joule in 2019. Its author is Christian Stoll, a researcher at the Center for Energy Markets at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research. The Stoll research into Bitcoins actual energy sources was extensive. Eurekalert covered the press release about this research in this article: Empirical energy consumption model quantifies Bitcoins carbon footprint. It explains: Stoll and his team used IPO filings disclosed in 2018 by all major mining hardware producers to determine which machines miners are actually using and the power efficiencies of these machines. They also used IP addresses to determine emissions scenarios for actual mining locations and compare carbon emissions from power sources used by Bitcoin miners in different locations. Finally, they calculated Bitcoins carbon footprint based on its total power consumption and estimates from different emissions scenarios. These include a lower limit scenario, in which all miners use the most efficient hardware; an upper limit scenario, in which miners behave rationally by disconnecting their hardware as soon as costs exceed revenue; and a best guess scenario, which accounts for the anticipated energy efficiency of the network and realistic additional energy losses from cooling and IT hardware. Our model reflects how the connected computing power and the difficulty of Bitcoin search puzzles interact, and it provides a high precision of power consumption since it incorporates auxiliary losses, says Stoll. However, the precision of our results strongly depends on the accuracy of the input data, such as the IPO filings for hardware characteristics. The carbon emissions strongly depend on the assumed carbon intensity of power consumption. Additional research carried out by University of Cambridge scientists pursued an even more detailed map of energy usage that powers Bitcoin mining. It found that China accounts for about 65% of Bitcoin mining. As Digiconomist explains, the mapping of these regions reveals that, indeed, the vast majority of Bitcoin mining is taking place in the highest polluting regions of China, including in the dry season when the local grid is powered by goal, not hydropower: Using a similar approach, Cambridge in 2020 provided a more detailed insight into the localization of Bitcoin miners over time. Charting this data, and adding colors based on the carbon intensity of the respective power grids, we can reveal significant mining activity in highly polluting regions of the world during the Chinese dry season (as shown below). On an annual basis, the average contribution of renewable energy sources therefore remains low. When Cambridge subsequently surveyed miners (also in 2020), respondents indicated only 39% of their total energy consumption actually came from renewables. As The Economic Intelligence Unit also explains, Bitcoin miners cant rely on hydropower because its both seasonal and unpredictable even during the wet season: Bitcoin miners have adapted to using energy sources seasonally, utilising mining facilities in those two provinces during the wet season and relocating to Inner Mongolia and Xinjiangwhere coal and wind power sources are abundantin the dry season. In addition, the largest Bitcoin miners in China are moving away from hydropower because its not reliable. As explained in an article on Medium.com: Today, Chinese mines not only seek out cheap electricity, but also stability and scale. So instead of siphoning surplus electricity from hydropower stations in Sichuan, say, during the rainy season, larger mines are now partnering with local governments for a steady but discounted supply of energy from the State Grid, Chinas state-owned electricity utility. Bitcoin hash rate by country, via University of Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index Only 39% of Bitcoin mining comes from renewable energy, not 75% The Cambridge survey of Bitcoin miners reveals that even in their own self-reporting by Bitcoin mining groups, only about 39% of Bitcoin energy comes from renewables. Thats far from the 75% claimed by Bitcoin advocate Anthony Pompliano. And it debunks the entire Bitcoin is clean narrative from self-deluded Bitcoin propagandists who seem to cling to a cult-like mentality of filtering out legitimate data when it comes to supporting their Bitcoin profits, no matter what contortions are required. In this case, it turns out that Elon Musk is right. Bitcoin is dirty. Its not even the CO2, since CO2 actually helps grow plants and produces food from food crops. Rather, its the mercury pollution and particulate pollution that comes from coal. Its also the environmental destruction and ecological degradation ties to coal mining operations. Pollution is the real factor that matters here, since Chinas coal emissions are carried by winds, blanketing North America. This means pollution in cities like Los Angeles is actually derived, in part, from coal-powered Bitcoin mining in China. And it begs the question: All for what? Despite its humble beginnings as an experiment in decentralized money, Bitcoin is now in an irrational, Ponzi-like bubble rooted in FOMO desperation and extreme denials of reality. While a stable, decentralized cryptocurrency that actually maintains prices stability has real utility in terms of its portability and decoupling from the fake fiat central banks of the world, the mass hysteria surrounding crypto speculation and get-rich-quick vision of greed are sure signs that this digital tulip mania is a castle made of sand. When it topples, there wont be much left to salvage. In the end, Bitcoin will be viewed as a fascinating computational and psychological experiment that expended unimaginable fossil fuel resources, only to end up leaving most participants penniless. When the madness finally bursts and people come to their senses, Bitcoins end game value will be almost nothing compared to the vast resources the grand global experiment has unwisely consumed. No one on Earth will be better off when this scheme runs its course, because Bitcoin produced nothing other than pollution, electronic waste and excess heat. It did not power any actual work and it did not produce housing, transportation, food or consumer goods of any kind. It did, of course, result in a mountain of electronic waste, and it consumed the attentions of millions of human beings who bought into the digital tulip mania scheme. But like all such manias, this too will pass. And in the end, as people come to their senses, many will ask the obvious question, We burned HOW MUCH COAL to fool each other into thinking we were all getting rich? Disclaimer: I own no Bitcoin or Bitcoin-related assets. Whether Bitcoin goes up or down in value is irrelevant to my personal finances. I previously used solar power to mine Bitcoin, which I promptly traded in for physical gold. While praising the Chinese Communist Party, Chairman and former CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger revealed he was inspired by their vision and a firm believer in strong collaboration. (Natural News) (Article by Natalie Winters republished from TheNationalPulse.com) Igers remarks, unearthed by The National Pulse, come from the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) 2011 gala, where he was the events honoree. While speaking at the NCUSCR which calls for closer ties between the U.S. and China and frequently hosts events alongside Chinese Communist Party officials Iger revealed Disney was inspired by the vision of Chinese communist apparatchiks: Weve also worked hard to establish a number of mutually beneficial relationships with many officials throughout China. Were inspired by their vision and were grateful that they share many of our beliefs, including one about the importance of intellectual property protection. Ive watched China emerge into a global economic force, an inspiring source of great innovation, offering opportunities that we see as virtually unlimited, and the Walt Disney company has certainly been increasing its presence in that vast country, Iger also offered in praise of the communist, repressive country. I happen to firmly believe that strong collaboration between China and the United States aligns our two economies, the most recognized innovators in the world, and thats going to generate untold opportunity, he added. At the event, Iger also hyped the companys forthcoming Shanghai Disneyland venture, which now employs Chinese Communist Party members and hosts a part activity center adjacent to the park: Were also excited about becoming part of the Shanghai community and welcoming its people into the Disney family. Were certainly grateful for the support that weve had from the central government, from the Shanghai government, and from our new partners the Shanghai Shendi group. Referencing a Chinese Communist Party ambassador, Iger revealed Im trying to get him to Disneyland as soon as possible. Weve had presidents of China visit Disneyland. Now its time for the ambassador to the United States to visit. WATCH: Read more at: TheNationalPulse.com (Natural News) A new investigative report from Fox News host Steve Hilton sheds fresh light on the potential origin of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), which we now know has Anthony Faucis name written all over it. According to Hilton, the Chinese Virus has nothing to do with wet markets or bat soup as was originally claimed. It actually came from a lab where Fauci was conducting dangerous gain of function research on ferrets. The original lab where this all took place was not in Wuhan, though. The novel virus is now believed to have originated at a lab in The Netherlands Erasmus Medical Center, to be exact. Researchers there were supposedly picking apart respiratory viruses to see how their components reacted in humans. They used ferrets for their medical experiments because the furry creatures have pulmonary structures that are similar to those found in humans, with well-developed respiratory bronchioles and submucosal glands. Hilton says that researchers at Erasmus were interested in determining whether or not a non-airborne virus could be intentionally mutated to become a contagious airborne disease. After a series of tests, these scientists supposedly discovered that with a few tweaks, coronaviruses could transmit from mammal to mammal through the air. This, Hilton says, is how we ended up with the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). The findings were groundbreaking and this study paved the way for an entirely new type of scientific genomics research called gain-of-function,' reports Revolver. This research eventually made its way over to Wuhan where more gain of function research was funded by Fauci well, funded by your tax dollars via Fauci, anyway. The point of gain-of-function research was to replicate in a lab what had been done with the ferrets in the Netherlands to take a virus and manipulate and mutate it to make it stronger in order to see if it will gain new function,' Revolver further explains. This Frankenstein-like research was supposedly being conducted for the purpose of creating new vaccines for viruses, which have thus far never been successful until now. Just months after the Chinese Virus was first unveiled, governments around the world, including ours under Donald Trump, announced that vaccines would be developed and released at warp speed. Several months after that, we received magical mRNA (messenger RNA) injections from the likes of Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna. Meanwhile, Fauci has been spreading his gain-of-function research all around the world using American taxpayer dollars to do it. For the past year, the mainstream media has done everything possible to try to cover it all up, but now the cat is out of the bag. Weasel Fauci illegally sidestepped Obamas moratorium on gain of function research Back in 2019 before the Chinese Virus was unveiled, Newsweek published a piece revealing that the Fauci-led National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) committed $3.7 million to research bats and coronaviruses in China over a six-year period. It was during this time that China is believed to have let the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) escape from a lab or perhaps it really was just an accident resulting in a global plandemic that decimated economies and changed the way people live forever. Back in 2011, Fauci wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post explaining his future plans for gain of function research. That piece was entitled, A Flu Virus Risk Worth Taking. Right before Obama imposed a moratorium on gain of function research, Fauci commissioned a study to assess new emerging coronaviruses from wild animals. He wanted to see if it was possible to have their viruses infect humans. Fauci went all-in for the dangerous research but Obama took a step back, eventually pulling the plug in 2014 at least in the U.S. Fauci went ahead and secretly tasked and funded the illegal research to take place in communist China, a regime with which he closely aligns. Fauci kept the research alive by cleverly subcontracting the work out to a New York group called Eco-Health Alliance, led by Zoologist Peter Daszak. Daszaks claim to fame is discovering the link between bats and SARS, Revolver explains. Fauci paid the three-plus-million dollars to Eco-Health Alliance and the research continued. According to Hiltons report, Eco-Health then went and subcontracted the gain of function portion of Faucis research back to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), Chinas only known level-four biosafety laboratory, and the lab where the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is believed to have escaped. There is even a reference number, Hilton says, showing that Fauci directly paid Eco-Health to reroute the research through China in an attempt to avoid detection here in the U.S. All roads lead back to Wuhan, and Fauci is driving the car, Revolver explains. It is no longer a secret that Fauci is the reason why we are all in this mess. He is directly responsible for every single death that resulted from Chinese Virus infection, and he is now murdering even more people with deadly injections disguised as vaccines. To let Obama off the hook for all of this would be a mistake. Chances are the divider-in-chief knew full well what Fauci was up to and possibly even encouraged it. Thats what his entire legacy consists of weaponized IRS, Intel, and media, Revolver says about Obama. Be sure to read the full report at this link. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) and Faucis complicity in its creation can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: Revolver.news NaturalNews.com (Natural News) More than a year has gone by since the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic began, and there is still no official treatment protocol for it. Why is that? And more importantly, why is ringleader Anthony Fauci refusing to acknowledge, let alone accept, the known treatments that do exist and that could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives? Instead of pushing experimental gene therapy injections that do not even protect against the virus, Fauci should have been recommending remedies like hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and zinc, both of which are proven fight coronaviruses. Instead, Fauci kept the nation masked and in fear and is still doing that to this very day. Dr. Peter McCullough, vice chief of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) and chief of cardiovascular research at the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, has had enough of Fauci. The main reason this matters is because McCullough holds the same medical qualifications as Fauci meaning his viewpoints are equally as qualified as Faucis. In McCulloughs view, Fauci has utterly failed, perhaps intentionally, to do what is right and best for the people of this country. Instead of actually trying to help people stay healthy, Fauci continues to push his own agenda, which has McCullough deeply concerned. Speaking to Fox News Tucker Carlson the other day, McCullough expressed that something has gone off the rails in the world as far as treating the Chinese Virus. Fauci certainly has no plan beyond telling people that they should wear a mask forever and get injected regularly, leaving them in fear, in isolation and despair. This [virus] is like a cold, except the immune system goes crazy in the middle part of it, McCullough explained. So we take an edge off the viral replication early. We treat the immune system dysregulation and we can get people through the illness. Other countries have taken this approach, but not the United States, thanks to Fauci. Again, instead of coming up with some kind of treatment protocol for this cold-like virus, Fauci has done nothing but threaten increasingly more severe forms of tyranny unless people obey the mask and vaccine approach. Fauci is a mass murderer If Fauci were a real doctor, he would have tasked those who work with and for him to find something other than an injection and a piece of cloth that could help them avoid serious infection. Instead, Fauci has sentenced hundreds of thousands of Americans to death needlessly. This makes Fauci a mass murderer. There is simply no other way to look at it since others with his same qualifications have repeatedly tried to get life-saving medicines and nutrients into the hands of sick people, only to have Fauci fight against it at every turn. One would think that after all this time there would be a consensus in the hospitals, in the nursing homes, and in other treatment centers on how to treat a Covid positive patient or resident, says The Gateway Pundits Jim Hoft about this whole fiasco. This is not the case. McCullough, meanwhile, has successfully given more than 85 percent of his covid patients a multi-drug treatment that led to full recovery and immunity. Why is Fauci refusing to accept and recommend McCulloughs protocol? Why does Fauci want people to continue dying needlessly? This pandemic could have been over by now if those who tested positive for covid had been immediately treated before they fell ill enough to be hospitalized, McCullough says. Hoft, meanwhile, seems to agree with a growing assessment of Fauci, calling him the greatest mass killer of our generation. More related news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: TheNewAmerican.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the Johnson & Johnson Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine will now include a warning about blood clotting risks. Its announcement came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted the suspension of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The two government agencies previously recommended a halt on the J&J vaccine amid reports of blood clots with low platelet count in some patients. According to the CDCs Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report for April 30, the FDA has added a warning for patients 18 to 49 years old regarding clotting events reported among vaccine recipients. It emphasized the importance of the warning to ensure that women aged [below] 50 years old are aware of the increased risk [of the clots] and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available. The report recommended that updated fact sheets for the vaccine should be provided to both recipients and their caregivers before inoculation. The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to resume use of the vaccine during its April 23 meeting. It also recommended that the FDA put a warning about the risks of blood clots, which the regulator fulfilled. The committee argued that the pause should be lifted because the benefits of the J&J vaccine outweighed its potential risks. It also said that limiting its use to specific sectors of the populations would do little to prevent hospitalizations and deaths stemming from COVID-19. The summary of evidence showed that the [J&J] COVID-19 vaccine is a highly effective and flexible prevention tool that can be useful in communities with increasing COVID-19 incidence and emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Limiting vaccine use to specific populations could reduce number of [blood clot] cases but could also challenge public health implementation, limit personal choice and disproportionately affect populations with barriers to vaccine access or difficulty returning for a second [vaccine] dose, the CDC report said. J&Js adenoviral vector vaccine stood out from its counterparts in a number of ways. It does not require sub-zero temperatures compared to the mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna. Furthermore, the vaccine only call for a single dose which provided convenience. Other vaccine candidates require two doses to provide full protection. The FDA granted emergency use approval to the one-dose vaccine in late February 2021. The CDC is also looking at the cases of blood clots and low platelet count in some inoculated Americans FOX 5 reported that ACIP members voted 10-4 to resume use of the vaccine. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky commented on the decision: Above all else, health and safety are at the forefront of our decisions. Our vaccine safety systems are working. She added that the CDC has identified exceptionally rare events stemming from the J&J vaccine and will continue to do so. (Related: Johnson & Johnson vaccine under investigation over deadly blood clot cases.) We are grateful to the [ACIP] and its medical experts for the rigorous evaluation of our COVID-19 vaccine, J&J Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Paul Stoffels remarked. He added: As the global pandemic continues to devastate communities around the world, we believe a single-shot, easily transportable COVID-19 vaccine with demonstrated protection against multiple variants can help protect the health and safety of people everywhere. Concurrent with the resumption of the J&J vaccines use, the CDC said it is examining two new cases of blood clots. A man and a woman both under the age of 60 reported the clots after vaccination. Fifteen people had already reported blood clots alongside low platelet count after getting immunized with the J&J vaccine by the time the ACIP convened its April 23 meeting. All 15 patients were hospitalized: 12 were admitted to intensive care units, while three eventually died. While 13 of the patients were women aged 18 to 49 years old, two of them were aged 50 years old and older. Incidentally, the two 50-and-up vaccine fatalities included a woman from Oregon. Health officials in the Beaver State confirmed her death on April 22 a day before the ACIP meeting. The CDC was informed of the case on April 18, while the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) received word of the case two days later on April 20. According to an April 22 OHA statement, the 50-year-old Oregonian developed a serious blood clot in combination with very low platelets. Both serious reactions occurred within two weeks following vaccination, the statement said. It added that CDC and OHA officials are looking into the matter. The OHA statement also mentioned that the Oregonians death had been recorded in the CDCs Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The case will add to the evidence of potential risk associated with [the J&J] vaccine, it noted. However, until an investigation on the incident is complete it cannot be concluded whether [the womans] death is related to the vaccine. Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com to read more articles about the blood clots caused by the J&J one-dose COVID-19 vaccine. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk 1 CDC.gov FOX5DC.com DailyMail.co.uk 2 Content.GovDelivery.com (Natural News) Frontline medical personnel who were injured by Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections are finally coming forward to tell all about the horrors they have had to endure. Many say that their debilitating health problems came about right after they were jabbed, including full body convulsions and other horrific adverse effects that are far worse than anything the virus itself ever could have done. In an interview with The Highwires Del Bigtree, three women, all of whom were previously pro-vaccine, explained how they now suffer from tremors, memory loss and convulsions due to the shots. All of them are now unable to work or care for themselves. I just had mild, flu-like symptoms soon after taking the first dose of Modernas Chinese Virus vaccine, explained Shawn Skelton, an Indiana nursing home worker. Skelton may not have agreed to get the shot at all had she not felt very pressured by her employer to get it. By the end of the day my legs hurt so bad, my body hurt so bad I couldnt stand it. The next day I woke up, my tongue was spazzing, and it just went on from there, Skelton explained about what ensued post-injection. For the next 13 days after that, Skelton experienced full-body convulsions watch below: Angelia Gipson Desselle, a surgery center manager from Louisiana, reported similar adverse effects. She got her Wuhan Flu shot in part to avoid exposing her patients to the virus, though she did not realize at the time that no available injection prevents the spread. Within two hours, I started having a severe headache that I knew that was one of the side effects, so I didnt think that much of it, Desselle recalled about what the shot did to her. Thursday morning, I woke up and I felt really dizzy and almost passed out. The following night, I got out of the bed and I couldnt feel or use my left leg. And then Saturday morning I got up and I could not use either of my legs, and it eventually was followed by full-body convulsions. About two hours after the convulsions started, Desselles husband took her to the emergency room where she was transported to a nearby hospital. I have literally been shuffled from doctor to doctor and here I am today still having the same issues. While Desselle did not immediately know what was going on the moment the convulsions started, she explained that she knew whatever it was came about because of the injection. I was a normal forty-five-year-old healthy person, didnt take any routine meds on a daily basis. I never in a million years thought I would be like this today. How many more people need to become seriously injured before Chinese Virus vaccination is stopped? Kristi Simmonds, the third woman, worked as a clinical manager at a home health agency. When she got her jab, she developed similar convulsions throughout her body that lasted for many days. There was one day where I had 16 back-to-back convulsions, she revealed, in which every muscle in my body would tense up and just continuously spasm. Ironically, Simmonds had trouble breathing and felt as though she could not fully catch her breath due to the jab. Two days later, I was in the E.R. with throat and mouth swelling, she added. Simmonds returned to work the following week but began to suffer convulsions that left her pulled up into a fetal position at work. Now, all three of us sit here today with no job, no income. Our medical bills are stacking up and we still have no answers and no help. To keep up with the latest injury and death data from Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections, be sure to check out ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The only way to sell Americans on getting so many dirty vaccines, year in and year out, is through a massive fear mongering campaign, hosted by the CDC and mass media everywhere. The problem is that it works, mainly because the populace is so doped up on mercury poisoning from the multi-dose flu shots that they cant even remember what happened from one fake pandemic to the next. Over 150 million Americans are fully convinced that every virus the media promotes is like the black plague, and that the human immune system is so weak, from birth to death, that we must ALL get every vaccine for every fake pandemic, or we will all die young. So lets take an inside look at the real impact of those darned plagues that have totally besieged America for the past dozen or more years, nearly wiping us all off the face of the Earth (not even close). You see, the real Black Plague, also known as the Bubonic Plague or Black Death, killed off some 25 million people in the 1600s. It set the precedent for all the scare tactics and fear mongering used today for any virus the CDC chooses to propagate in the news. Yet, the Black Plague still rears its ugly head all around the world, including in the USA, so wheres all the hype for that? Well, antibiotics quell it, just like vitamin D and zinc beat back Covid, but nobody is allowed to speak of natural remedies in America, or you get Trumped. The not-so-scary measles plague Most kids dont die from the measles, but rather from pneumonia or severe diarrhea, but just like with Covid, the doctors and hospitals are paid (and usually required by the CDC) to label every pneumonia death as death by the virus instead, for vaccine promotional purposes. About 1 in 4 people who get a bad case of the measles need to be hospitalized, and maybe 1 in 1,000 of those will die; however, reports from back in the late 1950s and early 1960s reveal that measles was considered a mild infection. Now, anyone who dares even say the word measles is said to be speaking of one of the worlds most deadly diseases that could easily wipe out the entire human race. Why? Its the only way to sell everybody on dirty vaccines. Thats when the narrative is regurgitated by all the vaccinated that the unvaccinated are putting the entire human race at risk. You better get that MMR vaccine, or else face the consequences of being responsible for spreading the black plague at places like a Disney Park, or something like that (recalling February of 2015). First they call it an outbreak. Then it magically transforms into an epidemic. Then it graduates quickly to the ranks of pandemic, if they cant seem to sell enough sheeple on getting vaccinated. The mass media always plasters a few pictures of some dead and maimed children on the TV screens and internet shill sites for all to gasp at in horror. Such emotional times for Americans. Shall we all start vaccinating for the common cold? Oh wait, thats SARS. Swine Flu is next on the chopping block It is estimated that the mortality rate from swine flu ranges from .03 percent of the worlds population on up to about 1 percent; however, many of those folks died of respiratory complications associated with the virus infection, (think pneumonia and MRSA) just like the actual death statistics from Covid now. Those statistics can be applied ranging from the 1918 H1N1 pandemic, to the 1968 H3N2 pandemic, and right then again for the 2009 flu pandemic. The 2009 pandemic was less severe, with death tolls closer to the lower end of that spectrum. Still, the CDC pushed fear across all networks, and right on cue, the masses got vaccinated. The swine flu vaccine contains deadly thimerosal, which is about 50 percent mercury. The toxic jab also contains formaldehyde, the highly toxic fluid used to embalm the dead. The number of deaths caused by mercury in vaccines has never been documented, but could easily be well over one percent of those injected with it. Countless others suffer from autism and central nervous system disorders due to mercury accumulation in the brain. Zika virus dangers were way overblown and mostly fictional First off, there is no shrunken-baby-head side effect from Zika virus. All of those babies were born with birth defects because their mothers drank pesticide-laden water near where the first outbreak happened, in Brazil. So get that out of your head now and for good. That entire scare campaign was straight-up manufactured by the CDC and the media. In fact, the Zika virus disease is generally mild, and hospitalization and deaths are quite uncommon. Most cases have zero symptoms, or just some mild ones that resemble dengue fever, like headache, fever, joint pain, rash and red eyes. It lasts less than a week and then its gone like the wind. Seasonal influenza quite similar to Covid Most people who get the flu recover in less than 10 days, except for people battling cancer, diabetes, obesity, or old age (meaning theyre on dozens of debilitating prescription medications and have been for years). About 45 million people catch the flu each year, and about 60,000 will die from complications that develop. How many actually die from the flu itself, well never know, just like Covid, but the numbers just arent justified for lockdowns, masks, social distances, shuttered businesses and the removal of constitutional rights. So what makes Covid any different? Thats just it. Its not. Covid-19 is just another flu but with a thousand times the propaganda Just how many people have died in the last 18 months from the flu or pneumonia, but were chalked up as dying from Covid? How many people committed suicide or were murdered, but then blood-tested for Covid, tested positive (or not), and were also slated as Covid as the cause of death? Doctors and nurses across America have already blown the whistle on the CDC awarding funds to hospitals for every Covid death they document, so just how blown out are the real death numbers? About 180,000 people died back in the 2017-2018 flu season from the flu, pneumonia, or complications of pneumonia. Tough year, huh? Do you remember the lockdowns, the masks, and the social distancing? The CDC sure did sell us all on that mercury-laced flu shot, but they didnt need all this China virus fanfare, now did they. So what changed? The election, thats what changed. It was all about ousting Trump and installing communism. Thats why you still have to wear your mask even after being fully vaccinated. Get it? There are no more co-morbidities anymore, only Covid. Have you noticed nobody has the flu anymore? Its just Covid. You die with Covid in your blood, it doesnt matter what killed you, because you died of Covid. Period. Now the vaccinated are about to wonder why theyre all going mad, and they can simply look to the science of prion-creating mRNA vaccines. If you havent seen George Orwells 1984, now is the time. Plagues and plandemics. Theyre all just mind games to sell dirty vaccines, until the mercury and the prions take over. Tune your internet frequency to ChemicalViolence.com for updates on how vaccines ARE the pandemic. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news ChemicalViolence.com TruthWiki.org CDC.gov/vaccines NYpost.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The nations two largest crude oil distillation units were shuttered on Sunday after it was reported that the Colonial Pipeline had suffered an outage. People familiar with the matter told Reuters that Motiva Enterprises LLCs 607,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) Port Arthur, Texas, refinery shut down its 195,000-bpd VPS-4 CDU and 80,000-bpd VPS-2 CDU along with its 49,000-bpd reformer and 19,200-bpd lube oil hydrocracker. This temporary idling of the two CDUs reduces production at Motivas refinery by 45 percent. The company declined to discuss any further the status of individual units at the Port Arthur refinery. There is a third CDU at the Motiva refinery that is still in operation. It is the largest of the three with a 325,000-bpd reformer and VPS-5 CDU. The purpose of CDUs, by the way, is to break down crude oil into the feedstocks for all other units at the refinery. The purpose of reformers is to refine crude oil byproducts into octane-boosting components that are added back into the gasoline. I-40 shuts down at Arkansas border due to crack in bridge To make matters worse, the Interstate 40 bridge connecting Arkansas to Tennessee was shuttered indefinitely after a consulting firm claims to have observed a significant feature in one of the pillars that supports the giant structure. Repairs could take months, officials say, which throws another wrench into the gas shortage problem as I-40 is a major corridor and alternate route for trucks to drive gas to southern states. For the time being, all traffic over the bridge is being detoured, and shipping traffic along some portions of the Mississippi River has been halted. This fracture had the potential of becoming a catastrophic event that was prevented by our staffs diligent effort in managing our bridge inspection program, stated Lorie Tudor, director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation about the 48-year-old bridge. The next closest Mississippi River crossing is located about 60 miles to the south near Lula, Miss. There is another crossing about 100 miles north near Dyersburg, Tenn. Gas prices soar across South While the Biden regime has announced that the Colonial Pipeline will soon be restored to service, gas stations all across the south are drying up as panicked residents fill gas cans, garbage buckets, and even plastic bags with as much gas as they can possibly hoard. Rather than patiently wait for a restoration, southerners are clawing whatever gas they can to take home with them, causing station after station to run out. High demand is also causing many areas to see highly volatile increases in gas prices. This turns into a crisis by the end of the week if its not resolved, particularly with Memorial Day coming, warned John Kilduff, a founding partner at Again Capital. People are going to start topping off their tanks. And topping them off they are, along with everybody else in the neighborhood who does not want to be caught gas-less in an infrastructure that relies upon vehicular transport in order to live. There is said to be plenty of fuel in the refining centers along the Gulf Coast, just no way to get it to its destination. And even when the pipeline gets restored, the gas inside of its only moves at a speed of about five miles per hour, which means it could take days or even weeks to get the system up and running again as normal. Given the size and the direction of the pipeline and the market that it feeds, the Colonial Pipeline is the single most important artery moving refined products in the country, says Michael Tran, an energy analyst at RBC. More related news about Americas failing, third-world infrastructure can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: Reuters.com Ky3.com NaturalNews.com Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative starts today Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative starts today Today is the start of the 11 days of the ecumenical global prayer initiative They Kingdom Come, that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Christians from more than 170 countries and 65 denominations have taken part. Thy Kingdom Come runs between Ascension and Pentecost, and this year takes place from May 13-23. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will: Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness What started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer. It now has the support of all the main leaders of key denominations in the UK, including the Methodist Church of Great Britain, Catholic Church of England and Wales, Pentecostal Churches, Free Churches, Orthodox Churches and the Church of Scotland. It has also been commended by Her Majesty the Queen and His Holiness Pope Francis. Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: What excites me is that as we come together and pray for people to be filled with the Spirit, so they come to know and love Jesus Christ, to repent of their sins and turn away from all that is wrong and to find the love of Christ filling their hearts, we are in fact praying for the changing of our world. Head of the Catholic Church in England & Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said the movement upheld two key pillars of the Christian faith praying to the Holy Spirit for people to come to know Jesus Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit as Gods power sustaining the created world. Its the Holy Spirit that transformed what we call the chaos into the cosmos the ordered world. In caring for the world, we care for each other. In caring for each other, we care for the Creator and show Him our respect, our deference, our service. May Thy Kingdom Come be a prayer from our hearts that the Holy Spirit transforms us into servants of the word and servants of the created world made through the word Himself. Pete Greig, founder of global prayer phenomenon 24-7 Prayer, said: I would say to my fellow pastors, vicars and priests in the busyness of all that we do, let this be the priority. Let us get behind this and let us have grace for one another in this, because I believe Jesus is calling us to pray. This has the marks of the Holy Spirit upon it. A wide range of resources are available on the Thy Kingdom Come website: www.thykingdomcome.global Keith Morris, 13/05/2021 Eve-Marie Lanza, Sr. Manager of Solutions Marketing at Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. For anyone who has lived in a dense apartment complex or building, multiple Wi-Fi routers close together competing for limited radio signal space can make accessing the Internet a challenging experience, to say the least. To address the problem, property managers are increasingly treating Wi-Fi as a fifth utility for large multifamily communities, not only to create a better overall online experience for residents but also to leverage a single network to better enable and implement smart home features designed to improve the convenience and comfort of tenants. Leading the way is HomeBase, which has created a transformative new business model for supplying Smart Living-as-a-Service (SLaaS) in multifamily housing. We set out to create the industrys first hub-less smart building solution to help apartment owners and managers automate their facilities while delivering connectivity-as-a-service to residents, explained Blake Miller, Founder and CEO of the Kansas City, Missouri, company. To achieve our goals, we needed to provide always-on Internet, which required a comprehensive wired and wireless solution capable of integrating with our mobile-phone-as-a-gateway, app-based approach. Technologies + Expertise Make Aruba the Right Partner Working with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, the SLaaS provider found the right mix. In addition to providing a robust set of APIs for integrating with our customer-facing app and Wi-Fi access points with built-in Bluetooth and Zigbee for IoT connectivity, we were impressed with the many innovations in the [Aruba] pipeline, said Miller. Perhaps most importantly, the Aruba team immediately grasped our vision and helped us determine which technologies were required to make it happen, he added. By demonstrating that kind of enthusiasm for our business, even before we selected Aruba, we knew the partnership was right. Aruba ESP Powers Superior SLaaS Experiences For its network powered by Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform), Homebase selected Arubas indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi 6 access points along with remote access points, 2930F Switch Series, and 3810 Switch Series. The Homebase infrastructure also includes Aruba Central, for AI-enabled cloud-based network management built on a cloud-native microservices architecture, and Aruba User Experience Insight (UXI), for continuously monitoring and testing the network from a user perspective. Our deployment model provides every apartment in a building with Wi-Fi as an amenity, said Miller. In addition, we cover indoor and outdoor common areas to help streamline facilities management significantly. This strategy of creating a single network also gives property managers secure connectivity for their staff. Wi-Fi as a Utility for Residents, Increased Profitability for Owners Unlike the current paradigm, where a resident typically moves into a new home and then contacts an ISP for connectivity, Homebase-powered buildings supply Wi-Fi the moment a resident enters their new homejust like turning on the lights or a bathroom faucet. Using the Homebase app, residents can access everything in their home, ranging from locks to appliances. One of our buildings, Flashcube in Kansas City, even offers a connected wine dispenser that automatically adds purchases to a residents account, Miller said. New residents are granted access to a premium tier of Wi-Fi for a select amount of time, which enables them to test out the Homebase solution, and then are prompted by the app to select a subscription plan. client supplied With Aruba ESP, Homebase-powered buildings can supply hassle-free, instant Wi-Fi in every unit. Using data generated by Central, we determined a substantial percentage of residents opt for the premium subscription tier once their trial period ends, others choose a lower tier and only a few opt out, said RaeAnn Lovall, Chief People Officer for Homebase. We can also use the data we gather to help owners maximize tier pricing. New Revenue, Enhanced Efficiency, Automated Maintenance, and Risk Reduction From a building owner perspective, the SLaaS model not only supplies a considerable new revenue stream but also enhances efficiencies with the Homebase app. This includes anywhere, anytime management of physical access controls and security cameras in common areas and community spaces, such as gyms, pools, and movie facilities. Having a single, robust network with all of these capabilities saves property owners money while also ensuring they have one less vendor to worry about, said Miller. In addition, the Homebase app streamlines and automates maintenance, saving an average of 20 minutes per ticket. For example, after a units smart thermostat runs for a certain number of hours the app can notify management the HVAC filter needs changing, then automatically order the part for direct shipment to the appropriate unit and notify the resident, said Miller. Such maintenance automation can also drive down risks and reduce associated insurance costs. According to Miller, If an IoT plumbing sensor detects a water-related issue, a timely notification via the app can eliminate a catastrophic event. Saving 120 Minutes per Unit Turn During Move Out and Move In According to Lovall, building owners and managers especially appreciate the app during move- out and move-in periods, which helps them save 120 minutes per unit turn, on average. When multiple units are turning over simultaneously, using a few taps to remove a former occupant and onboard a new one reduces costs and boosts efficiency compared to the traditional manual process, said Lovall. Cloud Management is Key to Speed and Agility Although Homebase uses a standardized building deployment model, its not a one-size-fits-all approach. The networking solution provides flexibility in situations where a resident requires more coverage. Centrals cloud-based management enables quickly configuring and installing a remote access point to extend the network as needed, said Lovell. Network management, which can be complex especially when managing multiple locations, is also simplified. Aruba Centrals intuitive dashboard enables a single business user to support multiple buildings, said Lovall. We can easily adjust configurations such as bandwidth and device limits to effectively manage performance across buildings with hundreds of users, each of whom has multiple devices. And, in keeping with Homebases goal of delivering responsive and attentive service to its residents, utilizing a cloud-based solution streamlines troubleshooting as well. When we receive a support ticket from a resident or building owner, we can frequently resolve it in just a few minutes, says Paul Schultz, Director of Client Success at Homebase. This assists us with supplying exceptional customer service. Preparing for the Future of Wireless As it continues to grow and introduce new SLaaS offerings to the multifamily housing industry, Homebase looks forward to leveraging existing and emerging Aruba solutions. One project in the works is deploying Aruba AirPass to facilitate seamless device handoffs from 5G cellular networks to Wi-Fi. Were actively working with 5G and considering how we can deploy AirPass for smoothing transitions, said Miller. Want to learn more about how Aruba ESP can solve complex networking challenges at the edge? Visit https://www.arubanetworks.com/solutions/aruba-esp/. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Partial lockdown in several parts of the country has hit automobile sales during April as factories and showrooms remained shut while those open wore a deserted look. According to data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer (SIAM), automobile shipment from factories to showrooms fell 30.18 per cent to 2,70,458 units, while exports from India increased 19.22 per cent to 5,20,289 units. Production, meanwhile, fell 21 per cent month-on-month in April to 18,75,698 units due to voluntary shutdown of factories and muted demand, showed SIAM data released on Thursday. Supply chain-related production challenges continue with the lockdown restrictions in many parts of the country. The demand has been clearly impacted by the second wave of Covid-19, both in terms of low consumer sentiments and closure of dealerships due to lockdown restrictions, said Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM. Domestic wholesales of passenger vehicles during the month fell over 10 per cent to 2,61,633 units even as exports grew by nearly five per cent to 42,025 units. Industry observers say that automobile production will witness a much bigger fall in May as market leaders Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotorCorp have extended their shutdowns till the end of this week. Other manufacturers have also announced closing their factories for as many as 15 days in May. Similarly, two-wheeler wholesale in India fell 22.82 to 15,05,653 units while its export grew by 21.10 per cent to 4,31,311 units. As the domestic market continues to face growth challenges, many automakers are eyeing foreign markets to reduce their local dependency. For example, Bajaj Auto in April clocked worldwide sales of 348,173 units of which 221,603 units or 63 per cent were exported. Analysts, meanwhile, have pinned their hopes on faster inoculation to lift economic activity. Recovery in domestic wholesales can be expected Q2-FY22 onwards, contingent to a faster vaccination drive and no new waves of Covid-19, said analysts at Care Ratings. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Hotel owners on Wednesday told the State Government that they are ready to convert their establishments into step-down hospitals or Covid Care Centres, but wondered aloud that where is the staff needed to man the facilities. The matter was raised at a virtual meeting between hotel associations and Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and PHANA members. A member of a hotel association, who did not wish to be identified, told The New Indian Express that so far, 1,000 rooms in 10 hotels have been set aside for this. The government wants 2,000 rooms, but the association said that 1,200 can be given at the moment as housekeeping staff for these many has been trained. The rooms are ready as there is no business. But does the government have the doctors, nurses, staff, oxygen and ventilators (as emergency) for the hotel rooms? he said. Due to the pandemic, our business is very slow. If a hotel becomes a CCC, then depending upon the category, a hospital will pay Rs 1,500- 2,200 per bed. The money is paid as room rent and for food. If it is a reputed hospital, then the rates will be higher. So even though its not profitable, the money will help meet the salaries of hotel staffers, provided at least 60-80 per cent of the beds are occupied. So, hotels are keen to offer rooms, but hospitals are taking time as they need the infrastructure. At the meeting, Bommai instructed the officials to find more facilities with rooms in BBMP zones and gradually increase the number of beds in step-down hospitals. BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta said that hospitals registered under the KPME Act can tie up with hotels in their neighbourhood and start a health facility immediately. Health Department officials assured the meeting that they will provide doctors and nurses for these facilities. Retired doctors and students will also be utilised in these centres. Hotel association president P C Rao said that already, with the help of 13 hospitals, around 1,200 hotel bed have been kept ready. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR : Despite the havoc it continues to wreak across the nation, coronavirus has brought out the best in people even children some of whom are keen to assist the frontline workers. Six-year-old Devank Agarwal who donated Rs 11,000 from his piggy bank for police personnel on Covid duty in city is one such child. Devank of Jharpada, a Class-I student, went to Commissionerate police headquarters along with his parents and handed over all his savings to Commissioner SK Priyadarshi on Wednesday. Devanks parents said he donated from his savings to assist police personnel especially the lady staff engaged in Covid duty. The boy once had expressed his wish to accompany his father, who works for an NGO, for an assignment in the city. However, his father refused to take him along fearing he will be taken to task by police personnel carrying out enforcement duty in the city. Devank had several questions for his father like where do the police personnel eat while they are on duty and the curiosity fuelled his desire to do something for the men in uniform. The amount donated by the boy may not be significant but it speaks volumes of his intention to help those who are working tirelessly to keep people safe during these testing times. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A prominent private school in Delhi has set up walk-in oxygen cafes where coronavirus patients can sit for a few hours, get oxygen and go back home only after their condition improves, the dean of the institute, which also has a Covid care centre, said on Thursday. However, if the doctors find the symptoms of the patient to be severe, they are then referred to the Covid care centre on the top floor, he said. A Covid care centre was opened at Mount Carmel School recently by converting its auditorium and classrooms into a 100-bed facility where patients with mild symptoms can be admitted. ALSO READ | Delhi reports 308 Covid-19 deaths in last 24 hours, 10489 fresh cases; positivity rate dips further The centre has been named The Vijay Williams Covid Care Centre as a tribute to the founder of the school and Williams father, who lost his battle to coronavirus earlier this month. They (patients) feel positive. They sit, get oxygen for a few hours as doctors monitor them and as soon as their oxygen levels improve, they leave. This makes them much more relaxed, said Williams. He said four classrooms of the school have been converted into oxygen cafes and oxygen concentrators and cylinders are kept there. There are lots of patients who need oxygen right away. They walk in, the doctors assess them, they receive the initial burst of oxygen, which helps alleviate mild symptoms. If the doctors find the symptoms to be severe, the patients are sent to the COVID care centre on the top floor, where they are monitored 24X7, he said. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Citing financial losses due to the Covid-induced lockdown, a group of traders on Wednesday urged suggested the Delhi government to ease restrictions and allow the reopening of the retail markets with strict measures. Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), an association of shopkeepers in Connaught Place, said that business activities should be permitted in the markets with strict enforcement of Covid protocol. Traders are finding it difficult to cope with the hardship and survive. Lockdown is not the answer to the pandemic. Strict enforcement is required. All illegal hawkers should be removed from the corridors of Connaught Place as they do not follow standard operating procedures, said Bhargava. He also sought rebates in property tax and electricity fixed charges. The council, our MP or the chief minister did not bother to consult us. It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce rules. Traders lost 60 per cent of business last year because of lockdown. No relief is being given to us. We have to pay GST, EMIs, and property tax on time. Traders should be given property tax rebate and fixed electricity charges should also be waived off, he said. Vijay Kumar, president of South Extension Part I Traders Association, is in agreement. He said that it would take months to revive their business if markets are not allowed to operate now. Last time, the lockdown was for about two months and it took six months to put the business back on track. If we allow reopening now, things will easily take two-three months to be normal. We were given EMI and loan moratorium last year but no relief was announced this time. We are also paying salaries and other bills, said Kumar. Bhargava is speaking with several traders of Karol Bagh, Khan Market, South Extension and other markets and may release a joint statement on Thursday. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which has been supporting the extension of lockdown in Delhi, said that ongoing lockdown, the way it is being operated, in Delhi is quite worrisome. Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of the confederation, urged CM Kejriwal to give financial assistance to traders. However, Yoginder Dawar, president of the Central Market association of Lajpat Nagar, is not in favour of reopening the markets at this stage. Crowd management in the market is not possible. Covid cases have started reducing; we shouldnt let the thing go out of hands again. As experts and doctors are saying the third wave will be deadlier, we should remain more vigilant and focus on vaccination. If the permission is given then markets should be open on an odd-even basis, he said. By PTI NEW DELHI: An alleged Al-Qaeda member who is a doctor and lodged in Tihar jail, moved a Delhi court on Thursday seeking permission to assist the prison authorities to deal with the COVID-19 cases. In an application before Special Judge Dharmender Rana on Wednesday, the accused - Sabeel Ahmed - submitted that his experience and expertise as a medical professional would be helpful in dealing with the surge in COVID-19 cases and treatment of inmates in the central jail. Ahmed, member of banned terrorist outfit Al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS), was arrested on February 22 by the special cell of Delhi Police, for allegedly providing logistic and financial assistance to other members of the organisation in India and abroad. Ahmed's advocate M S Khan sought a direction to the jail superintendent for allowing the accused to assist the jail administration. "It is pertinent to mention herein that accused is a qualified MBBS doctor with seven years of experience in treatment of critical cases." "His experience and expertise being a medical professional would be helpful for dealing with the surge in COVID cases and treatment of inmates in central jail, Tihar," the application said. "It is, therefore, most respectfully and in the interest of justice prayed that directions may be issued to the jail superintendent for allowing the accused to assist the jail administration in for medical purposes on such terms and conditions as may be deemed fit and proper," it added. He is also an accused in suicidal terror attack at Glasgow Airport (United Kingdom) on June 30, 2007. He was deported from Saudi Arabia on August 20, 2020 and was taken into custody by NIA in another terror case lodged in Bengaluru. His custody was later taken by the special cell of Delhi Police in the present matter on February 22, this year. By Express News Service KOCHI: Following the growing number of Covid patients, Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese has urged the full cooperation of churchgoers to convert parish halls, school buildings and small hospitals belonging to the archdiocese into Covid care centres. According to a circular issued by Archbishop Antony Kariyil, metropolitan vicar of the archdiocese, nearly 1,000 Covid patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals under the archdiocese including Lisie Hospital in Kaloor, Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly and Rajagiri Hospital Chunangamvely. We have to think constructively about how smaller hospitals of the archdiocese can be of service in these tough times, said the circular. The archdiocese also urged nurses and doctors, who are not working or retired, to come forward and offer their services as many hospitals are facing staff shortage. The archdiocese has also published a list of the contact persons for food, medicine, ambulance, counselling and cremation for the seven regions falling under it. Karuthal, a help desk of Sahrudaya, the charity arm of the archdiocese, can be contacted for assistance. In Ernakulam region, Fr Jaison Koluthuvallil is coordinating the help desk and he can be contacted at 9496017942. Those in Cherthala, Pallippuram and Vaikom regions can contact Fr Paulson Pereppadan (8281659168). Fr Kuruvila Marottikkal (9497295322) coordinates the help desk for Paravoor region. In Angamaly and Moozhikulam, the help desk coordinator is Fr Rajan Punnackal (9891540075). Fr Baiju Kannampally can be contacted by those at Vallom, Manjappra and Kanjoor regions at 9496453996. Fr Sanju Kozhuvally (8593084822) is the coordinator for Kizhakkambalam-Tripunithura region and Fr Sebastian Pattolly (9961455975) is the coordinator for Koratty, Karukutty and Mookkannoor region. By Express News Service KOCHI: Kochi has set an example in the past by launching a crowdfunding campaign to help its Covid-hit population. While the election code of conduct was still in place, the corp took a bold step, sourcing funds from its people to provide emergency support to many families. Now, the city is coming together once again to help the homeless Kochi corp promises medical care The corporation wants to help, but its resources are limited, says Mayor M Anilkumar. Last year, we encountered many conflicts while trying to rehabilitate them. Right now, the corporation has too much on its plate and rehabilitation of the homeless is a seemingly impossible task, he says. But the corporation will provide them medical care and also aid NGOs in the activities. Apart from providing food to the destitute and migrant labourers, the corporation is planning to hire a vehicle to provide immediate medical care to destitute across the city. Considering the severity of the Covid situation, we are unable to provide rehabilitation now, he said. Inputs: Kiran Narayanan Pictures: A Sanesh By Express News Service The cast celebrated whodunit Knives Outs sequel just got bigger with the addition of Edward Norton. The news of Nortons casting comes a day after another major name, Dave Bautista, was reported to have joined the sequel. Directed by Ryan Johnson, Knives Out, featured a massive ensemble cast led by Daniel Craig and included the likes of Hollywood A-listers such as Chris Evans, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, and Christopher Plummer, among others. Upon its release in 2019, the film enjoyed both critical and commercial success, with critics hailing it as one of the best murder mysteries to come out in recent times. Early in 2021, it was reported that Netflix has been trying to acquire the rights to the second and third instalments of the franchise, and closed the deal in March for a reported sum of over $400 million, making it one of the streaming giants biggest deals. Johnson is returning the write and direct the sequel. Like the original, the sequel is expected to follow Craigs Benoit Blanc, a detective, on his trial to solve another mystery involving a large number of possible suspects. By PTI LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Gal Gadot came under fire on social media after she posted a message of peace in the wake of the latest round of fighting between Israel and Palestine. Gadot, a former Israeli Defence Forces fighter, posted a statement on Twitter, saying it breaks her heart to her see her "country is at war". "My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long," the 36-year-old actor wrote. The "Wonder Woman" star said both Israel and its "neighbour" deserve to live as "free and safe" nations. "I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days," Gadot added. However, her post on Twitter was flooded with replies that criticised her of being a "propaganda" tool for Israel, given her past military service record. Some also called out her for using the word "neighbour" instead of referencing Palestine by name. The backlash was so severe and vitriolic that Gadot disabled the comments section to her tweet. At least 53 Palestinians and six Israelis have been killed in spiralling violence as of Wednesday as Gaza-based militants fired hundreds of rockets on Israel since Monday evening. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes at Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in the coastal strip. The Education Ministry is not planning to let schools reopen fully for classes until the autumn. At present, schools in the greater Seoul area can only admit one-third of their students at any one time while the rest are condemned to studying online. The ratio is two-thirds in other parts of the country. Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae said Wednesday, "We are preparing to let schools across the country return to classes in September" on the condition that vaccination of teachers is completed by the summer and daily coronavirus infections continue to remain below 1,000. Currently only first, second and 12th graders are allowed to attend offline classes every day. "We will provide support staff to ensure quarantine measures are strictly followed, while testing should stem infections spread by asymptomatic carriers," Yoo added. By Express News Service BHOPAL: At a time, when many Indians are still hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine, a Dutch national has set an example by taking the first jab of the Serum Institute of India's Covishield vaccine in Indore. The 49-year-old Danny Haberer, a Dutch national hailing from the capital city of Amsterdam, took the first jab of the Covishield vaccine at the Shyama Prasad Mukerjee Community Hall in Indore on May 11. Im a Dutch national, but I have been staying for six months in Indore, where I run a software company. Ive been coming to India since last six years. Ive been waiting to get the vaccine jab after registering on the COWIN app and finally got it now, Danny said on Wednesday. The Dutch national said he doesnt doubt the efficacy of vaccines. Had I been home in the Netherlands, I would have taken the same vaccine as it is essential to break the chain of the deadly viral infection. I have been in India during the first and the second wave as well. But there was no vaccine during the first wave and now there is one. The new strains of the original virus are making the spread more vigorous and deadly, which is why vaccination is inevitable, he maintained after getting the jab. I appeal to people in India not to hesitate in taking the jabs and dont believe in any rumours or myths being spread about the vaccines, he said. S Lalitha By Express News Service BENGALURU: In light of the hardships experienced by the public to get taxis as well as ambulances during the ongoing pandemic, an umbrella organisation of over 60 resident welfare organisations in Kanakapura Road has decided to come to the rescue of residents. It will offer a car free of cost to help residents reach anywhere for treatment as well as revive the popular ambulance service it ran when the pandemic broke last year. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Abdul Aleem, president of 'Changemakers of Kanakapura Road' said, "With COVID cases rising, we want to help out the nearly 30,000 residents who are our members. We facilitated arrangement of an Innova car through Sathya Sai Tourist service. Our group will bear the diesel and driver charges." Explaining the rationale behind it, Aleem said when members of the public use their own car to ferry their family members affected by COVID-19, there is a big risk to others using it. "We want to offer this alternative to them. We will be maintaining the vehicle in a fully sanitised condition so that it is safe for all to travel," he said. A popular ambulance service the group ran during the COVID outbreak last year to cater to its residents, which stopped two months ago owing to a dip in cases, will be revived again in a week's time. "It costs us around Rs 2.4 lakh to maintain the vehicle supplied by J K Ambulance. We had collected Rs 60 per family to sustain the fuel and driver costs last time and plan to repeat it. We have three medical staff available 24x7 and 2 drivers to run the service," he said. A ventilator, suction apparatus, cardiac monitor, oxygen cylinder and infusion pumps are among the equipment in the ambulance. There is a back-up arrangement with the provider so that if there is an emergency and someone has booked this ambulance, another would be supplied, he added. By Express News Service MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday recommended extension of the lockdown till May 31 amid a substantial decline in Covid cases in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. But the authorities are worried over a growing number of children being infected in the state. Over the last month, over 68,000 children up to 10 years old have been infected by the virus. While announcing the cabinet decision to extend the lockdown, state Health minister Rajesh Tope said the government has decided to temporarily suspend inoculation for the 18-45-year age group due to the vaccine shortage. He said the priority was to give a second dose to those above 45 years old. If we delay the second dose to them, then the effect of the first dose will go away. So, the government has taken a conscious decision of suspending vaccination for the 18-45-year age group, he said. On the other hand, the state health department data on May 11 showed that a total of 1,56,146 children were infected against 1,34,470 children infected on May 1. The count was 88,827 on April 3 across the state. The infection in children up to 10 years old is around 3.08% while those aged between 11-20 years, the positive cases are 3,56,035, which is 6.97%, stated in the report. As many as 17.80% of adults in the 21-to-30-year group were infected while the percentage for the 31-40-year group was 22.29%. It was 18.10% in 41-50-year age bracket and 18.10% in the 41-50 age group. The infection among the 51-60 age group was 14.92%. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra government to inform the court about the steps it was taking to check the spread of COVID-19 among children. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni asked the state to file a reply on the matter by May 19, the next date of hearing. As experts had cautioned the nation to brace for the third wave of the pandemic, in which children might be most vulnerable, the authorities must take pre-emptive steps and strengthen health infrastructure in the state, the court said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) counsel, senior advocate Anil Sakhre told the High Court that till April 2021, 10,000 children under the age of 10 had contracted COVID-19 and 17 had died of the infection. At least 33 children between the ages of 10 and 18 had died in the city of COVID-19 so far, Sakhre told the court. To this, the court said the state must consult experts, paediatricians and other stakeholders to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure for children and their caregivers. "Children will be accompanied by their mothers or other caregivers. Make separate arrangements for their mothers and caregivers too. File a reply on what is being done," the court said. The state reported 46,781 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, an uptick from 40,956 a day ago, and 816 deaths, the health department said. The caseload increased to 52,26,710, while death toll reached 78,007, it said. On Tuesday Maharashtra had reported 40,956 COVID-19 cases, 793 deaths and 71,966 recoveries. Of 816 fatalities, 387 had occurred in the past 48 hours, 193 last week and the rest even before that but were added to the tally on Wednesday. As many as 58,805 patients were discharged from hospitals taking the total of recoveries to 46,00,196. Maharashtra now has 5,46,129 active cases. The state's COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 88.01 per cent from Tuesday's 87.67 per cent, while the fatality rate stood at 1.49 per cent, the department said. The positivity rate is still 17.36 per cent, it added. Mumbai city saw2,104 new cases, an increase from 1,717 a day ago, taking its tally to 6,81,233. The state capital's fatality count rose to 13,972 with 66 new deaths. The Nashik division reported 6,494 new cases and 137 deaths. The majority of infections were reported from Nashik city (1,225) and Ahmednagar district (2,381). Out of 137 fatalities in Nashik division, 41 and 34 people died in Nashik city and rural parts of Nashik district, respectively, while 22 patients died in Ahmednagar district. The Pune division reported a surge in cases with Pune rural area accounting for 4,363 cases out of 12,903. Other districts and main cities in the division also reported cases in four digits - 2,021 in Pune city, 3,152 in neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad, 1,276 in Solapur rural and 1,958 in Satara district. Out of 125 deaths in the division, 40 were reported from Pune city, 33 in Pune rural, 31 in Solapur rural and 16 in Satara, the department said. The Kolhapur division reported 5,073 new cases and 72 deaths. Kolhapur and Sangli districts contributed 1,599 and 1,375 cases, respectively. Kolhapur and Sangli districts reported 26 and 18 deaths, respectively, while 15 deaths were reported in coastal Sindhudurg district. Aurangabad division added 2,159 cases while 61 succumbed to the infection, 25 of them in Jalna district. The Latur division added 2,908 COVID-19 cases of which 1,258 came from Beed district alone. Out of 108 deaths in the division, 50 were reported from Beed, 20 from Osmanabad, 18 from Nanded and 12 from Latur district. Akola division reported 5,042 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,553 in Buldhana district and 1,099 in Amravati. Also, 65 deaths were reported in the division of which Yavatmal, Akola and Amarawati districts accounted for 14, 13 and 12fatalities, respectively. The Nagpur division's caseload went up by 5,384, including 1,466 in Nagpur city and 1,131 in rural parts of Nagpur district. The city also accounted for 35 of 119 deaths in the division. With 2,52,167 coronavirus tests conducted in the state during the day, the tally rose to 3,01,00,958. Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally is as follows: Positive cases: 52,26,710; new cases 46,781; death toll 78,007; discharged 46,00,196; active cases: 5,46,129; people tested so far 3,01,00,958. Maharashtra's per day COVID-19 growth rate is 0.8 per cent, which is half of the country's average of 1.4 per cent, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said that out of 36 states, Maharashtra is at the 30th position in terms of the growth of coronavirus infection. "Maharashtra's COVID-19 growth rate is merely half of the country's daily growth rate. The state's per day growth rate is 0.8 per cent as against the country's rate of 1.4 per cent. The state is carrying out around two lakh tests on a daily basis while per million testing is around 2.50 lakh. It is a very good sign for us," he said. Tope, however, cautioned by saying, "The strict measures under the 'Break the Chain' directives introduced by the Maharashtra government have definitely brought down the number of COVID-19 cases, but the curve is not stable yet. There are some 12-15 districts in the state that have shown a decline in COVID-19 cases," he said. There are some districts where the number of cases are still a cause of concern for the state, the minister said. "We need to focus on these districts more. The positivity rate is still not below 10 per cent. These are the reasons why cabinet ministers are in favour of extending lockdown in the state," he added. The number of active cases had touched almost seven lakh last week, but we managed to bring it down to some five lakhs, he said. The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra has gone up to 52,26,710 with 46,781 new cases on Wednesday, while the death toll has reached 78,007. (With PTI Inputs) By Express News Service NEW DELHI: An alarming rise in the deadly fungal disease mucormycosis, in patients who have recovered from Covid-19 in several states, has prompted the Centre to take steps for ramping up the production of amphotericinB, an injectable medicine used to treat the condition. Mucormycosis, a rare infection also known as black fungus disease, is normally caused after exposure to mucor mould commonly found in soil, plants, manure and decaying fruits and vegetables, but is being reported in people following recovery from Covid-19. The condition, with an overall mortality rate of over 50%, affects the sinuses, the brain, eyes and the lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients or people with HIV. A large number of people, who have recovered from Covid-19 in India are now reporting this disease, as it gets triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients, given to suppress immune response against the virus. Doctors say mucormycosis primarily affects those with history of diabetes or immunocompromised individuals. Of late, there has been a worrying rise in the number of cases. The Centre on Tuesday allocated amphotericinB among states based on supplies available till the end of this month. The government also said that talks are on with manufacturers of the drug to raise its availability. States have also been urged to put in place a mechanism for equitable distribution of supplies between government and private hospitals. States already grappling with the challenge posed by Covid-19, on the other hand, are on a brink with the rising instances of mucormycosis cases. In Jharkhand, for instance, over 35 cases have emerged so far, with a 38-year-old undergoing a procedure to remove one of his eyes. This patient was the first recorded case of the disease in the state, said Dr Anindya Anuradha at Medica Hospital in Ranchi. There are four others with severe damage to their eyes due to the disease. At PGI, Chandigarh, a rise of 35% in cases of mucormycosis has been noted in one year. Doctors said that a total of 61 cases of the disease have been seen at the tertiary care centre since April, 2020, 59 of whom had surgeries for partial or full removal of their eyes, and those without Covid-19 recovered faster. Annually, around 45 such cases used to come before the pandemic, said PGI sources. At least 50 cases of this deadly disease have also been reported in Madhya Pradesh, according to CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Were developing a detailed protocol, which will include its causes, symptoms and treatment strategy. Since the injections used to treat this infection are costly, the government will ensure free treatment of economically weak patients of the infection at our government hospitals, Chouhan said in Bhopal. Sources said that black fungus cases have mostly been reported among post Covid patients in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur. Keeping in mind the rising cases, dedicated beds have been set up in Jabalpur and Bhopal in the first phase. In Mumbai, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said they are getting more mucormycosis cases, mostly in diabetic patients who have recovered from Covid-19. In Maharashtra, there are over 2000 mucormycosis patients and eight deaths are reported due to this fungal infection. (Sumi Sukanya Dutta in New Delhi, Harpreet Bajwa in Chandigarh, Rajesh Kumar Thakur in Patna, Sudhir Suryawanshi in Mumbai, Mukesh Ranjan in Ranchi, Anuraag Singh in Bhopal) Know the disease What is Mucormycosis? Fungal infection caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes. Affects those on medication for other problems that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens. After inhaling fungal spores, their sinuses or lungs may get affected. What can it lead to? Serious disease with symptoms of pain and redness around the eyes & nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomit. When should one be cautious of it? Be careful in case of sinusitis nasal congestion, blackish/bloody nasal discharge, pain on cheekbone and, one-sided facial pain . By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has requested the Centre to purchase vaccines from the international market for the country rather than states doing themselves, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Thursday. Jain said he raised certain issues during a video conference with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. "Centre should cap prices of vaccine," Jain said at a press conference. ALSO READ | Delhi reports 308 Covid-19 deaths in last 24 hours, 10489 fresh cases; positivity rate dips further "Companies should not be allowed to earn huge profits during such a crisis." The minister said he urged Vardhan that the vaccine formula should be shared with other companies to ramp up production. "We should not get into global tendering for vaccination. Why should states do separate tenders? It will bring a bad name for the country," he said. ALSO WATCH: By PTI MUMBAI: Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, has sought interim bail on health grounds after testing COVID-19 positive. The prosecution on Thursday submitted its reply opposing her bail plea before special CBl court judge J C Jagadale. The court noted that it has received Mukerjea's written submissions on the bail alongwith a letter from the Byculla jail in central Mumbai, where she is currently lodged. Mukerjea had tested coronavirus positive in the last week of April, following which, she had written to the court seeking interim bail on health grounds. Meanwhile, her regular bail plea is pending before the Bombay High court. In June last year also, she had sought interim bail, citing the spread of COVID-19 in the prison. Mukerjea is facing trial for allegedly killing her daughter Sheena Bora. Bora (24) was allegedly strangled to death in a car by Mukerjea, her then driver Shyamvar Rai and Sanjeev Khanna in April 2012. Her body was burnt in a forest in neighbouring Raigad district. Mukerjea was arrested in August 2015. Later, former media baron Peter Mukerjea was also arrested for allegedly being part of the conspiracy. He is currently out on bail granted by the high court earlier this year. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Lockdown restrictions should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection is above 10% of those tested, said Balram Bhargava, head of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The high positivity districts should remain (shut). If they come to 5% from 10% (positivity rate) we can open them, but that has to happen. That wont happen in six-eight weeks, clearly, Bhargava said in an interview to Reuters. Bhargava did not criticise the Modi government but conceded that there had been a delay in responding to the crisis. I think the only discontent we have was there was a slight delay accepting the 10% (recommendation), but that did happen, he said. The majority of states in the country is under lockdown for the past few weeks. On if the mass gatherings and political events could be held responsible for the Covid surge, Bhargava denied there was any discontent within the ICMR and added the agency was on the same page with policymakers. By PTI MUMBAI: Delhi University assistant professor Hany Babu, arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, tested positive for coronavirus infection on Thursday, his family said. Babu was taken to government-run JJ Hospital here on Wednesday night from prison, the family said in a statement. "About 7.30 pm (on Thursday), when Hany's mother arrived at thehospital to meet her son, she was informed by a nurse that Hany has tested COVID Positive. We are yet to receive any official information," it said. He should be shifted from JJ Hospital to a multi-specialty hospital where he can be treated for COVID-19 as well his eye infection, it added. ALSO READ | Wife begs for immediate medical aid for Delhi University prof Hany Babu Earlier, his family had said that Babu, lodged at Taloja Prison in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, was suffering from acute eye infection and should get proper treatment. Babu was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in July 2020. The Elgar Parishad case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at a conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon- Bhima war memorial. Pune Police claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists. Later, the case was taken over by the NIA. Several other activists including Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao were arrested in the case. By PTI AHMEDABAD: In a relief to people from lower income groups in Gujarat, the state government allowed them to use their Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) cards and MA- Vatsalya cards to avail free COVID-19 treatment up to Rs 50,000 at private hospitals. The decision to allow state government-issued MA and MA-Vatsalya cards for coronavirus treatment at private hospitals was taken by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani during a meeting with the core group of the state government, an official release said on Wednesday. Now, MA or MA-Vatsalya card holders in the state can avail free coronavirus treatment up to Rs 50,000 at private hospitals in the ceiling of Rs 5,000 for maximum 10 days, it said, adding that the relief would remain in effect till July 10. This decision would benefit around 80 lakh families, whose members were issued such cards by the government, the release added. The state government issues MA cards to those belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category in the state so that the beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment for a number of critical illnesses at private hospitals. The MA-Vatsalya cards, which offer similar benefits, are issued to the people from lower income group having an annual income of less than Rs 3 lakh. Those working at crematoriums will be considered as COVID-19 frontline workers and will get all related benefits, the Gujarat government said on Wednesday. The benefits include Rs 25 lakh for the family if a worker dies due to the virus infection. "At the meeting of the state core committee headed by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani it was decided that staff of crematoriums throughout the state should be considered as frontline workers," an official release said. They will be eligible for benefits retrospectively, from April 1, 2020, when the outbreak began. The decision was taken as a compassionate measure considering that crematorium workers are overburdened, the release added. The state on Wednesday reported 11,017 new coronavirus positive cases and 102 casualties that raised the tally of infections to 7,14,611 and toll to 8,731, an official from the state health department said. The number of recoveries exceeded the infections, as 15,264 patients were discharged from hospitals during the day, the official said. With this, the state's recovery rate has increased to 80.94 per cent and the count of recoveries has reached 5,78,397, he said. After peaking at 180 on April 29, the state's daily COVID-19 fatalities have seen a decline, dropping to 102, which is the lowest since April 17. According to the official data, Ahmedabad continued to report the highest number of daily cases in the state, with 2,883 new infections. Vadodara followed with 1,148 new cases, Surat with 1,045, Rajkot with 621, Jamnagar with 511, Junagadh with 484, Bhavnagar with 436 and Mehsana with 411 cases, etc. Ahmedabad recorded 17 deaths, followed by Surat with 14, Vadodara and Jamnagar with nine each, etc. The state is now left with 1,27,483 active cases, with 804 patients on ventilators, the health department release stated. In the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 9,318 with 104 new cases, an official said. As many as 161 patients were discharged on Wednesday, increasing the number of recovered cases to 8,067, leaving the Union Territory with 1,247 active cases, he said, adding that four patients have died of the infection so far. Meanwhile, a total of 1,45,67,089 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far in Gujarat, with the addition of 1,87,724 beneficiaries covered during the day. As many as 27,28,366 beneficiaries have received their second dose of the vaccine, the department said in its release. At least 3,86,743 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 have been covered in the drive so far, it was stated. Gujarat's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 7,14,611, new cases 11,017, death toll 8,731, discharged 5,78,397, active cases 1,27,483, people tested so far - figures not released. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a Mumbai-based TV journalist in a rape case lodged against him by a 22-year-old woman. Justice Mukta Gupta granted the relief to journalist Varun Hiremath and disposed of his plea for anticipatory bail. The journalist had approached the high court after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by a trial court here on March 12. The complainant has alleged that she was raped by Hiremath (28) at a five-star hotel in Chanakyapuri on February 20. The counsel for the accused had claimed before the trial court that there was a history of sexual relationship between the complainant and the journalist. The trial court, while rejecting the journalist's anticipatory bail plea, had said consent cannot be implied from the complainant's previous experiences with the accused and if the woman stated in her evidence before the court that she did not consent, the court shall presume that she did not. The accused's counsel had also highlighted WhatsApp and Instagram chats between the complainant and the accused before the trial court "in order to show the love and passion between them". On the basis of the woman's complaint, an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376 (punishment for rape), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) was registered at the Chanakyapuri Police Station here. The complainant has sought the court's direction to transfer the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging various discrepancies in the investigation carried out by the Delhi Police. She also sought to call for a status report pertaining to the probe conducted by the police in the FIR lodged at Chanakya Puri Police Station. By ANI NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday said that media reports claiming ventilators supplied by the Central government to Faridkot's Guru Gobind Singh Medical College (GGSMC) and Hospital, are lying unused due to technical glitches are seen to be unfounded and not having the full information on the matter. "There have been some media reports suggesting that Government of India supplied ventilators (supported by PM CARES) to GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab are lying unused as a result of technical glitches which have not been resolved due to poor after-sales support by the manufacturers. These reports seem to be unfounded and not having the full information on the matter," the ministry said. The ministry said that the ventilators were available in very limited numbers in government hospitals across the country at the beginning of the pandemic last year. That is when the local manufacturers were encouraged to produce "Make in India" ventilators to address the huge projected demand of the country and orders placed on them. "There are a few states which have received the ventilators but are yet to get these installed in their hospitals. Union Health Secretary has written to seven such states on April 11, 2021, which still have more than 50 ventilators lying uninstalled with them for the last 4-5 months. They have been requested to get the installation expedited so that the ventilators can be put to optimal use," it said. With reference to the recent media report regarding 71 of 80 AGVA make Ventilators being non-functional or faulty at the GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, the ministry clarified that 88 Ventilators have been supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and five by AGVA while adding that after successful installation and commissioning, these ventilators were provided with Final Acceptance Certificate by the hospital authorities. BEL has informed that the bulk of the ventilators at GGS Medical College Hospital (GGSMCH), Faridkot are not faulty, as are being reported in a section of the media. "Their engineers have visited also the hospital on different occasions in the past to address the complaints received and carried out minor repairs required promptly. They have even conducted repeated demonstrations of the functioning of the ventilators to the staff over there," the health ministry added. It further said that that there are issues and problems with the infrastructure in GGSMCH including the non-availability of required pressure in the central oxygen gas pipelines. The ministry also claimed that the consumables like flow sensors, bacteria filters and HME filters are not being changed by the hospital authorities as per the prescribed norms, or the ventilators are being used without these important consumable items. It said that the BEL engineers visited GGSMCH again on Wednesday and made five ventilators functional only by replacing a few consumables and demonstrated their optimum performance to the GGSMCH authorities, thereby, further making it evident that when operated properly, the ventilators will provide reliable performance. In addition to the instructions given in the user manual, detailed instructions and guidelines have also been issued to all the ventilator users regarding infrastructure requirements, proper usage and maintenance of the CV200 ventilators. However, these are not being followed by many hospitals and medical colleges in Punjab. They have been, instead, raising the issue of ventilators being non-functional without any basis. It is clarified that BEL will continue to provide all the technical support required by the State in meeting the ventilator requirement during this pandemic situation. The Union Health Ministry has also written to the States and UTs on May 9, 2021, informing them once again of the helpline numbers of the ventilator manufactures, which are also available on the ventilators in the form of stickers. "In addition, information has again been provided of state-wise WhatsApp groups created with the concerned nodal officers of the states and UTs, representatives of the User Hospitals and technical teams of the manufacturers in order to address any technical issues in real-time. Dedicated email IDs of these manufacturers have also been shared with the states/UT," the ministry added. In order to augment the existing hospital infrastructure, the Union Government has been centrally procuring and providing states/UTs/central hospitals/ institutes with essential medical devices including ventilators since April 2020. Punjab on Wednesday registered 197 more coronavirus deaths, taking the toll to 11,111, while 8,347 new cases took the infection tally to 4,67,539, according to a medical bulletin. The number of active cases rose from 76,856 on Tuesday to 79,963. Twenty-eight deaths were reported from Ludhiana, 20 each from Patiala and Bathinda, 19 from Amritsar and 14 from Sangrur, among fatalities reported in the past 24-hours. Ludhiana registered the maximum number of cases at 1,215 followed by 874 in Bathinda, 821 in Jalandhar, 723 in Fazilka and 713 in Mohali, among daily fresh cases. A total of 4,971 coronavirus patients were discharged after recovering from infection, taking the number of cured persons to 3,76,465, according to the bulletin. There are 342 critical patients who are on ventilator support while 9,736 are on oxygen support, the bulletin said. A total of 79,32,936 samples have been collected for testing so far in the state, it said. Meanwhile, Chandigarh registered 776 fresh cases, taking the count to 52,633, according to a medical bulletin. Fourteen more people succumbed to COVID-19 in the Union territory, taking the toll to 599. The number of active cases was 8,528, as per the bulletin. A total of 859 patients were discharged after they recovered from the infection, taking the number of cured persons to 43,506, as per the bulletin. A total of 4,47,896 samples have been taken for testing so far and of them, 3,94,118 tested negative while reports of 80 samples were awaited, the bulletin stated. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh administration said it has decided to start vaccination for the 18-44 age group from May 14. The beneficiaries will have to book the slots for vaccination, an official release said. The Centre has allotted 33,000 doses of vaccine for the 18-44 age group in Chandigarh. (With PTI Inputs) By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Thursday said it is inclined to pass directions to the national capital region (NCR) states to have community kitchens and to facilitate transportation of migrant workers who are willing to return home amid the current wave of COVID-19 pandemic. The apex court observed that authorities must ensure that migrant workers returning home are not charged exorbitant fare by private bus operators and the Centre may consider involving the Railways to facilitate their transportation. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah observed this while hearing a plea filed by three activists who have sought directions to the Centre and states to ensure food security, cash transfers, transport facilities and other welfare measures for migrant workers who are facing distress due to the curbs clamped in several parts of the country amid the pandemic. "For the time being, we are inclined to pass directions on community kitchen so that nobody starves and also on facilitating transport of those who are willing to go," the bench said, adding that it would pass the order by Thursday evening. The bench said that for NCR states Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, it would issue certain directions while for other states, it may ask them to file their responses on the issues raised in the plea. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the applicants, said that due to the pandemic a huge number of migrant workers are again facing distress as they have lost jobs and have no money to look after themselves. Referring to the prayers made in the application, he claimed that migrant workers were being charged exorbitantly by private bus operators for travelling to their native places. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the country is fighting the pandemic and efforts of all the states is to ensure that industrial and construction activities are not halted. "This year, the effort of every state is to ensure that it is not a lockdown in a sense which we have seen last time. Industries are working and construction activities are going on," he told the bench, adding that all state governments are "elected government" and are alive to the situation. Mehta told the bench that states should be allowed to place all the details before the bench. "That we will allow. But he (Bhushan) has raised the issue of NCR. He says private bus operators are charging exorbitant rates. The police and administration have to take action on this," the bench observed. Mehta said facilitation of transportation should not be considered as incentivisation for exodus of migrants. "Any direction right now that facilitate their transportation will incentivise migration," he said. Mehta said this application filed in the court is "far from reality" and has been filed from the "comfort of their homes". "If the court is inclined to pass some interim order, then it should also ask the petitioners to help the migrant workers and provide funds for community kitchen. They should also help the initiatives taken by the state governments," he said. Bhushan objected to Mehta's submissions and said, "I am amazed that Solicitor General is making such submissions. The Centre should provide foodgrains to the migrant workers which is rotting in its godowns." During the hearing, the bench observed, "If somebody is willing to go, he should be facilitated". "We do not agree that this will incentivise it," the bench said, adding, "Some sustenance must be provided for the time being. You have to consider the harsh realities". "We are not issuing direction for free ride. We are only saying that those who are willing to travel should be facilitated and it must be ensured that they are not charged exorbitantly," the bench said. At the outset, the top court observed that by and large, most of the migrant workers have already returned to their native places and states should highlight the schemes which are meant for their welfare there. The apex court said last year, it had passed several directions in the suo motu case on problems and miseries of migrant labourers amid the pandemic. It said the states should file their responses on the directions given earlier by the court. In May last year, the top court had taken suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant labourers and had passed a slew of directions, including asking the states not to charge fare from migrant workers and provide them food for free till they board trains or buses. It had asked the Centre and states to identify and send back within 15 days stranded migrant workers willing to return to their native places and advocated for their counselling and help to find avenues of employment lost during COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown last year. Referring to the resurgence of COVID-19 infections and consequent curbs, activists - Anjali Bharadwaj, Harsh Mander and Jagdeep Chhokar -- have filed the fresh interim plea in the suo motu case seeking initiation of welfare measures again. "Direct the UOI (Union of India) to resume its scheme of providing dry rations under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' scheme, or any other scheme designed for that purpose, to all eight crore migrant labourers/stranded or needy persons who are not covered under the National Food Security Act or state PDS cards and were identified under the said scheme last year, for at least such time that the Disaster Management Act is in force by issuance of COVID ration cards," it has said. By Express News Service JAIPUR: An Asiatic lion has tested positive for Covid in Jaipurs Nahargarh Biological Park. Besides, a white tiger, a panther, and another lion in the same zoo are also suspected to be infected from Covid-19 but their test reports have not confirmed the same. Recently, under instructions of the Central Zoo Authority, 13 samples of canines in the park were sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, by the forest department. It is their test report which has confirmed that Tripur, an Asiatic lion, at the Nahargarh Biological Park has tested positive for Covid-19. However, the samples of three other animals have been considered as suspects and the IVRI has asked for those to be sent again. ALSO READ | in a first, eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad zoo test positive for COVID-19 Officials of the forest department said that samples of a white tiger named Cheenu, a lioness named Tara, and a panther named Krishna from the same park will be sent again for testing. Dr. KP Singh, Head of Pathology Department at IVRI, said, we had received 13 samples from the Jaipur park out of which only Tripur, the lion, has tested positive for Covid. But samples of three other animals also seem to be suspect and that is why we have asked for their samples to be sent again. The Nahargarh Biological Park located on the Jaipur-Delhi Highway had already been closed for tourists since last month. ALSO READ | After Hyderabad, now lion in Uttar Pradesh's Etawah Safari Park tests COVID-19 positive Meanwhile, the ACF in the Rajasthan Forest Department Jagdish Gupta asserted that all instructions of IVRI are being followed and samples of the three suspect animals will be sent again for testing. "All animals at the park seem to be quite normal. They do not seem to be suffering from any of the cardinal symptoms of Covid such as respiratory distress, sneezing or coughing or nasal discharge, or loss of appetite. But we have re-sent samples as required by IVRI. The Forest Department claims that all necessary medicines are being given to other animals to prevent the spread of infection and to increase immunity among the animals at the park. By PTI INDORE: Madhya Pradesh Culture Minister Usha Thakur has said 'yagya' is an ancient method of purifying the environment and claimed such a practice is being followed since ages to get rid of pandemics. Amid the ongoing second wave of COVID-19, Thakur on Tuesday appealed to people to perform "havan" (a fire ritual) at one time. "We appeal to all to perform yagya and offer aahuti (oblation) and purify the environment because performing this sacred ritual to eliminate pandemics has been a tradition since ages," she told reporters. She claimed 'yagya' is a practice to purify the environment and it is "not bigotry or ritualism". "So, let us all offer two aahutis each and purify the environment. The third wave of COVID-19 will not be able to touch our country," she said. Thakur also said the state government was aware of the threat of a third wave of the viral infection. It is being said that this wave will affect children. The state is making full preparations to curb it, she added. "I am confident that we will be able to handle third wave of the pandemic properly because no problem can stay if we make joint efforts with good intentions. We pray to God that this wave may not cause hardships to people," she said. Earlier, on March 7, Thakur had stressed on the need for adopting a Vedic lifestyle for protection against coronavirus, and claimed that "havan" of a cow dung cake can keep a house sanitised for 12 hours. Claiming that the second wave of COVID-19 has slowed down in Madhya Pradesh, state minister Dr Prabhu Ram Choudhary on Wednesday said that in view of the threat of the third wave, the government has started enhancing its basic infrastructure in the medical field. The health and family welfare minister was speaking to reporters after reviewing the coronavirus situation in Indore district. "In the last few days, the second wave of COVID-19 has slowed down in the state. The infection rate, which had climbed to 25 per cent in April, has now gone down to 13.87 per cent," he said. "In order to deal with the threat of the third wave of the pandemic, the government is fully alert. We are trying to enhance the availability of medical oxygen, Remdesivir injections and other necessary material for the purpose," the minister said. More than 100 oxygen plants have been sanctioned in the state and some of these units have even started functioning in eight districts, he added. On the slow pace of vaccination especially for the age group of 18-44, Choudhary said, "About 3.5 crore people fall under this category. We are ensuring availability of vaccines with the help of manufacturers and the central government to speed up the inoculation of this age group." The minister said that around May 20, the state is likely to get a fresh stock of vaccines. However, despite repeated queries about how many variants of the virus were active in the state, he was unable to reply. "There is no laboratory available in Madhya Pradesh for the examination of the types of coronavirus. We have sent the samples to the labs outside the state for knowing about the virus variants," he added. Anuraag Singh By Express News Service BHOPAL: The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh has become the first state government to come to the rescue of kids who have become orphans or lost either of their parents/guardians due to the Covid pandemic. While maintaining that all such children, whove lost their parents/either of parents/guardians due to the viral infection, are the responsibility of the state, the CM announced that all such children/families will get Rs 5,000 as monthly pension. Not only will Rs 5,000 monthly pension will be given to the children/families, but the state will ensure their free education. Even if these kids and their kin are not eligible for free ration, they will get free ration, Chouhan announced on Thursday. He also announced that the surviving parent/guardian/kin tasked with taking their care will be disbursed interest-free loans to start a business for the survival and care of the kids. The development came just three days after The New Indian Express started a nationwide special series on kids, made parentless by the Covid pandemic. On the first day of the series only, Express had reported the story on the five-year-old twin sisters, living with their maternal uncles family in old Bhopal, after the death of their parents due to Covid infection. ALSO READ | Madhya Pradesh to consult US doctors to tackle mucormycosis: Minister Importantly, the MP State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Women and Child Development department of the MP government (presently the WCD department of MP is under the CM himself) are working at tracing all such kids whove become parentless/lost either of their parents or guardians following directives from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to all state governments. While two twin sisters aged five who lost their parents within five days in Barkheda Pathani area of Bhopal and are presently living with their maternal uncles family in old Bhopals Budhwara locality have been traced, a 12-year-old boy whose Pani Puri seller father had died of Covid in Indores Nanda Nagar locality, a few years after mothers death, too has been traced. "Similar cases of kids becoming parentless after losing their surviving mother or father have been reported from Gwalior and Shivpuri, besides a case in Mubarikpur village of Bhopal have also been traced, the MP State Protection of Child Rights Commission member Dr. Brajesh Chouhan said on Thursday. According to Chouhan, the State Commission too is going to render Rs 2,000 monthly to each such kid under the governments existing Child Sponsor Scheme and will continuously check whether families with whom these kids are living are actually taking their care or not. Further, the Commission has also asked child welfare committees (CWCs) in each district to ensure a smooth transfer of their parents' movable and immovable properties, including money in banks, to these kids. Further, the Commission is also planning to create a reserve fund with generous contributions from benevolent donors to take permanent care of such kids. By PTI BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government has invoked stringent National Security Act (NSA) against 75 persons for allegedly indulging in illegal sale of Remdesivir medicine in different parts of the state, a senior official said on Thursday. These 75 persons have already been sent to jails by the district collectors concerned, he said. "As per the procedure, we have confirmed the NSA against 37 persons for black-marketing Remdesivir. We will also confirm the proposal against 38 others under the same Act by Friday," Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home, Dr Rajesh Rajora, told PTI. They were arrested under the NSA as well as the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, he said. Of the 37 accused against whom the district administration's order was confirmed by the state government, nine each are from Indore and Ujjain, four each from Gwalior, Jabalpur and Shahdol, two each from Bhopal and Dhar and one each from Mandsaur, Chhindwara and Ratlam, the ACS said. The approval in 30 other cases in Indore and eight cases in Bhopal will be given by Friday, he added. Earlier, similar action was taken under these two stringent Acts against two persons each in Jabalpur and Ujjain and one each in Sagar and Satna for the black-marketing of oxygen. All six of them were sent to jails by the district authorities. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed the officials to invoke the NSA against those found black-marketing Remdesivir injections and oxygen, and put them behind bars immediately, he added. By ANI NEW DELHI: Amid reports of the shortage of COVID-19 vaccine in various states, Sputnik vaccine has arrived in India, and "hopefully" it will be available in the market from next week, said Dr VK Paul, member (health) of the NITI Aayog, on Thursday. "Sputnik vaccine has arrived in India. I'm happy to say that we're hopeful that it'll be available in the market next week. We're hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia) will begin next week, said Dr Paul while addressing media. He said the production of Sputnik is scheduled to begin in India by July. "Further supply will also follow. Its production will begin in July and it is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period," Dr Paul said. Notably, Sputnik V is the third vaccine India has given go-ahead to after Covishield, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca and Covaxin, the indigenous vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech. Covishield is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. ALSO READ | India will examine claim of single-dose version of Sputnik V vaccine: NITI Aayog member Talking about the Central government's move to increase the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the NITI Aayog member said that overall, 216 crore doses of vaccines will be manufactured in India between August and December - "for India and for Indians". "There should be no doubt that vaccine will be available for all as we move forward...Any vaccine that is approved by FDA, WHO can come to India. Import license will be granted within 1-2 days. No import license is pending," he added. He further informed that the Department of Biotechnology, along with other concerned departments and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been in touch with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson from the initial days of vaccine production. "They were officially asked if they would like to send doses to or manufacture in India. We will find partners and assist. They had said that they are working in their own way and they would talk of vaccine availability in the third quarter in 2021. We are connected to them. I'm hopeful that they will step forward to increase availability in India. We invite them to manufacture here along with our companies. Johnson and Johnson did a good job. They accepted this offer under Quad," Dr Paul said. ALSO READ | Vaccine shortage: Serum Institute to produce 10 crore doses by August, Bharat Biotech promises 7.8 crore jabs He added that nearly 18 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in India. "In the US, the number stands around 26 crores. So, India stands in the third position. We are happy to report that one-third of 45 and above are protected. 45 and above age group contributes to 88 per cent of deaths. So you can imagine, how many dents it would have made to reduce the risk of death of this population," the NITI Aayog member added. Dr Paul also informed that Bharat Biotech has welcomed the offer of other companies manufacturing Covaxin to increase its production in the country. "People say that Covaxin should be given to other companies for manufacturing. I am happy to say that Covaxin manufacturing company (Bharat Biotech) has welcomed this when we discussed it with them. Under this vaccine, a live virus is inactivated and this is done only in BSL3 labs. Not every company has this. We give an open invitation to companies who want to do this. Companies that want to manufacture Covaxin, should do it together. The government will assist so that capacity is increased," he said. Nandini Sarangi By Post-Covid, India needs a significant boost in investment to come out of the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. In the past, delay in land acquisition and associated involuntary displacement have led to project delays and failures. In recent times, corporate houses and governments have handled displacement much better by clearly identifying failure to carry out resettlement of affected families as a critical project risk. Many new highway and railway projects have gained momentum as a consequence. In the private sector too, there have been some successful resettlements. These show that if project promoters can work on a participatory model and focus on benefit-sharing, investments can fructify, adding to employment and growth. Rehabilitation and resettlement of the population affected by displacement has evolved in India over time. It is now clearly understood that the colonial construct of an eminent domain, the power of the state to appropriate property within the state for a public use, cannot be invoked in a coercive manner. Anti-displacement movements against the missile test range in Baliapal in Odisha, the movement against the Sardar Sarovar project, the Singur agitation, etc., have shown that all stakeholders have to agree to a peaceful negotiated settlement based on a realistic understanding of the market value of land. There must also be adequate benefit sharing. Promoters, who are going to make millions, cannot get away by just paying a paltry amount for the land. Undoubtedly, a patch of land, inherited by a family, can be exchanged for money and a job by the current generation. But once it is given away, the family has nothing to pass forward to the next generation. Companies can persuade families to give up land by offering an attractive price, good enough to create greed. Money will be expended in a few years and no company will commit to employing successive generations who will be landless. Unfortunately, most of the land needed for industries and infrastructure projects are in the possession of the poor and vulnerable sections of our society. Their ability to negotiate a good deal is limited. Besides, many of them lack the skills to earn a living in a market-driven situation without compassionate hand-holding. So, a welfare state must protect their best interest by policy mechanisms. The concept of intergenerational equity is widely used in the context of global warming, climate change and environmental justice. It is now acknowledged that the next generations have a right to inherit this planet in a form in which human civilisation can continue to flourish. The current generation has unrestricted control, but not rights over natural resources. Our rights are limited by the moral imperative not to degrade the environment so fundamentally that the next generation will find it difficult to survive. The same concept applies to family land and assets. They have been inherited and have to be passed on. This has happened for generations and must continue to happen in the future. In the professional classes, each generation invests in producing the next generation of professionals who have the knowledge and skills to make a living. Education and professional training mitigate the risks of loss of livelihood. Agencies carrying out displacement must desist from taking advantage of vulnerability by buying them out or worse, use the states coercive resources to grab land. There must be a compassionate and honest delivery of intergenerational equity and justice. That must be the focus of all policies and practices of involuntary displacement. One of the successful cases of involuntary displacement is the acquisition of land for a steel plant at Kalinganagar in Odisha by the Tatas. This is one of the largest successful displacements in the last two decades. Even in Kalinganagar, the initial attempts led to violence, with the deaths of 13 Adivasis in police firing. This was post-Singur and another disaster was looming large in Indias investment scenario. But once it was decided by both the state government and the company that the displacement had to be carried out peacefully and the guidance of development specialists was taken, new methodologies opened up. The vulnerable population could be ring-fenced to deal with immediate loss of livelihood and community assets, and the trauma of losing house, hearth and community life. Besides jobs being provided to affected families, an attempt was made to get children of these families trained as professionals and blue-collar workers. The entire education, whether in a private or a government institution, including tuition fee and hostel charges, were fully paid for directly to the institutions. All that these children required was an offer of admission. Children from displaced families went to medical and engineering colleges as well as diploma schools and were given a head-start with the hope that they would secure a job on merit and look after the next generation. This was neither mandated in the state government policy nor in the one agreed to by the company with the government. In all large projects, promoters must be committed to eliminating childhood poverty by ensuring food, nutrition and education. If this kind of a progressive approach is not taken, the next generation will most likely be worse off than the current one and become landless and poor. They will then need state support for livelihood, food security, etc. Therefore, without consideration of the concept of intergenerational equity, displacement will limit benefit sharing to the current generation. Intergenerational equity is now understood as a core principle in the discourse on environmental justice and sustainability. The time has come for the concept to be applied more widely to other areas of social policymaking. This is more so when it comes to social development involving more vulnerable sections of society. The consequent policy changes may often be incremental. But such a focus will bring in clarity and easier resolution of opposition to involuntary displacement, which has become a major reason for project delays and project failures. There is now a consensus that when it comes to involuntary displacement, the scope of use of state coercion is minimal. The government will have to play the role of an honest broker and give the displaced families a good deal that will pass on to subsequent generations. Nandini Sarangi Assistant Professor at XIM University, Bhubaneswar (nandini@xub.edu.in) Ranjani Madhavan By Express News Service BENGALURU: Sumaiya, a 33-year-old Covid suspect, travelled through four districts in search of a bed, oxygen and ventilator over the course of a single day, only to pass away in the night on the premises of a hospital in Mandya.She went from Tumakuru to Mandya then to Channapatna and back to Mandya but failed to get medical treatment. The ambulance driver who took her from Tumakuru to Mandya dumped her at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, threatening to cut off oxygen supply if she did not get off. This delayed her access to treatment further as her neighbour had to scout for another ambulance. Narrating the ordeal, her brother Mohammad Ismail said Sumaiya first developed wheezing, fever, headache and cough. A doctor near her house asked her to get admitted as she may have contracted Covid. A doctor from a government hospital in Tumakuru visited their home and asked them to get admitted at 11 am on Wednesday. But when Sumaiyas neighbour took her there, they refused to treat her, claiming that there was no bed. She was given oxygen while seated on a chair. Her condition worsened and they hired an ambulance to go to Mandya, where Ismail stays. She came to MIMS, but the ambulance driver dumped her. He warned that if she did not get off, he would cut her oxygen supply. We had no option but to pay him and let him leave. MIMS too did not have a bed and we had to hire another ambulance to go to a government hospital in Channapatna, where we heard there was a bed, Ismail said, adding that by this time Sumaiyas heart rate had gone down. The hospital at Channapatna did not admit her either and they had to come back to MIMS, begging for oxygen and a bed. She was left on the ground of the hospital compound and given drips, but unfortunately she died. A widow, she is survived by three kids. Bala Chauhan By Express News Service BENGALURU: Covid-19 remains a global disaster. Worse, it was a preventable disaster, an independent global panel stated in its just-released report while slamming the World Health Organisation (WHO) for failing to issue a timely declaration that the pandemic was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) -- its highest level of alarm -- on January 22, 2020. Instead, it took eight more days before doing so. The world needs a new international system for pandemic preparedness and response, stated the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPPR) in its report Covid-19: Make it the Last Pandemic which was released on Wednesday. The pandemic has caused the deepest shock to the global economy since World War II, it stated. Our message is simple and clear: the current system failed to protect us from the Covid-19 pandemic. And if we do not act to change it now, it will not protect us from the next pandemic threat, which could happen at any time, stated the Panel co-chair and former president of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The IPPPR has asked the world community to establish a new global system for surveillance with full transparency. This system would provide the WHO with the authority to publish information about outbreaks with pandemic potential on an immediate basis, the report stated. The panel has also cautioned the countries to invest in national preparedness now as it will be too late when the next crisis hits, it said. The IPPPR, while calling for immediate global efforts to end the pandemic, has asked for immediate implementation of a series of bold recommendations to redistribute, fund and increase the availability of and manufacturing capacity for vaccines, and to apply proven public health measures urgently and consistently in every country to prevent a future pandemic. The tools are available to put an end to the severe illnesses, deaths and socio-economic damage caused by Covid-19. Leaders have no choice but to act and stop this happening again, stated the Panel co-chair and former New Zealand Helen Clark. IPPPR FINDINGS Up to 125 million more people may have been pushed into extreme poverty 72 million more primary school children at risk of being unable to read or understand simple text because of school closure Women have borne a disproportionate burden Gender-based violence at record levels, child marriages have increased World lost US$7 trillion in GDP in 2020 -- more than 2019 GDP of entire African continent (US$6.7 trillion) Anusha Ravi By Express News Service BENGALURU: The State Government has decided to temporarily suspend vaccination for the 18-44 age group from May 14 until further notice. Vaccinations will not be given even to those who have already booked appointments. The order is applicable only for Covid-19 vaccination being administered at all government vaccination centers in the state.This comes just a day after the state, which is facing a severe shortage of vaccines, decided to float a global tender to procure two crore doses and facilitate vaccination of those in the 18-44-year age group. The State Government, on May 7, had decided to utilise the complete supply of vaccines provided by the Government of India for vaccination of persons aged 45 years and above, who were due for their second dose. On Wednesday, the government decided that the vaccines procured directly by the state for inoculation of persons aged between 18 and 44 will be utilised for vaccination of beneficiaries who are due for their second dose. Therefore, all vaccines available with the state (supplied by the Centre and procured directly by state) will be utilised for this purpose and vaccination of the 18-44 age group will be suspended. Earlier in the evening, the Karnataka Government decided to design its own website as an alternative, as many citizens were finding it difficult to book slots for Covid-19 vaccination on the Union Governments CoWIN portal.When vaxxing for 18+ resumes, the website will function as a registration, tracking and information portal on the vaccination drive for those aged between 18 and 44, the age group for which the state is procuring vaccinations directly from vaccine manufacturers. The website will also be designed to address concerns regarding geographical shifting and stop people from one locality registering for vaccines in another locality, city or town. The details of the websites programming and contents were discussed at a meeting of CM B S Yediyurappa, his cabinet colleagues and officials on Wednesday evening.The CoWIN app is creating a lot of confusion due to non-availability of slots, heavy traffic, glitches in OTP and registration process. It allows anybody to register for vaccination in any place, irrespective of where they are registering from. This is leading to those in cities going to other towns and districts to get vaccines, ultimately depriving citizens of those localities of vaccines. The Karnataka governments website is set to be up and running, at least in the beta version, by next week, said a source who was part of Wednesdays meeting. The website will be limited to citizens aged between 18 and 44 since the CoWIN portal has been catering largely to those above the age of 45. An IAS officer is likely to be appointed to supervise the designing of the website as well as its functioning, once it goes public. Glitches will be fixed as and when found, sources said.To address the concern of those without internet connections or smartphones/computers missing out on registration for vaccines, the CM is said to have asked for ward-wise registration counters. With many raising concerns about the poor and vulnerable losing out on vaccine registration due to lack of access to internet, the government is mulling setting up ward-wise counters similar to how fever clinics, temporary testing counters and camps were set up earlier.Those who do not know how to register can visit these camps, verify identity and get registered, a source said. By Express News Service IDUKKI/NEW DELHI: It was around 5.30 pm on Tuesday and young Adone was chatting with his mother Soumya over phone when there was a huge sound, screams and the video call got disconnected. Young Adone and his father Santhosh never thought that was the last time they would chat with Soumya. The family of Soumya, who was killed in a mortar shell attack at Ashkelon in Israel, is yet to come to terms with the tragedy. Soumya was having her lunch and chatting with my brother and her son. She said there was an attack by Hamas in the area and they had been advised to shift to a fortified shelter. She had packed the belongings and was about to leave when the shell landed on the house. She enquired about the health of all family members and was discussing family matters when the call got disrupted, said Saji, brother of Santhosh. Santhosh is a farmer and has four sisters and a brother. Two of his sisters, Sherly and Sophie, were working in Israel and they had arranged a job for Soumya seven years ago. I had worked in Israel for 13 years and returned home three months ago. Sherly, Soumya and one of my cousin brothers continued in Israel. There was no such attacks in recent past, said Sophie. Soumyas sister-in-law Sherly Benny, who works in Israel as a caretaker, said the authorities have announced that a fighter jet participating in the attack will be named after Soumya. The Indian Embassy in Israel has promised steps to send Soumyas body to Kerala on May 18, Sherly told TNIE over phone. The family has to submit some papers to complete the proceedings for sending the body. Santhosh has submitted the papers to the airport authorities in Kerala. An Air India flight will be coming to Israel on May 17 which will return the next day. The authorities have promised to complete the proceedings within a week and send the body on May 18, she said. Sherly said 80-year-old Naomi Perlman, whom Soumya was attending to, had sustained grievous injuries in the attack and was recuperating. Soumya was planning to return to state after 3 months, her relatives said. By Express News Service PALAKKAD: A complaint has been raised against P K Das Institute of Medical Sciences in Vaniamkulam that they had issued a huge bill to a Nepal native, Lal Bahadur, who is living in Njangattiri in Pattambi for the last many years, after he was diagnosed with Covid. He was admitted to P K Das Hospital on April 17 and was discharged after 23 days. The ICU charges came to Rs 82,300, laboratory investigation fee was Rs 32,470 and oxygen expenses came to Rs 1,36,724. The charges for medicine came to Rs 1,12,545 and the total bill amount came to Rs 4,30,544. Meena , the daughter of Lal Bahadhur, told TNIE that they had paid only Rs 50,000 as advance initially. She said that when they could not pay the bill, their case was included under the Karunya scheme and a sum of Rs 1,68,000 was deducted. She said that it was her teachers and the members of the public who collected around Rs 2 lakh and deposited it in the bank account of the hospital. She said that now the hospital authorities have kept the ATM card of Deepak, her brother as they still have to pay Rs 15,000 towards the cost of treatment. She said that the family will have to borrow the money from someone and pay the balance on Thursday. However, she added that she had no complaints against the hospital. Now, her father Lal Bahadhur is recuperating at his home in Najangattiri . It was some voluntary organisations that arranged oxygen cylinders for him at his home. Meanwhile, the hospital authorities in a statement said that the condition of Lal Bahadhur who was suffering from Covid was critical when he was admitted there. It was the doctors and nurses who paid special attention and saved his life. The hospital officials said that the family members or those persons who admitted the patient had no complaints and it was vested interests who were behind such campaigns which will demoralise the doctors and staff. The hospital authorities said that they had informed the relatives in advance that the treatment cost will be high as the patient was critical. The hospital officials said that when the patient was to be discharged on May 8, 2021, the balance amount payable was Rs 3,80,000. The family members then informed that it will take two more days to arrange oxygen at home and therefore they were asked to stay at the hospital till May 10 on humanitarian considerations. Moreover, the patient was referred here by two other hospitals. The hospital staff said that Deepak voluntarily placed the ATM card in the counter of the hospital and had said that he would collect it when he comes to collect the form for availing treatment benefit under CMs relief fund. T Muruganandham By Express News Service CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to waive GST for COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines for a certain period since state governments themselves are procuring them. He also made a few other requests to the Prime Minister which included immediate disbursal of pending GST compensation and rice subsidy, enhancing the state's borrowing limits from 3% of state GDP to 4% and ad hoc grants-in-aid to compensate the loss due to levy of cess on petrol and diesel. An official release here said all states have been procuring COVID-19 vaccines as well as medicines for treating infected patients. Considering this, in consultation with the GST Council, the Centre should fix zero rate for vaccines and medicines for a certain period. ALSO READ: Oxygen Express from Odisha, Bengal set to chug into Tamil Nadu Besides, pointing out that the economic growth of the states has been affected severely due to the COVID-19 infection, the Chief Minister has sought three more measures which would help them cope with the situation. Stalin said the Centre should immediately disburse the GST compensation due to the states and the rice subsidy pending for civil supplies corporations of states. Since the revenue received by the Centre due to levy of cess on petrol and diesel has not been shared with the states, the Centre should provide an 'ad hoc grants-in-aid" to the state to compensate for the loss of revenue due to the pandemic. The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to enhance the borrowing limits of state governments from 3% of the SDGP to 4% to help them garner financial resources to meet the additional expenditure caused by the pandemic. R Sivakumar By Express News Service VELLORE: On a hectic evening, Uma*, a final year nursing student, was called for emergency duty at the COVID ward at the Govt Vellore Medical College Hospital (GVMCH). Anxiety gripped the 23-year-old as the pandemic had been snuffing out lives in quick time and she had never stepped into a COVID ward. It was going to be a new experience for her. It turned out to be a nightmare. Once she donned the personal protection equipment (PPE), she could not wriggle out of it even for a minute. The night moved agonisingly slowly unlike other days as she was unable to sip a drop of water or pop a chocolate. For Raghavan*, a non-medical supervisor employed with the public health department, not a single day passes without stepping into localities where people are infected with the virus. So is the case with block health officers, block medical officers, village health nurses, sector health nurses and community health nurses who are employed with the public health department. They have to turn up at virus affected areas to check those who are infected, their family members and close contacts, collect swabs and distribute medicines and herbal concoctions. ALSO READ: Relief Riders: This Chennai cyclist group helps vulnerable people buy essentials Be it on the field or at healthcare institutions, frontline workers suffer due to long working hours, heavy workload and lack of adequate safety gear, putting their personal health at risk. I have to work for at least eight hours without rest. It is debilitating to the body. If I can get rest for a short time, it will help recoup energy but I cant do it given the workload, says a village health nurse of Ranipet. Technicians at laboratories work long hours to finish the tests to obtain the results of samples early so that positive patients can be taken for treatment and their families quarantined. The recent deaths of a sector health nurse Kalaivani of Thimiri, an assistant head nurse Prema of GVMCH, a police special sub inspector and a clerk with the agriculture department have left frontline workers in shock. The authorities should consider slashing the shift timings so that we can get some rest and energise the body before resuming the next days work, suggests a village health nurse. A health inspector says, Sometimes we find a shortage of safety gear such as masks, gloves and santisers. These essential items should be made available in adequate quantity. Above all, what the health workers want is regularising the temporary staff recruited on consolidated pay. If the temporary staff are regularised at least now when the pandemic is peaking and claiming a lot of lives, it will assure them a kind of social security, urges Raghavan. Plea to hike stipend for nursing students Nursing students have urged the government to consider increasing the stipend in the wake of drafting them for COVID ward duties. A nursing student is entitled to Rs 750 stipend per month. While doing COVID duty they have to stay at hostels where they pay Rs 1500 mess bill a month. They are extracting work from us as much as from regular nurses. So we should be given a hike in stipend or remuneration for the duty at COVID wards, demands a nursing student employed at GVMCH. (*names changed) By Express News Service CHENNAI: The meeting of representatives of all legislature parties in the State Assembly on Thursday unanimously agreed to intensify the ongoing complete lockdown further to protect the lives of the people. Based on the views expressed by the representatives of all parties in the meeting, it has been decided to intensify the norms for complete lockdown further with a view to protect the lives of the people, Health Minister Ma Subramanian told reporters after the 160-minute-long meeting held at the secretariat. The Minister said five resolutions were adopted at the meeting. A unanimous resolution was adopted to the effect that all parties would extend full support to the measures to be taken for containing the coronavirus infection. Another the resolution said all political parties have decided to completely stop organising public meetings as well as other political events since the coronavirus infection is spreading fast. The parties have agreed to set an example for the people in adhering to the Covid norms so that the people would follow suit to prevent the spread of this infection. ALSO READ | Long hours, heavy workload leave TN frontline workers on COVID-19 duty gasping for breath It was also decided that all parties should engage themselves in the relief works needed for the people. Further, the meeting also decided to constitute a committee of representatives of legislature parties in the State Assembly to provide suggestions to the government on Corona prevention and other issues. In his introductory remarks, Chief Minister MK Stalin said certain concessions have been announced during the complete lockdown only to ensure that the people are not affected. But using these concessions as loopholes, some have been violating the norms for lockdown, he said. "As such, I request you to give your views on whether these concessions can be continued or some modifications could be made. Stalin also gave a detailed account of the steps being taken on a war footing to contain the spread of this infection," the CM said. Representatives of legislature parties, Minister for Water Resources Durai Murugan, and Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu spoke on the occasion while senior Ministers and officials from various departments were present. Those who attended the meeting include TR Baalu and RS Bharathi (DMK), D Jayakumar and Dr V Paramasivam (AIADMK), Vijayadharani and Muniarathinam (Congress), Nainar Nagenthran and MN Raja (BJP), GK Mani (PMK), and representatives from MDMK, CPI, CPM, MMK, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi, Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, and Puratchi Bharatham Katchi. By Express News Service CHENNAI/TIRUPPUR: Oxygen on wheels is the new reality. As the State would receive its first Oxygen Express carrying Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) at Tiruvallur station from Rourkela on May 16, CII-Young Indians have teamed up with Sakthi Nursing Home, Shiv Niketan School, and Tiruppur Riders Club, to launch Oxygen Bus for Covid-19 patients free of cost in Tiruppur. AS Tamil Nadu is grappling with the shortage of medical oxygen to treat its Covid-19 patients, the Southern Railways has commenced works to ferry the life-saving gas from Odisha and West Bengal to the State. To bring oxygen from Rourkela, an empty Oxygen Express had been despatched from Tiruvallur on Tuesday late evening. Meanwhile, explaining what prompted them to launch the Oxygen Bus initiative, CII-Young Indians (Covid wing) coordinator H Iranthar Kumar said, When we heard about scarcity of oxygen cylinders for Covid-19 patients, we decided to resolve the situation. Your attention please... Oxygen on rails expected to arrive on Sunday With the support of other members from Tiruppur Riders Club, the entire vehicle was renovated to suit the purpose and we were able to create 5 seats for Covid patients. The entire cost will be borne by these organisations, he added. Explaining further, CII-Young Indian (Tiruppur) Chairman Pranav Sai Velavan said, This is just a pilot bus equipped with oxygen facilities. Pilot bus fitted with oxygen cylinder for Covid patients in Tiruppur city | EXPRESS More buses are planned and they will be stationed in front of the medical facilities offering Covid care, if the patients are unable to get the bed in the facilities, they can board the bus and remain until they get a bed in another hospital. Currently, a nurse and two volunteers along with the bus driver will be positioned inside the bus. In the meantime, the Oxygen Express trains, with their tankers, will be filled with oxygen on Thursday or Friday and reach Tiruvallur on May 16. The train comprises seven flattype wagons, of which, two are loaded with cryogenic tankers. Each cryogenic tank has the capacity to carry 13 MT of LMO. We have sent two cryogenic tanks. Depending on the availability of tanks and oxygen at the Rourkela plant, more tanks will be loaded. The total quantum of oxygen can be confirmed only after the tanks get filled, said a railway official. Advantage of RO-RO service The train will reach Rourkela in Odisha covering 1,685 km on Thursday. It will pass through Vyasarpadi, Tiruvottiyur, Gudur, Bitragunta, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar. The second Oxygen Express will be operated from Durgapur (West Bengal) to Tamil Nadu. The cryogenic tankers mounted on trucks are filled with oxygen and transported through RORO (Roll On and Roll Off) service. It will facilitate door-todoor delivery of oxygen at the hospitals as required by the States without having to unload it from the railway wagon and refill them again into the road vehicle. This helps in cutting down the transit time. Ensuring smooth ride On receipt of request from the State government, we have mapped the movement of the Oxygen Express through Green corridor between origination and destination stations. Green corridor refers to the path in which the Oxygen Express will be run at the optimum speed without any detention by duly ensuring green signals for its seamless transportation, added the railway official. As height is one of the important factors in determining the speed of the train, the green corridor is mapped, taking into account various factors such as structure and terrain like roadover- bridge, platform canopies, overhead equipment, curves, etc. We will deliver the oxygen at Tiruvallur, from there the tanks will be transported to hospitals, explained the official. The Railways has so far delivered nearly 6,260 tonnes of LMO onboard 100 Oxygen Express trains since April 19, when it started its first such service, an official statement said on Tuesday. T Muruganandham By Express News Service CHENNAI: Drawing attention to the medical emergency as well as the financial crisis being faced by Tamil Nadu due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday appealed to Tamils across the globe to donate generously to the COVID-19 relief fund of the TN government to help the state cope with the present situation. He assured that these donations would be utilised only for COVID-19 prevention, buying vaccines, oxygen beds and related work. The list of donors will be released by the government and their donations would be exempted from the income tax. In a televised appeal, the Chief Minister said the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 has been extremely severe but the state government was ready to face this situation. "There is a need to strengthen the medical infrastructure in the state and steps in this direction are being taken on a war footing. Following my appeal, donations are pouring in from various quarters for the Corona Relief Fund. Tamils across the globe have started collecting funds to face this situation. I appeal to them to involve themselves in saving the people and donate generously," he added. ALSO READ: COVID-19: Tamil Nadu CM urges PM to waive GST for vaccines, medicines for patients Meanwhile, Stalin announced that Rs 1 crore would be donated by the DMK to the Corona Relief Fund. PMK founder S Ramadoss said party MP Anbumani Ramadoss and five MLAs would donate one month's salary to the fund. The following have contributed to the Corona Relief Fund by calling on the Chief Minister: Zoho Corporation Private Limited Managing Director Kumar Vembu (Rs 5 crore) GRT Groups Managing Directors GR Anandapadmanabhan and GR Radhakrishnan (Rs 1 crore) Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers Federation president V Subramanian and others (Rs 1 crore) + 10 lakh eggs Akash Hospitals Chairman Dr Selvaraj Kumar (Rs 25 lakh) How to make donations: Funds can be contributed through debit, credit cards and internet banking through the link https://ereceipt.tn.gov.in/cmprf/cmprf.html. For transferring through ECS, the name of the bank is Indian Overseas Bank, Secretariat Branch, Chennai 600009. The savings account number is 117201000000070, IFSC Code is IOBA0001172, MICR code is 600020061, and CMPRF PAN is AAAGC0038F. For paying money through PhonePe, Google Pay, PayTM, Amazon Pay and Mobikwik, the UPI VPA ID: tncmprf@iob Those transferring funds through ECS are requested to provide details such as Name, Amount Contributed, Bank and Branch, Date of Deposit, Acknowledgement No., Full Postal Address and e-mail ID. NRIs willing to contribute could use the SWIFT Code to donate -- IOBAINBB0001 Indian Overseas Bank, Central Office, Chennai. Donations through demand draft and cheque should be addressed to Deputy Secretary to Government and Treasurer, Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund, Finance Department, Tamil Nadu Government, Secretariat, Chennai 600009, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: dspaycell.findpt@tn.gov.in Private institutions can donate funds under Corporate Social Responsibility to the following bank account: Indian Overseas Bank 117201000017908, IFSC Code IOBA0001172, Secretariat Branch, Chennai 600009. By PTI COLOMBO: Top officials of a Hindu temple in Sri Lanka have been arrested for holding a festival despite a ban on large gatherings amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, according to a media report. A huge crowd attended the festival at the Sri Kamakshi Amman Kovil temple in Tamil-dominated Jaffna without maintaining social distance or wearing face masks, the Colombo Gazette newspaper reported. Police said that the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the temple have been arrested for holding the event despite a ban. Such large events have been banned by the Government until May 31. Last week, the government announced that tuition classes, parties and public gatherings have been banned until May 31st after Sri Lanka was placed on Alert Level 3 following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Health officials have warned of a potential surge to follow the traditional new year festivals in mid-April. According to new health guidelines, casinos, night clubs and beach parties have also been temporarily banned. Government and private offices have been told to operate with minimum staff while others work from home. Sri Lanka on Tuesday reported 1,111 COVID-19 cases, the highest number in a day since the coronavirus was first detected on the Indian Ocean island nation in March 2020. Health officials have warned of a potential surge to follow the traditional new year festival in mid-April. By Associated Press LONDON: A German privacy watchdog banned Facebook on Tuesday from gathering data on users of its WhatsApp chat app, citing an update to its privacy policy that it said breaches stringent European data protection rules. Hamburg's data protection commissioner, Johannes Caspar, said he issued an emergency three-month order prohibiting the social network from processing WhatsApp personal data for its own purposes. "The order is intended to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the many millions of users who approve to the terms of use throughout Germany," Caspar said in a statement. "The aim is to prevent disadvantages and damage associated with such a black-box procedure." Caspar's office said the updated terms and privacy policy allowing Facebook access to a lot more information on WhatsApp users were too broad and not transparent. The watchdog opened urgent proceedings last month because of concerns that WhatsApp users were being required to agree to the update by May 15 or else they wouldn't be able to continue using the service. WhatsApp denied the update is connected with any expansion of data sharing with Facebook, pointing out it is related only to messages between businesses and customers. The order "is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose and effect of WhatsApp's update and therefore has no legitimate basis," WhatsApp said in a statement, adding that because the Hamburg regulator's claims are wrong, it wouldn't affect the update's rollout. WhatsApp initially tried to introduce the update at the start of the year but backed off after a wave of confusion and misinformation among users, many of whom flocked to rival chat apps such as Signal and Telegram. Caspar warned that with 60 million users in Germany, there's a danger WhatsApp could be used to influence voters in September federal elections through Facebook ads. He said he would refer the case to the European Data Protection Board to get a Europe Union-wide decision. Facebook's German headquarters is based in Hamburg, giving Caspar jurisdiction at the national level when it comes to enforcing the EU's strict General Data Protection Regulation for the company. By Associated Press JERUSALEM: As rockets from Gaza streaked overhead, Arabs and Jews fought each other on the streets below and rioters torched vehicles, a restaurant and a synagogue in one of the worst spasms of communal violence Israel has seen in years. The mayor of the mixed town of Lod, which saw the worst of the violence Tuesday, compared it to a civil war or a Palestinian uprising. Arab experts and activists say the violence was fueled by unrest in Jerusalem that has brought Israel to the brink of another Gaza war, but is rooted in deeper grievances that go back to the founding of the state. Violence flared again Wednesday night with a wave of apparent revenge attacks. In Bat Yam, a Tel Aviv suburb, a large crowd of ultranationalist Israelis pulled a man from a car who they thought was Arab and beat him until he lay on the ground motionless and bloodied. A hospital said he's in serious condition without identifying him. Earlier, a group of black-clad Israelis smashed the windows of an Arab-owned ice cream shop in Bat Yam and ultranationalists could be seen chanting, Death to Arabs! on live television during a standoff with Border Police. In the northern city of Tiberias, video uploaded to social media appeared to show flag-waving Israelis attacking a car. Israels Channel 13 quoted a senior police officer as saying Arabs are suspected of attacking and seriously wounding a Jewish man in the coastal city of Acre amid new clashes there. In a late night television interview, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, whose figurehead office is meant to serve as the nation's moral compass, said the country was gripped by civil war and urged citizens to stop this madness." ALSO READ | Israel-Palestine conflict: Soumya was talking to husband, son when tragedy struck Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on both Jews and Arabs to cease attacks on each other: It doesnt matter to me that your blood is boiling. You cant take the law in your hands," he said. Police said they arrested nearly 400 people allegedly involved in riots and disturbances across the country Wednesday. The violence comes at a time when Israel's Arab minority appeared to be gaining new acceptance and influence. Mansour Abbas, the head of an Arab party with Islamist roots, emerged as a kingmaker of sorts after March elections and was poised to play a key role in a coalition that would oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies. But in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Abbas indicated that coalition talks would be put on hold because of the escalating violence. If there is a cease-fire, we will return to the political track to form a government," he said. In recent days, Arab citizens of Israel have held mass protests across the country over Israel's policing of a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem and plans to evict dozens of Palestinian families in the city following a legal campaign by Jewish settlers. Adding to the tensions are increasingly powerful far-right groups in Israel that won seats in March elections and are allied with Netanyahu. In recent days, far-right politicians have visited the tense east Jerusalem neighborhood where the families are threatened with eviction and staged marches elsewhere in the bitterly contested city. After police broke up a protest Monday night in Lod, a young Arab resident was shot and killed. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the man was with a group of rioters threatening Jewish homes, and that Jewish residents opened fire in a life-threatening situation. He said three people have been detained for questioning and police are investigating. Arab residents of Lod disputed the account, pointing out that the slain man was unarmed. His funeral the next day drew thousands of people and a heavy police presence. Clashes broke out between the two sides, leading to riots in which several vehicles and a synagogue were set ablaze. A 56-year-old Jewish man was severely wounded after Arabs pelted his car with rocks, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service. The violence soon spread to other mixed communities across Israel. In neighboring Ramle, ultra-nationalist Jewish demonstrators vandalized Arab cars. In Acre, protesters torched Uri Buri, a famous Jewish-owned seafood restaurant. Magen David Adom said 46 people were wounded in the riots. Rosenfeld said there were several different instances of Arabs attacking Jews, and that 12 police officers were wounded. He said 270 suspects were arrested at 40 locations across the country where vehicles were set on fire and public property was damaged. The Arabs don't want us here, but we're going to stay, said Avraham Sagron, a Jewish resident of Lod, as he surveyed the charred entrance of the synagogue, the interior of which appeared largely untouched. Netanyahu visited Lod and Acre, where he pledged to stop the anarchy and restore order with an iron fist if needed. He called on Arab and other community leaders to condemn the violence and act to stop it. Authorities deployed hundreds of police reinforcements to Lod and other areas, including paramilitary border police who usually operate in the occupied West Bank. They also ordered a nighttime curfew in Lod. Arabs say the violence of the past two days was not directed at Jews, but at religious nationalists with close ties to the settlement movement who have moved into mixed areas in recent years, pushing Arab residents out. Israel's Arab minority makes up about 20% of the population and are the descendants of Palestinians who stayed in the country after the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, when an estimated 700,000 fled or were driven from their homes in towns like Lod. They have citizenship, including the right to vote, but face widespread discrimination. Arab citizens speak Hebrew and are well-represented in Israel's medical profession and universities, but they largely identify with the Palestinian cause, leading many Israelis to view them with suspicion. Lod's Arabs, who make up about a third of the city's population, are among the poorest communities in Israel. Were talking about young people who have no horizon, no dreams, who are unemployed and live in a very difficult reality," said Dr. Nasreen Haddad Haj-Yahya, the director of the Arab-Jewish relations program at the Israel Democracy Institute, an independent think tank. She said the anger of the last two days was not directed at Lod's longtime Jewish community but at more ideological recent arrivals. Its not because of who they are. Its because they are trying to Judaize Lod. They are trying to drive out the indigenous Arab residents," she said. "The young people see it as a threat to their presence in the land, to their existence. Thabet Abu Rass, the co-director of the Abraham Initiatives, which promotes Jewish-Arab coexistence, said the six Arab members of Lod's municipal council have been sidelined and the city's budget heavily favors Jews. He accused Mayor Yair Revivo of inciting against Arabs. Revivo, a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, has courted controversy by complaining about the volume of the Muslim call to prayer in Lod and for remarks that appeared to cast its Arab residents as a national security threat. He should be a mayor for everybody," said Abu Rass, who lives near Lod and has an office there. "Hes not giving equal services for all residents. The mayor's spokesman said he was not available for comment. Earlier, Revivo had urged Arab residents to end the violence, saying: The day after, we will still have to live here together. Israeli officials often hold up the Arab minority as proof of their commitment to tolerance, frequently pointing out that Arab citizens enjoy civic rights and freedoms that many Arab states deny their own people. Ghassan Munayyer, a Lod-based activist, says the veneer of coexistence conceals deeper disparities, including in housing and infrastructure, comparing its Arab neighborhoods to refugee camps. The Jews love saying theres coexistence. They go out to eat in an Arab restaurant and they call it coexistence," he said. "But they dont see Arabs as equal human beings who have rights that they have to respect." By AFP BEIJING: China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution. The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday. On Friday, the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel. An earlier emergency meeting held on Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said. "China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body. "However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far. The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution," added Hua. One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month. Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions. By Associated Press JERUSALEM: Hamas sent a heavy barrage of rockets deep into Israel in a matter of minutes Thursday and Israel pounded Gaza with more airstrikes. The relentless escalation of hostilities came even as Egyptian negotiators held in-person talks with the two sides, intensifying efforts at mediation. Previous fighting between Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers, including a devastating 2014 war, was largely confined to the impoverished and blockaded Palestinian territory and Israeli communities on the frontier. But this round seems to be rippling farther and wider than at any time since the 2000 Palestinian intifada, or uprising, and is tearing apart the country at its seams. While some rocket attacks have reached the Tel Aviv area, Arab and Jewish mobs have rampaged through the streets, savagely beating people and torching cars. Flights have been canceled or diverted away from the countrys main airport. Weary Palestinians, meanwhile, somberly marked the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday as militants fired one barrage of rockets after another and Israel carried out waves of bone-rattling airstrikes. Since the rockets began Monday, Israel has toppled three high-rise buildings that it said housed Hamas facilities after warning civilians to evacuate. ALSO READ | Nowhere to run: Fear among citizens in bomb-hit Gaza grows amid conflict with Israel Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll has climbed to 83 Palestinians, including 17 children and seven women, with more than 480 people wounded. Islamic Jihad confirmed the deaths of seven militants, while Hamas has acknowledged 13 of its militants killed, including a senior commander. Israel says the number of militants dead is much higher. Seven people have been killed in Israel. Among them were a soldier killed by an anti-tank missile and a 6-year-old child hit in a rocket attack. A visit by Egyptian security officials was a significant development in international mediation efforts, which have been key to ending past rounds of fighting. The officials met first with Hamas leaders in Gaza before holding talks with the Israelis in Tel Aviv, two Egyptian intelligence officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press. Still, both Israel and Hamas seemed determined to press ahead. ALSO WATCH: Even as word came of the mediators presence, Gaza militants fired a volley of some 100 rockets nearly simultaneously, raising air raid sirens around southern and central Israel. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties but the barrage appeared aimed at demonstrating that Hamas arsenal was still full even after three nights of airstrikes and the killing Wednesday of several Hamas leaders involved in the rocket program. The decision to bomb Tel Aviv, Dimona and Jerusalem is easier for us than drinking water, a spokesman for Hamas military wing declared in a video message. Dimona is the site of Israels nuclear reactor. Our conflict will reach you whenever you turn any aggression against our people, he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited batteries of the Iron Dome missile defense system, which the military says has intercepted 90% of the 1,200 rockets that have reached Israel from Gaza so far. It will take more time, but with great firmness ... we will achieve our goal to restore peace to the State of Israel, he said. The previous evening, Israeli TV reported Netanyahus Security Cabinet authorized a widening of the offensive that the military says has already hit 600 targets in Gaza. In Gaza, a pall was cast over Eid al-Fitr, the holiday at the end of Ramadans month of daily fasting. It is usually a festive time when families shop for new clothes and gather for large feasts. EXPLAINED | Why Hamas rockets fail to hit targets in Israel? Instead, Hamas urged the faithful to mark communal Eid prayers inside their homes or the nearest mosques instead of out in the open, as is traditional. Hassan Abu Shaaban tried to lighten the mood by passing out candy to passers-by after prayers, but acknowledged there is no atmosphere for Eid at all. It is all airstrikes, destruction and devastation, he said. May God help everyone. In Gazas southern town of Khan Younis, dozens of mourners marched through the streets carrying the bodies of an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old killed when an Israeli airstrike hit near their home Wednesday. In Israel, rocket fire brought life to a standstill in southern communities near Gaza, but also reached as far north as the Tel Aviv area, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) away, for a second straight day. Israel diverted some incoming flights from Ben Gurion International Airport, near the city, to the Ramon airfield in the countrys far south, the Transportation Ministry said. Several flights have also been canceled. Hamas said it fired its most powerful rocket, the Ayyash, toward Ramon, 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Gaza. The rocket landed in a desert area, and no air raid sirens sounded, Israeli media reported. Still, flights were briefly suspended at the airport, with several planes left circling before landings and takeoffs were resumed, according to tracking websites. Were coping, sitting at home, hoping it will be OK, said Motti Haim, a resident of the central town of Beer Yaakov and father of two children. Its not simple running to the shelter. Its not easy with the kids. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the indiscriminate launching of rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward Israeli population centers, but he also urged Israel to show maximum restraint. U.S. President Joe Biden called Netanyahu to support Israels right to defend itself, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was sending a senior diplomat to the region to try to calm tensions. The current eruption of violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where heavy-handed Israeli police tactics during Ramadan and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. A focal point of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police was Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, built on a hilltop compound that is revered by Jews and Muslims. Israel regards Jerusalem in its entirety as its capital, while the Palestinians want east Jerusalem to be the capital of their future state. Hamas, claiming to be defending the city, launched a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem late Monday, in a dramatic escalation. Hamas banners could be seen outside Al-Aqsa on Thursday as thousands gathered there for Eid prayers. The recent fighting has also set off violent clashes between Arabs and Jews in Israel, in scenes unseen in more than two decades. Netanyahu warned that he was prepared to use an iron fist if necessary to calm the violence. Ugly confrontations erupted again late Wednesday. Jewish and Arab mobs battled in the central city of Lod, the epicenter of the troubles, despite a state of emergency and nighttime curfew. In nearby Bat Yam, Jewish nationalists dragged an Arab motorist from his car and beat him until he was motionless. Israeli police said two people were shot and wounded in Lod and an Israeli Jew was stabbed. An Arab citizen was stabbed and seriously wounded in Jerusalems central Mahane Yehuda market. In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said it intervened in a Palestinian shooting attack that wounded two people. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the suspected gunman was killed. Still unclear is how the fighting in Gaza will affect Netanyahus political future. He failed to form a government coalition after inconclusive parliamentary elections in March, and now his political rivals have three weeks to try to form one. They have courted a small Islamist Arab party, but the fighting could hamper those efforts. By PTI WASHINGTON: India received over USD 83 billion in remittances in 2020, a drop of just 0.2 per cent from the previous year, despite a pandemic that devastated the world economy, according to a World Bank report. China, which received USD 59.5 billion in remittances in 2020 against USD 68.3 billion the previous year, is a distant second in terms of global remittances for the year gone by, as per the latest World Bank data released on Wednesday. In 2019, India had received USD 83.3 billion in remittances. The report said India's remittances fell by just 0.2 per cent in 2020, with much of the decline due to a 17 per cent drop in remittances from the United Arab Emirates, which offset resilient flows from the United States and other host countries. India and China are followed by Mexico (USD42.8 billion), the Philippines (USD34.9 billion), Egypt (USD29.6 billion), Pakistan (USD26 billion), France (USD24.4 billion) and Bangladesh (USD21 billion), it showed. In neighbouring Pakistan, remittances rose by about 17 per cent, with the biggest growth coming from Saudi Arabia, followed by the European Union countries and the United Arab Emirates. In Bangladesh, remittances also showed a brisk uptick in 2020 (18.4 per cent), and Sri Lanka witnessed remittance growth of 5.8 per cent. In contrast, remittances to Nepal fell by about two per cent, reflecting a 17 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2020. The World Bank, in its latest Migration and Development Brief, said despite COVID-19, remittance flows remained resilient in 2020, registering a smaller decline than previously projected. Officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached USD540 billion in 2020, just 1.6 per cent below the 2019 total of USD548 billion. "As COVID-19 still devastates families around the world, remittances continue to provide a critical lifeline for the poor and vulnerable," said Michal Rutkowski, Global Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the World Bank. "Supportive policy responses, together with national social protection systems, should continue to be inclusive of all communities, including migrants," Rutkowski added. Remittance inflows rose in Latin America and the Caribbean (6.5 per cent), South Asia (5.2 per cent) and the Middle East and North Africa (2.3 per cent). However, it fell for East Asia and the Pacific (7.9 per cent), for Europe and Central Asia (9.7 per cent), and for Sub-Saharan Africa (12.5 per cent), the report showed. The decline in flows to Sub-Saharan Africa was almost entirely due to a 28 per cent decline in remittance flows to Nigeria. Excluding flows to Nigeria, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa increased by 2.3 per cent, demonstrating resilience. The relatively strong performance of remittance flows during the COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of timely availability of data. Given its growing significance as a source of external financing for low- and middle-income countries, there is a need for better collection of data on remittances, in terms of frequency, timely reporting, and granularity by corridor and channel, it said. "The resilience of remittance flows is remarkable. Remittances are helping to meet families' increased need for livelihood support," said Dilip Ratha, lead author of the report on migration and remittances and head of KNOMAD. "They can no longer be treated as small changes. The World Bank has been monitoring migration and remittance flows for nearly two decades, and we are working with governments and partners to produce timely data and make remittance flows even more productive," Ratha said. Remittance outflow was the maximum from the United States (USD68 billion), followed by UAE (USD43 billion), Saudi Arabia (USD34.5 billion), Switzerland (USD27.9 billion), Germany (USD22 billion), and China (USD18 billion). Remittances outflow from India in 2020 was USD7 billion, against USD7.5 billion in 2019, according to the World Bank. By PTI WASHINGTON: Congressman Ami Bera, the longest-serving Indian-American in the Congress, met Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House here to discuss the COVID-19 crisis in India. "I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly with Vice President Harris about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India," Bera said a day after he joined a May 11 Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) meeting with Harris at the White House. "During the meeting, I thanked the Biden administration for sending urgently needed resources to the Indian people, including funding, technical expertise, and vaccine doses," he said. Bera said he also commended Vice President Harris for her leadership in helping mobilise the Indian-American diaspora to deliver assistance to family and friends in India. "I also shared my hope that the US will continue to be an active global leader in helping stop the pandemic in India and across the world. American leadership will be critical to saving lives and ending this pandemic once and for all," he said. By PTI KATHMANDU: K P Sharma Oli was set to be reappointed as Nepal Prime Minister as the Opposition alliance of Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) on Thursday failed to muster majority support to form the next government. President Bidya Devi Bhandari had asked the Opposition parties to come up with the support of majority lawmakers to form a new government by 9 PM on Thursday after Oli lost a crucial trust vote in the House of Representatives on Monday. As the Opposition parties failed to claim majority government under article 76 (2) of the Constitution, President Bhandari is likely to re-appoint Oli, 69, as Prime Minister under article 76 (3) tonight, sources said. Although Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba had received support from CPN Maoist chairman Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', he could not get support from Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP). JSP's President Upendra Yadav had assured to support Deuba but the party's another president Mahanta Thakur had rejected the idea. ALSO READ | 'Remove me if you can': Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli challenges Prachanda Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre have 61 and 49 seats in the lower house. Their combined strength was 110, which is insufficient to win majority vote. At present 136 votes are needed to form a majority government. JSP has 32 seats in the House. If JSP had extended support Deuba would get chance to claim for PM. The UML has 121 seats in the 275 member House. Madhav Nepal faction with 28 MPs had decided not to tender enmasse resignation after caretaker Prime Minister Oli and Nepal had inked a deal on Thursday. Oli withrew the action taken against four UML leaders including Nepal and assured to address their other demands. If 28 UML MPs had resigned, the total strength of the House of Representatives would be reduced to 243. Currently there are 271 valid members in the House. If they had resigned only 122 votes would be sufficient to stake claim for majority government. Earlier, Nepali Congress president Deuba and CPN-Maoist Centre chairman "Prachanda" held a meeting at the former's residence to discuss the formation of the new government. Similarly, caretaker Prime Minister and chairman of ruling CPN-UML Oli and dissident leader of the party Madhav Kumar Nepal held a meeting in an attempt to make the last effort to patch up their differences. Earlier, Baburam Bhattarai, a senior leader of JSP-N, said all parties needed to form a new national coalition government and hold elections in one year. Bhattarai said such a government should not be led by a former prime minister or the current prime minister. Bhattarai said such a government should be run based on a common minimum programme, should resolve the COVID crisis, and ensure economic relief packages, constitution amendment, and truth and reconciliation. Given the parties' strengths and particularly the factional feuds in the CPN-UML and the Janata Samajbadi, many say the current numbers game is just a futile exercise and that the country, which has had eight different governments in a decade, would sooner or later head towards early polls, the Kathmandu Post reported. After Oli lost the trust vote, the NC, the CPN -MC and the faction of the JSP led by Yadav urged President Bhandari to invoke Article 76 (2) of the Constitution to pave the way for the formation of a new government. It says in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House, the President shall appoint as the prime minister a member of the House who can command the majority with the support of two or more parties in the lower house of Parliament. If two or more political parties failed to give a majority Prime Minister by Thursday evening then the President will invite parties to submit the name of a minority Prime Minister from the largest party as per Article 76 sub-clause 3 of the Constitution. In that case, Oli, whose party has 121 seats in Parliament, may again claim stake as the new prime minister. If Oli is appointed under the Constitution, he also needs to win the vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of the appointment. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival 'Prachanda'. In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had earlier served as the country's prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. Nepal's COVID-19 cases reached 431,191 as 8,842 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours on Thursday. As many as 214 more deaths were also logged, taking the national toll to 4,466. By PTI WELLINGTON: Some wealthy nations that were most praised last year for controlling the coronavirus are now lagging far behind in getting their people vaccinated -- and some, especially in Asia, are seeing COVID-19 cases grow. In Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, the vaccination rates are languishing in the single figures. That is in sharp contrast to the US, where nearly half of all people have gotten at least one shot, and Britain and Israel, where rates are even higher. Not only do those three Pacific countries rank worst among all developed nations in vaccinating against COVID-19, they also rank below many developing countries such as Brazil and India, according to national figures and the online scientific publication Our World in Data. Australia, which isn't providing a full breakdown of its vaccination numbers, is also performing comparatively poorly, as are several other places initially considered standout successes in battling the virus, including Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. That could change as vaccination campaigns gather pace and supplies loosen. But meanwhile, previously successful countries are being left exposed to the virus and face longer delays in reopening to the world. Japan, for instance, has fully vaccinated only about 1% of its population and is facing a significant new outbreak just 10 weeks before it is to host the already delayed Olympic Games -- although without spectators from abroad. The government last week announced an extension of a state of emergency through the end of the month and confirmed more than 7,000 new cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since January. Bureaucracy has been part of the problem. Countries that faced mounting death tolls from the virus often threw out the rulebook, rushing through emergency vaccine approvals and delaying second shots past the recommended timeline in order to maximize the number getting their first. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally negotiated with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to get early access to vaccines, and called in the military to get them in people's arms. In the US, some groups handed out doughnuts, free drinks and even marijuana to get people to roll up their sleeves. Japan went through a more traditional approval process that required an extra layer of clinical testing for vaccines that had already been tested elsewhere and were being widely used. And once it did start getting shots, Japan faced a shortage of people to administer them. Under the conservative medical culture, people only trust doctors and nurses enough to do so. Dentists are willing to help and are authorized, but have not been called upon. Getting shots from pharmacists at drug stores like in the U.S. or from volunteers with no medical background other than a brief training like in Britain remains unthinkable in Japan. New Zealand also went through its own approval process, finally giving a thumbs up to the Pfizer vaccine in February, two months after US regulators had approved it for emergency use. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins last year promised New Zealand would be "at the front of the queue" for vaccines. Now he says the issue is supply. "We can't move any faster than we can get the vaccines into the country," Hipkins told The Associated Press. Pfizer declined to discuss whether it could have supplied New Zealand any faster, referring questions back to the government. Australia has faced its own set of issues. Its plans to use mainly Australian-made vaccines took a blow in December when development was halted on a promising candidate because it produced false-positive HIV results. Then the European Union blocked a shipment of more than 250,000 AstraZeneca doses to Australia in March, considering the EU's needs greater. Australian regulators also switched from recommending the AstraZeneca vaccine to the Pfizer vaccine as their preferred option for people under age 50, slowing the rollout further. In South Korea, government officials initially insisted on a wait-and-see approach with vaccines, saying the country's outbreak wasn't as dire as in America or Europe. But as transmissions worsened in recent months, public pressure mounted and officials sped up their negotiations with drug companies. Worried about possible shortages, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and other officials began pointing fingers at measures taken by the US, Europe and India to tighten controls on vaccine exports to deal with large outbreaks at home. Taiwan has given first shots to less than 1% of its population, after receiving just a fraction of the millions of doses it ordered. It has also been developing its own COVID-19 vaccine, which officials say will be available by the end of July under emergency use. After it had effectively eliminated the virus, Taiwan this week raised its emergency preparedness and imposed crowd restrictions after finding new and unexplained cases in the community. President Tsai Ing-wen has called on people not to panic. By Associated Press HON KONG: China's commerce ministry on Thursday welcomed the removal of Xiaomi Corp from a US government blacklist, a day after the US reversed a ban on US investments in the smartphone maker that was imposed under former President Donald Trump. "China has always believed that removing sanctions and restrictions and stopping suppression of Chinese companies will benefit China, the United States, and the world," Gao Feng, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, said at a news briefing on Thursday. Xiaomi, a Beijing-based company known for its value-for-money smartphones and smart devices, was added to a Defense Department blacklist in January this year in the last few days of the Trump administration, which accused it of links to China's military. US investors were ordered to divest their stakes held in Xiaomi by November. In response, Xiaomi sued the US government over the ban, demanding to be removed from the list. It denies having any links with China's People's Liberation Army. On Wednesday, a US court filing said that the US Department of Defense will remove Xiaomi from the blacklist after the two parties reached an agreement, media reports said. A Xiaomi spokesperson said that the company was paying close attention to the issue. The company's Hong Kong-listed shares fell nearly 2.9 per cent Thursday, a day after gaining 6% on news of it was being removed from the US blacklist. Under the Trump administration, Chinese technology companies such as drone maker DJI and telecommunications equipment supplier Huawei were put on a trade blacklist out of concerns such companies might be security risks. US companies and individuals are banned from dealing with companies on such lists or in some cases must seek special permission in advance. Companies like Huawei and DJI have both denied that they send any data to China, although China hawks say that such companies may be obliged to assist espionage efforts as stipulated in China's national intelligence law. By Associated Press BANGKOK: A Japanese freelance journalist in Myanmar who was jailed and charged with spreading false news or information that could cause public unrest will be freed by the country's ruling junta as a gesture of friendship with Japan, a state television report said Thursday. The announcement on Myanmar's army-run Myawaddy TV said Yuki Kitazumi had been arrested on April 18 for "inciting" the country's anti-military civil disobedience movement and riots. "Although the journalist is a lawbreaker, the case will be closed and he will be released at the request of the Special Envoy of the Japanese Government for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, in view of the close ties and future relations between Myanmar and Japan," said a newsreader, quoting an official statement from the junta, formally called the State Administrative Council. The military seized power on Feb. 1, ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. It has faced large and constant popular opposition, which it has tried to suppress with the use of force that has cost hundreds of lives and by muzzling the news media. Japan has criticised the military government's deadly crackdown on opposition but has taken a milder approach than the United States and some other countries that imposed sanctions against members of the junta. Kitazumi, a former reporter for Japan's Nikkei business news, had also been charged with violating visa regulations. He was the first foreign journalist to be charged under a statute which the state press has described as aiming at "fake news." He has posted reports and views about developments in Myanmar on Facebook. Hours before his arrest, he posted a video showing Myanmar citizens gathering at a Tokyo temple to pay tribute to people killed by Myanmar security forces trying to quell protests. Kitazumi had been detained briefly by police in late February while covering pro-democracy protests in Myanmar. The announcement that he had been granted clemency came a day after a military court sentenced a Myanmar journalist to three years in prison for his reporting on similar charges. Min Nyo is a correspondent for DVB -- the Democratic Voice of Burma, an online and broadcast news agency, which has continued to operate despite being banned by the junta. A statement issued by DVB said Min Nyo had been covering a March 3 anti-junta protest in the town of Pyay, 260 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Yangon when he was arrested and severely beaten by police. About 80 journalists have been arrested since the military's takeover. Roughly half are still detained and most of them are being held under charges like the one for which Min Nyo was convicted, as are many activists opposed to the military regime. Rights group Amnesty International said Min Nyo's case showed the ruthlessness of the junta and the risks faced by journalists exposing the junta's abuses. "Min Nyo's conviction must be quashed, and he should be released immediately, along with all other journalists, activists and human rights defenders imprisoned and detained solely for their peaceful opposition to the military coup," Amnesty Deputy Regional Director Emerlynne Gil said in a statement. BOSTON (AP) Children ages 12 through 15 will be able to start receiving Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shots in Massachusetts as soon as Thursday, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday. The state will begin delivering shots into the arms of the 400,000 Massachusetts residents who fall into that age slot after an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Wednesday to recommend Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids ages 12 to 15. The young people will be able to book appointments or use walk-up access to get the shot, Baker said. We want to make sure that we get everybody eligible to be vaccinated, vaccinated, the Republican said. Baker made the comments after touring a Norwood facility of Moderna, which is also seeking permission to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to 12- to 15-year-olds. Baker said the administration is seeking input from pediatricians and primary care physicians and said regional health collaboratives will also play a role in delivering shots to young people. The Food and Drug Administration this week cleared the expanded use of the Pfizer vaccine shots, citing evidence the shots worked as well in those 12 to 15 years old as those 16 and older. States had been waiting for Wednesdays recommendations from advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects data the FDA will need to scrutinize. ___ EMPLOYER VACCINATION PROGRAM Employers who want to help their workers get COVID-19 vaccines can take part in the states new Employer Vaccination Program, the Baker administration announced Wednesday. The program offers two main options. The first allows group appointments at mass vaccination sites starting May 17. Employers can request a block of appointments at any of the states seven mass vaccination sites. The minimum number of appointments required is 10. There is no maximum. Registration requires demographic information. Insurance and identification are not required at the time of registration or appointment if not available. Employers can set up a table at the site to have an onsite presence for employees which can be coordinated with the site operator. Sites are available seven days a week. Most vaccination appointments take less than 30 minutes, including the 15-minute observation period. The second option allows employers to request a visit by a mobile on-site employer vaccination clinic. The option is limited to companies who have 35 or more confirmed workers who will obtain a vaccination at an on-site pop-up clinic. A vaccination provider will come to the employer host-property to vaccinate individuals and return three to four weeks later to deliver second doses. Employers in communities with vaccination rates below the state average will be prioritized. On-site clinics begin as soon as May 17. ___ VIRUS BY THE NUMBERS The number of new daily cases of COVID-19 increased by more than 600 Wednesday while the number of newly confirmed coronavirus deaths in Massachusetts rose by 13. The new numbers pushed the states confirmed COVID-19 death toll to 17,357 since the start of the pandemic, while its confirmed caseload rose to about 654,000. The true number of cases is likely higher because studies suggest some people can be infected and not feel sick. There were about 430 people reported hospitalized Wednesday because of confirmed cases of COVID-19, with about 110 in intensive care units. The average age of those hospitalized was 55. There were an estimated 17,000 people with current active cases of COVID-19 in the state. More than 6.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Massachusetts, including more than 3.8 million first doses and more than 2.8 million second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. There have been about 227,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered. More than 3 million people have been fully immunized. NEW YORK (AP) Now that a judge has rejected the National Rifle Associations bankruptcy bid, blocking its plan to reincorporate in Texas, the gun rights group is back to fighting a lawsuit that threatens to put it out of business. Harlin Hale, a federal bankruptcy judge in Dallas, dismissed the NRA's case Tuesday. He ruled the organization's leadership sought Chapter 11 protection in bad faith without informing most of its 76-member board and did so to gain an unfair advantage in its fight with New York regulators. What does that mean for the NRA and America's long-running battle over guns? Here's a look at where things go from here. NEW YORK'S LAWSUIT Hales ruling ensures New York Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit seeking the organizations dissolution can continue. James, a Democrat, said Tuesday that discovery is ongoing. The case is expected to go to trial next year. The rot runs deep, which is why we will now refocus on and continue our case in New York court," James said. James sued the NRA in August 2020, alleging executives diverted tens of millions of dollars for lavish personal trips, no-show contracts for associates and other questionable expenditures. NRA chief Wayne LaPierre and three others who have worked for the organization were also sued. The NRA countersued, alleging James who once called the NRA a terrorist organization was motivated by political hostility. That case is pending. In filing for bankruptcy protection in January, the Virginia-headquartered NRA made clear it sought to escape regulatory oversight in New York, where it was chartered as a nonprofit in 1871. James has regulatory power over nonprofits incorporated in the state. The NRA had sought to move litigation to a state where it thought it could get an "even shake, board member Charles Cotton said at the time. Aside from putting the NRA out of business, James also wants LaPierre and the other defendants removed from leadership and ordered to repay money they are accused of illegally spending, plus penalties. Clearly the NRA is in need of oversight and reform, if not dissolution, James said Tuesday. Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine is also suing the NRAs foundation, seeking to have a court-appointed monitor supervise its finances. The organization is also embroiled in ongoing litigation with its former advertising agency. An NRA lawyer said it filed for bankruptcy in part because it feared the lawsuits would result in death by 1,000 cuts. SELF-DEALING ALLEGATIONS James lawsuit highlights misspending and self-dealing claims involving LaPierre from his wife's hair and makeup to a $17 million post-employment contract for himself. There are individuals and officers who are using the NRA as their personal piggy bank and they need to be held accountable, James said Tuesday. LaPierre, who's led day-to-day operations since 1991, is accused of spending millions on private travel and personal security, and accepting expensive gifts from vendors, including African safaris and use of a 107-foot (32-meter) yacht. The lawsuit said LaPierre, 71, spent NRA money on travel consultants, luxury car services and private jet flights for himself and his family, including more than $500,000 on eight trips to the Bahamas. LaPierre has defended himself, testifying last month that cruising the Bahamas on a yacht was a security retreat because he was facing threats after mass shootings. He conceded not reporting the trips on conflict-of-interest forms, testifying: Its one of the mistakes Ive made. Phillip Journey, an NRA board member skeptical of LaPierre's leadership, said testimony at the bankruptcy trial about the organizations operations could be fresh ammunition for James lawsuit or a potential criminal inquiry. They were just waiting for all of these transcripts to be completed, all of these exhibits to be admitted," said Journey, a Kansas judge. I figure they're going to go throw them in front of a grand jury and see what pops out. SIGHTS STILL SET ON TEXAS The NRA remains interested in moving to Texas and has powerful allies who'd be happy to see it set up shop there. But doing so through another bankruptcy attempt would be fraught with risk, and James says she has the authority to block efforts to abandon its New York incorporation. Hale dismissed the NRAs case without prejudice, meaning the organization can refile but he warned a second bankruptcy petition would prompt him to take a hard look at the NRA's lawyers unusual involvement in the group's affairs. The judge wrote that the lawyers' actions raised concerns the group couldn't fulfill its fiduciary duty, which might lead him to appoint a trustee. That would hand the organization's reins to an outside official selected by the Biden administration's Justice Department. The NRA could still pursue other steps to incorporate in Texas, where it claims to have about 400,000 members. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said on Twitter that he supports the move. But neither Abbott's office, nor that of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who's voiced support in past, responded to questions about the NRA's possible path to Texas. FUTURE OF GUN DEBATE Even as it filed for bankruptcy protection, the NRA claimed it was in its strongest financial condition in years but the coronavirus pandemic and mounting legal costs have hurt. The organization, which in January reported total assets of about $203 million, liabilities of about $153 million, and $31 million in bank loans, said in court papers it saw revenues drop about 7% because of the pandemic. To cut costs, it laid off dozens and canceled its national convention. Gun-control groups have seized on its troubles and a recent spate of mass shootings as prime opportunity to advance new legislation. Yet the NRA has promised to continue to fight on all fronts. Even with Democrats in control of Congress and the White House, gun-control legislation faces barriers. The fact that the NRA is a shadow of its former self doesnt mean all of a sudden the nations gun-violence problem is going to solve itself, said Adam Skaggs, chief counsel at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. "But certainly, the days where the NRA could wield power and exert unprecedented influence in our legislatures and our political system, I think those days are numbered. In March, the House passed two bills requiring background checks on all firearms sales and transfers and allowing an expanded 10-day review for gun purchases. But the legislation faces a tough road ahead, with some Senate Republican support required for passage. Meanwhile, Journey, who requested that a court-appointed examiner investigate LaPierre, worries what will become of the group's non-lobbying work. Hes particularly concerned dismantling the organization will mean the end of things like firearms safety programs. I think some organizations may be able to pick up some of the pieces," he said, but most of it will simply go away. ___ Bleiberg reported from Dallas. ___ On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak and Jake Bleiberg at twitter.com/JZBleiberg MORTON, Miss. (AP) Jimmy Harrell, a supervisor on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, has died at age 65. Harrell, who worked for rig owner Transocean, died Monday, according to Wolf Funeral Home in Morton, Mississippi. He had battled cancer for a year. Eleven workers died in the explosion and 134 million gallons of oil spewed into the Gulf, fouling beaches from Louisiana to Florida, killing hundreds of thousands of marine animals and devastating the regions tourist economy. Harrell was a key Transocean supervisor on the rig leased by BP. Investigations indicated Harrell had been unhappy with the oil giants plans for shutting down the rig. During a May 2010 government hearing he acknowledged disagreements but denied reports that there were heated debates. At his insistence, a key pressure test that had not been originally scheduled was run. But investigations found that others with Transocean and BP misinterpreted the results. A federal judge eventually said that BP ultimately was responsible for the misinterpreted results, one of the factors resulting in a ruling that BP was grossly negligent and bore most of the responsibility for the disaster. The judge also ruled that Transocean and Halliburton, which was tasked with sealing the well, were partially to blame. Harrell's attorney, Pat Fanning, told WWL-TV that federal prosecutors tried to persuade Harrell to admit some criminal negligence and, as part of a plea deal, testify against two BP rig bosses. Harrell, who was portrayed by actor Kurt Russell in a 2016 movie about the disaster, refused. I said, Jimmy, youll have to go into court and swear an oath and then testify that you were negligent. If you dont, theyre going to charge you with 11 counts of manslaughter and gross negligence, Fanning told the TV station. He prayed over the weekend and said, I cant do it. I cant plead guilty and say I did something I didnt do. Harrell was never charged. Two BP supervisors aboard the rig were charged in connection with the test. One pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor pollution charge. The other was acquitted. The horror of the explosion haunted Harrell for the rest of his life, according to the obituary provided by the funeral home. The explosion and loss of his employees and friends and the inferno that subsequently sunk the rig took a massive toll on his psyche, it said. He was never the same. When he wasnt battling heavy bouts of PTSD, he found comfort in his favorite pastimes: hunting and fishing and simply being outdoors. It also said fiberglass was embedded in Harrell's skin following the explosion, and that he suffered health problems for years after inhaling the smoke and gas from the blast. Funeral services were held Wednesday in Morton. The union representing 3,000 nursing home workers preparing to strike at 26 locations Friday morning called off the work stoppage just hours before the deadline, agreeing to a tentative deal. But a strike could still happen this spring, the union indicated. SEIU District 1199 rescinded strike notices for three nursing home companies in documents sent to the office of Gov. Ned Lamont. The notices showed June dates for possible walkouts in the event the deal brokered by the governor falls apart. The strike cancellation, or postponement, came after Lamonts top aides delivered a sweetened offer for wage and benefits increases financed by Medicaid: 4.5 percent in the first fiscal year, starting July 1, and 6.2 percent in the following year. Lamont and Paul Mounds, his chief of staff and point man in the talks, announced a basic agreement late Thursday afternoon as one of the three nursing home operators, iCare Health Network, became the first to publicly accept the offer. Later Thursday, District 1199 announced it reached a tentative, four-year agreement with iCare that sets historic minimum wages of $20 per hour for certified nursing assistants and $30 per hour for licensed practical nurses. The workers will also receive pension benefits and additional funding to cover health care costs and wellness programs, the union said. In a written statement, Rob Baril, president of the Service Employees International Union District 1199 New England, the states largest health care union, thanked the Lamont administration and Democratic leadership in the General Assembly for making the deal possible. The union has been pushing for a long-term care workers bill of rights that would ensure better wages, benefits, and staffing levels. Nursing home workers were rightfully lauded as heroes throughout the pandemic, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said in a press release Thursday. Now, with this agreement, we are putting money behind those words and financially supporting them for their critical work. The Connecticut Association of Healthcare Facilities, an association of one hundred and fifty skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, applauded the news of the averted strike in a statement released after Lamonts announcement. Nursing home residents, their families, caregivers and the operators all can rest easier tonight with this critically important breakthrough achievement, President and CEO Matt Barrett said. But the tentative deal came too late for the industry, and taxpayers, to avoid strike contingency costs in the millions of dollars. All three companies had hired replacement workers, many coming from out of state, and made other arrangements much of which is billable to state and federal taxpayers through Medicaid. The state Department of Public Health has suspended its nursing home strike monitoring plan. Department officails, along with 50 members of the Connecticut National Guard whod been put on standby, had been scheduled to begin on-site monitoring at the 26 facilities if the strike went on as planned Friday morning. New strike notices were issued for 2,800 workers and dozens of facilities for June 7, pending final agreements with the operators of those facilities. Strike notices previously set for May 28 on behalf of 1,200 workers at 13 facilities remain in place, the union said Thursday evening. Combined, the strike notices cover 4,000 frontline workers at 39 nursing homes in Connecticut. Talks between the union and the industry had stalled in recent days as Baril decried low pay and inadequate staffing for all levels of nursing home employees. On Thursday, the industry and the union returned to the bargaining table, prodded by the Lamont administration, which is not a direct party to the negotiation but is the major payer to the nursing homes through the state-federal Medicaid system. Hours later, the state revealed its revised offer, which increases funding to the nursing home industry by $168.4 million over the biennium, with all that money directed toward workers. Of that, $22.8 million would go toward health and pension enhancements in fiscal year 2023. That amounts to 4.5 a percent increase to nursing homes in the fiscal year starting July 1, and a 6.2 percent rate increase the next fiscal year - an unprecedented level of funding, the Lamont administration said. Thats on top of a 10 percent boost to the Medicaid reimbursement, which would last from July until next March, to help the nursing home industry climb out of the financial hole caused by pandemic-related occupancy declines and increased costs. The sweeter deal continues over four years instead of two. It will actually cost state taxpayers less than the earlier deal, Lamont and Mounds said, because of the way Medicaid reimbursement is structured. As Lamonts top aides worked to broker a deal this week, nursing home operators and state were simeultaneously preparing for the strike, including hiring at least hundreds of workers, many from out of state, and paying for their transportation and lodging. Lori Mayer, a spokesperson for Genesis HealthCare, which operates 11 of the 26 affected facilities, said the company hired 300 replacement workers, many of whom were flown into Connecticut. iCare, which also operates 11 homes, hired more than 400 staffers to fill in the vast majority coming from out of state, so the company is also paying for their lodging and transportation. In addition to the potentially irreparable harm that can be caused to nursing home residents, the planned strike will cost the State of Connecticut nearly $2 million on the first day of the strike to fund replacement workers and other strike costs at iCare Health Network nursing homes, David Skoczulek, vice president of business development for the company, said in a statement this week, before the agreement was reached. A long-term strike will cost the State nearly $360,000 per day following the initial week, Skoczulek said. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled a lottery system Wednesday to entice people to get COVID-19 shots, offering a weekly $1 million prize and full-ride college scholarships in a creative bid to overcome the vaccine hesitancy that remains a stubborn problem across the nation. The move comes as governors, health officials and community leaders are coming up with creative incentives to get more shots in arms, including insider access to NFL locker rooms and an Indianapolis 500 garage, cash incentives, various other promotions. With three weeks to go before most state restrictions lift, DeWine rolled out the big-ticket incentives during a prime-time address. Beginning May 26, adults who have received at least one vaccine dose may enter a lottery that will provide a $1 million prize each Wednesday for five weeks. In random drawings, the state will also provide five full four-year scholarships to an Ohio public university including tuition, room-and-board, and books to vaccinated Ohioans under 18. The money will come from existing federal pandemic relief dollars, DeWine said, and the Ohio Lottery will conduct the drawings. State Rep. Emilia Sykes, the top House Democrat, questioned the use of federal funds. Using millions of dollars in relief funds in a drawing is a grave misuse of money that could be going to respond to this ongoing crisis, she said. DeWine acknowledged the unusual nature of the financial incentives. I know that some may say, DeWine, youre crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money, he said. But the real waste, when the vaccine is now readily available, is a life lost to COVID-19, the governor said. The White House and Treasury Department had no immediate comment on the governors plan. All Ohios COVID-19 orders except those applying to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will end June 2, the Republican also announced during the address. However, DeWine noted that stores and businesses still may require customers to be masked. In announcing the mandates' end, the governor cited the sharp drop in the numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and the high vaccination rates among people 65 and older. He also said the vaccine is a tested and proven weapon that all Ohioans 12 and older can now avail themselves of. Its time to end the health orders. Its been a year. Youve followed the protocols, DeWine said. Youve done what weve asked. Youve bravely fought this virus. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Ohio did not increase over the past two weeks, going from about 1,522 new cases per day on April 26 to 1,207 new cases per day on May 10, according to data collected by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. More than 4.2 million Ohioans about 36% of the population had completed the vaccination process as of Tuesday. But the number of people seeking vaccines has dropped in recent weeks, with an average of about 16,500 starting the process last week, down from figures above 80,000 in April. About 42% of Ohioans have received at least one dose. There comes a time when individual responsibility simply must take over," DeWine said. Business groups uniformly praised the decision. The news is the logical next step in fully reopening our state for Ohios businesses and families, said John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association. Removing these barriers comes at the right time and will assist the efforts of Ohios business community to restore Ohios economy, said Andrew Doehrel, Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO and president. Dr. Lisa Egbert, president of the Ohio State Medical Association, said the organization supported the announcement but urged all eligible Ohioans to be vaccinated as soon as possible. DeWine made the announcement even though his previous goal for dropping the orders hadn't been reached. In a March 4 primetime address, the governor had said he would lift remaining mandates once the state hit 50 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people for two weeks. At the time, the figure was 179 cases per 100,000 people; it had dropped to 123 cases as of this week. Despite DeWine's message, he had little choice in removing the mandates. His speech came only a few weeks before fellow GOP lawmakers could have voted to immediately remove all mandates, per a bill passed earlier this year over the governor's veto. That legislation takes effect June 23. House Republicans had signaled their intention to introduce a resolution Wednesday in preparation for a June 23 vote. There's a strong sentiment that the health orders need to be dissolved, House Speaker Bob Cupp, a Lima Republican, said earlier Wednesday. Senate President Matt Huffman, another Lima Republican, also said Wednesday it was time for the end of mandates. Ohioans care about getting their businesses open and doing other things that will allow some freedom, Huffman said. Also Wednesday, DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney confirmed that employees of executive branch agencies who have been working almost exclusively from home would return to their offices in stages, beginning July 6. DeWine implemented the current mask mandate in July as case numbers rose. That followed a mandatory mask order in April 2020 that he rescinded just a day later under intense criticism that the directive was one government mandate too far. In addition to his daily or weekly midday briefings, DeWine previously addressed Ohioans about the pandemic in primetime speeches Nov. 11 and July 15. Also Wednesday, a federal judge denied Republican Attorney General Dave Yosts request for a temporary order preventing U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen from enforcing a provision of the American Rescue Plan Act that says states cant use their recovery dollars to offset tax cuts or credits. Judge Douglas Cole said Ohio has a strong chance of proving the tax rule unconstitutionally ambiguous. But the judge also found that granting the order against Yellen wouldnt provide Ohio the relief it seeks, because Treasurys rules for the money are still being worked out, the state hasnt yet received its money and Yellen has not yet tried to recoup anything. ___ Associated Press writers Julie Carr Smyth and Kantele Franko contributed to this report. Connecticuts House of Representatives on Wednesday approved revisions to the states so-called red-flag law, in an attempt to make it easier for law enforcement to obtain court orders and seize firearms as well as other deadly weapons from people whose family members or medical professionals fear could harm themselves or others. The bill passed mostly along party lines, 93-55 after a half-hour debate and next heads to the Senate. It would take effect June 1, 2022. It would be an update of the states first-in-the-nation risk-warrant law passed in the wake of the 1998 workplace massacre at the Connecticut Lottery Corp, when four died, including the shooter, in Newington. Through 2020, 2,623 risk warrants, including 200 alone in 2020, have led to the seizure of firearms. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have adopted similar mechanisms. The current law allows virtually anyone to go to police and file complaints that can lead to investigations and possible firearms seizures. One of the major changes in the proposal would indefinitely extend the time people would be separated from their weapons, and allow complainants to go directly to state judges in addition to local police. If passed and signed into law, those under such court orders would also be prohibited from purchasing firearms, a longstanding loophole. Minority Republicans claimed that the current law works well and that such a new statute could create confusion. The bills main proponent rebuffed that idea. The idea is, they havent committed a crime, but we need to get the guns, the dangerous weapons, out of their hands nonetheless, said state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee who led the debate. So some folks may not want to go directly to the police department. They may rather go to a judge in a more civil process. What were adding on is an additional avenue, which may lead to a few additional risk warrants a year. Stafstrom cited a 2018 Duke University study that indicated that for every 10 or 20 risk warrants, a suicide has been thwarted. So if we can save another life, two lives, five lives, this additional procedure is worth it, Stafstrom said. In response to some opposition criticism, Stafstrom stressed that fraudulent claims could result in Class D felonies for false reports. He said the states temporary restraining-order program only covers domestic violence cases where police can take away firearms. But it wasnt enough for Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, who voted against it. He recalled a case in which a military veteran, after a quarrel with his wife, took a handgun, said Have a good life, walked into the bedroom and locked the door. The wife called police, who immediately responded and persuaded the man to surrender the weapon. Hes alive today, Fishbein said. The system worked. I just havent found a place where this alternative process, which actually takes longer, would be necessary. If an individual doesnt talk to the police to initiate this process and then the judge looks at the papers, and says Law enforcement, go conduct an investigation, but that person is unwilling to talk to law enforcement, though they would have in the beginning, then that is going to impede the investigation. And the passage of time in these cases can lead to people dying. This is a bad bill for people with mental illness, said Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, a police officer who warned that it could complicate the currently successful law. But Rep. Anne Hughes, D-Easton, a social worker who has been involved in such cases, said that family members have been asking for the right to go directly to judges to issue risk warrants and remove weapons for households. This is an attenpt to de-escalate the situations, to create a safe avenue to seize the firearms and deescalate the risk and maybe provide a little time buffer in there, which can be very important, Hughes said. Sometimes people in distress see that this is a judges order and they will comply with the surrender of their weapons. Others can see this as an attack. There is a breadth of situations where this is an important alternative. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported 424 suicides in Connecticut for the calendar year 2019. Jeremy Stein, executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, applauded the House action. The 20-year-old law has been effective in preventing suicide and this can be even more effective, Stein said, credited the states Department of Criminal Justice in crafting the response to the lottery shootings, which followed complaints about the shooters stability. This law clearly gives deference to police in investigating, Stein said in a phone interview. The claim that this would make the polices job harder seems to be unfounded. This will make it easier for family members and mental health providers to be able to get emergency help in the most extreme circumstances that could save lives. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT EDEN, Texas (AP) A West Texas man accused of fatally shooting two sheriff's deputies was angry they were in his yard trying to catch a dog and he told them he would open fire if they didn't leave, a witness said. They walked up towards him, rushed him, and he pulled a gun, and shots were fired, David Hutchings told the San Angelo Standard-Times. The shooting happened Monday evening in Eden, a city of about 1,300 people roughly 210 miles (340 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Officials say Concho County deputies Stephen Jones and Samuel Leonard were killed and city employee Ronnie Winans was injured. DPS said Wednesday that Nicholas opened fire on Jones and Leonard after they made contact with him while responding to a dog complaint. Officials have said little else about what happened before the shooting, which is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. Jeffrey Nicholas, 28, is jailed in nearby Tom Green County Detention Center on two charges of capital murder of a peace officer. Hutchings, a city employee who helps with animal control, told the newspaper that the officers were helping city employees collect two dogs that had bitten someone earlier in the day. The deputies had already caught one of the dogs and the other one ran into Nicholas yard. Hutchings said Nicholas did not own either animal. Nicholas told the deputies they couldn't enter his yard to get the dog, then that they should get off his property and that he has his civil rights, Hutchings said. He said Nicholas told the deputies that he would shoot them, and then opened fire. Hutchins said Winans, who is his boss, was shot in the stomach when a bullet went through door of a city pickup. DPS said Wednesday that Winans was in stable condition. The funeral for Leonard is set for Monday, Jones' funeral is set for Wednesday. Connecticut and the nation took a giant step toward normalcy on Thursday when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drastically eased its COVID-19 recommendations, announcing that anyone fully vaccinated no longer needs to wear a mask inside or outside, under most circumstances. Minutes after President Joe Biden finished a speech on the issue in the White House Rose Garden, Gov. Ned Lamont said he had anticipated the move, and Connecticut will follow the CDC guidance. Fully vaccinated people wont be required to wear masks indoors as of May 19, under a previously scheduled lifting of pandemic restrictions, including the reopening of bars. The loosening of one of the last major restrictions came on the same day that youths ages 12 to 15 received COVID-19 vaccinations for the first time. That rollout happened amid debate over whether schools should require proof of vaccinations starting in September. Masks wll not disappear altogether, especially in tight public spaces such as buses, trains, airplanes and among visitors to hospitals and nursing homes. Indoor masking will still be required for the unvaccinated for a little while longer, Lamont said. I think thats the right thing to do. Lamont issued a statewide mask order on April 17 of last year, as the pandemic raged through the state. The governor announced seven new fatalities bringing the pandemic total to 8,168. He reported a net reduction of 21 patients hospitalized with COVID, for a total of 222 statewide. The seven-day test-positivity was about 1.5 percent, he said. The Naugatuck Valley and sections of major cities remain COVID hot spots. Lamont announced that the states fleet of mobile vaccination vans will soon be available for bookings from private individuals for workplaces, parades, school events and other mass gatherings. The governor said there was no plan for how to confirm whether someone is vaccinated. I think every store, business, restaurant may have their own rules that way. At this point, I think people are going to self-attest. We hope they are going to do the right thing, he said during an hour-long news conference from the State Capitol. Lamont ordered many state employees back to work as of June 1 and said more than half should return by July 1. He said it will be up to legislative leaders, who run the state Capitol, to decide on guidelines in the days before the scheduled adjournment of the General Assembly at midnight June 9. In Washington, Biden praised the nations ability to give 250 million shots of vaccine in 114 days. We proved the doubters wrong, Biden said. The CDC is saying and concluded that fully vaccinated people are at a very, very low-risk of getting COVID-19, therefore, if youve been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask. Look, weve gotten this far. Please protect yourself until you get to the finish line because as great as this announcement is today, we dont want to let up. The state has closely followed CDC recommendations on COVID-19 infection prevention since the onset of the pandemic last year. When the CDC eased its recommendations for wearing masks outdoors at the end of April, Lamont said Connecticut would immediately follow suit. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things you stopped doing because of the pandemic, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the CDC. We have all longed for this moment for when we can get back to some sense of normalcy. The decision to modify the recommendations comes as CDC officials weighed factors, including the effectiveness of the vaccine at preventing illness, as well as evidence that shows decreased transmission of the virus for those who are vaccinated. In Connecticut, officials said key COVID-19 metrics continue to show progress against the virus. As of Thursday, nearly 2 million residents had received at least the first dose of a vaccine and more than 1.6 million people were fully vaccinated. The percentage of people fully vaccinated puts Connecticut among the highest in the country. Seventy-two percent of adults have received their first shot of vaccine. State starts vaccinating kids age 12 to 15 In an effort sure to increase vaccine coverage across Connecticut, the states providers started inoculating children ages 12 to 15 on Thursday, a day after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was recommended for the group by the CDC. Dr. Jody Terranova, president-elect of the Connecticut chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who was Lamonts guest Thursday, said parents seem eager to get their tweens and young teens vaccinated. Those parents that have been sitting on the edge of their seat waiting to get it have been calling to find out where, she said. Theres not many pediatrician offices doing it quite yet, but we know that around the state there are plenty of places that we can send our patients to. She said that while few children have been as impacted as some adults by COVID, many kids have been hospitalized and placed in intensive care units. Children get a very severe complication, a multi-system inflammatory disease that adults dont get, so children are still being impacted by COVID, Terranova said, stressing that unvaccinated children should still wear masks in school. The push to vaccinate youths comes as the supply of the Pfizer vaccine remains steady. The latest figures from the state Department of Public Health show that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines comprise about half the roughly 150,000 new doses shipped into the state in recent weeks. The weekly number of inoculations in recent weeks peaked at about 230,000 doses, but is now down to 42,000, Lamont said. While the number of severe cases impacting children in this age group have been relatively low throughout the pandemic, experts and officials said some kids have gotten seriously ill and others who are asymptomatic can spread the virus. While COVID-19 generally doesnt affect children as severely as adults, children are not immune from contracting and getting sick with the virus, nor are they immune from spreading it to adults and others who may not be able to be vaccinated. I strongly urge parents with children in this age group to get your children vaccinated, said Acting DPH Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford. With vaccine doses widely available, clinics were immediately announced across the state to vaccinate children age 12 to 15. Along with clinics, major pharmacies including CVS, one of the largest chains in Connecticut, said vaccination efforts for this age group would start Thursday. While plans were forming to quickly vaccinate these 170,000 children, DPH reached out to providers to ensure that pediatricians are part of the distribution process. We would like to encourage all pediatricians in the State of Connecticut to play an active role in enabling access for their patients to COVID-19 vaccines. This includes counseling children and families; conducting active outreach to families to discuss vaccination; and serving as a COVID-19 vaccine provider yourselves, DPH said in the memo to providers. Film Critic Chuck Koplinski is The News-Gazette's film critic. His email is chuckkoplinski@gmail.com and you can follow him on Twitter (@ckoplinski). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). It could take up to two weeks to clean up and remove cars affected by a train derailment near Pesotum on Tuesday night, and U.S. 45 near the derailment will be closed until early Thursday. Chris Hodges, the principal of Gaylord High School in Otsego County, Michigan, never thought he'd be a contact tracer. "I definitely thought, you know, 'Why why am I doing this?'" he said with a laugh. "That's not what I went to school for." In what has become a regular part of his school day, Hodges fields reports on his charges such as hearing from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan that a student had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in school for three days when she might have been contagious. One Tuesday in April, after the school day was over, he found himself walking the almost-empty halls with a laptop and a tape measure, making a list of other students who sat close enough to their sick classmate that they would need to quarantine. Lisa Peacock, health officer for the department, said that without the school district's help it would be "literally impossible" to keep up with contact tracing. The school-age population has accounted for a growing share of recent coronavirus cases across northern Michigan, and Peacock said quickly identifying people exposed to those cases and telling them how to quarantine is crucial to protecting communities and containing spread. When Hodges first started helping the health department with contact tracing, he found himself calling teachers on weekends, holidays and late in the day after they'd gone home, asking them where a particular student sat and struggling to orient himself in the classroom as they described the student's position over the phone. It happened so often that he's now requiring each teacher to keep an up-to-date seating chart in a bright-yellow folder on top of their desk so he can find it easily. But in this case, the teacher, Hannah Romel, was still at school. The student Hodges was tracing is in her yearbook class, which has different seating arrangements every day. Romel handed Hodges the three charts, and he got to work. In each place Romel had marked the student, Hodges extended his tape measure to the surrounding desks. Teachers have spaced their seats out as much as they can, he said, but sometimes they can't quite get to the 6-foot distance required to avoid counting as close contact. (The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance last month to allow for 3-foot distancing between desks, but only in communities where transmission is low. In this district, Superintendent Brian Pearson said, during Michigans recent surge in cases, 6-foot separation is the standard.) Hodges moved quickly, both because if he didn't complete the contact tracing the same day, the school can't open the next, and because he wanted to get in touch with the families of students exposed to the virus right away. "We want to make those phone calls as soon as we can, so that those students aren't at work, aren't at church, aren't going to other people's houses. We want to prevent the spread of covid not only inside our walls, but in our community," he said. Hodges will then pass on information about who was in close contact with the student to the local health department. Other nearby school districts run similar operations. Nationally, this kind of relationship between schools and health departments is not typical in normal times, but it is happening with some regularity during the pandemic, said Adriane Casalotti, chief of government and public affairs for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Public health funding has declined over the past few decades, she said, forcing local departments to cut staff members who could have boosted their contact-tracing capacity. Still, getting schools and health departments to work together can greatly help communities, Casalotti said. Peacock, the local health officer, said that once her staffers get word of exposures at local schools, they will also get in touch with the families to talk them through the details. "People always have questions," she said. "They have questions about 'What does this mean? What does it mean that I'm quarantined for 14 days?' We recognize that." And, in some cases, the health department needs more information than Hodges can give, Peacock said. They might want to find out whether a coronavirus variant is at play, or do a more detailed investigation of how students got sick and where they were when contagious. Back in Romel's yearbook classroom, Hodges found two students sat just shy of 6 feet from their classmate who tested positive. They'll need to quarantine for two weeks from the date of their last exposure. Romel said she's still surprised to hear the news that a student is sick. "I worry about the kid," she said. "I hope that it's a mild case, and they get to just be OK and get back to school after their quarantine period and come back and be learning with us again." After a quick chat with Romel about whether the class did any group work on the days in question (they didn't, which Hodges said is a relief, because it complicates his process), he headed off to the next classroom. In all, 14 students will be quarantined as a result of exposure to this coronavirus case. It's a lot, Hodges said, but it's a far cry from the number of quarantines stemming from a single day last month when 15 students tested positive, and each of them had several close contacts. Making phone calls to families informing them their child will need to stay home from school for up to two weeks is not an enjoyable part of the day, for him or the families, said Hodges, but he's gratified to play a role in mitigating the extent of the pandemic. This story is from a reporting partnership that includes WCMU, NPR and KHN. The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (HDPFH) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health announced today the creation of the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Justice in Fragile Settings which will be awarded annually as part of the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund, hosted by Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) at the United Nations Foundation. The Scholarship's mission is to honor Jennifer's memory and her professional accomplishments by creating a group of highly trained, passionate public health leaders, who are bound together by a shared opportunity and commitment to championing the field of SRH justice. The Scholarship, which will commence in 2022, will provide travel stipends to select students pursuing SRH field experience in fragile settings. The Memorial Fund will provide the generous gift to HDPFH, which will administer the Scholarship each year. The Memorial Fund was created by the family of Jennifer Schlecht, a beloved friend, colleague, and alumnus of HDPFH, from which she graduated in 2004. Jennifer received a dual MPH-MSW degree while studying at the Columbia Mailman School and was the recipient of a Wyman scholarship in recognition of her exceptional academic merit. Jennifer was dedicated to upholding the rights of women and girls in crisis situations, and the Scholarship will allow students to experience the type of professional and research opportunities that shaped Jenn's passion and life's work. "Jenn believed her experience living and working in local communities and the relationships she developed during her field work enriched her professional experience. She would be so pleased that this scholarship will enable MPH students to have the opportunity to gain field experience," said HDPFH assistant professor Sara Casey, a friend and colleague of Jennifer. Jennifer conducted research and supported initiatives within HDPFH for years, working closely with faculty and staff in the Program on Forced Migration and Health, as well as with Dr. Casey and others as a member of the Reproductive Health Access, Information and Services in Emergencies Initiative (RAISE) team. There she supported efforts in northern Uganda, Darfur, and South Sudan to provide displaced populations with excellent SRH services, as well as co-authored several publications, including with Assistant Professor Casey and RAISE founding Director Professor Emerita Therese McGinn. "For 15 years, Jenn devoted her life and career to helping women and girls affected by war and natural disaster; her impact on sexual and reproductive health justice was enormous," said HDPFH Professor and Department Chair Terry McGovern. "She embodied all that we hope for in our graduates: courage, compassion, and brilliance. We are honored to support a scholarship in her memory, within a department shaped by her efforts." In addition to her work with HDPFH, Jennifer was also a Senior Advisor on Emergency Preparedness and Response for FP2020, a global partnership within the United Nations Foundation that accelerates rights-based family planning use by leveraging the investments of governments, civil society, youth and donors. In this role, Jennifer focused on building bridges between humanitarian and development efforts and on integrating SRH services into national disaster preparedness planning. FP2020 has expanded into the newly branded partnership FP2030 and gifted the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund to HDPFH. Jennifer was also a member of the Women's Refugee Commission team for eight years, where she advocated for and conducted research on family planning access, adolescent reproductive health, and child marriage. The launch of the Scholarship coincides with Jennifer's birthday, in celebration of her life and of the lasting impact she had on the lives of women and girls globally. The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (HDPFH) addresses a wide range of challenges to health, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights, forced migration, gender justice, child and adolescent health, environmental justice, and complex health systems. HPDFH works to affirm that health is a basic human right by utilizing varied interdisciplinary scientific and technological approaches and a justice framework to understand factors undermining health and wellbeing to shift policy and practice. Combining knowledge of the impact of law and global governance on public health at the local level with complex health systems analysis and implementation science, HDPFH prevents and addresses public health threats in low-income, unstable, and inequitable environments globally. Researchers in the UK have presented a multi-omics integrated blood atlas that delineates the host immune response in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) of varying severity, providing a unique reference resource for the interpretation of datasets generated from interventional trials. Through the COvid-19 Multi-omics Blood ATlas (COMBAT) consortium, David Ahern from the University of Oxford and colleagues characterized COVID-19 of varying severity and identified immune signatures and correlates of host response. The team says that integrative approaches such as those applied here are essential to better differentiating COVID-19 patients according to disease severity, underlying pathophysiology and infectious etiology. Our systems-based integrative approach and blood atlas will inform future drug development, clinical trial design and personalized medicine approaches for COVID-19, write the researchers. A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. COVID-19 pathophysiology is highly heterogeneous between patients The pathophysiology induced by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the agent that causes COVID-19 involves a complex interplay between lung pathology and maladaptive immune system responses. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by hypoxia and can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure and death. Predisposing factors for severe disease include age, gender, ethnicity, obesity and comorbidities. Currently, targeted precision treatment approaches are limited by an incomplete understanding of the clinical heterogeneity among patients and of the potentially druggable immune mediators of disease. Complementary single cell compositional approaches reveal variance in specific cell populations by clinical group and severity (A) Study design, assay modalities and workflow. Table shows number of patients assayed, with number of samples in brackets where more than one sample assayed. *WHO severity categories show number of patients at time of sampling **single paired convalescent sample assayed for n=16 COVID-19 and n=3 sepsis patients; ***10 samples assayed (8 samples for paired acute-convalescent COVID-19 and 2 healthy). (B-G) Major cell populations in whole blood for clinical comparator groups assayed by single cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) showing (B,C) for non-depleted samples (3,893,390 cells) (B) cell frequencies (C) PCA with arrows indicating drivers of variation by cell population and (D) differential abundance analysis of CD66+ depleted whole blood (7,118,158 cells assayed) by patient group (E) multimodal identification and annotation of PBMC subpopulations based on curated intersection of CITE-seq data (F,G) UMAP showing joint visualization of CITE-seq and CyTOF datasets (using CITE-seq data as reference) (F) overlaid CITE-seq (ADT) and mass cytometry (G) cell annotations transferred between datasets and coloured by cell type where concordant (94.5% of cells) or discordant (grey). (H-K) CITE-seq compositional analysis of minor subsets (H,I) PCA for hospitalized COVID-19 cases (H) PC1 vs PC2 (I) analysis of loadings of minor subsets on PC1. (J) Differential abundance analysis between clinical groups (K) Covariate analysis for clinical, demographic and experimental variables for hospitalized COVID-19 cases (with BH adjusted ANOVA test for significance). What did the researchers do? Now, through the (COMBAT) consortium, Ahern and colleagues have used a comprehensive multi-omics blood atlas in patients with varying COVID-19 severity to identify cells, mediators and pathways that are hallmarks of increasing disease severity. To characterize the peripheral blood response to COVID-19, the researchers analyzed a prospective cohort of adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented to clinical services during February and March 2020 at the start of the UK pandemic and prior to any implementation of approved treatments or vaccination. The team recruited a prospective cohort of 116 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Oxford University Hospitals. Samples were collected during acute admission and from 28 days following hospital discharge of convalescent individuals. Results from these samples were compared with those from recovering COVID-19 cases in the community who had not required hospitalization, age-matched healthy volunteers, influenza cases requiring intensive care, and all-cause sepsis patients. What did they find? The teams comprehensive, multi-modal analysis of multiple well-defined patient cohorts and healthy volunteers identified blood hallmarks of COVID-19 severity and specificity involving particular immune cell populations, components of innate and adaptive immunity, and connectivity with the inflammatory response. The team found evidence for increased levels of activated CD8+ T cells and natural killer cell populations in cases of COVID-19 and failed clonal expansion in CD8+ T effector and central memory cells as disease severity increased. Proteomic analysis identified specific plasma cytokine and chemokine levels as biomarkers of severe disease, with evidence for the following as hallmarks: acute phase inflammation, complement activation, fibrin clots, proteases, serum amyloid, tissue necrosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis and cholesterol transport. Plasma protein signatures could be used to stratify patients The study revealed plasma protein signatures that can be used to stratify hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 into disease sub-phenotypes, with cluster membership associated with differential 28-day mortality. Patient stratification is important given the observed clinical heterogeneity within severe COVID-19. Such variability has historically been a major confounder of clinical trials for targeted immune therapy in other severe infections, writes the team. The researchers also found that the ratio of integrin alpha 4 (CD49d) to leukosialin (CD43) is specifically elevated in COVID-19 patients, including into recovery and during convalescence. Reduced CD43 expression has been shown to lead to neutrophil retention in the bloodstream and increased adherence to vessel walls, which may be linked to the enhanced thrombosis observed in COVID-19 patients. The CD49d:CD43 ratio may be an informative index score for neutrophil activities specific to COVID-19, suggests Ahern and colleagues. AP-1 p38 MAPK pathway upregulation was a specific feature of COVID-19 The analysis also identified upregulation of the AP-1 p38 MAPK pathway as a specific feature of COVID-19 disease across different immune subsets. Combined with evidence of proliferation and cytokine response in these populations, this supports systemic immune activation and proliferation as a hallmark specific to COVID-19, write the researchers. The team says this finding is in keeping with recent evidence that baricitinib improves the recovery of hospitalized patients. This drug has been shown to act upstream of AP-1 and to control macrophage inflammation and neutrophil recruitment in COVID-19. What are the implications of the findings? The researchers say the multi-omics integrated blood atlas presented here provides a unique reference resource for replication and meta-analysis for interpreting datasets generated from interventional trials and includes tools for direct visualization (https://mlv.combat.ox.ac.uk/). Integrative approaches such as we have applied here are essential to better differentiate COVID-19 patients according to disease severity, underlying pathophysiology and infectious etiology, writes Ahern and colleagues. This will be important as we seek novel therapeutic targets and the opportunity for a precision medicine approach to treatment that is appropriately timed and targeted to those patients most likely to benefit from a particular intervention, concludes the team. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. A new, noninvasive method for measuring brain blood flow with light has been developed by biomedical engineers and neurologists at the University of California, Davis, and used to detect brain activation. By splitting and then recombining a laser beam, the device is able to measure blood flow inside the brain. Image by LetPub. The new method, functional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy, or fiDWS, promises to be cheaper than existing technology and could be used for assessing brain injuries, or in neuroscience research. The work is published May 12 in Science Advances. Now we can assess how well the brain regulates blood flow, and even detect brain activation noninvasively in adult humans, using principles similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), but at a fraction of the cost." Vivek Srinivasan, Study Senior Author and Adjunct Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis The human brain makes up 2% of our body weight but takes 15% to 20% of blood flow from the heart. Measuring cerebral blood flow is important for diagnosing strokes, and for predicting secondary damage in subarachnoid hemorrhages or traumatic brain injuries. Doctors who provide neurological intensive care, would also like to monitor a patient's recovery by imaging brain blood flow and oxygenation. Existing technology is expensive and cannot be applied continuously or at the bedside. For example, current techniques to image cerebral blood flow require expensive MRI or computed tomography scanners. There are light-based technologies, such as near-infrared spectroscopy, but these also have drawbacks in accuracy. The new method takes advantage of the fact that near-infrared light can penetrate through body tissues. If you shine a near-infrared laser on someone's forehead, the light will be scattered many times by tissue, including blood cells. By picking up the fluctuation signal of the light that finds its way back out of the skull and scalp, you can get information about blood flow inside the brain. Naturally, that signal is extremely weak. Srinivasan and postdoctoral researcher Wenjun Zhou overcame that problem by making use of interferometry: the ability of light waves to superimpose, reinforcing or canceling one another. In particular, through interferometry, a strong light wave can boost a weak light wave by increasing its detected energy. Prefrontal cortex activation They first split the laser beam into "sample" and "reference" paths. The sample beam goes into the patient's head and the reference beam is routed so that it reconnects with the sample beam before going to the detector. Through interferometry, the stronger reference beam boosts the weak sample signal. This allowed the team to measure the output with the type of light-detecting chip found in digital cameras, instead of expensive photon counting detectors. They then use software to calculate a blood flow index for different locations in the brain. Srinivasan and Zhou worked with Dr. Lara Zimmerman, Dr. Ryan Martin and Dr. Bruce Lyeth at the UC Davis Department of Neurological Surgery to test the technology. They found that with this new technology, they could measure blood flow more rapidly and deeper below the surface than with current light-based technology. They could measure pulsating cerebral blood flow and could also detect changes when volunteers were given a mild increase in carbon dioxide. When volunteers were given a simple math problem, the researchers were able to measure activation of the prefrontal cortex through the forehead. Researchers in the UK have provided evidence that Pfizer-BioNTechs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine induces effective immune responses in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. The team from Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London and Kings College London say the findings are reassuring, given that concerns have arisen regarding the efficacy of such vaccines in immunosuppressed individuals, including those with hematological malignancy. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), in particular myelofibrosis (MF), are associated with heterogeneous immune defects which are influenced by patient age, disease subtype, and the use of cytoreductive therapies, write the researchers. Now, Patrick Harrington and colleagues report that of 21 patients with MPN who received the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTechs BNT162b2 vaccine, 18 (86%) exhibited neutralizing antibody activity against the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the agent that causes COVID-19. The spike protein is the main structure the virus uses to infect host cells and a primary target of neutralizing antibodies following natural infection or vaccination. Sixteen (76%) of the patients also exhibited a memory T cell response following vaccination. These results, for the first time, provide some reassurance regarding the initial immune response to the BNT162b2 vaccine amongst patients with MPN, with response rates similar to that observed in the general population, writes the team. A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. Concerns about vaccine effectiveness in immunocompromised individuals Phase 3 clinical trials of vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 have generated encouraging results, with the BNT162b2 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech having been shown to reduce infection rates by 95% in the general population. However, concerns have arisen regarding the efficacy of these vaccines in immunosuppressed populations, including individuals with hematological malignancy. MPN and particularly MF have been associated with a pro-inflammatory state and the dysregulation of natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, and effector T cell function These defects are further influenced by age, the use of cytoreductive therapies and the stage and subtype of disease. A recent large-scale population-based study reported that the incidence of both bacterial and viral infections was significantly increased among patients with MPN, irrespective of the use of cytoreductive therapies. Another large prospective study found that MF diagnosis and the use of ruxolitinib therapy were associated with an increased risk of infection among MPN patients. These studies highlight the importance of an effective vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2 in this population, says Harrington and the team. What did the researchers do? The researchers administered one dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine to 21 patients with a WHO-defined diagnosis of an MPN. They performed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to test for anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies at baseline and at a median of 21 days following vaccination. The induction of virus-specific T-cell responses and neutralizing antibodies was also assessed. What did they find? The team reports that vaccination was safe and generally well-tolerated. Twelve (57%) patients reported localized inflammation, and ten (47.6%) reported systemic side effects, including flu-like illness, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. A positive anti-spike IgG ELISA was observed in 16 (76%) patients following vaccination and neutralizing antibodies were detected in 18 (86%) patients. Furthermore, high titers of neutralizing antibodies were observed in nine (42.9%) patients. What about T cell responses? T cell analysis was performed in 20 patients, with a response considered positive if levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines increased 3-fold from baseline. A memory T cell response was observed in 16 (80%) patients, with a CD4+ T cell response observed in 15 (75%) individuals and a CD8+ T cell response observed in seven (35%). A polyfunctional T cell response was also observed in 13 (65%) of the patients. A memory T cell response may prove to be particularly important with regards to ongoing immunity against SARS-CoV-2, say the researchers. Our group has demonstrated a marked decline in neutralizing antibodies in the 3 months following infection, while a robust T cell response remains evident at 6 months post-infection. No significant differences in T cell or antibody responses were observed between patients receiving treatment and those undergoing active surveillance. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between patients taking ruxolitinib and those receiving other therapies. The team says the findings are reassuring The team says the findings are the first to provide some reassurance regarding the initial immune response to the BNT162b2 vaccine amongst patients with MPN, with response rates similar to that observed in the general population. However, further analyses of the immune response to the second injection of BNT162b2, as well as the response to other vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, are clearly required, writes Harrington and colleagues. Longitudinal studies will also need to assess the durability of these responses and confirm that vaccination translates into a reduction in cases in this population, they conclude. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. UCLA life scientists have identified six "words" that specific immune cells use to call up immune defense genes -- an important step toward understanding the language the body uses to marshal responses to threats. In addition, they discovered that the incorrect use of two of these words can activate the wrong genes, resulting in the autoimmune disease known as Sjogren's syndrome. The research, conducted in mice, is published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Immunity (Cell Press). Cells have evolved an immune response code, or language. We have identified some words in that language, and we know these words are important because of what happens when they are misused. Now we need to understand the meaning of the words, and we are making rapid progress. It's as exciting as when archaeologists discovered the Rosetta stone and could begin to read Egyptian hieroglyphs." Alexander Hoffmann, Study Senior Author and Thomas M. Asher Professor of Microbiology and Director of the Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, University of California -Los Angeles Immune cells in the body constantly assess their environment and coordinate their defense functions by using words -- or signaling codons, in scientific parlance -- to tell the cell's nucleus which genes to turn on in response to invaders like pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Each signaling codon consists of several successive actions of a DNA binding protein that, when combined, elicit the proper gene activation, in much the same way that successive electrical signals through a telephone wire combine to produce the words of a conversation. The researchers focused on words used by macrophages, specialized immune cells that rid the body of potentially harmful particles, bacteria and dead cells. Using advanced microscopy techniques, they "listened" to macrophages in healthy mice and identified six specific codon-words that correlated to immune threats. They then did the same with macrophages from mice that contained a mutation akin to Sjogren's syndrome in humans to determine whether this disease results from the defective use of these words. "Indeed, we found defects in the use of two of these words," Hoffmann said. "It's as if instead of saying, 'Respond to attacker down the street,' the cells are incorrectly saying, 'Respond to attacker in the house.'" The findings, the researchers say, suggest that Sjogren's doesn't result from chronic inflammation, as long thought, but from a codon-word confusion that leads to inappropriate gene activation, causing the body to attack itself. The next step will be to find ways of correcting the confused word choices. Many diseases are related to miscommunication in cells, but this study, the scientists say, is the first to recognize that immune cells employ a language, to identify words in that language and to demonstrate what can happen when word choice goes awry. Hoffman hopes the team's discovery will serve as a guide to the discovery of words related to other diseases. The immune system at war: words and codes How are immune cells so effective at mounting a response that is specific and appropriate to each pathogen? The answer, Hoffman says, lies in "signaling pathways," the communication channels that link immune cells' receptor molecules -- which sense the presence of pathogens -- with different kinds of defense genes. The transcription factor NFB is one of these signaling pathways and is recognized as a central regulator of immune cell responses to pathogen threats. "The macrophage is capable of responding to different types of pathogens and mounting different kinds of defenses. The defense units -- army, navy, air force, special operations -- are mediated by groups of genes," he said. "For each immune threat, the right groups of genes must be mobilized. That requires precise and reliable communication with those units about the nature of the threat. NFB dynamics provide the communication code. We identified the words in this code, but we don't yet fully understand how each defense unit interprets the various combinations of the codon-words." And of course, calling up the wrong unit is not only ineffective, Hoffmann notes, but may do damage, as vehicles destroy roads, accidents happen and worse, as in the case of Sjogren's and, possibly, other diseases. Algorithms, computers and calculus: identifying the six words For the study, the scientists analyzed how more than 12,000 cells communicate in response to 27 immune threat conditions. Based on the possible arrangement of temporal NFB dynamics, they generated a list of more than 900 potential "words" -- analogous to all combinations of three-letter words with a vowel for the second letter. Then, using an algorithm originally developed in the 1940s for the telecommunications industry, they monitored which of the potential words tended to show up when macrophages responded to a stimulus, such as a pathogen-derived substance. They discovered that six specific dynamical features, or "words," were most frequently correlated with that response. An analogy would be listening to someone in a conversation and finding that certain three-letter words tend to be used, such as "the," "boy," "toy," and "get," but not "biy" or "bey," said lead author Adewunmi Adelaja, who earned his Ph.D. in Hoffmann's laboratory and is now working toward his M.D. at UCLA. The team then used a machine learning algorithm to model the immune response of macrophages. If they taught a computer the six words, they asked, would it be able to recognize the stimulus when computerized versions of cells were "talking?" They confirmed that it could. Drilling down further, they explored what would happen if the computer only had five words available. They found that the computer made more mistakes in recognizing the stimulus, leading the team to conclude that all six words are required for reliable cellular communication. The scientists also used calculus to study the biochemical molecular interactions inside the immune cells that produce the words. Hoffmann and his colleagues revealed in the journal Science in 2014 how and why the immune system's B cells respond only to true threats. In a study published in Cell in 2013, his team showed for the first time that it was possible to correct a cellular miscommunication involving the connection of receptors to genes during inflammation without severe side effects. Scientists at Scripps Research have unveiled a new Ebola virus vaccine design, which they say has several advantages over standard vaccine approaches for Ebola and related viruses that continue to threaten global health. In the new design, described in a paper in Nature Communications, copies of the Ebola virus outer spike protein, known as the glycoprotein, are tethered to the surface of a spherical carrier particle. The resulting structure resembles the spherical appearance of common RNA viruses that infect humans--and is starkly different from the snake-like shape of the Ebola virus. The scientists say the design is intended to stimulate a better protective immune response than standard vaccine approaches, which often expose the immune system to individual glycoproteins rather than realistic-looking virus particles. In designing the vaccine, the researchers also modified the outer spike protein to be more stable than the normal, "wild-type" version found in actual Ebola virus. In tests in mice and rabbits, they showed that this stabilized version elicited virus-neutralizing antibodies more strongly than the wild-type glycoprotein used in prior Ebola vaccine approaches. Here, we did a step-by-step investigation of glycoprotein stability and how that affects the vaccine's ability to elicit antibodies. In the end, we were able to develop a really promising vaccine design." Jiang Zhu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research Institute Zhu is the inventor of the vaccine. Continued viral threat Ebola virus is endemic in various African bat species and can jump to humans, causing outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates. The largest known outbreak of occurred in West Africa during 2013-2016, killing more than 11,000 people. About two decades ago, Canadian researchers developed a vaccine against Zaire ebolavirus, more commonly known as Ebola virus. The vaccine, which was later licensed to a major pharma company and is called rVSV-ZEBOV, uses a live virus--vesicular stomatitis virus--which has been modified to include the gene for the Ebola virus glycoprotein. When injected, the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine infects cells and produces copies of the glycoprotein, eliciting an immune response to protect against future exposure to Ebola virus. Tests in Africa amid the aforementioned outbreak suggested it worked well and it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2019. However, those tests lacked placebo groups and other standard features of typical large-scale phase-III trials. Thus, questions remain on true efficacy. In developing their new ebolavirus vaccine design, Zhu and his team focused on the relative instability of the glycoprotein structure as a potential factor in vaccine effectiveness. They investigated the molecular sources of this instability in detail, and eventually came up with a set of modifications that greatly stabilize the glycoprotein. In mice and rabbits, their modified glycoprotein elicited a more potent neutralizing antibody response against two different ebolaviruses--the Makona strain of Ebola virus and the Uganda strain of Bundibugyo ebolavirus--and compared those with the wild-type glycoprotein. The team's design also included special protein segments that self-assemble tightly into a ball-shaped "nanoparticle" that support multiple glycoproteins on their surface. This nanoparticle-based structure presents the glycoproteins to the immune system similar to common human viruses, and thus the body has learned to recognize the spherical particles. "Think of our nanoparticle as your sport vehicle, with a roof rack that carries a mountain bike and a trunk where you stow your clothes, gears and food," Zhu explains. "The only difference here is that the Ebola virus spike is your mountain bike, and the locking domains and T-cell epitopes are your stuff in the trunk. We call that a multilayered design." A new approach This nanoparticle design is distinctively different from other nanoparticle platforms. Zhu explains that in his team's design, the genetic codes of the optimized glycoprotein, the nanoparticle-forming unit, the locking domain and the T-cell epitope are all contained in a single piece of DNA. In cells, this DNA generates a single protein chain that can self-assemble, forming the right structure and associating with other identical chains to create a virus-like protein ball with multiple layers. "The idea is that the all-in-one design simplifies the manufacturing process and drives the vaccine cost lower," Zhu says. His team already has used the nanoparticle platform to create a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which has shown in animal models that it can induce a powerful antibody response to both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. It also has shown to be effective against variants. For Ebola virus, the nanoparticle-based vaccines showed far better results in mouse and rabbit virus-neutralization tests that tests that used only glycoproteins to stimulate immune response. Inoculating animals with the Ebola wild-type glycoprotein, which tends to fall apart, led to signs suggesting a vaccine phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement--in which a vaccine elicits not only virus-neutralizing antibodies, but also antibodies that paradoxically increase the virus's ability to infect cells. The researchers found that their best nanoparticle-based designs only minimally elicit these bad antibodies. "There are a lot of things in the Ebola virus vaccine field that still need to be examined carefully, but in this study, we ended up with two nanoparticle-based designs that seem very suitable for further optimization and testing," Zhu says. He says the vaccine approach can be extended to other members of the same virus family, such as Marburg virus, which is also a major threat. Ebolaviruses and marburgvirus both belong to a group of viruses, known as filoviruses, that have a bizarre thread-like shape when seen under a microscope. The study also included atomic-level crystal structures on the modified glycoproteins, which was done in collaboration with the laboratory of Ian Wilson, DPhil, the Hansen Professor of Structural Biology and Chair of the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology. Against the background of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, huge disruptions have occurred in healthcare access, social interactions and economic activity. Vaccines have been developed at a highly accelerated pace to end the suffering earlier and at a lower cost than would be achievable by allowing the virus to take its course. However, the dosage, the immunization schedule, the duration and the breadth of resulting immunity are still matters of study even as over a dozen vaccines are already under emergency use nationwide in many different countries the world over. The logistical difficulties, delay in vaccine supplies, and shortage of manufactured doses have combined to slow the rate of vaccination to the point that it appears unlikely that adequate global coverage will be accomplished within the next two years. A recent report on the medRxiv* preprint server suggests that a single dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine could elicit higher titers of neutralizing antibodies, effectively acting as a booster dose, in people who have already been infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and transport temperatures, unlike the mRNA vaccines, though it must be stored at fridge temperatures (2-8oC). Study aim The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, developed on a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) platform, have shown the ability to induce impressive protective antibody responses against the virus after a single dose in a previously infected person. Prior infection is associated with the development of immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies directed against the spike, as well as neutralizing antibody titers equivalent to or even higher than those elicited by two doses of the vaccine. This holds true for both the UK variant B.1.1.7 and the South African variant B.1.351. This has led to the consideration that a single dose of vaccine is adequate for this group, and a second dose may be, in fact, more likely to induce vaccine-related side effects. The same has not been reported to any large extent with the Oxford vaccine, which is built on an adenovirus vector platform. Therefore, two doses of the latter are still required in current vaccination protocols, even if the recipient has a history of prior infection. The current study, therefore, reports the results of a comparison between IgG antibodies to the viral spike antigen, and the neutralizing capacity of these antibodies, towards wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and three variants of concern (VOCs). These comprise the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P1 (Brazil) variant. Details of the study The comparison cohorts consisted of healthcare workers with and without a history of prior COVID-19. The comparison was made between two doses of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 and one dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Both cohorts that received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine had a median age of 52 and were predominantly female. One cohort had a history of infection; the other was naive. Another pair of cohorts included those who received a single dose of the Oxford vaccine after prior natural infection with SARS-CoV-2. One group was less than 11 months from the infection at the date of vaccination, while the other had been infected before this. Two control groups included unvaccinated previously infected individuals and unvaccinated individuals without evidence of prior infection. What were the findings? The study shows high levels of spike-targeting IgG and neutralizing antibodies in all cases, after a single dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, whether the person had been previously infected with the wildtype strain or with the other variants. This also holds true whether the infection occurred within or beyond 11 months prior to the date of vaccination. The antibody titers and neutralizing activity were similar or even higher than those elicited in those who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Spike-specific IgG responses against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and variants following two doses BNT162b2 in individuals with or without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or one dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. A) Spike-specific IgG responses against wild type (A), B.1.1.7 (B), B.1.351 (C) and P1 (D). Numbers above each cluster indicate median AU/ml. Lines indicate medians with interquartile ranges. AU; arbitrary units, mpi; months post infection, ns; non-significant, *; p<0.05, **; p<0,01 ***; p<0.001, ****; p<0.0001. What are the implications? The researchers conclude that one dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in a previously infected recipient is an effective booster of the specific immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2 when administered 11 or more months after natural infection. The elicited antibody titer and neutralizing activity are comparable to that observed after two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. This could help stretch available doses to twice the eligible population and thus protect a greater proportion of people against symptomatic and severe disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. (Newser) A disturbing find was made as a Royal Australian Navy destroyer docked in San Diego on Saturday: Two dead whalesone of them as long as a tractor-trailerhad been stuck to its hull, CNN reports. The endangered fin whales, one 65 feet long and the other 25 feet, became dislodged as the HMAS Sydney berthed at Naval Base San Diego. The carcasses were secured with booms ahead of their removal, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. In a statement, the Australian navy said it "takes marine mammal safety seriously and is disheartened this incident occurred." story continues below The 481-foot ship's hull extends more than 23 feet below the waterline, according to the Australian navy. It has been conducting joint exercises with the US Navy in the area since early last month. John Calambokidis, research biologist at the Cascadia Research Collective, tells ABC10 that the incident is "sad, but it's also not surprising." He says whale strikes are often not detected until the ship slows down. "In the vast majority of cases I'm familiar with, the ship is unaware of having struck the whale," he says. Calambokidis says the fin whale's size, and its habit of feeding and resting near the surface, makes it vulnerable to ship strikes. He says that the incidents could be unrelated, but it's "also possible this is a mother and calf from the size distribution." (Read more fin whales stories.) (Newser) When Ellen DeGeneres starting getting a lot of bad press last year, Dakota Johnson fans said an awkward exchange during a 2019 interview was the "beginning of the end" for the talk show host. After DeGeneres confirmed Wednesday that her show is ending after its upcoming 19th season, many commentators said Johnson deserved credit, the Los Angeles Times reports. During the interview, Johnson called DeGeneres out for lying about not having been invited to her birthday party. "The moral of this story is if Dakota Johnson invites you to her birthday party you need to be truthful about that, tweeted Yearly Departed executive producer Bess Kalb. story continues below "My good sis called Ellen out on a lie and her life has been in disarray ever since," tweeted writer Clarkisha Kent. "I hope shes having an AMAZING DAY." BuzzFeed rounds up more reactions to DeGeneres' announcement. The host lost viewers and ad revenue after allegations of a toxic workplace surfaced last year. In her opening monologue Wednesday, DeGeneres said she had decided to "trust her instincts," Deadline reports. "My instinct told me its time," she said. "As a comedian, Ive always understood the importance of timing." She will sit down with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday to say more about the decision, Fox reports. (Read more Ellen DeGeneres stories.) (Newser) The number of people who've experienced a rare blood clotting disorder after receiving the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine is now up to 28, the CDC announced Wednesday. Previously, 15 cases had been confirmed, all of them in women. The new cases include six men, the New York Times reports. (A single case from the J&J clinical trial was also male, and not included in the previous numbers.) Of the 28, three died, and four are still hospitalized, one of whom is in the ICU. All three deaths had already been documented at the CDC's meeting last month. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which use different technology, have not been linked to any cases of the disorder. A CNN analysis finds that the risk of dying from COVID-19 is still 40 times greater than the risk of developing the blood clot disorder. story continues below All the cases are in people ages 18 to 59 who received the vaccine before federal health authorities paused the vaccine for 10 days to review the risks. Women between the ages of 30 and 49 are most at risk, officials say, though they stress that the overall risk is still quite low. More than 9 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the US. The disorder, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, involves patients developing blood clots (often in the brain) and low levels of platelets, which are parts of blood that help it to clot in order to stop bleeding. Of the 28 people affected, 12 had obesity, seven had high blood pressure, three had diabetes, and three were taking estrogen. (The move comes as Canada's largest province halted AstraZeneca shots for the same reason.) (Newser) Three women have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing the former California home of a former police officer who testified on behalf of Derek Chauvin. Police say the women splashed pig blood on the Santa Rosa home and left a pig's head near the front porch. Rowan Dalbey, 20, Kristen Aumoithe, 34, and Amber Lucas, 35, all of Santa Rosa, were arrested Tuesday on felony vandalism and conspiracy charges, the AP reports. They were cited and released, Santa Rosa Police spokeswoman Lt. Jeneane Kucker said Wednesday. After targeting the home on April 17, the women also allegedly smeared pig blood on a statue in Santa Rosa Plaza and left a picture of a pig reading "Oink Oink." They have also been charged with that vandalism, Kucker said. story continues below Kucker said detectives believe there are additional possible suspects and are asking the community to help identify them. The home in the city north of San Francisco once belonged to Barry Brodd, a retired police officer who was on the stand in the murder trial against Chauvin, who was convicted of murder and manslaughter last month in the death of George Floyd. Brodd, a former Santa Rosa police officer, testified at the murder trial that he believes Chauvins restraint of Floyd was in keeping with proper police practice. (Read more Derek Chauvin stories.) (Newser) A Maine toddler who wandered into his parents' room Wednesday morning ended up accidentally shooting them and injuring himself, cops say, but luckily, all three are expected to recover. The 2-year-old boy apparently spotted a gun, which was loaded, on one of the nightstands in the family's home in West Bath, picked it up, and fired it once, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry tells WGME. That one shot did some real damage, though: The little boy's mother was hit in the leg, the dad was shot in the back of the head, and the 2-year-old himself was hurt in the face when the gun recoiled, Merry says, per WMTW. story continues below The three were rushed to a local hospital, where they were found to have non-life-threatening injuries. The couple has another child, a 3-week-old who was also in the room but not hurt, and the baby is now being cared for by the grandmother, who lives with the family. "How the boy was able to pick up and fire the weapon is of great concern and is being investigated," Merry says. "This situation, while disturbing, could have had an even more tragic ending." The incident has put new focus on the Maine Gun Safety Coalition's push to pass a state law that would criminalize leaving a loaded weapon out that a child subsequently uses, per WGME. An "absolute crisis," is how the group's director described Wednesday's shooting. (Read more shooting stories.) (Newser) Officials say it's a miracle no one was injured after two planes collided in Colorado on Wednesday, especially as one plane appeared to have been nearly split in two. The small planes collided over Cherry Creek State Park around 10:25am while trying to land. The pilot and lone occupant of a Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner operated by Key Lime Air landed safely at Centennial Airport near Denver, 4 miles to the south of where the second plane, a Cirrus SR22, crash-landed, though photos showed a massive hole near the Metroliner's rear. The Cirrus deployed a parachute and dropped to the ground "nice and slow" before two occupants exited unharmed, Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office tells CNN. "You expect something a lot worse. This was amazing," he adds. "We've had several plane crashes in our jurisdiction, never have we seen a parachute be deployed and bring the plane down safely." story continues below The planes had been cleared to land on parallel runways at Centennial, "one of the nation's busiest general aviation airports," reports the Colorado Sun. It adds that air traffic control warned the Cirrus' pilot that the Metroliner was close by. A woman who was walking in the park told KUSA that she saw what she thought was a plane being towed by "a larger green plane," the Metroliner. She then heard a noise and saw the smaller red plane deploy its parachute. A longtime pilot who landed at the airport just minutes before the collision told KUSA that Cirrus aircraft come equipped with a ballistic rocket-fired parachute. "If this was any other aircraft other than a Cirrus that was involved in this midair collision, there would be at least two people that lost lives," he said. Debris covered a large area but didn't hit anyone, per KCNC. The FAA and NTSB are investigating. (Read more plane crash stories.) (Newser) Angie Yen grew up in Australia, but she doesn't sound like it. For the last two weeks, the 27-year-old has been speaking with an Irish accent, and not out of choice. Indeed, the Brisbane dentist, who's never been to Ireland, couldnt have told you what an Irish accent sounded like until a world-traveling friend told her it was precisely what was coming out of her mouth. Yen was singing in the shower 10 days after undergoing tonsil surgery when she first noticed changes in her voice. "I was singing notes that I didnt think I could hit before, even though my throat was quite sore," she tells 7News. "I knew something wasn't right." While she hasnt been officially diagnosed, Yen says she and her primary doctor suspect she's suffering from foreign accent syndromea bizarre speech disorder known to affect 80 people worldwide, according to a 2018 study. story continues below It's marked by "difficulty in moving or coordinating the muscles that we use to produce speech," which "causes inaccuracies," particularly with the sounds of vowels, one expert tells 7News. The condition is usually associated with stroke or brain injury. However, an Oregon woman awoke from dental surgery with an accent described as part Irish, part South African, and part Transylvanian. Yen's case is different in that "everything was normal" until well after her tonsillectomy. "I grew up here I went to school here, and [now] I feel like I don't really belong," she says, per ABC Australia. Sky News reports her Australian accent did return, but only for a short spurt. "Today I tried as hard as I can to talk normally, and no, it's full Irish," she says in a video posted to TikTok, where she's been sharing her experience. In another video, Yen gets "tipsy" to show the Irish accent sticks. (A Texas woman spoke with a British accent after jaw surgery.) (Newser) Two of the most high-profile members of the Houseone on the left, the other on the rightare the focus of a flurry of news coverage on Thursday. The headlines came after GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia confronted New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as the latter was leaving the House chamber. Coverage: The Washington Post reports that Greene shouted, "Hey Alexandria" twice and, when AOC didn't stop walking, began shouting questions such as, "Why do you support terrorists and antifa?" She also labeled Black Lives Matter as a "terrorist" group and accused AOC of being afraid to defend her "radical socialist" beliefs in a debate. AOC turned around once and threw her hands in the air "in an exasperated motion," per the Post. Later, an AOC spokesperson said Greene "tried to begin an argument" with AOC, and when the latter "tried to walk away, Congresswoman Greene began screaming and called Rep. Ocasio-Cortez a terrorist sympathizer." Added spokeswoman Lauren Hitt: "We hope leadership and the Sergeant at Arms will take real steps to make Congress a safe, civil place for all Members and staffespecially as many offices are discussing reopening." story continues below Greene called AOC a "chicken" after the incident. And on Twitter on Thursday, she wrote, "'Ms. Defund The Police' wants to call the police for security bc shes afraid of debating with me about her socialist (Green New Deal.)" The Hill notes that Greene challenged AOC to a debate last month on the plan. In her Thursday tweet, Greene called AOC "a fraud & a hypocrite." This isn't Greene's first run-in with a congressional colleague. Democratic Rep. Cori Bush moved her office away from Greene's after accusing Greene and her staff of berating her in a hallway. Greene said it was the other way around. NBC News notes that the new confrontation meshes with Greene's style of accosting political opponents verbally and in public. Before becoming a member of Congress, she posted a video of one such encounter with teenage gun-control advocate David Hogg outside the Capitol. (Greene was stripped of her House committee assignments earlier this year in part because of her previous support of QAnon conspiracy theories.) (Newser) Colonial Pipeline said this week it had no intention of paying ransom to the hackers who crippled its fuel shipments. So how did the company manage to begin restoring operations on Wednesday? As it turns out, Colonial paid a ransom after all, reports Bloomberg. The outlet says the company shelled out $5 million in unspecified cryptocurrency hours after the attack. In return, Colonial received a decrypting tool, though one so slow that the company continues to use its own systems as well, per the story. US government officials are aware of the payment, adds Bloomberg. The founder of cybersecurity firm LIFARS tells the outlet that $5 million is "very low" for this kind of thing, but he speculates the hackersidentified as the group DarkSide from Russia or Eastern Europemay have gotten nervous because of the chaos their hack unleashed. story continues below Even though Colonial began resuming normal operations on Wednesday, people in southeastern states should brace for gasoline shortages to last for at least another week, reports Politico. While the company said deliveries should begin reaching all affected regions on Thursday, there will be "about 7-14 days of headaches if you need fuel in GA, NC, SC or VA," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan tweeted Thursday morning. Richard Joswick, global head of oil analytics at S&P Global Platts, expressed a similar sentiment, per the AP: We are not out of the woods yet, but the trees are thinning out." (Some drivers were resorting to not-so-bright methods.) (Newser) This is not the legal development Matt Gaetz had been hoping for in Florida: His associate Joel Greenberg is expected to plead guilty on Monday in federal court, reports the Orlando Sentinel. While no details have surfaced about the deal, it raises the prospect that Greenberg will testify against Gaetz, the firebrand Republican congressman who is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. Gaetz has not been charged with anything yet, but CNN reports that prosecutors are investigating whether he violated sex-trafficking, prostitution, and public corruption laws. The most damning accusation against both men involves the sex-trafficking of a 17-year-old girl, per the Washington Post. Greenberg, the former Seminole County tax collector before his resignation, faces a slew of other charges and has been cooperating to reduce his sentence. story continues below Im sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable, Greenberg attorney Fritz Scheller said last month when news first emerged of a possible plea deal. Among other things, Greenberg has been accused of procuring women for Gaetz and himself, and later giving them money or gifts. Both men are alleged to have had sex with the 17-year-old, though Gaetz denies it. The charges against Greenberg go far beyond the Gaetz allegations. He is accused of stealing from his own office, smearing a political rival with fake evidence about sexual abuse, pulling over a woman for speeding while wearing a badge, and more. (Gaetz maintains that the allegations against him are politically motivated.) (Newser) For the first time, a service member on active duty has been charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. Marine Maj. Christopher Warnagiris was arrested Thursday, the Justice Department said, accused of forcing his way into the building. The charges against Warnagiris, 40, include assaulting, resisting or impeding officers; obstruction of law enforcement; and obstruction of justice, USA Today reports. The Justice Department said he broke through police officers blocking the East Rotunda doors. Warnagiris can be seen on video holding the door to let other rioters inside, at one point shoving a Capitol Police officer who tried to close the door, the department said. His service record lists combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. Warnagiris is a field artillery officer on the training staff at Marine Corps Base Quantico outside the capital. story continues below Video from DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone's body camera shows him screaming and pleading with rioters while they assaulted him outside the Capitol during the attack. "I have kids," he told them at one point. CNN showed the previously unreleased footage Wednesday night. After one rioter can be heard saying, "I got one," another says: "Don't hurt him. We're better than this." Fanone was tased and knocked unconscious during the assault. When the officer regained consciousness, he asked, "Did we take the door back?" Fanone had a heart attack and suffered a concussion in the attack. He was left with a traumatic brain injury and has post-traumatic stress disorder. The video can be watched here. (Read more Capitol attack stories.) (Newser) Gal Gadot, movie star and Israeli military veteran, turned off comments after tweeting a plea Wednesday about the Israel-Hamas conflict that struck some as one-sided. "Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation," she posted. "Our neighbors deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families. I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we can live side by side in peace." A few Twitter users of the thousands who responded accused Gadot of supporting ethnic cleansing and genocide, Deadline reports. Others criticized her generic label of "neighbors," per Variety. story continues below Gadot, who served the required two years in the Israeli Defense Forces, also was accused of promoting Israeli propaganda. Other responses said a call for peace shouldn't be criticized. "My heart breaks," Gadot wrote. "My country is at war." Her social media comments have led to disputes in the past, including an exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2019. Lebanon wouldn't allow Wonder Woman to be released there because of Gadot's nationality. Last year, her celebrity-filled effort to instill hope during the pandemican "Imagine" singalongwas less than a hit. (Read more Gal Gadot stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region The North seems to feel duped by South Korea after several summits with the U.S. that Moon brokered led to no easing of international sanctions. North Korea has pointedly left pictures of recent summits with President Moon Jae-in out of a book celebrating the alleged diplomatic achievements of leader Kim Jong-un. The book pictures Kim rubbing shoulders with world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. It describes the 2018 U.S.-North Korea summit as a "miraculous" meeting that "wrote a new history" in bilateral relations. Pictures show Kim and Trump shaking hands, sitting face-to-face at a meeting, signing a joint statement as well as the meeting hall, commemorative coins, stamps and foreign press clippings. It even describes the abortive 2019 U.S.-North Korea summit in Hanoi as the "historic second reunion." And although Trump's brief meeting with Kim at the border truce village of Panmunjom four months later is celebrated over 10 pages, none of them show Moon, who was also there. Naturally there is also no mention of Moon's pilgrimage to Pyongyang in 2018, where he was feted by thousands. This is not the first time that North Korea has expunged Moon from accounts of Kim's feats. He gets no mention at all in a biography of Kim published in March this year, and footage of him was edited out of a propaganda documentary on Kim's diplomatic activities. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, stops foreign-flagged cruise ships from penalization for transporting passengers directly between two U.S. ports circumventing the usual stopover in Canada. This allows the first large cruise ships to sail between Seattle and Alaska in more than a year. Photo Courtesy of Royal Caribbean. Click here to get the full weekly calendar of events or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. In this screenshot of the Nenana Ice Classic cam taken Friday, April 30, 2021, you can see a lead has opened on the Tanana River. That was enough to move the tripod, which triggered the clock. Newsmax TV anchor Greg Kelly speaks with former Lathrop High School teacher Connie Gardner Tuesday, May 11, 2021, about Gardener being place on leave after a discussion in her classroom about George Floyd. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain continues to unflinchingly support Arab and Islamic issues, including mainly the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem. Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh underlined the Kingdoms firm stance towards the Palestinian issue and its continuous call on the Israeli government to prevent its forces from attacking worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque. He was speaking during an emergency session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), which convened remotely yesterday at a request by AIPU President Saqr Ghobash, the Speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates. The AIPU meeting, held to discuss developments in Jerusalem and the attacks on the Palestinian brethren, was attended by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit as well as Speakers of Arab parliaments. Addressing the session, the Shura Council Chairman affirmed the kingdoms strong condemnation of the Israeli forces attacks to force citizens in Jerusalem out of their homes in Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood and the attack on worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque. He stressed the need to stop such practices against citizens in Jerusalem and protect them from any aggression. Al Saleh said that the reprehensible plans to impose Israeli sovereignty undermine the efforts and opportunities to promote peace in the region and achieve security and stability. He added this contradicts the resolutions of the international legitimacy and law and contravenes the values of tolerance, coexistence and peace. Khaleej Times | Dubai The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The new Covid-19 variant that is believed to have originated in India has already been reported in Bahrain, Jordan, and Morocco, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official told Khaleej Times. Dr Amgad El Kholy, an epidemiologist with WHO, said the Indian variant was reported in three countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region and urged for more studies to understand the spread of this variant of the contagion. We need more targeted sequencing to be done --- and to be shared --- in India and elsewhere so we know how much of this variant is circulating, said Dr ElKholy while advocating adherence to preventive measures. The United Nations (UN) health agency on Wednesday said the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19, known as the Indian variant had been detected in more than 4,500 samples uploaded to an open-access database from 44 countries in all six WHO regions. The variant has also been detected in five additional countries, the agency said. There is no evidence yet of the variant found in the UAE yet. Last week, WHO classified the Indian variant as a Variant of Concern (VoC) owing to evidence of increased transmissibility. There has been an increasing rate of detection of this variant, along with a surge in Covid-19 cases in parts of India. However, the relative contribution of this variant in the rapid increase of cases in the country remains unclear, said Dr El Khory. He said other factors such as recent large gatherings, cocirculating variants like B.1.1.7 and B.1.618, etc may also have contributed to the rise. It's also unclear whether reports of high mortality are due to increased severity of the variant, to straining of health system capacity due to the rapid increase in cases, or both. Based on what we know so far, vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics continue to be effective at preventing disease and death in people infected with this variant, he added. On the question of whether the countries in the region, including the UAE, have to take extra precautions, the WHO official said, No extra precautions are requested, but full adherence to and implementation of the standard public health measures and preventive practices. Dr Gunjan Mahajan, a specialist clinical pathologist at Burjeel Hospital, Dubai, said the highly contagious triple-mutant Covid-19 variant spreading in India poses a global health threat as it's being stipulated that it might be more infectious as compared to previous reported VoC. This variant might escape the current vaccines, and changes to vaccine design would be needed to make them more effective. However, the available vaccinations are expected to curb disease spread and prevent severe disease. Hence, it's imperative first to get vaccinated and follow the precautionary measures, said Dr Mahajan. Dr Sunil Vyas, a pulmonologist, Aster Hospital, Dubai, said the vaccines are seemingly effective against the new variant as infection rates in vaccinated individuals are very less. And those who got infected after being administered the jab didn't develop severe symptoms, he added. It's important that people take vaccination for Covid-19 and that should be good enough to be protected against this variant as well. People in UAE should also be concerned and prepared, and continue to follow guidelines as per the order. This will definitely make UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries prepared, said Dr Vyas. He added that since the majority of the population has been vaccinated, the severity and chances of people contracting SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, would be less, even if there is a wave of the Indian variant in the UAE and the country is well prepared to tackle the viral scourge. DANBURY Baki Izzat came to Western Connecticut State University with a self-proclaimed identity crisis. But Izzat a first-generation Pakistani American and Muslim woman said she didnt have to tackle this alone. Thanks to small class sizes and one-one-one support from her professors, she said flourished at WestConn. Im graduating into a world of doing what I love, said Izzat, who is set to earn a degree in political science this weekend. Without these hardworking professors connecting with me, I wouldnt have been able to do any of that. But students like Izzat and professors argued those close relationships would be at jeopardy under the faculty contract the Board of Regents has proposed. Roughly 60 people many faculty in red shirts representing their union CSU-AAUP protested the proposals on Western Connecticut State Universitys Midtown campus on Thursday afternoon. It was the final stop on what John OConnor, an associate professor of sociology at Central Connecticut State University and vice president of the CSU-AAUP, called the Board of Regents can go straight to hell tour. Highlighting their point was a 14-foot inflatable skunk, Skunkzilla, with a sign that read Regents proposals stink. The proposals are only a starting point for the Board of Regents and union, said Leigh Appleby, spokesman for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. We are confident that we will ultimately come to a reasonable contract that enables our management team, including the campus leaders who helped craft our proposals, to provide excellent education and services that students can afford and that can be sustained in every community, Appleby said in an email. Coming out of the pandemic, it is imperative that we hold down expenses and not increase tuition costs for students. The Board of Regents froze tuition and most mandatory fees for next academic year. Appleby said the boards proposal would not jeopardize the universities accreditation a claim the union has made. Speakers argued the proposal goes against what the vision should be for the CSCU system. Its not really about sabbaticals, OConnor said. Its not about professional development. Its not about raises. Of course, we want all of those things and we deserve all of those things and were going to win all of those things. Instead, the union is fighting to show that the CSCU system belongs to its diverse student body, not the board, he said. The CSCU system is ours, OConnor said. Its not the play thing of some empty suits. It's about students and faculty together. We are not spreadsheets. We are not bottom lines and we are not reserves. We fight because our students deserve nothing less than a first-class university. Speakers suggested the boards plan would limit the amount of time professors have with their students. James Cantafio, who is graduating from WestConn this weekend with a bachelors degree in meteorology, said his professors invested in his growth as a learner, as well his mental health. An educator should always be there for their students, said Cantafio, who is pursuing a master of arts in teaching at Southern Connecticut State University in the fall. We only can expect educators to do that for our students if they are able to commit that time and that energy. But Appleby said some of the unions requests would reduce faculty teaching workload and increase their time away from the classrooms. These demands would not just have a significant negative impact on the students we serve, but would increase costs to run the universities and by extension tuition paid by students and their families, he said. These demands come at a time when neither the state universities or our students can afford such an increase and when the faculty and student engagement is a critical piece to rebuilding our enrollment and serving our students. Hannah Reynolds, an assistant professor in WestConns biology department, conducts research with students on human and animal diseases, among other studies. She said students have gained valuable skills that have helped them in their careers. Researching and teaching at Western are innately intertwined, she said. Howell Williams, assistant professor of political science, said the proposal would prevent professors from exercising academic freedom, which could hurt how they teach political issues. It would also affect him as gay man, he said. I do not leave my identity at home, he said. Its an important part of my teaching. Academic freedom also protects my ability to address social inequality in personal terms without these protections, I would feel vulnerable in my ability to advocate for students from underrepresented backgrounds. After a year of isolation, Danbury-area Muslims gathered for Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of Ramadan and their monthlong daily fasting. Members of the Al Hedaya Islamic Center community in Newtown rejoiced at the sight of one another and bustled around the large patio greeting friends and chatting. The Muslim community spent the last month fasting from sunrise to sunset daily in observation of Ramadan and as a way of understanding what those who are less fortunate might be enduring. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media We, as Muslims, want to make sure we understand what its like for people who dont have food. It teaches us to be compassionate and empathetic, Mariam Azeez said. Although they couldnt congregate every night as they historically do during the 30 days, the community stayed connected via social media and video calls. Rabiya Johnston said she and her two young children Ramiza and Waqas have found it difficult not being with the community during Ramadan because it is a community-oriented ritual, but its wonderful that the community will physically be reunited now. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Like Johnston, many expressed great joy in finally seeing the faces of their friends. Even if we have to social distance and wear masks, we still get to come together as a community and celebrate because thats what Eid al-Fitr is about. Its all about togetherness and inclusion, the 14-year-old Azeez said. The center hosted an Eid Mubarak, translated as a happy celebration in Arabic for the community including Takbirat, a group prayer session, in addition to a potluck-style brunch. Rachel Faust, a converted Muslim, said the Eid celebration is the equivalent to Christians Christmas. Youre wearing your best clothes, youre dressing up, making the treats you spent days preparing with the best ingredients, she said. Some families and individuals filed in wearing traditional garments including dresses and headscarves, while others arrived in as jeans, button-downs and T-shirts. The range of apparel from one person to the next outlined the communitys inclusive attitude, Eman Beshtawii, the centers president, said. Beshtawii said the different dresses and traditional attire demonstrated what countries people come from. She, for example, was wearing a red dress with a gold, hand-crafted pattern stitched onto it, signifying she was from Palestine. The womens brightly colored satin and silk dresses shimmered with florals, beads and lace under the morning sun. As the prayer leader called to the community over a microphone, the men and women quickly moved toward a tarped area designated as a prayer space, leaving their shoes at the grass. People laid out mats and sat beside one another in rows. While men sat at the front, women aligned themselves toward the back. The prayer leader recited verses and the community knelt and bowed in response. Faust and Beshtawii explained women sitting toward the back was optional and not a matter of men being superior, but rather, its meant to emulate the ways of the prophet, Muhammad, and can be more comforting for women. For me as a woman, when Im praying, I wouldnt want men sitting behind me because we do go into prostration and very precarious position[s] and I wouldnt feel comfortable if a man was behind me, so I actually like that the men are front, Faust said. Were supposed to be pure in our intention and in our heart when were praying and its less distraction, she added. Once the prayer concluded, the groups ate a meal together and scattered around the center in conversations that echoed with laughter. Faust said she felt blessed to stand alongside her community and have completed the fasting because it allowed her to see life from other perspectives that made her more aware of what people in need might be going through. REDDING Some town residents opened their mailboxes last week to find a flyer critical of a months-old Facebook post from the Easton-Redding-Region 9 school superintendent written in the wake of the U.S. capitol riot. In the sort of language typically used in campaign flyers, the yellow-and-black mailer calls Superintendent Rydell Harrisons post socially threatening language, and claims parents shouldnt fear their child is being poltically influenced or victimized by one-sided partisanship. Harrison, a Black superintendent who leads a predominantly white school district, apologized in January, saying While my intention was not to be divisive, it has become clear to me that my post has offended some members of our community and for that, I am truly sorry. He could not be reached for comment for this story. The flyer was circulated by a local group called Nonpartisan Action for a Better Redding. Lewis Andrews, the groups president and a former executive director for the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, said the group felt Harrisons apology was only directed at the town school board, when he should have directed his apology at conservatives and Republicans through either a letter or to the town Republican party. Andrews said the flyer is in response to the district considering how to teach critical race theory, which asks students to examine how race and inequality affect every aspect of society. We felt its very important to have a neutral figure in charge of the school system as this is going on, and he is not a neutral figure, said Andrews in a phone interview Wednesday. He also took issue with the 1619 Project, a podcast from The New York Times Magazine that reframed the story of Americas founding around slavery, which has since spawned curriculum materials for classrooms. Both have proven to be political flashpoints, with some states moving to ban both. In Easton, a local group headed by a former Region 9 school board member has spoken out against the teaching of critical race theory. Town residents recently defeated a resolution that would have declared racism a public health issue in the municipality. The mailer comes as town residents last week approved $23 million in funding for Board of Education expenses and nearly $12.7 million for Reddings part of the Region 9 school budget. Andrews writings include a piece in The Federalist targeting critical race theory in the resignation of The New York Times editorial page editor last year. The flyer claims Harrisons post is the bitter fruits of critical race theory. During two Board of Education meetings in late January, Harrison said the post was not intended to be divisive, but it has become clear to me that my post has offended some members of our community and for that, I am truly sorry, he said. One of our aspirational goals for our students is to build a caring community and I want to make sure my actions reflect that desire as well. In the post, Harrison said former President Donald Trump was not the only person responsible for the Jan. 6 riot. Please search your soul and ask if your words, your silence, actions or inactions helped in any way pave the way for Confederate flags to be waved in our nations capitol, he wrote. If you re-tweeted his foolishness, shouted lock her up, jumped on board with his sleepy Joe narrative countered with All Lives Matter, ignored the normalization of racism and sexism and co-signed unfounded conspiracy theories or chose to stand back and stand by, dont act surprised, the post reads. You are a co-conspirator who has sided with domestic terrorism. Our young people need each one of us to do better. Decency must be the first step towards being great. The social media message drew backlash from some at the time, while many others who spoke at Board of Education meetings spoke in support of it. Staff writer Lee Colon contributed to this story. Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday that Connecticut residents between the ages of 12 and 15 can now receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement came shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was recomending the vaccines use in that age group. The Food and Drug Administration paved the way for children in this group to receive the two-dose vaccine earlier in the week when it lowered the age requirement on the vaccines emergency use authorization. The expanded eligibility only affects the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The two other vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States, the two-dose vaccine from Moderna and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine have only been authorized for people over the age of 18. State officials have said kids in the expanded age group who want to get the vaccine will need a parents permission. Heres some places to find an appointment for 12- to 15-year-olds in the Danbury region over the coming weeks. Many require parents to book an appointment for their child, but some clinics are offering walk-up options, or have plans to do so. Pharmacies Major pharmacy chains receive supplies of the vaccine directly from the federal government. Many carry the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children, but not all do so be sure to check before booking. CVS - Requires users to enter their age before scheduling an appointment. A notice on the pharmacy chains website informs patients that those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardians permission for them to receive the shot. Those under the age of 16 have to have a parent or guardian come with them for the shot, or an authorized representative. Walk-ins are accepted, but the pharmacy recommends making an appointment to ensure the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available. Rite Aide - Requires users to verify their age. If someone is under the age of 18, a notice appears informing them their parent must complete the form and sign a consent form. An adult must accompany the minor to their appointment. Walgreens - Requires users verify their age. If someone is under the age of 18, the search feature will only show appointments for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Wal Mart - None of the locations in the Danbury area currently offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to the stores website. Local health centers Federally qualified health centers that often provide health services to underserved communities are often cited by the governors office as a key part of the states drive to get disadvantaged communities vaccinated. Several are holding clinics around the Danbury area over the coming weeks. The Greater Danbury Community Health Center will begin offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, including for adolescents and teens beginning the week of May 17. Previous patients of the center should call should call 203-456-1411, while new patients will need to schedule an appointment through the Vaccine Administration Management System. Clinics will be held at 132 Main Street in Danbury from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on May 17, 18, and 20, and the following week on May 24 and 25. The clinic is closed for Memorial Day. In June the health center will offer the Pfizer vaccine by walkup on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The health center is also offering the Moderna vaccine during other days. Click here for more info. New Milford also plans to offer the vaccine for kids at the John Pettibone Community Center during after school hours on Tuesday and Wednesday the week of May 17. VAMS Several vaccine clinics are also available in the Danbury region through the Vaccine Administration Management System, a federal portal. Users will need access to the internet to sign up. The system now also allows users to sign up as a guest, rather than creating an account. State portal The state of Connecticuts website features a vaccine portal where users can search for clinics in the area. The search results show which clinics are offering which vaccines. It then directs users to how they can sign up for a vaccine appointment. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Children between the ages of 12 and 15 can get vaccinated in New York effective immediately, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, after the state's vaccine advisory task force and state health commissioner reviewed safety data. New York City health officials and national pharmacy chain CVS had already said Wednesday that they're prepared to start vaccinating children ages 12 to 15 as early as Thursday, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine advisory committee formally recommend the Pfizer vaccine for that age group in a Wednesday meeting. Cuomo had said the state's task force had to review the data and make a recommendation to him before that could happen. Vaccine authorization for a younger population will allow the state to continue its tremendous progress towards winning the war against COVID," he said in a statement announcing the expansion. CVS had said children ages 12 to 15 can start getting vaccinated Thursday at over 365 CVS pharmacies that offer the Pfizer vaccine around New York state. Parents or guardians have to provide consent for vaccination, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The mayor and health officials in New York City had also said they have plans to start vaccinating children ages 12 to 15 on Thursday. "We have a full plan to reach young New Yorkers and get them vaccinated," Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters Wednesday. It's unclear when people can start signing up for appointments, but a spokesperson for the city's health department said appointments will be listed as soon as possible. City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said more than 250 sites in the city administer the Pfizer vaccine, including the American Museum of Natural History, neighborhood pharmacies and pop-up vaccination sites. The sites are also taking walk-up appointments, he added. Last fall, Cuomo was one of a handful of governors who announced he wanted his state to analyze data from vaccine clinical trials before allowing residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Cuomo at the time said some people were expressing reluctance to get vaccinated. He cited concerns that former President Donald Trump's administration was exerting political pressure to quicken the pace of vaccine development. New Yorks task force whose members include doctors at New York City hospitals unanimously recommended the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines after they received federal approvals in December and March, according to press releases issued by Cuomo's office. This was the first time that Cuomo has announced New York's task force has to OK the use of vaccines in new age groups. In California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup was reviewing the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations emergency use authorization for children ages 12 to 15. It was expected to make its decision Wednesday. ___ AP writer Karen Matthews contributed reporting from New York. HOUSTON (AP) The whereabouts of a tiger that was found briefly wandering a Houston neighborhood remained unknown on Wednesday as the Texas man who police allege owns the animal was released on bond. An attorney for Victor Hugo Cuevas continued to insist to reporters on Wednesday that his client is not the tigers owner and like authorities is worried about the animals safety. Were going to do everything we can do to try to find this cat and get this cat to a nice, safe place where it can enjoy a nice comfortable life. Thats really what we want to do, attorney Michael W. Elliott told reporters during a brief news conference outside the Fort Bend County Jail. Cuevas had been booked into the jail Monday night after being charged with evading arrest by Houston police in neighboring Harris County. While Elliott has denied Cuevas is the owner or caretaker of the tiger, the attorney has told reporters the animal is a 9-month-old male named India. Cuevas, 26, who stood next to Elliott, did not speak. Elliott declined to answer questions about who the owner of the tiger could be, saying they would do their own investigation to find the tiger as Houston police had not done a good job. Houston police spokesman John Cannon said his agency was still searching for the tiger. We all love animals, including my client ... The public wants to know, we want to know to. We want to find India and were going to work hard to do that, Elliott said. When he was arrested Monday night, Cuevas was already out on bond after being charged with murder in a 2017 fatal shooting of a man outside a restaurant in Fort Bend County. Cuevas has maintained the shooting was self-defense, Elliott said. Cuevas has previously had his bond in the murder case revoked four times and he was set to appear in court on Friday as prosecutors seek to revoke it a fifth time. The last time anyone had an eye on the tiger was Sunday night when residents in a west Houston neighborhood called police after spotting India outside their homes. Several videos taken by residents showed the tiger coming face-to-face with an armed off-duty Waller County sheriffs deputy who lives in the neighborhood. The deputy told police he was alerted about the tiger on Nextdoor, a neighborhood-based social media app. During the encounter, the deputy told Cuevas to get the animal back inside as Cuevas yelled, Dont shoot my cat, according to court documents made public Wednesday. No shots were fired. The deputy witnessed Cuevas putting the tiger in the back seat of a white Jeep Cherokee before speeding off, evading officers after a brief pursuit, according to court documents. Cuevas also apparently had two monkeys in the home, police said. Having a monkey is not illegal in Houston if the animal is under 30 pounds (13.5 kilograms). Tigers are not allowed within Houston city limits unless the handler, such as a zoo, is licensed to have exotic animals. Texas has no statewide law forbidding private ownership of tigers and other exotic animals. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 The poor villagers can't afford to buy the firewood at the crematoriums that is the reason why hundreds of bodies have been buried in shallow graves along the Ganga's banks in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district in the last three weeks triggering fear among the locals. The contagious virus has clutched rural India in its deadly grip. According to experts, daily infections are increasing in the Indian countryside compared to big cities, where they have shown a trend declining after the last months surge. More than half of the cases in Maharashtra this week were from rural areas, up from one-third a month ago. According to government data, this share is nearly two-thirds in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous and primarily rural state. The wrath of the virus has incurred havoc in Uttar Pradeshs countryside. The number of COVID deaths in Unnao increased from 93 to 168 between April 10 and May 11. There are currently 1,986 active cases in the district. However, as one travels through its villages, testimonies indicate that the figure could be much higher, as not all symptomatic cases have been tested. While a lack of medical infrastructure is a major deterrent, there is also an adamancy to be tested. Read more: UP-Bihar Covid situation worsens: Over 100 dead bodies floating in Ganga triggers panic The poor villagers cant afford to buy the firewood at the crematoriums that is the reason why hundreds of bodies have been buried in shallow graves along the Gangas banks in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district in the last three weeks. The villagers are also apprehended that the rising tides will flood the area and wash the corpses downstream. On Monday, bloated, decaying corpses were found on the banks of the Ganga in Bihars Buxar. So far, 73 bodies have been fished out of the water. The ghastly scene has panicked the villagers. The authorities have claimed that the bodies had flowed into the state from upstream Uttar Pradesh, where similar sightings had been reported at a border village in Ghazipur district. Sanjay Kumar, Bihars water resources minister, also weighed in, claiming the bodies had flown downstream from neighboring Uttar Pradesh. The Bihar government is investigating. The bodies have floated into Bihar from UP, Jha tweeted, adding that doctors had confirmed the deaths four to five days prior. At least a half-dozen corpses were also discovered floating in the Runj river in Madhya Pradeshs Panna district. The incident has not only terrified the residents, but they are also unsure how they will use the rivers water. Israel intensified its military offensive in Gaza on Wednesday, killing up to ten senior Hamas military leaders and toppling two high-rise buildings containing Hamas facilities in airstrikes. Hundreds of missiles were launched at Israeli cities by Palestine, which shows no signs of backing down. On May 12, the decades-old Israel-Palestine crisis erupted once more, with missiles fired from both sides. According to the most recent official reports, airstrikes have killed more than tens of Palestinians, including children and a woman, while five Israelis have died. Hamas fired a new volley of deadly rockets at Israel on Wednesday in revenge for Israels destruction of a 14-story building in Gaza, ruling out an immediate truce. The 130 rockets fired by Hamas, which killed a six-year-old boy in southern Israel and triggered air raid warnings up to Tel Aviv, were said to be a response to the destruction of Gaza Citys Al-Farouk tower. In only three days, militants have launched over 1,000 missiles, according to the Israeli military. Thats almost a quarter of the total amount of rounds shot in the entire 2014 conflict. Israel intensified its military offensive in Gaza on Wednesday, killing up to ten senior Hamas military leaders and toppling two high-rise buildings containing Hamas facilities in airstrikes. Hundreds of missiles were launched at Israeli cities by Palestine, which shows no signs of backing down. Read More: India & Japan reel under Covid crisis: Howll Quad nail Xi & Co? Meanwhile, world leaders have urged restraint and dialogue on the issue. On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden talked with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conflict, saying he hoped the fighting would end soon. On May 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Israel and the Palestinians to take measures to de-escalate the conflict. Boris Johnson said, The UK is highly worried about the growing conflict and civilian deaths, and we want to see an immediate de-escalation of tensions. India is deeply concerned about the clashes and has urged both sides to maintain the status quo on the ground. Whereas, Turkeys President, Recep Erdogan, has said that the world must teach Israel a strong lesson. Erdogan proposed that countries explore the idea of deploying a multinational police force to the area to defend Palestinian civilians. Erdogan has long been a supporter of Palestinian rights. On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan voiced solidarity with Palestine as tensions between Israeli forces and Hamas militants intensified, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people. Latest updates: May 13 Palestinians in Gaza mark #EidAlFitr one of the holiest occasions in the Islamic calendar amid relentless aerial bombardment by Israel. LIVE updates: https://t.co/KPLqjhVxJ3 Follow this thread for the latest #Gaza #Palestine pic.twitter.com/jRX8zDHQMO Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 13, 2021 Israeli fighter jets dropped two bombs on a 14-story building in Gaza City, destroying it. The building housed offices for Hamas Al-Aqsa satellite TV channel, as well as other businesses. Hamas says it fired 130 rockets toward Israel in response.https://t.co/aiG80Nd03P The Associated Press (@AP) May 12, 2021 Dramatic footage of missiles being intercepted in the skies above Tel Aviv last night #Israel pic.twitter.com/zxH0mxBT4H # (@WarHorizon) May 12, 2021 Frightening video captures missiles fired by Gaza militants flying over Israel https://t.co/ZSMNVLFrq9 pic.twitter.com/GOTE2XKm6K New York Post (@nypost) May 11, 2021 After a day of turbulent chaos, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the anarchy of Jewish-Arab conflict in cities around the world. Netanyahu said on Wednesday that nothing justifies Jews or Arabs fighting each other. After two days of unchecked abuse, he promises to restore justice. The conflict started on Friday in Jerusalem, where over 200 Palestinians and 17 Israeli policemen were injured. The fighting erupted after thousands of worshippers assembled at the A l-Aqsa mosque for their weekly Friday prayers and were confronted by a strong police presence. The display of force came in response to nightly protests at the start of Ramadan over police restrictions at a popular gathering spot, the ancient Damascus Gate to the Old City, and the possibility of forcible expulsion of thousands of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, which is claimed by both sides in the decades-long conflict. STAMFORD Synchrony, the countrys largest provider of private-label credit cards, announced Thursday an approximately $50 million initiative in the next five years to support higher education, workforce training and financial literacy for its workforce and underserved communities. Stamford-based Synchronys investment in the Education as an Equalizer initiative includes more than $20 million in grants from the Synchrony Foundation for education and workforce development including a new training center at its headquarters for workers and students from low-income backgrounds and other underrepresented groups, particularly the Black, Hispanic and Native American communities. The approximately $30 million in remaining funds will go toward career-development opportunities for the Fortune 500 firms approximately 16,500 employees and programs to build a diverse talent pipeline and support financial-literacy initiatives. Education as an Equalizer is about giving people the tools to succeed in a digital-first economy. Its the right initiative at the right time, DJ Casto, Synchronys chief human resources officer, said in an interview. I think weve all been doing a lot of deep reflection as weve been on this journey with the pandemic and a variety of other really important topics such as racial injustice and greater equality for all. Among the educational programs supported by the initiative, the Synchrony Foundation will provide scholarships, mentorships and internships. Partnering with the companys employee diversity networks, the foundation will work with academic institutions, including several historically Black colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations to choose students. Synchrony officials said that they are responding to stark disparities. Only 14 percent of the lowest-income students earn a bachelors degree within eight years of first enrolling, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The foundation will also give grants to schools and nonprofits to provide hunger relief to vulnerable students and their families. Eric Myer / To support its workforce, Synchrony offers tuition reimbursement of up $20,000 per year for full-time employees to gain degrees in areas related to their work. The company does not require employees to stay at the firm for a certain amount of time after receiving those benefits. Many of those who receive financial aid for their education are part of the companys contingent of more than 10,000 call center workers. The tuition reimbursement helps to reduce turnover within that group, according to company officials. For some, they may have done a great job being a contact center associate, but their longer-term passion is to be a schoolteacher or a nurse, Casto said. It takes a significant amount of time to work and go to school. We have the ability to offer flex schedules and invest through tuition reimbursement. If we have an employee who stays with us for five or six years while they acquire their degree, theres a big ROI (return on investment) for us. Focus on workforce development and financial literacy Education as an Equalizer will also support career training and certifications in fast-growing fields such as cybersecurity, software engineering, data science and UX design. In its home state, Synchrony is partnering with the Connecticut Governors Workforce Council and technology-training firm General Assembly to launch later this year a reskilling center at the companys Stamford headquarters. The center will host a three-month training program in software engineering run by General Assembly. The first cohort will include about two-dozen participants. To emerge from this crisis stronger, it's critical that we build more accessible on-ramps for those hit hardest by the pandemic to secure meaningful work in high-demand fields, Liz Simon, General Assemblys chief operating officer, said in a statement. What we've seen firsthand is that removing barriers to digital skills training in local communities not only unlocks life-changing career opportunities for individuals but also contributes to a more diverse and equitable tech talent ecosystem. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media To be eligible for the General Assembly program, candidates must be a Connecticut resident, in financial need and a member of at least one underrepresented group. The companys definition of the latter category includes women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community. Tuition costs will be fully reimbursed. We want to provide a space that allows you to gain access without any of the barriers to paying for the certification, Casto said. For years, Synchronys headquarters has hosted other education and career-development programs such as the nonprofit Girls Who Codes computer science program. Among related staff benefits, Synchrony reimburses employees up to $9,000 per year for technology certifications mapped to critical skills in high-growth fields. In addition, the company said it is prioritizing the hiring and retention of Black employees without four-year degrees into middle-skill and family-sustaining wage jobs. Synchronys financial-literacy initiatives will include free online courses to support students who receive Synchrony Foundation scholarships. The company said it will also continue to make free personal-finance resources available on Synchrony.com, with a focus on those most affected by the pandemic. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican lawmakers across the country have tried to roll back the emergency powers that governors wielded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they ordered businesses shut, mask-wearing in public and students home for distance learning. Pennsylvania's Legislature is now taking its case to the ballot. In the first vote of its kind since the coronavirus outbreak, voters statewide will decide twin constitutional amendments that would give lawmakers much more power over disaster declarations, to apply whether the emergency is another pandemic or natural disaster. The questions were placed on Tuesday's primary ballot by the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has had a long-running feud with the state's Democratic governor over his emergency actions during the pandemic. This is the first opportunity we actually have something tangible, where more than just a handful of sampled people will be able to have an input, said Jonathon Hauenschild, an attorney at the American Legislative Exchange Council, an association of conservative lawmakers and businesses. For Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania, asking voters to change the constitution is the only way they have of reeling in the authority of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. He has veto power, and Republicans don't have a large enough majority to override his actions. Democratic lawmakers have largely stuck with Wolf, and courts rejected attempts to end the governor's disaster declaration or lift his orders. The amendments on Tuesday's ballot would cause such a significant erosion of executive authority that Wolf and his emergency disaster director have called it reckless and a threat to a functioning society. Both of these questions undermine our democracy, Wolf said Wednesday during a news conference at a fire station in suburban Harrisburg. They take away our ability to respond to emergencies. The questions ask voters to end a governor's emergency disaster declaration after 21 days and to give lawmakers the unilateral authority to extend or end it with a majority vote. Current law allows a governor to issue an emergency declaration for up to 90 days and extend it without limit. The constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote by lawmakers to end the declaration. The proposals emerged from the Republican-controlled Legislature last summer, amid deep frustration over Wolf extending broad shutdowns of business activity beyond a few weeks, as Pennsylvania endured the first of what would become three spikes in COVID-19 cases. More than 26,000 Pennsylvanians have succumbed to the virus, according to state figures. We want to give any governor time to declare a disaster emergency and get started with what needs to be started with. And after 21 days, it doesn't mean a state of emergency is going to end. It just means the Legislature has a seat at the table to work with him, said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, who authored the legislation. If turnout patterns in odd-year elections over the past decade hold, fewer than one-fifth of Pennsylvania's registered voters will determine the outcome. History is on Republicans' side. The last time voters rejected a ballot question was in 1993, according to information provided by the state. Since then, voters have approved 19 straight ballot questions. They usually are bipartisan initiatives to expand borrowing authority or to amend the constitution. The questions that will appear on the ballot, however, are complicated, with wording written by the Wolf administration that Republicans say is politically charged and designed to make the questions fail. The effect if voters approve them also is in dispute. Republicans claim the governor cannot order shutdowns without a disaster emergency in effect. Wolf disagrees, saying a governor's authority during a public health emergency rests on separate public health law and is unaffected by the ballot questions. As a result, it may end up in court if, say, a variant causes another spike in cases. Wolf administration officials have held news conferences to describe how they would be hamstrung from responding to emergencies and risk missing out on federal aid if a declaration were to end too soon. The changes posed by Republican lawmakers would inject politics into disaster emergencies and risk lives if the Legislature were unable to meet to pass a resolution extending a disaster emergency, they say. Republicans have accused Wolf of fear-mongering. The state's three living former Republican governors Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker and Tom Corbett declined to comment. A former Democratic governor, Ed Rendell, urged a no vote. He recalled the Valentine's Day 2007 blizzard that trapped hundreds of people on Interstate 78. I literally have five minutes to decide because if were going to help those people, I have to get the National Guard on to I-78 within an hour, Rendell said. So theres not enough time for the Legislature to discuss and debate. State lawmakers across the U.S. have proposed more than 350 measures this year related to legislative oversight of executive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In at least dozen states, lawmakers have passed measures asserting their own power to review, halt or reverse executive actions taken during emergencies. In several states, Republican-controlled legislatures have overridden vetoes. There is a bipartisan, nationwide reckoning taking place right now about how much power any governor or any General Assembly should wield during an emergency, Pennsylvania state Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill, said on the Senate floor earlier this week as he argued in favor of the constitutional amendments. We elect governors in Pennsylvania, he said. "We dont elect kings. Besides messaging by Wolf and lawmakers, the campaign in Pennsylvania has mostly revolved around cable TV ads, fliers, billboards, lawn signs and digital ads costing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a pair of Harrisburg-based organizations whose issue advocacy aligns with Republicans. You can hold Gov. Wolf accountable, and protect our small businesses, children's education and local communities, said a TV ad running on Fox News. The groups' fliers urging a yes vote have reached mailboxes across the state, often with stock photos of smiling Black people while linking support for the two questions with support for a separate question on the ballot to amend the constitution to outlaw discrimination because of race or ethnicity. Preserve our local communities. Protect our schools and our children's education. Ensure equality for all Pennsylvania families, says one. The chair of Pennsylvania's Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia, accused the fliers' sponsors of a misinformation campaign that suggests that supporting equality also means risking lives and destroying the existing checks and balances against any governors ability to declare a disaster. Pennsylvanias primary will take place as COVID-19 cases have fallen after a spring spike and the vaccine is returning some aspects of life to normal. Masking orders remain in effect, and capacity restrictions are scheduled to lift on Memorial Day. There is scant public polling in recent months on the governor's public approval or his handling of the pandemic. That, combined with the confusing wording of the amendment questions, esoteric subject matter, expected low turnout and a highly partisan atmosphere make the result unpredictable. "If Pennsylvania is successful," said Hauenschild, of the American Legislative Exchange Council, I look for more legislatures to start examining how to bypass a governor. ___ Associated Press writer David A. Lieb contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Missouri. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter WASHINGTON (AP) After meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden and a group of Republican senators agreed to talk again early next week as negotiations intensified Thursday over a potentially bipartisan infrastructure package that could become one piece of the administrations ambitious $4 trillion public investment plan. The GOP senators exited the more than 90-minute meeting encouraged about their discussions with the president and prepared to build on the $568 billion proposal they had put forward last month as an alternative to his sweeping American jobs and families plans. The president asked us to come back and rework an offer so that he could then react to that, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, who is leading the group. Were very encouraged, she told reporters outside the White House. The attitude the president had in the Oval Office with us was very supportive and desirous of striking a deal. Biden also emerged upbeat. I am very optimistic that we can reach a reasonable agreement and even if we dont its been a good faith effort, Biden said in the Rose Garden. Biden is intent on at least trying to strike a deal with Republicans rather than simply going it alone with a Democrats-only bill, which might in some ways be a more politically viable route in a Congress held by the president's party with only the slimmest of majorities. One strategy that appears to be coming into focus would be for Biden to negotiate a more limited, traditional infrastructure bill of roads, highways, bridges and broadband as a bipartisan effort. Then, Democrats could try to muscle through the remainder of Biden's priorities on climate investments and the so-called human infrastructure of child care, education and hospitals on their own. I'm willing to negotiate, Biden said earlier at the White House. But the president has indicated that he's not about to wait indefinitely for a compromise that may or may not come, and reiterated his view Thursday that doing nothing is not an option. The White House said the president stressed that inaction was a red line for him. He set a Memorial Day deadline for progress on a bipartisan deal. Those gathered included some of the top ranking Republicans Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Roger Wicker of Mississippi. Joining Biden were Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Thursday's meeting followed a lengthy session at the White House with the congressional leadership the day before. Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said his side will accept spending as much as $800 billion, but Republicans made it clear they would refuse to embrace Biden's broad proposals or his idea of raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for the plans. The White House outreach is part political strategy and part practical legislating. Striking a deal with Republicans would give all sides a political win a rare bipartisan accomplishment without fully forfeiting the president's broader goals, which are largely shared by Democrats. It also acknowledges the red line that McConnell has drawn against GOP votes for undoing the 2017 tax law by raising taxes on corporations or those earning more than $400,000. I want to get a bipartisan deal on as much as we can get a bipartisan deal on and that means roads, bridges, broadband, all infrastructure," Biden said Wednesday on MSNBC. "And then fight over whats left and see if I can get it done without Republicans, if need be. Capito has taken the lead for Senate Republicans, keeping in close contact with both the president's team and McConnell, she said, as she shuttles between the White House and Capitol Hill. The West Virginia senator is no stranger to the legislative process, serving more than a decade in the House and now as the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Public Works Committee. She ushered a $35 billion bipartisan water resources bill to passage in the Senate and is hard at work with the panels Democratic chairman, Tom Carper of Delaware, a Biden ally, on a big surface transportation bill. Biden personally reached out to Capito late last week after the water bill cleared the Senate. The president he expressed on the phone with me, and has with others, that you know hes anxious to move forward, she said. His desire is to define where we have common ground and I think well probably spend the bulk of the time talking about that. Biden has insisted he doesn't want working-class Americans to bear the burden of paying for all the new infrastructure investments alone, resisting GOP plans for taxes and user fees, like tolls, to fund the projects. One potential new funding source could be the more than $1 trillion in unpaid taxes each year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has mentioned tapping that potential funding source and she said Biden discussed it at their meeting Wednesday. Republicans have not resisted it. Thats a big chunk that would go a long way, she said Thursday. McConnell and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy have insisted they want the infrastructure bills to go through the committee process, where lawmakers can hammer out the details and take ownership of the proposals, rather than have the package negotiated in their leadership suites. WEST HAVEN As part of the citys centennial planning for this year, a boat parade will be held next month to mark the celebration, according to officials. More than 100 boats are expected to take part in the West Haven Centennial Boat Parade, Mayor Nancy Rossi said in a release. The event is set for 1 p.m. June 12, with a rain date of June 13, it said. The event is being presented by the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee. According to the release, the boat parade will follow the city coast from Sandy Point in New Haven Harbor to the Oyster River in Baybrook, West Haven Harbor Master Robert Pimer said in the release. Pimer will help steer the procession, it said. Rossi encouraged residents to watch the parade from the beaches along Beach Street, Captain Thomas Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. I cannot wait for our residents to witness this one-of-a-kind boat parade along our very shore, Rossi said in the release. The mayor is expected to join Pimer as he leads the parade. This event is a tribute to the enduring history and legacy of West Haven as a true maritime community, she said. The procession also will include the West Haven, West Shore and City of West Haven Allingtown fire departments, the release said. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade can meet at the West Haven jetty at 1 p.m. and follow the Police Departments patrol boat throughout the route, John Biancur, an event organizer and member of the centennial committee, said in the release. The committee is reaching out to the boating community to take part in this unique event, Biancur said. We are also inviting as many people as possible to come down to our beaches and see our parade. Those participating in the parade are asked to decorate their boats in patriotic colors, including displaying American, Connecticut or West Haven flags, the release said. Getty Images / Getty Images A New Haven resident who was once convicted of murder was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday for firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses, according to federal prosecutors. On July 8, 2018, Kevin McFarlane also referred to as Jabari McBurn and Dexter Creque had a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen the year prior in addition to about 97 grams of crack cocaine, according to the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Connecticut. For Qassim Abdullah, this years Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr marked a bit of a milestone: Now fully vaccinated, the 66-year-old finally felt comfortable enough to return to his mosque for the Eid prayer on Thursday, his first time back since the start of the pandemic. It's overwhelming and exciting, the Maryland resident said. It's very nice to see the community. ...It's just a beautiful feeling. There were changes: He wore two masks and didnt stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other worshippers as he normally would have during prayers. But Eid still felt more celebratory than last year. It is definitely much better, he said. I dont think it is very close to normal (yet) but its going that way. At least were going out of our houses. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Traditionally, people gather for prayers, visit family and friends and huddle together around festive meals. Once again, Muslims are seeking ways to balance the holidays rituals with coronavirus concerns. But for those in America, even as they observe precautions, this years Eid comes as the pandemic eases its grip in the country amid ongoing efforts to put vaccine shots into more arms and chart a path back to normalcy. It's a contrast with many in other countries who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year as the pandemic again forces varying restrictions. In Utah, Dunia Wafai said her communitys Eid celebrations are inching closer to normal. Before the pandemic, she said, her family would dress up, go to the mosque for morning prayer and socialize with other congregants and friends. When the coronavirus put a halt to that, Wafais family, like many, got creative. They hosted a COVID-19-safe drive-by celebration and handed out popcorn, cotton candy and goody bags to people in their cars. This year, she and her family are participating in communal Eid prayers and will be hosting a socially distanced celebration in their backyard on the weekend. To have people come and socialize and gather together, eat food together this is really one of the biggest pleasures for us after this month long of fasting, she said. Eid is a really big deal for us. At The Islamic Center of East Lansing, Michigan, the Eid al-Fitr celebration typically draws 4,000 to 5,000 people, so many that the center moves the event to a nearby convention center in neighboring Lansing, the state capital. Last year that was replaced by a virtual ceremony. The center held Eid prayers Thursday with some changes. Masks were required, and peoples temperatures were taken at the door. Worshippers were asked to bring their own prayer rugs and bags for their shoes. Blue tape in the shape of an X marked the socially distanced spaces in which worshippers were to place their prayer rugs. And attendees had to pre-register. Families have been very eager to bring their kids to the prayers, said Thasin Sardar, an Islamic Center trustee. Up until now weve been telling people not to bring kids below 13 years of age, but for the Eid, we made an exception. Doughnuts were available in the centers lobby and children doled out sweets from large bags in the parking lot as worshippers headed back to their cars. Some posed for pictures to mark the moment. People are overjoyed, Sardar said. The sense of community has been rebuilt today. In Philadelphia, the Masjidullah mosque held the Eid prayer with safety protocols such as temperature checks. It's also offering to-go meals and toys and hosting an outdoor Eid Bazaar with vendors. There are some people who have got vaccinated who are like, Lets go back to normal mode,' and then you have others that are still not vaccinated or still, even if vaccinated, are cautious, imam Idris Abdul-Zahir said before the holiday. Normally Masjidullah partners with other mosques to hold one big Eid prayer that draws thousands, but not this year to avoid crowding. Eid is a time to see people you perhaps may have not seen throughout the year, Abdul-Zahir said. Because we are not all together the way we normally are, its going to be somewhat bittersweet. But again, were thankful for the ability to come together in some capacity. In Bergen County, New Jersey, more than 2,000 people gathered at a park to mark Eid. Ather Usmani, president of Darul Islah mosque, said his organization worked closely with the county to get permission for the event. Its a huge, huge difference from the last year, Usmani said before the start of Eid, adding that it helps that many have been vaccinated with the encouragement of the mosques leadership. We are instructing people not to embrace, not to hug, just say, Hello, hi, from 6 feet apart. The schedule also included a remembrance of community members who died of the virus. Its been tough for several families, and we will pray for the people who are still sick, and the message is for unity for the community, Usmani said. For 14-year-old Reem Kirja who lives in Iowa City, Eid normally means buying new clothes, receiving traditional cash gifts, eating out, going to a trampoline park or an arcade after prayers. It means a day where I can just relax and just remember that Im so happy to be a Muslim and Im so proud to be a Muslim. Now she has even more reason to celebrate. The eighth grader has been advocating for years for Eid to be a day off from school, and last month district officials approved two days off next school year to accommodate Eid al-Fitr and the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen. The decision sent a message, Kirja said, that we, as a community, welcome everyone that lives here. ___ Associated Press journalists Thalia Beaty, Seth Wenig and Sophia Eppolito contributed. Eppolito is a corps members for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content. New Haven firefighter Lt. Samod Nuke Rankins gave his mother marching orders with a pen and pad from his hospital room Thursday, according to his close friend, retired firefighter Garry Tinney. Any kind of orders from Rankins are welcome, as many feared he might not survive. His mind is working great," said Tinney, the vice president of the International Association of Black Firefighters. Hes being Nuke. It was welcome news to people across New Haven who have followed updates on the young firefighters condition since he was taken to Bridgeport Hospital with injuries from the fire on New Havens Valley Street that killed his colleague. Contributed / Rankins works tirelessly to help the homeless, the schoolchildren, the hungry and the marginalized as a champion of civil rights and fairness within the ranks and even to aspiring firefighters who want to get hired, those who know him say. Hes got a phenomenal soul," Tinney said. "He has a heart of gold. ... Hes a saint, Hes touched lives - black, white, Hispanic. Hes found a way to make a difference. Rankins began breathing on his own Thursday, and gave fellow firefighters visiting virtually from another room hand signals to say 'I'm good.' Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Rankins is clear-headed and functioning well, Tinney said although not recovered. He was critically injured Wednesday in a 12:45 a.m. fire in the 100 block of Valley Street. Torres, a close friend of Rankins, died fighting the fire. Rankins was distraught Thursday to learn of his death. Rankins, a New Haven resident, has been a firefighter for little more than three years and rose through the ranks quickly. Doctors are telling Rankins not to talk, as his throat and lungs are healing, and so he is not, Tinney said. Hes determined, and thats his spirit, Tinney said. Rankins mom, Novella Guiont, saw him at the hospital the morning of the fire as a he was about to be intubated. He told her, If I dont make it, remember that I love you, she said, through Tinney. He added, Mom, you know youre my number one girl. Rankins, who comes from a close-knit family of churchgoers, was so worried about his mother after he was injured that once he was at the hospital on a stretcher and gained some awareness after being unconscious, he contacted Tinney through Facetime to say, Call my mother, then Facetimed him again to remind him and yelled out her number. In a note written on a pad Thursday morning, he told his mom that he wanted to see Tinney and his fellow firefighters. On Thursday, Tinney and a group of Bridgeport Firebirds visited Rankins at Bridgeport Hospital. One of his big concerns was about the other men," Tinney said. Thats been his priority, and that tells you something about him and his spirit. Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media Rankins and fellow firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr. were pulled from the fire after each made 'mayday' calls indicating distress. The two were found unconscious on the second floor of the building, Chief John Alston said. Firefighters rescued two residents who were trapped inside the home. The New Haven community, as well as the firefighter community, have expressed grief over the death of Torres and the critical nature of Rankins injuries, as he is so loved and respected. Torres was the first New Haven firefighter to die in the line of duty in more than a decade. TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) An equipment failure caused an outage at a power plant in southern Taiwan on Thursday, triggering rolling blackouts across the island affecting millions of people. The outage in Kaohsiung trapped at least one person in an elevator and disrupted a daily briefing being given by government officials on the island's pandemic situation. 3 1 of 3 Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 3 NEW HAVEN A walk-up walk COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people age 12 and older will be held on the New Haven Green Thursday May 13, according to Mayor Justin Elickers office. Elicker said Pfizer shots, offered by the city in collaboration with FEMA, the State of Connecticut, and Griffin Hospital will be available without an appointment to adults 12 and over from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. NEW HAVEN Gov. Ned Lamonts year-old executive order suspending in-person municipal meeting requirements may expire May 20, but some school board members are not ready to end virtual Zoom meetings. I think the pandemic has presented a number of different situations and I do think there is going to be a new normal, said board member Larry Conaway. Whether for health reasons or the discovery that online meetings can increase public participation, the city Board of Education has vowed to fully discuss and vote on whether to continue the practice once the order is lifted. Executive Order 7B, enacted in March 2020 just as the coronavirus pandemic was shutting down the state suspended the in-person meeting requirement for all municipal bodies. Instead, they were directed to hold meetings by conference call, videoconference or other technology. The virtual meetings had to be streamed live and made available on the agencys website. Most municipalities turned to Zoom, while others use Teams or other electronic platforms. David Bednarz, a Lamont spokesman, said the order remains in effect until May 20, which is when the emergency declarations are set to expire. Indoor seating capacities and other restrictions are being lifted, and some school boards have already started the transition to in person meetings. East Havens Board of Education, for instance, started meeting in person last month and is recording meeting for viewing online. In New Haven, school board President Yesenia Rivera said she wants to be prepared. She asked Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey to have a plan in place if the governors executive order is lifted. We would need to set a school location (to meet in) and a plan to navigate hybrid. Some board members have said they will not attend in person, Rivera said. Nothing in state law, however, prohibits municipal bodies from continuing to hold meetings virtually, attorney Thomas Mooney of Shipman and Goodwin told the school board at its most recent meeting, which was held on Zoom. A meeting is a meeting, by electronic means or otherwise, he said. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, a member of the city school board, said his recommendation is for the district to explore holding in-person meetings that also are available virtually on Zoom. Some bybrid model is probably where we may land with a lot of these meetings as we slowly transition back to normal life, Elicker said. Particularly for now, when the New Haven vaccination rate is around 41 percent, the mayor added. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, a school board member and pediatrician, said Zoom meetings are more convenient, but said there still is a pandemic to worry about. I will definitely vote for Zoom, Jackson-McArthur said. During the meeting, more than one staff member called in to express concerns about a decision to require some staff to begin teaching in person against the advice of their personal physician. We should really lead by example, said board member Darnell Goldson. If we are saying school is safe enough to return, we should be willing to return. Rivera said the issue is more than about COVID and meeting together. COVID has shown us we can do things a little bit differently, she said. Its about reaching more people. She added she wont deny its more convenient to shut down a home computer at the end of a long meeting versus walking through a dark parking lot to a car and drive home. Board member Matt Wilcox said with Zoom there have been board meetings at which nearly 500 people have tuned in to watch. That is something the board shouldnt just discard, he said. By the same token, he said being present in person is key. Maybe we need in this new reality different ways of looking at how we have the public parts, Wilcox said. Yomi Fabiyi, Nollywood movie star, has claimed that the confession of Baba Ijesha, the embattled Yoruba actor, was obtained under duress. ... Yomi Fabiyi, Nollywood movie star, has claimed that the confession of Baba Ijesha, the embattled Yoruba actor, was obtained under duress. Baba Ijesha has been in the news after he admitted to assaulting a 14-year-old girl, who happens to be the foster daughter of Comedian Princess. Following his arrest, Ijesha has remained in police custody where Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos police commissioner, said he would be until the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) calls off its strike. Moyosore Onigbanjo, the commissioner for justice, had also explained that the states directorate of public prosecutions (DPP) had recommended five charges against the embattled actor which put him at risk of being sentenced to life imprisonment. On Wednesday, Fabiyi led a protest at the Panti police station seeking Baba Ijeshas release on administrative bail since the strike is yet to be called off for the courts to operate. In a video from the protest, as shared via Fabiyis Instagram page on Thursday, the movie star stated that the continued detention of Baba Ijesha beyond 48 hours without recourse to the courts for a fair hearing is illegal. Fabiyi also claimed that the confession by the suspect was obtained under duress, with the video where he admitted to committing the assault showing that the embattled actor was tortured into speaking. Citizens must respect when the police are discharging their lawful duties. Also, the people have rights. But what we observe is that, when our colleague Baba Ijesha was brought here, so many evidences were thrown online, Fabiyi can be heard saying. We maintained that we would patiently allow the rule of law take its course; allow the police do their job. The CP came out and said its a bailable offence. But its getting to two weeks now and hes not been released. A minor was used as a bait. Police have not touched on that. There is evidence of torture [on Baba Ijesha]. There is evidence of obtaining confession under duress. They even threatened to kill the suspect. The police have not acted on these. DPP advice is a legal advice. Its not a court. This man is still adjudged innocent until proven guilty. In the caption of the video, Fabiyi added: The law is the law. Nobody or organisation can rule or extend continued detention of any suspect on bailable offence(s) in police custody beyond 48 hours except a seating judge from a competent court. And now that the court is on strike. Releasing Baba Ijesha on administrative bail to a reliable surety is the best approach. Even as we speak, the rights of the gentle man is already been trampled upon. Odumosu had earlier described Baba Ijeshas offence as a bailable one unlike rape cases. However, some celebrities cried out on social media, alleging a plot to release him. Amid Fabiyis latest protest, Iyabo Ojo, an actress, had filed a lawsuit against the film star alleging defamation. The duo had been at loggerheads with contradictory views on the case of Baba Ijesha. Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo state governor, says he is certain that President Muhammadu Buhari will consider the demand for a national dialogue... Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo state governor, says he is certain that President Muhammadu Buhari will consider the demand for a national dialogue and the establishment of state police. The governors of 17 southern states had made the demands after meeting in Asaba, Delta state capital, on Tuesday. They called for a ban on open grazing in the south, asked the president to be fairer in political appointments, and urged him to address the nation on the prevalent insecurity challenges. Commenting on the resolutions during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday night, Akeredolu said it is highly unlikely that the presidency will ignore the southern governors. He said: Getting a presidential buy-in might be some cause for concern, but 17 governors from the south I believe that whatever we have said should be given some weight, it must be something that has to be considered. That means the presidency will look at it and consider it. The number is large. It is more or less like half of us. I know that if we had called our brothers in the middle belt, they would have signed up to this. I even know that there are some of our brothers even in the north that would have signed up to this communique, who also believe that the time has come for us to have dialogue. I know Mr president. He gets this. It has to be considered. It must be considered. Because the number of governors involved are not one you can just push aside. When you talk about this dialogue, it is a matter of serious concern to us. It is not a parlour gossip. It is a matter that came from serious, in-depth discussion of governors. Akeredolu also expressed optimism that the northern governors will support the position of their southern counterparts. The governor said some of the northern governors had earlier opposed open grazing and pushed for the creation of state police. He said: We have a number of northern governors who support our position. I give an example with the governor of Kano state who had over and over again, vehemently opposed open grazing. He is a Fulani man and he continually says that open grazing is not in the interest of his own people and that to continue in this mode of animal husbandry in this age and time, is also not in the interest of the Nigerian economy. Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to continue to pray and play their roles to ensure peace and unity in the nation.... Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to continue to pray and play their roles to ensure peace and unity in the nation. Moi Saraki made the call on Thursday in his Eid-il-Filtri message, where he congratulated all Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world for successfully completing this years Ramadan fast. The former Governor of Kwara State called on all Nigerians to pray for the nation. Undoubtedly, the current insecurity across Nigeria requires urgent action and continued prayers. Hence, it is my hope that we will all continue to pray for our nation, as we play our respective roles to entrench peace, unity, justice, and equity, he said. Saraki also went further to celebrate those that are on the frontlines to keep Nigeria safe. We must acknowledge the bravery of our servicemen and women on the frontlines who are fighting to keep us all safe. In this regard, we too as citizens, must unite and demonstrate the same patriotic zeal that will help our country overcome its present challenges, he further charged. He finally prayed to the Almighty to free Nigeria from insurgents and terrorists. As we move forward, I pray that Almighty God heals our land from all affliction, grants us victory against insurgents and terrorists; and blesses, guides, and protects our nation, its leaders, and all its citizens. The Lagos government has placed 14 countries on its COVID-19 watchlist as a measure to prevent a third wave of infections in the state. ... The Lagos government has placed 14 countries on its COVID-19 watchlist as a measure to prevent a third wave of infections in the state. Akin Abayomi, Lagos commissioner for health, said this on Wednesday at a media briefing to highlight the states COVID-19 third wave mitigation strategy. He noted that the Lagos state government is outlining measures that will guide the management of inbound passengers of interest (POIs) from other countries. The commissioner explained that travellers coming from other countries into Lagos have been classified into three groups the red countries, the amber countries, and the green countries. According to him, India, Brazil and Turkey where new variants of COVID are causing an increase in infection rate are as the red countries. From the Lagos perspective, were also looking at what we describe as Amber Colour countries, where we know that mutants are circulating. And this is important for us to be able to define how strict our monitoring of your isolation at home and how your testing is performed. We are monitoring countries where we know the mutants are circulating, but the situation is still severe, he said. According to him, the amber countries are Canada, US, France, Germany, Netherlands, Togo, Ghana, Cameroun, Angola, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. He listed the green countries as countries with no records of variants from red countries and no clear increase in the number of daily confirmed cases. Our protocol for management of inbound passengers from the Red Countries will include: a mandatory PCR test 72 hours before departure, PCR test post arrival and a 14-day isolation in a government approved facility paid for by the passenger, he said. Passengers of interests from the Amber Countries are also required to do PCR test 72 hours before departure, PCR test post arrival and a mandatory seven days isolation at home which will be monitored by our logistics, surveillance and EkoTELEMED teams. Iyabo Ojo, Nigerian actress, has hit back at Yomi Fabiyi after he claimed that she apologised to him for alleged cyberbully. The pair ha... Iyabo Ojo, Nigerian actress, has hit back at Yomi Fabiyi after he claimed that she apologised to him for alleged cyberbully. The pair have been at loggerheads over their contradictory views in the case of Baba Ijesha, their colleague accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl. On Wednesday, the feud between them took a new dimension as Iyabo filed an N100 million lawsuit against him for alleged defamation. But reacting in a series of posts on his Instagram page, Fabiyi had described the suit as lacking merits. In one of the posts, Fabiyi had shared a screenshot of the pairs chat wherein Ojo admitted to cyberbullying him and then apologised. Na jeje I seat down, you jumped on my harmless post and subjected me to cyberbullying which you Iyabo confessed to and invariably apologised, he had written. In another post, Ojo, however, tackled Fabiyi for attempting to make peace with her on WhatsApp and going online thereafter to chase clout. Yomi Fabiyi I aint Joking with you, you dont need to post the apology conversation alone, let me help you post our conversation from the beginning. Note!! all our voice note is still intact, she wrote. Yomi Fabiyi, I aint playing with you, you cant make peace with me on WhatsApp then I wake up the next day to find out you still clouting with the innocent girls case, trying so hard to change the narratives to favour Baba Ijesha I aint backing down no matter how hard you try to twist & turn the story, the earlier you get that into your thick skull the better for you Kmart is down to just two stores in New Jersey after another has permanently closed. The Kmart in Kearny shuttered May 2, a store employee told NJ Advance Media. It was located at 200 Passaic Ave. The two remaining Kmart locations in the state are at Delco Plaza in Avenel (1550 St. Georges Ave.) and Westwood Plaza in Westwood (700 Broadway). As brick-and-mortar retail stores have been fighting to stay afloat in the age of online consumerism, Kmarts footprint has decreased greatly. The 90,000-square-foot store in Kearny will be replaced by a Target, according to Targets list of future openings. A former Kmart in Wall on Route 35 also is turning into a Target, according to the Asbury Park Press. The Kmart in Belleville closed earlier this year, as well. Its unknown exactly when, although the location is no longer listed on Kmarts website. NorthJersey.com reported in February it was closing by mid-April. Transformco, which owns Sears Holdings Corporations, announced the closing of 45 Kmart stores in 2019. Sears, which operates Kmart, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Since then, the number of Kmart locations in New Jersey has dwindled from 11 stores to just two. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Where to buy pools, sprinklers, slides and other water toys for backyard fun At-home COVID test kits: Where to buy online, price, how to use, results time How to buy Broadway tickets for when it reopens Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurch856. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips UPDATE FRIDAY: N.J. to keep indoor mask mandates despite CDC change, Murphy says. But vaccinated people may ditch masks outdoors. New Jerseys mask rules remain in place, at least for now, as Gov. Phil Murphys administration reviews newly updated federal guidance saying Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely stop wearing masks and practicing social distancing both indoors and outdoors in most cases. A little more than an hour after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention abruptly announced the update Thursday afternoon, Murphys office would not say whether the state will adopt the changes. Instead, a spokeswoman said only that state officials are still examining the guidelines. Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health are reviewing the new CDC guidance on masking requirements, Alexandra Altman, a spokeswoman for Murphys office, said in a statement. We continue to move forward in our efforts to vaccinate all willing and eligible individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey. The Garden State currently requires all people to wear masks indoors in public and outdoors in public when you cant socially distance rules that have been in place for more than a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDCs new guidelines are recommendations, and it would still be up to New Jerseys government to comply with the changes. Murphys administration has often followed the agencys guidance in the past. The new guidelines officially say fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDCs director, said that includes indoors and outdoors activities, large and small. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic, Walensky added. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after getting the second Pfizer or Moderna shot or two weeks after receiving the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The guidelines still call for fully vaccinated Americans to wear masks in crowded indoor settings, such as buses, planes, hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters. Plus, people who are immune-compromised are encouraged to speak with doctors before dropping masks. Officials also noted that some business settings may still require masks, especially since some workers may remain unvaccinated. Walensky said those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors. Of course, people can still choose to wear a mask anywhere if they dont feel safe. President Joe Biden touted this as a great day for America and a key milestone in the pandemic. Thursdays news comes just days before New Jersey is set to take a number of large steps to ease coronavirus restrictions Wednesday, including ending outdoor gathering limits and removing fixed, percentage-based indoor capacity limits for restaurants, gyms, retail stores, churches, and more. But under Murphys order, those establishments must still keep patrons and parties 6 feet away from each other or construct partitions between them, and people will still be required to wear masks indoors. Its unclear how Thursdays announcement will affect those moves. Asked if theres any decision on what the new guidance means for the upcoming changes, Murphys office told NJ Advance Media: Not at this time. Murphy has said the 6-foot caveat is based on CDC recommendations and hed be willing to change it if the agency alters its guidance. Republicans have already begun pushing Murphy to accept the guidelines. State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Union New Jerseys highest-ranking Republican state lawmaker took to Twitter to call on Murphy to follow the science and the CDCs lead by immediately lifting all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated individuals both indoors and outdoors in the state. State Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, had a similar message. The governor says we need to follow the science, Bramnick said. The science tells us that it is safe to end social distancing and masking requirements for fully vaccinated people. Governor Murphy should immediately follow the guidance from the leading public health agency in the nation. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont like Murphy, a Democrat said Thursday his state will begin following the CDCs guidance May 19, the same day other restrictions are lifted. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, made a statement similar to Murphy, saying his state is still reviewing the guidance. At least two of Murphys fellow Democratic governors, Oregons Kate Brown and Washingtons Jay Inslee, announced their states would adopt the guidelines. Thursdays guidance comes comes as the CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people, partly to encourage more Americans to get the shot. Coronavirus cases in the U.S. are at their lowest rate since September, while deaths are at their lowest point since last April, and the countrys test positivity rate is at its lowest point since the beginning of the pandemic. Walensky, the CDC director, cited three studies that show vaccines work. That includes one from Israel, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that found the vaccine was 97% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 86% effective against asymptomatic infection in more than 5,000 health care workers. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Appearing Thursday afternoon on MSNBC, Murphy was not asked if New Jersey will follow the CDCs guidance. The governor did say the states COVID-19 metrics are going in the right direction as vaccinations continue. The states seven-day average for new confirmed positive COVID-19 tests has fallen to 869 down 34% from a week ago and 69% from a month ago. Thats the lowest number since Oct. 17. Meanwhile, there were 966 COVID-19 patients hospitalized across the state as of Wednesday night the first time that number was below 1,000 since Oct. 26. More than 3.57 million people who live, work, or study in the state have now been fully vaccinated against the virus at New Jersey sites, while another 164,121 residents have been vaccinated in other states. The state has set a goal of having 70% of New Jerseys adults vaccinated by the end of June. A little more than half of the states 6.9 million adults have now been fully vaccinated. We still have a ways to go, but the numbers are going in the right direction, Murphy said during an interview Thursday afternoon on MSNBC. And that allows us the confidence to say, We can open this place up. How normal are we going to be this summer? I think its going to be pretty normal, he added. It probably wont be entirely normal, but I think were gonna have a great summer in Jersey. Still, the state is seeking to ramp up vaccinations now that demand has decreased and many large municipalities many with large minority populations have vaccination rates under 40%. Murphy said he will appear alongside actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg a West Orange resident during a vaccination drive at noon Friday in the parking lot of the ShopRite in East Orange. There will be no appointment necessary to get the vaccine at the site. New Jersey, a state of 9.2 million residents, has reported 25,906 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19 including 23,258 confirmed deaths and 2,648 fatalities considered probable. The state has the most coronavirus deaths per capita among American states, largely driven by the early days of the pandemic, when the virus spread rapidly through the region. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Nursing home operators must reveal more information about their finances and their ownership and also pass a review evaluating their track record on safety and quality before state regulators will allow properties to be sold, under a new law Gov. Phil Murphy signed late Wednesday. The legislation emerged from a series of recommendations the healthcare consultant Manatt Health made a year ago to improve how nursing homes operate, after the coronavirus killed 5,400 long-term care residents within two months. The death toll is at about 8,000 today. Manatt concluded the industry was unprepared for the pandemic, in part because one-third of all facilities had been cited for infection control violations previously and staffing shortages were endemic. The consultant also took issue with the Health Department for not aggressively monitoring the 370 nursing homes in the state, 74% of which are owned by for-profit companies that change hands often. Manatt recommended the state adopt a stricter system of reviewing operators finances before they are permitted to buy new facilities. The law, A4477, requires nursing home operators to report the names, addresses and the organizational chart for the companies who intend to buy a facility, any lease or management agreements, a list of all facilities the buyer has owned in the last five years and financial audits from the last three years. The health department will use the information to identify facilities which may be in financial distress, according to the law. Applications for ownership transfers must be posted on the DOHs website. The sellers also must pass a state review of the buyer and sellers quality and safety record. The benchmarks will be spelled out in another bill, A4478, which passed the Assembly last year but has stalled in the Senate. The law was needed because the changing ownership at many for-profit nursing homes...calls into question the intentions of the owners, who may be putting the expectations of shareholders over the needs of elderly, disabled and vulnerable nursing home residents, according to a statement from the Assembly sponsors of the bill Murphy signed Wednesday, Nicholas Chiaravalloti, D-Hudson, Herb Conaway, D-Burlington and Joann Downey, D-Monmouth. Requiring more disclosure will hold owners accountable for keeping their finances in check and delivering high-quality care to all residents, the lawmakers said in a statement late Wednesday. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Support for the bill was overwhelming in the state Legislature. It passed by a vote of 37-0 in the Senate and 72-0 in the Assembly. Andrew Aronson, president of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, a leading long-term care industry organization, said his members support transparency. Long term care is among the most highly regulated industries in New Jersey, Aronson said in a statement. The Department of Health must approve all acquisitions and transfers of facilities and has for many years required applicants to disclose 100% of their ownership. The ownership of the nations nursing homes has become heavily for-profit, structured around limited liability partnerships and other entities that spread the financial risk among multiple players, according to an NJ Advance Media report. Separating the nursing home from the real estate protects the propertys assets should the operator face a court judgment for abuse, negligence or other legal issues. A prime example of the convoluted ownership of nursing homes is the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center in Sussex County, where a makeshift morgue overflowed with 17 bodies. Owner Chaim Mutty Scheinbaum spoke for the company and defended its performance in the face of an overwhelming public health disaster. But co-owner Louis Schwartz remained silent. Records later revealed that Schwartz is the son of Joseph Schwartz, the former operator of a failed multi-state nursing home chain that once operated out of a second-floor office above a Wood-Ridge pizza parlor in Bergen County and collapsed amid widespread financial problems and allegations of mismanagement. Andover has since been sold and renamed the Limecrest Subacute and Rehabilitation Center and Woodland Behavioral and Nursing Center, although Schwartz and Scheinbaum retain ownership, according to the federal website, Nursing Home Compare. A facility may change ownership multiple times in a single week, according to the Manatt report. For-profit facilities have opaque financials and can use complex ownership and management structures to obscure the entities responsible for delivering care, curtailing the ability of the state and residents to hold them accountable. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Ted Sherman contributed to this report. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. The dispute in Paterson over requiring teachers to return to classrooms on June 1, one week before a limited number of students would arrive, is not letting up. School district officials in the states third-largest city say sufficient coronavirus safety protocols will be in place. The teachers union is citing purported shortfalls observed by educators on building walk-throughs last month in arguing for keeping the buildings closed for the remainder of the school year. Both sides are awaiting a ruling on an unfair labor complaint filed by the teachers union with the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission. One Paterson school board member alluded to the pending litigation, at the board meeting Wednesday night, in explaining why Superintendent Eileen Shafer would not be responding to any questions on building readiness or related issues. Shafer said at a prior meeting that the school district has spent nearly $20 million dollars getting the school buildings ready to reopen. At least four teachers addressed the board. Finish the job. Do it correctly. Lets come back in September, when were all ready to return, Nikki Baker, a teacher, told the board. Jeffrey Gutt identified himself as a teacher in Paterson for more than 25 years I dont understand how its not obvious that we are not 100 percent ready to go back to in-person instruction for our teachers on June 1, Gutt said. Im asking the board to understand that one percent is not worth the risk. If it were 99 percent ready, its not good enough, Gutt said. The Paterson school board approved a limited reopening plan May 5 in which self-contained special education students in grades pre-K through 12, and students in English Language Learners newcomers programs at Public School No. 15 and the New Roberto Clemente School, will return on June 8. Thats just two weeks before the last day of school. Under that plan, which involves only around 9 percent of Patersons 24,588 students, teachers at all grade levels would return June 1 to their classrooms. All students in Paterson have been relying on virtual instruction from home since schools across the state first closed in mid-March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. As of Monday, Paterson was among only 13 school districts in New Jersey with all-remote learning. The Paterson Education Association, the union representing its teachers, cited last week numerous problems that it said were observed during building walk-throughs by union members on April 21 and 22. The union referred in its report to severe roof leaks, broken windows in 17 schools, an unspecified number of windows nailed shut, more a dozen buildings without air scrubbers and an inoperable HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system at an elementary school, among other allegations. Paterson school board member Corey Teague, at the May 5 meeting, countered that the school buildings are safe and charged the the union is raising some issues giving as examples broken light fixtures and door knobs that are not necessarily specific to coronavirus safety protocols. John McEntee, the unions president, told NJ Advance Media on Thursday it has amended its unfair labor complain at least three times, may do so again and is seeking permission to inspect HVAC systems in the district. At Wednesdays meeting, Rosie Grant executive director of the Paterson Education Fund sought to find common ground by suggesting an independent inspection of the schools. We have a situation where we have three powerful leadership bodies - the administration, board, and the PEA that seem to be at an impasse and are experiencing trust issues. Ive spoken to some administrators, to get their opinion around building readiness, and the responses vary from, the district position of absolutely yes, to the PEAs position of absolutely no, and they vary even within the buildings, Grant said. The objections in Paterson are continuing even as COVID-19 rates continue to decline and with more than half of the states 6.9 million residents fully vaccinated. New Jerseys seven-day average for new confirmed positive COVID-19 tests has fallen to 975, down 30% from a week ago and 68% from a month ago. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. By the power of Grayskull, Kevin Smith and Netflix are giving a first look at Masters of the Universe: Revelation, the CG animated series starring 80s favorites He-Man, Skeletor and the denizens of Eternia. Smith, who hails from Highlands, is the showrunner and executive producer of the series, which brings back He-Man, aka Adam, Prince of Eternia, defender of the secrets of Castle Grayskull. Mattel, maker of legions of He-Man action figures, co-produces the show, which will premiere in two parts. The first five episodes of part one debut July 23. Chris Wood, who played Mon-El in Supergirl, a series Smith directed, voices He-Man. The series boats a cast filled with actors who are famous for major roles that shaped pop culture. Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, voices He-Man nemesis Skeletor while Sarah Michelle Gellar voices Teela, who sets off to reunite the guardians of Grayskull and find the Sword of Power. The "Masters of the Universe" series picks up where the '80s series left off. Netflix Alicia Silverstone (Clueless) voices Queen Marlena. Smiths own daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, voices Ileena. Black Flag rocker Henry Rollins voices Tri-Klops. Lena Headey, who played Cersei in Game of Thrones, voices Evil-Lyn. Her GOT co-star Liam Cunningham, who played Davos, voices Man-At-Arms. In social media posts, Smith, 50, said the animation is the work of Powerhouse Animation Studios in Austin, the same studio behind the Netflix anime series Blood of Zeus from Smiths fellow New Jersey writers and producers Charley and Vlas Parlapanides. Sorceress and He-Man in "Masters of the Universe: Revelation." Netflix The story for the new Netflix series picks up where the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series left off. The show aired from 1983 to 1985, with John Erwin voicing the title character. Our Universe-spanning serial takes cues directly from the beloved 80s cartoon, Smith said. So longtime fans will be transported right back to their childhoods! But even if youre unfamiliar with the mysteries of #castlegrayskull, our cartoon chronicle is an inviting, engrossing adventure for the whole family (which is something I rarely get to do: work without an R rating of some sort)! Mark Hamill voices Skeletor.Netflix The Clerks director announced his involvement with the animated series in 2019 at at Power-Con, a Masters of the Universe convention in Anaheim, California. In Revelation, the guardians of Castle Grayskull are dispersed and Eternia is broken after a battle between He-Man and Skeletor. Theres also a new live-action He-Man movie on the way from directors Adam and Aaron Nee, though the films star, Noah Centineo, dropped out of the project. Dolph Lundgren played He-Man in the 1987 live-action film Masters of the Universe. Orko, Andra, Teela, Roboto and Evil-Lyn in "Masters of the Universe: Revelation."Netflix In 2018, She-Ra, another Masters of the Universe hero, returned for the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (She-Ra: Princess of Power aired from 1985 to 1987). Smiths life and career is the subject of the documentary Clerk, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March. Director Malcolm Ingram recently said the film had been sold and that details would be forthcoming. Beast Man in "Masters of the Universe: Revelation."Netflix Sarah Michelle Gellar voices Teela. Netflix 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. A Montclair restaurant was selected for a $40,000 grant that will help it recover the from financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic. The Walnut Street eatery, Rays Luncheonette, was named as one of the recipients of the National Trust for Historic Preservations Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program, American Express and National Trust announced Wednesday. It is one of the 25 historic and culturally significant restaurants in the U.S. owned by underrepresented groups that will receive funding through the program and is the only one in New Jersey, the companies said. Each restaurant will receive $40,000 in grants funded by American Express and administered by the National Trust. The funding will help each restaurant enhance restaurant exteriors, build new outdoor seating areas, and upgrade online businesses to help mitigate operating costs, officials said. Montclair Councilor-at Large Peter Yacobellis, who used to work at American Express, said he reached out to fellow councilor David Cummings to identify a restaurant in town that was deserving of the award, and he suggested Rays. Im thankful to American Express for the way they consistently back small businesses all over America and especially in Montclair, he said. Much deserved congratulations to Rays Luncheonette for being such a staple of our small business community...Im certain this grant will go a long way. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. The future ownership of Bayonnes only hospital sparked hours of public comment and earnest pleas at Wednesdays City Council meeting as the city councilmembers weighed whether to clear a path for acquiring the property through eminent domain. The vote on the matter was carried Wednesday due to a procedural step that must precede the vote, and despite the hours of public discussion about the topic, it is still unclear which way most council members are leaning. But if two councilmembers vote as they currently plan to when given the opportunity, the ordinances would fail. The ordinances would allow the city to guarantee up to $95 million worth of bonds for the land, and to enter into an agreement with the Hudson County Improvement Authority, which plans to acquire the facility and simultaneously lease the facility to the city pursuant to a lease purchase agreement. Because it concerns bonding, the ordinances would need yes votes from two-thirds of the five-person governing body to be approved, according to state law. City Council President Sharon Nadrowski has said she is currently a no vote, and Councilmember Sal Gullace plans to abstain as a member of a Bayonne Medical Center board. Secaucus-based Hudson Regional Hospital (HRH) owns the Bayonne hospital property, but current operator CarePoint Health has made a deal with a separate business entity, BMC Hospital LLC, for its operations. Hudson Regional Hospital has refused to give the BMC Hospital a group of investors in surgical centers a lease, saying that it wants to be the hospital owner-operator. CarePoint Health and BMC Hospital LLC argue that if the city acquires the property, it would eliminate Hudson Regional Hospital as a roadblock. Councilman Gary La Pelusa said he has not yet decided how he will vote, and councilmembers Neil Carroll III and Juan Perez did not offer any indications at the meeting or respond to calls Thursday. Nadrowski said her position could change if she believes the city did its due diligence to ensure it is using eminent domain as a last resort and all other options for a resolution have been exhausted. If they come back and say we did all this hard work and find no other viable solution then I would reconsider, the council president said. In the hours of public comment leading to the meeting ending around 12:30 a.m., both HRH and BMC Hospital LLC supporters were well represented. Some were current employees at Bayonne Medical Center or Hudson Regional Hospital. BMC Hospital LLC released a statement Thursday morning saying the meeting made clear there is broad support for the Bayonne Hospital land solution because of the many speakers who voiced support for eminent domain. HRH CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, meanwhile, also celebrated outstanding support from unbiased members of the public and said he was happy to see the City Council asking questions. Mayor Jimmy Davis plans to take the procedural step of getting the local finance board to sign off on the matter within coming days to allow the ordinances to be voted on at the June 16 City Council meeting, spokesman Joe Ryan said. Early in the meeting, Kifaieh said his company hopes to invest in Bayonne Medical Center in a similar way to how it did with the Secaucus hospital it took over in 2018. We thought we were coming to the table with something that was really suitable for this city, he said. An owner-operator. What a concept Were extremely puzzled right now. Why are we here? You have an entity that has successfully turned around a hospital. HRH officials have also indicated that eminent domain proceedings would lead to a long and costly court battle. Representatives of BMC Hospital LLC, meanwhile, cast doubt as to whether Hudson Regional Hospital has enough experience to run Bayonnes only hospital and whether it is in it for the long haul. HRH has in turn questioned the BMC Hospital groups experience, since it does not own or operate any hospitals. (Eminent domain) will eliminate anyone from possibly selling off the land to another non-hospital entity, said BMC Hospital LLC principal Gregg Rock. It would be 100% owned by the community and paid for by the tenant. The hospital would technically be owned by the county. In a press released prior to the meeting, the BMC Hospital Group guaranteed its rent payments would cover the cost of the city/countys loan repayments. High school seniors in Kearny and Bayonne can look forward to putting on their tuxedos and lavish gowns this spring, but not all Hudson County schools will be able to enjoy the senior milestone. Gov. Phil Murphy paved the way for proms which were canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic when he announced Wednesday that he was removing all restrictions on the number of people at outdoor gatherings as of May 19. Seniors at Bayonne and Kearny can thank their district administrations for planning ahead. Bayonne High School Principal Richard Baccarella said the school has a beautiful outdoor prom at Don Ahern Veterans Memorial Stadium planned for his 600 seniors, a first for the school. We are going to have all the bells and whistles, Baccarella said. We are going to have tents lit up, dance floors, a catered event, video screens, DJs. It is going to be a first-time outdoor event. After the pandemic forced schools into remote learning in March 2020, high school seniors across the state and country were forced to scrap plans of having a prom and graduation in person. Since then, COVID-19 vaccination has become available and eligibility has expanded to children as young as 12 years old. Most schools have re-opened with some form of in-person learning taking place. At Kearny High School, the prom will be held indoors, at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, as it was for 30 years before last year. Superintendent Patricia Blood said the 400 seniors will be split between two large rooms at the Woodland Park facility, under the current state mandate that events be limited to 250 people. Blood said the two groups will not be allowed to cross over into each others celebrations. The prom will be held June 23, the day before graduation. Of course, everything was dependent upon things changing as far as the number of students that could be there, Blood said. We really did not think we would have a prom this year. Not everyone will share in the rite of passage from high school to college or out into the work force. Hudson Catholic High School and St. Peters Prep passed on holding their proms this year. St. Peters Prep Vice President James Horan said the school is following guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Newark, which advised against proms this year. Hudson Catholic Principal Terence Matthews said the school had to give up its venue early on and the dates that could be booked this late fall after the 140 seniors will have graduated. Its difficult to bring them all back for a really great prom, Matthews said. There are some students that were upset, there are some students that were understanding its just the nature of the pandemic. In Jersey City, Superintendent Franklin Walker said the district is still undecided on proms for its eight high schools, but he said any potential proms for the districts 1,500 seniors would likely be held in the schools gymnasiums, cost-effective and more manageable events. In many cases, it is kind of late for (proms) because most venues require some kind of commitment probably in February or March, Walker said. We made all sorts of sacrifices this year based upon the pandemic, especially, when it comes to indoor activities, but the other side is we also increase the creativity that is involved. When it comes to the other senior tradition, the pomp and circumstance of a formal graduation ceremony, Walker said this years senior class will not miss out. Outdoor graduations are being planned, and with the CDC Thursday lifting mask requirements for people who are vaccinated, multiple graduation events may not be necessary. Graduations are certain, there is a good chance that most of our high schools will be graduating outdoors, Walker said. Officials with other schools around the county could not be reached for comment. WHATS GOING ON? Here is a small sample of area happenings some in-person, others online you may want to check out in the coming days. Violist Brett Deubner and Pianist Allison Brewster Franzett will perform in a live-streamed virtual concert to fund private lessons for Raritan Valley Community College music majors, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16.Raritan Valley Community College Dance MAY 15 HACKETTSTOWN Moe-tion Dance Theater, outdoor Outside the Lines site-specific production, 3 p.m., Centenary University, Seay Building, 400 Jefferson St. $15 minimum suggested donation; reservations required. centenarystageco.org, 908-852-1400. Music MAY 15 ASBURY Harpist Bridget Kibbey, outdoor and live-streamed 32nd Raritan River Music Festival Counterpoint in Motion concert with Bachs Toccata and Fugue, French and Spanish romantic classics and new music by Colombian composer Samuel Torres, 4 p.m., World Apostolate of Fatima, Blue Army Shrine, 674 Mountain View Road East. $20. raritanrivermusic.org, 908-213-1100. MAY 16 BRANCHBURG Violist Brett Deubner and Pianist Allison Brewster Franzett, live-streamed virtual concert to fund private lessons for music majors, 2 p.m., Raritan Valley Community College, Welpe Theater. facebook.com/rvccmusic, anna.keiserman@raritanval.edu. CALIFON Joe Cirotti Trio, outdoor concert to benefit Middle Valley Cutural Center, 3 p.m., Raritan Inn a Middle Valley, 528 Route 513. $15-$20, children free. middlevalleynj.org, 862-324-1764. Theater MAY 14 GLEN GARDNER Catch Me If You Can, VHS Drama Club production, 7 p.m., also May 15, 7 p.m.; May 16, 2 p.m. Voorhees High School, 256 Route 513. $15. nhvweb.net/vhs/theatre, 908-638-6116, ext. 7444, or jreynolds@nhvweb.net. LAMBERTVILLE The Last 5 Years, Jason Robert Brown musical about the evolution of a relationship, 8 p.m., also May 8-9, 15-16, 3 p.m.; May 14, 8 p.m. Music Mountain Theatre, 1483 Route 179. $25. musicmountaintheatre.org, 609-397-3337. RARITAN TWP. Some Enchanted Evening, outdoor student production of the musical, 7 p.m., also May 15, 7 p.m. Hunterdon Central Regional High School, 84 Route 31. $12. hcrhs.org, 908-782-5727. MAY 20 NEW BRUNSWICK A Night with Crossroads, virtual gala in honor of Cicely Tyson with performances, tributes, host Anika Noni Rose, guest Regina Taylor, 7 p.m., Crossroads Theatre Company, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Ave. $42. crossroadstheatrecompany.org, 732-545-8100. Other MAY 14 FRANKLIN TWP. Outdoor Rummage Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 14-15, Quakertown United Methodist Church, 1187 Croton Road (Route 579 South) in Quakertown. umc.org, 908-735-5870. MAY 15 FLEMINGTON Virtual Box City, virtual fundraiser on Instagram with participants sleeping in a box to raise awareness of those facing housing instability or homelessness, 6:30 p.m. May 15 to 8:30 a.m. May 16, Family Promise of Hunterdon County. $30 minimum in pledges per participant. familypromisehc.org, info@familypromisehc.org. Birds and Bees Giveaway, distribution of free basic needs items to families in need conducted in partnership with Family Promise of Hunterdon County and Flemington Food Pantry, 11 a.m.-noon, Salvation Army, 40 E. Main St. www.use.salvationarmy.org, 908-237-9008. LAMBERTVILLE Herb Sale, Herb Society of America Delaware Valley Unit fundraiser with orders placed online and in-person pickup by appointment, May 15-16, Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum, 1605 Daniel Bray Highway. www.delvalherbs.org, 908-782-1780, hsa.dvu@gmail.com. See more events at nj.com/events Send event information to events@starledger.com or submit online at nj.com/myevent The estate of a young mother who was killed by falling debris and three other passengers who were injured after an NJ Transit train slammed through a barrier in Hoboken Terminal on Sept. 29, 2016, had their respective multi-million dollar lawsuits settled by the agency on Wednesday. One person was killed and 108 people were injured in the crash that caused $6 million in property damage. NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder declined to disclose the amounts of the settlement, saying the cases were still considered pending litigation. The settlements approved Wednesday night said each claim was in excess of $500,000. The settled lawsuits include: A $20 million wrongful death suit filed in June 2017 by the family of Fabiola Bittar deKroon, who was killed by falling debris while on the platform in Hoboken Terminal after the train smashed through a concrete bumper block at the end of the track and caused a station canopy to collapse. The 34-year-old mother was walking through the terminal after dropping her daughter off at school. A $2 million suit filed by Sheldon Kest of Tenafly. He was on the train commuting to his job in Jersey City. He lost half of a finger in the wreck, suffered a concussion, facial cuts and a shoulder injury after the roof of the train car he was riding in caved in, according to his lawsuit. He later testified about the crash to a joint legislative committee probing NJ Transit. A $10 million lawsuit field by Deepti Chanana Bhalla of Hoboken, who was injured by falling debris while exiting the station to go to her job as a finance manager two blocks away. Her injuries included fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, lacerations of the spleen, liver and kidney bleeding and lacerations to her lower extremities, according to her lawsuit. A lawsuit filed by Bagyalakshmi Subramaniam, a Bergenfield resident who was on the train and received multiple facial and nasal fractures requiring surgical internal fixation, swelling, bruising, scarring disfigurement and amnesia, according to North Jersey.com. The settlements come after five hard fought years of litigation. Our clients look forward to moving forward in their lives as best they can from the damage caused by NJ Transit, Tom Kline and Bob Mongeluzzi, co-counsel, who represented the DeKroon family, Subramaniam, and Kest, said in a statement. They remain hopeful that NJ Transit will undertake and continue to undertake the necessary safety measures and precautions to ensure a tragedy like the fatal train crash at Hoboken never happens again. The crash involved a Pascack Valley line commuter train occurred as it was near the end of the trip and arriving in Hoboken Terminal at 8:45 a.m. The train sped up to 21 mph as it entered the station, twice the posted speed limit, crashed through a concrete bumper at the end of track five and into the station. Engineer Thomas Gallagher was found unconscious in the cab of the train and told investigators he had no recollection of the crash. After an investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled in 2018 that the crash resulted from Gallaghers undiagnosed sleep apnea and the lack of technology, known as Positive Train Control, to automatically stop or slow the train. Gallagher was fired by NJ Transit, but was reinstated in 2019 after appealing his termination. He is not running trains carrying passengers and must meet strict medical conditions, including sleep apnea treatment. Several of the lawsuits contended the crash wouldnt have happened if Gallaghers sleep apnea had been detected or if PTC or a similar system was in place to stop the train when it exceeded the 10 mph speed limit. NJ Transit has since installed PTC on its rail lines, to meet a federally-mandated Dec. 31, 2020, deadline to have it approved and operational. It has also improved its medical screenings and examinations for sleep apnea. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. By Debbie White After years of calling on the state of New Jersey to invest in University Hospital, we applaud the administration for their announcement on April 14, alongside University Hospital CEO Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Essex County and Newark political leaders, to dedicate resources in the state budget to invest in a new building for the states only public hospital. This announcement is one in a series of steps the Murphy administration has taken to undo the harm done by the previous administration, which focused on divestment in our states public hospital. As the largest union representing the nurses and health professionals at the hospital, HPAE commends the Murphy administration and Dr. Elnahal for collaborating to invest in University Hospital and honoring a commitment to the community that University Hospital will be there for the residents of Newark and the greater Essex region. HPAE is a part of a coalition of unions representing about 3,300 healthcare workers, technical and professional staff and we are keenly aware of the needs of the current UH facility and the need for new development. We wholeheartedly welcome this development and this commitment to UH and we will continue to advocate on behalf of the unionized staff and the community we serve to ensure that the Hospital: remains a level one trauma center and a public hospital, as codified in the Newark Agreements of 1968 remain as Newarks primary teaching hospital for future medical professionals at the New Jersey Medical School continue to recruit and retain public healthcare workers represented by labor unions, and honor their contracts. University Hospital is a vital institution in our community that must be cherished and protected because it provides critical care for a large number of low-income and Black and brown Newark residents. It was built in 1976 in response to the Newark Agreements and stands as a commitment to the entire community and surrounding area. Despite years of adversity, the pandemic brought out the best in University Hospital as it played a pivotal role for New Jersey as one of the three regional coordination centers, effectively managing patient flow and PPE distribution during the worst possible moment in the states history. In the pandemics early terrifying days, University Hospital also helped turn the Meadowlands Exposition Center into a pop-up mobile army surgical hospital, coordinating transfers of COVID-19 patients from around the state. The performance of University Hospital during this difficult period is an illustration of what we have always known University Hospital could be with the right amount of support. As New Jerseys only public hospital and a Level 1 Trauma Center, University Hospital can stand as a model for delivering public health for the rest of the country. Our coalition of unions and community groups has continuously fought to prevent the diversion of critical resources away from University Hospital by both Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, as well as state government, to private corporate health systems. We have advocated on behalf of its continued survival as a vital public health institution. University Hospital infrastructure is not only antiquated three times the age of surrounding hospital systems it is crumbling and it lacks critical healthcare services. We must argue, for instance, that a new University Hospital must incorporate state of the art, comprehensive medical services, including a full-service pediatric unit to serve Newarks children as well as quality services for the adult population. The new campus building must also continue to be the premier teaching institution for the Rutgers Medical School residents as the Newark Accords envisioned. Part of the agreement between the state, the city of Newark, and University Hospital as stated in the Newark Agreements is to improve the health outcomes of community members. Because the patient population it serves is often in need of healthcare financial assistance, almost 75% of its revenue comes from government funding at reimbursement rates that are lower than private insurance. This undercuts the hospitals ability to maintain a revenue stream that supports its functions in a competitive market. This ambitious new facility must be an opportunity for the state to dedicate a budget line item for sustaining University Hospital. Without adequate financial support, the hospital will continuously be challenged to meet the health care needs of the community. To be able to meet the commitments made in the Newark Agreements, the state must maintain a supporting line item allocation to allow for the financial stability of the institution. Investment in a new facility may save the state money in the long run, though, by decreasing the need for constant repairs of an old and crumbling infrastructure. While what we are saying may appear to be obvious, from a historical perspective, we must make this clear: University Hospital has a distinct, historic and sacrosanct mission to be New Jerseys premier teaching public hospital that can recruit and retain talented, dedicated staff while building economic and health equity in Newark. Debbie White, RN, is president of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, which has 1,500 members in two locals, 5089 and 5094, at University Hospital and a member of the UH United Union Coalition along with Teamsters Local 97; CWA Local 1031, Operations Engineers Local 68, Community of Interns and Residents-SEIU and the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, Local 100. 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. A union representing Salem County workers is demanding an apology and diversity training after they say a county official circulated a culturally insensitive meme to employees. On May 5, Salem County Deputy Administrator Stacy Pennington sent a message via her county email account to all employees that contained a meme with the words Happy Cinco De Mayo and a photo of a jar of mayonnaise in a sink, according to a grievance filed by Joe Hiles, executive vice president of Communication Workers of America Local 1085. Penningtons inappropriate email violated the unions collective bargaining agreement with the county and personnel policies, including a policy against harassment, the grievance states. The union represents about 120 county employees. Penningtons other job titles with the county include clerk of the board of commissioners, director of human resources and equal employment opportunity officer, the union noted. Given her role in human resources, Pennington should have known better, Hiles said. The union sought an apology to employees sent through the employee communications email system and posting of that apology in all county buildings for a period of five days. Pennington should also complete appropriate diversity and sensitivity training, the union said. About half a dozen employees contacted union officials to express dismay over the message, said Hiles, who works for the county as a 911 dispatcher. Many others said they were shocked that Pennington had sent the email, he said. In a written response to the union, Salem County Administrator Jeffrey Ridgway stated that the county commissioners had reviewed the matter and decided that Pennington would issue an emailed apology to county workers and that all employees would receive diversity and sensitivity training. Pennington sent out a follow-up email on May 6 in which she wrote, Apologies to anyone who was offended by yesterdays Happy Cinco de Mayo email. She took no responsibility in this message, according to Hiles. There were people that, quite frankly, took that apology as half-a----, he said. Ridgway declined to comment on the situation when contacted Thursday, noting that this is a personnel matter. Pennington also declined to comment. Hiles is scheduled to meet with Ridgway on Friday to discuss the issue further, including an email exchange he said Pennington had with a state employee working in a county office who was unhappy about the Cinco de Mayo message, which she also received. One of these employees she emailed her displeasure directly back to Stacy Pennington and there was a bit of a banter back and forth, Hiles said. Ms. Pennington tried to justify that it was not offensive. She made some statements in there that were even more insensitive in our eyes. In that email exchange, which Hiles shared with NJ Advance Media, Pennington responded that a majority of people who received the message said it makes them smile and giggle. Making employees happy during what has been a challenging time for everyone is not an inappropriate use of a county network, she added. Pennington described Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates Mexicos victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, as a relatively minor holiday in Mexico. In the USA, like St Patricks Day, Cinco De Mayo is an excuse to drink and eat unauthentic food, she wrote in her email to the state employee. As the debate continued, Pennington asked the woman if she was offended by Leprechauns on St. Patricks Day. Pennington also described her close ties to some people who had no problem with the meme. And my future son in law is part of the Ethnic group and so is one of my good friends and they did not find it offensive, she wrote. The steps the county has taken so far in this matter are inadequate, Hiles said. Theres obviously an underlying problem that we see here and we feel like its not being addressed, Hiles said. Several employees have expressed concerns over Penningtons role as human resources director, Hiles said. Shes the one thats supposed to be telling us that we cant say these types of things. If I feel discriminated against or harassed at work, shes the person that I make the complaint to. Here she is putting forth this perception that it is funny and its not a big deal. Some employees acknowledged that if they were in a social setting and someone shared the image, they may find it humorous, Hiles said. But this is a person who is the HR director. Youre the person thats supposed to enforce that this stuff doesnt happen in the workplace. She used a county computer to send it over the county email server to all the county employees. An average employee would face a disciplinary process if they violated workplace policies, Hiles said. I dont feel that shes been disciplined at all by just writing an apology. Im not saying that she needs to be fired. I just dont feel that my employees that I represent are confident to go to her for HR issues. I think that there needs to be a change at least at the HR level. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. A quick roundup of some MLB medical updates: Nick Pivetta on COVID list The Boston Globe reports the Red Sox placed right-hander Nick Pivetta on the COVID-19-related injured list Wednesday with side effects from his vaccination. Not feeling great after his second shot, manager Alex Cora said. Hopefully hell be OK for his next start. Pivetta, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies last year, is 5-0 with a 3.19 ERA this season. Hes scheduled to start Friday vs. the Los Angeles Angels. If he cant go, the Globe reports former New York Yankees prospect Garrett Whitlock could make his first MLB start. Whitlock has been a revelation in the Red Sox bullpen, with a 1.56 ERA in nine appearances. Boston acquired Whitlock from the Yankees in Decembers Rule 5 Draft. Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers Another injury for Jay Groome The Globe reports Lefthander Jay Groome left Tuesdays start for High-A Greenville after getting hit by a liner off the shin. The issue has been diagnosed as a bruise and the 22-year-old is considered day-to-day. Groome, who attended Barnegat High School, underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2018. He was a first-round pick by the Red Sox in the 2016 MLB Draft. MLB Pipeline lists Groome as Bostons No. 7 prospect. Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Some 135,000 young people who were given their first AstraZeneca coronavirus injection are worried because the government requires them to get two doses of the same vaccine. They include staff in nursing homes and hospitals, first responders and other medical professionals. AstraZeneca jabs have now been banned for under-30s because of the risk of side effects, but those who already had them cannot currently get their second jab with a different vaccine. As of Wednesday, there had been 504 reports of serious side effects from AstraZeneca and 281 from Pfizer jabs. A nurse in her 20s at a nursing hospital said, "I got such a high fever that I was unable to work for two days after getting my AstraZeneca shot in late February." Now she is upset that she has to take the same vaccine again despite the ban for other under-30s. The government has decided to give Pfizer rather than AstraZeneca jabs to 191,000 police officers and coast guards, and 452,000 soldiers under 30 who are up for vaccination from next month. A hospital nurse in her 20s in Seoul said, "It's hard to understand why nurses should get the AstraZeneca vaccine while police officers are given Pfizer shots." "Many young nurses don't want to take the AstraZeneca vaccine again," a hospital staffer in Seoul said. "We must respect their personal choices. But we're worried that the vaccination rate will turn out low." I did vote for him, and I would again I did NOT vote for him, but I would now I did vote for him, but I would NOT now I did NOT vote for him, and I would NOT now Vote View Results Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit Watertown, NY (13601) Today A few passing clouds. Low 56F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 56F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. The live music options in New Orleans for the week of May 13-19 include a festival in exile and a Mardi Gras Indian Big Chiefs celebration of a new album. THURSDAY Radiators keyboardist and vocalist Ed Volker fronts his Los Reyes de Lagarto, which features Rod Hodges, Joe Cabral, Rene Coman and Doug Garrison, of the Iguanas, plus percussionist Michael Skinkus, at the Broadside, the outdoor venue near the Broad Theater on North Broad Street. Show time is 7 p.m.; tickets are $25. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band are featured for Zydeco Night at Rock n Bowl. FRIDAY Big Chief Monk Boudreaux celebrates the release of his new album, Bloodstains and Teardrops, at 8 p.m. at Zony Mash Beer Project on Thalia Street. Hell be joined by special guests Waylon Thibodeaux on Cajun fiddle and Johnny Sansone on blues harmonica. Tickets are $20. Walter Wolfman Washington & the Roadmasters pull into the Broadside for a 7 p.m. show; tickets are $20. Alexis & the Samurai, the duo consisting of Alexis Marceaux and Sam Craft, plays two shows at Tipitinas, starting at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $20-$30. At Rock n Bowl, popular cover band the Mixed Nuts is joined by bounce legend DJ Jubilee. The Rebirth Brass Band does two shows at the Howlin Wolf, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; tickets are $30. SATURDAY Instead of taking place on the banks of Bayou St. John, the 2021 Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo in Exile has moved to the outdoor Broadside venue. Saturdays schedule features a daylong, free art market starting at 3 p.m., plus performances by the 101 Runners at 6 p.m. and the Grammy-winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers brass band at 8:15 p.m. Tickets for the music are $25 in advance, $35 at the door, free for kids under 12. Mississippi Hill Country blues guitarist and drummer Cedric Burnside visits Tipitinas for two shows, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $30-$40, but the late show is sold out. Saxophonist Khris Royal & Dark Matter are joined by local hip-hop legends Partners N Crime for a 9 p.m. show at the Howlin Wolf; tickets are $20 and must be purchased in blocks of two or four. The 1980s arena rock cover band Contraflow hits Rock n Bowl. SUNDAY The Minx Burlesque troupe kicks off its Sultry Sundays series at the Howlin Wolf at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15, available in blocks of two, four or six. After Minx Burlesque, the Hot 8 Brass Band makes its weekly 9 p.m. appearance at the Howlin Wolf; tickets are $25. The 2021 Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo in Exile continues at the Broadside with a free art market from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus performances by Cha Wa at 5 p.m. and Tank & the Bangas at 7:15 p.m. Tickets to the concert, if theyre still available, are $30 advance, $40 at the door, free for kids under 12. MONDAY Harmonica man Johnny Sansone is joined by Johnny Rawls and the Roadmasters horns for his weekly Blue Monday gig at the Broadside; tickets are $20. Next year. The momentum is there! Maybe in 3-4 years. There's always some problem. Not until it's already legal in Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi Somehow, the legislature will criminalize weed for eternity Vote View Results The privately organized search for seven missing crewmen from the capsized Seacor Power lift boat fell apart earlier this month in a flurry of online attacks and allegations of impropriety. Now, United Cajun Navy president Todd Terrell, who collected several hundred thousand dollars in donations for the search, is accusing two leaders in the volunteer effort of cyberstalking and extortion, over their demands for money they claim he's hiding. In a petition for a protective order filed this week in East Baton Rouge Parish, Terrell alleges that search volunteer Christifer DeRouen attacked him in social media posts and text messages that amount to harassment and physical threats for him to surrender donations. Terrell also accused Scott Daspit, the father of missing crewman Dylan Daspit, of cyberstalking, alleging in an affidavit that Daspit and DeRouen acted together in a bid to extort money from him. Terrell is seeking court protection only from DeRouen, however. A hearing before 19th Judicial District Judge William Morvant is scheduled for May 20. An online brawl early this month on social media seemed to reveal frustrations boiling over among the volunteer search crew. It came as hope dimmed to find additional survivors two weeks after the vessel capsized on April 13 in the Gulf of Mexico eight miles south of Port Fourchon. Six of the 19 crewmen aboard the jack-up boat were rescued within hours. Six bodies were recovered over the next week before the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned its search by air and sea. Seven crewmen remain unaccounted for a month after the calamity, and a sporadic private search continues. +4 Amid tensions, United Cajun Navy withdraws from efforts to find missing Seacor Power crew The United Cajun Navy civilian search and rescue fleet is withdrawing from efforts to find seven offshore workers who have been missing since The fight, mostly on Facebook, now has spilled into the courtroom, which is not unusual for Terrell, who has sought permanent restraining orders in the past to tamp down online criticism of the nonprofit rescue group. In 2019, he reached a settlement with eight people he accused of cyberstalking, including Thomas Bever, founder of the Facebook group Cajun Navy Wiki Leaks. Terrell claims theres a connection. Along with his petition against DeRouen, he filed a motion this week to hold Bever and another critic, Kip Coltrin, in contempt for allegedly violating the settlement. Terrell says they reached out to Daspit, DeRouen and Ronnie Adams of reality TV's Swamp People," who became the face of the search effort, in an effort to get those individuals to harass or threaten Terrell. Bever declined to comment, citing the settlement agreement. Coltrin did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Daspit and Terrell agree on one thing: Mounting friction over a rush of donations, which purportedly included $10,000 from former President Donald Trump, spilled over at a meeting in Cocodrie on April 30, two days before the United Cajun Navy had planned to exit the search. Terrell describes it as an ambush by Daspit inside a command center set up by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriffs Office. Terrell said he offered Daspit proof that bills from airplanes and other expenses were being paid. 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 Everything was fine, I thought. We hugged each other. We talked, we cried for a minute, Terrell said. But Daspit wasnt satisfied. The next morning, Adams, whose social media pleas helped fuel donations for the search, posted a Facebook video with Adams standing on a table in front of a crowd of volunteer searchers to announce he was not affiliated with the United Cajun Navy, and had distanced himself from the group over some shady s--t going on. Terrell said the post drew him a barrage of threatening messages from third parties; he sent Adams a cease-and-desist letter. DeRouen, whose social media posts updating the search effort were widely followed, was among the most vocal critics of Terrell and his group. In one text message to a friend of Terrell, DeRouen allegedly stated: But Toddif you are watching thisyou better run if you see me. Terrell said the attacks sped up our process to abandon the search, because at that point, we didnt feel welcome. DeRouen then began posting thinly veiled attacks on Terrell and United Cajun Navy on social media. In a Facebook post last week, he was more direct, accusing them of being money grabbers and pulling numbers out of the air, according to Terrells affidavit. Attempts to reach DeRouen were not successful. In a Facebook video he posted Wednesday, he pledged to defend himself at next weeks court hearing. Daspit stood by his criticism this week, saying Terrell and the United Cajun Navy failed to live up to their promises. He offered few specifics, however, saying they would come later. Why doesnt he want to turn over documents I asked for? Daspit said in a text message. Todd was going to turn over documents and excess funds to another nonprofit we trusted, to no avail. "He WILL not intimidate me!" Daspit added. Terrell said he hasnt pursued legal action against Daspit because hes a grieving father. How can you go after a grieving father? +9 Divers work to drain fuel from Seacor Power as Coast Guard warns vessels to stay clear The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday warned mariners to keep clear of the Seacor Power lift boat wreckage as efforts continued to salvage the ves Just how much has been raised during the search remains in doubt. Terrell insists it isnt yet clear, citing a lag time for payments from Facebook. He said more than $100,000 has gone to hotel rooms, fuel and other bills related to the search, while he said $65,000 so far has been split among families of the 13 dead or missing crewmen. Once the bills are paid, were going to give the families as much money as we can for as long as we can, he said. Terrell said donors have requested about $100,000 in refunds. Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it will start in July two new direct international flights from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport -- one to Cancun, Mexico, and the other to San Pedro Sula, Honduras -- both of which were supposed to have commenced in March last year but were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The flights to Cancun will start on July 2 and to San Pedro Sula on July 8 and mark the first international flights from New Orleans for the airline. They will run four times a week to Cancun and three a week to Honduras. The revival of Spirit's flight are the latest sign that air travel is picking up. All of the major airlines operating from New Orleans have picked up the frequency of their routes and some have added domestic routes as passenger traffic has picked up strongly over the past six weeks. Flying to New York City? JetBlue to add LaGuardia to New Orleans flight starting to 2022 JetBlue said Wednesday that it would be adding a new flight connecting Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and LaGaurdia Airport Ted Christie, Spirit's chief executive officer, said the new flights underline Spirit's focus on the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America for non-domestic growth, with the region now together account for about 15% of the airlines' overall business. The Miramar, Florida-based Spirit is the eight-largest U.S. airline by enplaned passengers and it was hit, like other airlines, by the severe depletion in air traffic after the pandemic took hold last spring. 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 Traffic nationally has been steadily rising this year, including at the New Orleans airport. That has been reflected in Spirit's share price, which has tripled since the low point last year and, at about $33, has recovered about two-thirds of the ground it lost in spring and early summer last year. American Airlines is adding non-stop service from New Orleans to this popular Texas destination New Orleans travelers flying to and from Texas' fourth-largest city will soon have another option in a welcome bit of good news for Louis Arms Spirit's renewed confidence is supported by industry surveys that show potential travelers eager to resume flying to holiday destinations as the vaccination program in the U.S. and abroad continues to make progress. The new flights brings Spirit's direct routes from New Orleans to 21 and the airline's and the airport's executives have noted the growing Honduran immigrant population in New Orleans, which is around 100,000 and one of the largest in America. Already, an estimated 20,000 people a year travel from New Orleans to San Pedro Sula. The budget airline's flights to San Pedro Sula, which is Honduras' industrial center and the second-largest city after the capital, Tegucigalpa, will start June 11 and run on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. A contract to build a proposed $8.5 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal south of New Orleans has been awarded to a joint venture that pairs a San Antonio, Texas-based construction business with a Houston contractor hired in November. Venture Global LNG, an Arlington, Virginia-based company behind a cluster of proposed Louisiana LNG terminals costing upwards of $30 billion total, already had awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for its Plaquemines LNG terminal in November to KBR, a Houston-based publicly traded company. Venture Global has now inked a deal that brings in privately-held Zachry Group, which already has several offices in Louisiana, including Geismar and Gonzales. The new joint venture between KBR and Zachry Group will be known as KZJV and would be responsible for the first phase of the Plaquemines LNG terminal. The joint venture looks to build a "highly modularized" LNG export terminal, with a capacity of 10 million tons per year capacity in the first phase for export starting in 2024. A total 20 million tons per year is planned. Venture Global already has a 20-year deal to sell 1 million tons of its LNG to French utility Electricite de France S.A. The Polish Oil and Gas Co. agreed to buy 2.5 million tons of LNG from the Plaquemines terminal. Venture Global already is building Calcasieu Pass LNG in southwest Louisiana and is in the early planning phases for its Delta LNG and CP2 LNG projects in south Louisiana. 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 The Plaquemines LNG project, which sits on a 630-acre site about 20 miles south of New Orleans, has been navigating the federal regulatory process to export LNG and securing local permits. The company previously anticipated it would begin early construction by the end of 2021 but it was pushed back during the coronavirus pandemic and it expects to make a final investment decision by the end of the year. The project is expected to support up to 2,200 construction jobs and hire 250 workers at the terminal once completed. Venture Global secures $500 million loan for Plaquemine LNG export project Venture Global LNG obtained a $500 million loan from a group of major banks as the company prepares to make a final investment decision this y Venture Global delays financial decision on Plaquemines LNG until 2021 Venture Global LNG has quietly pushed back the timeline for when the company would make its final investment decision on its second liquefied Venture Global LNG's Plaquemines export terminal moves forward with 20-year LNG deal Venture Global LNG signed 20-year deal to sell some of its liquefied natural gas to a French utility business from its proposed Plaquemines Pa Three freshmen from Isidore Newman School gathered at Ochsner Medical Center in Old Jefferson on Thursday, at a time they would normally be in class, masked and distanced at assigned desks. Instead, they got their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, newly available to their age group just hours earlier. After a brief debate on height, they decided Lillian Gorman, 15, would go first, because shes oldest and tallest. The teens straightened one another's necklaces and fixed their masks then took a turn with a needle as cameras clicked and their mothers looked on. Lillian gave a thumbs up after the needle went in. Croix Hill, 15, said she was just ready to get back to normal. Ava Kreutziger, 14, said she was ready to see smiles again. How Louisiana parents can schedule a COVID vaccine for kids ages 12 to 15 The Louisiana Department of Health on Thursday morning alerted COVID vaccine providers that they can begin administering the Pfizer vaccine to You don't realize it until its gone, but that touch and being able to be close to each other is really important, Ava said. How do you know someone really well if you cant see half their face? The three freshmen were among the first 12- to 15-year-olds to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Louisiana after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use on Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended it Wednesday and Gov. John Bel Edwards gave the go-ahead. Ochsner planned to inoculate 55 newly eligible children across its health care system Thursday, with 548 scheduled over the next seven days. Childrens Hospital in New Orleans has set aside 60 vaccines daily for the age group. At Ochsner in Baton Rouge, the health chain plans to hold vaccine clinics on specific days but hasnt set specific doses aside for that age group. Dr. Truc Dinh, a pediatrician at Ochsners Bluebonnet clinic, said she hopes parents who might be leery about Pfizers vaccine for younger teens and 12-year-olds understand the shots are important because they can still get sick and spread the virus to others. Its been studied in over 2,000 adolescents, and its shown to be 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 and preventing the spread, Dinh said, adding that the immune response in 12- to 15-year-olds is actually stronger than in adults. +2 Louisiana confirms 2 cases of Brazil COVID variant; neither patient recently traveled The first two cases in Louisiana of a more infectious COVID-19 variant known as P.1 and often referred to as the "Brazil variant" have been id Dr. Michael Bolton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, said the hospital has still seen occasional cases of children who develop the rare COVID-19-related complication known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. You hear a lot about [COVID-19] not being as severe for kids ... but too many kids have died from it, he said. The rare and not well-understood affliction has proven fatal in Louisiana and other states, though Bolton's patients have ranged in severity. He said its among the reasons hes encouraged parents to vaccinate their kids if theyre eligible, along with the shots letting them resume a normal social life. +8 CDC says fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks indoors in most cases WASHINGTON (AP) In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday ease Children 12 and older need parental consent, but they can get the Pfizer vaccine, the only one currently authorized for kids, anywhere its available. The Louisiana Department of Health website listed at least 13 sites where the Pfizer shots were available Thursday and 20 on Friday. A federal website showed availability at Walgreens, Walmart, large hospital systems and many clinics around the state. Two doses went to the children of Dr. Jennifer Avegno, the New Orleans health director, at Childrens Hospital around 11 a.m. Avegno said lots of parents she knows are eager to get their children vaccinated, especially as summer activities begin. Just like adults, were going to see folks who have been pent up, said Avegno, adding that its the perfect time for kids who are going to summer camp to get the shot because its not fully effective until two weeks after the second dose. 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 But after the initial demand, she predicted, the vaccination rate will wane, just as it has among adults. Summer is going to be tricky, Avegno said. As we get back to school, hopefully there will be a lot of events and opportunities at pediatricians offices to get it. There are just under 250,000 12- to 15-year-olds in Louisiana, and like adults, not all of them will get a vaccine. According to polls cited by the CDC on Wednesday, 40% to 60% of parents plan to get their children vaccinated. While parents typically immunize their children at higher rates than they do themselves for other diseases, they reported similar or slightly lower intent for the coronavirus vaccine. Initial reluctance might come from kids or adults. If someone is anti-vax, thats something that is not the norm, but I do know some people who dont want to get vaccinated, said Ava, the Newman student. There are also kids who want it and their parents arent letting them get it, Croix said. For those who lined up Thursday, there were many reasons to be eager for a shot. Cora Evans, a 14-year-old freshman at Benjamin Franklin High School, wants to get back to plans that coronavirus canceled: baking club and volunteering with animals. Mostly she's looking forward to feeling more carefree. I want to be able to have the most normal summer I can have, said Cora, who got the vaccine mid-morning at Children's Hospital. The last year has been such a mess. I just want to go places and do stuff without worrying about getting people sick. Others are ready to get out of the house. I want to go to Italy and Canada and Alaska, said Amelia Wiley, a 15-year-old freshman at Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle-Orleans, She got the first shot at Childrens Hospital. Lillian, one of the Newman freshmen, just wants to get back to nuanced humor. Im a very sarcastic person, said Lillian, 15. Its very hard to be sarcastic when no one can see my face and know Im completely joking. Mostly, kids just want to do normal kid stuff again, said parent Valerie McGinley, whose 15-year-old daughter was schedule to receive the vaccine at Crescent Care in New Orleans. The vaccine opens the door for that. She wants to see her friends without masks and not be worried about it, McGinley said. And maybe, if her friends family gets vaccinated and they tell us, actually have a sleepover. Youssef Rddad contributed to this report. In Louisiana, 33,131 more doses of COVID vaccines have been administered, according to a noon update from the Louisiana Department of Health. There are 1,370,923 people who are fully vaccinated and 1,556,241 people who have received at least one dose of a vaccine. The total number of administered doses is now 2,829,314. Most of those shots are part of the two-dose regimen recommended for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which is why the total number of people who have received at least one dose is lower than the total number of doses. Out of Louisiana's entire estimated population, 33.48% of people have received at least one dose and 29.49% of people are fully vaccinated. These are another few key statewide statistics as of Monday: Total confirmed cases: 393,604 Total "probable" cases: 70,808 Total confirmed deaths: 9,516 Hospitalized: 326 On ventilators: 32 Vaccine series initiated: 1,556,241 (updated twice weekly) Vaccine series completed: 1,370,923 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 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. Can't see chart below? Click here. Can't see chart below? Click 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 before putting Louisiana back in a modified Phase 3 on March 2, 2021. This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come. WASHINGTON (AP) In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters but will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools, and other venues even removing the need for masks or social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC. The CDC will also no longer recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards lifted the state's mask mandate in April, paving the way for businesses and local governments to decide for themselves what face-covering rules to put in place. It's not yet clear how the new CDC guidance will impact New Orleans, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell elected to keep a mask mandate in place. Masks are required inside restaurants, stores and many other businesses, along with public transportation and government buildings. City spokesperson Beau Tidwell said that Cantrell and the city's health department "are reviewing the new guidance." The CDC announcement comes as the federal agency and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. COVID mask mandate ends in Louisiana: See metro New Orleans rules by parish Louisiana joined several southern states Tuesday in lifting its mask mandate, which had been in effect since July 2020 to slow the spread of t Walensky announced the new guidance on Thursday afternoon at a White House briefing, saying the long-awaited change is thanks to millions of people getting vaccinated -- and based on the latest science about how well those shots are working. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities large or small without wearing a mask or physically distancing, Walensky said. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. The easing guidance is likely to open the door to confusion, since there is no surefire way for businesses or others to distinguish between those fully vaccinated and those who are not. President Joe Biden was set to highlight the new guidance Thursday afternoon in a speech from the White House. +6 New Orleans restaurants can get up to $10M in federal COVID relief; see details Restaurants that had their finances pummeled by pandemic restrictions are eligible for up to $10 million in federal relief starting next 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 The new guidance comes as the aggressive U.S. vaccination campaign begins to pay off. U.S. virus cases are at their lowest rate since September, deaths are at their lowest point since last April and the test positivity rate is at the lowest point since the pandemic began. To date about 154 million Americans, more than 46% of the population, have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines and more than 117 million are fully vaccinated. The rate of new vaccinations has slowed in recent weeks, but with the authorization Wednesday of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 to 15, a new burst of doses is expected in the coming days. Just two weeks ago, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds. During a virtual meeting Tuesday on vaccinations with a bipartisan group of governors, Biden appeared to acknowledge that his administration had to do more to model the benefits of vaccination. I would like to say that we have fully vaccinated people; we should start acting like it, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, told Biden. And thats a big motivation get the unvaccinated to want to to get vaccinated. Good point, Biden responded. He added, Were going to be moving on that in the next little bit. Walensky said the evidence from the U.S. and Israel shows the vaccines are as strongly protective in real-world use as they were in earlier studies, and that so far they continue to work even though some worrying mutated versions of the virus are spreading. The more people continue to get vaccinated, the faster infections will drop and the harder it will be for the virus to mutate enough to escape vaccines, she stressed, urging everyone 12 and older whos not yet vaccinated to sign up. And while some people still get COVID-19 despite vaccination, Walensky said thats rare and cited evidence that those infections tend to be milder, shorter and harder to spread to others. If someone whos vaccinated does develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should immediately put their mask back on and get tested, she said. There are some caveats. Walensky encouraged people who have weak immune systems, such as from organ transplants or cancer treatment, to talk with their doctors before shedding their masks. Thats because of continued uncertainty about whether the vaccines can rev up a weakened immune system as well as they do normal, healthy ones. ___ AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard contributed to this report. A convicted killer from New Orleans was released from prison to house arrest for eight days before officials realized this week that he had been wrongly allowed to go free despite a 28-year prison sentence. The mothers of the two men Ahmad Rainey killed think the only reason he is back behind bars is that they alerted the criminal justice system to its mistake. Rainey was in custody at the Orleans Justice Center after he was rearrested on Tuesday. But the episode left the victims' families in disbelief and prompted Judge Nandi Campbell of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to make a public apology. It was just like a kick in the face, said Sonita Lewis, whose son, Vernon, was killed by Rainey in 2015. How did it happen? The chain of events that led to Raineys freedom appears to have begun with the convoluted verdict that jurors handed down at the end of his 2018 trial. Prosecutors said Rainey, now 38, shot and killed Vernon Lewis and Daniel Millon, both 24, because they parked their motorcycles in a breezeway outside Raineys apartment in the Hidden Lakes complex on Dec. 28, 2015. Rainey insisted that Millon had a pistol. He said he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle only after Millon began to move toward him. Police didnt recover any weapons from the scene. Jurors partially credited Raineys story. They acquitted him in the shooting of Millon, but unanimously convicted him of manslaughter for shooting Lewis. They also voted 10-2 to convict Rainey of obstruction of justice for tossing away the rifle before he turned himself in to the police. At the time, Louisiana was one of two states to allow split jury convictions. Rainey was sentenced to 28 years in prison for manslaughter and 20 years for obstruction of justice. His obstruction conviction was vacated last year as a result of the U.S. Supreme Courts April 2020 decision invalidating non-unanimous jury verdicts. Nevertheless, his unanimous manslaughter conviction should have kept him behind bars for years to come. Still, at an April 21 court hearing, Campbell set Raineys bail at $70,000 on the manslaughter count and $5,000 on the obstruction count. She also required him to wear an ankle monitor and stay home. 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 Campbell said no objection was raised at the hearing to the bail being set on the manslaughter count, and online court records don't record an objection from the district attorney's office. Rainey was released on bail from the Orleans Justice Center on May 3. On Tuesday, court records show, Campbell was notified that Raineys release on the manslaughter count was in error. He was back in custody within two hours, thanks to the monitoring conditions of his bail, Campbell said. The judge said Raineys mistaken release prompted a full-scale review of all cases in her court involving non-unanimous jury convictions, and that no other defendants were freed under similar circumstances. I just want to apologize to the victims' family for this mishap, Campbell said Wednesday. I cant speak as to why it wasnt caught by the state or the defense, but I am definitely taking responsibility for my part. District Attorney Jason Williams' office said Rainey's case isn't part of a separate "Jim Crow juries" project addressing final non-unanimous convictions. "The DAs office is not the entity responsible for setting bail," First Assistant District Attorney Bob White said. "The extent of our involvement in this matter to date included working closely with the court and other system actors to make sure that the defendant was apprehended as soon as we learned of this release. It was in fact the DAs office that brought this matter to the courts attention." Rainey's defense attorney, Frank DeSalvo, didn't return a request for comment. Sonita Lewis said she thinks the court learned of the error only because she reached out to Williams office on Tuesday. She and Millons mother said they had discovered Rainey was a free man earlier that day, when someone sent them a screenshot of a social media post he made after his release. Dumb criminals do dumb things, Lewis said. It was insulting, really, that you were supposed to be in jail but you got out. And for you to go and boast about it, very insulting, and it was hurtful. Campbell described Raineys release as a mistake. Lewis said she still wants to know more about why her son's killer was freed and why no one told her. My sons life was taken away at 24 years old, she said. He didnt get to have kids. He never married. He had his whole life ahead of him. Over a parking space. A former Treme church leader was sentenced Wednesday to a year and a day in prison for embezzling almost $89,000 for his own use. The U.S. attorney's office in New Orleans said Charles Williams Jr., 51, transferred money from St. Luke's Episcopal Church into multiple bank accounts, including one to fund a pizza restaurant that he owned at The Esplanade shopping mall in Kenner. Treme church official embezzled $89,000, used it to run mall pizza joint, feds claim An official at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Treme embezzled about $89,000 from the institution, used the money to run a pizza joint at the E As the elected senior warden of the church, Williams was the top layperson at St. Luke's and was responsible for ensuring its bills were paid. But he also kept the church's financial information private and inaccessible for others. During an Aug. 29, 2018, interview with the FBI, he allegedly lied about taking money from a church checking account and using it for his business or personal use. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2019. U.S. District Judge Lance Africk, whom President George W. Bush nominated to the court, sentenced him, including a requirement that he repay the church. Following his prison term, Williams must serve two years of supervised release. A woman accused of illegally peddling toxic buttock injections has admitted killing a client who suffered a horrific infection of flesh-eating bacteria after receiving the shot at Kenner motel. Keshawn Bruce, 32, of Dallas pleaded guilty to manslaughter Tuesday and was sentenced to five years in prison by Judge Chris Cox of the 24th Judicial District Court, according to court records. Kenner police investigators say Bruce was responsible for the death of Juliet Capps, a 42-year-old Florida woman who had paid her for the rear-enhancing injections. Although she was not a licensed medical professional, Bruce charged $1,000 to $1,500 for the injections, which she advertised on the internet under the "beauty services" section of Craigslist, police said. Bruce, who had relatives in the New Orleans area, arranged to administer injections to Capps in 2015 at a motel near Williams and Veterans Memorial Boulevard, police said. Such injections should be performed in a sterile setting with medical-grade materials, authorities say. Detectives aren't sure what Bruce injected into Capps, but they said they suspect it was some sort of commercially available concoction that turned out to be toxic. 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 After toxic butt injections, victim suffered months of agony until her death: Kenner detective Within an hour of receiving black market buttock injections in a Kenner motel room on an October evening in 2015, 42-year-old Juliet Capps beg Shortly after the injection, Capps began experiencing excruciating pain. She was taken to East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, where doctors eventually had to remove skin, fat tissue and muscle from her buttocks, the back of the thighs and her lower back, authorities said. She spent the next seven months in various medical centers trying to recover. She died of necrotizing fasciitis on May 15, 2016, police said. Though investigators identified Bruce as a suspect shortly after Capps' death, she wasn't arrested until 2020. It took detectives that long to confirm her role in the death and gather evidence, police have said. Bruce will be given credit for time served in jail since her arrest. The Orleans Parish coroner's office has identified the two teenagers killed in a Tuesday morning shooting in the St. Bernard area. Jaquan Green, 16, and Rashaad Broussard, 17, died of gunshot wounds, the coroner said. New Orleans police said the shooting happened at 7:12 a.m. Tuesday in the 4200 block of Hamburg Street, which is a block off Paris Avenue. Police did not release any further information. An East Jefferson Levee District police captain was jailed after firing a gun at suspected car burglars who rammed him with a vehicle during an off-duty confrontation, according to authorities. New Orleans police booked 40-year-old Gerald Hart with illegal discharge of a firearm, though his attorney on Thursday signaled an intent to argue self-defense. Mr. Hart was in fear for his life period, said lawyer Donovan Livaccari of the Fraternal Order of Police. Mr. Hart didnt fire in defense of property he fired in defense of his life. Hart was working at his second job for a trucking company in the 5600 block of Chef Menteur Highway Wednesday when he heard a car alarm blaring in the parking lot. +4 Bicyclist critically injured after being hit by burglary suspect running from Levee District police A burglary suspect fleeing from a levee district police officer during a car chase ran over a bicyclist in the Pines Village area of New Orlea Hart, a manager, stepped out of the company's trailer office with another employee and confronted a group of strangers in a car. The car was pulling out of a parking space and Hart told the driver to stop, according to the New Orleans Police Department and Livaccari. That's when the driver accelerated toward him. 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 Hart pulled out a gun and fired at the car, which struck him on his left side as the driver fled, police said, citing witness statements and a surveillance video. Hart's injury was not life-threatening, Livaccari said. With the help of the video footage, NOPD investigators said they were able to determine that Hart began firing at the car when it was more than 80 feet away. They concluded it was unnecessary for Hart to fire at that distance and jailed him on a count of illegally discharging a firearm. Hart was later released on a $2,500 bond. He could face up to two years in prison if convicted as booked. Antwan Harris, a spokesperson for the East Jefferson Levee Police Department, said Hart is a reserve division captain who has been a certified law enforcement officer since 2003. It was unclear Thursday whether Harts arrest might affect his status at the agency, which patrols the levees along the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. The NOPD generally prohibits its officers from firing on vehicles that are being driven toward them if they are not also facing a second type of force, such as a pointed gun. Other law enforcement agencies in the New Orleans area do not have the same restriction, and a car would fit Louisiana's legal definition of a dangerous weapon if it was being used to hit someone. A 77-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday night on Causeway Boulevard near Jefferson Highway, Louisiana State Police said. Wayne Greiner of River Ridge died at the hospital, authorities said. Police are looking for the driver of the other vehicle, who they said ran away after the crash. Update: Man arrested after fatal hit-and-run on Causeway Boulevard The wreck happened around 8 p.m. on Causeway Boulevard near Scott Street. Greiner was in a Chevrolet Suburban and was driving south in the left lane on Causeway at the same time someone was driving north in a Dodge pickup. The pickup crossed the median, went into oncoming traffic and hit the Suburban, according to preliminary information from authorities. 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 Police said they are still investigating why the pickup went into oncoming traffic. Suspect arrested in Causeway Boulevard hit-and-run that claimed life of 77-year-old Authorities have arrested a man accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Causeway Boulevard in Shrewsbury We Greiner was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital, where police said he later died. The driver of the pickup was last seen getting out of the truck and running south on Causeway. He was seen getting into a silver SUV near Frank H. Lemon playground. Authorities described the driver as a male, but no other information was immediately available about him. State Police said they are actively following leads about the driver, his identity and his whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call Louisiana State Police Troop B at 504-471-2775. A man linked to a quintuple shooting on Bourbon Street last month was arrested in Kenner on Wednesday while the hunt for his brother also a suspect continued. The U.S. Marshals captured Darran Boykins, 26, on Colorado Street with the help of police officers from New Orleans and Kenner, the various agencies said. Boykins faces five counts of aggravated battery stemming from the April 24 shooting that left five people wounded. Investigators have also tied him to a double shooting Central City later that day as well as a kidnapping at gunpoint which was reported in Algiers in March. Earlier Wednesday, police publicly named Boykins brother, 24-year-old Dorrell Boykins, as a second suspect in the shooting in the 300 block of Bourbon. He remained at large as evening fell, police said. Investigators havent elaborated on how they came to connect the brothers to the bloodshed. But police said gunfire erupted during an argument between two men, and a woman and four men, ages 60, 29, 23 and 20, were injured. None of their wounds were thought to be life-threatening. Six hours after the incident, police believe Darran Boykins had a hand in another shooting that injured a 58-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman who were stopped at a red light at the corner of Jackson and Simon Bolivar avenues. 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 Investigators also believe that Darran Boykins pistol-whipped a man while he slept inside a home in the 1500 block of Numa Street on March 25. That day, Boykins also struck a woman with his hands and forced her to drive away from the scene with him at gunpoint, police claim. The New Orleans Police Department first publicly identified Darran Boykins as a suspect in the French Quarter shooting on May 4. Twelve people were shot on Bourbon during a seven-week period beginning on March 6 and culminating the weekend of the quintuple shooting. As a result, Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson has pledged to use overtime pay and altered work schedules to assign more officers to the popular tourist drag. The uptick in gun violence there has unfolded as the city has been steadily lifting restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dorrell Boykins should call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. +3 In quintuple Bourbon Street shooting, NOPD names second suspect; no arrests made New Orleans police have named a second suspect in a shooting that left five people wounded on Bourbon Street last month. The Louisiana House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill to exempt oil production from abandoned wells from severance tax Tuesday. Rep. Jean-Paul Coussan, R-Lafayette described House Bill 662 as a win-win for the industry and the environment, but environment advocate Cynthia Sarthou, executive director of Healthy Gulf, called it a real gift to the oil industry. The Department of Natural Resources has designated more than 4,000 oil wells in the state as orphaned or abandoned. Wells typically become abandoned when a small oil company buys a previously drilled well and goes bankrupt without properly plugging and abandoning it. When this happens, the liability falls to the state, which uses revenue from a fee on oil and gas production to pay for the cleanup. But the program lacks adequate funding, according to a 2014 legislative auditor's report. Coussans bill would incentivize new oil producers to take over the liability of the well by eliminating the severance tax on oil production, which is typically 12.5%. The tax exemption would last for two years or until production of the well surpasses the cost of operation, whichever comes first. The fiscal note on the bill is zero because producers dont usually take over liability on abandoned wells, said Gregory Brian Upton, Jr., an associate research professor at the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, who testified on the bill when it was introduced in the House Committee on Ways and Means. But when orphan wells are brought back into production, the bill would result in a loss of severance tax into the state general fund, according to the fiscal note. In short, taxpayer-funded clean up of orphan wells, Sarthou said. 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 +11 'It's too far gone': Old oil wells and pipelines doom big effort to save this Louisiana island A Louisiana island President Theodore Roosevelt tried to save more than a century ago has been so damaged by the oil industry, so tangled with As the bill was discussed in the House on Tuesday, Rep. Larry Frieman, R-Abita Springs, sarcastically asked how he could avoid taxes on a new business he wanted to open. In response, Coussan said the bill would benefit the environment by incentivizing small companies to take over wells and, eventually, plug and abandon them properly. These are not major oil companies that are going to be taking over these wells. This will be the McCormicks of the world, he said, referring to Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, who owns M&M Oil. A similar bill by Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, was approved by the Senate in April. Hungary has agreed to pay about $36 a dose for the Covid-19 vaccine made by Sinopharm, a Chinese state-owned company, according to contracts made public by a senior Hungarian official on Thursday. That appears to make the Sinopharm shot among the most expensive in the world. Hungary has agreed to buy five million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, priced at 30 euros ($36) each, according to contracts that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, uploaded to his Facebook page. The contract is between the Hungarian government and a third-party vendor, and that price far surpasses what the European Union has agreed to pay for vaccines from Western manufacturers. The European Union has said it would pay 15.50 per dose for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to Reuters, which cited an internal E.U. document. For AstraZeneca, it agreed to pay $2.15 per dose, according to Belgiums budget secretary. The contracts that Mr. Gulyas published also show that Hungary, which has recorded nearly half a million coronavirus cases and more than 16,000 deaths, has agreed to pay $9.95 per dose for the Russian Sputnik-V vaccine. Since taking office, President Biden has been rather quiet on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Is he trying to draw back the U.S.s involvement or would he like to keep things the way they are? Bidens been a longtime supporter of Israel. I think the Israeli-Palestinian issue just sucked up so much air in previous Democratic administrations that hes really hesitant to allow that to happen again. Weve got other equities in the Middle East other than Israel. And I think theres a certain amount of exhaustion among Middle East diplomats with the conflict. Its intransigent. Were not going to be the ones to solve it. If Israel isnt ready to negotiate, and the Palestinians arent ready to negotiate and solve their problems, how are we going to possibly succeed? So whats Bidens option? One option is to issue a statement like the one he issued on Saudi Arabia: We support you, but our support is not unconditional. We expect that Israel will take steps to ensure the rights of the people they occupy. What about the argument that other nations in the region have their daggers behind their backs and are just waiting for their chance to wipe out Israel? Signaling to Israel that our support is conditional is not an invitation to Egypt and Jordan to attack Israel. Were they to do so, theyd be defeated in 24 hours. Wed come to Israels support. But that doesnt mean theyre not an ally. Our support for allies has always been conditional. We made it clear to the British in World War II that we were their allies and we would support them, and that wed even float money to support their economy, but that we were in charge of the relationship. Were not in charge of the relationship with Israel, and we need to be. Theyre in charge, and theyve been in charge because theyve always been able to count on bipartisan support in Congress. That is now changing. For example, I know that the first letter in the entry is going to be the key itself, because thats how writing out keys works, but Im not sure which one it is yet, so Ill leave that blank for now. That means I have four letters left. Thats not enough for the answer to be major, minor or sharp, so the answer must be __ FLAT. I was able to get the E in E FLAT from the crossing at 22D. See? I cant even carry a tune, but I could figure out the key of Beethovens Eroica. Go forth and use that trick to impress your friends. 41A. Take note of that maybe in the clue C.D. holders, maybe. We are not supposed to be thinking about a rack for compact discs. These C.D.s are certificates of deposit, and the answer is IRAS, which hold C.D.s as part of their investment portfolios. 64A. At first, I thought the answer to What was cool for a long time? was going to be ICE CAP, which would have made this a heartbreaking clue, but the answer is ICE AGE. 4D. Partner clues want the solver to find a word that is usually connected to the other word in the clue using the conjunction and. What does that mean in English? It means we are looking for a word that would complete the sentence here and ___. It could be there, but we only have three squares. The phrase that comes to mind is here and NOW. 26D. I have still not seen CATS, so I was not aware of the Jellicle Ball. I solved it, but thought it might be a toy for the Jellicle Cat. Its the annual Ball where the Jellicle CATS dance and hope to be chosen to go to heaven, which is an odd choice for a dance, unless you happen to be on the bad side of someone named Carrie. 29D. This in Get a load of this! is LAUNDRY, which is done in loads. 33D. Yes, I thought this was racy at first, too. Let us get our minds out of the gutter. Just because the answer to More than a couple is THREESOME doesnt mean that it is a double entendre. Nor is it a triple one, so stop snickering. Todays Theme Scene: The desk of Joel Fagliano, in an undisclosed location. Mr. Faglianos Slack alert dings. He notices that the message is from me and takes a long swig from his bottle of Pepto-Bismol. Federal health officials have now confirmed 28 cases, including six in men, of a rare blood clotting disorder in adults who have received the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, the deputy director of the immunization safety office at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, presented the new cases on Wednesday at a meeting of a panel of advisers to the C.D.C. The figure is an increase from the 15 confirmed cases, all of which were in women, that were reported at last months meeting. Although officials have now identified a handful of cases in men, women especially those between the ages of 30 and 49 appear to remain at elevated risk. The trend is that the reporting rates are higher in females compared to males in all age categories, Dr. Shimabukuro said at the meeting. This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. Bibi Romeiza John was a caregiver for her entire life, having trained through the Salvation Army in her native Guyana to become a nurse and home health aide. In the early 2000s she emigrated to Queens, where she took particular pride in caring for older people. One of her patients was William Simpson, 91, whom she had cared for for 10 years. There were tensions in his family, and toward the end, when he was in the final stages of dementia, Ms. John was able to help family members reconcile with him and with one another, his daughter Jordana I. Simpson said in an interview. Saying that Derek Chauvin was particularly cruel for killing George Floyd slowly, the Minneapolis judge who oversaw Mr. Chauvins murder trial issued a ruling on Wednesday that could significantly increase the amount of time the former police officer spends behind bars. In the six-page opinion, Judge Peter A. Cahill said prosecutors had proven that Mr. Chauvin had abused his position of trust and authority, treated Mr. Floyd with particular cruelty, and committed his crime in the presence of children and with the active participation of at least three other people. The finding of what are known as aggravating factors allows Judge Cahill to sentence Mr. Chauvin to more than 15 years in prison, the longest punishment for second-degree murder under Minnesotas sentencing guidelines. While state statutes allow the judge to sentence Mr. Chauvin to a maximum of 40 years, legal experts say it is highly unlikely that he will receive more than 30 years. Judge Cahill also ruled that prosecutors did not prove a fifth aggravating factor that Mr. Floyd was particularly vulnerable because he was restrained and intoxicated with drugs. Still, the judge needed to find only one aggravating factor to allow him to sentence Mr. Chauvin beyond the 15-year guideline, said Ted Sampsell-Jones, a professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minn. To the many propositions that governments have used to try to bolster slumping demand for the coronavirus vaccine, Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio raised the ante considerably on Wednesday, announcing that the state would give five people $1 million each in return for having been vaccinated as part of a weekly lottery program. The lottery, whose legality could raise questions, will be paid for by federal coronavirus relief funds, Mr. DeWine, a Republican, said during a statewide televised address. The first of five weekly drawings will be held on May 26, according to Mr. DeWine, who said that Ohio Lottery would conduct them. I know that some may say, DeWine, youre crazy! Mr. DeWine said on Twitter. This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money. But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it is a life lost to COVID-19. The United States has investigated episodes both in the country and overseas, but the vast majority have been overseas, according to the National Security Council, and some reported domestically are likely to be aftershocks caused by earlier incidents overseas, according to current and former officials. But at least two episodes involving White House staff members, one in 2020 that affected a National Security Council official near the Ellipse south of the White House and another in 2019 involving a woman walking her dog in Northern Virginia, have no known connection to an earlier overseas event. While many officials expressed skepticism that Russia or another power would conduct an attack in the United States, agencies are investigating. Congress has demanded more from the C.I.A. In a closed-door meeting of the Senate Intelligence Committee last month, senators accused the C.I.A. of doing too little to investigate the mysterious episodes and until recently showing skepticism about them, according to people briefed on the meeting. During the Trump administration, some in the agency said there was little intelligence showing a foreign power was responsible and argued that it made little sense analytically for Russia or another foreign intelligence service to make unprovoked attacks on Americans. Others doubted the cause of the brain injuries. The new C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, has tried to move aggressively to improve the agencys response, current and former officials said. Mr. Burns has met with victims, visited doctors who have treated injured agency officers and briefed lawmakers. He has also assigned his deputy, David Cohen, to oversee the investigation and the health care response. Mr. Cohen will meet monthly with victims and will lead regular briefings for Congress. The agency has also doubled the number of medical personnel conducting treatment and managing cases of injured officers. In addition, the chief medical officer, who had been criticized by some former officers as too skeptical of the incidents and dismissive of some symptoms, announced his retirement. He was replaced with another doctor seen inside the C.I.A. as more focused on patient care. While every president since George W. Bush has issued new guidelines to bolster the countrys digital defenses, Mr. Bidens order is intended to reach deep into the private sector. And it is far more detailed than past efforts. For the first time, the United States will require all software purchased by the federal government to meet, within six months, a series of new cybersecurity standards. Although the companies would have to self-certify, violators would be removed from federal procurement lists, which could kill their chances of selling their products on the commercial market. The order also establishes an incident review board, much like the teams that investigate airline accidents, to learn lessons from major hacking episodes. The White House is mandating that the first incident under review will be the SolarWinds hack, in which Russias premier intelligence agency altered the computer code of an American companys network management software. It gave Russia broad access to 18,000 agencies, organizations and companies, mostly in the United States. The new order also requires all federal agencies to encrypt data, whether it is in storage or while it is being transmitted two very different challenges. When China stole 21.5 million files about federal employees and contractors holding security clearances, none of the files were encrypted, meaning they could be easily read. (Chinese hackers, investigators later concluded, encrypted the files themselves to avoid being detected as they sent the sensitive records back to Beijing.) Previous efforts to mandate minimum standards on software have failed to get through Congress, notably in a major showdown nine years ago. Small businesses have said the changes are not affordable, and larger ones have opposed an intrusive role of the federal government inside their systems. An NBC News poll last month found that Mr. Trumps favorability rating was down to 32 percent among all voters and 14 percent among independents. Democrats can barely contain their delight over the disarray across the aisle. Right now should be easiest time for the party out of power to unify in opposition, Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania said. As Ms. Cheney discovered, Republican leaders will continue to bow to Mr. Trump as long as theyre worried that their rank-and-file voters will punish them for disloyalty. This could prove ominous for Republicans in the most competitive districts and states: They may not be able to survive a primary without him, but they may prove unelectable if theyre linked too closely to him. Theres not a lot of good options, said Brendan Buck, a former House Republican leadership aide. Democrats offered a preview of whats to come, particularly in more blue-leaning terrain, this week in Virginia. Republicans nominated Glenn Youngkin, a former private equity executive who has promoted election integrity measures and refused to say Mr. Biden had won the 2020 election fairly, as their standard-bearer for governor. In his statement responding to Mr. Youngkins nomination, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the likely Democratic nominee, mentioned Mr. Trumps name three times in the first three sentences. Given Democrats slim control of the House and the newly drawn seats they will have to defend, the long shadow of Trumpism still may not be enough for the party to hold the House in 2022, as even the most hardened Democratic partisans acknowledge. They have a strong likelihood of taking the House, Paul Begala, a Democratic strategist, said of Republicans. Yet Mr. Begala argued that the vise Mr. Trump has Republicans in by which most of them must align with him to win a primary could brighten Democrats chances in the Senate. Republicans did not cling to Hooverism, he said. This is a huge mistake. A Jesuit priest who delivered the homily at a Mass for the inauguration of President Biden has resigned as the president of Santa Clara University after he engaged in inappropriate behavior, university officials said on Wednesday. An investigation by the Jesuits West Province found that the priest, the Rev. Kevin OBrien, engaged in behaviors, consisting primarily of conversations, during a series of informal dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries, the chairman of the universitys board of trustees said in a statement to the university community. The Province also advised the Board that alcohol was involved and that no inappropriate behavior was found in any settings outside of these dinners, the statement said. The statement, which did not elaborate further on the behavior, said that Father OBrien, who had been placed on leave in March, notified the board of trustees that he was resigning on Sunday, and that the board accepted his resignation on Monday. As a resurgent coronavirus threatens countries across Southeast Asia, the health authorities in Thailand are working to contain an outbreak that is ripping through the tight-knit community of gemstone traders in the southeastern reaches of the country near the border with Cambodia. The town of Chanthaburi which has a long history as a center of the countrys business in rubies, sapphires and other stones is at the heart of the outbreak, which has infected at least 166 in the community of traders from Africa who work in the country. At least 103 Thais in the town have also tested positive as a result of the latest outbreak, officials reported. The cluster of cases comes as Thailand battles its worst outbreak since the pandemic began. For nearly three weeks, the country has averaged about 2,000 new cases a day more than double its worst peak in January. The largest outbreak has been reported in Bangkok, which is under a partial lockdown. On Wednesday, the government reported 34 deaths, a record, and 1,983 cases. One of those who died was from Finland. President Biden said that he had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for a while on Wednesday amid escalating fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, and asserted his unwavering support for Israels right to defend itself. My hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later, Mr. Biden said in response to questions from reporters. According to a readout of the call released by the White House, Mr. Biden condemned the rocket attacks on Israel and added that the United States position is that Jerusalem be a place of peace. On Thursday, the White House again framed the conflict in terms of attacks carried out by Hamas, and refrained from criticizing Israel. Mohammed Sabtie, a 30-year-old motorcycle mechanic, was among Gazans who left their homes after the airstrikes subsided Wednesday morning to see the damage. The sound was very, very horrific, Mr. Sabtie said. It was like a state of war. It was the first time I ever heard anything like this. Was he scared? Yes, he said, but also overjoyed to see Palestinians fighting back. Our ambitions are not war, Mr. Sabtie said. Our ambitions are security and peace. We have to do this. We dont want to be hit and insulted. We want to hit back. As Gazans try to minimize risk to their families, they are aware that there are few places in the crowded city to find shelter, so they settle on little details, and luck. Some leave their windows open during attacks, lest a pane of glass suddenly become a rush of shards. Many try to figure which direction the most intense bombardment is coming from, and move to a room farthest away. Theres a rush for ground-level apartments and rooms. And then, mostly, they try to sleep, if they can. On Tuesday night, one shopkeeper in an office tower was among those evacuating after being told by Israel that the building would be targeted for an airstrike, he said. The shopkeeper, who runs a currency-exchange store in the building and asked not to be identified, was devastated. He said he had recently gotten engaged, and went into debt to pay for his wedding. He feared he would lose everything. JERUSALEM When the guns are talking, Israels domestic political strife typically goes silent. When the country is on the brink of war, the opposition usually rallies around the government. Not this time. As the conflict with Gaza wrought more death and destruction on Wednesday and as an intense surge of Arab-Jewish sectarian violence rocked towns within Israel a chief opponent of Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the prime minister for the spiraling sense of chaos and said he was working to oust him. Yair Lapid, the centrist leader of the opposition, said the events of the last week can be no excuse for keeping Netanyahu and his government in place. Quite the opposite, Mr. Lapid wrote in a statement he posted on Facebook. They are exactly the reason why he should be replaced as soon as possible. The escalating crisis, in which dozens have been killed in airstrikes and rocket barrages, has come at a pivotal moment in Israeli politics. Though her works on paper often drew on rules and repetitions, and though she enjoyed a close friendship with Sol LeWitt during her years in New York, the German artist and composer Hanne Darboven (1941-2009) never quite fit the art academies intractable designation of conceptual artist. Her rambling, rhythmic installations of scribbles and calculations, accompanied by photographs and objects and often filling entire rooms, have as much human imperfection as mathematical accuracy and can take on an epic grandeur as they accumulate historical and personal detail. Five years after the Dia Art Foundation presented her magnum opus, Kulturgeschichte 1880-1983, New Yorkers can rediscover Darbovens art at Petzel, which has filled the parlor floor of its uptown gallery with the installation Europa 97, made from 384 sheets of paper. On each day of 1997, Darboven headed a page with the date and the word today. Beneath, she repeated the digits of the day, month, and year; she usually wrote the numbers out in a single column, but at the start of each month she filled the page with a matrix of digits. When completed, each months drawings were arranged into a 4 x 8 grid, with the leftover spaces filled by a photograph of a German license plate zoomed, notably, onto the blue-and-yellow European flag at the plates left. From the title onward, Darboven analogizes the advancing numbers of Europa 97 to another kind of progress: Pan-European democracy, five years on from the founding of the European Union in Maastricht. But this work never illustrates the years events or tips its political hand. On May 2, Tony Blair took power in Britain after 18 years of Conservative rule; Darboven simply recorded the date and repeated its digits. In early July, intense rainfall led to flooding across Poland and the Czech Republic; Darboven recorded the date, repeated its digits. The year 1997 could have been as dramatic as 1789 or as forgettable as, I dont know, 1372. It doesnt matter. This is an ahistoric look at history; its not the events that matter here, but the ideals. In other projects, Darboven computed sums from a given dates month, day and year, adding their digits together in a habitual, meditative personal arithmetic. But nothing is being calculated in Europa 97. She just writes the word numbers, and lets them keep ticking up: 10 4 9 7, 11 4 9 7, 12 4 9 7. All thats pictured is a humanist ideal a promise she tried to embody in art, and saw embodied too in those yellow stars on a blue background. JASON FARAGO In 2014, the director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Adam D. Weinberg, invited the artist David Hammons to tour the museums still empty new building. Weinberg remembers them standing together at the panoramic fifth-floor window overlooking the Hudson and talking about the history of the waterfront facing the museum, about what was there and what was gone. Gone, since its demolition in 1979, was Pier 52, once a warehouse for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, and famous in the art world as the setting for a monumental work of guerrilla-style public sculpture called Days End by the American conceptualist Gordon Matta-Clark. The Matta-Clark piece was a work of excision, not construction. In 1975, he commandeered the piers immense, by-then half-ruined, shed it measured 50 feet high and 373 feet long and with a small crew of workers he cut openings in its walls and floors, the largest being a quarter-moon-shaped incision in the sunset-facing west wall. His purpose was to let in light that would change during days and seasons. He envisioned the basilica-scaled interior as a peaceful enclosure, a joyous situation. Our new vision statement, Of the nation and for all the people, is rooted in the National Gallerys history. When we were founded, Andrew Mellon made a gift to the United States and was very clear that he didnt want the building or museum named after him. He wanted it to be of the nation and for the people. Those words help set our future path, determining our values going forward, because we still have a lot of work to do catching up with the rest of the country and what the nation really looks like. What is the museum doing to make the collection better reflect the American population? Our core collection does mirror the demographics of America when we were founded in 1941, when the country was almost 90 percent white. But we have our work cut out for us to expand representation. At my first board meeting, I told the trustees that its not feasible or thoughtful to only collect Euro-American artists when it comes to contemporary art, for example, because todays artists are so global artists live, work, and have studios in different countries and often different from the place in which they were born. But at the same time, at this point in our history, it doesnt make sense to go backwards and become an encyclopedic museum. You have spoken about the need to listen to staff members of color. How are you committing to diversity within the museums programming and leadership? I inherited a leadership team that was 100 percent white, and now its 57 percent people of color. We have just hired E. Carmen Ramos [from the Smithsonian American Art Museum] to be our chief curator and conservation officer. She is the first woman and first person of color to hold that position. We hired our first curator of African-American and Afro-Diasporic art. [Eric L. Motley, who is Black, also joined in March as deputy director of the National Gallery; he had served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.] We have added seven exhibition projects and installations to the schedule representing women and people of color, including an exhibition in fall 2022 of Native American contemporary art curated by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, who will be the first artist to curate a show for the National Gallery. Last year, several current and former employees wrote a public letter alleging sexual and racial harassment. Can you explain how the museum has addressed those concerns? That foundation, named after Norbert Levy, was the subject of another lawsuit that the Kainer heirs filed, in State Supreme Court in New York in 2013, which described the foundation as a sham meant to cheat them out of their inheritance. Lawyers for UBS said years ago in court papers that the company has no relationship with the foundation. The foundation has maintained that, under the terms of Norbert Levys will, it has a legal right to the assets it has collected. In 2017, a judge dismissed the case against the foundation and UBS, saying that the court system in New York was not the proper forum for the heirs claims, and an appellate court upheld the decision. Lawyers for the heirs are now challenging those rulings in the states Court of Appeals, arguing that the case should be decided in New York. It is not clear whether the existence of the Swiss foundation could further complicate the dispute over the Pissarro. A lawyer who has represented the foundation in the New York litigation did not reply to an email message asking whether the foundation plans to make any claims of ownership of the Pissarro painting. According to the lawsuit filed this week in Atlanta, Margaret and Ludwig Kainer left for Switzerland in 1932 to obtain medical care, but never returned to their home in Germany. Alarmed by the persecution of Jews there, they instead moved to France. Meanwhile, the lawsuit said, Nazis sold the stolen Pissarro at auction in 1935. Eventually, the Kainers registered the work as looted with the French Department of Reparations and Restitutions, the plaintiffs said, adding that information about the painting, along with a photograph of it, was included in a directory of property looted in France and elsewhere during the war. The paintings path during the 60 years after the auction in Germany is uncertain. In 1995, the lawsuit said, Gerald D. Horowitz bought the painting from Achim Moeller Fine Art in New York. Vaguely inspired by Pride and Prejudice, a book that Finley reads to a grumpy retiree (Vanessa Redgrave) whom shes assigned to visit regularly, the film spends a good chunk of its time humanizing Beckett (whose dad pressures him to act) to upend Finleys first impressions. With Beckett as her tour guide, our heroine goes sightseeing, takes in the Cliffs of Moher and encounters a spatter of eccentric locals like a genial barfly who teaches her the ways of the Irish fiddle. Otherwise, the film might as well take place in any other cute European town featured on a study abroad brochure. Exploring a new country as a young woman should be more interesting than as a backdrop for improbable romance. But even as an amorous daydream, Finding You is dated and generic, Disney Channel-movie-esque, but without the charismatic teen stars. Finding You Rated PG. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes. In theaters. Please consult the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before watching movies inside theaters. Would you like to read a U.S. senators book about antitrust law? No? How about two U.S. senators books about antitrust law? Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, recently published books with a combined 825 pages about the history of Americas skepticism of large and powerful corporations. I read them both and wouldnt recommend that other mortals follow my lead. But the books are remarkable if only for what these senators on opposite sides of the political spectrum agree on: They want tougher regulation, new laws, more aggressive judges and citizen movements to tame what they see as Americas too-big business elite, especially technology powers like Google, Facebook and Amazon. A shorthand for these two books is that Teddy Roosevelt was good and big tech is bad. I dont want to draw too much of a false equivalence. Ms. Klobuchars Antitrust is deeply researched and comprehensive. (Maybe too comprehensive.) Mr. Hawleys The Tyranny of Big Tech is largely an incoherent mess. But let me explain some of what I learned from reading them: The senators agree that big is bad. One of the strangest sights in modern American politics is how powerful tech companies like Google and Facebook have generated bipartisan hatred. They have few friends. Certainly not these writers. To them, the power of tech companies is emblematic of what goes wrong when big corporations are left mostly alone to do what they want. Its weird, really, how alike they sound. Warnings of civil war in Israel Hundreds of people have been arrested on rioting charges in Israel, and the city of Lod was placed on lockdown after groups of Jews and Arabs faced off violently in the streets. Several Israeli leaders, led by President Reuven Rivlin, evoked the specter of civil war a once unthinkable idea. Israel carried out more airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, where the death toll rose on Thursday to 83 people, according to the Gaza health ministry. Palestinian militants fired volleys of rockets that reached far into Israel, where seven have died over the past three days. In several Israeli cities, Jewish and Arab citizens have stoned cars, burned offices and places of worship, and formed mobs that have dragged people from their vehicles and beat them to within an inch of their lives. On the ground: Burned-out cars litter the streets of the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod, the epicenter of three nights of violence in Israel. Authorities imposed a curfew and deployed armed border troops. But the moves did little to restore calm. The governors of Montana and Arizona have said they will give newly hired workers a bonus. Economists are skeptical that supplemental jobless benefits are playing anything more than a bit part in the pace of the job markets recovery. There is tremendous churn in this labor market, said Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. There are still major supply constraints and unemployment benefits are not the most important one. The virus is. Many workers have children at home who are not attending school in person. Others are wary of returning to jobs that require face-to-face encounters. Covid-19 infections have decreased since September, but there are still 38,000 new cases and 600 Covid-related deaths being reported each day. Less than half the population is fully vaccinated. There is halting progress from employers as well, as businesses continually update their assessments of costs and customer demand. The hiring pattern isnt going to be smooth, Mr. Daco said. Businesses hire and then reassess. They need to find the right balance. Its a trial-and-error process more than anything. Prematurely halting federal jobless benefits is detrimental to the economy, Mr. Daco said. Youre voluntarily hurting certain vulnerable tranches of the population. Mississippi, Tennessee, Arizona and Alabama are among the states that offer the lowest maximum benefit to qualified individuals $275 or less each week. Nationwide, the average weekly benefit without federal supplements is $387, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. As for people who are just starting to apply for unemployment insurance, the Labor Department reported Thursday that 487,000 workers filed first-time claims for state benefits last week, a decrease from 514,000 the week before. In addition, about 104,000 new claims were filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Gasoline prices continued to rise across the Southeast on Thursday, but at a slower pace generally than in recent days, as the operator of Colonial Pipeline said it had made substantial progress in resuming the delivery of fuel along the East Coast. Product delivery has commenced to all markets we serve, the pipelines operator said Thursday afternoon. It will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions. The pipeline, which stretches from Texas to New Jersey and delivers nearly half of the transport fuels for the Atlantic Coast, was shut down because of a ransomware cyberattack on Friday. Operations have gathered momentum since the pipeline partially restarted late Wednesday. Gasoline prices rose by roughly 3 cents in South Carolina and Georgia from Wednesday to Thursday, about half the amount of the increases of the previous few days. But prices in Tennessee, which depends on an offshoot of the pipeline, rose by 6 cents, to $2.87 for a gallon of regular. Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular increased by 2 cents to $3.03, according to the AAA auto club. WASHINGTON The audacious ransomware attack that shut down a major fuel pipeline and sent Americans scrambling for gasoline in the Southeast this week was not the first time hackers have disrupted Americas aging, vulnerable energy infrastructure. And its unlikely to be the last. Across the globe, cyberattackers are increasingly taking aim at the energy systems that underpin modern society. A February report from IBM found that the energy industry was the third most targeted sector for such attacks in 2020, behind only finance and manufacturing. That was up from ninth place in 2019. This should be a wake-up call, said Jonathon Monken, a principal at the energy consulting firm Converge Strategies. When you look at whats most likely to cause disruptions to energy companies today, I think you have to put cybersecurity risks at the top. Despite years of warnings, Americas vast network of pipelines, electric grids and power plants remains acutely vulnerable to cyberattacks with the potential to disrupt energy supplies for millions of people. Dealing with those risks, analysts said, will pose a major challenge for the Biden administration as it seeks hundreds of billions of dollars to modernize the nations energy infrastructure and transition to cleaner sources of energy to address climate change. In the first episode of her new variety series on Showtime, the comedian Ziwe Fumudoh asks the writer Fran Lebowitz: What bothers you more: slow walkers or racism? This character is hyperbolic, Ms. Fumudoh said a few days before the premiere of Ziwe. Its only hyperbole that somebody would ask that question. And you see that reflected in how I dress. Ms. Fumudoh was explaining how the wardrobe for the series came together: a tornado of pink that has sucked up a few feather boas, a mountain of crystal embellishments and an assortment of fuzzy hats, plastic visors, tiny sunglasses and opera gloves. When the costume designer Pamela Shepard-Hill would add a ring to an outfit, Ms. Fumudoh would ask for six more, and then lets do a cuff thats entirely made of diamonds, she said. On Ziwe, whether during a confrontational interview or parody music video, Ms. Fumudoh plays an audacious, quick-witted consumerist, whose attitude and armor is inspired by an unholy marriage of Dionne from Clueless and Paris Hilton in The Simple Life, along with a few other ultrafeminine pop culture figures of the 1990s and aughts. (In a sketch about plastic surgery, she wears matching pink sweatpants and a sleeveless crop top, wordlessly making a reference to Amy Poehlers desperate mom from Mean Girls.) Clean water in 1842, food safety in 1906, a ban on lead-based paint in 1971. These sweeping public health reforms transformed not just our environment but expectations for what governments can do. Now its time to do the same for indoor air quality, according to a group of 39 scientists. In a manifesto of sorts published on Thursday in the journal Science, the researchers called for a paradigm shift in how citizens and government officials think about the quality of the air we breathe indoors. The timing of the scientists call to action coincides with the nations large-scale reopening as coronavirus cases steeply decline: Americans are anxiously facing a return to offices, schools, restaurants and theaters exactly the type of crowded indoor spaces in which the coronavirus is thought to thrive. There is little doubt now that the coronavirus can linger in the air indoors, floating far beyond the recommended six feet of distance, the experts declared. The accumulating research puts the onus on policymakers and building engineers to provide clean air in public buildings and to minimize the risk of respiratory infections, they said. Covid-19: C.D.C. Guidance Prompts Caution in Some States Since many states led by Republicans had already eased masking rules, reactions were more obvious in Democratic-led states. The U.S. began the worlds first mass inoculation effort in 12- to 15-year-olds, underscoring the widening gulf in global access to shots. Some states lift mask mandates for vaccinated people, while others greet the new C.D.C. guidance with caution. University of Missouri students ordering in a restaurant last week. Masks will no longer be required indoors for the vaccinated. Credit... Jacob Moscovitch for The New York Times As federal health officials on Thursday cleared the way for Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to drop mask wearing in most situations, some states lifted mask mandates, while others took a more cautious approach. We have all longed for this moment, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a White House news conference on Thursday. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Most of the state officials who responded to the shift were Democrats. Half of the countrys governors most of them Republicans had already lifted mask mandates in some form. On Thursday, the governors of New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and the mayors of New York City and Washington, all Democrats, said they were taking the new guidance from the C.D.C. under advisement before adopting it, as did the governor of Massachusetts, a Republican. In deference to local authorities, the C.D.C. said vaccinated people must continue to abide by existing state, local or tribal laws and regulations, and follow local rules for businesses and workplaces. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that the state had always relied on the facts and the science to guide us throughout the worst of this pandemic and that he would review the new federal guidelines with the state Health Department and health experts in neighboring states. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City called the shift in guidance a monumental day in the fight against Covid but said the city would be reviewing the new rules as masks will still be important for schools, public transportation, doctors offices and more. The message is clear, he added. Vaccinations are the way to bring our city, our lives, back. In North Carolina, a spokeswoman for Gov. Roy Cooper echoed that idea, but said that an indoor mask mandate would remain in effect while state health officials reviewed the recommendations. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said the county and the state will review the recommendations in order to make sensible adjustments. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said the state would eliminate its outdoor mask mandates on June 15, when the state plans to fully reopen. After the C.D.C.s new guidance was announced, at least seven states led by Democrats began to lift mask mandates. Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon and Pennsylvania began to adjust their mask wearing guidance. Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky called the C.D.C.s announcement the news that we have all been waiting for. In a recorded video, Mr. Beshear said there were hundreds of thousands of available vaccine appointments and encouraged all state residents to take advantage of them. If you get vaccinated, the C.D.C. says it is safe to take that mask off. In Washington State, Gov. Jay Inslee, who usually wore a mask while speaking at his news conferences, began his gathering on Thursday by removing it. He said the state was immediately incorporating the new federal guidance on mask wearing. This is a heck of a benefit for people who have been annoyed by this mask, Mr. Inslee said. This is a really good reason to get vaccinated. That shot is a ticket to freedom from masks. The new policy seemed to catch many retailers and their workers by surprise. Macys, Target and the Gap said they were still reviewing the new guidance, while Home Depot said it had no plans to change its current rules requiring customers and workers to wear masks in its stores. The United Food and Commercial Workers union, representing thousands of grocery store workers, criticized the C.D.C. for failing to consider how the new policy would impact workers who have to deal with customers who are not vaccinated. Millions of Americans are doing the right thing and getting vaccinated, but essential workers are still forced to play mask police for shoppers who are unvaccinated and refuse to follow local Covid safety measures, the unions president, Marc Perrone, said in a statement. Are they now supposed to become the vaccination police? The Retail Leaders Industry Association, a trade group, said that the policy complicated matters in states that still have mask mandates in place that retailers must follow. These conflicting positions put retailers and their employees in incredibly difficult situations, the group said in a statement. The new advice that Americans who are fully vaccinated against the virus may stop wearing masks or maintaining social distance in most indoor and outdoor settings, regardless of size was a sharp turnabout for federal health officials. It also comes with caveats. Even vaccinated individuals must cover their faces and physically distance when going to doctors, hospitals or long-term care facilities like nursing homes; when traveling by bus, plane, train or other modes of public transportation, or while in transportation hubs like airports and bus stations; and in congregate settings such as homeless shelters, as well as prisons or jails. At a White House news conference on Thursday, Dr. Walensky, the C.D.C. director, warned that unexpected twists in the pandemic could require the agency to again amend the guidance. She defended the timing of the new mask guidance, pointing to a steep drop in coronavirus cases, which have dropped by about a third in the last two weeks, and a sustained increase in supply of vaccines. Some fully vaccinated people have been infected with the coronavirus. Dr. Walensky said that any who develop symptoms should still use masks and get tested, she said. Asked how the new guidance might apply to businesses and schools, she said that the C.D.C. was working to rapidly issue new recommendations soon for specific settings, including for summer camps and travel. The move could raise alarms among more cautious Americans, who may be more reluctant to engage in public activities when more people are unmasked. There is no way to know who is vaccinated and who is not, and a majority of the population is not yet fully vaccinated. Dr. Walensky added that immunocompromised people who have been fully vaccinated should consult their physicians before relinquishing a face mask. Still, the changes are likely to galvanize Americans who have become unaccustomed to appearing in public unmasked or to seeing others do so. At the White House on Thursday, President Biden hailed the new recommendations as a milestone in the nations effort to beat back the pandemic. Today is a great day for America, he said during an address in the Rose Garden, where he and Vice President Kamala Harris appeared without masks. Youve earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile. But he cautioned that many adults were still not vaccinated, and pleaded with Americans to be patient with those who had been but still wanted to wear a mask for now as they gradually adjusted to a new normal after more than a year of living through the pandemic. Please treat them with kindness and respect, he said. Weve had too much conflict, too much bitterness, too much anger, too much politicization of this issue about wearing masks. Lets put it to rest. Michael Corkery, Sapna Maheshwari, Lauren Hirsch and Mike Baker contributed reporting. Correction : May 14, 2021 An earlier version of this article misstated the party affiliation of the governor of Massachusetts. He is a Republican, not a Democrat. Remy Tumin, Roni Caryn Rabin, Apoorva Mandavilli and We have all longed for this moment: Federal guidance says vaccinated Americans may go without masks. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:00 - 0:00 transcript C.D.C. Relaxes Mask Guidance for Vaccinated People On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that Americans who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most indoor or outdoor settings. Today, C.D.C. is updating our guidance for fully vaccinated people. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy. Based on the continuing downward trajectory of cases, the scientific data on the performance of our vaccines and our understanding of how the virus spreads, that moment has come for those who are fully vaccinated. Almost 200 million people having been vaccinated here in the United States and worldwide. I mean, weve administered 264 million doses in the United States. The safety profile is really quite firm and sound. On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that Americans who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most indoor or outdoor settings. Credit Credit... Mary Altaffer/Associated Press Federal health officials on Thursday advised Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus that they could stop wearing masks or maintaining social distance in most settings, the clearest sign yet that the pandemic might be nearing an end in the United States. The new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caught state officials and businesses by surprise and raised a host of difficult questions about how the guidelines would be carried out. But the advice came as welcome news to many Americans who were weary of restrictions and traumatized by the past year. We have all longed for this moment, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the C.D.C. director, said at a White House news conference on Thursday. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Masks had come to symbolize a bitter partisan divide. Setting them aside in restaurants and sidewalks, in museums and shops, would represent not just the beginning of the end of the pandemic but hope for a return to normalcy. Permission to stop using masks also offers an incentive to the many millions who are still holding out on vaccination. As of Thursday, about 155 million people had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, but only about one-third of the nation, 119 million people, had been fully vaccinated. And the pace of vaccination has slowed: Providers are administering about 2.09 million doses per day on average, about a 38 percent decrease from the peak of 3.38 million reported in mid-April. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:16 - 0:00 transcript Biden Celebrates New C.D.C. Mask Guidance President Biden applauded new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allows Americans who are fully vaccinated to stop wearing masks for most indoor and outdoor gatherings. Just a few hours ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the C.D.C., announced that they are no longer recommending that fully vaccinated people need wear masks. This recommendation holds true, whether you are inside or outside. I think its a great milestone, a great day. Its been made possible by the extraordinary success weve had in vaccinating so many Americans so quickly. The C.D.C. is saying they have concluded that fully vaccinated people are at a very, very low risk of getting Covid-19. Therefore, if youve been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask. But if youve not been vaccinated or if youre getting a two-shot vaccine and youve not gotten your, you only had your first shot, but not your second, or you havent waited the full two weeks after your second shot, you still need to wear a mask. Look, weve gotten this far. Please protect yourself. President Biden applauded new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allows Americans who are fully vaccinated to stop wearing masks for most indoor and outdoor gatherings. Credit Credit... T.J. Kirkpatrick for The New York Times At the White House on Thursday, President Biden hailed the new recommendations as a milestone in the nations effort to beat back the pandemic and urged Americans to roll up their sleeves for vaccinations. While there may well be scientific justification for the guidelines, they raised a host of questions for which there are no easy answers: How to trust that unvaccinated neighbors will wear masks when they should? What about younger children, for whom no vaccinations have been authorized, and schools? Is it possible to enforce such guidelines? Roni Caryn Rabin, Apoorva Mandavilli and Advertisement Continue reading the main story What does the C.D.C.s new mask guidance mean? Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most indoor settings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But who can be sure that someone claiming the new freedom has been vaccinated? Credit... Matthew Busch for The New York Times More than a year after federal health officials told Americans to cover their faces when venturing out in public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that fully vaccinated people could start taking off their masks in many more settings with caveats. The C.D.C. advice does not override mask orders issued by states, counties or cities. Even fully vaccinated people are still told to cover their faces when flying or taking public transit, or visiting health care facilities,or congregate settings like prisons and homeless shelters. The guidance leaves a number of issues unaddressed. There was no specific language about masking in schools, for instance. And an even broader question remains unclear: Who knows who has actually been vaccinated and can claim the new freedoms? About 36 percent of people in the United States are fully vaccinated, and there is no way to tell them apart from the 64 percent of people who are not. People who receive a vaccine are issued a white paper card, but online scammers have sold forged versions of those. The new guidance reopened discussions of so-called vaccine passports, which would certify someones vaccination status. Efforts to create a more robust system of such passports have been largely derailed in the United States by concerns about privacy and backlash from Republican politicians. New York State has created its own version of a vaccine passport. Mitch Smith, Sarah Mervosh and Hundreds of epidemiologists had expected mask-wearing in public to remain in place for at least a year. Signage in San Francisco last year urges mask wearing. Credit... Jeff Chiu/Associated Press When federal health officials said on Thursday that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to wear masks in most places, it came as a surprise to many people in public health. It also was a stark contrast with the views of a large majority of epidemiologists surveyed in the last two weeks by The New York Times. In the informal survey, 80 percent said they thought Americans would need to wear masks in public indoor places for at least another year. Just 5 percent said people would be able to stop wearing masks indoors by this summer. In large crowds outdoors, like at a concert or protest, 88 percent of the epidemiologists said it was necessary even for fully vaccinated people to wear masks. Unless the vaccination rates increase to 80 or 90 percent over the next few months, we should wear masks in large public indoor settings, said Vivian Towe, a program officer at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Claire Cain Miller, Kevin Quealy and One by one, Washington begins to unmask. Jill Biden, the first lady, visiting a school in Charleston, W.Va., accompanied by the actress Jennifer Garner, right, who grew up in the state. Credit... Oliver Contreras for The New York Times CHARLESTON, W.Va. Jill Biden, the first lady, landed in West Virginia just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that vaccinated Americans could, for the most part, remove their masks. So, just before she disembarked from her plane, she did. After weeks of murky guidance from the C.D.C. on what vaccinated Americans can and cant do, the sight of a maskless first lady went far to clear up confusion at least in Charleston, where she visited a vaccine clinic for children set up inside a local high school. We feel naked! Dr. Biden said to a group of junior Army officers who had gathered to greet her. I didnt mean it that way. It was a surreal and memorable moment that underscored in a very public way just how strange these past million or so months have been. Back in Washington, officials in the Biden White House (quite literally) were able to breathe freely again as, one by one, masks began to come off. At the White House, a maskless President Biden struck a more statesmanlike tone when he addressed the public in the Rose Garden. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and C.D.C. announced that theyre no longer recommending that fully vaccinated people need wear masks, Mr. Biden said. This recommendation holds true whether you are inside or outside. I think its a great milestone, a great day. At an earlier meeting on infrastructure, held in the Oval Office with a bipartisan group of senators, Mr. Biden whose advisers were so strict about masks that they were known to police private meetings stripped off his face covering, and so did the senators, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia told reporters. In the West Wing, officials, who have refrained from holding large in-person meetings together, began removing their masks as the administration issued new guidance for anyone on the complex: Anyone who had received their last required vaccine dose at least 14 days earlier could now go mask-free. Elsewhere in the capital, other lawmakers celebrated the new guidance. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, quoted the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to reporters as he addressed them without a mask for the first time in months: Free at last. In the House of Representatives, the Capitols attending physician issued an updated guidance for lawmakers and their staff that said those who were fully vaccinated could resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic more or less as normal inside House office buildings. But the physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, said face coverings would still be required around the House floor. For the Hall of the House: The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all members and floor staff are fully vaccinated, he wrote in a memo circulated to House offices. On the road in Charleston, Dr. Biden, accompanied by Senator Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, did their part to motivate the public. Youve all seen the latest from the C.D.C.? That means no masks inside or outside, Mr. Manchin said to a group of reporters. What does that mean for the people of West Virginia? a reporter asked. It means get vaccinated! Mr. Manchin said. We feel free. It didnt hurt their cause that the actress Jennifer Garner, who grew up in the state, appeared alongside them for the visit. Katie Rogers and Advertisement Continue reading the main story I just got my vaccine: The U.S. rollout begins for children ages 12 to 15. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:49 - 0:00 transcript U.S. Begins Vaccine Rollout for Children Ages 12 to 15 Children across the country began receiving the coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, after the federal government recommended making the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available to those aged 12 to 15. The U.S. is the first in the world to launch a mass vaccination campaign for children. Sidney is a 13-year-old, shes in the eighth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Shes an excellent dancer, painter. Great. Are you ready? Uh huh. One, two three. All done, all right? Brendan is 13. He attends Great Neck South Middle School. Hes an amazing trumpet player. All right, are you ready? OK, one, two three. Youre done. OK, all done, all over. Congratulations. [applause] Children across the country began receiving the coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, after the federal government recommended making the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available to those aged 12 to 15. The U.S. is the first in the world to launch a mass vaccination campaign for children. Credit Credit... Aaron Nesheim for The New York Times Eduardo Torres, 53, was up early in Chicago on Thursday morning when he heard the news on the television: Younger adolescents, including his 14-year-old daughter, Raquel, were now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine. I told my wife, Ive got to take her to get vaccinated immediately, he said. The worlds first mass coronavirus inoculation campaign for children kicked off in earnest in the United States on Thursday after the federal government recommended making the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available to those aged 12 to 15. Vaccinations of adolescents had already begun this week in a few states, like Maine. There are about 17 million children between the ages of 12 and 15 in the United States, representing about 5 percent of the population. The changes which mean that people ages 12 and up are now eligible also opened the possibility that many more children may soon return to a semblance of normalcy, attending camps this summer and returning to in-person school by fall. By 9:30 a.m., Raquel was among the first wave of children in her age group to be vaccinated at a site near Wrigley Field and was excitedly listing the things she could do once she is fully vaccinated. Go to her high school in person again. See her friends without worrying. Return to playing volleyball and bowling. Its just a beautiful thing that this is available, Mr. Torres said. Mayor Bill de Blasio encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated to protect their families. Parents, lets get our zoomers off of Zoom and back to life as normal, he said Thursday morning. To encourage more New Yorkers to get shots, the mayor announced that people whove been vaccinated can win tickets for two outdoor music festivals, the Governors Ball at Citi Field and Global Citizen Live in Central Park. The Shake Shack restaurant chain said it would give vouchers good for a free hamburger or sandwich to people who are vaccinated at a city mobile clinic. And for the next month, it said, customers who show a vaccination cards can get a free side order of french fries. Amanda Rosa contributed reporting. Sarah Mervosh, Julie Bosman and U.S. teenagers return to malls, but not for shopping they want vaccine shots. Nashville Brett Carlsen for The New York Times Minneapolis Aaron Nesheim for The New York Times San Antonio Tamir Kalifa for The New York Times Nashville Brett Carlsen for The New York Times East Hartford, Conn. Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times Manhattan James Estrin/The New York Times San Antonio Tamir Kalifa for The New York Times slide 1 slide 2 slide 3 slide 4 slide 5 slide 6 slide 7 Before they can resume indoor restaurant meals, parties and sleepovers with their friends, younger teenagers have been stopping at the mall. Thats where many were on Thursday, lining up not for the latest fashion fad or video game, but to become among the first children aged 12 to 15 to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, newly authorized for them by the federal government on Wednesday. At a mall in San Antonio, Haley Cruz, 13, stood quietly in line with her parents until a nurse called her over. She sat still in an orange chair and winced behind a black mask when a nurse jabbed a needle on her left arm. It didnt hurt, just a little pinch, Haley said. I feel better now. The night before, her mother, Regina Beltran, 47, had mentioned casually that instead of signing on for remote learning Thursday morning, they would be going to the Wonderland of the Americas mall, known for its display of flags of countries from around the world. Before Haley got too excited, though, Ms. Beltran explained that the trip was to get the vaccine. I now feel she is more protected I was worried, Ms. Beltran said, adding that the Cruz family had known at least 10 people who died from Covid-19. Thank God she qualified. I dont want to lose any more people. Officials in 49 states confirmed on Thursday that they were now offering the vaccine to people age 12 and up. State officials in Montana did not provide information, but county officials in parts of the state said they were offering shots to children in that age group. Bigger crowds were expected at malls after the school day was over. And the atmosphere was similar at other vaccination sites. At a Vanderbilt Health site in Nashville, a steady stream of children and their parents moved through the line during the day, beginning at 8 a.m. Open appointments for the day were filled within a few hours of being posted on Wednesday, said Heather ODell, who is overseeing Vanderbilts vaccine site operations. She expected 750 patients, mostly adolescents, on Thursday and was seeing weekend openings fill up as well. Its almost like a social hour, Ms. ODell said. Kids are seeing other kids they go to school with. Parents are seeing other parents they havent seen in a while. For Calysta Magne-Gordon, 13, and her father, Cyrille Magne, there was no doubt about whether she would get the vaccine, only a question of how soon she would be eligible. She wanted the shot as fast as possible, she said. I was like, Do it, Calysta said, snapping her fingers. I dont care how early I have to wake up in the morning, I need to get that vaccine. She has spent eighth grade in an online classroom. But now that she is getting vaccinated, she will be able to attend in person an overnight art and music camp in Michigan. I have a lot of friends who dont live here, she said. If I am able to see them, that would be great. I can go see family out of state. There are so many social possibilities opened up. I can see so many people. I dont have to worry about getting sick or potentially affecting family members. At a city-run vaccination site next to Wrigley Field in Chicago, families with teenagers were among the first to arrive on Thursday, stopping off for a shot before school or work. Charlotte OHalloran, 13, emerged with her father, Brian. She was the last member of their household to be vaccinated, following both parents and three older siblings. Ill be able to go out more, she said. I can worry a little bit less. Edgar Sandoval, Jamie McGee and Advertisement Continue reading the main story Two early studies show Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy. A pregnant woman receiving a dose of the Pfizer vaccine in Villa Alemana, Chile, last month. Credit... Rodrigo Garrido/Reuters The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy, according to preliminary results from two continuing studies. Both vaccines produce robust immune responses in pregnant and lactating women, and are likely to provide at least some protection against two dangerous coronavirus variants, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, according to a study published in JAMA on Thursday. Vaccinated women can also pass protective antibodies to their fetuses through the bloodstream and to their infants through breast milk, the research suggests. In a second study, published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology on Tuesday, researchers found no evidence that either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines damaged the placenta during pregnancy. Covid presents serious risks during pregnancy. Research has shown that pregnant women with coronavirus symptoms are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, to require mechanical ventilation and to die from the virus than are symptomatic women of a similar age who are not pregnant. Because of these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that the vaccines at least be made available to pregnant people, many of whom have opted to receive the shots. We can shift our framework from, Lets protect pregnant people from the vaccine, to Lets protect pregnant people and their infants through the vaccine, said Dr. Emily S. Miller, an expert in maternal-fetal medicine at Northwestern University and co-author of the placenta study. I think thats really powerful. The White House details a $7 billion plan to boost hiring for public health planning. A coronavirus contact tracer and case investigator working at a community testing site in Davis, Calif. Credit... Max Whittaker for The New York Times The Biden administration on Thursday outlined how it will spend $7 billion to expand the nations public health workforce, adding tens of thousands of jobs to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and future outbreaks, including disease investigators, contact tracers and epidemiologists. Over $4 billion will go to state and local health departments to help with their Covid-19 response, the White House said in a news release, allowing them to quickly add staff. Hiring would include vaccine and test administrators, data scientists, epidemiologists and school nurses who can work to vaccinate teens and children in the coming months. Some of the hiring will boost the ranks at the Epidemic Intelligence Service, the vaunted arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that investigates disease outbreaks. Though many threats have increased in complexity and scale in recent years, our nations public health workforce has gotten smaller, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the C.D.C. director, said at a White House news conference Thursday. This support will immediately add more staff in health departments across the country. C.D.C. leaders have long complained of neglect and underfunding, saying that lawmakers typically only send more resources to the agency when there is a dire public health emergency. Other federal health agencies, particularly the National Institutes of Health, are significantly better funded. Many local health departments have also been short on funding for years. State and local governments would be able to decide how they use the money, which was allocated through the American Rescue Plan, said Carole Johnson, the Biden administrations testing coordinator. The funding underscored a sharp contrast with the Trump administration, which routinely sought to cut off congressional funding for the C.D.C. and stifle its independence within the Department of Health and Human Services. And it offered relief for local health departments that have been sapped by low morale, firings and harassment. One challenge, though, might be finding enough qualified people to fill new job openings. Ms. Johnson said money could also go to increasing the number of disease intervention specialists, or health workers who would conduct contact tracing, work on case management and help with outbreak investigations. And $400 million would go to a new partnership between the C.D.C. and AmeriCorps, a sprawling national service organization. Called Public Health AmeriCorps, the program would form a pipeline for public health workers. The administration was providing another $3 billion to a new C.D.C. grant program to help smaller local health departments keep staff. The grants would allow those hired to help with the coronavirus pandemic to continue their careers beyond the pandemic as public health professionals, the White House said. We really are asking grantees to prioritize recruiting from communities they serve and backgrounds that are underrepresented, Ms. Johnson said. Noah Weiland and Another group of scientists calls for further inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Members of the World Health Organization team investigated the origins of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China last February. A group of scientists on Thursday called for a new investigation. Credit... Hector Retamal/Agence France-Presse Getty Images A group of 18 scientists stated Thursday in a letter published in the journal Science that there is not enough evidence to decide whether a natural origin or an accidental laboratory leak caused the Covid-19 pandemic. They argued, as the U.S. government and other countries have, for a new investigation to explore where the virus came from. The organizers of the letter, Jesse Bloom, who studies the evolution of viruses at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and David Relman, a microbiologist at Stanford University, said they strove to articulate a wait-and-see viewpoint that they believe is shared by many scientists. Many of the signers have not spoken out before. Most of the discussion you hear about SARS-CoV-2 origins at this point is coming from, I think, the relatively small number of people who feel very certain about their views, Dr. Bloom said. He added: Anybody whos making statements with a high level of certainty about this is just outstripping whats possible to do with the available evidence. The new letter stated: Theories of accidental release from a lab and zoonotic spillover both remain viable. James Gorman and Advertisement Continue reading the main story Scientists urge workplaces to improve air quality in the wake of the pandemic. A ventilation system installed in a classroom Germany last November has proved to remove more than 90 percent of virus-carrying aerosols from the classroom. As a group of scientists called for new workplace air quality improvements, they contended the measures would not be onerous. Credit... Daniel Roland/Agence France-Presse Getty Images A leading group of scientists urged governments and engineers to improve air quality in the workplace in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, drawing a parallel to movements that led to cleaner water, food safety rules and a ban on lead-based paint. Sweeping public health reforms transformed not just our environment but expectations for what governments can do, according to a group of 39 scientists that published a manifesto of sorts on Thursday in the journal Science. They called for a paradigm shift in how citizens and government officials think about the quality of the air we breathe indoors. The timing of the scientists call to action coincides with the nations large-scale reopening as coronavirus cases steeply decline: Americans are anxiously facing a return to offices, schools, restaurants and theaters exactly the type of crowded indoor spaces in which the coronavirus is thought to thrive. There is little doubt now that the coronavirus can linger in the air indoors, floating far beyond the recommended six feet of distance, the experts declared. The accumulating research puts the onus on policymakers and building engineers to provide clean air in public buildings and to minimize the risk of respiratory infections, they said. We expect to have clean water from the taps, said Lidia Morawska, the groups leader and an aerosol physicist at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. We expect to have clean, safe food when we buy it in the supermarket. In the same way, we should expect clean air in our buildings and any shared spaces. Meeting the groups recommendations would require new workplace standards for air quality, but the scientists maintained that the remedies do not have to be onerous. Air quality in buildings can be improved with a few simple fixes, they said: adding filters to existing ventilation systems, using portable air cleaners and ultraviolet lights or even just opening the windows where possible. Oregon and other states link reopening measures to vaccine targets. A teacher receiving a vaccine in January in Redmond, Ore. On Tuesday, Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon joined a handful of other states in setting a vaccination benchmark for lifting restrictions. Credit... Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin, via Associated Press While some states are offering residents incentives like savings bonds or sports tickets to encourage them to be vaccinated, a few are making a very different pitch: The sooner you get a shot, the sooner the state will fully reopen. The latest is Oregon, where the governor said on Tuesday that the states remaining restrictions would stay in place until at least 70 percent of eligible residents 16 and older had had at least one shot. We still have some work to do to reach our 70 percent goal, but I am confident we can get there in June and return Oregon to a sense of normalcy, said Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat. Oregon, where 49 percent of residents have had at least one dose, is one of the few states that is explicitly tying lifting its indoor mask requirement to the adult vaccination rate. Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania also are awaiting the 70 percent threshold before moving forward with reopening plans. In Michigan, capacity limits for businesses will lift two weeks after 65 percent of eligible residents have been vaccinated, and the gatherings and face mask orders will end two weeks after 70 percent of eligible residents have been fully vaccinated, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. Thirty-seven percent of residents there have been immunized in the state, which has shown one of the countrys steepest drops in cases over the past two weeks. The average number of new infections reported daily during that time sank 45 percent and hospitalizations were down 32 percent. Pennsylvania is waiting for 70 percents of adults to be fully vaccinated before lifting its mask mandate. Only 37 percent have been immunized in Pennsylvania. The mask requirement in Minnesota will be lifted once 70 percent of residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, but no later than July 1, Gov. Tim Walz said. Half of Minnesotans have had at least one dose. On Wednesday, Maryland said that every business would be allowed to open, starting on Saturday, at 100 percent capacity, but that the indoor mask requirement would be in place until 70 percent of adults had received one dose. So far, only 52 percent have met that guideline. Those who are not vaccinated continue to slow our health and economic recovery efforts, and they also continue to be at risk for infection, hospitalization and death, Gov. Larry Hogan said on Wednesday. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said on Wednesday that he would be signing an executive order that would put into effect what he called our most aggressive reopening play to date. As was announced last week, on Wednesday, May 19, many restrictions on public gatherings will be dropped although social distancing measures will be in effect. In New Jersey, 42 percent of adults are fully vaccinated and 55 percent have received one shot. And in New Mexico, the state will remove most restrictions once 60 percent of residents have been fully vaccinated. Forty-two percent of people have been inoculated there. But these statewide vaccination targets are well below what experts now calculate the herd immunity threshold to be: at least 80 percent. President Biden has called for 70 percent of adults to have at least one dose by July 4. Jeffrey Zients, Mr. Bidens Covid response coordinator, said that the goal should be to achieve some sense of normality by hitting that target. Reaching 70 percent will create a pattern of decreasing cases, hospitalizations and deaths and take us down to a sustainable low level, he said this week. See Reopening Plans and Mask Mandates for All 50 States Much of the country appears on track to fully reopen in the coming weeks, even as mask mandates remain widely in place. Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would pardon any Floridian who violated mask mandates in the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida on Sunday. Credit... Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said on Wednesday that he would pardon any Floridian who violated mask or social distancing mandates. Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, made the announcement during an appearance on the Fox News program Ingraham Angle, just a day before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shifted its guidelines to allow vaccinated people to skip wearing masks in most places. The shows host, Laura Ingraham, first interviewed Mike and Jillian Carnevale, the owners of a Broward County gym, who said they had been arrested for violating a county mask mandate. Mr. DeSantis then said their case was a total overreach. Widely seen as positioning himself as a 2024 Republican presidential nominee, Mr. DeSantis throughout the pandemic has criticized coronavirus restrictions and mandates. Mr. Carnevale said he and Ms. Carnevale were arrested three times after violating Broward Countys mask mandate. Mr. Carnevale was charged with two second-degree misdemeanors and if convicted would face a 120-day jail sentence, and Ms. Carnevale was charged with one second-degree misdemeanor, facing 60 days in jail, said Cory Strolla, a lawyer representing the couple. Last month, Mr. DeSantis issued an executive order prohibiting businesses from requiring patrons or customers to show vaccination documentation, or risk losing grants or contracts funded by the state. Norwegian Cruise Line, which is requiring all guests and crew members to be vaccinated, said it was considering skipping Florida ports over the order. Advertisement Continue reading the main story A new law in India makes it harder for foreign aid to reach Covid patients, critics say. People receiving oxygen in Delhi last month. Credit... Atul Loke for The New York Times Indias devastating Covid-19 surge has galvanized corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals in the United States to raise millions of dollars and send medical supplies to assist the nation of 1.4 billion. But a sweeping change to Indias law governing foreign donations is choking off aid just when the country needs it desperately. It is struggling through a second wave of coronavirus that, since beginning in mid-March, has more than doubled the countrys total confirmed infections to over 24 million and raised the known overall death toll to more than 266,000 numbers that experts say are vast undercounts. India Coronavirus Map and Case Count See the latest charts and maps of coronavirus cases, deaths, hospitalizations and vaccinations in India. The amendment, abruptly passed by the government in September, limits international charities that donate to local nonprofits. Almost overnight, it gutted a reliable source of funding for tens of thousands of nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, which help provide basic health services in India, picking up the slack in a country where government spending in that area totals just 1.2 percent of gross domestic product. The amendment also prompted international charities to cut back giving that supported local efforts in fields such as health, education and gender. Newly formed charities are rushing to find NGOs that can accept their donations without tripping legal wires. And nonprofits are being smothered in red tape: To receive foreign funds, charities must get affidavits and notary stamps and open accounts with the government-owned State Bank of India. Everyone was caught off-guard, said Nishant Pandey, chief executive of the American India Foundation, which has raised $23 million for Covid-19 efforts. On May 5, his group wired $3 million to an Indian affiliate to build 2,500 hospital beds. A week later, Mr. Pandey said, the money still hadnt cleared. In some U.S. counties, nearly all people over 65 are vaccinated. People over 65, who are much more likely than younger people to become seriously ill from Covid, have been a high priority since the U.S. vaccination campaign began. Credit... Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times More than 70 percent of Americans who are 65 or older are fully vaccinated, and 84 percent have received at least one dose, a much higher proportion than for younger Americans, according to federal data. The numbers have surpassed President Bidens goal of at least partly vaccinating 70 percent of the nations adults by July 4. Some counties have blown far past that threshold, getting shots into more than 90 percent of residents 65 and older and offering an example for other areas where vaccine campaigns have lagged. Two of the most populous 90-percent-plus counties are Jo Daviess County, Ill., across the Mississippi River from Dubuque, Iowa, and Dane County, Wis., which includes Madison, the state capital. Elected and health officials in both counties suggested that some of the measures that they have adopted locally, such as expanding access and relying on trusted medical figures to share information about vaccines, were also reflected in the federal governments strategy to reach those who have not received shots yet after the pace of vaccination has lagged in recent weeks. President Biden has pushed for tens of thousands of pharmacies to allow people to walk in for their vaccinations, and ordered up pop-up and mobile clinics, especially in rural areas. The administration is also enlisting the help of family doctors and other trusted messengers to build up confidence in the vaccines. On Thursday, Mr. Biden praised another incentive: The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people who have been fully vaccinated can go without masks in most situations. In Dane County, Joe Parisi, the county executive, said this week that a number of efforts contributed to his countys success in at least partly vaccinating most of the nearly 78,000 people 65 or over who live in the county. Over 90 percent of that group had been completely vaccinated as of Friday, according to local and federal data. Officials strove to maximize access to the vaccine. They set up a mass vaccination site in December at the Alliant Energy Center, an arena and exhibition complex in Madison, and have distributed vaccines at health centers, pharmacies and mobile vaccination clinics, according to Morgan Finke, a spokeswoman for the county public health department. Mr. Parisi said that the county worked with local hospital systems, health care providers, senior care centers and nursing homes to locate homebound people and help them get shots. They did not encounter much hesitancy. People wanted the vaccine, Mr. Parisi said, that certainly wasnt the problem with that age group. Even so, he said, fostering trust and answering peoples questions are very important, especially now that the most eager recipients are already done. Mr. Parisi said the county partnered with trusted local doctors to spread the word about the vaccines through local news media outlets. We tried to share as much information as possible, Mr. Parisi said, by providing those voices that are nonjudgmental and can answer questions. In Jo Daviess County in the northwestern corner of Illinois, communication and community partnerships also played a major role, Lori Stangl, the countys director of clinical services, wrote in an email. Of the roughly 6,000 seniors in the county, 96.7 percent are fully vaccinated as of Friday, according to the C.D.C. Ms. Stangl credited extensive collaboration both within the county and with neighboring counties and states. Since Jo Daviess County borders Iowa and Wisconsin, many of our residents were able to receive vaccines there as well, Ms. Stangl wrote, especially early on, when our allocations were low. Though county leaders celebrate their success with seniors, she wrote, they are mindful that they still have many younger people left to reach. As of Friday, 54.9 percent of the countys total population had been fully vaccinated, according to the C.D.C. After the pandemic, will more Americans wear masks for colds and flu? At a bookstore in San Francisco in March. Until the pandemic, there had seldom been a cultural push for mask wearing in the United States. Credit... Jim Wilson/The New York Times Once Americans return to crowded offices, schools, buses and trains, so too will their sneezes and sniffles. Having been introduced to the idea of wearing masks to protect themselves and others, some Americans are now considering a behavior scarcely seen in the United States but long a fixture in other cultures: routinely wearing a mask when displaying symptoms of a common cold or the flu, even in a future in which Covid-19 isnt a primary concern. Such routine use of masks has been common for decades in other countries, primarily in East Asia, as protection against allergies or pollution, or as a common courtesy to protect nearby people. Leading American health officials have been divided over the benefits, partly because there is no tidy scientific consensus on the effect of masks on influenza virus transmission, according to experts who have studied it. Nancy Leung, an epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong, said that the science exploring possible links between masking and the emission or transmission of influenza viruses was nuanced and that the nuances were often lost on the general public. Daniel Victor and Advertisement Continue reading the main story Uruguay has the worlds highest death toll per capita. Administering a coronavirus shot during a vaccination day for homeless people in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Thursday. Credit... Raul Martinez/EPA, via Shutterstock BUENOS AIRES For most of the past year, Uruguay was held up as an example for keeping the coronavirus from spreading widely as neighboring countries grappled with soaring death tolls. Uruguays good fortune has run out. In the last week, the small South American nations Covid-19 death rate per capita was the highest in the world, according to data compiled by The New York Times. As of Wednesday, at least 3,252 people had died from Covid-19, according to the Uruguayan Health Ministry, and the daily death toll has been about 50 during the past week. Six out of the 11 countries with the highest death rates per capita are in South America, a region where the pandemic is leaving a brutal toll of growing joblessness, poverty and hunger. For the most part, countries in the region have failed to acquire sufficient vaccines to inoculate their populations quickly. Contagion rates in Uruguay began inching up in November and soared in recent months, apparently fueled by a highly contagious variant first identified in Brazil last year. In Uruguay, its as if we had two pandemics, one until November 2020, when things were largely under control, and the other starting in November, with the arrival of the first wave to the country, said Jose Luis Satdjian, the deputy secretary of the Health Ministry. The country with the second-highest death rate per capita is nearby Paraguay, which also had relative success in containing the virus for much of last year but now finds itself in a worsening crisis. Experts link the sharp rise in cases in Uruguay to the P.1 virus variant detected in Brazil. We have a new player in the system and its the Brazilian variant, which has penetrated our country so aggressively, Mr. Satdjian said. Uruguay closed its borders tightly at the beginning of the pandemic, but towns along the border with Brazil are effectively binational and have remained porous. The outbreak has strained hospitals in Uruguay, which has a population of 3.5 million. On March 1, Uruguay had 76 Covid-19 patients in intensive care units. This week, medical professionals were caring for more than 530, according to Dr. Julio Pontet, president of the Uruguayan Society of Intensive Care Medicine who heads the intensive care department at the Pasteur Hospital in Montevideo, the capital. That number is slightly lower than the peak in early May, but experts have yet to see a steady decline that could indicate a trend. It is still too early to reach the conclusion that weve already started to improve, were in a high plateau of cases, Dr. Pontet said. Despite the continuing high number of cases, there is optimism that the country will be able to get the situation under control soon because it is one of the few in the region that has been able to make quick progress on its vaccination campaign. About a quarter of the population has been fully immunized. We expect the number of serious cases to begin decreasing at the end of May, Dr. Pontet said. Greece, preparing to welcome more foreign visitors, steps up vaccination efforts on islands. Enjoying the sun in Athens on Saturday. Tourism accounts for a fifth of Greeces work force and around 20 percent of gross domestic product. Credit... Costas Baltas/Reuters As the vaccination campaign in Greece rapidly expands to reach hundreds of thousands of residents across dozens of islands dotting the Aegean Sea, the country planned to throw open its doors on Friday to more foreign visitors, including those have been vaccinated, have proof of previous infection or can provide a negative coronavirus test result. With tourism accounting for a fifth of the countrys work force and around 20 percent of gross domestic product, the loosening of restrictions is an economic priority. The move comes as the country gradually eases domestic restrictions. Cafes and bars opened last week after a six-month shuttering, and primary and junior high schools reopened this week. On Friday, residents will no longer have to complete a form or notify the authorities via text message to leave the house for work, shopping, visits to doctors or physical exercise, among other reasons. Museums are scheduled to reopen, and the 11 p.m. curfew will be pushed back to 12.30 a.m. Although the rate of daily coronavirus infections in Greece has stabilized in recent weeks, deaths and hospitalizations remain relatively high. The U.S. State Department is currently warning against travel to Greece, and similar advice is in place in many other countries. Greeces vaccination drive has been slow compared with other European Union countries, but it has stepped up in recent weeks. About 1.3 million people in the nation of 10 million have been fully vaccinated, and 2.6 million have received one of their two shots, according to the authorities. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday heralded a plan to vaccinate the permanent residents of the countrys islands by the end of June. In a teleconference call with the mayors of several Greek islands, Mr. Mitsotakis called the campaign Operation Blue Freedom a variation of the name of the national inoculation drive, Operation Freedom. The residents of 32 small islands have been fully vaccinated, and a drive to inoculate those on another 36 islands with up to 10,000 residents is on course to be complete by the end of May. The next stage aims to vaccinate more than 700,000 residents of 19 larger islands, including the popular vacation destinations of Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Zakynthos, by the end of June. That drive is to begin later this month, using the first large delivery of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Mr. Mitsotakis appealed to the mayors to encourage islanders to get the shots as part of broader efforts to build Greeces first mass wall of immunity. A variant is suspected of fueling an alarming outbreak in Thai prisons. Inmates last week at a field hospital for Covid patients set up at a prison in Bangkok. Credit... Department of Corrections, via Associated Press A variant of the coronavirus is sweeping through Thailands prisons, the countrys chief prison doctor said on Thursday, as the government acknowledged that nearly 3,000 inmates had been found to be infected. The chief prison doctor, Weerakit Harnpariphan, deputy director general of Thailands Department of Corrections, did not identify the variant that had been detected. But protective measures that were effective in the prisons last year, he said, are not working well now. The spread this time is something very worrying, he said. The transmissibility of this variant, as it is known, is very quick. It spread in a short period of time. There are two variants of concern spreading in the region: the first, detected last fall in Britain, is now the main driver of the pandemic in countries around the world. Health officials in Thailand said it was now widespread in the country and was partly responsible for the recent surge in cases. But there is growing concern about the spread of a variant first reported in India, which the World Health Organization said may be even more contagious. Scientists still dont know much about that variant, but they are worried that it might be helping to fuel the rise in Indias coronavirus infections and could now be driving up cases in neighboring countries. Called B.1.617, the variant has been detected in Thailand only in one family that had been quarantined after arriving from Pakistan, health officials said. On Thursday, Thailand reported a daily record of 4,887 cases, which reflects the inclusion of 2,835 prison cases that had not been counted previously in the national total. Thailand has averaged about 2,000 new cases a day for the past three weeks. The prison outbreak came to light on Wednesday after a leader of Thailands pro-democracy movement, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, 22, was released on bail and reported in a Facebook post that she had contracted the coronavirus. She said that more than 50 women had also come down with the virus at the prison where she had been held for nearly two months. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said that the coronavirus was under control in the prisons but acknowledged that too few prisoners were being tested until this week. In response to the virus, he said, the prison population has been reduced from 390,000 prisoners to less than 310,000 by granting amnesty to some and releasing others to be monitored with ankle bracelets. Human Rights Watch called on Thailand to ensure that prisoners had adequate protective measures and health care. Nearly 20 percent of the countrys inmates are being held while they await trial, the group said, including other members of the pro-democracy movement who are accused of insulting the monarchy. Thailand is facing its biggest surge in cases since the start of the pandemic and has imposed a partial lockdown on the hardest-hit parts of the country, including Bangkok. The country reported only 6,884 cases and 61 deaths for all of last year. But the numbers have soared this year to a total of 93,794 cases and 518 deaths as of Thursday, with most of them coming in the past three weeks. Richard C. Paddock and Coronavirus Variants and Mutations Tracking recent mutations, variants and lineages. Advertisement Continue reading the main story With shots at schools, parks and even the beach, the U.S. races to vaccinate children. America Solis, 16, who was accompanied by her father, Jose Devora, prepared to receive a vaccine from health workers in Denver on Saturday. Credit... Kevin Mohatt for The New York Times The worlds first mass coronavirus inoculation campaign for children kicked off in earnest in the United States on Thursday after the federal government recommended making the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available to those aged 12 to 15. Even as the decision was embraced by millions of parents wearied by pandemic restrictions and desperate to get their children back into classrooms, states, counties and school districts around the country were trying to figure out the most reassuring and expedient ways to offer the shots. The various authorities were making plans to offer vaccines not only in schools, but also at pediatricians offices, day camps, parks and even beaches. President Biden, who hailed the vaccine as safe, effective, easy, fast and free, said that as many as 20,000 pharmacies stood ready to start giving shots on Thursday. This is one more giant step on our fight against the pandemic, Mr. Biden said, after an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted on Wednesday to recommend use of the vaccine. Some states, including Delaware, Georgia and Maine, had already started to offer doses to children after the authorization of the vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. But the ruling by the C.D.C. was the final step in the federal process that allows for widespread inoculations of the roughly 17 million children in the United States ages 12-15. For many parents, it could not come too soon. About one-third of eighth graders, usually 13 or 14 years old, are still in remote learning. But the authorities must also overcome a significant amount of hesitancy. A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that many parents even some who eagerly got their own coronavirus shots were reluctant to vaccinate pubescent children. States have differing standards on what could be used to prove parental consent. In Los Angeles, the health authorities require anyone younger than 18 to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult and to present photo identification and verification of age, county officials said. In Maine, a parent does not need to be with the child as long as the adult provides permission over the phone or signs a form beforehand. Federal and local officials said that there should be no problem with supply meeting demand. The expansion of the U.S. vaccination effort underscored the widening gulf in the worlds inoculation campaigns even as the pandemic gathers force in several regions. Referring to the global situation, Dr. Oliver Morgan, director of the risk assessment department at the W.H.O., said on Wednesday, Throughout the month of March and April, there has been a steady increase in the number of cases each week and the weekly number of cases is now higher than any time in the pandemic. At the same time, many of the countries being walloped by the virus and those where the threat of new outbreaks is growing have not been able to secure vaccines to inoculate even health workers or those most at risk of serious illness and death. Research shows that children are mostly spared severe disease and are not significant drivers of coronavirus spread, as they are for influenza, for example. Young children are thought to spread the virus less often than adults do, but their ability to transmit increases with age. Teenagers may transmit the virus as readily as adults. Vaccinating children is viewed as an important increase to the level of immunity in a population, driving down the number of cases broadly, while offering protection to more people. While risk of severe illness in youngsters is low compared with that in adults, the coronavirus has infected more than 1.5 million children and sent more than 13,000 to hospitals, more than are hospitalized for flu in an average year, according to data collected by the C.D.C. About 18 percent of the Latino respondents said they did not yet have permanent residential status in the United States. Though the Biden administration and local public health officials have reiterated that the shots are available to anyone regardless of immigration status, more than half of this group reported being unsure about whether they were eligible to get the shots. Nearly 40 percent of all the unvaccinated Latinos responding to the survey said they feared they would need to produce government-issued identification to qualify. And about a third said they were afraid that getting the shot would jeopardize either their immigration status or that of a family member. Many health departments have been undertaking increasingly inventive measures to sign up Spanish speakers and to reassure them that their immigration status will not be endangered, said Erin Mann, the program manager for the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants, based at the University of Minnesota, which advises communities about best practices to reach underserved people. These include having language-specific drive-up lanes for testing and vaccination, holding events in the evenings and having health care workers phone individuals to sign them up. The results of the poll were drawn from a nationally representative telephone survey, conducted from April 15 to April 29, of 2,097 adults, including 778 English- and Spanish-speaking Latinos. The report on the findings also explored the disproportionately harsh impact of the pandemic on Latino families, which helped explain their willingness to be vaccinated. About 38 percent of Latino adults said that a relative or close friend had died from Covid-19, compared with 18 percent of white adults who reported having had similar experiences. Two-thirds of Latino adults said they feared that either they or a relative might get sick from the coronavirus. Financial fears related to the pandemic rippled through Latino families, too. Nearly half said they had been adversely affected economically, compared with about one-third of white respondents who said so. While about a third of unvaccinated Latino adults were eager to get a shot as soon as possible, two-thirds were more reluctant, describing themselves as waiting and seeing (35 percent), only if required by work (13 percent) or definitely not (17 percent). But this group did seem amenable to incentive strategies, the report suggested. For them, improved access would be helpful. More than half in this group who are overall reluctant and also employed said they would get the shots if their employers gave them paid time off to recover from side effects, a rate nearly three times that of white workers. (The Biden administration has urged companies to adopt the measure.) And 38 percent of this group would be inclined to be vaccinated if their employer arranged for the shots to be distributed at the work site. Nearly four in 10 said they would be more likely to get the shot if their employer provided a $200 incentive to do so. The vaccines produced similar responses in all three groups of women, eliciting both antibody and T-cell responses against the coronavirus, the scientists found. Of particular note, experts said, was the fact that the shots produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies, which can prevent the virus from entering cells, in both pregnant and nonpregnant women. Clearly, the vaccines were working in these people, said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University who was not involved in the research. These levels are expected to be quite protective. The researchers also found neutralizing antibodies in the breast milk of vaccinated mothers and in umbilical cord blood collected from infants at delivery. Vaccination of pregnant people and lactating people actually leads to transfer of some immunity to their newborns and lactating infants, said Dr. Ai-ris Y. Collier, a physician-scientist at Beth Israel who is the first author of the paper. The results are really encouraging, Dr. Iwasaki said. There is this added benefit of conferring protective antibodies to the newborn and the fetus, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated. The scientists also measured the womens immune responses to two variants of concern: B.1.1.7, which was first identified in Britain, and B.1.351, which was first identified in South Africa. All three groups of women produced antibody and T-cell responses to both variants after vaccination, although their antibody responses were weaker against the variants, especially B.1.351, than against the original strain of the virus, according to the study. These women developed immune responses to the variants, although the asterisk is that the antibody responses were reduced several-fold, said Dr. Dan Barouch, a study author and virologist at Beth Israel. (Dr. Barouch and his colleagues developed the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which was not included in this study.) Overall, its good news, he added. And it increases the data that suggests that there is a substantial benefit for pregnant women to be vaccinated. For people outside of the food world, what does the Willows represent? The Willows is part of this very aspirational dining trend that has really taken over in the last 10 or 15 years. It is connected with lists and awards that have become increasingly important. There are these high-end global destinations that people travel to just for one dinner, which didnt really used to be the case. The stakes are high and the restaurants have to perform at a very, very high level to get on these lists or to win these awards. The Willows was very much a part of that. So they put a lot of pressure on their employees. This is labor-intensive work, carefully plated not like bistros where youre making delicious stews and home-style food. In the last several years, you have taken on these investigations into sexual and workplace harassment in the food world. Can you talk about that work? I never thought that would be what I do, but thats pretty much all I do now. In 2017, as the Weinstein story was building, I think everyone at The Times looked around and said: Whos the Harvey Weinstein on my beat? In food, there were a lot of people to choose from because there were so many poorly kept secrets. But it was very hard, at the time, to get people to go on the record. I teamed up with Kim Severson, who was a more experienced journalist, and is also a food staff writer. We had never done that kind of work, but we learned as we went from reporters like Jodi Kantor and Emily Steel. Everyone was just banding together, and then that was how the whole group won that Pulitzer, because wed all been able to do this in different parts of the paper. Since then, it has really changed. The alumni of the Willows, for example, found one another, and when they came to me, there were already 20 of them who wanted to talk. Ultimately, there were almost 40 sources. What is the process of getting people to talk to you and confirming these conversations? We let people talk off the record at first. You have to build that relationship in a situation where people feel safe, and so they often dont know if theyre going to go on the record, because nobody wants to go on the record alone, and we dont let anyone go on the record alone. Once there are clear patterns, Im able to circle back and say, It looks like 11 other people had this experience is that something that you would be willing to talk about? Before the pandemic, he would have said he was a kid who was on track for a scholarship down the road, maybe even at a college like Northwestern, where his father studied briefly before transferring out. When he became obsessed with the musical Hamilton in seventh grade, he went ahead and read the Federalist Papers just to see what they had to say. He starred as Macbeth in a production at school and liked it so much that he read other Shakespeare plays for fun. He never wanted to sound conceited, but in the past, he would have said that school came easily. At the same time, he sometimes found all of it overwhelming. As a Black teenager now approaching six feet, he was acutely conscious of how the expectations of his mother a school administrator with a Ph.D. ran up against the expectations of the rest of the world. To keep proving these stereotypes wrong, he said, it takes a lot out of me. And then last spring, when the school closed its doors, he found himself alone with thoughts that had been waiting, it turned out, for just that kind of opportunity for vast amounts of time and space. These new thoughts flooded in, leaving little room for concerns about Othellos motivation or the subjunctive in French. More and more, when he was alone in his room, there was only one voice, and that voice was telling Charles that he was doomed to fail no matter how promising his start, that he would surely follow what he perceived as his fathers downward slide. His destiny was failure. In the very first days of the school year, Charless laptop kept crashing during Zooms, which started to feel like a metaphor for what the whole year would bring: a big mess, a disconnect, a technological headache that he was left on his own to solve. In the weeks that followed, the days loomed empty and long; the more time that voice had, the louder it grew and the harder it was to get out from under it. Because he did all his work in his bedroom, it was easy to go back to sleep after his first class, if he made it to his first class. Then when I woke up, I could either a) get up and do what I had to do, he said, trying to capture his typical schedule, or b) look at the time, be disappointed in myself and go back to bed. During remote learning, attendance did not factor into a students final grade. Charles wasnt just skipping class, though he was barely turning in any assignments. And suddenly, there he was, no longer a kid who got As but already a kid who had blown it this early in the semester. The voice in his head exhausted him, so Charles started sleeping more, even during the day. Sometimes the voice scared him. His heart would start pounding, and he would feel overwhelmed with a sense of impending crisis: It was all over, and there was nothing he could do about it. It was too late. How was E.K. possibly going to get him out of the hole he was in? She had no sense of how vast it already was. Even still, in early October, he decided to linger after class, on Zoom, when she offered to help any students who were falling behind. At a minimum, he could tell his mother that hed made an effort. He stayed, and so did Sarah, a classmate everyone liked. She did Cheer and he played J.V. football, but they didnt move in the same circles. She was really smiley he thought of her as one of those happy-all-the-time people. When Sarah stayed after class to attend that extra-help session with Ms. E.K. in early October, she was surprised to see that Charles was there too. Charles, she had already gleaned, was smart. He often had an answer for whatever Ms. E.K. asked; in fact, the students had quickly come to rely on him to save them all from the silences that often hung in the air in their online classes. As they talked with each other and Ms. E.K. that day, Charles and Sarah quickly found common ground and diagnosed their shared problems: lack of motivation, loneliness, a feeling of hopelessness. Charles suggested that maybe Sarah needed some help, to which Sarah said: What about you? During that conversation, Sarah told the first of many lies that she would tell her teachers, her mother and herself over the coming months. OK, she would say, I am ready to turn over a new leaf. Now Im really going to apply myself. But she still rarely made it to class. If her laptop died in the middle of a Zoom, she decided that was Gods way of telling her she had done enough for the day. About six weeks into school, her mother, her health still shaky, her mind still foggy, looked at an interim academic assessment that landed in her email inbox and said, What do all these N.H.I.s mean? Sarah said, Huh, I dont know, as if trying to decode one of the great bureaucratic mysteries of her time, when in fact she knew exactly what they stood for: not handed in. She grew accustomed to emails from teachers piling up. Just making sure you saw. ... A reminder that your essay. ... Everybody wanted something from her. Whoa, whoa, whoa. She was going to get back to them eventually. In the jarring opening scene of Riders of Justice, one girls bike is stolen and turned into another kids Christmas present, kicking off a chain of events that results in a disastrous subway explosion. When Otto (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), a probability expert suffering from a bad case of survivors guilt, pins the calamity on the leader of a criminal gang, he inadvertently triggers another round of violence. The Danish filmmaker Anders Thomas Jensen understands that the most difficult tragedies to process are the inexplicable ones, the kind where theres no one to blame. This idea is at the core of his gold-hearted, yet gleefully bloody deconstruction of the revenge thriller and the meat-headed masculine urges that typically underscore the genre. What brought you to this line of work? I was born in NYCHA public housing in Far Rockaway, to a very young mother who had five boys. And my father struggled with heroin. We bounced around the city, lived in multiple boroughs, had everyday struggles that I think many New Yorkers face today. And I think thats a story about perseverance, and seeing yourself through hardship, and feeling the calling to go back into the community and lead. Many people who face those challenges do not arrive where you are. What made the difference? I had great people around. I had an uncle in prison, and he would call on a regular basis. Whatever hardship I was going through, he would use his own scenarios and share with me. When was his influence most important? When I was an undergraduate, I had just received a scholarship to go to graduate school and someone broke into my dorm room, they stole some stuff. Long story short, I wanted to take matters into my own hands. And the person who was able to intervene was my uncle. What was the original vision for the Office to Prevent Gun Violence? Most places in the United States deal with gun violence with an enforcement, incarceration and prosecution type of approach. Oftentimes, that exacerbates situations. And its not addressing root causes as to why individuals are trapped in systems that allow gun violence to be pervasive. What are some of the offices concrete activities around the city? At the core, its about street outreach, working with individuals who are known to be in networks that involve gun carrying. For some people, it looks like mediation. For others, it could be actual de-escalation of things that are happening in real time. We use other resources like nontraditional mental health services, legal services, intensive mentoring. Here are a few things to know: The details The debate will air from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight and be broadcast on NY1 and WNYC. Eight Democratic candidates are set to participate: Andrew Yang, Eric Adams, Scott Stringer, Maya Wiley, Kathryn Garcia, Dianne Morales, Shaun Donovan and Raymond J. McGuire. [Need a refresher on who is competing? Here are the candidates.] The potential points of contention New York is at an inflection point: Economic uncertainty has persisted, the pandemic has laid bare deep racial and socioeconomic inequalities, and vaccinations have raised hopes of a return to prepandemic life. The candidates will aim to convince voters that their vision for the citys recovery is the best one. The debate will take place less than a week after a shooting in Times Square that garnered widespread attention, and both public safety and police power are almost certain to arise as contentious topics. The event comes as Mr. Yang navigates controversy tied to a recent statement of unqualified support for Israel. He has since sought to modulate those remarks amid an outcry on the left and pushback from some of his own volunteers, as the crisis between Israelis and Palestinians has worsened. Then there is the contest for the left wing of the Democrats. Mr. Stringer appeared to be on the cusp of getting progressive organizations to coalesce around his campaign before he was accused of sexual misconduct. (He has strongly denied the allegations.) Ms. Wiley and Ms. Morales will make their case to progressive organizations and voters to back them instead. A year ago, if you had asked anyone who has spent time around New York City politics who would next become mayor, you were likely to hear that the election of Scott Stringer was more or less assured. Ranked-choice voting would probably favor him. A lifelong public servant, a son of Washington Heights, a wonk, an advocate fighting for housing justice and climate justice and all the justices he seemed like a pot roast on a damp night in midwinter: satisfying, if not abundant in memorable flavor. It was hard to foresee that the kind of candidate who could brag about having fixed the back office of the citys pension fund would find himself engulfed in scandal, and yet here we are. As the citys comptroller, Mr. Stringer had spent the past seven years rooting around in the mess of bureaucracy, issuing audit after audit, finding waste here and inefficiency there. In 2016, for example, his office uncovered that the city was spending $400,000 a day on hotel rooms for the homeless; two years later, that a shocking 27 percent of commercial waste vehicles have been issued at least one red light camera violation. A Stringer mayoralty, as one friend recently remarked, would provide a daily streaming of competence porn. Charisma, as the Trump era reiterated, allows people to overlook a litany of political sins. Among contenders in the Democratic mayoral field, Mr. Stringer had already been losing ground to Andrew Yang, he of bodega illiteracy, when a woman came forward late last month with accusations of sexual impropriety. State prosecutors in Manhattan investigating former President Donald J. Trump and his family business are examining the extent to which Mr. Trump handed out valuable benefits to some of his executives and whether taxes were paid on those perks, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The scrutiny of how the Trump organization handled what are known as fringe benefits is a growing aspect of the broader investigation. As part of that line of inquiry, the prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorneys office recently subpoenaed the records of an Upper West Side private school, seeking information about tuition payments Mr. Trump made on behalf of one of his top executives, according to two of the people familiar with the matter. The subpoena sought information from Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School related to tens of thousands of dollars in tuition payments that Mr. Trump made over several years for at least one grandchild of the Trump organizations longtime chief financial officer, Allen H. Weisselberg. Mehta and her colleagues were regularly chased by a police van, forcing them to shift from place to place to hide their location. To avoid further risk, they had a recording station separate from the broadcast station and for a period aired messages across two transmitters. So far we were conducting movements, but now we are conducting a revolution, Ram Manohar Lohia, a founder of the Congress Socialist Party, said in one broadcast, adding, Our hatred is for an administration which seeks to perpetuate human injustice. After the official All India Radio which other activists referred to as Anti-India Radio jammed their broadcasts, Mehta and her crew persistently tried to retaliate. But their luck fell short on Nov. 12, 1942, when they were caught after a technician betrayed them by revealing their location. When finally the government traced them down, the police were knocking on the door where they were running this underground radio, her nephew Ketan Mehta, a prominent Bollywood filmmaker, said in a video call from Mumbai. And she asked all the others to leave, but she continued to broadcast until they broke down the door. More than 50 officers stormed through the three bolted doors. Mehta and another activist were arrested; two others were caught in the following days. After a prolonged investigation, time in solitary confinement and a five-week trial, Mehta was jailed until March 1946. I came back from jail a happy and, to an extent, a proud person, because I had the satisfaction of carrying out Bapus message, Do or die, she said, using a term of respect for Gandhi that means father, and of having contributed my humble might to the cause of freedom. Usha Mehta was born on March 25, 1920, in Saras, a village in the western state of Gujarat, to Gheliben Mehta, a homemaker, and Hariprasad Mehta, a district-level judge under the British Raj. Throughout her upbringing, members of Ushas family were involved in Indias independence struggle. The last 40 years have seen an ever-widening income gap between those with college degrees and those without. Over that interval, incomes have soared for those with advanced degrees and declined for those with high-school diplomas or less. As a result, the route to economic security for young people depends increasingly on access to higher education. Yet it keeps getting more expensive. Since the Great Recession, the public portion of the operating costs for state universities and colleges in Connecticut, where we teach, has declined 20 percent; since the 1980s, it has declined by nearly half. In the 1960s, tuition for a Connecticut state university was $100 a year, which could be earned by working fewer than 100 hours at minimum wage. Today, a student needs to work nearly 1,000 hours at the state minimum of $12 an hour to pay the $11,462 required for tuition at the least expensive state university in Connecticut. Our state is hardly unique in abdicating its responsibilities to the next generation. By 2018, only four states had returned to prerecession funding levels at public two- and four-year institutions. In Arizona the decline has been especially acute: 2018 per-student higher-education funding was down 55.7 percent from 2008, and average student tuition costs at four-year institutions increased by 91 percent. In Louisiana, these figures were 40.6 and 105.4 percent, respectively. The Biden administration has proposed reforms to ease the student-debt crisis. But a real solution must upend a system of cascading inequities. Restoring the dream of higher education as an equalizer requires a holistic solution that attacks all the sources of the problem: a lack of investment in common goods, growing tuition and student debt and exploitative labor practices that undermine the quality of education. What cant be emphasized enough, especially among those who think of themselves as pro-Palestinian: If you want a Palestinian state to exist and succeed, you must also want Hamas to be humiliated and defeated. Hamass sole aim for over 30 years has been to turn a difficult, but potentially negotiable, conflict into a nonnegotiable, zero-sum holy war. That strategy has to be proved a loser before Palestinian politics can move in a better direction. By the same token, if youd like a more moderate cast of Israeli leaders, then the last thing youd want is for Hamas to emerge emboldened and essentially unscathed in the current round of fighting. No Israeli government of any ideological stripe is going to concede territory for a Palestinian state thats likely to look like a larger version of Gaza today: one that terrorizes its neighbors while tyrannizing its people. Nor is the Israeli public going to pay much heed to hectoring critics in the West who, like Sanders, somehow think that, for Hamas, a legal case involving an ugly eviction effort in East Jerusalem was anything more than a pretext to start a war while jockeying for political advantage against its Palestinian rivals in Fatah. Israel made plenty of mistakes in the run-up to the current fighting, including heavy-handed policing in Jerusalem at Ramadan and inadequate policing in Arab-Israeli towns that have been hit by mob violence. But there is a vast difference in moral weight between Israels miscalculations and Hamass calculations, between blunders and crimes. Thats something to bear in mind when Palestinian rockets hit Israeli civilians by design and Israeli missiles hit Palestinian civilians inadvertently. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the U.S. does not have a vital national interest in creating a Palestinian state: Its on the nice but not necessary list of Americas Middle East priorities. But we do have a vital interest in nurturing and sustaining an alliance of moderates and modernizers, people who can offer a plausible alternative to the forms of politics that have dominated the region and spread their pathologies worldwide: terror-sponsoring theocracies like Iran; military dictatorships like Egypt; cult-of-personality regimes like Turkey. When it comes to Gaza, the goal of U.S. policy is to support Israels efforts to defang, deflate and ultimately disempower Hamas, not just for the sake of Israelis living under threat but also for Palestinians living in fear. Moderates only thrive when the shadow of terror lifts. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. What worries me is that we may not even be able to measure the peak cases accurately. Data show that testing is increasing at a far slower rate than cases. In this scenario, numbers will reach a plateau not because case numbers have stopped rising but because testing capacity will be tapped out. The national average test positivity rate is over 22 percent, but several states have rates that are, alarmingly, even higher including Goa at 46.3 percent and Uttarakhand, which hosted the Kumbh festival, at 36.5 percent. India will have a manufactured peak of about 500,000 daily cases by mid-May, argued Rijo M. John, a health economist. Vaccines remain one of the most effective public health tools, and vaccination with speed is shown to significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus. India started its vaccination drive in mid-January with a sensible plan to vaccinate 300 million people in phases health care workers, frontline workers and then people above 60 years of age or above 45 years with comorbidities. And as a leading supplier of vaccines worldwide India supplies about 40 percent of all the worlds vaccines two Indian companies, Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, were well positioned to execute. But by mid-March only 15 million doses had been delivered, covering a mere 1 percent of Indias population. The vaccination drive was hobbled by messages from Indian leadership that the country had conquered the virus and by news from Europe associating fatal blood clots with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which remains the mainstay of Indias vaccination rollout. When the second wave arrived, only 33 million people, about 2.4 percent of the population, had received one dose and seven million people had received both doses. On May 1, vaccination opened for everyone older than 18 years, but many states have reported shortages and the pace of vaccination has slowed down. Local supplies are expected to stabilize by July, but their low penetration cannot reverse the current wave of infection and death in India. Covid-19 vaccines mitigate disease, but they may not prevent infection, especially when transmission rates are as high as they are now. Though good data is lacking, variant viruses with evasion potential may also have a role in breakthrough infections in vaccinated people. The immediate need is to reduce spread by increased testing and isolation of people who test positive. Several Indian states are under lockdown. This would flatten the curve, allowing health care facilities and supplies to regroup. Rapidly enhancing the health care infrastructure will also save lives. India should increase available hospital beds by setting up temporary facilities, mobilize retired doctors and nurses, and strengthen the supply chain for critical medicines and oxygen. At the same time, India cannot allow the pace of vaccinations to slow. It must vaccinate at scale now, aiming to deliver 7.5 million to 10 million doses every day. This will require enhancing vaccine supplies and doubling delivery points. There are only about 50,000 sites where Indians can get vaccines right now; we need many more. Since only 3 percent of these delivery points are in the private sector, this is where capacity can be added. On Tuesday, when I asked the question, Linah and Amal replied nervously, in unison: Hilwa. Nice. No more. Most Gazans I know have barely gotten any rest since the beginning of the week. As my friend Hassan Arafat tweeted: We do not sleep; we just faint with fatigue. There are no high-tech warning systems here to alert us to incoming missiles or tell us to take shelter. We have to learn to read the patterns of Israels wanton strikes. Being a good parent in Gaza means developing a knack for what Israels drones and F-16s will do next. On Wednesday night, after two hours of nonstop bombardment and Israeli missiles raining down all over the Strip some landing just a few hundred meters away from our building we finally managed to catch some sleep. The missiles shake the whole area for several seconds. Then you hear screams. Shouting. More screams. Whole families turn out onto the street. Our kids were all sat up in bed, shaking, saying nothing. Then comes the intolerable indecision: I am caught between wanting to take the family outside, despite the missiles, shrapnel and falling debris, and staying at home, like sitting ducks for the American-made, Israeli-piloted planes. We stayed at home. At least we would die together, I thought. The deafening strikes destroy Gazas infrastructure, cutting off roads leading to hospitals and water supplies, bringing down access to the internet. Many of the targets Israel hits have no strategic value. Israel knows this, and knows how it unnerves us. I wonder what those officers do in their command centers: Do they draw straws on which block to annihilate? Do they roll a dice? Wednesday was the last day of Ramadan. The holy month of fasting ends with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration considered to be the second-happiest in Islam. Children traditionally wear new clothes and receive cash gifts and toys from relatives. Muslims in Palestine visit their families and eat together. Not this Eid, though. By early Thursday, 69 people in Gaza were reported to have been killed in Israels airstrikes, including commanders of Hamas, the group that governs the Strip, and 17 children. At least seven Israelis, including one child, had died from the hundreds of rockets fired by Hamas. To the Editor: Re Our Herd Immunity Failure, by David Brooks (column, May 7): I am one of the people who was interviewed and quoted in Derek Thompsons Atlantic piece about Americans who are declining the vaccine, which Mr. Brooks discusses. I take issue with Mr. Brookss unflattering portrayal of us as a group of individuals who have failed to consider our obligation to society. I was a public defender in New York City for over eight years, a career I chose because I wanted to help the most powerless. I am currently an attorney at a civil liberties nonprofit. I strongly disagreed with the response of governments and communities throughout the world to the coronavirus crisis, because I believe that the measures implemented did little to reduce deaths from the virus, while they inflicted substantial harm, particularly on the most vulnerable: the poor, minorities, children and individuals suffering from depression and other mental illnesses, to name a few groups. With respect to my own decision not to get the vaccine, I had Covid in February, and therefore almost certainly am immune to infection. To the Editor: Re Mobs in Streets as Israel and Gaza Are Bombarded (front page, May 13): The conflagration now raging on both sides of the Israel-Gaza border, which has now spilled into the streets of Israeli cities, expanding into what is fast becoming an Arab-Jewish civil war, runs the risk of becoming a much wider conflict. Confrontations in this region have a disturbing history of rapid escalation. What may be different this time, though, is the relative calm in the region beyond the borders of Israel and Gaza, characterized by recent broader cooperation and the establishment of relationships between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors. But the Biden administration cannot be a mere bystander. Along with the United Nations and perhaps regional leaders, President Biden must quickly intervene with proposals in an effort to restrain both sides. This has often worked before, even as the world always awaits the next Arab-Israeli conflict in a seemingly unending state of hostility. The question, then, would be who could impose meaning on such an event. Instead of a land grab, it would be a narrative grab, Diana Pasulka, author of American Cosmic: U.F.O.s, Religion, Technology, told me. There would be enormous power and money in shaping the story humanity told itself. If we were to believe that the contact was threatening, military budgets would swell all over the world. A more pacific interpretation might orient humanity toward space travel or at least interstellar communication. Pasulka says she believes this narrative grab is happening even now, with the military establishment positioning itself as the arbiter of information over any U.F.O. events. One lesson of the pandemic is that humanitys desire for normalcy is an underrated force, and there is no single mistake as common to political analysis as the constant belief that this or that event will finally change everything. If so many can deny or downplay a disease thats killed millions, dismissing some unusual debris would be trivial. An awful lot of people would basically shrug and itd be in the news for three days, Adrian Tchaikovsky, the science fiction writer, told me. You cant just say, Still no understanding of alien thing! every day. An awful lot of people would be very keen on continuing with their lives and routines no matter what. There is a thick literature on how evidence of alien life would shake the worlds religions, but I think Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, is quite likely right when he suggests that many people would simply say, of course. The materialist worldview that positions humanity as an island of intelligence in a potentially empty cosmos my worldview, in other words is the aberration. Most people believe, and have always believed, that we share both the Earth and the cosmos with other beings gods, spirits, angels, ghosts, ancestors. The norm throughout human history has been a crowded universe where other intelligences are interested in our comings and goings, and even shape them. The whole of human civilization is testament to the fact that we can believe we are not alone and still obsess over earthly concerns. This has even been true with aliens. The science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson reminded me that in the early 1900s it was widely but mistakenly believed that we had visual evidence of canals on Mars. The scientific community seemed to have validated that finding, even though it was mainly Percival Lowell, but its hard to recapture now how general the assumption was, he wrote in an email. There being no chance of passage across space, it was assumed to be a philosophical point only, of interest but not world-changing for anyone. What might be more world-changing is the way nation-states fall to fighting over the debris, or even just the interpretation of the debris. Theres a long science fiction literature in which the prospect or reality of alien attack unites the human race Alan Moores Watchmen and the movie Independence Day, to name a couple. But a more ambiguous contact might lead to more fractious results. The scenario you outline would be politicized immediately on the international stage; the Russians and Chinese would never believe us and frankly large numbers of Americans would be much more likely to believe that Russia or China was behind it, Anne-Marie Slaughter, the chief executive of New America and a former director of policy planning at the State Department, told me. And thats to say nothing of the tensions over who actually owned, and thus could research and profit from, the technologies embedded in the debris. Slaughter went on to make a point about the difficulty of uniting humanity that Id been contemplating as well. After all, we are facing the destruction of the planet as we know it and have inhabited it for millennia over a couple of decades, and that does not even unify Americans, much less people around the globe. If the real threat of climate change hasnt unified countries and focused our technological and political efforts behind a common purpose, why should the more uncertain threat of aliens? And yet, Id like to believe it could be different. Steven Dick, the former chief historian for NASA, has argued that indirect contact with aliens a radio signal, for instance would be more like past scientific revolutions than past civilizational collisions. The correct analogy, he suggests, would be the realization that we share our world with bacteria, or that the Earth orbits the sun, or that life is shaped by natural selection. These upheavals in our understanding of the universe we inhabit changed the course of human science and culture, and perhaps this would, too. There are times in science when just knowing that a thing is possible motivates an effort to get there, Jacob Foster, a sociologist at U.C.L.A., told me. The knowledge that there were other space-faring societies might make us more desperate to join them or communicate with them. Eugene H. Webb, who was raised in racially segregated Alabama with modest ambitions, but who after transplanting himself to Harlem established what became the nations largest Black-owned real estate management company, died on April 5 at his home in Mount Vernon, N.Y. He was 102. His death was confirmed by Webb & Brooker, the New York-based management, leasing and sales company he founded with George M. Brooker in 1968, which oversaw thousands of apartments generating tens of millions of dollars in rents. In addition to his role at the firm, where he became chairman emeritus, Mr. Webb was among the founders of Carver Federal Savings Bank and of Freedom National Bank (which closed in 1990 during a recession). Both banks earned a reputation for lending to prospective Black and Hispanic home buyers in neighborhoods like Harlem, where applicants had been reflexively rejected by other banks. Mr. Webb also played a prominent role in Harlems contentious redevelopment history, when new projects often raised fears that old Harlemites would be pushed out. He was part of the team that built the $60 million Renaissance Plaza on West 116th Street in the late 1990s, which includes 240 cooperative apartments and more than 60,000 square feet of retail space. Most ant species counteract this with outbreeding through nuptial flights spectacular single-day events during which winged queens and males from many different colonies gather, swarm and mate in large clouds. But Cardiocondyla elegans queens require some help. There is also evidence that at least some young queens are carried from one nest to another, potentially mating with males from multiple colonies. No young queen ever returns to her home nest, spending the winter instead in a foreign nest. In spring, she is kicked out there can be only one egg-laying queen per nest and presumably starts a colony of her own, starting the cycle anew. There is only one season of mating for these young queens, but that is more than enough. A queen stores and preserves her mates sperm in a sac called the spermatheca for the rest of her life. In some species, just two sperm cells are needed to fertilize an egg and that is all that the queen releases (somewhat more efficient than the 40 million to 150 million sperm humans use to accomplish a similar task). Though the traditional view of social insect society has held that the queen wields all of the power over the faceless workers beneath her, research is increasingly showing that this is not the case, said Boris Baer, an entomologist at the University of California, Riverside. And this new research provides yet another example. It looks like that the workers have taken that power that they have in these societies in their own hands, and they make decisions about the mating of their sisters, said Dr. Baer, who was not involved in the study. Still, one large mystery remains: We have no idea how they choose a specific colony, Dr. Baer said. So far, the researchers have not been able to get ants they have collected to perform the carrying behavior in a controlled laboratory setting. Still, the new research underscores the diverse ways that living things in general and ants in particular reproduce in our world. Unlike other recent statements, the new letter did not come down in favor of one scenario or another. Recent letters by another group of scientists and international affairs experts argued at length for the relative likelihood of a laboratory leak. Previous statements from other scientists and the W.H.O. report both asserted that a natural origin was by far the most plausible. Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, said he signed the new letter because the recent W.H.O. report on the origins of the virus, and its discussion, spurred several of us to get in touch with each other and talk about our shared desire for dispassionate investigation of the origins of the virus. I certainly respect the opinion of others who may disagree with what weve said in the letter, but I felt I had no choice but to put my concerns out there, he said. Another signer, Sarah E. Cobey, an epidemiologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Chicago, said, I think it is more likely than not that SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal reservoir rather than a lab. But lab accidents do happen and can have disastrous consequences, she added. I am concerned about the short- and long-term consequences of failing to evaluate the possibility of laboratory escape in a rigorous way. It would be a troublesome precedent. The list of signers includes researchers with deep knowledge of the SARS family of viruses, such as Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina, who had collaborated with the Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli in research done at the university on the original SARS virus. Dr. Baric did not respond to attempts to reach him by email and telephone. Colonial Pipeline paid its extortionists roughly 75 Bitcoin, or nearly $5 million, to recover its stolen data, according to five people briefed on the transaction. The payment came after hackers last week held up Colonial Pipelines business networks with ransomware, a form of malware that encrypts data until the victim pays, and threatened to release it online. Colonial Pipeline pre-emptively shut down its pipeline operations to keep the ransomware from spreading and because it had no way to bill customers with its business and accounting networks offline. The shutdown of the companys network, which includes 5,500 miles of pipeline that supplies nearly half the gas, diesel and jet fuel to the East Coast, triggered a cascading crisis that led to emergency meetings at the White House, a jump in gas prices, panic buying at the gas pumps, and forced some airlines to make fuel stops on long-haul flights. The ransom payment was first reported by Bloomberg. A spokeswoman for Colonial declined to confirm or deny that the company had paid a ransom. The responses came from 723 epidemiologists, submitted between April 28 and May 10, before the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey asked epidemiologists about being outdoors in groups of various sizes, and about being indoors with people whose vaccination status was unknown. The situations were consistent with the new guidance, which governs behavior in public places, regardless of size, where it is impossible to know the vaccine status of others. Federal health officials have already said that vaccinated people can be indoors with other vaccinated people, and epidemiologists mostly agreed. But the C.D.C.s new guidance said masks were no longer necessary for fully vaccinated people regardless of the size of the gathering and whether it was indoors or outside, except in certain situations, like in a doctors office or on public transit. Epidemiologists are, on the whole, very cautious when it comes to Covid-19, by nature of their training in understanding risk and preventing the spread of infectious disease. Nearly three-quarters described themselves as risk-averse, and they are likely to have been able to work from home over the past year, unlike many Americans. But they also have the same training as many of the scientists at the C.D.C. who devised the new policy, and about one-third of the survey respondents work in government, mostly at the state level. They acknowledged that many Americans would not want to continue to wear masks and that many have already stopped. No bigger than a fist, the shrunken head had nonetheless become a major headache. The head, a mummified Amazonian war trophy called a tsantsa, had been in the possession of Mercer University in Macon, Ga., for decades. Over that time, it was puzzled over by professors, used as a prop in a John Huston comedy and displayed in a university museum. And in 2019, it was returned to Ecuadorean officials but only after it was authenticated with a 33-item checklist, according to an article published this week by Mercer researchers. Before the head could be repatriated, the researchers also had to meet a separate list of standards provided by Ecuadors National Cultural Heritage Institute. In the article, published on Tuesday in the journal Heritage Science, they described how they had traced the history of the head to at least 1942 using memoirs and local newspapers. The head was turned over to the Ecuadorean Consulate General in Atlanta in June 2019, and according to Adam M. Kiefer, one of the articles lead authors, the researchers dont know what has become of it since. Its not our decision to make, where this cultural artifact ends up, Professor Kiefer said on Tuesday. Our job was to make sure that it was reunited with people who know more about the culture and the context, to make the appropriate decision on how to display this. Ill be watching three things. 1. Attendance: Will people feel safe enough to go out? The Hollywood Bowl announced this week that it is starting shows again. There were long virtual lines for tickets, but well see how that is going forward. The real question here and in other cities, like New York is, will people be willing to go to indoor spaces, from Disney Hall to the L.A. Opera to any one of 50 small theaters scattered around area? We wont know until the fall. The numbers here Covid transmission, hospitalization and deaths are way down, while vaccinations are up, so thats encouraging. 2. Money: Arts institutions are struggling, and in fact were scrapping for dollars even before. There is a lot of competition for philanthropic dollars coming out of this pandemic. 3. Transit: A critical question is the success of the $120 billion program to build and expand the mass transit system here. Traffic has increasingly been one of the biggest obstacles to getting people to concert and theater halls, particularly in downtown Los Angeles. That could really change when these new lines begin opening up. Case in point: A new metro stop is opening across the street from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, coinciding with the date that the new $650 million David Geffen Galleries are scheduled to open. And, of course, Eli Broad, whom you described as part billionaire philanthropist, part civic bulldozer, recently died, leaving big shoes to fill. But as you and others have noted, there are questions about whether that mode of arts patronage by a singular kingmaker is good for the Los Angeles of the future. So what might be next? This is a key and nuanced question: Not only, Is there another Eli Broad waiting in the wings? but more, Is that the future of fund-raising here? Does this region need or want that kind of powerful figure moving forward? I think a corollary of that is whether some of the new wealth in California tech money, to use the shorthand is going to start flowing into the arts. It really hasnt happened yet in a big way in L.A., but that could sure change given whats happened with the stock market since January. You could find a cast of new characters writing checks, rather than some single domineering figure. Because federal charges often come only after the conclusion of state cases, some legal experts were surprised to see that the three other former officers were indicted by a federal grand jury before their case went to trial in Minnesota. Still, even though Judge Cahill cited the federal case as a reason for delaying the trial in Minneapolis, it is uncertain that a federal trial would happen before March 7, when the three former officers are now scheduled to go on trial in state court. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department in Minneapolis said on Thursday that no date had been set for a federal trial of any of the former officers. Mr. Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced on the highest charge for which he was convicted second-degree murder on June 25. Judge Cahill ruled this week that Mr. Chauvin could receive a higher sentence than the 15-year maximum that Minnesotas sentencing guidelines call for. Judge Cahill ruled that Mr. Chauvin was particularly cruel in killing Mr. Floyd and also found that several other so-called aggravating factors apply: that he committed the crime in front of children, abused his authority and did so with the participation of at least three other people. Legal experts say Judge Cahill is likely to sentence Mr. Chauvin to up to 30 years in prison, although the maximum sentence possible is 40 years. The trial of Mr. Chauvin was deeply traumatic for the city of Minneapolis, especially its Black community, with the harrowing video being shown repeatedly and emotional testimony from bystanders who witnessed Mr. Floyds murder. At its conclusion, the city almost immediately began bracing for the second trial of the other officers. But now that the trial is delayed, some activists said it would have been better to hold the next trial on time, rather than push it off to allow for the publicity generated by Mr. Chauvins trial to subside. About a decade ago, Tina Johnson of Princess Anne, Md., was taking a college course on the history of her state when she came across a familiar name. A passage in her textbook said that a young man named George Armwood was the last Black person to be lynched in Maryland. In class, Ms. Johnson raised her hand. Thats my cousin, she recalled saying to the professor. Ms. Johnson, now 35, had heard about Mr. Armwood once before: She was a child when her grandmother Mary Braxton told her about the day he was accused of attacking a white woman in 1933. Ms. Braxton, who was Mr. Armwoods first cousin, told Ms. Johnson that he had asserted his innocence and tried desperately to hide from the police. He was ultimately taken to a jail in Princess Anne, where a lynch mob found him. NASHVILLE It was meant to be a routine inspection. But when an engineer climbed out onto the Interstate 40 bridge over the Mississippi River this week, what he saw led to an urgent call to 911: We need to get people off the bridge immediately! He had spotted a crack. He could not miss it, really. A critical beam was fractured to the point of being nearly severed. The Hernando de Soto Bridge, which reaches from downtown Memphis into Arkansas, is inspected every two years, so the crack could have been there for weeks, months or well over a year. But in that moment, the inspector stressed to the 911 dispatcher on Tuesday, the bridge needed to be shut down right away to avert a disaster. Since Tuesday, vehicles have been blocked from crossing over the bridge and vessels from passing beneath it. Officials are unsure just how long the shutdown will last, stirring fears of delays and disruption that could reach far beyond Memphis. President Biden on Thursday welcomed news that gas has begun flowing through a critical pipeline that was shut down by the company after a ransomware attack by hackers, but he said that it would take time to resolve gas shortages along the East Coast and he warned stations not to engage in price gouging. They should be reaching full operational capacity as we speak, as I speak to you right now, Mr. Biden said in remarks from the Roosevelt Room. That is good news. But we want to be clear, we will not feel the effects at the pump immediately. This is not like flicking on a light switch. Colonial Pipeline paid extortionists roughly 75 Bitcoin or nearly $5 million to recover its stolen data, according to people briefed on the transaction, clearing the way for gas to begin flowing again but complicating the Biden administrations efforts to deter future attacks. Colonial Pipeline made the ransom payment to the hacking group DarkSide after the cybercriminals last week held up the companys business networks with ransomware, a form of malware that encrypts data until the victim pays, and threatened to release it online. DarkSide is believed to operate from Eastern Europe, possibly Russia. WASHINGTON The Biden administration has quietly approached congressional Democrats about a potential change to their high-profile but long-shot effort to transform most of the District of Columbia into the nations 51st state, according to executive and legislative branch officials. The bill, which passed the House last month but faces steep odds in the Senate, would admit the residential and commercial areas of the District of Columbia as a new state and leave behind a rump federal enclave encompassing the seat of government, including the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, other federal buildings and monuments. The deliberations center on the Constitutions 23rd Amendment, which gives three Electoral College votes in presidential elections to the seat of government. If it is not repealed after any statehood, the bill would try to block the appointment of the three presidential electors. But the administration is said to have proposed instead giving them to the winner of the popular vote. Officials familiar with the discussion spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the political delicacy of the matter at a time when Republicans have been raising legal and policy objections to granting statehood to the District of Columbias 700,000 residents. Such a step would create two additional Senate seats that Democrats would most likely win, as well as grant a vote to the lone representative in the House. Representative Chip Roy of Texas, a strident conservative, will run against Representative Elise Stefanik of New York for the No. 3 House Republican leadership position, a move of protest reflecting unhappiness among hard-right lawmakers with the congresswoman party leaders anointed to replace Representative Liz Cheney. Mr. Roys decision, reported earlier by Politico and confirmed by two officials familiar with the plans, comes as the Texas Republican, a former chief of staff to Senator Ted Cruz, also of Texas, had vented frustration about what he cast as Ms. Stefaniks insufficient conservative credentials and party leaders rush to install her shortly after deposing Ms. Cheney for her unwillingness to stay quiet about former President Donald J. Trumps election lies. Republicans are scheduled to meet Friday morning to select Ms. Cheneys replacement as chair of the House Republican Conference. With Mr. Trump and House Republicans top two leaders backing Ms. Stefaniks bid, it is unlikely that Mr. Roys candidacy could derail her ascension to the No. 3 post. But it is a sign of the internal discord in the conference prompted by the decision among party leaders to depose Ms. Cheney for her repeated efforts to call out Mr. Trumps repeated myth of a stolen election. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said on Wednesday that he would pardon any Floridian who violated mask or social distancing mandates. Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, made the announcement during an appearance on the Fox News program Ingraham Angle. After the shows host, Laura Ingraham, interviewed the owners of a Broward County gym who said they had been arrested for violating a county mask mandate, Mr. DeSantis said their case was a total overreach. He said he would issue a reprieve to delay the case and that when the states clemency board meets on June 16, he would issue pardons not only for the business owners, Mike and Jillian Carnevale, but also for any Floridian that may have outstanding infractions for things like masks or social distancing. I think theyve been treated poorly, he said. Fortunately, they got a governor that cares. In an executive order issued on Thursday, Mr. DeSantis granted a categorical, statewide, 60-day reprieve for any individual or business that has been or could be prosecuted for violating local Covid-19 restrictions. He also said in the order that at the clemency board meeting, he would propose a statewide pardon for those individuals or businesses. Project Veritas operatives created fake profiles on dating apps to lure the F.B.I. employees, according to two former Project Veritas employees and a screenshot of one of the accounts. They arranged to meet and arrived with a hidden camera and microphone. Women living at the house had Project Veritas code names, including Brazil and Tiger, according to three former Project Veritas employees with knowledge of the operations. People living at the house were told not to receive mail using their real names. If they took an Uber home, the driver had to stop before they reached the house to ensure nobody saw where they actually lived, one of the former Project Veritas employees said. One woman living at the house, Anna Khait, was part of several operations against various targets, including a State Department employee. Project Veritas released a video of the operation in 2018, saying it was the first installment in an undercover video investigation series unmasking the deep state. In the video, Mr. OKeefe said Project Veritas had been investigating the deep state for more than a year. He did not mention efforts to target the F.B.I. A former Project Veritas employee and another person identified the woman who targeted the State Department employee as Ms. Khait, who had appeared on the television show Survivor. Ms. Khait did not respond to a request for comment. By the time Project Veritas released its first deep state video, Mr. Seddon had left the group for other ventures chafing at what he viewed as Mr. OKeefes desire to produce quick media content rather than to run long-term infiltration operations, three former Project Veritas employees said. He was replaced by Tom Williams, a longtime associate of Mr. Princes, two of the former Project Veritas employees said. Mr. Williams also eventually left the group. The number of migrants who try to cross the southern border typically increases in the spring months. Both the Obama administration in 2014 and the Trump administration in 2019 saw unusually high numbers of children arriving at the border alone. But this year has been worse, and the situation at the border has become a partisan flash point, with Republicans contending that migrants are taking advantage of weak Biden administration policies. The crisis today is unprecedented, far worse than it was last year, and even substantially worse than 2019, when everyone considered it a crisis, said Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, the top Republican on the committee. Mr. Mayorkas and other Biden officials have avoided describing the situation on the southern border as a crisis. And they point to recent successes of transferring the children out of the Border Patrols jail-like facilities and into large shelters overseen by the Health and Human Services Department. For example, on March 29, 5,767 migrant children were held in Border Patrol detention facilities for an average of 133 hours, nearly twice as long as what is legally allowed. At the same time, 11,886 children were in shelters run by Health and Human Services. Those numbers have shifted after the government was able to bring on a network of emergency shelters. As of Wednesday, there were 536 migrant children in Border Patrol custody for an average of 24 hours. And 20,397 children were under the care of Health and Human Services, waiting in government custody to be placed, ideally, with a family member as their cases move slowly through the immigration court system. Many of the children who arrived at the border in 2019 are still in the country waiting to see an immigration judge. WASHINGTON Four months after supporters of President Donald J. Trump stormed the Capitol in a deadly riot, a growing number of Republicans in Congress are mounting a wholesale effort to rewrite the history of what happened on Jan. 6, downplaying or outright denying the violence and deflecting efforts to investigate it. Their denialism which has intensified for weeks and was on vivid display this week at a pair of congressional hearings is one reason that lawmakers have been unable to agree on forming an independent commission to scrutinize the assault on the Capitol. Republicans have insisted that any inquiry include an examination of violence by antifa, a loose collective of antifascist activists, and Black Lives Matter. It also reflects an embrace of misinformation that has become a hallmark of the Republican Party in the age of Mr. Trump. A denial of finding the truth is what we have to deal with, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday. We have to find the truth, and we are hoping to do so in the most bipartisan way possible. She drew a direct link between Republicans ouster of Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming as their No. 3 leader a move that stemmed from Ms. Cheneys vocal repudiations of Mr. Trumps election lies, which inspired the riot and their refusal to acknowledge the reality of what happened on Jan. 6. The Biden administration has quietly approached congressional Democrats about a potential change to their high-profile but long-shot effort to transform most of the District of Columbia into the nations 51st state, according to executive and legislative branch officials. The bill, which passed the House last month but faces steep odds in the Senate, would admit the residential and commercial areas of the District of Columbia as a new state and leave behind a rump federal enclave encompassing the seat of government, including the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, other federal buildings and monuments. The deliberations center on the Constitutions 23rd Amendment, which gives three Electoral College votes in presidential elections to the seat of government. If the bill passes, it is not clear how many, if any, potential voters would be left there. The only residence in the rump federal enclave would be the White House; presidential families traditionally choose to vote in their home states, but nothing forces them to do so. In theory, homeless people might also claim residency in the envisioned enclave. If the amendment is not repealed after any statehood, the bill would try to block the appointment of the three presidential electors. But the administration is said to have proposed instead giving them to the winner of the popular vote. In the hours after the speech, union locals in Philadelphia and San Francisco said they were broadly in support of the goal of a full reopening in the fall. But the devil will be in the details negotiated at bargaining tables, where local union leaders may demand additional safety measures as a precondition to a full return. Theres no evidence to suggest that what is said from on high has a direct influence on local negotiation, said Joshua P. Starr, a former superintendent of several large, unionized districts and president of PDK International, a professional organization for educators. Dr. Starr said he believed that schools should have already opened more fully. Still, I think its really important that shes saying this, he said of Ms. Weingartens speech. Some locals have argued that because so many families, particularly Black, Hispanic and Asian families, continue to opt out of in-person learning, returning to classrooms is less important than improving remote learning. But in her speech, which was delivered remotely via social media, Ms. Weingarten acknowledged that prolonged isolation is harmful to students and that online instruction had negatively affected learning. She said that reopening schools increased both teachers and parents comfort with returning, and that many parents, particularly mothers, were unable to work when school schedules were truncated. Ms. Weingartens new proposal, even if fully adopted by local unions, may not do away with all the barriers to full-time, in-person instruction. Although a vaccine is approved for adolescents 12 and over, she foresees the need to continue to distance students three feet apart, which she said would require some school systems to find additional space outside their buildings. CHEYENNE, Wyo. On a prairie hill on the rolling highway into Wyomings capital city looms a billboard with the beaming face of the states lone congressional representative, Liz Cheney. In huge letters it declares: Thank you Rep. Cheney for defending the Constitution. Some local Republicans see Ms. Cheneys lonesome stand against former President Donald J. Trumps lies about a stolen election, and her refusal to back down, as an example of true Wyoming grit and independence. But many others are quick to point out that the billboard was put up by an out-of-state dark money group, a sign of outsiders meddling. And among people in this state that voted in a landslide for Mr. Trump, a number said they were not thankful for much of anything Ms. Cheney has done lately, and have vowed to vote her out of office. She broke our trust, I wont vote for her again, said James Crestwell as he sat on the front steps of his small Craftsman house in the central part of town on Wednesday. He wore a frayed Army hat marking the time he served on a tank crew in Iraq. An American flag flapped in the spring sunshine. As bullets from a Taliban machine gun ricocheted through the street below, an Afghan soldier wearing an I Heart Kabul T-shirt took a brief rest. There has been fighting day and night. May 13, 2021 LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan The war is just on the other side of this wall, a partly destroyed cinder block barricade in southern Afghanistan. A week ago, a family lived in a house on the property. They have since fled, and their home has been converted into a fighting position held by a half-dozen soldiers, along with their spent shell casings and empty energy drink cans. The roof terrace is pockmarked from a rocket-propelled grenade explosion, and there are holes bored out of the mud brick for machine guns and rifles to fire through. Two transgender women were sentenced to five years in prison in Cameroon this week after they were found guilty of attempted homosexuality and public indecency, the latest example of an increasing crackdown on gay and transgender people in the West African nation, human rights groups say. Shakiro, identified in police documents as Loic Njeukam, and Patricia, referred to as Roland Mouthe, both identify as transgender and were arrested in February as they were having dinner at a restaurant in Douala, Cameroons economic capital. On Tuesday, they were also found guilty of failing to show proof of identity and given the maximum fine of 200,000 CFA francs, or $370. Shakiro, a social media personality who has amassed tens of thousands of followers through her posts calling for more tolerance toward gender minorities in Cameroon, has stopped eating and shared plans to die by suicide since the verdict, according to her mother, Josephine Marie Njeukam, who visited her in prison on Wednesday. Ms. Njeukam said her child told her, Mum, I wont survive here for five years. She said that her child didnt kill anyone or steal, and that her sexuality shouldnt be a crime. Zhang Luyuan, a 33-year-old worker at a tourist attraction in the Chinese city of Fuzhou in Fujian Province, once indulged in blind-box purchases. Those who buy blind boxes have a bit of wishful thinking and want to get what they want with less money, he said by phone. But after spending $60 on a mystery box for what he thought were high-quality sport jerseys, he found subpar products inside. Since buying that blind box, I learned that meat pies wont fall from the sky, and I have been buying the products the honest way, he said, using an idiom similar to theres no free lunch. He said the delivery of living animals in mystery packages was tantamount to abuse, a lucrative way for breeders perhaps to get rid of those that are ill and unlikely to survive. ZTO Express, the company behind both botched shipments of animals this month, could not be reached for comment. In a statement on May 4, it apologized for failing to enforce safety laws and said that it needed to uphold correct life values. The company added that it would close the Chengdu delivery facility where the 160 crates were found, would cooperate with the police investigation and would enhance safety training. In another statement on Wednesday, ZTO said it had sought to regulate and reverse the delivery of live animals since May 5. The company added that the animals found in Suzhou were already being returned to their place of origin, but had been stranded at a shipment centers. The police and postal authorities in Chengdu and Suzhou also could not immediately be reached for comment. The backlash this month has prompted many breeders to remove their listings from popular e-commerce sites such as Pinduoduo and Taobao. KATHMANDU, Nepal Most of Nepal is under lockdown, its hospitals overwhelmed. Bangladesh suspended vaccination sign-ups after promised supplies were cut off. Sri Lankas hopes of a tourism-led economic revival have collapsed. As India battles a horrific surge of the coronavirus, the effects have spilled over to its neighbors. Most nearby countries have sealed their borders. Several that had been counting on Indian-made vaccines are pleading with China and Russia instead. The question is whether that will be enough, in a region that shares many of the risk factors that made India so vulnerable: densely populated cities, heavy air pollution, fragile health care systems and large populations of poor workers who must weigh the threat of the virus against the possibility of starvation. Though the countries outbreaks cant all be linked to India, officials across the region have expressed growing dread over how easily their fates could follow that of their neighbor. LONDON Not many former British prime ministers adapt easily to life after 10 Downing Street or gain the respect afforded to some ex-leaders around the world. But few have fallen as far and as fast as David Cameron, who on Thursday made his first public appearance since a lobbying scandal cast a harsh light on his character and judgment, as well as the shifting morals of British public life. Mr. Camerons embarrassment is particularly surprising because more than a decade ago and before becoming prime minister, he himself had warned that a crisis over lobbying was the next big scandal waiting to happen following an outcry over lawmakers expenses. We all know how it works, Mr. Cameron said in a speech in 2010. The lunches, the hospitality, the quiet word in your ear, the ex-ministers and ex-advisers for hire, helping big business find the right way to get its way. LONDON The email from the payroll department of a British railroad company seemed to echo a refrain from many corporate offices during a difficult year, offering employees a link to a one-off payment to thank them for working under the strain of the pandemic. But workers for West Midlands Trains who followed the link in April and entered login details discovered that there was no bonus after all, only a notice that the email was a security test, measuring recipients susceptibility to messages faked by outside hackers. Unamused and angered, a union for the companys employees has called the test a cynical and shocking stunt and called for an apology. The British railroad operator is not the only company to have angered employees with cybersecurity tests promising financial payoffs during an economically stressful time. But with the emotional and financial strain of the pandemic fueling cybercrime, the fallout has played into a conversation about how far is too far for phishing tests. Online scams are on the rise, and the consequences of a cyberattack can be costly and crippling for a business. So it makes sense that companies want workers to be on the lookout for so-called phishing emails or text messages, which imitate trusted senders to seek financial, confidential or personal information. But cybersecurity experts say that companies should tread carefully if they test employees, because such phony offers could not only be psychologically damaging but actually detract from a companys security. As United States and Egyptian mediators headed to Israel to begin de-escalation talks, the antagonists were weighing delicate internal considerations before agreeing to discussions on ending the violence. But even before the mediators got to work, Israels caretaker prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared to have calculated that brute force was required first. Early Friday, Israeli ground troops shelled Gaza a potentially major move of escalation against the Hamas militants who have been launching hundreds of rockets at Israel. For the Palestinians, the indefinite postponement of elections last month by the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, created a vacuum that Hamas is more than willing to fill. Hamas argues that it is the only Palestinian faction that, with its large stockpile of improved missiles, is defending the holy places of Jerusalem, turning Mr. Abbas into a spectator. Violence on Israeli Streets Sows Fear of Lasting Rupture Fighting escalated between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, with Israeli ground troops now involved, while clashes within Israel continued. Follow our latest coverage of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Warnings of civil war as Arabs and Jews face off violently in Israels streets. A building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip overnight in Petah Tikva, Israel, on Thursday. Credit... Dan Balilty for The New York Times Clashes between Arab and Jewish mobs on the streets of Israeli cities have given way to warnings from Israeli leaders that the decades-old conflict could be careening toward a civil war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the scenes of arson and violence as anarchy and appealed for an end to lynchings. When Mr. Netanyahu visited the town of Lod, a mixed Jewish-Arab city, on Thursday, he said that the violence there was motivated by nationalistic rioters and that soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces could be brought in. The military called up 7,000 reservists and canceled leaves for all combat units. There is no greater threat now than these riots, and it is essential to bring back law and order with these means, he said. Riot control measures such as water cannons and administrative arrests may also be used, he said. The police have put strict measures in place in Lod, limiting entry into the city from 5 p.m. and instituting an 8 p.m. curfew. A day earlier, he had called the violence unacceptable and said, Nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs, and nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews. Israel carried out more airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, where the death toll rose on Thursday to 83 people since the fighting began early this week, according to the Gaza health ministry. Palestinian militants fired volleys of rockets from Gaza some 1,800 in three days that reached far into Israel, where seven have died since Monday. Early Friday, Israel added ground forces to its assault on Gaza, an escalation of the violence. Image An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Thursday. Credit... Hatem Moussa/Associated Press Alongside those now-familiar scenes, Jewish and Arab citizens have clashed in the worst violence in decades in Israeli cities stoning cars, burning offices and places of worship, and forming mobs that have dragged people from their vehicles and beat them to within an inch of their lives. Several Israeli leaders, led by President Reuven Rivlin, evoked the specter of civil war a once unthinkable idea. We need to solve our problems without causing a civil war that can be a danger to our existence, more than all the dangers we have from the outside, Mr. Rivlin said. The silent majority is not saying a thing, because it is utterly stunned. Palestinian leaders, however, said the talk of civil war was a distraction from what they see as the true cause of the unrest police brutality against Palestinian protesters and provocative actions by right-wing Israeli settler groups. The police shot an Arab demonstrators in Lod, said Ahmed Tibi, the leader of the Taal party and a member of Israels Parliament, referring to the mixed Arab-Jewish city in Israel where some of the worst clashes occurred. We dont want bloodshed. We want to protest. Gaza militants and Israeli forces have been trading attacks for days now, ever since a police raid at a Jerusalem mosque atop a site revered by both Muslims and Jews. The Israeli border police have been deployed in Arab and mixed Arab-Jewish cities in Israel, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered more of the forces into the streets on Thursday after another night of unrest. Image Israeli soldiers patrolling the Jewish-Arab city of Lod during a nighttime curfew on Wednesday. Credit... Ammar Awad/Reuters In one seaside suburb south of Tel Aviv, dozens of Jewish extremists took turns beating and kicking a man presumed to be Arab, even as he lay motionless on the ground. To the north, in another coastal town, an Arab mob beat a man they thought was Jewish with sticks and rocks, leaving him in a critical condition. Nearby, an Arab mob nearly stabbed to death a man believed to be Jewish. Tamer Nafar, a Palestinian rapper considered one of the symbols of Lod mourned the terrible rupture inside the community. Maybe we look at the word coexistence differently, he said. But so far there is only one side, the Jewish side. The Aqsa raid might have been the spark for the current round of hostilities, but the fuel was years of anger from Israels Arab minority, who make up about 20 percent of the population. They have full citizenship, but rights advocates say they are victims of dozens of discriminatory regulations. The way that we are treated is as though we shouldnt be here, said Diana Buttu, a Palestinian political analyst from Haifa, a city in northern Israel. Declan Walsh and Israel attacked Gaza with ground forces, escalating the conflict. An explosion lights the sky Thursday in the northern Gaza strip following an Israeli air strike. Credit... Hosam Salem for The New York Times Israel said its military ground forces had attacked Gaza early Friday, a major escalation of violence between Palestinians firing rockets into Israel and Israeli forces carrying out airstrikes in Gaza. The extent of the Israeli assault was not clear. Two hours after it began, the Israel Defense Forces clarified that while ground forces were newly involved in the fighting, no Israeli troops were actually in Gaza, indicating that they were firing from within Israel. I said that we would charge a very heavy price from Hamas and the rest of the terrorist organizations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released shortly after the offensive began. We are doing this and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word was not said and this operation will continue as long as it takes to restore peace and security to the State of Israel. In the past, most Israeli attacks in Gaza have been limited bids to wipe out places where weapons were stored or launched, or to kill leaders of Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, or other factions. But in 2014, it invaded the territory with ground forces, a campaign that lasted seven weeks. News of the new phase of fighting was announced by the Israeli Defense Forces with a one-line tweet at 12:22 a.m. (5:22 p.m. Thursday on the East Coast of the United States): IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli military spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, confirmed that There are ground troops attacking in Gaza, together with air forces as well. IDF air and ground troops are currently attacking in the Gaza Strip. Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 13, 2021 Hours earlier, Israel had called up 7,000 military reservists and canceled all leaves for troops in combat units, leading to speculation that an escalation was imminent. The assault came as the United States and others were urging a diplomatic resolution of violence that began on Monday, set off by a clash between Arab worshipers and Israeli police at the Aqsa mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The number and range of Hamas rockets has caught Israelis by surprise. Rockets launched toward Israel from the Gaza Strip on Friday. Credit... Anas Baba/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Palestinian militants have fired some 1,800 rockets from Gaza at Israel this week, far more than in previous clashes, according to Israeli officials, who on Thursday expressed surprise at the size of the barrage and the range of some of the rockets. Israels Iron Dome antimissile system has shot down many of the rockets, and many others have struck places where they could do little damage. But some of the rockets, which are unguided, have hit populated areas, blowing up buildings and cars and killing seven people in Israel. The increasingly sophisticated arsenal of rockets is the primary weapon of Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Other groups there, like Islamic Jihad, also have them. Israeli intelligence estimates there are 30,000 rockets and mortar projectiles stockpiled in Gaza. Hamas was believed before this week to have rockets with ranges approaching 100 miles, and many more with shorter ranges. Israels largest cities, Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, as well as its primary airport, Ben Gurion airport, are within 40 miles of Gaza. The airport has been closed to incoming passenger flights because of the danger, with flights diverted to Ramon airport to the southeast. But rockets have also been fired at Ramon, more than 110 miles from the nearest part of Gaza. A Hamas spokesman said the rockets aimed at that airport were a new type that could travel 155 miles, putting all of Israel within range of Gaza. The claim could not be verified, and it was not clear how many of the new rockets the group had. In the past, many of the rockets fired from Gaza were smuggled in from Egypt, or assembled locally from smuggled parts. But in recent years, most have been made in Gaza, with technical assistance from Iran that Hamas has openly acknowledged. Arab-Jewish coexistence in Israel suddenly ruptured. Video Fighting has broken out in the streets between Israeli Jews and members of the Arab minority with warnings from Israeli leaders that the conflict risks spiraling out of control. Credit Credit... Dan Balilty for The New York Times LOD, Israel The hulks of burned out cars and trucks litter the streets of the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod, the epicenter of three nights of violence inside Israeli cities that have fed fears the country could be careening toward a civil war. When the violence spread on Monday from the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to Gaza, an uneasy coexistence in Lod, deep inside central Israel, abruptly ruptured. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in the town of about 80,000 people and imposed a night curfew from Wednesday. Armed border police officers, brought in from the occupied West Bank, were deployed. But the curfew did little to calm the atmosphere, and both Jews and Arabs described a terrifying night on Wednesday. Arab residents, who account for about 30 percent of the towns population, continued a campaign of stone-throwing, vandalism and arson, while Jewish extremists came from outside Lod and burned Arab cars and property. On Thursday morning, a Jewish man was stabbed as he walked to synagogue, but he survived. Shirin al-Hinawi, a 33-year-old Arab resident of Lod who works for the Israeli food company Osem, said her house was charred when rioters threw a Molotov cocktail into her yard on Wednesday night. She lamented that the police did not come to protect her family. We ran out of the house without clothes on. It was burning, she said. We are not living in Gaza. Im an Israeli citizen, and we didnt do anything, she said with tears in her eyes. The latest eruption of Israeli-Arab warfare bears many of the hallmarks of past conflicts: round after round of Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and salvos of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel. But this time, a distinctly different type of violence has spilled over into Israeli cities, some of them with mixed Jewish and Arab populations living closely intertwined lives. It was this unusual outburst of street clashes inside Israel that prompted the president to warn of a civil war and the prime minister to call for an end to lynchings by Arab and Jewish mobs that have run amok. Ramat Eshkol, a hardscrabble neighborhood near the old quarter of Lod, has been one of the hottest flash points of violence in the city. A community of young Orthodox Jews moved there in recent years. Many of them live with Arab neighbors in shared apartment buildings. Israeli flags flying out the windows mark some of the Jewish apartments. Arab youths in Lod, inflamed by the clashes at the Aqsa compound in Jerusalem and by a long history of discrimination and generations-old fear of displacement, began protesting on Monday night outside a mosque in the old quarter and were dispersed by police who used stun grenades and tear gas, residents said. That ignited a broader flare-up that then spread to other mixed Jewish-Arab towns and cities in Israel. By the end of the night on Monday, an Arab man was fatally shot when dozens of stone-throwing protesters approached a building with Jewish residents. Since then, at least four synagogues have been burned as well as a religious school and a military training academy. Yousef Ezz, a 33-year-old Arab truck driver from Lod, said his truck was burned on Wednesday night. People have lost all their faith. This is their last stop, he said. I will live and die here and my children will live or die here. Tahael Harris, a 27-year-old Jewish woman who lives in a shabby building with a mix of Arab and Jewish citizens opposite the school that was burned, said that for the last three nights, she and her husband and two children have been holed up at home behind locked doors while mobs of Arabs were setting cars on fire and throwing stones. On Wednesday night, the violence ramped up and the family heard live gunfire. There is a feeling its only getting worse, she said. Before, it was quiet, not perfect, but we were good neighbors. I dont know where they were last night. I dont want to ask because Im scared to hear the answer, she said, fearing her own neighbors were among the attackers. For Palestinian Muslims, a somber feast to end the holy month of Ramadan. Palestinian Muslims performing Eid al-Fitr prayers in the Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday. Credit... Mahmoud Illean/Associated Press Muslims around the world marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, a day typically filled with prayer, celebration and feasting. But for many Palestinians, the moment was a somber one amid escalating clashes with Israel that have killed scores in just a few days. Tens of thousands of worshipers gathered at the Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem at dawn to mark Eid al-Fitr, days after Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians there in one of the triggers to the current round of violence. That episode quickly spiraled into a deadly conflict as Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets and Israel carried out airstrikes on the territory. The Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam, located in a complex in the Old City of Jerusalem that is revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians. On Wednesday, tens of thousands of worshipers stood in lines and then bowed in prayer. Some waved Palestinian flags and a banner showing an image of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip. Across the region, in prayers in Jordan and Turkey, some of those gathered to mark Eid waved Palestinian flags in solidarity. Watch: Palestinian Muslims perform the morning #EidAlFitr prayer in the #AlAqsa mosques compound in Jerusalem, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. https://t.co/iy0kmdMbcu pic.twitter.com/GuINkA0fWH Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) May 13, 2021 In Gaza, days of Israeli airstrikes had killed more than 80 people by Thursday morning, according to Palestinian health officials. At least six Israelis have been killed by rockets fired from Gaza into Israel by Hamas militants and their allies. In one photo from Gaza on Thursday, three Palestinian men laid their mats alongside buildings that had been destroyed by recent airstrikes and bowed in prayer as the sun rose over the crumbling heap of concrete and tangled metal. Elsewhere in Gaza, funerals were held throughout the morning for those killed in the strikes. Advertisement Continue reading the main story In Pictures: The Israeli-Palestinian fighting. Firing artillery on Gaza from southern Israel. Menahem Kahana/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Gaza City Hosam Salem for The New York Times Petah Tikva, Israel Dan Balilty for The New York Times Gaza City Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times Gaza City Hatem Moussa/Associated Press Lod, Israel Heidi Levine/Associated Press A funeral in Eliakim, Israel Avishag Shar-Yashuv/Reuters Gaza City Khalil Hamra/Associated Press slide 1 slide 2 slide 3 slide 4 slide 5 slide 6 slide 7 slide 8 Deadly violence between Palestinians and Israel continued to take a toll on Thursday, including clashes in city streets, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as anarchy. Flights to Israels main airport are diverted, and many are canceled. The nearly deserted Ben Gurion airport in Lod, near Tel Aviv, on Thursday. Credit... Gil Cohen-Magen/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Airlines in Europe canceled flights to Israel on Thursday as violence in the Middle Eastern nation escalated, and arriving flights were being diverted to Ramon International Airport in southern Israel. Airlines in the United States had begun canceling flights on Wednesday. British Airways said it had canceled its flights between London and Israel on Thursday. The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely, the airline said in a statement. Lufthansa, the German airline, said it was suspending flights to Israel until Friday. Virgin Atlantic said it had canceled its service between London and Tel Aviv on Thursday morning. And the Spanish airline Iberia canceled its flight to the city on Thursday from Madrid, Reuters reported. Flights arriving in Israel that would typically land at Ben-Gurion Airport, about 12 miles southeast of Tel Aviv, were being diverted to Ramon Airport, Israels second-largest international airport, the Jerusalem Post said. El Al Airlines, the Israeli national airline, confirmed on its website that most of its incoming flights would land at Ramon airport, in the south of Israel, instead of Ben-Gurion. Outgoing flights were still due to leave from Ben-Gurion, El Al said on its website. It said on Wednesday that customers with travel booked before May 19 would be able to reschedule without being subject to fees. United Airlines, American Airlines Delta Air Lines canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv on Wednesday, and in some cases waived change fees for customers with planned trips through May 25. Before diplomacy begins, Israel opts for brute force against Hamas. Israeli soldiers near the border between Israel and Gaza on Friday. Credit... Amir Cohen/Reuters As United States and Egyptian mediators headed to Israel to begin de-escalation talks, the antagonists were weighing delicate internal considerations before agreeing to discussions on ending the violence. But even before the mediators got to work, Israels caretaker prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared to have calculated that brute force was required first. Early Friday, Israeli ground troops shelled Gaza a potentially major move of escalation against the Hamas militants who have been launching hundreds of rockets at Israel. For the Palestinians, the indefinite postponement of elections last month by the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, created a vacuum that Hamas is more than willing to fill. Hamas argues that it is the only Palestinian faction that, with its large stockpile of improved missiles, is defending the holy places of Jerusalem, turning Mr. Abbas into a spectator. President Biden has spoken to Mr. Netanyahu and repeated the usual formula about Israels right to self-defense. The American leader also dispatched an experienced diplomat, the deputy assistant secretary of state Hady Amr, to urge de-escalation on both sides. The Biden administration has resisted calls at the United Nations Security Council for an immediate discussion of the crisis, arguing that Mr. Amr and other diplomats need at least a few days to work toward a possible solution. A proposal to convene an urgent meeting on Friday by the 15-member council was effectively blocked by the United States, diplomats said. Criticism of Israeli policies toward the Palestinians is widespread among members of the United Nations, and the United States has often stood alone in defending Israel, its key Middle East ally. In Washington, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, when asked about American objections to a Security Council meeting, told reporters on Thursday that we are open to and supportive of a discussion, an open discussion, at the United Nations, but wanted to wait until early next week. This, I hope, will give some time for the diplomacy to have some effect and to see if indeed we get a real de-escalation, Mr. Blinken said. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem heightens its security alert. The United States Embassy in Jerusalem in 2018. Credit... Valery Sharifulin\TASS, via Getty Images The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has warned its staff members and their families to stay close to home or near bomb shelters because of the heightened threat of rocket attacks from Palestinian militants in Gaza, barely 40 miles away. The warning, issued on Wednesday and posted on the embassys website, came as the crisis engulfing Israel and the Palestinian territories escalated to the most violent in years. Rockets continue to impact the Gaza periphery and areas across Southern and Central Israel, read the alert. It advised diplomats and their relatives to remain in safe surroundings at least until May 17. About 120 U.S. military personnel both soldiers and civilian employees of the Defense Department who were in Israel for military exercises were flown out of the country on Thursday, the Pentagon said. The withdrawal did not affect service members or other government employees, including embassy staff, who are usually assigned to Israel. The embassy itself is contentious, having been moved to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv by President Donald J. Trump three years ago over the strenuous objections of the Palestinians, who saw the change as an endorsement of Israels claim to the entire city as its capital. Israel captured the eastern part of the city in the 1967 war, and its occupation is not internationally recognized. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as their capital under a long-proposed two-state solution to the conflict. Most foreign embassies in Israel remain in Tel Aviv, partly because of Jerusalems disputed status. While the Biden administration has pledged a more evenhanded approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than that of its predecessor, which heavily favored the Israeli side, there is no expectation the embassy will be moved back to Tel Aviv. The embassy was part of a jarring juxtaposition when it held a celebratory opening on May 14, 2018. While Mr. Trumps daughter Ivanka and other American officials were toasting the relocation, Israeli soldiers and snipers were using tear gas and live gunfire to drive back hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators on the Gaza side of the border. Instagram blocked posts about the Aqsa Mosque in a terrorism screening error. Several Islamist terror organizations take their name from Al-Aqsa, a holy site in Jerusalem. Credit... Ahmad Gharabli/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Instagram removed some posts and restricted access to other content that used hashtags related to the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem after mistakenly associating the name with a terrorist organization, according to an internal company message. The error, acknowledged by Facebook, which owns Instagram, added a new irritant to the crisis roiling Jerusalem and spreading elsewhere in Israel and the occupied territories. The crisis began over an Israeli police crackdown around the mosque, which is built atop a site holy to Muslims and Jews. Facebook said in the message that while Al-Aqsa often refers to the mosque, it is also unfortunately included in the names of several restricted organizations. Although the company did not identify those groups, the State Department has designated the Aqsa Martyrs Brigade as a foreign terrorist organization, and several other groups with Al-Aqsa in their names have had sanctions imposed on them by the United States. As a result, the company said, some content related to the Aqsa Mosque was mistakenly removed or restricted. I want to apologize for the frustration these mistakes have caused, a Facebook employee who works on the issue of dangerous organizations wrote to employees in an internal message that Facebook shared with The New York Times. I want to reaffirm that these removals are strictly enforcement errors. We understand the vital importance of the Al-Aqsa mosque to Palestinians and the Muslim community around the world. The restrictions, previously reported by BuzzFeed News, had fueled criticism that Instagram and other social media platforms were censoring Palestinian voices after a raid by the Israeli police on the mosque left hundreds of Palestinians and a score of police officers wounded. Facebooks internal message said the company was making changes to ensure that the term Al-Aqsa by itself does not prompt restrictions or removals. These mistakes are painful, erode the trust of our community and there is no easy fix for that, the Facebook employee wrote. While I cannot promise that future errors will not occur I can promise that we are working earnestly to ensure that we are not censoring salient political and social voices in Jerusalem and around the world. Twitter, which had also been accused of unfairly blocking Palestinian content, said in a statement that it used a combination of technology and people to enforce its rules. In certain cases, our automated systems took enforcement action on a small number of accounts in error through an automated spam filter, Twitter said in a statement. We expeditiously reversed these actions to reinstate access to the affected accounts. Biden, speaking with Netanyahu, asserts Israels right to defend itself. President Biden condemned the rocket attacks on Israel and said the United States position was that Jerusalem should be a place of peace. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times President Biden said that he had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for a while on Wednesday amid escalating fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, and asserted his unwavering support for Israels right to defend itself. My hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later, Mr. Biden said in response to questions from reporters. According to a readout of the call released by the White House, Mr. Biden condemned the rocket attacks on Israel and added that the United States position is that Jerusalem be a place of peace. On Thursday, the White House again framed the conflict in terms of attacks carried out by Hamas, and refrained from criticizing Israel. I think its important to note, I think youd agree, that these rockets are coming, and these attacks are coming from Hamas and many Palestinian people are being put in danger because of the violence that is happening back and forth, said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary. In the call on Wednesday with Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Biden said that his administrations national security and defense officials had been and would stay in constant contact with their counterparts in the Middle East. The White House added that during the phone call Mr. Biden had updated Mr. Netanyahu on the United States diplomatic engagement with Palestinian officials and other nations in the Middle East. The call between the two leaders came on the same day that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke over the phone with Mr. Netanyahu. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Wednesday offered ironclad support for Israels self-defense in a phone conversation with Benny Gantz, Israels defense minister. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Does the conflict help or hurt Netanyahus chance to stay in power? Both. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel declared a state of emergency in the city of Lod on Wednesday. His political opponents blame him for the rising violence. Credit... Ahmad Gharabli/Agence France-Presse Getty Images JERUSALEM When its guns doing the talking, Israels usual political clamor typically shushes up. This time? Its differAs the conflict with Gaza inflicted more death on Wednesday, a political rival of Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the prime minister for the escalating violence and said he was working to replace him. Early Friday, Israel escalated the conflict even more, adding ground troops to its assault against Gaza. I said that we would charge a very heavy price from Hamas and the rest of the terrorist organizations, Mr. Netanyahu said in a statement released shortly after the offensive began. We are doing this, and we will continue to do so with great force. Yair Lapid, the centrist leader of the opposition, said the conflict can be no excuse for keeping Netanyahu and his government in place. Quite the opposite. He added, They are exactly the reason why he should be replaced as soon as possible. The crisis, in which dozens have been killed, has occurred at a key moment in Israeli politics. After Mr. Netanyahu failed to form a government following the fourth elections in two years, Mr. Lapid was given his chance. Yet the bloodshed makes Mr. Lapids efforts to forge a coalition government both simpler and more difficult. On one hand, Mr. Netanyahus detractors have even more incentive to oust him. But the violence has highlighted the profound differences between the parties of the anti-Netanyahu camp, which span the political spectrum from left to right. If the opposing ideologies meant they had one hand tied behind their back, said Reuven Hazan, a professor of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, now they have both hands tied behind their back. The escalating clashes highlight a shift in New York Citys politics, too. Andrew Yang, a candidate for New York City mayor, said early this week that he was standing with the people of Israel. Credit... Sara Naomi Lewkowicz for The New York Times New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside Israel. And while the citys mayor has no formal foreign-policy powers, the position often affords opportunities to showcase New Yorks posture toward Israel. But wholehearted, uncritical support for Israel is no longer automatic among officials or candidates a dynamic that has been brought to the fore amid the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Andrew Yang, a leading candidate to be the citys next mayor, issued a statement early this week saying that he was standing with the people of Israel who are coming under bombardment attacks, and condemn the Hamas terrorists, and adding, The people of N.Y.C. will always stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel who face down terrorism and persevere. Then came the backlash. At a campaign stop, Mr. Yang was confronted about his statement and its failure to mention the Palestinians, including children, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes. He was uninvited from an event to distribute food to families at the end of Ramadan. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat who has condemned the occupation of Palestine, called Mr. Yangs statement utterly shameful and noted that it had come during the Muslim holy month. Mr. Yang acknowledged that volunteers with his campaign had been upset by his statement. And on Wednesday he released a new one, admitting that his first was overly simplistic and failed to acknowledge the pain and suffering on both sides. I mourn for every Palestinian life taken before its time, as I do for every Israeli, he said. His clarification reflects a reality that what was once a given in New York City politics unquestioning support for Israel has become a much more complicated proposition for Democratic candidates. Mihir Desai and On Thursday morning, a Jewish man was stabbed as he walked to synagogue, but he survived. Shirin al-Hinawi, a 33-year-old Arab resident of Lod who works for the Israeli food company Osem, said her house was charred when rioters threw a Molotov cocktail into her yard on Wednesday night. She lamented that the police did not come to protect her family. We ran out of the house without clothes on. It was burning, she said. We are not living in Gaza. Im an Israeli citizen, and we didnt do anything, she said with tears in her eyes. The latest eruption of Israeli-Arab warfare bears many of the hallmarks of past conflicts: round after round of Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and salvos of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel. But this time, a distinctly different type of violence has spilled over into Israeli cities, some of them with mixed Jewish and Arab populations living closely intertwined lives. It was this unusual outburst of street clashes inside Israel that prompted the president to warn of a civil war and the prime minister to call for an end to lynchings by Arab and Jewish mobs that have run amok. Ramat Eshkol, a hardscrabble neighborhood near the old quarter of Lod, has been one of the hottest flash points of violence in the city. A community of young Orthodox Jews moved there in recent years. Many of them live with Arab neighbors in shared apartment buildings. Israeli flags flying out the windows mark some of the Jewish apartments. CAIRO They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs. They assemble the rockets underground or in dense neighborhoods where Israeli airstrikes are likely to cause civilian casualties. Despite Israels vaunted surveillance capability and overwhelming military firepower next door, Palestinian militants in Gaza have managed to amass a large arsenal of rockets with enhanced range in the 16 years since Israel vacated the coastal enclave it had occupied after the 1967 war. Hamas, the militant group that has run Gaza since 2007 and does not recognize Israels right to exist, has parlayed the arsenal into an increasingly lethal threat, as seen in the most recent upsurge of hostilities with the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli officials said, the militants had fired about 1,800 rockets. The arsenal pales in comparison to the vast destructive powers of Israels air force. But to Israelis, the rockets are the tools of what their country and many others including the United States regard as a terrorist organization, embedded among the nearly two million Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza. Israel launched an intense air and ground assault on the Gaza Strip early Friday, pounding targets with warplanes, artillery and tank fire in the largest single operation of a four-day conflict with Palestinian militants that had been waged by airstrikes from Israel and rockets from Gaza. An Israeli military spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, said that the 40-minute assault targeted an underground network of tunnels used by Hamas militants to evade airstrikes and surveillance. Colonel Conricus initially said that ground troops were attacking in Gaza, but he later clarified that Israeli troops had not entered the territory. Residents of Gaza reported a terrifying barrage of explosions that shook buildings across the densely populated territory, where many fled their homes for United Nations-run schools on Friday morning. The Israel military called it the largest focused operation against a focused target that we have conducted so far. BRUSSELS As the United States and Egyptian mediators headed to Israel on Thursday to begin de-escalation talks, the antagonists were weighing delicate internal considerations before agreeing to discussions on ending the violence. Both Israel and Hamas first have to find ways to spin a narrative of victory for their publics, analysts say, but the task will be easier for Hamas than for Israel. Israels caretaker prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has to calculate the impact of the fighting on his political future, made more complicated by the internal unrest between Jews and Israeli Arabs in numerous cities inside Israel. The crucial decision for Israel is whether victory requires sending ground troops into Gaza, which would extend the conflict and significantly increase the number of dead and wounded on both sides. Early Friday, Israel sharply intensified its attacks on Gaza and its underground tunnel structure, including intensive artillery bombardment, but Israeli troops did not enter Gaza itself at least not yet. That would be a major escalation against the Hamas militants who have been launching hundreds of rockets at Israel. The move could extend the conflict and significantly increase the number of dead and wounded on both sides. Jesse Mico and Elliot Watson have been writing their American adventure for nearly a decade. After growing up in England, they met through a mutual friend and eloped to Las Vegas in 2013, lived briefly in Los Angeles and then returned home. For the next chapter, they decided to become New Yorkers, starting off as renters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, before moving into a tiny two-bedroom in Chinatown. We wanted to live in a movie and be in the thick of it, so we moved to Manhattan, Mr. Watson said. Their $2,100 rental was like a subterranean thing, and it was dark and cozy, he said. One room got a sliver of sunlight once a day. Ms. Mico called it the Chinatown cave. They always renewed the lease for one year rather than two, daydreaming about buying. Two years ago, Ms. Mico, who works as a video producer, and Mr. Watson, a freelance writer, contacted Bruce Henderson, an associate broker at the Corcoran Group and a former record-industry colleague of Ms. Micos father, who is American. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] We were completely green, not just to the process but to what was available to us, Mr. Watson said. The couple, both 31, hoped to find a one-bedroom co-op somewhere below 14th Street for no more than $700,000. They wanted to stay in Chinatown, but werent sure they could afford to. We knew in our price range there were not many places available, Ms. Mico said. Most homes they saw felt cramped, with cupboard-like bathrooms where people have to have things custom-built to fit the tiny space, Mr. Watson said. Because they had been living in the dark, sunlight was a priority. We never felt like we could spend a day lounging around reading or having a long breakfast, he said, adding that they longed for a place where you dont feel like youve got to get outside. Among their options: 12/05/2021 - The Government of Ukraine has made strong commitments to align corporate governance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with international best practices. Words must now be matched by deeds, according to a new OECD report. OECD Review of the Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises in Ukraine evaluates the corporate governance framework of the Ukrainian SOE sector. It recognises the substantial progress made since 2014. These include the gradual corporatisation of SOEs, the establishment of independent boards, transparency and disclosure requirements, and the introduction of mandatory independent audits for economically important SOEs. Nevertheless, reform efforts have remained fragile, and in some cases, they have been reversed. These reforms are neither complete nor irreversible, said OECD Deputy Secretary-General Masamichi Kono. Many reforms still need to be entrenched in robust legislative and policy frameworks, to reduce the risk of ad hoc changes and unwarranted political intervention, and to resolve inconsistencies in legal frameworks. As the current controversy [around Naftogaz] shows, there are issues to clarify and implementation gaps to close. The report argues strongly that Ukraine needs to establish a professionalised ownership entity that either centralises or co-ordinates ownership at arms length from policymaking and regulation. The separation of policy, regulatory and ownership functions better shelters SOEs from inefficiencies, corruption, rent-seeking and competitive distortions. Other priorities include: addressing inconsistencies in the legal and regulatory frameworks bearing on SOE corporate governance; continuing corporate governance reforms in the top-15 and other large SOEs; developing a comprehensive ownership policy with clear rationales for state ownership; ensuring that SOEs adhere to the principles of competitive neutrality and maintain a level playing field with private companies; and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks applicable to SOEs by promoting high standards of conduct and integrity. The assessment of Ukraines SOE sector relative to the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises was carried out by the OECD in 2020-21. The OECD and Ukraine have worked together since 1991 to improve governance and stimulate economic development. In 2021, the two parties renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strengthening co-operation and are currently revising the joint Action Plan to identify the priority areas for OECD activities in Ukraine. Work under the MoU has helped build capacity, strengthen institutions, and promote reforms in many areas of public policy, including investment, competition, public administration and corporate governance. The OECD is supporting Ukraines SOE sector reform with financial assistance from the Government of Norway. For further information, journalists can contact Gabriela Miranda, Country Manager for Ukraine (gabriela.miranda@oecd.org) the OECD Media Office (+33 1 4524 7970). Working with over 100 countries, the OECD is a global policy forum that promotes policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. An incredible light display from Offaly artist Mick Murray will travel the Shannon this summer. Light Ballet is presented as part of Brightening Air | Coisceim Coiligh, a nationwide, ten-day season of arts experiences brought to you by the Arts Council, this June. Light Ballet will transform the skies and surrounding landscape of eight counties with a light installation floating down the River Shannon over eight days. Created by Mick Murray and Lighting Designer Matthew Cregan, Light Ballet will be visible (13th to 20th June) from up to seven kilometres and covering almost two hundred kilometres, this installation will be accompanied by a newly composed soundscape by David Kitt. Audiences will be able to access the soundscape via the Culture Works and Brightening Air websites. The light installation and soundscape are synchronised in real-time allowing audiences to experience the soundscape at home, along the edgelands or those in-between places through their phones, tablets or computers. Produced by Culture Works, who create and produce exciting and unforgettable arts and cultural experiences, Light Ballet, through its powerful physical presence, will surprise and delight everyone who encounters this spectacle of light and sound. The installation will dance through the skies of Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath Through the River's embrace of summer, Light Ballet offers an opportunity for people to stay home, but look up and around them to experience a moment of hope, joy and togetherness. From Offaly, Light Artist Mick Murray has over 20 years of experience working as a lighting designer and light artist. Mick has created a series of works and installations in the public realm. From large-scale public light installations to sculptures his work has been showcased throughout Ireland. Matthew Cregan is a Lighting Designer from Belfast and has worked extensively in Theatre and Live Events over the last 20 years. Matt has worked on a number of outdoor lighting projects and large-scale public events including NYF Dublin, Star Wars Spire Installation, Lyric Theatre, RTE, Gaiety Theatre, and Olympia Theatre. A major waterway in Ireland, the Shannon is home to a continuous thread of bustling harbours and peaceful bays, lively towns and villages and fascinating heritage and historical sites. Even though we can't be together right now, it will offer us the opportunity for collective connection, creating a shared experience. We want people from where they are to stop and look around, explained Mick. Light Ballet and Culture Works are also inviting schools to engage in the creative process through provision of a bespoke education pack. Two primary schools from each of the eight counties will receive a pack with a worksheet and a set of instructions on how to create light movements. The artist will incorporate these into the final design. As the light installation passes through each of the locations on the River Shannon, the childrens lighting design will appear as part of the overall light installation. For more information on the full programme for Brightening Air | Coisceim Coiligh visit www.brighteningair.com. For more information on Light Ballet visit www.cultureworks.ie or get social on Instagram @Cultureworks.ie and @lightballeteu and on Twitter @cultureworksie and @BalletLight. A young Offaly girl is a judge in the Ombudsman for Children Office's #MoreThanSchool competition. #MoreThanSchool is a social media competition run by the Ombudsman for Childrens Office (OCO). Children were asked how they felt about returning to school after such a long time at home. #MoreThanSchool was an opportunity for children to give their views and to have their say. 13-year-old Ailis Malone from Banagher in Co Offaly is a member of the OCO Youth Advisory panel who selected the winners and runners up of #MoreThanSchool. The competition drew entries from all age groups across the country and the final winners were whittled down by the Ombudsman for Childrens Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) last week. Key themes from the #MoreThanSchool entries were anxiety about exams, getting used to online learning and missing their friends, teachers and sport. YAP judge Ailis said: What we learned from the entries is that school is not just a place of learning many children spoke about how much they liked to see their friends, how much they missed their teachers and their struggles with online learning and missing their hobbies. I really liked how creative the entries were. Children shared poetry, presentations and sculptures, she said. The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said: Children and young people from all over Ireland responded with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to tell us what school means to them. I was blown away by the creativity of the young people and their entries. We have a living history of our young peoples perspective on the pandemic and the importance of school in their lives and how it has impacted them and their families. The young people have shown a level of wisdom, honesty and insight that adults and people in power should sit up and listen to. I want to congratulate all the winners and thank every single young person who took the time to create an entry well done, he said. The #MoreThanSchool entries can be viewed on the Ombudsman for Childrens Office website. www.oco.ie/news/more-than-school/ Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan has put her name to a bill seeking pain relief for unborn babies during late-term abortions. A group of TDs released a statement on Wednesday in support of the Bill. The TDs lending their signature to the statement were Carol Nolan TD, Michael Collins TD, Danny Healy-Rae TD, Michael Healy-Rae TD. Mattie McGrath TD, Richard ODonoghue TD, Sean Canney TD, Eamon O Cuiv TD, Peter Fitzpatrick TD, Noel Grealish TD and Peadar Toibin TD. "The Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021 that we are co-sponsoring is a humane and reasonable proposal worthy of majority support in the Dail," the group said. "As legislators, we cannot ignore the fact that the existing abortion law does not contain any provision to promote the administration of pain relief, where possible, to an unborn baby prior to the carrying out of a late-term abortion procedure. "Ensuring that no baby ever experiences pain or distress that could be avoided is surely something that all people of goodwill can agree on and work to achieve. "The mounting scientific evidence from around the world that unborn babies feel pain must be acknowledged and acted upon. Since the issue was last considered by the Dail in 2018, more peer-reviewed evidence has come to light suggesting that unborn babies have the capacity to experience pain from 20 weeks and possibly much earlier," they said. "The passage of the Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021 would not interfere with the functioning of the new abortion law. It would simply ensure that no unborn baby is exposed to additional pain and suffering that could have been avoided. "It is now routine practice that unborn babies undergoing surgical procedures to address issues arising from a diagnosis of Spina bifida are given pain relief to ensure they feel no pain or distress during the procedure. Every unborn baby whose life is about to be ended at a similar gestational stage deserves, at a minimum, to receive the same relief from pain. "Its extraordinary to think that Irelands Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 obliges vets to give pain relief to an animal during any procedure that may cause it suffering or distress, yet no such provision exists in law for unborn babies during late-term abortions. "It is totally unacceptable that the information about what the science is saying concerning foetal pain is being withheld from women before the abortion takes place. At present, in the UK, a woman who had an abortion at 23 weeks is pursuing a legal challenge on the basis that she was not informed before the abortion that her baby might feel pain. "While in exceptional emergency cases it may not be practicable to give pain relief to an unborn child before a late-term abortion, we are of the view, based on scientific, ethical and humanitarian grounds, that such administration should be established as routine practice in the vast majority of late-term abortions. "For the sake of unborn babies and everyone personally impacted by the abortion issue, it is time to put politics to one side and work together to make a small but merciful adjustment to the new law. "In a spirit of friendship and respect, we will be engaging with and encouraging our Oireachtas colleagues to give their backing to the Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021." While later sharing the news that she was co-sponsoring the Bill on Facebook, Deputy Nolan posted: "I honestly never thought Id ever see the day in Ireland that myself and other politicians would be seeking to have pain relief for babies undergoing late-term abortions at 20 weeks provided for. What a sad, cruel and heartless nation we have become." Preliminary results of an ongoing study in the United Kingdom suggest alternating the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines causes more frequent mild to moderate symptoms, but there are no other safety concerns from mixing those vaccines. A gay man in Ontario will be in court later this month arguing that Health Canada discriminates against him by overseeing the ban preventing men who recently have had sex with other men from donating blood. The federal government is trying to block that challenge. The Israeli Prime Minister has called in the military amid violent clashes in Gaza, a NSW MP has joined the cross bench amid a police investigation and federal Labor has pledged millions for affordable housing and clean energy. On Monday morning in the harbour of Granville in Normandy, the anchors were up before dawn. Several commanders of the Hamas militant group have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, Hamas and Israel announced Wednesday, as clashes between the two sides escalate. The tensions have spilled over into the West Bank, where hundreds of residents in Arab communities staged overnight protests against recent actions of Israeli security forces against Palestinians. The CDC has given a green light to using the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in children aged 12 to 15. Meanwhile, Cuba has started inoculating its citizens using two locally produced vaccines. Follow DW for the latest. The holy day marking the end of Ramadan began in muted fashion on Thursday against the backdrop of COVID-19 and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel has assembled thousands of troops at the Gaza border, as it prepares for a possible ground operation while airstrikes continue on both sides. A former Metropolitan Police officer who used his position to help an organised gang seize money from other criminals has been.. Belfast Telegraph 13 May 2021 PA - Press Association STUDIO 02 May 2021 Manchester Uniteds Premier League clash against Liverpool has been called off after fans broke into Old Trafford and invaded the.. People should only go abroad if "essential" for at least three more weeks, Welsh ministers say. After amassing troops at the Gaza border, the Israel Defense Forces have said they are conducting air and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Follow DW for the latest. Eurasia Review 13 May 2021 In an escalation of violence in the region, Israel said early Friday that it had sent ground troops into Gaza. "IDF air.. Eurasia Review 02 May 2021 More than two million Armenians lived in the Ottoman empire in 1914, on the eve of World War I. By 1922, there were fewer than.. Eurasia Review 29 May 2021 By Sonia Qadir and Junaid S. Ahmad* As part of the ongoing Nakba, Israel has once again unleashed its latest reign of.. Eurasia Review 24 May 2021 One could not accuse US Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming of having a sense of irony. For some time, she has felt her party to.. Two of the biggest airlines resume Israel flights, hurricane season may start early, the NBA playoffs will begin and more news to.. Upworthy 22 May 2021 Former Deputy National Security Adviser Elliott Abrams said Thursday that he hopes that the Biden administration understands that "Hamas has to lose" the ongoing conflict with Israel. Israel faced an escalating conflict on two fronts Thursday, scrambling to quell riots between Arabs and Jews on its own streets after days of exchanging deadly fire with Palestinian militants in Gaza. Despite diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis, which US President Joe Biden said he hoped would end sooner than later, hundreds of rockets [] Israel called Thursday on the United Nations to condemn what it called indiscriminate attacks from Gaza on the Jewish state. The appeal to the Security Council and Secretary General Antonio Guterres came in a letter published a day after the Palestinians called for an end to Israeli attacks on them, as the two sides engage [] Scottish Greens MSP Alison Johnstone looks set to become Holyroods new Presiding Officer for the next five years. Belfast Telegraph 13 May 2021 The Wonder Woman star is taking some heat for a seemingly neutral post Gal Gadot is trending for comments she made Wednesday regarding the flareup of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but not in the way shed planned. In a post published to her social media accounts, the Israeli-born actress expressed fears for her loved ones along with her hopes for peace and better days after a new round of attacks and counterattacks in the Gaza strip that left dozens of people dead. My heart breaks, she wrote. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation, our neighbors deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we can live side by side in peace. I pray for better days. pic.twitter.com/cLgDdn70No Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) May 12, 2021 Gadots statement comes days after a confrontation between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters escalated into rocket strikes from the Gaza Strip into Tel Aviv and a series of airstrikes conducted by Israels military. The rocket strikes killed at least three Israelis but were mostly thwarted by Israels advanced missile-defense system. The airstrikes leveled a multistory apartment building and killed at least 30 Palestinians, including 10 children, according to NBC News. Gadot captioned the post with a broken heart emoji and disabled all comments. However, the tweet version of her message still managed to garner over 65,000 quote tweets and an online firestorm. Twitter user @thetaeprint questioned Gadots plea for peace, citing the actresss service in the Israel Defense Force from 2005-2007: Reminder Gal Gadot served in the IDF for two years where she not only witnessed the ethnic cleansing of Palestine firsthand but also actively supported it. How can you advocate to stop the vicious cycle of terror when you are standing on the frontlines enabling it #FreePalestine. Reminder Gal Gadot served in the IDF for two years where she not only witnessed the ethnic cleansing of Palestine firsthand but also actively supported it. How can you advocate to stop the vicious cycle of terror when you are standing on the frontlines enabling it #FreePalestine https://t.co/aAmoKKhBs1 TTP (@thetaeprint) May 12, 2021 However, military service is required of all citizens of Israel. Users like @r0sestardust took issue with the semantics of the post. The fact that Gal Gadot couldnt bring herself to say Palestine or Palestinians once but instead refers to them as neighbours is very telling. the fact that gal gadot couldnt bring herself to say palestine or palestinians once but instead refers to them as neighbours is very telling toni (@r0sestardust) May 12, 2021 Whereas @IsntIt10vely took a more lighthearted route, pitting Gadots iconic character against her. If Wonder Woman ever met Gal Gadot pic.twitter.com/fh689zzcYK eric (@IsntIt10vely) May 12, 2021 Very simply put, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is over whether the land east of the Mediterranean Sea should be considered Israel or Palestine and how that land should be controlled. The ever-intensifying situation has been described as the worlds most intractable conflict. The meeting produced little progress, underscoring the political challenge for President Biden as he seeks to exploit the narrowest of majorities in Congress to revive the countrys economy. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is deeply concerned about violence in the streets of Israel as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians intensifies. (May 13) Several commanders of the Hamas militant group have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, Hamas and Israel announced Wednesday, as clashes between the two sides escalate. Hamas said in a statement that the leader of its military operation in Gaza City, Bassem Issa, and other senior military officials were... A West Texas man accused of fatally shooting two sheriff's deputies was angry they were in his yard trying to catch a dog and he told them he Over the last week, police in cities across America have been put on alert to protect Jewish communities in the wake of what is.. Eurasia Review 26 May 2021 Wealthy businessman Wandile Bozwana met a violent end when he was gunned down in his car in Pretoria in October 2015. Sadly, his death is not unique and bears many of the hallmarks seen in other assassinations in South Africa. Eurasia Review 27 May 2021 n the modern history all armed conflicts have been settled in one way or another after some years, but the Palestinian issue has.. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the international community should give Israel a "strong and deterrent lesson" for its actions against the Palestinians, according to reports this week. Hamas on Thursday said it fired a large rocket at Israel's Ramon airport near Eilat, where incoming passenger flights were diverted after waves of rocket launches towards the main airport near Tel Aviv. IndiaTimes 28 May 2021 While there is still uncertainty about what triggers mucormycosis or black fungus in COVID patients, it is crucial to be careful to.. Al Jazeera STUDIO 24 May 2021 The US secretary of state says he will meet with the parties to support their efforts to solidify a ceasefire as tensions run.. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Deerpath Capital Management closed lower-middle-market direct lending fund Deerpath Capital V at $1.1 billion. The fund exceeded the firm's initial target and gathered capital from more than 50 limited partners worldwide, said a press release from the firm. Combined with debt financing, the fundraising gives Deerpath more than $2 billion to deploy, it said. Fund 5's closing marks another fundraising record for Deerpath and is the firm's largest fundraise in Europe and Asia to date, the release said. There are over 50 limited partners from around the globe into Fund 5, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Switzerland, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Investors include the $3.6 billion Santa Barbara County (Calif.) Employees' Retirement System. To date, Deerpath has committed approximately 75% of Fund 5 to a large pool of portfolio companies, wholly diversified by industry, geography, and sponsor. Deerpath Capital V pursues first-lien, senior debt financing to U.S. companies with between $50 million and $100 million in enterprise value. "Deerpath's investment model is designed to deliver sturdy returns while prioritizing capital preservation in any economic climate," it said. The prior fund, Deerpath Capital IV, closed at $750 million in 2018. Founded in 2007 by Gary Wendt, James Kirby, and John Fitzgibbons, Deerpath Capital Management, LP is a leading provider of customized, cash-flow-bas...................... To view our full article Click here The North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, region of the Global Electrical Insulating Varnish Market is likely to experience prodigious sales opportunities throughout assessment period of 2021 to 2027, highlights a new research report by RMoz. The latest study presented in this report focuses on providing data and analysis of the key factors influencing the sales, revenues, and overall growth of the global ELECTRICAL INSULATING Americans can now apply for $50 off their monthly internet bill as part of an emergency government program to keep people connected during the pandemic. The $3.2 billion program is part of the $900 billion December pandemic-relief package. The government is increasing spending on broadband as the pandemic made stark that millions of Americans did not have access to, and could not afford, broadband at a time when jobs, school and health care was moving online. Oregons three largest internet providers, Comcast, CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber, are all participating in the program. Federal program administrators warned Wednesday that the program is experiencing extremely high demand, and that may disrupt efforts to have trouble connecting through the National Verifier system that confirms eligibility. Its unclear how long the money will last but its expected to be several months. Tens of millions of people are eligible, although the Federal Communications Commission, which is administering the program, did not specify a number. For example, your household is eligible if you receive food stamps, have a child in the free or reduced-price school lunch program, use Medicaid, or lost income during the pandemic and made $99,000 for single filers, or $198,000 for joint filers, or less. There are other eligibility requirements, too see https://getemergencybroadband.org to find out if you qualify. Applications opened Wednesday. The website, where people submit applications for the benefit, on Wednesday afternoon said the program was having connectivity issues due to high demand. Submitting an application resulted in an error message. A phone number for the program played a message saying there was a high volume of calls and to try back later. The FCC said it is working to resolve issues and increasing resources to meet demand for the program. The agency did not say how long the fix will take. You can get the discount even if you owe your phone or cable company money. Thats important because some people have been barred from low-cost plans offered by internet service providers when they owed their service provider money. More than 800 cellphone and home-internet companies are participating, including AT&T, Charter, Comcast, T-Mobile and Verizon. People in tribal areas are eligible for up to $75 off their bill. There is also a $100 reimbursement for desktop computers, laptops or tablets in that case, you must pay between $10 and $50 of the cost of the device yourself and buy it through your broadband provider. The discount could apply to a households whole bill, or you can use it to trade up to a more expensive offering and your bill is partly covered. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a more robust, although temporary, program to help people afford internet than Lifeline, the FCCs other affordability program, which subtracts only $9.25 a month from phone or internet bills. A household can use both the Lifeline and EBB programs. The Biden administration has proposed $100 billion to get Americans connected, and even before that, billions of dollars are going to improve internet access. The FCC on Tuesday approved a $7.2 billion program for schools and libraries to connect students in their homes. The Treasury Department is also setting up a $10 billion fund for improving internet connectivity. The money for both came from the $1.9 trillion March pandemic relief package. There has also been hundreds of billions more in general funds sent to states that could be spent on broadband access. Matthew Klein, one of two Oregon brothers accused in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol, will be released from custody on Friday to a third-party guardian in Baker County, where he will be on home detention and GPS monitoring pending his trial, a judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss of the District of Columbia granted Kleins pretrial release to a Baker County couple after refusing last week to allow him to live with his parents. The judge had found his parents unsuitable to supervise him, based on text messages that showed his mother and father warning Matthews younger brother and co-defendant Jonathanpeter Klein not to broadcast their roles and that braggers get caught, according to court testimony and documents. Matthew Klein, 24, and Jonathanpeter Klein, 21, both have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, aiding and abetting in the obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, destruction of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds. The judge ordered Matthew Klein to be released to a woman retired from Baker County government who lives with her husband, a prison guard at the Powder River Corrections Facility, according to court documents. He must first be fitted with a location monitoring device. The couple must remove any firearms from their residence before Matthew Kleins arrival and complete, sign and submit forms to the court each Monday attesting that Klein has complied with his release conditions, the judge ordered. Matthew Klein also will be restricted to travel in Baker County and was ordered to stay out of Washington, D.C., except if required to appear in court or meet with his lawyer. He also must not use any social media and his Internet access will be limited for educational purposes related to computer sciences self-study or work, according to the judge. Steven R. Kiersh, Matthew Kleins lawyer, had urged his clients release, arguing in part that Klein wanted to continue his education at George Fox University. Matthew Klein enrolled at the Christian college in Newberg in fall 2017 and had been attending up until his arrest on March 23, according to the university. He was a senior, but he is no longer a student at George Fox, spokesman Rob Felton said last week. Matthew Klein was a commuter student from Sherwood and university staff were not aware of his presence at the Capitol or alleged participation in previous rallies associated with the Proud Boys, a group whose attitudes and commitments are antithetical to the values of our community, the university provost wrote to staff and faculty on April 23. Matthew Klein was barred from the George Fox campus, the provost wrote last month. Felton said Matthew Klein has been dismissed from the school and wont be able to study at George Fox again, even remotely. Federal prosecutor Christopher K. Veatch had argued that Matthew Klein played a larger role than his brother in the Capitol breach, noting Matthew Klein helped others scale a wall on the west side of the Capitol to allow them to get inside. After he and his brother entered the Capitol and then left the building about 10 minutes later, the two wrenched open another door on the north side of the Capitol, Veatch said. Jonathanpeter Klein also has asked for pretrial release to a third-party guardian, under home detention and GPS monitoring. Federal prosecutors dont object. His release hearing will be held in early June. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood sent a man and a woman to the hospital with life-threatening injuries Wednesday night, Portland police said. Just before 9 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 6800 block of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Detectives are investigating, and police said they want to interview several witnesses who they believe left the scene before talking to officers. Police did not release any information about a suspect or suspects. Investigators asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Brad Clifton at Brad.Clifton@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0696 or Detective Michael Greenlee at Michael.Greenlee@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0871. --Savannah Eadens; seadens@oregonian.com; 503-221-6651; @savannaheadens The Warner Creek Correctional Facility in Lakeview has received another reprieve. Governor Kate Brown told the Lake County Prison Committee on Tuesday that the facility, which was slated to close next year, will remain open through the rest of her term. The long and short of it is, Im making the decision at this time to not close your facility and to leave the decision to the next governor, she told Lake County commissioners and stakeholders who had convened for a morning meeting. Her words were met with looks of disbelief, smiles and applause from those gathered in the commissioners hearing room. Brown thanked the commissioners and community members for the incredible and thoughtful presentation they gave in April advocating for WCCF to remain open. More than 100 Lake County residents work at the correctional facility and have family members that work in the local schools, businesses and county offices. Closing the facility would have displaced hundreds of residents who would need to find new jobs elsewhere. Local representatives who supported the prison weighed in on the decision. I want to thank Governor Brown for making the right call by keeping the Warner Creek Correctional Facility open, said Representative E. Werner Reschke in a press release. This was a group effort and will be a relief for the people who rely on these family-wage jobs with good healthcare. Herald and News The Oregon House of Representatives on Thursday passed Senate Bill 704, which bans the LGBTQ+ panic defense. The bill now goes to Gov. Kate Brown to sign into law. The bill states that the discovery of a victims actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation does not constitute reasonable explanation for extreme emotional disturbance for purposes of affirmative defense to murder in the second degree. Oregon will be the 14th state to prohibit the gay panic defense, which typically argues for diminished capacity because of a defendants supposed fear of or disgust over a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. No one should be able to use a persons identity to justify or excuse acts of violence against them, Sen. Kate Lieber, a Democrat from Beaverton, said last month as the legislation was working its way through the legislature. Lieber was one of 10 sponsors of the bill in the House and Senate. The advocacy group Basic Rights Oregon, which championed the legislation, has stated that the new law will make it clear in statute -- and across Oregon -- that violent acts are not justified because of a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. -- Douglas Perry dperry@oregonian.com @douglasmperry The Portland Thorns have agreed to a multiyear partnership with Fox 12 (KPTV) and Fox 12 Plus (KPDX) for the television stations to become the teams primary local broadcasters, the club announced Wednesday. Fox 12 Plus will broadcast eight Thorns matches this season (four home, four away), along with pregame and postgame shows. The broadcasts begin with the Thorns road match against NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday, May 30. The Thorns said Fox 12 and Fox 12 Plus also will produce exclusive insider content and features that will air during various newscasts, as well as on kptv.com, thornsfc.com and the Fox 12 app. PORTLAND THORNS 2021 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE Date: Opponent, Time (Pacific), TV/Live stream Sunday, May 16: vs. CHICAGO RED STARS, 4 p.m., Twitch Sunday, May 23: vs. OL REIGN, 7 p.m., CBSSN Wednesday, May 26: at Orlando Pride, 4 p.m., Paramount+ Sunday, May 30: at NJ/NY Gotham FC, Noon, Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Saturday, June 5: vs. RACING LOUISVILLE FC, 7:30 p.m., Paramount+ Sunday, June 20: vs. KC NWSL, Noon, CBS Saturday, June 26: at North Carolina Courage, 4 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Saturday, July 3: at Racing Louisville FC, 4:30 p.m., Paramount+ Sunday, July 11: vs. NY/NY GOTHAM FC, Noon, Paramount+ Sunday, July 18: vs. ORLANDO PRIDE, 7:30 p.m., Twitch Saturday, July 24: at Houston Dash, 5:30 p.m., Paramount+ Sunday, Aug. 1: vs. KC NWSL, Noon, Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Saturday, Aug. 7: at Washington Spirit, 4 p.m., Paramount+ Saturday, Aug. 14: at Orlando Pride, 4 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Wednesday, Aug. 25: vs. NJ/NY GOTHAM FC, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN Sunday, Aug. 29: at OL Reign, 4 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Saturday, Sept. 4: vs. WASHINGTON SPIRIT, 7:30 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Sunday, Sept. 12: at North Carolina Courage, 3 p.m., CBSSN Saturday, Sept. 25: at Chicago Red Stars, 5 p.m., Paramount+ Saturday, Oct. 2: vs. OL REIGN, 7 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Wednesday, Oct. 6: vs. HOUSTON DASH, 7 p.m., Fox 12 Plus, Paramount+ Sunday, Oct. 10: at KC NWSL, 4 p.m., Paramount+ Sunday, Oct. 17: at Houston Dash, 4 p.m., CBSSN or Paramount+ Saturday, Oct. 30: vs. NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE, 7 p.m., Twitch The man killed in a shooting Wednesday near a food cart pod in Northeast Portland was identified as the stepson of a prominent pastor who has long advocated against gun violence in the city. Jalon Yoakum, 33, was shot about 5:30 p.m. in the pods parking lot on Northeast Sandy Boulevard near Northeast 118th Avenue. Yoakum is the son of Twauna Hennessee and stepson of Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, an outspoken activist who has pushed city leaders to provide extra police and community resources to stem the surge of shootings. Jalon Yoakum was 33 years old and father of a one year old and nine year old sons, Hennessee said in an email to the Inter-Faith Peace & Action Collaborative. He co-chairs the group, which includes community members, clergy, business leaders and police. He was our second oldest of four children in our blended family, Hennessee said. We are grateful for all the prayers of comfort and support. Police have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Several food carts are set up in the parking lot, including a pizza shop, a coffee stand and a Mexican food cart. A drive-thru tobacco store also is located in the lot. Yoakums death marks the 31st homicide in Portland this year. That figure includes a fatal police shooting at Southeast Portlands Lents Park last month. The toll of the gun violence also touched Hennessee in December when he found a woman who had been fatally shot while she was driving near Dawson Park. Hennessee had gone out to see what happened after hearing a rapid succession of gunfire while on a Zoom call at his church. Hennessee has urged the mayor and City Council to make police officers more visible on the street and have them help identify the most frequent shooters. He recently stood with Mayor Ted Wheeler when the mayor proposed setting aside $2 million in one-time city funding to curtail the shootings by allowing more proactive policing along with greater civilian oversight to address community concerns about racial profiling. The council chose not to provide any additional money to the Police Bureau but allowed it to set up a new uniformed police team to address gun violence. We are willing as faith leaders and community people to do whatever it is we need to do to help curb this senseless violence, Hennessee said late last year. This is not the Portland that any of us want to be. Police asked anyone who had information about the shooting to contact Detective Jason Koenig (Jason.Koenig@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-0889) or Detective William Winters (William.Winters@portlandoregon.gov; 503-823-0466.) -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Software company New Relic said Thursday that founding CEO Lew Cirne is stepping down after a contentious year characterized by dramatically slower growth and his increasingly difficult relationship with employees. He will now be executive chairman. Cirne clashed with employees over workplace culture and his efforts to keep the company out of the national political foment that accompanied last years racial justice protests and preceded Novembers presidential election. Some workers also expressed concern about Cirnes private charitable contributions, which included sums to a private school in Texas that excludes gay students and an evangelical preacher who seeks to convert Jews to Christianity. Replacing Cirne is Bill Staples, a longtime Microsoft executive whom New Relic hired last year as chief product officer, then promoted to president in January. Staples, himself the focus of some employees ire, will receive a $500,000 salary and stock grants worth $11 million, vesting over four years. The tumult at New Relic parallels disputes within other tech companies, among them Coinbase and Basecamp, which have struggled to navigate the treacherous political climate and alienated employees with declarations that they would shut down political discussions internally. Outwardly, New Relic gave no indication that internal dissension played any role in Cirnes exit. When we recruited Bill into the company, we thought that he would be the natural successor to me as CEO at the right time, Cirne said in a written statement. Bill has exceeded our highest expectations as a strategic thinker and operational leader, making now the right time to make this transition. New Relics headquarters are in San Francisco but the companys engineering team is in Portland. More than 600 people worked in New Relics downtown office before the start of the work-from-home era that accompanied the pandemic. Large organizations use New Relics software to monitor the performance of their own websites and gauge how customers are using clients online tools. Its revenues totaled $668 million in the last fiscal year, according to financial results released Thursday, with losses of $174 million. New Relics annual sales growth has slowed dramatically over the past several years, from more than 40% as recently as 2017 to 11% in the fiscal year just completed. New Relic forecast growth of just 6% this year. The slowdown has produced mounting pressure from investors. New Relics share price is down more than 40% over the past two years, a period the broader market has risen by a comparable amount. Shares fell about 3% in after-hours trading Thursday, after New Relic announced the new CEO and fourth-quarter results. Accompanying the slower sales has been mounting turmoil within the company and a sharp divide between Cirne and some employees over how it should respond to the nations resurgent racial justice movement. Last June, Cirne sent a memo chiding employees for his companys poor performance and calling on them to work harder. We are not a lifestyle company, he declared, telling them the company had an urgent need to get back on track. And Cirne told employees New Relic is not a political organization, and that he wanted no more internal debate about which clients the company does business with. He invited employees to quit if they didnt agree, and wrote, From now on, this matter is off the table for further discussion. Founding CEOs are often closely linked with their organizations culture and image, but in New Relics case the tie is especially close. The companys name is an anagram of the CEOs name (Lew Cirne.) Tensions continued to mount last year as New Relic bungled a small layoff, inadvertently notifying laid-off employees of their pending termination through an automated email notice that they were losing access to their work accounts. While New Relic quickly apologized for the gaffe, some employees turned on Staples, who was then chief product officer, showering him with middle-finger emojis in the companys Slack internal communications. That triggered an online code of conduct that New Relic adopted last July. The new policy banned discriminatory remarks in the companys online discussion forum, according to a copy reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive, but it alienated some employees by going further and blocking them from revisiting a discussion that has already been addressed or using emojis to endorse online remarks that violate the rules. New Relic warned it might fire employees who violate the rules. In October, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported on Cirnes charitable giving through his familys private, $140 million foundation. While Cirne gave the most money to established and reputable charities, he gave tens of thousands of dollars to a private school that condemns homosexuality and bars gay students. Some employees said that belied the companys outward commitment to diversity. Cirne also donated to the evangelical preacher Sid Roth, who has been condemned by the Anti-Defamation League. The organization said Roth presented mailings as authentically Jewish but said they were actually an effort to convert Jews to Christianity. Criticism of Cirne erupted online after The Oregonian/OregonLives October report. New Relic did not respond to inquiries last year about Cirnes donations, but in an emotional all-hands meeting after the storys publication, Cirne defended the companys record on inclusivity and described New Relic as a rare technology company that also will welcome conservative Christians like him. Its not my job to convert anyone, according to a recording of the meeting reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Its just my job to be genuine to who I am and hopefully represent my faith in a positive way. And Cirne stood up for Staples, who was then chief product officer, saying Staples was taking New Relic through a necessary and necessarily difficult transition. I believe in Bill Staples. I think hes been transformative for this company. I think its been horrible what some of you have said about him, Cirne told employees. Hes a compassionate, loving, visionary, brilliant leader who is taking the product organization through the necessary cultural change we have to go through if we are going to survive and thrive, Cirne said. Its going to hurt. Im going through some pain right now. I think thats pretty obvious. -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Above normal temperatures and dry conditions continue to be the theme of Portlands early May weather. The National Weather Service isnt seeing much chance of rain returning to the region until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Thursdays summer-like pattern includes onshore flow, some light cloud cover during the morning hours, and then clearing skies. Radar showed clouds moving into the central Willamette Valley near Philomath and Corvallis as of 3 a.m., as well as into the lower Columbia River valley near Kelso. Once any clouds clear off, well have another warm day with highs reaching to about 80 degrees. Low clouds are solid along the coast and thats where youll want to head if youre looking for cooler temps. Most of the beaches will see temps in the low-to-mid 60s. The week will end with another warm day and mostly sunny skies after morning clouds. Highs will be near 80 Friday and breezes may kick up to about 18 mph in the afternoon. A weak disturbance moving in from the south may trigger a thunderstorm or two in the southern portion of the Cascades near Lane County later in the afternoon. Ridging high pressure kicks back in on the weekend eliminating most of the cloud cover and keeping skies mostly sunny. The highs on Saturday and Sunday should reach about 82 degrees. If all this sun and warm air seems odd for a typical May in northwest Oregon, youre not wrong. The weather service says Portland is on track to smash the record for the driest March 1-May 15 period as recorded at the Portland airport (record keeping began at the airport in 1940). Only 2.01 inches of rain has fallen during that period so far in 2021. The next driest period was in 2004 when 3.15 inches of rain fell. ROME (AP) The Vatican marked the 40th anniversary of the attempt on the life of St. John Paul II with a Mass on Thursday, amid muted commemorations in Poland where the Catholic hierarchy is grappling with a legacy of failures to confront clergy sexual abuse. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, John Paul's closest aide, celebrated the morning Mass at the tomb of John Paul inside St. Peters Basilica. Dziwisz recalled how John Paul fell into his arms after he was shot during an audience in St. Peters Square by Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca on May 13, 1981. John Paul survived, forgave Agca and met with him in prison. Dziwisz, John Pauls private secretary and later the archbishop of Krakow now retired noted in his homily that Rome has often witnessed hard-to-understand aggressions or attacks on the church a possible reference to the criticism currently being leveled against the Polish hierarchy. Pope Francis has removed or given early retirement to a handful of Polish bishops who were accused of covering up sex abuse by their priests. Just this week, Francis accepted the resignation of the bishop of Bydgoszcz, Jan Tyrawa, after an investigation into allegations of negligence handling abuse cases. Tyrawa was mentioned in TV documentaries in Poland about alleged sex abuse by priests and cover-up by their superiors. The allegations have come as a shock in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. Dziwisz has strongly defended John Paul against claims the Polish pope was slow to grasp the gravity of abuse in the Catholic Church. Francis, for his part, noted the anniversary during his Wednesday general audience. Addressing Poles, Francis recalled that John Paul repeatedly said he owed his life to the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima, to whom he was particularly devoted. This event reminds us that our lives and history are in Gods hands, Francis said. LANSING, Mich. (AP) A Michigan Republican known for challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election has turned his attention to those who fact-check the claims of public officials. State Rep. Matt Maddock this week introduced the Fact Checker Registration Act," which would force journalists and others who perform fact checks to register with the state and insure themselves with a $1 million fidelity bond. His legislation also would fine fact checkers $1,000 every day they don't register. The proposal, which critics argue would violate First Amendment protections for the press and free speech, appears unlikely to be a priority, even in a legislature controlled by his fellow Republicans. This is a clearly unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech," said Len Niehoff, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School. No responsible legislature would pass such a law, and no competent judge would uphold it." The proposal came after social media posts in which Maddock questioned the identity of those who check facts online. The bill would apply to people who are employed by a fact-checking entity that is a member of the International Fact-Checking Network, a group of media organizations that adhere to standards established at the Florida-based Poynter Institute, a journalism training organization. The Associated Press is a member of the network. If you're a paid fact checker and you're out there destroying people and businesses, then you need to be 100% accurate," Maddock said Wednesday. I say put your money where your mouth is." Baybars Orsek, director of the International Fact-Checking Network, said requiring journalists to register with the government is a clear violation of constitutional rights. Its an overt attack on press freedom," he said. The Michigan bill comes as several other Republican-controlled legislatures are pushing l egislation that takes aim at social media companies, which have angered conservatives by removing posts, flagging them as false or suspending the accounts of those who regularly make false or misleading statements. That legislation was introduced in roughly two dozen states and would allow civil lawsuits against the big social media platforms. Other states this year had considered legislation that would have required media outlets to publish follow-up reports on the outcome of any civil, criminal or ethics proceedings, though none of those passed. Maddock, of the Detroit suburb of Milford, was among 12 Republicans in the state House who sought to join Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn President Joe Bidens win in Michigan and other states. The filing claimed that Michigans Legislature unconstitutionally delegated the certification of the presidential results to election officials. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the suit. He also was among Republicans who unsuccessfully asked former Vice President Mike Pence to delay confirmation of Bidens Electoral College win on Jan. 6, the day of the deadly insurrection in the U.S. Capitol. Maddock spoke at a rally in Washington, D.C., the day before the riot. Some Democratic legislators have said Maddock should be censured for backing the big lie about last year's elections, while the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has called for his resignation or removal from office. ___ Izaguirre reported from Lindenhurst, New York. ___ Associated Press coverage of voting rights receives support in part from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for this content. With a special focus on the timely topics of liberty and justice for all as an overriding theme, the annual Northwood University Freedom Seminar will be held virtually through May 16 in a series of presentations by distinguished guest speakers and Northwood faculty. Traditionally hosted on Northwoods Midland campus, the Freedom Seminar is an annual three and one-half day symposium focused on free-enterprise and investigates current business and economic topics of utmost interest to the academic and business communities. To the editor: The mediocre scammers are at it again! "You may be eligible to receive additional benefits." "Just send money we will work with Congress to get you the money you deserve!" Do not send your money. KEITH A. HUMBERT Midland Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (PANA) Guinea-Bissaus fiscal deficit widened in 2020 reflecting weaker tax revenue and the authorities spending measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, while public debt has increased, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday, confirming that the economy is facing severe social and economic challenges Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) Mauritius on Thursday expressed concern about the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, which has led to scores of casualties through bombardments and launch of rockets This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions On Monday Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple has hired the Ad Executive who wrote "Chaos Monkeys," a one-time NY Times Bestseller." Today, the news has surfaced that Apple employees have circulated a petition demanding an investigation into the company's 'misogynistic' new hire. A group of Apple employees has written a petition asking for an investigation into the hiring of Antonio Garcia Martinez a former Facebook product manager and author of the book Chaos Monkeys. In the petition, the employees expressed concern about Garcia Martinezs views on women and people of color. His hiring calls into question parts of our system of inclusion at Apple, including hiring panels, background checks, and our process to ensure our existing culture of inclusion is strong enough to withstand individuals who dont share our inclusive values, they write. Garcia Martinez, who has also written for Wired, was the product manager for Facebooks ad targeting team from 2011 to 2013. Most of the things the Apple employees have expressed concern about come from Chaos Monkeys itself. (The book is dedicated to all my enemies.) The autobiography traces Garcia Martinez going from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Garcia Martinez has described the book as "total Hunter S. Thompson/Gonzo mode." The employees, in the petition, view it differently: they say its racist and sexist. One screenshot from the book that has been circulating on Twitter calls women in the Bay area "soft and weak, cosseted and naive despite their claims of worldliness, and generally full of shit." Its so exhausting being a woman in tech; sitting opposite men who think because of my gender, I am soft and weak and generally full of shit, wrote an Apple employee on Twitter, drawing attention to the quote. "Its not even worth it to say I have worked relentlessly for every accomplishment I have." Below is an excerpt from the text of the petition/letter obtained by The Verge, which began circulating today (emphasis theirs): For more, read the full report by The Verge. It's being reported this afternoon that the judge overseeing the high-stakes trial between Epic Games Inc. and Apple Inc. hinted at a compromise that could allow developers to at least inform users through their mobile apps that they can buy virtual goods on the web at a cheaper cost. While U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers appeared to be looking for middle ground, the position taken is absurd. What retail store in the world places a notice near the cash that reads: The product that you're about to buy in this establishment could be had for 10% cheaper at the store across the street? The judge questioned Apples App Store rule that blocks developers from including a link or other information in their apps to steer users away from the store to buy virtual goods elsewhere online at a discounted rate. The anti-steering policy is at the heart of Epics argument that Apple maintains a near-monopoly and juices profits by barring developers from offering alternative payment options in their apps. Richard Schmalensee, an economist and Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, testified on Wednesday as an expert witness for Apple in the second week of trial in Oakland, California. The judge asked Schmalensee, "Whats so bad about it anyway, for consumers to have choice?" The Judge's question drew pushback from Schmalensee, who noted that the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 2018 ruling, threw out a lawsuit that accused American Express Co. of thwarting competition by prohibiting merchants from steering customers to cards with lower fees. Schmalensee added that "If the app vendor can say, if you press this button you can buy this for less, that means the App Store cant collect its commission. That amounts to 'undercutting' Apples App Store sales" The judge responded by saying that she didnt think the situations were "factually the same." At stores, customers can see signs that say they can use Visa, MasterCard and other credit card options -- unlike in the App Store. "Visual indications of options dont exist in this circumstance." For more on this, read the full Bloomberg report on BNN Bloomberg. We adore the Apple Watch, but we love it even more when its on sale. Today B&H Photo and Video has a few nice deals on the Apple Watch Series 6. The retailer is selling the 40mm Series 6 with navy blue sport ban for $339Remove non-product linka savings of $60. It also has the 40mm Product(Red) version for $329Remove non-product link and the 44mm in this color for $379Remove non-product link, a savings of $60 and $50 respectively. Its not clear when these deals will end. We said in our review that the Apple Watch Series 6 wasnt just Apples best smartwatch, its the best one you can find anywhere at any price. We gave the watch 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editors Choice Award. Apple's smartwatch comes packed with a ton of sensors and features that make it a fantastic wearable device. The newest edition adds a blood-oxygen sensor, though we found its readings were more reliable happening in the background versus doing a manual reading. The Apple Watch Series 6 additionally includes an ECG sensor, optical heart sensor, and an always-on altimeter. The blazing-fast watch also features an always-on display that's much better than the display on the older Series 5. Its simply an excellent smart watch, and if you have an iPhone, you can get it at a great discount right now. [Todays deal: Apple Watch Series 6 for $329Remove non-product link, $339Remove non-product link, and $379Remove non-product link at B&H.] The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has commended Ibrahim Mahama, the Founder of Dzata Cement Limited, for investing heavily in the cement industry. The over 100 million-dollar investment is located on a 10-acre land near the Tema Port. Mr Kyerematen said this when he paid a working visit to the plant of Dzata Cement Limited on Monday. The visit was to enable him to have first-hand information on the cement-producing plant and the progress of work so far. The technology deployed for producing the cement is from Germany and was developed by Haver and Boecker. The cement grade produced by the plant is ordinary Portland cement, which is imported for the plant and then bagged. The plant, which is wholly managed by Ghanaians, can produce an average of 120 bags per minute from the two production lines. The Minister said the industry had been solely dominated by global foreign companies and that Dzata Cement Limited was the first wholly Ghanaian investment in the cement industry and that alone was remarkable. He said the government very much appreciates the importance of foreign investment capital but there was no evidence of any country anywhere in the world that had been able to achieve quality growth without supporting their indigenous entrepreneurs. That is why l think this particular investment should pave the way for investments in industries which otherwise have been dominated only by foreign companies, he added. Mr Kyerematen also lauded Mr Mahama for the investment in state-of-the-art technology, which also was important as a developing country. He said as a safeguard measure to protect the domestic cement industry against import surges of Portland cement, the Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Portland Cement) Regulations, 2016 (L.I 2240) was passed. The regulation requires every commercial importation of Portland cement from outside the ECOWAS region to be covered by permit or license from the Ministry. Section (4.0) (a-d) of the Second Schedule of LI 2240 provides that an applicant for a permit to import Portland cement for re-bagging must provide evidence of elaborate plans to undertake cement production in Ghana, including the state of the factory being constructed. The Minister said the facility was going to create high skills jobs for Ghanaians and contribute to job creation. He encouraged the management of the company to as much as possible use local raw materials to create sustainable job opportunities for Ghanaians. He urged the management to take advantage of opportunities the ECOWAS and AfCFTA markets offered to develop and grow the company while contributing to the Ghanaian economy. Nana Philip Archer, Managing Director of Dzata Cement Limited, said the working environment was an eco-friendly one though it was a cement production factory. He said phase I was a two-line re-bagging installed capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum using jumbo bags of imported bulk cement. He said the production of Silos could hold 40, 000 metric tonnes of cement. Phase II will have a plant capacity of 2.4 million tonnes per annum using imported bulk Portland cement, while Phase III will involve actual manufacturing and bagging, using two vertical grinding mills of 3 million tones capacity each. The Managing Director expressed gratitude to the Minister for the visit, though they were yet to commence full operations. The commencement of production by Dzata Cement will make it the 2nd bagging plant and the 12th plant in the industry and provide consumers with additional choice of cement on the market. Currently, there are 11 cement plants in production in the industry, excluding Dzata Cement. They are nine grinding plants, one integrated plant (Savanah Diamonds), and one bagging plant (Dangote). 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 Jackson College of Education has commissioned a seven-unit classroom block at Danyame-Kwaem, a settler community near Obenimase in the Asante-Akim Central Municipality, bringing renewed hope for hundreds of children who had been studying in an abandoned poultry farm. The abandoned poultry farm served as a makeshift classroom for the over 200 children who could not trek a daily round trip of 14 kilometers to access education at Obenimase which is the closest to the community. Danyame-Kwaem is an isolated settler community made up of scattered cottages under cocoa farms with inhabitants who are mainly migrants from the Northern Regions engaged in cocoa farming. A Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Obenimase, Rev. Emmanuel Dela Tega who established a church in the community saw the need to start a school for the children who could not attend school until they were 12 years because of the distance. It was through his association with Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Principal of Jackson College of Education that the plight of the children came to her attention in 2018. Mrs. Jackson has since then adopted the school, providing the children with uniforms, footwear, food items as well as teaching and learning materials. She also awarded scholarships to two young SHS graduates who volunteered to teach the children to study at Jackson College of Education to acquire the requisite skills to teach the children as professional teachers. With the children crammed in the poultry farm with two or more streams sharing the same class due to inadequate space, Mrs. Jackson through the Jackson and DEEN Foundations went a step further to put up a new classroom for the kids. It was a sight to behold on Thursday when the new classroom block was commissioned as parents and other stakeholders heaped praises on Prof. and Mrs. Jackson for bringing hope to the children whose future looked very bleak a couple of years back. The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities like Mr. Ossei Assibey-Antwi, Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Dr. Anokye Nkansah, Chairperson of the Asante Akyem Presbytery, Mr. Kwame Animadu Antwi, the Member of Parliament, Nana Ofosu Gyeabour II, Chief of Obenimase. Various speakers took turns to pay glowing tributes to the Jackson family for their immense contributions to education over the years. Mr. Osei-Assibey said the Jackson family is an epitome of selflessness whose contribution to social development has impacted a lot of lives. This family has been transforming lives by embarking on one project or the other since I got to know them, he told the gathering. He said that is the way to build societies and urged other privileged families and individuals to complement efforts of the government to lift the vulnerable from the claws of abject poverty. Nana Fosu Gyeabour II said the gesture by Mrs. Jackson and her family is a mark of pure compassion considering the fact that they are not indigenes of the area and called on natives to emulate their example. Mrs. Jackson said the children irrespective of where they are also deserve education like any other Ghanaian child and must not be left behind. She said she was touched by the plight of the children who through no fault of theirs were denied brighter future because of their geographical location. Let us support the underprivileged in society as a people in order not to breed criminals who may hurt us in the future, she implored. 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 Two transgender women in Cameroon have been sentenced to five years in jail for contravening homosexuality laws. Their lawyers say they were found guilty of "attempting homosexuality" as well as outraging public decency and problems with their ID cards. One of them is trans celebrity Shakiro, a YouTuber who highlights the problems Cameroon's banned LGBT community faces. She and her friend Patricia have been in detention since February after their arrest at a restaurant. Cameroon is among 31 African countries that criminalize gay sex. "It's a hammer blow. It's the maximum term outlined in the law. The message is clear: homosexuals don't have a place in Cameroon," one of their lawyers, Alice Nkom, who heads the Association for the Defence of Rights of Homosexuals, told the AFP news agency. Their other lawyer, Richard Tamfu, says the pair will appeal against the verdict as there is no proof that homosexual acts were committed, just suspicion. 'Courageous' The court in the city of Douala also fined Shakira and Patricia 200,000 CFA francs ($370; 260) each. If the two are unable to raise the money to pay the penalties, they will face another 12 months in prison on top of their five-year sentence, the BBC's Killian Ngala reports from the capital, Yaounde. In 2016 Cameroon strengthened its anti-homosexuality laws, changing the penal code to explicitly outlaw same-sex sexual relations, our reporter says. There is animosity towards gay and transgender people in Cameroon and they can often be beaten up in public, he says. Shakiro, who has also been identified as Loic Njeukam, is unusual for being vocal about such persecution. She has thousands of followers on Facebook and YouTube where she promotes cosmetics and talks openly about her sexuality. The trial of Shakiro and Patricia, who has also been identified as Roland Mouthe, has been high-profile, with critics saying it is a political decision to prosecute them. 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 Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has received Open Letters of Mr Hadera Abera Admassu, the Ethiopian Ambassador-designate to Ghana. The Minister congratulated Mr Admassu on his appointment as the Ambassador-designate of Ethiopia to Ghana and wished him a successful duty tour in Ghana. She acknowledged the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between Ghana and Ethiopia started by the venerable first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia adding that the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries largely led to the formation of the predecessor of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The Minister said the success story of AU/OAU was a manifestation of what excellent bilateral relations result into at the multilateral level and called for the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries giving assurance that the Ministry was willing to support efforts at strengthening existing ties between Ghana and Ethiopia. Mrs Ayorkor-Botchwey said given Mr Admassus extensive professional experience, his appointment offered an opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in the field of intelligence gathering and sharing as well as training of intelligence officials to help combat terrorism and related security threats. She commended Mr Regessa Kefale Ere, the immediate past Ambassador of Ethiopia to Ghana, for the exemplary work done during his tenure in deepening the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Ethiopia and expressed the hope that the Ambassador-designate would build on that. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey acknowledged with gratitude the relentless and strong support the Government of Ethiopia gave Ghana in the successful bid for the hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and emphasized the need for the two countries to take advantage of the AfCFTA to boost trade between them. She underscored the need for both countries to conclude and sign the proposed Agreement for Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership between the two countries since it offered the framework required to increase cooperation between Ghana and Ethiopia. The Minister commended Ethiopia for its determined fight against the CCOVID-19 pandemic and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Alis exemplary role in the distribution of materials across African countries and the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals by Ethiopian Airlines. She extended Governments appreciation to the Ethiopian Government for its cooperation and support for the sod-cutting ceremony of Ghana's Chancery building in Addis Ababa during the African Union (AU) Summit in February 2020. The Minister assured the Ambassador of Ghanas determination to continue to work with Ethiopia within the framework of AU, UN and other International Organisations to which both countries belonged. Mr Admassu said Ghana and Ethiopia were the largest contributors of peacekeeping forces in the world; and therefore, called for cooperation between the two countries. 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 Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the faiths not to turn schools into places to fight ideological and religious battles, calling for tolerance and inter-religious coexistence to preserve peace and social cohesion in the country. He made the call when he joined Muslim faithful at the forecourts of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in Accra, to mark this years celebration of the Eid-ul Fitr, the religious holiday celebrated worldwide to observe the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. President Akufo-Addo, who was addressing the current impasse between the Muslims community and the Methodist Church in Ghana concerning the refusal of school authorities of Wesley Girls High School to allow a Muslim student fast during the month of Ramadan, said a satisfactory solution is being found to address the matter. However, he pointed out that boarding schools have traditionally served as training grounds in learning about religious tolerance, and losing the fear of the unknown. That is where young Ghanaians learn to eat each other's food. That is where they learned the songs and dances of the different parts of the country. That is where they learn about each other's religions. And that is where lifelong friendships are formed. These schools must necessarily have rules and regulations that enable them to functionthroughout the years, the schools by a large, managed to find a reasonably balanced atmosphere to enable our young people to flourish and this has served us well. The President further pointed out that the schools had evolved and adapted their practices to suit the times, saying, I will urge that we do not turn them into the places to fight ideological and religious battles. Young people deserve a peaceful atmosphere to be able to deal with the many challenges of studying and acquiring knowledge, and parents certainly must have a keen interest in the schools into whose care they entrust their children. May I plead with all of us that we keep the tolerance that has served us so, well in matters of religion, he stressed. President Akufo-Addo said though the Constitution guaranteed freedom of worship for all citizens, religious tolerance in Ghana, which had been the envy of many nations, did not emerge from formal law, but from the Ghanaians respect for each others belief systems. He said the beautiful spectacle of the religious communities co-existing peacefully in the country should not be taken for granted and urged citizens to strive to maintain the envious culture of religious tolerance to foster unity, progress and development of the nation. The President gave the assurance that his government would build an all-inclusive sociality that creates opportunity for Ghanaians, irrespective of their circumstances, adding that the aggressive policy development of the development of Inner cities and Zongo communities would be pursued to the letter. And we shall not relent until we even the development equation between Zongo communities and other communities of our country, he stated. 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 Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education, has expressed commitment to help develop a Universal Policy to guide all Faith-Based Schools (FBSs) in the country. The Minister assured heads of Christian Mission Schools (CMSs) in the country that he would liaise and work together with all Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to bring finality to the current challenges confronting the schools. This was contained in a press statement signed on behalf of the Minister and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. According to the statement, Dr. Adutwum on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, met heads of CMSs to discuss among other things, long-standing challenges confronting FBOs, including the recent issue at the Wesley Girls High School. The statement said the group appealed to the Minister to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding which was submitted to the Ministry few months ago by the FBOs. "Earlier this week, the Minister met with the Muslim Parliamentary Caucus and a representative of the Chief Imam to discuss similar issues," the statement 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 The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey, has charged corporate institutions within the capital to bear some level of responsibility and support the sanitation campaign under the Make Accra Work project. To this end, the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly will ensure that corporate bodies who leave their gutters choked and allow scrap dealers to operate on their frontages would be fined. Mr Quartey made the call at a stakeholder meeting ahead of a decongestion exercise along the Accra-UTC road to the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange which has been scheduled to take off on Tuesday, May 18. Mr Quartey said for Accra to become the cleanest city in Africa, there was the need for corporate institutions to approach the Make Accra work project with a collective and positive mindset, adding that we do not want you to sit in your offices and watch us work, we want you to be actively involved. Meeting The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah, and his staff, representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD). It was also attended by representatives from the Graphic Communications Group Limited and other corporate bodies within the demarcated areas where the decongestion exercise is scheduled to take place. The corporate bodies were briefed on how the security agencies would carry out the operations on the scheduled date. Also, issues such as sustainable plans and the role of the corporate bodies in ensuring that the campaign remained successful were also discussed. Indiscipline Mr Quartey expressed concern that indiscipline had taken centre stage in the region, hence the need to work together to ensure that the campaign was successful. He appealed to the organisations to support the government for the exercise to be successful. He noted that after the decongestion exercise, the corporate bodies in the demarcated areas would bear the responsibility of ensuring that their environment is kept clean. The minister further stressed the RCCs commitment to provide lasting solutions to developmental challenges in the region to ensure its swift transformation into a national capital of repute. He reiterated his call to the corporate institutions to lend their support to the Make Accra Work project and also play their individual roles in helping to make the country clean. Other plans Mr Quartey further revealed that plans were underway to move the yam sellers from the Agbogbloshie area to a new site as part of the decongestion exercise. He said a meeting would be held with the yam sellers to explain to them the need for the relocation, after which they would be given time to move, but indicated that they would be ejected if they failed to comply with the directive to relocate. We will meet the yam sellers to discuss the need to move them from Agbogbloshie to a new site, but if they do not move after that, we will move them. For the scrap dealers, the Regional Minister noted that a designated location had been assigned for them and that dealers who operated outside the designated parameters would be sanctioned. Background Right after assuming office as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Quartey launched an audacious plan he intends to lead the charge to tackle the issues that have become a drawback to the regions development. He named the thematic areas he had set out to deal with the Make Accra work project as sanitation, indiscipline, health and education. The Regional Minister, among others, said he was going to lead the RCC, the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to spearhead the various campaigns such as dealing with the traffic congestion caused by indiscipline at strategic points, dealing with congestion in the central business districts and other areas. Among the campaign is an Operation Clean Your Frontage, which would require that businesses in the region spend an hour a day to clean their environs. Under the campaign, shop owners and traders would be obligated to clean their work areas at the beginning and end of each working day. He said while organisations and institutions took responsibility of their environs, it was the shop owners and traders who usually did not see that as their responsibility, thus paid little attention to that. 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 Muslims in Ghana and around the world on Thursday began celebrating Eid ul-Fitr, a normal festive holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The three-day celebration is usually a time of travel, family get-togethers and lavish daytime feasts after weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting, but this year many of the population in Ghana and around the world will have to pray in their Mosques and not in open palaces as it used to be. Eid marks the end of a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, as well as spiritual reflection and prayer and is a time of celebration as lots of people celebrate the day by spending time exchanging gifts and visiting friends and family. The whole idea of Eid celebration is that whoever you meet, you try and create a feeling of goodwill and any feeling of animosity is put aside, at least for one day While there are lots of things that everyone will do at Eid, it is not surprising that people have some different ways of celebrating this holy festival with sweet treats and other foodstuffs Eid al-Fitr is sometimes referred to as the Sugar Feast, a nod to the fact that a large constituent part of the meal one eats at the festival is desserts. The eating of dates is an important part of both Ramadan and Eid, as they are a popular snack eaten at the pre-dawn meal before the fast (called the Suhoor). At the Ghana Police Mosque in Cantonments, Imam Abdul-Hussein stressed the need for Muslims to learn how to forgive each other and exhibit the habit of sharing. He said fasting changes the lifestyles of Muslims and instills discipline among them during the month of Ramadan for which the discipline is worth celebrating. Imam Abdul-Husein called on Muslims and Ghanaians at large to celebrate with care and peace and strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols and safety measures. The commonest word at the place was Eid Mubarak! This literally means blessed Eid and is a way of expressing celebration. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Deputy Minister-nominee for Finance, John Kumah, has hit back at persons criticizing government officials for living a profligate lifestyle at the expense of poor living conditions of the average citizen and national development. Appearing on the Monday, May 10, 2021, edition of Citi TVs Point of View, the Ejisu Member of Parliament argued that despite the nation facing problems that require efficient and cost-effective spending, taking away the privileges of officials including MPs will not automatically translate into alleviating the plight of the average Ghanaian. I totally agree with you. What I am saying is that when these savings have been done, we will still come back to people are suffering because these are structural issues and we need long-term planning and ideas to resolve them. Sometimes, in your attempt to deprive certain opportunities for those who are serving, you may even be compounding the solution rather than allowing them to be able to drive well to go to work and do the same work, he said. In a back-and-forth argument with the host, Bernard Avle, the Deputy Minister argued that in the case of MPs, their job makes it incumbent for them to enjoy the privileges they enjoy. Let me tell you, the Member of Parliaments V8 is bought with his own money, its a loan. I dont get the point we are making. Are you saying that you are the same as the Member of Parliament? The car that he drives, he is buying it with his own money, he stated. Asked about the disparity in the end-of-term benefits of MPs and that of a nurse who may have worked for a decade, Mr Kumah retorted saying MPs by virtue of their work have a lot of duties bestowed on them. Bernard Avle: When he (an MP) leaves power after 10-years how much does he take home, is that the same as what the nurse who has served for 10-years take home? John Kumah: But you, at the end of the week, how many funerals do you attend? Benard Avle: Me? I dont have many funerals. Jonh Kumah: You dont even attend any. Yes, the Member of Parliament has to attend about 10 funerals. Bernard Avle: Is that part of your job description? John Kumah: Yes, it is. Bernard Avle: What are you talking about? Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Fresh war has erupted over the burial of the late former president Robert Gabriel Mugabe. The former presidents widow, Grace Mugabe has been summoned by Chief Zvimba, the traditional leader for the area, to explain why she buried Mugabe improperly at his rural home in Zvimba. Some quarters have alleged that this part of a deliberate ploy to have Mugabes remains exhumed and reburied. The late president died in Singapore in September 2019. Following a protracted wrangle between his family and the government he was finally buried at his home village in Kutama, Zvimba in Mashonaland West. Read Full Story .... harare.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 Founder and Leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has, in a new video during a church service on Sunday, 9th May 9, 2021 discounted a prophecy he gave way back in 2015 and explained that there is now no hindrance to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia becoming President of Ghana. According to him, though God revealed it to him that there was a hindrance to the then running mate succeeding then candidate Akufo-Addo, He (God) also showed him what to do to avert it. There is a 2015 prophetic video of me going viral which was about our Vice President Bawumia. It was in 2015 that God through me gave that prophecy he said in the new video. He questioned the rationale behind the video being circulated six years after that prophetic word came to him. One thing is, that prophetic word was in 2015, the NPP came to power in 2016. We are in 2021, how many years? Six years. Why is it this time that some people are using that part of the message and spreading it? he queried. Rev. Owusu-Bempah emphasized that though God revealed that to him then, the same God also showed him what to do to prevent what loomed ahead of Dr. Bawumia. Then God said to me He was going to reveal to me what would hinder the prophecy from coming to pass. And I prayed about it and God showed me what I should do to avert it. We did it the man of God stated. He also said that God told him that Akufo-Addo's Presidency was intact and it was left with that of his running mate. And we worked on that of Bawumia. Brethren, I am saying that we worked on that one as well Prophet Owusu-Bempah reiterated. The man of God ended his sermon by saying that God reveals to redeem and He did just that as He (God) showed him what to do for Dr Bawumia and it was done. 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 Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned National Security operatives for besieging the premises of Citi FM/Citi TV in a bid to arrest a journalist, Zoe Abu-Baidoo, after arresting her colleague, Caleb Kudah. Mr. Ablakwa insists the move by the security agency is outmoded and must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. According to him, this has not only exposed the growing intolerance, dwindling respect for human rights and wanton abuse of power by government officials; it has also brought to the fore the lack of sophistication and the continuous preference for buga buga outmoded security tactics. He, therefore, charged the security agency to find innovative ways to remotely block, hack, impede or prevent any information considered injurious to national security from being circulated in the cyberspace. Mr. Ablakwa also said recent actions of the National Security have exposed challenges within the countrys security apparatus to the world. National security should stop embarrassing us to the international community and even more worrying, they must stop exposing their pathetic cybersecurity vulnerabilities to criminals and potential enemies of Ghana for as the experts have warned, the next frontier of war is cyberwarfare. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also described the incident as unlawful and preposterous. The partys National Communications Officer, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, said oppression of journalists and citizens by the despotic Akufo-Addo government must stop. According to the party, it wont allow the said acts to continue. The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms, the arrest of Caleb Kudah and the Gestapo invasion of the office of Citi FM by armed National Security operatives. About the raid and arrest A team of seven heavily-armed police officers besieged the premises of Citi FM and Citi TV in an attempt to arrest one of the stations journalists, Zoe Abu-Baidoo. Zoe was targeted in the raid after the police accused her of electronically receiving some video files from her colleague, Caleb Kudah. Mr. Kudah, also a broadcast journalist and Host of BackPage on Citi TV, had been accused of filming some abandoned cars at the Ministry of National Security, a supposed restricted security zone on Tuesday, and had sent the videos to Zoe via WhatsApp. The security operatives after arresting Caleb Kudah, subsequently raided Citi FM in an attempt to arrest Zoe. However, both Mr. kudah and Zoe Abu-Baidoo were released later in the day on Tuesday. Source: citinewsroom 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 Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has reacted to the heated arguments currently brewing between the youth and some members and officials of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the performance of President Nana Akufo-Addo in his second term. The youth have been whining about how their cost of living has been heightened under the President's administration and have therefore coined #fixthecountry to deliver their grievances to the President. The youth have called on the President to fix the country because, to them, he is doing less to almost nothing to remedy their hardships. Among their complaints are high cost of living, high prices of commodities and fuel, government's imposition of taxes on them among others. But the youth have been challenged by some political actors in the President's government to first fix their attitude if they want to see the changes they desire from the President. Member of Parliament for the Nsawam Adoagiri constituency, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, following the #fixthecountry social media trend, hit hard at Ghanaians. In a tweet sighted by Peacefmonline.com, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh said; ''Take good notice of these too . . . FIX THE COUNTRY! FIX THE COUNTRY! GYIMIE (to wit 'fools')! You dont pay your taxes. You politicize every good policy. You receive bribe. You enjoy illegal connections. You dont respect your elders. You over price your product/services. You destroy State properties. You dont keep your environment clean. You dont go to work on time. You dont buy anything Ghanaian. You chase teenagers who are every young to be your daughters. In fact you even cheat on your wife/husband. PLEASE FIX YOURSELF FIRST!'' He has however deleted the tweet but the debate on"fix the country" vrs ''fix yourself first'' continues. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline.com, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed the position of government on the issue. To him, the ongoing debate is a healthy one that is opening room for a national discourse on the collective responsibility of each individual in the country to Ghana's development. In addressing the "fix yourself first" campaign, the Minister stated that the government officials telling Ghanaians to fix themselves are speaking their own minds, not communicating the offical response of the government to the debate. He said the "government position has been that this is a healthy conversation. It gives us an opportunity to reiterate or to go back to some of the key things that we've been outlining and need to be dealt with and while at that, broaden it to look at what are collective responsibilities in executing that". "I speak for government. The government's position that I have articulated doesn't correspond with those ones that you talk about. The Vice President, who is the number 2 man in the land, when he had the opportunity to articulate the government response doesn't go in accordance with that. The Finance Minister, the National Security Minister, they did not necessarily subscribe to those views as have been expressed by some people. "Indeed, if you look at the conversation and that's the democracy that we have. I've seen other celebrities take on other celebrities. I've seen other journalists take on other journalists. I've seen politicians take on politicians but the government response has been that this is a healthy conversation. It opens the door for us to broaden it, ought not to be politicized but to be taken advantage of in the pursuit of a certain common agenda for our people," he accentuated. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has kicked against the burning of excavators used in illegal mining (galamsey). The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor has sactioned the destruction of excavators by soldiers deployed to remove all persons and machinery in the mining areas. The Minister, speaking at the ''Meet the Press'' series held at the Ministry of Information on Tuesday, May 11, justified why excavators used in mining areas deserve to be set ablaze. "What will an excavator be doing on River Pra? What will an excavator be doing on River Offin or a changfang be doing on River Pra? Ghanaians and all of us, I will respectfully submit, that we should interrogate the issue from that point before we get to the stage of what has happened to that excavator and that is it right or wrong to decommission that excavator. "In terms of the social debate, I will once again contend that we begin the debate from what will an excavator possibly be doing on a river body and if, as a people, we're able to answer that question that, yes, an excavator can be there to construct a road or do some sort of activity which is in the interest of the public or which is good and so on and so forth, then we can begin to make some efforts and can begin to move forward on that. But if we come to the conclusion that an excavator ought not to be on a river body and it's not as though we woke one night overnight and said all excavators on river bodies will be decommissioned. We never did so," he said. He branded the burning of excavators by the Military as a patriotic job. "I very strongly but respectfully conclude by saying that it's either we're fighting this menace or we're not. It's either we're determined to clear our water bodies and forest reserves or we are not. We cannot waver in this matter. So, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and, for that matter, government supports the Ghana Armed Forces in this patriotic work they're engaged in." But reacting to the issue on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Kweku Baako stated emphatically that it is 'mindless' and 'lawless'. He argued that Ghana is a law-governed State and everything must be done according to the laws of the country but burning excavators is a violation of the laws. "It's mindless. It's lawless because this is a law-governed society. And if you make laws and feel the laws are impossible to implement, there is an option. Just amend the law but you don't make which I have here and actually let the law prevail but go out there to violate the law and it's a State institution or State actors who are engaged in that violation, that mindless, lawless action," he exclaimed. He outlined what the law permits to be done to the excavators. " . . the law says when you seize it, those using it illegally must be taken to court and by the time you're sending them to court, you must leave those things in Police custody. When the court is done and convicts them, the court hands over the equipment to the appropriate Ministry; in this case it will be Lands and Natural Resources or so. And then they, on behalf of the State, determine which State institution to give them to." To him, the excuse that the excavators should be burned in order not to repeat earlier incident where some went missing after being seized is also lame. "Those who seized the earlier excavators, are they known? Were they responsible citizens of the nation, State actors? So if excavators are missing at the time you seized them, aren't you to be held responsible? Again, are we saying the law doesn't make provision for that?'', he asked. Kweku Baako emphasized that those burning the excavators are acting against the laws and therefore liable to prosecution. ''You know the law. The law says if you see these things, send them to the Police custody and so when you seize them and don't send them to Police custody, you have violated the law and you're liable for prosecution. So, I don't see why we should take the option, apparently a zero option, of burn them out of our desperation and impotence.'' Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Seasoned journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has backed former President John Mahama's appointment as Special Envoy to Somalia by the African Union (AU). The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat made the announcement in a statement on Saturday, May 9, 2021. The statement read that Mr. Mahama ''will work with the Somali stakeholders, to reach a mutually acceptable compromise towards an all-encompassing resolution for the holding of Somali elections in the shortest time possible''. ''In fulfilling his mandate, Mahama will be supported by the peacekeepers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) to ensure mediation efforts and the peace support operation work together seamlessly'', the AU Chair also said. But Mr. Mahama's appointment has been met with contention. Some political actors like the Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan have questioned Mr. Mahama's integrity to hold the position. Hon. Kwamena Duncan argued about the former President's active role in inciting his supporters to hit the streets and cause chaos after the 2020 Presidential elections. But Kweku Baako has slammed the critics of Mr. Mahama's new appointment. Mr. Baako argued that Mr. Mahama's appointment will boost Ghana's reputation and image on the international level. ''There's no perfect person out there. There's no perfect past President or Head of State out there. All of them have their own minuses and others. When he finishes his work and an international community like UN, AU, the rest says come, 'in spite of all your limitations, come and do this work' and he accepts to do it, apart from helping the people he is going to help them; it also gives our own country gives our own a certain image'', he emphasized on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo''. Meanwhile, Somalia has rejected the appointment of Mr. John Mahama as their envoy to help mediate its political impasse with Kenya.Somalia argues that the former Head of State has extensive links with Kenya and has written to AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat notifying him that Somalia will no longer support Mr. Mahama in his new role.Mohamed Abdirazak, Somalias Foreign and International Cooperation Minister, says the Ghanaian ex-leader is closely associated with the leadership in Kenya, without specifying who in particular. Based on this alone, he says, Mr. Mahama cannot be trusted to be impartial and deliver an acceptable solution.In a letter riddled with grammatical mistakes, Mr. Abdirazak claims that the AU did not thoroughly scrutinise Mr. Mahamas background before appointing him to the role. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republican lawmakers across the country have tried to roll back the emergency powers that governors wielded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they ordered businesses shut, mask-wearing in public and students home for distance learning. Pennsylvanias Legislature is now taking its case to the ballot. In the first vote of its kind since the coronavirus outbreak, voters statewide will decide twin constitutional amendments that would give lawmakers much more power over disaster declarations, to apply whether the emergency is another pandemic or natural disaster. The questions were placed on Tuesdays primary ballot by the Republican-controlled Legislature, which has had a long-running feud with the states Democratic governor over his emergency actions during the pandemic. This is the first opportunity we actually have something tangible, where more than just a handful of sampled people will be able to have an input, said Jonathon Hauenschild, an attorney at the American Legislative Exchange Council, an association of conservative lawmakers and businesses. For Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania, asking voters to change the constitution is the only way they have of reeling in the authority of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. He has veto power, and Republicans dont have a large enough majority to override his actions. Democratic lawmakers have largely stuck with Wolf, and courts rejected attempts to end the governors disaster declaration or lift his orders. The amendments on Tuesdays ballot would cause such a significant erosion of executive authority that Wolf and his emergency disaster director have called it reckless and a threat to a functioning society. Both of these questions undermine our democracy, Wolf said Wednesday during a news conference at a fire station in suburban Harrisburg. They take away our ability to respond to emergencies. Protesters stand to the side as Gov. Tom Wolf speaks outside a Weis Markets store. Gov. Tom Wolf thanked grocery store workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a visit to Weis Markets in Hampden Township, April 6, 2021. Some protesters showed their support for ballot questions that could limit the governor's power in emergencies. | Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com The questions ask voters to end a governors emergency disaster declaration after 21 days and to give lawmakers the unilateral authority to extend or end it with a majority vote. Current law allows a governor to issue an emergency declaration for up to 90 days and extend it without limit. The constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote by lawmakers to end the declaration. The proposals emerged from the Republican-controlled Legislature last summer, amid deep frustration over Wolf extending broad shutdowns of business activity beyond a few weeks, as Pennsylvania endured the first of what would become three spikes in COVID-19 cases. More than 26,000 Pennsylvanians have succumbed to the virus, according to state figures. We want to give any governor time to declare a disaster emergency and get started with what needs to be started with. And after 21 days, it doesnt mean a state of emergency is going to end. It just means the Legislature has a seat at the table to work with him, said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, who authored the legislation. If turnout patterns in odd-year elections over the past decade hold, fewer than one-fifth of Pennsylvanias registered voters will determine the outcome. History is on Republicans side. The last time voters rejected a ballot question was in 1993, according to information provided by the state. Since then, voters have approved 19 straight ballot questions. They usually are bipartisan initiatives to expand borrowing authority or to amend the constitution. The questions that will appear on the ballot, however, are complicated, with wording written by the Wolf administration that Republicans say is politically charged and designed to make the questions fail. The effect if voters approve them also is in dispute. Republicans claim the governor cannot order shutdowns without a disaster emergency in effect. Wolf disagrees, saying a governors authority during a public health emergency rests on separate public health law and is unaffected by the ballot questions. As a result, it may end up in court if, say, a variant causes another spike in cases. Wolf administration officials have held news conferences to describe how they would be hamstrung from responding to emergencies and risk missing out on federal aid if a declaration were to end too soon. The changes posed by Republican lawmakers would inject politics into disaster emergencies and risk lives if the Legislature were unable to meet to pass a resolution extending a disaster emergency, they say. Republicans have accused Wolf of fear-mongering. The states three living former Republican governors Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker and Tom Corbett declined to comment. A former Democratic governor, Ed Rendell, urged a no vote. He recalled the Valentines Day 2007 blizzard that trapped hundreds of people on Interstate 78. I literally have five minutes to decide because if were going to help those people, I have to get the National Guard on to I-78 within an hour, Rendell said. So theres not enough time for the Legislature to discuss and debate. State lawmakers across the U.S. have proposed more than 350 measures this year related to legislative oversight of executive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In at least dozen states, lawmakers have passed measures asserting their own power to review, halt or reverse executive actions taken during emergencies. In several states, Republican-controlled legislatures have overridden vetoes. There is a bipartisan, nationwide reckoning taking place right now about how much power any governor or any General Assembly should wield during an emergency, Pennsylvania state Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill, said on the Senate floor earlier this week as he argued in favor of the constitutional amendments. We elect governors in Pennsylvania, he said. We dont elect kings. Besides messaging by Wolf and lawmakers, the campaign in Pennsylvania has mostly revolved around cable TV ads, fliers, billboards, lawn signs and digital ads costing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a pair of Harrisburg-based organizations whose issue advocacy aligns with Republicans. You can hold Gov. Wolf accountable, and protect our small businesses, childrens education and local communities, said a TV ad running on Fox News. The groups fliers urging a yes vote have reached mailboxes across the state, often with stock photos of smiling Black people while linking support for the two questions with support for a separate question on the ballot to amend the constitution to outlaw discrimination because of race or ethnicity. Preserve our local communities. Protect our schools and our childrens education. Ensure equality for all Pennsylvania families, says one. The chair of Pennsylvanias Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia, accused the fliers sponsors of a misinformation campaign that suggests that supporting equality also means risking lives and destroying the existing checks and balances against any governors ability to declare a disaster. Pennsylvanias primary will take place as COVID-19 cases have fallen after a spring spike and the vaccine is returning some aspects of life to normal. Masking orders remain in effect, and capacity restrictions are scheduled to lift on Memorial Day. There is scant public polling in recent months on the governors public approval or his handling of the pandemic. That, combined with the confusing wording of the amendment questions, esoteric subject matter, expected low turnout and a highly partisan atmosphere make the result unpredictable. If Pennsylvania is successful, said Hauenschild, of the American Legislative Exchange Council, I look for more legislatures to start examining how to bypass a governor. ___ Associated Press writer David A. Lieb contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Missouri. More from PennLive Check out PennLives guide to the 2021 primary election Independents can vote on ballot questions, and more things to know about the May 18 primary Pennsylvania primary voters should think hard about changing the Constitution | John Baer An Alabama infant reported missing two days ago has been found dead and his father is now charged with manslaughter. Just hours after Caleb Michael Whisnand, 32, and the babys mother pleaded publicly for the babys safe return, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Wednesday night announced the arrest in the death of the 5-week-old. Sheriffs Capt. Leigh Persky said Whisnand is being held in Caleb C.J. Whisnand Jr.s death on $100,000 bond in the Montgomery County Detention Center. The arrest came after a Wednesday afternoon press conference where the elder Whisnand and the boys mother, 28-year-old Angela Nicole Gardner, made a plea for their sons safe return. Authorities said the babys remains were found shortly after the press conference. Gardner has not been charged with any crime. Authorities have not said how C.J. died, and said more details will be released Thursday. At the time of his arrest Wednesday, Whisnand was already under indictment in an unrelated case on charges of meth and heroin possession, reckless endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriffs Capt. Trent Beasley said earlier Wednesday authorities about 10:45 p.m. Monday received a 911 call from Whisnand from the Circle K on Wetumpka Highway about a missing child. According to Margaret Hope, C.J.s grandmother and Gardners mother, the couple lived with Whisnands parents. Gardner was about to leave Whisnand, Hope said, and I think thats the reason he took the baby. Hope said the baby was found dead in a wooded area. He knew he done killed that baby and he had to come up with some excuse,' Hope said. The disappearance of the infant has been shrouded in mystery and secrecy since the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, issued a missing child alert on C.J.s disappearance. The alert said C.J. had been missing since Saturday; however, sheriffs officials said they were notified of his supposed disappearance Monday night. Authorities provided no additional details about C.J.s disappearance except to say that multiple agencies were involved in the search and that investigators were reviewing video surveillance footage from the area of the convenience store where Whisnand made the 911 call. Hope said Whisnand took C.J. while Gardner was asleep and the family has been looking for him since then. She didnt get to have her son on Mothers Day or Monday,' Hope said. Angela is a great mother, and she is overprotective of her kids. She was so happy when she gave birth. Whisnand and Gardner spoke to the media in what was a somewhat bizarre public appearance. I dont remember a lot, but I did remember I was breaking up, ya know, with the cops, Whisnand said. If anybodys got anything, any places that I could have gone, you know who you are. Please, find him please,' Gardner said. Whisnand and Gardner initially said the last time they remember seeing C.J. was Saturday night when the infant was in the bed with his parents and Gardners 2-year-old son in another room. But moments later, Gardner said she was home with her 2-year-old and the baby was with Whisnand on Monday. They provided no explanation for the difference in days, or where C.J. was between Saturday night and Monday night. He went to go pay gas at the gas station and realized he was gone,' Gardner said of Whisnand. He let the police know, and me know, that he was missing. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Elmore County Sheriffs Office, the Wetumpka Police Department and the Montgomery Police Department, assisted in the search and investigation. Whisnand said during the press conference he had no idea who might have taken the child. If we knew, we would have already went there, he said. Whisnand also had said it would mean a lot to have C.J. found safely. It would mean everything to us. The family aint the same without family, thats for sure,' Whisnand said. Its been taking a toll on everybody. Whisnand was indicted in Elmore County in February for possession or receipt of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of prescription drugs. He lists addresses in Montgomery and Wetumpka, and court records identify Gardner as his fiancee. Documents state that on June 15, 2020, Whisnand was behind the wheel of a Chevy pickup truck that a police sergeant witnessed run off the road. The sergeant turned around and was eventually able to catch up to the truck. Whisnand veered into oncoming traffic, records state, and crossed the double yellow line, swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision. Whisnand drove off the roadway and slammed on his brakes. Gardner was in the front seat and her child Tolouse, who was an infant then but is now 2, was in a car seat. Whisnand told the officers he was on methamphetamine and had not slept in two to three days. Subject was showing the signs of still being under the influence of the drug with profuse sweating, twitching and constant movement, and he stated he was dehydrated,' the officer wrote. Whisnand was arrested and charged with both misdemeanors and felonies, including being in possession of methamphetamine and heroin. Records state he was also in possession of Gabapentin, and anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. He was released from jail on June 16, 2020. His trial on those charges is set for October. OROVILLE, Calif. A tree trimmer in rural Northern California has been charged in throat-slashing serial killings that left three people dead, prosecutors announced Thursday. Ryan Scott Blinston, 37, of the small city of Oroville, was charged on Wednesday with murder, attempted murder and arson. The charges included special sentencing allegations that Blinston used a deadly weapon, attacked an elderly victim and committed multiple killings. He was scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Thursday and could face life in prison without possibility of parole if convicted. Blinston had been in jail since he was arrested last year and charged in another neck-cutting, authorities said. It wasnt immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. This undated photo provided by the Butte County District Attorney shows Ryan Scott Blinston, of Oroville, Calif. Blinston, a tree trimmer in rural Northern California, has been charged with a series of throat-slashing serial killings that left three people dead. (Butte County District Attorney via AP)AP Blinston was working for a tree-trimming service in Butte and Tehama counties, north of Sacramento, last May and June when he returned to the clients homes after the work was completed and slashed the throats of the residents, according to prosecutors. Loreen Severs, 88, of Los Molinos died and her husband, Homer Severs, 91, survived but died that December of an unrelated illness, authorities said. Blinston also is accused of killing Sandra George, 82, and an acquaintance, Vicky Cline, 57, both of Oroville. He also is charged with torching Clines car. Blood and DNA evidence on and in Blinstons car was forensically matched back to Cline. Her body was later discovered by a fisherman in the Feather River near Belden, said a joint statement from the Butte County and Tehama County district attorneys offices, which filed the charges in Butte County Superior Court. Blinston was arrested before dawn on June 14 about a week after Cline vanished by a Butte County sheriffs SWAT team that had tracked him to a motorhome in heavily wooded and isolated Berry Creek, where authorities planned to arrest him on suspicion of burning Clines car, prosecutors said. As the team approached the motorhome, they heard the muffled screams of a man inside and loud banging on the outside of the motorhome. The banging turned out to be Blinston attempting to get into the motorhome with a hatchet, the district attorneys statement said. Blinston ran into the woods, refused to drop the hatchet and was captured after a short struggle and the use of a stun gun and pepper spray, authorities said. Blinston had met the 50-year-old owner of the motorhome earlier then stayed over because he told the man he was afraid to leave after dark because of bears, the resident told authorities. The man said he was sleeping when he awoke to find Blinston attacking him with a knife, Butte County District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey said. Blinston slashed his neck but the man said he was able to kick him out of the motorhome and lock the door, Ramsey said. A medic treated the seriously injured man and he was airlifted to a hospital. The SWAT team may have saved the mans life, Ramsey said, because the isolated area had no cell phone service and it was unlikely anyone would have heard the mans cries for help. Blinston pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in that case last year. There was no immediate word on a motive. Blinston had previous arrests, including in 2013 for allegedly driving a stolen Lexus and being in possession of three guns taken in burglaries. However, none of his previous arrests involved the level of violence seen in the attacks, Ramsey said. More: 11-year-old robbery suspect was driving stolen car: California police Pa. dog breeder cut puppys eye with hot kitchen knife: SPCA This may be an off-year election, but in many parts of Dauphin County its off to a running start. The ballot is packed with an array of candidates for county, municipal, school district and district judge offices for Tuesdays primary election. The action doesnt just center on Harrisburg, either, although the ballots for the mayoral, city council and school board races in the city are crammed to bursting. While Rogette Harris, the chairwoman of the county Democratic Committee, and her GOP counterpart David Feidt are usually at odds in the political sense, they are in agreement on one thing. One of the most important races on Tuesdays ballot is the battle for a single county judge seat, both party leaders said. Thats definitely a big one, Feidt said, especially since, as all but one of the four judicial candidates have cross-filed to appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots, the countys next judge could conceivably be chosen by the voters during the primary. Vying for the 10-year judge post are attorneys Bryan McQuillan, Jeff Engle and Kathryn Waters and La Tasha C. Williams, an assistant district attorney for York County. All but Waters have cross-filed to appear on both the GOP and Democratic ballots. Waters will appear only on the Democratic ballot. Harris tapped the Swatara Township commissioner race as another biggie. There, Supervisor Tom Connolly is in a fight on the Democratic ballot with Wayne Scott and Danielle Spriggs for two seats on the board. One of the hardest-fought primary races in the region is the 5-way contest for Harrisburg mayor. Incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse, is seeking a third and what he says would be his final term, but is being challenged by: City Council President Wanda Williams; former city Councilman Otto Banks; retired media executive Dave Schankweiler; and Kevyn Knox, the general manager of the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. The sole candidate on the Republican ballot is businessman Timothy Rowbottom. The race is setting a record for spending in a city mayors contest, with donors to the various campaigns pumping more than $500,000 into the battle. The candidates have met in a variety of forums to debate topics ranging from police reforms and affordable house, to how to spend millions of dollars coming to Harrisburg as a result of pandemic relief bills. The city council race is a tussle on the Democratic side as well, with 13 candidates vying for four open seats. Sitting council members Shamaine Daniels and Ausha Green are seeking re-election. They are challenged by advocate Lavet Henderson, Harrisburg School Board member Carrie Fowler, former school director Roy Christ, law student Vishal Bajpai, Uptown resident Lori Ann Beamer-Saulisbury, personal care company CEO Crystal Davis, activist Sara Gethers, entrepreneur and former city police officer Jennie Jenkins-Dallas, real estate entrepreneur Robert Lawson, teacher Jocelyn Rawls and community advocate Ralph Rodriguez. Eight candidates are competing for four four-year seats on the Harrisburg School Board. Ezra Match will appear on the GOP and Democratic ballots while the others are listed only on the Democratic ballot. Incumbents Brian Carter and Danielle Robinson are seeking new terms. The other hopefuls are Jorge Collazo, Mary Simpson, Roslyn Copeland, Jaime Johnsen and Michael Balsbaugh. Another highlight, according to Feidt, is the battle for the Central Dauphin School Board. All three regions of Central Dauphin School District have primary contests. In Region One, where two seats are open, incumbent Billy Roberts, and candidates Louis Motley and Janelle Bingaman are cross-filed to be on both ballots while Stephen Roth will appear only on the Republican ballot. Region Two features a cross-filed fight between incumbent Eric Epstein and Challenger Mike Betz for a single seat. In Region Three, incumbent Justin Warren is vying with Jeff Gordon and Michael Siget for the lone open spot. All three are cross-filed. There are contests for every district judge seat up for election in the county as well, Feidt noted. Incumbent Paul T. Zozos is facing challenger Amechie Walker Jr. on the Democratic ballot for his Harrisburg seat. In the other DJ seat up for grabs in Harrisburg, there is a Democratic race among incumbent Sonya McKnight and Ellis Roy, Jennifer Smallwood, Shakira Jennings, Anthony Harrell, Brianna Smith and Leon Wilkerson II. McKnight is currently suspended from office while awaiting prosecution on criminal charges that include official oppression. Marian Urrutia and Greg Mills are cross-filed for the seat serving Susquehanna Township and Penbrook. Incumbent Kenneth Lenker is facing a cross-filed challenge from Ian Castaneira for the DJ post in Swatara Township and Steelton and Highspire. Lower Paxton Township DJ William Wenner is in a cross-filed contest with Pamela Thompson. Judge Dominic Pelino is challenged for his Derry Township and Hummelstown seat by Scott Yoder and Jaime Wetzel. Pelino and Wetzel are cross-filed. Yoder is only on the Republican ballot. All four candidates Dale Klein, Hanna Suhr, Todd Johnson and Dan Robinson are cross-filed in the race for the DJ seat serving East, South and West Hanover townships. Incumbent Kenneth Lenker is facing a cross-filed challenge from Ian Castaneira for the DJ post in Swatara Township and Steelton and Highspire. READ MORE: Heres what Harrisburg City Councils 13 Democratic candidates say about 3 of its key issues Whether you anticipate the upcoming song of the soon-to-emerge 17-year periodical cicada as the melody of a massive natural event or a buzzing drone that will disrupt your enjoyment of the outdoors, the sound itself is just days away. After the billions of Brood X cicadas finally begin to emerge, which will be any day now, it will be another 5 days or so until the males start singing to attract mates. And when they begin vibrating their tymbals rigid, drum-like membranes on the male insects abdomen - they will be delivering a noise level of 85 to 90 decibels and even more. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, that 90-decibel level ranks at the low end of very loud dangerous to hearing with prolonged exposure range, shared with gas mowers and passing motorcycles. Earplugs or earmuffs are recommended for prolonged exposure. For comparison, moving up into the extremely loud dangerous to hearing range are hairdryers, blenders and food processors at 94 decibels, tractors at 100 decibels, gas leaf blowers and snow blowers at 106 decibels, and rock concerts and chainsaws at 112 decibels. In the next higher level painful steady noise not safe for any period of time are jet plane takeoff, siren and pneumatic drill at 120 decibels and a jackhammer at 130 decibels. Above that is the painful impulse noise not safe for any period of time range, which includes firearms at 140 decibels, and fireworks at 3 feet, a firecracker and a shotgun at 150 decibels. Moving down from the cicada 90-decibel level, in the moderate safe listening for any time period range are group conversation, vacuum cleaner and alarm clock at 70 decibels, typical conversation, dishwasher and clothes dryer at 60 decibels, moderate rainfall at 50 decibels, and a quiet room at 40 decibels. A whisper, at the faint safe listening level, comes in at 30 decibels. 28 Cicadas: Brood X emergence in 2021 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss and recommends limiting unprotected exposure to 100 decibels to 15 minutes. Typical responses after routine or repeated exposure to following decibel levels are as follows, according to the CDC: 0-60, typically dont cause hearing damage 70, feeling of annoyance by the noise 80-85, damage to hearing possible after 2 hours of exposure 95, damage to hearing possible after 50 minutes of exposure 100, hearing loss possible after 15 minutes 105-110, hearing loss possible after 5 minutes 110, hearing loss possible in less than 2 minutes 120 and above, pain and ear injury If you have some ringing or some fullness in your ears after exposure to noise, that indicates there has been some damage, according to Jill McClelland, supervising audiologist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She noted that patients visiting doctors with ringing in their ears often describe it as cicadas, not because their condition was caused by cicadas but because its the sound they are hearing. Long-term exposure could result in permanent hearing loss while short-term exposure could result in temporary hearing loss. The potential damage done by loud noises begins to drop sharply as the distance between your ears and the source of noise moves beyond 8 feet. Similarly, the walls, windows and doors of a building will create a dampening barrier against any outdoor noise. While not overly concerned and stressed about the cicadas, McClelland views the insects noted for their loud noise as an opportunity to inform the public about hearing loss. Any noise that would cause you to raise your voice [in a normal conversation] over a long period of time is too loud, she explained. There are many apps to test hearing and hearing loss available for smartphones. McClelland recommends the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology for recommendations on the best apps, such as one offered by the World Health Organization. In addition to health concerns, the cicadas will be in violation of some municipal noise ordinances. Many municipalities dont set specific decibel restrictions in their noise ordinances. But among those that do, Carlisle limits levels to 65 decibels in residential areas from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 55 decibels from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., and 80 and 75 decibels respectively in industrial areas. East Manchester Township in York County has an allowable noise level of 69 decibels from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. According to University of Florida Book of Insect Records, the African cicada (Brevisana brevis) sings at 106.7 decibels, while 2 species of annual cicadas in North America (Tibicen walkeri Metcalf and T. resh) produce alarm calls maxing out at 105.9. For more outdoor coverage, subscribe to Marcus Schnecks free, weekly Outdoor Pennsylvania newsletter right here: Enter email: You also can contact Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. The International Space Station is expected to offer two great, early morning, naked-eye viewing opportunities as it passes over central Pennsylvania this week. The ISS is expected to appear in our sky at 4:42 a.m. Friday, May 14, about the width of a fist at the end of an outstretched arm (10 degrees) above the northwest horizon. Over the next 7 minutes it will move toward the southeast, rising to a maximum height of 82 degrees before disappearing at 10 degrees above southeast. It will appear again at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, May 15, about 10 degrees above the northwest horizon, moving to the southeast and rising to 49 degrees over the next 7 minutes before disappearing at 10 degrees about east-southeast; at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, May 15, about 10 degrees above west-southwest and rising to 45 degrees over 6 minutes before disappearing at 10 degrees above northeast; and at 9:27 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at 10 degrees above west-southwest and rising to 74 degrees over 7 minutes before disappearing at 10 degrees above northeast. NASA explains, The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is 90 degrees. If you hold your fist at arms length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees. Each additional fist-width above the horizon is roughly another 10 degrees of elevation. NASA doesnt issue one of its Spot the Station alerts for anything less than 40 degrees, and the space station is not expected to meet or top that point again this week. According to NASA, the space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesnt have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour). Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. A man broke into a Milwaukee, Wis. bakery back in April, getting away scot-free with stealing some equipment and dough of the financial kind. So, in order to help police catch him, the bakerys owners decided to print an image of the thiefs face that they pulled from security footage on a special batch of cookies. Metro reports that Canfora Bakery owners, Karen and Eric Krieg, printed the security camera image in frosting on a number of sugar cookies in the hopes that someone in the area would recognize the perp. The couple shared the cookies and the story on Facebook, inspiring those who learned of their intent to share the post all over the social media platform. We invite the Bay View community to come on in and take a bite out of the thief while supplies last, quips the post. As eager cookie-lovers did, indeed, take a bite out of those cookies, justice ended up taking a bite out of the thief. KFOR confirms that the man was caught almost immediately after the cookies were baked, although the Milwaukee Police Department announced on Sunday that an arrest has yet to be made. And that is how the crime cookie crumbles. A pastor from Pennsylvania was devastated when one of his beloved pooches passed away at seven years old. In order to honor his beloved companion, the Allentown man decided to send the dog off in proper fashion by hosting an incredibly lavish funeral. Inside Edition reports that the pastor, Tim Bellville Jr., announced his pug Dexters passing on Facebook last month. Bellville published an obituary detailing how Dexter was in life, explaining how the pooch had been with the family since he was nine months old. He loved to sing along to YouTube videos, no matter what it was, he would always sniff before he would eat it, he loved to play with blue toys more than any other color, reads the obituary. He would spend his days with me in the office, sitting on my desk chair, often times looking over my shoulder at whatever was happening on the screen. So, in order to let Dexter know how much he would continue to be loved even after life, Bellville hosted a funeral that included an open casket with a painting of the dog hanging over it; a book for guests to sign in; and a blue toy for Dexters head to rest on. The photos Bellville published of the funeral even ending up going viral on Facebook, accumulating over 5,100 likes and 85,000 shares as of the writing of this article. Dexter leaves so many behind to honor his memory, continues the obituary. [His] blood brother Mason Bellville (here at home), his girl Daisy (at home), his favorite human after me, Devin, the loving current and former staff members of the funeral home, a host of community friends, and a Facebook fan club of over 800! Rest in peace, good boy. By Kristina Davis, The San Diego Union-Tribune, (TNS) SAN DIEGO An Australian destroyer pulled into San Diego Bay Saturday with an unexpected cargo: two dead fin whales lodged against the ships hull. And their size is no trivial matter. The largest carcass belonged to a female adult measuring 65 feet long, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The other was much smaller at 25 feet long, likely a calf. The whales were discovered as the ship, HMAS Sydney, berthed at Naval Base San Diego, the Australian Royal Navy said in a statement. Experts say the physics of the situation are somewhat common even if the presence of more than one whale makes this scenario rare. Large vessels frequently strike fin whales inadvertently and unknowingly, and the dead whale remains wrapped around the bow, held in place by pressure as the boat moves forward. Often times, (mariners) dont know until they come in and stop, said Justin Viezbicke, coordinator of NOAAs California Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Thats when the whale falls off and floats out. Thats apparently what happened Saturday, although the Australian Navy released few details Wednesday. The Sydney, a Hobart-class guided missile destroyer, has been in Southern California-area waters since April conducting joint exercises with the U.S. Navy. At 481 feet long, the ship is slightly smaller than the U.S. Navys Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. It is the ships first deployment after being commissioned last May. Specifically, the Sydney is conducting Combat System Sea Qualification Trials on its Aegis Weapons System, which will allow the ship to integrate with allied forces in future missions, according to a news release from the U.S. 3rd Fleet. It is unknown where the ship may have struck the whales. The U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy are cooperating with the NOAA Fisheries and other agencies to review the incident, Australias Department of Defence said in a statement. The Navy takes marine mammal safety seriously and is disheartened this incident occurred. Navy crews at the base tied the carcasses to a dock against booms to prevent the whales from drifting into the harbors traffic lanes. NOAA scientists took skin and blubber samples, which will be analyzed at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla. The tests will be able to confirm if the whales are mother and calf or unrelated. The gender of the calf will also be revealed. The larger whale was then towed out to sea by a large boat, while the smaller whale was supposed to be hauled to Miramar Landfill sometime Wednesday, Viezbicke said. The calf appeared to sustain significant damage, he said, and there were fears the carcass may not hold together during a tow at sea. More: Are those whales hugging? Drone video seems to show endangered pair embracing Penguin escapes killer whales by leaping onto boat full of tourists Endangered baby right whale found dead on Florida beach WASHINGTON The former acting U.S. defense chief and former acting attorney general during Donald Trumps last weeks in office defended their responses to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol under sharp questions from Democrats on intelligence failures and delays. The federal government was unprepared for this insurrection even though it was planned in plain sight on social media, House Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney said Wednesday at the panels hearing on the insurrection and the events leading up to it. The New York Democrat said the federal government failed to coordinate a timely response, and complained it took hours for National Guard troops to show up. Why did the Defense Department wait until after 5 oclock 5 p.m. before sending the National Guard to the Capitol? Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said he was concerned that a preemptive deployment of military forces would stoke conspiracy theories about a military coup and that the Defense Department moved as quickly as possible. He suggested politics played a role in the criticism of the response. Those of you with military experience or who understand the nature of military deployments will recognize how rapid our response was, Miller, who spent more than two decades in the Army Special Forces, said, adding that it took time to prepare the troops and plan ahead of their 5:22 p.m. arrival at the Capitol. I stand by every decision I made on January 6th, he said. Miller said he did not speak to Trump that day and that he already had all the authority he needed from the president. I think that the lack of direct communication from President Trump speaks volumes, Maloney said. When his supporters attacked the Capitol, the president was nowhere to be found, leaving it to others to scramble to respond. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., listens as former acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller testifies during the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on" The Capitol Insurrection: Unexplained Delays and Unanswered Questions" on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Bill Clark/Pool/Abaca Press/TNS)TNS Miller said he spoke to then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was at the Capitol when the mob of Trump supporters broke in. But he said Pence is not in the chain of command, and that he had already ordered the National Guard to prepare to deploy. Miller also told the panel that irresponsible speculation about a coup increased his concerns ahead of Jan. 6 regarding the appropriate and limited use of the military in domestic matters. Miller said he didnt believe it was in the best interests of citizens or armed forces personnel for the military to play a major role in organizing a domestic law enforcement response on the day Congress was certifying the results of the presidential election, which Trump falsely claimed had been stolen from him. He cited in his prepared remarks the reaction to the use of troops during protests near the White House in June, which triggered fears that Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act to politicize the military in an anti-democratic manner. Miller was testifying at the hearing with former Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen in the latest in a series of congressional inquiries into why law enforcement and intelligence officials didnt anticipate violence from the mob of Trump supporters and the security failures that allowed it to overrun the Capitol. Earlier hearings have cast a spotlight on the Pentagon response, including a March 3 Senate hearing in which the commander of the District of Columbia National Guard said it took more than three hours for senior military leaders to approve a request to send troops to the Capitol on Jan. 6, despite a frantic plea from the Capitol Police chief for immediate emergency assistance. In his prepared remarks, Rosen said he believes the Department of Justice had reasonably prepared for the contingencies before Jan. 6, understanding that there was considerable uncertainty as to how many people would arrive, who those people would be, and precisely what purposes they would pursue. Unlike the police, DOJ had no frontline role with respect to crowd control. The FBI, ATF, DEA, and U.S. attorneys offices, as investigative and prosecuting agencies, are generally not equipped for crowd control, according to the prepared remarks. Rosen also said in his prepared remarks that the department has tried to ensure that those responsible for the attack would face the full consequences of their actions under the law. Republicans at the hearing accused Democrats of having politicized investigations into the riot. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) speaks with Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) as ranking member James Comer (R-KY) talks with Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) during a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing titled The Capitol Insurrection: Unexplained Delays and Unanswered Questions, regarding the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, on Capitol Hill on May 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Abaca Press/TNS)TNS Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the ranking Republican on the panel, said Democrats had rejected his proposal for a bipartisan commission and to investigate unrelated riots in the summer of 2020. GOP Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia accused Democrats and media of creating a false narrative that Trump provoked the insurrection. Miller, in his prepared remarks, said Trumps remarks encouraged the crowd to head to the Capitol, but he told the committee he did not think that it was the unitary reason for the riot. ___ Steven T. Dennis and Billy House of Bloomberg News wrote this story. For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC On Sunday, May 12, 1985, police began going around a West Philadelphia neighborhood and telling residents to evacuate within 12 hours. Police erected barricades around a four-block area and established a command post. At midnight, police went door to door, asking residents still in their homes to evacuate quickly. At 12:15 a.m. Monday, a radical group known as MOVE warned police using its public-address system. The message was, Youre going to see something youve never seen before. At 5:27 p.m. on May 13 police dropped a percussion bomb on the MOVE rowhouse on Osage Avenue that left six adults and five children dead and 60 homes destroyed. What happened that night actually started years before. The origins, according to a United Press International story published on May 14, 1985, traces its origins to the waning days of the 1960s counter-culture era. MOVE was founded in 1972 by Vincent Leaphart, a Black third-grade dropout, and Donald Glassey, a white college teacher with a masters degree in social work. In 1973, the pair moved into a twin, Victorian home in Philadelphias Powelton Village section, near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. They began to write a book containing the beliefs of Leaphart, who had changed his name to John Africa. Early on, the group was known as the Community Action Movement but the name was later shortened to MOVE. The group was, and still is, predominantly Black. All its members use the surname Africa. Under John Africas direction, MOVE espoused a back-to-nature philosophy, eschewing modern convenience such as electricity. It opposed the killing of any animals, including the rats seen scurrying around the run-down house in Powelton Village, situated about three miles from the scene of yesterdays action in West Philadelphia. MOVE members refused to use soap or to cut their hair, worn in a braided style known as dreadlocks. Believing that food should be recycled into the earth, they routinely threw garbage on the ground around the house. Neighbors began complaining about the health hazards posed by MOVEs lifestyle. In the late 1970s, according to the report, MOVE had run-ins with city officials and the police including a nine-hour confrontation in May 1977. Eleven MOVE members were charged with weapons offenses as a result. In March 1978, police, in a tactic approved by the state Supreme Court, sealed off a four-block area around the house and prevented the group from obtaining food and water. The blockade was designed to force the 11 to surrender. The 50-day siege ended on May 3, 1978, when MOVE members agreed to lay down their arms and surrender. But, as time passed, they refused to adhere to the agreement. A judge ordered the arrest of 21 of them on contempt charges. On the morning of Aug. 8, 1978, several hundred police and firefighters converged on the house to enforce the judges order. Gunshots erupted from the house and Officer James Ramp, 52, was shot to death. Police returned fire. Before the shooting ended, four other officers, four firefighters and one MOVE member were wounded. The same day, the city bulldozed the MOVE house. We demonstrated patience and tolerance for their abuses against our community for and beyond what civilized people have a right to expect, said then-Mayor Frank Rizzo. There is no question that MOVE fired the first shot. On Dec. 10, 1979, nine MOVE members went on trial in Ramps death. They were convicted five months later and sentenced to serve 30 to 300 days in jail. Three police officers were acquitted of charges they beat a MOVE member, Delbert Orr Africa, after the shoot-out. On May 13, 1981, after three years of being a fugitive, John Africa was arrested on federal charges of bomb making and rioting in Rochester, N.Y. He was later acquitted. MOVE members began moving into their present home in 1981. On May 14, 1985, United Press International reported, A police helicopter dropped a percussion bomb on a filthy inner-city row house yesterday to flush out members of the radical group MOVE, injuring two occupants and engulfing as many as 16 buildings in flames, authorities said. The news source reported that that the MOVE house burst into flames, its roof collapsed and thick brown smoke billowed out of the building and five adjoining houses. The report said the MOVE house was filthy and rat-infested. After the bomb was dropped, UPI reported that it was more than a hour before firefighters began using their hoses on the flames. Mayor W. Wilson Goode, when asked why police would drop a bomb when they knew children were in the house, said, Theres no way you could avoid it. I dont believe there is any way to extradite them without an armed confrontation. Goode previously had said that he was convinced MOVE wanted a violent confrontation and was not interested in negotiations. Whenever you are engaged in a difficult attack of this kind, you always have the worst case scenario. What you see here is the worst that could happen loss of property. I said last week [it was] a very explosive situation. A report issued in 1986 determined police used grossly negligent tactics and committed an unconscionable act by dropping a bomb on an occupied row house. MOVE survivors later sued the city and police and in 1996 were awarded a $1.5 million settlement. Philadelphia earned the reputation as the city that bombed itself. READ MORE PHILADELPHIA Nearly half of Philadelphias fire and police workers are unvaccinated despite being eligible to receive the shot for months, according to unions representing both groups. Philadelphia Firefighters Local 22, which represents about 2,800 firefighters and EMTs, reported 51% of its members have been vaccinated. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five reported 3,562 members have been vaccinated, more than half the force. The union did not offer any demographic breakdowns of that number and was not able to distinguish between officers and civilian employees. Both the Philadelphia Fire Department and Police Department declined to confirm vaccination rates among employees or rates of COVID-19 infections. Our members are people, theyre human beings, they have the same kind of concerns that everybody has, said Adam Thiel, the citys fire commissioner and director of emergency management. That said, were hoping that more and more folks, not just in the Fire Department but in the entire city, take advantage of these safe and effective vaccines. Thiel noted firefighters wore protective gear when interacting with the public, including masks, that should prevent them from posing a risk to others even if they had not been vaccinated. The Police Department did not respond to questions about vaccination outreach, concerns about officer safety, or the risks unvaccinated officers could pose to the public. Vaccination rates among public safety workers are only slightly above the citys overall vaccination rate, about 47%, even though police and firefighters had more time during which they were eligible for vaccination than many Philadelphians. The numbers of unvaccinated people put unions and department administrators in a difficult position, balancing the safety of personnel, and the possibility of them risking others safety, with the need to respect personal choice. Its totally up to you and were not forcing you to get it, said Mike Neilon, a spokesperson for the FOP. For your added security, from a health standpoint, you should get it. Police, whose job requires close interaction with the public and coworkers, experienced significant exposure to the virus through the pandemic. In December, The Inquirer reported about half the department had been infected with COVID-19, which provides protection against the virus but not as robust as vaccination. As of December, four officers had died of the virus. The union did not have more current numbers on infections or deaths, Neilon said. In Philadelphia, first responders including police and firefighters were in phase 1B, meaning they became eligible to receive the vaccine in January. EMTs and paramedics were eligible earlier and they have largely accepted the vaccine, said Chuck McQuilkin, the firefighters unions vice president, which represents those workers too. Anybody at this point whos not vaccinated for some reason doesnt want to be vaccinated or is waiting to be vaccinated, said McQuilkin. Philadelphia officials should consider mandating vaccination for public workers, said Carolyn Cannuscio, director of research at the Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, especially those like police, firefighters, and EMTs who interact frequently with one another or with the public. She said first responders are standard-bearers for the community. In their day-to-day work, they do valiant things to protect human lives, she said. This is one potent, powerful protective force that our first responders and law enforcement officials should take to protect the communities they all signed up to protect. Another large government agency in the city, SEPTA, has employed an aggressive outreach campaign to encourage vaccination among its workers, offering a $100 incentive to fully vaccinated employees, spokesperson Andrew Busch said. Yet it is seeing a vaccination rate similar to the police and fire forces. He said about a third of SEPTAs 9,000 employees have received the incentive, a figure that includes 39 SEPTA police officers out of about 230. The agency believes the actual number of employees vaccinated is significantly higher, Busch said, likely closer to at least half of the SEPTA workforce. He said the agency gets from 100 to 300 new forms for the $100 incentive submitted each week. Neilon said he didnt know why officers chose not to get doses. McQuilkin said he thought messaging around the vaccines played a role. Two firefighters have died of COVID-19, he said, and his members largely dont deny the virus seriousness or the vaccines efficacy. Rather, he said, public health messaging has led to a lack of urgency among firefighters. Theyre confusing people to the point where, whats the point? he said. Why should I get vaccinated if I still have to live the same way Im living now? He would like public health experts to emphasize that in the vast majority of people, the vaccines not only stop infection and serious illness but also prevent transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that a vaccinated person is less likely to transmit the virus even when carrying it, but that studies are ongoing. An April article from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was more assertive, saying evidence increasingly pointed to the conclusion that vaccinated individuals are not able to spread the virus. McQuilkin has tried not to be pushy with unvaccinated members and has emphasized the simple comforts vaccination could bring to the firehouse. Just one person unvaccinated in a firehouse requires everyone else there on overnight shifts, up to nine people, to stay masked. If that meant us being able to go in the firehouse without having a mask on, just to bring life back to normal somewhat, he said, I would encourage it at least for that. Firefighters who havent gotten doses are putting themselves at risk in the field, too, he noted. In mid-April, the city partnered with CVS Health and Jefferson Health to operate vaccination clinics specifically for city workers, including first responders and sanitation workers. Both the Fire and Police Departments also hosted vaccination clinics, the unions said. McQuilkin emphasized he did not blame the departments administration for the low vaccination rates, saying it made doses available and communicated the importance of getting vaccinated. The countrys slowing vaccination rate has raised questions about whether employers could require workers to take the shots. But Mayor Jim Kenney in a news conference Tuesday said, We cant force people to accept the vaccine. We encourage people every day, whether theyre our employees or everyday citizens, he said. Were hoping that as many people in the public get vaccinated so the issue will become moot at some point in time. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health does not track how many city employees have been vaccinated, a spokesperson said, though the city does ask staff to report vaccinations voluntarily. It is unclear whether employers can legally mandate vaccinations as long as the three vaccine brands available in the United States are permitted through an emergency-use authorization designation from the Food and Drug Administration, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. There are a few health-care employers that have mandated it, KFF reported, and one is being sued. There are mandates, though, for vaccines that the FDA has fully approved, a step that is expected for COVID-19 vaccines soon. Vaccination rates for Pennsylvania State Police, whose troopers patrol some 85% of the state, are not publicly available, as the agency would not release the data. A spokesperson, Cpl. Brent Miller, said in a statement that State Police conducted an optional, all-staff survey in April to gauge vaccine availability and participation, but he did not respond to follow-up questions from The Inquirer about the results of the survey. He said vaccination is not mandatory. Law enforcement officers became eligible for the vaccine statewide on March 31, weeks after the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the union that represents 4,300 troopers, called on Gov. Tom Wolf to prioritize vaccinating State Police. The group said at the time that more than 700 troopers had been infected and an outbreak could cripple our department. The association hasnt tracked how many of its members have received the vaccine, the group said in a statement. Penns Cannuscio said police brass should, if they havent already, roll up their sleeves and receive shots during a vaccination clinic or event at a police station. She said standard-setting from the top is a powerful tool to improve vaccination rates within organizations, especially those that have clear hierarchies like police departments. The chief of police, captains, people in leadership are so highly respected, and they set the tone, she said. Its incumbent upon all leaders to establish what they see as the strongest possible community norms for prevention. ____ Jason Laughlin and Anna Orso of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote this story. Staff writer Laura McCrystal contributed to this article. ___ 2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. BALTIMORE The old bromide says theres no such thing as bad publicity, and lawyer Barry Glazer believes it. For years hes attracted attention with his in-your-face ads and colorful personal style, with a slogan delivered in his Baltimore accent: Dont urinate on my leg and tell me its raining. So it was chiefly publicity he was thinking of when he made the decision to purchase Princess Dianas bicycle last month at an internet auction. Glazer, who didnt own a bicycle of his own until he was 12, says it was chiefly the name of the item that caught his attention bicycle machine. When he realized it had been owned by Princess Diana, he decided to bid. Im an attorney and I have to promote myself, he said. If I can stir up interest and ruffle some feathers and make a point thats an ideal promotion. Glazers final bid was over $80,000, plus an additional $4,500 for shipping to Baltimore. I dont think its a bad investment, he said. I know it sounds like a lot of money. So far, the purchase has gotten him attention on a different continent. Glazer said hes making waves in the U.K. after stories ran in The Sunday Times and The Daily Mail, where the headline said, Royal-hating US lawyer pays $80K for Dianas old bicycle to display in a museum and warn people of the racist system that royalty is based on. Glazer said the late princess of Wales owned the bike before she married Prince Charles but was told to stop riding it because of the image it projected of the royal family. They consider riding a bike as something only common people would do, Glazer said. Coincidentally, Glazer said, Diana rode the bike in the Pimlico neighborhood where she lived. Glazer also grew up in Pimlico in Baltimore. Once it arrives in Baltimore, Glazer said he plans to display the bike not in a museum, as The Daily Mail reported, but in his Federal Hill offices. He believes the historic building was part of the Underground Railroad. Hell use the bike as a comment on what he sees as the inherent racism of the royal system, based on hereditary principle. The royal system is racial, said, Glazer, who is married to a Black woman and has children with her. That alone is what offends me.. I think thats the basis for racism. ____ Christina Tkacik of The Baltimore Sun wrote this story. 2021 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A brutal serial rapist who treated his victims as sex slaves and ordered them to call him master will keep serving a 78-year to life prison term after a state appeals court Thursday denied his appeal. Seth Mull, 33, had no luck convincing the Superior Court panel that he should have been tried separately in each of four cases where he was accused of raping the women and sometimes binding them and forcing them to have sex with other men as well. After a single trial in December 2018, a Northampton County jury convicted Mull of offenses including rape of three of the victims and human trafficking. He was acquitted of raping his fourth accuser but convicted of committing other sex crimes against her and assaulting her. The attacks occurred at hotels in Northampton County and Philadelphia and in one case at Mulls apartment in September and October of 2017. The victims, who ranged from 19 to 25 years old, testified that Mull held them captive, beat and strangled them, forced them to take drugs and threatened to kill their families. One of the victims testified that she met Mull through Plenty of Fish, an internet dating site, Judge Carolyn Nichols wrote in the state court opinion denying Mulls appeal. Nichols rejected Mulls argument that he didnt receive justice because he should have been tried on the accusations of each accuser separately. Mull insisted on appeal that there were numerous differences in the cases other than the common thread of forced sex and drug use. He argued those supposed differences countered prosecutors claims that he had a specific scheme for sexually abusing multiple women. Trying all the cases together prejudiced the jury against him based on the sum total of the testimony of his four accusers, Mull contended. Nichols found that trying all the cases together was justified because the testimony of each (victim) evidenced (Mulls) extreme domineering over them and disregard of their wishes to either not consume drugs or engage in sexual activity. Mull used violence to restrain and compel them when he became dissatisfied and during his sexual abuse of them, Nichols wrote. This pattern of behavior occurred within a relatively short timeAll four complainants were of the same race and similar ages. Taken as a whole, there was a sufficient basis to establish a common plan, design, or scheme. Last week, Mull was convicted, again in Northampton County, in a separate case in which authorities said he used an electronic tablet to commit more sex crimes while in the county prison awaiting his trial on the rape cases. Investigators said Mull used the tablet, which he rented from the prison, to arrange for a 27-year-old woman to commit prostitution. Mull, who wont be eligible for parole until he is 103, is awaiting sentencing on his latest conviction. WILLIAMSPORT A Penn State professor disciplined after colleagues complained about his op-ed piece in the student newspaper has sued the university, accusing it of discrimination. Errol A. Henderson, who is Black, contends in a suit filed Wednesday in U.S. Middle District Court his race and complaints of discrimination and a hostile work environment were the motivating and/or determinative factor in the actions taken against him. The focus of the complaints against him was the January 2019 publication in The Daily Collegian of the op-ed entitled Being Black at Penn State. In it, Henderson traced the contours of what he viewed as systemic racism at Penn State and his own battles with discrimination within the political science department. He implored the university to take issues of racial bias seriously, recommended additional oversight and intervention by the administration, and suggested changes to combat racism on campus. A few weeks later he says he learned from Suzanne Adair, associate vice president of affirmative action, that certain white colleagues complained the op-ed had created a hostile work environment for them. In May 2019, Henderson was found to have violated the universitys policy dealing with discrimination, harassment and related inappropriate conduct. As discipline, according to the suit, he was denied promotion to full professor, banned from teaching during the 2019-20 academic year, stripped of department committee memberships until June 2021 and banned from attending department meetings. He has been an associate professor in the political science department since 2002. The Army veterans teaching focus is on world politics, the analysis of war and Africana/Black studies. Henderson points out in the suit the letter President Eric J. Barron wrote to the Penn State community in June 2020 in the wake of the death of George Floyd largely echoed what he had been advocating for years related to hate at the university. Instead of supporting his views that now are being championed by the institution, Penn State disciplined him, convicted him of creating a racially hostile work environment and effectively placed him on the bench for two years and stifled his ability to move into a leadership position , the document claims. The suit cites examples of concerns he expressed as early as 2010 about diversity, inclusion and discrimination and his later criticism over the universitys failure to recruit Black students and faculty members. Complaints about a racially hostile climate within the political science department were ignored or dismissed, despite making Barron aware of them both in writing and at a meeting, Henderson says. The suit describes his unsuccessful efforts to be promoted to a full professor after he received positive reviews for his book African Realism? International Relations Theory and Africas Wars in the Postcolonial Era, published in 2015. Henderson is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for irreparable injury. Punitive damages are warranted because of the outrageous conduct taken against him, he says. More than 13,000 have signed an online petition calling on Penn State to revoke the conviction and conduct an independent investigation into his charges and disciplinary action taken against Black students at the university. Penn State does not generally comment on pending litigation, spokesperson Lisa M.Powers said Wednesday night. ALSO READ: Man charged with killing ex-wife, her date to face prosecution solely in Snyder County A gunman opened fire on a crowd at a memorial for a shooting victim in Philadelphia Wednesday, killing a 20-year-old man and injuring three others. About eight to 10 people were at the memorial on 55th and Kingsessing streets around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday when the shooting occurred, NBC 10 is reporting. Thats when police say a gunman approached and opened fire on the group, some of whom were painting a mural on the side of a corner store, Action News 6 ABC is reporting. Reports indicate one of the men in the group pulled out a gun and returned fire at the fleeing gunman, but no guns were found at the scene. The 20-year-old was shot 11 times and was pronounced dead at the hospital about 20 minutes later, reports indicate. A 29-year-old man was shot five times and is in critical condition, according to reports. A 23-year-old was shot three times and 19-year-old was shot once, and both are in stable condition, according to reports. No arrests have been made. Police say surveillance videos caught the shooting. You can clearly see the shooter walk up to the crowd of individuals, all males, standing at the corner...and from very close range, start firing multiple shots, Philadelphia police Chief Inspector Scott Small told 6 ABC. At least 25 shots were fired from at least two weapons, according to reports. The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will have a new leader for the first time in two decades. Ryan C. Unger, president and CEO of the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, will become president and CEO of the chamber on July 1 replacing longtime leader, David Black. The combination of Ryans passion for the region, and his background in government advocacy, economic development, and community organizations, is a perfect match to lead the Chamber & CREDC, Meron Yemane, chamber board chair and member of the search committee said in a press release. We are grateful to Dave for his 20 years of faithful stewardship and service to our community. We are confident that Ryan will build on the momentum of Daves leadership and further advance the Chamber & CREDC as a catalyst for job creation, policy change and economic growth that not only enhances the quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, but also makes our region inclusive and equitable for all. The search committee began a national search for a new leader at the start of the year with the assistance of Jorgenson Consulting, an executive search firm. The nationwide search generated 125 applications from across the country. Chambers are key connectors in our communities, and Im excited to step into this role at a time when connection is vitally important, Unger said. Im grateful to the business community for trusting me to lead this incredible organization, and I look forward to working with our inspiring members and board to continue building an organization where people feel comfortable coming to create meaningful change and tackle challenges. Well work to make sure everyone in our region is proud to call this home. Unger joined Team Pennsylvania in May 2011 as director of policy and programs, and was appointed president and CEO in December 2015. The chamber cited the success of a public-private partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that was formed to support the commonwealths agricultural economic development efforts as one of the projects that took place during Ungers time at Team Pennsylvania. The partnership produced a first-of-its-kind economic impact analysis that highlighted the agriculture industrys $135 billion impact on Pennsylvanias economy, the chamber said. This work helped secure over $30 million in public investment included in the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which made Pennsylvania the first state in the nation with a bill dedicated to growth in agriculture. In his roles at Team Pennsylvania, Unger also assisted with the development of policy and state-level strategy documents and reports on topic ranging from Marcellus Shale development to manufacturing. Additionally, he led Team Pennsylvania in partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to publish research and a roadmap on Leveraging Petrochemical Opportunities in Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Team Pennsylvania, Unger worked in regional economic and community development at SEDA-Council of Governments based in Lewisburg and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce based in Shamokin Dam. Unger currently serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association and the board of advisors for Harrisburg Young Professionals. Unger graduated from Elizabethtown College and is currently president of its alumni association. Harrisburg Young Professionals held a mentoring event defined by the concept of 6 Degrees of Separation at the Hilton Harrisburg, April 10, 2019. David Black of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC mentors during the event. Black will retire from the chamber at the end of June, 2021. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLiveVicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive Black, the chambers current leader, joined the Chamber & CREDC in 2001. On behalf of CREDC (immediate past) Chair Ben Dunlap and myself, I want to thank Dave for his steady hand as steward of the ship, Tom Sposito, the chambers immediate past chair said in an announcement last year. Dave was likely challenged more in 2020 than in any other year during his tenure. Over his nearly two decades of service, Dave has helped to guide and grow the Chamber and CREDC as the go-to organization serving our business community and the region as a whole. Black will retire from the chamber at the end of next month. Every great region has a great organization, and the Chamber & CREDC has been this regions great organization since 1884, Black said. It has been my pleasure to serve for nearly 20 years. My goals have always included making a difference. Together with great volunteers, staff, supportive members and donors, this organization has done just that. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like him on Facebook. Debate season in the Harrisburg mayors race came to a close Wednesday night with a final virtual forum between the top-tier candidates in the Democratic primary. Heres a look at the highlights of the four participants pitches. Otto Banks. The former city council member and deputy assistant secretary in George W. Bushs Department of Housing & Urban Development lobbed an interesting new proposal on the table, saying that if elected he would proposed selling the current City Government Center building on 2nd Street and moving the citys offices to the site of the National Civil War Museum in Reservoir Park. I believe city offices should be in the Civil War Museum, and that could serve as the anchor to develop that area of Allison Hill, Banks said. Because of the nature of the virtual debate, there was no immediate follow-up to Banks pitch, which comes in the context of his campaign to spread economic development through all parts of the city. The museum currently occupies its building through a long-term lease with the city, which owns the site. The museums board is also gradually buying its collection of Civil War artifacts from the city, which is using the proceeds from those sales to finance a major set of renovations to the surrounding Reservoir Park. Incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse, earlier in the debate, noted that arrangement is seeing the construction this year of a new Chutes and Ladders playground at the park, and will eventually lead to the development of the first city-maintained dog park in another section of the property. Gene Barr, a member of the museums board of directors, said he had not heard of Banks proposal before Wednesday, and added that the museum - which is trying to prepare for a full rebound from diminished tourism and visitation through the pandemic - is focused on making a full rebound this year. Banks also pitched his plan to launch a top-to-bottom audit of city operations if elected. Audit is important for us to have a deeper understanding of our core functions of government and how were applying resources to those functions, Banks said. By doing this audit, well be able to determine if there are ways that we can institute cost savings and better utilize the resources that we have at our disposal when it comes to strategically targeting them in areas that have historically been forgotten. Banks said his long experience in local, state and federal government would work to Harrisburgs advantage. Eric Papenfuse. Papenfuse, who is running for what he says would be his third and final term as mayor, stressed what he calls a record of success over the last seven years that has seen the city restored to enough fiscal health where it can - with the aid of an expected $48 million in federal pandemic relief - start to dream big again. Among the major initiatives that Papenfuse said have him motivated for the next four years is an ambitious guaranteed basic income program - funded with the federal dollars - that would see low-income households in the city receiving a monthly payment from the city for at least a two-year period in an effort to give those residents a chance to lift themselves out of poverty. The issue of generational poverty is real in Harrisburg. Its something that we have really a once in a lifetime opportunity to address with this windfall of funds coming from the Biden / Harris administration. It is a permissible use... Id like to see us have this conversation because I think it could make a real difference in improving peoples lives in our city. The income plan drew a sharp attack from Banks, who accused Papenfuse of a shameful election-year attempt to pander to voters of color whom he has largely ignored for eight years. For him to recently claim that he now believes that systemic poverty exists in our Black and brown communities.... and now believes that reparations are due is insensitive, insulting and the voters see right through it. Papenfuse said a top priority for 2022 would be funding a $150 million street repaving plan for the entire city. Its going to cost about $150 million dollars, which at one point seemed insurmountable, Papenfuse said. But now, with repaired credit, savings, money coming from D.C., is something that we could actually achieve. Papenfuse also several times during the debate reminded voters that unlike Banks and retired publishing executive Dave Schankweiler - both of whom flipped their party registrations from Republican to Democrat in 2019 - he would keep true progressive Democratic Party values in City Hall. Schankweiler said he makes no excuses for leaving the Republican Party after it seeing where it was headed under former President Donald Trump, and Banks said his relationships with Republicans would help the city if he is elected. Dave Schankweiler. Schankweiler, a longtime regional business and civic leader but a fairly recent transplant to Harrisburg - he moved into the city in 2017 - mostly stuck to his theme of bringing a competent, can-do spirit back to a city government that he said has chronically failed to deal with issues like crime and blighted properties. Schankweiler talked about striving for unity in city government by forming an advisory council with representation from each of 22 distinct city neighborhoods. And he talked about bringing results to long-suffering residents through a reorganization of City Hall into seven district teams - each assigned a public safety, codes, planning and public works staffer - to work directly with residents in their assigned neighborhoods to identify public goals for their areas. We need to re-engineer how city government operates and looks, Schankweiler said. Its time to become a more customer service-focused organization. More of a results-focused organization. And we need to look at changing the culture of City Hall to respond to respond to our residents and to tackle the issues weve identified like crime, trash and blight. Pointing to his successful record in business and as one of the founders of Harrisburg University, Schankweiler said he has the record of building relationships between strangers, friends and enemies that can get results. We need to repair in our city the relationship with the mayor and city council. With the mayors office and our county officials. With the mayors office and surrounding municipalities. And the mayors office and state agencies. Thats going to benefit us the most. Its all about strong relationships that move this city forward, Schankweiler said. Wanda Williams. Williams, the sitting city council president, argued Wednesday shes the one candidate in the race who - by dint of her lifelong residence in Harrisburg and 16 years on the council - has a genuine connection with the needs and desires of the constituents. I know the neighborhoods. I am always accessible to people... and I take action when residents reach out to me, immediately. I can be the mayor on Day One, Williams said. I do not need to learn the job. Speaking to the primary electorate, she dinged Papenfuse again for his failure to get behind the state Senate candidacy of Democrat George Scott last year, and she noted that she holds the endorsement of the citys party committee members in what was essentially a two-person race with the mayor. If elected mayor, Williams said, she would prioritize public safety and redevelopment of the citys infrastructure. Williams said she would use the $48 million in federal pandemic relief to help address the citys chronic sewer outflow issues, which sees raw sewage and untreated runoff from the citys sewerage system spilling into the Susquehanna River after periods of heavy rain. Our sewer system is so antiquated. We need to put a lot of money back into that so that our citizens of Harrisburg are not facing the entire financial burdens of the repairs required by the federal government. She also said that she would place a high priority on repaving Harrisburgs streets, and increasing funding for demolition of the citys hundreds of condemned buildings.. Inside City Hall, Williams said she would proposed bringing police dispatching back in-house from Dauphin County, focus on filling vacancies in the city complement and upgrading the citys information technology capabilities, all steps that she said would lead to better service for residents. Williams, at one point, revived the issue of an unsuccessful challenge to Banks residency, after Banks faulted her and Papenfuse for failing to fix decaying neighborhoods, crime and poverty. You have heard me say our education is broken. Our justice system is broken. And our local economy is broken. And the last thing this community needs is four more years of Mrs. Williams and Mr. Papenfuses broken promises, Banks said in his closing Wednesday night. Its time to turn the page, Harrisburg, if you truly want change. Williams replied, Mr. Banks, people who live in glass houses in Swatara Township should not throw stones. And you wouldnt know what the people of the city of Harrisburg need because you just came here. Papenfuse, meanwhile, trained his closing fire on Williams, who he said had once been a part of former Mayor Stephen R. Reeds team in City Hall. Weve brought the city back from the brink, Papenfuse said. We have resources. We cant squander them. Weve got to make sure we continue moving in the right direction. A fifth candidate on the Democratic primary ballot, Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center manager Kevyn Know, did not participate in Wednesdays debate, which was sponsored by the Midtown Action Council, Friends of Midtown and Whos Running for Office, a voter education project run by Young Professionals of Color, Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg and other non-partisan groups. The Democratic primary has often been decisive in Harrisburg in the current political era. There is, however, also one Republican Party candidate on the primary ballot, Timothy Rowbottom, a city resident whos blamed Papenfuses administration for quashing his plans to develop a parcel of land on South 18th Street in Allison Hill. The primary election is May 18. WILLIAMSPORT -- The president of the Pennsylvania College of Technology for nearly quarter of a century has announced plans to retire in June 2022. President Davie Jane Gilmour joined the faculty of the then Williamsport Area Community College in 1977 as an instructor and curriculum developer in the dental hygiene program. After a series of promotions and WACC becoming Penn College in 1989, she was named vice president for academic affairs in 1993 and three years later was given the additional duties as provost. She became president of the special mission affiliate of Penn State on May 4, 1998. A nationwide search will be conducted to find her successor, the college said. During her tenure, Penn College substantially increased its baccalaureate degree offerings and established its first graduate-level programs: a bachelor/master of science degree in physician assistant studies; and a master of science in nursing degree in nursing education. The colleges partnerships and support from business and industry have grown exponentially during her tenure, as have the number of employers visiting campus to recruit students. Along with her retirement, Gilmour announced plans for a legacy fundraising campaign that will be focused on scholarships, academics and affinity, and equipment and facilities. The three initiatives build upon the colleges history of meeting local and national technology education needs, she said. More than an institute of education, Gilmour said Penn College is the engine that powers the workforce of tomorrow as evidenced by its 98 percent graduate-placement rate. The college this year has 4,565 full- and part-time students and 291 full-time faculty members. Government and industry officials reiterated Wednesday that there is no gasoline shortage but that panic buying of gasoline has resulted in shortages at some gas stations on the East Coast, and officials are asking motorists to only buy as much gasoline as they need. This comes after a cyberattack last week on the Colonial Pipeline, the nations largest fuel pipeline caused it to shut down its operations on Friday. Hackers linked to Russia locked up computer systems and demanded a ransom to release them. Colonial restarted pipeline operations late Wednesday. But it will take several days for deliveries to return to normal, the company said. Were monitoring potential impacts from the Colonial Pipeline shutdown, but Pennsylvanians should know we are expecting minimal impact in our commonwealth, Gov. Tom Wolf said on Twitter Wednesday. The Associated Press reported that more than 1,000 gas stations are running out of fuel in the Southeast due to panic buying. There about 121,000 convenience stores in the country that sell gas, and these stores account for an estimated 80 percent of gas sold in this country, according to Jeff Lenard, vice president of industry advocacy the National Association of Convenience Stores. One of those convenience stores with a large presence in Pennsylvania is Wawa. Wawa said on Wednesday that its gasoline supply in stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey is adequate, but stores in Florida and Maryland are feeling the impact. At this point, some of our Florida and Maryland stores are beginning to experience interim outages that may require us to temporarily suspend fuel sales in some locations, the company said. And Wawa said that it most severe shortages are being felt in its Virginia stores. In an effort to maintain some level of supply and provide essential fuel supplies for first responders, we are temporarily suspending fuel operations in some of our stores across Virginia while we focus on maintaining supply in others, the company said. Supply status and fuel demand are changing by the hour. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said that the areas most affected by the pipeline closure North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Southern Virginia would likely experience a supply crunch but not a gasoline shortage, NBC News reported. Much as there was no cause for hoarding toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic, there should be no cause for hoarding gasoline especially in light of the fact that pipeline should be substantially operational by the end of the week and over the weekend, Granholm told reporters at the daily White House press briefing. Adam Sheetz, executive vice president of operations at Pennsylvania-based Sheetz, said it is experiencing temporary fuel outages at some locations. These shortages are not due to supply issues but are a result of extremely high demand causing stores to run out of fuel before the next scheduled delivery, he said. Adam Sheetz pointed out that the Colonial Pipeline does not supply fuel to Pennsylvania and because of that, it isnt causing any fuel supply disruptions. Supply disruptions in Pennsylvania will only occur due to panic buying, he said. Sheetz is delivering all grades of fuel regularly to all of our stores and are actively rerouting delivery trucks to locations experiencing the greatest need. Sheetz is not limiting purchases per customer and does not plan on putting limitations in place; however, we strongly encourage drivers to proceed as normal and avoid panic buying, which has a negative impact on residents across the state. The Giant Company, which has gas stations connected to many of its stores in the midstate, said that it is beginning to see some minor disruptions due to the Colonial Pipeline but said it is temporary and often just for one grade of fuel while other options remain. We encourage customers to buy only what they need to help ensure supply is available, the company said in a statement. Frank Macchiarola, senior vice president of policy, economics and regulatory affairs at the American Petroleum Institute, said Wednesday that the situation is being exacerbated by panic buying. In addition to the supply crunch that the system is experiencing were also seeing a spike in demand where the situation is now being exacerbated by panic buying and hoarding, he said We encourage consumers to avoid unnecessary buying and continue to make fuel purchases as they would under normal circumstances. Panic buying and fuel stockpiling has led to sharp increases in some regional markets putting added strain on the system. This is not a gasoline shortage, said Susan Grissom, chief industry analyst with American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. We have an abundance of fuel. American refineries are running. Were just working through the challenges of getting the fuel to each of the customers communities served by the Colonial (Pipeline) system. Doni Lee Spiegel, the public relations manager for AAA Central Penn, offeredthe following tips to motorists: Conserve fuel if you arent traveling and you have at least a half a tank of gas you should be fine. If you are traveling and you are down a fourth of a tank a gas, start looking for gas because some stations may be out of gasoline. And never take extra gas with you. That can be deadly. This is very temporary until we get everything up and running again, she said. Spiegel said that the average price for gasoline in the region is $3.10 and it is expected to go up, as typical as Memorial Day approaches. Spiegel said that the situation with Colonial Pipeline might increase the price of gasoline a little bit more as well, and thats why it is important that people dont buy more than they need. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like him on Facebook. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | May 13, 2021 A Pittsburgh man who attacked mounted police and a cop car with a stop sign during a riot over the death of George Floyd has pleaded guilty to charges such as aggravated assault on officers. Worries over gas prices in Pennsylvania and the rest of the East Coast continue after the Colonial Pipeline suffered from a ransomeware attack. One driver has filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike, claiming it has charged millions in unjustified fees for E-ZPass users. And a teenager in Perry County has formed an unlikely friendship with an emu. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. By Joseph Minott In early April, the operator of the Homer City Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in Indiana County, announced layoffs affecting 43 workers, over 16% of its workforce, the latest (but certainly not the last) consequence of the electric power market shifting away from coal. Over the past 25 years, we have now seen 18 coal plants in Pennsylvania either shut down or convert to fracked gas, with two more planning to switch fuels this decade. That will leave just four still operating, including Homer City. Even recently, electricity generated by coal continued to decline in Pennsylvania under the Trump administration, despite its vows and efforts to revive the industry. Those jobs are not coming back, and those communities have been left to fend for themselves. At the same time, those few remaining polluters are located in or near environmental justice communities, areas defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as any census tract where 20 percent or more individuals live at or below the federal poverty line, and/or 30 percent or more of the population identifies as a non-white minority. These communities are most likely to have to breathe the air and drink the water polluted by coal generation. That is why its of paramount importance that our elected officials do everything in their power to help both workers affected by ongoing job loss and communities overburdened by dirty pollution. To that end, Gov. Tom Wolf earlier this year announced a proposal that could provide a significant amount of support to dislocated workers and communities experiencing economic hardship from fossil plant closure as well as help communities that have borne the brunt of that pollution for too long. Called the Energy Communities Trust Fund, the program would target resources to help workers and communities in a way that coal companies and local governments cannot as these layoffs and closures continue. Specifically, through Pennsylvania participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nations oldest and most successful market-based program to cut carbon pollution, we could net a large investment from an anticipated half-billion dollars a year in carbon allowance proceeds. That is a significant amount of money that can be targeted directly toward communities that need it most. In a speech earlier this year, Gov. Wolf indicated these funds could be used in environmental justice communities to make investments in environmental cleanup, water and air quality improvements, and related economic development projects, all while reducing emissions from power plants. This kind of strategy isnt just the right thing to do, its what a majority of Pennsylvanians want. According to polling results recently released by the Clean Jobs for Pennsylvania coalition, a large majority - about 6 in 10 in Pennsylvanians - support a new Energy Communities Trust Fund to provide direct support for workers in communities that are affected by the transition toward cleaner energy and to improve and diversify local economies. The same poll also found that Pennsylvanians want to see their elected officials take decisive action to aggressively fight climate change: an overwhelming majority (73%) are concerned about the future negative impacts of climate change on their children and grandchildren, and 65 percent surveyed are concerned enough that they would support a state clean energy standard even if it increased their electric bills by less than $5 a month. Thankfully, those bill impacts are neither likely nor necessary under RGGI. In other RGGI states, electric bills have actually gone down for consumers because those states have used RGGI proceeds to invest in energy efficiency and weatherization. To further protect consumers, Pennsylvania lawmakers could act to allocate a portion of Pennsylvanias RGGI proceeds to direct electric bill credits for low-income families. As pollster James Lee of Susquehanna Polling and Research, who conducted the recent survey, noted in issuing the results, This is a settled issue in the minds of voters. It needs to be equally settled in the minds of our state legislators, so that Pennsylvania does not fall further behind in fighting climate change while investing in clean energy jobs of the future. Make no mistake, a clean energy economy will produce more jobs, greater economic growth, lower energy bills, and healthier communities. Pennsylvanians recognize this. It is time for our leaders in Harrisburg to do the same. Joseph Otis Minott is Executive Director and Chief Counsel of the Clean Air Council. Mayor Colin Basran delivers his Annual State of the City Address to members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce at the Coast Capri Hotel in this 2018 Kelowna Daily Courier file photo. Premier John Horgan is joined by David Eby during a press conference at Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Officials in Penticton, B.C., are appealing to Premier John Horgan in the latest twist related to a bitter dispute over a temporary shelter in the Okanagan city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito People take part in a protest called 'Justice for Joyce' in Montreal, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, where they demanded justice for Joyce Echaquan and an end to systemic racism. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Alberta Premier Jason Kenney attends a news conference in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Simmering internal discontent in his United Conservative caucus has boiled over into an open challenge to his leadership. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol Pharmacist Barbara Violo arranges all the empty vials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines at the Junction Chemist during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, on Monday, April 19, 2021. Ontario says it'll sit on 254,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arriving next week and about 50,000 more it has in stock - until it decides when and if to offer second doses of the shot. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette As we observe the anniversary of the creation of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) this month, it is noteworthy to laud the vision and leadership of the past, and imperative in my opinion to look forward - to bring that same extraordinary vision, leadership, and forethought to the now, the near, and the far. Now today, Alaska is the only State that earns the majority of its unrestricted general fund revenues from the global economy. No longer a "rainy day account," the Permanent Fund now provides more than two-thirds of the State's annual revenue money that pays for educa... The Biden administration and South Carolina officials early this week urged people not to stockpile gas in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, stressing that panicked purchases and chaotic consumption could dramatically aggravate the situation. Much as there was no cause for, say, hoarding toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic, there should be no cause for hoarding gasoline, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Tuesday at the White House, especially in light of the fact that the pipeline should be substantially operational by the end of this week and over the weekend. The Colonial Pipeline restarted operations Wednesday, days after it was forced to shut down by a gang of hackers. The disruption caused long lines at gas stations in the Southeast due to distribution problems and panic-buying, draining supplies at thousands of gas stations. Gas is available, the energy secretary explained, but the problem is getting it to the right places, and thats why these next couple of days, I think, will be challenging. Colonial initiated the restart, saying in a statement that all lines, including those lateral lines that have been running manually, will return to normal operations. But it will take several days for deliveries to return to normal, the company said. The crunch is predominantly affecting the Southeast, with gas prices climbing in South Carolina and Georgia. By midday Wednesday, several gas stations in Aiken had fuel and customers were lining up to purchase it. According to the Associated Press, the technology firm Gasbuddy.com found that 28% of stations were out of fuel in North Carolina. In Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia, more than 16% of stations were without gas. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and state Attorney General Alan Wilson have asked for patience as things unfold and systems are rebooted: There is no need to rush to top off your gas tanks or hoard gas the pipeline is expected to resume operations by the end of the week, McMaster tweeted Tuesday. Granholm and her deputy, David Turk, have spoken with McMasters staff, according to the Energy Department. Weve spoken today and yesterday with several governors offices in the affected areas, from the South and the mid-Atlantic, the energy secretary said. Theyre obviously, understandably, concerned with reports of gas stations running out of fuel, and they want this pipeline restarted, as do we all. An inquiry made to the governors office Wednesday was not immediately answered. The 2.5-million-barrel-per-day Colonial Pipeline ferries refined products gasoline, diesel, heating oil from Texas to New Jersey, and serves some areas in between. The colossal network stretches some 5,500 miles, providing approximately 45% of the fuel used on the East Coast. The exact status of a Colonial Pipeline plant in North Augusta, along Sweetwater Road, wasnt immediately clear. In response to a Tuesday inquiry, Colonial provided a link to its rolling updates. The Associated Press contributed to this article. COLUMBIA A Columbia-based law firm is promising some kind of legal action against Fort Jackson and the Richland Two School District in the aftermath of a bus hijacking that left 18 children and a driver with lasting emotional trauma, attorneys said on May 13. "We're here to ask questions, we're here to ask for transparency, we're here to ask for accountability," Bakari Sellers, of Strom Law Firm, told reporters. "While for many of us this is just a one-day or two-day news story, for these children, this is a traumatic event that will last a lifetime." Sellers and attorney Jennifer Fickling represent a family whose children were aboard a bus on May 6 headed to Forest Lake NASA Explorer School in Columbia. Minutes after Josh Flores' two daughters got on the bus, the lawyers said, a Fort Jackson trainee in uniform and carrying an empty M4 carbine rifle forced his way on and demanded the driver continue to the next town. The trainee became frustrated and ordered the bus to stop, officials have said. The children and driver were let out at Alpine Baptist Church on Alpine Road just off Percival Road, about 4 miles north from where he stepped aboard the bus. The trainee drove the bus another mile north, but had difficulty handling it, officials have said. He abandoned the bus on Old Percival Road near Quincy Road, leaving the rifle behind. The trainee was later captured by police near an overpass at the heavily traveled junction of Interstate 77 and Interstate 20, about 2 miles south of where he abandoned the bus, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said last week. The Richland County Sheriff's Department identified the man as 23-year-old Jovan Collazo of New Jersey, who was in his third week of training at Fort Jackson, the Army's main center for basic combat training. Collazo was charged with 19 counts of kidnapping and one count each of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, carjacking with great bodily harm, pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, carrying weapons on school property and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, the sheriffs office said. Collazo waived his bond hearing. "It was just a very uncomfortable and unfortunate situation, and you've got to ask yourself, 'How does a guy from Fort Jackson get off a military base with a gun? How does that happen?" Flores said May 13. In a statement later that day, Fort Jackson's commander said the installation has paused its weapons immersion training program pending a full review. "Although we knew there was no ammunition in the weapon, we acknowledge that others did not know that fact. Our goal is to determine how this happened and what actions are needed to prevent it in the future," Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle, Jr. said. Beagle wants to speak with families impacted by the hijacking, he added. Richland Two officials said May 13 ongoing social and emotional counseling resources are being offered to students and employees. "Immediately after the incident we began reviewing district practices and policies surrounding transportation safety. That process continues. We stand ready to engage in constructive and transparent dialogue about these processes as they relate to this incident," the district said in a statement. "Its unfortunate that school districts have to prepare for situations like the one on May 6, but the practices and training we have in place for emergency situations proved to be immensely beneficial." Sellers and Flores praised law enforcement officers for their actions, and also recognized that Collazo's behavior was not representative of the Army overall. "The military, they're our heroes. They go out and do jobs I never think of doing. This is just an individual case, but at the same time, how did Fort Jackson let this happen?" Flores said. Meanwhile, Richland Two officials identified the driver May 13 as Kenneth Corbin. He'll be honored during a districtwide ceremony May 14, and state Sen. Mia McLeod, D-Columbia, introduced a resolution recognizing him for his calm thinking under duress. "Whereas, with millions of parents entrusting the safety of their children to public school bus drivers, they should take great comfort in knowing people of Mr. Corbin's character and caliber are at the wheel," the resolution reads in part. Fickling said the firm is in the early stages of its work, and no legal action has yet been taken. "We are looking for accountability here. How does something like this happen? It is our intention to get to the bottom of that; it is our intention to ensure it doesn't happen again," she said. "Obviously, all of the children are going to be impacted by this significantly, and for a long time." Flores, whose daughters are 6 and 11, said they're struggling to recover from the scary confrontation. His oldest one has autism and remains afraid of soldiers. "At this point, my daughters are doing better, but they've not returned to school because they're having nightmares," he said. "It's a dark time." COLUMBIA University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen resigned May 12 amid a plagiarism scandal that capped two rocky years as leader of the state's largest college. Former USC President Harris Pastides has been named the interim president and will take over May 14. Trustees Miles Loadholt and Eddie Floyd said the board took a vote via phone to discuss appointing Pastides, who retired in 2019 after 11 years in office, if Caslen left. Board chairman Dorn Smith said he sent an email to trustees announcing Caslen's departure and Pastides' return. That means USC violated state open records laws requiring public notice of meetings ahead of time, another sign of problems for a board scrutinized after the presidential search that ended with Caslen's controversial hiring. Caslen, a retired three-star general and West Point superintendent, admitted to plagiarizing lines from the Navy SEAL who was in charge of the mission to take out terrorist leader Osama bin Laden during commencement addresses last weekend. He also called the school the University of California." The missteps were met with calls for his removal online and in messages to trustees. It was the latest in a series of stumbles for a leader who had trouble with the social nuances of a job that requires wooing donors, lawmakers and students. Caslen's end was a far cry from 2019 when he was seen as a president who could help tighten the school's checkbook and win work with his military contacts. "Turns out he was probably not the right fit to run USC," said Floyd, the longest-serving trustee on the USC board. Caslen, 67, offered to resign over the weekend, but it was rejected by Smith. Despite that assurance and a call of support from Gov. Henry McMaster, backing for the president continued to erode over the past days. Word began to spread that trustees were preparing to start exit talks. Smith said Caslen called unexpectedly at 5:30 p.m. May 12 to say he was resigning. "He just thought it was time to go, and I think that he was concerned about the support of the faculty and the students and everybody else," Smith said. "We're disappointed with the way things worked out. "I think Bob Caslen did a great job at a lot of things that he won't get credit for," Smith added. "I think he handled the COVID crisis fabulously. And it's just unfortunate that there were some missteps that were well publicized." Caslen said in a statement that he knew he had lost trust among the university community. "Trust is the most important ingredient of effective leadership, and when it is lost, it is nearly impossible to lead," Caslen said in an email to students and staff. "I believe that is the case right now between the University of South Carolina and its president. Therefore, I have submitted my resignation to the Board of Trustees this evening, May 12, and they have accepted it. This resignation is effective May 13, 2021. "I am sorry to those I have let down. I understand the responsibilities and higher standards of senior level leadership. When those are not met, trust is lost. And when trust is lost, one is unable to lead." Smith said USC's next president will be more like Pastides, a former public health school dean and research vice president who was known for connecting well with the campus community and politicians. "I want a academician that is charismatic, that will lead a capital campaign and that also has a business sense," Smith said. Lou Kennedy, one of USC's major donors, said she hopes the school can find a president who reflects the state's diversity: "Now is the time for the Carolina community, and that includes the board, to stand up and be counted." USC did not have a woman among the finalists when the president's job was last open. USC Provost Bill Tate, who was a finalist to become the school's president in 2019 and was considered a successor to Caslen, will become the first Black president at Louisiana State University in July. Caslen was never able to shake how he got the $650,000-a-year job in 2019. He was a favored candidate by key leaders on the board and the search committee. His name was added to the list of presidential semifinalists by the search committee chairman, trustee Hugh Mobley, according to Marco Valtorta, a USC computer science professor who served on the search panel. Mobley said at the time the he did nothing wrong and declined further comment. Caslen's ascension scared away potential successors to Pastides, leaving him as the only finalist to have led a college. But groups of students, faculty and alumni were upset Caslen lacked the research background and doctorate of other major university leaders. He also put off some by rambling during forums, leading to misunderstandings about what he was saying. The board did not pick any of the four presidential finalists at first, but McMaster lobbied trustees to hire Caslen and a new vote was taken. Caslen won the job with an 11-8 vote after a contentious board meeting as protesters chanted outside. The governor's involvement caught the attention of USC's accreditors who investigated the political meddling but did not sanction the school. The board was asked to makeover its rules to avoid potential conflicts and operate more professionally. Caslen started off well by boosting pay for faculty for the first time in more than a decade and freezing tuition. He hired the school's first Black provost, Tate, and brought in his chief of staff from West Point, Mark Bieger, who helped improve relationships on and off campus. Caslen got USC through the pandemic, first closing campus last spring and reopening in the fall. But he had some missteps, notably in revealing USC spoke to Florida State about buying out the contract of its football coach as the Gamecocks coach struggled and he was unable to make big changes after several high-profile sexual harassment complaints. Then USC mega-donor Darla Moore said she was cutting ties with the school this year after her alma mater neglected to note the passing of her mother this year. Caslen also had a reputation of not engaging smoothly with the university community. The plagiarism incident was too much to rescue his tenure. The USC chapter of the American Association of University Professors wrote in a letter to the board May 12 that Caslens commencement speech violated the schools code of ethics that emphasizes practicing personal and academic integrity, and his earlier resignation offer was an appropriate acknowledgement of the transgression. "Unfortunately he had enemies out there that continued to attack him savagely from day one," Smith said. "And I think it just wore down on him and his wife as it would wear down on anybody." The brouhaha over Caslens plagiarism has angered some lawmakers, who question the boards direction. "I think it was the honorable thing to do," state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia, said of Caslen's resignation. "But it doesn't resolve the questions surrounding the Board of Trustees." Harpootlian introduced a bill May 12 to reduce the size of the board from 20 trustees to 11, which would give the states largest college the states smallest college board. The bill also would remove all the current trustees. A similar bill was introduced after the problematic search that led to Caslens hiring in 2019. COLUMBIA The siblings of 4-year-olds enrolled in state-paid, full-day kindergarten in South Carolina automatically qualify for free child care over the next year under a partnership announced May 12. The scholarship program is expected to help poor and low-income families easily find free, high-quality child care for all of their children ages 12 and younger, according to First Steps and the state Department of Social Services. "This is a transformative opportunity for families," said Georgia Mjartan, executive director of First Steps, the agency tasked with helping prepare children for school. "Parents will be able to fully return to work or school, knowing that all of their children are learning and growing in a safe, nurturing environment." It is available specifically for families who enroll their 4-year-olds in private preschool through First Steps, which oversees the child-care-center side of the state's dual, public-private 4K program. Currently, 2,210 children are enrolled in 211 child care centers across 40 counties. But Mjartan is counting on legislators following through this year on a long-promised expansion. More than half of South Carolina's 4-year-olds qualify for state-paid preschool, and the Legislature is expected to extend the option to public schools and private preschools statewide in the upcoming school year. The Senate put $47 million toward the expansion in its budget proposal for 2021-22. Even without expanding the option to some of the state's largest counties, including Greenville and Charleston, an estimated 1,300 families will benefit from the sibling program, Mjartan said. Legislators aren't expected to finalize the budget until shortly before the fiscal year starts July 1. The partnering agencies decided not to wait to put the program into gear. "We're launching it now because now is the time families are trying to go back to work," she said. "A mom who needs to spend two-thirds of her income on child care cant go back to work." According to Child Care Aware of America, the average cost for two children at a child care center is more than $18,000 annually. Thats one-fifth of the states median income for married couples and 69 percent of the median income for single parents. In the aptly named 4K + Siblings program, if a child qualifies for state-paid preschool overseen by First Steps, their siblings automatically qualify for federally funded child care vouchers handled by DSS. Many parents qualify for both programs anyway, but DSS' normal voucher program is limited in availability and amount. Nearly 15,000 children in South Carolina have their child care at least partially paid for with vouchers, according to DSS. The partnership not only simplifies multiple bureaucratic steps at two agencies into a single application through Free4KSC.org, it guarantees a day care spot for every child under 13 in that family for up to 52 weeks, at no cost to parents. We all agree that high-quality early education benefits both children and their families," said DSS Director Michael Leach. "Parents will not be charged a co-pay, and there is no work, school, or training requirement or income limit for families enrolled in the 4K + Siblings program. While the child care scholarships start Aug. 16, any child who will turn either 4 or 5 by Sept. 1 meaning they'll be in preschool or kindergarten in the coming school year can enroll in First Steps' free, full-day summer programs that start June 1. "They can get a summer boost," Mjartan said, adding that a soon-to-be kindergartner does not need to be in 4K now to participate. The summer learning is partially funded through First Steps' share of $7 million in federal COVID-19 aid Gov. Henry McMaster split between the early childhood agency and the state Department of Education to extend in-person learning for at-risk children in state-paid, full-day 4-year-old kindergarten. First Steps' preschool programs have held in-person classes full time since last June. McMaster never ordered child care centers to close. Still, at the height of other pandemic shutdowns across the state, 54 percent of all licensed child care centers statewide closed anyway, partly because they couldn't afford to stay open with so few children. As of May 11, 96 percent, or 2,296, of the state's licensed centers are open, while 100 remain closed, according to DSS. Mjartan insisted finding open slots won't be a problem. One of the biggest obstacles for centers to reopen has been their own workforce shortage. With the additional funding, child care centers are able to hire, too, she said. "Our providers are ramping up capacity knowing we have this coming," she said. In light of Gov. Henry McMaster's orders to immediately end local mask mandates and allow parents to decline school mask requirements, Grand Strand public schools are having to adjust their protocols. McMaster's order directed the Department of Health and Environmental Control to make a waiver form for parents to fill out if they want to opt-out of any face covering requirements in schools. Horry County Schools said it will start accepting completed forms May 13. Students who are uncomfortable with attending classes in-person due to opt-outs will be allowed to work from home for the remainder of the year, Spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said in a statement. Parents must submit a request for remote learning by May 17, and these students will be required to work from home for the remainder of the school year. HCS employees, besides bus drivers, will also no longer be required to wear masks. Horry County's school year ends on June 17. The opt-out form also brings another issue to light: seating in classrooms. DHEC"s current standards allow students to be less than six feet apart only if plexiglass separates them and all are wearing masks. Because of McMaster's order, HCS said a student who is not wearing a mask within six feet of a student who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 10-days to comply with DHEC requirements. HCS said final exams for newly remote students will take place via Google Classroom. State-required tests must be taken in school, though students who do not feel safe to report in-person for these tests will not be penalized. Georgetown County School District will also be accepting waiver forms, citing low incidence rates of COVID-19 and high vaccination rates throughout the county. The district offered no other information, such as allowing students to work from home like HCS, as of the evening of May 12. The South Carolina Department of Education said McMaster does not have legal grounds to remove school districts mandates, though as of May 12, SCDOE rescinded their face covering policy, except on school buses, which is required by the federal government. "The Governor thoroughly understands the rule of law and surely recognizes this but has been successful in his mission of circumventing public health guidance by inciting hysteria and sowing division in the waning days of the school year," said Ryan Brown, spokesperson for the state's Department of Education through a prepared statement. Sign up for our Myrtle Beach weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Myrtle Beach area. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Myrtle Beach news staff. Email Sign Up! McMaster cited the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines as reason to end local mask mandates and introduce the opt-out form. Vaccine skepticism runs high in South Carolina, and public health leaders are concerned about reaching herd immunity. Seventy percent of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, according to Johns Hopkins University. About 35 percent of South Carolinians ages 15 and up have completed their vaccination process, while 44 percent have received at least one shot. Children younger than 16 havent been eligible to get a shot but should be soon. On May 10, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15. The city of Myrtle Beach announced May 13 it would no longer require masks in government buildings. Spokesperson Mark Kruea said masks are still encouraged but not required indoors, and that the decision to lift the government buildings mandate was made to keep up with McMaster's order and Center for Disease Control guidance. As of May 13, the CDC said those who are fully vaccinated can resume most indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. Georgetown County no longer has a mask mandate in place, but the city of Georgetown recently renewed its mask mandate until July 30 or until the governors state of emergency ends. Georgetown Mayor Brendon Barber the governor's order supersedes his order and he will respect it. Barber also emphasized while he is following McMaster's orders, it is still important to practice safety in Georgetown by getting vaccinated, especially as the tourist-attracting city enters the spring and summer seasons. "We're still not clear, out of the woods yet. We have to get folks who are still not vaccinated yet, vaccinated," Barber said, adding that the city is aiming for its public offices and facilities to be fully open by July 1. Young African American men and conservatives are the two groups showing the most hesitation toward getting the COVID-19 vaccination, the head of the state's public health agency says. Dr. Edward Simmer, director at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, said during an agency board meeting May 13 he believes vaccine access issues persist throughout the state, but he thinks "hesitancy is becoming a bigger issue for us." The number of South Carolinians signing up to get a COVID-19 inoculation began to fall off beginning in mid-April. Just about a third of the eligible population in the state has been fully vaccinated. Simmer noted in the case of conservatives, an unwillingness to place trust in government could be driving hesitancy. "They see this as a government program," he said. In the case of people under 35, Simmer said many feel they don't need the vaccine. DHEC is sending mobile vaccination clinics out across the state in an effort to bring the vaccine to people's homes. Simmer also said that starting Memorial Day weekend, DHEC will begin giving out vaccines at the state's parks where leaders are considering offering free admission if people get a vaccine. Statewide numbers New cases reported: 229 confirmed, 224 probable. Total cases in S.C.: 486,537 confirmed, 99,064 probable. Percent positive: 4.7 percent. New deaths reported: 14 confirmed, 2 probable. Total deaths in S.C.: 8,467 confirmed, 1,152 probable. Percent of ICU beds filled: 71 percent. How S.C. ranks South Carolina ranks 42nd in the nation in the number of vaccines administered per 100,000 people as of May 12, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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! Hardest-hit areas In the total number of newly confirmed cases, Greenville County (24), Pickens County (22) and Richland County (20) saw the highest totals. What about tri-county? Charleston County had eight new cases on May 13, while Berkeley County had seven and Dorchester County had two. Deaths Of the deaths from COVID-19 confirmed May 13, two were patients age 35 to 64. Twelve were patients 65 or older. Hospitalizations Of the 373 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of May 13, 100 were in the ICU and 53 were using ventilators. What do experts say? A variety of locations are now offering Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to kids ages 12 to 15 in South Carolina following the announcement of the regulatory agencies' authorization late on May 12. Adolescents in that age group do require parental consent in order to be vaccinated. To name a few, the pharmacy chain CVS announced its scheduling website is now open to kids 12 and older. The largest health system in the state, Prisma Health, also said it began vaccinating the teenagers May 13. Were thrilled to have an effective and safe vaccine available for children in this age group and urge families to get vaccinated, Dr. Rick Scott, co-chair of Prisma Healths vaccine task force, said in a statement. In Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina says it is ready to vaccinate children as young as 12, and along the coast, the hospital group Tidelands Health announced it began offering the Pfizer vaccine to the younger group. Many more locations offer the Pfizer vaccine; check vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov to find an appointment. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. 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. Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. COLUMBIA South Carolina could soon resume death penalty executions with a bill heading to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk for his expected signature. The Senate agreed 32-11 on May 12 to the House's changes to a proposal that makes electrocution the default method of execution, with the added option of dying by firing squad. After the vote, McMaster repeated his promise to sign it. Senators rejected attempts to further amend the bill, which would have sent the measure to a joint House-Senate panel to work toward a compromise. Democrats questioned why rush ending the debate on the next-to-last day of the regular legislative session, while advocates countered that "no" votes could jeopardize resolution of an emotional issue they've debated for five years. "Those victims' families deserve the justice the state of South Carolina told them they would get," said its sponsor, Sen. Greg Hembree, a former solicitor who has prosecuted death penalty cases. "I wish we could all guarantee this could get resolved tomorrow. That's one more chance to take it off the rails. Weve got an opportunity right here, right now to pass the bill and tell those victims' families were going to do the right thing." State law has given condemned inmates the option to die by injection since 1995. But with all of the state's supply of drugs used to carry out lethal injection expired and pharmaceutical companies unwilling to sell any more for executions, the South Carolina prisons agency can't carry out an execution order unless the prisoner chooses to die strapped in the chair nicknamed "Old Sparky." That hasn't happened since 2008. The last execution, a decade ago, was by lethal injection, according to the state Department of Corrections. Three inmates on South Carolina's death row have had their lives spared at least temporarily because of Corrections' inability to execute them. Under the bill, lethal injection becomes an option if drugs become available again. With its passage, Corrections will inform the state Supreme Court it can carry out executions. Officials are already working on the protocols for carrying out an execution by firing squad, the agency said in a statement after the vote. State Sen. Nikki Setzler, in his first term when the Legislature voted to reinstate the death penalty in 1977, said he supported it then and he supports it still. But the West Columbia Democrat opposed agreeing to the House version, which removed the requirement that the condemned sign and date his own death decision and get the signatures of two non-inmate witnesses. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Hembree called that a "nothing thing" not worth holding up passage. Senators urged against bringing emotion into a debate Democrats and Republicans contended was not about the death penalty itself. But both sides recounted gruesome details. Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Hartsville, gave his colleagues a step-by-step explanation of what it takes to die by electrocution and the excruciating pain and literal fire several jolts can bring. He conceded that death by firing squad is quick and far less prone to botching than either electrocution or lethal injection. "What people dont like are the optics of the firing squad," he said about the option added to the bill in March at the urging of fellow Democratic Sen. Dick Harpootlian, a former solicitor. "Im not advocating for the firing squad either," Malloy added. "What are we going to consider cruel and unusual?" he asked. He proposed putting in state law a list of 22 prohibited methods of execution dating back to medieval and even biblical times, including flaying, quartering, impalement, disembowelment, stoning, and crucifixion. He contended the list would signal legislators contemplated what the U.S. Constitution bars in the Eighth Amendment. Hembree, R-Little River, called a listing completely unnecessary. "We dont have to guard against these chamber of horrors because we have an Eighth Amendment," he said before senators voted 32-12 to reject the proposed list. Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, went through his own list, recounting the torturous details of several of the murders committed by death row inmates. "We've focused a lot on the defendant, what he goes through, his pain, what is undoubtedly a terrible execution. But we haven't focused on the victim," he said. "Each one of these victims deserve recognition and justice. There are people in this world who are horrible, horrible people. Like it or not, its a scary, horrible, terrible thing, but they deserve to die." There are 36 inmates housed on death row at Broad River Correctional in Columbia. Another man sentenced to death in South Carolina is currently in a California prison. Insights What counts as culture? Is it simply the original culture, as we understand it, or should it include the cultural features introduced over time? Read more On the Laura Ingraham show last night, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he will pardon all Floridians who have been charged with failing to wear masks or socially distance in compliance with COVID-related protocols imposed by counties. The immediate context was a criminal prosecution against a couple who own a Florida gym, and who refused to force customers to wear masks. They were facing jail terms of 120 days. The couple, Mike and Jillian Carnevale, were on the program with DeSantis. The Republican governor made the unexpected announcement on Fox News Wednesday as he decried county officials penalizing people. Its a total overreach, he told Laura Ingraham. These things with health should be advisory, they should not be punitive. DeSantis said potential jail time was particularly absurd in the Carnevales case. The fact is, its not even right to be wearing masks when youre exercising, the governor said. The World Health Organization advises against it! Its not healthy to be doing that in the first place, so it was a bad restriction, he said. He is right about that. Also, people should be free to choose. They can see whether others are wearing masks in a gym, or a restaurant, or wherever. If they want to frequent a gym, a restaurant or a bar that requires customers to wear masks, fine. That is their choice. But the idea that all of us should be forced to make the same choice, especially now that most of the population has been vaccinated, is not just ridiculous but tyrannical. The murder case against Derek Chauvins three former colleagues was set for trial before Judge Peter Cahill on a date certain this August. At a motion hearing in the case this morning, however, Judge Cahill rescheduled the trial to March 7, 2022, in deference to the federal civil rights case filed against all four defendants in Minnesota federal district court. As of this moment, the court has sent out an announcement of the new trial date with no companion order. The Associated Press story on todays motion hearing is here Judge Cahill has done his best to address fair trial issues in the case against Chauvin and the three other men. I dont agree with his resolution of all these issues, but I think he has dealt with them seriously. I noted when the federal charges were announced that the Department of Justice had now compounded the difficulties he faced in the case set for trial in August. The AP story does not quote Cahill directly. It states that he seeks to allow the publicity over Derek Chauvins conviction to cool off and to let the federal case go forward first. Lets see how the Minnesota federal district court deals with the fair trial issues the Department of Justice has compounded for Judge Cahill. They wont be going away any time soon. Perhaps mistakenly, I sense frustration Judge Cahills deference to trial of the federal case brought by the Department of Justice. They have serious fair trial issues of their own. He is telling the feds they can take it away. What do Chuck Schumer, Robert Menendez, and Stenny Hoyer have in common? At least two things. First, all three are Democrats who support Israels right to defend itself against the missile attacks launched by Hamas. Second, all three are at least 67 years old. Schumer is 70, Menendez 67, and Hoyer 81. Israels support from Democratic lawmakers is largely confined to old-timers. The new generation of congressional Dems is either ambivalent about Israel or, like the Squad, openly hostile to the Jewish State. The Washington Post reports that a new crop of younger lawmakers willing to challenge the partys pro-Israel orthodoxy has put pressure on the Biden administration and congressional leaders amid polling showing growing skepticism among Democrats about Israeli actions. What polling data? A Gallup poll in March found that the majority of Democrats now take the position that the United States should be applying more pressure to Israel to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 53 percent opting for more pressure on the Israelis is up from 43 percent in 2018 and no more than 38 percent in the decade before that, marking a substantive change in Democrats perspective on U.S. policy, the report found. This shift in opinion among Democrats is reflected in Congress. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, says: Congress is beginning to reflect the demographic changes in how the public views [the] Israeli-Palestinian issue. Youre seeing a much more diverse group on the Democratic side who reflect where the base of the Democratic Party is going from Black and Latino to young people and professional women. Their attitudes in polls are radically different than White middle-class Americans. If one adds the many rank-and-file Democrats who still support Israel to the majority of Republicans who do, it adds up to a clear preference for the Israeli side of the conflict, rather than for the Hamas/Palestinian side. So this is a winning issue for the GOP, and probably will remain so for a good while. Republican pros understand the opportunity. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel states: The Republican Party stands with Israel, a nation that has every right to defend itself against violence and the barrage of rockets from Hamas. These attacks prove that Bidens weak leadership is reversing the historic progress the Trump administration made towards peace in the region and has signaled to known terrorist organizations, like Hamas, that they can get away with attacking our nations strongest ally in the Middle East. It is vital that the United States stand with Israel and the Jewish community. Former Ambassador to the U.N. and potential Republicans presidential candidate Nikki Haley says: Hamas has watched Biden downgrade our relationship with Israel and then restore funding to the PA and the UNs most corrupt agency without reform. Now, they are testing him. While terrorist rockets rain down on Israeli civilians, Biden is nowhere to be found. Im not sure about that last comment. Reportedly, Biden and his team are working the phones, talking with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and maybe other regional players. But theres little doubt that Biden would like to avert his eyes from the fighting. He knows theres nothing much he can do to stop it and, as noted, the matter splits his party in a rather unseemly way. Moreover, according to the Post: The effort [to stop the fighting] risks drawing the United States into just the kind of Middle East morass that Biden hoped to avoid. His foreign policy strategy is premised on a shift toward confronting China and away from an emphasis on the Middle East and Europe. If thats true, Biden should go ahead and shift. The fighting will end in due course with or without his intervention. Less is more when it comes to Joe Bidens involvement in the Middle East. Yesterday, Steve wrote about how the left has turned on John Kennedy. To me, the wonder is that it didnt turn on him years ago. Kennedys presidency might have been liberal as that term was understood at the time, but it wasnt progressive. In fact, today it might reasonably be considered conservative. Kennedy gave Americans a big tax cut on the theory that this would stimulate the economy. It did. Kennedy proposed sweeping civil rights legislation based on the idea that individuals shouldnt be discriminated against on the basis of race. Today, conservatives uphold this view. The left believes that equity requires discrimination against Whites. Kennedy was stridently anti-Communist. He authorized an invasion of Cuba. He called for a substantial buildup of Americas military (claiming falsely that we had fallen behind the Soviet Union in terms of missiles). There is nothing for the contemporary left to like about any of this. Regarding women, its not clear to me how the left should view Kennedy. The writer Steve quoted says that Kennedy treated an unending series of other women as disposable receptacles for his lust. Should the left hold this against him? As far as I know, Kennedy never sexually harassed or assaulted anyone. What the quotation above really means is that Kennedy enjoyed casual sex. Is this problematic for the left in the post-sexual revolution, hook-up age? Apparently so at least in certain precincts. For some, feminism has taken a puritanical turn. If Kennedys sex life was truly problematic, thats due to its recklessness. If, as president, Kennedy had an affair with Judith Exner, who was connected to the mob, that was reckless. If, as president, Kennedy had an affair with an East German spy, that was beyond reckless. However, I dont know that it has been established that the woman in question, Ellen Rometsch, was either a spy or Kennedys mistress. Theres no dispute that Kennedy had plenty of extra-marital sex. However, Kennedy is hardly unique among presidents in this regard. I doubt the left wants to toss him overboard for this. In my view, Warren Harding is the president most analogous to JFK. I made that case in some detail here. This is not to disparage Kennedy. Harding was a fairly good president during his limited time in office. So was JFK in my view, though I think Harding was probably better. Insp. Farica Prince is working towards racial and gender equality for all in Canadian policing. Here Prince (right) and A/Sgt. Hadiga Little Wolf for a photo. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results A long stretch of North Railway Street in downtown Swift Current was flooded after an intense early evening thunderstorm over the city on July 7, 2020. Its the first in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the three such cutting-edge facilities on the continent, with top prime global certifications for smart card manufacturing and it is based in Lagos, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo relished yesterday afternoon while touring SecureID companys premises, and affirmed Nigerias extremely bright economic future, which he said cannot be aborted despite current challenges. According to him, the economic future of our nation is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africas leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome. An impressed Mr Osinbajo said the Buhari administration in following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, has determined that manufacturing will be our main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, foreign investments will follow enthusiastically. Commenting on the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the VP also stated that the Buhari administration was ramping up efforts in improving the countrys infrastructure and digital space. He said, aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age unlike electricity we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right. While commending the efforts of the founder and Managing Director of SecureID, Kofo Akinkugbe, Mr Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity. He said, This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalization plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world. The facility serves 21 countries across Africa and is fully certified by major commercial card companies VISA, Verve and MasterCard. SecureID has shown that this country can be at the cutting edge of development in technology and digital enterprises. The world in which companies like SecureID operates, providing comprehensive end-to-end payment, identity management and digital security solutions is one that thrives on innovation. Continuing, the VP said, the company has in these few years of her existence provided notable innovative offerings to the financial services sector, telecommunications, government, education, healthcare and private enterprises. Equally remarkable is the fact that with this facility, the company can produce all the payment cards, SIM cards, loyalty cards and the various identity management cards (residency cards, voter registration cards, drivers license and national identity cards) required here in Nigeria, with capacity to spare. Congratulations also for your successes in getting the certifications that will help to meet the demands of customers, such as Global System of Mobile Applications (GSMA), Visa International, MasterCard Incorporated, Verve, Card Quality Management (CQM), and ISO 9001/2015 for Smart Card Manufacturing and Personalization of credit and debit cards. In particular, we must also congratulate SecureID for earning the GSMA certificate last year; this is a world class security requirement for SIM card manufacturing and personalization. Your rapid expansion is also worthy of commendation, especially as you have added a number of subsidiaries, one of which is the digital arm of the business: SID Digital, while the other is involved in transport payment infrastructure. This has put the company in good stead to provide services ranging from identity management to tax collection, school management systems, health management systems, digital cards for the banks and, of course, e-ticketing for all forms of transportation, including road, rail and water. Speaking earlier at the event, the founder of SecureID, Kofo Akinkugbe, highlighted the significance of the Vice Presidents visit, noting that the VP has come to see some of the much-touted potential being realized. She added that SecureID was a good entrepreneurial story of an abiding faith in God and the nation, proving the viability of investing and staying in the course. Akinkugbe commended the federal government for establishing institutions and agencies to support and encourage start-ups, MSMEs and other enterprises that had offered assistance to the company. In his remarks, the representative of the Bank of Industry, its Executive Director, Simon Araronu, said he was excited to partner with SecureID, being a pioneer of world-class status in the industry, as well as making world class products, while generating foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs. Others who spoke at the event were the Corps Marshall, Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi; Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria, Gbenga Shobo. The representative of the Governor of Lagos State, the Anglican Bishop of Lagos State, Humphrey Olumakaiye, alongside other top government functionaries, also attended the event. ADVERTISEMENT Accompanying the Vice President were the Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ade Ipaye; and the Economic Adviser to the President, in the Office of the Vice President, Adeyemi Dipeolu. Laolu Akande Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity Office of the Vice President Yoruba movie star, Iyabo Ojo, has slammed a N100 million lawsuit against her colleague, Yomi Fabiyi for defamatory publication. The actress made this known on her verified Instagram handle on Wednesday evening. In a statement on her social media page, she accused Mr Fabiyi of bringing her reputation to ridicule. Ms Ojo, through her legal counsel, Maverick Forte Legal is seeking N100 million in damages, public apology and retraction of the defamatory publication made on placards. PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday reported that controversial Yoruba actor, Mr Fabiyi, led a peaceful protest over the continued detention of his colleague, Olarenwaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha. Some of their placards bore captions like It is illegal to use a child as props/bait in an illegal setup, Illegal police detention: Dont wait until it is done to your relative, brother, sister, or us. Two of the placards, which bore the captions, Nigeria police, please allow the law to dictate to you; not Iyabo Ojo, Princess and co and Iyabo Ojo and Princess promised to kill Baba Ijesha if released on bail in this era, obviously did not sit well with the actress prompting her to seek legal redress. Allegations Ms Ojo described the mind-boggling allegations as false and imaginary while stating that she has the right to express her opinions in raging issues. Her statement partly read, We write in respect to your defamatory publications and with particular reference to series of unwarranted, unprovoked, and unjustifiable vituperations and unfounded allegations by you as contained in the placards bearing the name of our client. The mindboggling allegations are not only imaginary, false, and fallacious, but mischievous and deliberately calculated to ridicule our client. Our client reliably informed us that you spearheaded a protest day, today 12th day of May 2021 wherein you made several accusations amongst which were defamatory publications on placards with the following inscriptions to wit Nigerian police must respect human rights and honour bail for all bailable offences; denying bail is a human rights violation; Nigeria police, please allow the law to dictate to you; not Iyabo Ojo, Princess and co and Iyabo Ojo and Princess promised to kill Baba Ijesha if released on bail in this era. Our client, therefore, specifically denies making such statement to kill Mr. Olarenwaju Omiyinks alias Baba ljesha nor to unlawfully interfere with statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force. For the sake of clarity, be mindful that it is within our clients sacred constitutional human right to express her feelings, opinions, and views on the raging issues bothering on the criminal complaints leveled against Mr. Olanrenwaju Omiyinka Alias Baba Ijesha. The actress said the unfounded allegations were watched by several viewers on Mr Fabiyis Instagram live coverage of the protest and unfounded allegations, disparaging comments and life-threatening remarks were made against her. Demands In the five-page lawsuit, the actress said Mr Fabiyi has two weeks, starting Wednesday, to comply with the demands or face legal proceedings without delay. The four demands are, that you care and desist from making further, additional or fresh defamatory publications against our client on Instagram, Facebook and on any other social media, social messaging blog and/or print media outlet, a full retraction of the said defamatory publication by you on your Instagram handle and status which should be published for seven (7) consecutive days beginning from the date of the first publication in which you must specifically acknowledge that your allegation is false, misleading, and entirely defamatory of clients character. Others are your retraction and public apology (must) further be circulated and published by other media outlets namely; instablog, goldmyne, Linda ikeji, punch newspapers. One Hundred Million Naira (N100, 000, 000 00) as damages for the unjustifiable injury and losses occasioned by our client caused by your defamatory publication. Fabiyi reacts Few hours after his colleague slammed the lawsuit against him, Mr Fabiyi, in an Instagram live video with Lege Miami, also an actor, advised Ms Ojo to equip herself with the human rights law. Iyabo stop now, dont cross the RED LINE. Use your money to eat and buy your TikTok costume. 100 kobo una no go see. Go and equip yourself with the law and human rights, dont think you can crush one activity to become one activity, Mr Fabiyi said. ADVERTISEMENT He also said the letter ought to be issued to him directly and not posted on her Instagram handle tagging him. You didnt serve me a letter but posted on social media. I realised that some of your fans dont know the meaning and most likely you too. Go and see how you can help Princess with the imminent criminal charges coming to her when the court resumes. Since the scandal broke, without mincing words, Mr Fabiyi has stated his position on the rape allegation by his colleague. This, however, did not sit well with some members of the public and his colleagues including, Toke Makinwa, Davido, Femi Branch, and a few others. Baba Ijesha is under investigation by the Lagos State police command on allegations of rape. The actor has been accused by a Nigerian comedienne, Princess of raping a minor (when she was 7-year-old) who was kept in her care. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has also confirmed that Baba Ijesha is currently a suspect in a sexual assault investigation and not rape, as it is currently being bandied. A general physician, Peter Atangwho, has said asthma is not a curse or spiritual attack, but a lung disease that can be effectively controlled with medication and some lifestyle modifications. Mr Atangwho, the chief executive officer, TeleMed Online Clinic, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Asaba, in commemoration of the 2021 World Asthma Day. The World Asthma Day is commemorated every first Tuesday of May to raise awareness on asthma, and how it affects the sufferers, and ways to improve the lives of people with asthma. The theme for 2021 commemoration is Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions. He described Asthma as a chronic lung disease characterised by recurrent breathing problems, and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. According to him, though, there is no cure for asthma, it can be effectively controlled with medication and some lifestyle modifications. The physician, however, decried the myths and misconceptions that asthma is a curse or spiritual attack. He said: Asthma is not a curse, it is not a punishment, it is not a condemnation, it is not a death sentence. It is not a punishment for evil; it is not a vote of no confidence on your life, and it is not a spiritual attack from your village people. We need to raise the awareness to address some of these common widely held misconceptions. Mr Atangwho advised asthmatic patients to prioritise their health by carrying their inhalers with them at all times. The expert also advised them to avoid dust or wearing strong perfumes that could trigger asthma symptoms. He further advised them to avoid the use of rug carpet and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen as it might cause severe spasms of the airways. READ ALSO: If you have asthma, go around with your inhaler, except your symptoms of asthma are well controlled. If you are still using inhalers for control, please keep your inhalers handy at all times. Carry your inhaler along when going to school, when going to shop, when travelling and wherever you go. You never can tell when an asthmatic attack will come. Your life first. Let your inhaler be the first thing you remember to take along before your phone, the expert said. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this years Eid-el-fitr, many Nigerian leaders have felicitated with the celebrants and enjoined them to use the opportunity to pray for peace for Nigeria. Some of the leaders who released goodwill messages to mark the Thursday event include President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu. In his goodwill message contained in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari urged all Nigerians to use the opportunity of the Eid-el-Fitri to pray against all forms of insecurity that is currently bedevilling the country. He also called for continued observation of the COVID-19 prevention protocols while urging citizens not to be carried away. On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all. Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians, are imperative, especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one, Mr Buhari said. Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in his message, urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of peace and hope taught by the fasting month Ramadan. He noted that, amidst the security challenges in the country, the National Assembly will continue its quest to ensure the lives of Nigerians are secured wherever they are. Let us remain strong in our hope that Nigeria will become what we fervently want it to be: a nation that fills its citizens with happiness and pride, Mr Lawan said. Every true Muslim feels joy at participating in the Ramadan fast, which is a key obligation in Islam. May Almighty Allah therefore reward us for the spiritual voyage and grant our earnest wishes for ourselves, families and dear country. Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country Nigeria needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers. His counterpart at the lower chamber, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, also called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria, while they play their part in ensuring peaceful coexistence. He, in a statement signed by his aide, Lanre Lasisi, urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt during the month of Ramadan for a better society. The Islamic religion emphasizes peace, which is why every Muslim must be peaceful in their conduct wherever they find themselves, he said. Likewise, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, called on all Nigerians to take advantage of the festivity period to reflect soberly and intensify prayers for the peace, security, unity and progress of the country. A statement he mailed to this newspaper stressed the need to use the occasion of the Eid-el-fitr to promote positivity for the nation to surmount its security, socio-economic and public health challenges. It is impressive that the Ramadan fast was observed most devotedly amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the relevant government regulations observed by the Muslim faithful in the state. The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah (SWT), promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another. ADVERTISEMENT There is no better time to show love and togetherness than now when we are joining forces in battling a common enemy. This is why it is remarkable that the bond among our people is growing amid these very difficult times. His colleague from Niger State, Abubakar Bello, also called for sober reflection and fervent prayers in view of the prevailing security challenges in the state and the country. I enjoin Muslims to draw from the enduring lessons of Ramadan and allow the spiritual benefits of the religious obligation to permeate and positively influence attitudinal change towards a better society. I call on all Muslims to apply the lessons of self-control, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance, derived from fasting in the month of Ramadan, and stay off evil in the overall interest of the state and country, he said. Mr Bello also reiterated his administrations resolve to protect the interest of the citizens and assured of continuous support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) while efforts are made to reunite them with their original communities. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also praised Muslims for their devotion during Ramadan amid the coronavirus pandemic. He tasked them to remain steadfast by applying the virtues of Ramadan through sustained supplication, hospitality and good neighbourliness for the peace, security and economic prosperity of the state and the nation. The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah (SWT), promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another. There is no better time to show love and togetherness than now when we are joining forces in battling a common enemy. This is why it is remarkable that the bond among our people is growing amid these very difficult times, Mr Makinde noted. In the same vein, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Saliu Mustapha, urged faithfuls to use the spirituality surgery which Ramadan has had on them to usher in renewed hope for Nigeria by promoting peace and the spirit of oneness among fellow compatriots. Indeed, Ramadan has taught us that empathy and restraint are key pillars of our existence. We can use this lesson to improve on how we relate with one another. By this, we can, as a people, achieve a common goal for the good of all. This is the best we can do at this period of uncertainty. The many challenges dogging us as a people can best be fought when we come together as one, because individually we can strive, but together thrive. Let us shun what divides us and promote what unites us. Our belief in God, both as Muslims and Christians, should be a rallying point for us to see the picture of what we stand to benefit when we support ourselves. Muslims celebrate this years Eid-el-fitr Thursday after a thirty-day Ramadan fasting ritual wherein they abstained from food, drink and sexual pleasure from dawn to dusk. Ali Ndume, the Borno South senator, knew he had got into trouble after Abdulrasheed Maina, the man he stood surety for, jumped bail. But the senator must have ruled out going to jail as a possible consequence for his inability to fulfil his pledge to always produce Mr Maina for his N2 billion pension fraud trial. Mr Ndumes self-assurance was not unfounded; after all, his colleague in the Red Chamber, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator representing Abia South, who found himself in a similar situation three years earlier, did not go to jail. Mr Abaribe was one of the three persons that stood surety for the bail granted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who was being prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federations office on treasonable felony charges. The IPOB leader was granted bail by Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja in April 2017 after Mr Abaribe and two others agreed to be his sureties with each of them staking N100 million worth of Abuja properties as security for the bail. But in September of that same year, soldiers invaded Mr Kanus home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, the Abia State capital, creating a window for him to flee the country, first to Israel, and later to the United Kingdom where he is presumed to have been since then. Although Mr Abaribe was arrested and detained by the State Security Service (SSS) for about four days in June 2018, it was reported that the secret police took him into custody for allegedly linking him to IPOB, not for his failure to produce Mr Kanu. However, Mr Ndume, against expectation, was unlucky when fate put him in Mr Abaribes shoes some years later. In November 2020, Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded the Borno South senator in prison for losing Mr Maina, the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who had escaped to the Republic of Niger ditching his trial back home in Nigeria. Although Mr Maina was later rearrested, Mr Ndume spent five nights in prison before the trial judge granted him bail. In contrast, Mr Kanu remains at large and even continues to dish out inflammatory remarks through his social media channels inciting violence in the South-east. Yet his bail guarantor, Mr Abaribe, was never jailed for losing him. Politics or ethnicity? Many Nigerians on Twitter had expressed their bewilderment at the seemingly conflicting outcomes of what they presumed to be identical cases. Their newly found interest in the matter was stirred by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, who in his submission on the floor of the House last Thursday, said Mr Abaribe ought to be in prison for his inability to produce Mr Kanu. Reading a political meaning into the turn of events, Mr Wase, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, added, Ndume for bailing Maina was taken to prison for not producing him, but we allowed this man (Abaribe) to go as opposition person. While Mr Wases comment provides an insight into how much the judiciary and other public institutions are influenced by political considerations, he did not provide enough details to reconcile why the APC-controlled federal government would be eager to save Mr Abaribe, a top member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and turn a blind eye when Mr Ndume, a member of the ruling party, was faced with a similar problem. ADVERTISEMENT Some Twitter users latched on Mr Wases comment but were not convinced by the political perspective introduced to the matter by the lawmaker. On his part, TRUELOVESEEKER tweeting via @True_loveseeker, gave the narrative an ethnic tint. At least he (Ndume) was kept in custody for some days Why is the Abaribe case different? Is it bcos hes an Igbo man? Does it mean hes more Nigerian than Ndume? Another twitter user, Ibnusman tweeting via @mohamme63413575, highlights the unending concerns about the perceived unevenness of Nigerian courts decisions. Wase on point, Abaribe should be jailed just as Senator Ali Ndume when he failed to produce former chairman of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, who he stood for as surety, his tweet read. How the cases played out Away from the motley views pouring out in the traditional and social media about the matter, a revisit of the facts of the cases as they played out in court provides an insight into how the two senators journeyed through similar routes but finished at different destinations. In both cases, after it was clear that Messrs Maina and Kanu had jumped bail, the judges ordered their arrest and said their trials would proceed in absentia. Both judges also took steps to hold the sureties accountable for their failure to fulfil their vows to always produce the defendants in court. As a result, the judges ordered the sureties to show cause why they should not be made to forfeit the landed properties they used as securities for the bail granted the defendants. In Mr Ababaribes case, the senator and two others entered into separate agreements for Mr Kanus bail with each of them staking N100 million worth of landed property in Abuja as the securities. More than a year after Mr Kanu had disappeared, the judge, Mrs Nyako, on November 14, 2018, ordered the three sureties to forfeit their separate N100 million bail bonds. In reaction, the sureties lawyers filed separate appeals against the courts ruling, and then urged the judge to adjourn the forfeiture proceedings indefinitely in deference to the Court of Appeal which had then taken charge of the case. The judge, in agreement with the lawyers, adjourned the proceedings indefinitely pending the Court of Appeals final pronouncement on the sureties appeals. But for Mr Ndume, who stood surety for the N500 million bail granted Mr Maina with an Abuja property worth the bond provided as security, the process took a faster lane and landed him in prison. On November 18, 2020, the prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urged the judge, Mr Abang, to order the forfeiture of Mr Ndumes property for his failure to produce the former pension boss. The judge, in a ruling that day, declined the request and adjourned the matter till November 23, ostensibly to afford the senator more time to find the fugitive. But the judge dismissed the request, accusing the lawyer of not diligently pursuing his clients case. That same day, the judge remanded Mr Ndume in Kuje prison, ordering that the senator would remain in detention until he met any of three conditions produce Mr Maina in court, pay the N500million bail bond, or have the property offered as security for the defendants bail sold and its N500 million proceeds paid to the Federation Account. Although the senator appealed against the judges decision the following day, he remained in prison until he was granted bail by the judge on November 27. Senior advocates fault detention of sureties Expressing their thoughts on the controversy, senior lawyers interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES said it was wrong to send a surety to prison for his inability to produce a defendant he or she stood surety for. Olalekan Ojo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said jailing a surety is usually the last stage after the surety must have failed to pay the bail bond and attempts to proceed against the assets provided as security must have failed. If the surety cannot produce the money, then the court will proceed against the property. That is why it is usually required that the sureties are owners of landed assets with verifiable titles. It is after all those things have happened and the surety is still not able to pay the amount, that you can take the option of arrest. It is the last stage. If you look at it critically, he has not committed any offence. If a defendant jumps bail how can that translate into a criminal offence for the surety? Mr Ojo queried. Another SAN, Alex Izinyon, who was the lead prosecutor in the popular Charles Okah case, holds the view that a surety must be prepared to face the consequences of failing to produce a defendant in court, but explained that the first step that should be taken is getting the surety to forfeit the bond. It is only after that fails that the surety can be sent to prison, Mr Izinyon added. On his part, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who has also led the defence in many criminal cases, said it is very wrong to imprison a surety for not being able produce a defendant, unless the surety says he or she lacks the capacity to pay the bail bond. Mr Falana added, Even at that, judges must remember that we are operating a democracy. If you send a surety to prison for not being able to produce a defendant, are you going to keep him in prison forever in the event that the defendant is not rearrested? What the law says But Rotimi Jacobs, a senior lawyer widely known as EFCCs longstanding private prosecutor, said the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) are usually disregarded by both judges and prosecutors in their handling of cases of sureties jumping bail. According to the senior advocate, although the law does not support jailing a surety as the first line of action when a defendant jumps bail, many courts including those who are not overcome by the temptation to imprison the surety, often act in disregard for the law. Mr Jacobs said contrary to the practice of detaining sureties adopted by some judges, the procedures stipulated in section 40 and 80 of ACJA, in reality, provide protection for the sureties. This, he said, is the reason why the surety does not come into the picture until attempts to proceed against the fleeing defendant or his assets have failed. The first step to be taken when a defendant jumps bail is for the prosecution to apply to the court to issue bench warrant against the defendant, the senior lawyer said. He added that if the bench warrant cannot be enforced, the prosecution is expected to go back to the court and get a public summons. The public summons, according to the lawyer, will be served at the defendants known address or published in a newspaper, the versatile prosecutor said. What the prosecution is then supposed to do by section 80 (of AJA) is to get a forfeiture order against the defendants assets. And if the defendant still does not show up for one year, then those properties will be forfeited to the Federal Government. Instead of targeting the surety, the ACJA actually makes provision for the protection of the surety, Mr Jacobs said. As explained by the lawyer, the surety only becomes the target late in the process after the moves against the defendant have failed. Where the defendant does not have a property or the property is not enough to cater for the bail bond, it is then the court will proceed against the surety. The surety will be invited, he will make his own defence and all that. It is when he cannot pay the bail bond that he will now be arrested and remanded. President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that his administration will use all available resources and manpower in dealing with bandits who have been terrorising several parts of Nigeria. Many states in the North-west and North-central regions have suffered attacks by bandits who kill and kidnap at will. States that have suffered such attacks include Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger and Katsina. In his speech in Abuja Thursday, after observing the Islamic Eid prayer marking the end of Ramadan, the president linked the activities of the bandits to food security. President Buhari emphatically said that the menace of bandits and kidnappers will be addressed to ensure that the nations food security is not threatened, the presidents spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement. Mr Buhari has been criticised for his handling of Nigerias security situation including that caused by bandits. Apart from the attacks by bandits, kidnappings and killings are also rife in many parts of the country. Read the full statement by Mr Shehu below. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday pledged that his administration will use all available resources and manpower in dealing with bandits to ensure that they did not create havoc against access to farms and food production in the coming growing season. Speaking to reporters at the State House shortly after observing the Eid prayer, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, President Buhari emphatically said that the menace of bandits and kidnappers will be addressed to ensure that the nations food security is not threatened. The president, who hoped for a good rainy season this year, said the law enforcement agencies are working hard to regain confidence against bandits, so that we can go back to the land. This is very important. This is what the agencies are busy doing right now. We want people to go back to the land so that we can get enough food for the country and even export. Explaining ongoing efforts to tackle the security situation in the country by the administration, President Buhari drew attention to the series of long meetings held in recent weeks, chaired by him, saying that a part of resolutions had been made public by the National Security Adviser and the others kept secret. With the resources and manpower available to us, we are working very hard. We are hoping Nigerians will understand the problem. Nigerians know at what stage we came in in 2015, what state we are today both on security and the economy and we are doing our best. The President commended the National Assembly for its support, saying emphatically that the National Assembly is cooperating very well. Within the resources available, they are certainly giving us priority on our (military) requests. President Buhari then made an appeal to the nations elite to show a better appreciation of the problems facing the country. The elite should make the attempt to understand the military. If we order for weapons and armored vehicles, it takes time for the manufacturers. It takes time to ship them and when brought here eventually, they are taken to training institutions, train the trainers before sending them to the field. This is a very long process, the president explained. He appealed to Nigerians for more understanding of the current situation in country. I expect Nigerians to be more understanding on the issues involved, looking at time and available resources. For example, when we came in, in the Northeast, ask people in Adamawa and Borno States and the South South in terms of security. Without security, you cant do anything. Our big surprise and disappointment is what is happening in the Northwest and we are dealing with it, said the President with a strong emphasis. President Buhari and members of his family were joined for the Eid at the forecourt of the Villa by the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, cabinet members and the heads of security and intelligence agencies. Garba Shehu ADVERTISEMENT Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) Days before the restoration of four oil mining licenses to Addax Petroleum, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) launched a blistering tackle on its sister agency, Department of Petroleum Resources, with a strong appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse DPRs revocation of the OMLs and reject a reallocation to another company. The NNPC in a letter to the president on April 20 argued that the revocation of the oilfields would have implications on the Nigerian economy and the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China. Addax is owned by Sinopec, a state-owned Chinese firm, the nine-page memo seen PREMIUM TIMES shows. Three days after the letter was sent, the president overruled the revocation by the DPR, and cancelled the reallocation of OMLs 123, 124, 126, and 137 to Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Consortium, a firm DPR picked as a replacement. The clash is the latest example of how government agencies often appear to work at cross purposes and succeed in having the president do their bidding. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Monday how the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Usman, repeatedly faced off over the award of contracts, and Mr Amaechi at least once directed a procurement process be suspended in favour of an incumbent contractor In revoking the four OMLs, the DPR cited Addaxs inability to comply with agreed targets. Addax has a production sharing contract with the NNPC. A panel set up by the Ministry of Petroleum to review the case concluded that Addax had caused the country significant losses in revenue and jobs. The committee led by a former senator, Magnus Abe, said $1 billion had been invested in the contract but Addax Petroleum called it off over an issue that was unrelated to the project. The action put over 3000 Nigerians out of work, the committee said. The presidencys statement, signed by spokesperson Garba Shehu, said: President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the restoration of the leases on OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC which is in production sharing contract with Addax Petroleum, a company wholly owned by Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the blocks. The leases belonging to the Federation were revoked on March 30, 2021. While directing the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR to retract the letter of revocation of the leases, the President also directed NNPC to utilize contractual provisions to resolve issues in line with the extant provisions of the Production Sharing Contract arrangement between NNPC and Addax, it said. NNPC Counters DPR The NNPC warned the president that the revocation, if unresolved, will create an unprecedented level of contingent liability of well over US$1 billion for NNPC as the party in contract with Addax, reputational damage to the country with possible dire unintended diplomatic consequences. The NNPC faulted the DPR for revoking the oilfields saying it is the petroleum minister who has the power to revoke leases. If defended Addax, saying Addax has not been investing in capital projects, development drilling, and exploration activities due to dispute on applicable fiscal terms on its blocks. It is within the right of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (HMPR) to revoke Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) as provided in Paragraph 25 (1) of the First Schedule of the Petroleum Act. It is clear that the procedures as stipulated by the Petroleum Act to revoke the lease of a lessee were not duly followed in this case and this portends several legal, commercial, and diplomatic implications, it said. The provisions of the Act stipulate that revocation of a Lease is against the Lessee (on fulfilling revocation conditions) and clearly the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) erred by processing the revocation against Addax (a PSC Contractor) instead of NNPC (the Lessee). Addax has already written to DPR expressing their intention to exercise their right to challenge the revocation using all government, diplomatic and legal means to seek redress and achieve satisfaction. Implications The NNPC argued that the ability of NNPC and the newly appointed contractor to partner and properly utilise the assets may be severely hampered if Addax goes ahead with its threat to legally challenge the revocation process. It said the immediate implication of the revocation and reallocation of the OMLS is that NNPC (as the actual Concessionaire/Lessee) is no longer associated in any way with OML 137 as it is now awarded to new allottees as a Sole Risk Block. Based on DPRs letter, There is no valid PSC in place between NNPC and the newly appointed contractor parties and as such, there is currently no contractual basis for any sort of interaction between NNPC and the Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited (KEL/Salvic) Consortium, it said. In addition to possible resort to legal contest, Addax could still have grounds to make claims in respect of cost recovery of outstanding expenditure or consequential losses such as profit against NNPC and thus indirectly the Government. Aside from the legal implications, the oil company told Mr Buhai about commercial implications that would negatively affect the increase in crude oil production and revenue generation. ADVERTISEMENT It said the OMLS 123 and 124 are due to expire on July 1, 2022, while OML 126 expires on November 24, 2024, but renewal negotiations and (Head of Terms) HOT discussions are currently ongoing and revocation presents a hard bargaining point for the Corporation during these negotiations as the Contractors may likely seek more stringent guarantees. NNPC will require at least US$1 billion to settle the outstanding cost oil liability, consequential losses such as profit, plus other liabilities such as severance for employees, abandonment, decommissioning and amortized capital expenses, it said. China, the Parent Country of Addax is the largest trading partner of Nigeria representing over 20 percent of international trade and almost 3 times the next largest trading partner. Addax diplomatic threat is thus not inconsequential and should be taken seriously. In addition, it reminded Mr Buhari that China also provides financing for key infrastructural projects like the Railways Projects and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Projects, amongst others, and warned that the revocation action could also threaten the realisation of these critical projects. Addax took over ownership of the four OMLs after the NNPC terminated a contract with Ashland in 1998, which held control since 1973. Sinopec bought the Switzerland-based Addax Petroleum in 2009 for US$7.24 billion. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian government is about to begin the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, said on Thursday. Mr Malami said the government would soon resuscitate and reinvigorate the existing special terrorism courts in the country for that purpose. This comes about a week after Mr Malami told reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that the government was profiling some high-profile Nigerians strongly suspected to be financing terrorism for prosecution. He had disclosed that investigations revealing the suspected terrorism financiers were triggered by a recent conviction of some Nigerians in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) for funding Boko Haram. When asked about the number of the suspects already identified, he said it could not be given because investigations were still ongoing. Mr Malami,however, gave a clue about the number in a statement released by his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, to commemorate the Eid-el-Fitr celebration on Thursday. The minister also said the government was taking more measures to counter insurgency and general insecurity in addition to the move to prosecute the 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers. He said in addition to the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the government has taken more measures to counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity in the country. Malami said very soon, the Federal Government will, through the Federal Ministry of Justices Complex Case Group, resuscitate and reinvigorate the existing special terrorism prosecution courts in the country in order bring to book all those found guilty so as to serve as deterrence to others, the statement read in part. He urged Muslims to continue to be law-abiding, have sober reflection and exhibit the imbibed lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan fast as they celebrate Eid-el-fitr. He saluted the commitment of clerics in enlightening their followers on various issues during the months urging them to maintain the tempo even beyond the period of Ramadan. Special terrorism prosecution courts The minister did not give the details of the special terrorism prosecution courts where he said the government intends to try the suspected Boko Haram suspects, but officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice told PREMIUM TIMES that it is about an arrangement the ministry has with the Federal High Court. The arrangement, according to the sources, who asked not to be named because they have not been given an approval to speak to the press about the issue, involves deployment of some designated judges of the Federal High Court to various detention facilities where terrorism suspects are held in the country. Over 1,000 terrorism suspects detained in military detention in Kainji, Niger State, have been prosecuted under the arrangement. The choice of the Federal High Court for the cases is because it is the court with exclusive jurisdiction to handle terrorism matters. The justice ministry liaises with other relevant security agencies and prosecutes the cases through its Complex Case Group which handles he prosecution of terrorism related cases. The move to prosecute the alleged terrorism financiers is coming amid heightened attacks by Boko Haram, non-state actors and other perpetrators of violent crimes in different parts of the country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared on Wednesday that de-escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict was an absolute must, saying that the mounting death toll, including children, is totally unacceptable. Guterres, after meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, said that an end to the violence was needed to protect the lives of civilians that are now dying in totally unacceptable circumstances. According to news reports, the violence has seen more than 50 Palestinians killed along with six Israelis since Monday. Meanwhile, in New York, the renewed conflict represents the most serious escalation between Israelis and Palestinians in years, the UN Special Coordinator for the region told the Security Council. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefed reporters in New York at the regular noon press conference, on the update given by Tor Wennesland to the Council, which met behind closed doors. We are very concerned by the growing civilian casualties in both Gaza and Israel, and deeply saddened by reported deaths of children in Gaza, Dujarric said. He said that both the Secretary-General and Wennesland had both reiterated that Hamas and other militants indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars violated the humanitarian law. They have emphasised that indiscriminate launching of rockets from highly populated civilian neighbourhoods towards civilian population centres violated international humanitarian law, and it is unacceptable and has to stop immediately. The spokesperson said the Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process had also told ambassadors that Israeli authorities must abide by their responsibilities under international law. In addition, he said that Israeli security forces should exercise maximum restraint, calibrate their use of force to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations. The Secretary-General is particularly appalled that children continue to be victims of violence, said Dujarric, adding that youngsters needed to be given special protection. He and his Envoy have called on the international community to take action to enable the parties to step back from the brink and return to the previous understandings. To return to previous understanding that have maintained a relative calm in Gaza and avoid a descent into chaos, with the massive casualties and immense damage to civilian infrastructure that would result, the spokesperson said. Wennesland, however, reminded Council members that it was the civilian population on both sides, that bore the burden of war and that the most vulnerable are the ones at greatest risk of suffering. He also told the Council that the cycle of violence would only end with a political resolution of the conflict, an end to the occupation and a realisation of a two-State solution on the basis of UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF), Henrietta Fore, said on Wednesday that at least 14 children in Palestine and one child in Israel have been reported killed since Monday. She noted that another 95 children in Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem and three children in Israel have reportedly been injured in the past five days. The situation is at a dangerous tipping point. The level of violence and its impact on children is devastating. We are on the brink of a full-scale war. In any war, children all children suffer first and suffer most. ADVERTISEMENT She urged all sides to protect all civilians, especially children, to spare essential civilian infrastructure from attacks, and to end violations against children. (NAN) The Federal Government says it will soon commence the distribution of agricultural inputs to Nigerian farmers for the 2021 Wet Season farming. Theodore Ogaziechi, Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this on Thursday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Mr Ogaziechi said the distribution was to enhance production of food and balanced nutrition, create more jobs, and boost wet season farming. Government has commenced activities to encourage farmers with the roll-out of free inputs distribution to 7,500 small scale women farmers from the North-central states and the Federal Capital Territory, he said. Mr Ogaziechi said the Ministry had performed similar exercises in Kaduna, Oyo, Kogi, Cross River, Imo, Kebbi, Jigawa, Gombe and Borno States by assisting smallholders farmers with quality inputs. He disclosed that the Federal Government had foreclosed the 2020 roll out of inputs distribution to farmers, saying hopefully, we will commence the 2021 inputs distribution soonest. The Federal Government is also disbursing inputs at a subsidised rate in order to encourage farmers and increase production, Mr Ogaziechi said. He said that during the pandemic, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture had given out subsidised 5,000 metric tonnes of maize in support of poultry farmers. Mr Ogaziechi explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of the maize from the National Strategic Grains Reserve to support the Poultry Association of Nigeria. He said it was at a subsidised rate of N90,000 per metric tonne as against the market price of N170,000 then. Mr Ogaziechi said that release was also part of the general release of the Presidential 70,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains palliative to vulnerable Nigerians. He said the Minister of Agriculture, Muhammad Nanono, also allocated 12,500 metric tonnes of food ration to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, for victims of disasters. Mr Ogaziechi said the 12,500 tonnes were from the Minna silos in Niger State which was also part of the National Strategic Food Reserve. He said the ministry also simultaneously released the rest of the assorted food items as directed by President Buhari from its silos in Gusau; Zamfara, Dutsin Ma; Katsina State, Yola; Adamawa, Lafia; Nassarawa and Ilesha; Osun. Mr Ogaziechi said that the Federal Government had a lot of agricultural inputs in its warehouses waiting for farmers to buy at subsidised rates. He said that government was mindful of, and took serious consideration on food security by stacking up food in the silos. Mr Ogaziechi said government had 33 silos complexes nationwide with 19 under concession out of the 33, adding that government still had 14 silos under its management. He said concessioning was aimed at bringing in the private sector and increasing capacity utilisation of the silo complexes for the benefit of the farmers in particular and the nation in general. ADVERTISEMENT It should be stressed that the final handing over of the silos complexes to the concessionaires is only possible when the Transaction Adviser has certified that the concessionaires have met all the conditions necessary. This will enable concessionaires carry out the needed repairs and a joint inspection will be carried out at the end of the repairs with the staff of Agriculture Ministry. This will also ascertain the readiness of the concessionaires to start full operation and thus determine the effective date of the transaction, Mr Ogaziechi said. He also said that the government provided relief materials to flood victims and farmers in Kebbi and other states in the North-west by ensuring they received improved seeds to restart planting as soon as the water receded. (NAN) Saudi Arabia has released construction magnate Bakr bin Laden, more than three years after his detention in a purge of the kingdoms elite that upended his vast business empire, sources told AFP. The former chairman of the Bin Laden Group, Saudi Arabias biggest construction company, was reunited last week with his family in the Red Sea city of Jeddah after being freed from an undisclosed detention site, two people close to his family said. It was unclear whether the release of Bakr, a tycoon in his 70s once seen as a major powerbroker, was provisional as his movements are still curtailed, one of the sources said. He was released and told to stay home, he said. People are allowed to visit him. His family is overjoyed, the second source said, adding they hoped his release was not a temporary goodwill gesture by the government towards the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Bakr, a half-brother of the late Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was not reachable for comment and Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to AFPs request for comment. The Bin Laden family, branded as the Rockefellers of Saudi Arabia for their sprawling infrastructure projects, reaped enormous wealth for decades on the back of their proximity to the Al Saud royal family. But their fortunes tanked following the ascent of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has sought to remake the oil-reliant economy and dismantle top-down patronage networks that enriched a handful of elite families. Five-star prison Bakr and two other siblings, Saad and Saleh, were snared in a November 2017 purge that saw hundreds of royals, tycoons and government ministers locked up for months in Riyadhs Ritz-Carlton hotel, then widely dubbed a five-star prison. The unprecedented crackdown, which rattled private investors just as the kingdom sought to lure capital to help diversify the economy, was described by the government as an anti-corruption measure. But observers widely saw it as a shakedown and power play by Prince Mohammed, the de facto ruler known by his acronym MBS. Most detainees, including Saad and Saleh, were subsequently released after opaque financial settlements with the government. But both brothers were barred from overseas travel and initially made to wear electronic ankle bracelets to track their movements, family sources said. The government took management control of the debt-saddled Bin Laden group after acquiring the three brothers collective 36.2 percent stake in the company, according to an official document seen by AFP. Authorities also seized assets including private jets and luxury cars, the sources said. But despite surrendering billions in assets and shares, Bakr was held in detention, with family sources saying authorities freed him temporarily once, in January 2019, so he could attend a family funeral. He still holds significant assets outside the kingdom, and his associates are privy to damning secrets about payouts to royal family members, one of the sources said. Bakr was never put on trial despite his prolonged detention, the source added, and no specific charges against him have been made public. ADVERTISEMENT The multi-billion dollar Bin Laden empire flourished during the oil boom, bagging lucrative state contracts to build palaces, universities and mosques. But their so-called special relationship with the royal family changed when King Salman, MBSs father, took the throne in 2015 following an oil price crash the previous year. Also contributing to their fall was the familys closeness to former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was edged out by MBS in 2017 as heir to the throne. Big private sector families havent fared well as the state seizes assets and drives the transformation of the Saudi economy, Kristin Diwan, of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. The Bin Ladens have been targeted for their proximity to other ruling family rivals The Al Saud give and the Al Saud take away. France 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish content. Medical Associations in Lagos State have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently announce any of the three finalists as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU). This is contained in a statement jointly issued by leaders of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Lagos; Medical Guild, and Medical and Dental Consultants Association (MDCAN), LASUTH Chapter. It was signed by Adetunji Adenekan, NMA Chairman; Oluwajimi Sodipo, Medical Guild Chairman, and Mumuni Amisu of MDCAN. They jointly said: We do not have any reason to believe that the previous processes of selection of ninth Vice-Chancellor for LASU were not rigorous or not in compliance with the laid down procedures and the extant laws of the university. We appeal that any one of the three finalists in the second selection process be announced by Mr Governor without further delay. They all have what it takes to put the university in the path of unrivaled progress and excellence in its three core mandates of teaching, research and community service. We are afraid that political interference and the seemingly apparent discrimination against the medical profession and established medical education in Nigeria, may derail the university system. This will send a message to all clinical lecturers in the College of Medicine in general as unwanted members of the university community and to the selected Professors of Clinical Medicine in the university specifically. It will look as being perceived as second-rate academics in LASU despite proving their mettles by coming top in the interviews conducted. Controversy The selection of a new vice-chancellor for LASU has dragged on for months as several groups, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) faulted the process adopted by the institution. In their statement, the leaders of the medical associations noted that the discrimination would portend danger to medical education in LASU and other Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria where clinical lecturers had diligently held and still hold the forte, if their morale was killed. They urged the governor to ensure that merit and extant laws were applied in the matter. We will use any lawful and legal means to prevent the disenfranchisement of any qualified person, including medical doctors with fellowship, the leaders said. They expressed concern that intervention of the Special Visitation Panel was in furtherance of a sinister agenda that was inimical to the progress of the university, and which may engender further crisis. The leaders said that their interaction with the panel exposed not only feign ignorance, but their prejudice and bias against the medical academia. According to them, we fear that their recommendations will reflect such and will only engender a crisis. We are concerned by the level of ignorance feigned by the panelists about the Medical Fellowship. They all erroneously assert that Medical Fellowship was not an acceptable qualification to teach in the university, despite glaring evidence that this is the practice in Nigerian Universities and stipulated by the relevant laws and conditions of service of LASU. ADVERTISEMENT In addition, despite the fact that three past Vice-Chancellors of LASU (the pioneer VC, Prof. Folabi Olumide, the fourth VC, Prof. Fatiu Akesode and the seventhth VC, Prof. John Obafunwa). They have distinguished themselves as medical doctors with Fellowship and the condition of service of LASU recognised such, just as every other university in Nigeria, the leaders said. They said that the views expressed by the panel confirmed their fears that the whole crisis in the LASU vice-chancellor selection process was orchestrated. The leaders added that the plan was for the sole agenda of using the needless PhD versus Medical Fellowship brouhaha as excuse to reject the outcome of the selection process. While commending efforts of all stakeholders, they warned against discrimination of medical doctors in the appointment of new vice-chancellor for the university to retain its role as a world class institution. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Government will soon resuscitate Special Terrorism Prosecution Courts, the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said. Mr Malami made this known in a statement by Umar Gwandu, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations on Thursday in Abuja. The move, Mr Malami said is geared towards the Federal Governments commitment to end insecurity in the country. The federal government is committed to ending insecurity in the country, and added that the courts are to bring to book all those found guilty in connection with terrorism so as to serve as deterrence to others. In addition to the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the measures taken by the government will counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity in the country. Mr Malami also, while felicitating with Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the years Eid Al-Fitr, noted that Ramadan fast comes with numerous lessons. The lessons include sincerity, honesty, commitment, sacrifice, selflessness, introspection and empathy, among others. He urged Muslims, as they celebrate, to continue to be law-abiding, have sober reflections and exhibit the imbibed lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan fast. The Minister saluted the commitment of clerics in enlightening their followers on various issues during the month of fast, urging them to maintain the tempo, even beyond the period of Ramadan. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Two gunmen have been killed in a joint operation carried out by the Nigerian Army, Air Force and the Police in Imo. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abutu Yaro, confirmed this to reporters in Owerri on Thursday. Mr Yaro said the suspects were killed in a gun battle between the military and the unidentified gunmen at Ikenanzizi in Obowo Local Government Area of the state. He disclosed that two rifles, five motorcycles, a Lexus jeep and one 18 seater bus were recovered from the gunmen. The commissioner further said that the operation was carried out in line with Federal Governments resolve to rid the country of ravaging insecurity. It was a joint operation of the Army, Airforce and Police; two unknown gunmen were killed in the process and investigation is ongoing. He said the team could lay hands on only one corpse as the hoodlums were able to escape with the second corpse. We have one corpse but they escaped with the other one and it has been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre Owerri morgue, he said. He called on residents of the state to remain calm and go about their lawful activities adding that security agencies had the situation under firm control. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Nigerias independent fact-checking and verification platform, Dubawa, has trained some staff of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the North-central part of the country. The training held in Lafia and was aimed at equipping the officials with tools in the fight against misinformation and amplifying the culture of truth in the country. NOA, a government agency, is saddled with the responsibility of communicating government policies, promoting patriotism, national unity, and by extension, fighting misinformation in Nigeria. Having held a similar training for staff in its headquarters, the two-day training had in attendance state directors and their ICT (Information and Communication Technology) officers from Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. In her opening remarks, Temilade Onilede, Dubawas Program Officer, expressed her excitement at taking fact-checking to all geographical zones in Nigeria. She said she is hopeful of the positive impacts the training would have in the regions. Part of the events of the training include sessions on fact-checking, social media tips, accountability journalism and verification tools. Further, the participants had break-out sessions where they deliberated on strategies to improve NOAs fact-checking strategy. One of the participants, Mohammed Abdullahi, the Kogi State Director, thanked Dubawa for the training. I thank the organizers of the program for the opportunity given to us to update our knowledge. I learnt the different tools used for fact checking and ready to step it down at the grassroots and not to believe everything they see on the Internet as the gospel truth, he said. Similarly, the ICT officer Niger State, Abdullahi Ndalima, said the training was an eye-opener as it afforded him knowledge of fact-checking. Revenues and profits were down but BT said it put in a "strong operational performance" during the COVID-19 pandemic ( ) saw profits dip in the year to the end of March as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit the top-line. Revenue fell 7% to 21,331mln from 22,905mln the year before, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19 on its Consumer and enterprise units, ongoing legacy product declines and divestments, although the decline was partly offset by higher equipment revenue and Openreach bases in fibre and Ethernet. Adjusted underlying earnings (EBITDA) of 7,415mln were down 6% from 7,907mln in the prior year, in line with guidance. Reported profit before tax tumbled 23% to 1,804mln from 2,353mln in the preceding year. Net debt at the end of the financial year stood at 17,802mln, a reduction of 167mln on the debt pile a year earlier, after capital expenditure of 4,216mln (2018/19: 3,960mln). The group, once one of the FTSE 100s most generous dividend payers, has not declared a dividend. Payments are expected to resume at an annual rate of 7.7p per share in 2021/22. The group said revenue in the current financial year is expected to be much the same as in the year just ended, while adjusted EBITDA is slated to be between 7.5bn and 7.7bn. The group is budgeting for capital expenditure of around 4.9bn and expects normalised cash flow to be between 1.1bn and 1.3bn. BT comes out of this challenging year as a stronger business with an even greater sense of purpose, claimed Philip Jansen, the chief executive of BT. A number of uncertainties have now been removed. The Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review, 5G spectrum auction and the Government's tax super-deduction give us the green light to build the UK's next-generation digital infrastructure even faster; today we are increasing and accelerating our FTTP target from 20mln to 25mln homes and businesses by December 2026 to deliver further value to our shareholders and support the Government's full-fibre ambitions. The conclusion of our triennial pension valuation today provides further clarity for shareholders, he added. READ BT to pick up the pace of fast broadband connections after latest pension deficit agreement After a number of years of tough work, and as we look to build back better from the pandemic, we're now pivoting to consistent and predictable growth. We are building a better BT for our customers, for the country, for our shareholders and for those who work for this great company - now and in the future, he added. A defence witness in the war crimes trial of Gibril Massaquoi told the Finnish court holding hearings here that he fought with the Revolutionary United Front in Lofa County in 2001 but Massaquoi was not with them. The witness, codenamed 11 to protect him from intimidation, was a radio operator for RUF leader Foday Sankohs station called Secret Signal Broadcasting (SSB). He said he met Massaquoi in 1999 when they were all in the RUF together. Like several witnesses in Liberia who were connected to RUF and the government forces of Charles Taylor fighting LURD forces in Lofa, during Liberias second war, this witness spoke about why the RUF forces were sent to Lofa. LURD (a rival Liberian faction) rebels intended to close our supply route, so our commander Issa Sesay sent our team led by Colonel Eagle, to clear the route in May 2001, 11 told the court. He said it was not good for us to be cut off, because we were getting our major supplies from Charles Taylors commander, Benjamin Yeatan and he was giving us food and ammunition supplies. Our supply route was passing through Foya, Kolahun and Voinjama in Liberia. But I did not see Massaquoi during that time in Liberia. Massaquoi left Liberia in 2000 before we got there in May 2001. 11 said his RUF forces stayed in Liberia from May to June in 2001 before the RUF disarmament in Sierra Leone. He said he then met Massaquoi in Sierra Leone 2002 at the party headquarters when RUF was running to be a political party. At that time Sankoh was in prison and Massaquoi was second in command. 11 said in 2000 Massaquoi was appointed as head of the external delegation. His responsibility was to lead the peace delegation to Liberia to negotiate with former President Taylor for the release of RUF head, Foday Sankoh, who was arrested and was in jail until his death. The crux of hearings in Sierra Leone will be whether Massaquoi could have escaped witness protection in Freetown where he was informing on Taylor and others to the Special Court for Sierra Leone long enough to go and fight for Taylor in Liberia at the same time. Dozens of Liberian witnesses testified that Massaquoi committed atrocities in the Waterside area of Monrovia in 2001-2003. Experts say the only major fighting in Waterside happened in 2003 when then-president Charles Taylor was fending off the advancing forces of LURD. If the Finnish could find that Massaquoi did escape witness protection to fight for Taylor in Liberia while also testifying against him that would raise serious questions about the Special Courts processes. It was the Special Court that arranged Massaquois resettlement in Finland and immunity from prosecution for crimes committed in Sierra Leone. Massaquoi is being prosecuted in Finland for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Liberia. Massaquoi was relocated to Finland in 2005 but when Civitas Maxima, of Switzerland and Liberia-based Global Justice Research Project presented Finnish investigators in the city of Tampere, where he was living, with evidence of his war crimes in Liberia, they arrested him in March 2020 for his role in that war. Massaquois trial began on February 1 in Tampere. Rather than transport more than 80 witnesses set to testify to Finland in the midst of a pandemic, the Finnish court travelled to Finland and Sierra Leone. Former girlfriend In another attempt to confirm dates the court heard from an alleged former girlfriend of Massaquoi and mother of his child. The woman, codenamed 13 told the Finnish court that she met him in late 1999 and they started a relationship. She said their son was 20 years old but could only remember the year the child was born as between 2001 and 2002. The woman said it was in 2001 that she realised she was pregnant for Massaquoi and told him via mobile phone that she was leaving the Gambia where she went to visit her parents, for Monrovia. She said Massaquoi sent her some money and told her to meet him in Monrovia because he was due there for peace talks. She said she met Massaquoi at a house in Monrovia where he was living that had been given to RUF officials by the Liberian government at the time. After three months, I did not want to have my baby in Liberia, so I moved back Freetown and gave birth, 13 told the court. By then Massaquoi was already in Freetown and often came to see me and the child at my place in Tengbeh Town. But after some months in 2002, when he was isolated and nobody could see him for security reasons, I asked his brothers about him, and they said he was under witness protection for the Special Court in Sierra Leone. But he would normally give money (to) his friend Michael to bring me for the upkeep of his child twice a month. Witness 4 Meanwhile, the other witness for the day, codenamed 4, said he was an officer of the Central Intelligence Unit in Sierra Leone and got to know Massaquoi in 1998. Called by the defence, the witness appeared to further the defence case that there was another person operating as Angel Gabriel in Liberia during the period of 2001 and 2003 and not Gibril Massaquoi. Massaquoi used to come and visit me at my office. We met many times in Freetown and we normally talked about peace and moving Freetown forward. I cant remember, but I am sure I met Massaquoi in 2003 but I do not remember the last time I heard from him. I had no knowledge about him and RUF, he never told me about his business with Charles Taylor, he said. In a short interview with New Narratives, Massaquoi defence lawyer Paula Sallinen, now in Freetown with the Finnish court, said she cannot predict the ongoing trial of Gibril Massaquoi. But since her client Massaquoi has denied all alleged war crimes charges, she believes him. ADVERTISEMENT So looking at all of the statements so far, from all of the witness(es) in Liberia and Sierra Leone, everything is as expected, Sallinen said. Massaquoi has not traveled with the court but is watching the proceedings through a videolink from his jail in Finland. Sallinen and her colleague Kaarle Gunmerus were chosen by Massaquoi to represent them. In Finland, if an accused cannot afford to pay for their defence, as is Massaquois case, the state pays. Sallinen said she expected that the final judgment of the Massaquoi trial in Finland will come in September. She said she hopes this trial will serve as an eye opener. I hope Liberia can have her own war court that will be held and operated in Liberia to be able to prosecute alleged warlords, Sallinen said. The trial continues on Thursday. This story was in collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The funder had no say in the storys content. ADVERTISEMENT The police in Delta State have banned their operatives from embarking on escort duty to Nigerias South-east states Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, and Abia because of the ongoing attacks on officers and police facilities in the states. Rivers State, in the South-south, is also included in the ban which is contained in a wireless message issued by the commissioner of police in Delta State. The message was sent to some government establishments in Delta State, including the Government House, Asaba, the Delta House of Assembly, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation office in Delta State. Many police operatives in Nigeria are attached as security details to government officials, top politicians, and wealthy businessmen commonly referred to as principals. COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escort of their principals to the six eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves, the wireless message said. Ensure strict compliance, please, it added. There has been a spate of deadly attacks on security agencies in the South-east and South-south regions lately. Five police officers were killed by gunmen in Imo on April 26, while one officer was abducted. Two officers were killed and a police facility set ablaze in a similar attack in Anambra on May 6. Several officers have been killed too in similar attacks in other states in the region. There have been deadly attacks against the police in Delta State too. Three police officers were shot dead on January 10 in Ughelli at an eatery where they were serving as security guards. In Warri, still in Delta, a police officer was shot dead along the road and his rifle taken away by his killers. In Rivers, seven officers were killed in multiple attacks on May 7, despite a night curfew in the state. At least, 22 police officers have been killed so far in Akwa Ibom State since February, according to the data from the police authorities in the state. IPOB, a proscribed pro-Biafra group, has denied accusations that they are responsible for the attacks which has compounded the security challenges in the two regions. A former Chief of Defence Staff, Joshua Dogonyaro, is dead. Mr Dogonyaro, a retired lieutenant general, died at the age of 80 on Wednesday. The first son of the deceased, Joseph Dogonyaro, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Pankshin, on Thursday. Daddy has been sick for some time until yesterday when he had a stroke and we rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention. Unfortunately, early this morning (Thursday), around 3.00 a.m. precisely, he breathed his last. His death comes as a rude shock to us as a family. We are going to miss his love and warmth as a grandfather, father, brother, uncle and supporter, he said. Joseph said the family was trying to cope with the shock of the generals demise and would discuss the funeral arrangements soon. He described his father as a General who was so faithful and loyal to the nation, Nigeria. He was a general who had no bias mind as a detribalised Nigerian. He served this nation faithful and identified with all Nigerians and Africa as a continent. We and Nigerians are going to miss him having served humanity in this country and Africa as a whole, Joseph said. According to him, the corpse of the general has since been deposited at the JUTH mortuary. Mr Dogonyaro Mr Dogonyaro, a soldier and an administrator, was born on September 12, 1940 in Vom, Plateau State, though a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area. He had his early education at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, and thereafter, was enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1964. He was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; Officer Commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; Quartermaster General, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969-70. The late general became Chief Instructor and Adjutant, Rece Training School, NA, 1970 to 1972; Commanding Officer, I Recce Regiment, NA., 1972 to 1976. He was appointed Principal Staff Officer, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, 1976 to 1977; Commanding Officer, 24 Armoured Brigade, NA., 1977-79. Between 1984 and 1985, he was made the Task Force Commanding Officer, 203 Armoured Battalion on the Peace-keeping Force in Chad; Director of Manning (Army), Army Headquarters, A Branch, N.A and Director of Armoury, 1985. He was also the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, N.A, Jos, 1985 to 1987; mm: Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), 1985; General Officer Commanding 2nd Mechanised Division, N.A, Ibadan, 1987; promoted Major-General, 1988; Promoted Lt. General; former ECOMOG Commander; retired in 1993. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Dogonyaro also attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos and obtained National Institute (mni) in addition to the Staff College (Psc) and Forces Service Star (FSS). (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has asked Nigerians to look beyond the frenzy of restructuring as canvassed by southern governors. Mr Okechukwu, who is a chieftain of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warned that conceding more powers to governors would put the countrys democracy in grave danger. He said this in a statement on Thursday where he advised Nigerians to tread carefully and not to see the socio-economic and security challenges facing the country as a reason to give more powers to the governors who are already mismanaging their powers as emperors. His comment is in reaction to a resolution by the 17 southern governors on Tuesday calling for the restructuring of the country. The governors had also resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in the region. These resolutions have generated controversies over the past few days with many speaking either in support or against governors decision. For Mr Okechukwu, giving more powers to state governors will by omission or commission create Frankenstein Monsters which may harm the nations democracy. He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 endorsed the amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, granting financial autonomy to the state judiciary and state legislatures, as foundation for real restructuring, but governors had refused to implement it two years after. Nigerians, he said, cannot expect good governance when the governors acting as emperors had locked up all democratic institutions in the state. Whereas one endorsed the Southern Governors communique that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps should be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism, one is however of the candid view that we need Dual-Restructuring, he said. Way forward The VON boss further explained that Nigeria needs dual-restructuring to alter democratic state institutions so as to unlock state judiciary, state legislatures and local government councils. While stating that Nigeria needs to devolve relevant powers from the exclusive legislative list to states and local government councils, he warned Nigerians not to be insensitive and hand over more powers to governors. Can the rights of the citizenry be guaranteed if state police is enacted under Emperor Governors without independent judiciary and legislative oversight functions? What happens to the opposition under State Police with His Excellencies like my dear friend Malam El-Rufai and Wike? This is without being immodest or personal, just samples. Can transparency and accountability be guaranteed when more money is devolved to States with Rubber Stamp legislatures?, he wondered. Mr Okechukwus concerns come amidst demands by several Nigerians who believe restructuring would save the country from breaking up. It is also worthy to note that seven of the 17 southern governors who made the resolutions on Tuesday, are members of the APC who joined their counterparts at the Peoples Democratic Party to fault President Muhammadu Buharis handling of the grave security situation in the country and issues of restructuring. The family of a Lagos-based food commodity trader, Abiodun Ilesanmi, has cried out over his deteriorating health condition in the custody of the Security Service (SSS). His wife, Adekemi Ilesanmi, broke down sobbing while speaking to PREMIUM TIMES about his husbands detention that has now lasted 42 days as of Thursday. She said in a telephone interview with our reporter on Wednesday that the 55-year-old father of three was hypertensive as of the time of his arrest at their home in Shagisha, Lagos, on April 2. According to her, the man developed breathing problem in custody and has only been getting sleeping pills as mediation, putting his health in a more precarious situation. My husbands health is at stake; I hardly see him whenever I want to see him. He is hypertensive; he could not breathe in the night, and when I asked him, he said he was being given sleeping pills. And I told them (the SSS) from the outset that my husbands health is not stable. He has lost so much weight. The children cry all day; we are traumatised by my husbands continued incarceration by the SSS, Mrs Ilesanmi said. She added, We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and the human rights community to come to our aid. My husband is dying slowly in SSS custody. Arrest She narrated how operatives of the Nigerian secret police pulled down doors and windows to forcibly gain access into their home in the wee hours of April 2, 2021, in Shagisha, Lagos. Family members, including one of their children, watched helplessly the way the operatives numbering about 30 violated the serenity of their abode at about 2a.m., the woman said. She said he was handcuffed and whisked away by the SSS agents leaving the entire family traumatised. On April 2, 2021, in the middle of the night around 2a.m. about thirty (30) SSS operatives broke into our home fully armed with guns; putting on camouflage and black uniforms. Initially, my husband woke me up saying, armed robbers are here. So, I stood up. One of our children; the last one born of 13 years had just returned from school on that day and had only rested a few hours when the security men broke into our house. We saw them scaling the fence and pulling down windows and doors. They destroyed about seven doors. They destroyed the main gate and our doors to gain access into the house. We thought they were armed robbers. I fainted upon seeing them in my room. Then they introduced themselves as security agents, but I couldnt believe them. We were traumatised, she said. She provided our correspondent with the what she said were the pictures of the destruction left behind by the operatives. According to her, the operatives eventually whisked away her husband, carting away valuable items without disclosing where he was being taken to. They (SSS) operatives carted away valuable documents, cash and car keys. Thereafter, they handcuffed my husband and immediately our daughter sighted her father in cuffs, she broke down in tears. The operatives were only saying they came from Abuja, they never told us what offence my husband has committed. They took my husband away that night and they never told us where he was being taken to. She said not until two days after that they learnt that he was taken to SSS office in Magodo in Lagos. ADVERTISEMENT Alleged offence Mrs Ilesanmi said she was also invited and interrogated on different occasions by the SSS. During one interrogation session, Mrs Ilesanmi said she was told that her husband was being held for the offence of economic sabotage, adding that she was informed by interrogating officers of the SSS that a weighty petition had been written against her husband. The woman denied the allegation, insisting her husband has been engaged in legitimate trading of commodity food items for over 30 years across Nigeria. The woman, who herself deals in flower mills, said her husband sells foodstuff; not just only rice, he sells beans, rice, garri, vegetable oil. They (SSS) invited me to their office at Magodo (Lagos) for interrogation. When I got there, they put me in one room and started asking me about my husbands source of livelihood. I told them that he sells foodstuff, and he has been in the business for almost thirty years. He buys local rice and beans from Maiduguri, Niger, Gombe and across Nigeria. They asked where he gets his rice from, which I told them is Nigeria. He sources for local rice from Kano, she said. Its been tough Mrs Ilesanmi said its been tough for both the nuclear and extended families since the arrest of her husband. When the SSS operatives came to arrest my husband, our children were about taking their exams in school. Each time I speak with them, they always cry. They seized my phone as well as my husbands. For almost two weeks, they held on to my phone. It has not been easy; this is the hardest period of our lives. For the first time in my life and the childrens lives, even his immediate family, we are not fine. It is so tough, because he is the breadwinner of the extended family. He is the only one everyone is looking up to in the family, she said. Appealing for the release of her husband, she said, As it is now, I cant pay my childrens school fees; everything is at a standstill. My husband has an aged mother who is deeply traumatized by the incident. The law firm of Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), over Mr Ilesanmis continued detention. The petition dated April 4, which was signed by a lawyer in Mr Falanas chambers, Musa Abu, was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu. Mr Abu said operatives of the SSS on April 2 in the wee hours of the night, broke into his clients home at Shagisha in Lagos State, carting away money, documents and other valuables. He described Mr Ilesanmi as a rice trader at the Mile 12 Commodity Market, Ketu where he sells rice and other items under the regulations of the Ikosi Local Council Development Area, Lagos State. The businessman was arrested on April 2 without a warrant of arrest has not committed any criminal offence known to law, the law firm added. It also said it had been difficult to meet the bail conditions set by the SSS which requested a senator or minister as surety. In response to our application for the release of our client, the SSS asked us to produce a surety who must be a senator or a minister. Apart from the fact that our client has not committed any offence to warrant the production of a surety he is not in a position to find a senator or minister to stand surety for him, the petition read in part. The lawyer argued that his clients fundamental rights to personal liberty and dignity of human person as guaranteed by sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution and Articles 5 and 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right (Enforcement and Ratification) Act have been violated by the SSS without any legal justification whatsoever. He called on the NHRC to prevail on the SSS authorities to release Mr ilesanmi from its custody. SSS keeps mum Efforts by our correspondent to find out from the SSS the reason for Mr Ilesanmis arrest and endless detention failed to yield positive results. SSS spokesperson, Peter Afunaya, did not answer our correspondents repeated calls. He later asked for the reporters identity in a text message. Our reporter then sent a text message to his phone, seeking clarification on Mrs Ilesanmis claims. But Mr Afunaya had not responded as of the time of filing this report. Arrest or abduction? Mrs Ilesanmis account of how SSS operatives arrested her husband, brings to mind the experience of an #EndSARS protest supporter, Michael Imoleayo, who was similarly arrested in a manner suggestive of kidnapping. Like Mr Ilesanmis experience, Mr Imoleayo had told PREMIUM TIMES how tens of the operatives of the secret service invaded his home in the dead of the night before he was whisked away. The operatives were also initially taken for armed robbers when they invaded Mr Imoleayos home in the odd hour of the day, the computer programmer had said. Mr Imoleayo, 31, said about 20 gun-wielding operatives of the SSS invaded his home in Airport Village, Abuja, at about 2.a.m. on November 13, 2020. He said he was led out of his home, while his wife, son, and mother, watched helplessly. After walking some distance to where the operatives parked their vehicles, he was blindfolded before he was driven away. Unclear about whom the invaders were, the family searched for him fruitlessly and did not hear from him until over a month after the arrest. He was eventually charged with disturbance of peace at a magistrates court in Gwagwalada. He told this newspaper that he spent 41 days in the custody of the security agency which now grapples with a bad reputation for arbitrary arrests and general disregard for human rights and rule of law. Gunmen, numbering at least 100, on Wednesday, attacked a local police station in Abia State, Nigerias South-east, leaving two operatives with gunshot wounds. The attack occurred at Bende Divisional Police Station. The station was set ablaze by the gunmen. We heard a cacophony of gunshots around 10.45p.m. and when we rushed outside, we saw the station on fire. At that point, it dawned on us that the station was under attack so everybody began to scamper for safety, a witness said. The police spokesperson in the state, Godfrey Ogbonna, confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday. Mr Ogbonna, a superintendent of police, said two operatives were shot in the leg and that the attackers also burnt down the generator house and a multi-purpose building belonging to Bende Local Government Council. He said the hoodlums later released criminal suspects who were detained at the station. They also burnt two vehicles, including the Divisional Police Officers Highlander Jeep, and three motorcycles, parked at the station, he said. Mr Ogbonna said that it was not clear how the bandits arrived at the place in their numbers. We do not know yet how they all gathered to execute the attack at the station. May be they parked their vehicles away from their target and walked through footpaths to the place, he said. He said the police were investigating the incident and other recent gunmen attacks in different parts of the state. The police station is located at the main entrance to Bende council headquarters. The attack happened barely six hours after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu left the council premises, venue of the reception of a former legislator, Nnenna Ukeje, back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr Ukeje had resigned from PDP for the All Progressives Congress in 2019 after losing the partys ticket for the House of Representatives election. Some gunmen recently embarked on serial attacks on government facilities in Abia, including an office belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The violent attacks have left many operatives dead with many others sustaining gunshot wounds. ADVERTISEMENT (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Ivory Coast Prime Minister Patrick Achi has been admitted in a hospital in Paris for medical tests, Reuters has reported. Mr Achi, a close confidant and former chief of staff of President Alassane Ouattara became interim prime minister following the death of the second prime minister of the West African nation in less than eight months. Mr Achi succeeded Hamed Bakayoko, who died from cancer at 56 after he was admitted in a German hospital in March. Mr Bakayoko, too, had replaced Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who died following cardiac complications in July 2020. Reuters quoted two sources close to Mr Achi as saying that the ailing leader was being treated for severe fatigue suffered since he was appointed. The reason cited for the medical tourism by the cocoa-rich countrys leader is not new. Weeks before the death of Messrs Gon Coulibaly and Bakayoko, government sources had told reporters that they were suffering from fatigue. Last week, Mr Achi flew to France for a medical examination, but he had to cut short the trip to tend to the power crisis that hit his country back home, the sources said. He is seen as a key figure in the quest to end Ivory Coasts power generation deficit that has tanked electricity supplies in the francophone country for several weeks. By Tuesday, he returned to Paris, cancelling a tour of hydroelectric dams, the sources noted, adding that he will have routine medical tests, rest for several days before returning to Ivory Coast. Mr Achi is believed to be poised to succeed Mr Ouattara, who won re-election to a third term in October 2020. In sum, the response to the crisis should, therefore, be based on the principles of compassion, cooperation and multilateralism. In fact, apart from the pandemic, other global issues such as climate change, social inequality, drugs and identity crisis require cooperation and multilateral approaches because they constitute dangers to our common humanity. The most telling lesson of the coronavirus pandemic is that no one is safe until everyone is safe. It is an indisputable proof of our biological connectedness, which is even more consequential for life and livelihoods than the digital connectivity that is the buzz phrase of the millennials. As it happens in any pandemic, the coronavirus does not respect geo-political boundaries; neither is it restricted by socio-economic and cultural divides. The virus infects the poor and the rich alike. It overwhelms developed countries and underdeveloped ones, despite the sophistication of the healthcare system of the industrialised countries. Yet, humanitarian disasters loom in some parts of the world because the obvious lesson seems to be currently lost on mankind. Let me illustrate this point with the politics and economics of vaccines being played out before our very eyes around the globe. About this time last year, no fewer than 140 world leaders and experts issued an unprecedented joint statement calling for equity and humaneness in the distribution of the vaccines meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It was indeed a battle cry for peoples vaccines. The essence of the call was to ensure a global arrangement to guarantee the provision of COVID-19 diagnostics, tests, vaccines and treatments to everyone on earth. Among the signatories to the statement were President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana; President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Chair of the African Union; the President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall; and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. Notable economists including Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and public health experts joined the political leaders in signing the statement. Their motivation was obvious: The pandemic is a tragic reminder of our shared humanity, which some members of the global elite and establishments seem to have forgotten. They are immersed in their myopic and selfish pursuit of polices defined by unbridled competition, instead of cooperation and isolationism, rather than multilateralism. The world leaders and experts argued as follows: It is time for Health Ministers to renew the commitments made at the founding of the World Health Organization, where all states agreed to deliver the the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being. Now is not the time to allow the interests of the wealthiest corporations and governments to be placed before the universal need to save lives, or to leave this massive and moral task to market forces. Access to vaccines and treatments as global public goods are in the interests of all humanity. We cannot afford for monopolies, crude competition and near-sighted nationalism to stand in the way. It is also worth noting that President Ramaphosa, in a separate statement, added an African note to the clamour for the equitable distribution of vaccines: Billions of people today await a vaccine that is our best hope of ending this pandemic. As the countries of Africa, we are resolute that the COVID-19 vaccine must be patent-free, rapidly made and distributed, and free for all. All the science must be shared between governments. Nobody should be pushed to the back of the vaccine queue because of where they live or what they earn. The sad story is that of the resurgence of vaccine nationalism, with all its perils for our shared humanity. The current battle is not only against coronavirus, it is also a war against vaccine inequality. The trend is a portrayal of the huge deficits in the global consciousness about our collective humanity. Intriguingly, these deficits are not on the part of the poor people who continue to exude immense humanity Since the May 14, 2020 statement, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic has shifted from China to Europe, the Americas and now back to Asia, in India, where more than 230,000 persons have died. More than 5,000 human beings die daily in India! Watching the grim footages on television today, of the havoc being wreaked by coronavirus in places as diverse on the planet as India, Brazil and Turkey, you would not believe that that statement was ever made in the sober moment of May 2020, when the whole world was on a virtual lockdown. The sad story is that of the resurgence of vaccine nationalism, with all its perils for our shared humanity. The current battle is not only against coronavirus, it is also a war against vaccine inequality. The trend is a portrayal of the huge deficits in the global consciousness about our collective humanity. Intriguingly, these deficits are not on the part of the poor people who continue to exude immense humanity, despite their sordid conditions. The deficits are noticeable more on the part of the selfish poltical and economic elites who make decisions in the rich countries. Some countries are stocking vaccines more than their urgent needs, while some countries lack vaccines to save the extremely needy sections of their populations. In Nigeria, a country with a population of more 200 million people, only about a million persons have been vaccinated. Meanwhile, it was reported at the weekend that the highly virulent South African variant of coronavirus has been found in Ghana and Togo. The proximity of the variant to Nigeria suggests a greater need for vaccination within the population. This should be treated as a matter of emergency because of the porous borders. Corruption has rendered the surveillance at the airports ineffective. The story is more pathetic in some African countries such as Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Men and women of good conscience should join in the campaign against vaccine inequality because of its destructive implication for mankind. The reputable British news agency, Reuters, did a review of about a dozen contracts involving major suppliers of vaccines in the United States. The revelations put into serious question the consciousness about our collective humanity. The richest and most powerful nation on earth has been stockpiling finished vaccines, as well as the ingredients and equipment desperately needed by other countries such as India, Brazil and Turkey to manufacture vaccines. Employing selfish policy instruments, the U.S. only grants access to American manufacturers to make the jabs. Less developed countries in dire need of vaccines have been pushed into looking for alternatives. As a matter of fact, this trend began during the tenure of President Donald Trump, who would rather lure vaccine manufacturers into the United States from other countries, instead of establishing supply chains with these countries. There is a global debate about the patent for COVID-19 vaccines. Some countries being ravaged by the pandemic are requesting the richer countries to grant them waivers on the patent for the existing vaccines. They need the waivers on intellectual property, so that enough could be produced to check the explosion of infections in those countries. Although President Joe Biden of the United States expressed support for the waiving of patent for COVID-19 vaccines only last Wednesday, the problem could still persist without addressing the hidden question of the universal access to the ingredients and equipment for making vaccines. The United States controls the supply of items such as tubing, special disposable bags and filters. If the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accepts the waiver on patents, the gate may be opened for a faster production of vaccines to significantly reduce the number of infections. But the access to the ingredients would still be a hurdle to scale by manufacturers in other countries. Surprisingly, the United States is invoking a law made during the Korean War of the early 1950s to justify this vaccine inequity. The law is called the Defence Production Act (DPA). Agencies of the federal government are empowered by law to decide the priority of items related to national defence. Like defence items, America is restricting ingredients for making vaccines. As such, the most powerful nation on earth is treating the fight against COVID-19 as a geo-political war by this application of a 70-year old law to restrict the democratisation of the distribution of vaccines. A false equivalence is being drawn between military supplies and materials needed to make vaccines! Trump invoked the same law to give American manufacturers priority over those in other countries. The same Trump took his isolationism to an outrageous level when the United States stopped funding the World Health Organisation (WHO) amid the pandemic last year. I like to draw a particular attention to the philosophical underpinnings of the difference in the response of socialist Cuba and Western capitalist countries. Internal and foreign policies of Cuba are determined by an ideology that makes man the object and subject of development. And one other lesson of this pandemic is that issues of healthcare cannot be inclusively resolved by market forces. Meanwhile, Americans have access to full doses of the vaccines, while the countrys pharmaceutical companies are making a lot of money in the process. It took weeks of appeals before the Biden administration granted waivers to the Indian vaccines manufacturers, the Serum Institute of India (SII), to import filters needed for making vaccines. The net result is that more than 45 per cent of the American population has been vaccinated, while less than 1 per cent of the population of Guatemala, Thailand or Nigeria has received the jabs. ADVERTISEMENT The foregoing is the ugly picture of vaccine inequality. Talking about the political economy of COVID-19 in relation to a sense of our common humanity, let us contrast the role of Cuba in the crisis with those of the Western capitalist countries. Whereas the United States and some other capitalist countries have been largely selfish in the approach to the pandemic, Cuba has heroically demonstrated humanism. At the height of the lockdowns last year, some British voyagers infected with coronavirus were stranded in a ship. No Western ally of the United Kingdom allowed the ship to berth because of the travel bans imposed by countries around the world. Europe was then the epicentre of the virus infections. It was only Cuba that welcomed the infected passengers and ensured that they returned to the U.K. It was another teachable moment for the whole world. In a highly compassionate tone, the Cuban foreign ministry put the matter like this: Given the urgency of the situation and the risk to the lives of sick people, the Cuban government has decided to allow the docking of this ship. The passengers will be repatriated by air to the U.K. and their home countries These are times of solidarity, of understanding health as a human right, of reinforcing international cooperation to face our common challenges, values that are inherent in the humanistic practice of the Revolution and of our people That was a practical demonstration of our shared humanity! The significance of the Cuban gesture even becomes more conspicuous when you remember that in the course of the 60-year old callous economic blockade that the United States has imposed on the Cuban people, the U.K. and other Western capitalists have never risen even in moral defence of Cuba or shown any compassion to them. At the request of the Italian government, Cuba doctors, armed with their drug, Interferon, were in Italy when that countrys healthcare system was overwhelmed by coronavirus infections last year. Cuban doctors were on ground also in other countries in different continents of this world to battle coronavirus. The reputation of the Cuban social medicine is legendary. The conscious investment in its healthcare system as a social good has paid off for the tiny Caribbean country. The investment is so huge in public health and primary healthcare that no one is left behind. It is an exemplary policy of social inclusion. The result: Lifespan in Cuba is higher than that of any of the U.S. and all the other members of the G7. Apart from India, Cuba is the only country thats not a member of the G7 but is actively involved in the production of vaccines. Cuba already has five candidate vaccines. The heroism of the Cuban nation in this crisis is firmly hinged on the assertion of our common humanity in words and action. I like to draw a particular attention to the philosophical underpinnings of the difference in the response of socialist Cuba and Western capitalist countries. Internal and foreign policies of Cuba are determined by an ideology that makes man the object and subject of development. And one other lesson of this pandemic is that issues of healthcare cannot be inclusively resolved by market forces. The excluded members of the society in healthcare provision are more vulnerable during this pandemic in advanced capitalist societies. The present situation in which some national policies are informed by low humanity is not due to the lack of efforts by multilateral institutions. For instance, about a year ago, the WHO created the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool for the sharing of intellectual property, information and the technology needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. Surprisingly, nothing has been put into the pool despite the fact that the Director-General of the WTO, our own Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on vaccine makers to share their technology knowhow with others. Those hoarding vaccines, as if they are oblivious of a common humanity, should be reminded of history. To make penicillin available during World War II, the British government waived the intellectual property on the antibiotic needed to treat wounds during war. The antibiotic was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, but it was not until 1941 that some Oxford University researchers demonstrated its antibacterial effectiveness. Rather than make a fetish of intellectual property, the Oxford researchers went to the United States to share their knowledge and American manufacturers began to make about 100 billion units of penicillin in a month. The same knowledge was shared with India with the support of WHO and UNICEF. India became a big manufacturer of penicillin. The principle then was the exchange of knowledge, because untreated wounds constituted a global health problem. That same principle could still be applied to as mankind battles this pandemic. One thing is crystal clear from the global debate on the central factor of intellectual property in the production of coronavirus vaccine: The capitalist logic rules the policies of the advanced countries. The priority of the big pharmaceutical companies is profit and not saving humanity from the pandemic. Western governments are giving a political and ideological stamp to this approach to the problem. But the approach to a global public health emergency is not only selfish, it is also scientifically myopic. As long as the virus exists in any country, it could spread to other countries. One other lesson of the pandemic is that public healthcare systems cannot be developed by applying the logic of market forces. Public health services should be treated as social goods because a pandemic is a challenge to the common good. The implication is that government should invest more in public health. Humanism can find expression at the global level. It can also manifest at the national level. Contrary to the cynical viewpoint of bourgeois theorists, humanism could be expressed in moments of crisis, as it happened last year in Nigeria. The coronavirus unmasked the grave inequality in the Nigerian society during the lockdown imposed to cut the chains of the virus. Nigeria, for instance, devotes less than 5 per cent of its budget to healthcare. Little surprise that the response of Nigeria to the pandemic has been extremely weakened by the manifestation of poverty in the healthcare system. Most of the states are yet to comply with the law on universal healthcare coverage. Health insurance still remains essentially an idea whose time is yet to come in Nigeria. In fact, the chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said last year that he never knew that the condition of healthcare system was so derelict until he was given the assignment. Health is still not yet a budgetary priority in Nigeria. In a culture that is bereft of humanism, members of the political and economic elite are content with the situation in which they pay exorbitant fees in private hospitals at home and abroad. Here we are talking of less than 1 per cent of the population. Policy makers are not losing their sleep because the 99 per cent cannot afford quality healthcare. It is, therefore, shocking that with all the billons garnered by the private sector Coalition Against COVID (CACOVID) last year, the federal and state governments are yet to report noticeable improvements in healthcare infrastructure in the country. Not enough molecular laboratories have been built. Ventilators are not in adequate supply in hospitals and isolation centres. Even with all the warnings that the pitiable situations in India, Brazil and Turkey are presenting to the world, Nigeria is not getting prepared for the possibility of another virulent wave with massive production of medical oxygen and other essential materials to save lives. In this respect, I like to call on African governments not to wait naively and irresponsibly on those who may not have compassion on poor African countries. They should fund the health sector as a public good. For instance, Nigeria was producing vaccines in the 1980s. How come we are not talking of Nigerias own vaccines against coronavirus in 2021? The challenge of the hoarding of vaccines by the developed countries is that Africa should begin to prepare for future pandemics by producing its own vaccines. Meanwhile, the little quantity of vaccines available in Nigeria came from India through the facility of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX). Now, India itself has now run of stock of vaccines for its population being ravaged by coronavirus. So the vaccine situation for Nigeria, like other third world countries, is precarious. This is despite the great efforts of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI), which has been nudging the American government to remove the restriction to the production of vaccines by manufacturers located in other parts of the world. The alliance comprises governments, international organisations, drug companies and non-governmental organisations. In sum, the response to the crisis should, therefore, be based on the principles of compassion, cooperation and multilateralism. In fact, apart from the pandemic, other global issues such as climate change, social inequality, drugs and identity crisis require cooperation and multilateral approaches because they constitute dangers to our common humanity. Those who for profit motives, power and other considerations ignore these issues of common humanity, while pursuing recklessly selfish private interests, are really short-sighted. They are like fleas, parasites which inflict so much pains on their dog host, forgetting that the death of the host would be their own end too. I like to end on a little optimistic note. Humanism can find expression at the global level. It can also manifest at the national level. Contrary to the cynical viewpoint of bourgeois theorists, humanism could be expressed in moments of crisis, as it happened last year in Nigeria. The coronavirus unmasked the grave inequality in the Nigerian society during the lockdown imposed to cut the chains of the virus. Most of those working depended on daily incomes. Millions of others were jobless. The pressure was such that some starved members of the society hid behind the placards of the legitimate #EndSARS protests to loot warehouses full of foodstuffs. The good news was that food items were provided by a coalition of private businessmen for the benefit of the most vulnerable people. Another piece of good news is that people living in middle class and upper middle class estates supplied their poor neighbours in slums with food. Many individuals also quietly assisted others with provisions and money during the lockdown. No, all these kind gestures did not address the systemic question of the poverty of the majority. However, they pointed to the realisation of our common humanity. The trend provides a basis for hope, as we ponder the future of mankind. Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), writes from Lagos. This is the edited text of a keynote address delivered at the International Conference Humanism in the Era of Pandemic at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State on Monday, May 10, 2021. The hubris of a potential coup is exaggerated. The chances of Mali or Chad happening in Nigeria are zero. What should keep the country awake at night is not a threat from the army but the surge of poverty, hopelessness and lawless groups that could supplant both the military and civil society together. Were mutually vulnerable. These days, it seems all right to play with fire. The blaze started like a solitary spark in Mali in August when the streets, the elite and jihadists banded to remove President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The former president had discarded election results and written a version that tightened his grip on power. How he thought he could reinvent the Mansa Musa legend in a country riven by violence and poverty, only he can tell. Outside the capital, Bamako, however, it was clear that Keitas ambition was dead on arrival, awaiting funeral. And, of course, he didnt last to tell the story. Till this day, efforts by the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remove the military regime that sacked Keita, or even get a firm handover date commitment, have failed. You can choose when to have a military government, but often, you cant decide when, or even if, they would leave. Before the coup in Mali, West Africa had been coup-free for nearly a decade, with the exception of Guinea Bissau. Apparently, soldiers in Niger, Malis eastern neighbour, had their own plans as well. On the eve of the swearing-in of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum, they struck, but failed. A government spokesperson described the attempt as a cowardly and retrograde act, but the same ECOWAS, which rallied to chase away The Gambias Yahya Jammeh four years ago, when he wanted to steal an election, barely said a word. To compound the regions misery, Chad happened. The military coup was partly as a result of President Idriss Debys misrule and mainly as a result of the destablisation of the Sahel and the Chad Basin by ISWAP elements from Libya. Like ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), has also been silent. France, weeping more than the bereaved, didnt mind the hypocrisy of defending Debys repressive record and his sons illegitimate takeover, because clearly, French financial and strategic interests were worth the crocodile tears. Within nine months, a region that had witnessed relative political stability recorded three military coups, two of them successful. What started as a spark in Mali is slowly growing into a wildfire. And now, a section of public opinion in Nigeria, a regional powerhouse, is that it might not be a bad idea to light a fire from the neighbourhood to quench the current blaze of domestic problems. Why is Nigeria playing with fire? How did we become so desperate and so overwhelmed by the bad examples of our neighbours that copying them now appears to be only where salvation lies? Clarke is right to fear the worst. But agreeing, as most members of the elite now do, that Nigeria is in serious trouble, besieged by echoes of what has brought its neighbours to their knees, does not mean the worst would happen. Nor does it suggest that a military coup is desirable or viable. Robert Clarke, a senior advocate of Nigeria, swore by his fathers grave last week, that if things continued the way they are, he could not guarantee that Nigeria would survive another six months. His apocalyptic view may have been exaggerated, but his concern is not. Kidnapping for ransom has become a deadly game, with dozens of school children in and out of dormitories as targets. A foreign newspaper recently described Nigeria as a bandit country, with little distinction between bandits and negotiators. Since January, dozens of security men have been killed in violent attacks, while police stations and correctional centres have been set on fire and destroyed, with hardly a record of anyone held to account. On top of this, Boko Haram has planted flags in communities less than two hours drive from Abuja, the federal capital, and is reported to be collecting taxes and even distributing relief materials in some communities. Where Boko Haram is not running amok, ethnic militias have seized the space, issuing ultimatums, imposing curfews and generally behaving like an alternative government. Kaduna State in the North-West, which has the highest concentration of elite military institutions in the country, has been so badly devastated by the spate of deadly clashes, kidnappings and banditry, that Governor Nasir El-Rufai suggested that schools should relocate close to military bases. But anyone who has seen the fortification around these bases will know that even the bases are struggling to save themselves. In the midst of this, President Muhammadu Buharis government appears bereft, divided against itself, weary of issuing condolences, but not ashamed of being condoled with. The government is lost between hijackers and incompetents. Not a good place to be. That should worry anyone and Clarke is right to fear the worst. But agreeing, as most members of the elite now do, that Nigeria is in serious trouble, besieged by echoes of what has brought its neighbours to their knees, does not mean the worst would happen. Nor does it suggest that a military coup is desirable or viable. Not because the militarys knee-jerk promise of loyalty means much, but for two main reasons: One is the enlightened self-interest of the military itself, and two, is that state institutions and civil society have been severely weakened, and ethnic and religious passions dangerously inflamed. With the proliferation of arms among rogue elements wearing different hats, the military cannot prevail without the country potentially dissolving into fragments. ADVERTISEMENT In pre-1999 Nigeria when soldiers ruled, they held power without being accountable. At first, they didnt care, hiding behind the vague idea of national interest and corporate survival as the main reasons for seizing power. the country is so broken along ethnic, tribal and religious lines with light arms and ammunition per capita nearly tripling in five years, that militias with secessionist agenda may prove far more difficult to handle than any ambitious officers may reckon. And thats not adding Boko Haram and the current wave of banditry to the messy pile. As time went on and it became clearer that they tolerated criticisms mainly as a small price to pay for the large amounts of money they were stealing, they began to clamp down on civil society and became more hostile and intolerant. By the end of the Cold War and with increasing internal pressure and demand for change, soldiers had had enough. But not before Nigerias peacetime Generals and their acolytes emerged, discreetly below Forbes radar, as some of the richest men on the continent. Democracy has made them even more prosperous, and with less headache that comes from being at the political helm. Todays military top brass is speaking in cryptocurrency, fat bank accounts, prime landed assets and foreign stock options. Rocking the boat is too high a price. With chunks of the trillions of naira set aside for the prosecution of the endless war on insurgency in the last over one decade ending in private military pockets, only mad officers would make a coup. For what? Also, the country is so broken along ethnic, tribal and religious lines with light arms and ammunition per capita nearly tripling in five years, that militias with secessionist agenda may prove far more difficult to handle than any ambitious officers may reckon. And thats not adding Boko Haram and the current wave of banditry to the messy pile. The hubris of a potential coup is exaggerated. The chances of Mali or Chad happening in Nigeria are zero. What should keep the country awake at night is not a threat from the army but the surge of poverty, hopelessness and lawless groups that could supplant both the military and civil society together. Were mutually vulnerable. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, is right that the Nigerian elite is fed up with Buharis government. Those pretending otherwise are mostly hypocrites or folks determined to be misled. Also, calls for Buhari to resign are futile. Those calling for his resignation know he wont, and they too, would not resign if they were in his shoes. But its foolish to think that a military coup is an option. The value of the current frustration is that it must not be invested in short-cuts or quick solutions. Instead, it should make citizens wiser, and perhaps, more painstaking in choosing the next leader in two years time. Azu Ishiekwene editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP. ADVERTISEMENT Many governments, even in some authoritarian countries such as China, have decided that the de-escalation of force strategy ends up being less is more. They only use force when all else fails. Think, for example, how China has handled Hong Kong. In Western countries, there is a lot of talk about de-escalation of force, risk analysis, and appropriate use of force. Many governments, even in some authoritarian countries such as China, have decided that the de-escalation of force strategy ends up being less is more. They only use force when all else fails. Think, for example, how China has handled Hong Kong. Let me tell a short story. Back in 1989 when China burst into the pro-democracy riots that culminated in the Tiananmen Square massacre, the protests were spread around the country. Most people outside China dont know this. In Beijing, Deng Xiaoping sent in the tanks to crush the protests, and of course, no one challenged him. However, again unknown to many, in China most of the local prefectures have a significant amount of autonomy. A man called Jiang Zemin was in charge of Shanghai, and he ended the protests which happened at the same time as the Tiananmen affair very quietly and without bloodshed. Deng was impressed, and Jiang, who did not have any powerbase of his own, was called to Beijing and anointed to succeed Deng, which he did three years later. The rest, as they say, is history. Why do I tell this story? The go-to tool of the Nigerian government, especially the Buhari government, in dealing with Nigerias myriad problems, has been force. It still is force. The loss of legitimacy, the increased willingness to challenge the state, are just a preview of the results. Im not even going to talk of the perception of one-sidedness, given that Buhari only pleads with bandits in the North. People who are wise know that force should be an absolutely last resort, not the first, and certainly not the one that you should double down on, even when its clear that it has failed. Clear communication and a listening ear are the main things to bring to the party. Here is the problem - the Nigerian security architecture has had a bad rap in the South-East for years. Its gotten worse in the last few years, and while I wont go as far as saying that people support the whole unknown gunmen rhetoric (I know too many who are alarmed by it), Id say without fear of contradiction that the population isnt sympathetic to the security services. And who can blame them? People who are wise know that force should be an absolutely last resort, not the first, and certainly not the one that you should double down on, even when its clear that it has failed. Clear communication and a listening ear are the main things to bring to the party. Youd be surprised at how much can be achieved with just the pretext of a listening ear. Just pause for a moment and imagine if, upon the assumption of office, rather than divide the country into 97 per cent and 5 per cent, Buhari had visited the South-East/South-South, called a town hall, and acted as a father figure. What would Nigeria have been like by now if he had done that? Cheta Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence. The Vietnam economy is set to remain among the fastest growing in the world Vietnam Holding Ltd ( ) is trading at more than a 23% discount to the value of its net assets, broker finnCap pointed out in a new research note. At the recent share price of 214p this compared to the latest 286p net asset value (NAV) per share for the London main market investment trust. Analysts at the company's house broker noted that the near-100mln trust has been seeking Vietnams best listed quality & growth companies since it was launched in 2006, delivering a long-term track record of outperformance of the Vietnam All Share index. Dynam Capital, the investment manager, where Vu Quang Thinh leads a nine-strong Vietnam-based team, keeps a concentrated portfolio of around 25 locally listed equities, with the focus on EPS growth at attractive valuations. The trust's portfolio has shown higher and more consistent EPS growth than the local benchmark of 22% versus 13% since 2017 and with 2021 forecast to grow 41% versus 26%, while valuations have remained consistently lower. Investing in Vietnam is a play on the ongoing economic growth of the south-east Asian country, where the economy has been growing at an average of almost 7% since 2015 and is expected to remain one of the worlds highest GDP growth countries. In the near term, the economy is in strong shape, the broker said, with limited Covid-related domestic disruption, high domestic confidence and a strengthened export position amid a stable currency in recent years and trade surpluses set to continue to support the dong. Vietnam is "set to continue to be a beneficiary of relocation of manufacturing from other countries... especially given the tense relationship between the US and China" and with its electronics industry a key fast-growing market as much more of the world works from home. ADVERTISEMENT In 1842, Thomas Babington Macauly wrote my favourite poem titled, Horatius at the Bridge, Lays of Ancient Rome, and made a point that we can all learn from in Nigeria today. He wrote: Then out spake brave Horatius, The Captain of the Gate: To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his gods, And for the tender mother Who dandled him to rest, And for the wife who nurses His baby at her breast, And for the holy maidens Who feed the eternal flame, To save them from false Sextus That wrought the deed of shame? Haul down the bridge, Sir Consul, With all the speed ye may; I, with two more to help me, Will hold the foe in play. In yon strait path a thousand May well be stopped by three. Now who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me? Then out spake Spurius Lartius; A Ramnian proud was he: Lo, I will stand at thy right hand, And keep the bridge with thee. And out spake strong Herminius; Of Titian blood was he: I will abide on thy left side, And keep the bridge with thee. Horatius, quoth the Consul, As thou sayest, so let it be. And straight against that great array Forth went the dauntless Three. For Romans in Romes quarrel Spared neither land nor gold, Nor son nor wife, nor limb nor life, In the brave days of old. Macaulys verse is beautiful and instructive. It is very long and I have just quoted a tiny portion of it above. We, as Nigerians, must read his words carefully, learn from brave Horatius, the greatest of all Romans, and be inspired and guided by his courage and strength. We must be proud of who and what we are and we must be ready to stand for something, even at the cost of our lives. Some, who I love and respect, have said they have seen what is coming to our country and that we must have a plan B. I have seen what is coming to our country as well and I have been saying so for the last few months and years. However for me there is NO plan B. We may evacuate our women and children but for those of us that are men I say again there is and can be NO plan B. There is no running. There is no surrender. There is no capitulation. There is no escape. We have no other country. We have nowhere to go and even if we did, we choose not to go. When and if the battle finally comes, we stay here and either FIGHT and WIN or FIGHT and DIE. We are Nigerians! We are lions! We do not run from the battle. We do not buckle before the enemy. We are not cowards. We are warriors. We are fighters. We are men and women of strength and faith. We do not flinch in the face of danger. We do not run for our lives when the enemy is at our gate. We go out and meet them head on in glory and in power. Boko Haram or any other terrorist organisation will NEVER fly its flag over Abuja and neither will they ever take Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna, Jos, Ibadan, Sokoto, Awka, Maiduguri or any of our other major cities. Every Christian will fight them. Every Muslim will fight them. Every Southerner will fight them. Every Northerner will fight them. Every Middle Belter will fight them. Every Nigerian will fight them. They think they are dividing us but they are actually bringing us closer together. We are not Malians, Chadians, Nigeriens, Taurags, Berbers or Arabs: we are NIGERIANS! And we will stand and fight for our motherland against these strange aliens and foreign invaders and their western backers. Our God is mighty and He will NEVER abandon us. We will fight to the last man to preserve our nation and deliver her from the hands of these foreign barbarians that have come from a distant land to destroy us all and take our women, children, treasure and land. Like great Horatius, we must stand at the gate and hold the bridge. Like gallant Horatius, we must fight and win or we must fight and die! May God have mercy on our nation and our people and may He cause us to fight a good fight! Let me conclude with this. Some are saying that the fight is and must be between ourselves and not between us and those foreigners from outside our shores that have invaded our land. How wrong they are. Some of us are planning on how to kill our brothers and compatriots, whilst the stranger from a distant land that hates us all is hiding in the forests, mountains and plains of our country and is preparing to slaughter us all to the last man, woman and child. This is short-sighted and absurd. There is no doubt that there are major differences between us as a people, which still need to be resolved. That battle still needs to be fought and that mountain still needs to be removed. I, more more than anyone else, is aware of this and have spoken about these differences, injustices and inequalities over the last five years. And rest assured that that mountain will be removed, that valley will be levelled, that fight will be fought and that injustice will be set aside but NOT today. Today we MUST come together as one to face down and fight the foreign foe and their relentless sponsors in the international community who have come to wipe us all off the face of the earth, turn our nation into a cauldron of fire and turn our women and children into chattel and slaves. They say they will use planes and chemical weapons to exterterminate us. They say they will bomb us from the air and crush us from the land and sea. They say they have all the wealth, weapons, power and strength that satan has given them and they are baying for our blood. They may indeed have all that but they do NOT have Almighty God who is just and merciful and perfect in all His ways. They do not have God the Great or the Living God who is mighty in battle and who cannot be resisted. They do not have the Ancient of Days or the Lord of Hosts who created and controls the universe. They do not have the Elohim or the El Shaddai who forges the destiny of nations, who wields all power in heaven and on earth and who rules in the affairs of men. They do not have the Adonai or the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who created the sun, the moon and stars and who established the firmament before the creation of time. They do not have the Man of War or the God of Abraham, Isaac, David and Jacob who is with us and who is our strong defender. It is in His name and by His power that I rally and call on the sons of the East, the sons of the West, the sons of the Niger Delta, the sons of the Middle Belt and the sons of the North to muster their strength, to stir up their courage, to steel their nerves, to stand firm on the ramparts and to come together as one in His power and glory to defend our land and our nation and to uproot and usurp the barbarians that are at our gate. This is the challenge of our time and we shall meet it head on. There is NO plan B! We stand and fight and win or we stand and we fight and die! Glory, honour and praise be unto the name of our God who has given us this great opportunity and herculean task to defend the honour of our nation and our people and bring them to a safer place. We will never make peace with a savage and barbaric alien breed that feeds fat on carnage and terror and that are committed to the mass murder, ethnic cleansing and genocide of our people and neither shall we bend the knee or bow, tremble and flee before them. Victory is ours because our cause is righteous, our people are noble, our warriors are strong and our God is faithful! Femi Fani-Kayode, a lawyer and former minister of Aviation, is a leading member of Nigerias political opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Essentially, what Professor Jeyifo is saying in describing Eddies vast and complex body of work is that he (Eddie) shows us that no meaningful conversation exists among Nigerians about the future of the country. What we have is a dialogue of the deaf and the damned. A dialogue of the deaf because interlocutors and disputants in our national conversation dont take the time to listen at all to one another Edwin Ikechukwu Madunagu who turns 75 on May 15 has been a consistent voice for the radical transformation of Nigeria in the last five decades. For this reason, comrades, friends, associates, and students, will organise a conference on the theme, Progressive Politics as the Answer to the National Question: Problems and Prospects, to celebrate this revolutionary icon, Marxist, mathematician, journalist and public intellectual. This tribute is a reflection on what Edwin Madunagu, popularly called Eddie by friends and comrades, means to me, to Nigeria and the international socialist movement. Eddie has been described by one of his contemporaries and closest comrades, Biodun Jeyifo, Emeritus Professor of African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature at Harvard University, as the greatest materialist historian and archivist of socialism and the Left in Nigerias political history. Eddie was born on May 15, 1946 in Okitipupa, in present-day Ondo State. He attended Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi, in Anambra State, and Obokun High School, Ilesa, Osun State, for his secondary education, and later studied Mathematics at the Universities of Ibadan and Lagos. He taught mathematics at the Universities of Lagos and Calabar before he and other radical lecturers were sacked in the late 1970s by the egotistic military dictator, General Olusegun Obasanjo, for teaching what they were not paid to teach. Eddie has published many works, including The Philosophy of Violence (1976), The Tragedy of the Nigerian Socialist Movement (1980), Human Progress and Its Enemies (1982), Problems of Socialism: The Nigerian Challenge (1983), The Political Economy of State Robbery (1984), The Making and Unmaking of Nigeria (2001), Contradictions of Progress: Critical Essays In Defence of Socialism (2002), Radical Politics (2002), Understanding Nigeria and the New Imperialism (2006), The Nigerian Left: Introduction to History (For Eskor Toyo and Biodun Jeyifo) (2016), and The Nigerian Left: Tributes and Criticisms (2016). In The Nigerian Left: Introduction to History, Eddie says of himself: I am a Marxist and a socialist and have been so since 1973. I am also strongly influenced by anti-sexism, humanism, and revolutionary internationalism. I have remained committed to what Karl Marx called the categorical imperative, that is the struggle to overcome all circumstances in which the human being is humiliated, enslaved, abandoned and despised As I have said publicly on several occasions, this commitment comes before everything else, including family, ethnic group and nationality. Twenty-five years ago, in 1996, when Eddie turned 50, I wrote a tribute and journeyed to Calabar to join friends and comrades in celebrating this iconic newspaper columnist, Mathematician, author and socialist internationalist. I first met Eddie on the pages of The Guardian newspaper, where he maintained a must-read Thursday column for almost three decades before I met him in person. Eddie was among those others were Professors Biodun Jeyifo, Chinweizu, Godwin Sogolo, Femi Osofisan, Kole Omotoso, G. G. Darah, Olatunji Dare and Onwuchekwa Jemie whose essays in The Guardian shaped the thinking and writings of many of my generation. A humanist per excellence, Eddie brought panache and mathematical meticulousness in explaining even the most complex of historical, political, and ideological issues. I not only read Eddie religiously, I made sure I preserved all his writings, first in hard copies, and subsequently in soft copies when The Guardian joined the Internet revolution. Fifteen years ago when Eddie turned 60, I was away in the U.S. As his birthday approached, I contacted Comrade Bene, herself a radical socialist and feminist activist, founding member of Women In Nigeria (WIN), Girls Power Initiative (GPI) and now a retired professor of botany, on the possibility of putting together Eddies articles into a book to mark his birthday. Comrade Bene jumped at the idea. But there was the little problem, considering the shortness of time, of how to compile and type Eddies articles in The Guardian spanning 21 years. Understanding Nigeria and the New Imperialism is a book I find myself referring to each time I want to understand the many problems confronting our country and our world. On page 338 of the book is what I consider one of Eddies most endearing reflections on the Nigerian crisis a tribute to Peter Ayodele Curtis Joseph which was an essay in The Guardian of June 27, 2002 What I told Comrade Bene next was music to her ears. I informed her that I not only had copies of Eddies articles from when he joined The Guardian in 1985 but that I also kept soft copies from the moment The Guardian went online. That effort culminated in the publication of a 573-page book titled Understanding Nigeria and the New Imperialism: Essays 2000-2006, a collection of Eddies articles in The Guardian, edited by Professor Biodun Jeyifo, Professor Bene Madunagu, Kayode Komolafe and I. Understanding Nigeria and the New Imperialism is a book I find myself referring to each time I want to understand the many problems confronting our country and our world. On page 338 of the book is what I consider one of Eddies most endearing reflections on the Nigerian crisis a tribute to Peter Ayodele Curtis Joseph which was an essay in The Guardian of June 27, 2002, under the title, To Remember and to Honour. Eddie wrote, Of all the contemporary social developments that currently sadden me, one of the most painful is the disconnection of Nigerians, especially the younger ones, from their own history, including the history of their own immediate environments. I can put my finger on a number of interconnected factors responsible for this historical connection. Our educational system pays little attention to our history. Most of the current generation of teachers are products and carriers of this deficiency, so what do you expect from the new products? Our media, print and electronic, from time to time, put out historical materials and programmes. But many of them are disgustingly eclectic, distorted and full of errors of fact and sequence. Our post-independence history is short, just 42 years. But you are asking for a heart attack if you dare ask any final year undergraduate or young politician to name, in historical sequence, the regimes that this country has had since independence. Thanks to social media and the rise of religious fundamentalism, among other factors, the condition Eddie described above has worsened in the last decade. Young Nigerians are not only disconnected, they are also tragically disinterested in the history and future of the country, as well as in socio-political events that shape their material conditions. And when they attempt to confront these issues, what you get is what Professor Biodun Jeyifo describes in the foreword to the book, Understanding Nigeria and the New Imperialism, as a dialogue of the deaf and the damned. Of course, this attitude is not limited to our youth. As Professor Jeyifo notes, it finds expression within the community of Nigerian radicals and leftists and the broader community of the national intelligentsia of all shades of ideological opinion. Essentially, what Professor Jeyifo is saying in describing Eddies vast and complex body of work is that he (Eddie) shows us that no meaningful conversation exists among Nigerians about the future of the country. What we have is a dialogue of the deaf and the damned. A dialogue of the deaf because interlocutors and disputants in our national conversation dont take the time to listen at all to one another, let alone hear one another as the same issues, the same ideas are repeated and recycled again and again. And a dialogue of the damned because we seem headed for a catastrophe that we might not survive this time around as we survived after a fashion, at least our Civil War of 1967-70. The eloquence, clarity and force with which he advances (his) theses mark Eddie out as perhaps the revolutionary conscience of our generation, notes Professor Jeyifo. In a country in crisis like ours, it is the likes of Eddie that we should turn to for guidance. Twenty-one years ago (May 4, 2000), in an essay in The Guardian on the Biafra agitation titled, Settling accounts with Biafra, Eddie wrote, The young Nigerians now threatening to actualise Biafra should forget or shelve the plan. In place of actualisation they should, through research and study, reconstruct the Biafran story in its fullness and complexity and try to answer the unanswered questions and supply the missing links in the story. This is a primary responsibility you owe yourselves: you should at least understand what you want to actualise. If 30 years after Biafra, you want to produce its second edition, you need to benefit from the criticism of the first. History teaches that a second edition of a tragic event could easily become a farce in spite of the heroism of its human agencies. On the other hand, those who enjoy ridiculing Biafra instead of studying it are politically short-sighted. My own attitude to Biafra is neither actualisation nor ridicule. I propose that accounts should be settled with Biafra. Apart from my father, perhaps no other person has had as much influence on my life as Comrade Edwin Madunagu and I am proud not only to be associated with him for more than three decades but also to be his protege. At 75, Eddie spends his retirement running the Calabar International Institute for Research, Information and Documentation (CIINSTRID) In another essay titled Sovereign conference or civil war? (March 16, 2000), Eddie observed that: Nigeria has been reprieved from civil war several times in the past decade. The point is that this reprieve cannot continue indefinitely. Sooner or later history may give Nigeria what the powers-that-be have been reckoning. There are many today, even amid mounting despair and alienation, grinding poverty, hopelessness, terrorism and violence inextricably linked to the renewed onslaught of capitalism, who still have doubts that a post-capitalist world is possible. To such people, I recommend this extract from a tribute to Eddie by Professor Biodun Jeyifo (The Nation, May 15, 2016): Let us put away the fears, the worries of the faint-hearted among us that socialism is dead in our country and our world. Indeed, without being in the least complacent about the challenges ahead of us, let us rest assured that prospects for a post-capitalist era of political, economic and social justice for the vast majority of our people in Nigeria and the peoples of our planet are as good now as they were more than forty years ago when, in the Anti-Poverty Movement of Nigeria (APMON), we first became, instantly and forever, lifelong comrades in working class activism. Apart from my father, perhaps no other person has had as much influence on my life as Comrade Edwin Madunagu and I am proud not only to be associated with him for more than three decades but also to be his protege. At 75, Eddie spends his retirement running the Calabar International Institute for Research, Information and Documentation (CIINSTRID), a free research institution and public library, which he set up in 1994. I conclude this homage to Eddie by returning to Professor Jeyifos tribute. It so happens that the prospects for a post-capitalist future are indeed much brighter in many other parts of the world than in our country at the present time, he wrote. But we are part of the world at large, thanks in part to global capitalism. No comrade that I know understands and appreciates this contradiction better and keener than Edwin Madunagu. There is nothing more to add other than to say that the mission of the generation of Nigerians under 40 is to renew the progressive, radical, and popular-democratic traditions of struggle in Nigeria which Comrades Eddie and Biodun Jeyifo (who turned 75 on January 5) exemplify. You betray that mission at your own peril! Chido Onumah can be reached through: conumah@hotmail.com; Twitter: @conumah ADVERTISEMENT Part of this tribute appeared in 2016 to celebrate Edwin Madunagu at 70. It has been updated to mark his 75th birthday on May 15, 2021. ADVERTISEMENT The Jigawa State Government has declared Friday, May 14, as a work-free day to mark this years Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state. This is announced in a statement signed by Ismail Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer, Office of the State Head of the Civil Service, Hussaini Kila, on Thursday in Dutse. Mr Ibrahim quoted Mr Kila as congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, on behalf of the governor, Muhammad Badaru. He added that the head of the civil service urged the civil servants and the general public to use the period and pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the state. During the occasion, it is expected that all public servants and the entire people of the state will pray to Almighty Allah for continued protection and guidance of our leaders, peace, economic prosperity of the state and Nigeria at large and be law abiding citizens. Kila also appealed to them to always exhibit good virtues of Ramadan for the progress of the society, as well as reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the PRO said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the federal government had earlier declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr by the citizens. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The Indigenous People of Biafra has dismissed reports of alleged arrest of the second in command of its security arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN) by the Nigerian Army. The group said the man, Anwurum Eze, touted by the army as second in command to the late Ikonso was too old to be recruited into ESN, let alone be its second in command. Mr Ikonso, a former commander of ESN, was killed recently by the army. The Army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima claimed the 48 years old Anwurum Eze was arrested in Aba, Abia State. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, read with utter amusement, media reports of claims by the Nigeria Army that it arrested Ikonsos Second in Command in Aba. This is a blatant lie and a cheap propaganda to lay false claims to imaginary military prowess, IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated this in a statement on Thursday. Mr Powerful said the man was not even an operative of ESN. Such a man is too old to be recruited into ESN, let alone being Ikonsos second in command. The Nigeria Army that is too weak to confront bandits and terrorists overrunning Northern communities can fabricate any propaganda in quest to deceive the gullible minds, he said. The IPOB spokesperson advised the army against arresting innocent Biafrans and labelling them ESN operatives. That you ambushed Ikonso with the help of some traitors did not mean you have crushed ESN. Stop claiming what you have not done in your bid to win public accolades. If you arrest or kill Ikonsos second in command we will not hesitate to admit it just the same way we did not deny the murder of Ikonso. IPOB, which has been proscribed by the Nigerian government, has denied accusations that it was responsible for the many deadly attacks on security agencies in the South-east and South-south regions. ADVERTISEMENT The Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (PAPDAN) has said that the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, creates no fewer than over 8000 job opportunities for Nigerian youth. The President, PAPDAN, Ifeanyi Akabue, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday. He said that the figure was for only those engaged with his association, aside from other trade associations in the location. Mr Akabue said that because of the rate of unemployment in the country, the hub had offered lots of jobs, including online or digital marketing. He, however, said many of the young people do not have shops at the hub to transact their businesses. According to him, the association has conducted training for over 200 people on online marketing within the last six months. So many of our young ones are in online marketing; we had a training for our members and workers. Over 200 young people have been trained in the last six months, since after the COVID-19 and EndSars saga. Some of our members have empowered those trained by supplying goods to them on trust to sell and make refunds later. The training has had a multiplying effect on the employment rate of youths in the country, he said. Mr Akabue, therefore, advised policymakers to encourage the young ones by patronising local content. He said that there were a lot of talented young ones that need government, organisation and individuals support to promote their works. (NAN) The father of Feranmi Fasunle, a 200-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, who reportedly committed suicide on Wednesday has spoken about the incident. The father of the deceased, Adeolu Akande, the chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, said the family would reach out to the institution for investigation into the incident. It was earlier reported by various media outlets that Ms Fasunle died after ingesting a dangerous substance. The 19-year-old lady was later rushed to the Federal Medical Center, Owo, where she was confirmed dead. The spokesperson of AAUA, Victor Akinpelumi, who earlier confirmed the incident to Punch Newspaper said the only details we have is that she took sniper and she was later rushed to the state health centre and from there she was referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. The bad incident happened on Wednesday and we have not carried out our findings to ascertain if she committed suicide over relationship issues but from what we gathered she had no boyfriend. The doctor, who spoke with me, said those who brought her said they were close to her and that she was not involved in any relationship. So, why she did that to herself is what we are yet to know. We will further react if we later know why she took that decision to take her own life, Mr Akinpelumi was quoted as saying. The father of the deceased, Mr Akande, announced her death to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday afternoon. It is on a very sad note that I announce the passage of our daughter, Miss Feranmi Fasunle, aged 19. The sad event took place today at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. She was a promising 200-level student of Political Science at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State who dreamt of reading Law as a second degree. He said the family would reach out to the authorities of the university for investigation into the unfortunate incident. We express our sincere appreciation to the authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin university and Federal Medical Centre, Owo for the spirited efforts to save our daughter, he said. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the late student was actually Mr Akandes adopted daughter who he raised from childhood. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Akande is a professor of political science at Igbinedion University as well as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State. The Lagos State Government says its World Bank-assisted Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project will construct 13.16km Farm Access Roads (FARs) in four cluster areas. The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said this on Thursday during the activities to commemorate the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration. Ms Olusanya noted that the four farm cluster areas are in Igbodu in Epe, Araga also in Epe, Erinkorodo in Ikorodu and Afowo in Badagry. She said the access roads when completed would ensure smooth movement to and fro the farms. Ms Olusanya added that it would reduce losses encountered by egg farmers as a result of the bad road. The commissioner said it would also improve productivity of the concerned farmers. She said the evaluation and engineering design for the four roads had since been finalised and construction would commence immediately. APPEALS Project is a World Bank-assisted project aimed at enhancing the productivity of small scale farmers in the three identified value chains of poultry, aquaculture and rice through capacity building, provision of infrastructure and empowerment. The project will be rehabilitating and constructing 13.16Km farm access roads already identified in four different clusters across the state. The design of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation for the four FARs is at final report stage. The advertisement for potential contractors and subsequent implementation will be carried out once the work plan is approved by the governor, she said. According to Ms Olusanya, 1,621 regular beneficiaries under the Projects Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (WYEP) has been trained in agribusiness management and other soft skills within the last two years. Of the number, 462 have received No Objections on their Business Investment Plans and are presently implementing their projects. Other beneficiaries will equally be supported before the end of the year, she said. Ms Olusanya added that the APPEALS project had equally identified and verified 9,942 farmers and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, while 8,156 of them had received at least one form of training in relevant areas of agribusiness. She said this was with a view to enhancing their agricultural productivity and improving value addition. Ms Olusanya noted that no fewer than 460 beneficiaries were sponsored for training, workshop and conferences out of which 425 of them were farmers. A cluster of fish farmers at Badagry have adopted the production of fish crackers and fish cakes. ADVERTISEMENT Over 1,000 packs (696 Kg) of fish fillet and crackers had been produced and sold during the period under review. Use of nets for the control of birds in rice farming had since been adopted by our farmers. Over 100 rice farmers in Ganyingbo, Badagry, are presently trying this technology with other agronomic practices learnt through the state collaboration with AfricaRice, IITA, Ibadan, Ms Olusanya said. (NAN) 's ( ) chief executive, Richard Hullihen joins Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam after announcing this week a new order from an existing customer. Hullihen explains they have received an additional research unit order for a 9820 Xenon Polariser system from the University of British Columbia (UBC). This is the second system installation at UBC, following the original order in November 2019 that was initially installed at BC Children's Hospital while construction was carried out on its intended original site at St. Paul's. Positive results from the landmark PzF SHIELD IDE clinical trial reinforce safe and effective use in a real-world clinical practice of the world's first non-drug-eluting, nanocoated coronary stent. SAN ANTONIO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. (CeloNova), a global medical device company that offers a family of innovative products based upon its proprietary Polyzene-F nanocoating technology, today announced its flagship COBRA PzF NanoCoated Coronary Stent (NCS) achieved exceptional long-term ischemic safety of 0% definite and probable stent thrombosis (ST) and low ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (ID-TLR) of 7.8% for its non-angiographic cohort at five years.1 Results conclude the company's global, multicenter PzF SHIELD IDE clinical trial of highly complex patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study met its primary and secondary endpoints at 9 months, demonstrating an excellent safety profile with 0% ST and low, 4.6% ID-TLR with a minimum of 1-month DAPT therapy and was the basis for the stent's FDA approval in 2017.2,3 "It's truly remarkable to have a stent achieve complete protection from ischemic events with 0% definite and probable stent thrombosis at both the 9-month and 5-year follow-up periods," said Prof. Sigmund Silber, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine FESC, FACC, FAHA at Practice in the ISAR Heart Center in Munich, Germany. "The results are particularly noteworthy given the highly complex nature of the patients who were studied. It offers valuable insight into COBRA's performance as coronary artery disease progresses over time." A total of 296 patients with de novo coronary artery lesions from 35 centers across the U.S. and Europe received treatment with COBRA PzF NCS in the single-arm, non-randomized trial. The study's population included elderly patients (66.5 average age) with co-morbidities including diabetes (33.7%), atrial fibrillation (12.2%) and those with highly complex lesions (72% with type B2 or C lesions). "These results reinforce the unique thromboresistant, anti-inflammatory and rapid healing properties of COBRA's proprietary Polyzene-F coating, which has been consistently demonstrated in my pre-clinical research at CVPath since 2012," stated Aloke Finn, MD, Medical Director and Chief Scientific Officer at CVPath and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland. "The results of the SHIELD trial show that there is a unique advantage of the Polyzene-F coating in allowing a stent to heal quickly and in a functional way without the need for antiproliferative drug elution. I believe COBRA will continue to play an important role in delivering safety and efficacy in real-world clinical practice over time." Over 25,000 patients worldwide have been treated to date with COBRA PzF NCS. The novel stent has been extensively evaluated over the course of 10 years and 10 clinical trials in roughly 3,300 patients worldwide, consistently demonstrating excellent results with exceptionally low ST, low TLR and with short DAPT regimens in a real-world patient population.4 "We are extremely pleased that COBRA PzF NCS continues to strike the perfect balance between safety and efficacy and proud of its durable long-term clinical outcomes," stated Carl St. Bernard, President and Chief Executive Officer of CeloNova. "We look forward to continuing to evaluate its performance with ultra-short DAPT in the highly underserved patient population at high risk for bleeding." COBRA PzF NCS is currently being evaluated with 14-days DAPT in high bleeding risk patients in the COBRA REDUCE clinical trial, the world's first and only randomized, global 14-day DAPT study. The study's six-month results, which were announced at TCT 2020, demonstrated strong ischemic performance of 0.6% definite and probable ST with just 14 days of DAPT with COBRA PzF NCS. The company anticipates release of the study's 12-month results later this year. About CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. is a global medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets a family of products based upon its novel Polyzene-F nanocoating technology. The next generation nanocoating is the result of years of rigorous scientific research and engineering and has been extensively published in numerous academic articles to date. For additional information about CeloNova, please visit our website at www.celonova.com. The COBRA PzF NanoCoated Coronary Stent System is indicated for improving coronary luminal diameter in patients, including patients with diabetes mellitus, with symptomatic ischemic heart disease due to de novo lesions in native coronary arteries. The COBRA PzF NanoCoated stent is intended for use in patients eligible for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with reference vessel diameter (RVD) of 2.5-4.0mm and lesion length of 24mm. Click here for IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. Rx only. * AS DEMONSTRATED IN PRECLINICAL STUDIES. Correlation between bench testing, animal studies and humans have not been determined. The COBRA PzF NanoCoated Coronary Stent is not currently approved or indicated for high bleeding risk patients with 14-day DAPT. PzF SHIELD IDE Trial, 5-Year results, data on file at CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01925794. Cutlip D, Garrat K, Novack V, et al. 9-Month Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of the COBRA Polyzene-F NanoCoated Coronary Stent System. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2017;10(2):160-167. Levine G, Bates E, Bittl J, et al. 2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation. 2016;134(10):e123-55. ATLANTA FIM (n=55) TLR 3.6%, LST 0%; ATLANTA 2 Registry (n=300) TLR 6.5%, LST 0%; REVEAL OCT (n=34) Strut Coverage: PzF-97%, DES-90%, BMS-96%; ATLANTA FME Registry (n=500) TLR 4.3%, LST 0%; MAILLARD IIT (n=100) TLR 5%, ST 0%; UMEA IIT (n=103) TLR 3.9%, ST 0%; SHIELD at 5 Years (n=296) TLR 7.8% (non-angio subgroup), ST 0% (def/prob). 12% ID-TLR (angio + non angio subgroup). Related Links http://www.celonova.com SOURCE CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. The Victory Services Club (VSC) is a military members club, located in Central London near Marble Arch. The Club is a registered charity that re-invests revenue from commercial events to fund schemes, including free breaks for injured members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. In March 2020, the VSC had to close its event venues, restaurants and bars and instead operate as a key worker hotel supporting NHS and military personnel whilst working in London. Operations Director, Mark Field said: "We are all so 'Happy' to be able to welcome members back to our restaurants and bars next week. Since March 2020, our journey has been rather varied and our staff have been on and off furlough, or working hard to enable us to operate as a Covid secure key worker hotel. Everyone was coping with the constantly changing rules, which impacted on how we operated and the constant flux of what we could and couldn't do, but the fun element that we used to enjoy at work was missing. So, we decided to inject some fun back into the lives of our team and to create something to show how happy we all are to be able to reopen fully on the 17th May. Our staff loved creating the video and we now want to share our happiness wider." The video opens with the Club's CEO, Air Commodore Nigel Beet CBE and includes appearances from Operations Director Mark Field, Executive Chef Paul Mattocks, the sales and marketing team, housekeeping, maintenance, reception, kitchen and bar staff and the Club's chairman, Major General Seumas Kerr CBE. Established in 1907, the VSC has a lounge bar, coffee bar, a grill restaurant and 200 bedrooms. The Club's seven event spaces can cater for a capacity of 10-300 and can accommodate a wide spectrum of events, including conferences, meetings, exhibitions, receptions and award ceremonies. Video - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lp4g250du9ckfer/AADZqiQIyprXkFw7kJ0vQrSRa?dl=0 Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509306/VSC_Happy.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509307/The_Victory_Services_Club_Happy.jpg SOURCE The Victory Services Club (VSC) The project will fully adopt Sungrow's one-stop solar-plus-storage MV solution comprised of PV inverter, MV station, all-in-one Power Conversion System, battery container, and energy management system (EMS). Sungrow's leading PV and storage technologies will be deployed to improve the availability, reliability, and quality of the Malawi power supply through its outstanding capabilities in providing frequency regulation, voltage regulation, peak shaving, and reactive power support. The Golomoti project, which is expected to enter operations at the end of 2021, will have all engineering, procurement and construction activities managed by JCM Power. The inclusion of lithium-ion batteries behind the meter at this scale will be a first in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating JCM's position as a leader in deploying leading technologies and innovation for solar-storage projects. "We are pleased to have selected Sungrow to supply solar inverters, transformer kiosks and a one-stop lithium-ion battery energy storage solution for this pioneering project. Together, with Sungrow's global experience and expertise, we look forward to this project demonstrating the pathway for clean, affordable and reliable energy for Malawi and further as a demonstration to other developing nations" said Shane Eglinton, Engineering Director of JCM Power. "We are extremely proud to be part of this iconic project. At the same time, we are certain that the introduction of our latest outdoor Power Conversion System solutions to the African market will boost the region's clean-power access and economic growth," said Phyllis Yang, the head of Sungrow Southern Africa. After years of growth with zero security incidents, Sungrow is on the path to becoming the world's leading supplier of ESS equipment and integrated system solutions. In 2020, thanks to its broad product portfolio and perfectly localized after-sales service network, Sungrow led Southern Africa's PV sector with a market share over 20%. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 154 GW installed worldwide as of December 2020. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com About JCM Power JCM Power is an independent power producer (IPP) dedicated to accelerating social, economic and environmental sustainability in growth markets through the development, construction and operation of renewable energy facilities and HVDC transmission lines. JCM Power establishes long-term partnerships with local communities, governments and financial institutions to build and operate clean energy projects in markets where economies are growing rapidly and electricity is currently scarce, but sun and wind are abundant. JCM Power's focus is on projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Learn more about JCM Power by visiting: www.jcmpower.ca About InfraCo Africa InfraCo Africa is part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). InfraCo Africa seeks to alleviate poverty by mobilising private investment into high-quality infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa's poorest countries. It addresses the risks and costs of early-stage project development: funding teams of experienced developers and providing risk capital to those projects which need the financial commitment and leverage that InfraCo Africa can bring. InfraCo Africa is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom (through FCDO), the Netherlands (through DGIS) and Switzerland (through SECO). For more information please visit: www.infracoafrica.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1508640/image_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg Related Links www.sungrowpower.com SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd Rolls is confident that the batteries developments driving the Spirit of Innovation into the air are very similar to the characteristics that air-taxis will require ( ) said its all-electric aircraft will take to the air within weeks, ahead of a wider launch of the battery technology into the flying car and air taxi market. Named Spirit of Innovation, the twin-propeller vehicle is claimed to be the fastest electric plane in the world, going for a run in the record books as it targets a speed of above 300 MPH. FTSE 100-listed Rolls has specially designed and assembled the battery pack to break the all-electric speed record. The 6,000 cells in the battery are packaged for maximum lightness and thermal protection, the company says on its website, with an advanced cooling system can withstand the extreme temperatures and high-current demands during flight. On a single charge, it should fly the plane and a pilot 200 miles, or from London to Paris. Rolls-Royce gave a first look at the ACCEL project, short for Accelerating the Electrification of Flight, in 2019, saying it hoped the plane will break speed records and bring in a third age of aviation. In March this year, the company reported a successful taxiing of the plane, an important test of the integration of the aircrafts propulsion system before it can be tested in the air. Partners on the project are electric motor and controller manufacturer YASA and aviation start-up Electroflight. Lightweight battery specialist Electroflight brings unprecedented levels of energy density to the design, which will also be seen in the High Energy Propulsion Battery System (HEPBAS) that it is developing. Rolls-Royce is confident that the batteries developments driving the Spirit of Innovation into the air are very similar to the characteristics that air-taxis will require, as the company plans to use the technology from the project and applying it to products for the market. We are bringing a portfolio of motors, power electronics and batteries into the general aerospace, urban air mobility and small commuter aircraft sectors as part of our electrification strategy, it says. Other developments in emissions-free aircraft this year included a 27.2mln UK government grant for the H2GEAR project, led by Melrose Industries' Aerospace, to develop a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for regional air travel. Converting liquid hydrogen to create electricity, H2GEAR aims to develop a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for short flights, then scale up the technology over time. Other big companies are also looking at electric flying cars, with ( ) shares rising to a record high in January after it unveiled a new electric car that will not only fly but also be self-driving - beat that Elon! Totaling $1.5B for the 2019-2020 family of funds, TTCP has also expanded its team SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Top Tier Capital Partners (TTCP) today announced it has closed on nearly 260 million EU (approximately USD 310 million) in new capital commitments for a dedicated European investment fund, exceeding its target of 250 million. This builds on the nearly $1.2 billion raised for Top Tier Venture Capital IX, Top Tier Venture Velocity Fund 3, and related separate accounts, bringing the total capital committed across the family of funds to $1.5 billion. Focused almost entirely on European funds with some investments in Israel, the Luxembourg-based investment fund seeks to invest broadly across the region, including in niche-focused venture funds and high-growth, expansion-stage technology startups. The fund will also invest into strategic secondaries and co-investments. One of the fund's key limited partners is British Business Investments, who made a 100M commitment to the fund in 2019 strategically aimed at addressing the technology funding gap in the UK. Top Tier Capital Partners has been investing in European venture capital since 2005, but this is the firm's first dedicated fund focused on the region. TTCP believes Europe remains an underserved venture market and represents a significant investment opportunity. As an established Silicon Valley firm coming to Europe, managers in the region value TTCP's experience and expertise. While many of the Valley's top firms have opened outposts in Europe in recent years, there are still very few dedicated capital pools for European venture. With successful past investments such as Accel, Creandum, and Medicxi, TTCP is well-established in the region, and is a direct investor in a handful of strategic European companies as well. "Our first commitment through the Managed Funds Programme, which is designed to increase access to longer-term patient capital for high potential companies, was to Top Tier Capital Partners at first close, in 2019. It is great to see the fund reach final close and continue to support some of the UK's most innovative sectors, including technology and healthcare," said Judith Hartley, CEO of British Business Investments. "We believe strongly in the potential of the European venture capital market," said Jessica Archibald, Managing Director at Top Tier Capital Partners. "We previously opened an office in London to demonstrate our commitment to the region, and we continue to see high rates of innovation and increasing amounts of overall capital and liquidity." Alongside the new capital raised, TTCP has invested in its team and internal resources to support the firm's growth. In 2019, TTCP opened an office in London to support European investment, and the firm's Boston office also supports its European investments. Nurturing and acquiring talent is a key part of TTCP's global strategy, and TTCP is strengthening both its back office and its investment team with opportunistic hires and promotions from within. Sean Engel, an 11-year veteran of the firm who co-leads the Velocity team, was recently promoted to Managing Director. New hires include: Chief Financial Officer Promit Bhattacharya, who previously led finance and operations at multi-billion dollar funds including SVB Capital, WestBridge Capital, and Hall Capital Partners; previously Managing Director with Capstone Partners, Brian DeFee was hired as Director of Corporate Development EMEA, to lead business development in Europe; Janice Kary, Director of Investor Services, joined TTCP after running IR at Intellectual Ventures; Julia Gonzalez Sanders, VP Legal, was previously a Senior Associate at Orrick, Herrington, & Suttcliffe, LLP; Controller Erica Suzuki launched her career at Deloitte and spent the last decade at Stanford University; and Sunny Gill, VP Talent, who helped recruit most of this team. "The European fund is a strategic part of our global investment strategy and part of the overall maturation of the business from a partner-driven firm to an investment institution. It also represents a larger shift in the market," said David York, Managing Director at Top Tier Capital Partners. "We're looking forward to deepening our partnerships in Europe and Israel, which will also help inform our Velocity investing outside of the U.S." With investments in more than 350 funds worldwide and a database of more than 9500 companies, TTCP is uniquely positioned to offer reliable data-driven insights into the innovation private market. The firm's vast amount of data gathered over two decades gives TTCP highly reliable pattern recognition, allowing it to triangulate trends and understand GP blind spots. The firm's success shows in its distributions as wellin 2020, TTCP's portfolio saw 36 IPOs and returned more than $800M to investors.[1] [1] Distributions include portfolio companies invested into by the TTCP's portfolio of fund managers. Not all IPOs are profitable. The positions can be acquired at a price that is less than the price at which TTCP and/or the underlying portfolio fund purchased its interest for the funds they manage. The information is being presented to reflect TTCP's ability to select investments that are likely to be acquisition targets and not to reflect any positive investment experience. Past performance is not indicative of future results. To learn more, visit the redesigned website at https://ttcp.com/. About Top Tier Capital Partners Top Tier Capital Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco specializing in managing niche-focused funds of funds. Leveraging an extensive global network and two decades of experience, including its predecessor firm Paul Capital, Top Tier Capital Partners makes primary and secondary investments in venture capital funds and co-investments in select portfolio companies. Whether entrepreneurs sell to businesses, consumers or both, Top Tier Capital Partners offers a powerful network and data-driven support to an impressive set of diverse portfolio companies, primarily in the software and technology sectors. With nearly $6 billion in capital commitments since 2002 invested, Top Tier Capital Partners was built to spot emerging trends early, develop longstanding partnerships, and deliver returns. Follow us @TTCP_SF and on LinkedIn. Lauren Graffort PR Representative BuzzKat, Inc. 6618039432 This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com. Related Links https://ttcp.com SOURCE Top Tier Capital Partners TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of recently announced commercial partnerships with Verizon, Lennar, Salesforce and Vuzix, TechSee , the category leader in intelligent visual assistance, today announced the addition of Urs Reinhard to its advisory board. Reinhard, currently the Chief Digital and Customer Officer at UPC, Switzerland's largest cable provider, will bring his extensive expertise in digital transformation to TechSee as it continues to bring the most advanced computer vision artificial intelligence to market. TechSee has grown exponentially since its founding in 2015 by rapidly reducing customer friction points for enterprises by improving the customer experience (CX). The solution has proven to be effective across numerous industries as it enables customers and technicians to resolve technical issues by themselves in real time. This type of interaction has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prevented in-person visits for technical support. "When I first saw a demo of TechSee, I really was struck by its power but also by its simplicity for the user," Reinhard said. "Bringing smart eyes to enterprise self-service delivers an unparalleled service experience, one that ultimately leads to happier customers, better loyalty, improved retention, and reduced costs for the business. UPC has drastically reduced technician truck rolls, which not only offers financial savings but is also all the more important during a pandemic, when physically entering a customer's home is just not possible." TechSee's computer vision AI has largely dominated the consumer electronics, manufacturing, insurance, property management, and automotive spaces due to its efficiency; technicians can simply point their smartphone or tablet at a device and let a remote expert walk them through a repair. Alternatively, technicians and consumers can use TechSee's powerful self-service capabilities, which utilize computer vision AI to automatically identify makes, models, parts, components, ports, cables, buttons, lights, and wiring. The AI can then intelligently spot issues and make suggestions for a successful resolution. "What we're seeing is that once enterprises begin using TechSee technology, they can't imagine a world without it," said Eitan Cohen, TechSee CEO. "Customers expect a consistent experience when it comes to self-service, and it's clear that the next evolution in the enterprise AI roadmap is 'multi-sense' virtual assistants that can see, read, hear and interact with the customers." Verizon and Vodafone , among other international enterprises, have both integrated TechSee's solutions into their current CX stack. TechSee also offers customized solutions for insurance, manufacturing, retail, utilities, and consumer electronics verticals. For more information, visit techsee.me. About TechSee TechSee revolutionizes the customer experience domain with the rst visual engagement solution powered by Computer Vision AI and Augmented Reality. It enables enterprises around the world to deliver better customer assistance, enhance service quality and reduce costs. TechSee is led by industry veterans with years of experience in mobile technologies, articial intelligence and big data. The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv with oces in New York, London, and Madrid. For more information, visit www.techsee.me . SOURCE TechSee The growth of the global tourism industry is attracting significant investments in infrastructure development. For instance, in 2018, 57 hotels were constructed, with a total number of 9,603 rooms in Nigeria. Similarly, during 20182019, the tourism sector in Egypt witnessed a growth of 16.5%, which led to the development of several new hotel projects. Many such developments will foster the growth of the market during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by factors such as a reduction in overall operational costs and a rise in cloud integration. The report also offers information on the upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. Download Our Free Sample Report Hotel and Hospitality Management Software Market: Opportunities The market has witnessed a rise in the number of luxury hotels and spas over the years. During 2018-2019, the tourist population in UAE increased by 5%. As a result, several new luxury hotels have been constructed in the country. In addition, the introduction of Saudi Arabia's Tourism Vision 2030 is expected to increase the tourist footfall in the country. Many such factors will present significant growth opportunities for market vendors during the forecast period. Hotel and Hospitality Management Software Market: Segmentation by Deployment Based on the segmentation by deployment, the market generated maximum revenue in the SaaS-based segment in 2019. The segment is driven by the increased demand for SaaS-based software from international small- and medium-sized hotel brands. Also, benefits of SaaS-based software such as agility, scalability, and easy integration are fueling the growth of the segment. Hotel and Hospitality Management Software Market: Segmentation by Geography APAC held the largest market share in 2019 and the market growth in the region is expected to be faster compared to the growth of the market in other regions. The growth of the market in APAC can be attributed to the fast adoption rate of technologies across different industries and the increasing need to meet the requirements of the growing consumer base. Also, the increasing expenditure of middle-class families in Asia and the surge in household incomes are expected to contribute to the growth of the market in APAC during the forecast period. One of the fortune 500 companies had used the detailed research report on the hotel and hospitality management software market and had decided to increase their market share in the APAC region which offers the highest market opportunities during the forecast period. Explore more about market opportunities: Enquire about the report before purchasing Hotel and Hospitality Management Software Market: Major Vendors Amadeus IT Group SA The company offers a wide range of technology solutions for hospitality through smart, cloud-native services for reservations, sales and catering, property management, and operations. Some of the key offerings include Amadeus Central Reservation System, Amadeus Channel Management - RezExchange, Amadeus Cloud Property Management, Amadeus DirectBook, Amadeus Fraud Management, Amadeus GDS Optimization, Amadeus Hotel Billback, and Amadeus Service Optimization - HotSOS. Cisco Systems Inc. The company offers Connected Hotels. It is a suite of solutions that are used to address the common industry concerns about employee productivity, complicated and outdated communication systems, energy costs, and lost revenue streams. Honeywell International Inc. The company offers INNCOM INNcontrol 5. It is an energy management and guestroom-control platform that allows operators to monitor and manage guestroom controls across an entire hotel property in real-time to identify and resolve issues before they affect guests, track energy usage, and deliver better operational efficiency. Johnson Controls International Plc The company offers Guest Room Management System. It is an interactive technology-based hospitality solution that enhances the guest experience, increases efficiency, and reduces costs. NEC Corp. The company offers UNIVERGE 3C. It is a software-based communications solution that provides hotels with the latest innovations and advanced features in a single, integrated, economical solution. Along with the market data, Technavio offers customizations as per the specific needs of companies. The following customization options are available for the hotel and hospitality management software market report: Regional Analysis Further breakdown of the market segmentation at requested regions. Market Player Information Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players, vendor segmentation, and vendor offerings. Know the strategies adopted by vendors during the COVID-19 Recovery Phase. Speak to our Analyst for a Customized Report Related Reports on Hotel and Hospitality Management Software Market: Global Appointment Scheduling Software Market Download our free sample report to learn about major trends impacting the growth of the market over the next five years. Global Workforce Management Software Market Download our free sample report to learn about major trends impacting the growth of the market over the next five years. Global Labor Management Software Market Download our free sample report to learn about major trends impacting the growth of the market over the next five years. Global Intellectual Property Software Market Download our free sample report to learn about major trends impacting the growth of the market over the next five years. Global Field Service Management Software Market Download our free sample report to learn about major trends impacting the growth of the market over the next five years. Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 - 2024 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 Deployment Market segments Comparison by Deployment SaaS-based - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 On-premises - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Deployment Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison Europe - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Amadeus IT Group SA Cisco Systems Inc. Honeywell International Inc. Johnson Controls International Plc NEC Corp. Oracle Corp. Sabre Corp. Salesforce.com Inc. Schneider Electric SE Siemens AG 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: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com Report: www.technavio.com/report/hotel-and-hospitality-management-software-market-size-industry-analysis SOURCE Technavio WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty-one percent (41%) of social media users in the U.S. aren't at all interested in branded social media content, according to a new survey report from Visual Objects , a visual guide for finding and hiring the best creative firms. Consumers were most likely to like, comment, or share a post that communicated helpful information (23%) rather than one with a strong brand voice (9%) or a strong visual aesthetic (11%). Visual Objects finds that 36% of social media users believe brands regularly post clickbait or misleading content. 41% of social media users are not interested in the content that brands post, according to new data from Visual Objects. Social media experts such as Lara Schmoisman, CEO of business strategy and marketing agency The Darl , recommend defining the purpose behind each piece of content before posting. "Every piece of content that you generate needs to have an intention: either to generate interaction with your users, to share information, or something else," Schmoisman said. "Content is king and consistency is queen." Consumers Find Branded Posts To Be Overly-Promotional More than one-third of social media users (36%) think brands regularly post content that resembles clickbait, highlighting the dangers of posting overly promotional content. Social media professionals advise avoiding these common clickbait red flags across social channels: Headlines that don't align with content Shocking or sensational content Content that doesn't fulfill promises mentioned in the headline Devin Schumacher, the founder of digital marketing agency SERP , encourages brands to look out for sensationalism and create unique content to avoid appearing misleading. "To avoid this happening in your own branded content, make sure that the content stands in its own right without a call to action or advertisement," Schumacher said. Audiences Want Brand Voice To Support (Not Replace) Helpful Messages Companies might be overprioritizing a distinct voice on social media channels. Only 9% of social media users will interact with a branded post because of its distinct voice. Having a brand voice can make a company stand out from others, but an effective voice is just one component of what makes a successful social media presence. Social media experts recommend prioritizing genuine, substantive, and informative content over a distinct brand voice. Abby Herman, director of strategy at Snap Agency , affirms that voice must complement company style while maintaining a sense of authenticity. "Having a brand voice certainly makes a difference, and if you feel that fits your brand style, then go for it. The trick is to be original and genuine," Herman said. Visual Objects surveyed 501 social media users in the U.S. to learn about the nature of their interactions with brands on social media channels. Read the full report: https://visualobjects.com/social-media/blog/social-media-optimization For questions about the survey, contact Sydney Wess at [email protected] . About Visual Objects Visual Objects is your visual guide to finding and hiring the best B2B service provider. A sister website of Clutch, the leading B2B services review platform, Visual Objects features portfolio items and client reviews of top creative, design, development, and marketing companies from around the world. Contact Sydney Wess [email protected] (202) 350-4344 SOURCE Visual Objects GLADWIN, Mich., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With a singular goal of crafting the finest cannabis products available, the legendary Gage Green Group proudly announces its partnership with Artisan Boutique Authentic, an ambitious start-up recently formed to create artfully executed products for Michigan's most discerning cannabis connoisseurs. In a unique creative collaboration, Gage Green and ABA Cannabis plan to partner on a Boutique Flower Release with a GGG Designer Cultivar. The prized clone, to be announced at release, will be grown at ABA's brand-new, state of the art, purpose-built facility, under the close supervision of Gage. The goal is to implement Gage Green's strict natural farming protocols using designer genetics to produce flowers that represent the highest standards in the industry. This partnership is based on the two companies' shared vision and philosophy, positioning their brands to the same high-end consumer, a smaller niche, which demands the highest quality product, packaging, performance and prestige. This sophisticated, knowledgeable consumer niche, of course, has very high standards which must be met consistently. This partnership is all about catering to this prized customer. With a scheduled release in the Fall of 2021, the GGG/ABA partnership will present a limited bouquet for the most demanding cannabis connoisseurs. Says Nate Niehuus, founder and CEO of Artisan Boutique Authentic, "In an increasingly corporate industry, where so much of the quality of the plant has been diluted, our collaboration with Gage Green Group represents the way we would like to see the cannabis industry evolve. We strongly believe in quality over quantity, working closely with industry veterans, and that the future of cannabis should encompass more than a profit motive." ABA Cannabis, a division of Fast Flower Farms, is an artisan cannabis brand supported by exclusive genetics and quality products. Backed by a solid investor team, ABA was recently formed under the leadership team of Nathan Niehuus, Michael Angelotti, and Zack Heinitz with nearly thirty years combined cultivation experience from various cannabis markets. ABA has access to a catalog of over 500+ genetics, via a partnership with Prima Clones, and is steeped in the solventless extraction processes, to provide top quality, unadulterated concentrates. Cannabis aficionados have applauded Gage's legendary genetics for over two decades. The creative forces behind GGG, Mike Fong and Jeff Selsor, have dedicated themselves to crafting flowers and seeds in an Advanced, Regenerative, Natural Farming Ecosystem (Organic) the GGG BIODOME, created by natural farmers, scientists, artists and healers, the GGG BIODOME is a manifestation of centuries of combined experience to bring forth Heaven on Earth. Together, they have created 200+ unique crosses including Grape Stomper, Mendo Breath, Mango Puff, High School Sweetheart, & more. The renowned geneticists at Gage Green will play a major role in the collaboration, from clone selection to the company's proprietary organic growing protocols. Says Michael Fong, "Michael Angelotti and I worked together in Mendocino for the Emerald Cup. I'm impressed by ABA's experience, passion, and commitment to exploring the best this sacred plant has to offer, and I am thrilled to work with this amazing team." This first project will establish the basis for similar projects between the two companies in the future. This project represents Gage Green Group's first foray into the recreational cannabis market in Michigan. The project will be documented and shared with the public via social media, press releases and special events. Follow us at Instagram: instagram.com/gagegreengroup instagram.com/fastflowerfarms Facebook facebook.com/artisanboutiqueauthentic Website gagegreengroup.com fastflowerfarms.com Media Kit gagegreengroup.com/media-kit/ SOURCE Gage Green Group Related Links https://www.gagegreengroup.com WESTBURY, N.Y., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. (NYSE: ACR) (the "Company") announced today the launch of a public offering of shares of its Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a $25.00 per share liquidation preference. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to make loan originations and for general corporate purposes. The Company intends to file an application to list the Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ACR PrD." Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a prospectus, related to the Preferred Stock has been filed with and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The offering will be made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus filed today by the Company with the SEC. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the final prospectus supplement, when available, may be obtained from Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Attn: Syndicate, 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, by telephone at (800) 248-8863, or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov under the Company's name. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these 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 registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. is a real estate investment trust that is primarily focused on originating, holding and managing commercial real estate mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company is externally managed by ACRES Capital, LLC, a subsidiary of ACRES Capital Corp., a private commercial real estate lender exclusively dedicated to nationwide middle market CRE lending with a focus on multifamily, student housing, hospitality, industrial and office property in top U.S. markets. For more information, please contact investor relations at [email protected]. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "trend," "will," "continue," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "look forward" or other similar words or terms. These "forward-looking" statements include statements relating to, among other things, the proposed offering of the Preferred Stock, the expected use of the net proceeds from the offering, and the Company's expectations concerning market conditions for an offering of the Preferred Stock. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors should consider the Company's investment objectives, risks, and expenses carefully before investing. The preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus contains this and other information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. The information in the preliminary prospectus and in this press release is not complete and may be changed. Factors that can affect future results are discussed in the documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new or changing information or events after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. SOURCE ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. MARE ISLAND, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the heart of Napa Valley's famed Mount Veeder AVA, Brandlin Winery has been renamed Brandlin Estate, with the help of Affinity Creative Group. Brandlin Estate's parent company, Two Estates Wine Collective (formerly known as Cuvaison Estate Wines), engaged the agency to accomplish the rebranding program that included new packaging and wine labels, as well as a redesigned website. Packaging Design and Website by Affinity Creative Group Before & After Packaging Design for Brandlin Estates's Cabernet Sauvignon Dan Zepponi, president and CEO of Two Estates Wine Collective, explains, "Brandlin Estate is a more appropriate and meaningful moniker, as it honors the continuation of the Brandlin family's legacy, while underscoring our commitment to crafting luxury, mountainside, estate-grown wines. We also saw this moment as an opportunity to refresh the brand presentation and all key points of customer interaction. Affinity Creative Group was the obvious choice to accomplish this important task, as they have deep category experience, savvy market understanding, and they deliver superb creative work." With the goals of generating awareness of the name change and amplifying the storied history of the Brandlin Estate, Affinity Creative Group developed new branding with a look and feel that is elegantly understated, while commanding attention from every angle. Brandlin Estate's crisp new packaging system features a modern reinterpretation of the winery's previous mountain logo. Artfully rendered as a geometric representation of Mount Veeder, the agency used embossed parallel lines and patterns to subtly suggest mountain vine rows. "The new mountain icon pays homage to the vision and dedication required to grow grapes on Mount Veeder's challenging mountain terrain. Illustrated in a contemporary style, this new key visual element combines with classic typography to create a label that is fresh but timeless," says, Cynthia Sterling, creative director, of Affinity Creative Group. Affinity further leveraged this distinctive design device as an animated micro-interaction on the newly developed website. The subtle, unique attributes of the new mark, and its use throughout the site, help carry brand consistency through all essential points of customer interaction with Brandlin Estate. The Affinity digital team ensured a sleek and refined user experience on any device by creating the Brandlin Estate website with a mobile-first optimization approach. The sleek, intuitive interface features the Brandlin heritage story, details on the 95-year-old estate vineyard, and information on the exclusive wine portfolio, which is accompanied by a flawlessly implemented e-commerce system. Brandlin Estate launched its updated packaging in May 2021, leading with the 2018 Brandlin Estate Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon national release. The new website and online wine shop are now active at https://brandlinestate.com. About Two Estates Wine Collective: Two Estates Wine Collective is an independent, family-owned Napa Valley wine company. Established in 1969, with the founding of Cuvaison winery in Napa Valley, today Two Estates Wine Collective also includes Brandlin Estate on Mount Veeder. With an estate program that includes Cuvaison's historic Los Carneros vineyard, which features over 200 planted acres largely devoted to Chardonnay and Pinot, and the 49-acre Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder, which is primarily planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and other red Bordeaux varieties, Two Estates Wine Collective focuses on ultra-premium, estate-grown wines. For more information, visit cuvaison.com and brandlinestate.com. About Affinity Creative Group: From our unique creative campus, along historic officer's row on Mare Island, California, Affinity Creative Group provides brand design, digital media, and retail activation marketing services, particularly for wine, spirits, and other luxury categories. For more information about Affinity Creative Group, please visit: AffinityCreative.com or call 707.562.2787. Photos: Click Here Media Contact: Carolyn Schwartz, Marketing Manager, [email protected], 7075622787 SOURCE Affinity Creative Group WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), in celebration of 100 years of creating a more inclusive world for people who are blind or visually impaired, has created a series of "Centennial Conversations"curated webinars focused on the pressing issues and topics affecting people who are blind or have low vision, pairing prominent speakers with younger voices. On Thursday, May 27, at 2 p.m. EDT, AFB presents "The Power of Gratitude and Joy: A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander." Rebecca Alexander is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, keynote speaker, disability advocate, and extreme athlete who is almost completely blind and deaf due to Usher syndrome type III. A 2016 Helen Keller Achievement Award recipient, Rebecca uses her drive, innate curiosity, and zest for life to address every challenge she faces. In this lively discussion, Rebecca will share her perspective on strength, courage, gratitude, and joy, especially as we navigate a uniquely stressful year. This live event, guided by AFB's Chief Program Officer Megan Aragon is free with required registration available at afb.org/gratitude-joy. As with all AFB centennial events, this conversation will be accessible, with captions, American Sign Language, audio description, and transcripts made available. "Rebecca is a shining example of what it means to live a life of no limits," Aragon said. "As AFB has navigated this past yeara year unlike any other in more ways than onesharing these personal stories underscores that we're all in this together. The diversity of lived experience within the disability community is our strength, and AFB's message of inclusion together with Rebecca's message of resilience and finding joy really underscores that idea." Forthcoming Centennial Conversations include: These centennial events are made possible through the generous sponsorship of partners like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Oncor, American Printing House for the Blind, Exelon, Facebook, Google, LHH, Northrop Grumman, Pepco, U.S. Bank, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Walmart, Microsoft, and Verizon. For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amanda Kolling, senior engagement and brand manager, at [email protected]. About the American Foundation for the Blind Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. AFB is proud to steward the Helen Keller Archive, maintain and expand the digital collection, and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. Visit: www.afb.org SOURCE American Foundation for the Blind Related Links http://www.afb.org 76% of Americans express a willingness to take the Covid-19 vaccine, an increase of 24 points from September and 12 points since February; The percentage of respondents indicating that the vaccine rollout was too slow dropped to 14% from 41% in February; American respondents indicated enthusiasm about returning to the office, with nearly 70% of workers reporting they would like to spend more time in the office than at home in a hybrid work from home model; Confidence in the CDC, President Biden, and every level of government dramatically increased from February, with the CDC, the institution of the presidency, and the federal government reaching their highest approval ratings in the past year. In regards to the findings, James Johnson, Senior Advisor for Research at Kekst CNC said, "Since February, we have seen a massive shift in U.S. respondents' likelihood to take a Covid-19 vaccine. This 12 point jump the largest in all markets surveyed was coupled with 56% of respondents expressing they believe the vaccine rollout is happening at the right speed, a 24 point increase since our last survey in February. Notably, a majority of both Democrats and Republicans think that the vaccine rollout is going well." A slight majority of Americans, 51%, indicated that they believe the U.S. is handling the vaccine rollout better than any other country, with 38% and 36% of respondents, respectively, indicating that they believe Israel and the UK have handled vaccine rollout well. Johnson continued, "As confidence in the vaccine rollout has increased, Americans have expressed a readiness to return to office, with 67% of respondents indicating they would like to be in the office more than half the time within the next year. At the same time, respondents' concern about the economic impact of the pandemic, both on a local and national level, has dropped to its lowest level yet." "As the U.S. sees massive shifts in public health and economic outlooks, our survey also indicated that approval ratings of all levels of government, from the President down to local officials and including the CDC, increased dramatically," concluded Johnson. The survey found that public opinion of American institutions has increased substantially since February, reversing declines previously seen in approval of the CDC and federal, state, and local governments, and continuing gains seen in the previous period by the President. Among industries, approval of online retailers remained relatively unchanged from February, while all other industries saw increased approval. The social media industry achieved a net positive approval rating for the first time since the tracking survey began. The pharmaceutical industry also reached its all-time high since the tracking survey began. Comparing the U.S. to the other countries surveyed: Over half of Americans (51%) believed the national economic situation would be stronger in three months' time, coming second after the U.K. (53%) and ahead of Sweden (30%), Germany (24%), France (19%), and Japan (10%). (30%), (24%), (19%), and (10%). Only 20% of US respondents indicated they believed the national economic situation would be worse in three months, the lowest rate among the countries surveyed. Japan (66%) led negative three-month outlook, followed by France (51%), Germany (41%), Sweden (28%), and the U.K. (26%). (66%) led negative three-month outlook, followed by (51%), (41%), (28%), and the U.K. (26%). American respondents were the second-most concerned about the health of people in the country as a whole (52%), a decrease from 55% in February. Fifty three percent of the respondents in the U.K. were also worried about the health of people in their country as a whole, a decline from 58% in February. Half of respondents in Germany (50%), and less than half in France (46%), Sweden (39%), and Japan (41%) expressed a high level of concern for the health of people in their country as a whole. Japan and Germany were the only countries where concern for the health of people as a whole increased from February. (50%), and less than half in (46%), (39%), and (41%) expressed a high level of concern for the health of people in their country as a whole. and were the only countries where concern for the health of people as a whole increased from February. U.S. respondents remained the most likely to say they feared for their own health (46%), followed by those in France (44%), Germany (41%), the U.K. (39%), Japan (33%) and Sweden (30%). The U.S. was the only country that did not see a decline in concern about personal health from February. 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 April 22 nd 30 th , 2021 30 , 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-8 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 https://www.kekstcnc.com CHICAGO, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- We did it again! Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said today that her office will be returning $2.7 million to homeowners who called the "Black and Latino Houses Matter" live phone bank she hosted with ABC 7 Chicago today, Wednesday, May 12. In March, Treasurer Pappas and ABC7 Chicago returned $12.5 million to homeowners, raising the total amount to nearly $15.2 million. Staff from the Treasurer's Office, fluent in Spanish, Polish, Chinese and English helped homeowners find refunds, apply for property tax exemptions and avoid the annual Tax Sale of delinquent taxes. "All houses matter, but I launched the 'Black and Latino Houses Matter' initiative because the Tax Sale disproportionately impacts people of color in the county" Pappas said. "Over 75 percentage of all properties are located in Black and Latino communities." Samantha Chatman, consumer investigative reporter with ABC 7's I-Team, reported on the phone bank during the station's morning, afternoon and evening newscasts. Property owners who did not call the phone bank, may visit cookcountytreasurer.com to: Search $76 million in available property tax refunds in available property tax refunds Check if they are eligible for $46 million in missing tax exemptions in missing tax exemptions Verify if their property is on the Tax Sale list of delinquent taxes SOURCE Cook County Treasurer's Office Related Links http://www.cookcountytreasurer.com The project remains largely underexplored by modern geochemical techniques with early indications demonstrating strong potential for undercover gold mineralisation to be hosted within the Mt Dimer tenements. 's ( ) (FRA:U9V) first soil geochemical program over the 100%-owned Mt Dimer Exploration Licence in Western Australia has identified three gold in soil anomalies that confirm the potential for undercover gold mineralisation. This soil sampling program was designed to test and confirm the results of historical geochemical sampling and to focus on Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) mapped and magnetically inferred structures, shear zones and lithological contacts. The companys geology team collected 274 samples covering the southwest corner of the tenement, with the largest of the gold, arsenic and lead geochemical anomalies around 800 metres in strike length and up to 500 metres in width at its widest point. Optimistic about mineralisation potential Of the three anomalies, two are higher priority targets and appear to correlate with mapped and interpreted shear zones and geological contacts. TSC chief executive officer Simon Phillips said: We are very pleased with the indications from the first-ever systematic geochemical sampling program to be completed over the Mt Dimer Exploration Licence. Encouragingly, the gold in soil anomalies we have identified appear to coincide with other geological units that are known to host mineralisation within the region. Given the distribution of gold throughout the Mt Dimer Project area, our geological team is very optimistic about the potential for further mineralisation to be identified over this exploration licence. Historical auger points and recent geochemical points clearly show the gold in soil mineralisation along strike from the Mt Dimer Gold Project. Next steps The soil sampling was completed adjacent to the Mt Dimer Mining Licence, where RC drilling has identified shallow, high-grade mineralisation including up to 23 g/t gold and 33 g/t silver. The company plans to undertake the following exploration activities at Mt Dimer: WOODBRIDGE, Va., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 160 years, The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) has remained a constant in the lives of military families: on the home front and during deployment, when transitioning between bases, and in times of conflict and peace. Original Coffee Wagon Used to Serve on Civil War Battlefields Letter of Thanks from Abraham Lincoln The oldest military support organization in the U.S., the ASYMCA has been Strengthening Our Military Family since 1861. Its 12 branches and 24 affiliates serve 87 military installations nationwide with national and locally tailored programs and services for our nation's troops and their families, offered at little to no cost, with no dues or membership fees. "For 160 years, the ASYMCA has helped to strengthen the family unit by addressing immediate needs and providing tools to weather setbacks. Just since last March, the Armed Services YMCA has delivered more than 2M pounds of food and helped more than 38,000 military families in response to the pandemic and the economic turmoil it has caused," Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), CEO of ASYMCA explains. The proud heritage of the ASYMCA began during the Civil War when dedicated YMCA volunteers provided relief and comfort to sick and wounded soldiers. News of these selfless and courageous actions spread quickly, and the number of volunteers increased dramatically. Within months, the movement turned into the first large-scale civilian volunteer service corps and formed as the United States Christian Commission, whose purpose was to provide spiritual and physical comfort to soldiers. "Less than one half of one percent of the U.S. population serves in the military, and they do so at great sacrifice. Since its inception, the Armed Services YMCA has provided what those service members and their families need, where they need it most," VADM French states. In an interview, VADM French can provide further information on the types of programs the ASYMCA have executed as well as a look ahead towards the organizational goals for the future focused in three big areas: Resiliency Prior to the pandemic, military spouses were unemployed at rates 6 times higher than their civilian counterparts. A single income existence is no longer typical and over 34% of military families have shown a loss of that income due to the pandemic. From meeting the immediate food relief needs of military families while connecting them with local resources such as financial education, career opportunities and other services, ASYMCA ensures that the military family needs are met while surging resources to help them weather future setbacks. Prior to the pandemic, military spouses were unemployed at rates 6 times higher than their civilian counterparts. A single income existence is no longer typical and over 34% of military families have shown a loss of that income due to the pandemic. From meeting the immediate food relief needs of military families while connecting them with local resources such as financial education, career opportunities and other services, ASYMCA ensures that the military family needs are met while surging resources to help them weather future setbacks. Readiness Distractions destroy readiness. By directly tackling the challenges military families face, like lack of access to affordable childcare, ASYMCA improves military readiness, allowing a service member to focus on the task at hand without worrying about the family that stands behind them. Distractions destroy readiness. By directly tackling the challenges military families face, like lack of access to affordable childcare, ASYMCA improves military readiness, allowing a service member to focus on the task at hand without worrying about the family that stands behind them. Responsibility - Military children move three times more often than their civilian counterparts due to their military parent's career progression. These frequent moves, along with other stressors of military life, degrade self-esteem, negatively impact academic performance, increase anxiety, and cause feelings of isolation. More than 80% of ASYMCA programs are centered around military children with programs including daycare, camps and mental health support that address the unique challenges that military children face, while building confidence and character. For more information on the partnership, please visit https://www.asymca.org/who-we-are *Interviews Available with ASYMCA CEO William French* MEDIA CONTACTS Susan Gold [email protected] 323 839 8550 SOURCE Armed Services YMCA Related Links https://www.asymca.org/who-we-are ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) ("Gallagher") today announced that it has priced an offering of 9,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $142.00 per share. Gallagher also granted the underwriters in the offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,350,000 shares of its common stock at the same public offering price. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank Securities, Keefe, Bruyette Woods, a Stifel Company, Truist Securities, Wells Fargo Securities, William Blair, Piper Sandler, RBC Capital Markets, Dowling & Partners Securities, LLC and Raymond James are acting as co-managers for the offering. The offering is expected to close on May 17, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Gallagher intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to fund a portion of its previously announced acquisition of certain Willis Towers Watson plc reinsurance, specialty and retail brokerage operations (the "WTW Transaction"), which is part of a proposed regulatory remedy for the pending Aon plc and Willis Towers Watson plc combination. The offering is not conditioned on the closing of the WTW Transaction and there can be no assurance that the WTW Transaction will be completed. The public offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 dated March 8, 2021 that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering dated May 12, 2021 has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the base prospectus relating to these securities may be obtained from Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, by mail at 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department. The information in the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and this press release is not complete and may be changed. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the common stock or any other security of Gallagher, nor shall there be any sale of the common stock in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, and is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher has operations in 56 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events and use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "contemplate," "forecast," "project," "intend," "plan," "potential," and other similar terms, and future or conditional tense verbs like "could," "may," "might," "see," "should," "will" and "would." You can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements regarding the underwritten public offering of common stock and the proposed WTW Transaction described in this press release include, but are not limited to, the successful launch, pricing and closing of the underwritten public offering of common stock, required regulatory approvals, statements regarding expected benefits of the proposed WTW Transaction, the expected timing of the completion of the proposed WTW Transaction, the use of proceeds of the underwritten public offering of common stock and the anticipated financing of the proposed WTW Transaction. Readers are cautioned against relying on any forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (a) risks related to the integration of the acquired operations, businesses and assets into Gallagher; (b) the possibility that the proposed WTW Transaction is not completed when expected or at all because required regulatory approvals are not received or other conditions to the closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all; (c) the risk that the financing required to fund the proposed WTW Transaction is not obtained on the terms anticipated or at all; (d) potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed WTW Transaction; (e) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed WTW Transaction, including cost savings and expected synergies, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or issues arising from, the integration of the acquired operations into Gallagher; (f) the possibility that our estimates of lost revenue in the acquired operations from breakage due to departing key brokers and other employees and the loss of clients are incorrect and actual lost revenue is greater than expected; (g) the increased legal and regulatory complexity of entering additional geographic markets, including the risks associated with the labor and employment law frameworks in certain countries where Gallagher does not currently operate; (h) conditions imposed in order to obtain required regulatory approvals; (i) uncertainties in the global economy and equity and credit markets and their potential impact on Gallagher's ability to finance the proposed WTW Transaction on acceptable terms, at favorable pricing, in a timely manner, or at all; (j) the possibility that the proposed WTW Transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (k) diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (l) the inability to retain certain key employees of the acquired operations or Gallagher; (m) risks associated with increased leverage from the proposed WTW Transaction; (n) competitive responses to the proposed WTW Transaction; (o) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed WTW Transaction and the ability of each party to consummate the proposed WTW Transaction; (p) that financial information subsequently presented for the acquired business in our subsequent public filings may be different from that presented herein and (q) additional factors discussed in the section entitled "Information Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in Gallagher's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 and "Risk Factors" in Gallagher's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic currently amplifies, and in the future could continue to amplify, the risks, uncertainties and assumptions, reflected in such forward looking statements and risk factors. Any forward-looking statement made by Gallagher in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, Gallagher does not undertake to update the information included herein. Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Kelli Murray VP - Investor Relations Director Global Public Relations (630) 285-3661/ [email protected] (630) 277-0347/ [email protected] SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Related Links http://www.ajg.com ARLINGTON, Va., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Trucking Associations and the ATA Moving & Storage Conference celebrated May as National Moving Month by offering a series of tips for consumers as we head into the peak season for moving. "Over 35 million Americans move each year. Picking a licensed, professional mover is just as important as finding a new home," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "Hiring a trusted mover is a smart decision that saves time and effort while providing the best protection for your household goods." ATA and the ATA Moving & Storage Conference want consumers to have confidence when choosing a mover, which is why they have launched the ProMover Program to certify ethical and professional moving companies. In addition to looking for the ProMover Seal, consumers can protect themselves by following a number of tips to be an educated customer: Get at least 3 in-home estimates. If a moving company refuses to provide an in-home estimate, or suggests that they can give you a 'final estimate' without ever seeing your belongings, this is a 'red flag'. Research your moving companies. Make sure they have authority to operate and a Department of Transportation number. Verify your moving company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Better Business Bureau. As a consumer, you have rights. For interstate moves, moving companies must provide you with two documents: Ready to Move? and Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. If your moving company does not provide you with this information, this is a 'red flag'. Understand valuations know how much your goods are worth and what the mover will be responsible for in case of loss or damage. Avoid large down-payments. While some movers may ask for a small deposit, any mover who asks for large deposits or full payment upfront should be avoided. Make sure all agreements between you and your mover are in writing and keep copies of the paperwork. Print documents as soon as they are sent to you, or save them as PDFs. Links can disappear or go bad, and you don't want to be left in a position where you cannot find your documentation. Never sign a blank document. Take valuables with you. Ask questions. Any reputable moving company knows that moving, while exciting, can also be challenging and they are happy to assist in any way possible. If a moving company is unhelpful, refuses to answer questions or take time to alleviate your concerns, look for a different company that is more willing to assist. For more tips, visit www.moving.org. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, or via email. American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter , Facebook , or at Trucking Moves America Forward . SOURCE American Trucking Associations Related Links www.trucking.org CHICAGO, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this Australia data center market report. Australia data center market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the period 20202026. Australia data center market research report includes market size in terms of area, investment, power capacity, and colocation revenues. Get insights on 112 existing data center and 10 upcoming facilities spread across 11 cities. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian cloud service market grew by over 15%, raking in around USD 10 billion in revenue. Sydney has 36 existing third-party data centers in Australia , contributing to over 55% of the existing capacity, followed by Melbourne . Other cities such as Perth , Brisbane , Canberra , and more witnessed data center investments from colocation providers in 2020, due to lower land cost and space availability. In 2019, the Australian government had initiated 34 renewable energy projects across different states to increase the generation of renewable energy, with solar energy being one of the major contributors. Australia has the presence of both local and global cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Service (AWS), Oracle, Microsoft, Google Macquarie Telecom, and Vault Systems. The electricity price in Australia is over USD 0.12 per kWh which is higher compared to other countries, such as India with USD 0.10 per kWh, and China with USD 0.08 per kWh. Australia witnessed the entry of new players in the edge data center space, such as Leading-Edge Data Centres, which will be investing in edge data centers across New South Wales , Victoria , and Queensland . Key Offerings: Market size & forecast by area, power capacity, investment, and colocation revenue | 2020-2026 Impact of COVID-19 on Data Center Market Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in Australia Facilities Covered (Existing): 112 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 10 Coverage: 11 Cities Existing vs Upcoming (Data Center Area) Existing vs Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Australia Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026) Retail Colocation Pricing Wholesale Colocation Pricing Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by IT infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standard Key Market Participants List of 9 IT infrastructure providers, 19 construction service providers, 17 support infrastructure providers, and 12 data center investors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/australia-data-center-market-investment-analysis Australia Data Center Market Segmentation NEXTDC invests in DRUPS systems with a capacity of around 1,500 kVA to power data centers in N+1 redundancy. Similarly, its P1, S1, and M1 facilities are equipped with DRUPS system, which provide 100% back up to the entire site, including other critical equipment. Climatic conditions in Australia support free cooling. Most of the data centers are installed with hybrid systems that support free cooling as well as compressor-based cooling. For example, NEXTDC's colocation facility S2 Sydney Phase 4 uses Stulz in-direct cooling, free cooling CRAC units paired with modular cooling tower infrastructure, and N+1 independent cooling system. support free cooling. Most of the data centers are installed with hybrid systems that support free cooling as well as compressor-based cooling. For example, NEXTDC's colocation facility S2 Sydney Phase 4 uses Stulz in-direct cooling, free cooling CRAC units paired with modular cooling tower infrastructure, and N+1 independent cooling system. Greenfield development is increasing with both global and local data center providers acquiring land for data center development for expanding existing facilities and new facilities. For instance, Digital Realty acquired 16.2 hectares of land in Sydney . Market Segmentation by IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Market Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer, Switches & Switchgears Rack PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Market Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Market Segmentation by General Construction Building Development Installation & Commissioning Services Building Design Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Market Segmentation by Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Market Segmentation by Geography Sydney Melbourne Other Cities Australia Data Center Market Dynamics By 2023, large- and medium-sized data centers will be outsourcing 80% of their data center operations, and it is anticipated that 90% of SMEs will operate through cloud computing in the country. Digital transformation of many organizations is driving the demand for cloud-based services. The Australian government has implemented the digital transformation strategy for smooth transition of organizations to the cloud platform. In 2019, the Australian government signed an agreement with Microsoft to provide cloud-based services to 98 government agencies, aiming to transform itself into a digital government by 2025. In 2019, over $900 million was spent on IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) in Australia. It is estimated to exceed $1.8 billion by 2023. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: IoT Surge fueling Demand for Data Centers Big Data Spending to Flourish Data Center Investments Edge Data Center Deployment due to 5G Deployment & Smart City Initiatives Increased Use of AI- & ML-based Infrastructure to Aid Data Center Growth Australia Data Center Market - Existing Vs. Upcoming Data Centers Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) in the region (Area and Power Capacity) Adelaide Brisbane Canberra Collie Darwin Hobart Mayfield West Melbourne Perth Sydney Toowoomba List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area, Power Capacity, and Cities) Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/australia-data-center-market-investment-analysis Key Market Participants IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) IBM Juniper Networks Lenovo NetApp Construction Service Providers AECOM AREA3 Aurecon Group Benmax Bouygues Construction (A W Edwards) DEM FDC Construction & Fitout Pty Ltd Greenbox Architecture HDR ( Hurley Palmer Flatt ) ) Hutchinson Builders ICON ISG John Holland Group Linesight Nilsen Paramount Airconditioning Parratech Stowe Australia Taylor Group Construction Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Condair Group Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Everett Smith & Co & Co HITEC Power Protection IoTDC Legrand Piller Power Systems Rittal Rolls-Royce Power Systems Schneider Electric STULZ Thycon Vertiv Group Data Center Investors AirTrunk Operating Canberra Data Centres DC Two DCI Data Centers Digital Realty Edge Data Centres Equinix Fujitsu Iseek Keppel DC REIT Macquarie Telecom Group NEXTDC Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Download Free Sample Pages Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Request a Free Sample Report for More Information Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers: Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for Aviation Fuel market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Aviation Fuel pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfill their category objectives. Insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth: The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants have resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. Identify favorable opportunities in Promotional Products TCO (total cost of ownership). Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes. Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities. Some of the top Aviation Fuel suppliers listed in this report: This Aviation Fuel procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. ExxonMobil Corp. BP Plc Royal Dutch Shell Chevron Corp. Total SA Valero Marketing and Supply Co. China Petrochemical Corp. Gazprom Neft PJSC Kuwait Petroleum Corp. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Related Report on Utilities Include: To access the definite purchasing guide on the Aviation Fuel that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Aviation Fuel TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more https://www.spendedge.com/request-for-demo Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Related Links https://procurement.spendedge.com/talk-to-us?report=IRCMSTR21431&type=sample&src=report&utm_source=PRnewswire&utm_medium=Pressrelease&utm_campaign=T01_Week19_rfs8&utm_content=IRCMSTR21431 VANCOUVER, BC, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM: TSX) (NYSE American: ASM) (FSE: GV6) "Avino" or "the Company") released today its consolidated financial results for the Company's first quarter 2021. The Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) can be viewed on the Company's web site at www.avino.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. "During the first quarter we continued preparations for the re-commencement of production and remained focused on our 2021 drill program. The objectives of the drill program are to locate new mineralized zones within the property and to confirm continuity of mineralization in the current Avino ET production area. We have completed 3,763 metres of drilling and are currently waiting for full assay results to be received," said David Wolfin, President and CEO. "In addition, we were able to reduce our debt position by a further $0.8 million and increased our working capital to a record $31 million, ending the quarter with a strong balance sheet thanks to the efforts of the teams in Mexico and Canada, as well as the strength in metal prices." First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights Ending cash balance of $27 million Ending working capital of $31 million Reduction in debt liabilities by $0.8 million Mine operating losses of $0.7 million Net losses from continuing operations of $1.8 million , or $0.02 per share , or per share Losses before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") 1 of $1.7 million of Adjusted losses1 of $0.9 million Financial Highlights HIGHLIGHTS (Expressed in 000's of US$) First Quarter 2021 First Quarter 2020 Change First Quarter 2021 Fourth Quarter 2020 Change Financial Operating Performance Revenues $ 29 $ 7,116 -100% $ 29 $ 1,407 -98% Mine operating (loss) income $ (680) $ 843 -181% $ (680) $ (1,251) -46% Net loss from continuing operations $ (1,818) $ (232) -684% $ (1,818) $ (1,553) -17% Net loss including discontinued operations $ (1,818) $ (232) -684% $ (1,818) $ (1,555) -17% Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITDA")1 $ (1,740) $ 372 -568% $ (1,740) $ (2,269) 23% Adjusted earnings (losses)1 $ (944) $ 391 -341% $ (944) $ (182) -408% Per Share Amounts Loss per share from cont. operations - basic $ (0.02) $ (0.00) -100% $ (0.02) $ (0.02) -% Loss per share basic $ (0.02) $ (0.00) -100% $ (0.02) $ (0.02) -% Cash Flow per share1 basic $ (0.01) $ 0.00 -100% $ (0.01) $ (0.03) 67% HIGHLIGHTS (Expressed in 000's of US$) March 31, 2021 March 31, 2020 Change March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Change Liquidity & Working Capital Cash $ 27,030 $ 6,698 304% $ 27,030 $ 11,713 131% Working capital $ 31,220 $ 10,751 190% $ 31,220 $ 14,680 113% 1. The Company reports non-IFRS measures which include cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce, all-in sustaining cash cost per payable ounce, EBITDA, adjusted earnings/losses, and cash flow per share. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and the calculation methods may differ from methods used by other companies with similar reported measures. See Non-IFRS Measures section for further information and detailed reconciliations. Costs and Capital Expenditures: Capital expenditures company-wide for Q1 2021, were $0.4 million compared to $0.5 million for Q1 2020. Capital expenditures at the Avino property mainly relate to exploration drilling costs, and we expect to see this continue to increase into Q2 and Q3 2021. Operational Highlights and Overview HIGHLIGHTS (Expressed in US$) First Quarter 2021 First Quarter 2020 Change1 First Quarter 2021 Fourth Quarter 2020 Change1 Operating Tonnes Milled - 164,096 -100% - - -% Silver Ounces Produced - 266,718 -100% - - -% Gold Ounces Produced - 1,531 -100% - - -% Copper Pounds Produced - 1,808,172 -100% - - -% Silver Equivalent Ounces1 Produced - 683,944 -100% - - -% Concentrate Sales and Cash Costs Silver Equivalent Payable Ounces Sold2 - 575,067 -100% - 59,710 -100% Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce1,2,3 $ - $ 9.83 -100% $ - $ 14.01 -100% All-in Sustaining Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent Payable Ounce1,2,3 $ - $ 14.88 -100% $ - $ 73.08 -100% 1. No production in Q1 2021. In Q1 2020, AgEq was calculated using metals prices of $16.94 oz Ag, $1,584 oz Au and $2.56 lb Cu. 2. "Silver equivalent payable ounces sold" for the purposes of cash costs and all-in sustaining costs consists of the sum of payable silver ounces, gold ounces and copper tonnes sold, before penalties, treatment charges, and refining charges, multiplied by the ratio of the average spot gold and copper prices to the average spot silver price for the corresponding period. 3. The Company reports non-IFRS measures which include cash cost per silver equivalent payable ounce, all-in sustaining cash cost per payable ounce, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and cash flow per share. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and the calculation methods may differ from methods used by other companies with similar reported measures. See Non-IFRS Measures section for further information and detailed reconciliations. During Q1 2021, no production mining activities took place due to the work stoppage at the Avino Mine. Transitional efforts are underway to restart production and mining operations. Exploration Update 2021 Drill Program In March, the Company announced that it was implementing a fully-funded increase in the 2021 drill program from 12,000 to 30,600 metres as approved by Avino's Board of Directors. Phase 1 is focused on the El Trompo Vein, the Santiago Vein, the Avino ET area (below Level 17) and Avino West (below Levels 9 & 17). Phase 2 will focus on high-grade, narrow-vein mineralized systems similar to the previously-mined San Gonzalo system. One vein that is of interest and another potential high-grade target is the La Malinche vein, which will be tested as part of Phase 2. It is similar in style to the San Gonzalo vein, in that it is a low-sulphidation epithermal vein. It is possible that this vein is the northwestern extension of the San Gonzalo vein that may have been dislocated. More exploration work is needed to confirm this theory and broaden our understanding of the system, and Phase 2 is the beginning of this process. With the updated budget, Avino is now drilling the existing oxide tailings resource that sits within our tailings storage facility #1 ("TSF#1"). In 2017, Avino released an encouraging Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), which can be found on Avino's profile on SEDAR. One of the recommendations from the PEA was to perform additional surface drilling to increase the confidence level of the resource. This would be done in anticipation on commencing a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS"). Avino is currently proceeding with the recommended drilling with the intention of making a decision to proceed with a PFS later in the year. ESG and Community Engagement Avino has recently hired a CSR (ESG) Manager in Mexico to drive forward the Company's ESG initiatives and contribute to the operational continuity of the business under the principles of sustainability and corporate Social Responsibility. During the first quarter, the Company supported the community of San Jose de Avino by: Loaning our CAT dozer, and paying for the fuel and operator's time to help expand the towns' cemetery Providing multiple bags of cement to fix an access road in the town Supported all surrounding communities by: Providing information to the communities on the safety of dry stack tailings. This will be followed up by the new CSR Manager. Avino has received PPE and hundreds of rapid Covid tests to ensure the safety and good health of our workforce. Avino is the main source of employment in the area, and once we are fully operational again, we are looking forward to providing steady employment to a significant number of people from the nearby communities, as well as the City of Durango. Many people in the local communities are keen to get back to work, and Avino has the full support of the local and state governments. The restart of production activities is expected to provide significant direct economic benefits and stimulus for the local communities. Non-IFRS Measures The financial results in this news release include references to cash flow per share, cash cost per silver equivalent ounce, and all-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce, EBITDA, and adjusted earnings/losses, all of which are non-IFRS measures. These measures are used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance of the Company's mining operations, and are widely reported in the silver and gold mining industry as benchmarks for performance, but do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS, and are disclosed in addition to the prescribed IFRS measures provided in the Company's financial statements and MD&A. Conference Call and Webcast In addition, the Company will be holding a conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 13 at 9:00 am PST (12:00 pm am EST). Shareholders, analysts, investors and media are invited to join the webcast and conference call by logging in here Avino First Quarter 2021 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast or by dialing the following numbers five to ten minutes prior to the start time: Toll Free Canada & USA: 1-800-319-4610 Outside of Canada & USA: 1-604-638-5340 No passcode is necessary to participate in the conference call or webcast; participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A portion. The conference call and webcast will be recorded, and the replay will be available on the Company's web site later that day. Qualified Person Peter Latta, P.Eng, MBA, Avino's VP Technical Services, who is a qualified person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical data in this document. About Avino Avino is primarily a silver producer with a diversified pipeline of silver, gold, and base metal properties in Mexico. Avino produces from its wholly owned Avino Mine near Durango, Mexico. The Company's silver, copper and gold production remains unhedged. The Company's mission and strategy is to create shareholder value through its focus on profitable organic growth at the historic Avino Property and the strategic acquisition of mineral exploration and mining properties. We are committed to managing all business activities in a safe, environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner, while contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate. We encourage you to connect with us on Twitter at @Avino_ASM and on LinkedIn at Avino Silver & Gold Mines ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "David Wolfin" ________________________________ David Wolfin President & CEO Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. Safe Harbor Statement - This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (together, the "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the updated mineral resource estimate for the Company's Avino Property located near Durango in west-central Mexico (the "Property") with an effective date of January 13, 2021 prepared for the Company, and referenced to Measured, Indicated, Inferred Resources referred to in this press release. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the dates of technical reports, as applicable. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the Company's Property has the amount of the mineral resources indicated in the updated report or that such mineral resources may be economically extracted. Such factors and assumptions include, among others, the effects of general economic conditions, the price of gold, silver and copper, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking information. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; uncertainties and risks related to carrying on business in foreign countries; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; competition; dilution; the volatility of the our common share price and volume; tax consequences to U.S. investors; and other risks and uncertainties. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including silver equivalent ounces (AgEq oz) of production. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and, therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. We believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance. The data presented is 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. Readers should also refer to our management's discussion and analysis available under our corporate profile at www.sedar.com or on our website at www.avino.com. SOURCE Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. Related Links http://www.avino.com/ TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) announced today that it will release its First Quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Mr. Omer Ziv, EVP & CFO, will host the results call followed by Q&A. The call is scheduled for 5 PM (Israel); 3 PM (UK); 10:00 AM (ET). Conference Call Dial-in Details (no passcode required): Israel 03-918-0609 UK 0-800-917-5108 US & Canada 1-888-642-5032 All other locations +972-3-918-0609 The call will be accompanied by a presentation which will be published on the day of the publication of the Financial Results on the Israeli Securities Authority reporting website (MAGNA). It will also be available on the Leumi website under Investor Relations, in the Financial Statements page, Investor Presentation and Conference Call. An archived recording will be available on the Leumi website one business day after the call ends. For more information visit www.leumi.co.il or contact Adi Molcho Weinstein, VP, Head of Investor Relations, at [email protected] The conference call does not replace the need to review the latest periodic/quarterly reports containing full information, including forward-looking information, as defined in the Israeli Securities Law, and set out in the aforementioned reports. SOURCE Bank Leumi Related Links https://www.leumi.co.il BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. (NYSE & BYMA & MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX:XBBAR) today announced that it will report its First Quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, May 26, after market close. Earnings Release Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Time: After market close Conference Call Thursday, May 27, 2021 Time: 12:00 p.m. Buenos Aires time (11:00 a.m. EST) Quiet Period From Thursday, May 13 through Thursday, May 27, 2021 Executives Mr. Ernesto Gallardo, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Ines Lanusse, Investor Relations Officer Ms. Belen Fourcade, Investor Relations To participate, please dial in: 1-844-450-3851 (US Toll-Free) 1-412-317-6373 (International) 54-11-3984-5677 (Argentina) Web Phone: click here Conference ID: BBVA Webcast & Replay: click here Contact details: BBVA Argentina Investor Relations [email protected] ir.bbva.com.ar About BBVA Argentina Banco BBVA Argentina (NYSE, BYMA, MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) is a subsidiary of the BBVA Group, the principal shareholder since 1996. In Argentina, it is one of the leading private financial institutions since 1886. Nationwide, Banco BBVA Argentina offers retail and corporate banking to a broad customer base, including: individuals, SME's, and large-sized companies. Banco BBVA Argentina's purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs, providing the best solutions, and helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: "Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team". At the same time, its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society. SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buck, an integrated HR and benefits consulting, technology, and administration services firm, today announced that it was selected by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) to provide a range of retirement, actuarial, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) consulting services. BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.9 million customers. BCBSAZ was looking for a firm that was highly motivated, knowledgeable, and able to minimize transition risk. Following a competitive process, Buck was selected based on its breadth of experience, strategic outlook, innovative tools, and nimble approach. "We were very impressed with the energetic and well-informed outlook of the Buck team," said Mark El-Tawil, Chief Financial Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "They've been nimble in responding to our needs and have worked to ensure there are no service disruptions for our employees. We look forward to working together and seeing the benefits of this strategic partnership." "We're excited to partner with the team at BCBSAZ and look forward to helping manage their retirement, actuarial, and benefits programs," said Jon Baeta, Managing Director for the U.S. West Region at Buck. "Buck is committed to a taking a hands-on approach, and we'll be working diligently with the BCBSAZ team to continually meet their evolving needs." About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.9 million customers. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is inspiring health in Arizona. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company, and its subsidiaries, employ more than 2,600 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com. About Buck Buck is an integrated HR and benefits consulting, administration, and technology services provider. Headquartered in New York City, with global operations, Buck is focused on helping its clients realize the best organizational performance for their business while driving positive outcomes for their people. For additional information, visit www.buck.com. Media contact: Lumina Communications for Buck Hollie Smith / Michael Gallo 201-312-4413 / 212-239-8594 [email protected] SOURCE Buck ATLANTA, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Today, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative announced its first round of Racial Equity Grants with Clark Atlanta University's Executive Leadership Institute being one of the organizations included in the grant dissemination to receive $1 Million. The effort supports organizations leading the way to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion. The grant recipients are led by, or work in support of, communities of color and focus on cultivating leaders, tackling outcome disparities, shaping policies, and advancing institutional change. These grants are part of a five-year, $500 million investment CZI announced in December 2020 . "The Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University is at the forefront of addressing issues of diversity and inclusion. Gifts like this help to sustain the future of HBCUs which depend on the quality and training of those who will lead them," said President George T. French Jr., Ph.D. "The grant will support the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), which in turn develops strong executive leaders who serve as change agents ultimately preparing African-American students to leave their respective HBCUs educated, and equipped to be globally competitive and change the world." "I want to commend Dr. Priscilla Chan and Ms. Belinda Stubblefield of CZI for their work to provide equitable opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, former President of Bennett College and Project Director of the HBCU ELI at CAU. "The funds will be used to implement the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University, which is uniquely designed to provide competencies, skills, and dispositions that aspiring Presidents and executive level administrators need to be successful." The deadline for applying to be among the Inaugural Community of Fellows is Saturday, May 15, 2021 (https://www.cau.edu/hbcueli). Some scholarship dollars are now available. While CZI has made key investments since its founding five years ago, the organization has embarked on an enterprise-wide effort to more consistently and systematically apply a racial equity lens to their grantmaking. "Embedding a racial equity lens across CZI's philanthropic areas of focus will help us drive the impact and results that we are all working to achieve," said Belinda Stubblefield, CZI's Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. "As part of this critical work, we are engaging changemakers, community members, and movement builders with deep expertise and lived experience as partners, helping to shape our strategies and actions. We are dedicated to this work for the long term." By the end of this year, CZI will award $30 million in grants to organizations working to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion. The initial grantees are: For more information about CZI's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit here . About Clark Atlanta University Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869). Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement. CAU cultivates lifted lives that transforms the world. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson; American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing "The Black National Anthem"; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu. About the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society's toughest challenges from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please visit www.chanzuckerberg.com SOURCE Clark Atlanta University Related Links www.cau.edu Arafuras recent feasibility study update confirmed the projects ultra-low operating costs of US$24.76/kilogram neodymium-praseodymium oxide and will form the basis for securing project finance. The company has received a letter of support from two Australian Government Ministers. ( ) (OTCMKTS:ARAFF) (FRA:REB) is encouraged by the strong support being demonstrated by the Australian Federal Government for the Nolans Neodymium-Praseodymium (Nd-Pr) Project in the Northern Territory. The latest show of support is in the form of a letter from the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan and the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt. Arafura has also applied for grant funding under the Federal Governments $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI), part of a broader scheme to reinvigorate Australian manufacturing and supply chains. Through the MMI, the company is seeking funding for portions of its Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) program that directly relate to the establishment of downstream processing capabilities. Positive signs Managing director Gavin Lockyer said: We continue to see positive signs that the Australian Government is serious about supporting the development of critical minerals projects and downstream processing capacity within our borders. The proactive stance from Ministers Tehan and Pitt has been extremely encouraging. For Arafura specifically, the $200 million letter of support received last week from EFA was an important first step in lining up funding for Nolans and we remain in discussions with them, NAIF and others as we look to formalise arrangements ahead of a Final Investment Decision in the second half of 2020. The letter from the Ministers states: MEXICO CITY, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cobre del Mayo, S.A. de C.V. ("CDM") announces today that it has accepted for exchange all of the $120,116,745 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2021 (ISIN: XS1354863612 and XS1354862564; Common Codes: 135486361 and 135486256) (the "Existing Notes"), or approximately 95.92% of the $125,228,986 aggregate principal amount outstanding of its Existing Notes, that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on May 7, 2021 (such time and date, the "Expiration Date), in its previously announced offer (the "Exchange Offer") to Eligible Holders described below to exchange any and all of its Existing Notes. In conjunction with the Exchange Offer, CDM obtained consents representing approximately 95.92% of the Existing Notes outstanding, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the consent solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") to amend the indenture governing the Existing Notes to eliminate most of the restrictive covenants set forth in such indenture (the "Proposed Amendments"). On the settlement date of the Exchange Offer, which is expected to occur on May 13, 2021, CDM will issue $18,718,288 in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (ISIN: XS2343881343 and XS2343881772; Common Codes: 234388134 and 234388177) and $106,653,522 in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured PIK Toggle Notes due 2030 (ISIN: XS2343881855 and XS2343881939; Common Codes: 234388185 and 234388193). Please click to the link below to see the press release that summarizes the final results of its Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. Securities offered in the exchange offer will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and are offered pursuant to applicable exemptions from the registration requirements of the Act. http://www.cobredelmayo.com/misc/CDM-Press-Release-Final-Results12-May2021.pdf The press release is also available through the website www.cobredelmayo.com SOURCE Cobre del Mayo, S.A. de C.V. Related Links http://www.cobredelmayo.com COVINGTON, Ky., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Hotels is pleased to announce the hiring of Nicole Estep as the new Dual Director of Sales of the Residence Inn and Courtyard Cincinnati Airport. Estep comes to the Cincinnati market after spending the vast majority of her career leading hotel sales efforts outside of Detroit. Newly Appointed Dual Director of Sales at our two Cincinnati Airport Properties, Nicole Estep "I knew Nicole was a perfect fit for the Commonwealth culture as soon as I met her," Jennifer Schneider, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management at Commonwealth Hotels, said. "She exudes passion for her guests and co-workers in every facet we're lucky to have her joining our team." Estep takes the sales lead at the two Marriott properties after an extensive background with major hotel brands, including Marriott. She most recently opened the Hyatt Place Detroit/Royal Oak prior to moving to Northern Kentucky. The neighboring Residence Inn and Courtyard Cincinnati Airport are located at 2811 Circleport Drive, 41018 and 3990 Olympic Boulevard, 41018 respectively. Both properties strictly enforce Marriott's trademark Commitment to Clean practices and are members of the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy program. Offering different amenities and room types for numerous travelers, the properties are a must-visit for guests needed uncomplicated access to the Cincinnati Airport. About Commonwealth Hotels, LLC Commonwealth Hotels, LLC was founded in 1986 and is a proven partner in providing hotel management services with superior financial results. The company has extensive experience managing premium branded full service and select service hotels. Commonwealth Hotels currently manages 47 properties with over 5,000 rooms. Contact Jennifer Schneider Commonwealth Hotels, LLC [email protected] 859.261.5522 SOURCE Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. Related Links http://www.commonwealthhotels.com COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Steven Vulich announced that he has created a new social network that supports Freedom of Speech and Expression to the fullest extent of the law. Vulich states, "Stay calm, we know several other networks have claimed the same freedoms and let us down, but this isn't your typical run of the mill social network." Freedom.fan , owned and operated by a Disabled Military Veteran is now available to anyone looking for a truly unbiased social network. Vulich also stated, "I fought for our country in Iraq, and I continue to fight even on our own soil to preserve American Social Freedoms that have come under attack for the last several years." Homepage FSN was built on the core values of Trust, Honor, Respect and Integrity. It is an interest-based social network providing all the features one would expect from social media, such as live capabilities with up to 2 guests from the mobile apps, live proximity search that can locate like-minded people with similar interests, secure messaging, a music box feature that enables you to search videos and music while creating shareable personal albums - just to name a few. Vulich further stated, "We are in our infancy stage and will continue to improve the network, so hang in there with us as we move forward." Vulich, an 11-year Military and 10-year Police Veteran is reaching out to the public to assist with its launch and achieve sustainability. Vulich stated, "We have set up a GoFundMe Campaign to receive public support through donations which will offset the enormous fees associated with funding this type of venture. Together, we can do this." You can click the link here to support FSN in these challenging times and support a Veteran Created, Owned and Operated Social Network. Vulich created Freedom Social Network from the ground up with a team of multinational developers with his own private funds. A few thoughts- The FSN Founder hopes to gain the attention and support of big tech leaders through this campaign. He also welcomes all investors to join this effort or to contact him directly. Vulich also stated "Allowing free speech is a big legal undertaking on a social platform and unfortunately, there are some who abuse these freedoms we all enjoy, but there are limits - legal limits. We have content moderation contingencies in place for violations as well. If you say something in real society that threatens or harms others, you can - and likely will - be prosecuted. It's the same on social media platforms; you can - and likely will - be prosecuted for these same actions. With this in mind, let's all be responsible and agree to have our Social and Political differences. We can agree to disagree without further division." In closing, Vulich aims to truly reunite Americans in these troubling times. For press inquiries please contact: Steven Vulich [email protected] or [email protected] For more information about Freedom Social Network visit: https://Freedom.fan Available for download - Android and iOS by searching Freedom Fan Related Images freedom-social-network.jpg Freedom Social Network Homepage Related Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XubWOtz3tE SOURCE Freedom Fan Related Links https://Freedom.fan INGLEWOOD, Calif., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest dental association, American Dental Association, has recognized ten exceptional practitioners with its signature award in 2021. Included on this prestigious list is Dr. Caroline Zeller, a General Dentist and Oral Surgery Provider at SmileKeepers in Salem, Oregon. Selected out of more than 100 submissions, Dr. Zeller has been recognized for her achievements in making an impact on the dental profession in less than 10 years after graduating from dental school. Since earning her DDS from the University of Missouri in 2016, Dr. Zeller has received many honors for driving dentistry forward through her dedication to practice excellence, leadership, and advocacy. A champion of health inequities, unconscious bias, and social injustices in dentistry, Dr. Zeller has held many leadership positions at the Oregon Dental Association, written articles for a wide range of publications, and produced her own podcast, "Removing the Bite Block." Her personal mission is to "connect the dental community, educate its listeners on issues impacting dentistry, and to encourage every person to have a voice in what our profession becomes." To demonstrate her passion for progress on the legislative front, Dr. Zeller recently testified at the Senate Healthcare and Finance Committee as the dental representative from Oregon Dental Association for the Dental Therapy Licensure Bill. "Dr. Caroline Zeller's success is a testament to InterDent's commitment to excellence, both in our dental practices and our larger communities. We are proud to have a network of experienced and forward-thinking dentists who will guide our company now and well into the future. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Zeller for her ADA nomination in 2021." Roderick Place, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer About InterDent & SmileKeepers InterDent Service Corporation provides comprehensive dental support and administrative services to 175 supported dental practices employing more than 450 dentists in eight states. SmileKeepers offices, along with offices under the brands of Blue Oak Dental and Gentle Dental, are supported by InterDent, and deliver high-quality dental care with a personal touch. To learn more, visit www.interdent.com or www.interdent.com/smilekeepers. Contact: Chris Smith, 310-765-3507, [email protected] SOURCE InterDent Service Corporation Related Links www.interdent.com The esteemed program welcomes Pathway Vet Alliance, Basepaws, GoodVets, IndeVets, and Merchant Centric. Tweet this dvm360's new partners include: Pathway Vet Alliance, a leading national veterinary management group of 400 general practice, specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals throughout the U.S., including 100 THRIVE clinics. Pathway is committed to creating the world's most trusted, innovative and connected ecosystem for pet care that comprehensively serves the needs of pets, their families and veterinary caregivers. The company continues to raise the bar on the fundamental and holistic care of veterinary professionals through industry-first financial, mental and physical well-being programs. a leading national veterinary management group of 400 general practice, specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals throughout the U.S., including 100 THRIVE clinics. Pathway is committed to creating the world's most trusted, innovative and connected ecosystem for pet care that comprehensively serves the needs of pets, their families and veterinary caregivers. The company continues to raise the bar on the fundamental and holistic care of veterinary professionals through industry-first financial, mental and physical well-being programs. Basepaws , a leader in feline health, providing at-home genetics and biome DNA testing with digital results available in weeks. Founded in 2016 by Anna Skaya , Basepaws is committed to research in feline health and genetic disease and is the world's first home-based testing platform for cat owners. , a leader in feline health, providing at-home genetics and biome DNA testing with digital results available in weeks. Founded in 2016 by , Basepaws is committed to research in feline health and genetic disease and is the world's first home-based testing platform for cat owners. Good Vets , who partners with veterinarians by making the dream of ownership a reality. GoodVets believes in empowering veterinarians to achieve both their personal and professional aspirations. The company promotes preventive care through their nose-to-tail approach to veterinary medicine, offering services such as wellness and prevention, diagnostics, and routine and advanced surgery. With beautifully designed, functional hospitals staffed by experienced medical professionals who truly love pets, GoodVets develops customized treatment plans unique to each patient to encourage both daily and long-term health. , who partners with veterinarians by making the dream of ownership a reality. GoodVets believes in empowering veterinarians to achieve both their personal and professional aspirations. The company promotes preventive care through their nose-to-tail approach to veterinary medicine, offering services such as wellness and prevention, diagnostics, and routine and advanced surgery. With beautifully designed, functional hospitals staffed by experienced medical professionals who truly love pets, GoodVets develops customized treatment plans unique to each patient to encourage both daily and long-term health. IndeVets , who is rethinking relief work. Their team of veterinarians provides easy and reliable staffing for animal hospitals. For veterinarians, IndeVets represents a lifestyle change, allowing doctors the freedom and flexibility to set their own schedules while still earning great pay and benefits. , who is rethinking relief work. Their team of veterinarians provides easy and reliable staffing for animal hospitals. For veterinarians, IndeVets represents a lifestyle change, allowing doctors the freedom and flexibility to set their own schedules while still earning great pay and benefits. Merchant Centric, a leader in identifying actionable operational intelligence and reputation management. Merchant Centric's solution makes it easy to understand and engage with pet owner feedback. Now vets can focus on actions that will attract more pet owners to increase satisfaction and revenues. "We are excited and happy to welcome our new SAP partners to our dvm360 family. Our company truly believes 'collaboration saves lives,' and we know all of our partners will help collectively advance the veterinary profession," said Adam Christman, D.V.M., MBA, chief veterinary officer of dvm360. The SAP program provides partnering advocacy organizations, medical associations and veterinary schools with an international and national reach and visibility. It uses the breadth of the MJH Life Sciences veterinary platforms to showcase cutting-edge initiatives, content, research and thought leadership. Through the SAP program, dvm360 fosters collaboration and open exchange of information among trusted veterinary professionals for the benefit of the profession. As part of this joint effort, dvm360 works with affiliated partners to share information and highlight the diverse veterinary communities they support. About dvm360 The leading media-content provider in the veterinary market, dvm360 has been in operation for more than 50 years. It provides readers with top-of-the-line digital and print content that focuses on every aspect of a veterinary professional's life. In addition, dvm360 hosts continuing education (CE) conferences that provide a 360-degree educational engagement experience for veterinary professionals. These conferences include several Fetch dvm360 conferences and the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference, CE events that have been a staple in the veterinary community for decades. dvm360 is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America. MJH Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. dvm360 Media Contact Alexandra Ventura, 609-716-7777 [email protected] SOURCE dvm360 Related Links https://www.dvm360.com DALLAS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) and Triangle Visions Optometry are proud to announce a partnership through EVF's See Kids Soar program. See Kids Soar is an in-office cause campaign intended to inspire parents, patients and eye doctors' staff to adopt the cause of vision, and give them an opportunity to raise awareness and funds. Triangle Visions Optometry will launch the program in all of its 22 practices in May. "Everyone at Triangle Visions Optometry has a heart for giving back and serving communities that have limited or no access to eye care," says Anthony Clark, OD, Owner, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Development Officer. "We are delighted to participate in See Kids Soar to help people in need get vision care, and to educate our patients about the importance of regular eye exams for themselves and their families." The goal of the partnership is to raise $25,000 to help people in underserved areas receive essential vision care. At Triangle Visions Optometry, service -- anticipating needs and making every patient matter -- is one of the five core values that drives the company every day. For nearly 40 years, Triangle Visions Optometry has been dedicated to providing eye care to North and South Carolina, including serving communities without access to vision care. Doing good is good for business Research shows that supporting a cause is good for the community and for an eye doctor's business. In fact, 87 percent of consumers polled as part of a study said they would support a company that advocated for an issue they cared about. "We are thrilled that Triangle Visions Optometry is participating in See Kids Soar and raising awareness about the importance of children's eye health in their communities," says Becky Palm, EVF President and Executive Director. "Essilor Vision Foundation empowers children to reach their full potential by giving them the ability to see clearly, and we could not do it without the support of charitable eye doctors. Through these relationships, we are able to reach more consumers and bring life-changing vision care to underserved communities around the country." EVF believes it takes a community to serve the millions of people in the U.S. who need vision care. Visit http://www.evfusa.org/ODprograms to learn more. About Essilor Vision Foundation We strive to give children a brighter future by helping them see the world more clearly. Since 2007, Essilor Vision Foundation has provided more than 1.5 million pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need. Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences. To learn more visit www.evfusa.org. About Triangle Visions Optometry Triangle Visions Optometry has been providing The Carolinas with advanced eye care for over 40 years. Although the field of optometry has certainly evolved, our recipe for success is as simple and effective today as it was when we opened in 1973: our patients receive the perfect combination of modern care and friendly "old-fashioned doctoring." You're never just another patient to us - you're a valued member of our practice family. With offices across North and South Carolina, Triangle Visions Optometry serves The Carolinas by providing yearly exams, eyewear, contact lenses, ocular disease management, and vision therapy. We also diagnose and manage multiple medical eye conditions, including diabetes, cataract, dry eye, eye injury and infection. This comprehensive approach to eye care means that our patients receive everything they need related to their eyes, all under one roof! Contact: Meredith Marmurek [email protected] 214-850-3642 Related Images essilor-vision-foundation-logo.jpg Essilor Vision Foundation logo SOURCE Essilor Vision Foundation ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert issued the following statement on Thursday thanking Gov. Ron DeSantis and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris for the launch of a new program to provide rental assistance relief to Florida housing providers and families facing economic hardship because of the pandemic. "Florida Realtors recognizes the hard work done by the governor, DCF and so many more who have been trying to get this rental relief into the hands of the families and property owners across the state who so desperately need it," says Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert. "This assistance will be a lifeline for many people who have been struggling because of the pandemic and barely hanging on for far too long." Called OUR Florida, or Opportunities for Utilities and Rental Assistance, the program is accepting applications for families in need of aid, no matter where they live in Florida, at OURFlorida.com. It focuses on low-income renters whose household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by county. OUR Florida will prioritize renters with income at or below 50% AMI and/or families who have experienced unemployment within the past 90 days. More than $800M is available to the program from federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding. "The OUR Florida program is the culmination of a months-long effort to bring relief to low-income Florida renters and the housing providers who have been supporting them throughout this pandemic," says Danielle Scoggins, Florida Realtors vice president of public policy. "We applaud the efforts of Governor DeSantis and Secretary Harris to make this program a reality and look forward to working with them to spread the word about its availability." For more information about eligibility, how to apply and documentation requirements, go to OURFlorida.com. Florida Realtors serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to about 200,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org. SOURCE Florida Realtors Related Links floridarealtors.org SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about chiropractic care, in collaboration with ChiroCongress, a national organization representing State Chiropractic Associations across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, are teaming up to celebrate the second annual National ChiroCares Giving Back Day on May 19, 2021. ChiroCongress, the F4CP, and Chiropractic State Associations across the nation, along with their members, will support mental health in local communities by encouraging individuals to donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and/or participate in NAMIWalks' United Day of Hope on Saturday, May 22. "ChiroCongress and its State Association members are proud to honor patients and members of our communities by celebrating the second annual National ChiroCares Giving Back Day," states Elizabeth Klein, executive director, ChiroCongress, who notes that chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, drug-free approach to manage the uptick in pain among individuals as a result of shifts in home and working environments during the pandemic. She continues, "After a long, hard year, mental health in our communities is not only a top priority, but a necessity to ensure individuals have access to care that will help them manage pain, as well as optimize their wellbeing and quality of life." According to Kaiser Family Foundation, symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder have been reported in 4 out of 10 adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic a climb from 1 out of 10 adults who reported these symptoms during the first half of 2019. In addition, a July 2020 survey found specific negative impacts on adults' mental health and well-being due to stress over the pandemic, including: Difficulty sleeping (36%) Difficulty eating (32%) Increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%) Worsening chronic conditions (12%). Doctors of chiropractic (DC) are trained to diagnose, evaluate and manage disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system and general health concerns, as well as provide counsel on nutrition and lifestyle tips to promote optimal wellness. F4CP President Dr. Sherry McAllister states, "The F4CP is honored to work with ChiroCongress to assist with outreach relating to this year's National ChiroCares Giving Back Day. The chiropractic profession is committed now and in the future to creating a happier, healthier and successful future for individuals. Please join us on May 19 in support of those who may be struggling during a hard time." All individuals are invited to participate and share information about NAMI and NAMIWalks' United Day of Hope with their audiences via social media challenges and distribution channels. For more information about how to participate and/or join the national ChiroCares team, visit https://chirocongress.org/chirocares/. About the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress A not-for-profit organization with nearly 29,000 members, the F4CP informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care delivered by doctors of chiropractic (DC) and its role in drug-free pain management. Learn more or find a DC at www.f4cp.org/findadoctor. About ChiroCongress A not-for-profit profit organization, the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations advances the chiropractic profession through innovation, research, and service to member associations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Visit chirocongress.org or call 503-922-2933 for more information. SOURCE Foundation for Chiropractic Progress Related Links https://www.f4cp.org DOVER, Del., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fox News' Bret Baier and Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. will partner with David Starr who will pilot the MBM Motorsports No. 61 Toyota Supra during the NASCAR Xfinity race at Dover International Speedway on Saturday, May 15th. The race can be viewed at 1:30PM/ET on FS1. Baier is the anchor and executive editor of 'Special Report with Bret Baier' that airs weekdays at 6pm EST. and is also the network's chief political anchor. Prior to that, Baier was chief White House correspondent and National Security correspondent for Fox David Starr Racing Baier maintains a strong relationship with Children's National Hospital as his thirteen-year-old son Paul was born with five congenital heart defects and recently underwent his fourth successful open-heart surgery at Children's National Hospital. "It's a real honor to have David driving the Special Report/Children's National car at Dover. We'll hope for a win and a lot of attention for the doctors and nurses at Children's who save thousands of kids' lives every year" - Bret Baier "It's an honor and a privilege to represent both Bret and Children's National Hospital this weekend at Dover. Having two boys myself I can only imagine the gratitude Bret and his family have for Children's National," said Starr. Children's National Hospital specializes in pediatric care and has been named one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This year they are celebrating 150 years of saving lives. Children's National Hospital is located at 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010. To learn more about what care services Children's National specializes in visit their website at https://childrensnational.org/ . Donations are an important part of Children's National's success and will be gratefully accepted at childrensnational.org/giving. Media Contact: David Starr Racing [email protected] 925-487-5563 SOURCE David Starr Racing Corp RICHMOND, Va., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) (Genworth) today announced that it has postponed the previously announced initial public offering (IPO) of its subsidiary, Enact Holdings, Inc. (Enact). "In light of the recent significant trading volatility in the mortgage insurance (MI) sector, Genworth's Board of Directors determined that current market pricing for the planned offering does not accurately reflect Enact's value. Therefore, we have decided to postpone the IPO and will continue to evaluate our options as market conditions develop," said Tom McInerney, Genworth President and CEO. "Our primary objective has been and will continue to be protecting the value of Enact. We maintain our positive long-term outlook for the MI sector, given strong trends in the U.S. housing market and expected tailwinds as the economy recovers from COVID-19." Genworth's liquidity position to meet its near-term obligations is not dependent on the IPO, with the holding company having approximately $757 million in cash and liquid assets as of March 31, 2021. A registration statement on Form S-1 relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these 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 registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Genworth Financial Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and address the financial challenges of aging through its leadership positions in mortgage insurance and long term care insurance. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth traces its roots back to 1871 and became a public company in 2004. For more information, visit genworth.com. From time to time, Genworth releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found under the "Investors" section of genworth.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" or words of similar meaning & include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for future business and financial performance of Genworth Financial, Inc. (Genworth) and its consolidated subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially due to global political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors and risks, including those discussed at the end of this presentation, as well as in the risk factor section of Genworth's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26, 2021, Genworth undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc. Related Links http://www.genworth.com The company has made two significant gold discoveries within 18 months at the NE Bankan and Bankan Creek prospects - through successful application of power auger drilling. RC drilling at Bankan Creek and diamond drilling at NE Bankan is continuing with the aim of supporting a maiden resource estimate. ( ) has enhanced the regional prospectivity of Bankan Gold Project in Guinea with new auger drilling results from Argo Regional Target AG1 returning 12 metres at 9.84 g/t gold from 4 metres and 16 metres at 2.02 g/t from 4 metres. In addition, encouraging rock chip results of up to 9.48 g/t from workings northeast of AG1 highlight an additional target on the Argo permit for follow-up power auger drilling. At Bankan Creek North, auger drilling returned results of 18 metres at 0.24 g/t gold from 4 metres and 21 metres at 0.56 g/t from 4 metres. Results were also received from NE Bankan core holes from the northern and southern extensions of the NE Bankan gold mineralised system, but outside the core gold mineralised zone. Results included: 25 metres at 0.51 g/t from 106 metres; and 21 metres at 1.27 g/t from 112 metres, including 15 metres at 1.59 g/t from 118 metres. Good indications of widespread gold values Predictive has made two significant gold discoveries within 18 months at the NE Bankan and Bankan Creek prospects - through successful application of power auger drilling. PDI managing director Paul Roberts said: It is still very early days in our regional Bankan exploration program following up the recent aeromagnetic survey targets. We are very encouraged by these first results, which are providing good indications of widespread gold values in weathered bedrock (saprolite) and some high-grade gold at AG1 - the first of our new targets. Bankan Project power auger drilling results overlaying RTP aeromagnetic data, interpreted targets and lineaments. Follow up AC drilling The auger drilling continues to identify evidence of widespread gold in saprolite beneath shallow lateritic cover across the Bankan Project, providing numerous targets for follow-up by aircore (AC) drilling. Roberts said: We have already identified shallow gold mineralisation from auger drilling closer to NE Bankan and Bankan Creek, which we will follow up with AC drilling in the next month. Further AC drilling will be planned on the new northern targets over the next few months after we get a clearer picture from the ongoing auger drilling program. Mineral resource estimate While diamond drilling of depth extensions of the core gold mineralised zone at NE Bankan is ongoing with two rigs, the third drill rig has now moved to Bankan Creek for RC infill drilling on 40-metre spaced lines over a 320 metres strike length. Results from this drilling will contribute to the maiden resource estimate for the Bankan Project. In addition, metallurgical test-work is expected to begin this month with core samples being prepared on-site to be air freighted to Australia in the next week. Trading halt Notably, PDI was placed in a trading halt today, pending the company releasing an announcement around a capital raising. In its application to the ASX, PDI said: "The company is undertaking a capital raising and requests a trading halt of its securities to allow it time to formalise the raising." The securities will remain halted until the start of normal trading on Monday, May 17, 2021, or when an announcement is released to the market. WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kate Beale is joining Crowell & Moring and Crowell & Moring International LLC (CMI), bringing more than two decades of U.S. and international experience leading global health, international trade, investment, and economic policy in Congress, the Obama-Biden administration, foreign markets, and in C-suites across Global Fortune 500 companies. Beale will be senior policy director in the firm's Government Affairs practice and a director with CMI, the firm's global public policy affiliate. Prior to joining the firm, Beale was associate vice president for international advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). At PhRMA, she led the association's advocacy efforts in India, Australia, and Washington, D.C., working with ministries of Commerce, Finance, and Health as well as the U.S. State Department, National Security Council, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Department of Commerce, and Capitol Hill. Beale led commercial diplomacy on key issues of market development, regulatory frameworks, intellectual property, international trade, and patient access to strengthen international health systems and respond to emerging global health threats, including COVID-19, antimicrobial resistance, and human immunodeficiency virus. "Kate brings a unique set of U.S. government and international perspectives on global policy challenges facing companies and political leaders, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S., where we are seeing client demand for addressing health policy issues," said Robert Holleyman, CEO and president of CMI. "Her in-depth experience in the Obama-Biden administration, extensive work with leading healthcare companies, ability to build consensus across political parties in Washington, and advocacy in major capitals around the world will benefit companies and boards of directors as they develop their global strategies. In addition, Kate's work on health-related issues in India adds to our strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region." Over the past two years, the firm has opened an office in Shanghai and CMI launched an office in Singapore to advise global businesses on the fast-evolving policy and regulatory landscape across Asia. Prior to joining PhRMA, Beale served in the U.S. government for over 15 years. President Barack Obama appointed Beale to serve as deputy assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Her work focused on the overall strategy of the agency and specific programs in global health, humanitarian assistance, innovation, and governance across 13 bilateral missions and three regional missions. Beale played a leadership role in developing the Congressional response to the Haiti Earthquake and securing funding for Haiti relief programs and policies. Beale also worked as the director of congressional relations at the Peace Corps, where she led the negotiations with Senate and House Appropriations Committees for the agency's annual budget, led congressional delegations to key countries, and supported strategic programmatic expansions in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Beale led the Ebola-response efforts for the Peace Corps and the redesign of the Global Health Service Partnership funded by PEPFAR: the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In addition, Beale managed the implementation of the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act, which supports the victims of violence and sexual assault while protecting Peace Corps whistleblowers. "We are thrilled to have Kate join our team. She is a seasoned government affairs and public policy strategist. Kate understands some of the most important policy areas impacting U.S. and global companies and the emerging approaches and considerations within the Biden administration and Capitol Hill," said Jim Flood, chair of the firm's Government Affairs Group. "She provides unique insight into how to navigate the Indo-Pacific and the corridors of Washington, D.C." Beale previously worked as a legislative staff member for both Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), handling appropriations, healthcare, infrastructure, women's issues and a variety of critical policy matters. She was instrumental in drafting legislation and working alongside the National Congress of Black Women and the Architect of the Capitol to place the bust of Sojourner Truth in the U.S. Capitol, the first sculpture to honor an African American woman on the Capitol grounds. Beale began her career in public service with the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Paraguay. "My government affairs and public policy practice draws upon the unique strengths of both Crowell & Moring's Government Affairs and CMI's talented teams to deliver solutions to clients' complex policy and business challenges," said Beale. "These practice areas are sitting at the cutting edge of the intersection of domestic and international policy." Beale received her bachelor's degree in political science from Boston University. She is a former board member of the National Women's Hall of Fame, former chair of the Title IX Congressional Conference, and currently co-chair of the National Women's Hall of Fame 2021 Induction. Beale's appointment further enhances CMI's global health and life sciences service offering, which it has provided for three decades to clients seeking guidance on regulatory and policy matters as they bring their innovations to market. CMI works with nine out of ten of the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies (by revenue) and a wide spectrum of medical device, technology, digital health, nutrition, and distribution businesses and their industry associations to advance their perspectives in key international forums, and with government regulators in pursuit of better health for all. Crowell & Moring's Government Affairs Group represents companies, trade groups, associations, and other clients before the White House, Congress, and federal agencies in Washington, D.C. About Crowell & Moring LLP Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with more than 575 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion. About Crowell & Moring International LLC Crowell & Moring International LLC is a global government relations, public affairs, and public policy consulting firm that helps clients shape the international regulatory landscape to support innovation, sustainable growth, and commercial competitiveness in global markets. CMI's team of public policy experts, former trade negotiators and government officials, economists, and researchers work with clients to resolve commercial and trade challenges, clear political hurdles, and engage in the policymaking processes that affect their business goals. Media Contact: An Pham Senior Communications Manager +1 202.508.8740 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Crowell & Moring LLP Related Links http://www.crowell.com FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 19; Released: May 2021 Executive Engagements: 10762 Companies: 359 Players covered include Airboss of America Corp.; Avon Rubber p.l.c.; Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.; Bridgestone Corporation; ContiTech AG; Cooper Standard; Dayco Products, LLC; Eaton Corporation; EnPro Industries, Inc.; Federal-Mogul Corporation; Gates Corporation; Habasit AG; Hutchinson S.A.; JSJ Corporation; Sparks Belting Company; Meiji Rubber & Chemical Co., Ltd.; Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.; Nichirin Co., Ltd.; NOK Corporation; Parker-Hannifin Corporation; Patch Rubber Company; Semperit AG Holding; Sumitomo Riko Company Limited; Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.; The Freudenberg Group; The Yokohama Rubber Company Ltd.; Toyo Tire Corporation; Toyoda Gosei Company Limited; Trelleborg AB and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Product Segment (Mechanical Rubber Goods, Rubber Hose & Belting, Other Product Segments); Rubber Type (Natural, Styrene Butadiene, Polybutadiene, Ethylene-Propylene, Nitrile Butadiene, Other Rubber Types); End-Use (Automotive, Construction & Infrastructure, Energy, Aerospace, Other End-Uses) Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Africa. Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry ABSTRACT- Global Industrial Rubber Products Market to Reach $136.5 Billion by 2026 Global Industrial Rubber Products market is projected to register healthy growth over the near-to-long term. The market, estimated at US$100.1 Billion in 2020 is projected to reach US$136.5 Billion by 2026, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% over the analysis period. China represents the largest regional market for Industrial Rubber Products, accounting for an estimated 25.1% share of the global total in 2020. The country is also expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 6.3% over the analysis period. The market is expected to progress steadily to evolve as a major regional market for Industrial Rubber Products, supported by various factors conducive to healthy growth. The U.S. Market is Estimated at $20.1 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $36 Billion by 2026 The Industrial Rubber Products market in the U.S. is estimated at US$20.1 Billion in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$36 Billion by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 6.3% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 4.3% and 4.5% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.9% CAGR. Mechanical Rubber Goods Segment to Reach $56.7 Billion by 2026 Global market for Mechanical Rubber Goods is estimated at US$42.7 Billion in 2020, and is projected to reach US$56.7 Billion by 2026 reflecting a compounded annual growth rate of 5.0% over the analysis period. Europe constitutes the largest regional market for Mechanical Rubber Goods segment, accounting for 25.7% of the global sales in 2020. China is poised to register the fastest compounded annual growth rate of 5.6% over the analysis period, to reach US$12.1 Billion by the year 2027. More MarketGlass Platform Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today's busy business executive's intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide. Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world's only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years. CONTACTS: Zak Ali Director, Corporate Communications Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Phone: 1-408-528-9966 www.StrategyR.com Email: [email protected] LINKS Join Our Expert Panel https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp Connect With Us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./ Follow Us on Twitter https://twitter.com/marketbytes Journalists & Media [email protected] SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Related Links http://www.strategyr.com DUBLIN, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Lab Automation Market (2021-2026) by Product, Type, Geography, Impact of COVID-19, and Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Laboratory automation is a multi-disciplinary advanced approach used in the laboratory to increase productivity, increase the efficiency of time and the laboratory processes. Automation technology is used to streamline or alter manual handling of instruments and processes. The degree of automation required by a lab depends on its workflow. Some labs might prefer automation for a few instruments, while others might choose to prefer automating its research phase. Lab automation is expected to grow during the forecasted period considering multiple factors such as the adoption of lab automation in pharma and R&D institutes, increase in demand for miniaturizing process equipment. The Gobal Laboratory Automation Market is estimated to be USD 4.67 Billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 6.13 Billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 5.6% Various factors contribute to the growth in the laboratory automation market such as rising geriatric population, miniaturization of processes, benefits of lab automation, progressing markets of drug discovery and diagnostics, and government funding for biotech and drug discovery research, while on the contrary low priority for lab automation among small and medium-sized laboratories acts as a restraining factor on the market. Market Dynamics Drivers Increase in the adoption of Lab Automation Miniaturization of processes Progressing markets of Drug Discovery and Diagnostics Government funding for Biotech and Drug Discovery Research Restraints Low Priority for Lab automation among Small and Medium-Sized Laboratories Opportunities Emerging markets provides with a pool of opportunities for the market players The wide scope and increasing adoption in microbiology Biobanking applications Segments Covered Based on equipment and software, the market is segmented into automated workstations, off-the-shelf work-cells, robotic systems, automated storage and retrieval system, software, and other equipment. In 2020, the automated workstation segment is expected to account for the largest share of the lab automation market. The high demand for automation in liquid handling is the key factor in driving market growth in this segment. Automated workstations offer advantages such as cost and time reduction, and accuracy enhancement. Based on application, the market is segmented into Drug Discovery, Clinical Diagnostics, and Microbiology Solutions. In 2020 clinical diagnostics segment is expected to account for the largest share of the lab automation market. Factors such as growing population and increasing reach of healthcare facilities in growing economies attribute to its growth. Based on end-user, the lab automation market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals and diagnostic labs, and research and academic institutes. In 2020, the segment of biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies is expected to account for the largest share of the lab automation market. Factors such as increasing product intricacy, pricing pressure, high cost incurred by errors, and the need for consistency in quality are driving biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to adopt automation and accelerate the drug discovery process. North America is expected to account for the greater share of the global lab automation market. The growth for lab automation in North America is driven by the increasing number of investments in research and innovation by the government, the large presence of pharmaceutical R&D labs present in this region, and adoption of lab automation by hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs due to the increasing volume of the tests. However, high costs of equipment and low priority of automation in small to medium-sized labs are restraining the growth of this market. The Global Lab Automation System Market is segmented based on Product, and Type. Lab Automation Market, By Equipment and Software Off-the-shelf Automated Work-cells Robotic Systems Automated Workstations Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS) Lab Automation Market, By Application Drug discovery Clinical diagnostics Microbiology solutions Lab automation market, by End User Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories Research and academic institutes Lab Automation Market, By Geography North America South America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Company Profiles Some of the companies covered in this report are Tecan, PerkinElmer, Danaher, Thermo Fisher, Agilent Technologies, Hamilton Robotics, Abbot Diagnostics, Eppendorf, QIAGEN, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare. etc. Competitive Quadrant The report includes a Competitive Quadrant, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their Industry Position score and Market Performance. The tool uses various factors for categorizing the players into four categories. Some of these factors considered for analysis are financial performance over the last 3 years, growth strategies, innovation score, new product launches, investments, growth in market share etc. Lions: Represents companies with a strong foothold in the market, with the highest market share, large investments in technologies, new products. Represents companies with a strong foothold in the market, with the highest market share, large investments in technologies, new products. Bulls: Companies that are medium in size competing with their USPs, growing companies with proven market share. Companies that are medium in size competing with their USPs, growing companies with proven market share. Rabbits: Small companies but growing rapidly, constantly improving their offerings in the market Tortoise: Companies which are slow in growth, having a long legacy, and stable or negative in performance Why buy this report? The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Lab Automation Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies. The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry. The report includes in-depth market analysis using Porter's 5 force model and the Ansoff Matrix. The impact of Covid-19 on the market is also featured in the report. The report also contains the competitive analysis using Competitive Quadrant, the analyst's proprietary competitive positioning tool. Report Highlights: A complete analysis of the market including parent industry Important market dynamics and trends Market segmentation Historical, current, and projected size of the market based on value and volume Market shares and strategies of key players Recommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Description 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Market Dynamics 4.2.1 Drivers 4.2.2 Restraints 4.2.3 Opportunities 4.3 Trends 5. Market Analysis 5.1 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.2 Impact of COVID-19 5.3 Ansoff Matrix Analysis 6. Lab Automation Market, By Equipment & Software 6.1 Automated Workstations Primary Packaging Equipment 6.2 Off-the-shelf Automated Workcells 6.3 Robotic Systems 6.4 Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS) 7. Lab Automation Market, By Application 7.1 Drug Discovery 7.2 Clinical Diagnostics 7.3 Microbiology Solutions 8. Lab Automation Market, By End User 8.1 Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies 8.2 Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories 8.3 Research and Academic Institutes 9. Lab Automation Market, By Geography 9.1 Introduction 9.2 North America 9.2.1 US 9.2.2 Canada 9.2.3 Mexico 9.3 South America 9.3.1 Brazil 9.3.2 Argentina 9.4 Europe 9.4.1 UK 9.4.2 France 9.4.3 Germany 9.4.4 Italy 9.4.5 Rest of Europe 9.5 Asia-Pacific 9.5.1 China 9.5.2 Japan 9.5.3 India 9.5.4 Australia 9.5.5 Rest of APAC 9.6 Middle East and Africa 10. Competitive Landscape 10.1 Competitive Quadrant 10.2 Market Share Analysis 10.3 Competitive Scenario 10.3.1 Mergers & Acquisitions 10.3.2 Agreements, Collaborations, & Partnerships 10.3.3 New Product Launches & Enhancements 10.3.4 Investments & Funding 11. Company Profiles 11.1 Tecan 11.1.1 Introduction 11.1.2 Financial Overview 11.1.3 Product Portfolio 11.1.4 Recent Developments 11.1.5 Key personnel 11.2 PerkinElmer 11.3 Danaher 11.4 Thermo Fisher 11.5 Agilent Technologies 11.6 Hamilton Robotics 11.7 Abbot Diagnostics 11.8 Eppendorf 11.9 QIAGEN 11.10 Roche Diagnostics 11.11 Siemens Healthineers 11.12 BMG Labtech GmbH 11.13 Aurora Biomed Inc. 11.14 Hudson Robotics 11.15 BIOMERIEUX SA 12. Appendix 12.1 Questionnaire For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9kpqci 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 ROCKVILLE, Md., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the ongoing, pandemic-related employment crisis paired with an anticipated jump in demand for qualified healthcare workers, Goodwill is teaming with the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., to introduce Goodwill Healthcare CareerLaunch. The healthcare industry is projected to add more jobs from 2018-2019 than any of the other occupational groups, with an anticipated 2.4 million new jobs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among growing occupations in this field are nursing assistants, medical records assistants and phlebotomists. The median wage associated with these careers is between $12 and $19 per hour. With a $750,000 investment from the Anthem Foundation as part of the newly announced Rising Together coalition, participating Goodwill organizations will provide holistic employment services and assistance to individuals who train for careers in healthcare, including but not limited to housing, transportation and child care. This two-year, training initiative is implemented by eight community-based, nonprofit Goodwill organizations with the goal of training and supporting workers in the healthcare field. A second set of seven Goodwill organizations will begin the program next year. Over a 24-month period, Goodwill expects to train nearly 1,700 healthcare workers through this partnership. "We've all witnessed the vital role played by healthcare workers during the pandemic, highlighting an urgent need for more people to fill positions such as nursing assistants, technicians and medical assistants," said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Utilizing Anthem Foundation's resources and Goodwill's proven training methods, we will help prepare a new wave of healthcare professionals to fill this critical shortfall." As part of Rising Together and Goodwill's commitment with partners and global philanthropic and business organizations to ensure everyone has equitable access to employment opportunities and economic mobility, Goodwill organizations will provide in-demand skills and credentials. These resources will equip individuals so they can enter a career path leading to economic stability, including full-time employment, an income above minimum wage, and access to affordable healthcare, food security and housing stability. "COVID-19 has left a lasting impact on many communities and has changed the landscape of the workforce," said Felicia Norwood, executive vice president and president, government business division for Anthem, Inc. "The Anthem Foundation is excited to team with Goodwill on this innovative program as part of our commitment to improve lives and communities. It will train thousands of workers and prepare them for high-growth jobs, with good pay and benefits." Goodwill organizations in the following markets will be part of the initial wave of Goodwill Healthcare CareerLaunch: Goodwill of North Georgia ( Atlanta, GA ) ( ) Rappahannock Goodwill Industries ( Fredericksburg, VA ) ) Goodwill Industries Knoxville ( Knoxville, TN ) ) Goodwill Industries of Arkansas ( Little Rock, AR ) ( ) Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County ( Long Beach, CA ) ( ) Goodwill of Middle Georgia & the CSRA ( Macon, GA ) ) Goodwill Industries of the Valleys ( Roanoke, VA ) ) Goodwill Michiana ( South Bend, IN ) ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL Goodwill Industries International is a network of 156 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar's highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval. Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, funded by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,300 stores and at shopgoodwill.com. Last year, more than 24 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill services, and more than 1.5 million people received in-person services. For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl. ABOUT ANTHEM FOUNDATION The Anthem Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. and through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes the organization's commitment to improving lives and communities. Through strategic partnerships and programs, the Foundation addresses the social drivers that will help create a healthier generation of Americans in communities that Anthem, Inc. and its affiliated health plans serve. The Foundation focuses its funding on critical initiatives that make up its Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets: maternal health, diabetes prevention, cancer prevention, heart health and healthy, active lifestyles, behavioral health efforts and programs that benefit people with disabilities. The Foundation also coordinates the company's year-round Dollars for Dollars program which provides a 100 percent match of associates' donations, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Anthem Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at https://medium.com/anthemfoundation. SOURCE Goodwill Industries International Related Links www.goodwill.org SEATTLE, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Healionics Corporation , a private medical device company, announced today the completion of a $4.7M equity financing round led by Keiretsu Capital. The company also announced the conversion to equity of $5.2M in previously outstanding notes and interest. Healionics is preparing to commercialize its innovative STARgraft vascular graft, designed to provide a safer and more reliable means to access the bloodstream for dialysis in patients with kidney failure. An initial human study was completed last year, and a follow-on human study is now in progress. The financing will be used to complete this study and obtain FDA market clearance. "We appreciate the strong support in this round by existing shareholders and welcome the participation by several new angel and venture investor groups," said Mike Connolly, Chief Executive Officer of Healionics. "We are targeting early next year for commercial launch of STARgraft. This novel synthetic blood vessel, based on our proprietary STAR biomaterial technology, has the potential to improve the lives of dialysis patients by reducing the frequency & severity of infections and the frequency of interventions required to maintain dialysis access." About Vascular Grafts More than 500,000 people in the United States suffer from kidney failure and require frequent dialysis to filter waste from their blood. Current methods of creating and maintaining regular bloodstream access for dialysis are unreliable and account for a significant portion of the $50 billion spent each year on U.S. kidney-failure patients. A vascular graft (synthetic blood vessel) is often implanted to create an access site with sufficient flow rate for dialysis, but conventional grafts can develop life-threatening infections and frequently develop blockages that require expensive interventions. About Healionics Corporation Healionics is a clinical-stage company addressing the critical need for safer, more reliable means to access the bloodstream for dialysis in patients with kidney failure. Its STARgraft vascular graft is designed to resist the problems of infection and occlusion suffered by current devices. The company also has an exciting product pipeline based on its platform STAR biomaterial, which has a unique ability to resist both infection and scarring, two problems that affect all implanted devices. www.healionics.com SOURCE Healionics Corporation Related Links https://healionics.com MT. PLEASANT, Mich., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Isabella Bank Corporation (the "Corporation") (OTCQX: ISBA), announced today that they will be participating in Renmark Financial Communications Inc.'s live Virtual Non-Deal Roadshow Series to discuss its latest investor presentation on Thursday, May 13 12:00PM MDT. Isabella Bank Corporation welcomes stakeholders, investors, and other individual followers to register and attend this live event. The presentation will feature Jae Evans, President & CEO, and Neil McDonnell, CFO. Topics to be covered will include the latest investor presentation followed by a live Q&A. Investors interested in participating in this event will need to register using the link below. As a reminder, registration for the live event may be limited but access to the replay after the event will be on the Company's Investor website. REGISTER HERE: Thursday, May 13 12:00PM MDT - https://www.renmarkfinancial.com/live-registration/renmark-virtual-non-deal-roadshow-otcqx-isba-2021-05-13-120000 To ensure smooth connectivity, please access this link using the latest version of Google Chrome. About Isabella Bank Corporation Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: ISBA) is the parent holding company of Isabella Bank, a state chartered community 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 30 banking locations throughout seven Mid-Michigan counties: Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw. The Corporation has been recognized on the Detroit Free Press list of "Top Workplaces". For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Investors 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). About Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Founded in 1999, Renmark Financial Communications Inc. is North America's leading retail investor relations firm. Employing a strategic and comprehensive mix of exposure tactics; Renmark hosts Virtual Non-Deal Roadshows as well as in-person corporate presentations and maintains daily communications with thousands of brokers and money managers across Canada and the United States. Renmark empowers its publicly-traded clientele to maximize their visibility within the financial community and strengthen their investor audience. SOURCE Isabella Bank Corporation Related Links https://www.renmarkfinancial.com SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JMA Wireless (JMA), a revolutionary American wireless technology company, was today awarded the Small Cell Forum (SCF) Social Impact award for promoting socio-economic-environmental development through the recently deployed JMA private network in the City of Tucson, Arizona. JMA's private network technology was recognized as a model for municipal connectivity services and for efforts that help close the digital divide. "The judges reviewed many smart city deployments but found JMA's Tucson network to be particularly impressive because of its scale and its ability to support a wide range of applications and stakeholders, with an emphasis on bridging the digital divide and bringing high-quality connectivity to Tucson's poorest communities," according to Small Cell Forum. For cities like Tucson, where 32,000 households lack reliable internet access and over 10,000 households have no internet connection at all, tackling the digital divide requires bold action and cutting-edge technology. That's why Tucson partnered with JMA to develop the solution. "We are proud that our work in Tucson has been recognized by the Small Cell Forum," said John Mezzalingua, CEO of JMA. "We believe that our software-based private network deployment can serve as a model for cities to leverage Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), expand access to high-quality, high-speed connectivity, and advance digital equity for all." JMA leverages a one-of-a-kind solution to maximize the potential of CBRS and create a private wireless network for Tucson. JMA's XRAN system and CellHub radio facilitate internet connectivity through CBRS over much larger areas and with far greater security than Wi-Fi offers. XRAN is a revolutionary technology that enables high-performance, carrier-grade wireless coverage in the densest environments using software alone. And, the JMA solutions will allow Tucson to upgrade its wireless infrastructure easily and cost-effectively over time. Instead of replacing large amounts of costly hardware for every upgrade, Tucson can simply update its software, ensuring the city's wireless infrastructure is flexible for the future. JMA's support for the Tucson initiative brings free, public internet access to 5,000 households, largely in school districts most affected by the digital divide. This year, JMA will continue its work to deliver connectivity to more public areas in the city. With help from JMA, Tucson is extending an economic lifeline to its most vulnerable citizens and preparing its wireless infrastructure for smart city applications. About JMA A disruptive force in the wireless industry, JMA is restoring U.S. leadership in wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G. Based in Syracuse, New York, JMA makes the world's most advanced software-based 5G platform, which it designs, codes, and manufactures in the United States. JMA's cutting-edge technologymost notably a revolutionary software solution called XRANis ushering in a new era of innovation and connectivity for businesses, workers, and ultimately consumers. For more information, visit jmawireless.com. SOURCE JMA Wireless NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Knotch , the leading provider of planning and analytics built specifically for content, today announced the launch of Knotch Consulting for content marketers. The service is designed to help marketing teams establish the strategic vision and operational framework to ensure that their content initiatives drive business outcomes. Leveraging a content intelligence-led methodology, Knotch SVP and Head of Strategy David Brown and his team now offer strategic services that enable brands to: Build a roadmap for aligning their content efforts with business outcomes Identify the content organization model that is right for their business Evaluate content agencies, publishers and technologies Map content strategy to the customer journey Plan the content types and channels that best support that journey, and Analyze content effectiveness in achieving business results David Brown is a leader in the content marketing space. As the co-chair of the Association of National Advertisers' content marketing committee, author of The Content Marketing Playbook, and former head of MXM, now part of Accenture Interactive, he is widely regarded as a pioneer in content marketing. "Only 40% of marketers have a documented content strategy. Most create content and lots of it without knowing what business outcomes they are trying to achieve. They aren't sure how to either define or measure the success of their content strategy," Brown said. "Knotch Consulting brings a future-proof approach to content strategy planning, development and optimization to ensure that tactical efforts match the brand's business objectives." Knotch Consulting clients will also have the opportunity to implement and leverage the Knotch Content Intelligence Platform (CIP). The Knotch CIP enables organizations to automate the planning and measurement of content performance and through the use of big data-supported artificial intelligence directly link content performance to strategic business impacts including enhancing brand, increasing ROI and building audience. To learn more about Knotch and Knotch Consulting, visit Knotch Consulting - Knotch . About Knotch As the global leader in Content Intelligence, Knotch's mission is to empower brands to unlock the true value of their content by using data-driven strategies. With the Knotch Content Intelligence Platform, companies conduct competitive research and measure the performance of their content in real-time. Through Knotch's unique ability to provide a 360 degree of content efforts, including paid and owned, Knotch allows companies to connect their content to content outcomes, including enhancing brand, increasing ROI and building audience. SOURCE Knotch NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Five years ago, Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer launched its unprecedented platform to fill a void for pancreatic cancer patients. Since May 2016, Let's Win has published more than 500 original articles about the latest research into new treatments, clinical trials, and patients pursuing different protocols. All information is vetted by medical experts. Let's Win also provides hope to patients and families through our Survivors video series, with nearly 40 videos featuring long-term survivors. "What started as a vision from patient and late co-founder Anne Glauber," said co-founder and Board Chair Willa Shalit, "has blossomed into a vital resource in both English and Spanish." Let's Win provides patients and doctors with the most up-to-date information about pancreatic cancer treatments and is committed to making this information accessible to all patients around the world. The tireless work of dedicated scientists and doctors committed to finding effective treatments and new protocols fuels a healthy pipeline of stories each week, allowing us to keep sharing more information with patients. Our website has had more than 550,000 visitors and 1.5 million page views. Our robust social media campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, reach out in English and Spanish to all who are affected by pancreatic cancer to bring them the latest information about this disease. We have hosted more than 60 Twitter PancChats, with more than 189 million impressions. "We have become an integral part of pancreatic cancer advocacy," said Cindy Price Gavin, our Founding Executive Director, who has co-chaired the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition annual meeting for the last three years. Let's Win has won two significant awards: the first Biden Cancer FIERCE Award for Leadership through Exemplary and Awesome Purpose and the Platinum PR Hall of Fame. Let's Win began as an initiative of the Lustgarten Foundation, and we are grateful for the support that enabled us to grow and become a globally respected thriving nonprofit foundation. During the coming weeks we will be highlighting advances in pancreatic cancer treatments and early detection, enhancements to Let's Win over the years, and more. About Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer (www.letswinpc.org) is an online community that connects doctors, researchers, and patients to the latest science-driven treatment options through a dynamic website and a robust social media program in both English and Spanish. Let's Win also introduces experienced physicians who do not specialize in pancreatic cancer to emerging treatments to combat the disease. The site features an interactive patient and family forum where patients describe their treatment plans; information on promising science; highlights from the latest clinical trials; information about managing care during treatment; current pancreatic cancer news; and inspiring videos from survivors. The Let's Win Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of world-renowned scientists and physicians who lead cutting-edge research on pancreatic cancer. Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer is a 501(c)(3) organization and is proud to be an affiliate of the Lustgarten Foundation. SOURCE Let's Win! Pancreatic Cancer Related Links https://www.letswinpc.org Two exploration wells are planned by Buru and partner Origin Energy targeting total mean prospective resources of 97 million barrels of conventional oil, with the first well, Kurrajong 1, expected to spud in mid-June. The Ensign 963 rig will be used for the drilling program (photo from Ensign). Buru Energy Limited ( ) (OTCMKTS:BRNGF) (FRA:BUD) is on track to begin a major exploration drilling program at the Canning Basin joint venture with ( ) targeting total mean prospective resources of 97 million barrels of conventional oil. Drill site preparations for the Kurrajong 1 well are expected to be completed later this week with the drilling pad nearing completion. The Ensign 963 rig will be used for the well with the first rig loads scheduled to leave its current drilling site in the Northern Territory on May 24. Targeting mid-June spud Burus executive chairman Eric Streitberg said: Drilling preparations are well underway and on track for our target mid-June spud. "Site preparations have gone smoothly and without incident and we are very much looking forward to the spud of Kurrajong in just over four weeks." JV with Origin Energy Buru Energy is operating two major exploration wells in the Canning Basin this year - Kurrajong 1 and Rafael 1 - in a 50/50 joint venture with Origin Energy. The company will be carried by Origin for the first $16 million of the associated well costs. Kurrajong 1 is the first well to be drilled in the program and is about 30 kilometres west of the Ungani Oilfield. It is expected to have similar geology to Ungani with mean prospective resources of some 29 million barrels of recoverable oil. Preparation work The drill pad preparation work has included stripping the topsoil and stockpiling ready for rehabilitation of the site, with all of the groundworks being supervised by senior Yawuru Traditional Owners. The site has been levelled and compacted, the cuttings sump formed up ready for installation of the impervious liner, and the 20-inch surface conductor and cellar has been installed. All work on the site has been undertaken by local contractors who have completed the operations to a very high standard and incident-free. Ensign 963 rig The Ensign 963, which is the sister rig to the Ensign 970 drilling in the Perth Basin, is currently located at the Kyalla 1 Origin Energy well site in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory. Ensign and Buru have been undertaking rig preparation inspections and Ensign is on track to start mobilising the rig to the Kurrajong 1 well site, with the first loads expected to be picked up on May 24. It is expected to take two weeks to mobilise all equipment to the Kurrajong site with rig up and rig inspection and acceptance expected to be completed in time for the target spud date of June 15. TULSA, Okla., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) announced today that Michael Mears, chief executive officer, is scheduled to participate in a question and answer session about Magellan at the 2021 Investor Conference hosted by the Energy Infrastructure Council at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, May 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The session will be moderated by Justin Jenkins, Raymond James equity research analyst, with a webcast available live on the day of the event on the partnership's website at www.magellanlp.com/investors/webcasts.aspx and a replay available for at least 30 days. In addition, management will be hosting meetings with institutional investors and research analysts during the conference. The slides used for these meetings also will be available at www.magellanlp.com/investors/webcasts.aspx. About Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. The partnership owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation's refining capacity, and can store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil. More information is available at www.magellanlp.com. SOURCE Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. Related Links http://www.magellanlp.com BIDDEFORD, Maine, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biddeford Internet Corporation dba GWI, Maine's premier provider in fiber-optic internet service and the state's first B Corporation certified Internet Service Provider (ISP), announced today that it will participate in the Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB), which will assist Maine families in acquiring low-cost, high-speed fiber-optic internet services. The FCC's EBB program is designed "to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more," according to the FCC's website. The program will allow for eligible families to receive a discount of up to $50/mo. for internet services and up to a $75/mo. discount for households in qualifying tribal lands. "Providing pathways of affordable high-speed broadband to the citizens of Maine is a priority of GWI and we are proud to participate in the EBB program," said Kerem Durdag, President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are appreciative of the assistance of the federal government as we all work together to implement the mechanisms of digital inclusion and equity." Eligibility requirements to receive discounted services are as follows: Qualifies for the Lifeline program, including those who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits; Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year; Experienced a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020 , and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; , and the household had a total income in 2020 below for single filers and for joint filers; Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year; or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program. The FCC officially launched the program on May 12, 2021. For more information on enrollment, please visit https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/. About GWI Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Biddeford, Maine, GWI (www.gwi.net) is a Maine owned and operated Internet Service Provider (ISP), serving residential and business customers and is an advocate for the expansion of high-speed internet access in the state. The first broadband carrier in the nation to become B Corporation-certified, GWI is an industry leader in designing, constructing, funding, and operating high-speed fiber networks. For press inquiries, please contact Colin Haley at 207-286-4990 or at [email protected]. Related Files EBB Program Press Release.pdf Related Images gwi.png GWI GWI & B Corp SOURCE Great Works Internet (GWI) DUBLIN, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart Wires Inc., global power technology company, has announced the promotion of Marie Hayden to the role of Chief Engineer where she will lead the design, development and support of Smart Wires products and solutions. "For the past several years, Marie has been a key part of our success in Europe and Australia, and we are excited about the impact she will have leading our engineering team. We identified a clear need for this new role as we position the company to scale and serve a rapidly growing customer base. Marie's proven leadership capabilities, engineering expertise and knowledge of our customers' needs make her the perfect choice for this role and she will be a valued addition to the leadership team at Smart Wires," said Peter Wells, CEO of Smart Wires. Describing her new responsibilities Marie said, "Smart Wires has developed highly innovative technology that is transforming how power grids around the world are planned and operated. In leading the engineering team, my goals include enabling our team to continue to develop safe, high-quality products, fostering an environment in which technical innovation can thrive and delivering world-leading solutions that support our customers' near-term and enduring needs. In this role, I also hope to inspire more women to choose engineering as a career and to embrace leadership roles in this industry." Marie joined the company in 2018 as Vice President, Business Development, and was promoted to General Manager, Europe, in 2020. During this time, Marie significantly grew Smart Wires' customer base in Europe and Australia collaborating with transmission and distribution companies to help them solve problems and evolve their grids with flexible, high-impact solutions. Prior to joining Smart Wires, Marie gained extensive experience in all aspects of transmission system operation during a 25-year career at EirGrid, the Irish Transmission System Operator. Marie held a number of senior management positions at EirGrid, including Scenario Planning, Connection Policy and Operational Planning. Marie served as Chair of the Irish National Committee of CIGRE. In 2018 she was made a Distinguished Member of CIGRE. Marie holds a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a Masters of Engineering Management from University College Dublin. About Smart Wires Smart Wires is a global power technology company advancing the delivery of affordable, clean electricity worldwide. With our innovative technology and advanced analytics, we maximize the grid's capacity. This means more renewables, at a lower cost and with less disruption to communities and the environment. Smart Wires is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and a global workforce of 200 professionals spread across four continents. Our team collaborates with our customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions. Learn more about how we are reimagining the grid for a better future: www.smartwires.com SOURCE Smart Wires Related Links https://www.smartwires.com "We are excited to have Tim take on our North American IT business. He is a proven leader that has built and led US and international IT, managed services, and professional services teams focused on helping clients in their digital transformation by building robust capabilities and teams that focus on client satisfaction, growth, and operational excellence. Under Tim's leadership he will focus on the acceleration of Meridian IT's capability and innovation to help clients successfully adopt technologies throughout their enterprise, driving our North America strategy and helping to fulfill our global objectives," said Jeff Murray, CEO of Meridian Group International. Tim joined Meridian last year as Senior Vice President of Global Programs to enable and scale Meridian's global integration capabilities, and has since standardized and accelerated the company's processes to improve customer outcomes worldwide in secure data management, and IT workload cloud migration. Tim brings more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry with a proven track record of building multifunctional global teams across professional and managed services, cloud, and software. He has served in executive leadership roles for over 20 years at several companies including EMC, Rimini Street, Comdisco, and Black Box. As President, Tim will provide outcome-driven leadership to position Meridian IT at the forefront of the information technology services industry. He will focus on developing strategies to advance the company's mission of solving its clients' toughest challenges and continue to lead the Global Program efforts for the company. "I am honored to be appointed as President of Meridian IT, North America and look forward to working with Jeff and the executive team to grow the business by building lasting partnerships with our clients, employees, and shareholders," said Tim. About Meridian Group International Meridian Group International is a leading global information technology services and equipment leasing company. Meridian combines deep global expertise and end-to-end capabilities with the world's leading technologies to deliver creative solutions that fuel new business outcomes. From ideation, implementation, management, and financing, Meridian helps its clients solve complex business, technology, and finance challenges. SOURCE Meridian Group International ALLIANCE, Ohio, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Mount Union held a groundbreaking on Monday, May 10 to signify the beginning of an approximately 7,000-square-foot expansion to Oak Hall, which houses programs in the University's Department of Business and School of Engineering. Mount Union's programs in business and engineering continue to grow, with more than 550 undergraduate students majoring in programs offered by the two schools. An additional 115 students are currently pursuing minors in a business-related field. "We are in need of additional space to house our developing programs," said Dr. Chad Korach, associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of the School of Engineering. Through the generosity of The Deuble Foundation, The Hoover Foundation, the Stark Community Foundation, the Timken Foundation of Canton and loyal Mount Union alumni and friends, this project has become an exciting reality. "We are extremely grateful for the partnerships we have developed with each of the foundations," said Greg King, vice president for university advancement. "Their support has created the opportunity for our students to learn and grow in another state-of-the art facility that will provide real-world learning experiences and preparation for career success." The physical proximity of the business and engineering programs in Oak Hall is part of the strategy to foster connections between the two departments. To accommodate expected growth and maintain synergy between these two programs, a two-fold plan is in place and made possible through the generosity of local foundations, corporations and alumni. First, Tolerton and Hood Hall, which connects to Oak Hall, was renovated to create engineering labs, classrooms and offices. Several business classrooms and seminar rooms in Oak Hall have also been updated with new equipment and software. The second phase, which broke ground Monday, will provide needed space for a business classroom suite, collaboration area and state-of-the-art engineering design studio-fabrication lab. Mount Union is working with Hammond Construction of Canton, Ohio to complete the project. SOURCE University of Mount Union Related Links http://www.mountunion.edu Successful issue of a US$1 billion sustainability-linked bond; Avon synergies raised in April to between US$350 million and US$450 million SAO PAULO, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura &Co (NYSE NTCO; B3 NTCO3) recorded another quarter of double-digit revenue growth in the first quarter, again outperforming the global Cosmetics, Fragrance, and Toiletries market thanks to a strong increase in digital sales, while EBITDA was up more than four-fold. Consolidated net revenue in Q1 stood at R$9.5 billion, up 25.8% in Brazilian Reais and 8.1% at constant currency, driven by sales growth in BRL at all four of the Group's iconic brands. Reported EBITDA grew by 470.7% to R$829.1 million, with margin up 690 basis points to 8.8%, and adjusted EBITDA, which excludes transformation costs and Avon-related acquisition effects, rose 68.5% to R$963.2 million, with margin of 10.2%, up 260 basis points. This strong Q1 performance was powered by further growth in digital social selling and e-commerce across all brands. Total group online sales were up a very strong 166%. At the Natura brand, digital sales were up by 253% and Avon globally also recorded triple-digit growth of 132%. Aesop's total online sales grew 102% in the quarter, representing 29% of revenue. The Body Shop continued its pivot to e-commerce and direct selling channels, up respectively by 119% and 251%, to jointly represent 51% of total sales. Relationship selling using apps advanced vs. Q1-20, with Avon e-brochure sales up by 175% globally. Considering Natura brand in Latin America, the average number of consultants sharing content increased by more than 350%, and orders through the 1.3 million+ consultant online stores in the region grew by 80% vs. Q1-20. Natura &Co also made further advances in its integration of Avon, with a new commercial model being rolled out. At its recent Investor Day in April, Natura &Co raised its synergies target for the Avon integration by US$50 million to between US$350 million and US$450 million by 2024. Earlier this month, Natura &Co also successfully completed a US$1 billion bond issue linked to sustainability goals. The issue was carried out by its subsidiary, Natura Cosmeticos SA ("Natura"), with Natura & Co Holding S.A. acting as the guarantor. The transaction commits Natura to meet two material environmental performance indicators by end-2026: i) reduction of its relative greenhouse gas emissions intensity by another 13% across scopes 1, 2 and 3, and ii) reaching 25% of post-consumer recycled plastic in packaging. These goals are aligned with the Group's "Commitment to Life", its Sustainability Vision for 2030, and support Natura &Co's efforts to address the global climate crisis and move towards full circularity. Roberto Marques, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, declared: "Natura &Co turned in another strong performance in the first quarter despite a persistently challenging environment, demonstrating again the strength of its direct-to-consumer, multichannel model. All of our brands and businesses posted growth in Brazilian Reais in the quarter, and our continued pivot to digital and online sales allowed us to once again outperform the global CFT market. The recent successful completion of our US$1 billion bond issue with clear and advanced sustainability-linked targets shows the company's consistency in connecting financial and environmental targets." Natura &Co Latam's net revenue increased by 24.6% in BRL in Q1. The Natura brand's net revenue rose by 29.6% in BRL, with strong growth both in Brazil (+12.6%), and Hispanic Latam (+60.4%). The Avon brand's net revenue increased by 20.0% in BRL, with strong growth of 35.1% in Hispanic Latam more than offsetting a 2.8% drop in Brazil. Adjusted EBITDA for Natura &Co Latam surged 119.2% to R$630.3 million, with margin of 12.2%, up 690 bps. Natura &Co's clear CFT leadership in Latam was confirmed by Euromonitor, reaching market share of 12.5% in 2020, +70 basis points vs. the prior year, with a strong 17.0% in Brazil, 10 basis points vs. 2019. Avon International posted Q1 net revenue growth of 11.4% in BRL, with market share gains in all eight of its top markets, including the UK. Adjusted EBITDA was R$97.4 million, with 4.1% margin (-70 bps), reflecting the impact of the global pandemic in key categories, mainly in Europe, and strategic investments in areas such as digital and commercial to accelerate future growth. The Body Shop posted another strong quarter, with net revenue increasing 47.7% in BRL. It succeeded in offsetting lost retail sales, notably in Europe, thanks to its continued ramp-up in its direct sales channel and e-commerce. EBITDA in Q1 was R$194.2 million, with margin of 14.7% (-30 bps). Aesop posted another outstanding performance in Q1, with strong double-digit growth in both sales and profitability in Reais. Net sales grew 71.9% in Q1, with growth in all regions despite continued store closures in Europe, Canada and parts of Australia, with a remarkable performance in Asia and a strong increase in digital sales. EBITDA more than doubled to R$156.6 million, with margin up 390 basis points to 26.7%. About Natura &Co Natura &Co is a global, purpose-driven, multi-channel and multi-brand cosmetics group which includes Avon, Natura, The Body Shop and Aesop. Natura &Co posted net revenues of R$36.9 billion in 2020. The four companies that form the group are committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. For 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian multinational in the cosmetics and personal care segment, leader in direct sales. Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand that seeks to make a positive difference in the world. The Australian beauty brand Aesop was established in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for skin, hair and the body. SOURCE Natura &Co Related Links https://naturaeco.com Content from the two-day symposium, plus bonus features, is now available in the AIS Highlights Report on ncci.com . Workers compensation stakeholders consider AIS to be the leading industry conference. The work comp system is "emerging from the coronavirus pandemic stronger than ever." -Bill Donnell, NCCI President & CEO "Insurers, regulators, and other stakeholders will find a wealth of information available on our site," said Donnell. "NCCI develops and shares these insights to help everyone in the workers compensation system make informed decisions." Highlights from NCCI's Annual Issues Symposium include: State of the Line Report NCCI Chief Actuary Donna Glenn and other NCCI experts revealed detailed metrics on the performance of the workers compensation insurance line in 2020. Net written premium declined 10% in 2020 and carriers recorded $260 million in COVID-19 claims. NCCI said other major financial metrics in 2020 are at or near historic highs as seen here. Glenn described the system as "strong" and "resilient." NCCI Chief Actuary Donna Glenn and other NCCI experts revealed detailed metrics on the performance of the workers compensation insurance line in 2020. Net written premium declined 10% in 2020 and carriers recorded in COVID-19 claims. NCCI said other major financial metrics in 2020 are at or near historic highs as seen here. Glenn described the system as "strong" and "resilient." Time to Treatment Barry Lipton, FCAS, MAAA, Practice Leader & Senior Actuary at NCCI shared that COVID-19 caused limited impact on treatment times in workers compensation. Barry Lipton, FCAS, MAAA, Practice Leader & Senior Actuary at NCCI shared that COVID-19 caused limited impact on treatment times in workers compensation. Escalating Claims Raji Chadarevian, Director, Medical Regulation & Informatics at NCCI revealed that 4% of claims open three years contribute more than 75% of escalating claim costs. The research sheds light on factors that drive runaway claims, including issues that could emerge from COVID-19 injuries. Raji Chadarevian, Director, Medical Regulation & Informatics at NCCI revealed that 4% of claims open three years contribute more than 75% of escalating claim costs. The research sheds light on factors that drive runaway claims, including issues that could emerge from COVID-19 injuries. A Regulator's View Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain offered his full support for "the grand bargain" of workers compensation, balancing the needs of labor, industry, employers, and injured workers. View the extended conversation with the commissioner and NCCI's Chief Regulatory Officer, Susan L. Donegan , on the AIS Highlights Report. Arkansas Insurance Commissioner offered his full support for "the grand bargain" of workers compensation, balancing the needs of labor, industry, employers, and injured workers. View the extended conversation with the commissioner and NCCI's Chief Regulatory Officer, , on the Highlights Report. Economics of Workers CompensationIndustry economist Bob Hartwig , PhD, of the University of South Carolina , cautioned the pandemic will leave scars on workers, the insurance market, and the US economy, and it may take years to fully recover. NCCI's Glenn emphasized the resilience of the workers compensation industry and of the people who make it work. "Whatever your role in the workers compensation system, you have made a difference in the past year. We are emerging from the pandemic stronger together," she said. In addition to videos of the presentations and summaries, the AIS Highlights Report includes the NCCI State of the Line Guide with detailed background on workers compensation insurance performance metrics. The materials are free and available to all at www.ncci.com. About NCCI Founded in 1923, the mission of NCCI is to foster a healthy workers compensation system. In support of this mission, NCCI gathers data, analyzes industry trends, and provides objective insurance rate and loss cost recommendations. These activitiescombined with a comprehensive set of tools and servicesmake NCCI the source you trust for workers compensation information. Media Contact: Cristine Pike Manager, Communications, NCCI [email protected] 561-893-3631 SOURCE NCCI Related Links https://www.ncci.com/ NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new documentary produced by the Knights of Columbus on Native American Catholicism will air on ABC affiliated stations through a partnership with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission (IBC) beginning May 16, 2021. Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholicism explores the rich contribution and witness that Native American Catholics have given to the faith over the course of nearly 500 years. "The history and deeply ingrained traditions of Native American Catholics demonstrate how Christ reveals himself through the uniqueness of every culture," Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said. "Our hope is that this film will inspire a greater appreciation of the faithful witness of Native American Catholics." The documentary begins in the 16th century, when Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to St. Juan Diego as a mestiza woman. The film goes on to explore the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first canonized Native American saint, and the 20th-century Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, whose cause for canonization is currently open in Rome. The film examines the spiritual and cultural gifts of Native American Catholics, the wrongs inflicted upon them by the often unjust policies of the British and American governments, and how Native American Catholics today continue to live out their faith in fully inculturated ways. The documentary is part of the Knights of Columbus Native Solidarity initiative. First announced at the 137th Supreme Convention in 2019, the Native Solidarity initiative began with a partnership between the Knights, the Diocese of Gallup, N.M., and the Southwest Indian Foundation to build a shrine to St. Kateri in the Southwest United States. As the Covid-19 pandemic struck, as part of Native Solidarity and the Order's "Leave No Neighbor Behind", Knights brought necessities to thousands of native and indigenous communities in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii that were struck particularly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Knights has also collaborated with Life is Sacred, a native-run non-profit committed to building a culture of life and a civilization of love, and the Black and Indian Mission Office. Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholicism will air primarily on Sundays. To find air times for your area, visit kofc.org/enduringfaith. About the Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is one of the world's leading fraternal and service organizations with 2 million members in more than 16,000 parish-based councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 77 million service hours and $187 million for worthy causes in their communities. The organization also offers extensive life insurance services to members and their families, resulting in more than $114 billion of life insurance in force. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors offers investment services to individuals and institutions in accord with Catholic social teaching and has over $26 billion in assets under management. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable insurance products to its members, to creating a legacy of giving, the Knights of Columbus has supported families and communities for more than 138 years. To learn more please visit us at kofc.org. SOURCE Knights of Columbus Related Links https://www.kofc.org RALEIGH, N.C., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges has adopted a comprehensive credit for prior learning policy that includes Cambridge Assessment International Education's (Cambridge International) AS- and A-Level examinations. With this recent policy change, institutions in the North Carolina Community College System will now award college credit to any student earning an E grade on Cambridge International Advanced examinations, giving AS- and A-Level courses the same college credit opportunities as other advanced courses offered to students. Cambridge Advanced examinations are taken in schools across 35 states and the District of Columbia. Dr. Matthew Hayes, the Deputy Superintendent of Academics for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said: "Our collaboration with Cambridge International allows us to provide rigorous, internationally benchmarked coursework to our students. Our district's goal is to prepare all of our students to lead productive lives and reach their full potential in college and career. The recent decision to allow credit for Cambridge International AS- and A-Level examinations is a great step forward to give students recognition for their hard work and achievement while in high school." Each year, nearly 1 million students study in Cambridge programs worldwide, making more than 2 million exam entries. First introduced in the U.S. in 1995, the Cambridge International program has grown rapidly in popularity. Over the past decade, Cambridge Advanced exams in the U.S. have grown by over 200%. More Cambridge Advanced coursework and exams are now taken in the US than in any other country. "The decision made by the State Board of Community Colleges increases students' access to opportunities to succeed in North Carolina institutions and their future endeavors," said Mark Cavone, Cambridge International Regional Director, North America. "The Cambridge curriculum is a flexible integrated program that challenges and engages students across achievement levels, and its assessments and supports are designed to be accessible for all students." Cambridge International AS- & A- Levels are part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school. Cambridge International uniquely provides an instructional system across four stages (Primary through Advanced) aligning rigorous curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for all students in grades K-12. More than 800 U.S. colleges and universities, including all public North Carolina institutions, recognize Cambridge courses and examinations. About Cambridge International Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Our international qualifications are recognized by the world's best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organization, we devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programs that can unlock learners' potential. SOURCE Cambridge International Since 2018, the Florida Keys community has been without hospice services due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. The Ocean Reef Community Foundation's community grant helps Chapters Health Hospice resolve this shortcoming. "Chapters Health Hospice is extremely grateful to have been awarded these grant monies," said Vivian Dodge, executive director of Chapters Health Hospice of Monroe County. "Through the generosity of the foundation, residents in the Upper Keys will have more hospice services and other programs available to those experiencing a life-limiting illness and the community at large. Chapters Health Hospice understands the importance of caring for the community and we truly appreciate the opportunity to partner with Ocean Reef Community Foundation." The funds will assist Chapters Health Hospice in its start-up phase and be used for the following: Bolster nursing recruitment and hiring efforts Secure sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) Help fund ongoing bi-weekly COVID-19 testing for patient-facing staff Support charity hospice care for eligible underserved patients Support bereavement counseling services for adults and families Establish a peer-to-peer grief program for children and teens Create a starter fund for a special needs program to provide financial assistance to hospice families who experience loss of income due to terminal illness Valor Program services for veterans and first responders All of the costs above, with the exception of recruitment and hiring, are associated with Chapters Health Hospice programs that are not reimbursed through Medicare/Medicaid or most other insurers. About Chapters Health System As a progressive leader and premier health system, Chapters Health System is dedicated to delivering innovative home care to hospice to grief services and everything in between. Since 1983 as a community-based, not-for-profit organization, Chapters Health has provided choices, education and guidance through its managed affiliates: Chapters Health Home Care, Chapters Health Hospice, Good Shepherd Hospice, Hospice of Okeechobee, HPH Hospice and LifePath Hospice throughout the state of Florida. All offerings are provided in order to improve the patient/family experience well in advance of end-of-life needs. Chapters Health was named a Top Workplace by the Tampa Bay Times and certified for the third consecutive year as a great workplace in the Aging Services category by the independent analysts at the Great Place to Work Institute. To learn more, visit www.chaptershealth.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Chapters Health Hospice Chapters Health Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that supports patients in Martin, Monroe and St. Lucie counties as they face the challenges of advancing age and illness. About Ocean Reef Community Foundation The Foundation's mission is to encourage and administer effective philanthropy by the Ocean Reef Community, supporting charitable efforts throughout Ocean Reef and the surrounding areas and helping members to meet their individual charitable goals. SOURCE Chapters Health Foundation Related Links https://www.orfound.org/ The company has identified nine new targets, six of them associated with intrusive-style gold mineralisation, after analysing all results from geochemical programs at the project. Under the co-funded drilling program, the company will drill 11 drill holes across the intrusion. ( ) (OTCMKTS:MPJFF) (FRA:YAJ) has defined multiple intrusive-related gold targets after completing geochemical sampling at the Skywell Prospect within the Pilbara Gold Project in Western Australia. The targets were revealed after the company received and analysed all remaining results from geochemical programs at the project, 50 kilometres south of Whim Creek and 70 kilometres southwest of the Hemi gold discovery by ( ) (OTCMKTS:DGMLF) (FRA:DGD). A total of nine new targets have been generated at Skywell, six of them associated with intrusive-style gold mineralisation. 2021 exploration field season stepping up a gear Kairos executive chairman Terry Topping said: We have now completed a detailed analysis of the extensive geochemical and geophysical work undertaken across our Pilbara Gold Project last year, and we are excited to have defined multiple gold targets at Skywell. Six of the new targets are associated with intrusive-style gold mineralisation and represent priority targets for air-core drilling, which is scheduled to commence by the end of this quarter. Our 2021 exploration field season is now well and truly stepping up a gear, with activity levels increasing across all of our key projects. The current drill program at the Roe Hills Project is going very well, and we expect to provide an update on that in the near future. Earthmoving will begin at the Mt York and Kangan Projects next week to prepare drill sites, and we expect to see drilling underway at Mt York very soon with our planned 20,000 metres program. And heritage surveys have been requested ahead of planned initial air-core drilling to test the intrusion-related targets at Kangan. Multiple targets, multiple news-flow streams and, we hope, multiple opportunities to make a significant discovery. Data from the fieldwork The study combined all of the data received from the fieldwork conducted in 2020, which comprised 80 rock chip samples, 2,094 Ultrafine+ soil samples, geological mapping, and the airborne magnetic and radiometric survey. With these data now to hand, Kairos geologists conducted a regional study of the known intrusions from DeGrey Mining, including their intrusion targets. The company then conducted extensive research over IRGS worldwide along with a study of the intrusions in the Pilbara region. A Sanukitoid intrusion known as Jallogoonina Stock from the Indee Suite Sisters Supersuit, is mapped within the Skywell project area. Several magnetic features were observed near-margin and within the intrusion, with six of them already covered by a broad-spaced soil sampling program returning coincident geochemical anomalies. The first-pass soil sampling program at the Skywell Project defined three major geochemical anomalies that defined the Akari, Kepler and Omid prospects, who are right next to fold axis and major structures and showed strong soil anomalies, up to 118 parts per billion (ppb) gold from ultrafine sample SWS548. Mt York exploration At the end of April, Kairos started a mapping program and a geochemical sampling program at the Mt York project to assist the new target generation within the project area. Strong gold-in-soil anomalies from historical geochemical surveys were investigated and an in-fill and extensional soil sampling program is currently being conducted to better define drilling targets. The Batavia prospect was determined based on the historical results and the company has now completed a heritage survey over these target areas. Drilling at Mt York project is due to start next week, with two RC rigs expected to be on-site next month. Kangan exploration Kairos has completed the first heritage survey for the Kangan Project area and earthmoving is expected to start next week. The company has secured an air-core rig for an around 5,000 metres program due to start in June. The first-pass aircore drilling program will test the Target 1 area, where a large geochemical anomaly is coincident with a north-south magnetic feature and with an interpreted intrusion margin. Next steps Going forward, its next steps include: Roe Hills RC drilling; Mt York RC drilling; Mining studies for the Mt York Project; Geochemistry sampling program at the Mt York Project; In-fill and extensional soil sampling program at the Skywell Project; Air-core drilling at the Kangan Project; and Heritage survey and air-core drilling at the Skywell Project. During the pause in sailing, the Oceania Cruises team has continued to invest in creative ways to evolve the onboard experience and to inspire its guests with a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements to the brand's already renowned Finest Cuisine at Sea and acclaimed service. Whether guests are in the mood for an elaborate dinner at Toscana, or prefer to indulge in the line's exclusive Dom Perignon Experience, or crave the casual comfort of tacos or fresh poke bowls, every meal on board is given the same thought, care and creativity to ensure it is as mouth-watering as it is memorable. This is just the first of many inspirational new Oceania NEXT enhancements to be revealed over the coming months. "These OceaniaNEXT enhancements not only elevate the guest experience, they showcase the creativity and passion our team has for crafting unique and memorable experiences for our guests," stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. "We've undertaken this ambitious brand initiative to elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully reimagined menus to enhanced service levels to the dramatic re-inspiration of our six ships, guests will find that the Oceania Cruises experience is better than ever," added Binder. The Grand Dining Room Boasts New Appetizers, Main Courses & Diverse Sunday Brunch In The Grand Dining Room, more than two dozen inventive new dishes have made their way onto the dinner menu. New appetizers include caramelized duck foie gras accompanied by apricot infused with Loire Valley wine, and mozzarella fior di latte panna cotta with aubergines stiletto and fried focaccia. Meanwhile, main courses range from the deliciously tantalizing French monkfish with saffron-tomato-cognac-cream sauce and wild rice, to the hearty veal piccata with sweet and sour lemon sauce, glazed pearl onions and Parisian potatoes. Other highlights from the updated menu include: Porcini mushroom risotto Crispy Mediterranean vegetable tart with balsamic onion compote Braised black cod, seafood emulsion, stuffed calamari and green pea puree Grilled prime rib with bone marrow and rustic vegetable casserole Carnaroli truffled risotto with smoked ricotta Florida lobster tail with Remy Martin cognac sauce and rice pilaf Sunday Brunch is an elegant yet relaxed affair in The Grand Dining Room, and the new menu has been thoughtfully crafted to include a more diverse selection of international dishes as well as a wider range of healthy options. Highlights include a new Asian Noodle Bar, a gourmet Taco Corner, a prepared-to-order Pasta Station, a healthy Smoothie Bar and a Salad Bar with an extensive selection of starches, proteins, greens and raw and cooked vegetables for guests to create their own custom salad combination. Toscana Dinner Menu Features 21 New Dishes Refined and romantic with a uniquely modern Italian flair, Toscana specializes in the rich and rustic regional flavors for which Italy is famous. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy's culinary passion. As part of OceaniaNEXT, the line has reimagined Toscana's menu with 21 delectable new dishes including: Sformatino di Peperoni roasted bell pepper flan, creamy Parmesan sauce Zuppa Fagioli white bean soup with sausage and pasta Tagliolini Carbonara tagliolini, pancetta, egg yolk-Parmesan sauce Agnello Arrosto stuffed roasted lamb loin with spicy soppressata sausage Il Tiramisu ai Frutti di Bosco red berry tiramisu with mascarpone cream Tortino di Cioccolata molten chocolate fondant with Sicilian blood orange sauce Greater Choice and Diversity in The Terrace Cafe and Waves Grill The ever-popular Terrace Cafe has also expanded its lunch offering to include locally sourced fish, sausages and marinated meats, including regional specialties from the ports and destinations visited. For more laidback fare, Waves Grill has added a fresh, prepared-to-order poke bowl station inspired by flavors from around the world including Japan, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, France, the United States, and Mexico. New Evening Canape Choices and Elevated Service Levels Canapes served in the lounges and bars after a day of exploring are a much-loved tradition on board Oceania Cruises. The experience now features a wider variety of selections, echoing the gourmet inspiration of the new dishes offered in The Grand Dining Room. The selections will also be presented individually to each table as part of the line's enhanced health and safety measures. Guests in Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owner's Suites may choose from a canape selection now including the addition of plant-based California rolls, a Mezze Platter and a Taco Trilogy. Service levels have also been significantly enhanced through a combination of increased staffing and implementation of a new electronic ordering system which ensures that the taking of orders, food and beverage service and table re-setting is seamlessly streamlined. This will allow restaurant staff to focus on providing the exemplary service that guests have come to know and love. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. About OceaniaNEXT OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic Re-inspiration of the brand's six ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, be pampered aboard small and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration. About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's six small, luxurious ships carry only 684 or 1,250 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has two 1,200-guest Allura Class ships on order. With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising of approximately 24,000 berths. SOURCE Oceania Cruises Related Links http://www.OceaniaCruises.com INDIANAPOLIS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OneCause, a leader in event and online fundraising, has been named to Inc. magazine's annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021, recognizing the businesses that thrived in the face of adversity, and found new ways to not only support their employees during a turbulent year, but enrich their workplace and culture along the way. Among thousands of submissions, Inc. honored 429 companies for this year's Best Workplaces. OneCause was recognized within the 115 top software businesses nationwide and among the top four Indiana-based companies to make the list. "The challenges and accomplishments of this year have given us a renewed focus on our shared passion and core values," said Steve Johns, chief executive officer for OneCause. "In the midst of a global pandemic and business pivot to virtual fundraising, we prioritized the quality-of-life of our employees rolling out new engagement activities, expanded parental leave and paid time off policies, and launching a new OneCause Cares initiative to enhance our culture and give back to our communities." The annual list is based on a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. In addition to an audit of the organization's benefits, honorees executed an employee survey on a variety of topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. OneCause offers a unique opportunity to develop employees personally and professionally in an environment that is purpose-driven. In 2020 the organization launched OneCause Cares, encouraging employees to give back to personal causes and surface new ideas to enhance diversity and inclusion, in a safe environment for open learning and dialogue. "We believe it's important to invest in programs that create a lasting framework for organizational improvement, with employees leading, prioritizing, and building these initiatives for growth and change," said Karrie Wozniak, chief marketing officer and executive sponsor for OneCause Cares. "OneCause Cares brings our mission to life, empowering our employees to create better tomorrows within our company and communities." Earlier this month, OneCause was also named a Best Places to Work in Indiana for the third consecutive year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. The statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the top 125 employers in Indiana with the leading workplace cultures. Inc. previously recognized OneCause with a Gold Best in Business Award, honoring companies that positively impacted the community, nonprofit industry, and society in 2020. The Best Workplaces list can be found in the May/June 2021 issue of Inc., with the full list of honorees featured online at: https://www.inc.com/best-in-business/2020. About OneCause OneCause creates user-friendly fundraising software that helps nonprofits engage donors, raise more money and save valuable time and resources. Our full suite of cloud-based fundraising solutions has powered 6,000 organizations, well over 20,000 fundraising events, and helped nonprofits raise more than $3 billion. OneCause has been recognized by Inc. Best in Business, is a TechPoint MIRA award winner for Mobile Technology Excellence & Innovation, and a Stevie Award winner for excellence and innovation in Customer Service. SOURCE OneCause Related Links https://www.onecause.com/ DES PLAINES, Ill., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago's Committee on License and Consumer Protection will hear arguments regarding proposed changes to the city ordinance which would require additional licensing to improve towing safety. The National Insurance Crime Bureau supports these changes that will help protect accident victims and stranded motorists from deceitful and potentially dangerous towing company practices. In part, when renewing or applying for licenses, tow companies must provide proof of a commercial vehicle relocator license, provide a statement certifying the applicant has never been convicted of a felony, and proof of insurance coverage. Once approved, a copy of the license must be placed in plain view within the tow truck and in each office in view of the public. If it is discovered a tow operator falsified or lied on the application the license will be revoked. Additionally, violating accident scene solicitation regulations will become a penalized offense. "Strengthening licensing provisions and implementing stricter penalties is a step in the right direction to reduce the number of bad actors and improve the safety of innocent drivers," said Tim Lynch, senior director of government affairs with the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "This has been a long time in coming to better protect accident victims and others simply needing their car towed. We are thrilled to have the Committee vote on these measures." Changes to address deceitful towing practices are not unique to Chicago. The city of Philadelphia implemented towing regulations which ultimately safeguarded tow customers and reduced the potential for insurance fraud. California similarly passed regulations prohibiting tow companies from stopping at an accident scene unless called by the vehicle owner or law enforcement and requires all tow companies provide written estimates of all charges to the vehicle operator before proceeding with a tow. Arizona has similar laws and Ohio allows civil action by insurers against a towing company operator to recover a vehicle. Automobile accidents or breakdowns can put drivers in stressful situations as they must handle issues with missing work or appointments, liability issues or traffic violations. These high-stress situations provide the perfect opportunity for unscrupulous towing companies to take advantage of consumers. According to data received by members of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Chicago ranks as the second-worst city in the nation among major cities for towing abuses. Furthermore, a survey of several insurance companies identified Chicago as one of the "most problematic" cities nationally for towing-related abuses. The Committee on License and Consumer Protection will hear the proposed ordinance amendments during its next meeting May 19th. REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422)or submitting a form on our website. ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU: Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through Intelligence & Analytics, Learning & Development, and Strategy, Policy, & Plans. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies, rental car agencies, auto auctions, and self-insured entities. NICB member companies wrote more than $526 billion in insurance premiums in 2019, or more than 82% of the nation's property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 95% ($241 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org. SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau Related Links www.nicb.org Granby life jacket details: Adjustable straps and neoprene belly band Front neck float Durable rescue handles Comes in colors orange, green, yellow, pink, and camo Come in five sizes XS-XL Dawson life jacket details: Adjustable straps and belly band Durable rescue handles Neoprene design for added warmth Comes in colors red, pink, green, and blue Comes in five sizes XS-XL "We are excited to provide our customers with more unique color options for safe adventures in and around the water this summer," said OUTWARD HOUND CEO Michael Black. "Pet safety is our top priority, and each feature of these life jackets is designed with our dogs' wellbeing in mind. Our goal is to deliver happiness and memorable experiences with safety at the forefront," said Mr. Black. About OUTWARD HOUND Outward Hound is a Prospect Hill Growth Partners Portfolio Company that is an award-winning innovator, creator, manufacturer and distributor of the highest quality toys, games, gear and feeders for dogs and cats. The company's portfolio of brands includes Outward Hound, Planet Dog, Petstages, Wholesome Pride Pet Treats, Best Friends by Sheri, and Nina Ottosson treat puzzle toys. Outward Hound is headquartered outside of Denver in Centennial, CO. For more, visit OutwardHound.com and follow @OutwardHound on Instagram. About Prospect Hill Growth Partners Prospect Hill Growth Partners is a Boston-area private equity firm that makes control equity investments in North American consumer and healthcare growth companies. The partners at Prospect Hill have collectively invested $2.7 billion of capital in more than 35 portfolio companies over two decades. The partners' successful investment track record has been built on their sector-focused investment strategy and expertise, a robust operational value-add model, and strong alignment of interests. For more, visit www.prospecthillgrowth.com . Contact: Michael Parness [email protected] SOURCE Outward Hound Related Links outwardhound.com LEMOYNE, Pa., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Homebuyers continue to face inventory and price challenges in the Pennsylvania housing market, according to a recent report from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Listings dropped 14% in April compared to March this year and were down 33% compared to the same time last year. "Like most areas of the country, Pennsylvania has lots of consumers interested in purchasing a home, but the market has a shortfall of available properties," said Christopher Raad, PAR president. "We've seen a steady decline in inventory since July last year. There was a slight uptick when our market reopened after the pandemic shutdown, but there aren't enough homes to meet current buyer demand." "We continue to see less than a two-month supply available, which makes it challenging for every level of the market. Homeowners who are able sell their property quickly then often have a dilemma finding a place to move to," he added. The report shows sales were up 38% in April 2021 compared to the same time last year, which reflects the effect last year's shutdown had on the market. They were also up slightly over March of this year. "Prices have consistently increased as the inventory has shrunk," Raad said. "The median sales price for April was $183,820, 11% higher than the same time last year." "Working with a trusted real estate professional as you make one of the largest investments in your life is so important during this market. Realtors help you understand the steps in the transaction, whether you're buying or selling," he added. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors is a trade/professional association that serves more than 35,000 members in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. SOURCE Pennsylvania Association of Realtors Related Links http://www.parealtor.org WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving the interests of the Iranian American community, applauded the introduction of the Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA) in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate by a bipartisan team of sponsors including Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Jim Himes (D-CT) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). TFVA will establish a new visa category to allow the loved ones of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to temporarily visit the United States a win for American families and our nation's economy. "Today's introduction of TFVA in both the U.S. House and Senate marks a tremendous victory for our community and all Americans with family abroad," said PAAIA Executive Director Leila Austin. "For nearly three years, PAAIA has been a lead advocate for solutions to address our nation's deeply flawed visa system because we recognize that establishing a new temporary visa for visits will benefit families, local economies and U.S. travel and tourism. Thanks to the efforts of Reps. Peters, Bice, Himes and Salazar and Sens. Paul and Blumenthal, TFVA offers families hope that someday soon they may be able to share weddings, holidays and much more with those they love." PAAIA is joined in its support of TFVA by Emgage, Hindu American Foundation, Republican National Hispanic Assembly, United Macedonia Diaspora, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Naples Chamber, Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, Los Angeles Business Council and the Naples Visitor's Bureau, among others a list that underscores the bill's appeal to ethnic communities as well as local economies. These proponents of TFVA are among those that formed Let Families Visit, a campaign aimed to raise awareness about the legislation and encourage other organizations and individuals to take action in support of TFVA. Watch the first Let Families Visit video here. TFVA would establish a new B-3 nonimmigrant visa category allowing U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to petition for their family members to visit them temporarily. The family members included are spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. The application requires that the petitioner sign a letter of financial support and for the applicant to purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of stay. The requirements ensure that the applicants make specific and realistic plans for the course of their visit and dissuade visa overstays by prohibiting individuals traveling under the TFVA from changing their visa status, limiting the duration of stay to 90 days, and prohibiting the petitioner from using the TFVA if they had previously sponsored a relative who overstayed their period of authorized admission. Currently, there is no visa specifically designed to temporarily reunite U.S. citizens and permanent residents with their relatives. Family members are obliged to apply to visit their relatives in the U.S. through B-2 visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). However, B-2 visitor visas lack consideration for family reunion resulting in an unnecessarily high denial rate for it is presumed that applicants with family members in the U.S. intend to immigrate. A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report found that the presumption of immigration has resulted in a very high rate of denials and pushed some to apply for immigrant visas as the only path to visit their relatives in the U.S. "For far too long, our community has had to settle for policies that seek only to undo harmful laws that should have never been enacted in the first place," added Austin. "TFVA advances the interests of Iranian Americans and countless other communities while also promoting a core American value family. PAAIA will continue to be a strong proponent and vocal advocate for TFVA, and we urge Congress to move swiftly to enact this much-needed legislation." According to the U.S. Travel Association, each overseas traveler spends approximately $4,200 when they visit the U.S. and stays on average 18 nights. In 2018, international travel spending directly supported about 1.2 million U.S. jobs and $33.7 billion in wages. Based on PAAIA's estimates of potential people who could take advantage of this new visa as well as tourism spending, TFVA could significantly boost the economy through indirect spending and create a sizeable number of U.S. jobs. ABOUT PAAIA: The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of the Iranian American community before U.S. policymakers, opinion-makers, and the American public at large. To learn more about PAAIA, visit: www.paaia.org. SOURCE Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans Related Links http://www.paaia.org As part of its rebranding journey, Pearl Milling Company set out to fulfill two promises: to continue delivering the same great-tasting products families have enjoyed for over a century and to inspire moments that matter around the breakfast table and in communities. With a commitment to community impact, the brand developed P.E.A.R.L. Pledge ( Prosperity , Empowerment , Access , Representation and Leadership ) as a platform to help address societal barriers faced by Black women and girls. Recognizing the importance of Black women in the brand's history, P.E.A.R.L. Pledge will focus on providing funding to organizations helping to meet the significant needs facing Black women and girls today, such as gaps in food security and inadequate access to financial and educational resources. How to Nominate and Apply In addition to opening applications for eligible nonprofits, Pearl Milling Company is encouraging people to nominate organizations for grants that will range from $25,000 to $100,000. These grants will be awarded based on several factors, including how the chosen organizations will use the funding. Both nominations and applications can be submitted at www.pearlmillingcompany.com/pearlpledge; nominations will close by 11:59 p.m. PST on May 27 and applications will close by 11:59 p.m. PST on June 3. To help select the grant winners, Pearl Milling Company will work with an Advisory Council comprised of diverse external partners knowledgeable about the needs in the Black community and who have personally worked to drive change, as well as diverse internal team members at PepsiCo. Grant recipients will be announced on the brand's website this summer. Addressing issues of inequality and creating opportunities for Black people ladders up to a broader commitment for Pearl Milling Company's parent company PepsiCo. In 2020, PepsiCo announced it will invest more than $400 million over five years focused on increasing Black representation at PepsiCo, supporting Black-owned businesses, and lifting up Black communities in the U.S. As an extension of PepsiCo's Racial Equality Journey efforts, P.E.A.R.L. Pledge adds to PepsiCo's community investment, which together with The PepsiCo Foundation, includes providing $6.5 million in community impact grants, $10 million to support Black-owned restaurants and $5 million to launch a Leader Development Fellowship Program. For more information about P.E.A.R.L. Pledge, visit www.pearlmillingcompany.com/pearlpledge and follow Pearl Milling Company on social media at www.facebook.com/pearlmillingcompany and www.instagram.com/pearlmillingcompany/ for updates on the program. About Pearl Milling Company Pearl Milling Company, owned by The Quaker Oats Company, a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., provides great tasting pancake mixes, syrups, cornmeal, flour, and grits products that have been helping families create memorable breakfast moments for over a century. Founded in 1888, Pearl Milling Company began as a small mill in St. Joseph, Missouri producing flour, cornmeal and, beginning in 1889, the famous self-rising pancake mix that would go on to be known as Aunt Jemima. Its pancake mix varieties include Original, Buttermilk, Whole Wheat, Cap'n Crunch's Berrytastic Pancake Mix, as well as its Pancake On The Go products in Chocolate Chip and Buttermilk & Maple. Syrup varieties include Original, Lite, Butter Rich, Butter Lite, and Country Rich, in addition to several cornmeal, cornmeal mix and grits offerings. For more information, please visit www.pearlmillingcompany.com, www.facebook.com/pearlmillingcompany or follow us on Instagram @pearlmillingcompany. About The Quaker Oats Company The Quaker Oats Company, headquartered in Chicago, is a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies. For more than 140 years, Quaker's brands have served as symbols of quality, great taste and nutrition. Quaker Oats, Quaker Rice Cakes and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars are consumer favorites. For more information, please visit www.QuakerOats.com, www.Facebook.com/Quaker or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Quaker. About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com . [email protected] SOURCE The Quaker Oats Company Related Links https://www.pearlmillingcompany.com/ By providing additional digital chains, which are coherently superimposed into a single physical channel, the computational complexity required to address wide bandwidths is further reduced, and allows for processing over multiple cores on a single host system or across multiple host systems concurrently. "We are excited that customers have already used and integrated our platform into their products. The additional processing capability provided by this option allows our customers to improve performance and implement more advanced applications using existing computational resources. I believe Cyan EC is the highest channel count software defined radio commercially available." - Victor Wollesen, CEO of Per Vices Corporation. The Cyan EC product option enables engineers and system integrators to realize the benefits of both the highest bandwidth SDR and having more independent channels to ease the complexity associated with processing the high amount of data by breaking it up into separate channels. This further helps to achieve better SFDR, sensitivity, and SNR while continuing to offer the highest throughput SDR solution. Combining this product option with the already best performing SDR on the market allows for Cyan EC to benefit engineers and integrators across different markets including radar systems, GNSS/GPS, MRI receivers and exciters, spectrum monitoring, as well as test & measurement. To learn more about the new offering from Per Vices, and their other products visit https://www.pervices.com/ or email [email protected]. About Per Vices Per Vices is an industry leader in developing & deploying high performance software defined radio platforms with the highest bandwidth and customer focused designs. Today, Per Vices supports a wide variety of applications within defense, civil, aerospace, medical, telecommunications, low latency networks, global positioning (GNSS/GPS), radar, test & measurement, spectrum monitoring, and broadcasting & wireless management industries. Offering cost effective stock products, as well as rapid custom development for customer specific project requirements, Per Vices leads the market for commercially available software defined radios and is ranked one of the Top 100 Canadian Defence Companies for 2021. SOURCE Per Vices Corporation Related Links https://www.pervices.com/ HERNDON, Va., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Peraton today announced its continued partnership with the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, a national non-profit that works with sponsors, local organizers and volunteers each Memorial Day to place a flower on the gravesites of Americans who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Peraton is supporting this year's effort by serving as the exclusive sponsor of Alexandria (Va.) National Cemetery. On May 29, Peraton employees will visit the cemetery to lay a flower on every grave. "Every gesture of support is immeasurably important to a small non-profit like ours that has a national mission," said Ramiro Penaherrera, co-founder and executive director of the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. "We are honored to have the support of Peraton's leadership and its employees across the country who have donated thousands of dollars for local flower tributes during Memorial Day 2021. Thanks to visionary partners like Peraton, the Foundation will continue to move forward with the goal that every Memorial Day we all learn about and honor those who have served our country." For the first time this year, Peraton established a donation matching program for employees who ordered Flower Tribute Boxes from the Foundation. Through the program, boxes of 125 flowers are shipped directly to employees's homes anywhere in the country to personally place these flowers at their local veterans cemeteries. For every Tribute Box ordered by Peraton employees, the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation will also be able to place an additional 125 flowers at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend. The Foundation's floral tribute connects communities to honor their heroes and the sacrifices they and their families made for our country. "We are honored to expand our support of the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. At the center of this partnership is our shared values honor those who served," said Stu Shea, Chairman, President and CEO. "Today, approximately 4,000 veterans call Peraton home. It is paramount we acknowledge the sacrifices made by our veterans and honor their military service." "Peraton's impact on missions of consequence across the globe starts with our support of the military community at home. We encourage Americans to join the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation in visiting cemeteries and decorating grave sites in remembrance of the selfless and courageous service so many have given to protect the freedoms we enjoy," said Shea. Donate to The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. About Peraton Peraton drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated national security solutions and technologies that keep people safe and secure. Peraton serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, space, cyber, defense, civilian, health, and state and local markets. Every day, our 22,000 employees do the can't be done, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit Peraton.com/News and follow Peraton on LinkedIn for news and updates. SOURCE Peraton Related Links https://www.peraton.com CHICAGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PLS is proud to be the presenting sponsor and corporate financial sponsor of the 2021 Kids Idea Tank - the third annual entrepreneurship competition for kids age 8-13. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 5 p.m. EST over Zoom. Finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of Judges giving them a chance to learn, develop and sharpen their entrepreneurial skills. Competition prizes include: $1,000 to the winner, $500 to 2nd place, $500 to the audience favorite. This year, 2021 Kids Idea Tank will feature an all-female judge panel including: Alli Webb, co-founder DryBar and Squeeze; Nykia Wright, Chief Executive Officer Chicago Sun-Times; Stacy Madison, founder Stacy's Pita Chip Company and BeBOLD Bars; and Patricia Clahar, educator & founder of The Dream Chasers Club. Applications for the competition are being accepted now through June 13, 2021 at https://www.KidsIdeaTank.com "PLS is excited to support Kids Idea Tank helping the next generation of entrepreneurs find success. Supporting families and kids is one of our core values. We are honored to be the presenting and corporate sponsor of this event. At PLS, we're not just different, we are making a difference." Dan Wolfberg, President. Children's author Lowey Sichol founded Kids Idea Tank in 2019 to give kids with ideas a platform. "Having an impact on underrepresented demographic groups is a big part of the reason I created Kids Idea Tank," Sichol said. "I want to make the voices and ideas of these children heard. And just imagine being 10-years old and pitching your idea to the chief executive officer of the Chicago Sun-Times; or the founder of Stacy's Pita Chips; or one of the top executives from Merrill Lynch; or the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only do they receive priceless advice from the judges but also kids learn how to brainstorm, collaborate, and pitch lifelong skills that they often don't receive at school." About PLS PLS, headquartered in Chicago operates approximately 200 community financial services centers in markets that span from California to New York. PLS believes that customers deserve better than the existing services available in the marketplace to meet their critical financial needs. PLS financial service centers offer free money orders, check cashing, Xpectations! Visa Prepaid debit cards, money transfer services, direct deposit services, and bill payments. Some PLS locations offer auto insurance, and vehicle license and registration services. The PLS brand also includes automobile dealerships located in Indiana and Texas. PLS employs over 3,500 team members from the neighborhoods it serves. Visit PLS at www.pls247.com for additional information on products and services. About Kids Idea Tank Lowey Bundy Sichol (her last name rhymes with pickle) is an award-winning children's author with an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Her nonfiction series, FROM AN IDEA TO., are the world's first business and entrepreneurship biographies for kids and the recipient of many distinguished literary awards. Lowey is also the founder of KIDS IDEA TANK, the nation's biggest entrepreneurship competition for kids age 8-13. Lowey's mission is to introduce kids to entrepreneurship and inspire them to believe in their own ideas. Lowey lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, three children, and two big dogs. Visit www.LoweyBundySichol.com for more information. @LoweySichol Media Contact: Jill Ritchie 312-300-6343 [email protected] SOURCE PLS Financial Services Related Links www.plsfinancial.com Pan Asia recently intersected pegmatite dyke swarms in diamond drill holes at RK Prospect within its Reung Kiet Lithium Project in southern Thailand. s (ASX: PAM) strategy is all about taking advantage of a low-cost structure to create a bankable lithium mining and processing project in Thailand. When I first looked at Pan Asia Metals, I thought this was going to be another company with a great tungsten and lithium project. However, the lithium was lepidolite so perhaps that would not be in their favour. That was before talking to Paul Lock. After our coffee chat, Paul's insights have changed my views. I would say now that the company's strategy seems robust. We have to bear in mind that the lithium and tungsten projects are themselves world-class grades. I have not seen any tungsten projects with that kind of grades nor interceptions. The lithium grades are consistent and from what has been presented, I do not doubt its future potential resources. It is a very good idea to have the strategy to build a downstream processing business in the heart of South East Asia, (i.e. Thailand). Thailand is an automotive producer and it is in Asia. But as all economies are beginning to build their own strategies for the oncoming EV revolution, the idea of having Pan Asia trying to create a source of EV fuel in their backyard is a no brainer. It has been fascinating how our coffee chat progressed as Paul shared his knowledge about the whole journey of the company. It gradually became apparent that there is actually a strong case for their strategy. If you are at or near the low end of the cost curve, regardless of the commodity cycle, you should be making money and that is what you want in your project. There is now a trend towards the downstream part of the sector and it was clearly highlighted in the recent Coffee with with Rick Rule entitled, Commodities and Equities: Advice from Rick Rule. This is the space that is going to make the most value-add which makes the most sense. Paul explains why having a project with the lowest cost structure is going to make more headway than those that are on the higher end of the curve. I recommend readers take a good look at this way of thinking. Remember, lithium is not a rare commodity, and it will all depends on where your market is that will determine one of your main cost inputs. Chapters 00:12 Introduction - Why PAM 01:26 How did you get the projects? 02:56 Summary of the Tungsten and Lithium projects 06:17 The advantage of being within your end product market, geographically 09:06 The Critical Metal space of Tungsten 11:24 Lepidolite Chemistry 13:36 The Low Cost Structure Strategy 15:25 The Board Structure 17:44 Reasons for Buying PAM 19:02 Why Low Cost OPEX works 21:35 The EMH Case Study 23:50 Thailand wants an EV Industry 25:58 News Flow 29:23 Conclusion - Why Low Cost Structure is Important PODCAST About Paul Lock Executive Chairman & Managing Director Pan Asia Metals Paul has been involved in minerals exploration in South East Asia since 2012, with his work in this region forming the foundation of what is now Pan Asia Metals. Before Pan Asia Metals, Paul was a corporate adviser at Everspring Partners, a boutique Sydney-based advisory firm that he founded. Before Everspring, Paul worked in corporate advisory and leveraged finance roles at the . Paul initially focused on corporate and single asset project finance in the resource sector before moving into leveraged finance for private equity initiatives and then into a corporate advisory role where he was sector agnostic and focused on generating corporate transactions. Prior to banking, Paul worked for Rothschild & Co in Australia where he was a derivatives trader and a high yield bond investor focusing on a variety of asset classes, generally distressed or complex assets. Paul also had some involvement in structuring derivatives solutions for resource companies in conjunction with Rothschilds corporate advisory team. Prior to Rothschild Paul worked for Japanese trading conglomerate Marubeni Corporation in the soft commodity trading division. Paul graduated from Hale School in Perth, Western Australia, and has obtained the following academic qualifications: Master of Political Economy, University of Sydney; Master of International Studies, University of Sydney; Master of Commercial Law, Macquarie University; Master of Business Administration, Macquarie Graduate School of Management; and Bachelor of Business, Marcus Oldham College. Paul is an associate member of AusIMM. About Pan Asia Metals Limited Pan Asias strategy is simple. It seeks to secure exploration and development assets with the potential to be positioned in the lowest or a leading third of the cost curve and which positions the Company for downstream value-adding opportunities. Cost curve positioning is paramount in our decision-making, as assets positioned further up the cost curve are generally more difficult to finance and develop. Regardless of the size or grade of an asset, if finance cannot be secured then the asset is worth relatively little. The opportunity to move downstream is also very important. In general, value-adding mine output will offer the Company better and more consistent profit margins and a larger footprint of customers, and exposure to new opportunities. Although at face value this may sound optimistic, for many specialty metals, including tungsten and lithium, value-adding can be easily incorporated into a feasibility study if the geology, geography and cost environment is right. Setting geology and metallurgy aside, as these are naturally essential requirements to achieve a low cost curve outcome, this strategy can be achieved by identifying projects that: are located in globally competitive cost jurisdictions. In Pan Asias case, Southeast Asia are proximal to end user markets. In Pan Asias case, markets for all process inputs and outputs exist throughout Southeast and East Asia are well positioned to take advantage of downstream development opportunities. In Pan Asias case, both tungsten and lepidolite style lithium can be value-added and the value-added output has application in markets throughout Asia are strategically located in a key market with strong economic growth. In Pan Asias case, the growth profiles of many Asian countries are very strong For many exploration companies it is not possible to contemplate activities past the mine gate due to geography, geology and or commodity, and/or their cost environment. In general, value-adding mine output will offer: better and more consistent profit margins a larger footprint of customers exposure to new opportunities Please let Samso know your thoughts and send any comments to info@Samso.com.au. Remember to Subscribe to the YouTube Channel, Samso Media and the mail list to stay informed and make comments where appropriate. Other than that, also feel free to provide a Review on Google. For further information about Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talks visit: www.samso.com.au About Samso Samso is a renowned resource among the investment community for keen market analysis and insights into the companies and business trends that matter. Investors seek out Samso for knowledgeable evaluations of current industry developments across a variety of business sectors and considered forecasts of future performances. With a compelling format of relaxed online video interviews, provides clear answers to questions they may not have the opportunity to ask and lays out the big picture to help them complete their investment research. And in doing so, also enables companies featured in interviews to build valuable engagement with their investment communities and customers. Headed by industry veteran Noel Ong and based in Perth, Western Australia, s Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talk interviews both feature friendly conversations with business figures that give insights into Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) companies, related concepts and industry trends. Noel Ong is a geologist with nearly 30 years of industry experience and a strong background in capital markets, corporate finance and the mineral resource sector. He was founder and managing director of ASX-listed company Siburan Resources Limited from 2009-2017 and has also been involved in several other ASX listings, providing advice, procuring projects and helping to raise capital. He brings all this experience and expertise to the Samso interviews, where his engaging conversation style creates a relaxed dialogue, revealing insights that can pique investor interest. Noel Ong travels across Australia to record the interviews, only requiring a coffee shop environment where they can be set up. The interviews are posted on Samsos website and podcasts, YouTube and other relevant online environments where they can be shared among investment communities. Samso also has a track record of developing successful business concepts in the Australasia region and provides bespoke research and counsel to businesses seeking to raise capital and procuring projects for ASX listings. Disclaimer The information contained in this article is the writers personal opinion and is provided for information only and is not intended to or nor will it create/induce the creation of any binding legal relations. Read full disclaimer. GARDNER, Mass., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. (OTCQB: PEYE), a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments for the medical and defense industries, announced operating results on an unaudited basis for its third quarter fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Third quarter fiscal 2021 highlights: Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $2.46 million compared to $2.37 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. was compared to in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Gross margins for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 were 33% compared to 34% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year; and compared to 31% for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 . were 33% compared to 34% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year; and compared to 31% for the quarter ended . Net Income of $552,280 during the quarter included $809,000 of Other Income due to the forgiveness of the SBA PPP Loan as well as $86,000 of stock-based compensation. This compared to a loss of $466,000 , including $76,000 of stock-based compensation in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. during the quarter included of Other Income due to the forgiveness of the SBA PPP Loan as well as of stock-based compensation. This compared to a loss of , including of stock-based compensation in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. The Company's cash position remains strong with an ending balance for the third quarter of $782,000 . Precision Optics' CEO, Joseph Forkey, commented, "The market opportunity for micro-optic and 3D-enabled devices and components in the medical and defense industries continues to be robust. Large, established industry players, and well-funded startup companies are looking for enabling technology partners, such as Precision Optics, that can make next generation products a reality. Over the past couple of years, we have made significant progress expanding the number of jointly developed projects in our engineering pipeline. We expect many of these to move into production in the coming year to help drive growth." Dr. Forkey continued, "While our ongoing production levels continue to be depressed due to the pandemic, the increase in engineering pipeline activity has helped to cushion the impact on overall revenues. Our production revenue of $1.9 million during the quarter was flat compared to the most recent quarter and was down about $250,000 from the third quarter a year ago. Engineering revenue of $550,000 was down sequentially, but was up year-over-year, and is expected to increase again in future quarters. Due to revenue recognition timing, reported revenue growth quarter-to-quarter may not reflect the full underlying growth trend of the business. Further, we have efficiently managed the business with year-to-date improvements in adjusted EBITDA of over $500,000 compared to the same period a year ago. With a burgeoning pipeline, near-term projects expected to move from the pipeline to production, and the resumption of normalized production levels for products impacted by the pandemic, we believe we are well positioned heading into fiscal 2022." The following table summarizes the third quarter (unaudited) results for the periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended Mar 31, 2021 2020 Revenues $ 2,458,290 $ 2,374,584 Gross Profit 818,024 817,019 Stock Compensation Expenses 74,794 64,334 Other 999,248 1,218,132 Total Operating Expenses 1,074,042 1,282,466 Operating Income (Loss) (256,018) (465,447) Net Income (Loss) 552,278 (466,130) Income (Loss) per Share Basic $ 0.04 $ (0.04) Fully Diluted $ 0.04 $ (0.04) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic 13,243,595 12,982,494 Fully Diluted 14,068,459 12,982,494 Conference Call Details The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the third quarter 2021 financial results for Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 5:00pm ET. Call-in Information: Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (844) 735-3662 or (412) 317-5705. Live Webcast Information: Interested parties can access the conference call via a live Internet webcast, which is available at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2109/40924. Replay: A teleconference replay of the call will be available until May 20, 2021 at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, confirmation # 10155310. A webcast replay will be available at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2109/40924. About Precision Optics Corporation Founded in 1982, Precision Optics is a vertically integrated optics company primarily focused on leveraging its proprietary micro-optics and 3D imaging technologies to the healthcare and defense/aerospace industries by providing services ranging from new product concept through mass manufacture. Utilizing its leading-edge in-house design, prototype, regulatory and fabrication capabilities as well as its Ross Optical division's high volume world-wide sourcing, inspecting and production resources, the Company is able to design and manufacture next-generation product solutions to the most challenging customer requirements. Within healthcare, Precision Optics enables next generation medical device companies around the world to meet the increasing demands of the surgical community who require more enhanced and smaller imaging systems for minimally invasive surgery as well as 3D endoscopy systems to support the rapid proliferation of surgical robotic systems. In addition to these next generation applications, Precision Optics has supplied top tier medical device companies a wide variety of optical products for decades, including complex endocouplers and specialized endoscopes. The Company is also leveraging its technical proficiency in micro-optics to enable leading edge defense/aerospace applications which require the highest quality standards and the optimization of size, weight and power. For more information, please visit www.poci.com. About Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express the Company's intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements related to the Company's future activities or future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by the Company's management. These statements are not guarantees of future performances and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those risks discussed in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Company Contact: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION 22 East Broadway Gardner, Massachusetts 01440-3338 Telephone: 978-630-1800 Investor Contact: LYTHAM PARTNERS, LLC Robert Blum Phoenix | New York Telephone: 602-889-9700 [email protected] Following are the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2020, and Statements of Operations, for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) March 31, 2021 June 30, 2020 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 781,845 $ 1,134,697 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $250,633 at March 31, 2021 and $248,450 at June 30, 2020) 1,533,781 1,481,437 Inventories 1,949,281 2,197,244 Prepaid expenses 132,156 133,707 Total current assets 4,397,063 4,947,085 Fixed Assets: Machinery and equipment 3,084,691 2,907,533 Leasehold improvements 765,780 731,801 Furniture and fixtures 178,640 178,640 4,029,111 3,817,974 LessAccumulated depreciation and amortization 3,419,203 3,314,824 Net fixed assets 609,908 503,150 Operating lease right-to-use asset 75,804 118,403 Patents, net 135,536 95,229 Goodwill 687,664 687,664 TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,905,975 $ 6,351,531 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current portion of capital lease obligation $ 37,779 $ 51,761 Current portion of acquisition earn out liability 166,667 166,667 Note payable to bank 808,962 Accounts payable 1,024,611 1,066,005 Customer advances 232,884 417,059 Accrued compensation and other 585,463 581,770 Current portion of operating lease liability 60,131 57,156 Total current liabilities 2,107,535 3,149,380 Capital lease obligation, net of current portion 162,200 35,810 Acquisition earn out liability 166,666 333,333 Operating lease liability, net of current portion 15,673 61,247 Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 13,263,789 shares at March 31, 2021 and 13,191,789 June 30, 2020 132,638 131,918 Additional paid-in capital 50,044,789 49,702,986 Accumulated deficit (46,723,526) (47,063,143) Total stockholders' equity 3,453,901 2,771,761 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 5,905,975 $ 6,351,531 PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020 (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended March 31, Nine Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenues $ 2,458,290 $ 2,374,584 $ 8,001,641 $ 7,686,330 Cost of Goods Sold 1,640,266 1,557,565 5,353,999 4,977,255 Gross Profit 818,024 817,019 2,647,642 2,709,075 Research and Development Expenses, net 146,063 319,875 443,609 700,605 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 927,979 962,591 2,671,176 3,111,397 Total Operating Expenses 1,074,042 1,282,466 3,114,785 3,812,002 Operating Loss (256,018) (465,447) (467,143) (1,102,927) Other Income (Expense) Interest Expense (666) (683) (2,202) (138) Gain on Forgiveness of Bank Note 808,962 808,962 Net Income (Loss) $ 552,278 $ (466,130) $ 339,617 $ (1,103,065) Income (Loss) Per Share: Basic $ 0.04 $ (0.04) $ 0.03 $ (0.09) Fully Diluted $ 0.04 $ (0.04) $ 0.02 $ (0.09) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 13,243,595 12,982,494 13,208,805 12,898,004 Fully Diluted 14,068,459 12,982,494 13,841,700 12,898,004 SOURCE Precision Optics Corporation Related Links http://www.poci.com ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence One Partners is pleased to welcome Gary Iversen as the Vice President of Operations for Providence Senior Living (PSL). Iversen will be spearheading and overseeing daily operations of all properties, leadership and team development, and aid in growth of acquired or newly built properties. Additionally, he will serve as the interim Executive Director for Providence Living at Maitland, PSL's new memory care assisted living community currently under construction and scheduled to open in Central Florida in 2021. Providence One Partners Iversen has served the elder community in healthcare and senior living industries for more than 25 years. As an executive director in local, regional, and national roles, his experience spans multidimensional senior care portfolios throughout the country, including independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Iversen holds an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a BA from Chapman University in Orange, California. Through previous executive roles, his knowledge and extensive breadth of the senior care market have leveraged several key providers such as Atria, Sunrise, and Five Star Senior Living. "Gary has an innate way of connecting with people," says Michelle Pierce, COO of Providence One Partners. "Our business is not business at all, rather a relationship with families and their loved ones. His ability to interpret and be sensitive to their needs, combined with his leadership in senior care, make him a perfect fit for this role." Iversen has a passion for senior living and demonstrates that through thoughtful care and extraordinary comfort. Caring for those who can't care for themselves, as well as serving resident families and caregivers, is both a privilege and a calling. Iversen competently delivers expert care while reducing family anxiety and stress. Iversen, along with every staff member of Providence Living at Maitland, is dementia-trained and certified. Caring for those who live with Alzheimer's and other memory challenges is the cornerstone of this community. In addition to Iversen's leadership, each team member brings a commitment and passion to helping residents and families along this very unique journey. To learn more about Providence Living at Maitland community, visit their website at www.providencemaitland.com. Providence Senior Living, LLC is a Providence One Partners company; a multi-disciplined real estate development, investment, and management company based in Lake Mary, Florida. Providence Senior living is focused on providing a unique journey to their residents and families by providing individualized, integrated services, education, and activities within communities designed to optimize safety and quality of life. Providence has developed, built, and asset managed four senior living communities in Florida since 2011. Providence One Partners Contact: Michelle Pierce Phone: 407.333.0900 Email: [email protected] Related Images gary-iversen-vice-president-of.jpg Gary Iversen, Vice President of Operations SOURCE Providence One Partners The 2021 Real California Milk Excelerator taps into the thriving functional foods market a market that has grown significantly over the past year and is projected to reach over $275 billion globally by 2025 1 . With consumers prioritizing personal health and wellness in response to the pandemic, the competition will seek out early-stage startups that utilize two of California's great resources an abundant supply of sustainably sourced California milk and the state's entrepreneurial spirit. One of the biggest dairy competitions in the world, the competition seeks early-stage, potential for high-growth applicants with a cow's milk-based product or working prototype that plays a critical role in personal performance (focus, energy, exercise, strength) and/or recovery (rejuvenation, relaxation, gut health, sleep). Up to twelve applicants will be selected to join the RCM Excelerator program with each receiving a $10,000 stipend and support to refine and scale their individual business as well as benefit from group resources including the development of sales and marketing tools. They will also be entered into the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentor Program which includes elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming and processing industries. The first place Excelerator winner will receive up to $150,000 worth of additional marketing support from CMAB to accelerate their product growth in the marketplace. Second place will receive $100,000 of marketing supports from CMAB. To further advance opportunities for finalists, a private, Buyer/Investor Day event will be hosted for finalists to pitch actual clients to drive business development and secure financing. The value of the competition awards is $650,000. For the first time, CMAB and VentureFuel also will be awarding up to three companies entry into the new Real California Milk Incubator Boot Camp, an option for companies that have great ideas but are too early for the competition. Led by executives at CMAB, VentureFuel and the California Dairy Innovation Center, Boot Camp participants also will gain entry into the VentureFuel Mentor program as well as review of products, tweaking of pitch, introductions to food labs, nutritionists, etc. (a value of $50,000). "Consumers are redefining what health and wellness means and looking for foods that provide not only flavor but functionality to help them achieve optimal health. Whether to maximize daily performance or replenishment after physical activity, dairy is the ultimate functional food supplying quality protein plus several vital nutrients that translate to the products consumers are looking for today," said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. "With the Excelerator and Incubator platforms, we will be able to support companies as they innovate with dairy to bring more of these products featuring milk from California dairy farmers to market." VentureFuel, Inc. , the leading corporate innovation consultancy, is again partnering with CMAB to run the program and to identify the best emerging opportunities from their global network of investors, founders and academics. "Excelsior is a Latin motto meaning 'Ever upward!' and after the tremendous success of our first two programs with CMAB, where we have provided mentorship and accelerated 24 dairy focused startups, we wanted to cement a name that showed our commitment to moving the industry ever upward, ever quickly. This is how we landed at the Excelerator," said Fred Schonenberg, Founder of VentureFuel, Inc. "By adding the Incubator Bootcamp and Buyer/Investor Day, CMAB continues their commitment to creating a product innovation ecosystem to further increase the demand for California Dairy while supporting and accelerating the influx of new startups and entrepreneurs creating better-for- you products." Competition rules and application documents are available at RealCaMilkExclerator.com and the deadline for application is June 25, 2021. The Excelerator competitions, which in the past have focused on fluid milk and snacking product startups, are part of the CMAB's innovation ecosystem, which includes the development in 2020 of the California Dairy Innovation Center, a collaborative platform created to further product-oriented innovation and enhance productivity for the California dairy industry through research, training and education. California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products. As the number one producer of milk in the nation, California also leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1200 family dairy farms produce the California milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal. About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB's programs focus on increasing demand for California's sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com , Facebook , YouTube , Twitter , Instagram and Pinterest . About VentureFuel, Inc. Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation consultancy that builds innovation programs for industry leaders by unlocking the power of external innovation through startup collaboration. Its programs focus on changing behaviors and beliefs in order to unlock new sources of growth. We provide senior leaders with the tools to drive transformative change within their organizations by opening up their teams to new ways of working, products, services and routes to market. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net , Linked-In , Twitter and Instagram . You can hear The VentureFuel Podcast on Apple , Spotify or Simplecast . SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board Related Links http://RealCaliforniaMilk.com CHICAGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaulding Ridge has been named on Inc. magazine's annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021, which honors businesses that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture (whether operating in-person or remotely). One of just 429 American companies recognized on the list, Spaulding Ridge is honored and proud. "This recognition is a testament to the quality of the teams we are building here at Spaulding Ridge, as well as the dedication of our in-house HR team. Despite the challenges that COVID has presented, we've continued hiring, growing, and providing exceptional value to our clients every day. Our teams deserve the best workplace and culture from the company they represent," Jay Laabs, CEO, Spaulding Ridge, responded to the honor. Scott Omelianuk, Inc. Magazine's editor-in-chief, feels the Best Workplaces list is more telling this year than most. "The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year," says Omelianuk. "Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this year's list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic." Inc.'s Best Workplaces for 2021 list vetted thousands of companies using an extensive employee survey created by Quantum Workplace. Topics covered included management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The nominated organization's benefits were also audited to determine the company's overall score and ranking. About Spaulding Ridge Spaulding Ridge is a global advisory and cloud implementation firm. We help leading companies deploy Best-in-Cloud solutions on a global scale, providing our clients with a competitive edge. Spaulding Ridge experts lead: Finance to gain control: Increase top-line revenue, gross margins, and profits through better insight. Connect financial planning to strategy and automate financial close processes. Sales to increase productivity: Manage quota and territories more consistently and effectively, automate customer contracts and onboarding. Operations to drive efficiency: Improve supply chain agility, automate strategic sourcing and purchasing, deliver superior customer service experiences. To learn more, visit spauldingridge.com. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. SOURCE Spaulding Ridge, LLC Related Links http://spauldingridge.com JERUSALEM, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SpliSense, a biopharmaceutical company developing transformative mRNA-altering therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) and other genetic pulmonary diseases, today announced that it has closed a $28.5 million Series B funding round. Orbimed, Israel Biotech Fund, Biotel Limited, Integra Holdings and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation participated in the round. Proceeds will be used to advance the Company's pipeline, including its lead Anti Sense Oligonucleotide (ASO) product, SPL84-23. SPL84-23, designed to treat the 3849+10kb C->T CFTR mutation, has demonstrated that it is able to completely restore Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel function in patient-derived cell cultures. The Company plans to initiate a Phase 1/2a trial in 2022. CF is a genetic multisystem disorder that originates from various mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for the production of the CFTR protein, a chloride channel expressed, among other systems, in the lungs. SpliSense utilizes short, precisely targeted proprietary RNA stretches called ASOs to correct various mutations in the CFTR mRNA. In particular, the ASO binds to the mutated CFTR RNA in the desired spot, leading to the elimination of the mutated region from the mRNA and allowing the cell to produce functional CFTR proteins. The ASOs are administered directly and preferentially to the lungs via inhalation where it is taken up by the lung cells and drive the production of corrected CFTR mRNA and eventually functional CFTR proteins. SpliSense utilizes proprietary algorithms to support the design of optimized ASOs, thereby maximizing efficiency and reducing the potential for undesired effects. SpliSense' technology is based on the research of Prof. Batsheva Kerem, PhD, a renowned geneticist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who was part of the research team that identified and cloned the CFTR gene. The technology was licensed from Yissum, the technology transfer office of Hebrew University. "This successful funding round is a vote of confidence of in our platform technology and early-stage therapeutic pipeline," said Gili Hart, PhD, Executive Officer, SpliSense. "CF is a debilitating disease, leading to frequent lung infections, breathing difficulties and reduced life expectancy. Currently available treatments focus on treating the symptoms of the disease, such as channel function and protein modulators, antibiotics to treat lung infections, or mucus thinning drugs. However, they do not treat the root cause of the disease. Our technology addresses the underlying genetic cause, thereby offering, for the first time, hope of restoring adequate lung function to CF patients. We look forward to using this funding and the support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to advance our pipeline for the benefit of CF patients." Dr. Nissim Darvish, MD, Chairman of the Board, SpliSense, "SpliSense couples Prof. Kerem's pioneering research on the genetic underpinnings of CF together with a strong track record in developing ASO therapies and inhaled treatments. We have great faith in SpliSense's transformative technology for the genetic treatment of CF and await with interest the advancement of its pipeline into the clinic, as well as its expansion to additional indications." About Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that leads to respiratory infections and disabilities and affects over 90,000 people worldwide. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to dysfunctional CFTR proteins. Disease-causing CFTR protein variants create irregularities in the transport of ions, generating mucus obstructions, chronic infection, inflammation and even respiratory failure. Over 2000 variants in the CFTR gene have been identified, and over 400 are known to cause disease. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in CF care. However, approved CFTR modulators do not support all patients with CF or offer a cure for the disease. Thus, new strategies of medication development are essential to address non-responsive mutations. About SpliSense SpliSense is a biopharmaceutical company focused on transformative mRNA-altering treatments targeting unmet needs in genetic pulmonary diseases. The Company's pioneering platform harnesses ASOs for treatment of genetic diseases such as CF. SpliSense' pipeline includes innovative therapies in various development stages, from discovery to IND enabling studies. For additional information, please visit our website at www.splisense.com. Company contact: Tsipi Haitovsky Global Media Liaison SpliSense +972-52-5989-892 [email protected] SOURCE SpliSense Related Links http://www.splisense.com/ Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, StemExpress has been an integral player in keeping the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates low throughout the nation in states where they are located. In an effort to continue to support this pandemic, StemExpress proudly unveiled their new state-of-the-art, full service mobile vaccination and testing units. These mobile units provide flexible and accessible COVID-19 testing and vaccination services to communities lacking these much needed clinical resources, including rural, Native American, and migratory agricultural farmworker communities. Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall of Nevada, as well as members of the governor's office visited StemExpress's new 52K square foot building in Reno Nevada to receive a tour of these mobile laboratories in early May and praised StemExpress for their dedication to vaccine equity . The potential rollout of these mobile units throughout Nevada will undoubtedly play a huge role in the widespread COVID-19 vaccination effort. "It is great to see a state's governor's office move so quickly to support its constituents, and I want to commend the Lt. Governor of Nevada for seeing a solution, and rallying a team to move quickly. I know most of us in the general public see many state governments that struggle to act quickly enough and are not open to new solutions, that is not what I see here happening in Nevada," said StemExpress CEO Cate Dyer. "No one should be without easy access to vaccines, and we are confident that these mobile units are going to help forge a new path forward for so many communities." StemExpress continues to make waves in the business sector, constantly expanding the scope of their operations. EDWAN recently reported that StemExpress will be opening their newest facility in Reno, Nevada in the matter of months. The new Reno location will be dedicated as a center for excellence training as well as a state-of-the-art cell collection center. The center will also serve as a centralized shipping location for the company. This latest addition will enable StemExpress to accelerate the advancement of research and clinical cell therapy on a national and global scale, while creating new jobs within the sector. StemExpress is also excited to look at partnership opportunities with the University of Nevada, Reno as well as open its doors to local schools and advanced internships. About StemExpress: In 2010, Cate Dyer founded StemExpress to improve lives by accelerating scientific research focused on discovering new treatments and cures for significant medical conditions. Through their state-of-the-art stem cell collection centers and expansive global network of hospital and clinical partners, StemExpress continues to play a pivotal role in medical research, clinical trials, commercialization of disease-specific treatment, cell and gene therapies, and precision and regenerative medicine. StemExpress has a broad network of healthcare partnerships that includes over 50 hospitals in Europe as well as 3 US healthcare systems that encompass 31 hospitals, 35 outpatient facilities, and 20 individual practices. StemExpress currently stands as the nation's leading biospecimen provider of human primary cells, stem cells, bone marrow, cord blood, peripheral blood, maternal blood, and disease-state products for academic, biotechnological, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and contract research organizations (CROs). StemExpress is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has eight (8) independently owned and operated brick-and-mortar cellular clinics across the United States to collect blood, cells, and tissue from patients and donors. These clinics include state-of-the-art cell manufacturing laboratories for clinical and research purposes and CLIA certified/high-complexity diagnostics. Contact: David Pennington VP, Sales and Marketing E: [email protected] P: 530.626.7000 SOURCE StemExpress Related Links https://www.stemexpress.com CHICAGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An overwhelming majority of the workers at Modern Cannabis (MOCA) in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago have signed authorization cards for an NLRB election that will allow them to become members of Teamsters Local 777. "This is the second location at this company where the workers have filed for an election to join the Teamsters," said Jim Glimco, President of Local 777. "Cannabis professionals throughout both Illinois and North America realize that the union that represents workers from A to Z airline mechanics to zookeepers is the best choice for a collective bargaining representative." Since Illinois legalized recreational marijuana use and retail last year, it has become one of the state's fastest-growing industries: the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported that cannabis-related sales were over $100 million in 2020. MOCA's Logan Square location provides both medical and recreational marijuana products; it first opened to patients in 2016, making it one of the first legal dispensaries to operate in Chicago. Founded in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Chicago area. For more information, go to https://www.teamsters777.org/. Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 777 BEAVERTON, Ore., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet consumer demand for ever faster data downloads, from live streaming videos to global videoconferences, Tektronix, Inc. today announces three new testing solutions to help drive the future of data transfers. Tektronix announces three new testing solutions to help drive the future of data transfers. The new transmitter automated test solutions are designed to meet the demanding requirements of next-generation technologies for large, rapid data transfers and low-latency video displays. Tektronix USB4, Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 2.0 automated compliance and debugging solutions address the most common challenges design engineers face, including test time, signal integrity and Device Under Test (DUT) control. The solutions also boast physical layer electrical testing and characterization, which is crucial for designers to comply with the next-generation standards over the USB-C connector. "These solutions easily integrate into custom test environments and will enable our customers to test and debug USB4 designs that go into any device with a USB4 or TBT4 port from laptops to tablets and cell phones to televisions," says Matt Ochs, general manager at Tektronix. "The results will be faster charging times and data transfers, plus a sleek new design that allows connection of up to six devices in parallel." The new USB4 standard increases data transfer rates up to eight times faster than the USB 3.0 standard and delivers fast and secure 100W USB-C charging. DisplayPort 2.0 is set to triple data bandwidth performance compared to the DisplayPort 1.4 and includes 16K video resolution, higher refresh rates, and improved user experience with augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) displays. What customers are saying: Graphics card maker MSI relies on the Tektronix solution to continue to advance its innovations. "The Tektronix TekExpress USB4 automation software was the first to offer USB4 DUT automation, which helped us reach our required compliance patterns," says Anthony Liang, signal integrity department manager at MSI. "Tektronix and MSI's collaboration has defined the next generation of USB4 compliance automation software." Electronic design automation company Synopsys also leverages Tektronix technology for its semiconductor chip design work. "The USB-C IO solutions, in our case for DisplayPort 2.0, are must-haves. When using the TekExpress DisplayPort 2.0 Tool, we were not only able to understand how to meet compliance, but we were also able to debug and understand the limits of our physical layer. Also, the tool is very user friendly," says Andre Merlo, senior test engineer at Synopsys. Key offerings include: Tektronix USB4 solution Compliant with the USB4 Specification Ver1.0 and USB4 Router Assembly Electrical Compliance Test Specification Rev 1.0 Completes both Lane 0 and Lane 1 Transmitter tests without flipping the USB Type-C connector or USB4 High-Speed fixture Tektronix TBT3 and TBT4 solutions Supports all 4 data rates (10G, 10.3G, 20G & 20.6G) Provides automatic DUT control support both TenLira /TDT (Intel's scripts) and USB4 ETT /TDT (Intel's scripts) and USB4 ETT Tektronix DisplayPort 2.0 Offers a pre-compliance solution with Tektronix's Proposed measurement for the Ultra High Bit Rate (UHBR) speeds Supports the P76xx tri-mode probe with multiple probe tip options The TekExpress Signal Validation feature validates compliance pattern to ensure result accuracy The TekExpress Pre-Recorded mode supports offline analysis and baseline for future specification changes Availability Tektronix USB4, TBT4, and DP2.0 solutions are now available worldwide for use with DPO/MSO70000SX/DX oscilloscopes with 23 GHz bandwidth and above, and 100 GS/s sample rate. The scope setup can additionally be used for USB2.0/USB3.2/DP1.2/DP1.4 testing, providing a single test station for the USB, TBT and DP. To contact a Tektronix representative for pricing and additional details, visit https://www.tek.com/usb. About Tektronix Tektronix, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test and measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery globally. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 75 years. More information on our products and solutions is available at Tek.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter , YouTube and Instagram to stay connected. Learn more from our engineers on the Tektronix blog , and read our latest announcements in our Newsroom . Tektronix and TekExpress are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. SOURCE Tektronix, Inc. USB Type-C, USB-C, and USB4 are trademarks of the Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum (USB-IF). Thunderbolt is a trademark of Intel Corporation. DisplayPort is a trademark of the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). SOURCE Tektronix, Inc. Related Links http://www.tektronix.com WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a large group of mental health and suicide prevention bills in recognition of May Mental Health Month. Robert Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) , the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, released this statement: "As an organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, we would like to thank the U.S. House of Representatives for bringing vital pieces of legislation focused on mental health and suicide prevention to the floor and for supporting the passage of legislation that can save lives, including: The STANDUP Act (H.R. 586) Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R.721) Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department Act (H.R.1205) Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (H.R.1324) Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.1475) Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act (H.R.1480) The Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act (H.R. 2862) Suicide Prevention Act (H.R.2955) Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act (H.R.2981) These pieces of legislation will increase access to mental health care, expand vital resources for students, and enhance research opportunities. These legislative efforts would support key resources for youth, including increasing access to mental health professionals in schools, training programs on suicide prevention awareness, increased funding for research into mental health disparities in youth of color, and increased support for efforts to diversify the behavioral health workforce. Emergency room suicide prevention efforts would also be addressed by broadening access to screening, implementing updated protocols, leveraging new technology, and providing follow-up care to connect patients with resources upon discharge. We are also supportive of efforts to intensify data surveillance, expanding real-time data collection of suicide and self-harm that will better inform prevention. First responder suicide prevention efforts were also included to ensure that the mental health needs of first responders are being addressed and new best practices are developed. Additional legislative efforts included improvements to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by strengthening standards and publicizing the change to 9-8-8 as the suicide prevention and mental health crisis line in July 2022. We applaud the sponsoring legislators and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, especially Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) for their leadership in passing these vital pieces of mental health and suicide prevention legislation. I urge the Senate to prioritize passage of these bills, so that increased access to mental health and substance use care and suicide prevention resources are more readily available to support patients, families, and providers. I am grateful for our over 32,000 volunteer Field Advocates for making their voices heard, and for continuing to contact their Members of Congress. They show us that when we advocate together, that suicide prevention and mental health are a top priority." The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with an Advocacy office in Washington, DC, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report , and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Related Links www.afsp.org RICHMOND, Va., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilb Group, LLC ("THG") announced today that it has acquired Benefit Foundations, LLC and hired employee benefits insurance specialist, Patrick Grant. The transaction became effective on May 1, 2021. Patrick will join THG's New Agency Partners office located in Parsippany, New Jersey. He will continue to service his clients with additional support from New Agency Partners' team of specialists. Patrick brings deep expertise in employee benefits and additional production talent to the THG team. His addition will complement and strengthen THG's employee benefits capabilities in the Tri-State Region. About THG: THG is a leading property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and advisory firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. THG is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. THG seeks to grow through strategic acquisitions and by leveraging its resources and expertise to drive organic growth in its acquired agencies. The company has completed more than 100 acquisitions and now has over 100 offices in 21 states. THG is rated as one of the Fastest Growing Brokers by Business Insurance, a Top P/C Agency by Insurance Journal, and one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Inc. 5000. Please visit our website at http://hilbgroup.com Media Contact: Peter Lobred 757-646-5402 [email protected] M&A Contact: Ryan Havermann 804-414-6508 [email protected] SOURCE The Hilb Group, LLC Related Links http://www.hilbgroup.com Developing novel transdermal CBD treatments to treat patients suffering rare epilepsies and neurological disorders Lead development candidate Zygel offers a potential goldmine of therapies for multiple conditions Zygel is being developed for patients suffering from Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes learning disabilities What Zynerba does: Inc ( ) is doing trailblazing work pushing clinical trials for cannabis-derived treatments. The specialty pharma company is developing novel transdermal CBD treatments for patients suffering rare epilepsies and neurological disorders. The Devon, Pennsylvania-based companys main product candidate is Zygel, a patent-protected CBD skin gel, which was earlier known as ZYNOO2. Recent studies have suggested that neuropsychiatric conditions like Fragile X Syndrome the most common form of inherited learning disability and attention deficit disorder are associated with a disruption in the endocannabinoid system, and CBD may improve certain core social and behavioral symptoms by modulating the biological system. Zygel also offers a potential goldmine of therapies for other conditions. In addition to Fragile X Syndrome, the gel is in clinical development in patients with refractory epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, a disorder caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome. This tiny missing portion can affect every system in the body. Zygel is also being tested for a heterogeneous group of rare and ultra-rare epilepsies known as developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). How is it doing: As of March 31, 2021, Zynerba had $93.1 million in cash and equivalents on hand, compared to $59.2 million on the same day a year earlier. In the first quarter of 2021, the company sold and issued 10.2 million shares of common stock at a weighted average selling price of $4.22 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $42.2 million. The company believes it has enough capital to fund its operations well into the first half of 2024. Zynerba has said it expects to initiate its single double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Fragile X Syndrome FXS trial for Zygel in the third quarter of 2021 to confirm the positive results observed in the population of responders in the previous CONNECT-FX trial. Zynerba said it believes that positive results from this confirmatory pivotal trial will be sufficient to support the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for Zygel in Fragile X Syndrome. Additionally, as coronavirus (COVID-19) related restrictions in Australia are easing, Zynerba said it has resumed screening of patients for its 14-week open-label Phase 2 INSPIRE trial in children and adolescents with genetically confirmed 22q, a disorder caused by a missing piece of the 22nd chromosome. In the first half of 2021, Zynerba has said it intends to discuss with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) data supporting the potential efficacy of Zygel in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including the results of its Phase 2 BRIGHT trial in children and adolescents with moderate to severe ASD, to determine the regulatory path forward. Zygel was given to 37 patients between the ages of 3 and 17 with moderate-to-severe ASD as an add-on therapy. The data was robust across multiple subscales, including the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) irritability subscale and Parent Rated Anxiety scale, showing both statistically significant and clinically meaningful (>25%) improvements at 14 weeks of treatment from baseline. The company is also evaluating Zygel as a treatment for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). Evaluation of potential target indications is ongoing, and Zynerba expects to finalize target syndrome selection in 2021 in one or more DEE syndromes. Due to the heterogeneity of patients who fall under the DEE umbrella," the FDA suggested that Zynerba pursue individual syndromes rather than considering DEE patients "as a single disorder or condition." Inflection Points If RECONNECT trial is successful, Zygel has the potential to become the first product for the treatment of Fragile X behavioral symptoms Has enough cash to fund trials for a variety of Zygel indications well into the first half of 2024 Finalizing specific DEE syndromes to target in Zygel trial What the broker says: In a note to clients on May 13 following ' first-quarter results, analysts at Roth Capital Partners repeated their 'Buy' rating $7.25 price target on the shares. The analysts noted that Zynerba's reported 1Q21 results were within their expectations. They noted: "Spending levels of $7.9M were well below of our $10.1M target (both lower R&D and SG&A). This drove a lower EPS loss of $0.20 versus our $0.27 EPS loss target (higher shares outstanding also lowered the EPS loss). Fundamentally, we viewed the quarter in-line with expectations. Cash balance of ~$93M should take the company 'well into the first half of 2024'." Thee analysts concluded: "Key takeaways, in our opinion, include: 1) the company is ready to start the RECONNECT pivotal trial in 3Q21 as a treatment for Fragile X Syndrome (post FDA meeting); 2) we remain optimistic in this trial based on the subset of fully methylated patients from the CONNECT-FX trial; and 3) other programs remain on track." What the boss says: Zynerba CEO Armando Anido laid out the company's path forward in 2021 when it reported first-quarter results in May. We are committed to delivering on our important milestones in 2021 as we develop Zygel in multiple neuropsychiatric indications, including initiating a confirmatory pivotal Phase 3 trial, RECONNECT, in the third quarter of 2021, after productive dialogue and alignment with the FDA, Anido said in the results statement. With a cash runway that takes us well into the first half of 2024, we believe that we are ideally positioned to continue our efforts to develop the first FDA-approved treatment for patients with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel Until now, therapeutic development for Alzheimer's disease has been almost uniformly unsuccessful, with over 400 failed clinical trials. The few "successes" (e.g., memantine) have not offered sustained improvement. For example, the recent claim of a positive trial for the drug candidate donanemab did not show cognitive improvement, nor even stabilization of dementia, but merely reduced the rate of progression by about one-third. Arguably, the greatest failure of medical treatments to date is in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease; about 45 million Americans are projected to die from Alzheimer's if effective treatment and prevention are not developed. Posted in medRxiv on May 11th, the study, entitled Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer's Disease: Successful Proof-of-Concept Trial, used deeper dives into each patient's genetics and biomarkers in order to derive the optimal personalized, precision medicine protocol for each. The study was led by three integrative physiciansDrs. Kat Toups, Ann Hathaway, and Deborah Gordonalong with Dr. Dale Bredesen, a professor at UCLA. Their proof-of-concept trial included 25 participants, aged 50 to 76, all with MCI (pre-Alzheimer's) or early-stage dementia. Each patient was assessed for multiple potential contributors inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient and hormonal deficiencies, specific pathogens, toxicants, and biotoxins, as well as genetics then treated with a personalized protocol that was continued for nine months. This is the same approach used by Apollo Health, which has developed software and programs to optimize the precision medicine protocol for cognitive decline. Addressing the presumptive root causes of the cognitive decline with this type of functional medicine approach has previously led to publications of anecdotal "case study" improvements, including Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 patients, but this is the first prospective clinical trial. Cognitive testing revealed that among the study participants, 21 improved (84%), one showed no change (4%), and three declined (12%). Cognitive assessments included MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), CNS Vital Signs (an on-line, quantitative, multi-domain neuropsychological battery), Brain HQ (computerized brain training and assessment), AQ-21 (Alzheimer's Caregiver Assessment Questionnaire), and AQ-20, a caregiver measurement-of-change rating scale. MRI brain imaging complemented the cognitive testing and showed that the brain shrinkage that typically occurs with MCI and dementia was prevented. These strongly positive results support the view that identifying and treating the contributors to cognitive decline for each patient, with a personalized protocol, represents an effective treatment approach for patients with MCI or early dementia. The report concluded that a larger, randomized controlled trial is warranted, and this follow-up study is already in the works. The results reported by the group offer genuine hope to the millions of people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, as well as those at risk due to family histories of dementia. Co-authors included Kat Toups, M.D.; Ann Hathaway, M.D.; Deborah Gordon, M.D.; Cyrus Raji, M.D.; Sharon Hausman-Cohen, M.D.; Henrianna Chung; Alan Boyd; Benjamin Hill, Ph.D.; Mouna Attarha, Ph.D.; Won Jong Chwa; Michael Jarrett, Ph.D; and Dale Bredesen, M.D. This study was supported with funding by the Four Winds Foundation; performed in collaboration with QuesGen Systems, Inc. CRO. Dr. Bredesen is a consultant for Apollo Health, which was not involved in the funding, planning, execution, analysis, or publication of the trial. SOURCE Apollo Health Related Links https://www.apollohealthco.com/ LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Arab Emirates has widened its travel ban to include Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The ban came into effect on May 12th. The announcement comes after the UAE banned Indians from travelling to the country to curb the spread of the India COVID variant. However, this ban will not include long-term residency holders (such as the Golden Visa) and diplomats. Those that consider the UAE their home base but are not holders of the visa or hold citizenship must find alternative solutions to the restrictions. Since the UAE banned travellers from India, there has been skyrocketing demand for private jets from wealthy individuals stuck abroad. While there are still charter flights available, they can only hold up to nine travellers and must get approval from the appropriate authorities beforehand, after submitting passenger details. There is no information for how long the ban will last, leaving many UAE-based companies to shift their short-term hiring plans, sourcing talent locally instead of hubs in South Asia like India. Over the last year, the pandemic has triggered mass uncertainty across the globe. To combat this, high net-worth individuals and their families have increasingly invested in second citizenship as an insurance policy to protect their future financially and physically. Citizenship by Investment Programmes, in particular, have become a popular route to achieving this. Under this initiative, wealthy investors can become legal and lifelong citizens within two to three months once making a qualifying investment into either a government fund or buying selected real estate options. CS Global Partners, a London-headquartered immigration firm specialising in citizenship by investment, has noted an uptick in applications since the start of the pandemic. "For many wealthy individuals, the pandemic is the first time that they recognise the undeniable need for a Plan B. It's not only a matter of protecting your family's immediate safety but ensuring that your eggs are not all in one basket financially. Second citizenship can provide all of this," says Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners. St Kitts and Nevis introduced the world's first and, now, the longest-standing CBI Programme in 1984. With nearly four decades of experience, the programme is recognised within the investment migration industry as a "Platinum Standard" brand. Not only is it a trusted product, but it remains to be one of the fastest citizenship programmes globally, as highlighted in the 2020 CBI Index. It also ensures its due diligence framework is robust and multi-tiered, accepting only those of the highest moral character. Under the Sustainable Growth Fund, investors who choose St Kitts and Nevis can also take advantage of a limited time offer that confers citizenship to a family of four for only $150,000 instead of $195,000. 07824029952, [email protected], www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association has launched a membership drive in celebration of its 75 years of service to the spinal cord injury and disorder community, offering its members a chance to win a variety of prizes donated by companies committed to "Building an Inclusive World" for people with disabilities. "Over the past 75 years we have empowered wheelchair users and other individuals with mobility disabilities to discover greater quality of life and independence. We hope the campaign will help garner more interest in joining United Spinal and expand our reach so that we can provide critical programs and services to even more people in need," said Megan Chintalla, Manager of Corporate Relations at United Spinal. United Spinal will hold prize drawings at numerous member events this year, including its 75th Anniversary Virtual Gala in November. The Gala will bring together stakeholders from across the country, including United Spinal members, allies, elected officials, community activists, organizational leaders, and many special guests to celebrate the organization's impact in advancing disability rights. Prizes include accessible products, mobile devices, gift cards and more donated by United Spinal's corporate partners such as Adaptdefy, Alaska Air, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and Wheeleez. All prize donors can be found on the Member Prize Zone landing page. "BraunAbility is proud to support United Spinal for its tireless pursuit of inclusion, accessibility and empowerment for people with mobility challenges. For 75 years, United Spinal has been a leading ally for the disability community, and BraunAbility is proud to honor and celebrate their significant impact on this important anniversary," said Chris Carlisle, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BraunAbility. "Facebook is proud to support United Spinal Association's 75th Anniversary and to celebrate the Association's advocacy, commitment, and success. Congratulations on 75 years of empowering people with spinal cord injuries and disorders to live successful and fulfilling lives," said Monica Desai, Facebook's Head of Connectivity and Access Policy. Individuals must be United Spinal members to be entered into the prize drawings. Membership is free and open to people with spinal cord injuries or disorders, family members, care providers and professionals, and interested individuals. Join here. Participants do not need to be present at drawings to win but you will be invited to virtual United Spinal Member Events via your email address where the prizes will be awarded. Read the official prize rules here. For more information on United Spinal's 75th Anniversary, visit https://unitedspinal.org/75th-anniversary/. About United Spinal Association Formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans, United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, to live successful and fulfilling lives. Membership is free and open to all individuals with SCI/D, with over 53,000 members across 50 chapters nationwide. Known for its revolutionary advocacy efforts, United Spinal played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, provided important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, and was instrumental in attaining sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation in New York City, which created the standard accessibility model used in many United States cities. SOURCE United Spinal Association Related Links www.unitedspinal.org - BitcoinZero (BTC0) is an ERC-20 token delivering Bitcoin with net zero emissions; real Bitcoin, net-zero emissions - There is no other way to do Bitcoin more sustainably, today, than through BitcoinZero LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing Elon Musk's concerns over the environmental impact of Bitcoin, multi-currency investment platform Uphold and the Universal Protocol Alliance have offered up their carbon-net-neutral version of Bitcoin, BitcoinZero as an alternative. And Uphold is willing to give away 5 brand-new Teslas to those who get the message to Elon Musk. Uphold's carbon-neutral take on BTC, aptly known as BitcoinZero (BTC0), employs carbon credits to mitigate the amount of carbon produced by a single Bitcoin. It does so by combining real Bitcoin with the retiring of 10 carbon credits equal to retiring 10 tonnes of CO2 from REDD+ rainforest projects. BitcoinZero was launched by the Universal Protocol Alliance (UPA), a coalition of leading blockchain companies including Bittrex Global, CertiK, Fifth Era, Hard Yaka, Trovio, Ledger, and Uphold. Uphold is so convinced that BTC0 can alleviate concerns around Bitcoin's sweeping environmental impact that they're taking the challenge to Musk himself. Uphold CEO JP Thieriot said: "We have the solution. If you come to Uphold and buy some BTC0 and allow Tesla to take payment in the form of this carbon-neutral, rainforest preserving bitcoin, Uphold will buy 5 new Teslas and give them away to those Uphold users who do the most to get this message out there." Estimates from the University of Cambridge suggest that Bitcoin mining consumes over 149 Terawatt Hours (Twh) annually consuming more electricity annually than the whole of Argentina. While hopes remain that Bitcoin miners will switch to sustainable and renewable energy sources, it's a solution unlikely to tackle the issue any time soon, or in its entirety. "Rather than waiting for Bitcoin to draw from more sustainable sources for electricity, we've gone out and done something we believe is much better," said Thieriot. "We've put the highest-quality rainforest preservation derived credits there to mitigate emissions completely. BitcoinZero is absolutely the only immediately available solution." About Uphold A digital money platform serving more than 6 million customers in more than 150 countries. Uphold now manages more than $3 billion in customer assets. The Silicon Valley firm currently opens around 25,000 accounts a day as consumers seek a more versatile and cost-effective home for their financial lives. Leveraging blockchain technology, the platform provides both consumers and businesses with easy access to 51 digital assets, 27 national currencies, four precious metals and 50 fractional U.S. equities. Uphold's unique trading experience - 'Anything-to-Anything' - allows customers to trade directly between asset classes, saving time and money. Uphold supports financial inclusion by enabling customers virtually anywhere to open an account in less than a minute and trade with no minimum investment amounts. Customers can send money to virtually anyone with an email address free of charge. To learn more, please visit https://uphold.com/en-us/ About Universal Protocol Alliance Universal Protocol Alliance's vision is that every asset class will be digitized and tokenized. We are an alliance of like-minded cryptocurrency companies and blockchain pioneers including Bittrex Global, CertiK, Fifth Era, Hard Yaka, Trovio, Ledger, and Uphold. We know how to tokenize and transparently substantiate any asset. Our mission is to build out the world's leading tokenization platform, ushering in a new era in finance. Learn more at www.universalprotocol.io . For more information please contact: Katie Olver PR for Uphold [email protected] [email protected] +44 7816570243 SOURCE Uphold BOSTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban hospitals bounced back much quicker in the second half of 2020 from surgical caseload drops than rural hospitals, according to a new report out today from Caresyntax , the leading enterprise-level digital surgery platform delivering actionable insights to make surgery smarter and safer. In April 2020, rural and urban hospitals both saw staggering declines in surgical volume 126 percent and 123 percent compared to 2019, respectively. By October 2020, however, rural hospitals were seeing a 19 percent decline, while urban hospitals were experiencing only a 14 percent drop. This first-of-its-kind report highlighted the effects of COVID-19 on surgical trends throughout 2020, adding new context to the impact of the pandemic on the surgical industry. The report looks at trends and shifts seen in surgeries throughout 2020, and breaks down according to schedule types, specialties, case mix index (CMI), for-profit versus not-for-profit hospitals, and settings. "Hospitals were devastated on all levels by the coronavirus, but since the operating room is the financial heart of hospitals, the widespread and rapid drop in surgical caseloads last year is the top concern for health systems from a business standpoint," said Dennis Kogan, Caresyntax CEO. "By examining the trends and shifts in surgical volume in 2020, and learning from what worked and what did not, hospital leaders and policymakers can prepare to be more resilient going forward." Key insights from the report include: In April 2020 , elective surgeries saw a 193 percent decline in case volume compared to 2019. , elective surgeries saw a 193 percent decline in case volume compared to 2019. Throughout the year, general surgeries saw 14 percent drop in case volume compared to the previous year. Cardiovascular surgeries took the smallest hit in April with only a 65 percent decline compared to 2019, but struggled more than other types to rebound throughout the year. Hospitals with the capacity to perform high complexity surgeries (with a higher CMI) had a less severe drop in surgical volume than those with a low CMI. In December 2019 , 26 percent of appendectomies performed were considered elective, and the rest categorized as urgent, but by December 2020 elective cases had declined to 20 percent. This could be due to patients and providers delaying care until absolutely necessary. , 26 percent of appendectomies performed were considered elective, and the rest categorized as urgent, but by elective cases had declined to 20 percent. This could be due to patients and providers delaying care until absolutely necessary. Throughout the entire year, for-profit hospitals routinely outperformed not-for-profit hospitals in surgical volume. In May, for-profit hospitals saw double the case volume growth compared to not-for-profit hospitals 44 percent versus 22 percent. Hospitals employing data analytics technology in their operating rooms retained 16 percent more of their surgical caseload through July 2020 versus the national average drop of 35 percent. "Surgeons can do incredible things in operating rooms, but there is no single procedure they can perform that will repair the damage caused by the surgical backlog due to COVID-19," said Dr. Michael Woods, Caresyntax's Chief Medical Officer. "In order to restore financial health as hospitals work to dig out from the darkest days of the pandemic, executives need to provide an assist for surgeons, and they can do that by capturing data and analytics for all aspects of the OR." The report dives into the struggles faced by operating rooms and hospitals across the country it is estimated that it could take up to two years for hospitals to work through the surgical backlog, even while operating above historical volume. To best emerge from this crisis, it is essential for hospitals and policymakers to better understand how these trends played out, and how the reduction in surgical volume throughout the year contributed to over $200 billion lost in revenue. You can learn more about the research here: https://caresyntax.com/results/covid-19-surgical-trends/. About Caresyntax Caresyntax is on a mission to make surgery smarter and safer. Our enterprise-grade digital surgery platform delivers actionable insights to improve patient outcomes by using proprietary software and AI to analyze large volumes of video, audio, images, device data, clinical and operational data in and around the OR. This real world evidence can be used by the care team live, during a procedure and accessed by those outside the operating room via the platform's dedicated telehealth link. After a procedure, the Caresyntax platform provides insights that help: surgeons benchmark and improve their care, hospital administrators use surgical resources more efficiently, medical device companies advance better products, and insurance companies understand risk and devise more tailored policies. Headquartered in Boston, Caresyntax software is used in more than 4,000 operating rooms worldwide and supports surgical teams in over two million procedures per year. For more information, visit us at www.Caresyntax.com . Press Contact [email protected] SOURCE Caresyntax Related Links caresyntax.com CHICAGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it structured $55,680,000 in financing for three skilled nursing facilities in the Chicago, Illinois area: Chalet Living & Rehab Center, The Grove of Evanston, and The Grove of La Grange Park. Senior Managing Director Joshua Rosen led the origination team at Walker & Dunlop in securing significant debt coverage savings for the property owner and long-time client. The team utilized their deep understanding of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) loan programs to apply the Section 232/223(a)(7) Refinance option to each property's existing HUD loans. The permanent loans also feature terms of approximately 27 years and attractive fixed rates. Chalet Living & Rehab Center The Grove of Evanston The Grove of La Grange Park $24,640,000 $18,880,000 $12,160,000 "This three-pack transaction is an excellent example of Walker & Dunlop's ability to provide new opportunities for skilled nursing facilities amid a global pandemic," commented Senior Managing Director Joshua Rosen. "Our team's substantial expertise in seniors housing and healthcare facilities finance has helped our clients provide care and housing for our country's most vulnerable populations during a time when they need it most." Chalet Living & Rehab Center, located in Chicago, Illinois, includes large private suites, a library, and spacious communal areas. The Grove of Evanston, a nursing home in Evanston, Illinois, hosts on-site spa and salon services and a bistro for residents to meet with visitors. In La Grange Park, Illinois, The Grove of La Grange Park provides advanced post-hospital care with services such as escorted transportation to medical appointments and visits home. Walker & Dunlop is the #1 provider of capital to the U.S. multifamily market and is ranked the 5th largest HUD lender1. In 2020 alone, the firm originated nearly $600 million of seniors housing, skilled nursing, and healthcare transactions through various capital sources. For information about Walker & Dunlop's view on the housing market, including expert perspectives on markets, leadership, and the road ahead, visit our Driven by Insight information center. About Walker & Dunlop Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is the largest provider of capital to the multifamily industry in the United States and the fourth largest lender on all commercial real estate including industrial, office retail, and hospitality. Surpassing $41 billion of total transaction volume in 2020, Walker & Dunlop enables real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities where Americans live, work, shop and play to life. With more than 1,000 employees across every major U.S. market, Walker & Dunlop's people, technology, and customer insight have allowed it to grow faster than industry peers and deliver total shareholder return of over 800% in its first ten years as a public company. 1 HUD.gov, based on origination volume for the agency's 2020 fiscal year SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc. Related Links http://www.walkerdunlop.com With detailed information for more than 50,000 corporate counsel and over 14,500 legal departments within the U.S., Corporate Counsel Profiler provides law firm practitioners with a wide range of information to search and find corporate counsels through an easy-to-use, searchable platform. The newly enhanced solution now provides users with visual and interactive search options that will provide a more seamless experience in researching corporate counsels. The newly instituted "highlighted changes" feature that shows users when a counsel record has been changed, the new "alerting" feature and the addition of company subsidiaries and the counsels that work for those subsidiaries, are just some of the many changes that have been added to Corporate Counsel Profiler to both expand its features and provide a better experience for its users. Used as a business development and corporate legal department insight tool, Corporate Counsel Profiler has always provided users with the ability to gain valuable legal department insights. Its new expanded features and database build upon and enhance those capabilities, allowing users to research more broadly and then use post-search filters to narrow in on information by items like location, education or practice area. The solution is also beneficial for law school students looking for jobs and internships. "Corporate Counsel Profiler pulls together difficult-to-find information and analytics that help firms better understand corporate legal department staff and organization to better support law firms' business development goals and better serve existing clients," said Ken Crutchfield, Vice President and General Manager of Legal Markets at Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. "The solution's expanded coverage, analytics and new alerting feature empowers partners and support staff to find connections and uncover potential needs to more effectively reach and communicate with prospective clients." The newly launched solution includes an advanced user experience while preserving the core features from the prior version, including the interactive map feature and detailed corporate counsel information including title, phone number, email address, website, previous positions, year joined, bar jurisdiction, practice area(s), and more. Information can easily be prepared for export in PDF or in MS-Excel format for further on the platform for print or to send in a PDF file. For more information about Corporate Counsel Profiler, and to schedule a demo, visit: https://know.wolterskluwerlr.com/LP=2367 About Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare; tax and accounting; governance, risk and compliance; and legal and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,200 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY). For more information about Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., visit www.WoltersKluwerLR.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Gharib Director, Brand & Communications Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Related Links https://www.wolterskluwerlr.com Woodfield Distribution, LLC, known as WDSrx, based in Boca Raton, Florida, will provide a broad range of logistics services to the Bonne Sante Group portfolio of companies, both current and those in the acquisition pipeline. BSG intends to migrate many of its existing logistics and storage needs for its portfolio companies to WDSrx on an outsourced basis. Bonne Sante Group can generate significant efficiencies and cost savings by engaging one of the leading pharmaceutical supply-chain management companies, operating a robust network of distribution centers. Strategic to BSG's operations are WDSrx's various Florida locations, which include four distribution facilities located within 60 miles of Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing, BSG's manufacturing division in the supplements industry, based in Doral, Florida. This proximity can drive substantial cost reductions in transportation, freight and other services. Ryan F. Zackon, BSG's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "BSG intends to optimize its shipping, inventory and fulfillment activities to take advantage of Woodfield Distribution's vast pharmaceutical supply chain with facilities all over the country. As we continue our growth via acquisitions, we expect to continue to partner with forward looking, quality focused partners like Woodfield. These partnerships enhance our mission to increase margins and profitability to drive shareholder value." Adam Runsdorf, President of WDSrx noted, "Woodfield Distribution and Bonne Sante are cooperating on multiple levels to assure fast and accurate inventory control and order fulfillment from our national 3PL network that meets the highest customer expectations for their many popular products and brands." About WDSrx - Woodfield Distribution, LLC Woodfield Distribution, LLC, known as WDSrx, provides integrated third-party pharmaceutical logistics services and value-added solutions empowering the Life Sciences industry. Supply chain operations include Warehousing, Storage, Fulfillment, Transportation Management, Temperature Regulated Environments, Reverse Logistics and Regulatory Compliant Product Disposition. Value-added solutions include on-site Packaging and Labeling, Clinical Trial Support, Customer Service, Patient Assistance Programs, E-Commerce Solutions, Government Pricing and Financial Services Management. State licensed nationally, WDSrx operates from secure GMP facilities in Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio and Nevada. www.wdsrx.com About Bonne Sante Group, Inc. Bonne Sante Group, Inc. is an emerging growth global nutraceutical company. Structured as a holding company, BSG is executing a buy and build strategy with planned serial accretive acquisitions. BSG is engaged in the acquisition, operation and sale of a broad spectrum of nutraceutical and related products and services. To drive growth and earnings, the Company will develop proprietary products as well as acquire other brands and distribution channels. The management team and the board of directors of Bonne Sante have an objective of creating a major international nutraceutical and related products company, manufacturing, and marketing a wide range of world-class nutraceutical products and next-generation delivery technologies. For more information visit: www.bonnesantegroup.com Bonne Sante Group's platform company, Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing ("BSNM"), operates from an FDA-certified, state-of-the-art facility where it manufactures an extensive line of nutraceutical products with a wide range of delivery methods. BSNM has evolved into a comprehensive nutraceutical contract and private label manufacturing company and recently commenced initiatives in Supply Chain as a Service. View Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing's overview video here. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements. Although Bonne Sante Group believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Bonne Sante Group does not undertake any duty to update any statements contained herein (including any forward-looking statements), except as required by law. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include general industry considerations, regulatory changes, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks. Disclaimer The information provided in this press release is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Contact Information: For Woodfield Lawrence Hotz Director of Marketing Woodfield Distribution, LLC 951 Clint Moore Road, Suite A Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-998-3885 [email protected] For Bonne Sante: A.J. Cervantes, Jr. Executive Chairman Bonne Sante Group, Inc. 10575 NW 37th Terrace Doral, FL 33178 786-749-1221 [email protected] SOURCE Bonne Sante Group, Inc. Related Links https://www.bonnesantegroup.com On the Cover is Brent Collver, CEO of Canada's Romet Limited, who was recently honored as a "Top 100 Innovation CEO - 2021" by World Biz Magazine. Brent Collver received this recognition for his exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to driving innovation within the Natural Gas industry. His interview provides invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by Utility's leaders, the opportunities for Natural Gas to lead the energy transition, and how Romet's industry-leading "connected" technologies are realising a vision for "Energy's Bright Future". There are appearances from luminaries: Amin Nasser (CEO of Aramco), Tim Debus (CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association), Franziska Leonhardt (CEO of Ave+Edam), Matteo Lunelli (CEO of Lunelli Group), Jane Sun (CEO of Trip.com), Igor Rybakov (Billionaire Investor), Mark Vergnano (CEO of Chemours), Sharzad Rafati (CEO of BBTV), Adam Ferrari (CEO of Ferrari Energy), Mahmood Ahmadu (Chairman of InnovatePay1), Bob Murray (Partner at Fortinberry Murray), and more. Editorials address the hot topics in board rooms across the globe, including: COVID-19, Remote Working, Diversity, Cryptocurrency, Women In Leadership, Cyber-Security, Motivation, Employee Training, Investment, Energy, Sustainability, FDI, CSR, plus spotlights on major innovation breakthroughs. On the lifestyle front: This issue visits iconic Monte Carlo in partnership with SBM Monte Carlo; a company that owns/ operates some of the most prestigious addresses in Monaco. There are also features on: The making of Cognac, the rebirth of California's most prestigious winery, Tumi's new McLaren collection, and an introduction to the Jax utility vehicle, plus many more. Mike Walters (Editor in Chief) commented: "Our readers make decisions with implications that extend far beyond the horizons of their organisations and industries. Our mission is to enable innovation leaders across the globe to connect and align their visions, therefore shaping more success and sustainability for the world. We have assembled an unprecedented cast of experts to share ideas and address the operational challenges faced by their peers. We are grateful to over 80 contributors for informing and inspiring our audience." Read this Issue: https://issuu.com/globaldatamedia/docs/wbmq22021red?fr=sY2Q4YzM1ODg5Nzk World Biz Magazine website: www.worldbizmagazine.net Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1509857/Pages_from_WBM_Q2_2021.jpg SOURCE GlobalData Media Limited DUBLIN, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Copper Pipes and Tubes Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global copper pipes and tubes market reached a volume of 4.5 Million Tons in 2020. Copper pipes and tubes are widely used in the construction sector owing to the electrical and thermally conductive properties of copper. Although an overall copper plumbing is expensive as compared to its plastic counterpart, it still is a convenient option in terms of cost-benefits because of its long-term reliability. Furthermore, copper pipes have extensive industrial utilization owing to their non-corrosive and non-reactive nature. These pipes and tubes are also used for the transportation of gases since copper is non-permeable to air and gas and offers reduced chances of leakage and contamination caused by oxygen, ultraviolet (UV) rays and temperature from the external environment. With the growing population and rapid urbanization, there has been a significant increase in construction expenditures. This has resulted in an increasing demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), where copper pipes and tubes find extensive applications owing to ease in handling, malleability, recyclability and non-pyrogenic properties. Furthermore, these pipes and tubes have a high yield, tensile and fatigue strength along with antibacterial properties that play a crucial role in the transportation of medical gases and water distribution systems. Moreover, rapidly growing oil and gas industry, which requires copper pipes and tubes for various operations, is contributing positively to the sales of these pipes and tubes. Other factors such as demand from the solar thermal energy and waste heat recovery systems and product innovations such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated copper tubes are further catalyzing the market growth. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global copper pipes and tubes market to exhibit moderate growth during the next five years. Competitive Landscape: The report has also analysed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the key players being Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd, KME, Kobe Steel, Ltd., Luvata, MetTube, Mueller Industry, KMCT, Cerroflow Products, Golden Dragon, Mehta Tubes, Qingdao Hongtai Metal Co.Ltd., Shanghai Hailiang Copper Tubes, etc. Key Questions Answered in This Report: How has the global copper pipes and tubes market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What are the key regional markets in the global copper pipes and tubes industry? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global copper pipes and tubes industry? What is the breakup of the market based on the finish type? What is the breakup of the market based on the outer diameter? What is the breakup of the market based on the end-user? What are the various stages in the value chain of the global copper pipes and tubes industry? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the global copper pipes and tubes industry? What is the structure of the global copper pipes and tubes industry and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the global copper pipes and tubes industry? What are the profit margins in the global copper pipes and tubes industry? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 2.1 Objectives of the Study 2.2 Stakeholders 2.3 Data Sources 2.3.1 Primary Sources 2.3.2 Secondary Sources 2.4 Market Estimation 2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach 2.4.2 Top-Down Approach 2.5 Forecasting Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Copper Pipes and Tubes Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Breakup by Finish Type 5.5 Market Breakup by Outer Diameter 5.6 Market Breakup by End-User 5.7 Market Breakup by Region 5.8 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Finish Type 6.1 LWC Grooved 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Straight Length 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Pancake 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 6.4 LWC Plain 6.4.1 Market Trends 6.4.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Outer Diameter 7.1 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 Inch 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 3/4, 7/8, 1 Inch 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Above 1 inch 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by End-User 8.1 HVAC 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Industrial Heat Exchanger 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Plumbing 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 8.4 Electrical 8.4.1 Market Trends 8.4.2 Market Forecast 8.5 Others 8.5.1 Market Trends 8.5.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Region 9.1 Asia Pacific 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Europe 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 North America 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 9.4 Middle East and Africa 9.4.1 Market Trends 9.4.2 Market Forecast 9.5 Latin America 9.5.1 Market Trends 9.5.2 Market Forecast 10 SWOT Analysis 10.1 Overview 10.2 Strengths 10.3 Weaknesses 10.4 Opportunities 10.5 Threats 11 Value Chain Analysis 12 Porters Five Forces Analysis 12.1 Overview 12.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 12.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 12.4 Degree of Competition 12.5 Threat of New Entrants 12.6 Threat of Substitutes 13 Price Analysis 13.1 Price Indicators 13.2 Price Structure 13.3 Margin Analysis 14 Competitive Landscape 14.1 Market Structure 14.2 Key Players 14.3 Profiles of Key Players 14.3.1 Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd 14.3.2 KME 14.3.3 Kobe Steel, Ltd. 14.3.4 Luvata 14.3.5 MetTube 14.3.6 Mueller Industry 14.3.7 KMCT 14.3.8 Cerroflow Products 14.3.9 Golden Dragon 14.3.10 Mehta Tubes 14.3.11 Qingdao Hongtai Metal Co.,Ltd. 14.3.12 Shanghai Hailiang Copper Tubes For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8zi7mw Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com In a statement posted to Twitter overnight, the electric car maker's billionaire boss Elon Musk said that the firm was concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining transactions" The Bitcoin price tumbled by more than 10% on Thursday after ( ) boss Elon Musk said the electric car maker will stop accepting payments in the cryptocurrency amid concerns over its impact on global carbon emissions. In a statement posted to Twitter overnight, Musk said while the firm thought cryptocurrency was a good idea on many levels, it was concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining transactions, especially coal. As a result, Musk said Tesla will not be selling any of its current Bitcoin holdings and will only begin using it for transactions when mining the digital currency transitioned to more sustainable energy. He added that the company is also looking at other cryptos that use less than 1% of Bitcoins energy per transaction. The news sent the price of Bitcoin down around 11% over the last 24 hours to a one-month low of US$50,806 in early trading in London. However, while crypto investors are licking their wounds, Teslas move is a significant win for critics of Bitcoins energy usage, with the amount of power needed to mine the crypto surpassing several countries. Bitcoin backers will be wondering where this leaves the future of the cryptocurrency. Environmental matters are an incredibly sensitive subject right now, and Teslas move might serve as a wake-up call to businesses and consumers using Bitcoin, who hadnt hitherto considered its carbon footprint, said AJ Bell analyst Laith Khalaf. Teslas decision certainly puts pressure on other big companies who accept Bitcoin to review their practices, because boardrooms will now be wary about getting it in the ear from ESG investors on the shareholder register. This highlights that the long-term adoption of cryptocurrencies by businesses, consumers and investors is still highly uncertain, as Tesla itself has pointed out, the analyst added. Bitcoins plunge also hit several other mainstream cryptos on the market on Thursday, with Ethereum down 7.8% at US$3,968 while meme-inspired crypto and Musk favourite Dogecoin also dropped 14.7% to US$0.43. As the least populated state with the most room for adventure, in 2020 Wyoming experienced high visitation throughout all its national parks, monuments and forests, as well as state parks and other popular destinations where travelers could enjoy wide-open spaces. While interest for Wyoming continues to grow, the state still offers room to roam among its hidden gems and under-the-radar destinations throughout its nearly 100,000 square miles. "Outdoor recreation has become even more popular over the past year with people looking for naturally social-distanced activities. With our wide-open spaces, Wyoming is an ideal destination for travelers and this summer we anticipate even more visitors will explore the state," said Diane Shober, Executive Director of Wyoming Office of Tourism. "As the last bastion of the west and with nearly 50 percent of the state designated public land, it is important for visitors and residents to be mindful travelers and work together to keep Wyoming wild and free." The WY Responsibly campaign was initially launched as a response to COVID-19, providing safe travel tips and resources that resonated with travelers and residents alike, and led to WOT expanding the campaign into 2021 by fostering three main initiatives. These initiatives were created with input from 10 national-and state-level outdoor agencies and developed to address concerning behaviors each experienced last summer. Enjoy Natural Spaces Responsibly Resources on how to respect the outdoors, including camping and trail etiquette, outdoor safety, precautions and best practices. Resources on how to respect the outdoors, including camping and trail etiquette, outdoor safety, precautions and best practices. Co-Exist Responsibly Resources on how to respect wildlife, reporting wildlife interactions, fishing guidelines and gear suggestions to prepare for any encounters. Resources on how to respect wildlife, reporting wildlife interactions, fishing guidelines and gear suggestions to prepare for any encounters. Be Part of a Responsibly Community Resources on how to respect fellow travelers and locals, including current health guidelines, tips on supporting local businesses and how to avoid overcrowding with recommendations for destinations throughout the state and along any road trip. The WY Responsibly campaign is a component of WOT's award-winning tourism campaign, "That's WY." Elements of the WY Responsibly campaign include local and national paid media investment, social media components and an ambassador program where WOT will select six outdoor, wildlife and community leaders and stewards to represent each initiative. State parks, national forests and other community visitor centers will have stickers or patches for visitors. As an extension of WY Responsibly, WOT has also developed a "Know Before You Go" program to ensure travelers are prepared for any outdoor adventure. On this page, travelers will learn what to expect when camping on different types of land along with important fire and wildlife safety precautions, be reminded to pick up after themselves and their pets, make camping reservations early and more. To learn more about WY Responsibly, visit travelwyoming.com/wy-responsibly. Travelers and locals can share their adventure and encourage sustainable experiences on social media by using #WYResponsibly and tagging @visitwyoming. The WY Responsibly stickers are also available on Instagram stories. SOURCE Wyoming Office of Tourism NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AEA Investors ("AEA" or the "Firm"), a leading global private investment firm with over $15 billion assets under management, today announced that Bobby Bassman and Ravi Sarin, industry veterans with a 15-year professional relationship, have joined the firm to focus on growth investments in tech-enabled, software and healthcare services companies. Bobby joins AEA with 17 years of financial industry experience at Morgan Stanley, including over 15 years of growth and private equity experience. Prior to AEA, Bobby was a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley and Founding Member and Investment Committee Member of Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, the firm's $1 billion Growth Equity and Growth Credit investment fund business. Ravi brings over 18 years of professional experience to his role at AEA, including a successful track record of growth and private equity investing. Prior to AEA, Ravi was the Founder and Managing Partner of ROCA Partners, a growth equity investment firm focused on tech-enabled services and healthcare services companies. Previously, he was a Principal in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management, and prior to Ares, Ravi was a private equity investor at Bain Capital and a consultant at Bain & Company. "As we continually evaluate ways to grow AEA and improve the knowledge, network and capabilities of the firm, bringing Bobby and Ravi onboard was the clear next step in our strategic evolution," said Brian Hoesterey, CEO of AEA Investors. "We expect AEA's existing platforms will benefit from their expertise and proven track record driving growth within the tech-enabled, software and healthcare services sectors, expanding our investing scope and further enhancing our firm's leading position." Based out of AEA's new San Francisco office, opening Spring 2021, Bassman and Sarin will lead an experienced team with deep sector and investment expertise as well as an extensive track record of investing in capital-efficient growth companies. The investment team includes six professionals who they have previously worked with. "We are excited to join AEA and help capture what we believe is a significant and compelling opportunity for growth investments under the firm brand," said Bobby Bassman, Co-Head of AEA Growth. "AEA's investment experience, longstanding relationships and deep sector expertise coupled with its global presence and complementary firm resources provide a differentiated platform to strategically pursue growth investing." "Bobby and I are thrilled to bring our highly complementary, growth-focused investment capabilities to AEA's distinguished platform," said Ravi Sarin, Co-Head of AEA Growth. "As part of the AEA family, we see an incredible opportunity to help write this new chapter, adding to the firm's successful, 50+ year history of investing." About AEA 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 and/or join its portfolio company boards or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA's approximately 100 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Connecticut, San Francisco, 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. Contacts Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher Jon Keehner, Kate Thompson +1 (212) 355-4449 [email protected] SOURCE AEA Investors On April 29 in State House, Freetown, AfricanAncestry.com President and Co-founder Dr. Gina Paige and Sierra Leone Minister of Tourism Madam Memunatu Pratt marked the occasion in a special Agreement Signing, presenting 59 Sierra Leone passports to the inaugural recipients under the new partnership. The Agreement was signed in the presence of Sierra Leone's President His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who underscored his commitment to the partnership. "We welcome you to acquire land, live in our communities, invest, build capacity and take advantage of business opportunities," said President Bio during the citizenship conferment ceremony. From Your DNA to Your Passport AfricanAncestry.com's Partnership Director and an architect of Ghana's Year of Return Diallo Sumbry worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to foster the relationship and establish core guidelines for the now official program. The first step is to obtain an authentic AfricanAncestry.com Certificate of Ancestry featuring a special Seal validating Sierra Leone ancestry. With a second trip to the country scheduled for this fall as part of the AfricanAncestry.com Family Reunion trips, people interested in getting started can submit a request at [email protected]. "This partnership is perhaps the most significant milestone for African Ancestry since we created a way for Black people to trace their African roots using DNA 18 years ago," said Dr. Gina Paige. "It has transformed the total experience of what it is to be an AfricanAncestry.com customer," said Paige. AfricanAncestry.com looks to expand the program to the more than 30 countries in Africa where they trace ancestry in the coming years. Visit www.AfricanAncestry.com for more information. SOURCE AfricanAncestry.com Related Links https://africanancestry.com/ VALETTA, Malta, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AKJ Crypto plc ("AKJC"), the leading provider of trading and infrastructure solutions for fund managers trading in digital assets, today announced the distribution of its Q1 "Shareout" to investors in AKJ Token. AKJ Token is one of the few tokens within the crypto universe that already generates sufficient production to pay a Shareout, or ecosystem distribution, and generate yield for token investors. Token investors in the ecosystem are qualified to receive 25% of net revenues generated across several lines of business, including fund infrastructure, trading, and capital allocation. Capital allocation occurs through the AKJ Digital Assets FoF, an affiliated crypto hedge fund of funds. The AKJC Board approved a Q1 Shareout, based on performance in calendar year 2020, representing a 1.0% return on invested capital, or 4.0% on an annualized basis. Payment is distributed to investors as Ether. In discussing the distribution, Neal Mitra, CEO of AKJ Crypto plc, said: "Our first Shareout last year closed the loop on our business model, establishing a fully functional crypto ecosystem that delivers tangible returns back to our investors. The new Shareout, which more than doubles the last one when annualized, is a direct reflection of the rapid expansion of our operating platform. It shows the benefit that investors can expect to see with the token's intrinsic value, as well as the potential for returns. With the future growth that we have already contracted and are now onboarding, the path ahead is incredibly exciting." The AKJ Crypto platform offers institution-grade turnkey solutions for crypto hedge fund managers. Services are provided directly and in coordination with other ecosystem entities, and include regulatory compliance, licensing, trading, settlement, storage and provider partnerships. It provides access to a fund of funds investing with top fund managers, including a seed capital program for select managers on the platform. Investors in AKJ Token gain risk-mitigated, diversified exposure into the digital asset sector, through both revenue growth on the platform as well as capital appreciation in the fund of funds. AKJ Token is a transferable security sold under EU law to professional investors. About AKJ Crypto plc and AKJt Holdings Limited AKJ Crypto plc, a subsidiary of AKJt Holdings Limited, provides a full-service platform for crypto hedge fund managers and diversified participation for institutional investors, through the AKJ Token, in the cryptoeconomy. AKJt Holdings Limited (AKJt) is a fintech holding company that is focused on trading, administrative, digitization and other advanced solutions for hedge fund managers. AKJt is owned by shareholders who collectively have over US$18 billion in assets under management. The group and its associated entities serve hedge fund and institutional clients in 35 countries around the world. For more information about AKJ Crypto visit: https://www.akjtoken.com SOURCE AKJ Related Links https://www.akjtoken.com/ AKRON, Ohio, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers of FirstEnergy's (NYSE: FE) utilities can now get updates on their electric bill through Amazon's Alexa and Alexa-compatible devices including Echo and Fire TV. This new functionality can help customers retrieve important details about their electric account and their electric bill, delivering answers within seconds of being prompted. Information available via voice assistance includes billing notifications, due dates, payment confirmations and monthly and yearly billing comparisons. There are no costs or fees for using Alexa to access utility bill information. "This technology provides another touchpoint for customers and is centered on convenience, real-time data and ease of use," said Sam Belcher, senior vice president and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "We are excited to offer this functionality to the growing number of customers who have come to rely on voice-activated assistants for quick access to information." To use this new functionality, customers with an Alexa or compatible device will need to sign up for an online account with their FirstEnergy utility. Linking an Amazon account to a FirstEnergy utility account can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Once linked, customers can ask numerous questions for information about their electric bills, including: "Alexa, how much is my electric bill?" "Alexa, when is my FirstEnergy bill due? "Alexa, compare my FirstEnergy bill to last month." "Alexa, did I pay the FirstEnergy bill?" "Alexa, what's the balance of my electric bill?" "Alexa, what is my electric bill status?" Additional functionalities will be added over time with the input of customers who use the service and will include kilowatt hour (kWh) usage comparisons and bill payment. This service does not yet include the ability to report or check the status of a power outage. For more information about FirstEnergy's Alexa functionality or to sign up for the service, visit firstenergycorp.com/alexa. FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. Related Links http://www.firstenergycorp.com ATLANTA, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to increases in violent attacks and threats against Asians in recent months, many feel unsafe travelling in Baltimore or D.C. via public transit or on foot. Sponsor a Ride is a new service, funded entirely by donations and corporate sponsors, which addresses the problem by underwriting Lyft, Uber, and cab trips for Asians who are female, seniors, or disabled, and in genuine financial need. According to co-founder Soan Gunawan, "When we heard about the horrific attacks we wanted to help. We figured the most immediately useful thing we can do in the near term is sponsor rides for those who are genuinely fearful of local travel, especially at night. And if we can provide a stellar experience for both rider and sponsor, we can maintain the service for as long as the assaults continue." Both those who want a ride and those who wish to sponsor one can do so by visiting sponsoraride.net. Individuals and businesses who donate at least $25.00 to provide rides for Asians at risk can be mentioned on the website as members of the Hero Circle. Riders get reimbursed by filling out a Google form on the site, and submitting a selfie and a photo of their receipt from Lyft, Uber, or the taxi company (necessary so as to discourage fraud). "We notice that both sides of the transaction feel rewarded," says co-founder Anna Chu Lin. "The traveler has the cost of their safe ride underwritten, and the sponsor gets well-deserved recognition for helping someone at risk get to where they need to go. We are always thinking of new ways to reward both the sponsor and the rider." If they like, sponsors who join the Hero Circle can have their own non-profit, school, church, or enterprise mentioned on the agency's partners' social media, which receive over 290,000 unique views a month. In addition, when sponsors underwrite more than $50.00 for rides a donation is made in their name to the Scholarship Fund of Asian Women in Business (awib.org). Sponsor a Ride emphasizes that they only sponsor essential travel, not pleasure trips. Baltimore is the test market; in June they hope to begin serving Austin, Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco. For more information go to sponsoraride.net. twitter.com/RideSponsor, Instagram.com/sponsoraride Media Contact: Jack Toomey [email protected] (626) 230-8862 SOURCE Sponsor a Ride SEATTLE, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As COVID-19 cases decrease across the US, healthcare organizations are still feeling the impacts of the supply shortages caused by the pandemic. In Seattle, Washington, the unique Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Purchasing Co-op has helped over 675 healthcare organizations of all types across Washington state purchase necessary PPE to ensure safety of patients and staff. This collaborative effort has already had a huge impact on the Washington Healthcare Community. To procure PPE supplies that are high quality and cost-effective, the Washington PPE Purchasing Co-Op partnered with bttn. (pronounced button), a Seattle-based online healthtech marketplace powered by big data insights. By automating medical supply purchasing, bttn.'s mission is to democratize pricing on the world's most vital supplies and serve all in the healthcare industry. bttn.'s pricing saves buyers 10-20% on average and delivers up to 3x faster than traditional medical supply channels. Terri Blazell-Wayson from the Washington Association for Community Health said, "The partnership with bttn is a prime example of organizations coming together for the benefit of all. Access to quality PPE at affordable pricing is a game changer for our Community Health Center members who were really struggling to find PPE. Our members didn't know who to trust and their standard suppliers had them on such tight allocation that they couldn't get what the quantities they needed. Pricing had sky-rocketed. They had to make the decision between personal safety and reusing products to stretch their tight supply. bttn. changed all that. Quality products with no quantity restrictions at reasonable prices plus free delivery. We couldn't ask for more. We will be relying on bttn. for years to come." The partnership benefited hundreds of healthcare providers to procure quality products at wholesale prices. Millions of units of PPE and medical supplies were delivered in April to a variety of healthcare organizations across the state. JT Garwood, CEO of bttn., stated that "bttn. aggregates medical supply manufacturing data, macro-economic trends, and previous buying behavior to pass cost savings to our customers. During the pandemic, hospitals were forced to pay exorbitant prices for PPE, and needed to deploy large cash deposits to obtain supplies. Our partnership with the Washington Co-Op allowed us to use our pricing models and manufacturer network to bring products to hundreds of healthcare workers across Washington, saving them money and protecting cash flows along the way." The bttn. team worked during the pandemic to supply millions of units of PPE and medical supply across the United States. They witnessed healthcare providers shut out from supply channels and suffered huge losses as a result of grey market goods. In response, bttn. ensures healthcare costs are reduced and implemented automated technology to prevent future supply shortages. Media Contact: JT Garwood, [email protected] SOURCE bttn. Related Links www.bttnusa.com She steps in for Allecia Vermillion who remains at Seattle Met as Executive Editor returning to her first love: Seattle's rich and increasingly diverse food scene. Ms. Vermillion is also adding coverage in home designan increasingly important and changing topic as readers embrace growing trends around work-from-anywhere, smart technology, and the desire for more space. She remains a distinguished member of the James Beard Foundation's restaurant and chef awards committee, and judge for the American Society of Magazine Editors. Ms. Cabotaje, a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, has spent the last three years at University of Washington (UW) Medicine writing on health and wellness for Right as Rain. "I'm thrilled to return to Seattle Met and grow our editorial team, while renewing our commitment to coverage of stories that matter to the people who live in or visit our region," says Ms. Cabotaje. "If we've learned anything over the last few years, it's that quality local journalism matters now more than ever." "Allecia and Angela share a similar drive for excellence," says Ms. Vogel. "Everyone has a handful of employees who they would welcome back to their company excitedly and proudly. Angela is one of those people. She follows a remarkable year in Seattle Met's history where the editorial team rose to the challenge of the rapidly changing and essential coverage needs of our readers and communities in the wake of COVID-19." The excellence Ms. Vogel cites was firmly on display last week as Seattle Met Daily earned the award for best E-Newsletter in the nation along with recognition for seven finalists in photography, design, and writing from the coveted 2021 City and Regional Magazine Awards (CRMA). "Allecia has built a remarkable and incredibly committed team and I'm beyond excited to see Angela's leadership and skill take this best-in-class line-up to the next level," concludes Ms. Vogel. "As the city moves forward, Seattle Met intends to play a critical role in its recovery and rebuilding. Angela is perfectly suited to respond to this important demand." Seattle Met remains #1 in its competitive set, gaining digital subscribers and visitors daily since early 2020, as it pivoted quickly to in-depth editorial analysis on the pandemic's local health and economic impacts while spotlighting the region's resilience and innovation. About SagaCity Media, Inc. SagaCity Media, Inc. is the parent company of the preeminent lifestyle media brands in Seattle, Portland, Houston, Sarasota, Aspen, Vail, and Park City. In their respective markets, they produce the most-visited local lifestyle websites, largest-selling magazines, and industry-dominating social media followers. SagaCity is also the preeminent leader in content solutions for travel and tourism organizations across the U.S. SOURCE SagaCity Media, Inc. Related Links http://www.sagacitymedia.com/ BOSTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Artemis, a Boston-based private equity firm specializing in differentiated Industrial Technologies, today announced that Taylor Murphy and Nick Reyes have joined the Artemis family. The two are joining the team as Associates, focused on due diligence, transaction support, reporting, and portfolio company support. Taylor Murphy joins Artemis from Canaccord Genuitys Investment Banking division where she was involved in over 25 deals in the 3.5 years she spent with the firm. While with Canaccord, Taylors experience on the sell-side of the M&A industry is marked by an impressive track record of supporting, structuring, and executing on a diverse set of mandates. Prior to her time in Investment Banking, Taylor interned at Actifio, a Massachusetts technology firm acquired by Google at the end of 2020. She graduated from Bostons Bentley University in 2017. Artemis Founder and Managing Partner, Peter Hunter, said of Taylor, "It became clear to us during the interview process that Taylor was a perfect fit with Artemis' culture. She clearly has the capability to both collaborate with Artemis' current team and bring a refreshing and unique perspective to the analysis of potential portfolio companies. I am excited to work with her in what is sure to be a successful career with us." Nick joins Artemis from Goldman Sachs' corporate credit lending platform where he demonstrated success in evaluating debt and equity-like investment opportunities, extrapolating the impact of macroeconomic trends on niche subsectors of the economy, and executing on a wide range of transaction types including Mergers & Acquisitions, Leveraged Buyouts, Dividend Recapitalizations, and Capital Stack Refinancings. Graduating from Emory University's Goizueta Business School in early 2019, Nick is a scholar with the Gates Foundation Millennium Scholarship, National QuestBridge Foundation Scholarship, and Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, and is an MLT (Management Leadership for Tomorrow) and SEO (Sponsors for Education Opportunity) alum. Artemis Managing Partner, James Ward, noted, "Nick demonstrated throughout the interview process an impressive skillset, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and a highly synergistic personality that has led to him already becoming a vital and successful member of the team. I look forward to working with Nick and seeing the way in which his unique skillset, background, and experiences contribute to the overall success of the firm." While each of Artemis' new Associates has successfully completed Artemis' rigorous internal and proprietary training protocols and brings with them the bandwidth and competencies necessary to engage and complete a wide variety of transactions, Taylor and Nick have found their strides at Artemis within specific niches of the Industrial Technology industry. Taylor has demonstrated a particular proficiency in executing on Artemis' RF/Microwave & Optics/Photonics thesis driven investment philosophies while Nick, on the other hand, has quickly become Artemis' go-to associate for supporting Artemis' Life Sciences Technology & Specialty Chemicals/Advanced Materials theses. Feel free to reach out to either of the two to discuss experiences, perspectives, or potential acquisition opportunities. Be sure to connect with Artemis and its team to stay apprised of the status of the portfolio and the various successes of the team. SOURCE Artemis SUZHOU, China and ROCKVILLE, Md., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a globally focused, clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, today announced that according to the latest semi-annual index review results announced by MSCI, a leading provider of index services and analytics, Ascentage Pharma has been selected as a constituent stock of the MSCI China Small Cap Index, effective after the market closes on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The MSCI China Small Cap Index is designed to measure the performance of the small cap segment of the Chinese market. The index is comprised of companies with a healthy state of business and strong growth potential, and is widely adopted by the global investment community as a critical decision support reference. To stay up-to-date, the MSCI Indexes are reviewed and adjusted quarterly and semi-annually through the deletion and addition of constituent stocks. After being included into three major indexes including Hang Seng Composite Index, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program last year, this inclusion into the MSCI China Small Cap Index once again demonstrates the strong recognition of Ascentage's R&D capabilities, development strategies, value for investment, and growth prospect by the global capital market. As the first Hong Kong-listed biotech stock focusing on innovative small molecule drugs, Ascentage Pharma has made significant progress in clinical development, external partnerships, and intellectual properties, and expanded global collaborations that are propelling the company further in its transition from an R&D-focused biotech to a full-fledged biopharmaceutical company with capabilities in R&D and manufacturing. In 2020, Ascentage Pharma submitted its first New Drug Application (NDA), and the NDA was subsequently granted Priority Review by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), setting a major milestone for the company. At the same time, the company is pressing forward to the commercial stage, in active preparation for the launch and clinical adoption of its novel therapeutics. In the past twelve months, Ascentage Pharma's four drug candidates was granted a total of 11 orphan drug designations (ODDs) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is a record setting achievement demonstrated the company's robust capabilities in global research and development. "This inclusion by the MSCI China Small Cap Index signifies the capital markets' recognition of and confidence in our business and growth prospect. It will help diversify our investor base, improve the liquidity of our stock, and further elevate our prominence in the global capital market," said Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman & CEO of Ascentage Pharma. "Moving forward, we will continue leveraging our robust R&D capabilities, accelerate the global clinical development of our assets, and advance these assets toward NDA submissions, in an effort to soon make our novel therapeutics available to patients around the world and create value for our investors." About Ascentage Pharma Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) is a globally focused, clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, CHB, and age-related diseases. On October 28, 2019, Ascentage Pharma was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 6855.HK. Ascentage Pharma focuses on developing therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis or programmed cell death. The company has built a pipeline of eight clinical drug candidates, including novel, highly potent Bcl-2, and dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors, as well as candidates aimed at IAP and MDM2-p53 pathways, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ascentage Pharma is also the only company in the world with active clinical programs targeting all three known classes of key apoptosis regulators. The company is conducting more than 40 Phase I/II clinical trials in the US, China, Australia, and Europe. Olverembatinib (HQP1351), the company's core drug candidate, developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA. A New Drug Application (NDA) for olverembatinib has been submitted and subsequently granted Priority Review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in China. To date, Ascentage Pharma has obtained a total of 11 ODDs from the US FDA for four of the company's investigational drug candidates. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. SOURCE Ascentage Pharma Related Links http://www.ascentagepharma.com It plans to refresh the specialty concentrates and extracts brand as part of its launch strategy while maintaining its fun, engaging authenticity Glacial Gold pioneered many processing techniques as part of its product development, such as triple-distilled, cold extraction Nextleaf Solutions Ltd (CSE:OILS) (OTCQB:OILFF) (FRA:L0MA) is getting into the lucrative branded consumer products sector in a major step forward for the cannabis company. The company has acquired the rights for the award-winning Glacial Gold specialty concentrates and extracts brand, it said in a statement. According to Nextleaf, the brand has earned deep loyalty with its customers for its value and gained recognition through distribution on a national level. Glacial Gold pioneered many processing techniques as part of its product development, such as triple-distilled, cold extraction, the company added. "In alignment with our B2B extraction and processing business, this launch into B2C branded products allows us to fulfill the value of our IP through commercialization, diversify revenue streams, and utilize the cannabis plant to its full potential," said Nextleaf CEO, Paul Pedersen. "Our established advantage in processing efficiency, and low-cost, high purity cannabinoid ingredients translates easily into manufacturing Glacial Gold products at scale." Vancouver-based Nextleaf and Glacial Gold have signed a copyright release outlining the rights for Nextleaf to use the "Glacial Gold" brand identity on any products and formulations at the company's discretion, as well as an existing online presence and audience base across multiple channels. The company plans to refresh the brand as part of its launch strategy while maintaining its fun, engaging authenticity, it added. The brand will first be made available in British Columbia and Alberta, with additional expansion across Canada anticipated later this year. Emma Andrews, Nextleafs director of marketing, told shareholders that the company has its sights set on additional product formats for Glacial Gold. This is a brand everyone can enjoy, Andrews said. "We've been building towards this gold-rush and we're ready to shake things up." Nextleaf issued 440,000 shares at a deemed price of $0.25 per share as part of the acquisition of Glacial Gold rights. Warrant exercise Separately, Nextleaf said it had extended its warrant exercise incentive program to encourage holders to exercise up to 10.4 million outstanding warrants through July 15, 2021 from May 15. The exercise price is $0.265 per share. Under the incentive program, warrant holders who exercise by July 15 will receive an additional warrant for each one exercised. The incentive warrant is exercisable at $0.35 per share until July 15, 2022 and subject to acceleration. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Based out of Aspire San Antonio's new Stone Oak location , Dr. Knudtson will provide a full range of comprehensive fertility services that address both female and male infertility, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), preimplantation genetic testing, fertility preservation, LGBTQ+ services, third party reproductive services, donor programs and more. Under Dr. Knudtson's care, patients can also expect to receive the highest quality and latest advancements in technological fertility treatment, coupled with individualized plans based on each patient's needs and objectives. The addition of Dr. Knudtson to the Aspire San Antonio clinical team is another step in the organization's recent expansion and builds on its commitment to expand access to the highest level of fertility care. In response to a growing demand for top-quality reproductive services and specialists due in part to San Antonio's surge in residential growth, the practice opened a new clinic in Stone Oak in late 2020. In addition to a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, this 13,000+ state-of-the-art facility also boasts an advanced Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) lab that uses the latest sciences to ensure optimal patient outcomes. "The past year has been a challenging yet exciting one for Aspire San Antonio, as we successfully navigated unchartered waters in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while expanding access to the type of care every patient deserves when they are trying to build their families," says by Ursula Balthazar, MD of Aspire San Antonio. "Welcoming Dr. Knudtson and her expertise in reproductive medicine to our team and only furthers this growth and of course, our commitment to provide every patient with the best-in-class care to help them achieve their family building dreams." A native of San Antonio, Dr. Knudtson completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin and attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she was an Osler Student Scholar and finalist for the Gold Headed Cane Award. Following her passion for women's health, Dr. Knudtson pursued a residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine and also completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dr. Knudtson is dedicated to empowering women and couples, particularly through education and understanding of options. Her clinical interest includes Fertility Preservation, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and Unexplained Infertility. Dr. Knudtson is active nationally with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) patient education committee and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI) research committee. In addition to her practicing medicine, Dr. Knudtson has also contributed to important research and has published in multiple medical journals. About Aspire Fertility For 30 years, Aspire Fertility has been helping individuals and couples build their families. With locations in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio metropolitan areas, the Aspire family of clinics provides five-star fertility care to patients, led by industry experts who are on the leading edge of reproductive medicine. They offer a full spectrum of comprehensive female and male fertility care, including IVF, egg freezing, genetic screening (PGD/PGS), egg donation, surrogacy and LGBTQ+ fertility. Media Contact: Mia Humphreys 239-297-6592 [email protected] SOURCE Aspire Fertility TORONTO and NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR), a global Fintech leader, today announced that Canadian financial services company Aviso Wealth Inc. ("Aviso Wealth") is being powered by Broadridge's digital advisor desktop and securities processing engine and is utilizing its integrated Digital Information Onboarding platforms. "Broadridge is the only firm with the proven technology, scale and experience to meet our ambitious business goals," said Bill Packham, President and CEO of Aviso Wealth. "We are excited to extend our partnership with Broadridge to support our drive for service excellence and enterprise-wide efficiencies and scalability. The change will streamline the dealer services Aviso Wealth provides to credit unions as well as correspondent and institutional partners and be a cornerstone of how Aviso Wealth evolves as a platform provider to Canada's wealth industry." Aviso Wealth will leverage Broadridge's solutions for its mutual fund dealer business, which is regulated by the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada ("MFDA"). Aviso Wealth is using similar solutions to power its full-service securities dealer business, which is regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada ("IIROC"), allowing Aviso Wealth to operate both its MFDA and IIROC dealerships on a single instance of a book-of-records database. Although securities and mutual fund dealers are separately regulated entities, Broadridge's Dataphile and Digital Information Onboarding solutions have the unique capability to support advisors, clients and operations for both businesses on a single platform. "Broadridge's Dataphile solution has supported the processing of both securities and mutual funds in Canada for over 25 years," said Michael Dignam, President, GTO Broadridge Canada. "Our proven technology and experience have led us to become the technology provider of choice for Aviso Wealth. We look forward to continuing this partnership and providing our clients with innovative technology and processing solutions which get ahead of today's challenges and capitalize on tomorrow's opportunities." The financial services market is becoming increasingly complex with changing regulations, heightened legal and compliance issues, and sophisticated clients with complicated demands. The ability to process on a single platform can significantly increase a company's ability to better serve clients efficiently with a single set of processes. The implementation of Aviso Wealth's MFDA business to the Dataphile solution was completed in January 2021.The Aviso Wealth partnership with Broadridge was established in 2006 with the processing of its IIROC business on Dataphile. About Aviso Wealth Aviso Wealth is a national financial services company with over $95 billion in assets under administration and management. Aviso Wealth is owned by the credit union Centrals, The Co-operators/CUMIS and Desjardins. Aviso Wealth provides a comprehensive, integrated suite of wealth solutions for individual Canadians and for financial organizations across Canada. Aviso Wealth's MFDA-regulated dealer, full-service IIROC-regulated brokerage, and insurance dealers support thousands of financial advisors at credit unions across Canada. Its award-winning online brokerage, Qtrade, and its automated investing platform, VirtualWealth, give Canadians flexible choices for building their wealth. Its asset manager, NEI Investments, is a Canadian leader in Responsible Investment funds and portfolios, which are available through a national network of advisors. Aviso Wealth also provides custodial services and introducing broker services to independent financial organizations, including banks, trust companies, insurance companies, investment dealers, portfolio managers, and financial planning firms. For more information about Aviso Wealth, please visit www.aviso.ca. About Broadridge Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $4.5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance, and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. In addition, Broadridge's technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of on average more than U.S. $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is a part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 12,000 associates in 17 countries. For more information about us and what we can do for you, please visit www.broadridge.com. Investors: W. Edings Thibault Head of Investor Relations Broadridge Financial Solutions +1 516-472-5129 [email protected] Media: Tina Wadhwa Broadridge Financial Solutions +1 212-973-6164 [email protected] Brian McOstrich Aviso Wealth Inc. +1 905-580-4078 [email protected] SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Related Links http://www.broadridge.com This year, the brand known for its juicy gummies and fruit snacks is working with Kelly Rowland to help spread the word of this ongoing effort and the importance of restoring our forests. "I've always enjoyed the tranquility of being able to escape into nature and the great outdoors," Rowland said. "That's one of the reasons I'm such a big supporter of Black Forest's ambition to plant 10 million trees by 2030." Real Good. Real Action. The National Forest Foundation partnership began with a commitment to plant 1.5 million trees by the end of 2022 in areas that have been ravaged by wildfires. So far, nearly 600,000 trees have been planted in areas like Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon, Sierra National Forest in California and Boise National Forest in Idaho. "Each tree we plant is another step toward a healthier and more vibrant environment for bears, humans and the rest of planet earth," said Kate Adams, Senior Brand Marketing Director of Black Forest at Ferrara. "We have set bold goals for Black Forest, and we're committed to achieving them." As a brand that believes that Real Good requires Real Action, Black Forest takes on the responsibility to make the world a little better each day. This new aspiration of 10 million trees planted by 2030 reflects Black Forest's long-term, purpose-led commitments. The brand is the first in the gummy candy and fruit snack category to commit to becoming a more sustainable brand across packaging, partnerships and production. Other elements of Black Forest's purpose-led pledge include: By 2022, all products in the Black Forest portfolio will use colors and flavors from real sources, including turmeric, black carrot juice, black currant juice, carrot juice, purple sweet potato juice, cherry juice and radish juice. A commitment to move to fully sustainable packaging by 2025. The packaging will be recyclable reusable, or compostable, while still maintaining the freshness and quality consumers have come to expect. Reducing environmental impact by working to lower carbon emissions, water use and waste. Love a Tree. Plant a Tree. In celebration of Love a Tree Day, Black Forest is also inviting fans to continue supporting the cause by dedicating an additional 10,000 trees to fans who support the tree-planting crusade. Between May 16 and May 26, the brand is encouraging people everywhere to photograph any tree and post it on Instagram with the hashtags # #sweepstakes and tagging @blackforestusa in the caption of the post. Each day during the 10-day timeframe, Black Forest will select 10 people who have used the hashtag and celebrate their support by planting 100 trees in their name in a National Forest. "Black Forest understands the value of public lands and shares the important belief that our National Forests are key to the well-being of our communities," said Mary Mitsos, National Forest Foundation President & CEO. "Through our partnership and the Love a Tree. Plant a Tree. social campaign, we're able to engage Americans in our mission to protect our forests and inspire real change." Also watch for QR codes found on select Black Forest packages and in-store displays. Scanning the code with a smart device will let people take a virtual tour of several beautiful national forests while they learn some fun facts throughout their exploration journey. To learn more about the Black Forest purpose commitments, visit BlackForestUSA.com/Promise and follow @BlackForestUSA on Instagram and Facebook. About Black Forest Black Forest Gummies and Fruit Snacks are Real Juicy Real Good! They contain thoughtful ingredients for thoughtful snacking. Black Forest is one of the few confectionary brands that offers both conventional and USDA-Certified organic gummies and fruit snacks. Made with real fruit juice and colors added from real sources, Black Forest gummies are fat-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and full of juicy flavor. Each gummy bear has a tree stamped on its belly, a characteristic unique to the Black Forest brand, making them as cute as they are delicious. Black Forest products can be found at mass, grocery, drug, warehouse clubs and convenience retailers nationwide, and are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1.5oz bags to 6lb bags. About Ferrara Ferrara, a related company of The Ferrero Group, is an industry leader in U.S. confections and one of the fastest growing confections companies in the country. A passionate team of more than 4,000 employees work together to share delight in every bite through leading brands that have shaped the confections market for more than 100 years. Our diverse portfolio of nearly 35 brands includes SweeTARTS, Trolli, Brach's, Black Forest, Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Laffy Taffy and NERDS, along with iconic favorites like Lemonhead, Red Hots and Now and Later. Headquartered in Chicago, the company has an operational network of manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities across North America. Learn more at www.ferrarausa.com. About the National Forest Foundation The congressionally chartered National Forest Foundation promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects, and disease, improve recreational opportunities, and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org Media Contacts Courtney Pischke, Ferrara [email protected] Gabby Toro-Rosa, Golin [email protected] SOURCE Ferrara LUMBERTON, N.J., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BLANCO enhances their kitchen faucet collection with fresh new finishes, greater water efficiency and inspired new designs. The majority of BLANCO faucets have now been re-engineered from 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM) to 1.5. This provides homeowners with water-saving benefits while still delivering a strong, powerful spray. This shift to a lower GPM goes a step above the commonly used 1.8 GPM and reflects BLANCO's commitment to environmental sustainability. BLANCO URBENA in Chrome/Concrete Gray BLANCO LINUS shown in Coal Black Full Finish In addition to increased water-efficiency standards on multiple faucet collections, BLANCO is also launching the URBENA faucet as a new collection in the U.S., and re-introducing the LINUS with enhanced color finishes. Two new colors are also being added across the entire faucet portfolio in both full finish and dual finish options - Coal Black and Concrete Gray. Concrete Gray is a soft shade of gray, while the much anticipated Coal Black is the perfect matte-black accent for those who love bold design. "BLANCO recognizes the need for more water-efficient products," states Edyta Drutis, BLANCO's Director of Brand & Communications for North America. "We have transformed our portfolio to provide beautiful and sustainable water-saving faucets to consumers in North America. With our color-coordinated faucet portfolio, designers and homeowners can easily create a stylish, unified look with our SILGRANIT sinks that will ultimately complement matching bar faucets and soap dispensers while keeping environmental sustainability in mind." BLANCO faucets now have six metal finishes (Chrome, PVD Steel, Classic Steel, Stainless Steel, Polished Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze); nine full color finishes (Coal Black, Anthracite, Cafe, Cinder, Metallic Gray, Truffle, Concrete Gray, Biscuit and White); and 18 dual finishes with either Chrome or PVD Steel. To download the full press release and images for PR and Social, click here. About BLANCO BLANCO is all about residential kitchen water hub systems that are meticulously designed down to the finest detail. The brand has won over consumers worldwide with its modern design, ergonomic handling and reliable product quality. All components, from the kitchen faucet to the sink and accessories, are perfectly integrated with one another. BLANCO systems make a significant contribution towards sustainably upgrading kitchens around the globe with everyday convenience when it comes to preparing food, drinking and cleaning. Founded over 95 years ago, the company is now a leading manufacturer worldwide. With subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, plus its trading partners, BLANCO has a presence in approximately 100 countries and offers its customers a portfolio that is tailored to consumer needs. The company headquarters and key production sites in support of North American demand are in Southwest Germany and Canada. Established in 1925 by Heinrich Blanc, BLANCO is part of Blanc & Fischer Family Holding. BLANCO America has been proudly serving the U.S. market for over 30 years. blanco.com Connect with us on social Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter SOURCE BLANCO Related Links http://www.blanco.com NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a leading global cyber security company, today announced it has been named a Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner Awards Winner for Top MDR (Managed Detection and Response) Team. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation, integration, and customer implementation with Microsoft technology. BlueVoyant received the award at the second annual Microsoft Security 20/20 Awards held May 12, 2021. Award winners were announced in 18 categories spanning security, compliance and identity. "The global pandemic has fundamentally changed cybercrime, forcing businesses to recalibrate both their short and long-term cyber security risk to protect the mission-critical assets in their environment," comments Milan Patel, Co-Founder and Global Head of Managed Security Services at BlueVoyant. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a winner for the Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner awards. This prestigious accolade validates the true value we bring to our joint customers by providing Microsoft end-users and integration partners with a one-stop cyber security solution that maximizes and extends their investment in Microsoft tools, keeps their critical data in its native environment, reduces cloud consumption, mitigates risk and takes their security posture to the next level." BlueVoyant recently launched its Modern SOCan end-to-end portfolio of consulting, implementation and Managed Detection and Response Services (MDR)powered by Microsoft technology. This unites its Managed Services with Microsoft's Azure Sentinel and XDR capabilities through 365 Defender and Azure Defender. BlueVoyant's relationship with Microsoft is further strengthened with its recent acquisition of Managed Sentinel. "The pandemic changed our perspective on work, home life, and security, presenting new challenges and new opportunities," said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Security, Compliance, and Identity at Microsoft Corp. "I am so proud of the way our industry partners responded with innovation, compassion, resilience and a determination to help protect people and organizations around the world. We are delighted to recognize the excellence of these leaders at the second annual Microsoft Security 20/20 awards." This year, Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) members voted on the winners of the Microsoft Security 20/20 Awards, providing an opportunity for colleagues to honor their industry peers who align to Microsoft's core values and have delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions and services during the past year. MISA was established to help further the security ecosystem, fostering an environment where solution providers can collaborate to create a future that's safer for people and organizations alike. About BlueVoyant BlueVoyant is an expert-driven cybersecurity services company whose mission is to proactively defend organizations of all sizes against today's constant, sophisticated attackers, and advanced threats. Led by CEO, Jim Rosenthal, BlueVoyant's highly skilled team includes former government cyber officials with extensive frontline experience in responding to advanced cyber threats on behalf of the National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Unit 8200 and GCHQ, together with private sector experts. BlueVoyant services utilize large real-time datasets with industry leading analytics and technologies. Founded in 2017 by Fortune 500 executives, including Executive Chairman, Tom Glocer, and former Government cyber officials, BlueVoyant is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Maryland, Tel Aviv, San Francisco, Manila, Toronto, London, Latin America, and Budapest. For additional information: Danielle Ostrovsky C8 Consulting (Americas) T: 001 410-302-9459 E: [email protected] Jim Pople C8 Consulting (EMEA) T: +44 7955 030191 E: [email protected] Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE BlueVoyant GLENDALE, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union has awarded 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in its annual College Scholarship Program. Through the program, California Credit Union recognizes exceptional students who are active in both their schools and the communities, giving back to others through service and volunteer work. The 2021 California Credit Union scholarship recipients in Los Angeles and Orange County are: Recipient School City College Attending Syre Baker Middle College High School Los Angeles Xavier University Ivan Cortez Public Service Community High School Los Angeles UC, Irvine Elida Gonzalez Glen A. Wilson High School Hacienda Heights Whittier College Mark Gonzalez Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School Los Angeles Dartmouth College Rudy Hernandez Woodrow Wilson High School Los Angeles UC, Berkeley Carolina Nuno Phineas Banning High School Wilmington USC Eric Rodriguez Valencia High School Valencia UC, Merced Mirielle Smith Trabuco Hills High School Mission Viejo Syracuse University Vivian Wang Valencia High School Placentia Stanford University Breanna Yang Diamond Bar High School Diamond Bar Washington University Photos of recipients can be found here. "We are excited to recognize the outstanding achievements of these exceptional students as they pursue their educational goals," said California Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Their hard work and resilience through one of the most challenging years we've ever experienced is truly inspirational. Our credit union's commitment to our educational community has never been more important as we work to support our next generation of leaders in achieving their dreams. We wish all of these recipients much success in their college career." College-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming year were eligible to participate. This year, the credit union's Scholarship Program received nearly 1,300 applications, which were reviewed by a Scholarship Committee consisting of credit union staff who selected the award recipients. The California Credit Union Annual College Scholarship program was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, the credit union has awarded more than $355,000 in scholarships to students across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. About California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of nearly $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Visit ccu.com for more information, or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion. SOURCE California Credit Union Related Links http://www.ccu.com Camberwell recognizes that meaningful shared experiences start with taking care of yourselfbeginning with what you put into your body. Grown and processed on Camberwell's Farm in the heart of Oregon's Columbia Basin, Camberwell's products are produced in a state-of-the-art extraction site, the industry's largest vertically integrated, single-site CBD Oil production facility. With the combination of farming, processing, and manufacturing, Camberwell has established the Certified Camberwell standards to ensure only the highest-quality hemp flower extracts are used, allowing consumers to know and feel confident in the origin of their products from seed to soil to soul. THE CAMBERWELL DIFFERENCE: LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE BEST SHARED "Being present and able with loved ones is the greatest gift we can give to others," says Erik Attkisson, head of marketing. "Our products are designed to help people put their best foot forward so they can live a more fulfilling life with friends, family and co-workers. We believe the wellness properties in our products help remove barriers like stress, pain and sleeplessness so people can live life to the fullest, which is especially critical for so many after this past year." Camberwell shares a zeal and a zest for life experienced together. With a company purpose of bringing people closer together, Camberwell believes in the importance of taking care of one's self in order to be a great co-conspirator. This allows one to be committed to being present with loved ones, sans modern distractions and over-commitments, and this shared awareness makes it easy to say yes to new moments, new experiences, and new meaningful opportunities. After a year of being indoors and hyper-connected to devices, Camberwell is inviting everyone to make 2021 a "Year of We," encouraging more thoughtful and safe encounters and providing products to encourage being present, rested and to help diminish the anxieties of the past year. CAMBERWELL FARM & CERTIFIED CAMBERWELL STANDARDS Camberwell grows, extracts, preserves, and guarantees the highest quality of hemp flower phytocannabinoid products. The Certified Camberwell standards lead the industry in product transparency, quality and purity, allowing consumers to confidently purchase their CBD Oil products. The three tenets of Certified Camberwell include: Organic Farming: Camberwell's Farm is located at the fertile Columbia Basin of Oregon with water coming down from pristine preserves of Canada's national parks to its hemp grown in USDA certified organic soil. Camberwell's beautifully natural cannabis is a result of nature's greatest cleansersall thanks to pesticide-free and nutrient-rich soil. Camberwell's Farm is located at the fertile Basin of with water coming down from pristine preserves of national parks to its hemp grown in USDA certified organic soil. Camberwell's beautifully natural cannabis is a result of nature's greatest cleansersall thanks to pesticide-free and nutrient-rich soil. Proof of Purity: Following certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and industry standards, Camberwell uses genetically verified cannabis seeds with each batch chemically validated by independent third-party laboratories, weeding out hybrids, facsimiles and GMOs. Following certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and industry standards, Camberwell uses genetically verified cannabis seeds with each batch chemically validated by independent third-party laboratories, weeding out hybrids, facsimiles and GMOs. Bio-Preserv Processing: Camberwell's proprietary, on-farm Slow Drying & Pelletization process preserves nearly 100% of nature's phytocompounds. The custom-designed Cyro-Extrator yields high concentrations of phytocannabinoids while the gentle Three Stage Wipe Film Distillation process preserves full spectrum plant profiles, allowing for maximum phytocannabinoid and terpene activation. LIVE LIFE OUT LOUD WITH CAMBERWELL PRODUCTS Camberwell products are made with hemp flower extract containing a multiplex of naturally occurring phytocannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN, providing the entourage effect of synergistic health benefits. All quality verified and fully traceable, the current product line-up includes: Full Spectrum Nano CBD Oil Tinctures (starting at $59.99 ): Camberwell's CBD tinctures are blended with the highest grade of MCT coconut oil (C8 & C10), made to easily digest and deliver steady metabolic energy to the brain and body. The fast-acting nano CBD is absorbed by the body faster and more fully than common oral tinctures. The Camberwell tinctures are available in 750mg, 1500mg and 3000mg and are flavor-free to allow mixing with favorite foods or beverages. Camberwell's CBD tinctures are blended with the highest grade of MCT coconut oil (C8 & C10), made to easily digest and deliver steady metabolic energy to the brain and body. The fast-acting nano CBD is absorbed by the body faster and more fully than common oral tinctures. The Camberwell tinctures are available in 750mg, 1500mg and 3000mg and are flavor-free to allow mixing with favorite foods or beverages. Full Spectrum CBD Oil Vaporizer Cartridges ($40) : These 225mg fast-acting vaporizer cartridges offer one of the most effective and aromatic ways to absorb Camberwell's hemp extract and are available in flavors of forbidden fruit and blood orange, produced by natural plant terpenes. These 225mg fast-acting vaporizer cartridges offer one of the most effective and aromatic ways to absorb Camberwell's hemp extract and are available in flavors of forbidden fruit and blood orange, produced by natural plant terpenes. Full Spectrum CBD Oil Gummies (2-pack $5 ; 10-pack $20 ): Set to launch in June 2021 , Camberwell's gummies are vegan and sugar-free with 85mg of hemp flower extract, available in an elderberry flavor. Camberwell's nanotechnology uses a proprietary ultrasonication method to reduce hemp extract particle size to increase bioavailability and efficacy. For more information on Camberwell and to purchase products and brand merchandise, please visit www.camberwell.net. Stay tuned for exciting new product announcements in the coming months and follow along on Facebook at @camberwell.official and on Instagram at @camberwell_official. ABOUT CAMBERWELL Camberwell is an integrated cannabis company, headquartered in Salt Lake City with farms in the Columbia Basin of Oregon. Camberwell grows, processes and produces their own line of cannabis and hemp goods, with a goal of providing products that bring people closer together. Leading the industry in product origin transparency and quality, Camberwell has established Certified Camberwell standards for cultivation and processing. To learn more, please visit www.camberwell.net and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. #livelifebettertogether MEDIA CONTACTS Zapwater Communications Stephanie Reay / Lauren Kelly [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Camberwell Related Links http://www.camberwell.net LONDON and PARIS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chordant today announced that it will be launching the ACCO2 solution via Convex in Duclair, Normandy, France, as a global solution to curbing COVID-19 by CO 2 vigilance. Convex, Chordant's global mobility data exchange service, enables new innovative solutions by sharing, transforming, and integrating dynamic data. Sitting at the intersection between fragmented or disconnected data systems, Convex facilitates collaborative ways to enable data-driven initiatives that will help governments ensure safer, cleaner, and better environments for their citizens whilst safeguarding data sovereignty for both data providers and users. By collecting and sharing data from what are traditionally disconnected systems, a powerful operational framework is presented for organisations to accelerate their innovation cycle. The ACCO2 solution, that was designed and built collaboratively by Chordant, leverages international research that suggests the need to monitor and control CO 2 levels inside to reduce propagation of viral infections such as COVID-19 through aerosol transmission. The solution, which is delivered via Convex, is an end-to-end Solution as a Service that deploys high performance wireless and autonomous CO 2 field sensors that are connected to secure data networks. These networks are managed by mobile operators like Orange or Bouygues Telecom. The data analytics and risk alerts that are provided by the ACCO2 solution allow public authorities and private organisations to ensure the maintenance of social distancing in classrooms, restaurants, or spaces that hold groups of people. "We are very excited to have been able to launch the ACCO2 solution so quickly," comments Mika Rasinkangas, President of Chordant. "Being able to work with the French public authorities; such as the town of Duclair; to demonstrate Convex's capabilities, and respond to a pandemic that has affected so many around the world is a very proud moment for us here at Chordant." Jean Delalandre, Mayor of Duclair comments that, "We were aware of the need to maintain fresh air in confined spaces from the early days of the pandemic. It was especially important to reduce the risk of propagation in areas such as schools where many citizens would gather. We are very pleased to have partnered with Chordant to deploy their ACCO2 solution and are looking forward to its deployment in our classrooms to ensure the health of our children." About Municipality of Duclair With a population of 4,200 people, Duclair is a rural town in the Seine-Maritime department of the Normandy region in northern France. It is in the heart of the of the greater Rouen-Normandie Metropolitan authority, with junior and higher schooling system, a music and danse conservatory, a dojo, a city stadium, green roadway and very dynamic centre town. For more information, visit: www.duclair.fr About Chordant Chordant provides dynamic data exchange solutions that enable our customers to build and operate new mobility solutions that rely on shared data. Our services power data-driven applications for Cities & Regions, Connected & Autonomous Mobility and Complex Infrastructure & Facilities. Chordant operates Convex (www.convexglobal.io), the mobility data exchange for the Connected and Autonomous Mobility ecosystem and is a lead partner in CAM Testbed UK. Chordant has been recognized by numerous analyst firms and organizations for its industry-leading solutions. For more information, visit: www.chordant.io Chordant and its logo are trademarks of Chordant, Inc. All other company or product names, brands, trademarks, and logos are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Chordant Contact: Nicola Hare: [email protected] SOURCE Chordant NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) today announced that its Real Estate Finance business provided $35.7 million in financing for the construction of a new 17-story multifamily development in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn. The building, which will house 138 mixed-income rental units, is located at 230 Classon Avenue, on the corner of Willoughby Avenue in Clinton Hill. The one- and two-bedroom units will all have balconies and 30% of the units will be offered as affordable income rentals. "We are confident in New York City's resiliency and persistent need for new housing," said Tyler Wilkins, Partner of Quinlan Development Group. "We appreciated CIT's deep knowledge of the New York real estate market and its expertise in arranging this financing." "High-quality multifamily projects in major metropolitan areas are a good fit for our portfolio," said Chris Niederpruem, managing director and group head for CIT's Real Estate Finance business. "We were impressed with Quinlan Development Group's plan for the property and pleased to arrange the financing to help move it forward." CIT's Real Estate Finance business, part of the Commercial Finance division, originates and underwrites senior secured real estate transactions. With deep market expertise, underwriting experience and industry relationships, the group provides financing for single properties, property portfolios and loan portfolios. About CIT CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company's commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, community association banking, middle market banking, equipment and vendor financing, factoring, railcar financing, treasury and payments services, and capital markets and asset management. CIT's consumer banking segment includes a national direct bank and regional branch network. Discover more at cit.com/about. MEDIA RELATIONS: John M. Moran 212-461-5507 [email protected] SOURCE CIT Group Inc. Related Links www.cit.com The partner is part of Sri Lanka-based Dialog Axiata one of Sri Lanka's largest telecommunications service providers, and the country's largest mobile network operator with 14.9 million subscribers which amounts to 57% of the Sri Lankan mobile market Alain Ghiai, CEO of GlobeX Data said: "This is the region where commerce is growing the most in the coming decade and GlobeX is now ready to serve customers in the entire region" Ltd. ( ) ( ) (FRA:GDT) said it has signed agreement for a distribution deal in Sri Lanka with Dialog Broadband Networks (Private) Limited, part of Sri Lanka based , itself part of Malaysia-based telecom giant Axiata Group Berhad. Dialog Axiata PLC, is one of Sri Lanka's largest telecommunications service providers, and the country's largest mobile network operator with 14.9 million subscribers which amounts to 57% of the Sri Lankan mobile market. Axiata Group Berhad (AXIATA) commonly known as Axiata, formerly known as TM International Berhad, is a publicly-traded Malaysian multinational telecommunications conglomerate with extensive operations in Asia and is one of the largest wireless carriers in Malaysia. According to Axiata's corporate website, Axiata Group has 150 million subscribers, making it one of Asia's largest networks, covering Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Pakistan. Alain Ghiai, CEO of GlobeX Data said: "We are very happy to have signed this distribution agreement with Dialog Axiata's, Dialog Broadband Networks. It is groundbreaking as Axiata is a telecom giant serving the Indo-Pacific, Asian and ASEAN regions of the globe. This is the region where commerce is growing the most in the coming decade and GlobeX is now ready to serve customers in the entire region, through its partnership with Dialog Axiata first, and eventually as we grow in Sri Lanka, growing to other countries of the Axiata Group." The GlobeX Data CEO added: "As this is our second telecom operator we are signing up, after Latin America's America Movil, we are now on a path to work with leading telecom operators globally. The Dialog Axiata agreement plots the course for continued growth in the fastest growing Emerging Markets, as we push our leading Internet privacy and secure communications platform Sekur. As we are not connected, and never have been connected, to AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud platforms, commonly referred to as 'Big Tech', we can offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications through secure messaging, secure voice record transfer and secure email and secure video conferencing, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland." "With the latest SolarWinds hack of Microsoft Exchange platform and other platforms associated with it, and the new WhatsApp rules to share all users' data with Facebook, we have seen a surge in demand and inquiries for our secure and private communications solutions. Security and privacy are becoming a global concern, and we are looking forward to provide Swiss privacy and protection to all users of the Dialog Axiata group of companies," Ghiai concluded. The terms of the distribution agreement are based on a revenue-share model where all sales revenues are shared among the telecom operator and the company. Both the company and the telecom operators sign strict non-disclosure agreements and details of the terms need to remain confidential. The term of the distribution agreement is set for one year, commencing on the effective date of the signed agreement and may thereafter be automatically renewed on a yearly basis unless, under the same renewal terms basis unless terminated by either party with 60 days written notice before termination. If either party breaches a material provision of this agreement, the other party may immediately terminate this agreement upon written notice to the other party. GlobeX already has an agreement in place with America Movil the 7th largest telecom in the world, and largest in Latin America, as announced on October 13 2020, and this would be the second telecom conglomerate it would sign up in the emerging markets. Ghiai was recently featured in an Interview in Cybersecurity Asean, based in Malaysia, as the region has suffered some disastrous damage due to cyber-attacks as Southeast Asia remains a hotspot for cyber-attacks according to this article from Computer Weekly, especially in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as many medical and financial records have been stolen by cybercriminals. GlobeX Data is a cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure data management and secure communications. It distributes a suite of secure communications, encrypted e-mails and messaging, secure cloud-based storage, disaster recovery, document management tools. The company. sells its products through its approved wholesalers and distributors, and telecommunications companies and serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. GlobeX's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner. Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com CleanSpark Further Increases Efficiency at 95% Carbon-Free Bitcoin Mining Facility. Tweet this The Company also expects to recognize a significant profit on the sale of the displaced units, most of which were purchased as part of the acquisition of ATL Data Center, LLC in December of 2020. CleanSpark's Chief Executive Officer Zach Bradford stated, "This is an additional step in making our mining operation more efficient, which further aligns with our previously stated objective of operating all company-owned facilities at or near carbon neutral. We have publicly disclosed our current energy mix of 95% carbon-free power, at a fixed price of $0.0285 kWh. In the current climate, being sufficiently capitalized to secure and quickly install this additional order of highly sought after S19 Pro 110 TH/s units is a significant accomplishment. The 1 MW that will be made available as a result of the increased efficiency will now be used to power additional S19 units slated for arrival over the coming months. Additionally, because of the market and global increase in bitcoin prices and demand for rigs, we are able to sell our prior-generation, less-efficient models at substantial gains. This transition to the upgraded equipment is expected to increase our hash rate capacity to over 400 PH/s while using the same amount of power that we previously used to generate 330 PH/s. At current difficulty rates this improvement will increase our daily production by an estimated half of a bitcoin per day." Parties interested in learning more about CleanSpark products and services are encouraged to inquire by contacting the Company directly at [email protected] or visiting the Company's website at www.cleanspark.com. About CleanSpark: CleanSpark, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is in the business of providing advanced software, controls, and technology solutions to solve modern energy challenges. CleanSpark has a suite of software solutions that provides end-to-end microgrid energy modeling, energy market communications, and energy management solutions. CleanSpark's offerings consist of intelligent energy monitoring and controls, intelligent microgrid design software, middleware communications protocols for the energy industry, energy system engineering, custom hardware solutions, microgrid installation and implementation services, traditional data center services and software consulting services. The Company and its subsidiaries also own and operate a fleet of Bitcoin miners at its facility outside of Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about the Company, please visit the Company's website at https://www.cleanspark.com/investor-relations. Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's plans and expectations for expansion of its energy initiatives, deployment of miners, the growth of the facility and other statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies of the Company. The Company has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "expect," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "intend," "may," "will," "plan," "goal" and similar terms and phrases, but such words, terms and phrases are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation: delays in equipment and battery energy storage systems availability and delivery, the successful deployment of energy solutions for residential and commercial applications, the fitness of the Company's energy hardware, software and other solutions for this particular application or market, the expectations of future revenue growth may not be realized, ongoing demand for the Company's software products and related services, the impact of global pandemics (including COVID-19) on the demand for our products and services; and other risks described in the Company's prior press releases and in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update this press release (including any forward-looking statements contained herein) to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Contact - Investor Relations: CleanSpark Inc. Investor Relations (801)-244-4405 SOURCE CleanSpark, Inc. Related Links http://www.cleanspark.com TACOMA, Wash., May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Health Care's Foster Adoption Clinic has been designated as a Foster Care Center of Excellence by Coordinated Care , the managed care provider for the Apple Health Foster Care program. The clinic received this accreditation due to its exemplary processes and medical services that provide specialized care for children in the child welfare system. Centers of Excellence are recognized as multidisciplinary medical centers where youth in the child welfare system receive coordinated healthcare services. To qualify as a Center of Excellence, a healthcare provider must meet more than 50 criteria proving its ability to provide a higher standard of care and access to resources for children who suffer from trauma. The clinic staff also conducts annual staff training in trauma-informed care. "The nature of foster care and adoption is that broken relationships got you to this place, so we focus on resiliency and building relationships to help give patients a healthy future," said Desiree White, ARNP and director of the Foster Adoption Clinic. "There is this common thread of trauma that ties the foster and adoption families together, and by acknowledging that thread we can care for whole family in a unique way." As a Center of Excellence, Community Health Care's Foster Adoption Clinic will be an entry point for healthcare for the entire family touched by foster care, kinship care and adoption, providing: Sensory friendly, trauma-minimizing exam room Initial health exams within 72 hours Well child checks within 30 days of entering care Behavioral health services Dental Services Referrals to specialists Prescriptions, Lab tests and x-rays By collaborating with more than 30 community partners and state-level child welfare agencies in Pierce, King and surrounding counties, the clinic has been able to reach traditionally underserved populations that have touchpoints in the child welfare system, such as homeless youth and those in group homes, unaccompanied minors, pregnant teens in foster care, and foster alumni who have "aged out" of the system. "The community is really rallying around these caregivers and forming a safety net," said Nathan LaChine, Founder of Evergreen Caregiver Support. "This clinic is becoming a community cornerstone in that way, and the partnerships being formed reflect a holistic approach to care for the kids and families. Seeing the synergy that is starting to develop in the community around this clinic is amazing." Centers of Excellence can also refer youth to Coordinated Care for additional support. In 2016, the Washington State Health Care Authority named Coordinated Care as the sole health plan responsible for managing the healthcare of the state's approximately 24,000 youth involved in the child welfare system including foster care, adoption support and alumni of foster care. "Coordinated Care is pleased to recognize Community Health Care's Foster Adoption Clinic as a Center of Excellence," said Beth Johnson, President and CEO of Coordinated Care. "They are setting the bar high for what a trauma informed approach looks like in healthcare. We are excited to see how their innovative approaches like utilizing a family room help youth and families involved with child welfare thrive." About Community Health Care Community Health Care is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center serving patients across Pierce County. No one is ever turned away for inability to pay. For more information about Community Health Care visit our website at www.commhealth.org. To make an appointment, call (253) 722-2161. Press Contact: Cathy Hall 12537221508 https://www.commhealth.org SOURCE Community Health Care CLEVELAND, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- We are excited to announce that on Friday, April 30, 2021, Crane Asset Management LLC of Beverly Hills, CA, signed an agreement to merge with Carnegie Investment Counsel. This relationship is the second Los Angeles agreement for Carnegie in the past two years. In 2019, Laurel Grove Capital joined Carnegie, which established an initial presence on the West Coast. Crane Asset Management brings more depth to Carnegie through valued client relationships and senior portfolio management talent. John R. Frye, CFA, and Sharon E. Blunk, the co-partners of Crane Asset Management, share Carnegie's investment philosophy that includes fiduciary responsibility, portfolio customization and long-term outlook on the market. Richard Alt, Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Carnegie, believes Crane Asset Management is a great fit that serves a similar clientele. Mr. Frye will join Isabel Pedrosa, Portfolio Manager, in the Carnegie office located in Century City, CA. Isabel stepped in as successor to Leora Garner, founder of Laurel Grove Capital, who sadly passed last year. Mr. Frye, co-founder of Crane Asset Management, oversees all aspects of the investment and portfolio management process for clients. John has 42 years of experience in the investment field. Before co-founding Crane Asset Management, John served as Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Renberg & Associates in Beverly Hills. He began his career with E. F. Hutton & Company in New York and subsequently worked with Alex. Brown & Sons in Baltimore. "We are excited to welcome John," says Richard Alt. "He brings a level of experience and gravitas to the Carnegie team that will be a benefit to all of us." "Our firm is built to embrace the different strengths of advisors. Our advisors provide custom portfolio management centered around what is best for the client. I believe this approach enhances the client experience and keeps our team sharp," says Gary Wagner. "Crane Asset Management has had the same fiduciary approach with their clients at the center." Carnegie Investment Counsel is an experienced partner firm built to embrace RIA advisors. Carnegie has grown to over $3 Billion AUM (as of 3/31/21) and has successfully combined a number of firms that value the extra effort to provide a personal and custom approach to serving clients. Carnegie Investment Counsel ("Carnegie") has been serving investors since 1974, founded by Prescott, Ball & Turben. Carnegie is a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Carnegie's strategies and the investment risks and advisory fees associated with each strategy can be found within Part 2A of the firm's Form ADV, which is available at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/. Carnegie is a fee-only Investment Adviser that is independently owned, with no obligations to deliver profits to outside shareholders. As a fiduciary, Carnegie seeks to place the client's best interest first. For more information, call 800.321.2322 or visit www.carnegieinvest.com. Contact: Gary Wagner, Principal/COO Phone: 216-367-4106 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Carnegie Investment Counsel Related Links carnegieinvest.com WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced today that it has appointed A. Shane Sanders to its Board of Directors and to its Audit Committee. This addition expands the size of Danaher's Board from twelve to thirteen members. Mr. Sanders is currently Senior Vice President of Business Transformation at Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ). Since joining Verizon in 1997, he has served in a series of progressively more responsible leadership positions including as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance from 2015 to 2020. Prior to joining Verizon, Mr. Sanders served in various finance roles at Hallmark Cards, Inc. and Safelite Glass Corporation, and began his career at Grant Thornton in 1984. Mr. Sanders earned his B.S. in Accounting from Oklahoma City University and his M.B.A. from Rockhurst University, and he is a Certified Public Accountant. Steven M. Rales, Chairman of the Board of Danaher Corporation, said "We are very pleased to welcome Shane to the Danaher Board of Directors. His extensive leadership experience in corporate finance over the last twenty-five years will be a tremendous asset to our Board and to Danaher as we strive to build sustainable, long-term shareholder value." ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in the demanding and attractive health care, environmental and applied end-markets. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of approximately 69,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System, and its Shared Purpose, Helping Realize Life's Potential. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com. SOURCE Danaher Corporation Related Links http://www.danaher.com MILAN, Italy, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Diadem srl, a company developing the first blood-based test for the early prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD), today announced new data showing that its AlzoSure prognostic biomarker test can accurately predict progression to Alzheimer's disease six to seven years before symptoms appear. The new study results are being presented today at the 2021 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) Satellite Symposium. Results of the study are available as a preprint1 and are also being submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The Diadem assay uses a proprietary antibody to measure blood levels of a conformational variant of the p53 protein that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Previous studies suggest that this p53 variant has utility as a predictive biomarker to identify individuals likely to progress to AD up to six years before symptoms appear. The new study is based on health data collected from 224 participants in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Aging (AIBL). The well-characterized cohort includes extensive longitudinal patient data and plasma samples. The prognostic performance of Diadem's biomarker test in predicting progression to Alzheimer's dementia was high, with "area under the curve" values (a measure of the accuracy of a quantitative diagnostic test) above 0.90 for both preclinical pre-symptomatic patients and for prodromal stage patients beginning to manifest early dementia symptoms. The study results indicated promising positive and negative predictive values of about 90% when predicting the progression to AD dementia more than 6 years prior to symptom onset. Additionally, the prognostic performance of the Diadem biomarker test was superior to covariate measures including age, gender, and APOE-related genetic susceptibility, either alone or in combination with amyloid status. The Diadem biomarker test also achieved high diagnostic performance in the ability to differentiate cognitively normal individuals from patients with AD dementia. The data are being presented today at the AAIC Satellite Symposium by Simona Piccirella, PhD, Diadem's Vice President of Product Development and Operations. Dr. Piccirella noted, "Our ability to accurately identify individuals at high risk of progressing to AD early in the disease process, when effective disease-modifying interventions are still feasible, is a game-changer. Our simple, affordable and accessible blood-based technology will enable individuals to be widely screened in primary care settings, setting the stage for achieving tangible progress against this devastating disease that could benefit millions of people worldwide." Diadem is developing the AlzoSure assay as a simple, non-invasive plasma-based biomarker test to accurately predict the probability that a patient with asymptomatic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to Alzheimer's dementia. The company's patented technology uses an analytical method that includes a proprietary antibody designed to bind to the conformational variant U-p53AZ protein and target sequences developed by Diadem. Diadem is currently conducting further validation studies in about 1000 subjects, with additional results expected this year. The company plans to initiate a global launch in collaboration with strategic partners within the next 12 months. About Alzheimer's Disease There are about 50 million people suffering from dementia worldwide. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form and accounts for 60-70% of cases. At present there are no disease modifying treatments for Alzheimer's, and therapies to treat symptoms are limited. There are about 10 million new cases per year, and the incidence is rising rapidly as the population ages. The current total cost of care is enormous--estimated at 1 trillion dollars in the U.S. annually and expected to double by 2030. Currently, diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is slow, inconclusive, invasive and expensive. Development of effective therapies for Alzheimer's has been hindered by the lack of accurate and cost-effective diagnostic and prognostic methods. 1. Piccirella, S.; Uberti, D.; Xiong, C.; Fowler, C.; Doecke, J.; Fagan, A.; Frisoni, G.; Kinnon, P. Performance of a Non-Invasive Blood Test for a Conformational Variant of p53 to Predict Alzheimer's Disease Within 6 Years of Clinical Diagnosis. Preprints 2021, 2021050267 (doi: 10.20944/preprints202105.0267.v1) About Diadem Diadem was founded as a spin-off of the University of Brescia (Italy). The company is developing the first blood-based prognostic test for the early detection of dementia, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. The lack of accurate, accessible and affordable diagnostic tools is a major contributor to the absence of effective treatments for this devastating condition. As a result, patients are not diagnosed until late in the illness, when effective treatment is no longer possible. Diadem's rapid, accurate, cost effective and predictive blood-based prognostic test makes it possible for the first time to identify patients early in the disease process, when effective interventions and better outcomes are far more feasible. The utility of the approach has been demonstrated in early clinical studies. Additional retrospective and prospective clinical trials to further validate clinical claims and support widespread adoption and use are underway or planned. Diadem's founding lead investor is Milan-based Panakes Partners, a venture capital firm that finances promising high potential biomedical companies in Europe and Israel. Diadem is preparing for rapid commercialization of its initial Alzheimer's prognostic via a global launch in collaboration with strategic partners. For more information, visit www.diademdx.com/. Contacts: Corporate: Media: Diadem Barbara Lindheim : Paul Kinnon BLL Partners for Diadem CEO [email protected] [email protected] +1 (917) 355-9234 SOURCE Diadem SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DoorDash Inc. (NYSE: DASH) announced financial results today for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Please visit the DoorDash investor relations website at http://ir.doordash.com to view our financial results and letter to shareholders. A live audio webcast of our earnings release call will be available at http://ir.doordash.com . The call begins Thursday, May 13 at 2:00pm (PT) / 5:00pm (ET). Announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events, as well as press and earnings releases are available on that site. Upcoming Events The Company plans to participate in the following virtual investor conferences: DoorDash Vice President of Investor Relations Andy Hargreaves will participate in a fireside chat at the 16th Annual Needham Virtual Technology and Media Conference on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30am (PT) / 9:30am (ET) . will participate in a fireside chat at the 16th Annual Needham Virtual Technology and Media Conference on at / . DoorDash Chief Financial Officer Prabir Adarkar will participate in a fireside chat at J.P. Morgan's 49th Annual Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on Wednesday, May 26 at 11:55am (PT) / 2:55pm (ET) . Interested parties can view the live and recorded webcasts of both presentations at the DoorDash investor relations website at http://ir.doordash.com . About DoorDash DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 4,000 cities and all 50 states across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Founded in 2013, DoorDash enables local businesses to address consumers' expectations of ease and immediacy and thrive in today's convenience economy. By building the last-mile logistics infrastructure for local commerce, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. Investor Relations Contact [email protected] Press Contact [email protected] SOURCE DoorDash The #UnityAgainstHate rally will take place on Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m. (EDT) and 11 a.m. (PDT). Tweet this Organizers are inviting all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender to join. "Violence against one group, is violence against all Americans," said #UnityAgainstHate National Spokesperson Ken Fujimoto. "Hate crimes are tearing apart our great nation. This has to stop. We are calling people of all colors and gender to come together in #UnityAgainstHate." Fujimoto pointed that the rise in hate crimes is not limited to just Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. The rally is planned in cities the country, including Washington, D.C., New York, Houston, Dallas, So. Cal, the Bay Area, Sacramento and multiple locations in Ohio. "There are been dark times in our history when we have blamed one group or another for our problems, but we can and must do better than that. We must look beyond race, ethnicity or gender," said Fujimoto. Dozens of organizations have committed their support to the Unity Against Hate Rally including, California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (APILC), Asian Pacific Islander Americans Public Affairs Association (APAPA), NAACP, League of Women Voters, National Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Equality California, Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) and many more. "We must end the violence. And we must stand together in #UnityAgainstHate. Join us." For more information concerning the #UnityAgainstHate rally or to schedule an interview with the organizers, contact Jade Stevens at [email protected]. Contact: Jade Stephens [email protected] SOURCE Unity Against Hate LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DTO Law , with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, is proud to celebrate its second anniversary and announce the addition of two new associates: Isabella Chilingaryan and David Ramirez-Galvez. Since opening its doors in 2019, DTO has tripled in size from five attorneys to fifteen, increasing its team's breadth and depth of experience. Isabella Chilingaryan bolsters DTO's growing real estate practice after launching her legal career in Sidley Austin's commercial real estate practice group, where she specialized in commercial real estate matters. Isabella expands DTO's ability to meet the real estate transactional needs of its clients, specifically with development, acquisition, disposition, financing, and leasing of commercial real estate properties. Isabella also managed various projects that dealt with land use, governmental, and community outreach issues during her tenure with Jamison Properties. Isabella is a graduate of the University of Southern California Law Center. David Ramirez-Galvez adds additional firepower to DTO's already-impressive litigation arsenal. After graduating from Stanford Law School, David clerked for the Honorable Gregg Costa of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. After his clerkship, David joined Susman Godfrey LLP and gained experience litigating high-stakes cases. While at Susman and later Jenner & Block LLP, David represented clients in antitrust, business tort, civil RICO, class action, consumer protection, copyright, employment, patent, and transnational matters. He will use his wide-ranging experience to represent DTO's clients in class actions, intellectual property cases, and complex commercial litigation matters. David also maintains an active pro bono practice, with a special emphasis on civil rights and immigration matters, and is bilingual. "Isabella and David recognized the value proposition DTO offers young associates. Rather than being a cog in a BigLaw machine, they can get early, substantive experience on the ground floor of a young and dynamic firm," says Founding Partner Megan O'Neill. DTO is trusted outside counsel for a variety of clients, from startups to Fortune 50 companies, in intellectual property, class action, and complex litigation matters as well as transactional and commercial real estate matters. The firm's current clients include American Honda, Costco, HP, Live Nation, Microsoft, PayPal, Penske Media Corporation, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, The Bountiful Co., and Toyota Financial, among others. DTO is 100% owned and operated by women and persons of color and a champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With its roster of high profile clients, the firm was recently shortlisted by prestigious law firm ranking guide Chambers for its "2021 Outstanding North American Firm for D&I" award. DTO was also named 2020 "Law Firm MVP" by the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). "Two years ago, we set out to create an elite firm that is also diverse and inclusive; it is baked into our DNA. Our clients want this; they appreciate the varied perspectives we provide in an ever-changing world," said Managing Partner William Delgado. "When you assemble an amazing team of lawyers with varied perspectives, each of whom can successfully tackle complex cases and sophisticated legal issues, growth is inevitable." SOURCE DTO Law MALIBU, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Plastic Oceans International is pleased to welcome EcoWatch - a long-time leader in environmental journalism - as the official Global Media Partner for the inaugural Trees & Seas festival. Organized by Plastic Oceans International and UNU, Trees & Seas will take place August 2 - 8, 2021, with a mission to educate on the concept that we are all one planet, one environment, and in the end, one global community united in our effort to foster a healthier planet for all. Plastic Oceans International The beauty of Chiloe Island, Chile, hub of this years Trees & Seas. Photo: Cesar Gallardo "Our goal is to build a bridge between ocean and forest conservation to demonstrate a shared community experience globally," said Julie Andersen, CEO of Plastic Oceans International. "By producing a safe, fun, informative and accessible event, we believe we have the opportunity to do just that, and EcoWatch serves as the perfect media partner to help us communicate that value." The event will include over 50,000 trees planted, over 100 coastal and forest cleanups, over 50 youth eco workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, art and live music. Activities will take place in over 20 locations around the world, including its primary hub on Chile's Chiloe Island, which is part of South America's iconic Patagonia region. "EcoWatch is thrilled to be the global media partner for the first-ever annual Trees & Seas festival," said Irma Omerhodzic, managing editor of EcoWatch. There has never been a more crucial time to unify environmental efforts to create a more harmonized planet. We've been reporting on the environment for years and know it is time to move beyond the news desk to amplify conservation efforts for a healthier planet and life. We believe in the movement to bridge ocean and forest conservation and will do our part to spread the message of the Trees & Seas mission: we are all connected. It is an honor to be a part of this incredible effort." Trees & Seas is part of the BlueCommunities initiative of Plastic Oceans International, which is a program to support local projects, worldwide, that can inspire change on a global scale, in the effort to eliminate single-use plastic pollution. Members of the BlueCommunities program are organizing supportive events and individuals are also encouraged to join the effort by organizing small actions with their friends, family and/or colleagues. EcoWatch joins other key partners for Trees & Seas that include One Tree Planted, Chile's Ministry of Environment, Mexico City's Secretary of the Environment, Avocado Green Mattress, NatraCare, Kiss the Ground, BioBag Chile and the MERI Foundation. For more information, visit TreesAndSeas.earth and PlasticOceans.org About Plastic Oceans International A US-based non-profit organization working to end plastic pollution and to foster sustainable communities worldwide. We operate with the belief that we can and must act locally in order to create change globally, and we do so through the power of film to empower and globalize community actions. In addition to their global entity, Plastic Oceans has branches in Canada, Chile, Mexico, Europe and the Great Lakes region of the U.S. About EcoWatch EcoWatch is a long-time leader in environmental news. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, today we are a digital platform still dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. While we've grown from a grassroots newspaper of 80,000 print copies to a site with a digital audience of more than two million monthly readers, we are still committed to our founding principle: creating a sustainable future. Media Contact Tod Hardin [email protected] 408-656-3570 SOURCE Plastic Oceans International The FDA 510(k)-cleared ENvue system consists of an electro-mechanical device with embedded software and enteral feeding tubes. Leveraging the power of electromagnetic technology, the device creates a personalized body map of patients, allowing the medical staff to precisely place the tube in the stomach or small intestine through the oral or nasoenteric route. "Unlike competing products, the ENvue system creatively displays a frontal, lateral, and axial view of the patients' actual body contours simultaneously, while also highlighting the enteral feeding tube's direction in real time," said Neeraj Nitin Jadhav, Senior Research Analyst. "Such real-time and multi-faceted visualization and directional guidance provides increased confidence to healthcare support staff while inserting the feeding tube, eliminating the risk of placement in the patients' lungs, and; thus, associated complications." The ENvue system's novel electromagnetic tracking technology reduces the tube placement procedure time by half compared to commercially available products. Frost & Sullivan notes that shortening the time required to initiate feeding is extremely important for critically ill and malnourished intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Moreover, it eliminates the need for repeated X-ray confirmations, resulting in minimized radiation exposure and associated health complications which subsequently reduce the healthcare costs. "Enteral feeding plays an important role in providing critical nutrition to hospitalized patients who cannot tolerate the standard method of food intake," noted Jadhav. "The pioneering ENvue system provides uniquely safe and rapid feeding tube positioning, contributing to improved outcomes for critically ill patients." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that develops a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify the industry's best practices. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh P: +91-20 6718 9725 E: [email protected] About ENvizion Founded 2013, ENvizion Medical is a privately held medical device company located in Tel Aviv, with U.S. distribution headquarters in Minneapolis. ENvizion is an innovation leader in the field of enteral feeding, focused on improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care, encompassing the development of advanced, personalized navigation technology for feeding tubes, responding to the challenges of the ever changing healthcare environment, while continuously focusing on the customer. For more information, visit https://www.envizionmed.com/ Contact: Hila Peleg [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com The company has hired American Drilling Corp for one, possibly two, core rigs, and the first has already started on a series of follow-ups around a reverse circulation hole that discovered shallow, high-grade, oxide gold mineralization 85 meters east of the Merritt Zone Newrange also said it had re-hired Geophysica TMC to continue the induced polarization (IP) survey over the recently staked claims at Pamlico Newrange Gold Corp ( ) ( ) (FRA:X6C) revealed that drilling has started again at its flagship Pamlico project in Nevada, USA in a bid to delineate a high-grade zone. The company said it has hired American Drilling Corp for one, possibly two, core rigs, and the first has already started on a series of follow-ups around a reverse circulation (RC) hole that discovered shallow, high-grade, oxide gold mineralization 85 meters east of the Merritt Zone. That previously reported hole hit 123.5 meters (m), averaging 1.13 grams per ton (g/t) gold, including several high-grade intervals such as 12.47 g/t of the yellow metal, over 4.5 meters and 13.01 g/t of gold over 1.5 meters. "We are excited to resume drilling at Pamlico and look forward to delineating the new high-grade zone," Robert Archer, CEO of Newrange, told investors in a statement. "In particular, the ability to obtain core rather than rock chips (from RC drilling) will help interpret the structures that control the gold mineralization in this area. As these follow-up holes will be relatively shallow, they should be completed fairly quickly and allow us to get the samples into the lab while we move the drill onto the deeper holes testing the various targets defined by the Induced Polarization (IP) surveys." "We know that there is a relationship between gold and the fine pyrite detected by the IP but some of the stronger anomalies are still untested as they lie beyond the reach of the RC drill we had previously. Consequently, we will be following up on the 91 Zone and testing the deeper part of the Line 5 anomaly before moving south to test the Skarn Zone," Archer added. Newrange also said it had re-hired Geophysica TMC to continue the induced polarization (IP) survey over the recently staked claims at Pamlico. Based upon previous survey results, the company has more than tripled the size of the property to around 8,900 hectares through staking and will conduct reconnaissance scale IP in order to extend the known anomalies and determine how much of the new ground to keep, it said. Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com ARCADIA, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EVCS, a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) charging station industry, today announced it has partnered with iKahan Media, an independent, minority-owned (MBE) certified outdoor media company to expand and to create a digital billboard network combining EVCS chargers with state of the art LED screens. EVCS offers a no-cost, turnkey charging station solution to a diverse set of customers ranging from healthcare and hospitality to local governments and mixed-use campuses to benefit real estate owners. In partnering with iKahan Media, EVCS will upgrade its fast-charging network with electronic displays to enable advertising and digital signage opportunities and create a greater value for all involved parties. By expanding its business model to include advertising displays on its fast-charging network, EVCS has created a new revenue stream that further improves the economics of the EV fast charging network. The partnership between iKahan Media and EVCS creates an ad network to offer advertisers a premium platform to reach their audience, benefiting both hosting sites and EV drivers. Commercial site partners already benefit from the company's revenue sharing program which includes an increase in foot traffic and improved visibility through the ECVS mobile app. "Our mission has always been to create the most reliable and accessible charging infrastructure in the nation to reduce the economic burden of commuting while simultaneously improving air quality through decreased traffic. By partnering with iKahan Media, we are able to further that mission and together we are creating an amazing platform for advertisers to connect with a captive audience and provide highly-targeted advertising opportunities," said Ian Vishnevsky, co-founder of EVCS. "We are delighted to partner with iKahan Media and bring a premium digital experience to our charging stations." Alejandro Kahan, Chief Executive Officer of iKahan Media said, "We are excited to partner with EVCS to provide state-of-the-art LED digital advertising displays for its EV fast charging network. Our displays bring a unique and targeted advertising opportunity to connect brands and customers and in partnering with EVCS, we are able to work with one of the fastest growing and largest EV fast charging network operators in the U.S." As EVCS continues to expand its EV fast charging network and business model, EVCS is also considering potential equity financing opportunities. Investors and interested parties can contact the Investment Banking Division of Jett Capital Advisors below. Commercial sites interested in exploring the opportunity to have fast-charging stations installed at no cost should visit EVCS turnkey solutions to learn more. About EVCS EVCS was founded in 2018 by e-mobility entrepreneur and Green Commuter founder Gustavo Occhiuzzo and Ian Vishnevsky, to provide California businesses with charging station solutions. EVCS disrupted the charging station sector by employing a complete turnkey approach that utilizes both public and private grants, rebates, and other financial incentives to encourage businesses to install fast charging stations. EVCS has secured over $50M in public funding and engaged over 500 partner sites which will host over 1,000 fast charging stations. Visit EVCS for more information here: www.evcs.com. About iKahan Media Founded in 2008, iKahan Media is an independent, minority-owned and certified, out of home media company that connects brands with real customers in the real world through many outdoor media channels delivering millions of daily impressions. They offer premium inventory, including digital billboards, traditional billboards, and construction barricades in Los Angeles & New York. Nationally, they offer state of the art LED trucks that can reach anyone, anywhere, anytime via customized routes and engaging full motion messaging. iKahan's core specialty started and continues to be with the U.S. urban marketplace. They are able to reach this segment through hyper local media placements at Supermarkets, Pharmacies, C-Stores, Laundromats, Nail Salons, Barber Shops, and more. Visit iKahan Media for more information here: iKahan Media Media Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez Firecracker PR [email protected] (888) 317-4687 ext. 702 EVCS Financing Inquiries: Jett Capital Advisors Investment Banking Division (212)616-0430 [email protected] SOURCE EVCS Related Links http://www.evcs.com WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost four months into an unprecedented migration crisis at our southern border, it is long past time for the Biden administration to give the American public a straightforward account of what, if anything, they intend to do to curb mass illegal immigration and the record levels of unaccompanied children crossing our border, declared the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). It has traditionally been the role of the Fourth Estate to elicit honest responses about tough issues from those in power something that has been conspicuously lacking in the media's coverage of the Biden administration's handling of the border and immigration policy. "Two years ago, amidst another migration crisis at the border, the American news media asked tough, pointed questions of the Trump administration and refused to accept evasive or patently inaccurate answers from the president or his spokespeople. The American people deserve nothing less from journalists covering the Biden White House," declared Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "What we are witnessing, on a daily basis, is nothing less than a humanitarian, national security, and public health crisis playing out on our southern border, while the White House tries to pass it off as a mere 'situation' to be managed. It is time for the watchdogs to start barking," said Stein. In a document titled, Questions the Media Should be Asking about the Biden Border Crisis FAIR provides several dozen questions that reporters covering the White House should be asking administration officials that would shed light on the administration's actions and immigration policy objectives. The questions cover border policy, interior enforcement policy, the impact of these policies on American workers, taxpayers, and local governments, the role of criminal cartels in smuggling people to the U.S., and the administration's legislative goal of granting amnesty to millions of people here illegally to name just a few. "Recent polling shows that the American public is overwhelmingly opposed to President Biden's border and immigration policies, and is alarmed about the crisis playing out at the border," continued Stein. And, well, they should be. We have an administration in place that is not only ignoring a crisis of its own making, ignoring the concerns of the American people and the leaders of Mexico and the Northern Triangle nations, but is serving as a de facto collaborator with transnational criminal cartels. Yet most mainstream news media in dereliction of their duty refuse to ask the questions that need to be asked," concluded Stein. The document may be accessed here. Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected] ABOUT FAIR Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced. SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Related Links http://www.fairus.org SILVER SPRING, Md., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following quote is attributed to Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response: "The FDA has been working with the CDC, state partners and Canadian officials to investigate the largest Salmonella Newport outbreak in over a decade, which was linked to red onions. The FDA, today, released a 2020 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Red Onions Report that includes an overview of our investigation findings, including factors that potentially contributed to the Salmonella contamination of red onions. "Our investigation found the outbreak to be linked to whole red onions supplied by Thomson International, Inc., with farms in Bakersfield and Holtville, California. During the investigation, the FDA identified several plausible opportunities for contamination that may have contributed to the outbreak, including potentially contaminated irrigation water, sheep grazing on adjacent land, signs of animal intrusion including scat (fecal droppings) and large flocks of birds that may spread contamination, as well as packing house cleaning and sanitizing practices. "Eleven of the environmental subsamples tested positive for various types of Salmonella Newport; however, none matched the outbreak strain. Although a conclusive root cause could not be identified, the FDA's leading hypothesis is that contaminated irrigation water used in a growing field in Holtville, California may have led to contamination of the onions. Considering these findings, the FDA encourages all produce growers to assess risks that may be posed by adjacent and nearby land uses, especially as it relates to the presence of livestock and the interface between farmland, rangeland, irrigation water, and other agricultural areas. "Safeguarding the U.S. food supply and helping to ensure that our food is not contaminated at any point during its journey along the supply chain is a critical focus of the FDA's work. Food safety is a shared responsibility that involves food producers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators. The FDA is committed to working with these stakeholders to advance the critical work to reduce the potential for contamination events and ensure the continued safety of our food supply." Additional Information: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is releasing a report on an investigation conducted in response to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport , which caused more than 1,600 reported illnesses in the U.S. and Canada between June and October 2020 . , which caused more than 1,600 reported illnesses in the U.S. and between June and . The FDA's investigation identified Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California , as the likely source of contaminated red onions. Thomson International, Inc. recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions due to the risk of cross contamination. , as the likely source of contaminated red onions. Thomson International, Inc. recalled all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions due to the risk of cross contamination. This was the largest Salmonella outbreak in more than a decade. The FDA recommends that all produce farms assess growing operations to ensure implementation of appropriate science- and risk-based preventive measures, including applicable provisions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and good agricultural practices. Additional Resources: Media Contact: Courtney Rhodes, 202-281-5237 Consumer Inquiries: 888-723-3366 The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration Related Links http://www.fda.gov NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation For a Better World (FFBW) recently honored the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) with the inaugural Claugus Award for its commitment and dedication to Alzheimer's research. The award includes $250,000 to be invested in research furthering the ADDF's mission of accelerating the discovery of drugs to treat, prevent and cure Alzheimer's disease. The Claugus Award aims to recognize and amplify the work of those who have devoted their lives to the betterment of the world, placing great value on both leadership and empathy. The ADDF exemplifies the spirit of this award through its drive to support the most innovative science in the ongoing search for treatments and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease, according to Beatriz Illescas-Putzeys Claugus, the FFBW's President. She added, "This award serves to recognize the ADDF's desire to do good for humanity through discovering drugs that may one day ensure no one else has to suffer from Alzheimer's disease." The Foundation For a Better World funds numerous organizations worldwide fighting to find cures for neurodegenerative diseases, improving access to quality education, and supporting major global development initiatives in the developing world. "When I began thinking of our areas of focus at the FFBW, Alzheimer's disease came to mind as a growing global health burden and huge unmet need, one that the ADDF has been taking great strides to fill," said Tom Claugus, Chairman of the FFBW. "The FFBW views medical research as the field that can provide the highest value to society and there's no other organization that compares to the ADDF in terms of unmatched, laser-focused dedication to cutting-edge science. They've really laid the groundwork for the field." Recognizing the meaningful partnership forged between the two organizations over the past four years, Illescas-Putzeys Claugus, who also serves on the ADDF's Board of Governors, added that the FFBW chose the ADDF as its primary funding recipient because of their collaboration supporting numerous promising phase 2 clinical trials, including one targeting oxidative stress and another focused on senolytics, novel drug targets associated with the biology of aging. "We are honored to be recognized with the Claugus Award, and being the inaugural recipient makes it that much more meaningful," said Howard Fillit, the ADDF's Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer. "In addition to our commitment to funding the most exciting science available, part of what makes the ADDF special is the shared dedication of every individual to finding a cure. We are proud to have the partnership of the FFBW, which, with this new award, makes it possible for us to drive forward even more crucial research, including advancing clinical trials, many of which are now in phase 2 and are expected to report out in the next year or so." The Story Behind the Award The Claugus Award is represented by an original sculpture, titled "Unity," from Guatemalan artist Arturo de la Riva, a childhood friend of Illescas-Putzeys Claugus who founded a pre-school in Guatemala and represented her country as Consul General to Houston, Miami and Atlanta before beginning her work with FFBW. "It was very important to me to honor my roots when it came to creating this award," she explained. "The sculpture is an interpretation of a microscope, constructed from three intertwined glass elements representing the FFBW, the ADDF and the award, all of which work together to make the world a better place." ABOUT THE ALZHEIMER'S DRUG DISCOVERY FOUNDATION Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $168 million to fund over 650 Alzheimer's drug discovery and biomarker programs and clinical trials in 19 countries. To learn more, please visit: http://www.alzdiscovery.org/. ABOUT FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER WORLD The Foundation For a Better World funds a wide array of initiatives supporting medical research, education and global development with a specific focus on advancing medical research that seeks to treat and cure neurodegenerative diseases. To learn more, please visit: https://forabetterworldfoundation.org/. SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation Related Links www.alzdiscovery.org NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) today announced that the Company will report results for the first quarter fiscal 2022 on May 27, 2021, before the market opens, and hold its quarterly earnings conference call at 7:30 a.m. (central) the same day. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available at http://genesco.gcs-web.com/financial-information/quarterly-results An audio archive of the call will be available at http://genesco.gcs-web.com/financial-information/quarterly-results for up to one year In addition, a summary of the first quarter results will be available on the Genesco website on May 27, 2021 , at http://genesco.gcs-web.com/financial-information/quarterly-results About Genesco Inc. Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer and branded company, sells footwear and accessories in more than 1,455 retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Little Burgundy, Schuh, Schuh Kids, Johnston & Murphy, and on internet websites www.journeys.com , www.journeyskidz.com , www.journeys.ca , www.littleburgundyshoes.com , www.schuh.co.uk , www.johnstonmurphy.com , www.johnstonmurphy.ca , www.nashvilleshoewarehouse.com, and www.dockersshoes.com . In addition, Genesco sells footwear at wholesale under its Johnston & Murphy brand, the licensed Levi's brand, the licensed Dockers brand, the licensed Bass brand, and other brands. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com . SOURCE Genesco Inc. LANDOVER, Md., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant Food today announces the release of its first Better Neighbor Report, a comprehensive account of 2020's giving, partnerships and innovation as part of its efforts to consistently be a Better Place to Shop, a Better Place to Work and a Better Neighbor to the individuals and communities it serves. "As we look back at not only the difficult past year, but Giant's entire 85-year history, we continue to recognize the responsibility we have to our associates, customers, partners and communities," said Ira Kress, President of Giant Food. "This report is not only a reflection of 2020's efforts, but also a promise to our customers that we will continue to earn their trust and loyalty each and every day." Included within the report are details of Giant's initiatives and work in serving customers, associates, and communities. Highlights from the report include: Better Neighbor 4,025,241 lbs. of food donated to individuals and communities $980,000+ donated to Giant's Feeding America Food Bank partners through the Giant Family Foundation to address food insecurity $1.2M donated to the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore to support active-duty military members and their families donated to the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore to support active-duty military members and their families $2.2M raised for the Pediatric Cancer Campaign benefiting Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology Department and Children's Cancer Foundation raised for the Pediatric Cancer Campaign benefiting Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology Department and Children's Cancer Foundation $500,000 donated to regional nonprofits and local HBCUs to support racial equality donated to regional nonprofits and local HBCUs to support racial equality Reached over 2,800 residents of the Ward 8 community through expanded neighborhood health improvement program; $287,000 donated through the Giant Family Foundation donated through the Giant Family Foundation 90 trees planted and 560 ft. of streams protected through the Clean Water Partnership 100% free Volta EV charging stations offered at 20 stores and counting, contributing to over 16,000 free miles and the offset of over 7,000 lbs. of vehicle emissions Better Place to Shop Offered over 800 free healthy living classes and 660 personalized consultations to support nutrition education Expanded diverse and inclusive network of suppliers to 218 diverse suppliers offering over 3,100 products Partnered with over 125 local vendors including more than 50 local farmers to offer over 500 local products and growing Raised $1M+ for COVID-19 relief efforts, designated to John Hopkins University to support patient care and research, and local food banks and nonprofits to support community members in need Better Place to Work Business Resource Groups including PRIDE, Women's Inclusive Network, Giant Veterans, Giant Food Corporate Council and THRIVE lend valuable support to diversity and inclusion efforts Received 100% on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for two consecutive years for efforts in LBGTQ+ workplace equality Named one of The Washington Post's Top Places to Work Dedicated over $139,000 in education scholarships and grants for associates in education scholarships and grants for associates Giant in-store nutritionists led #HealthyAtWork challenge offered to 20,000 associates to encourage positive lifestyle choices and activities promoting health and positive motivation Issued 38 awards of excellence for top performance and leadership; 66 Presidential Awards for Top Values in Motion winners; celebrated four Top Women in Grocery award recipients and six Women of Influence winners Covid-19 Response To meet immediate public health needs, Giant has been offering essential COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible residents since December, administered by Giant's licensed in-store pharmacists. In March of this year, Giant expanded services and now all 152 of its in-store pharmacies throughout the region are offering the vaccines. Currently all pharmacies are accepting walk-ins for vaccinations every Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m.-9 a.m. with no appointment needed. For more information or to download the full Better Neighbor Report, visit giantfood.com/pages/better-neighbor-report. About Giant Food This year, Giant Food is celebrating 85 years as a community grocery store. Since opening its first location on Georgia Ave. in Washington, DC in 1936, Giant has been an integral part of its customers' lives and the communities it serves. Giant is committed to being a Better Neighbor and has designated four main giving pillars that address local Food Insecurity, Military Support, Pediatric Cancer Research and Social Equality. Giant is headquartered in Landover, Md. and operates 164 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia with approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 164 stores are 152 full-service pharmacies, 82 full-service PNC Banks and 24 Starbucks locations. Giant fits all the ways today's busy customers want to shop - whether in store or online. With 147 Giant Pickup locations and Giant Delivery available to all market areas in DC, MD, VA and DE, customers have even more convenient options right at their fingertips to get the best product and prices, whenever and however they want. For more information on Giant, visit: www.giantfood.com. SOURCE Giant Food SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Girls Inc. of San Diego County welcomes four new members to its board of directors. These officers will serve as active advocates and ambassadors to advance the organization's mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, through programs that address mind+body wellness, academic success and community engagement. "We are proud to welcome these accomplished leaders who will help shape the future of the organization," said Sandra Ainslie, CEO of Girls Inc. of San Diego County. "They join us at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our footprint throughout San Diego to reach and support more underserved girls." Board of Directors Lola Adeyemo is the founder & CEO of EQI Mindset, an organization that focuses on driving equity and inclusion growth in corporate America through workplace inclusion consulting, programs & strategy development, and employee/leadership training. Lola serves as a mentor for young girls through a partnership program between ATHENA and "All Girls in STEM"; and in a board advisory capacity for Edition, Claire Facility and Worktribe Dynamics Jessie Kain is the lead Program Manager within the Product Operations team at Seismic, the industry-leading sales enablement and digital sales engagement solution. Jessie is invested in diversity, equity and inclusion, both personally through her volunteering and professionally as a member of Seismic's Global DEI Council. As a woman in tech, she is particularly focused on causes that will advance gender equality in STEM. Karla Pinckes, Esq. is General Counsel at Blockchains Inc., a company that provides applications, services, and ecosystems that prepare the world for the next phase of the internet's evolution Web 3.0 with an emphasis on digital identity, digital assets, connected devices, and a stable means of digital payment. Karla also serves as Co-President and is on the Board of Directors of SunLaw, Inc. an organization that supports, educates, advances, connects, and inspires women in-house counsel to maximize their fullest personal and professional potential and lead. Daniel Schroeder serves as Managing Director of First Republic Bank's San Diego based offices, providing best in class private banking, lending and wealth management services to affluent individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. Daniel has worked in the banking industry since 2002 and has developed relationships with executives, entrepreneurs and philanthropists in and around San Diego. To learn more and support Girls Inc. of San Diego County, visit www.girlsincsd.org. About Girls Inc. of San Diego County Girls Inc. of San Diego County inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold by providing hundreds of girls each year with life-changing support and real solutions to the unique issues girls face. By providing no-cost, research-based programming the organization helps girls in the county overcome gender, economic, and social barriers so they may see college as attainable, resist peer pressure, explore professional fields in STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and take their seat as tomorrow's leaders. For more than 50 years, the nonprofit organization has supported high-need girls with no-cost programming to help them succeed in life. Contact: Sandra Ainslie 619-886-2090 [email protected] SOURCE Girls Inc. of San Diego County Related Links https://girlsincsd.org/ FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 19; Released: May 2021 Executive Engagements: 29742 Companies: 157 Players covered include AFC Energy Plc; Air Liquide S.A.; Ballard Power Systems, Inc.; Bloom Energy Corporation; Ceres Power Holdings plc; Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc.; FuelCell Energy, Inc.; Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte Ltd.; Hydrogenics Corporation; ITM Power Plc; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.; Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.; Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC; Plug Power Inc.; Proton OnSite; SFC Energy AG; Siemens Industry, Inc.; Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc.; UltraCell LLC and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Type (Proton Exchange Membrane, Phosphoric Acid, Molten Carbonate, Solid Oxide, Other Types); Application (Stationary, Transportation, Portable) Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Rest of World. Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry ABSTRACT- Global Fuel Cells Market to Reach $12.6 Billion by 2026 Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Fuel Cells estimated at US$7.2 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$12.6 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% over the analysis period. Proton Exchange Membrane, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 10.9% CAGR and reach US$9.8 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Phosphoric Acid segment is readjusted to a revised 10.2% CAGR for the next 7-year period. The U.S. Market is Estimated at $1.8 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $1.4 Billion by 2026 The Fuel Cells market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.8 Billion in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.4 Billion by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 15.1% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 8.8% and 10.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 10.3% CAGR. Molten Carbonate Segment to Reach $1.2 Billion by 2026 In the global Molten Carbonate segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 9% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$623.1 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$1.1 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$176.4 Million by the year 2026. More MarketGlass Platform Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today's busy business executive's intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide.Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world's only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years. CONTACTS: Zak Ali Director, Corporate Communications Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Phone: 1-408-528-9966 www.StrategyR.com Email: [email protected] LINKS Join Our Expert Panel https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp Connect With Us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./ Follow Us on Twitter https://twitter.com/marketbytes Journalists & Media [email protected] SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Related Links http://www.strategyr.com SEATTLE, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based family law firm Goldberg Jones is excited to welcome the newest member of their team, divorce lawyer Colleen Hartl. A dedicated, experienced attorney, Hartl has a varied background that gives her a legal perspective like few others in the region. She's a staunch advocate and a valuable resource for her clients in the Western Washington area in divorce, custody, and other family law cases. Colleen has worked on the law from every angle, serving as both a prosecuting attorney and as well as focusing on criminal defense. She has also served as a municipal court judge in King County. Her extensive practice has allowed her to hone her skills in all areas a case may take her and to develop a deep understanding of the court process. Adept in dispute resolution and mediation, she has a wide-ranging track record in trial and is equally comfortable in a conference room as in the courtroom. Talking about Colleen, managing attorney, Ken Alan, says, "A critical, creative thinker, Colleen's experience and expertise shines through and clients recognize right away they're in good hands." Colleen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, where she majored in French. From there, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor at Seattle University School of Law. Colleen Hartl is an important addition to the Goldberg Jones family and a powerful resource for the husbands and fathers of the Seattle area. About Goldberg Jones: Since being founded in 1996, Goldberg Jones has grown from a three-person startup to a multi-state family law firm with offices in Seattle,Portland, and San Diego. With dozens of knowledgeable, experienced attorneys across Washington, Oregon, and California, we exclusively practice family law. We pride ourselves on direct contact, accessibility, and responsiveness to our clients' needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.goldbergjones-wa.com/ SOURCE Goldberg Jones Related Links http://www.goldbergjones-wa.com LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr the Hon. Timothy Harris recently pledged EC$1 million to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of the devastation caused by the recent series of eruptions of the La Soufriere Volcano. The volcano erupted on April 9th after being dormant for over four decades. Two explosive eruptions sent plumes of ash and smoke billowing up to eight kilometres on the Friday morning of April 9th. Twenty thousand people, now displaced, were forced to flee the danger zone due to the ferocity of the volcano. Following a meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Harris announced a package of assistance to the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The package includes a $1 million donation in assisting with the evacuation and the resettling of 300 citizens and residents from the danger zone, providing personnel to support humanitarian, technical and peace-keeping efforts on the ground. In a statement, Prime Minister Harris said, "The Government and people of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis stand in solidarity with the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines during this very difficult time brought about by the volcanic eruption in that Country. St Kitts and Nevis has always stood in strong support of our OECS Member States in their time of difficulty and need. Our prayers are with the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines at this most challenging time." On the day of the eruption, during a press conference, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr The Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, said: "We have the Good Samaritans. It brings home that we are one Caribbean family." St Kitts and Nevis is not new to climate and economic setbacks, and thanks in part to the funds of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, it has always bounced back stronger. Launched in 1984, St Kitts and Nevis has operated its CBI Programme for nearly four decades, thus earning it its Platinum Standard moniker. The citizenship acquisition process involves an applicant making a qualifying investment through the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) route, recognised as the fastest and most straightforward route to the nation's citizenship. Once undertaking the multi-tiered due diligence process comprising of both internal and external checks, successful applicants gain citizenship for life with the right to live, work and study in the nation. Perks of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship also include increased travel freedom to 156 countries, including prominent business hubs and the ability to pass citizenship down for generations to come. Contact: [email protected], www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners Related Links http://www.csglobalpartners.com CEO Mark Ruport, whose company is a leading provider of in-process, quality assurance software to the 3D printing industry, says the market is poised for bigger and better growth Sigma Labs' PrintRite3D software detects and classifies defects and anomalies in real-time during the manufacturing process, ensuring quality and design standards are met Mark Ruport, president and CEO of Inc ( ), sees todays 3D metal printing industry as akin to the nascent electric vehicle market of the mid-1990s. It was in 1996 when General Motors introduced the EV-1, and of course, that failed for a lot of different reasons, primarily because of battery life and technology and refueling, because the infrastructure wasn't there, he explained. It's a good analog to what's happened with 3D metal printing. Of course, nearly 30 years later the EV technology, the batteries, and infrastructure has finally caught up to the disruptive, revolutionary promise EVs could achieve -- and now offer -- as the world turns toward clean-energy transportation and other power systems. For Ruport, the 3D metal printing industry (also called additive manufacturing) has matured as well -- to a point where it is poised to usher in a transformative approach to industrial production by creating lighter, stronger, and more durable parts that could not be produced with traditional manufacturing processes. Everybody's frustrated that it hasn't matured faster, but we can say that about any major disruptive technology, whether it be the paperless office or electric vehicles or anything like that, it just takes longer, said the CEO, whose company is a leading provider of in-process, quality assurance software to the 3D printing industry. But when it happens, it happens in a big wave. And it always starts with the most sophisticated segment of the market, where the most need is, and the people who are on the leading edge. Advancing its PrintRite3D for industrial 3D metal manufacturers New Mexico-based Sigma Labs is one of those sophisticated companies on the edge, as it develops and commercializes its real-time monitoring software product known as PrintRite3D for industrial 3D metal manufacturers. PrintRite3D detects and classifies defects and anomalies in real-time during the manufacturing process, ensuring quality and design standards are met while enabling significant cost savings and production efficiencies. From Sigmas perspective, the opportunity for our product in the 3D metal printing segment of the market is very large and continues to grow and is becoming very active, Ruport said. The company in April upgraded the product with several breakthrough features such as temperature monitoring and calibration, 3D visualization and predictive machine learning, among others, to provide users with rapid and real-time cross-section analysis capabilities. 3D printing uses software and lasers to direct hardware to deposit material (metal powder), layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes. In the analog world under traditional methods, in contrast, ironically, it is often necessary to remove material through milling, machining, carving, and shaping to create a metallic part. Detecting anomalies and defects But anomalies and defects can pop up during the 3D manufacturing process (which can take hours in some cases). It is critical that those problems are flagged immediately for time and moneys sake. Thats where Sigma Labs software product comes in. It is an edge computing devise that is connected via cables to 3D metal printers for real-time, diagnostic feedback as the software focuses on how the lasers hit the powder while the part is being built. Our software analyzes the actual building of a part, layer by layer as the lasers hit the powder to create it. And then our machine learning technology begins to identify and classify defects, and predict defects that might happen based on what we see, Ruport said. And based on algorithms that we've developed over time, we can see just like a welder when he's welding, an anomaly or a defect that might be caused by the powder or the amount of oxygen or the power of the laser. And from that, we say, OK, you have a part here that most likely has a defect. And we notify the operator. So we're a real-time diagnostic monitoring system while a 3D part is being printed layer by layer. Sigma Labs software also offers manufacturers another key tool for when the finished product awaits inspection. Typically, firms must subject their parts to what is called a CT scan. Its expensive to conduct and if a product is found defective, the firm will toss out the part, often at great expense. Sigma Labs software simulates a CT scan and most likely save the part from the waste heap. If you're able to use technology like ours to be able to simulate the CT scan with 85% correlation to a physical CT scan, we then become one of the catalysts for the adoption and production and for the industrialization of 3D printing, he said. Flushed with $17 million in cash and no debt Flushed with $17 million in cash along with no debt, Ruport said Sigma Labs is now focused on serving the aerospace, defense and space exploration industries that need lighter, stronger, and durable mission-critical parts. For example, the company recently won a contract from as well as a large European aerospace and defense company for its PrintRite3D system. People envision 3D printers actually being put on the moon to replace parts of the ship that brought them there. So they're so totally self-sufficient, said Ruport, who added that the US Department of Defense is looking at 3D printing as a means to lessen its dependency on supply chains that can break down and cause part shortages. As Sigma Labs advances its software and deepens its relationships in aerospace, defense and space markets, the 3D printer industry is at an inflection point for a few reasons. On a positive note, part-making times and the quality of metal powders that lasers turn into hard metals are improving, he said. But a lack of time and experience as well as an over-supply of 3D printer manufacturers (53, all told) is holding the industry back for the time being. They're producing the hardware, he said. We produce software that manages and ensures that the product and the part that they're building is of high quality, is consistent with the design methodology, and meets the requirements of the end-use of the product. So we don't care which printer they're using. Its just like a software company for the most part doesnt care what computers people are using because their software will accommodate that platform. Looking ahead to the rest of 2021 and beyond, the company not only seeks to commercialize its flagship software but it wants to nurture the industry holistically and help lead the emerging 3D print or additive manufacturing movement. At the very high level, we practice what we call radical collaboration, which means we're trying to do the things that not only advance our company and our customers, but the industry as a whole, Ruport said. So we plan to share the knowledge base that we are building, the interaction of powders and the processes and the machines, and so forth...Our goal is to be the leader in quality assurance for 3D printing or additive manufacturing. Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grameen America, the leading microfinance nonprofit organization providing business capital to low-income minority women in the United States, today announced plans to accelerate its commitment to racial equity through its new Elevating Black Women Entrepreneurs initiative. The dedicated program, which will offer loan capital, financial training, asset and credit building tools to Black women entrepreneurs, aims to expand to $1.3 billion in loans to more than 80,000 Black women entrepreneurs by 2030. Grameen America helps increase women's financial mobility through its proven approach of engaging with and lending directly to women entrepreneurs. The organization, which has invested over $1.9 billion in more than 136,000 low-income women entrepreneurs since opening in January 2008, is positioned to reach more than half a million women by 2030. Grameen America's social capital model, with 24 branches in 17 U.S. cities, is unmatched in terms of its national scale, financial sustainability and its unmediated relationship with its members. Grameen America estimates that, due to a lack of access to affordable credit and capital, there are at least 1.4 million self-employed Black women who could benefit from the organization's capital and resources to enhance their financial independence. Research indicates that Black women entrepreneurs suffer from a systematic lack of access to affordable credit and capital, a longstanding problem Grameen America intends to address through its new initiative. With catalytic funding support from The Studio @ Blue Meridian, Grameen America will launch an innovative network of new branches over the next three years to provide Black women entrepreneurs with loan capital and financial training, aiming to demonstrate impact with improvement in members' business income, credit scores, personal savings and material hardship measures. Grameen America will launch the new network beginning in Memphis, Tennessee in 2021, with further expansion to follow in communities where minority women entrepreneurs remain underserved. In addition, current operations in Harlem, NY and Newark, NJ will also launch the initiative, expanding to wider NYC and greater Newark areas, developing and implementing new programmatic solutions to reach Black women entrepreneurs nationwide at scale. As the program expands, Grameen America's goal is to directly lend $1.3 billion to more than 80,000 Black entrepreneurs by 2030 through reinvestment and redeployment of capital. "The launch of the Elevating Black Women Entrepreneurs initiative reflects our shared commitment to ensuring racial and financial equity for Black entrepreneurial women throughout the United States," said Andrea Jung, President and CEO of Grameen America. "Through this new program, which will leverage our unique group lending model and infrastructure built over 13 years, we hope to meaningfully address systemic inequities faced by Black businesswomen, which will play a transformative role in enhancing the pipeline of emerging entrepreneurs in our country." The Elevating Black Women Entrepreneurs Division of Grameen America will be led by Alethia Mendez. Ms. Mendez joined Grameen America in 2008 as one of the organization's first employees, serving as the inaugural Center Manager for Grameen America's Jackson Heights branch. She has since held several executive leadership positions at Grameen America, and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. "Elevating Black Women Entrepreneurs is a solution to the formal banking system which can uphold racial inequality by systemically denying Black women the same access and opportunity as other entrepreneurs in the United States," said Alethia Mendez, Division President for Elevating Black Women Entrepreneurs at Grameen America. "Our team is poised to support the ingenuity and grit of Black women entrepreneurs across the country to grow their businesses and energize their communities." "This initiative must not wait. It is imperative that we help shape the future for Black women entrepreneurs in the United States," said Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate, Co-Chair of Grameen America and Grameen Bank Founder. "I have no doubt we will create a successful microfinance program that gives the same opportunity to Black Americans to live free of poverty, as we have with Grameen borrowers all over the world." About Grameen America Founded by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus, Grameen America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to helping women who live in poverty build small businesses to create better lives for their families. The organization offers microloans, training and support to transform communities and fight poverty in the United States. Since opening in January 2008, Grameen America has invested over $1.9 billion in more than 136,000 low-income women entrepreneurs. Opening originally in Jackson Heights, Queens, Grameen America has expanded to 17 cities in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Camden, NJ, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Fresno, CA, Houston, TX, Indianapolis, IN, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Newark, NJ, New York City, NY, Omaha, NE, Oakland, CA, San Jose, CA, Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. Media Contacts [email protected] or Todd Fogarty / Lissa Perlman, Kekst CNC, [email protected] SOURCE GRAMEEN AMERICA Related Links http://www.grameenamerica.org SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GRIN, the leading influencer marketing software for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, today announces $16 million in new capital led by Imaginary Ventures. The round also included participation from Good Friends Venture Capital, which includes the founders of leading brands such as Allbirds, Warby Parker and Harry's as general partners. This round is an extension of the company's recent Series A, which took place in December 2020, highlighting GRIN's rapid growth and support within the market. The additional funding will allow the company to heavily invest in channel integrations, reporting, analytics and a new suite of tools to support the creator economy. As e-commerce continues to boom and social media platforms gain more influence over consumers' purchase decisions, influencer marketing will remain a critical piece of the DTC marketing mix. GRIN offers an end-to-end solution for brands with capabilities ranging from influencer sourcing to relationship management and sales tracking. "We created the first SaaS platform focused on authentic influencer marketing. The key is to empower brand teams to own their direct creator relationships, which is the only way to cultivate honest endorsements that resonate with consumers," said Brandon Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of GRIN. "We re-opened our Series A at a jump in valuation after hearing the enthusiasm from Imaginary to be a part of our growth. Imaginary has a long track record as leading brand investors and our partnership signals our impact on the DTC market. This new round will help us tackle the painful problems both brands and creators face today and continue our rise into being the system of record for the creator economy." "Our philosophy has always been to invest in high growth startups at the intersection of retail and technology," said Nick Brown, Managing Partner of Imaginary Ventures. "GRIN has been on our radar since 2019 and many of our portfolio companies have benefitted through the use of the platform for their influencer marketing programs. While GRIN was not actively raising money, we approached the company to invest due to the strength of their product, leading position within the market and rapid overall growth. We're pleased to partner with them in the next phase of their journey and believe that we are only at the beginning of the influencer & creator revolution." According to reports, influencer marketing is expected to be worth $13.8 billion in 2021, up 42% from last year. While some analysts thought that spending on influencer marketing could decrease due to COVID-19 budget cuts, the latest data shows that the opposite is true. The surge in consumer spending online has reinforced the importance of digital efforts, with influencer marketing being a core contributor via content production and organic impressions. "As a DTC brand, our relationship with influencers and content creators is imperative to our business model. It helps us get the word out to our customers about who we are, our mission and our products," added Joey Zwillinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Allbirds. "We've used GRIN for some time now and when Brandon spoke to us about their plans moving forward, I wanted to make sure Good Friends could be a real partner in helping them reach their goals." In December 2020, GRIN closed an initial Series A funding round of $10 million led by e.ventures with participation from the founders of MVMT, Liquid IV, Kopari Beauty, Leesa and Rhone. To learn more about GRIN and schedule a demo to see how GRIN can make an impact on your influencer marketing strategy, please visit https://grin.co/ . About GRIN: GRIN is the only influencer marketing software built for e-commerce. GRIN's end-to-end solution helps brands find and engage with high-quality influencers, streamline email outreach, develop authentic relationships within a private CRM, seed products, create discount codes and affiliate links, track content and rights, and create in-depth reports to analyze the success of influencer marketing programs. For more information, visit GRIN.co. SOURCE GRIN Related Links http://www.grin.co "We are thrilled to have received approval to commence adult-use sales in San Leandro," said Peter Bilodeau, Interim CEO of Harborside. "This has been a long process and we are excited to expand our potential customer base to provide them with the best-in-class service and unbeatable product selection that Harborside is known for. With our upcoming move to a more efficient location in San Leandro, I look forward to deepening our relationship with the local community and continuing to serve our patients and customers. Upon completion, Harborside's new San Leandro location is expected to enable the Company to better serve its customers while also reducing its rent and thus increasing profitability. As a result of the planned move, Harborside expects to be able to generate substantially more revenue and be more profitable by reducing its operating costs more than $2 million over the 10-year lease term. For the latest news, activities, and media coverage, please visit the Harborside corporate website at www.investharborside.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter . About Harborside: Harborside Inc. is one of the oldest and most respected cannabis retailers in California, operating three of the major dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay Area, a dispensary in the Palm Springs area outfitted with Southern California's only cannabis drive-thru window, a dispensary in Oregon and a cultivation/production facility in Salinas, California. Harborside has played an instrumental role in making cannabis safe and accessible to a broad and diverse community of California consumers. In 2006, Harborside was awarded one of the first six medical cannabis licenses granted in the United States and today holds cannabis licenses for retail, distribution, cultivation, nursery and manufacturing. Harborside is currently a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") trading under the ticker symbol "HBOR". Additional information regarding Harborside is available under Harborside's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward- looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include, among other things, securing new retail space, completion of the buildout, regulatory approval, expected increased profitability, expected revenue projections, and expected reductions in operating costs. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the cannabis markets where the Company operates; changing consumer habits; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for expansion; political, social and environmental uncertainties; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; employee relations and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products in the markets where the Company operates. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is indirectly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, these activities are currently illegal under United States federal law. Additional information regarding this and other risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business are contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Listing Statement dated May 30, 2019, and in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2020, filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Harborside Inc. BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Many hotels, restaurants, and bars ended up having to resort to drastic measures with Covid-19 spreading across the country. States across the US were faced with a task to limit or even completely shut down regular activities leading to a decline in revenue and customer acquisition to nearly all businesses. The hospitality industry was among the hardest to be hit by the imposed restrictions and regulations. Hotels for example averaged an estimated 15% occupancy rates throughout the pandemic. With many businesses barely surviving and hanging on by a thread, all are looking ahead to states fully reopening. As travel pressures for leisure / business begin to mount, we will soon be seeing a lot of states reverting back to normal function amid the Covid-19 pandemic to accommodate this. In fact, many states already have their sights on a major reopening. For example, New York is planning to end all capacity restrictions on May 19th, this may be the beginning of a country-wide push toward reopening the US and returning back to normal. What does this mean for the Hospitality Industry? Hotels/restaurants/bars/etc are all preparing for this boom in reopening. Along with this future influx of customers, businesses marketing strategy should be laid early so they can be highly effective when it is put to action. For example, setting up a budget towards new customer acquisition as well as catering to the audience of existing customers are both great tactics towards planning a successful reopening. REVLAB Technology LLC has changed its focus towards providing marketing and advisory services for any businesses in the hospitality industry as a way to help jump-start the industry after it's been affected by the shutdowns. REVLAB's strong ties to the hospitality industry give this agency the edge over its competitors. They have been an advocate for employee safety from day one and has developed a Panic Button System to help combat lone-worker safety across the US. For any existing customers, REVLAB is offering a bundled discount when hotels utilize both their Marketing Services as well as a Panic Button System . Learn more: https://www.revlabtech.com/hospitality-marketing Marketing services include: Social Media Management Search Engine Optimization (SEO & SEM) PPC Advertising (Google Ads) Website Management Email Marketing Local Advertising Fractional CMOs Request free consultation: https://www.revlabtech.com/contact [email protected] Learn more about Marketing Services: https://www.revlabtech.com/marketing-services SOURCE REVLAB Technology LLC Related Links https://revlabtech.com Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor Company's Global Chief Operating Officer and President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America said, "I am excited to make this announcement on behalf of the Hyundai Motor Group. This investment demonstrates our deep commitment to the U.S. market, our dealers and customers. Hyundai will lead the future of mobility in the United States and around the world. Our efforts are proof positive that Hyundai will continue to pursue excellence in our current and future product line-up." Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America added, "One key element of Kia's transformation is transitioning from internal combustion engine to electrification. With our strategic investment in the United States to produce EV models, we are making huge strides to lead the EV market but also increase our contribution to the economies where we do business." Hyundai and Kia will invest in growing its EV manufacturing footprint to scale production and satisfy U.S. market demands. Hyundai Motor will offer a suite of American-made electric vehicles to U.S. consumers starting next year. Hyundai and Kia will monitor the market conditions and U.S. government EV policy to finalize its plan to enhance its U.S. production facilities and gradually expand its local EV production. Hyundai Motor Group will expand the U.S. hydrogen ecosystem in collaboration with local private and public partners Hyundai Motor Group looks forward to working with the U.S. government and other business partners to expand the U.S. hydrogen energy ecosystem. The Group is committed to fostering a hydrogen society to create new business opportunities for a sustainable future. Hyundai Motor Group signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy in February 2020 to cooperate in hydrogen fuel cell technology innovation and global expansion. This included the installation of a hydrogen refueling station and providing NEXO SUVs. Later this year, Hyundai will proceed on demonstration project in preparation for commercialization of fuel cell electric trucks. Hyundai Motor will also work with local partners to conduct a hydrogen refueling demonstration project for fuel cell electric trucks. and provide logistics between port and inland warehouses by utilizing fuel cell electric trucks. Hyundai have previously made an agreement with Cummins Inc., an U.S. based company which specializes in advanced powertrain, to accelerate deployment of fuel cell electric systems in the U.S. market. HMG to invest in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), robotics and autonomous technologies Hyundai Motor Group will launch a subsidiary in Washington, D.C. to spearhead the Group's UAM businesses. The subsidiary will focus on creating an UAM ecosystem and revolutionizing the mobility experience. The Group also will firmly establish its presence in the robotics field through Boston Dynamics. The Group announced last year that it agreed to acquire a controlling 80 percent interest in Boston Dynamics in a deal that values the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion. In addition, Hyundai Motor Group has created the joint venture, Motional, in partnership with the leading U.S. mobility technology firm Aptiv. Focused on commercializing driverless technology, Motional has obtained the industry's first driverless license in the state of Nevada and plans to commercialize robotaxi service in 2023 along with its partner Lyft. Motional has started testing Hyundai's all-electric IONIQ 5 equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology on public roads. Together, the Hyundai Motor Group and Motional will enhance its autonomous driving technology in preparation for Lyft's robotaxi launch in 2023. About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. Hyundai Motor America At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assuranceour promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Kia Motors America Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group Download Free Sample Pages Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Request a Free Sample Report for More Information Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers: Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for Industrial Gearbox market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Industrial Gearbox pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfill their category objectives. Insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth: The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants have resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. Identify favorable opportunities in Promotional Products TCO (total cost of ownership). Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes. Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities. Some of the top Industrial Gearbox suppliers listed in this report: This Industrial Gearbox procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Siemens AG ABB Ltd. Emerson Electric Co. Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. SEW-EURODRIVE Inc. China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co. Ltd. Rexnord Corp. Bonfiglioli Riduttori Spa Shanthi Gears Ltd. Motovario Spa Related Report on Heavy Industry Include: To access the definite purchasing guide on the Industrial Gearbox that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis: Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Industrial Gearbox TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable? How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes? Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities? Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more https://www.spendedge.com/request-for-demo Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, has collaborated with RXR Realty to build and deploy a comprehensive, award-winning smart building health and wellness solution running on Microsoft Azure. RxWell, a public-health-based, data-driven platform provides health and wellness insights and management tools for property managers, tenant administrators and office workers, to aid in the safe return to work following COVID-19. The solution is in place in 26 office buildings in New York City enabling nearly 1,000 businesses and 70,000 employees returning to work. "Infosys is proud to have worked alongside RXR Realty and Microsoft to create and deploy an intelligent, secure, cloud enabled scalable solution in just a few months that will empower the safe return to work," said Nitesh Bansal, Senior Vice President and Global Head for Engineering Services, Infosys. "The insights and tools available through RxWell will help businesses stay ahead of public health threats like coronavirus and keep workers safe as they return to the office, helping to kickstart local economies." The RxWell solution provides a rich set of tools to help ensure adherence to critical safety protocols such as capacity thresholds, mask wearing, social distancing and air quality. Features include a tenant app that guides workers in making decisions about coming to and staying safe at work, a Tenant Command Center to help administrators manage the safe return of their workforce and a Building Command Center to help property managers protect tenants, beginning with the proprietary Building Wellness Index (BWI). The team used Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Stack Edge, Azure IoT Edge, Azure Maps Creator, Computer Vision spatial analysis and more, all connected to an array of cameras and sensors throughout each building. "Infosys has been instrumental to the overall success of the RxWell program, involved in every step of the journey, and collaborating across product requirements, design, development and deployment," said Cory Clarke, Vice President of Product Management, RXR Realty. "Infosys' contribution to RxWell, supported by Microsoft Azure IoT and other Azure services, provides customers with a comprehensive set of tools to support return-to-work policies and implementation," said Bert Van Hoof, Partner Group Program Manager, Azure IoT, Microsoft. "Infosys has delivered a scalable architecture for the suite of RxWell solutions." Infosys collaborates with Microsoft on solutions for smart buildings and spaces. RxWell, which was built combining Infosys' world-class engineering services capabilities with Azure services, is a scalable, secure platform combining cloud, on-premise and edge technologies. In November 2020, RxWell was named a Realcomm 2020 Digie Award winner for "Best COVID Tech." Infosys' deployment of RxWell across RXR Realty's building portfolio is the first step in the optimization of the product. The solution will be expanded with functions around energy efficiency and predictive maintenance, and features involving frictionless building access, space utilization and productivity. The platform is ready for deployment at commercial office real estate developers and operators, as well as enterprise companies with control of their campuses and buildings. About Infosys Ltd Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 46 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over three decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys Related Links https://www.infosys.com/ NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the Company) today announced the World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of Sierra Leone have begun administering the Company's Ebola vaccine regimen as part of a WHO early access clinical program aimed at preventing further spread of Ebola in West Africa. The vaccine regimen, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic A/S, is being donated to the WHO by Janssen for the purposes of the early access clinical program. Johnson & Johnson also announced that its Ebola vaccine regimen has received Prequalification from the WHO, which will help accelerate its registration in countries where Ebola is a persistent public health threat and facilitate broader access to people at risk of exposure to this virus. Health authorities in Guinea officially declared a new Ebola outbreak in February 2021 after the West African country experienced its first cases of disease since the end of the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak which was the worst on record. Preliminary data obtained through genetic sequencing suggest that the new outbreak was caused by the same virus strain also responsible for the 2014-2016 outbreak and was likely reintroduced by a survivor. The continuation of the outbreak, which has caused at least 23 cases and 12 deaths, and the persistence of Ebola virus in human and animal hosts underscores the importance of proactive vaccination efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus and to be prepared for potential new outbreaks in the future. "Johnson & Johnson's vision is to help prevent Ebola outbreaks before they start. WHO Prequalification of our vaccine regimen and the deployment to West Africa are important steps forward in reaching this goal and an important milestone for epidemic preparedness," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "By working closely with the WHO and national governments, we will be able to quickly support efforts to protect populations at risk and help end this latest outbreak. This proactive approach is essential if we are to solve the growing threat of infectious diseases, including Ebola." Johnson & Johnson is grateful to its global strategic partners who have helped to support and co-fund the Ebola vaccine regimen, including Bavarian Nordic A/S, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) funded through the EU Horizon 2020 program. WHO Early Access Clinical Program Administration of the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen in West Africa will be directed by the WHO and national governments in accordance with the protocol for the early access clinical program, which incorporates interim 2019 recommendations from the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). The goal of the initiative is to establish a protective geographic barrier against the spread of Ebola beyond Guinea, beginning in the neighboring nation of Sierra Leone. The program administered its first doses of the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen this week in Sierra Leone's Kambia District, and is expected to expand to additional countries in the region as local preparations are completed. The early access clinical program plans to administer the vaccine to up to 200,000 individuals beginning with health workers, other frontline workers and others at increased risk of exposure to the Ebola virus (adults and adolescents 14 years and above on a case-by-case basis or depending on national regulations). Pregnant women and HIV-positive adults who are otherwise healthy are permitted to enroll in the program. Sierra Leone has prior experience administering the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine. In 2015, during the West African epidemic, the country's Ministry of Health and the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) at the University of Sierra Leone collaborated with Johnson & Johnson on the first clinical study of the vaccine in an Ebola-affected country ("EBOVAC-Salone"), which took place in Sierra Leone's Kambia district. "We are moving with urgency and purpose to bring all of our available resources to help prevent the spread of this latest Ebola outbreak in Guinea," said Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Global Public Health Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson. "We believe that, through the preventive use of Ebola vaccines, the global health community can help protect vulnerable communities living under the threat of this disease." WHO Prequalification The Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen, Zabdeno (Ad26.ZEBOV) and Mvabea (MVA-BN-Filo), was granted WHO Prequalification in April 2021. This follows Marketing Authorisation for the vaccine which was granted by the European Commission in July 2020 for the active immunization for the prevention of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus species in individuals aged one year and above. Both WHO Prequalification and the European Commission authorization were supported by a multi-country clinical program, including 15 clinical studies sponsored by Janssen across three continents. Discussions are ongoing with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the approval of the vaccine regimen in the U.S. WHO Prequalification is often a prerequisite for national registrations of new vaccines and medicines in developing countries. Johnson & Johnson now looks forward to collaborating with the WHO's African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF) to progress national registrations of the Company's Ebola vaccine regimen. The Company's Ebola vaccine regimen is designed to be used proactively to induce immunity against Ebola virus disease in adults and children. Johnson & Johnson's Commitment to Ebola & Pandemic Preparedness Johnson & Johnson is one of the few innovative healthcare companies in the world today that is actively advancing science across multiple disease areas with the aim of strengthening public health. We accelerated the development of our Ebola vaccine regimen in 2014 in response to the worst Ebola outbreak on record, which took place in West Africa from 2014-2016 and caused more than 11,000 deaths. In 2019, in response to the second-worst outbreak which took place 2018-2020 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Johnson & Johnson announced it would provide its Ebola vaccine regimen to assist immunization efforts in the affected region and in neighboring Rwanda through the UMURINZI vaccination campaign. This marked the first widespread deployment of Ebola vaccines in an outbreak setting. The Rwandan Ministry of Health continues to administer the vaccine regimen through the UMURINZI campaign, which recently achieved the milestone of reaching 200,000 individuals who are at risk of exposure to Ebola. To date, more than 225,000 individuals participating in clinical trials and vaccination initiatives have received at least the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen, including 180,000 who have been fully vaccinated. Johnson & Johnson Ebola Vaccine Regimen The European Commission-approved Johnson & Johnson preventive Ebola vaccine regimen, Zabdeno (Ad26.ZEBOV) and Mvabea (MVA-BN-Filo), utilizes a non-replicating viral vector strategy in which viruses in this case adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA) are genetically modified so that they cannot replicate in human cells. In addition, these vectors carry the genetic code of several Ebola virus proteins in order to trigger an immune response. The Ebola vaccine regimen was developed and is manufactured using Janssen's proprietary AdVac technology . Johnson & Johnson's Ebola vaccine regimen originates from a collaborative research program with the NIH and received direct funding and preclinical services from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of NIH, under Contract Number HHSN272200800056C. Further funding for the Ebola vaccine regimen has been provided in part with federal funds from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, BARDA under Contract Numbers HHSO100201700013C and HHSO100201500008C. The IMI provided funding through the IMI Ebola+ Programme to support a number of consortia that initiated multiple clinical trials and other vaccine development activities. The consortia funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 (IMI2) Joint Undertaking are EBOVAC1 (grant nr. 115854), EBOVAC2 (grant nr. 115861), EBOVAC3 (grant nr. 800176), EBOMAN (grant nr. 115850) and EBODAC (grant nr. 115847). This Joint Undertaking receives support from the EU's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Johnson & Johnson also acknowledges its many strategic partners in the ongoing global clinical program for the vaccine regimen, including Bavarian Nordic A/S, Centre Muraz, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS, University of Sierra Leone), Democratic Republic of the Congo Ministry of Public Health, Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Center, Emory University's Project San Francisco (Kigali) / Center for Family Health Research, Emory University, Epicentre, Grameen Foundation, Inserm, Inserm Transfert, Institut National de Recherce Biomedicale (INRB), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Rinda Ubuzima, Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Universite de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), University of Antwerp, University of Oxford, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), World Health Organization, World Vision Ireland, Wellcome Trust, Vibalogics, and all the people who have participated in the Ebola vaccine clinical trials. Learn more at www.JNJ.com/Ebola. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews. About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at @JanssenGlobal. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding a program related to the Johnson & Johnson Ebola Vaccine Regimen. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2021, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Related Links www.jnj.com HOUSTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) won a new $51.2 million contract from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deploy, develop and operate the agency's Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) Antenna Network. KBR's work will contribute to accurate forecasts of space weather, protecting lives and livelihood around the planet. Under this contract, KBR will build and maintain an antenna network that sends and receives continuous mission data from the SWFO-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) observatory and its ground segment. KBR's network will perform telemetry, command and ranging services for the observatory's operations. SWFO-L1 is a future spacecraft mission planned to monitor signs of solar storms, which may pose harm to Earth's telecommunication network. It will be placed at the first Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L1) in late 2024 to provide critical images and data to the National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center for alerts and forecasting. Space weather impacts many aspects of everyday life, from where airplanes can safely fly, to how accurately a farmer plows his field. Without timely and accurate watches and warnings, space weather events can disrupt virtually every major public infrastructure system, including transportation systems, power grids, and the Global Positioning System. "Accurate space weather data helps protect national security and our economic well-being. This new contract with NOAA aligns with our sustainability principles and gives us another opportunity to use our scientific and technological expertise to build a better world," said Byron Bright, KBR Global Government Solutions President. The cost-plus-fixed-fee, five-year contract has a total value of $51.2 million if all options are exercised. KBR will perform the work at its facilities in Fulton, Maryland as well as the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland and NOAA facilities in Wallops, Virginia, and Fairmont, West Virginia. For more than 30 years, KBR has worked with government agencies, such as NOAA, U.S. Geological Survey and NASA, to fortify their Earth science and data visualization operations. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com. Forward Looking Statement The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company. KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. Related Links http://www.kbr.com The Knock Home Swap gives homeowners certainty and buying power in today's hot housing market. Tweet this "The fear of selling your house when you have to buy a new one is even more stressful in today's competitive housing market," said Knock Co-Founder and CEO Sean Black. "At Knock, we are leveraging technology to build a consumer-first platform that offers certainty, transparency, convenience and cost savings to homeowners looking to buy and sell. A consumer can qualify for the Home Swap from their mobile device and then confidently shop for the home they want with their own agent by their side and in the app. They have the advantage of waiting to prep and list their home on the open market for the maximum sale price after they have moved so there's no living through repairs and showings or selling for less than full value. We're excited to make the Home Swap available to more homeowners in North Carolina and bring it to consumers throughout most of South Carolina." With the Knock Home Swap, the consumer receives an end-to-end solution, including a competitively priced mortgage and an interest-free bridge loan that covers the down payment on the new home, home prep and up to six months of mortgage payments on the old house. As part of its Home Prep Concierge, Knock provides access to its approved contractor network and manages the payment of client-approved work until closing. Additionally, Knock provides a backup offer on the old house in the unlikely event that it doesn't sell within six months. Ninety-nine percent of Knock homes sell in 90 days or less, with 83 percent selling in 30 days or less. Knock partners with local brokerage firms and their agents who have been trained as Knock Certified Agents to offer the Home Swap to consumers. In South Carolina, Knock is partnering with Century 21 Blackwell & Co.; Century 21 Properties Plus; Hamilton & Co. at Keller Williams Greenville Upstate; JP & Associates REALTORS Magnolia Group; Johnson & Wilson Real Estate Company, LLC; Keller Williams Greenville Central; Keller Williams Realty Spartanburg; Keller Williams One; KW Carolina and RE/MAX Executive. "We are excited to be working with Knock," said Andy Brumbaugh, broker in charge/owner JP & Associates REALTORS Magnolia Group. "In today's market, the more options we can offer our clients the better it is for our clients and our agents. JPAR is a leader in technology and tools and we are excited to be one of the first to be able to offer the Home Swap. We pride ourselves on being able to offer solutions for our clients' needs that continue to push us forward." Patty Korahais, broker in charge of Keller Williams Greenville Central, Keller Williams Realty Spartanburg, Keller Williams One and KW Carolina said, "As the local industry leader, Keller Williams is always searching out the best solutions and resources for our agents to serve our clients. Knock has an innovative program that provides a stress-free way for home sellers to buy their new home and sell their old home. We are excited to be a part of Knock's launch into South Carolina." "With record low inventory, multiple offers and an incredibly fast-paced market in the Lowcountry, buyers are overwhelmed by their dream to make a move. Knock Home Swap enables our agents to provide a tool that removes buyer's uncertainty, while increasing buying power in the Berkley, Charleston and Dorchester markets," said Tim Rash, President, COO of Century 21 Properties Plus. "We are proud to bring Knock to the Charleston market for our Realtors to leverage for their clients." Nationwide, the Knock Home Swap is available through nearly 200 real estate brokerage firms with 85,000 agents in approximately 3,900 ZIP codes throughout Arizona, Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Knock plans to offer the Home Swap in over 100 markets by 2023. About Knock Knock is on a mission to empower people to move freely. The Knock Home Swap makes it easy for consumers to buy their new dream home before selling their old one, skipping the hassles of living through repairs and showings, paying only one mortgage at a time, and having home prep covered upfront so their old house sells for the highest possible price. Knock currently offers the Home Swap in 40 markets in 10 states and plans to be in over 100 markets by 2023. Launched in 2015 by founding team members of Trulia.com, Knock has raised more than $600 million in debt and equity from top tier investors, including RRE Ventures, Foundry Group, Redpoint, Greycroft, Corazon Capital, Correlation Ventures, Great Oaks Venture Capital and FJ Labs. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Knock Related Links www.knock.com Heritage Cannabis (CSE: CANN OTCQX: HERTF) CEO Clint Sharples joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has received an expanded order from Weed Pool Cannabis Co-operative in Saskatchewan. The order includes 31 additional SKUs soon to be available to consumers. Sharples talked about that order and also the facts their products including all five of the Heritage brands -- Purefarma, Pura Vida, Premium 5, feelgood and RAD will be available for purchase on the CannMart on-line platform. Learning Platform Leader Achieves Triple-Digit Global Growth AARHUS, Denmark, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LMS365 experienced strong, consistent momentum in 2020, with revenue growth of 130% year-over-year, the company announced today. As the need for a remote and flexible workplace expanded, the company also added over 400 new customers in 54 countries, marking a 54% increase in customer growth from 2019. Click to Tweet: @lms365 Sees Massive Increase in Demand to Address #Training Needs for Remote Workers: https://www.elearningforce.com/a-record-setting-year-for-lms365/ #LandD As a result of this massive growth, LMS365 onboarded over 350,000 new users. The company's monthly webinars and events drew 3,500 participants, discussing topics such as leveraging the integration with Microsoft Teams and boosting productivity throughout an organization through learning. Additionally, LMS365 saw a 127% growth year-over-year in visitors on the LMS365 website and added 900 members to its social media communities. To keep up with its growth, the company continues to add staff and is on track to double its number of full-time employees by the end of 2021, including 10 new hires in the U.S. The LMS365 partner environment remains strong with 53 partners in 38 countries worldwide. Lars Vestergaard, CEO, LMS365, said: "The growth that LMS365 has experienced over the past year underlines the dawn of the hybrid workplace. As COVID restrictions lift, organizations will need to meet the learning and development requirements of a workforce that divides its time between the office and other locations. Our Microsoft Teams-based learning management platform stands ready to provide the learning, collaboration and communication capabilities these distributed teams will need to remain productive and successful." About LMS365: LMS365 has 800+ enterprise and public customers with over 4 million users. 50+ trusted partners have implemented the solution in more than 40 countries, with customers in all sectors, and deployments ranging from a few hundred employees to 50,000+ employees. LMS365, a Microsoft Preferred Solution, is one of the fastest-growing cloud-based Learning Platform in the market today. LMS365 provides a modern, integrated, and familiar learning experience as learning is now made possible within Microsoft Teams, Mobile and SharePoint Online. LMS365 is fast to install, highly configurable, easy to use and fully integrated with the rest of your digital workplace, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint & Teams. Website: www.LMS365.com PR Contacts: Corey Eldridge Nadel Phelan, Inc. 831-440-2414 [email protected] SOURCE LMS365 Related Links http://www.LMS365.com Since the initial sampling, the area has been geologically mapped and a soil sample grid of 193 samples collected by Luminex and 989 legacy samples taken by a previous operator, for a total 1,182 samples, has outlined a 3.5km long, irregular gold anomaly oriented in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction when contoured at 0.1 g/t gold. Ancient downslope dispersion of the soil gold anomaly to the southwest is interpreted to have occurred in the Cretaceous period, when the area was tilted in this direction. Additionally, a property wide ZTEM survey had identified a north-northwest oriented structure that extends from surface to a depth of 1,500m. This structure is at least 2.5km long that juxtaposes conductive rock to the west against resistive rock to the east and is interpreted to have focused ascending mineralizing fluids (Figure 2). (1) ZTEM is Geotech Ltd.'s proprietary helicopter-towed electromagnetic survey system which detects changes in resistivity in rocks at depth. Contained within the soil anomaly and lying on the structure defined by the ZTEM survey, geological mapping has delineated a northeast pointing wedge-shaped hydrothermal breccia in sandstone approximately 170m long and 130m wide at the southwest end (Figure 3). This lies within a discontinuous trend of similar breccia bodies that extends over 450m in length and contains historic gold workings. The breccias are hosted in sediments of the Chapiza Formation, the same cover rocks as those at Fruta del Norte, and contain abundant epithermal quartz veins with marcasite. The largest breccia body has returned up to 62.90 g/t gold and 43.1 g/t silver in rock chip sampling of outcrop. This area will be the focus of the initial drill program at Nayumbi. Geologically and geochemically Nayumbi can be characterized as a low sulfidation epithermal gold-silver prospect that is interpreted to have formed in permeable breccias and sandstones, around a feeder structure that channeled mineralizing fluids from depth. Similar gold targets exist elsewhere on the property and these are being actively explored. Luminex is finalizing permitting and drill access and expects drilling to commence in June or July. The geological setting of Nayumbi as well as its surface geochemical and geophysical signature are very similar to one of the world's highest grade gold mines, Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte mine, which hosts resources of 7.4 Moz gold, Indicated resources at 9.61 g/t gold and 12.9 g/t silver and 2.1 Moz gold in Inferred resources at 5.69 g/t gold and 10.8 g/t silver. Fruta del Norte is located some 45km to the north-northeast of Nayumbi, along the same regional fault system. Qualified Persons Leo Hathaway, P. Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration of Luminex and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and has verified the data underlying that scientific and technical information. About Luminex Resources Luminex Resources Corp. (TSXV:LR,OTCQX:LUMIF) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador. Luminex's inferred and indicated mineral resources are located at the Condor Gold-Copper project in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador. The Company is currently drilling its 100% owned Cascas project. Luminex also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador, including the Tarqui and Pegasus projects, which are being co-developed with BHP Group plc and Anglo American respectively. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminexresources.com/. To receive news releases please sign up at https://www.luminexresources.com/contact/contact-us/. LUMINEX RESOURCES CORP. Signed: "Marshall Koval" Marshall Koval, CEO and Director 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 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the Nayumbi drill program. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the prices of gold and copper, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Luminex Resources Corp. MIDLAND, Pa., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The development and launch of a new public charter high school is taking several leaps forward this week, as Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School (MITCS) announced it is receiving a major grant and two significant donations that will further its work. On Monday, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS) revealed MITCS as one of three sub-grantees who may receive as much as $1.5 million each through Pennsylvania's Charter School Program (PACSP) Grant. This award marks the inaugural year of the grant award that will support the development, expansion and replication of 18 high-quality public schools in Pennsylvania over a grant period of five years (2021-25). Each school will be a nonprofit, brick-and-mortar charter school whose model and/or track record demonstrate a strong likelihood that they will produce meaningful and sustainable student learning gains. "PCPCS and the PACSP team are committed to helping develop and expand educational options throughout the commonwealth," said Brandie Karpew co-director of PACSP. "We are committed to giving students more opportunities to enroll in high-quality public charter schools, and MITCS has proven that they have the leadership and expertise to build a great new school for kids." "We're grateful to the Coalition for this tremendous validation of our team's vision and work, and honored by the faith they are placing in us," said Stephen Catanzarite, chairman of the MITCS Planning Committee and Acting CEO. "Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School will continue the tradition of excellence that begins with the Midland Borough School District and is carried far and wide by the numerous public education innovations it continues to inspire. This historic grant will provide the foundation upon which we will help generations of students build better futures." Sean Tanner, Superintendent of the Midland Borough School District (which authorized the charter school and wrote in support of its grant application), noted the significance of the Coalition's grant. "We are proud of the leadership role our school district plays in creating this innovative approach to high school," Tanner said. "Midland is a community that once saw its children denied access to quality education opportunities. Out of that experience, we have become the community that welcomes children from across Pennsylvania who are searching for a public school option that is right for them." The Midland Borough School District is also the original charter authorizer of The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, which are both based in the community. PA Cyber currently has an enrollment of approximately 11,500 students in grades K-12, while Lincoln Park educates nearly 800 students in grades 7-12. Opening in September 2022, Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School will provide students in grades 9 through 12 with the chance to tackle real-life projects and pursue areas of personal interest to prepare them for a world of opportunity. While completing state requirements for a high school diploma, MITCS students will earn certifications, licensing, and even associates degrees in trades, technology, and other fields of endeavor. They will graduate prepared to enter the workforce or continue on through post-secondary education or training. As a public charter school, MITCS provides its services and programming tuition-free to Pennsylvania students. More information is available via the school's website www.mitcharterschool.org. Growing Support from Business and Industry Also this week, MITCS announced support from two high-profile influencers in the region's economy who will become founding members of the MITCS Innovators Circle, a group of strategic collaborators being formed to help drive the school's service to students and the regional economy through philanthropic donations and industry-based leadership. PGT Trucking is providing a $500,000 grant to MITCS to create the PGT Transportation and Logistics Academy. The academy will provide students with the opportunity to earn career-ready credentials in various facets of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. While trucking will be a primary focus, other courses of study will include training in rail, water, air, cable, and pipeline transportation and logistics. "PGT is excited about this partnership with MITCS and the opportunities it will create for the young men and women of our region," said Patrick A. (Pat) Gallagher, Founder and President of PGT. "What has impressed me about the team working to develop this innovative and very needed approach to schooling is their passion and their hustle. I've seen the great things they've achieved in Midland, and I know MITCS is only going to further that record of excellence and success," Gallagher said, adding "I'm all in." Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, PGT Trucking is a multi-service transportation firm offering flatbed, dedicated, international, and specialized services to the steel, building materials, machinery, oil and gas, raw materials, aluminum, and automotive industries in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. From its headquarters in Aliquippa, PGT employs more than 1,030 drivers, mechanics, agents, and support staff, and operates in excess of 1,000 power units and over 1,500 trailers nationwide. Joining PGT as a founding member of the MITCS Innovators Circle is C.J. Betters Enterprises, which is donating the land on which the school's first building will be constructed beginning this summer, and is providing other in-kind services and support. Charles J. Betters, Chairman of the Aliquippa-based and nationally-recognized real estate development firm, was an early advisor to the MITCS planning committee and has been a tireless advocate for the project. "I want our kids here in Beaver County and the surrounding region to have the education and training they're going to need to build a life for themselves and their families in the coming decades," Betters says. "I am supporting MITCS because I agree with its mission, and I know just how much a school like this is needed here," Betters adds. "I also trust and have confidence in the people who are creating it. I'm proud to be associated with this development, and I'm committed to supporting its success." Chris Shovlin, Executive Director of Development and Government Affairs at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center and a member of the MITCS Planning Committee says Gallagher and Betters are pivotal players in the development of the new charter school. "We would never have reached this incredible milestone in the development of Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School were it not for the belief, advocacy, and advice Pat and Chuck so generously share with us," Shovlin said. "PGT and C.J. Betters have made enormous contributions to the local economy over the past several decades. It's an honor that MITCS will be forever associated with their legacies of leadership, service, and innovation." Building for the Future This summer, construction will begin on a new $8 million facility that will serve as phase one in the creation of a planned MITCS campus. Designed by CORE Architects of Pittsburgh, the building is being developed by CJ Betters Enterprises, in partnership with the nonprofit Social Impact Properties of Elizabethtown, PA, and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. The development will feature an approximately 32,000 square foot facility offering state-of-the-art instructional studios, flexible lab environments for collaborative learning and research, student support spaces, administrative offices, and food service and dining amenities, all in a building designed for inspiration. Master planning of the facility includes expansion space for the building to grow to accommodate future enrollment and an expanding curriculum. The project will also incorporate sustainable design features throughout all levels of development, an approach that both the MITCS Planning Committee and the CORE Architects team view as essential practice. CORE Architects was selected, in part, because of its experience and expertise in sustainable development. Jerry Hodge, President of the MITCS Board of Directors, said the design and development of the building is in keeping with the school's vision for creating an environment where diversity, partnership, and collaboration drive innovative approaches to teaching and learning. He also underscored the timeliness of the school. "What we are proposing is an opportunity that is made for this moment. As western Pennsylvania's communities and regional economy begin to grapple with the promises and complexities of a post-pandemic future, MITCS will prepare our young people to meet these challenges by encouraging them to learn collaboratively, think globally, and act locally." Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School (MITCS) is a new public high school set to open in September of 2022. Located in Midland, PA (Beaver County) MITCS will provide students with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma while also pursuing certifications, licensing, and associate degrees in high-tech fields and the skilled trades. As a tuition-free public school, MITCS is open for enrollment to any student residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information visit www.mitcharterschool.org. Contact: Lindsay Courteau, Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: (724) 340-4449 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Related Links lincolnparkarts.org IRVINE, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobilogix, the leading provider of cost-optimized State of the Art cellular IoT solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Comprovei, a leading Logistics and Delivery Management Solution Provider. Together the companies will offer innovative Platform, Device, and End-to-End IoT solutions which will further enable expansion across multiple market verticals. Both partners leverage great strength in Asset Tracking across complex Logistics Networks. Mobilogix and Comprovei Announce Strategic Partnership for IoT Solutions in Logistics and Delivery Management Mobilogix serves to support Comprovei in providing a vast array of complimentary solutions including BAT-X and BTM250 series. With the growing demand in Latin America for precise Temperature Monitoring of sensitive assets, the pairing of our devices with Comprovei's Logistics platform solves those challenges seamlessly. "It is a critical time to serve the market's growing needs," said Mathi Gurusamy, CEO of Mobilogix. "We are pleased to leverage our synergies to penetrate the market for both partners." "Comprovei is focused on Multi-mile Delivery Management System based on real-time Visibility, e-POD (Proof of Delivery) and Control Tower," said Halley Takano, CEO of Comprovei. "Mobilogix's IoT solutions, fully integrated with Comprovei's DMS platform, is aligned with our commitment to a high-quality solution for our customers. We are extremely pleased to announce our partnership and look forward to launching many exciting solutions together." Mobilogix BAT-X is a battery-operated global tracking device utilizing low power LTE CAT-M1/NB-IoT technology with 2G Fallback and embedded Bluetooth gateway capabilities. BAT-X is smart logic-enabled to maximize battery life and comes with a fully configurable sensor feature set. BTM250 is the ideal pairing to use with Mobilogix cellular solutions to connect assets in Construction, Pharmaceutical and Logistics industries. The BTM250 leverages Bluetooth 5.0 technology providing extended range, double the speed, higher density advertising and improved battery life for enhanced operations in existing applications and enabling new solutions. About Mobilogix Mobilogix is the world's leading provider in IoT asset optimization and management solutions. The company's solutions are deployed by leading companies across the Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Healthcare, Industrial and Transportation industry to track, monitor, and optimize assets with actionable real-time data. Mobilogix is headquartered in Irvine, California, and has global offices in Brazil, India, Hong Kong and China. For more information, please call +1.949.748.8895, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.mobilogix.com. About Comprovei Comprovei is a leading Delivery Management System provider for leading companies in LATAM, across Chemical, Food, Metal-Steel, Pharma, Shippers & Transporters. Headquartered in Itajuba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Comprovei was recognized as TOP1 LogTech in the 100 Open Startups Brazilian Ranking for three years in a row, 2018-2019-2020. For more information, visit https://comprovei.com. Media Contact Greg Oppenheim +1.949.365.6236 SOURCE Mobilogix, Inc. MONTREAL, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - MONARCH MINING CORPORATION ("Monarch" or the "Corporation") (TSX: GBAR) (OTCMKTS: GBARF) reported its results today for the quarter and 141-day period ended March 31, 2021. Amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Summary of financial results (In dollars, except per share data) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 2021 141-DAY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31 2021 Administrative expenses 585,444 585,444 Care and maintenance expenses 962,859 962,859 Exploration expenses 1,242,142 1,242,142 Net loss (2,760,651) (2,760,651) Basic and diluted net loss (0.05) (0.08) (In dollars) MARCH 31, 2021 Cash and cash equivalents 19,013,624 Total assets 61,211,859 Non current liabilities 12,906,332 Shareholders' equity 46,461,437 "These are our financial results for a full quarter following the closing of the Yamana Gold Inc. transaction and our January 26 listing as the new Monarch Mining Corporation entity," said Jean-Marc Lacoste, President and CEO of Monarch. "We started the year strong, with major drilling programs on the Beaufor Mine, McKenzie Break and Croinor Gold properties, which are still ongoing. We also updated the mineral resource estimate technical reports on the Beaufor Mine, McKenzie Break and Swanson projects, which showed clear growth in the value of our mining assets. We expect the new resource estimate for the Beaufor Mine, which will include the results from the latest drilling programs, to further increase the potential value of the deposit." "We are still aiming to restart the Beaufor mine within the next 12 months in a gold market that remains strong. During the quarter, we also upgraded our technical team by adding experienced people who will help make Monarch a success. In addition, our strong financial position enables us to move forward with our advanced high-grade gold projects, for which we have high hopes," Mr. Lacoste added. About Monarch Monarch Mining Corporation (TSX: GBAR) is a fully integrated mining company that owns four advanced projects, including the fully permitted past-producing Beaufor Mine, which has produced more than 1 million ounces of gold over the last 30 years. Other advanced assets include the Croinor Gold, McKenzie Break and Swanson properties, all located near Monarch's wholly owned and fully permitted Beacon 750 tpd mill. Monarch owns 28,725 hectares (287 km2) of mining assets in the prolific Abitibi mining camp that host 588,482 ounces of combined measured and indicated gold resources and 329,393 ounces of combined inferred resources. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Monarch's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied therein. Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. www.monarchmining.com SOURCE Monarch Mining Corporation Related Links http://www.monarquesgold.com/en/ Located on the Lower Ground Floor of Mondrian Shoreditch, the latest property from Mondrian, a leading brand within the Accor group, BIBO will be three Michelin-Star Chef Dani Garcia's fifth restaurant for the concept, joining BIBO Marbella, Madrid, Tarifa, Doha and Malaga. Each BIBO restaurant combines Garcia's rich Andalusian heritage with the techniques and ingredients of each BiBo location to create dishes which are renowned and well-loved around the globe; BIBO at Mondrian Shoreditch will be no exception. The lifestyle hotel, owned by The Reuben Brothers, will open its doors July 2021 following a major overhaul and complete redesign by award-winning London interior design studio Goddard Littlefair. This latest news comes on the heels of Accor's acquisition of sbe's hotel brands in Q4 2020 and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world's largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators later this summer. Dani Garcia notes, "It is an honor to open our first UK based restaurant alongside our amazing partners Accor and the Reuben Brothers, and we are excited to establish the property as the heart of the Shoreditch food scene. I have always been fascinated by the vibrant energy of London and look forward to seeing our most iconic dishes such as the "oxtail brioche" and "creamy ham croquettes" being enjoyed by this new public" Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe notes, "It is an incredible honor to work with Dani and his team to bring their tremendous culinary talent to our Mondrian hotel in London. BIBO will become a destination for Londonners and travelers alike. This is the beginning of our global collaboration with Dani which will bring his culinary concepts to our hotels across the globe." Founded in Marbella in 2014, the BIBO brand is borne of Dani Garcia's idea to create a casual concept with which to democratize fine dining in the form of a brasserie and a tapas bar, with each dish showcasing technique at the service of flavour, and an impeccable attention to detail. From the menu, guests can expect BIBO favourites such as the Oxtail Brioche, a pulled oxtail brioche with thin mushroom slices, DG sauce and rocket; the Russian Salad with Quail Eggs, comprising potato, extra virgin olive oil mayo, tuna belly, fried quail eggs and garlic chips, and Freshly Made Guacamole, tableside in a molcajete mortar, with avocado, green peas, broken-up burrata, mint and nachos; dishes that have already become references of BIBO's cosmopolitan concept. Inside the restaurant, Goddard Littlefair's specialist food and beverage division 'Epicurean' have curated a design scheme infused with light that uses a natural colour palette, achieved with light oak floors, soft clay rendered walls and reflective surfaces. Seating a total of 120 guests, including 20 on the Spanish Courtyard and 12 in the Private Dining room on the floor below, BIBO's interior will subtly reference Andalusia whilst complimenting the brand colours for BIBO Shoreditch through the use of rose-coloured handmade tiles, bordeaux red arched wall features and limed oak joinery. The furnishings will include antique tan leather and teal and rose fabrics, whilst light from the oversized rattan pendant lights will bounce between the polished copper walls. At the central island bar, a statement mirrored raft and globe light are housed within a copper rod structure, a nod to the hot air balloon which features in other BIBO restaurants globally. The casual high tables have been designed for tapas service, situated in close proximity to the kitchen and with glass tapas displays. Outside, the Spanish Courtyard offers a Spanish haven in the heart of London, with bold red walls, hanging plants and wooden fans beneath a retracting glass roof. The wine list has been created by Wine Director Rodrigo Gonzalez, who after beginning his career as Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton alongside Chef Martin Berasategui, joined Dani Garcia's team in 2018 as Head Sommelier, whilst Bar Manager Manuel Valenciano, who joined Grupo Dani Garcia in 2016, will be heading up the cocktail menu. The drinks menu uses typical Andalusian drinks as a reference but always giving them that special BiBo touch. Among them are sangria (with the choice of red or white wine), "Rebujito" and "El agua de Sevilla" / The water of Seville. There will also be different vermouth references, a drink that traditionally accompanies the aperitif and which socially marks the beginning of the weekend. Address: Mondrian Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT Opening hours: 7am - midnight Website: TBC Instagram: @BiBoShoreditch About Mondrian Mondrian is more than a hotel: it's a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a "must" destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world's most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. With five properties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Doha and Seoul, the brand is on track to more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in London, Bordeaux, Cannes, Australia's Gold Coast and more. Mondrian Hotels & Residences is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. Learn more at MondrianHotels.com About Grupo Dani Garcia Dani Garcia Group is a young, fun and innovative brand that was created from the vision, love for cuisine, taste for things well done and other shared passions of Dani Garcia and his business partners, Laura and Javier Gutierrez. Respect, loyalty, teamwork, creativity and the ability to generate synergies with different suppliers, in order to create new and more complete experiences, are their hallmarks of the Dani Garcia Group. These values aim to surprise, fulfil dreams and, ultimately, make customers happy with the company's restaurant concepts and brands. Currently, the group includes the restaurants BIBO (Marbella, Madrid, Tarifa and Doha), Lobito de Mar (Marbella and Madrid) Lena (Marbella and Madrid) and La Gran Familia Mediterranea (a 100% digital brand with no physical restaurants). Contact: Laura Salerno [email protected] SOURCE sbe sbe Chief Operating Officer Chadi Farhat said , "We are very proud to collaborate with Jamie Reuben and his family in bringing the iconic Mondrian brand back to London. The city has been and will continue to be a thriving hub for our lifestyle offerings, and myself and my team are excited to re-establish Mondrian as one of London's most innovative destinations for lifestyle, hospitality, culinary and mixology experiences for locals and travellers alike." Reuben Brothers said, "We are delighted to be partnering with Accor and sbe to open a European flagship Mondrian hotel which will enhance Shoreditch's already thriving artistic contribution to our capital. Mondrian Shoreditch will be a go-to luxury lifestyle brand for culinary and culture-seekers from all over the world." The 120-bedroom property - including 13 suites - will sit in the midst of Shoreditch, East London's creative and cultural hub: an area that captivates the energy and playful DNA of the Mondrian brand. As a leading lifestyle brand, Mondrian recognises the cultural vibrancy of a place and elevates it - intertwining guest offerings with local highlights and bringing the essence of East London to the hotel and vice versa. Mondrian Shoreditch will collaborate with local personalities and brands to highlight their lifestyle approach to hospitality, via partnerships including artistic pop-ups and live performances in The Screening Room, a private room and bar. The property will also offer a premium co-working space, visionary dining and mixology concepts and boasts a rooftop pool and lounge by an award-winning team, just in time for the summer - a rarity for Londoners and always in high demand. Dining Mondrian Shoreditch presents a host of truly enriching and elevated experiences via its portfolio of diversely distinct luxury brands. On the lower ground, world-famous chef Dani Garcia introduces BIBO, a Spanish kitchen serving tapas with courtyard seats and Garcia's first outpost in London. Mondrian Shoreditch will also be host to a new all-day cafe and cocktail bar - Christina's Shoreditch. Christina's Shoreditch will only source products from local independent suppliers (farmers, growers and community bakeries), start-ups and brands with social impact. Guests will also have access to the exclusive Altitude Rooftop for breakfast. The space will otherwise be exclusively for members of The Curtain, the hotel's private members club. Mondrian Shoreditch's culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the Mondrian brand. Dani Garcia said, "It is an honor to open our first UK based restaurant alongside our amazing partners Accor and the Reuben Brothers, and we are excited to establish the property as the heart of the Shoreditch food scene. I have always been fascinated by the vibrant energy of London and look forward to welcoming guests to our restaurant in the Mondrian hotel which is sure to become a true icon in the district of Shoreditch." The Curtain Members Club The well-known Curtain Members' Club will re-open at the hotel. A co-working space will also be available for members on the ground floor - The Design Studio - and will provide a world-class offering with a newly scheduled and diverse range of weekly events - from panel discussions, to live music and club nights with local talent. The Design Studio will be a prime location for corporates and local creatives looking for a luxury day-office away from home-working. Members also enjoy exclusive access to Altitude Rooftop, The Lounge, Rose Bar, and the event space. Design Award-winning interior design studio Goddard Littlefair led design for Mondrian's public spaces and food and beverage venues. The hotel has been significantly refreshed in line with the upbeat and individual spirit of Mondrian hotels. The reception and lobby are playful and reflective with significant artwork installations for guests to discover, typical of the Mondrian design portfolio. The double height ground floor bar showcases large-scale artwork hand-painted onto concrete by Fred Coppin and the rooftop bar dressed with striped and festooned shade structures will appeal to the guest and locals alike. The new BIBO restaurant by chef Dani Garcia was also designed by Goddard Littlefair who dovetailed the identity of Mondrian spirit with Garcia's culinary legacy. The guestroom refurbishment encapsulates a luxurious, theatrical aesthetic with fresh white brick walls and artwork selections that invite witty appreciation. Dakota Development, a subsidiary of sbe, led by President Joe Faust, provided technical service support for the entire development process. The opening follows the company's recent launch of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, and announcement to open Mondrian Bordeaux and Mondrian Cannes in 2022. The return of the Mondrian brand to London reflects the continued strategic expansion of the brand's international footprint, which will include soon-to-be announced Mondrian properties in Australia, the Dominican Republic, Germany, the Maldives, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. About Mondrian Mondrian is more than a hotel: it's a way of travel. Known for its groundbreaking design and progressive programming it is a "must" destination for locals or travelers. Mondrian is always at the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world, serving up innovation and creativity for everyone. Mondrian provides a playful framework so that guests and locals alike can immerse themselves in the culture of each city it inhabits. Design is at the center of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world's most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. With five properties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Doha and Seoul, the brand is on track to more than double its footprint by 2023, with upcoming openings in London, Bordeaux, Cannes, Australia's Gold Coast and more. Mondrian Hotels & Residences is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. Learn more at MondrianHotels.com About Reuben Brothers Reuben Brothers is a leader in private equity, real estate investment and development, and debt financing. Its investments include data centres, racecourses, hotels and pubs, aerodromes, media and data centres. Reuben Brothers resource heritage is today represented through energy investments, shipping, metal warehousing and mining. The company's real estate holdings are significant in scale and broadly diversified, encompassing office, retail, hotel, residential and infrastructure properties across the world. Reuben Brothers' philanthropic arm, the Reuben Foundation, was formed in 2002 and makes essential contributions to the advancement of healthcare and education worldwide. For further information on the Reuben Foundation please visit www.reubenfoundation.com Media Contact : Laura Salerno X2PR [email protected] Images and lead in rate: Nightly rates at Mondrian Shoreditch London start from 299 inclusive of VAT and breakfast. For more information please visit MondrianShoreditch.com. Exterior and render images can be downloaded here (please credit Goddard Littlefair). SOURCE sbe Related Links http://www.sbe.com/ With today's announcement, MoneyLion also introduced MoneyLion Marketplace, a platform which matches MoneyLion members with category-leading brands, offers and value-add resources that are tailored to their personal needs. Nationwide, one of the strongest, diversified, Fortune 100 insurance and financial services companies, will be the first insurance provider available to MoneyLion members via NFP and through the MoneyLion Marketplace platform. "Knowing what type and how much insurance to buy can be a daunting experience for many people, and yet it is a critical foundation for any financial plan," said Dee Choubey, MoneyLion co-founder and CEO. "As a leader in digital technology, insurance underwriting and customer service, Nationwide is a natural fit to help our members evaluate the insurance options that are right for them." MoneyLion members will be able to get a quote quickly and easily for a range of Nationwide insurance products and, in some instances, lower their expenses, all through the MoneyLion app. "Meeting the customer where they are is an important focus in Nationwide's strategy and key to our innovative partnership with NFP and MoneyLion," said Gary Douglas, president, Nationwide National Partners. "Partnering with NFP to provide a digital solution utilizing MoneyLion's Marketplace will enhance the customer experience and attract consumers who want to quickly and simply quote and purchase insurance online." "MoneyLion's focus on introducing innovative solutions aligns well with our efforts to help clients solve problems and enhance outcomes," said Brett Woodward, Managing Director of NFP Personal Risk. "Through this partnership, we'll be able to leverage the MoneyLion Marketplace platform to connect the needs of clients with a range of solutions through an easy-to-use interface. This is a great combination of expertise, innovation and collaboration that delivers meaningful value to MoneyLion members." Introducing MoneyLion Marketplace MoneyLion Marketplace extends the range of tools and services available for members to seamlessly access through the MoneyLion platform, making it easy to manage their financial lives through the convenience of a single digital app. MoneyLion's AI-powered fGPS technology provides members with personalized financial guidance. This individualized guidance will eventually link directly to MoneyLion Marketplace to help members find highly-relevant partners and offerings when they need it most and are seeking solutions to achieve their financial goals. "We want to use the power of technology and our all-in-one platform to meaningfully match our members with industry-leading providers and personalized offerings that can help them manage their financial needs today and plan for tomorrow," added Choubey. The introduction of MoneyLion Marketplace and partnership with NFP builds on the company's recent momentum. In October 2020, MoneyLion announced a partnership with NFP Ventures to provide NFP's employer clients with access to MoneyLion's full suite of financial tools. As previously announced, on February 12, 2021, MoneyLion entered into a definitive agreement with Fusion Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: FUSE), that will result in MoneyLion becoming a publicly listed company in the first half of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Become a MoneyLion Marketplace Partner Companies interested in joining the MoneyLion Marketplace platform can visit moneylion.com/partners for more information. About MoneyLion MoneyLion is a mobile banking and financial membership platform that empowers people to take control of their finances. Since its launch in 2013, MoneyLion has engaged with 7.5 million hard-working Americans and has earned its members' trust by building a full-service digital platform to deliver mobile banking, lending, and investment solutions. From a single app, members can get a 360-degree snapshot of their financial lives and have access to personalized tips and tools to build and improve their credit and achieve everyday savings. MoneyLion is headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Sioux Falls, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. MoneyLion has achieved various awards of recognition including the 2020 Forbes FinTech 50, Aite group best digital Wealth Management Multiproduct offering, Finovate Award for Best Digital Bank 2019, Benzinga FinTech Awards winner for Innovation in Personal Finance 2019 and the Webby Awards 2019 People's Voice Award. For more information, please visit www.moneylion.com or download the app. About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com . Follow us on Facebook and Twitter . About NFP NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing customized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 5,400 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 6th largest US-based privately owned broker, 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue and 8th best place to work in insurance (Business Insurance); 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 13th largest global insurance broker (Best's Review). Media Contacts: MoneyLion: [email protected] Nationwide: Lyndsey Kleven [email protected] 614-507-0485 NFP: Kelly Jones [email protected] 512-697-6273 MoneyLion is not a Licensed Insurer MoneyLion is not a licensed insurance provider and does not engage in the "selling," "solicitation," or "negotiating" of insurance within the meaning of applicable state law. All insurance quotes, products and/or policies that are obtained by MoneyLion members are provided through NFP, in its capacity as a licensed insurance broker, on behalf of its licensed insurance partners, including Nationwide. Nationwide, MoneyLion and NFP are separate and non-affiliated companies. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics and expectations and timing related to potential benefits, terms and timing of the transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of MoneyLion's and Fusion's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of MoneyLion and Fusion. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed business combination, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed business combination or that the approval of the shareholders of Fusion or MoneyLion is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to MoneyLion; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; MoneyLion's ability to manage future growth; MoneyLion's ability to develop new products and solutions, bring them to market in a timely manner, and make enhancements to its platform; the effects of competition on MoneyLion's future business; the amount of redemption requests made by Fusion's public shareholders; the ability of Fusion or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed business combination or in the future; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors discussed in Fusion's Annual Report, under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of Fusion filed, or to be filed, with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither MoneyLion nor Fusion presently know or that MoneyLion and Fusion currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect MoneyLion's and Fusion's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. MoneyLion and Fusion anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause MoneyLion's and Fusion's assessments to change. However, while MoneyLion and Fusion may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, MoneyLion and Fusion specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing MoneyLion's and Fusion's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. SOURCE MoneyLion Related Links https://moneylion.com WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has a long history of supporting America's entrepreneurs as they develop technologies from ideas to commercial readiness. The agency's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is furthering that legacy with 140 new Phase II awards to 127 U.S. small businesses that will help them move their innovations to market. The awards to these small businesses, located across 34 states and Washington, D.C., total $105 million. NASA's small business program is dedicated to finding the most useful technologies for the agency and the commercial marketplace, and sourcing those innovations from a diverse group of entrepreneurs with different backgrounds and perspectives. The companies chosen for Phase II funding include 33 women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses. The awardees all received initial SBIR Phase I contracts in 2020 to demonstrate the merits of their innovations and show how they could contribute to NASA's efforts in human exploration, space technology, science, and aeronautics. The Phase II awards will provide them each with up to $750,000 to advance their technologies toward potential commercialization. The companies will spend up to two years developing, demonstrating, and delivering their proposed projects. "These small businesses received Phase I awards towards the onset of the global pandemic and persevered through it to evolve promising up-and-coming technology solutions," said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). "As the government helps get small businesses back on track, we value their commitment and dedication to supporting NASA missions and goals." InnoSys Inc., a woman-owned small business in Salt Lake City, Utah, developed a concept for a camera that can operate in extremely high temperatures perhaps even on Venus where surface temperature can reach 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Its innovation replaces glass envelopes in conventional imaging tubes with other materials, such as quartz or sapphire, that can withstand harsh environments. Beyond space mission applications, the company wants to create cameras for imaging fires or high-temperature furnaces up close, and for inspecting nuclear reactor cores. NASA aims to help small businesses like InnoSys focus on commercialization. The program offers additional funding opportunities for small businesses if their Phase II work proves successful, helping them find customers outside the agency. "The Phase II contract period is an exciting time, as small businesses put their ideas into practice and develop prototypes attractive to NASA and private investors," said NASA SBIR Program Executive Jason L. Kessler. "The selected technologies have displayed great potential impacts for their respective sectors, and we are proud to continually invest in today's booming aerospace economy through these small businesses." California-based Micro Cooling Concepts has worked with NASA's SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program since 2004 on various thermal management innovations. This year, NASA selected the company for a Phase II contract to build a lightweight, compact heat exchanger with possible electrified aircraft propulsion applications. Using the development and lessons learned during Phase I, Micro Cooling Concepts will advance its clean energy technology to potentially support new aircraft configurations for NASA, the military, and the commercial sector. Tietronix Software Inc., a minority-owned small business in Houston, was selected to mature a virtual medical "expert" that incorporates artificial intelligence and augmented reality. In working through its concept during Phase I, Tietronix Software recognized the need to seamlessly integrate medical resources, knowledge, training, procedural guidance, and diagnostic support. The system could provide astronauts with medical autonomy during extended missions and benefit the military or other organizations in places where medical professionals have limited availability. NASA previously announced $45 million in Phase I awards to another group of small businesses in March 2021. NASA's SBIR/STTR program is part of STMD and managed by NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. To view the full list of the latest NASA SBIR Phase II selections, visit: https://sbir.nasa.gov/prg_selection/node/66870 SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov Commissioned by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation and conducted by Slover Linett Audience Research, the study focuses on Denver's Ruby Hill neighborhood, a largely residential, predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latinx community. Reflecting on fieldwork conducted during the "pre" phase of the research in 2013 (before design and construction of Levitt Pavilion Denver began) and the "post" phase in 2019 (during the pavilion's third concert season), the white paper explores shifting perceptions of Ruby Hill Park, the local area, and the pavilion through the lens of lived experiences of local residents and park users; the role of collective memory in shaping attitudes toward the arts investment; and how equitable practices and processes can further a sense of belonging while fostering long-term investment in the community. The new report is a case study of how a creative placemaking project can be positioned and programmed to become a community asset that is reflective of a neighborhood's local character and inspires community attachment, while also being responsive to the dynamism of a rapidly growing and changing metropolitan area. "As we reflect upon a year of tremendous challenges, loss and hardship, when many of our country's inequities were laid bare, the role of the arts in fostering community and a sense of belonging has taken on even greater importance," says Sharon Yazowski, executive director of the Levitt Foundation. "This research has already informed our work, as we hope it will inspire others, to broaden inclusionary practices and support creative placemaking in communities undergoing change, with equity at the forefront." The Levitt Foundation focuses its funding and research on creative placemaking, believing in the power of public spaces to create a more just and equitable society, and the power of the arts to inspire joy, nourish well-being and create shared community experiences that foster connections. The Foundation partners with communities across the country, providing grants to activate underused public spaces through free, live music. In addition to its grantmaking, the Foundation has been part of the creative placemaking field's dialogue and evolution and has committed to research and critical self-reflection, both to contribute to the field and to inform its own programs and practices. In 2013, the Levitt Foundation commissioned Slover Linett to conduct a three-part study to better understand and document the impact of permanent Levitt music venues, focusing on community-level outcomes. The first two parts of the study were published as a white paper in 2016, Setting the Stage for Community Change: Reflecting on Creative Placemaking Outcomes. Among other findings, that document explored how the experience of free Levitt concerts fosters social interactions within groups and across demographic boundaries, which, in turn, builds social capital. The 2021 white paper presents the third part of the research, a Pre/Post Research Study at Levitt Pavilion Denver, which explores the precursor to social capitala sense of belonging. Slover Linett focused on the unique "situatedness" of Ruby Hill Park, including its location and history of use, in order to understand the preconditions for Levitt Pavilion Denver's creation and how it has begun to contribute to a sense of place and overall community vitality. Slover Linett used largely qualitative research methods to understand the role and impact of Levitt Pavilion Denver over time and across multiple definitions of "community," inviting a range of perspectives on the pavilion and its concerts, the park, surrounding neighborhoods, and Denver as a whole. The researchers aimed to be attuned to systemic drivers of equity and inequity in the local community context and listen for perceptions among area residents, Denver community stakeholders, and concert attendees about how Levitt Pavilion Denver has (or could) play a role in shifting those dynamics. "This research has been a rich conversation with many voices, including longtime local residents and more recent arrivals," says Tanya Treptow, PhD, lead author of the study and Slover Linett's vice president and co-director of research. "By exploring these multi-layered, intersecting perspectives, we hope that this case study honors the complexity of communities and uncovers insights that can be useful to a wide range of practitioners and funders of creative placemaking and equitable arts-and-community-development projects." The Key Findings section of the report assesses how the Levitt Pavilion Denver nonprofit organization has helped create a stronger, more equitable community of music lovers in Denver; the opportunity and potential challenges for Levitt Denver to foster long-term investment in the local community; how Levitt Denver has created a nurturing environment for musicians; and the delicate balance of sharing resources in a complex landscape given the public/private partnership between Levitt Denver and the City. The final section of the white paper offers Suggestions for the Field, co-authored by Slover Linett and the Levitt Foundationguidance to those working in, or philanthropically supporting, a range of creative placemaking efforts, from music-based projects to those involving other arts disciplines or taking place in diverse community contexts. Read full white paper. Read the executive summary. About the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a private family foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. Through its commitment to creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation supports the activation of underused public spacesneglected parks, vacant downtown lots, former brownfieldsinto welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together to create more equitable, thriving and sustainable communities. The Foundation's primary funding areas include permanent Levitt venues and the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards. Both of these programs present free concerts in outdoor, open lawn settings featuring high-caliber talent in a broad array of music genres and cultural performances. Permanent Levitt venues and Levitt AMP concert sites attract people of all ages and backgrounds and reflect the character of their town or city, while benefitting from the framework and best practices of the Levitt program. The Levitt Foundation invests in community-driven efforts that harness the power of partnerships and leverage community engagement. Levitt venues and AMP grantees partner with local nonprofits and community groups to inform programming, outreach and engagement, embodying the Foundation's funding philosophy and core values to support projects that are inclusive, catalytic and dynamic and create connectedness and joy. Reflecting its ongoing commitment to self-reflection and contributing to the creative placemaking field, the Levitt Foundation invests in research to evaluate the social impact of Levitt programs in communities, which in turn informs the Foundation's evolving philanthropic practice. Learn more: levitt.org About Levitt Pavilion Denver Levitt Pavilion Denver is a nonprofit dedicated to building community through music. Located in Ruby Hill Park in Southwest Denver, each year the outdoor music venue presents 50 free concerts featuring local, regional, national and international acts in a broad range of music genres. Steeped in a mission to bridge cultural gaps, erase divisions and embrace differences, Levitt Denver celebrates the localincluding musicians, the business community, arts and culture organizations and other nonprofits. Featuring a relaxed open lawn setting, easily accessible location and family-friendly environment attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, Levitt Denver functions as a nexus for local nonprofits, musicians and arts groups across the Rocky Mountain region. Outside of the free concert series, Levitt Denver's state-of-the-art amphitheater is used by schools, arts organizations, outside promoters and nonprofits. Learn more: levittdenver.org About Slover Linett Slover Linett is a social research practice for the cultural and community sector, broadly defined to include the arts, museums, libraries, parks and public spaces, public media, science engagement, placemaking, and philanthropy. Founded in Chicago in 1999, the firm uses a range of equitable research and evaluation methods from community ethnography and asset-mapping to quantitative survey research, advanced statistical modeling, and generative, co-creative workshopsto illuminate public perceptions, values, behaviors, outcomes, and new possibilities for relevance. Slover Linett's mission is to help practitioners and policymakers increase equity and access, deepen engagement, and meet human and community needs. Its Chicago-based staff includes social scientists from disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, and public policy, many with advanced degrees. Clients have ranged from The High Line, New York Public Radio, and the Library of Congress to Carnegie Hall, the Knight Foundation, and Nina Simon's Of/By/For All movement. During the pandemic, Slover Linett helped lead Culture & Community in a Time of Transformation: A Special Edition of Culture Track, a national audience and population study in partnership with LaPlaca Cohen, Yancey Consulting, and NORC at the University of Chicago, with generous support from the Wallace Foundation, Barr Foundation, William Penn Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, and Art Bridges (a Walton family initiative) and crucial in-kind contributions from Microsoft and FocusVision. The first wave of the online survey became one of the largest quantitative studies of cultural engagement in U.S. history and led to a BIPOC-focused analysis and report released in December 2020, "Centering the Picture: The Role of Race & Ethnicity in Cultural Engagement in the U.S." The 2021 phases of the project will amplify the voices of Americans of color and focus more deeply on the participants served by community-embedded organizations, from public libraries to independent music venues. Learn more: sloverlinett.com and twitter.com/SloverLinett. SOURCE Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation Related Links http://levittamp.org "Our posture's gonna be that we're posted outside of DC, awaiting the president's orders. We hope he will give us the orders. We want him to declare an insurrection, and to call us up as the militia." Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, in November, looking ahead to Jan. 6 "It's difficult to live with the knowledge that some of the most vulnerable people in our society such as the elderly, communities of color, and those with limited financial means are waiting for kidney transplants, especially when kidney patients have been at such exceptionally high risk from COVID-19," said Miriam Godwin, NKF Health Policy Director and a kidney transplant living donor. "It's my job to make kidney transplants more accessible, but the tools to create system-level change are limited and take time. No one should be denied the opportunity for kidney health because of the circumstances of their birth. I became a living donor because I knew I could help one person right now, so I did. It was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made." Health inequities in the U.S. are well-documented for Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander people, who are all at increased risk for developing kidney disease. Black or African American people comprise 13% of the U.S. population yet represent 35% of those on dialysis for kidney failure. Hispanic or Latino people are 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanic or non-Latino people to have kidney failure. Additional risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. "Kidney disease is a public health crisis estimated to affect 37 million adults in the United States, yet 90% don't even know they have it," said Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient. "Miriam doesn't want to be considered special and just wants living donation to be more commonplace, but what she did is incredibly special. The demand for kidney transplantation is so great that we are asking all adults in the U. S. to be more like Miriam and consider becoming a living donor." Approximately 785,000 Americans have irreversible kidney failure and need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. About 555,000 of these patients receive dialysis to replace kidney function, 230,000 live with a transplant. Depending on where a patient lives, the average wait time for a kidney transplant can be upwards of three to seven years. Living donations were responsible for a total of 5,726 transplants in 2020. Living organ donation not only saves lives, but it saves money too. Each year, Medicare spends approximately $89,000 per dialysis patient and less than half, $35,000, for a transplant. "We consistently say the ability to save a life through living organ donation is within all of us, yet we're uncertain if people hear our message. To have Miriam someone who has supported the transplant community throughout her career with her work at NKF -- choose to make this life saving gift is truly inspiring," said Matthew Cooper, MD, Director, Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program, MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute and a member of NKF Board of Directors. "As the region's leading transplant program, we are honored that Miriam purposely chose MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute on her journey to provide this gift of life. Miriam's generous gift facilitated two transplants through a program called Paired Kidney Exchange. If a kidney patient and potential living donor don't have compatible blood types, the donor may consider donating through this program and here's how it works. If the recipient from one pair is compatible with the donor from the other pair, and vice versa the transplant center may arrange for a "swap"for two simultaneous transplants to take place. This allows two transplant candidates to receive organs and two donors to give organs although the original recipient/donor pairs were unable to do so with each other. This has been extended to allow chains of donors with multiple linked donor and recipient pairs, often facilitated by a good Samaritan donor, as Miriam did. These donations can take place within a single center or across the U.S., allowing these generous gifts to help many more patients in need. Please consider becoming a living donor. To learn more about NKF, living organ donations, and kidney disease, go to www.kidney.org/livingdonation or the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute. Kidney Disease Facts In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for chronic kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes , high blood pressure , heart disease , obesity , and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Blacks or African Americans are almost 4 times more likely than White Americans to have kidney failure. Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure. About National Kidney Foundation Living Organ Donation Resources: THE BIG ASK: THE BIG GIVE platform, which provides nationwide outreach, is designed to increase kidney transplantation through training and tools that help patients and families find a living donor. It includes direct patient and caregiver support through our toll-free help line 855-NKF-CARES, peer mentoring from a fellow kidney patient or a living donor, online communities, an advocacy campaign to remove barriers to donation, and a multi-media public awareness campaign. All resources are free and designed to teach kidney patients, or their advocates, how to make a "big ask" to their friends, loved ones, or community to consider making a "big give," a living organ donation. www.kidney.org/livingdonation. About MedStar Georgetown University Hospital MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital licensed for 609 beds located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Founded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, caring for the whole person, MedStar Georgetown is committed to offering a variety of innovative diagnostic and treatment options in a trusting and compassionate environment. MedStar Georgetown's centers of excellence include neurosciences, transplant, cancer, and gastroenterology. Along with Magnet nurses, internationally recognized physicians, advanced research and cutting-edge technologies, MedStar Georgetown's healthcare professionals have a reputation for medical excellence and leadership. The MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute is a top 10 highest volume transplant center in the nation for all organs (excluding thoracic); the regions' only 5-tier liver transplant program for 1-year organ survival; is among the top 10 highest volume centers for kidney transplants and the second largest paired kidney exchange program (through the National Kidney Registry) in the country; is among the top 3 programs by volume for pancreas and pediatric liver transplants; and, is among the top 2 intestinal transplant programs by volume in the country. About the National Kidney Foundation The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org . SOURCE National Kidney Foundation Related Links http://www.kidney.org SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has awarded 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to college-bound students in San Diego and Riverside Counties in its annual College Scholarship Program. Through the program, North Island Credit Union recognizes exceptional students who are active in both their schools and the communities, giving back to others through service and volunteer work. The 2021 North Island Credit Union scholarship recipients are: Recipient School City College Attending Grace Freeman Grossmont High School El Cajon Grossmont College Sergio Garcia Granite Hills High School El Cajon Dixie State University Brianna Hafey Elsinore High School Wildomar CSU, Chico Bryana Hidalgo San Ysidro High School San Diego UC, Irvine Samantha Lorr Coronado High School Coronado Yale University Mirfit Mohammad Grossmont College El Cajon Grossmont College Julian Munoz Otay Ranch High School Chula Vista Southwestern College Emma Olson Cathedral Catholic High School San Diego Michigan State University Daryl Sledge, Jr. Francis Parker High School San Diego Occidental College Isabel Valencia Sweetwater High School National City UCLA Photos of recipients can be found here. "We are excited to recognize the outstanding achievements of these exceptional students as they pursue their educational goals," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Their hard work and resilience through one of the most challenging years we've ever experienced is truly inspirational. Our credit union's commitment to our educational community has never been more important as we work to support our next generation of leaders in achieving their dreams. We wish all of these recipients much success in their college career." College-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming year were eligible to participate. This year, the credit union's Scholarship Program received nearly 1,300 applications, which were reviewed by a Scholarship Committee consisting of credit union staff who selected the award recipients. The credit union's Annual College Scholarship program was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding students within its local communities. Since the creation of the program, the credit union has awarded more than $355,000 in scholarships to students across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of nearly $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu. SOURCE North Island Credit Union Related Links https://northisland.ccu.com/ CHARLESTON, S.C., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, North Signal is pleased to announce the acquisition of a fully entitled, light-industrial zoned,10.1 acre land parcel from, a joint venture owned by an affiliate of North Signal Capital LLC and a fund managed by Westport Capital Partners LLC (the "Joint Venture"). North Signal is simultaneously announcing its plan to develop a +/- 125,000 SF multi-tenant industrial building at this site, 1014 Northpointe Industrial Boulevard, with an expected delivery in June 2022. The transaction represents an effective conclusion of a successful joint venture between Westport Capital and North Signal Capital involving three land parcels within North Pointe Commerce Park. As has been previously reported, the two other parcels, 7413 Magi Road and 1017 Northpointe Industrial Boulevard were successfully developed into a 313,650 SF built to suit for lease by SAIC and a 247,000 SF building fully leased to Expeditors, respectively. These buildings were sold to Stockbridge and LBA Realty, in 2019 and 2021, respectively. In addition, North Signal and Westport successfully partnered on a two-building development in Savannah, GA totaling +/- 450,000 SF. The two-building development was fully leased to logistics players Port Logistics Group and SLM Group, and subsequently sold to Lexington Partners in 2020. "We have enjoyed working with Westport Capital Partners. We find them to be highly capable and responsive which allows us to best serve all of our development stakeholders, most importantly, our tenants. We look forward to working with them on future transactions," said Peter Goulding, Partner, North Signal Capital. The North Signal planned +/- 125,000 SF multi-tenant building will match the same Class A design standards employed across all of our projects. The facility will be designed to the highest institutional standards including tilt-up concrete construction, 32 foot clear height, ESFR sprinkler systems, and LED lighting. The project will also benefit from cohesive construction and leasing teams. The construction team will be led by Evans General Contractors and include LS3P and Thomas & Hutton and OMNI Partners. North Signal has developed or is developing nearly six million square feet in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA with these key project team members. Bridge Commercial will be the listing agent on the planned spec building. Bridge had previously served as listing agent for both 7413 Magi Road and 1017 Northpointe Industrial Boulevard. "We are excited about this new project at 1014 Northpointe Industrial Boulevard. As of the end of the first quarter, vacancy rate in the Charleston industrial market was approximately 4.5% and the market continues to grow rapidly. As the Port of Charleston continues its expansion and corporates continue to choose Charleston over markets with higher-taxes, higher costs of doing business and higher-costs of living, the Charleston market needs more industrial development. North Signal has helped to demonstrate the tenant preference for the North Rhett submarket. Perhaps most importantly though, with this new project North Signal will be addressing the needs of the tenants requiring Class A space between 20,000 - 40,000 SF. These tenants are currently underserved across Charleston but especially in the North Rhett submarket with no other light-industrial spaces aimed at these tenants," said Peter Fennelly, President, Bridge Commercial. North Signal will be represented by Peter Fennelly, Simons Johnson, Hagood Morrison, John Beam and Will Crowell at Bridge Commercial. About North Signal Capital LLC North Signal Capital LLC is a real estate investment and development firm with offices in Stamford, CT and Charleston, SC. North Signal seeks to maximize risk-adjusted returns by employing a value-based approach to real estate investing. North Signal targets investments supported by long term secular trends. For more information regarding North Signal Capital LLC, please visit www.northsignal.com. About Westport Capital Partners LLC Westport Capital Partners LLC is a real estate investment firm focusing on adding value to real estate and "hands-on" solutions to complex situations. Westport provides domestic and international real estate related investment opportunities to institutional and private clients. Through its various funds, the firm invests in a wide variety of distressed, opportunistic and core plus real estate assets. The firm has offices in Los Angeles, California and Stamford, Connecticut. For more information regarding Westport Capital Partners LLC, please visit http://www.westportcp.com. About Bridge Commercial Bridge Commercial is a regionally-focused commercial real estate firm headquartered in Charleston, SC. Bridge's brokers are best in class and known nationally for their experience and expertise. The firm offers a variety of services including tenant representation, owner representation, investment sales, strategic planning, site selection, and consulting services. For more information regarding Bridge Commercial, please visit www.bridge-commercial.com. SOURCE North Signal Capital LLC Related Links http://www.northsignalcapital.com MOSCOW, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian-American research team has presented a new therapeutic method using nanoparticles of an antioxidant enzyme, developed specifically for the eyes. It relieves inflammation and repairs tissue without causing side effects: irritation and allergies, even at high doses. The results of the research are presented in the international scientific journal Biomedicines. Inflammatory eye diseases remain the most common clinical problem in ophthalmology. The secondary processes associated with eye inflammation, such as overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exhaustion of the endogenous antioxidant system, frequently lead to tissue degeneration, vision blurring, and even blindness. Basically, ROS promote the death of body cells and tissue degeneration due to their damage to many cell components, including the cell membrane, DNA, proteins, enzymes, etc. Excessive release of reactive oxygen species can cause significant damage not only to the inflamed area but also to the surrounding normal tissue. This is especially important for the eyes, since the transparency of the cornea and lens, as well as the functioning of the photoreceptor apparatus, depends on their highly ordered structures, and excessive tissue damage impairs visual function. The cornea, the lens at the tissue level have an ordered structure, so if they are damaged, their structure is disturbed, and hence the visual function will be compromised. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase are known to be potent scavengers of reactive oxygen species. However, their delivery to the ocular tissues is a serious problem due to their very limited permeability, since the eye is a rather isolated organ, and the pathological processes within it are preferably treated not via systemic but by local drug intake. A team of scientists from NUST MISIS, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and the University of North Carolina solved the problem of overproduction of free radicals by creating multilayer polyion nanoparticles of the superoxide dismutase enzyme (Nano-SOD1), designed specifically for the eyes. "The ability of Nano-SOD1 to reduce inflammation in the eye was examined in vivo in rabbits with model immunogenic uveitis the inflammation of the inner vascular tract of the eye. It was shown during preclinical studies that topical instillations of Nano-SOD1 were 35% more effective in reducing the manifestations of uveitis compared to the free enzyme SOD1. In particular, we noted statistically significant differences in such inflammatory signs of the eye as corneal and conjunctival edema, iris hyperemia and fibrin clots," said Alexander Vaneev, engineer of the NUST MISIS Biophysics Research Laboratory, one of the study authors. The scientist explained that during the development, the SOD1 nanoparticles previously created by the team were used. However, the new formulation was specially manufactured for topical use in ophthalmology. Optimization of the technology made it possible to increase the efficiency in obtaining Nano-SOD1, as well as to achieve the greatest degree of drug stability. According to the researchers, Nano-SOD1 penetrates into the inner structures of the eye more than 2 times more efficiently than SOD1 itself. It is much better retained on the surface of the cornea and retains enzyme activity in the eye for a much longer time than the regular SOD1 enzyme without inclusion in the composition of nanoparticles. Scientists have observed inflammation decrease and restoration of antioxidant activity in the eyes. At the same time, scientists have found during tests that Nano-SOD1 does not show any toxicity (eye irritation, acute, chronic and reproductive toxicity, allergenicity, immunogenicity, mutagenicity) in a wide concentration range and even at extremely high doses used. At the moment, the developers continue a series of preclinical trials of the obtained drug. Link: https://en.misis.ru/university/news/science/2021-04/7330/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/955872/NUST_MISIS_Logo.jpg SOURCE The National University of Science and Technology MISIS PHOENIX, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy will present a complimentary webcast featuring Manhattan Institute Fellow and Wall Street Journal columnist Jason L. Riley to discuss his new book MAVERICK: A Biography of Thomas Sowell and the film Thomas Sowell: Common Sense in a Senseless World. Open to the public on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 2 p.m. EDT, the webcast is part of the Institute's Constitution Series: Equality and Justice for All. Guest moderator will be Steven Pinker, Harvard University Johnstone Family Professor, Department of Psychology, and named to Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World Today." Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy Jason Riley has written about politics, economics, education, immigration and social inequality for more than 20 years. In Maverick, he offers an in-depth look at Thomas Sowell. "You're about to meet one of the greatest minds of the past half-century," states Riley. "His story is both fascinating and illuminating." Thomas Sowell is one of the great social theorists of our age. In a career spanning more than a half-century, he has written over 30 books, covering topics from economic history and social inequality to political theory, race, and culture. In the first-ever biography of Sowell, Riley gives this iconic thinker his due. Maverick showcases Sowell's most significant writings and traces the life events that shaped his ideas and resulted in a Black orphan from the Jim Crow South becoming one of our foremost public intellectuals. Sowell began his life's journey in rural North Carolina. As a boy, his family migrated to Harlem, New York, where his intellectual hunger and lifelong love of learning were kick-started with an introduction to the Harlem Library and culminated at the esteemed Hoover Institution. Between Harlem and Hoover, Sowell's intellectual honesty and quest for facts took him into the Marine's Combat Camera Corps during the Korean War, then onto Harvard, Columbia University and The University of Chicago for his Ph.D. in economics. During the webcast, Riley will also showcase a segment of the new documentary Thomas Sowell: Common Sense in a Senseless World, from the Free to Choose Network. The one-hour documentary, hosted by Riley and featuring Professor Steven Pinker, offers insights from Sowell, interviews with colleagues and those he has inspired, revealing why the intensely private Sowell is considered by many to be "the smartest person in the room." The O'Connor Institute Constitution Series was launched in 2020 to convene civil dialogue and foster societal solutions. With core values of inclusivity, civility and collaboration, the Institute believes that the expressed ideals of this great nation require exploring justice and equality. Following Justice O'Connor's retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, she founded the O'Connor Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization to advance American democracy through multigenerational civil discourse, civic engagement and civics education. For more information and to register for the free webcast, visit www.OConnorInstitute.org. Media Contact: [email protected] Related Images image1.png SOURCE Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy Second Fiscal Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 results: Cash sales totaled RMB939 million , increasing 44.2% and 18.9% from the same period of fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020, respectively Total net revenues totaled RMB932 million , increasing 5.2% year over year or 36.0% sequentially; net revenues for OneSmart VIP 1on1 program increased 21.9% year over year Average monthly student enrollments totaled 135,714 457 learning centers in 36 cities as of February 28,2021 , among which 286 learning centers were under OneSmart VIP business, increasing from 266 a year ago SHANGHAI, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OneSmart International Education Group Limited (NYSE: ONE) ("OneSmart" or the "Company"), the leading premium K-12 after-school education services provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021. Highlights for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended February 28, 2021 Since the beginning of the fiscal Q2, our offline operations have continuously experienced a strong recovery due to customer preference for our premium tutoring, which includes personalized 1-on-1 tutoring and other school admission planning services. We are delighted to achieve the initial successful results from Go Premium Strategy with consumption upgrade in education sector. The newly-launched premium products are well received by our target customers and further strengthens our premium position in this space. Specifically, for our three core business units: OneSmart VIP (the leading premium K-12 1-on-1 business in China ): In the quarter, cash sales from OneSmart VIP business grew by 25.1% year over year. Net revenues from OneSmart VIP business were RMB735 million (accounting for 78.9% of total net revenues), increasing 7.4% year over year and 51.0% sequentially. The average monthly student enrollments were 75,199. On a like-for-like basis for 1on1 program (excluding 1on3 program), cash sales increased by 22.6% year over year, and net revenues grew by 21.9% year over year driven by a 12% increase in class units consumed and an 8.8% increase in average price per class unit consumed. This indicates the robust demand for our products as school returns to normal schedules and improved customer experience of our upgraded 1on1 product, newly launched Elite VIP product, refurbished learning centers and upgraded services. OneSmart Young Children Education : HappyMath (premium young children math education business) and FasTrack English (premium young children English education business): Net revenues from OneSmart Young Children Education business were RMB155 million , accounting for 16.6% of total net revenues in the quarter. The average monthly student enrollments totaled 45,462. OneSmart Online (the leading premium online education business in China ): Online platform is complementary to offline business with same price in the form of Offline-Merge-Online ("OMO") take-out service. In this quarter, net revenues from OneSmart Online were RMB32 million , accounting for 3.5% of total net revenues. The average monthly student enrollments of OneSmart Online business totaled 6,524 during the quarter. "Go Premium" Strategic initiatives and Progress OneSmart VIP : Since December 2020 , we have conducted a series of premium branding campaign and local marketing in the key cities, which largely enhanced OneSmart's premium brand awareness among target families in these cities. By the end of April 2021 , we upgraded and newly opened 14 flagship VIP learning centers, to provide a premium learning center experience. In the first 6 months of fiscal 2021, Elite VIP program accounted for 11% of the cash sales from OneSmart VIP business. The Elite VIP product is developed to better address the customers' enhanced needs of one-stop school admission planning and provides a better upside on topline. We will continue to roll out Elite VIP and expect it to become a key growth driver to optimize our revenues mix in the future years. Heading into the fiscal Q3, our operating metrics will continue to improve. In March and April 2021 , our cash sales improved by 123% year-over-year for OneSmart VIP business. Continuously, we have strictly followed the necessary and appropriate guidelines and protect the safety and health of all our students and employees. OneSmart Young Children Education : Cash sales for recently launched premium products of "Practical Math Program ("PMP") and MBA Kids English for HappyMath and FasTrack English respectively, picked up rapidly and accounted for 12% of total cash sales for young children education business in the fiscal Q2. As of April 2021 , the purchase price grew by 7% and 11% for HappyMath and FasTrack English, respectively. The standard of safety and cleanliness is also upgraded in our HappyMath and FasTrack English learning centers to encourage a high attendance rate among young children students. OneSmart Online : The online platform continues to drive incremental growth, as well as serves as a strategic backup option against COVID-19. In the fiscal Q2, our students in Beijing migrated to OneSmart Online platform to avoid study interruption during the temporary offline center's suspension. Our teachers are well trained to adapt to both online and offline teaching environment. Mr. Steve Zhang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OneSmart, commented, "We are pleased to see the return of strong sales growth despite the challenges in offline operations due to COVID-19 resurgence in certain cities around the Chinese New Year in January and February 2021. Our Go Premium Strategy is executed well on track with further enhancements made on products, learning centers, services and premium brand awareness. The upgraded and optimized product offerings have started to contribute to the remarkable growth in topline, which will lead to improved profitability in the following quarters. Our continued investment in technology benefit both online and offline operations. We have revamped and built a strong digitalized operation platform to support standardization, efficiency and customer satisfaction. In addition, we are making great efforts on premium brand building and local marketing to reach our target customers more effectively." Key Financial Results (In thousands/RMB) VS 2Q 2Q FY2020 2Q FY2021 FY2020 change Net revenues 885,800 931,631 5.2% Gross profit 356,428 389,128 9.2% Operating loss (54,763) (110,382) NA Non-GAAP operating loss (18,054) (84,638) NA Net loss attributable to OneSmart (16,367) (171,973) NA Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to OneSmart 20,342 (141,643) NA Mr. Greg Zuo, OneSmart's Director, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategic Officer added, "In our new phase of growth post-pandemic, we are delighted to see the return of solid topline growth driven by strong demand for our core 1on1 tutoring products, our improved premium products and services and our enhanced student acquisition approach. Our company-wide cash sales growth has continued to pick up, recording 119% and 102% in March and April 2021, respectively. The Go Premium strategy has boosted our revenues for OneSmart VIP 1on1 program to grow driven by the year over year increase in both volume (consumed class units) and price. In addition to tutoring, our unique services of personalized school-admission planning and in-person caring distinguish us from other education service providers. Encouraged by the initial success of the Go Premium Strategy and justified by the increased revenue profile, we will continue to invest in our products, teacher credentials, learning centers and build our premium brand. In the recent months, we have completed the upgrades of our nationwide learning centers, improved our teachers' profiles, launched premium brand campaigns and built the digital operations platform. These efforts largely enhance customer satisfaction, laying a solid foundation for long term success. We are pleased to see the start of gross margin recovery during the quarter driven by strong topline growth. However, our fiscal Q2 P&L results have not yet reflected recent strong cash sales momentum as it typically takes a couple of quarters for sales to translate into class consumptions i.e. revenue recognition in our business. Our peak season for revenue recognition is typically Q3 (March-May) and Q4 (June-August) due to intensive study and exam schedules in China. In the meantime, we need to invest in our brand in advance to support our Go Premium strategy. As a result, we observed temporary operating margin pressure in fiscal Q2. With the strong cash sales trend and significantly higher new sales ASP, we are optimistic about our future performance. Lastly, we are aware of and closely following the regulatory development. We have continued to promote high standards in providing better learning environment, quality and services to our students. However, we have limited exposure in Beijing, which contributed about 5% of our net revenues in fiscal 2020." Financial Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended February 28, 2021 Net Revenues Net revenues were RMB931.6 million (US$143.9 million), an increase of 5.2% from RMB885.8 million during the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to the growth in consumed class units and average price per class unit consumed driven by a strong recovery in the fiscal Q2 and our Go Premium Strategy post-pandemic. Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses for the quarter were RMB1,042.0 million (US$161.0 million), compared with RMB940.6 million during the same period last year. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, were RMB1,016.3 million (US$157.0 million), compared with RMB903.9 million during the same period last year. Cost of revenues increased by 2.5% year-over-year to RMB542.5 million ( US$83.8 million ). The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to higher staff cost relating to an increase in class units consumed and enhanced teacher profiles, and additional costs for learning center upgrade and online teaching operations to support our Go Premium Strategy; increased by 2.5% year-over-year to ( ). The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to higher staff cost relating to an increase in class units consumed and enhanced teacher profiles, and additional costs for learning center upgrade and online teaching operations to support our Go Premium Strategy; Selling and marketing expenses increased by 46.8% year-over-year to RMB288.8 million ( US$44.6 million ). Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, were RMB288.9 million ( US$44.6 million ) (accounting for 31.0% of net revenues or 30.7% of cash sales), an increase of 46.9% from RMB196.6 million (accounting for 22.2% of net revenues or 24.9% of cash sales) during the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to strategic branding and offline marketing activities to reach target families in the execution of Go Premium strategy, the requirements of running major marketing campaigns in a timeline ahead of the Q3 and Q4 business tutoring seasons, and the relatively low spending due to limited offline marketing activities during COVID-19 outbreak in FQ2 last year; increased by 46.8% year-over-year to ( ). Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, were ( ) (accounting for 31.0% of net revenues or 30.7% of cash sales), an increase of 46.9% from (accounting for 22.2% of net revenues or 24.9% of cash sales) during the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to strategic branding and offline marketing activities to reach target families in the execution of Go Premium strategy, the requirements of running major marketing campaigns in a timeline ahead of the Q3 and Q4 business tutoring seasons, and the relatively low spending due to limited offline marketing activities during COVID-19 outbreak in FQ2 last year; General and administrative expenses decreased by 1.8% year-over-year to RMB210.7 million ( US$32.5 million ). The decrease was primarily due to our expense control policy to keep a healthy financial condition during the post-pandemic recovery. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excludes share-based compensation, were RMB184.9 million ( US$28.6 million ) (accounting for 19.8% of net revenues), an increase of 3.9% from RMB177.9 million (accounting for 20.1% of net revenues) during the same period last year. Total share-based compensation expenses, which were allocated to related operating expenses, were RMB25.7 million (US$4.0 million) in the second fiscal quarter of 2021, a decrease of 29.9% from RMB36.7 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Operating Income/Loss and Operating Margin Operating loss for the quarter was RMB110.4 million (US$17.1 million), compared with operating loss of RMB54.8 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating loss, which excludes shared-based compensation, was RMB84.6 million (US$13.1 million), compared with non-GAAP operating loss of RMB18.1 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. Operating margin for the quarter was -11.8%, compared with -6.2% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating margin was -9.1%, compared with -2.0% during the same period last year. The decrease of margin was mainly due to the revenue improvement, offset by increased investments in teacher profiles, learning centers and increased sales and marketing activities to support the Go Premium Strategy. Net interest expense was RMB26.1 million (US$4.0 million), compared with net interest expense of RMB15.9 million during the same period last year. Other income, which mainly represents government subsidies and other gains, was RMB0.5 million (US$0.08 million), compared with RMB48.9 million during the same period last year. Income tax benefit was RMB7.1 million (US$1.1 million), compared with income tax benefit of RMB21.2 million during the same period last year. Net Loss Attributable to OneSmart Net loss attributable to OneSmart was RMB172.0 million (US$26.6 million), compared with net loss of RMB16.4 million during the same period last year. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to OneSmart was RMB141.6 million (US$21.9 million), compared with Non-GAAP net income of RMB20.3 million during the same period last year. Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures for the second fiscal quarter of 2021 were RMB68.8 million (US$10.6 million), an increase of 1.2% from RMB67.9 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2020. The slight increase was mainly due to learning center upgrade and new opening of OneSmart VIP flagship centers. Financial Position As of February 28, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB523.7 million (US$80.9 million), restricted cash of RMB76.5 million (US$11.8 million) and short-term investments of RMB417.2 million (US$64.5 million). In light of the continuous strong cash sales growth, we adopted a prudent strategy to pay down a significant portion of company debt, which was largely increased in fiscal year 2020 to manage the uncertainty of COVID-19. As of February 28, 2021, the Company had short-term loan of RMB672.7 million (US$103.9 million) and long-term loan (including long-term and short-term portion) of RMB837.7 million (US$129.4 million). The total loan amount decreased by RMB419.0 million from a quarter ago. OneSmart's prepayments from customers balance, which represents cash collected from enrolled students for courses and recognized proportionately as the training sessions are delivered, was RMB2,731.0 million (US$421.9 million) at the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2021, an increase of 14.5% from RMB2,385.6 million at the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2020. Cash Flow Net cash provided by operating activities in the second fiscal quarter of 2021 was RMB125.3 million (US$19.4 million). Net cash used in investing activities in the second fiscal quarter of 2021 was RMB106.6 million (US$16.5 million). Net cash used in financing activities in the second fiscal quarter of 2021 was RMB407.8 million (US$63.0 million). Outlook for the Third Fiscal Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 Based on the latest estimates, we expect to generate net revenues of RMB950 million to RMB1.0 billion for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, representing 27.5% to 34.2% increase year over year. We expect the full year net revenues to reach above the pre-COVID FY19 level. However, this outlook represents OneSmart's current view, which is subject to change. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at the noon buying rate on February 28, 2021, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which was RMB6.4730 to USD1.00. Conference Call Information OneSmart's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on Thursday, May 13, 2021, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on the same day Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Dial-in numbers for the live conference call are as follows: International 1-412-902-4272 Mainland China 4001-201-203 US 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong 800-905-945 Passcode OneSmart A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call through May 20, 2021. Dial-in numbers for the replay are as follows: International Dial-in 1-412-317-0088 U.S. Toll Free 1-877-344-7529 Passcode: 10155928 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at: http://ir.onesmart.org. About OneSmart Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shanghai, OneSmart International Education Group Limited is a leading premium K-12 after-school education company in China. Our vision is to be the most trusted and heart-warming education company and our mission is POWER LEARNING changes the future with technology advancement. Our company culture is centered on the core values of customer focus, excellence, integrity, and technology and innovation. The Company has built a comprehensive premium K-12 education platform that encompasses OneSmart VIP business, HappyMath, and FasTrack English, and OneSmart Online. As of February 28, 2021, OneSmart operates a nationwide network of 457 learning centers in China. For more information on OneSmart, please visit http://ir.onesmart.org. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. OneSmart may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about OneSmart's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: OneSmart's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; its ability to continue to penetrate premium K-12 after-school education services market; diversify and enrich our education offerings; enhance the development and management of our teacher team and teaching materials; competition in our industry in China; its ability to maintain and expand online education presence; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry; and its ability to protect our students' information and adequately address privacy concerns. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and OneSmart does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In evaluating its business, OneSmart considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income attributable to OneSmart. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses incurred by the Group, as well as share-based compensation expenses included in the share of net loss from equity investees. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release. OneSmart believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based compensation expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. OneSmart believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to OneSmart's historical performance and liquidity. OneSmart computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. OneSmart believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charges as well as share-based compensation expenses included in the share of net loss from equity investees that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the Company's as well as its equity investees' business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. For more information, please contact: OneSmart Ms. Ida Yu +86-21-2250-5891 E-mail: [email protected] ICA (Institutional Capital Advisory) Mr. Kevin Yang Phone: +86-021-8028-6033 E-mail: [email protected] ONESMART INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands) As of As of As of August 31, February 28, February 28, 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ (Audited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 1,158,044 523,709 80,907 Restricted cash 187,241 76,548 11,826 Short-term investments 486,756 417,183 64,450 Amounts due from related parties 491 98,707 15,249 Prepayments and other current assets 344,870 211,823 32,724 Total current assets 2,177,402 1,327,970 205,156 Non-current assets: Property and equipment, net 581,248 551,095 85,137 Intangible assets, net 277,953 207,477 32,053 Long-term investments 1,048,178 1,675,772 258,886 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,481,196 1,399,645 216,228 Goodwill 1,481,401 1,290,158 199,314 Deferred tax assets 191,721 230,151 35,556 Amounts due from related parties 20,400 113,120 17,476 Other non-current assets 638,892 200,058 30,907 Total non-current assets 5,720,989 5,667,476 875,557 Total assets 7,898,391 6,995,446 1,080,713 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term loans (including short-term loans of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB789,550 and RMB672,712 (US$103,926) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 789,550 672,712 103,926 Amounts due to a related party (including due to a related party of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB14,447 and RMB13,940 (US$2,154) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 14,447 13,940 2,154 Long-term loans, current portion (including long-term loans, current portion of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB98,280 and RMB112,500 (US$17,380) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 295,433 352,689 54,486 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including accrued expenses and other current liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB642,674 and RMB686,219 (US$106,013)as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 889,055 812,793 125,567 Income taxes payable (including income taxes payable of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB93,156 and RMB115,395 (US$17,827) as of August 31, 2 020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 97,720 116,502 17,998 Prepayments from customers (including prepayments from customers of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB2,547,444 and RMB2,729,555 (US$421,683) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 2,547,493 2,731,013 421,908 Operating lease liabilities, current portion (including operating lease liabilities, current portion of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB483,056 and RMB496,523 (US$76,707) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 483,056 496,523 76,707 Total current liabilities 5,116,754 5,196,172 802,746 Non-current liabilities: Deferred tax liabilities (including deferred tax liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB71,021 and RMB52,612(US$8,128) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 71,025 52,617 8,129 Long-term loans (including long-term loan of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB291,781 and RMB135,000 (US$20,856) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 1,023,151 484,981 74,924 Convertible senior notes (including convertible senior notes of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of nil as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 239,659 226,555 35,000 Unrecognized tax benefit (including liability for unrecognized tax benefit of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB29,610 and RMB27,119 (US$4,190) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 29,610 27,119 4,190 Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion (including operating lease liabilities, non-current portion of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB929,135 and RMB840,937 (US$129,915) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 929,135 840,937 129,915 Other non-current liabilities (including other non-current liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB23,084 and nil (US$0) as of August 31, 2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively) 47,084 22,688 3,505 Total non-current liabilities 2,339,664 1,654,897 255,663 Total liabilities 7,456,418 6,851,069 1,058,409 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity: Class A ordinary shares (US$0.000001 par value; 37,703,157,984 shares authorized; 4,146,103,947 issued and outstanding as of August 31, 2020 and4,171,154,227 issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2021, respectively) 26 26 4 Class B ordinary shares (US$0.000001 par value; 2,296,842,016 issued and outstanding as of August 31, 2020 and 2,290,430,016 issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2021, respectively) 16 16 2 Treasury stock (274,648) (274,648) (42,430) Additional paid-in capital 5,598,978 5,657,234 873,974 Statutory reserves 12,270 16,873 2,607 Accumulated deficits (5,035,172) (5,377,780) (830,802) Accumulated other comprehensive income 99,167 95,283 14,720 Total OneSmart International Education Group Limited shareholders' equity 400,637 117,004 18,075 Non-controlling interests 41,336 27,373 4,229 Total shareholders' equity 441,973 144,377 22,304 Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and shareholders' equity 7,898,391 6,995,446 1,080,713 ONESMART INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands) For the three months ended February 28, For the six months ended February 28, 2020 2021 2021 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net revenues 885,800 931,631 143,926 1,683,000 1,616,435 249,720 Cost of revenues (529,372) (542,503) (83,810) (1,045,931) (1,018,954) (157,416) Gross profit 356,428 389,128 60,116 637,069 597,481 92,304 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing (Note 1) (196,729) (288,828) (44,620) (391,623) (459,742) (71,025) General and administrative (Note 1) (214,462) (210,682) (32,548) (414,907) (411,624) (63,591) Total operating expenses (411,191) (499,510) (77,168) (806,530) (871,366) (134,616) Operating loss (54,763) (110,382) (17,052) (169,461) (273,885) (42,312) Interest income 3,251 1,389 215 32,987 3,976 614 Interest expense (19,123) (27,442) (4,239) (44,814) (53,543) (8,272) Other income 48,861 507 78 58,987 30,370 4,692 Other expenses (21,239) (25,301) (3,909) (29,936) (42,219) (6,522) Foreign exchange gains 15 1,548 239 15 1,548 239 Loss before income tax and share of net loss from equity investees (42,998) (159,681) (24,668) (152,222) (333,753) (51,561) Income tax benefit 21,169 7,053 1,090 24,568 19,336 2,987 Loss before share of net loss from equity investees (21,829) (152,628) (23,578) (127,654) (314,417) (48,574) Share of net loss from equity investees (Note 2) (3,881) (27,687) (4,277) (7,715) (33,578) (5,187) Net loss (25,710) (180,315) (27,855) (135,369) (347,995) (53,761) Add: Net loss attributable to non- controlling interests 9,343 8,342 1,289 29,069 16,445 2,541 Net loss attributable to OneSmart's shareholders (16,367) (171,973) (26,566) (106,300) (331,550) (51,220) Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows: For the three months ended February 28, For the six months ended February 28, 2020 2021 2021 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Selling and marketing 142 (22) (3) 285 39 6 General and administrative 36,567 25,766 3,981 64,346 60,455 9,340 Total 36,709 25,744 3,978 64,631 60,494 9,346 Note 2: Share-based payment compensation included in the share of net loss from equity investees is as follows: For the three months ended February 28, For the six months ended February 28, 2020 2021 2021 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Share of net loss from equity investees - 4,586 708 - 4,586 708 ONESMART INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GROUP LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (Amounts in thousands) For the three months ended February 28, For the six months ended February 28, 2020 2021 2021 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net loss (25,710) (180,315) (27,855) (135,369) (347,995) (53,761) Other comprehensive income/(loss) Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax (32,858) (191) (30) (51,117) 6,236 963 Foreign currency translation adjustment 2,015 27,890 4,309 4,545 (10,119) (1,563) Comprehensive loss (56,553) (152,616) (23,576) (181,941) (351,878) (54,361) Add: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests 9,343 8,342 1,289 29,069 16,445 2,541 Comprehensive loss attributable to OneSmart's shareholders (47,210) (144,274) (22,287) (152,872) (335,433) (51,820) ONESMART INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GROUP LIMITED Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to the Most Comparable GAAP Measures (Amounts in thousands) For the three months ended February 28, For the six months ended February 28, 2020 2021 2021 2020 2021 2021 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Selling and marketing expenses 196,729 288,828 44,620 391,623 459,742 71,025 Share-based compensation expense in selling and marketing expenses 142 (22) (3) 285 39 6 Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses 196,587 288,850 44,623 391,338 459,703 71,019 General and administrative expenses 214,462 210,682 32,548 414,907 411,624 63,591 Share-based compensation expense in general a nd administrative expenses 36,567 25,766 3,981 64,346 60,455 9,340 Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses 177,895 184,916 28,567 350,561 351,169 54,251 Operating costs and expenses 940,563 1,042,013 160,978 1,852,461 1,890,320 292,032 Share-based compensation expense in operating costs and expenses 36,709 25,744 3,978 64,631 60,494 9,346 Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses 903,854 1,016,269 157,000 1,787,830 1,829,826 282,686 Operating loss (54,763) (110,382) (17,052) (169,461) (273,885) (42,312) Share-based compensation expenses 36,709 25,744 3,978 64,631 60,494 9,346 Non-GAAP operating loss (18,054) (84,638) (13,074) (104,830) (213,391) (32,966) Net loss attributable to OneSmart's shareholders (16,367) (171,973) (26,566) (106,300) (331,550) (51,220) Share-based compensation expenses 36,709 25,744 3,978 64,631 60,494 9,346 Share of net loss from equity investees - 4,586 708 - 4,586 708 Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to OneSmart 20,342 (141,643) (21,880) (41,669) (266,470) (41,166) SOURCE OneSmart International Education Group Limited Related Links www.1smart.org LONDON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- (S&P Global Ratings) -- S&P Global Ratings said today that U.S.-listed Philip Morris International (PMI) scored 60 in its ESG Evaluation. On our scale, 100 indicates the lowest risk and 0 the highest. The company's ESG Evaluation score is the result of an ESG profile of 57 combined with adequate preparedness. PMI's ESG Evaluation score of 60 reflects our view of the company's long-term ambition to switch smokers to potentially reduced-risk products, and its targeted actions to address environmental and social concerns in its supply chain, which we see as positively differentiating PMI from its peers. In our view, PMI's ambition to encourage smokers to use reduced-risk tobacco products will help it mitigate some of the social risks to which it is exposed as a tobacco company. "That said, we believe that this long-term strategy does not constitute a full strategic pivot for the company, given that PMI continues to rely on an addictive substance (nicotine) that constrains consumers' free choice, and that it will continue to operate in a market where social disruptions will likely persist," said Beth Burks, the primary analytical contact for the ESG Evaluation. "We recognize PMI's strong management relative to other tobacco companies on issues of child labor, which the company plans to eradicate by 2025, and greenhouse gas emissions from tobacco curing. Its near-term focus is to remain in combustibles and maintain market share, but its long-term ambition is to switch smokers to its reduced-risk products. We view favorably its ambition to leverage the new technologies it developed for IQOS for use in other non-nicotine products, yet we still see this as an emerging ambition with no current revenues." What Is An ESG Evaluation? 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S&P Global Ratings, 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041 SOURCE S&P Global Ratings CLEVELAND, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- US pigment demand is forecast to advance 3.5% per year in nominal terms through 2025, according to Pigments: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Rising production of paint and plastics driven by expanding construction and manufacturing activity is expected to boost pigment orders. Value gains will also reflect the growing importance of more expensive pigments that meet increasingly stringent performance standards and preferences for more environmentally friendly products. The relatively tepid outlook for printing ink and paper product production will limit faster advances in related pigment demand. Demand is expected to rise 6.4% in 2021. Growth will be supported by spending on new building construction and improvements as well as manufacturing gains, as consumers continue to spend more money on their homes and consumer goods to help alleviate the negative effects of spending more time at home due to COVID-19. These and other key insights are featured in Pigments: United States. This report forecasts to 2021 and 2025 US pigments demand and shipments in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level. Total demand is segmented by product in terms of: titanium dioxide other inorganic white pigments such as calcium carbonates, kaolin, and talc organic carbon black other inorganic pigments such as iron oxides, cadmium yellows, and chromium oxide greens To illustrate historical trends, total demand, total shipments, the various segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2010 to 2020. More information about the report is available at: https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Pigments-United-States-FF35015/?progid=91541 About Freedonia Focus Reports Each month, The Freedonia Group a division of MarketResearch.com publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Materials & Chemicals reports can be purchased at Freedonia Focus Reports or MarketResearch.com. Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including: total historical market size and industry output segmentation by products and markets identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts a survey of the supply base suggested resources for further study Press Contact: Corinne Gangloff +1 440.684.9600 [email protected] SOURCE The Freedonia Group Powerful all-in-one online platform for podcasters to create, enhance and distribute their podcasts; 150K+ users already testing new feature set YEREVAN, Armenia, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Podcastle, the AI-powered audio content creation platform, today announced the launch of its new production tools, which enables creators to convert text into podcasts in seconds; create new audio content from video, voice and text; and edit audio with high production quality. With more than 100,000 active users and growing quickly, the company's platform can help bloggers, podcasters, journalists, newsletter creators, educators, marketers, or anyone else who wants to easily create, edit and publish production-ready sound. The news comes after the company announced its Seed financing led by Sierra Ventures late last year. The market for audio content and the rise of new, popular platforms like Clubhouse continues to grow rapidly, with burgeoning demand for podcasts, audio books, and audio content in general, especially among Gen Z, bloggers and marketers. According to the Infinite Dial 2021 from Edison Research and Triton Digital, 28% of the U.S. population (ages 12 and up) are now weekly podcast listeners, and 62% listen to online audio each week. In 2020, an estimated 100 million people listened to a podcast at least once a month with the number expected to grow by at least 25% next year. To help meet the growing demand for audio content, Podcastle offers a full suite of tools and features, with the goal of being a one-stop-shop to help people create and edit audio content faster and more easily, including: An Audio Editor that's fast and easy to use that's fast and easy to use Text-to-podcast feature that automatically converts text into podcasts using natural-sounding, AI-powered voices feature that automatically converts text into podcasts using natural-sounding, AI-powered voices Video-to-audio feature that enables easy upload and conversion of video files into audio transcripts, which helps SEO and marketing feature that enables easy upload and conversion of video files into audio transcripts, which helps SEO and marketing Many more AI-powered features, including: noise cancellation, audio correction, audio editing via text edits "Everyone has something important to say. Our goal is to remove barriers so that people can focus on creating interesting content and not have to worry about complex or expensive software to do it," said Artavazd Yeritsyan, founder and CEO of Podcastle. "Although many tools have come onto the market for photo and video editing, audio technologies have been less accessible. We believe that audio will continue to be one of the fastest-growing and influential categories in storytelling." A "productivity hack" loved by TikTokers, Podcastle is available for free and as a subscription. The basic Storyteller package costs $11.99 per month. Podcastle Pro costs $23.99 per month. To learn more, visit www.podcastle.ai. See a video of how Podcastle works here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDo9hy79cQE About Podcastle Podcastle is an AI-powered audio content creation platform that helps podcasters, bloggers, journalists, content marketers, educators, and other content creators to convert their text content to audio, edit audio content, and achieve production-quality sound within seconds. The company's goal is to democratize access to audio content tools and serve as a one-stop-shop web studio for professional-sounding audio editing. To learn more, visit Podcastle.ai Media Contact for Podcastle: Juliet Travis Liftoff Communications [email protected] Related Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anoyCleIgyk SOURCE Podcastle Inc. Last year, PostNet centers across the U.S. and Canada took note of the need in their communities to find ways to celebrate special occasions while social distancing made it impossible to gather in groups. They began creating yard signs and banners to help customers mark graduations, birthdays and holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day. They also offered signage with messages of solidarity and thanks to essential workers. "The pandemic made it difficult for people to celebrate special moments in 2020," said Ryan Farris, COO and president for PostNet. "There were no large gatherings allowed, so people began looking for new ways to connect. Using signs seemed to help people feel less isolated, and gave our customers the means to celebrate milestones and special occasions safely." PostNet locations can print custom yard signs for multiple occasions including birthdays, graduation, and a host of other events. With the pandemic still affecting everyday life, they continue to be useful for celebrations and PostNet expects signs to remain a staple in celebrations for years to come. "We sold a large amount of signs for Mother's Day this year, and it would be a perfect opportunity to use yard signs to recognize dads for Father's Day as well," Farris said. "Whether or not people feel comfortable gathering yet, placing a sign in the front yard is a beautiful way to show love and gratitude." With the pandemic still playing a major role in preventing large gatherings, PostNet has placed an emphasis on helping families celebrate graduations by offering customized signage for the special occasion. One PostNet location in Phoenix, Arizona, has seen a large influx of yard sign orders due to the inability of students to celebrate in a more traditional way. "PostNet is happy to help celebrate the graduates of 2021, from elementary school promotions to college graduations," said Janine Moeller, co-owner of the Phoenix location. "The 2020-21 school year was still challenging in many aspects, and many of these students won't be able to partake in the regular activities that would celebrate their success. "We hope that giving them recognition through signage in the neighborhoods will put smiles on their faces and let them know how proud their families and communities are of them." For more information about PostNet, visit https://www.postnet.com/. About PostNet PostNet opened its doors in 1993. With nearly 700 locations in North America, Central America, South America and Africa, PostNet is a global leader in printing and shipping solutions. In 2017, PostNet joined the global family of MBE Worldwide. Combined, MBE has nearly 2,500 locations in 44 countries. For more information about PostNet services, visit www.postnet.com . To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.postnetfranchise.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE PostNet Related Links https://www.postnet.com/ MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tender Offer The Republic of Uruguay (" Uruguay ") announced today the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") bonds of each series of Global Bonds listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Bonds " and each Old Bond, a " series " of Old Bonds) such that the aggregate Purchase Price to be paid for the Old Bonds tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer is equal to a maximum purchase amount for each series to be determined by Uruguay in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Amount "). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the offer to purchase, dated May 13, 2021 (the " Offer to Purchase "). The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of Old Bonds but is conditioned, among other things, on the pricing, but not the closing, of the issuance of Uruguay's new Peso-denominated Global Bonds due 2031 and an additional issuance of Uruguay's existing U.S. dollar-denominated 4.375% Global Bonds due 2031 (collectively, the " New Bonds "), each, in an amount, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to Uruguay in its sole discretion, with pricing terms expected to be announced at or around 4:00 p.m., New York time on May 13, 2021 (the " New Bonds Offerings "). The Tender Offer will commence at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on May 13, 2021 and, unless extended or earlier terminated, (i) expire at 12:00 noon, New York time, on May 13, 2021 for non-preferred tenders (the " Non-Preferred Tender Period "), and (ii) expire at 2:00 p.m., New York time, on May 13, 2021 for preferred tenders (the " Preferred Tender Period "). The settlement of the Tender Offer is scheduled to occur on May 20, 2021 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date "). The purchase price to be paid per Ps. 1,000 principal amount of each series of Global Ps. Bonds and per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of each series of Global USD Bonds tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be equal to the fixed price indicated in the table below (the " Purchase Price "). Holders whose Old Bonds are accepted in the Tender Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the last interest payment date for such Old Bonds up to, but excluding, the Tender Offer Settlement Date (the " Accrued Interest "). Accrued Interest for Preferred and Non-Preferred Tender Orders will be payable in cash. Global Ps. Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of Thursday, May 13, 2021 ISIN (Rule 144A / Reg S) CUSIP (Rule 144A / Reg S) Common Code (Rule 144A / Reg S) Purchase Price (per Ps.1,000 Principal Amount) (1) (2) 9.875% Global Ps. Bonds due 2022 ("2022 Ps. Bonds") Ps. 35,271,246,000 US917288BJ06 / USP96006AE41 917288 BJ0 / P96006 AE4 163395410 / 163395444 Ps. 1,045.00 8.500% Global Ps. Bonds due 2028 ("2028 Ps. Bonds") Ps. 31,603,000,000 US760942BC54 / USP80557BV53 760942 BC5 / P80557 BV5 168332475 / 168332521 Ps. 1,047.50 Global USD Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of Thursday, May 13, 2021 ISIN CUSIP Common Code Purchase Price (per US$1,000 Principal Amount) (2) 8.000% Global Bonds due 2022 ("2022 USD Bonds") US$310,919,173.33 US917288BC52 917288BC5 023617129 US$1,087.50 4.500% Global Bonds due 2024 ("2024 USD Bonds") US$1,009,616,897 US760942AZ58 760942AZ5 096139942 US$1,091.00 (1) The Purchase Price of the Global Ps. Bonds shall be converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of Ps.44.026 to US$1.00. (2) In addition, investors will receive Accrued Interest, as described above. Tender Orders (as defined below) made by holders of (i) 2022 Ps. Bonds or the 2028 Ps. Bonds who have submitted a corresponding Indication of Interest (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) for the new Peso-denominated Global Bonds due 2031 prior to the New Bonds Pricing Time (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) will be accepted before any other Tender Orders of such series, and (ii) 2022 USD Bonds or 2024 USD Bonds who have submitted a corresponding Indication of Interest for the New USD 2031 Bonds prior to the New Bonds Pricing Time will be accepted before any other Tender Orders of such series. During the Non-Preferred Tender Period or Preferred Tender Period, as applicable, a holder of Old Bonds may place orders to tender Old Bonds (" Tender Orders ") only through one of the Dealer Managers (as defined below). Holders will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear Bank SA/NV (" Euroclear "), Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (" Clearstream ") or the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") systems. If a holder does not have an account with a Dealer Manager, such holder may place a tender offer through any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution or other custodian that it customarily uses that has an account with a Dealer Manager. Your broker must contact one of the Dealer Managers to submit a Tender Order on your behalf. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), will consolidate all Tender Orders and, upon instruction of Uruguay, accept Old Bonds for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer, subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase, at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on May 14, 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. The Tender Offer is subject to Uruguay's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to instruct the Billing and Delivering Bank to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Tender Offer at any time. Each of Uruguay and the Billing and Delivering Bank reserves the right, in the sole discretion of each of them, not to accept any Tender Orders for any reason. Tender Orders by a holder of Old Bonds must be in permitted tender amounts as set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Tender Orders that are not for Permitted Tender Amounts will not be accepted. There is no letter of transmittal or guaranteed delivery procedure in connection with this Tender Offer. If you hold Old Bonds through DTC, they must be delivered to the Billing and Delivering Bank for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. If you hold Old Bonds through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process you can use to deliver your Old Bonds to the Billing and Delivering Bank is the overnight process, one day prior to the Tender Offer Settlement Date; you may not use the optional daylight process. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result (i) in the cancellation of your tender and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, (ii) in the case of Preferred Tenders (a) in the cancellation of any allocation of New Bonds in the New Bonds Offerings in respect of your related Indication of Interest and/or (b) in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligation to purchase your allocation of New Bonds in respect of your related Indication of Interest and/or (iii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Any holder whose tender is cancelled will not receive the Purchase Price or Accrued Interest. Holders will not have withdrawal rights with respect to any tenders of Old Bonds in the Tender Offer. Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis with the Billing and Delivering Bank on the Tender Offer Settlement Date in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders placed through a Dealer Manager and accepted will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank in such amounts as Uruguay shall determine and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase. Only the Billing and Delivering Bank will be liable for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted as instructed by Uruguay. Uruguay will not be liable under any circumstances for any payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest to the holders of Old Bonds tendered in the Tender Offer. The Billing and Delivering Bank shall not be liable for payments to any holder of Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase if such holder fails to deliver such Old Bonds on or prior to the settlement of the Tender Offer as described in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at www.dfking.com/uruguay or obtained from the Information Agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005 (Banks and Brokers Call: Toll Free: (877) 732-3621, or All Others Call: (212) 269-5550 Attention: Mei Zheng, or from any of the Dealer Managers. The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are: BofA Securities, Inc. One Bryant Park, 9th Floor New York, New York 10036 United States Attention: Liability Management In the United States: Toll-free: +1 (800)-292-0070 Outside the United States: Collect: +1 (646)-855-8988 HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10018 United States Attention: Global Liability Management Group Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] Santander Investment Securities Inc. 45 East 53rd Street New York, New York 10022 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect:+1 (212) 940-1442 Toll-free: +1(855) 404-3636 Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact. Uruguay has filed a registration statement (including prospectus supplement and the prospectus) with the SEC for the New Bonds Offerings and the issuance of New Bonds. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in the registration statement and other documents that Uruguay has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Uruguay and such offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov . The following additional information of Uruguay is available from the SEC website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312520174873/0001193125-20-174873-index.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312520139224/0001193125-20-139224-index.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312518072100/d526658dsb.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000102385/000119312521155707/0001193125-21-155707-index.htm Contact information: D.F. King & Co., Inc. Attention: Mei Zheng 48 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 Toll Free: (877) 732-3621 All Others Call: (212) 269-5550 website: www.dfking.com/uruguay Important Notice This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Bonds. The Tender Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings and the Tender Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offerings and Tender Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offerings and the Tender Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offerings and the Tender Offer are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offerings and the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offerings or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offerings or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." Stabilization/FCA No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, "IMD"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the "UK"). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. The expression "Prospectus Regulation" means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded). This announcement is intended for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom, (iv) fall within Article 43 ("Members and creditors of certain bodies corporate") of Financial Promotion Order, or (v) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. * * * ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM. SOURCE The Republic of Uruguay The musician famously re-discovered the piece several years ago in the garage of his Scottsdale, Arizona residence, much to the surprise of the art world and the rocker himself. "This silkscreen was given to me during some crazy years and I had completely forgotten I even owned it," said Cooper, who by luck found the painting perfectly preserved. The piece is a vibrant red Little Electric Chair acrylic and silkscreen on canvas, from Warhol's Death and Disaster series from 1964-65. Warhol's Little Electric Chair is based on a press photo from the 1950s of the death chamber at Sing Sing prison, where Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for conspiring to pass atomic secrets to the Russians. Warhol used source material from newspapers and police photo archives for this series which subjects included suicides, car accidents, etc. In the early 70s, Cooper and Warhol became friends at the famous Max's Kansas City in New York City. "I met Andy Warhol when I lived in New York City, and it was just when I was becoming the scourge of rock n' roll and of course that attracted the whole Warhol crowd. You'd go to clubs like Max's Kansas City and they were all there and we'd hang out. It was a very surreal time, Andy was always taking photographs of everyone or making movies of everyone. He had a whole crowd of people around him all the time, and my girlfriend Cindy Lang was really connected into that group," said Cooper. "One day a few years ago, I was talking to Dennis Hopper who said he was selling a couple of his Warhols. I said 'Wait a minute I think I have a Warhol somewhere.' So I went digging around and found it and it was in perfect condition. I mean it was sort of in a time capsule, which I think Andy would have loved because he loved doing the time capsule as an art piece in and of itself. So there it was, it had lived by itself for many years. We took it out and had it looked at with the intention of displaying it but then I just decided it was time to move on, time to release it to the world. I figured I'd had it for all this time and had almost forgotten about it - let's let someone else really enjoy it." The longtime Arizona resident selected Scottsdale's Larsen Gallery to sell the Andy Warhol in its 2021 Fall Larsen Art Auction to be held October 23rd. The Larsen Art Auctions have historically sold greater than 90% of lots offered with registered bidders from most every state and more than 40 different countries. The gallery will be donating a portion of its commission to Cooper's non-profit Solid Rock Foundation , which offers support and community to local teenagers. For more information or to register to bid for the 2021 Larsen Art Auction please visit the auction's website at larsenartauction.com or contact the gallery at 480-941-0900. For media inquiries contact Jennifer Sturgeon at [email protected] or by phone at 480.495.3806. ### SOURCE Larsen Gallery WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe Kids Worldwide and Union Pacific Railroad today announced a series of new initiatives in their partnership aimed at keeping children and communities safer. The work is a continuation of their partnership to raise awareness, educate families and prevent rail-related injuries and deaths involving children. Over the last three years, Union Pacific's support helped Safe Kids Worldwide reach more than 10,000 individuals through direct educational programming and activities associated with Scholastic's Clifford the Big Red Dog. Traditional and social media awareness efforts expanded the reach, leading to more than 265 million impressions. "Every five days a child is killed in a train collision and almost all of these tragedies are preventable." Tweet this The new initiatives will be informed by the latest data and new research to maximize the effectiveness of programs, such as a public safety awareness campaign for parents to talk to their children and a partnership hub with digital toolkits for educators, partners and advocates. "Every five days a child is killed in a train collision and almost all of these tragedies are preventable," said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Union Pacific has been a true partner in our efforts to prevent these tragedies and we are grateful for their unwavering and continuing commitment to finding new and innovative ways to reach families, educate parents, and inspire communities to get involved." "Safety, from protecting communities and preventing rail accidents, is our top priority and at the core of everything we do at Union Pacific," said Scott Moore, senior vice president - Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer, and Union Pacific Foundation President. "We are committed to continuing our work with Safe Kids Worldwide as we make progress together in keeping children and communities across the country safe." In many communities, areas near train tracks are considered by young people to be a popular place to "hang out." Many people, including kids and adults, walk along the tracks, cut across them as a short cut and pose for group photos and selfies on train tracks disregarding the dangers of such areas, such as trains are at least three feet wider than the tracks on either side; modern trains are quieter than many people might think; and once a train starts to brake, it can take a mile for the train to stop completely. Between 2009 and 2019, 826 children died as a result of a rail-related injury and more than 2,000 children were injured. Trespass incidents make up 65 percent of these fatalities and 47 percent of the nonfatal injuries, with teens ages 15-19 being the age group most frequently impacted. Informed by the latest data and new research to be conducted by Safe Kids, over the next three years, Safe Kids and Union Pacific will focus on several new and existing initiatives, including: A new partner hub to provide digital toolkits to educators, partners and community advocates; An engagement program to educate community influencers to help raise awareness about rail safety in target communities; Continued engagement with Safe Kids coalitions around the country; An education program to continue to engage teens through the Rail Safety Service Learning project that inspires teens to serve as role models by teaching younger students; A Start Safe Travel program to target parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children; Distribution of Clifford the Big Red Dog book entitled "Clifford and the Railroad Crossing" in target markets and readings with Union Pacific employees at elementary schools. All in-person events will adhere to CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines; Development of new "Chuggington: Tales from the Rails" materials, reaching children on digital platform GoNoodle; A public awareness campaign during National Rail Safety Week in September to encourage parents to learn the facts about rail safety and talk to their teens. "Thanks to the support of Union Pacific, we are already seeing the impact of our work and more parents understand the importance of talking with their kids about rail safety," said Creppy. "But we are still seeing too many tragedies that can be prevented with the right education, outreach and awareness efforts. We are eager to continue our partnership with Union Pacific to expand and leverage our evidence-informed programs and communication tools to get life-saving information to the communities and families that need it most." ABOUT SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to protect kids from preventable injuries, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Safe Kids also engages in advocacy efforts to make kids safer at the federal, state and local levels. Since 1988, Safe Kids has helped reduce the U.S. childhood death rate from unintentional injury by nearly 60 percent. Join our effort at safekids.org. ABOUT UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com. SOURCE Safe Kids Worldwide Related Links safekids.org LANHAM, Md., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeware, Inc. is excited to announce their award of the OMNIA Partners, Public Sector cooperative contract for Public Safety Equipment through the lead agency, the Port of Portland. This contract enables Safeware distribution rights of Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Emergency Preparedness equipment to all 50 states with a larger focus on West Coast and Southwest regions. Utilizing this contract through Safeware and OMNIA Partners, government agencies and nonprofit organizations can now receive innovative, yet realistic solutions needed to ensure the safety of their staff and facilities with simple procurement procedures. Safeware is a nationally recognized distributor of safety solutions for law enforcement, fire and response units, government and industrial safety organizations as well as healthcare and educational facilities. Safeware currently holds an OMNIA Partners contract with the lead public agency, Fairfax County VA, covering 38 Midwest and eastern states. With the award of the Port of Portland contract, Safeware can now extend its distribution area to include western states seeking trusted safety equipment from reliable manufacturers. "We are so excited to announce this new award," Stated Rick Bond, Vice President of Sales at Safeware. "We are particularly proud to receive an award from the Lead Public Agency, the Port of Portland. Their national reputation as a best in class purchasing department makes this contract a very special recognition of our capabilities. This award also allows us to extend our reach with OMNIA Partners, whose presence in the cooperative contract space is nationally recognized. We have enjoyed tremendous success as a supplier through OMNIA Partners and look forward to the growth this contract will afford us." OMNIA Partners, Public Sector is the nation's largest and most experienced cooperative purchasing organization dedicated to public sector procurement. Their immense purchasing power and industry-leading suppliers have produced a comprehensive portfolio of cooperative contracts and partnerships, making OMNIA Partners the most valued and trusted resource for organizations nationwide. Through the economies of scale created by OMNIA Partners, participants now have access to an extensive portfolio of competitively solicited and publicly awarded agreements. The lead agency contracting process continues to be the foundation on which they were founded. OMNIA Partners is proud to offer more value and resources to state and local government, higher education, K-12 education, and non-profits. Since 1979, Safeware has been providing public safety products to our nation's heroes. The Safeware team services and supports all aspects of safety and public safety from law enforcement and fire service to public utility and public works crews. As of 2020, Safeware has now expanded its market availability to educational facilities. "We've been at this for a long time," Bond noted, "we see the need for safety in both the workplace and the classroom. We can make sure a mother or father hanging from the side of a skyscraper is secure with the proper safety equipment while at the same time reassuring that parent that their children are safe while in the classroom." Based out of Lanham MD, Safeware has offices and warehouse distribution centers across the country and currently sits as a member of the NIGP (The Institute for Public Procurement) Business Council. Along with the distribution centers, Safeware offers technical services and repairs both at their facilities and on-site. With the award of the Port of Portland contract, Safeware has hired additional representatives along the west coast of the United States for easy access to their customer base. For more information on Safeware and the OMNIA Partners contracts, visit: https://www.safewareinc.com Safeware Contact: Adam Spence 410-984-6454 [email protected] SOURCE Safeware Related Links https://www.safewareinc.com To help adults better understand the "powder keg" of turmoil threatening the lives and well-being of kids right now, Sandy Hook Promise released a new PSA campaign today, " The Kids Are Not Alright. " Created with BBDO New York, this series of three short videos reflects the anxiety, isolation, pressure, boredom, and incessant information overload that teenagers are experiencing. It is a national call to action for parents and other caring adults: learn the signs of a child in emotional distress and get help before it's too late. "We may think kids are resilient, but the truth is -- the kids are not alright," said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. "More youth are struggling with mental health issues and heightened depression and anxiety as a result of the pandemic. And it's our responsibility to listen to them, support and protect them." Recent studies show more than 70% of teenagers are struggling with mental health concerns, and one in four has considered suicide. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among teenagers -- and these tragedies can be preventable. Even as we begin to reopen, we're a long way from going back to normal. When schools reopen in the fall, social distancing will still be required. Students will have to deal with the stress of a new school year combined with adapting to the new school environment. Many will be returning to school after suffering the death of a loved one during the COVID crisis. Their stress will continue to mount and those who already suffered trauma will be at even greater risk of suicide and self-harm. Research groups are predicting that there will be more "deaths of despair" related to drugs, alcohol, and suicide, as we continue to battle COVID. According to the Well Being Trust brief , we can expect between 27,644 and 154,037 additional deaths of despair, contingent on the extent of the pandemic. The Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act , written by Sandy Hook Promise and introduced in Congress with bipartisan support, can save lives. If passed into law, the bill would provide evidence-based suicide prevention training for all students in grades 6 through 12 nationwide. Acting now to prioritize prevention resources and mental health support is paramount in preparing the difficult return to school season ahead. While mental health challenges are not necessarily a precursor of suicide or violent attacks in schools, there is a correlation to extreme emotional distress that should be taken seriously. The U.S. Secret Service affirms that the most effective way to prevent a school attack is by knowing the warning signs and speaking up when seeing them. Sandy Hook Promise's signature Know the Signs programs teach youth and adults how to recognize these signs and get help. About the Know the Signs Violence Prevention Programs and PSA Campaigns: To date, more than 12 million people nationwide have participated in Sandy Hook Promise's proven Know the Signs programs that focus on prevention to help end the epidemic of gun violence by training youth and adults how to identify at-risk behavior and intervene to get help before a tragedy can occur. Through these no-cost programs, Sandy Hook Promise has averted countless school shooting plots, teen suicides, and other acts of violence. " The Kids Are Not Alright " is the latest in a series of "Know the Signs" short film PSAs by Sandy Hook Promise and BBDO New York that include the Emmy Award-winning " Back-to-School Essentials " and viral sensations " Evan " and " Point of View ," along with " Tomorrow's News " and " Monsters Under the Bed ." Together, these productions have amassed more than 300 million views, increasing awareness that gun violence is preventable and winning numerous creative industry awards. About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. Through nonpartisan policy and partnerships, SHP advances gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education at the state and federal levels that protect all children from gun violence in their schools, homes, and communities. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. SOURCE Sandy Hook Promise Related Links www.sandyhookpromise.org NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against SOS Limited ("SOS" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOS), and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States ("U.S.") District Court for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 21-cv-07454, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired SOS American depository shares ("ADSs") between July 22, 2020 and February 25, 2021, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased SOS ADSs during the Class Period, you have until May 31, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] SOS is a technology company that purportedly provides marketing data, technology, and solutions for emergency rescue services. When the Company went public in April 2017, it was known as "China Rapid Finance Limited" and claimed to focus on a peer-to-peer, micro-lending business. The Company later changed its name to "SOS Limited" in July 2020 and sold its peer-to-peer, micro-lending business in August 2020, rebranding itself into an emergency services business. In January 2021, the Company again shifted its business focus, this time to cryptocurrency mining. Critical to SOS's purportedly successful transition into a cryptocurrency mining business were the Company's claims to have entered into an agreement with HY International Group New York Inc. ("HY"), which calls itself the "world's largest mining machine matchmaker," to acquire 15,645 mining rigsi.e., personal computing machines built specifically for cryptocurrency miningfor $20 million, and the Company's plans to purchase FXK Technology Corporation ("FXK"), a purported Canadian cryptocurrency technology firm. In addition to rapidly changing its business focus, SOS has also rapidly changed the location of its headquarters. According to the Company's SEC filings, the address of the Company's principal executive offices has changed no less than five times since the Company went public in April 2017. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) SOS had misrepresented the true nature, location, and/or existence of at least one of the principal executive offices listed in its SEC filings; (ii) HY and FXK were either undisclosed related parties and/or entities fabricated by the Company; (iii) the Company had misrepresented the type and/or existence of the mining rigs that it claimed to have purchased; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On February 26, 2021, Hindenburg Research ("Hindenburg") and Culper Research ("Culper") released commentary on SOS, claiming that the Company was an intricate "pump and dump" scheme that used fake addresses and doctored photos of crypto mining rigs to create an illusion of success. The analysts noted, for example, that SOS's SEC filings listed a hotel room as the Company's headquarters. The analysts also questioned whether SOS had actually purchased mining rigs that it claimed to own, as the entity from which SOS purportedly bought the mining rigs appeared to be a fake shell company. The analysts further alleged that the photos SOS had published of their purported "mining rigs" were phony. Culper noted that photographs of SOS's "miners" did not depict the A10 Pro machines that the Company claimed to own and instead appeared to show different devices altogether. Hindenburg, for its part, found that the original images from SOS's website actually belonged to another company. On this news, SOS's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $1.27 per share, or 21.03%, to close at $4.77 per ADS on February 26, 2021. After the end of the Class Period, between February 27 and March 3, 2021, Hindenburg subsequently provided additional information on SOS that further supported its earlier allegations, including pictures, highlighting, inter alia, how SOS had allegedly taken steps to hide the misconduct noted in the February 26, 2021 corrective disclosures. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Champignon Brands Inc. ("Champignon" or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: SHRMF). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Champignon and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On February 17, 2021, Champignon announced that "the Company has determined to withdraw and refile its condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ('MD&A') for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2020". The Company advised investors that "[f]or the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2020, the Company previously recognized intangible assets in connection with the acquisitions of Artisan Growers Ltd., Novo Formulations Ltd. and Tassili Life Sciences Corp. (the 'Acquisitions') that aggregated approximately $12 million," but that subsequently "management determined that the financial statements needed to be restated to correct the accounting for the Acquisitions as the assets do not meet the definition of intangible assets for the purposes of international financial reporting standards and as result will be recorded as transaction costs in the Company's statement of loss and comprehensive loss." The Company also announced that "it was determined that a shareholder and contracted consultant (the 'Consultant') of the Company was a related party with respect to the Acquisitions." On this news, Champignon's stock price fell roughly $0.08 per share, or 10.78% to close at $0.69 per share on February 17, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Romeo Power, Inc. ("Romeo" or the "Company") (f/k/a RMG Acquisition Corp.) (NYSE: RMO) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 21-cv-04058, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired the publicly traded securities of Romeo between October 5, 2020 through March 30, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims against the Defendants under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). If you are a shareholder who purchased Romeo securities during the Class Period, you have until June 15, 2021 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants represented that for 2020 Romeo estimated revenue of $11 million, and for 2021 Romeo estimated revenue of $140 million. Defendants further represented that Romeo had "key partnerships" and close relationships with LG Chem, Samsung, Murata and SK Innovation, which manufacture battery cells, a key component in Romeo's battery modules and packs and that they were supplying Romeo with battery cells. Furthermore, Defendants represented that Romeo had the capacity and supply to meet end-user demand for Romeo's products, that Romeo was not beholden "to any level of the value chain", that its supply was hedged, and that it did not see any material challenges that would hamper growth. Unknown to investors, Romeo was suffering from an acute shortage of high quality battery cells, which are key raw materials for Romeo's battery packs and modules, because of supply constraints. Contrary to Defendants' representations: (i) Romeo had only two battery cell suppliers, not four; (ii) the future potential risks that Defendants warned of concerning supply disruption or shortage had already occurred and were already negatively affecting Romeo's business, operations, and prospects; (iii) Romeo did not have the battery cell inventory to accommodate end-user demand and ramp up production in 2021; (iv) Romeo's supply constraint was a material hindrance to Romeo's revenue growth; and (v) Romeo's supply chain for battery cells was not hedged, but in fact, was totally at risk and beholden to just two battery cell suppliers and the spot market for their 2021 inventory. Given the supply constraint that Romeo was experiencing during the Class Period, Defendants had no reasonable basis to represent that the Company had the ability to meet customer demand and that it would support growth in revenue in 2021. On March 30, 2021, after the market closed, Romeo issued a press release and filed a report with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K that disclosed its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, and conducted a conference call with investors and analysts. Defendants shocked investors by disclosing that the Company's production had been hampered by a shortage in supply of battery cells and that its estimated 2021 revenue would therefore be reduced by approximately 71-87%. During a conference call with investors after the disclosure of Romeo's financial results and projected results, Defendant Lionel E. Selwood, Jr. ("Selwood, Jr.") disclosed that the Company had been relying solely on Samsung and LG for its supply of power cells. On March 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley issued a research report in which it downgraded Romeo's target price per share from $12 to $7. Also on March 31, 2021, Romeo shares declined from a closing price on March 30, 2021 of $10.37 per share to close at $8.33 per share, a decline of $2.04 per share, or almost 20%, on heavier than usual volume of over 20 million shares. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com SQUAMISH, BC, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- State B Beverage Co, a new arrival to the world of cannabis-infused beverages, is pleased to announce a partnership with Young America Capital, an investment bank based in Mamaroneck, New York, who specialize in serving the needs of early stage and middle-market companies. State B's latest investors join the brand in its mission to create the first-of-its-kind cannabis-infused functional beverage. Young America Capital is a FINRA regulated broker dealer consisting of 65 bankers across the US, as well as in Europe and the Caribbean, approximately 20 of whom are seasoned professionals in the cannabis and hemp market. With hundreds of investors in the cannabis/hemp industry, they have established relationships with all the meaningful public cannabis companies, corporations and MSOs. State B is a subsidiary of Brujera Elixirs Inc., a family of brands that includes a line of concentrated herbal tonics for the mixology market called Boozewitch, a line of sparkling functional beverages called Eleve (to be released in July of 2021) and a medicinal mushroom beverage called Shroom Boom (to be released in January 2022). State B merges together three trending elements in the international beverage category: functional, botanical and cannabis, to create 5 different ready-to-drink beverages. In this way, State B will offer the public a product they have never seen before- one that can truly help the consumer to 'elevate their state'. State B is set to launch in California at the end of May and Canada at the beginning of June, 2021. "As we go to market, it is absolutely wonderful to have the capable and respected team at Young America Capital work together with us to launch our new brands," says Kelly Woods, CEO and founder of Brujera and State B. "Working together will provide us with welcome support in our capital raise so that our team can focus on building the brands across North America." Familiarity with beverages is helping bring new consumers to the cannabis beverage market, as well as attracting legacy consumers who understand the harm that comes with smoking and vaping, yet still want to experience the benefits of both THC and CBD. Beverages are also acceptable in social situations in ways that smoking and vaping simply is not. There is also a growing number of consumers who want to shift away from alcohol towards an option that is low-cal and that eliminates hangovers. "Low and no-alcohol beverages are the fastest growing beverage category- flourishing at the expense of traditional alcoholic and sugary drinks. Consumers are waking up to the fact that they can grab a great-tasting, premium beverage without loading up on calories or artificial ingredients, and State B is the perfect choice," says Sean Santa, investment banker with Young America Capital. "The beverage market is beginning to mirror the future of food: wellness and self-care oriented and nuanced in taste and consumer appeal." Leading cannabis market data firm Headset has recently reported that cannabis beverages are poised to capture additional market share year over year, with many industry analysts expecting large gains. According to data from Headset, cannabis beverage sales increased by 40.3% in 2020 versus 2019 in 5 states (California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington), from $67.8 million in 2019 to $95.2 million in 2020. That growth outperformed the growth of the general cannabis market, which grew 39.4% over the same year in those 5 states. About Brujera Elixirs Inc: Founded by Kelly Woods, Brujera Elixirs is a family of beverage brands based on harnessing the healing power of plants and mushrooms and delivering them to consumers in a way that is both convenient and delicious. Through her decades of experience as a master mixologist, sommelier, distiller, and herbalist, Woods has crafted a series of innovative products that are providing consumers with a way to optimize their health and elevate their states of being. Media Inquiries: Geri Tramutola [email protected] 778-840-4374 Investment Opportunities: Sean Santa, Young American Capital, [email protected] SOURCE State B Beverage Co. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SupplyCore Inc., a supply chain integrator with 33 years' experience providing the U.S. military, civilian agencies and allied governments with facility and infrastructure supplies, repair parts, special use equipment, end items and heavy equipment, recently announced the completion of a major upgrade to its e-procurement and online ordering system. The new digital solution, powered by the OroCommerce Platform, upgraded SupplyCore's online customer experience for its Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) business and specific contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA). "The complex selling and buying processes at SupplyCore can be viewed as a matter of customer relationship. It was an ideal use case for Oro, which offers both CRM and B2B commerce capabilities in a single, extensible platform. This has helped SupplyCore go-to-market quickly while being customized to meet its unique business requirements across multiple lines of business," said Vu Nguyen, Chief Digital Strategist of AAXIS . "We are grateful for the partnership with the teams at SupplyCore and Oro, Inc. as we look forward to maximizing the digital solution built together to deliver a highly effective procurement experience for SupplyCore's customers and to enhance SupplyCore's sales execution with unique CRM capabilities for business growth." In short, the new SupplyCore digital platform features sophisticated integrations connecting customers, the government and SupplyCore's ERP with a holistic solution. Gartner's 2021 Market Guide for Marketplace Operation Applications also recognized Oro as the only eCommerce platform, purpose-built for B2B providers. With a full range of B2B-specific features available out-of-the-box, SupplyCore's Oro deployment can now manage complex custom orders 100% digitally, while its visual, intuitive, and personalized interface allows customers to track order status from preliminary quote to sourcing to successful delivery and exception handling. "AAXIS impressed our organization from the initial meeting. They did the work necessary to understand the complexities of our programs and internal processes. Since that time, they have developed our ideas into a rich user experience for our customers and have become a trusted advisor in offering creative ecommerce solutions to our complex challenges. I highly recommend the OroCommerce platform and AAXIS as a quality digital solution provider," said Jon Marceleno, SupplyCore Director of Global Sales. "SupplyCore is leading the pack in driving digital transformation in the government procurement sector, and we're honored to have helped them provide critical assets to U.S. agencies," said Yoav Kutner, CEO and co-founder of Oro. "The SupplyCore solution is a classic example of how OroCommerce, which was built from the ground up to address the most complex B2B needs, can also accommodate complex business-to-government orders with great speed and scalability." About Oro, Inc. Oro, Inc. offers a suite of open-source commerce applications: OroPlatform, OroCRM, and OroCommerce. OroCRM is a solution for multichannel companies, and OroCommerce, the only open-source eCommerce platform purpose-built for B2B companies. Oro's founders previously founded Magento and have deep experience in the eCommerce industry. They include Yoav Kutner, CEO; Dima Soroka, Chief Technology Officer; and Roy Rubin, director of Oro's advisory board. For more information on OroCommerce, visit https://oroinc.com/b2b-ecommerce/ . About AAXIS Digital AAXIS is an IT consulting company, specializing building in B2B and B2C digital commerce solutions. Headquartered in Los Angeles since 1998, AAXIS has software development centers in the U.S. and Chile. Some of the world's largest and most prominent companies partner with AAXIS to solve complex challenges to strengthen their digital capabilities to grow the overall business. Visit aaxisdigital.com/portfolio/supplycore for more information. About SupplyCore Inc. For more than 30 years, SupplyCore has supported the U.S. military, civilian agencies and allied governments with facility and infrastructure supplies, repair parts, special use equipment, end items and heavy equipment. Driven by its mission to sustain and enhance the physical and human capital of our nation and its allies in times of peace and contingency, SupplyCore's market segments include Base Operations Supply, Special Operational Equipment, and Weapon Systems Support. SupplyCore maintains fast, reliable and cost-effective supply chains to meet program requirements and support customers worldwide. Inc. has recognized SupplyCore as one of America's fastest-growing companies for a total of nine years, including induction into the elite Inc. 500 Hall of Fame. For more information about SupplyCore, visit www.supplycore.com . SOURCE Oro, Inc. Related Links https://oroinc.com/b2b-ecommerce/ STAMFORD, Conn., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony today announced Education as an Equalizer, an initiative to expand access to higher education, skills training in high-growth fields and financial literacy for underserved communities and its own workforce. During the next five years, the company will invest more than $50 million in the program. Jaisell Morales hits the books in central Florida. Jaisell is pursuing a bachelors degree in business administration at DeVry University while working as an account manager on Synchronys customer service team. Jaisell uses Synchronys tuition reimbursement benefit to make his academic dreams a reality where he is on track to graduate in 2022. The company offers employees up to $20,000 per year to help secure their higher education degrees and up to $9,000 in technology certifications. The investment includes more than $20 million in philanthropic grants from the Synchrony Foundation to help increase educational and reskilling opportunities for individuals and students from low-income and underrepresented communities, particularly Black, Hispanic and Native American communities. The company's eight employee Diversity Networks will serve as strategic advisors to help direct and support the investments. The remaining funds approximately $30 million will go toward training and upskilling opportunities for the company's workforce, as well as programs to build a diverse talent pipeline and strengthen financial literacy skills for all. "The pandemic has deepened economic inequality and accelerated demands for a reskilled and upskilled workforce," said Brian Doubles, President and CEO of Synchrony. "We believe everyone should have access to education and skills training, which are essential for driving an inclusive recovery, growing our economy and securing a strong financial future." Harnessing Synchrony's business expertise and employee talent through mentorships and other activities, Education as an Equalizer will build on the company's commitment to address deeply-rooted economic inequality within our communities. Through investment, engagement and social reform, it will collaborate with academic institutions, non-profits, government and businesses, as outlined below. 1. Creating Pathways to College Completion The Synchrony Foundation will provide scholarships, mentorships and internships to help low-income and underrepresented students graduate college and navigate their future paths. In collaboration with the company's employee Diversity Networks, the Foundation will work with academic institutions, including several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and non-profit organizations (see complete 2021 list here) to select student recipients. Together with guidance from College Possible, the company will pair students with Synchrony mentors. Synchrony will also leverage its vast network of business partners to offer internship and networking opportunities. These programs address a very compelling need. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 14 percent of the lowest-income students earn a bachelor's degree within eight years of first enrolling. Many college students experience food insecurity which impacts their academic performance and overall health. The Synchrony Foundation will provide grants to schools and non-profits to provide hunger relief to vulnerable students and their families. "We are very excited to partner with a great company like Synchrony and truly appreciate their desire to drive change in education equity," said Kevin James, Ph.D., North Carolina A&T State University's Deese College dean. "Our work together will significantly enhance our students' ability to obtain a world-class college education and prepare for high-trajectory careers." "We believe academic success secures foundations for strong community leaders who play a vital role in ensuring safe and inclusive communities for all," said Laurence B. Alexander, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. "We share Synchrony's belief that a four-year education should be accessible to women at any point in their lives who want to build a better future for themselves and their families," said Michele Ozumba, President of the Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund. "Education as an Equalizer will help us, through the Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund, economically empower non-traditional women students through post-secondary education. By providing equal access to everyone, we lift each other higher." "Education has the potential to change the trajectory of one's life, breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice," said Prairie Bighorn-Blount, Executive Director of the American Indian Business Leaders. "Synchrony's initiative will help support our efforts to increase representation of American Indians and Alaska Natives in business and entrepreneurial ventures through education and leadership development opportunities and help make access to education a reality for all." Synchrony also believes in supporting the education needs of its own employees. The company offers industry-leading tuition reimbursement benefit of $20,000 a year for full-time employees to attain degrees in areas relevant to their work. Synchrony expanded the benefit to include fast-growing health care and education fields. 2. Building Skills of the Future To meet growing demand for reskilling and upskilling, Synchrony and the Synchrony Foundation will offer career training and certifications in fast-growing fields such as cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, and UX design. The company will collaborate with local governments, schools, and skills-credentialing organizations to prepare students and individuals seeking to reskill or reenter the workforce. For example, together with the Connecticut Governor's Workforce Council and General Assembly (GA) a pioneer in education and career transformation specializing in today's most in-demand skills Synchrony will launch a new reskilling center located at the company's Stamford, Conn. headquarters later this year. At the center, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds will receive training in software engineering and job placement support. Synchrony's strategic partners will help identify candidates to participate in GA's three-month immersive training program at the center designed to help equip non-tech workers with technical and career readiness skills. "To emerge from this crisis stronger, it's critical that we build more accessible on-ramps for those hit hardest by the pandemic to secure meaningful work in high-demand fields," said Liz Simon, COO at General Assembly. "What we've seen firsthand is that removing barriers to digital skills training in local communities not only unlocks life-changing career opportunities for individuals but also contributes to a more diverse and equitable tech talent ecosystem." "The partnership between Synchrony and the State of Connecticut will help us provide the people in our community greater access to the training and development needed to compete for jobs of the future," said Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice-Chair of the Connecticut Governor's Workforce Council. Within its own workplace, Synchrony is expanding new skills-based training and hiring commitments. Synchrony reimburses employees up to $9,000 per year for technology certifications mapped to critical skills in high-growth fields. per year for technology certifications mapped to critical skills in high-growth fields. The company has committed to hire, upskill, advance and improve retention for Black talent without four-year degrees into middle skill and family-sustaining wage jobs. Synchrony has joined OneTen, a coalition of leading companies that is committed to creating a more inclusive corporate America and hire and promote one million Black individuals into family-sustaining jobs over the next decade. 3. Closing the Financial Knowledge Gap The Synchrony Foundation will offer free online courses on financial literacy to support students who receive Synchrony Foundation scholarships. Topics will include saving, budgeting, managing debt and student loans. Synchrony will also provide virtual workshops for students on financial topics such as credit, savings, debt, and investments. In addition, to help communities build a strong foundation in financial health, especially those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company will continue to make free, relatable personal finance resources available on synchrony.com for all. This includes its "Money Matters" blog and its partnership with MILLIE Magazine published by Meredith, which helps women take control of their financial futures. Synchrony will also collaborate with Marvel Studios on select 2021 partnership titles through its "Save Like a Hero" campaign to encourage smart saving. Synchrony will continue to provide customers access to the nation's largest non-profit financial counseling organization National Foundation for Credit Counseling and engage with America Saves to promote the importance of saving and financial wellness. For employees, Synchrony will provide online courses and continue to offer financial counselors, tools and resources through benefits partner Fidelity Investments and through financial education workshops. About Synchrony Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a premier consumer financial services company. We deliver a wide range of specialized financing programs, as well as innovative consumer banking products, across key industries including digital, retail, home, auto, travel, health and pet. Synchrony enables our partners to grow sales and loyalty with consumers. We are one of the largest issuers of private label credit cards in the United States; we also offer co-branded products, installment loans and consumer financing products for small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as healthcare providers. Synchrony is changing what's possible through our digital capabilities, deep industry expertise, actionable data insights, frictionless customer experience and customized financing solutions. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com and Twitter: @Synchrony Media Contact: Angie Hu Synchrony [email protected] SOURCE Synchrony Related Links http://www.synchrony.com IRVINE, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 50 years ago, a coastal burger bungalow opened in Santa Barbara, California, and now the award-winning taste of The Habit Burger Grill is coming to Olympic, Cambodia! The California-based restaurant company renowned for its Charburgers grilled over an open flame, signature sandwiches, fresh-cut salads and more will open a fourth restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 14 in partnership with Kampuchea Tela Company, LTD. The Habit Burger Grill is California's best-kept secret, as it's been awarded various food-focused awards in the United States. At the center of The Habit's menu is the signature Charburger, made with a fresh, 100% ground beef patty, chargrilled over an open flame for unique smoky flavor, and topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, hand-cut tomato slices, crisp lettuce, pickles and mayo served on a toasted bun. The Habit has served their famous Charburgers exactly this way since 1969. "It is an honor to open our fourth Habit restaurant location in Cambodia in partnership with Kampuchea Tela Company, LTD. We look forward to serving the Phnom Penh community handcrafted, chargrilled food with California-fresh flavor, delivered with best-in-class hospitality," said Iwona Alter, Chief Brand Officer at The Habit Burger Grill. With its cooked-to-order mantra and creative culinary culture, The Habit Burger Grill's open flame sears a distinctive smoky flavor into their Charburgers, fresh marinated chicken, sushi-grade Ahi tuna and USDA Choice tri-tip steaks. The Habit also has an incredible selection of sides to choose from as well as delicious hand-spun frozen treats. Guests at The Habit Burger Grill can always count on freshly-made, handcrafted quality food served up with genuine hospitality. Connect with The Habit Burger Grill on social media at facebook.com/habitburger , instagram.com/habitburgergrill , twitter.com/habitburger , and youtube.com/habittube . About Kampuchea Tela Company, LTD Kampuchea Tela Company introduced the first petroleum retail in Cambodia in 1993 and later opened the first Lube Oil with a mini-mart attached. Over the last ten years, the company has expanded into the hospitality industry with a full-service dining restaurant and multi-unit international franchise concept in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Kampuchea Tela Company's philosophy of customers service with a local touch sets the company apart. About The Habit Restaurants, Inc. The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast-casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, cooked-to-order chargrilled burgers and handcrafted sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade Ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh cooked-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit Burger Grill was named the "best tasting burger in America" in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America's leading consumer magazines. The first Habit Burger Grill opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and was recently named in Thrillist's list of "Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!" The Habit Burger Grill has since grown to over 280 restaurants in 14 states throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Washington as well as 12 international locations, eight in China and four in Cambodia. More information is available at www.habitburger.com . SOURCE The Habit Burger Grill RYE BROOK, N.Y., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today the launch of the IMPACT (Influential Medicine Providing Access to Clinical Trials) research grants to increase enrollment of individuals from underrepresented communities in clinical trials. Clinical trials are vital to improving cancer treatment, giving newly diagnosed patients access to state-of-the-art therapies, and providing a lifeline when other treatments have failed. Yet, clinical trials overwhelmingly fail to represent certain patient populations such as ethnic and racial minorities and people in rural communities. To overcome these inequities, LLS created the IMPACT research grants, which will award funding to major cancer research and treatment centers to establish a "hub and spoke" infrastructure to expand access to clinical trials in their region. Each of the "hubs" or major cancer centers will develop networks of trial sites in local community-based hospitals and clinics with significant underserved populations. The $3.75 million five-year program, designed with a unique and tailored approach to building engagement in underserved communities, is the first undertaking of its kind by a blood cancer organization. "To get the full benefit of cancer research, we need clinical trials to reflect the diversity of the U.S. population," said Lee Greenberger, Ph.D., LLS Chief Scientific Officer. "But this is also about health equity, which is central to the LLS mission. Blood cancer does not discriminate, and people of every age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status are affected and deserve the same choices in their care." Research has shown that populations at risk for cancer health disparities are also less likely than other groups to participate in clinical trials. LLS has selected three projects for the first round of funding: Mayo Clinic in the upper Midwest, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the rural south and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Each five-year initiative anticipates increasing trial enrollment from underrepresented communities to at least 20 percent. An overview of the programs is below: IMPACT at Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic Cancer Center partnered with the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network and Mayo Clinic Health System to address major barriers to clinical trials enrollment for minority patients with blood cancers. The program includes a network of 35 clinical sites throughout rural, underserved communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The program also focuses on economically disadvantaged minority patients in urban areas of metropolitan Minneapolis. IMPACT at Vanderbilt University Medical Center: This effort, which leverages the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network and Baptist Memorial Health Care (Baptist), includes nearly half of the counties and parishes in the Delta Regional Authority, one of the most economically vulnerable areas in the United States. This area also has some of the country's highest cancer incidence and mortality rates. The LLS IMPACT program at Vanderbilt will increase clinical trial access, with the option to enroll in ten clinical trials across seven blood cancer types that will be open at nine Baptist locations around the region. IMPACT at Weill Cornell Medicine: While Weill Cornell Medicine is located in Manhattan, more than half of the annual blood cancer cases in New York City occur in residents who reside in nearby Queens and Brooklyn. Direct access to cutting-edge clinical trials is limited at the community hospitals that service those boroughs. The Weill Cornell Medicine IMPACT project, also supported by Genentech, is collaborating with New York-Presbyterian Queens and New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital to build an infrastructure to increase enrollment in clinical trials at these sites. The program will provide education for community physicians, including training primary care physicians as clinical trial advocates, and community oncologists as experts in clinical trial protocols. "Our team at Weill Cornell Medicine is thrilled to collaborate with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on this important initiative," said Dr. John Leonard, senior associate dean for innovation and initiatives and the Richard T. Silver Distinguished Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and a hematologist and medical oncologist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "Our efforts to provide state-of-the-art care and research opportunities to all blood cancer patients including those from under-resourced backgrounds synergize closely with those of LLS through the IMPACT program. We are committed to these efforts and are excited to accelerate our research programs through this collaboration and close engagement with our community." Mayo, Vanderbilt and Weill are co-funding the IMPACT grants, demonstrating their partnership with LLS and commitment to the program. This program was also made possible by philanthropic investment from companies including Bristol Myers Squibb and MorphoSys Foundation, as well as LLS donor investment from Louise and John Bryan, Edward J. Phillips Family Foundation, Rahr Corporation and Cal Turner, Jr. LLS works on multiple fronts toward health equity for all blood cancer patients LLS has programs in place across research, advocacy and patient services to address health disparities. These efforts include Myeloma Link, a community-based outreach and education program in African American communities, Spanish-language resources and services for patients and caregivers, and the Equity in Access research program, which will advance the study of underlying causes of inequitable access to care and identify policies, strategies and interventions to effect change. LLS is also leading a national study with the University of Florida to increase primary care providers' capacity to educate diverse patients with cancer about clinical trials. Through its advocacy work, LLS is pursuing efforts to improve access to trials for underrepresented patients. For example, LLS and its advocacy partners played a key role in developing the Clinical Treatment Act, which requires Medicaid to cover trial-related care starting in 2022. LLS is also working to advance policies that will localize access to more care associated with trial participation, reducing the time and expense associated with travel. LLS's Urgent Need Program, in partnership with Moppie's Love and Charlie's Fund, Co-Pay Assistance Program, and Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program, all provide financial assistance supporting underserved patients. LLS Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators, registered nurses with expertise in blood cancer, are available to personally assist all blood cancer patients and caregivers throughout the entire clinical-trial process. For information, patients can contact an LLS Information Specialist at (800) 955-4572, via live chat or email . About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regional offices throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the LLS Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ET. For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Contact: Irene Tung Senior Manager, Mission Communications The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society [email protected] (718) 414-7910 SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Related Links http://www.LLS.org LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, a place renowned for its luxury hillside houses, charming craftsman-style bungalows, and Mediterranean-inspired homes, a new trend is taking over - and fast. Dubbed the 'modern barn' by multi-disciplinary design development and build company, WylanJames, the nouveau style isn't just what's next, it's what's likely here to stay. Los Angeles Modern Barn Los Angeles Modern Barn Often being bought pre-completion, these highly sought-after homes are striking a powerful chord with a demographic of buyers that are looking for clean Scandinavian aesthetics paired with high accessibility. Nothing like the Fixer Upper style homes made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines on HGTV, the 'modern barn' reflects a new and improved version, the barn 3.0, complete with soaring ceilings, sleek finishes, earthy color palettes, and a wellspring of open and airy spaces that oftentimes lead to the refreshment of a breathtaking pool. One of the most promising developments to hit Los Angeles in recent years, WylanJames has been embracing its undeniable potential with the goal of revolutionizing not only the city's housing options but its entire appeal. Straightforward yet distinct, modern barns implement the ever-alluring beauty of the minimal and the restrained, redefining what a 'barn' can be in our contemporary world while also firmly establishing their rising status as "The Next Big Thing." "For years, we have seen the popular Cape Cod style homes with black accents and white shiplap popping up in almost every neighborhood in Los Angeles," says Brock Wylan, co-founder of the eponymously named design firm, WylanJames. "Homeowners have been drawn to the warm and familiar style, contemporary finishes, and east coast charm. But while it may be charming to some, that outdated varietal has grown tiresome with many, ushering in a new era for those looking for something new and fresh." Enter WylanJames, a dynamic ensemble not unfamiliar with being at the forefront of architectural design. Having taken the traditional vaulted gable architecture and paired it with Scandinavian design influences, the duo has created an exciting new spin on the 'modern barn,' complementing it with soaring ceilings, exterior and interior wood details, floor to ceiling windows, and bright open spaces throughout. These modern refinements represent not only a novel take on a timeless and incredibly popular iconic design but epitomize the perfect blend of warmth, livability, and architectural sophistication. Since its inception, WylanJames has seen demand grow steadily for the modern barn, with buyers coming in droves saying "I have images of houses like these on my Pinterest dream house boards." As an added bonus, prospective buyers can even work with the Wylan James team prior to completion to customize interior finishes, fixtures, and appliances to suit their particular needs and tastes. A truly versatile design with options ranging from 3000-7000 square feet and prices typically ranging from $3.5-8 million dollars, there's a modern barn for a growing pool of buyers looking for well-designed but attainable homes. And, perhaps best of all, they can be built nearly anywhere - from Santa Monica to Venice to Culver City and beyond - making them the perfect candidate for those looking to purchase in LA's highly competitive market. Much in the same way the "modern farmhouse" became not only a phrase but an empire, the 'modern barn' now marks the beginning of a new age all its own, an age poised to transform not only the city of Los Angeles but the entire design industry. Put plainly, it won't be surprising to see the modern barn as the next real estate status symbol soon, with book and magazine publishers, furniture manufacturers, and retailers following suit to get in on the craze. About Wylan James Founded in 2015 by Simon James and Brock Wylan, Wylan James is a multi-disciplinary design development and build company located in Los Angeles California. Inspired by architecture and design, each project they take on is embraced as an opportunity to build progressive spaces that push the boundaries of residential living. They can be found at www.wylanjames.com Press Contact: Brock Wylan Email: [email protected] Phone: 917-324-1402 For the Public: www.wylanjames.com www.instagram.com/wylanjames Press Images: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ANGYQsGbzupgoJY68 SOURCE WylanJames development Related Links http://www.wylanjames.com LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Watermark at Westwood Village, Los Angeles' newest luxury senior community from Watermark Retirement Communities, is now welcoming its first members. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care accommodations, and is the latest addition to Watermark Retirement Communities' Elan Collection, the brand's elite collection of senior communities crafted with a luxury wellness resort mindset. Featuring 188 elegant residences spanning from studio to one- and two-bedroom apartments, The Watermark at Westwood Village is the pinnacle of senior living in Los Angeles with grand-scale amenities and leading-edge programs aimed at providing a vibrant lifestyle for sophisticated seniors all within a very short walk to the campus of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "We're pleased to open The Watermark at Westwood Village and provide a luxurious community for Los Angeles' seniors," said David Freshwater, Chairman of Watermark Retirement Communities. "At The Watermark at Westwood Village, our members will find an invigorating lifestyle that encourages exploration and connection, with apartments and communal spaces designed to foster community and innovative programming that sparks undiscovered passions and promotes a healthy, engaged life." Spanning 189,000 square feet over two 14-story towers, the fully renovated property offers four dining venues with an array of culinary options, while expansive amenities including a salon and spa, library and lounge, event space, fitness and wellness center and a courtyard with fireplace and private dog run - present the best in both indoor and outdoor Southern California living. Furthermore, members enjoy personalized, around-the-clock assistance from the on-site associates, who provide room service, transportation, pet care services, dry cleaning and personal shoppers. "We're thrilled to be welcoming members at The Watermark at Westwood Village, which redefines the meaning of retirement for seniors in Los Angeles," said David Barnes, President of Watermark Retirement Communities. "We've developed the finest senior living experience within a stunning structure that represents the highest safety standards, and our members will undoubtedly be inspired by the creative energy of this neighborhood." The Watermark at Westwood Village is located directly across from the UCLA campus, providing world-class medical care, educational programs and tremendous opportunities for collaboration with the university's researchers and students. Nestled between the LA's Beverly Hills and Century City neighborhoods, the property's prime location is steps away from the city's top cultural institutions, where members can enjoy plays at the acclaimed Geffen Playhouse, films at the historic 1931 Regency Village and art exhibitions at the Hammer Museum. The ownership team for The Watermark at Westwood Village consists of a collaboration between majority owner, Kayne Anderson Real Estate, a leading real estate private equity investor in seniors housing, and Watermark Retirement Communities. Together the partnership owns and operates a portfolio 16 retirement communities totaling more than 2,300 residences of independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. "We are excited to be involved in fulfilling a growing demand for high-quality seniors housing in the heart of Los Angeles. Urban seniors housing properties are an attractive alternative real estate investment segment within a rapidly growing market. We are proud to lead this market sector nationally with our partner, Watermark," stated Al Rabil, Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO, Kayne Anderson Real Estate. Vibrant Living Through State-of-the-Art Educational and Wellness Programming Innovative wellness is a hallmark of the experience at The Watermark at Westwood Village. Through The Watermark at Westwood Village's relationship with UCLA's Longevity Center, members will have access to research-based enhancement classes to gain a better understanding of the science behind memory building and engage in interactive learning and practice to enhance cognitive abilities. The community is also developing new ways to support and engage with UCLA's researchers and students who are studying active aging. Given its prime location across from UCLA, members of The Watermark at Westwood Village are also able to conveniently access continued learning through UCLA's Senior Scholars program, which gives older adults the unique opportunity to audit academic classes and engage with the university's academic community. Reinforcing its commitment to providing meaningful experiences that foster curiosity and connection, The Watermark at Westwood Village offers an extensive calendar of programs for members to continue learning and discovering new passions through Watermark University. Guided by Watermark associates and professional partners, the dynamic program engages members in classes and events surrounding a wide range of interests, including wine education, watercolor painting and literature. World-Class Dining The culinary experience at The Watermark at Westwood Village celebrates local, seasonal cuisine at its four dining venues. The menus offer a variety of nutrition and culinary science to help people live happier, healthier lives. The Mark offers an expansive menu of fresh, healthy creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Taboon serves Mediterranean-inspired fare prepared in a stone hearth oven, while The W Lounge serves traditional fare along with cocktails, beer and wine. Members who prefer a more casual dining environment can gather over coffee and light bites at Gallery Cafe. Members also have access to an exhibition kitchen, where they can assist the culinary team in testing the newest recipes and entertain guests. For a private culinary experience, the Watermark at Westwood Village offers dedicated room service or catering for events at the property's private dining rooms. Modern California Living Through Design The Watermark at Westwood Village was originally a UCLA dormitory dating back to the 1960s and has since gone through an extensive four-year renovation resulting in new and modern interiors and amenities while keeping its historic, exterior structure intact. Spearheaded by architecture firm, CallisonRTKL and global design firm, HBA, the community features contemporary California design with a strong sense of the mid-century modern sensibility of the structure's original construction. Furthermore, the building has been retrofitted to become the first non-ductile concrete structure within the City of Los Angeles to comply with the latest seismic safety ordinance, ensuring the safest environment possible for its members and associates. The community's luxury residences were specially designed to be a reflection of its Southern California location, encouraging sunlight to radiate throughout open layouts with glass walls and vaulted ceilings. The studio and one- and two- bedroom apartments are carefully constructed with neutral color palettes while luxurious, modern finishes present the finest in 21st century living. Each apartment strikes a balance between elegance and convenience through features such as spacious entryways leading into custom-designed kitchenettes with top-of-the-line kitchen appliances and designer bathrooms boasting expansive walk-in showers. Potential members and their families can contact the leasing office at 310-208-4590. About Watermark Retirement Communities Watermark creates extraordinary communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 60 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation's 11th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information. About Watermark's Elan Collection The newly launched Elan Collection creates an elevated standard in senior living and care, blending ageless style with leading edge innovation, personal service with grand-scale amenities, intimate tranquility with engaging opportunities and a spirited lifestyle with customized care. Along with The Watermark at Westwood Village, the Elan Collection features four other premium locations The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights in New York City, The Watermark at Napa Valley, California, and The Hacienda at the River and The Hacienda at the Canyon in Tucson, Arizona. About Kayne Anderson Real Estate Kayne Anderson Real Estate (KA Real Estate) is a leading real estate private equity investor in senior housing, medical office, off-campus student housing, and self-storage. As of December 31, 2020, KA Real Estate had $10.5 billion in assets under management across its opportunistic equity, core returns and real estate debt investments. KA Real Estate is part of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, an investment firm that manages $32.2 billion in assets under management and has more than 30 years of successful experience in the real estate, infrastructure, credit, and private equity sectors. SOURCE Elan Collection by Watermark Retirement Communities TOKYO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704;TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced earnings results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, ending March 31, 2021. In the first quarter of 2021, Trend Micro continued its steady growth path with a solid 5% year-over-year growth in net sales at constant currency, boosted by a 21% growth in enterprise subscription-based annual recurring revenue. The company's growth reflects its focus on a SaaS-based, holistic security platform business model to best meet the needs of organizations. At the end of Q1, 347k customers had adopted Trend Micro's subscription (including SaaS)-based offerings, an increase of 17% YoY. The company's newest SaaS-based offering, Trend Micro Vision One, has seen rapid adoption driving portions of the overall growth. Trend Micro also reported a total of -36.6 million SaaS deployed instances, an impressive year-over-year growth of 72%. SaaS-based security deployments offer the most up-to-date protection, ease of use and greatest return on investment for businesses globally. Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform provides these benefits for its growing customer base. "Our concentrated focus on listening to and delivering on what customers want and need is reflected in our continued business success in Q1. With a strong foundation as a technology company, imagine the possibilities as we keep working together to collectively secure consumer and enterprise communities," said Eva Chen, co-founder and chief executive officer for Trend Micro. "This year we remain focused on SaaS deployments as the best way to provide superior security protection for organizations globally. Using our industry-leading security platform, customers can meet their needs from anywhere in the digital transformation journey to stop threats within their IT and cloud environments." For this quarter, Trend Micro posted consolidated net sales of 44,594 million Yen (or US $420 million, 105.95 JPY = 1USD). The company posted operating income of 12,226 million Yen (or US $115 million) and net income attributable to owners of the parent of 8,804 million Yen (or US $83 million) for the quarter. The company will not revise expected consolidated results for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 (released on February 17, 2021). Based on information currently available to the company, consolidated net sales for the year ending December 31, 2021 is expected to be 183,400 million Yen (or US $1,746 million, based on an exchange rate of 105 JPY = 1 USD). Operating income and net income are expected to be 40,900 million Yen (or US $389 million) and 28,800 million Yen (or US $274 million), respectively. Key Business Updates in Q1 2021: Leadership and Product Innovation in Cloud Security: Trend Micro started 2021 strong by offering its complete security SaaS solution in a single listing in AWS Marketplace, enabling self-service protection. This is one of the first such offerings, designed to answer the needs of organizations building in the cloud on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Trend Micro Cloud One protects across leading cloud-based environments with services designed for applications, network, workloads, file storage, containers and cloud security posture management. In 2020, Trend Micro Cloud App Security blocked 16.7 million high-risk email threats that slipped past webmail providers' native filters. This further reinforces the need for comprehensive cloud-based security solutions across the full IT environment. Additionally, a Trend Micro survey identified key challenges hospitals face when attempting to secure cloud environments. These challenges align closely to broader skills shortage and daily operations issues. Leadership in Extended Detection and Response: Trend Micro released its platform to support security operations teams who are overloaded by alerts. The threat defense platform provides centralized risk visibility and prioritizes alerts for faster detection and response. The benefits of the platform, named Trend Micro Vision One, along with its managed XDR, were also touted by Nuffield Health, the leading healthcare charity that relies on the platform to protect its digital infrastructure. Nuffield Health chose Trend Micro for its SaaS deployment model to protect their increasingly cloud-first infrastructure. Effective detection and response across the entire IT infrastructure is more important than ever. In 2020, Trend Micro detected more than 62 billion threats, a 20% increase from the previous year. Cybercriminals have adapted in ways that require security analysts to connect the dots between security alerts, and this is done automatically using Trend Micro Vision One, saving teams time and money. In addition, a sponsored study conducted by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) found systemic challenges persist with integrating security into business processes. The report includes the top ways to drive engagement and agreement around cybersecurity strategies within an organization to help CISOs and security leaders improve this connection in their business. Defending the IIoT Landscape: A Trend Micro study found that 61% of manufacturers have experienced cybersecurity incidents in their smart factories. These organizations continue to struggle to deploy the technology needed to effectively manage cyber risk. Trend Micro Research also explored the security risks of connected cars. A new report describes multiple scenarios in which drivers could encounter attacks that threaten the safety of themselves and others. Corporate Initiatives to Strengthen the Digital World: In its annual "What's Your Story" competition for students, Trend Micro asks participants to reflect on how their relationship with the internet changed throughout COVID-19. The goal is for students to understand the impact of digital platforms on everyday life, as well as the benefits and potential risks to privacy and security. Trend Forward Capital worked with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its 4th annual Forward Thinker Award competition. AWS offered the opportunity to participate in the AWS Activate, along with up to $10,000 USD in AWS Promotional Credit and Trend Forward Capital offered a $20,000 cash prize to the winner. Executive and Enterprise Industry Recognition: In Q1 2021, Trend Micro was recognized with multiple awards from industry analysts and partners. CRN recognized Trend Micro among four of its prestigious awards: Received a five-star rating in the 2021 CRN Partner Program Guide Recognized on the CRN Security 100 List Recognized on the 100 Coolest Cloud Companies for 2021 Louise McEvoy , vice president of U.S. Channels, named to its 2021 list of Channel Chiefs In addition, Trend Micro Chief Marketing Officer Leah MacMillan was recognized by the OnCon Icon Awards 2021 with the Top 50 Marketer Award. The award recognizes innovation and leadership in marketing. New patents filed: Trend Micro was awarded the following patents in Q1 2021: Patent No. Issue Date Title 10922386 02/16/2021 System and Methods for Security Inspection and Protection of Software Containers at Runtime 10938846 03/02/2021 Anomalous Logon Detector for Protecting Servers of a Computer Network 10951583 03/16/2021 Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Internet Access 10951636 03/16/2021 Dynamic Phishing Detection Methods and Apparatus 10965560 03/30/2021 Organizing and Storing Network Communications 10965600 03/30/2021 Metadata Extraction Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements that are made in this release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. These factors include: Difficulties in addressing new threats and other computer security problems Timing of new product introductions and lack of market acceptance for new products The level of continuing demand for, and timing of sales of, existing products Rapid technological change within the security software industry Changes in customer needs for security software Existing products and new product introductions by competitors and pricing of those products Declining prices for products and services The effect of future acquisitions on our financial condition and results of operations The effect of adverse economic trends on principal markets The effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on our results of operations An increase in the incidence of product returns The potential lack of attractive investment targets and difficulties in successfully executing our investment strategy New and potentially unforeseen risks and liabilities associated with the internet of things, the use of artificial intelligence in our products and services, and other emerging technologies About Trend Micro Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com. SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated Related Links www.trendmicro.com DALLAS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial lawyer Chris Simmons, co-founder of Lyons & Simmons, LLP, is among a select group recognized by the National Law Journal as "Plaintiffs' Lawyers Trailblazers," attorneys who are "born leaders." One of only 52 attorneys nationwide honored, Simmons was chosen based not only on his litigation success, but also for his role as an agent of change. "Even before becoming a lawyer, I always found myself empathizing and sympathizing with the plight of people who had suffered wrongly. I wanted to fight for them. I wanted to effect something positive for people who have suffered. It's in my DNA," he told the NLJ about what drives his practice. "I am an ally to those who have been wronged and will stand up for them, pursue justice for them, and hold wrongdoers accountable to prevent other people from suffering the same injustice. That's the creed I live by," he said. That focus also helped propel Lyons & Simmons' recognition in 2020 as the top personal injury law firm in Dallas by readers of Texas Lawyer magazine. Simmons' reputation as a go-to trial lawyer in cases involving life-altering personal injuries, wrongful death, and "bet-the-company" business disputes has earned him recognition from Best Lawyers in America, Lawdragon 500, Texas Super Lawyers, D Magazine, and Texas Lawyer. About Lyons & Simmons LLP Dallas-based Lyons & Simmons, LLP is a trial boutique representing clients in wrongful death, personal injury, products liability and complex "bet-the-company" business litigation matters across the country. To learn more, visit http://www.Lyons-Simmons.com. Media Contact: Rhonda Reddick 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Lyons & Simmons Related Links http://www.Lyons-Simmons.com HANGZHOU, China, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuya Inc. ("Tuya" or the "Company") (NYSE: TUYA), a global leading IoT cloud platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2021. First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights Total revenue was US$56.9 million , up approximately 200% year over year (1Q2020: US$18.9 million ). was , up approximately 200% year over year (1Q2020: ). IoT PaaS revenue was US$49.8 million , up approximately 227% year over year (1Q2020: US$15.2 million ). was , up approximately 227% year over year (1Q2020: ). SaaS and other revenue was US$2.3 million , up approximately 224% year over year (1Q2020: US$0.7 million ). was , up approximately 224% year over year (1Q2020: ). Overall gross margin for the quarter increased to 41.1%, up 10.8 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: 30.3%). Gross margin of IoT PaaS for the quarter increased to 41.7%, up 11.2 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: 30.5%). for the quarter increased to 41.1%, up 10.8 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: 30.3%). Gross margin of IoT PaaS for the quarter increased to 41.7%, up 11.2 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: 30.5%). Operating margin for the quarter was negative 72.6%, up 42.4 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: negative 115.0%). Excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP operating margin for the quarter was negative 43.1%, up 62.3 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: negative 105.4%). for the quarter was negative 72.6%, up 42.4 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: negative 115.0%). Excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, for the quarter was negative 43.1%, up 62.3 percentage points year over year (1Q2020: negative 105.4%). Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were US$1,223.3 million as of March 31, 2021 compared to US$179.8 million as of December 31, 2020 . were as of compared to as of . Net cash used in operating activities for the quarter was US$32.7 million , or 57.4% of total revenue, compared to US$31.0 million , or 163.8% of total revenue in the first quarter of 2020. First Quarter 2021 Operating Highlights Deployments of IoT PaaS [1] for the quarter were 39.2 million. for the quarter were 39.2 million. IoT PaaS Customers [2] for the quarter were approximately 2,200. Total customers for the quarter were approximately 3,000. for the quarter were approximately 2,200. Total customers for the quarter were approximately 3,000. Premium IoT PaaS customers [3] for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2021 were 216. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company's premium IoT PaaS customers contributed approximately 86.0% of IoT PaaS revenue. for the trailing 12 months ended were 216. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company's premium IoT PaaS customers contributed approximately 86.0% of IoT PaaS revenue. Dollar-based net expansion rate [4] of IoT PaaS was 210% for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2021 , compared to 173% for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2020 , remaining not less than 160% for six consecutive quarters since the Company began tracking this metric for the trailing 12 months ended December 31, 2019 . This was due to the Company's ability to expand customers' usage of the Tuya platform over time and generate revenue growth from existing customers. of IoT PaaS was 210% for the trailing 12 months ended , compared to 173% for the trailing 12 months ended , remaining not less than 160% for six consecutive quarters since the Company began tracking this metric for the trailing 12 months ended . This was due to the Company's ability to expand customers' usage of the Tuya platform over time and generate revenue growth from existing customers. IoT device and software developers, or developers, were over 324,000 as of March 31, 2021 , up 23.7% from about 262,000 developers as of December 31, 2020 . 1. The Company defines a smart device on which IoT PaaS is deployed a "deployment" of IoT PaaS. 2. The Company defines an IoT PaaS customer for a given period as a customer who has directly placed orders for IoT PaaS with the Company during that period. 3. The Company defines a premium IoT PaaS customer as a customer as of a given date that contributed more than US$100,000 of IoT PaaS revenue during the immediately preceding 12-month period. 4. The Company calculates dollar-based net expansion rate of IoT PaaS for a trailing 12-month period by first identifying all customers in the prior 12-month period (i.e., those have placed at least one order for IoT PaaS during that period), and then calculating the quotient from dividing the IoT PaaS revenue generated from such customers in the current trailing 12-month period by the IoT PaaS revenue generated from the same group of customers in the prior 12-month period. Mr. Xueji (Jerry) Wang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tuya, commented, "Our first quarter results were distinguished by strong revenue growth as we leveraged our leading technology and brand reputation to capitalize on growing market demand. Our total revenues increased by 200% year over year, primarily driven by the 227% year-over-year growth in revenues from our primary IoT PaaS business. Demand for smart devices continues to look promising. We are starting to see consumers develop new post-pandemic habits of smart device usage, resulting in greater demand for our innovative, highly-scalable cloud platform, products and service, in the IoT market. To capitalize on these market trends, we continued to cultivate sustainable growth in demand from our existing customers by empowering them to quickly develop and take competitive and cost-effective IoT devices to market with very little R&D investment. Many of these customers have become IoT leaders in their respective industries, and are accelerating product development on our platforms. As these IoT leaders develop more products on our platform, this grows the network effect of our ecosystem and attracts new brands to develop on our platform to benefit from synergies with Tuya powered brands and products. Meanwhile, we continue to expand our services to support entirely new product categories, while continuing to refine and grow our SaaS offerings. These initiatives, along with our continued investment in our leading technology and our people, have positioned us well to maintain our leadership and capitalize on the rapid growth in the IoT industry." Ms. Yao (Jessie) Liu, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tuya, added, "We achieved robust growth in the first quarter by delivering total revenues of $56.9 million and beating street consensus estimates. Our gross margin improved to 41.1% from 30.3% a year ago, as our IoT PaaS gross margin improved to 41.7% from 30.5% a year ago. We have now achieved nine consecutive quarters of gross margin improvements for our IoT PaaS segment. These results highlight our ability to deliver continued growth while also improving our efficiency through effective R&D, further expansion into higher-margin product lines, and increasing economies of scale." First Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Results REVENUE Total revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 200.2% to US$56.9 million from US$18.9 million in the same period of 2020, mainly driven by the increase in IoT PaaS revenue. IoT PaaS revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 227.1% to US$49.8 million from US$15.2 million in the same period of 2020, primarily driven by robust growth in the SKUs and product categories supported by IoT PaaS, increased sales to existing customers as their smart device sales grew, and the acquisition of new customers. from in the same period of 2020, primarily driven by robust growth in the SKUs and product categories supported by IoT PaaS, increased sales to existing customers as their smart device sales grew, and the acquisition of new customers. SaaS and others revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 223.9% to US$2.3 million from US$0.7 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to strong demand from business operators for sophisticated, brand-agnostic industry SaaS offerings. from in the same period of 2020, primarily due to strong demand from business operators for sophisticated, brand-agnostic industry SaaS offerings. Smart device distribution revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 58.1% to US$4.8 million from US$3.0 million in the same period of 2020. The increase was mainly due to increases in customers' purchase patterns and demands. The Company has strategically positioned smart device distribution as a way to provide convenience to customers, primarily brands and system integrators, who prefer not to deal with multiple OEMs. That revenue is mainly affected by changes in customers' purchase patterns and demands for smart devices. COST OF REVENUE Cost of revenue in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 153.5% to US$33.5 million from US$13.2 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the rapid growth of the Company's business. GROSS PROFIT AND GROSS MARGIN Total gross profit in the first quarter of 2021 increased by 307.4% to US$23.4 million from US$5.7 million in the same period of 2020. Gross margin increased to 41.1% in the first quarter of 2021 from 30.3% in the same period of 2020. IoT PaaS gross margin in the first quarter of 2021 increased to 41.7% from 30.5% in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to increased economies of scale and improved efficiency relating to IoT PaaS deployment achieved through effective R&D, and expanding product lines. SaaS and others gross margin in the first quarter of 2021 was 75.1%, compared to 76.0% in the first quarter of 2020. Smart device distribution gross margin in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 was 18.6%. OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses increased by 134.9% to US$64.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 from US$27.5 million in the same period of 2020. Operating expenses, excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$16.8 million, were US$47.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to US$25.7 million in the same period of 2020 (excluding share-based compensation expenses of US$1.8 million). Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were US$34.7 million , up 119.3% from US$15.8 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses (including repricing effect) from US$0.4 million to US$3.8 million , and the increase in the number of experienced research and development employees. As of March 31, 2021 , the Company had about 2,080 research and development employees, up approximately 93% year over year. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were US$30.9 million , or 54.3% of revenue, up 100.2% from US$15.4 million , or 81.4% of revenue, in the same period of 2020. , up 119.3% from in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses (including repricing effect) from to , and the increase in the number of experienced research and development employees. As of , the Company had about 2,080 research and development employees, up approximately 93% year over year. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were , or 54.3% of revenue, up 100.2% from , or 81.4% of revenue, in the same period of 2020. Sales and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were US$16.4 million , up 92.7% from US$8.5 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses (including repricing effect) from US$0.3 million to US$2.1 million , and the increase in employee-related costs and marketing spending. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 25.1% in the first quarter of 2021 from 43.3% in the same period of 2020. , up 92.7% from in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses (including repricing effect) from to , and the increase in employee-related costs and marketing spending. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 25.1% in the first quarter of 2021 from 43.3% in the same period of 2020. General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were US$16.1 million , up 368.3% from US$3.4 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses from (including repricing effect) US$1.1 million to US$10.8 million , and the increase in the number of general and administrative employees, professional services expenses, and administrative-related expenses. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 9.3% in the first quarter of 2021 from 12.4% in the same period of 2020. , up 368.3% from in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the increase in share-based compensation expenses from (including repricing effect) to , and the increase in the number of general and administrative employees, professional services expenses, and administrative-related expenses. Without the effect of share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 9.3% in the first quarter of 2021 from 12.4% in the same period of 2020. Other operating incomes in the first quarter of 2021 were US$2.5 million , up 901.2% from US$0.3 million in the same period of 2020, primarily due to the receipt of software VAT refund. LOSS FROM OPERATIONS AND OPERATING MARGIN Loss from operations was US$41.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$21.8 million in the same period of 2020. Non-GAAP loss from operations was US$24.5 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$20.0 million in the same period of 2020. Operating margin in the first quarter of 2021 was negative 72.6%, up 42.4 percentage points from negative 115.0% in the same period of 2020. Non-GAAP operating margin in the first quarter of 2021 was negative 43.1%, up 62.3 percentage points from negative 105.4% in the same period of 2020. NET LOSS AND NET MARGIN Net loss was US$40.5 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$20.6 million in the same period of 2020. Non-GAAP net loss was US$23.8 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$18.8 million in the same period of 2020. Net margin in the first quarter of 2021 was negative 71.3%, up 37.6 percentage points from negative 108.9% in the same period of 2020. Non-GAAP net margin in the first quarter of 2021 was negative 41.8%, up 57.6 percentage points from negative 99.4% in the same period of 2020. BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER ADS Basic and diluted net loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were US$0.15 in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$0.09 in the same period of 2020. Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS were US$0.09 in the first quarter of 2021, compared to US$0.08 in the same period of 2020. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS Tuya had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of US$1,223.3 million as of March 31, 2021, compared to US$179.8 million as of December 31, 2020, which the Company believes is sufficient to meet its current liquidity and working capital needs. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments during first quarter of 2021 was primarily due to the net proceeds received from the Company's initial public offering in March 2021. NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2021 was US$32.7 million, or 57.4% of revenue, compared to US$31.0 million, or 163.8% of revenue in the first quarter of 2020. The net cash used in operating activities as a percentage of revenue was decreased due to our rapid business growth and continued improvement in operating efficiency. Business Outlook For the second quarter of 2021, the Company currently expects its total revenue to be between US$78 million and US$81 million. This forecast only reflects the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change. Recent Development On April 20, 2021, the underwriters have exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,486,479 ADSs, each representing one Class A ordinary share, at a price of US$21 per ADS(the "Offering"). Upon the closing of the Offering, the Company had 45,076,479 ADSs outstanding, which included the ADSs issued as part of the Company's initial public offering and the underwriters' exercise of their over-allotment option. Conference Call Information The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 13, 2021 (8:30 A.M. Beijing Time on Friday, May 14, 2021) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-639-491-2381 United States Toll Free: +1-844-965-3272 Mainland China Toll Free: 400-820-9305 China Hong Kong: 800-938-186 Conference ID: 9047106 The replay will be accessible through May 20, 2021 by dialing the following numbers: International: +1-416-621-4642 United States: +1-800-585-8367 Access Code: 9047106 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.tuya.com. About Tuya Inc. Tuya Inc. (NYSE: TUYA) is a global leading IoT cloud platform with a mission to build an IoT developer ecosystem and enable everything to be smart. Tuya is the largest IoT PaaS business in the global market in terms of the volume of smart devices powered in 2020, according to CIC. Tuya has pioneered a purpose-built IoT cloud platform that delivers a full suite of offerings, including Platform-as-a-Service, or PaaS, and Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, to businesses and developers. Through its IoT cloud platform, Tuya has enabled developers to activate a vibrant IoT ecosystem of brands, OEMs, partners and end users to engage and communicate through a broad range of smart devices. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP loss from operations (including non-GAAP operating margin), non-GAAP net loss (including non-GAAP net margin), and non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS, as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The Company defines non-GAAP measures by measures excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses. The Company presents the non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by the management to evaluate the operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company also believes that the use of the non-GAAP measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance. Non-GAAP measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using aforementioned non-GAAP measures is that it does not reflect all items of expenses that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in the business and are not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP measures. Further, the non-GAAP measure may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Reconciliations of Tuya's non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures are included at the end of this press release. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "target", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "potential", "continue", "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contact Tuya Inc. Capital Markets Department E-mail: [email protected] ICR, LLC. Sharon Zhou Phone: +1 212-537-5825 E-mail: [email protected] TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND MARCH 31,2021 (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 158,792 1,142,927 Restricted cash 163 - Short-term investments 20,976 80,358 Accounts receivable, net 12,316 13,579 Notes receivable 9,126 9,968 Inventories, net 42,267 45,026 Prepayments and other current assets 4,393 5,477 Total current assets 248,033 1,297,335 Non-current assets Property, equipment and software, net 4,374 4,737 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 12,267 11,796 Long-term investments 920 913 Other non-current assets 1,729 1,773 Total non-current assets 19,290 19,219 Total assets 267,323 1,316,554 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)/EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable 23,159 23,620 Advance from customers 27,078 26,589 Deferred revenue, current 3,468 5,781 Accruals and other current liabilities 31,738 28,425 Income tax payable 159 159 Lease liabilities, current 6,326 6,405 Total current liabilities 91,928 90,979 Non-current Lease liabilities, non-current 5,688 5,032 Deferred revenue, non-current 707 901 Total non-current liabilities 6,395 5,933 Total liabilities 98,323 96,912 TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND MARCH 31,2021 (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Mezzanine equity Series A convertible preferred shares 9,000 - Series A-1 convertible preferred shares 2,680 - Series B convertible preferred shares 29,000 - Series C convertible preferred shares 115,007 - Series D convertible preferred shares 177,980 - Total mezzanine equity 333,667 - TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND MARCH 31,2021 (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) As of December 31, 2020 As of March 31, 2021 Shareholders' (deficit)/equity Ordinary shares 11 - Class A ordinary shares - 21 Class B ordinary shares - 7 Additional paid-in capital 27,315 1,452,511 Accumulated other comprehensive income 481 110 Accumulated deficit (192,474) (233,007) Total shareholders' (deficit)/equity (164,667) 1,219,642 Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' (deficit)/equity 267,323 1,316,554 TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 Revenue 18,946 56,868 Cost of revenue (13,207) (33,485) Gross profit 5,739 23,383 Operating expenses: Research and development expenses (15,825) (34,709) Sales and marketing expenses (8,519) (16,412) General and administrative expenses (3,430) (16,062) Other operating incomes, net 252 2,523 Total operating expenses (27,522) (64,660) Loss from operations (21,783) (41,277) Other income/(loss) Financial income, net 1,192 1,095 Foreign exchange loss, net (10) (325) Loss before income tax expense (20,601) (40,507) Income tax expense (38) (26) Net loss (20,639) (40,533) Net loss attributable to Tuya Inc. (20,639) (40,533) Deemed dividend to convertible preferred shareholders - - Net loss attribute to ordinary shareholders (20,639) (40,533) Net loss (20,639) (40,533) Other comprehensive loss Foreign currency translation (321) (371) Total comprehensive loss attributable to Tuya Inc. (20,960) (40,904) TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 Net loss attributable to Tuya Inc. (20,639) (40,533) Deemed dividend to convertible preferred shareholders - - Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (20,639) (40,533) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted 221,980,000 268,165,312 Net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders - basic and diluted (0.09) (0.15) Share-based compensation expenses were included in: Research and development expenses 412 3,845 Sales and marketing expenses 323 2,139 General and administrative expenses 1,079 10,798 TUYA INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 Net cash used in operating activities (31,041) (32,655) Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities 4,530 (60,230) Net cash generated from financing activities - 1,077,541 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash (549) (684) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash (27,060) 983,972 Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash at the beginning of period 213,287 158,955 Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash at the end of period 186,227 1,142,927 TUYA INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE MOST DIRECTLY COMPARABLE FINANCIAL MEASURES (All amounts in US$ thousands ("US$"), except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 Reconciliation of operating expenses to non-GAAP operating expenses Research and development expenses (15,825) (34,709) Add: Share-based compensation 412 3,845 Adjusted Research and development expenses (15,413) (30,864) Sales and marketing expenses (8,519) (16,412) Add: Share-based compensation 323 2,139 Adjusted Sales and marketing expenses (8,196) (14,273) General and administrative expenses (3,430) (16,062) Add: Share-based compensation 1,079 10,798 Adjusted General and administrative expenses (2,351) (5,264) Reconciliation of loss from operations to non-GAAP loss from operations Loss from operations (21,783) (41,277) Add: Share-based compensation expenses 1,814 16,782 Non-GAAP Loss from operations (19,969) (24,495) Non-GAAP operating margin (105.4%) (43.1%) Reconciliation of net loss to non-GAAP net loss Net loss (20,639) (40,533) Add: Share-based compensation expenses 1,814 16,782 Non-GAAP net loss (18,825) (23,751) Non-GAAP net margin (99.4%) (41.8%) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted 221,980,000 268,165,312 Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders - basic and diluted (0.08) (0.09) SOURCE Tuya Inc. Related Links https://www.tuya.com/ The new COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker by UL enables fast and efficient implementation of COVID-19 vaccination management and tracking functions, especially for companies that lack software solutions in place to support regulatory and healthcare compliance. Vaccination Tracker's mobile-friendly tools for digitally documenting COVID-19 vaccinations also helps companies demonstrate their commitment to risk management, employee safety and operational readiness efforts as offices begin to reopen following coronavirus pandemic-related lockdowns. The streamlined and scalable service can be used to track and monitor other vaccination efforts in addition to COVID-19, supporting employers' preparedness for future potential public health emergencies and regulatory changes. This offering makes up another component of UL's COVID-19 response services and tools . Vaccination Tracker is available to companies either as a complimentary stand-alone tool, or as component of UL's PureOHS comprehensive Software as a Service (SaaS) compliance and data management capability. Used by employers as well as healthcare providers, PureOHS supports companies' occupational health compliance and surveillance programs. The service features a fully integrated suite of clinical information management tools, incident management and reporting functionality, as well as toolsets for managing occupational and nonoccupational disability cases. Vaccination Tracker is particularly suitable for rural hospitals and clinics; companies hosting their own on-site clinics; and companies that have implemented their own vaccination programs. These organizations may lack internal resources for digital tracking and data management of employee or student vaccination records yet require easily deployed and scalable software tools to do so. Learn more about Vaccination Tracker implementation and benefits. About UL UL is the global safety science leader. We deliver testing, inspection and certification (TIC), training and advisory services, risk management solutions and essential business insights to help our customers, based in more than 100 countries, achieve their safety, security and sustainability goals. Our deep knowledge of products and intelligence across supply chains make us the partner of choice for customers with complex challenges. Discover more at UL.com. For information about Standards development and other nonprofit activities, visit UL.org. Press Contact: Steven Brewster UL [email protected] +1.847.664.8425 SOURCE UL Related Links https://www.ul.com Extradited from Spain defendant in fraud case pleads guilty RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 12:07 13/05/2021 MOSCOW, May 13 (RAPSI) The defendant in a 7.5 million-ruble ($100,000) fraud case Russian national Alexey German, extradited to Russia from Spain, has pleaded guilty, the press service of the Main Investigative Directorate of the federal Investigative Committee informs RAPSI. The investigative authority for the city of Moscow has completed a probe into the criminal case against Alexey German, who stands charged with fraud on an especially large scale, the statement reads. The man admitted that in October 2017 he entered into a criminal conspiracy with Ilya Safronov, the chief specialist of the investment support unit of the Budgeting and Economics Department of the Economics Directorate of the Center for the Operation of Ground Space Infrastructure Objects, and provided him with information to be used for drawing up and making a fictitious supply contract. Under this contract, the Center transferred over 7.5 million rubles as the payment for certain goods and equipment, which in fact were not delivered. The said amount was stolen by the accomplices, and the Center suffered significant damage, the body said in the statement. In August 2018, a court in the Moscow Region sentenced Safronov to 3 years in a general regime colony; however, German fled abroad from investigation and trial and was put on the international wanted list. After it had been established that the man stayed in Spain, in 2021, by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Spain, a decision was made to extradite him to Russia, investigators noted. WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. intermodal container chassis producers have won another key victory in their efforts to obtain relief from unfairly dumped and subsidized imports of intermodal container chassis from China. On May 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce publicly released its final determination that Chinese intermodal container chassis producers were selling chassis in the United States at prices far less than fair value, and Chinese imports were assessed a dumping rate of 188.05%. When combined with the subsidy rate Commerce previously found, the total final duty rate will be 221.37%. These duties will enable U.S. producers to once again compete in a fairly traded market. Commerce's antidumping investigation began following the filing of a petition on July 30, 2020, by the Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers, a coalition of five leading U.S. manufacturers of chassis. The petitions alleged that unfairly dumped and subsidized imports of Chinese chassis are injuring the domestic industry. "The U.S. chassis industry was on the verge of elimination after years of unfairly traded imports, primarily from Chinese government-owned producer CIMC," said Robert E. DeFrancesco, counsel to the Coalition and a partner in the International Trade Practice at Wiley. "If that were allowed to happen, the United States would have become completely dependent on a Chinese state-owned monopolist to supply all of its chassis needs, much as it is now for its shipping containers." "With the antidumping measures in place, U.S. producers who have suffered significant injury will be able to compete on a level playing field, ramp up unused capacity, hire new workers, and continue their overall recovery," Mr. DeFrancesco added. The domestic industry is already seeing the positive effects of the trade remedy measures. Prior to this case, U.S. producers across the country were forced to idle their facilities and lay off thousands of employees, devastating families and communities across the country. Since the filing of the case and the guarantee of meaningful trade relief, U.S. producers report rapidly ramping up production and employment. Based on information provided to the International Trade Commission, U.S. producers anticipate being able to more than triple production by the end of this year, with further increases in 2022. Increasing production and reliable orders at fair prices will allow the domestic industry to provide hundreds of new, well-paying jobs in communities across the country without the threat of unfairly traded Chinese imports forcing additional rounds of layoffs. Once issued, the antidumping order will remain in effect for a minimum of five years, and there is an opportunity each year for duty rates to increase, retroactively, through the annual administrative review process. The Coalition will now turn its attention to monitoring for any signs of duty evasion, absorption, and circumvention by foreign producers and imports, all of which are strictly illegal. Media Contacts: Robert E. DeFrancesco (202) 719-7473 | [email protected] Laura El-Sabaawi (202) 719-7042 | [email protected] SOURCE Wiley Rein LLP PORTLAND, Ore., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "U.S. Home Medical Equipment Market by Functionality (Therapeutic Equipment, Patient Monitoring Equipment, and Mobility Assist & Patient Support Equipment) and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Retailers): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027." According to the report, the U.S. home medical equipment industry generated $11.53 billion in 2019, and is expected to generate $20.41 billion by 2027, witnessing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2020 to 2027. Download Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11424 Prime determinants of growth Increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and technological advancements drive the growth of the U.S. home medical equipment market. However, limited expertise for home-based users and complications associated with use of medical equipment hinder the market growth. On the other hand, surge in demand for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and oxygen-related products present opportunities in the market. Covid-19 Scenario Owing to increase in self-isolation treatments and monitoring purposes during the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for home medical equipment increased in the U.S. Devices such as oxygen delivery equipment, continuous positive airway pressure equipment, ventilators, blood glucose monitors, oxygen concentrators, and blood pressure monitors experienced a huge demand. Technological advancements such as medical beds, stairlifts, and lift chairs enabled users to opt for home medical equipment due to its convenience and ease of use. The therapeutic equipment segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period Based on functionality, the therapeutic equipment segment contributed to the highest share in 2019, accounting for more than two-fifths of the U.S. home medical equipment market, and is projected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is expected to manifest the largest CAGR of 6.3% from 2020 to 2027. This is due to rise in demand for therapeutic equipment raised the number of new product approvals and launches. The report analyzes the segments including patient monitoring equipment and mobility assist & patient support equipment. Enquiry for Short-term and Long-term Impacts of COVID-19 at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/11424 The retail pharmacies segment to maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period Based on distribution channel, the retail pharmacies segment accounted for the highest market share in 2019, holding nearly half of the U.S. home medical equipment market, and is estimated to maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period. This is due to a wide variety of medical devices ranging from small portable medical devices to big-sized mobility devices and medical furniture offered by these stores. However, the online retailers segment is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2020 to 2027, owing to convenience and increased accessibility of newly launched devices along with lower costs of products as compared to other distribution channels. Leading Market Players Abbott Laboratories Baxter International Inc. B. Braun Melsungen AG Becton, Dickinson and Company General Electric Company (GE Healthcare) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Invacare Corporation Johnson & Johnson (Depuy Synthes) Medtronic Plc. Smith & Nephew Plc. Avenue 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 We have also published few syndicated market studies in the similar area that might be of your interest. Below are the report title for your reference, considering Impact of Covid-19 Over This Market which will help you to assess aftereffects of pandemic on short-term and long-term growth trends of this market. Trending Reports by 2020-2027: Wearable Medical Devices (Home Healthcare) Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202027 Portable Medical Electronic Products (Home Healthcare) Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2027 Patient Mechanical Lift Handling Equipment Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2027 Remote Patient Monitoring Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Nurse Call Systems Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Electrocardiograph (ECG) Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Surgical Equipment Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Surgical Robotics Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 Medical Spa Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20192027 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 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 MIAMISBURG, Ohio, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) today announced that it is commencing a "modified Dutch auction" tender offer to purchase for cash shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), for an aggregate purchase price of not more than $55.0 million. Verso President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Nebel said: "Even during this tumultuous time, we remain committed to returning value to our shareholders while maintaining our financial stability. Accordingly, this tender offer is part of Verso's commitment to return to our shareholders a portion of the net proceeds from our February 2020 sale of our Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills." Pursuant to the tender offer, stockholders may tender all or a portion of their Shares (1) at a price specified by the tendering stockholder of not less than $16.00 and not more than $18.30 per Share or (2) without specifying a purchase price, in which case their Shares will be purchased at the purchase price determined in accordance with the tender offer. When the tender offer expires, Verso will determine the lowest price within the range of prices specified above (the "purchase price") enabling Verso to purchase up to $55.0 million in the aggregate of the Shares. Stockholders will receive the purchase price in cash, subject to applicable withholding and without interest, for Shares tendered at prices equal to or less than the purchase price, subject to the conditions of the tender offer, including the provisions relating to proration, "odd lot" priority and conditional tenders in the event that the aggregate cost to purchase all of the Shares validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or below the purchase price exceeds $55.0 million. In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), Verso may increase the number of Shares accepted for payment in the tender offer by an additional amount of Shares not to exceed 2% of the outstanding Shares without extending the tender offer. These provisions are described in the Offer to Purchase and in the Letter of Transmittal relating to the tender offer that will be distributed to stockholders and unitholders. All Shares purchased by Verso will be purchased at the same price. All Shares tendered at prices higher than the purchase price will be promptly returned to stockholders. The tender offer will not be conditioned upon the receipt of financing or any minimum number of Shares being tendered; however, the tender offer will be subject to a number of other terms and conditions specified in the Offer to Purchase. Verso intends to pay for the Shares and all fees and expenses applicable to the tender offer with available cash on hand. The tender offer, withdrawal rights and the proration period will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, unless extended or terminated by Verso. Tenders of Shares must be made prior to the expiration of the tender offer and may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the tender offer. Georgeson LLC is acting as information agent for the tender offer. BofA Securities is acting as dealer manager for the tender offer. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is acting as the depositary for the tender offer. Verso's Board of Directors has authorized the tender offer. However, none of Verso, its Board of Directors, its management, the dealer manager, the depositary or the information agent or any of their affiliates makes any recommendation to stockholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their Shares or as to the price or prices at which stockholders may choose to tender their Shares. Verso has not authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Stockholders must make their own decision as to whether to tender their Shares and, if so, how many Shares to tender and the price or prices at which their Shares should be tendered. In doing so, stockholders should read carefully the information in, or incorporated by reference in, the Offer to Purchase and in the Letter of Transmittal (as they may be amended or supplemented), including the purposes and effects of the offer. Stockholders are urged to discuss their decisions with their own tax advisors, financial advisors and/or brokers. News Release for Informational Purposes Only This news release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any Shares. The offer is being made solely by the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal, as they may be amended or supplemented. Stockholders are urged to read Verso's tender offer statement on Schedule TO to be filed contemporaneously with the SEC in connection with the tender offer, which will include as exhibits the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and other offer materials, as well as any amendments or supplements to the Schedule TO when they become available, because they contain important information. Each of these documents will be filed with the SEC, and stockholders may obtain them for free from the SEC at its website (www.sec.gov) or from Georgeson LLC, the information agent for the tender offer, by telephone at (866) 729-6811 (toll-free) or in writing to: 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10104. About Verso Corporation Verso Corporation is a leading American owned and operated producer of graphic, specialty and packaging paper and market pulp, with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability. Verso's graphic paper products are designed primarily for commercial printing, advertising and marketing applications, including direct mail, catalogs, corporate collateral, books and magazines. Verso's specialty paper products include release liner papers and label face stock for pressure sensitive, glue-applied and laminate applications. Verso produces packaging paper used in higher-end packaging and printing applications such as greeting cards, book covers, folders, labels and point-of-purchase displays. Verso also makes market pulp used in printing, writing, specialty and packaging papers, facial and toilet tissue, and paper towels. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com. Forward-Looking Statements In this press release, all statements that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "estimate," "intend," "potential" and other similar expressions. They include, for example, statements related to the tender offer for Shares. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available business, economic, financial, and other information and reflect management's current beliefs, expectations, and views with respect to future developments and their potential effects on Verso. Actual results, including with respect to the tender offer, could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties that may affect Verso and its business. Verso's actual actions and results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements due to a variety of factors, including: the adverse impact of idling production, shutting down machines or facilities, restructuring Verso's operations and selling non-core assets; changes in the costs of raw materials and purchased energy; security breaches and other disruption to Verso's information technology infrastructure; uncertainties regarding the impact, duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to reduce its spread; the long-term structural decline and general softening of demand facing the paper industry; adverse developments in general business and economic conditions; developments in alternative media, which are expected to adversely affect the demand for some of Verso's key products, and the effectiveness of Verso's responses to these developments; intense competition in the paper manufacturing industry; Verso's limited ability to control the pricing of its products or pass through increases in its costs to its customers; Verso's business being less diversified because of February 2020 sale of its Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills (the "Pixelle Sale"), closure of the Luke Mill, the Duluth Mill and the No. 14 paper machine and certain other long-lived assets at the Wisconsin Rapid Mill; Verso's dependence on a small number of customers for a significant portion of its business; Verso's ability to compete with respect to certain specialty paper products for a period of two years after the closing of the Pixelle Sale; any failure to comply with environmental or other laws or regulations; legal proceedings or disputes; any labor disputes; and the potential risks and uncertainties described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Verso's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021, and from time to time in Verso's other filings with the SEC. Verso assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement made in this press release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or actual outcomes. SOURCE Verso Corporation Related Links https://www.versoco.com Data gravity is an obstacle to digital transformation that is driving a need for enterprises to deploy data-centric architectures that address data localization, governance and compliance. The selection of Interxion as the primary data centre provider in EMEA will enable VEXXHOST specialists in the hosting and management of OpenStack public and private cloud to rapidly scale public and private hybrid solutions and help its customers directly address data gravity challenges. The implementation in Interxion's highly connected Amsterdam hub, a key center of data exchange on Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL, marks the establishment of the first European public cloud region for VEXXHOST. Similar to its other public cloud regions, the new Amsterdam region will run on the latest OpenStack release and industry-leading hardware. Building the new cloud zone on PlatformDIGITAL will enable VEXXHOST and Digital Realty customers to interconnect distributed global workflows within a rich connected data community across 290 data centres in 24 countries. "We're very excited to be working closely with VEXXHOST to help solve the global coverage, capacity and connectivity needs of its customers at the heart of a rich connected community in EMEA that is optimized for open data exchange," said Interxion Managing Director Jeff Tapley. "Data volume is exploding, and IDC projects that global data creation will grow to an astounding 180 zettabytes by 2025.[1] This is particularly apparent in Europe our Data Gravity Index DGx, which measures the creation, aggregation and private exchange of enterprise data across 53 global metros, found that the volume of data being created and exchanged between European cities is greater than anywhere else in the world. As a result, businesses are under growing pressure to quickly and efficiently deliver services at scale to a geographically dispersed customer base." "The widespread adoption of cloud services has risen steadily over the past few years, and since the onset of the global health pandemic, demand for the cloud has skyrocketed," said Mohammed Naser, CEO of VEXXHOST. "With Interxion and PlatformDIGITAL, we have the flexibility and foundational infrastructure we need to meet this increased demand for our cloud services as well as increased bandwidth to focus on growing our managed IT solutions and consultancy services in parallel." About Interxion: A Digital Realty Company Interxion: A Digital Realty Company, is a leading provider of carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre services across EMEA. With more than 700 connectivity providers in over 100 data centres across 13 European countries, Interxion provides communities of connectivity, cloud and content hubs. As part of Digital Realty, customers now have access to 47 metros across six continents. For more information, please visit interxion.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . About Digital Realty Digital Realty supports the world's leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers a trusted foundation and proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture PDx solution methodology for scaling digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges. Digital Realty's global data center footprint gives customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with 290 facilities in 47 metros across 24 countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . About VEXXHOST VEXXHOST Inc., is a leading Canadian cloud computing provider. Founded in 2006, the company offers a multitude of managed open source cloud solutions and services to help users optimise their cloud infrastructure to reduce expenses and increase productivity. VEXXHOST manages hosted and on-premise private clouds for clients globally. The company is also known for its cloud consulting solutions and a range of other services including Kubernetes Enablement and Managed Zuul. To learn more about VEXXHOST, please visit vexxhost.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . Media and Industry Analyst Inquiries Marc Musgrove Digital Realty (415) 508-2812 [email protected] Helen Bleasdale Interxion: A Digital Realty Company +44 7500 044027 [email protected] William Reynolds Teneo +44 07876 214356 [email protected] Investor Relations John J. Stewart / Jim Huseby Digital Realty (415) 738-6500 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to VEXXHOST, PlatformDIGITAL, data creation and Data Gravity Index DGx. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. [1] IDC, Worldwide Global DataSphere Forecast, 20212025: The World Keeps Creating More Data Now, What Do We Do with It All? # US46410421, Mar 2021 SOURCE Digital Realty Related Links https://www.interxion.com/ BOSTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In remarks at the 2021 Warrior Call event last night, a signature event for the VHL Alliance during VHL (von Hippel-Lindau disease) Awareness month, William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, noted incredible progress in understanding how tumors grown and possible breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Dr. Kaelin, based at Harvard's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his team's work on Hypoxia-Inducible factor (HIF), an important tumor growth mechanism. Dr. Kaelin discussed the significance of the research that he and his team conducted into the influence of HIF on cells. Their work led to the discovery of HIF-2. Normally, the VHL gene regulates the production of proteins involved in controlling tumor growth. In VHL patients the gene's regulating mechanism fails, resulting in the over-expression of HIF proteins. This failure allows the growth of benign and malignant tumors. Understanding this mechanism in VHL patients is an important step in unlocking a cure for cancer. Last night, while discussing his work with VHL patients, caregivers, and other interested groups at a virtual event hosted by the VHL Alliance, Dr. Kaelin talked about how VHL patients have impacted him. "In my first interaction with meeting VHL patients, over 20 years ago, I was struck by the patients who are so courageous, have such resilience, and have such marvelous philosophies about life and I thought, wouldn't it be great to get to a point where we can do something better for them. They are so inspirational. Show me tumors shrinking and patients living better lives, that is what it is all about to me." In March the FDA granted priority review of a new drug application for a promising drug that inhibits the HIF-2 protein, much like a normal VHL gene would. In a phase II trial for the treatment of VHL disease-associated clear cell renal carcinoma, nearly a third of enrolled patients showed tumor shrinkage of at least 30%. In addition, 86.9% showed some decrease in target lesions. The drug is expected to have broad use in treating kidney and other cancers. VHL Alliance Executive Director Chandra Clark said, "Each May we celebrate VHL Awareness Month. For nearly 30 years the VHLA has served the patient and caregiver community and funded research. We have boundless gratitude for Dr. Kaelin and dozens of other researchers who dedicate their time, resources, and intellect to understanding this disease and searching for treatments and cures. The VHL community is particularly fortunate to have researchers who understand and empathize, with the human impact of this disease." Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the VHL gene, which regulates the major feeding pipeline of every tumor. VHL patients battle a lifetime of unpredictable tumor growth in the brain, spine, kidneys, and many other areas. Curing VHL is one step closer to curing many other forms of cancer. The VHL Alliance (VHLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1993, which is dedicated to research, education, and support to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those affected by VHL. Our vision is Curing Cancer through VHL. For information about VHL and the VHL Alliance, please visit vhl.org. Contact: Heidi Leone, VHL Alliance 617.277.5667 | [email protected] SOURCE VHL Alliance TSX | NYSE | LSE: WPM VANCOUVER, BC, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the publication of its 2020 Sustainability Report, a comprehensive disclosure outlining Wheaton's sustainability accomplishments and environmental, social and governance ("ESG") performance. All amounts are in US dollars unless otherwise noted. "As a leader in precious metals streaming, Wheaton is not only committed to advancing our corporate sustainability goals, but also championing sustainability throughout the entire mining industry and in the communities in which we and our mining partners operate," said Randy Smallwood, President & CEO of Wheaton. "The 2020 Sustainability Report looks back at a year where the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted lives and communities globally and reinforced the need for all stakeholders to work together to emerge from challenging situations with resilience. Recognizing this need, we eagerly stepped up and launched a $5 million Community Support and Response Fund, more than doubling the budget for our existing community investment program, with a direct focus on helping address the impacts of the pandemic as well as implemented measures to ensure the health and safety of our employees and communities." Sustainability highlights and achievements outlined in the report include: Ranked #1 in the Precious Metals Industry Group and ESG Global 50 Top Rated Company by Sustainalytics "AA" rated by MSCI ESG Ratings and rated "Prime" by ISS ESG Established $5 million Community Support and Response Fund for COVID-19 and worked with most of our mining partners to identify programs that address food security, health and socio-economic impacts in the communities near the mines Community Support and Response Fund for COVID-19 and worked with most of our mining partners to identify programs that address food security, health and socio-economic impacts in the communities near the mines Distributed over $5.8 million in support of over 100 various charities and initiatives in support of over 100 various charities and initiatives Achieved carbon neutral status for the sixth consecutive year Adopted a new goal of 30% women directors by 2024 Signatory to the BlackNorth Initiative and initiated support for a grant program for small, black-owned businesses Disclosure aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) frameworks and informed by the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) SOURCE Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. Related Links http://www.silverwheaton.com/ BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Products and product suites from Whirlpool Corporation's Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Bauknecht brands have received distinguished awards at two of the world's top competitions for design excellence, the iF Design Awards and the Red Dot Awards. Coveted iF Labels were awarded to 11 of Whirlpool Corporation's global portfolio of products, across four of the company's regions. Distinguished Red Dot labels were awarded for five products in two regions, as well as for the W-Collection Seamless user experience interface. "The winning products and product suites are perfect examples of Whirlpool Corporation's vision to continuously improve life at home for its consumers and be the world's leading laundry and kitchen appliance company," said Whirlpool Corporation Global Head of Design J. Mays. "Our progressive design in the kitchen and laundry segments provide consumers with innovative solutions to turn household tasks into more pleasant experiences." EMEA Region iF Awards KitchenAid 4 Door Fridge Freezer Whirlpool Built-In Collection W11 Steam Oven with Pocket Handle Whirlpool Built-In Collection W11 Steam Oven with Protruding Handle Whirlpool 4 Door W11 Fridge Freezer Whirlpool W Collection SupremeClean Dishwasher Bauknecht Dishwasher with ActiveDry EMEA Region Red Dot Awards KitchenAid 4 Door Fridge Freezer Bauknecht GentlePower Washing Machine China iF Awards Nebular Refrigerator Majesty Front Load Laundry Pair W-Collection Seamless UX (User Experience) Interface China Red Dot Awards Majesty Front Load Laundry Pair Nebular Refrigerator W-Collection Seamless UX Household Appliance UI Latin America Region (LAR) iF Awards Xpert Collection stove India iF Awards Intellifresh Pro Bottom Mount Refrigerator About Whirlpool Corporation: Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the world's leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, with approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2020. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at whirlpoolcorp.com . SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation Related Links https://whirlpoolcorp.com/ COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle will reward its most steadfast customers with an offer for a free Slider of their choice on National Slider Day May 15. Members of Craver Nation, White Castle's customer loyalty program, will receive the offer through the White Castle app. No purchase is necessary. It's White Castle's way of saying thanks to its devoted Cravers, whose passion for White Castle Sliders has no bounds. Anyone who is not yet a member of Craver Nation can join on White Castle's app through May 15 to receive the offer. White Castle celebrates National Slider Day by giving away free Sliders. Tweet this To celebrate National Slider Day Saturday, White Castle will give away free Sliders to members of its Craver Nation customer loyalty program. White Castle's tasty Sliders can be found in grocery stores across the country. White Castle introduced National Slider Day in May 2015 to honor the iconic, steamed-grilled-on-a-bed-of-onions hamburger, which in 2014 Time magazine declared "the most influential burger of all time." Though the Original Slider is highly regarded for its hot and juicy taste, the 100% beef patty is equally as famous for its 2 x 2 inch size, making it so easy to eat it was dubbed the Slider. Today, restaurants and chefs around the world use the term to describe their own small, easy-to-eat sandwiches. White Castle's menu of Sliders has grown significantly since the Original Slider was introduced 100 years ago, in 1921. White Castle now offers 12 varieties of beef, chicken, fish and plant-based Sliders, including the Chicken and Waffles Slider, the Panko Breaded Fish Slider and the Impossible Slider, as well as limited-time seasonal favorites, like the Seafood Crab Cake and Sloppy Joe sliders. Cravers nationwide can find several of White Castle's great-tasting Sliders, including The Original Slider and the Classic Cheese Slider, in their grocer's freezers. Both the retail and restaurant versions of the tasty little burgers can be used to make all types of delicious dishes, from soups and salads to quiche and casseroles. Check out White Castle's website for inspiration! "National Slider Day gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation to the Craver Nation," said Jamie Richardson, a vice president at White Castle. "We are so grateful for their steadfast devotion to the Crave." White Castle expects to give away tens of thousands of Sliders at its more than 360 Castles. In addition, White Castle will offer a buy-one, get-one-free deal for Combo #1 by delivery only. Customers can order directly from Uber Eats or Grubhub. National Slider Day falls smack dab in the middle of National Hamburger Month, another White Castle creation meant to honor the fast-food hamburger industry it pioneered. In honor of the occasion and in observance of its 100th birthday this year White Castle has several events, offers and announcements lined up throughout the month, including its Birthday Bash and Time Machine Sweepstakes. White Castle Birthday Bash What's a birthday without a party, right? Because COVID prevented White Castle from hosting a big in-person gala for its 100th birthday, it will host a virtual Birthday Bash instead, and everyone is invited! The party will take place Wednesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. ET. That's when Jon Petz, an author, entertainer and confirmed Craver, will kick off the festivities. The live event, which will be broadcast from White Castle's home office in front of a small audience, promises a fun time for everyone. It will include comments from Ingram family members and special guest appearances from Alice Cooper, Jimmy Kimmel, Spice Adams, Telfar Clemens & Babak Radboy, and Tommy Shaw. It will also feature a performance by rock musician Jim Babjak of the Smithereens, a special celebration honoring Triumph the Insult Comedy Dog, a mixology lesson from NYC bartender and White Castle friend Mr. Gandy, and announcements about upcoming partnerships and collaborations. The Birthday Bash will be streamed live on WhiteCastleLive.com and on all of White Castle's social media platforms. White Castle Time Machine Sweepstakes White Castle is running its Time Machine Sweepstakes* through July 11. The decade-themed sweepstakes allows White Castle's restaurant and retail customers to explore the company's past, present and future while giving them the chance to win thousands of prizes, including the grand prize of $100,000 in cash. There are several ways to play and win, but all start by jumping into the time machine at WhiteCastleTimeMachine.com. Players can enter every day until the sweepstakes ends on July 11. No purchase is necessary to play or win, but every White Castle purchase, whether it's from a restaurant or a location where our retail Sliders are sold, offers an additional chance for the $100,000 grand prize. *About the White Castle Time Machine Sweepstakes *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Promotion begins 5/1/21 at 12:00 PM ET and ends 7/11/21 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Open to legal residents in the U.S., at least 18 years old. For official rules, including how to enter, free method of entry instructions, odds, prize details and restrictions visit https://whitecastletimemachine.com. Void where prohibited. Messaging and data rates may apply. Sponsor: White Castle Management Co., 555 Edgar Waldo Way, Columbus, OH 43215. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders as a family-owned business for 100 years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle started serving The Original Slider in 1921. Today White Castle owns and operates more than 360 restaurants dedicated to satisfying customers' cravings morning, noon and night and sells its famous fare in retail stores nationwide. The Original Slider, named in 2014 as Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time," is served alongside a menu of creatively crafted Sliders and other mouthwatering food options, including White Castle's Impossible Slider, named by Thrillist in 2019 as the "Best Plant-Based Fast Food Burger." White Castle's commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants, bakeries and frozen-food processing plants. In 2021, 100 years after the first Slider was sold, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle is known for the legendary loyalty of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for White Castle for at least 10 years, and also for its faithful fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app, available at iTunes App Store or Google Play, makes it easy for Cravers to access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle Related Links http://www.whitecastle.com WASHINGTON, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Winston & Strawn LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Jonathan D. Brightbill as partner in the firm's Washington, D.C., office and member of the firm's Litigation and White Collar, Regulatory Defense, and Investigations Practices. Jonathan represents public and private companies, corporate officers, and other individuals across white collar, regulatory defense, and government and internal investigation matters, as well as complex commercial disputes. His commercial litigation experience encompasses environmental and regulatory litigation, business disputes, false advertising, consumer protection, and extensive class action and citizen suit defense work, as well as intellectual property such as patent, trademark, and trade secret disputes. Jonathan served as Acting Assistant Attorney General, Environment & Natural Resources Division ("ENRD"), at the United States Department of Justice. As the nation's lead environmental litigator and criminal and civil law enforcement official, Jonathan led ENRD's 425 lawyers, handling 6,500 active matters, with an annual budget of $150 million. Jonathan argued many of the government's most significant appellate and district court matters during his service at the Department. This included the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and Clean Water Rule Repeal (10th Cir., district courts), the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and Clean Power Plan Repeal (D.C. Cir.), defense of EPA actions on pesticide tolerances under FIFRA and the FDCA (9th Cir. en banc), and numerous others. His extensive experience at the intersection of litigation and policy development is invaluable for advising companies on navigating increasingly complex environmental regulation and federal enforcement actions. "Winston's reputation as a trial and appellate firm is unparalleled, and I am proud to join this distinguished group of renowned litigators and transactional lawyers. I am also joining the team at a pivotal moment for environmental law," said Jonathan. "Beyond increased commitment to climate regulation and continued momentum towards adopting actionable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, corporations can expect increased federal regulation and enforcement on air emissions, discharges to waters and land, and more chemical and pesticide regulation, including limitations on 'forever chemicals' like PFAS." Jonathan directed the litigation and briefing of scores of cases in federal appellate and district courts around the country, covering all of the major environmental and natural resources statutes, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, FIFRA (pesticides), FDCA (food safety), TSCA (toxics), CERCLA (land remediation), RCRA (waste), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and numerous other land and resource management statutes. "We're seeing a combined effort from both the public and private sectors to raise the bar on environmental compliance and sustainability," said David Rogers, managing partner of Winston & Strawn's Washington, D.C. office. "Jonathan's background is ideal to address these complex legal matters and we look forward to his contributions." Jonathan provides guidance on the most significant environmental compliance issues facing companies today, including: Criminal and civil enforcement of federal environmental law supported by increased funding Regulation, litigation, and consultative work regarding climate change and air emissions Environmental Protection Agency regulation of pesticide use and the labeling and use of potentially toxic chemicals by manufacturers in numerous sectors, including related citizen suits, mass torts, and class action litigation Increased momentum from the federal government against energy produced via fossil fuels and the infrastructure that supports it, as well as uncertainty regarding the production and sourcing of materials to produce renewable energy Increased focus on the maritime sector, including oversight of potentially damaging discharges into navigable waters Regulatory and policy changes in the automotive sector, particularly regarding emissions and safety regulations "Jonathan's addition to the team in D.C. speaks directly to the diversity and complexity of issues we are managing for our existing and expanding client base," said Winston & Strawn Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. "Jonathan was the principal federal litigator for environmental matters and served amongst the most senior policy and decision-makers at the Department of Justice experiences that will be invaluable to companies as they navigate changes to compliance and enforcement in environmental, maritime, automotive, manufacturing, and other sectors." This expansion of Winston's D.C. office follows the recent additions of litigation partner and CIFIUS specialist Tyler McGaughey, M&A partner Kathleen Blaszak, appellate partner Andrew Tauber, and tax partners James Mastracchio and Susan Seabrook. Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with 15 offices located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com . Contact: Michael Goodwin (646) 502-3595 [email protected] SOURCE Winston & Strawn LLP Related Links https://www.winston.com The company is now well placed to commence the early works program emphasising critical plant and infrastructure in Eritrea to support the full-scale development. Additional proceeds of A$464,400 will be received from Danakali directors, subject to shareholder approval. ( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:SO3) has completed a A$20.3 million placement to support the early works program at its Colluli Potash Project in Eritrea, East Africa. Funds have been received from domestic and international, institutional and sophisticated investors and Danakali will also receive another A$464,400 from directors - subject to shareholder approval at Danakalis Annual General Meeting planned to be held in June 2021. Strong support for the placement validates the world-class potash project that hosts large near-surface resources, is close to infrastructure and is favourably positioned to supply the worlds fastest-growing markets. Executing early works program The company appreciates the strong support of existing and new shareholders and is now well placed to commence the early works program emphasising critical plant and infrastructure in Eritrea to support the full-scale development. Danakali executive chairman Seamus Cornelius said: We are grateful for the ongoing support of our shareholders, ENAMCO and other stakeholders. Our team is well prepared to execute on the early works program and will keep the market up to date as we move forward. Well funded going forward The Colluli Project is 100%-owned by Colluli Mining Share Company (CMSC), a 50:50 joint venture between Danakali and the Eritrean National Mining Corporation (ENAMCO). Proceeds from the placement will be used for early work including site road development, geotechnical optimisation, reverse osmosis plant completion and installation, exploration camp relocation and mine camp installation. Some of the proceeds will also be allocated towards detailed engineering for the project. Prehistoric footprints suggest mammals did like to be beside the seaside Fossilised footprint tracks, recently discovered within the Hanna Formation in Wyoming, USA, which have been dated to 58 million years ago, may represent the earliest evidence of mammals gathering by the sea, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. The findings suggest that mammals may have first used marine habitats at least 9.4 million years earlier than previously thought, in the late Paleocene (66-56 million years ago), rather than the Eocene (56-33.9 million years ago). Drs. Anton Wroblewski and Bonnie Gulas-Wroblewski examined and photographed over 1,000 metres of fossilised footprints in an area dated back to 58 million years ago by plant and pollen fossils. The authors identified various different tracks. One set showed relatively large, five-toed footprints, comparable to the foot size of a modern-day brown bear, another showed medium-sized, four-toed footprints. The authors suggest that the five-toed prints were made by Coryphodon, a type of semiaquatic Pantodont, similar to a hippopotamus. The four-toed prints did not match skeletal evidence of mammals known from the late Paleocene, but show similarities with artiodactyls and tapiroids (types of hoofed mammals) which have yet to be shown to have existed in the Paleocene. The tracks led to and crossed an area which also held traces of prehistoric marine molluscs and worms, as well as sea anemones, indicating the area was once a shallow tidal lagoon or bay. The authors speculate that prehistoric mammals gathered by the sea for similar reasons as modern-day mammals, such as crossing to migrate, protection from predators and biting insects, and to access sodium minerals, which would have been limited in prehistoric North American tropical forests. ### Article details Earliest evidence of marine habitat use by mammals DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88412-3 Corresponding Author: Anton Wroblewski University of Utah, Utah, USA Email: anton.wroblewski@utah.edu Ph: 1-281-658-7138 Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends): https:/ / dx. doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41598-021-88412-3 This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. MMA fighter gets 8.5 years in prison for businessman kidnapping RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 13:28 13/05/2021 MOSCOW, May 13 (RAPSI) Moscows Nikulinsky District Court on Thursday sentenced MMA fighter Dmitry Sosnovsky to 8.5 years in high-security penal colony for participation in the kidnapping of a Moscow businessman and extortion, the press service of the Moscow Prosecutors Office told RAPSI. Four other defendants Ruslan Mamatkulov, Andrey Kozlov, Ildar Salakhotdinov and Alexander Gladkov were also found guilty and received prison terms ranging from 4 to 9.5 years. The court found that on October 22, 2019, the convicts along with other accomplices who are tried separately met the victim and forcedly drove him to an office. They voiced threats and demanded that the businessman waived his 400,000-ruble debt claims (about $5,500) against their familiar woman.They repeatedly beat the victim. However, the entrepreneur managed to escape and turned to police. A look at the major movers on the London market on Thursday ( ) has built up a good gain after boosting its balance sheet. The construction company plans to raise 241mln with a placing and open offer at 85p a share. Together with the proceeds of the recent sale of housing division Kier Living to a company owned by financier Guy Hands, that will give the company funds of around 351.4mln. Chief executive Andrew Davies said: "Today's proposed capital raise represents the final milestone in the group's strategy to simplify the group; to improve cash generation; and to strengthen our balance sheet. "This capital raise will provide Kier with the financial and operational flexibility to continue to pursue our strategic objectives, within our chosen markets, and to facilitate investment in the business to help drive sustainable, profitable organic growth and the achievement of our medium-term financial targets." Kier's shares have climbed 15.04% or 15.4p to 117.8p. 3.14pm: Travel group's plans disrupted From on the market to on the beach, and a less sunny outlook. Online travel operator PLC ( ) has dropped 10.88% or 47p to 385p after Wednesday's late announcement it would stop selling summer holidays for this year. It will not start selling trips abroad until 1 September due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and following most destinations being deemed Amber on the government's traffic light system. It said it would review the position after the government's planned update expected at the end of May. Chief executive Simon Cooper said: "In the same way that 85% of consumers don't want to book travel to Red or Amber destinations because there is no guarantee they will turn Green in time for their holiday, equally there is every possibility destinations designated Green will turn Amber or Red prior to customers' departure. "Given this, there is too much uncertainty for us to take new bookings with confidence that they will go ahead, or for us to know the potential inconvenience and incremental costs of taking holidays to either current Green or Amber destinations." 2.30pm: Online property group in demand Property portal ( ) has found some buyers after linking up with data specialist Sprift Technologies Limited. The company said the partnership would allow it to provide its agent customers with free market appraisal guides which are powered by the Sprift platform. It said these guides could be customised by agents to address the needs of each valuation and would contain an extensive range of property data. There are more than 28 million UK residential properties stored on the Sprift platform and, since its launch in 2016, the company has produced reports on over 1.3 million properties for its clients, using data from sources including Ordnance Survey, Royal Mail, Google, Land Registry and Ofsted. Analyst Roddy Davidson at house broker Shore Capital said: "We are encouraged by this complementary partnership which adds further impetus to OnTheMarket's strategy of enhancing its offering through new products and services. "More broadly, we continue to see considerable scope for the company to generate medium-term organic growth." OnTheMarket's shares are 4.71% or 4p better at 89p. 11.54am: Competition company loses out Looks like a spate of profit taking in Best of the Best PLC, ( ). The company, which runs weekly competitions to win cars and other prizes, is down 10.77% or 335p to 2775p after it said full year revenues and pretax profits were expected to be in line with market expectations. Even with this fall, the shares are up 88% since the start of the year. 11.06am: IT protection group heads higher On a down day for the market ( ) is bucking the trend. The company, which specialises in IT protection and assurance, is paying US$220mln (156mln) for the intellectual property management business of Inc. The deal will be part funded by a US$99mln (70mln) placing. Chief executive Adam Palser said: "This acquisition will transform NCC Group's Software Resilience business, making it a market leader, and deliver immediate financial and operational benefits to the whole of the group. The IPM Business shares many similarities with our own Software Resilience business, including a commitment to providing exemplary service for clients. There are tremendous opportunities to grow the combined business by offering IPM's blue-chip clients the choice of new services and support. "Following completion, NCC Group will be a stronger and broader business with an even greater ability to support clients in the ceaseless struggle against cyber-crime in all its forms." NCC shares are up 6.1% or 15.5p at 269.5p. Heading the other way is lithium specialist URU Metals Limited ( ). Its shares have been in demand in recent days, jumping 80% over the last three weeks including a 21% rise on Wednesday alone amid vague talk of a possible dual listing. But now they have dropped 80p to 375p, as the company poured cold water on the idea of any imminent news. It said: "The company notes the recent rise in the company's share price and the board confirms that it is not aware of any specific reason for this increase. "The company is not aware of any developments beyond those notified to the market historically." 10.07am: Gold company shines after "pivotal" step Shares in Limited ( ) are looking like a precious commodity. They have jumped 19.48% or 2.25p to 13.8p after it said it had begun mining and ore stacking at the Homase Mine, part of its Akrokeri-Homase Gold Project in Ghana. The first eight months of production at the mine are forecast to produce some 25,000 ounces of gold, at a total cash cost, pre-tax, of under US$600per ounce. The metal currently sells for around US$1815 an ounce. Chief executive Emma Priestley said: "This is a pivotal step in the evolution of the company as we start production of the Homase Mine. Commencement of operations will lead to an ongoing revenue stream and will also establish a base for unlocking value in our Akrokeri-Homase project... "Having already increased our gold resources, announced 3 December 2020, as a result of our exploration programme, we are now able to increase our planned production rate to around 50,000 ounces of gold per annum, including 25,000 ounces in calendar year 2021. This represents an increase of more than 300% from the original production schedule." 9.17am: Hygiene group hit by pandemic problems Health, hygiene and environmental consultancy business PLC ( ) has revealed the damage done by the fallout from the pandemic. Its health and safety division saw increased activity in certain areas, such as risk assessment, during the year. But it was unable to do business with many clients in the leisure and education sectors because, of course, their premises were shut or operating at reduced capacity because of lockdown. Its security business, which mainly supplies the retail sector, faced a similar problem. There was also the collapse of clients such as Debenhams and Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which lead to having to write off money it was owed. But its management systems subsidiary remained profitable despite reduced revenues, It was heavily reliant on the government's job retention scheme in the first half of its financial year, less so in the second. Overall, full year revenues are expected to have fallen from 4.44mln to 3.29mln, but with earnings up from 255,000 to around 520,000. There was an improvement in earnings from around 182,000 in the first half to 338,000 in the second. It also has 1.2mln in the bank, and plans a share buyback programme of up to 325,000. This will be partly funded by the 305,000 raised from selling an Essex property a few years ago, and also because the board believes last night's share price of 14p is a significant discount to the company's net asset value a share of around 35.42p. The news has certaintly helped mitigate that a little. Its shares are now up 21.43% or 3p at 17p. 8.35am: Parcels firm delivers the goods DX Group PLC ( ) has delivered an upbeat trading statement and seen its shares roar ahead. The parcels and courier group said its overall performance since the time of the half year results at the start of March had been better than expected. Trading at parcels division DX Express had been in line with forecasts, but revenue growth at its freight business is now expected to around 10mln higher than previously anticipated. DX Freight has seen much higher volumes from both existing and new customers. So the company now reckons it will "significantly" beat City forecasts for full year profits. Given its strong performance and financial position it has decided to repay 0.6mln of government furlough payments. It also plans to expand its network by opening 12 new depots over the next two years. announcing the addition of 300 new vehicles to take its fleet to more than 900 strong. Last month it announced the addition of 300 new vehicles to take its fleet to more than 900 strong. The company's shares have accelerated 10.51% or 2.25p to 36.5p on the news. Also heading higher is ( ). Shares in the technology firm are up 7.08% or 1.98p at 29.98p after it announced an agreement for a development project with an " important European electronics customer." The project began in May 2020 and this extension means the company now expects full year revenues to increase by around 40%. Chief executive Brian Tenner said: "This is an important next step in our work with electronics materials. Successful delivery of the next stages of the project will further demonstrate the interest of the electronics industry in Nanoco's technology in the medium term. "Growth in mega-trends in a number of sectors utilising infra-red sensors accelerated very significantly across the globe in the second half of 2020. Nanoco's technology adds significant capability and enhanced functionality for devices in those sectors." On Wednesday the group issued a postive update on its litigation against Samsung. Proactive news headlines ( ) said its planned exploration drilling programme at the Rukwa project in Tanzania was awarded an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate on May 4, meaning the AIM-quoted company has all necessary permits in place to start exploration drilling in early June. ( ) said after the close on Wednesday that its portfolio company, Autolus Therapeutics PLC ( ), has announced new data highlighting progress in the company's AUTO1 CAR T cell therapy, with an abstract presentation to be presented at the European Hematology Association All-Virtual Congress on June 9-17, 2021. The company said Autolus noted AUTO1 demonstrated a tolerable safety profile in adult patients with IBCL despite high disease burden. Early data in 10 patients showed 100% complete remission rates and excellent CAR engraftment/expansion. ( ) said has received defence documents from the Commission, Parliament, and Council of the European Union. E-therapeutics PLC ( ) said forming partnerships and deals will be key priorities for the coming year, including for its new RNA interference (RNAi) platform as this is an area currently commanding significant and attractive deals. ( ) said its chairman Tim McCarthy and chief executive Simon Ward will give a presentation on the company's current corporate status and activities at the Shares and AJ Bell investor evening webinar on May 19. ( ) said it has appointed Michelle Jenkins as an independent non-executive director of the company with immediate effect. The company said Jenkins has extensive experience across Africa including currently as the executive for finance and administration (South Africa) for and as a non-executive director of Kumba Iron Ore Limited. Building on its success in major Fortnite and Rocket League Tournaments, team owner ( ) is launching a second, limited-edition apparel range that will appeal to fans. ( ) said drilling is now underway at the Bailieston and Creswick gold exploration projects in the Victoria Goldfields, Australia. ( ) said it has completed the acquisition of two data centres in the Canadian province of Quebec as part of its strategy to increase its control over the cryptocurrency mining facilities which host its machines. ( ), a platinum group metals and gold producer, said it received several proposals, including a proposal from a credible party for the potential acquisition of substantially all of the company's assets. We are delighted to have received a proposal from a credible party that could allow us to pay a significant dividend to all shareholders, said executive chairman Christian Schaffalitzky. ( ) has signed a four-year licensing deal with Scientific Games, extending its existing agreement. FinnCap Group PLC ( ) said one of its executive directors, Stuart Andrews, has exercised options over 1.1mln shares at a price of 14p per share under the companys EMI Plan. Tlou Energy PLC's (LON:TLOU, ASX:TOU, ) chief financial officer Colm Cloonan presents his plans to Proactive London for their flagship Lesedi power project, in Botswana. The team has secured a mining licence for the area, flowed coal bed methane for the planned gas-to-power operation and received environmental approval. Added to that, Lesedi also has sign-off from the Energy Regulatory Authority and an initial power purchase agreement from the countrys Power Corporation. Latin is acquiring a 24% interest in Westminster Resources, which is developing its copper project portfolio in Latin America including the newly acquired Mostazal Copper Project. ( ) (FRA:XL5) is enhancing its exposure to copper amidst strong market fundamentals by acquiring 2.7 million shares worth C$540,000 in a private placement by Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:WMRSF). The company will hold a 24% interest in Westminster upon the close of the private placement to maintain its position as Westminster's largest shareholder. Latin is enhancing its stake in Westminster, which has three large-scale copper exploration projects in Chile and Peru, as the copper price hit a record high of US$10,747.50 on Monday, topping the previous record set in 2011. Acquisition of Mostazal Copper Project The primary use of funds from the private placement will be to further develop Westminsters copper project portfolio in Latin America including the newly acquired Mostazal Copper Project and its copper projects in Peru acquired from Latin Resources. Latin executive director Chris Gale said: We congratulate Westminster team on the successful placement to fund the development of the exciting Mostazal Copper Project in one of the worlds premier copper districts. Latin Resources is strongly supportive of the well-structured and well-timed acquisition Westminster has made of the Mostazal Copper Project in Chile, with the outlook for copper being so robust. We look forward to seeing the WMR team advance the project where they can now commence exploration, targeting a large-scale copper porphyry system, underlying the already delineated higher grade copper mineralisation at surface. The Mostazal Copper Project is in the Atacama Desert of Chile consisting of eight exploitation licences covering about 16 square kilometres within the main porphyry copper belt of Chile, along the Domeyko Fault System. Notably, the Domeyko Fault is among the most productive copper regions in the world, hosting a significant number of copper porphyry deposits. Deep-rooted magnetic anomalies Westminster has interpreted a porphyry copper deposit beneath the existing mineralisation and geochemical/geophysical anomalies. In particular, Westminster is in the process of reviewing data from a 2012-2013 exploration program conducted by a prior operator at Mostazal. This program included geophysical and geochemical surveys conducted with the primary objective of delineating the extent and margins of a 4-kilometre by 2.5- kilometre north-south trending belt of outcropping copper mineralisation and associated rock geochemical anomalies. The preliminary interpretation of the geophysical data indicates that much of the known mineralisation at surface is closely correlated to four deep-rooted magnetic anomalies. Mostazal Project Plans showing a strong untested soil sampling copper anomaly (left), with coincident magnetic anomaly. Anomaly 'A' occurs on the eastern margin in the northern part of the grid and is coincident with mineralisation and artisanal workings. Two further anomalies, 'B' and 'C', are part of a large circular feature located in the central part of the grid and both are closely associated with known mineralisation. The fourth deep magnetic anomaly, 'D', is located in the southern part of the grid and is open to the south. These four anomalous areas are considered key target areas for additional exploration at Mostazal, targeting both additional strata-bound mantos-style mineralisation as well as the modelled porphyry at depth. Significant size at depth Westminster president and CEO Jason Cubitt said: Mineralisation at surface bears all the hallmarks of an extension to a buried porphyry copper system, including tell-tale alteration halo, and the suite of copper sulphides and associated pathfinder elements youd expect to see. Its highly encouraging to see the geophysical modeling of structures of significant size at depth lying beneath known copper mineralization at surface. Non-brokered private placement Westminster has arranged for a non-brokered private placement of 13,778,750 units of securities at C$0.20 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,755,750. Each unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of Westminster and one-half common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of C$0.30 at any time up to 24- months following issuance. Trinidad is becoming increasingly important to the company, not least because of the imminent spudding of the Saffron well ( ) - soon to be renamed as Challenger Energy Group has appointed BPs former country manager for Trinidad to its board. Robert Riley will join the company as a non-executive director. The appointment of Riley comes as the company is putting its focus on production-led growth, primarily in Trinidad. He brings significant in-country experience as he was previously BPs chief executive and chairman for Trinidad. We are focussed on resetting the company and positioning it for future value growth, consistent with a simple strategy: increasing production and generating cashflow, said BPC chair Bill Schrader. Robert brings a wealth of industry, legal and commercial experience, and specifically in regards to the oil and gas sector in Trinidad and Tobago. We expect that Robert, together with Stephen Bizzell who as previously advised will also be joining the board subject to completion of normal onboarding processes, will be able to make immediate and extremely valuable contributions to the effectiveness of our operations going forward. The company also highlighted that preparations for the Saffron-2 appraisal and development well in Trinidad continue to advance at pace. Rig mobilisation to the Saffron-2 well site has now been completed, it noted. The rig is now being assembled and the programme remains on schedule for a May 23 spud-date. Once underway is it expected that the drill programme will last for 25 to 30 days. Saffron well kicks off production growth Success at Saffron-2 promises to unlock a phase of production growth for the company. Saffron-2 itself is predicted to flow at rates of 200 to 300 barrels of oil per day (bopd), which by the companys projections would equate to more than US$1.8mln of cashflow per year. The company expects the well will achieve payback in 12 to 18 months and deliver a better than 200% return on investment. A further five to nine further production wells are then planned to follow in Trinidad this year as part of a phase of field development which could comprise a total of 30 wells. The company aims to establish some 1,000 to 1,500 bopd of new production from the 2021 wells, to generate US$8mln to US$12mln of annual cashflow (based on a US$60 per barrel crude price). Beyond that, a fuller development programme could see production peak at around 4,000 bopd, to generate around US$25mln of cashflow per year. Director share buying In a separate statement on Thursday the company told investors that a number of its directors are participating in an open offer share sale which accompanied the recently announced equity placing. Eytan Uliel, who becomes chief executive later this month, is increasing his existing shareholding (of some 59.1mln shares) by taking up a further 24mln open-offer shares, whilst outgoing chief executive and soon-to-be non executive director Simon Potter is subscribing for 33mln shares open offer shares to take his holding to around 114mln shares. Chairman Bill Schrader the company's continuing and retiring non-executive directors also intend to subscribe for shares. In aggregate, some 85mln new shares will be bought by members of the management team, representing around 300,000 of the raise. "I am pleased to confirm that in addition to my own contribution, all continuing and retiring directors, as well as key members of the company's executive management team, have indicated a meaningful contribution to the current fundraising. I am grateful for this vote of support in me as I assume the role as CEO, as well as the strong confirmation it represents of the collective team's commitment to the task at hand, and our firmly held belief that the assets will deliver in the way we intend." The company announced its 6.9mln equity funding in April alongside its plans to relaunch as Challenger Energy Group. Moscow, May 13 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked about cooperation within the Arctic Council and Washington's Russia-US summit proposal during his telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday. Both officials discussed the upcoming transition of the Arctic Council's chairmanship from Iceland to Russia that is set to take place during the ministerial meeting of the council on May 20 in Reykjavik, Iceland, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Xinhua reported. "Lavrov and Blinken agreed to hold a separate meeting 'on the sidelines' of this session to address key issues on the bilateral and international agenda," it added. They also exchanged views with regard to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula and the renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action within the broader scope of issues related to strategic stability. Tel Aviv/Gaza City, May 13 : Israel has killed several Hamas commanders and blew up a 14-floor high-rise in the Gaza Strip as the country stepped up its military campaign. "This was only the beginning. We will inflict blows on them that they have never dreamed of," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday, DPA news agency reported. Later on Wednesday, the local media reported the government was planning to intensify its military operations targeting the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip following a security cabinet meeting. Dozens have died in the latest flare-up of violence - most of them in Gaza - which has put Hamas and Israel on the brink on all-out war. As Israeli armed forces pounded Gaza with airstrikes, militants in the Palestinian territory carried on firing massive barrages of rockets toward Israel, where air raid sirens sounded and locals scrambled for cover. On Wednesday evening, a rocket attack on the Israeli city of Sderot left one person in critical condition and five others with less severe injuries, rescue services said. Israeli media reported the that the person with severe injuries was a six-year-old child who died later in the evening. There were conflicting reports on the age of the child. The military reported its first death in three days of fighting. A 21-year-old Israeli soldier was hit by anti-tank missile fire originating from Gaza. Seven people in Israel have now died. The 14-floor building in Gaza hit by Israeli planes on Wednesday was the third high-rise destroyed since the escalation of violence. Islamist Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants both were said to have had offices in the building, which also housed shops and cafes. Videos showed the building collapsing after the attack. Israel has struck a range of targets in the Gaza Strip as part of its airstrike response to the more than 1,000 rockets Palestinian militants have launched towards its territory since Monday. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip said at least 56 Palestinians have been killed, including 15 children, while over 300 were reported injured. The Israeli army said that members of the Islamist Hamas and Islamic Jihad militant organizations were killed, including senior officials. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed all police buildings in the Gaza Strip, a spokesperson for the Hamas-led Interior Ministry said. Israel's air raid warning sirens sounded once again on Wednesday in Tel Aviv, where Israel's main international airport had halted flights and many schools were closed. US President Joe Biden "condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv" during a phone call with Netanyahu, the White House said late on Wednesday. Biden "conveyed his unwavering support for Israel's security and for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians," the White House said. The US president also encouraged "a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm," and updated Netanyahu on Washington's diplomatic engagement with regional powers as well as Palestinian officials. The UN Security Council met on Wednesday but the US blocked a statement. The meeting following a briefing by UN Special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland. "We're escalating towards a full-scale war," Wennesland tweeted. "Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for a meeting of the Middle East Quartet. The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, called for an end to conflict. "The grave escalation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the major upsurge in violence in and around Gaza, must stop," he said in statement, adding that he was "dismayed" by the civilian deaths. The cross-border attacks between Israel and the Palestinians also spilled into the streets of Israel's cities, with Netanyahu saying on Wednesday night he was heading to an emergency meeting to hand the police additional powers and forces. "I also intend to bring in military forces according to the existing law and we will pass an additional law if necessary," Netanyahu said in comments posted on Twitter as he called violence in Israel's cities "unacceptable." "Nothing justifies the lynching of Jews by Arabs and nothing justifies the lynching of Arabs by Jews," he said. Israeli television had previously reported that Netanyahu wanted to deploy soldiers to Israeli cities to restore calm but that Defence Minister Benny Gantz had declined to do so. There were ugly confrontations between Jewish and Arab Israelis in several Israeli communities on Wednesday evening, including riots in Lod, 15 km south-east of Tel Aviv, despite a curfew. Israeli media reported a police vehicle in the town south-east of Tel Aviv being set on fire and Arab protesters critically injuring a Jewish resident in Akko, in the north of the country. In Bat Jam, south of Tel Aviv, ultra-right Jews reportedly attacked Arab businesses and one Arab resident was brutally attacked with clubs, according to broadcasters. In the city of Haifa, Jewish protesters threw stones at an Arab motorist, who then hit and injured one of the attackers, according to the Times of Israel. In Tiberias, according to police, an Arab driver was attacked with stones by Jewish protesters and was injured. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin strongly condemned the riots as a "brutal attack on coexistence in the state of Israel." The Arab minority in Israel makes up about 20 per cent of the population of 9 million. They face discrimination, and right-wing politicians often portray them as enemies of the Jewish state. The airstrikes and rocket attacks followed violent clashes in recent days at the Jerusalem holy site known as the Temple Mount to Jews and the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Copenhagen, May 13 : Norway has removed the vaccine against Covid-19 made by AstraZeneca from its inoculation campaign, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said. Solberg said on Wednesday that the decision was based on the advice of a committee of experts and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), which recommended excluding the shots made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson due to the risk of very rare but serious side effects, DPA news agency reported. Norway is also extending its temporary halt on the use of the Johnson & Johnson shot, but has not excluded it from its inoculation campaign for now, Solberg said. The government is currently looking into offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to those willing to receive it. The country had not yet started using the Johnson & Johnson jab. The committee's recommendations were based partly on the current situation in Norway, where infections are low compared to other countries. Norway stopped using the Astrazeneca's vaccine on March 11 as a precautionary measure after rare blood clots occurred after vaccination, including deaths. Some 138,000 people had received the vaccine up until then. Denmark excluded the AstraZeneca vaccine from its inoculation programme just over a month ago. Los Angeles, May 13 : Rapper Machine Gun Kelly searched his girlfriend Megan Fox's house with a weapon to search for an intruder, though he felt he needed to call a "ghostbuster" because there was no one there. "I'll be in bed with her and the door would just like (open) but no one is there. And wind doesn't go through eight hallways to make it to the master bedroom hallway to flip it open," Kelly said, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He added: "That's when I started going, 'This is disturbing', minus the part when she first moved into the house and the outside doors were doing that. She called me, she locked herself in the bedroom one time, I came through. I had a weapon to make sure everyone was safe and I went through the house with the weapon and then we realised we needed ghostbusters. What I had was not going to defeat whatever enemy was in the house. That realisation came later, that we were looking for a culprit that doesn't exist." The rapper, whose real name is Colson Baker, feels his home is haunted. He told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres: "At my house, everyone who comes and stays past 7pm is like, 'Yeah there's definitely something in your kitchen' but I realised they're like, high ghosts. They're always making ghost snacks or washing ghost dishes, they're only doing pantry or refrigerator things so sometimes I let off a 'thank you'." Ex-deputy head of Russian Republic Khakassia gets 9 years in prison for bribery RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov 17:35 13/05/2021 MOSCOW, May 13 (RAPSI) The Abakan city court has sentenced former acting head of the Republic of Khakassia Sergey Novikov to 9 years in a strict regime colony for accepting a bribe in the amount of 2 million rubles (about $27,000) when organizing work on the construction of a neuropsychiatric residential facility, the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee informs on Thursday. The court has also fined the ex-official over 60.5 million rubles ($813,000 at the current exchange rate), and banned him from the right to hold state and municipal positions for a period of 5 years, the body said in the statement. The ex-official was found guilty of accepting a bribe on an especially large scale. Investigative authorities and the court established that in December 2019 Novikov in his official capacity demanded a bribe in the amount of at least 12 million rubles ($160,000) from a potential contractor for the construction of the said facility in exchange for his assistance in winning the construction tender by this contractor, creating comfortable conditions for construction, as well as accepting the work performed. In April 2020, the former official personally received 2 million rubles from the contractor as the first installment of the demanded sum of 12 million rubles, the statement reads. Hyderabad, May 13 : This is another heartbreaking story of a Covid warrior. A young lady doctor lost her battle to the deadly virus barely a week after delivering a baby. Dr. Farha Niloufer, 31, succumbed to the virus at Princess Esra Hospital in the old city of Hyderabad on Wednesday. The pediatrician, who was serving at government-run Area Hospital in Gajwel, continued working during the pandemic and did not avail maternity leave despite suggestions from her friends and colleagues. Known for her dedication, she was working in the out-patient department and was also on Covid vaccination duty. About 10 days ago she tested positive for Covid and was admitted to the private hospital in Hyderabad. Dr. Farha did her MBBS from Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences and MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer hospital, Hyderabad. An Assistant professor in pediatrics, she was posted as Clinical Associate at Area Hospital in Gajwel. The young doctor's death has shocked the medical fraternity. According to Hima Bindu, Professor, Kakatiya Medial College, Warangal, Dr. Farha died of Covid complications. She was put on ventilator three days ago. "She was very talented, dynamic and energetic doctor and was a very dedicated pediatrician," Hima Bindu said. Dr. Farha's colleagues at Gajwel hospital said they had advised her to take maternity leave but she ignored their suggestions, saying the hospital needs her services during the pandemic time. Telangana has so far lost 21 doctors to Covid during the second wave of the pandemic. Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association, an organization working for reforms in healthcare sector especially in rural areas of Telangana, has demanded exgratia for all healthcare workers who succumbed to Covid in the line of duty. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, May 13 : The ouster of Liz Cheney, a fierce critic of Donald Trump over his narrative of "a stolen election", from the US House Republican leadershipis thought to have underscored the former President's massive and continuing importance in the increasingly divided party with uncertain consequences. Wednesday's development marked the first time in recent US history that a congressional Republican leader was toppled by rank-and-file party members in the middle of their term through a formal vote, Xinhua news agency quoted a report by The Hill news outlet. As chair of the Republican House Conference, Cheney, also a three-term congresswoman, had been the third-ranking party member of the House. "I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office," Cheney told reporters after the vote, vowing to continue her fight against Trump's baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, which she describes as "The Big Lie". "We cannot let the former President drag us backward... If you want leaders who will enable and spread (Trump's) destructive lies, I'm not your person," she had said in her opening remarks before the quick voice vote behind closed doors earlier in the day. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said in a letter to House Republicans this week that removing Cheney from her post was necessary to resolve "internal conflicts" that have distracted and divided party members as they focus on winning back the majority in 2022. "You can't have a conference chair who recites Democrat talking points," Jim Jordan, former chief of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and a close Trump ally, said after the vote, referring to Cheney's refusal to stay quiet about the former leader's election fraud claims. "Liz didn't agree with President Trump's narrative and she was cancelled," said Republican lawmaker Ken Buck, warning that part members likely alienated voters who agree with Cheney's criticisms of Trump, or at least her right to air them from a position of leadership. "The message it sends is if you tell the truth and make it uncomfortable for people, you might lose your position," said Adam Kinzinger, an open Trump critic who joined Cheney and other eight House Republicans in vote to impeach Trump for provoking the January 6 Capitol riot. "In the short term it'll be a hit, obviously, to truth, but in the long term history will judge this as exactly what it was, which was a really dumb move by a party that's trying its best to be irrelevant," Kinzinger said. Shortly after the vote, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, an outspoken Trump defender, sent a letter to her colleagues outlining why she wants to fill the post Cheney left. Trump released a statement shortly after the ousting of Cheney, calling her a "bitter, horrible human being" and "a talking point for Democrats". The former President endorsed Stefanik earlier this month, describing her as "a far superior choice". Meanwhile, more than 100 former Republican officials are planning to release a letter on Thursday to call for reforms within their party and even threaten to form a separate group if members do not break away from Trump, according to local media reports. Republicans must "either re-imagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative", an NBC News report quoted the letter as saying. Reacting to Cheney's removal, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday that the development was "disturbing". "Our nation's Capitol was attacked, our democracy was attacked, and six people lost their lives. So it's disturbing to see any leader, regardless of party, being attacked for simply speaking the truth," Psaki said, without naming Cheney. President Joe Biden said last week that he could not remember a time when partisan divisions have been so stark, noting the Republican Party is going through what he called a "mini-revolution" while "trying to identify what it stands for". "They're in the midst of a significant, sort of mini-revolution going on," said Biden. The move to oust Cheney was recently precipitated when she greeted Biden at the Capitol and tweeted that he won the election fair and square. New Delhi, May 13 : Over the past decade, Michael B. Jordan has gained a massive fanbase with his performances in films like "Fruitvale Station '', "Creed '' and the comicbook supervillain Erik Killmonger in "Black Panther''. With inclusivity and diversity taking centre-stage in Hollywood, the international heartthrob feels it is a "lively time" to be an actor right now. "I think it is always the right time to be an actor. Artistes use their platforms to express themselves. For me, I use my platform in a multitude of ways. I think it is a lively time to be an actor right now. I think it is pretty lively at the moment," Jordan, who was voted Sexiest Man Alive last year by People," told IANS in an exclusive chat. Over the decades, several Indians have forayed the West, especially Hollywood, including Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, Shashi Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Kabir Bedi and Persis Khambatta. In recent times, too, the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, among many others, have featured in Hollywood projects. In reverse, Hollywood films dubbed in regional Indian languages have been consistently doing good business in this country. Tell Jordan language and culture are no longer barriers, and he agrees. "Cinema is a universal language. It is one of those things that everybody can come and participate and share and experience, from all walks of life and from all over the world. Through the use of streaming, internet and social media everybody is connected to everything that is going on. Everybody has access to the stories you want to tell," Jordan said. He added: "So, Somebody from one side of the globe, who never thought that somebody from the other side of the world would ever see their project or get a chance to hear their story, it's very possible to happen." Jordan's latest release is "Without Remorse", which takes him into the world of bestselling author Tom Clancy's espionage and military-ops. Directed by Stefano Sollima, the film revolves around Clancy' s 1993 novel of the same name and casts him as John Clark. The film also stars Guy Pearce, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Luke Mitchell, Brett Gelman, Colman Domingo, Lauren London and Jacob Scipio in pivotal roles. It was released on Amazon Prime Video in April. (Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in) United Nations, May 13 : A UN envoy has expressed concerns over "the most serious escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in years", adding that the ground situation continues to deteriorate. UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland made the remarks on Wednesday during a closed-door briefing of the Security Council for a second time this week on the ongoing violence, reports Xinhua news agency. "We are very concerned by the growing civilian casualties in both Gaza and Israel and deeply saddened by reported deaths of children in Gaza," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said. Guterres and Wennesland have both reiterated that the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars by the Hamas and other militants from highly populated neighbourhoods toward civilian population centres violates international humanitarian law, and it is unacceptable and has to stop immediately, said the spokesman. While recognising Israel's legitimate security concerns, Wennesland also reiterated that Israeli authorities must also abide by their responsibilities under international law and that security forces should exercise maximum restraint, calibrate their use of force to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations. Guterres and Wennesland have called on the international community to take action to enable the parties to step back from the brink and return to the previous understandings that have maintained a relative calm in Gaza and avoid a descent into chaos, with the massive casualties and immense damage to civilian infrastructure that would result. Wennesland reminded the Security Council members that it is the civilian population on both sides that bears the burden of war and that the most vulnerable are the ones at greatest risk of suffering. He also highlighted that these devastating cycles of violence, which destroy the lives and futures of Palestinians and Israelis alike, will only stop with a political solution to the conflict, an end to the occupation and a realization of a two-state solution on the basis of UN resolutions, international law and existing agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said on Wednesday that at least 14 children on the Palestinian side and one child on the Israeli side have been reportedly killed since Monday. Ninety-five children in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and three children in Israel have reportedly been injured in the past five days, she said in a statement. "The situation is at a dangerous tipping point. The level of violence and its impact on children is devastating. We are on the brink of a full-scale war. In any war, children suffer first and suffer most," she said. "I call on all sides to end all violence and de-escalate tensions. I urge all sides to protect all civilians, especially children, to spare essential civilian infrastructure from attacks, and to end violations against children. "I remind all sides of their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law," she added. The tit-for-tat trade of fire between militant groups in the Gaza Strip and Israel has been mounting. The tension in Gaza started when the militants fired a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem in response to the clashes that broke out at al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police forces. Since Monday, the buzz of the Israeli fighter jets and drones mixed with the sounds of the bombs were heard all over the Gaza Strip, as gray and black smokes could be easily seen billowing into the sky as result of the Israeli bombings or the firing of rockets by Gaza militants. The current wave of violence between Israel and Gaza militant groups is the first of its kind since the last large-scale air and ground offensive that Israel waged on the Palestinian enclave for 50 days in 2014. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, May 13 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and end violence in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed the ongoing violence in Jerusalem, and the Secretary reiterated his call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence," the State Department said in a statement referring to the call on Wednesday. "The Secretary emphasised the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy," Xinhua news agency quoted the Department as further saying. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israel and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr will travel to the region immediately to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Blinken told reporters earlier in the day. "He will urge, on my behalf and on behalf of President (Joe) Biden, a de-escalation of violence. We are very focused on this," Blinken said. The US remains committed to a two-state solution, he noted. "This violence takes us further away from that goal." While recognizing Israel's right to self-defence, the top US diplomat stressed that "Israel has an extra burden in trying to do everything it possibly can to avoid civilian casualties". At least 56 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip and six in Israel since Monday in the worst fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants since 2014. The tension in Gaza started when the militants fired a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem in response to the clashes that broke out at al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police forces. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Prayagraj : , May 13 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a three-member Pandemic Public Grievance Committee (PPGC) in every district to look into the grievances of the public in Covid treatment in the state. The panel would comprise one chief judicial magistrate (CJM) or a judicial officer, professor of a medical college and an administrative officer of the rank of additional district magistrate (ADM). The court, in its order on Tuesday, further directed that in rural areas complaints can be made directly to the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of concerned tehsil, who shall transmit the same to PPGC. The committee will also look into all the viral news itself. Earlier, the state government counsel had informed that the government had announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to those who caught Covid infection during panchayat election duty, on which the court asked the state government to rethink about the compensation amount and increase it to Rs 1 crore. The court observed, "It is not a case that somebody volunteered to render his/her services during election but it was all made obligatory to those assigned with election duty to perform their duties during election even while they showed their reluctance." While hearing a PIL relating to Covid care, a Division Bench comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Ajit Kumar said that the recent surge of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state is engulfing in it the remote rural areas and smaller city and town areas of almost all the districts of Uttar Pradesh. The court went on to observe, "It would be in the fitness of the things that purchase of vaccine is not only expedited but vaccination programme is launched at a war-footing. "Even in our last order we had made clear that unless and until everyone was vaccinated, nobody was safe. We hope and trust that the state government would try to purchase as many vials of desired vaccines as possible to vaccinate the maximum number and at least more than 2/3 of the population in 2-3 months' time." Not satisfied with the affidavit filed by Badugu Deva Paulson, secretary (Home), Government of Uttar Pradesh, the court said that neither the required information, as mandated by its earlier order, was given nor compliance was made of its various directions passed earlier. The court was unhappy with the affidavit as no information regarding the number of ambulances in the state or the meals provided to Covid patients of government hospitals were mentioned in the affidavit. The court directed the state government counsel to apprise it as to how the state is managing Covid hospitals, requirement of oxygen, beds and lifesaving drugs and gadgets in districts of Bahraich, Barabanki, Bijnor, Jaunpur and Shravasti. The state government was also asked to disclose in its affidavit the number of testing done in these places (urban and rural) and laboratory from where the testing was being performed. The data has to be given from March 31, 2021 to May 10. The bench also expressed its concern about the vaccination of physically challenged persons and asked the government to apprise it as to how it proposes to inoculate such persons who cannot be brought to the vaccination centres and then those who cannot make online registration. The court has fixed May 17, as the next date of hearing in the case. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Gorakhpur, May 13 : A police post in-charge was suspended for allegedly beating up an Imam while trying to disperse people after the completion of the namaaz at a Mosque here. The accused official, Arjun Singh, posted in-charge of Pandey Hata area that falls under the Rajghat police station, was trying to disperse the people after namaaz on Tuesday evening. He later attacked Mohammad Hashim, the Imam, and beat him till the people around intervened. A video clip of the statement of the Imam had gone viral on social media on Wednesday evening. In his statement, the Imam of Nai Masjid, Maulana Mohammad Hashim told the police that around 3.30 pm after Asra namaz he was in the mosque when the police outpost in charge, Arjun Singh, started dispersing people from the Mosque in view of the Covid protocols. He then turned to the Imam who was on the stairs of the mosque and beat him. He also used unparliamentary language and tore his clothes. The Kotwali circle officer reached the spot and pacified them. SSP Dinesh Kumar P said, "On the report of Circle Officer Kotwali, the Pandey Hata police post in-charge Arun Singh has been suspended. SP city is investigating the matter and further action would be taken on the basis of his report." According to the Covid restrictions, a maximum of five people is allowed to gather at a time at one place to offer prayers. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Washington, May 13 : The national average gas prices in the US have increased above $3 a gallon for the first time since 2014 amid the six-day shutdown of a major fuel pipeline following a cybersecurity attack. On an average, Americans on Wednesday paid $3.008 for a gallon of gas, up from $2.985 the previous day and $2.927 one week ago, Xinhua news agency quoted the American Automobile Association (AAA) as saying. The US auto club on Monday had forecasted gas prices to climb this week in reaction to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers approximately 45 percent of all fuel to the East Coast. "This shutdown will have implications on both gasoline supply and prices, but the impact will vary regionally," AAA spokesperson Jeanette McGee had said in a statement on Monday. "Areas including Mississippi, Tennessee and the east coast from Georgia into Delaware are most likely to experience limited fuel availability and price increases," McGee said, adding these states may see prices increase three to seven cents this week. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on Tuesday urged Americans not to hoard gasoline. "It's not that we have a gasoline shortage. It's that we have this supply crunch. And that things will be back to normal soon," she said. On Wednesday evening, Colonial Pipeline announced that the first step in the restart process started at approximately 5 p.m. "Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. "Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period," it added. However, a growing number of gas stations along the East Coast are without fuel as the panic-buying continued amid concerns over the shortage of gas. As of Wednesday morning, 28.2 per cent of all gas stations in North Carolina, 17.45 per cent in Georgia and 17.09 per cent in Virginia were without gasoline, according to the latest data from GasBuddy, which tracks fuel demand, prices and outages. The Colonial Pipeline Company temporarily halted all pipeline operations after the cybersecurity attack involving ransomware was detected on May 7. The Colonial Pipeline is the largest refined-products pipeline in the US, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily on the East Coast. Kolkata, May 13 : Burmese beauty queen Htar Htet Htet has turned rebel, promising to bring down the brutal military junta in Myanmar or die fighting it. Htet Htet represented Myanmar in the first Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Thailand in 2013. Eight years later, the 32-year-old fitness instructor, who contested against 60 participants, has joined ethnic armed groups in Myanmar's border regions. Hundreds of ethnic Bamars or Burmese, angered by death of protesting comrades in military/ police firings, have joined the newly-formed urban rebel groups like the Federal Army and United Defence Force. Nearly 800 Burmese have been killed in these indiscriminate firings. Like Htet Htet, these angry youths are now training in weapons use and guerilla tactics in bases of Myanmar 's old ethnic rebel armies like the Karen National Union. Some may have returned already to Burmese cities for action. The former beauty queen recently posted her pictures with an assault rifle in her Burmese Facebook page, in which she wrote: "The time has come to fight back. Whether you hold a weapon, pen, keyboard or donate money to the pro-democracy movement, everyone must do their bit for the revolution to succeed." It was not clear which rebel base was Htet Htet undergoing training and for how long. She did not reveal further details, but her appeal to fight the junta may boost recruitment to the Bamar urban insurgent groups. "Htet Htet is quite an icon among the Burmese youth, beautiful and sexy but very political and socially conscious," said her friend, who is another beauty queen and presents a popular TV program. But she asked not to be identified for obvious reasons. "She is quite a draw and very courageous. I wish I could do what she did." These Bamar groups are believed to be responsible for individual assasinations and select strikes against police informers and on an off-take station in the Chinese financed and operated oil-gas pipeline connecting terminals in Myanmar's Rakhine province and China's Yunnan province. Chinese interests have become target because most in the pro-democracy movement see Beijing as the principal backer of the Myanmar military regime. "That will be further reinforced by the junta's recent clearing of 15 foreign investment proposals, almost all Chinese. Beijing is having a windfall backing a blood thirsty junta which is shooting its own boys and girls like flies," said Kolkata-based Myanmar watcher Amrita Dey, who edited a volume on Burmese democracy movement. Dey says the 2021 generation is different from the 1988 generation that led the country's most powerful uprising in the last century. "The current generation is tech savvy, better exposed to the world and more educated , having benefitted from a decade of relative openness. And this generation is more passionate about democracy because they have somewhat experienced it and feel they have so much to loose," Dey told IANS. Gaza, May 13 : The Islamic Hamas movemnet, which controls the Gaza Strip, has said that it will not accept any ceasefire with Israel until the Jewish state "completely stops violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque and the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem". In an interview with the local media on Wednesday, Hamas spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum also denied reports that a high-ranking Egyptian security delegation was expected to arrive in Gaza as part of the efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and the militant groups in the coastal enclave, reports Xinhua news agency. Earlier in the day, a Palestinian source close to Hamas told the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper that Egypt, Qatar and the UN are making contacts to reach a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The source said the last contact with the three mediators was on Tuesday afternoon when they proposed a comprehensive ceasefire that begins at midnight. "Our answer was clear that there would be no ceasefire before stopping the Israeli assaults in Jerusalem and stopping the airstrikes on the Gaza Strip," the source added. The tension in the Gaza Strip has been flaring up since Monday afternoon, with more rockets being fired from the enclave into Israel. In response, Israeli fighter jets have also intensified bombing on militants' posts and facilities in Gaza. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Hamas-run Health Ministry, said in a statement that 56 Palestinians were killed, including 14 children, five women and one elderly man, and 335 were wounded as a result of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said that Bassem Issa, commander of the militant group in Gaza city, was killed in an Israeli air attack. According to the statement, Issa, along with three other militants, was killed while preparing for launching more rockets from Gaza into Israel. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Russian Childrens Ombudsman seeks to award teachers defending pupils in Kazan RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 14:58 13/05/2021 MOSCOW, May 13 (RAPSI) Russias Child Rights Commissioner will petition for awarding teaches, who have defended children during a shooting attack in a school in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan Republic, and helped with evacuation. Two teachers, Elvira Ignatyeva and Venera Aizatova are to be awarded posthumously, Kuznetsova believes. According to investigators, on May 11, an armed young man broke into an education institution and started shooting. Nine people including minors and two teachers were killed and over 20 persons were injured as a result of the assault. The attacker, who was arrested on the scene and identified, acted alone. On May 12, he was placed in detention. May 13 : With India battling the devastating condition of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, celebrities from across the globe have come forward to do their bits and contribute towards COVID relief. Global icon Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas have used their celebrity status to mobilise people across the world to contribute towards their fundraiser to facilitate oxygen and vaccination supplies in India. Priyanka and Nick have teamed up with Give India for an urgent fundraiser. The celebrity couple managed to raise more than $1 million, which has been donated by over 14,000 good Samaritans. All the money raised has already been deployed across the country in the form of oxygen concentrators, vaccine support and much more. Seeing the good response from across the globe, Priyanka and Nick have decided to increase the fundraising target to $3 million. Taking to her Instagram handle, The White Tiger actress shared a video clip along with a long message. Through some of the darkest days in our history, humanity has once again proven that we are better together. @nickjonas and I are so humbled by your support and by the outpouring of help for India from so many parts of the world. Over 14,000 good Samaritans opened their hearts and helped us raise $1 Million in these trying times. Countless others helped us spread the world to expedite the process. All the money raised is already being deployed across the country in the form of oxygen concentrators, vaccine support and so much more. We can all continue to help so lets not stop here. Were raising the fundraising target to $3 Million and we know that with your help and support, we can achieve this too. Thank you all for your support and thank you @give_india for the incredible work you are doing on ground. Many Hollywood actors have also contributed to the fundraiser. Hollywood star Drew Barrymore, whose great grandfather was born in Agra, has urged everyone to contribute towards Priyanka and Nicks COVID-19 relief fund for India. "I would like to start this show by giving our love and heart to India. We have all been reading about the Covid crisis there and they have been hit with 300 thousand new cases a day more than any country at its peak," Barrymore said on her programme, The Drew Barrymore Show. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : India's favourite writer Ruskin Bond has brought forth a carefully curated and handpicked collection of his short stories in a new book titled 'All Time Favourites For Children'. The Landour-based veteran author, who is also the recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan civilian honours, will release the book on his 87th birthday on May 19. He was born in pre-Partition India in 1934 in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh). Bond grew up in Jamnagar (Gujarat), Dehradun, New Delhi and Shimla. His first novel, 'The Room on the Roof', which was written when he was seventeen, received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written over 500 short stories, essays and novellas (including 'Vagrants in the Valley' and 'A Flight of Pigeons') and more than forty books for children. Bond's 'All Time Favourites For Children; is published under the Puffin imprint of Penguin Books. The 232-page volume is suitable for readers above 9 years of age and is priced at Rs 199. 'All Time Favourites for Children' celebrates Ruskin Bond's writing with stories that are perennially loved and can now be enjoyed in a single collectible volume. Curated and selected by India's most loved writer, this collection brings some of the evocative episodes from Ruskin's life, iconic Rusty, eccentric Uncle Ken, ubiquitous grandmother, and many other charming, endearing characters in a single volume while also introducing us to a smattering of new ones that are sure to be firm favourites with young readers. Heart-warming, funny and spirited, this is a must-have on every bookshelf. It is a keepsake edition with 25 stories, a mixed bag of his most cherished stories like 'Rusty's Adventures'; 'Grandfather's Stories'; spooky tales along with a diverse set of new stories like 'Goldfish Don't Bark', 'Friends from the Forest' and many more. These much-loved stories from the writer on the hill come with excellent and quirky artwork that makes the book an even more fun read. Bond, who is a favourite among children and youth alike, took to Instagram and shared a fun image of him holding a soft drink and sporting a fake 'new mustache'. He said he's celebrating his birthday month. (Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Thiruvananthapuram, May 13 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will finally take oath of office on May 20, when Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will read out the oath, but what's yet to emerge is the composition of the cabinet. When asked about this, Vijayan said, yes, talks are going on as the meeting of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is fixed for next week and after that, the decision will be made. The swearing in has been fixed to be held outdoors at the Central Stadium, a stone's throw from the seat of power of the State Secretariat and with Covid protocols in force, the maximum number of people who will be allowed to grace the occasion is 750. With a week more left for the event, the last minute talks are going on and the only person who is keeping all the cards close to his chest is Vijayan, as he has now become the last word in the LDF, as he created history by becoming the first to retain power. Vijayan is still undecided on the total number, as according to the rules including the CM's post he can have a maximum of 21 ministers. However in 2016 to set a mark of austerity, he decided to have 20, but this time he is in a quandary as in the 140 member assembly the LDF has won 99 seats. In the outgoing Vijayan cabinet the CPI-M had 12 ministers and the Chief Minister's post, the second biggest ally CPI had four and one each for Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Congress (S) and Janata Dal (S). However this time the Left has given full fledged ally status to Kerala Congress (B), Indian National League (INL) besides two new allies who jumped the fence from the Congress led Opposition - Kerala Congress (Mani) and Loktantrik, Janata Dal. Then there is Kovoor Kunjumon who has been a fellow traveller of the Left ever since he came from the UDF, ahead of the 2016 assembly polls and this time he won his fifth straight election. A media critic on condition of anonymity said no doubt it will be Vijayan who will be the deciding factor. "So it remains to be seen how many of the single legislator ally of the LDF will get cabinet post. Here too there are some qualifications which come into play especially with regard to the caste, creed and community and hence single legislator allies like K.B. Ganesh Kumar (Hindu Nair) Antony Raju (Latin Church) and Ahmed Devarkoil (Muslim - INL), all could end up as ministers. But here too it will be Vijayan's call and with a huge majority, if he decides to leave anyone, there can be no protest at all," said the critic. Even though the first round of talks with all the allies have been completed by Vijayan, Kerala Congress (Mani) with five legislators is hopeful that they might get 2 cabinet ministers, but though it has already been shot down by Vijayan, they are expecting to get one of the two other posts with cabinet status, which includes, Chief Whip or Deputy Speaker, while the Speaker's post goes for the CPI-M. Vijayan is also the final word when it comes to selecting legislators from the CPI-M and by now cries have come that K.K. Shailaja, the Health Minister in the outgoing cabinet who won with the biggest margin of over 60,000 votes, be made the deputy chief minister. But all those who know Vijayan, knows well that this will only be wishful thinking as in his scheme of things, it's he who is final word and does not want a successor to him, at the moment. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New York, May 13 : A senior State Department official dealing with religious freedom, said the US is regularly engaging with Indian officials on protecting the rights of minorities and the government has opportunities to address the concerns of civil society groups. Briefing reporters about the 2020 Report on International Religious Freedom on Wednesday, Daniel Nadel said: "With respect to India, I think there's genuine opportunities there for the government to address some of the concerns they hear from Indian civil society through greater dialogue and engagement. "We do regularly engage with Indian government officials at all levels, encouraging them to uphold human rights obligations and commitments, including the protection of minorities, in keeping with India's long tradition of democratic values and its history of tolerance." The report said that among the issues discussed with officials "were the Muslim community's concerns about the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), difficulties faced by faith-based (religious) NGOs in the wake of amendments to the FCRA (Foreign Contributions Regulation Act), and allegations that Muslims spread Covid-19". Nadel, the senior official in the State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom, said that the US encourages the Indian government to consult "religious communities, these outside actors" on passing laws to avoid alienating them. "When laws are passed, when initiatives are undertaken that are done without effective consultation with these communities, it creates a sense of disempowerment; at times, of alienation. And the best way to address that is to engage in that direct dialogue between government and civil society, including religious communities." The annual report, which is mandated by Congress, did not grade India or deliver an overall verdict on the state of religious freedom in the country. It listed incidents involving attacks on minorities taken from reports by the media and religious and civil society groups, and legislative actions. Releasing the report, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "Our promise to the world is that the Biden-Harris administration will protect and defend religious freedom around the world. We will maintain America's longstanding leadership on this issue." He acknowledged that "anti-Muslim hatred is still widespread in many countries, and this, too, is a serious problem for the US". Among the incidents it lists were the protests in February 2020 against the CAA, which it said "became violent in New Delhi after counter-protesters attacked demonstrators. According to reports, religiously motivated attacks resulted in the deaths of 53 persons, most of whom were Muslim, and two security officials". Another incident it mentions is the Islamic Tablighi Jamaat organisation's conference last year in New Delhi, which the report said the government and media initially blamed for some of the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the report also said that "in an online address to the nation on April 26, Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the RSS, called on Indians not to discriminate against anyone in the fight against Covid-19. In a reference to the March Tablighi Jamaat conference, he asked people not to target members of a 'particular community' (i.e., Muslims) 'just because of the actions of a few'". Some of the incidents listed in the report relate to actions taken against Muslim and Christian groups over alleged violation of Covid regulations in holding religious services. However, the report also listed the deaths of two Christians, P. Jayaraj and his son Bennicks, in police custody after they were arrested for allegedly keeping their shop open in violation of a curfew as if those were religious violence. The report mentions two cases of Hindu women being killed for refusing to convert to Islam and of Christian women "forcibly" converted. It said, "Priya Soni, a Hindu, was beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam after marrying Muslim Ajaz Ahmed in a civil ceremony" and "Nikita Tomar, a Hindu, was killed by a Muslim outside her college in Faridabad, Haryana. Tomar's family said that she had resisted pressure by her killer to convert to Islam and marry him". "The Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala issued a statement that 12 Christian women had been forcibly converted to Islam and taken to Syria to join the IS and that some may have been killed," the report said. It noted Amnesty International India ending operations in the country "after the government froze its bank accounts in response to a FCRA investigation that the NGO says was motivated by its critical reporting against the government". The report said that while the Alliance for Defense of Freedom (ADF) documented 279 instances of violence against Christians during the year, with Uttar Pradesh reporting 70 incidents and Chhattisgarh 66", another Christian group, Persecution Relief, documented 293 instances of attacks or harassment of Christians in the country in the first half of the year. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Tehran, May 13 : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has slammed the sanctions imposed on the country by the US as an act of "direct oppression against the poorest". "Sanctions are a swindle on the people, direct oppression on the poorest in society, an abuse of the rights on the sick who lack medicines, and an act of cruelty on the underprivileged who are forced to buy bread at a high price," Rouhani said at a cabinet meeting here on Wednesday. Iran's economy has suffered a harsh blow since sanctions on the country were re-imposed by former US President Donald Trump's administration after Washington unilaterally abandoned the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in May 2018, reports Xinhua news agency. Rouhani pointed to the resilience of the Iranian people vis-a-vis the US '"economic war" on Iran for more than three years as a defeat of the sanctions. Regarding the "defeat of Iranophobia" in the world's public opinion, Rouhani noted that the termination of a UN-imposed arms embargo on Iran on October 18, 2020, in line with the JCPOA, was another success of Iran's diplomacy that helped Iran's military to "stand up to the enemy". The Iranian government will stand by its "constructive interaction" approach "until the end", the President said, adding that he has "no doubt" that all sanctions will be lifted. Since April 6, the JCPOA Joint Commission has conducted meetings in Vienna, aiming at getting the US to return to the deal and Iran to resume full compliance with it. May 13 : Marvel Studios latest superhero movie Black Widow is out with six new posters and now the action thriller will release in India theatrically on 9th July. Black Widow will be releasing on 9 July in theatres worldwide including India. Producers are gearing up for an epic release format by dubbing the film in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada for a Pan India run. The film will also get released on the streaming giant simultaneously. The official handle of the Black Widow movie dropped the posters and deeds on the movie. The caption read, Check out the brand-new character posters for Marvel Studios' #BlackWidow. Experience the film in theaters or on @DisneyPlus with Premier Access on July 9. Additional fee required Black Widow is produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the 24th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Cate Shortland and written by Eric Pearson from a story by Jac Schaeffer and Ned Benson, and stars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, William Hurt, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. Set after Captain America: Civil War (2016), the film sees Romanoff on the run and forced to confront her past. Black Widow will hit the cinema halls on July 9, 2021, simultaneously in theaters and through Disney+ with Premier Access. It will be the first film in Phase Four of the MCU, and was delayed three times from an original May 2020 release date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tehran, May 13 : Iran will implement the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty again if sanctions imposed by the US against the country are lifted, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. "Resuming the voluntary implementation of Additional Protocol is predicated on sanctions being lifted. If possible, we would like to get to it before May 21," Araqchi, who is leading the Iranian delegation in the ongoing Vienna nuclear talks, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. Iran stopped implementing the Additional Protocol on February 23, as mandated by a law ratified by Parliament in December 2020. In his tweet, Araqchi added that Iran is "serious and determined" in current negotiations, and ready to return to full implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), "even tomorrow" once sanctions are "verifiably lifted". The JCPOA was reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 -- US, Britain, Russia, France, China, plus Germany together with the EU. Tehran agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear weapons program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions. Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments in May 2019, one year after the previous US administration led by Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the agreement and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran. The JCPOA Joint Commission started meetings in the Austrian capital on April 6, aiming at getting the US to return to the deal and Iran to resume full compliance with it. Male, May 13 : Former Maldivian President and incumbent Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Nasheed is recovering from the injuries sustained in a bomb attack last week, local media reported. Nasheed's brother Ibrahim Nasheed was quoted by the state-owned PSM News as saying on Wednesday that the former leader was recovering and that there was no immediate threat to his life, reports Xinhua news agency. Nasheed improved greatly in the last few days and was able to sit, speak and drink fluids, Ibrahim said. Ibrahim said his brother might be transferred abroad for further treatment based on the advice of experts at the ADK Hospital where he was being treated. Nasheed, 53, was injured by a remote-controlled bomb planted in a motorcycle near his car on May 6 in the capital city of Male. Officials have arrested three suspects in connection to the attack. New Delhi, May 13 : A Delhi court on Thursday declined to grant anticipatory bail to businessman Navneet Kalra in connection with the oxygen concentrator black marketing case registered by Delhi Police. Additional sessions judge, Saket court, Sandeep Garg passed the order rejecting anticipatory bail to Kalra. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Kalra, had argued that his client had only carried out a legitimate transaction of import and customs authorities were activated, and the customs was aware of the transaction. "The GST was deposited with the government. Invoices were given and returns were filed," Pahwa had contended before the court. However, according to the prosecution, Kalra, along with other co-accused, hatched a conspiracy to wrongfully make money by inducing the public to buy oxygen concentrators from him at an "exorbitant rate". Delhi police had opposed his anticipatory bail plea stating that the investigation was at a very early stage, and it required Kalra's custodial interrogation to unearth his relationship with other parties. Kalra's counsel had argued that all rules were complied and the transactions of sale were through banking channels. He further added that oxygen concentrators are not cosmetic, not luxury, instead it was used when somebody is medically unfit. "When selling through banking channels, where is the offence", Kalra's counsel had submitted. The prosecution had argued that no anticipatory bail could be granted to "influential persons" who could tamper with evidence. The prosecution further argued Kalra made a lot of money by inducing the needy public to believe that his oxygen concentrators were premium, and also cited a report from Sri Ram laboratory, that the sample of oxygen concentrator was of poor quality. Kalra's counsel had pointed out that there was no MRP fixed by the government till date, therefore the prosecution assertion that the price at which his client sold oxygen concentrator was exorbitant, was not correct. "We could not find a single notification, which fixes the price of oxygen concentrators", said Kalra's counsel. He further added that his client was being "framed" based on social media content and he was being made a scapegoat to divert attention from more pressing issues. "It is being deliberately done. A campaign is going on against me", added Kalra's counsel. Police have also alleged that through social media posts, it has come to notice that Kalra had collected advance payments from several persons who required oxygen concentrators, but he kept postponing the supply and increased the price. New Delhi, May 13 : The current Covid wave has hit the smartphone players in India and the market is likely to see a decline of nearly 12 million units -- from 182 million to 170 million -- for the year, a new report forecast on Thursday. India's smartphone market will definitely witness a significant dip of more than 30 per cent in the ongoing second quarter (April-June period) and the festive season and pent-up demand are expected to drive the market in Q3 and Q4, according to Counterpoint Research. Consumers will prefer online channels for buying smartphones due to Covid-19 fears. India's smartphone shipments grew 23 per cent (on-year) in Q1 to reach over 38 million units. "The current COVID-19 wave will have an impact on the coming quarters, with Q2 2021 being impacted the most. We have cut our Q2 2021 forecast by more than 30 per cent compared to the previous forecast," the report showed. "The uncertainty will prevail in the market till June or July before we see demand coming back strongly during the festive season in late Q3 and early Q4," it added. The demand for smartphones has already been impacted in April (and now May) due to a surge in COVID cases and restrictions/lockdown in various states. "We believe that the shipments will witness a dip of 35-40 per cent of the BAU (business-as-usual), which corresponds to 7-8 million shipments in April. With the COVID rate, still not declining, it is not likely that the market would return to a business as-usual state before Q3 2021," said Counterpoint Research. "We have reduced our smartphone forecast for Q2 2021 to 26 million units from 39 million units, our previous forecast". Overall, the Indian smartphone market is estimated to grow by 12 per cent (YoY) to reach 170 million units in 2021. "The online segment grew in 2020 despite the overall market registering negative growth. Online channels will be leveraging the festive season sales to drive the market. Device affordability will be a major factor in driving up the volumes," the report said. The year will also see the adoption of 5G devices in India. "In 2021, the market for 5G devices will grow by over 8 times to reach 31 million units in 2021 which will make up 18 per cent of the overall market," the report added. The price of entry-level 5G devices has come down by 40 per cent in the last six months and the cheapest phone with 5G now cost almost Rs 15,000. "We expect this price to go below Rs 15000 by Q3 2021," the report said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) BBC, May 9, 2021 The explosions took place as students were leaving the building on Saturday, with pictures on social media showing abandoned school bags in the street. Most of the victims were girls, a ministry of education spokeswoman said. No-one has admitted carrying out the attack in Dasht-e-Barchi - an area often hit by Sunni Islamist militants. Afghan government officials blamed Taliban militants for the attack, but the group denied any involvement. The explosions are believed to have been caused by a car bomb and two improvised explosive devices planted in the area. The neighbourhood in western Kabul is home to many from the Hazara minority community, who are of Mongolian and Central Asian descent and are mainly Shia Muslims. Almost exactly a year ago, a maternity unit at the local hospital was attacked, leaving 24 women, children and babies dead. The exact target for Saturday's bloodshed is unclear. The blasts come against a backdrop of rising violence as the US looks to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by 11 September. Reports from Kabul say the city was busy with shoppers ahead of this year's celebrations for Eid al-Fitr next week. Students were also streaming from the school. Najiba Arian, ministry of education spokeswoman, told Reuters news agency the government-run school was open to boys and girls. Category: Taliban/ISIS/Terrorism, Women, Children, Education - Views: 742 New Delhi, May 13 : The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has accorded permission to conduct the Phase II-III clinical trial of Covaxin (Covid vaccine) in the age group of two to 18-years-old to its manufacturer Bharat Biotech Ltd, Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. "The trial will be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers," said the Ministry. In the trial, the Ministry said, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. After careful examination, the DCGI accepted the recommendation of Subject Expert Committee (SEC). The national drug regulator of the country on Wednesday gave the approval to conduct the clinical trial in the age group of youngest age group till now paving way for them to be saved from the deadly pandemic outbreak. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) had proposed to carry out a Phase II-III clinical trial of Covaxin in the age group of two to 18 years. As rapid regulatory response, the proposal was deliberated in Subject Expert Committee (SEC) (Covid-19) on May 11 this year. The committee after detailed deliberation recommended for grant of permission to conduct proposed Phase II-III clinical trial to certain conditions. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Los Angeles, May 13 : The Royal Australian Navy ship, HMAS Sydney pulled into the Naval Base San Diego, with two dead whales stuck under the vessel, a media report said, adding that one of carcasses had been towed to the sea. Video on the San Diego Web Cam Facebook page showed the Australian destroyer on May 8 making its way into San Diego Bay, 180 km south of Los Angeles, where it had been conducting joint exercises with the US Navy since early April, Xinhua news agency quoted the ABC 10 news channel as saying in its report on Wednesday. At around 9.45 a.m. that day, as the ship was pulling into a pier at Naval Base San Diego, a sobering sight emerged, the report said, the carcasses of two fin whales became dislodged from the hull and surfaced. One was 65 feet-long, the other was about 25 feet, the ABC 10 report said. The endangered fin whales are the world's second-largest whale species, only behind the blue whales. Michael Milstein, public affairs officer for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries said, the NOAA then assisted with the carcass removal and scientists were working to determine what exactly happened. John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research Biologist based in Washington, was quoted by the local CBS 8 as saying that this kind of incident was rare. He suggested that the whales could be struck by the Australian warship. "It is very unusual, and I don't know of any other case where two whales have been struck and on the bow of a ship together like this." Calambokidis said. "It usually occurs when the whale is at the surface, and the ship is unaware that the whale is there and just basically runs into them and it can either be struck by the bow of the vessel or sometimes they are caught and injured by the propeller." Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, told CNN that whale strikes by naval vessels were rare, saying: "Whales can hear ships from miles away and generally avoid ships using mid-frequency and high-powered low frequency sonars because it bothers their hearing". Only low-frequency sonar can confuse whales in shallower waters but the Australian ship is equipped with a high-frequency sonar, he added. Dhaka, May 13 : The counter-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police have arrested two militants for planning and instigating an attack on the country's Parliament in Dhaka. The two militants are Abu Sakib, 22, a member of the banned outfit Ansar Al Islam, and Ali Hasan Osama, a radical orator. They were arrested on May 6. Sakib, a college student in Sirajganj of Pabna district, was motivated by the words of Osama and "came to embrace martyrdom while attacking Parliament", the police said. Sakib was charged with carrying a sword and a black flag. He was detained from outside Parliament building on May 06 evening, Saiful Islam, deputy commissioner of the counterterrorism unit, told IANS on Thursday. He opened a Facebook group and urged everyone to come with a sword and a flag with Islamic phrases inscribed on it to attack Parliament, the police said, citing details from the primary interrogation. New Delhi, May 13 : A new tracker by Cambridge Judge Business School forecasts that the number of new Covid cases in India has peaked, and will see a declining trend over the two-week forecast period to 23 May. The tracker said but there is substantial variation among States and Union Territories in their trajectories. Cases will continue to increase over the next two weeks in Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Tripura. A new CJBS COVID-19 Tracker for India, developed by Cambridge Judge Business School and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in India working with Health Systems Transformation Platform in India, provides forecasts of the pandemic's trajectory based on a recently developed model. These forecasts are based on a structural time series model that uses historical data in estimation, but adapts to the trend emerging in the most recent period. The model is described in a paper in Harvard Data Science Review by Andrew Harvey, Emeritus Professor of Econometrics at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Cambridge, and Paul Kattuman, Reader in Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School, entitled "Time series models based on growth curves with applications to forecasting coronavirus". Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Top militant Harun Izhar confessed responsibility of the riots and sabotage erupted during Modi's B'desh Visit. Image Source: IANS News Top militant Harun Izhar confessed responsibility of the riots and sabotage erupted during Modi's B'desh Visit. Image Source: IANS News Top militant Harun Izhar confessed responsibility of the riots and sabotage erupted during Modi's B'desh Visit. Image Source: IANS News Dhaka, May 13 : A top Hefazat-e-Islam militant has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the violent riots that erupted across Bangladesh during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in March. Mufti Harun Izhar, education and culture secretary of the Hefazat's now-defunct central committee, made the confession at a court on Wednesday after two days of remand in police custody. He also named several Hefazat militants who had directly instigated the atrocity and violence that took place from March 26 to April 3. However, police officials refused to disclose the names. On May 3, he was sent for a nine-day remand in police custody for three sabotage cases. Chittagong District Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Abdullah Al Masum on Wednesday told IANS: "Harun Izhar has pleaded guilty before the court for the atrocity by the Hefazat militants, as he has sent them directly to do this in his speech by the name of 'saving Islam'." On April 26, Rapid Action Battalion teams arrested Harun from the Jamiatul Uloom Al Islamia Madrasa in Lalkhan Bazar, Chittagong. Harun's father Mufti Izharul Islam Chowdhury is the founder-director of the madrasa. He is also the president of the Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and a former Nayeb e Amir (Chief) of Hefazat. Izharul claimed that he was trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan and was also a close associate of slain Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. After his arrest, RAB officials said Harun was directly involved in the vandalisation of and police stations and government establishments in Hathazari and other parts of the country on the eve of Independence Day. On April 29, he was sent to jail on a court order. Earlier, there were 18 cases filed against Harun on various charges. In all, there are 22 cases now. Madrid, May 13 : Maria Reyes Marot, Spain's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, said that she hopes the country will be able to welcome over 45 million foreign tourists in 2021. The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the launch of the marketing campaign 'You Deserve Spain', aimed at attracting foreign tourists to the country following the coronavirus pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency. Reyes Maroto said the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council will meet on May 20 and discuss recommendations for travellers from outside of the bloc. The recommendations "will allow us to provide certainty to markets outside the European Union when it comes to the restarting of travel, especially travel from the UK, which is our largest market", commented Reyes Maroto. "If all goes well, from May 20, Britons will be able to come to Spain. What's more, they won't be asked for a PCR test when they arrive in the country. I think it's really good news," the Minister said. Spain was the second-largest tourist destination in the world in 2019, welcoming almost 84 million foreign visitors. The sector accounts for around 12 per cent of Spain's GDP and a similar percentage of the country's jobs, according to data from the Spanish Statistical Office (INE). "We hope to get at least half as many this year. If we're lucky, we'll get even more," predicted Reyes Maroto. Sitapur : , May 13 (IANS) A newly elected village head and his four associates who were arrested last week for breaching Covid protocols were booked under sedition laws on Thursday for allegedly raising anti-India slogans and praising Pakistan. The village head of Belauta village, Aslam Khan, and his four associates, were arrested last week by Sitapur police. Superintendent of police (SP), Sitapur, R P Singh, said that a preliminary probe was initiated and the video/audio footage of Khan's remarks were analyzed. "He was clearly heard raising pro-Pakistan slogans and the sedition charge was added to the FIR on basis of evidence. We had arrested the accused on May 8," he said. The accused pradhan's elder brother, Shakeel Khan, alleged the rival candidate had 'planted' youngsters in the crowd, who raised pro-Pakistan slogans. "He (rival) videographed the procession and used the footage to frame my brother," he said. Shakeel said, the video circulated on social media showed children raising slogans and neither his brother nor any adult was part of the procession. "A right-wing outfit had mounted pressure on police to add sedition charges in the FIR. He was initially booked only for violating Covid guidelines," he said. Station house officer, Thanagaon, Anil Singh said, "Aslam and his associates, Salman, Atiq, Farid and Arif, had come out on the streets to celebrate the victory. "Beating drums, Aslam and his supporters raised pro-Pakistan slogans, which could have triggered a communal clash. A police team reached the spot after complaints from residents," Singh said. He added that Aslam and his supporters also flouted Covid-19 guidelines. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh, saying the truth of fighting Covid has been exposed in the High Court and reiterated that the pandemic can only be fought with more testing and availability of medical services. Priyanka Gandhi, who is also in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Congress in a series of tweets in Hindi said, "The Uttar Pradesh government's affidavit in High Court reveals the real story of fighting Covid-19. Less tests are being conducted, no proper arrangement of Ambulance service, and no proper information of medicine and oxygen." "When will the government realise that Covid cannot be fought with lies but with more testing, avaibility of medical services and door to door vaccines," she tweeted. Her remarks came a day after the Allahabad HC rapped the Yogi Adityanath government for hiding key facts about Covid treatment facilities and the number of deaths, and failing to comply with earlier orders on furnishing details of hospitals with life-saving equipment and drugs. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New York, May 13 : A suspect involved in a shooting incident that took place in New York City's Times Square on May 8, was arrested in the state of Florida, authorities said. The man was identified as Farrakhan Muhammad, Xinhua news agency quoted local media reports as syaing. Senior officials of the New York City Police Department said on Wednesday that he was trying to shoot his brother but missed, hitting pedestrians in Times Square. Among the injured is a four-year-old girl. Police believed that none of the victims knew each other or knew the shooter. Rabat, May 13 : Moroccan King Mohammed VI granted pardon to 810 prisoners on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr festival, the Justice Ministry said. Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be celebrated on Thursday in Morocco, reports Xinhua news agency. Among the released prisoners were 12 who were arrested for extremism and terrorism and later participated in the 'Musalaha' (Reconciliation) program, a government approach to rehabilitating militants. The 12 people have officially announced their rejection of all forms of extremism and terrorism, the Ministry statement said. In addition, the pardon includes 17 people who participated in the popular protests over lack of economic and social development in the northern region of Al Hoceima in 2016, it added. Blinken, Lavrov to meet in Iceland on May 20 (Ld) Image Source: IANS News Washington: Combo photo of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Xinhua/IANS) Image Source: IANS News Washington, May 13 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during the Arctic Council Ministerial ated to take place in Iceland on May 20. During a phone call on Wednesday, the top US and Russian diplomats discussed the upcoming Arctic Council Ministerial meeting, where they will meet next week, and the potential to cooperate during Russia's subsequent Arctic Council Chairmanship, said a State Department statement. "Secretary Blinken reiterated President (Joe) Biden's resolve to protect US citizens and act firmly in defence of US interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies," Xinhua news agency quoted the Department statement as saying. Blinken called on Moscow to release two former US Marines Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, who are serving prison sentences in Russia. He also provided Lavrov with an overview of the American policy towards North Korea, according to the statement. The upcoming meeting between Blinken and Lavrov in Iceland would be the highest-level in-person talks between Washington and Moscow since President Joe Biden took office. Biden said last week that he expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the trip to Europe in June, when he will attend the G7 Summit in Britain and then the NATO Summit in Belgium. Lavrov said on Tuesday that Russia welcomes the initiative by the US for holding a summit in June. Relations between Washington and Moscow have been adversarial in recent years. The countries are bitterly divided over Ukraine, human rights, cybersecurity issues, and they mutually accused the other of domestic political interference. Thiruvananthapuram, May 13 : Even as Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across India, but the distressful situation has turned out to be a succour to the rarest of the rare reunion between a father and his daughter in Kerala, for the first time after 33 years. The 65-year-old man Sivaji has been cooling his heels at the central prison in the state capital, while his 33-year-old daughter R. Ajitha decided to meet her father, whom she had never seen as he went underground, month after she was born in 1988. Later, he was arrested for murder in the same year. Since then he had tried four times to escape the prison cell, but each time he was caught and put behind the bars. Speaking to IANS, Ajitha, who is an active CPI-M worker, recalled the sequence of events and is really excited that her efforts paid off and she was able to meet her father. "My father while living in Alappuzha district had a tiff with a local Congress worker, in which the former sustained critical injuries. But, in 1985, a fight again ensued between the two, that resulted in the death of the Congressman and my father evaded the spot," said Ajitha. "After the murder, my father went underground and married my mother. But in 1988, he was arrested on the murder charge and I was then just a month old. Since then he attempted to escape four times from the jail and each time he was caught," she added. Following Sivaji's arrest, his wife had committed suicide after one year, and by that time their she grew up in the company of her maternal grandmother who is presently 90-year-old. As time passed by, Ajitha heard about Sivaji's name from her relatives and much later she realised it was her father and is currently lodged in a jail. "The first time when I decided to meet my father was after a TV programme telecast inside the jail premise and then I found out that my father was lodged at the central jail in the state capital. I had then started planning to meet him and got in touch with the local CPI-M leaders at Palakkad, where I live with my husband (who works in a food unit at Kozhikode) and three children," Ajitha said. Although officials did their best to help her, but the only hurdle according to Ajitha was the son of that slain Congress leader, who is now a police official. "Even though the maximum sentence for a crime of this nature is 14 years and even when the extension is applied for each jail break, he ought to be free after 16 years, but what I was told is that the report against him inside the jail premise is bad and hence he continues to be there," added Ajitha. She said a glimmer of hope emerged last year, when the court decided to give parole for prisoners on account of Covid, but her father failed to get that benefit. "But this time, when the apex court ruled again to give parole, my father got it and I came from Palakkad on Wednesday and met my father for the first time. We took the night train and reached home on Thursday morning. My three kids and we are all happy, that we could finally get to see my father. We are all really delighted and the parole is now for three months, after which he will have to go back. Meanwhile, we will also try to see if he can get remission," added Ajitha. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 13: Chinas state medias threat to subject Australia to a missile strike, should it support Taiwan, has had an unexpected fallout-it has triggered demands in Canberra for nuclear weapons. Writing in the state-run tabloid Global Times- Hu Xijin -the editor-in-chief of the bullhorn of the Communist Party of China (CPC), threatened Australia by saying that China should consider attacking the continent with missiles, fired both independently and by its H6K strategic bomber. "Given that Australian hawks keep hyping or hinting that Australia will assist the US military and participate in war once a military conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Straits, and the Australian media outlets have been actively promoting the sentiment, I suggest China make a plan to impose retaliatory punishment against Australia once it militarily interferes in the cross-Straits situation," writes Hu. The bellicose insider of the CPC then details a plan of attack. "The plan [to attack Australia] should include long-range strikes on the military facilities and relevant key facilities on Australian soil if it really sends its troops to China's offshore areas and combats against the PLA," Hu writes. "If they [Australian hawks] are bold enough to coordinate with the US to militarily interfere in the Taiwan question and send troops to the Taiwan Straits to wage war with the PLA, they must know what disasters they would cause to their country." Undeterred by the Chinese threat former Yale and Harvard academic, Anders Corr, in his riposte written in Epoch Times, says that given Hu's threat "the United States and allies should immediately support Australia in obtaining an independent submarine-based nuclear deterrent, so that Australia can join countries such as the United States, France, Britain, and India as powerful global defenders of freedom and democracy. The independent strength of individual members of an alliance improves the overall strength of the alliance". Corr is not the first one to call for an independent Australian nuclear deterrent, given the likely face-off with China in the Indo-Pacific region. "Far from being in a strategic backwater, Australia is very much now a state in the front line," said Malcolm Davis, a military planner as quoted earlier by Bangkok Post. Hugh White -- a professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University is another heavyweight advocating Australian nukes. In his book, "How to Defend Australia", he argues that developing nuclear weapons has become inevitable. "The strategic costs of forgoing nuclear weapons in the new Asia could be much greater than they have been until now," he says citing "big strategic shifts in Asia". Corr, points to the urgency of acquiring Australian nukes. "Australia has a limited window of opportunity in which to go nuclear, after which China's rising power and regional hegemony will make an independent nuclear Australia impossible. At that point, which could be as soon as 5 or 10 years, the window will close and China could more effectively use nuclear brinkmanship, control of Asian seas, check book diplomacy, and its economic trading power, to break Australia from its allies, and bring it under Beijing's dominance," he observes. NATO should welcome Australia into its alliance as a full member, before China has a chance to create a territorial dispute down under, and thereby make Australian accession more difficult. If Washington came under the influence of Beijing, the bilateral U.S.-Australia alliance would be useless to Australia's defence, he says. Corr makes two additional points. First, NATO must change its strategic outlook by no longer narrowly focusing on the Atlantic. Instead, it should broaden its vision to include Asia. Second non-democracies such as Saudi Arabia and Vietnam should be included in the Indo-Pacific phalanx. "NATO should no longer be a purely Atlantic affair, given globalization and the rise of China. What matters today in choosing our closest allies is not geography, but shared values in support of democracy, as well as the inclusion of a broader diversity of allies, including countries like Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, that will strengthen the alliance in resisting Beijing's growing preponderance of power." (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/ Los Angeles, May 13 : Rapper 50 Cent has lauded Tom Cruise after the Hollywood star returned his three Golden Globes to join the protest against the Hollywood Free Press Association (HFPA), organisers of the awards. The rapper shared a screenshot of a tweet about the news of the "Mission Impossible" star returning his Golden Globe trophies on Instagram in the late hours of Wednesday night according to India time. "For the first time since 1996 NBC won't be airing the Golden Globes, no diversity, no show. @tomcruise is the man for sending his trophy's back. #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi," the rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, wrote as caption. According to Deadline, Cruise returned his three awards at the HFPA headquarters this week because he feels the organisation is not doing enough to ensure diversity and inclusivity. Cruise had won Best Actor awards at the Globes for his roles in "Jerry Maguire" and "Born On The Fourth Of July", and Best Supporting Actor award for "Magnolia". His decision came on the same day that NBC announced they won't broadcast the awards in 2022. The network has aired the awards since 1996. New Delhi, May 13: The Indian armed forces earned international accolades when they reached to people in distress from Indonesia to Sri Lanka during the infamous Asian Tsunami of 2004. As an undersea earthquake triggered mammoth waves that devastated long stretches of the Indian Ocean coastline, Indian warships rose to the occasion providing HADR to people well beyond India's maritime borders. But the second wave of Covid-19 have by a wide margin, dwarfed the HADR demands of the Asian Tsunami. At a time when millions have been literally gasping for breath, the armed forces have fanned out far beyond India's borders on a HADR mission that has no precedence. Right at this moment, containers filled with Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) are being loaded on to Indian Navy's INS Jalashwa-the navy's massive tanker, in Brunei. INS Shardul has entered Kuwait today. Simultaneously, and with clockwork precision, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft are ferrying home life-saving oxygen from several corners of the globe. Till early hours of Wednesday, IAF planes had conducted 98 sorties from different countries, airlifting 95 containers of 793 Metric Tonnes (MT) capacity and other hardware of 204 MT capacity. This equipment has been ferreted from Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Indonesia, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel and France. The IAF has also airlifted 403 oxygen containers of 6,856 MT capacity along with other equipment of 163 MT capacity, in 634 sorties from different parts of the country. The cities covered are Jamnagar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Panagarh, Indore, Ranchi, Agra, Jodhpur, Begumpet, Bhubaneshwar, Pune, Surat, Raipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, Nagpur, Gwalior, Vijayawada, Baroda, Dimapur and Hindan. As part of operation Samudra Setu II, seven Indian Naval ships have returned home with 260 MT of LMO from 13 containers for direct supply to various states, eight oxygen containers of total capacity 160 MT, approximately 2,600 oxygen filled cylinders and 3,150 empty cylinders for oxygen from the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, heavy load carriers TATRA vehicles and military grade railway bogies of the Indian Army are moving heavy machinery, oxygen generators and cryogenic tankers to ensure their timely delivery. The hospitals set up by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at New Delhi, Patna, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and some other places that are scheduled to come up, such as that in Varanasi, are all being manned by more than 500 armed forces doctors and nurses. A large number of Battle Field Nursing Assistants (BFNAs), soldiers/sailors/airmen, who are trained in basic medical care, have also been deployed to assist the trained workforce. The paramilitary forces and home-grown voluntary organisations have also not been far behind this mammoth relief effort. For instance, in the national capital, the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) has teamed up with the paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Policy (ITBP) to care for the Covid infected. The two organisations are working together at the sprawling Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Covid Care Centre (SPCCC) at Chhawla in western Delhi. "On a daily basis 250 volunteers are preparing four meals a day - from Karra early in the morning, to breakfast, lunch, the evening tea and dinner - for every soul inside the Covid care centre," said an office-bearer of the RSSB in Chhatarpur, in the capital, as quoted by Hindustan Times. A new and a typically Indian hybrid model of HADR where the men and women in uniform are enmeshing with social organisation, imbued in the inclusive spirit of "seva" or service without strings, i rising to the occasion to defeat a deadly disease. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/ Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, May 13 : A panel of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed using the Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for children as young as 12 years. In a tweet on Wednesday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said that the Cetre now recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine be used for vaccinating children from 12-15 year age group, reports Xinhua news agency. "Getting your adolescent vaccinated means they can return to social activities faster. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your family is protected," she said. The Pfizer vaccine has been in use in the US for months for people 16 years and older. The US Food and Drug Administration authorised its use for those as young as 12 earlier this week. Pfizer is the first vaccine manufacturer to gain emergency use authorisation for younger Americans after it demonstrated in a March clinical trial that its jab was 100 per cent effective in preventing the disease among study participants who were aged between 12 to 15. In the Pfizer study, there were no positive cases among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects of the vaccine for adolescents are the same as for adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd on Wednesday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Aligarh : , May 13 (IANS) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday visited Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) that has seen a number of faculty members losing their lives to Covid. He is the first Uttar Pradesh chief minister to do so. The chief minister took stock of the arrangements made to prevent corona infection and held discussions with vice chancellor Tariq Mansoor, and other officials. Two days ago, Adityanath had spoken to the vice chancellor on phone and had expressed his concern over Covid deaths, including 16 serving and 18 retired faculty members, on the campus. He had assured all possible assistance in terms of medicines and oxygen cylinders for Covid treatment. According to an official release, the chief minister also inquired about activities in the university. The Aligarh Muslim University was established in 1920 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and became a central university in 1921. Adityanath will travel to Agra and Mathura later in the day to review the Covid situation there. He will hold meetings with district officials and issue necessary instructions. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Chennai, May 13 : The Sterlite plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu has dispatched its first load of oxygen to nearby Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital on Thursday. The vehicle carrying 4.82 KL of oxygen was flagged off by Tuticorin district collector, Dr K. Senthil Raj from the Sterlite premises. The district collector who is the monitoring committee chairman appointed by the state government on the directive of the Supreme court said that the quality check of the 4.82 KL of oxygen was done in the quality control laboratory within the Sterlite premises. The collector said that the liquid oxygen was moved to Tirunelveli Medical College hospital under the supervision of the officials of the Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation (TNMSC). The district collector also said that TNMSC will allot the subsequent consignments by the evening of Thursday. Sterilite corporation Chief Executive Officer, Pankaj Kumar in a statement said, "My team and myself are honoured that our facility and efforts are being directly put into helping save lives. We promise to make every possible effort to ensure that there is continuous production of oxygen from our plant." Thoothukudi Contractors association president, S. Thiagarajan while speaking to IANS said, "It is a really happy moment and around 200 contract workers are engaged in the work along with the staff of the plant and our efforts are fructified as we could provide oxygen to the needy and to government Medical college, Tirunelveli from this plant." Mumbai, May 13 : Fresh legal troubles are brewing in Mumbai for the fugitive diamantaire Nirav D. Modi, currently seeking bail and battling extradition proceedings in a UK Court, officials said here on Thursday. A Special Court under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 has slapped notices to Nirav Modi and his sister Purvi Mehta -- who turned approver five months ago -- besides his group companies, ordering them to appear before the Special Judge V.C. Barde on June 11, in Mumbai. Barde has also asked them to show cause why the Special Court should not attach the properties and assets of the two siblings and the other group companies under the law, in a money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in early 2018. The development comes exactly three-and-half-years after Nirav Modi, several of his family members, his maternal uncle Mehul C. Choksi and others were accused of perpetrating a stunning fraud of around Rs 14,000-crore in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). Even before PNB admitted to the fraud and lodged a formal police complaint in January 2018, it emerged that Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others had already fled the country as the Central Bureau of Investigation and ED launched their independent probes. Besides the 'Mama-Bhanja' duo, Modi's group companies like Stellar Diamonds, Firestar International Ltd, Radashir Jewelery Co. Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Trading Pvt. Ltd., Solar Exports, Diamonds R Us, Firestar Diamond International Ltd., Mac Business Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Bentley Properties Pvt. Ltd. and Nirav Modi Trust, were under the scanner of the CBI-ED sleuths and are named in the Special Court's latest notices. Shortly afterwards, in Feb. 2018, a Mumbai Magistrate ordered a non-bailable warrant against Modi, in June 2018, the InterPol issued a Red Corner Notice, followed by India's request in Aug. 2018 to the UK authorities seeking his extradition back home. It was in March 2019 that a massive furore erupted in India after Nirav Modi was found sauntering on a London street and the Indian authorities went after him with renewed vigour, resulting in his arrest that same month. As he remains in jail, a UK Court in Feb. 2021 cleared his extradition to India to face charges of bank frauds, money-laundering, etc, even as Purvi and her husband Maiank Mehta turned approvers in the case in January 2021. Incidentally, in the past couple of years, the ED-CBI has managed to recover small sums by auctioning off Nirav Modi's assets like half-a-dozen luxury vehicles, designer bags, high-value wristwatches, rare paintings, artworks and other stuff, while his deluxe bungalow in Alibaug, Raigad was attached and demolished in March 2019. After the PNB scam broke out, over the next couple of years, several other nationalised banks slowly came into the open and reveal how Modi-Choksi had duped and dumped them in various loan accounts. Meanwhile, in early 2019 it came to light Choksi had acquired the citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda Island in the West Indies in November 2017, and is currently embroiled in a legal tangle over his citizenship and related issues. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Lucknow, May 13 : Yoga experts are now advising people to blow conch shells in order to strengthen the respiratory system. The age-old practice of blowing conch shells, known as 'shankh', after prayers, is said to help in fighting Covid by enhancing the lung power. Yoga expert, Ratan Sinha of Prayagraj, said, "Blowing a conch shell is a part of Hindu and Buddhist tradition. Our elders blew the 'shankh' regularly and their lungs were strong. They rarely suffered from respiratory problems. On Sinha's advice, people in three Lucknow neighbourhoods at Stanley Road, Darbhanga and Civil Lines area have started blowing conch shells on a regular basis. "At 6.a.m every day, we start blowing the 'shankh' in our houses and everyone joins in form the confines of their homes. Since we cannot go out for morning walk, this gives us a sense of unity as well. Even the children are now taking interest and blowing the 'shankh'," said G.P. Singh, an octogenarian who lives on Stanley Road. He insisted that the blowing of conch shells also dispels all the negative energy in the surroundings. A Lucknow resident, Sameer Khanna, said, "While performing yoga, each and every group member blows conch shells for at least five minutes every day. As Covid affects the respiratory system, blowing conch shells is a good way to strengthen the lungs and increase their capacity." The members of the group admit that there is no scientific evidence to prove that blowing conch shells helps prevent Covid-19 but they say it definitely helps one in lung exercise. "We started practicing blowing conch shells since April and are continuing our exercise to strengthen the lungs. We feel better and more positive," said Khanna. Group members also train each other on the right method of blowing conch shells and share its benefits. Interestingly, women are also practicing blowing conch shells at their homes. They say that the sound of 'shankh' purifies the atmosphere at home. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. New Delhi, May 13 : Retailers Association of India (RAI) has urged the government to take steps for capital infusion into the retail industry with ECLGS benefits and loan moratorium. Speaking about the state of the Indian Retail Industry, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, said: "The retail industry in India has been in a perpetual paradox ever since the first set of restrictions began last year in March 2020. The businesses and the workforce in retail need to be cushioned by the government or the local authorities to ease off their hardships." He further said that two most important and immediate steps that can prevent this industry from collapsing are to prioritise vaccination of the last mile workers and to urgently provide financial support. RAI noted that as the days of the lockdown drag on, it is getting increasingly difficult for retailers to retain employees and to keep their businesses afloat. Retailers need to pay salaries, minimum electricity, rentals, property taxes etc, even if the businesses are shut due to the lockdown. The cash inflow of the industry has come to a standstill, while the fixed operating cost remains intact. The immense financial stress faced by the retail sector will adversely impact both livelihood and the financial institutions exposure to the sector as retailers start to become insolvent. Millions of MSME suppliers too get no payment from the industry participants. RAI has recommended that the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India step in to bring some relief to the mounting stress on the retail business in the wake of second wave of Covid -19. It noted that corporate retail outlets is one of the 26 sectors, selected by the Kamath panel under the 'Resolution Framework for Covid-related Stress'. While this was mentioned in the announcement of ECLGS 2.0 it has not been clarified in the notification which announced ECLGS 3.0, it said. "This needs to be clarified and ECLGS funds made available to the retail sector immediately. Availability of additional funding to eligible retail businesses will go a long way in contributing to retail revival and protecting jobs," it said. It further sought a moratorium on principal and interest for six months for the 26 stressed sectors. RAI also asked the government and the RBI to mandate banks to give ad-hoc working capital loans of 30 per cent more than current limits so that critical payments like salaries and wages can be made, among other recommendations. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Jersey, May 13 : The Verizon Business 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (2021 DBIR) report saw 5,258 breaches from 83 contributors across the globe, a third more breaches analyzed than last year. With an unprecedented number of people working remotely, phishing and ransomware attacks increased by 11 percent and 6 percent respectively, with instances of misrepresentation increasing by 15 times compared to last year. Additionally, breach data showed that 61 percent of breaches involved credential data (95 percent of organizations suffering credential stuffing attacks had between 637 and 3.3 billion malicious login attempts through the year). The report also highlighted the challenges facing businesses as they move more of their business functions to the cloud -- with attacks on web applications representing 39% of all breaches. "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many of the security challenges organizations are currently facing," said Tami Erwin, CEO, Verizon Business. "As the number of companies switching business-critical functions to the cloud increases, the potential threat to their operations may become more pronounced, as malicious actors look to exploit human vulnerabilities and leverage an increased dependency on digital infrastructures". This year, the Incident Classification Patterns the DBIR report team uses to classify security threats have also been improved and refreshed. The updated report patterns explain 95.8 percent of analyzed breaches and 99.7 percent of analyzed incidents over all time, and should provide customers with a better understanding of the threats that exist, and how their organizations can best avoid them. Increase in phishing and ransomware attacks -- along with continued high numbers of Web Application Attacks -- underscore a year of unprecedented security challenges, the report said. The report analyzes 29,207 quality incidents, of which 5,258 were confirmed breaches. Phishing attacks increased by 11 percent, while attacks using ransomware rose by 6 percent. Eighty-five percent of breaches involved a human element, while over 80 percent of breaches were discovered by external parties. Breach simulations found the median financial impact of a breach is $21,659, with 95 percent of incidents falling between $826 and $653,587. New Delhi, May 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 8th instalment of financial benefits worth Rs 19,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Friday to benefit more than 9.5 crore farmers. The Prime Minister will release the instalment through video conferencing at 11 a.m. "The instalment will enable the transfer of more than Rs 19,000 crore to more than 9.5 crore beneficiary farmer families," said a statement issued from the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister will also interact with farmer beneficiaries during the event. The Union Agriculture Minister will also be present on the occasion. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is provided to the eligible beneficiary farmer families, payable in three equal 4-monthly instalments of Rs 2,000 each. The fund is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. In this scheme, Samman Rashi of over Rs 1.15 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers' families so far. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New York, May 13 : With most people working from home, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been a surge in cyber crime. The year 2021 saw 5,258 data breaches across the globe, a third more breaches analysed than last year, according to a report on Thursday. The 14th edition of Data Breach Investigations Report (2021 DBIR) by US-based Verizon Business, analysed 29,207 security incidents from data collected from 83 contributors, with victims spanning 88 countries; 12 industries, and three world regions. The report showed that with an unprecedented number of people working remotely, phishing and ransomware attacks increased by 11 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, with instances of misrepresentation increasing by 15 times compared to last year. Additionally, breached data showed that 61 per cent of breaches involved credential data. About 95 per cent of organisations suffering credential stuffing attacks had between 637 and 3.3 billion malicious login attempts through the year. "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many of the security challenges organisations are currently facing," said Tami Erwin, CEO, Verizon Business, in a statement. "As the number of companies switching business-critical functions to the cloud increases, the potential threat to their operations may become more pronounced, as malicious actors look to exploit human vulnerabilities and leverage an increased dependency on digital infrastructures" Erwin added. Among Financial and insurance industries, 83 per cent of data compromised in breaches was personal data, while in Professional, Scientific and Technical services industries only 49 per cent was personal. Further, the 2021 DBIR report also revealed many breaches that took place in Asia Pacific regions were caused by financially motivated attackers -- phishing employees for credentials, and then using those stolen credentials to gain access to mail accounts and web application servers. Europe, Middle East and Africa regions saw basic web application attacks, system intrusion, and social engineering, while Northern America was the target of financially motivated cyber criminals searching for money or easily monetisable data. Social engineering, hacking and malware continued to be the favoured tools utilised by cyber criminals in this region. Islamabad, May 13 : Pakistan on Thursday celebrated Eid-al-Fitr amid Covid-19 precautionary measures. Eid prayers were held in open spaces across the country with the implementation of Covid-19 SOPs to avoid the spread of the pandemic, reports The Express Tribune newspaper. In separate messages, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan called on citizens to strictly adhere to anti-virus protocols while celebrating the festival, stating that the measures were necessary to avoid a massive outbreak, reports Dawn news. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar expressed hope that citizens would remain mindful of SOPs while celebrating in an effort to safeguard their own lives and those of their loved ones. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 13 : Lack of proper use and timely maintenance of 'Make in India' ventilators -- that help you breathe or breathe for you -- is resulting in glitches in the machine amid the Covid crisis, creating another challenging situation for the Centre. Despite instructions given in the user manual, detailed guidelines issued to ventilator users regarding infrastructure requirements, proper usage and maintenance of the CV200 ventilators, "many hospitals or medical colleges are not following these", said sources. Flow sensors, bacteria filters and HME filters are not being changed by the hospital authorities as per the prescribed norms, or the ventilators are being used without these important consumable items. Such lapses have caused serious concern when the Central government has been centrally procuring and providing states and Union Territories (UTs) or central hospitals or institutes with essential medical devices including ventilators since April 2020 to augment the existing hospital infrastructure. The Union Health Ministry on Thursday posed pointed questions to a few such hospitals and medical colleges in Punjab, saying "they have been, instead, raising the issue of ventilators being non-functional without any basis". One such case was reported from the GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab where several ventilators were lying unused as a result of technical glitches due to lack of proper maintenance. The hospital later raised the issue that there were technical glitches in the 'Made in India' ventilators due to poor service by the manufacturer after sales. Ministry has said that a few reports were also published in media, clarifying "these reports seem to be unfounded, not having the full information on the matter". With reference to the recent media report regarding 71 of 80 AgVa Healthcare make ventilators being non-functional or faulty at the GGS Medical College and Hospital, the Ministry clarified 88 ventilators have been supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and five by AgVa. After successful installation and commissioning, the Ministry said, these ventilators were provided with Final Acceptance Certificate by the hospital authorities. BEL has informed that bulk of the ventilators at GGS Medical College Hospital (GGSMCH) are not faulty, the Ministry said. "Their engineers have visited the Medical College on different occasions in the past to address the complaints received and carried out minor repairs required promptly. They have even conducted repeated demonstrations of the functioning of the ventilators to the staff over there." It was observed that there are issues and problems with the infrastructure in GGSMCH including non-availability of required pressure in the central oxygen gas pipelines, said the Ministry. "Further, the consumables like flow sensors, bacteria filters and HME filters are not being changed by the hospital authorities as per the prescribed norms, or the ventilators are being used without these important consumable items. "Maintenance of correct gas pressures (difference between air pressure and oxygen pressure cannot be more than 10 PSI) and use of proper consumables are essential requirements, without which performance of CV200 ventilators is not guaranteed," said the Ministry. Furthermore, BEL engineers visited GGSMCH again on Wednesday and made five ventilators functional only by replacing a few consumables and demonstrated their optimum performance to the GGSMCH authorities, thereby, further making it evident that when operated properly, the ventilators will provide reliable performance. The Central government has been supplying these ventilators supported by the PM CARES fund to hospital and medical colleges in states and UTs. Besides, there are a few states which have received the ventilators but are yet to get these installed in their hospitals. The Union Health Secretary has written to seven such States on April 11 and again on May 9 which still have more than 50 ventilators lying uninstalled with them for the last 4-5 months. "They have been requested to get the installation expedited so that the ventilators can be put to optimal use." In addition, the Union Health Ministry had written to the states and UTs to contact ventilator manufactures on helpline numbers which are also available on the ventilators in the form of stickers. In addition, information has again been provided of state wise Whatsapp groups created with the concerned nodal officers of the states and UTs, representatives of the user hospitals and technical teams of the manufacturers in order to address any technical issues in real time. The Centre has also shared dedicated email IDs of the ventilator manufacturers with the states and UTs in case they get any report regarding glitches in the machine. Ventilators were available in very limited numbers in government hospitals across the country at the beginning of the Covid pandemic last year. Moreover, very limited manufacturing of ventilators was taking place in the country and most of the suppliers abroad were not in a position to make supplies of ventilators in large quantities to India. That is when the local manufacturers were encouraged to produce "Make in India" ventilators to address the huge projected demand of the country and orders placed on them. Many of them were first time manufacturers of the ventilators. The ventilator models went through rigorous screening, technical demonstration and clinical validation process in the very limited time available for the same, through domain knowledge experts, and after their approval, these were put into supplies. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Gurugram, May 13 : A 100-bed Covid care hospital set up by the Gurugram district administration in collaboration with the Vedanta Group will soon become functional at Tau Devi Lal stadium in Sector 38. Deputy Commissioner Yash Garg took stock of the makeshift hospital on Wednesday and gave necessary directions to the authorities. Although in the last few days, Covid cases have dropped in Gurugam, but the district officials are prepared to deal with the third Covid wave. "This temporary hospital is being set up with a capacity of 100 beds, where the patients will be provided with all the possible healthcare facilities," Garg said. Anil Aggarwal, Chairman of the Vedanta Group, informed that the company is mulling to arrange 1,000 beds for Covid patients through its Anil Aggarwal Foundation, which was being started from the Gurugam district. "All the preparations have been completed by the district administration and the company to set up this temporary hospital in Gurugam. While, establishing this Covid care centre, a technology called 'HEPA Filter' is being used which is effective in preventing the infection of the virus. There will be arrangements for 80 oxygen bad and 20 ICU beds in the initial phase,'" Aggarwal added. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Jaipur, May 13 : Even though it has been just two months to the start of the new academic session, the private schools in Jaipur are ruling the roost, blocking students from attending online classes due to non-payment of fees, flouting the order of the Supreme Court and the state government. Surprising, the hapless students are being tormented even at a time when their parents are fighting for life in hospitals. Jaswant Choudhary, whose kid studies in Jaishri Preriwal school told IANS, "I tested Covid positive on April 28 and two days later got a call for fee payment from the school. I told them that I have paid half the fees for last academic year and shall pay remainder till August in instalments as per SC guidelines issued recently. For this year, will pay the fee once I turn ok. However my kid was barred from attending online classes on May 3." Similar is the story of many parents who are battling Covid in hospitals but the school is dropping their wards due to non-payment of fees. Sudhir Sharma, a doctor by profession was hospitalised due to Covid on May 1 after he tested Covid positive on April 28. His son and wife tested positive on April 29. The class teacher was informed about the illness but despite showing any courtesy or help, the school blocked his son from attending online class on May 4. He said, "I was in hospital till May 12 and have been discharged on Thursday, surprisingly, the government officials are also not lending their ears to the complaint and are asking us to shift our wards to government schools," he alleged. Meanwhile, DEO Ramchandra Pilaniya, speaking to IANS, said, "We have already slapped a notice to the school concerned and asked them to take the students back into classes who have been blocked since this comprises Supreme Court guidelines." IANS has the order copy which says that the department has received a complaint that many students are blocked even after paying the fees and it said that the schools can't drop students for non-payment of fees. IANS tried to contact Madhu Maini, principal of Jaishri Preriwal school, but she did not take the call. However, even after receiving the notice, she asked parents to pay the fees and then only their wards will be allowed to join classes. Many schools in Jaipur are following the same trend and have blocked the students. Warren Academy has blocked students who have not paid fees for the running quarter which include April, May and June. Says Meena Goyal, "My daughter has been blocked from attending classes as we did not pay fees for the last two months. Since then, she has stopped talking to us going under depression. Can schools act so cruel in these testing times? She questioned adding that they have a shop which remains closed since last one month and hence there is no income but we still have been paying fees regularly and non-payment of fees for two months should not be an issue, she added. Meena is also under home isolation with symptoms of cough, cold and fever. Pilaniya, when asked how schools are flouting SC order, told IANS, "As such our offices are closed due to lockdown and we have announced summer holidays. But some schools are running classes on their own. We are yet to receive SC order and then can work accordingly," he added. Meanwhile, education officers informed that they are trying to call Jaishree Periwal school but no one is taking the call. In fact, there are many schools who have increased the school fee in the current session and are also charging annual fees of Rs 30,000 even at a time when the schools remain closed. Will someone listen or act, says Mukta Agrawal, another hapless parent. School education minister Govind Singh Dotasara was attending a meeting and hence was unavailable for his comment. SC, in its recent verdict, had asked schools to slash 15 per cent fees for the last session and said it cannot drop kids for non payment of fees and allowed parents to pay fees for last session in 6 instalments till August 2021. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) May 13 : As promised, Salman Khans much talked about film, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai has been released in cinema halls worldwide today along with other platforms like ZEE5 and ZEEPlex on the occasion of Eid. However, owning to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, theatres in most states of India are shut, hence, Salmans fans will not be able to throng the cinemas for their favourite heros film. Talking to a group of journalists, Salman Khan, who is also the co-producer of the film, said that once the condition in India returns to normalcy and theatres open with full capacity, he will try to release Radhe in cinema halls despite the OTT release today as the actor believes that there are still people who would want to watch the film in theatres. Directed by Prabhu Deva, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai stars Salman Khan, Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda. The film was initially scheduled to release during Eid 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. In the virtual interaction with media, Salman revealed that the film has three villains--Sang Hae from Bhutan, Gautam Gulati, who was in Bigg Boss, and Randeep Hooda. Meanwhile, Salman took to social media and urged fans for their commitment to watch Radhe on the right platform and say no to piracy. Ahead of the release of the film, the actor shared a video and talked about how so many people put in efforts to make one film. He stated that it is very upsetting when some people take to piracy to enjoy films. The actor, who recently revealed that he has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, expressed his desire to start a vaccination drive for all if he can procure vaccines. The actor urged all to get their vaccines as soon as possible. Salman has been helping people amidst the pandemic since last year through his foundation Being Human. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kabul, May 13 : A three-day ceasefire started on Thursday in Afghanistan as people celebrate the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with the Eid-al-Fitr festival. Last week, the Taliban militant group announced a three-day nationwide ceasefire, dpa news agency reported. In reaction to the Taliban offer, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also ordered government security forces to respect the ceasefire. The government also asked the Taliban for a permanent ceasefire, repeating previous requests. The provincial councilor for embattled northern Kunduz province said that the residents of the province were happy with the ceasefire as they can celebrate Eid without any threats. It was the same in the embattled south-eastern province of Ghazni, where the residents have started celebrating Eid peacefully, local councilor Hamiddullah Nawruz said. The province had witnessed heavy fighting in recent days between the government and militant forces, particularly those from the Taliban. But the problems of the fighting intruded even in places like southern Helmand province, where there haven't been many clashes, but where many of those present have either been displaced by fighting elsewhere, have lost a loved one or are nursing a family member wounded by the fighting, local councilor Mir Ahmad Khan said. This is not the first time the Taliban have offered such a ceasefire. The first three-day calm came in June 2018, the first the armed group had offered since their government was toppled by the US-led invasion in 2001. During the days before this year's ceasefire, intense fighting was reported in several provinces. The Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, districts, bases, and checkpoints since international troops began to officially withdraw on May 1. The security forces have tried to repel these attacks, but two districts have already fallen to the Islamists. Observers fear the recent attacks are just the beginning of the Taliban's annual offensive. This could increase after the withdrawal of US and NATO troops is complete. According to official figures, around 10,000 US and NATO soldiers were still in the country at the beginning of May. These are now set to withdraw by September 11. The US military said on Tuesday that it estimates around 6 to 12 per cent of the entire withdrawal process had been completed. New Delhi, May 13 : The Supreme Court on Thursday told Centre that it has to consider harsh realities in connection with migrant workers during the lockdown announced by various state governments. A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M.R. Shah said it is inclined to pass directions to NCR states to have community kitchens and to facilitate transportation of migrant workers who are willing to return to their native places amid the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. "How will migrants survive with no money or work? Some sustenance must be provided for the time being...You have to consider the harsh realities," the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The top court also asked the Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi governments to submit details on the steps taken to help migrant workers caught in the second surge of pandemic that slowed down industrial activities causing loss of employment and earning to them. The bench emphasized that migrant workers returning home should not be charged exorbitant fare by private bus operators and the Centre should explore the possibility of involving the railways to facilitate their transportation. The top court made these observations while hearing a plea filed by three activists seeking directions to the Centre and states to ensure food security, cash transfers, transport facilities and other welfare measures for migrant workers. The bench said it will pass a detailed order by Thursday evening. "For the time being, we are inclined to pass directions on community kitchen so that nobody starves," said the bench. The top court also noted that it will pass order on facilitating transport of those who are willing to go back to their native places. The top court said it will issue directions for NCR states Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and for other states, it may ask them to file their responses on the issues raised in the petition. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, contended that a large number of migrant workers is facing distress due to the pandemic, as they have lost jobs and have no money to look after their families. Bhushan added that migrant workers were being charged exorbitantly by private bus operators for travelling to their native places. The bench noted that governments must see that no one is overcharged for travelling back to their native places and there must be some provision to provide those without money with cooked food or ration. Mehta submitted before the bench the country is fighting the worst form of the pandemic and the state governments are trying to ensure that industrial and construction activities are not halted. Mehta said, "This year, the effort of every state is to ensure that it is not a lockdown in a sense which we have seen last time." He emphasized that the states are alive to the situation and insisted that states should be allowed to place all the details before the top court. Mehta termed the petition "far from reality". The bench observed that it would not direct for free ride. "We are only saying that those who are willing to travel should be facilitated and it must be ensured that they are not charged exorbitantly," noted the bench. The top court in May, last year, had taken suo motu cognizance of problems and miseries of migrant labourers and had passed a slew of directions for the state governments. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, May 13 : Urvashi Rautela has said that all proceeds and her earnings from her debut international music album "Versace Baby", with Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan, will be donated towards Indias fight against Covid-19 and to Palestine Red Crescent Society. "I'm well pleased to be a part of this noble dynamism, to lend our hand towards the nation's fight against Covid-19. Since last year, we have endeavoured in our efforts towards fighting Covid-19, since this unprecedented catastrophe struck our country and the world. The contemporaneous situation has empowered us to bestow more in these arduous times," Urvashi told IANS. Urvashi added that the country is "going through a formidable situation". "Mohamed and I are committed to taking all the requisite steps to invigorate the fight against Covid-19. We are also donating to the Palestine Red Crescent Society to help amplify the resources to provide vital relief efforts to people affected by the pandemic," she concluded. Urvashi also took to social media on Thursday to share the news about the donations. She shared a video with Ramzan on Instagram. Alongside the clip, she wrote: "With my fav Hindi student Mohamed Ramadan.#EidMubarak to you and your family! May this bring nothing but joy for all. Have a safe and happy Eid to all my Muslim fans & loved ones worldwide." She added: "All proceeds and my earnings from this video will be donated towards the nation's fight against Covid-19 and to Palestine Red Crescent Society." 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 Sydney, May 13 : Australia Test captain Tim Paine said that he would support Steve Smith if he becomes the team's captain again. Speculation has been rife about Smith returning to the role that he was axed from in the wake of the 2018 ball tampering scandal, especially after Australia lost to India 2-1 at home earlier this year under Paine's captaincy. "I think so. Obviously I don't make that decision but the time I played with Steve as captain he was excellent. Certainly tactically he is as good as you get," Paine said while speaking at a function for the Chappell Foundation at the SCG on Wednesday night. Paine said that he saw similarities in Smith's situation when the latter was first made captain to when he was captain of Tasmani. "He's probably a bit like me when I was at the start of my captaincy journey in Tasmania - he was thrown into a very big role at a very, very young age and he probably wasn't quite ready for it," he said. "But by the time I came in he was growing into that role and getting better and better. Then obviously South Africa events happened and he's not doing it anymore. I would support him getting that job again," said Paine. Paine said that he expects himself to be captain for at least six more Test matches culminating in the Ashes later this year at home. "At least another six Tests," said the 36-year-old Paine. "If I feel like the time is right and we've beaten the Poms 5-0, what a way to go out. But it might be a tight series and we might be chasing 300 on the last day and I'm 100 not out and hit the winning runs - and then I might go again," he said. San Francisco, May 13 : Apple, which hired ex-Facebook product manager Antonio Garcia Martinez, has now fired him following public and internal calls for removal and investigation due to the alleged misogynistic statements he made in the past. Martinez authored a controversial book about Silicon Valley where he expressed misogynistic views on women, The Verge reported. "We are deeply concerned about the recent hiring of Antonio Garcia Martinez," employees wrote in the petition. More than 2,000 employees signed the petition before it was published by The Verge. Shortly after the petition began circulating internally at Apple, Martinez's Slack account was deactivated. The ad platforms team was called into an emergency meeting where it was confirmed Martinez would no longer be working at the company. In a statement emailed to The Verge, an Apple spokesperson said: "At Apple, we have always strived to create an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone is respected and accepted. Behaviour that demeans or discriminates against people for who they are has no place here." Sydney, May 13 : The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Thursday announced a relief package for farmers dealing with a catastrophic mouse plague that has destroyed crops and caused havoc in communities. State Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall told the media that A$50 million ($38 million) in funding will go to farmers dealing with the emergency, reports dpa news agency. "We are going to provide free chemical poison baits for farmers, primary producers, croppers, to challenge this scourge," Marshall said, adding that rebates will also be given to small businesses and households for poison and traps purchased. The Minister said that the state's government was also seeking approval from the country's pesticides authority to use bromadiolone, a new poison currently outlawed in Australia, which he said is "the strongest mouse poison you can get on the face of the earth". "We haven't seen a plague on this scale really since the early 80s, and everyone was hoping that the cool conditions in winter would actually see their numbers dented. Nothing so far has worked," Marshall said. The plague of rodents has been running wild for months, with people bitten and crops decimated. As of late April, NSW Health had been notified of 23 cases of leptospirosis, a rare disease which can cause kidney failure and meningitis which is commonly passed on by mice, since the beginning of the year, compared to 11 in 2020, Australian news wire AAP reported. Wellington, May 13 : New Zealand is considering more quarantine-free travel opportunities for people vaccinated against Covid-19 after the country reopened its borders to Australia and will soon to the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday. "Our goal now is to move towards reconnecting our people to the world," she said in her pre-Budget speech. Since the trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel started April 19, more than 70,000 people have flied to New Zealand from Australia, and over 57,000 have travelled the other way, Xinhua news agency reported. Quarantine-free travel will start between the Cook Islands and New Zealand from May 24. Ardern said Niue is the next addition to the list, stressing that opportunities will be explored on quarantine-free travel with other countries although the task is "not without risk and complication". The Prime Minister did not give any specific plans but promised that New Zealand will "keep an open mind". Ardern will lead a trade delegation to Australia in July, which will be her first overseas travel since the pandemic started last year. In June, Trade Minister Damien O'Connor will travel to London and Brussels to discuss free trade agreements with the UK and the European Union. Chennai, May 13 : Tamil Nadu fisheries department is trying to alert around 2,500 fishers out in the Arabian sea about a depression which may intensify into Cyclone Tauktae. The Tamil Nadu fisheries department state Commissioner J. Jayakanthan told IANS: "Most of the fishermen are from the western coast of Kanyakumari since the annual fishing ban is in effect in eastern coast." Fishing officials said that while only 84 vessels have gone into the sea from Thengapattanam coast, 150 fishing boats of Kanyakumari have ventured into the sea from Kerala coast. The department is trying to contact them over the satellite phones provided to them by the state government as they move in clusters on high sea. Local churches and the coordination centres opened by the government are also helping. The fisheries officials said that the fishermen have been advised to touch base at the nearest coast and the department has already coordinated with these coastal belts of various state governments to accommodate the fishermen who reach their shores. The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has forecast the depression is likely to intensify into a cyclone about 100 nautical miles (185km) from the North Kerala coast and move northward till Karachi in Pakistan. The southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are witnessing heavy rains and thunder storms following a depression in the Arabian Sea. Bhopal, May 13 : After Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, dead bodies have been found floating in Madhya Pradesh, too. At least two bodies have been found in Runjh river in Panna district, triggering a war of words between the BJP and the Congress. The district administration claims that both these bodies are of persons who were suffering from various diseases and were thrown into the river as per the local tradition. However, according to unconfirmed reports, at least six bodies have been found floating in the Runjh river. After the recoveries of the bodies, a war of words has ensued between the BJP and the Congress. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath said, "Shivraj ji, till now we were seeing pictures of dead bodies floating in the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. But it is now seen in Nandanpur village of Ajaygarh tehsil of Panna district in Madhya Pradesh too. Horrific pictures of six floating bodies have come to light in Runjh river. This is a very serious matter." Kamal Nath added that conditions in the rural areas are appalling due to coronavirus infections. The government should take immediate cognisance of the matter and conduct a thorough investigation and should increase the health services and resources in rural areas on a war footing. Rebutting the allegations of the Congress, BJP state president Vishnu Dutt Sharma said, "Kamal Nath ji should stop politics on dead bodies. This is totally untrue that six corpses have been found in Runjh river in Panna. Only two dead bodies have been found and they are of people suffering from cancer and leprosy, which are not cremated, as per the local tradition. The Congress does not leave even the corpses to do politics." He said, "Kamal Nath ji, shame on your understanding and mental bankruptcy. By spreading false news about the corpses you have shown how insensitive you are. The people will never forgive you for misleading statements and telling lies." After investigating the case of the bodies in Runjh river, Panna District Magistrate Sanjay Mishra said only two bodies have been found. One of them was of Shivram who was suffering from leprosy while the other was of Kallu Ahirwar who was suffering from cancer. According to the belief and tradition in the village, the bodies of people suffering from leprosy and cancer are thrown into the river, he added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, May 13 : Poet-lyricist Prasoon Joshi has reacted after veteran Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan rectified his error and credited Joshi for the poem which he had recited on social media. "I feel humbled if my poem 'Ruke na tu' can provide support in these difficult times, which has been recited by respected Amit ji with all his heart, as always. Several sites in the internet consider it as a creation of respected late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. It is an honour that his craft is reflected in my work. My respect to Ma Saraswati," Joshi tweeted in Hindi late on Wednesday. It all began with Amitabh Bachchan reciting the poem "Ruke na tu" on social media on Tuesday and erroneously claiming it as the creation of his father, late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Bachchan took to social media on Wednesday to rectify the mistake he made the day before and acknowledged in a tweet that the poem is actually written by poet-lyricist Prasoon Joshi. Bachchan had recited Joshi's poem in an attempt to encourage frontline workers amid India's battle with a raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Washington, May 13 : The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed 28 cases, including six in men, of a rare blood clotting disorder in adults who have received the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, the media reported on Thursday. The number of cases has increased from 15 last month, all of which were in women, the New York Times reported. Although the latest report has identified a handful of cases in men, women -- especially those between the ages of 30 and 49 -- remain at high risk. "The trend is that the reporting rates are higher in females compared to males in all age categories," Tom Shimabukuro, the deputy director of the immunisation safety office at CDC, was quoted as saying. Shimabukuro presented the new cases on Wednesday at a meeting of a panel of advisers to the CDC, the report said. Patients with the rare but serious disorder develop blood clots, often in the brain, as well as low levels of platelets -- blood components that promote clotting. The disorder is a "rare, clinically serious and potentially life-threatening condition," Shimabukuro said. Among the 28 confirmed cases, 12 people who developed the disorder had obesity, 7 had high blood pressure, 3 had diabetes, and 3 were taking estrogen, though it is not yet clear whether any of those factors might substantially increase the risk of the disorder, the report said. The CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration had, last month, recommended halting the use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, after rare blood clot cases emerged in six recipients. However, the pause was lifted 10 days after a thorough safety review. The agencies had also issued a warning about the potential risks to the vaccine's label, which notes that a connection between the vaccine and the condition is "plausible." Twenty-two of the confirmed cases so far have been in women, and six have been in men. All were adults between the ages of 18 and 59 who received the vaccine before the national pause. (There was also one additional case recorded in a 25-year-old man who participated in the clinical trial), the NYT said. Three people have died and four remain hospitalised, including one who is in intensive care. No new deaths have been documented since last month's meeting, Shimabukuro said. There have been no confirmed cases of the clotting disorder following the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, which employ a different technology, he added. The roll-out of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been paused in Germany, Denmark, Italy and Canada over the blood clot concerns. 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 London, May 13 : The UK's Royal Mail on Thursday announced that it has issued four new stamps in the memory of Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 last month. The commemorative stamps feature black and white images taken at various stages of the Duke of Ediburgh's life, reports dpa news agency. One image reflects the Prince's time in service, taken by the photographer Baron, while the second is of the him attending the passing out parade of his son, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, at Dartmouth Naval College in Devon. Another stamp is of Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, while the last is a portrait taken by photographer Terry O'Neill. The four stamps cost 5.76 pounds and are a mix of Second Class, First Class, 1.70 pound and 2.55 pound stamps. The memorabilia is listed for pre-order on the Royal Mail website but will only go on sale from June 24. "Throughout adulthood, the duke of Edinburgh dedicated himself to the service of this country, the Commonwealth and to the many causes he was involved with," Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Royal Mail, said. "For more than seven decades he was at the centre of our national life. His passing is a key moment in our history which we mark with this set of commemorative stamps," Thompson added. The Prince, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, and was the longest-serving consort in British history. New Delhi, May 13 : Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) nations have converged on devising a multilateral framework on the issue of Social Security Agreement (SSA). Social Security Agreement would help the international workers to port their benefit to their home countries thereby preventing loss of their hard-earned money, said the Ministry of Labour and Employment. "Further they will be exempted from contributing both in home as well as host countries." The decisions were taken in the first BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting in which the member nations resolved to enter into dialogue and discussion with each other and take the issue forward towards signing of the agreements. The two-day virtual meeting concluded on Wednesday with India assuming BRICS Presidency this year. The prime agenda for the discussions were promoting Social Security Agreements amongst BRICS nations, formalisation of labour markets, participation of women in labour force and Gig and platform workers --role in labour market. The representatives of International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Social Security Agency (ISSA), who also took part in the meeting, made valuable interventions and suggestions on the agenda issues. They also expressed willingness to provide technical support in facilitating conclusion of such agreements. On the issue of formalisation of labour market, member nations discussed various initiatives taken by them towards formalisation of jobs and how Covid-19 has enhanced informalisation risk. On participation of women in the labour force, the member countries resolved to promote participation of women in remunerative, productive and decent work and to extend social security cover to the women workers engaged in informal sector. Impact of Covid-19 on participation of women in labour force was also discussed. On the issue of Gig and platform workers and their role in labour market, the member nations discussed how the proliferation of Digital Labour Platforms is transforming the labour processes in the world of work. Challenges faced by them and various measures being taken by member nations including extension of social protection system were also discussed. The discussion took place in an extremely candid atmosphere and in seamless manner, where the member nations and international organisations shared not only their initiatives and best practices, but also their concerns and challenges. The Indian delegations were represented by Special Secretary Anuradha Prasad, Joint Secretary R.K Gupta, Joint Secretaries Ajay Tewari and Kalpana Rajsinghot, and Director Rupesh Kumar Thakur, from the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kolkata, May 13 : A day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked Governor Jagdeep Dhankar to limit his travel according to the recommendations of the state government, Dhankar hit back at the chief minister and the government reminding her that no one is above the constitution and a constitutional post like that of the governor cannot be under the grip of the administration. "What did the chief minister write to me? That I shall have to follow the recommendations of the state. This will bring the post of the governor under the grip of the administration," Dhankar said after landing in Coochbehar in a BSF helicopter on Thursday. "The governor will only go places recommended by the state. Should the constitution of India come under the administrative decisions of a government?" the governor questioned. The Governor's reaction comes after Banerjee wrote to him on Wednesday asking him not to take abrupt and unilateral decisions regarding his visit to any place and to follow the recommendations made by the government. The chief minister also wrote: "The programme for the Governor's visits to places in the districts is finalised by the Secretary to the Governor ... on recommendation.., whether it is from a private party or a Government Institution, the Secretary to the Governor consults the Government and the Commissioner of the Division and the District Officer who are in charge of the proper execution of the overall programme." The chief minister also asked him not to go to Coochbehar without the recommendations of the state government. "I find from social media that you are unilaterally proceeding to the district of Coochbehar on 13-5-2021 and, sadly, I find that to be violative of the long-standing norms as evolved over several decades. I, therefore, would expect that you will kindly follow the well-established norms of protocol, as stated above, and desist from abrupt decisions with regard to field visits," she said. After reaching Coochbehar to take stock of situation of post-poll violence in the district, the governor said, "There was election in four states and one union territory. There was no problem anywhere. Why is there a bloodbath only in Bengal? The rights of the people who have not given their support in favour of the party have been butchered. They had to pay the price with their lives." The governor blamed the chief minister for all this violence in the state. "It all started after she said openly that central forces will not stay forever and I was hurt when I saw that what she had said during the election ignoring the law and the constitution and law started from May 2," he added. Dhankar also criticized the Calcutta High Court for giving clean chit to the state government so far as post-poll violence is concerned. "I have seen a narrative in the media where the Calcutta High Court has given clean chit to the government. I have not seen it anywhere. I have investigated it," he said. Trinamool Congress, however, reacted sharply alleging that the governor has ignored the constitution. "The Governor has crossed all limits. I would ask him to read the constitution where it has been specifically mentioned that the governor should work on the recommendations and suggestions given by the state," a senior Trinamool Congress leader said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 13 : The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has developed a prototype of a moveable electric cremation system which claims to be using first-of-its-kind technology that involves smokeless cremation despite using wood. It uses half of the wood otherwise required for the cremation and still is eco-friendly because of the technology that uses combustion air system. The electric cremation system, developed by the Chandigarh-based IITs Ropar institute, is based on wick-stove technology in which the wick when lighted glows yellow. This is converted into a smokeless blue flame with the help of combustion air system installed over the wicks. IIT Professor Harpreet Singh, Dean, Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research and Industry Interaction (ICSR&II) who has developed the system said that the cremation system or incinerator heats up at 1,044 degree Celsius which ensures complete sterilisation. The cart-shaped incinerator has wheels and can be transported anywhere without much efforts. The cart is equipped with combustion air for primary and secondary hot air system. "The disposal of the body is completed within 12 hours including cooling time as against 48 hours required in the normal wood-based cremation," Singh said. Use of less wood can also reduce the carbon footprint by half, said the professor, adding it requires less cooling time in the absence of refractory heat storage. "It has stainless steel insulation on both sides of the cart for no heat loss and less wood consumption. It also has a tray beneath for easy removal of ashes." Singh said that he has adopted tech-traditional model for cremation as it also uses wood. "That has been done keeping in view our beliefs and traditions of cremating on wood pyre." Keeping in view the present pandemic situation "if this system can be adopted, may provide respectable cremation to the near and dear ones of those who cannot afford the financial burden of arranging wood", said Harjinder Singh Cheema, MD, Cheema Boilers Ltd, who has made the prototype. Cheema said that the portable device can be taken to any place with the permission of the concerned authorities. "This will also help people to avoid a space crunch in crematoriums as is the case in present context." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi/Raipur, May 13 : The Chhattisgarh government has halted construction work of all major projects with immediate effect and has also decided to take even more stringent measures to check the pandemic. In this regard, extending the measures already being taken, the construction work of new Raj Bhavan, Assembly House, CM House, Ministers and Senior Officers house, New Circuit House in Nava Raipur has now been halted with immediate effect. Bhoomi Pujan of these projects was done on November 25, 2019. The state government instructed all departments on April 26 that, like the previous year, austerity should be exercised in the financial year 2021-22. Now even further, on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the major construction works in Nava Raipur have been stopped with immediate effect. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department has issued orders to the contractors to stop the construction work with immediate effect. Along with this, the previously issued tenders for the construction of projects worth Rs 245.16 crore and Rs 118 crore for the construction of the new assembly building in Sector-19 have been cancelled with immediate effect. The work in Chhattisgarh has been halted after BJP President J.P. Nadda wrote a letter to Sonia Gandhi in which he questioned the Congress position on the Central Vista in Delhi, saying," People are also contrasting the Congress' stand on Central Vista with the Chhattisgarh Government going ahead to build a new assembly complex." Chennai, May 13 : The landmark judgment of a division bench of the Madras High Court against religious intolerance has turned into a major topic of discussion among the legal and religious circles across South India. The Madras High Court division bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and P Velmurugan on May 7 had made some observations while hearing a petition over the conduct of religious festivals. They had said that allowing religious intolerance is not good for a secular country like India. The court also observed that " resistance by one religious group if reciprocated by other groups would lead to chaos and riots in the country and that this was not acceptable." The court made this observation while hearing a petition over the conduct of a temple procession by villagers of V Kalathur in Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu through a specific route. The court observed "It is evident from the statement of the Deputy Superintendent of Police that the three-day festivals of the aforesaid temples were peacefully conducted till the year 2011 and only from 2012 the Muslims started objecting to some of the Hindu festivals terming them as sins." The judges noted that before 2012, temple processions were taken through all the streets in the villages and there were no problems. The court in the judgment said, "Merely because one religious group is dominating in a particular locality, it cannot be a ground to prohibit from celebrating religious festivals or taking processions of other religious groups through these roads." Justice Kirbhakaran and Justice Velmurugan in the judgment said, "India is a secular country and merely because one religious group is living in a majority in a particular area it cannot be a reason for not allowing other religious festivals or processions through that area." The court said that if the content of the private respondent is accepted then it would create a situation in which "Minority people cannot conduct any festival or procession in most of the areas in India and that if resistance is being exhibited by one religious group and it is reciprocated by other religious groups, then there would be chaos, riots, religious fights causing loss of lives and destruction of properties." The judgment of the court has led to discussions among policy makers and those following court developments. C Rajeev, Director, Centre for Policy and Development Studies, a think tank based out of Chennai while speaking to IANS said, "This was an observation which was much overdue and the learned high court division bench has rightly mentioned that if resistance is exhibited by one religious group and if other religious group opposes it, then there will be bloodshed. This should not happen and if some religious group is in a majority in a particular area, that does not give it the right to oppose the festivals of other religious groups if that group is in a minority in that area as our's is a secular country and we must uphold that." Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, State Coordinator of Tamil Nadu for the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, also welcomed the Court observation. While speaking to IANS he said, "As per the Section 180- A of the District Municipalities Act 1920, roads or streets should be used as access to the people, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. The judges of Madras High Court have given a proper observation in this." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhopal, May 13 : The Madhya Pradesh government has announced Rs 5,000 pension per month to families hit by the pandemic where poor and destitute children have lost their parents or guardian to coronavirus. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, referring to the deepening crisis due to the pandemic, said, "The corona epidemic has broken many families. There are families where Covid has snatched the earning members and aged people have been left alone as there is no one to take care of them. There are some families where innocent children were orphaned as their parents have died due to Covid. Hence we have decided to provide a pension of Rs 5,000 per month so that they can survive without anyone's support." Chouhan, referring to the children who were in trouble due to this pandemic, said that free education will be provided to all such children so that they don't drop out of school. Such families will be given free ration also even if they are not eligible. The Madhya Pradesh government has also decided to help women in distress due to coronavirus. The Chief Minister said that such women will be provided loan without interest on the government's guarantee so that they can start a business for livelihood. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 13 : As several states complained about shortage of vaccine, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed opposition-ruled states for allegedly misleading people. The party said that first the opposition demanded a liberalised vaccine policy and when states were empowered to procure directly and the vaccination group was expanded, they are again complaining. The BJP on Thursday released a video of statements of Congress leaders and Health Ministers of opposition-ruled states. In a video, the health ministers of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, and Congress leaders were seen questioning the efficacy of the vaccine in January this year. Sharing a three-minute video on Twitter, National in-charge of BJP's Information and Technology department, Amit Malviya, said: "India is in the midst of a pandemic. Its scientists raced against time to produce a vaccine. They were reviewed at different levels before being given emergency use approval so that lives could be saved. But the opposition, Congress is particular, mocked it. Result: people died." On the demands of several opposition chief ministers to allow other manufacturers to produce vaccines, Malviya tweeted, "India was among the first to get its own vaccine. Opposition mocked it, promoting vaccine hesitancy. Now after the second surge, everyone wants the jab. But there is only so much production capacity. Vaccine isn't jam that anyone can produce. So we have to schedule and prioritise." Referring to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweet that Indian states were left to compete/fight with each other in the international market, BJP National General secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh tweeted, "But you were one of the protagonists of the liberating vaccine programme . Why this stand now Arvind Kejriwal? Hypocrisy unlimited thy name the Aam Aadmi Party." Malviya further tweeted, "Opposition ruled states are misleading people on vaccines saying the centre is deciding when they get vaccines and how much. That is untrue. Centre has allocated vaccines to states for 45+/frontline health workers in proportion to population. Vaccine companies using a similar matrix." Taking a dig at opposition demand for a liberalised policy, Malviya said, "First the opposition demanded a liberalised vaccine policy, higher say for states in procurement. They also wanted to extend it to a wider age group. Centre agreed. States were empowered to procure directly and the vaccination group was expanded. Now states are struggling, complaining." On Tuesday, BJP President J.P. Nadda, in a letter to Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, had lashed out at her party and said, "Throughout last year, when our scientists, doctors and innovators were racing against time to find a vaccine, your party leaders left no opportunity to mock these efforts." "A vaccine that is made in India should be a matter of national pride. Instead, Congress leaders tried to ridicule it and create doubts in the minds of people. Even a Chief Minister belonging to your party indulged in such antics. In a nation that has almost no recent history of vaccine hesitancy, your party has the dubious record of trying to actively create it, that too, in the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic," Nadda had written to the Congress interim president. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhopal, May 13 : In an effort to curb the spread of the Covid pandemic, the Madhya Pradesh government has been emphasising on door-to-door garbage collection across the state. Urban Development and Housing Minister Bhupendra Singh said the initiative of collecting garbage door-to-door has arrested the spread of infection in the cities. More than 4,500 garbage collection vehicles have been pressed into service. Efforts are being made to keep the cities clean. The state government has claimed that collecting garbage from the doorsteps of people has proved effective in checking the pandemic. Most of the Covid patients are in home isolation and so the collection of solid waste generated from these houses has been started by the urban bodies. The waste from these houses has been segregated in yellow polythene bags. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Chennai, May 13 : Four workers, including a woman, were killed and 10 others injured in an ammonia boiler blast at Crimsun Organics in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district on Thursday morning, officials said. The company's plant in SIPCOT Industrial Estate in Cuddalore manufactures pesticides. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. The injured have been admitted to the government hospital in Cuddalore. Amaravati, May 13 : Amid a grim scenario brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday released Rs 3,928 crore which was directly credited into the bank accounts of 52.38 lakh farmers across the state. This was the first tranche of the YSR Rythu Bharosa scheme in its third consecutive year, where each eligible farmer gets Rs 7,500. The Chief Minister said that despite the Covid crisis, the state government hasn't held back any welfare schemes, including Rythu Bharosa. The scheme was initiated to benefit the farmer fraternity across the state. "So far, the state government has spent Rs 68,000 crore alone for farmers in the past 23 months, whereas for Rythu Bharosa alone, Rs 17,029 crore was spent. In all these 23 months, the government had directly credited Rs 89,000 crore into the accounts of the beneficiaries under various schemes without any discrimination or corruption, with full transparency and accuracy," he said. The Chief Minister said that Rs 2,000 crore will be credited into the accounts of 38 lakh farmers on May 25 under the YSR Free Crop Insurance scheme. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Patna, May 13 : Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) President Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav's wife and former MP Ranjeeta Ranjan on Thursday hit out at the Nitish Kumar government and the BJP over his arrest, and threatened to go on a hunger strike if he is not released. Urging the BJP and Nitish Kumar government to avoid "low-grade politics at the time of pandemic", she demanded the release of her husband who "fights like a corona warrior in Bihar and helps each and every section of people infected with the deadly virus". "I have decided to sit on a hunger strike if the state government does not release him. My husband was corona negative when he was sent to jail in a 32-year-old case. If he will become positive, the people of Bihar will not forgive (BJP MP) Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the BJP and Nitish Kumar," she said. "I am feeling ashamed of taking the name of Rajiv Pratap Rudy. What is his political background in Bihar. How did he become Skill Development Minister and why he was sacked from the Narendra Modi government. He is nothing but just a lobbyist. He has used his lobby approach to send Pappu Yadav in jail to take revenge," she alleged. "My husband exposed Rudy in the interest of common people of Bihar who are struggling to find ambulances. Rudy was keeping over three dozen ambulances from the MP fund like his private property. Instead of an FIR against Rudy under the Pandemic Act, the state government under the pressure of Rudy and BJP, arrested my husband," Ranjeeta Ranjan said. Pappu Yadav is lodged in jail in a 32-year-old kidnapping case of two persons. Now, one of the kidnapped person named Rajkumar Yadav came before media and said that it was a case of confusion. In 1989, Rajkumar Yadav and Umakant Yadav were close associates of Pappu Yadav but a dispute arose between them concerning the marriage of a girl. Shailendra Yadav, the cousin of Rajkumar Yadav, had lodged a complaint against Pappu Yadav for allegedly kidnapping Rajkumar Yadav and Umakant Yadav on January 29, 1989 in the Murliganj police station in Madhepura. Now, Rajkumar Yadav disclosed: "I and Umakant were seated in the vehicle of Pappu Yadav. After few hours, we came out from the house of Pappu Yadav and reached Madhepura. We initially though that we were kidnapped but it was not actually happened. The case was registered in confusion and Madhepura police arrested him now in that case." New Delhi, May 13 : Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Thursday said he was "actively" considering the proposal to live telecast the proceedings of the Supreme Court. However, Justice Ramana emphasized that before initiating concrete steps to live telecast the court proceedings, he plans to seek a general consensus among his colleagues in the top court. He was speaking at the launch of a mobile application to grant access of virtual proceedings of the top court to the media persons. "Transparency is a time-honoured principle when it comes to the judicial process in our country. Hearing of cases have always taken place in public courtrooms, with access being allowed not only to the lawyers and the litigants in a particular case, but also to the general public", said Justice Ramana. He emphasized that access to the public is important, as court rulings, and more particularly the Supreme Court, have a bearing on the lives of people throughout this country. "The role of the media assumes importance in the process of disseminating information. Unfortunately, when COVID-19 struck, the systems which were earlier in place could no longer be relied upon. The judicial system has had to adapt quickly in order to ensure that justice dispensation does not stop in the country", added Justice Ramana. He said, "I was a journalist for a brief time. That time we did not have cars or bikes. We used to travel on bus as we were directed not to avail conveyance of organisers of the event." Justice Ramana also highlighted another feature on the official website and mobile application of the top court. "This new feature, called "Indicative Notes" is aimed at providing concise summaries of landmark judgments in an easy-to-understand format. This will serve as a useful resource for media persons and the general public who wish to be better informed about the rulings of the Court. Thanks are due to my predecessor Justice Bobde for initiating this", said Justice Ramana. He cited that small issues are bound to arise, which should not be unnecessarily magnified. "I request everyone to be patient, to be encouraging and supportive to the technical team to ensure that the application works without any problems. I hope that everyone gives the system the requisite time to evolve and expand", added Justice Ramana. He added that directions have been issued to further rationalize the policy of granting accreditation to media persons. He pointed out that many staff of the top court were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Till date, approximately 800 Registry staff have tested positive. Six of our Registrars and 10 Additional Registrars have tested positive at different times. Unfortunately, we lost three of our officials to COVID as per the data available, 2768 judicial officers and 106 Judges of the High Court have tested positive. We are yet to receive the data from two major High Courts. 34 Judicial Officers and three Hon'ble Judges of the High Court have lost their life, battling this pandemic", he added. Justice D Y Chandrachud, who is the head of the top court's e-committee, said "We hope that this facility which CJI unveils will keep you all safe. Journalists are exposed so much to outside world." Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice Hemant Gupta also spoke on the occasion. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mumbai, May 13 : Fresh legal troubles are brewing in Mumbai for fugitive diamantaire Nirav D. Modi, currently battling for bail and against extradition proceedings in a UK court, officials said here on Thursday. A Special Court under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has slapped a series of notices to Nirav Modi and his sister Purvi Mehta -- who turned approver five months ago -- besides his group companies, ordering them to appear before Special Judge V.C. Barde on in Mumbai June 11. Barde has also ordered them to explain why the Special Court should not "confiscate" the properties and assets of the two siblings and the other group companies as per the law, in a money-laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in early 2018. The notices have served to their known residences in Mumbai -- four flats in the famed Samudra Mahal building on Dr. Annie Besant Road, and the Grosvenor House on Pedder Road. The development comes exactly three-and-half-a-year after Nirav Modi, several of his family members, his maternal uncle Mehul C. Choksi and others were accused of perpetrating a stunning fraud of around Rs 14,000 crore in the Punjab National Bank (PNB). Even before the PNB admitted the fraud and lodged a formal police complaint in January 2018, it emerged that Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and others had already fled the country as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and ED launched their independent probes. Besides the 'Mama-Bhanja' duo, Nirav Modi's group companies like Stellar Diamonds, Firestar International Ltd, Radashir Jewelery Co. Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Trading Pvt. Ltd., Solar Exports, Diamonds R Us, Firestar Diamond International Ltd., Mac Business Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Bentley Properties Pvt. Ltd. and Nirav Modi Trust, which were under the scanner of the CBI-ED sleuths, have been named in the Special Court's latest notices. Shortly after the scam hit the Indian banking sector, a Mumbai Magistrate in February 2018 had issued a non-bailable warrant against Nirav Modi in June 2018, the InterPol issued a Red Corner Notice, followed by India's request in August 2018 to the UK authorities seeking his extradition back home. It was in March 2019 that a massive furore erupted in India after Nirav Modi was found sauntering on a London street with the Indian authorities going after him with renewed vigour, resulting in his arrest that same month. As he remains in jail, a UK court in February 2021 cleared his extradition to India to face charges of bank frauds, money-laundering etc., even as Purvi and her husband Maiank Mehta turned approvers in the case in January 2021. Incidentally, in the past couple of years, the ED and the CBI have managed to recover small sums by auctioning off Nirav Modi's assets like half-a-dozen luxury vehicles, designer bags, high-value wristwatches, rare paintings, artworks and other stuff, while his deluxe bungalow in Alibaug was attached and demolished in March 2019. After the PNB scam broke out, over the next couple of years, several other nationalised banks slowly came into the open and revealed how the Modi-Choksi duo had duped and dumped them in various loan accounts. Meanwhile, in early 2019, it came to light that Choksi had acquired the citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda Island in the West Indies in November 2017, and is currently embroiled in a legal tangle over his citizenship and related issues. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Mumbai, May 13 : On anticipated lines, the Maharashtra government on Thursday announced that ithas decided to extend the ongoing stringent lockdown-type restrictions across the state till June 1. The move by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comes amid rising Covid-19 cases and fatalities in many districts in the state, though Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are currently in a better shape. As per the new directives, Mumbai suburban trains will not permit regular commuters but only those engaged in essential services and other pre-notified categories. At the cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday, all ministers belonging to Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party-Congress supported the need to extend the lockdown. Following the cabinet nod, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte issued the official notification this afternoon extending the lockdown provisions from 7 a.m. on May 15, till 7 a.m. on June 1. The state also made it mandatory for any persons entering the state by any mode of transport to carry a Covid-19 negative report which is issued within 48 hours prior to his/her arrival. The government has directed the local Disaster Management Authorities to keep tight vigils over rural markets and APMCs to ensure covid appropriate behavior and if rules are not complied, they can shut these down or impose further restrictions on a case-to-case basis. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Panaji, May 13 : The Goa state administration is expected to overcome logistical hurdles to ensure that lives are not lost due to oxygen shortage, the Bombay High Court on Thursday said. The HC bench in Goa also directed the central government "to ensure that the allotted quota is made available to the state at the earliest". The Court, which is hearing a bunch of petitions which have alleged mismanagement in the state government efforts to tackle the pandemic, also said that its primary responsibility was to save lives at the moment. "We also direct the Central Government to ensure that the allotted quota is made available to the State at the earliest," a division bench comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Mahesh Sonak said. A central government counsel had earlier informed the Court that the central government had increased allocation of oxygen to Goa. Reacting to the series of deaths which have occurred at the Goa Medical College near Panaji due to oxygen shortage, the Court said it expects "the state administration to find out ways and means to overcome these logistical issues, so that, precious life is not lost on account of any deficiencies in the matter of supply of oxygen to the patients". The Goa government had earlier informed the court that logistical issues, especially delay caused due to "manoeuvering the tractor which carries the trolleys of oxygen and in connecting the cylinders to the manifold". "We were explained that during this process there was some interruption, which resulted in fall of pressure in the supply lines of oxygen to the patients. It was pointed out that it is basically on account of these factors some casualties may have taken place," the Court said in its order. The Court also directed the state Health Secretary to file a status report by Friday evening by email. "If we are satisfied with the status report, we will hold further proceedings on 17.05.2021. However, if we are not satisfied with the status report or if we feel that any further directions are necessary, then, we make it clear that we will hold the proceedings on May 15 even though it is a Saturday," the Court said. Hyderabad, May 13 : Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao have greeted people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The governor in her message stated that the festival of Ramzan signifies the spirit of charity, brotherhood, compassion, love and peace. "I wish this holy occasion of Ramzan ushers in good health, prosperity and peace in the lives of people all over the world," she said. The noble ideas of self-discipline, generosity, compassion and universal brotherhood associated with this holy festival are in fact very essential to combat the pandemic Covid-19, the governor said. She appealed to all to celebrate this festival in a safe and healthy manner by duly following the Covid appropriate behaviour and adhering to all other preventive norms. The chief minister said that with the fasting, the holy month of Ramazan evokes peace, love, compassion, and brotherhood and the holy festival in Telangana is a true symbol of the Ganga-Yamuna Tehzeeb. The CM said the programmes, welfare schemes launched by the state government for the minorities are throwing light on the lives of Muslims and bringing in a qualitative change in their lives. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Srinagar, May 13 : On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr in Kashmir on Thursday, sweets were exchanged between the Indian and Pakistani armies at the Line of Control (LoC). Eid-ul-Fitr has ushered renewed warmth and harmony along the LoC as old traditions are being revived. The Indian Army said that meetings were held at the Tithwal crossing on Kishanganga River in Tangdhar Kupwara and the Kaman Aman Setu in Uri where sweets and pleasantries were exchanged between the two sides. The newly-achieved calm along the LoC as a result of the renewed ceasefire has brought warmth, which has been displayed on several occasions by the two neighbours. Exchange of youths who inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the border on three occasions in the last two months at the Zero line in Tithwal bode well for the future. The army said that sweets and pleasantries were exchanged following all the Covid protocols by both sides. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Patna, May 13 : After Bihar's Buxar, several decomposed dead bodies were now found floating in the Ganga near Patna's Gulabi Ghat on Thursday, officials said. District Magistrate Chandrasheker Singh has directed municipal authorities to retrieve the dead bodies and cremate them properly. According to eyewitnesses, the majority of the dead bodies are partially burnt. "After the emergence of dead bodies in Gulabi Ghat, we have asked police and civil administration to intensify vigil along the river in a bid to ensure no one dumps dead bodies in the waters. We have also asked municipal corporation officers to take out the bodies and cremate them properly," the District Magistrate said. The counting of dead bodies is underway in Gulabi Ghat, a cremation ground located at Mahendru area of the state capital. According to a shop owner at Gulabi Ghat, a number of people, generally poor people unable to bear expenses of cremation materials, are allegedly dumping dead bodies in the river without cremation in absence of police personnel. The District Magistrate said: "We have been appealing to people of Bihar to not to dump dead bodies in rivers without cremation. We are also making efforts to find out whether dead bodies are came from other places." Meanwhile in Buxar, five dead bodies were found in a net placed by district administration in the Ganga at Rani Ghat. The dead bodies came from adjoining Uttar Pradesh, say officials. On Tuesday, 71 dead bodies floating from upstream Uttar Pradesh were found on the banks of the Ganga at Chausa in Buxar. Besides, two dozen dead bodies also found in neighbouring Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh as well. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Chennai, May 13 : The exit of top leaders of actor Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has begun and expected to continue, say party insiders. On Thursday, MNM General Secretary and retired IAS officer Santhosh Babu announced his resignation from his post and the party's primary membership. "Dear friends, Good afternoon! It's with a heavy heart that I am informing you that I am resigning my post and membership from Makkal Needhi Maiam. My decision is due to personal reasons. I thank Kamal Sir and our team for their affection and friendship," Babu said in a tweet. Similarly, Padma Priya, MNM's State Secretary (Environment Wing) tweeted her resignation from the party post and the primary membership for personal reasons. "Some more are expected to quit next week. After the defeat of the party and his own in the Coimbatore (South) seat, Kamal was not ready to fix the problem but bent on fixing persons," an MNM insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told IANS. The quitting of the two has raised the question whether the MNM is suffering from Thursday jinx? On May 6, a Thursday, the party's Vice President R. Mahendran announced his decision to quit his post and the party, saying that from June 2020 onwards, the multi-faceted MNM was being converted into a fan club. The MNM had attracted many people who had made their name and fame in different sectors. "We joined the MNM as it seemed different from other parties. As a new party, it offered lateral entry for many, unlike other established parties like the DMK and the AIADMK," the official said. "Till February 2021, Kamal was fine but after March, he was a different person. All were shocked to see that Kamal was more focussed on his own victory from Coimbatore (South) constituency than that of the party as a whole," the official said. The MNM suffered a rout in the recently-concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with Kamal Haasan himself losing the poll in Coimbatore (South). According to party insiders, Kamal Haasan was not ready to accept the reality and many are not seeing any future in the party. The one common view was that the party was not to be seen after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and did not contest in the local body elections. Parachuting into Fort St George and occupying the Chief Minister's seat may only happen in movies and not in real life, was the common view. One of the common complaints voiced against Kamal Haasan was that he was not willing to discuss issues with the party officials while expecting them to execute his orders. "A political party is not a proprietary firm. In a party, everyone is a stakeholder and issues have to be deliberated," the official added. In his resignation letter, Mahendran recalled how the suggestion made to Kamal Haasan to contest in Chennai or in two seats - Coimbatore (South) and in Chennai was ignored. According to him, there is a decline in Kamal Haasan's tenacity of purpose "which is buried under a style of operation that reeks of non-democratic manner of running a political party". Mahendran said after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party engaged political strategist Prashant Kishor's IPAC but later, Kamal Haasan had brought in Sankhya Solutions to manage the party's assembly poll campaign. Sankhya Solutions and Kamal Haasan's advisor did not know or understand how to enhance "Brand Kamal", he claimed. "Kamal Haasan was a big brand but the party and its political strategists botched up that brand. From being a Chief Ministerial candidate, Kamal Haasan was reduced to a star campaigner in his Coimbatore (South) constituency," a political strategist told IANS. Political analysts were of the unanimous view that Kamal Haasan, by aligning with small parties like the AISMK floated by movie hero R. Sarathkumar and the IJK blundered his chance to position himself as the third alternative to the AIADMK and the DMK. "The problem with Kamal Haasan's MNM ideology of 'Centrism' is very confusing and nobody understands that," political analyst Kolahala Srenivaas had told IANS. "Kamal Haasan failed in the three Ps formula for a third alternative - Purpose, Position and Performance. He didn't have a clue as to how to position himself as an alternative. His ideology or Purpose was not clear and Performance was also bad. His party was not at all visible. It will be difficult for him from now as the novelty factor has vanished," said an analyst. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have greeted the people of India. In his message the President said, "On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my best wishes and greetings to all the fellow citizens, especially to the Muslim brothers and sisters." "During the holy month of Ramadan, people observe Roza and offer regular prayers and obeisance to Allah. The auspicious festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated as an occasion to strengthen the spirit of fraternity and harmony. Eid-ul-Fitr is also an occasion to rededicate oneself to the service of humanity and to improve the lives of the people in need. "Let us all resolve to deal with this pandemic of Covid-19 by following all the rules and guidelines and work for the well-being of society and the country." Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also greeted the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr (May 14). "I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr," he said. "Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan and symbolizes brotherhood and togetherness of community. The festival reaffirms the spirit and importance of compassion, charity and generosity in our lives." "In our country, festivals are always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But given the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate the festival by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols." "May the noble ideals associated with Eid-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, harmony and the spirit of humanity." Chandigarh, May 13 : The Punjab government on Thursday decided to join the COVAX facility alliance for global sourcing and procurement of Covid-19 vaccines at the best price, becoming the first state in the country to take such a strategic initiative for addressing the problem of vaccine shortage amid the deadly second wave of the pandemic. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, which also approved the purchase of Covaxin for industrial workers for whose vaccination the industry has expressed willingness to pay. The state has so far ordered only Covishield vaccine for the 18-44 age group, but with this decision the decks have been cleared to place orders for Covaxin too. Reviewing the vaccination status and availability in the state, the cabinet said it was necessary to source vaccines globally. Since the COVAX facility offers the best prices, the state should make an attempt to join it for procuring vaccines from the international markets, it decided. The suggestion for joining the COVAX was given to the cabinet by Gagandeep Kang, who heads the state expert group on vaccination. COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, abbreviated as COVAX, is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the World Health Organization. In a brief presentation, Health Secretary Hussan Lal informed the cabinet that of the 30 lakh Covishield doses ordered by the state, the Serum Institute of India had so far confirmed 4.29 lakh, of which 100,000 doses had been received. He said some Central government institutions and industrial establishments were requesting for early vaccination of their work force. Given the shortage of vaccines, he pointed out that certain states were floating global tenders to import the vaccine. He apprised the cabinet that for the 45 plus age group, the last tranche of Covishield vaccine (163,710 doses) was received on May 9, taking the total to 42,48,560. As many as 345,000 doses were given to the armed forces, while the total vaccination utilization stood at 39,03,560. For Covaxin in the 45 plus category, the last tranche of vaccine received was of 75,000 doses (May 6), taking the total received to 409,080, of which utilization till date was 352,080, leaving availability of only 57,000 now. Amid the escalating Covid-19 crisis, the cabinet also gave post-facto approval for the procurement of hospital material and consumables costing Rs 152.56 crore for effective management of the pandemic. It approved recruitment of 250 doctors in the Health Department, against existing vacant regular posts through the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in Faridkot, after taking the recruitment process out of the purview of the Punjab Public Service Commission. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mumbai, May 13 : Actress Raima Sen recalls giving a screen test for her role in the upcoming web series "The Last Hour", adding it was something she has never done before. "In all these years in the industry, I have never done a screen test. When I learnt that (director) Amit (Kumar) wanted to do a screen test for my character in Calcutta, I first avoided it as I have always had a phobia of auditions. Later, I gathered my strength and somehow decided to do it. I first thought I was never going to get the part but surprisingly, I got a confirmation call from him in a couple of days," says Raima, who essays the role of Nyima. "With all my work, I've always tried to understand the vision of the director and then added my individuality, which helps me stay focused on my character. My director Amit told me what he expected from the character, but at the same, asked me to keep it real and feel it. His guidance and my vision helped me get the best out of me. It was such a great experience shooting for the series," she said. "The Last Hour" also features Sanjay Kapoor, Shahana Goswami, Karma Takapa, Robin Tamang and Shaylee Krishen. The series releases on Amazon Prime Video on May 14. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, May 13 : Airline major IndiGo has started a dedicated Covid Care Centre for its employees. Accordingly, the centre has been set up in collaboration with Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon. "This 13-bedded Covid Care Centre is being set-up to help those Covid-19 positive employees who may need access to an oxygen bed with related medical facilities," "This is available for use both by IndiGo employees and their immediate family members." Besides, IndiGo launched a 'Plasma Donor Bank' initiative last week, with assistance from employees who have recovered from Covid-19 in the past three months. "Approximately 110 employees came forward to volunteer for donating plasma." Furthermore, to support its employees and their family members, IndiGo has partnered with hotels, which will serve as a safe and hygienic place for any of their employees who are Covid positive with mild symptoms or are asymptomatic or are staying away from their hometown and want to safely distance from their housemates or family members. In addition, IndiGo has already commenced vaccination drives across 40 stations in its network and IndiGo Support Centre at Gurgaon. "There are drives planned for some additional stations later this month. This is however also dependent on vaccine supplies and how quickly these will be made available by the Government and private hospitals." Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to provide dry ration, transportation and also set up community kitchens for migrant workers in the National Capital Region (NCR). Issuing the interim directions, an SC bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M.R. Shah said: "Dry ration to migrant workers in the National Capital Region under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme or any other scheme be provided by the Union of India, NCT of Delhi, state of UP and state of Haryana utilising the public distribution system (PDS) prevalent in each state with effect from May, 2021. "While providing dry ration, the authorities of the states shall not insist on an identity card for those migrant labourers who do not possess one for the time being and on self-declaration made by the stranded migrant labourers dry ration should be given to them." The bench added that the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana should ensure that adequate transport is provided to the stranded migrant labourers (in NCR) who want to return to their homes. "The district administration in coordination with the police administration may identify such stranded migrant labourers and facilitate their transportation either by road transport or train. The Union of India may also issue necessary instructions to the Ministry of Railways to take necessary and adequate measures to cater to the needs of the migrant labourers," the bench added. On the aspect of community kitchen, the bench said: "The NCT of Delhi and the states of UP and Haryana (for the districts included in the NCR) shall open community kitchens at well-advertised places (in the NCR) for stranded migrant labourers so that they and their family members who are stranded could get two meals a day." The top court also directed the Centre along with governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to file reply to the application suggesting means and measures by which they would ameliorate the miseries of the stranded migrant labourers. "We also issue notice on the application to states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Bihar to file their reply giving the details of the measures which they propose to take to ameliorate the miseries of the migrant workers regarding their transportation, and providing dry ration as well as cooked meals to them," the top court said. The top court passed the order on an application by activists Harsh Mander, Anjali Bhardwaj and Jagdeep Chhokar, who had filed an urgent application seeking directions to ensure that migrant workers are not deprived of ration and food security, and they should also be able to travel back to their homes at nominal cost. The application was filed in the suo motu case initiated by the top court last year to address the migrant worker crisis during the first phase of national lockdown. The top court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter on May 24. Panaji, May 13 : Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should resign on account of his failure to start vaccination of persons in the age group of 18 to 44 years, Goa Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Pratime Coutinho said on Thursday. "Vaccination for persons in the age group of 18 year to 44 years was supposed to start on May 1. It still has not because the Goa government has not even been unable to source the vaccine vials," Coutinho told reporters here. "Pramod Sawant does not have right to sit in this chair if he cannot get those vaccines," Coutinho also said. A Health Ministry official said that the Goa government had ordered five lakh vaccines last month from the Serum Institute of India. "We have received around 32,000 vaccine doses as a first instalment from the Serum Institute of India. The vaccination for the age group of 18 to 44 years would begin soon," the official also said. New Delhi, May 13 : The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement that on May 12 medical consignments were received from Kuwait, Singapore, Gilead, Switzerland, Spain, Egypt which included Remdesivir, oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and ventilators/BiPAP/CPAP. The statement said cumulatively, 9,294 oxygen concentrators; 11,835 oxygen cylinders; 19 oxygen generation plants; 6,439 ventilators/BiPAP; nearly 4.22L Remdesivir vials arrived till May 12. On May 12 Remdesivir: 86,595, oxygen cylinders: 4,802, oxygen concentrators: 10, ventilators/BiPAP/CPAP: 141 were received from Kuwait, Singapore, Gilead, Switzerland, Spain, Egypt. The Centre has allocated and delivered global aid to States/UTs consisting of COVID-19 relief medical supplies and equipment since April 27. Through a streamlined mechanism under the "Whole of Government" approach, various ministries and departments have collaborated for delivering the incoming global aid to the States and UTs. The Union Health Ministry is monitoring this on a regular basis. A Coordination Cell has been created in the Health Ministry to coordinate the receipt and allocation of foreign COVID relief material. This Cell started functioning from April 26. A Standard Operating Procedure has been framed and implemented by the Health Ministry since May 2. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has said that the provision of compulsory licensing must be used cautiously and with utmost discretion. If not used judiciously, it may discourage innovator companies, which have invested heavily in R&D, and turn out to be counterproductive to the present situation, it added. "Further, FICCI strongly believes that in the larger and long-term interest of the country and its citizens, India should not rush to do anything unilaterally that may undermine its present efforts to arrive at a 'multilateral solution' on this issue," the industry body said in a statement. "This approach will be more acceptable to the global business and larger community worldwide. Our efforts should be to find a 'fine balance' between effectively managing India's present public health concerns on the one hand, and amply demonstrating that India values and respects the global rules on IPR /TRIPS Agreement, on the other," it added. The immediate focus has to be on connecting with the 'right' global companies to facilitate 'technology transfer' and voluntary licences to Indian companies that have the capacity and capability for mass-production of Covid vaccines. This will be a definite game-changer and help create a robust manufacturing ecosystem with scalability in the country, it added. FICCI recognises that the country has the right to invoke compulsory licences under relevant sections of the Patents Act. However, it may not lead to 'enhancing' the manufacturing capacity in the near future, it said. This is due to the fact that lack of availability of essential raw materials and inputs poses significant constraint to the quick expansion of production capacity of Covid vaccines. Further, several regulatory and safety issues will have to be addressed, and this may take some time. Thus, additional permissions through compulsory licences will not automatically lead to any immediate increase in manufacturing of vaccines. The Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) had on Wednesday urged the government to use the provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to issue compulsory licences to pharma companies to manufacture drugs that are used in the treatment of Covid-19. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : Chennai-based technology firm Zoho Corporation on Thursday announced to help hospitals and health care centers across Tamil Nadu with procurement and distribution of essential medical equipment for Covid-19 treatment. The company has also donated Rs 5 crores to the state government's public relief fund towards Covid relief and another Rs 13 crore worth oxygen supplies and medical equipment to various private and public hospitals across the state, the company said in a statement. Other initiatives underway to support the state's fight against the second wave of pandemic include an isolation care facility at the Estancia campus for employees and their families, vaccination drives, and community kitchens catering to villages around Chennai and Tenkasi. Technology firm Tech Mahindra announced the opening of a Covid Care Unit with 25 beds in its facility in Hinjewadi, Pune to support the fight against Covid-19. The patients will be treated and monitored by the doctors and nurses of Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjewadi and will have access to essential services including food, pharmacy, oxygen, and Wi-Fi, among others, the company said in a statement. Tech Mahindra recently also launched an exclusive Covid-19 vaccination drive for its employees and their dependent family members, starting from Noida, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Consumer durable brand LG Electronics has pledged to provide financial assistance of $5.5 million, to set up medical infrastructure. It will help to build 10 makeshift hospitals across Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Bhopal, Udaipur, Lucknow and other cities in India in association with local government bodies and NGOs. LG Electronics will also fund the required infrastructure for adding more beds to treat Covid patients at AIIMS, the company said. The company, last year partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation to serve 1 million meals across India. LG India also donated products like Water Purifier, Air conditioners, Refrigerator and TV to over 300 hospitals allotted for quarantine/ isolation wards in state and districts. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : Delhi Police's Special Cell on Thursday said that it has busted an international drug racket with its links to (Afghanistan's) Kandahar and Kashmir with the arrest of five persons with over 54 kg of heroin valued at Rs 250 crore. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, Pramod Singh Kushwah said that Altaf aka Mehrajuddin Darji, Abid Hussain Sultan, Hashmat Mohammadi, Tifal Nau Khez aka Tifley, and Abdullah Najibullah aka Nabi were arrested, and a narcotic reconstitution factory set up by the cartel in the area of Batla House has been unearthed. Kushwah said that during an operation, the name of Altaf aka Mehrajuddin Darji had figured as being a senior conduit of a Kashmir-based narco-module who was frequently visiting Delhi-NCR under the cover of carpet trade. "Persistent efforts to develop this intel bore fruit when on May 2, specific human intelligence was received that Altaf was somewhere in the area of Ashoka Road in Delhi seeking to deliver a consignment," he said. The official said that a trap was laid and Altaf, 45, a resident of Srinagar, arrested from south Delhi's Zakir Nagar area and 4.5 kg contraband recovered from his possession. A case was registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. "Based upon disclosures made by Altaf, a raid was conducted and second accused, namely Abid Hussain Sultan, 40, arrested and a total of 12 kg of contraband was recovered from his home situated in Vinoba Puri," he said. Sultan is also a permanent resident of Srinagar. Kushwah said that with the arrestes, the ambit of investigation was widened. He said that on sustained confrontations of both the arrested accused with evidence led to the disclosure that someone named 'Haji', was sending the contraband which was being further refined and reconstituted using chemicals being supplied by Lakha of Amritsar. "The first concrete involvement of Afghani presence in this module surfaced in the name of Hashmat Mohammadi, an Afghan national residing in Zakir Nagar," he said, adding that after making meticulous ground work, Mohammadi, 31, a permanent resident of Kabul, was arrested while he was driving a Scooty which belonged to Sultan. On checking the glove-box of the two-wheeler, another five kg of contraband was recovered and Mohammadi arrested. On interrogation, he revealed that the contraband was being sourced from Kasim and Haji, both based in Afghanistan. Mohammadi also disclosed that a reconstitution factory, similar to the one busted in 2019 by the Special Cell, was running in Zakir Nagar. A raid was thus conducted at a house situated in Okhla's Batla House area and a clandestine facility, being run under a residential cover, was unearthed, the DCP said, adding that another 29.5 kg contraband along with articles used for reconstitution i.e. large aluminum containers, buckets, gunny bags soaked in chemicals, distillers etc were recovered. He said that the residential premises being used belonged to Tifal Nau Khez, who was in jail for being the mastermind behind one of the biggest haul of heroin in 2019. He was formally arrested in the present case also and subjected to interrogation. "Khez revealed that of late, several new poppy to heroin processing modules have become highly active in Afghanistan and seasoned chemical experts under the garb of medical and other visa categories are being sent to India to execute complex heroin reconstitution operations at scattered locations within Delhi NCR," the DCP said. He said that Khez also revealed that the margins of profit being huge, he used his earlier and newer contacts made while in jail to resume his earlier illicit trade. "Following the revelations, the Special Cell carried another raid in the area of Wazirabad and the fifth accused of this case, namely Najibullah, 40, residing in Ballimaran in Delhi was arrested," he said, adding another 3.2 kg of contraband was recovered from Najibullah, a permanent resident of Afghanistan's Akakhel. With this arrest, the total recovery of contraband, fine quality heroin, presently stands at 54.2 kg, Kushwah added. From the continuing interrogation of the arrested accused and examination of their digital footprints, several African and European, especially Italian, nodes of this narco-peddling network have surfaced, he said. "Efforts are being made to establish the true identities of Afghan-based Kasim and Haji, who appear to be the major source of heroin which is then peddled through gunny sacks with absorbed heroin for further extraction and reconstitution in India," he said. The DCP also said that the involvement of Kashmir Valley-based operatives in the network and sourcing of industry-grade chemicals used for reconstitution from yet unidentified Punjab-based operatives gives this module a significant importance that adds to their conventional understanding of the Golden Crescent, known as world's leading poppy/opium/heroin production areas. Mumbai, May 13 : Actor Purab Kohli who starred in the web series "Out Of Love" that deals with infidelity of a married couple, says although it is not impossible, it very hard to regain trust that has been betrayed once. Purab referenced the dialogue in the series that goes: "Once a cheater, always a cheater", and said: "I don't believe in 'once a cheater, always a cheater'. There is always room for people to change themselves, although that change requires a lot of hard work and determination, and the sense of wanting to change from within. People who are capable of doing that are the ones that can shift gears to come back and do something differently." "More than anything else, I find cheating really hard and tiring, because you have to spend a lot of time and energy covering up the lies. The show shows Akarsh (his character) being disloyal to both the women in his life, but in real life if someone decides to mend their ways and turn over a new leaf, they will need to work really hard to regain the trust of their loved ones," he added. Shot in Coonoor, "Out Of Love" also features Rasika Duggal, and is produced by Sameer Gogate and BBC Studios. The new season of the show also Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sanghmitra Hitaishi, Harsh Chhaya, Ekavali Khanna, and Suhaas Ahuja among others. It is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium. Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday compared the state's government with Corona. In a tweet he said both of them are dangerous to human life and both are not visible. The tweet comes at a time when the health infrastructure in the state is struggling to cope with a resurgence of the infection. Earlier in the day, Yadav had attacked the Nitish government over reports of bodies of Corona victims found floating in the Ganga river in Buxar. "While they were alive they did not get medicine, oxygen, beds and treatment. Now after death, no shrouds, wood, and the ground where they could be cremated. Dead bodies were thrown into the Ganges. Dogs are eating corpses...Where are you taking this country and humanity?" Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav also attacked the CM . He appreciated the extension the lockdown by 10 days. At the same time, he also asked the government to provide food to the poor, proper treatment for patients in hospitals and check the sprialling prices of items of daily necessity such as fruits, vegetables and medicines. Mumbai, May 13 : The Maharashtra Cyber Police have busted an online fraud of illegal sales of fake Remdesivir and Tocilizumab drugs filled with plain water that targeted gullible customers desperate for treatment of Covid-19, an official said here on Thursday. On Wednesday, a leading pharmaceutical company had approached the Cyber Police Cell to file a case after it received many complaints that its distributors had sold these drugs by soliciting customers online or through social media. The complainants had stated that some mobile numbers were posted on various WhatsApp groups or other social media platforms claiming they were authorised dealers of the complainant pharmaceutical company. They offered to deliver the drugs on advance payment of 50 per cent amount through online transactions, and rest on delivery. Though the company had been getting these complaints since April 27, the numbers kept increasing daily compelling it to approach the police, and the people also started posting their grievances on the social media targeting the company on various public platforms. The development comes close on the heels of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), New Delhi has ordered a probe into the massive scam into the sale of Remdesivir, following a petition by Mumbai Barrister Vinod Tiwari. (IANS report - May 12). Given the criticality of the issue, the Cyber Cell immediately launched the investigations from multiple fronts, including shops, telecom service providers, and banks. The preliminary probe shockingly revealed that many needy citizens had even paid the full money in advance but when they followed-up anxiously on their orders for delivery, they were given vague replies or the phones were switched off, said IGP Yashasvi Yadav. Besides, some customers received their injections, which were found to contain plain water or some other fake stuff in the bottles and labelled as the product of the complainant company with its name and logos. Various telecom companies have been directed to provide the full details of the mobile numbers used in the online frauds, sought the help of various banks to trace the accounts in which the public monies were transferred and to freeze them till the probe is on, according to IGP Yadav. The Maharashtra Cyber Police has registered a First Information Report against various unknown persons for invoking provisions of the Indian Penal Code, IT Act, The Trademarks Act, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, for indulging in the fraud and playing with the lives of innocent citizens during the pandemic. The police team which cracked the case guided by Yadav, DIGP Harish Baijal, SP Sanjay Shintre, Deputy SP Vijay Khaire, included PI Archana Sutar, SI Rajashree Dudhale and others from the Nodal Cyber Police Station. Chennai, May 13 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalinon Thursday called upon the global Tamil diaspora to financially support the state in its fight against Covid -19 pandemic. In an appeal to the Tamil community across the world, he pointed out the precarious financial position of the state due to the Covid pandemic and asked for the community to help overcome the crisis with financial contributions. Stalin promised the diaspora that this contribution would be used only for fighting the Covid pandemic including buying of vaccines, oxygen beds and related works. In his appeal, he also said that the list of donors will be released by the government and would be exempted from income tax. The Chief Minister, in a television appeal, said that the impact of the second wave of Covid on the state was extremely severe but that the government was ready to face the situation. Stalin, who is also the DMK President, said that the party would donate Rs 1 crore to the Covid relief fund of the government. PMK leader Dr S. Ramdoss said that party MP, Anbumani Ramdoss and five MLAs of PMK would donate one months salary to the CM's relief fund. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guwahati, May 13 : In a tragic incident, a herd of 18 wild elephants were killed after being struck by a massive 'lightning in central Assams Nagaon district, officials said on Thursday. Confirming the incident, Nagaon district Deputy Commissioner Kavitha Padmanabhan said that a team comprising wildlife, forest and veterinary department officials went to the forest areas on Thursday to ascertain the exact cause of the deaths. "Before getting the reports of the official team, I am unable to say the number of male, female and calf among the 18 dead elephants," Padmanabhan told IANS over phone. Forest and wildlife officials said that the incident occurred on Wednesday night in the mountainous Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF). Assam's Chief Wildlife Warden M.K. Yadava, quoting local wildlife officials, said that 18 elephants have died and lightning is the most likely the cause of death. He said the exact reason would be known only after post-mortems of the dead animals are conducted on Friday. Local people informed the forest officials that the carcasses of the dead elephants were scattered in different places of the deep forest area. Yadava said that cases are often reported of lightning striking animals down and five elephants died due to this in West Bengal recently, but Wednesday's incident in Nagaon is huge and terrible. The district has had cases of man-animal conflicts. The world famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), one of India's seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the natural and environment category since 1985, also falls in five districts of Assam, including Nagaon. Bengaluru, May 13 : Amid the ongoing onslaught of the pandemic, Karnataka on Thursday decided to postpone the Class 10 (Secondary School Leaving Certificate - SSLC) state board examination. Karnataka education minister, S. Suresh Kumar said in a statement released through his office that the fresh dates for SSLC examinations will be announced only after the ongoing Covid second wave subsides. Kumar on April 20 had asserted that the examinations for SSLC were scheduled to begin on June 21 and this time these examinations would neither be cancelled nor be postponed and it will be held in the state as scheduled from June 21 to July 5. "With the Covid second wave wreaking havoc since April, parents, students and many school associations have raised red flags over holding these crucial examinations from June 21 onwards," the Minister's office said in a statement quoting him. Kumar also stated that the revised dates will be announced much ahead of schedule, as he appealed to the students not to get disappointed and continue with their preparations for the examinations. Earlier, Karnataka had postponed the second year Pre-University Exam (PUC) or Class 12 final exams and promoted first-year students. Given the circumstances, even the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2021, which is held for Engineering admission, was also postponed on Wednesday. Karnataka schools are currently observing summer vacation, which will continue till June 14. The new academic year would begin on June 15. However, high school teachers had been instructed to conduct revision classes for SSLC students. Summer vacation for high school teachers is till May 31. Amid the second wave of the pandemic began showing its ugly sign of raising its head in April, several state boards and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) announced their decision to cancel the ICSE or class 10 board examinations in April itself, but Karnataka continues to 'maintain' that it wants to hold examinations for class 10 students. Subsequently cancelling class 10 examinations, the CBSE even announced an alternative scheme for the evaluation of Class 10 students. The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) - state's education board that holds class 10 examinations, about 8.5 lakh students appear for the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate or Class 10) examination annually. The KSEEB which generally conducts examinations in March/April of every year but due to prolonged lockout in 2020, this year's annual examinations are held in June. After conducting annual examinations the Board also needs to re-conduct the same examination in the month of June for the benefit of the students who fail in main examinations and nearly 2.20 lakh students take the supplementary examination. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Thiruvananthapuram: :May 13 : CPI(M) rajya sabha MP and former mediaperson John Brittas has slammed union minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan after the minister failed to invite Asianet News to his official press conference. The news channels correspondent was reportedly removed from a whatsapp group which intimates reporters about the union ministers official functions. Hence, asianet news was virtually kept in the dark about the ministers press conference called on Thursday. When reporters asked the minister about it, Muraleedharan said that he had refused to invite the asianet news correspondent to his presser out of respect for the BJP Kerala units decision to boycott the news channel. However, John Brittas in a facebook post slammed the minister for barring asianet news from covering his press conference. A ministers press conference is an official function, not a personal function like a birthday party or marriage. The presser is paid for from taxpayer money. It is a reporters right to take part in such a press conference, the facebook post says. The minister had actually committed a breach of his oath of office by barring a reporter from attending his press conference, Brittas charged. Muraleedharan has shown favour to certain journalists by inviting them to the presser but shown prejudice against a reporter by preventing her (or him) from taking part in it. This is a violation of oath of office as the minister had been sworn into office by taking an oath to discharge his duties without favour or prejudice, the rajya sabha MP writes. The BJP Kerala unit had decided to boycott asianet news in protest against a correspondent of the news channel reportedly making objectionable remarks to an anonymous person who called the news channel to complain about the channels alleged failure to provide adequate screen time to the violence that broke out in West Bengal after the assembly elections. An audio clip purporting to be of the conversation between the channels correspondent and an anonymous caller was leaked on social media, following which irate BJP supporters cyber bullied the correspondent. Sydney, May 13 : Indians blamed foreigners, minority groups and doctors for the rapid spread of Covid-19 across the country during the first wave due to misinformation, rumour and long-held discriminatory beliefs, a study claimed on Thursday. Researchers from the Monash University, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, and the University of Southampton surveyed 2,138 people across 40 localities in Uttar Pradesh on their views about the spread of Covid-19. Ninety-three per cent of the respondents blamed foreigners for the spread of Covid-19, while 66 per cent also blamed the Muslim population. Surprisingly, 34 per cent and 29 per cent of people blamed the healthcare workers and the police, respectively, for failing to contain the virus spread. The social and physical consequences of stigmatisation were found to be severe, as those with symptoms refused to step forward and get tested for fear of public humiliation, the researchers said. Other examples included the refusal of non-Hindu doctors and patients to have a dignified burial; attacks on Muslims during and after religious events; healthcare workers being assaulted and asked to vacate their residences due to fear of virus spread; and incidents of Covid-19 patients leaving self-isolation early. The findings were published in the journal Social Science & Medicine. As India comes to grips with a devastating second wave, with an average of 350,000 new cases and 4,000 deaths daily, researchers say these incidents during the first wave are happening again. "We believe the results are as relevant today, as widespread stigmatisation is visible even during this wave," said Asad Islam, Director of the Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability at the Monash Business School. "Cases of stigmatisation during the second wave have resulted in doctors being verbally abused and prevented from taking a lift in their own residential building, old parents being abandoned, several patients fleeing medical facilities across the country, and dead bodies being dumped in rivers. "Most importantly, we found that stigmatisation of Covid-19 can have negative public health implications as it may lead people to avoid getting tested and respecting prevention measures. This is essential if India is to get on top of this second wave," he added. However, when presented with accurate and reliable information about the virus spread, the Indian people back-pedalled on those negative sentiments and were more likely to get tested and seek medical help, highlighting the importance of health advice from credible sources, the researchers said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hyderabad, May 13 : Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday called upon residential welfare societies and colonies to have their own isolation centres to help the Covid infected in their areas to get safely isolated. "The healthcare system is already overburdened and patients with serious complications need to get priority in hospitalisation. The community isolation centres will help safely isolate those with minor ailments or asymptomatic. They serve like micro containment zones," she said while inaugurating the isolation centre for Raj Bhavan 'pariwar'. "In majority of the cases, it is very difficult to have safe isolation facilities at home and other family members too are at risk of getting infected. In such cases, apartment-wise and area-wise isolation centres will be very useful," she added. Expressing concern at the heavy workload and stress being experienced by the doctors and other healthcare workers, the Governor called upon the people to strictly adhere to the Covid-appropriate behaviour and contain the spread of the pandemic. The isolation centre for Raj Bhavan employees has been established in association with the Art of Living Foundation's support organisation, the International Association of Human Values. It will have 10 beds and the inmates will be provided with food, medicines, and other medical support. The governor thanked the Art of Living foundation chief Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for supporting the initiative of the Raj Bhavan. The Governor's husband, and noted nephrologist, Dr P. Soundararajan said that it was every citizen's duty to follow the preventive norms and reduce the burden on the already overburdened healthcare system and the frontline warriors. Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar, Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjannar, Advisors to the Governor, International Association of Human Values Projects Director Vishal Arya were among others who spoke on the occasion, while Secretary to Governor K. Surendra Mohan coordinated the event. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patna, May 13 : Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday compared the state's government with Corona. In a tweet he said both of them are dangerous to human life and both are not visible. The tweet comes at a time when the health infrastructure in the state is struggling to cope with a resurgence of the infection. Earlier in the day, Yadav had attacked the Nitish government over reports of bodies of Corona victims found floating in the Ganga river in Buxar. "While they were alive they did not get medicine, oxygen, beds and treatment. Now after death, no shrouds, wood, and the ground where they could be cremated. Dead bodies were thrown into the Ganges. Dogs are eating corpses...Where are you taking this country and humanity?" Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav also attacked the CM . He appreciated the extension the lockdown by 10 days. At the same time, he also asked the government to provide food to the poor, proper treatment for patients in hospitals and check the sprialling prices of items of daily necessity such as fruits, vegetables and medicines. Guwahati, May 13 : In a tragic incident, a herd of 18 wild elephants were killed after being struck by a massive 'lightning' in central Assam's Nagaon district, officials said on Thursday. Confirming the incident, Nagaon district Deputy Commissioner Kavitha Padmanabhan said that a team comprising wildlife, forest and veterinary department officials went to the forest areas on Thursday to ascertain the exact cause of the deaths. "Before getting the reports of the official team, I am unable to say the number of male, female and calf among the 18 dead elephants," Padmanabhan told IANS over phone. Forest and wildlife officials said that the incident occurred on Wednesday night in the mountainous Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF). Assam's Chief Wildlife Warden M.K. Yadava, quoting local wildlife officials, said that 18 elephants have died and lightning is the most likely the cause of death. He said the exact reason would be known only after post-mortems of the dead animals are conducted on Friday. Local people informed the forest officials that the carcasses of the dead elephants were scattered in different places of the deep forest area. Yadava said that cases are often reported of lightning striking animals down and five elephants died due to this in West Bengal recently, but Wednesday's incident in Nagaon is huge and terrible. The district has had cases of man-animal conflicts. The world famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), one of India's seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the natural and environment category since 1985, also falls in five districts of Assam, including Nagaon. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister of Environment and Forest Parimal Suklabaidya have mourned the death of 18 elephants. The Chief Minister asked Suklabaidya to visit the spot and submit a report to him about the incident. An official statement said that Suklabaidya would visit the site with the forest and other officials on Friday morning to take stock of the situation. The minister said that a team of forest and veterinary officials had already visited the spot. New Delhi, May 13 : Taking a dig at the AAP government, the BJP on Thursday said that the Delhi Government has reduced the requirement of medical oxygen to save its minister and MLA involved in hoarding oxygen cylinders. Amid the sudden fall in oxygen demand in the city, BJP MP from West Delhi Parvesh Verma said, "It's surprising that all of a sudden oxygen demand has fallen drastically since news from different quarters doing the rounds of audit of oxygen requirement. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal must be ashamed for doing politics at this crucial time of crisis." Verma pointed out that since May 1, there has been a reduction of 14,022 active cases in the city and oxygen requirement has reduced by 394 MT. "Is 394 MT of oxygen required for 14,022 patients," he asked. Verma said, "To save Delhi ministers and AAP MLAs found hoarding oxygen cylinders, the Kejriwal government has reduced oxygen requirements. Even courts have questioned how the Delhi government minister got the oxygen cylinders. Only to save its minister and MLAs, Kejriwal government has started talking about reduced requirements of medical oxygen." On Thursday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "As the positivity rate and hospitalized cases reduce across Delhi, the oxygen requirement has fallen from 700 MT to 582 MT per day." Sisodia urged the Centre to provide the surplus oxygen from Delhi's allocated quota to other states who need that surplus. Demanding an audit, Verma said he will be writing to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. "I am writing a letter to the Lieutenant Governor to request an audit of oxygen requirement and utilization in the national capital. A proper audit will find out the actual requirement of oxygen and point out wrong usage," Verma said. Earlier, Verma had demanded dismissal of Imran Hussain from the Delhi Cabinet and a CBI inquiry into how he hoarded 650 oxygen cylinders. 1,600 rockets fired from Gaza, 7 Israeli deaths: Military (file photo) Palestinian militants have now fired more than 1,600 rockets from Gaza at Israel since the latest flare-up of fighting began earlier this week, Israel's military said on Thursday. Around 400 went down over Gaza, dpa news agency quoted military spokesman Jonathan Conricus as saying. The success rate of Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system continues to average around 90 per cent at intercepting rockets, he added. Seven people have died in Israel since the rocket launches began on Monday - six civilians and one soldier. Israel's military has attacked around 600 targets in the Gaza Strip, including rocket production and storage facilities. A tunnel was also targeted that Conricus said was used partially to hide fighters and was built under a school in a populated area. Conricus did not give concrete answers on how much arsenal the Palestinian militants have. They had a very large amount and still have a considerable quantity, he said. Israel blames Islamist Hamas, the de facto rulers of the Gaza Strip, for any attacks from Gaza. The group is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel and the European Union. During the ongoing attacks overnight, there was a direct hit on the town of Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv and five people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, a police spokesman said. The Israeli military said its fighter jets struck Hamas' main bank, one of its naval force squads and counter-intelligence infrastructure overnight. Dozens have died in the latest flare-up of violence, most of them in Gaza, which has put Hamas and Israel on the brink of an all-out war. The airstrikes and rocket attacks followed violent clashes in recent days at the Jerusalem holy site known as the Temple Mount to Jews and the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims. The international community has called for a halt to the fighting. US President Joe Biden condemned the rocket attacks by Hamas and other groups in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and conveyed support for "Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians". Later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions. Abbas is the head of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which does not include Hamas. New Delhi, May 13 : The Union Health Ministry on Thursday announced that Russia's Sputnik V, the vaccine against the Covid-19 pandemic, will be available in markets across the country early next week. The announcement comes 12 days after the first consignment of 150,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in Hyderabad from Russia. Sputnik V is developed by Russia's Gamaleya National Center. It will be the third vaccine to be cleared for use in India at a time when the country is in the grip of an intense second wave and demand for vaccines has shot up. Dr V.K. Paul, member NITI Aayog, made the announcement at a Health Ministry press briefing on the Covid-19 situation in the country. Paul also said that the local production of Sputnik V will begin in July and Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories will manufacture the vaccine in India. Dr Reddy's top executives recently hinted that Sputnik V is likely to be sold at $10 (around Rs 750) a dose in India. Last month, the Indian regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted restricted use authorisation to Sputnik V amid an alarming rise in the country's fresh Covid-19 infections. Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) is manufacturing the Oxford University-AstraZeneca shot as Covishield while Bharat Biotech International Limited, located in Hyderabad, has developed Covaxin. With an efficacy of 91.6 per cent, Sputnik V is reportedly the first vaccine against Covid-19 in the world. On August 11 last year, Russia gave approval to the Sputnik V. It is reported in the Lancet Medical Journal that the vaccine has been cleared and approved for mass use in more than 50 countries. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has signed a deal to produce 750 million doses of Sputnik V in India. Dr Reddy has entered into an agreement with RDIF for import of 125 million people equivalent doses in India. The firm's plan is to ramp up manufacture of the vaccine in India after the initial imports. India's vaccination drive against Covid-19 began on January 16, two weeks after the DCGI announced clearance for both Covishield and Covaxin. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kathmandu, May 13 : Nepal's opposition parties have failed to form a new coalition government by the 9 p.m. Thursday deadline set by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. After Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli lost the vote of confidence on Monday, the President, on the same day, called on political parties to form an alternative government. However, they were unable to muster a majority. "We, the opposition parties, have failed to garner the required votes to form the new government," Prakash Sharan Mahat, Joint Secretary General of the Nepali Congress, the primary opposition in the house, said after a party meeting. "As the primary opposition, the Nepali Congress has claimed the leadership of the government and started talks with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal. After the Janata Samajbadi Party refused to support our party President Sher Bahadur Deuba as next Prime Minister, our effort to form the government have come to an end," he added. With the Nepali Congress failing to form the new government with the support of opposition parties, Oli will continue as the Prime Minister as the leader of the largest political party or will form a coalition government with the Janata Samajbadi Party. The third largest party in the house, the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre, also concluded that chances of forming the government had come to an end after the Janata Samajbadi Party failed to extend support to Deuba as Prime Minister. After the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre withdrew the support to the Oli government, he, as per the constitutional provision, proposed to seek a vote of confidence but lost. Meanwhile, Oli remained busy in political manoeuvres and talks with his party leaders and the dissidents, including Madhav Kumar Nepal. Oli also withdrew the action taken against lawmakers of his Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist on Thursday morning in order to stop them from supporting Deuba as Prime Minister. On the other hand, Oli was also cultivating one section of the Janata Samajbadi Party to remain in power. President Bhandari is preparing to re-appoint Oli as Prime Minister on Friday. Mumbai, May 13 : Maharashtra Covid-19 fatalities continued to shoot up even as new infections registered a drop while the Mumbai death toll crossed the 14K-mark, health officials said here on Thursday. Compared with 816 deaths on Wednesday, the state's fatalities again shot up to touch 850 on Thursday - compared with the peak 1,035 deaths (April 28) - pulling up the toll from 78,007 to 78,857 now, the worst in the country. The number of new infections remained below the 50K-level, and dropped from 46,781 to 42,582, although lower than the record high of 68,631 (April 18), and the state tally catapulted from from 52,26,710 to 52,62,292 now. The Mumbai situation continues to improve, with the infections remaining below the 3K-level, dropping from 2,104 to 1,952 today - and the city tally increased from 681,233 to 683,185 till date, after touching the highest daily spike of 11,206 cases last month (April 4). Mumbai's daily deaths went up from 66 on Wednesday to 68 now, and the total fatalities in the country's commercial capital shot past the 14K-mark, from 13,972 to 14,040 now - the highest in the country. After remaining steady for 11 days the state death rate dropped significantly, improving from 1.49 percent to 1.05 percent, while the number of 'active cases' dropped from 546,129 to 533, 294. On the brighter side, 54,535 fully cured patients returned home, higher than the number of fresh infections today - taking the total up from 46,00,196 to 46,54,731, while the recovery rate further improved from 88.01 percent to 88.34 percent now. As the state vaccination drive was marred by shortages, Health Minister Rajesh Tope appealed to the Centre to formulate a policy on vaccine imports by various states to streamline the process, a day after the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation issued global tenders to procure one crore doses from the world markets. The Mumbai Circle - comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts - recorded a fall in new cases, from 6,818 to 5,953 now - compared with the peak of 19,953 (April 11) infections. Now, the MMR case-load has shot up from 14,63,629 to 14,69,582, and with 183_ more deaths, the toll shot up from 25,110 to 25,293. Of the day's 850 total fatalities due to the contagion, Thane led the state with 77 deaths, 68 in Mumbai, 64 in Nagpur, 62 in Beed, 59 in Nashik, 56 in Pune, 38 in Solapur, 34 each in Jalgaon and Ratnagiri, 32 in Satara, 27 in Sangli, 26 in Chandrapur, 25 in Wardha, 23 in Yavatmal, 22 in Osmanabad, 19 each in Palghar, Raigad, Ahmednagar and Gadchiroli, 16 in Nandurbar, 14 in Jalna, 13 in Latur, 11 each in Sindhudurg, Amravati, Buldhana and Washim - in the higher range. There were 8 deaths in Nanded, 7 each in Kolhapur and Parbhani, 6 in Bhandara, 5 in Aurangabad, 4 in Hingoli, 1 each in Dhule, Akola and Gondia - in the lower range. Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home isolation decreased - from 36,13,000 to 35,02,630 now, while those shunted to institutional quarantine went down from 29,417 to 28,847 on Thursday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Panaji, May 13 : The Goa government on Thursday appointed an expert committee to streamline the oxygen supply chain to the state's apex hospital, the Goa Medical College, where nearly 50 persons died over three days due to oxygen shortage. The committee, headed by Indian Institute of Technology-Goa Director, Dr B.K. Mishra, is tasked with ascertaining adequacy of oxygen supply to the GMC and efficiency of the oxygen supply chain, examining the process of administration of oxygen at the GMC and give recommendation for its improvement and recommend improvement in the complete chain of oxygen delivery at the GMC. The GMC's former Dean, Dr V.N. Jindal and Urban Development Secretary, Dr Tariq Thomas, are the members of the committee. "The committee (has) to finish the task within the next three days. The Secretary, Health is also directed to provide necessary support to the Committee in timely completion of the task," reads an order issued by Revenue Secretary Sanjay Kumar. The Bombay High Court is also hearing a bunch of public interest litigations which has accused the state government of mishandling the Covid crisis, especially on account of the dozens of deaths of Covid patients at the Goa Medical College over the last three days. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kolkata, May 13 : Though the BJP lost the West Bengal Assembly elections, it increased its tally from three seats in 2016 to 77 seats now, making it the main opposition party in the state legislative body. Though apparently it seems that the BJP made a dent in the Left-Congress alliance that suffered a huge loss in vote share this time compared to the last Assembly polls, it also cannot be ignored that a different kind of voting pattern is also responsible for the rise in vote share for the saffron brigade. In 2016, the BJP had a vote share of 10.1 per cent, allowing it to win three Assembly seats, but in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019, the party's vote share rose to a staggering 40.7 percent -- the highest for the saffron camp in the state so far, which enabled it to win 18 seats. It was also ahead of the other parties in 121 Assembly segments, but in the recent Assembly polls, the BJP saw a dip of 2.6 per cent in vote share to 38.1 per cent, giving it victory in 77 seats. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress had a vote share of 44.9 per cent in the 2016 Assembly elections and got 211 seats, but in the recent polls, the ruling party increased its share to 47.9 per cent -- an increase of 3 per cent - to win 213 Assembly seats. The vote share of the ruling party came down to 43.3 per cent in the last Lok Sabha elections, when the party managed to keep lead only in 164 Assembly segments. So, both the BJP and the Trinamool increased their vote share substantially in this election, which had a direct effect on the traditional vote bank of the Left-Congress combine, which reduced from 36.3 per cent in 2016 to only 8.5 per cent now, witnessing an erosion of 27.8 per cent. Apparently, it seems that this 27.1 per cent erosion in the Left-Congress combine directly contributed to the growth of the BJP in the state, but experts believe that the poll mathematics in Bengal is not that simple, rather it follows a more complex mechanism in its distribution among the political parties. "The Left and the Congress had a traditional secular vote bank which had a presence in all sections of the society. It is true that the voters discarded the alliance, but all of them didn't create a direct allegiance to the saffron party. The 27 per cent Muslim votes that had a significant role in the state went to the Trinamool camp while the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shared their loyalty with the BJP and the Trinamool equally. "The BJP, on the other hand, had been successful in gathering the support of the upper caste Hindu votes. So though they didn't get the full support of the lower caste Hindus, they were successful in retaining nearly the same vote share as in the last Lok Sabha polls," poll analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said. When asked whether the Left-Congress vote went to the BJP, Chakraborty said, "It is true that the erosion in the Left-Congress alliance had an indirect effect on the growth of the BJP in the state. A portion of the votes went to the saffron party definitely, but not fully. "The BJP has managed to get the votes of the upper caste Hindus, a portion of which had their loyalty with the alliance, but the Muslim votes largely went to the Trinamool, allowing the ruling party to increase its vote share from 44 per cent to 47 per cent." New Delhi, May 13 : The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to peak in India by June, and economic normalisation is likely by August-September, as per foreign brokerage CLSA. CLSA said the second wave will peak by June 2021 in India, though some states may take more time. India may see a peak in the 7DMA of new cases by June. This peak in Maharashtra may have already happened, while Haryana, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh are next in line, CLSA said. Using the mid-date of the predicted range, 11 of these 16 states may see a peak of this wave by the end of June. These make up 47 per cent of India's population and 65 per cent of GDP. Compared to cumulative testing equal to 22 per cent of national population, Madhya Pradesh (10 per cent), West Bengal (11 per cent), Rajasthan (12 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (19 per cent) have tested much lower proportions of their respective populations, the brokerage said. "This may suggest a higher chance in under-reporting of cases in these states and may also impact the accuracy of predictions regarding the peak. West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar may be the last to peak, i.e., after July," CLSA said. Of these 16 states, 13 have imposed similar lockdown-like restrictions which restrict the free non-essential movement of people. Barring essential services, offices are either closed or allowed to open with clear restrictions. A few states have also put a cap on the daily timing of grocery stores for 4-6 hours. These states contribute nearly 75-77 per cent to India's GDP/population. Mobility restrictions are a bit less strict, and more in the form of night curfews in the remaining three states of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, but even these have clear restrictions on offices, shops and social gatherings. Restaurants are closed in all these states while only takeaway and home delivery is allowed. India's mobility for May YTD to workplaces/recreation/groceries is at 52 per cent/ 39 per cent/ 77 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels, respectively, which compares to the lows of 38 per cent/ 18 per cent/ 48 per cent seen during the strict nationwide lockdown in April 2020. These saw a high of 85 per cent/ 77 per cent/ 116 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels in February 2021. Data for four key cities show traffic at sub-20-25 per cent of the 2019 average. Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh appear to have the biggest impact on mobility in May MTD. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are states where mobility has had less of an impact in May so far. Using these estimates, CLSA expects restrictions will begin to be rolled-back in Maharashtra in early-June. Possibly, states with over 75 per cent of India's GDP should roll-back these restrictions by July-Auust, i.e., 4-6 weeks after the peak in the respective states. This points to some kind of normalcy in economic activity from August-September 2021. Therefore, these restrictions could have a notable impact on earnings in 1QFY22 as well as part of 2QFY22. However, with a possible peak in Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks, announcements on the rolling-back of restrictions and a further pick-up in vaccination should lend enough hope for the markets to look beyond this short-term impact and focus on a possible growth pick-up after the impact of the ongoing wave is over, the CLSA said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bengaluru, May 13 : The premier Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is developing a low-cost oxygen concentrator and anti-Covid vaccine, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar said on Thursday. "IISc researchers are designing a low-cost and efficient oxygen concentrator and developing a vaccine for treating Covid patients," said Sudhakar after a virtual interaction with the state-run institute's Director Govindan Rangarajan. The institute's prototype oxygen concentrator of 10 litres per minute (LPM) capacity is being tested for clinical validation at the Bangalore Medical College. "Results of the clinical trials have been promising, as the oxygen output is about 90 per cent and more efficient than the Chinese concentrators whose output is about 50 per cent," Rangarajan told the minister during the interaction. The IISc sought the state government's support in expediting the process of clinical validation and regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for emergency use of the gas concentrator. "We have sought the institute's help in developing an audit mechanism and ways for optimal utilisation of medical oxygen and minimise its wastage at refilling or bottling units and at hospitals," said Sudhakar. The Director said the vaccine under development at the institute showed better neutralising effect than other vaccines in use. "The vaccine being developed in our institute can be stored at room temperature (30 degrees Celsius), which enables the government to scale-up its distribution," he said. On its website, the institute mentioned that the vaccine was being developed by Mynvax start-up, incubated by its society of innovation and development. "The project needs Rs 15 crore fund to conduct further studies like creating the first-generation vaccine candidate in the next four months, production technology in eight months and to initiate Phase 1 human trials in 12 months," it said. The goal is to develop a rapidly producible vaccine for protection of frontline health workers, senior citizens and individuals with co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the IISc said. The start-up estimates 100 million doses to meet the country's requirements of the pandemic persists in the medium to long-term. Molecular Biophysics Professor at the IISc, Raghavan Varadaraj and a biotech entrepreneur founded Mynvax in 2017 to develop novel recombinant vaccines to fight the human influenza virus. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bengaluru, May 13 : In a shocking incident, a 47-year-old mentally disabled woman spent two days with the bodies of her mother and brother at their house in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar residential locality in the city. The incident came to light on Wednesday night after a tenant living in the building informed the police about a foul smell emanating from his landlord's house. According to the police, the deceased persons have been identified as Aryamba, 65, and her son Harish, 45, who was an employee with a private company. The family lived in the BEML Layout of RR Nagar. The police said that Harish had tested positive for Covid-19 and died a couple of days ago, while investigation is on to determine the cause of Aryamba's death. After the tenant called the police, officers were rushed to the spot who found Harish's partially decomposed body near the window of the living room. "We broke open the main door and saw a woman coming out of a room. She appeared exhausted with no food or water. Her mother's partially decomposed body was found inside. According to the victim's neighbours and tenants, the three of them lived in the house and the survivor is mentally disabled who needed urgent mental care," a senior police officer said. The police suspect that her mother and brother died about two days ago and she spent the past couple of days with their bodies. The woman has been admitted to a hospital. The police have found that Harish had undergone a Rapid Antigen Test on April 25, which returned positive. "As per the preliminary investigation, it is suspected that his mother also contracted the disease and both succumbed to it. However, we are awaiting medical test results to ascertain the exact cause of death," a police officer said. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and further probe is on. New Delhi, May 13 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that the strategy against coronavirus remains the same, irrespective of its variants. Reviewing the public health response to Covid-19 and progress of vaccination with the Health Ministers of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Delhi in a virtual meeting, he noted that the "B.1.617" variant of Covid-19 has contributed to the rise of cases in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi and advised all the states to regularly send samples to INSACOG labs for tracking of emerging variants of Covid. Suggesting steps taken by the experts to curb the spread, he said: "The strategy remains the same irrespective of the variants." Harsh Vardhan also stressed on the continued need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour along with renewed and stringent focus on containment measures for addressing the present surge. He also advised the states to have a long-term plan to tackle Covid, suggesting they take a proactive role in ensuring the rotation of the health workforce and their regular counselling regarding their duty. On the common demand from the state Health Ministers to increase the quota of vaccines for their states, Harsh Vardhan explained the factors that have shaped the vaccination policy. "(As many of) 88 per cent of the fatalities were in the age group of 45+ which prompted us to open the vaccination to that group in a gradual manner. However, states, depending on their own situation, can opt for vaccination of other age groups through direct procurement now. The lack of availability of a second dose has been taken into consideration when guidelines for reserving 70 per cent of vaccines were framed," he said. He also informed of the monthly production capacity of the vaccines and reassured the states that vaccines will be distributed equitably among them. Production capacity is being steadily ramped up and will touch eight crore doses by May and nine crore in June, he said. Harsh Vardhan also said that this demand for more vaccines from th state leadership "arouses narrow political passion among the masses which harms the 'Whole-of-government' approach to tackle the pandemic". The state Health Ministers also requested formulation of a common policy of procurement of vaccines from foreign manufacturers. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Amaravati, May 13 : Faced with acute shortage of Covid vaccines amid a raging pandemic, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to procure vaccines beyond the current options comprising Covishield and Covaxin. Accordingly, a global tender has been floated by the state government, inviting proposals from various companies, asking them to respond within three weeks. The decision was taken at the Covid control review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday. This decision comes after several delays in the vaccination process. So far, the state has received 75.49 lakh Covid vaccine doses from the Centre. Of these, 62,60,400 are Covaxin doses by Bharat Biotech, while 12,89,560 are Covishield doses received from the Serum Institute of India. Reddy said that while the state requires 7 crore vaccine doses in all, so far it has received only 73 lakh doses. Of the two vaccine manufacturers in the country, the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has a production capacity of 1 crore doses, while Pune-based Serum Institute of India can produce 6 crore vaccines per month, he noted. According to government officials, around 32,87,607 people have received the first dose while close to 20,41,377 people have received the second shot of the vaccine. Out of the first doses received, around 26,69,250 people received Covishield and 6,18,36 people received Covaxin. As far as the second dose is concerned, 17,35,536 people have received Covishield and 3,05,841 people have received Covaxin. The Chief Minister had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him that the Covaxin know-how should be shared with other companies with substantial production capabilities, so that vaccine production can be ramped up. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hyderabad, May 13 : Supplies of Covid-19 vaccines will only start meeting demand across the country by late July or early August and till then, it is going to be a challenge, Telangana Industry and Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao said on Thursday. The minister, who heads the state task force on procurement of vaccines and medicines, said the state was working on getting increased supplies of vaccines from the Centre and was also simultaneously engaged in discussions with vaccine manufacturers. "But the supplies will only start meeting demand across the country hopefully by late July or early August. Till then it's going to be a challenge," he said during a live interactive session with netizens on Twitter. He quoted NITI Aayog's Health Member, V.K. Paul as saying that 216 crore doses will be available between August-December 2021, and vaccination drive will continue throughout the year in India. KTR, as the minister is popularly known, said the state has the ability and infrastructure to vaccinate the entire state within 45 days but the problem is lack of availability of vaccine. Responding to several questions about vaccination and vaccine availability, he tried to explain that the state has a limited role as the Centre is handling the distribution. He said currently the state's focus on to get the second dose to all those 45 lakh people who have taken the first jab. "You should know that Govt of India has mandated that 85 per cent of all production be handed over to it. From the remaining 15 per cent, all states & institutions have to compete. It's easier to procure for a few hundred employees but challenge is manifold when your state population is 3.6 crore," he said when a netizen asked if the state can procure vaccines like corporates are doing for their employees. Telangana, which decided to float global tenders for procurement, is currently in discussions with all three vaccine makers; Bharat Biotech, the Serum Institute and Dr Reddy's Labs. "Whatever is allowed by Drug Controller General of India is what we can procure. So far only three vaccines are available; Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik. Hopefully Pfizer & Moderna will be allowed. By August I am hearing that another Indian vaccine may also be available from BE," he said asked if the state considering procurement of vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech. He pointed in Telangana out of the total 45 plus population of 92.24 lakhs, 45.37 lakh people have been vaccinated with first dose while second dose has been given to more than 10.3 lakh people "I think we should set aside all inhibitions/egos and work together as humanity during this hour of crisis. Doesn't matter whether it's Sinovac or Pfizer or Moderna or something else, as long as it works and helps save lives," he said when asked about his opinion on India asking China for supplies of Sinovac. "Vaccine regionalism is not allowed, brother. Just because someone is manufacturing in our state, we are not entitled to with first right of usage," KTR said in reply to a suggestion that since Covaxin is being manufactured in Telangana, the vaccines may be offered to other states after vaccination is completed in Telangana. "A thought definitely worth considering," KTR remarked to a suggestion that the Central government should be urged to give the vaccine patent to all the pharmaceutical companies to meet country's requirements. "This is a decision that has to be taken by Govt of India," he quipped when asked if Telangana government is coordinating with Bharat Biotech to share formula and increase production of vaccine with all other pharma companies. To another query, KTR said vaccination of 70 per cent population is considered ideal to break the chain. "So out of the 2.9 crore adult population, we need to vaccinate 1.9 crore people. Since it's a 2 dose vaccine, we need 3.8 crore doses. It's a demand-supply challenge." Asked about oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir being sold at extremely high prices, the minister said: "Challenge on oxygen is availability across the country. Govt of India has taken complete control over distribution by state. On Remdesivir, we are doing an audit by private hospital on consumption. Have found some cases of indiscriminate usage & we are also told doctors are under pressure from patients & their attendants to recommend Remdesivir even in those cases where it's not needed (anxiety for well being of their loved ones). We also made arrests of many persons who indulged in black marketing. Continue to audit & contain unnecessary hoarding." New Delhi, May 13 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday handed over possession to homebuyers virtually as the Centre's Special Window for Affordable & Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) completed its first residential project. The residential project -- Rivali Park in suburban Mumbai -- is the first housing project in India to have received funding under the SWAMIH Fund. The SWAMIH Fund was launched by Sitharaman in November 2019. Rivali Park Wintergreens is the first investment by the fund and is also the first project to be completed. It is a large project spread over seven acres consisting of 708 units of various configurations. It has been developed by CCI Projects Pvt Ltd (CCIPPL), an associate company of Cable Corporation of India Ltd. Along with Sitharaman, the online event was also attended by MoS Finance Anurag Thakur; Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; K. Rajaraman, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, SBI, and other officials from SBICAP Ventures Limited. Addressing the virtual event, Sitharaman said she is very pleased to see that SWAMIH Fund has completed its first residential project. More so, it is an important achievement since the SWAMIH Fund has worked its way through the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic, she added. The Finance Minister said that the government of India had stepped in to provide funding to the stressed affordable and mid-income housing projects, thereby giving relief to the homebuyers who had invested their hard-earned savings. Sitharaman said the government believes that once these homes are constructed and completed, a large amount of capital locked up in these projects will be released. The Finance Minister also said that the scheme will provide employment to construction workers and will provide impetus to the allied industries such as steel and cement. Further, it will improve the portfolios of banks and NBFCs besides significantly improving the economic sentiments in the nation, she said. Sitharaman also complimented and congratulated the SBICap Ventures team for converting a policy announcement into an on-the-ground funding institution that has achieved significant progress within a short span of time. The SWAMIH Investment Fund has so far given its final approval to 72 projects that will include 44,100 homes, while 132 projects have received preliminary approval, which will complete an additional 72,500 homes. The fund is targeting to complete an aggregate of 1,16,600 homes. Rome, May 13 : Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic reached quarter-finals of the Italian Open in contrasting style here on Thursday. While Nadal struggled to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) in a three-and-a-half hour epic against 13th seed Denis Shapovalov, Djokovic cruised past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-1. Nadal, the nine-time champion, trailed 0-4 in the opening set, 0-3 in the second and saved two match points late in the third set as Shapovalov took control in their third-round clash. But Nadal grabbed the high-pressure moments and steadily raised his level to secure the victory for a spot in the last eight. This is Nadal's 16th quarter-final appearance in the tournament. Serb world No. 1 Djokovic, on the other hand, entered quarter-finals for the 15th time in his 15th appearance in the tournament. Djokovic, a five-time champion, broke serve in five of his seven return games to stretch his perfect record of quarter-final showings in the Italian capital. Also entering the quarter-finals is Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat Italian No. 1 Matteo Berrettini 7-6(3), 6-2. The fifth seed won seven of his eight net points and capitalised on Berrettini's low first-serve percentage in second set (32%) to win in one hour and 36 minutes. Federico Delbonis defeated Felix Auger Aliassime 6-1, 7-6 while American Reilly Opelka beat Aslan Karatsev of Russia 7-6, 6-4. There are three more men's pre-quarterfinals yet to finish. Sydney, May 13 : Australia skipper Tim Paine has backed Steve Smith to return at helm once he quits captaincy of the national team. The 36-year-old Paine, who has lost two home series against India, may not be able to continue for long and Australia are looking to zero in on his replacement. One of the choices available to the selectors is Steve Smith, who was banned from leadership role for two years following ball tampering scandal in South Africa in March, 2018. The ban ended in March 2020. Asked if Smith would be an option, Paine said, "I think so. Obviously, I don't make that decision but the time I played with Steve as captain he was excellent. "Certainly tactically he is as good as you get," he was quoted as saying by News Corp media. "Then obviously South Africa events happened and he's not doing it anymore. But, yeah, I would support him getting that job again." Paine said he has no plans to relinquish captaincy. But may quit if Australia dominate England during Ashes later this year. "If I feel like the time is right and we've beaten the 'Poms' 5-0, what a way to go out," he said. "But it might be a tight series and we might be chasing 300 on the last day and I'm 100 not out and hit the winning runs - and then I might go again." New Delhi, May 13 : Amid reports of vaccine shortage coming from different parts of the country, the Centre and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Thursday exppressed their willingness to invite other companies to produce Covaxin in a bid to ramp up vaccine production in the country. Welcoming the Centre's decision, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted, "We are very glad that Central government has agreed to allow other companies to manufacture Covaxin. We sincerely hope they will consider our other suggestion of importing vaccines as One Nation and not as different states seriously as well." Earlier in the day, the Union Health Ministry said, "Two Central government PSUs, namely Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) and BIBCOL, have entered into a technology transfer agreement with Bharat Biotech. In addition, one state government undertaking, Haffkine Institute, has also entered into a technology transfer agreement with Bharat Biotech." As a result of this intervention of the Central government, Indian Immunologicals Limited will be in a position to start production of Covaxin from September 2021, while Haffkine Institute and BIBCOL will start production of Covaxin from November 2021, the statement said. The Union Health Ministry mentioned that the government of India presently is also engaged in proactive dialogue with Bharat Biotech and some other PSUs, as well as private companies to execute technology transfer agreements. "This would further enhance and augment the production of Covaxin in the country," it said. On May 11, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had demanded that the Central government should take the formula for producing vaccines from Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India and give it to all those companies which can safely manufacture the vaccines. Guwahati, May 13 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the state government is taking all possible steps to rescue ONGC engineer Ritul Saikia from captivity of the outlawed ULFA-I. An official of the CMO said that Sarma, who also holds the home portfolio, met Saikia's wife and younger brother during his visit to Majuli. "During the meeting, the Chief Minister assured them that all possible steps are being taken by the state government to find and rescue Saikia at the earliest. Titabar MLA Bhaskarjyoti Baruah was also present during the meeting," the official said. Sarma, after taking oath as Assam's 15th Chief Minister on Monday, urged the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), led by Paresh Barua, and other militant groups to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream. The ULFA-I had, on April 21, had kidnapped three engineers of the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation from a drilling site at Lakwa in eastern Assam's Sibsagar district. The Army, along with Assam Rifles troopers, rescued two hostages from the militants following a fierce firefight on April 23 night, but Ritul Saikia still remains missing. Hyderabad, May 13 : Covid patients from other states travelling to Telangana for admission into hospitals will now have to take a prior appointment with hospitals and authorisation letter from the state authorities. The state government has issued guidelines for what it calls streamlining the hospitalisation of patients from other states in Telangana. As per the orders issued by Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, patients from other states should have a prior tie-up with the hospital in Telangana for the purpose of Covid admissions. "Hospitals in Telangana to apply in the prescribed format to control room (phone number 040-24651119 and 9494438251 (whatsapp), email: idsp@telangana.gov.in) set up for this purpose, furnishing basic details like name of the patient, age, state, attendant's name, mobile number and type of bed tied-up/care required." "On receipt of the proposal from the hospital, control room will issue authorisation to travel, based on which the patient can come to Telangana for hospitalisation," the order reads. According to the order, it was brought to the government's notice that several Covid patients from different states travel to Telangana in ambulances/vehicles for admission in hospitals for undergoing treatment without prior tie-up with any hospital in the state. In the absence of any prior tie-up with hospitals, patients not only lose valuable time moving from one hospital to other but also potentially spread the infection of different strains, it says. Last week, the Telangana Police had stopped ambulances bringing Covid patients from Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad, citing lack of beds and oxygen. They insisted that the patients produce letters from hospitals concerned about the allocation of beds and the proposed treatment. Several critically-ill patients were turned away from inter-state border. Officials say that more than 50 per cent of beds in the hospitals in Hyderabad are occupied by patients from other states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. Somesh Kumar had said last week that Hyderabad has become medical treatment capital of India as several critically-ill patients from various states are being brought to the city in air ambulances. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday asked Speaker Om Birla to let the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee examine the government's coronavirus vaccination policy. His demand comes in wake of shortage of vaccines and many state government floating global tenders for procurement. "Today, the policy towards vaccinating the people for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic has become central and of utmost importance. As the lives and livelihood of the people of the country, as a whole, are dependant on an effective 'Vaccination Policy', I would request you to kindly permit the Public Accounts Committee to meet and deliberate upon this subject matter with the representatives of the government i.e, the Ministry of Health, the ICMR and others concerned (By any mode either physical or virtual, depending upon the Covid situation). "Given the seriousness of the issues confronting us, and going by the past precedents and practice, I would once again request you to permit the Committee to meet at the earliest to discuss and deliberate on the 'Vaccination Policy' being pursued for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic," the Congress leader said in his letter to the Speaker. Chowdhury termed it unfortunate that "neither the Public Accounts Committee, which has a key role to play in our Parliamentary system nor any other Parliamentary Committee is in a position to meet either in a formal sitting in the precincts of the Parliament, or virtually, at this critical time". "I need not impress upon you the fact that the Parliament and its Committees, and the Public Accounts Committee in particular, have a serious responsibility to discharge by way of discussing, deliberating and giving suggestions and recommendations on ways of tackling and resolving the problems currently confronting us owing to the Covid-19 pandemic." he said. The Congress leader said that there have been numerous occasions in the past where, with the permission or the direction of the Speaker, the Public Accounts Committee has met and taken up matters of larger concern for discussion, deliberation and making observations and recommendations thereon to the government to act upon. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, May 13 : The Delhi government said on Thursday that while the national capital has adequate ICU beds and medical oxygen stock in the government-run hospitals and private healthcare centers, the Centre should fix a uniform rate for vaccines. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said in a press conference that as the number of daily cases has reduced in the city, there are adequate beds for Covid patients in the national capital now. However, Jain also said that Delhi has no Covaxin stock left for the 18-44 age group, and blamed the Centre for the vaccine crisis, not only in Delhi, but across the nation. On Wednesday, Delhi had shut as many as 100 vaccination centers citing a shortage of vaccine supply. Jain, who earlier held a video conference with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, said that he had conveyed to the latter that private players like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech were generating huge profit of Rs 16,000 crore on 100 crore doses, considering the pandemic as an opportunity to generate enormous profits. He elaborated, "Assuming a profit of Rs 10 per dose, the manufacturing companies produce 6 crore doses per month, it incurs Rs 30 crore profit from Centre, Rs 240 crore from states and Rs 690 crore from private entities. The total of which comes to approximately Rs 960 crore and per crore profit would be Rs 160 crore. So on 100 crore doses, a profit of Rs 16,000 crore is made." "Is the pandemic an opportunity to generate profits when the nation is grappling with a crisis," Jain asked. "A uniform rate of Rs 150 should be fixed for all - the Centre, state and private entities. Even at Rs 150, the companies will make enormous profits," he added. In view of the shortage of vaccines, Jain said the Centre should take the formulas of vaccines from these two firms (SII and Bharat Biotech) and share them with other companies capable of manufacturing vaccines. "It is widely known that India is home to the biggest and most prominent vaccine manufacturers in the world. Hence, a number of companies are capable of manufacturing it and mobilising it into the market for the public," Jain added. Jain said that he has also requested the Centre to adopt a 'One Nation, One Tender' policy for vaccine procurement from the international market, as state-wise tenders won't put India in good light. Earlier on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said that Delhi's daily oxygen requirement has fallen from 700 MT to 582 MT per day and hence the additional oxygen quota of the national capital should be supplied to other states needing the life-saving gas. "Delhi government is a responsible government and hence it is requesting the Centre to reduce the daily oxygen allocation to Delhi to 582 MT. This way the other states in need of oxygen can get the surplus amount from Delhi," Sisodia said. New Delhi, May 14 : The Centre on Thursday strongly objected in the Supreme Court the claims of an NGO stating that it was involved in 'bench avoidance in a case connected to road widening in the Chardham highway project. A vacation bench comprising Justices Vineet Saran and Dinesh Maheswari took note of Attorney General K.K. Venugopal's contention in the matter and said the court did not ask the NGO to file any written submissions in the matter. The bench emphasised that it had only asked the parties to place before it the relevant orders connected to the matter. Venugopal, at the beginning of the hearing, submitted, "I strongly object to the written submissions given by the petitioner." The NGO had claimed in a note that the government is engaged in bench avoidance. The strategic Chardham highway project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath -- in Uttarakhand. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, also appearing in the case, submitted that the court should look into the reasons for which the NGO made such allegations. He emphasised that the matter is connected to the construction of strategic roads leading to the China border. "A convenience compilation has also been filed by the Union of India. Let the matter be listed on Tuesday, i.e., May 18. Let the papers be placed before the Chief Justice of India for assignment of appropriate bench to hear this matter," the top court said in its order. Venugopal had submitted that because of urgency in the matter as the strategic border roads need to be constructed urgently, the matter should be taken up early. Citing the allegations of bench avoidance in the note of the petitioner NGO, Citizens of Green Doon, Venugopal said this kind of practice is not done in the Supreme Court, and he strongly objects to it. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the NGO, contended that they had filed a 4-5-page written note on Wednesday evening and sent its copy to the court master on Thursday morning. The bench replied that the copy was sent very late, and it also did not permit the NGO to file any written submissions. Venugopal cited that there is already an affidavit submitted in the matter highlighting the importance of road widening for the army. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text America is spoiled by cheap energy. No matter how you feel about controversial topics like hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, or the extensive 2.6 million miles of oil and natural gas pipeline network that crisscrosses the breadth of our country like an intricate spiderweb, you cant deny that weve all enjoyed the riches of the tight oil boom over the last 10 years. Before 2008, U.S. field production of crude oil had been in a seemingly irreversible decline. My veteran readers will remember what it was like during those times and how our dependence on OPEC oil was getting dangerously high. You know how that story unfolded, dont you? Our domestic oil production took an unprecedented turn since those dark days, and our crude output increased dramatically over the last decade. But it wasnt long before we forgot about those hardships. Why wouldnt we? After all, life was good, gas felt cheaper than it had ever been, and the truth is that we forgot what a real energy crisis looked like. Ask the younger crowd around you when they last filled up for $4 per gallon. Believe it or not, that used to be a very stark reality for drivers, but not anymore: Like I said, we became spoiled during the good times. Yet all it took was a critically important, 2.5 million-barrel-per-day pipeline system going offline for a few days for all hell to break loose. However, theres a bigger story from this recent chaos It's what the media aren't telling you. What Theyre Not Telling You About the Colonial Pipeline Crisis Unless youve been living under a rock or walking to work every day, youve heard about the recent cyberattack that shut down the Colonial petroleum pipeline. Heres a more detailed look at that pipeline system, which stretches more than 5,000 miles from New Jersey to Texas: Colonial Pipeline explained what happened in a recent statement: On May 7, the Colonial Pipeline Company learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. We have since determined that this incident involves ransomware. In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations and affected some of our IT systems. Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged. To be fair, the impact of this cyberattack will be short term, but that wont stop the panic from gripping drivers as gas stations run short on fuel. Its been a long time since weve seen a sight like this: Despite the fuel shortages, there are things you need to know. First and foremost, the pain drivers are feeling now is only for the short term. This situation doesnt have the long-term consequences like the Biden administration nixing the Keystone XL pipeline project. We know Colonial Pipeline will have things up and running and, to give President Biden some credit, hes made things easier to get more fuel to the market. Biden has authorized the DOT Maritime Administration to approve waivers to the Jones Act, which allows Jones Act-qualified tankers to get their fuel onto the market. The White House is also giving truck drivers more flexibility in the amount of hours they can operate and a one-week waiver for some states to temporarily use noncompliant fuel to increase supply. Granted, the short-term nature of this crisis wont stop people from panic-buying even though theres no shortage of fuel right now just difficulty getting it to your local pump. However, theres a much bigger part of this story, and its one that the mainstream media stay far away from. You see, when the hackers demanded a huge ransom after the attack, our government refused to step in to help. In other words, Colonial Pipeline was left on its own to deal with this situation. Thats rather interesting given that this petroleum system supplies nearly half of the East Coast with refined fuel. Think about that for a minute If you can think of a more serious threat to national security than attacks on our energy infrastructure, Im all ears. Mark my words: This wont be the last time this kind of threat occurs. Energy cybersecurity will become paramount from here on out. However, the window of opportunity will only stay open for so long. Stay tuned. Until next time, Keith Kohl Source: KOHL, K. (2021, MAY). What They're Not Telling You About the Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack. Energy & Capital Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Announces $284 Million Revaluation Uplift 10th June 2021 Morning Report Me Today Limited (NZX: MEE) Opening of Offer to Retail Investors Mercury NZ Limited (NZX: MCY) FY2021 EBITDAF Guidance Revised to $460 Million 9th June 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) AUSTRAC ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION 8th June 2021 Morning Report Fletcher Building Limited (NZX: FBU) Share Buyback to Commence on 10 June 2021 4th June 2021 Morning Report 3rd June 2021 Morning Report 1910 Legacy Enterprises, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Cale Collier as the new Executive Director of Business Development for the company and its subsidiaries. Collier is an innovative and decisive leader with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has a proven track record of generating record-breaking revenue growth while improving margins and reducing turnover. Collier is a visionary leader known for earning loyalty from employees and clients by cultivating a culture of trust and integrity. He holds a degree in Business Management from Minot State University. He began his career by serving in the U.S. Air Force for six years. In 2001, he became an Estimator with GE Energy and was quickly promoted to Project Manager. In 2006, he became the Manager of ESP Parts and Services with FL Smidth, Inc. In 2009, he became a Senior Business Development Manager for Performance Contracting, Inc. After five years there, Collier became the Southeast Regional Manager for Superheat, where he grew his regions revenue by over 300% annually. At his previous company, Acensium, Collier led the Business Development efforts as Executive Vice President, developing a new product line offering while setting up the business unit for the company. As Executive Director of Business Development, Collier will lead strategic planning and management of the business development functions on a corporate level. Working closely with the leadership team, he will manage all business development policies and personnel in all locations for the subsidiary companies of 1910 Legacy Enterprises. We are pleased to welcome Cale Collier as our Executive Director of Business Development, said Jeff Filippo, President/CEO of 1910 Legacy Enterprises. 1910 Legacy Enterprises leverages a history of success built on strong partnerships, and Cales experience in improving relationships with clients and employees will add strength to our executive team. We look forward to Cale being a key player in helping us expand our business and operations significantly. About 1910 Legacy Enterprises, Inc.: 1910 Legacy Enterprises is the holding company of White Electrical and Axis Energy. 1910 Legacy is an employee-owned company born out of the need for the companies to grow along with the needs of their customers. 1910 Legacys mission is to continually position their companies for future growth while meeting the needs of partnerships they have built over the past 100+ years. They are committed to honoring the same legacy the White family created with a focus on integrity, partnership, and ingenuity for generations to come. For more information, please visit http://www.1910Legacy.com. About White Electrical Construction Company, Inc.: White Electrical was founded in 1910 to serve the growing needs for electricity in the South, specifically for cotton and textile plants. Over the years, White Electrical has grown into a full-service industrial electrical contractor supplying a wide range of key industries in the Southeast. The company takes pride in keeping pace with the latest advancements in technology while still honoring its 100+ year commitment of delivering on-time projects, providing quality service, and creating a safe workplace. White Electrical is a subsidiary of 1910 Legacy Enterprises and is an employee-owned company. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in Birmingham, AL, Brunswick, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Huntsville, AL, Raleigh, NC, Rome, GA, and Savannah, GA. White Electrical believes safety is a moral obligation, and employs and enforces rigorous, industry-best safety practices as evidenced by their compliance with Browz, ISNetworld, NCMS, PEC, PICS, and SMI safety standards. For more information, please visit http://www.White-Electrical.com. About Axis Energy, Inc.: Axis Energy provides renewable energy solutions to key industries in the Southeast. With a strong reputation and track record, and years of renewable energy experience, they deliver superior quality at a competitive price. Axis offers its partners a true turnkey Engineering, Procurement Construction (EPC), and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) solution. Backed by 1910 Legacy Enterprises, Axis has the financial security to bond and procure projects of all sizes. As an employee-owned company, every team member is directly vested in success, and driven to succeed, which benefits all customers in the quality of work and outstanding culture of safety. For more information, please visit http://www.axis-energyinc.com. We look forward to a very engaging and open dialogue with attendees, and especially doing so in-person. Away from the fatigue of computer meetings, the Summit will provide a refreshing reset for essential, straightforward industry discussion. JETNET, the leading provider of corporate aviation information, has announced their 2021 JETNET iQ Global Business Aviation Summit advocacy speakers. The Summit brings together some of business aviations top leaders to discuss ideas that will guide the future of the industry. The panel discussions will take place in person at the 10th JETNET iQ Summit September 15-16th, 2021 at TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. These panel discussions are incredibly important to help steer business aviation toward a flourishing market in the post-pandemic era, stated Rolland Vincent, JETNET iQ Creator and Director. We look forward to a very engaging and open dialogue with attendees, and especially doing so in-person. Away from the fatigue of computer meetings, the Summit will provide a refreshing reset for essential, straightforward industry discussion. Panelists at this years event include Athar Husain Khan, Secretary General, European Business Aviation Association (EBAA); Pete Bunce, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); Kurt Edwards, Director General, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC); Tim Obitts, President and CEO, National Air Transportation Association (NATA); and Ed Bolen, President and CEO, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Paul Cardarelli, JETNET iQ Summit Co-Chair and JETNETs Vice President of Sales, also emphasized the speakers importance at this years Summit. Even as we get back to the routine of business flight again, there are many topics, we as an industry, need to get ahead of. Cardarelli continued, Strategic planning, fleet forecasting, sales, marketing, and investor and stock analyses all need to be looked at with new vision and new ideas, in this new world. Our advocacy speakers are the best at what they do and are the exact people you want to hear these ideas from. The 10th Summit promises to be an intimate gathering of a Whos Who of business aviation discussing the present and future of the industry, with predictions, industry revelations, and insights from global leaders. The fast-paced Summit will also allow attendees time to meet their contemporaries, network, and develop topics outside of scheduled sessions. Registration to attend is currently open. An Early Bird Registration rate for the JETNET iQ Summit, a $200 savings, is available through May 31st, 2021. Beginning June 1st, 2021, through September 1st, 2021, pricing for attending the event will be $1,295 USD. Registration can be found at jetnet.com/summit. The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is a new and stylish, neo-retro location that honors the elegance of air travel while inspiring new life and new ideas with its captivating use of space and light. JETNET iQs summit theme is Were back in timeand in person. Cancellation Policy Refunds will be 50% for cancellation notices received prior to August 1st, 2021, and 0% thereafter. COVID-19 Policy Please note: All attendees will be required to comply with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and New York State COVID guidelines. This may include showing proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test, on-site testing and temperature checks, and wearing face coverings in public areas. JETNET is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they develop. About JETNET iQ Summits are part of JETNET iQ, an aviation market research, strategy, and forecasting service for the business aviation industry. JETNET iQ also provides independent, Quarterly intelligence, including consulting, economic and industry analyses, business aircraft owner/operator survey results, and new aircraft delivery and fleet forecasts. JETNET iQ is a collaboration between JETNET LLC and Rolland Vincent Associates LLC of Plano, Texas, an aviation market research consultancy. About JETNET As the leading provider of aviation market information, JETNET delivers the most comprehensive and reliable business aircraft research to its exclusive clientele of aviation professionals worldwide. JETNET is the ultimate source for information and intelligence on the worldwide business, commercial, and helicopter aircraft fleet and marketplace, comprising more than 110,000 airframes. Headquartered in its state-of-the-art facility in Utica, NY, JETNET offers comprehensive, user-friendly aircraft data via real-time internet access or regular updates. YogaClub allows you to personalize your activewear so you can feel your best. The womens wellness innovators at YogaClub are excited to detail some of the community development operations included with its innovative seasonal activewear subscription. Yoga is a practice of not just connecting with yourself and your body, but also connecting with the world and people around you, leading to exciting potential in the community space. For this reason the online-first brand is working to keep its community healthy and engaged, while giving them fresh looks to share with one another. YogaClub was founded with the mission to help deliver affordable activewear tailored specifically for you to help you look your best while eliminating the hassle of clothing shopping. This gives it a unique opportunity to restructure how we acquire and display our outfits, by taking the conversation online to social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Here community members can engage with one another to discuss yoga techniques, practices, and current fashion trends, all with the end goal of helping YogaClub continually improve. This burgeoning online program works closely with its users to engage in dialogues surrounding womens power and wellness, and to help their seasonal activewear reflect that wellbeing. Every season, subscribers will be able to fill out a quarterly trendsetter survey, designed to help influence the selections for the upcoming season and to keep them aware of burgeoning activewear trends. This will directly shape the outfits releasing in the upcoming quarter, and will even allow women to vote on the items you like most, so they can get them at a more affordable rate than in stores. This is part of YogaClubs commitment to a people-first focus, by allowing users to be part of a democracy and feel their voices are both heard and valid. With this freedom to speak, members are encouraged to exchange stories and advice with one another about yoga and other matters. With over 200,000 followers across Facebook and Instagram, YogaClub also works closely with community creators to highlight their content and assist them in creating it whenever possible. YogaClubs mission is to elevate the voices of real women within the community to help them be seen, heard, and felt. By developing these voices, YogaClub hopes to engage in two-way dialogues with its subscribers and help empower them through their yoga practices. To ensure customer satisfaction, YogaClub provides easy exchanges and the flexibility to cancel at any time, along with customer support and their Best Value Guarantee. Available today for only $79/per box, members who join will receive an additional legging in their first seasonal delivery as a free bonus. YogaClub is an activewear membership that regularly delivers designer outfits at affordable rates, all influenced by our personal and trendsetter surveys. Those wanting to look comfortable, feel great, and keep their wallets intact can visit us at https://yogaclub.com/ for more information, and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. Adswerve, the leading Google Marketing Platform Partner and Consultancy, today announced the appointments of Jim Caulson as Vice President of Finance and Gueric Doucet as Vice President of Sales. With decades of leadership experience in the advertising industry, they both will elevate Adswerves position in the market by helping to grow the companys client base and optimize the data capabilities of marketers and agencies. Its an exciting time at Adswerve as we continue to expand the leadership team and hone our expertise to best serve the Google marketing needs of our clients, said Clint Tasset, President and CEO of Adswerve. Under Jim and Guerics leadership, our dedicated team will receive the strategic and financial oversight needed to grow our client base and help marketers unlock new insights from their data. Doucet joins Adswerve from Google, where he served as Head of Industry, Google Marketing Platforms, where he oversaw upwards of $1 billion in revenue from sales relationships and managed partnerships with global advertising agencies such as Havas, Denstu Aegis, Interpublic Group and more. From his 11 years at Google strategically growing Googles ad suite of tools to best serve marketers across the globe, Doucet will strengthen Adswerves position as the industrys leading Google platform partner. At Adswerve, Doucet will oversee sales initiatives to expand the companys client base and cultivate partnerships with agencies, marketers and publishers. The digital ad industry is evolving quickly, and marketers look to Adswerve to optimize their Google platform abilities and implement new strategies to unlock first-party data in a privacy-first world, Doucet said. Im excited to bring my experience at Google to the Adswerve team and help further position the company as the leading Google partner that can take marketers to the next level. With more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, Caulson comes to Adswerve from The Integer Group, where he served as Director of Finance. As an accomplished financial leader in the advertising industry, Caulson will oversee the financial operations of Adswerve and help further the companys growth and profitability. With the addition of Caulson and Doucet to the leadership team, Adswerve will be able to strategically guide internal teams and help clients better navigate todays marketing landscape on the Google platform. Adswerves commitment to driving impactful marketing insights for clients and its inspiring culture is what drew me to the company, Caulson said. Having built my career on strategic financial decisions that deliver results for the company and its clients, Im excited to join the team and help continue Adswerves success in the market. For more information about Adswerve, visit http://www.adswerve.com. About Adswerve As the leading Google Marketing, Analytics and Cloud partner, Adswerve is a team of 180+ media and analytics experts on a mission to humanize data and guide our clients to remarkable outcomes. Headquartered in Denver, Adswerve helps thousands of digital marketers, data analysts and agencies make stronger connections with their customers through successful data-driven strategies. For more information, please visit http://www.adswerve.com. Media Contact: Megan Gasper PR Manager megan.gasper@walkersands.com 608-957-2795 AESC awards Lifetime Achievement to Trina Gordon of Boyden & Future of the Profession to Jaimee Eddington of Heidrick & Struggles. Karen Greenbaum, AESC President & CEO, said: We honor the exceptional achievements of these AESC Members. Through their commitment to excellence in the profession, our award recipients embody AESCs purposededicated to strengthening leadership worldwide. Yesterday at their Thriving in the Next Normal conference for leaders in the executive search profession and their clients, the global Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) honored recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Award and Future of the Profession Award. Bestowed since 1982, the AESC Lifetime Achievement Award is the capstone award for the executive search and leadership consulting profession, honoring significant, career-long achievement while recognizing the highest standards of work. Considered icons in the profession, recipients have a long and distinguished career and outstanding reputations. This years AESC Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Trina Gordon, President & CEO, Boyden. At Boyden, including a decade as CEO, Trina is a recognized global leader in talent advisory and leadership solutions. She is highly regarded for her commitment to client service and adhering to the highest levels of professional quality and integrity. Guiding the global organization, she works closely with Boyden's board, practices and partners to execute the firm's strategy, growth and client performance standards in alignment with long-term objectives. A member of Boydens Board of Directors and the Global Consumer & Retail, Board Services and Human Resources Practices, Trina brings extensive experience in executive search and leadership consulting for global and emerging public corporations, privately held and private equity-owned businesses. Trina has conducted engagements for C-level executives, including CEOs, COOs and business unit leadership as well as Board Directors and Chairs. She has been named to BusinessWeeks "Top 50 Worlds Most Influential Headhunters and The Career Makers: Americas Top 100 Executive Recruiters" (Harper business publication). She is a frequent contributor on executive search and corporate governance: featured in Nightly Business Report and a range of business media including FORTUNE, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. Trina currently serves as a board member, Friends of Prentice of the Prentice Women's Hospital of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is a member of the Executive Committee of Northwestern Memorial Foundations Board of Directors. She is a member of the Chicago Zoological Society and The Chicago Network, and formally served on the advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Auburn University. She is also a former member of The Economic Club of Chicago. Awarded since 2015, the AESC Future of the Profession Award is designed to recognize the next generation of leaders in executive search and leadership consulting. It honors innovation and forward-thinking leadership and recipients are viewed as trailblazers in the profession. This years AESC Future of the Profession Award is presented to Jaimee Eddington, Regional Leader of the Americas, Heidrick & Struggles. A highly sought-after talent advisory consultant given her prior Wall Street and corporate finance operating experience, Jaimee is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles' Dallas office and regional leader of the Americas. She is a member of the global Financial Officers and CEO & Board of Directors practices specializing in board and senior-level financial officer assignments across the consumer, healthcare, technology (enterprise and consumer), and financial services industries. Jaimee leads searches for a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500, small- and medium-sized public and private companies, as well as private equity and venture-backed companies. She has been instrumental in incorporating Heidrick & Struggles innovations into the work she leads, bringing clients improved digital tools and accelerated time-to-placement. Jaimee has also been a strong advocate for advancing diversity and inclusion in the profession both for her clients and internally at Heidrick & Struggles. Every day she has worked to apply the firms goals, such as its Board Diversity Pledge, to elevate the best practices of inclusion with the teams she leads. Previously, she also served as a co-lead for the firms Professionals of Color ERG, helping to advance conversations and awareness around various diversity and inclusion topics. Jaimees vision for the executive search profession is to find, attract and retain the types of diverse leaders that will set a new bar with the inclusive cultures they build. She is a frequent speaker and panelist on board and CFO preparedness forums regarding board composition, talent management, and the changing role of the CFO. Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Jaimee was an investment banker at a middle market and bulge bracket bank focusing primarily on mergers and acquisitions, and equity and debt offerings. She advised clients in various industries, including business services, branded consumer products and retail, telecommunications, media, and technology. Jaimee spent several years at a large luxury retailer where she led strategic planning for various merchant divisions. Karen Greenbaum, AESC President & CEO, said: We honor the exceptional achievements of these AESC Members. Through their commitment to excellence in the profession, our award recipients embody AESCs purposededicated to strengthening leadership worldwide. About the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants Since 1959, AESC has set the quality standard for the executive search and leadership advisory profession. AESC Members represent 16,000+ trusted professionals in 1,200+ offices, spanning 70+ countries. AESC Members are recognized leaders of global executive search and leadership advisory solutions. They leverage their access and expertise to place more than 100,000 executives each year in board of directors and C-level positions for the worlds leading organizations of all types and sizes. Dedicated to strengthening leadership worldwide, AESC and its members share a deep commitment to the highest quality standards in executive search and leadership consultingfor the benefit of clients and the profession. We Shape. Connect. Educate. Learn more about us at aesc.org. For AESCs career service for executive-level candidates, visit bluesteps.com. After a busy first quarter, Big Blue Swim School, one of the nations fastest-growing swim school franchises, continues to build on its momentum, expanding into new markets across the country and signing new commitments from franchise partners. This year, the brand acquired Tom Dolan Swim School with two locations in Northern Virginia, allowing them to immediately expand their presence in Northern Virginia. They also signed leases for new locations in O'Fallon, Missouri; Fairfax, Virginia; and Pembroke Pines, Florida. Looking ahead, Big Blue will celebrate the opening of new pools in Centennial, Colorado, just outside Denver, and in Chantilly, Virginia. The fast pace of Big Blue news in 2021 follows a year of record growth for the brand in 2020. Despite the economic challenges of COVID-19, the franchise signed agreements to open an additional 65 units, including a 37-unit commitment to bring the brand to the southeast, one of the largest financial commitments in the history of the aquatics industry at $85M. The brand has plans to sign commitments to total at least 150 locations by the end of 2021, with 131 already signed. We are excited to be in a strong position so early in the year, particularly after the tremendous growth we had amidst the difficulties many businesses endured in 2020, said Big Blue CEO Scott Sanders. Weve had incredibly strong feedback from customers about how safe they feel at our stores and the joy of coming back to swim lessons. The Big Blue Swim School franchise utilizes an operational model that combines highly trained professional swim instructors, a proprietary technology system, LessonBuddy, and a proprietary teaching curriculum within exceptional family-centric facilities. The result: the single most effective swim school experience available today. With additional COVID-19 vaccine progress, this year is bound to be filled with milestones for us. We believe there is enormous pent-up demand as more families plan their beach and lake vacations, prioritizing the importance of quality swim lessons, said Sanders. We also see considerable momentum in our franchise business and believe 2021 will be the strongest year in Big Blues history. According to Big Blue Swim Schools founder and president Chris DeJong, consumer demand for Big Blue remains high, making it a great time for franchise partners to invest in the growing brand. Despite the pandemic, we continue seeing tremendous demand from parents who want to enroll their kids in swim lessons, said DeJong. Regardless of what is going on in the global economy, parents know water safety is an essential life-skill that has to be prioritized. By measuring this years successes against last years, DeJong feels positive about continued growth. "Our recent 37-unit signing is indicative of the value franchise partners see in what we are building. Big Blue continues to sign new franchise partners because weve learned how to adjust while staying true to our mission, said DeJong. For franchise brands, its important to focus on what makes your brand unique to stand the test of time. Big Blue Swim School franchise opportunities are still available in key markets across the country. To learn more, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com. ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. In 2020, the brand expanded its presence to Atlanta. Big Blue is currently growing through franchising with plans to have a minimum of 150 pools sold by the end of 2021. Big Blue Swim School's real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com. Golden Bridge Awards by Globee Awards All organizations operating anywhere in the world - large to small and startups, government, public and private, for-profit and non-profit are eligible to submit nominations to the 2021 Golden Bridge Awards in a wide range of categories honoring achievement in every aspect of business + work life. The Globee Awards organizer of worlds premier business awards programs and business ranking lists is now accepting nominations and entries for the 2021 Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards. To celebrate achievements Globee Awards has introduced new commemorative items. The Golden Bridge Awards are the worlds premier business awards program honoring achievements in every industry around the world. Everyone deserves commendation for job well done. Identify, recognize, and nominate talented executives, professionals, and employees for their achievements no matter how small or large. There are many categories in which your organization, products and services, and the people behind their success can be nominated. Categories are classified under the following groups: People | Innovator, Lifetime Achievement, Maverick, and Women Awards Categories Group People | Entrepreneur Awards Categories Group People | Executive, Management, and Professionals Awards Categories Group People | Professional and Staffer (non-executive) of the Year New Product & Service Innovation | AI, Information Technology & Cyber Security Awards Categories Group New Product & Service Innovation | Content Technologies and Information Management Awards Categories Group New Product & Service Innovation | Education Awards Categories Group New Product & Service Innovation | Energy/CleanTech Industry Awards Categories New Product & Service Innovation | Health Care Awards Categories Group New Product & Service Innovation | Industry and Vertical Markets Awards Categories Group New Product & Service Innovation | Best New Product or Service Awards Categories Group Product & Service Development | People Awards Categories Group Product & Service Development | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Company | Innovative Company of the Year Awards Categories Group Company | Best Company Awards Categories Group Company | Startup Awards Categories Group Corporate Communications and PR | People Awards Categories Group Corporate Communications and PR | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Creative | App & Mobile Website Awards Categories Creative | Live Events Awards Categories Creative | Publications and Print Awards Categories Creative | Digital and Online Campaign Awards Categories Creative | Video, Commercial, Advertising, and Film Awards Categories Creative | Web, Social Media, and Online Presence Awards Categories Creative | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Customer Service & Support | People Awards Categories Group Customer Service & Support | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Customer Success of the Year Awards Categories Group Human Resources | People Awards Categories Group Human Resources | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Information Technology Users | People Awards Categories Group Information Technology Users | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Marketing | People Awards Categories Group Marketing | Campaign, Outstanding Achievement, Project or Initiative, and Team-Department Awards Categories Group Milestone of the Year Awards Categories Group COVID-19 Business Response Awards Categories Group All new products and services nominated in the new product awards categories of this years Golden Bridge Awards will be eligible to participate in the Peoples Choice Globee Awards for Favorite Product-Service of the Year. Learn more about the 2021 Golden Bridge Awards and how to nominate here: https://globeeawards.com/golden-bridge-awards/ Winners of previous years are listed here: https://globeeawards.com/golden-bridge-awards/winners/ Stay posted and read success stories of organizations by subscribing to the Globee Newsletter: https://globeeawards.com/subscribe/ A worldwide judging panel of executives and professionals representing a wide-spectrum of industries will determine the winners. Winners will be presented and honored in a virtual ceremony attended by the finalists, winners, judges and industry peers from all over the world. Industry experts and end-users or consumers of product and services can participate in the judging process. More details to register as an industry expert and help as a judge are available at https://globeeawards.com/golden-bridge-awards/judges/ Some of the organizations that have won in the past include HatchWorks Technologies, Cloudbric, Poly, IBM, UniWill Ventures, Wolters Kluwers ELM Solutions, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, Rise Interactive, Marqeta, ManagedMethods, EZPack Water Ltd., Centene Corporation, Jaco Products, Applied Systems, PeopleReady, ZOME Energy Networks, Norhart, Nu Skin Enterprises, GROUNDFLOOR, ADP, IGEL, United Natural Foods, Inc., Spinnova, Community Policing, Reverd.com, Novatek Apps, Student Shelter In Computers, Jeunesse Global, Ultimate Software, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Steven Plochocki, Zyter, Houston Methodist Hospital, Cebuana Lhuillier, Brainshark, Altimetrik, Generation Amazing, GoCanvas, Chronicled, Cisco CX Managed Services, mnAI, Alcide, Medigate, Full Sail University, Mylo, AVer Information, iboss, 4Life Research, ZIRAATBANK, CSS Corp, The Audacious Agency, Cepheid, KERLINK & UNHCR, Verizon Connect, Humanitix, eSight, Bitglass, New Heights Educational Group, Epson America, Inc., Sage Intacct, Zero Networks, Centage Corporation, Chargebacks911, Spirion, Jumio, ModSquad, Tigerspike a Concentrix Company, Dell Technologies Education Services, Mentor Collective, PayMotion, Innover, Vyvo Corp, Stefanini Group, KEO Marketing Inc, Thechuppahs- Trend Rentals, Loom Solar Private Limited, Lenovo Technology SDN BHD (Lenovo Malaysia), Digital Air Strike, Point3 Security, Wolters Kluwers CT Corporation, Rimini Street, Inc, BillingPlatform, MorrisCookies Science & Development OU, Ingenious e-Brain Solutions, HomeServe USA, Samsung Electronics, Bensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, MiraClick Affiliate Network, PJ Lhuillier, Inc., iTalent Digital, SYSPRO, beinc., Ordr, IPification, Platform Science, iPipeline, Verint Fraud & Security Solutions, Digital.ai, g2o, Legacy Events Group Ltd, Untangle, Inc., 7 Stage Advisors, 6sense, DeepCube, Great Eagle Holdings Limited, ARIIX, Philo, Rockwell Automation, Solv by Concentrix, TRIANZ, Semperis, Yottaa, 1touch.io, Chime Technologies, Impartner, Red Media Africa, Vivial, Inspired eLearning, LLC., Tech CU, The Insides Company, JazzHR, Updox, Envolve, Code42, ITC Infotech, Kannaway, Jack Henry & Associates, Withings, Waggl, Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., FogHorn, TAC Security, SecurityMetrics, ZecOps, Pape Group, The State of Utah, LionOBytes, RevBits, ShipMonk, MindTickle, Greenway Health, VEMPOWERALL, Cardinal Group Companies, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, IKIO LED LIGHTING, Wolters Kluwer, Spirion, Illinois College, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, FM:Systems, Acceptto, BigID, Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions, SaltStack, PRO Unlimited, Luminance Technologies Ltd, Spirion and TaxSlayer, Centene, PR WIRE, Cisco Systems, Inc., International Paper, Clean Energy Fuels Corp., Adversa, Avalance Global Solutions, Biz News Connect, American Psychological Association, HUYA Bioscience International (HUYABIO), Vertafore, Paypal, hc1, Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC), Nextivity Inc., ROBOZE, Ness Digital Engineering, EXL Service Inc., Izaros Consulting, Florence, Verifi, A Visa Solution, ProfitSword, Intermedia, SmartBeings Inc., Adaptiva, CV19Dashboard.org, Cybera, Artificial Intelligence, Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), Loop, The Crypsis Group, Rimini Street Foundation, Advantexe Learning Solutions, Luminance, Empire Today, LLC., Rohde & Schwarz, Makers Nutrition, Improovy, Inc., 1906, L&T Technology Services Limited, Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., MemVerge, Forward Networks, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), Darktrace, Botkeeper, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Public Relations Department, Sumsub, Enablon, Grokker, ASG Technologies, Silverfort, DivvyCloud, Lookout, Concentrix Solv, Tata Consultancy Services, LTD, NexxtGen, 70 Million Jobs, Hayes, SmartBeings, CT Corporation, a Wolters Kluwer company, Nexxt Gen Corporation, Orange Romania, RevBits Cyber Security Solutions, Jasco Products, Medical Marijuana, Inc., N2W Software, Senior Placement Services, IBM Quote to Cash Operations, 2Checkout, Solatube International, ROCSOLE, MUFG Americas, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, AppViewX Inc., Vonage, Napatech Inc., Concentrix, Indio, Branch Insurance, KnowBe4, UnitedHealth Group (UHG) Optum, and Young Living Essential Oils About the Globee Awards Globee Awards are conferred in eleven programs and competition: the CEO World Awards, the Consumer World Awards, The Customer Sales & Service World Awards, the Globee International Best in Business Awards, the Golden Bridge Awards, the Cyber Security Global Excellence Awards and Security World Awards, the IT World Awards, One Planet American Best in Business Awards, the Globee Employer Excellence Awards, the Globee Corporate Communications & Marketing World Awards, and the Women World Awards. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind their success, the Globee Awards recognize outstanding achievements and performances in businesses worldwide. Learn more about the Globee Awards at https://globeeawards.com All trademarks belong to their respective owners. ROOLEE founder Kylee Champlin states, It is important to me that in addition to beautiful clothing we strive to create A World of Sisters in which girls treat each other with kindness, support and encouragement. Social media platforms can be powerful tools to spread positivity." ROOLEE, a womens fashion brand based in Utah, is launching a worldwide search for its first-ever Chief Fashion Officer (CFO) through a search on TikTok. The paid 6-month position will be filled by the applicant who can best exemplify ROOLEEs fresh, fun style and embody the brands core values, in addition to promoting ROOLEEs A World of Sisters message. ROOLEE founder & lead designer Kylee Champlin, inspired by her own family, created the companys A World of Sisters movement to encourage women and girls everywhere to support one another and lift each other up. For this job search, ROOLEE is committing one dollar for each TikTok entry using hashtag #girlsrool: up to $10,000. The money will benefit Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation global leadership development organization transforming a generation of girls to be a force for gender equality and social change. Applicants for the ROOLEE CFO position will be able to submit their TikTok videos showing their style using the hashtags #ROOLEECFO, #GIRLSROOL & #ROOLEE now through May 30, 2021 at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time (9:59 PM EST). A panel of judges will select the top 100 candidates, each of whom will be gifted a $100 ROOLEE credit to purchase clothing. Applicants will then submit a second TIkTok showing off their ROOLEE style wearing the fashions theyve selected. The public will be able to follow and vote for their favorites among the finalists. The judges panel, taking into account the voting input from the public, will select the top 10 finalists. The lucky 10 finalists will then be whisked off to Utah (travel and lodging expenses covered) for a ROOLEE shopping spree and to enjoy various TikTok-able activities in and around the Salt Lake City area. They will also meet ROOLEEs founders, Kylee & Chad Champlin and will submit to a final round of interviews with the judges. ROOLEE CFO applicants and finalists will be selected based on qualifications such as an ability to produce creative and original content, proficiency with social media platforms (specifically TikTok), the ability to authentically engage, sustain and mobilize audiences, and the ability to represent and infuse content with ROOLEEs brand values. The selected candidate will begin the 6-month position in August of 2021. Duties will include producing TikTok videos on behalf of ROOLEE. Compensation will include the following: $2500/month stipend Monthly clothing allowances for the CFO and friends All-expense paid influencer trip with a guest to a destination of choice Their very own branded clothing line Opportunities to advocate for A World of Sisters and gender equality with ROOLEE & Girl Up ROOLEEs partnership with Girl Up was a natural fit. ROOLEE founder and lead designer, Kylee Champlin, states, As a sister and a mother, it is important to me that in addition to beautiful clothing we strive to create A World of Sisters in which girls treat each other with kindness, support, encouragement and love. Social media platforms such as TikTok can be powerful tools to help spread positivity. We hope that this search for a Chief Fashion Officer will do just that, while raising funds to further Girl Ups important work. Girl Up is more than a movement, its a global community. Were glad to partner with ROOLEE on this campaign we truly are A World of Sisters and together we can create real and lasting change, states Melissa Kilby, Executive Director, Girl Up. For more information and competition guidelines, terms and conditions, people can view ROOLEEs website http://www.roolee.com, TikTok and Instagram. ABOUT ROOLEE Founded by Kylee and Chad Champlin in 2013, fashion and home decor brand ROOLEE has grown from a single retail store in Logan, Utah, to an e-commerce business that ships worldwide. Creating exclusive items and offering merchandise from various vendors, ROOLEEs products include women's apparel and accessories, childrens clothing, and home decor. Inspired by Kylees love for her sisters, ROOLEEs World of Sisters movement gives back by carrying out annual service projects and raising money to benefit charitable causes, including the Logan Cancer Center and the Foundation of Womens Cancer. Our business is built around family. We truly hope you feel like family when you shop with us. Kylee Champlin ABOUT GIRL UP Girl Up is a global leadership development initiative, positioning girls to be leaders in the movement for gender equality. With resources in six languages and 4,500 Girl Up Clubs in more than 125 countries, weve trained 85,500 girls of all backgrounds to create tangible change for girls everywhere. Girl Up provides leadership training and gives girls tools to become gender equality advocates and activists. Through our programs, girls broaden their social impact skill set, bene t from a platform to tell their stories, and apply STEM for social good. Our girl leaders create real policy change at local and national levels, help raise millions of dollars to support United Nations programs that reach tens of thousands of girls around the world, and build community-based movements. Girl Up was founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010, and continues to work across a global community of partners to achieve gender equality worldwide. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against University Retirement Community at Davis, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The Sacramento employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against University Retirement Community at Davis, Inc., alleging the company violated California Labor Code. The lawsuit against University Retirement Community at Davis, Inc. is currently pending in the Yolo County Superior Court, Case No. CV2021-0531. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. The lawsuit filed against University Retirement Community at Davis, Inc. alleges PLAINTIFF and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members were from time to time unable to take thirty (30) minute off-duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for their meal periods. California labor laws require an employer to provide an employee required to perform work for more than five (5) hours during a shift with, a thirty (30) minute uninterrupted meal break prior to the end of the employee's fifth (5th) hour of work. Cal. Lab. Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, PLAINTIFFS and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones in order to complete their job duties. As a result, they allegedly incurred unreimbursed business expenses. For more information about the class action lawsuit against University Retirement Community at Davis, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** CATMEDIA has recently hired Aaron McKevitt as its new Director of Marketing. We are thrilled to have brought Aaron on as a key member of our leadership team, said Catherine Downey, CATMEDIA CEO. His proven track record in marketing strategy development and implementation, as well as his extensive work in healthcare communications, makes him a perfect fit for our team. CATMEDIA has recently announced yet another new member of its growing team with the recent hiring of Aaron McKevitt, the companys new Director of Marketing. We are thrilled to have brought Aaron on as a key member of our leadership team, said Catherine Downey, CATMEDIA CEO. His proven track record in marketing strategy development and implementation, as well as his extensive work in healthcare communications, makes him a perfect fit for our team and some of our largest clients. New Marketing Director Adds to Agencys Healthcare Expertise Aaron McKevitt has guided effective teams and successful marketing campaigns for more than a decade at two of Atlantas largest health systemsGwinnett Medical Center and Northside Hospital. Among many high-profile projects he led, McKevitt served as Public Information Officer on the COVID-19 Executive Taskforce, launched and directed one of Georgias most innovative healthcare social media programs, and managed the 55,000-circulation Vim & Vigor magazine. After McKevitt graduated with a degree in public relations from the University of Georgia, he quickly gained valuable leadership experience in marketing, internal communications, and community relations. He has championed aggressive digital marketing strategiesincluding paid search and email marketingas well as traditional advertising tacticsincluding television, print, outdoor, and radio. In 2019, he bolstered his business acumen, graduating magna cum laude with an MBA from Auburn University, while steering the GMC brand through its merger with Northside. Being able to work alongside some of the most talented creative minds in our industry, and serving such an impressive roster of clients, is a dream opportunity for any marketing professional, said McKevitt. Im excited to get to work and continue building upon the already impeccable reputation this agency has earned over the last two decades. ABOUT CATMEDIA CATMEDIA is an award-winning agency that specializes in advertising, creative services, media production, program management, and training. As a national leader working with highly regulated clients, breaking down complex issues, and effectively communicating to a wide array of audiences, we take an innovative approach to everything we do. A Women-Owned Small Business and past recipient of the Georgia Small Business of the Year, we have provided world-class customer service and solutions to a variety of government and commercial clients for nearly 25 years, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Coalition has been named to Inc. magazines annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Headquartered in San Francisco, Coalition provides a complete cyber risk management platform encompassing not just insurance, but also threat intelligence and other cybersecurity tools to help its customers be resilient to cyber threats. The growing team of threat experts is centered around one goal: harnessing the power of technology with the safety of insurance to provide the first holistic solution to cyber risk. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine the companys overall score and ranking. Our team has been geographically distributed since our founding, and building a collaborative and integrated culture has always been a key priority, said Joshua Motta, CEO of Coalition. We believe every employee contributes to our culture, and what connects us is our collective passion for Coalitions mission. I couldnt be more proud of the team we have here at Coalition for maintaining such a strong culture amid the pandemic and shift to remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic and shift to remote work amplified the importance of culture-building efforts. Prior to the pandemic, Coalition held bi-annual offsites with the entire company to foster collaboration, brainstorming, team building, and bonding across teams. While they've been unable to host a company-wide offsite since 2019, they've adapted to find other ways to foster connection. The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year, says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this years list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic. For more information about working at Coalition, visit https://www.coalitioninc.com/careers. For more information about the Inc. Best Workplaces, visit https://www.inc.com/best-workplaces. About Coalition Coalition is the leading provider of cyber insurance and security, combining comprehensive insurance and proactive cybersecurity tools to help businesses manage and mitigate cyber risk. Backed by leading global insurers Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, Arch Insurance, Lloyd's of London, and Argo Group, Coalition provides companies with up to USD $15 million of cyber and technology insurance coverage in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as CAD $20M of coverage across nine provinces and 3 territories in Canada. Coalition's cyber risk management platform provides automated security alerts, threat intelligence, expert guidance, and cybersecurity tools to help businesses remain resilient in the face of cyber attacks. Headquartered in San Francisco, Coalition's team is global with employees based across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Portugal. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. The Equality Health Foundation, the HeroZona Foundation and other community partners are excited to announce the launch of the first vaccine site in Arizona for underserved youth ages 12 to 15 at the C.O. Greenfield Elementary School (7009 S. 10th Street) in Phoenix on May 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. During the event, children, teenagers and adults in underserved communities, disproportionately affected by COVID-19 will have free access to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which will be administered by Adelante Healthcare providers. Event attendees will also be offered free food boxes provided by Grand Canyon University and CityServe. The second dose of the vaccine will be administered at the same location on June 3. We are excited by the Food and Drug Administrations announcement that children 12 and over can now be immunized against the coronavirus, said Alan AP Powell, Chairman of AP & Associates Strategic Alliances, U.S. Army Desert-Storm Veteran, and founder of HeroZona. Weve operated several successful vaccination events and can now give parents and gaurdians in at-risk communities the chance to protect their kids as well. Families in our school district have had an especially difficult time living through the pandemic, said Roosevelt School District Governing Board President Lawrence Robinson. By giving parents a way to keep their children safe from COVID-19, we are offering them a fighting chance at surviving the virus and returning back to some semblance of normalcy. This wouldnt be possible without Equality Health Foundation, HeroZona and the other partners committed to keeping our people safe. Were excited to continue this great collaboration. Neighborhoods with high Latino and minority populations have had slower vaccination rates as compared to other parts of Arizona, said United States Representative for Arizonas 7th District Ruben Gallego. Initiatives like this one aim to combat that and ensure that all families, no matter what neighborhood they reside in, receive fair access to this life-saving immunization. In order to keep our families safe we have to make sure everyone gets vaccinated, including our kids, said Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia, District 8, City of Phoenix. This event will ensure that District 8, which has been greatly impacted by Covid-19, has access to the vaccine for the younger generations. We are grateful for the work of Herozona and Equality Health in bringing this to South Phoenix. The May 13 event is the sixth event held by the OneCommunity Initiative, which focuses on reaching diverse, underserved communities, and aims to track demographic data to identify disparity gaps and ensure that the vaccines are distributed fairly and equitably. The first event was held at Cortez Park on March 13 followed by an event at Isaac Middle School on April 3. The third event was held on April 10 at South Mountain Community College, which is now a permanent COVID-19 vaccination site. The fourth event was held at the Phoenix Sunnyslope Senior Center on April 17, and the fifth at Isaac Middle School again on May 1. Information about additional events will be made available as soon as possible. There are 600 vaccine appointments available for those 12 and older, including frontline and essential workers. For more information and to register, those interested can call the bilingual service line at 888-587-3647 or register for this location at podvaccine.azdhs.gov/. The community event is supported in part by Sonora Quest Laboratories, Walgreens, Arizona State University, City of Phoenix, Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix Police Department, Travis L. Williams Post 65, APS, Family Tree Healthcare Clinic, Arizona Conference & Maricopa County Branch, Forty Eight Foundation, National Pan-Hellenic Council Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Black Philanthropy Initiative, Black Chamber of Arizona, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Arizona Latin-American Medical Association, Maricopa County Public Health, African American Christian College Coalition, Adelante Healthcare, Insurus Medicare Solutions, Diana Gregory Outreach Services Foundation, 100 Black Men of Phoenix, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter, Arizona Department of Health Services, Roosevelt Elementary School District and many more public and private stakeholders. HeroZona Foundation has launched various community programs including Phoenix Tools 4 School, The Bridge Forum, Holiday Bike Giveaways, MLK Celebrating the Dream, Play It Forward: Engaging Our Youth Through the Arts, Veterans Reach to Teach and the HeroZona Forgotten Heroes Breakfast. For more information about the foundations community program partnerships visit herozona.org or follow on Facebook.com/HeroZonaOrg. About the HeroZona Foundation The HeroZona Foundation is a non-profit organization that empowers Heroes in the community through entrepreneurship, employment, and education. The group works with veterans, first responders and those that bring social good to future generations and under-served communities. The foundations mission is to create opportunities for the brave men and women who serve their country, and community, every day. For more information, please visit HeroZona.org. About the Equality Health Foundation The Equality Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to leveling the healthcare playing field in culturally diverse and underserved communities. The Foundation works to expand access to care, accelerate health education, and eliminate healthcare inequalities so that everyone in the community has an opportunity to lead healthier and longer lives. For more information, visit https://www.equalityhealthfoundation.org. The first David Weekley home was built in 1976 in Houston, Texas. From the day I started this company to now, 45 years later, our priority has been to place people first and truly enhance the lives of those we serve with unmatched service and an exceptional product, said Chairman and founder, David Weekley. David Weekley Homes is celebrating 45 years of home building in 2021. The company, which launched in Houston, Texas, in 1976, has grown to become one of the nations largest private home builders, operating in 19 cities across 12 states. David Weekley offers a variety of floor plans, including traditional single-family, high-density, attached townhomes and paired homes, and is one of the most awarded home builders in the industry. Over the companys 45-year history, it has achieved several notable milestones: The company prides itself on a work culture of caring and contribution and has earned coveted spots on FORTUNE magazines 100 Best Companies to Work For list 15 times. Weekley was an early pioneer of open floor plans utilizing windows and light, traffic patterns, room placement and sight lines, known as the builders LifeDesignSM concept. Weekley was the first builder in America to earn the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes Americas Best Builder, National Housing Quality Award and National Builder of the Year. In 2020, the company celebrated its 100,000th home closing. From the day I started this company to now, 45 years later, our priority has been to place people first and truly enhance the lives of those we serve with unmatched service and an exceptional product, said Chairman and founder, David Weekley. This milestone anniversary comes during a time when home has taken on new meaning, and our emphasis on caring for our customers, team members and community has become more important than ever. We look forward to continuing to create adaptable spaces that give our customers a sense of security for many years to come. Weekley founded the company at 23 years old and now employs about 1,575 team members. Giving back is at the heart of the companys culture, and Weekley has a robust outreach program named CARE. CARE is a charitable and volunteer program that allows team members to give back in their communities by joining with homeowners, homebuyers, community partners and local nonprofit organizations to live out the companys purpose, Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives. Over the last 20 years, more than 250 million has been donated to worthy causes in the U.S. and abroad through company earnings and the David Weekley Family Foundation. More information about David Weekley Homes and its 45-year history is available at https://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/promo/45th-anniversary. We are committed to the transition to more sustainable buildings, while ensuring our products continue to deliver the high level of performance our customers trust and expect, said Amy Radka, retail marketing director, DuPont Performance Building Solutions. In support of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while delivering sustainable innovation, DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced a new standard for two-component polyurethane foams with the launch of the HFC-free Froth-Pak Spray Foam. Increases Performance While Helping to Eliminate Use of HFCs Significantly Reduces Global Warming Potential Advances DuPonts 2030 Sustainability Goals Froth-Pak Spray Foam, available this month, offers customers an innovative solution with a significant global warming potential (GWP) reduction, while helping advance DuPonts 2030 Sustainability Goals. This product is compliant with currently enacted, as well as draft, U.S. State Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and Canadian GWP regulations. It also delivers GHG reductions in support of the Paris Climate Agreement along a timeline that is more aggressive than the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The newly enhanced, innovative line of spray foam solutions deliver a global warming potential (GWP) reduction of more than 99 percent as compared to current formulations. Froth-Pak contains no ozone depleting chemicals or HFCs while elevating the performance attributes professional contractors expect from the market-leading, low-pressure spray foam brand. We are committed to the transition to more sustainable buildings, while ensuring our products continue to deliver the high level of performance our customers trust and expect, said Amy Radka, retail marketing director, DuPont Performance Building Solutions. HFC-free Froth-Pak is a demonstration of our continued commitment to providing the market with products that address environmental challenges while meeting the needs of our customers. Were committed to delivering better solutions that address climate change, drive the circular economy, deliver safer solutions and help communities thrive. This latest innovation from DuPont represents the next step forward in the evolution of the Froth-Pak brand, introduced more than 50 years ago. Froth-Pak is the all-in-one self-contained and easily portable low-pressure spray foam kit designed for professional contractors. These heavy-duty, two-component foams work quickly and efficiently to fill larger gaps and penetrations, providing thermal, air, and moisture management that contributes to operational building energy efficiency over the lifetime of buildings. Proper air sealing and insulation with spray polyurethane foams such as Froth-Pak, combined with HVAC systems, helps improve indoor air quality (IAQ), reducing air infiltration and the dust and allergens that come along with it. By controlling moisture intrusion, Froth-Pak closed cell products can mitigate the effects of moisture damage in the form of rot, decay and mold, improving building resilience. Properly installed sealing and insulation products such as Froth-Pak can save homeowners on average 30 percent on heating and cooling bills annually. Compatible with other materials used to obtain LEED certification such as Styrofoam Brand Insulation, Froth-Pak Spray Foams quickly adhere to a variety of building materials and substrates. In addition to the elimination of HFC blowing agents, Froth-Pak Spray Foam now has improved curing time, reduction in overspray with new patent-pending application nozzles, and further improved closed cell content. Froth-Pak is available in variety of options and sizes, including: Froth-Pak Spray Foam Sealant - a two-component, quick-cure polyurethane foam that fills penetrations and cracks in rim joists, roof wall junctures and around pipes and ducts greater than 2" and less than 4" wide. Froth-Pak Spray Foam Insulation - a Class A Fire Rated two-component, quick-cure polyurethane foam that fills cavities, penetrations and cracks in rim joists, roof wall junctures and around pipes and ducts up to 2 thick. The Froth-Pak Spray Foam reformulation is part of DuPonts Acting on Climate goal to achieve a 30 percent GHG reduction in our operations over ten years and carbon neutrality by 2050. The reformulation implements our Integrated Energy Strategy to address all sources of GHG emissions, including efforts to create low-carbon industrial processes, source low-carbon and renewable energy, and reduce our overall energy use. One-hundred percent of the electricity used to make Froth-Pak comes from renewable energy sources. Through this continued leadership and investment in globally sustainable products using technology and innovation, we aim to build energy-efficient, resilient and durable homes in a rapidly changing world. For more information on Froth-Pak Spray Foam, visit http://www.frothpak.com. About DuPont Performance Building Solutions DuPont Performance Building Solutions is a global innovation leader in the building and construction industry, providing products and materials for all six sides of the building envelope. By developing solutions for managing the air, water and thermal performance of buildings and residences, we help our customers build energy-efficient, resilient, and durable shelters in a rapidly changing world. Backed by unmatched industry insight, building knowledge, and technical support, as well as world-class brands such as Styrofoam Brand, Tyvek, and Great Stuff, our products and services portfolio enables customers to focus on what they do best, no matter where and how they choose to build. About DuPont Water & Protection DuPont Water & Protection is a global leader in products and solutions that protect what matters people, structures and the environment and enables its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including Corian, Kevlar, Nomex Tyvek, Styrofoam and Filmtec. About DuPont DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at http://www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com. # # # DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , or are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Enghouse Vidyo, a division of Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX: ENGH) and a leader in embedded real-time video solutions, today announced it has earned ISO 27001 Certification, the world's premier standard in information security. Vidyo now meets the strictest security requirements in the industry for its Information Security Management System (ISMS). With certification, Vidyo can assure the use of robust data security controls conforming to this internationally recognized standard. Security has played an integral role in Vidyo since inception, said Aaron Soroka, Vice President Operations, Enghouse Vidyo. At Vidyo, we enable the worlds most critical real-time communication, and protecting our customers data has always been a top priority. Our ISO 27001 Certification is confirmation of our ongoing commitment to the highest security standards, providing additional peace of mind to our partners and customers. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is the global standard for information security. The certification establishes more than 100 requirements for a comprehensive ISMS, including: the physical security of facilities, software product security (from development to delivery environments and processes), financial information, HR processes and personnel, and managements commitment to security work. Certification of the Vidyo ISMS means its customers can expect systematic and ongoing management of information security risks that can otherwise affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate and personal information. Implemented controls include security-by-design product development, data encryption, vulnerability management, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and much more. The certification of Vidyo was granted after the completion of a formal audit performed by SGS SA, the worlds leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Enghouse Interactive, Americas (EIA), an adjacent division of Enghouse, received the same ISO certification in October 2020. The official certificate can be found at https://www.sgs.com/en/certified-clients-and-products/certified-client-directory, certificate ID CA21/819944189. Members of the media can direct questions about the Enghouse Vidyo ISO 27001 certification to legal.operations@enghouse.com. About Enghouse Vidyo Enghouse Vidyo is a subsidiary of Enghouse Systems Limited, a software and services company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:ENGH). Vidyo enriches peoples lives by embedding real-time video into digital communications in the moments that matter most. Millions of people around the world connect visually every day through Vidyos secure, scalable technology and cloud-based services. Its patented platform integrates with virtually any application environment, network, and device to deliver the highest quality experiences that strengthen teams, build trust, solidify relationships, and improve quality of life. Learn more at http://www.vidyo.com, read our blog, or follow us on Twitter at @vidyo, on LinkedIn, and on Facebook. Terraferma joined the IFB team from commercial banking and business development with financial institutions CenterState Bank and The Bank of Tampa. As the Vice President and Market Leader for Central Florida, Terraferma will be responsible for developing and managing client relationships, cross-selling IFB products and services. He will also be responsible for business development. Terraferma previously worked with commercial clients as a commercial relationship manager, meeting client needs with ease while analyzing and reporting on financial data. Along with his experience in the banking industry, he is also a chapter member of the Association of Builders and Contractors, and the Society of Real Estate Professionals. A Florida State University alumnus, Terraferma has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics. International Finance Bank domestically serves the banking needs of large and middle-market corporations, as well as medium and small businesses and individuals by offering deposits, loans, and other services. Our focus in the international space is on the banking needs of moderate and high net worth individuals, prime local companies, and multi-national companies. Our values are our compass. We want to provide the best experience possible for all of our shareholders, customers, and colleagues while contributing to our community. As a part of that commitment, we are proud to support non-profit organizations in Miami. We believe being a good steward goes beyond corporate sponsorship; it enriches the lives of our community members as well. We offer volunteer opportunities to all of our associates, which we believe encourages a culture of giving back and making a difference. Please visit our website to learn more about our community involvement as a Miami Bank. FSSolutions, a PBSA accredited consumer reporting agency, is excited to broaden our employment screening services with the addition of social media searches as part of our background checks through Social Intelligence, the global leader in social media and online consumer reports. FSSolutions, a national leader in full-service employment compliance screening solutions, has announced a partnership with Social Intelligence, the premier social media screening firm, to provide social media searches as part of their background screening services. Ensuring a safe work environment means hiring trustworthy employees who protect your staff, customers, and reputation. Screening for risk areas such as violence and intolerance is a vital part of the background check process. The addition of Social Intelligence to FSSolutions' screening services offers an innovative solution to screen candidates' social media profiles and online presence safely without compromising compliance or candidate privacy. "We are pleased to team up with Social Intelligence, whose experience, knowledge, and reputation in social media searches make them an ideal partner," said Michael Koffler, President and CEO, FSSolutions. "FSSolutions is determined to provide our clients with the most comprehensive background screening tools on the market. Through this strategic partnership, our background checks will deliver a more robust review of a candidate and help clients ensure they're hiring the right people for the job." With the addition of social media searches conducted by Social Intelligence, FSSolutions continues to expand its services while serving the needs of its clients through innovation and exceptional service. ABOUT FSSOLUTIONS FSSolutions, a PBSA accredited consumer reporting agency, is one of the largest private third-party administrators (TPA) of drug and alcohol testing, background screening, occupational health, medical testing, and compliance services in the country. Founded in 1989, FSSolutions is known for its regulatory, legal, and technical expertise in workplace testing policies and procedures, delivering unprecedented service, support, and value for all your compliance screening. Our executive team comprises leading industry experts in regulatory compliance and champions of customer service. FSSolutions' distinguished medical team includes recognized experts and published authorities in the medical screening and testing industry. With innovative technology, dedicated account coordination, and industry-leading turnaround times, we provide customizable, easy-to-use screening reports that you can trust. Partnering with FSSolutions allows you to streamline your screening process through a single platform for all services with quick, compliant, and accurate screening solutions that reduce your business risk. Learn more at http://www.FSSolutions.com. ABOUT SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE Social Intelligence provides scalable solutions for one-time or continuous search and analysis of web and social data to find actionable employment insights and help companies leverage online data in their employment decisions. As leaders in social media screening, they are committed to providing companies with accurate, actionable insights to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Karen M. Kennard, a shareholder in the Austin office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, will be a panelist at the inaugural Austin Bar Association Virtual Equity Summit on May 14 at 12:45 p.m. CT. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to speak about criminal justice reform, a topic that is dear to my heart, Kennard said. It is through these conversations that people are empowered to create change and true progress can be made. Kennard will speak during a session titled History and Implementation of the Tim Cole Act: Injustice as a Catalyst for Justice. This act has a very personal connection to Kennard as it is named in honor of her eldest brother Tim Cole. Cole was wrongfully convicted of rape more than two decades ago and died in prison in 1999, at the age of 39. In 2009, DNA testing proved Coles innocence, and he was the first person in Texas to receive a posthumous exoneration and posthumous pardon. Joining Kennard for the session are Mike Ware, executive director for the Innocence Project of Texas; and Former Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, Supreme Court of Texas. According to the Austin Bar Association, its efforts to achieve racial equity and dismantle the systems created by institutional racism will take much longer than one year. As such, the Equity Committee will continue its work and plan to make the Equity Summit an annual event. As a Government Law & Policy attorney, Kennard focuses her practice on government law, policy, and regulatory matters with an emphasis on municipal local government issues. Her experience spans more than three decades and includes positions as City Attorney for the City of Austin, Texas and General Counsel of the Texas Municipal League. About Greenberg Traurigs Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firms efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certification, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: DRIVES Twitter: @GT_Drives About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and part of its history. With approximately 130 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firms global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the states future, including: aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Greenup was awarded the portion of WSLPP (Stockpile II) in January 2020. Approximately 157,000 cubic yards have been stockpiled thus far. This represents 25 percent of the 500,000 cubic yards to be excavated and stockpiled. -- Steve Keen, Construction Manager at Greenup Industries Greenup Industries (Greenup) was awarded a portion of the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Project (WSLPP) in January 2020, a major hurricane and storm damage risk reduction project benefitting a three-parish area in southern Louisiana. The companys scope of work includes excavating, processing, and stockpiling clay material and other work within the Bonnet Carre Spillway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that levee construction is expected to require 7 million to 9 million cubic yards of clay material. The Bonnet Carre Spillway has roughly 3.5 million cubic yards available, while the rest of the clay is to come from commercial sources. The $20,520,000 WSLPP contract ("Stockpile II) included excavating, processing, and stockpiling of 1.5 million cubic yards of clay from the Bonnet Carre Spillway to two stockpile sites. In November 2020, Greenup was awarded a 2nd Stockpile contract for excavating, processing and stockpiling clay material at the Bonnet Carre Spillway (Stockpile I). The Stockpile I contract is currently valued at approximately $19,900,000, including modifications. The material will support the construction of approximately 17.5 miles of levee system that will provide 100-year level risk reduction to the area extending from the Bonnet Carre Spillway to Garyville, Louisiana. The Stockpile II work was initially estimated for competition by January 22, 2021 however high river levels and an unusually active hurricane season in 2020 created some delays in the stockpiling process. According to Steve Keen, Greenup Industries construction manager, WSLPP, Approximately 157,000 cubic yards have been stockpiled thus far. This represents 25 percent of the 500,000 cubic yards to be excavated and stockpiled, he said. We have been working on the stockpiling project for nearly a year. When you say dig clay and stockpile it, theres much more to it than that, Keen said. In the Spillway itself, you have to clear through all of the shrubs and get them out of the way. Then there are usually several feet of sand on top. You have to move that before you can actually start digging the clay out. He added that the clay cannot be too wet or too dry when moving it and that workers achieve the optimized moisture level by chopping the clay up and letting the sun and wind harden it. The clay then is loaded into trucks and hauled down Airline Highway onto a newly constructed access road in the sugarcane fields, near the River Forest subdivision. The access road into the field was part of the scope of the project. Greenup widened the road with asphalt and extend the access road to where the levee is going to be built. In addition, the company also built a new asphalt ramp at the back of the Spillway by the existing boat launch. These are two of the preliminary things that needed to be done before we can start hauling any clay out, Keen said. We started that in late March to early April 2021. Greenup hired flag persons to make sure everyone is aware of the increased traffic and remained in communication with the St. John Parish Sheriffs Office to ensure officers were on detail to keep the area safe. The project will bring a significant number of trucks entering Airline from the East side of the Spillway and exiting into the stockpile area, and also coming out of the stockpile area heading back to the Spillway to get loaded again, Keen said. Greenup is currently contracted to stockpile 1.5 million cubic yards. However, this could be extended by an extra 500,000 to equal 2 million cubic yards. Greenup is adept at handling large-scale projects for the public good. From refurbished roads and bridges to industrial construction and maintenance, Louisiana-based Greenup Industries is behind countless projects across the Gulf South that point to the regions growth and vibrancy. The company has expanded by leaps and bounds since its founding in 2012, becoming a leading construction contractor and provider of maintenance and third-party procurement services. With operations in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, Greenup Industries is poised for expansion into Florida soon, says founder and CEO Rodney Greenup, a New Orleans native who began his career as a mechanical engineer and project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Were continuing to grow and diversify, says Greenup. Theres a lot of growth potential and work to be done throughout the region. About Greenup Industries Based in Kenner, La., Greenup Industries provides contracting and special construction services to industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. It also has a division focused on maintenance and staffing services to support various industries. The companys self-designed portal, named Greenup Tracker, connects third-party vendors with industrial facilities in need of painters, plumbers, groundskeepers, carpenters, and other low to moderate security clearance subcontractors. Greenup Industries is certified as a Minority-Owned Business (MBE) by the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council. In 2019, Greenup Industries was awarded the prestigious ACG Louisiana Award for the Emerging Growth Company of the Year. Greenup and his team of nearly two dozen employees have worked on a number of high-profile projects, including a major overhaul of New Orleans city streets, an ongoing project. If you would like more information on this project, please contact Greenup Industries at 225.283.4843 or info@greenupind.com. When looking to buy new coverage for their vehicle, drivers should consider some essential things before making a decision. Things like how much coverage they need, deductible, and coverage limits are important and they can help drivers get the policy they want., said Russell Rabichev, Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents a guide that can help drivers get the best car insurance policy. For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/how-much-car-insurance-do-you-really-need/ Drivers who moved to a new state, or have recently bought a new vehicle, are probably searching for a car insurance policy. Every single driver has different coverage needs, budgets, and options available to them. To understand how much coverage they need, drivers should analyze their current situation, weigh their options, and then make an educated decision. Before getting an insurance quote, drivers should follow the next steps: List the coverage they have, want, and need. Knowing what is already insured will help thee driver in the process of getting new insurance. Without going through this step, drivers might be tempted to pick up the cheapest offer, possibly wasting good money. Learn about the coverage limits. When buying liability coverage, drivers can see them listed as 100/300/50. This is one of the more common auto insurance policy structures and is also the limit that most insurers currently recommend for liability coverage. The first two numbers represent bodily injury liability coverage and the third represents property damage liability coverage. This means that the insurance policy of a driver involved in an at-fault accident will pay up to $100,000 in injuries per person, $300,000 in injuries per accident, and $50,000 in property damage per accident. Consider dropping coverage for older vehicles. Drivers of newer vehicles should not have more coverage on their older vehicles. Older vehicles are more likely to break down, have lesser safety features, cost more to repair, and are easier to steal. They also worth less, and in many cases keeping collision coverage doesnt make sense. However, to protect their vehicles from theft, some owners purchase comprehensive coverage. Consider adding family members to the policy. Anyone who lives under the same roof as the policyholder is eligible to be part of the family plan. When covering an entire family under one policy, the policyholder is eligible for multiple discounts. Also, if there is more than one vehicle in the household, the policyholder can get a discount for insuring multiple cars. Furthermore, the auto insurance policy can be combined with other policies such as homeowners insurance, health insurance, boat insurance, and more. Consider the deductible limits. The deductible is the amount of money the policyholders need to pay before the insurance kicks in. When buying an insurance policy, drivers should determine how much they can pay for the deductible. To keep car insurance costs to a minimum, drivers can choose the highest deductible. Premiums decrease as the deductible increases. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in K-12 Education Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 173 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 35 making it to the final list for Online Masters in K-12 Education Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-k-12-education-degree-programs/ 2021 Online Masters in K-12 Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University Ball State University California University of Pennsylvania Capella University Chicago State University Clemson University Colorado State University Global East Carolina University Emporia State University Georgia Southern University Hamline University Harding University Kennesaw State University Liberty University Michigan State University Michigan Technological University Minnesota State University, Mankato Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University Northwestern State University Old Dominion University Oregon State University Southeast Missouri State University Southern Arkansas University Stevenson University SUNY Oneonta Texas A&M University, College Station University of Central Missouri University of Georgia University of Maryland Global Campus University of South Carolina University of the Cumberlands Wayne State College Western Colorado 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/. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Music Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 163 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 13 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Music Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-music-degree-programs/ 2021 Online Masters in Music Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Berklee College of Music Colorado State University Emporia State University Georgia College & State University Illinois State University Indiana University Liberty University New Mexico State University Rowan University Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Southern Utah University University of South Dakota West Virginia 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/. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Negotiation And Conflict Management Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 147 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 18 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Negotiation And Conflict Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-negotiation-and-conflict-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Online Masters in Negotiation And Conflict Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Abilene Christian University Amberton University Arizona State University Bay Path University California Southern University California State University Dominguez Hills California University of Pennsylvania Creighton University Dallas Baptist University Dominican University Excelsior College George Mason University Norwich University Nova Southeastern University Touro University Worldwide University of Baltimore University of Denver University of Massachusetts Boston 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/. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Public Policy Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 190 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 20 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Public Policy Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-public-policy-degree-programs/ 2021 Online Masters in Public Policy Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University American University Arizona State University California University of Pennsylvania Eastern Illinois University Indiana University Bloomington Liberty University New England College Northwestern University Norwich University Oregon State University Regent University SUNY Empire State College Thomas Edison State University University of Baltimore University of Massachusetts Dartmouth University of Pittsburgh University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Valdosta State University Walden 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/. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online Masters in Real Estate Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 183 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 9 making it to the final list for Online Masters in Real Estate Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-in-real-estate-degree-programs/ 2021 Online Masters in Real Estate Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Auburn University Florida International University Florida State University Georgetown University John Marshall Law School Longwood University New England College University of Arizona University of Denver 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/. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. 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 Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree Programs. Intelligent.com analyzed 171 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 29 making it to the final list for Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-mba-in-nonprofit-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University Brenau University Cairn University Chaminade University of Honolulu Crown College Doane University Endicott College George Washington University Gratz College Hope International University Johnson & Wales University Johnson University Louisiana State University Shreveport National Louis University New England College North Park University Oklahoma State University Olivet Nazarene University Our Lady Of The Lake University Regent University Salve Regina University Southern Oregon University Springfield College Touro University Worldwide University Of Central Florida University of Houston-Downtown University of Nebraska at Kearney University of San Francisco 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/. Joe Simone "Medical practitioners increasingly understand that they need to be at the places their clients visit frequentlywhether that is the mall, the health club or the supermarket, said Joe Simone. The delivery of healthcare in retail settings continues to accelerate beyond urgent care centers to include major medical practices, according to Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. Several years ago, Joe Simone, recognized this trend when he developed the Boyce Thompson Center, an innovative 85,000 square-foot mixed-use center in Yonkers, N.Y. with a consumer-driven retail model for healthcare. The Boyce Thompson Center successfully combined trendy dining destinations and other high-traffic retail with medical practices in a historic building that was adaptively reused. Simones concept proved appealing to St. Johns Riverside Hospital and the Westmed Medical Group, which became the Boyce Thompson Centers anchor tenants. The commitment from these two medical anchor tenants subsequently attracted ENT Allergy Associates, ColumbiaDoctors, Westchester Gastroenterology, Juvanni Med Spa, Metro Vein, among others. The adaptive reuse of this historic 1920s botanical research center earned a Westchester Municipal Planning Federations 2017 urban planning award. The Boyce Thompson Center has become a prototype for future mixed-use healthcare developments. The medical move to a retail setting is driven by patients who want an enhanced physical space where there are opportunities to shop, dine, and have access to other personal services such as restaurants, banking and clothing shops, said Joe Simone. Across the country, there are similar models as owners of outdated and vacant commercial buildings repurpose them for healthcare tenants. Once again, Joe Simone is leading the way. In Harrison, NY, Simone is converting a vacant office building into a pediatric specialty care facility. ABOUT SIMONE DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES Simone Development Companies is a fully integrated private real estate investment and development company that acquires and develops healthcare, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, retail and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over seven million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With services spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its creatively oriented management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development. Labroots, the leading scientific social networking website, offering premier, interactive virtual events and webinars, is pleased to host its 5th annual Laboratory Automation virtual event on May 19th for biotech executives, laboratory managers, scientists, innovative researchers, life science professionals, and leading academia and industry experts on a global basis. Laboratory Automation 2021 provides a premier interdisciplinary forum for prominent speakers to present the most recent innovations, advancements, and challenges faced today on various aspects of laboratory automation and new technologies in the field. Its a crucial moment for the development of laboratory automation, and the informative agenda will explore sessions on microfluidic technologies enabling automation, high throughput biology for antibody discovery and single cell analysis, and LIMS and regulatory compliance. "As the Chair of the planning committee for Labroots 5th annual Laboratory Automation Virtual Event, I am excited to share the advances in our industry utilizing key technologies leveraging microscale phenomena to enable and scale high-throughput experimentation, and screening towards precision medicine and diagnostics, said Dr. Sammy Datwani, Chairman. During the Labroots conference you will learn about key advances in microfluidics enabling automation as well as high throughput biology for antibody discovery and single cell analysis. Importantly, you will learn how systems are validated today, how to utilize the cloud and what we can do to continue to validate during a crisis such as a pandemic?" The go-to virtual event for the industry of lab automation promises to bring over 15 discussions you wont want to miss, plus two keynote deliveries by Dr. Aaron Wheeler, Professor, University of Toronto explaining microfluidic methods for single-cell manipulation and analysis, followed by Dr. Christoph Merten Professor, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, School of Engineering, Laboratory of Biomedical Microfluidics, sharing droplet microfluidics in antibody discovery, immune repertoire sequencing and personalized cancer therapy. More topics include advances in single cell analysis for antibody discovery: computer vision single cell sorting, droplet microfluidic tools for high throughput biotechnology, efficient method validation workflow with full device integration, LIMS and data integrity in the age of COVID, and the journey of the sample through an automated LC/MS workflow, and much more. Life has changed dramatically in the Age of COVID, said Christine Paszko, MT (ASCP0, Ph.D, Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc.). The ability to share scientific data, discoveries, and meet colleagues at conferences is no longer an option, but having an established platform such as Labroots that provides virtual conferences ensuring that the communication continues and improvements to the human condition are pushed forward. Shonali Paul, Chief Operating Officer, CloudLIMS.com added, More and more laboratories across the globe look at building efficiencies in their systems. The key drivers for them would be to effectively utilize manpower and reap the benefits of automation through standardization and integration. I am happy to be a part of this Labroots event that focuses on the laboratories to automate and scale. Produced on Labroots robust platform while connecting across all desktop and mobile devices, the virtual environment encompasses a lobby, auditorium, interactive poster hall, exhibit hall (highlighting the latest array of products and technologies), and networking lounge providing a complete learning experience. Labroots, an approved provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E Program offering attendees the opportunity to earn 1 Continuing Education Credit per presentation for a maximum of 30 credits. To register for the event, click here. Participants can use the official hashtag #LRlabauto to join the conversation and stay up to date on the latest event information. About Labroots Labroots is the leading scientific social networking website, and primary source for scientific trending news and premier educational virtual events and webinars and more. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, Labroots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, Labroots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning. Offering more than articles and webcasts that go beyond the mundane and explore the latest discoveries in the world of science, Labroots users can stay atop their field by gaining continuing education credits from a wide range of topics through their participation in the webinars and virtual events. Merle has been my secret weapon for the 16 years I've been a licensed real estate broker. He's a great asset....we make a great team! Merle Reeder, a roofing estimator for Northwest Roof Service, is retiring from the company after nine years. Prior to working for Northwest Roof Service, Merle was a superintendent for a local builder, owned a window and insulation business in Tacoma, and was a general contractor, remodeling homes throughout Puget Sound. As the top salesman for Northwest Roof Service, Merle is good with people and his knowledge of construction has served his customers well. Allen Merrill, CEO of Northwest Roof Service, commented on working with Merle. I have always respected Merle for who he is, his work ethic, and what he has done for the company, Merrill said. Merle will use his deep knowledge of the construction and housing industries to join wife Marti Reeder and her real estate team, Team Marti of John L. Scott, as operations manager and broker-partner. In that role, Merles focus will be on supporting Marti in all-things real estate. With his 45 years in the construction industry, Merles background will be an asset to the team, particularly with understanding home conditions, repairs and home values. Merle has been a licensed real estate broker since 2010 and has been helping Marti in his off hours for the last 11 years. The couple is excited to have the opportunity to work together full-time. Merle has been my secret weapon for the 16 years Ive been a licensed real estate broker. His knowledge of homes and construction has been useful to my clients, and hes a great asset when it comes to pricing buildings, properties and homes. His background of owning his own business for many years has been invaluable to me. We make a great team! Marti said. I guess Im retiring from the construction industry, but not really retiring. Im looking forward to my new full-time career in real estate, said Merle. Marti is an excellent negotiator. Its been fun to watch her grow in her career over the years. Now its my turn to take what Ive learned and put it into action. Marti Reeder, a full-service Realtor and managing broker of Team Marti with John L. Scott Real Estate, was named Best Real Estate Agent by Kent Reporter readers in their 2020 Best of Kent contest, Reeders twelfth such honor. Reeder was also recently named Best of Covington in the REALTOR category. The latest accolades come on the heels of Reeder being honored with a recognition by Realtrends.com in its selection of "2020 America's Best Real Estate Professionals: Washington Individuals, an honor given only to the top 1% of real estate practitioners. Reeder is a member of the Kent and Covington Chambers of Commerce as well as the Kent Downtown Partnership. She gives back to her community by supporting Rotary, Kiwanis, KentHope, Kent Community Foundation and other local organizations. For more information, contact Merle or Marti Reeder at 253-246-8938 or visit them online at TeamMarti.com. With this latest upgrade, Nalu has once again demonstrated its commitment to continuous and meaningful innovation to help deliver chronic pain relief therapy options to patients. Nalu Medical, Inc. (Nalu), a Carlsbad, California-based company that has successfully miniaturized neurostimulation implants for the treatment of intractable chronic pain via Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), announced the release of their latest software upgrade that adds new capabilities to their micro neurostimulation system. Like a smartphone operating system, the Nalu Neurostimulation System can be upgraded to enable existing patients full access to future innovation and additional capabilities that are authorized by the FDA. This software upgrade, known as Mauna Loa, adds real time current steering capabilities during programming and allows the simultaneous execution of Tonic and Advanced Programming Stimulation therapies. The upgrade also addresses the functionality of the programmer in order to simplify the programming process. "Part of our lifetime commitment to patients and physicians includes providing access to the latest advancements in neurostimulation therapies through software upgrades, said Earl Fender, Nalus President and CEO. With this latest upgrade, we offer an expanded menu of therapy options to help people suffering with intractable chronic pain to better configure their therapies according to their preferences and within clinician-defined levels. Neuromodulation innovation is constantly evolving and the ability to add new capabilities through upgrades to the software is important, said Dr. Mark Malinowski, an Interventional and Surgical Pain Physician in Columbus, Ohio. With this latest upgrade, Nalu has once again demonstrated its commitment to continuous and meaningful innovation to help deliver chronic pain relief therapy options to patients. About Nalu Medical Nalu Medical, Inc. is a privately-held, medical device company located in Carlsbad, California. Our team of seasoned medical device professionals have developed the next generation of miniaturized medical devices. The result is a novel, versatile and upgradeable technology platform that we believe will allow us to address several poorly met needs in the market. Our mission is to modernize, improve, and broaden the therapeutic capabilities of miniaturized medical devices, thus improving lives of people today and addressing the demands of medicine tomorrow. About the Nalu Neurostimulation System The Nalu Neurostimulation System, an implanted treatment for managing intractable chronic pain, consists of a fully-featured micro-Implantable Pulse Generator (mIPG) free of an implantable battery and powered by an externally worn Therapy Disc and controlled by the patient via a smartphone app. The Nalu mIPG is built upon the nPower microchip platform that delivers outputs similar to larger IPGs but with additional capabilities around waveforms, programming modes and upgradability. The Nalu mIPG is currently cleared by the FDA for both Spinal Cord Stimulation and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation indications with an expected service life of 18 years. To learn more, visit http://www.nalumed.com. Indications for Use Spinal Cord Stimulation The Nalu SCS system is indicated as the sole mitigating agent, or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach for chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain. The trial devices are solely used for trial stimulation ( 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for a permanent (long term) device. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation The Nalu PNS system is indicated for pain management in adults who have severe intractable chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin, as the sole mitigating agent, or as an adjunct to other modes of therapy used in a multidisciplinary approach. The Nalu Neurostimulation System for PNS is not intended to treat pain in the craniofacial region. The trial devices are solely used for trial stimulation ( 30 days) to determine efficacy before recommendation for a permanent (long term) device. Nalu, the Nalu logo, mIPG and nPower are trademarks of Nalu Medical, Inc. Eagle Telemedicine Even before the pandemic started, we saw tremendous growth in numbers of hospitals requesting Infectious Disease programs. Today Eagle Telemedicine announces the appointment of Dr. Richard Prokesch, as Infectious Disease Medical Director. Dr. Prokesch has served for three years as an Infectious Disease TeleHospitalist at Eagle, showing his commitment to providing expert patient care and mentoring new telespecialists, said Dr. Talbot Mac McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Telemedicine. In this new role, he will provide leadership in guiding our infectious disease programs as we seek to better serve Eagle Telemedicine clients, their patients, and communities. Dr. Prokesch joined Eagle in 2018 as an infectious disease telemedicine provider, where he has experienced first-hand the tremendous need among small hospitals needing this specialty. His role as Medical Director for Infectious Disease will allow Eagle to work more closely with administrators and medical directors using infectious disease telemedicine services. In his new role, Dr. Prokesch will provide oversight of Eagles infectious disease program, including specialists providing telemedicine services. He will also consult with hospital administrators and medical directors on using telemedicine, specifically infectious disease. In addition, Dr. Prokesch will assist in Eagles recruitment and interview process of infectious disease specialists. This includes providing orientation and training of new telemedicine specialists. He will also develop guidelines for Eagles Infectious Disease specialists to ensure consistent and high-quality patient care. In addition, Dr. Prokesch will continue his work as an Eagle telespecialist serving hospitals in rural Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. During Dr. Prokeschs tenure at Eagle Telemedicine, the company launched training initiatives, developed telemedicine technology to improve the efficiency of remote care, and expanded protocols to work more effectively with onsite clinical teams and the patients they serve. Over the past year, Dr. Prokesch has witnessed the growth in need for infectious disease telespecialists. Small community hospitals were already realizing the need for backup support in this specialty, so their local doctors could get a little time off, he explains. But with the pandemic, the need grew exponentially and changes in Medicare regulations made it possible for Eagles specialists to help. During the past year, Eagle has signed multiple new contracts with hospitals and is actively recruiting and training infectious disease telespecialists to meet the increasing need. I was lucky to have Dr. McCormick as a long-time colleague, friend and mentor when I joined Eagle Telemedicine, and I will provide that same mentorship for new recruits, says Dr. Prokesch. Ive found telemedicine to be very enjoyable, working with medical staff and patients in all parts of the country. Youve got to be a bit tech-savvy to do this work, and if you enjoy working with patients, its a great opportunity for physicians, with a very flexible schedule. Dr. Prokesch will also work more closely with hospital boards and CEOs. If a hospital is considering telemedicine services, Ill talk virtually with the hospital leadership to explain how infectious disease telemedicine works and how successful it can be for hospitals who have that service. During his years with Eagle, Dr. Prokesch has continued seeing patients at his infectious disease clinical practice in Atlanta, work that began over 30 years ago. About Eagle Telemedicine Eagle Telemedicine provides technology-enabled care. Eagle Telemedicine was one of the first companies to emerge in the telemedicine physician service arena and is still pioneering the industry a decade laterdesigning, managing and operating telemedicine programs to acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals and long-term acute care hospitals. Eagles solutions help facilities offer specialized care to underserved communities, eliminate locum support costs, prevent burnout, manage coverage gaps, reduce unnecessary transfers, and increase patient census. Multiple specialties include Hospitalist Medicine, Stroke and Acute Neurology, Psychiatry, Critical Care, Cardiology, Infectious Disease and a range of other specialties in a wide variety of service models. Eagle is truly differentiated in the marketplace and focuses on delivering care through small pods of telemedicine providers that become long-term members of a hospitals medical staff family. For more information, visit http://www.eagletelemedicine.com or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/eagle-telemedicine. The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) today announced that the Passive House 2021 Conference: Passive House For All program schedule has been completed. The program is organized around the idea that Passive House should serve everyone and be accessible to everyone. Sessions feature a wide, and emerging, range of projects and intersecting interests - in use, region, climate, construction type, and audience - demonstrating that Passive House can be a core tool in making sustainable communities, more equitable living conditions, higher-skilled workers, healthy populations, and climate solutions. The program encompasses a wide variety of communities and building types, reflecting the society we live in, said NAPHN Executive Director Ken Levenson. Passive House must not just get the energy balance right, it also needs to help optimize the human balance, in support of truly sustainable communities. When that happens were building climate, health and social well-being solutions. We can do it. No one should settle for anything less. A rundown of the program follows. Thursday, June 10, Noon - 1 PM ET PH2021-01 Opening Plenary Opening Remarks: Bronwyn Barry, NAPHN Board Chair Ken Levenson, NAPHN Executive Director Janet Joseph, NYSERDA Senior Vice President for Strategy and Market Development Passive House: A Global Community of Action As Passive House grows, reaching across climates, countries, and continents, to China, and the global south, the conversations, and concerns are becoming more diverse. Hear how the Passive House Institute is not only embracing this reality but helping drive it, and perhaps surprisingly connecting the journey to its origins. Discover how a global movement is changing how the world thinks about buildings. Speakers Dr. Wolfgang Feist, Passive House Institute Jessica Grove-Smith, Passive House Institute Elena Reyes Bernal, Passive House Institute Wei Kuang, Passive House Institute Thursday, June 10, 1:30-2:30 PM ET PH2021-02 As Goes The City Of Exeter, So Goes The United Kingdom: experience Passive House acceleration A decade ago the City of Exeter began a Passive House journey that has led to a transformation of the cities' development practices and has been at the vanguard of fast-growing Passive House development activity across the UK. Focused on occupant health, comfort, durability, and accessibility, hear the story, the lessons learned, and what is on the horizon from the UK's largest Passive House developer. Speaker: Emma Osmundsen, Managing Director, Exeter City Living Thursday, June 10, 1:30-2:30 PM ET PH2021-03 Nuutsumuut Lelum: Passive House multifamily in service of an Indigenous community Designed for a diverse Indigenous community including families, elders, and youth, anchored by communal spaces - referencing Northwest Coastal Indigenous longhouse buildings. Hear from the owner, designer, builder, and operator about how a complex context set up this elegant solution and how it is being lived in today. Speakers: Chris Beaton, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Mark Ashby, Fold Architecture Inc. Tomas OBrien, Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre David Simpson, dys architecture Darcy Imada, dys architecture Karl Binder, Saywell Contracting Ltd. Walter Hoogland, Telus Thursday, June 10, 1:30-2:30 PM ET PH2021-04 Designing to Scale Retrofits: A quest to make existing buildings climate solutions This is a joint session with design teams from NYCHAs first deep energy retrofit and Syracuse University, Winding Ridge apartment retrofit project, and NYSERDA. Find out about what it means to design scalable and replicable low-energy retrofit solutions looking at the eight predominant multifamily building typologies in New York State and relevance to productized approach, including existing and emerging technologies. Speakers: Nina Sharifi, Syracuse University Caitlin Martusewicz, Cycle Architecture + Planning Tony Daniels, Cycle Architecture + Planning James Geppner, NYSERDA Thursday, June 10, 3-4 PM ET PH2021-05 Lets Make a Passive House Deal: how does your banker get to yes A panel discussion of lenders and dealmakers about lending, value, risk, Passive House certification, and getting Passive House deals done. Moderator: Beth Eckenrode, Auros Group Panelists: Sadie McKeown, Community Preservation Corporation Jennifer Leone, NYC Housing Preservation & Development Sharmi A Sobhan, Chase Bank Mark Curtiss, Massachusetts Housing Partnership Thursday, June 10, 3-4 PM ET PH2021-06 EnerPHit Retrofits to New Heights: a multifamily tower is reborn The landmark, Ken Soble tower, undergoes a modernization program to ensure long-term asset viability, secure housing quality, and indoor comfort for senior residents while reducing the buildings environmental impact. Learn about the details, the systems, and process that made it happen. Speakers: Yael Santopinto, ERA Architects Inc. Graeme Stewart, ERA Architects Inc. Thursday, June 10, 3-4 PM ET PH2021-07 Pride of Place: Investing in Downtown Transformation New York States Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities for all New Yorkers. Recognizing that companies are increasingly seeking to relocate and invest in vibrant, walkable downtowns in an effort to attract and retain a talented workforce, DRI is an investment to improve the vitality of urban centers across New York State. Hear examples from across New York. Speakers Lori Borowiak, NYSERDA Mara Kravitz, MatriArch Development David Szlasa, Basilica Hudson Thursday, June 10, 4:30-5:30 PM ET PH2021-08 Practice, Passive House & Priorities: the new meanings of work balance There is a growing awareness that our work must actively engage and support solutions to our climate, health, and social justice crises, providing new challenges and opportunities for positive transformation. A panel discussion and Q&A will explore how we are examining, prioritizing, and engaging these imperatives in our workplace and our building projects. Moderator: Beth Eckenrode, Auros Group Panelists: Jonathan Moody, Moody Nolan Architects John Rezvani, 475 High Performance Building Supply Shawn Hesse, International Living Futures Institute Sophia Rini, Rockwool Thursday, June 10, 4:30-5:30 PM ET PH2021-09 Breaking Ground: community, affordable housing & Passive House Breaking Ground is a non-profit focused on affordable housing paired with wraparound services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness. Their new development, Betances Residence, designed by CookFox enlists Passive House as the latest evolution of their commitment to the complete integration of program, design, and engagement. Speakers: Brenda Rosen, Breaking Ground Elissa Winzelberg, Breaking Ground Adam Beaulieu, CookFox Architects Thursday, June 10, 4:30-5:30 PM ET PH2021-10 Passive House Building Certification: quality assurance you can take to the bank This session explores the key lessons learned by the PeelPHC certifier team over the course of several years certifying buildings. The impact of certification on performance, cost, project timelines, and more will be discussed. Best practices will be reviewed to identify how you can deliver assured quality with confidence in your next building. Speakers: Andrew Peel, Peel Passive House FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Friday, June 11, 9:30-10:30 AM ET PH2021-11 School, School & More School: a process of continual Passive House learning Science is at the heart of Passive House, but it is in its application - intersecting with cultures, communities, and the needs of people - that transform the science into architecture. Learn from a global leader in educational building design. See the data, the lessons, and applications across years and contexts. Speaker: Anne-Marie Fallon, Architype Friday, June 11, 9:30-10:30 AM ET PH2021-12 Feeding the Masses: making Passive House commercial kitchens work What could be more opposite to Passive House than a commercial kitchen? Do we write off the multitude of cafeterias and restaurants that we all, from every walk of life, depend on? No, it gets figured out. Through trailblazing project applications and the scientific rigor of the Passive House Institute, even this barn-burning function can be tamed in support of Passive House performance. Find out how they are doing it. Speakers: Marine Sanchez, RDH Building Science Roberto Iannetti, Passive House Institute Friday, June 11, 9:30-10:30 AM ET PH2021-13 All Aboard! strategies for Passive House outreach, training, and employment The skills of Passive House and high-performance sustainable building can be specific and intentional, but they are not difficult. As we set out to remake the built environment, enormous opportunities exist to upskill our (blue and white collar) workforce and provide good jobs to the unemployed and underemployed. A panel discussion on pathways that cultivate workforce participation of all people. Moderator: Ken Levenson, NAPHN Panelists: Daphany Sanchez, Kinetic Communities Consulting Darnell Dinkins, TD Construction Group Kevin Brennan, Brennan Brennan Josh Kriesberg, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Friday, June 11, 11 AM-12 AM ET PH2021-14 Not Your Familiar Big Box Retailer: Passive House Supermarkets From Walmart to Whole Foods, being more sustainable has become baked into business plans. But there's much more to be done. And Passive House supermarkets are showing the way. Take a deep dive into this trailblazing building type and find out how our "green retailers" can do much, much better. Speakers: Jurgen Schnieders, Passive House Institute Laszlo Lepp, Passive House Institute Friday, June 11, 11 AM-12 AM ET PH2021-15 The Future of Affordable Housing: an examination of modular versus traditional site-build Passive House Woodlawn Senior is a five-story, 80-unit project located in the Bronx, NY, nearing completion and used a traditional delivery method. Bethany Terrace, a 4-story, 58-unit, affordable housing to start construction in 2021, uses modular construction and is a Second Round NYSERDA Building of Excellence winner. This presentation illustrates challenges in building affordable Passive House projects and how modular construction can decrease construction time, control costs, increase quality, and decrease construction waste emissions. Speakers: Asok Thirunavukarasu, Paul A. Castrucci Architects Grayson Jordan, Paul A. Castrucci Architects Friday, June 11, 11 AM-12 AM ET PH2021-16 Home on the Prairie: an American archetype remade for 2050 and beyond From Indigenous teepees to settler cabins, to Frank Lloyd Wright designs, home on the prairie captures our imagination. See a leading practice's evolution of thought, details, and systems integration, in making Passive House homes for our emerging Anthropocene age. Speaker: Tim Eian, TEstudio Friday, June 11, 1-2 PM ET PH2021-17 Excellence for Everyone: Passive House examples from NYSERDA's market transforming building program The Buildings of Excellence is a $40 million competition that recognizes the design, construction, and operation of very low or zero carbon-emitting multifamily buildings. Three winning projects will be explored: The Rise is a fully electric, mixed-use building with supportive and affordable housing for justice-involved families, in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The Seventy-Six Complex is a mixed-use structure with affordable and market-rate housing and the goal to demonstrate that buildings can be regenerative, creative, healthy, and inspiring in Albany. Park Avenue Green in the Bronx is a 154 unit building that the owner is now collecting data to compare to a similar non-passive building previously built. Speakers: Patrick Fitzgerald, NYSERDA Avery Gray, Bright Power Abdulla Darrat, Renewal LLC Matthew Murphy, Bright Power James Garrison, Garrison Architects Corey Jones, South End Global Jordan Dentz, Levy Partnership Chris Lebron, Xenolith Partners Sara Bayer, Magnusson Architecture and Planning Julie Chou , Magnusson Architecture and Planning Friday, June 11, 1-2 PM ET PH2021-18 Zero Carbon Emissions: a target with teeth As part of a global transition towards 'outcomes-based codes' US policymakers are now exploring various options for including the impact and calculation of embodied carbon into standardized code. This session will look at where this is happening, who is doing this, and at new tools and assessments that our Passive House community is supporting to seamlessly integrate embodied carbon into operational carbon models. Speakers: Bronwyn Barry, Passive House BB Kim Cheslak, New Buildings Institute Mikhail Haramati, NYSERDA Tim Martel, AECB Friday, June 11, 1-2 PM ET PH2021-19 Keeping It Real: the Passive House Standard meets American builders A contractor that gets Passive House, transforms the construction process and makes high-quality business as usual. Yet initial builder concerns can leave them skeptical and ultimately hobble the high-performance design. How do we address builder concerns, provide actionable training and make Passive House relevant for their business objectives? It starts with Why. Speaker: Enrico Bonilauri, Emu Systems Friday, June 11, 2:30-3:30 PM ET PH2021-20 Passive House Community Amenity: The Clayton Community Centre Community centers by their very nature are ambitious, often serving a diversity of populations, needs, and desires. Few community centers are more ambitious than this one. Executed with capital A architectural design, and aggressive sustainability targets that include Passive House certification, public building is retaking a pride of place. Find out how they did it. Speakers: Melissa Higgs, HCMA Scott Groves, HCMA Rebecca Holt, HCMA Friday, June 11, 2:30-3:30 PM ET PH2021-21 Small-Town EnerPHit: where sustainable energy funding meets sustainable community building Smart infrastructure investment can ignite greater prosperity for the many. The town of Kane Pennsylvania is leading such an effort by investing a foundation grant into upgrading a 130-year-old downtown property to the Passive House EnerPHit Standard and committing to local job training, and material sourcing. Find out how this transformative effort is getting done. Speakers: Brandy Schimp, Mayor, Kane, PA Joel Morrison, Penn State University Norm Horn, Envinity Gary Moshier, Moshier Studio Friday, June 11, 2:30-3:30 PM ET PH2021-22 Where the Rubber Meets the Road: handing Passive House buildings over to operations & management Find out why, after the Passive House is built, the critical question is; Are operations and management staff trained and ready? This session will explore the need for O&M staff training and will identify the most critical building components and systems that should be targeted to ensure efficient operation, comfort and durability. Speaker: Lois Arena, Steven Winter Associates Friday, June 11, 4-5 PM ET PH2021-23 Closing Plenary - Defining Sustainable Community For All: discovering new pathways forward Housing shortages, restrictive zoning, underserved communities, poor public health, a climate emergency, and environmental and social injustice, are just some of the intersecting forces at play as we seek to transform the built environment to support solutions to all these issues and more. This closing plenary panel is a discussion of these intersections, some of the challenges and opportunities they present, and how the Passive House community and our work, might help lead in these efforts to recognize and realize sustainable communities for all. Moderator: Lori Atwater, Transformation Village Panelists: Sonal Jessel, WE ACT for Environmental Justice Jes McBride, YIMBY Lauren Hood, Detroit City Planning Commission Bronwyn Barry, Passive House BB Friday, June 11, 5-5:15 PM ET Closing Remarks & Announcements Speakers: Bronwyn Barry, NAPHN Board Chair Craig Stevenson, NAPHN Treasurer Ken Levenson, NAPHN Executive Director We believe the variety of featured content will be relevant to a wider audience of building industry stakeholders and the communities they serve, continued, Ken Levenson. This program is meant to connect the dots between the potential of Passive House and everyones future planning. In addition to the program content there is an in person expo and an online expo. The online expo is on a powerful new platform this year that allows attendees and exhibitors to more readily reach out, connect, meet and exchange information, much like an in-person event. Exhibitors include leading Passive House manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, from NYSERDA and Rockwool, to Zehnder, Swegon, Intus Windows, 475 High Performance Building Supply, Wythe Windows, Rothoblaas, Steven Winter Associates, Mitsubishi Electric, Bright Power, Cascadia Windows & Doors, and more. Attendees to the conference include architects, engineers, consultants, builders, developers, NGOs, policymakers, and students - all committed to making high-quality buildings that aggressively address our environmental crises. Attendees run the gamut from seasoned Passive House practitioners to the newly introduced. Questions? Please submit them to conference@naphnetwork.org. About NAPHN 2021 Conference: Passive House for All: Passive House for All is a call to action. Our existential environmental, health, and social crises demand that we look beyond isolated symptoms and tackle interlocking systemic causes; across disciplines, from buildings to communities. The event will take on the full range of specialized technical, process, and policy aspects of Passive House one expects from a NAPHN conference and it will challenge us to make Passive House benefits, tools, and work, accessible to all, and enriched by everyone. To increase accessibility to the conference - which includes an expo of leading manufacturers of Passive House components and providers of Passive House services - the program and expo are being presented both in-person in New York City and online. Also, the ticket pricing has been made more affordable and is supplemented with additional discounts for students, faculty, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) attendees, in support of more diverse and inclusive participation. NAPHN encourages everyone to review the full program and register today. About NAPHN: The North American Passive House Network (NAPHN) is an independent national non-profit educational organization affiliated with the International Passive House Association (iPHA) and the Passive House Institute (PHI), located in Darmstadt, Germany. NAPHN has chapters based in New Jersey (http://www.njpassivehouse.com), Washington DC (http://www.naphnetwork.org), the Rocky Mountain Region (http://www.phrockymountains.com), Minnesota (http://www.passivehouseminnesota.org), and Pennsylvania (http://www.passivehousepa.org). NAPHN supports the widespread adoption of the international Passive House design and construction standards, building science principles and protocols, as a critical response to our climate crisis - providing unparalleled effectiveness in mitigating climate disruptions and adapting to rapidly changing environmental conditions. NAPHN is focused on the inflection point between policy and implementation. We partner with leading stakeholders across all building sectors, including governments, professional associations, manufacturers, owners, builders, labor organizations, and educational institutions to make the transformation complete. http://www.naphnetwork.org About Passive House: Passive House is an international building standard and methodology, applicable to buildings of all kinds from office buildings to hospitals, new-build and renovations, that results in a dramatic drop in operational energy use, and more comfortable and healthy occupants - meant to aggressively mitigate our climate crisis while providing resilient adaptation. The Passive House Standard was developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), an independent scientific research organization, located in Darmstadt, Germany, and includes specific requirements for energy use and comfort of occupants. The Passive House Standard is being successfully applied to thousands of buildings and millions of square feet around the world, from Boston to Beijing. The Passive House methodology starts with reducing cooling, dehumidification, and heating loads by focusing, not on gadgets and active technology, but instead on fully integrated durable passive building components, such as proper continuous thermal-bridge-free insulation, continuous airtightness, high-performance windows and doors, and ventilation that includes a high-efficiency heat/energy recovery core, carefully calculated, and all integrated with the entire architectural process of design and construction. http://www.passivehouse.com http://www.passipedia.org View an Introduction to Passive house video: https://naphnetwork.org/resources/passive-house-basics/ Getting the data right and nailing forecast accuracy is critical to optimizing capital and maximizing shareholder return Novi Labs, Inc. announces the release of Novi Data Engine software. Novi Data Engine is a completely reimagined way to manage and publish analytics-ready datasets for the oil & gas industry. The software leverages Novis six years of building machine learning models for unconventional development to seamlessly ingest, validate, process, and transform hybrid datasets. Novi Data Engine allows users to: Integrate subsurface, time series, geospatial, and well engineering data. Integrate proprietary and public data sources. Set validity rules to clean data across multiple sources. Generate 50+ Novi Spacing features calculated for every well in the dataset. Publish a single line per well file to a database structure perfectly suited for business intelligence platforms such as Spotfire, Tableau or PowerBI. In this era of complex digital transformation and big data in the oil & gas industry, typical data management software lacks the domain context necessary to manage the variety of data types that are required for the oil & gas industry. Engineers and analysts struggle to build sustainable, repeatable processes, and analytical workflows are compromised as a result. The latest Novi Data Engine developments shorten time-to-insights through automation and put more control of the data in the hands of the consumers of the data. Reservoir engineers and analysts can then spend more time deriving insights that matter. Customers report shortening the time spent on data management from weeks to hours with higher quality and accuracy. According to Mark Milhet, Senior Reservoir Engineer of Birch Resources, Assembling model-ready data sets has historically been a very time-consuming process. It would often take days to build out the various input files (header, production from various sources and in both daily and monthly format, subsurface data, directional surveys, etc.), ensure consistency across these files, and identify and fill gaps where required data may be missing. Using Data Engine, I was able to assemble multiple basin-wide, model-ready datasets in a single afternoon. I can spend more time on model interpretation and testing to help influence business decisions, and less time on data preparation, cleaning, and joining. Furthermore, the energy industry is rapidly transforming as new A&D opportunities arise and development scenarios evolve. Companies can easily get left behind, and the Black Box nature of alternative solutions can cripple companies ability to capitalize on strategic initiatives effectively. Novi Data Engine provides the flexibility to integrate proprietary seamlessly and public data, define their data quality requirements and configure well spacing algorithms. Workflows are also highly transparent and scalable, allowing cross-functional teams to operate off a single source of truth and quickly update assumptions. Data integration and quality are some of the toughest challenges operators face in adopting AI and machine learning forecast models. Getting the data right and nailing forecast accuracy is critical to optimizing capital and maximizing shareholder return, said Scott Sherwood, CEO of Novi Labs. Building on customer feedback, our data science teams have been working relentlessly to build a fully automated self-service platform. We are excited to get this product into the hands of users, he said. To learn more about Novi Data Engine please visit https://novilabs.com/oil-and-gas-software/#data-engine About Novi Labs Novi Labs, Inc. (Novi) is the leading developer of artificial intelligence-driven business applications that help the oil & gas industry optimize the economic value of drilling programs. Leveraging cutting-edge data science, Novi delivers intuitive analytics that simplifies complex decisions with actionable data and insights needed to optimize capital allocation. Novi was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Austin, TX. For more information, please visit http://www.novilabs.com. Pegasus has been named to Inc. magazines annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. With 50+ years of experience and 350MM+ square feet serviced every day, Pegasus prides itself for being more than just a vendor in creating and maintaining clean, healthy, and safe indoor environments for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. The priority is to build value for customers and much of this due to Pegasus to its thriving corporate culture. As an ESOP (employee-owned) company, Pegasus employees are stockholders that have a direct stake it its success. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine the companys overall score and ranking. As an employee-owned company, it is critically important to create a world-class culture that makes being an employee owner fun and rewarding, both financially and emotionally, said Jeff Becker, President of Pegasus. My goal was to give all Employee Owners a chance to act and take responsibility, rather than just doing their job. I wanted everyone to understand how they contribute to the financial performance of the company, and to understand that they have a direct stake in the companys success. I truly believe that the best, most efficient, most profitable way to operate a business is to educate everybody on how the business works, give them a voice in saying how the company is run, and provide them a stake in the financial outcome - good or bad. People love working at Pegasus and appreciate the encouragement to grow, learn, and become the best that they can be, while having a positive impact within the company, the community, and their lives. This creates a drive to exceed and reach their financial and personal goals, where many never thought possible. The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year, says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this years list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic. About Pegasus Pegasus leads the way in comprehensive cleaning and maintenance solutions. We leverage cutting-edge technology to create and maintain clean, healthy, and safe indoor environments for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. Pegasus was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America and as one of the Best Places to Work by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Pegasus is an ESOP (employee-owned) company and certified in CIMS-GB, HubZone, and ISO 9001:2015. For more information, please visit http://www.pegasusclean.com About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. For More Information, Contact: Jasmina Jahic 858-444-2290 jjahic@pegasusclean.com Point72 has selected Cambridge Semantics as the knowledge graph platform for their next generation compliance solution. "Our new knowledge graph platform is a game changer, allowing us to rapidly incorporate new learnings, feedback, and business requirements with almost no overhead or delay into our compliance process, said Brooke Trahan, Chief Surveillance Officer, Point72. Cambridge Semantics is pleased to announce a strategic relationship with Point72 to power Point72s suite of cloud-based compliance applications. Under the agreement, Point72 has licensed Cambridge Semantics Anzo, the most scalable knowledge graph platform available today. Anzo offers a broad array of data integration and analytic capabilities including search, business intelligence, and graph analytics. Anzo is a scalable knowledge graph platform featuring the embedded, MPP graph engine AnzoGraph. Anzo allows companies to integrate and harmonize data from across their businesses and functions into a single, scalable system while taking advantage of the benefits of knowledge graph technology. The graph can model links and provide users real-time updates of millions of daily events across structured and unstructured data. Using Anzo, Point72s compliance team will be able to onboard, display, and search data more efficiently. As we tune our applications to keep pace with the fast changing regulatory landscape and improve operational efficiency, we are continually making changes to the algorithms, data model, or the data itself, said Brooke Trahan, Chief Surveillance Officer, Point72. The speed and agility with which we can now make those changes using our new knowledge graph platform has been a game changer, allowing us to rapidly incorporate new learnings, feedback, and business requirements with almost no overhead or delay. The industry-first collaboration advances the compliance technology at the firm while helping derive insight from the underlying data. This approach, referred to as a data fabric, integrates data across the firm in a highly reusable way. Our relationship with Point72 builds upon our deep expertise delivering knowledge graph and data fabric solutions in the financial services industry, said Ben Szekely, Chief Revenue Officer at Cambridge Semantics. Asset management, like many regulated industries, faces increasing compliance requirements and must integrate a vast array of diverse structured and unstructured data sources in near real-time. With our approach, Anzo users can solve those immediate problems while unlocking further insights and possibilities from their data. Along with the platform, Cambridge Semantics provides expert services to assure the success of knowledge graph implementations. The compliance team at Point72 had a clear vision that enabled our collaboration and the teams worked really well together to assure seamless integration, said Jessamin Yu, Vice President of Customer Success at Cambridge Semantics. About Cambridge Semantics Cambridge Semantics Inc. is a modern data management and enterprise analytics software company. Our product Anzo is a scalable knowledge graph platform for modern data integration and analytics. Anzo dramatically simplifies and accelerates the integration, modeling, and blending of siloed data into insight-rich knowledge graphs at enterprise scale. Anzo is built on AnzoGraph, the fastest & most scalable knowledge graph engine supporting data integration, graph algorithms, data warehouse-style analytics, feature engineering for Machine Learning, and more. The company supports solutions that enable IT departments and business users across Life Sciences, Financial Services, Government, Manufacturing, and other industries to accelerate data delivery and provide meaningful insights across the organization. Cambridge Semantics is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Visit cambridgesemantics.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter: @CamSemantics. About Point72 Point72 Asset Management is a global firm led by Steven Cohen that invests in multiple asset classes and strategies worldwide. Resting on more than a quarter-century of investing experience, we seek to be the industry's premier asset manager through delivering superior risk-adjusted returns, adhering to the highest ethical standards, and offering the greatest opportunities to the industry's brightest talent. For more information, visit http://www.Point72.com/about. NYC is a special place, and has given us both so much, and now that we are in a position to give back we are very excited to do so." - Sam Norval & Kevin Poirier New York City will soon be free from pandemic restrictions and Digital Marketing and Creative Agency, East End Yovth, founded by Kevin Poirier, a digital marketing expert, and Sam Norval, a world-renowned artist, photographer, and creative director, are on a mission to help lower Manhattan rebuild stronger than ever. As ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic, NYC businesses were hit incredibly hard. It is estimated over one third of small businesses were forced to close permanently while many were left relying on PPE and various loans to survive during closure. For East End Yovth founders, this has been devastating to watch as the two have a combined 40+ years of residency in lower Manhattan. Kevin Poirier lives with his family in Battery City Park, and its the city Sam, who resides in SOHO, became an American citizen in, voted in his first Presidential election, and had his first gallery showing. East End Yovth is aware bringing lower Manhattan back to life will be no easy feat, but they also know that New York is infamously known for its strength, resilience, and community. That is why they are offering pro-bono digital marketing and creative services to several small businesses throughout lower Manhattan. From SoHo, NoHo, Tribeca, East Village etc., supporting local restaurants, gyms, boutiques, florists, and bakeries, East End Yovth is aiming to ensure that local businesses reopen with a heightened degree of online visibility as well as have websites that help convert user traffic into customer acquisition. They will do this by providing Search Engine Optimization services at no-charge. This service involves the optimization of a businesses website so that the site shows up in general inquiry on search engines such as Google, Bing or Yahoo. SEO is one of the most lucrative digital marketing services for professional lead generation. They are also creating incredible content for these businesses to leverage in support of their aim to increase online conversions. We all feel the city is about to have an influx of tourists as well as the return of many residents that left temporarily during the months of the pandemic. All businesses should aim to optimize their entire digital environment as prospective customers will be searching for their services and products more over the next six months than weve seen pre-pandemic. Converting this online traffic will lead to the revitalization of local business and aid in the recovery of lower Manhattan" says Kevin and Sam. East End Yovth offers Website Development, Content Generation, Social Media Management, SEO, Graphic Design, Production, and Online Advertising. To reach out to East End Yovth, businesses can contact Sam Norval and Kevin Poirier at: Website: https://eastendyovth.com/ Email: hello@eastendyovth.com Phone: 917.803.8112 IG: @EastEndYovth Our 1-Clic packaging is the industry standard for safe prescription dispensing and by partnering with RxCap, we are able to bring advanced prescription adherence technology to our pharmacy customers and their patients Patrick OConnell, Vice President Centor RxCap, Inc., a cloud service for premium medication adherence data and Centor, a Gerresheimer Company, a leading global partner for the pharma and healthcare industries, today announced a nationwide referral partnership. The partnership integrates RxCaps medical prescription SmartCaps and corresponding data services with Centors prescription packaging to help drive better patient outcomes through pharmacies. RxCaps adherence solutions enable real-time patient medication utilization data for pharmacists, doctors, clinicians and healthcare corporations enabling patients and their families to focus on their health. Pharmacies across the USA and Canada are now able to consult with their Centor representatives and see live, real time data triggered from a smart prescription cap infused with RxCap patented technology. Pharmacists can now more accurately monitor critical care clients remotely through their prescription compliance. Prior to the RxCap solution, pharmacists were solely dependent on the patient's self-reporting to track medication adherence. The RxCap products and platform are groundbreaking for pharmacists and patients to help achieve better outcomes said Patrick OConnell, Vice President of Centor. At Centor, we are always looking for ways to improve adherence and patients' trust in our products. Our 1-Clic packaging is the industry standard for safe prescription dispensing and by partnering with RxCap, we are able to bring advanced prescription adherence technology to our pharmacy customers and their patients added Patrick OConnell. We are energized by the partnership and recent training with the Centor sales teams, Said Sreeram Ramakrishnan, CEO of RxCap. Connecting our SmartCap with the leading Centor 1-Clic child resistant vial for prescription adherence enables a new level of data accuracy for patients and Pharmacists. All Centor sales reps now have the RxCap SmartCap to demo and provide to Pharmacies for trial usage with patients with the 1-Clic vial. Our cost effective, real time, remote prescription services enable Pharmacists to see actual compliance data and pinpoint medication issues before they become critical continued Sreeram Ramakrishnan of RxCap. The ability to partner with a global leader like Centor Gerresheimer delivers industry wide innovation to improve patient results. About Gerresheimer and Centor: Gerresheimer is a leading global supplier to the pharma and healthcare industries, offering glass, plastic, and medical device products. The companys innovative products, solutions and processes contribute to health and well-being, driving innovation and digitalization throughout the organization. In striving into the digital and connected world, Gerresheimers focus is towards a more patient-centric healthcare system that contributes to the well-being of patients. The offering of more innovative and intelligent solutions for the application and use of their products is paramount. Gerresheimer has worldwide operations and over 11,000 employees. Centor is the worlds largest supplier of regulatory compliant prescription containers for medication dispensing. Focused on safety to protect against accidental drug ingestions while maintaining customer ease of use, Centor meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for child resistant packaging and United States Pharmacopeia standards for light transmission and moisture vapor resistance. Centor is the preferred manufacturer for robotic pharmacy automation for consistent product quality, throughput efficiency and machine compatibility. About RxCap: RxCap, Inc. is a Boston-based prescription adherence technology corporation enabling better patient outcomes. RxCap provides medical prescription compliance and adherence products with data services to healthcare corporations. Through our broad hardware portfolio, platform and APIs, RxCap enables our clients to deliver intelligent care management services. Press Contact: Ethan Alexander, CRO Ethan@rxcap.com The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park The San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association announces that The Future Is Hear, its $125 million comprehensive campaign has now surpassed the 75 percent milestone, having raised $98.7 million to date. The Future Is Hear was developed to support the organizations wide-ranging artistic and community programs, including construction of an extraordinary state-of-the art, year-round outdoor waterfront venue and public park along the Embarcadero. The campaign also encompasses improvement of the infrastructure of Copley Symphony Hall at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center, engagement of all of San Diegos diverse communities with transformative musical experiences, and ensuring the future of the Symphony. Thanks to the pillars of San Diegos philanthropic and cultural community and impressive additional patron support, fulfillment of the campaign is now in sight. Acknowledging its consortium of lead donors for their extraordinary investments, the San Diego Symphony has named its permanent new outdoor venue The Rady Shell in honor of Ernest and Evelyn Rady. The venues bayside surroundings have been named Jacobs Park in honor of Joan and Irwin Jacobs. The central gathering space for al fresco dining and socializing has been named Prebys Plaza in honor of Conrad Prebys and The Conrad Prebys Foundation. The performance area has been named the Una Davis Family Stage in honor of Una Davis. Ernest and Evelyn Rady have contributed the lead gift of $15 million to support the construction of the venue. Joan and Irwin Jacobs have given $11 million in support of the outdoor venue in addition to other significant leadership gifts to support various aspects of the comprehensive campaign. The Conrad Prebys Foundation has made a $15 million contribution with $12.5 million in support of the outdoor venue. A $10 million gift made possible by Una Davis ensured the projects success in the early stages of the campaign. When I first stood on the stage early in the construction of what would become The Rady Shell, I was surprised at how much I was moved, said Ernest Rady. Its potential and power are beyond what I could have imagined. We are supporting this project because of the impact we believe it will have on our city and our region welcoming both our residents and our visitors. This is a venue that will not only feature our amazing orchestra and preeminent artists, but also be a public park with programming for families, school children, and individuals on the beautiful landscape surrounded by San Diego Bay with our citys skyline in full view. We cannot wait to be a part of the first performances and see the joy it will bring to so many. It was more than 18 years ago that we first thought that the San Diego Symphony should have a permanent outdoor home, said Irwin Jacobs. The summer season has long been a memorable tradition to so many San Diegans. From Inspiration Point, Mission Bay, and Navy Pier, we were an orchestra looking for the perfect location. Finally, with the move to the Embarcadero Marina Park South we found our place. It took many more years to make it our home, but with The Shells opening that is exactly what it will become. The realization of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has exceeded our wildest imagination. Its beauty and proximity to the Bay and the City are unique. What we are truly excited about is the acoustic magnificence of the venue, showcasing our marvelous orchestra and its guests with truly excellent sound. Joan Jacobs added, We are thrilled to support the park that is The Rady Shells home, which will be open for everyone to enjoy, both during concerts and in the time in between. Una Davis said of The Rady Shell At Jacobs Park, "I am delighted to see this venue come to life. From the stage where the music is made, to the lawn where people will enjoy their family picnics and games, to the magnificent views of our bay and our city, I know it will be a tremendous asset to our downtown. I am so proud to be part of making this dream possible." The Conrad Prebys Foundation previously announced its generous support of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and its vision. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a venue that Conrad would have been very proud to support, not only because of his love of music, but because of all that it symbolizes as a public space. It will be used for many purposes and will bring our entire community together, said Tony Cortes, Board Chair of The Conrad Prebys Foundation. The Foundation is honored to steward Conrads legacy with support for this momentous project. The Future Is Hear now enters its public phase, when the Symphony invites all members of the community to join the campaign and become a part of this transformational new community resource for San Diego. Chief Executive Officer Martha Gilmer said, I join with our Board of Directors and Foundation Board, our Music Director Rafael Payare, the members of the Orchestra, and the entire staff in expressing our profound gratitude to the campaigns lead donors, and for the exceptional generosity of the individuals and foundations that have so graciously stepped forward with them to bring us to this point. The Symphony is an essential contributor to the San Diego community, welcoming everyone as we change lives through music. This campaign is lifting us toward that goal. We invite everyone to participate. The crowning achievement of The Future Is Hear campaign is the creation of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, which represents an $85 million philanthropic investment within the $125 million campaign. Scheduled to open to the public in summer 2021, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is the first permanent home for the Symphonys open-air performances and events. As innovative in design as it is spectacular in setting, offering 360 degrees of year-round music, sky, and sea, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an unprecedented resource for the Symphonys expanded schedule of diverse outdoor concerts. Music Director Rafael Payare has programmed an exciting roster of commissioned works and premieres, and the schedule will also feature performances by international touring artists and free programs. The venue, managed by the Symphony, will be available year-round for use by non-profit community groups, schools, and individuals, and includes public walkways, dining pavilions, and beautiful vistas of the waterfront and downtown San Diego in the heart of the Embarcadero. It will be accessible to the public for free 85% of the year, making this a true community asset. None of this could be possible without the extraordinary support and cooperation from the Port of San Diego and the California Coastal Commission, said David R. Snyder, Board Chair of The San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association. On behalf of our entire association, I express our sincerest gratitude for their assistance in making The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park a reality." Contributions from $10,000 and above will be listed on the Donor Appreciation Wall at the venue and large contributions will receive recognition at various locations at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Gifts can be made over three to five years. Gifts of all sizes have a significant impact. For more information about the various levels of giving to the campaign and the associated benefits, visit the website at http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/campaign or email campaign@sandiegosymphony.org. About the San Diego Symphony Founded in 1910, the San Diego Symphony is the oldest orchestra in California and one of the largest and most significant cultural organizations in San Diego. The Orchestra performs for more than 250,000 people each season, offering a wide variety of programming at its two much-loved venues, Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on San Diego Bay. In early 2018, the San Diego Symphony announced the appointment of Rafael Payare as music director. Payare leads the orchestras 82 full-time musicians, graduates of the finest and most celebrated music schools in the United States and abroad. The San Diego Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the San Diego Opera each season, as well as performing at several regional performing arts and community centers. For more than 30 years, the San Diego Symphony has provided comprehensive learning and community engagement programs reaching more than 65,000 students annually and bringing innovative programming to San Diegos diverse neighborhoods and schools. For more information, visit http://www.sandiegosymphony.org. Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine Clubhouse Studying Italian Wine can get complicated at times with so many grape varieties and regions to learn about, but there are some tools out there that are helpful and entertaining. Three of the Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wines authors, Jacopo Fanciuli, Lan Liu and Lyka Caparas often spend time in discussion about wine and their studies after work; most recently they pondered the best ways to undertake studying wine and wondered if others have had the same questions or ideas on the matter. For this reason, they put their question to a larger wine community, that of the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA). The initial tiny discussion group of three transformed, opening the mic to many other wine students all over the world, people who were likewise broaching topics that average wine students or professionals ask themselves every day. The discussions that ensued on Clubhouse (the audio-only social media app) encouraged community building through the sharing of ideas, offering practical hacks and the exchange of stories and experiences. To digress back onto the topic of the best ways to undertake studying wine, several VIA community members contributed their answers; the best suggestions made it onto this list. Contributors include Erin DeMara, Paul Bologna, Corrine Keddie, Melissa Sutherland, Deena Altman and Peggy Baudon. The following are seven great tips - some of them might surprise you! 1. The Pomodoro Technique: Peggy Baudon suggested using the Pomodoro Technique. This technique requires you to allocate focus for a specific period of time (like 20 minutes at a time for example), followed by periods of rest. This rest period, or rather shift in focus, will enhance your concentration each time you go back to studying. It is quite exhausting to put in 100% of energy, 100% of the time, but by moderating your efforts into manageable chunks of time, the mind is able to absorb more information. 2. Dont be a Stacker, opt for synthesizing: Melissa Sutherland is an advocate of synthesizing (arranging or harmonizing) a large amount of information. This is done by grouping related research from various books and resources organization can be done by region, by grape, etc. Visual learners can do this too by drafting a mind map to identify obvious connections between one set of data with the other. Corrine Keddie also said that organizing the information is key and she finds excel spreadsheets an efficient tool for this (and no, you dont have to be an excel master to accomplish this!). 3. Create Blind Tasting moments as often as you can: When tasting several wines, placing numbers below glasses with similar tasting wines (e.g., all full bodied reds) is a technique that Erin DeMara often practices. After doing the first round of tasting, he asks his daughter to shuffle the glasses, so he can then guess the wines. Another technique was raised by Corrine. after recognizing taste profiles of each wines, she puts away the remaining wines in 175ml bottles for future blind tasting practice. Lyka Caparas also suggested that using black wine glasses during this process can make this even more challenging! 4. Taste and take notes every chance you get: Jacopo, Corrine, and Paul all agreed that it is important to taste as many wines as possible (it is safe to say, every wine student -everywhere- would whole-heatedly agree with them). Corrine emphasized the importance of creating tasting notes, either manually or digitally, then double checking your blind tasting notes with text book notes. Erin advised seeking help from your local bartender, ask for some samples for wine study, they are likely to oblige! 5. Practice reading back labels (even when grape varieties are not listed): Melissa shared her practice of reading the back labels on wine bottles. If there are no grape varieties specified, she always pays attention to the wine region, then connecting it with possible grapes. 6. Visualisation and spatial recognition also enhances memory: Lan Liu and Melissa Sutherland talked about this method. During their study sessions, they often imagined themselves on a run, a very long one, every region they came to became attached to a memory, an imagined memory, filled with vineyards, mountain ridges, valleys, culture and even different cuisines! Deena Altman did something similar as well. During her studies she visualized information through the maps she collected - even going so far as to paste them all over her hotel room during the VIA course! 7. Different strokes for different folks: Everyone seems to have a different trick up their sleeve when it comes to retaining grape cartloads of information but the key is to identify your own unique way of learning first, specifically, you need to understand whether you learn best through visualisation, storytelling, analogies, syntheses or through some other method. Corrine Keddie, VIA Italian Wine Expert emphasized that whatever method of learning you are comfortable with, the most important thing is to be systematic and consistent. Studying Italian Wine can get complicated at times with so many grape varieties and regions to learn about, but there are some tools out there that are helpful and entertaining. Italian Wine Ambassador, Erin DeMara is a fan of the Italian Wine Podcast and the Jumbo Shrimp Guide to Italian Wine. He has admitted to listening to every English episode released on the podcast (and that is a lot since there are almost 570 episodes at this point!), in particular he recommends: Sarah Heller MWs tasting technique, and Professor Attilio Scienzas native grape discussions to name just a couple. He also enjoys toting his paperback copy of the Jumbo Shrimp Guide around with him for those occasional spare minutes throughout his daily travels. It goes without saying that he highly recommends these resources for Italian wine study or for those just wanting a refresher on the topic. The winners of Fast Companys 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards were announced today, honoring the businesses, policies, projects, and concepts that are actively engaged and deeply committed to pursuing innovation when it comes to solving health and climate crises, social injustice, or economic inequality. Spero Foods, Honorable Mention in On The Rise category, is creating the worlds first mainstream dairy alternatives-- affordable to everyone, available everywhere, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Spero makes dairy from seeds, which are 7-8x less expensive and grow 50-70x faster than nuts. By using truly scalable ingredients and cutting-edge technology, Spero is the first company making plant-based dairy cheaper than traditional dairy products. Now in its fifth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards spans with Health and Wellness, AI & Data among the most popular categories. A panel of eminent Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 4,000 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology, and more. Plus, several new categories were added, including Pandemic Response, Urban Design, and Architecture. The 2021 awards feature entries from across the globe, from Brazil to Denmark to Vietnam. Showcasing some of the worlds most inventive entrepreneurs and companies tackling exigent global challenges, Fast Companys Summer 2021 issue (on newsstands May 10) highlights, among others, a lifesaving bassinet; the worlds largest carbon sink, thanks to carbon-eating concrete; 3D-printed schools; an at-home COVID-19 testing kit; a mobile voting app; and the worlds cleanest milk. I kept thinking: there must be a way to invent better dairy-- dairy everyone could access and enjoy. So I leveraged my backgrounds in science, engineering, and art to invent Spero and completely disrupt the dairy sector, says Phaedra, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, also an award-winning artist. Our ethos? Make plant-based products that are delicious, accessible, affordable for all, and better for you and the planet. At Spero, we believe in making it easy, fun and tasty AF to live a plant-forward life. There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, its important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems, says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. Our journalists, under the leadership of senior editor Morgan Clendaniel, have discovered some of the most groundbreaking projects that have launched since the start of 2020. About the World Changing Ideas Awards: World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Companys major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to start working on solving the problems that affect us all. About Spero Foods: Spero is a plant-based food tech company building the worlds largest plant-based dairy enterprise. Spero employs pending patented technology to transform low-cost, sustainable and scalable ingredients into plant-based dairy. Theyre the first company who can outcompete dairy: mass-scale, price parity, better taste, addressing the $124B dairy market in the U.S. Spero has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 - Food and Drink, IAB 2020: Most Disruptive Brands in the U.S., Hermes Creative Awards 2x Gold Winner, and Mashed feature with Lizzo. Spero Foods media can be viewed here: Moroccan special event This year, the Moroccan people celebrate the 65th anniversary of the creation of the 'Royal Moroccan Armed Force' on May 14th, and 'National Security (DGSN)' on May 16th, which 'is an occasion in which Moroccan people recall the efforts and hard work of all symbols of the authority of the royal gendarmerie and the rest of the forces. The Moroccan people renew their pride in all these heroes under the high patronage of our King Muhammed VI.' Look for Moroccan radio amateurs who will be celebrating world-wide by activating the special callsign CN65FAR between May 10-16th. Operators mentioned are Rabat/CN8KD, Kenitra/CN8SG, Meknes/CN8WW, Kalaa/CN8AV, Rabat/CN8PG, Bejaad/CN8MM, Oujda/CN8ANT, Tetouan/CN8TI and Marrakech/CN8QR. QSL via RW6HS. OPDX Owners Kim and Mark Sementa in front of Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery "Were excited to help Kim and Mark grow Sweet Aroma using the same proven process that has helped over 150 coffee shop owners in 30 states achieve their dreams. - Greg Ubert, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea At Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery, Owners Kim and Mark Sementa are bringing friends and neighbors in Colchester, Connecticut, together with terrific espresso-based coffee drinks and fantastic homemade baked goods. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the need for a family-friendly gathering place for our community, Kim said. We wanted to share our love for coffee and my recipes for homemade cookies, muffins, cupcakes and more! Their new shop invites guests to gather in comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Larger groups meet in the dedicated community room. After owning a liquor store for 10 years, the couple knew how important customer service would be in building their new coffee business. Kims skills as an accountant and bookkeeper gave them the business foundation to succeed. Still, a lack of coffee industry experience loomed as an obstacle to opening Sweet Aroma. To gain specialty coffee savvy, the couple reached out to nationally acclaimed coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. We knew we needed help, but didnt want to be a franchise, Mark said. We liked what Crimson Cup brought to the table with their support package. After calling Crimson Cup, the couple began learning how to open and run a successful coffee shop through the companys 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative. Were excited to help Kim and Mark grow Sweet Aroma using the same proven process that has helped over 150 coffee shop owners in 30 states achieve their dreams, said Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert. Uberts book, Seven Steps to Success: a Commonsense Guide to Succeed to Specialty Coffee, forms the programs foundation. The 7 Steps program is so successful that, even during the 2020 pandemic, the Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster helped 19 entrepreneurs open new coffee shops. At least another 20 shops plan to open in 2021. Now is an exceptional time to open an independent coffee shop, Ubert said. Specialty coffee demand grew over 50 percent over the past five years, and discounted locations are open in many communities. From writing a strong coffee shop business plan to finding an ideal location, marketing support and much more, Crimson Cup guides new coffee shop owners from just dreaming to opening their business and beyond. Crimson Cup delivers terrific service, incredible coffee-shop products and excellent training, Kim said. The drinks are fantastic. As long as we follow the recipes, we cant go wrong! Mark said systems were easy to use and efficient. Everything is thought out, he said. Crimson Cup knows exactly what theyre doing. The couple found Step 5: Focus on Training the most valuable of the steps. We couldnt have done it without the help of 7 Steps Trainer Steve Bayless, Kim said. Bayless came to Connecticut before the shops opening to show the couple and their baristas how to prepare drinks using the equipment in their shop. He stayed on site a full week to train them in all aspects of coffee shop operations and will return to help with the shops grand opening celebrations later this year. Although there are a lot of coffee and barista schools out there, its hard to learn everything in a classroom over a few days. Ubert said. Our experience is that on-site training costs the coffee shop owner less. Plus, you remember more of what you learn by doing. In the shops first week, the couple began receiving positive feedback on the coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup. They say the coffee is delicious! Kim said. So far, weve received the most compliments on the vanilla latte and the Italian sodas. In the past five years, Crimson Cup has won several national coffee awards including a 2020 Good Food Award recognizing the countrys best tasting, most responsibly sourced coffees. Asked what advice he has for those who are considering opening a coffee shop, or adding coffee to their existing bakery or cafe Mark said, Get yourself a good consultant with Crimson Cup. Dont try to go it alone! Opening a coffee shop would be nearly impossible if you dont have prior coffee experience, he added. Even then, a barista only knows so much. You have to learn how to run the complete business. Sweet Aroma is open six days a week at 139 South Main Street in Colchester, Connecticut. To keep up with events and announcements including the shops Grand Opening celebrations follow the stores Facebook and Instagram pages. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a 2020 Good Food Award winner, 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee for consumers and wholesale coffee customers. Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program, the company teaches entrepreneurs to run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop. Crimson Cup also supports life-enriching projects through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, promoting the education, health, sustainability and economic growth of small-plot coffee farmers and their communities. Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses and a new Crimson retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. Irresistible Training - Branding We have been extremely lucky to have Dr. Larry Gould as a mentor for our Runway Startup Postdoc Program and we have been very impressed by the quality of his mentoring as well as of the sales and marketing support the team at thebigword has given our Runway companies. Global language technology company thebigword Group has donated over one and fifty hundred hours of mentoring and training support to entrepreneurs on both sides of the pond. Led by Irresistible Chairman of thebigword Group Larry Gould, various senior members of thebigword team have worked with a number of organisations including the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech in New York. Here, thebigword team have worked with Post-Doctoral entrepreneurs on a Runway Startup Postdoc Program. Larrys irresistible training method raises important questions that an entrepreneur needs to have considered in a whole range of disciplines, such as sales and marketing. The team offered hints which really got the entrepreneurs to think about how the answers to these questions will improve their business. Director of Runway and Spinouts at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech, Fernando Gomez-Baquero said: One of the most difficult things for entrepreneurial scientists is to learn how to sell. We have been extremely lucky to have Dr. Larry Gould as a mentor for our Runway Startup Postdoc Program and we have been very impressed by the quality of his mentoring as well as of the sales and marketing support the team at thebigword has given our Runway companies. Their work has been transformative for our companies at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech. In the UK, Larry has recently conducted a series of training sessions on behalf of Connect Yorkshire where he is an Entrepreneur in Residence. Connect Yorkshire helps businesses to grow by learning from Yorkshire's most successful entrepreneurs. Nick Butler from Connect Yorkshire added: Larrys irresistible training programme has really benefited lots of businesses in the Yorkshire region to understand the questions they need to answer about sales and marketing in order to grow their businesses. Chairman and Irresistible Consultant at thebigword Larry J Gould said: We are really proud of our CSR programme and we have raised tens of thousands of dollars/pounds for worthy causes, but we also like to use our expertise to give something back. We have a really great response to our irresistible training programmes and I want to thank our Chief Commercial Officer Clare Riches and our Chief Marketing Officer Luis Sangiovanni for their wonderful contribution. About thebigword Group thebigword Group is a global language technology company comprising of thebigword, TBW Global and WordSynk. WordSynk, the companys all-in-one language technology platform is a market first. WordSynk gives its users the power to communicate without language barriers through a single platform on any networked device, providing instant access to translation and interpretation services with a network of over 20,000 professional linguists in over 250 language combinations. thebigword which is one of the largest language technology companies in the world, is a major supplier to the UK and US Governments and other NATO members around the world as well as some of the largest companies globally. The company is based in the United Kingdom and operates globally with operations in the United States, Continental Europe and Asia. L-R: Christy Margoupis, Karen Sanders and Dan Lesher of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Realty "This is a merger of two companies with similar cultures and a commitment to first class service for our agents and clients." Kevin Wiles, President, PenFed Realty LLC Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, one of the countrys fastest-growing brokerages with 2,000 agents and $6 billion in annual sales, today announced that they are joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Realty of Fredericksburg, Va. Led by founder and Principal Broker Dan Lesher, BHHS Select Realty, with its three offices in Fredericksburg and Stafford, and its lineup of 150 top-producing Realtors, opened its doors for business in 2007 and joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network in 2015. It is an honor and a privilege for me to welcome the agents and employees of BHHS Select Realty into the PenFed family, said PenFed Realty President Kevin Wiles. Dan Lesher is a dynamic and visionary leader in the real estate industry. This is a merger of two companies with similar cultures and a commitment to first class service for our agents and clients. Not only is it a perfect fit, but the company that results from this merger will be, as the saying goes, greater than the sum of its parts. Since its inception, BHHS Select Realty has consistently delivered an exceptional home buying and selling experience for their clients. With an annual sales volume of $500 million, the company sits among the top 50 firms in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices worldwide network of brokerages and has been consistently named to the Berkshire Elite Circle. Joining PenFed Realty is the next, most logical step in our progression as a company, said Lesher. From the start, Select Realty has been laser-focused on helping our agents grow their businesses, which is very much aligned with PenFed Realtys mission, vision and values. With PenFed Realtys reach and resources, plus their emphasis on agent support, our agents will have access to powerful new programs and tools that will help them reach their next level of success. Starting June 1, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Realty will be rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. The company will continue to operate their offices on Kings Highway and Plank Road in Fredericksburg, and Center Street in Stafford. 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 over 2,000 agents and almost 60 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. Membership with PenFed Credit Union is not required to conduct business with BHHS PenFed Realty. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. Equal Housing Opportunity. Providers using TroyRx solutions can directly impact medication adherence and help health systems avoid revenue losses from readmission penalties. TroyRx, an industry leader in prescription software solutions, today announces a partnership with RxSense, the healthcare technology company improving transparency and access to affordable medications. This partnership advances the TroyRx mission to improve the prescription experience for providers and patients and for RxSense to continue to help more Americans with access and adherence to needed medication. Through its own industry-leading technology, and partnerships with the countrys largest pharmacies, grocers, and regional chains, RxSenses private label prescription discount service provides considerable savings on prescription drugs. RxSenses technology will help to power TroyRxs prescription discount card, OptionRx and enable consumers and patients to save up to 80% on their prescriptions at thousands of retail pharmacies nationwide. Troy's OptionRx drug discount coupons will be available to patients directly through OptionRx.com or through the health provider-integrated solution, DischargeRx. Used by more than 700 hospitals and 150,000 providers for outputting 150 million+ prescriptions annually, TroyRxs prescription platform DischargeRx automatically delivers personalized education, copay assistance and OptionRx discount card pricing into the hands of patients for all prescribed medications during the discharge process without requiring any extra steps by providers. Available in both printed and digital formats, OptionRx savings help inform uninsured and underinsured patients of their best affordability options. RxSenses discount pricing will help even more patients using OptionRx cards overcome increasing cost obstacles leading to nonadherence. Many studies demonstrate how expanding education to patients at the point of care increases adherence. Healthcare providers recognize the need to deliver price transparency and affordable options directly to patients at the time of prescribing. Those efforts can mitigate cost-based medication abandonment and hospital readmission, said Craig Baldassare, General Manager of TroyRx. Our new partnership with RxSense grows our patient centric network infrastructure, increases the value it can bring to more patients, and improves the prescription experience for providers and their patients on complex therapies. Providers using TroyRx solutions can directly impact medication adherence and help health systems avoid revenue losses from readmission penalties. Were pleased to partner with TroyRx to bring RxSenses prescription savings solutions to the health systems and providers that are reaching patients at the point of care, and to help more people across America access lower cost prescriptions, said John Zevzavadjian, President of Enterprise Platform Solutions for RxSense. With the addition of RxSenses network, TroyRx continues to grow its patient-centric infrastructure and create innovations that revolutionize the prescription experience for providers, patients, and health systems. About TroyRx TroyRxs integrated prescription solutions are purpose-built to drive compliance, medication adherence, and enable prescription output insight. It has been that way since 2008 when the company released healthcares first CMS compliant, plain paper prescription printing product. The nations largest health systems and provider networks rely on TroyRx solutions to help patients. About RxSense RxSense is a healthcare technology company developing industry-leading solutions that improve transparency and access to more affordable medications for millions across America. RxSense's transformative RxAgile enterprise solutions bring transparency, flexibility and efficiency to pharmacy benefit administration, serving pharmacy benefit managers, regional health plans, health systems, third party administrators, new healthcare and pharmacy entrants and healthcare technology companies. RxSense is headquartered in Boston with offices in New York City, greater Philadelphia and West Palm Beach, Fla. For more information, visit rxsense.com. RxSense was named among Fast Companys prestigious annual list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2020. Dan Rutman, Director US & Canada, TuneCore Andreea Gleeson, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Head of TuneCore, commented, Dans unique experience positions him as an individual that can tackle both business relations and creative brainstorming adeptly at a very high level. TuneCore, the worlds leading independent digital music distributor has named Dan Rutman to the role of Director, US & Canada. Acquired by Paris-based Believe in 2015, TuneCore has paid out over $2 billion to artists. In his new role, Rutman will lead business development opportunities for both acquisition-based strategic partnerships and brand partnerships across all key industries for TuneCore. He will also be responsible for Canadian artist relations and partnerships as the Head of TuneCore Canada. Rutmans first strategic partnership is with rising music tech start up, Groover, an innovative marketplace that enables independent artists to promote themselves to tastemakers and music industry professionals. On Groover, TuneCore has established itself as the leading source of distribution information on the platform, providing independent artists with advice and best practices across a wide range of topics including marketing, promotion and release planning. Andreea Gleeson, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Head of TuneCore, commented, Dans unique experience positions him as an individual that can tackle both business relations and creative brainstorming adeptly at a very high level. His understanding of artists is palpable and is already netting the company multiple new partnerships. Rutman states that, As the rise of the independent artist becomes the prominent narrative within the music industry, I feel very fortunate to be entrusted to this position at TuneCore; a company that exists at the nexus of music and tech. Im thrilled to build TuneCores brand and core offering through creative and commercial strategic partnerships. Most recently, Rutman founded Solitaire Recordings an independent record label that accumulated over 100 million streams over its lifetime. Solitaire was established to empower international independent artists to penetrate and grow in the North American markets. Additionally, Rutman worked at Remote Control Records (the ANZ satellite office for Beggars Group/XL Recordings/4AD/Rough Trade/Young Turks/etc) and Sneak Attack Media (acquired by The Syndicate). About TuneCore TuneCore is the global platform for independent musicians to build audiences and careers with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Deezer, TikTok and more than 150 download and streaming stores worldwide, while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration, worldwide royalty collections, and placement opportunities in film, TV, commercials, video games and more. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of Believe, is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, and Austin, and global operations in the UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, India, Brazil as well as the LATAM, Africa and SEA markets. http://www.tunecore.com About Believe Believe is a world leading digital music company, helping artists and labels to build their audiences and careers, at all stages of their development, in all local markets around the world with respect, expertise, fairness and transparency. Pioneer in the digital world, Believe has developed an in-house technology & data organization, providing global distribution and digital marketing solutions. With more than 1,500 professionals in 50+ countries, Believe owns several brands, labels and companies including TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, Naive, Groove Attack and AllPoints.http://www.believe.com The Universal Life Church Ministries filed a Federal Lawsuit Against Allegheny County, PA on Wednesday The complaint alleges that Allegheny County officials have repeatedly denied the right of ULCM ministers to solemnize legally valid marriage ceremonies. The Universal Life Church Ministries (ULCM) filed a Federal lawsuit against officials of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, May 12th. The complaint alleges that Allegheny County officials have repeatedly denied the right of ULCM ministers to solemnize legally valid marriage ceremonies. The case (Number 2:21-cv-618) is before the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In its initial complaint the ULCM highlights the unique stories of five of its ministers, each of which allege that Allegheny County officials refused to recognize the legitimacy of the ULCM or the validity of any ordination it had granted by informing these individuals they could not legally solemnize marriages in the county. In denying the rights of its ministers, the ULCM argues, Allegheny County has violated the Establishment, Free Exercise, and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. The Church has asked the court to enter a judgment declaring Allegheny Countys actions unconstitutional and to issue an injunction barring Allegheny County from continuing to deny recognition to its ministers. The Universal Life Church Ministries is one of Earths largest religious organizations, having ordained more than 20 million individuals. The Church was founded on the belief that we are all children of the same universe and is welcoming of people from all denominational backgrounds. It asks that its adherents abide by two tenets: 1. Do only that which is right, and 2. Every individual is free to practice their religion however they like as long as their actions do not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and are in accordance with the law. The ULCM is perhaps most widely known for its provision of religious ordinations over the internet. ULCM Ministers perform weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other types of spiritual ceremonies, in addition to conducting general church services and ministering to their communities. The Universal Life Church Ministries and its ministers are represented in this case by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. .The VA Maryland Health Care System has named Dr. Ryan Scilla as the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. Were especially excited that Dr. Scilla brings his excitement for education to our team, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. The VA Maryland Health Care System has named Dr. Ryan Scilla as the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. In this position, Scilla oversees the strategic planning and implementation of health professional training programs, veterans health education, and the employee education and training program for the health care system. Were especially excited that Dr. Scilla brings his excitement for education to our team, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. His experience in this area and his dedication to ensuring the excellence of the next generation of clinicians will go far in ensuring that the best of the newest medical professionals will serve our veterans. Scilla joined the VA Maryland Health Care System in 2009 as a physician resident and rose to chief resident of the Internal Medicine Residency Program before becoming an academic hospitalist physician in 2013. He held a number of positions at the VA Maryland Health Care System, including hospitalist physician and director of Quality, Safety and Improvement. In January 2020, Scilla was named deputy associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs, where he supported efforts to ensure that clinical trainees are properly appointed, evaluated, and appropriately supervised, among other tasks. I am thrilled with the opportunity to oversee our employee, patient and health professions trainee educational programs. It is vitally important that our collective skillset and knowledge base reflect the highest standards possible and incorporate the latest evidence-based guidelines to continue to provide high quality, patient-centric, cutting-edge medical treatment. Scilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University in 2005, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 2009, before completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center and at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in 2012. Scilla lives in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. # # # The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, mental health and outpatient care to veterans at three medical centers and five outpatient clinics located throughout the state. More than 52,000 veterans from various generations receive care from VAMHCS annually. Nationally recognized for its state-of-the-art technology and quality patient care, VAMHCS is proud of its reputation as a leader in veterans health care, research and education. It costs nothing for veterans to enroll for health care with the VA Maryland Health Care System and it could be one of the more important things a veteran can do. To enroll for VA health care, interested veterans can call 877-222-8387 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or they can visit http://www.va.gov and clinic on Apply now for VA health care. All of our nurses willingly serve on the frontlines. Without fail, they help us advance our mission of providing safe, quality and compassionate care to all our patients and they help staff stay safe, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. This year continues the International Year of the Nurse, marking the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale on May 12, and extending the observance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased visibility of nurses contributions. This years theme- Nurses: A Voice to Lead, recognizes nurse-led innovations and improvements that nurses have brought to the delivery of compassionate care, particularly during the pandemic. The VA Maryland Health Care System, which employs approximately 800 registered nurses and more than 110 licensed practical nurses in all professional levels and specialties, honored nurses this year during National Nurses Week, May 6 -12, capping the week by awarding selected nurses for their excellence. Nurses Week focuses on recognizing the hard work, accomplishments and innovations of the nations 2.6 million registered nurses. VA nurses have been widely recognized for their instrumental work in initiating, developing, implementing and monitoring the practices and policies that have made VA one of the worlds foremost authorities in patient safety and quality outcomes, evidenced by performance measures an exceptional achievement by any assessment. The Nursing Service at the VA Maryland Health Care System is the largest service throughout the system, providing direct patient care and administrative, educational and research investigative support All of our nurses willingly serve on the frontlines. Without fail, they help us advance our mission of providing safe, quality and compassionate care to all our patients and they help staff stay safe, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. They are valued members of our team, and because of their passion to serve others, we live in a happier and healthier world. Four VA Maryland Health Care System employees are recipients of this years VA Secretary's Awards in Nursing Excellence, which is VAs top nursing award. The awardees include a registered nurse: Stacy Shimer; a nursing health technician/certified nursing assistant Heywood Thrash; a nurse educator, Maria Rocelli Reside; and a licensed practical nurse, Min Aung. Shimer, a registered nurse in the Opiate Agonist Treatment Program, provides direct patient care and case management to veterans in a medication-assisted addiction treatment program with more than 300 enrollees. She has demonstrated excellence in her role, working effectively within a multidisciplinary team in planning and providing clinical care to veterans. She has implemented several improvement initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with national patient safety goals, enhanced the safety of medicine administration and reduced opportunities for drug diversion. Shimer serves as a strong patient advocate, and her respect and hopefulness for veterans who may be facing several significant challenges helps them feel hopeful about their potential for success. Her contributions to the program have significantly advanced the image and perception of the nurses role in addiction treatment. Thrash, a nursing health technician/certified nursing assistant, has worked exceptionally hard and beyond his role in numerous ways. Specifically, he reviews the primary care patient list the day before to identify veterans who might need lab work and coordinates with the appropriate team members to ensure the process, he reaches out to the appropriate providers to facilitate lab work, and he trains fellow nurses on how to draw blood, and he serves as the point person for supplies. Thrash also proved instrumental in providing needed data and support for an initiative to establish a second lab station at the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. He has been recognized for excellence in customer service as Employee of the Month and received a Caught in the Act award for his exceptional work ethic and team spirit. Reside, an Emergency Department (ED) staff nurse detailed as a nurse educator and incumbent Medicine nurse educator, consistently provides ethical leadership and innovative practice on her own unit and in numerous units throughout VA Maryland Health Care System. During her time in the ED, she realized that many veteran patients did not properly dispose of their patient bracelets that contained their personally identifiable information, leaving them open to identify theft. She also realized that the bracelets were not restricted to the ED. Working with others, Reside led the effort to address this issue first by using a puncher to obliterate the first five numbers of the patients social security number, then with a signed policy in 2020 to safeguard patient information on their medical bracelets. Reside serves as a role model and mentor in the area she oversees and continued her own education to earn a Master of Science Degree in Nursing Education. As a nurse educator, Reside immediately made an impact by creating the Leaning Assessment Tool that gathers and compiles information from the staff regarding skills and competences relevant to their practice. She then used that information to address the gaps between current knowledge of staff and learning needs and fostered an atmosphere of competence and excellence. This assessment and learning motivation practice will now be implemented across the health care system with all nurse educators. During the pandemic, she collaborated with the Employee and Occupational Health Program to fit-test employees for N-95 masks at the Loch Raven VA Medical Center, and she was able to assist the program to fit test employees and train them to properly don and doff personal protective equipment. Her leadership in identifying and addressing issues that impact veteran patients and staff has led to multiple innovations that are now being adopted as best practices. Aung, a licensed practical nurse, has demonstrated diligence and passion when it comes to caring for veterans and improving weight management, pain management and pressure ulcer prevention, among others. He also demonstrated initiative in developing a shared governance for the proposed 12-hour shifts for licensed and resident care assistants during the height of the pandemic. Aung created an at-a-glance nursing report for his unit and he collaborated with nursing informatics staff to create a share drive to use as a reference for nursing hand-off reports, a tool that continues to be used. He launched a newsletter for local VA Community Living Center employees to develop teamwork and to promote employee pride. Aung has also served as a resource person for providers, staff and residents for his knowledge and skills in many aspects of nursing. He actively participates in Final Salute ceremonies, honoring deceased veterans and has been instrumental in providing compassionate care to both residents and families. Aung has proven to be an asset to his unit with his outstanding performance in maintaining the highest standards in resident care. He has received the VA Maryland Health Care System Gold Pin Award, the Customer Service Award and the Unit Excellence Award. I am deeply proud to be associated with the awardees and of all the nurses serving veterans throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System. Our nursing staff have worked tirelessly to keep us well and save lives around the clock, even with the challenges of COVID-19, said Sheila Bryson-Eckroade, associate director for Patient Care Services for the health care system. With determination and focus, our nurses remained vigilant, sharing best practices and being accountable to each other. Our nurses dedicate themselves to promoting optimal health, patient safety and quality health care to ensure that veterans receive the best possible care and that our staff members work in the best possible health care system. Editors Note: For more information about any of the Nurses Week activities throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System or to pursue a story, please contact Rosalia Scalia via e-mail at rosalia.scalia@va.gov ,via office at (410) 605-7464, or by cell at 410.736.8444. We have a bold vision for our future and this recognition signals investing in our team is the smartest choice we could make. Vaniam Group LLC has been named to Inc. magazines annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. We are so grateful for this award and it is only possible because of our amazing team, said Deanna van Gestel, CEO, Vaniam Group. More than anything, this recognition shows it is possible to be a purpose-driven organization that prioritizes our culture while simultaneously being one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States (Inc. 5000). At Vaniam Group, our culture is a strategy. We have such a unique blend of passion for our clients, our work, and the greater oncology community of which we are a part, said Zack Lentz, President and Chief Strategy Officer. We have a bold vision for our future and this recognition signals investing in our team is the smartest choice we could make. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine the companys overall score and ranking. About Vaniam Group LLC Vaniam Group is a people-first, purpose-driven, independent network of healthcare and scientific communications agencies committed to helping clients realize the full potential of their compounds in the oncology and hematology marketplace. Founded in 2007 as a virtual-by-design organization, Vaniam Group harnesses the talents and expertise of team members around the world. For more information, visit vaniamgroup.com. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. Going beyond standard curriculum options and allowing students to explore different cultures and career choices is an excellent way to ignite a love of learning and help students find their place in our global society. Educators across the nation are deciding on the appropriate instructional approach to adopt for the fall 2021 semester. Those that opt for online or blended instruction, whether full-time or supplemental, can make use of VHS Learning semester and full-year courses. Course enrollment is now open at https://go.vhslearning.org/20212022Registration. Many offerings were seeing right now are emergency remote learning programs, but the VHS Learning program differs because courses are led by teachers who have been thoroughly trained in online teaching best practices. Courses are designed from the start to use effective online tools and techniques, using our 25 years of experience in online learning, said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. In fact, we contributed to the National Standards for Quality Online Learning, which help educators evaluate and improve online courses, online teaching and online programs. VHS Learning offers more than 250 unique online high school courses, which range from core subjects and electives to Advanced Placement and Honors options. This fall, the nonprofit is offering three new courses: Chinese 1, Chinese 2, and Early Childhood Education 1: Development and Practices. Chinese 1 will introduce students to Mandarin Chinese, the official language in the Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Course participants will learn the Pinyin pronunciation system for listening and speaking as well as simplified Chinese characters for reading and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to type short responses and paragraphs in Chinese with proper syntax and sentence patterns. To provide context and make student learning engaging, topics including the arts, literature, customs and the history of Chinese-speaking people, will be introduced throughout the course. Chinese 2 builds upon the foundation developed in the Chinese 1 online course. Students will learn more complex sentence construction and phrasing, and they will work towards the Intermediate Low proficiency level as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Chinese 2 also continues to build student knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, including the arts, literature, customs, and history of Chinese-speaking people. In the Early Childhood Education 1: Development and Practices course, students will visit a local early childhood education setting (e.g., pre-school, Kindergarten, childcare center, home childcare, etc.) and make in-person observations. In addition, students will create lesson plans, share lesson plan ideas, and participate in faculty meeting discussions with peers. They will also be required to do the following: Identify characteristics of various developmental stages in young children; Create developmentally appropriate experiences for young children; Explain and apply basic protocols, laws, and procedures in the early childhood education setting; Identify the various types of early childhood education programs and their purposes; and Justify responses to complex hypothetical dilemmas in the early childhood education setting. After all the uncertainty and stress theyve endured over the previous year, engaging students is especially important to a successful learning experience, said DeFuria. Going beyond standard curriculum options and allowing students to explore different cultures and career choices is an excellent way to ignite love of learning and help students find their place in our global society. VHS Learning stands ready to help educators use online learning to its full advantage as they navigate their educational options this fall. About VHS Learning VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization with 25 years of experience providing world-class online programs to students and schools everywhere. Offering more than 250 unique online courses, including 24 AP courses, credit recovery and enrichment courses, and a selection of dual-credit options, VHS Learning is accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), and Cognia. Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information about VHS Learning please visit https://www.vhslearning.org/ and follow on Twitter at @VHSLearning. # # # NEW YORK (UN) 13 May 2021 (SPS) - In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, the Frente POLISARIO held the United Nations responsible for the brutal violence and state terrorism pursued by the Moroccan occupying authorities against Sahrawi civilians. We energetically condemn the new wave of brutal violence and terror carried out by the Moroccan occupying state against our people in the occupied Western Sahara, and we hold the United Nations fully responsible for their protection and safety. The United Nations cannot stand by and watch as the Moroccan occupying state intensifies its terrorising and atrocious assaults on Sahrawi civilians and human rights activists in full view of the UN Mission in the Territory, says the letter addressed yesterday to UN Secretary-General from Frente POLISARIO Representative at the United Nations, Dr Sidi M. Omar. The letter described a series of grave abuses and violent attacks by the Moroccan occupying authorities against human rights activists and Sahrawi citizens over the past few days and weeks, calling on the United Nations to provide protection to Sahrawi civilians as part of its responsibility for the decolonisation of Western Sahara. The full text of the letter is as follows: --------------------------------- H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations United Nations, New York New York, 12 May 2021 Your Excellency, Upon instructions from my Authorities, I am writing to you with great urgency and concern to draw your attention and the attention of the members of the Security Council to the alarmingly deteriorating situation of human rights in the territories of Western Sahara under the Moroccan illegal occupation. As we have alerted in previous communications, ever since it carried out a new aggression on the Sahrawi Liberated Territory on 13 November 2020, the Moroccan occupying state has been waging another retaliatory war on Sahrawi civilians who are continually subjected to unspeakable cruelty and inhuman, and degrading practices. We energetically condemn the new wave of brutal violence and terror carried out by the Moroccan occupying state against our people in the occupied Western Sahara, and we hold the United Nations fully responsible for their protection and safety. The United Nations cannot stand by and watch as the Moroccan occupying state intensifies its terrorising and atrocious assaults on Sahrawi civilians and human rights activists in full view of the UN Mission in the Territory. In his letter addressed to you on 16 February 2021 and circulated as a document of the Security Council (S/2021/162), Mr Brahim Ghali, President of the Sahrawi Republic (SADR) and Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, drew your attention to the catastrophic situation in the occupied Western Sahara. This situation has alarmingly deteriorated over the past few months. In the occupied city of Bojador, agents of Moroccan security services have repeatedly stormed the house of the family of Sid Brahim Jaya, which has been put under tight police siege since 19 November 2020. As documented by pictures and videos shared on a large scale, Sahrawi human rights activist, Sultana Sid Brahim Jaya, and her family have been engaged in a series of nonviolent actions to protest the Moroccan illegal occupation, including raising the national flag of the Sahrawi Republic over their house. On 10 May, in a cowardly act of terror, dozens of masked Moroccan security agents and state-sponsored thugs violently broke into the house of the family of Sid Brahim Jaya and brutalised Sultana and her family. The agents ransacked the house and detained three human rights activists who were taken to a remote location and tortured. They are Khaled Al-Hussein Lahcen Boufriwa, Salek Mohamed Salek Babir and Babuzid Mohamed Said. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Front-Line Defenders, among others, have been sounding the alarm about the situation of Sultana Sid Brahim Jaya and her family as they continue to endure the most horrific forms of physical and psychological violence at the hands of Moroccan security agents. Early today, in a new episode of their continuing terror, Moroccan security agents stormed the family house and physically harassed Sultana, and her sister, Al Waara Sid Brahim Jaya, and subjected them to disgraceful and degrading treatment. Many Sahrawi human rights activists across the Sahrawi Occupied Territories are taking part in the campaign my flag over my home where they raise the flag of the Sahrawi Republic over their homes as a symbol of nonviolent protest against the Moroccan illegal occupation of parts of Western Sahara. Because of their human rights advocacy and nonviolent activism in support for the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence, many Sahrawis have suffered violent reprisals and have had their homes raided and vandalised by Moroccan security forces. The situation of Sahrawi political detainees, including Gdeim Izik Group, continues to be alarming because of the deplorable conditions in which they are being held in the prisons of the Moroccan occupying state and the degrading and retaliatory practices to which they are subjected by the Moroccan penitentiary administration. We urge you once again to act urgently to end the suffering of all Sahrawi political prisoners and their families and to ensure their immediate and unconditional release so that they could join their homeland and reunite with their families. At a time when you continue pursuing efforts to appoint a new Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, the Moroccan occupying state is intensifying its repression in the Sahrawi Occupied Territories and undermining any prospect of relaunching the peace process. In this regard, the Frente POLISARIO reaffirms that no peace process will be possible as long as the Moroccan occupying state persists, with full impunity, in its terrorising and retaliatory war against Sahrawi civilians and human rights activists, in addition to its attempts to forcibly impose a fait accompli in the Territory. The Frente POLISARIO reiterates its urgent call upon you and the Security Council to assume your responsibilities in protecting the Sahrawi civilians and ensuring their physical and moral safety as an essential component of the United Nations responsibility towards the Sahrawi people and towards the decolonisation of the last colony in Africa. I would be grateful if you would bring this letter to the attention of the members of the Security Council. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Dr Sidi M. Omar Ambassador Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations." (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) VoteSharp Ive made tough votes and been penalized for representing my district instead of leaderships dictates. You shouldnt lose access to data because you voted your conscience. Dont let those working to defeat you use your own data to do it... VoteSharp, a non-partisan, web-based tool for tracking voter information used by political candidates, elected officials, and organizations, is responding to the call to impeach former President Trump by offering a free VoteSharp membership to all minority party legislators who voted in favor of impeachment. Ive made tough votes and been penalized for representing my district instead of leaderships dictates. You shouldnt lose access to data because you voted your conscience. Dont let those working to defeat you use your own data to do it. As a non-partisan tool, VoteSharp is beholden to our subscribers - YOU own the data and decide where it goes. VoteSharp bridges partisan divides by helping candidates build relationships with voters beyond party affiliation. We empower political candidates with a quick and easy way to not only track specific conversations they have with voters during their term and on the campaign trail, but to communicate information tailored to their constituents interests. Good public service IS a good campaign, which means every constituent interaction is a campaign touch. If youre waiting until September to track those touches, youre missing the most important 22-46 months between elections when voters are telling you whats important Before youre asking for their vote. Elected in 2002 to the first of three terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, Sharp's own campaigns were built on clipboards, spreadsheets, and an email list. From years of campaign experience and public service, she knew the need for an easy and affordable way to track everyday constituent communication for instant recall on a doorstep. VoteSharp launched in 2011 and has grown into a web-based solution used across the country. A demonstration of VoteSharp can be found here: http://www.votesharp.biz About VoteSharp: A constituent communications tool designed for legislative and local elected officials and candidates. In these races, both candidates and incumbents need good voter data that's affordable and easy to use. Your constituent cheat sheet in the palm of your hand - when and where you need it most. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.votesharp.biz Widere, Scandinavia's largest regional carrier, will now deliver e-commerce shipments to the entire Norwegian population by leveraging its network across 42 destinations in Norway and seven abroad. The growth of e-commerce provides an important opportunity for airlines like Widere, especially in these times when revenues from passenger travel have decreased,- Thomas Lone, Widere Cargo SmartKargo, a leading Cloud provider of air cargo solutions that extend markets for global airlines, has announced the successful Go-live of its state-of-the-art e-commerce shipping solution for Norwegian-based Widere Airlines. The partnership enables Widere to take a giant leap and empowers entry into the promising e-commerce shipping and delivery market. Widere will now deliver e-commerce shipments to the entire Norwegian population by leveraging its network across 42 destinations in Norway and seven abroad. The Cloud solution also gives Widere seamless connections with a range of airline interline and ground delivery partners while also providing direct connectivity with major e-commerce retail sites. SmartKargo introduced the innovative e-commerce solution last year to enable global airlines to open new revenue streams with e-commerce shipping and package delivery, which is projected to accelerate from an estimated $5 trillion sales globally this year to $6.4 trillion in 2024. The growth of e-commerce provides an important opportunity for airlines like Widere, especially in these times when revenues from passenger travel have decreased, said Thomas Lone, Wideres Cargo Manager. SmartKargo integrates all of our partners and enables us to more fully utilize the cargo capacity of our aircraft, to leverage our strong brand throughout Norway and generate the higher yields from integrated logistics, he added. SmartKargo technology can be integrated with an airlines existing cargo operating system and software, using a wide range of APIs to enable implementation in only a few months. We are thrilled to have Widere as our newest client and trust that with our disruptive technology, Widere will be able to fast-track its Cargo revenue growth by extending their traditional Cargo services to current clients by tapping into the fast-growing market demand for e-commerce distribution service, said Olivier Houri, SmartKargos Chief Revenue Officer. The SmartKargo platform can be set up and launched quickly. In our case, we moved from imagining the product to Go-live in only three months, said Thomas Lone. Their flexible approach means the e-commerce solution can wrap around existing air cargo systems, but in our case, we preferred to upgrade and implemented the full-suite of SmartKargo solutions, which included our Cargo Client Portal, which will be transformative for us, he added. The innovative solution is the first of its kind in the industry said Milind Tavshikar, Chief Executive Officer for SmartKargo. The transaction begins at the shopping cart in a browser and sets the logistics process in motion, creating the shipping order and driving the service level agreement seamlessly from the initial transaction through transport and delivery to the customers door. SmartKargo solutions are providing a compelling shipping method for online retailers to ship directly using capacity on commercial airlines, at a time that e-commerce shipping is in high demand worldwide, he added. SmartKargo also provides a seamless airline interline network that is proprietary, with front-end sales rating and pricing, revenue management, cargo revenue accounting, warehouse management, claims support, and more. SmartKargo is currently the worlds only Technology and Service provider with such a comprehensive, seamless shipping solution for Airlines across traditional air cargo and e-commerce models. About SmartKargo SmartKargo delivers advanced digital technology to facilitate the efficient digital transformation of an airlines cargo business. With deep expertise in air cargo, technology, and e-commerce, SmartKargo empowers airlines to open new revenue streams through e-commerce package shipping and delivery, as recently featured in Forbes. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts (in what The New York Times called the most innovative square mile on the planet), with key offices in India, the Philippines, Brazil, and Canada. Learn more at https://smartkargo.com. About Widere Widere is a Norwegian airline and is the largest regional airline operating in the Nordic countries. The airline's fleet of 40 Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft, and 3 Embraer E190-E2aircraft, serves 41 domestic and six international destinations. Widere has a turnover of 3 billion Kr, carries 2.86 million annual passengers, has 3,000 employees, and performs 450 take-offs and landings each day. The airline provides flights to primary airports in Northern Norway and services from Sandefjord Airport Torp and Bergen Airport Flesland to other primary airports, with some international services from Oslo/Gardermoen, Sandefjord/Torp, Kristiansand/Kjevik, Stavanger/Sola, Bergen/Flesland, and Trondheim/Vrnes. Learn more at https://www.wideroe.no. For more information about this press release, contact: Jen Pemberton SmartKargo Media Relations jen@smartkargo.com (T) 214-701-8655 SOURCE SmartKargo/Widere RELATED LINKS: https://www.smartkargo.com https://www.wideroe.no WIN Connectivity, a top provider of indoor and outdoor wireless connectivity solutions for enterprises, and Celona, the industry pioneer of a new generation of 4G/5G private mobile network solutions, today said they are teaming to deliver enterprise IT organizations with an industry-leading private mobile networking solution that leverages new unlicensed spectrum made available through the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). With the addition of Celonas private mobile networking platform, WIN Connectivity is further expanding its as-a-Service technology portfolio for enterprises to complement its existing managed service solutions that include In-Building Wireless DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), Wi-Fi and 5G small cells. As IoT devices and new business critical applications emerge in the enterprise, we are seeing strong demand for an enterprise-ready private mobile network solution that delivers high security and performance while maximizing ROI and negating the need for costly recurring metered charges from existing wireless providers, said Matt Taylor, WIN Connectivitys CEO. By leveraging Celonas enterprise-ready private mobile network solution as part of our Connectivity-as-a-Service offering, we are putting the power of 5G into our customers hands. Celona has developed the only market solution that automates the deployment and operations of private LTE/5G wireless networks within the enterprise. By building the first end-to-end, vertically integrated 5G stack exclusively for enterprises, Celonas platform uniquely accelerates the adoption of new digital business initiatives without the cost, complexities and cumbersome deployment historically associated with building mobile networks. Founded in 1997, WIN has grown to become one of the nations leading providers of connectivity solutions across a wide range of enterprise markets with unique expertise in RF design, complex network engineering, deployment and management. The company offers a wide range of value-added services from network design and implementation to connectivity-as-a-service along with industry-leading technologies such as neutral host and public safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), wireless LANs and now private mobile networks. Teaming with WIN Connectivity is clear validation from a renowned expert in cellular network technology that Celona has developed what is quickly becoming an industry benchmark for private mobile networking within the enterprise, said Ozer Dondurmacioglu, Celonas Vice President of Marketing. Todays enterprises are used to consuming technologies through a managed service model. This model, together with WIN Connectivity's years of experience in successfully delivering wireless solutions to enterprises, makes what we believe is a winning combination. As a managed service provider, we knew we needed a rock-solid technology partner to offer a compelling CBRS-based private mobile network solution, said Tim Dentry, WIN Connectivitys CTO. Celonas solution is an ideal complement to our customers enterprise IT architecture and cybersecurity frameworks. With Celonas innovative Microslicing technology, we can deliver traditional QoS over-the-air, covering miles rather than meters. Additionally, by combining the rich KPIs that can be derived from Celonas system with our cloud-native observability platform, we are able to provide comprehensive quality of experience (QoE) analytics as part of our SLA to customers. ### ABOUT WIN CONNECTIVITY WIN Connectivity is a leading provider of indoor and outdoor Wireless Connectivity Solutions. Based in Chicago, with two decades of experience, WIN provides DAS, Small Cell, Wi-Fi and CBRS-based private cellular solutions serving Commercial Real Estate, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Logistics, Hospitality, Mixed-Use Residential/Retail and other Enterprise verticals. WINs Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) offering provides full wireless connectivity for a building, enterprise, or venue without upfront capital expenditure by the property owner. Learn more at http://www.winconnectivity.com. ABOUT CELONA Celona, the enterprise 5G company, is focused on accelerating the adoption of business-critical apps on enterprise wireless and helping organizations implement a new generation of digital business initiatives. Taking advantage of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States, Celonas solution architecture is designed to automate deployment of cellular wireless technology by enterprise organizations and their technology partners. For more information, please visit celona.io and follow Celona on Twitter @celonaio. Four books were selected by a panel of guest judges as the finalists for the 2020 BookLife Prize Nonfiction Contest. One title was chosen from each of the following genres: Self-Help/Relationships, Memoir/Autobiography, Inspirational/Spiritual, and Business/Personal Finance. Here we meet the finalists who are each now in-the-running for the grand prize, which will be announced on May 24. Self-Help/Relationships I Hear Some People Just Have Sex (An Infertility Memoir with an Ambiguous Ending) by Sandra Vasher What the judge said: What an engaging read. I have never struggled with infertility but found myself unable to put down this honest and compassionate memoir about pregnancy and love and learning to survive the unimaginable. Sandra Vashar's voice is so human, I felt that I knew her by the last page of the book. It's filled with important information and valuable guidance, but also with humor and support and kindness. - Celeste Headlee How did you find a balance between telling your own story and providing guidance for others who might be facing infertility? It was important to me for my story to serve as more than just venting, and I wanted to be helpful to other people. Infertility guidance is tricky, though, because no one's experience is the same as any other's. So I tried to focus each chapter on a few broad lessons I had learned and that I thought might apply to other people, and I used my own story to illustrate how those lessons played out in my life. As you were experiencing all that you write about in your book, where did you yourself look to for support, guidance, and wisdom? Therapy! (Partly kidding.) Really, though, infertility can be so lonely, and initially I isolated myself from my friends, family, and even my husband as I dealt with everything. Then later I realized what a mistake that was, and I became a lot better at letting in friends who were willing to listen and those who could help me get out of my head. My husband and I grew a lot together, too, and I think we have become each other's best support system. We are far better now at failing, succeeding, and learning together. Your storytelling is so warm, candid, and funny. How do you think you managed to write so openly about such a painful topic? Actually, this book was easier for me to write than almost anything else I've written because all I had to do was organize my thoughts and be honest about my story. Then it was cathartic to let everything pour out onto the page. I wish my fiction would spill out that way! I had a lot of material, though, so I think that helped. I also believe in the power of vulnerability and letting go of shame, especially when it comes to infertility. Because yes, infertility is a painful topic, but it's not as painful when talking about it can make life better for someone else. When did you first decide to write the book and why? It didn't seem like the right time for me to write this book for a long time, and I wasn't sure I was the right person. Then, exactly when I thought my infertility journey was about to end childless, I got pregnant, and it turned out to be a very high-risk pregnancy. So at that point I realized I needed to write the book before the baby was born, while infertility was still very much a part of my life, and while I was still in touch with how it felt not to know if I would ever have children. I'm glad I took the chance to write and publish it when I did! It would have been challenging to do with a newborn. Any plans to publish the memoir traditionally? I'd love to see this book traditionally published, but I don't have any plans at the moment. What are you working on now? I'm working on an audiobook version of I Hear Some People Just Have Sex, and I'm plugging away at my teen sci-fi/fantasy series, the Mortal Heritance, which I also indie publish. I'm hoping to get the third book in that series published in the fall. Memoir Generation Zero by Sabreet Kang Rajeev What the judge said: In Generation Zero, Sabreet Kang Rajeev explores not just the South Asian immigrant experience, but the weight of having disappointed her father by being born a girl and the toxicity of so-called positive stereotypes that kept her working class family in a kind of hiding and shame. The particular beauty of this book lies in its contradictions and intersections, as Rajeev empathically depicts the heroism and nobility of her immigrant parents, despite having carried the burden of feeling unwanted due to her gender. Both timely and timeless, the once 'voiceless' Rajeevs incredibly intimate voice is a gift. - Gina Frangello When did you start writing Generation Zero? Did you always plan for it to be a published memoir, or did you initially write it as a more personal project? Generation Zero started off as a personal project to understand my immigrant roots. There was a two year stretch in my life where I read almost every immigrant nonfiction book or memoir I could find. Every single book I read, instead of feeling connected, I felt isolated. I was trying to understand how to feel both American and Indian, but the lack of representation made me feel invisible. I could not shake off this feeling that I needed to do something about it. I realized that I needed to write a book. Despite the hardships that you recount in your book, theres more a tone of gratitude pervading the sections than there is bitterness. How did you achieve this? As a Sikh woman, appreciation runs deeply throughout my soul. Regardless of the experiences my parents and I have faced in America, we knew that the grass really isnt greener on the other side. To understand that failure is part of the process of being an immigrant and is something my father has taught me. There was never a problem that wasnt too big or too small that we couldnt solve if we had each other. Every sorrow helped us appreciate our joyous moments more. You write a lot about parental pressures and the push for perfection, which I think many readers will relate to. How have you ultimately reconciled others ideas of what your life should become with your own needs and expectations? In short because I did not fit into my Indian and American identities and always wondered why. Having a hyphenated identity made me realize early on that I was different. My Indian identity isolated me because I did fit into the Smart Indian model minority myth. What I discovered as I tried to figure out my identity was that the larger battle was between my self image and others perception of me, including my parents. No community or person could truly understand what it felt to be me. Since I couldnt perfectly be enough of these identities, the parental pressures I felt for perfection seemed foolish. Can you talk specifically about the stresses that accompany adapting to new cultural expectations while also holding on to those of the old? My parents, like many immigrants, felt a duty to provide financial security for their familyboth their current family and their future children who had not yet been born, my brother and me. Fulfilling that duty required a great sacrifice: leaving India and immigrating to a new country. As the child of immigrant parents, sacrifice and commitment to ones duty is typically the primaryand often onlyway you see love expressed. This results in a mindset that love is something you earn (by fulfilling your duty and making sacrifices) not something youre given just for being born. One of the qualities of Generation Zero thats striking is your ability to both critique and empathize with your family members. Was this a challenge to write honestly about their circumstances and feelings? The chapter "Hidden Pain" had a million and one revisions. I went back and forth with my editors about removing or keep that part in. Ultimately I realized that as I critique members of my family, I paint one narrative. By not providing details on how they have felt would be a story about my truth alone. There are multiple ways to view any one event. Trying to understand the full picture is more time consuming but gives us the beauty of understanding the full picture and how there are multiple sides to any one event or lived experiences in a family. What was the experience like piecing together your family history? What were some of the greatest surprises you encountered in the process? Piecing together my familys history was like playing Jumanji. There were so many intricacies that I could honestly write a trilogy for each member of my family. Learning about my familys history was the biggest emotional adventure I have ever experienced. What surprised me during my journey was how much I empathized and understood every decision my parents have ever made. It was through this journey that I realized that my parents are humans first and my parents after. What do you hope readersparticularly those who might feel voiceless themselvesultimately take away from reading Generation Zero? I hope my readers feel empowered to look within themselves to understand the experiences that make them unique. Never feel embarrassed or ashamed of the traumas you have experienced. You are beautiful and brave. Learn to invest in your relationship with yourself as much as you invest in the relationships you have other others. Love your flaws and strengths and realize the only way to end your suffering is to let your inner voice shine through by becoming self-aware of everything that makes you, well, you. Inspirational/Spiritual How Are You Feeling, Momma? (You Dont Have to Say "I'm Fine") by Shelby Spear and Lisa Leshaw What the judge said: "I appreciated Spears and Leshaws commitment to offering this work as a joint gift to moms. Their different faith backgrounds enriched the reflections and was an example of real-life unity in relationship. In a time where many Americans are divided along the religious and political spectrums, it was refreshing to receive their words. As a momma myself, I found the short chapters honest, approachable, and catalysts of meaningful personal reflection. Thank you, Shelby and Lisa, for creating a work that stitches us closer together in a time of such unraveling. - Ashlee Eiland I'd love to know more about the origins of your book. How did you come to write it together? Spear: After forming a beautiful online friendship, I asked Lisa to join me on a 31-day online writing challenge in 2018 called Psalms for Moms. (She'll try to convince you that I coerced her.) The idea was something God whispered to me during meditation. Since Lisa is Jewish and I am Christian, the Psalms were a perfect reference as we lamented over the many emotions of motherhood in our written reflections. The challenge was so well-received by mommas on Facebook that we decided to compile all the reflections into a book. Lisa and I have yet to meet in person, so we crafted the entire book project remotely. Leshaw: Truth be told, Shelby coerced me after reading one of my stories in Guideposts magazine and a number in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her coercion was so gracious that I couldn't say no. How did you select the psalms you included? Do you each have a favorite that particularly guides or resonates with you? Spear: As God would have it, my Bible has a chart in the Psalms that lists 31 emotions tied to a specific psalm scripture. Many of our psalms came from that reference, and the rest are hand-picked verses we felt captured the essence of the emotion discussed. Leshaw: Shelby is the psalm whisperer and the chooser of the psalms. If I pick my favorite, she'll likely engage me in a thought-provoking dialogue to try and ascertain the reasons behind my choice. I'll stay within my safe zone by saying that every one of the 31 psalms in our book reached me in my core. If you had to distill the book down to one message for moms, what do you think it would be? Spear: There isn't a mother on earth who doesn't struggle or feel overwhelmed with emotions, so we gain nothing by pretending to be fine when we're not. It's okay not to be okay. It's okay to be honest about how we feel because that's when healing begins. God always knows what's in our hearts anyway and is ready to help. Leshaw: No one is doing it any better than you despite your perceptions otherwise. Motherhood often requires superhuman strength. Together, as a sisterhood, we generate the stamina needed to sustain ourselves. The past year has been so challenging for so many moms. Do you see any silver linings for families who have made it through the worst of the lockdowns? Spear: I am hopeful moms realize their worth and genuinely believe they are more than enough for their kids. Under normal circumstances, we spend far too much time beating ourselves up and holding onto toxic guilt instead of recognizing all the positive things we do for our children. Hopefully, managing a family during a pandemic proves we are stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for while also shining a light on how our kids are stronger and more resilient than we may have imagined. Leshaw: To me, seeing ourselves and our children adapt to such challenging, surreal times and being here to talk about it is a testament to our resilience. We'll carry this life lesson into our futures and be stronger for it. Mothers often feel as though they need to 'power through' challenges without expressing their feelings of frustration, fear, or anxiety. Is there power to be found in not having all the answers and not always being "fine?" Spear: I believe there is tremendous power in being vulnerable and transparent about how we feel because choosing to embrace our authentic self is cleansing and life-giving. Pretending and 'powering through' at the expense of our real emotions only depletes us and can lead to more hopelessness. Validating our emotions creates space for other moms to feel seen and heard, which ultimately empowers all of us because we realize we aren't alone in our struggles. Leshaw: We owe ourselves authenticity. That comes in being honest about where we're at emotionally and spiritually. And admitting when we're lost. Not having every answer can lead to a truth-seeking journey. Mothers don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes our children have them; sometimes our friends; always God Do you plan to write more together? Spear: Absolutely! We have also discussed starting a podcast for moms called TALEgate, which would be a place to gather and share real and raw stories about motherhood. Leshaw: I have never been so confident in anything. There will be a second book. Perhaps with quotes from the Torah. Business/Personal Finance Rough Diamonds by Wilfried Vanhonacker What the judge said: My favorite book among the semifinalists is Rough Diamonds. Ive been watching the open education movement grow, and I sit on an advisory committee for a post-graduate communications program, so I care about the topic of education. I also think its a particularly timely topic, as we are all taking a closer look at our education systems and how students learn. Dr. Vanhonacker emphasizes that the goal of post-secondary institutions should be to create lifelong learners who can think critically and adapt to new situations. Even in the span of my career, Ive seen many hard skills replaced by AI, and that rate of replacement is getting faster and faster. I also appreciate that Dr. Vanhonacker isnt afraid to poke at the core pillars of post-secondary education, from the way campuses are designed to the pedagogies professors adopt. There isnt a better time to turn education on its head, and this book spotlights the areas we need to overturn first." - Kiirsten May Can you share a bit about your background as a student, academic, and business professional? I grew up in Belgium in a large family. My siblings and I were the first generation in my entire family to get an education beyond high school. But my parents gave us all the educational opportunities they could afford, and then some they barely could. I was very fortunate in the opportunities I had during my academic career, and I made them count in every way I could for myself, my colleagues, and my students. I lived an academic career that most could only dream about. I had my hands in building two new business schools and was dean of both of them: CEIBS in Shanghai (Chia) and MSM SKOLKOVO in Moscow (Russia). Today, CEIBS is the leading business school in China and MSM SKOLKOVO is the leading private business school in Russia. You write in the book that the ideas you present about our current system of education were formed long before Covid. Nevertheless, what are some lessons that we might take away from the last year? Crises typically do two things: they accelerate history, and they expose cracks that were already there but that are now visible for all to see. Both are huge challenges for education. On one hand, the future is a lot closer now, and we have no time to waste getting ready for it. On the other we need to fix many things but do it with a mindset that is inspired by the future and not one that is frozen in the past. What are some of the lessons we can draw so far? We should not let our past take us hostage. Most educational institutions see the pandemic as just a logistical challenge to their delivery model. They fail to see it as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. We should refocus on our core responsibility: equipping the students in our classes today for the future. We should not just focus on straightening the dominos where they got knocked over. We need to pick them up and see what new pattern we need to put them in. We are ill prepared for fragility events such as a pandemic. We need to future-proof it as well as make it intelligent and agile. What is coming is not a new normal but a new abnormal. For those who havent yet read the book, can you explain what you see as some of the primary flaws in our current model of education? What are some fundamental changes that need to happen going forward? I see seven changes that need to be made in our current model and approach to formal education. We need to move: from efficient delivery to effective learning from a teacher-centric model to a student-centric model from standardized delivery to adapted delivery from vertical, one-way delivery to horizontal, co-learning from passive to active student engagement from discrete, disjointed assessment to continuous, unobtrusive assessment, and from mechanical matching to intelligent matching But we cannot approach any of these with our current, ingrained mindset. We need to fundamentally shift to a lifelong learning mindset, and from there re-engineer formal education. We have a long way to go because, as I write in my book, education has outsourced the learning part to the students. We need to come back from that. What does critical thinking mean to you in our current era of excess information? 'Critical thinking' refers to an ability to think in an independent and inquisitive manner. As I write in my book, one also needs to know the tools and techniques of scientific rigor to become fully information literate. One needs to understand and be able to assess source credibility, convergent validity, false equivalence, etc. Hence, we need a mindset that is critical and inquisitive, and we need a toolbox to help us separate fact from fiction in the misinformation cyclones that are circling around us. Who would you envision as your ideal reader? (Or who do you believe can most benefit from reading your book?) We all (parent, student, educator, policy maker, etc.) have a responsibility when it comes to the education of future generations. If we do not live up to that, not just the future generations lose out but we all do. In that sense everyone will find things in the book that will resonate well and lead to much needed reflection. Emiko Jean debuted as a YA author with a psychological thriller in 2015 called Well Never Be Apart, followed in 2018 by a Japanese folkloreinspired YA fantasy, Empress of All Seasons. Her latest YA novel, Tokyo Ever After, which was sold in a seven-figure preempt, is a contemporary rom-com in which a teenage girl finds out shes the daughter of the Crown Prince of Japan. PW spoke with Jean about her inspirations, genre switching, and identity. Your book is being compared to The Princess Diaries and Crazy Rich Asians. Can you talk about your inspiration behind this duology? Its so funny, because that wasnt where the story started. It started more with me being interested in writing a story about a Japanese American, like myself, who is searching for her identity, a place where she belongs, which is something I struggled with as an adolescent. And in reflecting on my adolescence, I also remembered not being able to find books that featured Japanese American protagonists, or books that were even written by Japanese Americans. I wished with my whole heart to see myself in the books that I loved, in books like The Princess Diaries. So once I had those two things together, the identity and representation pieces, that was really the driving force behind Tokyo Ever After. That evolved into a girl searching for her identity and going back to Japan, and what better way for her to find her cultural roots than with the Imperial family there, who have been established for a millennium? How long did it take you to write it, and did you have a long or short revision process? So it took, lets see when did I sell it? I dont even remember. [Laughs.] I wrote a pretty clean, structured outline and that cut down on revisionsusually a book takes me about a yearso when I went in to revise, there werent that many structural changes, just line edits and tweaks. It took about six months to write, and about five revisions. I actually thought it would take a lot longer for the book to sell, but within 24 hours, we were getting positive responses, and then we got an offer, and a preempt, from Flatironand its been great ever since. What was it like pivoting from the fantasy and thriller genres to contemporary rom-com? It was so great! You know, I write books and theyre very reflective of where I am in that period of my life. When I wrote Tokyo Ever After, it was right after I had [boy and girl] twins in 2017theyre three and a half nowand I really wanted to write something that felt light and fun. I thought about my daughter, and what I would want her to read growing up as a Japanese American, and this book just felt so right. It was an easy pivotI dont want to say the book was easy to write, because you know [how books are]but it felt right the whole time, if that makes sense. What was your research process like in terms of the Tokyo setting and all the details about royalty? It was intense! I had Izumis character arc pretty mapped out from the beginning; I knew where she was starting and where she was going. I knew about the Imperial family growing up, but wasnt intimately acquainted with their customs or their private lives. There is a lot written about them around WWII, and a lot of biographies regarding the Emperors, but really getting into the lives of the Imperial royal women was more challenging; I had to rely more on online sources. So I had to devour a lot of different kinds of texts to piece together what their lives looked like on a daily basis. How did you discover Izumi's snarky voice? That came from teen Emikoshes really fun and irreverent, and I remember being the funny kid in high school. I used that as a shield to kind of mask what I was feeling: that I didnt really feel like I belonged in the all-white high school I attended. [Humor is] how I figured out how to fit in, so I tapped into that in a much bigger way for this book. But yeah, a lot of my family comments on how Izumi sounds like melike, Ive heard you say this before! Are there any other books in this genre you particularly love? Ive been reading more romance lately, because thats been whats getting me through 2020 and 2021. Beach Read by Emily Henry is an adult romance, but for YA, I most recently read the Native thriller Firekeepers Daughter [by Angeline Boulley]. That was the last one I stayed up all night reading, and I think I fed my kids candy for breakfast because I was so tired, [laughs], but that was a really excellent, excellent book. If you could fancast your book, who would you choose to play the main cast? Thats a good questionand the thing is, I dont know. Asian Americans, Japanese Americans, arent well represented in film, so I dont even know who that would be. The dream would be just to see another Asian American full casta Japanese American full cast on the screen. I remember seeing Crazy Rich Asians and sitting in the theater, touching my chest, and kind of having my breath just taken away by being able to see that portrayal in media. The real dream is just to see more Japanese Americans in film. Whats up next for you? Izumis coming back in 2022 in the second book in the series, called Tokyo Dreaming. Shell be back in the Imperial Palace, and Mom and her stinky dog come to Japan, and its going to be a really fun, wild ride! I am working on other thingsIm hesitant to say, because you know how secretive writers can be about our projectsbut I do have a womens fiction novel in the works, featuring another Japanese American protagonist. Is there anything you want to leave PW readers with? I really hope this book acts as a window and a mirror. I think weve covered the mirror part, but I also hope this acts as a window, so people living outside of this experience can see a version of the Asian American experience that reminds them we are whole people with rich lives. There has been an uptick in violence against the Asian American community, and I hope this book helps to build empathy and awareness. I get emotional when I talk about it, but even though this book is so fun and lighthearted, I do truly hope that it builds awareness. Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean. Flatiron, $18.99 May 18 ISBN 978-1-250-76660-1 Jumpstart, an organization founded 25 years ago on the philosophy that providing high-quality educational opportunities to all young children contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty, has selected Kat Zhangs Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon as the featured title of its annual literacy campaign, Read for the Record. Illustrated by Charlene Chua and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in fall 2020, the picture book introduces a girl who struggles at craft time to create a dragon that perfectly represents her, and explores themes of self-identity and affirmation through celebration of cultural symbols and family history. During Read for the Record, which will take place this year on October 28, adults celebrate the transformative power of books by reading to children in their communities. The campaign fosters a positive association with reading and learning and highlights the social-emotional benefits of one-to-one reading. In 2020, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, more than two million readers across the globe participated in Read for the Record. Each year, this day shines a spotlight on the essential role that adults play in supporting the learning and development of children by doing one simple act: reading aloud, Jumpstart CEO Naila Bolus said in a statement. At Jumpstart, we view books as windows to different experiences and as mirrors in which children can really see themselves. I think this years selected book accomplishes this objective especially well through the importance of celebrating who we are and caring for one another. Zhang, whose earlier books include Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, middle-grade novels The Emperors Riddle and The Memory of Forgotten Things, and the Hybrid Chronicles YA trilogy, noted that she is thrilled that her book was chosen as this years Read for the Record title. Jumpstarts mission is so important, and I love that Amy Wus story will reach so many children, she said. Sharing the authors enthusiasm, Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing, said, We are delighted to join Jumpstart in celebration of Read for the Record and its mission to share engaging, quality literature with readers everywhere. Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon will undoubtedly bring joy to the children and adults who read it together. A limited number of special-edition, paperback copies of Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon will be sold exclusively by Jumpstart, in both English and Spanish, through its website. This edition will feature reading tips, vocabulary words, reading comprehension questions, and activity guides developed by Jumpstarts team of early education experts. All book proceeds help bring Jumpstarts program to preschool children in underserved communities across the country. Details about Jumpstarts Read for the Record, and information about pledging to join the campaign as a reader, is available here. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The demand for a Purdue University education remains higher than ever as the university expects to welcome, for the second year in a row, its largest-ever incoming class for the fall of 2021. More than 10,000 freshmen, which would be the largest incoming freshman class in any Big Ten school since at least 2005, are expected to arrive on campus for in-person learning this fall, with increases of both Indiana and out-of-state residents. This exceeds the fall 2020 incoming class by nearly 1,200 students and is the fourth time in the past five years that Purdue has seen a record freshman class. Weve become accustomed to rising demand for a Purdue education, but this latest surge surpassed all our projections, Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. It imposes a great responsibility on us to maintain and enhance the quality and value that is attracting these record classes. Fortunately, weve had lots of experience doing that. With more than 58,500 applications, the most in Purdue history, the expected record enrollment includes an increase in the number of Indiana residents choosing Purdue from 4,418 to 4,647, the biggest increase since 2007. The incoming class also includes a surge in the number of out-of-state residents from 3,643 to 4,643. In addition, Purdue expects at least 786 international students. The projected number of incoming students is based on the number of students who have accepted admission offers and paid their deposit, less an estimate of the number who will change their minds during the summer months. Campus leaders say the size of the incoming freshman class reflects in part the success of the Protect Purdue Plan and the investment in safeguarding the student experience over the last year and in the future. National surveys tell us that a colleges response to COVID-19 greatly influences a students likelihood to enroll, said Kris Wong Davis, vice provost for enrollment management. While many schools were not able to open last fall, we were determined to safely welcome back our students after they told us in overwhelming numbers that they hoped we would. A reputation for excellence and attention to affordability and accessibility also continue to help drive interest in Purdue. Purdue is the fifth-most innovative school in the country in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings and ranks among the nations top 10 colleges of engineering and agriculture. Purdue has been No. 1 for 10 straight years in agricultural and biological engineering; its hospitality and tourism management program is ranked No. 1 at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels by the Journal of Hospitality Education; and its speech-language pathology program is No. 3. Purdue ranks No. 3 nationally, behind only Stanford and MIT, in producing new companies based on university-created innovations. Purdue was recently ranked as the No. 9 public university in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, as well as No. 8 for the most employable graduates in the U.S. among public universities and No. 5 in the U.S. for student engagement. In other recent rankings, Purdue was No. 4 on CNBCs 2020 list of the top public U.S. colleges that pay off the most. Purdue has consistently ranked among the safest college campuses by various safety and security organizations over the last several years and was most recently ranked the third-safest college town in the country by Safety.com. There also is a demand for Purdue graduates, as 95% of students have successful outcomes as reported by Purdues Center for Career Opportunities. It is clear that Purdue continues to be a place of choice for both in-state and out-of-state students, said Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. Its our goal as a campus community to provide an innovative and impactful residential learning experience higher education at the highest proven value that continues to drive strong demand for a Purdue degree. Work is underway to expand academic resources for next year: Searches are in process for 151 tenure-track and clinical faculty to begin in the fall, 37 of which are new investments due to enrollment growth; searches are underway for additional student support staff; space formerly used for offices and other purposes is being reallocated and converted to create additional classrooms; and additional housing through contracts with local providers is on target to meet the fall demand. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/. Writer, media contact: A bbey Nickel nickela@purdue.edu. Journalists visiting campus : Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines: As of now, everything is speculation and rumour and nobody seems to be clearly knowing the ground realities. by N.S.Venkataraman When COVID 19 crisis happened in China in late 2019, China concealed it and did not forewarn the world immediately. It took more than two months to inform W H O about the spread of the virus in China. By imposing a very severe lockdown, China controlled the spread of the virus. However, the virus spread to other parts of the world rapidly , particularly to the USA and Europe. Most people in the world suspected that the COVID 19 happened in the laboratory in Wuhan in China and there were wild reports that many scientists working in Wuhan lab died. There was another version that it was generated in the wet market in China. However, till today, China has not given any explanation as to how the virus happened in Wuhan. On the other hand , it continued to deny that the virus originated in Wuhan and went to the ridiculous extent of stating that it originated in some other part of the world and even including India as a possible place of origin ! In any case, China controlled the spread of the virus in Wuhan , by introducing draconian measures and in addition adopting any other strategy. Many people who suspect that the COVID virus originated in Wuhan, term it as Wuhan virus and the term has now come to stay. Many people believe that China quickly controlled the spread of the virus as China which developed the virus has also developed an antidote for it. When China almost recovered from COVID 19 crisis, USA and Europe were the worst hit and former US President Trump clearly accused China of deliberately spreading the virus to Europe and USA and to other parts of the world. He also severely criticized W H O , which is supposed to monitor the world health scenario, of deliberately not blaming China and he accused WHO Chief of partisan behavior. The ground reality is that China for quite long time refused permission to W H O or any other agency to investigate how the virus happened in China and finally, when it permitted W H O to visit China, no worthwhile conclusion were arrived at by W H O. Some scientists ,who were part of the W H O investigation team said that they were not given freedom by Chinese government to carry out the investigation in the way they wanted. Meanwhile, there have been a lot of reports floating in the media that the COVID 19 virus was deliberately planned by a few pharmaceutical companies and they prepared themselves to meet the possible demand that would arise for various equipment and need due to the impending COVID 19 crisis to make huge profit. As of now, everything is speculation and rumour and nobody seems to be clearly knowing the ground realities. Even as the vaccines have been developed to treat the COVID 19 patients, the second wave has now started. The peculiarity of the second wave is that China has not been affected and most part of the world have not been severely affected but the most hit nation has been India. While China and several European countries and the USA have lifted the restrictions imposed to combat the COVID 19 crisis to some extent, India has been overwhelmed by the second wave crisis. What is more surprising is that while India has been very severely hit due to second wave, Indias neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal have not been hit to the same extent and if at all, they have been hit, to a much lesser extent so far.In such circumstances, concern has been expressed as to whether the second wave virus has been deliberately imposed on India by some external agencies. Unfortunately, the second wave is being termed as India variant by some irresponsible media personnel around the world , as if India has developed it. India is a very transparent country unlike China and nothing is concealed in India. However, it is gratifying that W H O has said that it has not associated the term India Variant with B.1.617, which is now classified by W H O as Variant of Concern. All said and done, it is necessary that world media should stop using the term as India variant, as use of such term is not only uncharitable but extremely irresponsible. What causes extreme concern is that while Narendra Modi government in India is battling hard to overcome the second wave crisis, section of political parties and pledged critics in the media and elsewhere have been accusing the Modi government of not anticipating the second wave and not taking precautionary measures, as if anyone can anticipate the second wave in advance. While the critics have their own motives, the disturbing fact is that such accusations and criticism coming from within India are weakening Indias battle against the second wave. What is gratifying in this grim scenario is that governments of several countries are not criticizing India but are doing their level best to support India in this hour of grim crisis. It is surprising that the Modi baiters in India do not exhibit the responsible attitude , that several countries in the world are exhibiting towards India. At this stage, one is not sure as to when the second wave crisis would end in India and whether it would be followed by a third wave, as speculated by some forecasters. If the second wave in India is due to what some people call a biological war against India by some external agency, then the world should investigate the condition with extreme care and caution and ensure that such biological war would never happen in the world in future. The truth behind COVID 19 and second wave should be thoroughly investigated , so that the world would know whether it is God made or man made. Who would do this investigation? Certainly, U N O cannot do it, as it has reduced itself to a discussion forum and a debating club. W H O, part of U N O ,cannot also do it as its credibility has been damaged severely and seems to be functioning now more as an analytical laboratory. It is necessary that India should take the initiative to organize a world team to investigate about the origin of COVID 19 and the second wave and one can be sure that several researchers around the world will be willing to help the investigation team, so that the real truth will be revealed and the doubts would be put to rest and any guilty agencies would remain condemned in the opinion of the world. The total number of homes passed with fibre to the home (FTTH) and fibre to the building (FTTB) in Europe reached nearly 182.6 million in September 2020, compared with 172 million in September 2019, according to the FTTH Council Europe. The FTTH Council Europe believes that the report confirms that fibre roll-outs are taking place at an increasingly faster pace in Europe, and the EU is making a very significant though uneven progress in meeting its connectivity targets. Three European economies that have recently intensified their fibre rollout Germany, Italy, and the UK still account for almost 60% of the entire remaining homes to be passed in the EU27+UK region. Indeed, the 2021 Market Panorama report reveals that the main movers in terms of homes passed in absolute numbers are France (+4.6 million), Italy (+2.8 million), Germany (+2.7 million) and the UK (+1.7 million). The top five of annual growth rates in terms of homes passed is headed by Belgium (+155%), Serbia (+110%), Germany (+66%), the UK (+65%) and Ireland (+49%). The number of FTTH and FTTB subscribers in Europe increased by 16.6% in EU39 in the year since September 2019 with 81.9 million FTTH/B subscribers in September 2020. Russia still plays a major role in this increase, however the EU27+UK experienced a 20.4% increase on its own. The ongoing pandemic, in particular, has demonstrated the necessity of both FTTH deployments and adoption. France added the most subscribers with 2.7 million; followed by Russia with 1.7 million new subscribers, and Spain with 1.4 million. The report notes that many countries where legacy infrastructure still dominates have modified their strategy, deploying more FTTH solutions, migrating from existing copper-based and cable-based networks towards fibre and are intensifying copper switch-off. Three historically copper-strong countries (the UK, Germany and Italy) are accounting for almost 60% of homes left to be passed with fibre in the EU27+UK region. Just this week, BT Openreach announced a further 77 exchange locations where it plans to stop selling copper-based services in a year's time. The telecoms sector can play a critical role in Europes ability to meet its sustainability commitments by reshaping how Europeans work, live and do business. As the most sustainable telecommunication infrastructure technology, full-fibre is a prerequisite to achieve the European Green Deal and make the European Unions economy more sustainable," commented Vincent Garnier, director general of the FTTH Council Europe. "Competitive investments in this technology should, therefore, remain a high political priority and we look forward to working with the EU institutions, national governments and NRAs towards removing barriers in a way to full-fibre Europe. It is indeed depressing that a country that boasts of the influence of four great religions and boasts even more loudly of the influence of its Buddhist heritage, have not been able to develop a social conscience and a moral compass to chart and manage its behaviour by Raj Gonsalkorale The norms of society are the sum of our collective values and priorities as society shapes us, we shape society. In addition to a sense of right and wrong for personal action, individuals possess a sense of right and wrong for collective action what might be called social conscience. Individual conscience compels us to act morally in our daily lives, avoiding or helping to relieve the immediate suffering of others, whereas social conscience compels us to insist on moral action from the wider institutions of society and to seek the transformation of social structures that cause suffering. - Myshele Goldberg, University of Strathclyde and the Centre for Human Ecology The wider societys response and collective behaviour during the COVID pandemic in Sri Lanka, especially since the New Year period and in the last few weeks has cast doubts on the values of our society and its lack of a social conscience as a society. The battle against COVID has been left almost entirely to the government and its many institutions, and hardly any civil society leaders, religious leaders, the media, and above all, political leaders outside of the government have appealed to what is left in us as a social conscience to behave responsibly and rationally to contain the spread of the COVID virus. It appears that the COVID containment issue has always been someone elses responsibility and not that of the society itself. Much of the publicity given and criticisms made, have been against the government and its entities charged with managing the spread. Where there have been lapses, it is within everyones rights to level such criticisms. However, no government, this government or any other could totally manage the behaviour of its citizens, and in a democracy this is more so than in authoritarian States. Societal behaviour is a value based phenomenon and misbehaviour is a reflection on the worth of its values and a clear sign of a question mark on the social conscience of a society. What is social conscience, and why is it relevant asks Myshele Goldberg. She says conscience can be described as internalised values: a persons intuitive moral compass. While rational, philosophical, or religious arguments are often used as justifications, conscience itself is primarily emotional: we associate feelings of pleasure and pride with right action, and feelings of guilt and shame with wrong action. These emotions help to motivate choices and behaviour, playing an important role in the maintenance and transformation of social norms While it is understandable for small traders to have made use of the opportunities they have to sell their wares and earn a living during Aluth Avurudu, it was an unconscionable phenomenon to have witnessed the crowds that thronged to Nuwara Eliya and places like Horton Plains and to have created a breeding ground for COVID. Conducting Horse races certainly demonstrated that people were living by the adage Newa Gilunath Band Chune, (lets dance even if the ship sinks), symbolic of the Titanic catastrophe, which has now become a reality in the country. Besides the Nuwara Eliya revelry, neither did most ordinary folk observe any health guidelines relating to wearing masks or observing social distancing in this breeding ground and everywhere else in the country. When idiocy overtakes logic and common sense, it says a lot about the state of mind of the Sri Lankan society during a critical stage of the Pandemic in the country. The Opposition political parties and the phoenix that has risen from the dead, unlike the Phoenix in mythology where a new phoenix rises from the ashes of its dead predecessor, symbolising rebirth, hope, renewal, progress, end of oppression, and eternity, the Sri Lankan phoenix in the form of the defeated UNP leader is attempting to make political capital out of the plight of the pandemic without offering any hope to the people in the country. It is ironic that this leader who led his party to the worst ever election defeat of any major political party in the post-independence history of the country, polling less than 300,000 votes in the entire country, and which failed to win enough votes to secure a seat in Parliament, is now set to enter Parliament from the back door. If it comes to pass, it would be a macabre reward for ruining his party and it is a reflection of his values, that of his party and the values of the society in tolerating it. Neither the government nor or other political parties, nor the media has thought it appropriate to highlight this moral and ethical degradation of values, assuming of course that there are any values left. In regard to the responsibility of the society to safeguard themselves, their loved ones and others around them, neither has the Opposition leadership ever appealed to the people to behave in a more responsible manner and heed the advice of health authorities in the country. Instead, the focus has been solely on the government action and inaction, and not once any appeals to the people of the country to observe the health guidelines and to act with caution and restraint. It is indeed depressing that a country that boasts of the influence of four great religions and boasts even more loudly of the influence of its Buddhist heritage, have not been able to develop a social conscience and a moral compass to chart and manage its behaviour If we did have a worthwhile social conscience and then understood that social conscience, we could have made better choices to help shape society according to our values. This extends not just in respect of the COVID response but very broadly to the status of the society as a whole. In the Sri Lankan society today, one could question its value base and whether the real teachings of the age old religions are practiced as the teachers intended. Many would argue that superficial manifestations dominate society although few would be willing or are able to move away from such superficial manifestations. The Sinhala Buddhist heritage is all but cultural and not true to the philosophy of the teachings. There would be Buddhists who chant the five precepts but hardly practice them. Ignorance and lip service surrounds the Metta, Karuna, Muditha and Upeksha tenants. They are either not understood and therefore not practiced or they have become discussion topics only for academic pursuits. The world of Islam wishes to go back to what proponents term the real teachings of the Prophet, and Sri Lanka too has witnessed a movement in this direction. The Easter bombing in Sri Lanka, and the very recent massacre of school children in Afghanistan defy any belief that the Prophet would have endorsed such murderous activity in His name. Myshele Goldberg goes on to say that the words conscience and consciousness are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Consciousness, as used in expressions such as raising consciousness, describes a persons knowledge and awareness, and consciousness implies a process of value judgement, classifying situations broadly into right, wrong, or neutral. One can argue that there cannot be a consciousness without a conscience and that consciousness is the expression of ones conscience. In the Sri Lankan context, if the behaviour of a significant segment of the wider society during the last few weeks, beginning with the Aluth Avurudu celebrations, and the behaviour of Opposition politicians, civil society leaders, religious leaders and other opinion makers including the media could be understood as an expression of their conscience, then, it does raise a significant question about the values and value judgement of the Sri Lankan society. The COVID Pandemic is a health related issue and it needs to be directed by health authorities. Politicians of all hues, religious leaders, civil society leaders, the media, must appeal to the general public to heed the advice of health authorities, and assist the government of the day to manage the Pandemic on the basis of health advice while doing the utmost to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people of the country are safeguarded while acting within health guidelines parameters. Dogs may bark while the Caravan keeps moving, but, the opinion leaders of the country should not bark like the Dogs but instead assist to move the Caravan forward for the benefit of the country. The Biden administration is rolling out economic support for American restaurants, an initiative set into motion by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Thats good news: Americas restaurants have been battered by lockdowns and understandable hesitancy by many Americans to go out to eat during the pandemic. Government support is probably necessary to kickstart a lot of Americas beloved eateries after pandemic-related loss. We are conservative women. We both have been engaged in Republican politics since the late 1980s. Susan is still an active Republican woman, working nationally as a consultant and shes also a political analyst at MSNBC. Sophia is a proud political independent woman of color who sits on the Unite America board and decided she could no longer be a Republican when Donald Trump became president in 2017. Fast-forward to 2021. We both care about our country more than we do our political party. We still believe in democracy and the founding principles of America. We are, however, dismayed and stunned at what the House Republicans have done to Rep. Liz Cheney for standing up for the truth about the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. We lament that the GOP is no longer a big tent, and that the party merely tolerates women and racial minorities is no longer tolerable. We understand that the demographics of America have shifted dramatically and that the Republican Party has become a tribal and monolithic entity of mostly white men and working-class Americans disenchanted and angry about the state of what they see as their country. That is why we are part of a new broad alliance of current and former Republicans and independents who have outlined a better vision for the party and the country, and which launches nationwide Thursday. Youll hear from us about restoring a common-sense coalition based on truth and core American ideals, a group that rejects political extremism and offers a unifying vision. Not one that is beholden to a single man, Donald J. Trump, who was twice impeached, and who lost both the House and the Senate during his tenure as president. Our new alliance is not just another group of academics who write op-eds and slink quietly away after. Our coalition includes former members of Congress and state officials, seasoned political strategists, former high-ranking government officials, prominent conservatives, and centrists alike, republican thinkers and writers like the two of us, and tested grassroots leaders across America. Lets face it -- there is no GOP civil war taking place. The GOP as it stands is not the party we both joined as optimistic 20-somethings three decades ago. The GOP has lost its way. The party has been corrupted by lies, denial, and personal self-interest. It has stopped being the party of small government, term limits, family values, a strong national defense, and a pro-growth optimism that built America from her beginnings through the days of Ronald Reagan and men like former GOP Congressman (and HUD Secretary) Jack Kemp. These statesmen understood the need for outreach to black and brown voters, and how to take a sunny message of hope, home ownership, entrepreneurship, and resilience to communities often blighted by systemic racism, gentrification, lack of opportunity and lack of basics such as food and housing. Whats more, GOP attacks on the integrity of our elections and our institutions pose a threat to our democracy and U.S. security. This is bigger than the fate of one political party. This is about the enduring legacy of our great and beloved American story. The story of us. Of all of us working together to build a better future for our children and their childrens children. As centrist women, we are tired of watching Democratic Party women make all the electoral gains and hold positions such as speaker of the House and now vice president of the United States. Although we are proud of them as women, we would like to be part of a political party that embraces and celebrates women, not divides them as was done recently and glaringly with Reps. Elise Stefanik and Liz Cheney. In the final analysis, we believe that we must partner with and work closely with pro-democracy organizations, such as the Call for American Renewal, that will work tirelessly for us all to be able to respectfully disagree with one another in the political arena, but to unite in taking down the obvious lies and untruths that divide us. Well stand against the fear-mongers and conspiracy theorists. And well invest in a deeper pro-democracy bench by recruiting a new generation of principled leaders to run for office at all levels, and win. Lastly, we want to give voice to the countless Americans who dont feel at home in either party by creating a home for the politically homeless and mobilizing them to help chart our countrys course forward. Sophia Nelson is author of ePluribus One: Reclaiming Our Founders Vision for a United America and a frequent legal and political commentator. Republicans have been understandably irate about content moderation decisions made by some social media platforms. Some complain that social media is not respecting their free speech rights, although the First Amendment prohibits government from forcing social media to carry speech they dont want to carry. Now, Justice Clarence Thomas has aired his own views on First Amendment protections and mused about treating social media as common carriers and public accommodations. Some conservatives see Thomas words as a recipe to stop social media platforms from moderating user posts on their services. I share conservative concerns about political bias, but lets examine what Justice Thomas actually said and then consider what a nondiscrimination mandate would really mean for conservatives. Despite what some commentators suggest, Justice Thomas never said that social media platforms are common carriers or public accommodations. He noted similarities between some digital platforms and common carriers or places of public accommodation and said those similarities may give policymakers leeway to regulate. But Thomas was careful not to say that social media platforms actually fall into these categories. Thomas has good reason to be careful about that. Businesses that are common carriers must provide their services to the public without discretion about who they serve and what customers are allowed to say. However, courts have clarified that the common carrier label describes not the legal obligations of a company but how the company does business. Unlike common carriers such as your mobile phone service provider, social media businesses have always engaged in discretion about content they allow on their platforms. It is central to a business model whose aim is to attract users and advertisers that drive revenue. One avenue of competition is what content is moderated: Some sites do not allow expletives or pornography; others moderate what they view as medical misinformation or bullying. Far from offering their services without discriminating, social media websites like Facebook spend billions of dollars and dedicate tens of thousands of workers to determining whether content violates their community standards. Now, some Republicans are citing Thomass words to force social media to allow any speech thats permitted under the First Amendment. Sure, that would stop social media from moderating user content in a politically biased way. But it would also leave up lots of content that is positively awful, making social media far more objectionable to users and advertisers. Its a wide-open faucet for the worst user content, including bigotry, harassment, profanity, and pornographic images and videos. While some say parental controls and safe-search might filter this filth, few users trust these filters to protect their children from the worst that Internet users come up with. The reason is math -- over 100 billion pieces of content are posted by users every single day. Offensive posts will be missed and many inoffensive images would be inadvertently flagged by the algorithms weeding through this overwhelming amount of content. Much content Americans consider unsafe or offensive is a matter of context, and that further exacerbates the problem. Racial terms are not always racist and bullying is often near impossible to identify unless you are the one being bullied. Common carrier regulation applied to social media will lead to a dangerous and tortuous online experience that will do real harm to millions of children and families. That is a price that most conservatives would be hard-pressed to pay to reduce political bias in content moderation. The fact is that, despite its flaws, the Internet has empowered conservative speech more than just about any other development in the past century. Todays conservatives have forgotten that liberal media outlets used to run only an occasional column or letter from conservative elected officials or community leaders. Now, social media allows for millions of conservatives to directly share news and views with millions of Americans. However, if the largest social media platforms are forced to allow any user post, they will become a cesspool of unfiltered filth and hatred that would make todays social media look like Sunday morning television. Most Americans will stop using the large social media sites, and advertisers will stop paying for ads. Sure, there will still be smaller sites like Parler and Rumble that will escape common carrier regulation, but those platforms cater to the followers of Donald Trump. Without Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, Republicans wont reach large social media audiences to persuade moderate and independent voters not present on conservative social media alternatives. You know, the voters who decide elections in swing states, suburban districts, and nationally. Conservatives should be vocal anytime social media is biased against our news and views. But we should also be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Thomass opinion certainly raises important questions, but conservatives should be careful about embracing a nondiscrimination mandate for social media. If we do, we will almost certainly end up creating an internet that is worse for everyone, especially for conservatives. Jews were the victims of terrible atrocities under fascism in Germany and similar countries leading to the Second World War. Even on the question of Jews, the then international community including the League of Nations were late and ambiguous, and to a great extent culpable. by Dr Laksiri Fernando Jerusalem, sacred to many religions and civilizations, is virtually burning. But the international community including the United Nations are sleeping! They will jump and shout if something even small scale happens in a culturally different, third world developing country. But on the question of Palestine, they have always been ambiguous, silent, or selective. Even the international human rights shenanigans are the same. They are more dubious and hypocritical because the issues are related to fundamental human rights violations that they talk about. That is one reason why the Israel-Palestinian or more correctly Palestinian-Israeli question has been dragging on since the arbitrary creation of Israel in 1948. Victims Becoming Perpetrators? Jews were the victims of terrible atrocities under fascism in Germany and similar countries leading to the Second World War. Even on the question of Jews, the then international community including the League of Nations were late and ambiguous, and to a great extent culpable. The same pattern appears to be repeating this time in the reverse order. The then victims, the Jews, now becoming the terrible perpetrators. If not fascism what kind of naming should we attribute to the behavior of Israel today? Among many victim communities, there are always dreadful extremisms. This is also apparent among some Palestinian groups. In the case of Jews, Zionism was/is the form of Jewish fascism. It is on this fascism that the international community is silent today. This should change and this must be changed. Otherwise, there is no solution to the Palestinian question or to the peaceful existence of Israel. The possibility of avoiding victims becoming perpetrators is not a hypothetical question. South Africa is a positive example where this predicament was largely avoided. The good or correct behavior of the international community, on both sides of the fence, is important for this realization. Yasser Arafat in this sense was a rational and a reasonable person whatever his deviations in the young years. This cannot be said for any of the Israeli leaders and particularly of Benjamin Netanyahu. Those who talk big about war crimes and crimes against humanity (or genocide) have always been silent about the Palestinian question and accompanied atrocities. Netanyahu should not be the PM of Israel, but an accused before the International Criminal Court. Perhaps his skin color or the political ideology is not suitable for prosecuting him before the ICC! China should perform a more proactive role on the Palestinian question. Present Escalation The present escalation of conflict or more correctly atrocities started when Israel started forced evacuation of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and destroying their homes, including repeated attacks on the Al Aqsa Mosque during the Ramadan period. The reactions from Hamas and ordinary Palestinians were natural given the present and past atrocities. Nearly half a million Palestinians were expelled or evacuated when Israel was formed in 1948. Most of them became refugees in Palestinian territories and many other countries (Jordan, Lebanon etc.). UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was created in 1949 because of this situation. Refugees became piled up in 1956, 1967 and thereafter due to repeated atrocities. I have visited many of these refugee camps in 1980s as the World University Service (WUS) was offering scholarships and some other facilities for higher education, although modest. East Jerusalem was never a part of Israel or Jewish settlements at least in the modern era. There was a vast difference between the Eastern and Western parts of Jerusalem as I saw them. It was very clear to see. One was extremely poor, the other was extremely rich. One was culturally Western, and the other was Eastern. One was Islam, and the other was Jewish - the Christian historical places lying in between. It was a henious crime to forcefully annex East Jerusalem in 1967. It was more henious to claim the whole of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel since 1980. The backing of the United States, directly and indirectly, throughout years was the primary incentive for the Israel to do these atrocities. Jerusalem is one place where the Eastern and Western civilizations come into open clash with the backing of the Americans. Hypocrisy of Joe Biden It is nearly four year since (2017) America recognized the whole of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It is still the American official policy. It is not merely a policy of that lunatic Donald Trump. Joe Biden is merely a disguised hypocrite. In January 2021, during his Senate confirmation, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked, Do you agree that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and do you commit that the United States will keep our embassy in Jerusalem? Yes, and Yes, said Blinken without any blinking. His voice was Joe Bidens. The American Embassy is still in Jerusalem and that is where all the atrocities are endorsed. If it is not, Joe Biden should immediately call the UN Security Council and should take a decision to take over the whole of Jerusalem under the UN peacekeeping force. The UN has done so many takeovers in very many places (in Africa and Asia?) and why cannot it do the same in Jerusalem? Proposals for Peace History is full of ironies. Jerusalem is often interpreted as the city of peace. However, it is not the case today or even in the past. The peace has always been robbed from the people by the rulers and politicians. I was once getting out of the King David St looking for a service taxi behind the International YMCA hotel in Jerusalem during my visits. A bomb suddenly blasted in a nearby bus and a dozen of people instantly got killed. What does the Psalm 122:6-7 says? Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem; May those who Love you be Secure. May there be Peace within Your Walls and Security within Your Citadels. Today, it is difficult to have security within your citadels or peace within your walls for anyone, unless the UN intervenes impartially, independently, and reasonably to all. There are Jews and Palestinians, and there are Islamists and even Christians. Jerusalem is a holy place for all. There are proposals to have Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine, proposed undoubtedly with good intentions. However, it would be too ideal to have such a cooperation in the immediate future given the past circumstances. In the immediate circumstances, what is necessary is to stop missile exchanges of both sides and stop Israeli atrocities particularly the Palestinian evacuations in Jerusalem. This should be done in good faith and on a sustainable basis. Netanyahu should go. He does not have even a clear majority in Israeli Parliament. This is one reason why he is escalating the conflict and mobilizing rightwing youth to aggravate the situation. As sharing of Jerusalem is not practically possible, what might be necessary is for the Israel to take back its artificial capital to Tel Aviv and allow Palestine to use Hebron or Ramallah as their capital. The whole of Jerusalem (both East and West) can be considered a peace zone and a pilgrimage city for all religious faiths of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. It can be a combined administration under the supervision of a proper UN. Athens, GA (30605) Today Rain showers early becoming more intermittent overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Rain showers early becoming more intermittent overnight. Low around 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. John Koopmann, a Lake Host at Spofford Lake, in Spofford, N.H., talks with Michael Collier, from Walpole, N.H., about places the boat has been before the boat goes into the water on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass. Searching for antique furniture and home decor can be something of a sport as shoppers hunt for the perfect pieces to add to their homes. In some of Connecticuts antique stores, however, the competition has heightened. For Robert Graham, owner of Housatonic Trading Co., in Bantam, seeing new customers from New York City in his store is becoming more and more of a regular occurrence. We meet new clients that have recently or are awaiting closing on a new home purchase every week, he said via email. Happy to have new residents join the Redding locals in appreciating our little town, owner of Fleur de Lis antique shop Dottie DeLuca said the draw to the area has also been a draw to the antiques industry in general. It's kind of nice for vintage, she said. People are wanting the quality and they can't buy it new online. It's kind of nice it's kind of a little revival. DeLuca's Long Ridge Road shop has been extremely busy with former New York City residents who relocated to the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once her store was able to reopen in the spring of 2020 in accordance with Gov. Lamonts phase 1 reopening plan, DeLuca said she started noticing new clientele. Slowly over time, people see the cars with a New York license plate they were all relocating and coming in, she said. So it's gotten busy as far as people needing to really furnish their homes. I see people every day coming in that have just bought homes in the area. Connecticut has received a greater portion of new arrivals in 2020 than towns and villages in New York spanning the lower Hudson River Valley and on Long Island. Towns like Ridgefield and Washington Depot both experienced high numbers of net moves, previous Hearst Connecticut reporting shows. Graham started seeing these new residents trickling into his store in early June 2020 and has seen them return as they continue to settle into their new homes. Our [New York City] buyers are typically looking initially for the basics of furnishing and styling a home: dining tables, sideboards, coffee tables, side tables, occasional chairs, dressers and case goods, he said. After those pieces are selected, we typically see them looking for lighting, artwork, decorative items, pillowsnow that spring is here, many new residents are thinking outdoors, furniture, planters [and] urns. Beyond the basics and finishing touches, DeLuca said she also found that many of her newly-relocated shoppers were seeking two particular items that may have been inspired by the time they spent indoors during the pandemic. I've had a lot of mirrors and artwork [sales], she said. If they're going to be stuck in there for a while, they want to be inspired with some pretty things to hang on the walls. Edie van Breems, co-owner of Eleish Van Breems in Westport, said the New York transplants shopping in her two town locations are interested in more refined antique designs for their homes. What we find they are most interested in are higher quality items and furnishings that are more investment pieces rather then throw away fun design, she said in an email. Given all of the instability over the last year, people are looking for balance and a home filled with things that will support and nurture them. Quality of materials and good design are at the top of everyones list. In 2020, Westport led all state ZIP codes in net gains in people establishing residency via purchasing, renting or making a weekend home a permanent address, previous Hearst Connecticut reporting shows. Almost a year since Connecticut antique store owners started seeing New Yorkers in their shops, and there is no sign of it slowing down. Since last year, it's been pretty steady, DeLuca said. There's such a demand. And people can't even order furniture because it's back ordered or their factory had been shut down. In Grahams experience, having more demand in his store is a welcome sight, even among locals. The sense I get is that locals are welcoming the new residents to our area, he said. Due to the rise in home sales and the incoming [New York City] buyers, there has been, in my view, a positive economic impact on a wide spectrum of businesses related to homes. van Breems is hopeful that New Yorkers' stay in the state and in her stores will not be short-lived. I think for some, they may return to the city in a few years after things open up entirely, she said. There may be more city mouse to country mouse converts then expected though Connecticut is still a great place. A woman described in paperwork as Fotis Dulos best friend is suing to get a $148,000 deposit back from the bond company that covered Dulos $6 million bail issued when he was charged last year with kidnapping and killing his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in February, Anna Curry, a North Carolina resident who was living with Fotis Dulos when he was arrested, alleges that she is owed the $148,000 deposit she gave 24/7 Bail Bonds, an agent of Palmetto Surety Company, since the company moved to withdraw the $6 million bond on Jan. 28, 2020. Fotis Dulos was charged with murder and kidnapping in the disappearance and death of Jennifer Dulos on Jan. 7, 2020. He was released from custody following his arraignment on Jan. 9 when Curry paid 24/7 Bail Bonds a deposit of $148,000, documents said. Curry was prepared to pay the rest of the $420,000 deposit in installments over several months, filings show, but Fotis Dulos attempted suicide the morning of Jan. 28, 2020. At the time, Palmetto Surety Company, based in South Carolina, was about to revoke the $6 million on the grounds it exceeded the limitations of risk outlined in Connecticut state law, filings show. Fotis Dulos died two days later. Curry now wants the $148,000 deposit returned, but her attorney, Stephen Curley, said 24/7 Bail Bonds and Palmetto Surety Company are refusing to do so, according to filings. The lawsuit claims the bond and surety companies misappropriated her deposit. In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Attorney A. Ryan McGuigan, representing the bail bond company, contends his client fulfilled its obligations by getting Fotis Dulos released from custody. The owner of the company went to his home on Jan. 28 when Fotis Dulos didnt show up in court and found police attempting to resuscitate him, court filings said. We moved to dismiss the claim because she doesnt have one, McGuigan said Wednesday. The bond was never declared bad. Based on the facts and circumstances agreed upon, she doesnt have a claim for relief. McGuigan said in the motion to dismiss that Palmetto withdrew its motion to revoke the bond while Fotis Dulos was in a New York hospital being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. New York officials confirmed that Fotis Dulos committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning weeks after his death. Currys attorney did not return a request for comment Wednesday. Jennifer Dulos was reported missing on May 24, 2019. She is believed dead by police and her family and her remains have not been found. Arrest warrants indicate that police believe Fotis Dulos was lying in wait for his estranged wife to return home after dropping their five children off at school the morning of May 24, 2019. At the time, the couple was in the midst of in a contentious two-year divorce and custody battle over their children. She was reported missing that evening. New Canaan police investigating the missing persons report found blood and evidence of a clean up in the garage of her home, according to arrest warrants. Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend Michelle Troconis were charged about two weeks later with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution after they were captured on Hartford surveillance cameras dropping garbage bags in trash bins along a busy street the night Jennifer Dulos was reported missing, arrest records show. The bags contained items stained with the blood and DNA of Jennifer Dulos, arrest warrants said. Troconis and attorney Kent Mawhnney were charged with conspiracy to commit murder on Jan. 7, 2020. By that point, Troconis had been ordered to stay away from Fotis Dulos as their criminal cases proceeded. Troconis told investigators that she was wrong to trust Fotis Dulos, according to court filings by her defense attorney. Curry was listed on bond documents as Fotis Dulos best friend. She had been living at his home in Farmington when he was charged with the murder of his estranged wife. Curry had left the house and was expecting to meet Fotis Dulos at Stamford Superior Court for the hearing on the $6 million bond on Jan. 28, 2020, she told police. She arrived to find Farmington police officers attempting to revive him. A neighbor said he heard screaming coming from a New London home before a fire broke out early Tuesday that forced at least six people out of the two-family unit. The intentionally set fire remains the subject of an investigation that, police said, involves the father of a 1-month-old boy killed hours earlier in a Norwich apartment. Timothy Settles, 32, remains a person of interest in the investigation, but police said they are still looking for the man. He has not been charged with the fire, first reported at 4 a.m. Tuesday. A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said he heard screaming coming from the home, but did not check out the situation until he noticed the fire. At that point, the neighbor said he did not see any people except for emergency crews that were responding to the fire. The neighbor said he did not know who Settles was until the news coverage of the fire. No one answered the door at the Rosemary Street home on Thursday. The windows and doors are mostly boarded up at the home. An insurance adjuster who visited Rosemary Street on Thursday declined to comment. The fire was set about seven hours after Norwich police were called to an apartment on McKinley Street for reports that a dog had attacked a child. When officers arrived around 8:40 p.m. Monday, they found 1-month-old Carter Settles with numerous traumatic injuries. Police said the infant was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they learned that Carter was being held by a family member when their dog jumped up and starting biting the infant. The family dog, described as a male pit bull mix, was taken by the citys animal control to a pound for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Norwich police officials said they are working with the family and following guidance from the state Department of Agriculture on dogs that attack people. A knock on the door of the McKinley Avenue apartment went unanswered Thursday. Police have yet said how the dog attack and the fire are connected other than saying Settles, the father of the boy, was a person of interest in the arson investigation. Police said they believe Settles was at the New London home before the blaze was set. Police are asking anyone with information on Settles whereabouts to contact the New London Police Department at 860-447-5269 ext. 0. CT Division of Criminal Justice / Contributed ROCKY HILL A 47-year-old Rocky Hill woman was taken into custody last week on allegations of Medicaid health insurance fraud dating back to 2017, the state Division of Criminal Justice announced Wednesday. Ella Rosario, also known as Ella Connors, was arrested on May 7 by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief States Attorney. She was charged with first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community and health insurance fraud, officials said. WASHINGTON (AP) A House hearing about what went wrong in the Jan. 6 Capitol siege frequently spiraled into partisan shouting matches on Wednesday, with lawmakers more often blaming each other than thoroughly questioning witnesses about the events of the day. Democrats and Republicans have so far been unable to agree on a bipartisan commission to investigate the insurrection, and officials involved in responding to the attack have pointed fingers at one another. The latest witnesses, including former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, were called by Democrats who are conducting their own set of investigations in the House. Amid the rancor, the hearing yielded few new answers about the confusion that day, including why it took so long for the National Guard to arrive at the Capitol as the rioters supporters of former President Donald Trump beat and injured police defending the building and sent lawmakers running as they broke through windows and doors. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer who collapsed afterward and a woman who was shot by an officer as she broke through a broken window adjacent to the House chamber with lawmakers still inside. Two other police officers took their own lives in the wake of the riot. Takeaways from Wednesdays House hearing: PARTISAN FRICTION Democrats focused on Trump from the start, with House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney saying the riots were incited by shameless lies told by a defeated president. The House impeached Trump shortly after the attack for telling his supporters that day to fight like hell to overturn the election and for pushing lies about election fraud. He was later acquitted by the Senate. Republicans defended the former president, who baselessly says the election was stolen from him even though his claims were debunked by election officials across the country and his own attorney general. And some defended the rioters, painting them in a patriotic light. It was not an insurrection, said Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde, a freshman Republican. He described the rioters as peaceful and said video of their presence in the Capitol didnt look much different from a normal tourist visit, despite the fact that they injured police outside, broke through windows and doors and breached the Senate floor moments after senators had evacuated. They tried to beat down the doors of the House as well, but were stopped by police. Some menacingly called out for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and chanted for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence. Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona defended a woman who was shot and killed by the Capitol Police as she tried to break into the House chamber, saying Ashli Babbitt was executed and casting her as a martyr because she was an Air Force veteran and was wearing an American flag. The Department of Justice decided after an investigation not to charge the police officer who shot her. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin said the Republican narrative was "outrageous, Orwellian revisionist history and showed the need for a bipartisan commission. CHANGING THE SUBJECT Many Republican members turned the subject to riots in cities around the country instead of what happened at the Capitol, a contrast that resonates with base GOP voters. Democrats continue to demonize tens of millions of Americans who support President Trump and have legitimate questions about the integrity of the elections, said Kentucky Rep. James Comer, the top Republican on the panel, about those who believe Trumps false claims. He said individuals who take to crime, violence and mob tactics are wrong, and that was true on Jan. 6 and also during last summers riots in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. Comer said its hypocritical that Pelosi and Democrats are focused on Jan. 6 instead. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs played videos of riots last summer in Portland, Oregon, comparing an attack on a federal courthouse there to the Capitol siege. FEW NEW ANSWERS The hearing ultimately fell short of its advance billing as addressing unexplained delays and unanswered questions. Theres still confusion on why law enforcement didnt bolster security prior to Jan. 6 after weeks of public concerns about pro-Trump extremists descending on Washington for a rally near the White House. Timelines issued by law enforcement agencies and the military conflict on what authority the D.C. National Guard believed it had as rioters ransacked the Capitol, with hours elapsing before a quick response force set up prior to Jan. 6 arrived to help restore order. And who was ultimately in charge remains in doubt. The Associated Press has reported that Pence told military leaders at 4:08 p.m. to clear the Capitol. But Miller said Wednesday that he didnt consider Pences statements a direct order since the vice president wasnt in the chain of command. He also said he didnt speak to Trump that day because he believed the then-president had given him the authority he needed earlier. Miller did describe a conversation he had with Trump three days earlier. On Jan. 3, Miller said, Trump told him to do whatever was necessary to protect the demonstrators that were executing their constitutionally protected rights. PENTAGON DELAYS Democrats attacked Miller repeatedly at some points screaming at him about what they argue were unnecessary delays by the Pentagon in sending help to an overrun Capitol. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told Miller that he has never been more offended by a witness statement than he was at Millers testimony defending his own actions. As the former acting defense secretary became more combative, Khanna told him that your pugnacious style is not going to override the Democratic process and said he was after total self promotion. Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia speculated that Miller may have slow-rolled troops and asked if Trump or any officials had pushed for a delay. 110%, absolutely not, Miller responded. No, that is not the case. Under questioning from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Miller said he agreed at 3 p.m. to move guardsmen to the Capitol. A Defense Department timeline includes that direction but also adds that at 4:32 p.m., Miller provided verbal authorization for the Guard to conduct perimeter and clearance operations. During those 92 minutes, rioters continued to rampage inside the building as lawmakers and others inside huddled for safety. Miller testified that D.C. National Guard Commanding Gen. William Walker was preparing a formal plan a concept of operations for the Guard to enter the Capitol. Walker has testified that the concept of operations his superiors wanted was unusual. Miller retorted Wednesday that Walkers request could have been met in a matter of seconds with an oral briefing. Asked by Ocasio-Cortez if he doubted Walkers testimony, Miller said, I can understand theres an inconsistency and perhaps disagreement. Pottsville, PA (17901) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 58F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 58F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. PORT CARBON Two of three children allegedly abused and tortured at the hands of their father, his fiancee and her mother in Minersville emotionally told their stories in video-recorded forensic interviews to crisis workers. The videos were part of a nearly six-hour preliminary hearing Wednesday. Todd Richter II, 32, Jennifer Yost, 27, and Wendy Yost, 52, sat at a table inside the Schuylkill County Prison and listened as Richters 11- and 13-year-old sons told of the abuse they endured over a two-year period to workers at the Childrens Resource Center near Harrisburg. Both boys said the abuse ranged from beatings with belts, hammers and other objects to being starved and given bits and pieces of food whenever the three adults felt like giving it to them. The children were not required to be in court because Schuylkill County Judge Cyrus Dolbin granted the prosecutions request to invoke the Tender Years Doctrine that allows such forensic interviews to be admitted into court as evidence. The alleged abuse happened between March 2019 and March 2021 at the home of Richter and Jennifer Yost at 321 St. Francis St. and the adjoining home of Wendy Yost at 323 St. Francis St., police charge. Minersville police Patrolman Richard Clink and Schuylkill County Detective Thomas Robin charged all three with felony, misdemeanor and summary offenses ranging from aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, unlawful restraint and false imprisonment to simple assault and harassment. The abuse came to light on March 10 when the oldest boy, who was 12 at the time, was found walking on the street injured and in distress. The boy told police and EMS workers that he escaped his house and that his two siblings could still be inside and possibly be in danger. EMS personnel said the boy suffered bodily injuries and appeared to be the victim of abuse, Clink said. Authorities then went to the house and located the 11-year-old boy and his 9-year-old sister and uncovered the house of horror, police said. Prior to the presentation of the videos, Dr. Paul Bellino, a pediatric expert at Janet Weis Childrens Hospital in Danville, told the court he interviewed the two boys about a month after the abuse was discovered and found both with signs of severe malnutrition, new injuries and injuries in various stages of healing. The older boy had numerous bruises, a scalp laceration, healing fractures and signs of internal injuries. There were a number of physical findings that he had been beaten, Bellino said. Regarding an injury on the boys back of a hematoma over a healing spinal fracture, Bellino said the child reported they were the result of being hit with a mallet. Bellino said the 11-year-old had bruises, unusual scars and was inappropriately thin for his age. The doctor said the boy also had an arm fracture that was healing and a laceration that should have been surgically closed. Bellino also told the court both boys were undernourished to the point where if the abuse would have continued it could have been fatal. Clink testified that inside the attic of the home at 321 St. Francis St., investigators found a strong odor of urine, a peanut butter jar filled with what appeared to be urine and a 5-gallon bucket with what appeared to be liquid feces. All of the items were in an area where the boy said he and his siblings were held captive, Clink said. The officer said that the sister of the boys was also examined by Bellino and determined to be malnourished and also showed signs of having had a long history of abuse and torture. After 5 1/2 hours of testimony, attorneys for the defendants, Adam Weaver, of Carbon County, for Jennifer Yost, Debra Smith for Richter and Jeffrey Markosky for Wendy Yost, asked Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko to dismiss some of the charges against each of their clients, saying testimony presented in court did not rise to a prima facie case. All three attorneys said the aggravated assault charge against their clients should be dismissed because the commonwealth did not present evidence to show which of the three actually causing the associated injury. First assistant district attorney Michael Stine said all three were involved together in the ongoing abuse. They should all be held responsible, he said. Plachko said he spent hours Tuesday night reviewing the details of the case and after seeing the videos and hearing testimony Wednesday determined all of the charges against Richter and Jennifer and Wendy Yost be held for Schuylkill County Court. The victims experienced systematic and repeated physical abuse at the hands of these three, the judge said. Richter and Jennifer and Wendy Yost all remain in prison waiting further action through the court system. 2 people escape injury after collision PALO ALTO Two people escaped injury when their vehicles collided at West Bacon and East Union streets around 1:55 p.m. Sunday. State police at Schuylkill Haven said Carolyn Hurst, 73, of Pine Grove, was driving a 2020 GMC Terrain on Union Street when she stopped at the intersection. She then proceeded forward and collided with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler being driven east on West Bacon Street by Jessica Sadusky, 22, of Kaska, police said. As a result of the crash, police said Hurst was cited for a stop and yield sign violation. Police investigate home burglary TREMONT State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that occured at 25 W. Main St. between 9 p.m. Sunday and 7:50 a.m. Monday. Police said Robert Beard reported that someone entered a detached garage and removed a Dewalt 20V impact driver, a Porter Cable 20V battery charger, skinning knives, DVDs and a bright yellow reflective hat before fleeing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600. Police investigate indecent assault POTTSVILLE State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating an indecent assault that occured in Norwegian Township between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2020. Police said the incident involved the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. No additional information was provided. Woman jailed after domestic dispute SCHUYLKILL HAVEN A 23-year-old woman was jailed after state police at Schuylkill Haven responded to a domestic dispute report on University Drive in North Manheim Township around 10:30 a.m. April 30. At the scene, police said they determined that Jasmine Pendergast, of Schuylkill Haven, was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and also had active warrants for her arrest. The woman was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on the warrants and drug charges against her, which were filed with Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, police said. Police investigate vehicle crash SUMMIT STATION A crash that occurred around 5:20 p.m. May 2 at Route 183 and Schwartz Valley Road in Wayne Township is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven. Police said an unidentified vehicle was traveling north on Route 183 when the driver crossed over the double yellow line and into the path of a 2016 Toyota Corolla driven by Makenzie Daughtry, 20, of Bernville. Police said Daughtry steered onto the right shoulder of the road to avoid a collision but lost control of her car, causing it to travel across a lawn and strike low hanging tree limbs while the unidentified driver fled the area. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600. Police find deceased driver inside truckHAMBURG A 50-year-old New Jersey man found dead inside his tractor-trailer parked near 1236 Pottsville Pike in Perry Township, Berks County, on May 6, died of apparent natural causes, state police at Hamburg said. Police said they were called to the area to conduct a welfare check on the truck driver, who was parked on the shoulder of the road for an extended amount of time, and found the man deceased inside. Police said their investigation is ongoing and that Hamburg EMS and the Berks County Coroners Office assisted. Police investigate theft in Hegins HEGINS A theft that occured on Church Road in Hegins Township between 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven. Police said someone removed a brown rocking chair, pink reading glasses, a Bosch Clic-Change drill and a Stanley vacuum, with a combined value of $460. The person or persons also damaged glass on a side door and a window. The damage estimate was $1,300, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-754-4600. Woman charged with phone theft POTTSVILLE A Pottsville woman was arrested by state police at Schuylkill Haven and charged with theft by unlawful taking after an incident at 7211 Fairlane Village in Norwegian Township around 4:30 p.m. April 26. Police said Lisa Goodman, 21, stole an iPhone 8 from Colby Sweitzer, of Mount Carmel Township, while the two were outside Fairlane Village mall. Lawmakers pressing two state constitutional amendments to vastly diminish any governors ability to declare and manage an emergency, and transfer that power to themselves, already have demonstrated why it is a terrible idea. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Pennsylvania early in 2020, Republican legislative leaders immediately and irresponsibly politicized it, sniping from the bleachers as Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine attempted to navigate, without a map, a global public health crisis that was unprecedented in modern times. Emergency management is an executive branch function, so current state law logically places the administrative machinery and on-the-ground decision-making in the hands of the governor. The two constitutional amendments on the May 18 primary ballot, regarding that power, would require the Legislature to approve an emergency declaration every 21 days rather than the current rule requiring the governor to evaluate and renew it every 90 days and enable the Legislature to terminate a declared emergency at any time without the governors consent. Any legislature is deliberative, rather than action-oriented, and Pennsylvanias is a gerrymandered, politically polarized, special-interest-infused train wreck with 253 members. Proponents argue that emergency declarations should be submitted to the peoples representatives. But the governor is elected statewide; his district is Pennsylvania, which cannot be gerrymandered. All of the people get to vote for that position. Lawmakers would render decisions on emergencies as soon as they consulted the assorted lobbyists for their favored interests the same way that they conduct regular business. Characteristically, the legislators rushed to pass the amendments enabling them to terminate emergency declarations without bothering to tell the public what would come next. The amendments also ignore the administrative machinery regarding emergencies. A state emergency declaration must be in place for the state government to receive federal disaster assistance, yet the sponsoring lawmakers would allow declarations to expire automatically after 21 days, imperiling direct federal assistance, expanded access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other aid. As of Tuesday, Pennsylvanians had suffered 1.18 million COVID-19 cases and 26,597 deaths. It is a real and ongoing emergency. The Wolf administration response has not been perfect, and the economic fallout resulting from its emergency measures also is real. But anyone who thinks that the Legislature would do better has not been paying attention to it. To ensure effective state government responses to future emergencies, Pennsylvanians including independent and third-party voters who are eligible to vote on ballot questions during primary elections would be wise to vote No on the first two constitutional amendments on the ballot. To the Editor: May 5 was World Day of Prayer. I had been informed that there was not one this year. What a shame. In years past, they would gather in front of the Schuylkill County Courthouse to pray for the courts, businesses, military, education and the country and the church. Who dropped the ball in the effort to bring the people together for this event? Is it not needed anymore, or is it because of fear? We are told as Christians to pray and not forsake the assembling together as the manner of some do, but to do it more as we see the day approaching. Is it ever thought that less prayer means greater victory for the power of evil? A pastor who was the head of this day would roll over in his grave if he knew no one was serious about World Day of Prayer. He was a man of prayer who dedicated his lifes work to seeing prayer was made in each of these areas. Excuses can be made because of the virus, but what one will be good enough to free one from guilt? Harry Davis Christ Independent Church Lavelle To the Editor: After reading pieces from both sides of the political coin, I feel the need to add a few fun facts as well as ask questions regarding various topics. In February, the state decided not to file criminal charges against George F. Halcovage Jr., citing the statue of limitations as one reason. Yet a civil lawsuit looms. There have been many on Halcovages side who claim this is all a political hatchet job. Ironically, it was a political mailer from U.S. Rep Dan Meuser, R-9. During the 2018 primary, Meuser sent out a mailer titled George Halcovage: Wrong for women, wrong for (C)ongress. It referenced a story quoting two women who accused Halcovage of harassment. As far as I know, Meuser has not made any official statements about whether or not Halcovage should resign. Does this mean that Meuser believes Halcovages allegations made him unfit for Congress but not for county commissioner? I know this will bring up a widely repeated question about political bias. If youre going after Halcovage, why arent you going after Democrats? This means all political figures, past and present, who have been accused of criminal acts, especially against women. Our political leaders need to be held to a higher standard. Trump, Biden, Gaetz, Cuomo, Kavanaugh, Clinton, etc. The only way that we can drain the swamp, topple the patriarchy or stop the good ol boys club is to remind them they are not above the law. Remember, these must be criminal acts. Consensual relationships and extramarital affairs do not count as criminal even if they go against your moral code. I have a question for Father Edward B. Connolly and Dr. David J. Moylan. In your letter to the editor, its stated that people should write to their reps instead of holding rallies. Does this mean you believe the March for Life should end and they can just rely on a letter writing campaign? Another item that Ive been seeing is the statement Youre mocking the Founding Fathers. Does this mean that any new law that goes against the original documents is mockery? If so, I will be proud to mock the Founding Fathers. Slavery was not abolished until 1865. Women did not have the right to vote until 1920. Many civil rights and equality issues still have not yet been properly resolved. Yes the Founding Fathers were brave men who went against tyranny and we should honor their good deeds but that doesnt mean we should give them a get out of jail free card for issues they failed to address or resolve. Whenever I bring up slavery, someone always reminds me that it was those pesky southern Democrats that wanted slavery to continue and were confederacy leaders. Those are good points, but if you are indeed saying that it was the Democrats who supported slavery and the confederacy, why is it OK for Republicans to display the confederate flag? You often see it flying next to Trump flags, which, hey, if you want to proudly display the flag of the losing team then be my guest, but youre sending mixed messages. Finally, in closing, I think many need to stop with the instant explosive labeling. If you disagree with the right, you are labeled socialist, communist or Marxist. If you disagree with the left, you are racist, fascist or a bigot. Speaking up and voicing your opinion doesnt have to end in insults or accusations. Learn the actual definitions of these labels or maybe come up with some original insults on your own. Independent thought combined with real facts and knowledge is in need of a major comeback. Duane M. Lileck Pine Grove In order to help India counter the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea has sent 10,000 rapid testing kits and will be sending more emergency medical support. Taking to Twitter, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi highlighted the continuous cooperation with the Republic of Korea and welcomed the shipment of 10,000 rapid testing kits that arrived in the country on Thursday evening. Several other countries have extended support to India by sending oxygen cylinders, oxygen tanks, medicines, PPE kits, and raw materials for the manufacturing of vaccines. "Our continuing cooperation with the Republic of Korea. Welcome the shipment of 10000 rapid testing kits from the Republic of Korea that arrived today," he said. Our continuing cooperation with Republic of Korea. Welcome the shipment of 10000 rapid testing kits from Republic of Korea that arrived today. pic.twitter.com/OjG9oZMlPq Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 13, 2021 Carrying 10,000 rapid testing kits, the first flight just landed at the airport at 16:30 hrs (4:30 pm). For further distribution to hospitals and healthcare centres in the country, these medical supplies will be donated to the Indian Red Cross Society. Three more special flights Three more special flights, containing 100 portable oxygen concentrators, 10 ventilators, 100 negative pressure carriers, and 10,000 antigen detection kits (for 250,000 tests) will be arriving at New Delhi's IGI Airport in the coming days. Three more special flights, containing 100 portable oxygen concentrators, 10 ventilators, 100 negative pressure carriers & 10,000 antigen detection kits (for 250,000 tests) are arriving in Delhi, on 13th, 14th, and 16th May, from South Korea pic.twitter.com/1rZojWTkSC ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 India Thanks S.Korea For 200 Oxygen Concentrators South Korea on Wednesday assisted the nation with medical equipment including 200 oxygen concentrators in the fight against COVID-19. The official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi informed about the consignment that arrived. Bagchi further tweeted appreciating the help received. He also wrote about the cooperation between India and the Republic of Korea. Cooperation with Republic of Korea continues. Consignment of medical equipment including 200 oxygen concentrators arrives. Appreciate this support from our partner pic.twitter.com/1X1DBHgulQ Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 11, 2021 Global support for India As India fights against COVID, global support poured in to support the country in its medical crisis. Nearly 40 countries have announced their assistance. The UK provided India with 495 oxygen concentrators that can extract oxygen from the air when hospital oxygen systems have run out, as well as 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators in its first shipment. More such help is expected in the future. The US has announced to provide India with the raw materials needed to produce vaccines. Moreover, medical equipment and protective gear will also be sent to India. Israel has announced to send a team of experts to help the country tackle the second wave of Covid-19. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas informed that the country has prepared to help India with oxygen and medical aid. The European Commission has activated its EU Civil Protection Mechanism to send oxygen and medicine to India. COVID Cases in India As per Union Health Ministry, India reported 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases, 3,52,181 discharges and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases: 2,37,03,665 Total discharges: 1,97,34,823 Death toll: 2,58,317 Active cases: 37,10,525 Total vaccination: 17,72,14,256 (With ANI Inputs) (Image Credits: ANI) The British Oxygen Company delivered 1,200 oxygen cylinders to India on Thursday, May 13, as part of COVID-19 assistance to help cope with a record increase in virus cases that has placed a burden on the country's healthcare infrastructure. Also, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry (EAM), thanked Qatar Airways for providing logistical help for the shipment of oxygen cylinders. UK sends 1,200 more oxygen cylinders Welcome the gift of another 1200 oxygen cylinders from British Oxygen Company that arrived from the UK today. Appreciate the logistical support from Qatar Airways for this shipment. pic.twitter.com/tpYsG4R1c3 Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 13, 2021 Bagchi Tweeted, "Welcome the gift of another 1,200 oxygen cylinders from British Oxygen Company that arrived from the UK today. Appreciate the logistical support from Qatar Airways for this shipment." India receives global assistance The British Oxygen Company sent 1,350 oxygen cylinders from the UK on Monday. India received international assistance in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE), surgical equipment, oxygen concentrators and cylinders, and other medical aids as a result of the huge increase in COVID cases. Several other nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, have expressed interest in assisting India. Also, a shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from Indonesia arrived at the Delhi Airport early on Thursday, May 13. Meanwhile, India received medical aid from European countries which included 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 O2 cylinders from Finland & 10 O2 cylinders from Greece. Bagchi tweeted, "Spirit of solidarity & cooperation - a hallmark of India-EU relations. Aircraft arrives carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 O2 cylinders from Finland & 10 O2 cylinders from Greece. Value the continuing support from our EU Flag of European Union partners. India also received more than 50 oxygen concentrators from Thailand. Bagchi thanked the country for their contribution. He wrote, "Amb Suchitra with office bearers of VHP Thailand led by Shri Sushil Saraff. VHP Thailand members have donated more than 50 oxygen concentrators to India. Thank you for your contribution." According to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday, India recorded 3,62,727 new COVID-19 cases and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours. There were a total of 1,93,82,642 discharges and 2,54,197 deaths. There are presently 37,04,099 active cases around the world. (with inputs from ANI) Picture Credit: Twitter @MEAIndia In the early hours of Thursday, May 13, a shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from Indonesia arrived at the Delhi Airport as India continues to battle the second wave of the COVID-19. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appreciated support from Indonesia during these unprecedented times. Further deepening our millennia old civilisational links. Welcome shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from our friendly maritime neighbour Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/jzeDcI6q1J Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 12, 2021 India receives medical aid from Indonesia While sharing the information on Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote, "Further deepening our millennia old civilisational links. Welcome shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from our friendly maritime neighbour Indonesia." Four cryogenic oxygen containers were previously airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Jakarta, Indonesia. Meanwhile, the second shipment of 40 tonnes of oxygen arrived in India on Wednesday, May 12, according to France's Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain. Lenain wrote on Twitter, "The second shipment of 40 tons of oxygen, donated by France's Air Liquide Group and filled in Qatar reaches Mumbai. Thanks to Indian Navy's frigate INS Tarkash." India received international assistance in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment (such as oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders), and other medical aids as a result of the huge increase in COVID cases. Several other nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, have expressed interest in assisting India. India receives global support amid COVID crisis Also, on Thursday morning, India received medical aid from Germany, Greece and Finland. Appreciating India-EU relations, Bagchi wrote, "Spirit of solidarity & cooperation - a hallmark of India-EU relations. Aircraft arrives carrying 176 ventilators from Germany, 324 O2 cylinders from Finland & 10 O2 cylinders from Greece. Value the continuing support from our EU partners. According to data released by the union health ministry on Wednesday, India set a new record for the highest single-day death toll in one day, with 4,205 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours. With 4,187 deaths, the most recent record was set on May 7. In the last 24 hours, 3,48,421 new COVID-19 cases and 3,55,338 discharges were recorded, bringing the total number of positive cases in the country to 2,33,40,938. There were 1,93,82,642 discharges and 2,54,197 deaths in total. In the world, there are currently 37,04,099 active cases. (with inputs from ANI) Picture Credit: Twitter @MEAIndia STORY: Italy Migrants - Migrants on overcrowded Lampedusa moved to ferry LENGTH: 01:13 FIRST RUN: 1023 RESTRICTIONS: TYPE: Natsound SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS STORY NUMBER: 4325614 DATELINE: 13 May 2021 - Lampedusa SHOTLIST: RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Lampedusa - 13 May 2021 1. Various of migrants getting off vans and walking on the pier to embark on the quarantine ship 2. Various of migrants in line as they board the quarantine ship 3. Paramedics wearing sanitary suits and protective masks on the deck talking to migrants as they board the ship, police officers on the pier 4. Close of ship name reading "GNV Azzurra - Napoli" 5. Wide of ferry ship used as quarantine ship for migrants, police van on the pier 6. Migrants boarding the ship 7. Ship's crew member looking from the deck 8. Migrants on the deck boarding, police in foreground 9. Migrants in line boarding 10. Various of ship STORYLINE: Hundreds of migrants were transferred onto a ferry used as a quarantine ship to leave an overcrowded migrant housing center on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday morning. Italy dispatched an unused passenger ferry to Lampedusa on Monday night but it was unable to dock in the small port due to wind and rough water conditions. The migrants are part of the more than 2,000 who have reached the island from Tunisia and Libya in just over 24 hours between Sunday and Monday. The migrant housing centre on the island rapidly surpassed its 200-plus capacity. About 600 are being transferred onto the quarantine ship. Another group of about 250 unaccompanied minors also left the island on Thursday morning on a commercial ferry linking Lampedusa with Sicily. The latest arrivals on Lampedusa, a 20-square-kilometer (about 8-square mile) island closer to northern Africa than to the Italian mainland, were the biggest number of migrants to come ashore in a single day at an Italian port this year. This year's arrivals have already topped by far the number of migrants arriving via sea in the same period in each of the past two years. According to Interior Ministry figures, by May 10, 2019, just over 1,000 people had arrived by sea ; by the same date in 2020, 4,184 had arrived, and this year so far nearly 13,000 have arrived. =========================================================== Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com (ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service (iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) As the Israel-Palestine violence continues to escalate with no endgame in sight, China urged the United Nations Security Council to act on the conflict and push for de-escalation. China, on May 13, expressed "high degree of concern" over the deadly clashes while asking the UN to act. The Xi Jinping-led country also expressed regret that the UN Security Council had not passed a proposed statement on tensions. China's statement comes amid the ongoing clashes as both sides continue to engage in violent attacks with Palestinians launching rockets from Gaza and Israel unleashing new airstrikes. World leaders have been urging both sides to show restraint while US President Biden supported Israel's right to protect itself. At least 83 people have been killed in Gaza so far as Palestinians refuse to budge. "China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying during a regular press briefing. China speaks on Israel-Palestine conflict China said that it was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body adding that "no agreement has been reached so far." Blaming the obstruction of individual countries, China demanded that the council 'should take action.' China and other countries have drafted and disseminated a statement, the majority of countries have supported it and called for its immediate release, but very regrettably the UN Security Council has failed to reach a consensus, Hua Chunying added. "The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution." The security council will hold an emergency meeting on May 14 at the request of Tunisia, Norway and China. Earlier on May 12, another emergency meeting ended without an agreement as due to opposition from the United States. China is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and holds the rotating presidency this month. China believes that the Security Council should do something to reaffirm commitment and firm support to the two-state solution, and firmly push for de-escalation, Hua said. As the president China will continue to push for the Security Council to take action on the situation in East Jerusalem. US supports Israel's right to protect According to reports, the US had told the security council meeting that it is working behind the scenes to calm the situation and it was not sure that a statement at this point would help. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions. In his first response ever since the Hamas rocket attacks erupted, Biden said that he hopes that the hostilities will come to an end soon. New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) Sweden Thursday said it is working closely with partners in India to get an understanding of what is required on the ground, saying the second wave of COVID-19 has hit hard and it is a humanitarian crisis and requires to be treated that way. Team Sweden, which comprises the Swedish government, Swedish industry, businesses and agencies, has joined forces to help India fight the current devastating surge of the coronavirus, Sweden's Ambassador to India Klas Molin said. "The second wave of Covid has hit hard and close to home, sparing no one. It is a humanitarian crisis and requires to be treated that way. "We are working closely with partners in India to get an understanding of what is required on ground. It is heartening to see so many stepping up to the challenge - from government and large companies to individuals, including the Indian diaspora community in Sweden. Each contributing to make a difference," he said. There are approximately 220 Swedish companies in India which employ close to 2,00,000 people directly and another 22,00,000 indirectly. Like the rest of the country, almost every company has lost employees, or their family members, to COVID-19, Molin said. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce India (SCCI) has launched an initiative under Kraftsamla (which in Swedish means to join forces), to coordinate all efforts being made locally that can broadly be classified under saving lives, livelihood, prevention and building for the future, he said. Swedish companies are involved in strengthening and assisting local healthcare systems via support to local hospitals with medical equipment like ventilators, oxygen concentrators among others, setting up of COVID-care facilities, infrastructure and technical know-how, he said. Kamal Bali, managing director of Volvo India and chairperson of SCCI, said that the second wave of COVID-19 in India has been highly virulent and fast spreading, and this can truly overwhelm the best of administrations or healthcare systems anywhere. "It is indeed gratifying to see the willingness and coordinated response of the Swedish companies in supporting lives and livelihoods with an outreach to employees, families and communities. "The Swedish companies are engaged in creating Covid care centres, bringing oxygen concentrators, vaccination campaigns and will continue to do more, together with the local administration," said Bali. The Swedish Chamber is also working with issues around livelihood for migrant workers, women and children, as well as mental health and trauma counselling. While the Chamber manages efforts in India, the Sweden India Business Council (SIBC) in Stockholm is coordinating with headquarters of Swedish businesses. According to Robin Sukhia, secretary general and president of SIBC, from Sweden, industry will fund medical supplies, distribution, medical care and support to urban and rural India. This will be done through established Indian NGOs such as Pratham, Indian Red Cross Society and Doctors without Borders, among others, via their Swedish or international organisations. So far, the total amount raised outside India is USD 5.2 million. "The rapid and substantial response from Swedish industry to the sad situation in India affecting our friends, families and colleagues was notable and encouraging. The companies and their head offices have mounted a great response to support the medical situation," said Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, a North European financial group. Sweden has also donated 200 oxygen concentrators to India. It supports the Indian Red Cross through International Federation of Red Cross (IFCR). The current Swedish support to IFCR is 70 million Swedish Krona (USD 8.2 million). Sweden is the fourth largest contributor to the international vaccine initiative COVAX and has announced an additional support of 1 million doses of the vaccine to COVAX. PTI CPS SKL ZMN (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Hundreds of nurses in Argentina marched on International Nurses Day to demand better salaries, professional recognition, and improved working conditions as the country battles a new wave of coronavirus infections. Nurses from hospitals across Buenos Aires gathered at the steps of the National Congress and marched to Plaza de Mayo, holding flaming torches in memory of the 183 nurses who have died from the virus. Some nurses also complained about low salaries and lack of protective equipment in hospitals. By Wednesday, Argentina had reported over 3.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 68,000 deaths linked to COVID-19. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Egyptian Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr in Cairo on Thursday, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Hundreds of worshippers gathered inside mosques to pray. This is the first Eid prayers to be performed in Egypt since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi attended the prayers in the New Alamein City in Matrouh Governorate. Eid al-Fitr is one of the centerpieces of the Muslim calendar in Egypt, often featuring extended family gatherings where parents often buy gifts and new clothes for their children. Earlier this month the Egyptian government announced that the country's beaches, parks and other public areas would be closed during the five-day holiday of Eid al-Fitr. The country has recently seen another surge in infections, with daily reported new cases surpassing 1,000 in the past two weeks. Egypt, with a population of over 100 million people, has registered more than 240,927 confirmed cases and 14, 091 deaths. However, the actual numbers of COVID-19 cases, like elsewhere in the world, are thought to be far higher, in part due to limited testing. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Civil servants in Hong Kong have been resigning at record rates since the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) imposed a national security law on the city, and the city government required them to pledge an oath of loyalty. More than 1,800 civil servants resigned during the year ending April 2021, the Civil Service Bureau said in documents submitted to the city's Legislative Council (LegCo), around one percent of the entire government payroll, government broadcaster RTHK reported. A further 6,000 civil servants retired during the same period, three percent of the total payroll, including nearly 150 department heads, around 10 percent of the total at that pay grade, according to the Economic Times newspaper. The figures were made public after the Hong Kong government said last month it was terminating the contracts of 129 civil servants who hadn't yet signed the written oath of allegiance to the government. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip told lawmakers at the time that some had written on the oath form that the requirement infringed their right to free speech. The declaration vows that the officials will "bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China ... and be responsible to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region." Nip has previously said it is a "fundamental responsibility" of government employees to bear allegiance to Hong Kong and its administration. Officials have previously said that this responsibility includes not making public criticisms of the government and its policies. The requirement to pledge loyalty to the government comes amid a citywide crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition since a draconian national security law was imposed on Hong Kong by the CCP from July 1, 2020. In January, Hong Kong government broadcaster RTHK terminated the permanent civil service contract and benefits of a journalist known for her hard-hitting questions of government officials, the staff union said. Work placements in China TV current affairs anchor Nabela Qoser, fired a series of hard-hitting questions at chief executive Carrie Lam about a July 31 attack by armed thugs on train passengers in Yuen Long, prompting Lam and other top officials to walk out of a news conference, was later let go from a short-term contract she signed in its place. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on Monday revealed plans to send Hong Kong civil servants on work placements to mainland China, adding that mainland Chinese officials would be welcome to undertake placements in Hong Kong. The exchanges are likely to take place between cities in the Greater Bay Area around the Pearl River delta, as part of an ongoing attempt to integrate Hong Kong more closely with southern China. On Tuesday, Lam refused to be drawn on whether there was an outright ban on a planned candlelight vigil commemorating the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen massacre in Victoria Park, replying only that the government would "act in accordance with the law." However, she said that the right to peaceful assembly had been "abused," blaming the foreign media for assuming that someone who expresses a political viewpoint at a peaceful protest cannot have committed a crime. Police commissioner Chris Tang declined to answer when asked if police would issue a "letter of no objection" to allow the rally to proceed or not. Last week, the District Court handed jail terms to jailed democracy activist Joshua Wong and three opposition members of the city's District Council for attending last year's Tiananmen massacre vigil in defiance of a ban that was ostensibly linked to coronavirus restrictions. Wong was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment on May 6, while district councilor Lester Shum was jailed for six months. Fellow councilors Tiffany Yuen and Jannelle Leung were each handed four-month sentence. All four had pleaded guilty to taking part in the rally. Wong, Shum, and Yuen also stand accused of "subversion" under the national security law after they took part in a democratic primary in July 2020, that was geared towards winning a majority of LegCo seats for pro-democracy parties. Reported by Chan Yun Nam for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Conspiracy theories and Communist Party media are seeping into the Southeast Asian nation of 69 million people. By the time video scenes of a brutal prison riot in Ecuador earlier this year reached Asia, the videos caption had been changed and read, American Blacks and Whites in California Killing Chinese, and the clip went viral. Disinformation like that video, doctored to promote anti-U.S. hatred, is now growing in Thailand, say media researchers. Chinese narratives, whether fake news or state-sponsored propaganda, are gradually seeping into Thai media, academia, and political and business circles, and people from different sectors in Thailand are expressing concern over the phenomenon, experts say. In the violent video, an Asian man is seen lying on the ground covered in blood and with his face wrenched in pain. Dozens of Spanish-speaking men attack him with bats and sticks, beating him in broad daylight. No source is cited in the video, which was described in the post as a hate crime against Asians in America, and went viral on social media platforms. Since mid-April, it has been shared widely in Southeast Asian chat groups and on Taiwanese and Chinese social media and instant messaging apps. The common theme on all the comment threads was Whats Wrong with the United States? After reviewing messages circulating in Chinese WeChat groups; chat groups on Line, the instant message app popular in Asia; and Facebook groups, an RFA reporter found that the video had targeted audiences in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia with inflammatory anti-U.S. captions. America is out of order! In California, U.S.A., blacks and whites are killing Chinese. Forward this video all over China! read one. A Chinese lost his life meaninglessly, but our country is still trying to please the U.S. for favors, said another. Time for Chinese in the U.S. to wake up. Escape from America as soon as possible. Return to China or emigrate to a Southeast Asian country -- the sooner, the better, said yet another. Lilly Lee, an independent researcher who studies Chinese Communist Party (CCP) information warfare, pointed out that the dissemination of distorted information fits the main themes of recent CCP information warfare. "Like other films we have seen that are part of the CCP's information wars, this film seeks to push the idea that democracy isn't a good way to govern a country or its people, either by singing China's praises or by portraying chaotic events in the United States," she told RFA. "We have come across two main narratives in the course of our research. One tries to use China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic to show the superiority of China's system of governance over those of Western countries. The other makes use of incidences of anti-Asian racist attacks in the U.S. to serve their propaganda aims," Lee said. "These reports are about 30 percent true and 70 percent fake news," she added. These doctored messages and graphic videos went viral in the Chinese community in Thailand and were also translated into the Thai language. Facebook groups and Line are the most popular sources of information in Thailand, especially for the older generations, said Teeranai Charuvastra, a Bangkok-based journalist and board member of the Thai Journalists Association. Over the past year, distorted anti-America and Hate Americans videos have become common in Thailand, he told RFA, noting that while sophisticated younger-generation audiences were unlikely to buy stories like these, older people are more susceptible to media manipulation. Mislabeled image of a prison riot in Ecuador, with a Chinese caption that reads: "In California, U.S.A., blacks and whites are killing Chinese. Forward this all over China! From Russia to Southeast Asia via China After investigating the source of this video and its paths of transmission, RFA found that what the video had captured was a prison riot in Ecuador on Feb. 23, and it had been uploaded to Twitter by an official of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Justice. On March 14, the video was shared on Russian instant messaging software and on Telegram. By late April, the video had surfaced on instant messaging software and social media in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The video also appeared on Reddit, a U.S. forum, where it was mistakenly described as a violent incident in Los Angeles. However, the account that uploaded the video has since been deleted. Lee said that, unlike Russia, whose information warfare is largely operated directly by Russian government agencies, Chinas disinformation work is diffuse, and often delegated to various departments or outsourced to private contractors. Attribution is often difficult to make because of the wide range of actors involved. Western analysts long focused on Russian disinformation efforts have also started to come to grips with relative latecomer Chinas aggressive campaign. Beijing uses large numbers of fake social media accounts to push its messages. It has increasingly relied on the types of trolls and bots Russia has utilized. Chinese diplomats amplify spin and outright false messages, and big Chinese state media outlets push the governments stories, said a September 2020 report by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The quality of Chinese disinformation efforts is inconsistent, and falsehoods can be easily detected. In Taiwan, a prime target of information warfare to reinforce Beijings efforts to induce the democratic island to accept unification with the communist mainland, awareness of Chinas campaign is high and fact-checking mechanisms are being improved, the Ecuador video did not attract much reaction. Last month, Taiwanese authorities unveiled a falsified Taiwan Presidential Office memo claiming that Taipei had agreed to receive nuclear wastewater from Fukushima, Japan. But the message used the mainlands simplified Chinese characters instead of traditional script used in Taiwan, and employed terms that betrayed unfamiliarity with government agencies and titles on the island. The misrepresented Ecuador prison riot image as it appeared on Thai social media. Some Chinese punches are landing And in March, the most famous of the aggressive official Twitter accounts of Chinas pugnacious Wolf Warrior diplomats that of foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted a conspiracy theory suggesting that the coronavirus originated in the U.S.. Zhao also stirred controversy in late 2020 when he shared a fake image of an Australian soldier killing an Afghan child. Chinese disinformation still seems more simplistic than Russias. Chinese fake social media accounts spreading disinformation about COVID-19 often appear shoddier than Russian ones and thus easier to expose, said the CFR report. Still, some of Beijings disinformation punches are landing, it noted. RFA was unable to obtain an official Chinese comment on the Thai fake news campaign, but foreign ministry spokespersons have responded to previous accusations that China spreads disinformation by saying the country is a victim of fake news, not a perpetrator, and accusing the platforms of having double standards by not blocking unfavorable news reports about China. China blocks Twitter and Facebook but its official media and diplomats use the platforms to spread Chinese views and combat critics. The same Ecuador prison riot video that barely caused a ripple in Taiwan ignited passions in Thailand, however, where it went viral. Thailand became fertile ground for the disinformation video because conspiracy theories about the U.S. were already circulating widely since a Thai student movement erupted after the dissolution in February 2020 of the Future Forward Party. The destruction of the new progressive political party favored by younger Thais triggered the largest wave of pro-democracy protests in Thailand since 2014. Social media disinformation campaigns said the Thai students were incited by Washington, while more outlandish stories alleged Western-led collusion between the Thai student movement and the 2019-20 Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, whose leading activists were also branded Western puppets by Chinas online troll army. In August 2019, Twitter announced it had banned 936 accounts originating from within China that were deliberately and specifically attempting to sow political discord in Hong Kong, including undermining the legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement on the ground. The U.S. tech giant said it made the decision based on reliable evidence to support that this is a coordinated state-backed operation. The 936 frozen accounts followed the proactive suspension of a larger, spammy network of approximately 200,000 accounts, it added. Facebook at the same time suspended a smaller page of pages, groups and accounts focused on disinformation about Hong Kong protests. Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government, the social media platform said. To the 33-year-old Thai journalist Teeranai, the most unfortunate thing is that these infowars are very distracting, he said. Instead of debating issues critical to the future of the nation of 69 million people, the public was wasting time discussing who was behind the student movements, questioning whether the U.S. and other Western countries were meddling in the matter, or accusing the student protesters as gangsters or paid actors, he added. The danger of this misinformation and disinformation is that they scandalized the activists, who in turn lost their own credibility and the general publics trust in the movement, added Teeranai . Beyond the fake news campaigns, analysts in Thailand are also concerned about the longer game China is playing to influence public opinion: the expansion of CCP-owned media in Thailand. Chinese official media are required to demonstrate strict loyalty to the CCP and to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the 2021 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, a press-freedom watchdog, China ranked near the bottom in the world, above only Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea, while the number of journalists detained in China is the largest in the world. In 2015, the Chinese government made media and information cooperation with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an essential part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Xis signature global infrastructure program to support trade with China. In the following years, through mergers and the acquisition of Thai media outlets or through signing MOUs, China began providing free content to TV stations in Thailand from party-controlled outlets Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV). Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, a prominent Chinese "Wolf Warrior" diplomat with a history of sharing questionable content on his Twitter account, takes a question at the daily media briefing in Beijing, April 8, 2020. Credit: AFP Conspiracy theories as straight news In 2019, against the backdrop of the China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges, content from Xinhua was published in Khaosod, the third-largest newspaper in Thailand. Bangkok-based journalist Tyler Roney observed as a result that the Thai newspaper completely adopted Beijings narrative when reporting on the massive pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. By 2020, Thai media had become even further under Beijing's influence when covering reports regarding the source of the COVID-19 pandemic, in at least one case running a conspiracy theory pushed by CCTVs global arm, CGTN. Some Thai media just put the conspiracy theory generated by the Chinese state media as news reports. For example, 'Bombshell Report: The Coronavirus May Have Come from American Soldiers.' Such so-called news reports did not verify the news sources. They also ignored the fact that the source of information came from Chinese authority controlled state-run media, said Teeranai. James Gomez, director of the Thai think tank Asia Centre, said that compared with Taiwan and Japan, where citizens are on high alert against disinformation and misinformation from foreign powers, in Thailand, the public lacks the ability to identify information from China, while the government does nothing to counter Chinese public opinion influence efforts. Thai government agencies and elites are closely aligned with China in order to gain economic, military, or political benefits, Gomez told RFA. Therefore, they will not criticize China, nor will they use interference from foreign powers to describe China. I think this is exactly where the problem lies: Authorities are unwilling to acknowledge the impact on the local level caused by the Chinese narrative. Chinese-Thai economic relations have deepened in recent years, and China has become the major source of international students for Thai universities, tourists and investment. In 2019, Chinese tourists made up 27.6 percent of Thailands foreign visitors, and the China-Thailand high-speed railway program brought in supporting factories and investments. In 2020, China surpassed Japan to become Thailands major source of Foreign Direct Investment. A poll by Japans Nikkei Asia earlier this year found that when asked how they would choose between the U.S. and China, the Thai people showed a 50-50 split. To a certain degree, this also reflects the principle of equilibrium that Thailand has historically practiced in its foreign policy when dealing with superpowers, said Poowin Bunyavejchewin, a senior researcher at the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University. In contrast to elites, many citizens in the Nikkei survey expressed concern about Chinas growing influence in Southeast Asia and in Thailand, about the quality of the planned high-speed rail line, about a possible debt trap, and about Chinas (COVID) vaccine diplomacy. Poowin also feels uneasy at the way he says Chinese funding is entering Thai academia in a non-transparent manner. During the past five years or so, I feel like there was a Chinese Communist Party spokesperson in Thai academia, Poowin said. What they told the public was not fact-based truth, nor was it most suitable for Thailands true national interests. But they dominate the opinions. Gomez of the Asia Centre said he shares the concern that diversified voices are being muffled in Thailand, and fears this will take a toll on a civil society already under pressure from authoritarian military leaders. I think if the trend continues, there will be no room left for freedom of expression in Thai society, said Gomez. Reported by Jane Tang for RFAs Mandarin Service. Translated by Min Eu. Residents living near construction sites in the North Korean capital must travel in large groups for safety. In a file photo, a North Korean man walks near a big screen on a street near a residential complex which is lit at night in Pyongyang, North Korea. Residents of the North Korean capital Pyongyang are living in fear after construction workers on a major national project in the area have resorted to violent robberies to get enough money to feed themselves, sources in the city told RFA. Pyongyang, North Koreas largest city with a population of about 3 million, suffers from a severe housing shortage. The countrys leader Kim Jong Un promised at ruling Korean Workers Party congress in January, to alleviate the shortage with 50,000 new houses by the end of 2025, including 10,000 in 2021. Construction began almost immediately after the announcement, with organizers utilizing the military to provide special brigades of laborers called storm troopers. By day they work long grueling hours to try to complete the project in time, but at night, some of the poorly fed workers take to stealing and violence, and people living near the construction area say they are fearful that they could be the next victims, the sources said. A few days ago, some storm troopers who left the construction site in Soryong-dong assaulted and robbed a woman, taking everything valuable, a resident of Pyongyang told RFAs Korean Service May 7. In another incident, storm troopers beat up a man on the streets of Hyuam-dong and stole all the cash he had. The victims went to see the construction officials and protested in tears, but no action was taken, and assaults and robberies continued to happen, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons. According to the source, houses near the railroad tracks in the citys Soryong-dong were demolished to make way for the new homes. Residents who must pass through the area travel in groups of four or five to avoid the roving bands of hungry workers. The authorities are steadfast sticking to the important task of completing the 10,000 homes in the first year, so they can achieve the goals laid out in the party congress, but they ignore the robbery situation, so resident complaints are increasing day by day, the source said. Another source, also a Pyongyang resident, confirmed May 8 that robberies and murders were happening close to construction areas. Recently in Hyuam-dong a resident who was passing by a construction site was murdered. Police say he was robbed while riding his bicycle and lost his life, said the second source, who requested anonymity to speak freely. On Labor Day, May 1, as people gathered to celebrate the holiday, a resident who was out with his friends late at night returned home alone. He was found dead the next day near the construction site and this shocked the residents, said the second source. The second source said the victim was a man in his 50s who was originally from the area. He had been displaced by the construction project, so he was temporarily staying at his brothers house not too far away. Even though he heard the stories about the frequent robberies, he still went alone, said the second source. The Highest Dignity has said that constructing 10,000 new houses in Pyongyang is like fighting a war of creation, the second source said, using an honorific term to refer to Kim Jong Un. The source said that media is focusing its propaganda on the national project every day. But because some of the young construction workers are so hungry that they have resorted to becoming robbers, the people are saying it is more like a war with the robbers. In addition to not keeping their workers sufficiently fed, construction managers are foregoing safety standards due to the pressure of making their 10,000-house quota. RFA reported in April that about 20 storm troopers died due to an electrical fire in their on-site workers barracks. Because they are overworked, even the one assigned to night watch at the time of the fire fell asleep, allowing the fire to consume the whole building. Reported by Jeong Yon Park for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Banks now set limits on amounts that can be withdrawn, as the Central Bank makes fewer disbursements and ATMs run short of cash. Myanmars banking system has nearly collapsed following the Feb. 1 military coup, with the countrys banks seeing fewer deposits and more withdrawals, sources in the country say. The Central Bank has also had trouble disbursing enough funds to private banks to cover amounts being withdrawn for account-holders daily needs, sources say. Three months after the military coup, private banks are now limiting the amounts of money allowed for withdrawals at ATMs, with limits set at 200,000 (US $128) to 300,000 kyat per customer per day, while before the coup, about 1 million kyat could be withdrawn each day. Now, some cannot even take out the lower amount, with ATMs running out of cash. Hundreds of people can be seen waiting in lines every day to get their money from the banks. Nobody is depositing money in the banks anymore. Theyre just taking it out, one private bank official told RFAs Myanmar Service. Business owners who deal with tens of thousands in cash are not putting their money in the banks anymore because of security concerns, and the banks are running out of bank notes as a result, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Following the coup, Myanmars Central Bank told account holders not to worrythat it had enough money to cover withdrawals, the bank official said. But in reality, the amounts they gave to the banks gradually declined, with disbursements coming every three days and sometimes only once a week, he said. So the banks could not supply the ATMs with enough cash, and when they began to set limits, people lost their trust and began to withdraw their money out of fear. Calls seeking comment from Win Thaw, deputy chairman of the Central Bank, received no response this week. Speaking on May 7 at a press conference held by the militarys ruling State Administration Council, Win Thaw said that Myanmar citizens can still make deposits in the banks with confidence, adding, They can trust their money in the banks. People can work together to get the banking system up and running, and we will oversee the banks to make deposits and withdrawals run as smooth as possible, he said. 'The doors were closed' In Yangon, Mandalay, and other cities across the country, bank customers still face obstacles when trying to make withdrawals, sources say. When I went to ask about withdrawals, the doors were closed, one Yangon resident said. Security staff said I would have to make an appointment online if I want to withdraw money. You cant even withdraw your own money. Its hard even to get the 200,000 kyat anymore, he said. In Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, only 50 people are allowed each day to take money from their accounts at CB Bank, city resident San Shwe Kyaw said, adding that the withdrawals can be made only in small amounts. The bank allows only 50 people each day to make withdrawals, and they give us a number to show when we stand in line, he said. Banks closed in Myanmar after Feb. 1 when many private bank employees joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) of anti-junta work stoppages by white-collar workers, and though some have now reopened, few are functioning normally. It is becoming increasingly common now for customers trying to make withdrawals to pay a percentage of their funds to third parties able to make the withdrawals for them through their own accounts, sources say. Business owners dealing with large sums of money also face major banking and withdrawal problems. As a businessman, I dont have time to line up every day and night like the others, and sometimes I have to pay a certain percentage extra to get my money from someone outside, a trader in Muse, on the border with China, said, while a businessman in Lashio in northern Shan state said that even though he has money in his bank, it cant be withdrawn. So we have to transfer money to Yangon through the banks that accept online payments, he said. Myanmars banking system is resilient, though, and wont collapse easily, said businessman Soe Tun, adding that more than 50 banks are in business in the country. Of these, 20 are licensed foreign banks, and international banks are unlikely to collapse, he said, adding, There are four government banks, and these will also not easily collapse. The massive queues at the ATMs are being seen only at three banksthe Kanbawza, Irrawaddy, and CB Bank. And these banks wont collapse just by giving out 200,000 kyat to each customer, he said. On April 28, the State Administration Council (SAC) restored online financial systems using mobile internet lines, which were cut on March 15 to curb opposition to the military coup, but this does not seem to have allayed public concern, sources say. 'People have lost trust' Myanmars current banking and financial crisis has been caused only by the actions of the SAC now ruling the country, said Tin Tun Naing, Minister of Finance and Foreign Investment in Myanmars opposition shadow government, the National Unity Government (NUG). People have lost trust in the banks, and this breach of trust has been caused by the military council, he said, referring to the SAC by another name. Now, banks are trying to lure people with incentives called Special Accounts or Flexible Accounts, and some are saying they will even pay 6 percent interest on deposits, while others are saying they will pay as much as 8 percent. But now account holders cant even withdraw the money theyve put in, Tin Tun Naing said. So how can they believe the banks, or even the Central Bank? Who will take responsibility if they back out on their promises? he asked. A drop in the value of Myanmars currency has meanwhile led to higher commodity prices, with the exchange rate rising from 1,300 kyat per U.S. dollar on Feb. 1 to 1,618 kyat per U.S. dollar on May 12, according to Central Bank figures. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney. The UN has failed to take effective action in the case of Xinjiang and 'must live up to its core values,' says Dolkun Isa, president of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress. A guard watchtower rises along the perimeter fence of an internment camp in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in a file photo. The United Nations must take urgent and immediate action to protect Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims facing crimes against humanity committed by China in its northwestern Xinjiang region, diplomats, legal experts, and rights activists said on Wednesday. Speaking in an online virtual meeting, Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said that more than a million Uyghurs and other members of Muslim ethnic minority groups have already been incarcerated in a vast network of detention camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Chinese policies in the region have also led to a reported reduction of 48.74 percent in the birth rate among Muslims in Xinjiang, Roth said, calling China guilty of the crime of persecutiona deliberate effort to deprive Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims of their most fundamental rights [and] to snuff out their culture and religion. We should start pressing for a UN resolution on Xinjiangmost logically at the UN Human Rights Council, Roth said. Crimes against humanity deserve a commission of inquiry to collect the evidence and to build the case for prosecution. And though China would certainly block any resolution proposed in the UN Security Council, a procedural vote to place Xinjiang formally on the Security Councils agenda should be possible, Roth said, noting that Chinas veto also blocks access to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. We should examine alternative avenues to justice, such as the use of universal jurisdiction that several European Governments have used so effectively when ICC access for Syrian war crimes was similarly blocked, Roth said. And we should consider creating an international investigative mechanism for Xinjiang, similar to what has been done for Syria and Myanmar. Also speaking at the May 12 meeting, Christoph Heusgenpermanent representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the U.N.called on China to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and tear down the detention camps. If you have nothing to hide, why dont you finally grant unimpeded access to the HCHR, the U.N.s High Commissioner for Human Rights,? Heusgen asked. Despite the pressure exerted on many of us, lets commit to continue our efforts until the Uyghurs can live again in freedom, until they are no longer detained, no longer victims of forced labor and other human rights abuses, until they can exercise freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Universal human rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins with the word universal for a reason, said U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, also speaking at the meeting. Indeed, the foundational unit of the United Nationsfrom the first sentence of the Charteris not just the nation state. It is also the human being, she said. We will keep standing up and speaking out until Chinas government stops its crimes against humanity and the genocide of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang," Thomas-Greenfield said. "And we will keep working in concert with our allies and our partners until Chinas government respects the universal human rights of all its people." The U.N. has failed so far to take effective action in the case of Xinjiang, though, said Dolkun Isapresident of the Germany-based World Uyghur Congress. There has been no single concrete action taken by the UN Human Rights Council, no urgent resolution has been introduced, no special session has been proposed. In light of the Uyghur genocide and Chinas threat to the UN human rights mechanisms and to the civil society space, the UN needs to act in line with its own core values, Isa said. US notes range of abuses In an annual report on international religious freedoms released on May 12, the U.S. State Department noted that Chinese authorities in Xinjiang have subjected Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities to forced disappearance, forced labor, political indoctrination, and physical and psychological abuse. There were [also] reports that authorities moved tens of thousands of individuals from their home areas to work elsewhere in the region and the country, the State Department said. Programs of forced sterilization and birth control have sharply reduced the birthrate among Muslims in the Xinjiang region, while Chinese authorities have implemented polices, including home inspections, to ensure Uyghurs were not observing religious practices and to encourage neighbors to spy on each other, the State Department said. The U.K.s lower house of parliament on March 22, 2021 unanimously voted to label abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang part of a policy of genocide and crimes against humanity, becoming the third global legislative body to do so. The historic vote marked the first time that a motion declaring genocide has passed unopposed in the British parliament and follows similar designations of genocide in Xinjiang by the U.S. government and by lawmakers in Canada and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, lawmakers in New Zealand on May 5 unanimously agreed that "severe human rights abuses" are taking place in Xinjiang and called on the government to "work with all relevant instruments of international law to bring these abuses to an end." The vote represented the strongest move to date condemning rights abuses in Xinjiang by New Zealand, whose economy and regional influence is dwarfed by nearby China. Many in Laos are reluctant to take the vaccine, fearing harm to their health, after a 70-year-old woman dies on May 10 two days after taking the shot. Cases of COVID-19 infection continued to climb in Vietnam this week, with authorities locking down residential areas and industrial zones for disinfection, state media said on Thursday. Officials in Cambodia transferred inmates from a provincial prison to slow the spread of the disease behind bars amid rising numbers of deaths in the country, while in Laos residents voiced concern over the safety of vaccines despite a rise in cases there. In Vietnams capital Hanoi, two apartment buildings, Ho Guom Plaza and Booyoung Vinaboth located in the capitals Ha Dong districtwere closed and disinfected after two residents were found to be infected, media sources said. In Vinh Phuch province, northwest of Hanoi, the Peoples Committee of Vinh Yen city imposed a lockdown from May 13 to May 27 on the citys Hung Vuong ward after six new cases of infection were reported there. The virus has now also spread within neighborhoods and industrial zones in several other provinces and cities, including Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Da Nang, media sources say. On May 13, city leaders in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City issued orders directing the citys 17 industrial and processing zones to fully activate COVID-19 prevention and control systems, adding that areas without such plans in place would be temporarily shut down. Vietnam has now reported 683 cases of local transmission dating from April 27, when its fourth outbreak began, to May 13, according to Vietnams Ministry of Health, with 3,710 cases of infection and 35 deaths reported since January 2020. State media reported that Vietnam will receive a further shipment of 1.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organizations COVAX program on May 16, adding to a first shipment of 800,000 doses received on April 1. The Ministry of Health, said that 942,030 vaccinations have been given to frontline groups including health workers, police, and military forces as of May 12. A total of 30 million doses of vaccine have been promised by the COVAX program for 2021, with most scheduled for delivery in the second half of the year. The Ministry is speeding up negotiations with other sources of vaccines to ensure necessary supplies are available for the entire country, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said this week. Six more die in Cambodia In Cambodia, six more deaths were reported in the last day, bringing the countrys total death count in the pandemic to 142, according to the Ministry of Health. An additional 446 people tested positive over the same period, making a total of 21,141 cases so far, the Ministry said. Prison officials in Cambodias coastal Sihanoukville began moving inmates from the provinces prison to slow the spread of a May 10-11 outbreak, with Prison Department spokesperson Nuth Savana saying that 80 prisoners have been moved, with another 20 to be transferred later. The transferred prisoners, all of them nearing the end of their sentences, will now be kept in quarantine at Military Police headquarters in Banteay Meanchey province and will be released when their terms in prison end, Nuth Savana said. Speaking to RFA on May 11, Soeung Senkarunaspokesperson for the Cambodian rights group Adhocwelcomed news of the transfers, saying that even more prisoners should be released to prevent overcrowding. The Prison Department should do this especially in the case of minor offenses, he said. They should also consider releasing political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and environmental activists in order to reduce political tensions [in the country], he added. Garment workers in Cambodia are asking employers for time off from their jobs following recent COVID-19 outbreaks in their factories, but managers are denying their requests, with at least 420 factories reporting infections as of May 5, sources say. Athit Kong, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), has called on the government, factories, and buyers to help workers already out of work because of government-ordered lockdowns. Most are now out of money for food, rent, and payments on loans, he said. Factories, buyers, and the government must help the workers. The banks wont forgive them, and food is getting more expensive. Vaccine safety concerns Residents of Laos are voicing heightened concerns over vaccine safety following the death on May 10 of a 70-year-old woman named Bounnhang who died two days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. Speaking at a press conference on May 12, Bandith Xoumphonphakdya member of the Lao National Advising Committee on Vaccine Usesaid that Bounnhang had already been suffering poor health conditions, including a stomach ulcer that later hemorrhaged, when she received her shot. Based on her health and medical records and information about the AstraZeneca vaccine, our medical experts from the Lao Health Ministry, the WHO, and the Lao National Advising Committee concluded that [Bounnhang] died from her own diseases, and that her death was not related to the vaccine she received, he said. Many in Laos are reluctant to take the vaccine, fearing possible harm to their health, sources told RFA. Im hesitant about getting vaccinated, because the vaccine may have some side effects, an older man living in the capital Vientiane said on May 12. Doctors and nurses should avoid causing deaths like that, he said. I dont want the vaccine, Im too scared, added a woman living in Savannakhet province. I might have some underlying health conditions that could put me at high risk. The government should explain more about the vaccine and try harder to convince people to take the shot. If somebody dies from being vaccinated, the authorities should pay compensation to the surviving family, she said. A villager living in Champassak said that many in Laos still fear the vaccine and feel scared and pressured by the authorities to take the shot. But if something happens to us, no one will take responsibility, he said. Speaking to RFA, an official in the Health Department in Vientiane said that only a few people have lost confidence in the vaccine, however. Most of them still believe that the vaccine is their best protection. Look, right now hundreds of people are lining up for their shots, he added. Cases continue to rise in Laos, with the total number standing at 1,417 as of Wednesday, Ratsamy Vongkhamxaodeputy director general of the Communicable Disease Control Departmenttold a press conference on May 12. Though numbers are going down in the capital Vientiane, infections are climbing in Bokeo province in the northern part of the country, with 25 new cases reported on May 12, up from 20 on the previous day and 15 on the day before that, Ratsamy said. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese, Khmer, and Lao Services. Translated by Anna Vu, Samean Yun, and Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney. Armenia's caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory. Last year the two archfoes went to war over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the ensuing six-week conflict claimed thousands of lives and ended with a Moscow-brokered truce that saw Armenia ceding swaths of territory that it had controlled for decades. Pashinian resigned last month after being subjected to huge political pressure over his handling of the conflict. He is currently staying on in a caretaker capacity, setting the stage for June 20 parliamentary elections. Pashinian on May 13 accused Baku of new transgressions as he convened an emergency meeting of his Security Council. He cited the "explosive situation" in Armenia's southeastern Syunik Province, where Azerbaijani troops reportedly advanced several kilometers into Armenian territory early on May 12 and refused to pull back. The Armenian Defense Ministry said later on May 13 that Azerbaijani forces also breached two other sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. It said Armenian Army units deployed there stopped their advances and demanded that they immediately retreat to the Azerbaijani side of the border. Pashinian claimed that a total of about 250 Azerbaijani soldiers currently remain within Armenias internationally recognized borders. He said that they are using false maps to lay claim to that territory. "It is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinian said. "This is an act of subversive infiltration." Pashinian instructed his defense and foreign ministers to ask the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, of which Armenia is a member, to invoke Article 2 of its founding treaty, which commits the bloc to discussing a collective response to grave security threats facing its member states. He invoked the need for "preventing a further escalation of the situation and protecting the territorial integrity, stability, and sovereignty" of Armenia. Azerbaijan has not commented on the accusations. The United States -- one of the three countries in the so-called Minsk Group that leads diplomacy on Nagorno-Karabakh -- said it was "closely following" the rising tensions. "We understand communication between the parties is ongoing and urge restraint in de-escalating the situation peacefully," State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted. With reporting by AFP and TASS MINSK -- Belarusian opposition figure Maryya Kalesnikava has been charged eight months after her arrest last year for urging people to protest against a disputed presidential election that left Alyaksandr Lukashenka in power. Kalesnikava's associates told RFE/RL on May 13 that, according to official documents, Kalesnikava was charged with conspiracy to seize power by unconstitutional means, public calls for action against national security, and creating and leading an extremist group. Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent. If found guilty, Kalesnikava faces up to 12 years in prison. Kalesnikava is a key member of the Coordination Council, a body set up by the political opposition to facilitate the transfer of power in Belarus following a presidential election in August that the opposition says was rigged and the West has refused to accept. Kalesnikava, who was arrested in September, has rejected all charges against her as politically motivated. Her arrest came amid mass demonstrations that swept across Belarus for several months after the disputed vote that gave Lukashenka a sixth consecutive term. Lukashenka has directed a brutal postelection crackdown in which almost 30,000 people have been detained, many sentenced to lengthy prison terms, hundreds beaten, several killed, and journalists targeted. Lukashenka, who has run Belarus since 1994, and other top officials have been slapped with sanctions by the West, which refuses to recognize him as the legitimate leader of the former Soviet republic. HOMEL, Belarus -- For more than three months, Anastasia Peravoshchykava saw little of the outdoors from her prison cell in southeastern Belarus where she was serving a sentence for attending the protests against Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his disputed reelection last August. To stop herself from "going crazy," Peravoshchykava said she spent time writing poetry and sketching pictures. One of thousands swept up in Lukashenka's brutal crackdown, she was finally released from prison in Buda-Kashalyova in the Homel region on May 9. "I was so happy that I was released and especially that I was able to see my mom and granddad again," Peravoschchykava, 32, told RFE/RL's Belarus Service. "I was floored that everything around me was green. From my cell, all I had been able to see was the branches of trees, and they were far away," Peravoshchykava said. "All I saw was gray." Belarus has been roiled by its worst political turmoil since August, when Lukashenka, in power since 1994, was declared the landslide winner of the election. Opposition groups said the vote was rigged against Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a political novice and arguably the biggest threat to his decades-long rule. In the crackdown that followed, more than 30,000 were detained and thousands beaten or even tortured. The NGO Vyasna says there are now 369 political prisoners in Belarus. Many opposition leaders are either in prison or have fled the country. Hundreds of journalists have been targeted as well, many simply for reporting on the protests. Protests that once attracted as many as 200,000 people in the capital, Minsk, are long a thing of the past. In recent months, flash mobs and other subtler forms of protest have become the norm. 'Going Crazy' Peravoshchykava was arrested for the first time in Homel on January 22 and charged with taking part in 10 unsanctioned rallies. At the time of her arrest, her home in Homel was searched, with her laptop and other items seized by police. Her grandfather's nearby home was also searched. Sentenced to 15 days in jail, she was released on February 6, before being arrested and sentenced again just two days later, again for taking part in unsanctioned demonstrations. While in prison in Buda-Kashalyova, her detention was extended by six times. In prison, Peravoshchykava said she received letters of support -- up to 20 a day -- not only from people inside Belarus, but abroad as well, including from the United States, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia. "Generally, a letter for someone in prison means a lot, each letter. After all, you experience so little there, and you can experience some of that through letters. I especially liked when people wrote jokes," she explained, adding she was pleasantly surprised by all the international support. To help time pass and avoid "going crazy," Peravoshchykava said she etched drawings and wrote poetry: one poem she titled Rose In The Wasteland, based on The Dark Tower series of books by the U.S. fiction writer Stephen King. "I remembered lines from one of the books and I created poetry based on that," she said. "I dedicated it to my family." By the end of March, prison authorities stopped delivering her mail. They also took away paper, pencils, and other materials for writing and drawing. Conditions in the cell also become more inhumane, she said. "It became difficult when on April 1 they took out all the mattresses and blankets. They didn't explain why," Peravoshchykava said. "It was cold. I put on all the clothes I had to try to keep warm." Other imprisoned Belarusians have also spoken of their conditions and treatment worsening around the end of March. At that time, Tsikhanouskaya, who left for Lithuania in August, had hoped to reignite the mass demonstrations, which had lost momentum due to winter cold, fatigue, and fear of the government's brutal tactics. Tsikhanouskaya, who said the movement had "lost the streets," urged Belarusians to turn out on March 25, when Belarus marked the anniversary of the founding of the first, short-lived, democratic republic in 1918. No large-scale turnout ever materialized, however, amid a new wave of arrests, threats, and allegations of foreign-inspired plots to destabilize the country. 'Tied To My Homeland' According to rights groups, prisoners in Belarus have complained of having mattresses and other items taken away, as well as harsher tactics by prison guards, including throwing buckets of bleach into cells, making breathing a struggle. Human Rights Watch has reported systematic beatings and even the torture of imprisoned protesters. "Of course, it's difficult being in prison for such a long time, especially for people with loved ones outside. It's psychologically hard, but a person can adapt to anything and become used to it," Peravoshchykava said. "I'd look at the stains on the walls, I'd see images of animals and people, remember my favorite places and people. Somehow, one's imagination just starts to take over." She said she was haunted by a recurring dream. "I dreamed that I had been released from prison and was walking the streets of Homel, and the city was completely empty, there was no one left. Empty streets, empty Lenin square," she said, adding many of her friends and acquaintances have fled the country. "It's sad. People left before, and now I'm seeing them leave as well," Peravoshchykava said. "I have no plans to leave. This is my country, my home; my mother and grandfather are here," she said. "I'm tied to my homeland with all my heart." Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Tony Wesolowsky based on an interview by RFE/RL's Belarus Service Uzbekistan will mark 30 years of independence since the collapse of the Soviet Union in September and in that time the country has watched its fortunes -- and its hopes for a free and democratic society -- rise and fall. One person whose legacy is inextricably tied to those hopes and to cataloguing Uzbekistans darkest moments is Surat Ikramov -- chairman of the Initiative Group of Independent Human Rights Defenders -- who died in Tashkent on March 3 at age 77. Human rights work in authoritarian contexts, and certainly in Uzbekistan, is a thankless and grueling slog. It is often more about bearing witness to continuous, mundane abuses and horrors than it is about dramatic speeches or courtroom drama. It is fundamentally about showing up, on a consistent basis -- about making sure that victims and survivors know you are there and will have their back. This accurately describes the way Ikramov, alongside his beloved wife and partner Gulnora Faizieva, worked for more than two decades, documenting the governments crackdown on peaceful religious believers, abuse committed by government officials, and the use of child labor in cotton fields. They did this important work not from inside some grand government building but instead from inside their modest home in a mahalla (neighborhood) in Tashkents old city and within earshot of the ancient Khast Imom Mosque. Over the years, the couple's home became a sort of pilgrimage for hundreds of families from villages and cities across Uzbekistan. People came to report on repression, the arbitrary arrest of loved ones on trumped up charges, and harsh treatment in prisons. Persecuted and abandoned by officials at every level -- and often smeared as members of "extremist" sects -- they desperately sought someone who would listen. Surat and Gulnora gave them a voice. Rule With An Iron Fist By the late 1990s, authoritarian Uzbek President Islam Karimov had all but eliminated the nascent political opposition and subjugated the religious establishment to his ironfisted rule. Imams deemed too independent had largely been removed from their mosques, jailed, or even disappeared on a variety of grounds, such as refusing to follow the states strict prescriptions on religious practices, to praise Karimov in their sermons, or to heed the ban on using a loudspeaker for the call to prayer. Following terrorist bombings that wracked Tashkent in February 1999, Karimov kicked the campaign into high gear, directing police and security services to arrest thousands of men sometimes for no other reason than that they were outwardly pious or had been spotted discussing religion with their peers. Ikramov responded to the crisis, joining forces with the Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center to keep tabs on arbitrary arrests, torture in detention, and later, the authorities particularly cruel practice of extending prison sentences for years for bogus violations of prison rules. As the governments repression heated up, Ikramov hunkered down. He became known for issuing dense memoranda on arrests of religious believers that embassies and human rights groups alike grew to rely on in the absence of reliable government data. In 2003, three masked men in camouflage nearly beat Ikramov to death. Afterward they took him outside the city and dumped him by the side of the road. The message of the attack was unmistakable: stop your human rights work. It is at this moment that most activists in Ikramovs shoes would have chosen to flee the country. Indeed, many did. And you cannot blame them. Human rights work in Uzbekistan was and unfortunately still is a dangerous profession. But Ikramov stayed, increasing his output and becoming an indispensable source of information as Uzbekistans human rights picture worsened. Human Rights Watch, where I worked until 2019, worked closely with Ikramov for many years, visiting his home on nearly every trip its officials made to Tashkent in the past decade. 'Devilish Sense Of Humor' One could always be sure they would find Ikramov attentively seated at his long dining room table listening to societys most vulnerable tell their stories, always holding a cigarette while his wife helpfully consulted court judgments, indictments, and other files. In Uzbekistans famously divided civil society, accusations regularly fly around about why some activists are able to operate while others are run out of the country or put behind bars. Some people even speculated that Ikramov may have been protected. But this is not what mattered to the numerous families he helped. Ikramovs religious-prisoner lists were regularly consulted by any diplomat visiting Tashkent interested in raising human rights issues. Indeed, one of Ikramovs proudest moments was when Hillary Clinton raised some of the names on his list when she met with Karimov as U.S. secretary of state in 2011. Despite the subject matter he immersed himself in, Ikramov never took himself too seriously. He had a devilish sense of humor, a wry smile, and loved to come hear a Human Rights Watch colleague play late-night jazz concerts on his periodic trips to Bishkek, Almaty, or Kyiv. Always together, Ikramov and his wife were unfailingly encouraging, almost like grandparents who see it as their role to praise your every achievement. A few years ago, Ikramov arranged a visit to a prison hospital together with representatives of Human Rights Watch outside Tashkent to meet with a political prisoner who had spent 18 years in prison on politically motivated charges. Word traveled fast around the hospital that Ikramov had arrived. The atmosphere was more of adoring university students greeting a respected professor than of an institution for the incarcerated. Prisoners knew Ikramov understood their ordeal, the torture they had endured, and the hollow pretexts on which many had been denied parole or early release. Those incarcerated could also rely on the fact that Ikramov and his wife would keep in touch with their families and consistently raise their cases, for as many years as it took, until they were free. Recalling a meeting they had in Geneva in 2008 with Felix Corley -- the editor of the Forum 18 News Service, an agency monitoring religious freedom in the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe -- Corley said: It struck me just how courageous he was. [Ikramov] was based in the country that could easily be called the worst violator of the freedom of conscience or belief in the region at the time. He would document each case energetically, providing details on torture when it occurred, the relevant parts of the criminal code, and all the information you would need. The last time we got the chance to see Ikramov was about five months ago. By then his health was poor and he had lost weight. Despite his weakened state, Ikramov made a point of passing on another list of 12 religious prisoners whose cases he was tracking, urging international action to secure their release. The legacy of Ikramovs work will live on long after his passing. Because of his commitment to human rights, the world knows the fate of dozens, if not hundreds, of people who have spent years behind bars on dubious grounds and will hopefully one day be free. The practice of sending children into the cotton fields has mostly ended, in part due to Ikramov's work, and recent efforts toward totally halting the use of forced labor in the cotton fields have significantly brought down the number of people conscripted every year to pick Uzbekistans white gold. Another of Ikramov's legacies is the many young activists he helped train in human rights, such as rights blogger Bahodir Eliboev, who now operates a popular Telegram channel from the town of Rishton in the fertile Ferghana Valley. Fortunately, his wife Gulnora continues their joint mission. When honoring the loss of a loved one Uzbeks commonly say "Joylari jannatda bolsin" (May your place be in heaven). As one of Uzbekistans greatest and longest-serving defenders of human rights, Surat Ikramov has definitely earned his place. Bruce Pannier contributed to this report. Steve Swerdlow is an associate professor of the practice of human rights at the University of Southern California. A human rights lawyer and expert on the former Soviet region, Swerdlow was previously a senior Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. A jailed Iranian women's right activist who has campaigned against the country's strict Islamic dress code has reportedly gone on a hunger strike to protest against the imprisonment of her mother. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which covers news in Iran, reported that 21-year-old Saba Kord Afshari had stopped eating since May 8. It said that Kord Afshari, who is serving a 7 1/2-year sentence in Tehran's Qarchak prison for women, suffered stomach bleeding several times and contracted the coronavirus while in custody. Her mother, Raheleh Ahmadi, is being held in Evin prison, also in Tehran, after being handed a 31-month prison term, allegedly for speaking out about her daughter's fate. Kord Afshari was arrested in June 2019 after she posted a video online protesting against the compulsory veiling regulation that requires Iranian women to wear a hijab covering their hair and body in public. The activist was initially sentenced to 24 years in prison on charges that include "encouraging prostitution" and "acting against national security," but her sentence was later reduced. Her mother was reportedly arrested last year. Her health is said to have deteriorated in prison. The hijab became compulsory in Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Many Iranian women have flouted the rule over the years and pushed the boundaries of acceptable dress. Many have publicly criticized the restrictions. In 2018, a number of women protested the hijab rule in public by removing their head scarves in the streets and major squares of Tehran and several other cities. Authorities later announced the arrest of 29 women over their involvement in the protest actions. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is urging Iran to stop its imprisonment and harassment of Kurdish journalists amid what human rights groups have denounced as a crackdown on members of the minority group. In a statement late on May 12, the New York-based media-freedom watchdog cited news reports and sources familiar with the cases as saying that Iranian authorities had arrested at least eight Kurdish journalists since May 2020. Three of them -- Navid Seyed-Mohammadi, Jafar Osafi, and Nasrullah Lashani -- remain in detention. "Iranian authorities' targeting of Kurdish journalists adds a dimension of ethnic discrimination to the country's already dire campaign to imprison members of the press," CPJ Middle East and North Africa researcher Justin Shilad said. "Authorities should drop all vague, trumped-up charges filed against Iranian-Kurdish journalists, and release all jailed journalists immediately," he added. A lawyer representing several of the jailed journalists told CPJ that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was "very sensitive about Kurdish journalists and the topics they write about, especially if they write about unity of Iranian, Iraqi and Turkish Kurds, and other regional issues of Kurds." The lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said that the authorities were "sensitive every time Kurdish journalists travel to Kurdish areas of Iraq such as Irbil. They closely monitor all movements across the border and any journalists' assembly." CPJ's call comes three months after 36 civil society and human rights organizations denounced "an ongoing wave of arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detention, and enforced disappearances by the Iranian authorities" targeting Iran's "disadvantaged" Kurdish minority. The groups said that at least 96 members of the community had been arrested since the beginning of the year, including civil society activists, environmentalists, writers, university students, and "individuals with no known history of activism." Seyed-Mohammadi, a reporter for the state-run Islamic Republic Radio and Television broadcaster, was arrested by IRGC intelligence agents in the city of Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan Province, in May 2020 after returning from a trip to northern Iraq, CPJ quoted a person familiar with the case as saying. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the journalist was charged with espionage for hostile states and sentenced in August to seven years in prison. In June, the IRGC arrested Osafi, who ran the Telegram channel QandA, searched his house in the city of Bukan, West Azerbaijan, and confiscated electronic devices, according to the Iran-focused press-freedom group JournalismIsNotACrime. He was transferred to a prison in the city of Urmia, where he remains, according to the exile-led Human Rights Organization in Iran. CPJ could not determine whether the arrest and imprisonment of Seyed-Mohammadi and Osafi were direct retribution for their reporting. In June 2020, IRGC agents also arrested Lashani, an independent Kurdish political reporter and commentator, after he returned from northern Iraq, the semiofficial Iranian Labor News Agency quoted his lawyer as saying. He was first held at Tehran's Evin prison before being moved to a jail in Karaj Province, according to the report. Lashani's lawyer said the detention related to charges relating to his writing and crossing the Iraqi border. At least five other Iranian-Kurdish journalists served jail terms in 2020 and 2021 but have since been released, according to the CPJ. NUR-SULTAN -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has signed into law a long-debated and sensitive bill that bans selling and leasing agricultural land to foreigners in the oil-rich Central Asian state. According to the law, foreigners, stateless individuals, foreign companies, Kazakh companies with foreign ownership, international organizations, and scientific groups that have the involvement of foreign countries cannot own or lease agricultural land in Kazakhstan. The bill was proposed by Toqaev in February as a five-year moratorium on selling and leasing Kazakh agricultural land to foreigners introduced in 2016 amid mass protests was expected to expire later in summer. The moratorium was announced after thousands demonstrated in unprecedented rallies across the tightly controlled country, protesting the government's plan to attract foreign investment into the agriculture sector by opening up the market. The protests stopped after the government withdrew the plan, but two men who organized the largest rally in the western city of Atyrau, Talghat Ayan and Maks Boqaev, were sentenced to five years in prison each after being found guilty of inciting social discord, knowingly spreading false information, and violating the law on public assembly. Ayan was released on parole in April 2018, and Boqaev was released in February this year, New mass protests erupted across Kazakhstan in March and April this year after a clause was introduced to the bill that would allow foreigners and foreign companies to lease Kazakh forests for up to 25 years. Lawmakers removed the clause on May 5. Read in Kazakh Muslims around the world gathered amid differing levels of coronavirus restrictions to pray on the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on May 13, Muslims wore masks while praying at the city's Grand Mosque, while at mosques in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, physical distancing was not compulsory but the wearing of masks to attend Eid prayers was obligatory. KAZAN, Russia -- Five children and four adults wounded in a deadly attack on a school in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan this week have been transferred to hospitals in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin pledged tighter gun controls for a nation "shaken" by the tragedy. A spokeswoman for Tatarstan's president, Lidia Galimova, said on May 13 that lives of the 14 children injured in the shooting are out of danger and they were being treated in Kazan following the attack two days earlier. Ilnaz Galyaviyev, 19, appeared in court on May 12 on suspicion of setting off an explosion in the school before opening fire on students as they scurried to flee the building, some jumping from third-floor windows to escape the carnage. At the arraignment, investigators said Galyaviyev, who was dressed in black, detonated a handmade explosive device at the entrance to an elementary class in Kazan's School No. 175 that did not hurt anyone. He then fired 17 shots from a firearm that killed seven students, a teacher, and a school employee. Galyaviyev pleaded guilty to the charge of murder of two or more persons by methods dangerous for public. If found guilty he could face life in prison. Putin said at a meeting with government officials via video link on May 13 that all those affected by this barbaric crime would receive all the necessary support and assistance." "The tragedy has definitely shaken all of us. In these difficult days, all in Russia have been and remain with the residents of Kazan, with Tatarstan.... Again, I express my deepest condolences to relatives of the deceased, to the families that lost...their children, grandchildren, their loved ones," Putin said. Questions have arisen over Galyaviyev's mental health as the authorities try to find a motive for the mass shooting. Galyaviyev said that he had no medical condition, but the Investigative Committee said on May 12 that although he had not been treated or registered at a psychiatric institution, he was diagnosed in 2020 with a brain disorder disease known as encephalopathy. The Investigative Committee, which handles investigations into serious crimes, added that Galyaviev's relatives had noticed him behaving aggressively and having a short temper this year, noting that he had repeatedly sought medical treatment for severe headaches. The deadliest school attack in post-Soviet Russia aside from the infamous 2004 Beslan siege, which left hundreds dead, has stunned the country. The head of Russia's Muslim-majority region of Tatarstan, where Kazan is the main city, has called the attack a national tragedy. The Kremlin has called for tighter gun controls in a country that already has strict restrictions on civilian firearm ownership. However, some categories of gun are available for purchase for hunting, self-defense, or sport, once would-be owners have passed tests and met other requirements. Putin said on May 13 that in order to prevent attacks like the one in Kazan, authorities need to seriously raise the requirements for civilian gun owners and tighten control over civilian gun circulation. Decisions here need to be well-founded and definitely tough, he said, adding that officials granting gun-ownership permits need to be held accountable for their actions as well. The nine victims of the attack were buried at various locations in Tatarstan on May 12. With reporting by TASS and Interfax KHABAROVSK, Russia -- A court in Siberia has sentenced an Orthodox priest to 25 days in jail for taking part in an unsanctioned rally to support jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny in April. Journalist Tatyana Khlestunova told RFE/RL that a court in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk sentenced Andrei Vinarsky on May 13. Vinarsky has already been sentenced twice in recent months for taking part in protests. He was given three days and then 20 days in jail, and fined for taking part in unsanctioned rallies to support the former governor of the Khabarovsk region, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested and taken to Moscow last summer for alleged involvement in murders more than a decade ago, which he and his supporters have rejected as politically motivated. In March, the Birobidzhan eparchy ruled to dismiss Vinarsky from the post of archpriest of the St. Nicholas church over his participation in the rallies. Vinarsky's daughter, Tatyana Tikhonova, said on May 13 that the eparchy also ruled that her father cannot run services and preach at churches until he repents and stops taking part in unsanctioned rallies. Furgal's arrest in July sparked months-long large-scale protests in Khabarovsk YEKATERINBURG, Russia -- A Russian court has cut the jail term of opposition politician and former Yekaterinburg Mayor Yevgeny Roizman from nine days to one day after he appealed the ruling against him for his online posts about a January 31 rally to support jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny. The Sverdlovsk regional court in Yekaterinburg made the decision on May 13, a day after the city's Oktyabr district court sentenced Roizman, who is also a former member of parliaments lower chamber, the State Duma, for organizing an unsanctioned rally after he urged his nearly 500,000 followers on Twitter to take to the streets. No reason for the decision was given. The court on May 2 also found Roizman guilty of organizing a pro-Navalny rally in Yekaterinburg on April 21 and sentenced him to nine days in jail on that charge as well, but ruled that the punishments on both charges must be served simultaneously. The Sverdlovsk regional court shortened both sentences to one day. Roizman, who served as mayor of Russia's fourth-largest city from 2013 to 2018, pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying his posts were neither calls for people to attend the rally nor attempts to organize it. Nationwide demonstrations held on January 23 and January 31 were against the arrest of Navalny, who was detained at a Moscow airport on January 17 upon his arrival from Germany, where he was recovering from a poison attack with what several European laboratories concluded was a military-grade chemical nerve agent in Siberia in August. Russian authorities have launched a crackdown on opposition activists and independent media in the wake of the protests. Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied. In February, a Moscow court ruled that while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered as being politically motivated. Navalny's 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from the case was converted to a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison given the amount of time he had been held in detention. Roizman, who has described himself as a friend of Navalny, resigned from his post in 2018 after authorities moved to scrap mayoral elections in the city of 1.5 million in the industrial belt of the Ural Mountains. European Union officials are calling for a stronger response by the bloc to Russian aggression toward Ukraine, warning that Moscows ultimate aim is to absorb parts of eastern Ukraine where a war has raged for seven years. The warnings came in a report written by the EUs diplomatic office that was circulated earlier this week among EU members and reviewed by RFE/RL. Since erupting in 2014, the conflict pitting Kremlin-backed militias and Ukrainian government troops has killed more than 13,000 people and displaced more than 1 million. Fighting has ebbed and flowed, though last month tensions skyrocketed after Russia deployed more than 100,000 troops and heavy weaponry to its regions bordering Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was elected on a platform of trying to end the conflict, sought, and gained, vocal Western support in the face of Russian threats, and Moscow ultimately pulled back some of its forces. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv last week, criticized the Russian deployment. The European Union has struggled to find a coherent approach to dealing with Russia, its largest trading partner. And its approach to Ukraine has been criticized as weak. An EU road map that could have ultimately led to Ukrainian membership was a catalyst for the Kyiv street protests in 2013-14 that culminated in the ouster of the pro-Russian president and the outbreak of war. The EU document reviewed by RFE/RL -- called Options Paper: EU Actions To Strengthen Ukraines Resilience And Respond to Possible Further Escalation -- recommends a series of steps the bloc could take, including helping Ukraine lower its energy dependence on Russia and supporting Kyivs efforts to tackle hybrid threats including countering cyberthreats and disinformation. The paper was issued by European External Action Service, the blocs diplomatic office, and circulated among ambassadors of the EUs 27 members. The paper also warns that Moscow was ultimately seeking to absorb the parts in eastern Ukraine that are part of the historical Donbas region, saying that organizing illegitimate elections and issuing passports to locals are aimed at de facto integration of Ukraines nongovernmental-controlled areas into Russia. The paper calls for the bloc to do more to deny recognition of Russian passports issued to residents of parts of the Donbas, as well as Crimea, the Black Sea region that was forcibly annexed by Moscow in 2014. A 2015 peace deal known as the Minsk accords, which Kyiv and Moscow agreed to, would grant the Donbas regions substantial autonomy within Ukraine. But greater autonomy would potentially give Moscow more power over the region -- and possible veto power over Ukraines long-term goals of joining the EU or even NATO. NATO membership, in particular, is seen as a critical threat by Russia. The EU paper also calls for helping Ukraine in its coronavirus vaccination efforts, especially of vulnerable groups in order to avoid further weakening of the country through a prolonged health and socio-economic crisis. The paper is expected to be formalized by the External Action Service in the coming weeks, according to officials familiar with it. Asked specifically about the papers assertions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on May 13: Russia is not planning to absorb anyone and has never done so in the past. With reporting by RFE/RL correspondent Mike Eckel A St. Petersburg court has upheld the legality of the Russian Justice Ministry's decision to designate feminist performance artist and activist Darya Apakhonchich a "foreign agent." The Leninsky District Court wrote in a press statement on May 13 that Apakhonchich's lawsuit had failed to satisfy requirements for a case to be heard. Apakhonchich was among the first individuals in Russia to be included on the Russian government's list of "media organizations fulfilling the functions of foreign agents." First passed in 2012, Russia's "foreign agent" legislation initially targeted nongovernmental organizations accused of having received foreign funding. But it has undergone numerous modifications to include foreign media organizations as well as individuals. Human Rights Watch has criticized the legislation -- which subjects those blacklisted to restrictions, fines, and bans -- as "restrictive" and intended "to demonize independent groups." Apakhonchich, who is not engaged in journalism but had posted articles from "foreign agent" media including RFE/RL on social media, had appealed the designation on the basis that she had "never received money or any property from foreign sources for the creation or dissemination of statements or materials that were distributed by foreign media listed under the foreign agents law." Apakhonchich has maintained that the label imposed upon her was politically motivated and related to her "feminist activities." Her complaint, filed on March 1, included 12 pages of alleged violations of her rights to expression and privacy. Apakhonchich's lawyer, Aleksandr Peredruk, told MBH Media that the Justice Ministry had failed to prove that his client had received money from foreign entities or that the social-media pages in question belonged to her. Peredruk, who works with the legal-defense organization Agora, also said that the Justice Ministry had filed to identify a link between the reception of foreign funding and the dissemination of information. Peredruk said that without such a connection "this law will be widely interpreted." Apakhonchich was added to the "foreign agent" list along with four others on December 28, 2020. Three of the individuals -- Lyudmila Savitskaya, Sergei Markelov, and Denis Kamalyagin -- are contributors to RFE/RL's Russian Service. On May 5, the City Court in the western city of Pskov ruled that Savitskaya's inclusion on the list was lawful. Lyudmila is not a 'foreign agent' -- she, and RFE/RL journalists Denis Kamalyagin and Sergei Markelov, are Russian nationals providing objective news and information to their fellow citizens," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement late on May 6. "We call on the Russian government to stop targeting journalists and blocking the Russian people's access to information." In 2017, the Russian government placed RFE/RLs Russian Service, six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services, and Current Time -- the Russian-language network operated by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA -- on the list. Earlier this year, Russian courts began imposing large fines against RFE/RL for failing to mark its articles with a government-prescribed label as required by rules adopted in October 2020. RFE/RL is appealing the fines. RFE/RL has called the fines a state-sponsored campaign of coercion and intimidation, while the U.S. State Department has described them as intolerable. Four leading human rights groups have criticized the authoritarian leadership of Turkmenistan for "threatening" the relatives of dissidents living abroad. In a joint statement on May 13, Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR), International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), and Amnesty International said that in early May, Turkmen security officials questioned and threatened a 14-year-old boy in retaliation for the outspoken views of his uncle, Rozybai Jumamuradov, a former correspondent of RFE/RL in Turkmenistan who currently resides in Turkey. The human rights watchdogs urged the Turkmen authorities to immediately end their harassment of relatives of dissidents based abroad and uphold freedom of expression and respect for basic rights within the country. Government critics and human rights groups have long accused President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov of suppressing dissent and making few changes in the restrictive country since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006. Jumamuradov told TIHR that on May 4 the security services in Turkmenistan's eastern Lebap region summoned his nephew, cursed and shouted at him, and threatened to imprison him and his parents because of their contacts with Jumamuradov. They also brought the boy's mother to the police station and interrogated and intimidated her in the presence of her son before releasing them. This followed earlier acts of intimidation targeting Jumamuradov's family. On April 26, national security officials summoned and questioned the boy's father. Prior to this, on March 21, unidentified people called the boy's family and threatened to kill them unless they ceased communicating with Jumamuradov. Jumamuradov, who had to flee Turkmenistan in 2009 after the authorities learned about his work for RFE/RL, is an outspoken critic of the government. Another Turkmen activist and former journalist, Devlet Bayhan, who is based in Germany and runs a video blog critical of the authorities, told TIHR that national security officials had visited and threatened his relatives in the city of Mary several times since late March. Bayhan said that two of his relatives were fired from their jobs in early April in retaliation for his activism. Officials warned one of his family members, whose son is currently serving in the army, that he might not return alive unless Bayhan ceased his activities. In the past year, human rights organizations have documented a series of other cases involving pressure on the relatives of activists who are based abroad. "Turkmenistan's international partners should speak up in support of Turkmen activists whose relatives have faced retaliation. They should insist that the authorities end this abuse and instead focus on the serious problems that activists are bringing to light," HRW deputy Europe and Central Asia director Rachel Denber said. The leader of the Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan movement, Murad Gurbanov, who resides abroad, told RFE/RL earlier this week that exiled opposition groups had sent a letter to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is scheduled to visit Ashgabat later this year, to raise the issue of pressure imposed by Turkish immigration officials on Turkmen activists residing in Turkey. "Turkmen authorities use Turkish immigration service to impose pressure on Turkmen nationals residing in Turkey. Turkish immigration officials demand from Turkmen nationals to stop opposition activities and protests against Turkmen government, threatening them with deportations," Gurbanov said. He added that his organization also urged Erdogan, during his talks with Berdymukhammedov, to raise the issue of the renewal of expired national passports of Turkmen citizens living in Turkey. Like his late predecessor, Berdymukhammedov, who has carefully constructed a personality cult to himself in the country, has relied on subsidized prices for basic goods and utilities to help maintain his grip on power. With reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service A Kyiv court on May 13 placed under house arrest Kremlin-friendly tycoon and politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who along with another pro-Russian lawmaker is under suspicion of treason. The Pechera district court rejected prosecutors' request for pretrial detention for Medvedchuk, and instead ordered house arrest. Prosecutors had also asked the judges to set bail at more than 300 million hryvnyas ($10.8 million). "We will continue to fight," Medvedchuk said after the judge announced the decision. The lawmaker said he needed to make sure that the case against him was not "biased and politically motivated." Medvedchuk, who has a close personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was officially notified earlier this week of a treason investigation including him after the Security Service (SBU) searched his home and office in Kyiv. Medvedchuk and his pro-Russian Opposition Platform -- For Life party have both made statements rejecting the charge and calling it politically motivated. In February, Ukraine's National Security Council announced sanctions against Medvedchuk, his wife, Oksana Marchenko, and several other individuals and entities. The sanctions froze the couple's assets for three years and prevented them from doing business in the country. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's government in February also placed sanctions on three television stations believed to be owned by Medvedchuk. The move came shortly after talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Medvedchuk is the head of the political council of Opposition Platform -- For Life, which is the largest opposition group in parliament. He is one of the party's 44 deputies in the 450-seat legislature. His relationship with Putin runs so deep that the Russian leader is godfather to Medvedchuk's daughter. Medvedchuk was hit with sanctions by the United States in 2014 for undermining democracy in Ukraine. The sanctions were tied to an investigation into exports of coal to Russia from a separatist-held region in eastern Ukraine. Fighting between Ukrainian government forces and the Kremlin-backed separatists who control parts of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions has killed more than 13,000 people since April 2014. Russia occupied Crimea in March 2014 and instigated separatist clashes in Ukraine's east after anti-government protests toppled the Russian-friendly former president, Viktor Yanukovych, in February 2014. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, Ukrayinska Pravda, and UNIAN TASHKENT -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has pardoned 100 inmates on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr Islamic holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Reports by state media say that according to a decree signed by Mirziyoev on May 12, three inmates were completely released from prison and 43 were released on parole, while 10 convicts had their sentences replaced with more lenient ones. In addition, the prison terms of 44 inmates were shortened. Those pardoned include 12 foreigners, four men above the age of 60, six women, and 52 people convicted for taking part in the activities of banned groups. Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated after the end of Ramadan, the month during which Muslims do not eat or drink during the daytime, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic world. Uzbek authorities said earlier that the holiday will be celebrated for four days this year. State media reported that Mirziyoev held phone talks with his Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik counterparts to exchange holiday greetings. The Ramadan fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. There are some 1.8 billion Muslims, making up almost one-quarter of the world's population. Read in Uzbek 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 conducting a stop and frisk can pat someone down for guns or other weapons if they have reason to believe theyre in danger. But inside the pockets is out of bounds, and any evidence the officers find there is inadmissible, a federal appeals court said Wednesday. In overturning a Southern California mans drug-dealing conviction, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco cited the Supreme Courts 1968 ruling in Terry vs. Ohio that authorized police, based on a reasonable suspicion that a person was committing a crime, to briefly detain the person for questioning. If police have reason to believe the person may be armed, the court said, they can conduct a pat-down frisk of the persons clothing for weapons. However, as the high court said in a later ruling, if the protective search goes beyond what is necessary to determine if the suspect is armed, it is no longer valid under Terry, and its fruits will be suppressed. The appeals court said police in El Cajon (San Diego County) got a call in November 2017 about two apparent transients in a motel parking lot, one of them a white man who had been seen urinating into nearby bushes. Two officers arrived and saw two men behind a van in the lot. One of them, James Antonio Brown, a 45-year-old Black man, told the officers he was staying at the motel but had left his identification in the room. He denied that he and his white companion were discussing a drug deal. After about seven minutes of questions and discussion with the officers, the court said, Brown briefly put one finger in a pants pocket, then pulled it out and said, My bad, man. An officer immediately put Browns hands behind his back, reached into the pocket and found a bag of heroin. Brown said it was for personal use, but after a judge found the search to be reasonable, he was convicted of possessing drugs for sale and sentenced to 41 months in prison, a sentence he is now serving. The appeals court, which saw a video of the search, said police had acted reasonably in detaining Brown as a possible drug-dealer. The two men were behind a van where they could not be seen from the street, and the officers knew drug deals were common at motels in the area and saw needle marks on the arm of Browns companion, the court said. But unless police have grounds for an arrest, or have obtained a search warrant from a court, they cannot legally search someones body or clothing, the court said. It noted that Brown was compliant and was not threatening the officers. Quoting another 1968 Supreme Court ruling, Judge Daniel Collins said the search of Browns pocket was not reasonably limited in scope to the accomplishment of the only goal which might conceivably have justified its inception the protection of the officer by disarming a potentially dangerous man. In a 3-0 decision, the appeals court said prosecutors may be able to retry Brown but cannot use the drugs as evidence. The Fourth Amendment seems to be alive and well, said Browns attorney, Paul Blake, referring to the constitutional ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. He said Brown had formerly worked as a delivery driver, was rear-ended while driving and turned to heroin to ease his pain. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko The last year has been hectic for Urika Mapusua but the summer might offer some relief. The mom of three has been juggling a 2-year-old, a preschooler and a kindergartner. The family relies on her husband for income, and at times money has been thin because of the pandemic. So when the Samoan Community Development Center, which has helped her throughout the pandemic, reached out about summer programs for her two older children, Mapusua signed up without hesitation. The centers summer program will provide academic help and teach the history and culture of Pacific Islanders. Mapusua is excited for her kids to have a chance to get out of the house. Theyve been stuck home for a whole year, she said. San Francisco has big plans for students this summer, including city and school district programs to serve tens of thousands of students after they spent at least a year in distance learning. City officials have promised free programs for 20,000 public school students, a rare shot of good news for families that watched lawsuits, board battles and controversies over school renaming and Lowell High School admissions distract the district as it struggled to reopen schools. This year has been a living hell for all of us, and all of the drama and the destruction of the school board has made a tough situation virtually impossible, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. This summer is where were going to turn it all around and turn the page. The $60 million in programs are paid for with state and federal funding meant to address learning loss, as well as a $25 million gift from local philanthropists Michael Moritz and Harriet Heyman through their Crankstart Foundation, as well as city dollars. Moritz told The Chronicle that public school kids got the short end of the stick this year. On Friday, Mayor London Breed announced additional sponsorship from several businesses, including Instacart, Google and Facebook. Google has committed to providing office space and 25 staffed buses for summer programs, Instacart will give groceries to 1,000 families, UNIQLO is providing 25,000 masks and Stripe will provide office space. Facebook and LinkedIn have committed additional financial support. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Officials are hopeful that the expanded summer programming, known as Summer Together led by Breed, will address significant learning loss over the last year among many of the districts more than 52,000 students. The district recently reported concerning dips in attendance and performance for some students. As weve been saying from the start of this pandemic, it takes a village to take care of our young people, Breed said in a statement. Thanks to the generous contributions of these new sponsors, our Summer Together initiative is even stronger. According to staff, summer programs this year will have more robust academic offerings than in previous years. Jennifer Fong, executive director of college and career readiness, said the school district is funding teachers so that they can offer additional academic resources. Generally, students will have time with a teacher in the morning, coupled with enrichment activities. A lot has been lost, and we dont even really frankly know the magnitude of whats been lost because we dont really have good measurement of that, said Morgan Polikoff, University of Southern California associate professor of education. He explained that the summer will not be enough to address the entirety of the loss, and that the school district still should be doing absolutely everything in its power to be open, full time five days a week for live in person instruction, and encouraging wary families to enroll in-person. The Summer Together initiative includes private summer camps, school district programs and summer school, hubs run by community organizations and San Francisco Recreation and Park Department camps. The city hopes to offer these programs to around 20,000 students after being able to offer only 2,200 spots last year amid pandemic restrictions. In 2019, the city was able to offer around 10,000 slots for students, not including Recreation and Park Department camps. In 2017 the city was able to offer 20,325 summer spots with payment on a sliding scale. There are three types of programs: in-person summer school, in-person summer camp and virtual educator-staffed programs. This year, around 17,000 students will have access to in-person academics hosted at public schools and community centers. Another 3,000 will have spots at in-person summer camps through the Recreation and Park Department, community organizations and private camps, and 2,000 students will be able to participate in educator-staffed virtual learning and short-term in-person support such as mental health counseling. School-based programming will begin on June 7, while all other programming will start on June 14. The initiative is largely targeting priority students, defined as residents of public housing, those experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, English language learners, low-income families and children with disabilities. These families were allowed to register for many programs early. Virtually every kid that lives in this neighborhood fits in those categories, said Michael Vuong, director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Tenderloin Clubhouse. His team has recently added additional spots to accommodate more children for their summer camps. Hes hiring education liaisons who will be connected with schools and develop curriculum for the kids who come to the clubhouse this summer. Parent Maria Pacheco said her daughter Kelly a fifth-grader whos enrolled in the Tenderloin Clubhouses summer program is very excited for what summer has in store. The city will provide training for community-based organizations like the Clubhouse on the best ways to integrate academics into their programs, said Maria Su, executive director of the citys Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. But the city does not have strict requirements for the amount of academics offered at each site. Su said the organizations are experts in working with children and will create programming that will meet their students needs. Not surprisingly, theres been a huge demand for the programs. The Recreation and Park Department received around 8,500 interest forms for only 3,000 spots, according to Ronen. She said the majority of those spots were filled by priority families, but that additional spots are likely to open up to those on wait lists. Heather Phillips, the director of programs for United Playaz, a violence prevention and youth development organization, said their summer programs are full, with an active waiting list. United Playaz hosted learning hubs during the school year for some students, but is transitioning to summer programming as a part of Summer Together. Many staff and students will continue together over the summer. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. The school district is also doing its part to sign up high-need families, including making phone calls and sending robo texts, according to Su. The school districts Fong is especially excited for a new program that allows students to hold an internship while taking a City College of San Francisco class. In addition to summer programs, every district student will be eligible to receive up to 10 free books from the San Francisco Public Library. This summer is about the kids, said Griffin Gaffney, co-founder of the nonprofit group TogetherSF, who is helping organize the distribution. But the summer enrollment process has not been without hiccups. Parent Meg Kammerud, whose family is not in the priority group, logged on to the website right when enrollment opened at 10 a.m. to sign her kids up for the camp at the park across the street from their home, but was surprised to find no spots left. After clicking around the site, she was able to get a spot for one child and sign up for a few wait lists. Her oldest daughter has participated in the camps in past years, and really enjoyed them, she said, but spots this year were shockingly unavailable. Some parents took to Twitter to voice their frustrations. Communication could have and should have been better, Ronen wrote. Kammerud explained that while she is grateful to the district and the city for helping high-need families, she still found the process frustrating. It would have been very helpful to get more clear communication from the city on exactly who was going to be able to benefit and take part in this, she said. The summer programs are just one part of the city and district plans to address learning loss incurred over the last year. Su, the city official, explained Summer Together is a part of a multiyear strategy to get our children back on track. It starts with summer and its going to lead into fall and into the entire academic year, she said. Phillips is looking to disguise many of her organizations academic summer programs with fun. Our first goal is to have a screen-free summer, she said. The extra funding has allowed United Playaz to hire some educators to help teach. Were trying to beef up the learning, but disguise it with enough fun that it still feels joyful for summer. Emma Talley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EmmaT332 It turns out not even news of potential foodborne illness will stop some people from wanting a King Henry cut with creamed spinach at the House of Prime Rib. After the iconic San Francisco restaurant admitted Tuesday that its namesake meat may have been linked to reports of people getting sick after eating there, some patrons have canceled their reservations, but just as many are booking new ones, owner Joe Betz said Wednesday. House of Prime Ribs page on reservation website OpenTable shows that the restaurant received hundreds of new bookings as of Wednesday afternoon, though OpenTable didnt confirm across what time period or the total number at the time of publication. Prior to the food illness allegations, the restaurant had been booked up solid for months since it reopened for indoor dining. Somebody cancels; two people call, Betz said. We still have the same amount of people. Diners also took to social media to profess their undeterred love for House of Prime Rib. There could be a 50% chance of me dying at hopr and Id still go, one person wrote on the restaurants most recent Instagram post. In the post, the establishment said it had received another visit from the citys Department of Public Health Tuesday night and been cleared for the second time in two months. A spokesperson confirmed to The Chronicle that inspectors did not find any violations Tuesday. One difference those with new reservations should know: Betz said Wednesday that he will no longer be refunding people who say they got sick, as his staff investigates the source of the recent complaints. Hes doubtful that all the online reports are coming from people who actually dined at the restaurant, he said. We are not refunding anymore until we figure out exactly whats going on, he said. Reports of people getting sick after eating at the restaurant first surfaced on the crowdsourced website iwaspoisoned.com in early April, and then on Facebook group Bay Area Eats and on House of Prime Ribs Yelp page. While the Bay Area Eats page is full of diners sharing stories of getting sick, many others came to the restaurants defense or were scouting for people wanting to give up their reservations. Even some people who fell ill after recent House of Prime Rib meals arent hesitating to go back, including Larry Chong, a decades-long regular at the restaurant, who felt sick for a couple of days after eating there in mid-April, as did the people he was eating with. Hes already planning to return to the restaurant for his birthday this year and on other days when he has reservations, he told the Chronicle in an email. The illness didnt kill me, he wrote. Where else am I going to get what is usually the best prime rib in the area? Similarly, the restaurants Yelp page is full of one-star reviews from people describing post-meal symptoms. But since the news of the claims of food poisoning broke Tuesday evening, several users starting posting reviews in defense of the restaurant, too. I call bullshit as I eat here every week and never have gotten sick, wrote Yelp user David W. People trying to take advantage. How sad. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. The health department has conducted two inspections at the restaurant since it first received official complaints of illnesses back in April. At the first inspection in early April, health officials found no cause for any foodborne illness, but did note two low-risk violations, which the restaurant fixed. Officials returned this Tuesday night and again reported no cause for concern. Norovirus, which spreads through infected people and contaminated foods and surfaces, is the leading cause for foodborne illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet its not that clear yet if thats the culprit at House of Prime Rib. The Department of Public Health is continuing its investigation, primarily by interviewing people who come forward with complaints. Tanay Warerkar is The Chronicles assistant food and wine editor. Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tanay.warerkar@sfchronicle.com, elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @tanaywarerkar, @ekadvany With reports of potential foodborne illness hanging over the House of Prime Rib, owner Joe Betz has decided to shut down the longtime restaurant for 24 hours and ask the Department of Public Health to conduct another inspection. Betz will close the Van Ness Avenue institution after Wednesday evening, he told The Chronicle. He hopes a final determination from the health department will put to rest any question about whether its safe to eat at the House of Prime Rib. I think the public has the right to know how we operate. The public has to know they are safe when they come into the restaurant, he said. I just want to explain to everybody that we have nothing to hide. Reports of foodborne illness linked to the restaurant first surfaced in early April on crowdsourcing website iwaspoisoned.com and spilled over into social media and Yelp to the point that this week the restaurant started refunding customers who called and reported falling ill. The health department has conducted two separate inspections at House of Prime Rib and found no major violations, first in early April and again on Tuesday, though an investigation is ongoing. Department of Public Health public information officer Veronica Vien said following Tuesdays inspection: We couldnt find any direct causal link between the alleged foodborne illnesses and the observations that we made today. On Tuesday, the restaurant posted to social media admitting that the issue might be due to some prime rib, though Betz said at the time that the team was still trying to isolate the problem. Still, Betz has staunchly defended the restaurants health and safety practices and pointed to the fact that none of his employees, who eat prime rib every Saturday, have gotten sick. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. He didnt make the decision to close the more than 70-year-old restaurant temporarily in response to concerns from customers. The restaurant has more reservations than we can handle, he said, and fans have been speaking out to defend the business. Rather, hes doing it because of intensifying media attention and rumors, he said. He plans to ask city public health officials to spend a day at House of Prime Rib and to walk them through its operations. I want to assure the public they are safe in my place. Thats the only way I can do it with the blessing of the health department, he said. House of Prime Rib has been open since 1949 and has developed a cult following for its flagship meat. Before it shut down during shelter-in-place orders, it had not closed for extended periods of time. Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @ekadvany The chefs behind Healdsburgs three Michelin-starred SingleThread are opening a casual restaurant and cafe this summer with an entirely plant-based menu. The new restaurant will be located within Little Saint, a new 10,000-square-foot space where art, music, food and wine will converge in the downtown Healdsburg building that used to be ambitious marketplace Shed. The barn-like structure already won a James Beard Foundation award for its design and the new version promises an intriguing interior by renowned designer Ken Fulk, who will serve as Little Saints creative director. Multiple installations are already planned by local artists. Locals Jeff and Laurie Ubben, also co-owners of DuMol Winery in Windsor, bought the building last year with the goal of creating a sustainability-driven community space. They tapped SingleThreads Kyle and Katina Connaughton who are known for their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices at SingleThreads farm to run the food and beverage program without any animal products. The full-service restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, with a quick-service cafe and wine shop open all day every day, using produce from Little Saints own nearby farm. Fulk and his nonprofit Saint Josephs Arts Foundation will also organize film screenings, concerts and live talks with local artists at Little Saint, with proceeds aiming to support sustainable agriculture in Sonoma County. Joe Weaver/ This is not the first collaboration between the Connaughtons and Fulk. They also teamed up for a Hokkaido-inspired outdoor dining experience at SingleThread, which Chronicle critic Soleil Ho gave a rave review for its ability to completely transport diners. While Little Saint will offer the Connaughtons first meatless restaurant, they showed off their ability to create more casual, accessibly priced food that still thrills with takeout during pandemic lockdowns last year. The Connaughtons focusing on vegetables instead of animal products follows a couple of other big names in the fine dining world: Dominique Crenn stopped putting land-based meat on her San Francisco menus, including at three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn, in 2019. More recently, three Michelin-starred New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park announced itd reopen with a focus on vegan food. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. While the original Shed served meat, it also maintained a sustainability ethos and drew widespread acclaim until it closed in 2018 after a five-year run. The marketplace sold a wide array of products, from garden tools to pantry goods to produce. But owners Doug Lipton and Cindy Daniel said crowds started to wane after the 2017 Wine Country wildfires, negatively impacting retail sales to a level that the ambitious business couldnt sustain. Little Saint. Opening summer. 25 North St., Healdsburg. More for you Food SingleThread is doing the nearly impossible in the Bay... Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com After years of explaining cultural appropriation in food in articles, interviews and podcasts, I had almost given up hope that anyone would get why it matters. For a time, it seemed like I was the de facto cultural appropriation wonk for media outlets, and I repeatedly entertained questions about who was being hurt when, say, white people made curry at home. I strove to get past knee-jerk reactions that miscast what I was trying to say because the alternative taking me seriously seemed doubtful. I wasnt telling people what they were allowed to cook; nor was I saying that they were immoral for enjoying food from different cultures. I said again and again that appropriation was a small part of a tendency that runs deeply in world history: one aspect of the cultural extraction that has its roots in colonialism and other modes of economic exploitation. The scale of it ranges from the United States gradual and violent seizure of 1.5 billion acres of Native American land over the 19th century to Western chocolate corporations usage of cheap cacao harvested by child laborers in West Africa. It operates on the belief that dominant cultures are entitled to claim whatever they want from everyone else as their own, and to profit from it. But, of course, its easier to say the mean people of color are trying to take away your right to eat ramen. Strangely, making the connection between systemic racism and cultural appropriation feels easier right now. Around the United States, Asians and Asian Americans are speaking up against an uptick in incidents of racism perpetrated against them, which range from verbal abuse to fatal acts of violence, and unlike instances in the past, it feels like more people are listening. The idea that no one cares about crimes against Asians pops up frequently in our communities, adding a slimy layer to the phenomenon of Asian cuisines being extremely popular in the American restaurant scene. In urban centers, popular white-owned restaurants serving Asian cuisine have been a common sight for decades, from the Pho chain in the United Kingdom to O Ya in Boston to Le Colonial in San Francisco restaurants that mimic Asian cultures without suffering stigmas that theyre dirty, cheap or using illicit ingredients. Are they appropriating or appreciating when they launder Asian food and art? You might ask what a restaurant filled with chinoiserie has to do with anti-Asian violence. The fact that these things can exist at the same time with an air of total disconnection is the problem. With one hand, the West can sell you noodles, purportedly as a show of love for your culture; with the other, it can sign the papers to get you deported. More from Soleil in your inbox The Bite Curious newsletter, every Monday SIGN UP So maybe now is when more people will understand what lies beyond appropriation: how to fix this sense of detachment from reality and actually help people in real life. I started thinking about cultural appropriation again a few weeks ago, when a reader asked for help to process their feelings about a new Thai restaurant that had opened in Sebastopol. The business, called Khom Loi, is owned by the team behind Ramen Gaijin and was inspired by the white co-founders occasional travels to Thailand. Its a sleek-looking restaurant, with enormous sliding screen doors along one wall and a succulent-filled fountain in the center of the dining room. A version of the menu that I saw in early March claimed that the dishes are cooked as you would find in Thailand a bold claim for chefs who have only experienced Thailand as tourists, but a common one among restaurants with similar origin stories and unapologetically spicy food. The menu is sprinkled with words in Thai, like cak kratha, a phrase the restaurant translates into from the wok, though several Thai people have told me that its not one that anyone would actually say in real life. Other inaccuracies include the mention of sen yai, wide rice noodles, for the $18 pad thai, which was definitely served with sen lek, the slender variety, at the restaurant. Such missteps the claim of mastery over Thai cuisine and language, and profiting from the value added by that perception make the restaurants fatuous claim of authenticity textbook cultural appropriation. Initially, I was wary of jumping in where I knew Id been misunderstood so often in the past. I could predict the Breitbart headlines: Chronicle critic says white people cant make pad thai. I knew how easily a complex economic argument can be misread and simplified in bad faith. Its also tempting for well-meaning people to take up critiques of cultural appropriation as a way to take a stand for what they see as more authentic ways of cooking: to reinforce imaginary boundaries between the right and wrong way to cook. And it opens the door to equating consumption with learning about a different culture in a meaningful way: But buying the right stuff isnt a long-lasting cure for the disease that appropriation signals. For all these reasons, Id decided that cultural appropriation is not a very useful concept, which is why I didnt really want to talk about it anymore. Kimberly Young Sun Yet, the recent trends of sinophobia and anti-Asian racism in this country have made conversations about appropriation and Asian culture improbably less sludge-like. Maybe its because theres renewed urgency in Asian American politics, as more people who arent deeply engaged with activism are able to piece together the connections between political rhetoric and hate crimes. For instance, a recent Instagram post by Shibumi, a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, drew ire from Japanese commentators for its (now revised) claim that the restaurant, owned by chef and white person David Schlosser, was the only one in the city that cared about making real, authentic Japanese cuisine. In an interview with Eater LA, Schlosser theorized that he wouldnt have gotten the same amount of pushback at least 200 comments, including many that he deleted if hed posted the same words two years ago. In response, Japanese language interpreter Junko Goda remarked, The words struck a chord with everyone, especially right now with so much awareness in AAPI communities and a couple hundred years of being dismissed. The heightened awareness is also likely thanks to the way the Black Lives Matter movement reached a major tipping point in the summer of 2020, with prison abolition, police reform and anti-racism becoming common topics of conversation among teenagers on TikTok, mainstream newspaper columnists and book clubs. In a tragic way, the movements method of using individual incidents of anti-Black violence to illustrate larger patterns of white supremacy in law enforcement became a template for other movements. Racial reckonings echoed throughout the restaurant world, too, as people called out businesses for racist behavior and toxic work environments on Instagram. For a long time, Asian American politics have been focused on representation in restaurants, in recipes, in Hollywood. I know because Ive been caught in it, too. The New York Times whitesplains bubble tea. A white male chef calls Chinese American food horseshit. A sitcom about a middle-class Chinese American family is held up as a coup for Asian American points of view. These conversations and debates over the importance of representational accuracy have been a preoccupation among people, including me. But what made me uneasy over time was the pattern of continually looking toward predominantly white institutions mainstream newspapers, celebrity chefdom, television networks for validation of predominantly non-white experiences, as if proper representation would solve all of our problems. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. All of this felt very disconnected from other issues, like the controversial deportations of naturalized Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees by ICE, a practice only recently reversed by President Joe Biden. I didnt think that gap, often exacerbated by class and nationality, would ever narrow. Yet in this moment where #StopAsianHate has become a rallying cry, and high-profile incidents of anti-Asian violence, like the mass shootings in Atlanta, have prompted national conversations about Asians status in this country, people are traversing that gap with more ease than ever before. Love us like you love our food is a refrain that Ive seen on protest signs at memorials for Asian victims of violent crime, waved as the sounds of Korean drumming and amplified speeches pulsed through the air. Dont just take what we produce and forget about us, the slogan urges. Those protesters drew a connection between mainstream enjoyment of Asian products and the way most Americans seemed to shrug at anti-Asian rhetoric and violence throughout our history. Its actually not abnormal at all to find pleasure in someones labor without giving a damn about the person: We do it every day. Thats how appropriation works as a smaller-scale version of global resource extraction. Its the same thing that has encouraged, among many other things, slave labor in Thailands shrimping industry, rain forest destruction for rubber plantation development in Indochina, and the proliferation of undocumented and unprotected migrant labor in Californias agricultural fields. Theres gold on those hills never mind the people who live on them. The overall problem with cultural appropriation as a mode of critique is that theres no articulated next step or shared end goal: What is the world youre trying to create with that critique? Talking about extraction in this context, then, means that one possible future might be one thats less extractive, more equitable for all parties. It becomes an economic justice argument. Class and economics have a lot to do with this recent spate of anti-Asian violence. The Asian women killed in Atlanta, a cook and several masseuses, were mostly working survival jobs. Many of the elders who have been brutalized by strangers in the Bay Area live close to poverty folks who depend on senior food programs and walk the streets of Chinatown alone, pulling loaded metal carts behind them. The alleged assailants themselves, at least in the Bay Area, have been identified as people living in desperate, brutal conditions. Thankfully, the problems presented by this situation have tangible solutions: more progressive housing, mental healthcare and other economic justice policies. An economic lens also helps clarify what it means to be an ally in this moment. Its not just about posting yellow or black squares on Instagram; its about money. In a piece she wrote about what white owners of AAPI restaurants can do to show up for the community, Boston chef Irene Li gave them eight actions to take. They included donating any share of profits to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) advocacy organizations and providing managerial backup for AAPI staff members who might face discrimination from customers. Is this a surefire recipe for absolution? No, Li wrote, But itll at least show that youre thinking about this stuff. You cant fall off the floor. After years of listening and learning, chefs and restaurateurs can simply consult Lis list for the next steps once theyre ready to turn sentiments into action. For its part, Khom Loi made a statement about anti-Asian violence on Instagram on March 18. #stopasianhate We need to end the rationalizing and minimizing of the violence that is happening right before our eyes, the post read. In response to a question from an Instagram user about what the restaurant was doing to actively support Asians, the restaurant wrote that the team was planning a fundraiser for AAPI organizations, working to nurture relationships with local Thai and Laotian temples and making sure to source ingredients from local Asian-owned businesses. In the post, the restaurant also urged followers to support Asian-owned restaurants and grocery stores, like Phnom Penh in Santa Rosa. Their gesture, an intentional redistribution of wealth, gets to the heart of what appropriation critiques are really about. The restaurant, owned and staffed by non-Thais, is still appropriative, but at least its beginning to find a way to make its relationship to Asian communities less extractive. Other restaurants, like Ernest and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco and SingleThread in Healdsburg, have also publicly thrown support behind raising funds for AAPI organizations combating anti-Asian violence. At the moment, these businesses are a minority in the Bay Area food scene, which is full of white-owned restaurants that derive much of their inspiration from AAPI cultures. We should expect more from them, whether thats a statement on social media the bare minimum or participation in fundraisers for racial justice. Im waiting and watching, and Im not alone. Korean American adoptee Kimberly Young Sun is an NYC-based multidisciplinary artist who balances photography, motion and illustration to create work that speaks to her intersectional identity. Soleil Ho is The San Francisco Chronicles restaurant critic. Email: soleil@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hooleil When Damion Davis got out of prison last summer after three decades in and out of the criminal justice system and struggling with addiction, a judge told him all he had to do was finish 90 days of drug treatment to get off probation. Ten months and a relapse later, hes still trying to reach his goal. Davis is currently in his fourth residential treatment program in the Bay Area and has been clean for six months. Davis, 49, dealt drugs before starting to smoke weed and cocaine after family members died. He completed court-mandated treatment a few years ago, but it didnt stick. Hes hopeful hes finally found the right fit: a transitional housing program where he and 16 other men pledge not to use alcohol or drugs while they get therapy, anger management, and job and housing support. What most dont receive is medication to help stave off the cravings, standard in most programs in San Francisco and supported by evidence as effective. If they relapse, they can go to detox, more intensive treatment or get on medication offered by the same nonprofit, Westside Community Services, but freedom from drugs is the goal. Abstinence is the only way you can help yourself, Davis said. In San Francisco, where drug overdoses killed more than three times as many people as COVID-19 last year, advocates and officials all demand change, but sometimes disagree on the best solution. The city practices harm reduction, investing in reducing overdose risks and increasing housing, mental health and drug treatment. But some frustrated people in recovery are pushing for more options, especially total-abstinence treatment where the goal is ending drug use without medication. Its a model questioned by some experts and criticized by harm reduction advocates, but one that helped them get clean. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Around four dozen people in recovery formed a coalition in 2018 and presented their recommendations to representatives of a dozen city departments in October, who supported them, and pleaded for more treatment options before a Board of Supervisors committee in an emotional hearing in February. Supervisor Ahsha Safai, concerned about people with addiction reoffending in the criminal justice system, asked the coalition to craft a proposal for an abstinence-based therapeutic community as an alternative to incarceration. Safai is pushing Mayor London Breed and the Board of Supervisors to fund the roughly 105-bed program, which includes residential treatment, transitional housing and detox, in the upcoming budget for an estimated $3.3 million. It would be funded under the Adult Probation Department but run by two community organizations. Participants who have been rearrested or are at risk of rearrest could be referred by the district attorney, public defender or courts instead of being incarcerated. They could stay for more than two years, longer than state health insurance-funded options, and receive peer-led recovery groups, therapy, job, housing support and a lifetime of aftercare but no medication. Supporters said its sometimes necessary, but available elsewhere. The money would also expand the operating hours of a re-entry center run by Adult Probation and UCSF. More Information 699 Reported drug overdoses in San Francisco in 2020 23% Percentage of those victims that had been booked in S.F. County Jail between 2018 and 2020 60% Percentage of those victims that had been booked in S.F. County Jail sometime in their lives See More Collapse Its an opportunity to keep people from committing crimes and help them with underlying substance abuse issues so that they might turn their lives around, Safai said. Sarah Owens, Breeds spokesperson, said the mayor is still reviewing budget proposals, but is committed to addressing the root causes that land people in the criminal justice system. Some harm reduction advocates criticized the proposal as coercive, since it would be offered only as an alternative to incarceration, and not evidence-based. Other addiction medicine experts, including the health departments behavioral health director Dr. Hillary Kunins, said abstinence is the goal of many treatment programs as part of harm reduction, but any program ought to include medications based on scientific evidence that they reduce the risk of overdose deaths. Our goal with any kind of health treatment is to use the most effective methods available and to offer them to people seeking assistance on a voluntary basis, Kunins said. The city funds roughly 486 treatment beds, but none that exclude clients who use medications. An unknown number of beds are privately run, including some that are abstinence-based. The need for treatment is especially acute for those like Davis in the criminal justice system. More than 30% of people in jail were homeless when arrested, the sheriffs department counted one night in 2019. Between 2014 and 2017, 73% had a history of severe mental illness and substance use, or substance use alone, according to a city report. Last year, 60% of the 699 people who died of overdoses had been booked in the county jail in their lifetime, data from the medical examiner and sheriff shows. There are gaps in our current response to addiction, said Steve Adami, director of the Reentry Division in the Adult Probation Department, who was formerly incarcerated and addicted to drugs. We are not asking the city to stop any of its current efforts. We are asking the city to enlarge its solution space until its big enough to meet our challenges. The Adult Probation Department already sends clients to treatment and funds two rental subsidy and 17 transitional housing programs. One called Cameo House has been at the center of controversy this year, with the department ending the contract to start another program with Black-led organizations at a lower cost amid citywide budget cuts. Why arent there more programs like this? said Daisy Gonzalez, who moved into the program two years ago after completing an abstinence treatment program following two decades of addiction. Since then, she regained custody of her daughter, started school, got a job and was sentenced to probation instead of prison for federal drug charges. I was dangerous to myself and others when I was high. The Public Defenders Office and District Attorneys Office did not comment directly on Safais unfunded proposal, but both affirmed the need for more housing and treatment, with people sometimes sitting in jail for months to get in programs. Kristen Marshall, associate director of San Francisco programs at the National Harm Reduction Coalition, criticized the program as drug jail and wants to see more treatment options offered to people coming out of custody. If folks have histories of being punished by the state, they are more likely to die from overdoses because that system actually does nothing to prevent the root causes of overdose, it just perpetuates and amplifies them, she said. She stressed that abstinence can be part of harm reduction but to not offer medication at all is harmful. Just because a program recognizes the reality that people use drugs, doesnt mean we dont support recovery throughout their lives, she said. Stanford University Professor of Psychiatry Keith Humphreys, who focuses on addiction medicine public policy, couldnt comprehensively critique the proposal, but said its critical to offer medication, which has become the evidence-based industry standard. But he didnt dismiss abstinence-based approaches, citing studies that those programs can be effective and have helped people in the justice system stop committing crimes and using drugs. Humphreys agreed with providers theres no one-size-fits-all treatment, but given the slaughter in San Francisco, he said harm reduction is not working. Marshall disagreed: Harm reduction programs are doing exactly what theyre supposed to do keep people alive until more sustainable solutions exist. She supports the citys recent investments in police-free mental health reform and wants more housing and treatment to address the causes of addiction. Davis, who holds a degree in business management and is looking for financial support to start a pressure-washing business that hires people coming out of jail, also wants the city to provide more mental health, aftercare and longer treatment programs. How do you have all these programs and theyre not working? he said. These people need help. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench For years, John Susoeff walked from his home two blocks to the Walgreens at Bush and Larkin streets to pick up prescriptions for himself and for less mobile neighbors, to get a new phone card, and to snag senior discounts the first Tuesday of the month. That changed in March when the Walgreens, ravaged by shoplifting, closed. Susoeff, 77, who sometimes uses a cane, now goes six blocks for medication and other necessities. Its terrible, he said. On his last visit before the store closed, even beef jerky was behind lock and key. A CVS nearby shuttered in 2019, with similar reports of rampant shoplifting. I dont blame them for closing, Susoeff said. Last year, burglaries increased in most San Francisco neighborhoods. Shoplifting decreased under pandemic lockdown and dropped slightly the year before, but incidents are often underreported and have become more violent and brazen, police said. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Retailers attributed a majority of losses to professional thieves instead of opportunistic shoplifters who may be driven by poverty, with one CVS leader calling San Francisco a hub of organized retail crime. Losses have shuttered drugstores providing vital services, even more critical during the pandemic as some stores give out vaccines. This has been out of control, said Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who held a hearing Thursday with retailers, police, the district attorney and probation departments. People are scared to go into these stores seniors, people with disabilities, children. Its just happening brazenly. We cant just as a city throw up our hands and say this is OK. We have to come up with solutions. The cost of business and shoplifting led Walgreens to shut 17 locations in San Francisco in the past five years an unpopular and difficult decision, Jason Cunningham, regional vice president for pharmacy and retail operations in California and Hawaii, said at the hearing. The company still has 53 stores in the city. Theft in Walgreens San Francisco stores is four times the average for stores elsewhere in the country, and the chain spends 35 times more on security guards in the city than elsewhere, Cunningham said. At CVS, 42% of losses in the Bay Area came from 12 stores in San Francisco, which are only 8% of the market share, Brendan Dugan, director of organized retail crime and corporate investigations, said at the hearing. CVS and Walgreens said they train employees to be engaged and visible to prevent theft, but to not confront thieves directly when it could turn violent. CVS security guards in San Francisco have been assaulted, especially at the now-closed Seventh and Market streets location, Dugan said. Some businesses instead hire costly off-duty police officers. Although the majority of CVS shoplifting incidents in the city are by opportunists, Dugan said, professional crime accounts for 85% of the companys dollar losses. He said San Francisco is one of the epicenters of organized retail crime, pointing to an $8 million state bust in the Bay Area last year. Officials agreed that different responses were needed depending on why someone was committing a crime. San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Doug Welch called in to the hearing to say his clients charged with shoplifting are not part of organized crime, but are homeless or struggling with substance abuse and need more services. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2020 The San Francisco police burglary unit focuses on investigating serial shoplifters, especially if theyre violent, police said. Beat officers patrol known shoplifting areas. Last year, around 31% of shoplifting incidents resulted in arrest, a percentage that declined over the past couple years, police said. A statement from Safeway read at Thursdays hearing blamed Proposition 47, which lowered penalties for thefts under $950, for dramatic increases in shoplifting losses. Safai said he is proud of Prop. 47 and supports criminal justice reform and rehabilitation, but also urges prosecution for organized crime and community ambassadors to prevent opportunistic shoplifting. Professional shoplifters can work the system by stealing items under the threshold from one store and hitting several retailers in the same day. To prosecute, the district attorney has pursued aggregated charges for multiple petty theft incidents by the same person, such as a recent case of stolen scooters. Police said a person could also be charged with possession of stolen property worth more than $950. As officials try to stave off crime, San Franciscans suffer from shuttered stores. Residents tried to save the Walgreens at Bush and Larkin in March, circulating a petition and arguing that the next closest store was not handicapped-accessible. This has become a lifeline for many seniors, people with disabilities, and low income residents who cannot go further out to other stores to get what they need, the petition said. The store still wound up closing. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday that the Department of Justice will review the Vallejo Police Department killing of Sean Monterrosa, an action both his predecessor and Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams had refused to do. In announcing the investigation, Bonta criticized Abrams for refusing to conduct the probe, saying she unilaterally abdicated her responsibility. Without accountability, there is no justice, Bonta said. Its past time Sean Monterrosas family, the community, and the people of Vallejo get some answers. They deserve to know where the case stands. Instead, theyve been met with silence. Its time for that to change; its time for action. Monterrosa, a 22-year-old San Franciscan, was shot to death by Vallejo Officer Jarrett Tonn on June 2 as Monterrosa knelt in a parking lot outside a Walgreens store on a night of civil unrest over the George Floyd murder and police misconduct. Tonn shot through the windshield of his unmarked police car and hit Monterrosa, saying he thought Monterrosa had a gun. Monterrosa had a hammer in his sweatshirt pocket but nothing in his hands. Family members and community activists questioned the shooting and called for then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct an independent investigation. Two days after the shooting, Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams also called on Becerra to investigate. After he refused, she recused her office from investigating the case. In declining to take over the investigation, Becerra said Abrams had failed to show that her office was not capable of conducting a fair and thorough review of these incidents. Despite Becerras refusal to take the case, the former attorney general said the Department of Justice would investigate the destruction of the windshield in Tonns unmarked vehicle, a key piece of evidence in the investigation. The agency is also conducting an independent review of the Vallejo Police Departments policies and practices. In August, as Abrams and Becerra disputed who should conduct the investigation, Monterrosas family sued Vallejo and Tonn, accusing the officer of panicking and fatally shooting Monterrosa with no provocation. Bonta said in a statement that the state Department of Justice would investigate Monterrosas death because of Abrams refusal to do so. He said the Solano County District Attorneys office is the agency best suited to conduct the investigation and that it has failed to demonstrate why it shouldnt. Abrams was informed of the decision Thursday. This is the right thing to do and I will go where the facts lead, Bonta said. Rebuilding trust in our institutions starts with the actions of each and every one of us. If there has been wrongdoing, we will bring it to light. Abrams released a statement Thursday evening accusing Bonta of playing politics with one of the most critical and divisive issues in our communities today officer involved fatalities. She said Bonta first told her he wouldnt investigate the case then reversed himself and now (is) suddenly blaming Solano County for failing to do its job by not reviewing the matter. This is a material misrepresentation and could not be further from the truth. Abrams said the attorney generals office has ignored the publics demand to review the case for more than a year. Having been on the job for less than one month, it is of significant concern that Attorney General Bonta would criticize our office for wanting to ensure that the people of Solano County have complete confidence in the integrity of the investigation. Vallejo police have been the subject of community criticism in recent years for a series of deaths at the hands of officers. Those include Willie McCoy, a 20-year-old man who was shot to death by officers in 2019 after he fell asleep with a gun in his lap in his car in a Taco Bell drive-through; Ronell Foster, a bicyclist who was shot to death in 2018 after an officer chased him into a dark alleyway; and Angel Ramos, who was killed by police at his home in 2017 after a report of a fight. Police officials were also investigating allegations by a former police captain that officers had bent their badges to mark on-duty killings. Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris, who filed the wrongful death suit in federal court for the Monterrosa family, said in a brief statement Thursday that he was thankful for Bontas takeover of the investigation. Vallejo police officials were unavailable for comment. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan The Bay Area of 2070 would be a place where homeless encampments are a thing of the past. Builders would be allowed to construct three- or four-unit buildings in suburban single-family neighborhoods. Speculators would no longer be able to evict tenants in order to convert apartments to condos. And new housing would not gobble up precious farm land in counties like San Joaquin or Contra Costa, but would be built mostly in five-story buildings in historic downtowns like Alameda, Fairfield, Mountain View, Pleasanton and Santa Rosa. This is just a narrow slice of the vision laid out in a series of 26 reports by the urban think tank SPUR, set to be released Thursday. The 50-year regional strategy, Bay Area 2070, attempts to redesign the region by looking at housing, transportation, growth, racial equity and climate. It includes 175 policy recommendations on everything from rent control to rapid bus lines to protecting against sea level rise. The ambitious SPUR project, the result of three years of work by the San Francisco group, starts with the premise that over the next 50 years the nine-county Bay Area will grow by 4 million residents and need 2.2 million new housing units. Under the current land-use approaches taken by the cities and counties in the region, its likely that about 1.4 million homes would be produced, and much of that would be put in the wrong places farmland and open areas that are far from transit, SPUR said. The SPUR reports compare two scenarios: business as usual, based on current zoning and land-use patterns; and a new civic vision, which imagines a more equitable and sustainable region with reformed land-use regulations. The motivation for the project was recognizing that all of the things we experience as challenges are the result of systems we created, said Alicia John-Baptiste, SPURs CEO. If we want a different future we need to be intentional about designing that future. We wanted to be as aspirational as possible and set aside current political constraints. According to SPUR, the business as usual approach would result in 358,000 new housing units and office space for 646,000 workers being plopped down in hazardous and protected areas such as farmland and low-lying waterfront areas. But the SPUR scenario would add almost no new jobs or housing in these zones. SPUR estimates that 500,000 new homes could be built in transit-oriented downtowns and another 543,000 units could be built along major commercial corridors such as El Camino Real on the Peninsula, Geary Boulevard in San Francisco and San Pablo Avenue and International Boulevard in the East Bay. The business as usual planning would result in about 850,000 jobs in transit-friendly, walkable neighborhoods while the SPUR approach would add about 2 million jobs in those areas. SPUR calculates that about 523,000 units could be added in smaller buildings two- to six-unit constructs in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. SPUR board member Robert A. Wilkins Sr., a management consultant and former longtime CEO of the YMCA of the East Bay, said the strategys goals on housing increased density near jobs and transit is not breaking new ground. But the difference is that the strategy is people centered. The report delves into how to stop evictions, how to build less expensive affordable housing and how to strengthen tenant protections. It explores creating a real-estate transfer tax that penalizes short-term flipping, expanding homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families and reforming construction defect laws that make many builders reluctant to construct condos. I always start with the question who are we doing this for? Cities are for people, and the notion is to create an environment in which everybody can flourish, Wilkins said. We have some of the greatest prosperity in the world and on the other hand we have some of the greatest poverty. Lets start out by looking at the gaps. Historically, how did we get here and who has been left behind? Nothing in the SPUR vision will come easy many of its goals have long been crusades for Bay Area housing and tenant advocates but have faced severe backlash from voters and elected officials. For example, SPUR calls for the reform of the states environmental review process a set of laws that opponents regularly use to delay or kill new housing that multiple lawmakers have failed to get done over the past two decades. It advocates for cheaper modular housing to become the norm, something that building trade unions are battling against. The SPUR report is careful not to call for the overdevelopment of communities of concern traditionally working-class, Black and brown neighborhoods vulnerable to displacement and gentrification. The new civic vision would add slightly less overall housing within these communities compared to continuing business as usual. Tomiquia Moss, a SPUR board member and CEO of All Home, said the 50-year plan imagines a more equitable and just Bay Area where homelessness is eradicated and housing is seen as a right. The lengthy horizon makes sense given that the crises facing the region housing, homelessness, traffic gridlock took at least that long to develop, she said. One of the reports authors, Stephen Engblom, executive vice president of the architecture and engineering firm AECOM, said he and his fellow researchers challenged themselves to reimagine suburban places like shopping centers and office parks, many of which have high vacancies, as well as downtown areas that suffered as retail moved into malls and big box stores on the edge of town. A lot of time when you think about urban growth, you think of downtown San Francisco, downtown Oakland and downtown San Jose, Engblom said. But those make up a very small portion of our land in the Bay Area. We asked how every place type can fulfill its responsibility, to evolve into their best self. There is so much land that is inefficiently used right now. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District battled a two-alarm fire Thursday morning that ripped through a Concord church, officials said. Firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire in the 1600 block of Ashbury Drive before 6 a.m. Crews at the scene found heavy fire at the Church of the Nazarene, officials said. No injuries were reported. Officials advised people to avoid the area as crews clean up. The fire was knocked down just before 7 a.m., about 80 minutes after the first crew of firefighters arrived, officials said. More than a dozen fire engines and about 75 personnel were dispatched to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said. Vanessa Arredondo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @v_anana Even in the ultra-pricey Bay Area, the COVID-19 pandemic may have tempered expectations of wealth compared with previous years. But you still need millions of dollars to achieve financial happiness here, far more than in other major U.S. metropolitan areas, a new survey says. Respondents to the 2021 Modern Wealth Survey from Charles Schwab said it takes an average net worth of $3.8 million to be wealthy in the Bay Area, down from $4.5 million in 2020. If youre just aiming for financial happiness, that carries a price tag of $1.8 million in 2021, compared with $2.1 million in 2020. A mere $1.3 million is enough to make you financially comfortable in 2021, versus $1.5 million in 2020, according to the survey responses. According to a spokesperson for Charles Schwab, survey respondents were asked at what level of personal net worth a person in their area would be considered wealthy. While net worth was not explicitly defined in the survey, it generally includes the value of all of a persons assets, including their home, minus their liabilities, including their mortgage balance. All three net worth amounts in the Bay Area were considerably higher than other big metro areas listed in the survey. Seattle came in second highest for the average wealthy net worth at $3.1 million, $700,000 lower than the Bay Area. It was followed by Los Angeles at $3 million and New York and Washington, D.C., at $2.9 million. To achieve financial happiness, it would take an average net worth of $1.6 million in the three cities ranked right behind the Bay Area: Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. To be financially comfortable, the average net worth is $1.2 million in second-ranked Los Angeles and $1.1 million in Boston. The survey was conducted by Logica Research from Feb. 2-19, interviewing 750 Bay Area residents ages 21 to 75 in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Solano counties. Respondents were also surveyed about their spending and savings plans for 2021. Nearly half of Bay Area residents (46%) plan to get back to living the way they did before the pandemic by traveling (53%), socializing (36%) and eating out at high-end restaurants (20%). But more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents saved money in 2020, and 82% plan to be bigger savers than spenders in 2021. More than half (56%) of respondents were financially impacted over the past year, with 74% reprioritizing what is important to them. Mental health is at the top at 69%, followed by relationships at 54% and financial health at 52%. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer; Nami Sumida is a Chronicle data visualization developer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com, nami.sumida@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kelliehwang, @namisumida Courtesy of Santa Clara University/ Santa Clara University President Kevin OBrien, who had been under investigation for alleged misconduct, has resigned from his post after a probe found that he engaged in behaviors during dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries, according to a letter obtained by The Chronicle. OBrien who had earlier this year been placed on leave while the investigation into his conduct was under way engaged in behaviors, consisting primarily of conversations, during a series of informal dinners with Jesuit graduate students that were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries, according to an email announcement addressed to the university community. Longtime permit consultant and contractor Walter Wong has agreed to pay back more than $1 million to San Francisco money he secured through noncompetitive grants and contracts with the citys Public Works and Public Utilities Commission, the City Attorneys Office announced Thursday. As part of a tentative settlement agreement, Wong has agreed to pay back $1.45 million in contracts and grants he was awarded through his dealings with former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru and former SFPUC boss Harlan Kelly. Wong has also agreed to pay $317,650 in penalties and fees, City Attorney Dennis Herrera said. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors needs to approve the settlement for it to become final. Wong, a well-connected contractor and permit expediter, cropped up repeatedly as investigations by the Justice Department and the City Attorneys Office widened. He was also a prolific political donor and spent considerable time ingratiating himself with city officials, apparently in the hope of securing favors and inside information about city contracts. Wongs attorney, Mary McNamara, did not immediately respond to a voice mail Thursday morning. San Francisco will not tolerate bribery and insider dealing, Herrera said. After 15 months of digging, our investigation has uprooted the culture of favoritism and self-dealing that existed among a clique of certain department heads. Wong agreed to plead guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges were related to what authorities described as a 15-year scheme involving bribery and money laundering at the highest levels of San Franciscos government. According to court documents, Wong helped arrange overseas trips for Nuru and Kelly in exchange for preferential treatment, including inside information on city contracts. Wong ran or controlled multiple businesses and other entities tied to alleged schemes unearthed by federal and city investigators. Both Nuru and Kelly stepped down from their positions after being hit with federal fraud and bribery charges, respectively. The City Attorneys Office also documented what they claimed was an improper relationship between Wong and Tom Hui, the former head of the citys Department of Building Inspection. Hui stepped down after the city attorneys investigation came to light. Wong, who worked with local developers for about four decades, helping to guide projects through a maze of city approvals, had deep ties to several San Francisco politicians, including former mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos and Ed Lee. Wong, who was born in Hong Kong in 1948 and immigrated to San Francisco at age 23, worked as a janitor and waiter before entering the construction industry in 1979. Under the settlement agreement, Wong is also forbidden from doing business with the city for five years and he will be forbidden from applying or expediting a permit on behalf of anyone else for five years. He will also agree to continue cooperating with the ongoing corruption investigation conducted by the city attorneys office. A sentencing date for Wong has not been set. Michael Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: michael.williams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michaeldamianw Close to two years ago, Linh Nguyen found what she thought was her ticket to a job in tech when she enrolled in Lambda School, a San Francisco for-profit coding academy that promises students pay tuition only after they get a good-paying job. Now she has that tech job and an ample salary to match, but with no thanks to Lambda, which allegedly lied about its job placement rates while evading state regulators and provided courses that essentially asked students to teach themselves, according to a legal complaint filed in San Francisco on Thursday. According to the complaint, Nguyen, of Sunnyvale, still owes the company tens of thousands of dollars despite never finishing its months-long courses. Those courses were not instructed by the promised industry experts, the filing said, and taught Nguyen nothing that helped her land her current job. Under a separate payment plan available to people who take courses in California, students who drop out can pay a pro-rated amount, according to the companys website. Starting June 1, Nguyen will have to start paying the company back its $30,000 fee, at a rate 17% of her salary for two years, under the terms of a contract she signed with the company. Per policy, we dont speak about individual student or alumni situations in detail publicly, but were of course happy to review matters directly and will review any cases that are filed, Lambda School wrote in a statement to The Chronicle emailed Thursday afternoon. The school said payments are only activated after a student has signed a contract and gets a job, using the skills they learned there, making more than $50,000 annually. The company also said that all tuition is subject to refund and proration policies if a student withdraws. Nguyen signed up, enticed by the companys advertised job placements rates of well over 80%. But documents presented to investors and seen by The Chronicle show it was close to 50% for some students who had been out of the program for months. Were unable to place students at scale, Lambda wrote in those documents, noting that only half of some cohorts of students had been placed with companies after six months and that placement to date has been manual and one-off, which isnt possible at scale. The school pointed to a post by its CEO Austen Allred where he called the numbers technically accurate but said they were a percent of enrolled students that were hired, instead of the total percent of hired graduates. The schools promise on its website, We dont get paid until you do, also persuaded Nguyen to sign up. But a month later, a report made public findings that the company had in fact sold rights to student repayment contracts to generate cash up front. Lambda did not address emailed questions about whether it sells those rights, and if so to whom. That agreement, called an income sharing agreement or ISA, is also why Nguyens case is being brought in private arbitration instead of a public court. The ISAs signed by students force them into the process, which is decided by a private third party, and also prohibit students from banding together to bring class actions against the company, according to Alex Elson, a lawyer with the National Student Legal Defense Network who is bringing the case, along with two others, on behalf of former students. If I wouldve known Lambdas real job placement rate, not to mention how hard it was to actually learn at Lambda, I never would have signed up, former student Jonathan Stickrod, another of Elsons clients, said in a statement. I feel betrayed and deceived by Lambda, and dont want any other students to end up where I am today, having wasted over a year of my life and owing the school up to $30,000. Elson said the schools placement rates also touted by Allred to students on social media were a fundamental misrepresentation of its actual ability to get students hired. The placement rates were what caused students to enroll, Elson said. The promise that the school only got paid if and when they got paid was a further comfort and incentive that got students to trust the school and to enroll. Elson said Nguyen reached her breaking point, when the school fired team leads, instructors who were a large part of operational costs and outsourced its instruction to students who were enrolled. Lambda said that team leads were paid students and not instructors and that students were given input on curriculum that did not replace instructional or staff roles and that students were not outsourced as instructors. Last month Allred wrote in a blog post that the company would be laying off 65 employees, including instructional staff. The school and its CEO have also repeatedly run afoul of state regulators, including the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, which issued a $75,000 fine to Lambda in March 2019 for failing to correctly register itself as an educational institution and ordered the school to shut down even before Nguyen and others signed up. The school said that it has always worked with regulators and that it had a right to contest the BPPE citation, which it did, and received full approval from the regulator last year. Lambda never shut down and is still enrolling students, having negotiated the fine down to $50,000 and eventually registering with the state body, Elson said. In April, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation entered into a settlement with Lambda, forcing the school to change deceptive language in its student contracts and clarify that what students owe the company can at least be discharged in a bankruptcy. Lambda did not respond to an emailed question about the settlement. It is also unclear who owns the financial proceeds from the contracts signed by students, according to the complaint, which Allred, the CEO, has variously said the company does and does not sell over the years. I dont think its publicly known what the practices are, said Elson, the attorney. The complaint points to a 2019 partnership with Edly, an online marketplace that helps sell the agreements to accredited investors. One report in Wired found that as of that year, selling the rights to part of the returns to investors was a way for the company to get cash up front. Elson said the case is seeking to determine which company exactly owns the rights to the money Nguyen owes and to include them as a party to cut off the payments before they start. As things stand now, Nguyen still owes the money, even if it is not clear exactly to whom. But the legal action is seeking to change that. The complaint demands that she not only be released from the payments, but is seeking punitive financial damages from the company. Elson said his group has heard from many former students who feel they were victimized by the company in ways similar to his three clients, including Nguyen. The school has closed off the ability to seek group relief through its contracts, he said, adding that he believed others were entitled to the same relief and damages as his clients. If we need to use single arbitrations to get there, we will do that. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice California has reported 3,620 so-called breakthrough cases of coronavirus infections in people who were fully vaccinated since Jan. 1, state public health officials said Wednesday. Of those cases, at least 150 people were hospitalized and at least 20 died. State officials stressed that they dont know how many of those patients were hospitalized or died due to COVID-19. Hospitalized people may have tested positive after being admitted for some other condition and may not have been seriously ill from the coronavirus. Those who died may have succumbed to causes unrelated to COVID-19. The reports mark the first time the California Department of Public Health has released hospitalization and death data for people who were infected with the coronavirus after being fully vaccinated. State officials said they exploring the possibility of providing breakthrough data on a public dashboard soon, the same way they publish overall case, hospitalization and death numbers. The 3,620 breakthrough cases represent 0.25% of the more than 1.4 million coronavirus cases reported in California from Jan. 1 to May 5. The 20 deaths make up 0.06% of the 35,677 COVID-19 deaths in that time. The state doesnt report the total number of hospitalized patients over time. Roughly 13.5 million Californians had been fully vaccinated by May 5, according to the state. About 1 in 4,000 of those people became infected post-vaccination. What this tells us is that the vaccines are absolutely spectacular, said Dr. Warner Greene, an infectious disease expert with the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. Youve got a minuscule chance of dying if youre vaccinated. The number of breakthrough cases has climbed significantly since the state first reported such data late last month. At the time, California reported 1,379 breakthrough cases from Jan. 1 to April 21. The larger number does not necessarily mean that many more breakthrough cases have developed over the past two to three weeks some of those cases may have been older and only recently identified as occurring in fully vaccinated people. Nationally, 9,245 breakthrough cases have been reported through April 26, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In about a quarter of those cases, the person had no symptoms. Of the total cases nationally, 835 people about 9% of all breakthroughs were hospitalized. About 29% of those people were in the hospital for reasons not related to COVID-19, according to the CDC. About 1% of breakthrough cases, or 132 people, died. Twenty of those deaths were not due to COVID-19. Coronavirus vaccines, though highly effective, dont prevent all infections, and breakthrough cases are expected among a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated. For purposes of tracking breakthrough cases, California considers people fully vaccinated two weeks after theyve completed the one- or two-dose course. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine just one. Breakthrough cases are important to track for several reasons, including to identify who is becoming infected and if variants of the virus may be resistant to vaccines. The vaccines are expected to be nearly 100% effective at preventing death and serious illness that requires hospitalization. Public health experts say its especially critical to keep a close eye on hospitalization and death reports among people who are fully vaccinated, since preventing those outcomes is key to reopening the economy and returning to pre-pandemic life. Californias plan to reopen June 15 relies in part on maintaining low hospitalization numbers, especially among people who are fully vaccinated. State officials said Wednesday that they are on track to meeting that goal, with the lowest number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital in more than a year. As of Tuesday, 1,502 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in California. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday Immigration officials began court proceedings Thursday to deport a Sacramento man to his native Iraq, where he faces trial, and most likely execution, for a terrorist murder that a federal magistrate says he didnt commit. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accuses Omar Ameen, who was granted U.S. refugee status in 2014 as a target of persecution and terrorist threats in Iraq, of defrauding the government by lying about his own alleged terrorist connections. Despite the magistrates findings, government attorney Sean Kersten told an immigration judge Thursday that Ameen poses a danger to the community and a high risk of flight if released on bond during the court proceedings. Judge Scott Laurent scheduled a hearing for July 27 at his court in Van Nuys (Los Angeles County) on the governments request to deport Ameen and said he may schedule a bond hearing at an earlier date. Ameen, 47, has been in U.S. custody since August 2018, and attended the hearing remotely from an ICE detention center in Kern County. The federal government continues its shameful targeting of Mr. Ameen, his lawyer, Siobhan Waldron of the nonprofit Immigrant Legal Defense, said after the hearing. Although ICE is accusing Ameen of fraud, not murder, Waldron said the government is largely relying on the same witnesses and evidence that were discredited by U.S. Magistrate Judge Edmund Brennan in his April 21 ruling refusing to extradite Ameen to Iraq for criminal proceedings. ICE said in a statement Thursday that Ameens pending immigration proceedings are unrelated to the extradition request, and declined further comment. Ameen fled Iraq for Turkey with his wife and children in 2012. Fighters from the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as ISIS, took over his former Iraqi hometown of Rawah in June 2014. The next day, police officer Abdulhafiz Jasim, who had taken part in previous anti-terrorism campaigns, was targeted in his home by ISIS gunmen, came outside and was shot to death. A witness who was in Jasims home told the FBI, and an Iraqi court, that Ameen was the assassin. Iraqs government said a second witness also identified Ameen. But Brennan said there was abundant evidence that Ameen had been in Turkey, 600 miles away, on the day of the killing: eyewitnesses who saw him there, polygraph tests he passed and cell phone towers in Turkey that recorded calls that day from a phone he used regularly. The magistrate ordered the Justice Department to release Ameen. But the department turned him over to ICE for deportation proceedings the agency had filed in 2018. ICEs allegations, as summarized by Laurent at the hearing, are that Ameen fraudulently obtained U.S. refugee status by falsely denying that he had engaged in terrorist activity or knew any members of ISIS or any other terrorist militia. ICE also says Ameen falsely claimed his father had been shot to death in Iraq in 2010. Waldron, Ameens lawyer, told the judge she had just received more than 500 pages of allegations from the government and needed time to review them. We will be vehemently contesting everything that has been submitted, she said. Even if ICE could prove any of its charges, Waldron said afterward, he should be immune from deportation because of the fate that would await him in Iraq: a one-sided murder trial, torture and execution. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko BENI, Congo (AP) When Shekinah was working as a nurses aide in northeastern Congo in January 2019, she said, a World Health Organization doctor offered her a job investigating Ebola cases at double her previous salary with a catch. When he asked me to sleep with him, given the financial difficulties of my family . I accepted, said Shekinah, 25, who asked that only her first name be used for fear of repercussions. She added that the doctor, Boubacar Diallo, who often bragged about his connections to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also offered several of her friends jobs in return for sex. A WHO staffer and three Ebola experts working in Congo during the outbreak separately told management about general sex abuse concerns around Diallo, The Associated Press has learned. They said they were told not to take the matter further. WHO has been facing widespread public allegations of systemic abuse of women by unnamed staffers, to which Tedros declared outrage and emergencies director Dr. Michael Ryan said, We have no more information than you have. But an AP investigation has now found that despite its public denial of knowledge, senior WHO management was not only informed of alleged sexual misconduct in 2019 but was asked how to handle it. The AP has also for the first time tracked down the names of two doctors accused of sexual misconduct, Diallo and Dr. Jean-Paul Ngandu, both of whom were reported to WHO. Ngandu was accused by a young woman of impregnating her. In a notarized contract obtained by the AP, two WHO staffers, including a manager, signed as witnesses to an agreement for Ngandu to pay the young woman, cover her health costs and buy her land. The deal was made to protect the integrity and reputation of WHO, Ngandu said. When reached by the AP, both Diallo and Ngandu denied wrongdoing. The investigation was based on interviews with dozens of WHO staffers, Ebola officials in Congo, private emails, legal documents and recordings of internal meetings obtained by the AP. A senior manager, Dr. Michel Yao, received emailed complaints about both men. Yao didn't fire Ngandu despite the reported misconduct. Yao didn't have the power to terminate Diallo, a Canadian, who was on a different kind of contract, but neither he nor any other WHO managers put Diallo on administrative leave. The AP was unable to ascertain whether Yao forwarded either complaint to his superiors or the agencys internal investigators, as required by WHO protocol. Yao has since been promoted to be director of Genevas Strategic Health Operations Department. Eight top officials privately acknowledged that WHO had failed to effectively tackle sexual exploitation during the Ebola outbreak and that the problem was systemic, recordings of internal meetings show. The revelations come at a time when the U.N. health agency is winding down its response to two recent Ebola epidemics in Congo and Guinea, and is already under pressure for its management of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO declined to comment on specific sex abuse allegations, and none of the 12 WHO officials contacted responded to repeated requests for comment. Spokeswoman Marcia Poole noted that Tedros announced an independent investigation of sex abuse in Congo after media reports came out in October. Findings are due at earliest in August, investigators have said. Once we have these, we will review them carefully and take appropriate additional actions, Poole said. We are aware that more work is needed to achieve our vision of emergency operations that serve the vulnerable while protecting them from all forms of abuse. WHOs code of conduct for staffers says they are never to engage in acts of sexual exploitation and to avoid any action that could be perceived as an abuse of privileges, reflecting the unequal power dynamic between visiting doctors and economically vulnerable women. But an internal WHO audit last year found some aid workers weren't required to complete the agencys training on sex abuse prevention before starting work during Ebola. All of us may have been suspecting for as long as the Ebola response was taking (place) that something like this would be possible, said Andreas Mlitzke, director of WHOs office of compliance, risk management and ethics, during an internal meeting in November. Mlitzke likened WHO officials in Congo to an invading force and said, Things like this have historically happened in wartime. Mlitzke said during the meeting that WHO typically takes the passive approach in its investigations, and that it couldn't be expected to uncover wrongdoing among staffers. What prevents us from doing something proactive is our own psychology, he said. Ryan, meanwhile, said the sexual harassment incidents were unlikely to be exceptional. You cant just pin this and say you have one field operation that went badly wrong, he told his colleagues in an internal meeting. It does reflect a culture as well This is in some sense the tip of an iceberg. Internal emails from November 2019 show WHO directors were alarmed enough by the abuse complaints that they drafted a strategy to prevent sexual exploitation and appointed two focal points to liaise with colleagues in Congo and elsewhere. Directors also ordered confidential probes into sexual abuse problems more broadly and U.N training on how to prevent sexual harassment, along with the independent investigation announced last year. But staffers remain concerned that not enough has been done. At a WHO meeting in January to address sex abuse, Dr. Renee Van de Weerdt, chief of emergency management and support, told colleagues that the risk remains high across our operations and that more robust supervision was needed. Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, head of WHOs learning and capacity development, said at an internal WHO discussion on sex abuse that the impunity with which we have operated is leading to this. She warned, Training is not going to solve this problem. ___ Shortly after Ebola was identified in eastern Congo in 2018, WHOs Swiss headquarters gave the outbreak its most serious emergency designation, allowing Geneva to take control from its Africa office. WHO chief Tedros traveled to Congo 14 times during the epidemic to personally oversee the response, and his emergencies chief, Ryan, made at least seven visits. Over 2018 and 2019, three Ebola experts, including two who worked for WHO at the time, told the AP they raised concerns about sex abuse in general, and Diallo in particular, with senior managers. But they said they were told that controlling the Ebola outbreak was more important, and two said Diallo was considered untouchable because of his relationship with Tedros. Complaints about Diallo were also raised with emergency operations manager Yao, who was responsible for leading WHOs overall Ebola response in Congo, with hundreds of staff, under Ryans supervision. On Feb. 22, 2019, Yao received an email from the WHO outbreak team leader in North Kivu with the subject line, Private. Chat. Chief, please lets have a Private chat tomorrow, the staffer emailed, saying he wanted to discuss Diallo, then an outbreak manager in North Kivu. The staffer didn't want to be identified by the AP for fear of losing his job. We cannot afford to have people tarnishing the sweat and effort of individuals sacrificing themselves thru (sic) inappropriate sexual harassment and bullying, the staffer wrote. I will fill you in (in) private. Yao responded the next morning: Ok we shall talk. The staffer said that Yao told him the matter would be handled, but he didnt believe his concerns were taken seriously and was very upset. He added that he was sidelined for complaining about Diallo. Two WHO officials with knowledge of the situation said the agency investigated complaints that Diallo acted unprofessionally, including an alleged sexual assault, and there was insufficient evidence to corroborate the charges. But investigators failed to interview any of the women involved or the whistleblowers who flagged the harassment claims, according to a senior WHO official who didn't want to be identified for fear of losing his job. Diallo continued to work for WHO months after concerns were raised about him. Diallo was described as a charismatic, outgoing leader with connections to some of WHOs top managers, including Tedros. In a speech in January 2019, Tedros singled out Diallo among the Ebola responders working under heavy gunfire in Beni. On WHOs website, Diallo, Tedros and Yao are pictured smiling and bumping elbows during Tedros June 2019 trip to Congo. On Diallos Facebook page, he appears in more than a dozen photos with Tedros. Several months after Tedros visit, Diallo met Anifa, a young Congolese woman working in an Ebola treatment center in Beni. She said Diallo told her: How can a beautiful girl like you work here, testing peoples temperatures and washing their hands? Thats terrible. She said he offered her another job at five times more than her current salary where the conditions were very simple, according to him. He wanted me to sleep with him, she told the AP, noting that Diallo frequently wore a badge with VIP inscribed in red, attached to his dark blue WHO vest. Anifa declined to share her full name, fearing it could harm her future job prospects. The AP doesn't identify victims of sexual abuse. I told him I studied hard to be employed by the treatment center, Anifa said. She rejected Diallos offer, saying that if he hires me after sleeping with him ... I would be a sex slave, not a WHO employee. Diallo denied the claims outright. I have never offered a woman a job in exchange for sex and I have never sexually harassed a woman in my life, he told the AP in an email. He said he was never informed of any complaints about his behavior at WHO or disciplined for misconduct, and his relationship with Tedros was purely professional. Diallo said his contract for WHO finished at the end of July and he hasn't worked for the agency since. ___ The same manager, Yao, was also told of alleged sexual misconduct by the other doctor, Ngandu, in an email obtained by the AP dated April 23, 2019, with the subject line, Urgent need for your guidance. Outbreak manager Mory Keita wrote in French: I hereby inform you that we have a colleague who has impregnated a girl from Beni. Keita told Yao that a young woman and her aunt had come to the Hotel Okapi in Beni with two armed police officers, looking for senior WHO staff. They said the young woman had been having an affair with Ngandu, and the hospital had confirmed she was now pregnant. Ngandu was avoiding them, the aunt said, so they went to the police to find him. Keita told Yao that when confronted, Ngandu acknowledged a relationship with the girl but said it was only for two weeks. The womans aunt, however, said her niece first spent the night with him about a month and a half ago, and at the time he gave her $100, a detail that Ngandu could not deny, the email noted. The two women demanded payment for all medications and hospital treatment during pregnancy and the purchase of land for the child, given that Dr. Jean-Paul will abandon the girl and she will be obliged to raise her child alone. We have asked Jean-Paul to honor the request from the family of the girl and the aunt and try to find some common ground, Keita said. (Ngandu) suggested that we manage the situation here at our level here in Beni and not inform the hierarchy, but I felt ... you should be informed so that you would tell us your directions for how to better manage this problem. Less than one week later, Ngandu and the young woman signed a notarized contract in which he agreed to pay her $100 a month until her baby was delivered, to provide all necessary health care, and to buy her a plot of land in Beni. Four witnesses signed the document, including two from WHO, Keita and Achile Mboko, a human resources officer. Keita didn't respond to requests for comment, and Mboko acknowledged his signature and presence. Two handwritten contracts signed by the young woman and Ngandu confirmed he paid $2,800 for land with a house in a Beni neighborhood and transferred ownership rights to her in August 2019. This was a private matter and did not implicate WHO, Ngandu told the AP. Ngandu said he wasn't the father of the baby and that he agreed to the settlement after WHO colleagues, including Keita, advised me to settle out of court to avoid sullying the reputation of the organization and myself. Ngandu, who is from Congo, said he wasn't disciplined by WHO and continued to work until his contract ended in June 2019. Ngandu is now based in Namibia and said he is in talks with WHO for potential future employment. The young woman declined to talk to the AP. Paula Donovan, co-director of the Code Blue Campaign, which is campaigning to end sexual exploitation by U.N. peacekeepers, said WHOs attempt to effectively silence the victim was beyond concerning. Its a perversion of justice that WHO thinks they could take the law into their own hands and resolve a case without going to the proper authorities, Donovan said. If this is how they treated one case, how are they treating all the others? In May 2019, Yao was told of yet another unrelated sexual harassment complaint in Bunia, roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Beni. Two women told the World Bank they were refused jobs at WHO because they declined to sleep with the recruiting officer, in an email seen by an Ebola aid worker. The aid worker, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told the AP that the World Bank alerted Yao, but nothing was done. Throughout the summer, Yao was praised for his leadership of the Ebola response. He was named in a July 17 tweet from Ebba Kalondo, a spokesperson for the African Union, as one of WHOs exceptional men and was pictured alongside colleagues, including Diallo. Kalondo urged her followers: Know their names. Write about them. Two months later, a young Congolese woman named Reby, then 20, met Diallo when he came into the Vodacom shop where she was working. He gave her $100 for transport costs to meet him at a hotel and asked her how much she made in the telecommunications job, she told the AP. My God, a beautiful girl like you who gets $60 a month is not enough, he said, according to Reby. If you sleep with me, you are going to be a high-ranking member of the Ebola response in Beni and you are going to receive around $800 a month. Reby declined to use her full name for fear of retribution. She said she refused Diallos offer, but continued to see him when he came into her shop. From that day on, he always called me the difficult girl, she said. In a confidential slide presentation in January 2020, WHO officials reported that an internal U.N. review of the Ebola response in Congo had found a need for safe-guarding mechanisms for preventing sexual exploitation. All staff were to complete training on harassment and other issues. _____ The publication of general sex abuse allegations in Congo in the media last fall set off a flurry of responses from WHO. Yao said in an internal meeting in September that despite U.N. protocols to prevent sexual abuse, it looks like this system is not working at the grassroots level. He added that a recent U.N. assessment hadn't revealed any problems, so we were surprised about a case happening. WHO director-general Tedros called the allegations a shocking betrayal in an email to staff and promised serious consequences, including immediate dismissal and referral to local authorities. At a town hall meeting in November, emergencies chief Ryan said sexual abuse issues had been neglected for years and apologized to his staff. There are behaviors here that are not acceptable, he said. WHO staffers, especially women, were unconvinced. Quite frankly, I think this is not good enough, said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHOs technical lead on COVID-19, at the same meeting. We know in every situation we go in, were at risk. Staffers also worried that problems persisted in the agencys response to another Ebola outbreak in Congo last year. We still do not have a robust (sexual abuse prevention) program in place, Geneva-based project officer Jessica Kolmer said during a meeting in November. She said donors told them their new measures, including posting flyers in their offices and establishing a sexual abuse prevention committee, were not sufficient. Back in Congo, Anifa said she was deeply disturbed that WHO staffers hadn't been disciplined for their treatment of women. I condemn WHO for not sanctioning Dr. Boubacar Diallo because I know already they have complaints against him, she said. I asked myself, Why did the people who came to help us, to fight Ebola here at home, why do they want to destroy our lives? Shekinah said she couldnt count how many times she slept with Diallo. She said she knew about a dozen other women in Beni whom he had similarly victimized. I wanted to quit, she said. But because of my financial problems, I endured it. Shekinah said she was often paid in cash or mobile credit, with little paperwork. Even after she and Diallo separated, she said, he continued to ask for nude pictures or video calls while she was naked. Diallo should be punished for his sexual abuse of all those girls in Beni as a lesson to these international organizations that this should not happen again, she said. I would like justice to be done. ____ Maria Cheng reported from London. Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report. BRAZIL, Ind. (AP) A western Indiana woman who vanished after shopping last month has been found dead inside her crashed SUV, which investigators discovered in a deep ravine along a state highway. Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse said Monday that Jessica Nascimbene's body was found in her Nissan Pathfinder after crews pulled it from a ravine along Indiana 59 in Clay County. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Human rights groups and Western nations led by the United States, Britain and Germany accused China of massive crimes against the Uyghur minority and demanded unimpeded access for U.N. experts at a virtual meeting on Wednesday denounced by China as politically motivated and based on lies. Chinas U.N. Mission sent notes to many of the U.N.s 193 member nations last week urging them not to participate in the anti-China event. And Chinas U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun sent text messages to the 15 Western co-sponsors of the meeting expressing shock at their support, urging them to think twice and withdraw it. He warned that if they dont, it will be harmful to our relationship and cooperation. At the meeting, Britains U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward called the situation in Xinjiang one of the worst human rights crises of our time. The evidence, from a growing number of credible sources including satellite imagery, survivor testimony and publicly available Chinese Government documents is of grave concern, said Woodward, who previously was the UK ambassador in China. The evidence points to a program of repression of specific ethnic groups. Expressions of religion have been criminalized and Uyghur language and culture are discriminated against systematically and at scale. In recent years, an estimated 1 million people or more have been confined in camps in Xinjiang, according to foreign governments and researchers. Most are Uyghurs, a largely Muslim ethnic group. Authorities have been accused of imposing forced labor, systematic forced birth control and torture. The Chinese government has flatly rejected the allegations. It has characterized the camps, which it says are now closed, as vocational training centers to teach Chinese language, job skills and the law in order to support economic development and combat extremism. China saw a wave of Xinjiang-related terrorist attacks through 2016. Organizers said there were 152 participants in Wednesday's event, including 51 countries, and speaker after speaker called on China to end its abuses against the Uyghurs. Germanys U.N. Ambassador Christoph Heusgen thanked all the co-sponsors who came together despite some massive Chinese threats. He urged them to remain committed until the Uyghurs can live again in freedom, until they are no longer detained, no longer victims of forced labor and other human rights abuses, until they can exercise freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Heusgen appealed to China to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and tear down the detention camps. If you have nothing to hide, why dont you finally grant unimpeded access to the (U.N.) High Commissioner for Human Rights? he asked. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the Biden administration will keep standing up and speaking out until Chinas government stops its crime against humanity and the genocide of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. And we will keep working in concert with our allies and our partners until Chinas government respects the universal human rights of all its people, she said. Uyghur human rights activist Jewher Ilhan spoke about her father Ilham Tohti, a noted economist who has called for autonomy for Xinjiang and is serving a life sentence on separatist-related charges. We dont even know if hes alive, she said. Hundreds of thousands, even millions of Uyghurs are still being targeted, said Ilhan, who now lives in the United States. The fate of my father and my community is in the worlds hands now. We all need to join together and take action to stop this humanitarian crisis from continuing. A Chinese diplomat countered, saying: I make it clear that China is here to tell the truth, it doesnt mean in any way we recognize this event. He then showed a short video and said: The truth is, its not about human rights in Xinjiang, its about using Xinjiang as a political tool to contain China. The U.S. and some of its allies make a presumption of guilt, and then fabricate so-called evidence. Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth, whose organization recently concluded that Chinas atrocities amount to the crime against humanity of persecution, said the challenge is what to do about it. Beijing clearly calculates that through censorship, propaganda, intimidation, and threats it can somehow avoid accountability, he said, pointing many actions including its extraordinary lengths of disinviting people from Wednesdays event, its endless charade that has prevented Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet from visiting Xinjiang, and U.N. inaction. Roth expressed disappointment that Bachelet, who was invited to the event, turned down the invitation. Im sure shes busy. We all are. But I have a similar global mandate to defend human rights and I couldnt think of anything more important to do than to join you here today. I certainly wasnt deterred by the commute -- all the way to my laptop, he said. The good news is that the tide seems to be turning, he said, pointing to more countries condemning China's crimes. But he said more must be done. Roth called for a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on Xinjiang, for moving discussions to the U.N. Security Council, for seeking avenues to justice including the use of universal jurisdiction, and for considering creation of an international investigative mechanism similar to those for Syria and Myanmar. The true test of the significance of todays event will be the follow-up steps that we all take, he said. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the persecution of the Uyghurs is a critical test" for the international human rights system to investigate allegations of massive violations" by a government against its own people and hold those responsible accountable. She called the silence, fear and timidity" of Bachelet's office and the U.N. Secretariat frankly unacceptable and a breach of their mandate, as are the silence of many states." Callamard said supporting a multilateral response to what is happening in Xinjiang is not about picking sides in a fight with China or supporting the U.S. or anyone else, it is about fighting for human rights." When it comes to vaccinations, the Bay Area is outpacing other counties in California and across the country. Yet vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to achieving herd immunity here and elsewhere. The debate around vaccine misinformation and the ease with which it spreads on social media is dominating the news right now. But vaccine hesitancy is a centuries-old problem that transcends technology, borders and political affiliations. It has existed since the first vaccine was invented for smallpox in 1796. As that vaccine was introduced widely in England, some religious clerics and medical professionals were skeptical that it was safe; some even charged that the vaccine would leave children with distinctly bovine features. This misinformation spread faster than the vaccination campaign. By the time the smallpox vaccine reached the United States, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation had already taken hold. By the turn of the 20th century, resistance against state mandates for the vaccine helped sow the seeds for much of the vaccine hesitancy seen today. Thankfully, the global health community has learned a lot since 1796 both in terms of vaccine research and the development of public health strategies to combat misinformation. And public health experts have used these strategies in developing nations around the globe for decades, sometimes in complex environments. We now find ourselves at a turning point in the fight against COVID-19, in which continued vaccine hesitancy could enable preventable suffering and death. Its essential to enhance the use of proven global vaccination strategies here at home. So where do we start? As with so many public health interventions, the most effective action is at the local level. Some of the most potent misinformation about vaccination spreads within communities, due to lack of access to evidence-based information. Within these contexts, local leaders and faith-based groups can serve as ambassadors and messengers, leveraging the trust theyve built in their communities to dismantle myths about vaccines at the grassroots level. Such strategies have proven effective in Nigeria. After global health organizations worked with local leaders to build trust in polio vaccines and share evidence-based information about vaccines, the country was officially declared polio-free in August. Many experts agree that engaging with traditional and religious leaders was critical in driving vaccine uptake. Similarly, engagement with locals in Northern Nigeria, where many leaders and parents expressed distrust of government mandates for childhood vaccinations, was also critical in tackling vaccine hesitancy and halting further spread of polio in the region. Implementing similar community efforts is just as important in the U.S. Theres also an imperative to address misinformation in digital communities. In Bangladesh, UNICEF is training youth volunteers to identify and report misinformation online. These efforts are helping about one in five posts reported to Facebook are removed. Other organizations like the Red Cross are using chatbots to provide evidence-based information on COVID-19 vaccines directly on social media. Whether in Uganda or the United States, partnerships are essential to an effective response. To support global strategies, UNICEF, First Draft, Yale Institute for Global Health, and PGP (The Public Good Projects) partnered to create the Vaccine Misinformation Management Field Guide, a tangible manual for governments and organizations to help manage the global infodemic through the development of national action plans to effectively drive demand for, and acceptance of, vaccines. Among the recommendations, the guide provides instructions on how to convene local teams that can detect sources of misinformation, and quickly and nimbly respond with solutions to engage in social listening, debunk vaccine myths and develop inoculating messages. In the United States, a recent study by Kaiser Family Foundation shows higher vaccine hesitancy rates among certain populations, and notes that trusted information and incentives can help close the gaps. The same strategies that have worked around the globe for decades will work here, too. COVID-19 isnt going away. New rounds of vaccinations may become necessary as variants emerge. Our collective work must not only address prevention, but also focus on building trust in vaccines. Thankfully, decades of public health efforts around the globe have prepared us for this moment. The urgency with which we collectively respond from tackling misinformation, to supporting vaccine rollout will make the difference between lives saved and lives lost. Michael Nyenhuis is president and CEO of UNICEF USA. SACRAMENTO Gov. Gavin Newsom couldnt have asked for a better gift to fall into his lap as he prepares to fight a recall election: Californias unexpected $75.7 billion budget surplus. The record-setting pot of money comes at a pivotal moment for the governor as recall organizers have submitted more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot later this year, and high-profile challengers are competing with him for public attention. Newsom seized on news of the windfall to crisscross the state this week, pitching his big-idea plans to dole out the money $600 stimulus checks, a huge influx to combat homelessness, sweeping initiatives to transform our educational system and more. Rather than unveiling his spending plan in one major speech, as governors often have done in the past, Newsom made news every day by sharing major planks of his proposed budget, with an on-theme backdrop for each reveal. Critics called the publicity tour a brazen milking of the states flush coffers to ensure his political survival. Supporters say it legitimately highlights Newsoms competency as a leader amid multiple crises. Either way, theres no question the rare influx of big money and the ability to dangle voter-friendly ways of spending it offers a showcase that a political campaign couldnt buy. Newsom has used the moment for maximum exposure, telling people in vote-rich regions about his plans to confront some of Californias thorniest challenges. This is better than manna from heaven, said David McCuan, a political scientist at Sonoma State University. This is the best news possible for a governor who is embattled with a recall during a pandemic. Newsoms headline-grabbing week came as polling suggests the recall is struggling to catch momentum 36% of registered voters support recalling him, while 49% oppose it, according to a recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey. Opposition to the recall is up by four percentage points since January, the institute found, although Newsoms approval rating of 52% is 12 percentage points below his September rating. But promoting the rewards of Californias surplus to taxpayers could help fortify his support. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The governor started his tour Monday with the news that the state projects it will have a $75.7 billion surplus, thanks to stronger-than-expected tax receipts in a recovering economy. About $38 billion of it is a discretionary surplus that state leaders can decide how to spend. Newsoms proposal starts a negotiation on priorities with the Legislature, which approves the final budget. Standing behind a lectern draped with the slogan California Roars Back, in Oaklands Fruitvale neighborhood, Newsom announced hes seeking to give money back to taxpayers, with $600 checks to middle-income households and $500 more for families with children. He said the payments would eventually reach about two-thirds of tax filers. California is not just back; California is roaring back, Newsom proclaimed. Its not just the prospect of rebate checks that offers welcome news: Newsom proposes to spend about $100 billion total on the states pandemic comeback plan, including recovery aid from the federal government. On top of cash payments, he announced his plan would cover unpaid rent and utility bills for people battered by the pandemic. Stimulus checks, if approved by the Legislature, would land in taxpayers mailboxes later this year, potentially not long before voters cast ballots on whether to recall him. Newsoms critics were quick to label such payments the Recall Refund. Republicans and recall organizers called his budget tour a thinly-veiled campaign gimmick. It reminds me of a bad version of The Oprah Winfrey Show, when she gave everybody a free car, said Randy Economy, a spokesman for the recall campaign. We cant have the budget be a political prop. Its the peoples money, not his money. Newsom rejected the notion that his budget tour is a campaign strategy. He noted Monday that for the last three years, he has highlighted key pieces ahead of Fridays deadline to submit a revised budget proposal to the Legislature. The timeline for the governors revised spending plan is tied to the legislative calendar, but this years surplus nonetheless brought an extra level of fanfare. Newsoms tour this week has taken him to every major region of the state. On the shores of a receding Merced County lake, he pitched $5.1 billion for drought preparedness. On the shoulder of the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, he picked up trash to highlight a $1.5 billion program to beautify cities. At a Monterey County school, he proposed a multibillion-dollar suite of education initiatives, including pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds, long a priority of state Democrats. The surplus also has given Newsom the chance to revive, in grand fashion, pieces of his agenda that had earlier lost steam in Sacramento. Thats especially true of the homelessness crisis, which Californians frequently cite as a top concern. Newsom labeled it a disgrace and his top priority in his February 2020 State of the State speech, a few weeks before the coronavirus pandemic hit. In San Diego, home to two of his key Republican challengers in the recall, former Mayor Kevin Faulconer and businessman John Cox, Newsom called for a big increase in state spending to address the issue, proposing $12 billion for housing and services for homeless people. The biggest danger for the governor has always been that he wasnt going to be able to push forward any of his other policy proposals because the pandemic was just swallowing up everything, said Katie Merrill, a Democratic political strategist in Berkeley. Now, because he has this surplus at hand, he can move forward with several policy proposals. However, Cox, whom Newsom defeated in the 2018 governors race, said he doubts many undecided voters will be won over by the governors publicity blitz or give him much credit for the size of the states surplus. I think most people will realize that its because of our very high tax rates and also the trillions that are being borrowed in Washington, D.C., said Cox. He and Faulconer are joined in the field vying to replace Newsom, should the recall succeed, by former Olympic champion and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner. Newsoms spending list includes emergency relief to help the state recover from the pandemic and funding to reshape major functions of government. On Thursday, during a virtual speech to the California Chamber of Commerce, he pitched an additional $1.5 billion for grants to help small businesses reopen after the pandemic. He was expected to wrap up his tour Friday, presenting his revised budget in Sacramento. While the surplus gives Newsom a thicker set of armor to fight the recall, political observers said, he cannot sit back. Another devastating wildfire season, crippling drought or economic downturn could leave him vulnerable. It cant be portrayed as a victory lap or gloating, said McCuan, the Sonoma State political scientist. The question is whether he can continue to be disciplined while the summer of uncertainty continues. Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) An Upper Midwestern oil pipeline continued operating Wednesday, despite a shutdown demand from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that the operator warned could lead to fuel disruptions similar to those resulting from a cyberattack on an East Coast system. Whitmer ordered Line 5 closed last November because of the potential for a spill in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. As her May 12 deadline arrived, Canadian pipeline company Enbridge said only the federal government has regulatory authority over its operations. Enbridge, backed by numerous chambers of commerce and Republican legislators in Michigan, seized on last week's hack of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the gasoline consumed on the East Coast. The resulting shutdown led to panic-buying that has left thousands of filling stations without fuel and motorists in long lines. The cyberattack that triggered an unplanned, temporary closure brings to the forefront what consumers could face, said Mike Moeller, Enbridge's director of operations for the Great Lakes region. Without Line 5, consumers will shoulder the burden of supply disruptions and related price increases, particularly for propane and transportation fuel. Whitmer's office said in a statement that the Colonial Pipeline interruption shows the danger of relying heavily on a single energy supply. Thats why Governor Whitmer has put in place a plan to protect jobs, diversify and expand our renewable energy resources, and ensure Michigans energy needs are met, while also taking action to get the oil out of the water as soon as possible. Line 5 critics said previous shutdowns, including one last summer when a pipe support was damaged, caused no gasoline shortages or price gouging. Drawing connections to the Colonial Pipeline is "fraudulent and nothing more than a last-ditch effort to scare people, said Rich Bergmann, owner of Lake Charlevoix Brewing Co. Line 5 moves oil and natural gas liquids for 645 miles (1038 kilometers) through northern Wisconsin and Michigan to Sarnia, Ontario. The nearly 23 million gallons (87 million liters) it carries daily are refined for gasoline, jet fuel and propane in several Midwestern states, as well as Ontario and Quebec. A roughly 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) segment divides into two pipes that cross the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The state in 1953 granted an easement to place the pipes on the straits bottom. Whitmer revoked it, saying Enbridge hadn't met its safety provisions, which the company disputes. The state sued to enforce the order, which is pending as a federal judge considers whether to retain jurisdiction or send the case to a Michigan court. Whitmer warned the company Tuesday that continuing to operate the line would be trespassing and the state would claim Enbridge's profits from doing so. Business groups filed a brief this week in support of Enbridge, saying a shutdown would have tremendous consequences for regional and national economies. They contend it would cost billions of dollars in economic activity and tens of thousands of jobs in the region. Christopher Guith, a senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, accused Whitmer of political theater and pandering to the most extreme activists. Unfortunately, millions of Americans and Canadians are likely to pay the price for it," he said. A forced shutdown also could give Enbridge legal cover to abandon its planned $500 million tunnel to house a replacement for the straits pipeline segment, said Valerie Brader, an attorney who filed the business groups' brief and formerly led the Michigan energy agency. Environmentalists and native tribes planned rallies in Detroit, Lansing and the Straits of Mackinac area. They accused the company of flouting the law and endangering the worlds largest freshwater system. The scale and impact of a Line 5 oil spill would be an unprecedented ecological and economic disaster, said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of Traverse City-based For Love of Water. I am bad at seeing otters. Or they are good at avoiding me. Or maybe both. Although they are sometimes spotted at Lassen Volcanic National Parks Manzanita Lake, my hike there last summer was fruitless. And on a Lost Coast trek shortly thereafter, a fellow hiker spotted one by the Punta Gorda Lighthouse, but it scrambled into some coastal vegetation and out of my life forever. In fact, the only place Ive ever seen an otter is the zoo, which doesnt count. I again attempted to rectify the situation with a kayaking trip this past winter on Big Lagoon up near Redwood National Park, where Kayak Trinidad guides regularly encounter and photograph the creatures. As we paddled through the calm, glassy water, guide Hallie Heath said there was a chance wed find one, but because it had recently rained and the water level was on the high side, it might be more challenging than usual. As she started to talk more about the character and behavior of otters though, I began to wonder if maybe it was better that I hadnt met one. As adorable as they are, it turns out that otters can be surprisingly vicious. Talia Rose Before I paint all otters with a blood-red brush, though, lets back up and acknowledge the different species. Members of the Mustelidae family and Lutrinae subfamily, otters are divided into 13 species (though one of those, the Japanese river otter, was declared extinct in 2012 due to loss of habitat and overhunting). The two kinds found in California are American river otters and sea otters, and there are some important distinctions, Heath explained. Sea otters weigh about 50 to 70 pounds, they float on their backs and they spend most of their lives in the ocean. River otters are two or three times smaller, they swim with their bellies down and they live mostly on land but travel by water to find food. Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. River otters are common and of least concern in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states. But Heath offered a warning. Theyll hiss at you if you get too close, she said. Theyre vicious little critters. That information wasnt a complete surprise, as I had heard about the river otter attack at Manzanita Lake last summer that sent a visitor to the hospital with severe wounds to the face. I told Heath about it, and she nodded. They go for your eyes, for your eyeballs, she said. I didnt realize that was their strategy, I said, scanning the water nervously. I thought Manzanita Lake was a fluke. Ashley Harrell Oh no, she said. And sea otters are just as evil. Theyll rape baby harbor seals, take down birds for fun and play with them, rip their throats out. Theyll take sharks off the bottom, flip them up, tear their organs out, eat the organs, leave the rest of the shark. She kept going: They rape each other. The males will basically drown and exhaust the female and then rape her and leave her. A lot of the females, their noses get red and bloody from the male biting them. The Monterey Bay Aquarium actually has a plastic surgery facility to repair otter faces. I contacted the Monterey Bay Aquarium to check on that, and while waiting to hear back did some internet research. I was shocked to find a 2014 Vox Media story about otters that referred to them as necrophiliac, serial-killing fur monsters of the sea. There comes a point at which rational people have to put adorable hijinks aside and recognize otters for what they are: disease-ridden, murderous, necrophilic aqua-weasels whose treachery knows few bounds, author Dylan Matthews wrote. ... They're merciless hellspawn who use their intellects for great evil. The article mentions a 2011 study that found 39 reports of river otter attacks in North America, which often involved rabies and are apparently on the rise. It also echoed much of what Heath shared: that sea otters are known to rape baby seals. That their mating is synonymous with trauma. That they sometimes hold other otters pups under water until they receive a food ransom. One scientist even observed a serial necrophiliac otter. Arthur Morris/Getty Images When I finally got Monterey Bay Aquariums Director of Veterinary Services Mike Murray on the line, I felt nervous about what else I would learn. And while Murray did confirm that otter mating is violent, he also helped put things in perspective. During copulation, the male does grab the female by the nose with his mouth and teeth, and females frequently will sustain some degree of injury to the muzzle and the nasal pad, he said. Thats the way otters have been breeding for millions of years. Murray performs plastic surgery on otters occasionally, reconstructing their noses as a treatment for injury. Sometimes the nasal passage becomes restricted and Murray opens it back up to help the animal breathe. Other times, newly created holes in the nasal passage need closure. Asked to describe the character of sea otters, Murray said: Theyre pugnacious. Theyre mischievous in some ways, like most mustelids. Theyre bullheaded like dachshunds. When they make their mind up, theyre going to do what they want to do, and theyre incredibly powerful. Murray is grateful that he can outrun them on land, he said, and was once chased out of the aquariums otter exhibit by a male named Roscoe. Periodically the males will give me the look and I know its time to exit stage left, he said. For the record, Murray really enjoys working with otters. Theyre pretty amazing creatures, he said. Ashley Harrell River otter expert and enthusiast Jeff Black, a professor with Humboldt State Universitys department of wildlife who has been monitoring river otter numbers for decades, said the public neednt be overly concerned about otter attacks. Black recently spearheaded a public art project, commissioning local creatives to adorn more than 100 3-foot-tall otter sculptures to help educate about the charismatic critters important role in their ecosystems. The initiative has been delayed by the pandemic, but soon the otter likenesses will appear in shops, galleries and schools around Californias North Coast. Some may be on display by the last Wednesday in May: World Otter Day. So what about incidents like the one at Manzanita Lake? Those are very, very rare, Black said. Every once in a while, a dog will get nipped I think everybody just needs to give wild animals space, right? According to Lassen Volcanic National Park ranger Shanda Ochs, Manzanita Lake is back open now for swimming, though visitors are encouraged to respect river otters by observing them from shore rather than getting near them in the water. Ashley Harrell River otters are very curious and will not hesitate to approach you in the water, Ochs said. Signs of aggression include hissing and rapidly swimming toward and around an individual in the water. Though they are sometimes just curious, it is best to play it safe and exit the water when being approached by a river otter. Kayak Trinidad owner Jason Self agrees. He loves otters, he said, but also considers them the cutest vicious devils youll ever see. Im never really sure if they want to play or are going to attack me, but they always come in close to check us out, Self said. I think they learned who I was because I fish there so much. Theyll just follow me around and eat the fish I release. Self feels comfortable around them until one starts to climb on his boat, he said, and then he starts to worry. But theyre all different personalities like people, he said. They are generally respected by people at Big Lagoon, and otters seem pretty comfortable around people. We see a lot of them in the summer. Heath and I didnt end up finding a river otter that day, and I was feeling OK about it as we paddled back to shore. But then she ended our discussion with a very good point. Theyre wild animals, Heath said. So yes, they have the capability of being very vicious. But they have to survive in nature and they have to be able to defend their young. One of the coolest parts of being out here is being able to witness how theyre able to do those things. And just like that, I really wanted to see an otter again. FARGO, N.D. (AP) Police say the a woman has been taken into custody after three people were wounded in a stabbing Thursday outside a restaurant in downtown Fargo. The woman barricaded herself in a vehicle on the east side of the Mexican Village restaurant before she was apprehended, police said. TIRANA, Albania (AP) A man tried to set himself on fire during prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr in the Albanian capital, Tirana, police said Thursday. They said a 40-year old man only identified by the initials B.G. had poured gasoline over himself and entered the Skanderbeg square. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Police in Albuquerque said Wednesday that they were investigating a triple homicide in the city. They said officers responded around 3 p.m. to reports of multiple gunshot victims arriving in a vehicle to Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital in northeast Albuquerque. CHICAGO (AP) An alderman who is also the nephew and grandson of two former mayors of Chicago pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal tax charges tied to a failed bank. Patrick Daley Thompson faces five counts of filing false tax returns and two of making false statements to a federal agency. He was being questioned about $219,000 in loans and other payments between 2011 and 2014 from the Washington Federal Bank for Savings. Currently Reading Alert: Israeli defense minister approves call-up of 9,000 more reservist troops amid fighting with Hamas OMAHA, Neb. (AP) An Arizona man was charged Thursday in connection with a series of threats made to schools and other institutions in the Omaha area last month. Andrew Isaac Abrams, of Tucson, Arizona, was charged with transmitting a series of threats in interstate commerce on April 23, Acting U.S. Attorney Jan Sharp said in a statement. PHOENIX (AP) Arizona's seven state-run vaccination sites on Thursday began offering the Pfizer COVID-19 shot to children ages 12-15. The move followed actions by federal health regulators to expand emergency authorizations for the vaccine. Arizona has nearly 400,000 youths ages 12-15, representing nearly 5.6% of the states population. These safe, highly effective, and free vaccines have never been easier to get, Dr. Cara Christ, the state's top public health official, said in a statement. The sooner we can get as many people as possible vaccinated against COVID-19, the better we can protect people of all ages from this unpredictable virus. The expanded availability applies only to the Pfizer vaccine, which until now was only available to people ages 16 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people 18 and older. Arizona has four state-run vaccination sites in metro Phoenix and one each in Flagstaff, Tucson and Yuma. Appointments for vaccinations can be made online. The Department of Health Services said appointments aren't necessary but help save time at the site by registering beforehand, The department said a parent or guardian must accompany children for the vaccines and sign a consent form in person, including an attestation that the child is at least 12 years old. No identification is required for the children, the department said. The state on Thursday reported 544 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, increasing the pandemic totals to 871,168 cases and 17,438 deaths. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) Three men were arrested in the brazen armed robbery of a man's $500,000 watch while he was dining outdoors in Beverly Hills, authorities said Wednesday. The suspects wore hoods and one of them put a gun to the head of the watch's owner as he sat at Il Pastaio restaurant on March 4, according to police. A woman was shot in the leg during a struggle over the watch and the gun. She was not seriously hurt. LOS ANGELES (AP) Counties in California are waiting for guidance from the state after the federal government on Thursday said fully vaccinated people can quit wearing face coverings and social distancing in most situations whether outside or inside. California's Department of Public Health did not respond to questions about whether and when the state would adopt new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as buses, planes, hospitals and prisons, and says residents should follow local rules. Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state is on track to fully reopen its economy next month, signaling an end to most pandemic restrictions as infection rates stay at record lows and more people get vaccinated. On Thursday, the state began allowing children 12 to 15 to receive the vaccine. The CDC's announcement raised more questions for some health officials, including Dr. Barbara Ferrer, public health director for Los Angeles County, home to about one-quarter of the state's nearly 40 million people. I think that the question thats top of mind for many people is: What does this mean when people are going around their day-to-day business? she said. The big issue that were facing is making sure were still able to protect our workers." At least 60% of residents 16 and older are partially vaccinated in California. But the percentages of people vaccinated vary widely by county and across the country. There's also no way to know who is vaccinated or who is just saying they are. I think this is early, Marin County public health officer Dr. Matt Willis said on San Francisco's KGO-TV. Frankly, the idea of people not covering their faces indoors when theyre gathered together, it's concerning that there would be ongoing transmission. In California, people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask outdoors unless at crowded events. But they still have to wear a mask indoors outside their own home unless meeting with other vaccinated people. The state has a number of other rules for businesses and other public places that vary by county based on the prevalence of the virus. Newsom said earlier this week that in June residents will not be wearing face coverings except for at large-scale indoor convention events. But the next day, he said the state is likely to have guidelines and mandates for wearing masks indoors after the state fully reopens. Disability rights activist Sascha Bittner, 47, has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and survived lymphoma. She plans to keep wearing a mask and stay away from people she doesn't know unless she is certain she's in a place where everyone else is vaccinated. She wishes the Biden administration had waited until more people had been vaccinated nationally. I will mask up and keep socially distanced for as long as I see fit. I also wont be around people lax in their protocols yet, the San Francisco resident said by email. Im just not there yet, and I REALLY hope people will see we arent quite there yet. Berkeley resident Justin Grant says he wishes the federal government had loosened outdoor masking rules earlier, given that all the scientific research he has seen shows that outdoor masking is completely unnecessary." He waited Thursday at a Walgreens pharmacy with his 13-year-old daughter, who had just received her vaccination. She wanted the shot so she can hang out with her friends, he said, and he had no hesitation letting her get the vaccine, given that he trusts the science. San Francisco's Department of Public Health, which has been among the strictest in the country in mandating masks and social distancing, cheered the announcement as great news" on social media, saying that it underscored the efficacy of the vaccine. The department said it must wait for the state to adopt new guidelines, as will Riverside County. Jose Arballo Jr., a spokesman for the county Department of Public Health, spoke Thursday from a vaccination site in Moreno Valley, where about 1,000 people had come to get their shots by midday, including a handful of children between 12 and 15, he said. All of the young people arrived with their immediate families, he said. They talked about wanting to be like the rest of their family. They wanted to get vaccinated as a group so they could go out and travel and do things together, Arballo said. ___ Har reported from San Francisco. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) A supermarket in Colorado where a gunman killed 10 people last month plans to reopen in late fall following renovations, the store said Wednesday. King Soopers is planning an extensive redesign of the Boulder location, company spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge said Wednesday, rather than demolishing the building as the company had considered. The store has been closed since a 21-year-old man opened fire on customers, employees and responding police officers on March 22, authorities said. One of the first officers on scene was killed. Store representatives and city officials agreed that the renovations and reopening would be a key step for a community still reeling from the shooting, the Denver Post reported. The renovations may include added security measures, Trowbridge said, without elaborating on what those could be. The company said it is working with employees who survived the shooting to ensure they are comfortable returning to the store. The employees in the supermarket during the attack will receive emergency pay through June 19, Trowbridge said. A motive for the shooting is still not clear. Ahmad Alissa has been charged with murder and attempted murder, and his defense team has suggested he suffers from mental illness without offering more details. Another mass shooting happened in Colorado early Sunday. A man upset he wasn't invited to a birthday party thrown by his girlfriend's family fatally shot six people and then killed himself in Colorado Springs. Before the Colorado Springs shooting, a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University showed there had been at least 11 mass shootings since Jan. 1, compared with just two public mass shootings in 2020. FAIRFIELD, Maine (AP) Three conservation groups allege that the four Kennebec River dams operated by Brookfield Renewable between Waterville and Skowhegan are threatening the survival of the endangered Atlantic salmon, according to a notice of intent to sue filed this week. The Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Rivers and the Conservation Law Foundation filed notices of intent to sue Brookfield on Wednesday for what they call repeated violations of the Endangered Species Act, Maine Public Radio reported. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Calling Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings not one of the bigger ones, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that if smaller cruise lines want to leave the state because of bans on vaccine requirements, their void will be filled. Miami-based Norwegian is the third-largest cruise line in the world and has three ports of departure in Florida Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa. It also makes stops in Key West. But it hasn't operated in the U.S. since the federal government shut down all cruises last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand announced Thursday that his office has launched an investigation into an eastern county auditors payments made to election workers last year. Sand will examine potential overpayments to election workers that were approved by former Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz, Sand's office said in a news release. Sand said the payments could amount to a misuse of Help America Vote Act funds made available through the Iowa Secretary of State Office, which is also helping with the investigation. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) A Providence school district administrator pleaded not guilty on Thursday to assault in connection to an unwanted foot massage he allegedly gave to a minor at a fitness center. Olayinka Alege, 40, has also resigned as network superintendent of secondary schools for the school district, the Providence Journal reported. Alege was arrested on Monday after police said he allegedly massaged the foot of a minor without their consent at the Edge Fitness in Warwick, which is located outside of the Providence school district. The allegations are not what they appear to be, Joseph Solomon Jr., attorney for Alege, told the newspaper after the court hearing. Alege was released on personal recognizance with an order not to contact the victim. Police initially redacted information about the victim, but the newspaper identified them as a minor citing a police affidavit. The Associated Press is not releasing identifying information because the person is a potential victim of abuse. The Providence schools Superintendent Harrison Peters and state education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green called the charges against Alege disturbing, in a joint statement on Wednesday. After learning the full details of the allegations including the fact that there is video evidence supporting the authenticity of the claims the district asked for Dr. Aleges resignation, which has been received, they said. Alege was hired in June and previously worked at the same school district in Florida as Peters, the newspaper reported. In 2009, a Tampa paper reported that Alege was told to stop disciplining students by pulling on their toes, which students reported did not hurt but was strange. Law enforcement investigated those claims and decided not to bring charges, the Tampa Tribune reported. HONOLULU (AP) Wildlife officials want people on a Waikiki beach to give an endangered newborn seal and its nursing mother lots of space. Kaiwi, a Hawaiian monk seal mom and her pup, PO2, are nursing and bonding at Kaimana Beach, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday. State and federal officials want people to go to another beach for swimming and paddling for the next several weeks. Like all mothers, monk seals are very protective of their pups, David Schofield, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine mammal coordinator, said in a release. While they are resting on the beach, they look docile, but once they go into the water they can move very, very fast, like lightning speed. If a mother seal detects any threat to her pup, she is likely to attack and that is a major concern for us. NOAA says monk seal mothers spend about six to eight weeks with pups before weaning. Officials want people to stay at least 150 feet away from the pair and not use drones or flash photography to take pictures. Kristina Dauterman, dispatch and reporting manager for Hawaii Marine Animal Response, said most people have stayed away. Last week, two unleashed dogs approached the seal and pup, Dauterman said. The seal barked at the dogs and scared them away, and there was no contact, Dauterman said. Dogs are not allowed at Kaimana Beach and should be kept away for the safety of both the seals and dogs. As the baby monk seal starts to move around and explore, a perimeter set up by the group may have to be adjusted. We would also appreciate it if people would allow the seals to haul out of the water when they are moving around, Dauterman said. It is important that the pup can come out wherever and whenever he needs to, to rest and nurse. In 2009, a woman from Washington was attacked by a monk seal that was with her pup. The woman was snorkeling off a remote beach on the island Kauai. Earl Miyamoto, a retired state wildlife manager, said the woman suffered a skull fracture and broken bones in her hand after being bitten. This is a wild animal; the ocean is the seals home, Miyamoto said in a statement. If you are out there swimming and it doesnt matter how strong of a swimmer you are, if that seal decides you are a threat, you have no chance of escaping. HONOLULU (AP) A former Honolulu police lieutenant who is scheduled to begin serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence next month in Hawaii's biggest ever corruption case is asking a judge to let him remain free while he appeals his conviction. Derek Wayne Hahn's attorney said Wednesday that the appeal could take several years. A jury convicted Hahn, another former police officer, a former Honolulu police chief and the ex-chief's former prosecutor wife of conspiracy in a plot to frame a man. Hahn helped Louis and Katherine Kealoha, the former chief and the former prosecutor, with the framing of the man to preserve the couple's lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said. Hahn is scheduled to surrender at a federal detention center in Oregon on June 1, but his attorney filed the motion Wednesday saying Hahn should remain free until the conclusion of his appeal. The appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will focus on instructions to jurors before they deliberated and other issues, said Hahn's motion by Sacramento, California attorney Timothy Warriner. Counsel is still reviewing the record and researching possible legal issues, and therefore may file an opening brief in the 9th Circuit that raises claims of error in addition to those stated herein," the motion said. Hahn, who has been free on a $50,000 bond since 2017, is not likely to flee or pose a danger, the motion said. A U.S. judge in Honolulu will consider the request at a hearing on May 25. Louis Kealoha is scheduled to begin his seven-year sentence June 1. His now estranged wife was sentenced to 13 years in prison. A judge said she was the mastermind behind the scheme to frame her uncle for the theft of the couples home mailbox to hide fraud that included stealing from her own grandmother. FRYEBURG, Maine (AP) A former Maine police chief wanted to skip out of a public meeting so badly that it cost him his career. A law enforcement oversight board has decided to revoke the license of former Fryeburg Police Chief Joshua Potvin after an investigation found Potvin, who had been chief for six years, invented a suspicious person report so he could ditch a Fryeburg Board of Selectmen meeting in February 2020. ATLANTA (AP) The family of an 18-year-old who died in a Georgia jail said in a lawsuit that his death was the result of medical neglect by health care workers at the facility. WXIA-TV reports that Tyrique Tookes died after about six weeks in the Fulton County Jail. He began to complain of chest tightness with constant intense aching pain rated 10/10 on pain scale and aggravated by laying down, palpating chest and worse after eating in late April 2019, the lawsuit says. A physicians assistant at the facility, who was employed by the private correctional healthcare company NaphCare, said Tookes could be experiencing possible heart burn. According to the suit, the physicians assistant recommended Ibuprofen, Tums, ice packs and fluids and to follow up if symptoms worsened. It says no medical doctor or other supervisor signed off on the assessment. Jail records showed that Tookes was given antacids and compresses over the next four days. A scheduled follow-up appointment was canceled on release, the lawsuit says, even though he wasnt released. Tookes wasnt evaluated by any healthcare worker the next two days and was found unresponsive on May 4, 2019, according to the suit. It was noted that his pupils were fixed, no pulse, muscle stiffed and non-moveable and his skin was cold to touch. An autopsy said there wasnt evidence of injuries and that toxicology came back negative, the lawsuit says. Tookes cause of death was ruled Cardiac Tamponade due to ruptured ascending aorta. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cardiac tamponade results from blood or fluid building up and putting pressure on the heart. WXIA reports that more than a dozen defendants are named in the lawsuit, many of which are NaphCare workers employed at the jail. The Fulton County Sheriffs Office isnt listed. It said in a statement that the office doesnt comment on pending cases, according to the station. Steve Karnowski/AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal judge on Thursday rejected a second attempt by opponents of the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota to invalidate the mineral rights leases needed for the project. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden said new arguments and evidence raised by the opponents in the 2020 lawsuit would not have changed the outcome of the case, which challenged the Interior Department's 2019 decision to renew the decades-old leases for the site near Ely. MALIBU, Calif. (AP) A water fill-up station in the mountains above Malibu is increasing capacity to handle larger firefighting helicopters that are being contracted to bolster Southern California fleets. The upgrade of the site called 69 Bravo follows a November test of a big CH-47 Chinook, a type of helitanker that can carry 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters) of water, significantly more than common types of water-dropping helicopters. NEW IBERIA, La. (AP) A new historical marker honoring the late Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has been unveiled in her hometown of New Iberia. Gov. John Bel Edwards, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and other state and local officials were in New Iberia on Wednesday for the ceremony held to recognize Louisiana's first female governor. BOISE, Idaho (AP) The decision of the Idaho House to recess rather than officially adjourn like the Senate will create significant challenges for keeping state government running, Gov. Brad Little said Thursday. An unknown end-of-session date and important work left undone create major dysfunction in state government, namely with the implementation of administrative rules," the Republican governor wrote in a statement about the 2021 legislative session. I know thats not an exciting topic, but it comes down to the nuts and bolts of state government and our ability to provide service to Idahoans," he said. The arcane but important administrative rules involve everything from licensing critical care nurses to environmental protections to hunting and fishing tags. Alex Adams, Littles budget chief, said all those rules expire June 30 because the Legislature hasn't extended them. That means time-and resource-consuming public hearings will be needed to keep the rules in place. As this is the third time in state history that this has occurred and the third straight year at that we have grown accustomed to re-promulgation of rules to ensure continuity of the services citizens expect, Adams said in an email to The Associated Press. The legislative session wrapped up late Wednesday after a record 122 days, the longest legislative session in Idaho history, eclipsing the 118-day session of 2003. Thats not something anyone should aspire to happen. This is Idaho, not Washington, D.C., Little said. Little could call the Legislature back into session if both chambers had adjourned. But House Republicans were wary after adjourning last year and being left out of decisions made by Little when the pandemic reached Idaho. Little issued a temporary stay-at-home order when COVID-19 cases threatened to overwhelm hospitals, an action some lawmakers disagreed with. Lawmakers have also said they should have had a role in spending $1.25 billion the state received early last year in federal coronavirus rescue money. It is important to remember that no one is looking to create a full-time Legislature, but we must make sure we can fulfill our constitutional responsibilities should the unforeseen occur again, Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke said in a statement. An Idaho attorney general's opinion released Thursday said it appears both chambers haven't agreed to officially end the session. It is essential to note that the scenario currently presented is unique and unprecedented in Idaho, Chief Deputy Brian Kane wrote. The Legislature's decision to pursue this course of action causes risk which would result in a reviewing court concluding differently. Jim Jones, a former chief justice of the Idaho Supreme Court as well as a former state attorney general, said his reading of the Idaho Constitution indicates both chambers are officially adjourned after a recess goes past three days. Jones is seeking the state's OK to collect signatures for a referendum that would place a ballot initiative law passed earlier this year by the Legislature before voters on the November 2022 ballot. Under that law, signatures for the referendum need to be collected within 60 days of the Legislature adjourning. Jones questioned the move by the House to recess rather than adjourn. Are they dong the people's work? I dont think so, he said. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Efforts to repeal Nevadas death penalty law in the current Legislature are dead, Gov. Steve Sisolak and the top Democrat in the Legislature said Thursday. The governor issued a statement saying he saw no path forward for a bill that passed the Assembly on party lines with Democrats in support but that had not received a hearing in the Senate ahead of a Friday deadline. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro said lawmakers did not reach a consensus. She called a pact unlikely before the Legislature ends May 31 and said lawmakers would focus on other measures affecting police practices and the court bail system. Some advocates reacted with anger. American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada chief Athar Haseebullah labeled Sisolaks statement a major flip-flop on an issue that is literally a matter of life and death. By failing to even consider how to advance this bill before dismissing it, the Senate and governor have emboldened government attorneys to seek the execution of civilians through our states racist, arbitrary and expensive capital punishment system, Haseebullah said. Indeed, on Friday, a state court judge in Las Vegas is due to consider a bid by Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson to authorize the lethal injection of a mass murderer in late July. Zane Michael Floyd, 45, would be the first convicted killer put to death in Nevada in 15 years. He is fighting in state and federal courts against his execution for the 1999 shotgun killings of four people and the wounding of a fifth at a Las Vegas supermarket. Sisolak, a Democrat, was Clark County Commission chairman when 58 people were killed in a shooting on the Las Vegas Strip in October 2017. He said Thursday he believes capital punishment should be used rarely, in what he called severe situations. The gunman in the Strip shooting killed himself before police reached him. Democrats noted the repeal bill advanced further in the current Legislature than any similar measure in decades, and acknowledged a need to reform what Assembly Democratic Speaker Jason Frierson characterized as "inequities that exist in our criminal justice system. We could not get across the finish line this session, Frierson said. Scott Coffee, a deputy public defender in Las Vegas who has long fought to end capital punishment in Nevada, said he believed Democratic state leaders concerns about getting reelected got in the way of good policy. We are gravely disappointed in the new position taken by the governors office, Coffee said. We thought there was a path forward. After 20 years of fighting this in the Legislature, it would seem this year was the time to do it. Cannizzaro, a chief deputy prosecutor in Wolfsons office when the Legislature is not in session, told reporters she was not opposed to amending the bill to limit the application of capital punishment for cases involving mass shootings. She acknowledged racial inequities in the criminal justice system, but she said they would not be solved in one legislative session or one bill. Its not to say that because every measure doesnt make it over the finish line that were not tackling this problem, Cannizzaro added. Cannizzaro credited Assemblyman Steve Yeager, the Democratic chairman of the judiciary committee that heard testimony on the bill, with having tried to find a compromise. Yeager said he was not discouraged and promised to focus on making the criminal justice system fair, equitable, evidence-based, and cost-effective. Nevada is one of 27 U.S. states with the death penalty. Prison officials say there are 64 men currently on death row. ___ Ritter reported from Las Vegas. Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. PHILADELPHIA (AP) A gunman opened fire on a small crowd gathered at a memorial site for a shooting victim in Philadelphia, killing one man and wounding three others. The shooting occurred around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, as some crowd members were painting a mural on the side of a corner store and others were putting down candles and stuffed animals, authorities said. The group of roughly 10 people had gathered there to honor a person who was shot and killed at the site last fall. BERLIN (AP) Germany's leading Jewish group on Thursday sharply condemned protests in front of a synagogue in the western city of Gelsenkirchen as pure antisemitism. Several other German cities including Berlin, Hamburg and Hannover have seen anti-Israeli protests over the past few days. At least two synagogues were attacked, and several Israeli flags were torn down and burned since the latest eruption of violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The Central Council of Jews in Germany tweeted a video of dozens of protesters in Gelsenkirchen waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and yelling expletives about Jews. Jew hatred in the middle of Gelsenkirchen in front of the synagogue. The times in which Jews were cursed in the middle of the street should have long been over. This is pure antisemitism, nothing else! the group tweeted. The German government repeatedly condemned anti-Israeli and antisemitic attacks earlier this week and said that the perpetrators must be found and held responsible and Jewish institutions must be protected thoroughly. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Funke Media Group that there must be zero tolerance for attacks on synagogues in our country. All of us are called on to make it very clear that we do not accept if Jews in Germany are made responsible for the events in the Middle East neither in the streets nor on social media, Maas added. The protests in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday were dispersed by police, German news agency dpa reported, but authorities reported further incidents in other parts of the country. Some cities which had hoisted Israeli flags in front of their city halls on Wednesday in remembrance of the start of German-Israeli diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, reported that the flags were torn down and sometimes burned. An Israeli flag in front of a city hall in the western town of Solingen was torn and burnt and two Israeli flags in Berlin were also torn down late Wednesday night. On Tuesday night, police stopped 13 suspects in the western city of Muenster near a synagogue after an Israeli flag was burned there. In the western city of Bonn, police said several people damaged the entrance of a synagogue with stones and investigators found a burned flag as well. In nearby Duesseldorf, somebody burned garbage on top of a memorial for a former synagogue. Several cities and states in Germany have since upped their security and raised police presence in front of Jewish institutions, dpa reported. In Berlin, some 100 people also assembled for a pro-Israel rally on Wednesday night in front of the city's landmark Brandenburg Gate waving Israeli flags and holding a banner saying We stand with Israel Now and Forever." FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A Florida judge ruled Thursday that two deputies who were fired for inaction during a high school mass shooting in 2018 should be reinstated with back pay. Broward Circuit Judge Keathan Frink concluded that arbitrators last year were correct in ruling that the fired Broward County deputies, Brian Miller and Joshua Stambaugh, should get their jobs back, with back pay plus other benefits, the Sun Sentinel reported. That includes accrued sick and vacation time, overtime and off-duty detail pay, among other benefits that they would have been paid had they not been fired. One arbitrator had ruled in September that Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony acted 13 days too late when he fired deputy Stambaugh in 2019 for his conduct during the February 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The shooting left 17 dead. State law says discipline against law enforcement officers must occur within 180 days of an investigation's completion. Another arbitrator reinstated Miller last May, saying Tony had missed that deadline by two days. The sheriff's office appealed both decisions. Lori Alhadeff, who joined the Broward County School Board less than a year after the shooting, said in a message to The Associated Press that her daughter Alyssa and 16 others are no longer alive because of the inaction and failures of many, including Miller and Stambaugh. It is painful for me to once again see that there is no accountability, Alhadeff said. An arbitrator has not yet ruled on the case involving a third fired deputy, Edward Eason. Jeff Bell, president of the Broward Sheriffs Office Deputies Association, said the judges decision solidifies that Miller and Stambaugh were terminated improperly. The sheriff's office released a statement pointing out that the union's victory was based on a procedural technicality, which the sheriff's office maintains was wrongly decided. The agency also reaffirmed its position that Miller and Stambaugh do not deserve to have their jobs back. A state investigative commission found that Stambaugh was working an off-duty shift at a nearby school when he responded to reports of shots fired at Stoneman Douglas. He got out of his truck, put on his bulletproof vest and took cover for about five minutes after hearing the shots, according to body camera footage. Stambaugh then drove to a nearby highway instead of going toward the school. Eason ran the other way as gunfire continued, then spent time putting on his bulletproof vest and body camera while the carnage continued, investigators said. Eason also was faulted for not writing an official report after receiving a tip in February 2016 that the shooting suspect, Nikolas Cruz, was making threats on social media to shoot up a school. Tips to the FBI about Cruz also were not followed up, a separate investigation has found. Miller was the first supervisor to arrive at the school, arriving in time to hear three or four shots, records show. Investigators found that Miller took his time putting on a bulletproof vest and hid behind his car. Cruz, 22, is awaiting trial and could get the death penalty if convicted. His attorneys have said he is willing to plead guilty in exchange for life sentence. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) A judge dismissed a rarely used felony leak charge Thursday against a Black Lives Matter activist in Iowa who gave a confidential police document to a local television news reporter. Protester Viet Tran did not break the law when he shared a Des Moines Police Department bulletin during an interview broadcast on WOI-TV, an ABC affiliate, Judge Jeffrey Farrell found. Tran had been charged last summer with unauthorized dissemination of intelligence data, a felony that carries up to five years in prison. The decades-old law, intended to stop law enforcement officials from releasing certain sensitive information, had only been used a handful of times and never in a non-police context. During a protest outside the county jail last July, Tran discussed and displayed the police document in an interview with WOI-TV reporter Eva Andersen. The bulletin included photos of 13 suspects who were wanted for the destruction of a Des Moines police car during a June 20 protest outside a grocery store. Officers and state troopers had carried the bulletins with them while patrolling a July 1 protest at the Iowa Capitol, seeking to identify and arrest those involved. Police allege that activist Alexandria Dea stole one of the bulletins from an officers back pocket during a scuffle between officers and protesters, before Tran obtained it and gave the document to the reporter. Like Tran, Dea was charged with unauthorized dissemination of intelligence data. Civil rights activists argued that Polk County Attorney John Sarcone's office overstepped by filing the charge against protesters, saying they weren't bound by the law. The television reporter was not charged, even though she broadcast the document and posted photos of it on her Twitter account. Farrell ruled Thursday that the document in question did not include any intelligence data, which is defined under Iowa law as information compiled about individuals to prevent or monitor possible criminal activity. He said it only contained criminal investigative data" since it referred to criminal acts that had already occurred. Because the bulletin at issue in this case is not intelligence data, any dissemination of the bulletin is not a crime, Farrell wrote. Farrell noted that the document was labeled an intelligence report and contained a warning that no portion of this communication should be released to non-law-enforcement organizations, the media or the general public. But he said the department's designation does not control how it should be classified, and that criminal laws must be strictly construed in favor of the accused. Farrell said that he didn't need to consider Tran's arguments that persons outside law enforcement have no duty to protect intelligence data, or that the law is unconstitutional on free speech grounds. He ordered the case against Tran to be dismissed and assessed costs against the state. Tran had been jailed for three weeks after he was arrested on the charge last summer and accused of violating his probation in an earlier case. A prosecutor had called him a threat to public safety, saying he had posted threats on social media toward police and television stations. A judge allowed his release on the condition that he wear a GPS monitor. Thursday's ruling is the latest setback for Sarcone, a long-serving Democrat whose office has had a series of cases dismissed or result in acquittal in recent months. A jury in March acquitted a Des Moines Register reporter who was pepper-sprayed and arrested by police on misdemeanor charges while covering a Black Lives Matter protest. Sarcone's office is still prosecuting Dea, 27, on the leak charge and a felony theft charge for allegedly stealing the bulletin and throwing an officer's police radio. She has drawn a different judge and is awaiting trial. Assistant Polk County Attorney Thomas Miller said in a recent court filing that the leak law had only been successfully applied twice, both times against law enforcement officials in the 1980s. The only other known time it was filed was in 2016, when a sheriffs office employee was charged with leaking information to suspects in drug and drunken driving cases but ended up pleading to a lesser offense. The court is not constrained by this limited prior use of this statute, Miller argued. He wrote that the law applied to anyone who disseminated intelligence information and could be used against reporters in certain scenarios. Police used their discretion in declining to recommend charges against Andersen, he said. A federal judge refused Thursday to free a Texas man whom authorities have accused of planning an attack on a social media company's facility after he returned home from storming the U.S. Capitol. Guy Wesley Reffitt, one of more than 400 federal defendants charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, has been identified by prosecutors as a member of a militia-style group linked to the anti-government Three Percenters extremist movement. Reffitt bragged about his actions in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 during a Zoom meeting with two other militia members four days after the siege, according to prosecutors. A recording of the meeting obtained by investigators captured Reffitt discussing a plan to attack mainstream media, Silicon Valley, and Big Tech, prosecutors said. Prosecutors say Reffitt specifically targeted a prominent social media companys facility in Texas. During Thursday's remote hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nestler didnt name the company that Reffitt allegedly targeted but said it had servers near his home in Wylie, a Dallas suburb. He knew the description of the generator there and how a well-placed sniper shot could take out that generator and how much impact that would have on that company and therefore on American society, the prosecutor said. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich concluded that Reffitt would pose a danger to the public if she ordered his release from a Washington jail. The judge said she can't dismiss Reffitt's violent rhetoric as mere boasts, pointing to evidence that he planned more attacks. Mr. Reffitt backed up his comments with actions, she said during a remote hearing Thursday. He did, in fact, attempt to recruit new militia members to his cause. And he stated that the events of January 6th were just the preface to what was coming. Reffitt had been threatening to attack social media companies for months before the Capitol siege, prosecutors said. A relative warned the FBI in late December that Reffitt was going to do some serious damage related to lawmakers in Washington, according to prosecutors, who said he took an AR-15 rifle and a pistol with him when and another militia member drove to Washington. Reffitt played a significant and dangerous role in the deadly attack, leading a group of rioters up the Capitol steps to confront law enforcement officers, prosecutors said in an April 28 court filing. Reffitts actions caused the police line guarding the building to retreat closer to the building itself; soon after, law enforcement was overwhelmed, and rioters breached and flooded the building, they wrote. After returning home, Reffitt told his children that they would be traitors if they reported him to law enforcement and warned them that traitors get shot, according to prosecutors. A grand jury indicted Reffitt on charges of obstructing an official proceeding, obstruction of justice and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. In March, a federal magistrate ordered Reffitt detained pending trial. Reffitt asked Friedrich to overturn that order. The government just claims that Mr. Reffitt is a threat, but does not identify an articulable one, defense attorney William Welch said Thursday. LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) The embattled president of Haskell Indian Nations University has been fired following an internal investigation into complaints that he violated the free speech rights of faculty and students. Ronald Graham, who began his presidency in May 2020, was dismissed Friday after the Bureau of Indian Education sent a team to the Lawrence campus last month to do an administrative review, the Lawrence Journal-World reported. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer need to wear masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings, effective immediately, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday. The state will follow guidance announced Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said people who are fully vaccinated could stop wearing masks and social distancing outdoors in crowds. Masks also will not be necessary in indoor spaces, except for settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters. This announcement is welcome news, and a testament to the sacrifices Kansans have made over the last year," Kelly said in a statement. "I can think of no better reason for all Kansans to get vaccinated. The sooner we are vaccinated - the sooner we get back to normal. The mask change came a day after Kelly said Kansas will begin offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 and older, which also follows new guidance from federal officials. Previously, only those 16 and older could be vaccinated. Health experts thorough, deliberate review process demonstrates that safety continues to be the number one priority in vaccine approval and my administration is confident that opening the vaccine to young Kansans is the right move, Kelly said. The Food and Drug Administration expanded the use of the vaccine to younger children Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the recommendation Wednesday. Health officials and hospitals in some counties, including Johnson, Sedgwick, Douglas, Wyandotte and Shawnee, began providing the shots for younger people on Thursday. Those under 18 need parental permission to be vaccinated. Children will be given the same amount of the Pfizer vaccine as adults, in two shots three weeks apart. Dr. Steve Lauer, a pediatrician with the University of Kansas Health System, said during a briefing Wednesday that making millions more people eligible for vaccinations will help control the spread of the coronavirus for everyone. So its as much to control the disease across our population as for those kids," Lauer said. "The benefit is that it is going to help us get back to normal more quickly, help our kids get back to school and all the activities they need to be involved in. The Kansas Health Department reported that 39.7% of all Kansans have received at least one dose of a vaccine as of Wednesday. The state has confirmed 311,338 COVID-19 cases and 5,029 deaths since the pandemic began. LOS ANGELES (AP) The city of Los Angeles is launching a bilingual campaign featuring Latino artists encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations. The public service announcement unveiled Thursday is called Vacunate Ya, Los Angeles / Get Vaccinated, L.A. and features artists Angelica Maria, Danny Trejo, Pepe Aguilar, Angela Aguilar and Leonardo Aguilar. The goal of this campaign is simple: to get our hard-hit Latino community vaccinated and help our city and country defeat this pandemic once and for all, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. The 30-second public service announcements will air on local TV news, starting with the Spanish-language version this week and followed by the English version next week. The PSAs will also appear on social media. SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) A Louisiana surgeon has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits even though he had been working in well-paying positions for years. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Shreveport said in a news release Wednesday that John T. Owings, 60, of Shreveport was sentenced to 21 months by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote. He also was ordered to pay restitution of more than $200,000. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A man accused of holding five employees hostage during a more than eight-hour standoff at a Minnesota bank was charged Thursday in federal court. Ray R. McNeary, 35, was charged earlier in state court for the May 6 incident at a Wells Fargo bank in St. Cloud, located about 65 miles (104.61 kilometers) northeast of the Twin Cities. Police said they had dealings with McNearly going back at least a decade, including violent crime. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Nearly a year after requiring people to wear face masks in many public settings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Memphis will stop enforcing the mandate on Saturday, Mayor Jim Strickland said. People must still wear a face mask if they are inside a city facility and city government will continue to follow guidelines recommending masks in public settings indoors, Strickland tweeted on Thursday. He said private businesses and churches may continue to require masking and the city encourages people to mask in public until 70% of the Shelby County population is vaccinated. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri would gain greater oversight of unlicensed residential care facilities for children under legislation that won final approval Thursday following allegations of long-running abuse at some boarding schools. The legislation, which now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, would require the directors of unlicensed facilities providing around-the-clock lodging and care for children to notify the Department of Social Services of their existence and provide details about their ownership and personnel. Staff, contractors and and volunteers with access to children would have to undergo criminal background checks. This is designed to ensure the safety of children who are in these facilities, said Sen. Bill White, a Republican attorney from Joplin who previously handled juvenile neglect, delinquency and abuse cases. A Missouri law dating to 1982 exempts religious residential care facilities from state licensure requirements. The Kansas City Star reported last year that several faith-based boarding schools had relocated to Missouri after being investigated or shut down for abuse or neglect in other states. But Missouri had no records of how many unlicensed boarding schools are in the state. In February, former residents testified to legislators about being hit, restrained, sexually abused or deprived of food and water at some facilities. In March, Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed more than 100 criminal charges against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, the owners and operators of the former Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Cedar County. The charges include numerous counts of abuse and neglect of a child; Boyd Householder also faces charges of statutory rape and sodomy, among other things. The Householders have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are awaiting trial. Schmitt has described the allegations as "one of the most widespread cases of sexual, physical and mental abuse practiced against young girls in Missouri history. Since the girls' reform school opened in 2006, numerous complaints of mistreatment had been filed with law enforcement or state welfare agencies. This bill will grant law enforcement and our government the tools it needs to hold accountable the monsters perpetrating physical and sexual abuse and neglect on kids at some of these institutions, said Rep. Keri Ingle, a Democrat from Lee's Summit. Some lawmakers who opposed the legislation said the problem rests with the response by individual authorities, not state policies. "We dont have a lack of enough laws, we have a lack of follow through on behalf of our bureaucracy, said state Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin, of Shelbina, one of nine Republican senators who voted against the bill Tuesday. The House, which had passed an earlier version of the bill, approved the final version Thursday by a 147-1 vote. The legislation would allow prosecutors or state children's services officials to ask a judge to remove children or shut down facilities that violate state requirements or when there is an immediate concern about the health or safety of children. The bill also would require facilities to comply with fire, safety and health inspections and to allow parents or guardians unencumbered access to their children without having to provide notification that they are coming. WASHINGTON (AP) A case manager at a North Carolina prison pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges stemming from a scheme to funnel drugs and other contraband into Caledonia Correctional Institution, federal prosecutors said. The U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release that Ollie Rose III, 62, of Pleasant Hill admitted that he agreed to use his position from at least November 2018 through October 2020 to smuggle contraband including oxycodone, marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids into the prison for inmates. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Gov. Chris Sununu issued an order Thursday expanding access to mental health services, in response to a recent state Supreme Court ruling that psychiatric patients being held involuntarily in emergency rooms must be given a chance to contest their detention promptly. The order adds beds at receiving facilities and ensures services are received from health care providers. It also ensures better community partnerships. This order will also review all mental health services across the entire state to determine if the providers we currently utilize are truly equipped and truly capable of meeting the need of New Hampshire citizens, and we are going to be exploring additional opportunities, both in and out state in the private sector," Sununu said at his weekly news conference. The state achieved a major milestone in April 2020 when, for the first time in eight years, no one was waiting in a hospital emergency room for an inpatient psychiatric bed. But the numbers went back up during the pandemic and in recent days, more than 80 mental health patients, including record numbers of children, have been waiting in emergency departments for inpatient beds. We're literally doing it today as we speak," Sununu said. Folks are being transferred out, beds are being opened up, investments are being made. Seek out those services." He said the most pressing issue is that we go back to where we were about a year ago, where folks just aren't waiting in emergency rooms anymore, where those services are being provided," and creating a long-term plan. In other coronavirus-related news: WALK-IN VACCINE CLINICS Starting next week, New Hampshire will allow people without an appointment to walk into its state-run COVID-19 vaccination sites. People will be allowed to go to the clinics from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as of Monday. Also, two special clinics have been scheduled. The first one, on Friday, May 21, is for residents in New Hampshire and Vermont and will be held in Lancaster. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered. The other clinic is for the deaf and hard of hearing, on Saturday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Elliot Health System in Manchester. American Sign Language interpreters will be provided. Appointments can be made through videophone at 603-546-7882, Voice at 603-271-9097, and email at equityvaccine@dhhs.nh.gov. ___ UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT New Hampshire is planning to end the $300-a-week supplemental federal payment for people collecting state unemployment benefits before it expires on Labor Day, Gov. Chris Sununu said Thursday. About 10 states have already announced they are planning to stop accepting the $300 benefit. Sununu, a Republican who first addressed the subject earlier in the day at the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshires virtual economic summit, did not give a date for when the enhancement would be discontinued. The BIA recently wrote to Sununu asking that the benefit come to an end, saying it makes it easier for some unemployed individuals to choose to stay at home rather than return to work. On May 23, the state will require those receiving unemployment benefits to show they are actively searching for work. ___ SENATE MEETS The New Hampshire Senate met in person Thursday for the first time during the current legislative session. Congratulations for working together to make today happen," Senate President Chuck Morse told his colleagues at the Statehouse. The Senate met in Representatives Hall traditionally the home of the New Hampshire House as it had last year. The House has been meeting at a sports complex in Bedford this session. Senate members observed wearing masks and social distancing. Earlier this month, the Republican-led Joint Facilities Committee voted to remove a requirement that masks be worn to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Statehouse and legislative office building. The Statehouse remains closed to everyone but lawmakers and staff. Among its actions Thursday, the Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would delete a requirement that a private school be nonsectarian in order to be approved as a school tuition program. Supporters said the bill relates to towns that don't have all grade levels and allows parents to be more involved in their children's education. Opponents said the bill, which originated in the House, would authorize public funds to send children to religious schools, which violates the state constitution. ___ VISITING INMATES The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is going to allow inmates to request in-person visits, which had been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. New Hampshire Public Radio reports that inmates who have been vaccinated will be able to hug their visitors. They will also be able to sit at the same table without remaining 6 feet (2 meters) apart. Those who have not been vaccinated will not be allowed those accommodations. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people in the state prisons and their visitors will be required to wear masks. Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. The department is planning to start visits the week of June 7. ___ THE NUMBERS More than 97,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in New Hampshire, including 222 cases announced Thursday. Four new deaths were announced, with the total reaching 1,326. The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire decreased over the past two weeks, going from 287 new cases a day on April 27 to 173 new cases a day Tuesday. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colon announced his candidacy Thursday for the office of state attorney general. The Democrat wants to follow in the footsteps of friend Hector Balderas, who is wrapping up his second term as New Mexico's top prosecutor and consumer advocate. Balderas also served as state auditor before being elected attorney general and the two previously worked for the same law firm. Colon, 51, is the first person to enter the race for the open seat that has been dominated by Democrats for the better part of a century. Republicans have held the office only three times in the state's nearly 110-year history. Colon sees the campaign as an opportunity to take the next step, saying his motivation is rooted in his experience growing up in New Mexico and his desire to serve his community. He recalled the struggle of being poor and as a teenager having to take on the role of caring for his mother and siblings when his father died at a young age. He described himself as a fighter, saying he wants to protect New Mexico families and that public safety will be among his top priorities. We cant have prosperous communities until we have safe communities. We are limiting our potential in New Mexico," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. Weve enjoyed some great success but Im convinced that success has still been limited. I want to make sure that New Mexico is known as a place where consumer protection is important and that public safety is No. 1. A former chairman of the New Mexico Democratic Party, Colon won the race for auditor in 2019, ending a political drought for him. Campaigns for lieutenant governor in 2010 and for Albuquerque mayor in 2017 were unsuccessful. As auditor, Colon has been in charge of ensuring that the finances of government agencies, school districts, universities and other public organizations that receive tax dollars are examined annually. That work is often done by independent auditors overseen by the state auditor. The office also promotes transparency and conducts special investigations. Its mantra has been to stamp out fraud, waste and abuse. The office has been involved in the state's overhaul of its guardianship and conservator program, investigated management issues at hospital in McKinley County at the height of the pandemic and reviewed claims of alleged financial wrongdoing at Spaceport America. Colon said he believes his work as an attorney over two decades and his time at the auditor's office have prepared him for the kind of work done by the attorney general's office. That will include consumer protections as the state moves forward with its energy transition plans, a lawsuit against the federal government over contamination at military bases and the battle before the U.S. Supreme Court with Texas over management of the Rio Grande. Colon acknowledged that water resources are shrinking across the arid West and that the best option would be to work with others to come up with a strong water-sharing plan rather than spending more money on litigation. Still, he said if agreements can't be reached, he will fight for New Mexico's interests. He said his overall mission would be giving people access to justice. There are 2.1 million New Mexicans who deserve to have faith in their community and the idea that they can raise their families in a safe space, he said, but so many families are suffering and theyre scared and they need a fighter and Im that guy. Colon earned an undergraduate degree in finance from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces and graduated from law school at the University of New Mexico. ___ This version corrects that Colon and Balderas worked at the same law firm but did not at the same time. LAS VEGAS (AP) Law enforcement officers with years of sustained citizen complaints, allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal arrests are still working in one southern Nevada city, and some have been promoted, a newspaper investigation of discipline and accountability found. One Henderson police officer, now a lieutenant, faced about 50 allegations with nearly a dozen sustained allegations over his 18-year career, records show. He violated use-of-force rules by kicking a man having diabetic seizure during a highly publicized traffic stop, threatened another while serving a warrant and lied in a police report, according to internal affairs documents. Despite that, he was promoted twice. A corrections officer in the Henderson city jail sent photos of himself naked to a colleague and was twice cited on criminal charges, including once for battery. He was initially fired after a drunken driving charge but reinstated by an arbitrator and continued to have misconduct problems, records show. A Henderson police sergeant with more than 30 allegations twice used his rifle to hit innocent people, was arrested for punching his girlfriend and allowed officers to void traffic tickets for friends of HPD, records show. He voluntarily retired in 2018 with a $117,000-per-year pension. Newly released internal affairs records allowed the Las Vegas Review-Journal to identify a small group of Henderson officers with years of substantive violations who escaped serious disciplinary action. The records provided a closer look at police accountability in Nevadas second-largest city, with 300,000 residents and about 390 police officers. In data going back nearly 20 years, more than 150 Henderson officers were involved in five or more incidents where misconduct allegations were filed against them, the newspaper found. About 40 Henderson officers had 10 or more sustained allegations, and six of them resigned or were terminated, the Review-Journal analysis showed. The newspaper, in an April 25 investigation titled Flawed Discipline featured four cases. Henderson police Lt. Brett Seekatzs career has been filled with misconduct allegations the most notorious a 2010 traffic stop where video showed he kicked a motorist suspected of DUI five times in the head. The driver, Adam Greene, was disoriented and suffering a diabetic episode and later sued police. Seekatz actions cost taxpayers almost $300,000 in settlements, but the officer was not terminated, demoted or charged with a crime. Internal affairs sustained an unnecessary-force allegation, and Seekatz, then a sergeant, received a verbal reprimand, records show. What hadnt been made public was a list of about 50 misconduct allegations occurring from 20 different incidents investigated by internal affairs, records show. Eleven of the allegations, stemming from five different incidents, were sustained, but Seekatzs most severe punishment was a written reprimand, according to documents obtained by the Review-Journal. James Herndon says he was a victim of excessive force when he tried to stop an armed shoplifter at a Henderson sporting goods store where hes a manager. A former Nevada state game warden, Herndon was tackled by Henderson police officers along with the fleeing suspect. He was punched, kicked and hit on his lower back and head before Henderson Sgt. Michael Gillis hit Herndon with the butt of an M4 rifle and used his taser, court records and surveillance video from the January 2018 confrontation show. I was getting hit in the face, Herndon told the Review-Journal. I dont know if I was being kicked or punched with a closed fist. At some point, someone struck me in the head with an object. All I saw was a bright flash. Court records say Herndon suffered an orbital fracture, concussion, blurry vision and nerve damage in his face that affects his ability to taste food. Gillis, 51, had more than 30 internal affairs allegations tied to a dozen personal and professional incidents, including a finding in 2015 that he inappropriately used his rifle to subdue a suspect, similar to the way he struck Herndon, internal affairs records show. Henderson Police Department records reveal Gillis extensive history of sustained complaints, raising questions about accountability for officers who continually break the rules. Four days after the confrontation, Herndon, 57, filed an internal affairs complaint against Gillis and the other officers. He said investigators told him the force used was appropriate, and they indicated Gillis had no significant prior problems. Herndon filed a lawsuit in early 2019. He said he hoped Henderson police would improve their disciplinary process and weed out cops like Gillis. Henderson officials and Gillis, through his attorney, declined comment because of the pending lawsuit. Records the Review-Journal obtained show internal affairs sustained complaints against Gillis for punching his girlfriend, authorizing his subordinates to void tickets for Friends of HPD and the previous rifle strike of another man. Herndon attorney Marjorie Haufs attempts in court to get Gillis disciplinary histories were rebuffed, with an assistant city attorney arguing in a May 2020 court filing that the information was confidential. Herndon and Hauf said they only learned about some of the allegations against Gillis from the Review-Journal. In nine years as a Henderson police officer, Michael Ray Stevens earned the nickname Creepy Cop and was the subject of 60 internal affairs investigations stemming from a dozen separate incidents, police files show. Stevens paid a prostitute for sex, repeatedly harassed women and was fired in 2014 after 20 sustained violations related to driving under the influence cases against three people who either werent drunk or werent driving a vehicle, according to internal affairs complaints. But his disciplinary history, revealed in records released to the Review-Journal, show that Stevens, now 45, remained on the job for years despite misconduct validated by investigations and repeated complaints. Henderson police hired Stevens in 2005. Within five years, he had five complaints for bad demeanor, ethics violations and use of force, records show. Internal affairs determined the complaints were unfounded. In August 2010, a prostitute arrested by Las Vegas police at a Strip resort told them a Henderson officer was paying her for sex. Las Vegas police set up a sting, and Stevens was arrested, records show. He admitted to internal affairs that he had sex with the prostitute and used an online site to hire another prostitute, records show. The criminal charges were dropped, but internal affairs determined Stevens violated rules governing personal misconduct and associating with prostitutes. He received an 80-hour suspension. Stevens could not be reached for comment, and his criminal attorney, Nicholas Wooldridge, did not return calls or emails. Henderson Police Chief Thedrick Andres declined to comment on cases that happened prior to Andres joining the department in 2018. In the last year he was with the city, Stevens made $132,000 in pay and benefits, including $4,300 in overtime, according to the Transparent Nevada pubic records reporting site. Henderson corrections officer Darius Brown was angry and irritated when a family argument at a neighbors house disturbed him in the early morning hours a few weeks before Thanksgiving 2018. Brown, 40, off-duty at the time, entered the neighbors home through an open door, pushed a 24-year-old woman who was trying to get him to leave her house and threatened to return with his gun, internal affairs and police records show. Weslie Robles, whose father and brothers were arguing at 7 a.m. when Brown confronted the family, said it was a scary situation for her, her siblings and parents. Brown was cited for battery, which was removed from his record after he completed a diversion program. Henderson internal affairs investigators sustained violations of conduct unbecoming, being involved in a crime and attempting to use his job to receive favors, records show. He was punished with a 40-hour suspension and anger management training. Departmental internal affairs investigated more than 40 charges over five different incidents involving Brown in less than 10 years, records show. Brown remains on duty supervising inmates at the Henderson jail. He and his attorney, Michael Becker, did not respond to repeated calls and emails from the Review-Journal seeking comment. In reports about the early-morning confrontation, Brown admitted to internal affairs investigators that he made threats to neighbors but said he did not threaten to get a gun. He conceded that he did not use his best judgment that morning, records show. I didnt go over there professional, the internal affairs report quotes him as saying. I was pretty much in intimidation mode; I was really trying to get my point across. Brown blamed some of his behavior on protecting his young daughter, who was at his house that morning. In 2019, Brown made $168,000 in pay and benefits, including $10,000 in overtime, according to Transparent Nevada. The Review-Journal reported that while lawmakers around the country have pushed to make police internal affairs records public, the Nevada Legislature is considering a bill that would close off key investigative documents. The measure, Assembly Bill 58, is backed by state Attorney General Aaron Ford and is now being considered by the state Senate. It would empower the attorney general to investigate patterns of civil rights complaints in local police agencies and to release a report. But the legislation also would exempt from state public records law the disclosure of the identity of a witness, any procedure, testimony taken, document or other tangible evidence produced. A lack of confidentiality would undoubtedly lead to a chilling effect on people willing to come forward to disclose information, Ford, a former state Senate majority leader, told a legislative committee considering the bill in March. Richard Karpel, executive director of the Nevada Press Association, said the legislation would be a step backward for transparency in police misconduct inquiries. AB58 would, in most cases, shroud pattern and practice investigations in secrecy, Karpel told the Review-Journal in an email. It would still hide the underlying evidence from public view. Thats a recipe for distrust and conspiracy theories. Fords chief of staff, Jessica Adair, denied the bill would change existing public records law for law enforcement agencies. Agencies still must disclose their records subject to public records law, whether or not those documents are also used in a pattern and practice investigation, she said in an emailed statement. In Nevada, state public records law does not exempt internal affairs files from disclosure, but police departments have cited employee privacy to withhold them. This year, about 160 bills in 40 U.S. states have been introduced addressing police data collection and transparency, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah said Nevada lawmakers should join the national trend of requiring agencies to release internal affairs records. Samuel Walker, emeritus professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, said his research found officers with repeated problems often remain on the force for years. What we have is a pattern of really unchecked misconduct and reluctance to discipline those involved in misconduct, Walker said. Lawmakers in the current and past Nevada Legislature sessions have passed or proposed other laws relating to police misconduct and use of force. The state Senate passed a bill that would require police to use de-escalation techniques and identify themselves before using force. The measure, SB212, is now before the Assembly. It would require officers to use the least amount of force necessary and prohibit indiscriminate use of nonlethal rounds during protests. In 2019, the Legislature made it more difficult to investigate police misconduct by limiting the time for an investigation and stopping supervisor questioning if there is going to be a misconduct investigation, under what is commonly known as the Police Officer Bill of Rights. But in a special legislative session last summer, several weeks after the police killing of George Floyd spawned protests in Nevada and around the world, state lawmakers reversed many of the provisions of the 2019 law, which was sponsored by Senate Democratic Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. A provision in the 2019 law that wasnt reversed was a ban on releasing officers photographs unless they are charged with crimes. An Associated Press report, published Wednesday as part of a project on police accountability funded by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, found that police misconduct records are either secret or difficult to access in 35 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. It found that seven big states have opened records in recent years, including California, New York, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon and Maryland. SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) A Georgia woman was denied bond Wednesday and remained in custody, accused of shooting a woman and kidnapping the woman's infant twins, authorities said. The 6-week-old boys were found unharmed Tuesday, the Savannah Police Department said. The mother of the twins, Gabrielle Rodgers, 23, was being treated for injuries described as critical. Angela Montgomery, 23, of Rincon, Georgia, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping, WSAV-TV reported. It was not known if Montgomery had an attorney who could speak on her behalf. Police said they were called Tuesday to a Savannah address where they found Rodgers suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities said they learned a suspect had fled the scene with Rodgers' twins, prompting an Amber Alert. Montgomery was located Tuesday afternoon at a home in Rincon, a community northwest of Savannah. Authorities said she was arrested by Savannah Police detectives and SWAT officers, with help from the Rincon Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriffs Office. The twins were recovered from the home unharmed though first responders took them to a hospital for medical evaluations. Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter said authorities were thankful the infants were found unharmed, adding everyone in the Savannah area was looking for this suspect and the twins. Minter said the case wouldnt have moved as quickly had it not been for tips from the community. He added that the community is hoping to see the childrens mother make a full recovery and be reunited with her sons as soon as possible. Rodgers was undergoing surgery for her injuries, family members told the television station. Her sister has organized an online fundraiser in the meantime to aid with her recovery expenses. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) Connecticut officials are trying to determine whether hoarding played any role in a house fire that killed a New Haven firefighter and severely injured one of his colleagues, investigators said Thursday. Firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr. died and Lt. Samod Rankins suffered serious burns after becoming trapped in the burning home on Valley Street early Wednesday morning. Rankins' condition was improving, officials said. Courtesy of San Leandro Police SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (AP) An 11-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of robbing an 80-year-old California man, and police said the 11-year-old was driving a stolen car. The robbery victim, an Asian man, was walking in a residential area of San Leandro when he was attacked and robbed by the two juveniles, KRON-TV reported. CADIZ, Ky. (AP) A sheriff's deputy serving an arrest warrant shot and wounded the suspect Thursday, Kentucky State Police said. The suspect suffered life-threatening injuries and was being treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, police said. Deputies from the Trigg County Sheriff's Office were at a residence trying to serve the warrant when the suspect resisted, state police said a preliminary investigation indicated. A deputy fired his service weapon, wounding the suspect, and provided immediate medical care until emergency medical personnel arrived, police said. Neither the suspect nor the deputy was identified. No officers were injured. The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Thursday. WASHINGTON (AP) Many Latinos are forgoing COVID-19 shots because of concerns about losing work hours, getting a bill, and for some, immigration worries. That's according to a new poll that offers insights into how to raise vaccination rates among the nation's largest ethnic minority. The Kaiser Family Foundation Vaccine Monitor poll released Thursday found that many Hispanics who remain unvaccinated actually want a shot. In fact, they reported far less vaccine hesitancy than their white or Black counterparts. One in 3 unvaccinated Latino adults said they want to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible twice the share among unvaccinated white adults (16%) or Blacks (17%). Conversely, just 17% of unvaccinated Hispanics said they would definitely not get a shot, compared with 34% of whites and 26% of unvaccinated Black adults. It is not about vaccine hesitancy; it is about logistics, said Jane Delgado, president of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, a nonprofit that seeks to include the Latino perspective in health policy debates. She's seen national ad campaigns miss Hispanics time and again. What we need is people helping people to actually get the vaccines, said Delgado. Vaccines are now in plentiful supply, but with COVID-19 cases falling the daily number of people getting a shot has slipped. The U.S. remains short of the level of protection needed for widespread immunity to the coronavirus. And there are ongoing concerns about the emergence of variants that could prove resistant to vaccines. Overall, the poll found that 60% of white adults have gotten at least one shot. That dropped to 47% of Latinos. Blacks also lagged, but not as much, with 51% getting at least one dose. Work was the chief concern among unvaccinated Latino adults. Sixty-four percent worried about missing work because of side effects from vaccination, as compared to 41 percent of unvaccinated adult whites and 55% of Blacks. President Joe Biden has urged employers to actively help workers get vaccinated, including providing paid time off. His COVID relief law incorporates a tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses to offset the costs of leave. Hispanics are over-represented in low-wage occupations where jobs often don't come with benefits, such as restaurant work, cleaning services, landscaping, and construction and handyman labor. Losing two days of work for two vaccines is a lot when you've already struggled all year round, said Delgado. By law and government policy, COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to all. But many Hispanics were not so sure of that. A little more than half of unvaccinated Latino adults were concerned about facing out-of-pocket costs. The poll also found an undertow of worries that getting a vaccine might trigger problems with immigration authorities, although even the immigration-restricting Trump administration had said that would not be an issue. Thirty-five percent of unvaccinated Hispanic adults said they were afraid of negative immigration consequences to them or a family member. Showing a driver's license or health insurance card is standard practice for people getting vaccinated, but 39% percent of unvaccinated Latinos said being asked for identification would be a concern. Kaiser Foundation pollster Liz Hamel said the survey offers a roadmap for federal, state and local health officials trying to connect with Hispanic people. There are opportunities for work to be done on the ground, in communities, she said. It's about making it more convenient. There's a significant group of people who haven't gotten vaccinated because it's too much of a hassle. One significant finding points to a possible path for connecting with Latinos: Those who have gotten vaccinated were about twice as likely as whites or Blacks to have received their shots at a community health center. Federally funded health centers at some 13,000 locations cater to low-income people regardless of the patient's immigration status. The poll found that Hispanics are no strangers to the toll of the pandemic. Thirty-eight percent of Hispanic adults said a friend or close family member had died of COVID-19, compared with 18% of white adults. The share of Latinos saying they are very worried that they or a family member will get sick from the virus (41%) was four times higher than among whites. People know someone who either had COVID, or someone who died, said Delgado. ___ The Kaiser Vaccine Monitor survey was conducted from April 15-29 among a nationally representative random digit dial sample of 2,097 adults, including oversamples of Black and Hispanic adults. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 4 percentage points for results based on Hispanic adults. The Kaiser foundation is a nonprofit information center on the nation's health care system. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) No criminal charges will be filed against a Kansas sheriff's deputy who fatally shot an unarmed woman who refused to pull over during a high-speed police chase that began over a wrong license plate on a vehicle, a prosecutor said Thursday. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his final report concluding that the deputy is immune from prosecution in the Dec. 30, 2019, death of 51-year-old Debra Arbuckle. Bennett cited the state's "stand your ground law'' under which a person who acts in defense of himself or another is immune from prosecution. He determined the deputy fired his weapon to stop what he perceived to be a threat of bodily injury to himself and his fellow deputies. Attorney Michael Kuckelman, who represents Arbuckle's son in a federal lawsuit over her death, said Thursday that the family is disappointed that Sedgwick County Deputy Kaleb Dailey is not facing a homicide charge. He said eluding an officer doesnt warrant deadly force. No other officer on the scene fired a single shot. Thats because Ms. Arbuckle wasnt a threat to them, Kuckelman said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. The chase, which lasted 19 minutes, began after a Wichita police officer noticed a Volkswagen with a license plate tag registered to a Chevy pickup. The Volkswagen was stopped at an intersection, but when the officer activated his emergency lights, the driver ran a red light and sped away, according to authorities. The chase was at one point called off due to the speeds that were reached, but a sheriff's deputy who heard the chase on his law enforcement radio drove to the Volkswagen's last known location. The chase resumed with four pursuing deputies, and the Volkswagen was ultimately forced off the road. When the reverse lights of the Volkswagen activated, a deputy who was on the passenger side of the vehicle, believed the other deputies would be struck and fired his handgun six times, according to the district attorney's report. The lawsuit filed by Arbuckle's son, Alek Hansen, identifies the deputy who shot her as Dailey and contends Arbuckle's vehicle was surrounded by patrol cars. It says multiple law enforcement videos show that while Arbuckle did put her car in reverse, she never accelerated toward the deputies. Her front wheel didnt even have a tire on it. They rammed her car, ran it off the road, and they surrounded it with their cars. The officers werent in danger, Kuckelman, the son's attorney, said in his statement Thursday. Arbuckle was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined she died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. A toxicology report determined her blood was positive for cocaine. ___ This version corrects the first name of the woman who was killed to Debra, not Deborah. LOS ANGELES (AP) One alleged drug dealer peddling potent doses of fentanyl warned a customer by text message not to die and added LOL to his message. Another was a nightclub security manager who prosecutors said provided powdered substances to three patrons who overdosed early one morning at the former bar known as the American Junkie. The details were included in federal court documents released Thursday in cases charging a dozen men in 12 fatal overdoses, including the death of a 15-year-old boy. Federal prosecutors used the cases to draw attention to a spike in fentanyl being found in counterfeit drugs in Southern California and a rise in deaths from the opioid. Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Wilkison said the announcement was a warning to drug dealers they could face severe consequences if a customer dies and warn potential customers of black market drugs manufactured to look like prescription opioids that can be laced with fatal amounts of fentanyl. Fentanyl is increasingly being seen in what customers think are drugs like cocaine and oxycodone, Wilkison said. Most of the victims in these cases had no idea they were taking fentanyl and it cost them their lives. The cases, which are unrelated, are the result of a task force headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration focused on combating fatal overdoses that has led to 20 arrests in the past three years. All the defendants were charged with distribution of narcotics resulting in death. No victims were identified. A conviction on the charge carries a minimum 20-year prison sentence and a potential sentence of life without parole in federal prison. California has not been hit as hard as other states by the nation's opioid crisis. While other states, particularly West Virginia, parts of the Northeast and Midwest, struggled with opiate abuse more than a decade ago from prescription drugs, the problem has now arrived in California in fentanyl produced by Mexican cartels and hidden in counterfeit drugs, DEA Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner said. Court records show the alleged dealers communicated with text messages and the Snapchat app. At least one was selling drugs on Craigslist, advertising Roxy board short, a street term for oxycodone pills. The cases announced Thursday date as far back as November 2016 when Sean McLaughlin was working at American Junkie in Newport Beach and distributed a fentanyl-like substance that led to three ODs and one death at the club, prosecutors said. McLaughlin, 47, was originally charged by Orange County prosecutors, but federal prosecutors recently took over the case, which carries a stiffer sentence in federal court. His lawyer didn't immediately return a message seeking comment. One defendant, William Fulton, 39, is charged with two deaths over subsequent days in October. Prosecutors said he sold fentanyl to two people staying at hotels in Redondo Beach. The victims were listed only by their initials D.S. and A.L. Fulton, who has two dozen felony convictions, including burglary, car theft and drug possession, is currently in state prison. It wasn't immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could comment. Another case involved a 15-year-old boy who died a year ago after buying what he thought was oxycodone, according to Snapchat conversation with the alleged dealer, prosecutors said. Alexander Declan Bell Wilson, 20, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in the boy's death. His lawyer didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Another suspect, Jason Soheili, 26, is accused of mailing a fatal dose of fentanyl to a man who had moved to Utah last fall to go to rehab, but had dropped out of the program in January. The victim, who died Feb. 21, was not identified in court documents. A public defender for Soheili did not return a message seeking comment. An affidavit for Soheili's arrest includes text exchanges with the alleged victim. In one, when asked if he could provide a powder form of fentanyl, Soheili indicated he could and said: "just dont die ... lol. SEVEROMORSK, Russia (AP) A top Russian admiral complained Thursday about increased NATO military activities near the country's borders, describing them as a threat to regional security. Adm. Alexander Moiseyev, the commander of Russia's Northern Fleet, said that NATO navy ships' presence in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea have reached levels unseen since World War II. Speaking to reporters onboard the Northern Fleet's flagship, the Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great) missile cruiser, at its Arctic base of Severomorsk, Moiseyev charged that NATO drills have edged closer to Russian borders, and noted increasingly frequent flights by U.S. nuclear-capable strategic bombers. Such actions are provocative and have a negative impact on regional security, Moiseyev said. He voiced particular concern about the U.S. military assets on the territory of NATO ally Norway that borders Russia, charging that it has led to an increase of the conflict potential in the Arctic. Ties between Russia and the West have plummeted to post-Cold War lows after the 2014 Russian annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula and Moscows support for a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern over the deployment of NATO forces near Russian borders. Russia and the alliance also have blamed each other for conducting destabilizing military exercises near the borders. Last month, a massive build-up of Russian troops alongside the Ukrainian border fueled concerns in Ukraine and the West. The Kremlin rejected Western worries, charging that the troops don't threaten anyone, but it also warned Ukrainian authorities against trying to use force to reclaim control of the rebel east. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) In a rare police apology Thursday, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott apologized for a police shooting last week that injured a burglary suspect. The man, 23-year-old Xavier Pittman, was shot in the wrist by a plainclothes officer as he was being arrested. The shooting of Mr. Pittman quite simply should not have happened, Scott said during an online town hall. Im deeply sorry that Mr. Pittman was shot during this incident, and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize. He also apologized to the public, saying we know you expect us to get this right, and we know how traumatic it is to see these types of incidents especially when they should not have happened." The shooting occurred just before 1 p.m. Friday in the city's South of Market neighborhood as officers were tracking a stolen silver Mitsubishi carrying three men they described as known burglary suspects. Police said the car was seen at vehicle burglaries at several tourist areas earlier in the day and they were trying to track down the car. Plainclothes officers spotted the car in an alley, where two suspects from the Mitsubishi were searching and emptying bags, luggage and other items onto the ground. Police said Officer Zachary McAuliffe grabbed Pittman and both fell to the ground when an officer-involved shooting occurred." Pittman's attorney, Adante Pointer, told the San Francisco Examiner that Pittman was unarmed and already being detained when he was hit by gunfire. He said the officer had no reason to think his life was in danger. Essentially he was ready to be brought into custody, but then to be shot, unexpectedly shot, you dont know what is going to take place at that point. He was scared for his life," Pointer said. He said his client wasn't struggling with police as he was being detained. He didnt deserve to be shot, Pointer said. Scott said that because the officers' plainclothes status, they were not wearing body cameras. But police have obtained video surveillance from nearby businesses. Pittman has been charged with five counts of auto burglary, five counts of conspiracy, one count of possession of stolen property and one count of committing a felony while out on bail. The San Francisco Police Department and the district attorney's office are investigating the shooting. LONDON (AP) Two men detained by British immigration officials in Glasgow were released Thursday after a seven-hour standoff between hundreds of protesters and Scottish police. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon slammed the unacceptable action by Britain's Home Office to detain the Indian men, especially as it came during celebrations for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, in an area hit by the pandemic. The Home Office said in a statement that the men were detained "in relation to suspected immigration offences" and had been released on bail. Sturgeon said in a tweet that Police Scotland officers had been put in an invidious position after being called to support the Home Office operation. To act in this way, in the heart of a Muslim community as they celebrated Eid, and in an area experiencing a COVID outbreak was a health & safety risk," she said. Police were first called to Kenmure Street in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, at about 10 a.m. where the Immigration Enforcement van with the men in it was surrounded by protesters, including neighbors of the men. One demonstrator climbed under the vehicle to stop it from moving, while others sat in the road. The crowd chanted Leave our neighbors, let them go and Cops go home." Police Scotland said the decision to finally release the men had been made to protect the safety, public health and well-being of all involved. Videos posted on social media showed cheers going up as the doors of the van were opened and the men emerged. Protester Mohammad Asif, the director of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation, said the demonstration was a response to the hostile environment created by the British government. Britains immigration rules have long been criticized by lawyers and human rights groups, who say they are often harsh and unfairly implemented. Rules have been tightened in the past decade under Conservative governments determined to make the U.K. a hostile environment for illegal immigration. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The coronavirus vaccine is now available for children ages 12 to 15 in Mississippi for the first time, a development the state's top health official told residents he hopes will shake us out of our complacency in battling COVID-19. I want us all to really sit back and realize that youre likely either to get the COVID vaccine, or the COVID virus, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said Thursday during a virtual briefing with the Department of Health. And under every circumstance, under every conceivable scenario, you are a thousand-fold, if not a million-fold better off getting the vaccine than contracting COVID. The announcement means more than 160,000 residents between the ages of 12 and 15 are now eligible for shots. The vaccine will be available for adolescents under 16 at sites that administer Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. The state is starting their vaccinations of that age group Friday, and some private doctor's offices are already offering shots to children. Parents must accompany minors to the vaccination site and sign a consent form to allow their child to get a shot. U.S. regulators earlier this week expanded the use of Pfizers vaccine to children as young as 12. The Food and Drug Administration declared that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The agency noted there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared with 16 among kids given dummy shots. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said the pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of Mississippis young people. Getting kids vaccinated will help facilitate a return to normalcy when it comes to school, socializing and extracurriculars activities that are important to kids social and emotional growth. Now is our opportunity to really get to do things with more normalcy, Byers said. Preventing the spread of coronavirus among the state's younger residents will be a priority in the coming months, Mississippi health officials said. Byers said the Department of Health is starting an initiative with funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to do on-site coronavirus test in schools. The program will be voluntary for schools to opt into and schools will likely need to get a parent's consent before testing their child. Increased testing and vaccinations will make attending school overall safer, officials say. Around 52% of Mississippians said they would get their children vaccinated in a survey of 11,000 residents conducted by the Department of Health. Around 22,000 kids in the 12 to 17 age group in Mississippi have had coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. At least one has died, according to officials. As of Thursday, close to 851,000 people in Mississippi are fully vaccinated. The state has a population of around 3 million. The number of weekly vaccinations in the state has been slowly dropping since a peak of 132,042 shots in late February. Just under 46,500 shots were given out last week in Mississippi. ___ Willingham is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. BOSTON (AP) State Street Corporation has agreed to pay a $115 million criminal penalty to resolve charges that it schemed to defraud clients by secretly overcharging some of its customers for as long as 17 years, federal investigators said Thursday. All told, the Massachusetts-based global financial services company defrauded its customers to the tune of more than $290 million, investigators said. The company has agreed to fully reimburse victims of the misconduct for amounts they were overcharged. State Street defrauded its own clients of hundreds of millions of dollars over decades in a most pedestrian way: they tacked on hidden markups to routine charges for out-of-pocket expenses, Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Nathaniel Mendell said in a written statement. Investigators said that according to State Streets admissions, between 1998 and 2015, bank executives conspired to add secret markups to out-of-pocket expenses charged to the banks clients while letting clients believe that State Street was billing expenses as pass-through charges on which the bank was not earning a profit. The markups were charged on top of fees that the clients had agreed to pay the bank, and despite written agreements that caused clients to believe the expenses would be passed through to them without a markup, investigators said. State Street executives also took steps to conceal the markups from clients, prosecutors said. A spokesperson for State Street said the company entered into the prosecution agreement to resolve its previously disclosed inquiry into the overcharges of some customers for items billed as out-of-pocket expenses, which the bank said it disclosed in 2015. We regret these overcharges, which have also been the basis of prior settlements with regulators including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said. We have also invested, and continue to invest, significant resources to improve and strengthen our invoicing processes, controls and governance. State Street has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement after being charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to pay the $115 million penalty. The company also agreed to continue to cooperate with the U.S. attorneys office in any ongoing investigations. Prosecutors said the resolution is based on a number of factors, including that State Street voluntarily disclosed the misconduct and fully cooperated with the investigation. The company also said the amounts to be paid in connection with the agreement are included in a previously established reserve. AGAWAM, Mass. (AP) A student was behind a cyberattack on a Massachusetts school system this week that temporarily shut down the districts computer network, disrupted remote learning, and forced the postponement of exams, officials said. The attack on the Agawam school district prevented students and staff from logging onto the system and sending emails, WWLP-TV reported Wednesday. The inseparable sisters always stood out identical twins from Twinsburg, Ohio, whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. Their friends were white and a classmates comment still stings: I dont even think of you as Black. I said, Thank you. And I felt pride, Brittani James recalls, shuddering. "I believed we were special. I believed other people in our neighborhood werent as good as us, she said. The twins were indeed special they won free rides to the Ivy League, earned medical degrees at prestigious universities, and have thrived in a profession where they are vastly outnumbered by virtue of their skin color. But their mission now is to dismantle the entrenched bigotry behind that classmates backhanded remark. At 33, James and her twin, Brandi Jackson, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. Were teaching how to see it and how to undo it, Jackson said. James, a family medicine doctor, and Jackson, a psychiatrist, have developed anti-racist coursework used in two Chicago medical schools. Theyve co-founded the Institute for Antiracism in Medicine, where physicians can earn continuing medical education credit for taking classes on how their profession has made Black patients sicker. Theres more. Theyre seeking federal legislation to require hospitals to reveal outcomes by race, with penalties for those where Black patients consistently fare worse. Theyve helped created an online support group to help like-minded, stressed-out Black doctors heal and strategize. Theyve even hatched a plan to create black coats for doctors. Thats not as radical as it might sound -- black coats were the tradition in the 19th century. Their latest achievement? Helping lead a charge against the American Medical Association and the influential research journal it publishes. The twins are riding a wave and they got there by learning to breathe underwater. Thats how Jackson describes adapting to this constant oppressive pressure" of racism. I remember being young and being told in school that I cant be smart, because of where Im from, being told your hair is ugly, she said. "You learn to live with the kind of pain that comes just for being. Just for walking down the street. You cant name it when youre that young. It does something to your psyche. It can break you, and Jackson and James have had fragile moments of self-doubt. But the pandemic year has fueled their resolve. They say the relentless toll on people of color from the coronavirus and video-documented police violence have laid bare the damage caused by structural racism. It is literally killing us, James said. ___ In recent steps that critics labeled mostly symbolic, the AMA has made an effort to come to grips with its racial history. The group excluded Black doctors from its ranks for over 100 years, and even today, just 5% of all U.S. physicians are Black. Within the past few years, the nation's largest doctors' group hired Dr. Aletha Maybank as its first chief health equity officer and declared racism a public health threat. In February, it removed a statue displayed at its Chicago headquarters of Dr. Nathan Davis, AMAs founder, who promoted racist policies. But later that month, a podcast hosted by the AMAs flagship medical journal caused a stir. The tweet promoting the podcast read, No physician is racist, so how can there be structural racism in health? It was, Maybank said, a gut punch. The sisters institute started a petition in response, demanding that the journal diversify its mostly white editorial staff and ensure that medical research relating to race and racism gets published. The effort has garnered more than 8,800 signatures so far. AMA suspended the journal's chief editor and a deputy editor resigned. AMA also agreed to meet last month to hear demands for change from several Black physicians, including James and New York cardiologist Dr. Raymond Givens, another leading AMA critic. The doctors will be looking to hear how AMA plans to address their concerns at a second meeting, but James says the AMA's anti-racism plan in the works long before the sisters' activism makes her optimistic. In an 83-page document released Tuesday, AMA vowed to dismantle structural racism inside its own ranks and within the U.S. medical establishment with steps that include diversifying its own staff and collaborating with outside groups. The group reached out to James and other physicians to discuss the plan a hopeful sign, she said. We still have to hold their feet to the fire," she said. Part of the problem is doctors deeply embedded identity as healers and good people, Jackson said. "Its hard when youre indoctrinated in that culture to stop and say, Are we really doing good? A racial imbalance in medical leadership perpetuates the problem, James said -- those making decisions and policies dont look like the populations they serve. James treats patients at a clinic on Chicagos South Side and teaches at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jackson has taught at Rush Medical College and is the behavioral health director at a Chicago health network that treats LGBTQ and other underserved patients. Working with students, medical residents and colleagues, they strive to highlight the harm caused by the disproven idea that there are biological differences in Black people that contribute to health disparities. Some examples: --The longstanding myth that Black people somehow have a higher tolerance for pain, perpetuated during slavery times, has often led to undertreatment. --Medical school instruction on skin diseases typically shows how they appear on white skin, not Black or brown, leading to missed diagnoses. --In psychiatry, impulsive, disruptive behavior in white children is often labeled attention deficit disorder, a diagnosis that often guarantees classroom accommodations. Identical behavior in Black kids is more often labeled conduct disorder, leading to detention rather than accommodations unless they have a really sharp parent who advocates the hell out of it, Jackson said. --A commonly used algorithm for kidney function gauges it differently in Black patients, potentially leading to undertreatment of kidney disease. Rush University Medical Center is among several U.S. health systems that recently stopped using that algorithm. The sisters message isnt new, said Dr. David Ansell, a physician at Rush who has worked with their institute. But their timing is uncanny -- coming at the convergence of a deadly pandemic that has highlighted racial health inequities, a rise in white supremacism, and civil unrest over police brutality. At such a moment, he said, the sisters can make a difference. ___ Their curiosity in science and medicine started young. James remembers taking field notes while spying on people. Jackson remembers turning their mothers blue bead case into a bug hospital. We emptied it and would go under rocks in search of potato bugs, worms. We gave each their own compartments ... then would examine them and took notes when they appeared sluggish. Once, they sprinkled salt on a snail to dry it out when it seemed "too moist. He just curled up and died. I still feel bad about the snail, Jackson said. Their parents were hard-working and supportive, but the twins didnt tell them when they were accepted at Cornell University, knowing the cost was prohibitive. They broke the news when they landed full scholarships. It was during a college summer program that James for the first time saw a Black doctor. She stared. It was like a unicorn, but it planted a seed. They separated for medical school -- Northwestern for Jackson, University of Michigan for James. Surrounded by rich white kids and professors, James struggled. "It was this huge feeling like I dont belong here. None of the professors look like you, what youre learning about people like you is racist and youre getting tested on it. She left school for a year and sank into a deep depression until getting involved in volunteer community health work. Colleagues there encouraged her to go back. In low moments, James says she draws on the strength of ancestors. "Im not being bombed. Im not being hosed, she said. You have to keep getting up. Now, she and her sister serve as mentors to other medical students from nontraditional backgrounds. Medical resident Shan Siddiqi is a Canadian Muslim whose parents are from Pakistan. He works under James guidance at a clinic where James says "the sickest of the sick go for treatment, patients with chronic illnesses worsened by poverty, stress from living in violent neighborhoods and now COVID-19. Siddiqi said hes impressed by her compassion, taking the time to treat them as humans and helping them overcome challenges to getting medication or specialty care. Jordan Cisneros, a third-year medical student who Jackson has mentored at Rush Medical College, says her guidance has helped him get through a tough year. His father died from COVID-19 in January and George Floyds televised death last May felt personal. Ive had run-ins with police. Ive had run-ins with racism. Ive seen things firsthand, he said. In a Zoom class last year, Jackson brought up Floyds death and broke down crying. "Its very taboo to cry in medicine, but Jackson made it seem OK to show emotion and vulnerability, he said. ___ The sisters are extremely close, often finishing each others sentences, but there are differences too. James is married to a white physician, a guy she thought was a math nerd when they met but is now her partner in battle. She tears up when asked what she wishes for their 1 -year-old daughter, Lillian. I dont want her to have to live in a box like I did, James said. I want her to raise her voice so she knows its OK to be everything that she is, especially when the world is trying so hard to make Black and brown girls small and not heard." Jackson is single, loves to cook in her spare time and thinks like a scientist in the kitchen, marveling at how a humble carrot can transform into something sublime with just a little butter and brown sugar. James wears her passion on her sleeve and pours her soul into Twitter, calling out racism every time she sees it. Jackson says she has no appetite for Twitter wars and "tries to be the one who is grounding. I want to come at it with a loving, calm energy, she said. The sisters are hitting their stride in 2021; Jackson calls it the year of Black women: Michelle Obama helped pave the way, now theres Vice President Kamala Harris. It moves me to tears that all of my ancestor Black women who never got to see the day ... that they were in vogue and their voice was listened to, she said. It is Black womens lives that survive and keep surviving." ___ Follow Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner. ___ 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The embattled president of the University of South Carolina resigned on Wednesday, days after he delivered a commencement address marred by allegations of plagiarism and a misidentification of the school itself. In a news release, the school announced that the chairman of its board of trustees had accepted Bob Caslen's resignation, thanking him for his service. Harris Pastides, Caslen's immediate predecessor who led the system for 11 years, will serve on an interim basis during a search for a permanent replacement, officials said. The board last weekend refused Caslen's verbal resignation offer. It came as Caslen acknowledged taking two paragraphs without attribution from a speech by Adm. William McRaven, the Navy SEAL in charge of the mission to take out terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Caslen, who delivered the address to graduates on Friday, had called that an oversight. He also referred to the school as the University of California during his remarks. He apologized Wednesday. I am sorry to those I have let down, Caslen wrote in a note to the schools faculty, staff and students. I understand the responsibilities and higher standards of senior level leadership. When those are not met, trust is lost. And when trust is lost, one is unable to lead. Caslens rise to the presidency in 2019 had been met with criticism. Student and faculty leaders opposed the retired general and U.S. Military Academy superintendent, arguing he lacked qualifications, such as a doctoral degree or university research experience, and knew little about the school. That year, the faculty Senate unanimously approved a no confidence vote. Caslens supporters touted his 43 years in the military and five years as superintendent of West Point. He had the support of Gov. Henry McMaster and Republican lawmakers who suggested he could bring federal programs to the school and a share of federal money. McMaster, an ex officio board member, also personally called trustees at the time, urging them to convene a special meeting to vote on Caslen. Donors including Darla Moore, a former board member and the university's largest benefactor feared that might amount to undue political influence that could threaten the universitys accreditation. McMaster dismissed those ideas, with a spokesman calling the specter of any undue influence preposterous. A spokesman for McMaster did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the resignation. In 2019, trustees voted 11-8 to hire Caslen, in stark contrast to his predecessors unanimous approvals. In office, Caslens tenure has included other bumps. Last month, he said he took responsibility for the universitys failure to reach out to supporter Moore after her mothers death, leading the schools biggest donor to write off the university. Moore, who has donated in excess of $75 million to the school and for whom the school of business is named had asked trustees in 2019 to restart its presidential search rather than hire Caslen. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Salt Lake City police officer has been charged with aggravated assault a second time for ordering a dog to attack someone who complied with officers orders, prosecutors said. K9 Officer Nickolas Pearce was charged Tuesday with lifting up his K9 Tuco so the dog could bite a woman who was in a suspected stolen vehicle in 2019, according to charging documents. The latest charge resulted from an investigation by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office into the city's misuse of police dogs. Prosecutors say the woman followed police orders to turn off the vehicle, throw out the keys and put her hands out the window. She was ordered to get out but remained in the car. She instead kept her arms outside the window and was not making any threats or aggressive moves towards the officers," according to charging documents. Pearce then allegedly directed his dog to the vehicle and lifted him up so the dog could reach the woman's extended arms. Prosecutors claim he then commanded Tuco to hit and the dog bit her arm, causing significant lacerations and long-term damage to her forearm. Pearce was first charged with aggravated assault in September for ordering Tuco to attack a Black man who had put his hands in the air in April 2020. After the man went public with his story in an article in The Salt Lake Tribune, the police department said it was opening an investigation and suspended the use of police dogs in apprehensions. After an internal audit, the Salt Lake City police department said they identified 34 bites over the past four years but released footage from 19 of them that needed further review. The latest case of the woman being bitten was not included in the videos that were released. Defense attorney Tara Isaacson told The Salt Lake Tribune that in both cases her client deployed his dog in a scenario consistent with his training and department policy. Each case was reviewed by supervisors and no concerns were ever expressed, she said in a statement. Each case was also previously reviewed by the district attorneys office when charges were screened against the suspects in each case. No concerns were raised at that time either. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) U.S. Census data shows there are more than 48,000 young people who are now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in South Dakota. The state Department of Health has announced that adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 can receive the Pfizer vaccine. The announcement came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group. Given vaccines have proven safe and effective, offering them to this age group is yet another way to protect our citizens and our communities against COVID-19, said Daniel Bucheli, health department spokesman. Twelve-year-old Drew Pociask, from Sioux Falls, was Sanford Healths first vaccine recipient in that age group and was inoculated Wednesday evening, the Argus Leader reported. Pociask is the son of Sanford Healths director of operations and said he was excited to get the shot because online classes aren't very fun. Pociask will start seventh grade at OGorman Junior High School next school year, and apart from that was excited to be one step closer to being around his grandparents more. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses. South Dakota health officials say half the states adult population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That's more than 304,000 people. LONDON (AP) A court order naming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as owing an unpaid debt was no longer on the books Thursday, a day after Johnsons office called it totally without merit. An October 2020 county court judgment uncovered by Private Eye magazine named Boris Johnson of 10 Downing St. in London as owing 535 pounds ($755). A separate file showed the claim was made by an Yvonne Hobbs for defamation. Johnsons office initially appeared unaware of the judgment when asked about it, and later called it vexatious and spurious. An application will be made for an order to set aside the default judgment, to strike out the claim and for a declaration that the claim is totally without merit, Downing St. said in a statement. On Thursday a court official said there was no longer a county court judgment in the case. County court judgments can be issued if someone fails to respond to court action over an alleged debt, according to a government website. The judgment means the court has formally decided the money is owed, but the order can be appealed. Johnsons finances are under scrutiny, with election watchdog the Electoral Commission investigating the funding of renovations to the prime ministers official residence. Britains parliamentary ethics watchdog is also investigating who paid for Johnsons vacation on the Caribbean island of Mustique just before the coronavirus pandemic. OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) Washington authorities said Thursday all schools in the state must provide full-time, in-person education for students for the 2021-22 school year and that students and staff will still be required to wear masks. The Washington state Department of Health released guidelines that included mitigation efforts they said were designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The mask directive could prove controversial, as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday moved to ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people. The new federal guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools, and other venues even removing the need for masks or social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. Currently people over the age of 12 are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Washington state. About 1.1 million students attend public schools in Washington state. Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being. They provide children with academic instruction, support for developing social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition and more, said Dr. Umair A. Shah, the Washington secretary of health. Gov. Jay Inslee signed an emergency proclamation in March requiring all public K-12 schools to provide an in-person learning option for all students by April 19. In March of 2020, at the beginning of the pandmemic, Inslee ordered all schools to close. The Washington state schools directive for fall calls for all people in K-12 schools to wear masks indoors as well as outdoors if six feet of distancing cant be maintained. The other mitigation measures include requiring basic ventilation, cleaning and infection control plans, recommending physical distancing of at least 3 feet in classrooms and six feet outside of classrooms. State authorities are recommending COVID-19 vaccinations and testing programs but are not requiring them for in-person instruction in the fall. MILWAUKEE (AP) The Wisconsin Court of Appeals on Wednesday threw out part of a womans shoplifting sentence that required she tell the management of any store she entered that she was on supervision for the offense. Markea Brown, 28, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty in 2018 to felony retail theft for helping steal $2,655 worth of merchandise from Pleasant Prairie Outlet Mall. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) The World War II secretary to German rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun has died in Alabama, where she spent much of her postwar life. Dorette Dorothea Hertha Kersten Schlidt died Monday in Huntsville, according to a funeral home obituary. She was 100. Born in Stargard in what is now northwestern Poland, Schlidt worked as von Brauns secretary in the 1940s at the German rocket factory at Peenemuende, where thousands of concentration camp prisoners died in the Nazi war effort. Heidi Weber Collier, a friend who visited with Schlidt recently, told al.com that Schlidt had been working in a law office when von Braun hired her as an aide at the complex. She helped von Braun retrieve notes and documents about the project after an Allied bombing raid, Collier said. He would work late at night and read out things he wanted her to type, Collier said. She didnt sleep much, but they would be ready for him to review in the morning. It was at Peenemuende that she met Rudolf Schlidt, a guided missile expert who helped develop the Nazis' V-2 rocket, which killed thousands of civilians in Britain. The couple married in 1945, and in a then-secret U.S. effort known as Operation Paperclip, they joined hundreds of other German scientists in moving to the United States. Schlidt now had a new, Cold War mission developing U.S. military and space technology and they settled in Huntsville when von Braun's team moved to Redstone Arsenal to develop the first U.S. rockets. Rudolf Schlidt was one of the last surviving team members when he died in 2012. By Joe Dworetzky Bay City News Foundation The highly anticipated First Amendment battle between San Francisco-based Twitter and the attorney general of Texas must wait until another day, according to a ruling Tuesday by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case arose out of Twitter's decision on Jan. 8 -- two days after the Capitol riots -- to suspend, permanently, then-President Donald Trump's Twitter account on the grounds that he violated Twitter's "Glorification of Violence" policy. Twitter said that several of Trump's tweets incited violence. "Under this policy," Twitter explained, "you can't glorify, celebrate, praise or condone violent crimes, violent events where people were targeted because of their membership in a protected group, or the perpetrators of such acts." Ken Paxton, the Republican attorney general of Texas, is a former Texas congressman and state senator who has established a reputation as an aggressive conservative litigator. The Texas AG's office website proclaims, "fighting federal overreach, [Paxton] filed 22 lawsuits against the Obama administration during a two-year stretch, of which six were heard in the U.S. Supreme Court. He's obtained an injunction or other winning ruling in more than 75 percent of the cases he's brought against the federal government." According to a filing by Twitter, Paxton "is a long-time political ally of Mr. Trump," and when Trump's Twitter account was suspended, Paxton declared that he would "fight Twitter with all I have got." A few days later, on Jan.13, he sent a "civil investigative demand" or CID to Twitter. The CID demanded that Twitter provide him with extensive information and documentation relating to its content moderation policies. Twitter believed the investigation was in retaliation for its decision to suspend Trump, and on March 8 preemptively sued Paxton in federal court in San Francisco, asking for an injunction against Paxton's investigation. Both litigants' cases cloaked themselves in the garb of protecting the right of free speech guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Twitter described itself as a "a global platform for self-expression and communication, with the mission of giving everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly." It said that it has more than 190 million active daily users who "use the platform to connect with others, express ideas, and discover new information." Twitter says it is a private enterprise and its decisions about what content to include or exclude from its platform are the same kind of editorial decision-making employed by newspapers when determining what stories appear within its pages. That editorial discretion or "curation" is a core First Amendment protected activity, according to the company. Nearly fifty years ago, in a case called Miami Herald v. Tornillo, the U.S. Supreme Court considered the constitutionality of a Florida law that required news media to give political figures the right to reply to critical commentary. The court ruled unanimously that the law was unconstitutional because the government cannot tell private enterprises what content that their paper must omit or include. Government regulation of "editorial control and judgment" cannot be "exercised consistent with First Amendment guarantees of a free press." In Twitter's view, Paxton's investigation sought to tell it how it should decide what voices to include or exclude and in so doing regulate the content of its platform. Twitter's position attracted support from a score of "amici curie" or "friends of the court" who were given permission to file briefs in the case to explain their perspectives to the court. Among the amici was the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a national non-profit organization devoted to protecting press freedoms. The Reporters Committee's brief began with the proposition that "Any government effort to enforce what it deems viewpoint neutrality on a communications platform carries the temptation to compel platforms to carry speech perceived as favorable to the government ... As such, these efforts pose a profound threat to First Amendment guarantees." The issue looked very different to Paxton. In his view, Twitter, like other liberal social media platforms, was engaged in a campaign to silence the voices of conservative speakers and thereby deny them their right of free speech. In a Jan. 9 tweet, Paxton said, "Twitter/Facebook closing conservative accts. Google shutting down Parler. @Apple threatening to do the same. Big Tech Hates free speech." Paxton went on to accuse Twitter and other platforms of being "the left's Chinese-style thought police." Paxton's investigation was styled as a way to protect Texas consumers from "deceptive trade practices." His argument was that Twitter was on one hand holding itself out as a platform for people to speak their minds in open debate, but it deceptively had adopted content moderation policies to shut down a particular point of view. "Even if Twitter has a First Amendment right to choose discriminatory content-moderation policies, the Constitution does not empower it to mislead consumers about those policies." Paxton also drew support from amici curie, among them Maria Rutenburg, identified in her filing as a real estate broker and an attorney residing in Redwood City. She said that Twitter engaged in "unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination" because she was blocked from trying to "like and comment on three of Trump's tweets on the subject of "election integrity." She is the plaintiff in a separate case against Twitter, arguing that Twitter's actions were taken "under color of law" and therefore amounted to governmental action in violation of the First Amendment. (Rutenburg's case was dismissed in April when the court rejected her state actor argument, though she has since asked for a chance to amend her complaint.) Despite the sharp interest on both sides, the court ducked the central issues in the dispute, ruling that Twitter's suit was "premature." U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney focused on the fact that the CID was not "self-executory"--meaning that there was no automatic penalty on Twitter if it chose not to comply. She said that in order for Twitter to be penalized, Paxton would first need to take action in court to enforce the CID. Were he to do so, Twitter would be able to raise its First Amendment claim as a defense in that court. Twitter argued that the fact that Paxton's investigation was launched in retaliation for its editorial decision to moderate content would chill the exercise of its First Amendment rights and therefore should be blocked even before an enforcement action was commenced. Chesney disagreed. In her view, Twitter had not yet suffered any injury because Paxton had no power to sanction it for ignoring the CID. She concluded "Twitter's lawsuit is premature, and, as such, is subject to dismissal." Chesney, 78, was appointed to the U.S. District Court in 1995 by President Bill Clinton. While her ruling is unlikely to resolve the underlying controversy, it may change where the fight will be decided. If Twitter must raise its challenge in the court in which Paxton moves to enforce the CID, it may find that it will be litigating its claims deep in the heart of Texas. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. 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. Page Content During Canada's third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, workplace outbreaks risk transmitting the COVID-19 virus and its variants. Experts say rapid testing in workplaces could be instrumental in helping Canada fight the third wave. "We know that a large number of the current cases are coming from workers in essential businesses, so detecting cases early, before employees are symptomatic and before employees enter the workplace and infect others, could do a lot to help curb the spread of the disease," said Nadine Zacks, an attorney with Hicks Morley in Toronto. According to Health Canada, 41.9 million rapid tests have been shipped to provinces as of March 2021. The Canadian government so far has only deployed approximately 10 million rapid tests for potential use, said Sandy White, co-founder of Rapid Test and Trace Canada, a coalition of academics, medical professionals and business leaders advocating for the widespread adoption of rapid testing. The rapid tests are designed to detect the novel coronavirus and its variants, Montreal-based White noted. SHRM Resource Hub Page Coronavirus and COVID-19 Workplace Onsite Testing in Ontario In Canada, health care falls mostly under provincial jurisdiction. Canadian provinces have approached rapid testing for COVID-19 in a different manner with Ontario leading the way, White explained. The Ontario provincial government announced in March 2021 that it has relaxed regulations around the use of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the workplace. Employees who want to self-swab for a rapid antigen test on a voluntary basis can do so under the supervision of someone who's trained. A COVID-19 rapid screening test can be carried out at the place of employment in Ontario. The test does not require shipping a specimen to a lab for processing. It takes approximately 15 minutes to yield a result. The Ontario government has also expanded the rapid testing program to first responders, emergency medical services, trucking and transportation, wastewater management, and higher education. "Our government is committed to providing greater flexibility and innovative testing options for additional sectors to help stop the spread of COVID-19," Christine Elliott, Ontario's deputy premier and minister of health, said in a statement. "By providing guidance for voluntary, supervised self-swabbing, front-line and essential workers can have quicker and easier access to testing and have an additional layer of protection." The Ontario government stated that testing is not considered to be an effective preventive measure for COVID-19 on its own. Testing does not replace public health strategies such as symptom screening, physical distancing and hand-washing. The COVID-19 rapid testing program is not mandatory in Ontario. Right now, most workplace COVID-19 testing programs in Canada should be voluntary, Zacks said. But depending on the industry, it is possible that a mandatory testing program may be permissible. "Any testing program in Canada must also ensure compliance with human rights legislation by accommodating any employees who refuse testing based on legitimate human rights considerations such as religious beliefs or interference with a disability," she added. Employers in Ontario who have implemented voluntary COVID-19 testing in their workplaces have been pleased with the results so far, Zacks noted. "Many employees in favor of workplace testing programs want to ensure the safety of the workplace." Rapid Testing in Canadian Provinces A ministerial order in Quebec permits health care professionals, including acupuncturists and chiropractors, to test workplaces for COVID-19. All companies and community organizations with staff working in Quebec who cannot telework are eligible for free rapid antigen tests, according to the government of Quebec. In British Columbia, only health care workers can administer point-of-care test kits to screen for COVID-19 in people without symptoms. The B.C. Center for Disease Control reported in April 2021 that it will give priority to industries with an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 or outbreaks due to high-contact between workers at food processing plants, farms and work camps in the natural resources sector. "All industries with people working in close proximity to each other are in desperate need for rapid testing," White said. Atlantic Canadaincluding the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Islandis a Canadian success story in fighting COVID-19 with rapid testing in the workplace, White stated. "The Atlantic bubble is testing and targeting the right workplacesschools, restaurants, bars, manufacturing and food processing plants," he added. "These businesses are allowed to operate safely." HR's Role in Workplace Safety Human resource professionals can educate employees about the benefits of rapid testing, Zacks explained. HR professionals can answer employees' questions about what the tests can detect and how long the results take. "HR is the driver in overseeing rapid testing at their compan[ies]," White added. "They arrange procuring the rapid tests to protect their employees." HR can also assist employers with organizing and implementing the rapid testing process at their companies, Zacks added. "HR has evolved to the gateway of safety in the workplace," White concluded. Catherine Skrzypinski is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The actor has been appointed as cause ambassador of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN)'s Find A Bed initiative. Actor Arjun Bijlani has tied up with an initiative that helps Covid patients find beds in hospitals across the country. He says that it is imperative for everyone to come forward and pitch in with efforts to fight the virus. The initiative was started by over 20,000 students across 160 cities. "This initiative is the need of the hour. To fight the dreaded disease, we all need to come together and pitch our contribution. I hope this campaign helps as many people as possible. These students have done an incredible job, and they have my full support," he told IANS. "This is a platform where all information about beds is available. Also, you can spot your nearest Covid centre and you can also build a Covid centre. I am glad to be part of the cause as the cause ambassador for this initiative," said Arjun, who is currently in Cape Town to shoot the stunt-based reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi". On Tuesday, the movement had named Aahana Kumra as a cause ambassador. For more stories click here: Kollywood l Malayalam l Bollywood l Telugu New Delhi: Urdu news publications in the national capital on Thursday covered several issues of prominence including the letter written by opposition leaders to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the COVID-19 situation in the country, and escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. Rashtriya Sahara: It reported that the High Court has asked the Delhi government to cap the price of COVID treatment at private hospitals and nursing homes. The Court said that the matter should be taken up on top priority and directed the health secretary, Delhi government, to convene a meeting with the administration of several hospitals and made a decision. The newspaper also featured the letter by opposition leaders to PM Modi, offering nine main suggestions, including universal immunisation and calling off of the Central Vista Project for the management of the ongoing pandemic that has devastated the country. It also mentioned that opposition leaders accused the Prime Minister of deliberately ignoring advice previously offered to the government. The publication also highlighted that while coronavirus cases had come down, a new high of daily COVID-related deaths had been reported. More than 3.48 lakh new cases and 4,200 deaths were reported on Wednesday. The newspaper also published a special piece about the third day of violence in Israel and Palestine, which has so far resulted in the death of 65 in Gaza, and 7 in Israel. The washing up of bodies of suspected COVID patients on the shores of the river Ganga in Buxar was also reported. It also carried the news of the arrest of an Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav in Patna allegedly for violating the COVID-19 lockdown. Rozana Hindustan Express: The COVID-19 situation in the country continued to make headlines in the publication. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's comment that COVID-19 vaccines must reach every house in the country in order to defeat COVID-19 was also reported by the newspaper. Enterprise software major VMware on Wednesday announced to appoint Raghu Raghuram as its new Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective from June 1, 2021. VMware also appointed Sumit Dhawan, currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, as President who will lead all go-to-market functions including worldwide sales, worldwide partner and commercial organisation, customer experience and success (CXS), marketing, and communications. "I am thrilled to have Raghu step into the role of CEO at VMware. Throughout his career, he has led with integrity and conviction, playing an instrumental role in the success of VMware," commented Michael Dell, chairman of the VMware Board of Directors. Since joining VMware in 2003, Raghuram has helped steer the company's strategic direction and its technology evolution throughout VMware's rich history. He helped grow the core virtualisation business, drove VMware's software defined data centre strategy, constructed and guided VMware's cloud computing business and SaaS transformation efforts, played a pivotal role in the company's M&A strategy, and has been key in driving partnerships with Dell Technologies, hyper-scalers and other strategic partners. "VMware is uniquely poised to lead the multi-cloud computing era with an end-to-end software platform spanning clouds, the data centre and the edge, helping to accelerate our customers' digital transformations," said Raghuram Sanjay Poonen, currently Chief Operating Officer, Customer Operations, has made the personal decision to leave VMware after seven years at the company. The big changes came as Dell Technologies last month announced to spin out VMware -- a move that will generate more than $9 billion for the company that acquired VMware as part of the $58 billion EMC acquisition (announced as $67 billion) in 2015. Dell plans to offer VMware shareholders a special dividend of between $11.5 and $12 billion. Since it owns approximately 81 per cent of those shares, Dell will generate around $9.3-9.7 billion. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The federal government took the final step on Wednesday to make the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine available to 12- to 15-year-olds in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend the vaccine for adolescents. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky formally adopted the recommendation on Wednesday evening. Today, I adopted CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents, Walensky said in a statement on Wednesday. CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away. Children in this age group can now be inoculated against the coronavirus. It comes just two days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended its emergency use authorization of the vaccine to include 12- to 15-year-olds. An emergency use authorization is not an FDA approval of a vaccine. Its the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the United States for this age group. Heres a look at what else you should know. Should my kid get vaccinated? Walensky said that while most kids who contract COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, she added. The CDC director said Wednesdays recommendation is another important step to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and closer to normalcy. Some parents have already made plans for their adolescents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Walensky said. Understandably, some parents want more information before their children receive a vaccine. I encourage parents with questions to talk to your childs health-care provider or your family doctor to learn more about the vaccine. How is the vaccine administered? The vaccine is administered in a series of two doses, three weeks apart the same dosage and dosing regimen in place currently for people 16 and older. Will my child have symptoms? Kids in this age group reported similar side effects to adults, typically lasting one to three days. The most common were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain, according to the FDA. With the exception of pain at the injection site, the FDA said more adolescents reported these side effects after the second dose than the first dose. Its important to note there may be some side effects after either dose, but more so after the second shot. Will I need to consent for my child to get the vaccine? Most states require parental or guardian consent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In New York State, a minor is defined as an individual under the age of 18. Minors need consent in New York State to get inoculated, except in the rare instance where the minor is part of a group to whom the law gives the right to consent to their own care (married minors, minors who are parents or pregnant and minors in the military). Its strongly encouraged that a parent or legal guardian accompany a minor to provide in-person consent for vaccination at each dose. Providers may also elect whether to accept a written statement of consent. Why was it approved? The vaccine was authorized by the FDA for this age group following the results of an ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 2,260 participants. Of the total participants, 1,131 adolescents received the vaccine and 1,129 received a saline placebo. More than half were followed for safety for at least two months following the second dose. Participants will continue to be monitored for long-term protection and safety for an additional two years after their second dose. The CDCs advisory committee recommended the use of the vaccine on Wednesday, which was later adopted by the CDC director. Is the vaccine effective? According to the FDA, an analysis of COVID-19 cases occurring among participants ages 12 to 15 was conducted seven days after the second dose. In this analysis, among participants without evidence of prior COVID-19 infection, no cases of coronavirus occurred among 1,005 vaccine recipients and 12 cases of coronavirus occurred among 978 placebo recipients. This means the vaccine was 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection, according to the FDA. At this time, there is limited data to address whether the vaccine can prevent transmission of the virus from person to person or how long the vaccine will provide protection. Who shouldnt get the Pfizer vaccine? The Pfizer vaccine shouldnt be given to anyone with a known history of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, to any component of the vaccine, according to the FDA. Since its authorization, rare severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reporting following administration of the Pfizer vaccine in some recipients. Where can my child get vaccinated? Adolescents 12- to 15-years-old are eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at participating providers, which could include hospitals, vaccination sites, pop-up sites, and pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, or independent pharmacies. In New York City, people can participating in walk-up vaccinations at city sites, where they can get vaccinated without an appointment. The city launched a website, NYC Vaccine Finder, to help residents find the closest vaccination hub to them. Appointments can also be made here, or by calling 877-829-4692. What about kids younger than 12 years old? Pfizer and BioNTech began testing the vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 in March, extending the clinical trial to younger children ages 2 to 5 in April. The companies also plan to test children as young as 6 months old. According to the companies, the pediatric study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in kids 6 months old to 11 years old is ongoing. They expect to submit for authorization of the vaccine for kids 2-11 years old in September, and for kids 6 months old to 2 years old by the end of this year. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. A huge crowd converged on Grand Street Settlement last night for an information session on affordable housing opportunities at Essex Crossing, the large development project in the former Seward Park urban renewal area. While it was a vivid illustration of the pressing demand for low- and middle-income apartments on the Lower East Side, the chaotic session also showed how unprepared city officials were to handle the situation. It was standing room only inside the meeting room on Pitt Street. A large group was prevented from even coming inside due to the large turnout. The event was moderated by representatives from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Housing Development Corp. (which is financing portions of the project). Delancey Street Associates, the development consortium, was also on hand. Notices were sent to about 200 people who have identified themselves as former Seward Park site tenants. Some of them were in attendance last night, along with lots of other people from every demographic group on the LES. Essex Crossing includes 1000 apartments; 500 will be affordable to low-, middle- and -moderate-income families. 311 of those affordable units will be built in the first phase of construction, beginning this summer and fall on the first four development parcels. People wont be able to apply for the affordable housing lottery for another year to a year-and-a-half. But given the high interest from the public, city officials agreed to hold the informational session well in advance. From the moment their presentation began in the sweltering meeting room, things did not go according to plan. Residents yelled at the officials to speak more clearly. There was no Spanish or Chinese translation in a room with a substantial number of non-English speakers. After several minutes, people rushed to the front of the room to get their hands on informational handouts. At that point, the city representatives lost control of the proceedings, they were heckled and the meeting was cut short before a question & answer period could even begin. The handout (which was available in multiple languages) did contain some useful details. It explained that a former site tenant is defined as any individual who lived in the Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area in the years 1965-1973. The area was bounded by Delancey Street, Essex Street, Grand Street and Willett Street. In order to qualify, people must show government-issued documents to prove their address (passports, voter id cards, etc.) The handout emphasized that even former site tenants are not guaranteed of an affordable apartment at Essex Crossing. They must meet family income requirements. In the lottery, residents of Community District 3 will receive priority for 50% of the apartments. Within that allotment, approved former site tenants will have an additional priority. The officials urged residents to sign up for alerts on the NYC Housing Connect website, where the application will eventually be available. Applications may also be requested by mail. There was also a chart that detailed affordable housing availabilities in the first phase of construction. These numbers are based on Area Median Income (AMI), as determined by the federal government, which for New York this year is $86,300. Heres a summary: Site 1 : 11 Condominium apartments available at 110% of AMI. Family of 1: $66,550 household income; Family of 4 $94,930 household income. : 11 Condominium apartments available at 110% of AMI. Family of 1: $66,550 household income; Family of 4 $94,930 household income. Site 2 : 98 rental apartments available between 40-155% of AMI. Family of 1: $24,200-93,775 household income. Family of 4: $34,520-133,765 household income. : 98 rental apartments available between 40-155% of AMI. Family of 1: $24,200-93,775 household income. Family of 4: $34,520-133,765 household income. Site 5 : 104 rental apartments available between 40-155% of AMI. Family of 1: $24,200-93,775 household income. Family of 4: $34,520-133,765 household income. : 104 rental apartments available between 40-155% of AMI. Family of 1: $24,200-93,775 household income. Family of 4: $34,520-133,765 household income. Site 6 (senior housing): 100 rental apartments available at 40% and 80% of AMI. Family of 1: $24,200 or $48,350 household income. Family of 4: $34,520 or $69.050 household income. The city officials suggested that people who need help determining whether theyre eligible contact two non-profit organizations on the Lower East Side: Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES) Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) UPDATE 4:15 p.m. A spokesperson from Grand Street Settlement tells us this afternoon that the fire department responded to the facility last night due to the large crowd that had assembled. Firefighters asked the city agencies to wrap up the meeting as soon as their agenda was complete. In response to growing interest in the Essex Crossing project, were told future events of this type will be held in meeting rooms that can accommodate larger crowds. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Dassi Leader kissed her 13-year-old daughter Jordan Patton on the head and whispered Im so proud of you after the teen received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Thursday morning. Patton, a South Beach resident, was near tears herself admiring her coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination card after getting the jab at the city-run vaccination hub at the former Babies R Us in New Springville, which is staffed by Northwell Health. I got it because I just want things to go back to normal, Patton said. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend the vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 15. At this time, only the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is available for the age group. It comes just two days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended its emergency use authorization of the vaccine to include 12- to 15-year-olds. An emergency use authorization is not an FDA approval of a vaccine. Its the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the United States for this age group. Jordan Patton, 13, of South Beach, gets her first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccine hub at the former Babies R Us in New Springville, the first day it is available. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) Patton was among the first on Staten Island to get vaccinated. Me and Jordan both have both felt really excited about this being over and getting a solution and being a part of that solution, said Dr. Dassi Leader, a pediatrician at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). Leader said she understands parents concerns because of the unknowns and misinformation that has been circulating, but shares information with her patients, which she gets from experts at Northwell, and also shares that she and now her daughter have been vaccinated. This is a fantastic, wonderful, scientific invention. This vaccine will and is stopping the spread of COVID, it is going to get a lot of people immune that will decrease the chance that the virus will have hosts to mutate in and we can protect the vulnerable and get back to normal life, Leader said. Joseph Guarneri, RN. gives Zara Pinar, 15, of Prince's Bay, her first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccine hub at the former Babies R Us in New Springville, the first day it is available. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) Zara Pinar, 15, of Princes Bay, also got vaccinated Thursday, accompanied by her mother Allison and grandmother Pam Martin, who are both vaccinated. When I heard that [the vaccine] was coming out I knew I wanted to get it, Pinar said. Pinar has been learning remotely since the beginning of the pandemic and has only had FaceTime interactions with her friends. Once fully vaccinated, she said shell feel more confident about being able to interact face-to-face with others. Joseph Guarneri, RN. gives Zara Pinar, 15, of Prince's Bay, her first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccine hub at the former Babies R Us in New Springville, the first day it is available. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) I was nervous at first to get the vaccine but I know that the side effects wont last long and its worth it, Pinar said. According to the FDA, those in this age group have reported similar side effects to adults lasting one to three days with the most common side effects being injection site pain, headache, chills and fever. Allison Pinar, mother of Zara Pinar, 15, of Prince's Bay, left and right Jordan Patton, 13, with her mother, Dr. Dassi Leader are all thumbs up after getting vaccinated at the vaccine hub at the former BabiesR Us. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers no longer need to worry about outstanding debt preventing them from receiving a stimulus payment. On Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation preventing debt collectors from garnishing coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus payments. Any federal payment stimulus checks, tax refunds, rebates and tax credits are now protected. New Yorkers in every corner of the state felt the effects of the COVID pandemic, many losing jobs due to no fault of their own and struggling to support themselves and their families. This critical legislation will help ensure relief payments made to New Yorkers are protected from the unscrupulous debt collectors so that money can be used as it was intended to help make individuals and families whole as they continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, Cuomo said. New Yorkers who are subject to a monetary judgment against their bank account will receive a notice stating that COVID-19 funds are protected. Should funds have been inadvertently frozen by a debt collector, a form can be filled out and filed to return the funds. Any New Yorker who has a stimulus payment taken by a debt collector after May 13 should filed a complaint with the state Department of Financial Services here. The Internal Service Revenue is distributing more than 1.1 million payments with a value of more than $2 billion in the eighth batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which intends to help Americans amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Americans previously received two other stimulus checks $1,200 in March 2020 in the early pandemic, and $600 in December 2020. The third check includes up to $1,400 for single people and dependents and $2,800 for married couples. That brings the total payments distributed to about 164 million a total value of about $386 billion, since the payments began rolling out to Americans in batches as announced on March 12. And now, many lawmakers are pushing for recurring direct payments throughout 2021 as part of a fourth government package. But White House officials said the possibility of a fourth stimulus payment would be up to Congress. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked during a press briefing last week if the country will see another round of stimulus checks, or even checks every month until the pandemic ends, in either of President Joe Bidens new proposals. Those proposals include the American Jobs Plan or the American Families Plan. Well see what members of Congress propose, but those are not free, she said referring to the stimulus checks. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Students who plan to attend City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) colleges for in-person classes this fall will need to get vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Monday that CUNY and SUNY boards will mandate that students provide proof of vaccination if they attend in-person classes this fall. He encouraged all private universities and colleges to adopt the same guidelines. No excuses, SUNY and CUNY boards will require vaccinations for all in-person students coming back to school in the fall, Cuomo said Monday. Youre a young person, you go to a SUNY school, State University of New York, City University of New York, you must have a vaccine to come back in September. If you must have a vaccine, get it now if you have to get it anyway. The mandate is contingent on whether the coronavirus vaccines receive full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here are six key questions answered. Can the state mandate vaccines? Currently, the three coronavirus vaccines available Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are all approved under an emergency use authorization (EUA), which facilitates the availability and use of countermeasures, including vaccines, during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to mandate the vaccine for CUNY and SUNY students, vaccines must be fully approved by the FDA for use. By law, you cant mandate a vaccine approved under an emergency use authorization, Cuomo recently said, about whether the state can mandate vaccines. So you cant say, for examples, college students must have a vaccine. You cannot mandate a vaccine under an EUA. You can mandate measles which had a full approval, et cetera, but you cant mandate these vaccines, which are still all under emergency use authorization. Will vaccines be fully approved in time for the fall semester? Pfizer and BioNTech have jointly applied for full approval with the FDA, but that process can take months. Moderna is also planning to seek full approval soon. The state anticipates that at least one vaccine will have full approval for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. As weve repeatedly said, vaccines approved under an EUA cannot be mandated, said Jonah Bruno, spokesperson for the state Department of Health. We do anticipate at least one of the vaccines will have full approval by the start of the next school year. Will there be exemptions? If a college or university requires students to get inoculated, federal law requires colleges and schools to provide accommodations for those with medical exemptions. Most colleges that are also mandating the vaccine are also offering religious exemptions. CUNY and SUNY said it would provide more information about exemptions in the coming days. What if Im learning online? The state mandate is in place for students attending in-person classes this fall. So if youre planning on returning to campus for any course, youll need to be fully vaccinated. If you are learning fully online, you could be exempt from the mandate. However, it is best to wait for more information and details from CUNY and SUNY. What if I dont get vaccinated? If you dont get vaccinated before going to a SUNY or CUNY school this fall so long as the vaccines are fully approved you wont be able to learn in-person on campus, Cuomo said Monday. Lets make a global statement, he said. You cannot go back to school in-person in September unless you have a vaccine. That will be a major motivation for people to get the vaccine, and if you have to get it by September, you may as well get it now, why wouldnt you get it now? Are other colleges mandating the vaccine? CUNY and SUNY colleges join a growing list of colleges and universities mandating the coronavirus vaccine for its students for the fall semester. Some colleges, like the University of California and California State, also said they will only require vaccines in the fall once the FDA gives formal approval. Rutgers University in New Jersey was the first college to announce it would mandate vaccines, and many others have followed suit, including St. Johns University, which has a campus on Staten Island. ...St. Johns will require all students to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, and, to provide proof of vaccination before returning to campus for the fall semester, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. Johns University, said in an email to students last month. Wagner College told the Advance/SILive.com last month that it hasnt made plans to mandate the vaccine for students for the 2021-2022 school year. 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. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Michael J. Petrides High School student was honored with the Michael J. Petrides Student Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science on Wednesday. The award is named for Michael J. Petrides, a Staten Island educator who died in 1994. Borough President James Oddo and members of the Petrides family and scholarship committee presented the award to Amy Mohamed. The annual honor is given to a graduating high school senior who excels in math and science. Lacey DeLucia from Staten Island Technical High School was named first runner-up. Thea Akhrass from St. Joseph Hill Academy High School was named second runner-up. Each Staten Island high school -- public, private and parochial -- is asked to submit a single nominee, and the honoree and runner-up are selected from that list. We are pleased to continue the tradition of awarding an exceptional college-bound student with the Petrides Award. All of the nominees are deserving, and I am always impressed and encouraged by these young people, said Oddo. I look forward to them returning to Staten Island as young professionals and continuing their commitment to service in our community. Mohamed is currently in the position to become valedictorian of her senior class. Her accomplishments include: A 102% grade point average (GPA); membership in the National Honor Society; coursework in three City University of New York college classes; enrollment in nine Advanced Placement classes. A daughter of immigrant parents, Mohamed is able to speak Arabic and learned many lessons of perseverance when her parents fell ill at a young age. She took those lessons and devoted much of her time and energy into her school work, extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities inside and outside of school. She has served as a representative on student government throughout her four years of high school, and has been a member of the schools orchestra since fifth grade playing the violin in 11 concerts. She paints scenery and dances each year in the schools annual SING competitions, participates in the Arts and Crafts Club, was a member of the varsity fencing team, and also raises money for UNICEF and the Petrides Against Cancer Society. For the last two years, Mohamed has been on the schools Math Team, competing with students from other high schools in district tournaments. As part of National History Day Club, she has won an award for her project, which involved a memorial to Michael Ollis, a former Petrides students who died while serving in the U.S. Army. In her spare time, she works and volunteers at a soup kitchen and library in her community. In the fall, Mohamed will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with an intended major of mechanical engineering. Also nominated for this years Petrides Award were: Justin Linder, Tottenville High School Amy Mohamed, Michael J. Petrides School Thea Akhrass, St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Vasilisa Ignatova, CSI High School for International Studies Matthew Casey, Monsignor Farrell High School Lacey DeLucia, Staten Island Technical High School Amir Khan, New Dorp High School Daniel Romero, John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School Fiona Richards, Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School Ineesha Iman, Concord High School Paul Dela Cruz, Ralph R. McKee CTE High School Michael Savino, Staten Island Academy Neelam Chaudry, Notre Dame Academy Christian Rasmussen, Curtis High School Sydney Xhunga, Moore Catholic High School Rachel Dreyer, Susan E. Wagner High School 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. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Have questions about what the next school year will look like during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? There will be an opportunity to ask the New York City schools chancellor during a conversation session with parents this month. The New York City Department of Education (DOE) is hosting Conversation with Chancellor Porter in Your Borough sessions, with Staten Islands virtual session taking place on Monday, May 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This opportunity will allow parents to join Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter in a virtual conversation. The purpose of the sessions is to hear questions that families may have and get feedback on school reopening plans. Parents can also share experience from this school year. You can register here, https://learndoe.org/chancellor/, to join the conversation. At the time of registration, participants will be asked if they want to ask a question or provide a comment about a number of categories, such as health and safety, special education, school reopening for the 2021-2022 school year, social-emotional learning and more. Spanish and Mandarin interpretation will be available. 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. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island middle school recently won first place in the New York City Department of Education Hack League for a newly created app. The team at Prall Intermediate School (I.S. 27), West Brighton, called EarlyBirdz, won the first-place prize in middle school for its remote learning student engagement app called Remote Rewards, according to teacher Francesco Portelos. The app also won the school $15,000 from Samsung Solve for Tomorrow when it was designated a semi-finalist in a nationwide contest. Through Hack League, student teams are given the opportunity to use open data from their school neighborhoods to design, prototype, develop and evaluate apps, games and websites that address real-world community issues. A team of students at Prall Intermediate School in West Brighton won first place in the NYC Hack League competition in the middle school group for its Remote Rewards app. (Courtesy/Francesco Portelos) According to the team, the app was created because students arent participating in class as often and arent engaged in learning during remote learning amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To solve this issue, the team created a Google Chrome extension called Remote Rewards, which monitors student participation in class. Engagement can be tracked when a student presses the raise hand button, types an answer in a video chat, or unmutes the microphone. And teachers will know when students participate or dont. Through Remote Rewards, students receive rewards by participating in class, varying from homework passes to gift cards. The team created different tiers of participation points to receive rewards, like a virtual badge, buying extra credit, or getting a gift card. The goal of the app is to strengthen participation of remote learning, making it an effective way to teach during the pandemic. SEND US YOUR STORIES As the school year continues amid the coronavirus pandemic, we are looking to share special editions of the In Class education column, highlighting the positive, uplifting, inspiring, and fun activities that schools, teachers, and families are participating in during in-person or remote learning. Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** Staten Island students at PS 48 in Concord created artwork for an exhibition in the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan. (Courtesy/Guggenheim Museum) LEARNING THROUGH ART Art pieces from a Staten Island elementary school are on display at the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the venues landmark education program, Learning Through Art (LTA). The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum presented the annual exhibition, A Year with Children 2021, which is on display through June 20. The exhibition showcases select works of art by New York City public school students in grades 2 through 6 who participated in the LTA program during the 2020-2021 school year. PS 48 in Concord participated in the program, with some artwork on display in the exhibition. Over 100 collages, drawings, and sculptures are on display at the museum through June 20. (Courtesy/Guggenheim Museum) Over 100 collages, drawings, painting, prints, sculptures, objects and installations are on display with works representing 11 schools across the five boroughs. They were created during classroom residencies with professional teaching artists. 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: RECENT COLUMNS: Clean or contaminated? Monsignor Farrell to gather Staten Island data for water quality research project Students raise awareness for Rare Disease Day Kindness Team working to make a difference at I.S. 75 Staten Island teens start program supporting college, career readiness Monsignor Farrell H.S. to livestream games, special events St. Joseph by-the-Sea hosts welcome parade for newly accepted students A new approach to learning at St. Joseph Hill Academy 8th-grade student joins Scholastic Kids Reporter team FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Beyond the buddhas by a cash register and two well-stocked grocery aisles lives a tiny kitchen at Sagara Food City. At first glance, the shop appears to be a neighborhood market; but by Michelin Guide standards, the Tompkinsville Sri Lankan destination is actually a venerable one in the restaurant world. It has recently been called out for the second year in a row for its value and deliciousness with an award called Bib Gourmand. Sagara Hewabajgamage smiles at the mention of the honor. He owns the eponymous restaurant with his wife, Anuradh, at 98 Victory Boulevard. In 2018, about a year after they opened, the New York Times raved about the humble place, then a bare bones sit-down restaurant. While it attracted broader attention to Sagara Food City, it was the Michelin designation that truly blasted the storefront into a prestigious spotlight. Phones continually ring now at Sagara from opening at 9 a.m. to closing at 9 p.m. Calls come from around the region for delivery. But the success and recognition did not come easily. And it is not taken for granted. Hoppers are crepes cooked in a concave skillet. They can be shredded to make string hoppers. (Courtesy of Sagara Food City)Pamela Silvestri HOME ON STATEN ISLAND The natives of Colombo, Sri Lanka, came to the United States in 1998, originally to Stamford, Conn. The childhood sweethearts researched that city and thought it would be easy to find jobs there. Both found work at a Donut Delight. But Anuradh was homesick literally ill and sorely missing the Isle of Gems. So the next best thing beckoned the Isle of Staaten, which has the highest concentration of Sri Lankans outside of Sri Lanka. I couldnt eat or drink, Anuradh said of her time in Connecticut while she was expecting her first child. Sagara had to carry her she was so weak. He said of coming to the borough: We have a lot of friends around here. We came here. And then she started to eat. Inside the lamprai (Courtesy of Sagara Food City)Pamela Silvestri Starting in 2002 in their new New York City hometown, Sagara worked part time at several jobs delivering food, cleaning other businesses and as a clerk at an auto parts store while Anuradh raised their three children. The couple decided to open a restaurant in 2007 in a spot near Cebra Avenue. They shut it down a year later and chalked it up to a learned entrepreneurial experience. At Sagara Food City, business was great until April and May 2020. They temporarily closed the operation. Anuradh Hewabajgamage at Sagara Food City in Tompkinsville which now sells groceries as well as prepared foods. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri All this time we had a very tough time. Groceries were moving fast people were asking for delivery, said Sagara. The proprietors subsequently switched up their format. The restaurants dining room proper turned into a mini Sri Lankan marketplace with a rich inventory of Ceylonese canned products, spices, teas and a refrigerated section with dozens of fresh herbs and vegetables. Sagara started to deliver locally and, as word spread, now to Upstate, New Jersey and Long Island. I move around, said Sagara with a chuckle, adding, We created a website for online orders, too. While customers call for groceries, the prepared food from the restaurant menu is the main draw at Sagara. The Hewabajgamages have branched into catering parties, another lucrative avenue for the business as the world opens back up. Mixed seafood with chili paste, a "deviled" dish (Courtesy of Anuradh Hewabajgamage)Pamela Silvestri One of the specialties of the house is a famous Sri Lankan dish called the lamprai. It is essentially a meal wrapped in a banana leaf a sumptuous package of rice, caramelized eggplant and onions, fried plantains plus toothsome chilies and cashews. As sumptuous as are the other ingredients, the heart and soul of the lamprais are a single, deep-fried boiled egg, a sambol plus another protein that could be goat, chicken, pork, shrimp or kingfish. Sagara Food City also sells curries, roti bread, so-called deviled dishes amped up with a thick chili paste and the Sri Lankans famed string lams. These are shredded patties that look like a patch of vermicelli noodles but made from a pancake-like crepe known as a hopper. These are so much in demand that Anuradh and the chef on duty, Pradeep Sanjeewa, make anywhere from 500 to 800 of them a day. Yummy roasted cashews (Courtesy of Anuradh Hewabajgamage)Pamela Silvestri THE LOAVES AND THE FISHES On a recent afternoon from the tiny confines of the kitchen, Sanjeewa tossed deep-fried kingfish cubes, prawns and calamari rings with green chilies and red onion slivers for to-go orders. Cashews boiled to softness on the stove while he pulled two massive bread loaves from the convection oven. The yeasty, savory puffed out roasted paan is made with coconut oil. We make 50 pieces a day, said Anuradh. Bitter melons (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri In the front of the store, clerk Dinuka De Seram answers the continually ringing phone and packs up orders for pickup. He also acts as a guide to some of the produce in the fridge like the warty bitter melons and kankun, leafy stalks also known as water spinach. De Seram said of the kankun, Its good for the scent and its very healthy. Anuradh shows off the expansive fresh items, teas, legumes and lentils. Afterward over the hum of refrigerator compressors, a radio played a song that sounded like it was broadcast from a monastery. Little buddhas are lined up by the register. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri Chanting . . . its important, nodded Sagara. My kids, they want to hear that when they sleep. Its very powerful, an invisible thing, said Sagara. The music is soothing in these tumultuous times, said Sagara. And, as the business takes off, the background hum also is rather grounding. The website, Sagarafoodcity.com, is still under construction although the store can be reached by phone call or text daily, except Monday 718-285-4556. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Cops were seen surveying the scene after a car crashed into a building in New Brighton on Wednesday night. A 911 call was made at 8:35 p.m. indicating that there was an accident on the corner of Jersey Street and Benziger Avenue, an NYPD representative told the Advance/SILive.com. A car appeared to have crashed into the side of the Mt. Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. Minor injuries were reported at the scene, according to the NYPD. Authorities said that injured passengers were transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton. The officers were still collecting preliminary information about how many passengers were injured in the accident. There appeared to be damage to the side of the building, next to the entrance, the Advance/SILive.com observed. The streets were open to traffic, although tape was blocking off the area where the car was in the road. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are back together and insiders have told People that the rekindled love affair is good for both of them right now. The anonymous insider told the industry magazine that the two are spending time together because they are both newly single and they are in the same mindset after their respective breakups, J-Lo from from former fiance, Alex Rodriguez, the former New York Yankee, and Affleck from Ana de Armas. If you recall, Lopez, 51, and A-Rod released a joint statement on April 15, announcing the end of their engagement. Multiple sources previously confirmed to PEOPLE that Lopez ultimately broke up with Rodriguez, 45. Ben and Jennifer were in the same mindset after their breakups, a Latin music source tells People. Whether they end up together or not, its good for both of them now. And not that surprising. Lopez and Affleck, dubbed Bennifer in 2002 when they were engaged to be married, have worked together on film, including Jersey Girl and Gigli. Jersey Girl and Gigli. The wedding was called off a mere few days before the big day and in January 2004, the couple called it quits altogether. In February 2021, the couples romance was rekindled with emails from Affleck to J-Lo while she was in the Dominican Republic, working on a film. By Patrick Lee KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) -- Placing his bare hands into a swarm of thousands of bees, a Malaysian man uses his fingers to gently guide some of them into a rattan basket. Ooi Leng Chye is a member of a group that saves bees and their nests when they are discovered in cities, seeking to prevent the creatures from being destroyed by those who view them as pests. Bees play a vital role in ecosystems as pollinators of major crops, but their numbers have been falling rapidly due to habitat loss, pollution and pesticides. The United Nations warns that 40 percent of invertebrate pollinators -- in particular bees and butterflies -- risk global extinction. In Malaysia, green activists founded the "My Bee Savior Association" to help stem the decline. When the group is tipped off about nests in areas such as under roofs and near trees, their volunteers try to carefully remove the bees and take them to new sites. One of Ooi's recent cases was in the car park of an apartment building in Kuala Lumpur, whose managers had reported a suspected nest. In an empty space behind a wall under plasterboard, he and two other volunteers discovered half a dozen honeycombs and countless bees, a colony they believe had been there for months. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt, trousers and sandals, Ooi -- whose day job is as a software developer -- was relaxed as he scooped up the bees with his hands into the basket. "I'm not afraid of them," the 48-year-old later told AFP as scores of bees buzzed around his uncovered face. "Bees only attack out of self-defence. They won't attack you for no reason -- you just need to understand their behaviour." Protect bees for 'future generations' On this trip, Ooi's arms were stung about four times but he shrugged off the pain as "pretty light". Though his arms are covered in stings from previous expeditions, he only puts on a beekeeper's suit when facing the most aggressive of the insects. "(With a suit), you won't be able to be as gentle when scooping up the bees," he said. After nearly two hours, almost the entire nest is collected, with a basket of bees wrapped in a cloth and net, and the honeycomb inside plastic bags. All are taken to another volunteer's house, where the honeycomb and bees are placed inside a makeshift wooden box, which becomes their new hive. The group's volunteers can handle about 10 cases of nest discoveries every day nationwide, acting on tip-offs from officials and the public. The traditional solution in Malaysia had been to call the fire brigade, which has been known to torch nests and their inhabitants to a crisp to dispose of them. Part of My Bee Savior Association's work is to try to convince official bodies such as the fire service to deal with bees in a different way, said group chairman Norowi Hamid. Norowi helped set up the group after the mid-2000s when many colonies in the US and Europe were wiped out by a mysterious scourge called "colony collapse disorder". He said it remains a challenging task to convince Malaysians not to be afraid of them. But he added that "if we do not manage the bees properly, then maybe one day (they) will not be here anymore. "Then our future generations will curse us." By Leila MACOR MIAMI BEACH (AFP) - A long line of people snaked across the sand of Miami Beach, Florida, as dozens of travelers from Latin America waited their turn at a pop-up coronavirus vaccination booth. Sweating under the Sunday afternoon sun, visitors checked into an online system -- no proof of residence required -- and soon after received a free, single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a vaccination card. People had come from all over Latin America -- Ecuador, El Salvador, Venezuela -- where the vaccine rollout has been slow and hampered by supply shortages. "In my country, (Covid-19) is getting out of hand and there's not much chance we'll have access to the vaccine soon," Maria Bonilla, who arrived Saturday from Honduras, told AFP. The 40-year-old accountant flew in with her parents, aged 63 and 73. The three of them stood in line, wearing masks. "We had to make the decision to look for a solution outside the country," Bonilla said. Blanca Diaz, 50, who arrived Friday from Mexico, came to the same conclusion: "They are just starting to vaccinate older people," she said of her home country. The rush to find a vaccine has been accompanied by a sharp surge in airfares. Flights from Buenos Aires to Miami, which usually cost around $1,000, have jumped to $2,000 in May. Bonilla is acutely aware of her privilege to be able to travel with her parents to get vaccinated. "It's unfortunate. It already creates this division that some of us have access to health and others do not," she said. Miami Beach city commissioner David Richardson, a Democrat, who oversaw the facility, told AFP he has mixed feelings about the vaccine tourists. "I think we, the United States government, should help as many people as possible," he said. "My only concern is that it seems that the people who can afford to buy an airfare can come to the United States and get a vaccine now. "And what about the poor people in South America?" Richardson asked, urging the US government to send vaccines overseas "so that everybody can have access to the vaccine, not just the people who can afford to come here." Easing requirements On Sunday, the pop-up vaccination booth inoculated 175 people with the Johnson & Johnson shot, the brand favored by tourists because it requires only one dose. This is the second weekend that the booth has been set up on the beach, and it will be back for the next few weekends. Richardson said he was authorized Sunday morning to provide vaccines to anyone over age 18. In theory, Florida vaccinates state residents or people who indicate -- verbally -- that they offer a service in-state. As of 10 days ago, it is no longer necessary to provide documented proof of residence. This easing of requirements was implemented to encourage undocumented residents to get vaccinated -- but it also has encouraged vaccine tourists. Since January, wealthy Latin Americans have been creatively circumventing the now-eliminated residency requirement. They would show bank statements for accounts with a US address, or temporary rental contracts -- even with Airbnb -- could be immediately canceled once they had been vaccinated. More than nine million people -- out of a total of 21.5 million residents -- have had at least one dose of the vaccine in Florida, according to the US health department. "At this point, the people that haven't been vaccinated is certainly not because a lack of supply or a lack of availability," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said last week. 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! SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW R, 93 minutes The story goes that a few years ago Chris Rock was at a wedding where he found himself sitting next to the head of Lionsgate Films, the studio behind the gruesome Saw horror series. Perhaps just to make conversation, Rock started riffing. The Saw movies were all very well, of course. But wouldnt they be even better with a few more jokes, which might be supplied by a noted stand-up comic such as himself? Chris Rock plays a seasoned police officer in Spiral: From the Book of Saw. Credit:Brooke Palmer/Lionsgate via AP So it was that soon afterwards, Rock found himself in Toronto as the star of Spiral, otherwise known as Spiral: From The Book of Saw technically the ninth chapter in the saga, although the marketing team has given up on keeping track. In 2019, a four-part ABC series documenting a group of adults on the autism spectrum looking for love was the antidote to the network reality romances that we didnt know we needed. At its core, Love on the Spectrum is essentially The Bachelor/ette and Married At First Sight: lonely hearts explore romantic options on screen. But the inherent honesty of the participants, coupled with sensitive production values, made this a very different and in many ways more affecting show. Picked up by Netflix, Love on the Spectrum returns to the ABC for a second five-part season, featuring its breakout star, 27-year-old aspiring voice actor and quintessential gentleman Michael. Autism is a gift, not something to be ashamed of: Michael from Love on the Spectrum. Credit:ABC People were drawn to my blunt sense of humour, my dapper style and my hilarious one liners, even though Im not trying to be funny, says Michael, who has enjoyed his unexpected celebrity. It was flattering. When I was growing up, I felt ignored and overlooked, so this was definitely different. The fact that my fan base is now global, I feel like people are wanting to pay attention to me now. As the world acts on climate change and transitions to renewable energy, Australia has a once-in-a-century opportunity. Rich in renewable resources, we are in pole position to become a renewable energy superpower. But based on Tuesdays federal budget, when compared to the investment other countries are making, we risk being left behind. Photovoltaic modules at a solar farm on the outskirts of Gunnedah. Credit:Bloomberg The federal government has long pledged that technology, not taxes, will put Australia on the path to net zero emissions. The good news is we have the technology we need to decarbonise, from solar panels (which Aussies helped to invent) and wind turbines to batteries and electric vehicles, which require critical minerals that Australia has in abundance. What is needed is government support to accelerate the deployment of these technologies. Yet, such support was notably absent from the 2021 budget. One passenger with a ticket booked on the first flight from India to Australia since the travel ban, who spoke anonymously for fear of losing his spot, said not all passengers had been told their final test results. This is despite the Australian governments announcement that more than 40 have tested positive to COVID-19. A man does his household chores against the backdrop of burning funeral pyres of the patients who died of the COVID-19 at a crematorium in Delhi. Credit:Getty We heard that news and now were very scared, the passenger told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald from his hotel room in Delhi. Its nerve-racking because Im pretty sure I dont have it, but Im still stressing about it. The man said all the passengers who have been quarantined in one hotel before the flight, and were told they would receive their final test results at 6pm local time on Thursday night. Now were still waiting to hear back and its nearly midday [Friday] in India, he said. The man is in a group chat with other passengers on the flight and said the mood was very stressed. We havent been informed what our result is, theyre hanging us around from yesterday and I dont think anyone slept last night because my phone just kept pinging all night, he said. Following on from items containing the imperative do not eat (C8), Evan Bailey of Glebe observed that his lamb chops had a sticker telling me to rest for five minutes after cooking. So I dutifully put my feet up and drank a restful glass of red wine. The vigneron owners of Botobolar Vineyard in Mudgee in the 1970s, Gil and Vincie Wahlquist, were forward thinking in more ways than one, according to Jennifer Tidey of Mudgee. Botobolar Vineyard was the first fully certified organic vineyard in Australia ... and there was a sign (C8) on their property which stated: trespassers will be composted. So is that the secret meaning of a horizontal wine-tasting? Anna Beniuk of Mt St Thomas solves the centenary letter mystery for Geoffrey Gardner. There is a lovely man in Wollongong by the name of Michael McCormack (C8). Hes a plumber by trade but is such a gentleman I believe he would be delighted to send a congratulatory letter to a woman who turned 100. A slight correction for Sara Holt. Elizabeth Morgan of Manly knows, from my two-year-old grandson Hudson, that you were behind a concrete mixer, not a cement mixer (C8). Driving with him yesterday, we saw two in a row that made his day. Obviously its a brave or foolish person who would take on a child in their particular obsessive interest, and it reminds Granny of the question, at what age(s) will a person have the most knowledge of dinosaurs? The answer, in case you were wondering, is when they are four ... and then again when they are the parents and/or grandparents of a four-year-old. When Lee Featherby of Chatswood arrived home from work the other day, his partner very kindly came to the front door to welcome him home. As I didnt come in straight away, she asked if I was okay, to which I responded, hang on, I just have to plug in the car. It suddenly struck Lee that it would have been seen as a weird statement if he had made it 10 years ago, maybe even five, and he asks, what else are readers saying that so strongly reflect changes to our society? A German backpacker who celebrated her 19th birthday two weeks after beginning a farm stay on Gregory Douglas Peelwood horse stud was in a consensual sexual relationship with him, continuing to visit his farm after her stay ended, a Sydney court has heard. But when another German backpacker, also in her teens, later contacted her with concerns about the 68-year-olds increasingly sexual massages, the young woman called Mr Douglas to tell him to back off. Greg Douglas is accused of a string of assaults against six women volunteering on his Peelwood horse stud. Credit:Facebook Dont do to her what you did to me, Mr Douglas recalled her saying. He responded: What, fall in love with you and help you pursue your dreams? A man has been charged over the alleged murder of another man, believed to be his boyfriend, at an apartment block in Rushcutters Bay in Sydneys inner east on Wednesday. About 1.50pm on Wednesday, emergency services were called to an apartment block on Kings Cross Road, following reports of an assault. Emergency services on the scene in Rushcutters Bay. Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, and found 39-year-old Christopher Roy Stanmore unresponsive in a basement parking area. He was taken to St Vincents Hospital but died a short time later. A council CEO said a controversial land deal for an ethanol plant on a rural block would have turned up before corruption investigators regardless of whether the elected body backed the referral. Murray River Council chief executive Terry Dodds told councillors he had already written to both the Independent Commission Against Corruption and NSW Police in February, the same month he was employed, over the councils acquisition of land for a little-known company at an inflated price. A farmer next to the rural block bought by the council for an inflated price. Credit:Kate Geraghty The council voted on Thursday morning to refer an external review undertaken by consultancy Centium to both the ICAC and police, in particular the flow of loan moneys to end beneficiaries following revelations a $900,000 loan to proponents Murray River Energy was yet to be recouped. Speaking about his own legal obligations to refer certain matters to the oversight body, Mr Dodds said it was very good that there was now also a council resolution to do it. NSW Health has recorded its highest number of COVID-19 vaccinations in one day, with 7552 administered across the state on Wednesday. These included 2554 inoculations at the mass vaccination hub at Sydney Olympic Park the highest number of daily shots given since it opened on Monday. The total number of COVID-19 shots administered in NSW is now 840,647, with more than 256,000 doses given by NSW Health in total to date. Ben Shepherd from the NSW Rural Fire Service receives his COVID-19 vaccine at the Olympic Park Vaccination Centre. Credit:Nick Moir About 18,000 vaccines were administered by GPs on Tuesday, bringing the total number of shots given by the GP network in NSW to 584,454. A record number of first doses were given yesterday by NSW Health, a total of 6177. A man has been jailed for more than 30 years for brutally murdering an acquaintance in Sydneys south-west and mutilating his body, in a crime a judge described as savage and horrific. Goran Stevanovic, 40, went to the home of Khanh Xuan Pham, 40, at Sadleir on January 8, 2019, for what was meant to be a brief visit to buy drugs. While he was inside the home, Pham became increasingly paranoid and stabbed Mr Stevanovic in the back with no warning. Khanh Xuan Pham has been found guilty of murder. Credit:Facebook Mr Stevanovic tried to flee, but collapsed from his injuries outside. Pham stood over him and stabbed him another three times, including once in the heart, with such force that part of the knife broke off in his spine. Pham then dragged Mr Stevanovics body back inside the home and began to cut him up in the shower. His body was found several days later by Phams mother, who raised the alarm because she thought it was her son. A lawyer from Sydneys upper north shore has spent the night in custody after being charged over his alleged involvement in a $2.3 million international cryptocurrency scam. The 38-year-old solicitor, from Turramurra, was arrested at Day Street police station just after 5pm on Wednesday and charged with four counts of recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. Since 2019, police have been investigating reports from four men who believed they were defrauded by a suspected cryptocurrency scam. Officers were told the men had responded to an online advertisement about cryptocurrency trading and liaised with an unknown person to deposit the money to trade in digital currencies. Between December 2018 and March 2019, the men - then aged between 69 and 95 - deposited a combined total of $2,311,000 into various Australian bank accounts that police allege are all linked to the solicitor. Brisbanes Airtrain finally has some public transport competition after company Skybus began services between the CBD and airport. SkyBus, which already runs the services from the Melbourne CBD and the airports at Tullamarine and Avalon, started offering its services in Brisbane with little fanfare this week. New two-hourly SkyBus bus services have begun running between the Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane Airport. Credit:SkyBus SkyBus also operates between Gold Coast Airport and Byron Bay as well as in Hobart and Auckland. Initially, SkyBuss Brisbane services would provide a two-hourly service, from 6am to midnight on weekdays and 6am to 8pm on weekends, between the CBD and the domestic terminal at a cost of $15 one way. Two men have been sentenced to more than seven years jail over a Brisbane drug business worth more than $300,000 and involving MDMA, cocaine and cannabis. The Brisbane Supreme Court. Credit:Robert Shakespeare Ryan Sean Givney, 40, and Ben Alexander Townson, 31, were handed eight years and seven-and-a-half years in prison, respectively, on Thursday after pleading guilty to a string of charges in the Brisbane Supreme Court. In 2017, they supplied 4000 MDMA tablets worth about $25,000, purchased 219 grams of cocaine worth about $56,000, and bought 99 pounds of cannabis at an estimated value of $200,000. The Supreme Court heard police also found Townson with $41,000 cash, which was suspected of being the proceeds of crime. Perth will return to pre-lockdown life from Saturday, Premier Mark McGowan has announced. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport, at large venues or at hospitals and aged care facilities. They will still be required at airports. Optus Stadium and other major sporting venues will return to 100 per cent capacity and the home gathering limit of 100 will be lifted. The easing of restrictions as of 12.01am Saturday comes after 12 days without any new COVID-19 community cases being detected. In London (where she lived in Earls Court and then Chelsea) Marion joined the London Press Exchange, Europes largest advertising agency. There she was credited with establishing Lever Brothers Knights Castile soap with the line, Be gentle with me... She also caught a glimpse of Coco Chanel during one of her collections on her staircase in Rue Cambon. By 1964, the marriage to Len had foundered, an affair with a colleague ended (after Marion told him he looked stupid in pointy shoes) and her grandmother died, so she returned to Sydney. Her father had become superintendent of his workshop and they had acquired a bungalow at Avalon. Marion joined J. Walter Thompson and there met the love of her life. Hans Heinrich Vladimir Sergei Crull von Adlerstein was a Latvian-born baron, a German title held since 1648 by the family who lost their estates in the Russian Revolution and fled to Nuremberg. At odds with the Nazi regime (he had fought for the loyalists in Spain and had a Jewish wife), after asylum in England Hans settled in Sydney and became a commanding, dynamic director and producer of commercials. He was 54 with elder-statesman-meets-ski-instructor good looks. Marion von Adlerstein and Glen-Marie Frost in 2012. Credit:Nic Walker He and Marion proved a compatible, complementary team working on accounts for Lux and Kelloggs Corn Flakes. Marion, among a room full of suits, was amused to hear a client, after a pitch, ask, Thats clever but what would Mrs Bankstown think? She knew. And it was typical of her sharp eye to notice, while shooting a commercial for Kelloggs, and to have the camera linger on a pair of dusty moccasins under a fully bridal Donna Douglas (famous as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies) eating the cereal at her wedding breakfast. After two platonic years working together, Marion told Hans she was moving to head office in New York. Hans was distraught; an affair began; and after nine months in New York, Marion returned after Hans demanded she come back, or it was over. Living in East 79th Street, Marion had loved New York City, but she loved Hans more. They soon settled in Melbourne working together again at USP Benson and wed within a year. In 1975, at the suggestion of Patrick Russell, creative director of Vogue Australia, von Adlerstein began writing for the magazine her first piece on Venice in winter; her second was sale-time at Bergdorf Goodman. At about the same time, Hans retired and in 1976 they returned to Sydney, set up Hans & Marion Pty Limited producing commercials and settled in Surry Hills. The Freudian Slip by Marion von Adlerstein. For 22 years von Adlerstein wrote on fashion, food, beauty, health, interior decoration, social issues, profiles and travel. She tackled immigration, wrote about Aboriginal achievers, and warned women not to be afraid of feminism. Some of her wisdom would be distilled in Home Truths (1996), a collection of her pieces. Throughout her career, she inspired younger editors: Suzy Baldwin, Marion Hume, Edwina McCann, and Philippa Coates. She had a bird-like, Audrey Hepburn quality; yet remained utterly herself. She was cool, composed, curious and ineffably chic. As travel editor, later director, she noticed and noted everything; knowing and nuanced. Swaddled in her much-loved Issey Miyake, she went everywhere writing from all over Australia, and from a Wagner festival in Finland (where a tenor sang arias as she waited for her luggage at the airport) to Easter Island (Here I am in the middle of nowhere ... 1900 kilometres from any other community on earth). Australian diplomats have begun talking to Myanmars government in exile but Australia has decided against imposing additional sanctions against the countrys military government. A group of ousted lawmakers many of them previously part of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party have formed the shadow government in the wake of the February 1 military coup called the National Unity Government to campaign for the return of democracy in the country. Anti-coup protesters shout slogans during a flash-mob demonstration earlier this month in Yangon, Myanmar. Credit:AP Burmese Australians have been urging the federal government to reach out to members of the NUG in the wake of the coup, which resulted in the overthrow and detention of Suu Kyi. Appearing at a parliamentary inquiry into the Australian governments response to the coup, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade assistant secretary Lynda Worthaisong confirmed there had been contact made with the group in the last month but it was at an official level only. Australian households installed a record 362,734 rooftop solar power systems last year with NSW accounting for almost a third at 109,000, led by Sydneys outer suburbs. The top postcode in NSW was 2765 taking in Marsden Park and Vineyard in Sydneys north-west with 1841 installations, followed by Kellyville and Rouse Hill with 1770 and Camden and Oakdale to the south-west with 1337. Rooftop solar installations jumped 28 per cent to a record 362,734 last year. CSIRO senior experimental scientist Michael Ambrose, who leads a team tracking rooftop solar installations, said the pattern of installations in NSW differed from Victoria, where a small number of home-building hotspots around Melbourne accounted for the bulk of the states 72,000 new systems. In Victoria, its really dominated by about five postcodes that take up the vast majority of installations but in Sydney, the installations are evenly spread, Mr Ambrose said. In NSW, we dont see that nexus between where homes are built and where photovoltaics [rooftop solar panels] are installed which is a bit surprising. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt says the mood of the nation on achieving reconciliation has changed significantly since he entered Federal Parliament, and he believes Australia is ready to constructively debate the issue. The first Aboriginal Australian elected to the House of Representatives said on Thursday that he sensed an undercurrent in society that meant issues to do with Indigenous Australians were being looked at in a way he had never seen before. Indigenous Australian Minister Ken Wyatt says the nation is ready to debate constitutional recognition. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Launching the book Buraadja: The Liberal Case For National Reconciliation, by Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, Mr Wyatt said he believed growing numbers of people were caring enough to speak out and do something about reconciliation. The time has changed. The mood has changed significantly. And Ive watched prime ministers make commitments like Bob Hawke did for a treaty, but they become challenging, Mr Wyatt said. Jewish groups have called for the Nazi swastika to be banned in Queensland amid concerns anti-Semitism is rising in the community. Shocking graffiti, including the Nazi slogan blood and soil and two swastikas, were spray-painted on a train carriage at the Clapham rail yard at Moorooka. The original pro-Nazi graffiti on the carriage. Queensland Rail was alerted to the vandalism on Monday afternoon, called police, and its maintenance team was on-site within an hour to paint over the graffiti. Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies spokesman Jason Steinberg said the graffiti should not be dismissed. The man leading the WA government department responsible for casino regulation has announced his retirement, just days after giving evidence at the Perth Casino Royal Commission. On Thursday, Premier Mark McGowan announced changes to the leadership of eight state government departments, including the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries which is currently overseen by director general Duncan Ord. WA Gaming and Wagering Commission chairman Duncan Ord giving evidence at the PCRC this week. Credit: He will cease being the director general from Monday 31 May, but will not retire until August. Mr Ord has led the super department since his former department of culture and arts merged with three others in 2017. He is also the chairman of the Departments Gaming and Wagering Commission, which is responsible for controlling and regulating gambling in Western Australia. Adam Reynolds has no doubts the Craig Fitzgibbon revolution at Cronulla will be a success, but said the need for new challenge was the simple reason he opted to sign a three-year $2.2 million deal with the Brisbane Broncos. Before boarding a flight north for Magic Round, the premiership-winning halfback told the Herald on Thursday: There are a number of reasons Ive signed with the Broncos theyre a big club, a one-team town, and its a new challenge for myself and my family. Adam Reynolds in Brisbane on Thursday. Credit:Getty Its one of the toughest decisions Ive ever made, not just in sport but life in general. It was very close between the Broncos and Cronulla. But it came down to that fresh start and challenge. I could have stayed at Souths for one year. But security was a big thing for me. The decision happened quickly. Im not sure the exact moment I reached it, but Id discussed everything with my family for a few weeks. I keep saying it but it came down to that fresh start. Kathmandu: A Swiss and an American climber have died on Mount Everest, hiking company officials said on Thursday, the first fatalities on the worlds highest peak this season. Abdul Waraich, 41, of Switzerland and American Puwei Liu, 55, died of exhaustion while descending the slopes of the 8849 metre mountain on Wednesday, said Thaneshwar Guragai, a manager of the Seven Summit Treks company that provided support to the climbers. Additional sherpas were sent with supplies and oxygen but unfortunately they could not save them, he told Reuters. Waraich, who was on his way down after reaching the summit, died near the south summit, according to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, another official of the company. The Israeli army has vowed to stop Hamas firing rockets into Israeli territory and said it was preparing its troops for all scenarios. We are ready to sustain operations as long as needed and as hard as needed, international military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told a briefing last night. As Hamas and other militant groups fired hundreds of rockets into Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, killing at least seven Israelis including a six-year-old and a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, worries grew that the latest violence could spiral into a protracted conflict. Israeli police patrol during clashes between Arabs, police and Jews, in the mixed town of Lod, central Israel. Credit:AP The Hamas barrages sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis running to bomb shelters across the country and hit numerous civilian targets, including a bus and a school in the city of Askhelon that was empty because authorities had ordered all schools closed. All of Israel is under attack. Its a very scary situation to be in, said Margo Aronovic, a 26-year-old student, in Tel Aviv. As the violence continued, Umm Majed al-Rayyes from Gaza City and other Palestinians in the line of fire faced an all-too-familiar question: Where should we go? This whole territory is a tiny place. Its a prison. Everywhere you go, youre a target, Rayyes said by phone from a neighbours house, where she sought refuge with her teenage sons and daughters and a few bags of clothes after an Israeli air strike that she said came without warning. Smoke is seen from a collapsed building after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on Wednesday. Credit:AP In Gaza, a crowded coastal enclave of 2 million people, there are no air raid sirens or safe houses. Temporary United Nations shelters have come under attack in previous years of conflict. In the past two days, Israeli air strikes brought down three huge towers housing important Hamas offices and some businesses after the Israeli military fired warning shots, allowing occupants to flee. Sirens blared in Tel Aviv overnight and the sound of rockets being shot down by Israels Iron Dome system filled the sky, sending thousands of Israelis to shelters. By dawn, Israel had renewed its air strikes on the Palestinian coastal enclave, destroying a six-storey residential building in the middle of Gaza City. Mourners attend the funeral of Leah Yom Tov, 63, who was killed when a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit her house in Rishon Lezion, Israel. Credit:AP Israel vowed to keep pummelling the Islamist faction in Gaza despite a prediction by US President Joe Biden that hostilities might end soon. My expectation and hope is this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself, Biden said after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden did not explain the reasons behind his optimism. Netanyahus office said he told the US President that Israel would continue acting to strike at the military capabilities of Hamas and the other terrorist groups active in the Gaza Strip. Israeli fighter jets also targeted without warning multiple residential buildings, located in teeming neighbourhoods where Israel alleged militants lived. Among the dead were both militants and civilians, including at least two women and children who died during the apartment building strikes. Conricus said some 400 of 1600 rockets fired by Gaza factions had fallen short, killing some Palestinians. Mourners carry the coffin of Israeli Arab Khalil Awaad and his daughter Nadine,16, during their funeral in the village of Dahmash near the mixed Israeli city of Lod. Credit:AP US Secretary of State Antony Blinken phoned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and said Washington was exerting efforts with all relevant parties to reach calm, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said. Abbas is a Hamas rival whose authority is limited to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas runs the Gaza Strip. The fighting has touched off strife within Israel, where some in the Arab minority mounted violent pro-Palestinian protests. In one mixed town, Acre, an Arab mob beat a man presumed to be Jewish with sticks and rocks in an attack captured on video. In Bat Yam, Tel Aviv, dozens of Jewish extremists beat a man presumed Arab as he lay motionless on the ground. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video At a Gaza City hospital, distraught families told of pulling bloodied relatives from piles of rubble. One woman said her four-year-old grandson and pregnant daughter-in-law were killed when an Israeli air raid hit their two-storey building on Wednesday. They bombed them without any warning. The house had nothing but the kids, said Umm Mohammad al-Telbani crying in the hospital morgue. Pro-Israeli and Palestinian protests erupted in cities from Berlin and Iran to Los Angeles, while in Australia a woman was charged on Wednesday after burning an Israeli flag in Sydneys Lakemba. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was very important the tensions in the Middle East did not spill onto the streets of Australia. Loading Were all very concerned about whats happening there. And weve been urging restraint from all parties involved there to not take any unilateral action [...] But those things should not be played out here in Australia. Were a peaceful country. We believe in a two-state solution. Thats the governments policy at least. And we want to ensure that people live in this country with tolerance and respect. The Israeli government long has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields against retaliatory strikes; militants often launch rockets from civilian areas and set up command centres inside residential buildings. The people killed by the indiscriminate fire at Israeli population centres included three women and two children, spreading fear on both sides of the border. Recalling the horror of past wars, Gaza residents say they feel nowhere is safe. They also cannot leave the narrow territory, one of the worlds most densely populated places. It has been under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized control in 2007. Along its borders, Gaza is encircled by sensor-studded fences, concrete walls, galvanised steel barriers and the Mediterranean Sea, where Israel restricts boats from Gaza to some 16 nautical miles offshore. SABA:--- Nurses on Saba gathered at the Wesleyan Holiness Church for a church service on Wednesday morning, May 12 on the occasion of International Nurses Day 2021. Speakers Commissioner of Public Health Rolando Wilson, Director of the Saba Health Care Foundation (SHCF) Judith Meijer, Chairman of the SHCF Supervisory Board Sydney Sorton commended and thanked the nurses for their dedication and vital contribution to society. The Nurses Day service started with an entrance procession song as the nurses, including several retired nurses, entered the church, followed by an opening prayer by Pastor Isaiah Liburd, an opening song, the Scripture reading by nurse Joyce Chichester-Smith and the reading of poems by nurses Sharen Johnson, Aleya Abraham, Sislene Matthew, Lillian Leverock and Aedy Levenstone. After a minute of silence for nurses throughout the world who lost their lives, Pastor Vernon Liburd spoke of the nurses work as a labor of love and a noble profession. Your responsibility is awesome. Your service well-valued. You sacrifice for others, always in a selfless manner. But, he warned, everyone has their limitations, even nurses. You are not superhuman. You cannot fix everyone. You are just human, and you need to take good care of yourselves, otherwise, you cant take care of others. Pastor Liburd thanked Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, who was present at the church service, for his leadership during the pandemic. Commissioner Wilson acknowledged nurses, but also doctors, ambulance drivers and all other medical staff for their outstanding and dedicated service to the community. We acknowledge the fact that you are all part of the frontline workers who leave their homes and families every day to provide care and comfort to patients. You are the ears, eyes, hands, and feet for those that cannot help themselves. According to Wilson, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the important role that nurses play in treating the sick. The strain of the job has proven to be intense and has tested you more than you would like, but through it all, you have proven to be true warriors. Nurses are the heart of healthcare. Nursing is a true calling and a most honorable profession. At some point each of us has been touched by you, and so we salute you, we honor you and we celebrate you, he said. SHCF Director Meijer said that traditionally, nursing has been a womens job and that this was still the case until just recently on Saba and other islands in the region. When I had my introduction meetings with each employee of our organization, several of you told me that when they had to think about their professional life, they did not have much to choose from, besides cleaning, nursing, or teaching. Because nursing was a job, done by women, society tended to take their work for granted. Today, in 2021, nursing is still a job, still dominated by women, and it has become a profession, a job title to be proud of. Meijer mentioned nurse Thelma Polak, who was born on Saba and murdered in 1943 by the Nazis during World War II because she was Jewish. Thelma was the doctor of a doctor who worked on Saba about 100 years ago. During the war, Thelma was a nurse at a hospital for mentally and physically handicapped people in the Netherlands. According to the story, Thelma volunteered to accompany the patients when the Germans came to imprison and kill them. Looking back at 2020, Meijer said that it was a hard year for everyone, a year with many challenges and uncertainties. You were brave and dealt with them. 2020 is also the year in which people realized the importance of your work. We hope that this awareness and appreciation will stay after COVID-19. SHCF Chairman Sorton thanked the nurses for their hard work, especially during the pandemic. Some of you even went into quarantine in order for healthcare to continue during the corona crisis. ~Saturdays, May 15th, 22nd, 29th, and June 5th - 9 am to 5 pm~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Carrefour Markets Sint Maarten and Celebrity Cruises have launched a COVID-19 Vaccination Registration and Appointment Drive along with a special 20% discount offer on Saturday, May 15th, May 22nd, May 29th, and June 5th from 9 am to 5 pm. According to Anil Sabnani of Carrefour Markets, "This might just be one of the very best ways to encourage fellow Sint Maarten residents to get vaccinated. It's quite simple, come down to Carrefour on Bush Road on any of the Saturdays mentioned, register for your COVID-19 vaccination, receive a vaccination appointment (eligibility required), and go shopping ($75 minimum purchase required). After you receive your first COVID vaccination, come back to Carrefour with your vaccination card, and you will receive a 20% discount coupon to use at Carrefour Market. Pretty simple and a spectacular way to save money and get protected from the COVID-19 virus. Sabnani continued, "The health and well-being of Sint Maarten residents should come first as we recover from the pandemic. Carrefour and Celebrity Cruises have funded these discounts to provide an incentive to generate vaccine registrations and appointments. We want residents to take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated and save money as well. Just so everyone is clear, this program is for personal shopping only. Bars, restaurants, yacht provisioners, and other businesses are not eligible to participate in this discount program. Joshua Carroll, Vice President, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, added, Sint Maarten has been one of our most popular ports in the Caribbean region and we are excited to be homeporting for the first time from the destination. The health and safety of the communities we visit are our top priority and this goes hand in hand with a strong and successful return to tourism. Our support of this campaign reinforces our belief that a robust and widespread vaccination effort will help minimize COVID-19 prevalence so that St. Maarten can come back stronger. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Telecommunications, and Transportation, the Honorable Ludmila N.L. de Weever, said "I am extremely delighted to endorse and support the Carrefour Markets Sint Maarten and Celebrity Cruises vaccination and appointment drive. It is efforts like this that will help our community conquer COVID-19. To see such significant sponsorship from Carrefour Markets and Celebrity Cruises clearly shows me that our business community understands the importance of getting vaccinated. Thank you Carrefour and Celebrity for caring about the health, safety, and well-being of our island. If you have not registered for a vaccination, and you are eligible, I encourage you to visit the Carrefour Market Bush Road location during the Saturdays of this campaign. The team will get you registered, get you an appointment for your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and then you will have the opportunity to save big once you have received your first dose." The Minister of Public Health, Labour and Social Affairs, the Honorable Omar E. C. Ottley has publicly endorsed this program, and said, "I am extremely grateful to both Carrefour Market and Celebrity Cruises. Their efforts clearly demonstrate how private industry and public health officials can work together to help provide for the general well-being and health of our community. Together we can truly make a difference and get ourselves one step closer to being protected. To be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the general public is asked to remember that both Dutch Sint Maarten residents and undocumented Dutch Sint Maarten residents are eligible to be vaccinated. There are no immigration checks as vaccinating against COVID-19 is a matter of worldwide public health. Residents can show their Sint Maarten Identification Card, Sint Maarten Drivers License or Sint Maarten Resident Paper to demonstrate their residency. Undocumented residents, those residing on Dutch Sint Maarten without a Sint Maarten Identification Card or without a Sint Maarten Resident Paper may show one of the following documents: a rental agreement from the Dutch side in the name of the person, a payslip from a Dutch-side company, a non-Dutch passport with the latest immigration entry stamp dating back four months or longer, showing that the person is here four consecutive months, proof of registry from the Census Department, an SZV Card, a copy of a work permit or proof of residency application. Finally, Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin of Island 92 radio, who has been spearheading this initiative added, "Come out, visit us at Carrefour Market Bush Road on these particular Saturdays. The team will answer your questions, get you registered, and if you are eligible make you an on-the-spot appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. Then you get to go shopping at Carrefour, and with proof of your completed first vaccination dose, you save 20% off your grocery bill. Thank you Celebrity Cruises. Thank you, Carrefour Market. I am very thankful to Minister de Weever for her tireless efforts to bring this program to fruition. If everyone does their part, we will become 'Sint Maarten Protected Together'. For more information about the Celebrity Cruises/Carrefour Market COVID-19 Registration and Appointment Drive, please contact Dr. Soc of Island 92 radio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at +1 721 544 3377. PHILIPSBURG:--- This week we celebrate National Nurses Week and today, May 12, we celebrate International Nurses Day. On this day and during the week, we recognize the people of this selfless profession. Each and every day these persons save lives. Since the onset of COVID-19, we recognize that they put themselves on the front line, day after day, all over the world. They have shown resilience in a time of need to set up and keep their community safe. Sometimes, at the expense of their own family and friends. Furthermore, they have been the backbone of our vaccine rollout program. Needless to say, we owe a huge debt to all nurses and healthcare workers. Daily, they give their very best to take care of people they don't even know. It is said, NURSE, Is Just Another Word to Describe a Person Strong Enough to Tolerate Everything and Soft Enough to Understand Everyone. - Unknown. Our nurses are the backbone of our health care system, delivering critical care to patients within our community and playing many roles in a patient's healthcare journey. Whether working at the St. Maarten Medical Center, providing mental health services, caring for vulnerable seniors at White and Yellow Cross, working at our baby clinic, or providing private long-term care homes, our nurses dedicate themselves to protecting our health and saving lives in a range of public health settings. We know that there are challenges in the healthcare system that have made it difficult for our nurses. However, the Government of St. Maarten still recognizes your commitment and dedication to the service you provide. To all nurses, we recognize your continued effort to make a difference in the lives of the people of St. Maarten and our community. Therefore, the Government of St. Maarten commits to pursuing policies that ensure that healthcare workers are safe and healthy. To our local community, please be reminded of the burden and responsibility that our nurses face, especially during this pandemic. Let's do our part to help keep our nurses safe by following the safety guidelines and ensuring that you get registered to get vaccinated. Show your gratitude to our nurses in this way. On behalf of the Council of Ministers, I wish all nurses a Happy International Nurses Day and I thank nurses for their contribution to our society; we are grateful for your care and sacrifices. Thank you for taking care of us, and God bless you all. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Central Committee meeting on May 14, 2021. The Committee meeting which was adjourned on March 19, 2021, will be reconvened on Friday at 14.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance. The agenda point is: Discussion on the Country Reform Packages Priorities and Objective Measures 2021 (IS/437/2020-2021 dated February 24, 2021) Due to measures taken to mitigate the coronavirus (COVID-19), the House of Parliament is only allowing persons with an appointment to enter the Parliament building. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and Parliaments Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten Adventus?nd Salazar Announce Drilling Results ?t The El Domo Deposit Highlighted by 11.55% Copper Equivalent ?ver 16.86 Metres ?nd Provide ? Regional Exploration Update for The Curipamba Project Posted by Publisher Internet Adventus Mining Corporation (?Adventus? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/adventus-mining-corp/) (TSX-V: ADZN, OTCQX: ADVZF) and Salazar Resources Limited (?Salazar?) (TSX-V: SRL, OTCQB: SRLZF) (collectively the ?Partners?) are pleased to announce additional infill drilling results from the El Domo volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit (?El Domo?) located within the 21,537-hectare Curipamba project in central Ecuador. Highlights ? Drill Results from the El Domo Deposit at Curipamba: CURI-378 intersected 16.86 metres of 3.38% copper, 8.07 g/t gold, 8.46% zinc, 138.6 g/t silver, and 0.81% lead for 11.55% CuEq ? including 1.44 metres of 5.87% copper, 24.56 g/t gold, 8.94% zinc, 339.5 g/t silver, and 0.49% lead for 24.86% CuEq CURI-377 intersected 21.04 metres of 6.37% copper, 2.42 g/t gold, 4.46% zinc, 41.8 g/t silver, and 0.24% lead for 9.37% copper equivalent (?CuEq?) ? including 4.20 metres of 13.43% copper, 1.34 g/t gold, 6.20% zinc, 17.5 g/t silver, and 0.01% lead for 16.08% CuEq CURI-390 intersected 11.90 metres of 3.97% copper, 5.65 g/t gold, 4.59% zinc, 85.9 g/t silver, and 0.41% lead for 9.18% CuEq ? including 1.80 metres of 6.50% copper, 22.68 g/t gold, 18.76% zinc, 388.2 g/t silver, and 2.13% lead for 28.00% CuEq Restarted regional exploration drilling on the El Panecillo target ? approximately 1.5 km east of El Domo Drill hole CURI-377 intersected mineralized grainstone with massive sulphide clasts in the immediate hanging wall of the semi-massive to massive sulphide from 46.05 to 47.26 metres, grading 0.74% copper, 0.42 g/t gold, 0.34% zinc, 11.8 g/t silver, and 0.05% lead (1.18% CuEq). Semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization was intersected from 47.26 to 68.30 metres, grading 6.37% copper, 2.42 g/t gold, 4.46% zinc, 41.8 g/t silver and 0.24% lead (9.37% CuEq). A higher-grade subset was intersected from 60.92 to 65.12 metres, grading 13.43% copper, 1.34 g/t gold, 6.20% zinc, 17.5 g/t silver, and 0.01% lead (16.08% CuEq). CURI-378 intersected mineralized grainstone with massive sulphide clasts in the immediate hanging wall of the semi-massive to massive sulphide from 50.57 to 58.52 metres, grading 0.31% copper, 0.68 g/t gold, 0.68% zinc, 16.7 g/t silver, and 0.05% lead (1.02% CuEq). A higher-grade subset was intersected from 56.59 to 58.52 metres, grading 0.95% copper, 2.38 g/t gold, 1.95% zinc, 55.9 g/t silver and 0.14% lead (3.31% CuEq). Semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization was intersected from 64.45 to 81.31 metres, grading 3.38% copper, 8.07 g/t gold, 8.46% zinc, 138.6 g/t silver and 0.81% lead (11.55% CuEq). Two higher-grade subsets occur in this intercept, from 64.45 to 65.89 metres and then from 69.68 to 81.31 metres. The first intercept is semi-massive sulphide mineralization grading 5.87% copper, 24.56 g/t gold, 8.94% zinc, 339.5 g/t silver and 0.49% lead (24.86% CuEq). The second intercept is massive sulphide mineralization grading 3.87% copper, 7.04 g/t gold, 9.68% zinc, 120.5 g/t silver and 0.87% lead (11.68% CuEq). CURI-379 intersected mineralized grainstone with massive sulphide clasts in the immediate hanging wall of the massive sulphide from 111.24 to 119.35 metres, grading 0.03% copper, 1.37 g/t gold, 0.05% zinc, 5.1 g/t silver, and 0.01% lead (0.85% CuEq). The drill hole intersected two intervals of massive sulphide mineralization, first from 119.35 to 132.75 metres, grading 2.59% copper, 1.55 g/t gold, 0.46% zinc, 11.5 g/t silver, and 0.03% lead (3.68% CuEq) with a higher-grade subset from 126.38 to 131.00 metres, grading 3.71% copper, 1.70 g/t gold, 0.50% zinc, 15.0 g/t silver and 0.04% lead (4.92% CuEq). The second intercept of massive sulphide mineralization occurs from 141.00 to 143.87 metres, grading 5.71% copper, 0.97 g/t gold, 0.09% zinc, 12.2 g/t silver and 0.03% lead (6.38% CuEq). Between the two massive sulphide intercepts is a section of mineralized felsic autoclastic volcanic rocks was intersected from 132.75 to 141.00 metres, grading 0.16% copper, 1.22 g/t gold, 0.08% zinc, 3.6 g/t silver, and 0.01% lead (0.89% CuEq). CURI-390 intersected mineralized grainstone with massive sulphide clasts in the immediate hanging wall of the semi-massive to massive sulphide from 95.07 to 99.80 metres, grading 0.04% copper, 1.10 g/t gold, 0.04% zinc, 7.8 g/t silver, and 0.02% lead (0.73% CuEq). Massive sulphide mineralization was intersected from 99.80 to 111.70 metres, grading 3.97% copper, 5.65 g/t gold, 4.59% zinc, 85.9 g/t silver and 0.41% lead (9.18% CuEq). A higher-grade subset occurs from 99.80 to 101.60 metres, grading 6.50% copper, 22.68 g/t gold, 18.76% zinc, 388.2 g/t silver and 2.13% lead (28.00% CuEq). A section of mineralized footwall felsic autoclastic volcanic rocks was intersected from 111.70 to 137.70 metres, grading 0.19% copper, 0.48 g/t gold, 0.09% zinc, and 5.3 g/t silver and 0.01% lead (0.52% CuEq). A higher-grade subset occurs from 111.70 to 120.00 metres, grading 0.34% copper, 1.01 g/t gold, 0.26% zinc, 10.0 g/t silver and 0.02% lead (1.06% CuEq). CURI-391 intersected semi-massive sulphide mineralization from 52.50 to 53.80 metres, grading 1.89% copper, 2.53 g/t gold, 19.54% zinc, 90.0 g/t silver, and 0.44% lead (9.68% CuEq). A section of weakly mineralized footwall felsic autoclastic volcanic rocks was intersected from 53.80 metres to 70.60 metres, grading 0.05% copper, 0.18 g/t gold, 0.38% zinc, and 5.0 g/t silver, and 0.04% lead (0.31% CuEq). Drill holes CURI-371, CURI-375, CURI-376, CURI-380 and CURI-383 were designed for collection of geomechanical data to assist in future mine planning, as part of the ongoing feasibility study. Drill hole CURI-388 intersected a low-grade section of footwall mineralized felsic autoclastic volcanic rocks 102.04 to 112.39 metres, grading 0.04% copper, 0.17 g/t gold, 0.09% zinc, 4.0 g/t silver and 0.02% lead (0.21% CuEq) for an approximate true thickness of 6.73 metres. All results from the completed infill definition drilling program are to be used in updating the Mineral Resource estimate for El Domo in 2021. The updated Mineral Resource estimate will be part of the ongoing feasibility study for the development of El Domo (see December 2, 2020 news release). Figure 1 illustrates the drill locations for the results of the ten drill holes outlined in this news release and the holes currently in the assay lab, or in progress. Drill collar location coordinates are summarized for the infill and geomechanical drilling programs in Table 1 at the end of this news release. For reference, the last NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate for El Domo was published as part of the preliminary economic assessment report titled: ?Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Curipamba Project ? El Domo Deposit, Central Ecuador?, with an effective date of June 14, 2019 on SEDAR. Curipamba ? Regional Exploration Drilling Program Update Upon completion of infill and geomechanical drilling required to support the ongoing Feasibility Study with a Mineral Resource estimate update and the provision of metallurgical samples (see December 2, 2020 news release), a drill rig was tasked to restart the regional exploration drilling program. A total of 4,000 metres is budgeted in 2021 with drilling having re-commenced on the El Panecillo target in late April 2021, approximately 1.5 kilometres east of El Domo. El Panecillo is a VMS target being drilled for the first time in the same favourable volcanic-sedimentary strata that hosts El Domo. The first drill hole, CREG-004, has been completed with CREG-005 in progress. Results from the regional exploration work program will be released after receipt from the laboratory and when results pass a rigorous internal quality assurance and quality control (?QAQC?) processes. The regional exploration drilling program started in October 2020 approximately 8 km southwest of El Domo (see December 21, 2020 news release) on the La Vaquera and Sesmo Sur targets. Two drill holes were completed on the La Vaquera target and one drill hole was completed on the Sesmo Sur target. Although propylitic alteration was observed in all three drill holes for these intrusion-related targets, no significant mineralization was encountered. As a result, the technical team has temporarily suspended drilling on the four remaining platforms in the La Vaquera-Sesmo Sur area while they conduct additional work to re-evaluate and better understand the favourable geology and mineral potential to determine the next steps. Analytical results from the regional exploration drill holes will be released when they pass internal QAQC procedures. Figure 2 illustrates the drill locations for the results of the five drill holes outlined in this news release and the holes currently in the assay lab, or in progress. Drill collar location coordinates are summarized for the regional exploration drilling program in Table 2 at the end of this news release. Technical Information and QAQC The Curipamba project work program is being managed and reviewed by Vice President Exploration, Jason Dunning, M.Sc., P.Geo., a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Salazar staff collect and process samples that are securely sealed and shipped to Bureau Veritas (?BV?) in Quito for sample preparation that includes crushing and milling to prepare pulps that are then split for shipment to their facility in Lima, Peru or Vancouver, Canada for analysis. All assay data have undergone internal validation of QAQC; noting there is an established sampling control program with blind insertion of assay blanks, certified industry standards and sample duplicates for the Curipamba project. A QAQC program is also in place at BV and includes insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicate reanalysis of selected samples.? BV?s quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025: 1999. At BV, samples from the El Domo infill drilling have gold analyzed by classic fire assay techniques with an AAS finish, while silver and base metals are analyzed by a 44-element aqua regia technique with ICP-AES finish. For regional drilling, silver and base metals are analyzed by a 45-element 4 acid technique with ICP-MS finish. Overlimit protocols are in place for gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. Qualified Person The technical information of this news release has been reviewed and verified as accurate by Mr. Jason Dunning, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Adventus, a non-Independent Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101. About Adventus Adventus Mining Corporation is an Ecuador focused copper-gold exploration and development company. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corporation, Greenstone Resources LP, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., and the Nobis Group of Ecuador. Adventus is advancing the El Domo copper-gold project through a feasibility study, while exploring the broader Curipamba district. In addition, Adventus is engaged in a country-wide exploration alliance with its partners in Ecuador, which has incorporated the Pijili and Santiago copper-gold porphyry projects to date. Adventus also controls an exploration project portfolio in Ireland with South32 Limited as funding partner as well as an investment portfolio of equities in several exploration companies. Adventus is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ADZN and trades on the OTCQX under the symbol ADVZF. About Salazar Salazar Resources Limited is focused on creating value and positive change through discovery, exploration, and development in Ecuador. The team has an unrivalled understanding of the geology in-country and has played an integral role in the discovery of many of the major projects in Ecuador, including the two newest operating gold and copper mines. Salazar Resources has a wholly owned pipeline of copper-gold exploration projects across Ecuador with a strategy to make another commercial discovery and farm-out non-core assets. The Company actively engages with Ecuadorian communities and together with the Salazar family it co-founded The Salazar Foundation, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable progress through economic development.? The Company already has carried interests in three projects. At its maiden discovery, Curipamba, Salazar Resources has a 25% stake fully carried through to production.? At two copper-gold porphyry projects, Pijili and Santiago, the Company has a 20% stake fully carried through to a construction decision. 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. This press release contains ?forward -looking information? within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as ?believes?, ?anticipates?, ?expects?, ?is expected?, ?scheduled?, ?estimates?, ?pending?, ?intends?, ?plans?, ?forecasts?, ?targets?, or ?hopes?, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ?may?, ?could?, ?would?, ?will?, ?should? ?might?, ?will be taken?, or ?occur? and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events, or developments that Adventus and Salazar expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Although Adventus and Salazar have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Adventus and Salazar undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. For further information from Adventus, please contact Christian Kargl-Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer, at +1-416-230-3440 or christian@adventusmining.com. Please also visit the Adventus website at www.adventusmining.com and LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventus-mining-corporation. For further information from Salazar, please contact ir@salazarresources.com 2020 Results preliminary Announcement Posted by Publisher Internet Griffin Mining Limited (\Griffin\ or the \Company\ https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/griffin-mining-ltd/) has today published its annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are available on the Company?s web site wwww.griffinmining.com. In 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries (together the ?Group?) recorded; Revenues of $75,403,000 (2019: $82,267,000); Operating profit of $15,148,000 (2019: $14,225,000); Profit before tax of $14,515,000 (2019: $11,712,000); Profit after tax of $8,910,000 (2019: $6,084,000); and Basic earnings per share of 5.16 cents per share (2019: 3.52 cents). Despite interruptions to operations in the first quarter of 2020 with restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group recorded a 6.5% increase in operating profits on that recorded in 2019, primarily as a result of higher zinc metal prices received and reduced costs. Turnover of $75,403,000 was down $6,864,000 (8.3%) on that achieved in 2019 of $82,267,000. This reflects zinc in concentrate sales down $2,532,000 (4.6%) with 5,535 tonnes (14.6%) less zinc in concentrate sold at average prices of $174 per tonne (11.8%) higher than in 2019, as the Group benefited from rising market prices and falling smelter treatment charges. Lead and precious metal in concentrate sales were down $3,851,000 (12.9%) on 2019 with 6,494 ozs (36.7%) less gold in concentrate sold at average prices of $441 per oz (33.4%) higher than 2019 and 41,337 ozs (12.4%) less silver in concentrate sold at average prices of $3.9 per oz (28.3%) higher than 2019. In 2020, metal in concentrate sales were: Zinc 32,276 tonnes (2019: 37,811 tonnes); Gold 11,218 ozs (2019: 17,712 ozs); Silver 291,756 ozs (2019: 333,093 ozs); and Lead 1,425 tonnes (2019: 1,221 tonnes). Average prices achieved in 2020 were: Zinc metal per tonne of $1,645 (2019: $1,471); Gold metal per oz of $1,759 (2019: $1,318); Silver metal per oz of $17.70 (2019: $13.80); and Lead metal per tonne of $1,339 (2019: $1,575). Cost of sales of $42,737,000 in 2020 were down 12.1% on that incurred in 2019 of $48,609,000. This reduction in the main reflects less ore mined, hauled and processed with operations impacted by restrictions to contain the Covid-19 pandemic in the first quarter. Additional cost savings were achieved in mining and haulage thereby reducing unit costs per tonne of ore. Despite the reduction in tonnes of ore mined and processed, non-cash depreciation charges rose with additional capital costs. Administration expenses fell $1,915,000 (9.9%) from $19,433,000 in 2019 to $17,518,000 in 2020. This reduction reflects efforts to contain costs across the Group during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite additional work on the application for a mining licence at Zone II and Green Mine certification. Foreign exchange gains of $22,000 (2019: losses $93,000) were recorded in 2020, mainly on a strengthening of the Renminbi. Interest of $108,000 (2019: $171,000) was received on bank deposits in 2020 whilst interest of $111,000 (2019: $51,000) was paid on short term bank loans. Finance interest on the lease of the dry tailings facility at Caijiaying and the London office totalling $171,000 (2019: $326,000) was incurred in 2020. Deemed interest on discounted rehabilitation provisions of $77,000 (2019: $Nil) was charged in 2020. Losses on the disposal of $1,129,000 (2019: $305,000) were recorded with equipment being replaced to meet higher Chinese environmental standards. Income taxes of $5,605,000 (2019: $5,628,000) have been charged in 2020. This includes a deferred taxation charge of $424,000 (2019: $380,000), and PRC withholding taxes on dividend distributions and fees of $232,000 ($50,000). Basic earnings per share in 2020 was 5.16 cents (2019: 3.52 cents) and diluted earnings per share was 4.88 cents (2019: 3.24 cents). Cash generated from operations of $24,398,000 (2019: $21,639,000) has been used in further developing the mine and facilities. Attributable net assets per share at 31st December 2020 was $1.35 (2019: $1.24). Chairman?s Statement: I believe I can safely say, this was the year when Griffin fulfilled all of its outstanding promises to its past, current and future shareholders by delivering the confirmed regulatory and operational requirements to propel the Company forward into the foreseeable future. The list of achievements is extraordinary. Firstly, the granting by the Chinese Ministry of Land and Natural Resources (the ?MNR?) of new the Mining Licence covering both Zone II and Zone III in conjunction with the issuance of the 3rd?Stage Zone III Project Final Acceptance Permit (the ?PFA?) was a momentous achievement in terms of time, complexity and operational importance. It will increase the annual ore mined from Zone III from 820,000 tonnes in 2020 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2021, but with the increased ore accessed from Zone II, this should increase to over 1.5 million tonnes per annum in 2022, possibly increasing further as these zones continue to be developed. It catapults Griffin into the ranks of one of the largest zinc producers in China, which remains the largest consuming base and ferrous metals market in the world. Secondly, the announcement of the new Global Mineral Resource estimate reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) for the Caijiaying Mine of an amazing 101.5 million tonnes at 3.9% Zinc, 0.6% Lead, 27.0 g/t Silver and 0.5 g/t Gold, resulting in total contained metal of approximately 4.0 million tonnes of Zinc, 0.6 million tonnes of Lead, 88.8 million ounces of Silver and 1.59 million ounces of Gold totalling $17.7 billion of metal in situ, a 50% increase in the known mineral resource. Thirdly, obtaining Green Mine accreditation by the MNR having passed the national level green mine assessment. Failing to obtain certification would have meant closure of the Caijiying Mine. So not only has the smooth continuation of operations at the Caijiaying Mine been ensured, but it continues also to show the Company?s commitment to the environment, the local Chinese community and to the greater People?s Republic of China. Green Mine approval comes after the Company?s past environmental best practices were recognised by the Chinese government with the Environmental Award and the Mine Development Outstanding Achievement Award at successive China Mining Conferences. Fourthly, yet another outstanding operational result considering operations were either suspended or severely curtailed in the first quarter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with access being denied for the whole of 2020 to the deeper stopes in Zone III awaiting PFA approval and the wait for the Zone II new Mining Licence. Nevertheless, operating profit, profit before tax, profit after tax and earnings per share all increased. Griffin now has the extraordinary claim that it has been profitable on an operational basis, in all the turmoils of the commodities markets, for the full 15 years it has been in operation and has only made a loss, on a net profit basis, in one of those years. Fifthly, and although I place little faith in the share price as an indicator of value, in the last 12 months the Company?s share price has increased approximately 200%; 65.1% against the FTSE Fledgling Index, 64% against the FTSE All AIM Index and 60% against the FTSE Small Mining Cap Index. A remarkable performance. As the Company has grown and generated cash, inevitably various opinions have been voiced in relation to the share price, share buybacks, dividends and even the realisation of the value of the Company. It is enough to say that your board continues to evaluate all these options on an ongoing and meticulous basis and remains committed to ensuring that the views of all the shareholders are considered and, where possible, acted upon, a course of action that Solomon himself, with all his wisdom, would find difficult. The Company continues to evaluate opportunities not only through acquisition or organic expansion but also through continuing exploration at the Caijiaying Mine and the surrounding region and through exploration outside of Hebei Province wherever host rocks mimic the Caijiaying Mine area and provide the potential for significant exploration success. Penultimately, I would like to thank our Chinese and ex pat employees, contractors, consultants, subsidiary directors, partners, spouses and children. Life has taught me that people make things happen and, in the extraordinary Covid-19 year of 2020, these very people went above and beyond the call of duty to travel and work in extremely difficult circumstances, often leaving homes and loved ones, to put the Company?s interests first. We couldn?t be more grateful. Lastly, I would like to thank on behalf of the shareholders, those few to whom we owe so much and of whom Michael Jordan said in The Last Dance ?Have some respect for the people who laid the foundations to make this a profitable organization.? I call them the founders of the Company. Those who believed when no-one believed. Those who flew standby (when that existed) and sat at the airport for a week hoping to catch a flight home. Those few who went to Caijiaying when it was a 12-hour drive from Beijing on a single lane gravel road overrun with over-laden coal trucks and stayed at what can only loosely be called accommodation. Those few who took no salaries or compensation and stayed when the Company had almost run out of funds. Those few who worked out of a terrible, serviced office the size of a cupboard. Those few include Roger Goodwin, Dal Brynelsen, the deceased Bill Mulligan and the recently departed Rupert Crowe. It would be absolutely wrong of me to not mention Rupert, even though I have said much before. His wisdom, expertise and counsel are missed every day by all of us at Griffin. Without him, the Caijiaying Mine would have remained a valley, topped by Mongolian sands, next to a little village in northern China. An extraordinary, brilliant geologist, the Father of Caijiaying and, far more importantly, a gracious, gentle, considered, dedicated, intelligent human being it has been my absolute privilege to know and to have spent a large portion of my working life. With the past behind us, I look forward to the next year of this incredible journey. Discovery Appoints Ausenco as Lead Consultant for Cordero Preliminary Economic Assessment&Provides Project Update Posted by Publisher Internet Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX-V: DSV, OTCQX: DSVSF) (?Discovery? or the ?Company? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/discovery-metals-corp/) is pleased to provide a project update and to announce the project study team for its Preliminary Economic Study (?PEA? or ?the Study?) on the Company?s flagship Cordero project (?Cordero? or ?the Project?) located in Chihuahua State, Mexico. The PEA will be led by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. (?Ausenco?) and is scheduled for completion in 4Q 2021 and will be based on an updated resource estimate scheduled for completion in 3Q 2021. Taj Singh, President & CEO, states: ?The objective of our PEA is to establish Cordero as one of the largest producing and longest mine life primary silver mines in the world with costs in the bottom half of the industry cost curve. The Study will be supported by a comprehensive drilling and metallurgical dataset and will be undertaken by an industry-leading project team led by Ausenco with input from specialists across all key mining disciplines. While the Study work progresses we will continue to remain focused on adding value through drilling with our recently commenced Phase 2 drill program.? PROJECT UPDATE?? Phase 1 drilling:? The Company?s Phase 1 drill program concluded at the end of April. The data from the 75,000 m of drilling completed in this program will be used to support the resource update which the PEA will be based on. Phase 2 drilling:? The four drill rigs currently operating on site will continue uninterrupted with Phase 2 drilling which will be focused on three key areas: (1) upgrading inferred resources to indicated for inclusion in a prefeasibility study; (2) resource expansion of bulk-tonnage mineralization; and (3) testing of the width, grade and continuity of the extensive high-grade vein systems that transect the deposit. Resource update:? An updated resource estimate is scheduled for completion in 3Q 2021. The resource estimate will be based on an updated geological model of the deposit that includes the relogging of 110,000 m of historic drilling plus 75,000 m of drilling from the Phase 1 drill program. The resource model will use estimation domains based on structure and lithology. Previous resource estimates did not incorporate these constraints. Metallurgical testwork: A comprehensive metallurgical testwork program with samples based on both lithology and mining phases is ongoing with results expected in 3Q 2021. The testwork is being conducted by Blue Coast Research Ltd. (?Blue Coast?) with oversight from Libertas Metallurgy Ltd. (?Libertas?) and Ausenco. The current program will expand on previous metallurgical testwork programs conducted by ALS Ltd. in 2013 and METCON Research Inc. in 2011. Mining:? The Company has already been working with AGP Mining Consultants Inc. (?AGP Mining?) to complete preliminary pit optimization work to assist with drill targeting. Preliminary mine scheduling work has also been completed to evaluate the impact on project economics of different mining rates, mill throughput rates and cut-off grade and stockpiling strategies. The objective of this work is to optimize the Net Present Value (?NPV?) and capital efficiency (ratio of initial capital expenditure to NPV). Geotechnical / Hydrology / Hydrogeology:? Knight Piesold and Co. (USA) (?Knight Piesold?) completed a site visit to Cordero in March 2021. The site visit included a review of drill core to assess pit wall stability, an evaluation of potential tailings and waste storage locations and a preliminary review of the hydrogeological regime at Cordero. Dedicated geotechnical drilling for the open pit is expected to commence this month and will be used to generate pit slope assumptions for the PEA. ESG:? An environmental baseline study managed by CIMA Consultores (?CIMA?) commenced in 1Q 2021 and will be ongoing throughout the year. A desktop social baseline assessment has already been completed by Vinfidem Consultoria (?Vinfidem?) with follow up field work expected to commence later this quarter. Key findings from both sets of work will be included in the PEA. The ESG work will be complemented by the Company?s inaugural ESG report scheduled for publication in 3Q 2021. The report will outline the Company?s ESG approach as it relates to strategy, planning and risk management and will be developed in conjunction with Stratos Inc. (?Stratos?).??? PEA PROJECT TEAM?? The PEA project team will be led by Ausenco, an industry leader in cost-effective process design and construction. Ausenco is a global company providing innovative, value-add consulting studies, project delivery, asset operations and maintenance solutions in the minerals and metals industry with recent and relevant study, project construction (?EPC?) and construction management (?EPCM?) experience on projects within the Americas. Ausenco has significant experience in Mexico including recently leading the Feasibility Study (& future EPC) for SilverCrest Metals Inc.?s Las Chispas project. Ausenco also has recent experience with process plants of similar size and/or recovery flowsheet to what is expected at Cordero including Trilogy Metals Inc.?s Arctic project in Alaska (Feasibility Study), Hudbay Minerals Inc.?s Constancia mine in Peru (EPCM), Minsur S.A.?s Mina Justa mine in Peru (Feasibility Study & EPCM), Mantos Copper S.A.?s Mantoverde project in Chile (EPC), Artemis Gold Inc.?s Blackwater project (EPC) in Canada and Argonaut Gold Inc.?s Magino project (EPC) in Canada. PEA OUTLINE?? Study objective:? The overarching objective is to deliver a technically robust study supported by a comprehensive dataset and vetted by top-tier independent consultants with third party peer review. The Company?s target for the Study is to outline one of the largest producing primary silver operations in the industry with manageable upfront development capex and operating costs in the bottom half of the industry cost curve. Process plant:? The Study will incorporate staged expansions of the processing facility to reduce the upfront capex and payback period. Production trade-off studies are ongoing however based on preliminary results the initial mill throughput rate is expected to be in the 10,000 ? 20,000 tonnes per day (?tpd?) range and the expanded mill throughput is expected to be in the 20,000 ? 40,000 tpd range. Mine plan:? The mine schedule will incorporate an elevated cut-off grade early in the mine life and the effective use of stockpiling to accelerate the payback period and maximize the NPV at the set mill throughput rates. A trade-off study comparing the use of contractor mining versus owner-operated mining is ongoing. QP CONSULTANT / THIRD PARTY LIST?? Ausenco ? www.ausenco.com AGP Mining ? www.agpmining.com Blue Coast ? www.bluecoastresearch.ca CIMA ? www.cimasc.com.mx Knight Piesold ? www.knightpiesold.com Libertas LinkedIn profile Red Dot 3D ? LinkedIn profile RockRidge Consulting ? www.rockridgeconsult.com Vinfidem ? www.vinfidem.com.mx About Discovery Silver Discovery?s flagship project is its 100%-owned Cordero project, one of the few silver projects globally that offers margin, size and scaleability. Cordero is located close to infrastructure in a prolific mining belt in Chihuahua State, Mexico, and is supported by an industry leading balance sheet with over C$90 million available for aggressive exploration, resource expansion and future development. Discovery was a recipient of the 2020 TSX Venture 50 award and the 2021 OTCQX Best 50 award. Qualified Person Gernot Wober, P.Geo, VP Exploration, Discovery Silver Corp., is the Company\-\-s designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (?NI 43-101?) and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release is accurate. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release is not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ?1933 Act?) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although Discovery believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. Discovery does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws. Vizsla Extends Napoleon to 800 Metres of Mineralization, Adds Depth, Including 3.45 Metres TW Grading 3,707 g/t AgEq Posted by Publisher Internet Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSX-V: VZLA) (OTCQB: VIZSF) (Frankfurt: 0G3) (\Vizsla\ or the \Company\ https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/vizsla-silver-corp/) is pleased to provide additional results from twenty-three drillholes at the Napoleon prospect at the?Panuco?silver-gold project (\Panuco\ or the \Project\) in Mexico.? These holes extend the mineralization by over 230 metres and 65 metres deeper.? The southernmost fence of four holes has an average width of 4.12 metres with a weighted average grade of 1,145 grams per tonne silver equivalent and mineralization remains open. Highlights NP-21-104 3,707 g/t silver equivalent (1,274.6 grams per tonne (?g/t?) silver, 25.97 g/t gold, 0.75% lead and 3.00% zinc) over 3.45 metres (?m?) true width from 209.2 m downhole including; 13,380 g/t silver equivalent (5,410.0 g/t silver, 88.20 g/t gold, 1.02 % lead and 1.95% zinc) over 0.66 m true width from 210.2 m NP-21-89 663 g/t silver equivalent (355.9 grams per tonne (?g/t?) silver, 3.13 g/t gold, 0.80% lead and 0.81% zinc) over 10.30 metres (?m?) true width from 92.0 m downhole NP-21-82 765 g/t silver equivalent (391.9 grams per tonne (?g/t?) silver, 3.89 g/t gold, 0.27% lead and 1.21% zinc) over 4.22 metres (?m?) true width from 76.4 m downhole Note: All numbers are rounded.? Silver equivalent is calculated using the following formula: Silver-equivalent = ((Au_g/t x 52.48) + (Ag_g/t x 0.5289) + (Pb_ppm x 0.0013) + (Zn_ppm x 0.0013)) / 0.5627.? Metal price assumptions are $17.50 oz silver, $1,700 oz gold, $0.75 pound lead and $0.85 pound zinc, recoveries assumptions are 96% gold, 94% silver, 78% lead and 70% zinc based on similar deposit types. Vizsla President and CEO Michael Konnert commented: ?The size of Napoleon is growing at an astonishing rate with recent drilling forming an 800 m long, up to 350 m deep panel of mineralization with excellent average widths and grades.? The Company has a dual strategy in 2021 with a parallel focus on rapidly moving to production while defining the full extent of the district?s resource potential.? The resource team is finding the extent of mineralization at Napoleon and Tajitos to support an initial resource and completing metallurgical and engineering work.? The exploration team is unlocking the many remaining untested veins to show the true district scale that exists at Panuco.? Napoleon Drilling Detail Drilling has expanded mineralization in multiple areas along the Napoleon Vein Corridor.? At the southern end of the known mineralization, drilling has intersected the vein 110m beneath hole NP-21-94 (Figure 2).? This hole is the deepest drilled along the corridor to date and has returned a true width of 3.93 metres with a grade of 309 g/t silver equivalent.? This area is open in all directions and drilling is testing for expansions of mineralization. There is a gap in drilling between the discovery area and southern drilling and this is being systematically infilled with ~50m spaced drillholes.? In the previous release, the Company reported that, the vein continues to the south of a post mineral fault with good widths and excellent grades in hole NP-21-80.? The robust nature of the vein continues with excellent widths and high grades returned from hole NP-21-82, NP-21-84 and NP-21-104.? The later hole is particularly impressive returning a true width of 3.45 metres with a grade of 3,707 g/t silver equivalent.? This area is open to the south and at depth. Drilling has extended the panel of mineralization over 230 metres to the north.? Further north again, at Papayo, high grade mineralization has been intersected, however, a post mineral faulting has significantly affected the continuity of the vein.? In the area around hole NP-21-105 (Figure 2) the vein is less impacted, and a more consistent zone is being delineated.? The vein in the area is generally narrower than further to the south. The Company has four drill rigs, from a total of eight on the project, drilling the Napoleon vein corridor.? Three are focused on resource drilling within the area of Figure 2 and a fourth is testing the Estrella Zone in the north (Figure 1) where it has intersected the vein in drilling. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Drill core and rock samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico and in North Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver.? The ALS Zacatecas and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Silver and base metals were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish and gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption (\AA\) spectroscopy finish. Over limit analyses for silver, lead and zinc were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples, duplicates and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company\-\-s quality assurance / quality control protocol. Qualified Person The Company\-\-s disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Martin Dupuis, P.Geo., Vice President of Technical Services for Vizsla. Mr. Dupuis is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Contact Information: For more information and to sign-up to the mailing list, please contact: Michael Konnert, President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (604) 838-4327 Email: michael@vizslasilver.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes certain \Forward?Looking Statements\ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and \forward?looking information\ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words \anticipate\, \believe\, \estimate\, \expect\, \target\, \plan\, \forecast\, \may\, \would\, \could\, \schedule\ and similar words or expressions, identify forward?looking statements or information. These forward?looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the development of Panuco, including drilling programs and mobilization of drill rigs; future mineral exploration, development and production; and completion of a maiden drilling program. Forward?looking statements and forward?looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management\-\-s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management\-\-s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold and other metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla\-\-s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect Vizsla\-\-s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward?looking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company\-\-s dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company\-\-s mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company\-\-s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company\-\-s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company\-\-s interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company\-\-s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption \Risk Factors\ in Vizsla\-\-s management discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward?looking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward?looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Secure access control is helping to shape the post-pandemic world With the continued rolling back of COVID restrictions in the UK, there is a palpable sense of relief. A mixture of mass vaccinations, widespread testing, and track and tracing of the infection is helping to enable a healthy bounce back for businesses with secure access control taking an important role in facilitating this. However, rather than just being a reaction to the wake of the pandemic, there is every sign that the economy, and consequently the security sector as well, are both rebuilding and reshaping for the long-term new normal. Prioritising Safety Already deemed an essential service even during the first wave of the pandemic, the security industry has of course taken a vital role in protecting people and property throughout the crisis. Now that venues in the UK are starting to reopen again, our services are key to occupancy management and ensuring that disease transmission is limited as far as possible. Access control is also key in reassuring people that their safety is a priority. Making the upgrade Its all been about choosing the most suitable components and technology that already existed with a few tweaks Businesses and organisations have a duty of care to their employees and the safety of visitors so controlling access, employing lateral flow testing, and deploying suitable Track & Trace mechanisms are all key components. I think those outside our industry are surprised to learn that most of the technology being deployed and used hasnt just magically developed since COVID appeared its all been about choosing the most suitable components and technology that already existed albeit with a few development tweaks or adjustments for the situation at hand. This includes using or installing facial recognition readers rather than using fingerprint or contact tokens, it is swapping to automatic request to exit sensors instead of buttons; it is using powered secure doors rather than having people all grab the same handle. Using mobile credentials is also a key technology choice why not use the highly secure, easy to manage, cost-effective, and of course contact-free benefits of this approach? Touchless solutions We have seen a clear shift in organisations looking to protect their staff and visitors. For instance, we have a big utility customer in Southeast Asia that has just replaced close to 200 sites using fingerprint readers with an additional facial recognition capability. We have also seen a big rise in demand for touchless request to exit sensors and Bluetooth Low Energy Readers for use with smartphone authentication. Working together Integration of security systems is of course nothing new, but in the post-pandemic or endemic age, it has perhaps never been more important. Installations need to be simple, straightforward, and rapid to help maintain safe distancing but also to ensure systems can be deployed as soon as they are needed. The world is changing and developing rapidly and there is simply no place for systems that dont work with others or cause the end-user considerable cost and inconvenience to upgrade. This flexible delivery of security solutions perfectly matches the evolving and increasing demands of the market. Its clear that end-users want systems that work well and can easily integrate with their existing systems not only security but all the other business components which work in unison with each other over a shared network. Great opportunities ahead The recent work-from-home trend is also clearly changing the way organisations and businesses interact with the built environment. Lots of companies are downsizing, offices are being split up, there is lots of revitalisation and reuse of existing office space all of which creates considerable opportunities for security providers. UK inflation more than doubled in April 2021 with unemployment figures dropping and the Pound rising in value There are also, in the UK at least, clear signs that the construction industry is rapidly growing again -with a forecast of 8% rebound and growth this year. UK inflation more than doubled in April 2021 with unemployment figures dropping and the Pound rising in value all positive signs for UK-based security providers. Undoubtedly the highly successful UK vaccination rollout has helped considerably, but there are signs that the Eurozone looks set to improve considerably over the next few months as well. Using integrated access control Undoubtedly the pandemic has made security markets around the world more aware of the benefits of integrated access control in managing the needs of the new normal COVID endemic environment. For example, as a business, we have always had keen interest from the UK healthcare sector, but over the last 12 months, we have seen a big growth in previously modest international markets including Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand all of which are very keen to adopt improved access control solutions. Learning the lessons Nobody would deny the last year or so has been unprecedentedly tough on everyone, as a society we have had to make huge changes and sacrifices. Governments, organisations, and businesses all need to be better prepared in the future, to understand the things that went wrong and those that were successful. However, there is a world beyond the immediate pandemic and its effects. Flexible working practices and the changes these will have to the way we live and work will undoubtedly present great opportunities for the security sector in helping the world evolve. The pandemic has been a wake-up call for many organisations with regards to their duty of care to employees particularly when it comes to mental health and providing a sensible work/life balance. Where we work and the safety of these facilities has received far more scrutiny than before. Flexible security systems Integrated security solutions have a vital role to play in not only protecting the safety of people during the post-lockdown return to work but also in the evolution of the built environment and move towards smart cities - which inevitably will now need to consider greater flexibility in securing home working spaces rather than just traditional places of work. Importantly, powerful access control and integrated security systems need to be flexible to the uncertainties ahead. The COVID pandemic has shown that nothing can be considered certain, except the need for greater flexibility and resilience in the way we operate our professional and personal interactions. Ashgabat hosted an International Investment Forum for the oil and gas sector of Turkmenistan. It brought together about 500 delegates from dozens of countries, including representatives of governmental agencies, oil and gas, service and consulting companies, international organizations, financial institutions, diplomatic and academic circles, as well as the mass media. Speakers at the forum noted that over the past ten years Turkmenistan has made significant domestic and foreign investments in the production sector, thus establishing a solid foundation for development and diversification of the national economy. At the same time, the largest investments are channeled into the oil and gas sector. It was emphasized that the demand for energy resources is projected to gradually increase along with the growth of the world economy and population, while the largest demand will be for natural gas. The reports delivered at the session Offshore fields of the Caspian Sea: exploration experience and new investment opportunities were of great interest to the forum participants. Foreign companies operating on the Turkmen shelf of the Caspian Sea, such as Petronas (Malaysia), Buried Hill (Cyprus), Eni (Italy) made presentations at this session. A number of contracts with foreign companies were signed during the international forum, including for the bulk purchase of hydro-fined diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, calcined petroleum coke and other products from the Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 New Delhi, May 13 (UNI) India has logged 3,62,727 COVID-19 positive cases and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative total to 2,37,02,832 and 2,58,317, respectively, data revealed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported on Thursday. The number of daily infections crossed daily recoveries in the country with 3,62,727 fresh cases being reported in the last 24 hours. The daily recovered cases stand at 3,52,181, according to the Ministry. Meanwhile, the active cases have risen to 37,10,525. Maharashtras infection count remained under 50,000 for the fourth consecutive day, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu recorded new highs of over 43,000 and 30,000 cases, respectively. With 18,94,991 people being vaccinated against the virus over 24 hours, the total number of vaccines having being administered has reached 17,72,14,256. Leaders of 12 Opposition parties, including four chief ministers, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Centre to procure vaccines centrally from global and domestic sources and begin a free, universal mass vaccination campaign across the country. In US, 57 Congressmen have written to President Joe Biden, urging him to bolster Americas Covid-19 assistance to India. The sharp increase in cases has overwhelmed Indias healthcare system. We must do our part to quell the virus everywhere it persists, the lawmakers said in a letter to Biden on Wednesday. We are extremely concerned with regards to Indias deadly Covid-19 second wave. India is now the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic. Today marked Indias deadliest day, with 4,205 deaths reported, carrying the total number of confirmed deaths to more than 250,000, said the letter initiated by Congressman Brad Sherman, the Democratic Chair of the Congressional India Caucus. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has deferred hearing the suo motu matter on the Covid situation in the country after Justice DY Chandrachud tested positive for the deadly virus. UNI RHK SB 1031 High-end recruiting firm Career Group Companies is also among winners in the Enduring Impact and the Robust and Powerful categories. Career Group Companies has been named to Inc. magazines annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine the companys overall score and ranking. "This year has certainly been unique in many ways. In our almost 40-year span, we have persevered and maneuvered through many tough times, but this year was unlike what weve seen before," says Career Group Companies' Chief Executive Officer Susan Levine. "What separates Career Group Companies from any other recruiting firm is our fantastic people. We are a strong company with a strong culture, and our core values reflect that. We have come together, stood united, and though we have been presented with challenges, it has been invigorating to see our team of professionals grow, learn, and stick to our values and core competencies of putting excellent talent back to work. I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of our employees and friends here at Career Group Companies who have been, and remain, so committed to maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook. Its not easy to get through the negative times, but I know we all feel incredibly grateful to be here for one another, and to build upon each others strengths. We couldn't have made it through without our dedicated team members who make our culture strong, meaningful, and positive. The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year, says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this years list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic. See the full list here: https://www.inc.com/best-workplaces About Career Group Companies: At Career Group Companies, the best talent is within reach. For nearly four decades, weve partnered with our valued candidates and clients to cultivate perfect career matches for administrative, creative, fashion, and executive professionals at top companies nationwide. We are proud to be a Woman Owned Business, certified by the WBENC. As a premier recruiting agency with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, New York City, and Greenwich, we are certain to find your perfect match. Please visit http://www.careergroupcompanies.com to find out more. About Inc. Media: The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace: Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. For the original version on PRWeb visit: https://www.prweb.com/releases/career_group_companies_ranks_among_highest_scoring_businesses_on_inc_magazines_annual_list_of_best_workplaces_for_2021/prweb17932278.htm STAMFORD Holly Hyman has a basement full of prom dresses, and shes ready to give them away. The organizer of the annual Cinderella Project in Stamford in which local high school seniors could pick up a prom dress for free or at the reduced price of $20 was unable to stage the event last year due to COVID-19. But Hyman had still collected over 500 dresses in the lead-up to the give-away. Once it was canceled, along with prom and pretty much every other school event, those dresses ended up in Hymans basement, where theyve been ever since. On Friday, the dresses will finally see the light of day, as the clothing will be made available to seniors from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford gym. And this year, everything will be given away for free not just to those who qualify for free or reduced lunch like in the past. These girls need to smile, Hyman said. I know money is tight for a lot of people. I know its been a rough year. I want everyone to leave with a dress. This will be the seventh prom dress event Hyman has organized in Stamford. She first decided to create such an opportunity after overhearing a Stamford High School student say she wanted a prom dress but didnt have the money for it. Hyman said people still donated dresses even during the pandemic. Her tally is now up to 600 or so. There will also be shoes, bags, makeup and jewelry for the taking. Hyman even got a collection of 30 dresses worn by and donated by recent Miss Connecticut Jillian Duffy, who is expected to be in attendance at the event on Friday. Duffy, of Burlington, said she first heard of the Cinderella Project while shopping in Stamford at A Step Ahead on High Ridge Road. Workers at the shop asked her if she had any extra gowns she could donate to the cause. Automatically, my family and I said, Absolutely, said Duffy, who won Miss Connecticut in 2019 and held the crown in 2020 as there was no competition due to COVID-19. Duffy has been participating in pageants since the age of 8, so shes accumulated a lot of dresses over the years. She said she jumped at the chance to participate on Friday for the prom dress event. I want to see the faces of the women when they walk in and see the dresses, she said. Stamford announced last month that prom would return this year, but it would be outdoors and with social distancing requirements. When Hymen heard prom would be back, her initial thought was: I got to figure out a way to get the dresses to the girls. In previous years, the prom dress event was held at each of the three high schools on different days. But schools are still strict about who can come into buildings due to health concerns, which meant Hyman needed to find a new locale. She first tried to organize something at Stamford Government Center, but that didnt quite work out. Eventually, she settled on the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. Then it was time to rally her group of volunteers, which she lovingly refers to as her shleppers, since they have to move dresses from her basement and transport them to the location of the event. Many of those volunteers double as Hymans fairy godmothers, who work the event and are paired with students throughout their process of finding the right dress. The goal is to give out as many dresses as possible, she said. This year will also be different because of health reasons. Hyman said everyone will have their temperature checked and social distancing will be maintained as much as possible in the spacious gymnasium. Deborah Hirsch has volunteered with Cinderella Project the last few years. When I started doing it, it was so amazing, Hirsch said. You feel so good. Its such a wonderful thing to be able to do for someone. She called last year horrible for seniors after prom and other end-of-year rites were canceled. This year, she hopes many will take advantage of the opportunity. Some of these young people might not be able to go to the prom if not for this, she said. This is a way to go and have a good time and look great. For Hyman, it has the added benefit of cleaning out her basement. My son keeps saying, Are we ever going to get our basement back? she said. ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com After nearly 40 years in business, the Bike Express of New Milford soon will close its doors. John Gallagher, the bike shops owner, said hes ready to retire. I want to go out and ride my bike for fun, the 67-year-old man said, noting hes thankful for all who have supported the shop over the years. Gallagher and his brother partnered to buy the Bike Express formerly known as R&R Cycle in 1985 to couple with the store theyd started in Danbury. His brother ran the Danbury shop and Gallagher oversaw the express in New Milford as they tried to get away from each other, he jokingly said. However, the Danbury location has since closed and Gallagher has put the New Milford shop on the market through a broker in hopes it will be sold by the time his lease ends in October. If it does not sell, he said he is unwilling to sign another lease and would hate to leave New Milford without a bike shop. For Gallagher, the decision stemmed from several considerations including the brutal business change the pandemic forged for struggling brick-and-mortar stores. The last year has been brutal, just brutal in any industry that caters to recreation. And by brutal, I mean super busy, he said. Last year we had our best year ever. This year will be our worst year ever because there is an unavailability of bicycles to sell to our customers. We have no bicycles, he added. Although Gallagher said the bike industry has been tougher in the last 10 years, he said the pandemic upended that. Pre-pandemic, people became accustomed to buying bikes and accessories online rather than from local stores. But when COVID-19 struck, Gallagher sold virtually every bike he had. Bicycle stores are enduring a severe shortage of inventory because people looked for safer ways to get outside and be socially distanced, Gallagher said. The 20 times greater demand bike shops experienced in 2020 blew up the whole system, Gallagher said, because the industry operates on a just in time inventory meaning they get supplies as they need them and demand skyrocketed. Gallagher still has 200 bikes on order from the last eight months, in addition to a waitlist numbering between 60 and 70 people, but he has only received 15 bikes in that time. Bikes have come in after about five or six months but people have made other arrangements or given up on buying a bike at all. But it doesnt really matter because someone else will be in the wings waiting to buy it, he said. The high demand and low supply for bikes would be favorable to someone interested in buying the bike express. In order for somebody to buy a business, you have to buy the business and then you buy the inventory, Gallagher said. And my inventory will be at the lowest level ever, so if someone wants to get into it, they dont have to put up a huge chunk of money to buy the inventory as well as the business. John Lynch, a local man who is the shops tech expert, said hes seen bike shops come and go but the Bike Express was unique because it catered to the regular person. The shop made sure its doors were open and it offered services that are unheard of these days, such as free tune-ups with a new bike or building wheels from scratch. Lynch praised Gallagher for giving back to the community, providing free-tune ups and repairs to some children. When Lynch moved here from Illinois, the Bike Express is where he bought his first bike and the place hes been going to ever since. He said Gallagher even helped him ensure his bike was in perfect condition when he rode from Connecticut to Chicago. To him, its a place with a personal touch. New Wyoming Archives and Museum Website Showcases COVID-19 Memories This photo, taken in May 2020, is of the Wyo Theatre in downtown Laramie. The image is part of the new COVID-19 in Wyoming website. (Hanna Fox Photo) Wonder what happened in Wyoming last year? Visit the new COVID-19 in Wyoming website to catch a glimpse of the past. To access the website, go to www.sites.google.com/wyo.gov/covidinwy/home. This new website shows some of the many fascinating donations shared with the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming State Museum and the University of Wyomings American Heritage Center (AHC) that help tell the history of the pandemic in Wyoming. Over the past year, people throughout Wyoming sent in their stories and shared their experiences about what living through COVID-19 has been like. Included on the COVID-19 in Wyoming website are photos of homemade masks; COVID monologues from a performing arts studio; website messages from state officials; interviews of college students; protest photos; and television ads. These examples show the many ways the pandemic had an impact on life and illustrate how people are coping and thriving. This photo of the Tyrannosaurus rex statue in front of UWs Geological Museum was taken in 2020. (Richard Travsky Photo) Bringing together these stories at the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming State Museum and the AHC will paint a picture for what future generations see, hear and understand about this unique time. With the new online platform, the Wyoming community can easily see the not-too-distant past and get some perspective on how far weve come since early 2020. If you want to add your own story, or for more information, email State Archivist Kathy Marquis at kathy.marquis@wyo.gov; Jennifer Alexander, Wyoming State Museum, at jennifer.alexander@wyo.gov; or AHC Archivist Sara Davis at sarad@uwyo.edu. Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP NEW YORK (AP) Harvey Mason jr., can drop the interim from his title: He's now the official president and CEO of The Recording Academy. The academy, which produces the Grammy Awards annually, made the announcement Thursday. Mason, a successful Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with Beyonce, Chris Brown and Toni Braxton, has been the interim leader at the academy since January 2020. He was previously chair of the academys board. LOS ANGELES (AP) The husband of former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey will avoid jail time, a judge ruled Thursday, and instead enter a diversion program after pointing a gun at Black Lives Matter members who demonstrated outside the couples home last year, according to the Los Angeles Times. David Lacey, 67, faced three misdemeanor charges of assault with a firearm in the March 2, 2020, incident, which occurred the day before his wife faced a contentious primary race. She ultimately lost the general election to George Gascon, the current district attorney. Jackie Lacey offered an emotional apology at the time, saying her husband told her that he pulled the gun and told protesters to leave. She had faced threats as she sought a third term. Lacey, the first Black person and first woman to run the nations largest local prosecutors office, had been targeted for nearly three years by Black Lives Matter protesters. They held weekly demonstrations outside her office calling for her ouster, saying she failed to hold law enforcement accountable in fatal shootings. Last year, several protesters were outside the Lacey home in Grenada Hills before 6 a.m. Three rang the doorbell and David Lacey opened the door, pointed a gun at them and said, I will shoot you. Get off of my porch, according to video of the incident shot by protesters. David Lacey, who is also Black, was an investigative auditor with the district attorney's office until his 2016 retirement. The Los Angeles Times first reported the judge's approval of David Lacey's request to enter a diversion program. If he performs 100 hours of community service and attends anger management and gun safety classes, his criminal case will be dismissed. He is additionally barred from possessing a firearm for the duration of the agreement, which lasts 18 months, the newspaper reported. The handgun in last year's incident was turned over to police a few days later. Under the charges brought by the state attorney general which handled the case to avoid a conflict of interest by Jackie Lacey's office each assault count carried a maximum possible sentence of a year in county jail, the Times reported. If he had been convicted, David Lacey also could have been barred from owning a firearm for a decade. We maintain Davids innocence. He was protecting his wife and family from the protesters the night of the incident, his defense attorney, Sam Tyre, said in an email. This diversion allows David to avoid any risks associated with a jury trial. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and one of the people who was threatened, told the newspaper that David Lacey had been treated with kid gloves. It means that my life, the threat that he posed to my life, doesnt mean anything, she said. CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine (AP) Maine is removing capacity limits and easing physical distancing restrictions ahead of what it hopes will be a busier summer tourist season this year. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Thursday the state will lift all capacity limits and requirements to physically distance in outdoor settings starting May 24. That same day, the state will remove all capacity limits in public indoor venues. Maine will also eliminate physical distancing requirements indoors, other than in settings in which people are eating or drinking such as restaurants and bars. The state is still calling for facial coverings to be worn in public indoor settings, officials said. The changes will come ahead of Memorial Day weekend, which often marks the beginning of Maine's tourism season. The changes will continue to allow for additional capacity for businesses and non-profits to safely plan for a robust tourism season, said Heather Johnson, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Mills said the relaxed guidelines are a product of the fact Maine has made progress in vaccinating tis residents. She said health workers in Maine have provided at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine to more than 70% of adults in the state. The fact is the more people get vaccinated, the faster we will be able to get back to normal, Mills said. In other pandemic news in Maine: THE NUMBERS The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday that the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state has surpassed 65,000. However, cases were starting to trend downward. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Maine did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 318.00 new cases per day on April 27 to 270.00 new cases per day on May 11. The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Maine did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 1.43 deaths per day on April 27 to 1.00 deaths per day on May 11. The AP is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the United States. Maine has been the site of 798 deaths from coronavirus, Maine CDC reported. ___ VIRTUAL ROAD RACE One of Maines most beloved road races will again be a virtual event this year. Organizers of the TD Beach to Beacon 10K are concerned about holding the race during the coronavirus pandemic and have chosen not to have an in-person event this year, the Portland Press Herald reported. The race typically takes place on the first Saturday of August. This years virtual event will allow participants to run 10 kilometers on the route of their choice in late July or early August. An in-person event would have required changes that prevented the event from being the celebratory, gala event that people are accustomed to, race president David Backer said in a Thursday statement. Olympic gold medal winner Joan Benoit Samuelson founded the Cape Elizabeth race, which began in 1998. PHOENIX (AP) A Phoenix school teacher has been arrested and accused of a long-term sexual relationship with one of his underage female students, according to federal authorities. U.S. Marshals Service officials said 29-year-old Justin Walters was taken into custody Wednesday at a Chicago residence after he arrived earlier on a flight from Turkey. As a lengthy, bitter fight over mask requirements for students neared its conclusion, the chairperson of a Florida school board announced that she would agree to lift a mandate that had been in place since September even though she preferred leaving it in place until the end of the academic year. Parents hurled insults in response. Communist! Democrat!, opponents of making children wear masks in school shouted as board chair Wei Ueberschaer and the district superintendent explained at a May 3 meeting that they still considered masks advisable. This is Santa Rosa County, America, not China! Moments later, the Santa Rosa school board voted unanimously to make masks optional for all grades effective immediately, joining dozens of other U.S, communities in declaring that masks were or would soon no longer be mandatory for students. The debates have been emotional and highly divisive around the country, in some cases leading to the involvement of police. A few beleaguered school boards, caught between the demands of anti-mask parents and the appeals of employee unions, eliminated student mask rules only to reverse or revise the decisions. Where many see a continued need to protect children who aren't vaccinated against COVID-19, opponents argue that masks make students uncomfortable and mandates impinge on freedom. The mask is a personal choice, and I wore it at the beginning, but I just decided that it wasnt about the mask anymore, said Cynthia Licharowicz, a Milton, Florida, parent who opposed Santa Rosa Countys rule. "So I decided to take it off, and I wanted my child to have the same choice. The dustups highlight competing risk narratives 14 months into the pandemic: Even as a number of U.S. schools remain closed to minimize infections, districts in states from Alabama to Wyoming decided to ditch student mask mandates. Many more are likely to do the same before the next school year starts, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance that schools should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing. Some public health experts are alarmed. While the Food and Drug Administration this week approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 12, its unlikely that many young adolescents will be vaccinated before the end of the academic year. Data from the CDC shows infection rates among U.S. residents ages 14-17 are now higher than for all Americans, while the rates among children 6-13 are getting closer to the national average. We know that masks work to reduce transmission, Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said. This is really not the time to remove one of the best tools we have to reduce transmission. In Arkansas, a law will make it illegal by the end of the summer for schools or any government entity to require masks. On Wednesday in South Carolina, schools Superintendent Molly Spearman dropped a statewide student mask mandate but said Gov. Henry McMaster had no legal basis for an order letting parents choose for their children whether or not to wear masks. Spearman said districts could continue to apply their own mask rules. Many parents in school districts where masks have become voluntary are concerned. I am so frustrated....I dont see any harm in wearing masks, and there is potential harm in not wearing a mask, said Christie Black, the mother of a kindergartner and a third grader in Mesa, Arizona, who was puzzled by the decision of the state's largest school district to make masks optional indoors starting earlier this month. Theres little U.S. data about the spread of the coronavirus in schools where students didn't wears masks since most reopened schools required them, said Adam Hersh, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Utah. Mask supporters point to worrying examples, including high transmission at a maskless summer camp in Georgia. Evidence from earlier in the pandemic found children less likely than adults to be infected with the coronavirus and less likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19. The CDC has said that while schools haven't been associated with substantial spread, outbreaks in schools not following infection-prevention measures tend to result in increased transmission among teachers and school staff rather than among students. Black continues to send her two children to school with masks but says they flung their masks off as soon as they saw classmates no longer covering their faces. I feel like because the governor and the school board caved to peer pressure, its now up to my children not to cave to peer pressure, Black said. It just feels like we're more concerned with our own freedom and rights than doing whats best for the most vulnerable. In Santa Rosa, east of Pensacola, mask opponents dominated public debate even though surveys of parents and teachers showed divided opinions in the 28,000-student district. A small majority of teachers wanted to require masks at least through the end of the school year, while a small majority of parents wanted the requirement lifted immediately. The school boards April 20 discussion about the issue nonetheless grew so heated that sheriffs deputies escorted multiple attendees out of the meeting, including at least one who was shouting profanities at board members. Jennifer Hensley, a Santa Rosa County parent and middle school teacher, was the only member of the public at the meeting who spoke in favor of keeping the mask mandate versus the 18 who spoke against the requirement. She said she was worried about the health of her fellow teachers and of her 15-year-old daughter, who has an autoimmune disorder. The atmosphere was so charged, Hensley recalled later. I don't think they were expecting that level of emotion to be involved. Critics of the mask policy started organizing months earlier. Hailei Smead, a mother of three students, runs a Facebook group called Santa Rosa County Parents SPEAK UP that was created in September to oppose mask requirements and has nearly 900 members registered. Smead said her fifth-grade daughter was repeatedly isolated in the school office for refusing to wear a mask and eventually obtained a medical exception allowing her to forego a face covering. Smead declined to state the medical reason. Its not societys job to protect every other individual, Smead said. Its your own job to protect yourself and your own family. Santa Rosa County district leaders emphasized they were following public health guidance, but state officials undercut that position even as public pressure built locally. On April 29, Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees rolled back a series of health advisories that had been cited by the Santa Rosa district. So the school board called the May 3 meeting at which its five members voted to revoke the mask mandate. I still strongly recommend the use of face masks, especially for those who are not fully vaccinated, board chair Ueberschaer said before the vote, raising her voice to be heard over shouting parents. My hope is that the families will have a conversation with their children that face masks are now a personal choice, and that students should respect the choice of their peers. Some of the insults hurled at Ueberschaer, a longtime school volunteer who is of Asian descent, included references to China. It truly does make me sad that face masks have morphed from a virus-prevention strategy to a political statement," she said. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a total transformation of public schools in Americas largest state Wednesday by offering pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, opening up college savings accounts for low-income students and offering universal after-school care in disadvantaged communities. Newsom announced the measures as part of a broad new education spending package made possible by the states surprise budget surplus. The surplus means California has about $93.7 billion for public education this year, based on a voter-approved law. Thats $36 billion more than last year and $17.7 billion more than the governors initial estimate in January. Newsoms plan aims to address many of the inequities that the coronavirus pandemic exposed, he said, including the need for robust mental health services to address childhood depression and trauma, more teachers and higher teacher-student ratios. People dont start behind, they are left behind, Newsom said during a news conference at a Monterey elementary school. We are looking to transform not go back to where we were but transform our education system. Anticipating a massive budget deficit this year because of the pandemic, Newsom and the state's legislative leaders agreed on a budget last year that raised taxes and cut spending, including delaying more than $12.5 billion in payments to public school districts. But the pandemic mostly affected lower-wage workers, while those with higher salaries kept their jobs and kept paying taxes. Combined with a surging stock market and the states progressive tax structure, Newsom announced Monday that the state would have a $76 billion surplus. The surplus is good timing for Newsom, who will face a recall election later this year fueled by anger over his handling of the pandemic. Newsom has announced a bonanza of new spending proposals, including returning $8.1 billion to taxpayers in the form of tax rebates and spending $12 billion to tackle the states homelessness problem. Newsoms K-12 education plan would eventually open Californias two-year transitional kindergarten program to all students starting at age 4. The proposal fulfills a promise by Newsom and legislative leaders to pay for universal 4-year-old kindergarten in California. About 91,000 students are enrolled in transitional kindergarten right now, which would increase to about 250,000 by the 2024-2025 if Newsom's plan is approved. Previous proposals have concerned some local school officials who worried they would run out of teachers. Teacher retirements increased 26% during the second half of 2020, according to the California State Teachers Retirement System. A state survey found that 56% of those who retired cited the difficulty of teaching during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsoms plan would address that problem by giving $1.1 billion to some school districts to hire more staff. To be eligible for the money, at least 55% of a districts enrollment would have to be either low-income students, children learning English as a second language or kids in foster care. Senior education and health officials who joined Newsom Wednesday praised the plan's emphasis on promoting mental health, dedicating more than $4 billion to help identify and treat mental health needs early in children and adults up to 25 years old. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond shared a trauma from his childhood, saying he was raised in Monterey until his mother died when he was six and sent to live 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) away to be raised by a cousin. In the 1970s, when Thurmond was growing up, there wasnt much discussion about how to address trauma in students, he said. I cant think of anything more important than how we address the social emotional needs of our students, Thurmond said. The governor's plan requires support from the Democratically controlled state Legislature, which has until June 15 to pass a spending plan for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The governors plan allocates $3.3 billion to expand incentive programs for teachers, including expanding $20,000 grants for teachers who volunteer to work in high-needs schools. Newsom also wants to pay for an after-school program and six weeks of summer school for districts with high concentrations of low-income students, children learning to speak English and kids in foster care. The programs would be available for students up to 6th grade. For many families, schools are a place where they get food, they get health care, they get social services. Its acknowledging that schools are no longer a place where we just get educated, theyre really a community hub for many of our neighborhoods, said Assemblyman Phil Ting, a Democrat from San Francisco and chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. Those programs would eventually be available to about one in three public school students, or 2.1 million children, for an annual cost of about $5 billion once it's fully implemented, his administration said. Newsoms plan to establish universal access to transitional kindergarten would not mean parents have to send their 4-year-olds to school. But school districts would have to offer it, with more children becoming eligible for kindergarten each year until it's fully implemented in the 2024-25 school year. The Newsom administration says it will cost $2.7 billion per year by that time. California is also scheduled to get billions in coronavirus aid funding from the $1.9 trillion relief package President Joe Biden signed. Newsom wants to use $2.1 billion of that money to start college savings accounts for students from low-income families and students who are learning to speak English or are in foster care, from $500 to $1,000 per student. ___ Gecker reported from San Francisco. Associated Press writer Don Thompson contributed to this report from Sacramento. We could make this one of the briefest editorials ever: COVID vaccines should become mandatory for students if they are approved for all ages. Everyone seems hesitant to make the call. Most officials in different states point like busted weathervanes in a windstorm seeking direction from elsewhere. Consider how the discussion is unfolding in neighboring Massachusetts . Gov. Charlie Baker promotes incentives. The Needham schools superintendent said vaccinations would absolutely be required for students and staff to return to classrooms in the fall. His counterpart in Quincy took the opposite position. Quincy, though, hosted a clinic that drew just 140 of 2,000 eligible students, likely canceling future clinics. Were spotlighting the approach of the Bay State because thats where this all began. Back in 1905, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Jacobson v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts that states have the power to mandate vaccines. States have not squandered this social trust across generations. Each of our 50 states requires that students be vaccinated for several diseases including measles, tetanus and polio to attend school. In Connecticut, families were able to option out of vaccinations by citing religious exemptions. Legislation recently changed that, drawing fury from some quarters. The anti-vax debate can become misdirection from a success story that is commonly taken for granted. Plenty of older Americans still recall a period in the 1950s when a polio outbreak caused an epidemic that killed thousands before Jonas Salk licensed his vaccine and the March of Dimes promoted a mass vaccination in 1955. The 35,000 polio cases reported in 1953 had dwindled to 161 eight years later. Know anyone who has had polio lately? Or the measles? The framers of the U.S. Constitution took care in declaring that a core purpose of the government is to promote the general welfare of Americans. Nothing in this young millennium would better serve the general welfare of the populace than to administer approved COVID vaccines. Its not merely about the body, but about emotional and economic health as well. There are obstacles. The COVID vaccines are authorized currently only for emergency use. Full U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval would ease the path for mandates. We appreciate the turmoil this can stir in parents, caregivers and children. No one wants to get a shot. Just look at the dismal numbers weve reported on the percentages of police officers in our communities who have been vaccinated. Well never reach herd immunity by leaving this decision to individuals. Gov. Ned Lamont has acknowledged that declaring a mandate for return to schools would be a dicey issue. He also was clear that its the safest way to get back into the classroom. Returning to schools without authorized vaccinations would be akin to skipping shots for polio and measles. Like government, students should answer the call to promote the general welfare of their fellow Americans. But we believe theyll need to be required to do so. STAMFORD When a young boy in crisis needed to go to the hospital recently, licensed clinical social worker Carolina Grijalba-Rodriguez offered to ride with him in a police car. Listen, I know its very anxiety-provoking, but Im gonna be there with you. Lets go together, Grijalba-Rodriguez said she told the boy. We talked all the way to the hospital. Under a contract between the city and the nonprofit Recovery Network of Programs, Grijalba-Rodriguez began embedding with the Stamford Police Department earlier this month, city officials said Wednesday during a news conference where they outlined several other mental health-related initiatives Stamford has started over the last year or so. So far, Grijalba-Rodriguez said she has gone on about a half-dozen ride-alongs with police. She said she also follows up on mental health-related calls to connect individuals and families with resources and services. The biggest issue that I kept on hearing from every officer that I was riding with is the fact that ... Lets say, if the person says they want to hurt themselves, they will take them to the hospital. Then a half hour, 45 minutes, a little while later, the person can check themselves out, Grijalba-Rodriguez said. Her job is to make a follow-up call to the person and ask about what help they may need. So theres that continuation of services, so we dont keep on getting the same phone calls over and (over again), she said. The Stamford Police Department has faced calls for reform since Steven Barrier, a 23-year-old Black man who lived with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other disorders, died after having a heart attack while in police custody in 2019. Alan Fuchsberg, the attorney overseeing a wrongful death lawsuit about Barrier that was filed against the city, said Wednesday that embedding a social worker in the police department was a step in the right direction. But the suit calls for more, including the establishment of a community-based mutual aid, peer-led system that is available to people 24/7. How much can one social worker do? Fuchsberg said. Mayor David Martin said the program may be expanded for that reason. Six weeks from now or two months, if its working, were going to figure out how to find the money, which is not in the budget, but Ill figure out how to find it and get this expanded, Martin said. Ted Jankowski, Stamfords director of public safety, health and welfare, said the citys police officers respond to more than 1,000 mental health incidents every year. He noted that the police department has been putting its officers through crisis intervention training, where they learn how to deal with individuals having mental health episodes. About 125 officers have completed the 40-hour course so far. And in January, the city tweaked the way it handled mental health calls. Previously, the departments policy was to send two officers and a sergeant to respond to any call involving a mental health crisis. Now, dispatchers ask callers more questions, Stamford Police Chief Tim Shaw said, and if there is any sign of violence, officers will go to the scene. But if there isnt, police wont show up at the scene. Instead, theyll just be positioned nearby, in case emergency medical services encounter an issue. So it helps the officers because a lot of times, the officers dont feel that they need to be there, but by our previous policy, we would show up on all of them, Shaw said. It also helps the families because sometimes, it is true, there is a perception that and perception may be reality when a couple of uniformed officers show up, it can antagonize the situation on occasion. But Martin made clear that he believes police should still be involved in responding to mental health calls. Youve heard across the country: Oh, we should defund the police and just respond with social workers, Martin said. Now, I can guarantee you that if you had to respond to many of these calls, youd know that that just is not a practical way to respond. There are many cases where the police have to be there to protect individuals both protect them from themselves as well as others and the police are our first responders to so many different situations that thats just not responsible. But that doesnt mean that we always have to respond with a show of force as our first response to certain situations. Includes prior reporting by staff writer Pat Tomlinson. Hazleton, PA (18201) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (881) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (897) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (851) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (852) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (942) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (282) More than 120,000 Moderna vaccine doses have arrived in the country, the National Committee for the Coordination of Activities on Vaccination against COVID-19 (CNCAV) informed on Thursday, agerpres reports. The transport is provided by the producing company, and the vaccine doses will be brought to Bucharest by land. According to CNCAV, the 128,400 doses of Moderna vaccine will arrive on Thursday at the "Cantacuzino" National Institute for Medical-Military Research and Development, after which 42,000 will be distributed to the Constanta Regional Storage Center and 86,400 to the Timisoara Regional Storage Center.Until now, 853,200 Moderna doses have been received and 542,078 have already been used to immunize the population.In Romania, the allocation of vaccine doses is made according to the delivery schedule provided by the producing company, CNCAV brought to mind. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed, Patriarch Daniel said at the beginning of his sermon on the Sunday of Saint Thomas, basilica.ro reports. Faith in Christ is a way of knowledge different from knowing through the senses, through touch. Knowing through the senses is limited knowledge. Knowing by faith is a feeling and a spiritual view of Gods presence and work in the world and the life of each person, the Patriarch of Romania explained May 9, 2021. Blessed are those who have this spiritual capacity to perceive the presence of God beyond sight through the senses or knowledge through physical touch, His Beatitude said. Patriarch Daniel emphasized that by faith, we establish a living relationship with God. Not an intellectual conviction that God exists somewhere in heaven, but a living connection that is manifested through love for God and results in a joy blessed by God in the human soul. That joy is not of this world, Patriarch Daniel added. It is a joy given by God as a reward for faith. To detail the living connection between man and God by faith, Patriarch Daniel turned to the writings of the Holy Apostle Peter. This connection is expressed primarily through prayer, through conversation with Christ, and by fulfilling His commandments. Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1: 8-9) Joy above expression, above words, the Patriarch explained, And glorified. It is a joy given by God, joy from the love of the Most Holy Trinity, joy from the joy of the crucified and risen Christ who ascended into heaven in glory. Believe and feel the joy of faith! Todays Sunday urges us to believe in the crucified and risen from the dead Christ, to keep in touch with Him by faith, to partake of His presence in the church through all services, but especially through the Holy Sacraments and particularly through the Holy Mystery of the Holy Eucharist and let us feel the joy of faith. The faithful man is a joyful man, a man who has in his soul the presence of the merciful love of Christ, the joy and peace of Christ, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel noted. Christ gave these on the first day of His resurrection to the myrrh-bearing women when He said, Rejoice, and to His disciples, when He said, Peace be with you! His Beatitude added that this living and confessing faith, bringing peace and joy, still gives us from this passing world the provision of eternal unfailing life from the kingdom of the love of the Most Holy Trinity which is, as the Holy Apostle Paul says, justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. So, both St. Peter and St. Paul and St. John the Evangelist show us that the kingdom of God is the kingdom of merciful love that gives peace and joy, the Patriarch of Romania said, ending his sermon. On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Patriarch Daniel attended the Divine Liturgy at the historic chapel of St George at the Patriarchal Residence. Police quaestor Benone-Marian Matei was appointed as general inspector of the Romanian Police General Inspectorate (IGPR), through a decision of Prime Minister Florin Citu. The new IGPR head will have the rank of secretary of state. The decision was published on Thursday in the Official Journal. Minister of Internal Affairs Lucian Bode declared on Tuesday in northwestern Satu Mare that Prime Minister Florin Citu was to appoint soon a new head of the Romanian Police, followed by an extensive reform process at the ministry's level, which will also include the organisation of job contests, reports agerpres. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, sent on Wednesday a message for marking the centennial of the Romanian-Polish Defence Alliance, which was broadcast during the international conference "One people, two flags", organized in Warsaw by the Romanian Embassy to the Republic of Poland, agerpres reports. "The signing, 100 years ago, of the Romanian-Polish Defence Alliance Convention laid the foundations for a special relationship between Romania and the Republic of Poland, significantly strengthening the traditional friendship and close ties between our states," the Romanian diplomat said in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry (MAE). He stressed that "today, Romania and the Republic of Poland are strong strategic partners, our relations being characterized by a dynamic and substantial dialogue and cooperation in multiple fields".The minister also referred to the current contexts in which the two countries work together."Political and security dialogue has intensified, trade has doubled, bringing institutions, communities and people closer from the two countries. In recent years, we have witnessed the establishment of major frameworks for dialogue and coordination, such as the Bucharest 9 Format and the Three Seas Initiative, which Romania and Poland have created, promoted and encouraged, to which is added the Trilateral on security issues at the level of foreign ministers from Romania, Poland and Turkey," he said.Thus, he underlined "the excellent coordination within NATO and the common vision that our countries share towards the consolidation of the transatlantic relationship".Wednesday's event is part of a series of MAE actions dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the conclusion of the Defence Alliance Convention between the Kingdom of Romania and the Republic of Poland, a symbolic moment of the bilateral relationship between the two states, and included a discussion session dedicated to the past, present and future of Romanian-Polish relations, having as speakers the two Polish historians who edited the volume "One People with Two Flags. The Polish-Romanian Alliance (1918) 1921-1926" - Krzysztof Nowak (Silesian University) and Henryk Walczak (University of Szczecin).***The original texts of the Convention of the Romanian-Polish Defence Alliance of 1921 and of the subsequent treaties, of 1926 and 1931, for its extension, were exhibited, in original, at the National Military Circle, within an exhibition organized by the Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the conference organized by the Institute for Political Studies of Defence and Military History, in collaboration with the Polish Institute in Bucharest, with the theme: "Centennial of the Romanian-Polish military alliance" (March 17, 2021).The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Diplomatic Archives, also contributed to the publication, on March 15, 2021, of the bilingual album "Romania and Poland: a Century of Alliance. Documents", made in collaboration with the Institute for Political Studies, Defence and Military History and the Romanian National Military Archives. Bucharest General Mayor Nicusor Dan said that he submitted to the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) a complaint about an estimated damage to the tune of several million euros incurred by the Municipality during the previous administration and that the "crime scheme" is all the more so 'cynical' as it concerns the Bucharest cemeteries. "Yesterday I filed with DNA a complaint about a considerable damage estimated to run in the millions of euros, caused to the Municipality during the previous administration. As this concerns the Bucharest cemeteries, this crime scheme is all the more so cynical. Having in view the legal provisions and the involvement of several public institutions in this matter, I cannot provide other details for now," Nicusor Dan wrote on Thursday on Facebook. He assured the Bucharesters that any such problems will be handled with all seriousness, and the Capital City Hall will make every effort to recover the damage, reports agerpres. One of the most progressive components of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) is that of financial instruments and grants for the private business environment, and SMEs will have half a billion euros available as a risk capital facility, under an agreement signed with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, Minister of European Investments and Projects Cristian Ghinea declared on Thursday after the government meeting. "The PNRR component of financial instruments and grants for the private sector is one of the most advanced. We negotiated with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, we are prepared to sign an agreement as soon as the PNRR is approved and this injection of capital into the private economy means a portfolio guarantee of 400 million euros; this means that companies in crisis can access a state-secured bridge loan until the crisis ends. There will be another 100 million euros as portfolio guarantee related to climate change. So, the companies looking to invest in refurbishment can apply here. There's a risk capital facility for SMEs of half a billion euros. This means that immediately after the approval of the PNRR, the EIB and the EIF will start the process of selecting local banks that will be offered portfolio guarantees and that will make this money available further. We estimate a leverage effect, in the sense that one euro put through this guarantee instrument will generate 4 or 5 euros in the real economy," Ghinea explained. The European Investments Minister also referred to infrastructure funds dedicated to digital transformation, education and health. "In addition to these financial instruments, there will be 200 million euros available as digital transformation grants, which will be administered by the Romanian Digitization Authority, and a support measure for listing on the Stock Exchange. Participation on the Stock Exchange is very limited in the Romanian economy. There are various technical barriers to listing. We will have a 35 million euro instrument for technical assistance to companies that want to get listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. We have 3.7 billion euros for Education and I am very proud that 12 percent of PNRR is assigned for education, which is more than the 10 percent recommended by the European Parliament. Ten thousand laboratories are planned for Romanian schools, 2,000 green minibuses, over 80,000 classrooms equipped with furniture, 50 new green schools. The health component is also forward-looking, with an allocation of 2.5 billion euros; plans are afoot to build or equip 200 community centers, 3,000 family doctors' offices and we are working on the list of hospitals that will be built or renovated from this health infrastructure fund," said Cristian Ghinea. According to the Minister, as far as transportation is concerned, Romania needs investments in road and railway infrastructure. "We are now working on what the Commission calls investment-accompanying reforms. As Mr. Transport Minister Drula announced, we are looking at a transport taxation reform aimed at encouraging rail transport and at really charging the use of public roads. We will move from a fixed toll to a toll system in which everyone pays according to the freight volume and the transportation distance. In the first two years, the step to begin with will be the installation in Romania of digital goods tracking systems, followed by the technical step of charging," the official pointed out. Ghinea denied allegations that the European Commission has asked the Romanian authorities to present the PNRR in the Romanian Parliament. According to Ghinea, on May 31 2021 Romania will submit applications, projects and reforms for the full amount of 29.2 billion euros allocated through PNRR. "The second objective of our visit to Brussels was to clearly establish that we will fully draw the 29.2 billion euros. I say this very clearly: only two EU countries will fully use the resilience mechanism loans - Romania and Italy. (...) Unfortunately, we are also the only country in the European Union in an excessive deficit procedure, which makes it difficult for us to take out loans without clear revenue growth commitments, because otherwise these loans will weigh heavily in the budget deficit balance. Basically, the two elements need to be correlated, and this is what we have been intensively negotiating in Brussels: the timetable for revenue growth forecasts and when we can start taking out loans under PNRR. I am not hiding from you the fact that the Commission's suggestion, if not recommendation, was not to apply now for loans. We rejected this suggestion and we clearly stated that on May 31 Romania will submit applications, projects and reform plans for the full amount of 29.2 billion euros," the official said. Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan is the strategic document that sets forth the national reform priorities and investment sectors for accessing the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The Facility is built on six pillars, namely: Green transition; Digital transformation; Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs; Social and territorial cohesion; Health and resilience; Policies for the next generation, children and youth. At the beginning of May, Prime Minister Florin Citu declared that the PNRR amounts have been reduced in all chapters so as to fit within the 29.2 billion euros Romania will receive, reports agerpres. Romania's Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu and his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias co-chair today an informal videoconference of EU foreign ministers featuring their counterpart from Albania Olta Xhacka, and from North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, agerpres reports. Also attending will be officials of European institutions: European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other western Balkan regional issues Miroslav Lajcak, according to a press statement released by Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE). The meeting is organised as a follow-up to the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (May 10, 2021, Brussels) where a strategic discussion on the Western Balkans region, at the request of Romania and other member states, was held.The ministerial dialogue initiated and hosted by Aurescu and Dendias "will provide an opportunity for an exchange of views on the state of reforms undertaken by the two candidate countries, their objectives and expectations moving forward, and the prospects for opening EU accession negotiations." At the same time, the initiative is part of the intense dynamics of Romania's contacts with state officials of the two countries designed to support their European journey.In remarks to the meeting, Aurescu will highlight the strategic value of the Western Balkans region to the EU and show that "the enlargement process must remain a major priority of the European Union, given the transformative force of this European policy." Prime Minister Florin Citu declared at the end of Thursday's government meeting that the Romanians' tax compliance has increased in the past two years, mainly due - in his opinion - to the predictability of the fiscal policy. "We have the best strategy so far, because voluntary compliance has increased for the first time in these two years. I cannot give you the figures for April, but I can tell you that state budget collections are at a record-high following voluntary compliance. We didn't increase taxes in recent years, on the contrary, we introduced certain facilities, we didn't usher in new taxes, and yet this is the result of predictability - because this was the key, we promised Romanians, entrepreneurs that we would not change the taxes, and we kept our word last year and we'll keep it this year too; now taxpayers duly pay what they owe. So we have voluntary compliance - that's important. We see an increase in voluntary compliance," Citu told a news conference. The Prime Minister considers that the move to digitalisation is very important for eradicating tax evasion. "Regarding the eradication of tax evasion - because we have to admit that it exists - the solution we proposed from the very beginning is digitalisation. The cash registers were this year connected to the National Tax Administration Authority, we will also introduce e-invoicing this year, the electronic invoicing that has worked wonders for a country with tax evasion issues such as Italy, and you'll see that it will work for Romania too, reducing tax evasion or the VAT collection gap," Citu specified, reports agerpres. Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Thursday that he encourages Health Minister Ioana Mihaila to publicly present the report of the Covid death toll inquiry Commission. "I saw this report earlier. I encourage Ms. Minister to present this report to the public in order to remove all doubts. (...) Let her release it publicly, for the sake of clarity. Yes, as Ms. Minister said, there are several databases. I took a comparative look at the numbers reported by the statistics authority and those in Corona-Forms - they are 96 percent compatible, that's what things look like, but as Ms. Minister said, we will ask for more details in the next period and we will see if improvements are needed," Citu told a news conference at the Victoria Palace of Government. The PM said that Corona-Forms case-by-case reports "were the clearest", but changes can be adopted if this appears to be necessary. Health Minister Ioana Mihaila told a press conference earlier on Thursday that first-hand reality shows that there were "probable" Covid-19 deaths that have not been tested, diagnosed and classified as such. President Klaus Iohannis declared, on Thursday, that it is very probable the school year "will end with all pupils in school." "We continue to keep the norms that regard the incidence rate. So we have still the green, yellow, red scenarios, these things apply as up to now. It's predictable that in the coming weeks most localities will enter the green scenario and, thus, most pupils will return to schools. In regards to schools the norms in force apply, but the relaxation measures which are available are available for all. It's very probable that the school year will end with all pupils in school and it's very desirable for this school year to end with most Romanians vaccinated," said the head of state, in a statement at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace. He made a new appeal for Romanians to go vaccinate against COVID-19, reports agerpres. Chair of the Romanian Senate Anca Dragu starts today a four-day official visit to Spain at the invitation of her counterpart Maria Pilar Llop Cuenca, with the visit being aimed at deepening and diversifying political dialogue and strengthening the special nature of the traditional friendly relationships between the two countries, agerpres reports. Scheduled for the visit are working meetings with the chair of the Spanish Senate and lawmakers to discuss, among other things, combating domestic violence, and gender equality, according to a Romanian Senate press statement released on Thursday. To mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Romania and Spain, an exhibition of the Diplomatic Archives of the two countries will be inaugurated.Dragu and her retinue will have a videoconference meeting with representatives of the Spain's Romanian community."The Romanian community is well integrated, active, acting as a bridge and catalyst for the development of relationships between the two countries, with the Romanian citizens making an important and recognised contribution to the Spanish economy," reads the release.Part of the visit is also a tour of the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejon (CAOC) and the EU Satellite Centre (SatCen).The Romanian retinue includes Senate Deputy Chair Alina Gorghiu; Deputy Chairman of the Romanian Senate's Committee on European Affairs Ghica; Secretary of the Committee on Romanian communities abroad Lorincz Stefan-Iulian; MP Simina-Geanina-Daniela Tulbure, a member on the Committee on Romanian Communities Abroad, and senior official with the Department of Romanians Abroad Oana Ursache. On 7 May 2021, the Embassy of Jamaica in Brussels and Mission to the European Union deposited with the World Customs Organization (WCO) the countrys Instrument of Accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention - RKC), making Jamaica the 128th Contracting Party to this Convention. The RKC, which entered into force on 3 February 2006, is regarded as the blueprint for effective and modern Customs procedures. It is the international standard for making Customs regulatory procedures as efficient and effective as possible. The Convention contains several important principles, including transparency and predictability of Customs actions; standardization and simplification of the goods declaration and supporting documents; simplified procedures for authorized persons; maximum use of information technology; appropriate Customs control to ensure compliance with regulations; use of risk management and audit-based controls; coordinated interventions with other border agencies; and partnership with trade. The RKC is instrumental for global trade facilitation efforts, especially in terms of implementing the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) and meeting the challenges faced by Customs in the 21st Century. Against the current backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth pointing out that the RKC contains, in its Specific Annex J5, relevant standards and recommended practices aimed at facilitating the movement of relief consignments and equipment imported for humanitarian purposes. It is important to highlight that the WCO Secretariat supported the Jamaica Customs Agency in its process of acceding to the RKC. This support included an in-depth review, in 2019, of Jamaicas then draft Customs Act which was compared with the RKC and the WTO TFA. It appears that the philosophy and principles of the RKC and the WTO TFA have been broadly taken on board by Jamaica. The WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, welcomes Jamaicas accession to the RKC and strongly encourages other WCO Members that have not yet done so to accede to and implement this important Convention as soon as possible. The RKC will enter into force for Jamaica on 7 August 2021. 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. The 67th Session of the Harmonized System Committee concluded its primary work on the HS 2022 tools in April 2021. Settling on a final accepted agenda of 98 agenda items, the meeting was held, in a blended format of online sessions and written forum discussions, from 12 to 30 April. The meeting, chaired by Ms. Ulla Larsson from Sweden, was attended by 277 registered delegates from 98 countries and the European Union. The International Chamber of Commerce also participated as an observer. At its opening remarks, Ms. Ulla Larsson welcomed delegates and underlined that the primary focus of the meeting was to finalise the amendments to the HS 2022 Explanatory Notes in order to be published in time for the implementation of the seventh edition of the HS on 1/1/2022. Despite the pandemic situation, which caused serious challenges to delegates and the WCO Secretariat and led to readjustments of the working methods, the Committee successfully approved the HS 2022 Explanatory Notes, the amendments to the Compendium of Classification Opinions, the Reports of the 56th Session of the Review Sub-Committee, the Report of the presessional Working Party and the Reports of the 35th and 36th Sessions of the Scientific Sub-Committee. The Committee also agreed on 49 classification requests involving 785 substances and products. At his closing remarks, the Director of the Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate, Mr. Konstantinos Kaiopoulos, congratulated the Chairperson and the delegates to the Committee for their active participation and the successful conclusion of work over the HS 2022 cycle. He noted that this new HS2022 edition made some major changes to the HS, covering a wide range of goods moving across borders, while addressing environmental and social issues of global concern and adapting to current trade patterns. The IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guard Corps), whose main job is to keep the religious dictatorship in power, has been accused of seeking to expand its own control over Iran. That latest example of this Iran offering to free foreigners in return for returning billions of dollars worth of Iranian cash held in foreign countries because of the economic sanctions. The IRGC is apparently even offering to trade its presence in Yemen for decisive Saudi assistance in getting the sanctions lifted. This appears to be a good thing for Iran, but many Iranian leader see this as another effort by the IRGC to expand its power in Iran. This power was demonstrated when the sanction were lifted in 2015 via a treaty. Most Iranians expected the influx of cash to improve their lives. It didnt, mainly because the IRGC for a lot of that cash to expand its military operations overseas. The increased Iranian control in Yemen played a part in Iran and Saudi Arabia agreeing in mid-April to begin secret (unannounced and officially denied) negotiations. Such secrets do not stay secret for long and recently the Saudis confirmed that the negotiations were underway. That explains the nice things Iran and Saudis have been saying about each other since late April. Iran wants the economic sanctions lifted and the Saudis want Iranian forces gone from their southern border. Making that happen is how deals are made in the Middle East. Iranian threats against the Saudis continue and the current Iranian government believes that, with sanctions lifted, they can deal with the growing unrest inside Iran against the religious dictatorship that has mismanaged Iran since the 1980s. The Saudis believe that there will be another revolution inside Iran and that justifies getting Iran out of Yemen. For both sides, its a gamble but because both sides are run by Islamic governments which believe God is on their side so the risk factor is somewhat diminished. To an outsider, Iran seems to be in a weaker position. Yet the Iranians have been more successful at gaining and holding onto power for thousands of years and even the wealthy Gulf Arab states recognize that. History justifies the hopes of both sides. The Iranians have suffered major defeats in the past because of inept rulers and civil war. That helped made it possible 2,500 years ago for a weakened but seemingly mighty Persian empire to fall to the Greeks, led by Alexander the Great. This conquest was considered impossible but the pattern repeated itself 1,500 years ago when the Arabs, inspired by a new religion (Islam) did the impossible (for Arabs) and conquered the Persian (Iranian) Empire. Five centuries ago, the Turks were able to block Iranian expansion into Arab lands. The Russians blocked Iranian expansion to the north and the British blocked expansion to the east. After the Ottoman Turk empire fell apart a century ago the Iranians found their imperial ambitions blocked by Russia and Western forces. Iranians have long believed that without their internal squabbling Iran could have avoided damage done by the Greek, Arab, Mongol and Western invasions. Currently the moderates (nationalists) in the Islamic government pay attention to history and the radicals (Islamic zealots) dont. But when radicals do look closely at the past, they often become moderates and that is how the moderates are winning. That has the Iranian government scared and the Arabs encouraged, at least in the short term. The word from rebel held territory in Yemen is that Iran has been giving the orders this year. This began in late 2020 after Iran sent a Quds Force general to be the Iranian ambassador to Yemen. Since 2015 the rebels have controlled the traditional Yemeni capital, where all the foreign embassies were (and a few still are) as well as headquarters for the government ministries. Most of the embassies and government ministries have left for the temporary capital of the last elected government in the southern port of Aden. Despite that the rebels insist that because they occupy the capital and control over a third of the population, they are the real government and their opponents are southern separatists or foreigners. This ignores the fact that many of the people in rebel territory are kept in live via threats to cut off access to food, medical supplies and imported items. Tribes that try to break away risk starvation and a blockade of roadblocks and attacks on smugglers trying to get in. More and more tribes have been able to break away but the rebels have maintained a presence around many towns and cities. The new Iranian ambassador came to Yemen mainly to supervise Iranian support for combat operations and take a more direct role in running the war. Quds felt so confident that they bluntly rejected recent UN and American offers for ceasefire talks and instead increased the number of offensive operations. For more than a month Quds force officers outside Yemen have boasted to foreign journalists who proceeded to publish what Quds Force was up to in Yemen. The Iranian senior clerics, who have the final say in what Iranian policy is, realized that openly discussing the direct Iranian control of rebel operations was a mistake. Quds was ordered to leave media interviews and Internet announcements to the government. Iran is taking more direct control over the Shia rebels as part of negotiations to end economic sanctions on Iran. If Iran pulled out of Yemen, the Shia tribal forces would be defeated, as they have many times before. Quds force commanders are reluctant to give up gains made in Yemen and may have been told that they could revive support for the Yemeni Shia after the economic sanctions on Iran are lifted. Because of these sanctions Quds force saw its budget cut by half since 2017, forcing major reductions in Quds activities in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Yemen was always the least expensive Quds operation and did not suffer noticeable aid cuts. Regulated Democracy For the third time in the last month the Guardian Council has changed the rules for who can run for election to parliament. The next vote is June 18th and determining candidate criteria or blocking any potential candidate is a key tool for the Guardian Council to exercise their dictatorial control over Iran while still pretending Iran is a democracy. The three recent changes were directed at the growing number of hostile (to Guardian Council rule) candidates. Half the 14,500 candidates who sought to run for parliament were blocked. This kept any unworthy candidates from contesting 230 of the 290 seats in parliament. A record number of IRGC veterans sought to stand for election and few of those seeking to register were rejected by the Guardian Council. There is growing popularity of reformers who want to reduce corruption, especially among the families of Guardian Council members and the IRGC leadership. Another reform is curbing the power of the IRGC, or eliminating it entirely. In response to the growing popularity for overthrowing the religious dictatorship and its private army (IRGC) only those of proven loyalty to the dictatorship are allowed to run for office. There may be a low turnout in protest but the religious dictatorship cannot afford to mellow or reform and believes it must crush its domestic enemies any way it can. Commercial and secret public opinion polls both show that more Iranians oppose their Islamic dictatorship. In the last few years more of that opposition has come from segments of the population who were considered true believers and unshakable supporters. Thats no longer the case and the opposition is mainly about the corruption among the ruling families, including IRGC generals. The Guardian Council is also accused of tolerating corrupt and inept government as long as those officials are loyal to the Guardian Council and IRGC. One thing that triggered this opposition growth was how the 2015 deal to lift economic sanctions did not, as the Guardian Council promised, mean more government money for improving and expanding the economy and welfare of average Iranians. That did not happen, but IRGC foreign operations, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen suddenly had much larger budgets. The Americans noticed this and the increased budgets of the Iranian ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. The U.S. declared Iran in violation of the 2015 deal and reimposed sanctions. Iranians once more noticed that when budget cuts had to be made, the welfare of Iranians suffered the most. The large-scale public protests after 2017 scared the Guardian Council and the IRGC, which noted that areas which had long been the best source of new recruits, were no longer available as those areas were providing a lot of protestors. The Guardian Council ordered the IRGC to suppress the demonstrations by any means necessary and after about ten thousand protestors were wounded or killed by gunfire or other forms of lethal force, the protests went underground and continued to grow. The opposition is not just in Iran but also in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. For example, Iraqis pressured their government to outlaw billboards honoring Iranian leaders, including key IRGC personnel (like the late general Soleimani). While Iraqi and Lebanese long feared Iranian retribution for such bans, they now fear the growing anti-Iran sentiment among locals. Loss of popular support in Iran has led former government supporters to reveal embarrassing secrets. One such recent revelation was about how Qatar arranged to ransom 57 IRGC personnel in 2012. The IRGC men were captured, while travelling in a bus through a safe area in Syria. The bus was stopped by a newly formed group of rebels. Iran was desperate to get these men back and Iranian ally Qatar used its connections in Syria to get a message to the kidnappers offering to pay ransom. The kidnappers wanted a million dollars per hostage. Iran asked the Qatari ruler to pay right away and Iran would reimburse him. The IRGC men were set free and when Iran $57 million to Qatar the emir (rulers) sent it back saying he did it out of friendship with Iran. Qatar is a pariah among the other Arab oil states and now known to all as a staunch supporter of Iran and its threats to Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. The emir who paid the $57 million has since (in 2013) retired and appointed one of his younger sons (who is now 41) to succeed him. A Coalition Killed Soleimani The United States recently revealed details of Israeli and Iraqi Kurd support during the operation to track and kill Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020. Both Israel and the Iraqi Kurds wanted Soleimani gone as they knew from experience that he was a key element for organizing attacks on Israel and Kurds in general. The Israelis had agents with access to the supplier of cellphones to Soleimani, who frequently (often every call) changed phones. The Israelis slipped phones with trackers in them and let the Americans know which phones were so equipped. This enabled the Americans to know when Soleimani would fly out of Syria and arrive in Iraq (Baghdad airport). The Kurds had agents throughout Iraq and their Baghdad Airport network was able to confirm what vehicles he and his entourage of local Iran-backed militia leaders were in as they left the airport. The U.S. already had three armed UAVs circling the airport and three SOCOM (Special Operations Command) sniper teams in position outside the airport. American electronic monitoring teams in Baghdad were also involved. Normally details like this are not released unless the enemy has already figured it out. That provides an opportunity to embarrass the Iranians with details of how many enemies they have in the region and the ability of those enemies to cooperate. This is particularly important because Irans leaders (Guardian Council) have been openly criticizing the successors to Soleimani. These IRGC generals have been noticeably less effective than Soleimani, who was a lot more crucial to Iranian terrorist operations and the smooth functioning of the Iranian government than the Guardian Council or foreign observers realized. The Guardian Council has also been critical of IRGC efforts prevent the Israelis from carrying out sabotage, assassination and data theft operations inside Iran and inside Iranian controlled foreign areas where Quds organizes local forces to fight for Iran. The recent leaks imply that Israel and the Americans understood how important Soleimani was more than the Guardian Council. If nothing else this creates more internal strife within the Iranian religious dictatorship, something the Iranian senior clerics did not appreciate until Soleimani was no longer available to deal with internal discord. May 11, 2021: In the northwest (West Azerbaijan Province) IRGC troops clashed with some Kurdish separatists entering Iran from Turkey. Seven of the Kurds were killed while two IRGC men died. Clashes like this on the Iraqi and Turkish borders are becoming more common. In Gaza (bordering Egypt and southern Israel), Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the two main Islamic terror groups there and both now financed and supplied (with weapons) by Iran, went to war with Israel. Iran has been openly and covertly calling for this. Recent Fatah organized riots in Jerusalem gave their rivals in Gaza an opportunity to upstage Fatah. Gaza groups have Iran supplied rockets while Fatah in the West Back does not. Hamas and Fatah had agreed to an election that would finally restore Palestinian units, which had been lost when Gaza won enough votes in the last Palestinian election to declare its independence from Fatah and declare itself the rightful leader of all Palestinians. Not all Palestinians agreed and Fatah failed to regain control of Gaza. Soon Fatah was also forced to adopt the Hamas policy that Israel must be destroyed and no peace agreement with Israel is possible. This put Fatah in a difficult position as their foreign aid, which flows much more freely than it does for belligerent Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The aid superiority could only be maintained by convincing the major donors (including the United States and Gulf Arab oil states) that the aid was used to improve the lives of West Bank Palestinians and not to support terrorists and enrich the Fatah leadership and their key supporters. The Fatah deception has been falling apart and the growing lack of aid made Palestinians angry and Fatah desperate. Fatah blamed all its problems on Israel and is constantly calling for more popular violence against Israel. Occasionally this works and recently disputes over holding Palestinian elections in Jerusalem enabled Fatah to get some large riots going. These things usually dont last long but this time Hamas and Islamic Jihad both agreed to do something different; launch a massive (hundreds of longer-range unguided rockets at a time) attack on Jerusalem. Israel knew that its Iron Dome rocket defense system could not stop all of the rockets from hitting populated areas during a large volume attack and Israel would have to accept losses until ground troops could get into Gaza or Lebanon (depending on where the rockets came from) and occupy the rocket storage and launching sites. The initial Israeli response was large scale airstrikes against Hamas and Islamic jihad targets in Gaza. This included killing one Islamic Jihad senior leaders. Iran wants Israel to invade Gaza, as it did in 2014. Iran can also call on Hezbollah to launch its rockets, but Hezbollah has a much more precarious position in Lebanon where the majority of Lebanese want Hezbollah gone and getting Lebanon involved in another war with Israel might see Hezbollah fighting Israel and Lebanese at the same time. Iran hopes a major war with Israel will result in more popular support from all Moslems in the region. Thats more of a gamble than a sure thing. May 10, 2021: In the south west ( the Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Persian Gulf) thirteen Iranian armed speedboats sought to interfere with several American warships entering the Persian Gulf. The American ships sent signals to Iranian boats to get out of the way or else. Eleven of the speedboats heeded the message but two did not. Nearby American ships opened fire with 12.7mm machine-guns. Several dozen warning shots landed near the two Iranian speedboats before the boats turned away to join the other eleven. The navy videoed the incident and later released the video to the public while the Iranians were still describing the incident as an example of American aggression. May 9, 2021: In southern Iraq (Karbala province) Iranian agents assassinated Ihab Jawad al Wazni, a prominent Shia leader of the growing anti-corruption and anti-Iran movement in Iraq. Wazni also organized mass demonstrations against Iranian influence in Iraq. Iran was warned that if they had Wazni killed, as Iran has already done to other prominent anti-Iran Iraqis, there would be consequence. By the end of day, the Iranian consulate in Karbala (where major Shia religious shrines are) was surrounded by angry Iraqis and access to the consulate blocked. In northwest Yemen, Shia rebels launched another cruise missile, actually an explosives laden UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), into southwest Saudi Arabia. The rebels claimed this cruise missile was programmed to attack the King Khalid Air Base, which is about 200 kilometers from the Yemen border. This cruise missile/UAV was intercepted and destroyed before it could reach the airbase. The Shia rebels insisted the UAV hit its target but whenever that happens, which is rarely, there is suddenly a lot of chatter on the Internet, often accompanied by cellphone photos, from local witnesses. Saudi Arabia has a growing problem with Iranian UAVs used as cruise missiles. For several years Iran has been smuggling in UAV components to northern Yemen. Unfortunately for the Saudis the home province of the Shia rebels is in northwest Yemen along the Saudi border. That border is 1,800 kilometers long although only about a hundred kilometers is controlled by the Shia rebels. Even before the civil war the Saudis suffered cross-border raids by the Yemeni Shia. Those attacks increased after 2015, with the addition of Iranian rockets and missiles. By 2019 Iranian UAVs and cruise missiles were used against Saudi economic and military targets farther from the border. The Saudis were prepared for the ballistic missiles and long-range rockets and used their Patriot AMD (anti-missile defense) systems to stop the rockets and missiles headed for a populated area or an economic or military target. The Iranian UAVs and small cruise missiles were harder to detect and shoot down. The Iranians noted that and ordered the Shia rebels it increase the number of attacks into Saudi Arabia. These attacks have been a lot more frequent in 2021. The Saudis adopted older Israeli tactics against the UAVs, which were carrying explosives on a one-way mission using GPS to guide them along a programmed course to a specific target. These improvised cruise missiles were smaller, slower and flying lower than the original American cruise missiles that used a small jet engine and, before GPS became available in the 1990s, less accurate but effective guidance systems. The Iranian UAV/cruise missiles cost a tenth of what conventional cruise missile does and are easier to smuggle into Yemen and assemble locally for a single one-way mission. These UAVs were more prone to failure and some were found on both sides of the border after they crashed. But most of them worked and the Saudis turned to their American advisors for ideas. Radars that could detect the low/slow UAVs were easier and cheaper to obtain that methods for destroying them. The Saudis have apparently been using air-to-air missiles fired by their F-15 jet fighters. The Saudis are seeking a cheaper solution and Israel, their new unofficial ally, has may such solutions. May 8, 2021: China joined the United States and Western Europe in refusing to contribute to the nearly half trillion-dollar cost of rebuilding the Syrian economy. Not as long as the Iran-backed Assad government is still running things. China claims it agrees that the Assads are an obstacle, and not because the Assads are ruthless dictators. China is more concerned about how long it will take to reunite and pacify Syria. China also believes several thousand Chinese Uighur Islamic terrorists are trapped in northwest Syria where the most of the remaining Islamic terrorists are cornered and no one can agree on how to deal with this. While China recently signed a 25-year economic cooperation with Iran, that deal is contingent on Iran keeping its own restive population under control and being able to defy Western anti-smuggling efforts. Iran is as much risk as China will deal with in the Middle East. May 7, 2021: In Gaza a spokesman for Islamic Jihad confirmed what had long been known, that Islamic Jihad relies on Iran for weapons and cash to survive and agrees with Iran that Israel must be destroyed. The larger Hamas Islamic terrorist group, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has been particularly critical of Islamic Jihad becoming dependent on Iran. In 2019 Hamas and Islamic Jihad worked out an arrangement that keeps Hamas from going to war with Islamic Jihad and seeking to destroy it, as it did successfully when an ISIL affiliate sought to establish itself in Gaza. This arrangement includes Hamas controlling many of the Islamic Jihad rocket stockpiles and various other restrictions. These to not prevent Islamic Jihad from independently attacking Israel but does limit the extent of such attacks. Iran ordered Islamic Jihad to agree to these restrictions because the Iranians understood that Hamas could, if they felt they had to, destroy Islamic Jihad. Hamas is now considered the moderate Islamic terror group in Gaza and wants to observe ceasefire with Israel so that foreign aid can flow freely into Gaza, including building materials and consumer goods to help improve the lives of Gaza residents, most of whom want Gaza and Islamic Jihad gone. In late 2019, an Israeli airstrike killed the Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza. Islamic Jihad has its external headquarters in Syria, as many Islamic terror groups have for decades. An hour after the Islamic leader died in Gaza, there were more Israeli airstrikes against Islamic Jihad leaders and facilities in Syria (Damascus). May 6, 2021: In the Arabian Sea (northwestern Indian Ocean between India and Arabia) an American destroyer halted and searched a dhow suspected of smuggling. The boarding party found the cargo was twelve tons of weapons. This included over three thousand Chinese assault rifles, machine-guns and sniper rifles. Most of the weapons were older Chinese models, still sold by Chinese manufacturers to price-conscious customers. Some Russian ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) and hundreds of RPG rockets were also included. Questioning of the crew and checking intel information indicated the dhow (a coastal cargo ship long popular in the region) came from Iran and was apparently headed for Yemen, where final delivery would probably be made by fishing boats carrying cargoes of weapons rather than recently caught fish. There are so many of these fishing boats off the Red Sea coast of Yemen that not all can be searched and the smuggler boats seek to appear less suspicious than the actual fishing boats. Iran pays what it takes to get this smuggling done and there are plenty of skilled smugglers in Yemen looking for work, no questions asked. Such cargoes used to be sent to Gaza on a regular basis but the Israeli-Egyptian blockade is tighter than ever and it is difficult to even get individuals or suitcases of cash into Gaza. Since 2015 seven shipments of this magnitude have been intercepted. It is difficult to tell how many got through but it is known the dhows are one of several methods for getting weapons to Yemen. The more frequently used one is to include the weapons with legitimate cargo headed for Oman and Qatar and then use bribes and established smuggling networks to truck the weapons to northern Yemen. Some of these are caught, mainly in Yemen where roadblocks manned by men who have recently lost friends or family to rebel violence dont take the bribe and seize the truckload of weapons. The smuggler gangs react quickly to this and limit losses to uncooperative Yemenis. The growing poverty in Yemen makes it more difficult for anyone to turn down a bribe. At the same time this bribe approach is more a more expensive way to get weapons to the Shia rebels. In the last year Iran has had to reduce spending on its Yemen operation and using cheaper and riskier smuggling methods is one of them. May 5, 2021: In northwest Syria (Latakia and Hama provinces) Israeli air strikes destroyed several Iranian targets, most of them warehouses for storing newly arrived weapons. Five Iranian IRGC and three Afghan mercenaries were killed. Latakia, which includes the Syrian Mediterranean coast, a large pro-Assad population and two Russian bases (one air and the other naval), is rarely hit with Israeli airstrikes. Russian warships have been seen escorting Iranian ships illegally delivering petroleum and weapons to Syria and that means Iran has more targets in the province that the Israelis go after. In southern Yemen the tribal leaders are calling for partition of Yemen. S ince 2015 the STC (South Transitional Council) has been backing this. STC is composed of southern tribes that want autonomy but claim they are willing to fight and defeat the Islamic terrorists as well as the Shia rebels first. The STC leader is seen as more popular in the south than Abdrabu Mansur Hadi the last and current elected president of united Yemen. Hadi has only briefly visited Yemen a few times since 2015 and spends most of his time in the Saudi capital. This is for Hadis safety, given the number of assassinations going on in Aden, where the Hadi government was moved to in 2015. The Saudis and the UAE do not agree on dividing Yemen once more but for the moment it is more convenient to support the STC and efforts to defeat the Iran backed Shia rebels Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to seal the deal. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming (or a little of both) plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This whole "nation" idea is still looked on with some suspicion by many in the region. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity; kingdom, emirate or modern variation in the form of a hereditary dictatorship. For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Islamic militants in the north. They have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional tribal territories, led by the local imam (religious leader). This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962. Yemen also became the new headquarters of AQAP (al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for the terrorists after 2007. Then came ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and then an invading army of troops from oil-rich neighbors. May 4, 2021: In the northwest (Kurdistan province) IRGC troops and Kurdish rebels clashed outside Mariwan at night and an IRGC officer was killed. This area is near the Iraqi border and the autonomous Kurdish territory in northern Iraq. This are has become more dangerous for IRGC personnel, especially officers. Assassination of such officers has become a growing threat. May 3, 2021: Recent commercial satellite photos have revealed another group of Iranian missile silos under construction in the south, positioned so that they can protect ballistic missiles and reloads stored in nearby underground bunkers. The location of this new silo complex indicates that it is for an attack on Saudi Arabia. April 30, 2021: In the capital (Tehran) IRGC intelligence personnel raided the offices of president Rouhani and those of the foreign minister. There was some initial resistance because this sort of thing is rare. The IRGC men remined the presidential security guards that they had the right to raid the offices of elected officials. That was true and documents were seized. The raid was triggered by the recent leak 0f recorded interviews with prominent Iranian economists and government officials who described how the IRGC and Russia collaborated to use the 2015 treaty that lifted economic sanctions to divert much of the increased government revenue to IRGC projects. Russia would help with continued Iranian smuggling efforts, especially after the U.S. restored the economic sanctions in 2017. Russia wanted help from the IRGC in Syria and against Turkey. These leaks were too convincing (not anonymous with names named and specific actions described) and the IRGC saw this as an attack on the IRGC. Most current members of parliament see the IRGC as the main obstacle to economic reform and the Guardian Council sees the IRGC as trying to expand its power at the expense of the Guardian Council. April 22, 2021: Before dawn a missile from Syria landed a few kilometers from the Israeli Dimona nuclear research center. There was no damage because Dimona is 300 kilometers south of the Syrian border in a rural desert area. First thoughts were that this was another Iranian attempt to carry out some credible revenge for the April 11th Mossad operation that destroyed the underground Natanz nuclear fuel enrichment facility. If this was a deliberate missile attack it failed but it will mean Israel spending a lot of money firing expensive ABM (anti-ballistic-missile) missiles at more Syrian anti-aircraft missiles that cross the border either accidently or on purpose. Israel can solve this problem by modifying its ABM fire control software to discriminate between the trajectories of SAMs that are not headed for civilian or military targets and those that are. The Israeli Iron Dome system has long used such a method to only shoot down targets headed for targets that must be defended. Initial examination of the impact area debris near Dimona revealed it was the kind of SAM (surface-to-air missile) that had landed in Israel accidently for years. For example, in 2017 Israel used an Arrow 3 anti-missile missile to intercept a Syrian SA-5 SAM that had been fired at Israeli jets bombing a target in eastern Syria near Palmyra. Apparently, several SA-5s missed the Israeli jets and instead of detonating anyway, as these missiles are programmed to do, continued into Israeli air space and an Arrow 3 ABM missile was fired just in case the incoming threat was a ballistic missile. At the time it was suspected that Syria might have deliberately modified some of their SA-5 missiles to operate as surface-to-surface missiles. This has been done before with Russian SAMs, usually as an unofficial (and crude) modification by Arab users. There have been some modern SAMs with a built-in surface-to-surface mode. This was done for the U.S. Nike-Hercules system used during the 1960s and still around. Other users of the Nike-Hercules (like Taiwan and South Korea) made this modification and produced an accurate, if expensive, surface-to-surface short range ballistic missile. The Nike-Hercules was designed for potential use as a surface-to-surface weapon. The 2017 incident was the first time the Arrow 3 has been used in a combat situation and it was also implied that the Arrow fire control system was programmed to automatically assume that anything resembling a ballistic missile headed for Israel, whether intentional or by accident, was a danger to Israel and should be shot down just to be on the safe side. Syria responded by announcing that if Israel continued carrying out these air raids in Syria, then the Assad government would use hundreds of ballistic missiles (most SCUDs and other Russian designs) against Israel without warning. This is what Arrow was designed for and what the Israeli forces constantly prepare for. The recent Dimona incident was promptly claimed by Iran as a revenge attack. April 20, 2021: Iranian efforts to increase its influence in Iraq while also inflicting serious damage on American troops and military contractors in Iraq is not working. Iran is still broke but are now hopeful of getting the Americans to lift their sanctions. This is being disrupted by continuing Israeli efforts to derail the Iranian nuclear weapons program that Iran tells the world they do not have but the average Iranian knows it is real and have mixed views about. What most Iranians do agree is a problem is their own government, a ruthless religious dictatorship that has so far resisted all internal and external efforts to overthrow it. This increased Iranian violence in Iraq and elsewhere is the aftereffect of the Americans killing Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in early 2020. The Americans had figured out that Soleimani was a, if not the, key Iranian leader responsible for the Iranian military efforts in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. If anything, the Americans underestimated the importance of Soleimani because Iran had no one with the leadership and organizational skills, as well as the trust of so many Iranian and foreign leaders, to replace him. Even the Iranians were surprised at how important Soleimani was and how impossible it was to replace him quickly, if ever. One of the key services Soleimani provided was to get the Iranian moderates and radicals to cooperate, or at least not slide into open conflict with each other. Moderate Iranians is a term that has to be qualified. These are members of the senior leadership, all of them approved by the Council of Guardians (twelve senior Shia clerics) who have become divided into mutually antagonistic factions. The Moderates are those who want to put Irans interests first and concentrate on the economy and reducing the poverty that is visibly turning more Iranians against their government, Islam and all the foreign wars the radicals have dragged Iran into. These realists are also nationalists and often called moderates by foreigners. Soleimani was a key leader in the IRGC the smaller but more fanatic army that keeps an eye on the regular military and Iranians in general for any disloyalty or rebellious intentions. The IRGC suppressed internal unrest over the last two years by killing thousands of protestors and jailing many more. Soleimani commanded the Quds Force, which deals with foreign wars and governments that resist Iranian influence. When Soleimani was killed he was in the company of several senior Iraqi militia leaders that were loyal to Iran. These men were killed by the same missile that got Soleimani and their loss made Iranian threats and violence less effective in Iraq. Soleimani was missed elsewhere because he provided similar coordination for factions in nations where Iran had military or paramilitary operations. This includes Iraq as well as Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories elsewhere. Iranian rulers are losing its foreign wars as well as control of Iran itself because of the sanctions and the loss of key enforcers like Soleimani. Getting the American sanctions lifted is a do or die situation, April 18, 2021: In Iran, Mohammed Hejazi, the deputy commander of the Quds Force, died of a heart attack. Or did he? Many Iranians, especially senior government officials, feared this was another Mossad assassination. The deputy commander is next in line to replace the Quds commander. Iran is still seeking revenge for the death veteran Quds commander Qassem Soleimani. This guy turned out to be the most effective boss Quds ever had and his replacement turned out to be mediocre in comparison. Paranoid Iranians believe that is why the new Quds commander has not been killed but his deputy has. Outside Baghdad (the Balad airbase) five rockets were fired at the airbase and two landed inside the sprawling facility, wounding two Iraqi soldiers. Airbases and airports are large and easy to hit targets for unguided rockets. These targets consist of a lot of unoccupied (by people or structures) areas for the rockets to land in. The Baghdad airport, the largest in the country, consists of 14 hectares (35 acres) of enclosed (fenced in) space. Airbases and airports are currently favorite targets as Iran-backed groups are urged to kill or wound American military or contractor personnel, who often work or live on or adjacent to these large fenced and guarded areas. No one immediately took credit for this attack. Most of the recent attacks have been carried out by Iran-backed Iraqi militias. April 15, 2021: week Iran went public with more details about the April 11th explosion at their Natanz nuclear fuel enrichment facility. Iran now admits the attack took place and that it did major damage to their new high-performance nuclear enrichment (turning uranium into weapons grade material) equipment. There was massive equipment failure and damage on a scale similar to the 2010 attack carried out with software designed to get into the Natanz nuclear fuel enrichment compound, which was well guarded. Later analysis indicated that the deep-underground (about 50 meters, or 155 feet) plant was effectively destroyed. The target was the thousands of centrifuges that turn uranium ore into nuclear fuel or, with more effort, nuclear material suitable for a nuclear explosive. Israeli hackers got to the centrifuges in 2010 via a computer worm hack called Stuxnet. In 2021 the Israelis first got the technical details of the Natanz electrical system as well as details of the new generation of centrifuges Iran installed there. The Israeli plan was to use explosives placed and detonated where it would shut down the primary and back-up power systems when the maximum number of new centrifuges were powered up and vulnerable to severe damage if both the main power and backup power systems failed. The explosives were placed correctly and went off on time. The result was Natanz again suffered major centrifuge loss that will take months get back into production again and over a year to completely fix. Then there are the needed security upgrades, which are uncertain until Iran can find out more about exactly how the attack was carried out. They knew a lot of explosives had been involved but were unsure of how the attacker figured out how and were to place them without being discovered. To aid in solving that mystery Iran went public with details, and the name of a suspected key operative. Iran is looking for Reza Karimi, a 43-year-old Iranian who left the country several days before the attack. There are probably other Iranians involved as well as the suspected Israel Mossad agents who came to Iran and worked with a growing number of Iranians seeking to overthrow their current religious dictatorship. The Iranians have been seeking more of these Mossad Iranians since the 2018 Mossad operation in the capital when a heavily protected warehouse containing top-secret documents was located by Mossad, covertly entered and half a ton of documents on the Iranian nuclear program were removed and 24 hours later showing up in Israel. Until now Iran denied that the Mossad operation took place and that the documents were real. Since 2018 Israel has allowed foreign intel and nuclear program experts to examine the documents and that led to international acceptance of the documents as authentic. Iran is desperate to get hold of Reza Karimi and to help with that they also televised what looked like an Interpol (international police) Red Notice. To obtain a Red Notice a country must provide sufficient evidence that the suspect is indeed so dangerous that Interpol will request that the many nations that work with Interpol will accept the Red Notice and look for and arrest Karimi. The televised Red Notice could not be found on the Interpol website and so far, Interpol has apparently not decided whether or not to accept the Iranian Red Notice request. There were no casualties at Natanz and many Iranians support the attack and the many Iranians living outside their homeland can openly express their attitude towards the Iranian nuclear program. The two attacks on Natanz were very damaging to Iranian claims that they do not have a nuclear weapons program. In the aftermath of both attacks it become clear that Iran was using powerful new centrifuge designs to create nuclear material that was far more refined (above 20 percent) than needed for a nuclear power plant. Iran needs a lot of nuclear material refined to 90 percent to make nuclear weapons. The data Mossad made public in 2018 and the aftermath of the 2021 attack demonstrate the Iran is still seeking nuclear weapons. The growing number of Mossad operations in Iran has led to public criticism, often by senior clerics who actually rule the country. There has been more of this public criticism in Iran because the government has, for decades, devoted major resources to destroying Israel. That effort has consistently and often spectacularly failed, at great cost to Iran. This makes the religious dictatorship that seized control of the government during the 1980s war with Iraq, look incompetent and frauds because these senior clerics always insisted, they were doing Gods Work. In the last few years that Work appears to be finding ways to destroy Iran via corruption, mismanagement while blaming it all on Israel and the United States. The latest Mossad attack made a lot more Iranians realize that the Mossad was apparently entrenched inside Iran and finding more Iranians willing to work with Mossad against projects many Iranians agreed were endangering and impoverishing Iran and a major cause of the declining living standards and growing crackdowns by the IRGC and police. The IRGC knew that the Israelis had been successful at establishing a clandestine Mossad presence in Arab nations but thought Iranians were too sophisticated for that. That might have been the case for Iranians who trusted their government. That trust began to erode decades ago and even the IRGC, in one of its recent actual public opinion reports to the religious leadership, revealed that most Iranians now hated their government and many were also fed up with Islam. Which brings to the present, as Iranian leaders realize that many Iranians are willingly and effectively working with the enemy. Iran is trying to portray itself to foreigners as the innocent victim of Israeli aggression. Iranians insist that Natanz was only producing enriched uranium suitable for power plant fuel. But recent IAEA (UN inspectors) reports describe evidence that Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear bomb and need highly (to 90 percent purity) uranium for that. The foreigners are not as easy to deceive as before but more questions are being asked about Natanz. Inside Iran the accidental fire at Natanz in mid-2020, described as a construction accident, is now being revisited as details of how Mossad agents inside Natanz got 150 kg of explosives into the underground complex and managed to hide them, and their remote-control detonators, where they would not be found and would do maximum damage when detonated. April 13, 2021: In the Persian Gulf another Israeli owned cargo ship (the Hyperion Ray) was hit by an Iranian missile off the coast of the UAE. There was no significant damage to the 20,000-ton (DWT) vehicle carrier but the ship apparently went to nearby Oman to repair the damage and continue its voyage. CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 12, 2021 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL) ("EPL" or "Eagle Plains") and Tri Capital Opportunities Corp ("TCAP")(TCAP.P) have executed a formal option agreement (the "Option Agreement") whereby TCAP may acquire up to an 80% interest in EPL's 6,500 ha, 100%-owned Pine Channel project located 43 km west of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan (the "Property"). Limited drilling has been completed in and around the property area by past operators, which resulted in the successful delineation of mineralization to shallow depths. Potential to test for further continuity at depth is considered to be excellent. To earn an 80% interest in the property, TCAP will complete $3,000,000 in exploration expenditures, issue 2,000,000 voting class common shares to Eagle Plains and make $150,000 in cash payments over a 4-year period (see details below). EPL will retain a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty on the Property (subject to underlying royalties on certain areas of the Property), which royalty may be purchased by TCAP at any time for CDN$1,000,000. TCAP will be operator of the project. Eagle Plains acquired the project in 2018-2020 by staking and in part, by purchase from third-party vendors. In 2019 and 2020 EPL completed field programs designed to evaluate and confirm the nature of mineralization previously documented at historical showings. See Pine Channel Project Map here Pine Channel Gold Property Summary The Pine Channel Property consists of 28 mineral dispositions covering 6,502.63 hectares located approximately 40 km west of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan-the logistics/business hub for northern Saskatchewan. The property can be accessed year-round by float- or ski-equipped aircraft from Stony Rapids, SK. or Fort MacMurray, AB. The eastern and northern part of the property is transected by a high-voltage powerline. Most geological fieldwork is limited to late May to October but other operations such as geophysical surveys and diamond drilling can be completed year-round. Highlights from documented historical work include: North Norite Bay (SMDI 2183): 407.96 g/t (14.39 oz/T) Au over 0.5 m (drill hole) ELA (SMDI 1574): 39.96 g/t (1.41 oz/t) Au over 0.55 m (drill hole) Holes G-1 and G-3 (SMDI 2329): 3.20 g/t Au over 1 m (drill hole) Occurrence No. 6/Occurrence No. 8 (SMDI 1581): 90.6 g/t (3.20 oz/T) Au over 0.2 m (trench) Cole Lake Ni-Cu (SMDI 1583): 0.45% Ni over 7.0 m (drill hole), 6.2 g/t Au, 0.01% Ni and 0.06% Cu over 3.0 m (trench) The main deposit type that is being explored for at Pine Channel is structurally controlled vein-quartz (lode) gold deposits. Mineral occurrences on the Pine Channel Property contain predominantly gold, with rare base-metal occurrences. Within the Pine Channel tenures there are eighteen historical showings reported by the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI). Government mapping in the Pine Channel area dates from 1913, with the first industry work reported in 1950. A total of 51 assessment reports have been filed within the current Pine Channel tenure area. Past operators include Golden Rule Resources Ltd. and Colchis Resources Ltd. who were both active on the project during the 1980's, the last sustained period of exploration in the area. The most recent work prior to Eagle Plains acquiring the claims in 2018 was in 2013 when the area was flown with an airborne Variable Time Domain Electromagnetic ("VTEM") survey focused on locating targets for diamond exploration. There has been a total of 6,066 meters of diamond drilling in 115 historic holes completed within the current Pine Channel property claim boundaries with the majority of the holes completed less than 100 meters in length. Although the wide-spaced drilling did intersect significant gold mineralization in places, much of the drilling was completed using thin diameter core which is considered ineffective for assessing the high-grade "nuggety" gold shears and veins found at Pine Channel. The first recorded systematic exploration work on the Pine Channel property was in 1950 by Goldfields Uranium Mines. The first significant program on the property was in 1980 by Golden Rule Resources who completed 246 line-km of airborne EM (INPUT) and magnetic surveying. Follow-up ground work located 11 significant occurrences. From 1985-1988 Colchis Resources completed VLF-EM geophysics, biogeochemical surveys, prospecting, soil sampling and trenching followed by shallow diamond drill testing of selected targets. The Pine Channel project lies within the Tantato Domain which is composed of highly deformed gneisses which form the eastern margin of the Archean Rae Craton. Metamorphic rocks which have been subject to varying degrees of strain form the majority of the property area. The above results were summarized from SMDI descriptions and assessment reports filed with the Saskatchewan government. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person, but form a basis for ongoing work in the Pine Channel property area. In 2019-2020, Eagle Plains completed field programs focused on prospecting and mapping in areas of known mineral occurrences. The work confirmed the widespread occurrences of auriferous quartz veins and associated shear systems in the Pine Channel property. Analytical results from the seventy-two rock samples collected in 2020 range from 6 ppb Au to 68,400 ppb Au. Twenty-three of the samples returned greater than 1 g/t Au, and eight returned greater than 10 g/t Au. The most encouraging of the known showings are the ELA Shaft showing (SMDI 1574) and Occurrence No. 6 and No. 8 (SMDI 1581), which both demonstrate anomalous gold geochemical results and potential for extension of known mineralization along strike. Pine Channel Option Details Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, upon and subject to receipt of Exchange acceptance for TCAP's Qualifying Transaction, TCAP will have the right to acquire an 80% interest in the Pine Channel Property by: paying to EPL an aggregate of CDN $150,000 in cash according to the following schedule: $25,000 on the Effective Date (date of execution of the formal agreement); an additional $25,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2021; an additional $50,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2022; and an additional $50,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2023; issuing to EPL an aggregate of 2,000,000 Shares, according to the following schedule: 200,000 Shares on the Bulletin Date; an additional 300,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2021; an additional 300,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2022; an additional 500,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2023; and an additional 700,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2024; and incurring aggregate Exploration Expenditures on the property of: $500,000 on or before June 30th, 2022; an additional $500,000 on or before June 30th, 2023; an additional $800,000 on or before June 30th, 2024; and an additional $1,200,000 on or before June 30th, 2025. Upon the exercise of the Option and the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Pine Channel Property by TCAP, the Optionor will retain a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty on the Pine Channel Property, and 1.0% of the net smelter returns royalty may be purchased by TCAP at any time for CDN$1,000,000. TCAP will be Operator of the project throughout the term of the option. Charles C. Downie, P.Geo., a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a Director of Eagle Plains Resources Ltd., has prepared, reviewed, and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. About Eagle Plains Resources Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team. Eagle Plains also holds significant royalty interests in western Canadian projects covering a broad spectrum of commodities. Management's focus is to advance its most promising exploration projects. In addition, Eagle Plains continues to seek out and secure high-quality, unencumbered projects through research, staking and strategic acquisitions. Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices. Expenditures from 2011-2020 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $22M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 37,000 m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Tim J. Termuende" President and CEO For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673) Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at http://www.eagleplains.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: ANGUILLA, BWI / ACCESSWIRE / May 12, 2021 / Kidoz Inc. (TSXV:KIDZ) (the "Company"), mobile AdTech developer and owner of the market leading KIDOZ Contextual Ad Network (www.kidoz.net) and the Kidoz Publisher SDK, announced today its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. All amounts are presented in United States dollars and are in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Recent Kidoz Inc. Q1 2021 highlights include: Total Revenue of $1,557,942 - growth of 58% compared to Q1 2020 Total Revenue of $983,979. AdTech revenue of $1,504,300 - growth of 68% compared to Q1 2020 AdTech Revenue $895,555. 2021 Gross Profit of $685,041 - growth of 54% compared to Q1 2020 Gross Profit of $444,175. 2021 EBITDA of ($117,199) a 111% improvement from an EBITDA loss of ($246,954) in Q1 2021. 2021 loss of ($347,044) from a loss of ($403,924) in Q1 2020. Cash provided by operations of $393,060 compare to cash used in operations of ($400,604) in Q1 2020. Cash of $1,611,592 and working capital of $2,951,465 as at March 31, 2021. Brands are increasingly selecting Kidoz as their feature provider for mobile advertising campaigns. Release of latest Kidoz Publisher SDK and adoption of hundreds of new apps into the Kidoz Ad Network. "As Q1 is typically the most challenging quarter of the year, with the Kidoz Contextual Ad Network recording revenue growth of 68%, the Company is clearly in a phase of rapid growth," stated Jason Williams, Kidoz Co-CEO. "We experienced record Q1 demand from our advertisers in all regions in which we operate and we see no indication that this growth will slow for the foreseeable future. Kidoz has historically recorded only 12% of its yearly revenues in the first quarter, so if this trend continues, we are on pace for an exceptional year. As many strong macro, consumer, and market trends support the Kidoz strategy of mobile products built with pure contextual targeting, free of all invasive data tracking, our solutions are adopted and contribute to our rapid system growth and strong financial performance." "We continue to invest heavily into our systems and technology to increase our network reach and expand our position as the market leader in mobile contextual advertising," commented Eldad Ben Tora, Kidoz Co-CEO. "We have several new programmatic advertising products that are coming to market in 2021 that we anticipate will increase our growth rate and our ability to fill the billions of impressions exposed monthly to the Kidoz Contextual Network. We are enthused by our market position, excited by the trajectory of our technology, and believe that 2021 will be another record year for Kidoz." First Quarter 2021 Financial Results Total Current Assets as at March 31, 2021 were $4,137,237, compared to $5,249,555 as at December 31, 2020, and Total Current Liabilities as at September 30, 2020, were $1,185,772, compared to $2,178,010 as at December 31, 2020. Total revenue, net of platform fees (to Apple, Google and Amazon) and withholding taxes, for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, increased to $1,557,942, an increase of 58% from revenue of $983,979 for the first quarter of 2020. Ad Tech advertising revenue increased to $1,504,300 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 68% from ad tech advertising revenue of $895,555 in the first quarter of 2020. Content revenue decreased to $53,642, for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of 39% from revenue of $88,424 in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in total revenue compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is due to the strong demand for kid safe advertising generated by the introduction of strong regulations worldwide. Selling and marketing expenses were $128,688 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 11% over expenses of $115,707 in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. This increase in sales and marketing expenses in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is due to hiring additional sales staff. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of premises costs for our offices, legal and professional fees, and other general corporate and office expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $157,695 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 10% from costs of $143,255 for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses is due an increase in fees paid to our professional advisors. The Company continues to maintain its current office space despite the large majority of our staff continuing to work from home since early March 2020. Salaries, wages, consultants, and benefits decreased to $132,242 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of 3% compared to salaries, wages, consultants, and benefits of $136,240 in the first quarter of 2020. This decrease compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is due to reduction in consulting fees. The Company does not capitalize its development costs. The Company expensed $337,293 in content and software development costs during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 18% compared to content and software development costs of $284,723 expensed during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase is due to an increase focus in development of our base technology and the development of playable ads as a result of hiring additional development staff. The net loss after taxation for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, amounted to ($347,044), a loss of ($0.00) per share, compared to a net loss of ($403,924) or ($0.00) per share in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. This decrease in total loss for the quarter compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is due to the strong demand for kid safe advertising generated by the introduction of strong regulations worldwide. Earnings before interest; depreciation and amortization; stock-based compensation and impairment of goodwill ("EBITDA") for the period ended March 31, 2021, amounted to ($117,199), a reduction of 111%, compared to EBITDA of ($246,954) in the period ended March 31, 2020. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, we provided cash of $393,060 in operating activities compared to cash used in operating activities of ($400,604) in the same period in the prior year. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, we used cash in investing activities of ($2,265) compared to cash used in investing activities of ($4,909) in the same period in the prior year. Net cash used in financing activities was ($5,248) in the quarter ended March 31, 2021. This compares to cash used in financing activity of ($16,187) in the same period in the prior year. We had cash of $1,611,592 and working capital of $2,951,465 at March 31, 2021. This compares to cash of $1,226,045 and working capital of $3,071,545 as at December 31, 2020. For full details of the Company's operations and financial results, please refer to the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov or the Kidoz Inc. corporate website at https://investor.kidoz.net or on the www.sedar.com website. About Kidoz Inc. KIDOZ Inc. (TSXV:KIDZ) (www.kidoz.net) owns the popular Kid-Safe mobile network. Engaging more than 300 million kids a month across our leading mobile KidTech network, KIDOZ provides an essential suite of services that unites kids' brands, content publishers and families. KIDOZ is certified safe by Google and Apple approved for use in the App Store. Trusted by Disney, Hasbro, Lego and more, the KIDOZ Safe Ad Network helps the world's largest brands to safely reach and engage kids across thousands of mobile apps and sites. The KIDOZ OS solution helps carriers and brands such as Lenovo, Acer, and PBS Kids bring a kid-focused experience to their family devices, in a fully GDPR and COPPA compliant way. KIDOZ's Rooplay (www.rooplay.com) offers an interactive learning experience worldwide with original content featuring Moomin, Mr. Men, Little Miss, Mr. Bean and hundreds more kid-focused learning games. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the company) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to anticipated future success of the company. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company. For a description of additional risks and uncertainties, please refer to the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, readers should read the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021, and the prospectus filed under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act on March 9, 2005 and the SB2 filed July 17, 2007, and the TSX Venture Exchange Listing Application for Common Shares filed on June 29, 2015 on SEDAR, for a more thorough discussion of the Company's financial position and results of operations, together with a detailed discussion of the risk factors involved in an investment in Kidoz Inc. For more information contact: Henry Bromley CFO ir@kidoz.net (888) 374-2163 SOURCE: Kidoz Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 11, 2021 / Tsodilo Resources Limited ("Tsodilo" or the "Company") (TSXV:TSD)(OTCQB: TSDRF)(FSE:TZO) is pleased to provide an update on its wholly owned Xaudum Iron Project. The Company has initiated geochemical analysis for grade determination and geotechnical test-work for Rock Mass Rating ("RMR") evaluation for the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of its Xaudum Iron Formation ("XIF") project. The following analysis and test works will be conducted: 755 samples from 10 drill holes within the XIF Block 2 area have been sent to ALS Chemex for analysis by: Element analysis by X-ray fluorescence ("XRF") using borate fusion beads; and LOI by muffle furnace (Table 1); 34 samples from 7 drill holes representing the main XIF geological domains (Table 2) have been sent for geotechnical laboratory test-work assessment to the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), where: 18 samples will undergo Unconfined Compressive Strength ("UCS") testing; 8 samples will undergo Brazilian Tensile Strength (Brazilian Test) testing; and 8 samples will undergo Direct Shear Strength tests on a selection of common discontinuities. Overview Metallurgical results show that the XIF magnetite product is expected to be a premium product containing 67% Fe which is preferable over lower grade iron ores (See, Press Release of 12/17/2013 on the Company's website). These high-grade ores and products currently command larger price premiums over standard ores (62% Fe) resulting in higher margins for suppliers of high-grade products. Further to this, "cleaner" iron ores with a Fe content equal to or greater than 65% use less coal per unit of steel and as such produce lower emissions. The current global drive for lower emission steel production results in steel producers dramatically increasing their demand for these high-grade green ores. As this shift towards green steel and emission reduction continues the high grade XIF is uniquely placed to meet this emerging market. Preliminary work on the Xaudum Iron project has defined a CIM compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 441 million tonnes (Mt) with an average grade of 29.4% Fe, 41.0% SiO2, 6.1% Al2O3 and 0.3% P for the Block 1 magnetite XIF. Block 1 is a fraction of the potential XIF magnetite resource. An extrapolated exploration target has defined the XIF to be in the order of 5 to 7 billion tonnes at 15-40% Fe. This exploration target was generated by inversion modelling of ground magnetic geophysical data which was compared and moderated to volumes from drilling data within Block 1 and its potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource other than in Block 1 and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Tsodilo's Chairman and CEO, James M. Bruchs, commented "These results will be important to the technical evaluation and economic understanding of the project and will be included in the PEA. The iron ore market is entering a new "Super Cycle" based on improving fundamentals and a healthy market and has recently recorded the highest price on record. This encouraging market outlook coupled with the gathering pace of the green steel revolution means that we are confident that the PEA will bring strong added value to the Company as we develop this project towards mining." Iron Analysis 755 samples have been consigned for XRF chemical assay to the ALS Chemex Minerals Division Geochemistry laboratory (ALS) in Johannesburg, South Africa for Fe analysis by industry standard XRF borate fusion beads and LOI by muffle furnace. These samples represent 1,230 meters of high grade XIF mineralization within the Block 2a area, see Table 1 for the details of these samples sent for assay. Table 1. Table showing the drill holes and total meters of XIF mineralization contained in the samples sent for assay. Also shown is the average density and magnetic susceptibility for the Fe mineralization in these holes. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Number of Samples XIF Mineralization (m) Density (g/cm3) Magnetic Susceptibility (x10-3) XIF0013V 18.0 150.0 78 108.0 3.18 642.7 XIF0015V 47.7 200.7 88 150.7 3.22 479.7 XIF0014V 48.0 201.0 92 166.0 3.23 578.0 XIF0017V 44.0 200.6 91 150.7 3.18 650.1 XIF0016V 35.6 185.2 90 147.2 3.19 406.1 XIF0010E_2 21.0 75.0 32 43.0 3.20 205.0 XIF0010W_1 9.3 201.0 113 208.7 3.26 609.6 XIF0011E_1 18.5 132.0 68 81.5 3.26 456.2 L9650_8 36.7 128.6 55 91.9 NA 513.5 L9630_15 77.7 160.2 48 82.3 NA NA Totals /Average 755 1,230.0 m 3.22 536.6 Geotechnical Test-Works 34 samples from the main XIF geological domains that will comprise the majority of the envisioned pit walls have been sent for geotechnical test-work to the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at BIUST. Laboratory tests to be conducted: 18 samples will undergo Unconfined Compressive Strength ("UCS") testing. UCS tests the maximum axial compressive stress that a specimen can bear under zero confining stress. USC testing is a common test to understand the rock strength of a sample, and is widely used in geotechnical design for establishing an overall RMR for pit design; 8 samples will undergo Brazilian Tensile Strength testing. The Brazilian Test is a common laboratory test to indirectly determine a rock's tensile strength and is an important parameter in establishing a robust RMR for pit design. The Brazilian Test is the most widely used tensile strength test as the sample preparation and the testing procedure are efficient compared to other tensile strength tests; 8 samples will undergo Direct Shear Strength tests on a selection of common discontinuities to aid in the establishment of a robust RMR for pit design. Table 2. Shows the breakdown of the geotechnical samples by Geodomain and the test works to be performed Geodomain UCS Brazilian Tensile Strength Direct Shear Strength Kalahari Overburden (KAS) 4 Diamictite schist (DIA) 5 4 4 Weathered Diamictite schist (DIA) 4 Banded magnetite (MBA) 4 4 4 Weathered Banded magnetite MBW) 1 Weathered magnetic diamictite schist (DMW) Sub-Total 18 8 8 Total 34 Density and Magnetic Susceptibility The samples sent for iron assay have been measured for density using the Archimedean method of weighing dry and then weighing submerged in water. The average density for the Fe mineralization in these holes can be seen in Table 1. Magnetic susceptibility readings (Table 1) have been recorded on these samples providing an instant first-order understanding of the mineralogy of the iron bearing rocks being drilled. Any magnetic susceptibility readings over 100 (x10-3) are considered high and indicate a high proportion of magnetite where magnetite is the dominant magnetitic and iron bearing component within the XIF. About Botswana International University of Science and Technology The Botswana International University of Science and Technology is a Government of Botswana supported institution established as a research-intensive University that specializes in Engineering, Science and Technology at both undergraduate and graduate (Master's and Doctoral) levels. The University is a national strategic initiative that is intended to serve as one of the key platforms for transforming Botswana's economy. Because of its research emphasis, BIUST works with the private sector to meet emerging skills needs of the industry, as well as identifies challenges that can be solved through applied research. About ALS Chemex, South Africa ALS is a global leader in providing laboratory testing, inspection, certification and verification solutions with a reputation for providing quality analytical services to the global mining industry in the fields of analytical chemistry, mineralogy and metallurgical testing, commodity analysis and certification. About the XIF Project the project is located in the North-West District of Botswana and is proximate to the Namibian boarder and lies thirty (30) miles from the town of Divundu in Namibia. The Trans Caprivi Railway (TCR) line linking Zambia and Namibia is planned to pass through Divundu providing access to Walvis Bay, Namibia's deep-sea port. The project is also located within forty-three (43) miles of the proposed Mucusso line to Angola's Namibe Port; preliminary work on the Xaudum Iron project has defined a CIM compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 441 million tonnes (Mt) with an average grade of 29.4% Fe, 41.0% SiO2, 6.1% Al2O3 and 0.3% P for the Block 1 magnetite XIF; Block 1 is a fraction of the potential XIF magnetite resource. An extrapolated exploration target has defined the XIF to be in the order of 5 to 7 billion tonnes at 15- 40% Fe. This exploration target was generated by inversion modelling of ground magnetic geophysical data which was compared and moderated to volumes from drilling data within Block 1 and its potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource other than in Block 1 and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. See, Press Release of 9/14/2014 on the Company's website for further details; metallurgical magnetic separation results (Davis Tube Recovery) show an average concentrate of 67.2% Fe, 4.2% SiO2, 0.5% Al2O3, 0.07% P is obtained at P80 grind size of 80 microns, although higher grades are possible at finer P80's. See, Press Release of 12/17/2013 on the Company's website ; further exploration will be focused on Block 2 where the Company expects an increase in the resource; the XIF Project is a potential large and long-life Tier 1 mining project; the PEA will evaluate a number of options for development of the project at a variety of scales including: non-traditional but potentially profitable small-scale startup mining production options such as Ferrosilicon (FeSi) production from a magnetite concentrate, mid-size scenarios, whereby magnetite concentrate would be processed through a concentrator and transported to railhead and onto port facilities; large-scale mining options where full-scale mining would produce a magnetite concentrate processed by a concentrator plant with further potential modification to a pellet which would then be transported to port facilities; Botswana has significant coal reserves which can be a major advantage for the Xaudum Iron project, allowing for coal to be used in the beneficiation process to generate iron products such as iron pellets, sponge iron, pig iron, and also steel; and, the project would represent the first iron deposit to be considered for development in Botswana. Gcwihaba has identified the project as having the potential to positively impact the future economy of Botswana as the country looks to diversify its economy, and help Botswana to reach its goal of moving away from a dependence on diamond revenues. For more information, refer to the technical report prepared by SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. for Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Ltd. titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Xaudum Iron Project (Block 1), Republic of Botswana" with an effective date of August 29, 2014 and filed on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. An informational presentation of the project can be found on the Company's website at www.tsodiloresources.com/i/pdf/3)-Tsodilo-Iron-Project-Overview_March-2021.pdf. About Tsodilo Resources Limited Tsodilo Resources Limited is an international diamond and metals exploration company engaged in the search for economic diamond, metal deposits and industrial stone at its Bosoto (Pty) Limited ("Bosoto"), Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Limited ("Gcwihaba") and Newdico (Pty) Ltd. ("Newdico) projects in Botswana and its Idada 361 (Pty) Limited ("Idada") project in Barberton, South Africa. The Company has a 100% stake in Bosoto (Pty) Ltd. which holds the BK16 kimberlite project in the Orapa Kimberlite Field (OKF) in Botswana and the PL216/2017 diamond prospection license also in the OKF. The Company has a 100% stake in its Gcwihaba project area consisting of seven metal (base, precious, platinum group, and rare earth) prospecting licenses all located in the North-West district of Botswana. The Company has a 100% interest in its Newdico industrial stone project located in Botswana's Central District. Additionally, Tsodilo has a 70% stake in Idada Trading 361 (Pty) Limited which holds the gold and silver exploration license in the Barberton area of South Africa. Tsodilo manages the exploration of the Newdico, Gcwihaba, Bosoto and Idada projects. Overall supervision of the Company's exploration program is the responsibility of Dr. Alistair Jeffcoate, Project Manager and Chief Geologist of the Company and a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements pertaining to the use of proceeds, the impact of strategic partnerships and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company 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 the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, changes in equity markets, changes in general economic conditions, market volatility, political developments in Botswana and surrounding countries, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, exploration and development risks, the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration results and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration business. 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. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company 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, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, uncertainties relating to availability and cost of funds, timing and content of work programs, results of exploration activities, interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of recovery and breakage; estimates of grade and quality of diamonds, variations in diamond valuations and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets, reliability of mineral property titles, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals, operational and infrastructure risk and other risks involved in the diamond exploration and development business. 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. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: James M. Bruchs Chairman and Chief Executive Officer JBruchs@TsodiloResources.com Dr. Alistair Jeffcoate Project Manager and Chief Geologist Alistair.Jeffcoate@tsodiloresources.com Head Office Telephone +1 416 572 2033 Facsimile + 1 416 987 4369 Website http://www.TsodiloResources.com SOURCE: Tsodilo Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com: To Provide Mentoring to Emerging Life Science Leaders in Rare Disease Support Termeer Foundations Mission of Connecting Leaders to Catalyze New Treatments BEIJING & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CANbridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative drugs to treat rare diseases and rare cancers in China and globally, announced that James Xue, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of CANbridge Pharmaceuticals, has been invited to serve as a Termeer Foundation Mentor by the Termeer Foundation. Dr. Xue joins 22 other global life science industry leaders, distinguished by both their professional accomplishments and their desire to develop others in the field. Termeer Foundation Mentors provide mentorship to the Henri Termeer Fellows, typically company founders and first-time CEOs, who are invited to join the Henri Termeer Network, a group of emerging and established healthcare leaders who pool their collective experience to advance cures. The Termeer Foundation has awarded 20 fellowships since 2018. I spent some of my most formative career years at Genzyme working under the brilliant and inspiring direction of Henri Termeer, who was also a mentor and the Founding Chair of the CANbridge Advisory Board, said James Xue, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of CANbridge Pharmaceuticals. I believe deeply in the Termeer Foundation vision of a life science world made better by connecting and pooling the experience of its leaders to create treatments that can change lives, as Henri did. As a leader in the rare disease space in China and globally, I believe that CANbridge has a unique perspective which I look forward to sharing with the industrys emerging innovators. We are delighted to welcome James to the Termeer Network as a Mentor, where we know his talents, experience and dedication to the rare disease world will aptly carry out the vision of the Termeer Foundation and be a fitting tribute to the mentorship Henri provided to him, said Belinda Termeer, President, Co-Founder and Member of the Board of Directors of The Termeer Foundation. Dr. Xue is also the Co-Founder and Deputy Director General of China Alliance for Rare Disease (CARD); Deputy Director General of Shanghai Foundation for Rare Disease; Vice Chair of the R&D Committee of China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association (PHIRDA), and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Joint Institute of Peking University Health Science Center and University of Michigan Medical School. About The Termeer Foundation Building on the bold legacy of Henri Termeer, who pioneered groundbreaking treatments for rare diseases, The Termeer Foundation connects life science innovators and catalyzes the creation of new medicines. The Foundations network of emerging and established healthcare innovators cultivates tomorrows leaders and leverages their collective expertise to solve complex problems in drug development and accessibility. The Foundation also integrates its network with academic institutions, nonprofits, regulatory agencies and other organizations across the global healthcare ecosystem to provide expert counsel, stimulate innovation, eliminate barriers to progress, and ultimately connect the world of healthcare until every patient has a cure. Visit us at www.termeerfoundation.org or on LinkedIn @TermeerFoundation. About CANbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. CANbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company accelerating development and commercialization of treatments for orphan diseases and rare cancers to address unmet medical needs. CANbridge has a global partnership with WuXi Biologics to develop and commercialize proprietary therapeutics for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. In greater China, where it is a recognized leader in rare diseases, CANbridge has an exclusive licensing agreement to commercialize Hunterase, an enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Hunter syndrome (also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II), developed by GC Pharma and marketed in more than 12 countries worldwide. CANbridge also has entered into a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with LogicBio Therapeutics to develop, manufacture and commercialize gene therapy candidates for treatments for Fabry and Pompe diseases. CANbridge also has a collaborative agreement with the Horae Gene Therapy Center at UMass Medical School for the research and development of gene therapies to treat rare genetic diseases. For more on CANbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc., please go to: www.canbridgepharma.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512005360/en/ Investor Relations: ir@canbridgepharma.com Media: Deanne Eagle Planet Communications deanne@planetcommunications.nyc 917.837.5866 Source: CANbridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kioxia Corporation, the world leader in memory solutions, today announced a 20 billion yen investment to expand its Technology Development Building at its Yokohama Technology Campus and to establish its new Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center. The new facilities are expected to be operational by 2023 and will strengthen Kioxias research and technology development by bringing together its R&D sites in Kanagawa Prefecture to improve efficiency and to create a more conducive working environment for innovation through collaboration. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006128/en/ Artist's impression of Yokohama Technology Campus Technology Development Building (Graphic: Business Wire) At the Yokohama Technology Campus, the expanded Technology Development Building will nearly double the space of the current facility, allowing Kioxia to expand its product evaluation capabilities that will, in turn, increase its product quality. The expanded facility will also provide space for an increased workforce to strengthen product development in the future. The new building will also feature an environmentally friendly design with highly efficient energy-saving equipment. The Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center will feature a clean room which will be used for a wide range of research, with a particular focus on materials and new processes. By investing in these facilities, Kioxia aims to strengthen its flash memory and SSD technology development capabilities to meet increasing demand around the world and to create innovative memory technologies and products that provide new value. Under its mission of uplifting the world with memory, Kioxia is focused on cultivating the new era of memory. Kioxia remains committed to enhancing its position in the memory and SSD industry through capital investment and research and development that reflect market trends. Yokohama Technology Campus Technology Development Building (tentative name) Location: Kasama 2-chome, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Building scale: 6 stories Total floor area: Approx. 40,000m2 Scheduled start of construction: Autumn 2021 Scheduled completion: Summer 2023 Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center (tentative name) Location: Moriya-cho 3-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Building scale: 4 stories Total floor area: Approx. 13,000m2 Operation schedule: Summer 2023 About Kioxia Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with memory by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006128/en/ Kota Yamaji Public Relations Kioxia Holdings Corporation 81-3-6478-2319 kioxia-hd-pr@kioxia.com Source: Kioxia Corporation THE HAGUE, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aegon announced today that Maarten Edixhoven will step down as CEO of Aegon the Netherlands and member of the Management Board, effective May 11, 2021. After seven years at Aegon, of which nearly five as CEO of Aegons Dutch business, Maarten has decided to continue his career outside the organization. Under his leadership, Aegon the Netherlands has become a nimbler and more customer-centric organization. Lard Friese, CEO Aegon N.V., said: During his years at Aegon, Maarten has always shown a passion for building a sustainable business. He is known as a compassionate leader, dedicated to our customers and employees. As a member of the Management Board, Maarten made sure to always bring the external perspective to the table. On behalf of all colleagues at Aegon, I would like to thank Maarten for his valuable contributions to our company and wish him all the best in his new role. There is never a right time to say goodbye, and I have given this decision a lot of thought. It has been a great pleasure to be part of Aegon, and I am proud of what we have accomplished during the years I had the privilege to lead the Dutch business. I want to thank my colleagues across the whole organization for their support and collaboration over the years and wish them great success for the future, said Maarten Edixhoven. The process to identify a successor is underway. Further announcements will be made when appropriate. About Aegon Aegons roots go back more than 175 years to the first half of the nineteenth century. Since then, Aegon has grown into an international company, with businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Today, Aegon is one of the worlds leading financial services organizations, providing life insurance, pensions and asset management. Aegons purpose is to help people achieve a lifetime of financial security. More information on aegon.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210510006061/en/ Media relations Kathrin de Graaf +31(0) 6 12 37 66 16 kathrin.degraaf@aegon.com Investor relations Jan Willem Weidema +31(0) 70 344 8028 janwillem.weidema@aegon.com Source: Aegon Conference Call to be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm EDT DUBLIN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: NAVB) (Navidea or the Company), a company focused on the development of precision immunodiagnostic agents and immunotherapeutics, today announced its financial results for the first quarter for the period ended March 31, 2021. We are continuing a positive dialogue with the FDA and are moving as quickly as we can to fully document all the data from Arm 3 of NAV3-31, said Mr. Jed A. Latkin, Chief Executive Officer of Navidea. We are also excited to begin patient enrollment for NAV3-32 both here in the U.S. and in the UK. First Quarter 2021 Highlights and Subsequent Events Submitted a formal Type B Meeting Request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA granted the Type B Meeting and reviewed the formal briefing documents Navidea submitted containing results from the NAV3-31 Phase 2B study and the proposed Phase 3 design and protocol. Following the feedback received from the FDA at the end of March 2021, the Company continues to work toward completing the analysis of the full trial dataset in preparation for the standard End of Phase 2 Type B meeting and in preparation for the Phase 3 study. Achieved last patient, last visit in the Companys NAV3-31 Phase 2B study. Study closeout and data analysis are ongoing. Opened the first US site, Northwestern University, as well as the primary UK site, Queen Mary University of London, for enrollment in the Companys NAV3-32 Phase 2B trial comparing Tc99m tilmanocept imaging to histopathology of joints of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Opened the NAV3-35 trial to establish a normative database of healthy controls for Tc99m tilmanocept imaging in rheumatoid arthritis. Continued enrollment in the Investigator-Initiated Phase 2 trial being run at the Massachusetts General Hospital evaluating Tc99m tilmanocept uptake in atherosclerotic plaques of HIV-infected individuals. Received a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the patent application: Compounds and methods for diagnosis and treatment of viral infections (U.S. Patent Application 15/729,635). Announced that the results from the Companys preclinical studies of its targeted cancer immunotherapeutic agent will be presented as a poster at the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy Symposium 2021. The poster is titled, Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin (DOX) to Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) Beneficially Alters the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Synergizes the Activity of Anti-CTLA4. Entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement and Letter of Investment Intent with an existing investor, pursuant to which the Company issued to the investor 50,000 shares of newly-designated Series E Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (the Series E Preferred Stock) for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. The Series E Preferred Stock is convertible into a maximum of 2,173,913 shares of Common Stock. Appointed Amit Bhalla to the Companys Board of Directors. Mr. Bhalla brings a wealth of financial experience to the board. Michael Rosol, Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer for Navidea, said, The clinical research team is working diligently to advance the technology in key disease areas, with an emphasis on our RA program. We are completing the analysis of the full dataset from the NAV3-31 Phase 2B trial as well as planning for the Phase 3 trial. We continue to prepare for initiation of this trial and have opened up key sites for enrollment into the NAV3-32 Phase 2B trial comparing tilmanocept imaging to synovial tissue biopsy samples of RA patients. Concurrent with all of this, we continue to make exciting progress in our therapeutics pipeline, some of which will be presented this month at the NYAS conference, and we expect to continue to advance these towards the clinic. Financial Results Total net revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were $124,000, compared to $156,000 for the same period in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreased grant revenue related to Small Business Innovation Research grants from the National Institutes of Health supporting Manocept development, offset by the partial recovery in the first quarter of 2021 of debts previously written off in 2015. Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $1.2 million, compared to $999,000 in the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily due to net increases in drug project expenses, including increased Manocept diagnostic and therapeutic development costs and increased Tc99m development costs, offset by decreased employee compensation. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $2.2 million, compared to $1.8 million in the same period in 2020. The net increase was primarily due to increased legal and professional services, insurance, investor relations services, and employee compensation, offset by decreased franchise taxes. Navideas net loss attributable to common stockholders for the first quarter of 2021 was $3.0 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.13 per share, for the same period in 2020. Navidea ended the first quarter of 2021 with $7.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. Conference Call Details Investors and the public are invited to dial into the earnings call through the information listed below, or participate via the audio webcast on the company website. Participants who would like to ask questions during the question and answer session will be prompted by the moderator, who will provide instructions. Event: Q1 2021 Earnings and Business Update Conference Call Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Time: 5:00 p.m. (EDT) U.S. & Canada Dial-in: 877-407-0312 International Dial-in: +1 201-389-0899 Conference ID: 13718969 Webcast Link: https://webcasts.eqs.com/navidbioph20210511/en A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of Navideas corporate website at www.navidea.com. In addition, the recorded conference call can be replayed and will be available for 90 days following the call on Navideas website. About Navidea Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: NAVB) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision immunodiagnostic agents and immunotherapeutics. Navidea is developing multiple precision-targeted products based on its Manocept platform to enhance patient care by identifying the sites and pathways of disease and enable better diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and targeted treatment. Navideas Manocept platform is predicated on the ability to specifically target the CD206 mannose receptor expressed on activated macrophages. The Manocept platform serves as the molecular backbone of Tc99m tilmanocept, the first product developed and commercialized by Navidea based on the platform. Navideas strategy is to deliver superior growth and shareholder return by bringing to market novel products and advancing the Companys pipeline through global partnering and commercialization efforts. For more information, please visit www.navidea.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations regarding pending litigation and other matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things: our history of operating losses and uncertainty of future profitability; the final outcome of any pending litigation; our ability to successfully complete research and further development of our drug candidates; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals of our drug candidates; our ability to successfully commercialize our drug candidates; dependence on royalties and grant revenue; our ability to implement our growth strategy; anticipated trends in our business; our limited product line and distribution channels; advances in technologies and development of new competitive products; our ability to comply with the NYSE American continued listing standards; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; the impact of the current coronavirus pandemic; and other risk factors detailed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings. You are urged to carefully review and consider the disclosures found in our SEC filings, which are available at http://www.sec.gov or at http://ir.navidea.com. Investors are urged to consider statements that include the words will, may, could, should, plan, continue, designed, goal, forecast, future, believe, intend, expect, anticipate, estimate, project, and similar expressions, as well as the negatives of those words or other comparable words, to be uncertain forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, any of which could turn out to be incorrect. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this report. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this report may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. NAVIDEA BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, December 31, 2021 2020 (unaudited) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,507,319 $ 2,670,495 Other current assets 1,320,720 3,857,833 Non-current assets 1,249,036 1,229,690 Total assets $ 10,077,075 $ 7,758,018 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current liabilities $ 4,158,754 $ 4,715,105 Deferred revenue, non-current 700,000 700,000 Other liabilities 209,439 296,006 Total liabilities 5,068,193 5,711,111 Navidea stockholders' equity 4,277,581 1,315,604 Noncontrolling interest 731,301 731,303 Total stockholders' equity 5,008,882 2,046,907 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 10,077,075 $ 7,758,018 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2021 2020 (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue $ 123,737 $ 156,272 Cost of revenue - 609 Gross profit 123,737 155,663 Operating expenses: Research and development 1,222,754 999,269 Selling, general and administrative 2,230,745 1,827,754 Total operating expenses 3,453,499 2,827,023 Loss from operations (3,329,762 ) (2,671,360 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (2,875 ) (2,372 ) Gain on extinguishment of debt 366,000 - Other, net (255 ) 124 Net loss (2,966,892 ) (2,673,608 ) Less (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest (2 ) 2 Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (2,966,890 ) $ (2,673,610 ) Loss attributable to common stockholders per common share (basic and diluted) $ (0.11 ) $ (0.13 ) Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted) 28,066,296 20,203,636 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210511006055/en/ Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Jed Latkin Chief Executive Officer 614-973-7490 jlatkin@navidea.com Source: Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. MIAMI, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces today that reservations are live for the brand's latest property: Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Reservations are currently being accepted for stays starting Labor Day weekend and can be made directly on the hotel's website virginhotels.com/new-orleans or by calling (833) 859-0044. Breakthrough technology evaluates cognitive function when a brain disorder such as injury, dementia or neurological impacts of COVID-19 are suspected HAMILTON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VoxNeuro announces the release of their software as a medical device, the Cognitive Health Assessment Management Platform (CHAMP), as they pave their way to the US market. With successful registration with the FDA as a Medical Device Establishment for the distribution of the CHAMP software, a Class II Exempt Medical Device, VoxNeuro is on plan to globally change the way brain health is managed and treated. CHAMP works in tandem with VoxNeuros Cognitive Health AssessmentTM to proactively track cognitive health throughout aging, and to evaluate cognitive function when a brain disorder or symptoms related to cognitive dysfunction are suspected. Types of brain disorders that can impact cognitive function include concussion, traumatic brain injury, dementia or neurological impacts of COVID-19. Common symptoms tied to cognitive dysfunction include fatigue, memory loss or brain fog. By analyzing electroencephalographic event-related potential (ERP) data gathered during the 15-minute assessment, CHAMP provides rapid, objective and actionable scores of four key cognitive functions: memory, information processing, attention & concentration. The data assists clinicians in the diagnostic process, helping them make more accurate diagnoses faster. Clinicians also use the data to inform customized treatments and track how well treatments are working over time, thus helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. This is a great day for people suffering from neurological disorders and the dedicated clinicians who are always searching for better ways to evaluate them, said Dr. John F. Connolly, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of VoxNeuro. Clinicians will have more certainty, with more objective information about how a patients brain is functioning. That certainty will help facilitate faster and better diagnoses and more effective treatments for patients. The FDA registration enables VoxNeuro to expand the distribution of its technology from where it was developed, the research-intensive McMaster University, across the United States. Simply put, this technology will empower Americans to take control of their brain health, Connolly added. VoxNeuro has worked closely with the Principle of Western New York Medical Imaging Group over the past year on market entrance strategy. "VoxNeuro's technology is the breakthrough the medical field has been looking for, for decades. No other neuroimaging tool can quantify cognitive function with the speed and precision provided by VoxNeuro." said Dr. Joseph Serghany, Diagnostic Radiology Specialist. This milestone is the trigger to activate our plans to use VoxNeuro across our practice. Were very excited by the impact VoxNeuros technology will have on our industry and our ability to better serve our patients and our network with the most accurate information available on cognitive function. I have enjoyed working with the VoxNeuro team to identify the various options of commercializing their new medical device. FDA registration represents the first step to market in the US and I look forward to continuing to work with VoxNeuro to develop and commercialize future generations of the Company's technology, said Michael Drues, Ph.D., VoxNeuro Regulatory Consultant. Ty J. Shattuck, Chief Executive Officer of McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) where VoxNeuro is headquartered, said VoxNeuro is a prime example to highlight how MIP is positioned to help innovation flourish. VoxNeuros accomplishment is evidence that our ecosystem is leveraging the right resources for our Tenant Ventures, said Mr. Shattuck who acted as a catalyst for the VoxNeuro team by connecting them with expert industry players at MIP. Our goal is to drive new collaborations and we rely on the expertise of our advisors and investors who are pivotal in the continued success of MIPs thriving ecosystem. The team at VoxNeuro is exceptional to work with. They are focused on their mission and receptive to the recommendations we provide. All of MIP is celebrating with them on reaching such an exciting milestone. Last September, VoxNeuro was selected by a panel of venture capitalists and leaders in the digital health ecosystem as 1 of 11 companies to participate in the Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTA) Digital Health program. The bi-coastal program was led by the Consulate General of Canada in New York and San Francisco, connecting VoxNeuro with key players and resources to facilitate US expansion. VoxNeuro was selected as one of Canadas most promising early-stage digital health start-ups based on their potential for growth and market impact. It has been a pleasure to witness VoxNeuros trajectory and see the impact of the expertise offered by the Canadian Technology Accelerator program in action. The program supported VoxNeuro's introduction to key experts that assisted with their US go-to-market and billing strategy and opened the door to large prospective strategic partners said Molly Rafelson, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Technology Accelerator. "We look forward to watching VoxNeuro continue to scale into new markets on their journey to improving healthcare globally." About VoxNeuro Give the brain a voice VoxNeuro is positioned to globally change the way brain health is managed and treated. Backed by more than 30 years of peer-reviewed scientific research, the neurotechnology scores multiple core cognitive functions to support proactive brain health, informed clinical decision-making and customized care. By analyzing the electrical activity of the brain, VoxNeuro scores its cognitive performance in memory, information processing, attention & concentration. VoxNeuro is headquartered at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, ON, Canada. For more information visit www.voxneuro.com Available at VoxNeuro Test Centers. To learn more, follow VoxNeuro on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210511005877/en/ Krystle McGilp (416) 953-6009 krystle@infinitycomm.ca Leanne Bucaro (289) 242-4003 leanne@infinitycomm.ca Source: VoxNeuro FILE PHOTO: Houses sit in floodwater caused by Hurricane Florence, in this aerial picture, on the outskirts of Lumberton, North Carolina, U.S. September 17, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Miczek By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve has asked lenders to start providing information on the measures they are taking to mitigate climate change-related risks to their balance sheets, according to four people with knowledge of the matter. The previously unreported supervisory discussions highlight how U.S. watchdogs are moving to execute President Joe Biden's agenda to incorporate climate risk into the financial regulatory system, with potentially major ramifications for Wall Street. While European regulators are this year rolling-out climate-change "stress tests" for lenders, the Fed lags its peers. Fed officials have previously said they are considering a new scenario analysis to help them understand how climate change may affect trillions of dollars' worth of bank assets, but have not said how or when they would start to apply such tests. In private discussions, however, Fed supervisors have begun pressing large lenders to detail the measures they are taking to understand how their loan books would perform under certain climate change scenarios, the four people said. Fed officials have not dictated the parameters for the analysis but have made it clear they expect lenders to conduct the internal risk-management exercises and hand over the data, the people said. That analysis includes testing the geographical exposure of bank assets to physical risks such as flooding, drought and wildfires, as well as testing exposures to different sectors, such as how oil and gas loans may perform versus renewable energy loans. The aim of the tests is to identify risks, but the Fed has not indicated that the data it is gathering would translate into any additional capital charges or other regulatory actions. "They're being very pragmatic. They're doing their homework," said one of the people. Global banks -- including JPMorgan, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley -- have been exploring the implications of climate change for some time, both internally and in some cases with European regulators like the Bank of England who are more aggressively integrating climate change risks into the regulatory framework. Nevertheless, the new climate scrutiny from the U.S. central bank adds to the pressure on Wall Street lenders, forcing them to make investments in technology, data management and staff. "The data work is a big deal," said another of the sources. The banks did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the private discussions with the Fed. STRESS TESTS Climate change could upend the financial system because physical threats such as rising sea levels, as well as policies and carbon-neutral technologies aimed at slowing global warming, could destroy trillions of dollars of assets, risk experts say. In a 2020 report, a Commodity Futures Trading Commission panel cited data estimating that $1 trillion to $4 trillion of global wealth tied to fossil fuel assets could be lost. The Fed in January appointed Kevin Stiroh, one of its top supervisors, to lead a new team focusing on climate-related financial risks, but some congressional Democrats are pushing the central bank to move much faster and add climate risks to bank stress tests which dictate Wall Street's capital plans. In March, Fed governor Lael Brainard said that climate scenario tests could be helpful but that they would also rely on qualitative judgments and be highly uncertain. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said the agency will tread carefully and focus on incorporating climate change into existing regulatory obligations, as opposed to creating strict new rules. It is unclear, though, if he will be renominated to lead the Fed after his term expires next year, while his vice chair Randal Quarles, a Republican appointee who oversees bank regulation, is expected to leave this year. Progressive groups say there is much more the central bank could do to address climate risks, even if it does not want to go as far as its European counterparts. Tim Clark, a former senior Fed official who helped build its stress tests after the 2008 financial crisis, said it should publicly communicate that it expects banks to incorporate climate change into their risk management processes. "That's something they can basically start right now and make it clear to the industry that they expect banks to be working hard on this." (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Michelle Price and Lisa Shumaker) FILE PHOTO: The ticker and logo for State Street Corporation is displayed on a screen at the post where it's traded on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., June 30, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -State Street Corp agreed to pay a $115 million criminal penalty and enter a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve charges the bank defrauded customers by secretly overcharging them for back-office expenses, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Thursday. According to settlement papers, State Street admitted that from 1998 to 2015 its executives defrauded customers out of more than $290 million through hidden markups. The Boston-based company also admitted that its executives tried to conceal the markups by leaving the details off invoices and "actively" misleading customers who questioned them. State Street defrauded customers "in a most pedestrian way: They tacked on hidden markups to routine charges for out-of-pocket expenses," Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Mendell said in a statement. The two-year deferred prosecution agreement resolves a wire fraud conspiracy charge, and requires State Street to retain an independent compliance monitor. It also took into account the company's cooperation and agreement to reimburse victims fully. "We regret these overcharges," State Street said in a statement. "We have also invested, and continue to invest, significant resources to improve and strengthen our invoicing processes, controls and governance." The bank said it previously set aside funds to cover the settlement. State Street is one of the world's largest custodial banks, which provide services such as accounting, asset valuations, currency trading, portfolio servicing and stock lending. It had $40.3 trillion of assets under custody and administration as of March 31, as well as $3.59 trillion of assets under management. Thursday's accord followed $94.3 million of related civil settlements in June 2019 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. State Street agreed separately in January 2017 to enter a deferred prosecution agreement and pay $64.6 million to resolve criminal and civil charges it imposed secret commissions on securities trades. And in July 2016 it agreed to pay $530 million to settle regulatory probes and private lawsuits concerning overcharges on foreign currency transactions. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; ADditional reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Leslie Adler, Dan Grebler and Cynthia Osterman) Airshare announces purchase of three Challenger 350 aircraft for delivery by year end with options for an additional 17 business jets over the next few years Market-leading Challenger 350 aircraft is ideally suited to launch Airshare into super midsize segment The high-performing Challenger 350 aircraft is the undisputed champion of successful fleet operators MONTREAL, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier today welcomed Airshare as its newest fleet operator for its best-selling Challenger 350 business jets. Airshare has ordered three super midsize Challenger 350 aircraft, with options for 17 more, which will enable the Kansas City-based private aviation company to double the size of its fractional ownership fleet in the near future. We appreciate the confidence Airshare has expressed in our Challenger 350 aircraft. This jet is the all-round performer. No other aircraft in the category comes close to its superior reliability, range, speed, performance, cabin experience and operating costs, said Eric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. Airshare is one of the most successful fractional programs in the country. We are proud they have chosen the Challenger 350 aircraft to anchor their fleet, and we are extremely excited about the potential of this long-term partnership. The addition of super midsize jets into our fleet represents a significant milestone in our vision to intelligently expand the Airshare brand nationally, said John Owen, President and CEO of Airshare. Considerable due diligence went into choosing the Challenger 350 business jet, with input from our current customers and contributions from every department in the company. Partnering with Bombardier puts us in an excellent position to attract future customers who have wanted to join our program but desired a larger aircraft with greater range, while also ensuring we continue to deliver best-in-class service that has become synonymous with Airshare. Airshare selected the Challenger 350 aircraft as the catalyst for strategically expanding its revolutionary fractional ownership program beyond its core markets in the central United States, with the goal to soon begin serving customers on the East Coast. Airshares days-based program appeals to both business and leisure travelers seeking to maximize their efficiency and productivity. Airshares fractional program provides each owner of a 1/16th share with 20 days and unlimited flight time (based on a customers allocation of days with a maximum 14-hour crew duty day). When Airshare shareowners begin and end in the same location, while keeping the aircraft and crew with them, they save up to 35 per cent off their hourly rate. Having the pilots and aircraft stay with shareowners as they travel provides the ultimate in flexibility as they are able to visit multiple locations and adjust their schedules at a moments notice. Airshare also offers its own jet card program, EMBARK, as well as aircraft management, on-demand charter and maintenance services. In 2020, the Challenger 350 business jet once again cemented its position as the most-delivered business jet in the Medium category seven years in a row. A true powerhouse in the industry, the Challenger 350 aircraft sets the standard by which other super midsize aircraft are compared. To complement its superior performance capabilities, Bombardier continues to introduce value-added enhancements to the Challenger 350 aircraft cabin, including an expanded selection of stylish interior design schemes, high-speed Ka-band connectivity and an advanced cabin management system. The Challenger 350 aircraft also sets the benchmark for its impressive dispatch reliability rate along with the lowest direct operating costs in its category, thanks to affordable maintenance programs and longer maintenance intervals than any competitor. About AirshareAirshare is the safe and simple way to fly private. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kan., the private aviation company serves fractional shareowners and EMBARK jet cardholders across the central United States. Airshare has received IS-BAO Stage 3 and ARGUS Platinum designations, meeting the highest international standards for safe flight operations. The company operates a fleet of super midsize and light jets within their fractional and EMBARK programs. Airshare provides whole aircraft management and charter services nationwide, while also providing comprehensive maintenance services for third-party aircraft. For more information visit www.flyairshare.com. About BombardierBombardier is a global leader in aviation, creating innovative and game-changing planes. Our products and services provide world-class experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier is present in more than 12 countries including its production/engineering sites and its customer support network. The Corporation supports a worldwide fleet of more than 4,900 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments and private individuals. News and information is available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier. Bombardier, Challenger and Challenger 350 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For informationBombardier Anna Cristofaro+ 1 514-855-8678anna.cristofaro@aero.bombardier.com Airshare Bill Patterson, VMLY&R for Airshare+ 1 816-674-4446bill.patterson@vmlyr.com Source: Bombardier Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) announces that at the Companys 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on May 12, 2021 in Vancouver, shareholders voted in favour of all items of business. A total of 67,521,897 votes were cast or represented by proxy at the AGM, representing 41.25% of the outstanding common shares as of the record date. The following is a tabulation of the votes submitted by proxy: Director Votes for Votes withheld Percent for Percent withheld Margaret M. Beck 34,983,870 749,106 97.90% 2.10% Ricardo M. Campoy 35,070,420 662,556 98.15% 1.85% Bradford J. Cooke 33,801,339 1,931,637 94.59% 5.41% Geoffrey A. Handley 33,025,727 2,707,250 92.42% 7.58% Rex J. McLennan 34,891,330 841,646 97.64% 2.36% Kenneth Pickering 35,004,529 728,448 97.96% 2.04% Mario D. Szotlender 34,601,368 1,131,608 96.83% 3.17% All director nominees were re-elected. By a vote by show of hands, shareholders voted 98.09% in favour of re-appointing KPMG LLP as auditor of the Company and authorized the Board to fix the auditor's remuneration for the ensuing year. In addition, shareholders also voted 97.51% in favour to reconfirm the Stock Option Plan, as amended by Amendment No. 5 and 97.75% in favour of the Share Unit Plan. As previously announced, effective today, Bradford Cooke has been appointed Executive Chair of the Board and has stepped down as CEO. Dan Dickson has assumed the role of CEO and has been appointed to the Board, Christine West has assumed the role of CFO and Rex McLennan has been selected as Lead Director of Endeavour. Geoff Handley has stepped down as Chairman but plans to remain an active Director of the Company. Bradford Cooke commented, I want to thank all of the people who have supported me over the past 17 years in building up Endeavour Silver to the Company it is today, including our management team, board of directors and of course our shareholders. We have done some great things together but we are not half done yet. The time has come to pass the management baton to our rising stars, Dan Dickson and Christine West. I plan to stay active with Endeavour, utilizing my knowledge of and contacts in the mining industry to continue building a bigger and better Company, and supporting Dan and Christine in their new roles. We appreciate the vote of confidence of our directors and shareholders. About Endeavour Silver Endeavour Silver Corp. is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that owns and operates three high-grade, underground, silver-gold mines in Mexico. Endeavour is currently advancing the Terronera mine project towards a development decision and exploring its portfolio of exploration and development projects in Mexico and Chile to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders. SOURCE Endeavour Silver Corp. Contact Information: Galina Meleger, Director Investor RelationsToll free: (877) 685-9775Tel: (604) 640-4804Email: gmeleger@edrsilver.com Website: www.edrsilver.com Follow Endeavour Silver on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn Source: Endeavour Silver Corporation MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), (goeasy or the Company), a leading full-service provider of goods and alternative financial services, announced that all of the nominee directors listed in the management proxy circular dated April 1, 2021 were elected as directors of goeasy. The vote was conducted at the Companys Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders, which took place on May 12, 2021. The results of the vote are set out below: Director Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld Donald K. Johnson 8,064,075 96.89 % 258,670 3.11 % David Ingram 8,156,019 98.00 % 166,726 2.00 % David Appel 8,169,736 98.16 % 153,009 1.84 % Sean Morrison 8,182,124 98.31 % 140,621 1.69 % Karen Basian 8,192,544 98.44 % 130,201 1.56 % Susan Doniz 8,018,089 96.34 % 304,656 3.66 % Honourable James Moore 7,742,917 93.03 % 579,828 6.97 % Tara Deakin 8,219,839 98.76 % 102,906 1.24 % Jason Mullins 8,300,482 99.73 % 22,263 0.27 % Final results on all matters voted at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 12, 2021 have already been filed with the Canadian securities regulators. About goeasy goeasy Ltd., a Canadian company, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, provides non-prime leasing and lending services through its easyhome, easyfinancial and LendCare brands. Supported by more than 2,200 employees, the Company offers a wide variety of financial products and services including unsecured and secured instalment loans. Customers can transact seamlessly through an omni-channel model that includes an online and mobile platform, over 400 locations across Canada, and point-of-sale financing offered in the retail, power sports, automotive, home improvement and healthcare verticals, through more than 4,000 merchants across Canada. Throughout the Companys history, it has acquired and organically served over 1 million Canadians and originated over $6.4 billion in loans, with one in three easyfinancial customers graduating to prime credit and 60% increasing their credit score within 12 months of borrowing. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, goeasy is the proud recipient of several awards including Waterstone Canadas Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Glassdoor Top CEO Award, Achievers Top 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in North America, Greater Toronto Top Employers Award, the Digital Finance Institutes Canadas Top 50 FinTech Companies, ranking on the TSX30 and placing on the Report on Business ranking of Canadas Top Growing Companies. The company and its employees believe strongly in giving back to the communities in which it operates and has raised over $3.8 million to support its long-standing partnerships with BGC Canada, Habitat for Humanity and many other local charities. goeasy Ltd.s. common shares are listed on the TSX under the trading symbol GSY. goeasy is rated BB- with a stable trend from S&P and Ba3 with a stable trend from Moodys. Visit www.goeasy.com. For further information contact: Jason MullinsPresident & Chief Executive Officer(905) 272-2788 Farhan Ali KhanSenior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations(905) 272-2788 Source: goeasy Ltd. OTTAWA, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Childrens Healthcare Canada, UNICEF Canada, Pediatric Chairs of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH), will be hosting a virtual event to launch the Inspiring Healthy Futures report, an unprecedented, collaborative vision for Canadas future for children, youth and families. Launch Details include: Date: May 14, 2021Time: 1:30 PM EDTLocation: Virtual event via Zoom https://childrenshealthcarecanada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8Z7LEafdSFunEldu9K8ycg There will be media availability post launch. For all other media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Madiganjmadigan@syntaxstrategic.ca613-884-0209 Source: Childrens Healthcare Canada TORONTO, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global construction firm, Multiplex, announced today that it has joined the IBI Group-led (TSX: IBG) Smart City Sandbox. The Sandbox launched in 2018 as a group of like-minded public- and private-sector partners including IBI Group, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Centre of Innovation, The Weather Network, Slate Asset Management, EllisDon and Microsoft as technology provider with a mission to foster innovative new products and solutions focused on improving the quality of life in urban environments. With its interest in construction innovation, Multiplex looks forward to synergies among the partnership and broader community, while bringing its domain knowledge and routes-to-market to bear for Sandbox start-ups and SMEs. As part of the partnership, Multiplex will gain access to the physical and virtual Smart City Sandbox environments to support the firms advancement of innovative ideas and technology solutions for the built environment. In addition to access to events, new product launches, meetings with start-ups, and participation in the exchange of ideas with Sandbox partners and community members, Multiplex brings its territory expertise in the construction sector to the Sandbox community, as well as expert knowledge and guidance on the future of construction and technology innovation demands within the sector. Technology is disrupting the entire ecosystem of cities, from the planning and design stages, through to construction, maintenance and operations. I am very pleased to welcome Multiplex into the Sandbox community; an organization that brings insight and domain knowledge in a key area of technology disruption for cities, the construction sector. Multiplex and IBI share a common tenet, that having an open network of collaborators, with both established and emerging players representing all aspects of the urban environment, is where the best and most effective solutions for cities will come from, said IBI Group CEO, Scott Stewart. Multiplex is thrilled to join like-minded industry partners in the Sandbox to innovate and drive Torontos built environment forward. Scott and the IBI team behind this project really are visionaries. The Sandbox concept is a marvel, and we are very excited to be part of it, said Terry Olynyk, Multiplex President and Managing Director, Canada. The vision of the Smart City Sandbox is to cultivate the next generation of smart buildings and infrastructure in cities. It offers entrepreneurs and start-ups an opportunity to explore new technologies and innovations, while gaining access to expert knowledge, data, mentoring, and potential funding and routes to market through Sandbox partners. Developed by IBI Group, and designed in-house by its corporate interiors team, the award-winning physical Sandbox, (located at 55 St. Clair Avenue West in Toronto) was transformed into a dynamic virtual environment as a result of the pandemic, through a digital twin model designed by IBIs technology professionals. The virtual Sandbox offers community members the unique opportunity to increase the profile of their brand and latest smart city advances by leveraging a curated digital space alongside themed programming and events. Visit smartcitysandbox.com for more information, or contact Julia Harper to get in touch with the Sandbox team and/or IBI Group, and Maddison Sharples to get in touch with Multiplex. About IBI Group IBI Group Inc. (TSX: IBG) is a technology-driven design firm with global architecture, engineering, planning, and technology expertise spanning over 60 offices and 3,000 professionals around the world. For nearly 50 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities thrive when designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. Follow IBI Group on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Multiplex Multiplex is a premier, global construction company that has been shaping skylines and delivering landmark property and infrastructure projects for almost 60 years. They are a leading international contractor with a focus on sustainable growth, strong relationships and local market expertise in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and India. Established in Australia in 1962, Multiplexs work to date comprises more than 980 projects with a combined value in excess of US$80 billion, globally. With 27 completed and current projects in the Toronto GTA, Multiplex has built a reputation in the marketplace for their collaborative approach and working shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, consultants and trade partners to bring project visions to life. Media Contacts:Julia HarperIBI GroupJulia.harper@ibigroup.com1-647-330-4706 Maddison SharplesMultiplexMaddison.sharples@multiplex.global1-647-981-1670 Source: IBI Group, Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nanotech Security Corp. (TSXV: NTS) (OTCQX: NTSFF) (Nanotech or the Company), a leader in the development of secure and visually memorable nano-optic security features used in the government and banknote and brand protection markets, announces that President and CEO Troy Bullock will present the Companys corporate presentation at the Sidoti Virtual Microcap Conference for Investors on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 1:45pm EDT. Mr. Bullock and CFO Monika Russell will host 1-on-1 investor meetings throughout May 19 and 20, 2021. Nanotech has continued to execute on its fiscal 2021 growth plans, having achieved 30% year-over-year revenue growth in our most recent quarter, said Nanotech President and CEO Troy Bullock. We expect to continue building upon this momentum in the second half of fiscal 2021 and look forward to introducing Nanotech to Sidoti microcap investors and explaining the effectiveness of our growth strategy. Sidoti & Company Microcap Virtual Conference Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Time: 1:45 PM Eastern Time/10:45 AM Pacific Time To attend the conference, register here. 1-on-1 investor meetings are available and will be scheduled and conducted via private, secure video conference through the conference event platform. Conference registration is required to book 1-on-1 investor meetings. About Sidoti & Company For over two decades, Sidoti has been a premier provider of independent securities research focused specifically on small and microcap companies and the institutions that invest their securities. Their approach affords institutional investor clients a combination of high-quality research, a small and microcap focused nationwide sales effort, broad access to corporate management teams, and extensive trading support. They serve nearly 500 institutional clients in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., including many leading managers of portfolios with $200 million to $2 billion of assets. https://sidoticonference.com/ FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated developments in our operations in future periods and events or conditions that may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as plan, expects, pursue, will, and similar expressions or statements generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. In light of the risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this news release will be realized. About Nanotech With billions of security features in circulation, Nanotechs products include secure and memorable security labels, stripes, patches, and colour-shifting foils for currency authentication and brand protection. KolourOptik is a patented visual technology that is exclusive to the government and banknote market and combines sub-wavelength nanostructures and microstructures to create modern overt security features with a unique and customizable optical effect. KolourOptik pure plasmonic colour pixels produce full colour, 3D depth, and movement used in security stripes and threads that are nearly impossible to replicate. LiveOptik is a patented visual technology that utilizes innovative nano-optics one tenth the size of traditional holographic structures to create next generation overt security features customized to our customers unique requirements. LiveOptik delivers multi-colour, 3D depth, movement, and image switches for secure brand protection stripes, threads, and labels that are nearly impossible to replicate. Additional information about Nanotech can be found at the Companys website www.nanosecurity.ca, the Canadian disclosure filings website www.sedar.com or the OTCMarkets disclosure filings website www.otcmarkets.com. Nanotech Security Corp.: US Investor Relations: Canada Investor Relations: Kelley Ryshak Matthew Selinger Sean Peasgood info@nanosecurity.ca mselinger@firmirgroup.com sean@SophicCapital.com +1.604.678.5775 +1.415.572.8152 +1.647.699.9845 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Nanotech Security Corp. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tri Capital Opportunities Corp. (TCAP or the Company) (TSXV: TCAP.P), a capital pool company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the Option Agreement) dated May 11th, 2021 (the Effective Date) with Eagle Plains Resources Ltd., a British Columbia company (the Optionor). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, TCAP will, upon the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange), have the option to acquire from the Optionor an undivided 80% interest in and to certain mineral claims in northern Saskatchewan collectively known as the Pine Channel Gold Property (the Option). The grant of the Option is intended to constitute TCAPs Qualifying Transaction, in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange Policy 2.4 Capital Pool Companies (Policy 2.4). Following completion of the Qualifying Transaction, TCAP intends to change its name to Apollo Minerals Ltd. (the Resulting Issuer) and be listed on the Exchange as a Tier 2 mining issuer under the new trading symbol TSXV: APMI. The grant of the Option will not be a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction (as that term is defined under Policy 2.4) and TCAP does not expect it to be subject to shareholder approval in accordance with Exchange policies. Option on Pine Channel Gold Property: Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, upon and subject to receipt of Exchange acceptance for TCAPs Qualifying Transaction, TCAP will have the right to acquire an 80% interest in the Pine Channel Property by: (a) paying to Optionor an aggregate of CDN$150,000 in cash according to the following schedule: (i) $25,000 on the Effective Date of the Option Agreement; (ii) an additional $25,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2021; (iii) an additional $50,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2022; and (iv) an additional $50,000 in cash on or before December 31st, 2023; (b) issue to Optionor an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of TCAP (Shares), according to the following schedule: (v) 200,000 Shares on completion of the Qualifying Transaction; (vi) an additional 300,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2021; (vii) an additional 300,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2022; (viii) an additional 500,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2023; and (ix) an additional 700,000 Shares on or before December 31st, 2024; and (c) incur aggregate exploration expenditures of CDN$3,000,000 on the Pine Channel Property, according to the following schedule: (x) $500,000 on or before June 30th, 2022; (xi) an additional $500,000 on or before June 30th, 2023; (xii) an additional $800,000 on or before June 30th, 2024; and (xiii) an additional $1,200,000 on or before June 30th, 2025. Upon the exercise of the Option and the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Pine Channel Property by TCAP, the Optionor will retain a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty on the Pine Channel Property, and 1.0% of the net smelter returns royalty may be purchased by TCAP at any time for CDN$1,000,000. Pine Channel Gold Property: The Pine Channel Gold Property consists of 28 mineral dispositions covering 6,502.63 hectares, located approximately 40 km west of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan, the logistics/business hub for northern Saskatchewan. The property can be accessed year-round by float- or ski-equipped aircraft from Stony Rapids or Fort MacMurray, AB. The eastern and northern part of the property is transected by a high voltage powerline. Most geological fieldwork is limited to late May to October but other operations such as some geophysical surveys and diamond drilling can be completed year round. The main deposit type that is being explored for at Pine Channel is structurally controlled vein-quartz (lode) gold deposits. Mineral occurrences on the Pine Channel Property are predominantly gold with rare base metal occurrences. Within the Pine Channel tenure there are eighteen historical showings reported by the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI). In 2019 and 2020, Eagle Plains Resources completed field programs on the Pine Channel property. The work was focused on prospecting, sampling, and mapping in the areas of known mineralization, the highlights from these work programs, and historical work is summarized below. Analytical results from the 25 rock samples collected in 2019 returned values ranging from 7 to 77,500 ppb Au, 15 of which returned greater than 1 g/t Au, and seven returned greater than 10 g/t Au. Analytical results from the 72 rock samples collected in 2020 returned values ranging from 6 to 68,400 ppb Au. 23 of the samples returned greater than 1 g/t Au, and eight returned greater than 10 g/t Au. The most encouraging of the known showings are the ELA Shaft showing (SMDI 1574) and Occurrence No. 6 and No. 8 (SMDI 1581), which both demonstrate anomalous gold geochemical results and potential for extension of known mineralization along strike. The 2019 and 2020 work confirmed the widespread occurrences of structurally controlled auriferous quartz veins and associated shear systems within the Pine Channel property. Prior to 2019 Government mapping in the Pine Channel area dates from 1913, with the first industry work reported in 1950. A total of 51 assessment reports have been filed within the current Pine Channel tenure. Past operators include Golden Rule Resources Ltd. and Colchis Resources Ltd. who were both active on the project during the 1980s, the last sustained period of exploration in the area. The most recent work prior to Eagle Plains acquiring the claims in 2018 was in 2013 when the area was flown with an airborne Variable Time Domain Electromagnetic survey focused on locating targets for diamond exploration. There has been a total of 6,066 meters of diamond drilling in 115 historic holes completed within the current Pine Channel property claim boundaries with the majority of the holes completed less than 100 meters in length. Although the wide spaced drilling did intersect significant gold mineralization in places, much of the drilling was completed using thin diameter core which is not effective for assessing the high grade nuggety" gold shears and veins found at Pine Channel. The first recorded work on the Pine Channel property was in 1950 by Goldfields Uranium Mines. The first significant program on the property was in 1980 by Golden Rule Resources who completed 246 line km of airborne EM (INPUT) and magnetic surveying. Follow-up groundwork located 11 significant occurrences. From 1985-1988 Colchis Resources completed VLF-EM geophysics, biogeochemical surveys, prospecting, soil sampling and trenching followed by shallow diamond drill testing of selected targets. Part of the property was covered by an airborne VTEM survey in 2013. Highlights from historical work include: North Norite Bay (SMDI 2183): 407.96 g/t (14.39 oz/T) Au over 0.5 m (drill hole) ELA (SMDI 1574): 39.96 g/t (1.41 oz/t) Au over 0.55 m (drill hole) Holes G-1 and G-3 (SMDI 2329): 3.20 g/t Au over 1 m (drill hole) Occurrence No. 6/Occurrence No. 8 (SMDI 1581): 90.6 g/t (3.20 oz/T) Au over 0.2 m (trench) Cole Lake Ni-Cu (SMDI 1583): 0.45% Ni over 7.0 m (drill hole), 6.2 g/t Au, 0.01% Ni and 0.06% Cu over 3.0 m (trench) King/Cole South (SMDI 2177): 31.93 g/t Ag, 1.55% Pb, 0.44% Zn over 0.28 m (drill hole) The above historical results were summarized from SMDI descriptions and assessment reports filed with the Saskatchewan government. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person, but form a basis for ongoing work in the Pine Channel property area. Geology The Pine Channel project lies within the Tantato Domain which is composed of highly deformed mylonitic gneisses of predominantly supracrustal origin which form the eastern margin of the Archean Rae Craton. At a property scale, the geology is dominated by a sequence of mylonitic garnet-quartzofeldspathic gneisses and mylonitic garnet-clinopyroxene mafic gneisses (norites). The rocks have been subject to polyphase metamorphism. A technical report in respect of the Pine Channel Property will be filed in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, which will include a summary of work completed to date on the Pine Channel Property. The report will provide recommendations for further work which the Resulting Issuer intends to commence post financing. TCAP anticipates that the Pine Channel Property will meet the Exchanges requirements for a Qualifying Transaction, as the Optionor has incurred property expenditures in excess of CDN$100,000 within the last three years and it is anticipated that the technical report will include a recommended work program exceeding CDN$200,000 on the Pine Channel Property. Concurrent Financing: Subject to Exchange acceptance and in connection with its Qualifying Transaction, TCAP proposes to complete a best efforts non-brokered private placement of up to 5,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of $0.10 per unit for gross proceeds of up to CDN$500,000 (the "Concurrent Financing"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (each, a Share) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant (each, a Warrant) will entitle the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share at a price of CDN$0.15 per Share for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. Finders fees may be paid on all or a portion of the financing. The net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing will be used by TCAP to finance the recommended work program on the Pine Channel Property and for general working capital. All securities issued pursuant to the Concurrent Financing will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issue and may be subject to escrow in accordance with the policies of the Exchange. Management of the Resulting Issuer: It is anticipated that the current directors and officers of the Company will remain as directors and officers of the Company following completion of the Companys Qualifying Transaction. Accordingly, the following people will be directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer: James Pettit President, CEO and Director Mr. Pettit has significant experience with public companies and is currently serving on the board of directors of five publicly traded companies and offers over 25 years of experience within the industry specializing in finance, corporate governance, executive management and compliance. Mr. Pettit is currently the President and CEO of Aben Resources and was previously the Chairman and CEO of Bayfield Ventures Corp. which was bought by New Gold Inc. in 2014. Timothy Fernback CFO and Director Mr. Fernback previously ran the technology consulting practice for a British Columbia venture capital firm specializing in financing and consulting to technology-based start-up ventures, and went on to run the Investment Banking and Corporate Finance Departments for Wolverton Securities Ltd. Mr. Fernback also provides strategic consulting services to several technology and mineral exploration companies including in the areas of business planning and analysis, supply chain management, capital markets support, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Fernback has served as both a director and officer of several public companies and is the current CFO for CubicFarm Systems Corp. (TSXV: CUB) a company in the agri-tech space selling innovative vertical farming equipment internationally. Mr. Fernback is a graduate of McMaster University where he studied molecular biology and biochemistry, and also a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he completed an MBA with a concentration in Finance. He is an active member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. Jordan Trimble Director Jordan Trimble is currently the President, CEO and a Director of Skyharbour Resources Ltd. as well as the President and a Director of Rockridge Resources Ltd. By background, he is an entrepreneur and has worked in the resource industry in various roles with numerous companies specializing in management, corporate finance and strategy, shareholder communications, deal structuring and capital raising. Previous to Skyharbour, he was the Corporate Development Manager for Bayfield Ventures, a gold company with projects in Ontario which was successfully acquired by New Gold in 2014. Through his career Mr. Trimble has founded and helped manage several public and private companies and has been instrumental in raising substantial amounts of capital for mining companies with his extensive network of institutional and retail investors. He is a frequent speaker at resource and mining conferences globally and has appeared on various media outlets including BNN and the Financial Post. Mr. Trimble holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Minor in Commerce from the University of British Columbia and he is a CFA Charterholder currently serving as a Director of the CFA Society Vancouver. Simon Dyakowski Director Simon Dyakowski serves as the President and CEO of Aztec Minerals Corp. (TSXV:AZT) and as President, CEO, Director, and Co-Founder of GSP Resource Corp. (TSXV:GSPR). Mr. Dyakowski has over 12 years of corporate development and capital markets experience, with an expertise in strategic planning and execution, financing, and marketing of exploration companies. Mr. Dyakowski most recently acted as an adviser to TSX Venture Exchange listed mineral exploration companies on their corporate development strategies. Mr. Dyakowski holds an MBA from the University of British Columbia, is a CFA charter holder and holds an undergraduate finance degree from the University of Western Ontario. He previously worked at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and Royal Bank of Canada dealing with investment-grade and mid-market Canadian corporate clients. Mr. Dyakowski has also worked in the equity research and equity sales departments at Salman Partners and Leede Financial. Riley Trimble Director Mr. Trimble brings 9 years of experience in investor relations and venture capital. Currently he advises in corporate communications and digital marketing strategy for five publicly traded mineral exploration companies. He has also worked with private companies in multiple industries including esports, gaming, craft beverages, and health food products. Nick Findler Director Mr. Findler has over 10 years of public markets, capital raising, deal structuring, and corporate development experience. He is the founder and CEO of a company called GoPublic.AI, a technology-driven, go-public investment bank based in Vancouver. Nick also sits on the board of Plantable Health Inc, a clinically proven, plant-based health care company based in Brooklyn, New York that has ongoing clinical trials at Johns Hopkins University, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Weill Cornell. Mr. Findler is also the president of Grantus.ca, a company that enables Canadian entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and not-for-profits to access government funding. Kelly Pladson Corporate Secretary Since 2009, Ms. Pladson has provided corporate governance and regulatory compliance services to various TSX-V listed companies and CSE-listed companies. Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo. VP Exploration Mr. Wladichuk, a British Columbia registered Professional Geoscientist, is a technical and managerial consultant in the natural resource, engineering, and construction industries. He has held executive and director positions for a number of publicly-traded resource companies. He is the principal of Waldo Sciences Inc., a science and engineering consulting company, headquartered in the North Okanagan, BC, Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences and a graduate diploma in business administration from Simon Fraser University. Sponsorship: Sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction of a capital pool company is required by the Exchange unless an exemption from the sponsorship requirement is available. TCAP intends to apply for an exemption from sponsorship requirements; however, there is no assurance that it will be able to obtain this exemption. Trading Halt: Trading in the common shares of TCAP is currently halted in compliance with the policies of the Exchange. TCAP anticipates that trading will remain halted pending the review of the proposed Qualifying Transaction by the Exchange. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo., TCAPs VP Exploration and a Qualified Person. About TCAP: TCAP is designated as a Capital Pool Company by the Exchange. TCAP has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. The only business of TCAP is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction in accordance with Exchange Policy 2.4 Capital Pool Companies. Further details concerning the Pine Channel Property, the Option Agreement and the Concurrent Financing will be disclosed in a filing statement to be prepared by TCAP and filed on SEDAR. Tri Capital Opportunities Corp. Jim Pettit________________________James PettitPresident and CEO For further information please contact: Tri Capital Opportunities Corp.Kelly Pladson, Corporate SecretaryEmail: kpladson@sentinelmarket.comTel: (604) 639-3857 Completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the proposed Qualifying Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the proposed Qualifying Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the proposed Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the proposed Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the terms and conditions of the proposed Qualifying Transaction, the terms of the Concurrent Financing and the composition of the board of directors and executive officers of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the proposed Qualifying Transaction. Although TCAP believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. TCAP cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by TCAP is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: TCAP's ability to complete the proposed Qualifying Transaction; the expected timing and terms of the proposed Qualifying Transaction and the related Concurrent Financing; the state of the financial markets for TCAP's securities; the state of the natural resources sector in the event the proposed Qualifying Transaction is completed; recent market volatility; TCAP's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that TCAP is unaware of at this time. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. TCAP disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Source: Tri Capital Opportunities Corp. Church Events Stay in the loop on church events in West Central Louisiana. Weekend Edition A recap of the most pertinent stories of the week - delivered straight to your inbox! Arts & Entertainment Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2021) - Universal PropTech Inc. (TSXV: UPI) (OTCQB: UPIPF) (FSE: 8LH) ("UPI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that ISBRG Corp., in which UPI owns a minority interest (see press release dated February 18, 2021), announced progress related to the ongoing development of its COVID-19 diagnostic device - SpotLight-19. In addition to ISBRG's receipt of a Health Canada Investigational Testing Authorization (ITA), and the start of ISBRG's clinical trial, ISBRG has announced the addition of two new Advisory Board members, as well as the receipt of advisory services and conditional research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program ("NRC IRAP"). "As an investor in ISBRG, we are thrilled with the commencement of the SpotLight-19 Clinical Trial, especially as it involves an exit point for people leaving Canada," commented Chris Hazelton, Chief Executive Officer, Universal PropTech Inc. About SpotLight-19 ISBRG's SpotLight-19 is designed to leverage advancements in optics, artificial intelligence, and medical know-how to detect the presence of infection caused by multiple variants of the COVID-19 virus. SpotLight-19 uses light to scan the fingertip. The speed (less than 20-seconds) and cost of the test (approximately one dollar), combined with the non-invasive nature of the test (no body fluid of any kind is required), has the potential to test large numbers of people without the inconvenient delays and environmental damage associated with current chemical reagent-based tests. Clinical Trial With R&D funding support from NRC IRAP, ISBRG will initiate an investigational clinical trial of its prototype SpotLight-19 diagnostic technology at a Canadian border location. This follows ISBRG's recent receipt of Investigational Testing Authorization (ITA) from Health Canada. New Advisory Board Members ISBRG is pleased to announce that Mr. Ned Imbrie and Mr. Stephen Longfield have agreed to join ISBRG's Advisory Board. Ned was VP Global Strategy and Business Development for Siemens Healthcare. Stephen is the former VP Global Procurement of PepsiCo and is currently President of Tigerhawk Professional Services. ISBRG's Board of Advisors includes: Commander Chris Hadfield, internationally known author and astronaut; Michael Kelly, former Executive VP of Thousand Oaks based Amgen; Peter Bowler, the former President and CEO of Dallas based American Eagle Airlines; Irene d'Entremont, Order of Canada recipient and former Emera Board Member; Sylvia Augaitis, Executive Director - Wine Marketing Association of Ontario (VQA); Allan MacDougall, former CSIS Director General, Global Operations; and William Sutherland, VP Business Development - Kilmer Group. Market Size According to Grandview Research, the global COVID-19 diagnostics market size is estimated at USD$84.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2021 to 2027. About ISBRG and SpotLight-19 The ISBRG artificial intelligence and optics-based technology platform is being developed by a team of physicians, Ai specialists, product designers, communication specialists, an experienced and talented Advisory Board, and an alliance with one of North America's leading optical centres of excellence. ISBRG's technology platform has numerous applications in various stages of development, including but not limited to: SpotLight-19, SpotLight-THC, and SpotLight-HealthCheck. About Universal PropTech Inc. Universal PropTech Inc. (TSXV: UPI) (OTCQB: UPIPF) (FSE: 8LH) is a leading building innovation company, selecting, integrating, deploying, and maintaining PropTech in healthy buildings. As trusted advisors, we provide holistic evidence-driven solutions and services for building developers, owners, and operators in Canada. UPI operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, VCI Controls Inc. ("VCI"), a leading supplier and integrator of PropTech healthy building solutions and services. VCI is an industry leader in the acquisition and deployment of intelligent building technology, including the integration of all building systems utilizing the latest in communications technologies and standards. VCI's business focuses on digital controls and mechanical services, performance monitoring, and energy efficiency solutions. With headquarters in Toronto, Universal PropTech Inc. has offices across Canada including, Halifax, Montreal, and Ottawa. For more information, visit www.universalproptech.com. Contact Information Universal PropTech Inc. Chris Hazelton President and Chief Executive Officer chazelton@universalproptech.com (647) 300-2957 ISBRG Corp Austin MacIntyre VP Operations and Communications amacintyre@Isbrgcorp.com www.isbrgcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain information provided in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "forecast", expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", or similar words suggesting future outcomes. The Company cautions readers and prospective investors in the Company's securities not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as, by its nature, it is based on current expectations regarding future events that involve a number of assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company. The forward-looking information included herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information included herein is made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("Exchange"), nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. 4844-3186-2761, v. 2 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/83871 TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank Leumi (TASE: LUMI) announced today that it will release its First Quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Mr. Omer Ziv, EVP & CFO, will host the results call followed by Q&A. The call is scheduled for 5 PM (Israel); 3 PM (UK); 10:00 AM (ET). Conference Call Dial-in Details (no passcode required): Israel 03-918-0609UK 0-800-917-5108US & Canada 1-888-642-5032All other locations +972-3-918-0609 The call will be accompanied by a presentation which will be published on the day of the publication of the Financial Results on the Israeli Securities Authority reporting website (MAGNA). It will also be available on the Leumi website under Investor Relations, in the Financial Statements page, Investor Presentation and Conference Call. An archived recording will be available on the Leumi website one business day after the call ends. For more information visit www.leumi.co.il or contact Adi Molcho Weinstein, VP, Head of Investor Relations, at investorrelations@bankleumi.co.il The conference call does not replace the need to review the latest periodic/quarterly reports containing full information, including forward-looking information, as defined in the Israeli Securities Law, and set out in the aforementioned reports. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-leumi-to-report-first-quarter-results-on-may-27-2021-301290975.html SOURCE Bank Leumi NEW YORK, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cockroach Labs has been named to Inc. magazine's annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Headquartered in New York City, Cockroach Labs has always prioritized a culture that is centered around excellence, respect, balance, and open and honest communication. The company recently raised a $160M round of funding with a valuation of $2bn and continues to grow rapidly with more than 250 employees and counting across the globe. Cockroach Labs is looking to expand its employee family and has open positions in almost all departments. Cockroach Labs is the creator of CockroachDB, the most highly evolved cloud-native, distributed SQL database on the planet. Helping companies of all sizesand the apps they develop to scale fast, survive anything, and thrive everywhere. CockroachDB is in use at some of the world's largest enterprises across all industries, including Equifax, Bose, Comcast. "From the very beginning, our goal was to build a human-forward business where our employees can balance their careers with their personal lives. Over the last several years, we have challenged the status quo and built programs for better recruiting, more flexibility, better support, more opportunities in and out of the office, and fostered an environment where diversity of thought exists and is celebrated," said Lindsay Greenwalt Chief People Officer at Cockroach Labs. " It's an honor to be recognized on Inc.'s best places to work and we will only continue to strive for an innovative and inclusive workplace for all." Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine the company's overall score and ranking. "We named Cockroach Labs after resilience and survival, and after the last year, we really saw the strength of our culture and community," said Spencer Kimball, CEO and co-founder at Cockroach Labs. "The companies on Inc.'s Best Workplaces list set an example that all of us can learn from. We are humbled to be named alongside them." "The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year," says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. "Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this year's list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic." About Cockroach LabsCockroach Labs is the creator of CockroachDB, the most highly evolved cloud-native, distributed SQL database on the planet. Helping companies of all sizesand the apps they develop to scale fast, survive anything, and thrive everywhere. CockroachDB is in use at some of the world's largest enterprises across all industries, including Equifax, Bose, Comcast and some of the largest companies in banking, retail, and media. Headquartered in New York City, Cockroach Labs is backed by Altimeter, Benchmark, Greenoaks, GV, Firstmark, Index Ventures, Lone Pine, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global, and Workbench. For more information, please visit cockroachlabs.com About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cockroach-labs-ranks-among-highest-scoring-businesses-on-inc-magazines-annual-list-of-best-workplaces-for-2021-301290166.html SOURCE Cockroach Labs DENVER, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PostNet, a global leader in high-quality printing and shipping solutions, wants to help customers celebrate milestones and important events despite pandemic-related challenges. Last year, PostNet centers across the U.S. and Canada took note of the need in their communities to find ways to celebrate special occasions while social distancing made it impossible to gather in groups. They began creating yard signs and banners to help customers mark graduations, birthdays and holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day. They also offered signage with messages of solidarity and thanks to essential workers. "The pandemic made it difficult for people to celebrate special moments in 2020," said Ryan Farris, COO and president for PostNet. "There were no large gatherings allowed, so people began looking for new ways to connect. Using signs seemed to help people feel less isolated, and gave our customers the means to celebrate milestones and special occasions safely." PostNet locations can print custom yard signs for multiple occasions including birthdays, graduation, and a host of other events. With the pandemic still affecting everyday life, they continue to be useful for celebrations and PostNet expects signs to remain a staple in celebrations for years to come. "We sold a large amount of signs for Mother's Day this year, and it would be a perfect opportunity to use yard signs to recognize dads for Father's Day as well," Farris said. "Whether or not people feel comfortable gathering yet, placing a sign in the front yard is a beautiful way to show love and gratitude." With the pandemic still playing a major role in preventing large gatherings, PostNet has placed an emphasis on helping families celebrate graduations by offering customized signage for the special occasion. One PostNet location in Phoenix, Arizona, has seen a large influx of yard sign orders due to the inability of students to celebrate in a more traditional way. "PostNet is happy to help celebrate the graduates of 2021, from elementary school promotions to college graduations," said Janine Moeller, co-owner of the Phoenix location. "The 2020-21 school year was still challenging in many aspects, and many of these students won't be able to partake in the regular activities that would celebrate their success. "We hope that giving them recognition through signage in the neighborhoods will put smiles on their faces and let them know how proud their families and communities are of them." For more information about PostNet, visit https://www.postnet.com/. About PostNet PostNet opened its doors in 1993. With nearly 700 locations in North America, Central America, South America and Africa, PostNet is a global leader in printing and shipping solutions. In 2017, PostNet joined the global family of MBE Worldwide. Combined, MBE has nearly 2,500 locations in 44 countries. For more information about PostNet services, visit www.postnet.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.postnetfranchise.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather RipleyRipley PR865-977-1973hripley@ripleypr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/postnet-centers-help-customers-celebrate-with-signs-301290620.html SOURCE PostNet MIAMI, May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PR Newswire Woodfield Distribution, LLC, a provider of integrated third-party logistics in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, and Bonne Sante Group, Inc., ("BSG"), through its Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing division, today announced a strategic third-party logistics ("3PL") agreement. The announcement was made by A.J. Cervantes, Jr., Chairman of Bonne Sante Group. Woodfield Distribution, LLC, known as WDSrx, based in Boca Raton, Florida, will provide a broad range of logistics services to the Bonne Sante Group portfolio of companies, both current and those in the acquisition pipeline. BSG intends to migrate many of its existing logistics and storage needs for its portfolio companies to WDSrx on an outsourced basis. Bonne Sante Group can generate significant efficiencies and cost savings by engaging one of the leading pharmaceutical supply-chain management companies, operating a robust network of distribution centers. Strategic to BSG's operations are WDSrx's various Florida locations, which include four distribution facilities located within 60 miles of Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing, BSG's manufacturing division in the supplements industry, based in Doral, Florida. This proximity can drive substantial cost reductions in transportation, freight and other services. Ryan F. Zackon, BSG's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "BSG intends to optimize its shipping, inventory and fulfillment activities to take advantage of Woodfield Distribution's vast pharmaceutical supply chain with facilities all over the country. As we continue our growth via acquisitions, we expect to continue to partner with forward looking, quality focused partners like Woodfield. These partnerships enhance our mission to increase margins and profitability to drive shareholder value." Adam Runsdorf, President of WDSrx noted, "Woodfield Distribution and Bonne Sante are cooperating on multiple levels to assure fast and accurate inventory control and order fulfillment from our national 3PL network that meets the highest customer expectations for their many popular products and brands." About WDSrx - Woodfield Distribution, LLC Woodfield Distribution, LLC, known as WDSrx, provides integrated third-party pharmaceutical logistics services and value-added solutions empowering the Life Sciences industry. Supply chain operations include Warehousing, Storage, Fulfillment, Transportation Management, Temperature Regulated Environments, Reverse Logistics and Regulatory Compliant Product Disposition. Value-added solutions include on-site Packaging and Labeling, Clinical Trial Support, Customer Service, Patient Assistance Programs, E-Commerce Solutions, Government Pricing and Financial Services Management. State licensed nationally, WDSrx operates from secure GMP facilities in Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio and Nevada. www.wdsrx.com About Bonne Sante Group, Inc. Bonne Sante Group, Inc. is an emerging growth global nutraceutical company. Structured as a holding company, BSG is executing a buy and build strategy with planned serial accretive acquisitions. BSG is engaged in the acquisition, operation and sale of a broad spectrum of nutraceutical and related products and services. To drive growth and earnings, the Company will develop proprietary products as well as acquire other brands and distribution channels. The management team and the board of directors of Bonne Sante have an objective of creating a major international nutraceutical and related products company, manufacturing, and marketing a wide range of world-class nutraceutical products and next-generation delivery technologies. For more information visit: www.bonnesantegroup.com Bonne Sante Group's platform company, Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing ("BSNM"), operates from an FDA-certified, state-of-the-art facility where it manufactures an extensive line of nutraceutical products with a wide range of delivery methods. BSNM has evolved into a comprehensive nutraceutical contract and private label manufacturing company and recently commenced initiatives in Supply Chain as a Service. View Bonne Sante Natural Manufacturing's overview video here. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements. Although Bonne Sante Group believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Bonne Sante Group does not undertake any duty to update any statements contained herein (including any forward-looking statements), except as required by law. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include general industry considerations, regulatory changes, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks. Disclaimer The information provided in this press release is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Contact Information: For Woodfield Lawrence HotzDirector of MarketingWoodfield Distribution, LLC951 Clint Moore Road, Suite ABoca Raton, FL 33487561-998-3885 lhotz@wdsrx.com For Bonne Sante: A.J. Cervantes, Jr.Executive ChairmanBonne Sante Group, Inc.10575 NW 37th Terrace Doral, FL 33178 786-749-1221info@bonnesantegroup.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/woodfield-distribution-and-bonne-sante-group-announce-strategic-3pl-agreement-301290387.html SOURCE Bonne Sante Group, Inc. SHANGHAI, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Horizons has today announced that Yifan Li (Frank Li) has joined the company as the Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Li will report directly to Ding Lei, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Human Horizons. Mr. Li is a seasoned finance and accounting executive, and joins Human Horizons from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), a global mobility technology group headquartered in Hangzhou. As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the group, Mr. Li was responsible for financial strategy, corporate development and industrial ecology chain, having an integral role in Geely's overall ecological layout as an automotive manufacturer. He has also previously served as Chief Financial Officer for various companies including Sanpower Group Co., Ltd. and China Zenix Auto International Co., Ltd. "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Li to the Human Horizons team. Mr. Li brings a wealth of finance and accounting expertise in the global mobility, automotive and technology fields. As the CFO, he will play an integral role in supporting us to bring Human Horizons' ambitions to life, as we push the boundaries of smart vehicles and redefine human mobility," said Ding Lei. As part of the Shanghai Municipal Government's Overseas Senior Financial Talents Program, Mr. Li formerly served as the Deputy General Manager of the Treasury & Finance Department of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. Prior to this, he worked as an investment banker at JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s New York City headquarters. Mr. Li graduated from Fudan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics before pursuing his Master's Degree in Accounting at The University of Texas and his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). A prominent figure in the finance and accounting sector, Mr. Li has received a number of awards and recognitions for his achievements, including the 2016 CFO of the Year award by the Asset and the 2015 China CFO Annual Outstanding Contribution Award by the Ministry of Finance. About HiPhi HiPhi is a premium brand created by Human Horizons and enhanced by its users. HiPhi X is an EV with a lightweight hybrid aluminum-steel construction and sustainable vegan leathers and recyclable materials which add to the sustainable nature of Human Horizons' EV products. About Human Horizons Human Horizons is established for R&D in innovative and leading intelligent mobility technologies as well as the industrialization of future-oriented smart vehicles. Furthermore, Human Horizons builds smart transportation technologies and contributes to the development of smart cities, which will redefine human mobility. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminologies such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Human Horizons' beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Human Horizons' strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; Human Horizons' limited operating history; risks associated with electric vehicles; Human Horizons' ability to develop, manufacture, and deliver vehicles of high quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale; Human Horizons' ability to grow manufacturing in its joint venture plant; product defects or any other failure of vehicles to perform as expected; Human Horizons' ability to build the Human Horizons and HiPhi brands; Human Horizons' ability to compete successfully; Human Horizons' ability to secure sufficient reservations of orders; changes in consumer demand and government incentives, subsidies, or other favorable government policies; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Human Horizons does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yifan-li-joins-human-horizons-as-cfo-301290523.html SOURCE Human Horizons SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgaria's incoming interim government on Wednesday ruled out any change in the country's veto on the launch of European Union accession talks with North Macedonia. Last November Bulgaria blocked the official start of the accession talks with its smaller Balkan neighbour due to disputes over history and language. Sofia has also accused Skopje of hate speech and failure to implement a 2017 bilateral friendship treaty. "Bulgaria's framework position (on the issue) was accepted by consensus among all political parties in the Bulgarian parliament. As an interim government, we have no authorisation to change that," the new foreign minister, Svetlan Stoev, told reporters. The interim Cabinet, which took office on Wednesday after parties failed to agree on forming a new coalition government following an inconclusive April election, will lead Bulgaria until after a second snap parliamentary poll on July 11. Stoev, 60, a career diplomat, said he would make all efforts to maintain a dialogue with North Macedonia. "From there, everything is in the hands of officials in North Macedonia. They know very well the Bulgarian position and should not speculate that there will be any change in the next two or three months while this interim government is in office," he said. Sofia wants Skopje to recognise that its nation and language have Bulgarian roots and wants it to put an end to anti-Bulgarian rhetoric. North Macedonia, a former Yugoslav republic, says its identity and language are not open to discussion. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova; Editing by Gareth Jones) Daniel Hutchinson From The Hutch Theres been a lot of mixed messages from the government over the past week or so. For starters, as if its not bad enough being called a servant in the first place, public servants are now being told they wont be getting a pay increase for three years. This started a rather bizarre series of talks between Government ministers and the unions. The unions of course love the Labour Party but love their members even more. They were less than convinced when Grant Robertson told them not to worry about it, its a cost cutting measure and people will still get a pay rise if they are on a graduated pay scale, they earn less than $60,000 a year or there is an exceptional reason why they should have a pay rise, whatever that means. Covid maybe? The pay scale itself will not go up, regardless of how much you get paid to be the same kind of servant overseas so the fear is that we may land up with no servants at all. So Jacinda had to step in and say exactly the same thing as Grant, which elicited more or less exactly the same response from the unions. Now, being a public servant covers a fairly broad category everyone from Treasury workers, who just sound like they roll around in piles of cash all day, to nurses, which everybody loves unless they had a bad experience with one. The budget will be delivered on Thursday next week, provided Treasury officials can now be bothered getting out of bed to do the paperwork. Its not like theres a reward for doing a good job. Anyway, where the confusion lies is that the Government is prone to throwing money around from time to time on various unusual things. TURTLE TURN-AROUND For example, DOC and Te Papa recently spent $11,742 transporting a dead 350kg leatherback turtle (honu) around the country after a communication mix-up with a Canterbury hapu. It all started when the dead turtle washed up on a beach in Banks Peninsula in March 2019. These turtles are quite impressive, especially when they are alive, but also, as it turns out, quite sacred as well. It is a taniwha, or guiding deity for the hapu of the area. Its a pity few people were aware of this before, with the agreement of the local marae and Te Papa and DOC, the turtle was whisked to away to Te Papa in Wellington to be analysed and skeletonised. Before long, everyone did become aware of how important this particular type of turtle is and in December last year it was finally repatriated and buried appropriately in a cave, under an island by local iwi. The ceremony was also attended by seven DOC staff and seven Te Papa staff and a few grand was spent on a helicopter. The Taxpayers Union is decrying this as a waste of tax payers money. The Department of Conservation and Te Papa are more than happy however, saying it was the right thing to do and money well spent because they now have a very strong relationship with iwi in the area. Given how much money the government spends on public relations (public servants) to convince people how right they are about all sorts of things this new tactic of spending money in order to own a cock-up is quite refreshing. THE OCD DEPARTMENT If building strong relationships is as easy as doing the wrong thing and then making it right, the Government might be onto a winner with quite a few of its latest policies, including the pay freeze for public servants. The John Key Government made an art form out of this too. Ive never really thought I would be any good at PR because I tend to say the right thing at the wrong time or vice versa. However, if there is going to be a new Owning the Cock-up Department (OCD), then I feel like thats an area where I could be a good servant. Anyway, none of this matters because the Government has found an extra billion dollars that it thought it would need for the Covid recovery, but now it doesnt. It is going to reveal what is happening to this bonus billion at the budget next Thursday. I would have thought if it was originally allocated to the Covid recovery, and now you dont need it, that maybe you dont spend it. But then, its not my money any more is it? daniel@thesun.co.nz It's often said weather forecasters spend much of their lives looking up at the sky, but they spend even more time looking down at the sky from space, via their computers. Whether looking at satellite imagery, Google Earth, or logging in to their internal weather dashboards, weather forecasters all over the world spend a great deal of time staring down over maps of planet earth. I have a huge interest in Geography, it's one of the reasons I love Microsoft Flight Simulator so much, as it combines real time weather with real world satellite maps of earth, says WeatherWatch.co.nz head forecaster Philip Duncan. Something that has often surprised me while flying, is how many huge cities are located so much closer to the poles compared to NZ. In Southern Hemisphere terms, they would be located in the Southern Ocean area. Can you imagine the weather!? So following on from that, I've therefore been curious about where these other cities or well-known places on earth would be precisely located if they were in New Zealand, or the New Zealand area - in relation to the pole and equator. For Philip, this is a great way of gauging just how far north some northern Hemisphere locations are to the North Pole. He says creating these maps also shows how Sydney and Brisbane and Cairns are further north of Cape Reinga (in case you didn't already know). Well known international locations on a map of New Zealand. Using precise latitude co-ordinates I tried to accurately plot where these places would be in New Zealand, or in the New Zealand area. For Northern Hemisphere locations I simply flipped the latitude to "South". For weather, latitude is important as it decides where you are in comparison to the Equator (hot) and the Poles (cold). One of the biggest differences between Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere is ocean vs land. Philip says the Southern Hemisphere is overwhelmingly ocean. In fact it's the open waters of the Roaring Forties that allows storms and powerful westerly winds to spin around Antarctica and constantly blast parts of Australia, New Zealand and South America. He says the Northern Hemisphere has far more landmass and this makes for hotter, drier, summers inland but far colder winters. The extra land also acts like speed bumps to low pressure systems trying to move around the north of the globe and can limit rainfall for inland areas. Here at WeatherWatch.co.nz, we describe New Zealand's climate as being in the "Goldilocks Belt" - ie, not too hot and not too cold. What's interesting to me is how the land in the Northern Hemisphere allows snow storms to hit places at latitudes where we'd rarely see snow in NZ. For example: Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Denver, New York, Chicago, Toronto all can have major snow storms. The last time a major snow storm hit NZ was in August 2011. Heavy snow fell to sea level as north as Wellington in the North Island and snowflakes were recorded settling in parts of Auckland city briefly. Philip says it's the relatively warm waters surrounding NZ that regulates our snow storms compared to many Northern Hemisphere locations, and keeps our temperatures fairly moderate. He says Osaka, Japan, has around 15 days a year with snow. On our map below, Osaka is located at the same latitude as the Far North of New Zealand where it never snows. Osaka is also on an island like New Zealand, but Osaka is very close to Siberia, Korea, and Mongolia which all have a huge influence on nearby Japan. Wet air around Japan (similar to wet air around NZ) collides with the extra cold air escaping places like Siberia and makes for heavy snow in Japan itself. Philip says NZ isn't influenced like this with no land south of NZ until Antarctica, although Aussie does sometimes give us heatwaves (our highest temperatures recorded are often with a nor'wester that comes out of the Australian desert and over New Zealand). So while we're in a similar position to Japan, despite being in different hemispheres, our weather is quite different. So next time you hear one of these international places on the news for weather, perhaps check in with these maps and wonder if that weather would be possible here in NZ at the same latitude. How close are you to the South Pole and Tropics compared to other well-known places? Bay of Plenty Our client has plenty of work in the pipeline and as such they are in need of qualified or experienced carpenters for an... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Three Local Charities Benefit from KY Gives Day By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Three Paducah non-profit organizations participated in Tuesday's "Kentucky Gives Day" by accepting donations through a special website.The Kentucky Nonprofit Network hosts the annual event on the website kygives.org, and 254 charities participated this year. They were given the opportunity to raise as much money as possible during Tuesday's 24-hour period. Cash bonuses were given to organizations that raised the most money during certain hours of the day, and donors could also be randomly chosen to receive prizes.Market House Theatre raised $1,670, Yeiser Art Center raised $200, and Made to Stay of Paducah-McCracken County raised $620. Made to Stay aims to help seniors and adults with disabilities stay in their homes as long as possible.Although the one-day event is over and prizes have been awarded, the website kygives.org can still connect anyone to organizations across Kentucky that are accepting donations.On the Net: 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. Camillus, N.Y. A new apartment building planned for the old Camillus Cutlery site will resemble the factory that burned down eight years ago in one of Onondaga Countys largest fires. Camillus Mills Redevelopment Co. plans to build a three-story, 60,500-square-foot building on the concrete slab of the former Camillus Cutlery factory along the west bank of Nine Mile Creek in the village of Camillus. The building will have 6,500 square feet of commercial and retail space, and 58 one- and two-bedroom, market-rate apartments. Camillus Mills Phase II LLC, an affiliate of Camillus Mills Redevelopment, will own the building. Camillus Mills Redevelopment will retain ownership of the land. According to plans filed with the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, the building has been designed with clapboard siding, lots of windows, numerous residential balconies and a flat roof to match the one that was on the factory that sat on the site for many decades. Its in the spirit of the factory, but its not an exact replica, said Doug Sutherland, a member of the projects development group. The former Camillus Cutlery factory building burned down in 2013.Courtesy of Camillus Mills Redevelopment Unlike the old factory, which sat adjacent to the sidewalk on Genesee Street, the new building will be set back 40 feet in deference to Camillus Cutlerys former headquarters building, which the same group redeveloped into 29 apartments and 8,800 square feet of commercial space in 2017. Forty-four covered, lower-level parking stalls and 53 open lot spaces will be constructed immediately north of the new building. The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency approved $434,550 in tax abatements for the $13 million project on Tuesday. The exemptions consist of $349,800 in sales taxes on construction materials and $84,750 in state mortgage recording tax. Apartments at Camillus Mills are managed by Sutton Real Estate. Camillus Mills Redevelopment plans to construct a mixed-use building with 58 apartments and commercial space on the concrete foundation where the former Camillus Cutlery sat until burning down in 2013. In the background is the factory's former headquarters, which now house apartments and commercial space.Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com Camillus Cutlery got its start when Charles Sherwood opened a knife factory along the banks of Nine Mile Creek in 1894. Sherwood sold the factory in 1902 to Adolph Kastor, a German immigrant who had opened a knife importing business in New York City in 1876. By 1910, the factory employed 200 people. Over the decades, the plant was a major supplier to the military and also sold knives under the Boy Scouts and Sears labels. Hurt by cheap foreign imports, the company filed bankruptcy and closed its doors in 2007. A fire on Feb. 11, 2013, destroyed more than 100,000 square feet of the old factory but spared the headquarters building. A Camillus firefighter sprays water onto a fire at the former Camillus Cutlery factory on Feb. 11, 2013. Mike Greenlar | syracuse.com Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Syracuse, N.Y. -- Steve Gorczynski, a 16-year M&T Bank veteran, has been named the banks Central New York regional president. Gorczynski succeeds Allen Naples, who is retiring after a 48-year banking career, the last 16 years with M&T. Serving as regional president has been a tremendous honor, Naples said. Im proud of the work weve done to uplift our community, and Im grateful for the customers that Ive had the great fortune of building relationships with over my years with M&T and in the banking industry. Allen J. Naples, who is retiring after 16 years as Central New York regional president of M&T Bank.M&T Bank Gorczynski previously served as commercial bank senior group manager for M&T in Central New York, after working as a commercial relationship manager. Earlier in his career, he was a regional commercial executive with HSBC and an auditor at KPMG Peat Marwick. In his new role with M&T, he will oversee a region that stretches across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Thank you to Allen Naples for all of his work for our community over the years and for serving as a mentor to me and many others within our company, Gorczynski said. M&T has 45 offices and employs nearly 450 people in its Central New York region, which covers Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Madison, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Seneca Counties. M&T has the regions highest deposit share among bank and is the top Small Business Administration lender in Central New York. It recently opened a new branch on the ground floor of what will be M&Ts new Central New York banking headquarters at 250 S. Clinton St., which will soon open to employees. M&T invested $7 million to renovate its new regional headquarters and branch. More than 125 financial professionals will have offices on the buildings fourth floor. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Syracuse, N.Y. -- SpinCar, the Syracuse startup whose software allows auto dealers around the world to display 360-degree images of their cars online, has completed its first acquisition. SpinCar said it has acquired Pulsar AI, a company in the country of Georgia that has created a conversational artificial intelligence platform for the auto industry. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Pulsars software will be incorporated into SpinCars, and its 30 employees will become SpinCar employees, the companies said. The acquisition of Pulsar, along with future acquisitions of innovative technology companies in the auto space, represents a key component of our growth strategy, said Michael Quigley, SpinCar co-founder and chief strategy officer. With the acquisition, SpinCar will have 120 employees, including 75 in its office in Icon Tower in downtown Syracuse. It also has offices in New York City, Toronto and Manchester, England, and will take over Pulsars offices in San Francisco and Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Dealers in more than 40 countries use SpinCars software to post 360-degree interior and exterior views of the vehicles they have for sale on their lots. The images, which can even be viewed with virtual reality headsets, include touchable hotspots that allow consumers to explore key vehicle features in detail. Pulsars AI platform responds to customer queries in a conversational style, providing customers with information they request about a vehicle. The platform can also set up an appointment for the customer to speak with a representative from the dealership. Dachi Choladze, Zaal Gachechiladze and Sopo Chkoidzebegan founded Pulsar in 2019. Quigley and Devin Daly, SpinCars CEO, founded SpinCar in Syracuse in 2011, initially under the name SwipeToSpin. The company received a $22 million investment from a group led by Wavecrest Growth Partners, a Boston-based equity firm, in 2018. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Syracuse, N.Y. A car crashed completely inside a building on James Street in Syracuse this afternoon. The car went through a glass window front and came to a stop inside the structure. The crash happened at about 3:10 p.m. at 2425 James, according to the Onondaga County 911 Center. The building contains offices for United Healthcare. A tow crew worker helps pull a car out of the United Healthcare building on James Street near Stafford Avenue on Thursday, May 13, 2021.Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com A witness said a man who appeared to be conscious and moving was pulled from the wreckage. The man was wheeled away from the crash on a stretcher and put in an ambulance. A man is taken out of a building after a car crashed into the building on James Street in Syracuse on Thursday, May 13, 2021.James McClendon | jmcclendon@syracuse.com Update Friday: Police identify man killed when box truck crashed into tractor trailer on Thruway Update 4:15 p.m. Thursday: All lanes reopened, state police report. Delays remain. Update 3 p.m. :A truck driver has been killed in a crash on the New York state Thruway west of the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge in Seneca County that is causing massive traffic backups. A box truck and a tractor trailer crashed at about 12:45 p.m. on the highway in the town of Tyre just east of Exit 41 (Waterloo), state police said. The westbound lanes have been closed causing the massive backup of traffic. Traffic has been stopped for nearly two hours in some parts. State police reported a 6-mile backup at one point. Traffic is being diverted off the highway at Exit 40 (Weedsport). Traffic is backed up from the crash scene and again from Exit 40. The backup from Exit 40 is nearly 4 miles, reaching back to Jordan, according to online maps. The westbound lanes remain blocked while investigators reconstruct the accident, police said. Traffic on the New York State Thruway was so backed up Thursday that people got out of their cars. The crash was reported just before 1 p.m. between Exit 40 to Exit 41,Don Cazentre | dcazentre@syracuse.com Original article: A crash Thursday near Montezum shut down the westbound lanes of the New York State Thruway, from Exit 40 to Exit 41, according to New York State Police. The crash was reported just before 1 p.m. and the lanes were shut down starting at about 1:53 p.m., state police said. Traffic is being diverted at Exit 40 of the Thruway, near Weedsport. The crash has also backed up traffic about four miles, according to a map provided by the New York State Department of Transportation. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. Two former New York State Police mechanics have been accused of stealing almost $30,000 in auto parts and supplies from the state, according to a news release from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Jeffrey Rapasadi, 57, and David Relyea, 64, both of Canastota, face numerous charges. Rapasadi faces 28 felony counts, including corrupting the government, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Relyea faces eight felony and three misdemeanor charges, including corrupting the government, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and official misconduct. The thefts happened between April 2015 and October 2020. Rapasadi and Relyea were non-sworn employees responsible for maintaining police vehicles for Troop D, based in Oneida. The state comptroller alleges the two used a state police account to buy auto parts and tools for personal use and falsified invoices to hide the theft. When state police searched Rapasadis home, they found more than $24,000 in state-funded auto supplies, tools and parts, according to the state comptrollers office. Relyea had more than $4,800 of police property, the state comptrollers office said. The investigation found that many auto parts were bought that did not fit police vehicles, including prats for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which state police do not own, according to the comptrollers office. Invoice descriptions were altered and did not match the actual parts purchased, the comptrollers office alleged. Relyea owns an auto repair business on the side and used the parts he took from the police garage to subsidize his own business, according to the comptrollers office. Rapasadi was also charged with falsifying his time and attendance records, which resulted in him being paid more than $7,000 in unearned leave credits, the state comptrollers office said. Both men retired in the fall of 2020 and each had been employed by the state for more than 30 years. Relyea made $51,540 in 2020 and Rapasadi made $54,830, according to See Through New York, a database of state police salaries. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter. WKCTC Makes $18,750 Gift to Paducah Chamber By Tim Brockwell PADUCAH - West Kentucky Community and Technical College has awarded the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce $18,750 to support the chamber in its mission to help local small businesses.At Thursday's Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce May Power in Partnership breakfast, WKCTC President and PACC Board Chair Dr. Anton Reece announced the gift, to be used to bolster efforts to assist local small businesses and other PACC initiatives.Reece said the donation is part of the WKCTC Guarantee, to be used to assist with minority memberships, leadership and involvement in chamber activities."It's May, and if you recall last month I pulled a little surprise on my good colleague and friend Sandra Wilson, so I figured why not keep the momentum going," Reece said. "Last fall we had a really engaged conversation in the midst of all things COVID-19, particularly the disproportionate impact it had on minority-owned small businesses."The donation, which was made possible as part of philanthropist Mackenzie Scott's $15 million gift to the college last fall, will support the following programs:Minority chamber membership - 10 businesses to receive $500, for a total of $5,000Existing minority business mentor - 10 businesses to receive $100, for a total of $1,000Leadership Paducah sponsorship - one per year up to $1,500 for three years, for a total of $4,500Washington DC Fly-In sponsorship - one per year up to $2,000 for three years, for a total of $6,000Small Business Mastermind Cohort Scholarships - Three at $750, for a total $2,250Chamber President Sandra Wilson was pleasantly surprised by Thursday's announcement.The gift came as a surprise to PACC President Sandra Wilson, who thanked WKCTC for the donation."Thank you so much. To deliver something like this in May is just wonderful," Wilson said. "We work very closely with WKCTC now, but this just helps us as a chamber to be able to expand our program in the community with the goal set by this award that the college received. We will be very intentional and focused on making sure that these minority memberships are used and that we recruit someone for Leadership Paducah."In addition to its gift on Thursday, the college recently awarded $27,500 to 15 area organizations and provided more than 120 scholarships, valued at $64,500. New York lawmakers legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and up earlier this year, but nothing has changed on the federal level. The drug is just as illegal as ever as far as federal law is concerned. That means even if New Yorkers follow all the state rules when it comes to using pot, they could still face federal charges, attorneys said. But thats unlikely as long as youre not breaking New York rules on the drug or trying to transport it across state lines. Federal officials have been largely deferring to state governments on marijuana legalization in recent years, said Anthony Kuhn, managing partner at Tully Rinckey in Buffalo. Theyre not at any point conceding that it is in fact legal, Kuhn said. Theyre not enforcing federal law as long as it doesnt involve large quantities of marijuana or interstate commerce or anything like that. In New York, adults are allowed to possess and use up to 3 ounces. Even after the Trump administration rescinded an Obama-era memo that deemphasized marijuana prosecutions in states that legalized the drug, not much actually changed. That doesnt mean the risk is zero. The Coast Guard, for example, routinely patrols waters in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Its not uncommon for the guard to board boats and check for smuggling or other illegal activity, Kuhn said. If they find marijuana, the people on board could be charged. And remember: Federal law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction everywhere, not just on federal property. You dont have to be on federal land to get in trouble with federal agents. The same federal risk applies to businesses as everyday users, attorneys said. Open a retail pot shop once its allowed in New York and youre technically breaking federal law. If the feds really wanted to, they could come in and arrest you on federal crimes, said Jason Klimek, an attorney who focuses on marijuana business law with Woods Oviatt Gilman in Rochester. They could. They dont typically, but they absolutely could. The Constitution itself establishes federal law as the winner in case of a conflict between federal and state statutes, Klimek added. Even the New York marijuana law includes language noting that it doesnt exempt anyone from federal law or aim to block enforcement of federal law. Kuhn said he expects federal agencies will eventually develop policies for how to handle individuals they catch with marijuana in New York. Its too early to know the details, but Kuhn said he expects the amount of the drug will be key in how those agencies handle those cases. EDITORS NOTE: On May 20, NJ Cannabis Insider in collaboration with Advance Media New York hosts a virtual business networking event, featuring some of New York states most prominent industry leaders. Tickets are limited. Got questions about marijuana in New York and what legalization means? Send them to Kevin Tampone at ktampone@syracuse.com or Don Cazentre at dcazentre@syracuse.com. Were going to spend the next few months (years?) trying to answer as many as we can. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Subscribe to get the Good Morning, CNY newsletter (brought to you by Kinney Drugs) delivered to your email inbox weekday mornings. Weather High: 66; Low: 44. Partly sunny and pleasant. Photo of the Day COLONIAL PIPELINE RESTARTS OPERATIONS: The nations largest fuel pipeline restarted operations Wednesday, days after it was forced to shut down by a gang of hackers. The disruption caused long lines at gas stations in the Southeast due to distribution problems and panic-buying, draining supplies at thousands of gas stations, such as the one above, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Colonial initiated the restart of pipeline operations late Wednesday, saying in a statement that all lines, including those lateral lines that have been running manually, will return to normal operations. But it will take several days for deliveries to return to normal, the company said. (AP photo) Coronavirus Update Vaccine approved for ages 12-15; Onondaga County sets clinics: The Centers for Disease Control advisory panel recommended on Wednesday afternoon that the Pfizer vaccine be approved for ages 12-15, and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed off on the recommendation a few hours later. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced has already scheduled three clinics where children can get the vaccine, with one taking place today. 100% beach capacity by July 4? New York state beaches and pools will open in time for Memorial Day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday. Initially, 6-foot social distancing rules will apply and limit capacity. But the goal is 100% capacity by July 4. How to get assistance for Covid-related funeral expenses: The federal government has shelled out more than $15 million over the past month to help pay for Covid-19 related funeral expenses and is still accepting applications for assistance. FEMA will reimburse up to $9,000 for eligible funeral expenses, and anyone can get the money, regardless of income level. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS: Whats Trending GOP ousts Cheney, but Stefanik faces a challenge: House Republicans voted Wednesday to oust Rep. Liz Cheney from a leadership role, opening the door for Upstate New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to succeed her as the GOPs conference chair. At least one Republican member of the House is questioning is Stafanik is the right choice for the job, though. Police ID homicide victim: Police released the identity of a woman found dead Saturday afternoon in a home on Syracuses Far West Side. Her death, initially called a suspicious incident, has been ruled a homicide, police said. Theres a space that can never be filled: Nikeeta Slade is remembered by friends as uncompromising, brilliant and a force on a microphone; a community organizer who captured peoples attention at demonstrations and privately did all the work to back her talk. Slade, active in the local Black Lives Matter movement and other progressive causes, died last week at age 32. Sports Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com THE NEED FOR SPEED: Nottinghams Amoi Caldwell sprints during a track meet Wednesday at Liverpool High School. Both the Liverpool boys and girls track and field teams picked up convincing victories against Nottingham. Both Warrior teams improved to 3-0. (Scott Schild photo) SU lacrosse team continues to make statement against domestic violence: Some slight uniform alterations were made when the Syracuse mens lacrosse team suited up last week for its game against Robert Morris. Players taped to their helmets hand-drawn insignias for the One Love Foundation, which fights domestic violence and abuse. The message ahead of Saturday nights opening-round NCAA tournament game against Georgetown: Expect more. Breanna Stewart gets signature shoe: Breanna Stewart will become the first WNBA play to have a signature shoe in more than a decade after signing an endorsement deal with Puma. Stewarts deal will make her just the 10th WNBA player to receive a signature shoe in the leagues 25 years. MORE SPORTS: Complete high school sports coverage | Wednesdays scoreboard In Brief CNY Army vet could be jailed for breaking VA computer monitor Popeyes is adding a restaurant in Syracuse suburbs Police: East Side murder caught on security camera; suspect arrested Syracuse police working on plan to handle fireworks, illegal street bikes Memorial Day 2021: Are you having a parade, memorial service? Dino Safari, bird walk, auto racing: 17 things to do in CNY Todays Obituaries To view todays obituaries, please click here. Amazon Flash Briefings To listen to the latest news every morning with Alexa, please click here. A New York State employee has been arrested after allegedly putting cleaning solution into a co-workers drink. New York State Police said Wednesday that Troopers arrested 33-year-old Raymond P. Pounds of Albany on three counts of Attempted Assault in the 2nd degree, a felony, and three counts of Criminal Tampering in the 3rd degree, a misdemeanor. Pounds is accused of pouring a cleaning solution into the water bottle of a co-worker at the NYS Office of General Services on multiple occasions. Police said the incidents were discovered when the victim noticed that their water bottle had been tampered with and the water had an abnormal taste. The victim notified his supervisor at OGS, who reported the incident to State Police. The victim did not seek medical treatment. Pounds was issued an appearance ticket for Albany City Court on June 28 and released. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is reportedly raising security concerns in Congress over fellow Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Washington Post reports Greene, a Republican from Georgia, attempted to confront AOC, a Democrat from New York, outside the House chamber on Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses said Greene shouted Hey Alexandria twice, but Ocasio-Cortez did not stop as Greene accused her of supporting antifa and Black Lives Matter, falsely calling them terrorists. According to the Post, Ocasio-Cortez only responded by turning around once and throwing her hands in the air. You chickened out bc you are too scared to debate me about your Socialist Green New Deal, Greene later wrote on Twitter. You are also a hate-America terrorist sympathizer. #JihadSquad Members of Congress do NOT support terrorism & shouldnt be afraid to debate their legislation. According to The Hill, Ocasio-Cortezs office is now calling on fellow House members to ensure Congress remains a safe, civil place. We hope leadership and the Sergeant at Arms will take real steps to make Congress a safe, civil place for all Members and staff especially as many offices are discussing reopening, AOC spokesperson Lauren Hitt told the Post. One Member has already been forced to relocate her office due to Congresswoman Greenes attacks. CNN reports Rep. Cori Bush (D-Missouri) moved her office away from Greenes after Bush confronted Greene about not wearing a mask in a hallway on Capitol Hill. Greene, a far-right Trump loyalist who was elected to her first term in office in November, has also clashed with other members of Congress. In February, she posted an anti-transgender sign outside her office, which sits across from Rep. Marie Newman (D-Illinois), whose daughter is transgender. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) denounced Greenes embrace of QAnon conspiracy theories and loony lies as a cancer for the Republican Party. Somebody whos suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.s airplane is not living in reality, McConnell said in February. This has nothing to do with the challenges facing American families or the robust debates on substance that can strengthen our party. The House rebuked Greene weeks after she took office, stripping her of her committee assignments over her racist and violent rhetoric. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, was one of 11 Republicans who voted with Democrats to punish Greene in February. Mayfield Man Arrested on Shoplifting, Drug Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff During a search of Smith, officers allegedly found illegal items. Smith was arrested on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, fleeing or evading police, possession of synthetic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. MAYFIELD - A shoplifting complaint led to the arrest of a Mayfield man on drug and other charges.The Mayfield Police Department said officers responded to Walmart on Wednesday for a shoplifter. When police arrived, the suspect, 31-year-old Alexander Smith, fled from the business but was apprehended shortly thereafter. WFW advises Euromont and Navigazione Montanari on 35M product tanker acquisition financing Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised Euromont Shipping Company S.p.A. (Euromont) and Navigazione Montanari S.p.A. (Navigazione Montanari) on c.35m loan granted by illimity Bank S.p.A. (illimity) for the renewal of Navigazione Montanaris fleet. The six-year loan is backed by Italian export credit agency SACE through its Garanzia Italia facility and was partly used by Euromont for the purchase of two product tankers, both of which were built in 2013 in South Korea and originally flew the Singapore flag. The vessels are currently registered in the Genoa International Register as the Valle Luna and Valle Sole and are equipped with electronic engines that regulate combustion to minimise atmospheric pollution. Euromont is a company wholly owned by Navigazione Montanari. Founded in 1889, the Navigazione Montanari Group specialises in shipping products for the oil and petrochemical sectors and counts among its clientele the leading operators in those sectors. The WFW Italy Maritime team advising on the transaction, including the purchase of two product tankers by Euromont, was led by Partner Furio Samela, assisted by Associates Sergio Napolitano and Noemi DAlessio. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. You'll receive FIVE of our top national magazines, including Discover Taos Winter Edition, Discover Taos Summer Edition, Taos Gallery Guide, Fall Festivals, and Best of Taos, delivered to your home address anywhere in the US for the special low rate of $55. In addition, you'll receive access for a full year to all content on TaosNews.com, including the e-edition digital replica, and a weekly digest of what's happening in arts and entertainment in Taos! Big Smoke BHPian Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Transferable Posts: 98 Thanked: 363 Times re: Crashed Ferrari 360 Spider to be restored in India Quote: ChiragM Originally Posted by Now, according to an Instagram post, the current owner of the supercar has decided to restore it. Quote: no_fear Originally Posted by ummm, sorry but what is he restoring? The car is just a shell with more than 80% stuff missing. Just getting the rest of the parts is probably more expensive than buying a used Ferrari 360 and importing it as an art decoration... Firstly, that more than 80% of the car is missing is a highly debatable matter. Let us keep that consideration aside. Secondly, coming to the part of importing a Ferrari 360 in India: England is the only country where one will find a used Right Hand Drive Ferrari 360 which can be imported to India. A quick eBay search yields the result of the average price being a bit more than 60000 GBP . On that price, the Indian Customs department will charge- Import Duty: 125% (for used cars). Landing Charges: 1%. Countervailing Duty: 30% + Rs. 200000 per vehcle. CESS Rate: 3%. Additional Countervailing Duty: 4%. Over and above this, just port to port shipping from Felixstowe, UK to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai can cost anywhere between 1100-1500 GBP (and this was the rate pre-covid, they will undoubtedly charge more now). A rough calculation of the above-mentioned rates will yield a whopping figure of approx. 178,000 GBP i.e. 1.85 Crores. I am very confident that the total cost of importing parts and restoration would not even touch 40% of the above-mentioned cost. Hence, restoring the car is a step in the right direction. And just to add to that, I'm pretty sure that the owner is restoring the car to drive it and not use it as an art decoration. Quote: LONG_TOURER Originally Posted by How did the owner managed to get hands on this particular car. As per sources, this car was a total loss and in case of a total loss the vehicle possession is held with the insurance company if I am not wrong. Here is an excellent write-up explaining the process in detail by fellow BHPian & lawyer kaholster. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...rite-offs.html (My experience with luxury cars that were salvage / insurance write-offs) The owner has to be someone with really deep passion & really deep pockets. There can be nothing more satisfying than bringing a rare car back to its past glory. The Ferrari 360 is a fine example of a car that deserves this treatment.I'm highly doubtful of your assumed cost involvement in the project, fellow BHPian.Firstly, that more than 80% of the car is missing is a highly debatable matter. Let us keep that consideration aside.Secondly, coming to the part of importing a Ferrari 360 in India:where one will find a used Right Hand Drive Ferrari 360 which can be imported to India. A quick eBay search yields the result of the average price being a bit more than. On that price, the Indian Customs department will charge-Over and above this, just port to port shipping from Felixstowe, UK to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai can cost anywhere between 1100-1500 GBP (and this was the rate pre-covid, they will undoubtedly charge more now).A rough calculation of the above-mentioned rates will yield a whopping figure of approx. 178,000 GBP i.e.I am very confident that the total cost of importing parts and restoration would not even touch 40% of the above-mentioned cost. Hence, restoring the car is a step in the right direction.And just to add to that, I'm pretty sure that the owner is restoring the car to drive it and not use it as an art decoration.You are partially right, fellow BHPian. The car is in possession of the insurance company until it is auctioned off. There are dealers who buy these Insurance write-off cars in auctions and sell them for parts.Here is an excellent write-up explaining the process in detail by fellow BHPian & lawyer Last year, one of the most interesting new streaming devices came not from Roku, Amazon, or Apple, but from TiVo. The TiVo Stream 4K was an ambitious attempt to make streaming simpler, combining sources like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ into a single TV guide. For cord cutters, it was a welcome alternative to wading through a sea of app icons, and it also marked a new chapter for TiVo, which has been eager to break free of its legacy DVR business. So I was bummed to read last weekend that TiVo might be abandoning the endeavor. Citing comments by the CEO of TiVo parent company Xperi, several sites suggested that the Stream 4K could be TiVo's last streaming dongle as it focused more on embedding its software in smart TVs. But according to a TiVo spokesperson, its foray into streaming hardware isn't dead yet. The company says to expect new Android TV dongles from TiVo, and that it will continue to improve the Stream 4K "based on consumer needs and feedback." More broadly, TiVo is "currently making hardware and will continue to do so." You might take this with a grain of salt, given that TiVo has reportedly been bleeding talent on the product side of its business, but I hope the company isn't lying. While the TiVo Stream 4K wasn't perfect, it still had a lot of potential. Never say die Jon Kirchner, the CEO of TiVo parent company Xperi, did suggest last week that the market for TiVo's streaming dongles is narrower than it used to be. In an earnings call, Kirchner noted that Google now offers its own universal streaming guide on Android TV devicesstarting on the Chromecast with Google TVwhich somewhat eclipses TiVo's ability to offer an alternative. As such, Xperi was moving more aggressively to embed its software directly into smart TVs. But even if the launch of Google TV was a gut punch, Kirchner never said that TiVo would stop making Android TV dongles. He even noted earlier in the call that TiVo Stream 4K device sales grew quarter-over-quarter, increasing the platform's footprint. Given that TiVo monetizes its streaming devices through ads, it has plenty of incentive to keep producing and distributing them. Jared Newman / IDG TiVo's guide lets you see what's on lots of different services from a single menu. To that end, TiVo recently started providing the TiVo Stream 4K to small cable companies that want to offer a streaming solution to their internet-only customers. As TiVo explained to me last year, the hope is that those companies will share in the ad revenue that comes from services like TiVo Plus, a collection of free streaming channels that come pre-loaded on the dongle. Besides, a foray into smart TV software isn't a safe bet either. That field is already crowded with the likes of Roku (whose software ships on 38 percent of smart TVs sold in the United States), Amazon's Fire TV Edition televisions, Samsung's Smart TV platform, Vizio's SmartCast, LG's WebOS, and Google's own Android TV platform, whose TVs have started to include the Google TV guide. Comcast has reportedly considered putting its streaming platform on smart TVs as well, and like TiVo, it has similar ideas about offering a universal guide to streaming services. In other words, TiVo is walking a tightrope with its streaming platform no matter what. Abandoning the crowded streaming device field just to focus on the even more crowded smart TV business doesn't make a lot of sense. The more streaming guides, the merrier My glass-half-full outlook doesn't come from any vested interested in TiVo, but rather from a desire to see streaming get simpler. With so many new services emerging over the past couple yearsfrom Apple TV+ and Disney+ to Discovery+ and Peacockit's getting harder to keep track of them all, and having to jump from one app to the next is starting to feel outdated. Jared Newman / IDG Unlike the Chromecast with Google TV, the TiVo Stream 4K still includes Netflix originals in its guide. The more companies trying to crack the aggregation nut, the better, and TiVo is already doing a pretty good job. It's the only universal guide right now that covers the full Netflix catalog, and its "Recently Watched" row is great at helping you pick up where you left off on shows. By contrast, Google's guide stopped including Netflix originals in December, and its "Continue Watching" row has patchy support among streaming services. The "TV" guide app on Apple TV devices, meanwhile, has never listed any Netflix content. Of course, the TiVo Stream 4K still has room for improvement. Its live TV grid guide could be more customizable, and its on-demand menu is missing a few services that Google TV offers (Apple TV+ and Showtime among them). The hardware, meanwhile, could be snappier, and its remote would really benefit from dedicated fast forward and rewind buttons. But that's all the more reason for TiVo to keep iterating instead of walking away. This story has been updated to reference a report on key product personnel leaving TiVo. Sign up for Jareds Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to more cord-cutting news, insights, and deals in your inbox. Princeton Teen Hurt When Vehicle Hits Deer By West Kentucky Star Staff EDDYVILLE - A Caldwell County teen was injured when his vehicle struck a deer late Tuesday night in Lyon County.The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said the accident happened around 10:15 pm on Eddy Creek Road, 8 miles southeast of Eddyville.Deputies said the driver, 18-year-old Devin Kilgore of Princeton was transported by ambulance to Caldwell County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.Kilgore's passenger, 13-year-old Justus Coleman of Princeton, was not injured in the crash. Elon Musk has recently announced that Tesla will no longer accept or trade using the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin ($BTC) because it is using coal as an energy resource to mine its coins which is not environmentally friendly. Musk explained that Tesla would not sell $BTC as well, and would look for alternatives to the coin until it uses a sustainable energy alternative. Tesla and Clean Energy It's a day of defeat for Tesla fans who are mining for Bitcoin and participates in the company's trading in the market which involves the use of mining for the coins from the internet. After more than 5 months of allowing customers to use the cryptocurrency as a payment option for Tesla, the clean energy company is dropping it amidst a continuing downward trend. Tesla is all about clean energy and using sustainable options for every process that the company makes, including the use of its solar roofing for most of its factories to alleviate the use of traditional resources. Initially, Musk was trending for his comment against cryptocurrency which he regarded as something that is "not a great climate thing." Read Also: 'Internet Computer' Cryptocurrency is a Two-Day Old Coin that is Now Valued at $45b-What You Need to Know Tesla and Bitcoin In a recent statement via a tweet by Tesla CEO Elon Musk (@elonmusk), Musk explains that the company will no longer accept payments of the top-grossing cryptocurrency in the world's market. This is because of the recent discoveries that $BTC is using coal as a source of energy and that it uses a great volume of fossil fuel. Tesla would also suspend the company's market trading of the cryptocurrency because mining for the coins as well, uses energy greatly, leading to a higher demand for fossil fuels and coal energy. However, Tesla is looking for an alternative that does not use that much traditional energy, Earth's natural resources, and is sustainable in its way. Tesla Cryptocurrency: What Would Be the Alternative? While there are no ideas or hints given by the Tesla CEO for the next alternative for cryptocurrency to be accepted as payment or traded by the company, they are already looking for an alternative and studying several names in the market. The cryptocurrency world is full of diverse coins that have different origins and advocacies that it upholds, meaning that it is possible for a clean energy cryptocurrency. Also, there is a listing of TeslaCoin from Coin Market Cap's database, but there were no announcements from the company that it is launching its cryptocurrency for trade and sale in the market. This "Tesla Coin" may either be created by fans or those just wanting to use the name to rank well in the market. But this may be a great alternative for Tesla if ever they want to utilize a coin that uses clean energy. Related Article: Tesla Bull Explains How to Handle Volatility with $TSLA This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nintendo Switch fans have another reserved knowledge for what's ahead of them. The latest rumors revealed the potential release of the new "Donkey Kong" game, as well as the "Mario Kart 9." The two classic franchises belong to the line-up of the oldest games in Nintendo. It's possible that 2021 could be the year of returning nostalgia, especially for true-blue fans. New 'Donkey Kong' is Arriving 3D? According to a report by Nintendo Life, the huge rumors circling this game could be one of the biggest announcements this year. After the launch of the "Donkey Kong 64" and "Donkey Kong Country," the franchise has grown inactive since the Wii's "Tropical Release" debut back in 2014 before it arrived in 2018 to Switch. The fresh rumor has driven the fans in mass excitement--and confusion. There will be an "expected rebirth" for the dusty game. The "Super Mario Odyssey" crew, Nintendo EPD is potentially starting its plans for the development of the new "Donkey Kong" in 3D. Read Also: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gives Access To All Unlockables, Except One: Here's How To Unlock Gold Mario The rumor has been spreading on social media like a virus, like what game YouTuber, Lonely Goomba mentioned. If the hearsays about this game are true, we could likely believe in its potential preparation if the "small" information would come from the mouth of a legit source. Some reports wrote that the "Donkey Kong" game will retain its traditional 2D design, while others are expecting that it will be a next-gen, 3D video game. Moreover, prominent game leaker Zippo has also commented about the next "Donkey Kong" in Switch. According to the blog, the 40th anniversary of big ape is coming and we could expect a 2D DK game soon. The leaker also said that we should not expect the comeback of the "Country" moniker since EPD Tokyo is not used to creating game sequels that it did not develop. For this rumored installment, Kremling Krew, Diddy, and Cranky could be gearing for their homecoming. From the sounds of it, the new "Donkey Kong" could be released before the end of 2021 although this is only a wild guess from the leaker. 'Mario Kart 9' is Also Coming? Comic Book reported that "Mario Kart 9" is also rumored to have a Switch release. Over the year, we haven't heard any news about the next "Mario Kart" game. This year, who knows if it will return with a fresh set of features and other schemes? Again, Zippo has written a report about this. According to the Nintendo Insider, he has heard that Yabuki's team is working hard in the development of the new "Mario Kart" or its related franchise. Speaking of the rumored "Mario Kart" game, he specified that the next project was not the usual "Mario Kart Tour" or the Universal theme park ride. The leaker added that there is also a chance that its title will not be "Mario Kart 9." It could be a spinoff or a crossover that we never expect to happen. Most importantly, Zippo said that its launch could be around the holiday season or in 2022. Related Article: The Original Arcade Version Of 'Donkey Kong' Arrives On Nintendo Switch This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Intel collaborates with QuTech, an advanced research center for quantum internet and quantum computing, to develop a new cryogenic control SoC called the Horse Ridge. The tech giant manufacturer claimed that this new chipset is a breakthrough in quantum computing. Right now, researchers and experts are finding it hard to understand quantum computations since they are complex mathematical equations. On the other hand, they also deal with quantum states, specifically superposition and entanglement. Because of these, traditional computers are currently unable to perform quantum computations because they don't have the ability to harness the phenomenon of quantum mechanics. Since this is the case, experts are forced to create quantum supercomputers that are specifically developed to perform quantum computing. And now, Intel also developed a new SoC that could be used in these special desktops. To help you have more idea about it, here are other details of Intel's new Horse Ridge. Intel Horse Ridge's Major Details According to Tech Story's latest report, the new Intel Horse Ridge cryogenic control chipset showed an instance of a high-fidelity two-qubit control, which is the first one to be ever recorded. Also Read: Qualcomm Introduces New QCS400 Chip That Can Make Smart Speakers Easier To Talk To Thanks to the new chip, Intel and QuTech claimed that traditional room-temperature devices can have 99.97% efficiency when it comes to achieving the same high-fidelity two-qubit control. Aside from this, Engadget also reported that Intel's new advanced chipset has the ability to control multiple qubits on a single radio frequency line, which is also known as frequency multiplexing. Meanwhile, rumors claimed that the new Intel Horse Ridge uses the so-called Deutsch-Jonza algorithm, which enables it to achieve the high-fidelity two-qubit control. Is the New Intel Horse Ridge SoC a Big Deal? Some analysts and critics claimed that the new Intel Horse Ride chipset can operate at just 3 Kelvins, allowing it to force microwave bursts to drive the multiple silicon qubits or quantum bits, which are specifically cooled to almost zero degrees at 20 millikelvins. On the other hand, various speculations claimed that the new cryogenic chipset is also designed for multiplexing. However, these are still rumors. Although this is the case, its capabilities are still major breakthroughs for quantum computations. For more news updates about Intel and its upcoming SoCs, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Apple 5G Chips for iPhones 13 Could Happen This 2023! Is Qualcomm Out? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Pixabay/DariuszSankowski ) Google blocks EV apps Google has been hit with a fine of over $123 million by Italy's antitrust watchdog for abuse of dominant market position. The case related to Android Audio, a modified version of Google's mobile OS intended for in-car use. The case also highlighted how Google restricted access to the platform to an electric car charging app, called JuicePass, made by the company Enel X Italia. Google Blocking EV App Android Auto lets motorists directly access a selection of relevant apps through a dash-mounted screen. But Enel X Italia's JuicePass app was not one of the third-party apps Google granted access to, according to TechCrunch. The app is accessible through the smartphone version of the Android platform, but a driver should not be reaching for their phone when driving. So, barring access through Android Auto puts a significant blocker on relevant usage. Also Read: Lawsuit Accusing Google Of Collecting Data Of Users During Incognito Browsing To Continue Google's market restriction of JuicePass has drawn the attention of Italy's competition watchdog. The Autorita' Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato or AGCM stated that Google has violated Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and has ordered it to make the JuicePass available through the platform. The article also stated that Google must provide the same interoperability with Android Auto to other third party app developer, according to Reuters. Furthermore, the authority points out that the Google Maps app, which offers some basic services for electric vehicle charging is available through Android Auto, and could incorporate directly competitive features like payments in the future. AGCM writes in a press release announcing the sanction that according to their findings, Google did not allow Enel X Italia to develop a version of its JuicePass app compatible with Android Auto, a specific Android feature that allows apps to be used while the user is driving in compliance with safety, as well as distraction reduction. Moreover, GCM added that JuicePass enables a wide range of services for recharging electric vehicles, ranging from finding a charging station to managing the charging session and reserving a spot at the station. This function guarantees the availability of the infrastructure once the user reaches it. Basically, by refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving, and recharging an electric vehicle. Google has consequently favored its own Google Maps app, which runs on Android Auto and enables functional services for electric vehicle charging, currently limited to finding and getting directions to reach charging points, but which in the future could include other functionalities like reservation and payment. Google's Appeal Google denies any wrongdoing on the matter and stated that the company disagrees with Italy watchdog's order. But it did not confirm whether or not it intends to appeal, CGTN reported. The tech giant claims the restrictions it places on apps' access to Android Auto are needed to ensure drivers are not distracted. The company also said that it has been opening up the platform to more apps over time, with thousands now compatible. The intention of the company is to keep expanding availability. Also, Google did not comment on why Enel X Italia's app for recharging electric vehicles was not among the thousands it has already granted access to. AGCM added that Enel X Italia's app has been excluded from Android Auto for more than two years now. Related Article : Google Denies Allegations of Anticompetitive Behavior with Facebook Ad Partnership-Says Charges are 'Misleading' This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope was able to capture various photo versions of Jupiter's atmosphere using different colors of light. Some people find one of these captured images scary since they claim it looks like hell. The new images of Jupiter came from the Gemini North and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. They were able to capture the giant gas planet's atmosphere in infrared, ultraviolet wavelengths, and visible light. On the other hand, NASA's images show atmospheric features of Jupiter, including superstorms and giant cyclones, which stretch across the gaseous planet's disc, as well as the popular Great Red Spot. To give you more idea, here's how NASA captured these new astonishing photos of Jupiter's atmosphere. Hubble's Near InfraRed Imager According to SlashGear's latest report, NASA was able to capture these new images using the Wide Field Camera 3 installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. Aside from this, the international space agency also relied on the giant space telescope's Near InfraRed Imager instrument to capture the scary image of Jupiter's atmosphere. This space equipment is currently located at Gemini North in Hawaii. The trio of observations was taken at the same time, January 11, 2017, at 15:41 universal time. Meanwhile, the YouTube channel NOIRLabAstro featured three new images, specifically the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet versions. The infrared photo shows Jupiter with colors of red and black. In this image, the gaseous giant looks like a planet that has lots of lava across its surface, making it look like hell. On the other hand, the ultraviolet version shows a cool version of Jupiter since it has violet, light blue, and other cool colors that give it a cold ambiance. If you want to see the exact images, you can check the video below. Why This New Discovery is Important? Yahoo UK reported that the new images captured by NASA highlight the key advantage of multiwavelength astronomy. These specifically include showing and viewing planets and other heavenly bodies at different wavelengths of light. Thanks to this innovation, space experts are to see unavailable insights of a planet. If you want to know more details about it, all you need to do is click this link. For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming space discoveries, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Orbite: A New Space Company That Offers Training Programs For People Who Wants to Travel to Space This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple Inc. is facing a 1.5 million class-action lawsuit for overcharging nearly 20 million UK customers for App Store purchases. The claim was filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in London on Monday on behalf of around 19.6 million eligible UK iPhone and iPad users in the collective action. The lawsuit accuses Apple of using its dominant position and breaching the competition law by forcing people to use its own payment processing system, generating excessive profits for itself in the process. The claim argues that Apples policy of forcing developers to use Apples payment systems for in-app purchases and taking up to 30% commission is excessive and unlawful. Apple is abusing its dominance in the app store market, which in turn impacts U.K. consumers, Rachael Kent, a digital economy specialist and lecturer at Kings College who is leading the collective action, said. This is the behaviour of a monopolist and is unacceptable. Ordinary peoples use of apps is growing all the time, and the last year, in particular, has increased our dependence on this technology. Apple has no right to charge us a 30% rent for so much of what we pay for on our phones particularly when Apple itself is blocking our access to platforms and developers that are able to offer us much better deals. This is why I am taking this action. The claim calls for Apple to compensate UK iPhone and iPad users who bought paid apps, paid subscriptions, or other in-app purchases on an iPhone or iPad within the UK version of the App Store since October 1, 2015. Apple in a statement has described the lawsuit as meritless. We believe this lawsuit is meritless and welcome the opportunity to discuss with the court our unwavering commitment to consumers and the many benefits the App Store has delivered to the U.K.s innovation economy, Apple said in an emailed statement. The commission charged by the App Store is very much in the mainstream of those charged by all other digital marketplaces, it added. In fact, 84% of apps on the App Store are free and developers pay Apple nothing. And for the vast majority of developers who do pay Apple a commission because they are selling a digital good or service, they are eligible for a commission rate of 15%. The UK legal action comes amid a U.S. trial in which Epic Games, maker of the wildly popular game Fortnite has accused Apple of violating U.S. antitrust law. It alleged that the App Store and related developer commission rates are anti-competitive and monopolistic. New Info on Trigg County Officer-Involved Shooting By West Kentucky Star Staff CADIZ - Kentucky State Police have released more information in an officer-involved shooting Monday night north of Cadiz.Detectives said at around 7:40 pm, Trigg County Dispatch received a call of a possible intoxicated driver on Bush Road. When deputies located the man, he reportedly brandished a gun and fired it.Deputies responded by returning fire, striking and wounding the man. The man was transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. No one else was injured during the altercation. The investigation is conducted by Kentucky State Police, Post 1 and the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team. State Police Investigate Shooting in Trigg County By West Kentucky Star Staff TRIGG COUNTY - Kentucky State Police are investigating an overnight shooting in Trigg County.The shooting took place around 12:30 Thursday morning at a location on Gold Dust Trail in the Rockcastle community. Troopers said more information regarding the shooting will be made available as the investigation continues. There is no safety concern for the community, and the public is asked to avoid the Gold Dust Trail area while police are on scene. A former officer with the Broussard Police Department who voiced concerns about inappropriate behavior by the chief and assistant chief during his employment has filed a lawsuit against the city. The suit, filed Wednesday in the 15th Judicial District Court, alleges violations of state discrimination and whistleblower retaliation laws meant to protect employees. It also includes allegations of sexual harassment by the Police Department's top two leaders, who have been the subject of a city investigation expected to wrap up by the end of the week. Plaintiff Ryan Alexander Savoie said in the lawsuit that he received unwelcome, inappropriate texts, Snapchat messages and Snapchat photos from Police Chief Brannon Decou throughout his employment with the Police Department from May 2019 to May 2020. Savoie also alleges that Assistant Police Chief Christopher Galvez frequently made sexually suggestive, inappropriate comments during conversations and staff meetings throughout his employment. Savoie consistently objected to the sexual advances, gestures and comments Decou and Galvez directed to him and others in his presence, according to the lawsuit, and eventually Savoie would lose his job for voicing his concerns. +9 Broussard police chief faces allegations of sexual harassment by former officers Taylor Jones says he'll never forget the November night when he had his first panic attack. Savoie didn't file a formal complaint against the chief or assistant chief until his wife was allegedly sexually harassed by Galvez during the Police Department's 2019 Christmas party, according to the lawsuit. Both Savoie and his wife, who works for another law enforcement agency but is not named in the lawsuit, filed complaints about the Christmas party interaction, which included a variation of a vulgar question about oral sex preferences that Galvez allegedly asked on a regular basis to newly hired officers, including Savoie. He lodged a complaint internally within the Broussard Police Department, and her complaint was filed with an external law enforcement agency. Decou allegedly called Savoie's wife on her cell phone in March 2020 and "attempted to intimidate her into saying that her formal complaint against Galvez was false." She began experiencing symptoms of a panic attack during the call, according to the lawsuit, at which point Savoie took his wife's phone and spoke directly to Decou. In April 2020, three employees were confirmed at the Broussard Police Department, which gave them civil service protection, but Savoie was not among them, the lawsuit says. Savoie was not notified in writing of the non-confirmation, according to the lawsuit, as required by police department policy and civil service law. His non-confirmation allowed Decou to "suddenly and unexpectedly" instruct Savoie to resign in lieu of being terminated in May 2020, the lawsuit says. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The lawsuit alleges Savoie only learned of the non-confirmation when he tried to appeal his dismissal to the Civil Service Board but was told he could not lodge an appeal without prior confirmation. Broussard Police Chief Brannon Decou to retire amid sexual harassment investigation Broussard Police Chief Brannon Decou announced his retirement Monday afternoon as the city continues its investigation into sexual harassment At that point, Savoie filed for unemployment, noting a "hostile work environment" as the basis for discharge, the lawsuit said, which was not opposed by the Broussard Police Department. The lawsuit alleges that Decou actively worked to prevent Savoie from obtaining or retaining subsequent employment after he left the Broussard Police Department. "For example, Decou contacted the Iberia Chief of Police on or about June 20, 2020, and informed him Plaintiff had received numerous verbal reprimands and write-ups, none of which actually occurred," the lawsuit says. Even after Savoie began working for the Lafayette Police Department, Decou allegedly contacted LPD to inform staff that Savoie had "violated policy several times" even though he never received a write-up or reprimand, according to the suit. Decou also allegedly tried to have Savoie's wife fired from her current employer. Savoie is seeking an unspecified amount in excess of $75,000 from the city of Broussard, the only named defendant in the case, for lost wages, employment benefits, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit was filed two days after Decou announced his retirement from his elected position and one day after Galvez was fired "for failure to pursue employee complaints and causing a lack of confidence within the police department." City leaders are expected to announce in the coming days the results of an investigation into the police department that was launched last month after sexual harassment complaints by former officers were made public in an Acadiana Advocate story. Legislation that would grant new trials for about 1,500 Louisiana inmates convicted years ago by non-unanimous juries was temporarily shelved Thursday by its author, who wants the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in before the Legislature moves forward. But after an emotional hearing that featured testimony from those affected by the Jim Crow-era system, the head of the Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Ted James, said theres no time to wait and is exploring ways to reassign it to the committee he chairs. Way too often, we wait for the Supreme Court to tell us what to do, said James, a Baton Rouge Democrat. I think it's important for us to get it done. State Rep. Randall Gaines, D-LaPlace, the sponsor of House Bill 346, which stalled in the House Judiciary Committee Thursday, said he didnt want to advance the bill because a forthcoming decision from the Supreme Court could render it unconstitutional. Louisiana inmates convicted by split juries would get new trials, parole hearings under this bill While the U.S. Supreme Court considers handing new trials to about 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted years ago by non-unanimous jurie That is inaccurate, said Jamila Johnson of the New Orleans-based Promise of Justice Initiative, which has led the challenge to split verdicts in Louisiana. There is no ruling that the Supreme Court could make that could make this proposed statute unconstitutional. Johnson said she was disappointed that Gaines voluntarily chose to defer the measure, which would allow some 1,500 inmates convicted under split-jury verdicts to apply for parole or undergo a new trial. Its disappointing because Louisiana should be past the point in its history where it has to wait for the federal government to tell it to fix a Jim Crow law, Johnson said following the deferral. The Supreme Court last year outlawed split jury verdicts in Louisiana and Oregon, the only two states to allow them, in a 6-3 vote. The origins of the Louisiana law in 19th century White supremacy took center stage in that debate, along with the law's discriminatory impact on Black defendants and jurors into the 21st century, as an exhaustive analysis by this newspaper found in 2018. Convicted Baton Rouge killer to get new trial; non-unanimous jury verdicts cited as reason A Baton Rouge man convicted of firing numerous shots into a couple's parked car in 2013, killing a man and seriously wounding his wife, has be But neither the ban on split verdicts by Louisiana voters later that year, nor the high courts ruling in the case of Evangelisto Ramos last year, spelled relief for inmates who have exhausted their appeals a process that can run a few years. The high court will decide the retroactivity question within the next few weeks, though, in the case of Thedrick Edwards, who was convicted by a split jury of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and five counts of armed robbery from a 2006 crime spree in Baton Rouge. During oral arguments in Edwards case, some of the same six justices who favored the ban on split juries cast doubt on the rationale for turning back the clock, and some legal scholars predict the court will leave the older convictions intact. HB346 would render such a decision moot. On Thursday, Bernette Joshua Johnson, the former chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, said that if lawmakers want people to respect the rule of law, they need to address legally sanctioned racism in our criminal justice system. 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 She urged the committee not to reject retroactive relief out of the fear that we will produce a tsunami of litigation. The powerful Louisiana District Attorneys Association didnt lodge a formal objection at Thursdays hearing, but the organizations executive director Loren Lampert has said the state should wait for the Supreme Court to issue its ruling. Lampert has said he supports the discretion of DAs to make individual decisions on the cases but argued that retrying some, including homicides in more than half of them, will be impractical. Jamila Johnson said that righting the wrongs of the Jim Crow era law will absolutely require work, but that if each of the roughly 1,500 convictions were reversed, the number of criminal cases in Louisiana would increase by less than 2%. Theres no question that the men and women who are in prisons in Louisiana with non-unanimous jury verdicts are there with an unconstitutional conviction, Johnson said. Bernette Johnson said that for lawyers, judges and legislators, its always difficult to admit error, but it is never too late to do the right thing and with regard to these 1,500 who are languishing in prison, they deserve better. Jermaine Hudson was, until recently, one of those prisoners. He spent more than half of his 42 years locked up on a non-unanimous jury conviction for armed robbery. The day after his conviction was vacated in March, his accuser admitted to fabricating the accusation. Im quite sure you have more guys like myself who are actually innocent, said Hudson, who spent 22 behind bars. I want the same people to have the same chance to come home like I have had. Melanie Schiller-Seidel said under the legislation, the man who raped her as a child would be granted a new trial, given that he was convicted to a life sentence under a split-jury. Still, she said that even though she knows without a shred of doubt that his verdict and sentencing was just, the concept that the state can sentence someone to life imprisonment without a unanimous verdict is deplorable. The possibility of him getting out of prison absolutely paralyzes me and would be trading his life sentence for mine, regardless of that I cant in good conscience teach my sons that we support the rule of law only when it doesnt potentially hurt us, Schiller-Seidel said. Following the testimony, state Rep. Kathy Edmonston, R-Gonzales, said, "I learned more today than I probably have, I don't know, a year." State Rep. Chuck Owens, R-Rosepine, said DAs and judges in his region had voiced concerns that the legislation would clog up the courts. Still, he said its the state's responsibility to make things right. "I don't care if we have to sell GARVEE bonds or have bakes sales. If there are people in jail that don't need to be in jail, it's got to be identified and we as a state have to sort this out," Owens said. "The God that I know says that he hates uneven scales, and thats what Im operating on." A swimming pool chemical plant that was damaged by Hurricane Laura and burned to the ground last year near Lake Charles is looking to rebuild and expand its plant and wants tax breaks for the project. The expansion itself, known as plant No. 5, would be a $50 million capital investment, according to Bio-Lab Inc.'s incentive application. The total investment under consideration this week by the state Board of Commerce and Industry would be $142.6 million. Dubbed project Juniper in state records, the Bio-Lab chlorine plant would manufacture trichloroisocyanuric acid and disodium isocyanurate used as a sanitizer in swimming pools. Meanwhile, Bio-Lab laid off about 100 employees in the interim as it seeks to rebuild, according to Bloomberg. The company told the state in its application that it has 30 jobs at the site, and the expansion would create 71 jobs. This would be in addition to 170 construction jobs supported at the site. Bio-Lab is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia. It is a subsidiary of privately-held KIK Custom Products, a Canadian business. "The Bio-Lab chlorine plant was a complete loss from the fire that broke out during Hurricane Laura," according to the company's application signed by Derek Kroft, vice president of tax at Kik Custom Products. "As a result of this qualified disaster, Bio-Lab plans to rebuild the plant, which will include a Plant 5 expansion." The reconstructed petrochemical complex includes shipping, maintenance, laboratory, a machine shop and the swimming pool chemical producing unit itself. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The project period started March 9 and is expected to wrap up by May 2022. Demand for swimming pool products and related chemicals has boomed during the coronavirus pandemic as many employees work from home and have invested in home improvement projects. The annual proposed exemption would be $2 million in property taxes, and over a 10-year time frame would be worth $16.7 million. Under new Industrial and Tax Exemption Program rules, the company could get 80% property tax abatement over 10-years if approved by the local council or police jury, sheriff's office and school board. The project is a chance for local workers to have jobs again after the petrochemical plant is rebuilt and is "preferable to closing the operation and losing these skilled workers," Don Pierson, state secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, said in a recent email. As part of our plans, we recently filed an economic incentive application reflective of our long-term commitment to the Lake Charles community, of which we are a part. This application is based on the creation of approximately 270 jobs and a significant $142 million investment over time in the local economy," KIK Custom Products said in a statement. +2 Lake Charles petrochemical industry to recover slowly, power outages and wind damage major headwinds Though initial assessments show limited hurricane damage to the petrochemical hub around Lake Charles, the area's port suffered significant da +2 Here's how the Louisiana petrochemical industry held up after Hurricane Laura, offshore Major operators of oil, gas and chemical plants and pipelines in the path of Hurricane Laura appeared to have just limited damage Thursday, wi After serving nearly two decades as a Louisiana State Police trooper and rising to the rank of lieutenant, Sheldon Perkins almost threw away his law enforcement career when he got pulled over for drunk driving in 2019. But a civil service board decision Thursday gave him another chance. Perkins was fired from the agency just weeks after the August 2019 traffic stop, which occurred while he was off duty and driving his personal car 85 mph on Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge. While calling someone to come pick him up, Perkins became combative with fellow troopers, who ultimately used a stun gun to gain control. He was booked into jail that night. Not long after posting bail, he voluntarily enrolled in rehab and received treatment for alcoholism. Almost two years later, he appeared before the Louisiana State Police Commission to deliver a heartfelt apology for his actions and describe his recent transformation. He asked the board to overturn his termination. +3 After allegedly assaulting fellow trooper, Louisiana State Police lieutenant arrested for DWI An off-duty State Police lieutenant pulled over for suspected DWI early Saturday in Baton Rouge is accused of assaulting a fellow trooper, who The board obliged. On Thursday morning, commissioners voted unanimously to reinstate Perkins, replacing the termination with a demotion and unpaid suspension. Perkins will also have to undergo random drug and alcohol screenings for the rest of his State Police career and show proof of regularly attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the board decided. "We recognize that alcoholism is a disease," said Brian Crawford, commission vice chair. "That's proven, not debatable. Today, I ask the commissioners to join me in holding Mr. Perkins accountable for his actions that night but also show him something we see too little of and that's compassion." In addition to highlighting the potential pitfalls of so-called "cancel culture," Crawford noted that Perkins took full responsibility for his behavior and took action to address his health. Other commissioners agreed that Perkins should not be "canceled," though he faces a significant demotion from lieutenant to sergeant. The decision came after a nearly three-hour appeal hearing before the commission, which has the authority to uphold or overturn discipline issued by the Louisiana State Police superintendent. The hearing included testimony from Perkins, who alluded to a series of recent State Police scandals involving troopers in the Monroe area brutally beating Black suspects and then trying to cover it up. Perkins raised questions about why some of those troopers saw little to no discipline and continued patrolling the streets until recent lawsuits and media reports brought the incidents to light. Toward the end of the hearing, commissioners viewed bodycam footage of the traffic stop, including when Perkins refused to comply with his colleagues and escalated the encounter despite their repeated attempts to reason with him. The video shows him arguing with the troopers about which street they were on, wrongly insisting it was Brightside Drive while walking into the road to read the signs. When the arresting officers repeatedly told him to stop walking toward traffic, Perkins got combative and started pushing them, which is when he was tased and handcuffed. Then he got mad about the stun gun and drunkenly accused his colleagues of "doing everything outside protocol." His blood alcohol level registered at .177, about twice the legal limit to drive. 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 During the hearing, Perkins did not dispute what happened that night. He acknowledged his actions clearly violated State Police policies that require compliance with state law and prohibit substance abuse and conduct unbecoming an officer. The two troopers who conducted the stop both relatively low-ranking compared to Perkins told commissioners the incident hurt their morale. Because of course State Police training fails to address hypothetical traffic stops involving a belligerent senior colleague, the troopers said they ultimately treated Perkins like anyone else refusing to comply with law enforcement. Commissioners also heard from State Police Assistant Superintendent Doug Cain, who before explaining the rationale behind his termination decision introduced himself as a longtime friend and colleague of Perkins. Cain said the behavior recorded on bodycam footage seemed totally out of character for Perkins. He said that despite whatever issues Perkins was having with alcohol, he always appeared sober at work. "But what it boils down to is this: a senior experienced officer who mistreated two young troopers simply doing their jobs," Cain said. "For me, that is simply inexcusable." One arrested state trooper resigns, 2 more receive unpaid leave amid criminal investigation Another Louisiana State Police trooper has resigned and two more will stop receiving their taxpayer funded salaries after getting arrested ear In addition to his belligerence during the traffic stop, State Police leaders noted a prior discipline case against Perkins. He received a two-week suspension in 2016 after investigators found he removed several pieces of evidence from a vault, including a $400 ice chest and fishing equipment, and gave them to a retired State Police lieutenant. In his remarks to the commission Thursday, Perkins said he received stellar job performance ratings from his superiors for the two years following that case. He also apologized to the troopers who arrested him in 2019, acknowledging that his behavior forced them to respond the way they did. In the 21 months since his arrest, Perkins said, he got sober and worked a few different jobs, including in a UPS warehouse and at Trader Joes. He mentioned his prior military service and masters degree, asking the commission to consider those accomplishments alongside his recent mistakes. "I cannot change the past Lord knows, I wish I could," he said. "I am not a horrible person, but someone who was given a wakeup call that my drinking was out of control and I needed help." After saying his piece, Perkins sat next to his wife to await the commission ruling. When the board voted to reinstate him, he briefly clasped her hand. In addition to the demotion, he was suspended for 18 weeks without pay. It was unclear Thursday what assignment Perkins will receive upon returning to work. Symsonia Woman Jailed After Paris Road Crash By West Kentucky Star Staff MAYFIELD - A Graves County woman is facing a DUI charge following a crash on Tuesday.The two-vehicle collision happened around 3:00 pm on Paris Road in Mayfield. During the investigation of the crash, Mayfield police officers determined that one of the drivers, 45-year-old JoAnn Thomas of Symsonia, was under the influence of an intoxicant other than alcohol.Thomas was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance. She was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center to be medically cleared before being transported to and lodged in the Ballard County Jail. A ship gets ready to enter the mouth of the Mississippi River. A member of the commission that sets fees and river pilot salaries that guide ships has requested an opinion on whether independent commissioners should remain on the body in light of a letter made public that shows a river pilots group recommending appointees to the governor. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Louisiana House Appropriations Chairman Jerome "Zee" Zeringue, R-Houma, talks on the phone in this file photo from June 2020. He sought to steer the remaining federal pandemic aid dollars to areas that represented a "pressing need" during the Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. In response to Susan Rotolos letter on May 13, I agree with just about everything she said except for her calling for a civil, humble role model. The head of explosives maker Orica has expressed caution about the short-term outlook for Australias mining industry as trade tensions with China persist and the COVID-19 emergency worsens in India. Orica, the nations top supplier of commercial explosives, saw its profit cut in half during the six months to March 31 as many of its major customers across the mining sector faced a slowdown. Coronavirus-related disruptions in much of the world have led to mines closing or curtailing output, while a souring of diplomatic relations between Canberra and Beijing has led to China banning shipments of Australian coal. Orica chief executive Sanjeev Gandhi. The companys new chief executive, Sanjeev Gandhi, on Thursday said it was encouraging that sales volumes had started to rise towards the end of the half-year period, but he warned significant uncertainties in the market remained. The second half of the financial year is going to be better than the first half, but its not going to be as good as the prior years second half, he said. There are a couple of concerns which I am not able to quantify. The Australian sharemarket finished a rollercoaster week with a 0.5 per cent gain, rallying on Friday as the Commonwealth Bank set a record high price and its Big Four rivals also rose. The ASX 200 snapped a three-session decline to close 31.5 points higher at 7014.2. Wall Streets lead was strong, with cashed-up investors pushing inflation fears aside to pile back into the market. The ASX 200 added 0.5 per cent on Friday, but slipped 0.9 per cent for the week. Credit:Luis Ascui Jitters over rising consumer prices still meant the local benchmark lost 0.9 per cent for the week, with the high-growth tech sector - and especially Afterpay and Xero - losing heavily. Any joy from Tuesday nights Federal Budget was drowned out by fears central banks will be forced to lift interest rates to keep a lid on inflation, a scenario that usually takes the gloss off equities. However, JPMorgan global markets analyst Kerry Craig said the fears that fuelled the three-day tumble from Mondays record high appears to have abated, for now. He said rising yields and surging commodity prices perhaps gave investors an excuse to take a breather after Mondays run to all-time highs. It often happens, when things hit a peak, investors immediately look at that and decide right there whether it is going to continue or reverse, Mr Craig said. Broadly, global equity markets have run so strongly for many many months now, investors were probably waiting for a reason to take profits. However, Mr Craig said Fridays rebound indicated investors are still seeing momentum in the economy, and the market. There was the realisation - as is always the case - if you have good economic growth, and inflation for the right reasons, all that actually stacks up for positive earnings and equities actually looking pretty good, which probably explains the move (on Friday), he said. Mining stocks lost ground on Friday, dragging the market from its session highs as iron ore futures sagged. BHP fell 1.6 per cent to $49.57, Rio Tinto lost 2 per cent to $125.43, and Fortescue Metals dropped 2.8 per cent to $22.79. Iron ore hit record highs this week but - instead of boosting materials stocks - heightened concerns inflation had taken hold. Afterpay bounced off a seven-month low on Friday to rise 2.2 per cent to $86.35, though Xero continued its poor week with a 4.2 per cent drop to $112.50. Commonwealth Bank rose 0.6 per cent to set a new closing high of $96.58. Among the other banks, Westpac added 0.9 per cent to $25.41, NAB jumped 1 per cent to $26.22, and ANZ was also 1 per cent higher at $27.42. Macquarie Group added 2.3 per cent to finish at $158.34. Mr Craig said he would be looking for further confirmation next week that the nations economic momentum remains strong, and that it has not been outpaced by equity markets. The highlight will be data on wages and employment, while the RBA May board meeting minutes will be released on Tuesday. Murray Woman Charged With Theft, Forgery By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - A Murray woman was arrested after a theft investigation Wednesday.The Murray Police Department began investigating a possible theft from an elderly person. Police said they learned that 40-year-old Jessica Crouch had stolen over $25,000 from the victim.Crouch was arrested and charged with four counts of second-degree forgery, four counts of theft by unlawful taking over $500, and four counts of knowingly exploiting an adult over $300.She was lodged in the Calloway County Jail. Scott Morrison found a way to add an upside surprise to the federal budget this week thanks to a deal with vaccine company Moderna to buy 25 million doses and help the slow program to jab most Australians by the end of this year. The deal was not in the budget and was only signed late on Wednesday when the Health Minister, Greg Hunt, sealed months of talks with the company. A key factor was the calculation that Moderna had an edge over others, mainly Pfizer and AstraZeneca, in dealing with variants of the coronavirus. It could also be the best way to supply booster shots next year. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Moderna doses will serve as booster vaccines should supplies of Pfizer remain consistent throughout this year. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Critics will not let the government forget it should have signed up for Moderna last year, when other countries put in early orders, but the contract was good news when the Coalition needs to flood the country with vaccines. It was also a reminder of what matters most in the pandemic. The huge spending of Tuesday night was old news within two days. Attention returned to whether the Prime Minister can get all Australians vaccinated, if they want to be, by the end of this year. Premier Mark McGowan has faced fierce questioning over his resourcing and management of the states health system during a press conference where he emphasised there were enough staff at Perth Childrens Hospital the night seven-year-old Aishwarya Aswath died. He painted the picture that the emergency department was in fact over-staffed at the time she was waiting for help. Premier Mark McGowan is facing questions over the report into the death of seven-year-old Aishwarya Aswath. The comments contradicted a report into the factors that contributed to the death of Aishwarya. The report explicitly stated staffing issues had impacted the emergency departments response to Aishwaryas Strep A bacterial infection on the night, with doctors sick leave uncovered and senior nurses required on the floor rather than supervising more junior staff. US pharmaceutical giant Moderna is in discussions with the federal government about producing its COVID-19 vaccine in Australia after agreeing to supply 25 million doses into 2022. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Moderna doses would serve as booster vaccines should supplies of Pfizer remain consistent this year. They were also there as a reserve if there were challenges with supply later in the year. Health Minister Greg Hunt says he wants every Australian to have access to a vaccine over the course of the year. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen They are our foundation of a booster and variant strategy, Mr Hunt said on Thursday morning. Moderna is, on the advice that we have, the most advanced of the vaccine products with relation to the capacity to adapt to booster or variant requirements. Moderna revealed late on Wednesday night it had struck a deal with the Commonwealth to supply 10 million doses in the latter half of this year and 15 million in 2022. Cabinet minister Linda Reynolds has given a statement to police about the alleged rape of her former staffer Brittany Higgins by a colleague in Parliament House in March 2019, and is prepared to be interviewed if required. For now, the senator is focusing on her new government services portfolio and negotiating changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds returned to work this week and is focused on overhauling the NDIS. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer In her first sit-down television interview since returning to work, Senator Reynolds told Nine News the past few months had been a difficult time for everyone. She took a period of leave for a pre-existing heart condition after coming under pressure for her handling of Ms Higgins allegations. One of the things Ive rediscovered in this job is when we become politicians, were not immune to human illnesses and conditions, she said. Washington: Foreign Minister Marise Payne says the United States vocal support for Australia should embolden other countries to stand up to Beijing when the Chinese government threatens their national values and interests. Payne held her first in-person meetings with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Friday (AEST) as well as meetings with other top Biden administration officials. Payne said the Morrison government is pushing for a more thorough investigation into the origins of the coronavirus while maintaining its belief the virus probably emerged from wildlife rather than a Chinese laboratory leak. Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne at a press briefing with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. At a joint press conference at the State Department, Blinken backed recent remarks by Indo-Pacific Co-ordinator Kurt Campbell that Chinas economic coercion of Australia is a roadblock to a normalisation of relations between the rival superpowers. Nuckolls, Beverly Beverly Jane Greenwell Nuckolls, 88, of Reidland, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 after a brief illness. She was born on April 18, 1933, to Clarence Coleman Greenwell and Mary Eloise Cooper Greenwell in Owensboro, Kentucky. The youngest of eleven children, she was affectionately called Shorty by her family and close friends. Beverlys mother died when she was just three years old, so her sister, Catherine Greenwell Atherton and husband, Leslie, raised her from the age of six. The Atherton family moved frequently for Leslies work, until Beverly entered junior high. Catherine insisted that they find a permanent home where she could finish school. The Athertons moved to Paducah, finally settling in Farley, where Beverly made many lifelong friends at Oaklawn Baptist Church and Reidland High School. She graduated in 1951. Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Earl Nuckolls, just a few days after graduation on June 21, 1951. During the next four years, the family grew as they welcomed two daughters, Kathy and Mary Jane. Over the years, Thomas and Beverlys bond just grew stronger and their Reidland roots grew deeper; they had been married 63 years at the time of his death in 2015. Beverly was a firm believer in hard work- inside and out of the home. She went to work in the McCracken County Court Clerks office in 1960 when her youngest daughter started school, and remained there for 33 years until her retirement in 1993. Nothing made her happier than a clean house or a full table for dinner. The family will always cherish their fond memories of Christmas mornings and her delicious turkey and dressing dinners. Beverly is survived by her daughters, Kathy Nuckolls of Paducah and Mary Jane (Luke) Robins of Sequim, Washington; two grandsons, Thomas (Andrea) Robins of Frederick, Maryland and John Robins of Miami, Florida; one great-granddaughter, Eleanor Robins; and one sister-in-law, Linda (Jerry) Severns. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and ten siblings. The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Oakview Nursing and rehabilitation Center for their care during these past few months and to all the members of Reidland Church of Christ for their love and support over the years. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made in memory of Beverly Nuckolls to the Paducah Cooperative Ministry; 402 Legion Dr, Paducah, KY 42003. A graveside service will be held Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Rosebower Cemetery with Terrell Lee of Reidland Church of Christ officiating. We appreciate your help in maintaining state mandated Covid restrictions. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining the minimum 6 feet of distancing within the funeral home facilities at all times. During this difficult time, you may show your support by joining the "Hugs from Home" program, where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. Please go to www.milnerandorr.com to share a hug, send a message or light a candle. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will resume performances at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre on September 24, 2021. Principal actors Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Sahr Ngaujah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas, and Robyn Hurder will all return to their roles, as will Ashley Loren, who is the Satine Alternate. Full casting for the show, including the full time performer of Satine, is to be confirmed at a later date. Ticket presale for fans begins on May 17, with tickets going on sale to the general public on May 19. The production will honor New York's frontline workers during the dress rehearsal on September 23, 2021. The musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film opened in July 2019 and was running at the time of the theater shutdown. It is described as follows: "As in the film, Moulin Rouge! celebrates some of the greatest popular music of the last 50 years. The stage musical features many of the iconic songs from the movie and also includes recent hits released since the movie premiered 15 years ago." It earned 14 2020 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Directed by Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! has a book by John Logan, choreography by Sonya Tayeh, and music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Justin Levine. The design team includes Derek McLane (sets), Catherine Zuber (costumes), Justin Townsend (lighting), Peter Hylenski (sound), David Brian Brown (wig and hair design), and Sarah Cimino (make-up design). Karen Olivo, who originated the role of Satine on Broadway, announced several weeks ago that she would not be returning to the production owing to the theater industry's wide-ranging silence on issues like workplace harassment and racism. The opening date is subject to the approval of the New York State Department of Health and the governor, and the production anticipates that masks will be required for all patrons and front-of-house staff. Additionally, audience members may need to provide proof of vaccination or negative Covid test. Exact regulations are still to be determined. Here's a look at some of the big events streaming soon. Hershey Felder will star as Sergei Rachmaninoff in the world premiere of Nicholas, Anna & Sergei Live From Florence on May 16 at 8pm ET. Taking place as a memory play in the house in which the Russian Rachmaninoff died in Beverly Hills, this is the story of a very strange meeting between Rachmaninoff and Anna Anderson, the woman who claimed to be the sole surviving member of the Romanov Dynasty, the Princess Anastasia. Featuring Rachmaninoff's most beloved melodies and music. Purchase includes the live stream and a week of ON DEMAND viewing access to the recording of the live stream (through May 23). For tickets and more information, click here. Rita Moreno and Heather Headley ( David Gordon) A televised and streaming edition of AIDS Walk: Live at Home will take place on May 16. Funds raised will principally benefit GMHC, Vivent Health, CrescentCare, AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, Lifelong, as well as supporting dozens of other AIDS organizations. AIDS Walk: Live at Home will feature performances and appearances by Billy Porter, Heather Headley, Rita Moreno, Tony Goldwyn, Liz Callaway, Alex Newell, Rosie Perez, Carson Kressley, George Takei, and stars from RuPaul's Drag Race. AIDS Walk: Live at Home will be broadcast on ABC7/KGO-TV in the Bay Area and streamed live on CBSN and AIDSWalk.net. Corey Cott and Laura Osnes in Bandstand ( David Gordon) Broadway On Demand will stream the filmed version of the Broadway musical Bandstand to celebrate Memorial Day. The film will be available May 28-31 for $6.99, with a 24-hour viewing period per purchase. Set in the smoke-filled, swing-fueled night clubs of 1945, Bandstand finds singer-songwriter Private First Class Donny Novitski as he attempts to rebuild his life after returning home from the battlefield. The show stars Corey Cott, Laura Osnes, and Beth Leavel. To watch, click here. ( New York City Center) Two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster leads an all-star concert from New York City Center, streaming through May 31. Foster will be joined in Bring Me to Light by Tony winner Kelli O'Hara, Tony nominees Raul Esparza and Joaquina Kalukango, and Wren Rivera. Buy tickets for the event now. And you can watch an excerpt from the concert here. Roundabout Theatre Company's Tony-nominated production of The Importance of Being Earnest will stream May 1-31. Directed by and starring Tony Award nominee Brian Bedford in his final stage performance, The Importance of Being Earnest features the original Broadway company performing Oscar Wilde's comedic masterpiece. To get access, click here. A Noise Within is streaming An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare now through May 16. Julia Rodriguez-Elliott directs. The lone witness of an ancient and ravaged Trojan battlefield weaves a tale of tragedy and triumph, with an enduring love for every victim of war. The Poet, an eternal being tasked with a passionate examination of deadly conflict, grapples with grief and dualities of victory and loss, power and fragility, heroism and hubris in an unforgettable modern take on Homer's classic. For tickets and more information, click here. Khris Davis in The Royale ( T Charles Erickson) Lincoln Center Theater streams its 2016 archival recording of Marco Ramirez's The Royale, directed by Rachel Chavkin, through May 16 for free via Broadway On Demand. Those looking for access can register on the Lincoln Center Theater website. Ramirez's drama is inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight world champion. The production opened at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater on March 7, 2016, with a cast made up of McKinley Belcher III, Khris Davis, Montego Glover, John Lavelle, and Clarke Peters. The Joy Is in the Work, a tribute documentary film about Ann Reinking as a teacher, mentor, and inspiration during her time at Broadway Theatre Project between the years 1991 and 2004, will stream for free on YouTube beginning May 17. Students share the stories of their experiences training with her and the knowledge she gave them in helping them grow as artists and as people. Actors, dancers, and singers from all walks of life including Patrick Wilson, Ashley Brown, Michael James Scott, Dylis Croman, and many more. The film was curated and created by a trio of Ann's students: Chase Brock (director), Darren Lorenzo (producer), and David Haverty (editor). For more information, click here. Audra McDonald, Meryl Streep, and Stephanie J. Block ( David Gordon) Audra McDonald and John Dickerson will host the 2021 virtual Night of Covenant House Stars benefit, streaming on Monday, May 17 at 8pm ET via Facebook, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and more. The theme of the gala is Stand Up, Stand Strong, and will recognize and celebrate the resilience of young people experiencing homelessness and the heroism of frontline staff working 24/7 to keep them safe during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Confirmed participants currently include Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep, Jon Hamm, Dolly Parton, Ryan Reynolds, and many more. Funds raised go directly to providing food, clothing, healthcare, education, job training, and short- and long-term housing for youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House locations across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. For streaming info, click here. Lisa Ramirez stars in a solo adaptation of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land through May 19. The performance will be performed live in the parking lot of the Oakland Theater at FLAX art & design in Oakland, California, at 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday, through May 16. The performance will also stream on demand through May 19. Tickets for the on-demand streaming can be purchased here. NAATCO presents an all-Asian American cast to deliver the enduring messages of Thornton Wilder's Our Town: that the eternal exists in the everyday, that knowing true joy and happiness comes from taking the time to look and listen. The work will be presented online one night only, May 19, at 8pm ET. During this divisive time in our country, NAATCO's Our Town reflects and emphasizes the kinship among people of disparate cultures. For tickets and more information, click here. The cast of Herding Cats in rehearsal ( Danny Kaan) Lucinda Coxon's Herding Cats will be made simultaneously accessible online to audiences across the globe via Stellar and in-person in London at Soho Theatre May 1922. Herding Cats is a chillingly funny play about a generation negotiating intimacy and independence in the 21st century. For tickets, more information, and access to the show's $10 lottery, click here. Camille A. Brown a Glimpse Behind the Curtain will stream May 20-23. Conceived and created by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, the piece is filmed and edited by Bowie Alexander, with a prologue and original music by Daryl Waters. A Glimpse Behind the Curtain features Juel D. Lane with Chloe O. Davis, Timothy L Edwards, Catherine Foster, Mayte Natalio, and Maleek Washington. Tickets are free and can be reserved here. Lisa Edelstein, Kathryn Hahn, and Tracee Chimo Pallero ( Joseph Marzullo/David Gordon) Kathryn Hahn, Lisa Edelstein, and Tracee Chimo Pallero will be sisters in Wendy Wasserstein's Sisters Rosensweig in an upcoming streaming production of the play directed by Anna D. Shapiro. The Spotlight on Plays staging, presented by Broadway's Best Shows, will debut on Thursday, May 20, at 8pm ET, with on demand playback through May 24 at 6pm ET. For more information, click here. Joe Morton and Sally Murphy ( David Gordon/Tricia Baron) Joe Morton and Sally Murphy will star in a streaming production of Cornelius Eady's Brutal Imagination, available May 20-June 3 via the Vineyard Theatre. Morton and Murphy starred in the original 2001 production of the drama, which is based on Eady's poem cycle about the 1994 case of Susan Smith, a white woman from South Carolina who claimed that a Black man had kidnapped her children. An FBI search ensued until Smith confessed that the man did not exist and she had, in fact, drowned her kids. For tickets and more information, click here. Lisa Banes and Jordan Boatman starred in the off-Broadway debut of Eleanor Burgess's The Niceties. They reprise their roles for this virtual presentation. ( T Charles Erickson) Starting May 27, Manhattan Theatre Club in association with The Huntington will present the virtual premiere of Eleanor Burgess's The Niceties, starring original off-Broadway cast members Lisa Banes and Jordan Boatman. The show is free and will be available until June 13. Viewers can sign up to see it here. Tony-nominated actor Alfred Molina is set to headline the next monthly digital presentation of We Have to Hurry, streaming live via Broadway on Demand for two performances only, Saturday, June 5, at 8pm and Sunday, June 6, at 3pm. The heartwarming new play, about a pair of mature people reigniting their spark during the sunset years of life, is written by playwright, director and actor Dorothy Lyman and is directed by Patricia Vanstone. Proceeds will benefit the Actors Fund Home East and West. Tickets are available here. BKLYN The Musical will stream for three performances only June 4-6 . The musical is a tapestry of stories: a girl named Brooklyn, searching for the father she never knew; a troupe of street performers, struggling to be heard as artists... and seen as human beings; and an epic battle between two divas, each striving to become The Queen Of The City. The cast includes Diana DeGarmo, Miguel Cervantes, Taylor Iman Jones, Quentin Earl Darrington, Felicia Boswell, and Thom Sesma, Nick Cearley, and Lauren Molina. For tickets, click here. Sleep Squad is a family-friendly, interactive, virtual theater experience that turns your home into a rocket ship to launch kids into their dreams. Featuring brand-new, unique, kid-driven comedy and music from the Story Pirates that you can't see or hear anywhere else, this world premiere on-demand production creates a new kind of bedtime ritual for kids ages 4-12. Sleep Squad stars Tony Award nominee Lilli Cooper as the Dream Queen, who guides adventurers through three different enchanting virtual experiences, adapted from stories written by real kids. Check out the trailer and buy tickets above. From Broadway to off-Broadway, from music to magic, TheaterMania Streaming offers you the best live-streams and videos on demand in the world of performing arts. For more information, click here and watch the trailer below: Novelist Jodi Picoult was getting ready to make her theatrical debut in March 2020. Picoult wasn't one of the writers of the off-Broadway musical Between the Lines (that task fell to librettist Tim McDonald and songwriters Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson), but as co-author of the source material, she was deeply involved with the process. Cut to March 13, and the world stopped. As writers, Picoult and McDonald felt like they had to explore the Covid-19 pandemic in some way, but Picoult couldn't really figure out how to make it a book. Instead, they created Breathe, a new series of five short, interconnected musicals about the way the crisis affects different couples. Filmed at 92Y with no audience, and a featuring cast that includes Kelli O'Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patti Murin, Colin Donnell, and more, Breathe runs for eight weeks beginning May 14 on Overture . Creating Breathe was a very personal experience, for a lot of different reasons. Here, Picoult and McDonald tell us about its creation. Tim McDonald and Jodi Picoult (image provided by the production) I want to go back to last year, since I know you were both working on Between the Lines. How did that partnership morph into Breathe? Jodi Picoult: Between the Lines is where Tim and I met. Tim is the librettist and he very kindly made it clear that he would welcome my involvement as the underlying rights holder. I know how to write [books] but I don't know how to write a libretto, and I really learned that from Tim. When Covid happened, we were getting ready for Between the Lines. The last thing that we really did in the real world was go to the wedding of our cast member, Arielle Jacobs, in Mexico, which is right before we were going to start. We were there, Jeff Calhoun was there, all hanging out together at this wedding. And the following week, everyone at our table had Covid but me. After Tim recovered, we kept saying that we somehow had to chronicle what was happening because that's the job of a writer. I couldn't figure out how to do it at the time in a novel, but theater felt right. So we came up with the idea of writing a bunch of short stories showing the effect of the pandemic on different couples. We realized that we had to incorporate the George Floyd murder into the story because we felt it was directly connected to what was happening in the pandemic, and we also realized that there was no way we should be writing that story, so we invited Douglas Lyons to come on board as librettist and songwriter. That's when we started thinking about how many people we can employ, and that's why we ended up with multiple songwriting teams and directors. Tim, having lived through Covid and survived, thankfully, what is it like for you to then put your pen to paper and sort of relive that trauma, but then inflict it on fake people? Tim McDonald: On the one hand, it was sort of my revenge against Covid. Like, I'm going to spread the word about how terrible you really are. But in writing the liner notes for the album, I realized that it all comes back to being a 13-year-old kid who knew he was gay just as AIDS hit. So that shame, that stigma, lives with me, only then we didn't get a vaccination in eight months; it was more like 22 years before there was a treatment. So there's a lot of conflict in that with me regarding this. But because we wrote it in real time, it starts light, like a rom-com, and then it gets progressively darker and darker, and then very dark. Fast forward, we finished writing the five initial stories in June 2020, and then by the last week of July, my father-in-law passed away from Covid alone in an assisted living facility, exactly in the manner in which we had written in the show. So the irony and the reality of that has been really difficult. My husband and I just watched it on Friday night and we can't get through it. The cast of Breathe (image provided by the production) Tell me about the Zoom workshop and development system you came up with for this, which included five different teams, essentially. Jodi: One of the things that we did at first was to have college musical theater programs perform the material that we gave them and they filmed it for us to look at. It was very helpful, in that we understood exactly what we had to change. We also realized we gotta be in the room. At the end of 2020, we tried to come up with a way that we could safely do a workshop. What we did was split everything into five pods that were basically running simultaneously. Every pod had its own director, music director, a stage manager, two actors who hopefully were quarantined together, but couldn't always be, and everyone on the creative team was zooming in. You can imagine how challenging that was given that Tim and I had to be in the same place at one time, which was not easy. Tim: It was really challenging. I call it the Olympics of Collaboration because each of the songwriting teams had different ways in which they wanted to collaborate. Some of the songwriting teams used our book and placed songs exactly where we thought they should go; others wanted to work with us on the book and develop it together. In the case of Douglas Lyons's piece, we had the outline of a story, but then he took it and ran with it and wrote the book for that. So it was really different but really fun. It was hard when we were doing the workshops because three of the shows went on the same day and Jodi and I were basically firefighters who would drop into a rehearsal room on Zoom if there was a problem with a section of dialogue. Breathe is streaming and feels almost created for that, obviously by virtue of the situation. I know it's licensable, but where do you see it going from here? Jodi: When I look at the film, what I feel like we did was incorporate the pandemic into it to acknowledge the fact that we don't have an audience. What we're giving you is the most simple form of musical theater we can, which is the story, and saying we're going to let you imagine the sets and costumes and props. I feel like we could stage this in a week. Literally, give me four pieces of wood and a can of paint and we'll just build a set that we can adapt. But I would really love to see it done, and I expect to see it done. I feel like there's going to be a world where we need to remember this time. We wanted to have learned something from when the world shut down, and I would love to see this being performed on anniversaries, and commemorating what it was like in March 2020, when everything stopped for a minute. Dancers from the National Ballet of China rehearse some chapters from the new production, Century, in Beijing on April 28, including Jingwei Trying to Fill Up the Sea. Century will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on May 23 and will run until May 30. [For China Daily/Jiang Dong] A new dance production marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China by celebrating the spirit of the nation's people. About a year ago, when Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, envisioned a new production to mark the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, she contacted her artist friends, composer Guan Xia and scriptwriter Zhu Hai. After numerous phone calls and online exchanges, they decided to create a ballet which is symphonic, but with a clear narrative. They named the new production, Century, which pays tribute to the country and its people. On May 23, Century will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing and will run until May 30. Scriptwriter Zhu borrowed four Chinese folk tales to write four chapters for the ballet production and composer Guan wrote four works, one for each chapter. The opening chapter tells the story Goddess Nyuwa Repairs the Sky (Nyuwa Butian). Nyuwa is the goddess who, in Chinese mythology, created human beings. One tale goes that heaven was once broken in a disaster, so Nyuwa patched the collapsing sky with colored stones and even sacrificed herself by using her own body when the stones ran out-thereby saving the human world. "When we started to create this new ballet production, COVID-19 hit. The news about people, especially the medical workers, who fought together against the pandemic, moved us the most," says Zhu, who has been a member of the creative team of the annual China Central Television's Spring Festival gala and is also a poet. "The story of Goddess Nyuwa Repairs the Sky is about a kind, loving mother, who sacrifices herself for her children. It's a story we wanted to dedicate to those who fought against the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines." The second chapter, Jingwei Trying to Fill Up the Sea (Jingwei Tianhai), is the mythical story of a daughter of Yandi, one of China's earliest tribal leaders, who, after drowning at sea, becomes a bird and endeavors to fill the ocean with twigs and stones to prevent others from drowning. The third chapter follows the story of Yugong Moves Away the Mountains (Yugong Yishan), which is about a 90-year-old man who, alongside his offspring and grandchildren, is determined to move two giant mountains. Dancers from the National Ballet of China rehearse some chapters from the new production, Century, in Beijing on April 28, including Yugong Moves Away the Mountains . Century will be premiered at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on May 23 and will run until May 30. [For China Daily/Jiang Dong] The final chapter portrays the story Kuafu Chasing the Sun (Kuafu Zhuri), which tells the inspiring story of a man who attempts to catch up with the sun by running after it. "Chinese people have a great spirit for pursuing dreams. To fulfill those dreams, we made great efforts and achieved many great things. On the occasion marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, we review the nation's history and express our gratitude, respect and best wishes to our country," says Zhu. Over the past century, the country has developed dramatically and the hardworking people-especially those who made a great contribution to the country's development-deserve the applause, he adds. His words are echoed by Feng, head of the national ballet. "Though ballet is an abstract art form, we portray the spirit of the Chinese people, like determination and perseverance, through the art of pointe," says Feng. Since the founding of the National Ballet of China in 1959, the company has always strived to depict Chinese stories and Chinese characters in the context of the Western art form, Feng says. The company has gathered three major choreographers, Fei Bo, Wang Sizheng and Zhang Zhenxin, as well as leading dancers, including Qiu Yunting and Ma Xiaodong, to join the new production. Composer Guan, the former president of the China National Symphony Orchestra, adapted four of his early works, including Founder, a piano concerto; Reborn From the Fire, a symphonic piece; and Symphony No 2, Hope. "Classical music, like ballet, is abstract, and leaves a great space for the imagination of the audience," says Guan. "The country has emerged from struggles, like war and poverty, to achieve great triumphs. We want to enable contemporary audiences, especially the younger generation, to have a dialogue with the history through music and ballet." (Source: China Daily) ZHENGZHOU, May 13 (Xinhua) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for efforts to further develop traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour of Nanyang City in central China's Henan Province, where he visited a memorial facility dedicated to Zhang Zhongjing, a famous Chinese pharmacologist and physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), and a local company producing mugwort products on Wednesday. "The Chinese nation relied on TCM to treat diseases and save lives for thousands of years," Xi said. "Having fought against COVID-19, SARS and other major infectious diseases, we have a deeper understanding of the role of TCM," he noted. Highlighting the need to promote TCM development, Xi said efforts should be made to interpret the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology with modern science and to incorporate both TCM and Western medicine into treatment. (Source: Xinhua) Heavy smoke and fire rise from Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021. (Qusay Dawud/AFP via Getty Images) Photos: 14-Story Tower in Gaza Collapses Amid Israeli Airstrikes Israeli jets on Wednesday flattened a 14-story-tall tower in Gaza City amid an escalating conflict between Jerusalem and Palestinian terror groups as local reporters said that the tower was used by Hamas. The Al-Shorouk tower housed businesses as well as offices for Hamas Al-Aqsa satellite TV channel before it was hit by Israeli strikes, according to Ahram Online. Reporters with Getty and AFP said Israeli fighter jets dropped several bombs on the building before it crumbled amid billowing smoke and explosions. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment. Heavy smoke and fire surround the Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses during an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City on May 12, 2021. (QUSAY DAWUD/AFP via Getty Images) Israel confirmed it struck the tower building. (QUSAY DAWUD/AFP via Getty Images) Meanwhile, Hamas, which has long been designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. Department of State, said it fired 130 rockets toward Israel in response to the attack, AhramOnline reported. At least 87 Palestinians have been killed by ongoing airstrikes, including 18 children, said the Palestinian health agency in a tweet on Thursday. Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing officials, reported Wednesday that seven people in Israel were killed by Palestinian fighters so far. That includes a 6-year-old Israeli identified as Ido Avigal, who was killed after being hit by shrapnel in the city of Sderot, according to the IDF. Heavy smoke and fire rise from Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses after being hit by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images) People run away from the vicinity of Al-Sharouk tower as it collapses on May 12 in Gaza City. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images) On Thursday, Palestinian fighters fired more rockets into Israels commercial heartland Thursday as Israel kept up a punishing bombing campaign in Gaza and massed tanks and troops on the enclaves border. Worried that the regions worst hostilities in years could spiral out of control, the United States is sending an envoy, Hady Amr. Truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. Other than the Al-Sharouk tower, seen above, several other buildings were struck in Gaza this week by Israeli Defense Forces. (Qusay Dawud/AFP via Getty Images) An air-guided bomb can be seen hitting Al-Sharouk tower in Gaza City on May 12, 2021. (Qusay Dawud/AFP via Getty Images) President Joe Biden, during a White House news conference Thursday, said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed Israel has the right to defend itself from rocket attacks. Top Republicans in Congress have issued similar comments amid the conflict. Reuters contributed to this report. Council Leaders congratulate and welcome newly returned Members of the Senedd Senior figures at Wrexham Council have offered their congratulations to the recent winners of the Senedd election. Council Leader Mark Pritchard offered his congratulations Leslsey Griffths and Ken Skates, who were both re-elected as Members of the Senedd for Wrexham and Clwyd South. I would like to congratulate the two Members of the Senedd. I live and breathe through the democratic process and the people of Wrexham and Clwyd South have made their decision and thats wonderful. So, I congratulate them, and I hope they do very well and I am sure they will. Ive worked with Ken in the past and I look forward to working with him in the future, he has always been an ambassador, a champion, for North Wales. He has always been very productive in drawing down funding for North Wales. With the Police and Crime Commissioner there is a new individual in place and I am looking forward to speaking to him, to have a conversation on how we can improve the policing within Wrexham and support some more presence. He is very keen, he is very enthusiastic and I am sure he will make a difference. Deputy Council Leader David A Bithell echoed the comments, adding Congratulations to Lesley and Ken from me, and the newly elected Police Crime Commissioner. It was an interesting election but clearly thats the democratic process, so congratulations to them. The Chief Executive of Wrexham Council Ian Bancroft also noted the election result, As a council and officers, we obviously look forward to working with all three, the two elected MSs, and also the new Police and Crime Commissioner. Anaheim Moves Forward With Hero Pay Ordinance Amid Fierce Debate Anaheim City Council during a recent meeting moved forward with an ordinance that would increase the hourly wages of grocery and retail workers despite strong disagreement on the issue. The measure would provide such workers with a $3 per hour pay boost for 60 days. Councilman Jose Moreno initiated the hero pay ordinance, also known as hazard pay, with support from councilmen Jordan Brandman and Avelino Valencia. We know theres a tsunami of economic hardship coming their way, Moreno said at the meeting on May 11. Many of them have had to defer their rents, have had to defer credit card bills, car payments, forbearance on mortgages Thats why this is important to still considerin a temporary and modest wayso that our city can avoid an economic catastrophe by our workers who stepped up for us over the last 14 months. Moreno said he wanted to ensure that such an ordinance would not impact the very localized grocers and small mom-and-pop folks, who are very thin on their profit margins. This really could make or break their business that they worked so hard for. Councilman Trevor ONeil said its not the governments role to interfere in the employer-employee relationship by implementing a wage mandate, especially when it only applies to a single industry. We have thousands and thousands of Anaheim workers that have lost their jobs during the pandemic, and here we are talking about higher wages for a small group of workers who were fortunate enough to keep their jobs, ONeil said. If the ordinance goes into effect, ONeil said grocers and pharmacy retailers will respond with reduced hours, job cuts, store closures, and litigation, let alone the fact that this kind of wage mandate would only serve to raise prices on hardworking families at a time when they can least afford it. He said its the role of unions to negotiate with employers on their members behalf. Now your unions are asking the government to take it by force because they failed to get it at the bargaining table, ONeil said. All union members should know that you can opt out of paying your union dues. And indeed if you werent paying union dues, youd already have more take-home pay. ONeil accused Moreno of engaging in pay-to-play politics, as he took maximum campaign contributions from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union in 2016 and 2018. Now councilmember Mareno rewards them by bringing this item forward, ONeil said. I only wish councilmember Mareno would have advocated for safely reopening our economy, and bringing back jobs to many more Anaheim residents, as much as he has for his union friends. Councilman Avelino Valencia said the ordinance sent a message that the public is thankful for the risks grocery store employees took during the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe its important that we recognize their hard work and the risks theyve taken to provide essential goods to our community by focusing the language in the potential ordinance to grocery retail and retail pharmacy stores, he said. Valencia proposed the ordinance be limited to 60 days and provide employees with a $3-per-hour pay bump. He said the ordinance would only apply only to employers that have 50 or more stores nationwide. Councilman Jose Diaz said he was strongly opposed to the hero pay ordinance on grounds that the government should not intervene in a free market economy. Mayor, the proper way to do this is for the employee and employer to sit down and negotiate, Diaz said. He said the grocery and retail pharmacy industries have spent billions of dollars on making the workplace safer for their employees and customers during the pandemic. We need more groceries, or we need more commerce. We need more businesses. But we dont need more regulations. Diaz questioned the constitutionality of such an ordinance and feared the possibility of a lawsuit. We dont have the resources for litigation, he said. Id rather put those monies in improving our streets or into housing, and stuff that our population needs. Mayor Harry Sidhu said that since California is set to fully reopen June 15 and COVID-19 metrics are improving, a hero pay ordinance would risk counterproductive, unintended consequences. By singling out one industry, this could lead to customers paying higher pricesespecially in hard-hit neighborhoodsthat markets would need to rethink their business model, and to make drastic actions across all sectors of this operation to remain economically viable, he said. Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel, being involved in the retail industry for 50 years, said hes very uncomfortable philosophically in getting the city government involved in areas of wages. I just am very uncomfortable with us, as a city council, determining that were going to select some businesses or other businesses to have an upwards of a $3 to $4 salary increase, Faessel said. Theres a number of employees, not only the grocery industry, but police and fire and sanitation, and I mean our public workspeople that all were out there every day during the last more than a year of the pandemicand they all stepped up. They all did their jobs as you did. You had risks, they had risks. The council will vote on the ordinance during its May 18 meeting. A contractor working for Cyber Ninjas, who was hired by the Arizona Senate, transports ballots from the 2020 General Election at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 1, 2021. (Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images) Arizona Senators Back Off Subpoena Threat Over Audit, Ask Maricopa Officials to Attend Meeting on Serious Issues Editors Note: See an update on this story here. Original story below. Arizonas state Senate backed away from a threat to subpoena Maricopa County officials, instead requesting they voluntarily appear at a meeting on May 18 to answer questions about serious issues that have been uncovered by a 2020 election audit. On May 12, Arizona Senate President Karen Fann, a Republican, asked Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, also a Republican, to cooperate with the state Senate to resolve the issues in question, including the countys noncompliance with earlier subpoenas. The county is refusing to supply routersor even images of routersused in connection with last years election, claiming that doing so would pose a security risk. A state Senate lawyer said last week that the body would issue fresh subpoenas unless the requested materials were produced, but Fann instead opted to write a letter to Sellers seeking to convince him to cooperate voluntarily. Fann is proposing that CyFIR, one of four firms hired to carry out the audit in Maricopa County, review virtual images of the relevant routers in county facilities with representatives from the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office present. Such an arrangement would permit Maricopa County to retain custody and monitor the review of router data, while ensuring that the Senate may access the information it requiresand to which it is constitutionally entitledto successfully complete its audit. The Senate has no interest in viewing or taking possession of any information that is unrelated to the administration of the 2020 general election, she wrote in the letter. Fann also expressed concern that the county either doesnt have or wont provide passwords to access administrative functions on vote tabulation machines. She told Sellers that it strains credulity to posit that the County has no contractual right to obtain (i.e., control of) password information from Dominion. Dominion has not returned requests for comment. Auditors, the top senator continued, have become aware of apparent omissions, inconsistencies, and anomalies relating to Maricopa Countys handling, organization, and storage of ballots. That includes a lack of chain-of custody documentation for the ballots; bags in which the ballots were stored not being sealed; and a disparity between the actual number of ballots in a batch and the total listed on a pink report slip accompanying the batch, which the county provided. In one case, the discrepancy was 35 votes. Batches are supposed to contain 200 ballots. Additionally, the audit teams found an entire database directory deleted from an election machine, even though the details appear to have been covered by the subpoena. Combined with not finding the main database for the election management software, this suggests that the main database for all election related data for the November 2020 General Election has been removed, Fann said. Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 6, 2021. (Matt York/AP Photo/Pool) Arizona Senate President Karen Fann talks to reporters in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 26, 2020. (Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo) She told Sellers that she hopes the issues can be resolved without additional subpoenas, and invited him and any other county officers or employees who know about the outlined matters to attend a meeting at the Arizona Capitol on May 18. The hearing will be live-streamed. Im looking forward to the County coming to the AZ Capitol to answer these important questions related to the audit, state Sen. Warren Petersen, a Republican, said in a statement. A Maricopa County spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email: Weve seen the tweets and the letter. Much of the letter is a misunderstanding of election operations. The spokesperson said the county board, recorder, and counsel were meeting later on May 13 to discuss the next steps. Sellers and a Sellers aide didnt respond to inquiries. Maricopa County officials previously fought against subpoenas from the state Senate, claiming they were too broad. A county judge ruled in February that the subpoenas, which were issued in late 2020, were valid and should be obeyed. Among the materials subpoenaed were machines, routers, and access to technology used in the election. The county has said its own machine forensic audit, carried out by Pro V&V and SLI Compliance in February, uncovered no issues. A hand count on Nov. 4, which reviewed 2 percent of ballots cast on Election Day and 1 percent cast early, yielded a 100-percent match to the results produced by the tabulation equipment. The Countys two independent audits have already shown there was no foul play in the 2020 General Election, Sellers, the board chairman, said in a statement last week. The current audit is focused on machines and all of the nearly 2.1 million ballots cast in Arizonas largest county in the election. Democrats tried stopping the audit, alleging security and privacy issues but were rejected by a judge. Democrats eventually reached a settlement with the state Senate. Arizona Secretary of State (SoS) Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has accused the Senate and its contractors of violating the agreement. The Senate has denied that claim. This is really dangerous to our democracy. This is a group of people who are clearly partisan. It is headed by a company that has no auditing or election experience and theyre making up the rules as they go along, Hobbs said on The Daily Show on May 12. Hobbs announced earlier in the day that observers from her office found a WiFi router connected to the audit servers, adding, Theres no way to ensure that ballot images, vote counts, and perhaps voter data werent connected to external networks or the Internet. But the team led by one of her predecessors, Ken Bennett, a Republican who is the state Senates liaison for the audit, said no wireless connection was ever enabled. This was explicitly explained to the SoS observers on site, the team said. We are open to providing all passwords and access needed for a forensic investigation of the router if requested. Three vials of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are pictured in a new coronavirus, COVID-19, vaccination center at the Velodrome-Stadium in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 17, 2021. (The Canadian Press/AP/Michael Sohn, pool) Australia Secures 25 Million Moderna Vaccines The Australian government has secured 25 million doses of the two-dose Moderna vaccine and is also in talks with the company to establish an mRNA manufacturing facility in the country. Moderna is, on the advice that we have, the most advanced of the vaccine products with relation to the capacity to adapt to booster and variants requirements, Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new vaccine showed an overall efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 of 94.1 percent and 100 percent efficacy against severe cases. It has also shown strong protection of 90 percent efficacy against COVID-19 for at least six months after the second dose, Morrison said. The first 10 million doses are scheduled to arrive by the end of 2021. The other 15 million doses will arrive by 2022, which will be shots designed to treat variant strains. Currently, Pfizer is available for people under-50 and AstraZeneca for people over-50. Hunt said he wanted over-70s in particular to be vaccinated as early as possible. Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Department of Health Secretary Dr Brendan Murphy at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, May 13, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Professor Brendan Murphy said they believed there was no reason why you cant mix and match different vaccines despite the lack of trial data. There are some trials being done in the UK, looking at AstraZeneca first dose and Pfizer or Moderna second dose, Murphy said. There is no good scientific reason why you cant boost with one and then have another vaccine later. In fact, there may be some benefit in doing that. This investment is assuming that will be possible, and we have no reason to think it wont be, he said. Murphy said the additional Moderna vaccines would not change the current strategy, which was to continue the roll-out of Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Hunt also confirmed that the government was in talks with Moderna to set up local manufacturing facilities. Our hope is that we will have at least one, if not more than one, manufacturing operation in Australia, Hunt said. I wont make a guarantee on that, but I am confident that over the future period, we will have mRNA production in Australia. Murphy said it was unlikely that Australia would start local mRNA production by the end of the year. It is going to be some time next year, I would imagine, before mRNA vaccines can be produced here and, as Minister Hunt said, our primary vaccination strategy is in no way dependent on this, Murphy said. mRNA vaccine technology is likely to be much broader than COVID vaccine. Australia has now ordered over 195 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through five different agreements. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen and others pose for photos in front of the newly launched coast guard flagship Chiayi in Kaohsiung, Taiwan April 29, 2021. (Yimou Lee/Reuters) Australian PM Corrects One Country, Two Systems Comments on Taiwan Policy Prime Minister Scott Morrison has corrected remarks he made that Australia supports a one country, two systems approach to Taiwan, which has angered opposition politicians. Morrison twice referred to a one country, two systems approach towards Taiwan, which adopts the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) policy. In fact, since 1979, Australias official policy recognises the CCP as the sole legal government and regards Taiwan as a province of China. At first, the prime minister denied that he had made a mistake when asked about the apparent policy shift, but a spokesperson later confirmed that he misspoke on both occasions. He first made the comment while speaking with 3AW radio host and again with an SBS reporter. Australias one-China policy has not changed, Morrisons spokesman told SBS. However, Australia maintains close and positive unofficial ties with Taiwan, an important trade and economic partner. The prime ministers comments on one country, two systems were in relation to Hong Kong, the spokesperson clarified on the matter. Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on April 27, 2021. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) Labor senator Penny Wong thinks Morrison was lying to cover up his mistake. Either Scott Morrison has substantially shifted Australias policy on Taiwan, adopting Beijings position and ending 50 years of bipartisanshipor hes lying to cover up his mistake, she wrote on Twitter. Given his form, my assumption is its the latter. Taiwan is separated from Mainland China by the Taiwan Strait. The CCP claims Taiwan as its own, even though Taiwan is a de facto independent country, with its own military, democratically-elected government, and constitution. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sets out Australias policy on Taiwan on its website: The Australian Government does not recognise the [Republic of China] as a sovereign state and does not regard the authorities in Taiwan as having the status of a national government. It explains how this policy came about, citing the CCP establishing the Peoples Republic of China after the civil war in 1949. The Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan. Under the Constitution of the ROC, the authorities in Taipei still claim to be the legitimate government of the whole of China, the policy states. Australias One China approach does not quite recognise the CCPs one country, two systems policy. That said, Australia supports Taiwans participation in international organisations and has an unofficial diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. Morrison initially made the mistaken comment on a 3AW radio interview on May 6, causing confusion. When asked if Australia would join the United States if a conflict occurred between Taiwan and China, Morrison indicated that Australia always honoured its Indo-Pacific arrangements, particularly our alliance with the United States. Were very cognisant of the uncertainties in our region, Neil, and Im not one to, you know, speak at length on these things because I dont wish to add to any uncertainty, he said. But thats why we have the security arrangements we have in place. Weve always understood the [one country, two systems] arrangement, and we will continue to follow our policies there. In that same interview, the prime minister confirmed that Defence Minister Peter Dutton did not authorise the home affairs secretarys comments that the drums of war were beating in regards to China. These comments come as Australia was criticised by CCP mouthpiece Global Times for increasing its defence budget by $1.9 billion over the next 10 years. This was done so Australia can be prepared for a world that is less stable and more contested, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in his Federal Budget 2021 speech. Australia's infrastructure budget spend for 2021-22 will upgrade roads across the country. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) Australias Federal Infrastructure Budget for 2021 The Australian government has announced an additional $15.2 billion in new infrastructure funding in the 2021-22 Budget to help aid economic recovery from the CCP virus pandemic. The additional funding adds to the $110 billion 10-year building plan investment that already formed part of the National Economic Recovery Plan which the government says will support around 30,000 jobs across the country. Nation-building projects were the focus of the infrastructure spending, with a $1 billion boost for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, bringing the total commitment to $2.5 billion, and another $1 billion to the now $3 billion Road Safety Program. Heres a breakdown of funding allocation by state and territory. Queensland $400 million allotted to upgrade the Bruce Highway $400 million to upgrade the inland freight route between Mungindi to Charters Towers $160 million to upgrade the Mooloolah River interchange on the Sunshine Coast $240 million for the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication $178 million to improve capacity for the Gold Coast Rail Line New South Wales $2 billion to upgrade the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow $87.5 million to upgrade at the Moorebank Avenue and Hume Highway intersection on the M5 Motorway $52 million to upgrade the Narara Creek Road and Stockyard Place intersection $25 million for the planning of Stacey Street in Bankstown $240 million for the Mount Ousley Interchange $48 million to upgrade the Harrington Road intersection near Coopernook on the Pacific Highway $100 million to upgrade the Jervis Bay Road intersection on the Pacific Highway Corridor $400 million for the Sussex Inlet Road on the Pacific Highway Corridor Victoria $17 million for upgrades to the Dairy Supply Chain Road $10 million for upgrades to the Mallacoota-Genoa Road $2 billion for planning and delivery of the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal $250 million for upgrades to two intersections at Clyde Road and Kangan Drive and Clyde Road and Monash Freeway $10 million for a business case of an Outer Metropolitan Ring road and E6 Corridor $180 million for upgrades to Pakenham roads. Tasmania $48 million to upgrade the roundabout at Algona Road Grade Separated Interchange and Duplication of the Kingston Bypass $13.2 million for the Huon Link Road $109.9 million to upgrade various sections of the Midland Highway $44 million to upgrade the South Arm Road corridor of Rokeby Road $80 million to improve the freight efficiency and safety of the Bass Highway South Australia $148 million to duplicate the Augusta Highway $1 million planning study to widen the Eyre Highway $5 million for a planning study on a freight route to bypass Adelaide $48 million to refit signage on the Heysen Tunnel, in addition to COVID-19 stimulus upgrades $32 million to upgrade Hog Bay Road and the Playford Highway on Kangaroo Island $22.5 million to upgrade the intersection at Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive $2.5 million for a planning study to upgrade the Murray Bridge to South East Link $3 million to upgrade the intersection of North East Road and Nottage Terrace $2.6 billion to plan and construct a new North-South Corridor from Darlington to Anzac Highway $161.6 million for the Truro Bypass on the Sturt Highway Northern Territory $150 million to upgrade priorities areas of highways across the Northern Territory National Network $173.6 million to upgrade Northern Territory Gas Industry Roads to support gas resources in and around the Beetaloo Sub-basin Western Australia $200 million for upgrades to the Great Eastern Highway at Coates Gully, Walgoolan to Southern Cross, and Ghooli to Benari $48 million for upgrades to the Great Northern Highway from Broome to Kununurra, including adding a second lane to a one-lane bridge at Arthur Creek $44 million for upgrades to the Indian Ocean Drive from Jurien Bay to Brand Highway $2 million for a business case for the Kalgoorlie Rail Realignment $55 million to duplicate the Mandurah Estuary Bridge $48 million for upgrades to Marble Bar Road between McPhee and Roy Hill mines $237.5 million to remove two road-rail level crossings at Hamilton Street and Wharf Street, and the reconstruction of Queens Park and Cannington stations as elevated stations $10 million for planning works for the Orrong Road Expressway connecting Graham Farmer Freeway to Leach Highway $85 million for construction of grade separated interchange at Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Kalamunda Road, Perth Airport Precinct $112.5 million for construction of grade separated intersections at Altone Road and Daviot Road and Drumpellier Drive on the Reid Highway $64 million for upgrades to Toodyay Road between Dryandra to Toodyay $160 million for various rail upgrades to improve the WA Agricultural Supply Chain $7.6 million to duplicate Wanneroo Road from Dunstan Road to Romeo Road Australian Capital Territory Out of service fuel nozzles are covered in plastic on a gas pump at a gas station after a gasoline supply crunch caused by the Colonial Pipeline hack, in Waynesville, North Carolina, on May 11, 2021. (Martin Brossman via Reuters) Biden Admin Grants Temporary Jones Act Waiver to Company Amid Gas Shortages The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday approved a temporary waiver of the Jones Act to a company in an effort to ease fuel supply constraints caused by the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said the approval to the unnamed company was made following careful consideration and consultation with other agencies in the federal government. The targeted waiver comes after the Department of Transportation said on Tuesday that it was considering waivers of the Jones Act in response to fuel shortages caused by interruptions in the operation of the Colonial Pipeline that was targeted in a ransomware attack. The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that requires ships carrying goods between U.S. ports to be owned by American companies, built and registered in the United States, and crewed by Americans. The DHS may only grant a waiver to the 101-year law if proposed shipments are in the interest of national defense and after careful evaluation of the issue, the department said. In the interest of national defense, I have approved a temporary and targeted waiver request to an individual company. This waiver will help provide for the transport of oil products between the Gulf Coast and East Coast ports to ease oil supply constraints as a result of the interruptions in the operations of the Colonial Pipeline, Mayorkas said in a statement. President Joe Biden had directed a whole of government response in an effort to mitigate the impact of the fuel shortages caused by the cybersecurity attack, with numerous departments having already implemented relief measures as part of the effort. The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday issued temporary waivers of certain fuel standards to increase the supply of gasoline in areas impacted by the shutdown. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration declared an emergency declaration for 17 states and Washington, D.C., to allow flexibility for truckers to transport fuel. Colonial Pipeline said on Wednesday evening that the restart of its pipeline operations was initiated at approximately 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Following this restart, it will take several days for the product delivery supply chain to return to normal. Some markets served by Colonial Pipeline may experience, or continue to experience, intermittent service interruptions during the start-up period. Colonial will move as much gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel as is safely possible and will continue to do so until markets return to normal, the company said. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Wednesday evening that the administration will remain in close contact with the company and continue to offer assistance as the company works to safely resume its operations. President Biden and the White House will monitor the situation closely in the coming days, and continue to urge Americans to just purchase what they need, and not hoard fuel, as supply is restored, the statement said. Earlier on Wednesday, Biden signed an executive order that directs the federal government to improve its efforts to identify, deter, protect against, detect, and respond to these actions and actors in the event of a cybersecurity attack. He also directed agencies to work with the private sector to learn the lessons of this incident, strengthen cybersecurity practices, and deploy technologies that increase resilience against cyberattacks. Mimi Nguyen-Ly contributed to this report. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Education and Labor Committee on Feb. 3, 2021. (Susan Walsh/Pool/Getty Images) Biden Admin Reverses Trump Policy, Grants COVID Aid to Illegal Immigrants, International Students In a reversal of a Trump-era policy over the distribution of federal grants supporting college students during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that illegal immigrants and international students will also receive the relief checks. Those students, along with refugees and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, are now able to tap into the $36 billion Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which was allocated by Congress last year as part of the CARES Act. With this action, thousands of institutions will be able to provide direct relief to students who need it most, so we can make sure that we not only recover from the pandemic, but also build back even stronger than before, said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in a press release. Those students had been blocked from the CARES Act relief money since April 2020, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued guidelines on which students can receive the aid. While Congress didnt explicitly state in the legislation to bar certain students from getting those grants, the guidelines said that the grants are only available to students who are also eligible for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) under the Title IV of the Higher Education Act. FASFA is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, with very few exceptions, meaning that under DeVoss guidelines, CARES Act grants could not to be awarded to illegal immigrants or international students. Its clear the CARES Act was written to help Americans recover from the coronavirus pandemic, DeVos said in June 2020. U.S. taxpayers have long supported U.S. students pursuing higher education, and this rule simply ensures the continuity of that well-established policy. Cardonas new HEERF guidelines, however, removed the Title IV requirement. It says that students are eligible for HEERF grants regardless of whether they have applied for FAFSA or their Title IV status, as long as they are or were enrolled in college during the COVID-19 national emergency. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, spoke against the change, saying its wrong to give Title IV ineligible students access to taxpayer money. Secretary Cardonas decision to give free money to illegal immigrants and foreign students is an insult to every American, Foxx said in a statement. The law is clear; federal funds are for hardworking citizens. President Biden is fueling an immigration crisis, and this final rule exacerbates the emergency at the southern border. I call on elected Democrats to stop swindling law-abiding citizens, put Americans first, and respect the sacrifice of hardworking taxpayers, she added. President Joe Biden delivers remarks from the South Court Auditorium at the White House on May 12, 2021. (Oliver Contreras/Sipa USA) Biden Tells Americans Not to Panic, Says Fuel Beginning to Flow Amid Pipeline Crisis President Joe Biden said that as the Colonial Pipeline is coming back online following a ransomware attack last week, Americans shouldnt panic-buy and hoard fuel, although he cautioned that shortages might continue in the near future. Fuel is beginning to flow to a majority of the markets that they service, and they should be reaching full operational capacity as we speak, he said at the White House on May 13, but noted that we will not feel the effects at the pump immediately. This is not like flicking on a light switch, Biden said. I know seeing lines at the pumps or gas stations with no gas can be extremely stressful, he said, but this is a temporary situation. The operator of the 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline system, which runs from the Gulf Coast to New York, confirmed that it was able to restart its operations the night of May 12. The system is crucial in delivering fuel to portions of the Southeastern United States. This week, gas stations in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Maryland, and elsewhere reported fuel shortages, according to analyst website GasBuddy. Meanwhile, long lines were seen at stations, which triggered other motorists to fill their tanksas well as gas canistersout of fear of a shortage, according to GasBuddys Patrick De Haan in a May 12 interview with The Epoch Times. Biden on May 13 also elaborated on the ransomware attack and cited an FBI report in saying that officials do not believe the Russian government was involved in this attack. However, he said that the cybercriminals are most likely living in Russia and called on the Kremlin to take decisive action against them. The FBI said a hacker group that calls itself Darkside was behind the pipeline breach. Meanwhile, according to a statement from Darkside to news outlets this week, the group said its apolitical and that our goal is to make money. The president also used the announcement to promote his multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure package, saying its crucial for the bill to be passed in the midst of the pipeline shutdown and weeks after fuel shortages in Texas during freezing temperatures. The United States, he asserted, is not going to win the 21st century against China without modern infrastructure in place. Biden said he and Republican congressional leaders were to meet again on an infrastructure deal later on May 13. Republicans have balked at the price tag of Bidens two infrastructure bills$4 trillionand said the legislation includes a number of unnecessary provisions unrelated to traditional infrastructures such as bridges, roads, and pipes. During their first round of talks on May 12, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said they would oppose tax increases to cover the cost of the gargantuan package. The two met with Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the White House. Were not interested in reopening the 2017 tax bill. We both made that clear to the president. Thats our red line, McConnell told reporters, while McCarthy said, Raising taxes would be the biggest mistake you could make. Some Republicans have also expressed concern that the massive bills would spark a rise in inflation after the Consumer Price Index rose 4.2 percent from April 2020 to April 2021. A 3D printed Tik Tok logo is seen in front of U.S. flag in this illustration taken October 6, 2020. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters File Photo) Bill to Ban TikTok on US Government Devices Passes Committee WASHINGTONThe Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously passed a bill that would ban U.S. federal workers from downloading the popular app TikTok onto U.S. government devices, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a bill sponsor, said in a press statement on Wednesday. The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a similar measure in August 2020. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has introduced a similar bill in the House. The app, which is popular with teens eager to show off dance moves, has come under fire in the United States because of concerns over its Chinese owner, ByteDance. TikTok has sought to distance itself from Beijing with mixed success. Hawley called the company an immediate security threat. This should not be a partisan issue and Im glad to see my colleagues in the Senate act together to address Beijings covert data collection campaign, Hawley said in a statement after the vote. By Diane Bartz Artur Pawlowski speaks at a freedom rally in Edmonton on March 20, 2021, part of a worldwide protest against COVID-19 restrictions. (Courtesy of Artur Pawlowski) Calgary Pastor Released on Bail, but Arrest Raises Concerns About Draconian Pandemic Restrictions, Says Expert The arrest of an Alberta pastor and his brother under a new public health order as they were heading home from church has serious implications for peoples rights and freedoms, a political scientist and author-researcher says. Pastor Artur Pawlowski and his brother, Dawid Pawlowski, were arrested on a Calgary highway on May 8 for holding a church service that violated provincial pandemic restrictions. Calgary Police Service said in a statement that the two were in violation of a new Alberta Health Services (AHS) court order in relation to mandatory compliance of public health orders for gatherings. The brothers, who were charged with allegedly organizing an illegal in-person gathering as well as requesting, inciting, or inviting others to join them, were released on bail on May 10. They will have a court hearing on May 20 to determine if a contempt trial will proceed. Marco Navarro-Genie, president of the think tank Haultain Research Institute, takes issue with the order under which the Pawlowskis were arrested, calling it a grotesque abuse of power. On May 6, a judge granted AHS a pre-emptive injunction to stop various gatherings and anti-lockdown or anti-mask rallies, which are now deemed illegal if they do not comply with the order of the chief medical officer of health (CMOH) and its requirements on masking, attendance limits, and physical distancing. The AHS can also have businesses that flout the restrictions closed. Theres a distinction here and thats really to me the more grievous issue. People flout the laws, theyre going to have consequences. But when those consequences arrive and they are deemed to be unjust, people now do not have the recourse to assemble to protest those draconian rules, Navarro-Genie said in an interview. That is the kind of stuff which authoritarian regimes traffic on a day-to-day basis, he added. I question the draconian nature of the response. The AHS order was initially issued against the owner of Whistle Stop Cafe, a restaurant in Mirror Landing, Alberta, who according to AHS has continued to breach local COVID-19 health restrictions and had planned to hold a protest. AHS has taken this step due to the ongoing risk to Albertans created by those breaching COVID-19 public health restrictions and advertising social gatherings which, if held, breach current and active CMOH Orders and pose a risk to public health, the service said in a statement announcing the court injunction. Navarro-Genie said oftentimes people can be conflicted between obeying the law and standing up for their rights. Because many of us believe that people should follow the law, and when people are said to, or appear to, be flouting the law, there are concerns. But the issue also is whether these new changes in law are legitimate. In a liberal democracy, people have the constitutional right to challenge rules and to oppose rules that they believe are unjust or ill-intended, he said. The second issue, of course, is that lockdowns have no basis in science. These are absolute experiments. We have never in the history of humankind done this kind of thing where entire societies, entire countries, are locked down. The police said in their statement that they warned Pastor Pawlowski prior to the churchs May 8 service, but he chose to ignore requirements for social distancing, mask wearing, and reduced capacity limits for attendees, and continued with the event. Pawlowski has repeatedly defied public health restrictions by holding church services. He told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that Canada now reminds him of his home country of Poland when it was under communist rule. He fears people are losing their liberty amid ever-expanding COVID restrictions. When they are telling us right now, social distance, physical distance, dont meet together, dont pray. I mean, youre talking about family, youre talking about the structure that keeps us all sane, all together and strong, he said. Thats the state telling the people what they can do, what they cannot, with whom they can, and how. Seeing what theyre doing, which is a repetition of history in front of my eyes, it scares me. Very scary stuff, what is happening. Navarro-Genie said the medical establishment has no business advising governments to constrain and confine the population of healthy individuals. The recently released book he co-authored, COVID-19: The Politics of a Pandemic Moral Panic, states that political actors and moral entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to use the pandemic as a means to expand and consolidate their power. He suggests that the best approach for the Alberta government is to reopen the province and put the focus on protecting the most vulnerable. If people are still afraid, those who are afraid, they have the right to be afraid. They should stay home and figure out ways for themselves, he said, but this forcible confinement of entirely healthy populations in a liberal democracy needs to stop. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Partly cloudy. Hot and humid. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 74F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Music tutors hailed as heroes for providing online sessions for young musicians during lockdown Music tutors in Wrexham and Denbighshire have been hailed as heroes for coming to the rescue by holding online lessons during the pandemic. Musicians Union education officer David Barnard praised the way the not-for-profit Wrexham and Denbighshire Music Co-operatives acted swiftly after school premises closed when the COVID-19 crisis escalated. The co-operatives were among the first to move instrumental and vocal lessons online at the start of the first lockdown in March 2020. They have maintained an extensive programme of online lessons ever since, building up to hundreds of lessons a week and surpassing many of their counterparts in England. Two parents whose children benefitted from the lessons are Kathy Davies, of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, and Alison Tardivel, of Ruthin. Both praised the co-operatives for keeping children tuned in to creative arts. Online tuition will now continue to be offered even as Wales looks forward to the return of socially distanced in-school lessons. Music Co-operative founder and head of service Heather Powell thanked all the tutors for stepping up to the challenges of maintaining music education over such a difficult period. She said even she was overawed by the amount they achieved during lockdown, it had exceeded all her expectations: Online learning has been a huge success for us in 2021 with many new pupils engaging in digital lessons. At our peak we are delivering almost 800 lessons a week. We have delivered lessons across the region and worked hard at further developing our online resource www.totallymusic.com. The tutors have been real heroes. They are naturally keen to get back to live lessons where possible, with the use of perspex screens and sticking to social distancing health and safety rules. We encourage as many schools as possible to take up the chance of restoring in-class music lessons through our service over coming months. But its important to note how much weve all learned through this online experience and the value of keeping the provision permanently in our armoury in future. Her words were echoed by David Barnard a UK Musicians Union leader, trombonist, conductor, lecturer and freelance consultant specialising in music education. He said: I cant praise Denbighshire and Wrexham co-operatives enough. Heather and her team embraced the challenges with real positivity. They were 100 per cent determined to maintain access to lessons for pupils who benefit in terms of musical education and general wellbeing. Theyve been pioneers in the field, the success they achieved is admirable. It goes far beyond that attained in some other regions. There are areas of England where take up of online music lessons has only reached about 30 per cent, but Denbighshire co-operative has been consistently above that from the start. Coedpoeth mum Kathy Davies applauded the co-operative in Wrexham. She said her son Ysgol Bryn Tabor pupil James Booth, aged eight, had his piano lessons online. She said: We bought him a keyboard for Christmas after he started piano lessons at school, but then the lockdown happened and we feared he would never get to fully enjoy it. Thats why we arranged online tuition. The keyboard has a piano option and James would set it up at the computer. He put his musical keyboard in front of the screen where the computer keyboard would normally go. Then he set the computer camera to face it so the tutor could see the keys. He also had a book with exercises to learn in preparation for lessons. Its been a great way to boost his confidence ready for when he returns to live music lessons in school. Denbighshire Music Co-operatives Artistic Lead, Wyn Pearson, who created online videos to promote the tutoring service said: Pre-Coronavirus we had already thought about offering online options for students but the pandemic pushed this idea forward immeasurably. We knew teachers and performers could not do their jobs and pupils could not access lessons unless we adapted our service fast. We worked all out to provide the best possible online lessons and I think we can be proud of what we have achieved. It is hugely satisfying to know so many people have given us such heartfelt positive feedback. The co-operative use Microsoft TEAMS for its online delivery and lots of pupils have continued to sit online exams and take part in music competitions during lockdown. Heather said: My own children have continued piano, drum and saxophone lessons online. As a full-time working mum, I know firsthand that this has been hugely beneficial to their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Many of our free school meal learners have also engaged with online lessons, and we have also been busy working virtually with young carers and children with additional needs. For more information about Denbighshire or Wrexham Music Co-operative, and their in-school music lessons visit: www.denbighshiremusic.com or www.wrexhammusiccoop.com and for information about online tuition sessions and recreational music activities visit: www.totallymusic.com California Controller Wrote 49 Million Checks, but Claims She Cant Locate Any of Them News Analysis As California state controller, Betty Yees job includes being responsible for accountability and disbursement of the states financial resources, according to her offices official website. Yees office issued 49 million checks in payments worth $320 billion in 2018 in her capacity as chief fiscal officer for the state whose economy is the fifth-largest in the entire world. The states 2020 budget was $208.9 billion, but Yees office payments often cover multiple-year obligations. Her job description also makes her responsible for auditing all funds disbursed by the state and all claims presented for payment to [her office]. Performs independent audits of government agencies that spend state funds. Given Yees job duties and actions, Open the Books Chairman Adam Andrzejewski may be forgiven for being mystified by the California State Controllers claim to be unable to locate or otherwise provide documentation of any of those payments. The State of California, State Controllers Office does not maintain a centralized vendor contract database which would allow it to identify all contracts regardless of the agency awarding such contract, Yees general counsel Richard Chivaro told Andrzejewskis group in a Nov. 6, 2019, letter. That letter was in response to a series of requests made by Open the Books beginning in 2013 under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Open the Books requests sought documentationa line-by-line state checkbookof Californias massive state government spending. To date, California is the only one of the nations 50 states that havent produced such documentation in response to the Burr Ridge, Illinois-based nonprofits efforts to make public every dime online in real time of spending by government at all levels in the United States. In fact, many state contracts are paid for directly by the contracting agency. This procedure allows the contracting agency to make such payments as expeditiously as possible thereby taking advantage of an early payment discount which may be available, Chivaro said. Moreover, the Controllers Office receives literally thousands of claims for payment daily. Claims are batched by date received and are not segregated, logged, or otherwise tracked by agency, employee, or payment type. Consequently, because of the way the claims are batched and processed by this office, we are unable to locate or otherwise provide you with the documents requested. Open the Books first began seeking various records concerning state spending information, including records reflecting line-by-line vendor payments, the group told the California Superior Court in its suit filed last year. The group is represented in the suit by the Cause of Action Institute, a public interest law firm that litigates on behalf of government accountability and individual liberty. Despite repeated attempts to obtain an adequate response from the Controller, Plaintiffs have instead faced at various points delay, silence, obfuscation, and inadequate justification for the agencys refusal to provide a reasoned determination and responsive records, Open the Books told the court. Plaintiffs first filed a CPRA request for state checkbook data in 2013over six years agobut, to date and after repeated requests, the Controller has failed to disclose any relevant records. It is beyond dispute that the public records at issue are subject to disclosure under the CPRA, notwithstanding the Controllers protests. The situation now requires judicial intervention. Andrzejewski told The Epoch Times on May 13, COVID slowed our suit down, but were pushing for summary judgment now because we think we will win. He didnt know when the court would issue a decision on a summary judgment motion. We always knew California would be a dogfight, Andrzejewski told The Epoch Times. A spokesman for Yee acknowledged The Epoch Times request for comment but didnt provide a response by deadline. A spokesman for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who faces a recall election, couldnt be reached. Weve sued two other states, we expect to win in California, and were undefeated in these suits, Andrzejewski said. He noted that, while Californias Yee is a Democrat, the officials involved in the other two statesIllinois and Wyomingthat required litigation to obtain requested spending records were both Republicans. In Illinois, Andrzejewski said: Republican Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka claimed, The state doesnt have a magical checkbook. So we reminded her that the state doesnt have magical taxpayers, either. In Wyoming, he said, Open the Books sued State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, who claimed it would take years and years for the state to produce its checkbook. By taking this anti-transparency stance in Red Wyoming, Cloud made herself politically toxic and never ran for office again. Cloud eventually relented, but then delayed for months on end in producing the records. Her successor within a month of taking office produced all the records Open the Books had requested, plus another years worth that hadnt been sought, and refunded an $8,000 check the nonprofit had paid to cover the costs Cloud said were involved in producing the records. Open the Books required no litigation to obtain spending records it sought from the other 47 states, he said. The group also regularly receives spending data from virtually all of the nations 500 most populous cities. We even get the checkbooks from the historically, systemically corrupt Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Andrzejewski said. We do get the second set of books from there. Congressional correspondent Mark Tapscott may be reached at mark.tapscott@epochtimes.nyc The flag of the World Health Organization (WHO) at its headquarters in Geneva on March 5, 2021. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) CCP Virus Pandemic Was Preventable Disaster and Terrible Wake-Up Call: WHO-Commissioned Panel A panel of independent experts commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a scathing rebuke of the global reaction to COVID-19, calling the outbreak a preventable disaster and a terrible wake-up call that exposed weak links along the entire chain of pandemic preparation and response. In a report issued on May 12 (pdf), the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response blamed countries worldwide for their sluggish response to the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, saying most waited to see how the virus was spreading until it was too late to contain it, leading to catastrophic results. The group also took aim at the lack of global leadership and restrictive international health laws that hindered the WHOs response to the pandemic. Some experts criticized the panel for failing to hold the WHO and others accountable for their actions, describing that as an abdication of responsibility. Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University said the panel fails to call out bad actors like China, perpetuating the dysfunctional WHO tradition of diplomacy over frankness, transparency, and accountability. The controversy centers on the fact that Chinese officials knew in early December 2019 that the virus had appeared in Wuhan, but they sat on the information for six weeks, arresting those who tried to warn of the danger and accusing them of spreading rumors. The regimes rigorous censorship apparatus was deployed to prevent media coverage and to delete any mentions of the virus from social media. As with SARS, the first response was denial, The Epoch Times editorial board wrote in a piece explaining why it opted to use the term CCP virus in reference to the pathogen that causes the disease COVID-19. The name holds the CCP accountable for its wanton disregard of human life and consequent spawning of a pandemic that has put untold numbers in countries around the world at risk, while creating widespread fear and devastating the economies of nations trying to cope with this disease, the board wrote. Members of the Trump administration sought to take the Chinese regime to task for its failures in the early phases of the outbreak, with former President Donald Trump repeatedly blaming China for fanning the flames. The panel took a soft approach on China, praising clinicians in Wuhan for being quick to spot unusual clusters of pneumonia of unknown origin in late December 2019, while making no mention of earlier regime efforts to suppress whistleblowers. The panel did note, however, in a segment of the report that it calls an authoritative timeline of the outbreak, that early case definitions in China likely underestimated prevalence of the virus. The report blamed bottlenecks in formal notification and emergency declaration procedures under international health regulations for being much too slow to generate the rapid and precautionary response required to counter a fast-moving new respiratory pathogen. Valuable time was lost, the panelists wrote. They praised health workers for being stalwart in their efforts to combat the pandemic, while characterizing successful national responses as ones that were built on lessons from previous outbreaks and relied on plans that could be readily deployed. They listened to the science, changed course where necessary, engaged communities, and communicated transparently and consistently, the panel noted. Overall, the report found that, even after decades of warnings that a highly transmissible virus was poised to sweep the globe, the world wasnt prepared for the CCP virus. The Independent Panel has found weak links at every point in the chain of preparedness and response. Preparation was inconsistent and underfunded. The alert system was too slowand too meek, the panel wrote. The panel was led by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who were tapped by the WHO last year to examine the U.N. agencys response to COVID-19 after bowing to a request from member countries. This is an ongoing disaster that we believe could have been prevented. The evidence shows that an outbreak became a pandemic because of failures, gaps, and delays in preparedness and response. This was partly due to a failure to learn from the past, Johnson Sirleaf said. Beyond the call to boost the WHOs ability to investigate outbreaks, the panel made an array of recommendations, such as urging the health agency and the World Trade Organization to convene a meeting of vaccine-producing countries and manufacturers to quickly reach deals about voluntary licensing and technology transfer, in an effort to boost the worlds global supply of CCP virus shots. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention speaks during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on the Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 15, 2021. (Amr Alfiky/The New York Times via AP, Pool) CDC Director Enthusiastic About Updating Guidance After Criticism of Slow Lifting of Mask Restrictions Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said in interviews Wednesday that she looks forward to updating the agencys guidance on COVID-19-related public health measures following criticism that the CDC was moving too slowly to recommend further easing of masking requirements for vaccinated people in outdoor settings. The CDC updated its guidelines on April 27, recommending lifting some restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals, although urging such people to wear a mask outdoors when in crowded settings. Walensky said at an April 27 briefing at the White House that less than 10 percent of documented transmission, in many studies, have occurred outdoors, a statement that could be seen as both true and misleading. Canadian infectious diseases physician Dr. Zain Chagla told CTV News that outdoor transmission is actually far lower than 10 percent. I think that 10 percent figure is actually much, much closer to less than one percent, Chagla told the outlet, adding that, 99 percent of transmission is indoors. 0.1 percent is outdoors. A recent study suggests outdoor transmissibility is possibly even below 0.1 percent. CNNs Chris Cuomo asked Walensky whether the CDC was being too cautious in treating outdoor transmissibility as a major risk. Now its outdoor exposure. Could be 10 percent. The science really says one percent, he said, adding that critics contend the CDC is very slow to go there and that the agency is playing it too safe. Walensky defended her 10 percent reference, saying it was not a data point from the CDC, but from peer-reviewed literature, very well respected, high-impact infectious disease journal, the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The paper she was referring to cited multiple studies that found a low proportion of reported COVID-19 infections outdoors. Five studies related to SARS-CoV-2 transmission found that less than 10 [percent] of reported transmission occurred in outdoor settings, less than 5 [percent] of cases were related to outdoor occupations, and the odds of transmission or super-spreading are much lower outdoors, the paper states, with the caveat that there remains a general lack of information on how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted outdoors. SARS-CoV-2 is the scientific name for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Walensky went on to say that this was the data point the CDC used to inform its outdoor guidance, adding that the studys conclusion that the indoor risk of transmission is much higher was behind the agencys decision to ease masking recommendations for vaccinated people. If youre not vaccinated and outdoorsfirst of all, get vaccinatedand second of all, if youre spread out, thats really fine. If you have a whole bunch of people piled on top of each other, breathing heavily, probably not okay, she said. Even if vaccinated? Why, when we see so few breakthrough cases? Cuomo asked, noting that the restriction for fully vaccinated people to continue wearing masks when in crowded settings seems too safe and fuels arguments that the CDC has been exaggerating the threat from the virus, undermining confidence in its messaging. Walensky acknowledged the point, saying that this is exactly where we are. We need to follow the science, which is emerging every single day, with regard to variants, with regards to transmissibility, with regard to protection, and then we need to follow our case rates and see how many people are getting vaccinated, she said. Our job is to find the sweet spot at the intersection of all of those and Im really looking forward to updating our guidance very soon, Walensky added. Cuomo challenged Walensky to produce data that suggests its unsafe for vaccinated people to fully unmask, prompting her to mention data around the spread of COVID-19 variants in the United States. We know those data are forthcoming, theyve been emerging through the literature, she said. With those variants here, we do want to make sure that those data are out and demonstrate that the vaccines will work, she said. Walensky elaborated on the point in an interview on CNBC, when she was asked why vaccinated people are not being told they can fully unmask in all settings. We were looking for signs to ensure that the vaccine works just as well in the real world setting as it did in the trials, she replied. We need to ensure that the vaccines are working against all of the circulating variants that we have here in the United States, adding, and then we need to make sure that youre not an asymptomatic carrier, if in fact youre vaccinated. So all of that science is emerging, thats what were following and we will use to update our guidance, she said, adding that she is really enthusiastic about updating the guidelines very soon. Current CDC guidelines say that fully vaccinated people should continue to wear a mask outdoors when in crowded venues and settings and that they should also wear a facial covering indoors, unless visiting with other fully vaccinated people or with unvaccinated people from the same household who are not at high risk of severe COVID-19. Newly updated recommendations from the CDC for when to wear a mask. (Screenshot via Epoch Times) Previous guidance from the CDC recommended people wear masks if they were within six feet of others outside, regardless of their vaccination status. It comes after Walensky was grilled about the CDCs guidance at a Senate hearing on Tuesday, with some Republican senators arguing the agencys confusing messaging was eroding public trust. I always considered the CDC to be the gold standard. I dont anymore, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said, pointing to what she called conflicting, confusing guidance from the agency. So, here we have unnecessary barriers to reopening schools, exaggerating the risks of outdoor transmission, and unworkable restrictions on summer camps. Why does this matter? Collins said. It matters because it undermines public confidence in your recommendation, in the recommendations that do make sense, in the recommendations that Americans should be following. Walensky defended the CDC guidance, arguing that school recommendations are in place to protect people who are immunocompromised, and summer camp restrictions are intended to get our kids to camp and allow them to stay there. The CDCs guidance for summer camps recommends participants wear masks indoors and outdoors at all times while maintaining at least three feet of social distance. Mask-wearing has become an increasingly contentious issue amid the vaccination drive, as many have questioned why its necessary to still wear a mask after getting the vaccine. CDC: Fully Vaccinated People Dont Have to Wear Masks Inside There are some exceptions, says CDC director The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 13 eased mask-wearing guidance and said that people vaccinated against COVID-19 can stop wearing masks inside in most places. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said there are instances where individuals may need to wear masks, such as in a health care setting or at a business that requires masks. People will also have to abide by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial guidance, she said. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing, Walensky told reporters during a news conference. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment, when we can get back to some sense of normalcy. Fully vaccinated people should still wear masks on buses, trains, airplanes, and other public transportation, she said, addng that for those who arent vaccinated, the CDC recommends that they wear masks in public spaces. Some experts agreed with the relaxation, while others werent sure about the timing. I completely agree that people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus are safe to stop wearing masks and to stop social distancing, Dr. David Boulware, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, told The Epoch Times in an email. There are a few caveats. The risk of any infection is not zero, but the risk of developing symptomatic disease is very low, and the risk of severe disease or death is virtually zero. There are exceptions. For people with weakened immune systems, they remain at risk and absolutely should continue to socially distance and wear masks. Those who are not vaccinated should get vaccinated because they also remain at risk. But Dr. Walid Gellad, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, said on Twitter there is ZERO justification for doing this now except to soothe people who are asking for it. The right thing is to tell people that were in this together, feel free to remove mask outdoors, but continue to wear indoors until X percent are vaccinated and cases are down to X soon, he said. The announcement comes as the Biden administration has faced mounting pressure to ease the guidance on mask-wearing for people who are vaccinated. Some have questioned why its still required to wear a mask after getting the shot, saying that it undermines the federal governments messaging for people to get the vaccine. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has called on Floridians who are vaccinated to act immune and argued that they should permanently ditch their masks. During a meeting on vaccines with President Joe Biden and a group of governors, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, echoed DeSantiss comments that we have fully vaccinated people who should start acting like it. Thats a big motivation [to] get the unvaccinated to want to to get vaccinated, Cox argued. A number of states in recent weeks have moved to ease mask guidance in public or outside. According to a recently compiled list, 25 state governments, as well as the governments of Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have mask orders in place. Critics of the move to ease mask-wearing have said that theres no way for businesses to determine who is fully vaccinated from those who are not. New York state, several areas in California, Cyprus, Israel, and other countries have begun to roll out various vaccine passport systems, which have been criticized by civil liberties groups as an infringement on individuals privacy while creating a two-tier class system of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. On May 13, Walensky said there are some exceptions to the new guidance. People who have diminished immune systems, including people who have received organ transplants or treatment for cancer, should speak to a doctor about ditching their masks. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers taking part in military training at Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region, on Jan. 4, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) China Critics React to Pentagon Delaying Report on Chinese Military Firms WASHINGTONThe Pentagon has failed to release an annual list of Chinese companies with military ties, triggering concerns that the Biden administration could be hesitating to enforce a Trump-era executive order that banned investments in these companies. The Financial Times reported on May 13 that the Department of Defense missed the deadline to publish a legally required list of Chinese military companies, citing two people familiar with the matter. The report is crucial for President Joe Biden, who must make a decision on whether Americans can invest in such companies. Under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021, Congress directs the Pentagon to identify Chinese military companies through a publicly published list. The deadline for this years report was April 15. Department of Defense sent interim response letters to the appropriate members to inform that the department would submit the required list no later than the end of September, a Pentagon spokesperson told The Epoch Times. In his final weeks in office, former President Donald Trump took swift action to ban investments in Chinese companies that are tied to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), a major step in curbing Beijings access to lucrative U.S. capital markets. The investment ban targeted 44 companies identified by the Defense Department as Communist Chinese military companies (CCMCs). The order required U.S. investors to divest the securities of these companies and their subsidiaries before the November 2021 deadline. Trumps executive order is a critical tool in preventing the augmentation of the Chinese Communist Partys military capabilities, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) told The Epoch Times in an email. If this delay is attributable to the Biden Administrations hesitancy over keeping the executive order in place, the American people deserve to know that, and the absence of any explanation or communication here is troubling. Trumps order aimed to curb U.S. pension and retirement fund investments in companies that support Chinas totalitarian regime. Many of these companies are publicly traded on stock exchanges around the world and are tracked by major indexes such as MSCI and FTSE. The Chinese companies blacklisted by the Pentagon last year included prominent technology and manufacturing firms, such as state-run mobile operators China Mobile and China Telecom, video surveillance manufacturer Hikvision, and aerospace firm Aviation Industry Corp. of China. During her confirmation hearing, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of the Pentagons list in tackling the substantial challenges Chinas military-civil fusion policy poses to U.S. national security. U.S. Congress first directed the Pentagon to produce an annual list of military companies with ties to the Chinese regime in 1999. The report, however, wasnt filed until last year. After 21 years and pressure from President Trump, the Pentagon finally released the initial list last year, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) stated in an email. The threat from the Chinese Communist Party is far more urgent than it was two decades ago. America cant afford more delays. Congress needs to know which firms are tied to Chinas military as soon as possible, he said, urging Congress to pass his bill, Stop Funding the PLA Act, to prevent U.S. investments from flowing to Chinas military industrial base. The challenge is, every day we continue to study the problem is another day where money continues to flow to companies that are engaging in bad behavior, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) told The Epoch Times. Pentagon to Remove Xiaomi From Blacklist The Department of Defense on May 12 also agreed to remove Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi from its investment blacklist. The department early this year had designated the company as having ties to Chinas military. In response, Xiaomi filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, calling its placement unlawful and unconstitutional. In March, a federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the enforcement of the blacklisting, citing insufficient evidence about the companys ties to the PLA. The Biden administration didnt challenge the ruling. We were compelled to do this by the court, Emily Horne, National Security Council spokesperson, told The Epoch Times. U.S. courts found that the previous administration failed to develop a legally sufficient basis for imposing restrictions on the company and this action was required in light of court rulings. However, she added that the Biden Administration is deeply concerned about potential U.S. investments in companies linked to the Chinese military and is fully committed to keeping up pressure on such companies. Legal experts have been warning Congress for months about the ambiguous language in the defense policy bill that makes it difficult to pinpoint companies connected to the Chinese military. The problem arises because the Department of Defense has assumed a fact-finding role, knowing full well the facts may not be publicly available, as governments do not generally publicize their military affiliations, according to Nazak Nikakhtar, partner at law firm Wiley Rein LLP and former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The litigation risk could have been avoided, she told The Epoch Times. Its a known fact that the Chinese regime, through its national strategy called Military-Civil Fusion and other national security laws, uses Chinese companies to help strengthen the PLA, she said. As stated in her testimony before the United StatesChina Economic and Security Review Commission in March, Congress could consider amending the defense policy bill to apply a de jure approach, rather than a de facto approach, for designating CCMCs. This more flexible standard would facilitate the designation of CCMCs by reducing the evidentiary burden on the Department of Defense and would reduce litigation risk for the government as well, she argued in her testimony. Otherwise, many other blacklisted Chinese companies could go through the same legal route and challenge enforcement of the blacklisting, she said. Shares of Xiaomi jumped 6 percent in Hong Kong following the news. We know that our adversaries across the globe, especially Communist China, will use every resource available to steal American technology, jobs and intellectual property in an effort to dominate the world, a spokesperson for Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said in an email. That is why companies under the influence of our adversaries, such as Xiaomi, DJI, and Huawei, should stay on the entity list. The American Securities Association, which represents regional Main Street financial services companies, also urged the Pentagon to quickly fulfill its legislative mandate and report to Congress. Last quarter, Wall Street diverted $3.4 billion of new American investor money to the Chinese Communist Party, underwriting its engine of environmental destruction, gross human rights abuses against its own people, and military buildup, Chris Iacovella, CEO of the ASA, said in an email. US Unveils International Religious Freedom Report (May 12) The United States has released its 2020 International Religious Freedom Report. Its also announcing a visa ban on one Chinese official over his involvement in human rights abuses. A concentration camp survivor is exposing the atrocities she witnessed while detained. She shares her experience about torture methods used there, as part of Chinas genocide against the Uyghur minority. The worlds largest warship begins its active duty service to the United States. One official says its particularly prepared for conflicts with communist China. The head of a Chinese state-run media suggests Beijing should bomb Australia if it allies with the United States in protecting Taiwan. The United States removes a major Chinese phone maker from a blacklist. The Trump administration had banned Americans from investing in it, citing its ties to the Chinese military. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. People mingle in the old town of Kashgar, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China, on March 22, 2017. (Thomas Peter/File Photo/Reuters) China Uses Coercive Policies in Xinjiang to Drive Down Uyghur Birth Rates, Think Tank Says BEIJINGCoercive policies in Chinas far western region of Xinjiang have led to a sharp decline in birth rates for Uyghurs and other minorities, which could add to evidence of genocide, an Australian think tank said in a report released on May 12. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report, citing official Chinese data, said there has been an unprecedented and precipitous drop in official birth-rates in Xinjiang since 2017, when China began a campaign to control birth rates in the region. Xinjiangs birth rate dropped by nearly half from 2017 to 2019, and counties where the population was predominately Uyghur or another minority group saw much sharper declines than others, the government-funded institute said in the report. China maintains that changes in birth rates are linked to improved health and economic policy and it strongly rejects accusations of genocide. ASPI fabricates data and distorts facts, Hua Chunying, Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman, told a daily news briefing in Beijing on May 13. Xinjiangs Uyghur population grew faster than that of the Han between 2010 and 2018; the regions birth control policies dont target any single ethnic minority group, she said. The ASPI analysis is based on Chinese government data, including regional population figures released in March. Children play on a playground near security cameras at a public square in Aksu, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, on April 20, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo) Our analysis builds on previous work and provides compelling evidence that Chinese government policies in Xinjiang may constitute an act of genocide, it said. The ASPI report said birth rates in counties with a 90 percent or greater indigenous population declined by an average of 56.5 percent from 2017 to 2018, far more than other regions in Xinjiang and China during the same period. Fines, internment, or the threat of internment, were among the methods used by authorities to discourage births, it said. There have been growing calls among some western states for an investigation into whether Beijings actions in Xinjiang amount to genocide. The U.S. government and parliaments in countries including Britain and Canada have described Chinas policies in Xinjiang as genocide. According to the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention, there would need to be proof of intent by Beijing to destroy an ethnic population in part to meet that determination. Rights groups, researchers, former residents, and some western lawmakers say Xinjiang authorities have arbitrarily detained around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in a network of camps since 2016. Beijing initially denied the camps existed but has since said they are vocational training sites designed to combat religious extremism, and that all people in the facilities have graduated. By Gabriel Crossley The entrance of Colonial Pipeline Company is shown in Charlotte, N.C., on May 12, 2021. (Chris Carlson/AP Photo) Colonial Says Entire Pipeline System Restarted Colonial Pipeline on Thursday reported substantial progress in restarting its pipeline, which stretches from Texas to New Jersey. We can now report that we have restarted our entire pipeline system and that product delivery has commenced to all markets we serve, the Georgia-based company said in a statement just before 5 p.m. ET. The system runs some 5,500 miles from Houston to Linden. Markets reliant upon the fuel it delivers are scattered across 11 states, with spurs hitting major cities like Charlotte, Nashville, and Baltimore. Cyberhackers attacked Colonial last week, prompting the company to shut down certain parts of its network. That led to the entire pipeline being taken offline. Since the company disclosed what happened, shortages have soared and gas prices have risen, breaching $3 for the first time since 2014. As of midday, 50 percent of more stations were out of gas in Washington, Virginia, and North Carolina, with a hefty number of stations in Georgia, Florida, Maryland, and Tennessee unable to service customers, according to GasBuddy. The average price per gallon ticked up to $3.02 on Thursday, American Automobile Association data showed. That was up from $2.94 a week ago and $2.86 a month ago. The restart of the pipeline is very positive news for motorists, Jeanette McGee, a spokesperson for the association, said in a statement. While impact wont be seen immediately and motorists in affected areas can expect to see a few more days of limited fuel supply, relief is coming. Station pumps will be full of fuel in several days. Colonial initiated the restart on Wednesday night. People fill their cars with gas in Arlington, Va., on May 13, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) The pipeline moves 2.5 million barrels of refined products like gas, diesel, and heating oil per day. Several states are especially reliant on the delivery system, including Alabama. States were forced to turn to inventories from distribution terminals but a lack of fuel truck drivers contributed to difficulty moving gas in the wake of the pipeline going offline, experts said. Shipments on the pipeline move at about five miles per hour, so some markets would need to keep utilizing stored fuel for several days even after restoration of the pipeline, according to the Energy Information Administration. We will not feel the effects at the pump immediately. This is not like flicking on a light switch, President Joe Biden told reporters in Washington. Still, we expect to see a region-by-region return to normalcy beginning this weekend and continuing into next week. Biden joined a host of others in encouraging people not to panic-buy, or purchase gas they do not need. Gas stations also shouldnt price gouge, he added. Virginias attorney general was investigating a station that charged $6.99 per gallon. Bidens waiving of the Jones Act, which governs ships carrying goods between U.S. ports, would, combined with the pipeline, help with supply issues, Phil Flynn, an energy analyst with the Price Futures Group, told The Epoch Times. And were seeing more exports that are going to come in from Europe. So, what turned into a shortage, we might end up with some extra supply, actually, he said. It seems like the steps were taking, along with the fact that the pipeline is restarted, is easing some of the supply constraint concerns. Company Defies Michigan Governors Order to Shut Down Oil Pipeline A Canadian energy company has defied an order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to shut down a controversial oil and gas pipeline Wednesday amid growing concern that doing so could lead to fuel disruptions similar to those resulting from last weeks cyberattack on an East Coast system. The Democratic governor gave Canadian pipeline company Enbridge until Wednesday to shut down Line 5, which runs under the Straits of Mackinac, amid fears that it could spill in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. These oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac are a ticking timebomb, and their continued presence violates the public trust and poses a grave threat to Michigans environment and economy, Whitmers office said in a statement. However, Enbridge refused to comply with the order, saying that only the federal government has regulatory authority over its operations. It says leaks have never occurred in the underwater section of Line 5, although in 2010, a different Enbridge pipeline spilled nearly a million gallons of oil into Michigans Kalamazoo River. A worker monitors water in Talmadge Creek in Marshall Township, Mich., near the Kalamazoo River as oil from a ruptured pipeline, owned by Enbridge Inc., is trapped by booms on July 29, 2010. A suit filed Oct. 8, 2015, by the National Wildlife Federation says the federal Oil Pollution Act prohibits operators from handling, storing, or transporting oil until their spill response plans get federal approval. The plans are supposed to make sure enough resources are available to contain and remove spilled oil and limit environmental damage. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) Of Line 5, the company said it is currently working to tunnel beneath the lake bed to further improve the safety of the pipeline. Line 5 moves oil and natural gas liquids for 645 miles (1038 kilometers) through northern Wisconsin and Michigan to Sarnia, Ontario. The nearly 23 million gallons (87 million liters) it carries daily are refined for gasoline, jet fuel, and propane in several Midwestern states, as well as Ontario and Quebec. Fresh nuts, bolts, and fittings are ready to be added to the east leg of the pipeline near St. Ignace as Enbridge prepares to test the east and west sides of the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac in Mackinaw City, Mich., on June 8, 2017. (Dale G Young/The Canadian Press/AP Photo) Enbridge explained its decision, supported by numerous chambers of commerce, Republican legislators in Michigan, and the Canadian government, by pointed to last weeks hack of the computer systems linked to the Colonial Pipeline, which carries gasoline and diesel from Texas refineries to supply around 45 percent of the gasoline consumed on the East Coast. Fears of fuel shortages led to panic-buying and widespread purchases that have left thousands of filling stations without fuel. The cyberattack that triggered an unplanned, temporary closure brings to the forefront what consumers could face, said Mike Moeller, Enbridges director of operations for the Great Lakes region. Without Line 5, consumers will shoulder the burden of supply disruptions and related price increases, particularly for propane and transportation fuel. Whitmers office has repeatedly warned Enbridge that continuing to operate Line 5 constitutes an intentional trespass and that its unlawful defiance of her order would be at its own risk. If the state prevails in the underlying litigation, Enbridge will face the prospect of having to disgorge to the state all profits it derives from its wrongful use of the easement lands following that date, the governor told Enbridge in a letter . The Canadian government has argued that the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty between Canada and the United States guarantees the free flow of oil between the two nations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Evilio Ordonez holds Cuban and American flags during a protest against President Barack Obama's plan to normalize relations with Cuba, in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Fla., on Dec. 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Cuban Immigrants Warn Americans of Misery for Everybody If They Choose Socialism: Learn the Truth With efforts by prominent Democratswho control the United States House, Senate, and White Houseto steer the United States towards socialism, many of those who immigrated to the United States to escape socialist and communist countries like Cuba are raising their voices in warning of the socialist lie that will only bring equal misery for everybody. Learn the truth, Maximo Alvarez, Director at Florida State University, cautioned in an exclusive interview with The Epoch Times on Wednesday. The media is not telling you the truth. Your teachers, your professors, they are not telling you the truth. This is a very emotional subject for me, Alvarez said. I was blessed to have parents who understood communism. When my dad saw what was happening in Cuba, he thought that it was going to be temporary. Alvarez was one of the people chosen to give a speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention. On March 12, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Alvarez and local community leader Jorge Gonzalez to the Florida State University Board of Trustees. As Alvarez explained to The Epoch Times, when his father saw what was happening in Cuba, his brother was sent to Spain in February 1961 to live at the Marist Brothers Catholic School to teach English and mathematics. He was seven years older than Alvarez at the time. In July of 1961, Alvarez was sent to join his brother in Spain. However, when he arrived in Miami on his way to be with his brother, Alvarez learned that his brother had died. So, Alvarez stayed in Miami. Since arriving in the United States at the age of 13 as part of Operation Pedro Pan, DeSantis said in a statement issued to The Epoch Times, Alvarez has achieved the American Dream here in Florida. His rise from humble beginnings as a child refugee to an entrepreneur in the citrus, retail, and energy industries is a success story that demonstrates how Floridas liberty-mined, pro-entrepreneurial approach to governance has allowed Floridians to thrive, DeSantis said. Unfortunately, many prominent members of todays Democrat Party advocate for and seek to implement the same confiscatory, socialist policies that have led to such devastation in countries like Cuba and Venezuela and wherever else they have been tried. Alvarez said that while his journey to America may sound dramatic and painful, it was actually a blessing. It was a blessing that I stayed here. Its the only country in the world, that we know of, that allows you to reach your potential. Its where you can prove the things you are capable of doing. Its where I received a great education. The values that I received here are the same values I received from my mom and dad since I was born. And its simple really: Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt work very hard, and thou shalt respect authority. Thou shalt respect mom and dad. We have to honor God, Alvarez added. I have said before, and I will die saying the same, Alvarez said, with his voice breaking from emotion, If I was to give everything that I have today, which is a lot more than I deserve, it would only be one percent of what I was given when I came to this country. Theres nothing like freedom. Theres nothing like the capacity to reach your potential. If we work hard and we are loyal, we will always succeed. And the reason why I get emotional, the reason why I literally cry, is because I am afraid that my grandkids may not have the same the luck I had because, all of the sudden, the American people are believing the same misinformation, the same lies, the same promises that the communist peoplethe same totalitarian people who want equal misery for everybodysell to their people, he warned. DeSantis has vowed to make sure Florida remains an oasis of freedom, despite being faced with a federal administration staffed by many who have voiced support for those policies. It is so important that we work to ensure that the Democrat Party doesnt get control of Floridas state government because it would be an absolute tragedy if both Florida and the United States cease to be a beacon of liberty and freedom, the governor said. Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. of Florida Jeanette Nunez at a Make America Great Again rally in Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 31, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) As a Cuban-American, born and raised in Florida, I have seen perseverance firsthand, Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez told The Epoch Times on Wednesday. In 2018, Nunez became the first Latina lieutenant governor of Florida. From my parents hard-fought battle to achieve a better life for our family to Cuban political prisoners who endured the unthinkable, our united desire to succeed will never waver. The fabric of our nation is woven by individuals with the strong values of faith, family, and freedom. The invaluable contributions of Cuban-Americans are the essence of the American Dream. Another Cuban-American Florida Sen. Marco Rubio told The Epoch Times, As someone blessed to have been born in America, I know how limited my opportunities would have been had my parents not left Cuba. When those fleeing the islands communist regime come to our nation, they have the ability to pursue their God-given potential and make a good life for themselves and their familiessomething impossible to achieve in Cuba unless you are an ally of the military or the dictatorship, he said. As Floridians, were especially grateful for the many contributions Cuban-Americans make to our state. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., arrives with members of his family to a primary election party in Kissimmee, Fla., on Aug. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Dr. Jaime Suchlicki, director of the Cuban Studies Institute and author of the Cuban Transition Project, told The Epoch Times in a separate interview on Tuesday that she didnt know if America was moving toward communism but it is moving toward a different society, like collectivism. I think it will be a pity for this country to move in that direction, he said of the shift toward socialist policies in the United States. We have seen what happened in Eastern Europe. Weve seen what happened in Cuba and in Venezuela. I mean, private property is the engine of change. And private enterprise is what brings about new ideas, new inventions. So, societies that are controlled by the state are by nature unproductive. Suchlickis migration to America began when his father fled to Cuba to escape the communist regime of Russia. His mothers family escaped Poland and went to Cuba just before the Holocaust. Suchlicki was born in Cuba in 1939 and fled to America in 1960 to escape the socialism that was destroying his new country. There were still flights so it was easy to come out of Cuba, Suchlicki recalled. I went to work first selling in grocery stores. Then in a liquor store. I then met my girlfriend, who is American, and she encouraged me to go to school. I went to the University of Miami. Then I went to Texas and got my doctorate there. I became a professor at the University of Miami in 1967. I just retired, 50 years later. Cuban Americans have been very successful in America and in Florida, Suchlicki added, explaining that the first generation to come to the United States served as the foundation for others to build upon. They created a subculture in Miami, he said. The first wave of Cubans were the middle class and business classes. Cuba had a very large middle class and very large entrepreneurial classes, so they were able to do well in Miami. They speak Spanish. They go to the grocery store and buy in Spanish. They go to the movies and watch Cuban movies. They opened businesses. Generally, these Cubans did well in America. There were poor Cubans in Miami. Not all Cubans did well. But in general, as a group, they did better than other groups that came to the United States. The second generation, he explained, my generation, is becoming more integrated, becoming more married to the American society. A Cuban woman is symbolically gagged and tied up with chains and barbed wire to protest the regime of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and denounce the lack of freedom of expression in Cuba during a pro-democracy anti-Castro march through the streets of Little Havana in Miami, Fla., on Dec. 10. Some 200,000 people participated in the march. (PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images) We are a spoiled nation, Alvarez also warned his fellow Americans. We do not know what its like to be without water. We dont know what its like to be without cable or, God forbid, a cell phone. People dont understand what it is like to be in a room with a dirt floor and no air conditioning. If people are not well versed, if they dont have the proper values and they listen to their teachers and professors, they are liable to believe the lie. And by the time they realize what has happened to them, its too late, and that is happening in our country as we speak. Welsh Government reshuffle New top team to lead Wales into a brighter future Welsh Government say climate change, new green jobs and recovery from the pandemic will be at the heart of the new Welsh Labour Government, as First Minister Mark Drakeford has revealed his new Cabinet team. The new climate change ministry will bring together the environment, energy housing, planning and transport portfolios, led by Julie James. Lee Waters becomes Deputy Minister for Climate Change. Two-thirds of the new Cabinet are women. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: The environment will be at the heart of our decision-making. The climate change emergency has not gone away while we have been dealing with the pandemic. Wales is a beautiful country with immense natural assets, which will help power our recovery and create the jobs of the future. In my new government, the environment doesnt just have a seat at the Cabinet table, it will be a consideration in all we do. After leading the response to the pandemic over the last 15 months and serving as Health Minister for five years, Vaughan Gething is appointed Economy Minister. He will lead Wales economic recovery. Dawn Bowden joins the government as Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport in the economy portfolio. She also becomes the Chief Whip. Lesley Griffiths becomes Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales and Trefnydd. First Minister Mark Drakeford paid tribute to Ken Skates who returns to the backbenches to focus on strengthening Welsh Labour in North Wales in preparation for next years local government elections and the next UK Parliamentary election. He will also strengthen Labour links between North Wales and North West England. The First Minister said: Ken has been a real strength in Cabinet and a voice for North Wales. He will continue speaking up for North Wales and for Welsh Labour but in a different role. We will miss his energy and passion. Vaughan becomes Economy Minister at a crucial point in time the pandemic is not just a public health emergency but also an economic one. Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, said: Being re-elected as Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South is a huge honour. It has been a privilege to work with constituents over the last ten years to improve and champion our area, and I will continue to work as hard as I possibly can. This week I informed the First Minister of my wish to step away from Welsh Government. After eight years in government, now is the right time. Clwyd South has always remained my number one priority, and my decision will enable me to spend more time in the constituency, focusing on local matters, as well as further strengthening the Partys position in North Wales and further afield. I will continue to be a loyal supporter of First Minister Mark Drakeford and our Welsh Labour Government from the back benches. Above all, I will spend the next five years focusing relentlessly on helping the people and communities of Clwyd South as the local Member of the Senedd. Eluned Morgan becomes Minister for Health and Social Services, with a specific focus on NHS recovery and the pandemic response. Lynne Neagle becomes Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Lynne is the former chair of the Senedds Children, Young People and Education Committee who has championed childrens and young peoples mental health. Julie Morgan remains in her role as Deputy Minister for Social Services. Jeremy Miles becomes Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, overseeing the introduction of Wales new curriculum and the biggest ever catch-up programme in schools. Mick Antoniw returns to the Cabinet as Counsel General designate and Minister for the Constitution. Jane Hutt becomes Minister for Social Justice and Hannah Blythyn becomes Deputy Minister for Social Partnership. Rebecca Evans retains the post of Finance Minister but, with important local elections just a year away, adds local government to her portfolio, bringing an important element of continuity to the new Cabinet. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: The new Cabinet is ready to get to work to set Wales on the path to recovery out of this long pandemic, which has cast such a shadow over all our lives. There will be challenges ahead of us the pandemic is a public health and economic emergency with long-lasting impacts on all our lives but this is a talented and committed team, determined to make a positive difference to Wales and for Wales. We will use all our efforts and energies to create a stronger, fairer and greener Wales, where no one is held back or left behind. The new Welsh Labour Government Mark Drakeford First Minister Mick Antoniw Counsel General designate and Minister for the Constitution Rebecca Evans Minister for Finance and Local Government Vaughan Gething Economy Minister Dawn Bowden Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip Lesley Griffiths Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd Jane Hutt Minister for Social Justice Hannah Blythyn Deputy Minister for Social Partnership Julie James Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters Deputy Minister for Climate Change Jeremy Miles Minister for Education and the Welsh Language Eluned Morgan Minister for Health and Social Services Julie Morgan Deputy Minister for Social Services Lynne Neagle Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Top image: Mark Drakeford being sworn in as First Minister earlier today. Cuban Military Commander Turned Spy Reveals Inside Story of Cuban Revolution As a member of former Cuban leader Fidel Castros inner circle, Dr. Julio Antonio del Marmol had access to the most secret information of the regimes plans and operations. As the Cuban revolution began in 1959, del Marmol was introduced to Castro by his father, a passionate patriot who believed whole-heartedly in democratic values and equality. Del Marmols father was not only ideologically committed to the Cuban revolution, which said it would be democratic, but also provided financial support to Castros regime. Castro, impressed by young del Marmol who was only 11 years old at that time, nominated him to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Young Commandos of the Rebel Army, del Marmol told The Epoch Times Crossroads program. Having had interacted with Castro and Che Guevara on a regular basis, del Marmol was taken one day to a secret meeting where the revolutionaries were preparing to take over all Cuban private industries and businesses, from communication and electrical companies to food stands on the streets. Guevara had said in the meeting that a government take over of the entire economy was the only way for the revolution to retain power and control, del Marmol recalled. The only way to ensure that people will do what the government wants them to do is to take away their bread and butter, Guevara had said. Del Marmol quickly realized that the planned nationalization of Cubas economy would mean that his father, a businessman, would lose his lifes work, so he warned his father about the regimes plans. But he said his father, dedicated to the cause, called him a traitor and drove him out of the family home. Feeling down, del Marmol informed his uncle about the situation. But to his surprise, del Marmol, his uncle then revealed himself as a master spy working for the international intelligence community, including the CIA. That was when del Marmol joined his uncles spy network to become a brilliant, successful spy countering the communist oppression of Cuba. He was also the most hunted in Cuba. I came to be an intelligence source to the West, so powerful that I sent the fresh pictures from the fresh missiles that Russia put in Cuba, del Marmol said. This accomplishment was so unbelievable that it took the intelligence community months to validate the information he had provided. Plans to Conquer US Without Firing a Single Bullet Del Marmol revealed during the interview that Castro and his close ally, Che Guevara, made plans to subvert and gain control of the United States, much of which is still playing out today. The United States represented to them a mortal enemy, because [the United States] is a mecca to democracy and the capitalist world, del Marmol explained, adding that the socialists believed that if they could take over America, they could control the world. Their strategy was to slowly penetrate Americas most powerful agencies, such as the State Department, the CIA, and the FBI given they acted as the pillars of democracy, del Marmol said. He added that Cuba has been the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world. It harbors terrorists, manufactures terrorism, finances, and exports terrorism, he said. Hijackers who took part in the 9/11 attack had been trained in a Cuban military base for almost a year before the attack, del Marmol revealed. Then they came to Florida for more training through the Canadian and Mexican borders to obtain pilots licenses, he said. Financial support to terrorist operations sponsored by Cuba is now largely being provided by China, del Marmol said. He said this was made possible with the decision to incorporate a communist China into the world market, which was a big mistake. In March, U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) led a group of 75 Democratic representatives in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to repeal sanctions imposed on Cuba by the Trump administration and re-engage with Cuba, according to a statement. The letter also urged Biden to repeal the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism reinstated by the Trump administration in January. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a press briefing in April that a Cuba policy shift is currently not among the presidents top foreign policy priorities. But it is an issue, of course, we will remain engaged in and focused on, she added. Removing the terrorist designation for Cuba will amount to taking the United States without firing a single bullet, which was Che Guevaras plot from the beginning of the revolution, del Marmol said. Undoing the terrorist designation and sanctions on Cuba is like releasing every criminal, every bad guy that the previous sheriff put in jail, the former secret agent said. Cuba had been on the list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982. But in 2015, the Obama Administration rescinded Cubas designation as part of its overall policy shift on Cuba, according to a Congressional Research Service report (pdf). President Barack Obama certified to Congress that the Cuban government has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period and has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future, the report said. Che Guevaras plan to conquer the United States was to first take over all countries in South and Central America through guerrilla warfare and convert them to socialism or communism to then infiltrate the United States, del Marmol told Crossroads. Drugs and pornography would be then used to corrupt American youth. Fidel Castro used to control the distribution of cocaine around the world, del Marmol said. The Cuban governments planes and ships were used to transport huge loads of cocaine from Colombia to Panama because they had diplomatic immunity. Cuba then used the money made from the illegal drug trades to purchase weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, he said. Del Marmol claimed that nuclear missiles installed in Cuba by the Soviets in 1962, which were supposed to have been removed as a result of an agreement reached by President John F. Kennedy with then-Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, still remain in Cuba, which is why the country is still holding the United States hostage. The agreement bound the Soviet side to remove nuclear missiles from Cuba in exchange for a pledge from the United States not to invade Cuba. But del Marmol said the missiles were never removed from Cuba, as Kennedy had agreed not to inspect the Soviet ship sent to allegedly remove the missiles and the Soviets had lied, sending out junk as missiles while the real missiles were relocated and covered in the ground silos. The United States also agreed to remove its nuclear missiles from Turkey in a separate agreement. According to the National Security Archives, a non-governmental, independent research and archival institution, the last Soviet nuclear warheads left Cuba in December 1962. However, it is not clear whether tactical nuclear weapons not explicitly covered by the agreement between Kennedy and Khrushchev were also removed from Cuba, Svetlana Savranskaya, director at the National Security Archive, wrote (pdf). U.S. officials were not aware of the presence of nuclear tactical weapons when the agreement was made, so it covered only offensive weapons, Savranskaya wrote for the Wilson Center. It would also be hard to argue that tactical nuclear weapons were offensive due to their short range, she explained. The island of Cuba occupies a strategic location south of the United States and sits astride major shipping lanes for the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba is the key to the Gulf of Mexico, whoever controls Cuba controls all the American South and Central America, del Marmol said. After del Marmols espionage activity was discovered in 1971, the regime threatened they would kill his family if he did not leave Cuba within 72 hours. He said that was when he decided to escape Cuba, walking through minefields and swimming to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay. A Weibo page about the death of a student in Chengdu with 1.72 billion views is displayed on a mobile phone in Beijing, China, on May 13, 2021. (Ng Han Guan/AP Photo) Death of Student in China Triggers Questions, Protests TAIPEI, TaiwanIt was a call no parent wants to receive. On Mothers Day, around 9 p.m., a woman in Chengdu in southwestern China was told that her son, who she had dropped off at school just hours ago, had died. Distraught, she went to Chengdu No. 49 Middle School immediately, but was not allowed to even enter the school grounds, she wrote in a series of Twitter-like Weibo posts on the next day that were shared hundreds of thousands of times this week. Her account, disputing both the police and local governments account of her 16-year-old sons death, has touched a nerve, becoming one of the most discussed topics on Chinese social media this week. One related hashtag #ChengduNo.49Middle# racked up more than 1.5 billion views alone on Weibo. People online called for justice for the mother and questioned the actions of the school, police, and local authorities. By May 9 evening, videos of a protest in front of the school circulated. People, clutching white flowers, shouted the truth! again and again. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the veracity of the videos. The incident reflected the frustration of many Chinese who, in trying to seek justice, are met with local authorities deflecting blame and responsibility. Many called on tightly-controlled national media to report on the matter or advised the woman to seek intervention from central authorities in Beijing. A spokesperson for the school, which serves both middle and high school students, said in a statement on May 10 that the student had fallen at around 6:40 p.m. on May 9, and that it was investigating and cooperating with the police. The local branch of the education department in Chenghua district in Chengdu said in a statement May 11 that the incident was a suicide. Police issued a statement May 11 saying they were investigating the death of a 16-year-old student at the No. 49 Middle School, and that they had excluded any criminal involvement. The family has no objection, the statement read. We urge the public to not believe rumors and not transmit rumors. But rumors continued to swirl as people demanded more information. Many wondered on the mothers Weibo timeline if she had been silenced by authorities, pointing out that she had changed her username shortly after the posts spread widely and that the cellphone model, which is automatically recorded on each post, also changed. Police officers (L) stand guard at an entrance of a high school as a senior student walks past in Wuhan City of Hubei province, China, on May 6, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Other users questioned why there was a gap of roughly two hours between the schools statement of the students time of death and when the mother claimed she was told of the news. Why did the school take two hours to notify her of her sons death? Why could she not see his body on the same day? Others simply repeated the line from the police statement, the family has no objection. On May 13, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency published a report saying that the mother had met with the school on the night of the phone call, but that they had met at the local police department so as to not disturb other students. The schools director of safety said it took two hours to notify the family because they could not identify the student at first due to the severity of injuries to his head. State broadcaster CCTV carried a live report from the school and surveillance footage of the students fall seen through his shadow passing through trees. The mother, who did not reveal her full name online, did not respond to multiple phone calls. A staffer for the school declined to comment saying they had not received directions to speak to media. A police officer at the Chenghua district station directed the AP to the stations political department, which did not respond to phone calls. In the U.S., when George Floyd died in those dubious circumstances, people had all sorts of demonstrations, but when a high school student dies in dubious circumstances, we cant get any sort of real information, said Mike Liu, a 19-year old college student who had followed the story closely online. On May 11, a large crowd gathered in front of the school, said the owner of a restaurant across the street who gave his last name as Pan. He said he saw roughly 100 people, as well as police officers and security guards everywhere. Protests in China, while not uncommon, are usually quickly dispersed by authorities. Photos of flowers laid in tribute in front of the school gate on Tuesday night, captured by a photographer for Beijing News, an official paper belonging to the Beijing city government, were quickly deleted from the newspapers website by Wednesday afternoon. Online, people criticized Beijing News for posting the photos, and said the flowers were offered by people paid by foreign forces to stir up trouble. By Huizhong Wu British Airways passenger planes are parked at Palma de Mallorca airport, Spain, on Jan. 21, 2021. (Jaime Reina/AFP via Getty Images) European Airlines Cancel Tel Aviv Flights Amid Escalating Conflict LONDONBritish Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Iberia all canceled flights to Tel Aviv as European carriers joined U.S. airlines in avoiding flying to Israel amid an escalating conflict there. The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely, British Airways said after canceling its flights to and from Tel Aviv on Thursday. UK-based Virgin Atlantic canceled a flight there late on Wednesday and said it was reviewing whether to operate its Thursday evening flight. Spanish airline Iberia also canceled its flight to Tel Aviv from Madrid on Thursday and back on Friday a spokeswoman said, while Germanys Lufthansa also canceled its flights. Due to the current situation in Israel, Lufthansa is suspending its flights to Tel Aviv until Friday, May 14, the airline said. Streaks of light are seen as Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on May 11, 2021. (Nir Elias/Reuters) Wizz Air said it had delayed its Thursday flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv until Friday. Emirati carrier Flydubai said it was continuing to operate daily flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The airline was scheduled to operate three flights on Thursday, its website showed, while a fourth nighttime flight was canceled. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines on Wednesday all canceled flights between the United States and Tel Aviv. Virgin Atlantic had said earlier this week that bookings to Israel had soared 250 percent week on week after an announcement by Britain that Israel was on its green list for the reopening of overseas leisure travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. But an explosion of violence, with fighting in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip causing mounting civilian deaths, have made international airlines wary of the region. British airline easyJet said that it was not yet canceling its flights to Tel Aviv. Its next flight there is from Berlin and not scheduled until May 16, with a service from London Luton to Tel Aviv scheduled for May 18. We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation, an easyJet spokeswoman said. By Sarah Young Facts Matter (May 12): 13 Percent of Maricopa County Ballots Counted so Far; Background Checks Slowing Process After the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, gas stations in multiple states on the East Coast have run out of gas. In Texas, left-wing activists blocked a highway in order to protest. However, the police appeared to only arrest a driver who came out to complain. The situation in Hong Kong is getting worse. One of The Epoch Times reporters there was beaten by a man wielding an aluminum bat. According to an official whos overseeing the Arizona audit, only 13 percent of the ballots have been recounted thus far. So the audit will most certainly have to take a week-long pause this Friday. Facts Matter is an Epoch Times show available on YouTube. Follow us on Parler, Gab, and Telegram Follow Roman on Instagram: @epoch.times.roman Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade in Flushing, New York, on April 18, 2021, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the April 25th peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners in Beijing. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong Adherents Celebrate Faith Around the Globe, Stand Up to Communist Chinas Persecution NEW YORKBefore the pandemic, waves of people donning yellow and blue would congregate in New York and elsewhere this time of year to take part in a celebration. In public parks and on the streets, they showcased slow-moving, meditative exercises, while wearing shirts emblazoned with the words truthfulness, compassion, and tolerancethe three core tenets of their faith, Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa). May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day, marking the date when the spiritual practice was first made public in China in 1992. The gatherings on this day were not only meant for commemoration, adherents say, but also to send a defiant message to the Chinese communist regime, which has been single-minded in seeking to eradicate the group for more than two decades. One of the largest spiritual communities in China, Falun Gong garnered a following of around 70 to 100 million by 1999. But this popularity was deemed unacceptable to the atheist Chinese regime, which then launched a brutal persecution that has continued through today. Millions have since been sent to detention centers, prisons, or labor camps, where they have been subjected to cruel torture, slave labor, and organ harvesting. But outside of China, the practice has quietly thrived, spreading to more than 90 countries around the world, with Falun Gongs main text Zhuan Falun, which contains its moral teachings, translated into 40 languages. After a year of virtual activities, adherents are now back with parades and performances to mark this years World Falun Dafa Day. The day also coincides with the birthday of the practices founder, Li Hongzhi, whose teachings, adherents say, have helped steer them to a better life. Tiger to Ghandi Andres Cordova, a 33-year-old senior software engineer based in the United States, will be one of the participants in a New York parade set for Thursday. Cordova took up the practice at the age of 14 when he was still in his home country of Venezuela. Knowing he was into martial arts and meditation, his friend sent him a link to the practice. He felt an instant connection after watching a video about Falun Gong on the website, he said in an interview with The Epoch Times. Andres Cordova in Venezuela circa 2006. (Courtesy of Andres Cordova) Cordova tried out Falun Gongs meditative exercises and soon began reading the books. In 2002, the practice was still little known in the country. A quick search on the Internet would direct anyone to the propaganda from the Chinese embassy or state media. His family, who knew little of Falun Gong, initially didnt approve of Cordova taking up the practice. He thus tried to hide his faith by only reading pocket-sized versions of Falun Gong books while he was outside walking the dog. Everyone is afraid of new things, he said. But gradually, the positive changes in Cordova won his family over. Once a belligerent young lad, Cordova now chuckles recalling the nickname tiger his mother gave him because of his hot temper. Before practicing Falun Gong, he was always picking fights with everyone, including his elder brothers friends who were older than him, Cordova said. Because I practiced martial arts, I thought I was invincible, and I could fight everyone, he said. But learning Falun Gong made him much more peaceful and tolerant, to the point that [his] elder brother kind of took advantage of him. Falun Dafa practitioner Andres Cordova in New York on May 13, 2021. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) My mom would see that and she was like, why do you never fight for your things? and she would try to defend me, he recalled. Her new nickname for him was Ghandi. Values he learned from the practice have also helped him make the right life choices, he said, such as not indulging in alcohol and gaming. Growing up in a single-parent family, people around him constantly fed him ideas that marriage is bad, that it equates to throwing yourself in the water and cuffing yourself, which he was glad he resisted, said Cordova, now the father of a three-month-old daughter. Having never had a father figure in his life, he had fretted over how he could be a good father himself, and once again turned to his faith for strength. He hopes to be an authority as a father and husbandnot to lord over people, but to be the one who sacrifices the most in the family and the one who helps the wife and children with their burdens as much as possible, he said. Cordova is not the only one to have found solace through the practice. Cities across Canada raise Falun Dafa Day flags ahead of the celebration of the introduction of the spiritual practice on May 13, 2021. (The Epoch Times) Peace at Heart Cristina Diaz, a retired language reference assistant for the United Nations, learned about Falun Gong through a massage specialist in Geneva. At the time, Diaz suffered from severe pains in her head. They would start when she woke up and by midday, the pain would be so bad that she couldnt do anything else. She followed the massage specialists advice to listen to the teachings of Falun Gong, and miraculously, all those ailments went away, she said. Her failing vision also improved, so she took off the eyeglasses that had accompanied her for 40 years of her life. But for Diaz, now 70 years old, a more significant change was a sense of peace at heart she gained after being able to view everything around her in a different light, including events that have long since passed. Diazs father, an ethnic Chinese Peruvian, died of cancer when she was eight. But little as she was, Diaz had never forgotten her fathers abandonment of her. To him, she was a barrier, preventing him from leaving his marriage and onto a better life. Diaz could still vividly remember the time when she was playing with her mom and laughing, then suddenly her father showed up and rebuked her for their merriment. Carrying her in his arms, he sent her away to her grandparents house, where she stayed for the next few years. She was no more than four years old at the time. Diaz sobbed when she was being taken away. I couldnt make any sounds by crying because he didnt let me, she said in a phone interview. While at her grandparents home, her father never once asked for her to come back. Later when he was hospitalized, he did not ask for her either. Diaz carried the pain of her fathers rejection for a long time. But the concept of compassion espoused by the practice has helped dissolve any hard feelings she once had. I wanted to have peace with him, she said, a day after sitting amidst colorful lotus flowers with local practitioners in Switzerland to mark Falun Dafa Day. Around the world, adherents have come up with creative ways to recognize the occasion. A car parade organized by Falun Gong practitioners goes through Torontos city center and surrounding cities on May 8, 2021. (The Epoch Times) In Toronto, Canada, 120 cars, each with blue and yellow flags by the side, gathered on May 8 and drove across the downtown area and nearby cities. A number of other cities across Canada also celebrated the day by raising flags at local landmarks, including at Niagara Falls. About 5,200 people gather to take part in a character formation at Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 1, 2021. (Chen Po-chou/The Epoch Times) At the iconic Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, thousands of adherents on May 1 gathered to take part in a decades-old tradition by dressing in colored outfits and sitting in designated areas to form an immense image, composed of longevity peaches and heavenly fairies, images commonly associated with traditional Chinese culture. As I was sitting there and listening to the music being played, I found a moment of serenity, Debbie Tung, a 28-year-old participant, told The Epoch Times. Florid Gov. Ron DeSantis listens to a report from a member of his administration during a meeting at the governor's office in Tallahassee, Fla., on April 1, 2021. (Screenshot via Epoch Times) Florida Gov. DeSantis Will Pardon Anyone Who Broke Mask Mandates, COVID-19 Rules Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pledging to pardon any state resident who was arrested for not following COVID-19-related restrictions. Floridians should not be penalized for rejecting the overreach of local authorities through unnecessary mask mandates, DeSantis wrote on Twitter on May 13. He linked to a Fox News video of him appearing alongside a Broward County, Florida, coupleMike and Jillian Carnevalewho were arrested several times for not requiring masks in their gym. As soon as I heard that Mike and Jillian Carnevale were facing criminal penalties, like possible jail time, for not requiring masks at their gym, I stepped in to shield them from this local government overreach, DeSantis, a Republican, added in a subsequent tweet. The Carnevales were facing possible jail time for allegedly not enforcing mask orders. They both appeared before a judge in March and had a trial set for May 18. Now theyre looking to take it a step further. They want to put us in jail, and were not backing down to this, Mike Carnevale told CBS Miami. We have an attorney thats going to fight this until the very end. Ill be fighting this until the very end. I wont be backing down, thats where we stand. But DeSantis on May 13 told Fox News that their arrests were total overreach on behalf of the local government. When our clemency board meets in the coming weeks, well issue pardons not only for Mike and Jillian but for any Floridian that may have outstanding infractions for things like masks and social distancing. The fact is, its not even right to be wearing masks when youre exercising, DeSantis said. The World Health Organization advises against it. Its not healthy for people to be doing that in the first place. So it was a bad restriction. But these things with health should be advisory. They should not be punitive. And so we are happy to use our constitutional authority. I think theyve been treated poorly, and fortunately, theyve got a governor that cares. DeSantis in recent months has taken executive action to curb lockdowns imposed because of the pandemic, while also banning COVID-19 vaccine passports. Speaking to The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program in April, DeSantis said he believed the lockdown orders were a huge mistake, including the one that was implemented in Florida. Recalling the mantra pushed by health officials to lock down for two weeks last year, DeSantis said he now realizes that it likely didnt have any effect. We wanted to mitigate the damage. Now, in hindsight, the 15 days to slow the spread and the 30it didnt work, DeSantis said. We shouldnt have gone down that road. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller testifies remotely during a House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the on Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 12, 2021. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool via AP) Former Pentagon Official Backs Off Claim Trump Incited Jan. 6 Capitol Storming Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller told members of Congress on Wednesday that he has reassessed his earlier claim that former President Donald Trump incited the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. I think now I would say that that is not the unitary factor at all. I would like to offerIve reassessed. Its not the unitary factor at all. It seems clear there was an organized conspiracy with assault elements in place, Miller told a House panel in Washington. In a previous interview and his prepared opening testimony, Miller pinned blame on Trump. I stand by my prior observation that I personally believe his comments encouraged the protestors that day, he said in the testimony. Trump made a speech at The Ellipse, about two miles from the Capitol, on Jan. 6. During his remarks, he told supporters to march on the Capitol but also urged them to remain peaceful. Before Trump finished speaking, clashes at the Capitol had already broken out. Trump has said his speech was totally appropriate. Democrats, who impeached Trump over his speech and repeated claims that the 2020 election was rigged, were upset about Millers shift. This is a very recent reversal of your testimony, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) said. After Miller called the charge ridiculous, Lynch told him: Youre ridiculous. Lynch said in his view, no one would have tried to overrun the Capitol if Trump hadnt given his speech. Miller later said he was trying to differentiate people who had marched to the Capitol and those who had breached the building. Theres a difference between marching on the Capitol and assaulting the Capitol, Miller said. Thats the delineation Im trying to make, despite the partisan attack that I just was subjected to. Miller during the House Oversight Committee hearing also said he did not speak to Trump on Jan. 6, while former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen declined to say if he did. I cannot tell you, consistent with my obligations today, about private conversations with the president one way or another, Rosen told lawmakers. We had an unprecedented insurrection that led to seven deaths. Five here and two suicides, and you are saying this is a privileged communication? Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) responded. I think the American people are entitled to answer, Mr. Rosen. Authorities from various agencies, including the ones once headed by Miller and Rosen, have been criticized for not responding quickly enough to the breach, which saw members huddled in fear as groups smashed their way into the Capitol during a joint session. Various officials, such as D.C. National Guard head William Walker, have blamed other departments for the delayed response. Trump the day prior asked Miller to send 10,000 troops to Washington to maintain order, Miller confirmed in his written remarks, but was rebuffed. At the time, I had been advised by our domestic law enforcement partners that based on their experience with protests and crowd control, as well as their intelligence information, that they were confident that they had sufficient personnel assigned to maintain order, Miller wrote. He said he stood behind every decision he made on Jan. 6 and in the aftermath and was proud of the military members who responded to the breach and helped protect the nations capital afterward. It was the first time Rosen and Miller testified about the events earlier this year. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) questions former officials during a hearing in Washington on May 12, 2021. (Bill Clark/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) People storm the Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2020. (Ahmed Gaber/Reuters) Republicans tried pressing officials on other matters. Under questioning from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rosen declined to confirm that the Department of Justice did not confiscate any firearms from people who breached the Capitol. Prosecutors have alleged rioters were armed. Gosar was also unsuccessful getting Rosen to comment on the killing of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot dead by a U.S. Capitol Police officer while trying to enter a hallway adjacent to the House chamber. Outright propaganda and lies are being used to unleash the national security state against law-abiding U.S. citizens, especially Trump voters, Gosar said. The FBI is fishing through homes of veterans and citizens with no criminal records, and restricting the liberties of individuals that have never been accused of a crime. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) later said that reports describing rioters as Trump supporters were akin to reports claiming Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was killed by the breachers. Sicknicks autopsy later showed he died of natural causes. I dont know who did the poll to say that they were Trump supporters, Norman said. He said the invasion of the Capitol was clearly planned beforehand by a group that had gear like helmets and flak jackets. The hearing was just going through the motions to blame Trump, he charged. Some people who entered the Capitol were wearing pro-Trump items, such as Make America Great Again caps. Democrats throughout the hearing referred to the breach as a violent insurrection, but Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) said Democrat leadership in the House is not working to answer crucial questions about the Jan. 6 attack. How can an unorganized mob of strangers most unarmed completely while others with flagpoles and pepper spray, have breached the United States Capitol? he wondered, noting that no one has been charged with murder, attempted murder, treason, or insurrection as of yet. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves his home in London, Britain, on May 13, 2021. (Hannah McKay/Reuters) Former UK PM Cameron Denies Generous Package Motivated Greensill Lobbying LONDONDavid Cameron, the former British Prime Minister, said on Thursday he was not motivated by his own financial interest when he lobbied the government on behalf of the now-collapsed supply chain finance firm Greensill Capital. Although Camerons extensive lobbying efforts did not result in policy changes, they have raised questions about the extent to which former British leaders can or should use their status to try to influence government policy. Cameron declined to say how much he was paid by Greensill, or how much he would have made from shares he owned if the business had prospered, but said he had a big economic investment in its future and wanted the business to succeed. I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than I earned as prime minister, he told the House of Commons Treasury Committee. When he left office in 2016, Cameron was entitled to a salary of just over 150,000 ($210,570). Asked if it was fear of losing out on financial gains that motivated him to contact ministers, Cameron said: That is not what I felt at the time, and it is not what motivated me. He said he was motivated by, and believed in, Greensills ability to help other businesses and the country during the early stages of the pandemic. Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers over a four-month period in 2020 to lobby for Greensill, which filed for insolvency protection in March, documents published on Tuesday showed. He said he thought his use of SMS and WhatsApp messages was appropriate given the severity of the COVID-19 crisis, but that different rules could apply in the future. One of the lessons I take away is ex-prime ministers should only ever use letter or email, and should restrict themselves far more, he said. Painful Day Cameron, who was Britains prime minister between 2010 and 2016, said it was difficult for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over Greensills collapse. This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much, albeit virtually, but in these circumstances, he said. Lobbying itself is a necessary and healthy part of our democratic process, but I accept that theres a strong argument that having a former prime minister, engage on behalf of any commercial interest, no matter how laudable the motives and cause, can be open to misinterpretation, he said. Cameron was lobbying the government to allow Greensill, founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill in 2011, to access a COVID-19 financing scheme. The Bank of England said in April that no changes were made to the COVID Corporate Financing Facility as a result of communication between Cameron and Bank officials. Cameron told a committee investigation into the firms collapse and its interactions with government, that he had not been hired by Greensill as a lobbyist, but the situation changed at the start of the pandemic. At the time he was lobbying ministers, Cameron said he had no sense that Greensill was in difficulty. I did not believe in March or April, when I was doing this contact, that there was a risk of Greensill falling over, he said. Cameron stepped down as prime minister in 2016 after he unexpectedly lost a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union. By William James New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks inside Trump Tower about the Green New Deal, serving notice to President Donald Trump demanding more energy-efficient buildings, including Trump Tower, in New York on May 13, 2019. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images) Green Energy Is Politics, Not Science Commentary Green energy is prevalent in the United States and Europe, accompanied by ultra-leftist and socialist lines. They are taking advantage of some so-called harm caused by extreme climate and Earth changes. The environmental policies are not based on science, but politics of redistributing social power and wealth. In some parts of the United States, people are witnessing a so-called green energy revolution. Some people compare this green energy revolution to the Great Leap Forward in mainland China sixty years ago. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s Great Leap Forward launched by Mao Zedong, the then-leader of the CCP, led to the starvation of tens of millions of people. A large part of President Joe Bidens $2.3 trillion stimulus package will fund so-called clean energydesigned to reduce carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and prevent global warming. Take a closer look at the U.S. clean energy plan, and you will see much of it is connected with leftist proposals such as the Green New Deal. In 2019, New York State announced the most aggressive climate goal in the United Statesthe Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which set the state to use carbon-free electricity and all buildings to use new clean heating and cooling technologies by 2040 and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is now urging the state legislature to pass a bill called the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) before the summer recess to implement a super stimulus Great Leap Forward through the collection of carbon taxes and gas prices. But can they really prevent hurricanes and other climate catastrophes? It all depends on the real results to see whether it is effective. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), next to Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), speaks during a press conference to re-introduce the Green New Deal in front of the Capitol in Washington on April 20, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Roger Caiazza is a meteorologist who has been working in the air-quality industry for more than 40 years. He has noted in his blog that spending huge amounts of money to subsidize wind and solar energy and imposing more restrictions on economic development could only, at most, drop the temperature by 0.0097 degrees Celsius in 2100. The most important thing is that even climate science cannot confirm whether global warming is man-made. Caiazza regularly writes on his blog and offers an analysis of the provisions of the CCIA. He said that the underlying premise in all the New York legislative and regulatory initiatives is that there is a climate crisis and that the politicians and regulators who prepare the rationales that climate change needs to be addressed frequently confuse weather and climate. Caiazza mentioned the opinions of Dr. William Briggs, who is a writer, philosopher, and itinerant scientist. Briggs claimed that attributing extreme weather to man-made global warming is an estimate and that it is impossible to independently check that estimate, Caiazza wrote. The primary tool used today to estimate human effect is a climate model. However, as Briggs said, they [climate model] first have to demonstrate forecast skill, and if they cant, or they are inaccurate, they cant be trusted. Briggs came to the conclusion that climate-change event attribution studies rely on all these kinds of guesses and claims. As such, they are either incorrect or are far too certain, Caiazza wrote in his blog. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey has concluded that it is premature to conclude with high confidence that increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities have had a detectable impact on Atlantic basin hurricane activity, although increasing greenhouse gases are strongly linked to global warming. For example, New York States green energy legislation often cites the impact of hurricanes on New York. The city has been affected by several hurricanes in recent years, which have been used as evidence of climate change. However, the data actually shows the opposite result. University of Colorado professor and climate expert Roger Pielke claimed that the number of hurricane landfalls has been declining since the early 1960s. Therefore, Caiazza believes that the so-called risks associated with climate change are nonexistent [and] so reducing greenhouse gas emissions will have no effect. On the contrary, reducing greenhouse gases will inevitably increase the energy costs, and disadvantaged communities would feel the impact. Caiazza argues that any money spent on mitigation is not going to affect impacts. He has estimated New Yorks plan and found that by 2100, CLCPAs emission inventory can reduce the climate warming range by about 0.0097 to 0.0081 degrees Celsius, which is less than one-hundredth of a degree Celsius. Caiazzas point of view is very interesting. In fact, the temperature of the Earth is not always constant. From the perspective of the Earths history, there have been three major ice ages in the billion-year history of the planet, and the current temperature is much lower than other periods. The most recent glacial cycle is the Quaternary glaciation, which continues to this day. During the Great Ice Age, there was also a Little Ice Age, and there was a small interglacial period between the Little Ice Age. It seems very complicated, but to put it in plain words, it is sometimes cold and sometimes hot. The Earth is now in a small interglacial period in the middle of the Great Ice Age, which is a common saying in the Earth science community. This is to say that, like in winter, it is warm on the days when the sun comes out, even though the climate is cold. The icebreaker Tor at the port of Sabetta in the Kara Sea shore line on the Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic circle, some 2450 km from Moscow on April 16, 2015. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russias drilling research on the Arctic ice has concluded that in the past 400,000 years, the average temperature of the Earths Little Ice Age and the Little Interglacial Age has differed by about 10 degrees Celsius. There are a total of five cycles. Now, the Earths temperature is at the highest point in the fifth cycle. The study also compared the carbon dioxide content, and carbon dioxide does have a direct relationship with the Earths temperature. What makes this research interesting is the relationship between carbon dioxide and temperature. As humans have been industrialized for about 300 years, where did the carbon dioxide come from before industrialization? The only explanation is that carbon dioxide may be the result rather than the cause of the Earths temperature rise; it may be the result of the increase in the number of animals caused by the temperature rise. Even if the temperature rises, is it necessarily a bad thing? Based on the history of the development of human society in the global climate change cycle, the global minimum interglacial period is the most suitable period for the prosperity of human society, according to a study by Kenneth Jinghwa Hsu, a Chinese scientist and former Chairman of the Department of Earth Science at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). The Little Ice Age led to reduced agricultural production, famines, and ethnic migration. In other words, a warming climate will be much better for mankind; if the climate is cold, there will be more disasters. Hsu believes that during the two hundred years from the 15th to the 17th centuries, there were frequent strong earthquakes around the world, and other natural disasters were also locally concentrated. The promoters of the Green New Deal claim that rising temperatures will lead to climate change and that many problems will arise. Yes, thats right, any climate change will result in human social problems. The temperature drop also causes many problems. But, why does the Earths temperature change? Hsu believes that during the Maunder Minimum period between 1645 to 1715, there was low sunspot activity, which was most likely the cause of the Little Ice Age climate. Regardless of whether the Earths temperature has an impact on human society, the changes in the Earths temperature are mainly caused by sunspot activity, and the Earth scientists are convinced of this without a doubt. Of course, this is the case. The sun is the largest source of energy in the solar systemany changes to it will have a huge impact. The current controversy is, how much influence does human activity have on temperature and climate? One degree Celsius, or 2 degrees Celsius? So, is it mankind that determines the future temperature and climate of the Earth? The progress of human civilization can also be seen as progress of energy utilization. The earliest human beings started to use fire, then there was the development of tools after the so-called Neolithic period, and only after the use of coal did machines emerge, and when oil was used, it entered a new era. The human beings pursuit and development of new energy sources will not stop, and the next generation of energy sources will most likely be nuclear energy, rather than solar and wind energy. Chinese workers check solar photovoltaic modules on a hillside in a village in Chuzhou, in eastern Chinas Anhui Province on April 13, 2017. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Take solar energy, for example. It requires solar panels and higher-efficiency batteries. The production of solar panels requires monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon, all of which are mining, smelting, and chemical engineering. Not to mention batteries, rare earth elements, acid-base liquids that are all polluting industries. Most of the solar panels and batteries used in the United States and Europe are purchased from mainland China. European countries and America may feel clean, without any pollution. But the pollution is in mainland China, mainly in western Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. The pollution is actually still left behind on the Earth. Carbon emissions also remain on the Earth. Does this help change the climate? Apart from the production, there is also waste disposal. Be it the solar panel or the battery, the life span is only about 10 years, and then it will be replaced by a new one. How will these old panels and batteries be dealt with? Taking China as an example, experts believe that the number of various waste batteries will increase by 80 to 100 times in the next 10 years. How will these highly polluting wastes be disposed of? Is the value created by new energy sufficient to solve these problems and bring more benefits to mankind? Many experts have been arguing for a long time. But in fact, this issue is not so much an economic and scientific issue, but sometimes it is more like a political issue, because the core behind the changes in energy usage and the energy system is a major change in wealth, interests, and dominance. In the United States, the leftists have been hostile to the oil industry for a long time, starting from the time of John Davison Rockefeller. In fact, it is the same in other countries. Oil companies are a symbol of capitalism. Reducing the importance of the oil industry in GDP, preferably by finding new technologies to replace it, is very attractive to the Left, and it destroys capitalism. The petroleum industry is not only gasoline but also chemicals and various manufacturing materials. Once the petroleum industrythe main energy sourceis hit, the entire mechanism that modern human civilization relies on may be greatly affected. The consequences of the Great Leap Forward of the Left can be very dreadful. In 1958, Mao Zedong launched the Great Leap Forward and required the Peoples Commune (the rural socialist organization he strongly promoted) to increase grain production. As a result, local governments falsified reports on agricultural output, producing tens of thousands of jin (half a kilogram) per mu, a Chinese unit of area that is equal to one-sixth of an acre. Many people doubted the rationality of this output. Qian Xuesen, a top scientist, wrote an article in the Peoples Daily in 1958, claiming that if 30 percent of the energy of sunlight per mu can be used, plus enough water and fertilizer, 40,000 jin per mu would not be a problem. The premise to the scientists claim is that if 30 percent of the sunlight and other resources can be utilized in agricultural output, nobody would notice because they wouldnt understand. Instead, most people would pay attention to the one mu of land that can produce 40,000 jin of grain, so in this context, Maos request was not unreasonable. As a result, the CCPs Great Leap Forward accelerated its implementation of the policy, and consequently, at least 30 million people died of starvation. Qian was not wrong, because his conclusions had many preconditions. What is wrong is the CCPs political correctness. This is a big lesson learned at the cost of tens of millions of Chinese peoples lives. The U.S. green energy policymakers are also assuming a series of preconditions and the subsequent political manipulation does not necessarily consider scientific issues, but mostly social and political issues. Alexander Liao is a columnist and journalist in research on international affairs in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia. He has published a large number of reports, commentaries, and video programs in newspapers and Chinese financial magazines in the United States and Hong Kong. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC) talks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on the House steps at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 11, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) House GOP Introduces Bills to Combat Critical Race Theory Two bills will be introduced to counter critical race theory at the federal level, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) announced with some GOP House members at a press conference in front of the Capitol on Wednesday. One bill is Combat Racist Training in the Military Act, a House companion bill to the bill introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in the Senate. The bill prohibits the United States military from promoting critical race theory. The second bill is called Stop Critical Race Theory Act. Bishop called it the most comprehensive legislation to restrict the spread of the quasi-Marxist ideology. The bill would codify an executive order by former President Donald Trump signed last year, which banned critical race theory from federal agency training. The bill would also ban any federal funds from being used to promote critical race theory. Both bills will have 31 co-sponsors when introduced, Bishop said. Critical Race Theory is a divisive ideology that threatens to poison the American psyche, Bishop said during the conference. The roots of this ideology are unmistakable. Just as Karl Marx advocated a social critical ethic of societal classismoppressor versus oppressedthis is Neo Marxist ideology, Cultural Marxism masquerading as history and designed to mislead. Critical race theory redefines Americas history as a struggle between oppressors (white people) and the oppressed (everybody else), as was done with Marxisms reduction of human history to a struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. It labels institutions that emerged in majority-white societies as systemically or structurally racist. Cancel culture is one of its weapons; mob-like attacks on free expression, intimidation. For the sake of our childrens future, we must stop this effort to cancel the truth of our founding, Bishop continued. Former Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russ Vought gave three examples of how critical race theory impacts the country at the press conference. Russ Vought, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks at the CPAC convention in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 29, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) He said that third-graders in California have been made to deconstruct their racial identity and rank themselves according to their power and privilege in school. Teachers told them that they shouldnt be living in a culture dominated by white middle class, cisgender, educated, able-bodied, Christian, English speakers. In another example, Vought said that the U.S. Sandia Labsa contractor to the U.S. Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administrationheld a reeducation class for white male employees, forcing them to write apology letters to people of color and women. In a third example, Vought said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had run micro-aggression training and claims that individualism, the Protestant work ethic, capitalism, monotheism, the written tradition, and believing that the most qualified person should get the job are racist attributes. This is real, he said. Its impacting our schools, our institutions, our employers. Were seeing it across the country. This is the beginning of the federal effort to continue the work that President Trump did with the executive order to make sure that it is defunded throughout the federal government, he added. As the former OMB director, Vought led the Trump administrations efforts to confront the ideas of critical race theory within federal agencies. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) also spoke at the event. Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) in Washington on Dec. 4, 2020. (Tal Atzmon/The Epoch Times) I charge the men and women at home watching this: Get involved. Get involved at the local level, show up to your school board meetings, listen to what is taking place, have an opinion on the curriculums that are being taught to our children, Boebert said at the conference. Our children are so valuable, their future is so valuable, and we cannot lose it to something like this racist critical race theory. Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) are also planning to introduce a bill to prevent federal funding from going to a recent Department of Education proposal aimed at teaching critical race theory in schools, Fox News reported. Last month, the Department of Education proposed a new rule to prioritize funding education programs that incorporate the New York Times 1619 Project and critical race theory ideas. Petr Svab contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-29 08:33:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (L) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 28, 2021. (Photo by Li Xiaowei/Xinhua) Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe said China appreciates Sri Lanka's independent and non-aligned policy and will make joint efforts with Sri Lanka to strengthen coordination and safeguard regional peace and tranquility. COLOMBO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and China vowed here Wednesday to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all sectors between the two countries including the military. The pledge came after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe. During the meeting, the Sri Lankan president, who is also the defense minister, thanked China for providing long-term and precious support to Sri Lanka and hoped to learn the governing experience from the Communist Party of China on poverty alleviation and rural revitalization, among others. Noting that Sri Lanka has prioritized developing the relations with China and firmly supported China's positions on issues concerning its core interests, the president said his country has been pursuing an independent foreign policy and will never bends to pressure from major powers outside the region as well as never forge an alliance with any country. Closely following the pragmatic cooperation in the military field between the two countries, the president hoped that the two militaries will carry out closer exchanges so as to further lift the level of pragmatic cooptation. In his meeting with Wei, the Sri Lankan prime minister said Wei and his delegation visited Sri Lanka at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is still not contained, demonstrating that China attaches great importance to developing the ties with Sri Lanka. Hailing China for its achievements made in the pandemic prevention and control, economic development and poverty alleviation, the prime minister thanked China for providing unselfish help to his country. Sri Lanka will always be a sincere friend to China and will firmly support China's position on safeguarding its own core interests, the prime minister said. Sri Lanka stands ready to strengthen exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields including the military, so as to achieve further growth of the bilateral ties, he added. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 28, 2021. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) For his part, Wei said that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a long history of friendship with deep bilateral relations. The two countries are jointly working for the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, Wei said, pointing out that they share a bright prospect of development. The Chinese side appreciates Sri Lanka's position on issues relating to China's Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and will as always support Sri Lanka's stance over issues relating to human rights and national reconciliation, Wei said. Noting the long-lasting friendship between the two militaries, Wei called on the two sides to further deepen cooperation and promote relations between the two militaries. Peaceful development and win-win cooperation is the global trend and the right way forward, Wei said, adding that certain major countries are keen to form cliques and factions and seek regional hegemony, which goes against people's shared aspiration and severely harms the interests of the regional countries. China appreciates Sri Lanka's independent and non-aligned policy and will make joint efforts with Sri Lanka to strengthen coordination and safeguard regional peace and tranquility. On Wednesday, Wei also held talks with Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and jointly launched a website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka. Family and friends, including Israeli soldiers, mourn over the flag-covered coffin of Israeli soldier Omer Tabib, who was killed during cross-border fighting with Gaza, at his funeral in Eliakim, Israel, on May 13, 2021. (Avishag Shar-Yashuv/Reuters) Israeli Troops Mass at Gaza Border Amid Rocket Fire, Air Strikes, Clashes in Israel GAZA/JERUSALEMIsraeli troops massed at Gazas border on May 13 and Palestinian militants pounded Israel with rockets in intense hostilities that have caused international concern and touched off clashes between Jews and Arabs in Israel. Days of violence between Jewish Israelis and the countrys Arab minority worsened overnight, with synagogues attacked and fighting breaking out on the streets of some communities. With concern growing that the violence that flared on May 10 could spiral out of control, the United States is sending an envoy, Hady Amr, to the region. But efforts to end the worst hostilities in years appear so far to have made no progress. In renewed airstrikes on Gaza, Israel struck a six-story residential building in Gaza City that it said belonged to Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave. At least 83 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on May 10, medics said, further straining hospitals already under heavy pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are facing Israel and COVID-19. We are in between two enemies, said Asad Karam, 20, a construction worker, standing beside a road damaged during the airstrikes. An electricity pole had collapsed by the road, its wires severed. A combination picture shows a tower building in Gaza City on May 12, 2021 (L and C) and after it was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, on May 13, 2021. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Suhaib Salem/Reuters) In the latest Palestinian rocket attacks, one rocket crashed into a building near Israels commercial capital of Tel Aviv, injuring five Israelis, police said. Sirens blared in cities across southern Israel, sending thousands running for shelters. Seven people have been killed in Israel, its military said. All of Israel is under attack. Its a very scary situation to be in, said Margo Aronovic, a 26-year-old student, in Tel Aviv. Israel has prepared combat troops along the Gaza border and was in various stages of preparing ground operations, a military spokesman said, a move that would recall similar incursions during Israel-Gaza wars in 2014 and 20082009. Health authorities in Gaza said they were investigating the deaths of several people overnight who they said may have inhaled poisonous gas. Samples were being examined and they had yet to draw any final conclusions, they said. U.S. President Joe Biden said he hoped the fighting will be closing down sooner than later. A British minister urged Israel and Hamas to take a step back from the escalation. Smoke and flames rise from a tower building as it is destroyed by Israeli airstrikes amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021. (Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters) Open-Ended Confrontation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue acting to strike at the military capabilities of Hamas and other Gaza groups. Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by the United States and Israel. On May 12, Israeli forces killed a senior Hamas commander and bombed several buildings, including high-rises and a bank, which Israel said was linked to the factions activities. Hamas signaled defiance, with its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, saying, The confrontation with the enemy is open-ended. Israel launched its offensive after Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Turkey, whose hosting of Hamas leaders in Istanbul in recent years has contributed to a falling out with Israel, called on Muslim countries to show a united and clear stance over the IsraelGaza violence. In the fighting inside Israel, some in the 21 percent Arab minority have mounted violent pro-Palestinian protests, and attacks by Jews on Arabs passing by in ethnically mixed areas have worsened. One person was in critical condition after being shot by Arabs in the Arab-Jewish town of Lod, where authorities imposed a curfew, police said. A Palestinian woman reacts during scuffles with Israeli security force members amid Israeli-Palestinian tension as Israel marks Jerusalem Day, near Damascus Gate in Old City, Jerusalem, on May 10, 2021. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) More than 150 arrests were made overnight in Lod and Arab towns in northern Israel, police said. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called for an end to this madness. We are endangered by rockets that are being launched at our citizens and streets, and we are busying ourselves with a senseless civil war among ourselves, said the president, whose role is largely ceremonial. Flights Canceled A number of foreign carriers have canceled flights to Israel because of the unrest. The fatalities in Israel include a soldier killed while patrolling the Gaza border and six civilians, including two children and an Indian worker, medical authorities said. A Palestinian boy walks past the remains of a tower building that was destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in Gaza City, on May 12, 2021. (Suhaib Salem/Reuters) Gazas health ministry said 17 of the people killed in the enclave were children and seven were women. The Israeli military said some 400 of 1,600 rockets fired by Gaza factions had fallen short, potentially causing some Palestinian civilian casualties. The conflict has led to the freezing of talks by Netanyahus opponents on forming a governing coalition to unseat him after Israels inconclusive March 23 election. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Rami Ayyub This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota on June 3, 2020, shows Derek Chauvin, from left, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP) Judge Postpones Trial for 3 Ex-Cops in George Floyd Case After Bombshell Allegation Accusation of 'coercion' of doctor who performed Floyd's autopsy didn't come up in pretrial hearing A Minnesota judge on May 13 delayed the trial of three former police officers who were involved in the arrest of George Floyd in Minneapolis last year, after one of the officers defense attorneys argued that the medical examiner who performed Floyds autopsy was coerced by prosecutors. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao, according to court records, will now face trial on March 7, 2022, a delay of more than six months from the previous date. Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill told a pretrial hearing in Minneapolis that he wanted to give time for federal prosecutors to pursue their case against the three men, local media reported. A federal grand jury last week indicted the trio and Derek Chauvin, the other former officer involved in Floyds death, alleging the officers violated Floyds constitutional rights when they restrained him on the ground outside Cup Foods, where he was accused of using counterfeit money. Floyd eventually stopped breathing and was soon ruled dead. Chauvin was convicted in April of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 40 years in prison. Lane, Keung, and Thao face aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter charges. The first charge carries up to 40 years in prison. The federal charge the former officers were indicted on carries up to life in prison, with the death penalty possible in certain scenarios. Matthew Frank, a state prosecutor, told Cahill he disagreed with pushing the trial back into next year and that he wanted it to proceed in August, KARE 11 reported. Cahill also heard two other matters. Lanes attorney asked the judge to compel Minnesota authorities to produce all use-of-force reports where force was used by a Minneapolis police officer in making an arrest and another officer, either orally or physically, intervened in the use of force by his or her fellow officer, in the last fifty years. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announces upgraded charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and charges against three other former police officers involved in the death of George Floyd in police custody, in St. Paul, Minn., on June 3, 2020. (Eric Miller/Reuters) Cahill hasnt yet ruled on the matter, but asked prosecutors to get back to him on how many reports over 10 years would be generated under the request to help him decide how to rule. He also asked prosecutors to get Richard Zimmerman, a Minneapolis police officer, to find a report from decades ago that describes when Zimmerman intervened physically to stop a fellow officer from using excessive force on a prisoner who was handcuffed. The other matter was a motion that accused state prosecutors of leaking to The New York Times details of a plea deal with Chauvin that never fully materialized. Cahill said hed deal with the issue during a hearing in August but chastised prosecutors for not submitting filings swearing they didnt leak to the paper, KARE 11 reported. Frank, the only prosecutor to submit such an affidavit, speculated that the U.S. Department of Justice leaked to The New York Times. Defense lawyers said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was likely to blame. A bombshell filing submitted to the court the day prior wasnt addressed during the hearing. Thaos lawyer alleged that Dr. Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, was directly and indirectly coerced by the State and its agents into altering Floyds autopsy report. On May 26, 2020, Baker told prosecutors that the autopsy revealed no physical evidence suggesting that Mr. Floyd died of asphyxiation and showed no signs of damage to his airways or thyroid, or brain bleeding, bone injuries, or internal bleeding. Findings released to the public three days later said there were no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation. But the final autopsy report listed neck compression. In the intervening time, Baker spoke to Dr. Roger Mitchell, former medical examiner of Washington, about the autopsy findings. Mitchell decided to write an op-ed critical of Bakers findings in the Washington Post, according to the filing from Thaos lawyer. Mitchell later called Baker again to let him know. In this conversation, Mitchell said, you dont want to be the medical examiner who tells everyone they didnt see what they saw. You dont want to be the smartest person in the room and be wrong. Said there was a way to articulate the cause and manner of death that ensures you are telling the truth about what you are observing and via all of the investigation. Mitchell said neck compression has to be in the diagnosis, according to the filing. State prosecutors later met with Mitchell. What Mitchell did amounts to coercion, a crime under Minnesota law, as state prosecutors knew that a potential expert witness had coerced the States main expert witness/the only expert to perform the physical autopsy in the case of State v. Thao, the former officers lawyer, Bob Paule, charged. Bakers office declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Frank, the assistant attorney general, called the allegations bizarre. The state plans to file a complete response in one week, he said on May 12. A student from an engineering school attends a hacking challenge, in Meudon, west of Paris, on March 16, 2013. (Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images) Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Help State and Local Governments Address Cyberattacks A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a bill on Wednesday that would launch a $500 million grant program to help state and local governments bolster security in their computer networks. The proposal comes as the nation is grappling with a series of cybersecurity attacks that had crippled infrastructure in state and local agencies, schools, and private corporations across the country. This includes ransomware attacks that had forced a school district in Massachusetts to cancel its first day of in-person classes and a separate attack against the Colonial Pipeline, which halted fuel operations resulting in gas shortages across several states. The bill, dubbed the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, seeks to augment state and local government resources to deal with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including encouraging them to increase cybersecurity funding and develop strategies to address the threats. The proposal also encourages state and local governments to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for issuing grants, to ensure that threats are identified and plans are implemented. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee cybersecurity subcommittee, is leading the effort to ensure the bills passage. She is joined by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), and cybersecurity subcommittee ranking member Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.). In the decade since I first Chaired the cybersecurity subcommittee, the number of cases and the financial impact of ransomware have skyrocketed. These attacks are more than a mere inconveniencethey are a national security threat, Clarke said in a statement. That is why I introduced the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, which would authorize $500 million in annual grants to state, local, Tribal, and Territorial governments to strengthen their cybersecurity, while insisting they step up to prioritize cybersecurity in their own budgets. Garbarino added, Cyber-attacks have increased at an alarming rate in recent years. These attacks are an imminent and existential threat to our national security, and we must do everything we can to prevent their continued occurrence. This year, the federal government has been dealing with the fallout of the SolarWinds attack, which is said to have affected nine federal agencies and 100 private sector companies in the United States. The hack, which was first reported by cybersecurity firm FireEye, itself a SolarWinds customer, is believed to be the biggest ever uncovered, prompting the U.S. government to assemble a multi-department task force to respond to the threat. Separately, Microsoft said earlier this year that a China-linked cyber-espionage group used vulnerabilities in Microsofts email program to compromise email inboxes. In a blog post, the company attributed the cyberattack to Hafinium, a group assessed to be state-sponsored and operating out of China. Other groups of lawmakers have also introduced measures to address those threats, including a bill that would allow Americans to sue foreign countries or their agents that engage in cyberattacks against Americans in federal or state courts. Marjorie Taylor Greene Denies Screaming at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) denied reports of having screamed at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday. Greene told reporters on Thursday that she was just talking to her and seeking discussion about legislation. Screaming is what people do when rockets are fired at them, like Hamas terrorists are firing into Israel, Greene said. They scream when that happens, I was talking to AOC saying you need to debate me about the Green New Deal, thats her legislation, she should be able to defend it for the American people. The incident in question was reported by Washington Post reporters who asserted that as Ocasio-Cortez was walking away from the House chamber, Greene shouted Hey Alexandria twice to try to get her attention, but she didnt stop walking, so Greene walked toward her and started asking why she supports Antifa and Black Lives Matter, saying that they are terrorist groups. Greene also allegedly said that Ocasio-Cortez is not able to defend her radical socialist ideology because she rejected to debate Greene publicly. You dont care about the American people, Greene told Ocasio-Cortez. Why do you support terrorists and Antifa? Ocasio-Cortez didnt stop, according to The Washington Post, and only turned around once to gesture annoyedly by throwing her hands in the air. Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez, told the outlet that Greene tried to begin an argument with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and when Rep. Ocasio-Cortez tried to walk away, Congresswoman Greene began screaming and called Rep. Ocasio-Cortez a terrorist sympathizer. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said during a press conference on Thursday that the incident was a cause for trauma and fear among members, especially on the heels of an insurrection. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) (R) speak during a press conference to announce Green New Deal legislation to promote clean energy programs outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 7, 2019. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) This is beneath the dignity of a person serving in the Congress of the United States, Pelosi remarked, further stating that it probably is a matter for the Ethics Committee. Greene responded by saying that Ocasio-Cortez is the one who should be looked into, claiming that she supports terrorist groups and other controversial matters. I would think everyone should be asking her why she cant defend her policy. And then shes on social media defending terrorists Hamas and supporting them. She also defends Antifa and BLM rioters. We have, Ilhan Omar, Kamala Harris, sharing the Minnesota Freedom Fund bail bond link, getting people out of prison after they committed crimes during these riots. These are the real questions that need to be asked, not of me for being willing to talk to members of Congress about these issues, Greene said. See, thats bipartisanship, talking to one another, debating policy for the American people. Thats what needs to happen. So, no, she doesnt need to file ethics violations or whatever shes doing, thats reacting like a child, adults are able to debate policy, she added. The Epoch Times reached out to Ocasio-Cortezs office for comment. Mining the Backbone of Australias Budget Bounce Back Analysis The Federal Budgets release on Tuesday has unveiled Australias mining sector as the foundation for Australias ambitious economic recovery plan, following the pandemic stemming from the CCP virus. The core of the budget lies in its funding, fueled by a rising demandand rising costof metalliferous ores. Budget papers (pdf) showed that recent commodity prices, particularly iron ore, had kindled a resurgence in Australias terms of trade, resulting in an expected growth in nominal GDP by 3.75 percent in 2020-21, by 3.5 percent in 2021-22, and by 2 percent in 2022-23. According to a Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) media release, tax paid by mining companies surpassed government estimates and accounted for 30 percent of all company tax collections and was forecast to reach $100.5 billion in 2024-25. The worlds largest dump trucks shifting earth at Citic Pacific Minings Sino Iron magnetite iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia on Mar. 5, 2010. Sino Iron, a joint venture of Hong Kong-based Citic Pacific and Chinas state-owned Metallurgical Group Corporation, will be Australias largest magnetite iron ore mine and its first major foray into processing the top-end product of Magnetite iron ore, commonly used to build aircraft bodies and medical equipment. (AMY COOPES/AFP via Getty Images) Analysis by Deloitte Access Economics revealed that the mining industry paid $39.9 billion in company tax and royalties in 2019-20, with a total of $238.8 billion paid in the 10 years leading up to 2019-20. ABS data also shows that in 2020 alone, metalliferous ores made up 39.5 percent of Australias total exports by monetary value, amounting to $143 billion. At the core of the booming industry is iron ore, a commodity that has seen a rising demand globallyincluding most notably from China. The ever-growing stoush between Beijing and Canberra has driven a plethora of Australia-made resources to be barred from entering China, including coal, barley, and wine. Iron ore, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in Chinas steelmaking, and according to banking group UBS, 61 percent of Chinas iron ore was imported from Australia in 2020. Iron ore itself jumped to a cost of over US$230 per tonne on Monday, an all-time high, marking the resources increasing global demand. A similar story can be found in another one of Australias exportscopper, which also faces an increasing demand, and also reached a record high, climbing to US$10,361 per tonne. However, Chinas dependence on Australian minerals may see a gradual decline, with Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) expressing a desire to move away from Australian commodities following the Australian governments decision to tear up Victorias belt and road deal. Australian Commonwealth Government officials launched a series of measures to disrupt the normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia out of a Cold War mindset and ideological discrimination, the NDRC stated. A steel factory in Chengde, Chinas northern Hebei Province on June 6, 2019. (FRED DUFOUR/AFP via Getty Images) According to Australia Mining, mining research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie said that it would be unlikely for China to ban commodities coming in from Australia which it relied heavily upon. The effects of the pandemic saw unemployment peak at 7.5 percentthe highest in over two decadesresulting in an overall economic downturn that launched the nation into record-high debt, forecast to reach close to $1 trillion in 2024-25. Australias bounce back has witnessed unemployment fall to 5.7 percentlower than when the Liberal Party came to powerand a pandemic-induced debt equating to half of that from both the United Kingdom and the United States. In an attempt to keep the inertia behind the recovery, the budget has allocated billions across most sectors of society manifesting in the form of tax breaks, job training programs, and boosting of critical services. Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA Chief Executive Paul Everingham said he was pleased with the way the sector had prospered during such an economically challenging time. I continue to be very proud of the way our sector has been able to keep operating safely and effectively through COVID-19 and the positive impact this has had on both the WA and Australian economies, Everingham said. Federally, corporate taxes paid by CME member companies and the flow-on of some of the royalties paid to the WA government have helped fund vital support mechanisms such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker, and made a significant contribution to the countrys comparatively healthy economic position and outlook. A new DJI Mavic Zoom drone flies during a product launch event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, August 23, 2018 in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) NZ Police Drone Data Could be Accessed by Beijing: Report China-made drones deployed by New Zealand police are potential backdoors for Beijings surveillance efforts, according to a recent report. New Zealands police force currently carries a fleet of 26 drones, which are used for photographing crime scenes, traffic accidents, and surveillance. The company behind the drones is Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), a Chinese technology firm that accounts for 70 percent of the worlds drone market. In 2017, the U.S. armed forces issued warnings to discourage the use of DJI products, while the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces have adopted similar precautions. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Proof of ConceptEvaluation Report, released under the Official Information Act (OIA) in NZ, found that An internet-connected [drone] could send data to a server located in China, and firmware updates could compromise the integrity of the [drone] and any police systems to which it is connected. A pair of DJI Phantom 4 drones are flown during an AviSight Drone Academy training class at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 25, 2016 (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) However, the 96-page report said these risks could be addressed and encouraged the police force to triple the size of its drone fleet from 26 to 72. It also recommended the purchase of more data-secure drones and smaller drones that could be made available to every patrol car. Andrew Shelley, a drone expert who reviewed safety concerns surrounding DJI products, told RNZ that much of the information gathered would be stored on servers hosted by Chinese tech giant Alibaba. Its hard to tell whether this is intentional or whether its just an unintentional by-product of how the software has been developed, he added. If the risks are controlled, certainly those benefits outweigh the risks. Police collect and photograph evidence in the carpark of the Te Toto Gorge lookout on Whaanga Rd, south of Raglan, New Zealand, Aug. 16, 2019. (AP, Alan Gibson/New Zealand Herald/The Canadian Press) Shelley recommended the drones be used in Local Data Mode and not be connected to the internet. Chinese technology has come under the microscope in recent years over concerns it could be a backdoor for the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) surveillance efforts. In 2017, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) formally codified its Civil-Military Fusion doctrine. The doctrine allows the PLA to repurpose civilian technology and research for military use. One notable incident was the 2014 acquisition by Beijing Automobile Industry Company (BAIC), of a 50 percent stake in NZ aircraft manufacturer Pacific Aerospace. The companys flagship drone cargo plane (the P-750-XSTOL) was subsequently adopted and flown in China under a different moniker (the AT-200) and has reportedly been adapted for counter-insurgency and light attack purposes. Further, in 2017, the Chinese regime rolled out the National Intelligence Law, forcing China-based companies to share data with the CCP if requested. This law has sparked concerns over Chinese social media apps and where user data is being stored. Companies like TikTok, WeChat, and Zoom have faced intense scrutiny over their security measures as a result. Falun Gong adherents perform the exercises at an event celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 1, 2021. (Sun Hsiang-yi/The Epoch Times) Officials Worldwide Celebrate Spiritual Groups Moral Teachings Government officials from around the world have sent letters and proclamations to commemorate the annual celebration that falls on May 13, which marks World Falun Dafa Day. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual discipline with slow meditative exercises and moral teachings centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. On this day 29 years ago, Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice, introduced the discipline to the public in northeastern China. Lis birthday also falls on May 13. As a result, the date has been celebrated by Falun Gong adherents and supporters as World Dafa Day since 2000. A year earlier on July 20, the Chinese regime launched a brutal persecution against adherents in China that has continued to this day. In the United States, several federal and state lawmakers, as well as governors, joined in the commemoration and also voiced support for Falun Gong adherents in China. I am writing to recognize this important day in our community, wrote U.S. Rep. Robert Wittman (R-Va.) in a letter. On this day, we remember the religious persecution that began in 1999 and those who continue to choose to stand up against it with non-violent resistance. A compilation of proclamations from officials around the world to honor World Falun Dafa Day. (The Epoch Times) Since 1999, millions of Falun Gong adherents have been detained inside prisons, labor camps, and other facilities in China, with hundreds of thousands tortured while incarcerated, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center. Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that monitors the persecution of Falun Gong in China, has reported the deaths of 4,641 Falun Gong practitioners due to Beijings persecution as of April this year. The actual death figure is likely far greater. The persecution has continued despite the global pandemic. According to Minghui, at least 83 adherents were persecuted to death in 2020. One of the recent deaths involved Lu Guanru, a 69-year-old construction worker, who died on April 4 at a prison in northern Chinas Heilongjiang province after having a stroke. Before passing away, he was subjected to different tortures including forced feeding. On May 12, the U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on Yu Hui, a Chinese official, for his role in persecuting Falun Gong adherents. Yu was the second Chinese official to be sanctioned following similar U.S. sanctions against a Chinese police chief in December 2020. New York State Rep. Hakeem Jeffries expressed his appreciation to Li for founding the spiritual practice in a letter. I applaud the continuous work of the Falun Dafa community, and their impacts on many facets of life on their members and the public, Jeffries wrote. I want to thank the members of this group for their betterment of the world and the diversity of New York as a whole. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf stated he was delighted to recognize World Falun Dafa Day in his letter. As we celebrate this festive occasion, we should reflect on the teachings of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, Wolf wrote. A proclamation from Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak. (Minghui.org) Many Canadian politicians also expressed their well-wishes, including Conservative lawmaker Kerry Diotte. The Falun Dafa community is an important part of our Canadian mosaic, Diotte wrote (pdf) in a letter. The pursuits of its founding principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance are universal virtues that help make Canada a better place. Australian Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells applauded Falun Gong adherents for their bravery, courage, and spiritual fortitude in the face of the persecution carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Cary Lo, a district councilor for the local Democratic Party in Hong Kong, wished Li a happy birthday and the best of health. While many people are afraid to speak up nowadays, Falun Gong adherents continue to uphold their values in the public, promoting the values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance at every corner of the community. As district counselors, we greatly admire and appreciate their effort, Lo added. On April 25, several Falun Gong adherents staged a peaceful protest outside the Liaison Office, Beijings top representative office in Hong Kong, calling on the Chinese regime to end its persecution against Falun Gong adherents in China. Since the beginning of May, Falun Gong adherents have held events to commemorate the World Falun Dafa Day in several cities, including London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sydney, Taipei, and Toronto. Educational staff at Kettering City Schools sit in bleachers after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine as a part of Ohios Phase 1B vaccine distribution in Dayton, Ohio, on Feb. 10, 2021. (Megan Jelinger/AFP via Getty Images) Ohio to Give 5 Residents $1 Million Each in Lottery to Push COVID-19 Vaccination The state of Ohio will give five residents $1 million each as a monetary incentive for getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced on May 12 as he lifted CCP virus pandemic restrictions statewide. Ohio residents who are at least 18 years old and have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to win the sum in once-a-week lottery drawings, the governor said, noting that the incentive program, named Ohio Vax-a-Million, will be funded by existing federal pandemic relief funds. The Ohio Department of Health will be the sponsoring agency for the drawings, and the state Lottery will conduct them, DeWine said. The first drawing will occur on May 26. I know that some may say, DeWine, youre crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money,' DeWine said in announcing the initiative on Twitter. But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemicwhen the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants itis a life lost to COVID-19. DeWine said the pool of names for the drawings, set to take place each Wednesday for five weeks, will come from the Ohio Secretary of States publicly available voter registration database. Residents not in the database can register on a separate website that will be made available later, the governor said. A separate incentive for younger Ohio residents will see five vaccinated 12- to 17-year-old students receive full four-year scholarships to attend Ohio public universities, including tuition, room, board, and books. It comes as demand for COVID-19 vaccines in the stateand nationwidehas dwindled. DeWine noted that 42 percent of residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus. That falls slightly below the national average of 46.4 percent, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As U.S. demand for vaccines declines, the Biden administration is also facing the challenge of figuring out new ways to motivate more people to get vaccinated. The White House on May 11 said that people traveling to get their shots will get free or discounted ride shares. Companies have started offering incentives as part of an effort to encourage Americans to get vaccinated. For example, Krispy Kreme stores are offering one free glazed doughnut for people who show that they have had one or two shots of any COVID-19 vaccine. The pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has declined in recent weeks, in part following an 11-day pause in administering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, as federal health authorities investigated reports of potentially dangerous blood clots. The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 24 recommended that the distribution of the vaccine continue but with warnings. Those who are not vaccinated remain prey to the virus, DeWine said. We hope for a good summer, but we also have to be able to get through the dark days of winter safely. To do that, we need a much higher percentage of Ohioans to be vaccinated. Orange County Grand Jury Criticizes Pandemic Response SANTA ANAOrange County continued its promising COVID-19 trends on May 12 as the Orange County Grand Jury issued a report critical of the countys response to the pandemic. The grand jury concluded that the countys plans to handle a pandemic had known gaps that were not addressed in accordance with the state, national and international guidelines. The panel said county officials deemed a pandemic as unlikely. Orange County chief executive Frank Kim defended the countys response but acknowledged that every jurisdiction in the country could have done a better job preparing for the global pandemic. The grand jury also faulted the county for failing to establish comprehensive community-based task forces that included official threshold language communities in Orange County. The report said the county lacked enough resources to enact key parts of the emergency plan such as handling urgent communications. The 19-page report criticized the countys handling of personal protective equipment, with some of it in the stockpile found to have been expired and some requiring substantial repair and servicing prior to use. The grand jury reported that several Orange County Health Care Agency officials said planning resources were re-prioritized on a recurring basis and that the agency was hollowed out before the pandemic with several staff jobs left vacant for extended periods of time. The grand jury concluded that scaling up resources by borrowing staff from other areas to respond to the emergency led to execution problems and errors. Kim told City News Service that there was no direction from office in the past year to reduce spending on pandemic preparedness. Like any governmental agency, we always struggle with adequate resources to do what we have to do every year we get budget requests that far exceed whats available. Orange County declared a state of emergency in February 2020 before other counties. The county also focused its response to the underserved minority communities hardest hit by the pandemic by partnering with local nonprofits last spring before state officials made it a priority. The county was among the first last spring to pass an ordinance requiring masks for employees in the food industry and some retail stores amid a public debate about whether residents should wear masks as officials worried about a possible run on the items similar to the one on toilet paper that could make it difficult to outfit health professionals with PPE. Kim noted that the countys positivity rate among the underserved ZIP codes is about the same as the countys overall positivity rate. The county last year also doled out PPE to its local nursing facilities, which were lacking, to help quell the spread of coronavirus because officials recognized how much more vulnerable seniors were to the disease. The county also contracted with temporary agencies to provide nursing staff so ailing nursing facility workers could quarantine. Were we short of PPE at the beginning of the pandemic? Yes, Kim said. As was the entire United States of America. Did we try to dispose of things that were past due? Yeah, we try not to distribute past-due date PPE as recommended by the manufacturer. Did we provide PPE to nursing homes? Yes, we did. Did we provide it to hospitals and our law enforcement partners? Yes. Hospital officials will tell you they were appreciative we were able to provide them with mobile field hospital tents when the winter wave nearly overcame bed capacity, Kim said. We also provided access to ventilators, Kim said. I was really proud of the effort. Well take the grand jury report seriously and write them a thoughtful response, and if there are areas where we can improve, then of course we will. But throughout the pandemic our numbers have been very good, and a lot of it has to do with the health care agency and the communities willingness to comply with safety protocols. Andrew Noymer, a University of CaliforniaIrvine professor of population health and disease prevention, said, I just find the report vague. Its a 19-page report with a cover page, table of contents, bibliography. The actual report is less than 10 pages, and a lot of that is taken up by graphs of the budget of the relevant agencies over time. Its just not very detail-oriented. But it asks some reasonable questions. Meanwhile, Orange County reported 42 new COVID-19 infections and logged six additional deaths on May 12, raising its cumulative totals to 254,457 cases and 5,023 fatalities. Hospitalizations due to the coronavirus ticked down from 84 on May 11 to 83, while the number of patients in intensive care remained at 18. More than 1,000 people gathered at a gun rights rally on the Legislative Mall in Dover, Delaware, on May 8, 2021. (Screenshot/NTD) Over 1,000 People Rally for Gun Rights in Delaware as Bills Head to House Over 1,000 people gathered at a rally for the protection of gun rights in front of Legislative Mall in Dover, Delaware, on May 8. Organized by the Delaware State Sportsmens Association (DSSA), more than 20 people from different organizations spoke at the rally to oppose unconstitutional infringement on law-abiding citizens rights to bear arms. Two new gun bills, SB3 and SB6, both were passed on April 1 by the Delaware Senate. SB3 puts more restrictions on handgun buyers. SB6, known as the Delaware Large Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act, prohibits the possession of magazines with a capacity larger than 17 rounds. Currently, both bills face a vote by the House to determine if they will pass. DSSA President Jeff Hague, who hosted the rally, said while pointing to the state capitol building, We are the majority in the state, we have the right to keep and bear arms. We have to exercise that right. We have to make sure these politicians dont take it away. Hague said that if the two gun bills are passed by legislative, the DSSA will challenge the legislative body in court to protect residents gun rights that he said are protected by the American Constitution. A few state senators and representatives came to support the rally. Sen. David Lawson, a Vietnam War veteran who spent 27 years in law enforcement and 11 years in the Senate, said at the rally: Ive never seen such anger for such disrespect for our country. These laws that violate our freedoms, our constitutional rights, they do in fact step on those veterans who died for this country. I do want you to do this: turn to the person next to you, and tell them that you will give your all to protect this country. Lawson added, Weve got to show unity, weve got to come together like were doing here, and bring more, so that these folks understand that you are serious. Sen. Brian Pettyjohn told the rally he was was glad to see that the number of supporters in the crowd had doubled from the first rally a few years ago. He called on those attending to fight for their rights, according to Article I, Section 20 of the Delaware Constitution: A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home, and State, and for hunting and recreational use. Pettyjohn said he sees the fight for gun rights as a fight for the freedoms of the nations future Generations because if we let these rights slip by, they wont be there tomorrow. House Minority Leader Danny Short told the crowd that he would fight to protect your Second Amendment rights when the bills land in the House next week or later. I will and Im sure my colleagues will do two things if it gets to us: NO on Senate Bill 3 and NO on Senate Bill 6, he said. I will never vote to infringe your gun rights. State representative Rich Collins told the rally that the gun control bills were not popular. I have gotten more emails against these two bills, SB3 and SB6, than any other issues by far in all the time Ive been in there, he said. Collins started as a state representative in 2015. Armed Black Movement founder and NRA certified firearms instructor, Alex Ballard, stated: Everything that I do is rooted in two things: truth and Justice. I know that a lot of people have been pushing for these bills because they believe that is going to reduce violence, he said, while adding that he wants to help educate people about the truth of would result from gun control legislation. I grew up in New Jersey, specifically the north New Jersey area, and weve never been able to purchase firearms. Youve never been able to get permits and its still one of the most violent cities in this country. He added, You cannot make laws. Theres only one law: thats Gods law. You can write policy that helps to reinforce Gods law but you cant write laws. Ballard said the gun control bills would only affect law-abiding people but not criminals. We dont want these laws, he said of the black community he represents. Young people also voiced their support for gun rights. Young Republicans chair Sam Chick said: Right now, the Second Amendment is under attack. Our constitution is under attack. They are the pillars of our society, the pillars of our freedom. When the Second Amendment goes, the First Amendment goes, the Fourth Amendment goes, everything else goes. Its all on the table and dont think that it cant happen here, so we have to do what we can to preserve our Liberty just as people have had to do all throughout history, he continued, The struggle for freedom is not new. Thousands of people have fought for every single right they have thousands of years ago. Vice chair of the Young Republicans, Nick Miles, said of the gun control bills: Its no longer about saving lives from gun violence; its about control. Anti-gun politicians use gun control in an effort to combat crime [but] gun control is not crime control. If a criminal wants to get a firearm to commit crime, they will break the law and obtain one. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-11 19:36:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Bouquets of flowers are placed on desks to mourn victims of the recent terror attacks on a girl school in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 11, 2021. The government of Afghanistan declared Tuesday as a national mourning day to pay tribute to the victims of the recent terror attacks on a girl school in Kabul and on a group of students in eastern Logar province. (Xinhua/Rahmatullah Alizadah) KABUL, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The government of Afghanistan declared Tuesday as a national mourning day to pay tribute to the victims of the recent terror attacks on a girl school in Kabul and on a group of students in eastern Logar province. Three consecutive blasts including a car bomb struck a girl school in Dasht-e-Barchi locality of PD 13 in Kabul city on Saturday, killing more than 60 pupils and injuring more than 100 others, with all the victims being civilians, police have confirmed. In late April, an explosives-laden car targeted a guest house in Pul-e-Alam city, capital of eastern Logar province, killing 30 persons with majority of them being students. To pay homage to the victims of the terrorist attacks, the government announced Tuesday as a national mourning day, during which the country's national flag remains half-hoisted. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in a statement, besides condemning the attacks on school in the strongest term, said "Taliban by increasing coward act of terrorism once again demonstrated that the group doesn't believe in political solution to the country's crisis and rather sabotaging the peace process." The Taliban outfit, which claimed responsibility for the deadly car bomb attack in Logar province, has rejected its involvement in attack on the girl school in Kabul. Enditem A bagged nozzle at a pump notifies motorists that it no longer has fuel after a cyberattack crippled the biggest fuel pipeline in the country, run by Colonial Pipeline, in Chapel Hill, N.C., on May 12, 2021. (Jonathan Drake/Reuters) Over 15,000 Gas Stations Out of Fuel Nationwide Gas shortages ease in some states, but worsen in others Gas shortages eased slightly overnight in some states but worsened in others as Colonial Pipeline works to bring one of the nations major fuel conduits back online. More stations were out of gas in Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi early on May 13 compared to the night of May 12, according to GasBuddy. In Florida, 30 percent of 7,564 stations were out of fuel as of 6 a.m. Central Time. In Maryland, 34 percent of the states 1,869 stations could no longer serve customers. More than half of South Carolinas 3,084 stations ran out of gas, along with 34 percent of Tennessees stations. Seven percent of Mississippis stations are out of gas compared to 6 percent the night prior. At the same time, shortages eased in several of the states most impacted by the current situations, including by 3 percent in North Carolina. About 7 in 10 stations in the worst-hit state, which has 5,373 stations, remain out of gas, according to GasBuddy, an app that tracks prices and availability. Shortages also eased in Virginia, where 55 percent of stations are out of fuel, and Georgia, where approximately 50 percent were out of fuel, and remained the same in a number of states, including West Virginia, Alabama, and Delaware. All told, more than 15,630 stations were out of gas in the Eastern United States, according to an Epoch Times review of GasBuddy data. Colonial Pipelines 5,500 mile-plus pipeline, which stretches from Texas to New Jersey, was taken offline last week as a defensive measure to the company being cyberattacked by a criminal ring called DarkSide, federal authorities and the company have stated. Colonial on May 12 initiated the restart of the pipeline but warned that it will take several days for operations to return to normal. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said early May 13 that the restart went well overnight. This should mean things will return to normal by the end of the weekend, she said in a statement. Supply remained adequate in the wake of the attack, but transportation issues stemming from a dearth of fuel truck drivers and a run on gas from panicked consumers led to shortages and rising prices, experts have said. The pipeline coming back should alleviate some consumer concern, Phil Flynn, an energy market analyst with the Price Futures Group, told The Epoch Times. Reports that the pipelines restarted is going to take away some of the panic, he said. A worker helps a customer pump gas, with long lines stretching behind them, in Charlotte, N.C., on May 11, 2021. (Chris Carlson/AP Photo) Tom Kloza, founder of the Oil Price Information Service, said Colonials message means that the deluge of rain is over, but the river crest of station outages probably arrives tomorrow or Friday. Friday is always the busiest day for purchasing gasoline, he wrote in a tweet. But people in the worst-hit states, such as the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia, could see up to 14 days of trouble buying fuel, Patrick De Haan, an analyst with GasBuddy, wrote on Twitter. The problems will end sooner in other states, he predicted. Still, the first step to restoring the pipelines operations, in addition to exports that are coming in from Europe, might ultimately turn a shortage into the country having extra gas, according to Flynn. DarkSide infiltrated Colonials network with ransomware, technology that enables hackers to hold hostage information in return for payment. Colonial hasnt said whether it paid the ransom. The company said the hackers didnt reach core parts of its network but that it took certain areas offline in response to the breach, leading to the pipeline going offline. Federal officials, including members of Congress, are studying how to prevent such attacks in the future against critical infrastructure. A bipartisan group in the House introduced a bill on May 12 to send money to state and local governments to bolster their computer security. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, signed an executive order that calls for the federal government to bear the full scope of its authorities and resources to protect and secure its computer systems, whether they are cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid while working with private companies to protect their systems. Flynn sees the need for a national effort to respond to the attack. I would say its the moral equivalent of war. We have to do whatever we can to stop this. Prosecutors to Pursue Death Penalty for Ohio Woman Charged in 4-Year-Old Daughters Death An Ohio mother who was charged with murder in the death of her young daughter will be eligible for the death penalty after she had her charges upgraded to capital murder, according to court documents. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the death penalty-eligible indictment against 25-year-old Tianna Robinson in a statement on Monday. Robinson has been accused of severely abusing her 4-year-old daughter, Nahla Miller. She allegedly beat and strangled the baby girl until her heart stopped. The woman from Springfield Township was previously charged with attempted murder, two counts of felony assault, and child endangerment before her charges were upgraded to aggravated murder with death penalty specification, prosecutors announced. I have never understood how anyone could hurt a little kid so badly, especially the childs own mother, Deters said in the statement. Violence like this goes against every instinct we are born with as humans and as parents, he added. These cases are exactly why I worked so hard in 1997 to help pass legislation making the purposeful murder of a child under the age of 13 a death penalty eligible offense. Nahla was transported to a local hospital for children where she was treated for eight days until on April 21, medical officials removed the baby girl from life support. Robinson reportedly called a police dispatcher on April 13 and allegedly committed the crime, Law & Crime reported. She was arrested the same day and is being held on a $2 million bond, jail records show. My daughters not responding, a voice believed to be Robinson said in the call. She just passed out. The girls cause of death was determined by a coroners office to be strangulation and blunt force trauma, resulting in significant internal injuries. The office ruled her death a homicide. Investigators said they believe Robinson had abused her daughter for months before killing her. The girls father, 25-year-old Rensley Washington, was also arrested on a charge of obstructing justice and endangering children in connection with the girls death. Investigators said they believe he lied after claiming the girl fell off a scooter and got injured. This year has been especially difficultwith what seems like case after case of horrific acts perpetrated against children, Deters said in the statement. But rest assured we will not stop until justice has been served for Nahla Miller and her family. If Robinson gets convicted and sentenced to death, it is unclear how the state will administer the punishment after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine halted executions by lethal injection in 2019. DeWine said he still supports capital punishment as Ohio law. But he has come to question its value since the days he helped write the states current lawenacted in 1981because of the long delays between crime and punishment. The states last execution was on July 18, 2018, when Robert Van Hook was put to death for killing David Self in Cincinnati in 1985. From NTD News People wait in line outside a railway station to return home during the first day of a government imposed 10-day lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Secunderabad, India, on May 12, 2021. (Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images) Rare and Deadly Black Fungus Increasingly Seen in COVID-19 Patients in India: Reports A rare but potentially deadly infection dubbed black fungus by Indian doctors appears to be more frequent among CCP virus patients in the worlds second-most populous nation, according to reports. The infection, called mucormycosis, is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes found particularly in soil and is associated with decaying organic matter such as rotting leaves and wood, compost piles, and animal dung, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There have been tens of thousands of cases of mucormycosis reported in India in the past month, compared to just a handful over the past decade, Dr. Bhakti Hansoti, associate professor in the department of emergency medicine and international health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told USA Today. Weve seen this skyrocket in recent weeks, she said. Hansoti added that symptoms of the disease tend to arise two to three weeks after a person is infected with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. India recorded 362,727 new cases and 4,120 new deaths from the CCP virus on May 12, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Cases of the fungal infection in CCP virus-recovered patients is nearly four to five times than those reported before the pandemic, said Atul Patel, an infectious diseases specialist based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and a member of the states COVID-19 task force, Agence France-Presse reported. According to the news agency, citing data from state-run hospitals, at least 300 cases have been reported in four cities in GujaratAhmedabad among them. In Indias western state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is located, about 300 cases have been reported, Khusrav Bajan, another member of the states COVID-19 task force, told AFP. Depending on where the fungus grows, it has the ability to attack the skin, lungs, digestive system, brain, or areas surrounding the sinus and can eat away at facial structures including the nose, mouth, and eyes. The fungus can more likely cause an infection in those with weakened immune systems. People can come into contact with the fungus directly via a cut or trauma in the skin, or indirectly by breathing in fungal spores. Symptoms of mucormycosis can include headache, nasal or sinus congestion, and pain due to black lesions on the nasal bridge or the mouth. Others may experience more lung-related symptoms including fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. As India faces a shortage of medical oxygena treatment that can relieve a lack of oxygen in the blood due to pneumonia following infection from the CCP virussteroids are instead being prescribed to many patients as treatment for the virus. Steroids can reduce the hyper-inflammatory response that arises from COVID-19 and can help people with breathing difficulties. But steroids also weaken a persons immune system, thereby making them more vulnerable to being infected with the mucormycetes molds, Hansoti told USA Today. She added that diabetes is a prime risk factor for being infected with black fungus. Up to 75 percent of mucormycosis cases occur in CCP virus patients with diabetes, she said, adding that due to lack of routine testing, theres a high prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes in India. Indias health ministry on May 9 shared an advisory first posted by the government-funded Indian Council of Medical Research on how to treat the infection. Mucormycosisif uncared formay turn fatal, part of the advisory reads. Recommendations include continuing personal hygiene practices, being cautious when handling soil and other wet materials that may contain fungus, and discontinuing steroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system as soon as possible. The overall mortality rate of the fungal infection is about 50 percent, but early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of survival, according to the CDC. The condition is treated with certain prescription antifungal medications, and may need surgery to remove any infected body tissue. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) speaks to the media at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on May 12, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Liz Cheney Leaves Door Open for 2024 Presidential Run, Wont Exit GOP Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who was ousted from her House Republican leadership position this week, said on May 13 that she wont leave the GOP and didnt rule out a run for president. In an interview with Today, Cheney, the former House GOP Conference chair, was asked several times about whether she wants to run for president in 2024 to prevent former President Donald Trump from winning the presidency again. Im going do everything that I canboth to make sure that that never happens, but also to make sure that the Republican Party gets back to substance and policy, Cheney said, adding that she will absolutely seek reelection to Wyomings lone House seat in 2022. Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, also said that she wont leave the Republican Party. House Republicans stripped Cheney of her leadership role in a May 12 voice vote, following her repeated public criticism of Trump and his post-Nov. 3 claims about the election. Around the same time as the vote, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)who has been endorsed by Trump and House Republican leaderssaid she would vie to replace Cheney. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in a letter to House Republicans, announced the vote to remove Cheney from her role because members were concerned about her messaging ahead of the midterm elections, suggesting that the Wyoming congresswoman was becoming an increasingly divisive figure within the party. It had been my hope that our driving focus would be taking back the House in 2022 and implementing our Commitment to America, McCarthy said in a letter on May 10 to House Republicans. Despite the mainstream media working overtime against us, I believe we still have a great chance to do so. Unfortunately, each day spent relitigating the past is one day less we have to seize the future. McCarthy, citing concerns from House GOP members, wrote, We need to make a change. And while Cheney asserted that Republicans need to separate themselves from Trump, the former commander-in-chief still enjoys significant support among the GOP voter base, as more than 75 million voted for him in 2020. While few House Republicans have come to Cheneys defense in recent days, some Republican senators suggested on May 12 and May 13 that her ouster was unfortunate. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters, I have said that I believe Liz Cheney is an honorable, courageous individual who did what she thinks is right, but its up to the House to choose its own leaders, its not up to senators. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters, I hope that Republicans will continue to be the party that values free speech and doesnt give in to groupthink. High School seniors recite the pledge of allegiance during a drive-in graduation ceremony in San Francisco, California on June 12, 2020. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) San Francisco Schools Plan to Reopen Just 1 Day to Qualify for $12 Million State Aid The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is reportedly planning to send high school seniors back to school for just one day, so that the city might qualify for $12 million in state reopening funds. The state of California is offering a total of $2 billion to encourage public school districts to reopen for in-person instruction. To get their full share of the incentive funding, districts must reopen all elementary schools and at least a single grade spanning middle and high schools. Districts could access the maximum amount of funding$17 million for SFUSDif they opened by April 1. For each day the district fails to meet the minimum requirements, it loses 1 percent of the funds it would have received, and will not get any money after May 15. Under a deal between the district and its teachers union, the United Educators-San Francisco (UESF), high school seniors would be brought back for at least one day before the end of the school year, starting on May 14, just one day shy of the May 15 deadline. According to the terms of the agreement, obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, those high school seniors would be receiving in-person supervision rather than in-person instruction. The students would arrive in cohorts on just two selected school sites, according to the plan, reported the Chronicle. Each cohort of students would have either two teachers or staff engaging them in end of high school conversations or college and career exploration. UESF brought the initial proposal to SFUSD so that our current graduating seniors would have the opportunity to spend some time in-person on campus with teachers and their peers during their last few weeks of high school as they say goodbye to classmates and prepare for graduation and the next chapter of their lives, UESF president Susan Solomon told the Chronicle. Assemblyman Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat who sponsored the bill establishing Californias incentive to reopen schools, called San Franciscos attempt a violation of the spirit of his bill. Instead of reopening schools for their students academic & overall well-being, [SFUSD] is bringing back high school seniors for only 1 day, violating the spirit of my bill, Ting wrote on Twitter. We must let the distance learning waiver expire 6/30 because districts continue to act irresponsibly with the flexibility given by the state. The plan was also met with criticism by parent-led groups, including Decreasing the Distance, that have been pushing for a full reopening. What message does this give our kids about what they are worth and how adults take care of our vulnerable populations, including kids? Does this show them that they matter, or just that the money matters? the group told the Chronicle. One senior told us she wants to return, but not like this. Her reaction: Its too little too late. Schools over.' A demonstrator joins others outside of the home of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to protest what they say is Facebook spreading disinformation in San Francisco on Nov. 21, 2020. (Jeff Chiu, AP Photo, File) The High-Pressure Business of Selling Woke Corporate Armor In 2017, Nandini Jammi helped launch a company called Sleeping Giants to pressure corporate advertisers into boycotting conservative media. With little more than a Twitter account, a Facebook group and a gift for incendiary rhetoric, the company reportedly prompted a range of corporations, from Pfizer to Walmart, to pull advertising from Fox News and other right-leaning outlets. Now, with boycotts becoming a fixed tactic, including secondary boycotts targeting states with new Republican-backed voting laws, Jammi has transitioned from aggressor to protector: advising companies on how to avoid becoming targets. Her new enterprise, Check My Ads, says it provides brand safety training that empowers marketers to protect their brands We help you identify where your ad dollars are going and to align your media buy with your values. Jammi is part of what some see as a sensible evolution in which corporations behave in a socially responsible manner while shoring up their businesses against market disruptions in a bewildering time of cultural conflict. But critics see the shift as a pure protection racket: a growing field of progressive groups and personalities exploiting cancel culture for both political gain and personal profit. Disney, under its Stories Matter initiative, has convened a council of nearly a dozen such groups to advise its executives and content managers in monthly videoconferences on how to handle racially insensitive material from its vast archive. Academic and author Ibram X. Kendi and other leading proponents of Marxist-inspired critical race theory, have received millions of dollars from corporations looking to stay in the good graces of progressive activists. Such check-writing echoes whats long been seen in academia, as, for example, when Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey personally donated $10 million to Kendis Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, and Purdue University paid whiteness studies scholar Robin DiAngelo $7,000 for a two-hour virtual event. In the business world, the political pressure and corporate defensiveness have no shortage of critics. Dan Granger, CEO of Oxford Road, an ad agency that launched Hulu, Lyft, Dollar Shave Club and other notable brands, faults the approach of left-wing media monitors like Media Matters and Sleeping Giants as partisan and all stick, no carrot. And I think that theyre making the problem of polarization in this country worse, whether or not there is merit behind the claims that they make, he adds. With many consumers opposed to corporations becoming political, some companies are starting to push back against the woke agenda. The CEO of the software company Basecamp recently announced it would no longer push political messaging on customers, prompting a number of resignations among employees. Even Disney, home of amusement parks billed as the happiest place on Earth, has become deeply politicized over the companys embrace of racial politics, City Journal reported last week, drawing on a trove of whistleblower documents. But many major corporations seem increasingly willing to be goaded by activists to participate in boycotts. Last year, after Sleeping Giants, the NAACP, Color Of Change and other left-leaning advocacy groups urged a boycott of Facebook ads, over 1,000 companies, including Verizon and Coca-Cola, joined the effort. The boycott campaign came shortly after CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the social media companys decision not to censor posts from President Trump criticizing the violent riots sweeping the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd. Later the president would find himself banished from the platform entirely. Advertising boycotts can be very effective, says Sharyl Attkisson, a former investigative reporter for CBS News who is now a Sinclair Broadcasting correspondent and media critic. Weve seen where the news has become an almost entirely managed commodity, that the special interests and propagandists have successfully been able to co-opt in the past 15, 20 yearsand particularly using the internet in the past four to five years in a way that that has not been done before. I think were in an information war and people want to be sure to control what others say and think and do, she adds. In that information war, woke corporate consulting is a more recent tactic. Jammi, a 32-year-old graduate of the University of Maryland business school, sells her Check My Ads service under the rubric of values, but seems to equate ethics with partisan politics. Last year, Jammi released a whitelista spreadsheet of 51 media outlets she deemed safe to advertise on. The list is composed of liberal publications, such as The Atlantic, Vox.com, and The New Yorker. Not a single conservative news organization made the cutnot even the Wall Street Journal, the newspaper with the largest print circulation in the country, and a well-regarded independent news operation, complemented by its influential conservative editorial pages. So far, Check My Ads hasnt publicly touted its work with any major corporate clients, though one of Jammis newsletters last year discussed advising the CEO of an ecommerce company, Headphones.com, to make sure he didnt advertise with outlets she found politically untenable. Jammi did not respond to a request for comment. The Business of Boycotts Boycotts are not a new phenomenon, but political and technological changes have recast them, giving them more immediacy and a sharper edge. Decades ago, serious boycott threats were often the domain of the religious right; starting in the 1990s, the Southern Baptist Convention encouraged a years-long boycott of Disney over the companys stance on homosexuality. Some issue-oriented organizations, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, often urged boycotts of large organizations to draw attention to their causes. Jammi and Sleeping Giants reflect how boycotts are increasingly used by the left to pressure targets to accept, if not actively promote, controversial progressive views and policies related to everything from transgenderism to defunding the police. Social media technology has empowered such progressive boycott efforts, by making it easy for consumers to communicate directly with companies and brands. Any perceived misstep by a company can become a national news story by the mere fact the issue is trending on social media. Social media also allows activists to identify and target companies whose business models offend them. Julian Villanueva, a professor who teaches digital marketing at IESE Business School in Spain, has written that the website ethicalconsumer.org often targets mammoth companies for specific practices. The site contains a list of initiatives to persuade ethical consumers to stop purchasing from brands like Air France for shipping monkeys to laboratories; Amazon, for avoiding taxes; Bluefin Tuna, for fishing endangered species; or Caterpillar, for selling bulldozers to Israel, as these will be used to destroy Palestinian houses, Villanueva wrote in Forbes last year. All of these are accusations that might have to be proven, but that many people believe instantly. Villanueva wrote that the intensity of the current boycotts makes it hard for most brands to emerge unscathed. He cited the popular footwear brand TOMS, whose business model was to reinvest the profits from selling its wares to wealthy Westerners to provide shoes to the worlds poor. To this day, the company pledges one-third of its profits to global relief efforts. However, a popular app and website, Good on You, which rates brands on their response to environmental and social issues, designated TOMS as Not Good Enough. It said TOMS environment rating is very poor [because] it does not publish sufficient relevant information about its environmental policies. Its labor rating is not good enough [because] there is no evidence it has worker empowerment initiatives such as collective bargaining or rights to make a complaint. A medical worker prepares a syringe with AstraZeneca vaccine at a local community sports hall converted into a vaccination centre in Ventspils, Latvia, on March 30, 2021. (Gints Ivuskans/AFP via Getty Images) Top Scientists Question the Need for COVID-19 Booster Shots COVID-19 vaccine developers are making ever bolder assertions that the world will need yearly booster shots, or new vaccines to tackle concerning coronavirus variants, but some scientists question when, or whether, such shots will be needed. In interviews with Reuters, more than a dozen influential infectious disease and vaccine development experts said there is growing evidence that a first round of global vaccinations may offer enduring protection against the coronavirus and its most worrisome variants discovered to date. Some of these scientists expressed concern that public expectations around COVID-19 boosters are being set by pharmaceutical executives rather than health specialists, although many agreed that preparing for such a need as a precaution was prudent. They fear a push by wealthy nations for repeat vaccination as early as this year will deepen the divide with poorer countries that are struggling to buy vaccines and may take years to inoculate their citizens even once. We dont see the data yet that would inform a decision about whether or not booster doses are needed, said Kate OBrien, director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at the World Health Organization (WHO). OBrien said the WHO is forming a panel of experts to assess all variant and vaccine efficacy data and recommend changes to vaccination programs as needed. Pfizer Inc. Chief Executive Albert Bourla has said people will likely need a booster dose of the companys vaccine every 12 monthssimilar to an annual flu shotto maintain high levels of immunity against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. Vials with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine labels are seen in this illustration picture taken March 19, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/File Photo/Reuters) There is zero, and I mean zero, evidence to suggest that that is the case, countered Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its completely inappropriate to say that were likely to need an annual booster, because we have no idea what the likelihood of that is, Frieden, who now leads the global public health initiative Resolve to Save Lives, said of Pfizers assertions on boosters. Pfizer, responding to the criticism, said it expects a need for boosters while the virus is still circulating widely. That could change once the pandemic is more firmly under control, a company spokeswoman said. Moderna Inc. CEO Stephane Bancel aims to produce a vaccine by the fall that targets a variant first identified in South Africa and expects regular boosters will be needed. The United States is preparing to have such doses on hand for Americans, while the European Union, Britain, and Israel have ordered new supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to deploy as protective boosters. Some health experts, including Richard Hatchett, chief executive of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) that has funded many vaccine projects, say vaccine makers are right to plan ahead for boosters given the uncertainty over what will be needed in the long run. Governments can then decide for themselves whether to buy the products, he said. A Little Evidence Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE have so far found that their shot remains more than 91 percent effective for six months after people received their second dose, compared with nearly 95 percent demonstrated in their clinical trial. The companies will track how robust the protection remains over time. Dr. William Gruber, Pfizers senior vice president of vaccine clinical research and development, told Reuters earlier this month the prediction for yearly boosters was based on a little evidence of a decline in immunity over those six months. Pfizer expects the COVID-19 vaccine to be a major revenue contributor for years, and has forecast sales of $26 billion from the shot in 2021. Global spending on COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots could total $157 billion through 2025, according to U.S. health data firm IQVIA Holdings. Moderna President Stephen Hoge expects boosters will be needed to keep immunity levels high, due in part to vaccine hesitancy, as an estimated 30 percent of the U.S. population may not agree to be vaccinated. As long as the virus is circulating widely, people at high risk of severe illness may need to boost their immune protection, Hoge said. All governments are in conversations with (Moderna) and other companies about boosters, he said. Broader Immunity? Late last year, scientists were optimistic that highly effective vaccines could quickly curb the global pandemic that has battered economies and killed more than 3.4 million people. Those hopes dimmed by February with evidence that mutant versions of the virus might evade protection offered by vaccines. Laboratory studies showed that the South African variant could produce six to eight-fold reductions in antibody levels among people vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Clinical trial data also showed that vaccines from AstraZeneca Plc., Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax Inc. were less effective at preventing infections in South Africa, where the variant is widespread. These studies spurred drug companies to start testing booster doses of their vaccines and to develop shots that target specific variants of the virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, gives an opening statement during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing to discuss the on-going federal response to COVID-19, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 11, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool via Reuters/File Photo) However, more recent research suggests that the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines produce high levels of protective antibodies to create a cushion effect against the known variants, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a top White House adviser. And antibodieswhich block the coronavirus from attaching to human cellsdo not tell the whole story. Several studies suggest that T cellsa type of white blood cell that can target and destroy already infected cellsmay help prevent severe COVID-19 and hospitalization. NIAID researchers found that T cells in the blood of people who recovered from the original virus could still fight off infections caused by the concerning variants found in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil. Its quite possible that boosters would not be needed, Fauci told Reuters. It is conceivable that the variants will not be as much a problem with a really good vaccine as we might have anticipated. Nevertheless, health authorities in the United States, Britain, and Europe are assuring their populations that a new round of shots will be available if needed, with many nations still desperate for vaccine supplies. Its a huge concern that wealthy countries would begin administering booster doses and further constraining supply of peoples first dose of vaccine, said Rajeev Venkayya, head of global vaccines for Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor at the University of California, San Francisco, said ultimately, decisions on whether boosters will be needed will best be made by public health experts, rather than CEOs of a company who may benefit financially. By Julie Steenhuysen and Kate Kelland Two Men Charged in Stealing Government Documents SANTA ANAAn Orange County, Calif. man and a Department of Defense contract worker from Florida were arrested May 12 on charges of theft of government property, federal prosecutors said. The U.S. Attorneys Office identified them as Marc Chavez, 53, of Trabuco Canyon, and defense department contractor employee Sarfraz Yousuf, 43, of Miramar, Florida. The investigation of the two stems from a probe of a Navy employees sale of technical drawings under the control of the federal government to Newport Beach-based Newport Aeronautical Sales Corp., prosecutors said. Prosecutors allege that Newport Aeronautical Sales illegally acquired Air Force technical orders, but the company has not been charged. Chavez allegedly obtained Air Force technical orders from Yousuf for LTC Products, a Trabuco Canyon-based company that sells technical aerospace data, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Federal prosecutors allege that Chavez acquired at least 1,875 Air Force technical orders from Yousuf for $132,280 between January 2015 and July of last year, including 34 orders last June alone, which Chavez allegedly turned around and sold for a profit. The two were not authorized to sell or buy the information, prosecutors said. Prosecutors allege one of the orders Yousuf sold to Chavez included information that if released would jeopardize an important technological or operational military advantage of the United States. A Navy engineer pleaded guilty in December to one count each of conspiracy to steal government property and aiding and abetting the theft of government property and is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 18 in federal court in Santa Ana, prosecutors said. Mark Fitting, 54, of Berlin, New Jersey, admitted in a plea deal that he sold technical drawings and manuals of military weapons systems to Newport Aeronautical Sales Corp., which turned around and resold the information, prosecutors said. Video released by police showed the assault and robbery of an 80-year-old Asian man knocked to the ground in San Leandro, Calif., on May 8, 2021. (San Leandro Police Department) 2 Suspects Aged 11 and 17 Arrested in Assault and Robbery of 80-Year-Old Asian Man Authorities in Northern California arrested an 11-year-old and a 17-year-old Wednesday in connection to an assault and robbery of an elderly Asian man. The incident was captured on video over the past weekend. The San Leandro Police Department on Monday released footage showing an 80-year-old man being knocked to the ground at around 4 p.m. on Saturday. The two suspects, who appear to be black, demanded that the unnamed victim give them his wallet. He screamed for help, and they stole his Fitbit wristband and fled in a blue Subaru sedan, according to police. The police department said Wednesday that the two suspects, who werent identified, were arrested at 1:50 p.m. that day. The 11-year-old was driving a vehicle that was stolen after a carjacking in Oakland on Monday, the police department said in a statement. Officials believe that the same children robbed a 19-year-old Hispanic woman of her purse in San Leandro on Saturday. We are thankful that we were able to capture these juveniles safely and expeditiously, said police spokesman Ali Khan, adding that the two suspects are being investigated in other crimes in the area. In a previous statement, Khan said theres no evidence that the attack is a hate crime. In March, the San Leandro Police Department conducted a victim demographic study, where violent crime statistics were compared from 2019 to 2020. SLPD discovered an increase of 283 percent in crimes against our Asian community members. Although at this present moment, there is no indication the elderly victim was targeted due to his race, San Leandro Detectives are pursuing all avenues of investigative leads, he said. San Leandro, which is south of Oakland, is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. UK Government Anxious About Indian COVID-19 Variant: Boris Johnson The British government is anxious about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus variant that was first detected in India, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. Asked how worried Britons should be by the spread of the mutant virus, Johnson said, It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it, it has been spreading. Three types of the Indian variant have been identified in the UK, one of which, known as B.1.617.2, was designated a variant of concern last week. Public Health England said it is at least as transmissible as B.1.1.7, which is known as the UK variant or the Kent variant. At the moment there is a very wide range of scientific opinion about what could happen. We want to make sure that we take all the prudential, all the cautious steps now that we could take, so there are meetings going on today to consider exactly what we need to do, said Johnson. The governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is holding a meeting on Thursday to discuss the spread of the Indian variant, amid fears it could have an impact on the governments road map out of the COVID-19 lockdown. There is a range of things we could do, we are ruling nothing out, of course, Johnson told reporters when visiting a primary school in Ferryhill, County Durham. But he said the nation is still on track to reopen indoor hospitality services and international travel on May 17, and to lift all legal restrictions on June 21, as planned in the governments road map. At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead on Monday and indeed on June 21, everywhere, but there may be things that we have to do locally and we will not hesitate to do them if that is the advice we get, he said. Johnson said he was cautiously optimistic about reopening the country. Provided this Indian variant, B.1.617.2, doesnt take off in the way that some people fear, I think certainly things could get back much, much closer to normality. Professor James Naismith from the University of Oxford said the variant may spread way beyond the local areas where it has been detected, suggesting much wider community transmission of the variant. I think we should view it as a countrywide problem, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. It will get everywhere. We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case. PA contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 16:03:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Nearly 1.7 million people from the Cuban capital Havana will receive doses of the homegrown COVID-19 vaccine candidates as part of an intervention study starting on Wednesday, according to local newspaper Tribuna de La Habana. STANDUP 1 (English): YOSLEY CARRERO, Xinhua correspondent "The mass vaccination rollout in Havana is already underway. Nearly 1.7 million people from the Cuban capital will receive doses of the domestic COVID-19 vaccine candidates as part of an intervention study kicking off this week." In Havana, residents of the coastal town of Guanabo are eager to receive the first dose of Abdala COVID-19 vaccine candidate as partial lockdown measures remain in effect and the beaches are still closed to the public. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): OSMEL JESUS AGUERO, Delegate to Municipal People's Power Assembly in Habana Del Este "Habana del Este is one of the municipalities with major risks due to its extension. It is also one of the municipalities where mass vaccination has started in Havana. It has been organized by people's councils, constituencies and community-based doctor offices." According to local authorities, in the coming weeks, COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the Caribbean nation could also apply for emergency use authorization from Cuba's Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): LEISY ALCOLEA, Volunteer "All those who want and can be vaccinated should do it. It is not harmful, but very beneficial instead. At present, I am helping to collect data of people who want to get vaccinated." Amid the intensification of the U.S. embargo against the island, Cuba is now working on the development of five experimental coronavirus vaccines, namely Soberana 01, Soberana 02, Soberana Plus, Mambisa, and Abdala. SOUNDBITE 3 (Spanish): FABIO FERNANDEZ, Professor of University of Havana "I think Cuba's success in confronting the pandemic, which is already evident in our mass vaccination program, expresses the strength of the scientific system created by the Cuban revolution, expresses the strengths of Cuba as a nation to confront very complex situations, and at the same time expresses the historical existence of a political will that has opted for science as a core element of the country's development." The Cuban biotech industry has exported vaccines to more than 40 countries. STANDUP(English):YOSLEY CARRERO, Xinhua Correspondent "Local authorities in the Caribbean nation expect to immunize the country's entire population with domestically manufactured COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year." Produced by Xinhua Global Service UK Government Truly Sorry for 1971 Belfast Killings The British government is truly sorry for the events in west Belfast in 1971 in which 10 innocent people were killed, the UKs Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said on Thursday. On Tuesday, a coroner found that the victims who were killed in Ballymurphy were entirely innocent and that the British soldiers use of lethal force was not justified. In a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday, Lewis said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had apologised unreservedly on behalf of the state and was also writing personally to the families of the victims. The events of Ballymurphy should never have happened, the families of those who were killed should never have had to experience the grief and trauma of that loss. They should have not had to wait nearly five decades for the judgment this week, nor have been compelled to relive that terrible time in August 1971 again and again in their long, distressing quest for truth. He said the government profoundly regrets and is truly sorry for the killings and the handling of the investigations, which caused additional pain that the families have had to endure in their fight to clear the names of their loved ones. Coroner Justice Keegan found the Army to be responsible for nine of the 10 deaths in August 1971, which included a mother of eight and a Catholic priest. The coroner acknowledged it was a chaotic time in Northern Ireland but ruled that the use of force by soldiers had been disproportionate in the nine deaths the Army was found as responsible for. She ruled out any paramilitary involvement by any of those killed, and described them as entirely innocent of any wrongdoing on the day in question. A Downing Street spokesman said on Wednesday that Johnson found the coroners conclusions deeply sad and the events in 1971 tragic. During a phone call with Northern Irelands First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill, The prime minister apologised unreservedly on behalf of the UK government for the events that took place in Ballymurphy and the huge anguish that the lengthy pursuit of truth has caused the families of those killed. But the victims families have criticised Johnson for not issuing the official apology himself. John Teggart, whose father was killed at Ballymurphy, welcomed Lewiss statement but said it should have come from the prime minister. Briege Voyle, whose mother was among the victims, said: Why could Boris not do it, why could he not? It wont bring my mummy back but at least you would have felt that you were being respected. One thing that annoyed me, they didnt mention an investigation. Now we have to start again to try and find out why our loved ones were murdered. Why? They were innocent, my mummy was shot in broad daylight. PA contributed to this report. A worker inspects disposable gloves at the Top Glove factory production line in Shah Alam on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Aug. 26, 2020. (Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images) US Seizes Shipment From Malaysias Top Glove Over Forced Labor Concerns KUALA LUMPURThe United States seized latex gloves made by Malaysian firm Top Glove Corp Bhd after a shipment was found in Kansas City despite an import ban on its products over forced labor allegations, U.S. customs said. In a statement on Wednesday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officials at the Port of Kansas City seized 4.68 million latex gloves produced by a Top Glove unit in Malaysia with an estimated value of $690,000. In response, Top Glove said it has informed the U.S. agency that it has remediated all forced labor indicators found at the firm. This is the second Top Glove shipment seized in about a week. On May 5, U.S. Customs seized 3.97 million nitrile gloves worth $518,000. A worker inspects newly made gloves at Top Glove factory in Klang, Malaysia, on March 3, 2020. (Top Gloves/Anas Zakwan/Handout via Reuters) The seizure shows that there is demand for Top Glove products despite the U.S. ban first announced in July last year. Top Glove is the worlds biggest glove maker and has seen global demand soar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Customs prohibited the import of Top Glove products last year, saying it had found reasonable evidence of forced labor. And in March, it said it had found evidence of multiple forced labor indicators in Top Gloves production process, including debt bondage, excessive overtime, abusive working and living conditions, and retention of identity documents, and directed its officials to seize goods from the manufacturer. Top Glove said in April it has resolved all indicators of forced labor in its operations and that this had been verified by London-based ethical trade consultant Impactt Limited. By A. Ananthalakshmi and Liz Lee A paramilitary police officer gestures outside the Belgium embassy in Beijing on June 19, 2019. - A Belgian diplomat was expected to travel to China's restive Xinjiang region on June 18 to confirm the whereabouts of a Uyghur family that was escorted from Belgium's embassy in Beijing by police last month. (NICOLAS ASFOURI /AFP via Getty Images) US State Department Highlights Communist Chinas Dire Religious Freedom Situation The United States on May 12 criticized the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) extensive abuses against people of faith, from Uyghur Muslims to Christians to Falun Gong practitioners, as the State Department released its annual update on religious freedom around the world. Daniel Nadel, a senior official in the State Departments Office of International Freedom, said the Chinese regime has turned the far-western region of Xinjiang into an open-air prison in its campaign of oppression against ethnic Muslim minorities that the United States has designated a genocide. Aside from the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps, Nadel noted the regimes intrusive surveillance of the rest of the population in Xinjiang. Peoples movements are closely tracked. You have minders who have been assigned to live with Uyghurs to keep tabs on them. You have people going to the market who have to check in every time they go to a different market stall, he said at a press briefing. The CCPs campaign against Muslims was the culmination of decades of repression of religious adherents, from Tibetan Buddhists to Christians to Falun Gong practitioners, Nadel said. Also on May 12, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against a Chinese official because of his involvement in gross violations of human rights against Falun Gong adherents. The sanctions will bar Yu Hui, the former director of the agency specifically tasked with persecuting Falun Gong in the city of Chengdu, in Sichuan Province, and his immediate family from entering the United States. The move was applauded by Sam Brownback, former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, along with the chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that has been brutally suppressed by the CCP since 1999. Millions of adherents have been detained in prisons, detention centers, and labor camps, where they have been subjected to torture, brainwashing, and organ harvesting. Thorough Persecution Brownback says the State Departments report exposes the expansiveness of the CCPs war against faith, a campaign that has gotten more thorough in recent years. China is unwilling to tolerate anybody that has a regard for a higher authority than the communist government itself, he said in a May 12 interview with The Epoch Times. They are hell-bent to drive faith out of the country. The issue of forced organ harvesting from live Falun Gong practitioners is something that has been ignored way too long, Brownback said. But the evidence just keeps mounting. In 2019, an independent peoples tribunal found, after a yearlong investigation, that the CCP has been killing detained prisoners of consciencepredominantly Falun Gong practitionersfor their organs for sale in the transplant market on a substantial scale. The tribunals work was covered in the State Departments 136-page China country report. The Chinese regime could easily disprove such activity by opening up its organ transplant system to outside scrutiny, but it hasnt, Brownback said. While the CCP may score some short-term wins in its war against faith, it ultimately wont prevail, the former ambassador said. Faith is a matter of the soul, and it will come back, Brownback said. They will not win this war. Eva Fu contributed to this report. A person stands in a tower on the perimeter of the Number 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in western China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on April 23, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo) West and Rights Groups Accuse China of Massive Uyghur Crimes UNITED NATIONSHuman rights groups and Western nations led by the United States, Britain, and Germany accused China of massive crimes against the Uyghur minority and demanded unimpeded access for U.N. experts at a virtual meeting on Wednesday denounced by China as politically motivated and based on lies. Chinas U.N. Mission sent notes to many of the U.N.s 193 member nations last week urging them not to participate in the anti-China event. And Chinas U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun sent text messages to the 15 Western co-sponsors of the meeting expressing shock at their support, urging them to think twice and withdraw it. He warned that if they dont, it will be harmful to our relationship and cooperation. At the meeting, Britains U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward called the situation in Xinjiang one of the worst human rights crises of our time. The evidence, from a growing number of credible sourcesincluding satellite imagery, survivor testimony and publicly available Chinese Government documentsis of grave concern, said Woodward, who previously was the UK ambassador in China. The evidence points to a program of repression of specific ethnic groups. Expressions of religion have been criminalized and Uyghur language and culture are discriminated against systematically and at scale. In recent years, an estimated 1 million people or more have been confined in camps in Xinjiang, according to foreign governments and researchers. Most are Uyghurs, a largely Muslim ethnic group. Authorities have been accused of imposing forced labor, systematic forced birth control, and torture. A tour guide stands near a display showing images of people at locations described as vocational training centers in southern Xinjiang at the Exhibition of the Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism in Urumqi in western Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on April 21, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo) The Chinese regime has flatly rejected the allegations. It has characterized the camps, which it says are now closed, as vocational training centers to teach Chinese language, job skills, and the law in order to support economic development and combat extremism. China saw a wave of Xinjiang-related terrorist attacks through 2016. Organizers said there were 152 participants in Wednesdays event, including 51 countries, and speaker after speaker called on China to end its abuses against the Uyghurs. Germanys U.N. Ambassador Christoph Heusgen thanked all the co-sponsors who came together despite some massive Chinese threats. He urged them to remain committed until the Uyghurs can live again in freedom, until they are no longer detained, no longer victims of forced labor and other human rights abuses, until they can exercise freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Heusgen appealed to China to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and tear down the detention camps. If you have nothing to hide, why dont you finally grant unimpeded access to the (U.N.) High Commissioner for Human Rights? he asked. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the Biden administration will keep standing up and speaking out until Chinas government stops its crime against humanity and the genocide of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. And we will keep working in concert with our allies and our partners until Chinas government respects the universal human rights of all its people, she said. A protester from the Uyghur community living in Turkey attends a protest against the visit of Chinas Foreign Minister to Turkey, in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 25, 2021. (Bulent Kilic/AFP via Getty Images) Uyghur human rights activist Jewher Ilhan spoke about her father Ilham Tohti, a noted economist who has called for autonomy for Xinjiang and is serving a life sentence on separatist-related charges. We dont even know if hes alive, she said. Hundreds of thousands, even millions of Uyghurs are still being targeted, said Ilhan, who now lives in the United States. The fate of my father and my community is in the worlds hands now. We all need to join together and take action to stop this humanitarian crisis from continuing. A Chinese diplomat countered, saying: I make it clear that China is here to tell the truth, it doesnt mean in any way we recognize this event. He then showed a short video and said: The truth is, its not about human rights in Xinjiang, its about using Xinjiang as a political tool to contain China. The U.S. and some of its allies make a presumption of guilt, and then fabricate so-called evidence. Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth, whose organization recently concluded that Chinas atrocities amount to the crime against humanity of persecution, said the challenge is what to do about it. Beijing clearly calculates that through censorship, propaganda, intimidation, and threats it can somehow avoid accountability, he said, pointing many actions including its extraordinary lengths of disinviting people from Wednesdays event, its endless charade that has prevented Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet from visiting Xinjiang, and U.N. inaction. Roth expressed disappointment that Bachelet, who was invited to the event, turned down the invitation. Im sure shes busy. We all are. But I have a similar global mandate to defend human rights and I couldnt think of anything more important to do than to join you here today. I certainly wasnt deterred by the commuteall the way to my laptop, he said. A perimeter fence is constructed around what is officially known as a vocational skills education center in Dabancheng in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) The good news is that the tide seems to be turning, he said, pointing to more countries condemning Chinas crimes. But he said more must be done. Roth called for a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on Xinjiang, for moving discussions to the U.N. Security Council, for seeking avenues to justice including the use of universal jurisdiction, and for considering creation of an international investigative mechanism similar to those for Syria and Burma. The true test of the significance of todays event will be the follow-up steps that we all take, he said. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the persecution of the Uyghurs is a critical test for the international human rights system to investigate allegations of massive violations by a government against its own people and hold those responsible accountable. She called the silence, fear and timidity of Bachelets office and the U.N. Secretariat frankly unacceptable and a breach of their mandate, as are the silence of many states. Callamard said supporting a multilateral response to what is happening in Xinjiang is not about picking sides in a fight with China or supporting the U.S. or anyone else, it is about fighting for human rights. By Edith M. Lederer World Health Organization Health Emergencies Program Director Michael Ryan via video link as he delivers a news briefing on COVID-19 from the WHO headquarters in Geneva on March 30, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images) WHO Official Glosses Over Chinas Draconian Handling of CCP Virus Pandemic, Calling It Comprehensive Approach A World Health Organization (WHO) official on May 10 claimed that Chinas comprehensive approach has contained the transmission of COVID-19 in the country, while glossing over the Chinese regimes heavy-handed methods used throughout the pandemic. Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHOs Health Emergencies Program, credited Chinas comprehensive approach to COVID-19 and not its vaccination program that is now allowing Chinese citizens to go about their normal daily life as thousands of people, many without masks or social distancing, were allowed to attend a music festival in Wuhan, the epicenter of the pandemic, more than a week ago. I think Wuhan and most of China are enjoying the benefits of having controlled the virus effectively, Ryan said during a press conference. I know the vaccination rates in Wuhan are probably no higher than anywhere else in China, and certainly vaccination doesnt account for the situation they currently experience. China has been slow in its vaccination program although it began inoculating people in July of last year. To incentivize more people to get the shots, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using various tactics that include offering money or other rewards, to outright coercion. The CCPs lack of transparency and concerns about the vaccines safety and effectiveness may have caused some Chinese to not get the injection. An internal document obtained by The Epoch Times in April revealed that a high number of local officials across the country have also avoided having the vaccines. About 343 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in China, according to Our World in Data. Beijing has authorized five domestically produced COVID-19 vaccines to be used in the country: one adenovirus vector vaccine, three inactivated virus vaccines, and one protein subunit vaccine. Like other COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use around the globe, Chinas vaccines do not stop people from getting the disease or spreading it. Studies are being conducted to observe whether the injections stop people from being infected and transmitting the virus, or make them less infectious, and so reduce transmission. Ryan did not elaborate on what Chinas comprehensive approach was, but said that other countries who took a similar approach and kept the disease under control are able to gather in large crowds outside without masks. Youre seeing the same in Australia, youre seeing the same in New Zealand, youre seeing the same in many countries who took a comprehensive approach, which focused on continued reduction of exposure while dealing with all the other issues, said Ryan. And that ability to reduce exposure to a level where the incidence of disease drops to very, very low levels, allows countries, cities, areas with that degree of control over the virus, have more choices about social life, about economic life, he added. During the pandemic, Beijing has taken extreme measures to stop the transmission of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus. Such actions include censoring and arresting people and doctors who speak about the virus on social media; restricting and monitoring peoples movements, including when they may shop for food and other essential supplies; completely sealing some homes from the outside; and quarantining people at makeshift facilities without providing medical care to those with mild or moderate symptoms. Police officers stand guard at an entrance of a high school as a senior student walks past in Wuhan city of Hubei province, China, on May 6, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) The true scale of the pandemic is not known in China as the real death toll from COVID-19 and the lockdowns, and the number of COVID-19 cases and other official data, are withheld from the public. When new outbreaks do occur, only a few cases are reported, and the entire neighborhood or city is locked down, people contact-traced are forced to self-isolate, and mass testing is conducted. In Australia, the government implemented one of the toughest and longest lockdowns in the state of Victoria last summer, which lasted more than 100 days, in a response to a second wave of CCP virus infections. Besides most businesses being shut down, other restrictions included limiting peoples movements and activities. People could leave their home only for exercising, buying essential items, working, or medical care, while those in Melbourne had to do so within three miles of their home and for one hour at a time. Additionally, people were not allowed to visit their family and friends outside their home unless it was for caregiving or providing services, and a night-time curfew was imposed. The police were also given additional powers to ensure the restrictions were being followed, according to the BBC. At the time when more restrictions went into effect on Aug. 2, 2020, Victoria recorded 13 deaths with a seven-day average of eight deaths, according to Johns Hopkins Universitys COVID-19 data. The total COVID-19 fatalities in all of Australia was 208, with 17,923 cases, of which more than 10,000 had recovered in a population of over 25 million people. Gideon Rozner, director of policy at the Institute of Public Affairs, a free-market think tank, called Australias draconian lockdowns the greatest incursion into Australians basic liberties. Almost 5 million people are under curfew, Rozner said in an online video. Private property can be seized by the police minister for any reason. Police and even the army can enter your home without a warrant, and stop you in the street to check that youre carrying the permit that allows you to leave your own home, he added. Both Australia and New Zealand closed their borders in March 2020, allowing entrance only to citizens, permanent residents, or their families and requiring them to quarantine for 14 days at a hotel. At the time of the border closures, New Zealand had no COVID-19 deaths and a total of 28 cases in a population of about 5 million. Australia and New Zealand continue to be closed to foreign travelers but quarantine-free travel opened up between the two countries in April. Activists remove polar bear costumes on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House after a protest in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 26, 2013. The polar bear has become a symbol of concerns about global warming. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) Why Has Global Warming Disappeared? Commentary After President Joe Biden entered the White House, he created a position that had never existed before in the history of the White Houseclimate envoyand climate policy was elevated to a level of unprecedented importance by Biden and the forces behind him. Why is climate policy so important to the leftist politicians? In recent years, the climate policies of the United States and European Union countries have all come from the same hypothesis, commonly known as global warming. Several years ago, global warming was almost a scientifically unquestionable conclusion. But within the past few years, the global warming hypothesis has quietly disappeared from various documents, slogans, and propaganda associated with government climate policies in those countries that had previously advocated it. Whats wrong with the global warming hypothesis and what does its disappearance mean? If you try to analyze the past and present of the climate policies of various countries, youll come to understand why global warming has disappeared. The Origin of the Global Warming Hypothesis What exactly is global warming? According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gases trap heat and make the planet warmer. Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the past 150 years. Such wording indicates that the term global warming isnt a definitive, scientifically indisputable conclusion. Therefore, it can only serve as a vague concept that some people choose to believe in. Moreover, no one can prove that its definitely human activities that lead to global warming. Now that we have noticed that this term is disappearing from government documents, it implies that the global warming hypothesis may not be well grounded. Fluctuations in Surface Temperature or Global Warming? The Earths surface temperature is always changing. The temperature change is usually fluctuating, and there are natural climate cycles. Each cycle may last several decades, or even millions of years. The fluctuation of the surface temperature may be regional or global, and the factors causing these changes are numerous and mostly due to natural factors, including solar radiation, changes in the Earths orbit, continental drift, changes in ocean currents, and orogenic movements. These natural factors are beyond human control. Of course, changes in surface temperature may also be related to human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions. However, if we attribute all the changes in surface temperature to human economic activities, exaggerate short-term changes in temperature as permanent, irreversible changes, or interpret temperature fluctuations as a linear trend, it would be seriously misleading. A melt water lake seen under a glacier east of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on Sept. 2007. Scientists believe that Greenland, with its melting ice caps and disappearing glaciers, is an accurate thermometer of global warming. (Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) There are several natural factors that affect the surface temperature. First and foremost, the drift of the continental plates causes changes in the location and surface area of land and ocean, thus affecting the global atmospheric circulation and resulting in global or regional temperature changes. Secondly, the orogenic movement of the Earths crust may form mountains or valleys, and changes in the topography cause precipitation in the terrain and even the formation of alpine glaciers. Thirdly, the sun is the most important external energy source for the Earth, and its activities will affect the Earths surface temperature. Its short-term radiation fluctuations, such as sunspot activity with an 11-year cycle and a radiation change with a cycle of 20-plus years, all have an impact on the Earths climate. The changes in sunspots with an 11-year cycle will induce a change of 1.5 degrees Celsius of the Earths stratospheric temperature, making high latitudes colder and low latitudes hotter. Based on observations of temperature changes from 1900 to 1950, this change was likely the cause of the Little Ice Age. Lastly, the ocean currents have a huge impact on the Earths surface temperature. The stream produced by the Gulf of Mexico alone emits more heat than the worlds annual coal-burning heat. The cycle of ocean current climate change is several years or decades. Changes in ocean currents can also cause climate changes, such as the El Nino phenomenon in the eastern Pacific Ocean. So far, the scientific community has very limited knowledge of how these natural factors affect climate change, and scientists cannot describe or explain them clearly. However, because temperature changes can be measured easily on the surface of the Earth, some people focus on the study of surface temperature records while ignoring the influence of all natural factors and use carbon dioxide emissions to explain the short-term temperature changes on the Earth, which lead to the global warming hypothesis. Can We Trust UNs Climate Assessment? In the course of human history, it has always been believed that climate change is caused by natural factors. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) organized a global climate change assessment in 1990. In 1992, the agency published the first climate change assessment report, which announced that continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities led to accumulation of greenhouse gas, which in turn is expected to lead to climate change. However, before the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009, the media in some countries condemned IPCC. This was due to the discovery that when the committee found that the mathematical model produced by the experts it hired showed a tendency of temperature decline in the future, those same experts had deleted all relevant data in the report to cover it up. The organizations 2007 prediction was that the Himalayan glaciers would completely disappear by 2035. But in 2010, the IPCC committee had to admit that its report had five errors in the calculation of the Himalayan glacier melting rate, with the recalculated result showing that the Himalayan glacier wont completely disappear in 2035. Instead, the disappearance may occur in 2350. The Khumbu Glacier, one of the longest in the world, is seen in the Everest-Khumbu region some 87 miles northeast of Kathmandu on Dec. 4, 2009. The IPCC has withdrawn claims the Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting. (Prakash Mathema/AFP/Getty Images) Can the committees dubious mathematical model accurately predict the Earths climate 300 years from now? Even a 30-year forecast isnt reliable. Global warming literally means that most places on Earth will continue to become hotter and hotter, and will never return to the cooler temperatures in place prior to it. However, in 2009, it was unusually cold in many parts of the world. Since then, more and more people began to question the concept of global warming. Some in the scientific community also began to question IPCCs climate change report. For example, Michael Mann, a climatologist and geophysicist at Pennsylvania State University, has always argued in favor of the global warming theory. After calculating the climate for the past 1,000 years, he concluded that the temperature would reach its peak at the end of the 20th century. However, an expert team from the Committee on National Statistics, National Academies, announced that Manns method violated basic mathematical principles. Whats even more shocking is that when the email communications of Phil Jones, director of the UK Climate Research Centre and a leading advocate of global warming, were hacked and leaked, it was discovered that he had asked a collaborator to cover up problems with the temperature data from the Chinese weather stations in order to validate global warming. The data manipulation not only exaggerated climate warming, but also deleted data regarding annual rings of ancient trees that showed temperature changes over a long period of time. Moreover, many regions in the United States experienced frigid weather in February this year, which once again disproved the global warming assertion. Vested Interests Behind Global Warming Then-U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change shortly after taking office. He believes that global warming is a hoax, and he has a good basis for this judgment, as discussed above. Lets think about this question: Does the United States have to abide by the global climate policy specified by the United Nations and follow those politically correct people who trumpet the global warming crisis? It seems that as long as a statement is stamped with a United Nations seal, it immediately carries a sense of authority that leaves people in awe. In fact, the U.N. agencies dont represent a global authority, because the United Nations reputation isnt good at all. It has long been reduced as a tool for developing countries to blackmail developed countries. For instance, the U.N. Human Rights Commission has failed to stop evil regimes from committing human rights abuses, such as helping the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party evade justice. The United Nations operates according to the rule of one country, one vote, and many developing countries support the claim of global warming simply because they would support any argument that ends up granting them money. The Paris Agreementaimed to respond to global climate changerequires developed countries to contribute money to developing countries to help them reduce carbon dioxide emissions. China is also one of the beneficiaries. Not long ago, the spokesperson of the CCPs Foreign Affairs Ministry, Zhao Lijian, stated that China would demand the United States make up for the long-overdue payment to the Green Climate Fund owed to China during Trumps term. The CCP can basically achieve whatever it wants in the United Nations because it knows how to cater to and buy out corrupt elites in developing countries. Of course, there are also corrupt elites in developed countries. The CCP is able to manipulate the United Nations and other international organizations, getting whatever it demands, precisely because it knows how to bribe influential elites of various countries. While those developing countries get the money they want from developed countries by supporting the Paris Agreement, the elites in Western developed countries may also have increased their wealth from these climate fund projects. Just like decades of unchanged food development projects by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization for African countries, no matter how much money has been injected into these projects, itll never improve the backward status of agriculture in those countriesbut it can definitely improve the family wealth of corrupt officials in the countries involved. Is global warming real or fake? Is the global temperature heating up or cooling down? Its always a protracted debate. It needs to be pointed out that research on global warming has actually become an industry and a job opportunity for a group of people. For those people, only by catering to the governments attention to the negative impacts of global warming can they obtain research funding to support their research institute. Therefore, they always align their research conclusions with government directions. As to why politicians advocate climate policyto the point it has become political correctness in the United Statesits because this issue has a very complicated relationship with their political and economic agenda. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 by advocating global warming. Two years later, the global warming hypothesis was challenged by the reality of global cooling. The climate change report by IPCC of the United Nations, the global warming hypothesis, and Gores anti-carbon investment are regarded by some as a typical case of conspiracy. The absurdity of the global warming theory lies in the fact that it lacks solid scientific validation, yet its advocates dare to hype it up to the extreme in order to indoctrinate the general public. I believe things will turn around by the time they reach an extreme, and the truth about global warming will soon emerge. Cheng Xiaonong is a scholar of Chinas politics and economy based in New Jersey. Cheng was a policy researcher and aide to former Chinese Communist Party leader Zhao Ziyang. He also served as chief editor of Modern China Studies. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. NORWALK The owners of a medical office building leased by the Norwalk Hospital Association have asked a judge to evict the hospital from the offices, according to a recent lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in state Superior Court last month, claims the hospitals lease of more than a half dozen office suites in a condominium at 148 East Ave. expired in early April. But despite requests by the owner to vacate the property, the hospital is still occupying portions of the building, according to a revised complaint submitted last week. The building, which is located near Jennings Point on the Norwalk River, currently houses the Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center the largest medical imaging center in Fairfield County. In 2011, the hospital signed a 10-year lease to rent more than 21,000 square feet of office space at the building for the center. The lease was never renewed and it expired on April 8. The Defendants right to have possession of the Premises has terminated because of the lapse of time, Mark Sank, an attorney for the property owner, wrote in the complaint. The property is owned by Norwalk Radiology Consultants, an independent group of physicians that specialize in medical imaging. The group founded the Radiology and Mammography Center, but in 2011 the hospital took it over and acquired the naming rights. Now, the consultant group is suing the hospital to regain control of the building and to resume their independent practice. Dr. David Klein, the groups president, said the team of nine doctors agreed to split with the hospital last year. Were going to reopen our facility once they leave that building, Klein said Thursday. Were going to have more fair and lower prices and were going to be just as accessible as ever to the Norwalk community for all their medical and radiology needs. Sank said despite a year of advance notice, the hospital still has not committed to a concrete move out date. He said the delay has cost his clients a signifigant amount of money. We really had no choice but to start this, he said of the eviction suit. According to an automated message played at a phone number listed for the center, Nuvance Health, the parent company of the hospital association, plans to relocate some imaging services offered to offices at 761 Main Ave. later this spring. But it is unclear when or if the center will find a permanent new home. A spokesperson for the hospital did not return requests for comment and an attorney for the health system declined to comment on Thursday, citing the pending litigation. NEW YORK (AP) With less than six weeks to go, the Democratic primary that may decide the next mayor of New York City has reached a new stage of unpredictability. Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang is clinging to front-runner status while City Comptroller Scott Stringer fights off a sexual misconduct allegation. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, a former police officer and founder of a law enforcement reform group, has seen his standing rise amid concern over a spike in shootings during the coronavirus pandemic including gunfire that injured three bystanders in Times Square. And The New York Times has given its coveted endorsement to a candidate who has been polling in the mid-single digits: Kathryn Garcia, a former city sanitation commissioner and veteran of several other city departments. The race to succeed the term-limited Mayor Bill de Blasio, also a Democrat, chugged along for months with many New Yorkers too consumed by the coronavirus pandemic and the 2020 presidential election to notice. But it is grabbing more attention now, with the June 22 Democratic primary looming, television advertisements starting to air and candidates increasingly meeting voters in person after a year of campaigning online because of the pandemic. Eight top-tier candidates, of the more than two dozen who entered the race, faced off in their first televised debate Thursday, sparring remotely over policing and each other's records. In addition to Yang, Adams, Stringer and Garcia, they were civil rights attorney Maya Wiley, former Citigroup executive Ray McGuire, former Obama housing secretary Shaun Donovan and former nonprofit executive Dianne Morales. Adding to the race's complexity, the primary will be New York City's first mayoral race to be determined by ranked choice voting, a system that lets voters pick up to five candidates and rank them in order of preference. Under the system, a candidate who trails in an initial round of vote tallying could still win the race, if enough people selected them as their second choice. Yang has narrowly led in most polls, lifted by supporters who like his proposal for a universal basic income, but has been criticized by the left. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed him this week over a tweet in which he said he was standing with the people of Israel who are coming under bombardment attacks" from the militant group Hamas, but didn't mention Palestinian victims of retaliatory Israeli strikes. Adams, 60, has trailed Yang in most voter surveys, but two polls released in the past 10 days have shown Adams slightly ahead. Adams is campaigning as both a tough-talking former police detective and a Black man who was himself victimized by police brutality as a youth and later founded the reform group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement. Were not going to recover as a city if we turn back time and see an increase in violence, particularly gun violence, Adams said at a Times Square campaign event after Saturdays shooting. It remains to be seen whether Adams message resonates in a city that was convulsed by Black Lives Matter protests following last years murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police but is fearful of crime and disorder after a year of lockdown. The biggest twist in the race has involved a misconduct allegation against Stringer, who has held elective office since 1993 as a state Assembly member, Manhattan borough president and now city comptroller. Stringer, 61, appeared to be gaining ground when lobbyist Jean Kim accused him in late April of unwanted groping and sexual advances when she was working on his unsuccessful campaign for public advocate in 2001. Stringer denied the allegation and said the two had had a brief, consensual relationship. Elected officials and organizations that had endorsed Stringer rushed to withdraw their backing, though some unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, are sticking with him. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat, said she rescinded her endorsement even though she doesn't know whether Stringer or Kim is telling the truth. For me the issue here is that were talking about an incident that took place 20 years ago that will likely not have any sort of conclusive investigation certainly not within the time frame of the primary election and I strongly believe will forever be stuck in a he said-she said, Ramos said. To me its about New Yorkers deserving a mayor that is not distracted or marred by a scandal, especially one of this size. For some, the misconduct accusation points to the need for more women in high office. Unlike other American cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans or San Francisco, New York City has never elected a female mayor. Nor has New York state had a female governor. Theres no question its way over time for a woman mayor, and something like this allegation of sexual harassment as it relates to a candidate only makes you nod your head more aggressively that yes, we need a woman mayor, we need women in high executive positions, said Christine Quinn, a former City Council speaker who lost in a 2013 Democratic mayoral primary to de Blasio. None of the women running for mayor in 2021 has cracked the top tier of candidates, with Yang, Adams and Stringer taking the top spots in every poll. Wiley, a former MSNBC analyst and de Blasio administration lawyer, has sought to brand herself as a champion of women, with endorsements from Gloria Steinem and the feminist political action committee EMILYs List. Garcia long lauded as a problem solver in city government released a TV ad that shows her inside a red box labeled in case of emergency, break glass. In the ad, she lists a few of her managerial credentials and says, When theres a crisis, sometimes youve got to break glass to solve it. The reference to women breaking the glass ceiling is clear. New York City mayoral races are often unpredictable. De Blasio vaulted over a large field in the 2013 primary thanks to campaign ads featuring his biracial son, Dante, and former congressman Anthony Weiner's sexting scandal. Stringer appears committed to staying in the race, with a busy campaign schedule including stops at five churches last Sunday. Some think he still has a chance. We know who Scott is, weve seen him for, you know, 30 years as an Assembly member, a borough president, a comptroller. Hes established who he is, and now hes gotta go back and defend himself, said Sid Davidoff, a lawyer and former aide to New York City Mayor John Lindsay. Yang recently picked up endorsements by Rep. Grace Meng, a Queens Democrat who is the first Asian American to be elected to Congress from New York, and Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat who is the Bronxs first openly gay Congress member. Comedian Dave Chappelle also endorsed Yang this past week. The winner of the primary will be strongly favored to win the November general election in the overwhelmingly Democratic city, but there will also be a Republican primary featuring Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa and businessman Fernando Mateo. Voter turnout tends to be low in New York City primaries, so a relatively small number of people could pick the leader who will guide the city out of a once-in-a-century pandemic. About 700,000 New Yorkers voted in the 2013 primaries, or 20% of registered Democrats and Republicans. WASHINGTON (AP) In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people on Thursday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Today is a great day for America, President Joe Biden said during a Rose Garden address heralding the new guidance, an event where he and his staff went without masks. Hours earlier in the Oval Office, where Biden was meeting with vaccinated Republican lawmakers, he led the group in removing their masks when the guidance was announced. If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask, he said, summarizing the new guidance and encouraging more Americans to roll up their sleeves. Get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do. The guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues even removing the need for social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy, Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said at an earlier White House briefing. The CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people those who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot. The countrys aggressive vaccination campaign has paid off: U.S. virus cases are at their lowest rate since September, deaths are at their lowest point since last April and the test positivity rate is at the lowest point since the pandemic began. Walensky said the long-awaited change is thanks to the millions of people who have gotten vaccinated and is based on the latest science about how well those shots are working. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities large or small without wearing a mask or physically distancing, Walensky said. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. The new guidance is likely to open the door to confusion, since there is no surefire way for businesses or others to distinguish between those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not. Millions of Americans are doing the right thing and getting vaccinated, but essential workers are still forced to play mask police for shoppers who are unvaccinated and refuse to follow local COVID safety measures, said Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Are they now supposed to become the vaccination police? Walensky and Biden said people who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors. Weve gotten this far please protect yourself until you get to the finish line, Biden said, noting that most Americans under 65 are not yet fully vaccinated. He said the government was not going to enforce the mask wearing guidance on those not yet fully vaccinated. Were not going to go out and arrest people, added Biden, who said he believes the American people want to take care of their neighbors. If you havent been vaccinated, wear your mask for your own protection and the protection of the people who also have not been vaccinated yet. On Capitol Hill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is not changing the rules requiring masks on the House floor. No, Pelosi told CNN. Are they all vaccinated? Recent estimates have put the percentage of unvaccinated lawmakers in the House at 25%. That ambiguity over who is and isnt vaccinated led Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, to declare the CDC guidance confusing and contradictory. The public will not feel comfortable in a crowded indoor space if they are unsure if the maskless person standing next to them is or is not vaccinated, he said. The announcement came as many states and communities have already been lifting mask mandates amid improving virus numbers and as more Americans have been shedding face coverings after getting shots. Dan Witte, a 67-year-old musician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, stopped wearing a mask after receiving the vaccine two months ago and recently rejoined his band playing gigs at crowded bars and weddings. He was encouraged by the CDCs new guidance, but said it just confirmed his trust that the vaccines offered protection from spreading infections. I went right from being hypervigilant for almost a year to being right in the crowd without a mask, Witte said. To date about 154 million Americans, more than 46% of the population, have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 117 million are fully vaccinated. The rate of new vaccinations has slowed in recent weeks, but with the authorization Wednesday of the Pfizer shot for children ages 12 to 15, a new burst of doses is expected in the coming days. All of us, lets be patient, be patient with one another, Biden said, acknowledging some Americans might be hesitant about removing their masks after more than a year of living in a pandemic that has killed more than 580,000 people in the U.S. and more than 3.3 million people worldwide. The CDCs announcement that Americans could begin to shed one of the most visible symbols of the pandemic stood in stark contrast to other nations, with much of the world still struggling to contain the virus amid global disparities in vaccinations. Just two weeks ago, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in all settings and outdoors in large crowds. Walensky said that evidence from the U.S. and Israel shows the vaccines are as strongly protective in real world use as they were in earlier studies and that so far they continue to work even though some worrying mutated versions of the virus are spreading. The more people continue to get vaccinated, the faster infections will drop and the harder it will be for the virus to mutate enough to escape vaccines, she stressed, urging everyone 12 and older who is not yet vaccinated to sign up. And while some people still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, Walensky said, thats rare. She cited evidence that those infections tend to be milder, shorter and harder to spread to others. If people who are vaccinated do develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should immediately put their mask back on and get tested, she said. There are some caveats. Walensky encouraged people who have weak immune systems, such as from organ transplants or cancer treatment, to talk with their doctors before shedding their masks. Thats because of continued uncertainty about whether the vaccines can rev up a weakened immune system as well as they do normal, healthy ones. The new guidance had an immediate effect at the White House, which has taken a cautious approach to easing virus restrictions. Staffers were informed that masks are no longer required for people who are fully vaccinated. First lady Jill Biden, who was traveling in West Virginia, told reporters that we feel naked as she and her party removed their face coverings. Then she paused. I didnt mean it that way! AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard and AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 16:48:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 12, 2021 shows COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac at a COVID-19 vaccination center in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's government is encouraging the public to receive COVID-19 vaccines as the country aims to inoculate 70 percent of its nearly 70 million population by the end of the year. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) BANGKOK, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Thailand on Wednesday reported a new daily record of 34 COVID-19 fatalities, taking the country's death toll to 486, with 1,983 new infections, according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Of Wednesday's new cases, 1,974 were domestic infections while nine others were imported cases, the CCSA spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangsan said at a daily news conference. The infections added Thailand's total case tally to 88,907, more than tripled from the beginning of April when the third wave of coronavirus outbreak began to spread from the capital Bangkok. Some 29,378 patients are now under treatment in hospitals, with 1,226 in critical conditions, according to Apisamai. Due to concerns over a highly infectious coronavirus variant first detected in India, Thailand has temporarily suspended the issuance of entry certificates to all foreigners traveling from or transiting through countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The government is also encouraging the public to receive COVID-19 vaccines as the country aims to inoculate 70 percent of its nearly 70 million population by the end of the year. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 17:39:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni receives a copy of Uganda's Constitution after swearing in at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, Uganda, May 12, 2021. Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Wednesday to serve for the sixth five-year term in office. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) KAMPALA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Wednesday to serve for the sixth five-year term in office. Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo swore in Museveni as the president of the East African country at Kololo Independence Grounds in the capital Kampala. "I Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni swear in the name of the Almighty God that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the president of Uganda," said Museveni amid ululations from hundreds of his ruling National Resistance Movement party supporters who graced the function. "I shall uphold, preserve, protect and defend the constitution and observe the laws of Uganda and that I shall promote the welfare of the people of Uganda," he said. The inauguration ceremony was attended by 11 African heads of state, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Felix Tshisekedi who is the current chairperson of the African Union, several government representatives, diplomats from various countries and other dignitaries. After taking the oath of office, Museveni received the instruments of power that included the constitution, national flag, presidential standard flag, national anthem, national courts of arms, national public seal, instruments of national defense and sword. The president and commander in chief then received a national salute and a 21-gun salute before he inspected the guard of honor mounted by the armed forces. At least 4,000 guests had been invited to attend the ceremony after Museveni won the Jan. 14 presidential elections, according to the presidency office. Museveni, a 76-year-old leader who came into power in 1986, has won several elections. Enditem Listen to article Freedom of speech is not about good speech versus bad; its about who holds the power to decide which is which.Robyn E. Blummer, Editorial Writer, and Columnist. It is no longer news that media professionals/stakeholders within the industry and across the world celebrated on Monday May 3, 2021, the annual World Press Freedom Day declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This years theme; Information as a Public Good, among other intentions underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information. It calls attention to the essential role of free and professional journalists in producing and disseminating this information, by tackling misinformation and other harmful content. At about the same time, the celebration offered me the opportunity to reflect on how citizens of every nation ( democratic or otherwise), hunger for public forum or sphere where the issues of the public interests are viewed as central, and openly considered, discussed or debated. And how the politicians and public office holders for their part, have a great interest in how the media covers their behavior. They depend on the media to provide the information they need about the people and the society. The media practitioners, in turn, depend much on the authorities (public office holders) for their information. Increasingly, by choice or by accident, a number of issues daily emanate from this mutual dependency particularly, as the vast majority of public office holders are allergic to accepting their political past/mistakes while others are not disposed to having their political future discussed. Also, the media professional in their search for new but personal fields to increase their wealth and wellbeing have at some points opted out of its primary mandate of objective reportage to become a willing tool in the hands of these political gladiators. And in the process, failed to inculcate and reinforce positive political, cultural, social attitudes among the citizens, and failed to create a mood in which people become keen to acquire skills and disciplines of a developed nation. Indeed, some media professionals have overtly become more cautious than courageous in performing their agenda setting roles. They have on many occasions watched the making of political cum economic decisions that breeds poverty and perpetrates powerlessness, yet took the easy way out without addressing the underlying factors thereby leaving the masses confused. Consequently, the nation Nigeria has on countless occasions witnessed this relationship snowball into a frosty one as the government attempts to unjustly moderate, control or regulate public discourse using decrees(during the military eras) and draconian legislation to impose punishments that are incongruence with logic or reason. The situation was made worse by the fact that our nation Nigeria is not a natural country but an artificial creation made up of multicultural, multi religious and multilingual groups. Talking about such frosty relationship between the Government and the Press in Nigeria, while the excruciating ordeal of two journalists with the Guardian Newspapers -Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson jailed by a military tribunal on the 4th of July,1984 for reports that were not lacking in merit but asymmetrically viewed to have contravened the infamous decree 4, remains a very bad signpost for the military era, the feeble attempt by the nations National Assembly to, but introduce the Internet Falsehood and Manipulations and Hate Speech Bills remains the dark spots of our democratic experience. Within this space also, there was also the case of the Nigerian Press Council Bill 2018, a bill greeted with knocks and viewed by industry watchers as draconian and another attempt to take the media industry back to the dark days. At the most basic level, the Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa,(APC Niger East), among other provisions, sought to curtail the spread of fake information. And seeks a three-year jail term for anyone involved in what it calls the abuse of social media or an option of fine of N150, 000 or both. It is also proposing a fine of N10 million for media houses involved in peddling falsehood or misleading the public. The hate speech bill on its part proposed that any person found guilty of any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person shall die by hanging upon conviction. This is in addition to its call for the establishment of an Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches, which shall enforce hate speech laws across the country Without much labour, the most telling evidence about the bills, good intention is signposted in their resolve to curtail the spread of fake information and hate speeches in the country. However, in connection with these bills, it is necessary to especially stress at some points which apply generally. However, when one looks at these complex provisions, It will not be an overstatement to characterize as a misguided priority as our failures as a nation lies not in fake news or hate speech but in the system. What was even most frightening about the bill is that it came at a time when world leaders were standing up with sets of values that encourage listening and responding constructively to views expressed by citizens, giving others the benefits of the doubt, providing support and recognizing the interests and achievements of its citizens, such in the estimation of our lawmakers have become the ripped time to threaten its citizens with jail terms and capital punishments. This fact also brings an important distinction to the fore. Social media is not just another platform for disseminating falsehood. Rather, it is a platform for pursuing the truth, and the decentralized creation and distribution of ideas; in the same way, that government is a decentralized body for the promotion and protection of the peoples life chances. It is a platform, in other words, for development that the government must partner with. Very instructive, I have no despair about the future of media practice and freedom of expression in Nigeria but it is an unhappy truth that free speech is under attack- a state of affairs considered bad for morals. To further support this assertion, it is a well-established axiom that without wood, the fire goes out, charcoal keeps the ember glowing as wood keeps the fire burning. Same is applicable to the factors propelling fake News/hate speeches. It is a barefaced truth that the death of leadership, the asymmetrical posturing of our political space and the refusal to have it restructured, among others, propels fake news and hate speeches. Another silent point we must not fail to remember is that where the media is free, the marketplace of ideas sort the irresponsible from the responsible. But a partisan/government controlled press helps the politicians flood the marketplace of ideas with junks and befuddle the people so that they could not see what their vital interest could mean. Free press the world over is not a privilege but an organic necessity in the society that provides a platform/avenue for positive criticism, reliable, and intelligent reporting through which the government can be informed about what the people of the country are thinking and doing. Nigerians are aware of this fact. Also, what the government should realize is that with the advent of social media, which has in turn given birth to citizens journalism, the stage is set for a democratized information management and pressmanism. In advancing the above position, the piece is aware of the social responsibility postulations which are supportive of the views that every freedom must go with a responsibility. But if that responsibility is what the federal government is driving at, then, there should be a more civil way to go about it without being draconian in outlook. In the same token, the government should take recourse also to the fact that the function of the press is very high. It is almost holy. It ought to serve as a forum for the people, through which the people may freely know what is going on. To misstate or suppress information is a breach of trust This is sacrosanct and pivotal for any development-oriented society. The simple way to nip this situation (hate speech) in the bud is for the federal government to do the needful by rolling up their sleeves and provide the much-needed democracy dividends as promised and every other challenge including hate speech will naturally fizzle out. When millions of people have been cheated for too long, restitution becomes a costly process; inferior education, poor housing, unemployment, poor healthcare facilities and very recently recession All these are the bitter tablets of oppression the people have been taking since May 29, 2015. Now, this neglect has accumulated interest and its cost for this nation has become substantial in financial and human terms hence the hate speech. Viewed differently, a critical appraisal of some of these comments tagged hate speech, will reveal that the reader or the listener must have put a statement together with previously known facts to come up with a hate speech. What this implies is that some of these so-called hate speeches may actually be personal or subjective interpretation, opinion or commentary garnished with a basket full of prejudice by the reader or the listener. In all, one established truth we cannot do away with is the fact that the sole aim of journalism is service and in providing this service, they enjoy great power and followership. It is therefore left for Nigerian government to provide the media industry the needed raw material to function. The raw material in question is no other but positive performance card. To make this years celebration a rewarding one, the press/journalists must on their part recognize that every decision they make when gathering, organizing and presenting the news requires a value judgment as different decisions bring different results. All decisions have consequences that are direct and indirect, intended and unintended, short term and long term. And journalists decisions affect others; those decisions may influence thousands of peoples opinions on a political issue. Listen to article In 1842 Thomas Babington Macauly wrote my favourite poem titled 'Horatius at the Gate' and made a point that we can all learn from in Nigeria today. He wrote: "Then out spake brave Horatius, The Captain of the Gate: To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his gods, And for the tender mother Who dandled him to rest, And for the wife who nurses His baby at her breast, And for the holy maidens Who feed the eternal flame, To save them from false Sextus That wrought the deed of shame? Haul down the bridge, Sir Consul, With all the speed ye may; I, with two more to help me, Will hold the foe in play. In yon strait path a thousand May well be stopped by three. Now who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me? Then out spake Spurius Lartius; A Ramnian proud was he: Lo, I will stand at thy right hand, And keep the bridge with thee. And out spake strong Herminius; Of Titian blood was he: I will abide on thy left side, And keep the bridge with thee. Horatius, quoth the Consul, As thou sayest, so let it be. And straight against that great array Forth went the dauntless Three. For Romans in Rome's quarrel Spared neither land nor gold, Nor son nor wife, nor limb nor life, In the brave days of old". (HORATIUS AT THE BRIDGE, LAYS OF ANCIENT ROME by Thomas Babington Macauly, 1842) Macauly's prose is beautiful and instructive. It is very long and I have just quoted a tiny portion of it above. We, as Nigerians, must read his words carefully, learn from brave Horatius, the greatest of all Romans, and be inspired and guided by his courage and strength. We must be proud of who and what we are and we must be ready to stand for something, even at the cost of our lives. Some, who I love and respect, have said they have seen what is coming to our country and that we must have a plan B. I have seen what is coming to our country as well and I have been saying so for the last few months and years. However for me there is NO plan B. We may evacuate our women and children but for those of us that are men I say again there is and can be NO plan B. There is no running. There is no surrender. There is no capitulation. There is no escape. We have no other country. We have nowhere to go and even if we did we choose not to go. When and if the battle finally comes we stay here and either FIGHT and WIN or FIGHT and DIE. We are Nigerians! We are lions! We do not run from the battle. We do not buckle before the enemy. We are not cowards. We are warriors. We are fighters. We are men and women of strength and faith. We do not flinch in the face of danger. We do not run for our lives when the enemy is at our gate. We go out and meet them head on in glory and in power. Boko Haram or any other terrorist organisation will NEVER fly its flag over Abuja and neither will they ever take Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna, Jos, Ibadan, Sokoto, Awka, Maiduguri or any of our other major cities. Every Christian will fight them. Every Muslim will fight them. Every Southerner will fight them. Every Northerner will fight them. Every Middle Belter will fight them. Every Nigerian will fight them. They think they are dividing us but they are actually bringing us closer together. We are not Malians, Chadians, Nigeriens, Taurags, Berbers or Arabs: we are NIGERIANS! And we will stand and fight for our motherland against these strange aliens and foreign invaders and their western backers. Our God is mighty and He will NEVER abandon us. We will fight to the last man to preserve our nation and deliver her from the hands of these foreign barbarians that have come from a distant land to destroy us all and take our women, children, treasure and land. Like great Horatius, we must stand at the gate and hold the bridge. Like gallant Horatius, we must fight and win or we must fight and die! May God have mercy on our nation and our people and may He cause us to fight a good fight! Let me conclude with this. Some are saying that the fight is and must be between ourselves and not between us and those foreigners from outside our shores that have invaded our land. How wrong they are. Some of us are planning on how to kill our brothers and compatriots whilst the stranger from a distant land that hates us all is hiding in the forests, mountains and plains of our country and is preparing to slaughter us all to the last man, woman and child. This is short-sighted and absurd. There is no doubt that are major differences between us as a people which still need to be resolved. That battle still needs to be fought and that mountain still needs to be removed. I, more more than anyone else, is aware of this and have spoken about these differences, injustices and inequalities over the last five years. And be rest assured that that mountain will be removed, that valley will be levelled, that fight will be fought and that injustice will be set aside but NOT today. Today we MUST come together as one to face down and fight the foreign foe and their relentless sponsors in the international community who have come to wipe us all off the face of the earth, turn our nation into a cauldron of fire and turn our women and children into chattel and slaves. They say they will use planes and chemical weapons to exterterminate us. They say they will bomb us from the air and crush us from the land and sea. They say they have all the wealth, weapons, power and strength that satan has given them and they are baying for our blood. They may indeed have all that but they do NOT have Almighty God who is just and merciful and perfect in all His ways. They do not have God the Great or the Living God who is mighty in battle and who cannot be resisted. They do not have the Ancient of Days or the Lord of Hosts who created and controls the universe. They do not have the Elohim or the El Shaddai who forges the destiny of nations, who wields all power in heaven and on earth and who rules in the affairs of men. They do not have the Adonai or the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who created the sun, the moon and stars and who established the firmament before the creation of time. They do not have the Man of War or the God of Abraham, Isaac, David and Jacob who is with us and who is our strong defender. It is in His name and by His power that I rally and call on the sons of the East, the sons of the West, the sons of the Niger Delta, the sons of the Middle Belt and the sons of the North to muster your strength, to stir up your courage, to steel your nerve, to stand firm on the ramparts and to come together as one in your power and glory to defend our land and our nation and to uproot and usurp the barbarians that are at our gate. This is the challenge of our time and we shall meet it head on. There is NO plan B! We stand and we fight and win or we stand and we fight and die! Glory, honor and praise be unto the name of our God who who has given us this great opportunity and herculean task to defend the honor of our nation and our people and bring them to a safer place. We will never make peace with a savage and barbaric alien breed that feed fat on carnage and terror and that are committed to the mass murder, ethnic cleansing and genocide of our people and neither shall we bend the knee or bow, tremble and flee before them. Victory is ours because our cause is righteous, our people are noble, our warriors are strong and our God is faithful! Ministry promises walk-in virus shots THAILAND: Walk-in services for COVID-19 vaccination could be immediately taken to any province that is ready to provide free jabs to any person who has expressed a wish to get the vaccine, according to the Ministry of Public Health. CoronavirusCOVID-19Vaccine By Bangkok Post Thursday 13 May 2021, 08:41AM Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha greets people waiting to be vaccinated at the CentralPlaza Ladprao shopping complex in Bangkok yesterday (May 12). Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb. Speaking after a meeting of national committee on vaccine, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who headed the meeting, said the ministry is adjusting its plan for a mass vaccination scheduled to take place next month. Mr Anutin said the plan covers a walk-in service nationwide and the ministry was introducing a new application for vaccine registrations for those who request one. The ministry had to adjust the plan to provide alternative channels for people to have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, he said. He also said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha voiced concerns during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, saying the number of people who have registered for vaccination programmes was below target. He proposed the walk-in service for those who want to receive COVID-19 vaccines across the country. The ministry is ready to back the prime ministers idea and it has assigned the Department of Disease Control to design a proper format to enable vaccine recipients as much as possible, he said. I dont want anyone who walks in to be rejected. We have tried our best to provide public health services to people. Each provincial committee on communicable disease will take into consideration proper places and the number of vaccines to be provided for the walk-in service. The governments hopes to vaccinate en masse people who have received a low response from the targeted group since the ministry launched the Line account Mor Prom. The account was set up for vaccine registration, targeting around 16 million people who are aged over 60 and who have seven types of chronic diseases. Meanwhile, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, chief of the Department of Disease Control, said the service will help improve rollout to the public without any limitations. Meanwhile, the first COVID-19 vaccination centre outside a hospital in Bangkok was opened yesterday at the CentralPlaza Ladprao shopping complex. The opening was attended by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha who praised the private sector for rallying behind the governments drive for the national vaccination campaign. The centre was operated jointly by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Ramathibodi Hospital. About 1,000 people who had registered for vaccinations via the Mor Prom app received jabs at the centre yesterday. Most of them were government officers, COVID-19 prevention volunteers and people in high-risk groups. The vaccination centre at CentralPlaza Ladprao is open from 8:30am5pm every day until all the registered vaccine recipients are vaccinated. Gen Prayut thanked the private sector for its cooperation in delivering the vaccine shots and he believed many more businesses will open their premises to carry out vaccinations. We must eradicate fears of the COVID-19 vaccine. The government can confirm that all the imported COVID-19 vaccines are thoroughly inspected. Our inspection is probably more stringent than in other countries, he said. The government will roll out mass vaccinations starting next month with the goal to speed up national immunisation. The immediate goal is to finish the vaccinations of all frontline medical and healthcare workers this month, the premier said. The government is also expediting inoculation in areas with high rates of infections such as in Samut Sakhon and the Klong Toey community in Bangkok. Next month, mass vaccinations of the first dose will be launched for people in high-risk groups such as the elderly aged 60 and over and people with underlying diseases. People in other age groups will be inoculated right after that, he said. Gen Prayut also expressed his concern over people who frequently travel for work or those who have to meet many people such as delivery service workers, public drivers, convenient store employees, restaurant employees and those in the hospitality sector. The government is working to give them vaccinations quickly. More than a dozen non-hospital vaccination centres will be opened in Bangkok. The number will soon increase to 25 in Bangkok before branching out to the provinces, he said. Gen Prayut added that the government has increased COVID-19 vaccine supplies from 100 million to 150 million doses - the first 100 million doses of which are already secured. A huge batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Thailand will be delivered at the end of this month, he said. Wallaya Chirathivat, Central Pattana deputy CEO, said CentralPlaza Ladprao is the first shopping mall in Bangkok with a COVID-19 vaccination site. The shopping mall was chosen as a vaccination site by the BMA, disease control committees and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Woman impaled by steel rod as motorbike hits power pole PHUKET: A 34-year-old woman was impaled by a steel rod protruding from a power pole in a motorbike accident on Wichit Songkram Rd in Kathu in the first hour of this morning (May 13). accidentstransportSafety By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 13 May 2021, 10:43AM The motorbike Ms Khanuengnit was riding when she struck the power pole. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Ms Khanuengnit was rushed to hospital with a section of the steel rod still through her chest. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Ms Khanuengnit hangs from the power pole after the accident. Image: via Eakkapop Thongtub CCTV caught the moment when Ms Khanuengnit struck the power pole. Image: via Eakkapop Thongtub Lt Adisorn Juhong of the Kathu Police was called to the scene, on Wichit Songkram Rd northbound between Kathu Municipality and the Kathu Shrine, at about a half past midnight. Police together with rescue workers from Kathu Municipality arrived at the scene to find Khanuengnit Onoaun, 34, still attached to the power pole, impaled through her upper chest by a steel rod that electrical workers use to climb the pole when carrying out repairs. The steel rod had gone through her and was sticking out about two inches out of her body, Lt Adisorn told The Phuket News. Nearby was the black-pink Honda Click motorbike Ms Khanuengnit was riding at the time of the accident with heavy damage to its front. Rescue workers took five minutes to cut the steel rod and free Ms Khanuengnit from the pole. She was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital with the rod still through her chest. Lt Adisorn explained that footage from CCTV cameras in the area showed Ms Khanuengnit was riding at speed from the Kathu intersection, at the junction with Phra Phuket Kaew Rd, when it appears she may have fallen asleep and hit the power pole. At this stage, I have not received any update of Ms Khanuengnits condition from the hospital. I will call to check soon. Lt Adisorn said. We will question her about the incident after she is discharged from the hospital. he said. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 20:05:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People wearing face masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 12, 2021. Malaysia recorded its highest single-day death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday after the virus claimed 39 more lives, bringing the total deaths to 1,761, according to the Health Ministry. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia recorded its highest single-day death toll from COVID-19 on Wednesday after the virus claimed 39 more lives, bringing the total deaths to 1,761, according to the Health Ministry. Malaysia has suffered a resurgence of COVID-19 cases which has forced the government to impose a nationwide movement control order till June to curb the spread. The previous record for single day fatalities was reported on Sunday with 26 deaths. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a press statement that the victims ranged from 43 to 88-years-old, with the majority of them suffering from existing health complications. Another 4,765 new COVID-19 infections were reported, of which seven are imported and 4,758 are local transmissions, bringing the national total to 453,222. Some 3,124 patients have been released after recovery, bringing the total number of cured and discharged to 411,360 or 90.8 percent of all cases. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that 132 individuals had been repatriated from India, where the pandemic has been spreading. Malaysia has implemented a travel ban on India from April 28 and later expanded it to other South Asian countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh over concerns of more infectious variants of COVID-19. Enditem City_news featured Liberals shut down debate on Internet censorship bill Liberal and NDP MPs voted in committee last week to shut down debate on a motion on their Bill C-10 which would give the Federal government through the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) unprecedented censorship powers over broadcasting by expanding the definition to include everything from newspaper websites to user-generated content on social media. The Conservatives had put forward a motion that this would violate the Charter of Rights protection in Sec.2b that Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication. A motion by Conservative MP Rachael Harder called for the Heritage committee to send the bill back to the Justice Minister for an updated charter statement. Charter statements are issued by the Justice Minister and look at the potential effects a government bill might have under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The reason for the call was that the Liberals had removed Section 4.1 from C-10, which protected individual user-generated content from regulation and censorship. That was the motion that was defeated. Liberal MP Julie Dabrusin proposed the motion to close debate on the bill, effectively stopping the discussion. The five Liberal MPs on the committee and the sole NDP MP voted in favour of stopping the debate. The four Conservative committee members and one Bloc Quebecois member voted against. In February, Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, said the goal of Internet and social media regulation should be to prevent the chipping away at the credibility of our institutions, at the fundamental trust in Canadas public service and the institutions that support the very important work that is being done in our country. Her statement was met with significant national criticism as opening the door to censorship of any criticism of any government, which is a fundamental right in all democracies. Critics have pointed out that the removal of Sec. 4.1 would give the CRTC control over much of the content Canadians post online, with former CRTC commissioner Peter Menzies saying that move doesnt just infringe on free expression, it constitutes a full-blown assault upon it and, through it, the foundations of democracy. Bill C-10 started out last November to expand the powers of the CRTC under the Broadcasting Act to regulate digital streaming platforms like Netflix and You Tube on the same basis as radio and television. Several weeks ago, the Liberals added an amendment removing Sec. 4.1 protection which removal gives the CRTC power to regulate all user-generated posts anywhere on social media streaming or not and indeed throughout the Internet. The CRTC would have effective power to remove or block anything it considers offensive or improper without any prior notice or process of appeal. This was an about face from the Trudeau governments months-long assertions that the Bill would not be used against individual expressions on either the net or social media. The censorship powers this would give this government would be on a par with Chinas as when that government takes down images of the Tiananmen Square Uprising that many Chinese individuals post on the anniversary of that attempt at freedom. For the first time federal law would give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission the power to judge the content of every post, every user video, every podcast, and every website to determine whether it is free of any information it doesnt like and full enough of Canadian content. The power to regulate websites would also, indirectly, give Ottawa the power to control the content of newspapers for the first time. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 23:00:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker prepares to unload cargo containers from the China-Europe freight train at the BILK logistics center in Budapest, Hungary, on April 27, 2020. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Trade between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) jumped 50.2 percent to 30.13 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2021, an official said Wednesday. Ren Hongbin, assistant minister of commerce, told a press conference that China's imports from CEECs reached 8.17 billion dollars in the period, up 44.7 percent year on year. The country also plans to import goods worth 170 billion dollars from CEECs in the next five years, according to Ren. Bucking a global downturn, the China-CEEC trade expanded 8.4 percent year on year to 103.45 billion dollars last year, Ren said, adding that the bilateral trade maintained an average annual growth of 8 percent between 2012 and 2020. Looking ahead, Ren said that China will further increase imports and promote the balance of trade via platforms such as the China-CEEC Expo and the China International Import Expo. The second China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair will be held from June 8-11 in the eastern city of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. It is expected to attract more than 2,000 guests and 6,000 domestic purchasers. License transfer approved for Bar Louie in Patriot Place, operations to remain the same Please note The Sun Chronicle is providing this story and all of our local coronavirus coverage for free so that all readers have access to this important information about the pandemic. Please visit our dedicated coronavirus coverage page for more stories. If you'd like to support our mission, please subscribe. NEW YORK (AP) More than 60 years after his death, Richard Wright is again a bestselling author and very much in line with the present. The Man Who Lived Underground, a short novel written in the 1940s and never published in full until this spring, is the surreal but credible story of a Black man who is tortured by police into confessing to a double murder he didn't commit. He escapes into the city's sewer system. Like an inversion of the American road novel or a tale of space travel, Fred Daniels inhabits a world outside the world, making up the rules as he goes along and seeing his old life in a new way. At one point, he breaks into a real estate office that collects money from poor Black people. Daniels finds a wad of money, and helps himself to a typewriter, radio and cleaver, among other items. He did not feel that he was stealing, for the cleaver, the radio, and the money were on the same level of value, all meant the same thing to him, Wright observes. They were the toys of the men who lived in the dead world of sunshine and rain he had left, the world that had condemned him. Released by the Library of America, an unofficial canon of the country's literature, The Man Who Lived Underground also includes the Wright essay Memories of My Grandmother and an afterword from his grandson, the writer-filmmaker Malcolm Wright. The novel has reached the bestseller lists of The New York Times and the independent booksellers' Indiebound among others, and has brought new attention to an author defined, sometimes to his detriment, by his famed debut Native Son. Countless students have been assigned Wright's 1940 narrative about the poor young Black Chicagoan, Bigger Thomas, who in a state of panic murders a rich white girl, later murders his Black girlfriend and is tried and sentenced to death. The rare work by a Black writer to be featured by the Book of the Month Club, Native Son was among the most famous works of its time, and Bigger became a symbol of the damage done by a racist society. But Wright's standing was challenged in the late '40s by James Baldwin, then an emerging writer, who criticized Native Son as simplistic protest fiction and wrote that Wright had failed to present Black life as a continuing and complex group reality. Kiese Laymon, whose works include the acclaimed memoir Heavy, is among the current writers who admire The Man Who Lived Underground and believe it will change Wright's legacy. It gives us a lot from Wright that we haven't seen before, says Laymon, who, like Wright, is a Mississippi native. It's almost like a meta novel. Fred is experimenting, and you can see that Wright's desire is to discover and experiment. Charlie Braxton, a Mississippi-based poet and playwright, said his initial reaction to the book was anger at what happens to Daniels. But he was inspired by Wrights use of a psychological crime thriller to serve "as a profound critique of racism/white supremacy and capitalism, and also touch upon organized religion and its role in the exploitation of Black people. Wright worked on the book not long after Native Son came out, drawing on the true story of a Los Angeles man who lived for more than a year in the city's sewers; on memories of his Seventh Day Adventist grandmother; and on the Invisible Man films of the 1930s and 40s, a theme which predates by several years Ralph Ellisons classic novel Invisible Man. Wright's publisher, Harper, turned The Man Who Lives Underground down, with one reader finding the author's depiction of police violence against Daniels unbearable. A shortened version of the novel, without Daniels' initial encounter with the police, was published in a 1944 story anthology and appeared in a collection of Wright's work that came out in 1961, a year after his death. The revival of The Man Who Lived Underground began more than a decade ago, when the author's daughter and literary executor Julia Wright wanted to unearth some of his unpublished work. She was a prisoners' rights activist at the time, met with Mumia Abu-Jamal and other death row inmates, and followed closely the stories of police shootings of people of color, and the dismemberment of James Byrd by a gang of white supremacists. In 2010, Julia Wright was seated in the comfortable, secluded, air-conditioned calm of the Beinecke Archives where my fathers manuscripts are housed at Yale University. She told the AP that she "came across a long version of the short story I knew so well but augmented by the 50 pages on police brutality. Bringing the whole work to light was not only timely, it was a cure against the physical dismemberment suffered by the James Byrds of our dark history. She discussed a reissue with Library of America, which had already published two volumes of her father's work, and renewed her push last summer after the murder of George Floyd. We all understood that the publication was a priority, she said, adding that her father would have been pleased by the book's reception. He would have chuckled at this poetic justice. Sat and smoked his pipe for awhile without any complacency for Americas immediate future. And, true to himself, he would have soon reached out for some paper to jot down a new white heat idea. EDWARDSVILLE A Madison County redistricting map that would reduce the county board to 25 members from the current 29 was introduced, and a new county administrator and information technology (IT) director were approved at a special meeting Tuesday. The special meeting was the first in-person county board meeting in more than a year because of COVID-19 restrictions. Ironically, the meeting still was broadcast using the Twitch system, but was delayed because of technical difficulties. Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler had originally called the meeting to present his proposed map. Board districts are remade every 10 years because of the census. After the meeting Prenzler said the criteria was to reduce the number of board seats, and that there be no bias in the redistricting, except not to dilute political representation in minority neighborhoods. Then it went directly to state law, he said. That includes keeping each districts population a similar size; keeping the districts compact; and, following municipal, township and precinct lines if possible. Prenzler said the proposed plan does all of that. The map was prepared under a $4,500 contract with the University of Illinois Geographic Information Systems Lab in Springfield, which Prenzler signed in April. A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, in the county board room at the Administration Building. The county board is required to hold a public hearing before voting on a proposed map. The state requires counties must approve a map by July 1. The issue came up previously in January when Prenzler called a special meeting to discuss and vote on an advisory referendum to reduce the boards size. At the meeting no board member was willing to make a motion to consider the proposal, so the meeting was adjourned with almost no discussion. At Tuesdays special meeting the board also approved the appointment of County Administrator Dave Tanzyus and IT Director Chris Bethel. The positions had been vacant since the firing of former county administrator Doug Hulme and former IT director Rob Dorman in April 2020. Tanzyus was the recently appointed administrator at Madison County Community Development, and Bethel had been acting IT director. Tanzyus was appointed to the Community Development position in December, and has extensive experience in government. He served as district director for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; oversaw the southern region of the state of Illinois comptrollers Local Debt Recovery Program under Judy Baar Topinka, a former state treasurer; served as Madison Countys commissioner on the Bi-State Development Board (Metro), which included a term as Metros Audit Committee chairman during two Metro Link expansions. Tanzyus also worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and on the (then) federally funded Comprehensive Child Development Program. He served as an elected board member and president to the Collinsville Area Recreation District. He has a bachelors degree in history from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Arts in communications from Lindenwood University. Bethel started working for IT in January 2017. He began as a project manager, then became manager of network services. Hes served as interim IT director for the department during the past year. He has a bachelors degree in computer management and information systems from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to the county, Bethel worked in various IT positions, including computer operator and assistant network administrator. Bethel also worked as a legislative aide/communications liaison, communications analyst and as district director for former Republican Illinois State Rep. Dwight Kay. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 01:45:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GAZA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A Hamas official said on Wednesday that Hamas' conditions for any cease-fire with Israel are that Israel "completely stops violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque and the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem." In an interview with local media, Hamas spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum also denied reports that a high-ranking Egyptian security delegation was expected to arrive in Gaza soon as part of the efforts to reach a cease-fire between Israel and the militant groups in Gaza. Earlier in the day, a Palestinian source close to Hamas told the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper that Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations are making contacts to reach a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. The source said the last contact with the three mediators was on Tuesday afternoon when they proposed a comprehensive cease-fire that begins at midnight. "Our answer was clear that there would be no cease-fire before stopping the Israeli assaults in Jerusalem and stopping the airstrikes on the Gaza Strip," the source added. The tension in the Gaza Strip has been flaring up since Monday afternoon, with more rockets being fired from Gaza into Israel and Israeli fighter jets intensifying bombing on militants' posts and facilities in Gaza. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Hamas-run health ministry, said in a press statement that 56 Palestinians were killed, including 14 children, five women and one elderly man, and 335 were wounded as a result of the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in an official press statement sent to reporters that Bassem Issa, commander of the militant group in Gaza city, was killed in an Israeli air attack. According to the statement, Issa, along with three other militants, was killed while preparing for launching more rockets from Gaza into Israel. Enditem WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration on Wednesday took aim at China and a number of other countries for repressing religious freedom as it forges ahead with its aim of restoring human rights as a primary focus of American foreign policy. The condemnation was similar to that lodged by the Trump administration, which had been criticized for prioritizing religious freedom over other rights, and reflected continuity in the U.S. position that Chinas crackdown on Muslims and other religious minorities in western Xinjiang constitutes genocide. Yet, a senior official said religious freedom is just one element in the administration's broader human rights strategy. Much as his predecessor did, Secretary of State Antony Blinken used the release of the State Departments annual International Religious Freedom Report to lambaste China for severe restrictions on its citizens ability to worship freely. He also announced a travel ban on a former senior Chinese official the U.S. accuses of persecuting members of the Falun Gong religious sect. China broadly criminalizes religious expression and continues to commit crimes against humanity and genocide against Muslim Uyghurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups," Blinken told reporters as he unveiled the report for the calendar year 2020. The report itself said Christians, Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners in China all suffer from severe societal discrimination in employment, housing, and business opportunities. While Blinken did not spare China from criticism, his remarks were less extensive than those of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during previous religious freedom events. Pompeo was particularly harsh in his condemnation of China's treatment of the Uyghurs and other religious minorities, often devoting entire speeches to the subject. In his comments, Blinken also lashed out at abuses of religious freedom in Iran, Myanmar, Russia. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, all of which were identified in the report as offenders. Daniel Nadel, a top official in the State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom, said Wednesday's report did not represent a shift in the way the U.S. views human rights but rather a recognition that religious rights are equally as important as political rights. Its not a departure, certainly, from any prior concept, but its a clarification, because Secretary Pompeo did express his view that there was perhaps a hierarchy of rights concept. And thats a view that this administration does depart from," Nadel said. Lackawanna Countys tax claim bureau acted too hastily when it sold a former Scranton womans home at a judicial sale just 17 days after mailing her a notice saying the property was in jeopardy, the state Commonwealth Court ruled. In a 25-page opinion, the court criticized the bureaus handling of the sale of Gail Browns 911 Albright Ave. property, finding it did not do enough to notify her before selling it to Eric Kropiewnicki in 2017. It vacated the court order authorizing the sale, meaning Brown will get the property back, barring a successful appeal by Kropiewnicki or the tax claim bureau. The precedent-setting ruling could also impact future cases locally and statewide because it enlarged the time period for property owners to file an appeal under certain conditions, attorneys involved in the case said. Browns attorney, Lee Herman of Media, hailed the decision as an important victory in ensuring property owners rights are protected. For the government to take away someones home is an immense, immense power that should be only allowed when they follow procedure, Herman said. It is clear the tax claim bureau did not do what it was supposed to do in terms of notifying Ms. Brown. Joseph Joyce III, attorney for the tax claim bureau, strongly disagrees with the courts findings. He took particular issue with its portrayal of the bureau. When you read the order, it looks like we rushed to do this, Joyce said. We didnt rush to do this. We followed the process. Kropiewnicki also faulted the ruling, which he contends deprives him of a property he rightfully obtained. The home sat vacant for years, he said. Hes invested a lot of time and money to clean it up and repair it. I dont understand how they can come back now and say they want it after I started cutting the grass and cleaning it up, he said. The case hinged on a legal dispute over whether the bureaus allegedly insufficient efforts to locate Brown warranted overturning a court order that authorized the sale for Browns failure to pay $3,722 in taxes owed for 2014 and 2015. Properties with back taxes first go up for sale on the upset tax sale list. A bidder is responsible to pay all back taxes and any mortgage or liens. If the property does not sell, it goes on the judicial sale list. It is then sold to the highest bidder, who gets the property free and clear of any taxes or liens. A judge must issue a court order authorizing the sale of every property on a judicial sale list and ensure the county strictly follows notification procedures. In Browns case, the sheriffs office attempted to serve her but found the home was vacant. The county then published notice of the sale in two area newspapers and mailed a letter to Brown at the Albright Avenue address on March 10, 2017. It got no reply and officials placed the home on the March 27, 2017, judicial sale list. Kropiewnicki submitted the winning bid of $8,000 for the home, which is valued at about $70,000, and received the deed in June 2017. Brown, who now lives in New Jersey, learned the home was sold in October or November 2017, but did not appeal until April 2018. Property owners have six months to appeal the sale from the date the deed is recorded by the new owner. Brown argued her case warranted an exception because she was not notified of the sale. The Commonwealth Court agreed. In overturning the sale, the court faulted the county for not taking further steps to locate Brown, given the sheriffs office noted the property was vacant. It noted that the notice mailed to Brown was returned to the bureau, but by then the sale had already gone through. The bureau ... did not wait to see if that mail would be returned, the court said. The haste at which these actions were taken is not consistent with the notice requirements of the law. Joyce defended the bureaus actions. He noted it repeatedly tried to notify Brown of the upset tax sale and judicial sale and it followed the same procedure it does in all cases. Its our mission to collect taxes. We dont want to sell your house, he said. The key issue in Browns case is there were no notations on the file to show other efforts, such as checking voter registration, that were taken to locate her. Joyce said the bureau is considering appealing the ruling. The section relating to the statute of limitations is important and has implications for future cases because it gives property owners another legal basis to appeal after the statute expires. There has to be some finality here, he said. Kropiewnicki said he also is investigating his legal options. He purchased the home, which remains vacant, with the intent on moving in, but put off those plans because of the challenge to the sale. If the court ruling stands, he will only be reimbursed for the $8,000 he paid. He believes the county is responsible for the situation and should reimburse him for about $40,000 of repairs and labor he put into the property. Free and clear means free and clear, Kropiewnicki said. I hope it does not come to the point I have to sue. Archbald Marker/flag replacement: Sons of the American Legion Ambrose Revels Post 328 replacing grave markers and flags on veterans graves on Sunday in preparation of Memorial Day, volunteers of all ages are always welcome, meet at the post, 426 Main St., at 1 p.m., food and refreshments served at the post afterwards. Olyphant Pasta dinner: Takeout-only pasta dinner, Kingsbury Lodge 466 F&AM, Saturday, 3-6 p.m., 410 Delaware Ave., $10/adults and $6/7-12; tickets: John DePrimo, 570-906-5360, or at door. Taylor Bake sale: St. Pauls Independent Bible Church basket raffle and bake sale, May 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 401 W. Grove St., large variety of baskets from local vendors, homemade items as well as gift certificates from various restaurants and nearby businesses, all funds go toward badly needed church repairs. The church has some local Boy Scouts that are helping make these repairs possible while working toward Eagle Scout badges but they need help with donations of materials. Federal health officials cleared the way Thursday for fully vaccinated people to go maskless indoors and outdoors without social distancing in most cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the new guidance during a briefing shown online, citing improved numbers of COVID-19s spread. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the new CDC mask guideline goes into effect automatically because a March 16 department order defers to the CDC on masks for the fully vaccinated. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment where we can get back to some sense of normalcy. Based on the continuing downward trajectory of cases, with scientific data on the performance of our vaccines, and our understanding of how the virus spreads, that moment has come for those who are wholly vaccinated. Walensky recommended anyone with a compromised immune system speak to a doctor before going maskless. Businesses, state and local governments and other groups may still require masks, the CDC said. Masks will remain required at health care facilities. (Thursdays) guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated, Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a statement. This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70% of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order. Fully vaccinated means two weeks have passed since someone got their final dose of a vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses; the Johnson & Johnson requires only one. Shortly after Thursdays CDC announcement, Coopers Seafood House in Scranton, took to Facebook to ask customers if fully vaccinated staff members should stop wearing masks. Most commenters said no more masks. Those who disagreed pointed out that not everyone is vaccinated yet, including children, and urged the staff to wear masks for the safety of those customers not yet vaccinated. Restaurant owner Jack Cooper said staff will continue wearing masks for now until he has a better sense of what customers are comfortable with. Were just going to wait right now, Cooper said. He said he is developing a card that staff can wear to show they are fully vaccinated. For Commonwealth Coffeehouse, which opened in February at the corner of Lackawanna Avenue and Penn Avenue in Scranton, wearing masks and asking customers to do the same is normal. Owner Tom Bonin looks forward to having those who are fully vaccinated being able to shed masks. He expects his summer business to really perk up from the combination of the CDCs new guidance on masks and Gov. Tom Wolfs order earlier this month ending all COVID-19 occupancy restrictions on restaurants, bars and other places people gather, effective Memorial Day. Im happy that the health care professionals feel that were working our way out of the pandemic and Ill follow the experts advice, Bonin said. Walter Higinson, 68, of Carbondale, also welcomed the news as a step toward returning to pre-pandemic life. It sounds like were going to get back to normal, at least close to it, he said. But not everyone was as enthusiastic. Willis Bell, 44, of Vandling, said he doesnt agree with the CDCs new guidance and plans to keep wearing a mask despite being fully vaccinated. Hes considering his daughter, who is immunocompromised due to a blood disorder. I feel we should all be wearing masks at this point until everything starts to straighten out, Bell said. Theres other people out there with health issues, and just because youre vaccinated, that doesnt mean youre fully covered. Joe Farley, 37, of Dunmore, works in a cancer center and said he sees first-hand the toll COVID-19 continues to take on the region. He said emergency rooms are packed, people are still testing positive for the virus and theres plenty of people who are skeptical about getting the vaccine. Im still going to mask when Im in public, at the store, at work, he said. I think Im going to mask for the next six-plus months, until I see more people getting the vaccine and trusting science. Jim Lockwood, Brooke Williams and Erin L. Nissley contribute to this report. U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday just as planned new guidelines say its OK for people of any age to get a coronavirus shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations. The shots will let kids safely attend camps this summer and help assure a more normal return to classrooms next school year, concluded advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And this is another way to get closer to ending this horrible pandemic, said adviser Dr. Camille Kotton of Harvard Medical School. The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. It just felt like a flu shot, honestly, said Meredith Rogers, 14, from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination. Michelle Rogers, Merediths mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back. A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, were all in, Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump. Pfizers vaccine has been used for months in people 16 and older, and earlier this week the Food and Drug Administration cleared its use for those as young as age 12. But before rolling it out to the younger kids, much of the nation was awaiting recommendations from CDCs advisers and the panel concluded the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in those 12 to 15 years old, too. The CDC rapidly accepted its advisers recommendation. A key question: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctors visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? Thats an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic but its an issue for adults, too. The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects cropped up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved very safe and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time for people of any age. The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also urged that kids 12 and older get the Pfizer vaccine and agreed its fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time. Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 but they do sometimes die, and thousands have been hospitalized. By last month, those ages 12 to 17 were making up slightly more of the nations new infections than adults over 65, a group thats now largely vaccinated. The two-dose vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech was studied in more than 2,000 kids ages 12 to 15. There were no cases of COVID-19 among vaccinated kids compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up. President Joe Biden hailed Wednesdays vote, noting that means 17 million more people in the U.S. now qualify to get vaccinated. I encourage their parents to make sure they get the shot, he said. As I promised last week, were ready. This new population is going to find the vaccine rollout fast and efficient. In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools. Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize. As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed. AP reporters Ron Harris in Decatur, Georgia, and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. 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. A jury convicted a Clarks Summit man accused of defrauding his former employer and conspiring with others to make money off false automobile warranty claims. Brian Larry, 59, was found guilty of mail fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to the FBI following a seven-day trial held before U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, according to the federal Department of Justice. Larry defrauded his former employer, a Wilkes-Barre-based automobile warranty company, from around January 2014 to October 2018, according to the department. He would steal personal information from warranty policy owners and provide it to his co-conspirators, who created false invoices for nonexistent automobile repair work they claimed was performed at various garages in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The false and forged documentation was sent to the warranty company, where Larry approved payment of the invoices. During the course of the scheme, Larry and his co-conspirators stole around $400,000 paid out by the warranty company, including thousands of dollars in repair work for Larrys personal vehicle. Three of Larrys co-conspirators Matthew Gershkoff, 64, and Jason Pannone, 39, both of North Providence, Rhode Island, and Herman Cabral, 62, of Cranston, Rhode Island pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme and agreed to pay restitution. They are awaiting sentencing. Larry faces up to 20 years in jail. A sentencing date has not been set. State police are investigating after a fire ripped through a service station in Susquehanna County near the New York border on Wednesday. An employee at Marv's Service Center, 26854 Route 11, discovered a fire at about 9:18 a.m., and flames quickly spread throughout a cinderblock storage building and a metal shop, according to state police at Dunmore. The fire consumed vehicles and garage equipment, including several customer vehicles and the center's tow trucks, but no one was hurt, according to state police. The fire closed Route 11 in Great Bend until 3:45 p.m., said Michael Taluto, a spokesman with the state Department of Transportation. The state police fire marshal unit assisted the Great Bend Fire Department with the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators believe the fire started in the storage garage area, but because of the amount of damage, an exact cause may not be determined. The fire is not believed to be suspicious, and the investigation is ongoing, according to state police. Tyrone Holmes, seeking to become the first Black member of the Scranton School Board, said people have damaged his signs, yelled racial slurs at him and sent him anonymous racist messages. The 25-year military veteran shared his experiences with The Times-Tribune on Wednesday, frustrated with comments made by board President Katie Gilmartin, one of his opponents. In remarks in a column in Wednesdays newspaper, Gilmartin compared some of the attacks against her from the teachers union to bullying. While Gilmartin has faced criticism for her voting record on the school board and is the subject of campaign mailers from the American Federation of Teachers, Holmes says he has received hate based on the color of his skin. Its not the first time Ive dealt with racism. Im nobodys victim, he said. I want someone to vote for me because Im qualified, not because someone feels bad. Holmes, 51, who seeks both Democratic and Republican nominations for one of four, four-year seats available, said he came forward this week so people can understand what he deals with and what true bullying looks like. Before Gilmartins remarks, he was enduring it in silence. As Holmes has put campaign signs in Scranton neighborhoods, he says passersby have yelled racial slurs at him. Some of those signs have been slashed, and one sign was vandalized with the drawing of a noose, according to photos he showed the newspaper. Holmes, the chairman of the Lackawanna County branch of the NAACP, said he also received an anonymous message from someone with a picture of a monkey behind a desk with the words our next school board director. Holmes said that he wants the focus of the election to be on the issues facing the school district, such as the need to restore preschool, fighting for fair funding and evaluating the recovery plan. Im not trying to make this a racist circus, he said. Gilmartin said she was appalled to learn what Holmes has faced during the campaign. Its inexcusable, she said. Its clearly not right or appropriate or decent, or a sign of good character or humanity. WASHINGTON Republicans sought to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 insurrection during a rancorous congressional hearing Wednesday, painting the Trump supporters who attacked the building as mostly peaceful patriots and downplaying repeatedly the violence of the day. Democrats, meanwhile, clashed with Donald Trumps former Pentagon chief about the unprepared government response to a riot that began when hundreds of Trump loyalists bent on overturning the election broke through police barriers, smashed windows and laid siege to the building. The colliding lines of questioning at the House Oversight Committee hearing, and a failure to settle on a universally agreed-upon set of facts, underscored the challenges Congress faces as it sets out to investigate the violence and government missteps. Former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, testifying publicly for the first time about Jan. 6, defended their agencies responses to the chaos. But the hearing almost immediately devolved into partisan bickering about how that day unfolded, with at least one Republican brazenly stating there wasnt an insurrection at all. The violence of that day is well-established, particularly after an impeachment trial that focused on the clashes between rioters and police that left officers beaten and bloodied, including one who was crushed between a door and another shocked with a stun gun before he had a heart attack. But Republican lawmakers on the committee sought to refocus the hearings attention away from those facts, repeatedly equating the insurrection with violence in American cities last summer that arose from racial justice protests. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona played video footage of violence outside the federal courthouse in Portland. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia said that while there were some rioters on Jan. 6, it was a bald-faced lie to call it an insurrection and likened it in some ways to a normal tourist visit. A Texas Republican, Rep. Pat Fallon, characterized the insurrectionists as simply a mob of misfits. In ways that fundamentally rewrote the facts of the day and the investigations that resulted, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona said the Justice Department was harassing peaceful patriots. He described Ashli Babbit, a California woman who was fatally shot by an officer during the insurrection after climbing through the broken part of a door as having been executed, even though prosecutors have said the officer wont be prosecuted because the shooting did not break the law. It was Trump supporters who lost their lives that day, not Trump supporters who were taking the lives of others, said Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia, downplaying the violent tactics used by loyalists to the president, including spraying officers with pepper and bear spray. One Capitol Police officer who was injured while confronting rioters suffered a stroke and died a day later of natural causes. Dozens more were severely injured, some of whom may never return to duty. This was a violent white supremacist mob who assaulted the nations Capitol said Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. It was a deadly and dangerous insurrection that was incited by Donald Trump. Democrats clashed with Miller over the hours-long gap between when National Guard support was first discussed and the time troops arrived. Rep. Ro Khanna of California told Miller he was dumfounded we had someone like you in that role. After Miller descried a statement from Lynch, the Massachusetts congressman, as ridiculous, Lynch replied that Miller himself was ridiculous. You were AWOL, Mr. Secretary, said Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. Thats completely inaccurate, Miller replied. Thats completely inaccurate. In testimony aimed at rebutting broad criticism that military forces were too slow to be deployed, Miller told the committee he was concerned before the insurrection that sending troops to the Capitol could fan fears of a military coup and cause a repeat of the deadly Kent State shootings in 1970. No such thing was going to occur on my watch, but these concerns, and hysteria about them, nonetheless factored into my decisions regarding the appropriate and limited use of our armed forces to support civilian law enforcement during the Electoral College certification, Miller said. My obligation to the nation was to prevent a constitutional crisis. Miller said that though military involvement in domestic law enforcement should be a last resort, he regarded the speed at which the National Guard was dispatched as among the most expedient deployments in history. He said he stood by each decision he made that day. He said that though he believed Trump had encouraged his supporters to protest the election results, he did not believe Trumps rhetoric which led to his impeachment was the unitary factor in the riot. This drew complaints from Democrats, who said Miller appeared to be softening criticism of Trump that he voiced in earlier media interviews. Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate of having incited the riot. Miller denied that Trump had any involvement in the Defense Departments response, saying the two of them did not speak that day. Democrats nonetheless honed in on Trump and his role in the riot. The failures of Jan. 6 go beyond the craven lies and provocations of one man, said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat and the committees chairwoman. Rosen in his testimony defended the Justice Departments preparation and also said there was no evidence of widespread election fraud that could have caused the results to be voided. His former boss, William Barr, has said the same. Associated Press writer Nomaan Merchant in Washington contributed to this report. Hillsboro Woman Dies In I-35 Crash A crash on Interstate 35 claimed the life of a Hillsboro woman and injured an Itasca police officer Saturday morning, May 8. According to Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports, the crash occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. near mile marker 9 in Itasca, while an Itasca police officer was conducting a traffic stop. Reports indicated that the officer was inside a patrol car when a GMC Acadia traveling northbound drove onto the shoulder and crashed into the vehicle. The impact caused the officer's vehicle to be pushed forward and crash into a Hyundai Tucson. The driver of the GMC, identified as Lizzie Jackson, 72, of Hillsboro, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Itasca police officer, who was not identified by the department, was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The passenger of the Hyundai was transported to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth to be treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The Department of Public Safety investigated. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 02:29:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Workers load the medical aid for Palestinians at the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation's warehouse in Zarqa Governorate, Jordan, on May 13, 2021. King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday ordered the government to send urgent medical aid to the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, according to a Royal Court statement. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) AMMAN, May 12 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday ordered the government to send urgent medical aid to the Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, according to a Royal Court statement. Earlier in the day, the Jordanian king discussed the latest developments in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a phone call, reaffirming the coordination to end the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, state-run Petra news agency reported. Condemning the ongoing Israeli violation of the rights of the Palestinians, Jordanians held anti-Israel protests near the Israeli embassy in Jordan for the fourth day in a row. "Israel exercised excessive force against worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque and launched military operations against the Gaza Strip that already killed dozens of Palestinian civilians. We are here to express our ultimate support to the innocent Palestinians who dream of an independent country and freedom from occupation," Subhi Abu Fattoh, a university student, told Xinhua during the protests. Chanting slogans in support of the Palestinian resistance, the protesters demanded the government expel the Israeli ambassador to Jordan and end the peace treaty signed in 1994 between the two countries. At least 56 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip and six in Israel since Monday in the worst fighting between Israel and Gazan militants since 2014. Enditem We stand at a unique moment in the Scranton School District. For the first time in a long time, we have an opportunity to expand our offerings to students through wise and careful investment of federal COVID-19 relief funding. The planned programs have been presented and district administrators have begun engaging stakeholders to provide feedback, a requirement of all federal programs. The pandemic was fraught with challenges that were, at times, overwhelming but we are poised to make lemonade out of the lemons of this last year. A summer academy is planned that will inspire and engage our students in programs that will mitigate learning loss and offer enrichment for those who wish to expand on a course of study. Of utmost importance is the social and emotional well-being of our students. These funds will allow the district to provide additional resources to ease the transition back to the classroom and to help address the impacts of residual trauma resulting from a year of isolation and uncertainty. The fall will see investments in curriculum and technology and an extended school day program that will allow our students to participate in activities that may not fit into their daily schedules. The proposed expansion of transportation to include our high school students endeavors to increase attendance rates, thereby strengthening academic outcomes. These funds allowed us to achieve the goal of a one-to-one technology program thought to be years in the future. We stand ready to work alongside city and county officials to explore improvements to our communitys technology infrastructure. Ongoing communication among these parties can maximize the impact of these dollars for years to come. This is an extraordinary investment, making it all the more vital that we realize its full potential. One-time expenditures with long-term uses must be prioritized in our spending. Experts, analysts and even state legislators caution against using these funds to support recurring costs. If programs are to be ongoing, they must be self-sustaining or eligible for other funding streams. The expenditure controls dictated by the recovery plan coupled with the unexpected savings linked to the virtual learning model, have resulted in an unassigned fund balance for the first time since 2012. We must stay the course. All across the state, advocates are sounding the call for equitable funding. Proposed legislation directs $100 million to the 100 most under-funded districts; a lawsuit that seeks to rectify inadequate state funding goes to court this fall. The pandemic laid bare the inequities that exist in public education. Those with adequate resources were able to react nimbly to changing educational models, immediately providing the necessary tools for online learning and addressing virus mitigation efforts without hesitation. The last year also illuminated the indispensable role public schools play not only in educating our children but in supporting our families and enabling our economy to thrive. This is the moment to define our priorities. This historic influx sets our gaze on the possibilities before us. But only recurring, reliable dollars allow districts to plan proactively, attract and retain high-caliber staff and exceed the expectations of 21st century education. Editor: The movie The Father is a timely public service announcement. Actor Anthony Hopkins portrayal was hideously accurate; I can attest to that. As full-time caretaker for my mom I saw everything in that movie that she went through, from the swearing to the paranoia, to the charm act, to the disparaging remarks, to the sobbing and calling for her mother, to wanting to go home. At night I used to hold her hand and call her baby and shush her just like the nurse in the movie did. I wrote Hopkins a fan letter thanking him. People think it is just a nice doddering oldster who forgets names. Its not. Its a catastrophe. Hopkins embodied that. Consequently, caregivers are dismissed as people who make a few lunches and take walks and whats the big deal? He validated us. Even Pfizer has given up. The pharmaceutical giant closed its dementia division in 2019. Moms neurologist just gave us a couple of websites, a hotline number and the accurately titled book: The 36 Hour Day. The doctor prescribed every antidepressant and antipsychotic up to and including Haldol. None helped. Some medical personnel have a cruel acronym for those with dementia: GOMER.... which stands for get out of my emergency room. When dementia patients have six months to live they are not competent to sign for euthanasia meds, so they have to starve to death because they can no longer swallow, or die from bed sores or pneumonia from aspirating their own saliva, as actress Mary Tyler Moore did. This is going to become so big that it will change society, cost billions and become visible on the streets. Nobody is prepared, but its coming. Right now its the silent generation. Wait until its the baby boomers. JEAN SAPIONE TAYLOR Editor: Lest we take comfort in the election of Joe Biden as president and new legislation for the people, we are still not out of the woods. Trumpism is not about to go away. It is painful to learn that lies matter in the Trumpist version of the Republican Party. A substantial number of Republicans not only live with the lies but consider them a basic element in their lives. It is not just puzzling but tragic. Sen. Mitt Romney and Rep. Liz Cheney dont meet the Trumpist Republican test because they know and say that Biden is the duly elected president. The insurgency at the U.S. Capitol by an aggrieved mob on Jan. 6 is an unforgettable, nightmarish event in our history and was induced by our president at the time. It should have shocked us into awareness and action. But Trumpism continues to appear to own the Republican Party. Romney, a lifelong Republican, was booed when he spoke at a party meeting in his own state because he confesses that Biden is the duly elected president. For similar reasons Republicans on Wednesday ejected Cheney from her House leadership role. We cannot help remembering, as historian Timothy Snyder noted in his small but profound 2017 book, On Tyranny, that we are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism in the mid 20th century. But he held out the hope that we might learn from their experience. I believe a majority of us believe that and actively try to get that message across to our fellow Americans. We must speak out. We are the majority. We have seen constructive legislation moving forward robustly in the Biden administration. It has relieved us, but that is not enough. We must fight to save our democracy. SONDRA MYERS SCRANTON Editor: Former Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick OMalley was right. If you want to get something done, dont expect Commissioner Jerry Notarianni to help. OMalleys doomed alliance with a Republican commissioner was an attempt to make progress. Neither got reelected, but Notarianni did, demonstrating that the dark side of the rock is a good place to hang out. Now Notarianni has decided to meddle in the mayoral race by endorsing city Controller John Murray for mayor. Political associations can be helpful or not. Republican Commissioner Chris Chermak saw no future in trying to work with somnambulant Notarianni and seeks greener pastures in his bid for a state Senate seat. Murray might see the wisdom in not openly embracing Notariannis endorsement. Lackawanna County has done nothing for its inhabitants for as long as most of us can remember, certainly not in the last six years. By accepting this endorsement, the implication is so goes the county then goes the city. Scranton is so much better than the deadbeat county that surrounds it and cannot allow itself to be politically influenced by the county now or going forward. GARY COLVIN SCRANTON Editor: Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti joined a bogus lawsuit filed by other municipalities challenging the state Legislatures restrictions on local gun laws. This suit needs to be dismissed immediately. There is no empirical evidence to support such laws, even if they would be legitimate under the state constitution. All these laws would do is confuse legitimate gun owners and potentially make them criminals and hence subject to the revocation of their gun rights. Move, or even travel, from Dunmore, which has no such law, into Scranton and violate an arbitrary and capricious law. The state constitution is quite clear on the subject of gun ownership as well as transgressions of the higher powers, which would prohibit courts from approving such a lawsuit. These suits and the laws they would enable are not about gun safety. Instead they are incremental eradication of gun rights via the courts. DAVID KVERAGAS NEWTON TWP. MARISSA BERGEL, Wheeler softball, senior: Bergel hit a two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning to lift Wheeler past Holy Cross, 9-7, in the Class S state tournament. The hit was part of a five-run rally in the inning. JOEY GUARNIERI, Westerly track & field, senior: Guarnieri placed first in two sprints at the Southern Division championships. He won the 100 (11.19) and the 200 (22.73). JOSH MOONEY, Stonington track & field, sophomore: Mooney placed first in the 110 hurdles at the Class M state meet in 14.65. He also finished second in the 300 hurdles (39.87) and second in the javelin (160-0). MARGARET WEEDEN, Chariho track & field, junior: Weeden finished first in the high jump at the Southern Division championships. Weeden cleared 5-1 and also placed sixth in the triple jump at 31-5. Vote View Results Frustrated learner drivers are finding they have to wait months on end to book a driving test after a surge in demand when lockdown restrictions lifted. One reader, John, got in touch to say his daughter was unable to book a driving test at all, despite extending the search to within a 30 mile radius and over six centres. He is concerned not only of the pressure she is facing but also the difficulty finding and commuting to work as they live far from public transport options. Many learner drivers have revealed their frustration at the currently long wait for driving tests He said: 'Today my daughter failed her test and we are desperately trying to rebook to get her on track. 'But the Government website shows absolutely no appointments available in Grimsby, Louth Lincoln, Boston, Skegness and so on. 'I do not know what to do for her, this is so frustrating and will have direct impact on her job searches. This is a right royal mess with no government support for the centres to work through the backlog.' While the national average waiting time for a driving test is under 13 weeks, when it was at 17 weeks earlier this year, many have reported they are unable to book a test at all. This has been stressful for many learners who now do not know when they might expect to pass their test as well as the extra nerves that come alongside the long wait - there is more at stake when you know it could be months until another test comes up. For others, like John's daughter, not being able to drive could hinder their job opportunities and future prospects. Further confusion has arisen for learners who believed they are unable to still book a test in 2022 as the system shows the slots as 'unavailable'. However, the DVLA confirmed these are showing as such because they are not yet available to book rather than being fully booked already. The test booking system only offers tests up to 24 weeks in advance - currently up to mid October - and new tests are added every week. This means those looking to book further ahead than October will not be able to. Both car driving tests and lessons were suspended for months due to the pandemic until mid-April when thousands sought to book their exams after a long wait. Demand is so high that there are currently 463,129 practical car tests booked in, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). As such, it said it expects to offer an additional 2,500 car tests per month across the country by utilising weekends and Bank Holidays. It added this will increase as coronavirus restrictions lift whilst it is also recruiting new examiners to help reduce the backlog of driving tests caused by the pandemic. So far, it has received over 5,000 applications and plans to recruit up to 300 people. However, for now, the backlog is still huge with many concerned they are unable to book a test in. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration. One user believes they weren't able to book in 2022 despite the slots not yet being free Another user said they weren't able to book a date in 2022 as they say 'unavailable' This Twitter user shared their frustration at the lack of available dates online One learner driver said trying to book a test 'is like trying to find a needle in a haystack' This user said his son was unable to book a test after having 3 cancelled due to the coronavirus One of the main problems for those having to wait is the likelihood they will have to resit their theory test as the pass only lasts for two years. There were calls for the Government to extend the theory test certificates but it declined to do so 'to ensure learners safety' meaning they will need to pass another test if their certificate expires. The DVSA said that, for many, since passing their theory test, their more recent lessons and practice sessions will have been significantly curtailed during recent lockdowns and it is likely their skills base will have diminished. It added research shows this would be particularly harmful for hazard perception skills as candidates who score well in this area of the theory test are less likely to be involved in an accident as a new driver. In the four months from October 2020 to January 2021, 58,500 theory tests expired without passing a practical test, highlighting the number of people who will have to cough up again. For the same period in 2019, some 53,000 theory tests expired. Loveday Ryder, DVSA chief executive, said: 'I know learners will be keen to take their test now, but it is important that candidates are properly prepared and don't rush to take it. 'With more than half of candidates failing, and demand currently extremely high for tests, learners should only take their test only when they are confident they can pass. 'This will help them to avoid a lengthy wait for a retest and help us by not adding to the backlog of tests. 'We are doing all we can to provide as many tests as possible so we can get our services back to normal.' If a candidate fails their practical driving test and wants to resit it they have to choose a date at least 10 working days away. Currently, those taking a test must now wear a face covering for the duration. We purchased flooring for our house renovation from Howdens Joinery in November 2019 which equates to roughly 120m2. Unfortunately it became obvious the flooring didn't fit properly - it became broken and damaged - and we notified Howdens of this in August 2020. Following some back and forth where the company blamed the installer, we asked for an independent assessment which concluded the underlay Howdens had supplied was incorrect and in fact for laminate flooring. Howdens say they are only willing to supply new underlay and a fraction of the packs of flooring needed, despite the majority of the flooring now not fit for reuse. Howdens howler: A customer was given the wrong flooring but the firm says he will have to pay for it To make matters worse we would now need to pay someone to remove all the skirting and architrave on top, remove all the flooring, pay for additional flooring Howdens will not supply, pay for someone to install the flooring, and then pay for some to refit/replace the skirting and architrave and then redecorate it. My wife and I are at a loss, the floor is a total mess and has ruined what would have been a dream family home after the renovation. Is there anything more we can do? L.K., via email Grace Gausden, consumer expert at This is Money, replies: Your home renovation with Howdens unfortunately turned into a masterclass of how-not to treat your customers. Originally, you estimate you spent 5,000 at the retailer for the flooring and works. However, after it was fitted, it became obvious that the flooring in your property was not right there were large gaps and cracks whilst a lot of the joints were snapping and then coming apart. After reporting the issue to Howdens - and it initially trying to blame the installer - an assessment revealed the underlay it supplied was for laminate flooring, however the flooring you ordered was vinyl. Vinyl tends to be more expensive, with a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate, but it's not always immediately obvious - unless you're a real expert - of the difference. It is vital the correct underlay is supplied for the type of flooring you go for. GRACE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Grace Gausden tackles reader problems and shines the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: grace.gausden@thisismoney.co.uk Although the company said it would install new underlay free of charge, it only offered a small amount of the flooring packs for free, meaning you would have to pay for the rest plus the installation - potentially costing thousands again. However, a major sticking point in your case is that you got a family friend, who is a builder, to order the products for your home as Howdens only deals with tradespeople. This is despite you dealing directly with the company when purchasing, picking what you wanted and going to the till to place the order. While it was suggested, you do not want to start a claim against the builder as you say he has done nothing wrong and his only involvement was to help you purchase the products. He was none-the-wiser that the incorrect underlay had been supplied. I contacted Howdens as it seemed unfair you would have to pay for so much more work to your property thanks to its error. In response, it sent out a joiner to attend your house and look at the floor. Following this, you say a Howden's depot manager made a verbal offer of paying for 10 packs of underlay, 20 packs of flooring, the joiner's labour and then any subsequent flooring, equating to roughly 700. While this was not everything, you asked for this in an email as you were willing to accept the offer and swallow any extra costs. An assessment revealed the underlay Howdens supplied was for laminate flooring - not vinyl However, Howdens neglected to put the offer of free labour in the email. When you emailed to confirm this was included, it reneged and said it would not offer this. I went back to Howdens questioning this as, at this point, it seemed there was a lack of communication all round. Time was also pressing with you and your pregnant wife still living with poor flooring and no guarantee when this would be replaced. On this occasion, after pressing, Howdens confirmed to me it would actually be covering ALL costs. However, your wife was told by the branch manager the next day that, although he admits you were sold the wrong product, the responsibility still lies with yourselves and the builder as you should have checked the product before installing it. This was very frustrating as the company seemed to be telling me and you separate stories. But - after a lot of back and forth between myself, Howdens and you and your wife - it was finally confirmed in writing that Howdens have agreed to cover all costs for the works. The work, which is now due to be carried out shortly, is a full removal and replacement around the original quote value of 5,000. While this is good news, it took five months between you first emailing me to the beginning of May for this to be resolved, highlighting the poor customer service you received. A Howdens spokesperson said: 'We are sorry for the difficulties experienced by Mr K and for the service he received which fell below our usual high standard. We have agreed with him that we will cover the costs of his new flooring project. 'We apologise to Mr K for the inconvenience caused and for the time taken to resolve this issue.' You were somewhat floored by your experience with Howdens - I'll be keeping in touch to make sure it sticks to its word and installs the flooring on the newly agreed date. A Nationwide customer found that, multiple times, she was unable to make purchases online Hit and miss: This week's naughty and nice list Each week, I look at some of the companies that have fallen short of expected standards as well as those that have gone that extra mile for customers. Miss: Reader Gwen, who lives in Germany, got in touch to ask for help with her English bank, Nationwide. She said: 'I placed an online order with fashion brand Radley for 211. I received an email from the company yesterday informing that my payment had been declined because the billing address did not match their records. 'I checked to ensure I hadn't made a mistake which I hadn't. I rang Nationwide who informed me that both payments had been approved and the funds were held in "pending". 'I was given no explanation or rational reason as to why this had happened but was told the only way I could get the funds released would be to get Radley to email Nationwide providing the required information and request that the funds be released. 'However, this is the second time this has happened. 'In both cases it is when I try to purchase an item from a company I have not dealt with before and someone or something in the system triggers a stop in relation to the payment request. 'Nationwide blame Visa, Visa blame Nationwide and the respective companies blame my bank. 'In the meantime I am left embarrassed, humiliated, money on hold in my account, a bill for a 42 minute telephone call from Germany to England and no goods to show for my trouble.' As this seemed to be a recurring - and frustrating - problem for you, I contacted Nationwide to see if it could explain why this kept happening and what it could do to prevent any future embarrassment for you. A Nationwide spokesperson said: 'On reviewing this case, we believe the issue was due to our systems holding two different versions of Mrs M's address linked to her account, causing the payments to be declined as the details did not match. 'While we cannot be certain of the specific reason why the merchant in this case declined the payments, we have done all we can to mitigate this issue from reoccurring in future. 'We have contacted Mrs M and offered her 75 compensation, which she has accepted, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.' You can hopefully order online at will now the problem has been addressed. Hit: In a short but sweet email this week, reader Veronica praised energy supplier, Eon Next. She said: 'I wanted to let you know about a kind and thoughtful gesture from my energy provider, Eon Next, as it is now called. 'I recently informed them about the death of my husband and this morning I received some beautiful flowers and chocolates. 'What a lovely gesture. Nice to see the human touch.' I am extremely sorry for your loss and send my condolences. It's heartening to hear you received a truly kind gesture from your supplier in such a difficult period of time. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 03:22:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinians gather around a damaged building hit by an Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on May 12, 2021. The second day of fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group ruling the Gaza Strip left massive damage in Gaza and an increasing number of casualties on both sides on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The second day of fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group ruling the Gaza Strip left massive damage in Gaza and an increasing number of casualties on both sides on Wednesday. High-rise buildings were flattened by the Israeli air force in Gaza while over 1,000 rockets were fired by Gazan militants toward Israel throughout the day, including a rare overnight massive barrage against the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. This was the most intense fighting between rivalling Hamas and Israel since they fought a five-week-long war in 2014. In what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls, the IDF said it has killed about 30 Hamas operatives, in coordination with the Israel Security Agency. "This was only the beginning. We will inflict blows that they have never dreamed of," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when visiting injured civilians at a hospital in central Israel. "We will continue our efforts to kill senior operatives," said IDF Spokesman Jonathan Conricus in a briefing jointly held by the IDF and the Israeli Foreign Ministry early Wednesday evening. Gazan health officials said children were killed by the Israeli airstrikes, though not confirmed by the military. According to the IDF, at least 200 rockets fired from Gaza landed within the Gaza Strip, suggesting they also caused casualties among Palestinians. "The full responsibility for the people that were injured and killed in this operation and for this conflict in Gaza lies in the hands of Hamas," said Lior Haiat, spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Four Israeli civilians were killed during the latest hostilities, while an Israeli soldier was killed early Wednesday in an anti-tank missile attack on a military patrol on the Gaza border. "Israel is under a coordinated and planned attack targeting civilians all over the country," said Haiat. "This is aggression on its sovereignty and its citizens." Enditem Departing fund manager James Anderson has called on his successors to 'become more unreasonable and more distinctive' as his fund recorded the highest annual shareholder return in its history. Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust's share price rose 99 per cent and its net asset value (NAV) rose 111 per cent in the year to March 31, beating its strong performance in the periods following the Global Financial Crisis and the Great Depression. The NAV rise was also almost three times that of the FTSE-All World Index, the yardstick by which the fund measures its overall performance, over 370 per cent up on its level five years ago and 708 per cent higher over the last decade. Super investor: 'We need to remain eccentric. In fact, we need to become more so and more prepared to be radical,' said outgoing Scottish Mortgage co-manager James Anderson At 11.22, the 19billion investment trust's share price is today broadly level with its end of March 11.37 level, although has sunk back 12 per cent from the 12.77 reached at the end of April. The Baillie Gifford-controlled fund said the coronavirus pandemic had 'supercharged the prospects' of many of its investments over the past year, which are heavily concentrated among technology stocks and food delivery firms. Of the 30 largest holdings in its portfolio, 14 saw their total NAV returns more than double, while the top two by absolute performance - electric carmakers Tesla and NIO - saw returns of 479.1 per cent and 1,160.1 per cent, respectively. The group sold 80 per cent of its stake in Tesla during the year for diversification purposes, but it forecasts the company will continue to prosper due to the enhancing quality and scalability of Tesla's products. Tom Slater, the fund's co-manager, said: 'The head start it has on competitors leads us to believe that it could enjoy a long period of comparative advantage. If it can realise the potential of its AI capabilities and make its fleet largely autonomous, then this advantage will be greater still.' Meanwhile, his co-manager James Anderson said the fund's decision to back Tesla highlighted the importance of backing businesses for the long-term and not relying too heavily on their share price. Anderson, who will step down in April next year, delivered a more candid analysis in what is likely to be the last preliminary annual report with him as head of the Edinburgh-based investment trust. Supercharged: Among Scottish Mortgage's 30 largest investment holdings, Chinese electric carmaker NIO recorded the biggest annual return in NAV of 1,160.1 per cent He urged successor Tom Slater and deputy manager Lawrence Burns to 'please help Scottish Mortgage become more unreasonable and more distinctive as the pressures of the investment world continue to pull at us.' Declaring his greatest regret while running the fund was being 'insufficiently radical,' Anderson added: 'We need to remain eccentric. In fact, we need to become more so and more prepared to be radical.' Noting the fantastic success of another soon-to-be-departing boss, Jeff Bezos, he said: 'We need to reinvent from first principles. We need to help create great companies that embrace the extraordinary.' Anderson will leave the trust after two decades at the helm, during which time he redirected its holdings away from the United Kingdom and towards potentially riskier but more profitable global technology firms. Asian pivot: Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust has major holdings in the Chinese technology corporations Tencent and Alibaba, two of the Asian country's biggest companies Aside from Tesla and Amazon, Scottish Mortgage also has significant investments in China, with major holdings in the technology corporations Tencent and Alibaba, and Meituan Dianping, the world's largest online food delivery platform. Over the last year, it has put further money into Ocado, another strong pandemic performer, as well as transport and logistics businesses working in fields such as flying taxis, autonomous deliveries, and rocket engines. Yet Scottish Mortgage sold its stock in Facebook and Google's parent company Alphabet despite their impressive growth and reduced its stock in Amazon over concern about Jeff Bezos's intended departure. This did not stop the retail behemoth providing a 42.4 per cent return over the year though, and the investment trust is expecting the expanding use of digital technology by firms to provide further investment opportunities. Justin Rowley, a senior independent director on the fund's board, said: 'It might perhaps seem insensitive to look forward when the world remains in the grip of the pandemic. 'Nonetheless, it is incumbent on us to be optimistic and look beyond the current crisis. If the last year has taught us anything, it is that the world is uncertain but that we can endure and businesses can flourish in the most challenging of circumstances. 'Investment opportunities are likely to remain plentiful as companies increasingly use digital tools to revolutionise industries and build a sustainable future.' Shares in Scottish Mortgage closed trading up 2.1 per cent at 11 on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 03:37:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, said Wednesday that the situation on the ground continues deteriorating into "the most serious escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in years," according to a UN spokesman. Wennesland made the characterization in his briefing to the Security Council in closed-door consultations, a second time this week, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We are very concerned by the growing civilian casualties in both Gaza ad Israel and deeply saddened by reported deaths of children in Gaza," said Dujarric. Guterres and Wennesland have both reiterated that the indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars by Hamas and other militants from highly populated civilian neighborhoods toward civilian population centers violates international humanitarian law, and it is unacceptable and has to stop immediately, said the spokesman. While recognizing Israel's legitimate security concerns, Wennesland also reiterated that Israeli authorities must also abide by their responsibilities under international law and that Israeli security forces should exercise maximum restraint, calibrate their use of force to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations, said Dujarric. The secretary-general is particularly appalled that children continue to be victims of violence. They should be afforded special protection from any form of violence, he said. Guterres and Wennesland have called on the international community to take action to enable the parties to step back from the brink and return to the previous understandings that have maintained a relative calm in Gaza and avoid a descent into chaos, with the massive casualties and immense damage to civilian infrastructure that would result, he said. Wennesland reminded the Security Council members that it is the civilian population on both sides that bears the burden of war and that the most vulnerable are the ones at greatest risk of suffering. He also highlighted that these devastating cycles of violence, which destroy the lives and futures of Palestinians and Israelis alike, will only stop with a political solution to the conflict, an end to the occupation and a realization of a two-state solution on the basis of UN resolutions, international law and existing agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, said Dujarric. The executive director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Henrietta Fore, said Wednesday that at least 14 children on the Palestinian side and one child on the Israeli side have been reportedly killed since Monday. Ninety-five children in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and three children in Israel have reportedly been injured in the past five days, she said in a statement. "The situation is at a dangerous tipping point. The level of violence and its impact on children is devastating. We are on the brink of a full-scale war. In any war, children -- all children -- suffer first and suffer most," she said. "I call on all sides to end all violence and de-escalate tensions. I urge all sides to protect all civilians, especially children, to spare essential civilian infrastructure from attacks, and to end violations against children. I remind all sides of their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 05:08:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The street ethnic violence between Jews and Arabs has spiralled up in major cities throughout Israel in the past few days amid the ongoing most intense fighting between the Israeli forces and militants in the Gaza Strip since 2014. In a location in central Israel, a Jewish mob attempted to lynch an Arab man, who rushed to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in a serious condition "with multiple injuries all over his body," the hospital said in a statement, identifying him as a 33-year-old Arab man. The incident was broadcast live on Israel's state-owned Kan TV news. Dozens of Jews were seen pulling the man out of his car, throwing him to the ground and pounding, kicking and hitting him with sticks of the Israeli flags. During the violence, no security forces or rescue service personnel were seen on the spot. "It's a very serious incident," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Xinhua, saying forces have dispersed the mob but suspects have yet to be arrested. At nightfall, dozens of Jewish ultra-nationalists with black masks responded to a call issued on social networks by an anti-Arab group known as La Familia to go to the coast city of Bat Yam. Video footage on local media showed them smashing windows of Arab shops and looting. A police statement said they also attempted to reach Jaffa, a predominantly Arab quarter of Tel Aviv but were blocked by security forces. In Acre, a mixed city on Israel's northern shore, a Jewish driver was seriously injured in what local media reported as an attempted lynch. In Tiberias city, Jews rallied in support of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. They attacked with stones an Arab driver who passed near the rally. Police reported protests in Arab cities in central Israel and clashes with the police. Highway 2, a coastal highway that connects northern Israel to Tel Aviv, was partly closed after protesters hurled stones at cars. In Lod, a mixed city east of Tel Aviv where a night curfew was imposed on Wednesday night in a bid to halt the days of violence, at least 14 persons were injured, according to emergency health services. The curfew came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a special state of emergency in the city. Arab citizens in Israel are Palestinians who did not leave during the 1948 war that broke out just in the wake of the announcement of the independence of the state of Israel. Official figures show they suffer a lack of job opportunities and less government spending on education, health, and infrastructure. Enditem The United States, Germany and Britain clashed with China at the United Nations on Wednesday over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, angering Beijing by hosting a virtual event that China had lobbied U.N. member states to stay away from. We will keep standing up and speaking out until Chinas government stops its crimes against humanity and the genocide of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the event, which organizers said was attended by about 50 countries. Western states and rights groups accuse Xinjiang authorities of detaining and torturing Uyghurs and other minorities in camps. Beijing denies the accusations and describes the camps as vocational training facilities to combat religious extremism.- In Xinjiang, people are being tortured. Women are being forcibly sterilized, Thomas-Greenfield said. Amnesty International secretary general Agnes Callamard told the event there were an estimated 1 million Uyghurs and predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities arbitrarily detained. In a note to U.N. member states last week, Chinas U.N. mission rejected the accusations as lies and false allegations and accused the organizers of being obsessed with provoking confrontation with China. While China urged countries NOT to participate in this anti-China event, a Chinese diplomat addressed the event. China has nothing to hide on Xinjiang. Xinjiang is always open, said Chinese diplomat Guo Jiakun. We welcome everyone to visit Xinjiang, but we oppose any kind of investigation based on lies and with the presumption of guilt. The event was organized by Germany, the United States and Britain and co-sponsored by Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several other European nations. Germanys U.N. Ambassador Christoph Heusgen said countries who sponsored the event faced massive Chinese threats, but did not elaborate. British U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward described the situation in Xinjiang as one of the worst human rights crises of our time, adding: The evidence points to a program of repression of specific ethnic groups. She called for China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth called out Bachelet for not joining the event. Im sure shes busy. You know we all are. But I have a similar global mandate to defend human rights and I couldnt think of anything more important to do than to join you here today, Roth told the event. Ravina Shamdasani, deputy spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights office, said Bachelet who has expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and is seeking access was unable to participate. The High Commissioner continues to engage with the Chinese authorities on the modalities for such a visit, she said, adding that Bachelets office continues to gather and analyze relevant information and follow the situation closely. SOURCE: REUTERS ALBANY Members of the University at Albanys faculty senate are calling for their pension fund administrator to divest from fossil fuel companies, joining a growing list of campuses to do so. In passing this resolution calling upon TIAA to divest its fossil fuel holdings, the academic and professional faculty of UAlbany took a strong stand on behalf of environmental justice and sustainability, said Ron Friedman, a UAlbany associate professor of psychology who helped push through the divestment resolution, which passed on Wednesday. TIAA, or Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, is the $1.3 trillion fund that invests on behalf of State University system instructors. The SUNY system is TIAAs largest university client. A statewide University Faculty Senate resolution for divestment passed on April 24th. Additionally, faculty members at SUNY New Paltz and Cortland have backed such resolutions, as has United University Professions, the union representing faculty and professionals at the state system. Also calling for divestment were faculty senate groups at SUNY Geneseo and Stony Brook, Cornell University and the City University of New York union, Professional Staff Congress. According to a divestment resolution from The New School, TIAA currently has $10 billion invested in industries promoting fossil fuel production, distribution and consumption. The fund has also invested in firms that are cutting down forest land in Brazil. TIAA is providing money to plant 1,000 trees as part of a plan to combat deforestation. But faculty members note that the firm owns enormous amounts of farmland in Brazil through subsidiaries. A TIAA spokesperson said the company this week said it has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in its General Account, the $280 billion insurance investment account that supports the firm's traditional annuity program. Additionally, TIAAs real estate investment subsidiary, Nuveen Real Estate, recently committed to making its $133 billion portfolio operationally net zero carbon by 2040. "We are actively exploring more investments, companies and technologies and agricultural and timberland properties that support a transition to a low-carbon economy or that remove carbon from the environment," said the company, which added that it still has a fiduciary obligation to participants or retirees who rely on its funds. Nor does selling a fossil fuel asset necessarily take that out of production, they noted. Students in New York have also demonstrated and called for the Teachers Retirement System, which runs pensions for public school K-12 teachers, to divest the $4.5 billion in fossil fuel stocks that they have. ALBANY Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 15 are able to get their COVID-19 shot at the Albany Capital Center behind the Times Union Center on Thursday after the Pfizer vaccine received emergency federal approval to be used in that age group. And one of those youngsters getting vaccinated will be Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalens nephew. "I want to let you know that we have nurses and pharmacists administering the vaccine, and we have pediatricians that will be with us today," she added Thursday. "I will be down there as well and hopefully look forward to seeing you." Much like the incentives that are being offered in many places to convince adults to get vaccinated, Whalen said the first 500 youngsters who get shots through Albany County will get a voucher for free ice cream at Stewart's Shops. Whalen was joined by Albany County Executive Dan McCoy on Thursday during his daily briefing, where they urged parents to consider getting their child inoculated. McCoy said youngsters must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will have to sign a consent form before the first dose will be administered. The county executive said that people can sign up to get the vaccine by registering through a link on the county health departments website, but that walk-ins are also being taken. As of 3 p.m. Thursday, there were many appointments available. The New York mass vaccination sites that also offer Pfizer vaccine, both at Crossgates Mall in the former Lord & Taylor and at Aviation Mall, are also now open to inoculating 12 to 15-year-olds, and have many appointments available by registering. McCoy encouraged apprehensive parents to do their own research online as well as speak to their childs pediatrician. Please help us to do the right thing and continue to go in the right direction, said McCoy, adding that the goal is to get youngsters fully back into summer camps and then school in the fall. Whalen cheered opening up vaccines to 12 to 15 year olds as a very big one and one that we are welcoming and noted that the Pfizer vaccine that is approved for such use is 95 percent effective. More Information Vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds are available from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Albany Capital Center behind the Times Union Center. Walk-ins are available, but an appointment can be scheduled at this link. See More Collapse "So that means there is a strong protection against getting COVID disease, certainly against serious disease," she added. "And it enables so much of what is essential and important in the lives of 12- to 15-year olds - being able to be in school consistently." To date, 56.9 percent of the population in Albany County has had their first shot, while 48.3 percent are fully vaccinated, said McCoy. Warren County Health Services said Thursday it plans to begin clinics in participating school districts soon. Parents who want their child to be vaccinated at a school clinic should return permission slips to school officials as soon as possible. Parents will be able to attend the clinic with their children. As the Hudson Valley continues to ride a record-breaking real estate wave, it seems like everyone wants to move here. The problem besides historically tight inventory is that they just dont know where. Generally what I find is people don't know the area at all, Martin Salerno, a licensed real estate agent at Gary DiMauro Real Estate, said in a recent interview. The Hudson Valley is a massive, massive place. Search for Hudson Valley happenings on Reddit and between posts seeking contractors and movers, youll find users soliciting advice about where to lay roots. Moving to the Hudson Valley - where should I live? Single gay man, 35, family in Vermont and friends in NYC! I know people in Beacon and Carmel as well, Newburgh has so many houses but the taxes seem insane. Kingston looks lovely! Reddit tell me where to move! one user posted. And the private Facebook group Into the Unknown now an open secret with more than 11,600 members launched early in the pandemic as a way for people to support other NYC residents interested in leaving the city in search of greener pastures. Chatter frequently swirls around which Hudson Valley towns are commutable to the city, have good schools and are affordable. A lack of local knowledge means that for many prospective buyers, their house-hunting experience starts with learning what sets Hudson Valley towns apart. Sometimes, the clients, theyre not very familiar with a lot of the towns upstate, like theyve been to Woodstock or theyve been to Hudson, but they dont really know anything else and they might be priced out of those particular towns, said Angelica Ferguson, Lead Buyers Agent at Upstate Real Estate. So we have to kind of broaden their horizons and be like, What do you like about those towns? What do you do in those towns? Heres another town that has that same stuff. But its more up-and-coming and you can get in there now before the prices go up. So, how do prospective home buyers figure out what Hudson Valley town is best for them? I try to get very personal and understand the needs and desires of the client, at a pretty visceral level. Often the client cant even articulate what they really want, said Ferguson, who said she sells one to two houses every single week. How social are you? Boogich / Getty Images Ferguson and other and agents say they end up asking a series of questions of buyers to get them to hone in on the type of location that would suit their needs. We end up asking general questions like, What do you like to do when youre upstate? What do you do on the weekends? How do you envision yourself in the home? Do you cook a lot? Do you want to be near restaurants? And so those preferences come out and then we can usually distill down, like, what is really important, said Ferguson. Salerno also asks a series of questions to help his clients narrow things down. I have to get them all on board because husband, wife, partners they all start out wanting something different, he explained. For Salerno, the entire process begins with a single question: Just how social are you? Is the train important to you? Do you want to feel completely, completely isolated or do you want to be part of a community? And that really starts dictating where they want to go, he said. I ask, How far do you want to drive to go out for dinner? How far do you want to drive to the supermarket? Do you socialize a lot? Do you have friends in the area? Will you have dinner parties? Using his clients answers as a jumping off point, Salerno who spent 10 years as a weekender, trading time between the Hudson Valley and New York City, before permanently relocating taps into his expertise to pair prospective buyers with towns and counties best suited to their lifestyles. If someone says to me, I want complete isolation, I dont want to see a soul and I am on a strict budget, I say, You need to go to Sullivan County or you need to go to western Ulster County, where you'll get a lot more house for the money, but you will absolutely feel more remote, he said. When you come up after working on a Friday for a weekend, which is really only basically a day and a half do you want to go out for dinner? If youre going out for dinner, how far do you want to drive? Because if youre going to have two martinis and drive 45 minutes to an hour to your house, its going to be very difficult because we have a lot of deer and we have a lot of cops. And hitting one deer will kill you. Additional factors to keep in mind Chris Jones / Getty Images In addition to reflecting on lifestyle preferences, buyers also need to have an honest personal assessment of future, post-pandemic workplace demands (always fully remote or commute occasionally?) and evaluate the overall cost of a home, agents say. Commuting back to NYC If being near the train is important, focus your search on towns east of the river, agents say but note that the MetroNorth Hudson Line only goes as far as Poughkeepsie, while Amtrak will take you to Hudson, Albany and into Vermont. Towns on the western side of the river, like New Paltz and Kingston, rely on the bus for public transportation back to New York City or a combination train and taxi ride, which can get pricey. Most of our clients only have to be in the office like once a month or twice a week, said Ferguson. I think a lot of clients were also waiting to see if they were going to have to go back into the office and now a lot of companies have made the decision that they don't have to. And so now we're seeing a second rush [of buyers]. Taxes Property taxes vary widely by county, meaning the true cost of a home can be thousands of dollars higher than another located just minutes away but over the county line. Westchester County, for example collects the highest property tax in New York, according to Tax-Rates.org, while Putnam and Orange counties carry a higher tax burden than Hudson Valley counties located farther north and farther away from New York City. Be sure to talk to your realtor if this is important to you. I ask questions like, Whats important to you value? Low taxes? said Salerno, who added that buyers can easily underestimate the annual tax burden here. Taxes never go down. Culture For some home buyers, rural seclusion is the entire point of looking for a home in the Hudson Valley. For others, being near concert venues, restaurants and museums are essential lifestyle choices. Define these preferences in addition to those mentioned above, and share them with your agent so they can winnow your search effectively. Be prepared for a tight market While Ferguson continues to help direct the infusion of soon-to-be Hudson Valley residents, she doesnt see things slowing down anytime soon. A lot of clients are like, Do you think its going to die down or something? And I see no signs of that happening, she said. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) During the gloomiest stretches of the pandemic, Dr. Diona Krahn's veterinary clinic has been a puppy fest, overrun with new four-legged patients. Typically, shed get three or four new puppies a week, but between shelter adoptions and private purchases, the 2020 COVID-19 pet boom brought five to seven new clients a day to her practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. Many are first-time pet owners. Like many veterinarians across the country, she's also been seeing more sick animals. To meet the demand, vets interviewed by The Associated Press have extended hours, hired additional staff and refused to take new patients, and they still can't keep up. Burnout and fatigue are such a concern that some practices are hiring counselors to support their weary staffs. Everyone is working beyond capacity at this point, said Krahn, who added evening hours last year. Approximately 12.6 million U.S. households got a new pet last year after the pandemic was declared in March 2020, according to a COVID-19 Pulse Study by the American Pet Products Association. Meanwhile, fewer people relinquished their pets in 2020, so they needed ongoing care, experts said. And as people worked from home and spent more time with their pets, they've had more opportunities to notice bumps, limps and other ailments that could typically go untreated. Vets were already struggling to meet the pre-pandemic demand, with veterinary schools unable to churn out enough doctors and techs to fill the void. Krahn left her North Carolina practice three months ago and now oversees nine veterinary and animal hospital clinics across Utah and Idaho under Pathway Vet Alliance. All of my practices are booking out several weeks in advance. Clients are actually calling around and scheduling appointments at multiple locations, and even resorting to emergency care facilities, she said. Banfield Pet Hospital, one of the largest national providers of preventive veterinary medicine, had approximately half a million more pet visits in 2020 than in 2019. And its telehealth service more than doubled in volume from March through the end of last year. Thrive, another veterinary hospital primary care group, with 110 facilities across the U.S., reported a 20% increase in demand during the pandemic. Both repeated a common refrain as humans spent more time with their pets, they were more in tune with their ailments big and small. With COVID, a lot of people became powerless to the ones closest to them," said Claire Pickens, a senior director at Thrive, "but the one thing they still had the ability to control was caring for their pet. Clinics have been forced to streamline, having patients fill out forms online or by phone pre-appointment because hiring additional staff often isnt an option. The industry is growing at a rate that it cant fill all the roles needed to keep up with the increased demand for services, said Pickens. Veterinary positions are projected to grow 16% by 2029, nearly four times the average of most other occupations, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Vet tech jobs are expected to increase nearly 20% in the next five years. We are still short staffed despite active seeking of additional staff, said Dr. Katarzyna Ferry, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of Palm Beach Gardens. Verg, a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital in Brooklyn, reported a 40% jump in emergency care since the pandemic began. That's also meant more pet hospitalizations, straining various specialties like surgery and cardiology. The demand continues to grow, causing extreme weariness in a profession known for its big-hearted workers, said Vergs chief medical officer, Dr. Brett Levitzke. Fear of the unknown with the pandemic leads to more intense emotions from our clients, said Levitzke. He's seen expletive-laced outbursts and threats from pet owners, and also outpourings of love, with cards and baked goods. After the toll on the staff became noticeable, they hired a compassion fatigue specialist for support. Unfortunately, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression already plagued our profession, and the pandemic has certainly taken it to another level, Levitzke said. Krahn said she sold her North Carolina practice to Pathway and later took an administrative role with the company in part to provide practical and emotional support to veterinarians, knowing the toll first-hand. As veterinarians, its our job to care, but we also take care of people through their animals, said Krahn. Doctors and support teams struggle with caring for themselves in a way that preserves them to be able to keep doing this. COLONIE Cops are closing the lid on one of their stinkiest cases in memory. State Police said Friday there is no known motive as to why a man left containers of excrement and urine in the ceiling of one floor of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's downtown Albany office building, causing a brief shutdown in May. Police charged Clifford S. Davidson, 32, with felony criminal mischief on Thursday following a two-month probe into the incident. On Friday, police said they used DNA evidence to link the alleged fecal felon to the more than 40 containers of excrement and urine left around 625 Broadway's fourth floor and above ceiling tiles. Davidson has a criminal record, which helped police match up the DNA sample with one on file with the state Department of Corrections, though they did not elaborate on his past transgressions. Davidson does not turn up in the state's online inmate or parolee databases. Police also discovered a clue that helped them sniff out Davidson: a National Grid bill in one of the bottles. "Criminals are pretty stupid, some of them," State Police Troop G Major William Keeler said at a Friday morning press conference. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. They occasionally leave a calling card literally." Police said incidents of excrement and urine being left on parts of the fourth floor date back to March, though it wasn't until May that the building where Empire State Develompent, the Environmental Facilities Corporation and State Parks Department also have offices had to be shut down early on the day before the long Memorial Day weekend as the human waste began to seep through the ceiling. The building was reopened after the holiday. Police said the waste was contained to the fourth floor of the building, where Davidson worked for a contractor as a cleaner. He worked nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., police said, meaning he had little contact with state employees. Police said they did not have information on Davidson's now-former employer. Keeler said that though anything is possible, it's assumed that Davidson was alone in allegedly leaving waste around the fourth floor. "This is a first for me," DEC Chief of Staff Peter Walke said. Davidson remains in Albany County Jail on $15,000 bail. He is to reappear Tuesday in Albany City Court. When searching for a new apartment, there are a few buzzwords embedded in the listings that can make a potential place worth scheduling a viewing. Beyond hitting the required number of bedrooms and baths or being in a desirable location, the words utilities included are attractive to apartment dwellers because they translate in to cost savings, convenience and added value. But while the tenant benefits are obvious when writing out a single check for living expenses each month, its not immediately clear why or how a landlord is able to offer residences free of utility bill expenses without having to pick up the costs themselves. Unless they create the energy they plan to use throughout the building, and then there arent any expenses to cover at all. When we talk about net-zero living, were talking about a place that produces as much or more energy than it consumes, said David Bruns, owner of Bruns Realty Group and developer of New York states first net-zero apartment complex, netZero Village in Schenectady. Since we get all of our energy from the sun essentially for free, we can include utilities in the rental price. Its hugely attractive to people. Bruns said net-zero development in single-family houses has been around for longer, but when he began his initial plans for netZero Village in 2012, the concept hadnt yet been executed in a multifamily property. The 156-unit complex, which opened in September 2016, produces all of its energy on-site by implementing a combination of highly efficient building features with renewable sources for energy generation. During the planning process, Bruns and his team ran dozens of models to measure the buildings potential energy use, and implemented a good, better, best style scale to see which materials were worth shelling out for. Ive always been fascinated with energy, and I found it an interesting challenge to make net-zero design work in a multifamily space where the development is so cost-competitive, Bruns said . A lot of energy consultants told me we needed triple pane windows to make the project work, for example, and it turns out we wouldve been wasting money if we went that route. Rather than invest in the fanciest of windows, Bruns learned that changing the orientation of the building would have a more beneficial and cost-conscious result. Solar panels and large windows face south to absorb the most sunlight, and from there, the sunlight converts into a supplemental heating source for the property during the winter. For the residents, the natural light that streams through their apartments gives them a sense of luxury living at an affordable price, where a one-bedroom unit rental goes for $1,255 per month, and two bedrooms start at $1,325. Bruns said some people are drawn to his properties for the energy-efficient mission, while others simply find it to be a nice place to live. Our rent comes with water, electricity, heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, said Julianna Ferrari, who moved into netZero Village with her dog, Xena, in November 2020. This all-inclusive feature and stability, plus the fact there was a dog park on the property, made my decision to move here so much easier. While net-zero design can be a longer and more costly process for the developer, tenants shouldnt need to compromise on certain amenities or features to make the project an energy-efficient success. We couldnt have our residents sacrifice standard amenities to move here, Bruns said. Apartment tenants enjoy full-size appliances, including in-unit washers, dryers and dishwashers. Bruns model indicated the savings he would have realized from installing smaller appliances would not have been worth potentially turning away residents. While tenants at Bruns properties are not capped to a certain amount of energy usage per month, they are respectfully asked to not be wasteful or consume energy beyond what is appropriate for a typical residential apartment. So far, the majority of the tenants have understood. And with more interest in being part of the solution, as Bruns calls it, there are new features that will soon be installed to help residents truly be part of lowering their carbon footprint. Starting next month at Solara, Bruns second ecoluxury, net-zero property in Rotterdam, residents will be able to measure energy usage with a few taps on the digital thermostat in their units, and then compare average weekly or monthly consumption with their fellow neighbors. I hope this encourages our residents to be more conscious of their energy consumption, he said. Aside from educating his residents, another one of Bruns goals is to inspire other developers to make the same commitment to this new model of multifamily development. Were trying to create a new industry and make (net-zero living) 0more common, Bruns said. I want to show that this isnt a scary or complicated process, there are just a few key things you need to do to be successful. At Solara, where the first two phases of the project are complete and fully leased, a third phase is estimated to open in August 2022, after the unexpected spike in material costs during the coronavirus pandemic caused the project to temporarily halt. Solara incorporates Bruns newest challenge in the energy-efficient development space, which is to focus on low carbon emission, an approach he said is more holistic than the concept of net-zero. This is also where he sees the industry trending today, as reducing the carbon footprint becomes increasingly important. Other net-zero multifamily properties in motion include Rosenblum Developments Building 150 project at Great Oaks office park in Guilderland. Rosenblums mixed-use multifamily development projects in downtown Troy incorporate high-efficiency systems and geothermal technology already. Like Bruns Realty Groups projects, Rosenblum properties have also been recognized by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Awards. The incentive programs (to build energy-efficient properties) change from year to year, Bruns said. Solar panels are much less expensive now than they were five years ago, and as that happens and technology improves, the incentives get reduced. Bruns isnt concerned with needing an incentive to build quality residences and energy-efficient buildings, though. In fact, he says, thats just the point. We were on the frontier of building net-zero for multifamilies in the Capital Region nearly a decade ago, and I wanted to do something other developers could look at and follow, Bruns said. And now more and more people are doing it, which is great. Im happy to talk about it and spread the word even further. Thats the entire reason I wanted to do this. ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday defended himself against multiple allegations that he made inappropriate sexual advances toward women who worked for him, asserting that if he had made those women "uncomfortable" it was not harassment. "Harassment is not making someone feel uncomfortable. That is not harassment," Cuomo said during a news conference in the Bronx in response to questions from reporters. "If I just made you feel uncomfortable, that is not harassment. That is you feeling uncomfortable." At least eight women have came forward to allege that Cuomo touched them or made comments that made them uncomfortable. One of the women, who still works for the governor's office, accused him of groping her breast under her blouse in November after he had directed her to come to the Executive Mansion to assist him with his mobile phone. Cuomo has said repeatedly he never touched anyone "inappropriately," while acknowledging that he hugs and kisses people frequently as a way of connecting with them, including as an elected politician. He admitted that at work he will be "playful" and "make jokes" that are "teasing people" about their personal lives, which he has apologized for, but he insists that is not harassment. His characterization stands in stark contrast to the conduct described by his accusers. Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo had groomed her, including gauging her interest in sleeping with an older man while noting he would be interested in sleeping with a younger woman and quizzing her about her enjoyment of sexual intercourse as a survivor of a sexual assault. A third woman said Cuomo commented that he would "mount her" like a dog. I never said anything I believed was inappropriate, Cuomo said Thursday. You could leave this press conference and say, Oh, the governor harassed me. You can say that. I would say, I never said anything that I believed was inappropriate. I never meant to make you feel that way. You may hear it that way, you may interpret it that way, and I respect that and I apologize to you if I said something you think was offensive. Cuomo's remarks were a misleading description of workplace sexual harassment laws, according to attorneys familiar with the statutes and policies. Certainly the statement the governor made, if thats the law, I mean theres no sexual harassment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," said John Bailey, an Alb any attorney whose areas of practice includes employment law. If that were the law, he said, the person accused of harassment no matter how severe could brush it aside by saying that no offense was intended. The laws governing workplace conduct and that define sexual harassment are a complex swirl of federal and state laws, often honed by court decisions. Bailey and his law colleague Crystal Peck said that federal law identifies two kinds of workplace sexual harassment: quid pro quo, which means someone offering a positive work outcome in return for a sexual favor or threatening a negative one if sexual favors are withheld, and hostile workplace environment. Making someone uncomfortable on the basis of their sex is an important piece of workplace harassment, but it's not enough on its own. Under federal law, which New York's statute used to mirror, alleged harassment needs to be pervasive or severe enough that a reasonable person would agree that the subject was right to feel uncomfortable, they said. But in New York, Cuomo signed into law new language that erased the "severe" and "pervasive" standards to define sexual harassment as an employee being treated less well. Gov. Cuomos remarks are jaw dropping," Debra Katz, Bennett's attorney, said in response to Cuomo's remarks on Thursday. "For someone who signed the law defining sexual harassment in New York state, and who claims to have taken the states mandated sexual harassment training every year despite Ms. Bennett seeing someone else take it on his behalf, Gov. Cuomo continues to show an alarming degree of ignorance about what constitutes sexual harassment." Katz said there is "no gray area here." "If an employer makes unwelcome jokes, comments, asks probing questions of a sexual nature or makes unwanted sexual propositions which is exactly what Gov. Cuomo has already admitted to having directed toward my client, Charlotte Bennett that employer has violated New York state law." Sexual harassment isn't about feelings, said Erica Vladimer, a founder and member of the Sexual Harassment Working Group, a legislative advocacy group th at pushed for an overhaul of state harassment laws in 2019. Sexual harassment is about impeding someone from doing their job, she said. The governor has already admitted to his actions in past statements, and because hes being held accountable, now hes trying to backtrack and make it about feelings," Vladimer said. The current state law which Cuomo signed, she noted says that anytime someone is treated less well at work on the basis of their sex than other members of their sex are, that's harassment. "The governor clearly treated everyone who came forward and god knows how many others less well," Vladimer said. Experts also said it's important to also consider the governor's stature. As the chief executive of the state, they said, even one-off, less aggressive sexual comments would be more distressing to junior staffers. "If it was an employee of equal stature, many women, most women, probably could deal with it," Bailey said. A supervisor, a boss, a governor, they kind of feel helpless." Bennett, the former aide, responded on Twitter to Cuomo's Thursday statement about harassment: "When (Cuomo) propositioned me for sex, he broke the law. It is very simple: the issue is about his actions, it is not about my feelings. He broke the law (you know, the one he signed). Apologies dont fix that, and neither do denials." The Biden administration is considering sanctions over Chinas alleged use of forced labor in production of solar panels and other components in renewable energy, climate envoy John Kerry told lawmakers Wednesday. Kerrys comments at the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing sought to defuse one of the main arguments that congressional Republicans have cited against President Joe Bidens push for a climate-friendly makeover of the U.S. economy: China's manufacturing dominance risks implicating buyers of Chinese-made solar panels, batteries and other green-energy tech in that countrys human rights abuses. Much of the worlds polysilicon, used in photovoltaic cells for solar panels, comes through Chinas Xinjiang province, where China is waging a sustained campaign against Chinese Muslims and ethnic minorities. That includes detention of more than 1 million people, who rights groups, news organizations and governments say are forced into labor in factories and other workplaces. China's foreign ministry last month called the accusations "lies and false information concocted by anti-China forces. Republicans have cited those human rights concerns about Chinese-made renewable-energy components, and Chinas status as the worlds largest emitter of climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, in countering Democratic calls to step up U.S. solar and wind production and wind down coal and petroleum use. How can you assure us that slave labor coming out of China, where genocide is taking place as we speak, are never a part of the climate solution in the United States? asked Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the senior Republican on the committee. Kerry told McCaul he was absolutely correct to raise the concern. It is a problem, Kerry said. He cited solar panels that we believe in some cases are being produced by forced labor. Kerry also listed rare earth minerals produced by China and used in things such as magnets for wind turbines, among other uses. Kerry said the administration was assessing whether to add those to the list of products from Xinjiang province that the United States is already penalizing. He said he did not know where the administration was in that review. The State Department did not immediately respond to a question seeking details. Biden is calling for the United States to put trillions of dollars into his jobs plan and other proposals that would retool U.S. power and transportation sectors to pump out less fossil fuel pollution. That includes promoting U.S. use of solar, wind and other renewable energy and boosting the country's patchy production of components vital to those industries. The best thing we could do is be more competitive when it comes to China's dominance in the field of climate-friendly tech, Kerry said. Other countries are cornering the market on that why arent we? he asked. Kerry is a former secretary of state under President Barack Obama who now serves as Biden's envoy for climate and natural security. Under pressing from the committee's Republicans, Kerry also repeated his denial of a claim that he once shared with Iran's foreign minister information that Israel had attacked Iranian interests in Syria at least 200 times. The New York Times reported late last month that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made that claim in a recording that subsequently leaked. Zarif described himself as astonished at that news from Kerry, the newspaper said. On no occasion. Never, Kerry said, in one of several flat denials to GOP lawmakers' demands for more details. That didn't happen. End of story. Kerry also said he had never seen or heard a report of 200 such attacks before the article was published. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 05:32:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to promote peace in Yemen and provide humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country. There is a need to mobilize every diplomatic effort and to work strenuously toward a cease-fire in Yemen, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. The military conflict in Marib has not only displaced civilians with serious humanitarian consequences, but also exacerbated the confrontation between the parties, undermining the efforts toward a military settlement, he told the Security Council. There is no military solution to the conflict. A political solution is in the interests of all parties, he said. China reiterates its condemnation of the attacks against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and supports the work of the UN secretary-general's special envoy for Yemen. China welcomes the positive signals from Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and their commitments in this regard. China hopes that these efforts will get a positive response from the relevant party in Yemen, said Zhang. He asked for efforts to leverage the roles of regional countries so as to push relentlessly for political talks. The proposals for a nationwide cease-fire, lifting the blockade on Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port, and relaunching political negotiations have been on the table for months. But the negotiation process has been delayed again and again, he said. "We hope the special envoy will stay in close communication and coordination with regional countries to identify where the crux lies and encourage those countries with influence on the parties to play a greater role." Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has put forward a five-point initiative on peace and stability in the Middle East in support of regional countries and peoples playing a major role to find political solutions to the Yemeni and other hot-spot issues. Regional countries have recently expressed their commitments to advancing the peace process in Yemen, and have engaged in friendly interactions among themselves. China hopes these positive signs will translate into tangible action of peacemaking, said Zhang. Enditem Thinkstock Images/Getty Images ALBANY A state worker was arrested this week after allegedly pouring cleaning solution into a co-workers drink. The man, 33, of Albany was arrested on Tuesday and charged with three counts of attempted second-degree assault, a felony, and three counts of criminal tampering, State Police said. He is accused of pouring the substance into a co-workers drink at the state Office of General Services on "multiple occasions." Authorities said the alleged activity was discovered when the victim noticed that their water bottle had been tampered with and the water it contained had an abnormal taste. WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department has begun an internal review to determine how to remove any extremists from within federal law enforcement following the arrest of current and former police officers for their involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday. Garland, in response to a question during a Senate hearing on domestic extremism, described a review that was in its early stages and is complicated by the need to avoid violating the First Amendment rights of Justice Department employees. The deputy attorney general, Lisa Monaco, has met with the heads of all of our law enforcement agencies to determine how we can carefully vet our own employees, he told the Senate Appropriations Committee. It was a notable disclosure considering that the Justice Department is charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws and oversees the FBI, which is the lead agency in charge of investigating the growing threat posed by violent domestic extremists. It is also potentially tricky legal ground because of the risk of intrusion on personal beliefs that are protected under the Constitution. Garland described those competing interests as "being mindful of First Amendment free associational rights, but at the same time being careful that we dont have people in our ranks who commit criminal acts or who are not able to carry out their duties. The Department of Homeland Security last month announced a similar review aimed at determining the extent of any presence of violent extremists within its ranks. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who also testified at Wednesday's hearing on the broader efforts by their agencies to address the growing threat from extremism, told the committee that the results of that analysis would be publicly released. The attorney general's disclosure of an internal review came in response to a question from Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin about the arrest of a retired New York Police Department officer, Thomas Webster, in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in which supporters of President Donald Trump sought to force Congress to overturn the results of the November election. Webster, who was captured on video tackling a police officer and striking him with a metal flagpole, was charged with six counts. Durbin said Webster's arrest raises a painful question: whether there are others in state, local or federal law enforcement who might be capable of extremist behavior. Garland suggested that federal grants could be issued to local and state police departments to help them vet potential officers. Also during the hearing, he described the broader Capitol insurrection investigation, with more than 400 arrests to date, as far from complete as authorities comb through video and other evidence. This investigation is not over, he said. We will pursue each lead until were confident that we will have reached the end. At times during the hearing, Republicans sought to shift discussion to the increasing number of migrants apprehended at the southwest border or press Garland on whether the Justice Department was improperly making the Capitol investigation a priority over other matters, including violence during last summer's social justice protests. The attorney general called the Jan. 6 attack an attempt to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power, a fundamental element of our democracy," and thus worthy of attention. I have not seen a more dangerous threat to democracy than the invasion of the Capitol," he said. At least 10 of the people charged for involvement in the insurrection were current or former law enforcement officers at the time of their alleged offenses. An Associated Press survey of law enforcement agencies nationwide found that at least 31 officers in 12 states are being scrutinized by their supervisors for their behavior in Washington either in the riot itself or the march and protest that preceded it. Officials are looking into whether the officers violated any laws or policies or participated in the violence. Just before Thanksgiving 2017, my brother, Chris Wessman, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to the bones. Little things he had been experiencing over the previous few months his annual extended cough, a pulled rib, and other aches and pains had been part of something bigger. Testing and treatment began immediately at Memorial Sloan Kettering, but the next few months were a rough time for him physically and emotionally. He underwent radiation and chemotherapy. By spring 2018, after starting with a new targeted DNA therapy, things started looking up. The tumors started shrinking. He felt able to commit to going back to teaching English that fall at New Jersey City University with a reduced courseload. He was off pain medication and feeling good. He was building up his strength and by the summer was able to do a family trip to Italy and Portugal that involved a lot of hiking and exertion. His family was thrilled, and his doctors were amazed. He was happy to return to his students. Around October and November he began to have a very rapid heart rate and was winded when climbing stairs. It was determined that this was caused by the targeted DNA therapy, his magic pill that had helped him so much. This was discontinued. For a few months things seemed to be okay. In March 2019, the pain was back. His wife convinced him to start the painkillers again. He underwent immunotherapy, but that only seemed to help with the lungs, not the tumors in his bones. There was more radiation, a very painful process for him to remain absolutely still for any length of time. He underwent emergency hip- and shoulder-replacement surgery because his orthopedist was concerned those bones might break at any moment. He was demoralized at the realization that he couldnt finish the semester and would probably never teach again. In late May it was suggested he have major back surgery to support the spine to prevent fractures. It would be a long recovery with no guarantee of success and really wouldnt deal with the cancer itself. Although he wanted to live to be there with his wife to watch their children get started in their careers, he made the decision to end treatment because he was not winning the fight and was in so much pain. He began hospice care at home because he wanted to be in comfortable surroundings with his family. He was able to do his farewell tour with visits from friends and family when he felt up for it. As summer progressed so did the pain, to the point where it took three people to help him use the chamber pot and he was crying out despite the high levels of painkillers he was taking. We had discussions of how he wanted to die. He was ready to go. He would have committed suicide, but that would disqualify his family from collecting his life insurance, and he wanted to make sure they were provided for. When I told him New Jerseys Medical Aid in Dying law had just gone into effect on August 1, he contemplated claiming residency there in order to have control over ending his own life. He lamented that we did not have this law in New York. When it got too difficult to manage the pain with home hospice, he was transferred to Calvary Hospital on the Friday of Labor Day weekend. His struggle finally ended two weeks after his 56th birthday, on September 4, 2019, after almost two years. If we had a Medical Aid in Dying law in New York, he could have had the option to end the pain and suffering up to three months earlier. He would have been in control. Here we are, a year and a half later, and my brothers 17-year old dog is reaching the end of his life. When his family determines the time is right, they can bring him to the vet and have his life quickly and peacefully ended. Why cant we have that choice for ourselves? Why won't the New York Legislature, at long last, pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act, as it should? Eric A. Wessman lives in Pelham. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 05:33:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A five-year-old Israeli boy died in hospital Wednesday night after he was injured in a rocket attack from Gaza, amid the fighting between Israel and Hamas, ruler of Gaza. The boy was identified by Israeli police as Iddo Avigail from Sderot, a city in southern Israel. He was with his family at a shelter at home when a rocket hit an adjacent building in the afternoon, Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper reported. Shrapnel entered through the shelter's window and injured him and other family members, the emergency health services said in statements. His death brought the death toll of the Israeli side to seven, all civilians except for a soldier who was killed in an anti-tank missile attack at his vehicle near the Gaza Strip earlier on Wednesday. Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that militants in the Gaza Strip have fired some 1,030 rockets at southern and central Israel since Monday, and most of them were intercepted by the anti-rocket Iron Dome system. Meanwhile, Israel carried out massive airstrikes in Gaza, destroying three multi-storey buildings and killing at least 65 people, including 16 children and five women, according to figures issued by the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza. Enditem A 4-year-old eastern Missouri boy has died after accidentally shooting himself with a handgun he found under a couch California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a total transformation of public schools in Americas largest state that would offer pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, open up college savings accounts for low-income students and provide universal aftercare at schools in disadvantaged communities Official: Repairs to interstate bridge could take months A transportation official says repairs to the Interstate 40 bridge linking Arkansas and Tennessee could take months after a crack was found in the span Most Las Vegas Strip resorts open at 100% with regulatory OK Gambling giants MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment have opened their Las Vegas Strip gambling floors at 100% capacity with no person-to-person distancing requirement after receiving the go-ahead from state regulators [May 13, 2021] 2021 COMPUTEX Forum Brings Tech Giants Together to Unlock the Secret of Future Technologies As one of the most important tech summits globally, COMPUTEX Forum and its discussion topics have always garnered great attention. To facilitate the discussion on future technology trends, the COMPUTEX Forum on June 2 and 3 will evolve around the theme of "The New Era of Intelligence." TAITRA announced the lineup of speakers to discuss key applications of 5G, AI, IoT, and electric vehicles, deep diving into business strategies in the post-pandemic era. The Four Topics to Focus on IT Applications and Development In the morning of Wednesday, June 2, COMPUTEX Forum will address the topic of "AIoT Evolution." Leading semiconductor giants such as Intel, Micron, NVIDIA (News - Alert) and Supermicro, will explore how they accelerate business opportunities in the 5G era. In the afternoon, NXP Semiconductors will kick off the "AI Empowerment" session by sharing its vision and lead the Secure Edge and AI Empowerment discussions in fields. As AI rises in various applications, Arm, Delta Electronics, Micron and Check Point Software (News - Alert) will elaborate their latest solution in different scopes. Thursday, June 3 morning session, will be on "Critical Technology," with speakers from global companies, including Quanta Cloud Technology, Siemens (News - Alert) , and WIN Semiconductors, as well as the mobile operator, Far EasTone Telecom. This session will talk about the development of potential 5G applications in the manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive industries that will redefine the 5G landscape in the future. On June 3, the topic of the last session in the afternoon will be "Tomorrow Tech." IBM (News - Alert) , NVIDIA, and Qualcomm will take part in an in-depth discussion on the emerging applications of quantum computers, AI fueling future work and collaboration, and self-driving cars. COMPUTEX Forum Will Be Livestreamed on the #COMPUTEXVirtual Platform Every year, COMPUTEX presents invaluable information on the industry's supply chain and trends around the world. This year, the global audience will have a front row seat to discover and see the latest technology. All COMPUTEX Forum sessions will be livestreamed on the official #COMPUTEXVirtual platform on June 2 and June 3. COMPUTEX Forum is co-organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). COMPUTEX Forum is now open for registration: https://virtual.computextaipei.com.tw/events For more updates: COMPUTEX website: https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/ InnoVEX website : https://www.innovex.com.tw/ About COMPUTEX TAIPEI (also called COMPUTEX): Established in 1981, COMPUTEX is one of the leading global ICT, IoT, and startup tradeshows with a complete supply chain and IoT ecosystems. Co-organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taipei Computer Association (TCA), COMPUTEX, based upon Taiwan's complete ICT clusters, covers the whole spectrum of the ICT industry, from established brands to startups and from ICT supply chain to IoT ecosystems. With strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities and IPR protection, Taiwan is a strategic destination for foreign companies and investors looking for partners in global technology ecosystems. Follow COMPUTEX on its website at www.computextaipei.com.tw and Twitter (News - Alert) @computex_taipei using the hashtag #COMPUTEX. About COMPUTEX 2021 Hybrid: As a pioneer in technology, COMPUTEX has been on the forefront in embracing digital transformation. COMPUTEX will launch the Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) exhibition platform "COMPUTEX 2021 Hybrid" in 2021. As the event organizer, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) aims to deliver an exceptional exhibition experience by combining #COMPUTEXVirtual with the onsite exhibition. In collaborating with the Taiwanese unicorn startup, Appier, TAITRA is introducing AI computing capabilities to the exhibition to shape COMPUTEX as a global model. About TAITRA: Founded in 1970, TAITRA is Taiwan's foremost nonprofit trade promoting organization. Sponsored by the government and industry organizations, TAITRA assists enterprises to expand their global reach. Headquartered in Taipei, TAITRA has a team of 1,300 specialists and operates 5 local offices in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, as well as 63 branches worldwide. Together with Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and Taiwan Trade Center (TTC), TAITRA has formed a global network dedicated to promoting world trade. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006113/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Nectaris Re Ltd. AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" (Excellent) to Nectaris Re Ltd. (Nectaris Re), the operating subsidiary of Nectaris Holdings Ltd. (both domiciled in Bermuda). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Nectaris Re's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). According to Nectaris Re's business plan, the company's business strategy is to retrocede all of its business to Horseshoe Re II Limited segregated accounts company (Horseshoe Re II) with cells that are funded by insurance-linked securities funds managed by Leadenhall Capital Partners LLP (Leadenhall). Leadenhall is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. or MS&AD). Leadenhall, which has a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Nectaris Re, has had a book of business built since its inception in 2008. The business written via MS Amlin (which is expected to account for approximately 90% of total limits ceded to Nectaris Re) will be 100% retroceded to Horseshoe Re II on a fully collateralized basis. Collateral will be provided by Horseshoe Re II at the 1-in-1,000 aggregate exceedance probability (AEP) return period, with the associated tail risk retained by MS Amlin. MS Amlin's ultimate parent is MS&AD. All other business ceded to Horseshoe Re II will be collateralized at the 1-in-2,000 AEP return period, with the associated tail risk retained by Nectaris Re. Collateral provided by Horseshoe Re II, which will comprise of cash and highly rated short-term assets, will be held in trust accounts for the benefit of Nectaris Re. AM Best projects Nectaris Re's risk-adjusted capital, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), to remain at the strongest level over the near term (i.e., one to three years). Its liquidity and quality of assets provide ample support of its balance sheet strength assessment. Patially offsetting these rating factors is Nectaris Re's relatively high dependency on third-party retrocession. However, all retrocession ceded limits will be written on a collateralized basis, thus minimizing its counterparty risk. The ratio of the tail risk retained by Nectaris Re to its equity is expected to be low. AM Best assesses Nectaris Re's overall operating performance as adequate based upon the historical operating results of Leadenhall-managed funds, projected results of the retained tail risk and income from ceding commissions. The company's pricing strategy is to focus on underwriting profits and not on asset returns. AM Best assesses Nectaris Re's business profile as limited, as the company predominantly writes property catastrophe reinsurance contracts and some casualty and marine risk. Product concentration is mitigated somewhat by risk diversification across regions, perils and the number of MS Amlin's cedants. Pricing sophistication and modeling capabilities, including reliance on vendor models and independent modeling tools, creates a favorable environment for management to execute its pricing strategy. Due to Nectaris Re's Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Leadenhall, AM Best assesses the company's ERM capabilities as appropriate for its risk profile. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005981/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Ametros Welcomes Dr. Kenji Saito to its Medical Advisory Council Kenji Saito, MD, JD, FACOEM, a physician and attorney, has joined Ametros' Medical Advisory Council. "Kenji brings a highly diverse set of skills and experience to the council," said CEO Porter Leslie. "We are excited to tap into his expertise on behalf of our members." Board certified in Preventive Medicine with a Specialty in Occupational Medicine, Dr. Saito heads the Augusta (News - Alert) , Maine-based MedLawPractice.com consulting firm. His career spans over 10 years of clinical practice and six years of corporate medical and hospital leadership, and he holds board certification in Preventive Medicine with a specialty in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He is also a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, a Certified Medical Examiner, and a Medical Review Officer. In addition, he works in business, real estate, and healthcare mediation. "I am happy to unite my passions for helping injured people and helping companies find innovative solutions to complex medical and business issues," Dr. Saito said. "I look forward to working with fellow council members to ensure Ametros' members receie the best care." Dr. Saito trained and taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and holds a Doctor of Medicine and Juris Doctor dual degree from Philadelphia's Temple University School of Medicine and Rutgers University School of Law in Camden, New Jersey. A Founding Board Member of Kids' Chance of Maine, he serves on the Medical Issues Committee of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions. The Medical Advisory Council supports Ametros' members on a variety of medical and wellness matters through articles and webinars. In fact, Dr. Saito will join Leslie and Senior Managing Director Paul Sighinolfi for "The Intersection of Medicine and the Law in Workers' Compensation and MSAs" webinar on May 25 at 1 p.m. To register, please see https://tinyurl.com/ametros. The Council also guides Ametros executives in healthcare initiatives and provides expert medical opinions to members who want to voluntarily engage with the physicians for advice. More details are available at https://ametros.com/medical-advisory-council/. Ametros is the industry leader in post-settlement medical administration and a trusted partner for thousands of members receiving funds from workers' compensation and liability settlements. Headquartered just north of Boston in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Ametros may be reached at 877.275.7415 or via www.ametros.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005219/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 05:36:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Israel's security cabinet decided on Wednesday to escalate the military campaign against Gaza's ruler Hamas, amid the heaviest fighting between the two sides since 2014. A government spokesperson said the cabinet decided to "hit Hamas with a serious blow" before considering any possible cease-fire with the Palestinian group, despite international efforts to broker calm. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the killing of senior Hamas commanders in Israeli airstrikes "was only the beginning." "Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists would pay a heavy price," Netanyahu said in a statement. At least 65 in Gaza and seven in Israel were killed by airstrikes and rockets, according to official reports. Enditem [May 13, 2021] Anti-Asian Online Hate Speech On The Rise - And Major U.S. Brands Are Inadvertently Funding NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian American community has experienced a 145% increase in hate crimes; with incidents ranging from verbal harassment to deadly assaults. Despite widespread condemnation of these acts, Nielsen's newly published Asian American Diverse Intelligence Series report, Hope And Action, found that anti-Asian hate speech online actually increased in the beginning of this year. And while many major U.S. brands have taken action to combat racism targeting Asian Americans, some of these same companies are also unintentionally funding online hate speech through their advertising. From January - March 2021, $153 million was spent on digital ads on U.S.-based URLs that have published content with anti-Asian rhetoric. The top ad categories monetizing this hate speech included TV stations and networks ($29.7 million ad spend), department stores ($6 million), apparel ($4.1 million), miscellaneous retail ($3.9 million), travel ($629K), and arms and ammunition ($122K). The Nielsen study, which incorporated the use of artificial intelligence, found more than 250 ad campaigns appearing on 1,280 website URLs that featured the use of racist terminology and conspiracies related to coronavirus origins, Asians and China. Once the offensive content was isolated, over 5,000 ad occurrences were identified. Ad campaigns from a dozen Fortune 500 companies and at least 66 brands were found adjacent to content that included anti-Asian hate speech. Ad-supported anti-Asian hate speech in digital content From news reporting to op-eds, incendiary terms (e.g., "China virus," "Wuhan plague") and subjective language connecting blame for the pandemic to Chinese and Asian people has been pervasive across digital content. Nielsen also found that certain key words and phrases have actually increased this year as the U.S. approached the one year anniversary of national lockdown orders in March. News sites that published articles flagged as including anti-Asian hate speech were visited by 38.1 million people during Q1 2021. Nearly one-third of the hate speech in March 2021 came from one site. This one domain collected in excess of $100,000 in digital ad revenue from three top advertising categories: department stores, miscellaneous organization and apparel, footwear and accessory stores. What brands can do right now Nielsen's findings highlight an opportunity for brands to take action against funding hate speech online. Companies and their advertising partners are urged to be in constant review as language emerges that is harmful to the Asian American community and to their brand. Additionally, ad servers must consider how changes in rhetoric can be rflected in their algorithms. "As consumers are demanding more from brands and businesses, corporate social responsibility is now about brand safety," said Jay Dennis, Nielsen EVP, Advertisers and Industries. "Nielsen is excited to bring new products and metrics to marketers so that brands can make better decisions to support content that is inclusive and representative, and to avoid placing content adjacent to hate speech." About the Asian American community With a population of 18.9 million, Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States. Since 2000, the Asian American population has increased in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of anti-Asian hate crimes has surged 145% nationally (2020 vs. 2019), according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. These incidents have also risen to alarming rates in such cities as: New York (833%), Philadelphia (200%), Cleveland (200%), San Jose (150%), Boston (133%) and Los Angeles (114%). "In this evolving digital media landscape and as consumers demand more accountability, brands need to be increasingly diligent about the kinds of platforms their ads appear on and the types of content they support; whether it's directly or inadvertently," stated Patricia Ratulangi, Nielsen VP, Global Communications, Diversity Equity & Inclusion. "Companies need to ensure their advertising dollars aren't fueling anti-Asian sentiment online, which puts Asian American communities at risk." "Corporate accountability is more essential than ever to Asian Americans," said Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles. "While it's certainly not easy, brands will need to take a more conscientious approach towards their digital advertising spending if they want to truly stand with this community. The connection between online hate speech and hate crimes in real life is undeniable." For additional information, visit Offering Hope, Not Funding Hate . Join the discussion on Facebook ( Nielsen Community ) and follow us on Twitter ( @NielsenKnows ). ABOUT THE NIELSEN DIVERSE INTELLIGENCE SERIES In 2011, Nielsen launched the Diverse Intelligence Series, a robust portfolio of comprehensive reports that focus solely on diverse consumers' unique consumption and purchasing habits. The series has become an industry resource to help brands better understand and reach ethnic customers. ABOUT NIELSEN Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a leading global data and analytics company that provides a holistic and objective understanding of the media industry. With offerings spanning audience measurement, audience outcomes and content, Nielsen offers its clients and partners simple solutions to complex questions and optimizes the value of their investments and growth strategies. It is the only company that can offer de-duplicated cross-media audience measurement. Audience is EverythingTM to Nielsen and its clients, and Nielsen is committed to ensuring that every voice counts. An S&P 500 company, Nielsen offers measurement and analytics service in nearly 60 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com or www.nielsen.com/investors and connect with us on twitter.com/Nielsen , linkedin.com/company/nielsen , facebook.com/Nielsen and instagram.com/lifeatnielsen . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anti-asian-online-hate-speech-on-the-rise--and-major-us-brands-are-inadvertently-funding-301290662.html SOURCE Nielsen [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] ArmorCode Emerges From Stealth With $3 Million in Seed Funding to Redefine Application Security PALO ALTO, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ArmorCode, the Silicon Valley startup delivering application security at the speed of DevOps, today announced it has secured $3 million in seed financing led by Sierra Ventures with participation from Tau Ventures and Z5 Capital and individual investors including industry leaders Andreas Kuehlmann (CEO, Tortuga Logic; former security executive at Synopsys) and Prithvi Rai (former Sr. Director of Security at Uber, Facebook, and Yahoo!). Enterprises use ArmorCode to consolidate application security tooling, streamline application security processes, increase business agility, and improve developer productivity. "Application development has changed radically: from waterfall to agile development and from monolithic application architecture to microservices delivered at the edge. Once-a-year compliance is no longer sufficient as releases are done on a weekly or even daily cadence. However, application security and compliance tools haven't kept up," said Teza Mukkavilli, Chief Security Officer at ChargePoint, an ArmorCode customer. "My team was able to onboard the ArmorCode platform in less than 15 minutes and saw tremendous time to value." ArmorCode was founded in July 2020 by CEO Nikhil Gupta the former VMware and Cisco executive most known for founding Avid Secure, an AI-powered enterprise cloud security posture management company acquired by Sophos and seasoned CTO Anant Misra to help companies take charge of increasingly-complicated application security environments. According to Gartner, application security is one of the top three fastest-growing segments within cybersecurity. "We have received consistent feedback from the CISO group of our CXO Advisory Board that they are overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of application security alerts," said Mark Fernandes, Managing Partner, Sierra Ventures, who has invested in many successful security companies like Sourcefire and RedLock. "ArmorCode is the most comprehensive solution in the space and the founding team has very relevant startup experience to tackle this significant problem. The rapid early bottoms-up customer adoption is validating our thesis." The transition to agile development, the rise of microservices, and an increased reliance on cloud services for business oprations due to the pandemic have contributed to an explosion in software development and a dramatic reduction in software delivery time. As the speed and complexity of application development skyrockets, application security professionals increasingly find themselves unable to keep up and many are forced to piece together security tools as stopgaps. Gartner recently found that "78% of CISOs have 16 or more tools in their cybersecurity vendor portfolio and 12% have 46 or more. Too many security vendors result in complex security operations and increased security headcount. Most organizations recognize vendor consolidation as an avenue for reduced costs and better security, with 80% of organizations interested in vendor consolidation strategy." In addition, cybercrime is increasing partly due to the pandemic: a global survey of 1,000 CXOs revealed that 90% experienced an increase in cyberattacks due to the pandemic and 93% said they were forced to delay key security projects in order to manage the transition to remote work. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts cybercrime damages will total $6 trillion globally in 2021 or $190,000 every second and will grow by 15 percent per year over the next five years, reaching $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. ArmorCode is a next-generation application security platform that consolidates three key AppSec needs into a single intelligent platform that minimizes tooling and alerts while maximizing agility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The ArmorCode platform includes: Application Security Posture Management Simplifies AppSec operations by providing a centralized view of all security findings across application and infrastructure security and enables a streamlined CI/CD pipeline Reduces the risk of security incidents by as much as 50% by normalizing, prioritizing, and correlating findings across various AppSec and infrastructure security tools DevSecOps Orchestration Offers a seamless DevSecOps workflow that fosters tighter collaboration between developers and AppSec engineers with 60+ integrations across leading AppSec, CI/CD, collaboration, and infrastructure security tools Continuous Compliance Out-of-the-box industry-standard compliances including SOC2, GDPR, FedRAMP, and OWASP Top 10, among others Continuous evaluation of application security controls and relevant security standards "While software development releases have shrunk from years to hours, enterprise application security processes are still slow, antiquated, and chaotic. ArmorCode has designed a massively scalable agentless platform from the ground up to help modernize application security," said Nikhil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of ArmorCode. "We already have a strong remote-first team of more than 25 members and this initial funding will enable us to realize our dream of democratizing application security." About ArmorCode ArmorCode is delivering application security at the speed of DevOps. Founded in 2020 in Palo Alto, California, the company offers security professionals a centralized platform for Application Security Posture Management; DevSecOps Orchestration; and Continuous compliance. With ArmorCode, enterprises can radically simplify and accelerate application security while cutting costs by as much as 50%. ArmorCode is used by global brands and backed by leading VC firms and security industry experts. To learn more, please visit armorcode.com. Media Contact: Aaron Endre aaron@aaronendre.com Related Images armorcode-dashboard.jpg ArmorCode Dashboard ArmorCode Dashboard armorcode-dashboard.jpg ArmorCode Dashboard ArmorCode Dashboard View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/armorcode-emerges-from-stealth-with-3-million-in-seed-funding-to-redefine-application-security-301291077.html SOURCE ArmorCode [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Booz Allen Joins O-RAN ALLIANCE to Evolve Mobile Networks Booz Allen Hamilton (News - Alert) (NYSE: BAH) today announced it has joined the O-RAN ALLIANCE, an international community of mobile network operators, vendors, and academic institutions. Founded by AT&T, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom (News - Alert) , NTT DOCOMO, and Orange, the O-RAN ALLIANCE aims to create and evolve existing mobile networks into more intelligent, open, and fully interoperable networks. The membership furthers Booz Allen's commitment to integrating and securing the Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. "RAN is a major component of 5G networks - in fact, most mobile networks are deployed using closed RAN solutions," said Jennifer Congdon, Booz Allen lead for 5G partnerships and vendors. "Opening up RAN and 5G networks will enable collaboration between the most advanced companies in the 5G ecosystem, ultimately resulting in diversity in vendors, better network security, and lower costs for users and operators. We look forward to collaborating with other O-RAN ALLIANCE contributors and members to ensure resiliency and security for network infrastructure across the globe." This membership complements Booz Allen's existing initiatives to secure a resilient 5G ecosystem and infrastructure, including its carrier-grade 5G Lab, which provides the critical, hyper-accelerated connectivity required to transform and evolve cybersecurity defense systems. Booz Allen also partners with top, global information and communications technology (ICT) companies through its membership with the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions ( ATIS (News - Alert) ), an organization created to advance ICT industry transformation. "Creating an open RAN is essential for the progression of 5G and also ensures the successful development and deployment of 6G and future generational technology standards," said Congdon. "We're excited to work alongside some of the industry's finest organizations-whether established or disruptors-to ensure our future networks are set up to be secure, resilient, and successful for generations to come." Booz Allen is also a founding member of the NextG Alliance, an ATIS initiative that is developing the 6G Roadmap and building the foundation for North American leadership in 5G innovation, 6G and beyond. To learn more about Booz Allen's 5G business, visit: www.boozallen.com/5G. About Booz Allen For more than 100 years, business, government, and military leaders have turned to Booz Allen Hamilton to solve their most complex problems. As a consulting firm with experts in analytics, digital, engineering, and cyber, we help organizations transform. We are a key partner on some of the most innovative programs for governments worldwide and trusted by the most sensitive agencies. We work shoulder to shoulder with clients, using a mission-first approach to choose the right strategy and technology to help them realize their vision. With global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, our firm employs about 27,200 people globally, and had revenue of $7.5 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2020. To learn more, visit www.boozallen.com. (NYSE: BAH) BAHPR-CO View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005098/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Canada Invests in Energy-Efficient Buildings in New Brunswick SAINT JOHN, NB, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency helps businesses save money and stay competitive while contributing to a cleaner environment. The Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that will lead to a clean energy future and provide a healthier planet for future generations. Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint JohnRothesay, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an investment of $469,973 to Service New Brunswick's Energy Management branch to support the implementation of a government-wide energy management and reporting system. Service New Brunswick is also contributing $15,000, bringing the total project value to $484,973. The investments will support the Government of New Brunswick's Climate Change Action Plan and will put in place energy benchmarking, labelling and disclosure in over 500 buildings owned by the province of New Brunswick. The project will increase awareness on the benefits of improved energy performance and ensure accountability for energy consumption while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. The initiative will also play a role in promoting Canada's energy efficiency objectives and improve our overall energy performance. Federal funding for this project was provided through Natural Resources Canada's a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3161580-1&h=1076137454&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcan.gc.ca%2Fclimate-change%2Fgreen-infrastructure-programs%2Fenergy-efficient-buildings-rdd%2Fgreen-infrastructure-phaseii%2F23120&a=Green+Infrastructure+%E2%80%93%C2%A0Energy+Efficient+Buildings+Program" rel="nofollow">Green Infrastructure Energy Efficient Buildings Program, which aims to accelerate high-efficiency homes and buildings in Canada. The Government of Canada supports green infrastructure projects that will create good jobs and advance Canada's green future. Increasing the energy efficiency of Canada's institutional buildings is a key part of our efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Quotes "Improvements in energy efficiency will get us a third of the way to our Paris targets. This investment in Service New Brunswick is bringing us closer to our low-emissions energy future." The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr. Minister of Natural Resources "Energy efficiency is a key in building Canada's zero-emission future. We are proud to partner with Service New Brunswick to help them make Government of New Brunswick buildings more energy-efficient, save money and energy and reduce their environmental footprint." Wayne Long Member of Parliament for Saint JohnRothesay "You can't manage what you can't measure. SNB, through its Energy Management Branch, is contributing to the province's Climate Change Action Plan by providing an energy management reporting system. This is the first critical step in managing a building's energy performance. SNB will continue to support the province as it leads by example through monitoring energy use in its buildings, including schools and hospitals as well as government offices, and by taking action to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from government buildings." The Honourable Mary E. Wilson Minister of Service New Brunswick Related Information Green Infrastructure Program Energy Efficient Building R&D Service New Brunswick Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Carnegie Reporter Magazine's Spring 2021 Edition, "Future of Learning and Democracy," Explores Education's Role in Fortifying Our Democracy Education is the bedrock of our democracy, ensuring opportunity for all, an engaged citizenry, and a fair and representative government. These foundational ties are explored in the "Future of Learning and Democracy," the theme of the Spring 2021 edition of Carnegie Reporter magazine, the flagship publication of the philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York. The special issue features leading voices in education who identify emerging trends, challenge old assumptions, and provide ideas for an improved educational framework - one that supports lifelong learning and skills development for students and ensures better prospects for all Americans. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005029/en/ The Spring 2021 edition of Carnegie Reporter magazine, dedicated to the "Future of Learning and Democracy," explores the evolving demands on our education system and why it matters for the strength of our democracy. (Graphic: Business Wire) The issue is also a tribute to the man who founded the magazine in 2000, Vartan Gregorian, the late president of the Corporation, who died unexpectedly on April 15, 2021, as the magazine was on press. He was deeply involved in shaping the development of the issue's writings on education and democracy, two themes that shaped Gregorian's life and work. "Vartan Gregorian was an immigrant who rose to the highest levels of the humanities, philanthropy, and public service as a U.S. citizen, and through his wisdom and influence, improved the lives of countless individuals around the world," said Julia Weede, the Corporation's chief communications and digital strategies officer. "We are proud to honor his legacy through the publication of this edition of the Carnegie Reporter, one that includes Vartan's last published essay and reflects his priorities, particularly the ties between education and democracy, and their great importance for the strength of our society." The "Future of Learning and Democracy" issue includes perspectives from a range of sources, including grantmakers, academics, policymakers, and frontline practitioners who are overcoming countless challenges caused by the pandemic while figuring out what the future of learning should look like. "The vast societal disruptions of the past year have created opportunities to advance long-needed reforms to strengthen education's foundational connections to our democracy and economy," said Kelly Devine, the Corporation's director of content and publications. "This special issue offers ideas for improving the future of learning and democracy and explores their connections, from the central role of teachers and the need for federal leadership around civil rights, to bipartisan education and alliance building in areas of foreign policy and immigration." Among the articles: Teachers Create the Future of America by Vartan Gregorian. The late president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and past president of Brown University and the New York Public Library pays tribute to the central role of teachers while looking at the demands on the profession, including a lack of support and respect: "A teacher does not merely instill an education, but rather, given adequate supports, provides avenues of discovery that enrich the lives of our children - who are our future citizens." What We Owe Our Children by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who argues that the responsibilities that come with citizenship are learned not inherited. She calls for greater investments in civics education in the classroom, especially hands-on, concrete activities: "A healthy civil society requires peaceful engagement, respectful discussion, and thoughtful action, built on a foundation of knowledge and understanding." American Education: What We Absolutely Can and Should Be Doing. John B. King, Jr., and Margaret Spellings, both former U.S. secretaries of education, and John C. White, former state superintendent of schools of Louisiana, discuss the current state and future of education. Their Carnegie Conversation offers wide-ranging perspectives on topics such as the need for stronger federal leadership around civil rights issues, alternatives in postsecondary education, workforce development, and prospects for bipartisan cooperation. Transforming Education for a Rapidly Changing World by LaVerne Evans Srinivasan, a vice president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and director of the Education program, offers a vision of education that focuses on learning new ways of acting in order to achieve equity, rigor, and relevance. Drawing on the findings of two recent surveys by the Corporation and Gallup, Srinivasan calls for multiple pathways that expose young people to the world of work before they graduate from high school and provide an array of career-related learning opportunities afterward. Continuing Education for Congress: Building Trust and Expertise - to Get Things Done by writer Menachem Wecker provides a lesson in philanthropy-supported congressional education programs. The aim is to equip members and aides with the information needed to understand complex foreign policy matters and, according to Patricia Moore Nicholas, program officer in the Corporation's International Program, to "get those bipartisan relationships going." Our Future Rests with the Children of Immigrants by Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston and a naturalized U.S. citizen. He describes how the economic destruction and job losses of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue a downward momentum in the number of U.S. births, noting that one group is counteracting the downward spiral: the children of immigrants. Chancellor Suarez-Orozco says they are motivated by a strong belief in higher education and predicts, based on historic performance, that they will go on to be overrepresented as engineers, scientists, doctors, and winners of the Nobel (News - Alert) Prize. Additional highlights: A portfolio of Zoom portraits forms the Reporter's Center Point, featuring parents, educators, and grantees as they reflect on the importance of family engagement during the pandemic's unprecedented upheaval; Corporation program director Jim Short calls for a transformation in teaching through the use of high-quality curricula in professional learning; Geri Mannion, the leader of the foundation's grantmaking in democracy, and program officer Andrew Geraghty see much-needed opportunities for bipartisan progress on immigration; and former Harvard Law School dean and Carnegie Corporation of New York trustee Martha Minow writes about truth, justice, and what mattered most to her mentor, the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For more information, visit the online issue of the Carnegie Reporter; subscribe to receive the print version of the magazine; and sign up for the foundation's newsletters - these resources for informed ideas are always free. The Reporter has been the flagship "magazine of ideas" for Carnegie Corporation of New York for the past 20 years, assessing emerging trends and urgent challenges and offering ideas to inspire informed action because #WeHaveIdeas. Readers are encouraged to republish or excerpt articles by seeking permission from the foundation. About Carnegie Corporation of New York. Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mission, the Corporation's work focuses on the issues that Carnegie considered of paramount importance: education, international peace, and a strong democracy. @CarnegieCorp View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005029/en/ [May 13, 2021] Cartwheel Raises $1 Million to Disrupt On-Demand Delivery LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartwheel , an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and retailers, announced today that it has raised a $1 million seed round led by TenOneTen Ventures with participation from Act One Ventures and Portillo's Hot Dogs , along with angel investment from additional restaurateurs. The funds will be used for product development, partnership integrations, and team expansion. On-demand delivery is a requirement in today's market, and many businesses struggle to decide between outsourcing, which is convenient but can be expensive, and building their own in-house platforms, which gives brands control over the customer experience but is more operationally involved. Cartwheel offers the best of both options, allowing brands to launch a self-delivery program alongside their third-party partners, saving on costs and strengthening brand loyalty. Cartwheel's turnkey offering includes an easy-to-use driver app, sophisticated dispatch tools for managers, and user-friendly customer interaction functionality. Cartwheel is already being used by top chains like Portillo's to improve its delivery offerings. Illinois-based fast-casual brand Portillo's offers a menu of unrivaled Chicago-style street food such as Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs from its restaurants across nine states. "With more than 60 Portillo's locations nationwide and the highest average unit sales volumes in the fast-casual industry, we have a lot of deliveries to manage. It's important that our brand is well-represented. Cartwheel enables us to use our team members to deliver our highest-value orders, cross-training our team members so that they can become drivers for our own fleet," said Michael Osanloo, CEO of Prtillo's. "Our experience with Cartwheel has been so positive that we invested back in the company so they can further develop services with brands in mind." Cartwheel is also partnered with Olo Inc. (NYSE: OLO), a digital ordering and delivery platform with a network of more than 400 brand customers. To date, Cartwheel has powered deliveries for top brands including P.F. Chang's, Charleys Philly Steaks, Taco del Mar, and more. "Digital ordering and delivery have become increasingly crucial to the long-term viability of restaurant brands and they will play an even more prominent role in the future of the industry based on ever-growing consumer demand," said Noah Glass, Founder & CEO, Olo and member of the board of directors, Portillo's. "With each restaurant brand comes a unique set of needs and we are proud to work with Cartwheel to offer our shared customers a simplified solution to bolster their direct channels and drive success." "Cartwheel got its start a decade ago as one of the most successful delivery restaurants in LA. When we moved into the delivery outsourcing business in 2014, we realized we couldn't find a powerful last-mile delivery management system with all the features we wanted, so we built it ourselves," said Alex Vasilkin, co-founder and CEO, Cartwheel. "This investment will allow Cartwheel to further expand our reach, offering seamless delivery solutions to businesses that are reimagining what their delivery offerings look like in a post-pandemic world." "The last mile delivery market opportunity is in the billions, and Cartwheel is well positioned to capitalize," said Minnie Ingersoll, partner, TenOneTen Ventures. "Having built their solution from the ground up, with establishments in mind, Cartwheel knows its customer and their needs and will transform the delivery experience for businesses and specialty retailers nationwide." About Cartwheel Cartwheel (formerly GR Dispatch) is an on-demand delivery management platform for restaurants and beyond. The company was founded in 2012 as a delivery restaurant. After it quickly grew to become one of the most popular delivery operations in Los Angeles, the founders decided to focus solely on the delivery outsourcing business. When the team realized there was no software solution to meet all of their needs, they decided to build it themselves. Cartwheel offers turnkey solutions for in-house delivery operations, including an easy-to-use driver app, sophisticated dispatch tools for managers, and user-friendly customer interaction functionality. Cartwheel is also partnered with Olo and its network of restaurants nationwide. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.trycartwheel.com About Portillo's Hot Dogs In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called "The Dog House." Years later, Portillo's has grown to include restaurants in more than 60 locations across several states. Portillo's is best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads and famous chocolate cake. The Portillo's brand also includes Barnelli's restaurants that serve award-winning ribs, pastas with homemade sauces, and fresh salads. Portillo's ships food to all 50 states via Portillos.com . Portillo's Home Kitchen is the company's fast-growing catering business. In addition to great food, Portillo's is also known for its great people. In fact, the brand believes people are the heart of Portillo's. Family is a top value for Portillo's, and it led the company to create its own 501(c)3 in 2020, called The Heart of Portillo's Fund, which was developed to support and provide assistance to Team Members facing financial hardships due to unavoidable situations. In 2021, Portillo's was recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best Midsized Employers," and were the top-rated company within the restaurant industry category. Media Contact: Allison Champion allison@trycartwheel.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cartwheel-raises-1-million-to-disrupt-on-demand-delivery-301290442.html SOURCE Cartwheel [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Challenger Bank Cheese Teams With Asian-Owned Restaurants and Businesses For AAPI Heritage Month Recently launched Cheese, a revolutionary digital banking and social cause platform, today announced a special initiative as part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month to help local businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic. Using either their physical or virtual debit cards, Cheese users already get up to 10% cash-back at over 10,000 retailers or restaurants, including many Asian-owned businesses and restaurants. Cheese has identified and teamed up with additional independent Asian-owned businesses and restaurants in American cities that need added orders and foot traffic, offering five percent cash back to customers who support those businesses. The cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Chicago. "This time during COVID has been especially hard on Asian businesses and restaurants. They've been battling a double crisis between racially motivated attacks plus the overall drop in activity that so many American businesses have experienced. We want to urge our customers to help them by going out and supporting local Asian-owned restaurants with their purchases. With the five percent cash back, they're able to do this and earn a little for themselves as well," said Ken Lian, CEO and co-founder of Cheese. Kai Lin of Joy Kitchen based in Arcadia, California has already been forced to close two of three restaurants he has operated for three years Thanks to the partnership with Cheese, he has seen an uptick in customer traffic. "You can't miss that yellow card. It makes me smile when I see customers pull it out at the register. I need all the support I can get right now," said Kai Lin, Owner, Joy Kitchen. While Cheese serves Asian-Americans and immigrants, they are also open to all prospective customers in the U.S., providing accessible, rewards-based banking while simultaneously giving them a seamless way to support Asian-American and immigrant-owned businesses, at-risk communities, and charitable organizations in the app. The newly added five percent cash back partnerships add to Cheese's existing give back efforts. Customers have the option of donating any amount of their rewards or donating their sign-up bonus to the fund. Cheese accounts are open to all U.S. citizens age 18 and over and are available to anyone, including individuals without a credit history. Features of the Cheese card include advance pay up to two days early with direct deposit, a 3% deposit bonus for referring friends and 0.3% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). The Cheese Debit Mastercard provides advanced security features with Mastercard's Zero Liability and Identity Theft protection while the platform provides multi-factor authentication and 256-bit encryption bank-level security. To learn more about Cheese or to sign up for an account, visit earncheese.com. About Cheese Our mission is to empower people with financial freedom and to provide a platform to affect real improvement in their communities. The company offers competitive banking solutions with cashback, deposit bonuses, and zero fees. In the app, Cheese uses industry-standard security, encryption, and authentication practices to safeguard your data and personal information. Cheese accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. The Cheese debit card is issued by Coastal Community Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005290/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Cytovia Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team Jason Aryeh elected to Board of Directors Elizabeth Schwarzbach, PhD and Boris Reznik, PhD join Strategic Advisory Board Elysa Mantel appointed as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and AVENTURA, Fla., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing allogeneic off-the-shelf gene-edited Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and NK cell engager multifunctional antibodies, announced today that Jason Aryeh, a long time biotech investor and board director, has been elected to the Cytovia Board of Directors, effective immediately. In addition, to support the rapid development of the company, Elizabeth Schwarzbach, PhD and Boris Reznik, PhD have joined the Strategic Advisory Board and Elysa Mantel has been appointed as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. "I am delighted to join the Cytovia board, commented Mr. Aryeh. Cytovia is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the rapidly growing field of NK (Natural Killer) Cancer Therapeutics. Cytovia has the potential to positively affect the lives of many patients and consequently create substantial shareholder value in the next few years and beyond." Mr. Aryeh has more than twenty years of equity investment experience focused on the life sciences industry. He is the Founder and Managing General Partner of JALAA Equities, LP, a private investment fund focused on the biotechnology and medical device sectors. He has served in such capacity since 1997. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Orchestra BioMed, and Anebulo Pharmaceuticals. He serves as Chairman of Ligands Nominating & Governance and on its Compensation Committee, as Chairman of Orchestras Nominating & Governance and on its Audit Committee, and on Anebulos Audit Committee. Since 2006, Mr. Aryeh has served as Chairman of the Board, on the Board of Directors o as a consultant to many other public and private life sciences companies and charitable foundations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundations Therapeutics Board for seven years. In 2009, in honor of his late wife, Mr. Aryeh founded and has since served as Chairman of Rio Grande Solar and Rio Grande Renewables, LLC, a renewable energy company serving the Americas. Additionally, Drs. Elizabeth Schwarzbach and Boris Reznik have been named to the Strategic Advisory Board with a focus on Business and Corporate Development. Elizabeth Schwarzbach, PhD is the Chief Business Officer of BigHat Biosciences, an AI/ML enabled next-generation antibody therapeutics company, and was previously the CBO of the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, where she led the partnership with Cytovia. Dr. Schwarzbach was an Engagement Manager at LEK, a leading strategy consulting firm, and then Director, R&D Strategy Group at GlaxoSmithKline. She holds a PhD from University of Pennsylvania. Boris Reznik, PhD is the Chairman of Venvalo Group. He is also the Chairman and founder of Biorasi, an international Contract Research Organization recently acquired by RLH Equity Partners, a private equity firm. Dr. Reznik is a serial entrepreneur who has been a lead or co-investor in multiple technology-based companies and has participated in many public and private fundings and mergers and acquisitions. In 2002, Dr. Reznik added biotechnology and life sciences to his investment and partnering focus and has launched and invested in several biomedical companies since. Elysa Mantel has joined Cytovia as the Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. With more than seven years of in-house legal, corporate and compliance experience in the life science industry, Elysa joins Cytovia from Noven Pharmaceuticals where she served as lead Corporate and Compliance Counsel and Acting General Counsel. She will head Cytovias Legal Department, support board governance matters and play a key business role in helping the company drive its continued expansion. Elysa earned a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, at the University of Miami School of Law and was in the International and Comparative Law Review, the Hispanic Law Students Association, and the University of Miami Law Women. About Cytovia Therapeutics Cytovia Therapeutics aims to accelerate patient access to transformational cell therapies and immunotherapies, addressing several of the most challenging unmet medical needs in cancer. Cytovia focuses on Natural Killer (NK) cell biology and applies precision engineering to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to develop the safest, most effective, most broadly-available off-the-shelf Natural Killer cell therapy as a first line of defense against cancer. Cytovias proprietary multi-specific antibody platform has been customized to engage and activate NK Cells at the tumor site. Both platforms offer optionality to clinicians and can also be used synergistically. Cytovias R&D laboratories and GMP manufacturing facility are augmented by scientific partnerships with Cellectis, CytoImmune, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, INSERM, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, STC Biologics, and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). For further information, please contact: Anna Baran-Djokovic VP of Investor Relations 646-355-1787 anna@cytoviatx.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] ENvizion Medical Ltd Applauded by Frost & Sullivan for Its Innovation in the Enteral Feeding Tube Navigation Industry The ENvue system consists of an electro-mechanical device with embedded software and enteral feeding tubes that addresses healthcare's pressing needs SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2021 /CNW/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the North American enteral feeding tube navigation market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes ENvizion Medical Ltd with the 2021 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Award. Addressing the limitations of blind insertions and radiography-based adjuvant method, Israel-based ENvizion Medical has developed a revolutionary feeding tube navigation system for accurate enteral tube placement in adult patients. The FDA 510(k)-cleared ENvue system consists of an electro-mechanical device with embedded software and enteral feeding tubes. Leveraging the power of electromagnetic technology, the device creates a personalized body map of patients, allowing the medical staff to precisely place the tube in the stomach or small intestine through the oral or nasoenteric route. "Unlike competing products, the ENvue system creatively displays a frontal, lateral, and axial view of the patients' actual body contours simultaneously, while also highlighting the enteral feeding tube's direction in real time," said Neeraj Nitin Jadhav, Senior Research Analyst. "Such real-time and multi-faceted visualization and directional guidance provides increased confidence to healthcare support staff while inserting the feeding tube, eliminating the risk of placement in the patients' lungs, and; thus, associated complications." The ENvue system's novel electromgnetic tracking technology reduces the tube placement procedure time by half compared to commercially available products. Frost & Sullivan notes that shortening the time required to initiate feeding is extremely important for critically ill and malnourished intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Moreover, it eliminates the need for repeated X-ray confirmations, resulting in minimized radiation exposure and associated health complications which subsequently reduce the healthcare costs. "Enteral feeding plays an important role in providing critical nutrition to hospitalized patients who cannot tolerate the standard method of food intake," noted Jadhav. "The pioneering ENvue system provides uniquely safe and rapid feeding tube positioning, contributing to improved outcomes for critically ill patients." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that develops a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify the industry's best practices. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh P: +91-20 6718 9725 E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com About ENvizion Founded 2013, ENvizion Medical is a privately held medical device company located in Tel Aviv, with U.S. distribution headquarters in Minneapolis. ENvizion is an innovation leader in the field of enteral feeding, focused on improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care, encompassing the development of advanced, personalized navigation technology for feeding tubes, responding to the challenges of the ever changing healthcare environment, while continuously focusing on the customer. For more information, visit https://www.envizionmed.com/ Contact: Hila Peleg hilap@envizionmed.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envizion-medical-ltd-applauded-by-frost--sullivan-for-its-innovation-in-the-enteral-feeding-tube-navigation-industry-301290250.html SOURCE Frost & Sullivan [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Exscientia Announces Second Molecule Created Using AI From Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Collaboration to Enter Phase 1 Clinical Trial Exscientia Ltd. (Headquarters: Oxford, UK; CEO: Andrew Hopkins) is pleased to acknowledge that Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. (Head office: Osaka, Japan, Representative Director, President and CEO: Hiroshi Nomura) has announced that they will initiate a Phase 1 clinical study of DSP-0038 in the United States for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease psychosis. DSP-0038 is the third molecule created using Exscientia's Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enter clinical trials. The two earlier compounds are DSP-1181, announced in 2020 together with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Exscientia's immuno-oncology agent, EXS-21546, announced earlier this year. Joint research between Exscientia and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma designed DSP-0038 to be a single small molecule that exhibits high potency as an antagonist for the 5-HT2A receptor and agonist for the 5-HT1A receptor, whilst selectively avoiding similar receptors and unwanted targets, such as the dopamine D2 receptor. Selective dual targeting is a major challenge for conventional drug discovery, and psychiatric indications also require exceptional selectivity to avoid off-target effects. The successful design of DSP-0038 demonstrates opportunities to design selective molecules with dual activity. DSP-0038 will be assessed for improved antipsychotic effects associated with Alzheimer's disease psychosis, as well as improvements in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia which include agitation, aggression, anxiety, and depression. Toru Kimura, Representative Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, said: "We have been impressed by the outstanding productivity of Exscientia's AI technologies. The combination of Exscientia's AI with or company's deep experience in monoamine GPCR drug discovery has now led to two molecules reaching our clinical pipeline from this collaboration." Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, said: "This is further validation that our AI platform can turn complex biological challenges into high-quality clinical candidates quickly. To have what we believe to be the world's first three clinical molecules created using AI arising from our own platform - two with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma - is a wonderful achievement. We hope that through the creation of DSP-0038 improved treatments for Alzheimer's disease psychosis will be realized." About Exscientia Exscientia is an AI-driven pharmatech company committed to discovering and designing the best possible medicines in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia is the first company to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting and repeatedly demonstrate the ability of AI to transform how drugs are created. Exscientia's AI platform has now designed two drugs that are in Phase 1 human clinical trials. Drug design is precision engineering at the molecular scale. Exscientia has built dedicated AI systems that efficiently learn from the widest range of data and consistently reapply enhanced knowledge through iterations of design. Because Exscientia's AI platform learns more effectively and rapidly than human-led efforts alone, candidate molecules satisfying complex therapeutic requirements are created with revolutionary efficiency. Exscientia believes that designing better drugs, faster, will allow the best ideas of science to rapidly become the best medicines for patients. Exscientia has offices in Oxford, Miami, Osaka and Dundee. For more information visit us on www.exscientia.ai or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @exscientiaAI. About Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma defines its corporate mission as "To broadly contribute to society through value creation based on innovative research and development activities for the betterment of healthcare and fuller lives of people worldwide." By pouring all our efforts into the research and development of new drugs, we aim to realize our corporate mission and provide innovative and effective pharmaceutical solutions to people not only in Japan but also around the world. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's goal is to create innovative pharmaceutical products in the focus research areas of Psychiatry & Neurology, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine/Cell Therapy. For further details, visit https://www.ds-pharma.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005059/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 06:32:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Wednesday called for political will from Yemeni parties, particularly the Houthis, to end the war. "A deal can be achieved easily, very quickly, if the key political leaders heed the calls of Yemenis and ourselves to make that right decision," he told the Security Council in a briefing. A deal is still possible as there is strong international backing and there is regional momentum for the efforts of the United Nations. In addition, the differences between the parties on the issues under negotiation are not unbridgeable, he said. Griffiths has been trying to broker a deal between the parties on a nationwide cease-fire, the re-opening of Sanaa airport and Hodeidah seaport for commercial operations, and the resumption of the political process. "The parties need to demonstrate to the Yemeni people and to the international community their commitment to peaceful negotiations," he said. "And I wish to state here that on several occasions during these negotiations, Ansar Allah (the Houthis) has declined to meet me, including recently. To say this sends the wrong signal is an understatement." To turn attendance of meetings into transactions is simply unacceptable and to miss the opportunity to speak to the international community about the prospects of peace is a dereliction of duty, he said. "Taking the decision to end the conflict and open the door to peace is, of course, the most consequential decision any party can make, the most consequential choice. But the opportunity is there. Time (is) still of the essence due to the loss of life and the suffering of families in the humanitarian strictures that follow this war. And indeed, what is currently on the table won't be there indefinitely. Stalling negotiations serves no one," he warned. Griffiths said cooperation with the government of Yemen on the negotiations "has been excellent." The mediator cannot force the parties to negotiate, he said. "That is their obligation. That is their responsibility. And frankly, that is their duty to the people of Yemen." Enditem [May 13, 2021] FINEOS to Host FINEOS Virtual Exchange: Show Me the Benefits! FINEOS Corporation (ASX:FCL) will host the FINEOS Virtual Exchange: Show Me the Benefits! on May 25, 2021. The event will provide an insider's view of the FINEOS Platform - the only modern SaaS (News - Alert) , purpose-built core insurance platform that has everything Life, Accident & Health insurers need to deliver frictionless Employee Benefits. The FINEOS Virtual Exchange: Show Me the Benefits! will feature product demos, thought leadership sessions, and expert speakers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005023/en/ FINEOS Virtual Exchange: Show Me the Benefits! "FINEOS has singularly focused on the development of the ONE and only SaaS quote-to-claim insurance platform for Employee Benefits that supports Group, Voluntary and Absence Management," says FINEOS CEO Michael Kelly, who is set to speak at the event. "The FINEOS Platform is the only purpose-built Employee Benefits solution, delivering a consistent modern user experience across the whole operation from the front to back office. We invite Employee Benefits carriers to join us on May 25 for the FINEOS Virtual Exchange to experience for themselves how the FINEOS Platform delivers benefits that matter for their lines of business, while achieving frictionless customer service for the end consumer." Sessions at the FINEOS Virtual Exchange include: The FINEOS Strategy Update and the rationale for adopting the FINEOS Platform from CEO Michael Kelly (News - Alert) The FINEOS Platform: Today and Tomorrow - a product manager discussion of how Employee Benefits core administration is evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow The FINEOS Platform: Show Me the Benefits! product demonstration FINEOS OpenCore - The Benefits of Being SaaS in a Digital Ecosystem The Benefits of Mutual Collaboration: The FINEOS Claims and Absence Practice Program (CAPP) Realizing Measurable Benefits of Technology Innovation To view the full agenda and register for the FINEOS Virtual Exchange: Show Me the Benefits! please visit: https://gateway.on24.com/wcc/eh/3103598/fineos-hub?partnerref=pr This event comes during a year of growth for FINEOS, having just entered into an agreement to acquire Spraoi, a leading provider of machine learning capabilities for the Group Life and Employee Benefits industry. The acquisition will add advanced digital and machine learning capabilities to the FINEOS Platform. 2021 has also seen a record number of named customer announcements for the company, with 5 customer press releases within the first 5 months of the year. About FINEOS Corporation FINEOS is a leading provider of core systems for life, accident and health insurers globally with 7 of the 10 largest group life and health carriers in the US as well as 6 of the largest life insurers in Australia. With employees and offices throughout the world, FINEOS continues to scale rapidly, working with innovative progressive insurers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The FINEOS Platform provides core administration capabilities including absence management, billing, claims, payments, policy administration, provider management and new business and underwriting; all of which are configurable to operate independently or as FINEOS AdminSuite, an end-to-end core administration suite. For more information, visit www.FINEOS.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005023/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Global Digital Cameras Market to Shrink to 1.2 Million Units by 2026 SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Digital Cameras - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics". The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace. FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 16; Released: March 2021 Executive Engagements: 4962 Companies: 21 Players covered include Canon Inc.; Eastman Kodak Company; Fujifilm Holdings Corporation; Koninklijke Philips N.V; Nikon Corporation; Olympus Corporation; Panasonic Corporation; Samsung Group; Sony Corporation; The Ricoh Company, Ltd. and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Lens Type (Built-in, Interchangeable) Geographies: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa. Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry ABSTRACT- Global Digital Cameras Market to Shrink to 1.2 Million Units by 2026 Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global arket for Digital Cameras estimated at 8.4 Million Units in the year 2020, is projected to shrink to 1.2 Million Units by the year 2026, displaying negative CAGR of -28.7% over the analysis period. Built-in cameras, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record -32.6% CAGR and shrink to 226.5 Thousand Units by the end of the analysis period. After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Interchangeable cameras segment is readjusted to a revised -26.5% CAGR for the next 7-year period. The U.S. Market is Estimated at 1.1 Million Units in 2021, While China is Forecast to Dwindle to 218.7 Thousand Units by 2026 The Digital Cameras market in the U.S. is estimated at 1.1 Million Units in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to witness erosion in sales to 218.7 Thousand Units by the year 2026 trailing a negative CAGR of -26.9% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at -31.4% and -28.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to decline at approximately -30.4% CAGR. Built-in Camera Segment to Further Shrink to 379.6 Thousand Units by 2026 Global market for Built-in Camera segment is estimated at 3.6 Million Units in 2020, and is projected to shrink to 379.6 Thousand Units by 2026 reflecting a negative CAGR of -32.6% over the analysis period. Europe constitutes the largest regional market for the Built-in Camera segment, accounting for 31.6% of the global sales in 2020. Africa is poised to register a decline of -26.1% over the analysis period, to shrink to 4.7 Thousand Units by 2027. More MarketGlass Platform Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today's busy business executive's intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide. Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world's only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years. CONTACTS: Zak Ali Director, Corporate Communications Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Phone: 1-408-528-9966 www.StrategyR.com Email: ZA@StrategyR.com LINKS Join Our Expert Panel https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp Connect With Us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./ Follow Us on Twitter https://twitter.com/marketbytes Journalists & Media Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-digital-cameras-market-to-shrink-to-1-2-million-units-by-2026--301290808.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Global Industrial Brakes and Clutches Market to Reach $1.6 Billion by 2026 SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new market study published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., (GIA) the premier market research company, today released its report titled "Industrial Brakes and Clutches - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics". The report presents fresh perspectives on opportunities and challenges in a significantly transformed post COVID-19 marketplace. FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 16; Released: May 2021 Executive Engagements: 10136 Companies: 174 Players covered include Altra Industrial Motion Inc.; Andantex USA Inc.; Boston Gear; Dayton Superior Products Co. Inc.; Electroid Company; Formsprag Clutch Inc.; Hilliard Corp.; Inertia Dynamics LLC; INTORQ GmbH & CO. KG; KEB Automation KG; Lenze SE; Magnetic Technologies Ltd.; Magtrol Inc.; Marland Clutch; Merobel; Ogura Clutch Co., Ltd.; Redex Andantex; Regal Power Transmission Solutions; Rexnord Corp.; Sjogren Industries Inc.; Warner Electric Inc. and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Product Segment (Mechanical Friction, Electromagnetic, Other Product Segments) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa. Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry ABSTRACT Global Industria Brakes and Clutches Market to Reach $1.6 Billion by 2026 Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Industrial Brakes and Clutches estimated at US$1.3 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$1.6 Billion by the year 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% over the analysis period. Mechanical Friction, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 3.2% CAGR. After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Electromagnetic segment is readjusted to a revised 3.6% CAGR for the next 7-year period. The U.S. Market is Estimated at $311.3 Million in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $328.5 Million by 2026 The Industrial Brakes and Clutches market in the U.S. is estimated at US$311.3 Million in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$328.5 Million by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 4.8% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 2.3% and 2.6% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.3% CAGR. Mechanical Friction Based Brakes and Clutches Segment to Reach $709.6 Million by 2026 In the global Mechanical Friction Based Brakes and Clutches segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 3.2% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$475.2 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$566.2 Million by the close of the year 2026. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$73.9 Million by the year 2026, while Latin America will expand at a 3.7% CAGR through the analysis period. More MarketGlass Platform Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today's busy business executive's intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide. Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world's only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years. CONTACTS: Zak Ali Director, Corporate Communications Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Phone: 1-408-528-9966 www.StrategyR.com Email: ZA@StrategyR.com LINKS Join Our Expert Panel https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp Connect With Us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./ Follow Us on Twitter https://twitter.com/marketbytes Journalists & Media Info411@strategyr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-industrial-brakes-and-clutches-market-to-reach-1-6-billion-by-2026--301290789.html SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] IndyCar Drivers Take Flight at LIFT Academy Revving up for the month of May, Indianapolis-based LIFT Academy hosted NNT INDYCAR Series drivers Kyle Kaiser, Spencer Pigot and Dalton Kellett from AJ Foyt Racing to get a taste of speed from 5,000 feet during a discovery flight in state-of-the-art single-engine Diamond DA40 aircraft taking off from Indianapolis International Airport. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005991/en/ NNT INDYCAR Series drivers Spencer Pigot, Dalton Kellett and Kyle Kaiser visit LIFT Academy in Indianapolis to take their skills from the race car to airplane with a discovery flight from Indianapolis International Airport. (Photo: Business Wire) The trio took off with a LIFT Certified Flight Instructor, flying around the greater Indianapolis area and catching a glimpse of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the greatest spectacle in racing, te Indianapolis 500, will take place at the end of this month. The three drivers are engaged in promoting STEM education and visited LIFT to have a unique perspective within aviation. Following their flights, Kaiser, Kellett and Pigot hosted an open forum in LIFT's hangar for LIFT students and guests, discussing transferable skills between their racing career and flight training. "I was not really knowing what to expect when I said I was going to go fly a plane. I didn't realize I was actually going to be flying the plane as much as I was," Kaiser shared. "I've never actually been behind the controls of a plane before it was pretty eye-opening, but I think I got the bug. I think I want to learn how to do this." LIFT Academy is owned by Indianapolis-based Republic Airways and is the first U.S. airline-owned and operated ab initio flight training program in the new generation of flight training. LIFT has been invested in bringing aviation mainstream, connecting with partners such as Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts and now IndyCar to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the airline industry. Since its launch in 2018, LIFT has made it its mission to make flight and maintenance training attainable and is engaged in creating unique opportunities for individuals to gain exposure in aviation career fields. Less than three years later, it has quickly become one of the largest flight schools in the nation with nearly 300 students from across the United States coming to train in Indianapolis. About LIFT Academy: Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy is a U.S.-based commercial aviation pilot training school owned and operated by Republic Airways. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, LIFT revolutionizes commercial aviation training, utilizing state-of-the-art, eco-friendly training technologies and systems to educate future aviators. Students receive instruction from experienced pilots, under FAA and industry standards, with the most advanced equipment and curriculum that combines flight, flight simulator, online and in-classroom training. LIFT Academy students train on a fleet of advanced new aircraft and flight simulators produced by Diamond Aircraft Industries, including the DA40 single-engine and the DA42 twin-engine aircraft, as well as Diamond Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) built to achieve the most realistic cockpit simulation environment. LIFT offers its graduates a defined pathway to a pilot career at Republic Airways. For more information, contact Republic Airways Director of Communications, Lauren Gaudion at (317) 471-2478 or lauren.gaudion@rjet.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005991/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Investing in Indigenous-Led Forest Economy on Vancouver Island CAMPBELL RIVER, BC, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada's forest sector is an important source of employment for many Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is investing in projects to equip them with the tools needed to promote further economic opportunity in the forest sector and within their communities The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $245,000 in funding to Homalco First Nation to grow Homalco Forestry Initiatives, which provides forest management and timber harvesting services within the community's tradition territory in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. This funding will help with communications and strategic planning, tenure management, contract logging and business planning that will increase employment and revenue opportunities for their community. Funding from Natural Resources Canada is provided through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) program, which supports Indigenous-led economic development opportunities in Canada's forest sector. By investing in Indigenous participation in the forest sector, we can advance Indigenous self-determination, close socio-economic gaps and provide greener solutions that tackle climate change and transition toward a low-carbon economy. This investment will create employment as well as increased knowledge and economic opportunities for Indigenous participation in the forest sector on their traditional lands. We recognize the value, both economically and spiritually, that the forest sector brings to these communities, and we're working toward building a stronger Indigenous forest sector. Quotes "Indigenous Peoples are taking economic development into their own hands and succeeding. The Indigenous Forestry Initiative supports Indigenous forestry workers and businesses with new opportunities to expand operations and grow while bringing local benefits to their communities." The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr. Minister of Natural Resources "We are excited to strengthen Homalco's position in forestry and right size our logging company. We are looking forward to working with industry stakeholders to increase our tenure, which ultimately provides our Nation with sustainable revenues to ensure Homalco stays competitive in the industry." Darren Blaney Chief, Homalco First Nation Quick Facts Natural Resources Canada is contributing $13 million over three years (20202023) to support Indigenous forestry projects across Canada . To date, the IFI has committed approximately $6.8 million to projects, with approximately $6.2 million available for 20212023. Associated Links Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) Program Homalco First Nation SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Macquarie Asset Management Appoints Michael Kopfler Global Head of Equity Trading Macquarie Asset Management today announced the appointment of Michael Kopfler as Global Head of Equity Trading reporting to John Leonard, Global Head of Equities at the firm. In this role, Michael will be responsible for the strategic direction, daily operation, and management of Macquarie Asset Management's global equity trading desk, including maximizing technology and analytics and implementing innovative trading solutions to enhance client outcomes. "Michael brings a dynamic mix of industry knowledge, global leadership experience, and passion to the Global Equities team," said John Leonard, Global Head of Equities at Macquarie Asset Management. "With more than 25 years of diverse capital markets experience, Michael has earned the respect of clients and colleagues through his established track record of executing on strategic outcomes. We are excited to welcome Michael on board to take our global equity trading platform to the next level with the integration of best-in-class, scalable, and data-driven technology solutions." "I am delighted to join Macquarie and get started with the team," said Michael Kopfler. "Equity trading is quickly evolving alongside ongoing change across the asset management industry and embracig an ever-changing and evolving platform is a key component of this journey. I look forward to working closely with the trading team to maximize technology, leverage data and analytics, and ultimately enhance client outcomes." Prior to joining Macquarie, Michael worked at Fidelity Investments where he spent more than 20 years in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, he worked for Fidelity Investments out of Boston and New Hampshire, managing a trading team of 28 across Europe and the United States with responsibility for strategic planning and executing on the integration of technology throughout the trading process. Prior to this position, Mike served as Global Head of Trading for Fidelity International in London, leading the integration and management of a world-class global team, including 40 traders across equities, fixed income, and currencies in Europe, North America, and Asia. He has also held other leadership and investment positions at Fidelity, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Inc., and the Boston Company. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Boston College. About Macquarie Asset Management Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) provides specialist investment solutions to clients across a range of capabilities including infrastructure & renewables, real estate, agriculture, transportation finance, private credit, equities, fixed income, and multi-asset solutions. As at 31 March 2021, the MAM business had $A562.2 billion of assets under management. MAM has over 1,9001 staff operating across 20 markets in Australia, the Americas, Europe and Asia. MAM, through its affiliates, has been managing assets for institutional and retail investors since 1980 in Australia and in the United States, retail investors recognise Delaware Funds by Macquarie family of funds as one of the longest standing mutual fund families, with more than 80 years in existence. 1As at 31 March 2021 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005716/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Maine-Based Internet Service Provider to Assist Families and Households With Affordable High-Speed Internet BIDDEFORD, Maine, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Biddeford Internet Corporation dba GWI, Maine's premier provider in fiber-optic internet service and the state's first B Corporation certified Internet Service Provider (ISP), announced today that it will participate in the Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB), which will assist Maine families in acquiring low-cost, high-speed fiber-optic internet services. The FCC's EBB program is designed "to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more," according to the FCC's website. The program will allow for eligible families to receive a discount of up to $50/mo. for internet services and up to a $75/mo. discount for households in qualifying tribal lands. "Providing pathways of affordable high-speed broadband to the citizens of Maine is a priority of GWI and we are proud to participate in the EBB program," said Kerem Durdag, President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are appreciative of the assistance of the federal government as we all work together to implement the mechanisms of digital inclusion and equity." Eligibility requirements to receive discounted services are as follows: Qualifies for the ifeline program, including those who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits; Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year; Experienced a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020 , and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; , and the household had a total income in 2020 below for single filers and for joint filers; Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year; or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program. May 12, 2021 . For more information on enrollment, please visit https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/. About GWI Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Biddeford, Maine, GWI (www.gwi.net) is a Maine owned and operated Internet Service Provider (ISP), serving residential and business customers and is an advocate for the expansion of high-speed internet access in the state. The first broadband carrier in the nation to become B Corporation-certified, GWI is an industry leader in designing, constructing, funding, and operating high-speed fiber networks. For press inquiries, please contact Colin Haley at 207-286-4990 or at colinhaley@staff.gwi.net. Related Files EBB Program Press Release.pdf Related Images gwi.png GWI GWI & B Corp View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maine-based-internet-service-provider-to-assist-families-and-households-with-affordable-high-speed-internet-301290509.html SOURCE Great Works Internet (GWI) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] MOVO Forges New Fintech Category and Launches ON-DEMAND Mobile Banking with End-to-End CONTACTLESS Payments MovoCash, Inc., a California-based Fintech company, announced today the launch of a first-of-its-kind ON (News - Alert) -DEMAND Mobile Banking ("ODMB") app with End-to-End CONTACTLESS Payments in partnership with Mastercard and Coastal Community Bank. MOVO's patented ecosystem technology, called HyperBIN, is built to use digital tokens to manage the convergence of traditional banking solutions with mobile payments, blockchain, distributed ledger, cryptographic and AI technologies. "Our patented 'Digital Cash' Brand Network is what every consumer will expect from this day forward," said Eric Solis, CEO; Founder of MovoCash, Inc. "ODMB will fundamentally shift the way people act and think about digital transactions." HyperBIN delivers real-time bank accounts and debit cards. This includes instant delivery, issuance, activation, secure and settled banking, merchant payment and P2P transactions redeemable at 45 million merchants and over one million ATMs worldwide. MOVO's ecosystem solution delivers differentiated experiences focused on a comprehensive set of banking and payment features. CASH Cards are ON-DEMAND minting of ultra-secure, customizable, single and/ormulti-use payment cards, delivering complete control of who gets access to your money and how much. MOVO Pay (P2P2P) allows users to send digital cash to anyone using an email or mobile number for instant spending. "Coastal Community Bank was looking for an innovative digital bank that will take fintech to the next level," said Eric Sprink, President and CEO of Coastal Community Bank. "We're thrilled to partner with MovoCash, a digital leader that brings a unique solution with top-notch fraud protection and compliance security to the market. MOVO is changing the payments game, we are excited to join them on this journey." Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. The MOVO Digital Debit Mastercard is issued by Coastal Community Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. MOVO accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Fees apply. About MovoCash MovoCash, Inc. is a financial technology company and creator of MOVO ON-DEMAND Mobile Banking app with End-to-End CONTACTLESS Payments. MOVO offers world-class payment solutions, customer support, security, convenience, low fees, fast transactions, visibility into spending, in one app. To download, visit movo.cash/app. For additional information, please visit movo.cash. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005221/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] R&D Tax Automation Pioneer Boast.ai Expands Leadership Team with Industry Heavyweights SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ -- Boast.ai, a FinTech platform that helps companies automate the cumbersome process of preparing and financing Research and Development (R&D) tax credit claims in the United States and Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits in Canada, announced today the addition of a new board member and three new executives to its leadership team, including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. Laurie Schultz joins Boast.ai's board of directors. She was most recently the CEO of Galvanize, a SaaS Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) software company that was acquired for $1 billion by Diligent Corporation. She led the transformation of their global business by mobilizing talent toward category disruption, successfully repositioning the company to one of Canada's Top 100 and Best Managed employers. With over 30 years of experience, Schultz has also held leadership positions at several multi-billion dollar businesses including Sage and Intuit, where she doubled both revenues and profits. "R&D is the engine of the modern economy, and innovative companies should be able to access the tax credits they're entitled to without the red tape and delay," said Schultz. "I love what the founders Alex Popa and Lloyed Lobo have done to streamline and productize the process, combined with a unique recurring business model, exceptional team and enviable culture all while keeping community give-back at the heart of the company. I'm thrilled to join their mission and help Boast.ai become a global leader in R&D tax credits." As part of the company's continued investment in product development, Boast.ai has named Tara Janke as Chief Technology Officer to lead all aspects of product development, technology, data, security, and user experience. Janke comes with more than 25 years of product management and engineering experience in leading high-performing teams and growing global software companies in multiple sectors, including seven years at sales tax software company Avalara (NYSE: AVLR) where she incubated the EMEA engineering team, from seven to 100+ engineers, and from three to nine product lines, resulting in doubling revenues year over year. "Alex and Lloyed have created an extraordinary opportunty to revolutionize an industry to become the defacto standard for tax credit submission," said Janke. "Boast's technology makes the process simple and efficient, allowing its customers to focus on supercharging their growth. I'm thrilled to help them take the existing technology further as well as build the next generation of Boast products." Chris Cottle joins as Chief Marketing Officer with more than 25 years experience in brand category design, digital marketing and brand acceleration for technology companies spanning both B2B and B2C sectors. His experience spans four acquisitions including Exabyte and MaritzCX, as well as playing a pivotal role leading marketing at Caldera through its successful IPO. Cottle was most recently EVP Marketing at SaaS experience improvement leader InMoment. "CEOs care about products, customers, capital and growth," said Cottle. "Boast impacts all of these key areas and is pioneering an exciting new category with a massive market opportunityone that helps companies fuel their growth in a new way. R&D tax credits are a valuable form of capital to accelerate innovation, but most businesses either do not claim it or leave money on the table due to the associated red tape. Boast reclaims it quickly and easily for them, enabling CEOs to reinvest that capital to accelerate product innovation and growth." Tim Fisher joins as Chief Financial Officer, having successfully grown and managed finance and analytics functions for multiple venture-backed startups. Fisher was most recently at Lumere, which was acquired by GHX in January 2020. "As someone who's managed R&D Tax Credit filings for several companies, I felt the customer pain point acutely," said Fisher. "I knew that Boast.ai was ready for exponential growth and I couldn't stay away." These new leadership hires come as Boast.ai continues to build out its team in order to scale to meet increased customer demand. Following its recent $23 million in Series A funding from Radian Capital, a growth-stage fund specializing in enterprise software, combined with a $100 million credit facility from Brevet Capital, a leading alternative credit investment and specialty finance firm, Boast.ai has expanded its team by fifty new people in the last four months with plans to continue aggressive growth before the end of the year. "It gives me great pride and honor to welcome Laurie Schutlz, Tara Janke, Chris Cottle, and Tim Fisher to the Boast.ai family to help with our next chapter of growth," said Popa, CEO and Co-founder, Boast.ai. "I'm excited to work with them as we execute on our mission to create a world where every innovator has access to the capital and resources they need to become successful." Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments combined, provide more than $20 billion in R&D credits to fund businesses. Boast.ai has helped more than 1,000 companies recover their R&D costs from the U.S. and Canadian governments, streamlining the process, reducing the risk of costly audits, and giving companies access to their future refunds as early as 16 months in advance. Boast.ai's R&D tax credit software gathers data from a company's existing technical and financial systems to identify, categorize, and time-track eligible projects, ensuring nothing is missed and all the supporting documentation is in place, leading to larger refunds with less investment of time and resources. About Boast.ai Boast.ai is a fintech platform that is democratizing access to billions in R&D tax credits, innovation incentives, and non-dilutive capital so companies can fuel their growth while preserving equity and avoiding red tape. With operations across the US and Canada, more than 1,000 innovative companies have leveraged Boast.ai to get more money faster for less time and risk. For more information, please visit www.boast.ai . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rd-tax-automation-pioneer-boastai-expands-leadership-team-with-industry-heavyweights-301290570.html SOURCE Boast.ai [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Six Colleges, Universities Launch National Alliance With Students Designing Education's Future A national alliance of six colleges and universities, together with hundreds of high school and community partners, announced the launch of REP4, an initiative to change the future of education. Unique to the alliance, students will take the lead conducting "Rapid Education Prototyping" to address the urgent challenges of access and completion to fully deliver on higher education's promise of social and economic mobility. The six founder institutions collectively serve more than 100,000 students. Grand Valley State University is the organizer and convener of the REP4 alliance. The five other partners are Amarillo College in Texas; Boise State University in Idaho; Fort Valley State University, an HBCU in Georgia; San Jose State University in California; and Shippensburg University, in Pennsylvania. The REP4 name underscores how student-led, Rapid Education Prototyping, will engage the voices of learners in designing innovative, actionable solutions for pressing challenges. Learners will co-design education prototypes, and best ideas will be scaled nationwide through the alliance to maximize impact. American Council on Education (ACE) President Ted Mitchell called the alliance's approach unique, exciting and national model. "Flipping the model from learners simply giving feedback to learners being designers of education is a truly innovative idea," Mitchell said. Microsoft (News - Alert) will participate in the REP4 summit to support the alliance in reimagining student-centered experiences, consistent with its recent whitepaper. Microsoft will help shape how technology, particularly data and AI, can empower personalized and inclusive learning experiences. Tackling the crisis in education The REP4 alliance formed as a response to a growing number of challenges facing higher education: low completion rates, lack of access and racial gaps. By allowing learners to design solutions, REP4 will focus on improving outcomes and eliminating these barriers. GVSU held the first prototype last summer; see more here. "We are inspired by young learners with keen perspectives on what their future can be," said Grand Valley State President Philomena V. Mantella. Jaime Casap, former Google (News - Alert) chief education evangelist, echoed the enthusiasm for REP4 and said powerful change will come from leaders and learners harnessing their efforts for transformation. "I am passionate about this bold and extraordinary effort to increase quality in education by focusing on equity as the driving force for change," Casap said. Each of the founding six partners will hold its own regional summit for REP4, with GVSU hosting the national convening August 5. See www.rep4.org for more information. Dropbox (News - Alert) for media with photos, videos, quotations http://gvsu.edu/s/1HB Zoom link for news conference May 13 at 4 p.m. EDT https://gvsu-edu.zoom.us/j/93957803372?pwd=cG5OS3FabWZkOThaQUVDMCtXL0Zhdz09 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005970/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 10:32:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil registered 2,494 more deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 428,034, the Ministry of Health said Wednesday. The ministry said that tests detected 76,692 new cases, raising the national count to 15,359,397. Brazil, which has the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, after the United States, and the third-largest caseload, behind the United States and India, is seeing a second wave of the virus. According to the ministry, Brazil now has a death rate of 204 per 100,000 inhabitants and an incidence rate of 7,309 per 100,000. According to media reports, as of Monday, Brazil had vaccinated 54.8 million people against COVID-19 with 36.5 million, or 17.24 percent of the population, having received the first dose and 18.3 million, or 8.68 percent, both doses. Enditem [May 13, 2021] Sunshine Biopharma Reports Improved Cash Position in 2021Q1 Filing MONTREAL, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunshine Biopharma Inc. (OTC PINK: SBFM), a pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of oncology and antiviral drugs, announced that it has filed its 2021 first quarter report. The Report shows that the Company had Cash & Cash Equivalents of $1,796,596 as of March 31, 2021, the period end. The following is a summary of the Report highlights: On January 26, 2021, the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for a new patent application covering Adva-27a. The newly issued patent contains new subject matter and extends the proprietary protection of Adva-27a in Canada until 2033. On February 4, 2021, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with the University of Georgia (UGA) for two Anti-Coronavirus compounds which UGA had previously developed and patented. The Company and UGA will advance the development of these two compounds in parallel with the Companys own Anti-Coronavirus compound, SBFM-PL4. On March 1, 2021, the Company launched a new eCommerce website, Nutrition.SunshineBiopharma.com. The site offers over 20 Science-Based Nutritional Supplements products ranging from essential amino acids and rich protein powders to balanced vitamins and crucial micronutrients. All of the Companys Science-Based Nutritional Supplements are manufactured and tested in Canada under GMP conditions. On March 9, 2021, the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the European Patent Office for a new patent application covering Adva-27a. The newly issued patent contains new subject matter and extends the proprietary protection of Adva-27a in Europe until 2033. The equivalent patent in the United States was issued in 2019 (US Patent Number 10,272,065). Sunshine Biopharmas CFO, Camille Sebaaly stated, We are incredibly pleased with the progress of our Company as a whole. We continue to receive positive interim results from the University of Georgia regarding our mice study and the development of our Anti-Coronavirus treatment, and are very happy about our expanded patents for Adva-27a. About Sunshine Biopharmas Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SAR-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 3.3 million people worldwide since it first appeared in December 2019. There are currently no drugs that can effectively arrest replication of the virus in people who have contracted the illness. Sunshine Biopharma has completed the synthesis of four potential inhibitors of PLpro and subsequently identified a lead compound, SBFM-PL4. On February 1, 2021, Sunshine Biopharma entered into an exclusive license agreement with the University of Georgia for two Anti-Coronavirus compounds which the University of Georgia had previously developed and patented. The Company is currently advancing the development of these two compounds in parallel with its own SBFM-PL4 by conducting a transgenic mice study in collaboration with the University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy. The mice being used in the study have been genetically engineered to express the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transmembrane protein in their lungs making them susceptible to lethal infection by SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses the hACE2 receptor to gain entry into human cells to replicate. The goal of the study is to determine if these protease inhibitors will protect the hACE2-transgenic mice from disease progression and death following infection with SARS-CoV-2. Should these mice studies prove successful, Sunshine Biopharma plans to submit the results to the FDA for authorization to conduct testing on actual COVID-19 patient volunteers in a Phase I clinical trial setting. About Sunshine Biopharmas Adva-27a Anticancer Drug In addition, to working on the development of a treatment for COVID-19, Sunshine Biopharma is engaged in the development Adva-27a, a unique anticancer compound. Tests conducted to date have demonstrated the effectiveness of Adva-27a at destroying Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells, including Pancreatic Cancer cells, Small-Cell Lung Cancer cells, Breast Cancer cells, and Uterine Sarcoma cells. Clinical trials for Pancreatic Cancer indication are planned to be conducted at McGill Universitys Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada. Sunshine Biopharma is owner of all patents and intellectual property pertaining to Adva-27a. Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues statements related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to general stock market conditions. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our expansion of our existing as well as new service lines noting there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. Additional service offerings may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s) based upon the various geopolitical locations we will be providing services in, the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. For Additional Information Contact: Camille Sebaaly, CFO Sunshine Biopharma Inc. Direct Line: 514-814-0464 camille.sebaaly@sunshinebiopharma.com www.sunshinebiopharma.com Nutrition.SunshineBiopharma.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Team-IIS Enhances Data Governance Services and Legacy Data Migration Solutions to Microsoft 365 Through Partnership With LAE Software WOODSTOCK, Ga. and CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Team-IIS, a leader in archiving platform support services, legacy data migrations, information governance solutions, and unstructured data analytics together with LAE Software, a renowned innovator in IT business operations jointly announce a partnership where Team-IIS will integrate LAE Software's PST Migrator with its professional services. This collaboration strengthens the TEAM-IIS Microsoft 365 migration solution offerings with a purpose-built PST migration and identification tool to assist organizations on their journey to full data compliance. "Our partnership with LAE Software significantly strengthens our professional service offerings to enterprise customers," said Dennis Smith, founder and CEO of Team-IIS. "By integrating LAE Software's PST Migrator with our Microsoft 365 migration solutions, we can assure data management best practices and that corporate governance is upheld," continued Dennis Smith. "Once upon a time, using PST files made good business sense when storage was limited and expensive. Fast-forward 20 years and these same PST files present a significant risk; by design, they can be anywhere and everywhere at once, famously prone to corruption, and on average weigh 1.3 GB (10,000+ emails)," said Jim Comer, Vice President of Sales Team-IIS. "Merely a container, the PST itself does not fall under compliance obligations; it's the email and attachments within that do. More often than not, that container can exist outside the corporate environment, is challenging to discover, and even more demanding to search. Further complicating matters, PST files are rarely backed up, leaving end-users and the business vulnerable to data loss. Moving forward, the latest versions of Microsoft Exchange, Exchange Online, and Microsoft 365 now provide more effective means to retain and manage email centrally, so end-users n longer need to store email locally within PST files. Looking back, be aware of the severe danger of forgotten data, and eliminate the risk now," continued Jim Comer. "Customers appreciate the substantial decrease in administrative costs after migrating their PST files with PST Migrator," said Chad Baker, President of LAE Software. "The costs associated with drive recovery services, lost productivity restoring data, IT support, backup systems and enterprise storage are massive, not to mention the price of a data breach. Furthermore, PST Migrator uses existing infrastructure, has a very light footprint, and does not disrupt networks or business practices as it seamlessly migrates PST files while preserving their data structure. We are confident that this partnership will benefit both companies and will lead to an increase in customer satisfaction by mitigating the risk associated with residual PST files," continued Chad Baker. For a no-obligation consultation and to learn how to identify, migrate and eliminate PST files: https://www.team-iis.com/lae-software/ About LAE Software For over 13 years, LAE Software has provided leadership and innovation to Microsoft 365 and IT infrastructure solutions. LAE's flagship product is PST Migrator. PST Migrator identifies and migrates PST data to a Microsoft 365 mailbox while preserving the file structure. PST Migrator is seamless, thorough, and non-disruptive. LAE Software is a privately held company based in Centennial, Colorado. About Team-IIS Based in the greater metro region of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Team-IIS is a privately held company that safeguards and manages corporate data, which is the most valuable business asset in today's economy. Team-IIS has a competitive edge in archiving platform support services, legacy data migrations, information governance solutions, and unstructured data analytics. Its reputation has allowed the Company to partner with LAE Software, Modus, and other premier companies in the data governance space. For more information about Team-IIS' professional services, data governance solutions or unstructured data analytics, contact: Jim Comer, Vice President of Sales Team-IIS Phone: 800-303-1953 Web: https://www.team-iis.com/ Forward-looking Statements This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements appear in several places in this release. They include all comments that are not statements of historical fact regarding the Company's intent, belief, current expectations, directors or officers. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/team-iis-enhances-data-governance-services-and-legacy-data-migration-solutions-to-microsoft-365-through-partnership-with-lae-software-301290453.html SOURCE TEAM-IIS [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] TechSee Taps Chief Digital Officer from Switzerland's Largest Telecom for Board Seat TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of recently announced commercial partnerships with Verizon, Lennar, Salesforce and Vuzix, TechSee , the category leader in intelligent visual assistance, today announced the addition of Urs Reinhard to its advisory board. Reinhard, currently the Chief Digital and Customer Officer at UPC, Switzerland's largest cable provider, will bring his extensive expertise in digital transformation to TechSee as it continues to bring the most advanced computer vision artificial intelligence to market. TechSee has grown exponentially since its founding in 2015 by rapidly reducing customer friction points for enterprises by improving the customer experience (CX). The solution has proven to be effective across numerous industries as it enables customers and technicians to resolve technical issues by themselves in real time. This type of interaction has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prevented in-person visits for technical support. "When I first saw a demo of TechSee, I really was struck by its power but also by its simplicity for the user," Reinhard said. "Bringing smart eyes to enterprise self-service delivers an unparalleled service experience, one that ultimately leads to happier customers, better loyalty, improved retention, and reduced costs for the business. UPC has drastically reduced technician truck rolls, which not only offers financial savings but is also all the more important during apandemic, when physically entering a customer's home is just not possible." TechSee's computer vision AI has largely dominated the consumer electronics, manufacturing, insurance, property management, and automotive spaces due to its efficiency; technicians can simply point their smartphone or tablet at a device and let a remote expert walk them through a repair. Alternatively, technicians and consumers can use TechSee's powerful self-service capabilities, which utilize computer vision AI to automatically identify makes, models, parts, components, ports, cables, buttons, lights, and wiring. The AI can then intelligently spot issues and make suggestions for a successful resolution. "What we're seeing is that once enterprises begin using TechSee technology, they can't imagine a world without it," said Eitan Cohen, TechSee CEO. "Customers expect a consistent experience when it comes to self-service, and it's clear that the next evolution in the enterprise AI roadmap is 'multi-sense' virtual assistants that can see, read, hear and interact with the customers." Verizon and Vodafone , among other international enterprises, have both integrated TechSee's solutions into their current CX stack. TechSee also offers customized solutions for insurance, manufacturing, retail, utilities, and consumer electronics verticals. For more information, visit techsee.me. About TechSee TechSee revolutionizes the customer experience domain with the ?rst visual engagement solution powered by Computer Vision AI and Augmented Reality. It enables enterprises around the world to deliver better customer assistance, enhance service quality and reduce costs. TechSee is led by industry veterans with years of experience in mobile technologies, arti?cial intelligence and big data. The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv with o?ces in New York, London, and Madrid. For more information, visit www.techsee.me . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/techsee-taps-chief-digital-officer-from-switzerlands-largest-telecom-for-board-seat-301290883.html SOURCE TechSee [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Text Messages Boost Nurses' Well-Being NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When COVID-19 hit, no one was prepared for its impact. Seeing multiple patients grow sicker and die each shift has taken an unimaginable toll on healthcare professionals' psyches and mental health. The Arizona Nurses Association decided last year to step in with a text messaging pilot program designed to offer resources and support to its state's embattled nurses struggling to cope with pandemic-added stress. After Arizona's successful pilot in late 2020, the American Nurses Foundation has now launched its text messaging program across an additional 16 additional states. "Nurses are leaving the profession. They are experiencing psychological distress from watching their patients die day after day," says Dawna Cato, CEO at Arizona Nurses Association. "It's important for these nurses to know that we and other nursing associations care about them and understand what they're going through. We are out there providing resources." The Arizona Nurses Association received funding from several organizations Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing and The American Nurses Foundation to pilot a new text messaging program designed to support the state's nurses. The texts featured either messages of affirmation or resources for support with: Managing grief and loss Breathing and midfulness Going home checklists Moral distress information Sleeping and eating well Self-compassion breaks online form . The American Nurses Foundation helped fund a successful pilot led by the Arizona Nurses Association that uses SlickText 's text messaging platform to share resources and affirmations with more than 4,000 of the state's 95,000 nurses who opted in to receive messages. The pilot program rolled out in August 2020. Of the nurses who opted into the program, 75% of them work in direct patient care and 60% work with COVID patients. During the 8 week pilot, the Arizona Nurses Association sent out 16 informational and affirmative messages. Wendy Knefelkamp, Director of Operations for the Arizona Nurses Association, said, "The participants responded well to texts that reminded them they weren't alone and we were there to support them." Affirmations included messages like this: "#RNConnect Trust in yourself and believe in your skills. You survived a rough year and will survive whatever is to come." Responses showed how badly the nurses needed and appreciated these messages: "Yesterday's message could NOT have come at a better time. Thank you." "Thank you for this. My own employer hasn't said it to me even when I told them how morale among the troops is sinking." "Thank you. Today was an exhausting day." "Yeah! We all need this. Thank you!!!" Key Takeaways The text messaging pilot supports the organization's mental health wellbeing initiative. The team recognized that they could use SlickText's messaging platform to connect nurses with helpful resources. Over 86% of nurses strongly agreed or agreed that they found text message resources useful for improving their wellbeing, and 91% felt that the number of texts they received was just the right amount. Knefelkamp said, "I liked SlickText because I could understand the website and I didn't have to deal with coding. They offered a one-stop shop, and no one in the association needed to have a lot of IT knowledge. This platform has a smooth, easy-to-use interface and low costs." For more information about the work the Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing is doing to ensure a sustainable nursing workforce, please visit aznurse.org . For more information on SlickText, please visit slicktext .com. About SlickText SlickText is the leading text messaging platform. Since 2012, SlickText has turned text messaging into a major competitive advantage for companies. Today, SlickText has helped over 177,000 customers across North America, including ESPN, American Cancer Society and FedEx. They use SlickText's award-winning software to drive relationships, leverage data, and get results. SlickText has been named a 2021 High Performer by G2 Crowd, and is a former Technology Innovator of the Year. The company has dual headquarters in Jamestown, NY and Nashville, TN. To learn more about SlickText, visit slicktext.com . Media Contact BLASTmedia for SlickText Hannah Davidson slicktext@blastmedia.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/text-messages-boost-nurses-well-being-301290416.html SOURCE SlickText [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] A Time to Celebrate the Students! Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico Class of 2021 Ready to Move Forward After a school year like no other, Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA), an online public school serving K-12 grade students throughout the state since 2020, will celebrate its graduates both in-person and virtually. The in-person commencement ceremony will be held at Gallup Public School Stadium in a safe, socially distant way on May 15 at 2 p.m. The virtual ceremony will take place on May 28 beginning at 11 a.m. "While other schools may have struggled with online learning throughout the year, NMDCA never missed a day of instruction, which kept our students motivated, excited, and moving forward," said Sharon Williams, NMDCA Head of School. "And not only did our students stay the course, but they also earned valuable career training that will put them far ahead of their peers at the next level, in whatever path they choose." This year, NMDCA will graduate 12 students. Two students will graduate with a cumulative GPA above 3.0. Collectively, the graduating class reports it has been accepted to colleges and universities across New Mexico and beyond, including University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Eastern New Mexico University. Prior to the pandemic, studens enrolled in virtual school for a number of reasons-some were looking to escape bullying, some may have fallen academically off track, and others were looking for an alternative to the traditional classroom setting. NMDCA students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects and a host of electives and attend live virtual classes taught by state-certified teachers. Details of the graduation ceremonies are as follows: In-Person Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Saturday, May 15th, 2021, 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Gallup Public School Stadium, 700-916 S. Grandview Dr., Gallup, NM 87301 Virtual Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Friday, May 28th, 2021, 11:00 a.m. CONTACT: For any questions about the celebrations, please contact Katie Lawrence at klawrence@nmdca.org. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at kschwartz@k12.com. About Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA) is an accredited, full-time public school program of the Gallup McKinley School District that serves New Mexico students in grades K-12. As part of the New Mexico public school system, NMDCA is tuition-free, and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by 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 NMDCA, visit nmdca.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005020/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] UtmoLight Leaps Ahead in Trillion-Yuan Photovoltaic Market with Launch of 3 Game-changing Techniques WUXI, China, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wuxi UtmoLight Technology Company ("UtmoLight" or "the Company"), a world-leading perovskite photovoltaic module company, held a press conference on May 13 in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province to launch its innovative perovskite photovoltaic technology. The integrated solutions, named Utmorigin, can ensure large-area preparation, high efficiency and high stability of perovskite solar cells and include three novel techniques. During the conference, UtmoLight signed strategic cooperation agreements with partners including SVOLT, an emerging force in lithium batteries, FTXT who specializes in hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology, as well as Greatwall Estate. Together they will explore the application of perovskite solar technology in hydrogen production, energy storage, green construction and estabilish an ecological circle of green energy. According to Dr. Zheng Ce, co-founder and deputy general manager of UtmoLight, "Methylamine-free perovskite solar cells warrant higher efficiency and better stability in theory, but large-area prepaation of methylamine-free perovskite film has been a challenge for the industry. In addition to the optimal precursor proportions from theoretical calculations, the UtmoLight formulation contains phase stabilizer and passivation agents which guarantee the stability, high efficiency and large-area preparation of perovskite solar cells." "In-situ film crystalization" is an innovative preparation technique for large-area, high-quality and high-stability perovskite film layer. The technique ensures satisfying conformity and yield, and is compatible with perovskite-silicon tandem cells. The nanoparticle conductive ink for the charge transport layer is made from a unique formulation by UtmoLight. The charge transport layer made from the ink is highly conductive, dense and protects the perovskite layer, thus improves the conversion efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells," added Dr. Zheng. Adopting these techniques, UtmoLight perovskite solar modules achieve a certified efficiency of 20.5% with an area of 63.98cm. This efficiency record leads the industry by a wide margin. Presently, the team is also applying the same techniques to 30cm2 perovskite modules and expects to exceed 19% efficiency soon. Meanwhile, construction of a pilot line of one-square-meter size perovskite modules is commencing in the third quarter of 2021 with the product expected to reach market next year. UtmoLight is invested by Great Wall Holdings, and is engaged in the commercialisation of perovksite photovoltaics, optoelectronics and materials. UtmoLight takes innovation as its driving force, industrialization as its propulsion, and endeavors to transform energy and build a green ecology. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utmolight-leaps-ahead-in-trillion-yuan-photovoltaic-market-with-launch-of-3-game-changing-techniques-301290699.html SOURCE Utmolight [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Virgo Investment Group Announces CROs Clinipace and dMed Merge to Accelerate Growth BURLINGAME, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgo Investment Group LLC ("Virgo") announced portfolio company Clinipace Incorporated ("Clinipace"), a full-service Clinical Research Organization ("CRO") headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, has merged with dMed Global ("dMed"), a full-service CRO based in Shanghai, China. The strategic merger will create a global mid-size CRO that will deliver innovative solutions to patients worldwide, and meet the needs of fast-moving biotech, pharma, and medical device companies around the world. Together, Clinipace and dMed will offer advanced technologies, expertise in multiple therapeutic areas, and a footprint that will drive continued excellence for their collective customers. The combined company will have over 1,600 employees across 22 countries and a strong position as a highly differentiated mid-sized CRO that rivals the leading global CROs in geographic scope, services, and therapeutic expertise. The new company's capabilities in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America compete head-to-head with top-tier services from the leading CROs. Current dMed Chairman and CEO, Dr. Lingshi Tan, will lead the new company as global CEO, with current Clinipace CEO, Mr. Jason Monteleone, assuming a new role as Chief Business & Strategy Officer. Virgo's original investment through one of its managed funds in Clinipace occurred in 2015 as a partial debt refinancing and growth capital for tuck-in acquisition opportunities. Virgo Founder and CIO, Jesse Watson, joined the Clinipace board as Chairman in 2017 as Virgo rebuilt the team and significantly increased its ownership stake in the business. Since then, Virgo has worked closely with Clinipace to provie support in meeting forecasts and budgets, expanding the customer base and footprint, and ultimately drive growth. "We are proud of the business transformation we achieved at Clinipace, in partnership with new management and the Board. We were able to evolve the team, the culture, the business processes in both sales and clinical trial delivery, and the technology backbone of the company. Clinipace brings a high growth business in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific to dMed. We believe the combined enterprise offers a unique capability to biotech and pharma customers focused on executing their trials and accessing multiple, global markets for their products," said Watson. Monteleone went on to say, "Virgo was an excellent strategic partner throughout 2020 as Clinipace navigated the challenging aspects of COVID and in 2021 leading the merger with dMed. It has been a great journey both professionally and personally in transforming Clinipace together over the last 3.5 years and we are excited about the momentum of the merged enterprise." Clinipace has almost 25 years of broad clinical experience, extensive regulatory expertise, and core therapeutic specialties in oncology, nephrology, rare disease, gastroenterology, and women's health. The company has an outstanding track record of multinational success and a reputation for strategic client partnerships. About Virgo Investment Group Founded in 2009, Virgo is a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area that has an established track record of building and transforming businesses. Virgo seeks to identify and grow unique business models into differentiated and profitable industry-leading companies. Virgo focuses on two distinct strategies - creating, building, and scaling asset-based/credit businesses, and executing transformative growth equity investments in Founder-led or Family-owned companies. The Firm has raised over $1.8 billion and completed 65 investments to date. For more information, please visit www.virgo-llc.com. About Clinipace Clinipace is a global, full-service Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) with a personal approach to clinical research. Clinipace delivers a level of collaboration and flexibility not possible in a traditional CRO environment, with an emphasis on personalized services and solutions, regulatory expertise, and therapeutic leadership. Its mission is to improve the way clinical research is performed in major therapeutic areas including oncology, rare disease, gastroenterology, nephrology, and women's health. About dMed Founded in 2016, dMed is a full-service Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) and has grown to nearly 700 professional staff covering more than 31 cities in China and three U.S. offices. In an era of unparalleled pharmaceutical innovation, dMed aspires to be a next-generation clinical development partner, empowering customers to deliver innovative solutions to patients worldwide, especially in the two largest healthcare markets, the U.S. and China. dMed's U.S. presence includes Target Health, a full-service technology driven CRO with expertise in digital capabilities and regulatory affairs. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virgo-investment-group-announces-cros-clinipace-and-dmed-merge-to-accelerate-growth-301291068.html SOURCE Virgo Investment Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Vista Community Clinic Adds TOOTRiS' Real-Time Child Care Platform to Support Employees SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Community Clinic, a federally recognized and award-winning health care institution in Southern California, has partnered with TOOTRiS to integrate real-time Child Care services for the Clinic's employees. TOOTRiS' on-demand platform provides Vista Community Clinic's employees access to thousands of Child Care providers and afterschool programs in their area, reducing challenges that arise from staff not having affordable and available options for their children. TOOTRiS is a first-of-its-kind SaaS platform that allows parents to view real-time inventory of available Child Care and afterschool program slots - all accessible online via a desktop or mobile device. For employers, TOOTRiS acts as an extension of employee wellness programs, making it easy for working parents to find Child Care, which is proven to reduce absenteeism and turnover costs while increasing diversity and inclusion. Last year, about 52% of working parents had work interruptions due to lack of Child Care support/availability, according to a Move.org survey. TOOTRiS' turnkey Child Care services empower Vista Community Clinic's working parents - especially women - by delivering real-time access to thousands of diverse programs, enabling them to find, communicate with, enroll in and pay for programs, all while completely contactless. This allows parents at Vista Community Clinic to stay focused and remain in the workforce, while supporting their children's development. Vista Community Clinic's Community Health Centers - which treat more than 69,000 patients every year - are all located in Southern California, one of the most difficult regions to find Child Care. "Diversifying our employee wellness program by providing new family-focused offerings like Child Care assistance aligns well with our organization's culture and values," said Fernando Sanudo, CEO of Vista Community Clinic. "Locating Child Care has been a stressful, time-consuming burden for many of our working parents. We are excited to partner with TOOTRiS to provide our employees with relief, while helping us better fulfill our mission of providing accss to premier health services and education for those in our community who need it most." As part of the partnership, Vista Community Clinic's workforce now has a dedicated portal, access to TOOTRiS' large network of Child Care providers, from infant care to school-aged and afterschool programs, and receives 24/7 personalized support from TOOTRiS' Early Childhood Education team. "Vista Community Clinic's new Child Care assistance program highlights its deep commitment to its workforce and supporting true work/life balance," said TOOTRiS CEO Alessandra Lezama. "By expanding their benefits programs to include Child Care solutions, Vista Community Clinic continues to lead as an innovator in employee development and wellness, and we are happy to add their organization to the growing list of employers who now offer TOOTRiS' to their staff." TOOTRiS acts as a trusted partner and benefit administrator to help employers such as Vista Community Clinic improve employee wellness. In February 2021, TOOTRiS was recognized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce for its efforts supporting employers with Child Care solutions, receiving the coveted Moving San Diego Forward award. "With our turnkey Child Care platform, we empower more parents to return and remain in the workforce with complete peace of mind," Lezama said. "Organizations that offer Child Care as a Benefit create a positive environment where employees feel more supported, valued and encouraged to continue advancing their careers." About TOOTRiS TOOTRiS is reinventing Child Care, making it convenient, affordable and on-demand. As the world shifts to digitalized services, TOOTRiS helps parents and providers connect and transact in real-time, empowering working parents - especially women - to secure quality Child Care, while allowing providers to unlock their potential and fully monetize their program. TOOTRiS is creating a new digital economy that promotes entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals with passion and talent to become Child Care providers, improving their quality of life while increasing the much-needed supply of Child Care across the state. TOOTRiS' unique technology enables employers to provide fully managed Child Care Benefits, giving their workforce the flexibility and family support paramount to regaining employee productivity and increasing their ROI. Learn more at tootris.com. About Vista Community Clinic Vista Community Clinic (VCC) is a leading provider of affordable, high-quality health care to more than 69,000 residents of San Diego, Riverside County, and Orange counties. VCC provides comprehensive medical services and innovative health education programs to all community residents, regardless of income or insurance status. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has designated VCC as a Level 3 (highest) Patient-Centered Medical Home. The Vista Community Clinic advances community health and hope by providing access to premier health services and education for those who need it most. Learn more at vistacommunityclinic.org. Press/Media Kathleen Gonzales (619)368-2701 kathleen@elevated-pr.com Related Images image1.jpg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vista-community-clinic-adds-tootris-real-time-child-care-platform-to-support-employees-301291298.html SOURCE TOOTRiS [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation Podcast Advises US Law Firms to Streamline Cross-Border Work As the amount of cross-border legal work continues to skyrocket, US-based law firms must streamline and scale their global legal work if they wish to keep their share of this lucrative market. That's according to Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation experts, sharing their insights in a new episode of CT Expert Insights, a recently launched podcast series created to spark debate and showcase corporate services tools to support client needs anywhere in the world. In a recent 16-minute installment, Robert McHugh, Global Sales Support Manager for CT Corporation, discusses the opportunities and challenges of doing work internationally and how law firms can structure their internal operations to best address increasingly complex global legal work. US law firms are perpetually exposed to different laws, business cultures and a wide array of penalties for compliance violations. This combination only increases the number of ostacles for which law firms need to be prepared. "We see that it's easy for US attorneys to underestimate the amount of ongoing work that is required to keep an entity in compliance-and this can be a problem. Globally, the trend is that there are more and more requirements to keep an entity in compliance," said McHugh. "Most countries now require an ultimate beneficial owner filing or a register maintained with his corporate records - that wasn't the case five years ago. It's an uphill battle full of potential problems we see as firms take on global work." It is also vital for law firms to research, stay abreast and communicate about significant cross-border updates and trends. It can be difficult to get new information because relevant legal updates don't necessarily make the news. Staying informed is especially critical for those who choose to take on international work without a global service provider. "When it comes to global entity management, it's important to have boots on the ground," McHugh stated. "Even if there aren't changes to laws or regulation development, government authorities publish guidance on certain laws. And this guidance goes essentially unnoticed unless you're looking in the right place." McHugh supports CT's account management teams, its Global Service team, and law firm customers. In this role, he consults on complex transactional and managed services projects, including entity formation and dissolution, annual compliance and large-scale entity reorganizations. CT Corporation provides a suite of international products and services that are always available no matter where a client's business takes them. From document searches and retrievals to due diligence work and more, these tools provide the support law firms need to address the challenges outlined in the podcast. For more than 125 years, Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation has been the leading provider of registered agent services, incorporation services, and legal entity compliance. It is part of Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk & Compliance division and has a global reach into over 150 countries. More than 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies, 95 percent of AmLaw 100 law firms, and 350,000 small businesses trust CT Corporation to handle their compliance needs. About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance Governance, Risk & Compliance is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to help ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance. Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005060/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Youth DiverSTEAM Symposium Connects Students with Ontario Hospital Research Institutes Students from racialized communities discover pathways to a career in STEAM TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and Let's Talk Science are hosting the Youth DiverSTEAM Symposium a virtual networking event that promotes hospital-based careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) to approximately 300 high school students from across the province, particularly those from under-represented or racialized communities. High school students in Grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to hear first-hand about the various pathways to a career in hospital-based STEAM and to network in a virtual environment. The virtual event is being held in a simulation game environment and will feature short, interactive talks, videos and virtual tours from more than 200 researchers, trainees and volunteers of diverse backgrounds from Ontario hospital research institutes. The event is being championed by the OHA's Health Research and Innovation Committee, which established an Anti-Racism Task Force in 2020 to identify, challenge and change the values, structures and behaviours in place that perpetuate differential treatment of individuals on the basis of racial or ethnic identity. <>"Ontario is home to some of Canada's leading scientific talent and the OHA is proud to host the Youth DiverSTEAM Symposium to showcase noteworthy examples of careers in hospital-based health research and to attract students of more diverse backgrounds to a career in STEAM," said Anthony Dale , President and CEO of the OHA. "This year, as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic -- one of the most significant health care challenges in a generation, the strategic importance of strengthening foundational health sciences research has never been greater." While there will be growing demand for careers in STEAM-related jobs in the years ahead, the reality is that most Canadian students continue to disengage from STEAM courses before graduating from high school. According to Let's Talk Science, more than half of students graduate high school without a senior-level math and/or science credit, only 17 per cent of students complete Grade 12 physics, and five out of six students are not eligible to apply for engineering. "In a world increasingly driven by innovation, the demand for people who can fill STEAM-related jobs will only continue to increase," said Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let's Talk Science. "Programs like this are vital to engaging and inspiring students while arming them with the knowledge needed to participate and thrive in a complex global environment." Ontario Hospital Association The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario's public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians. Let's Talk Science Let's Talk Science a leading partner in Canadian education is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering children and youth of all ages in Canada to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let's Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. Let's Talk Science's national office is located in London, Ontario. For more information about Let's Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca. SOURCE Ontario Hospital Association [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 11:03:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 12, 2021 shows an obsolete military telephone displayed at a shopping mall in Bucharest, Romania. A 14-day telecommunication device show was held here to mark the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which falls on May 17 annually. The show will last utill May 23. (Photo by Gabriel Petrescu/Xinhua) Berkana Resources Selected by Cisco as a Design-In Partner Berkana Resources Corporation, a leading provider of Operational Technology (OT) Digital Transformation/Efficiency Solutions, System Integration, Consulting, Security and Compliance services, is pleased to announce that we have been selected as a Cisco (News - Alert) Design-In Partner. "We are very excited about working with Cisco to provide our Operational Technology clients in the Energy sector with Edge solutions based on Cisco's exceptional products. Cisco's products address many of the challenges with deploying Edge technology, help reduce risk, and increase efficiency" said Jeff Whitney with Berkana Resources. For additional information about Berkana Resources, contact Jeff Whitney or visit our website at: www.berkanaresources.com For information about Cisco's Design-In Program, visit their web site at: Cisco IoT Design-In - Cisco About Berkana Berkana has been a trusted provider of Operational Technology solutions to the Oil & Gas and Electric Utility Markets for over 15 years. Our seasoned staff of consultants, SME's, and project managers provide Digital Transformation/Efficiency solutions, Consulting, Integration, Security and Compliance services to clients dealing with significant changes to their OT infrastructure. Our focus on implementing solutions that incorporate AI, ML, Edge, and the Cloud is helping our clients achieve significant gains in efficiency. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006085/en/ [May 12, 2021] Sydney-based Morrison Securities turns to Eventus Systems for trade surveillance Continued uptake of Validus platform in Asia-Pacific region as Eventus signs first Australian client AUSTIN, Texas and SYDNEY, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eventus Systems, Inc., a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions, announced today that Sydney-based Morrison Securities, a major Australian stock brokerage firm, will deploy its Validus platform for trade surveillance in equities, equity options and warrants. Morrison is the number one broker in the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) equity derivatives market by volume and value and a leading provider of execution and clearing services to Australia Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holders. This is the first Australia-based client for Eventus, which has earned 15 global awards and honors in the past few years and steadily grown its presence around the world, including in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Eventus CEO Travis Schwab said: "We are thrilled to welcome Morrison as our first client based in Australia and excited to partner with this market leader as our irm continues to grow and evolve. We've continued to make strong inroads into APAC and expect that we'll see significant growth in Australia and other parts of the region in the coming year. Increasingly, firms that have been using legacy surveillance platforms are turning to us for the efficiencies and flexibility that Validus provides." Morrison will go live on Validus in July for trade surveillance of the firm's activity on the ASX, Chi-X Australia (CXA) and the National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX). The brokerage will deploy the cloud-based version of Validus, hosted in real time. William Slack, Managing Director, Morrison Securities, said: "We see a lot of similarities between our two organizations and share a common philosophy with Eventus of putting clients first. Its reputation for client service is outstanding, and we've had a really good engagement all the way through, from our sales representative to senior leaders. We view Eventus as a true partner, where we can work closely together to develop what we need and efficiently scale our trade surveillance capabilities as we expand onto new exchanges and delve more deeply into the markets we're trading. "We believe the functionality of Validus particularly the artificial intelligence overlay when it comes to alerts will allow us to be more efficient and precise with how we manage the alerts that come through. Under our current platform, our compliance staff has so much data to sift through each day that it is extremely time consuming to determine which alerts are valid and worth pursuing. By introducing machine learning over time in the system, we'll cut out the noise and reduce the scope of those alerts significantly, which means we'll save a lot of time and really be able to focus on what we need to." Validus uses machine learning and robotic process automation to enable users to cast a wide net for detecting relevant market behavior and escalate the most actionable alerts for immediate attention. The unique approach enables compliance and risk officers to dig more deeply into potential issues and take resolution action faster, while accounting for all behavior that might easily get overlooked by legacy surveillance methods. Validus also provides a complete audit trail of all automations for use in supervisory reviews and regulatory inquiries. About Eventus Systems Eventus Systems is a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume and real-time environments of tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. The company's rapidly growing client base relies on Validus and Eventus' responsive support and product development teams to overcome its most pressing regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventussystems.com . About Morrison Securities Morrison Securities Pty Limited (ABN 50 001 430 342) has been a Participating Organisation of the Australian Securities Exchange since 1985 and is also a market participant of Chi-X Australia, NSX and the Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX). Morrison was acquired by Sequoia Financial Group (ASX:SEQ) in September 2017. The firm specialises in providing white-labelled trading solutions to broker-dealers. Morrison provides seamless and cost-effective execution and clearing solutions to Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holders such as financial planners, financial advisors, buy side, high net worth individuals and trading educators. The team has the right combination of experience and market knowledge necessary to fuel the growth of clients' businesses. Morrison Securities clients can streamline their business operations and expand their service offerings, while benefiting from the experience and support of the firm's professional team. SOURCE Eventus Systems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Australian Hyundai NEXO breaks world distance record A Hyundai NEXO driven by a team from Hyundai Australia has broken the world record for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen-powered vehicle on a single tank The 887.5km world record zero-emissions trip from Melbourne to Broken Hill and beyond showcases the immense potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel source and underlines Hyundai's technical leadership in the field to Broken Hill and beyond showcases the immense potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel source and underlines Hyundai's technical leadership in the field NEXO has an official range of 666km (WLTP protocol) with a refueling time of three to five minutes NEXO is the first hydrogen-powered car certified for sale in Australia , from the company that pioneered the mass production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) globally , from the company that pioneered the mass production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) globally Video link (YouTube): NEXO Distance World Record (City to Outback) SYDNEY, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An Australian team driving a Hyundai NEXO fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has broken the world record for the longest distance travelled in a hydrogen-powered vehicle on a single tank. Australian Hyundai rally driver Brendan Reeves drove a production-spec NEXO for the record attempt, starting from the Essendon Fields in Melbourne. After 807km of efficiency-focused driving, Reeves arrived in Broken Hill with plenty range still showing on the vehicle's trip computer. The journey then continued to Silverton, an outback town on the outskirts of Broken Hill, best known as the setting for 1980s post-apocalyptic action film Mad Max 2 (aka 'The Road Warrior'), and the car then travelled some 60km beyond before the NEXO's hydrogen tank was depleted on the Wilangee road beyond Eldee Station. The total distance driven was 887.5km, according to the NEXO's own trip computer, exceeding the previous world record of 778km set by French aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, also at the wheel of a NEXO, on his journey across France from Sarreguemines to Le Bourget. A representative from the RACV was on hand to seal the NEXO's tank at the start of the journey, and an NRMA representative confirmed the validity of the tank seal at the end. The distance measured by an isolated GPS unit on board the NEXO registered 903.4km, while the Google Maps distance showed 905km travelled. However, for the purposes of the test, the NEXO's own trip computer is used as the official distance recorder. "Being a rally driver, I've always wanted to achieve a world record, but I could never have guessed it would come about this way," said NEXO pilot, Brendan Reeves. "As we set out from Essendon Fields in the early morning, I found NEXO immediately familiar and easy to drive - the controls are intuitive and easy to use, the driving position excellent and seats very comfortable. "NEXO is in its element on the open road, with its long range, peaceful and refined cabin, and smooth, near-silent fuel-cell electric powertrain," he said. "I was constantly checking the NEXO's efficiency readout to maximise the distance I was getting per kilogram of hydrogen. I found that by using techniques from rally driving, such as looking as far down the road as possible, as well as tips I have learned from my dad for driving a truck efficiently over long distances, it's actually possible to go way beyond NEXO's official range." The trip took 13 hours and six minutes at an average speed of 66.9km/h (see link below to tech data sheet). The NEXO's low fuel warning first lit up at 686km, with over 200km of range left from that point. The fuel light started flashing after 796km, with 90km of real range remaining. During the trip the NEXO consumed a total of 6.27kg of hydrogen, at a rate of 0.706kg/100km. It purified 449,100 litres of air on the journey - enough for 33 adults to breathe in a day - its plastic exhaust pipe emitting only water in vapour and droplet form throughout the trip. It emitted zero CO2, where a standard Internal Combustion Engine vehicle would have emitted about 126kg of CO2 over the same distance. Hyundai recently imported the first 20 zero-emissions NEXO FCEVs into Australia, which are now deployed in a variety of roles with the ACT Government. At the same time, a new Canberra hydrogen refueling station has become the first commercial H2 station in Australia, joining the private hydrogen refueling station commissioned at Hyundai Motor Company headquarters in Sydney in 2014 and Toyota's private station at Altona, Melbourne. A hydrogen refueler in Brisbane is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with new stations also planned for other states and territories. NEXO is Hyundai's second-generation mass production fuel-cell electric vehicle and offers a range of 666km (WLTP) with a refueling time of three to five minutes, in a futuristic SUV package. Hyundai's NEXO is the first hydrogen-powered car certified (ADR) for sale in Australia. It is also the first fuel cell electric vehicle to be awarded the maximum five-star overall safety rating by Australia's ANCAP. NEXO combines clean mobility with the latest autonomous driving capabilities and smart advanced driving assistance systems. With NEXO as the technological flagship of a diverse portfolio of green vehicles, Hyundai is only brand in Australia to offer hydrogen fuel-cell electric, hybrid (IONIQ), battery electric (IONIQ and Kona) and plug-in hybrid (IONIQ) vehicles. To watch highlights of the NEXO word record journey on YouTube please click on the following link: NEXO Distance World Record (City to Outback) Download Links Images: NEXO Distance World Record - Images Video: NEXO Distance World Record - Video Tech Data: NEXO Distance World Record - Tech Data Sheet About Hyundai Motor Company Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions, while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero emission vehicles equipped with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com Hyundai Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd (HMCA) was established on December 1st, 2003 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company. The award-winning range of Hyundai vehicles continues to set segment and industry benchmarks in value, quality and safety, including Australia's first five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres. For more information visit: www.hyundai.com.au SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company Australia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Iron Mountain to Divest Intellectual Property Management Business Iron Mountain (News - Alert) Incorporated (NYSE: IRM), the global leader in innovative storage and information management services, today signed an agreement to sell its Intellectual Property Management ("IPM") business to NCC Group ("NCC"), a publicly listed software escrow and cyber security company, located in the UK. All of the assets associated with IPM will be sold to NCC for gross proceeds of $220 million, or approximately $165 million, net of taxes and fees, subject to adjustments. The divestiture of the IPM business aligns with Iron Mountain's strategy to focus on its core strengths and invest in innovative new products, services and solutions to better position the company for future growth. "The transaction is consistent with our capital allocation strategy. It will represent another source of capital to fund our strategic growth areas, including our data center development pipeline," said Barry A. Hytinen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Iron Mountain. For the year ended December 31, 2020, IPM represented revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $33 million and $22 million, respectively. The transaction is expected to close in early June 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of NCC's shareholders. About Iron Mountain Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) is the global leader in innovative storage and information management services, storing and protecting billions of valued assets, including critical business information, highly sensitive data, and cultural and historical artifacts. Founded in 1951 and trusted by more than 225,000 customers worldwide, Iron Mountain helps customers CLIMB HIGHER to transform their businesses. Through a range of services including digital transformation, data centers, secure records storage, information management, secure destruction, and art storage and logistics, Iron Mountain helps businesses bring light to their dark data, enabling customers to unlock value and intelligence from their stored digital and physical assets at speed and with security, while helping them meet their environmental goals. To learn more about Iron Mountain, please visit: www.IronMountain.com and follow @IronMountain on Twitter (News - Alert) and LinkedIn Forward Looking Statement Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws and is subject to the safe-harbor created by such Act. Forward-looking statements include, but are not, limited to the anticipated closing of the transaction. These forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. When Iron Mountain uses words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions, it is making forward-looking statements. Although Iron Mountain believes that its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, Iron Mountain's expected results may not be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from its expectations. In addition, important factors that could cause actual results to differ from Iron Mountain's expectations include, among others Iron Mountain's ability to close the proposed transaction in accordance with its terms, the risk that the conditions to completing the transaction will not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all and risks that we may not through the joint venture be able to achieve the expectations for the business and value based on challenges with the operations, risks in the market or gain the ownership or control we expect. Other risks described more fully in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption "Risk Factors" in our periodic reports or incorporated therein. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements except as statements of Iron Mountain's present intentions and of its present expectations, which may or may not occur. Except as required by law, Iron Mountain undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006114/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Kioxia Announces Expansion of Yokohama Technology Campus and New Research Center to Strengthen Research and Technology Development and Promote Open Innovation Kioxia Corporation, the world leader in memory solutions, today announced a 20 billion yen investment to expand its Technology Development Building at its Yokohama Technology Campus and to establish its new Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center. The new facilities are expected to be operational by 2023 and will strengthen Kioxia's research and technology development by bringing together its R&D sites in Kanagawa Prefecture to improve efficiency and to create a more conducive working environment for innovation through collaboration. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006128/en/ Artist's impression of Yokohama Technology Campus Technlogy Development Building (Graphic: Business Wire) At the Yokohama Technology Campus, the expanded Technology Development Building will nearly double the space of the current facility, allowing Kioxia to expand its product evaluation capabilities that will, in turn, increase its product quality. The expanded facility will also provide space for an increased workforce to strengthen product development in the future. The new building will also feature an environmentally friendly design with highly efficient energy-saving equipment. The Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center will feature a clean room which will be used for a wide range of research, with a particular focus on materials and new processes. By investing in these facilities, Kioxia aims to strengthen its flash memory and SSD technology development capabilities to meet increasing demand around the world and to create innovative memory technologies and products that provide new value. Under its mission of uplifting the world with memory, Kioxia is focused on cultivating the new era of memory. Kioxia remains committed to enhancing its position in the memory and SSD industry through capital investment and research and development that reflect market trends. Yokohama Technology Campus Technology Development Building (tentative name) Location: Kasama 2-chome, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Building scale: 6 stories Total floor area: Approx. 40,000m2 Scheduled start of construction: Autumn 2021 Scheduled completion: Summer 2023 Shin-Koyasu Advanced Research Center (tentative name) Location: Moriya-cho 3-chome, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Building scale: 4 stories Total floor area: Approx. 13,000m2 Operation schedule: Summer 2023 About Kioxia Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba (News - Alert) Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with memory by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210512006128/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Gett Announces the Appointment of Mandeep Bajwa as Chief People Officer Gett, the leading B2B marketplace and corporate Ground Transportation Management (GTM) platform, announces the appointment of Mandeep Bajwa as Chief People Officer as the business expands. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005049/en/ Mandeep Bajwa, Chief People Officer at Gett (Photo: Business Wire) Mandeep Bajwa joins Gett as Chief People Officer. Previously, Mandeep was part of WeWork's HR leadership across the EMEA region, and also acted as HR Leader for CloudKitchens in EMEA. She joins Gett as the business cements its transition to a corporate ground transportation marketplace, where it's currently the category leader and serving over a quarter of Fortune 500 companies. The appointment of Mandeep as Chief People Officer occurs during a period of significant expansion of the Gett platform to provide broadened geographic coverage and service leves for corporate clients. New supply partnerships signed earlier this year bolster Gett's presence across the US, expanding Gett's marketplace to include yellow cabs alongside approximately 100 partner fleets covering VIP, Black Car and ride-hailing options, such as Lyft, Curb and Carey. Approximately one-third of B2B rides taken on Gett in Q1 2021 were via partner fleets and it is expected that partner fleets will represent the majority of Gett's B2B rides globally by the end of 2021. Gett launched one of the first-ever on-demand corporate transportation services over 10 years ago and, with software for corporates to compare prices, support travel policy compliance and optimize their back-office processes, Gett's platform reduces corporate spend on ground transportation by up to 45%. Dave Waiser, CEO and co-founder of Gett commented: "Mandeep is a highly-respected people leader and brings years of experience from across the technology ecosystem. Her role will be of paramount importance as the business transitions and expands its corporate Ground Transportation Management solution globally, and I am excited to have her on board to oversee our talent." About Gett Gett is a technology platform solely focused on corporate Ground Transportation Management (GTM), a market worth $79.6B globally. https://bit.ly/2SEIV3M Gett is the GTM category leader, serving over a quarter of the Fortune 500 companies. Gett's cloud-based software aggregates existing transportation providers onto a single platform, helping businesses manage all of their ground transportation spend. Additionally, Gett expands companies' coverage by connecting them to a grid of transportation providers globally. Gett organizes corporate fleet, ride-hailing, taxi, and limo providers on one platform, optimizing the entire employee experience, from booking and riding to invoicing and analytics, saving businesses time and money. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, Gett has raised more than $750M in funding to date, including more than $300M from the Volkswagen Group. ENDS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005049/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Jacques Gabillon, Former Global Head of Commodities at Goldman Sachs, Is Vortexa's New Chairman Energy Innovation Capital Becomes an Investor Vortexa, the energy and shipping Analytics platform, combining AI and deep industry expertise to provide the most complete real-time data and analytics tools for waterborne energy and shipping markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of former Goldman Sachs Global Head of Commodities Jacques Gabillon as the new Chairman. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005056/en/ Fabio Kuhn, CEO, Vortexa and Jacques Gabillon, Chairman, Vortexa (Photo: Business Wire) Jacques has taken over the role from Etienne Amic, Vortexa Co-Founder, former Head of European Energy at JP Morgan (News - Alert) and current CEO of VAKT Global. Jacques Gabillon has over 30 years of experiece in the commodities industry working for leading institutions covering commodities, derivatives, structured finance and principal investing globally. His expertise includes major acquisitions, divestments and structured finance transactions across the full spectrum of the commodities industry. Jacques was a Managing Director and Partner of Goldman Sachs and Global Head of their Commodities Trading Division based in London. ''Since joining the Board of Directors more than a year ago, I have been extremely impressed with how far and how fast Vortexa has been expanding its technology and market presence'' said Jacques. ''I'm excited to become its new Chairman, working more closely with the Board and executive team to drive significant value for our industry.'' Former Chairman, Etienne Amic said ''It has been a great privilege to serve on the board at Vortexa. I am honoured to have experienced the company going from inception to a new force in the energy trading industry.'' Fabio Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Vortexa said: ''On behalf of the entire Vortexa team, I would like to thank Etienne for his immeasurable contributions to our development since inception and wish him all the best in his new ventures, especially VAKT. It is also a great honor for us to welcome Jacques as our new Chairman; he is an incredible partner who already added massive value to Vortexa as a Board member over the last year. Now, as the Chair of our Board, Jacques is even better positioned to work more closely with our leadership team as Vortexa continues to accelerates its growth - I could not be more excited about our future.'' Since Vortexa's $19m Series B earlier this year, and following up on the company's continued success, Energy Innovation Capital, one of the most experienced and proven groups of investors in energy technology has become an investor in Vortexa. Notion Capital, who led the Series A round, has also taken the opportunity to increase its participation in the company. ''Vortexa represents an unparalleled level of innovation in our industry'' said Kevin Skillern, Managing Partner at Energy Innovation Capital. ''Their state-of-the-art AI technology combined with their in-house team of global industry experts are creating the future of energy trading." Fabio Kuhn said ''We are very excited to welcome Energy Innovation Capital as a new investor at Vortexa. Their energy industry expertise and international network will be invaluable to us in the next phase of our growth journey.'' +++ Ends +++ About Vortexa Vortexa tracks more than $1.8 trillion of waterborne energy trades per year in real-time, providing energy and shipping companies with the most complete picture of global energy flows available in the world today. Vortexa's highly intuitive platform with programmatic API/SDK interfaces help traders, analysts and charterers make high-value trading decisions with confidence, when it matters the most. About EIC Energy Innovation Capital is the premier capital provider for innovators serving the energy industry. EIC provides early and growth-stage funding for visionary entrepreneurs tackling global energy challenges with transformative, market-leading solutions. EIC's team leverages our industry expertise, networks and collaborative approach to help talented entrepreneurs push the boundaries of what's possible and build great companies. To learn more, visit www.energyinnovationcapital.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005056/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Sungrow Joins Hands with JCM Power and InfraCo to Construct Malawi's First Solar-plus-storage Project DEDZA, Malawi, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading PV and ESS solutions supplier for renewables, has recently partnered with JCM Power, InfraCo Africa, RINA and Innovate UK to construct the Republic of Malawi's first utility-scale solar-plus-storage project. Located in the Dedza district of Malawi near the town of Golomoti, the 20MWac solar PV and 5MW/10MWh energy storage project is set to become a leading project in sub-Saharan Africa in demonstrating the value of solar PV coupled with energy storage. The project will fully adopt Sungrow's one-stop solar-plus-storage MV solution comprised of PV inverter, MV station, all-in-one Power Conversion System, battery container, and energy management system (EMS). Sungrow's leading PV and storage technologies will be deployed to improve the availability, reliability, and quality of the Malawi power supply through its outstanding capabilities in providing frequency regulation, voltage regulation, peak shaving, and reactive power support. The Golomoti project, which is expected to enter operations at the end of 2021, will have all engineering, procurement and construction activities managed by JCM Power. The inclusion of lithium-ion batteries behind the meter at this scale will be a first in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating JCM's position as a leader in deploying leading technologies and innovation for solar-storage projects. "We are pleased to have selected Sungrow to supply solar inverters, transformer kiosks and a one-stop lithium-ion battery energy torage solution for this pioneering project. Together, with Sungrow's global experience and expertise, we look forward to this project demonstrating the pathway for clean, affordable and reliable energy for Malawi and further as a demonstration to other developing nations" said Shane Eglinton, Engineering Director of JCM Power. "We are extremely proud to be part of this iconic project. At the same time, we are certain that the introduction of our latest outdoor Power Conversion System solutions to the African market will boost the region's clean-power access and economic growth," said Phyllis Yang, the head of Sungrow Southern Africa. After years of growth with zero security incidents, Sungrow is on the path to becoming the world's leading supplier of ESS equipment and integrated system solutions. In 2020, thanks to its broad product portfolio and perfectly localized after-sales service network, Sungrow led Southern Africa's PV sector with a market share over 20%. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 154 GW installed worldwide as of December 2020. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com About JCM Power JCM Power is an independent power producer (IPP) dedicated to accelerating social, economic and environmental sustainability in growth markets through the development, construction and operation of renewable energy facilities and HVDC transmission lines. JCM Power establishes long-term partnerships with local communities, governments and financial institutions to build and operate clean energy projects in markets where economies are growing rapidly and electricity is currently scarce, but sun and wind are abundant. JCM Power's focus is on projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Learn more about JCM Power by visiting: www.jcmpower.ca About InfraCo Africa InfraCo Africa is part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). InfraCo Africa seeks to alleviate poverty by mobilising private investment into high-quality infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa's poorest countries. It addresses the risks and costs of early-stage project development: funding teams of experienced developers and providing risk capital to those projects which need the financial commitment and leverage that InfraCo Africa can bring. InfraCo Africa is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom (through FCDO), the Netherlands (through DGIS) and Switzerland (through SECO). For more information please visit: www.infracoafrica.com SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] CrannMed partners with leading Digital Research Organization, Meditrial to obtain "Breakthrough Device Designation" by the FDA for its innovative Knee Osteoarthritis Therapy NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meditrial Inc, a leading Global Digitally Driven Research Organization, is pleased to announce its successful collaboration with CrannMed Limited in supporting their objective to obtain a Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for its Embosure Microspheres used to treat patients suffering from pain associated with Knee Osteoarthritis. Knee Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and debilitating condition due to the progressive deterioration of joint function, resulting in diminished quality of life for the patient. CrannMeds Embosure Microspheres are resorbable embolic particles designed to provide controlled, targeted, minimally-invasive embolization of the genicular artery as a novel treatment for blocking the tiny blood vessels that produce the swelling and restrictions in mobility. The FDAs Breakthrough Device Designation provides patients and healthcare providers timely access to medical devices by speeding up their development, assessment and review. For CrannMed this designation confirms the innovative and unique nature of the Embosure Microspheres and the positive impact the therapy is expected to have on patients suffering from knee ostheoarthitis. Dr. Monica Tocchi, founder and Chief Medical Officer of Meditrial Inc. stated, The team and I are honored to be partners with CrannMed and are delighted we were able to make a meaningful contribution to their efforts on achieving the Breakthrough Device Designation. This novel device that addresses one of the most prevalent articular diseases in the western world, now has a high potential pathway for accelerated regulatory approval. Steve Duryee, Meditrials Global COO added, Its our intent to ensure CrannMed capitalizes on this opportunity to provide a solution for a leading cause of chronic disability and public health burden. With that in mind our attention has turned towards providing our regulatory insight and clinical expertise to ensure Liam and his team achieve market access and reimbursement in the shortest time frame possible. Liam Farrissey, CEO of CrannMed said, We are pleased to have received the Breakthrough Designation for our Embosure Microspheres and appreciate the expertise that Meditrial provided throughout the process. Our energies are now focused on finalizing the pathway to gain market approval. Given Meditrials track record of success in partnering with firms like ours and the strategic contribution they have made to our organization, we are excited to continue our partnership as we tackle the next set of critical milestones. About CrannMed Limited: CrannMed Limited, is focused on the development of a range of resorbable particles with resorption times ranging from hours to months. The company believes that this technology will unlock the potential of embolisation across a range of therapies. Based in Galway, Ireland, the CrannMed team has developed a strong clinical network of world leading embolization specialists and a growing portfolio of patents. About Meditrial Inc: Meditrial Inc headquartered in New York, with offices in Zurich, Rome, Berlin, and London, is a full-service digital research organization with a complete range of services spanning regulatory, clinical, quality and digital health solutions. For more information, please visit: https://www.meditrial.net/ or contact Steve Duryee @ s.duryee@meditrial.net [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Former CIA Cyber Officer & U.S. Government Security Expert Joins Sontiq as Chief Technology Officer Sontiq, the leader in Intelligent Identity Security, today announced the appointment of Jeremy Haas as chief technology officer (CTO). Haas, who brings a long-tenured career in cybersecurity research, product development and technology direction to Sontiq, will lead the company's technology strategy and Innovation Office. He will set the strategic direction and implementation of Sontiq's technology initiatives, supporting a broad range of identity monitoring, restoration and response products. Haas spent 24 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) supporting intelligence activities as a cybersecurity expert. While at the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence within the Directorate of Digital Innovation, he led and participated in cyber operations, engineering and analysis activities in support of intelligence, counter intelligence and covert operations. During his tenure at USAF as a telecommunications officer, Haas evaluated cyber technologies for the armed forces and led mobile telecom teams for global deployment. Immediately prior to joining Sontiq, Haas was chief information security officer and chief technology officer at LookingGlass Cyber Solutions, a cyber threat intelligence company. For LookingGlass, he led technical strategy and the cybersecurity program, as well as contributed subject matter expertise to the development of next-generation cyber threat detection and mitigation products. He also led cyber threat intelligence research, dark web intelligence collection and cyber threat analytics activities. Haas' demonstrated expertise and leadership, as well as his in-depth knowledge of advanced cyber threats and data breaches, will strengthen Sontiq's already award-winning ability to monitor, restore and respond to the identity threats faced by its clients and members. As CTO, Haas will amplify Sontiq's thought leadership, product innovation, and value to its rapidly expanding customer base and product suite. "We are thrilled to welcome a security and technology leader of Jeremy's caliber to our executive team," said Sontiq President & CEO Brian Longe. "His demonstrated ability to manage difficult tasks while driving results is impressive. Combining his talents with Sontiq's award-winning products and services will enable us to further expand our innovation footprint. With Jeremy's guidance and support, we will continue to exceed standards for high-touch support, world-class restoration services, and Intelligent Identity Security offerings that make us all less vulnerable." Haas is a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a bachelor's of science in mathematics; and holds a master's of science in computer science from George Mason University and a master's of science in information technology from the University of Texas-San Antonio. He holds the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) credentials. Haas received the CIA Exceptional Performance Award seven times, the CIA Dreiling Award for Cyber Innovation and the Director of National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation for the advancement of critical national security objectives. About Sontiq Sontiq (pronounced Son-tick) is an Intelligent Identity Security company arming businesses and consumers with award-winning products and services built to protect what matters most. Sontiq's brands, IdentityForce, Cyberscout and EZShield provide a full range of identity and cyber monitoring solutions, best-in-class restoration, and response products and services. Sontiq's products are used by an ever-growing community and empower millions of customers and organizations to be less vulnerable to the financial and emotional consequences of identity theft and cybercrimes. Sontiq and its brands have an outstanding track record for delivering high-touch support and fraud remediation services, demonstrated through its 99% customer satisfaction ratings. Sontiq is a portfolio company of the Wicks Group. Learn more at www.sontiq.com or engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005233/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Archaeology: Climate change may be accelerating ancient rock art degradation Climate change may be accelerating the degradation of ancient rock paintings in Indonesia, including the oldest known hand stencil in the world which dates back to 39,900 years ago, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Rock paintings made using red and mulberry-coloured pigments in the limestone caves and rock shelters of Maros-Pangkep, Indonesia have been dated to between 20,000 and 45,000 years old. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the paintings have been deteriorating at an accelerated rate in recent decades, but the reasons for this have been unclear. Jillian Huntley and colleagues investigated the potential causes of accelerated rock art degradation at 11 cave art sites in Maros-Pangkep, by analysing flakes of rock that had begun to detach from cave surfaces. The authors found salts including calcium sulfate and sodium chloride in flakes of rock at three of the sites. These salts are known to form crystals on the rock surfaces, which cause the rocks to break apart. The authors also found high levels of sulphur, a component of several salts, at all 11 sites. The findings may indicate that the process of salt-related rock art degradation is widespread in Maros-Pangkep. The authors suggest that repeated changes in temperature and humidity caused by alternating periods of seasonal rainfall and drought create conditions that promote salt crystal formation and rock art degradation. They propose that these changes may be accelerated by rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change and El Nino events. Long-term monitoring and conservation efforts are needed to protect ancient rock art in tropical regions, the authors conclude. ### Article details The effects of climate change on the Pleistocene rock art of Sulawesi DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87923-3 Corresponding Author: Jillian Huntley Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia Email: j.huntley@griffith.edu.au Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends): https:/ / www. nature. com/ articles/ s41598-021-87923-3 This story has been published on: 2021-05-13. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 11:01:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SANTIAGO, May 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 16 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Chile since its immunization campaign began on Feb. 3, the Health Ministry reported Wednesday. Up to 16,059,122 doses of vaccines have been administered, Health Minister Enrique Paris said in a press release, adding that 8,765,052 people have received their first dose and 7,294,070 their second. Paris also said that 3,013,247 people aged 60 and over have been inoculated. This week, pregnant women with underlying medical conditions and those aged 35 to 39 can be inoculated. The target group of 15,200,840 people, which makes up 80 percent of the country's population, should be fully vaccinated by the end of the first half of the year, according to the ministry's vaccination program. Chile saw a surge in COVID-19 cases in April, which led to the quarantine of more than 80 percent of the population. Enditem [May 13, 2021] Southeastern Grocers Enhances Loyalty Program With "rewards Boosters" Today, Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces the launch of "rewards Boosters," a new means for customers to fast-track their way to savings with personalized offers delivered in a fun game-like challenge. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005227/en/ Southeastern Grocers announces the launch of "rewards Boosters," a new means for customers to fast-track their way to savings with personalized offers delivered in a fun game-like challenge through the Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie rewards apps. (Photo: Business Wire) Customers can now boost their savings by selecting their "rewards Boosters" offer inside the Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie app to begin saving. To deliver the best hyper-relevant offer, "rewards Boosters" are personalized for each customer based on shopping preferences. Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, "At Southeastern Grocers, we believe in connecting with our customers on a personal level, whether that is in our stores or through our digital platforms. We work hard to anticipate and listen to the needs and desires of our customers and asociates, and their shopping habits tell us that saving money on groceries is a top priority as they continue to spend more time cooking at home. With the new 'rewards Boosters' addition to our highly rated rewards loyalty program, our customers now have the opportunity to earn more rewards toward savings on the products they buy most while experiencing a truly personalized shopping experience in our stores." The all-new "rewards Boosters" is the latest enhancement to the grocer's rewards loyalty program that was recently ranked by Newsweek as one of the best supermarket programs in the country1. The loyalty program is powered through the Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie rewards apps. To participate in "rewards Boosters," customers will activate offers within the apps, complete the offer challenge and then receive the reward. Each offer will only be available for a limited time and will change based on the challenge. Current rewards members will automatically receive personalized "rewards Boosters" offers to activate in addition to the program's current Mystery Bonus and Deal of the Week offers. New rewards members will be offered "rewards Boosters" upon enrolling in the loyalty program with offers becoming more personalized over time. New and existing customers not currently enrolled in the loyalty program can join by downloading the Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie rewards app in the app store. ______________________________ 1 America's Best Loyalty Programs About Southeastern Grocers Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. SEG grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies serve communities throughout the five southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and strong commitments to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005227/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Tufin Announces First Quarter 2021 Results Tufin (NYSE: TUFN), a company pioneering a policy-centric approach to security and IT operations, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. "We are pleased to deliver another quarter of year-over-year product revenue growth, with the subscription transition in the first quarter exceeding our expectations," said Ruvi Kitov, Tufin's CEO and Co-Founder. "We expanded our security policy management capabilities, with the announcement of the Tufin Orchestration Suite version R 21-1, and the new additions to the marketplace for vulnerability management and Cisco ACI automation." Kitov added, "We continue to work on our transformation and strive to improve execution and remain agile, to fully participate in the ongoing recovery and set the stage for long-term growth. Early indications give us confidence that our strategic direction and the effectiveness of our actions thus far in 2021 will drive long-term value for our stakeholders." Financial Highlights for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2021 Revenue: Total revenue was $21.4 million, up 1% compared with the first quarter of 2020. Product revenue was $6.0 million, up 4% compared with the first quarter of 2020. Maintenance and professional services revenue was $15.3 million, in line with the first quarter of 2020. Gross Profit: GAAP gross profit was $16.0 million, or 75% of total revenue, compared to $15.7 million in the first quarter of 2020, or 74% of total revenue. Non-GAAP gross profit was $16.5 million, or 77% of total revenue, compared to $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2020, or 76% of total revenue. Operating Loss: GAAP operating loss was $12.8 million, compared to operating loss of $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP operating loss was $9.5 million, compared to non-GAAP operating loss of $13.3 million in the first quarter of 2020. Net Loss: GAAP net loss was $11.6 million, or a loss of $0.32 per share, compared to net loss of $17.0 million, or a loss of $0.48 per share, in the first quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net loss was $9.8 million, or a loss of $0.27 per share, compared to non-GAAP loss of $13.2 million, or a loss of $0.37 per share, in the first quarter of 2020. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow: Cash flow generated from operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $9.3 million, compared to cash flow generated from operating activities of $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Total cash, cash equivalents restricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2021 were $113.9 million, compared to $104.0 million as of December 31, 2020. The tables at the end of this press release include a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP gross profit, operating income and net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. An explanation of these measures is also included under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." Recent Business Highlights Announced the release of Tufin Orchestration Suite R 21-1. Integrating SecureChange and SecureCloud, the latest version adds automation capabilities for Microsoft Azure customers. It also extends the automation capabilities of SecureChange to include external platforms that are not directly managed by the Tufin Orchestration Suite, enabling customers to centrally manage security changes for any platform across their hybrid environment. Announced two new Marketplace apps: The Policy Change Automation (PCA) app for Cisco ACI enables automation of ACI contracts through an integration of SecureChange with Ansible playbooks. The Vulnerability-Based Change Automation App (VCA) automatically retrieves data from vulnerability scanners and reflects the results in the risk assessment step of a change request. Customers can ensure there are no risky vulnerabilities in the source or destination of a change ticket before provisioning new network access. Announced that CRN named Addie Finch, Tufin's Director of Channel Sales, Americas, to the Women of the Channel list for 2021, which recognizes the achievements of female leaders in the IT channel. Business Outlook Based on information available as of May 13, 2021, Tufin is issuing guidance as indicated below: Second Quarter 2021: Total revenue between $21.0 and $25.0 million Non-GAAP operating loss between $12.7 and $9.3 million Full Year 2021: Total revenue between $105.0 and $113.0 million Non-GAAP operating loss between $33.8 and $27.0 million Conference Call Information In conjunction with this announcement, the Company will host a conference call today, May 13, 2021, at 8:00am Eastern Time, to discuss the Company's first quarter financial results and its business outlook. To participate in the call, please dial 877-407-2988 in the U.S. or 201-389-0923 for international participants and enter Conference ID# 13718996. The call will also be webcast live on Tufin's Investor Relations website at investors.tufin.com. Following the conference call, an archive of the webcast will be available on the investor relations section of the Company website's two hours after the live call ends. About Tufin Tufin (NYSE: TUFN) simplifies management of some of the largest, most complex networks in the world, consisting of thousands of firewall and network devices and emerging hybrid cloud infrastructures. Enterprises select the company's Tufin Orchestration Suite to increase agility in the face of ever-changing business demands while maintaining a robust security posture. The Suite reduces the attack surface and meets the need for greater visibility into secure and reliable application connectivity. With over 2,000 customers since its inception, Tufin's network security automation enables enterprises to implement changes in minutes instead of days, while improving their security posture and business agility. Non-GAAP Financial Measures We believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude, as applicable, share-based compensation expense and certain non-recurring costs, as well as, the tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments, allows for more meaningful comparisons between our operating results from period to period. These non-GAAP financial measures are an important tool for financial and operational decision-making and for evaluating our operating results over different periods: We define non-GAAP gross profit as gross profit excluding share-based compensation expense. We define non-GAAP operating income (loss) as operating income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expense and one-time expenses associated with reorganization in of one of our subsidiaries. We define non-GAAP net income as net income excluding share-based compensation expense, one-time expenses associated with reorganization in of one of our subsidiaries and the tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments. Because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact a company's non-cash expense, we believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude non-cash share-based compensation expense allow for more meaningful comparisons between our operating results from period to period. In addition, we believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude one-time expenses associated with the reorganization of one of our subsidiaries allows for more meaningful comparisons between our operating results from period to period since these non-recurring costs are not representative or indicative of our ongoing operations. We also believe that the tax effects related to the non-GAAP adjustments set forth above do not reflect the performance of our core business and would impact period-to-period comparability. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP operating income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) differently or not at all, which reduces the usefulness these non-GAAP financial measures for comparison. You should consider these non-GAAP financial measures along with other financial performance measures, including gross profit, operating income (loss) and net income (loss), and our financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Tufin urges investors to review the reconciliation of its non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures included below, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business. Guidance for non-GAAP financial measures excludes, as applicable, share-based compensation expense and certain non-recurring costs, as applicable. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures guidance to the corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis due to the uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability and significance of, the amounts of share-based compensation expense and certain non-recurring costs, as applicable, that are excluded from the guidance. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures guidance to the corresponding GAAP measures for future periods is not available without unreasonable effort. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of Tufin's (the "Company") management. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "expect," "predict," "potential" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Such statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to: the impact of COVID-19 on the budgets of our clients and on economic conditions generally; changes in the rapidly evolving enterprise network landscape; failure to effectively manage growth; potential near-term declines in our operating and net profit margins and our revenue growth rate; real or perceived shortcomings, defects or vulnerabilities in the Company's solutions or internal network system, or the failure of the Company's customers or channel partners to correctly implement the Company's solutions; fluctuations in quarterly results of operations; the inability to acquire new customers or sell additional products and services to existing customers; competition from a wide variety of competitive vendors; the Company's ability to successfully integrate potential future acquisitions; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. TUFIN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. dollars in thousands (Unaudited) December 31, March 31, 2020 2021 Assets CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents 58,449 67,400 Marketable Securities - short term 19,586 19,632 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $85 at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021) 16,674 8,019 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,159 8,508 Total current assets 101,868 103,559 NON CURRENT ASSETS: Long-term restricted bank deposits 3,268 3,164 Marketable Securities - long term 22,705 23,678 Property and equipment, net 4,502 4,401 Operating lease assets 18,802 18,231 Deferred costs 6,348 6,155 Deferred tax assets 1,346 1,592 Other non-current assets 1,512 1,619 Total non-current assets 58,483 58,840 Total assets 160,351 162,399 TUFIN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. dollars in thousands (except share data) (Unaudited) December 31, March 31, 2020 2021 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Trade payables 4,147 4,413 Employee and payroll accrued expenses 17,985 17,227 Other accounts payables 578 751 Operating lease liabilities - current 3,185 3,138 Deferred revenues 24,940 31,103 Total current liabilities 50,835 56,632 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Long-term deferred revenues 12,815 17,404 Non-current operating lease liabilities 20,240 18,874 Other non-current liabilities 1,282 1,306 Total non-current liabilities 34,337 37,584 Total liabilities 85,172 94,216 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Ordinary shares of NIS 0.015 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021; 35,972,470 and 36,770,773 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, respectively 148 152 Additional paid-in capital 178,864 183,481 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5 (22 ) Accumulated deficit (103,838 ) (115,428 ) TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 75,179 68,183 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 160,351 162,399 TUFIN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS U.S. dollars in thousands (except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2020 2021 Revenues: Product 5,804 6,031 Maintenance and professional services 15,440 15,329 Total revenues 21,244 21,360 Cost of revenues: Product 553 753 Maintenance and professional services 5,017 4,651 Total cost of revenues 5,570 5,404 Gross profit 15,674 15,956 Operating expenses: Research and development 10,178 9,640 Sales and marketing 17,829 13,564 General and administrative 4,931 5,596 Total operating expenses 32,938 28,800 Operating loss (17,264 ) (12,844 ) Financial income, net 563 65 Loss before taxes on income (16,701 ) (12,779 ) Taxes on income (343 ) 1,189 Net loss (17,044 ) (11,590 ) Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share (0.48 ) (0.32 ) Weighted average number of shares used in computing net loss per ordinary share - basic and diluted 35,453 36,395 Share-based Compensation Expense: Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2020 2021 Cost of revenues 495 523 Research and development 1,070 1,127 Sales and marketing 1,187 741 General and administrative 903 957 Total share-based compensation expense 3,655 3,348 TUFIN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, U.S. dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2021 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss (17,044 ) (11,590 ) Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 332 404 Share-based compensation 3,655 3,348 Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on marketable securities, net - 80 Exchange rate differences on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 297 526 Other 2 - Change in operating assets and liability items: Accounts receivable 6,051 8,655 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,400 ) (1,514 ) Deferred costs 264 230 Deferred taxes and other non-current assets 15 (353 ) Trade payables (74 ) 266 Employee and payroll accrued expenses (13 ) (839 ) Other accounts payable and non-current liabilities 1,200 188 Operating lease (686 ) (842 ) Deferred revenues 7,861 10,752 Net cash provided by operating activities 460 9,311 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of fixed assets (1,018 ) (294 ) Investment in marketable securities - (10,076 ) Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities - 8,995 Net cash used in investing activities (1,018 ) (1,375 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Changes in withholding taxes related to employee stock plans (1,078 ) 80 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 711 1,357 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (367 ) 1,437 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (297 ) (526 ) INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH (1,222 ) 8,847 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 121,729 61,717 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD 120,507 70,564 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Property and equipment purchased but not yet paid 53 58 Exercise of share options 93 - TUFIN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited, U.S. dollars in thousands) Reconciliation of Gross Profit to Non-GAAP Gross Profit: Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2020 2021 Gross profit 15,674 15,956 Plus: Share-based compensation 495 523 Non-GAAP gross profit 16,169 16,479 Reconciliation of Operating loss to Non-GAAP Operating loss: Three Months Ended March 31 March 31, 2020 2021 Operating loss (17,264 ) (12,844 ) Plus: Share-based compensation 3,655 3,348 One-time reorganization charges 322 - Non-GAAP Operating loss (13,287 ) (9,496 ) Reconciliation of Net loss to Non-GAAP Net loss: Three Months Ended March 31, March 31, 2020 2021 Net loss (17,044 ) (11,590 ) Plus: Share-based compensation 3,655 3,348 Other 322 - Taxes on income related to non-GAAP adjustments (172 ) (1,605 ) Non-GAAP Net loss (13,239 ) (9,847 ) Non-GAAP net income per share Basic and diluted (0.37 ) (0.27 ) Weighted average number of shares 35,453 36,395 About Tufin Tufin (NYSE: TUFN) simplifies management of some of the largest, most complex networks in the world, consisting of thousands of firewall and network devices and emerging hybrid cloud infrastructures. Enterprises select the Tufin Orchestration Suite to increase agility in the face of ever-changing business demands while maintaining a robust security posture. The Suite reduces the attack surface and meets the need for greater visibility into secure and reliable application connectivity. With over 2,000 customers since its inception, Tufin's network security automation enables enterprises to implement changes in minutes instead of days, while improving their security posture and business agility. Find out more at: www.tufin.com Follow Tufin on Twitter: @TufinTech Read more on Tufin's blog: Suite Talk View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005503/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Hut 8 Achieves Record-Level Revenue Results in Q1-2021; Balance Sheet Grows 134% over Fiscal 2020 TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Hut 8 Mining Corp. (TSX: HUT) ("Hut 8" or the "Company"), one of North America's oldest, largest and most innovative Bitcoin miners, today announces its financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 ("Q1-2021"). Hut 8 reports all amounts in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise stated. Bitcoin Inventory and Value Hut 8 continues to strategically emphasize its "Hodl" strategy, taking active steps to generate Canadian and US dollars to help fund operating expenses, so as to avoid selling Bitcoin. As of March 31, 2021 the Company had a total Bitcoin balance of 3,271 with a market value of $242.4 million. Our current Bitcoin balance, including 1,000 Bitcoin loaned as part of the Company's fiat yield strategy, is approximately 3,522 Bitcoin. Q1-2021 Highlights: Record level quarterly revenue of $32.5 million in Q1-2021, compared to $12.7 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2020 ("Q1-2020"). $30.6 million of Q1-2021 revenue related to Bitcoin mining, $1.4 million from Hut 8's institutional grade hosting client and the balance consisting of interest income of $0.5 million from the Company's Bitcoin yield arrangement with Genesis Global Capital, LLC ("Genesis"). in Q1-2021, compared to in the quarter ended ("Q1-2020"). of Q1-2021 revenue related to Bitcoin mining, from Hut 8's institutional grade hosting client and the balance consisting of interest income of from the Company's Bitcoin yield arrangement with Genesis Global Capital, LLC ("Genesis"). The Company closed a $77.5 million private placement, which served to significantly strengthen Hut 8's capitalization and allow several strategic actions to be taken. private placement, which served to significantly strengthen Hut 8's capitalization and allow several strategic actions to be taken. Hut 8 fully repaid its US$20 million Genesis loan with all Bitcoin collateral returned to Hut 8, resulting in annualized interest savings of US$1.6 million , while reducing the Company's credit risk exposure. Genesis loan with all Bitcoin collateral returned to Hut 8, resulting in annualized interest savings of , while reducing the Company's credit risk exposure. Ordered 5,400 units of Whatsminer M30S Bitcoin mining machines from MicroBT, which is expected to add 475 PH/s to its Bitcoin mining capacity following anticipated installation by the of July 2021 . . Ordered 10,000 NVIDIA CMP cards with full deployment expected to be completed this summer. Hut 8 and NVIDIA entered into an agreement for an enterprise-class product that is not available on the open market. Hut 8 will use the NVIDIA CMPs initially to mine the Ethereum network and expand its mining business while maintaining the benefit of payouts in Bitcoin, via Luxor pool. The addition of the NVIDIA CMPs is expected to increase Hut 8's aggregate operating rate by approximately 1600 Gigahash. The total amount of power this new fleet of equipment will use is expected to be less than 4 MW. Given current network dynamics, this would equate to approximately an incremental 3.35 Bitcoins per day. The Company entered into a power purchase agreement ("PPA") with Validus to support Hut 8's Alberta operations. This agreement will enable Hut 8 to initially secure up to 100MW of new power from the project on a physical off-take basis at a power rate of $0.0274 /kWh, subject to an annual adjustment mechanism for the five-year term of the PPA. The PPA includes a $25 million rate paydown investment by Hut 8, the first milestone of which was reached in April 2021 , resulting in a preliminary payment of $15 million . operations. This agreement will enable Hut 8 to initially secure up to 100MW of new power from the project on a physical off-take basis at a power rate of /kWh, subject to an annual adjustment mechanism for the five-year term of the PPA. The PPA includes a rate paydown investment by Hut 8, the first milestone of which was reached in , resulting in a preliminary payment of . Hut 8 established a yield account with Genesis where it is earning 4% in interest per annum on 1,000 Bitcoin and announced a similar program with Galaxy Digital, earning 4% per annum. "I joined Hut 8 in December with a bold vision," said Jaime Leverton, Chief Executive Officer of Hut 8. "First, I would build a remarkable team of leaders in their disciplines who would be capable of building out the Company's story of excellence. Then I would build lasting partnerships to expand and diversify our business models. And third, I would introduce ESG and sustainability priorities to ensure we laid the groundwork for our communties and planet to thrive. The Q1 2021 results are in and I could not be happier as we continue to strengthen and refine the Hut 8 story while creating and maintaining long-term value." Operating and Financial Overview: Revenue growth reflects improvement in the price of Bitcoin, which averaged approximately US$45,300 in the first quarter of 2021, versus approximately US$8,300 in the prior year period. Total Bitcoin balance of 3,271 had a market value of $242.4 million as of March 31, 2021 , consisting of 2,271 Bitcoin held in custody and 1,000 Bitcoin loaned to Genesis. as of , consisting of 2,271 Bitcoin held in custody and 1,000 Bitcoin loaned to Genesis. Based on the strength of Bitcoin price appreciation, the gain on digital assets held in custody and digital asset loan receivables was $110.9 million in Q1-2021: in Q1-2021: Unrealized gain on digital assets held as at March 31, 2021 of $66.8 million net of tax ( $88.0 million before tax), which flows through other comprehensive income on the Company's balance sheet, plus of net of tax ( before tax), which flows through other comprehensive income on the Company's balance sheet, plus Revaluation of digital asset loan receivable of $22.9 million , which flows through the income statement. , which flows through the income statement. Site operating costs for Q1-2021 were $14.6 million , up from the prior year period of $12.6 million , related to increased power consumption. , up from the prior year period of , related to increased power consumption. Net income of $35.5 million , versus a loss of $10.2 million in Q1-2020. , versus a loss of in Q1-2020. Adjusted EBITDA of $16.0 million in Q1-2021, versus a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year quarter, driven by the improvement in Bitcoin mining economics. "I am impressed by the progress the team at Hut 8 Mining has made," commented Shane Downey, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. "I'm excited to have joined this dynamic team as we work to deliver on our financial, ESG and sustainability objectives." COVID-19 COVID-19 has had minimal impact on the ongoing operations of the Company; however, all staff have taken precautionary measures to help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this press release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Hut 8's Annual Information Form dated March 25, 2021, which is available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Hut 8; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Hut 8 expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Non-IFRS Measures This press release presents certain non-IFRS ("IFRS" refers to International Financial Reporting Standards) financial measures to assist readers in understanding Hut 8's performance. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management uses these non-IFRS measures to supplement the analysis and evaluation of operating performance. In this press release, the following terms are used, which are not found in the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada Handbook and do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS: EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): (a) "EBITDA" represents net income or loss excluding net finance income or expense, income tax or recovery, depreciation, and amortization; and (b) "Adjusted EBITDA" represents EBITDA adjusted to exclude share-based compensation, fair value loss or gain on revaluation of digital assets, write-offs, and costs associated with one-time transactions (such as listing fees). About Hut 8: Hut 8 is one of North America's oldest, largest and most innovative Bitcoin miners. Hut 8 has one of the highest installed capacity rates in the industry and is #1 globally in held, self-mined Bitcoin of any crypto miner or publicly traded company. Recently ranked 11th (of 10,000) on the 2021 OTCQX Best 50, the Hut 8 leadership team is continually looking for ways to accelerate innovation in high performance computing, and the blockchain ecosystem. We are stewards of powerful, industry-leading solutions, and drivers of innovation in digital asset mining and high-performance computing. Hut 8 applies a growth mindset to our revenue diversification, ESG and carbon footprint reduction strategy. We are a company committed to growing shareholder value regardless of #BTC market direction. #HodltheHut SOURCE Hut 8 Mining Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Presence Global New Release Adds Visibility for Parents SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Widespread awareness of the risks of personal data breaches and the adverse effects of spending extensive time on social media continues to grow. Presence Global is a rapidly growing app that helps protect individuals and families, manage online security and internet pitfalls, and stay safe in every aspect of our digital lives. Presence Global's proprietary software and AI is designed to deliver peace of mind online by enabling the ability to know, monitor, and protect one's digital footprint - all in one place. Presence Global has just released two significant updates to its app to enable individuals and parents to protect their data privacy and online health: Family Feature : The new family feature provides visibility to parents to see their children's online footprint. With a few clicks, it's now possible to add loved ones to the platform and help them protect their online privacy. As before, a key differentiator of the Presence Global feature is that it doesn't enable "stalking" and is a way to raise awareness of online privacy within a family. : The new family feature provides visibility to parents to see their children's online footprint. With a few clicks, it's now possible to add loved ones to the platform and help them protect their online privacy. As before, a key differentiator of the Presence Global feature is that it doesn't enable "stalking" and is a way to raise awareness of online privacy within a family. New Dashboard Intrface Redesign: The new interface makes managing one's online digital life easy by displaying the functionality in a simpler and more graphical user interface. The new dashboard highlights the complementary nature of My Hives, Data Privacy Management, and Your Internet Footprint. A single screen tap now enables access to any one of these features. Founder and CEO Mukul Kumar states, "Protecting children online and providing guidance to help them be safe online is more critical than ever in today's connected world. The new family feature on the Presence platform helps families manage and protect their loved one's online life without invading their privacy." Advisor Dr. Alva Johnson adds, "The Hive feature is an essential tool for parents who have children who are dealing with cyberbullying or want to initiate a dialogue about sensitive online issues simply. Cyberbullying is a serious problem that affects children's mental health. Parents, students, and educators must take preventative measures to stem the detrimental impact of cyberbullying." Presence Global: Peace of Mind Online Presence Global is a personal data management company. Our platform and services are breaking ground in the individual consumer data protection market by enabling the average person to start managing their digital footprint and protect the online health of themselves and their children. This is one of the first steps to making the internet a safer place for everyone. For more information, please visit us at https://presence.global/ Contact us at info@presence.global [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Odyssey Group International Welcomes Global Operations and Quality Leader Ricky Richardson to Board of Directors IRVINE, CA, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odyssey Group International, Inc. (OTCQB: ODYY ) (the "Company" or "Odyssey"),a technology and asset acquisition company focused on developing unique, life-saving medical products, is pleased to welcome Ricky Richardson to the Companys Board of Directors. Mr. Richardson has over 30 years of experience as a global operations and quality leader. He possesses operations and quality control experience that includes change management, multi-plant operations, financial management, supply chain/vendor management, strategic business development, start-up planning and execution, new product introductions and lean deployment. Mr. Richardson held positions at Danaher Corporation, a multi-billion dollar global manufacturer of Diagnostic, Life Sciences, Product Identification, Water Quality and Environmental/Applied Solutions products and services. From September 2011 to November 2020, he developed and led continuous improvement strategies in Operations, Quality, Global Regulatory Compliance, Product Certifications in multiple countries, Product Verification/ Validations, Operations and Legal (IP and Risk Management/ Contingency planning). His most recent positions included Corporate Director of Danaher Business Systems DBS Integration Regulatory Affairs and Compliance and Corporate Director, of DBS Operations and Lean. From February 2008 to July 2011, Mr. Richardson was Director of Operations, Continuous Improvement for Stryker Orthopaedics, a multi-billion dollar global manufacturer of Orthopaedics. Prior to this, Mr. Richardson held various positions at Bioject Medical Technologis, Inc., Baxter Healthcare and Texas Instruments. Mr. Richardson is currently the Vice President of Quality and Continuous Improvement for Advanced Drainage Systems, an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of products supporting water management solutions. We thrilled to have Mr. Richardson join our Board, said Michael Redmond, CEO of Odyssey, His vast experience in R&D, operations and quality control will be instrumental in helping guide Odyssey in its multiple product development programs. About Odyssey Group International, Inc. Odyssey Group International, Inc. (OTCQB: ODYY ) is a technology and asset acquisition company with a focus in the area of life saving medical solutions. Odyssey's corporate mission is to create, acquire and accumulate distinct assets, intellectual properties, and exceptional technologies that provide meaningful medical solutions. The Company is focused on building and acquiring assets in areas that have an identified technological advantage, provide superior clinical utility, have a substantial market opportunity and provide solid returns to its valued shareholders and partners. For more information, visit: http://www.odysseygi.com About PRV-002 PRV-002 is a fully synthetic non-naturally occurring neurosteroid being developed for the treatment of mTBI (concussion). In preclinical studies, PRV-002 has demonstrated equivalent, if not superior, neuroprotective effects compared to related neurosteroids. Animal models of concussion demonstrated that PRV-002 reduces the behavioral pathology associated with brain injury symptoms such as memory impairment, anxiety, and motor/sensory performance. Additionally, PRV-002 is lipophilic and can easily cross the blood-brain barrier to rapidly eliminate swelling, oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain while restoring proper blood flow. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including our ability to close on the agreement in a timely manner, successfully complete a Phase 1 clinical trial, the economic slowdown affecting companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid changes in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, and legislative, regulatory, competitive developments and general economic conditions. Media and Investors Contacts: CG CAPITAL Rich Cockrell 877.889.1972 investorrelations@cg.capital [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Deloitte puts women in cyber in the spotlight NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte Cyber introduced today a new global awareness and recruitment campaign to attract more women with diverse skill sets and backgrounds into the cyber profession and celebrate the small group of women who have a disproportionately positive impact on societyDeloitte's Women in Cyber. Watch Deloitte's Women in Cyber campaign video Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that women will hold 25% of cybersecurity jobs globally by the end of 2021.1 Deloitte's women in cyber population globally is about the same as that global average. The cyber talent gap is real and a challenge for organizations globally, and it does not just lack gender diversity. According to an (ISC)2 study, the global cyber workforce would need to grow more than 145% to meet the job market's demand. There may not be enough qualified individuals to fill millions of open positions globally. Global security will suffer if greater diversity is not brought to solving the complex cyber challenges ahead. "We have to expand the vernacular used today around careers so that when asked, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' the answers include roles like ethical hacker, data privacy professional and cyber strategist. We have to break down the common misconceptions about the type of work that exists for cyber professionals and the type of experience you have to have to do that work," says Emily Mossburg, Deloitte Global Cyber Leader. "Cyber is connected; it is ultimately about people understanding and trusting those connections and empowering our society to innovate and move forward safely. That seems to describe a career many people would want to have." The campaign concept developed with ACNE, a Deloitte UK creative agency, features 14 Deloitte professionals who hold a myriad of cyber roles across the globe. The women were selected based on the intention to represent the broadest spectrum of age, role, professional level and background among Deloitte professionals in cyber roles. They were photographed in February of this year. We took inspiration from refined and authentic portrayals of women. The campaign has a bold yet elevated appeal and is warm and inviting. By design, the campaign allows the women's personalities to shine through with minimal influence and styling. Not only was it created for women but by women as well, with all teams being predominantly women, from creative development and oversight to the stellar catalog of photographers and agency teams. The campaign was brought to life by renowned female photographers: Beth Dewitt Deloitte Canada Media planning and buying for the campaign were done by Mike WorldWide (MWW). The Deloitte Women in Cyber campaign will focus on digital and video media. Marketing efforts will be rolled out across the Deloitte network and customized and leveraged by each Deloitte firm. The campaign embodies the spirit of Deloitte Cyber's tagline, "Empowering your people for the future." The Deloitte Women in Cyber organization comprises female cyber professionals from around the globe who regularly connect to support each other in career development, celebrate accomplishments, share professional experiences, and attract and retain more women into the industry. Through its WorldClass initiative, Deloitte aims to make a meaningful impact in society by using the skills and experience of its professionals to develop job skills, improve educational outcomes, and access opportunities. To address social inequality, Deloitte is helping individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, including women and girls, around the world realize success. Stories of Deloitte's work around the world comprised Deloitte Global's first-ever Global Gender Impact Report. The report's themethe "Butterfly Effect" illustrated how small actions could have a widespread and lasting impact. The report was released on International Women's Day 2020. The release of the Women in Cyber campaign reinforces Deloitte's commitment to improving diversity, equity and inclusion across Deloitte and the organizations it serves. With more than 22,000 cyber professionals globally, working across 20 industry sectors, Deloitte Cyber offers the world's largest cyber consultancy services. Deloitte Cyber empowers organizations with understanding, connection and trust for a cyber-powered future. Deloitte Cyber connects cyber everywhere, with a human approach leveraging the breadth and depth of experience - from regulation, deep technology, product innovation and more. This unique approach, taken together with Deloitte clients, creates a shared culture in safety and trust and is shaping smarter process, empathetic platforms with greater insight, agility, and resilience to threats. Deloitte Cyber empowers diverse teams for collective innovation and secure and sustainable growth, to move the entire business, with cyber-created consistency and confidence, further forward. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ("DTTL"), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the "Deloitte organization"). DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our global network of member firms and related entities in more than 150 countries and territories (collectively, the "Deloitte organization") serves four out of five Fortune Global 500 companies. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 330,000 people make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com. 1 https://cybersecurityventures.com/women-in-cybersecurity/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-puts-women-in-cyber-in-the-spotlight-301290741.html SOURCE Deloitte [May 13, 2021] Radix IoT Announces New Management Promotions, Hires Expanding Its Global Footprint DALLAS, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radix IoToffering limitless monitoring and management rooted in intelligencetoday announced the addition of several management promotions and hires to expand its global reach, and intellectual property portfolio. In less than two years, amidst a pandemic, our end-to-end IoT framework has become the most cohesive, efficient solution for data collection and aggregation, remote monitoring and process managementempowering critical facilities uninterrupted global operations, said Fred Dirla, CEO of Radix IoT. I look forward to leading our team of top expert executives and industry veterans to fortify and expand Radix IoTs global footprint, with new product lines and entry into additional markets and verticals. As Vice President of Infrastructure, Kenneth Endfinger will focus on Radix IoT Cloud offering infrastructure, standards, and security, supporting Michael Skurla, Chief Product Officer, with intellectual property and M&A initiatives. He brings decades expertise in research, design, planning and building scalable, purpose-built IoT platforms. Previously as the companys Research Director, Endfinger led a research team on emerging IoT technologies, and as Software Development Manager at BitBox USA developed the industry leading IoT Platform prior to the merger into Radix IoT. He is a former Software Engineer with Starrett-Bytewise Measurement Systems, Acuity Brands, and DGLogik. As Global Vice President of Operations Dave Schaible will work closely with the companys COO, Luke Dalske to expand the technical proficiency of BMS, SCADA and complex projects and develop a standard UI philosophy to fulfill Radix IoTs vertical-specific client needs. With over 25 years experience in the BMS, SCADA and DCIM space as solution designer in the controls and monitoring field, focusing on data centers and mission critical facility applications, Schaible was previously Senior Director, and Director of Strategic Solutions at Nlyte Software and former Director of Operations at FieldView Solutions Inc. Jason Thacker joins as Vice President of Engineering and quality assurance liaison to manage enterprise customer requirements, resource engineering development efforts, prouct release life-cycle testing program, and will execute best in class technical product management standards allowing the rapid growth of the Radix IoT Platform. He was previously Director of IT Programs and Project Management at TDOE, Director of Software Development at BitBox USA, and Director of Business Systems at Kirklands where he set the HR, Finance, and BI information system strategies including on premise, SaaS, and Cloud applications services. Mads Volsted Pedersen will join the executive management team as Chief Technology Officer at Radix IoT, adding over five decades of combined expertise in programming, systems architecture, technical proficiency in BMS, SCADA and DCIM space. Pedersen will drive initiatives and efforts surrounding Mango platform development for the Radix IoT family of products. He brings deep technical development specialization and in-depth knowledge of managing a global team. Previous to Radix IoT, Pedersen managed software development at Forbes, 24/7 Real Media Inc. and EZSize. Co-founder Michael Skurla will shift to the role of Chief Product Officer leading the global marketing and growth efforts, as well as product strategy focusing on intellectual property growth for Radix IoT markets, research initiatives, managed services, and M&A. Previously as CTO, Skurla guided the unification of acquired technology into the current award-winning Radix IoT portfolio. Skurla brings a wealth of market knowledge with over two decades of thought leadership in emerging building analytics and telemetry applications driven from analytics as well as IoT product design with Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit Radix IoT www.radixiot.com or contact sales@radixiot.com. ? ? Radix IoT Resources? Radix IoT Brochure Radix IoT Products Radix IoT Markets Radix IoT Case Studies Radix IoT White Papers About Radix IoT? Radix IoT offers a flexible and unified IoT platform to unite and harness data from existing subsystems into a managed?dashboard?allowing remote monitoring, process management, and data aggregation intelligence to maximize uptime operations and minimize operating expenses. From one location to multiple, the Radix IoT portfolio of products solves the inherent complexity of managing geographically distributed facilities across various markets, including edge data centers, utilities, carrier edge/telecom infrastructure, industrial, and property management. Radix IoT is a wholly?owned subsidiary of Compass Datacenters. It is headquartered in Dallas, TX, with offices in Mountain View (CA)?and Chicago (IL). For more information, visit? www.radixiot.com and Follow on?Twitter, Facebook?and LinkedIn.? Media?Contact:? Jackie?Abramian ? Global?Cadence? Jackie@globalcadence.org ?? 617-584-2580 ? [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] River City Bank Announces Expanded Lending Footprint With Promotion of Dan Franklin to Director of Commercial Real Estate River City Bank, Sacramento's premier business bank and consistently one of the region's fastest growing companies, is making a substantial leap in the Bank's commercial real estate (CRE) lending footprint to encompass key markets throughout the western United States. This move reflects the widespread interest the Bank has seen among current and prospective clients for investing in CRE opportunities outside of California in markets such as Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005146/en/ River City Bank promotes Dan Franklin to Director of Commercial Real Estate and expands its CRE lending footprint beyond California to the entire western United States including Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and various markets in Texas. (Photo: Business Wire) Concurrent with the expansion of the Bank's geographic target market for CRE lending, the Bank has promoted Dan Franklin to Director of Commercial Real Estate. In this role, Franklin will be responsible for all of the Bank's CRE lending origination activity. "In terms of our asset size, lending capacity, and reputation in the marketplace, River City Bank has never been stronger or better positioned to help our clients' businesses grow and prosper," said Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank. "As an exceptional performer at the Bank, Dan has been a key contributor as our loan portfolio has increased by about 500% over the past decade. In this new role, he will continue to drive expansion into new markets with commercial real estate lending that reflects our unique service-oriented approach and customized lending practices." "I am excited to take our highly successful lending practices, which are proven in California, and expand our reach into markets that are seeing renewed interest and growth in the commercial real estate space," said Dan Franklin, Director of Commercial Real Estate at River City Bank. "This is a time of remarkable health and growth for River City Bank, which makes now the perfect time for building our portfolio in regions that are poised for expansion in the coming years." New Markets, New Teams In his new role, Franklin will continue to oversee all CRE lending in California, including an acceleration of efforts in key southern California markets, while also expanding to a select list of additional markets in various other states including Texas, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, and Nevada. Although no new branches or commercial banking offices are on the horizon, Franklin will look to hire various Business Development Officers in these markets over time. As an extension of Franklin's own outreach and cultivation efforts, these Business Development Officers will be responsible for generating new business opportunities in key growth sectors such as neighborhood shopping centers, multifamily housing, industrial and office. For more information about River City Bank, visit RiverCityBank.com. About River City Bank Named one of Sacramento Business Journal's "50 Fastest Growing Companies" for the past four years, River City Bank is the Sacramento region's premier business bank with assets over $3.4 billion. River City Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking services, including loans, deposits and cash management tools to the business, consumer and commercial real estate sectors. With tailored, executive-level service and a "Superior" financial rating from the nation's leading independent bank-rating firm, Bauer Financial, River City Bank redefines the banking experience and every touch point that surrounds it. River City Bank is the largest, independent, locally-owned and managed bank in the Sacramento region with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and a presence in Southern California. For additional information, please visit RiverCityBank.com or call (916) 567-2600. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005146/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Tinuiti Lands On Inc. Magazine's Annual List Of Best Workplaces For 2021 For The Second Consecutive Year NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tinuiti , the largest independent performance marketing firm across the Triopoly of Google, Facebook, and Amazon has been named to Inc. Magazine's 2021 list of the Best Workplaces for the second consecutive year. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. "Earning this significant recognition from Inc. Magazine is especially meaningful given everything our country and our industry has been going through with the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement," says Zach Morrison, CEO of Tinuiti. "We don't focus on Growing Happiness and committing to equality to win awards. We do it because we know when we're all included and when we empower employees to be their authentic selves, we can produce even greater resultsnot only at our company but in our communities as well." Collecting data from more than 3,000 submissions, Inc. highlighted 429 finalists for this year's list. Tinuiti took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine the company's overall score and ranking. "When a company is growing their workforce and client base as fast as Tinuiti is, it can be difficult to maintain culture throughout all levels of the organization," says Jen Garrison, chief people officer of Tinuiti. "We are proud to say that our people-first philosophy and culture of ownership remain the driving reasons behind our 83 percent employee retention rate, which is virtually unheard of in marketing, which has the highest turnover rates of any other industry." How Tinuiti Grew Happiness: In a chaotic year where a deadly pandemic and social unrest tore through the country, Tinuiti doubled down on its people-first philosophy, consistently putting its talent over profit by committing and implementing corporate, diversity and inclusion, and employee wellness initiatives, including: Unlike many in the industry, Tinuiti did not lay off or furlough a single employee, but instead, grew its employee count by over 60 new hires Tinuiti implemented two mandatory mental health days a month (on top of unlimited PTO) to enable all employees to take care of themselves As Americans took to the streets to demand racial justice as part of the Black Lives Matters movement, Tinuiti listened carefully to its employees, who were gven paid time off from work to be with family or participate in social action. Tinuiti made a public commitment to double the percentage of African American employees over the next three years at all levels of the business, making Juneteenth an official company holiday, and the creation of new positions wholly dedicated to Diversity and Inclusion efforts, including the hiring of a new Sr. Director of Diversity and Inclusion Applauded for offering new parents 16 weeks of fully paid leave, Tinuiti also provides additional support for parents working from home while their children were homeschooling Employee perks and benefits were reimagined, including monthly spending accounts for physical and mental well-being as well as lifestyle perks such as meal delivery or TV streaming services. Transparency was ever-present throughout all levels of the company from a bi-weekly AMA-style office hours that delivered honest answers from our CEO to Diversity Dialogue Spaces where employees could air their feelings and concerns regarding racial discrimination in this country Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk . "Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this year's list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic." Tinuiti has won several prestigious industry awards and accolades for both culture and performance, including recognition as #1 on Ad Age's Best Places to Work for two consecutive years and taking home 11 Stevie Business Awards , and the Grand Stevie Award for Most Honored Marketing Agency. In December 2020, Tinuiti announced a partnership with New Mountain Capital, a leading growth-oriented investment firm with $28 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital, committed to continuing Tinuiti's culture of ownership, participated in a multi-million dollar equity-for-all program with all employees receiving a payment for their years of service to the company. About Tinuiti Tinuiti is the largest independent performance marketing firm across Google, Facebook and Amazon, with over $2 billion in digital media under management and 700 employees. With expert knowledge in search, social, Amazon & marketplaces, mobile apps, CRM & email marketing and more, Tinuiti understands success requires both strategy and channel specialization. Each solution is delivered leveraging Tinuiti's performance planning framework, GAMMA, and enabled by a proprietary suite of marketing intelligence and media activation technology Mobius . For more information visit http://www.tinuiti.com . About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com . About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tinuiti-lands-on-inc-magazines-annual-list-of-best-workplaces-for-2021-for-the-second-consecutive-year-301290635.html SOURCE Tinuiti [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Generational Capital Markets Advises HYPER by Sanho Corporation in its sale to Targus Generational Capital Markets, Member FINRA/SIPC and a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client, Sanho Corporation (dba, HYPER) to Targus, the industry leader in laptop cases and tech accessory products. The acquisition closed April 30, 2021. Located in Fremont, California, Sanho designs and distributes tech accessory products under the Company's HYPER brand. The Company specializes in delivering award winning, cutting edge IT and mobile accessories with a focus on Apple (News - Alert) , portable power, data storage, and connectivity products. HYPER distributes over 100 skus of branded products including: HyperDrive - USB-C Hubs that turn a single USB-C into up to eleven different types of ports (audio jacks, HDMI, Micro SD, SD, USB-A and USB-C PD) HyperJuice - Power Solutions including Chargers and battery packs For more than thirty-five years, Targus, headquartered in Anaheim, California, has been implementing purposeful solutions to provide users with the tools needed to succeed - from laptop bags to tablet cases to peripherals and universal docking stations. Their insight-driven approach, global reach, and commitment to quality ensures that they have the skills and experience to meet performance, style, and protection needs - whether for a large enterprise, a small business, or an individual who needs to get work done. Generational Capital Markets' Senior Managing Director of Mergers & Acquisitions, Tom Staszak, with support from Vice President Mergers & Acquisitions, Andre Farahmandi successfully closed the deal. Executive Managing Director, Tom Braun established the initial relationship with HYPER. "Targus was the right strategic choice for Sanho to continue its worldwide growth as an industry-leading brand. The entire Sanho team is looking forward to accelerated growth worldwide and partnering with an exceptionally strong management team at Targus," said Staszak. About Generational Capital, LLC Generational Capital, LLC, is a Dallas, Texas-based merger and acquisition advisory firm. Generational Capital wholly owns Generational Capital Markets, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. More information can be found at https://www.gencm.com/. Generational Capital and Generational Capital Markets are part of the Generational Group and are affiliated with Generational Equity, LLC, which The M&A Advisor named Investment Banking Firm of the Year in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020. GCM's most recent awards include The M&A Advisor's 2020 Information Technology Deal of the Year ($10MM-$25MM) and 2020 Private Equity Deal of the Year ($25MM-$50MM). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005091/en/ Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 11:15:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng TEHRAN, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Despite having been pregnant for three months, Maliha Gharib Shah still worked on the frontline against COVID-19 on Wednesday, when people across the world were marking the International Nurses Day. As the coronavirus continues to run rampant through Iran, Shah, a nurse at the heart ward of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran, said, "I have to help my colleagues tide over these trying times." At the hospital, to deal with this unprecedented health crisis, even beds in sections such as clinics and the injection department have been used to treat COVID-19 patients. "Both the number of patients and our workload have also increased significantly," Shah said, "and my colleagues and I have been under tremendous stress." Their immense strain was not merely caused by the ravaging virus, but the sanctions imposed by the United States. "There have always been sanctions, but with the advent of COVID-19, the impact of sanctions has doubled," Shah said. Since the pandemic broke out in Iran, U.S. sanctions have restricted the country's access to its foreign currency reserves to purchase medical supplies and the raw materials needed to produce supplies locally, Javaid Rehman, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, said in a report released earlier this year. The pandemic, coupled with sanctions, has forced medical workers in Iran like Shah to work extra shifts with limited protective equipment. That explains why almost every medical worker at Imam Hossein Hospital has contracted the virus once, or like Shah, twice. Across the country, more than 100,000 nurses have been infected with COVID-19 since the outbreak of the disease in February 2020, of whom 120 have died, Iran's Nursing Organization said on Tuesday. Soon after recovering from the virus, these nurses resume their duties, said Mohammad Mirzabeigi, chief of the organization. What is more troubling, Shah said, is that "there was no medicine and not enough equipment." With U.S. sanctions in place, Shah said, efficient drugs, especially respiratory drugs and antibiotics, became "very rare" during this health crisis, and they were forced to determine who needs a priority care, or sometimes who is to live or die. Gradually and fortunately, Shah and her colleagues were able to replace imported equipment with domestic alternatives and use medicines with similar efficacy. Though far from effective as foreign medicines, these alternatives have brought hope to those patients desperate for treatment, as it is better than having nothing, she said. As summarized by the UN human rights report, "this disruption (by U.S. sanctions) has led to issues of scarcity and affordability (in medical supplies), affecting the right to health." Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions against Iran, which hampered the country's ability to transfer money to import goods and slashed the country's crude exports and oil revenues, have resulted in a steep decline in the value of the Iranian rial and a sharp rise in the price of imported goods. A significant decline in the living standards of the Iranian people is a bigger concern. "Sanctions are a swindle on the people, direct oppression on the poorest in society, an abuse of the rights on the sick who lack medicines, and an act of cruelty on the underprivileged who are forced to buy bread at a high price," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. As for Shah's family, "it came to a point where our monthly salary would all be spent on the same month," she said. "We cannot make any plans for the future." Against the backdrop of talks in Vienna on the future of the Iranian nuclear deal, she said, "if they (Americans) behave humanely and lift sanctions, conditions will be a lot better for ordinary people." Shah voiced hope that her child will "grow up in peace and tranquility, and certainly in a world free of disease and fear." Enditem [May 13, 2021] Worldwide Public Cloud Services Market Totaled $312 Billion in 2020 with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Vying for the Top Position Overall, According to IDC The worldwide public cloud services market, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), System Infrastructure Software as a Service (SISaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ), grew 24.1% year over year in 2020 with revenues totaling $312 billion, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker. Spending continued to consolidate in 2020 with the combined revenue of the top 5 public cloud service providers (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Salesforce.com, Google (News - Alert) , and Oracle) capturing 38% of the worldwide total and growing 32% year over year. Thanks to an expanding portfolio of SaaS and SISaaS offerings, Microsoft now shares the top position with Amazon Web Services in the whole public cloud services market with both companies holding 12.8% revenue share for the year. "Access to shared infrastructure, data, and application resources in public clouds played a critical role in helping organizations and individuals navigate the disruptions of the past year," said Rick Villars, group vice president, Worldwide Research at IDC (News - Alert) . "In the coming years, enterprises' ability to govern a growing portfolio of cloud services will be the foundation for introducing greater automation into business and IT processes while also becoming more digitally resilient." While the overall public cloud services market grew 24.1% in 2020, consistent with the past four years, the IaaS and PaaS segments have consistently grown at much faster rates. This highlights the increasing reliance of enterprises on a cloud foundation built on cloud infrastructure, software defined data, compute and governance solutions as a Service, and cloud-native platforms for application deployment for enterprise IT internal applications. IDC expects spending on foundational cloud services (especially IaaS and PaaS) to continue growing at a higher rate than the overall cloud market as resilience, flexibility, and agility guide IT platform decisions. "Cloud service providers are rapidly expanding their portfolio of infrastructure and platform services to address confidential computing, performance intensive computing, and hybrid deployment scenarios," said Dave McCarthy, vice president, Cloud and Edge Infrastructure Services. "Extending these foundational cloud services to customer premises and communications networks enables a broader set of use cases than previously possible." "The high pace of growth in PaaS, IaaS, and SISaaS, which combined account for about half of the public cloud services market, reflects the demand for solutions that accelerate and automate the development and delivery of modern applications" said Lara Greden, research director, Platform as a Service. "As organizations adopt DevOps approaches and align according to value streams, we are seeing PaaS, IaaS, and SISaaS solutions become increasingly adopted and, at the same time, grow in the range of services and thus value they provide. Innovations in edge and IoT use cases are also contributing to the faster rates of growth in these markets." "SaaS applications is the largest and most mature segment of public cloud with 2020 revenues of $148 billion. Organizations across industries hastened the replacement of legacy business applications with a new breed of SaaS applications that is data-driven, intuitive, composable, and ideally suited for more distributed cloud architectures. Organizations looking for industry-specific applications can choose from a growing assortment of vertical applications. The SaaS apps market is dominated by a longtail of providers that account for 65% of the total market," said Frank Della Rosa, research director, SaaS and Cloud Software. Worldwide Public Cloud Services Revenue and Year-over-Year Growth, Calendar Year 2020 (revenues in US$ billions) Segment 2020 Revenue Market Share 2019 Revenue Market Share Year-over- Year Growth IaaS $67.2 21.5% $50.2 19.9% 33.9% SaaS - System Infrastructure Software $49.2 15.7% $40.2 16.0% 22.4% PaaS $47.6 15.2% $36.1 14.4% 31.8% SaaS - Applications $148.4 47.5% $125.2 49.7% 18.6% Total $312.4 100% $251.7 100% 24.1% Source (News - Alert) : IDC Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker, 2H20 Looking at the segment results, a combined view of IaaS, SISaaS, and PaaS spending is relevant because it represents the foundational set of services that end customers and SaaS companies consume when running, modernizing, building, and governing applications on shared public clouds. In the combined IaaS, SISaaS and PaaS market, the top 5 companies (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, Alibaba, and IBM) captured over 51% of global revenues. But there continues to be a healthy long tail, representing nearly half the market total. These are companies with targeted use case-specific PaaS services or cross-cloud compute, data, or network governance services. The long tail is even more pronounced in SaaS, where customers growing focus on specific outcomes ensures that over two thirds of the spending is captured outside the top 5. A graphic illustrating the 2020 revenue share of the top 5 companies in the IaaS+SISaaS+PaaS and SaaS segments of the worldwide public cloud services market is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker provides total market size and vendor share for more than seventy segments of the global public cloud services market. Measurement for this Tracker is public cloud services revenue, which includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), System Infrastructure Software as a Service (SISaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription revenues. The Tracker exposes 500 cloud services companies across a total of 49 countries globally. Annual five-year market forecasts for this Tracker are updated semiannually and include five-year annual market projections. Forecasts are available at worldwide, regional, and country levels. For more information about IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or knagamine@idc.com. Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter (News - Alert) at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights: http://bit.ly/IDCBlog_Subscribe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005338/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Wipro Has Earned the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization Wipro (News - Alert) Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today said it has earned the Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization, a validation of a partner's deep knowledge, extensive experience and expertise in deploying, scaling and securing virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure. Only partners that meet stringent criteria around customer success and staff skilling, as well as pass a third-party audit of their Windows Virtual Desktop technical practices are able to earn the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization. Supporting secure remote work for employees is more critical than ever. Windows Virtual Desktop is a Microsoft solution that seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and allows customers to implement virtual desktops in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way. Partners with validated capabilities in implementing Windows Virtual Desktop can help customers deploy and navigate the licensing efficiencies it offers to deliver the most competent solution for their organization. Satish Yadavalli, Vice President - Cloud and Infrastructure, Wipro Limited said, "We are glad to have earned this advanced specialization as it strengthens our expertise and capabilities around Microsoft Azure. This advanced specialization equips us to deliver extraordinary end-user experiences, and highly productive and secured computing experiences with multi-session Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 features on Azure. Wipro's IP services on Windows Virtual Desktop will enable customers to strategically plan, rapidly deploy, and smartly manage their new Windows Virtual Desktop environment. Integrated with Managed Services from our accredited team of experts, this cost effective solution allows customers to focus on driving business results." Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales and Channel Chief, Microsoft said, "The Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop advanced specialization highlights the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to deploying Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure. Wipro clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experince to offer clients a path to transition to desktop-as-a-service in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way." About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 190,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. The conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could decrease technology spending, adversely affect demand for our products, affect the rate of customer spending and could adversely affect our customers' ability or willingness to purchase our offerings, delay prospective customers' purchasing decisions, adversely impact our ability to provide on-site consulting services and our inability to deliver our customers or delay the provisioning of our offerings, all of which could adversely affect our future sales, operating results and overall financial performance. Our operations may also be negatively affected by a range of external factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are not within our control. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005625/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Havas Partners With Wellcom Worldwide to Launch Global Production Business, Havas Studios Havas, one of the world's largest advertising and communications groups, has partnered with global creative production agency Wellcom Worldwide to launch Havas Studios: a new, integrated global production business spanning the full range of content production capabilities. The partnership agreement, which will see employees from both businesses transferred into the new entity and revenue shared between the two, will be headquartered in London and led by Havas UK Chief Operating Officer Paul Ward, who takes on the new title of Global CEO, Havas Studios. He will be supported by an executive committee comprising both Havas and Wellcom senior executives. It will see the creation of a micro-network of integrated content studios, first in London, New York, Chicago and Kuala Lumpur, followed by further studios across Europe, Australia, China, India, Latin America and the West Coast of the US. Built as a creative boutique, technology-first business, the new production model will bring together existing and newly built studios, backed up by a low-cost offering based in Kuala Lumpur - affording each worldwide location the ability to create quality content at scale. Wellcom's proprietary, cloud-based Knowledgewell suite - comprising marketing resource management, campaign management, digital asset management and overall studio workflow - will sit at the heart of every studio, allowing teams to collaborate across the globe in real time through streamlined processes, standards and tools, all under one P&L. With specialist content studios based within key Havas Village locations around the world, Havas Studios' capabilities will span film, audio, print, photographic and digital content production, encompassing content origination talent and a wide range of post-production facilities, as well as dedicated teams supporting the integrated delivery of retail and eCommerce platform-ready content. Yannick Bollore, CEO Havas Group, comments: "Building better brand experiences means rethinking how content is managed. Now that digial is fully integrated into everything we do, it is content's turn to become an organic part of our approach. By partnering with Wellcom we are now able to provide our clients with the best production capabilities in the industry. The deal also strengthens our ties with Wellcom's mother company Innocean, with whom we have a long and fruitful history." Chris Hirst, Global CEO Havas Creative, says: "We know that it's no longer enough to just make better ads - all clients, from the smallest to the biggest global brands now need smarter, more agile, more bespoke and more cost-effective solutions. This new, global micro-network of studios, launching today but very much with the future in mind, doesn't just allow us to go toe-to-toe with anyone, but offers clients an innovative, technology-first solution they genuinely can't find anywhere else." Paul Ward, Global CEO Havas Studios, adds: "The global pandemic threw everything up in the air - and Havas Studios puts the Havas network in a great place as things start to come back down. This launch accelerates the ongoing transformation of our agencies to become businesses which make far more of the work that they previously only managed. Alongside Wellcom, we've created a technology first, plug and play content business. We are leapfrogging the competition." Wayne Sidwell, Global CEO at Wellcom Worldwide adds: "When we first started speaking to Havas about the launch of Havas Studios, we knew that this was an exciting opportunity that we had to take forward. Paul, Chris and I knew that we had a really unique opportunity, to pull together Havas' strategy, creative and production origination with our technology platform and large-scale delivery model It's an incredibly enviable model and I'm very excited to see the business continue to develop over the next few years." About Havas Group Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups. Founded in 1835 in Paris, the Group employs 20,000 people in more than 100 countries and operates through its three business units covering all communication activities. Havas Group's mission is to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses and people. To better anticipate client needs, Havas has adopted a fully integrated model through its 60+ Havas Villages around the world. In these Villages, creative, media and healthcare & wellness teams work together, ensuring agility and a seamless experience for clients. We are committed to building a diverse culture where everybody feels they belong, can be themselves, thrive and grow. Havas Group integrated Vivendi (News - Alert) in December 2017. Further information about Havas Group is available on the company's website: havasgroup.com #MeaningfulDifference About Wellcom Worldwide Wellcom Worldwide is a leading global creative production agency specialising in digital marketing, omnichannel content production and marketing operations technology. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Wellcom services internationally renowned brands from its operations in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia and India. Wellcom has developed proprietary technology, Knowledgewell, a marketing software suite designed to automate tasks, simplify processes and reduce costs, while allowing brands to produce marketing collateral with speed, accuracy and consistency. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005417/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Forbes Names Socure One of America's Best Startup Employers Two Years in a Row Socure, the leading provider of digital identity trust and verification solutions, today announced Forbes has named the company as one of America's Best Startup Employers for 2021, for the second year in a row. The exclusive list showcases companies experiencing hypergrowth while offering an exceptional culture and fantastic working environments for its employees. "We are ecstatic to be named by Forbes as one of the best places to work for the second year in a row," said Johnny Ayers, Founder and CEO at Socure. "I am extremely proud of our mission, growth, and employees who all contribute to Socure's strong and positive company culture -- one that is committed to attracting and retaining top talent." Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to identify the up-and-coming companies liked best by their employees in its second-annual ranking of America's best startup employers. The list was compiled by evaluating 2,500 American businesses with at least 50 employees on three criteria: employer reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth. "Our team members have always been and will always be the heart of Socure," said Rivka Gewirtz Little, Chief of Staff at Socure. "The fact that many of our earliest employees at Socure are still with us today stresses the dedication our employees have to each other, the company, and its mission. As a founder-led company, there is an undeniable leel of passion for solving real-world problems ingrained in our culture that is rare to come by." Ayers continued, "Last year as we pivoted to a remote workforce due to the pandemic, we immediately had to become creative with employee benefit programs that would help our colleagues transition to working from home as easily as possible, while still feeling appreciated and very much a part of the team, even if we couldn't all be physically together. Overall, it has brought us closer together and we are looking forward to our next phase on this exciting journey." About Socure Socure is the leading provider of digital identity trust and verification solutions. Its predictive analytics platform applies artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques with trusted online/offline data intelligence from email, phone, address, IP, device, velocity, and the broader internet to verify identities in real-time. The company has more than 400 customers across the financial services, gaming, telecom, and eCommerce industries, including three top five banks, seven top 10 card issuers, three top MSBs, multiple tier one payroll providers, the top credit bureau, and over 100 of the largest and most successful fintechs. Marquee customers include Chime, Varo Money, Public, Stash, and DraftKings. Investors include Accel, Commerce Ventures, Scale Venture Partners, Flint Capital, Citi Ventures, Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Strategic Capital, Synchrony, Sorenson, Two Sigma Ventures, and others. Socure recently received numerous industry awards and accolades including being named to "Forbes America's Best Startup Employers 2021," awarded "Best New Technology Introduced over the Last 12 months - Data and Data Services" at the 2020 American Financial Technology Awards (AFTAs), ranked number 70 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, listed as a Gartner Cool Vendor, recognized by Forbes as one of the "Top 25 Machine Learning Startups to Watch," named to CB Insights: The Fintech 250, and awarded Finovate's Award for Best Use of AI/ML, to name a few. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005607/en/ [May 13, 2021] Disruptive Agriculture Company, Local Bounti, Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointments of Kathleen Valiasek and Mark J. Nelson Local Bounti Corporation, a breakthrough U.S. indoor agriculture company, today announced two exceptional appointments to its leadership team. Biotech veteran Kathleen Valiasek has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer and food industry innovator Mark Nelson has joined the Company's Board of Directors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005623/en/ Local Bounti's beautiful lineup of fresh produce, superior in taste, quality and nutrition to field grown greens. (Photo: Local Bounti) As Local Bounti's CFO, Valiasek will help advance the Company's bold plan to more than double the size of its flagship Bitterroot facility in Hamilton, Montana, and to break ground on several facilities in the U.S. before the end of next year. Valiasek brings more than three decades of experience across the life sciences, technology, real estate, retail and healthcare sectors, most recently serving as Chief Business Officer and, prior to that, CFO of Amyris, a publicly-traded global biotech and manufacturing company. Previously, she was Founder and CEO of Lenox Group, Inc., a finance and strategic consulting firm, where she guided industry leaders such as Kaiser Permanente and Albertsons Companies. Valiasek's results-driven portfolio of work also includes key venture capital, real estate development and accounting roles, with expertise in SEC (News - Alert) reporting, strategic planning, debt and equity financing, business development, and mergers and acquisitions. With her appointment, Dave Vosburg assumed the role of Local Bounti's Chief Operations Officer. Nelson - who recently retired as CFO and Treasurer of Beyond Meat, Inc. after successfully leading the company's initial public offering in May 2019 - brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to Local Bounti, spanning both finance and operational roles in the technology, food and beverage, medical device and energy markets. Previously, he served as SVP and CFO of Biolase, Treasurer and CFO of Farmer Bros., and VP and Chief Accounting Officer a Newport Corporation. "We are thrilled to welcome Kathy and Mark to the exceptional Local Bounti leadership team, particularly at this pivotal time as we expand both our facilities and our business," said Local Bounti Co-Founder and Co-CEO Craig Hurlbert. "Their extensive experience and full support of our company's mission and vision will help to propel our growth as we continue to nourish local communities safely, responsibly and sustainably." An industry disruptor re-imagining The Farm of the Future and changing the way food is grown, Local Bounti is a premier controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company redefining environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards for indoor agriculture. The Company's unique business model is based on building local facilities, operated by local teams, to deliver the freshest and highest quality produce to local communities while still maintaining a limited carbon footprint. Using proprietary technology to grow leafy greens and herbs in a smart, indoor controlled environment, the Company strives to deliver high-quality produce that not only has a longer shelf life, but is also superior in taste and nutritional value. What's more, Local Bounti's cultivation process uses 90 percent less water and land than conventional agriculture, without herbicides or pesticides. "I am thrilled to join the tremendous Local Bounti team, whose fervent focus on unit economics is proving to be a winning formula poised to reap significant benefits for our customers and stakeholders," said Valiasek. According to Nelson, "The passion, ingenuity and extraordinary vision of the Local Bounti management is what immediately drew me to the team, and I look forward to contributing to Local Bounti's impressive blueprint for business growth and value creation at this pivotal time in the company's trajectory." Leveraging its innovative modular building system, which is designed to easily and efficiently replicate the Company's sustainable indoor farm model, Local Bounti is more than doubling the size of its flagship Bitterroot facility in Hamilton, Montana, and plans to break ground on several facilities in the U.S. before the end of next year. More growth is expected to follow as the Company continues to build on its successful model. To learn more about Local Bounti's unique growing process, diversified product offerings and experienced leadership team, please visit localbounti.com. About Local Bounti Local Bounti is a premier controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company redefining conversion efficiency and environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards for indoor agriculture. A geographic first mover on an industry-leading path, the Company currently operates an advanced indoor growing facility in Hamilton, Montana, 100 to 300 miles from its retail and food service partners. Reaching retail shelves in record time post-harvest, Local Bounti produce is superior in taste, quality and nutrition compared to traditional field-grown greens. The Company's USDA Harmonized Good Agricultural Practices (GAP Plus+) and non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) certified produce is sustainably grown using proprietary technology 365 days a year, with no pesticides or herbicides and using 90 percent less land and water than conventional outdoor farming methods. With a mission to 'bring our farm to your kitchen as part of our journey to deliver the freshest, highest-quality produce in the fewest food miles possible,' Local Bounti is disrupting the delivery and cultivation of produce. Local Bounti is also committed to making meaningful connections and giving back to each of the communities it serves by delivering superior products that support health, wellness and family. To find out more, visit localbounti.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn for the latest news and developments. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005623/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Preclinical Data of Arcellx's Novel Synthetic CAR-T Binding Domain Presented at the 2021 ASGCT Annual Meeting and the 2021 PEGS Summit Novel synthetic binding domain used in CART-ddBCMA demonstrates potent anti-tumor activity Results underpin Arcellxs ongoing first-in-human Phase 1 CART-ddBCMA trial in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcellx, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the presentation of preclinical data of CART-ddBCMA, Arcellxs BCMA-specific CAR-modified T-cell therapy, at the 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting and at the 2021 Protein Engineering & Cell Therapy Summit (PEGS). The presentations detail the novel synthetic binding domain of CART-ddBCMA and its ability to generate potent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo against BCMA-positive cancer cells. CART-ddBCMA is currently being investigated in an ongoing Phase 1 trial in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Arcellx announced positive initial clinical results from the first six patients in the trial at the 2020 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. The data presented at ASH showed all six multiple myeloma patients responded per the IMWG criteria, with four of those patients achieving stringent complete response, indicating the confirmed disappearance of all signs of cancer and absence of molecular or cytogenetic markers of disease. The therapy was well-tolerated, and CAR-T related toxicities resolved rapidly. Details of the presentations are as follows: 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Annual Meeting Title: Design and Demonstration of Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Activity for CART-ddBCMA, a BCMA-Targeted CAR-T Cll Therapy Incorporating a Non-scFv Binding Domain Authors: Janine M Buonato, et al. Session Date/Time: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. ET Session Title: Targeted Gene and Cell Therapy for Cancer Abstract Number: 115 2021 Protein Engineering & Cell Therapy Summit Title: D Domains: A de novo Scaffold for the Development of Targeted Therapeutics Authors: David LaFleur, et al. Session Date/Time: Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 9:40 a.m. ET Session Title: Engineering Antibodies Both presentations are available online on the ASGCT and PEGS annual meeting websites. They are also available within the Scientific Presentations section of the Arcellx website under News & Presentations at www.arcellx.com. About CART-ddBCMA CART-ddBCMA is Arcellxs BCMA-specific CAR-modified T-cell therapy utilizing the companys novel BCMA-targeting binding domain for the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma that is currently in a Phase 1 study. Arcellxs proprietary binding domains are novel synthetic proteins engineered for reduced immunogenicity and designed to bind specific therapeutic targets. CART-ddBCMA has been granted Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additional information about the trial can be found at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155749. About Arcellx, Inc. Arcellx is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing adaptive and controllable cell therapies for the treatment of patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Arcellx vision is to utilize our novel proprietary platform to bring superior cell therapies to more patients through the care of academic and community practices worldwide. More information can be found at www.arcellx.com. Media: Zara Lockshin Solebury Trout 646-378-2960 zlockshin@soleburytrout.com Investors: Alan Lada Solebury Trout 646-378-2927 alada@soleburytrout.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to OneMain Financial Issuance Trust 2021-1 Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) assigns preliminary ratings to five classes of notes issued by OneMain Financial Issuance Trust 2021-1 ("OMFIT 2021-1"), a consumer loan asset-backed securities transaction. The collateral in the OMFIT 2021-1 transaction includes approximately $531.9 million of loans as of the April 30, 2021 Initial Cut-Off Date. The transaction includes a five-year revolving period during which additional collateral may be funded in the transaction so long as it complies with certain eligibility criteria. The preliminary ratings reflect the initial credit enhancement levels ranging from 33.92% for the Class A notes to 6.47% for the Class D notes. OneMain Holdings, Inc. ("OMH" or "OneMain") is a consumer finance company which offers loan products through a nationwide network of branches and through its online platform. OMH completed its acquisition of OneMain Financial Holdings, LLC ("OMFH") on November 15, 2015 from CitiFinancial Credit Company for $4.49 billion in cash. OMH is now listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "OMF". KBRA applied its Consumer Loan ABS (News - Alert) Global Rating Methodology and Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology as part of its analysis of the transaction's underlying collateral pool, the proposed capital structure and legacy OMFH and legacy Springleaf's historical annualized gross and net loss data. KBRA also conducted an operational assessment of OneMain, as well as a review of the transaction's legal structure and transaction documents. Operative agreements and legal opinions will be reviewed prior to closing. Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Related Publications Consumer Loan ABS Global Rating Methodology Global Structured Finance Counterparty 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. 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/20210513005677/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] 2020 Aderant Business of Law Survey Finds Law Firms Were Prepared for Full Scale Remote Work and Expect Increases in Technology and Process Spending Most firms were unexpectedly prepared for the pandemic's changes to daily operations and plan to invest substantially in technology and process in the coming years, according to The Aderant 2020 Business of Law and Legal Technology Survey results released today. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Aderant, a leading global business management software provider for law firms, has hosted the survey. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005687/en/ The Aderant 2020 Business of Law and Legal Technology Survey results were released today. The Survey revealed which legal technologies the survey's law firm respondents already have in the cloud today. Secure External Collaboration Portals/Extranets, Portals/Intranets, eBilling, Document Management and Time Capture were the top 5 technologies named. (Photo: Business Wire) Conducted in August and September of 2020, the survey presented a valuable opportunity to examine how legal technology and finance departments weathered COVID's unique challenges and to predict future developments. Most firms plan to increase their budgets for technology and process software and adopt more cloud-based solutions. Highlights of the Aderant 2020 Business of Law and Legal Technology Survey: An overwhelming 92% of firms surveyed said they were either completely or somewhat prepared for full scale remote work at the pandemic's onset. Despite readily adapting to keep their businesses oprational throughout the pandemic, the top two challenges cited by law firms, Operational Efficiency and Technology Adoption, remained. Operational Efficiency has consistently been named the #1 challenge in previous Aderant surveys. Firms have realized that to achieve greater efficiency, they must be prepared to make significant investments in process and technology. Process improvements, software, and hardware topped the list of priorities for increased investment in the next 3-5 years. Collaboration tools earned the spotlight in 2020 as firms strived to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in a remote work environment. Cloud-based solutions that firms indicated would drive collaboration forward included: Secure External Portals/Extranets, Financial/Practice Management, Portals/Intranets. While firms may want to move their Practice Management Solution (PMS) to the cloud, obstacles including existing on-premise integrations can make it difficult. More creative solutions, like a software as a service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) model offering hosting and maintenance services, will be crucial in the success of migrating PMS to the cloud. Chris Cartrett, Executive Vice President at Aderant. "However, the challenges of last year were a wake-up call for firms to realize that efficiency concerns, process improvement, and technology adoption required greater investment. As one of Aderant's busiest years on record, 2020 provided us with the unique opportunity to equip clients to better leverage technology to serve firm employees and remotely manage internal processes." About the 2020 Survey A total of 201 business of law and legal professionals from firms worldwide completed the 2020 Aderant Business of Law and Legal Technology Survey. The size of respondent firms ranged from 25 attorneys to 500+ attorneys. The 2020 Survey had 33% more respondents than in 2019 and a greater response from EMEA (Europe/Middle East/Africa) and APA (Asia/ Pacific/Australia) regions, translating to a more thorough representation of law firms globally. To request the complete 2020 Survey report, visit CLICK HERE. About Aderant Aderant is a global industry leader which provides comprehensive business management software for law firms and other professional services organizations. The company's popular technology brands include Aderant Expert for practice management, Handshake and Drive for knowledge management, iTimekeep, OCG Live & Thrive for timekeeping and compliance, BillBlast for eBilling, CompuLaw for docketing and calendaring, and Expert Case for legal case management. Aderant operates as a unit of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP), a constituent of the S&P 500 , Fortune 1000 , and the Russell 1000 indices. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and has several other offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit Aderant.com, email info@aderant.com, or follow the company on Twitter (News - Alert) @Aderant or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005687/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Canadian Payments Forecast Report 2021: Penetration and Acceptance of Emerging Payment Technologies and How They Will Shape Post-Pandemic Era Payments - ResearchAndMarkets.com The "Canadian Payments Forecast, 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen drastic changes to the performance of the Canadian economy, and dramatic shifts in consumer spending and payment habits. The rapid shift away from cash to contactless payments, and the substantial increase in online shopping, are set to become permanent features of the Canadian consumer payments scene, especially given the extension of the pandemic into 2021. But the planned rollout of a vaccine, which promises an end to the pandemic, is likely to see Canadians far more optimistic about their economic future than just one year ago. Canadian Payments Forecast, 2021 will provide detailed insights into how the unprecedented developments in the Canadian economy brought about by responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected consumer payments in Canada, and how this is likely to play out in the coming years in the context of new technologies, business models and fintechs that are instrumental in shaping this future. Drawing on survey research from more than 2,000 Canadian consumers, Canadian Payments Forecast, 2021 is a critical strategic resource for payment professionals, providing essential in-depth insights and forecasts across all consumer payment modalities to facilitate effective strategic planning and product development in the wake of te pandemic. Canadian Payments Forecast, 2021 provides an in-depth analysis of each of the major consumer payments segments in the Canadian market. Detailed five-year forecasts are presented on consumer payments and related acceptance infrastructure. Payment types included in the report: Payment types included in the report: Cash Cheques Debit cards Credit cards Contactless payments Mobile payments Online purchases Preauthorized payments Bill payments Prepaid cards Gift cards P2P payments International remittances Virtual currencies Included in this year's comprehensive update of the report: In-depth analysis on prospects for the Canadian economy, personal consumption expenditure, and the retail sector as Canada moves out of an environment dominated by the pandemic Analysis and forecast for each major consumer payment segment in the wake of developments in the Canadian economy An in-depth assessment of the penetration and acceptance of emerging payment technologies and how these will shape the post-pandemic era in payments Key Indicator tables for all major payment modes Key Topics Covered: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION Objectives Methodology Forecasts Currency Some Notes on this Year's Report Document Navigation Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations 2. MARKET ANALYSIS The Canadian Economy Cash Cheques Debit Credit Cards Contactless Mobile Online Bill Payments and Transfers Wearable Payments Prepaid Cards (Payment Brands) Gift Cards Person-to-Person (P2P) Payments International Remittances Virtual Currencies Consumer Payments in Perspective For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/78wqx7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005704/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] VMware Named a Leader in Endpoint Security Software As A Service by Global Analyst Firm VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today announced that global market research firm Forrester (News - Alert) has named VMware a leader in The Forrester Wave: Endpoint Security Software As A Service, Q2 20211. "We are incredibly proud to be named a leader in The Forrester Wave," said Patrick Morley, senior vice president and general manager of VMware's Security Business Unit. "Following the VMware acquisition of Carbon Black just 18 months ago, we set out to challenge the status quo of security and further the vision of creating a world safe from cyberattacks. We believe this recognition validates both our vision and commitment to our customers to help ensure security is an essential element of their business strategy and is at the core of their digital infrastructure." Today, VMware Carbon Black Cloud analyzes more than one trillion security events per day across millions of global endpoints. VMware aims to reduce the friction between IT security and operations, as noted by The Forrester Wave. In addition to breaking down these siloes, VMware is focused on setting the industry standard for context-centric security that is built into cloud and user infrastructure. This accelerates detection and response of cyber threats to better empower VMware customers to stop emerging attacks. Upon evaluation for The Forrester Wave, VMware received the highest possible scores in the criteria of malicious behavior protection, threat hunting, detection efficacy, secure configuration management, mobile security, OS support, application control, enterprise customer base, partner ecosystem, zero-trust framework alignment, and corporate strategy. According to The Forrester Wave report, "VMware offers a full portfolio of devie security, digital workspace, and virtualization technologies and services supporting their vision to unify infrastructure, security, and IT management for their customer's environments. Its primary endpoint security offering, Carbon Black Cloud offers SaaS (News - Alert) -delivered threat prevention, device hardening, secure configuration, automatic attack detection, and threat hunting. Its integrations between access controls, device management, device security, network security, and applications allow for granular, risk-based security policies in support of a Zero-Trust strategy." Download The Forrester Wave here (registration required). Additional Resources Blog: Forrester Names VMware A Leader in Endpoint Security Software As A Service Learn more about VMware Carbon Black Cloud About VMware VMware software powers the world's complex digital infrastructure. The company's cloud, app modernization, networking, security, and digital workspace offerings help customers deliver any application on any cloud across any device. Headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert) , California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough technology innovations to its global impact. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html. VMware and Carbon Black are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. 1 Forrester, "The Forrester Wave: Endpoint Security Software As A Service, Q2 2021" View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005727/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 15:39:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close College graduates attend a job fair in Cangzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2020. (Photo by Yuan Liwei/Xinhua) BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China is expected to have 9.09 million new graduates from the country's universities and colleges this year, 350,000 more than the number from last year, the Ministry of Education said Thursday. The ministry said since last autumn, it has worked with other authorities to launch a campaign to help the graduating students find jobs or start up businesses. To date, the employment situation has been progressing smoothly. A recruitment promotion week will be held nationwide from May 17 to 23 to provide both job opportunities for the new graduates and chances for universities and employers to better match candidates with open positions. Each provincial-level region will organize at least two large-scale job fairs during the week, according to the ministry. Universities and colleges will also hold campus recruitment events both online and in person, the ministry said. OneUnited Bank, Largest Black Owned Bank, Announces Fidelity Investments Sponsorship of OneTransaction Conference OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank and first Black-owned digital bank in the country, is proud to announce Fidelity Investments as co-sponsor of the OneTransaction Conference. The free state-of the art virtual financial conference is focused on closing the racial wealth gap and will be held on June 19, 2021 or Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Over 20,000 have already registered for the conference. "We are excited to have Fidelity Investments join Visa to co-sponsor the OneTransaction Conference," says Teri Williams, President & COO of OneUnited Bank. "We need corporate allies to help our community take action and make financial literacy a core value of the Black community to close the racial wealth gap and create generational wealth." "At Fidelity Investments, we share in OneUnited's vision to help close the racial wealth gap and strive to celebrate and elevate people of all identities and backgrounds," said Jamal Stockton, head of Customer Inclusion, Fidelity Investments. "We are focused on understanding the intersectionality of people's identities, values, and culture - meeting people, customers and communities where they are and helping them with their unique and specific financial needs." Al Cobb, Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion at Personal Investing, at Fidelity Investments, will join the OneTransaction Conference to address savings and investments. The All Star list of presenters include Emmy award-winning actress and author Tiffany Haddish and experts in business and personal finance, including Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista, New York Times best-selling author of "Get Good with Money", Professor Mehrsa Baradaran, author of "The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap", Chris Browning, podcast host and producer of the award-winning Popcorn Finance, Lori Anne Douglass, estate planning attorney and founding partner of Douglass Rademacher LLP, Sharon Epperson, senior personal finance correspondent for CNBC, Karen Hunter, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and host of The Karen Hunter Show on Sirius XM Urban View, Daymond John, globally recognized from ABC's Shark Tank, founder and CEO of FUBU and a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Ross Mac, Revolt TV Maconomics creator and personal finance expert, Calvin Martyr, founder of #BlackOutDay2020, #BlackOutDay2021 and I Am We Global, Everett Sands, founder and CEO of Lendistry, a Black-owned SBA Preferred Lender, Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist and author of upcoming book "What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits", Bola Sokunbi, certified financial education instructor and founder of Clever Girl Finance and Kemberley Washington, CPA and tax analyst with Forbes Advisor. ABOUT ONEUNITED BANK: OneUnited Bank is the premier bank for urban communities, the largest Black-owned bank, the first Black-owned digital bank and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Its mission is to provide affordable financial services to support economic development in urban communities and maintain superior financial performance to maximize shareholder value. OneUnited is an FDIC insured bank and an Equal Housing Lender. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005730/en/ [May 13, 2021] Mitsubishi Power Achieves #1 Market Share Globally in the First Quarter of 2021 According to McCoy Power Report Mitsubishi (News - Alert) Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, captured the top market share by megawatts in the first quarter of 2021 with a global gas turbine market share of 29.0% according to McCoy Power Reports data.* The company also secured 40.8% share of the heavy-duty gas turbine (HDGT) market, representing single unit output of 100 megawatts (MW) and above, led by Mitsubishi Power's latest model JAC (J-Series Air-Cooled) gas turbines. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005731/en/ Mitsubishi Power secured top share of the heavy-duty gas turbine market, led by its M501JAC gas turbines. (Credit: Mitsubishi Power) Mitsubishi Power's high market share results from its strong project execution track record, high performance, and product reliability. Mitsubishi Power has extensive experience with large gas turbines, including the F, G and J series. The G series has surpassed 5.6 million actual operating hours (AOH) with 94 units now in commercial operation. The J series has surpassed 1.3 million AOH with 46 units now in commercial operation, and has 99.6% reliability. In the HDGT market, which is the most popular segment for combined cycle gas turbines, the JAC is the world's leading gas turbine wit an efficiency greater than 64%. It meets rigid standards for reduced carbon emissions, offering the lowest emissions in its class. Another feature boosting Mitsubishi Power's leading global status is that all heavy-duty gas turbines now ship with hydrogen capability for even deeper decarbonization. As delivered, the gas turbines are capable of operating on a mixture of up to 30% hydrogen and 70% natural gas, which can be increased to 100% hydrogen in the future. A key contributor to Mitsubishi Power's market share is the recent order for two M701JAC gas turbines for a 1,500 MW combined cycle power plant that is under construction in Sirdarya, the Republic of Uzbekistan. This is the first large-scale independent power producer project in the country, and once installed, the turbines will be the largest and most efficient in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. The order also underscores Mitsubishi Power's deep commitment to the CIS region. "Mitsubishi Power continues to be recognized as both a market and industry leader, once again receiving top global market share behind the strength of the JAC," said Ken Kawai, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power. "We are eager to continue working with our customers and partners worldwide to lay the groundwork for a path toward a power sector that is completely carbon-neutral." Note * This is based on the McCoy Power Report in the United States, which provides detailed market research. on global power generation projects. About Mitsubishi Power, Ltd. Mitsubishi Power, Ltd. is a leading provider and innovator of technology and solutions for the global energy sector. Headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., whose engineering and manufacturing businesses span energy, infrastructure, transport, aerospace and defense. With more than 18,000 employees across more than 30 countries worldwide, Mitsubishi Power designs, manufactures and maintains equipment and systems that drive decarbonization and ensure delivery of reliable power around the world. Among its solutions are a wide range of gas turbines including hydrogen-fueled gas turbines, solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and air quality control systems (AQCS). Committed to providing exemplary service and working with customers to imagine the future of energy, Mitsubishi Power is also spearheading the development of the digital power plant through its suite of AI-enabled TOMONI TM solutions. For more information, please visit https://power.mhi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005731/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Providence Real Estate Announces Creation of The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship Providence Real Estate, LLC ("Providence"), a multifamily owner-operator, announced the creation of The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship to help minority students finance their undergraduate or graduate studies related to real estate. The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship is eligible for students who identify as Black, Latinx, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander American. Eligible students should plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university and be interested in exploring a career in real estate. Applications are due by December 31, 2021. More information regarding The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship can be found at https://www.provman.cm/scholarship. Providence's CEO Alan Pollack stated, "Providence believes that higher education is a critical element in achieving success in the real estate industry. While no one factor can alone propel a person into the professional real estate ranks, education can provide crucial tools for overcoming adversity to achieve professional goals." Kevin Finkel, Providence's EVP, stated, "We all have a part to play to ensure that every hardworking American has an opportunity to pursue success, and Providence believes that The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship can play a part in more fully extending and expanding our collective American dream thus making the world a better place." ABOUT PROVIDENCE REAL ESTATE, LLC Providence and its affiliates have been an active owner-operator of multifamily residential communities since 1985. Providence consists of an experienced group of professionals dedicated to searching for, identifying, acquiring, renovating, and operating multifamily properties in select U.S. markets. Providence is a fully integrated real estate organization with property, asset and construction management, as well as acquisitions, accounting, information technology and human resource divisions. To learn more please visit https://www.provre.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005734/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Immuta Recognized as a Best Workplace in 2021 by Inc. Magazine Immuta, the leading provider of cloud data access control, today announced it has been named to Inc. magazine's annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. The list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture -- whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Immuta's award-winning company culture is fueled by an emphasis on innovation and growth. Over the past fiscal year Immuta grew bookings by 115 percent and more than doubled its full time headcount. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum (News - Alert) Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine the company's overall score and ranking. "The past year has been a challenging one for businesses across the world, which makes being named a 'Best Workplace' even more gratifying," said Matt Carroll, co-founder and CEO, Immuta. "Our employees are the best in the business, helping data teams across the globe unlock and share more data without compromising security. Being on this list for the third year in a row is further validation that our efforts in creating an environment that enables employee growth and career fulfillment are paying off." "Immuta is committed to providing employees with the best available educational resources, mental and physical healthcare, and professional training including: free access to courses on Udemy to encourage continued education and growth, 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums, mental health resources and support viaModern Health, WHOOP fitness trackers, and other benefits to support physical health and wellness," added Mary Byrne, Immuta Chief Operating Officer. "The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year," says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. "Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this year's list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic." For more information about Immuta, visit www.immuta.com. Join the Immuta conversation on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Immuta Immuta is the market leader in cloud data access control, providing data engineering and operations teams one universal platform to control access to analytical data sets in the cloud. Only Immuta can automate access control for any data, on any cloud service, across all compute infrastructure. Data-driven organizations around the world rely on Immuta to speed time to data, safely share more data with more users, and mitigate the risk of data leaks and breaches. Founded in 2015, Immuta is headquartered in Boston, MA, and has offices in College Park, MD, Columbus, OH, and London, UK. Learn more at www.immuta.com. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005735/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] BPN Capital Group Announces First Blockchain-based Commercial Mortgage Executed at Miami's Iconic SLS Lux Brickell The event is to announce the first commercial mortgage to be done using blockchain technology. The collateral is located at the Iconic SLS Lux Brickell in Miami, FL, the announcement will happen on May 18th, 2021 at 7:30 pm ET, which provides accredited investors with a stake in a commercial rental property. MIAMI, FL, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BPN Capital Group announced today the first-ever blockchain-based commercial mortgage associated with a property in the iconic SLS Lux Brickell in Miami, FL. The tokenization of this property will allow accredited investors to directly hold and control their stake, eliminating the restrictions associated with investing in commercial mortgages through conventional channels. The asset is the Flagship retail corner Situated at the base of the SLS Lux, a 57 story, 450 unit premier residential condominium and hotel tower. Located on the northeast corner of S Miami Avenue and SE 9th Street, one block away from Brickell City Centre and across the street from Mary Brickell Village. "This is like the moon landing for blockchain," said Mr. Edward Rodriguez, CEO of BPN Capital Group. "We are tokenizing a first-in-class fully stabilized property wih sophisticated tenants like Chipotle, Ojo de Agua, Kaori, and Bellillo. We are restoring control to accredited investors and family offices over their assets. This also circumvents the hoops they'd have to jump through to invest in commercial mortgages like this on the secondary market." BPN Capital Group will offer tokens associated with the commercial rental property to investors who qualify under the US Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation 506(c). Following the mandatory one-year holding period, investors will be able to sell or trade their tokens just like any other registered security. Furthermore, the tokenization of the property means investors are not locked into long-term ownership as they would be with conventional bonds, which take years to mature. Instead, investors can trade their tokens on the SEC and FINRA-regulated Alternative Trading Systems, tZERO. Tokenization is a security traded on an exchange also means investors can part with a small portion of their stake while retaining some of their investment. "Historically, if you wanted to sell 5% of your holdings, you'd have to call a broker or an accountant or someone like me who would then do a quantitative risk analysis before putting your assets back on the market," Rodriguez said. "Tokenization puts investors in the drivers' seat and lets them sell their holdings directly and easily, as they see fit." Finally, blockchain ensures an accurate, transparent record of all transactions that occur on the ledger. There is always a trail of whatever was changed, when, why, and by whom. This transparency revolutionizes the investment and lending spaces, which have long been considered opaque and inaccessible to the uninitiated. "We are proud to be tearing down old walls and democratizing the world of investing and lending," Rodriguez said. "Society shall embrace these structural changes because things will never go back to what they were before. This is the future, and we're proud to be part of this historic moment." About BPN Capital Group BPN Capital Group is a DeFi multi-service Firm powered by a network of professionals and Blockchain and NFT technology. The company is dedicated to developing real-world use cases for revolutionary Blockchain technology, including the tokenization of hard assets for improved lending and investing. Founded in May 2019, BPN Capital Group has held that Blockchain and NFT technology is highly beneficial but underutilized due to lack of accessibility and real-world use cases. It is BPN Capital Group's mission to solve that problem and help lay the groundwork for the mass adoption of Blockchain solutions in the business world. It does so through hard asset tokenization, commercial lending, and a referral agent membership program. Media Contact: Meredith Egeland Meredith@quantum-corp.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] ISACA to Recognize Outstanding Technology Professionals at Free Virtual Awards Gala Featuring Pop Sensation Rachel Platten and Global Performers Every year ISACA members and other business IT professionals worldwide serve their organizations and industries with exemplary achievements and noteworthy contributions to advancing technology. Outstanding IT audit, risk, governance, privacy and cybersecurity professionals are being recognized with ISACA's 2021 Global Achievement Awards as well as through its new Hall of Fame for their accomplishments and contributions that advance the professional community and exemplify ISACA's purpose. The recipients of the 2021 Global Achievement Awards and the inaugural class of the Hall of Fame will be recognized at the first-ever ISACA Awards Virtual Gala on Thursday, 15 July at 9 a.m. CDT (News - Alert) / 14:00 UTC. This free, two-hour event will feature a performance from multiplatinum pop sensation Rachel Platten as well as regional artists who will highlight their local culture. Global Achievement Award Winners The following recipients of the 2021 ISACA Global Achievement Awards will be recognized at the Gala: ISACA Technology for Humanity Award: Niel Harper CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, Chief Information Security Officer, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Denmark "For contributions to capacity building across the world toward the development of affordable, open and user-centric Internet infrastructure." ISACA Educational Excellence Award: Mahesh S. Raisinghani, Ph.D., CISM, Professor, Texas Woman's University, USA "For inspirational mentorship of all university students, encouraging more women to pursue technology careers, and teaching a thought-provoking curriculum around data privacy, security and technology management." ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award: Kyla Guru, Stanford University student and CEO of Bits 'N Bytes Cybersecurity Education Corp, USA "For inspiring achievements as a young professional in leading the next generation of cyber leaders and privacy protectors for securing digital citizens." ISACA Innovative Solutions Award: Yoshimasa Masuda, Ph.D., CISM, CGEIT, Associate Pofessor, Keio University, Japan / Carnegie Mellon University, USA / Sr. Manager, NTT (News - Alert) Data Institute of Management Consulting "For his contribution to establishing the Adaptive Integrated Digital Architecture Framework (AIDAF) for digital transformation and innovation in a digital IT era." Hall of Fame Inductees The founding class of the Hall of Fame inductees-members honored for showing exemplary dedication to advancing ISACA's purpose through volunteer service and/or member engagement activities- is recognized by the namesakes of retired ISACA Awards, whose legacies and contributions have shaped ISACA into the organization it is today, as well as member-nominated inductees who represent the peer-recognition and value members have for each other. The following inductees were previously recognized as visionary leaders of the association: Michael P. Cangemi, CPA retired Eugene Frank John Kuyers John Lainhart K. Wayne Snipes Harold Weiss Paul Williams The remaining 2021 Hall of Fame inductees have been nominated by fellow ISACA members: Arnulfo Espinosa Dominguez, CISA, CRISC, CISM, CDPSE, CIA Leonard Ong, CISA, CRISC, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, CSX-P Max Shanahan, CISA (Retired), CGEIT (Retired) M. Revathy Sriram, Ph.D. Tichaona Zororo, CISA, CRISC, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, COBIT Certified Assessor, CIA, CRMA "ISACA's professional community is comprised of passionate, talented and dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to serve their organizations and their respective industries," said David Samuelson, ISACA CEO. "Our award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees truly stand out for their contributions, and we are very proud to recognize their achievements." To learn more about the ISACA Awards Virtual Gala and register for this free event, visit www.isaca.org/conferences/awards-gala. Nominations for the 2022 Global Achievement Awards, Chapter Awards and the Hall of Fame are open through 31 July. To nominate an outstanding colleague, organization or program, visit https://isaca.secure-platform.com/a/page/awards/aboutawards. Learn more about the ISACA Awards Program, including the Certification Exam Top Score and Chapter Award recipients, at www.isaca.org/awards. About ISACA For more than 50 years, ISACA (www.isaca.org) has advanced the best talent, expertise and learning in technology. ISACA is a global professional association and learning organization that equips individuals with knowledge, credentials, education and community to progress their careers and transform their organizations, and enables enterprises to train and build quality teams. It has more than 150,000 members and over 220 chapters in 188 countries. In 2020, ISACA launched One In Tech, a philanthropic foundation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005936/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Pura Is Named a Best Place to Work in Inc. Magazine's Annual List of Best Workplaces For 2021 Pura, the innovative smart-home fragrance company, has been named to Inc. magazine's annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2021. Hitting newsstands May 18 in the May/June 2021 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in person or remotely. Pura pairs technology and fragrances giving its users the complete freedom and control of scent in their space. Controlling levels of intensity, swapping between two fragrances of choice, and setting custom scent schedules-all within the Pura app-allowing users to create their own scent memories. Pura offers discreet devices that plug into the wall, allowing for premium scent diffusion while adding a sleek touch to home decor. The device also has a colorful smart night light feature which, when combined with the scent experience, lets users personalize their home ambiance. All Pura fragrances are pet and kid friendly. Collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. singled out 429 honorees this year. Each nominated company took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum (News - Alert) Workplace, on topics including management effectiveness, perks, and fostering employee growth. The organization's benefits were also audited to determine the company's overall score and ranking. "Our employees' hoe lives and personal relationships outside of work are just as important to us as their work enjoyment, which is why we built the company around our team and their lives," says Pura Co-Founder and CEO, Bruno Lima. "Work should add to who they are and not take them away, and we are fully committed to a culture of sustaining strong individual values and innovation in every aspect." "The definition of a positive workplace has changed drastically over the past year," says Inc. magazine editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. "Stocked fridges and nap pods were no longer perks many companies could rely on once work went remote. So, this year's list is even more important as it reveals organizations that continue to enrich the lives of its employees amid a pandemic." About Pura: Pura was inspired by its founders' vision: empower people to control the scent of their homes anywhere, anytime, from the convenience of their smartphones. Each of Pura's designer-grade fragrances are formulated with only the finest, responsibly sourced ingredients to meet the highest standards in the industry. Pura began its creative kick-starter process in 2015, making sure to perfect the device and fragrances until its actual launch in 2018. Since its 2018 launch, Pura quickly established itself as the number one smart home fragrance diffuser brand. Pura's luxury partnerships include fragrance collaborations with capri BLUE, NEST New York, LAFCO, and more. About Inc. Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005945/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Agency Births Digital Marketing Academy - Now the Best Online Digital Marketing Course in Canada Jelly Digital Marketing & PR Agency launched their highly successful digital marketing course, Jelly Academy, back in 2013 and have now grown to be the best digital marketing course taught virtually in Canada. The 6-week course provides a foundational offering of the key elements in digital marketing taught by industry professionals. Jelly Academy has become the top program in its field by having high success rates for graduates - over 82% of grads with existing employment get a raise or promotion within 6 months of graduation and over 94% of grads who are without employment get a job within 4 months of graduation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005812/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) These success rates are largely due to the course's unique structure that is conducted live. This allows for the teachers to update the curriculum based on the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. The course is currently administered online due to the pandemic but continues to provide synchronous classes covering PR, Social Media, SEO, Google Ads, Facebook (News - Alert) Ads, and Google Analytics. Jelly Academy is government certified, allowing for grants to be available through the Government of Canada and distributed provincially. In British Columbia the B.C. Employer Training Grant program (ETG) is offered, which supports skills training to address provincial labour market needs. The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement. This provides grants for the "Technical Training Stream" which supports employers to train current or new employees in technical skills in response to automation and other technological advancements. The course provides students and businesses with a clear understanding of how to create a digital marketing strategy and apply the taught skills. Alongside the Jelly Academy certification, the course helps distribute additional recognized certifications for Hootsuite, Google (News - Alert) , Facebook, and SEMRush that directly benefit hiring opportunities and digital marketing strategies for businesses. Interested students for the Summer Semester, beginning July 6, and the Fall Semester, beginning September 14, can learn more and sign up here. Jelly Academy was created by industry experts within the Jelly Digital Marketing team in order to have a course that provided the foundation in digital marketing. Learn more about Jelly Academy here. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005812/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] BlueVoyant Recognized as a Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner Awards Winner for Top MDR (Managed Detection and Response) Team NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a leading global cyber security company, today announced it has been named a Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner Awards Winner for Top MDR (Managed Detection and Response) Team. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation, integration, and customer implementation with Microsoft technology. BlueVoyant received the award at the second annual Microsoft Security 20/20 Awards held May 12, 2021. Award winners were announced in 18 categories spanning security, compliance and identity. "The global pandemic has fundamentally changed cybercrime, forcing businesses to recalibrate both their short and long-term cyber security risk to protect the mission-critical assets in their environment," comments Milan Patel, Co-Founder and Global Head of Managed Security Services at BlueVoyant. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a winner for the Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner awards. This prestigious accolade validates the true value we bring to our joint customers by providing Microsoft end-users and integration partners with a one-stop cyber security solution that maximizes and extends their investment in Microsoft tools, keeps their critical data in its native environment, reduces cloud consumption, mitigates risk and takes their security posture to the next level." BlueVoyant recently launched its Modern SOCan end-to-end portfolio of consulting, implementation and Managed Detection and Response Services (MDR)powerd by Microsoft technology. This unites its Managed Services with Microsoft's Azure Sentinel and XDR capabilities through 365 Defender and Azure Defender. BlueVoyant's relationship with Microsoft is further strengthened with its recent acquisition of Managed Sentinel. "The pandemic changed our perspective on work, home life, and security, presenting new challenges and new opportunities," said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Security, Compliance, and Identity at Microsoft Corp. "I am so proud of the way our industry partners responded with innovation, compassion, resilience and a determination to help protect people and organizations around the world. We are delighted to recognize the excellence of these leaders at the second annual Microsoft Security 20/20 awards." This year, Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) members voted on the winners of the Microsoft Security 20/20 Awards, providing an opportunity for colleagues to honor their industry peers who align to Microsoft's core values and have delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions and services during the past year. MISA was established to help further the security ecosystem, fostering an environment where solution providers can collaborate to create a future that's safer for people and organizations alike. About BlueVoyant BlueVoyant is an expert-driven cybersecurity services company whose mission is to proactively defend organizations of all sizes against today's constant, sophisticated attackers, and advanced threats. Led by CEO, Jim Rosenthal, BlueVoyant's highly skilled team includes former government cyber officials with extensive frontline experience in responding to advanced cyber threats on behalf of the National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Unit 8200 and GCHQ, together with private sector experts. BlueVoyant services utilize large real-time datasets with industry leading analytics and technologies. Founded in 2017 by Fortune 500 executives, including Executive Chairman, Tom Glocer, and former Government cyber officials, BlueVoyant is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Maryland, Tel Aviv, San Francisco, Manila, Toronto, London, Latin America, and Budapest. For additional information: Danielle Ostrovsky C8 Consulting (Americas) T: 001 410-302-9459 E: danielle@c8consulting.co.uk Jim Pople C8 Consulting (EMEA) T: +44 7955 030191 E: jim@c8consulting.co.uk Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluevoyant-recognized-as-a-microsoft-security-2020-partner-awards-winner-for-top-mdr-managed-detection-and-response-team-301291234.html SOURCE BlueVoyant [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] ProAssurance Elects Two Directors to Board Following NORCAL Acquisition The Board of Directors of ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA) has elected Scott C. Syphax and Fabiola Cobarrubias, M.D., to serve on the Board for terms expiring at the 2022 and 2023 Annual Meetings of Stockholders, respectively, at which times Mr. Syphax and Dr. Cobarrubias will stand for re-election to full three year terms. In accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Acquisition by and among ProAssurance Corporation, PRA Professional Liability Group, Inc., and NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company ("NORCAL"), Mr. Syphax and Dr. Cobarrubias were nominated by NORCAL, vetted by the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of ProAssurance, and elected by unanimous written consent of the ProAssurance Board of Directors on May 7, 2021. Both Mr. Syphax and Dr. Cobarrubias join the Board effective immediately. "We're pleased and excited to add Dr. Cobarrubias and Mr. Syphax to our Board of Directors," said Ned Rand, President and Chief Executive Officer of ProAssurance. "They bring with them decades of relevant experience and industry knowledge, as well as an exemplary history of service to their communities and to the NORCAL Group of companies. I look forward to adding their valuable perspectives to ProAssurance as we begin this exciting new chapter together." Prior to the conversion and acquisition of NORCAL, Mr. Syphax served as a member of NORCAL's board, Chair of the Transactions Committee, and a member of the Executive and Investment Committees. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Syphax Strategic Solutions, a Sacramento-based management consulting company focusing on the healthcare, real estate, and financial services industries. Mr. Syphax serves as Chairman of the Nehemiah Community Foundation, sponsor of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program which Mr. Syphax founded in 2009. Previously, Mr. Syphax was the Chairman and CEO of The Nehemiah Companies, a Sacramento-based social enterprise and real estate development firm where he managed the Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund, which facilitated development in underserved communities across the United States and provided down payment assistance funding for families seeking to acquire homes. Mr. Syphax serves as a Director for the respective Boards of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Sacramento Regional Community Foundation. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Corporate Fund Board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and was a founding member of the California Department of Insurance's Task Force of Supplier and Board Governance Diversity. Mr. Syphax holds Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Sacramento. He was an Executive Fellow of the Coro Foundation, a National Fellow of the Coro National Board of Governors Association, a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, and a Board Governance Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Prior to the conversion and acquisition of NORCAL by ProAssurance, Dr. Cobarrubias served as Vice Chair of NORCAL's Board, Chair of the Governance Committee, and a member of the Audit and Investment Committees. Dr. Cobarrubias also served on the Board of Preferred Physicians Medical RRG, a NORCAL affiliate that provides specialty medical professional liability insurance for Anesthesia. Dr. Cobarrubias has served as a hospitalist at the California Pacific Medical Center for over 25 years, where she held the position of Medical Director - Hospitals Service from 2004 to 2011. She is also a founder, CEO, and current board Member of Pacific Inpatient Medical Group, where she is responsible for high-level management and administration of all aspects of the physician-owned hospitalist medical group consisting of more than 75 physicians across five different acute care hospitals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Cobarrubias holds an M.B.A. from Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Brown University. She is a resident of San Francisco, California, home to ProAssurance's regional office following ProAssurance's previously disclosed acquisition of NORCAL Insurance Company. About ProAssurance ProAssurance Corporation is an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in healthcare professional liability, products liability for medical technology and life sciences, legal professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. ProAssurance Group is rated "A" (Excellent) by AM Best; ProAssurance and its operating subsidiaries are rated "A-" (Strong) by Fitch Ratings. For the latest on ProAssurance and its industry-leading suite of products and services, cutting-edge risk management and practice enhancement programs, follow @ProAssurance on Twitter or LinkedIn. ProAssurance's YouTube channel regularly presents thought provoking, insightful videos that communicate effective practice management, patient safety and risk management strategies. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this news release that are not historical fact or that convey our view of future business, events or trends are specifically identified as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon our estimates and anticipation of future events and highlight certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from our expected results. We expressly claim the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for any forward-looking statements in this news release. Forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law or regulation, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. There are a number of risk factors that may cause outcomes that differ from our expectations or projections. These are described in detail in various documents filed by ProAssurance Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as current reports on Form 8-K, and regular reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, particularly in "Item 1A, Risk Factors." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513006021/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 16:36:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday stressed that China and the United States should address each other's reasonable concerns through dialogue and consultation on the basis of mutual respect and equality. Gao Feng, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai's recent expression of expectations to meet Chinese trade officials in the near term. The essence of economic and trade relations between China and the U.S. is mutual benefit, Gao said. "China's stance on tariff issues is very clear. Imposing additional tariff measures unilaterally is not beneficial to China, the United States or the whole world," he said. Enditem [May 13, 2021] Swimlane and Elastic Partner to Deliver an Extensible Framework for Security Operations Teams Swimlane, provider of the industry's leading security automation platform, and Elastic (NYSE: ESTC), the company behind Elasticsearch and the Elastic Stack, today announced a strategic partnership to help global security teams break down silos in their security processes, and provide a force multiplier to security operations teams that are perpetually overwhelmed. This partnership will enhance existing product integrations and jointly develop new capabilities to help security teams be more efficient and effective in protecting their organizations. The combined power of scale and automation Key integrations will enable even highly distributed security operations teams to significantly reduce friction associated with context-gathering tasks and threat containment - providing critical time savings that help analysts triage alerts quickly while minimizing damage from threats. Swimlane and Elastic plan further enhancements to the product experience through: An extensible framework that extends beyond the security operations center to other aspects of ITOps, DevOps, Cloud, and more Expanded use case support that helps improve key metrics such as dwell time, mean time to resolution (MTTR), and false-positive rates Capabilities that bring automation to a wider variety of security data, including real-time enrichment from an extensive ecosystem of integrations Improved compliance and audit capabilities to support decision-making and record keeping Built on a solid foundation Swimlane has long provided robust integrations with the Elastic Stack, enabling security teams to optimize incident response, threat intelligence management, and threat hunting. New integrations with Elastic Security will enable SOC teams to leverage expanded support for alert triage, case management, and incidnt investigation as performed through the Cases and Timeline (News - Alert) capabilities within Elastic Security, as well as the ability to automate management of SIEM analytics based on security events and telemetry. Combined with the broad visibility provided by Elastic's massively scalable approach to searching across any data source - security data, observability data, IoT data, and more - customers will benefit from better utilization of existing security investments. The importance of transparency in security Swimlane and Elastic share a strong belief in an open approach to security. Swimlane offers an extensive set of integrations with the most common security tools of the cloud era, supported by a rich community of users and security experts who openly share best practices in playbook development and incident response. Elastic prioritizes making it easy to integrate and develop functionality using the Elastic Stack. Elastic code is housed in public repositories and the company maintains a commitment to an open development process and transparent and direct engagement with the community. See more on Swimlane's integrations here and Elastic integrations here. Supporting Quotes: "Together, Swimlane's platform and Elastic's solutions enable a unique combination of visibility and actionability that security teams need to address modern threats and improve overall cybersecurity posture," said Cody Cornell , Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Swimlane. "The technology surface area that teams are responsible for is larger than ever and is only growing. The ability to aggregate, search, and action security telemetry at scale will be one of the key success factors for security teams today and into the future." , Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Swimlane. "The technology surface area that teams are responsible for is larger than ever and is only growing. The ability to aggregate, search, and action security telemetry at scale will be one of the key success factors for security teams today and into the future." "Swimlane is an important component of the Elastic ecosystem. We are committed to deepening the partnership between Elastic Security and Swimlane to deliver the best integrated product experience to customers," said Nate Fick, General Manager of Security, Elastic. About Swimlane Swimlane is at the forefront of security automation solutions, including SOAR use cases, and was founded to deliver scalable and flexible security solutions to organizations struggling with alert fatigue, vendor proliferation and chronic staffing shortages. Swimlane's security automation platform helps organizations address all security operations (SecOps) needs, including prioritizing alerts, orchestrating tools and automating the remediation of threats-improving performance across the entire organization. Swimlane is headquartered in Denver, Colo. with operations throughout North America, Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. For more information, visit www.Swimlane.com. About Elastic Elastic is a search company built on a free and open heritage. Anyone can use Elastic products and solutions to get started quickly and frictionlessly. Elastic offers three solutions for enterprise search, observability, and security, built on one technology stack that can be deployed anywhere. From finding documents to monitoring infrastructure to hunting for threats, Elastic makes data usable in real time and at scale. Thousands of organizations worldwide, including Cisco, eBay, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, The Mayo Clinic, NASA, The New York Times, Wikipedia, and Verizon (News - Alert) , use Elastic to power mission-critical systems. Founded in 2012, Elastic is a distributed company with Elasticians around the globe and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol ESTC. Learn more at elastic.co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005839/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Air Lease Corporation CEO to Speak at BofA Securities Transportation, Airlines and Industrials Conference Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced today that John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President, will be speaking at the virtual BofA Securities Transportation, Airlines and Industrials Conference on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 11:20 a.m. Eastern Time. This speaking engagement will be broadcast live through a link on the Investors page of the Air Lease Corporation website at www.airleasecorp.com. Alternatively, virtual attendees may access the webcast directly via this link: BofA Securities Transportation, Airlines and Industrials Conference. Please visit the website prior to the webcast to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Any materials utilized for this speaking engagement will be posted to the ALC website 15 minutes prior to the speaking time. About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513006019/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Schwab Declares Preferred Stock Dividend The Board of Directors of The Charles Schwab Corporation has declared a semi-annual dividend on the outstanding Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A in the amount of $35 per share. The dividend is payable August 2, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on July 16, 2021. About Charles Schwab The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with 31.9 million active brokerage accounts, 2.1 million corporate retirement plan participants, 1.6 million banking accounts, and approximately $7.07 trillion in client assets. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiaries, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc., and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc., (members SIPC, www.sipc.org/), and their affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent, fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com. TD Ameritrade, Inc. and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513006049/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] Kiosk Association Panelist for US Access Board Open Meeting on SSTMs in Point-of-Sale and in Ticketing DENVER, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Access Board will host panel discussions on self-service transaction machines (SSTMs), including point-of-sales machines & ticket kiosks, at its next virtual Board meeting on May 19 from 1:00 3:15 (ET). The Association is participating as a panelist. One panel is representatives from advocacy organizations who will discuss usability issues and accessibility barriers. Another panel will address efforts by research and industry to improve access to SSTMs. The public is welcome to attend this event. Registration is not required. Here is the agenda. Welcome, Sachin Pavithran , Executive Director , Executive Director 1:00 2:00 Panel Discussion on Usability Issues Mark Hill , Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network , Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network Donald D. Overton, Jr. , Blinded Veterans Association , Blinded Veterans Association Clayton Lewis , Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities , Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities Dave Pierson , United Spinal Association 2:00 2:10 Overview of Existing ADA & Section 508 Standards, Bruce Bailey 2:10 3:15 Panel Discussion on SSTM Accessibility Craig Keefner , Kiosk Manufacturer Association , Kiosk Manufacturer Association Dr. Gregg Vanderheiden and Bern Jordan, The Trace Center and Bern Jordan, The Trace Center Phil Day , NCR , NCR Laura Boniello Miller , Vispero More Events We are a sponsor for CREATE, hosted by Nations Restaurant News. Scott Deviney, CEO, Chicken Salad Chick is our session. Thanks to Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc . and Panasonic . The CREATE event has a physical show in Denver October 4-6 at the Sheraton Downtown. We have a free VIP pass to give away. Contact any of our Gold sponsors: Olea , KioWare , Pyramid Computer , Frank Mayer , Nanonation , KIOSK Information Systems , KioskGroup , Vispero , Zebra , AUO , 22Miles , Panasonic Restaurant Solutions and LG Electronics Business Solutions . Two more events for KMA - the National Restaurant Association Show-To-Go (see preview) and also the NRF Retail Converge event June 21-25. Additional Regulatory Focus -- New content on payment methods and biometric options emerging. TurnKey payment solutions for any Point of Sale (BNPL, txt, QR, Facial). Bonus content is PCI DSS training course 101 (31 pages) for workforce & IT. Notable News CAKCEK makes note of our lineup of subverticals we cover: For more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or craig@catareno.com Visit kiosk industry , KMA.global , Retail Automation , Digital Business and Thinclient for more information. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kiosk-association-panelist-for-us-access-board-open-meeting-on-sstms-in-point-of-sale-and-in-ticketing-301291343.html SOURCE Kiosk Manufacturer Association [May 13, 2021] Starlight Hybrid Global Real Assets Trust (NEO: SCHG.UN) Reports Q1 2021 Results Starlight Investments Capital LP ("Starlight Capital"), on behalf of Starlight Hybrid Global Real Assets Trust (the "Trust"), announced today the Trust's financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Q1 2021 HIGHLIGHTS Portfolio Investments As at March 31, 2021 ("Q1 2021"), the Trust had an investment of $24,567,022 (December 31, 2020 - $25,209,036) in Starlight Global Real Assets LP (the "Public Portfolio") and $16,893,611 in three investments in the private portfolio (December 31, 2020 - $16,893,611 in three investments). The Public Portfolio had 63 investments (December 31, 2020 - 57 investments) with a market value of $24,262,820 (December 31, 2020 - $23,907,534) in publicly traded global real estate and infrastructure securities. The Public Portfolio's investment portfolio remains liquid and the Trust does not anticipate any issues in being able to meet the liquidity needs of the Public Portfolio LP or the Trust. Distributions On January 14, 2021, Starlight Capital announced the 2021 monthly distributions to unitholders of record for the Trust of $0.0433 per unit (2020 - $0.0433 per unit) for a total distribution of $0.52 per unit per annum (2020 - $0.52 per unit per annum). As at March 31, 2021, the Trust declared three distributions of $0.0433 per series A and series C unit for a total distribution of $0.1296 per unit. In addition, the distributions declared included a component funded by the Trust's distribution reinvestment plan. Q1 Redesignation of Units On January 14, 2021 the Trust announced that given the current number of outstanding series A units and series C units, redesignation requests of series A units into series C units are not currently being accepted by the Trust. Series C units were redesignated as series A units, at the option of the holder, in accordance with the amended and restated declaration of trust at net asset value ("NAV"). On March 31, 2021, 2,954 series C units with a NAV of $30,657 were redesignated as series A units. Series C unitholders received 3,091 series A units with a NAV per unit of $9.92 in exchange for 2,954 series C units with a NAV per unit of $10.38. The series A units are listed on the NEO Exchange under the ticker SCHG.UN. Series C units are unlisted. Update on the Impact of COVID-19 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) ("COVID-19") was a global pandemic. Governments around the world enacted a series of public health measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures significantly curtailed economic output and business activity globally. As at March 31, 2021, many of these measures remain in place as governments continue to combat the spread of the virus. Since the latter part of February 2020, financial markets have experienced significant volatility in response to COVID-19 resulting in increased risks related to the portfolio issuers and fluctuations in NAV and NAV for each series of unit of the Trust. COVID-19 has also resulted in increased infrastructure risk and real estate risk for the Trust. Further, public health crises, including the ongoing health crisis related to COVID-19, or relating to any other virus, flu, epidemic, pandemic or any other similar disease or illness could increase the Trust's risks related to the portfolio issuers, fluctuations in NAV and NAV or each series of unit of the Trust, infrastructure risk and real estate risk. In Q1 2020, the progressive shutdown of large global economies resulted in significant broad market selloffs of global equity markets causing declines in the Public Portfolio investment valuations and the Trust's NAV. Equity markets have experienced elevated volatility in the face of rising unemployment and sharply declining economic output. The Public Portfolio has also experienced elevated volatility as equity investors have sought liquidity and safety in the face of uncertainty. In addition to impacting the Trust's NAV, this may create difficulty in raising capital in equity markets, which could in turn adversely impact the Trust's strategy. Liquidity of the Public Portfolio has remained high and has not been materially impacted by COVID-19. As a result of COVID-19, trading volumes in the Public Portfolio have increased as the investment manager looks to take advantage of investment opportunities brought about by the elevated level of market volatility. While the events surrounding COVID-19 have resulted in unprecedented market volatility, the investment manager believes that the Trust's portfolio is well positioned to navigate through this challenging time. The Trust has not experienced any material distribution or dividend cuts from investments in the Public Portfolio or the private portfolio. As the Public Portfolio remains liquid, and although not expected, any distribution cuts made by portfolio investments resulting from COVID-19 or otherwise are not expected to have an impact on the Trust's ability to pay its monthly distributions given the liquid nature of the Public Portfolio and the Trust's ability to adjust its portfolio accordingly. The private portfolio has not experienced a significant impact from COVID-19 and no material changes to valuations have been required as a result of COVID-19. The Public Portfolio is currently positioned in sectors and geographies believed to be the most resilient during and after COVID-19 and to realize significant upside potential upon an economic recovery. The investment manager continues to review the portfolio on a daily basis and remains committed to owning high-quality businesses with long term growth potential. Starlight Capital has implemented appropriate cautionary measures to ensure it is conducting business in a safe and effective manner (including, without limitation, limiting visits to their corporate office to essential personnel and ensuring proper protocols around sanitation and social distancing), and continues to diligently work with its service providers to remain operational through the pandemic. There can be no assurance that any actions taken will prevent the impact of COVID-19 on the Trust or Starlight Capital's employees or service providers. In response to the global pandemic, governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal stimulus programs designed to stabilize economic conditions. Governments have also declared emergencies requiring various restrictions such as stay at home orders, mandatory closures of certain types of businesses and reduced limits on social gatherings impacting businesses and economies. At this time the duration and magnitude of COVID-19 is still unknown, as is the efficacy of the government and central bank interventions. While vaccine programs continue to be implemented and the distribution of vaccines is progressing globally, vaccine roll-outs remain fluid as public health authorities continue to make adjustments to their plans due to continued outbreaks and the timing and volume of shipments from vaccine suppliers. As of May 6, 2021, the U.S. has administered over 148 million doses, with over 107 million people fully vaccinated and over 56% of adults in the U.S. receiving at least one vaccine shot. Comparatively in Canada over 11 million doses have been administered with over 29% of the population receiving at least one dose and only approximately 2.5% of the population having received two doses. Many countries/regions had begun to ease restrictions in Q1 2021, but the emergence of COVID-19 variants that are more transmissible and carry increased health risks have caused a surge in cases and an increase in hospitalizations. Some countries have been forced to reintroduce emergency measures to counter the resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Although emergency measures are expected to ease as more people receive vaccinations, the uncertainty created by variants and closures of certain businesses could impact the Trust for a prolonged period. It is impossible to forecast the duration and full scope of the economic impact of COVID-19 and other consequential changes it will have on the Trust's business and portfolio values, both in the short term and in the long term. The full impact will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of and the actions required to contain COVID-19 or remedy its impact, among others. The portfolio could experience further volatility and market value declines, which could materially adversely impact the performance of the Trust, its NAV and its ability to raise capital. While the situation continues to evolve, the Trust is confident the tactical measures implemented to date will allow it to provide long-term value creation to unitholders. FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS As at March 31, 2021 As at December 31, 2020 Current assets $41,555,610 $41,885,611 Current liabilities 294,847 307,282 Net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units per series Series A 10,192,012 10,249,932 Series C 31,068,751 31,328,397 $41,260,763 $41,578,329 ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE The Trust's financial performance and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are summarized below: Three months ended March 31, 2021 Three months ended March 31, 2020 Investment gain (loss) $387,608 $(5,092,123) Expenses (184,528) (204,772) Net Investment income (loss) 203,080 (5,296,895) Increase/(decrease) in net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units $203,080 $(5,296,895) Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the outlook for the Trust's business and results of operations and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the Trust's business and operations. Forward-looking statements ("FLS") are provided for the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding the Trust's financial performance, financial position and cash flows as at and for the periods ended on certain dates and to present information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLS involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may be general or specific and which give risk to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, assumptions may not be correct and objectives, strategic goals and priorities may not be achieved. FLS are statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," or "estimate," or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are by their nature based on numerous assumptions. Information contained in FLS is based upon certain material assumptions applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Although the FLS contained herein are based upon what Starlight Capital believe to be reasonable assumptions including with respect to COVID-19, Starlight Capital cannot be sure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on FLS. The forward-looking statements relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. About Starlight Hybrid Global Real Assets Trust The Trust's investment objective is to provide unitholders with stable monthly cash distributions and long-term capital appreciation through exposure to institutional quality real assets in the global real estate and global infrastructure sectors. The Trust's unaudited condensed interim financial statements, the notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, can be found on Starlight Capital's website at www.starlightcapital.com or www.sedar.com. About Starlight Capital and Starlight Investments Starlight Capital is an independent asset management firm offering mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, offering memorandum funds and structured products. Our goal is to deliver superior risk adjusted returns to investors through a disciplined investment approach, Focused Business Investing. Starlight Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starlight Investments. Starlight Investments is a privately held, full service, real estate investment and asset management company. The firm manages over $20.0 billion of assets on behalf of institutional joint ventures as well as publicly listed REITs, closed-end funds and investment funds and is driven by an experienced team of over 300 professionals. Please visit us at www.starlightcapital.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005075/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] CompuGroup Medical Wins "Best Video Conferencing Solution" Award in 2021 MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program PHOENIX, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA (CGM), one of the world's leading providers of eHealth solutions, today announced that its CGM ELVI Telemedicine solution has been selected as the winner of the "Best Video Conferencing Solution" award in the fifth annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by MedTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global health and medical technology market. CGM ELVI offers a streamlined virtual care experience that adapts in real-time to even the slowest internet connections. CGM ELVI Telemedicine is a powerful HIPAA-certified solution that delivers a secure, peer-to-peer connection that allows healthcare personnel the ability to provide vital patient care and services without risking the health of patients and staff. The CGM ELVI platform offers a robust set of benefits, promoting the secure exchange of sensitive patient health information, providing an intuitive interface with advanced functionality including appointments, virtual waiting rooms, and group sessions. With a quick implementation time, providers can be up and running almost immediately, a crucial advantage in today's fast-moving healthcare nvironment. Additionally, the CGM ELVI web-based solution functions independently of whatever EHR system a practice uses. For patients, the user experience is seamless. They can log in to their appointments by web, phone, or the free CGM ELVI mobile app. "CompuGroup Medical understands the US Health IT and technology-enabled services business and the importance of telehealth such as virtual visits and remote patient monitoring in driving the digitization of healthcare. CGM ELVI delivers a streamlined virtual care experience that adapts in real-time to even the slowest internet connections," said Derek Pickell, CEO of CompuGroup Medical US. "With so much competition out there, we are extremely grateful to be recognized for this award by MedTech Breakthrough in the 2021 MedTech Breakthrough Awards program." The mission of the MedTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of health and medical technology categories, including Robotics, Clinical Administration, Telehealth, Patient Engagement, Electronic Health Records (EHR), mHealth, Medical Devices, Medical Data and many more. This year's program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from over 17 different countries throughout the world. "CGM ELVI enables providers to connect safely and securely with their patients, even those geographically dispersed patients they may not have been able to connect with in the past," said James Johnson, managing director, MedTech Breakthrough. "This award is more important than ever before and we are thrilled to recognize CompuGroup Medical for breaking through the crowded space with their virtual care innovation. Congratulations to the entire CGM team for winning our 'Best Video Conferencing Solution' award for 2021." About CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA CompuGroup Medical is one of the leading eHealth companies in the world. With a revenue base of EUR 837 million in 2020, its software products are designed to support all medical and organizational activities in doctors' offices, pharmacies, laboratories and hospitals. Its information services for all parties involved in the healthcare system and its web-based personal health records contribute towards safer and more efficient healthcare. CompuGroup Medical's services are based on a unique customer base of more than 1.6 million users, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other health professionals in inpatient and outpatient facilities. With locations in 18 countries and products in 56 countries worldwide, CompuGroup Medical is the e-Health company with one of the highest coverages among e-Health service providers. Approximately 8,000 highly qualified employees support customers with innovative solutions for the steadily growing demands of the healthcare system. About MedTech Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the MedTech Breakthrough Awards program is an independent program devoted to honoring excellence in medical and health related technology companies, products, services and people. The MedTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough health and medical companies and products in categories that include Patient Engagement, mHealth, Health & Fitness, Clinical Administration, Healthcare IoT, Medical Data, Healthcare Cybersecurity and more. For more information visit MedTechBreakthrough.com . Contact for media representatives: Patrick Hall EVP, Business Development and Marketing P +1 (512) 638 6966 Email: patrick.hall@cgm.com Web: www.cgm.com/us SOURCE CompuGroup Medical [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 13, 2021] 5N Plus Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders MONTREAL, May 13, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - 5N Plus Inc. (TSX: VNP) ("5N Plus or the "Company"), a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") virtually today. Over 55,430,225 shares (68.09% of outstanding common shares) were at the Meeting. As part of the formal proceedings, the Company's shareholders elected the Board of Directors and approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditor of the Company. The complete voting results from the Meeting are presented below. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors fixed at six the number of directors of the Company to be elected at the Meeting. Each of the six nominees listed in the Management Information Circular was elected as a director of 5N Plus. All of the nominee directors were already members of the Board of Directors of the Company. Subsequent to the Meeting, the directors re-appointed Mr. Luc Bertrand as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Luc Bertrand 51,595,064 94.70 2,886,828 5.30 Jean-Marie Bourassa 52,905,898 97.11 1,575,992 2.89 James T. Fahey 52,967,895 97.22 1,513,995 2.78 Gervais Jacques 52,967,950 97.22 1,513,940 2.78 Nathalie Le Prohon 52,122,765 95.67 2,359,127 4.33 Arjang J. (AJ) Roshan 53,520,858 98.24 961,032 1.76 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, was reappointed as independent auditor of 5N Plus until the close of the next annual general meeting of Shareholders, and the directors were authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditor. Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld 54,312,905 97.99 1,115,521 2.01 About 5N Plus Inc. 5N Plus is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company's ultrapure materials often form the core element of its customer products. These customers rely on 5N Plus's products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N Plus deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Company's products enable various applications in a number of key industries including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging, and industrial and additive manufacturing. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, 5N Plus operates R&D, manufacturing and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around the world including Europe, North America and Asia. The Company's mission is to be critical to its customers, valued by its employees and trusted by its shareholders. The Company's core values focus on integrity, commitment and customer development along with emphasis on sustainable development, continuous improvement, health and safety. SOURCE 5N Plus Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Small arms components and accessories manufacturer will invest more than $7 million NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Troy Industries, Inc. officials announced today that the firearms manufacturer will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing operations from West Springfield, Mass. to Clarksville, Tenn. The project represents an investment of $7.2 million and the creation of 75 jobs over the next five years. TROY is one of Americas largest suppliers of OEM small arms accessories and weapon upgrades. The company supplies firearms to military, law enforcement and civilians. In addition to TROY Firearms, many other firearms manufacturers, such as Smith & Wesson, Colt, HK and Sturm, Ruger & Company incorporate TROY components into their products. TROY is currently seeking applicants for various positions at its Clarksville facility. Those interested in working at TROY can send a letter of interest along with resume to HR@troyind.com. Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 10 economic development projects in Montgomery County, accounting for more than 2,400 job commitments and $690 million in capital investment. QUOTES I appreciate TROY for choosing to relocate to Tennessee and am proud to partner with this world-renowned firearms manufacturer. When companies pick Tennessee to locate or expand their operations, it is a vote of confidence to our states business-friendly climate and skilled workforce. I thank TROY for this investment and the creation of new jobs for Tennesseans. Gov. Bill Lee Tennessee is home to some of the worlds most well-known manufacturing companies. Job creation in Tennessees advanced manufacturing sector far outpaces national growth, with employment concentration nearly 40 percent higher than the national average. We thank TROY for adding to Tennessees success in this industry and for making this investment in Montgomery County. TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe While TROY has enjoyed a very successful period of growth in Massachusetts, the changing climate for firearms manufacturers in the state determined the need for our relocation to Tennessee to ensure the continued success of the company. We are excited to begin this new venture and appreciate all the support we have already received from Representative Mark Green, Governor Bill Lee and the state of Tennessee in making this relocation possible. Steve Troy, president and CEO, Troy Industries, Inc. I met with Troy Industries about a year ago and knew right then and there that they were a great match for our community. They will bring a unique manufacturing component to Montgomery County and are a proven industry leader in the design and manufacturing of quality small arms components and accessories. Most of the worlds top military weapons producers seek TROY products because they set the standard for the industry. Steve, Tracy and the entire TROY team will make an awesome addition to the community. Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett The IDB is thankful Troy Industries, Inc. chose Clarksville to call home and welcomes them to the community. Troy Industries is a veteran-friendly employer and will help create another valued veteran connection to employment for our active-duty service members when they ETS. Aligning new and expanding business with our current population is a great win for the community. Montgomery County IDB Chairman Wally Crow TVA and Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Troy Industries on its decision to locate operations in Clarksville. Helping to attract jobs and investment to the Valley is fundamental to TVAs mission of service and we are proud to partner with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and support companies, like Troy Industries business success. John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development TROY will be a great addition to Clarksville, and we are very excited they are locating here. Montgomery County is a great place to live and work. We have a great quality of life, our citizens have a tremendous work ethic and we are committed to developing the best trained workforce in the world. We welcome these new jobs and appreciate all the work done by Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and our local officials to secure them. I look forward to continuing to partner with them in bringing new opportunities to our citizens. Sen. Bill Powers (R-Clarksville) "Clarksville is proud to be the new home of Troy Industries. Our community presents a unique opportunity for businesses like TROY to thrive thanks to our pro-business environment, skilled workforce and military relevance. We appreciate our state and local officials for securing this significant investment and congratulate TROY on their decision to relocate to Clarksville. Rep. Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) TNECD Media Contact Molly Hair, Public Information Officer (615) 878-0063 molly.hair@tn.gov About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd. ### DISTRICT 27 CLAY COUNTY SR-53 bridge repair over Dry Fork Creek (LM 1.3) and Mill Creek (LM 2.5): The contractor will continue work on Phase 2 and the southbound lane will remain open. The northbound lane will remain closed and a temporary signal system will be used to facilitate the flow of traffic through the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and be prepared to stop while approaching the work zones located at LM 1.35 and 2.50. RESTRICTIONS: Loads wider than 11' should seek alternate route. [Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Moore/CNU198] CLAY COUNTY SR-52 resurfacing from SR-53 (LM 20.6) to west of Poor House Road (LM 23.6): The contractor is scheduled to begin work on resurfacing from LM 20.6 to LM 23.6 on 05/14/21. During this work, the contractor will shut down one lane in each direction of SR 52 and will utilize advanced warning signs and traffic control devices to direct traffic to the proper lane to travel through the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to obey the posted speed limit and be cautious while traveling through the work zone. [Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc./Moore/CNV005] CLAY COUNTY SR-53 resurfacing from near the Obey River (LM 9.0) to the Kentucky State line (LM16.6): The contractor is scheduled to begin work on resurfacing from LM 9.0 to LM 16.6 on 05/14/21. During this work, the contractor will shut down one lane of SR 53 and will utilize flaggers and advanced warning signs to control the flow of traffic through the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to obey the posted speed limit and be cautious while traveling through the work zone. [Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc./Moore/CNV005] CLAY AND JACKSON COUNTY SR-135 and SR-151 microsurfacing in Clay County and on SR-151 in Jackson County: The contractor is scheduled to resume work on 05/14/21. During the work, the contractor will close one lane of traffic at a time. Advanced warning signs and flaggers will be utilized to allow for the flow of traffic through the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and obey posted speed limit. [Hudson Construction Company/Moore/CNU139] CUMBERLAND COUNTY I-40 repair of the bridges over SR-1 (US-70) at MM 328.5: Eastbound I-40 near MM 328 is reduced to one lane 24/7 to allow bridge repair over SR-1 (US-70) at Crab Orchard, TN. During this period, westbound I-40 may be reduced to one lane 24/7 to continue bridge repair. The contractor has installed a portable smart work zone system to assists motorists. However, delays can be expected. SR-1 (US-70) will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals near LM 24 at Crab Orchard, TN for bridge repair. Motorists should exercise caution and pay attention to the temporary traffic signals as they travel through the work zone. RESTRICTIONS: Loads over 16 feet wide on eastbound I-40 should seek an alternate route. [Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Bradley/CNU145] CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-28 (US-127) bridge construction and paving from north of I-40 (LM 17.8) to near Potato Farm Road (LM 22.7): Construction signs have been installed with erosion control and clearing activities in progress. Motorists should use caution while traveling through the work zone. [Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC/Bradley/CNV009] CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-1 (US-70) paving near Arthur Seagraves Road (LM 2.5) to near Woodridge Lane (LM 6): The contractor will be performing safety-related construction activities that may require lane closures on SR-1 (US-70) between Arthur Seagraves Road and Woodridge Lane. Construction signs will be installed, and flaggers will be present to direct traffic. [Rogers Group, Inc./Bradley/CNU919] CUMBERLAND COUNTY SR-101 (Peavine Road) grading, drainage, and paving from Firetower Road to Westchester/Catoosa Boulevard: Motorists should use caution while driving along Peavine Road and be alert for changes in traffic patterns. The posted speed limit has been reduced from 45 MPH to 35 MPH within the work zone. The existing speed limit within Fairfield Glade remains at 30 MPH. Temporary lane closures and/or traffic stoppages may be needed as paving, traffic signal work, and other construction activities continue. Motorists should reduce speed on Peavine Road and be alert for construction personnel/equipment entering and exiting the roadway. [Rogers Group, Inc./Bradley/CNQ921] DEKALB COUNTY SR-264 (HICKMAN RD.) TDOT Maintenance southbound from LM 0.1 to LM 0.3: SR-264 is reduced to one lane with temporary signals from LM 0.1 to 0.3. This will remain in effect until slope stabilization work completion. DEKALB AND WARREN COUNTY SR-56 construction of bridges and paving from south of Warren-Dekalb county line (LM 24.5) to East Bryant St. (LM 2.9): The contractor will continue installing concrete box culverts and drainage structures. Grade work, bridge work, paving operations, and utility work on the new roadway alignment are ongoing. Traffic is still using the existing SR-56; however, motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work. The contractor currently performing grade work inside Smithville City Limits between Dearman Street and East Bryant Street. A traffic shift in this area will remain to allow contractor to complete work. A diversion remains in place for Williams Road to allow contractor to construct new alignment. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Motorists should use caution in this area and watch for flaggers and construction equipment. [Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC/Harris/CNT011] FENTRESS COUNTY SR-85 rock fall mitigation at LM 3.8: The contractor continues working on the rock fall mitigation located at LM 3.8. During this work, a signed detour route will remain in place to allow traffic to bypass the work area. The closure will remain in effect during the entire project; the estimated completion date is 05/30/21. [J and M Grading Division, LLC/Moore/CNU276] FENTRESS AND OVERTON COUNTY SR-85 emergency slide repairs at various locations: The contractor continues work near LM 21.0 in Overton County on SR 85. During this work, the roadway will be completely closed, and a signed detour route will be in place to allow motorists to bypass the work zone. The estimated project completion date is 05/28/21. [Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Moore/CNT154] PUTNAM COUNTY I-40 TDOT Bridge Maintenance eastbound at MM 300.7: Bridge Maintenance will be patching potholes at the bridge on I-40 over SR-24 at MM 300.7 on Monday, 5/17/21 from 8 am until 12 pm. Traffic control will be in place for this project. PUTNAM COUNTY SR-24 (MONTEREY HWY.) Utility Work northbound from LM 33.53 to LM 36.37: Shoulder and single lane closure between Bee Rock Road and West Bishop Avenue. Signage, flaggers, and barrels will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 8 AM and 4 PM beginning 04/08/21 through 05/19/21. [2020-311] PUTNAM COUNTY SR-135 (Burgess Falls Road) grading, drainage, signals and paving at the intersection of West Cemetery Road (LM 6.6): Brief stoppages in traffic should be expected during daytime hours as the contractor works near the roadway. Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert to all construction signage while traveling through the work zone. [Rogers Group, Inc./James/CNU270] PUTNAM COUNTY SR-24 (US-70N) slide repair near LM 30.1: The contractor has installed barrier rail and began excavation work. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by temporary traffic signals at each end of the project. Be prepared to stop when traveling through the work zone. [Rogers Group, Inc./James/CNU359] WHITE COUNTY SR-1 (E. BOCKMAN WAY) both directions from LM 13.2 to LM 14.7 for slope stabilization: Roadway is reduced to one lane from LM 13.2 to 14.7. The westbound lane is shifted from LM 14.4 to 14.7. This will remain in effect until slope stabilization work completion, which is anticipated to be 5/21/21. Sunset Rock will be closed for the duration. [TDOT/Maintenance/MAINT] DISTRICT 28 BLEDSOE COUNTY SR-30 (STATE HWY. 30) Utility Work both directions from LM 0.05 to LM 10.32: Mobile lane closure along SR-30 between SR-30 and SR-127 intersection and the Bledsoe County line. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM between 03/15/21 through 06/15/21. [2020-408] BLEDSOE COUNTY SR-30 slope stabilization at LM 12.5: Roadway is reduced to one lane. Traffic is controlled by signals. [TDOT/Miner/MAINT] BLEDSOE COUNTY SR-30 bridge repair over the Sequatchie River (LM 10.36): The contractor will be working on SR-30 on the bridge over the Sequatchie River. The road will be reduced to one lane controlled by a traffic signal while repairs are made. Please use caution when traveling through the area. [Jamison Construction, LLC/Voiles/CNV003] COFFEE COUNTY SR-2 (US-41) Utility Work both directions from LM 0 to LM 28.55: Mobile lane closure along SR-2 between Holly Court and Henley Lane. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM between 11/30/20 through 05/19/21. [2020-658] COFFEE COUNTY SR-2 (US-41) resurfacing from near I-24 (LM16.8) to near Old Hillsboro Highway (LM 21.5): During this reporting period this project is in the final stages, contractor will be installing the delineators followed by inspections and addressing any possible punch list items. Work may be possible each day 7AM to 7PM. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone and be alert of all signage, traffic control devices, personnel, and equipment. The road may be reduced to one lane to accommodate the work being performed; safety personnel will be present. [Volunteer Paving, LLC/Hussein/CNV008] COFFEE COUNTY SR-55 safety improvements from Belmont Road (LM 10) to Bowling Alley Road (LM 10.2) in Manchester: Weather Permitting, the contractor will be implementing a lane reduction daily between the hours of 7AM and 7PM to support project excavation work. Motorists should proceed with caution through the area and be aware of signage, personnel, and equipment. [Rogers Group, Inc./Hussein/CNU316] GRUNDY COUNTY SR-2 (US-41) Utility Work both directions from LM 1.95 to LM 0: Mobile lane closure along SR-2 between Holly Court and Henley Lane. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present, motorists should be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM between 11/30/20 through 05/19/21. [2020-658] GRUNDY COUNTY SR-56 Utility Work both directions from LM 20.19 to LM 25.69: Mobile lane closures along SR-56 from the intersection of SR-56 and SR-108 to the intersection of SR-56 and Store Door Road. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 7 AM to 4 PM starting 08/31/20 through 05/31/21. [2020-440] GRUNDY COUNTY SR-56 slide repair between LM 26.3 and LM 26.6: The road will remain one lane controlled by a temporary traffic signal while contractor completes slide repairs in the area. Motorists should use caution in the area and watch for flaggers and equipment. [Dement Construction Company, LLC/Harris/CNU355] MARION COUNTY I-24 westbound MM 166 to MM 167 slope stabilization: Right Shoulder closure from mile 167 to 166.4 West bound direction of I-24. Traffic Control signs are installed notifying of the shoulder closure. [GeoStabilization International, LLC /Miner/MAINT] MARION COUNTY SR-108 (STATE HWY. 108) Utility Work both directions from LM 7.05 to LM 4.21: Mobile lane closures along SR-108 from the intersection of SR-108 and Floyd Road to the intersection of SR-108 and Fish Branch Road. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 8 AM to 4 PM starting 01/18/21 through 05/26/21. [2020-540] MARION COUNTY SR-2 (US-HWY. 41) Permitted Work westbound from LM 18.8 to LM 19.1: Center turn lane will be closed for work on the West Bound lane on US 41/ State Route 2 from 6 AM Thursday 05/13/21 until 12 PM on 05/17/21. Two lanes of traffic will remain open by moving the one lane to the center turning lane. SEQUATCHIE COUNTY SR-28 (HWY. 28) Utility Work both directions at LM 4.17: Lane closures on SR-28 between Little Ponderosa Trail and Wilson Road. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 9 AM to 2 PM starting 05/04/21 through 05/26/21. [2021-282] SEQUATCHIE COUNTY SR-8 (US-127) repair of bridge over the Sequatchie River (LM 12.7): The contractor will be working on SR-8 on the bridge over the Sequatchie River. The road will be reduced to one lane controlled by a traffic signal while repairs are made. Please use caution when traveling through the area. [Southern Constructors, Inc./Voiles/CNU148] VANBUREN COUNTY SR-111 resurfacing from Sequatchie County line (LM 0) to north of Feedstore Drive (LM 12.5): The contractor will begin resurfacing operations on May 18th on SR-111 from the Sequatchie County line to Log mile 12.51 in Van Buren. One lane will be closed while resurfacing operations are taking place. Please use caution when traveling through the area. [Strawser Construction, Inc./Voiles/CNU298] DISTRICT 29 BRADLEY COUNTY SR-2 (S. LEE HWY.) Utility Work northbound from LM 8.21 to LM 8.44: Lane closures between Grove Ave NW and Harrison Pike. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment for nighttime and daytime work between 8 PM and 6 AM and 9 am to 2 pm Monday- Friday with an estimated completion 06/30/21. [2020-423/424] BRADLEY COUNTY SR-74 (OCOEE ST. N.E.) Utility Work both directions from LM 16.26 to LM 16.88: Shoulder and single lane closure between Westview Drive NW and Keith Street NW. Signage and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM with an estimated completion 05/28/21. [2020-193] HAMILTON COUNTY I-24 interchange improvement at SR-2 (US-11, US-41, US-72, Broad Street) and SR-58 (Market Street): During this reporting period, the contractor will be performing utility relocation work throughout the project limits, installing new drainage structures, and performing initial grading work for retaining wall construction. A traffic shift on I-24 eastbound has been implemented near MM 178 to allow for new construction on the right shoulder of the interstate. Brief intermittent lane closures are possible during daylight hours on SR-2 (Broad St.) and SR-58 (Market St.) to allow for moving equipment and utility relocation. [Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Wagner/CNU011] HAMILTON COUNTY I-24 Replacement of Belvoir Ave. bridge over I-24 and I-24 bridges over Germantown Road near MM 183 : Single and double alternating lane closures on I-24 EB and WB will be used on 05/13/21 and between 05/16/21 and 05/19/21 from 9 PM and 6 AM. There will be single lane closures in the north and south directions of Germantown Road under the I-24 Bridge and at the intersections of Germantown with North and South Terrace on 05/13/21, 05/14/21, and between 05/17/21 and 05/19/21 from 9 PM and 6 AM. [Bell and Associates Construction, LP/Blevins/CMGC03] HAMILTON COUNTY I-75 at I-24 Interchange Reconstruction: Phase 3 traffic alignments have been implemented. Watch for trucks entering and exiting project. Traffic should expect multiple lane shifts traveling through the interchange. Lane closures will occur Sunday nights through Thursday nights between 9 PM and 6 AM at the following locations: I-75 NB MM 1, I-75 SB MM 3 and I-24 EB MM 184.0 Traffic pacing may occur throughout interchange Sunday nights through Thursday nights between 9 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, there may intermittent shoulder closures at various locations for access to the median and roadside areas. The Welcome Center is closed until 05/27/2021 to complete ramp work. The speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH throughout the interchange. ***Weekend work scheduled between 05/14/2021 9 PM and 05/17/2021 5 AM on I-75 NB. The contractor will close the right two lanes between MM 2 and MM 3 to complete concrete pavement repairs. Additionally, the I-24 EB to I-75 NB ramp will be reduced to one lane. The loop ramp from southbound Ringgold Road to I-75NB will be closed as well. Motorists should be aware of heavy work truck traffic during this time. *** [C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc./Blevins/DB1801] HAMILTON COUNTY US-27 (I-124) widening from I-24/US-27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Thursday 05/13/21 thru Wednesday 05/19/21 7:00AM to 6:00PM Temporary right lane closure will be in place for southbound US-27 from the Olgiati Bridge to Exit 1C for ITS testing. A State Trooper is requested on Thursday 05/13/21. [Dement Construction Company, LLC/Curtis/CNP230] HAMILTON COUNTY I-24 TDOT Maintenance eastbound from MM 181 to MM 182.5: TDOT Maintenance will require lane 3 on I-24 EB MM 181 to MM 182.5 to be closed on 05/13/21 from 9 PM to 3 AM for roadway maintenance. HAMILTON COUNTY SR-27 (MARKET ST.) Utility Work both directions at LM 4.9: Shoulder and single lane closure along Market Street between West 26th Street and Underwood Street. Signage, drums, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 3 PM starting 04/29/21 through 05/19/21. [2021-106] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-319 (HIXSON PK.) Utility Work northbound from LM 8.14 to LM 8.11: Shoulder and single lane closure between Big Ridge Road and Gold Crest Drive. Arrow board, signage and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM starting 05/19/21 through 06/02/21. [2021-091] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-8 (RINGGOLD RD.) Utility Work westbound from LM 1.97 to LM 1.94: Shoulder, bike lane, and single lane closure between Sewanee Drive and San His Drive. Arrow board, signage, drums, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM starting 05/03/21 through 05/19/21. [2021-280] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-8 (SIGNAL MOUNTAIN RD.) Utility Work southbound at LM 14.75: Shoulder and single lane closure between Balmoral Drive and Glendale Drive. Signage, flaggers, and cones will be present. Motorists should use caution through the area and be aware of personnel and equipment between 9 AM and 2 PM starting 05/06/21 through 05/19/21. [2021-292] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-29 (US-27) repair of the bridge over Big Soddy Creek (LM 20.6): The contractor will be performing bridge & roadway repair on the SR-29 bridge over Big Soddy Creek. During this report period the contractor will have one lane of SR-29 north-bound closed. At least one lane of traffic in both directions shall always remain open. [Mid-State Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU046 HAMILTON COUNTY SR-2 (McCallie Tunnel, US-11, US-64) tunnel cleaning: On Wednesday of this reporting period from 8 PM-6 AM, the contractor will have a flagging operation at the McCallie Tunnels as they clean this tunnel. Also, the same night after cleaning the McCallie tunnels, the contractor will close the Stringer Ridge Tunnels as they clean the tunnels. At this location, there will be a signed detour for the motoring public to use. [Diamond Specialized, Inc./Curtis/CNU182] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-2 (US-64, US-11) improvement of the intersection at Edgmon Road in Collegedale (LM 22.7), including grading, drainage, and paving: Extra care should be taken while trucks are entering and exiting the roadway. One lane might be intermittently closed while work is ongoing. The public is advised to be aware of the newly established traffic pattern at the intersection. Additional flaggers will be onsite as needed. [Talley Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU012] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-312 resurfacing from south of Henry Road (LM 6.9) to west of SR-58 (LM 14.2): During this reporting period, there will be intermittent lane closures on this road as the Contractor will have flaggers directing traffic for the construction operation. The motoring public should expect possible long delays. [Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Curtis/CNV087] HAMILTON COUNTY SR-317 (Apison Pike) improvement project from SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) to east of Layton Lane: Lane closures and flagging operations will be required on SR-317, Apison Pike, to install power poles and transfer lines. The flagging operations will be performed on 05/13/21, 05/14/21, 05/17/21, 05/18/21, and 05/19/21 from 7 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM. Closures will last about 2 hours per location. The contractor will have intermittent flagging operations during daytime non-peak hours for utility work, delivery of materials and equipment. [Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNT336] HAMILTON COUNTY The construction of an S.I.A. to VW: The contractor will be grading, paving, constructing retaining wall(s) and installing signals & lighting on S.I.A. route connecting Ferdinand Piech Way & Volkswagen Dr. **The roadway is not open to traffic**. The traveling public should be alert to the entrance and exit of construction vehicles from the jobsite onto the connecting roadways. Flaggers may be onsite directing traffic. [Talley Construction Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNU221] MCMINN COUNTY I-75 at SR-30 (Exit 49) and SR-305 (Exit 52) interchange improvements: During this reporting period, the contractor will be working at Exit 52 the construction of widened ramps and turn lanes. This work will require long term shoulder closures of SR305 at the I-75 interchange. Motorists are advised to reduce speed in the work zone and watch for workers on the interstate ramps. [APAC - Atlantic, Inc./Wagner/CNU352] POLK COUNTY SR-33 (HWY. 411) Utility Work both directions from LM 9.9 to LM 14: Mobile lane closures SR-40 junction to Ocoee River Bridge as crews transition work zone. Motorists should use caution and be aware of personnel and equipment when traveling through the work zones. Signage, cones, and flaggers will be present between 9 AM to 3 PM with an estimated completion of 06/25/21. [2019-245] POLK COUNTY SR-40 (US-64) bridge over the Ocoee River: During this reporting period, the contractor will be working on foundations for the new bridge and relocation of utilities on the east side of the river. The right shoulder of SR-40 (US-64) is closed for the duration of this work. Brief intermittent lane closures are possible on SR-40 (US-64) Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5:30 PM to allow for utility work and moving equipment/supplies. Motorists are advised to reduce speed in the work zone and watch for trucks entering/leaving the highway. [Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc./Wagner/DB1802] POLK COUNTY SR-40 (US-64) emergency slope stabilization near LM 20.5: During this reporting period the contractor will have intermittent lane closures in place on SR-40 in (US-64) in both directions Monday through Friday from 8AM to 6PM to place permanent pavement markings, snowplowable pavement markers, and to perform work on the punchlist. [Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc./Wagner/CNU909] RHEA COUNTY The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, paving and signals on a S.I.A. route serving Nokian Tyres: Construction activity at the Nokian Tyres SIA project continues just North of Dayton, TN. The traveling public should be alert to construction vehicles entering and exiting the site. SR-29 traffic will continue to experience slight lane shifts with no shoulders at the entrance to the SIA roadway but there will be no lane closures on SR29. [Dement Construction Company, LLC/Curtis/CNU014] REGION WIDE REGION 2 on-call guardrail repair and new guardrail installation on various Interstate and State Routes: The contractor may have short term shoulder and/or lane closures to perform guardrail repair. These closures will take place on the interstate nightly from 7 PM to 6 AM Sundays through Thursdays and daily on state routes. At least one travel lane will always remain open to traffic on the interstate, and flaggers will be present on state routes during any work that is performed. [Cumberland Guardrail, Inc./Harris/CNU107] REGION 2 preventative and unscheduled maintenance of Chattanooga SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System: The contractor may have short term shoulder and/or lane closures to perform preventative or unscheduled maintenance to the local SmartWay Intelligent Transportation System. At least one travel lane will always remain open to traffic. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. [NABCO Electric Company, Inc./Osbonlighter/CNT354] REGION 2 TDOT Maintenance drainage work: There will be possible short-term lane and shoulder closures at various locations in Region 2 to clean rock and debris from ditches on an as-needed basis. One lane will always be maintained. [TDOT Operations/Maintenance/R2MAINT] REGION 2 TDOT Maintenance pothole repair and pavement patching: There will be possible short-term emergency lane closures at various locations in Region 2 to repair potholes and patch pavement on an as-needed basis. Depending on location and severity these repairs may be done during the day or at night. In addition to performing the work, regional Operations crews will also provide traffic control. [TDOT Operations/Maintenance/R2MAINT] REGION 2 TDOT mowing operations: There will be possible short-term lane closures at various locations on interstates and state routes in Region 2 to perform mowing activities on an as-needed basis. In addition to performing the work, regional Operations crews will also provide traffic control. [TDOT/Maintenance/R2MAINT] REGION 2 The random on-call cable barrier repair on various Interstate and State Routes: The contractor may have short term shoulder closures to perform cable rail repair. Both travel lanes will always remain open to traffic on the interstate during any work that is performed. [LU, Inc./Harris/CNU303] REGION 2 The sweeping and drain cleaning on various Interstate and State Routes: There will be an area wide sweeping operation on selected regional state routes and interstates. This activity will be supported by a mobile lane closure. Hours of activity are Sunday through Thursday night between 8 PM and 6 AM during this reporting period. The drain cleaning operation will be starting Monday night of this reporting period. They will be having an intermittent lane closures on I-75 SB and NB starting from MM 17 to MM 6. The lane closures will from 8 PM to 6 AM Thursday and Monday thru Wednesday of this reporting period. [Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc./Curtis/CNU328] RESTRICTIONS CLAY COUNTY - CNU198: Loads wider than 11' should seek alternate route. CUMBERLAND COUNTY - CNU145: Loads over 16 feet wide on eastbound I-40 should seek an alternate route. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and obey reduced speed limits in all TDOT work zones, regardless of lane closure activity. Information in this report is provided to the Department of Transportation by the contractors. Most work is weather dependent and subject to change due to inclement weather. All times are local. From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT's other Twitter pages. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We don't want to lose another member of our TDOT family. We're asking you to WORK WITH US. To learn more, go to the website at https://www.tn.gov/tdot/work-with-us/. ### Local believers confront this community with scathing accusations and hurt feelings in a dispute that tests the faith of a congregation. Check-it . . . KANSAS CITY, Mo. - "It's kind of like a Christian Disneyland," said Mia Shapiro, recalling what first impressed her about World Revival Church. "They are super Christians." Shapiro was one of more than a dozen former members who spoke to FOX4 Problem Solvers to sound an alarm about a church that they now believe is a cult. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 18:55:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANNING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yong, former vice chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was charged with accepting bribes and stood trial on Thursday at the Intermediate People's Court of Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Wang was accused of taking advantage of his former positions in Hainan between 2000 and 2020 to seek gains for others in project approval, contracting and job promotion. In return, he accepted money and gifts worth more than 90.47 million yuan (about 14 million U.S. dollars), according to prosecutors. Wang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The trial was attended by legislators, political advisors, the press and members of the public. Wang's sentence will be announced at a later date. Enditem Okay, we all know that "best of" issues are a journalistic method to thank sponsors, recruit new advertisers and pretend to listen to reader input. However . . . The suggestions from KC Mag are a cut above the rest and we've actually used their list to find a few local places. Even better . . . Whilst we don't question the "woke" credentials of any publication . . . The mag doesn't completely focus on trying to convince readers of their political correctness and that's one of the many reasons we come to this conclusion . . . KC MAGAZINE IS NOW BETTER THAN THE PITCH!!! We're willing to fight on this topic but look at their ad pages and growing list of writers who aren't also funded by partisan hacks and the difference is HUGE. Accordingly, we watch their work/progress more closely than most . . . Check-it . . . Check this glowing endorsement of the plague cure from embattled school leaders who hope to return to normal sometime before the next Presidential election. Read more . . . Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 19:28:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinians sit outside a damaged building following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, May 13, 2021. Tension between Israel and militant groups in the Gaza Strip continued on Thursday, while the Hamas-run health ministry officials said the death toll in the besieged coastal enclave has climbed to 83. The health ministry in Gaza said in a short text message sent to reporters that since the start of tension on Monday, 83 Palestinians were killed, including 17 children and seven women, adding that 487 were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Tension between Israel and militant groups in the Gaza Strip continued on Thursday, while the Hamas-run health ministry officials said the death toll in the besieged coastal enclave has climbed to 83. The health ministry in Gaza said in a short text message sent to reporters that since the start of tension on Monday, 83 Palestinians were killed, including 17 children and seven women, adding that 487 were injured. On Thursday, hundreds of Palestinian mourners joined the funeral of nine top militants of the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), who were killed in the Israeli aerial attacks on the enclave. While carrying the bodies, wrapped by Palestinian flags and Hamas green flags, on their shoulders, the mourners chanted slogans that called on militants in the Gaza Strip to revenge for their killing. Overnight and on Thursday morning, Hamas armed wing militants and other minor groups continued firing barrages of rockets from Gaza into central and southern Israel. Since the start of escalation on Monday, Gaza militants fired more than 1,600 rockets into Israel, while the Israeli army said it struck over 600 targets of Gaza militants' facilities and posts. Local media outlets in the Gaza Strip said that regional and international efforts to end the growing tension and reach a truce between the two sides had not achieved any progress yet. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 19:34:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIYADH, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Eight drones and three missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia were intercepted overnight, the Saudi-led coalition involved in a war in Yemen announced on Thursday. Saudi air defenses have intercepted and destroyed eight explosive-laden drones and three ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia, the coalition said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The statement said that the "hostile" attacks were targeting civilians, adding that the coalition is taking strict measures to protect civilians. The incidents were part of frequent attacks targeting various areas in Saudi Arabia, especially border cities. The Abha International Airport was targeted on Monday with a missile that was intercepted by the coalition. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 19:45:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 13, 2021 shows a Yangtze alligator at a release point of the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Jingxian County, east China's Anhui Province. The nature reserve on Thursday released 51 artificially bred Yangtze alligators, also known as Chinese alligators, into the wild, with another 479 planned to be set free at different release points in the reserve. The nature reserve has begun reintroducing the endangered reptiles into the wild since 2003, and as of 2020, a total of 508 Chinese alligators have been released in 16 batches. (Xinhua/Han Xu) Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 19:46:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on Thursday called for an early end to the deadly clashes between Palestinians and Israelis. During a phone conversation, the diplomats expressed deep concern about the dangerous escalation of tensions, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. They also voiced support for coordinated efforts to restart direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, including through the mechanism of the Middle East Quartet, consisting of Russia, the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 20:48:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Nov. 1, 2018 shows skyscrapers at dawn in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) "Lots of Western democracies are fractious and mistrustful, especially after four years of Trumpian bridge-burning." LONDON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Western countries are "wary" of joining a United States-led coalition in a Cold War effort to contain China's rise, the London-based Economist said recently. Citing a Western diplomat in Beijing, the Economist said "such countries as Britain, France and Germany 'are close to accepting the inevitability of China's rise,' and so are out of alignment with America." "Lots of Western democracies are fractious and mistrustful, especially after four years of Trumpian bridge-burning," the report said. Passengers walk to board a high-speed train in Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, May 5, 2021. (Photo by Zhao Jun/Xinhua) European and Asian countries alike "are wary of joining America in anything resembling a cold-war effort" to contain China's rise, especially if it jeopardizes profitable trade relationships, said the report. The report noted that French President Emmanuel Macron said this year that it would be counter-productive for Western powers "to join all together against China." German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also spoken out against the "building of blocs," it said. Photo taken on April 1, 2019 shows the booth of Chinese tech company Huawei at Hanover Fair 2019 in Hanover, Germany. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi) The report also highlighted disunity among EU members as well as within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which consists of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, regarding China. Countries like Greece enjoy close investment ties with China, said the report. In recent weeks, New Zealand's government declared itself uncomfortable with the intelligence-sharing pact's geopolitical statements, it said. Finance Minister Colm Imbert defended the Government's decision to increase expenditure for fiscal 2021 by $2.9 billion. The Minister also touched on relief grants, the energy sector and revealed supplementation of $267 million for the Ministry of Health. We were joined by Dr. Roger Hosein- Economist and Mariano Browne Economist & Former Gov't Minister. Over the past day, May 12, eight ceasefire violations were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in eastern Ukraine. The occupiers opened fire from 82mm mortars and tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns near Novhorodske (35km north of Donetsk); 82mm mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, and grenade machine guns outside Katerynivka (64km west of Luhansk); heavy machine guns in the area of Hnutove (20km north-east of Mariupol); hand-held antitank grenade launchers in the suburbs of Vodiane (94km south of Donetsk); under-barrel grenade launchers near Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk); small arms in the area of Verkhniotoretske (22km north-east of Donetsk); antitank missile systems near Myrne (28km south-west of Luhansk), the press center of the JFO Headquarters reports. Moreover, a car of the mine clearance group was damaged as a result of the enemy shelling. Fortunately, no one was injured. The members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine sustained no combat losses. Ukrainian troops fired back in response to the enemy shelling. The Ukrainian side of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC) informed the OSCE representatives about the actions by the armed formations of the Russian Federation. As of 7 a.m. on May 13, no ceasefire violations were reported. ol The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna informed the delegations of the participating States about the cases of gross ceasefire violations by the armed formations of the Russian Federation in eastern Ukraine over the past two weeks. During the meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation on Wednesday, May 12, the Ukrainian mission showed schemes depicting cases of the occupiers use of heavy weapons prohibited under the Minsk agreements, as well as shelling of civilian infrastructure and residential buildings. On April 25-27, the residential sector near the village of Vodiane, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region, came under artillery fire by the Russian-occupation forces. A 122mm artillery projectile hit a residential building. On May 4, 120mm mortars and 122mm artillery systems were fired at a hospital in the village of Krasnohorivka, Donetsk region. Fortunately, none of the patients or hospital staff were injured. On May 5, the occupiers hit the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Popasna in Luhansk region. According to preliminary estimates, SPG-9 tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, 82mm mortars, and anti-tank missile systems were used during the shelling. In addition, on May 5, Russian armed formations fired 122mm artillery and 120mm mortars at the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pivdenne. On May 8, Russian-occupation forces fired on a residential area in Marinka, using a 100mm anti-tank gun Rapira T-12. As a result, power supply lines, house facades, garages, and fences were damaged. At the same time, the Russian-occupation forces opened provocative fire on the JCCC monitor group. Thus, on May 3 and May 5, a ZIL-131 car of the Mariupol monitor group was damaged in the occupiers shelling near Vodiane. The enemy used 120mm mortars, 122mm and 152mm artillery systems. As a result, four Ukrainian servicepersons were injured. Another armed provocation by the Russian armed formations occurred on the morning of May 5, when the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine came under 152mm and 122mm artillery and 120mm mortar fire near Vodiane. As a result of this attack, four Ukrainian servicepersons were injured. ol Deputy Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Jan Havranek has reaffirmed support for Ukraine in its opposition to Russian aggression and on the path to European integration. He said this during a visit to the Ukrainian Embassy in the Czech Republic on May 13, Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic Yevhen Perebyinis wrote on Facebook. "Jan Havranek reaffirmed the Czech Republics support for Ukraine's future integration into NATO, in particular, the provision of a Membership Action Plan to our country," the ambassador wrote. The parties discussed a wide range of issues of military and political cooperation between Ukraine and the Czech Republic; exchanged views on Russia's aggressive actions against both states. Perebyinis informed the deputy minister about the current situation along the Ukrainian-Russian border, where there is still a massive presence of Russian troops. The interlocutors also touched upon issues related to cooperation between the two countries in the field of military and technical cooperation, in which the Czech Republic remains one of the key partners for Ukraine among the Allies. In addition, they discussed the state of preparation of a bilateral agreement on the treatment of wounded Ukrainian servicemen in Czech medical institutions. As a reminder, the Czech Republic, which joined NATO on March 12, 1999, is one of the most active supporters of Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. ish In some areas, Turkish and Ukrainian military industries complement each other in a very competitive way. "There are areas in which Turkish and Ukrainian military industries complement each other. In a very competitive way, so to speak," Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Ukraine Yagmur Ahmet Guldere said in an interview with the KyivNotKiev project. According to him, Ankara and Kyiv are looking for opportunities to jointly produce some equipment. "I am glad to see that our cooperation is not limited to procurement. Turkey sells defense goods to Ukraine. Ukraine sells defense goods to Turkey. We are looking for opportunities for joint production of some equipment, we are even looking for opportunities for joint design," the Ambassador said. He added that Turkey's cooperation with Ukraine also allowed for the export of joint products to third countries. As reported, during his visit to Turkey in April, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, the Crimean Platform initiative, and bilateral cooperation. ol Lithuania will provide the Ukrainian military with a batch of bulletproof vests and supply a COVID-19 vaccine to Ukraine, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen has said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "It seems to us that sending instructors is a very important segment. It is appropriate in the current situation. [] We are also providing quite pragmatic assistance, such as bulletproof vests, which are to arrive in Ukraine by July. That's about 700 vests, which we hope will be able to protect those at the front," she said. Cmilyte-Nielsen said that Lithuania was also going to supply Ukraine with a COVID-19 vaccine. She did not specify the exact amount of the vaccine, noting that the vaccine will be sent to residents of eastern Ukraine. "We have discussed with both the President of Ukraine and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada that we will be able to provide a certain, perhaps symbolic, number of vaccines for the Donbas region, but we still hope that it will be able to protect a significant number of people," she said. According to her, the Eastern Partnership countries, which are not members of the European Union, are at a disadvantage. That is why Lithuania is trying to raise this issue on the international stage "whenever there is such an opportunity." "The issue of vaccines is very important to the Eastern Partnership countries and to Ukraine in particular. And here we can show our solidarity and help our neighbors," Cmilyte-Nielsen said. Earlier it was reported Lithuania would provide lethal weapons to Ukraine and the assistance of Lithuanian instructors. Cmilyte-Nielsen is on a visit to Ukraine. On May 12, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Dmytro Razumkov had a joint briefing with her. On May 13, Razumkov and Chmilite-Nielsen began a working trip to Kherson region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he considered the visit of the speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania to Ukraine to be evidence of the high dynamics of the political dialogue between the two states. Photo: delfi.lt France will sign four strategic intergovernmental agreements with Ukraine at a total value of EUR 1.3 billion. "In fact, during my visit [to Kyiv], France will sign four strategic intergovernmental agreements with Ukraine at a total value of EUR 1.3 billion. It is very telling! And I want to note one key point: these projects will help improve the living conditions of Ukrainians. The agreements concern drinking water, mobility, safety, and civil protection," Minister of Economy, Finance and Reconstruction of France Bruno Le Maire said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to him, the economic relations between France and Ukraine are very dynamic. "I want to cite one figure: in 2020, France-Ukraine total trade reached EUR 1.6 billion. Its a very important sum that remains stable despite the crisis associated with COVID-19. Now we want to strengthen and accelerate economic cooperation between our two countries. This is the purpose of my visit to Kyiv," Le Maire added. As reported, Minister of Economy, Finance and Reconstruction of France Bruno Le Maire will make a visit to Kyiv on Thursday, May 13. Minister of Economy, Finance, and Reconstruction of France Bruno Le Maire stated that he shared Ukraine's concerns about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline construction project. "As you rightly pointed out, the Nord Stream 2 project cannot be separated from the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. We fully understand Ukraine's concerns in this regard. We are in favor of supporting Ukrainian transit in sufficient amount. France fully supported the conclusion of the Russian-Ukrainian transit agreement in December 2019, in which the EU became a mediator, and we are very committed to its implementation," the French minister said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. At the same time, Le Maire said that his country opposed foreign interference in the EU energy policy. "France fundamentally opposes any foreign interference in the energy policy of the EU and its member states. We need to decide how to diversify our gas supplies and how to strengthen the EU's energy security," he said. As reported, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was suspended due to U.S. sanctions, but Russia resumed works with the consent of the German side. According to Nord Stream 2 AG, construction is 95% complete. Ukraine considers this project to be purely geopolitical and a threat to European security, so it strongly opposes the completion of the gas pipeline. The United States, Poland, and the Baltic states also actively argue against the project. ol Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 21:58:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stops by wheat fields to check crop growth and learns about progress in summer grain production while inspecting the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in Xichuan County, Nanyang, central China's Henan Province, May 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) ZHENGZHOU, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday inspected the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in the city of Nanyang in central China's Henan Province. In the afternoon, he went to the county of Xichuan, where he inspected the Taocha Canal Head, the Danjiangkou Reservoir and the village of Zouzhuang. Xi listened to introductions to the construction, management and operation of the middle route of the water diversion project, and the ecological conservation of the water source region. He also learned about the resettlement of people relocated because of the project, and measures to develop specialty industries and boost the incomes of resettled residents. During the inspection, Xi stopped by wheat fields to check crop growth and learn about progress in summer grain production. Enditem President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday, May 12, the press service of the President's Office reports. "The interlocutors exchanged views on the international agenda, discussed in detail the current challenges to regional security, and the further development of bilateral dialogue between Ukraine and Romania. Measures taken by the governments of both countries to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular to ensure greater access to high-quality and certified vaccines, were discussed," reads the report. Volodymyr Zelensky briefed Klaus Iohannis on Russia's recent escalation of the situation along Ukraine's border and noted the importance of the international community's active support for reducing tension at the border, which, however, has not completely disappeared. In this regard, the president praised the recent joint statement by the leaders of the Bucharest Nine reaffirming the apprehension of the peril of the Russian Federation's policy in the Black Sea region. Zelensky shared the latest information on the lasting militarization of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea and drew attention to the constant deterioration of the humanitarian situation on the peninsula. He personally invited the president of Romania to Kyiv to take part in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and events marking the Independence Day of Ukraine in August 2021. The parties also discussed Ukraine's recent steps towards European integration. The president presented to his counterpart the Ukrainian initiative as regards the support for Ukraines future membership in the European Union by the EU member states, and urged Romania to join a number of countries whose presidents have already signed such bilateral documents with Ukraine. The presidents noted the growth of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Romania in 2020 despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Zelensky, the implementation of planned border infrastructure projects, in particular the construction of a bridge across the Tisza River, will contribute to the intensification of economic cooperation and the strengthening of interpersonal contacts. As reported, 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 occupation regime and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea. Ukraine actively invites other states to join this international initiative. The first Crimean Platform summit is scheduled for August 23, 2021. ish The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has called on Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel and Palestine, the ministry's press service has reported. "Due to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian confrontation, accompanied by rocket and mortar shelling of settlements and mass riots in many Israeli cities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine insistently recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to the State of Israel and Palestine," the statement reads. Ukrainian citizens who already stay in Israel and Palestine should follow their personal safety rules, closely monitor reports and explanations from local authorities and their representatives, and strictly abide by their requirements and instructions. Israeli security forces and Palestinians clashed on May 7 near the Temple Mount and in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in eastern Israel. After the prayer on the Temple Mount, the worshippers started hurling stones at the police. The latter responded with rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. At least six police officers and about 200 Palestinians were injured in the clashes, and more than 20 Palestinians were hospitalized. After that, Hamas militants, who control the Gaza Strip, fired rockets at Israel. The Israeli Air Force responded with air strikes on targets in the Gaza Strip. At least two Israelis and 28 Palestinians were killed in the escalation. The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom have called on Israel and the Palestinians to ease tensions in East Jerusalem as soon as possible. op Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba invited Slovakia to hold the 5th meeting of the Ukrainian-Slovak Joint Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in the near future. "We are working hard to make the most of the economic opportunities that exist between our countries To this end, I have invited the Slovak side to hold the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Industrial, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in the near future. We are all looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger to Ukraine, and it will be great if this commission summons as part of this visit," Kuleba said at a joint briefing with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ivan Korcok in Bratislava on May 12, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. Kuleba added that together with his Slovak counterpart Korcok and other government officials, he continued to work on the introduction of the joint border and customs control on the Ukrainian-Slovak border. "We look forward to holding a regular meeting of the Ukrainian-Slovak intergovernmental commission on cross-border cooperation this year," the minister said. He also pointed out the importance of restoration of full-fledged functioning of the Uzhgorod Airport, as agreed by the presidents of Ukraine and Slovakia. In this context, Kuleba reminded that the other day both sides completed the procedures for the entry into force of the agreement on this airport from June 5. "I hope that we will be able to sign the implementation protocols to this agreement immediately, and they will launch the airports operation," the minister predicted. As reported, on May 12-13, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba makes a working visit to the Slovak Republic, where he will take part in a meeting of the foreign ministers of Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic Central European Five at the invitation of Ivan Korcok. ol President Volodymyr Zelensky considers the visit of Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to Ukraine as evidence of the high dynamics of political dialogue between the two countries. The head of state said this during a meeting with the Lithuanian speaker on May 12, the President's Office reports. "The Ukrainian president noted the importance of the speaker's first official visit to Ukraine as evidence of the traditionally high dynamics of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian political dialogue," the report reads. Zelensky thanked Lithuania for supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. "We are very grateful for your continued support. Since the beginning of the war, Lithuania has been the first to support Ukraine and has not recognized the annexation of Crimea," he said. The president invited the Lithuanian speaker to attend the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Zelensky praised the decision of President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda to take part in the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform. "This is an important moment for us, as there has not been a platform for the de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula for many years," the president stressed. The interlocutors discussed measures taken by Ukraine and Lithuania to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and noted the importance of ensuring equitable access of the countries to certified vaccines. The speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas reaffirmed the invitation previously expressed to Volodymyr Zelensky by Gitanas Nauseda to take part in the fourth Ukraine Reform Conference, which will be held in Vilnius on July 7-8, 2021. Zelensky thanked the Lithuanian side for intensifying the preparatory process for the conference. ish First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar and Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov discussed preparations for the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform and the possibility of involving Estonian scientists and analysts in the activities of its expert network. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. During the meeting, Dzheppar expressed her sincere gratitude to the Estonian leadership for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. "Your visit to Kyiv is an extremely important testament to the solidarity between Estonia and Ukraine, which we highly value," she said. In turn, Vseviov stressed that "Crimea and Donbas are a matter of security not only of Ukraine, but also of Europe." "That is why it is important to step up advocacy efforts regarding the illegal occupation of Crimea and to keep this issue in the focus of attention of all European capitals," he said. Dzheppar also informed her Estonian counterpart in detail about the situation in the temporarily occupied Crimea, emphasizing the problem of misinformation, anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and the militarization of education. We note the great interest of the world community in the Crimean Platform, which gives a new impetus to the consideration of the Crimean issue and actualizes its importance on the international agenda, she said. She also thanked the Estonian side for supporting Ukraine's efforts to de-occupy the Crimean peninsula. As reported, 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 occupation regime and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea. Ukraine actively invites other states to join this international initiative. The first Crimean Platform summit is scheduled for August 23, 2021. Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine ish The foreign ministers of Central Five EU countries (Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic) and Ukraine discussed the issues of vaccination, mobility rights and threats from Russia. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said this at a joint press conference with the foreign ministers, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to Kuleba, the participants focused on two issues. The first item was related to COVID-19. The foreign minister said that Ukraine has three priorities: vaccination, ensuring safe mobility of citizens during the pandemic, as well as supporting business, entrepreneurs and exporters during the difficult times. "These are three areas where Ukraine is willing to cooperate with members of Central Five, with our good neighbors and partners in the European Union to ensure the vaccination, to promote freedom of movement and promote trade and economic relief for our businesses," Kuleba said. He noted that the particular attention was paid to the deployment of Russian troops along the Ukrainian borders and the escalation of the security situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. "I thanked all Central Five counties for strong support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of my country within its internationally recognized borders," the Ukrainian foreign minister stressed. He added that in recent weeks, Ukraine had the opportunity to "feel this support that was not only in words, but also in the readiness to offer practical assistance to us" Kuleba also briefed his colleagues about Ukraines initiative Crimean Platform and thanked them for a very productive discussion and open conversation on all topics. As Ukrinform reported, Kuleba is on a working visit to Slovakia on May 12-13, where he for the first time took part in a meeting of the foreign ministers of Central Five (Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic). iy Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg as part of his working visit to Slovakia on May 13, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service has reported. According to the report, the ministers discussed the strengthening of relations between Ukraine and Austria in the political, security, trade and investment spheres. Kuleba thanked Schallenberg for Austria's consistent position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He also praised Austria's assistance in rebuilding Ukrainian territories affected by Russian aggression. Both parties paid special attention to the promotion of Ukraine's European integration, as well as to Ukraine's wider access to COVID-19 vaccines. The diplomats discussed steps to increase trade and attract investment. They noted that the revival of contacts between Ukrainian and Austrian businesses and the implementation of new investment projects would help the recovery of national economies against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. The foreign ministers discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the April 27 meeting of the Ukrainian-Austrian joint commission on trade and economic relations. Kuleba and Schallenberg also discussed preparations for the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform initiative. op Ukraine can count on Canada's long-term assistance in reforming the National Police. Canadas Ambassador to Ukraine Larisa Galadza said this during the All-Ukrainian Forum Ukraine 30. National Security, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The ambassador noted that Canada, together with other international partners, had played a significant role in reforming Ukraine's National Police. We welcome the achievements of the last six years, but recognize that many challenges still remain Police chiefs need to continue their efforts to increase accountability, maintain citizens' trust, and enhance public safety. You can count on Canada's long-term assistance in achieving these goals, Galadza said. She informed that the Government of Canada will continue to support the training program for Ukrainian police officers and the development of the Patrol Police Academy, help implement the principles of close cooperation between the police and communities, and develop a new approach to young offenders. As Ukrinform reported, Canada will provide USD 2 million over three years to support the National Police of Ukraine. ish facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published May 12, 2021 The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Allied Health in the College of Health Sciences, announces the Spring 2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Student Awards. The Outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Student Award - Recognition of Excellenceprovides an opportunity for the SOAH to recognize the achievements and outstanding work of our undergraduate and graduate students, said Allied Health Program Coordinator Jessica Dolecheck, Ph.D. The 2021 SOAH Awards committee is commended for their work on facilitating the nomination process and acknowledging our awardees for their distinguished performance within their programs, the School of Allied Health, and the College of Health Science. Dolecheck wrote and submitted the following information. Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award honors an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional scholarship, character, and service. Candidates for the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award shall display: Noteworthy academic accomplishments Excellent character in interactions with peers and faculty Meritorious service to the community, college or university, student organizations The Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award recipient is Julie Carver, Health Studies Healthcare Management/Marketing major. Julie Carver is a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Health Studies - Marketing and Management track and will graduate in Fall 2021 with a minor in Risk Management/Insurance. She maintains a 3.9 GPA. Carver is an adult learner with a diverse work background who exhibits character and a passion for learning. She is a self-driven, thoughtful individual and enthusiastically seeks ways to enhance her knowledge about healthcare, leadership, and the business world. Carver is actively involved in Gamma Iota Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and the International Associate of Insurance Professionals Organization where she participates in pertinent topics and presentations about healthcare and risk management issues. Carver offers a sense of maturity, humility and a cheerful nature who is always open to feedback characteristics that will serve her well in the future. In addition, Carver constantly displays a professional attitude and serves as an excellent mentor for her peers. The Health Studies faculty consider Julie Carver a very talented student with budding leadership potential in the healthcare field. Meet the Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award nominees: Congratulations to all our undergraduate student nominees who have achieved this outstanding recognition. Jamie Means Senior, Pre-Professional Health Studies Anoulack LeLe Nachampasack Dental Hygiene Lindsey Schexnayder Radiologic Technology Kylie Dennis Kinesiology (no photo) Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Graduate Student Award The Outstanding Graduate Student Award honors a graduate student who demonstrates exceptional scholarship, character, and service. Candidates for the Outstanding Graduate Student Award shall display: Noteworthy academic accomplishment Excellent character in interactions with peers and faculty Excellent active university/student organization involvement Significant university/community service Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient is Jessica Reynolds, Master of Science in Exercise Science. Jessica Reynolds, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Exercise Science major, is a bright, articulate, and professional student who has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is at the top of her class in the Exercise Science graduate program at ULM. Reynolds is an exceptional student who handles rigorous graduate coursework with the teaching and research obligations of a graduate assistant, while managing her family and outside responsibilities extremely well. Reynolds taught several exercise physiology lab sections and her performance was outstanding. The Kinesiology faculty note that she is a natural teacher with a personality and demeanor that lends itself to working with and helping undergraduates. In addition, she exemplifies the heart of a servant with a deep belief of being responsible for her community. She is involved in several service projects, such as the DeSiard Street Shelter, hospitality and welcome ministry, mission trips to Mexico and many disaster-relief ministries in her community. The Kinesiology faculty consider Reynolds a great asset to their graduate program who has strengthened the Kinesiology undergraduate educational program through her passion and dedication to teaching. Spring 2021 SOAH Outstanding Graduate Student nominee is Auldyn Leblanc Speech-Language Pathology | By Carin Morrell For the past three years, the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) has made great strides to connect with the communities it serves. In 2019, UMBPDs COAST won the Governors Award for Outstanding Proactive Crime Prevention. We work hard to provide resources to vulnerable populations, says interim chief Thomas Leone, but we can always do more. Thats where the Social Work Community Outreach Service (SWCOS) comes in. SWCOS works to promote social justice, encourage well-being, and build community-university partnerships. The service provides University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) students with hands-on training in the field. SWCOS sits in the academy of learning, but were really community organizers, says Becky Davis, MSW, assistant director of SWCOS. The partnership between SWCOS and UMBPD began when Leone and UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, met to discuss community policing. If were going to be a progressive, community-oriented police department, we have to use all the tools at our disposal, Leone says. We have experts here at the School of Social Work. Lets learn from them. Lets work together. Starting this September, two social work students will join UMBPD two days a week. A licensed clinical certified social worker, who will serve as the students field instructor, will join UMBPD this summer to prepare for the students. The students will shadow UMBPD officers, identify needs, and provide emergency benefits and resources to vulnerable populations. The partnership is a blessing for busy police officers. Our officers talk with our community members and really get to know them, but they dont always know the best resources to provide, says Lt. Matthew Johnson, who leads COAST and is helping to coordinate the partnership. These two SWCOS students and the instructor will be able to fully evaluate each situation, provide support, and follow-up. This collaboration allows us to be better officers and to better serve our community. While the partnership is a welcome addition to UMB, both departments recognize that this is not a quick fix for decades of systemic injustice. Theres a recognition that the way the system is set up is not working, says Lane Victorson, MSW, LMSW, SWCOS director of community organizing and field education. This is just one step in a large journey. The upcoming internship with UMBPD is just one small part of what SWCOS does. Each year, 30 to 50 social work students go into the community for field learning. Their learning areas are broad (individual, group, community, and administrative), but provide tangible, quality services and opportunities to local communities. Some students work in Baltimore City schools to make sure families have what they need so that students can learn. That partnership is so successful that Baltimore City has schools on the waiting list to partner with SWCOS Positive Schools Center, with future planned expansion into Baltimore County and Howard County schools. Other students work with home-based programs to prevent evictions and keep children out of the child welfare system. The communities we serve are amazing and inspiring, says SWCOS executive director Wendy Shaia, EdD, MSW. Our role is to empower them and to help them bridge some of those systemic gaps. Leone is eager to welcome the SWCOS students in the fall. Its about transparency and accountability, he says. Its an incredible opportunity for our police officers to learn a new perspective and experience different kinds of community outreach. Im excited for this next chapter here at UMB. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 21:59:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TAIPEI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan Thursday reported 25 new COVID-19 cases, 13 of which were confirmed local infections, the local disease monitoring agency said. Nine of the 13 local cases are contacts of a COVID-19 patient confirmed on May 11 who lives in Luzhou District, New Taipei City. Four other local cases have links to an established cluster involving teahouses in Taipei's Wanhua District. Besides the clusters in Luzhou and Wanhua, Taiwan also reported another cluster associated with an arcade in Yilan County this week. As patients included in the Luzhou cluster had gone to a teahouse in Wanhua, and some in the Wanhua cluster had visited branches of the gaming arcade in Yilan, authorities are investigating whether these three clusters are connected. Taiwan also recorded 12 imported cases of the disease from the Philippines, India, and Uganda. The total number of confirmed cases on the island has risen to 1,256, including 12 deaths, the agency said. Enditem Maggie Sullivan 21, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts was celebrated by Governor Charlie Baker at a virtual ceremony as a 29 Who Shine Award recipient. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education award honors 29 outstanding students, one from each public institution, in the Class of 2021. Sullivan, who is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Leadership and Civic Engagement with a 4.0 GPA, was chosen for this prestigious student award for her work increasing the educational aspirations of students in SouthCoast communities. Its an honor to win the 29 Who Shine award. I am so thankful to UMass Dartmouth and all of the wonderful opportunities I have had as a student here. Working with the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement on campus allowed me to work in the community and gain invaluable leadership skills. I look forward to continuing to serve the Commonwealth, which has presented me so many opportunities to thrive, after my graduation, said Sullivan. As a College Positive Tour Coordinator, Sullivan worked with local school districts to provide tours of the UMass Dartmouth campus to all 7th graders in Fall River and New Bedford. During the tour, university students share their own stories about their paths to college helping to build a peer-to-peer connection with the students. UMassD students instill the importance of higher education and show that if they can achieve their dreams, so can these young students. When the pandemic struck, in-person tours were canceled, but Sullivan saw an opportunity to continue providing this crucial experience to students. She developed a module that included a virtual online tour with UMassD students that highlighted the possibilities that universities have to offer. The module can be delivered by 7th-grade teachers and includes a virtual Q & A with university students. The module has been shared with numerous schools on the SouthCoast, allowing more than 5,000 students to gain insight into life as a university student. It is so important to reach these students early and inform them that college is a possibility for everyone. There are great resources out there aimed at making college more accessible and affordable, but too often students and families dont know about them. Not only that, but students often find themselves in a position by the time they finish high school where they have already decided that college is not for them. Bringing these students to campus at an early age allows them to visualize themselves as college students and plant the seeds in their minds that there are resources out there to help them get to college, said Sullivan. Sullivan is an Endeavor Scholar and 2020 Campus Compact Newman Fellow who has a passion for public service, education, and political science. Outside of her schoolwork and campus volunteering opportunities, she has served as a Stanley Miller Fellow with the Office of Congressman Stephen Lynch, an intern with Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, and a Deitch Leadership Institute Fellow at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston. Maggie Sullivan is an incredible representative for UMass Dartmouth and is especially deserving of the 29 Who Shine award, said Mark A. Fuller, Interim Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth. Maggie embodies so many of the traits that we as a public institution of higher education strive to instill in our students: innovative leadership, academic excellence, and a dedication to helping her community. I look forward to hearing more about her accomplishments in the years to come. Sullivan plans to pursue a career in teaching and will continue her education at UMass Dartmouth to earn a masters in teaching while working as a middle school teacher in either Fall River or New Bedford. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:00:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Nearly 800 Muslims attend a service in the Nanguan Mosque in Lanzhou, the provincial capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on May 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Rui) URUMQI/GUANGZHOU/LANZHOU, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. After visiting mosques in the early morning, Muslims of various ethnic minorities held celebratory dances in public places, such as the square in front of Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar and the International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi. The cheerful music and dancing attracted many tourists, who joined in the celebrations. Meanwhile, many local residents visited market stalls and supermarkets to purchase food for the festival. Nurbiya, a resident of Turpan, said, "We are taking a day off on Eid al-Fitr. We can fully enjoy the holiday and visit our relatives and friends thanks to effective epidemic prevention and control measures." With about 20 million Muslims in China, the event was also celebrated in other regions, such as Qinghai, Gansu and Ningxia. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the year in the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Children, elderly people and the weak do not have to observe the fast. In the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Muslims also gathered at the Saad Bin Abi Waqqas Mosque in the downtown area on Thursday. Muslims were granted entry to the mosque after presenting their reservation codes and having their temperatures taken. QR codes were scanned at the entrance, providing worshippers with information on their allocated prayer mats. Wang Wenjie, president of the Guangzhou Islamic Association, said, "To ensure the health of all participants, masks should be worn at all times during the service, and everyone is spaced one meter apart." The mosques and temporary worship venues across the city received a total of 5,987 Muslims on the day. "Thanks to China's efforts on epidemic control, the mosque was able to hold the event as scheduled this year and allowed foreign Muslims to enjoy their religious life as well, for which we are very grateful," said Rashed Ahmed from Bangladesh. In northwest China's Gansu Province, nearly 1.8 million Muslims belonging to multiple ethnic groups observed Eid al-Fitr on Thursday. At 8 a.m., nearly 800 Muslims attended a service in the Nanguan Mosque in Lanzhou, the provincial capital. The Eid al-Fitr celebration was suspended last year but resumed this year. "The epidemic has not completely finished. Protecting ourselves is as important as attending the ceremony," said Imam Ma Ruiping during the service. Whats Working, a series exploring solutions for New Hampshires workforce needs, is sponsored by the New Hampshire Solutions Journalism Lab at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications and is funded by Eversource, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, the New Hampshire College & University Council, Northeast Delta Dental and the New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education. Contact reporter Michael Cousineau at mcousineau@unionleader.com. To read stories in the series, visit unionleader.com/whatsworking. The lengthy search for a new school superintendent in Nashua has been suspended after the school board hesitated to choose the remaining candidate after a local candidate took a job elsewhere. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:00:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Genocide is a well-defined crime under the 1948 Genocide Convention and Article 6 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Using the term requires a high level of proof, particularly as to the "intent" to "destroy in whole or in part" a group of people. -- It is not the first time Washington has targeted a country with false accusation. "If you look at the organizations that have been peddling this kind of information, they are mostly United States-based think tanks or non-governmental organizations directly or indirectly financed by the United States." -- "The nonsense takes a degree of respectability when it's peddled by supposed 'independent' experts, among them Gay McDougall" who made the claims "without backing it up with any evidence." -- "Nobody really cares about the human rights of Uygurs in Washington. The allegation is a geopolitical weapon, a useful Kalashnikov in the propaganda war." by Chen Junxia, Xu Chi GENEVA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The accusation of genocide against China is not supported by credible evidence and constitutes propaganda for war and Sinophobia, said a former UN expert. Such an allegation is also contravening Article 20 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and is a "geopolitical weapon" against China, said Alfred de Zayas, former United Nations (UN) independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. ILL-FOUNDED ACCUSATION Noting that genocide is a well-defined crime under the 1948 Genocide Convention and Article 6 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, de Zayas said using the term requires a high level of proof, particularly as to the "intent" to "destroy in whole or in part" a group of people. It is irresponsible to use the term loosely and without giving opportunity to the other side to contradict the allegation, he said. "I was surprised. I am American, and I would expect that the U.S. (2020) Country Reports on Human Rights (Practices) would be professional," he said, describing the report as "shoddy." In the 2020 report issued by the U.S. State Department late March, Washington accused China of "genocide," without, however, substantiating the claim. In his latest interview with CBS News, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken again accused China of so-called "genocide." "This (2020) report was prepared, of course, in the Trump years, but I am not about to absolve the Biden administration of issuing this propaganda pamphlet. Blinken is himself a lawyer, and his advisors should have dissuaded him," said de Zayas. "It diminishes our authority and our credibility to make allegations that are not backed up by solid evidence," he said. Foreign diplomats visit the International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 30, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) It is not the first time Washington has targeted a country with false accusation. In his interview with Xinhua, de Zayas recalled propaganda used by former U.S. President George W. Bush to prepare the assault on Iraq in 2003. "We had (former U.S. secretary of state) Collin Powell appear before the UN Security Council. He lied to the United Nations, he lied to the American people," he said. "If you look at the organizations that have been peddling this kind of information, they are mostly United States-based think tanks or non-governmental organizations directly or indirectly financed by the United States. They work in collusion with a compliant corporate media that has its own geoeconomics interests," he added. "If you look at the sources of their financing, you see the role of the National Endowment for Democracy and United States Agency for International Development," said de Zayas. "So their objectivity and their independence is very much in question." CONCOCTION OF FAKE NEWS "The nonsense takes a degree of respectability when it's peddled by supposed 'independent' experts, among them Gay McDougall," de Zayas said, referring to a U.S. member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) who claimed in 2018 that there were credible reports about 1 million Uygurs being kept in "concentration camps." McDougall made the claims "without backing it up with any evidence," de Zayas stressed, adding that after solid investigative journalism by American independent news website Grayzone, McDougall's claim was "pulled apart, and there is nothing behind it but propaganda." "It was not a statement by the United Nations, nor was it a statement by the CERD. It was a statement by Ms. Gay McDougall, the American member in the CERD," he said. According to the CERD's official website, the committee is "the body of independent experts," not UN officials. "And this statement was taken by Reuters, and beautifully reported in the New York Times, Washington Post, in the entire world's press, (using) big words like '1 million Uygurs being subjected to forced labor,' '1 million Uygurs being kept in concentration camps'," he said. The Grayzone report also revealed that McDougall made the allegation without providing any source to back up her explosive claim, and mainstream media tried to substantiate the story by referring to reports made by a China-bashing group based in Washington that depends heavily on U.S. government grants. Foreign diplomats visit a resident in Nazarbagh Town of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) "That is serious, because the failure here is not just that of one individual, Ms. Gay McDougall. She should have known better," said de Zayas. "In my entire career as a UN expert, as a Rapporteur, as a senior officer of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights, never did I make a statement I could not back up." "The more worrisome aspect of it is that it was picked up by the mainstream media, it was magnified by the mainstream media, and it was disseminated worldwide to create the impression that if there is smoke, there must be fire, so the situation in Xinjiang must be horrendous," said de Zayas. TRUTH BEHIND LIES Anti-China forces have done more than fabricating facts. They refuse to recognize social and economic development and progress in human rights protection in Xinjiang, and turn a blind eye to crimes conducted by separatist groups which threaten peace and security in Xinjiang and other parts of China. Washington removed the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a UN-listed terror group, from its terror list last year. The ETIM voiced support for an attack in China's southwestern city of Kunming in 2014 that killed 29 people and injured another 143. In de Zayas' view, East Turkistan separatists have engaged in "criminal activities," for "they have demonstrably committed terrorist acts throughout Xinjiang, and not just now, but for the last 35 years." "Obviously, because you have the obligation as a State to protect law and order, you have the obligation to take appropriate actions proportionate to the danger. I believe that is what was done (in Xinjiang)," he said. After years of efforts in fighting violence, counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, Xinjiang, which suffered thousands of terrorist attacks between 1990 and 2016, is now at its best time in history, enjoying a stable society and a fast growing economy, and all ethnic groups there are living together in harmony. Children have fun on Dove Lane in Hotan City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 27, 2020. (Xinhua/Sadat) Over the past 40 years, the Uygur population in Xinjiang has doubled from 5.55 million to over 12 million, while the gross domestic product (GDP) there has surged by more than 200 times in the past six-plus decades. The lastest official data shows that from 2014 to 2019, Xinjiang's GDP increased from 919.59 billion yuan (about 142 billion U.S. dollars) to 1.36 trillion yuan (about 210 billion dollars), with an average annual growth rate of 7.2 percent. "To those who claim that China is destroying the Uygur culture, I say, prove it, because there are thousands of mosques in China and they function," de Zayas said. Worshippers pray in the Ak Mosque in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 13, 2021. (Xinhua/Sun Shaoxiong) "One thing that I noticed for Xinjiang is that even the money is in Uygur language, so it's not like minorities are being deprived of their language. The street names are both in Chinese and Uygur, so they do have minority rights," he added. Accusing China of committing genocide without evidence, in the eyes of de Zayas, is "an insult, a lack of respect, a lack of compassion vis-a-vis the victims of genocide and their survivors, their families." "Nobody really cares about the human rights of Uygurs in Washington. The allegation is a geopolitical weapon, a useful Kalashnikov in the propaganda war," he said. "It is 'fake news', vulgar Sinophobia, and at the same time dangerous sabre-rattling, which is prohibited by Article 20 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," he said. (Video reporters: Chen Junxia, Xu Chi; Video editors: Xie Binbin, Kan Jingwen, Shuai Anning, Ma Zheng, Li Li, Xu Haijing, Peng Tianxiao) State police say they clocked three drivers going more than 115 mph among 46 traveling at speeds in excess of 90 mph in the span of a few Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:40:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday urged an end to the Israeli violence against the Palestinians, Tasnim news agency reported. Israel's attacks and aggression against Palestinians "must stop immediately," Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with the Qatari emir with reference to recent escalation between Israelis and Palestinians. "Muslim states should cooperate to counter the Israeli aggression and hostile acts seen in recent days and in the holy month of Ramadan," he was quoted as saying. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should take a more active role in this regard since the OIC was established in the first place to address the Palestinian issue, he added. For his part, the Qatari emir said that his country shares Iran's stance in condemnation of the attacks on the Palestinians and demands an effective role from the OIC in this regard. Enditem For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. In the history of the world there have been some very bad ideas: Screen doors on submarines. New Coke. Eliminating nearly 22 child protective social worker positions at the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families. While the first idea is a joke and the second idea a marketing failure, t Tel Aviv, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :Israel faced an escalating conflict on two fronts Thursday, scrambling to quell riots between Arabs and Jews on its own streets after days of exchanging deadly fire with Islamist militants in Gaza. Defence Minister Benny Gantz ordered a "massive reinforcement" of security forces to quell mob violence across the country, where police stations have been attacked and people savagely beaten on both sides. Despite global alarm and diplomatic efforts to halt the spiralling violence, which US President Joe Biden said he hoped would end "sooner than later", hundreds of rockets again tore through the skies over the Gaza Strip overnight. Israel's air force launched multiple strikes with fighter jets, targeting what it described as locations linked to Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. In Gaza, 83 people were reported killed since Monday -- including 17 children -- and more than 480 people wounded as heavy bombardment has rocked the crowded coastal enclave and brought down entire tower blocks. The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel. Israel's civil aviation authority said it had diverted all incoming passenger flights headed for Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport to Ramon airport in the south, as air raid warnings once more went off across Israel. In southern Israel, seven people were killed, including one six-year-old, after a rocket struck a family home, the United Hatzalah volunteer rescue service said. Recent days have seen the most intense hostilities in seven years between Israel and Gaza's armed groups, triggered by weekend unrest at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. The unrest has been driven by anger over the looming evictions of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem. (@FahadShabbir) Riyadh, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :Muslims around the world began marking a sombre Eid al-Fitr on Thursday amid rising hostilities between Israel and Palestinians, in the second celebration in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic. The three-day festival, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, is traditionally celebrated with mosque prayers, family feasts and shopping for new clothes, gifts and sweets. But casting a pall on the festival, already subdued due to the raging pandemic, was deadly violence between Israel and Palestinians, with fears growing that it could spiral into full-blown conflict. Tensions have soared over Israel's planned eviction of Palestinians from a district in annexed east Jerusalem, which the Jewish state sees as part of its eternal capital but is considered occupied by the United Nations. Israel on Thursday scrambled to quell riots between Arabs and Jews on its own streets after days of exchanging deadly fire with Palestinian militants in Gaza. In Gaza, 83 people have been killed so far -- including 17 children -- and more than 480 wounded in days of relentless Israeli air strikes on the crowded coastal enclave. Echoing the mood in much of the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia's King Salman voiced scathing criticism of Israel in a phone call Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Eid. The king "stressed Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the Israeli measures in Jerusalem and the acts of violence carried out by Israel... (and) affirmed that the kingdom stands by the Palestinian people," the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 23:45:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man wearing a face mask is seen in a supermarket in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) The European Union acknowledged there were risks associated with record-high debt and deficit levels tied to increased government spending aimed at staving off the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which began having a major economic impact in Europe in February 2020. But those risks were more than balanced out by positive factors such as the increasingly swift, continent-wide coronavirus vaccine rollout and the economic boost coming from the European Union's economic recovery fund. ROME, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday predicted an aggressive rebound for the economies of the 27-nation bloc, though analysts said there were still many potential pitfalls that could sidetrack the recovery. The Commission updated its economic forecast model for member states to 4.2 percent this year, up from 3.7 percent in its previous forecast, from February. It predicted further 4.4-percent growth in 2022, also stronger than the 3.9-percent estimate in the forecast three months ago. If the estimates prove accurate, it means Europe's economies will have recovered from the 6.4-percent contraction in 2020 at some point next year. "Recovery is no longer a mirage. It is underway," Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy and a former Italian prime minister, said when the forecast was unveiled. "After a weak start to the year, we now project strong growth in both 2021 and 2022. Today, for the first time since the pandemic hit, we see some optimism prevailing over uncertainty," he said. In its forecast, the European Union did acknowledge there were risks associated with record-high debt and deficit levels tied to increased government spending aimed at staving off the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which began having a major economic impact in Europe in February 2020. But those risks were more than balanced out by positive factors such as the increasingly swift, continent-wide coronavirus vaccine rollout and the economic boost coming from the European Union's economic recovery fund. A staff member of a waffle shop waits for customers in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) According to Carsten Brzeski, chief German economist with Netherlands-based investment bank ING, other positive factors for Europe's economies include improving economic performance in China and the United States, which will have a ripple effect across the world and will help improve European exports. "As long as there are no negative surprises the European forecasts seem very reasonable," Brzeski told Xinhua, identifying supply chain disruptions tied to the pandemic and a potential new wave of infections next fall as potential problem areas. "The overall situation now looks much stronger than it did a few months ago. I think the potential near-term problems are factors that at worst would delay the recovery and not derail it," he said. Lorenzo Codogno, the founder and chief economist of LC Macro Advisors and a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, said there was also a small risk that a new coronavirus strain could also have a negative impact if it proves resistant to the main vaccines being used in Europe. But Codogno said another challenge for European officials will be to manage expectations for the continent's economic recovery. "The forecasts predict more than 4-percent growth for the next two years," Codogno told Xinhua. "This year, the growth will be seen as a recovery from a very difficult year in 2020." "But next year, it could feel like a simple continuation of the recovery or as a sort of economic boom that sparks new optimism. I think the difference will be based on the expectations Europeans have," he said. Photo taken in Madrid, Spain on Jan. 5, 2021 shows bottles of wine produced in Spain. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday his government was worried about the transmission of an Indian Covid variant as scientific advisors met to discuss its spread. "It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it," Johnson said, as new official figures from Public Health England were expected to show a rise in cases of the strain. "We want to make sure we take all the prudential, cautious steps now that we could take," he told reporters, adding the government was "ruling nothing out". Last week, Britain designated the coronavirus variant that had spread to the country through travel from India a "variant of concern". In April Johnson's government added India, which on Wednesday passed the grim milestone of 250,000 deaths from Covid, to a travel red list, meaning travellers from the country had to quarantine in hotels on arrival in Britain. The British government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies met Thursday to discuss the spread of the Indian variant. Johnson said "surge testing" had been introduced in areas such as Bolton, northwest England, which has a sizeable population of South Asian origin, and where transmission was high. Despite sounding a note of caution, the prime minister said he did not think the government would have to change its plans to partially lift Britain's coronavirus measures on May 17, and fully lift restrictions on June 21. "At the moment, I can see nothing that dissuades me from thinking we will be able to go ahead," he said. Britain is gradually reopening its economy, after months of a coronavirus restrictions and a successful mass vaccination campaign. Questions remain, however, about how well the vaccine roll-out will stand up to the Indian variant -- one of three which has been detected in Britain. James Naismith, from the University of Oxford, told the BBC it was not yet known how infectious the Indian variant would be among those who had been inoculated against Covid. And he said it was likely to spread. "I think we should view it as a countrywide problem," he added. "It will get everywhere. "We keep learning this lesson, but we know that this will be the case." London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is applying to strike out a court judgment for unpaid debt, Downing Street said, after reports that a "Covid conspiracy theorist" had alleged defamation. Johnson has yet to settle the debt of 535 ($757, 624 Euros) following a ruling on October 26 last year, according to an online database of civil county court judgments. "An application will be made for an order to set aside the default judgment, to strike out the claim and for a declaration that the claim is totally without merit," a Downing Street spokeswoman said late Wednesday. Johnson is named as the debtor and his address is listed as 10 Downing Street -- the home of prime ministers since 1735 and one of the country's best-known residences. A "default judgment" is applied when the respondent fails to reply, and the Daily Mail said the application neither gave Johnson's full name nor his correct address next door. The newspaper and the Evening Standard reported the claim was brought by a member of the public, who said in her application to an online claims court that Johnson owed her 535 for "repeated defamation". However, claims for defamation would be heard by higher courts, and the Daily Mail said the claimant "is a Covid conspiracy theorist who has launched multiple claims against Mr Johnson and public institutions". Johnson's finances have been increasingly in the spotlight in recent weeks, in part over the reportedly lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat. Asked if Johnson had any other unpaid debts, his press secretary said Wednesday: "You should not be concerned, no." Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :Covid cases are declining quickly while vaccinations continue to rise slowly but surely in the United States, the former epicenter of the pandemic. Many experts believe the time will soon be right for the Federal government to ease its recommendations on indoor masking across the board, and say doing so could help encourage more vaccine holdouts about the clear benefits of getting their shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already says masks aren't needed outdoors for vaccinated people unless it's crowded, nor indoors when inoculated individuals gather in small groups with others who are immunized. President Joe Biden, who has set a target of vaccinating 70 percent of adults with at least one dose by July 4, told a meeting of state governors on Tuesday that further loosening measures are to "come soon." Right now, the vaccination figure is around 59 percent of adults with at least one dose, while the country is reporting around 38,000 daily new cases -- a per capita rate of 11 new cases per 100,000 people, well below global hotspots and falling fast. Consensus is growing among experts that given the encouraging data, the United States is approaching the right time to lift indoor mask restrictions in most public settings. "For somebody who's already been fully vaccinated, they can wear the mask out of solidarity or in a symbolic sense, but their wearing a mask indoors is not benefiting anyone else," explained Vinay Prasad, an epidemiologist and biostatistician at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "There's an infinitesimally low probability of even having an infection that can be detected on a PCR test, let alone being able to spread it to someone," he added. Public health authorities were cautious about vaccines' ability to stop transmission back when they were first rolled out in December, because the clinical trials they went through were only designed to test their efficacy against symptomatic disease. - 'Vaccines are the solution' - But accumulating data from the real world has shown that -- as many immunologists had expected -- the vaccines are extremely effective at preventing asymptomatic infection, said Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease physician and professor also at UCSF. A study among health workers from Britain showed an 86 percent reduction in asymptomatic infection after two doses of the Pfizer shot while a huge Israel study of the general population showed 94 percent efficacy. The news gets even better: Because the outbreak itself is declining, the actual rate of so-called "breakthrough infections" is very, very low. According to data reported to the CDC as of April 26, some 9,000 people out of 95 million people became infected despite being fully vaccinated -- 0.009 percent. The rate of hospitalizations and deaths was 0.0009 and 0.0001 percent, respectively. And even when a vaccinated person becomes infected, new Israeli research has shown the viral loads inside the individual's nose are very low, likely non-transmissible. "Masking is a tool, and vaccines are the solution," said Gandhi, who has written seven papers on the importance of masking to stem the pandemic, and was one of the earliest proponents of universal masking in the United States. - Motivating fence-sitters - There is another good reason to ease restrictions, and that is to motivate people who are hesitant to roll up their sleeves, said Angela Rasmussen, of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Canada. This is becoming more important as the rate of vaccination in the United States has fallen from its early April peak and supply is outstripping demand in many regions. But she added it will be important to define clear metrics, "because one of the biggest problems with communication during the pandemic has been the perception that public health agencies are moving the goalposts." What might those look like? Gandhi said this could be tied to regional case rates, for example when there are fewer than two new cases per 100,000 people. Another is a high threshold of people vaccinated, for example 70 percent, and everyone's had the chance to get a shot. She and other experts foresee that masking will continue to be a personal choice, and it may still be wise for elderly people who have comorbidities. Amesh Adalja, who works on pandemic policy at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said that even after the pandemic, mask wearing might become seasonal. "The United States is going to be a more mask-wearing society, especially when it comes to flu season, when it comes to public transit and enclosed areas," he said. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wednesday issued directives for the implementation of the guidelines of National Coordination and Command Centre (NCOC) for gatherings of Eidul Fitrres in the province PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th May, 2021 ) :The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wednesday issued directives for the implementation of the guidelines of National Coordination and Command Centre (NCOC) for gatherings of Eidul Fitrres in the province. In this connection, a meeting of the divisional commissioners, regional police officers and clerics of different schools of thought was held here with Chief Secretary KP, Dr. Kazim Niaz in the chair. On this occasion, the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed all divisional commissioners for taking religious clerics into confidence on observing Eidul Fitre as per guidelines issued by NCOC for Eid prayers and strict implementation of SOPs in open places. The chief secretary said that wherever open environment is not possible, then Eid prayers should be offered in masajid with SOPs while keeping doors and windows open. He said that ensuring maximum opportunity of participation in Eid prayers, two or three Eid gatherings should be arranged on the same venue after passage of sufficient time. He urged upon religious clerics to keep Eid sermons short to maintain the people within the gathering for minimum time period. He further said that the use of sanitizer and wearing of face mask is compulsory for those participating in Eid gatherings and no one without mask would be allowed to join such gatherings. The chief secretary also directed drawing visible lines on six feet for ensuring social distancing in gatherings and refrain old, sick and under-15 children from coming to masajid. Similarly, he said that masajids and Eidgahs should have more than one entrance and exits to prevent the spread of disease. He said that the management of gatherings should also arrange checking body temperature and incase of visible symbols, the concerned person should be disallowed to participate in the gathering while sufficient availability of masks and sanitizers should be ensured at the entry of points of Eid gatherings. The chief secretary also urged upon the religious clerics to stress upon people for making ablution in their houses and also bringing of their own prayer mats. Furthermore, he said that the practice of handshaking and embracing should also be avoided to prevent the spread of pandemic. He further directed the divisional commissioners and regional police officers for allowing no gathering before or after Eid prayers. He also directed for display of Corona SOPs awareness related banners at venues of all such gatherings. The chief secretary also directed suitable arrangements for discouraging crowd and deployment of law-enforcement agencies to provision of security and implementation of SOPs. He said that like first and second wave of Corona, the role of religious clerics is also highly commendable during the third wave. He further said that religious clerics have great influence among the masses and they followed their advice. He said that the positive insistence of the clerics would bear encouraging results. Speaking on the occasion, the Convener of Clerics Committee, Maulana Syed Yousaf Shah said that they fully support Corona preventive guidelines of the government and announced extending full support to the proposal of offering Eid prayers in open places. Similarly, Maulana Ihsanul Haq urged upon the people to follow SOPs while Chief Khateeb, Maualna Mohammad Ismail said that like other issues taking religious clerics on board on Coronavirus is good effort of the incumbent government. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday said Pakistan had sincerely supported the Afghan peace process as a prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the best interest of the region in general and Pakistan in particular RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th May, 2021 ) :Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday said Pakistan had sincerely supported the Afghan peace process as a prosperous, stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the best interest of the region in general and Pakistan in particular. The Army Chief was speaking to United States Charge d' Affairs Angela Aggeler , who called on him here, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, bilateral cooperation in various fields, fight against COVID-19 and recent developments in the Afghan peace process were discussed. The COAS hoped for greater Pak-US bilateral cooperation in all domains in future. The US envoy acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan's continuous efforts and support for peace and stability in the region and pledged to further enhance bilateral relations between both countries. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2021 ) :Prime Minster Imran Khan Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for the rights of Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle. The Prime Minister held a telephonic conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the ongoing situation in Palestine. The prime minister reassured president Abbas of Pakistan's efforts in mobilizing the international community against flagrant violations of human rights and international law. He re-affirmed Pakistani leadership's complete support during this time of crisis, PM Office media wing said in a press release. President Abbas welcomed Pakistan's support and appreciated Pakistani leadership's response and its statements condemning Israel's attacks in Gaza and Al-Aqsa Mosque. He briefed the prime minister Khan on the most recent developments and exchanged views on future actions. The prime minister strongly condemned the attacks on innocent worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque and lethal air strikes by Israel in Gaza, resulting in the death of so many civilians, including children. The two leaders agreed to continue to closely engage on the ongoing situation. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th May, 2021) Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant Yozo Hirano will join a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as tourists, the Space Adventures company said on Thursday. "Space Adventures, Inc. , the world's leading space experiences company, announced that Yusaku Maezawa has begun preparations for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by successfully passing the required medical examinations. He and his production assistant, Yozo Hirano, are planning to launch on the Russian Soyuz MS-20 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on December 8, 2021," the space tourism company said in a press release. (@ChaudhryMAli88) US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Gantz during which he conveyed the United States' "ironclad" support for Israel's right to defend itself, Department of Defense spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th May, 2021) US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Gantz during which he conveyed the United States' "ironclad" support for Israel's right to defend itself, Department of Defense spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday. "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin "Benny" Gantz," Kirby said in a statement. "Secretary Austin conveyed the Department's ironclad support for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, and he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorists groups that targeted Israeli civilians." Kirby also said that the US Defense Secretary emphasized the importance for all involved parties to restore calm. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th May, 2021) Russia condemns the growing interference of the United States and the European Union in Moldova's internal affairs in light of scheduled snap elections in the post-Soviet country, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Thursday. "The growing interference of the US and EU countries in the Moldovan internal political processes is regrettable, and we strongly condemn this interference. The ambassadors of these countries in Chisinau do not hesitate to exert direct influence on the leadership, main bodies and authorities of the republic, including the CEC [Central Electoral Commission] of Moldova in order to implement the political and economic interests of these countries," Zakharova said during a briefing. The spokeswoman added that Russia closely follows the situation in Moldova where elections are scheduled on July 11. "We hope that they [elections] will be held in an atmosphere of fair and free competition and their results will fully reflect the will of the residents of the republic. We intend to take part in observing the voting process bilaterally and as part of international organizations, including the CIS and OSCE," Zakharova added. ZURICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th May, 2021) Switzerland is ready to mediate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict if both sides deem it necessary, the country's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs told Sputnik. "Switzerland is ready to offer its good offices if they are useful and desirable for the parties. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs cannot comment on specific proposals for reasons of confidentiality," the department said. Large-scale clashes broke out from May 7-10 between Palestinians and Israeli police, leading to the sharpest escalation in the Gaza Strip in recent years. Riots began in two areas of East Jerusalem at once - near the Temple Mount and in the Sheikh Jarrah quarter, where several Arab families are being evicted by the Israeli court decision. Palestinian militants have launched over 1,600 rockets from Gaza toward Israel. The effectiveness of the Israeli missile defense system "Iron Dome" is estimated at around 90%. Six Israeli civilians and one military man have died since the beginning of the escalation. Israel has fired retaliatory strikes against Gaza, attacking about 600 military targets of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. According to the enclave's health ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in three days increased to 83, and 487 people were reportedly injured. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 23:49:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HEFEI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- East China's Anhui Province on Thursday reported two confirmed COVID-19 cases from two localities, local health authorities said. The two new cases were reported from the city of Lu'an and Feixi County under the provincial capital Hefei. One patient, a 29-year-old woman in Lu'an, tested positive for the novel coronavirus during a regular nucleic acid test of patients at a hospital and was later diagnosed as a confirmed case, the city's health commission said in a statement. The other confirmed case was a 27-year-old woman who arrived in Feixi County on May 8 from an unspecified place outside Anhui, according to the county's health commission. The two patients had close contact during a training section at a photo studio in Lu'an, the Lu'an health commission said. A total of 178 people in close contact with the two have been placed under quarantine. The epidemiological investigation is underway. Enditem MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th May, 2021) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the process of recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) of Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V was underway, and the UN would welcome its completion. "We would very much welcome the Sputnik [V] vaccine being recognized by the WHO. And I know that the process, the dialogue is taking place. I am very grateful for the fact that the Russian Federation has made available the Sputnik [V] vaccine to UN staff. And we believe that the Sputnik [V vaccine] is one of the key elements in being able to address this challenge," Guterres said. The UN chief spoke after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The Russian diplomat said Russia was open to working together with other COVID-19 vaccine makers. "Of course, we are very open to cooperation with other vaccine manufacturers. And if they show similar interest, I think we could have very positive cooperation," he said. The foreign minister said that more than 60 countries had registered Sputnik V for emergency use and most of these countries had already received the first batch of the vaccine. The Chinese authorities are harassing and intimidating leaders of different religious groups in China, the US State Department said in its 2020 International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th May, 2021) The Chinese authorities are harassing and intimidating leaders of different religious groups in China, the US State Department said in its 2020 International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday. 'PRC [People's Republic of China] authorities consistently harassed and intimidated religious leaders to dissuade them from speaking with US officials," the report said. The State Department said in the report that the Chinese authorities have regularly prevented members of religious communities from attending events at the US embassy and consulates. "The authorities routinely declined to approve or postponed US officials' requests to visit religious sites and meet with religious leaders," the report said. In addition, the State Department said the police has arrested and detained leaders and members of various religious groups in China. "The authorities reportedly used vague or insubstantial charges, sometimes in connection with religious activity, to convict and sentence leaders and members of religious groups to years in prison," the report said. The Chinese government has also prevented certain activities of religious groups not affiliated with the state-sanctioned religious associations, including unregistered Protestant, Catholic, Muslim and other groups, the report added. The Russian government has been employing antiterrorism regulations to limit religious freedom in the country, the US State Department said in its annual International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday, covering developments in 2020 WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th May, 2021) The Russian government has been employing antiterrorism regulations to limit religious freedom in the country, the US State Department said in its annual International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday, covering developments in 2020 "Religious groups said the government continued to use antiterrorism regulations to restrict religious freedom, including proselytizing and banning religious literature," the report said. "Authorities designated seven NGOs associated with Falun Gong as 'undesirable' foreign organizations and barred them from working in the country." The State Department said in the report that the US ambassador and the diplomatic mission representatives in Russia advocated for greater religious freedom in the country while "highlighting the government's misuse of the law on extremism to restrict the peaceful activities of religious minorities." The State Department also said that the Russian government provided privileges to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) while not providing them to other religious organizations. "Foreign religious organizations (those created outside of the country under foreign laws) have the right to open offices for representational purposes, either independently or as part of religious organizations previously established in the country, but they may not form or found their own religious organizations in the country and may not operate houses of worship," the report said. The State Department reiterated its claim from the previous year's report that the Russian authorities have continued to violate the rights of individuals on account of their faith and to accuse religious minority groups of extremism. On December 2, 2020 the US government renewed Russia's placement on its special watch list of countries that Washington believes violate religious freedoms. Russian Orthodox Church representatives have said of past State Department reports that cherry-picks examples to back its claims and also ignore instances when Orthodox Christians' rights are violated. (@ChaudhryMAli88) TASHKENT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th May, 2021) Uzbekistan prepares another meeting on joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021, the Uzbek ministry of investments and foreign trade said. On Wednesday, the ministry's chief Sardor Umurzakov held online talks with WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. "Holding this year the fifth session of the working group on Uzbekistan's joining the WTO is one of the prior objectives on the agenda of bilateral cooperation," the statement said. The parties discussed a number of practical issues concerning the preparations of the forthcoming talks and outlined further steps in this direction. In 1998, Uzbekistan created the working group on joining the WTO, following receiving its observer status at the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the WTO predecessor. In July 2020, the group has its fourth meeting with the WTO and other countries after a 15-year break. According to the Uzbek foreign ministry, in case of joining, the country hopes to receive privileges of a state with a developing economy. USF Students Receive Hollings Scholarship Three USF sophomores, Sofia Gluskin, Kim Ho, and Olivia Tuckey, were honored this year with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship. This award includes academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid summer internship at a NOAA facility. During their internship, students also complete research under a NOAA mentor and are provided funding to present that research at national conferences. Each of this years USF Hollings recipients are members of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and worked with the Office of National Scholarships (ONS) during their application process. In summer 2022, they will participate in their hands-on, practical experience with NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Kim Ho is a Tampa, Florida local pursuing concurrent degrees in Computer Science and Quantitative Economics. She is the president of USFs Climate Action Coalition, and found out about the Hollings Scholarship opportunity after visiting ONS to discuss environmental programs on campus. Her current NOAA research interest is in the supply chain of fish and determining ways to reach the demand for them in a sustainable way. Working with ONS advisor Lauren Roberts helped me see how my economics focus could fit in the NOAA platform, she says. Each Hollings recipient will learn their internship placements this fall. Ho is excited to get a jump start on experiential field work with her Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at the Oakridge Institute for Science Education at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville this summer. There, she will intern with experts to research the predictive systems biology for circular and sustainable economies. I am excited to bring what I learn from the REU experience to my NOAA internship next summer and hope that both opportunities help me further identify the ways that I can help the most with current environmental issues, she says. While the Hollings application was difficult at times, with ONS help it was well worth that effort, and will help me fine-tune my career path. Sofia Gluskin, from Brandon, Florida, is a Biology major who says she always knew that she wanted to attend USF and pursue scientific research. She found out about the Hollings opportunity through her biology department last fall and immediately contacted Roberts to begin the application process. Protecting the environment has always been important to me, and I am excited to pursue a career that allows me to do just that, she says. Gluskin hopes to be placed with a NOAA internship opportunity that will allow her to study the impact of climate change on animal species. I am particularly interested in studying the effects of human impacts, such as over-fishing and pollution, on the health and overall well-being of ocean environments and how changes to those environments can then impact humans. I am excited that this great opportunity will allow me to gain hands-on experience with experts in the field and apply what I have been learning in school to a practical setting, she says. ONS made the Hollings application process as streamlined as possible, and the hard work was worth it, as I am confident that this scholarship opportunity will help me determine my career path and how I can use my skills to best protect the environment for the future. A Cell and Molecular Biology major with an Anthropology minor, Olivia Tuckey is from Niceville, Florida. She received an email about the Hollings opportunity from her department and quickly began working with Roberts on the application. She is interested in conservation restoration and recently joined a research group working with copapods (small crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water) with the department of integrative biology. ONS Director, Dr. Sayan Basu, helped me secure this research opportunity, and I have learned a lot from it, she says. Tuckey says she is excited to complete an internship with NOAA next summer and hopes to gain experience with environmental lab research. I want to put my skills to work helping to improve our natural habitats, she says. The Hollings Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to refine this plan, and working with Lauren in ONS helped me express these aspirations. All three recipients plan to pursue graduate study after completing their bachelors degrees and look forward to using the knowledge they gain through their Hollings internships to determine their future plans. I am very proud of Sofia, Kim, and Olivia and know that they will complete important work to protect our environment for future generations, says Judy Genshaft Honors College Endowed Dean, Dr. Charles Adams. I am also grateful to our staff in the Office of National Scholarships for their work helping these talented students identify and pursue these life-changing opportunities. Read more about the Hollings Scholarship here, or email our advisors to schedule an appointment to discuss the application process. The Pastoral Commission for the Land (CPT), the social arm of the Brazilian Bishops Conference (CNBB) dealing with the rights of farm workers, is holding its annual national Communication Week against Slavery-related Work. By Lisa Zengarini During the Week against Slavery-related Work, which runs until 14 May, information resources are made available to make workers aware of their rights against modern forms of slavery. The initiative was first launched in Bahia in 2016, and since 2019 has been held at a national level. Forced labour and slavery-like exploitation Its key date is Abolition Day, on 13 May, which commemorates the end of slavery in Brazil (1888). Although slavery was officially abolished 133 years ago, forced labour and slavery-like exploitation continue to affect the most vulnerable in Brazilian society, the majority of whom are of African descent. According to the CPT, between 1995 and the end of 2020, the country has recorded nearly 56,000 people living in near-slavery conditions. In 2020, in spite of limited inspections due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 112 cases of slave labour were detected, involving 1,390 people, 1,040 of whom were subsequently freed. Public opinion in Brazil was particularly shocked by the case of Madalena Giordano, an Afro-Brazilian woman who had been working for 38 years since childhood with no pay and no rights for her family, in the city of Patos de Minas, in Mato Grosso State. Impact of the Covid-19 crisis As CNBB points out, when a person is enslaved he/she is reduced to an object, with no rights", because the only concern of his/her exploiter is profit. The workers life energy is drained out, his dignity and freedom denied." In the present times of socioeconomic crisis and increasing poverty slave labour is on the rise again in Brazil. The coronavirus pandemic has increased social vulnerability, exposing more Brazilians to exploitation. The issue is being discussed on 13 May at a special live event organized by the Pastoral Commission for the Land on its social networks. Church support for exploited workers CPT supports exploited workers by helping them send their complaints to the competent authorities, including the Special Labor Inspection Division, the Labour Ministry and the Federal Police. Exploiting workers either through forced labour, or by imposing exhausting working hours, degrading working conditions or restricting freedom, is punished in Brazil with imprisonment from two to eight years and a fine. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 23:55:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday inspected the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in the city of Nanyang in central China's Henan Province. As of late March, the mega water project had transferred over 40.8 billion cubic meters of water to the country's arid northern areas. More than 130 million people had directly benefited from the project since the first phase of its eastern and middle routes began supplying water. Xi has on many occasions emphasized the importance of the project and water conservation. The following are some highlights of his remarks and instructions: -- The South-to-North Water Diversion Project will benefit not only this generation, but many more to come. -- The South-to-North Water Diversion Project is important strategic infrastructure to optimize water resources, boost sustainable economic and social development, and improve people's livelihoods. -- Efforts must be made to coordinate the implementation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and water-saving efforts in northern China. -- Water-conserving agriculture should be actively developed, and water-wasting irrigation must be prohibited. -- Production should be based on the situation of local water resources. Enditem Pope Francis meets Thursday with the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, at a private audience in the Vatican. By Vatican News staff writer The Holy See Press Office announced Thursday that Pope Francis met with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez during a private audience in the Paul VI Hall. The communique said the talks were cordial and that appreciation was expressed for the good bilateral relations. The Pope and the president discussed the situation in Argentina, with particular reference to certain issues such as the management of the pandemic emergency, the economic and financial crisis, and the fight against poverty. The two also noted the significant contribution that the Catholic Church has offered and continues to provide. Finally, concluded the statement, some regional and international issues were mentioned. President Fernandez then met separately with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It is hoped that more European companies will become interested in Vietnams logistics arena via the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, photo Le Toan Nguyen Tuong, senior advisor to the Vietnam Logistics Business Associations (VLA) chairman, two weeks ago sat in his small office chatting with has recently talked to a potential South Korean investor about the possibilities of buying stake in a Vietnamese logistics firm. He said that such meetings and business trips have been key in recent times and are expected to continue during 2021 as more merger and acquisition (M&A) deals emerge. Several South Korean and Japanese firms are working with the VLA on possible acquisitions of some Vietnamese logistics firms to expand their footprint here, where demand for qualified logistics services are growing, he told VIR. According to Tuong, there is no change in the M&A trend in the logistics industry in terms of players and order. Asian investors, especially those from South Korea and Japan, have remained the most interested over the past few years. Back in 2019 the majority of M&A deals came from Asian buyers, with prominent transactions involving SG Holdings, CJ Group, and Shibusawa Warehouse. European firms may not be interested in this channel of investment much because there are differences in development levels and a long time is needed for market research, so there is not yet demand, Tuong admitted. In the order of dealmaking, Vietnamese logistics firms remain sellers in M&A transactions. They are still weak in financial capacity and services, while its infrastructure is not much developed, the VLA deputy secretary general explained. According to VLA statistics, Vietnam now has more than 3,000 logistics service providers, of which 89 per cent are domestic Vietnamese firms, 10 per cent are joint ventures, and the remainder are foreign-invested. Despite the huge number, Vietnamese logistics firms are mostly small- and medium-size ones with traditional warehouses and weak infrastructure. Tuong attributed the Asian interest to increasing trade and investment activities from the region, and among businesses of the two countries in Vietnam. As shown in statistics from Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment, South Korea and Japan remain Vietnams top foreign investors, making up about 20 per cent of the countrys total foreign investment, with more projected in the months to come. Tuong elaborated that upcoming M&A deals will focus on trucking, warehouses, and the cold supply chain in the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. The infrastructure remains insufficient in Vietnam, especially the serious lack of a cold supply chain in the country, he said. Acquiring Vietnamese firms is increasingly attractive to foreign investors as it can help them lower costs as local partners already have networks, manpower, and experience in the market. At present, foreign-invested firms have to lease Vietnamese-owned infrastructure to serve their business activities. According to the VLA, Vietnams logistics industry has been growing 14-16 per cent annually in recent times with annual market value of $40-42 billion. It also ranks 39 among 160 countries worldwide in terms of development and fourth in ASEAN, only behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. While the trend in the logistics industry remains traditional, that in the real estate and manufacturing sectors is changing where domestic firms have been heading to acquire stakes of foreign ones to develop them into powerful multi-sector groups. For example, Masan Group has acquired 52 per cent of Proconco, and Vingroup made a purchase of 51 per cent of Mundo Reader. After a year of silence in 2020 due to COVID-19, Tuong forecast that the M&A picture in the industry could eventually change in upcoming years with more involvement of European firms on the back of free trade agreements, as well as the restructuring of global supply chains. According to the VLA, while some domestic Vietnamese logistics firms are merging with one another, they lag behind regional and global movements, with M&A being among the most bustling. M&A is one of the three key trends in the region and the wider world in a move to link sources of goods and integrate all the arisen service chains during transportation via ports, said Tuong. A port-centric approach will be inevitable in logistics because it helps cost optimisation, increase of added value, all-in service package, optimisation of human resources, improvement of competitiveness, and increased volume of transportation. Thus far, a number of major alliances of shipping lines made their debut in recent times with involvement of those calling at the Haiphong seaports in northern Vietnam such as the 2M Alliance of the worlds biggest shipping companies Maersk Sealand and MSC; the Ocean Alliance of CMA-CGM (France), COSCO (China), Ever Green (Taiwan); and the Alliance of HapagLoyd, Yangming (Taiwan), and One (Japan). In addition to this, shipping lines are expanding operations by acquiring aviation service firms and establishing international multimodal transportation logistics firms which provide aviation transport services, shipping services, and other logistics. For instance, Maersk absorbed Damcos air and ocean less-than-container-load shipping to combine it with Maersks logistics and services products. Elsewhere, CMA CGM successfully completed acquisition of CEVA Logistics to confirm its position as a leading worldwide transport and logistics group. Similarly, Yang Ming established Yes Logistics, while Ever Green founded Eva Airlines, among others. A waste sorting and treatment assembly line made for the Vietnamese market by Menart (Photo: VNA) Brussels The Belgian-base multinational conglomerate Menart is cooperating with the Vietnamese industrial developer Sonadezi Corporation to build a waste treatment plant in the southern province of Dong Nais Vinh Cuu district. The 7.1ha plant, which turns waste into compost, was put into a trial run last year. Located at an area for domestic and industrial waste treatment in Vinh Cuus Vinh Tan commune, it has a daily capacity of treating 450 tonnes of waste and can operate 8 hours a day. About 80 percent of the organic waste received will be treated as compost, while about 5 percent of plastic bags are recovered, recycled, and reused. Menart is in charge of supplying equipment for the project and works are underway to complete the waste sorting and composting equipment, among others, serving the operation expansion of the plant. Menart equipment for the project is made in Vietnam and Belgium, with the Belgian company sending its experts to Vietnam to study the local conditions. Menart General Director Berengere Menart said she is confident in cooperation with Vietnam in the field, affirming her wish for further technology transfer collaboration with Vietnamese partners in environment and agriculture. Belgian firm joins domestic waste treatment project in Dong Nai hinh anh 2 At Menart factory in Belgium (Photo: VNA) Founded in 1961 with a focus on designing and manufacturing composting machines and waste sorting plants, Menart is now operating across 60 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. The company has worked in Vietnam since the late 1990s and provided waste treatment equipment for plants in Dong Nai, Soc Trang, Kon Tum, Ha Tinh, Thai Nguyen, and Ha Nam. The trend of Bay Now Pay Later services start to increase in Vietnam Bankograph, a provider of digital payment solutions, has recently unveiled its Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solution designed to provide banks in Vietnam with a comprehensive set of new features. The BNPL solution offers ease of use and fast implementation for banks that wish to attract new merchants to bank and empower existing ones to spend more. According to Alexander Gold, CEO of Bankograph, the BNPL is becoming increasingly popular as e-commerce boomed in Vietnam during the crisis. Vietnamese merchants are eagerly adopting BNPL options. Therefore, Bankograph's latest BNPL solution aims to serve all segments from consumers and merchants. "This payment method will allow more financial freedom and increased purchasing power for consumers. Meanwhile, merchants using a BNPL solution have increased conversion rates, greater average order totals and more repeat purchases and bring more customers to banks," he added. He is also upbeat about the outlook of the Vietnamese market in the coming time. The BNPL payment method seems new to Vietnamese consumers but it is expected to grow stronger in the future with many companies ramping up operation in the market. A recent report by Research and Markets reveals that the BNPL payment industry in Vietnam has recorded strong growth over the last four quarters of 2020, supported by increased e-commerce penetration along with the impact of the economic slowdown due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the survey, BNPL payment in the country is expected to grow by 137.3 per cent on an annual basis to reach $491.3 million in 2021. The medium- to long-term growth prospects of the BNPL industry in Vietnam remain strong. BNPL payment adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.5 per cent during 2021-2028. In March, Vietnamese BNPL startup Fundiin has wrapped up an undiclosed investment in its latest funding round led by 1982 Ventures and Zone Startups Ventures.The startup aims to use the fresh capital to expand its BNPL services targeting Gen Z and millennial shoppers in Vietnam. Founded in 2019 by Nguyen Anh Cuong (CEO) and Vo Hoang Nam (CTO), Fundiin provides solutions to retailers so that their customers can buy now, pay later in 3 interest-free instalments without involving credit cards. According to the founders, the BNPL trend has taken off in developed markets like the US and Australia and is doing the same in Vietnam. In Australia, the BNPL payment method accounts for 25 per cent of online fashion purchases. Likewise, Indonesian travel tech unicorn Traveloka announced plans to introduce BNPL services in Thailand and Vietnam to its 40 million active monthly users. The startup has also been in talks with several partners in a bid to enter the market. Indian merchant payment startup Pine Labs also plans to expand its Pay Later proposition in Southeast Asia as well. Last year, Pine Labs announced that it would launch an integrated pay later instalment solution in partnership with Mastercard to markets like Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. Globally, the BNPL market was valued at $7.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $33.6 billion in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 21.2 per cent, according to Coherent Market Insights. Meanwhile, Vietnam is a potential market for BNPL service providers thank to the fast-growing digital economy, a rising affluent class and low credit card usage. Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns a backhand to Spain's Alejandro Davidovich during their match of the Men's Italian Open at Foro Italico on May 13, 2021 in Rome, Italy.(Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) The five-time Rome champion won through 6-2, 6-1 in 1hr 10min against the 48th-ranked Spaniard with the venue filled to 25 per cent of capacity. "It was not good, it was great. I missed the crowd," said the 33-year-old Serb. "It was nice to see them back." After losing his opening service game, Djokovic powered back with five breaks of serve, outclassing his rival, despite a late fightback, to seal the win on his sixth match point. "He started well, but I managed to break back straight away and establish the control and consistency. "I thought I played at least 20-30 percent better than on Monday." The 18-time Grand Slam winner next plays either Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or ninth seed Matteo Berrettini for a place in the semi-final. German businesses are upbeat about Vietnam's economy in the medium term Despite the COVID-19 epidemic, Vietnam recorded economic growth of 2.9 per cent in 2020 and is expected to achieve a growth rate of 7.5 per cent this year. The simultaneous implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will help Vietnam's GDP increase by up to 3.2 per cent in the decade 2021-2030. Vietnam is still one of the countries with the fastest economic growth in Southeast Asia. Foreign-invested enterprises, especially German businesses also show optimism about Vietnam's economy in the medium and long term. German business leaders in Vietnam maintain positive economic expectations as well as outlook on their situation in Vietnam and they look forward to a year of recovery in 2021 and 2022. Vietnam will become a strategic investment destination in the process of restructuring the global and regional supply chain, a potential domestic market to attract international corporations. "While 46 per cent had a positive view of the local economic development in 2020, 66 per cent expects a significant improvement in 2021. One-third of survey participants think that the economy of Vietnam will recover in the first half of this year, 30 per cent says that the recovery will happen next year, in 2022," says the report. In addition, German businesses operating in Vietnam assess both their own business situation and future business expectations significantly better than in 2020. 55 per cent rate their current business situation in Vietnam as "good" and 11 per cent as "poor". The great increase in business expectations is positively surprising. While the positive ratings rose from 36 to 55 per cent, the number of negative ratings fell from 23 to 11 per cent. Investment and employment intentions grow 47 per cent as German companies in Vietnam intend to expand their activities in Vietnam and 50 per cent assume an increase in employment in 2021/2022. There is a great increase in business expectations of German investors in Vietnam These results show that the Vietnamese government has taken decisive and forceful action against the impact of the corona crisis. These measures should be taken as fast as possible to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus, in order to bring the economy back onto a growth path as quickly as possible. Moreover, the Vietnamese government creates the most favourable conditions for foreign investors and businesses, as well as the EVFTA and this committment will boost the economic growth of this country and attract more investors to Vietnam. Vietnam has been implementing a number of activities and effective methods in order to achieve the dual objectives of promoting socio-economic development and effectively preventing epidemic in the new normal condition of Vietnam. However, there are also some challenges for German investors to expand in Vietnam, particularly concerning the growing lack of qualified workers in Vietnam. After 18 per cent in 2020, 42 per cent of companies cited this as the greatest factor of uncertainty for their businesses in 2021 in Vietnam. Other issues such as low demand (42 per cent) and economic policy (36 per cent) threaten their businesses here. Another factors that might affect German businesses in Vietnam are financing, legal certainty, and infrastructure. The pandemic has affected local and German businesses and caused a decline in their business performance. Factors such as travel restrictions, reduced consumer demand for products and services, the cancellation of trade fairs and events hurt German companies in Vietnam. Due to this, 67 per cent of German participants would diversify their supply chains by finding additional suppliers, changing delivery routes or increasing their inventory. Industrial production lends stability amid disruption, illustration photo Operating in Hanoi for 12 years, Japanese-backed auto component producers Elphal Industry Vietnam in 2020 had to halt import of materials from Japan and several other markets for a few months due to partners slowing down production. However, since late last year, imports resumed and gradually swelled for the company to expand production for export to Southeast Asia, Europe, and Japan. In the first four months of this year, our gross output is estimated to rise 7 per cent on-year, up from just 1 per cent last year, said a company representative. Our import volume has increased 8 per cent since last December. In March, we also imported three new moulds worth $1.2 million to expand production. Another Japanese-backed firm, Kain Trade and Industry Co., Ltd., manufactures hand tools, cutlery, and hardware consumed in Vietnam and exported to Japan and Southeast Asia. Since last November, the companys 500 workers have been working at full capacity to meet export orders. In this years first four months, the company has also increased its material imports by about 7 per cent on-year. In the first quarter, our company grew 9 per cent, up from only 2 per cent last year. Partners overseas are increasing imports to serve rising demands in their markets, said Nguyen Van Huynh, head of sales at Kain Trade and Industry. The business situation is getting better, and it is expected that the companys total export turnover this year will be 10-12 per cent on-year. Under a recent survey by Japans Pasona Group Inc., 57 per cent of Japanese firms in Vietnam plan to expand business and production, with 43 per cent saying they had or will have a plan to expand their offices in the country. According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), Japanese firms have greatly contributed to domestic industrial production, which is gradually improving because more and more materials and components are imported into Vietnam for production, not for direct consumption. In the first four months, total export-import turnover is estimated to hit $206.5 billion, including $103.9 billion from exports, up 28.3 per cent on-year, and $102.6 billion from imports, up 30.8 per cent. Notably, the import turnover of production materials is estimated to be $96.3 billion, up 31.4 per cent on-year, and accounting for 93.9 per cent of the country total. The import turnover of consumer goods is about $6.3 billion, up 22.5 per cent on-year and around 6.1 per cent of the total. In April, Vietnams index for industrial production (IIP) increased 24.1 per cent on-year thanks to good control of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of free trade agreements, with the manufacturing and processing sector generating 80 per cent of industrial growth, up 29.1 per cent on-year. In the first four months of 2021, the IIP climbed 10 per cent on-year, in which the manufacturing and processing sector expanded 12.7 per cent on-year higher than the 9.7 per cent on-year last year. Breaking down the situation, rising production has led to growing demand for electricity a vital input for the economy. The MPI reported that the production and distribution of electricity in April increased 2.6 per cent on-month and 16.4 per cent on-year. In the first four months, the rate increased 6.6 per cent against the same period last year, when it decreased 6.5 per cent. Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) reported that all of its activities increased in the first quarter against last year. Specifically, EVNs total gross industrial output is estimated to be VND52.83 trillion ($2.3 billion), up 3.18 per cent on-year. The produced and purchased electricity volume is 55.45 million kilowatt hours, up 1.16 per cent. Commercial electricity totalled 50.79 million kWh, up 3.18 per cent. Osf this, electricity for agro-forestry-fishery accounts for 3.97 per cent of total electricity consumed, while the rate is 56.01 per cent for construction and industrial activities and 31.46 per cent for households all is up against last year. Notably, EVNs total revenue from power sales is estimated at over VND94 trillion (over $4 billion), up 4.11 per cent on-year. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-14 00:14:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has released a new list of 10 most-wanted fugitives involved in major crimes related to cultural relics. It is the sixth such list of fugitives wanted by the police amid the country's intensified efforts to crack down on cultural relic crimes, including tomb robbery, theft, and the sale and trafficking of cultural relics, the ministry said. Police have encouraged the public to provide tip-offs and report offenses associated with cultural relics, offering rewards to those who provide useful information. Enditem Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (second from right), State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (third from right), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (first from right) and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (first from left). Photo: VNA The elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and peoples councils of all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure are scheduled to take place on May 23. The tenure will also determine vital issues of the country, while seeing Vietnam implement its socioeconomic development plan for the 2021-2025 period, laying a firm foundation for the country to do the same for another similar plan for 2026-2030. Both plans are under the national Socioeconomic Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period. The National Election Council has announced the official list of 868 candidates who will run for 500 seats in the NA at both central and local levels. Of the 868 candidates, 203 NA deputies are from the central level and 665 come from the local level. Of the total figure at central level, 11 are from Party agencies, five from the State President Office and judicial agencies, 129 from NA agencies, and 15 from the government, government agencies. The number of ethnic minority deputies is 163, while those who are not Party members number 70. On March 31, professor in economics Vuong Dinh Hue, who is a Politburo member and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, became the new Chairman of the legislative body and also chairman of the National Election Council. Replacing former NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, 64-year-old Hue has become the 12th NA chairperson since 1946 when the countrys first general election was held. All 473 deputies voted in his favour. After the ballot, Hue took the oath of office, vowing to be completely faithful to the country, people and the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and to do his utmost to accomplish all tasks assigned by the Party, the state and the people. Other NA new vice chairmen were also elected, including Tran Thanh Man, Nguyen Khac Dinh, and Nguyen Duc Hai. The new NA, together with a facilitating new government and under the leadership of the Party, will drive the country to further prosperity, with favourable conditions to continue being created for all, and with the nations stature and prestige continuing to be enhanced in the region and the wider world. Under the resolution of the recent 13th National Party Congress, the Party has specified goals for Vietnam. Concretely, the country will become a developing country with modernity-oriented industrial development by 2025 when per capita GDP will be $4,700-5,000; a developing nation by 2030 with modern industrial development and upper-middle income; and a developed economy with high income by 2045 with per capita income of about $18,000 a year. To this end, one of the strategic breakthroughs that the Party has specified will be creating a good system of laws, mechanisms, and policies, while establishing a favourable, healthy, and fair investment and business climate for all economic sectors, with the promotion of innovation and the mobilisation, management, and effective use of all resources for development especially land, finance, and public-private partnerships. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Vietnams economy grew 2.91 per cent last year making the country one of the few nations in the world with positive economic growth. The rate was 4.48 per cent in the first quarter, higher than the 3.82 per cent rise in the same period of 2020. Nguyen Viet Chuc, former Vice Chairman of the NAs Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, and Children, said that for Vietnam to realise its development dreams, the NA must be home to excellent deputies with good ethics and profound knowledge in law and socioeconomic affairs. They must be absolutely faithful to the interests of the people as they, on behalf of the people, decide on vital national issues which help the country out of the situation of lagging behind other nations, and gradually materialise its ambition to become a developed nation in the new development period, Chuc said. Currently, all thorough preparations for the election of the 15th NA and all-level peoples councils for the 2021-2026 tenure have been made with the highest spirit and responsibility, especially the task of fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Assembly Office. Golden bridge in Da Nang city (Photo:baodanang.vn) Bangkok The Bangkok Post on May 10 published an article titled Vietnam reimagines tourism discussing the Vietnamese tourism sectors efforts to respond to COVID-19 impact. The author, Pattama Kuentak, described Vietnam as rich in history, vibrant in culture and cuisine, with striking landscapes from mountains in the North to beaches along the coast. The nation has become one of the favourite destinations in Southeast Asia. According to the article, prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the country welcomed a record 18 million foreign visitors and generated total revenue of 32.8 billion USD from both domestic and international tourists. However, tourism in Vietnam was put on pause in March last year when COVID-19 emerged. The government moved quickly to close borders and ban international flights. Its decisive responses have paid off, as the country so far has recorded only 35 deaths from just over 3,000 coronavirus cases, and its economy shows the most promising signs in the region. The article cited recent figures from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, which showed that revenue from tourism in the first quarter of this year totaled 1.34 million USD, down 60.1 percent year-on-year. The number of tourists from travel agencies was 3.7 million, down 80.1 percent, while international arrivals decreased 78.7 percent. The sharp decline in the numbers of both domestic and international travellers has sent ripple effects through the accommodation, food and beverage service sectors, causing a significant loss in revenue to 258 million USD, down by 43.2 percent. The majority of international tourists in Vietnam come from Asian economies including Japan, China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China), accounting for around 80 percent of foreign tourism spending, according to a recent McKinsey and Company report entitled "Reimagining tourism: How Vietnam can accelerate travel recovery". The report suggested that with a strong zero-case-first approach to COVID-19, a resilient local market as well as proactive tourism campaigns from the government, the sector should be able to recover to pre-crisis levels in 2024. Vietnamese startup Nano raised $3 million to help employers gain an edge in the labour market Alongside previous pre-seed co-lead investors Golden Gate Ventures and Venturra Discovery, the Vietnamese startup welcomed a strong consortium of regional and global investors into its Seed Round, including FEBE Ventures, Openspace Ventures, and US-based Goodwater Capital. Founded in early 2020 by Dzung Dang (ex-Uber general manager and ZaloPay CEO) and Thang Nguyen (CTO Focal Labs and SeeSpace), Nano aims to support employers to keep their workers better and more cost-effectively while helping employees stay out of debts. By partnering with caring employers through a flexible payroll app called VUI, Nano empowers low-income workers to access their earned salary anytime, anywhere to take care of daily expenses without having to wait until the next payday. VUI app also helps workers keep track of work attendance, receive the most important announcements from the company, and learn basic concepts in personal financial management all for free. As of present, the VUI app now serves more than 20,000 employees from employers in Vietnam including GS25, LanChi Mart, and Annam Gourmet. On average, 50-60 per cent of employees would sign up for VUI immediately and use the service about three times a month for early salary. The employer-sponsored salary advance model has been adopted by thousands of employers in the US, Europe, and Latin America and delivered millions of dollars of cost savings. Walmart, the largest retailer globally, has adopted this solution since 2017 for their 1.4 million workforce with over $300 million of bottom-line impact annually. Harvard Kennedy School has conducted statistical research and recommended EWA for companies that employ a large base of low-income/hourly workers. Nano provides an on-demand payroll product that pays workers daily instead of monthly for employers in retail, service, and manufacturing CEO Dzung Dang shared that, Given the ubiquity and acuteness of the cashflow mismatch problem for the working people, more frequent payroll is not only good for low-income workers but also a tactical yet underappreciated initiative that employers could deploy to stand out in the labour market. This model also eliminates the need for black market credit at small ticket sizes. Shane Chesson, founding partner at Openspace Ventures, said that, "Earned wage access is a triple-win for companies, workers, and society at large. And we see such models raising the bar for salary practices in Southeast Asia and moving companies towards what is already a norm in developed markets. Openspace Ventures looks forward to lending our support to Nano in its mission to improve the lives of millions of workers in Vietnam. Wide-ranging support ahead for economy, illustration photo It is expected that providing more support for struggling enterprises in Vietnam will be discussed at the 15th National Assemblys (NA) first session to be held on July 20, with new NA deputies to be elected this month. The legislature will debate results of reports on implementing socioeconomic development plans in the years first half and solutions on implementing such plans for the remainder of 2021. The NA is also expected to consider new support solutions for enterprises hurt by the global health crisis, while also reviewing the implementation of similar packages in the past year. In February, the Ministry of Planning and Investment issued a draft document on more solutions to assist enterprises. The document will be approved by the government. Inputs for it are being proposed by ministries and agencies. Over the past 12 months, never has in Vietnam a government-initiated pro-business policy been complained about as much as by not only enterprises and experts, but also by many NA deputies like the VND62 trillion ($2.7 billion) package to support 20 million poor and unemployed people. The package, which is facing difficulties in disbursement, includes a VND16 trillion ($695.65 million) sum aimed to provide loans for enterprises at a zero per cent lending rate to pay salary for employees. The reason behind slow disbursement is that though the VND62 trillion package was announced in April 2020, meagre results have been made so far because of too many hurdles. Amid massive difficulties, slow-paced implementation of government-led policies like this package to assist enterprises hit by COVID-19 is leaving many businesses in the lurch, making it hard to boost economic growth, said NA deputy Luu Binh Nhuong, representing the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre. Though the government has been making great efforts to boost administrative reforms via reducing and removing tens of thousands of administrative procedures and developing an e-government, the public and businesses are still lamenting over difficulties theyre facing in their business and production. Enterprises are in critical need of state support. Fresh assistance On April 19, the government signed and issued Decree No.52/2021/ND-CP on extension of time limits for payment of VAT, enterprise income tax, personal income tax, and land rental in 2021. This decree took effect on the signing date. The total size of the package was estimated at VND115 trillion ($5 billion). If implemented well, it is expected to help businesses and households maintain their economic activities, particularly in tourism, which remains depressed, the World Bank said in its March bulletin on Vietnams economy. Specifically, Decree 52 extends the time limits for payment of the payable VAT amount of the tax periods of March-August 2021 (if making monthly VAT declaration), and the tax periods of first and second quarters of 2021 (in case of making quarterly VAT declaration) of enterprises and organisations. The extension duration is five months for the VAT amount of the tax periods of March-June 2021, and the tax periods of first and second quarters of 2021; four months for the VAT amount of the tax period of July 2021; and three months for the VAT amount of the tax period of August 2021. Enterprises and organisations eligible for extension of tax payment time limits shall make and submit monthly or quarterly VAT declarations but are not required to pay the payable VAT amounts stated in the VAT declarations already filled in. Besides this, the time limit for payment of the payable land rental amounts of the first period of 2021 of enterprises, organisations, business households, and individuals that fall into the cases as prescribed and are leased land directly by the state under decisions of or contracts signed with competent state agencies in the form of annual payment of land rental also is extended for further six months, from May 31. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said Decree 52 is necessary as it will help enterprises and individuals have more financial resources to maintain and recover production and business activities, contributing to helping the country achieve its economic growth of expected 6.5 per cent this year. Since the second quarter of 2020, the government has also been deploying some drastic measures to support businesses. For instance, the State Bank of Vietnam has deployed a package worth VND180 trillion ($7.82 billion) for enterprises and households, in the form of debt payment deferral and preferential loans. However, no concrete reports on how this huge package has been carried out have been revealed. Last September, the government also promulgated Decree No.109/2020/ND-CP providing the extension of time limits for excise tax payment for domestically manufactured or assembled cars. Decree 109 extended the time limits for payment of the payable excise tax amount incurred in the tax period of March-October 2020 for domestically manufactured or assembled automobiles. Considering budget landscape The MoF said that the tax payment extension and deferral under Decree 52 will not cause any reduction in state budget revenue because taxpayers will still have to implement their tax payment obligations at the years end. According to the World Bank, Vietnamese authorities appear to have shifted to a more neutral fiscal policy as the economy has been recovering. The fiscal balance was in surplus for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2021, the government collected VND403.7 trillion ($17.55 billion) of revenues - a 3.2 per cent on-year increase, while total spending decreased by 0.4 per cent on-year to VND341.9 trillion ($14.86 billion), resulting in a fiscal surplus of over VND60 trillion ($2.6 billion), which is 29 per cent higher than a year ago. High revenues reflected a stronger domestic sector and the solid growth of imports with taxes on international transactions increasing by 9.7 per cent on-year, the World Bank said in its April bulletin. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Vietnams fiscal deficit is expected to reach 5.4 per cent of GDP in 2020, compared to 3.5 per cent envisaged in the budget. This is due to declining revenues and the operation of automatic stabilisers. Higher cash transfers and capital spending will boost spending. The IMF said in 2021, the headline deficit is expected to narrow as priority expenditures remain in place to support the recovery, while revenues recover with improved economic activity, albeit only gradually owing to loss carry-forward provisions. The fiscal stance would thus be moderately contractionary the cyclically-adjusted primary deficit is projected to decline by 0.4 percentage points of GDP even though other spending, including health and public investment, would increase, both relative to the 2020 budget and 2019 outcomes. Commenting on the potential new support solutions in the future for enterprises, Do Van Sinh, member of the NAs Economic Committee, told VIR that any new economic stimulus package is quite necessary given enterprises facing massive difficulties. However, he said, in order for the package to be materialised, it is necessary to have a closer look at the state budget situation. Vietnam suffered from a total budget deficit of VND274.3 trillion ($11.9 billion) in 2020 and VND273 trillion ($11.87 billion) in 2019. Thus if another economic stimulus package is enacted, how much will it be, especially given numerous difficulties in the state budget? I think it is necessary now to first effectively carry out the existing packages, Sinh said. Chinese spies may have free access to critical information in Belgium after the government allowed foreign investment by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Liege Airport through Jack Mas Alibaba, warns the countrys Justice Minister. Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne gave the bad news during a House Justice Committee hearing that Chinese intelligence agencies could gain access to sensitive information through Alibaba because all China-based companies are mandated by law to give the Communist Party unequivocal access to their data. Alibaba uses the Liege airport as a distribution hub for its wares throughout Europe. At the hearing, Van Quickenborne told MPs that all Chinese businesses are required to cooperate with the CCP, referencing the regimes 2017 National Intelligence Law, which mandates the Party be given unequivocal access to all companies data, including data obtained in operations outside of China. The Minister also brought attention to another CCP law passed in 2016 that allows CCP intelligence agents to keep a copy of all data passing through any Internet company. Alibaba also has to obey the Chinese security apparatus in the event that the latter wishes to have access to potentially sensitive commercial and personal data held by Alibaba in the context of its activities in Liege, Van Quickenborne told the MPs as reported by Brussels Times. This interest is not limited to intelligence and security purposes but can be viewed within a broader political and economic framework. Tiffany Lung, an independent retail analyst based in Hong Kong told The Guardian, Speed within the western region is the only thing Amazon has an upper hand with against Alibaba, but this is also why Alibaba has been strenuously investing in building up a global logistics hub. Supposedly with their new freight route, items from China can arrive in Europe quickest within three days, cutting the industry average by a third. At the hearing, Van Quickenborne said future economic importance of the Liege airport to China should not be underestimated given that the communist nation has been heavily reliant on freight transport since the hype around the coronavirus outbreak began. He also said Beijing has plans to set up 215 airports by 2035. In October 2020, the European Union adopted new rules on screening foreign investment. Each member state is supposed to establish a point of contact to examine deals based on how they may affect public order and national security. Van Quickenborne says Belgium is yet to establish such a mechanism, however. The Minister said that Belgium must now decide as to what extent it can accept the risk associated with large investments from Chinese companies, which by extension, also includes CCP authorities. Van Quickenbornes comments come as the EU seems to have given up on ratifying its investment deal with China, according to an AFP report. EU Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said the environment is not conducive to ratification of the agreement given that both the EU and China have placed sanctions on each others officials. Meanwhile, the Alibaba logistics hub at Liege airport is facing opposition from locals. Politico cites a movement called Watching Alibaba, which doesnt want the company operating in its community because it is jamming postal centers, causing air pollution, snarling traffic, and moreI dont want to live in a city where everybody is unable to sleep properly because of thousands of planes flying over us every nightAt the very least, we demand a stop to the development of the airport, Francois Schreuer, a founding member of Watching Alibaba told Politico. In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, China sought to block news of the rapidly spreading virus, detaining those who tried to speak out. But in the months that followed, as the pandemic ravaged families and economies worldwide, Beijing sought to reset its public image through foreign media, research published Wednesday by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) shows. A survey of 54 journalist unions in 50 countries found a rise in the number of countries reporting a visible Chinese presence in their media, from 64% to 76% in a year. In countries where China has offered support and training to local media, a higher percentage said coverage of Beijing was more favorable, the IFJ report found. "The coronavirus story over the past 12 months has been successfully used by China to create a more positive image of China, in a number of countries," Jeremy Dear, the IFJ's deputy general secretary, told VOA. Survey respondents were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 10 coverage of China since the start of the pandemic, with 1 being the most negative and 10 being the most positive. The survey found that the continent whose China coverage saw the greatest positive change was Europe, scoring 6.3, while North America's saw the most negative change, scoring 3.5. Beijing's influence was viewed most positively in Africa, where half of those surveyed described it as beneficial, and all reported China as a visible presence in their media. Dear said China is "putting a lot more effort and resources into trying to shape the media narrative," including pressure from ambassadors and diplomats, offers of media training or more lucrative employment contracts, and free content to news outlets under economic hardship. A drop in advertising revenue during the pandemic further added to shrinking newsrooms globally. At the same time, Beijing sought to limit foreign media inside China, denying visas to journalists or expelling them. The measures came in response to the U.S. imposing visa caps on the staff of five Chinese-run outlets, including the Xinhua News Agency, and the U.K. media regulator Ofcom (Office of Communications) removing China Global Television Network (CGTN), saying the license holder did not have editorial responsibility for the network's content. Ofcom regulates TV, radio and video-on-demand sectors as well as fixed-line telecoms and mobiles. Despite these "sometimes contradictory attempts by China to influence global media," Dear said, "all of them have their purpose, trying to support a growing economic and political power of China and (telling) one story, very centrally directed." China's foreign ministry has defended its media outreach at a May 11 briefing. Hua Chunying, the foreign ministry spokesperson, said that as the world's second-largest economy and biggest developing country, "of course we should have, and we deserve, a place in the international media landscape." "The U.S. has launched a disinformation attack on China under the pretext of media freedom," Hua said, adding that China never targets other countries. Hua noted that the U.S. "authorizes $300 million to be appropriated for each fiscal year to 'counter the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party globally'." Hua was referencing the proposed Strategic Competition Act of 2021, a Senate bill "to address issues involving the People's Republic of China." Media analysts, however, have pointed to differences between state-run media such as CGTN and media funded by governments but editorially independent, such as the U.K.'s BBC and Germany's Deutsche Welle. VOA and its sister networks, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), are funded by the U.S. Congress, but an editorial firewall protects them from political interference. All countries to some extent "try to use soft power, of which media very often is, in order to improve their political and economic position in the world," Dear said. "That is what China is doing, and it's a reflection of its growing economic and political power." The pandemic gave Beijing an opportunity "to promote the socialist system and the leadership of the Communist Party as superior to the Western system of democracy, universal values and freedom," Dan Garrett, a former intelligence analyst at the Pentagon, told VOA. "You definitely have an aspect of the current information campaign from Beijing that is oriented towards discrediting Western media as biased, as racist, as anti-China." In all but three of the countries included in the IFJ research, China donated pandemic aid, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. The IFJ report found that often the supplies described in local media as donations by Beijing had been purchased from China by governments. In Serbia, the government has aligned itself with China since Beijing supported it during the Kosovo conflict in the late 1990s and the NATO bombing of Serbian positions in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo. Early on in the pandemic, Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic visited Beijing, saying, "You didn't fear NATO bombs. My visit shows we're not afraid of the virus," the IFJ report said. China also provided supplies and the bulk of Serbia's vaccines. In April, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Serbia had received about 2.5 million doses of the Chinese-produced Sinopharm vaccine and slightly less than a million vaccines from all other manufacturers combined. China's influence and its backing by Belgrade "exists without any doubt," said Dinko Gruhonjic, editor in chief of the Serbian media outlet VOICE and program director of the Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina. "It is simply put as official propaganda, claiming that European Union and the West abandoned Serbia in need. And that the country would be doomed without the help of 'Chinese brothers' who provided sanitary materials, vaccines and other means of help," Gruhonjic told VOA. "It was one of the dominant narratives in most pro-government media, including billboards placed around Belgrade in support of the alleged friendship between the Serbian and Chinese people," Gruhonjic said. The billboards appeared in Belgrade last year, saying "Thank you, brother Xi." They were allegedly funded by a pro-government tabloid newspaper, according to RFE/RL. The Serbian government owns or controls nearly all media in the country, the IFJ reported. "The Serbian public accept those narratives and propaganda. The majority consume state and pro-government media and is convinced that allies of Serbia are from the East of the globe and the enemies are from the West," Gruhonjic said. Besides noting an increased Chinese presence in their media, more than 80% of those surveyed worldwide flagged concerns over growing disinformation in national outlets. Garrett, of the nongovernmental organization Securing Tianxia, said that China, Russia and others "rely on individual citizens and individual newsreaders' inability or a lack of time to comprehensively review media sources to get the full story from multiple different sources." "I think it is a very challenging problem for your average media consumer," he added. The IFJ report found that Beijing's influence was viewed more positively in Africa than in any other continent. China has offered media content, training and resources to several African countries where local news outlets face economic hardships. "China has really invested in its media in Africa, and specifically in Kenya, so that they can have their own media houses to tell Chinese stories," Eric Oduor, secretary-general of Kenya Union of Journalists, told VOA. An earlier report by the IFJ found that in Kenya, most of the biggest outlets have content-sharing deals, including the Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation, which has a state-of the-art studio built with Chinese funding. The state-run CGTN and Xinhua News Agency have headquarters in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, where they develop and share content with local media outlets. "I don't believe that there is any expectations that journalists (are) supposed to abide by," Oduor said. When officials are in Kenya, like during President Xi Jinping's visit, "they try to lobby and work with journalists and also media managers so that they can have space for their own stories." For the IFJ, its findings underscore the importance of independent news and media literacy and helping news managers understand the ethics of receiving free content from China. "What we're seeing here is a very centrally directed narrative, whether it's about the Belt and Road Initiative, whether it's about coronavirus, whether it's about the Uyghurs, whether it's about the South China Sea. All of these issues that are politically or economically important to China," the IFJ's Dear said. "That's why journalism is so important. It doesn't just accept what any government says. It asks questions of that government. It gets other points of view." Neighbors found Nun Sareth, 38, outside his home in Kampong Chhnangs Boribo district Sunday evening. The home was engulfed in flames, his wife and four children were inside the house. Three fire engines put out the fire, but it was too late - all five people inside were dead, including a three-year-old boy. Nun Sareth told police that an issue with an electric connection in the house caused the fire. But, police investigators and members of the Child Protection Unit were not convinced. The police questioned how Nun Sareth did not have any time to save any members of his family. Khov Ly, Kampong Chhnangs provincial police chief, said a medical autopsy of Nun Sareths wife, who goes by Chea, and their three-year-old son showed they were deceased before the fire started. We found that two people died before the [fire] incident, he said. The technical team concluded it was a murder. The police questioned Nun Sareth for two days, he maintained his innocence and denied killing his wife and son. But, on the second night of interrogations Nun Sareth made an unusual request, Khov Ly said. He asked for a bunch of incense sticks and said he would answer us [the next day]. Then the next morning, he confessed, the provincial police said. Nun Sareth was charged with Article 200 of the Criminal Code and could be sentenced to prison for life if convicted. He told police investigators that his wife swore at him frequently and he lost control on May 9. A statement from the Child Protection Unit said the accused was having an argument with Chea inside their home, when he grabbed a pair of scissors, stabbed his wife, and then attacked his three-year-old son. Nun Sareth then strangled his nine-year-old stepson, after which his seven-year-old twin stepsons ran away and hid in one of the rooms. Nun Sareth then started a fire, likely using a mattress and clothing, knowing that his stepsons were alive and locked in one of the rooms, according to the statement. All 5 persons died in the fire or from injuries they received prior to the fire began. The twins were found deceased still holding each other, the statement reads. Nun Vanny, Nun Sareths father, said Chea had been married two times previously. She had a nine-year-old son with the first husband and the twins during her second marriage. The three-year-old, Chamroeun, was Nun Sareths biological son. The father was unaware the couple was having fights or that it would lead to homicide. They seemed sweet to each other all the time. If I had known, I would have asked them to calm down, he said. Nou Heng, a village chief in Deum Chre, and Chan Ann, Khon Rorngs commune chief, both said the family was facing financial distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The village chief said the family was indebted after they took a loan to buy land and to build their home last year. Nun Sareth would sell clay cookware and stoves and had tried to sell second-hand clothes. Before the confession, Nun Sareth received donations from the Cambodian Red Cross, the Royal Palace and other senior government officials, when it was assumed the fire was an accident. But, news of Nun Sareths confession has left his family in shock. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. Human rights leaders have welcomed strong statements from the new administration but say action must follow. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has more. VOA Khmer's Vanrith Chrea narrates. A television presenter, who alleged a local tycoon of attempted rape, was granted bail by a Phnom Penh court Thursday. The influential businessman sued her for stealing a phone and attacking him, leading to her detention last week. This case involves Mean Pich Rita, a 20-year-old second-year university student, and presenter on My TV and a local tycoon Heng Sier, who is the director of Heng Sreng Hong Construction Import and Export and CamboPura Glass company. After Mean Pich Ritas detention was widely criticized on social media, Prime Minister Hun Sens legal team agreed to represent her on Wednesday, and she was granted bail Thursday morning, according to her new lawyer, Viroch Sophang. The lawyer said investigating judge Koy Sao granted bail because there was no evidence to support the detention, even though the judge had remanded her to pre-trial detention 48 hours earlier. First, the evidence is not sufficient. Second, it involves my clients health and safety, Viroch Sophang said. The lawyer denied allegations that her client stole a phone, stabbed, or injured Heng Sier. Y Rin, a spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, confirmed via Telegram that the judge had decided to release Mean Pich Rita on bail, but declined to provide further details. According to the Mean Pich Ritas court complaint, filed on May 11, Heng Sier attempted to sexually assault her in a car on May 4 and pressured her to accompany him to a guesthouse. The complaint said she had to push him aside to escape the car before returning home. In her complaint, she went on to add that Tuol Kork police detained her from her home last week and was sent to Phnom Penh Municipal Court for questioning. A court order published by local media shows that investigating judge Koy Sao ordered the detention of Mean Pich Rita on May 11 for alleged theft and for purportedly stabbing Heng Sier. Mean Pich Rita denied the allegations in her complaint and called for justice. The case has generated a lot of anger among Cambodian social media users, who have come to support Mean Pich Rita. The hashtag #JusticeFor Yubi, which is her nickname, was trending on Wednesday, with many Facebook users calling for her immediate release and decried the treatment of women who come forward publicly in cases of sexual assault. Videos were also published on social media that allegedly show CCTV footage of a man exiting a car and running away, after which a woman exits the car with a knife in hand. Another video again purportedly has audio of Mean Pich Rita crying and alleging that someone tried to rape her. On Thursday, Heng Sier released a letter in local media admitting that he was having a relationship with Mean Pich Rita and that she demanded a large sum of money to end the relationship. He also apologized to his wife and family, but maintained that Pich Rita attempted to injure him. She demanded cash, which was an extreme amount for ending a love relationship. This made me unable to fulfill her desire, and I did not expect that she had a knife and would stab me shortly after, the letter reads. VOA Khmer could not contact Mean Pich Rita, her family, or Heng Sier on Thursday. Chak Sopheap, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, told VOA Khmer on Wednesday that law enforcement officials must take legal action to prove who violated the law in this case, and to end impunity by perpetrators of serious crimes. As he has five times before, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni took the oath of office Wednesday and was sworn in to a sixth term in office. I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God, that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the president of Uganda, and shall uphold, preserve and defend the constitution so, help me God, Museveni said to cheers and music. In his inaugural speech, Museveni who has been harshly criticized for repressing political opposition also said foreigners have no right to teach him about democracy. Museveni and his National Resistance Movement party were declared the winner of the January 14 elections with 58.6% of the vote. Opposition leader Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform, which came in second with 34%, say the vote was rigged. During the campaign period, dozens of Ugandan youth were either arrested, injured or killed as security forces tried to block Wine from holding rallies. One of those injured was 29-year-old Senjovu Jonathan, who was shot by a soldier as he walked home in Kampala on November 19. He said Musevenis swearing-in would mean something if the president promised to punish those who wounded or killed young people like him. Senjovu said government has never investigated whether the people they maimed and killed are helped. He said, I hoped that the president we chose was meant to be sworn]in today, but that hasnt happened. Someone else has sworn in. Museveni rigged the election but we will never settle until Uganda gets the change it deserves, Senjovu said. The shootings during the campaign generated harsh criticism against Museveni, both at home and internationally. But on Wednesday, Museveni dismissed his critics, saying Uganda never experienced democracy during times of colonialism and much of the post-colonial era. This is why he says he developed a democratic structure for Uganda. It is therefore quite comic and laughable to hear some actors in the world, giving us lectures about democracy. We built this system for our people. We neither seek nor need any approbation from anybody outside Uganda," Museveni said. In his inaugural speech, witnessed by eleven presidents, Museveni preached African security, a united front and the need to defend Africa from foreign enemies. The majority of the over 4,000 invited guests were supporters of the ruling party. Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbayo was elated about the swearing-in. Now hes starting a new term, thats the importance. To the NRM party, it is victory on and on, Mbayo said. Museveni is now expected to head Uganda until 2025 when he would turn 82. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-12 22:29:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke (2nd L) and Permanent Secretary of Tanzanian Ministry of Finance and Planning Emmanuel Tutuba (1st R) show the signed agreement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 12, 2021. China and Tanzania on Wednesday signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation to enhance bilateral friendship. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania on Wednesday signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation to enhance bilateral friendship. The agreement was signed in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam by Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and Planning Emmanuel Tutuba on behalf of the two governments. According to the agreement, the Chinese government will provide new gratis aid for Tanzanian mainland, which will be utilized in the construction of projects negotiated and approved by the two governments. Speaking shortly after the signing of the agreement, Tutuba extended thanks to China for its valuable support and committed to strengthen the existing good relationship between the countries. He said China has been supporting Tanzania in important areas such as railway infrastructure, education, health, information and communication technology and agriculture. The government of Tanzania will take all necessary measures to ensure successful implementation of the projects to be implemented under this grant in order to achieve the intended objectives, Tutuba added. For her part, the Chinese envoy said the agreement is a concrete action of the Chinese side to enhance the friendship between China and Tanzania and to promote bilateral economic and technical cooperation. "China has always regarded Tanzania as an all-weather friend and a good partner," she said. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide, China stands ready to continue and offer its utmost support to Tanzania and work together with the Tanzanian side to fight against the pandemic and go through difficult times, said Wang. Enditem Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. In the space of 30 minutes, behind closed doors and by a voice vote, Republicans removed Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from her role as the third-ranking GOP leader. If the "how" is any indicator of the "why" and the "what now," the maneuvering to get Cheney out on Wednesday bodes very poorly for House Republicans. Consider what they could have done: 1. Hold the vote in public. 2. Hold the vote in private but allow time for those who wanted to speak on Cheney's behalf to do so. 3. Hold the vote in private but allow a roll call vote so that people not in the room could have some sense of what the level of support for Cheney was. They didn't do any of that. In fact, according to The New York Times' Jonathan Martin, "a handful of members missed it [the Cheney vote] because they were just arriving to the meeting when it broke up." The entire feel of the vote was one of shame or embarrassment. An active effort to not draw any more attention to what was happening -- and to quickly start talking about the future. (Worth noting: former President Donald Trump continues to talk about the past -- the 2020 election, in particular, every single day.) "We, as a conference, must remain focused on stopping Speaker Pelosi and President Biden's socialist agenda," wrote House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (Louisiana) in a memo sent to members shortly after the Cheney vote. Look, no party likes to air their dirty laundry in public. But in a matter this serious -- the first removal of a Republican leader from her post in the modern history of the House -- you would think that the party would, at a minimum, allow dissenters to the ouster of Cheney to have their voices heard and their votes recorded. Even before the vote, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger had sussed out what Republican leaders were trying to do -- and how a-historical it is/was. "Kevin McCarthy (an employee of Donald Trump) may win tomorrow, but history won't be kind," Kinzinger tweeted. "Never has our party gone after it's own leadership like this, but Kevin and Steve Scalise made history, because Trump has thin skin. I'd be embarrassed if I was them." It's worth remembering too that the last time House Republicans held a vote to remove Cheney -- in early February -- they not only held a roll call vote but also released the results. (Cheney won that won 145-61.) Why then hold a voice vote only this time around? My educated guess is that McCarthy and Scalise wanted to show as much of a united party as possible -- and a voice vote was their best possible route to achieve that goal. There's no numbers involved and no recorded votes -- meaning that reporters can't follow up with each individual member and ask how they voted. Because there was no vote. With stakes this high, the attempt to paper over who, exactly, wanted Cheney gone (and who wanted her to stay) is an act of political cowardice. That they didn't even feel as though they owed Cheney a formal vote -- so she could see who, exactly, wanted her gone -- speaks to just how much they think of her. Answer? Not much. Click here for updates on this story ORANGE COUNTY, Florida (WESH) -- Orange County is considering an ordinance that would ban the retail sale of cats and dogs. At a workshop on Tuesday morning, more than 30 citizens spoke out on the issue. The burning question is, will existing pet shops be forced to close? Or will they be grandfathered in? I had to go home and tell my 3-year-old son that the dog he loved and fell in love with was dead," said Michael Kraft, who adopted a sick dog. Kraft was one of the residents who pleaded with the Orange County Commission on Tuesday to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs. He says he bought his kids an expensive dog at a local pet shop, only to have it die a few days later. They kept telling me there was nothing wrong with the dog, nothing wrong with the dog," Kraft said. The county commission is considering two versions of a proposed ban. One would completely ban the retail sale of cats and dogs, but pet stores could still display animals for adoption. Any fee collected must go to the rescue organization. The second version would ban new retail pet shops from opening, but grandfather in the eight that currently exist in the county. Moving forward, they would have to prove their pets come from reputable breeders. Speakers in favor of the ban argued that retail pet stores support the puppy mill industry and engage in predatory lending practices to get people to finance expensive, often unhealthy pets. The majority of speakers against the ban were affiliated with the Petland chain of stores, which has two locations in Orlando. "We source our puppies from the best breeders we can find, we responsibly care for them," said Eric Davies, owner of Petland Orlando South. The county commission must now consider which version of the ordinance to take to a public hearing. Seminole, Osceola, Marion and Lake counties already have some version of a ban on retail pet sales. Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 01:02:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- At least nine Boko Haram militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Nigeria's restive northeast state of Borno, said an army source Wednesday. In a statement reaching Xinhua, Mohammed Yerima, an army spokesperson, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed nine Boko Haram militants as they attempted to attack the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno capital, Tuesday. Yerima said the militants tried to advance from the Aldawari axis to attack soft targets in Jiddari Polo but were repelled by combined troops of the army, police, vigilantes and hunters. "Following a hot pursuit by troops, the heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists as nine of them were neutralized while many escaped with gunshot wounds," he said. One gun truck, three motorcycles, three machine guns, a rocket-propelled gun, and four AK-47 rifles were recovered from the militants, he said. Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. The terror group has also extended its attacks to other countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Enditem State Representatives Anthony Daniels and Laura Hall, The Rosa Parks Day Committee of Huntsville-Madison County, and partnering local civic and social organizations will have a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday. They plan to call for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray to renounce their affirmation of Huntsville Police Officer William Darby or to resign. Darby last week was convicted of the murder of Jeffrey Parker. After the verdict was announced, both Battle and McMurray released statements saying they disagreed with the jurys decision and continue to support Darby. The city has placed Darby on paid administrative leave. Read more about the case HERE. Watch the news conference live on WAAYTV.com at 10 a.m. Thursday. Seven Athens High School students are ready to launch their careers after completing the school's first Ready to Work program. Students participating in the program had their pick of 21 local businesses for their interviews. "I only signed up for two and they were with Athens Hospital and Mazda Toyota," said Zuleyma Figueroa. Figueroa said she was surprised Mazda Toyota offered her a position. "I really didnt think I would get an offer from them," said Figueroa. "When I saw it, I was just in shock." Figueroa has plans to enter community college this fall, while working at Mazda Toyota. Lori Jones, the Career and Technical teacher, says students are able to choose whether or not they want to continue their studies. "Thats the beauty of the program," said Jones. "Some of my students have accepted a career and maybe their job is going to allow them to work and make the money to pay for school." Senior Luke Lynn said he doesn't have plans to go to college. The Ready to Work program prepared him for the job force, right out of high school. "I had two interviews," said Lynn. "The first one was just basic interview questions; 'hey, what would you do in these situations?' And the second one we went over the benefits." Jones said the program has seven units to cover. "Students actually get the opportunity to learn about applications, interviewing, all types of information about workplace skills," said Jones. Students also learn how to problem solve, think critically and improve their time management. Participating companies are paying $17 an hour or more. Companies are also offering a number of benefits. Students who complete the program will receive one free course at an Alabama Community College and an Alabama certified worker certificate. Athens Renaissance High School will be offering the Ready to Work program during the next school year. Your tax dollars are being used to pay the salary of a convicted murder. Right now, Officer William Darby is on paid administrative leave after being convicted of murder on Friday. WAAY reached out to the Huntsville Police Department to speak to Chief Mark McMurray, who recommended Officer Darby be placed on administrative leave. However, we were told he wouldn't speak any further about the case or the process of putting an employee on paid leave. That request was approved by the mayor, city administrator and city director of human resources. The city says this whole process is actually normal, but people in the area have some concerns. "Convicted and done with. He should not be paid at all," Aletha Hampton said. Many people are upset the city is still paying Officer Darby after being convicted of murder. However, not everyone agrees. "I don't have a problem with it, but I think they should get it done as quickly as possible," Howard Ross said. The city says it's working as fast as it can to resolve the issue. The city says Darby being placed on paid leave is part of the due process, which Darby and other city employees are entitled to. City officials say if he was deprived of pay before due process, it would be a form of discipline. On Tuesday, the city issued a notice of a request for a formal disciplinary hearing. Darby will be on paid leave pending the results of that hearing. A hearing usually takes place no more than 30 days after an employee receives the notice. The hearing will be closed to the public and any information about it will not be available until it is complete. The city says it's to preserve the integrity of the process. Darby faces several actions including oral or written reprimand, probation, suspension, demotion or even termination. He's also facing at least 20 years of jail time for his criminal conviction. Something not everyone agrees to. "I sure would hate for someone to throw me in jail for not doing my job right or doing my job wrong," Ross said. "It's a balancing act. On one hand, something was done wrong. Something needs to be addressed, but on the other hand, i don't think you should take a man and because he's trying to do the job, maybe he did it wrong, but i don't think he deliberately did it incorrectly." "He thought he was doing right at the time. I don't think they go into a situation just trying to cause problem or saying 'Gee! I just want to kill somebody.' They try to save lives," Judy Garrett added. However, some say officers need to be held at a higher standard. "You're supposed to be protecting the people. You're supposed to be abiding by the law," Hampton said. WAAY 31 also learned Judge Donna Pate re-issued the gag order on the case. It was re-issued after attorneys on both sides gave press conferences following Officer Darby's' conviction on Friday. It essentially silences anyone involved in the case like the attorneys and members of law enforcement. We reached out to the judge to see why she issued the gag order after the trial and if this order applies to the city council members and the mayor. We are still waiting to hear back. WHO CAN ENTER 1. This prize draw is open to all residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over, except for employees of Trailfinders, Singapore Airlines, Tourism Australia and the Promoter, their associated companies, agents, third parties or anyone else professionally associated with this draw. For the avoidance of doubt, Tourism Australia is not a promoter or joint promoter of this competition. 2. By submitting a prize draw entry, you are agreeing to be bound by these terms and conditions. The instructions provided at the point of entry form part of the terms and conditions of this prize draw. In the event of a conflict, these terms and conditions take precedence. 3. There is no purchase necessary DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 4. Entries must be received by 21:59 on, 28 July 2021 the Closing Date. Entries received after the Closing Date will not be accepted. HOW TO ENTER 5. To enter, simply go to www.waitrose.com/winaustralia, follow the instructions at the top of the page and submit your details and other required information using the online form provided. 6. There is a limit of one entry per person. Multiple entries submitted directly or with the use of any automated systems will not be entered into the draw 7. 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The prize includes: one set of return flights in economy for two adults (taxes included) from London to Sydney, returning from Brisbane to London with Singapore Airlines, and all internal flights in Australia; 16 nights 4-star to 5-star hotels with 4 nights in Sydney, 2 nights in the Hunter Valley with a Picnic Among the Vines tour, 4 nights in Cairns with a Best of Atherton Tablelands tour, 2 nights in Brisbane with a Laneways & Cafes tour and 4 nights on Hamilton Island. Accommodation is a twin or double room for two adults. 12. The prize does not include access to the lounge, priority security clearance or priority boarding. 13. Travel is subject to the standard terms and conditions of carriage of Singapore Airlines accessible here and the standard booking conditions of Trailfinders accessible here. 14. The winner must provide a minimum of three months notice of preferred travel dates for prize. 15. The prize does not include any UK transport or accommodation. 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Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 04:38:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TUNIS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi announced on Wednesday a series of measures to support small businesses severely damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. In his evening speech on state television Wataniya1, Mechichi said 5,000 interest-free loans worth 5,000 Tunisian dinars (1,828 U.S. dollars) each will be offered to small and medium-sized businesses affected by the pandemic, especially those directly related to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. "Small artisans and traders will be exempt from taxes until the end of the current fiscal year, without penalties," he noted. Morocco decided on May 7 to impose a general lockdown for a period of seven days from May 9 to May 16 to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, but the government on Wednesday decided to ease a series of COVID-19 restrictions from May 14 until June 6. Enditem Draghi performs role as prime minister of Italy for free, papers show. Italy's prime minister Mario Draghi receives zero remuneration for his post running the country, according to documents published on the Italian government's website. The papers, published to fulfill "administrative transparency," reveal that the former head of the European Central Bank is performing the role of prime minister for free. A document posted on the Palazzo Chigi website reads: "The undersigned Mario Draghi hereby declares that he receives no remuneration of any kind related to his appointment to office." Draghi's income in 2020, for the fiscal year of 2019, amounts to 581,665, reports Italian news agency ANSA. The premier declares the possession of 10 buildings (including one in London) - both owned and co-owned - and six plots of land, as well as a stake of 10,000 in the general partnership company 'Serena,' reports newspaper La Repubblica. The prime minister, who took up his role on 13 February, does not list any cars, boats or aircraft in his possession. Draghi's predecessor Giuseppe Conte received a stipend of 91,837, an amount "equal to 80 per cent of the allowance of 114,796.68," reduced at the former premier's request, according to Italian business newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. Draghi's taxable income amounts to about half that declared by Conte on his arrival at Palazzo Chigi in 2018, which was listed at almost 1.2 million. However the record belongs to former premier Silvio Berlusconi, the media tycoon and leader of the centre-right Forza Italia, reports Il Sole 24 Ore. In 2006, the then leader of the Popolo della Liberta (PdL) declared an income of more than 139 million. Fratelli d'Italia to distribute Meloni book in school near bookshop. The decision by a Rome book seller not to stock the memoir of Giorgia Meloni, the leader of right-wing Italian party Fratelli d'Italia (FdL), has attracted both applause and criticism in recent days. "I am an independent bookseller and I won't be selling this book," said Alessandra Laterza, owner of Le Torri, the only bookstore in Tor Bella Monaca, a disadvantaged Roman suburb synonymous with crime. The book, Io sono Giorgia, sees the author open up about her childhood growing up in Garbatella, the loss of her father at a young age, and her joy of becoming a mother, alongside her political views and the story of her rise to the top of FdL. Laterza's decision to boycott Meloni's autobiography is "an ethical choice," she told online newspaper RomaToday, adding: "My bookshop is a place of resistance." However Laterza has found herself at the centre of a debate between those who support her stance and those who don't. Italian newspaper La Repubblica reports that the bookseller has since received insulting messages and emails which are currently being investigated by the Polizia Postale. The FdL has responded to Laterza by distributing the book at a high school in Tor Bella Monaca, a stone's throw from Le Torri bookshop, on the morning of 13 May. The "flash mob" initiative, under the title "Noi Siamo Giorgia," will see the book given for free to students at the school, reports Italian news agency ANSA. Laterza's decision was mocked by regional FdL councillor Chiara Colosimo as a "heroic act of resistance in 2021" and the "ridiculous censorship of one woman by another, reports RomaToday. FdL, which chose to remain outside Mario Draghi's government of national unity, is currently polling at 18 per cent, just four points behind the Lega, its right-wing ally led by Matteo Salvini. The wait for Rome's buses and trains just got more interesting. Italy's first mobile digital library uniting public transport with literature has been launched in Rome in what is being hailed as the largest project of its kind in Europe. The +Viaggi +Leggi initiative, which translates as +Travel +Read, will allow commuters to choose from hundreds of titles including e-books, audio books and music tracks for free. Access is available at bus and tram stops and subway platforms across the capital, letting commuters read or listen to music as they while away the time waiting for their bus or train to arrive, before continuing to read on their journey. There are more than 18,000 QR codes to match the same number of library access points on the transport network. "I am very proud of this initiative" - said Rome mayor Virginia Raggi - "The goal is to broaden the audience of readers and make culture increasingly accessible and available to all." The books will be available for six months, before being replaced by new ones, and there is no quantity limit on smartphones or tablets. The titles available in the digital library will be listed in bus shelters, on board some metro trains and at bus terminals at the central Termini train station. There is a wide range of categories to suit all tastes and age groups: children's books, Italian literature and international classics, poetry and art, travel and music. There are sections dedicated to Dante, Trilussa and the Roman poets, as well as the "Libri in Lingua" with books in English, French, Spanish, Bengali and Romanian aimed at the city's foreign communities. For more details see city website. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 11:34:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Special United Nations (UN) Envoy to Libya, Jan Kubis, urged Wednesday Libyan political and social groups to reject hatred and end divisions in the country. He made the suggestion in a statement on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Muslim's holy month of fasting, "in order to restore coexistence between all spectrums of the Libyan society and re-unite the country and its institutions." "The Special Envoy hopes that the Eid represents an opportunity of reconciliation among Libyans, after ending the armed conflict in Libya," the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in the statement. Kubis called on all Libyans, political, tribal, societal representatives, institutions and authorities to "act in conformity with their commitment to the values of gratitude, mercy, tolerance and goodwill, represented by the Eid, in order to lead the country towards peace, stability, democracy and prosperity." "He praises all efforts by various parties, which lead to the release of dozens of detainees and appeals to everyone to exert all possible efforts to release all arbitrary detainees, in all parts of Libya, and to enforce the respect for human rights as a critical foundation for confidence-building and for establishing a comprehensive right-based national reconciliation and transitional justice," the statement said. The UN envoy also called on the Libyan people to support the Presidency Council and the Government of National Unity to enable them to unify the country's national institutions, enhance the provision of basic services, and prepare for the upcoming national elections later this year. "He calls on all authorities and institutions to accelerate the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, work for a speedy withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, as requested by UN Security Council Resolution 2570 (2021) and the Libyan people, yearning for the restoration of the full sovereignty of Libya, free from foreign interference," the statement added. The UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) recently selected a new executive authority of a unity government and a presidency council. The new executive authority's main task is to prepare for the national elections on Dec. 24, 2021, as endorsed by the LPDF. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 19:42:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China's telecommunication giant Huawei Technologies on Wednesday announced the launch of a program to facilitate recruitment for jobs and internship targeting Kenyan university students. More than 30 jobs and internship opportunities will be available to local youth with advanced training in ICT under the program that is also supported by China Telecom, one of China's three largest telecom operators. Joe Mucheru, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovations and Youth Affairs, hailed collaboration with Huawei to boost digital skills among Kenyan youth and hasten realization of the country's quest to become a knowledge economy powerhouse. "With programs such as Huawei ICT Academy and Huawei management trainee program, the ICT local talent and broader ecosystem will be boosted," said Mucheru. The jobs and internship recruitment program for Kenyan graduates was launched at Huawei Job Fair that was held virtually on Wednesday and was graced by senior government officials, industry executives and scholars. Potential employers will advertise vacancies to a pool of highly qualified ICT graduates under the innovative public-private partnership model that is expected to revitalize Kenya's digital economy. Will Meng, CEO of Huawei Kenya, said that improving the digital skills of Kenyan youth is key to prepare them adequately for future jobs besides enhancing their contribution to the country's socio-economic transformation. "With the evolving technology we need to make sure as employers, we keep transferring skills to lecturers and students, so they are prepared for these jobs," said Meng. He said Huawei has rallied behind Kenya's digital economy blueprint whose core pillars include e-government and technology driven commerce. Johnson Kinyua, dean of Students Office at the University of Nairobi, said that career and internship opportunities are key to improving competence and visibility of ICT graduates. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 21:42:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Libyans held Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Martyrs' Square in the center of the capital Tripoli on Thursday. The Eid al-Fitr prayer is a special prayer that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is held by Muslims around the world in the morning of the first day following Ramadan. The prayer included a preach by an Imam, who called for forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation in the country. The preach also called on Libyans to join efforts to rebuild the country, which suffered years of armed conflict and unrest. Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has been plagued by political instability and insecurity. The Government of National Unity was recently selected by the UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), ending years of political division in the country. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:32:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Ghanaian cocoa farmer picks cocoa beans from a cocoa fruit with a machete on a plantation in Eastern Region, Ghana, on May 11, 2021. Cocoa is among one of the topmost agricultural export products in Ghana. Ghana exports around 850,000 metric tons of cocoa each year, most of which is unprocessed, ready to be turned into chocolate and other products in Europe and other areas. (Xinhua/Seth) Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 10:05:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A previously unpublished letter from Albert Einstein revealed profound insights into one of the greatest minds in history, according to Australian researchers. The letter, penned in 1949 by the physicist and Nobel laureate, discussed bees, birds and whether new physics principles could come from studying animal senses. The researchers from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University said in a statement on Wednesday that it was a position still being realised within physics, with a growing body of research and understanding of how animals such as birds and bees find their way around. The previously unpublished letter was shared with researchers by Judith Davys, a retiree living in Britain. Einstein had sent it to her late husband, radar researcher Glyn Davys, who had joined the British Royal Navy during WWII and researched topics including the budding use of radar to detect ships and aircraft. RMIT's Associate Professor Adrian Dyer has published significant studies into bees and is the lead author of the new paper on Einstein's letter, published in the latest the Journal of Comparative Physiology A. Dyer said the letter showed how Einstein envisaged how new discoveries could come from studying animals. "Seven decades after Einstein proposed new physics might come from animal sensory perception, we're seeing discoveries that push our understanding about navigation and the fundamental principles of physics," Dyer said. The letter also proved Einstein met with Nobel laurate Karl von Frisch, who was a leading bee and animal sensory researcher. In April 1949, von Frisch presented his research on how honeybees navigate more effectively using the polarization patterns of light scattered from the sky. The day after Einstein attended von Frisch's lecture, the two researchers shared a private meeting. Although this meeting wasn't formally documented, the recently discovered letter from Einstein provides insight into what they might have talked about. "It is thinkable that the investigation of the behaviour of migratory birds and carrier pigeons may someday lead to the understanding of some physical process which is not yet known," Einstein wrote. Professor Andrew Greentree, a theoretical physicist at RMIT, said Einstein also suggested that for bees to extend our knowledge of physics, new types of behaviour would need to be observed. "Remarkably, it is clear through his writing that Einstein envisaged new discoveries could come from studying animals' behaviours," Greentree said. Enditem Winemaking giant Treasury Wine Estates will pivot to the US market and focus on its highly profitable Penfolds brand in a bid to restart profit growth without the help of the lucrative Chinese market. At a strategy day on Thursday, Treasury laid out its plan to grow the business over the next five years and outlined its goals for its three new company divisions announced to the market in February: Penfolds, Treasury Americas and Treasurys premium brands. Treasury Wines has released a bullish earnings update. Credit:Tamara Dean It also told investors 2021 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and industry accounting standard SGARA would be in the range of $495 million to $515 million, beating market expectations. Chief executive Tim Ford said he was confident of the prospects for Treasurys new vision, noting the company did not have many great ambitions for its Chinese market at the moment. The effective closure of the Chinese market to the Australian wine category was a significant event for Treasury, but we are truly excited by the opportunity this now presents to us to accelerate the growth of our business, he said. This week, as Northern Territory politicians debated legislation that is set to fail a whole new generation of First Nations youth, the Parliament closed its doors to the public. Mililma May, right, and Sharna Alley are the co-founders of UP: Uprising of the People. Credit:Rhett Wyman Young Indigenous advocates, opposed to the tough new laws, were arrested for alleged disorderly conduct and removed from the precinct, facing maximum penalties of a $6,600 fine or 12 months imprisonment. They simply stood their ground in the public gallery and raised their right fists in peaceful and silent protest as parliamentarians debated these shameful laws. Leaders of the grassroots group, Uprising of the People, Millima May and Sharna Alley, were among those arrested. Free speech is not free for our young mob. The Northern Territorys decision to reform bail laws and amend the youth justice act is a dangerous move that diminishes the presumption of innocence and criminalises First Nations children and adolescents who deserve protection, not punishment. In 2016, when the ABC revealed the disgraceful treatment of young people in Don Dale the youth detention centre now etched into our minds by the image of the young Indigenous man Dylan Voller in a spit hood the Northern Territorys chief minister Michael Gunner declared he would close Don Dale as soon as possible. Experts are calling for every returned traveller who lands in Australia to be vaccinated against coronavirus as a condition of entry into hotel quarantine system following a spate of virus leaks. Infectious diseases physician Paul Griffin is among a growing group of specialists who want the federal government to consider inoculating every person against coronavirus upon arrival amid fears they could become infected while isolating for 14 days. This is something we should really be seriously investigating because hotel quarantine presents our greatest vulnerability, Professor Griffin said. It is where all our coronavirus cases are coming from. We know there is a lag between being vaccinated and getting maximum protection, but there is also now a growing risk of acquiring the infection in the hotel quarantine system. A second NSW MP has been forced out of the government over allegations of sexual violence, with Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister Gareth Ward denying any wrongdoing or even knowing of an investigation into his conduct until told by a journalist. Mr Wards resignation and move to the cross-bench leaves the minority Berejiklian government with another crisis on the eve of a crucial byelection. NSW sex crime detectives said on Thursday a strike force was investigating a NSW MP accused of sexual violence-related offences dating back to 2013. Mr Ward, the MP for Kiama, revealed himself to be the subject of the criminal inquiry and said he had not been contacted by police about the allegations and denied any wrongdoing. When he has a little more time on his plate, Matt and his partner love Lalla Rookh for its small plates, wine list and pasta. Seriously some of the best food Perth has to offer, and head chef Alex keeps it exciting with weekly specials. Be sure to sit in the wine store for a cosy and unforgettable night. Adam and Joel Rees - Madalenas (South Fremantle) With its exotic wine list and sustainably-sourced local seafood, Madalenas has been a huge hit with locals since opening in January 2019. When brothers Adam and Joel Rees arent satisfying the masses at their South Freo eatery, they like to tuck into some quaint tucker served in the suburbs. Chef Adams regular Monday haunt is James Parker Sushi & Sake, where he cant go past their sashimi. Stepping through the door, you feel like you are in Japan, he said. Like many Perth foodies, Joel loves Wines of While in Northbridge. They have just got a new chef who is producing great dishes. He also cant resist the banh mi at Bibra Lake Lunch Bar, and hes not the only one, with regular queues outside now the norm. Aaron Carr - Yarri (Dunsborough) With some of the states best winery restaurants on his doorstep, when its time to spoil himself, Aaron Carr is spoilt for choice. The head chef at Yarri, now a Dunsborough foodie institution, is a big fan of Barnyard 1978 at Smiths Beach. They do great handmade pastas and local seafoods in a relaxed atmosphere, with a good selection of local wines. [Head chef] Iain [Robertson] knows the region and keeps it real. Closer to home (right next door to Yarri, in fact), the award-winning chef loves Lady Lola Deli Bar Bistro: Michelle is serving some great share style plates and salumis. Hes a big fan of their wine list too: Its local with a lean towards natural, and they also have a great selection of European wines. They smash out an awesome cocktail too. Like many in the South West, when Aaron needs to quench a thirst, he hits up the Beer Farm in Metricup, not just for its family-friendly vibe but arguably the best range of beers in the region. Its a great place for the family, especially in the summer months when the slippery slide is in operation. It keeps the kids occupied for hours, allowing the big kids to have fun as well. Food-wise, he says the brewerys collaboration with Burnt Ends Smoking Co sets its menu apart from others in the region, with mouth-watering, locally-produced beef and local produce cooked over charcoal and smoke turning things up a notch permanently. Marumo chef and owner Moe Oo. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola Moe Oo - Marumo (Nedlands) Moe Oo rarely sees his kids, let alone eat out. Thats the rub running Perths busiest restaurant. But on the odd occasion he and wife Marie escape their insanely popular Nedlands restaurant, their preference is to keep it low key. We havent been out so much for past 14 months given the state of affairs. But we do like to go to Manuka Woodfire Kitchen in Freo, especially for their flatbread, which we love, says Moe. State Buildings wine director Emma Farrelly. And if we happen to be down south, we love to visit Mikis Open Kitchen in Margaret River. Emma Farrelley - director of wine, State Buildings (CBD) She made her name curating wines lists for the cool and classy across Perth, now Emma Farrelly runs the wine program at the State Buildings. With almost a dozen venues there under her domain, shes one busy lady, so where does she go when time allows? My favourite dish to seek out would have to be Amy Hamiltons chilli crab and garlic noodles (or the more aptly named crack noodles) at Liberte in Albany, she says. They are just the perfect balance of intense salty/smoky flavour with an incredible umami character to them I am honestly hooked on them. A little closer to home, Emma loves the bar snacks at Lalla Rookh. I often stop by there after work for head chef Alexandra Haynes excellent snacks. The wine selection obviously adds to the appeal! Dan Wegener star sommelier Former beverage director at Print Hall and head somm at Quay in Sydney, Dan knows what he likes. Hands down the best plate in Perth is the pappardelle with braised duck and mushrooms at No Mafia. It is luxurious, perfect and pronto every time, Dan says. Sangiovese to match please. Rocket salad with pecorino to clean up. Love, love, love ... did I mention the playlist is the best in town too? Voyager Estate Restaurant head chef Santiago Fernandez. Credit:David Dare Parker The couple want the Aishwaryas Care model to be implemented across the states hospital system so no one else has to experience the pain they have felt since their daughters death. We want the system to change, Mr Chavittupara said. We have written to Roger Cook and we would like the new system to be called Aishwaryas Care. [It would] give a concerned parent the right to escalate the situation and not just wait for the hospital staff to respond. We should get medical attention within three minutes and not wait for triage, and not wait for the hospital staff. The report made shocking findings of staffing, equipment and policy issues that may have contributed to Aishwaryas death and made 11 recommendations to improve care at PCH. However, the couple said the report only left them with more unanswered questions and called for an external inquiry into the circumstances around their daughters death as well as the other 20 serious incidents recorded at PCH since January 2020. Health Minister Roger Cook has agreed to the external review, which was also a recommendation of the report, and said he would take direction from Aishwaryas parents. Ethnic Communities Council WA president Suresh Rajan said the couple had chosen not to take part in the initial report, which was compiled over six weeks by a panel of 10 doctors and health bureaucrats, because of its narrow focus. Ethnic Communities Council WA president Suresh Rajan. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola Mr Rajan said there were lots of inconsistencies in the statements of facts in the report and the couples recollection of events on April 3. There is some question about the oxygen monitoring levels that are supposedly at a certain level, identified in the report, but thats not what the nurses said to the family on the night. They said they could not get a reading, he said. The timeframe of exactly when the move happened to go into the resuscitation room, we question. They dont identify a time in the report they simply say, soon after seven oclock. We dont know what at seven or soon after means. So from our perspective, it was much later. Mr Rajan said he also wanted the external inquiry to look at non-health incidents after Aishwayras death including the offensive tone from the coroners office when it asked whether the family would be happy for a coronial inquiry to take place. Mr Rajan said they were not able to answer the question yet as they were still grieving, which was met with a terse response. The response was to the effect that we really are not too concerned how you feel about it. We make the decision whether we have a coronial inquest or not, he said. So why do us the courtesy of asking us what how we feel about it? Just go ahead and do it if you want to do it. Loading Mr Rajan claimed the urgency behind the office wanting an answer was because the government wanted to announce an inquest in parliament. Wanting a decision with it by the end of the day, we understand the reason for that, you know, they wanted to announce it in Parliament. So, not our problem, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 10:11:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19 has appeared to be highly efficacious, as an overwhelming majority of vaccinated health workers were found protected from death and hospitalization, according to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Pandji Dhewantara, an official of the country's health ministry, told a press conference that among the 128,290 health workers vaccinated with Sinovac vaccines and tracked from January to March, 98 percent of them were protected from death and 96 percent from hospitalization as soon as seven days after the second dose. Dhewantara also said that 94 percent of the workers had been protected against symptomatic infection. The Indonesian study compared vaccinated people against the non-vaccinated to derive the estimated effectiveness, said the report. The median age of the participants is 31 years old. In a Tuesday interview with Bloomberg, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that another group of 25,374 people tracked showed the same effectiveness data for hospitalization and infection with the aforementioned group. Protection against death was 100 percent in the smaller group. "We see a very, very drastic drop," in hospitalizations and deaths among medical workers, Sadikin was quoted as saying. Enditem Defund the police may be the lefts most damaging political slogan since the dictatorship of the proletariat. It leaves the right with an economic message which seems more practical and a powerful cultural message around defending flag, family and fireside traditional values. Loading Blair said moderate figures on the left often steered clear of cultural and identity debates because they didnt understand them and worried about tripping up or saying the wrong thing. As a result they didnt recognise a culture war was happening, decided not to participate or played at the back as quietly as possible. The right knows they are onto something on cultural issues, said the former PM. They are revelling in it and setting traps for the left all over the field, which the left is falling into one by one. Blair sealed a landslide election victory in 1997 and won two other polls before quitting in 2007 amid low ratings and fallout from the Iraq war. His essay was published a week after UK Labour suffered major losses at a series of council elections. It was also thumped during a byelection in the traditional Labour stronghold of Hartlepool - a sign that the Conservatives still enjoy strong support from traditional blue-collar voters who overwhelmingly backed Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the 2019 general election. Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics at the University of Kent, earlier this week calculated the centre-left vote was at its lowest level in the UK since 1935, lowest in Austria since 1911, lowest in Germany since 1932 and lowest in Sweden since 1908. It is at its lowest ever in France, Italy and the Netherlands and second-lowest on record in Finland, Goodwin said. UK Labour is still in disarray after its former leader Jeremy Corbyn, the most left-wing figure to ever lead the party, presided over a catastrophic defeat at the 2019 poll. Outlining the principles of how to arrest the lefts electoral woes, Blair warned against keeping your head down. There is a big culture battle going on. Progressive folk tend to wince at terms such as woke and political correctness, but the normal public knows exactly what they mean, he said. Loading And the battle is being fought on ground defined by the right because sensible progressives dont want to be on the field at all. The consequence of this is that the radical progressives, who are quite happy to fight on that ground, carry the progressive standard. The fact that it ensures continued right-wing victory doesnt deter them at all. On the contrary, it gives them a heightened sense of righteousness, like political kamikaze. Blair said the left needed to understand that voters do not like their country, flag or history to be disrespected. The left always gets confused by this sentiment and assume this means people support everything their country has done or think all their history is sacrosanct, he said. They dont. But they query imposing the thinking of today on the practices of yesterday; theyre suspicious that behind the agenda of many of the culture warriors on the left lies an ideology they find alien and extreme; and theyre instinctively brilliant at distinguishing between the sentiment and the movement. They will support strongly campaigns against racism; but they recoil from some of the language and actions of the fringes of the Black Lives Matter movement. You could go through the entire litany of modern causes and find the same - from Extinction Rebellion to trans rights to Reclaim the Streets - in the same way. People like common sense, proportion and reason. They dislike prejudice; but they dislike extremism in combating prejudice. Labour has not governed in the UK for more than six consecutive years except for Blairs decade years in office. Blair described current leader Sir Keir Starmer as intelligent and capable but said he had failed to cut through. The Labour Party is now scratching its collective head and wondering why the replacement of an extremist with someone more moderate isnt achieving the miracle renaissance, Blair said. But the Labour Party wont revive simply by a change of leader. It needs total deconstruction and reconstruction. Labour leader Keir Starmer visits a pub last summer. Credit:PA Blair finished the essay by suggesting the party search for a new governing coalition comprising other centrist minor parties. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 12:05:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MALE, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Maldives President Ibrahim Solih has ordered the security forces to implement health and safety measures in order to curb the ongoing fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, local media reported here Thursday. Meanwhile, in a televised address on Wednesday, Solih urged citizens to cooperate with health regulations to ease the burden on the country's healthcare system and prevent the situation from growing out of control. Solih said that the Maldives was one of the countries worst affected by the pandemic in terms of economic fallout. He warned that more stringent restrictions would be imposed to curb the worsening spread of COVID-19, which would hurt the economy. A curfew is currently effective in the Greater Male area between 4:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., during which all movement is banned except with a special police permit. Prayer congregations in capital Male, as well as dine-in services at all cafes and restaurants, have been suspended. Data from the Health Protection Agency showed that 1,572 new cases were detected in the Maldives on Wednesday. The country's total active cases have risen to 12,873, out of which 263 patients have been hospitalized for treatment. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 13:37:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia confirmed 585 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, raising its national caseload to 47,033, the country's health ministry said Thursday. One of the latest confirmed cases was imported from abroad, and the remaining ones were local infections, the ministry said in a statement. In the past day, the country's COVID-19 death toll rose by nine to 205, while the number of recoveries grew by 1,548 to 37,281, said the ministry. The country launched a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to cover at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million. A total of more than 1,712,500 Mongolians have so far received their first dose and over 634,600 have got both jabs. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 14:36:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has cleared phase II and III clinical trials of Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine for children from two and 18 years, officials said Thursday. "The National Regulator of the country, the DCGI, after careful examination, has accepted the recommendation of Subject Expert Committee and accorded permission to conduct the Phase II/III clinical trial of Covaxin (COVID-19 vaccine) in the age group 2 to 18, to its manufacturer Bharat Biotech Ltd on 12.05.2021," reads a statement issued by the federal health ministry. According to the ministry, Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech International Ltd., Hyderabad had proposed to carry out the clinical trials of Covaxin in the age group of 2 to 18. The trials will be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers, the ministry said. In the trials, the vaccine will be given by intramuscular route in two doses at day 0 and day 28. According to a government statement, the drug regulator accepted the recommendation of an expert committee on vaccines. India has been seeing a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, according to media reports. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 23,703,665 on Thursday with 362,727 new cases registered in the past 24 hours, while the death toll swelled to 258,317 with 4,120 deaths since Wednesday morning, the federal health ministry announced Thursday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 14:41:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Mingma Tenji Sherpa, a Nepali Sherpa mountain guide, has created a world record by scaling Mt. Qomolangma, the world's highest peak, twice in the shortest span of time in a season, organizers said Thursday. Sherpa first reached the top of the mountain in the evening of May 7 as a member of a rope-fixing team, and then performed the feat again on the morning of May 11, while guiding an expedition team consisting of Bahraini Prince Sheikh Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Khalifa, according to the company which organized both expeditions. "He climbed Mt. Qomolangma twice in the gap of just four days which is a world record," Mingma Sherpa, chairperson of the Seven Summit Treks, told Xinhua. "He took nearly 86 hours to do double ascents." Previously, Indian mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa had held the record for fastest dual ascents on Mt. Qomolangma, doing so in 118 hours and 15 minutes in 2017. Through her record was broken, she still holds the record for fastest dual ascent on the peak by a woman. Mingma Tenji Sherpa has been working as a mountain guide with the Seven Summit Treks. Other climbers have set their own records on the 8848.86-meter-high Mt. Qomolangma this season from the Nepali side, including Kami Rita Sherpa, a Nepali mountain guide who broke his own record by climbing the mountain for the 25th time on May 8, and three Nepali Sherpa sisters from the same family, who reached the top on May 12. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 15:14:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SEOUL, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Ten more U.S. soldiers in South Korea tested positive for COVID-19, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday. The USFK said in a statement that 10 service members were confirmed with the COVID-19 after arriving in South Korea between April 26 and May 12. Five service members arrived at Osan Air Base on U.S. government-chartered flights from the United States on April 26, May 5, 10 and 12. The Osan Air Base is located in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul. Five service members arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on international commercial flights on May 5, 7 and 8. The confirmed patients have been transferred to designated isolation facilities at the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and the Osan Air Base, both of which are located in Pyeongtaek, and the Kunsan Air Base in the southwestern city of Kunsan. The total number of infections among the USFK-affiliated personnel rose to 865, according to the Yonhap news agency. In the latest tally, South Korea reported 715 more cases of COVID-19 for the past 24 hours, raising the total number of infections to 129,633. Enditem The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks outdoors and in most indoor settings, but one of Canada's top public health officials suggests a different approach would be taken here. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks outdoors and in most indoor settings, but one of Canada's top public health officials suggests a different approach would be taken here. "We have more of what I'd call a collective or community approach," Dr. Howard Njoo, deputy chief public health officer, told a briefing in Ottawa on Thursday. "So it's not about what an individual should be able to do with one or two doses." Adam Feller reacts as he gets his Pfizer-BioNTech shot at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Montreal. Quebec has become the latest province to stop giving Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 shot as a first dose.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz He said even as more Canadians get their shots, public health measures such as physical distancing, mask wearing and frequent hand washing remain key. Njoo added the rate of new infections, the number of new cases resulting from each infection, test positivity rates and impact on the health-care system are all factors that should be weighed. "If all that is looking good at a certain point in time along with high vaccine coverage that's the point I think that certainly local health authorities will be able to consider loosening restrictions on what Canadians are able to do." Njoo said 40 per cent of eligible Canadians over the age of 18 have now received one vaccine dose good, but not maximum, protection. More than 46 per cent of the U.S. population has been given at least one dose and more than a third given both. Njoo made his remarks after Ontario announced it's keeping its stay-at-home order in place until at least June 2 in order to have the "most normal July and August possible." Premier Doug Ford said Thursday that public health measures have been effective in driving down cases, but need to be continued for now. The province reported 2,759 new infections in its latest update well below the more than 4,000 a day it was seeing when it last extended the order and added sweeping restrictions about a month ago. The order was to have expired next Thursday. Ontario had 1,632 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including 776 in intensive care. The province's chief medical officer, Dr. David Williams, has said he would like to see "well below" 1,000 daily cases before Ontario considers lifting the stay-at-home order. "We're about where we were at the peak of the second wave, so we've come down but we have a ways to go yet," he said. Back in Ottawa, the military officer in charge of Canada's vaccine rollout said 655,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine have been received from COVAX, the global vaccine sharing alliance. The doses aren't being immediately distributed, but provinces are invited to put in orders, said Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin. "We want to assure everyone that sufficient supply will be available for those who want a second dose of AstraZeneca or who cannot take an mRNA vaccine (made by Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna)," he said. Njoo said that Canada has confirmed 18 cases of an extremely rare blood clotting condition in patients who received the AstraZeneca shot and that 10 more are under investigation. Quebec cited that side-effect as its reason for pausing the AstraZeneca shot as a first dose. Ontario and other provinces have made similar moves as supplies of other vaccines, including Pfizer's product, are poised to pour into the country. Quebec health officials said people who have already received one AstraZeneca shot will have the choice to get it as a second dose or to receive a different one. That province reported 781 new COVID-19 infections and five more deaths Thursday. Neighbouring New Brunswick announced that it had two more cases of the blood clots for a total of four. The two latest clots involved people who received AstraZeneca shots in mid-April. One remained in hospital, while the other has recovered. The Atlantic province reported 16 new COVID-19 cases, along with 10 hospitalizations. British Columbia, meanwhile, is monitoring its second case of the vaccine-induced clotting condition. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the man in his 40s is stable. B.C. diagnosed 587 new cases of COVID-19, as its infection rate continued to trend downward. On the Prairies, Manitoba reported a single-day record of 560 new infections and Saskatchewan had 223 new cases. Alberta, with the highest case rate in the country, had 1,558 new infections. In the North, Nunavut had 12 new cases all in the capital city of Iqaluit, which has a population of about 8,000 and remains under tight restrictions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. NEW YORK (AP) Fox News Channel is creating weekend shows for commentator Dan Bongino and former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy starting early next month. This combination of photos shows then Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 19, 2018, left, and Conservative commentator Dan Bongino speaks at the Conservative Political Action Committee annual conference in National Harbor, Md., on March 6, 2014. Gowdy will begin hosting a 7 p.m. Eastern show on Fox News Channelon Sundays and Bongino will be getting a weekly Saturday night program on the network starting June 5. (AP Photo) NEW YORK (AP) Fox News Channel is creating weekend shows for commentator Dan Bongino and former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy starting early next month. Bongino, who has become a popular online personality and commentator, will host a show on Saturdays at 10 p.m. Eastern starting on June 5. As part of a new deal with Fox, the Fox Nation streaming site will also stream Bongino's weekday radio show, which airs at noon, Fox News Media said on Wednesday. Gowdy, the former South Carolina congressman and Fox contributor, will host a show on Sundays at 7 p.m. Eastern, starting on June 6. Fox also said it will begin hour-long panel talk shows on both weekend evenings, starting at 5 p.m. Eastern. The cable news networks in general have been beefing up their live weekend programming over the past year or so. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 15:35:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Misbah Saba Malik ISLAMABAD, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce has said that it is striving to make Pakistan a hub of transshipment by tapping the potential of the geographical location of the country and its capability to help cargo reach the outside world through its ports. Experts and officials believe that the vast transport infrastructure of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its Gwadar port will play a major role in the country's pursuit of its goal especially at the time when it has started enhancing trade ties with landlocked Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries. Earlier this month, the first-ever cargo container from Pakistan's southern Karachi port reached Uzbekistan under the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or the International Road Transport, by traveling on the "vast roads built under the framework of CPEC, and in the future the traffic is likely to increase sharply," sources from the commerce ministry told Xinhua. Another container from Uzbekistan is expected to reach Pakistan's industrial city of Faisalabad soon by following the same land route, according to a statement from the commerce ministry. Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood viewed CPEC as a good opportunity not only for Pakistan but also for Afghanistan and Central Asian countries for their economic growth. "In the future, opportunities are coming to Pakistan under CPEC, and with peace in Afghanistan we need to give a new direction to CPEC as a policy to enhance connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia," he told Xinhua. Calling Pakistan's trade initiative with Uzbekistan under the TIR a new beginning, Dawood said that the vision is to make the whole Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan an integrated unit in terms of trade, "and CPEC will play an important role for that purpose." He said the Gwadar port which has already been utilized for Afghan transit trade, has an important role in making Pakistan a hub of transshipment because it will be the shortest route to the landlocked countries to reach the outside world. "Pakistan and China have made big investments in Gwadar and the time to tap the full potential of Gwadar is approaching because peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan's boosting relations with the Central Asian countries under the TIR will help us make the best use of Gwadar," Dawood said. Launched in 2013, CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. Apart from the government's efforts to provide accessibility to the Central Asian countries and Afghanistan to the Pakistani ports, Pakistani private traders also show a great interest in Central Asia to import raw materials and commodities from there at a lower cost as compared to other international markets. Chief Coordinator of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Ijaz Khokhar, told Xinhua that they are looking to import cotton bales from the Central Asian countries, which are available at a cheaper price. He said Pakistan's textile industry is booming and there is an acute shortage of raw material because cotton production in the country has decreased and the Central Asian countries are rich in cotton which can be used in Pakistan once the trade relations with them enhance. "We are desperately wanting a peaceful route to Central Asia and after there is peace in Afghanistan, we are pinning hope on the connectivity enhanced by CPEC to help us find new markets. Because currently our major export markets are the European Union (EU) where Pakistan is sending its products under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, but we need to find more markets for our products," Khokhar said. He said Pakistan's current exports to EU countries are over 6 billion U.S. dollars annually and the textile sector contributes to a large part of it. Last month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to review the GSP+ status of Pakistan, raising concerns among the Pakistani exporters. "If they remove the GSP+ status, we will sustain great losses in our revenue. In this situation, we are looking forward to enhanced trade relations with Central Asia," Khokhar said. "The best thing about CPEC with the Central Asian countries is the land routes, which currently suits us the best because the charges of sea freight in Pakistan has increased and if the GSP+ status is not secured, we will be transporting it to the Central Asian countries on a much cheaper cost via CPEC infrastructure, and in the future we will seek new markets from the Gwadar port onwards," he added. Enditem TORONTO - Brookfield Asset Management Inc. reported a profit in its latest quarter compared with a loss a year ago as its funds from operations hit a record high. Brookfield Asset Management's Senior Managing Partner and CEO Bruce Flatt attends the company's AGM in Toronto, Wednesday May 6 , 2015. Brookfield Asset Management Inc. reported a profit in its latest quarter compared with a loss a year ago as its funds from operations hit a record high. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO - Brookfield Asset Management Inc. reported a profit in its latest quarter compared with a loss a year ago as its funds from operations hit a record high. The asset manager, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, reported net income attributable to common shareholders of US$1.24 billion or 77 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31. The profit compared with a loss attributable to common shareholders of US$293 million or 20 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Revenue totalled US$16.41billion, down from $16.59 billion in the first three months of 2020. Funds from operations were a record US$2.82 billion or US$1.80 per share, up from US$884 million or 55 cents per share a year ago. Brookfield says it realized $6.4 billion in disposition gains in the quarter, split $1.8 billion for Brookfield and $4.6 billion for its clients. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:BAM.A) When Tony Chahines father developed dementia, he wanted to stay connected with him while monitoring his worsening health. Myant currently manufacturers garments for Skiin using state of the art 3D robotic knitting machines, shown in a handout photo, in its nearly 7,500-square-metre facility in Etobicoke, Ont., and plans to open new production facilities as demand scales. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Myant Inc. MANDATORY CREDIT When Tony Chahines father developed dementia, he wanted to stay connected with him while monitoring his worsening health. Yet despite the hyper-connectivity of the world at large, Chahine realized some of the most vulnerable people were being left behind. The former CEO of Cotton Ginny, a serial entrepreneur who more recently ran a boutique investment and consulting firm, developed a line of clothing with built-in sensors to measure everything from heart rate and body temperature to posture and location. It's now undergoing trials in several hospitals. With textiles we have the ability to capture information continuously, says Ilaria Varoli, executive vice-president of the textile computing startup Myant Inc., which Chahine founded in 2010. "The innovation starts at the yarn level, for example with extruded yarn or metal yarn with sensors and actuators embedded into the textiles," she says. "The idea is to make textiles the interface, but then it's processed through our innovative software platform." Myant is at the forefront of Canadas new manufacturing era, one that trades dusty factories and assembly lines for state-of-the-art facilities, technology and research and development. Its an emerging field that includes robotics, 3D printing, machine vision and automation, and is expected to create thousands of jobs over the next decade. But advanced manufacturing has an image problem, says Jayson Myers, CEO of the industry group Next Generation Manufacturing Canada or NGen. We have an outdated idea of what manufacturing is all about, he says. Theres this impression that its manual, repetitive work on assembly lines. A recent survey conducted by NGen and Abacus Data reflected that way of thinking. The survey found that most people believed jobs in advanced manufacturing are repetitive, unsafe and unfulfilling. Those preconceived ideas have made it unattractive to pursue careers in manufacturing, creating a workforce shortage, Myers says. But theres hope. When we talk with young people about working with new technologies to address some of the world's biggest problems like climate change, life-threatening diseases and food insecurity, they get excited about it, says Myers, a former CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. We need to do a better job explaining what advanced manufacturing is and the jobs available." At Myant, for example, the company now has about 130 employees, including engineers, data scientists, fashion designers, technicians and programmers. But when Chahine came up with the idea of creating smart clothing, becoming a manufacturer wasnt part of the equation, Varoli says. We didn't really want to be in manufacturing at least not to begin with, she says. But then we realized the supply chain would all be overseas. The company struggled to find suppliers that operated in a clean enough environment to produce Myants high-tech textiles, since they would ultimately serve as medical devices. Outsourcing also means a slower turnaround of prototypes. So the startup switched gears, importing 3D robotic knitting machines from Germany and Italy to its nearly 7,500-square-metre facility in Etobicoke, Ont. Instead of waiting a month for prototypes to come back from China or India, we could produce three prototypes in a day, Varoli says. The companys in-house brand, SKIIN, is a line of smart clothing, including underwear, bras, base layers, socks, mattress covers and seat covers. The garments collect information about a person through sensors knitted into the fabric, and a small electronic pod tucked into the band or edge of the garment sends that information to a mobile device, where it's tracked using an app. Myant now has clinical trials with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ont., and SickKids in Toronto. Yet the company has also run into challenges finding workers. It recently partnered with Ryerson University, putting a machine at the school in the hopes of training students and developing a curriculum. Were trying to democratize and standardize this new industry, Varoli says. Advanced manufacturing is going to be a huge component of our future. Another example of Canada's new-age manufacturers is A&K Robotics. The Vancouver-based company has invented a system that can attach on to anything with wheels and turn it into a self-driving robot. Its mobile autonomous navigation platforms are used in the janitorial industry, automating floor cleaners in commercial and public spaces like airports, malls and schools a particularly helpful technology given the demand for increased cleaning during the pandemic. Weve retrofitted floor scrubbing machines to turn them into self-driving robots, says Jessica Yip, co-founder of A&K Robotics. The value of having a robust manufacturing sector was made clear during the pandemic, Myers says. Its shown the importance of having advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada," he said, pointing to the production of vaccines, test kits and personal protective equipment. NGen has developed a website, careersofthefuture.ca, to help students, parents and teachers learn more about advanced manufacturing. It's also launching a contest called Manufacturing the Future that will award 10 bursaries valued at $10,000 each to Canadian residents between the ages of 15 and 18 based on a 500-word essay on advanced manufacturing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. Former Trump attorney and self-proclaimed Kraken releaser Sidney Powell has told prospective donors that her group, Defending the Republic, is a legal defense fund to protect the integrity of U.S. elections. FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2020 file photo, Attorney Sidney Powell, speaks during in Alpharetta, Ga. Former Trump attorney Sidney Powell says she created a legal defense fund to protect the integrity of U.S. elections. A company suing Powell over her baseless claims of a rigged presidential election says the true beneficiary of her social welfare organization is Powell herself. Dominion Voting Systems claims Powell raided Defending the Republics coffers to pay for personal legal expenses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File) Former Trump attorney and self-proclaimed "Kraken releaser" Sidney Powell has told prospective donors that her group, Defending the Republic, is a legal defense fund to protect the integrity of U.S. elections. But the company suing Powell over her baseless claims of a rigged presidential election says the true beneficiary of her social welfare organization is Powell herself. Dominion Voting Systems claims Powell has raided Defending the Republic's coffers to pay for personal legal expenses, citing her own remarks from a radio interview. The Denver-based voting technology vendor sued Powell and others who spread false claims that the company helped steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump. "Now, Powell seeks to abuse the corporate forms she created for her law firm and fundraising website to hide funds that she raised through her defamatory campaign, shielding those funds from the very company that was harmed by the defamatory campaign," Dominion lawyers wrote in a May 5 court filing. The dispute shines a light on how Trump allies continue to support, spread and allegedly profit from lies about fraud in the 2020 election. Although the election is settled, and all major court challenges have been dismissed, Powell's legal defense fund continues to raise money, with help from conspiracy-minded supporters like QAnon adherents. Her group will receive a cut of proceeds from ticket sales for a Memorial Day weekend conference in Dallas called the "For God & Country Patriot Roundup," the event's website says. Some leading purveyors of far-right conspiracy theories are headliners, including Powell, pro-Trump attorney Lin Wood and former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn. Event organizer John Sabal, known as "QAnon John" to followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory, declined to explain the decision to financially support Powell's nonprofit, also known as DTR, but said the money isn't for her personal benefit. "As far as I know, DTR is benefiting a bunch of different causes. Those I will not speak on, but you can talk to her about that," he said. Powell didn't respond to interview requests, but one of her attorneys said she denies Dominions accusations. Powell's personal legal bills are covered by her malpractice carrier, and her nonprofit has a proper corporate structure with a board of directors, said her lawyer, Howard Kleinhendler. "She does not have unfettered control over its funds or how the funds are spent," Kleinhendler wrote in an email. "DTR intends to comply with all federal and state filing requirements when they are due. At that time you as well as the rest of the world will see the necessary financials." Trump and his allies filed more than 50 lawsuits in multiple states over the election and lost at every turn. Powell and Rudy Giuliani were among the lawyers behind the cases claiming a conspiracy by Democrats, despite Republican state leaders, and Trumps own attorney general and other administration officials, publicly stating there was no major election fraud. Powell appeared with Giuliani at a press conference and made multiple TV appearances. But after Powell threatened to "blow up" Georgia with a "biblical" court filing, the Trump legal team distanced itself from her, saying she was not working on their behalf. She later made the comment on how she would release "the Kraken," an apparent reference to the film "Clash of the Titans" in which Zeus gives the order to release the mythical sea monster. In a November interview, Powell noted she was not being paid by the Trump campaign but "by the people of the United States of America." Tickets for the Dallas conference cost $500 for general admission and $1,000 for VIP passes. The event's website doesn't name other beneficiaries or specify how much money goes to Powell's nonprofit. Much of the conference was supposed to be held at a complex called Gilleys Dallas, but Sabal said the venue canceled his booking after news coverage of the events QAnon connections. QAnon followers believe Trump has been secretly fighting a cabal of Satan-worshipping "deep state" enemies, prominent Democrats and Hollywood elites operating a child sex trafficking ring. Logan Strain, a conspiracy theory researcher who co-hosts the "QAnon Anonymous" podcast, said Powell has appeared on QAnon promoters' YouTube channels and is viewed as a "hero of the republic" among QAnon followers. It wouldn't surprise Strain if Powell is trying to harness the movement as a fundraising source. "There is a great deal of money to be made in promoting and catering to QAnon," he said. "This is why a lot of people suspected it was sort of a money-making grift, at least in part, from the beginning." Defending the Republic describes itself as a 501(c)4 nonprofit, but it isnt listed in an IRS database of tax-exempt organizations. Groups recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(4) are exempt from paying taxes on income, including donations, but those donations aren't tax deductible as charitable contributions. Powell's website says donors can mail checks to an address in West Palm Beach, Florida, that corresponds with a UPS Store. Under the same address, Defending the Republic Inc. registered in February with Florida's Division of Corporations as a nonprofit formed for "social welfare purposes." Records link other leading conspiracy theorists from Trump's orbit to Powell's nonprofit. Powell, Wood, Flynn and Flynn's brother, Joseph, were named as directors of Defending the Republic in December 2020 filings with the Texas secretary of states office. Joseph Flynn said in a text message that he's no longer a director but declined to explain why. "We are not interested in talking to the fake news media," Flynn wrote. Wood recalls Powell asking him to serve as a director, but said he hasn't done any work on the nonprofit. "She didn't follow up with me about it," he said, Articles of incorporation filed in Florida in February listed MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell as a director. But Lindell said he asked to be removed as a director of Defending the Republic after less than one week because he decided to form his own legal defense fund. Lindell is also being sued by Dominion. "I went on my own because I don't have time for other people's stuff. I want to focus on what Im doing," Lindell said. Defending the Republics chairman and CEO was at one time former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne, whose comments about the "deep state" led to his resignation from Overstock in 2019. Byrne says he resigned as Defending the Republics chairman and CEO in April after less than one month in the positions. To support its claim that Powell is using nonprofit money for her personal legal defense, Dominion cited her remarks during a Dec. 29 appearance on "The Rush Limbaugh Show." Powell told the radio show's guest host that listeners could go to her website to donate to the nonprofit "that is working to help defend all these cases and to defend me now that Im under a massive attack from the attorney general of Michigan and the city of Detroit and everything else." Michigans governor, attorney general and secretary of state all Democrats have urged state bar officials in Texas and Michigan to permanently disbar Powell for ethical violations over election lawsuits. Meanwhile, Eric Coomer, Dominions security director, has filed a separate defamation suit in Colorado against Powell, her law firm, Defending the Republic and others. Another voting technology firm, Smartmatic USA Corp., sued Powell in New York over her bogus election-fixing claims. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, asked a federal court to order Powell and other lawyers who challenged Wisconsins election results to cover $106,000 in state legal fees. Powell called it a frivolous request. A judge hasn't resolved the dispute yet. Dominion sued Powell in federal court on Jan. 8, seeking over $1.3 billion in damages against her, her law firm and her fundraising website. The company claimed Powell treated Defending the Republic "as her personal funds, redirecting them to the law firm she controls and dominates ... and raiding them to pay for her personal legal defense." A nonprofit organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, as Defending the Republic claims to be, can engage in some political activities provided that's not its primary activity. Unlike political committees, tax-exempt social welfare groups dont have to disclose donors. Forms notifying the IRS of a group's intent to operate as a 501(c)(4) aren't public records, according to an IRS spokesman. Samuel Brunson, a tax law professor at Loyola University in Chicago, said the IRS bars 501(c)(4) groups from spending money for the benefit of private individuals. Doing that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, he added. "In general, the IRS doesnt police it very closely," Brunson said. This story was first published on May 13, 2021. It was updated on May 15, 2021, to correct a reference to former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne. While Byrne had been chairman and CEO of Defending the Republic, a nonprofit formed by Sidney Powell, formerly an attorney for ex-President Donald Trump, Byrne says he resigned as Defending the Republics chairman and CEO in April. DoorDash on Thursday reported that its sales nearly tripled in the first three months of the year as demand for food delivery remained elevated even as U.S. restaurants reopened their dining rooms. FILE - The DoorDash app is shown on a smartphone on Feb. 27, 2020, in New York. DoorDash Inc. reports quarterly financial results after the market close on Thursday, May 13, 2021. (AP Photo, File) DoorDash on Thursday reported that its sales nearly tripled in the first three months of the year as demand for food delivery remained elevated even as U.S. restaurants reopened their dining rooms. DoorDash said its revenue surged 198% to $1.1 billion in the January-March period. That was well above Wall Street's forecast of $994 million, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Even in a market like Florida, where in-restaurant dining has nearly returned to pre-COVID levels, DoorDash said same-store delivery sales for its partner restaurants were up 170% during the first quarter. The impact of reopening really has been more muted than we expected, DoorDash co-founder and CEO Tony Xu said Thursday during a conference call with investors. Based on the results, the San Francisco-based company raised its financial guidance for the full year. It now expects total orders in the range of $35 billion to $38 billion this year, up from its previous forecast of $30 billion to $33 billion. DoorDash reported a net loss of $110 million in the first quarter because it is still spending heavily to win new customers and expand into other services, like delivery from groceries and convenience stores. Non-restaurant deliveries made up 7% of all orders during the quarter. The company narrowed its net loss per share to 34 cents from $2.92 in the same period a year ago. That was short of Wall Street's forecast of an 8-cent loss per share in the latest period. DoorDash said its total orders grew 219% to 329 million during the quarter, surpassing expectations. The company said government stimulus checks likely contributed to higher order levels. Stimulus payments also made it harder for DoorDash to attract its freelance drivers, the company said, leading to some service problems during the quarter. DoorDash said it added a record number of new drivers in late March. More than 2 million drivers earned money on deliveries during the quarter. DoorDash said it expects to see some softness this summer as the impact of stimulus payments subsides, markets continue to reopen and diners head back to restaurants. The percent of meals eaten in restaurants has been steadily rising since April 2020, and reached its highest level since before the pandemic in March, according to NPD Group. In the meantime, DoorDash is trying to gain new restaurant partners with lower fees, a nod to critics who think the company charges restaurants too much for its services. Late last month, DoorDash began offering a new basic plan that charges restaurants 15% per order for delivery, or around half the cost of previous plans. Xu said commission-fee caps, which dozens of cities implemented throughout the pandemic to protect restaurants' profits, are starting to expire. DoorDash said those caps cost it $31 million in revenue during the first quarter. Were very encouraged by what we've seen, which is elected officials allowing capitalism to do its job and allow everyone to make things work for all audiences, Xu said. Uber Eats, DoorDashs chief rival, also saw continued strong demand in the first quarter. Uber Eats said last week that its sales jumped 166% in the January-March period. Food delivery platform Grubhub also reported a 52% sales increase in the first quarter. Xu said he still sees significant opportunity in the delivery business, noting that it still makes up only around 10% of restaurant industry sales. No one has a crystal ball on how this shape of recovery occurs," Xu said. "But what I would say is the long-term trend is, when it comes to convenience, things always move toward the direction of greater convenience. DoorDash's stock was up 7% in after-market trading following the release of the earnings report. It is down 19% so far this year. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) The Japanese fashion tycoon whos booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. FILE - In this Nov. 20, 2018, file photo, Zozo Chief Executive Yusaku Maezawa speaks during a press conference on the PGA Tour in Tokyo. The Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. Maezawa announced Thursday, May 13, 2021, that he's bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) The Japanese fashion tycoon whos booked a SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try out the International Space Station first. announced Thursday via Twitter. Maezawa has bought two seats on a Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in December on the 12-day mission with his production assistant and a professional cosmonaut. Im so curious, Whats life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world, Maezawa said in a statement. He'll be the first person to pay his own way to the space station in more than a decade, according to Virginia-based Space Adventures, which brokered the deal. A Space Adventures spokeswoman declined to divulge the cost. The company has sent seven other tourists to the space station, from 2001 to 2009. Maezawa's trip to the moon aboard Elon Musk's Starship is tentatively scheduled for 2023. He'll fly around the moon not land with eight contest winners. Maezawa, 45, who founded an online retail clothing business, will be joined by photographer and assistant Yozo Hirano. They will be escorted by Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, whos spent nearly a year aboard the space station on two separate missions. The launch is scheduled for Dec. 8 from Kazakhstan. Thursday's announcement comes amid a flurry of private space initiatives. The Russian Space Agency announced Thursday that a Russian actress and movie director will launch to the space station in October for filming. The movie is tentatively titled Challenge. In January, the first private mission to the space station from the U.S. will bring three businessmen from the U.S., Canada and Israel who are paying about $55 million apiece. They will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space Center and will be accompanied by a former NASA astronaut who now works for Houston-based Axiom Space, which arranged the deal. The company plans about two private missions to the space station a year. Before the space station visits, SpaceX will launch its first private spaceflight with four people on board, including tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who purchased the mission. They will spend three days orbiting Earth in September. This truly is a renaissance in U.S. human spaceflight," NASA's director of commercial spaceflight, Phil McAlister, told reporters Monday. I think that's the perfect word for what we're experiencing. 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. A federal judge refused Thursday to free a Texas man whom authorities have accused of planning an attack on a social media company's facility after he returned home from storming the U.S. Capitol. FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021 file photo, Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. With riot cases flooding into Washingtons federal court, the Justice Department is under pressure to quickly resolve the least serious cases. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) A federal judge refused Thursday to free a Texas man whom authorities have accused of planning an attack on a social media company's facility after he returned home from storming the U.S. Capitol. Guy Wesley Reffitt, one of more than 400 federal defendants charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, has been identified by prosecutors as a member of a militia-style group linked to the anti-government Three Percenters extremist movement. Reffitt bragged about his actions in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 during a Zoom meeting with two other militia members four days after the siege, according to prosecutors. A recording of the meeting obtained by investigators captured Reffitt discussing a plan to attack "mainstream media," "Silicon Valley," and "Big Tech," prosecutors said. Prosecutors say Reffitt specifically targeted a "prominent" social media companys facility in Texas. During Thursday's remote hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nestler didnt name the company that Reffitt allegedly targeted but said it had servers near his home in Wylie, a Dallas suburb. "He knew the description of the generator there and how a well-placed sniper shot could take out that generator and how much impact that would have on that company and therefore on American society," the prosecutor said. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich concluded that Reffitt would pose a danger to the public if she ordered his release from a Washington jail. The judge said she can't dismiss Reffitt's violent rhetoric as "mere boasts," pointing to evidence that he planned more attacks. "Mr. Reffitt backed up his comments with actions," she said during a remote hearing Thursday. "He did, in fact, attempt to recruit new militia members to his cause. And he stated that the events of January 6th were just the preface to what was coming." Reffitt had been threatening to attack social media companies for months before the Capitol siege, prosecutors said. A relative warned the FBI in late December that Reffitt was "going to do some serious damage" related to lawmakers in Washington, according to prosecutors, who said he took an AR-15 rifle and a pistol with him when and another militia member drove to Washington. Reffitt played a "significant and dangerous role" in the deadly attack, leading a group of rioters up the Capitol steps to confront law enforcement officers, prosecutors said in an April 28 court filing. "Reffitts actions caused the police line guarding the building to retreat closer to the building itself; soon after, law enforcement was overwhelmed, and rioters breached and flooded the building," they wrote. After returning home, Reffitt told his children that they would be traitors if they reported him to law enforcement and warned them that "traitors get shot," according to prosecutors. A grand jury indicted Reffitt on charges of obstructing an official proceeding, obstruction of justice and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. In March, a federal magistrate ordered Reffitt detained pending trial. Reffitt asked Friedrich to overturn that order. "The government just claims that Mr. Reffitt is a threat, but does not identify an articulable one," defense attorney William Welch said Thursday. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson dropped plans Thursday to expand the state's Medicaid health care program to thousands of low-income adults after the Republican-led Legislature refused to provide funding for the voter-approved measure. FILE - In this May 1, 2020, file photo, campaign workers David Woodruff, left, and Jason White, right, deliver boxes of the Healthcare for Missouri campaign initiative petitions signatures to the Missouri secretary of state's office in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has dropped plans to expand the state's Medicaid program after the Legislature declined to provide money for the measure approved by voters. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb, File) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson dropped plans Thursday to expand the state's Medicaid health care program to thousands of low-income adults after the Republican-led Legislature refused to provide funding for the voter-approved measure. The Republican governor said his administration had withdrawn a request to expand coverage that had been submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in compliance with a constitutional amendment passed by voters last August. He noted that the state's $35 billion budget approved by lawmakers last week didn't provide the funding he had requested for an expansion of Medicaid, which is known in Missouri as MO HealthNet. "Without a revenue source or funding authority from the General Assembly, we are unable to proceed with the expansion at this time and must withdraw our State Plan Amendments to ensure Missouris existing MO HealthNet program remains solvent, Parson said Thursday. The decision is likely to trigger a lawsuit from supporters of Medicaid expansion. FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address as Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, right, listens in Jefferson City, Mo. Parson dropped plans Thursday, May 13 to expand the state's Medicaid health care program to thousands of low-income adults after the Republican-led Legislature refused to provide funding for the voter-approved measure. The Republican governor said his administration had withdrawn a request to expand coverage that had been submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in compliance with a constitutional amendment passed by voters last November. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) This is going to end up in court the governor knows its going to end up in court, said Richard von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs With Justice, one of the organizations supporting Medicaid expansion. Missouri Hospital Association spokesman Dave Dillon expressed disappointment over Parsons decision and said the association would coordinate with other Medicaid expansion supporters about the best way to proceed with litigation. Democratic lawmakers denounced Parson's decision. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said Parson had broken his promise to uphold the constitution. Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo said in a written statement that the governor was caving to the new Authoritarian Republican Regime that doesn't respect the outcome of elections. Though the federal government would fund the vast majority of a Medicaid expansion, some Republican lawmakers said the state cannot afford its share of the long-term costs under the terms of a law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010. The Missouri director of the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, which sued unsuccessfully last year to knock the amendment off the ballot, said Parson's decision would protect Missouri taxpayers from unsustainable and reckless government spending. The constitutional amendment passed by voters required Parson's administration to submit a plan to federal officials to expand Medicaid by March 1, which he did. The ballot measure stated that people ages 19-65 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level less than $17,774 annually for an individual or $37,570 for a family of four shall be eligible and shall receive coverage for Medicaid benefits starting July 1. The amendment did not change existing eligibility standards for children and seniors, and it did not say how to pay for the expansion that is projected to cover about 275,000 people. Parson had opposed Medicaid expansion at the ballot box, but he said he would uphold the will of voters and so included $1.9 billion in federal and state funding for it in the budget he proposed to lawmakers earlier this year. While dropping the expansion plan Thursday, Parson referenced a June 2020 state appeals court ruling that the ballot measure didn't direct or restrict the Legislature's ability to decide how to fund Medicaid. Although the Legislature didn't include specific funding for the expansion, Democrats and some health care advocates contend the additional low-income adults could be covered from the general pool of funds that was allotted for Medicaid. Cancer patients cannot wait for legal battles to access the life-saving coverage that Medicaid expansion provides, said Emily Kalmer, the Missouri government relations director for the society's Cancer Action Network. The Legislature's refusal to add money for the Medicaid expansion is not the first time that Missouri lawmakers have sought to undo measures passed by voters. Last year, legislators placed a measure on the ballot to reverse key parts of a redistricting measure approved by voters in 2018. Voters approved the lawmakers' revised version. A decade ago, the Legislature also revised a voter-approved measure imposing regulations on dog-breeding businesses. This story has been corrected to show the ballot measure vote was in August, not November. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) The Nevada website the public uses to get information on coronavirus vaccines is packed with more ad trackers and third-party cookies than any state vaccination website in the country, allowing companies to track how visitors navigate the internet and collect data on them that can potentially be used or sold by third parties. CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) The Nevada website the public uses to get information on coronavirus vaccines is packed with more ad trackers and third-party cookies than any state vaccination website in the country, allowing companies to track how visitors navigate the internet and collect data on them that can potentially be used or sold by third parties. Since vaccines became available, health officials have directed people looking for vaccine information where doses are available and how to schedule appointments, for example to ImmunizeNevada.org or NVCOVIDFighter.org, which is an address that directs visitors to the same website. Both state officials and representatives from Immunize Nevada, the nonprofit that runs the website, say the trackers are standard for outreach campaigns and for user experience and to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising efforts. But digital privacy experts question that explanation. They say the number of trackers on Nevada's site in comparison to other states is alarming and goes beyond data-gathering applicable to outreach. Potentially, experts say, the information can be packaged by brokers that sell data to customers ranging from insurance companies to political campaigns something the state and creative agency with which it contracts deny. The vast majority of these cookies are generating data that would be completely useless to state officials in optimizing their outreach, while putting a lot of our health data in the hands of advertisers, said Albert Fox Cahn, the executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. An investigation by The Markup published in March found that Nevada's website took longer to load than any state vaccination website in the U.S. The technology publication launched last year with reporters and editors from ProPublica, the Wall Street Journal and other publications. It found the state's website used more third-party cookies than the majority of states combined. Through a tool called Blacklight," The Markup found at that time the site contained 24 ad trackers and 45 third-party cookies. By comparison, 23 states used no third-party cookies. Texas, New York, Kentucky, West Virginia and New Hampshire's sites use neither ad trackers nor third-party cookies, The Markup found. According to both Immunize Nevada and Blacklight, the site had 19 third-party cookies as of Wednesday, including from Facebook, Google, YouTube, and Spectrum. That's still more than any state in The Markup's nationwide investigation. Cookies are scripts placed in a website's coding that is implanted in browsers to collect information on what people do online. Third-party cookies allow companies other than website operators to track users and frequently are used to sell data to advertisers. Health officials and Immunize Nevada also work with the creative agency Estipona Group on the website and a complementary outreach campaign called 3 Million Reasons aimed at swaying vaccine hesitant populations through ads on social media, including through the companies planting the cookies. Edward Estipona, the firm's CEO, acknowledged The Markup's conclusions and said his team conducted a full site audit after the investigation to remove outdated cookies. Those now in use are industry standard in advertising, Estipona said. His team uses cookie data from Google Analytics, for example to gauge what groups are seeking out information and then tinker with their outreach accordingly. Were not tracking people. We can only see how someone came to our site, their journey throughout the site, and when they left. We see no personal information about these users. Any website with Google Analytics installed will be able to see this same information about its visitors, he said. We feel its important to know what information on our site is most helpful. In knowing that, we can make our site easier to navigate and make the most searched information the most prominent. At an April press conference at a vaccination clinic, Gov. Steve Sisolak promoted the website as a way to get reliable vaccine information. His spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the website's trackers. For months, the privacy policy page on the website has contain a single sentence: Coming Soon. To Matthew McCoy, a University of Pennsylvania medical ethics professor who has studied third-party tracking on COVID-related websites, it's unlikely that all the cookies on Nevada's site benefit users, who may not know how information about what sites they visit is collected and packaged. Most of them have no conception that when they log on to the page, theyre also giving information about themselves to this whole range of third parties, he said. In addition to Google and Facebook, the cookies found on the site are also from data brokerage firms including Neustar and The Trade Desk, The Markup found. Neustar collects data on behalf of defense, telecommunications, marketing firms and the health insurance provider Aetna. The Trade Desk has sold analytics used by political campaigns including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warrens 2020 presidential primary bid. Estipona said his programmers disputed the planting of cookies by Neustar and The Trade Desk. He and Nevada Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Shannon Litz said none of the data collected through the trackers was sold for future use. But the $4 million contract between the two parties does not include provisions about data retention or deletion. Neither Estipona nor Litz explained how they knew what happened to the information once in the hands of third parties. There are no retargeting efforts, no selling of data, and no use of cookies to perform any long-term tracking of website visitors, Litz said. The website offers a live chat feature, YouTube videos in English and Spanish, and a Social Hub that displays Immunize Nevadas Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. The embeds all require third-party cookies that privacy experts say collect data that can be used for tracking regardless of the reason they were planted. Alan Butler, the executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said few regulations exist about how third-party cookie data from social media embeds can be used. He said, unless it's stipulated in a contract, third parties can and do use the profiles they create of people based on their internet behavior like all other data. I dont think anything weve seen publicly indicates that they do that or that thats a common or even known contractual arrangement, Butler said. Absent some contract, theres no legal limit once that data is collected on using it like they use all the other data they collect which is to profile, target and categorize individual users. He and Cahn, the executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, said The Markup's analysis of cookies and trackers was credible and used widely available tools. Cahn said the majority of the trackers implanted by the Nevada site wouldn't be useful for outreach, but could have the opposite effect fueling vaccine hesitancy. One of the big lies that has been perpetrated by vaccine conspiracy theorists throughout the rollout is that there were some sort of tracking chip embedded in the vaccine," he said. "At a moment when a lot of Americans are hyper-sensitive to any potential tracking, this I think is going to undermine public trust we need to build. Metz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Bank fees might only represent a $15 to $20 dollar charge per month for most Canadians, but experts say switching to a no-fee institution or minimizing your fees with your current bank can be a good way to save a larger sum of money every year. The Bank of Montreal in Toronto's financial district on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim Bank fees might only represent a $15 to $20 dollar charge per month for most Canadians, but experts say switching to a no-fee institution or minimizing your fees with your current bank can be a good way to save a larger sum of money every year. Vanessa Bowen, founder of the personal finance firm Mint Worthy, said she had one client who unknowingly paid $75 per month because of individual transaction charges. People dont actually realize how much theyre paying in bank fees until they really start tracking their spending, said Bowen, who said the client ended up switching to a no-fee bank the next week. I think people are doing that a little more because of COVID-19, and looking at where theyre putting their money. Randolph Taylor, a counsellor with Credit Canada, an organization that helps Canadians overcome debt issues, said a no-fee bank account can also be a step in the right direction for someone whos looking to maximize their debt payments. Its not a huge drop in the bucket but a penny saved is a penny earned, said Taylor, who agreed that increased use of online banking over the past year may make it more comfortable to switching to a mid-size bank that functions primarily online than it would have been before the pandemic. Now that consumers have gotten a better handle on how to do their banking from home, on their phones or on their laptops, then maybe they're going to be more receptive to switching to these banks. However, he points out that people arent always willing to make such a move based on a relatively small financial gain. Isaiah Chan, director of counselling at Credit Counselling Society, said many of his clients prefer the convenience of having different loan and investment options under one roof something that mid-size banks cant always provide. For existing customers of Canadas big banks who don't want to change financial institutions, Chan advises people to take a look at the specific type of account they have to see if they can save on fees while sticking with the institution by changing to a different account. Chan says sometimes customers are mismatched and paying for benefits that they don't use, such as free foreign transactions. If you look at the majority of financial institutions, even the ones that do charge they all have low-cost chequing account options, Chan says. Bowen says consumers who end up switching to a no-fee provider often have options to make the most of their spending habits, such as signing up for a PC Financial account that rewards you with loyalty points towards things like groceries. Once you rack up $100 dollars in points, say you use it for groceries that $100 you didnt spend on groceries, you can take that and put it towards your debt. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas would ban abortions after as early as six weeks before many women even know they are pregnant and allow private citizens to enforce the rule through civil lawsuits against doctors and others under a measure given final approval by state lawmakers Thursday. FILE - In this March 30, 2021, file photo, abortion opponents gather in the rotunda at the Texas Capitol while the Senate debates anti-abortion bills in Austin, Texas. Texas would ban abortions after as early six weeks, before many women know they are pregnant, under a measure given final approval by state lawmakers Thursday, May 13, 2021, and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas would ban abortions after as early as six weeks before many women even know they are pregnant and allow private citizens to enforce the rule through civil lawsuits against doctors and others under a measure given final approval by state lawmakers Thursday. The Senate vote sends the bill to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law. That would bring Texas in line with about a dozen other GOP-led states that have passed so-called heartbeat bills" that federal courts have mostly blocked. The Texas measure is also likely to draw a swift legal challenge from abortion rights groups. The bill would ban abortions after the first detection of an embryonic heartbeat. Advanced technology can detect an electric signal flutter as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, even though the embryo isnt yet a fetus and doesnt have a heart. An embryo is termed a fetus beginning in the 11th week of pregnancy, medical experts say. A unique provision in the Texas bill prohibits state officials from enforcing the ban. Instead, it allows anyone, even someone outside Texas, to sue a doctor or anyone else who may have helped someone get an abortion after the time limit, and seek financial damages of up to $10,000 per defendant. The Texas Heartbeat Act is novel in approach, allowing for citizens to hold abortionists accountable through private lawsuits. No heartbeat law passed by another state has taken this strategy. Additionally, the bill does not punish women who obtain abortions, said Rebecca Parma, Texas Right to Life senior legislative associate. Critics say that provision would allow abortion opponents to flood the courts with lawsuits to harass doctors, patients, nurses, domestic violence counselors, a friend who drove a woman to a clinic, or even a parent who paid for a procedure. And they argue that it would violate state constitutional requirements that civil lawsuits can be filed only by impacted parties. Under the bill, a person filing the lawsuit would not need any personal connection to the abortion in question. The bill has been opposed by medical groups. Texas has now joined the new wave of extreme abortion bans passed this year across the U.S., said Nancy Northup, president and chief executive officer of the Center for Reproductive Rights. This bill essentially opens the floodgates to allow anyone who is hostile to abortion to sue doctors and clinics, consuming their resources and forcing them to shut down. We will pursue all legal options to prevent this law from taking effect. Texas law currently bans abortion after 20 weeks, with exceptions for a woman with a life-threatening medical condition or if the fetus has a severe abnormality. Proponents of these so-called heartbeat bills are hoping for a legal challenge to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, where they look for the conservative coalition assembled under President Donald Trump to end the constitutional right to abortion protected under the high courts landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 17:17:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WELLINGTON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand was considering more quarantine-free travel opportunities for visitors already vaccinated against COVID-19 after it reopened borders to Australia and soon the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday. "Our goal now is to move towards reconnecting our people to the world," she hinted in her pre-Budget speech. Since the trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel started April 19, more than 70,000 people have flied to New Zealand from Australia, and over 57,000 have travelled the other way, local media reported. Quarantine-free travel will start between the Cook Islands and New Zealand from next Monday. Ardern said Niue is the next addition to the list, stressing that opportunities will be explored on quarantine-free travel with other countries although the task is "not without risk and complication." The prime minister did not give any specific plans but promised that New Zealand will "keep an open mind." Ardern will lead a trade delegation to Australia in July, which will be her first overseas travel since the COVID-19 pandemic started last year. In June Trade Minister Damien O'Connor will travel to London and Brussels to discuss free trade agreements with Britain and the European Union. Enditem The inseparable sisters always stood out identical twins from Twinsburg, Ohio, whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. Dr. Brittani James, left, and her twin sister Dr. Brandi Jackson stand for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. The identical twin doctors who have fought bigotry all their lives have a lofty new mission: dismantling racism in medicine. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) The inseparable sisters always stood out identical twins from Twinsburg, Ohio, whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. Their friends were white and a classmates comment still stings: I dont even think of you as Black. I said, Thank you. And I felt pride, Brittani James recalls, shuddering. "I believed we were special. I believed other people in our neighborhood werent as good as us, she said. The twins were indeed special they won free rides to the Ivy League, earned medical degrees at prestigious universities, and have thrived in a profession where they are vastly outnumbered by virtue of their skin color. But their mission now is to dismantle the entrenched bigotry behind that classmates backhanded remark. At 33, James and her twin, Brandi Jackson, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. Were teaching how to see it and how to undo it, Jackson said. James, a family medicine doctor, and Jackson, a psychiatrist, have developed anti-racist coursework used in two Chicago medical schools. Theyve co-founded the Institute for Antiracism in Medicine, where physicians can earn continuing medical education credit for taking classes on how their profession has made Black patients sicker. Theres more. Theyre seeking federal legislation to require hospitals to reveal outcomes by race, with penalties for those where Black patients consistently fare worse. Theyve helped created an online support group to help like-minded, stressed-out Black doctors heal and strategize. Theyve even hatched a plan to create black coats for doctors. Thats not as radical as it might sound -- black coats were the tradition in the 19th century. Dr. Brittani James poses for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Surrounded by rich white kids and professors in medical school, James struggled. It was this huge feeling like I dont belong here. None of the professors look like you, what youre learning about people like you is racist and youre getting tested on it. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Their latest achievement? Helping lead a charge against the American Medical Association and the influential research journal it publishes. The twins are riding a wave and they got there by learning to breathe underwater. Thats how Jackson describes adapting to this constant oppressive pressure" of racism. I remember being young and being told in school that I cant be smart, because of where Im from, being told your hair is ugly, she said. "You learn to live with the kind of pain that comes just for being. Just for walking down the street. You cant name it when youre that young. It does something to your psyche. It can break you, and Jackson and James have had fragile moments of self-doubt. But the pandemic year has fueled their resolve. They say the relentless toll on people of color from the coronavirus and video-documented police violence have laid bare the damage caused by structural racism. It is literally killing us, James said. In recent steps that critics labeled mostly symbolic, the AMA has made an effort to come to grips with its racial history. The group excluded Black doctors from its ranks for over 100 years, and even today, just 5% of all U.S. physicians are Black. Within the past few years, the nation's largest doctors' group hired Dr. Aletha Maybank as its first chief health equity officer and declared racism a public health threat. In February, it removed a statue displayed at its Chicago headquarters of Dr. Nathan Davis, AMAs founder, who promoted racist policies. But later that month, a podcast hosted by the AMAs flagship medical journal caused a stir. The tweet promoting the podcast read, No physician is racist, so how can there be structural racism in health? It was, Maybank said, a gut punch. The sisters institute started a petition in response, demanding that the journal diversify its mostly white editorial staff and ensure that medical research relating to race and racism gets published. The effort has garnered more than 8,800 signatures so far. AMA suspended the journal's chief editor and a deputy editor resigned. Dr. Brittani James poses for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. James and her twin, Dr. Brandi Jackson, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) AMA also agreed to meet last month to hear demands for change from several Black physicians, including James and New York cardiologist Dr. Raymond Givens, another leading AMA critic. The doctors will be looking to hear how AMA plans to address their concerns at a second meeting, but James says the AMA's anti-racism plan in the works long before the sisters' activism makes her optimistic. In an 83-page document released Tuesday, AMA vowed to dismantle structural racism inside its own ranks and within the U.S. medical establishment with steps that include diversifying its own staff and collaborating with outside groups. The group reached out to James and other physicians to discuss the plan a hopeful sign, she said. We still have to hold their feet to the fire," she said. Part of the problem is doctors deeply embedded identity as healers and good people, Jackson said. "Its hard when youre indoctrinated in that culture to stop and say, Are we really doing good? A racial imbalance in medical leadership perpetuates the problem, James said -- those making decisions and policies dont look like the populations they serve. James treats patients at a clinic on Chicagos South Side and teaches at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jackson has taught at Rush Medical College and is the behavioral health director at a Chicago health network that treats LGBTQ and other underserved patients. Working with students, medical residents and colleagues, they strive to highlight the harm caused by the disproven idea that there are biological differences in Black people that contribute to health disparities. Some examples: --The longstanding myth that Black people somehow have a higher tolerance for pain, perpetuated during slavery times, has often led to undertreatment. --Medical school instruction on skin diseases typically shows how they appear on white skin, not Black or brown, leading to missed diagnoses. Dr. Brandi Jackson poses for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Jackson and her twin, Dr. Brittani James, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) --In psychiatry, impulsive, disruptive behavior in white children is often labeled attention deficit disorder, a diagnosis that often guarantees classroom accommodations. Identical behavior in Black kids is more often labeled conduct disorder, leading to detention rather than accommodations unless they have a really sharp parent who advocates the hell out of it, Jackson said. --A commonly used algorithm for kidney function gauges it differently in Black patients, potentially leading to undertreatment of kidney disease. Rush University Medical Center is among several U.S. health systems that recently stopped using that algorithm. The sisters message isnt new, said Dr. David Ansell, a physician at Rush who has worked with their institute. But their timing is uncanny -- coming at the convergence of a deadly pandemic that has highlighted racial health inequities, a rise in white supremacism, and civil unrest over police brutality. At such a moment, he said, the sisters can make a difference. Their curiosity in science and medicine started young. James remembers taking field notes while spying on people. Jackson remembers turning their mothers blue bead case into a bug hospital. We emptied it and would go under rocks in search of potato bugs, worms. We gave each their own compartments ... then would examine them and took notes when they appeared sluggish. Once, they sprinkled salt on a snail to dry it out when it seemed "too moist. He just curled up and died. I still feel bad about the snail, Jackson said. Their parents were hard-working and supportive, but the twins didnt tell them when they were accepted at Cornell University, knowing the cost was prohibitive. They broke the news when they landed full scholarships. It was during a college summer program that James for the first time saw a Black doctor. She stared. It was like a unicorn, but it planted a seed. They separated for medical school -- Northwestern for Jackson, University of Michigan for James. Surrounded by rich white kids and professors, James struggled. "It was this huge feeling like I dont belong here. None of the professors look like you, what youre learning about people like you is racist and youre getting tested on it. She left school for a year and sank into a deep depression until getting involved in volunteer community health work. Colleagues there encouraged her to go back. In low moments, James says she draws on the strength of ancestors. "Im not being bombed. Im not being hosed, she said. You have to keep getting up. Now, she and her sister serve as mentors to other medical students from nontraditional backgrounds. Medical resident Shan Siddiqi is a Canadian Muslim whose parents are from Pakistan. He works under James guidance at a clinic where James says "the sickest of the sick go for treatment, patients with chronic illnesses worsened by poverty, stress from living in violent neighborhoods and now COVID-19. Siddiqi said hes impressed by her compassion, taking the time to treat them as humans and helping them overcome challenges to getting medication or specialty care. Jordan Cisneros, a third-year medical student who Jackson has mentored at Rush Medical College, says her guidance has helped him get through a tough year. His father died from COVID-19 in January and George Floyds televised death last May felt personal. Ive had run-ins with police. Ive had run-ins with racism. Ive seen things firsthand, he said. In a Zoom class last year, Jackson brought up Floyds death and broke down crying. "Its very taboo to cry in medicine, but Jackson made it seem OK to show emotion and vulnerability, he said. The sisters are extremely close, often finishing each others sentences, but there are differences too. James is married to a white physician, a guy she thought was a math nerd when they met but is now her partner in battle. She tears up when asked what she wishes for their 1 -year-old daughter, Lillian. I dont want her to have to live in a box like I did, James said. I want her to raise her voice so she knows its OK to be everything that she is, especially when the world is trying so hard to make Black and brown girls small and not heard." Jackson is single, loves to cook in her spare time and thinks like a scientist in the kitchen, marveling at how a humble carrot can transform into something sublime with just a little butter and brown sugar. James wears her passion on her sleeve and pours her soul into Twitter, calling out racism every time she sees it. Jackson says she has no appetite for Twitter wars and "tries to be the one who is grounding. I want to come at it with a loving, calm energy, she said. The sisters are hitting their stride in 2021; Jackson calls it the year of Black women: Michelle Obama helped pave the way, now theres Vice President Kamala Harris. It moves me to tears that all of my ancestor Black women who never got to see the day ... that they were in vogue and their voice was listened to, she said. It is Black womens lives that survive and keep surviving." Follow Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner. 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. They were whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, twin sisters excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. Dr. Brittani James, left, and her twin sister Dr. Brandi Jackson stand for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. The identical twin doctors who have fought bigotry all their lives have a lofty new mission: dismantling racism in medicine. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) They were whip-smart students from the side of town with unpaved streets and no sidewalks, twin sisters excluded from the gifted track because they were Black. A comment from a white classmate in Twinsburg, Ohio still stings: I dont even think of you as Black. I said, Thank you. And I felt pride, Dr. Brittani James recalls, shuddering. I believed we were special. I believed other people in our neighborhood werent as good as us," she said. The twins were indeed special they won free rides to the Ivy League, earned medical degrees at prestigious universities, and have thrived in a profession where they are vastly outnumbered by virtue of their skin color. But their mission now is to dismantle the entrenched bigotry behind that classmates backhanded remark. At 33, James and her twin, Dr. Brandi Jackson, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. Were teaching how to see it and how to undo it, Jackson said. James, a family medicine doctor, and Jackson, a psychiatrist, have developed anti-racist coursework used in two Chicago medical schools. Theyve co-founded the Institute for Antiracism in Medicine, where physicians can earn continuing medical education credit for taking classes on how their profession has made Black patients sicker. Dr. Brittani James poses for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Surrounded by rich white kids and professors in medical school, James struggled. It was this huge feeling like I dont belong here. None of the professors look like you, what youre learning about people like you is racist and youre getting tested on it. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Theyre seeking federal legislation to require hospitals to reveal outcomes by race, with penalties when Black patients consistently fare worse. Theyve even hatched a plan to create black physician coats. Thats not as radical as it might sound -- black coats were the tradition in the 19th century. Their latest achievement? Helping lead a charge against the American Medical Association and the influential research journal it publishes. The pandemic year and relentless police violence have fueled their resolve to fight structural racism. It is literally killing us, James said. In recent years the AMA has made an effort to atone for decades of excluding Blacks from its ranks. Even today, just 5% of all U.S. physicians are Black. But in February, a podcast hosted by the AMAs flagship medical journal caused a stir. The tweet promoting the podcast read, No physician is racist, so how can there be structural racism in health? It was a gut punch, said Dr. Aletha Maybank, AMAs chief health equity officer. The sisters institute started a petition, demanding that the journal diversify its mostly white editorial staff and ensure that medical research relating to race and racism gets published. The effort has garnered more than 8,800 signatures so far. AMA suspended the journals chief editor and a deputy editor resigned. The group held a meeting last month where James and other Black doctors voiced their concerns. Dr. Brandi Jackson poses for a portrait in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Jackson and her twin, Dr. Brittani James, have taken on the medical establishment in pioneering work to eliminate racism in medicine. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) James says the AMAs new anti-racism plan in the works long before the sisters activism makes her optimistic. In an 83-page document released Tuesday, AMA vowed to dismantle structural racism within the U.S. medical establishment, including diversifying its own staff and collaborating with outside groups. The group reached out to James and other physicians to discuss the plan a hopeful sign, she said. We still have to hold their feet to the fire," she said. The sisters message isnt new, said Dr. David Ansell, a Rush physician who has worked with their institute. But their timing is uncanny -- coming at the convergence of a deadly pandemic that has highlighted racial health inequities, a rise in white supremacism, and civil unrest over police brutality. At such a moment, he said, the sisters can make a difference. Their scientific curiosity started young. James remembers taking field notes" while spying on people. Jackson remembers turning their mothers blue bead case into a bug hospital. We emptied it and would go under rocks in search of potato bugs, worms. We gave each their own compartments ... then would examine them and took notes when they appeared sluggish. Their parents were hard-working and supportive, but the twins didnt tell them when they were accepted at Cornell University, knowing the cost was prohibitive. They broke the news when they landed full scholarships. It was during a college summer program that James for the first time saw a Black doctor. She stared. It was like a unicorn, but it planted a seed. They separated for medical school -- Northwestern for Jackson, University of Michigan for James. Now, they serve as mentors to other medical students from nontraditional backgrounds. James treats patients at a clinic on Chicagos South Side and teaches at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jackson has taught at Rush Medical College and is the behavioral health director for a Chicago health network that treats LGBTQ and other underserved patients. Medical resident Shan Siddiqi is a Canadian Muslim whose parents are from Pakistan. He works under James guidance at a clinic where James says the sickest of the sick go for treatment, patients with chronic illnesses worsened by poverty, stress from living in violent neighborhoods and now COVID-19. Siddiqi said hes impressed by her compassion, taking the time to treat them as humans and helping them overcome challenges to getting medication or specialty care. Jordan Cisneros, a third-year Rush medical student who Jackson has mentored, says her guidance has helped him get through a tough year. His father died from COVID-19 in January and George Floyds televised death last May felt personal. Ive had run-ins with police. Ive had run-ins with racism. Ive seen things firsthand, he said. Jacksons tears over Floyds death let students know it's OK for doctors to be vulnerable, Cisneros said. The sisters are extremely close, often finishing each others sentences, but there are differences too. Jackson is single, loves to cook in her spare time and thinks like a scientist in the kitchen, marveling at how a humble carrot can transform into something sublime with just a little butter and brown sugar. James is married to a white physician, a guy she thought was a math nerd when they met but is now her partner in battle. She tears up when asked what she wishes for their 1-year-old daughter, Lillian. I dont want her to have to live in a box like I did, James said. I want her to raise her voice so she knows its OK to be everything that she is, especially when the world is trying so hard to make Black and brown girls small and not heard. Follow Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration vowed Thursday to stand by Australia in its worsening trade and other disputes with China. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration vowed Thursday to stand by Australia in its worsening trade and other disputes with China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Australian counterpart that the U.S. will not leave Australia alone on the field or maybe I should say alone on the pitch in the face of economic coercion by China. That's what allies do," he said. "We have each other's backs so we can face threats and challenges from the position of collective strength. Like the United States and China, Australia and China are in the midst of several major disputes as Beijing seeks to apply pressure over commerce and influence. Blinken said the the United States and Australia are bound together by deeply held shared values that no other nation, including China, can uproot. Blinken and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne both said that presenting a united front to China is key and called for a more thorough and complete investigation into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in China in 2019. China last week suspended an economic dialogue with Australia, stepping up a pressure campaign that began over Australian support for a probe of the coronavirus and has disrupted exports to Chinas biggest foreign market. Relations between the two have plunged to a multi-decade low since Beijing blocked imports of Australian coal, wheat and other goods over the past year. But it has failed to force Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government to offer concessions. The suspension follows Australias decision in April to cancel two deals signed by the state of Victoria with Chinas multibillion-dollar Belt and Road construction initiative. Beijing warned then it might respond, which it did when it suspended the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, accusing Australia of abusing so-called national security reasons to severely restrict and suppress economic and cultural cooperation projects. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Some wealthy nations that were most praised last year for controlling the coronavirus are now lagging far behind in getting their people vaccinated and some, especially in Asia, are seeing COVID-19 cases grow. New Zealand olympian shot putter Dame Valerie Adams reacts as she receives her COVID-19 vaccination in Auckland, New Zealand, Monday, April 17, 2021. Some wealthy nations that were most praised last year for controlling the coronavirus are now lagging far behind in getting their people vaccinated and some, especially in Asia, are seeing COVID-19 cases grow. (Brett Phibbs/New Zealand Herald via AP) WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Some wealthy nations that were most praised last year for controlling the coronavirus are now lagging far behind in getting their people vaccinated and some, especially in Asia, are seeing COVID-19 cases grow. In Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, the vaccination rates are languishing in the single figures. That is in sharp contrast to the U.S., where nearly half of all people have gotten at least one shot, and Britain and Israel, where rates are even higher. Not only do those three Pacific countries rank worst among all developed nations in vaccinating against COVID-19, they also rank below many developing countries such as Brazil and India, according to national figures and the online scientific publication Our World in Data. Australia, which isn't providing a full breakdown of its vaccination numbers, is also performing comparatively poorly, as are several other places initially considered standout successes in battling the virus, including Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan. That could change as vaccination campaigns gather pace and supplies loosen. But meanwhile, previously successful countries are being left exposed to the virus and face longer delays in reopening to the world. Japan, for instance, has fully vaccinated only about 1% of its population and is facing a significant new outbreak just 10 weeks before it is to host the already delayed Olympic Games although without spectators from abroad. The government last week announced an extension of a state of emergency through the end of the month and confirmed more than 7,000 new cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since January. Bureaucracy has been part of the problem. Countries that faced mounting death tolls from the virus often threw out the rulebook, rushing through emergency vaccine approvals and delaying second shots past the recommended timeline in order to maximize the number getting their first. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally negotiated with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla to get early access to vaccines, and called in the military to get them in peoples arms. In the U.S., some groups handed out doughnuts, free drinks and even marijuana to get people to roll up their sleeves. Japan went through a more traditional approval process that required an extra layer of clinical testing for vaccines that had already been tested elsewhere and were being widely used. And once it did start getting shots, Japan faced a shortage of people to administer them. Under the conservative medical culture, people only trust doctors and nurses enough to do so. Dentists are willing to help and are authorized, but have not been called upon. Getting shots from pharmacists at drug stores like in the U.S. or from volunteers with no medical background other than a brief training like in Britain remains unthinkable in Japan. New Zealand also went through its own approval process, finally giving a thumbs up to the Pfizer vaccine in February, two months after U.S. regulators had approved it for emergency use. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins last year promised New Zealand would be "at the front of the queue for vaccines. Now he says the issue is supply. We cant move any faster than we can get the vaccines into the country, Hipkins told The Associated Press. Pfizer declined to discuss whether it could have supplied New Zealand any faster, referring questions back to the government. Australia has faced its own set of issues. Its plans to use mainly Australian-made vaccines took a blow in December when development was halted on a promising candidate because it produced false-positive HIV results. Then the European Union blocked a shipment of more than 250,000 AstraZeneca doses to Australia in March, considering the EU's needs greater. Australian regulators also switched from recommending the AstraZeneca vaccine to the Pfizer vaccine as their preferred option for people under age 50, slowing the rollout further. In South Korea, government officials initially insisted on a wait-and-see approach with vaccines, saying the countrys outbreak wasnt as dire as in America or Europe. But as transmissions worsened in recent months, public pressure mounted and officials sped up their negotiations with drug companies. Worried about possible shortages, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and other officials began pointing fingers at measures taken by the U.S., Europe and India to tighten controls on vaccine exports to deal with large outbreaks at home. Taiwan has given first shots to less than 1% of its population, after receiving just a fraction of the millions of doses it ordered. It has also been developing its own COVID-19 vaccine, which officials say will be available by the end of July under emergency use. After it had effectively eliminated the virus, Taiwan this week raised its emergency preparedness and imposed crowd restrictions after finding new and unexplained cases in the community. President Tsai Ing-wen has called on people not to panic. Helen Petousis-Harris, a vaccine expert at New Zealand's University of Auckland, said there were some advantages to taking a less frantic, more measured approach to vaccinating. It's much easier to commit yourself to something after you've seen it be used 100 million times, she said. And having the luxury of sticking to the three-week schedule for second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will likely result in more people getting those shots, she added. Those facing lengthy waits for second doses were more likely to lose interest or move on with their lives. Petousis-Harris said that New Zealand and many other wealthy countries that were slow to get going will likely see their vaccination rates rise quickly in the coming months as their campaigns swing into high gear. By next year, she said, it will likely once again be developing nations that are left behind. Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, Huizhong Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, and Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report. A corner of West Virginia wrenched by opioid addiction is getting the chance to argue in a courtroom that some of the corporate giants it blames for a public health crisis that left hundreds of people dead deserve to be held accountable. FILE - In this May 3, 2021, file photo, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, left, and lawyer Rusty Webb enter the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, W. Va., for the start of the opioid trial. Local governments seeking to hold companies accountable for the opioid crisis in the U.S. are finally getting their day in court in West Virginia and California. The outcome could lead to broader settlements involving some opioid makers and distributors. (Kenny Kemp/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP, File) A corner of West Virginia wrenched by opioid addiction is getting the chance to argue in a courtroom that some of the corporate giants it blames for a public health crisis that left hundreds of people dead deserve to be held accountable. The city of Huntington and surrounding Cabell County sued the nation's three largest opioid distributors No matter the outcome of the federal court trial that opened this month, the verdict is expected to resonate well beyond the industrial region. The trial in West Virginia, as well as legal proceedings underway in California, could set the stage for resolutions to similar lawsuits brought by thousands of local governments across the United States. Opioid overdoses have been linked to the deaths of nearly 500,000 Americans since 2000 and reached a record of nearly 50,000 in 2019. Yet the sprawling nature of litigation over the addiction epidemic around the country means it could take years to wrap up, years to get money to communities to expand treatment and to make up for some of the economic losses caused by the crisis. The trajectory of the lawsuits is unlikely to mirror the one of the lawsuits that states brought against the tobacco industry during the 1990s. The landmark litigation over what cigarette companies knew about the health risks of smoking resulted in a few sweeping settlements that distributed money to nearly every state, while the opioid cases involve a variety of plaintiffs suing companies up and down the pharmaceutical chain in state and federal courts. Instead, the lawsuits arising from the use of powerful prescription painkillers could evolve more like the litigation over the cancer risk linked to asbestos, which also involved many corporate players and ended up stretching on for decades. The Huntington and Cabell County case could lead the distributors that filled orders for OxyContin, generic oxycodone pills and other painkillers to agree to settlements elsewhere in the U.S. Other lawsuits target opioid manufacturers, pharmacies, and even the marketing and consulting firms that helped drugmakers promote the addictive medications. University of Georgia law professor Elizabeth Burch expects many companies named in the various lawsuits will have to pay up eventually, regardless of the results of individual trials. But rulings for the plaintiffs could speed things up, she said. A win really helps the plaintiffs and creates momentum, Burch said. State attorneys general, local governments and other entities have filed thousands of lawsuits over the last five years aimed at making segments of the drug industry pay for the lives lost or derailed by addiction. Before April, only one opioid case brought by a government had reached trial; in 2019, on Oklahoma judge ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay the state $465 million. The company is appealing. Other cases were settled before reaching trial. For activists, settlements do not equal accountability. They want payments for victims or their families and a detailed accounting of what companies did to spark the crisis. Some also want to see individual company officials charged with crimes. You can murder one person and go to jail for life. You murder hundreds of thousands? You just put up some money and you dont go to jail," said Cynthia Munger, a Wayne, Pennsylvania, resident whose son is in recovery from opioid addiction. "Wheres the justice in that? Most of the pending civil lawsuits focused on drugmakers and distribution companies, but some also target pharmacy chains and more peripheral players. This year, the consulting firm McKinsey & Company settled with most states for nearly $600 million for its role in advising OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and others on selling opioids. Massachusetts sued the marketing firm Publicis Health earlier this month, accusing it of designing deceptive marketing schemes to help Purdue sell more OxyContin. Two major opioid manufacturers Purdue Pharma and the generic drugmaker Mallinckrodt are using bankruptcy court to pursue universal settlements. In the Purdue case, state attorneys general are split over whether the proposed deal is sufficient to hold responsible members of the wealthy Sackler family who own the company. Under the proposal, they would give up Purdue Pharma and pay nearly $4.3 billion in cash. Close to 3,000 lawsuits filed in federal courts have been consolidated under the supervision of U.S. District Court Judge Dan Polster of the Northern District of Ohio. Polster has scheduled a trial for later this year in Cleveland over claims against pharmacy chains. He also pushed for broad settlements while agreeing to hold federal trials across the country. The West Virginia case against the national distribution companies - AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson - is the first of those cases to go to trial. From 2015 to 2020, more than 700 people died of opioid overdoses in Cabell County, which has a population of under 100,000. An expert witness for the county and Huntington city used data compiled by the federal government to show that pharmaceutical distributors shipped nearly 128 million doses of prescription opioids to the county from 2006 to 2014 or more than 140 per resident a year. The companies say the shipments increased along with quotas set by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and came from orders from pharmacies to fill prescriptions. The distributors are expected to call witnesses on their behalf in the coming weeks. In California, a state judge is holding a trial on claims from Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Clara counties and the city of Oakland against four drugmakers. Next month, a case brought by the state of New York and two counties against opioid manufacturers and distributors is scheduled to be the first to go before a jury. Joanne Peterson, who founded the Massachusetts support network Learn to Cope after seeing siblings struggle with addiction, said activists like her are keeping tabs on all the cases on behalf of people who have been killed or injured by opioids. Theyve lost everything, Theyve lost homes, theyve lost their children. Children have lost parents, she said. Jeffrey Simon, a Dallas-based lawyer whose firm is representing more than 50 local governments in opioid cases, said the verdicts in the initial trials will be raised in ongoing settlement talks but may not be the key factor in persuading companies to propose universal payouts instead of taking their chances in trial after trial. . The distributors and manufacturers have known for some time that they cant be going from pillar to post, from one trial to the next, said Simon, who also helps lead a committee of lawyers suing in state court in Texas. Some of the companies have indicated they see settling as in their best interests, in part because that route would likely not cost as much as losing in court repeatedly. The three national drug distribution companies, along with Johnson & Johnson, made public last year that they were offering a total of $26 billion over 18 years to settle all the cases they face, with the money going to abate the crisis. Lawyers for some governments are eager to accept, but significant details remain to be worked out, including how governments that don't agree to the settlement would be handled. Having a series of individual judgements rather than big settlements also could be bad for the public, because the money to address the addiction crisis would end up flowing mostly to the first places to get their cases to trial, with little left over for the others. Protracted litigation in thousands of cases will never lead to a fair resolution for millions of people in our country who are suffering, Laura Brewer, a spokeswoman for North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, said in an email. Follow Mulvihill at http://www.twitter.com/geoffmulvihill PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. - A woman is alleging that a Saskatchewan RCMP officer accused of killing her brother had been harassing him for the last two years. The Saskatchewan Provincial Courthouse in Prince Albert, Sask., on Thursday, May 13, 2021. Cpl. Bernie Herman, a 32-year member of the RCMP, is accused of killing 26-year-old Braden Herman. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. - A woman is alleging that a Saskatchewan RCMP officer accused of killing her brother had been harassing him for the last two years. Cpl. Bernie Herman made his first court appearance in Prince Albert on Thursday, the day of his 53rd birthday. He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Braden Herman, who police said was found dead in a wooded area in the city on Tuesday. Police have said the two men knew each other but were not related. They also said the killing happened when the officer was off duty. "Bernie was after my brother and was always finding ways to get him in trouble," DeeDee Herman of Edmonton said in an online message to The Canadian Press. She alleged the officer used his police powers to hound her younger brother. "He would always pull him over and give him tickets, saying hes speeding and stuff, although he never (did)." She said she doesnt know why the harassment started. The two men grew up in neighbouring northern Saskatchewan communities, she added Braden Herman was from the Clearwater River Dene Nation and Bernie Herman lived in La Loche. She also said her brother had been recently trying to ignore and avoid the officer. DeeDee Herman said she and her brother had been texting back and forth, joking and laughing, a fewhours before his body was found,. That evening, she received the news that he was dead. "I was actually shocked," she said. "I was numb. Not until I woke up this morning, it hit me hard realizing hes gone forever." Bernie Hermans lawyer, Brad Mitchell of Saskatoon, said had no comment about the sister's allegations. The Saskatchewan RCMP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The officer was serving with the Prince Albert Traffic Services Unit at the time of his arrest and has been with the force for 32 years. In a release Wednesday, RCMP said Bernie Herman's duty status as an RCMP officer was being modified, but the force did not say how. The Prince Albert Police Service said its criminal investigations division is leading the case, but it has requested that an independent observer oversee it. Bernie Herman was remanded into custody and is to make his next court appearance May 26. Outside the Prince Albert courthouse, Braden Herman's half-brother said he took a taxi there so he could face the accused. "He didnt want to look me in the face so that says a lot about his character," Brett Herman said. He said he does not know much about what happened the day his brother died, but said he had been struggling. DeeDee Herman said she remembers her brother as a "nice kid since Day 1" with plenty of friends and a gentle personality. He was a "nice, caring, loving person who always had a smile and greeted people with respect and love," she added. He moved to Prince Albert to further his education, ultimately graduating from Carlton Comprehensive High School, she said. "He completed his Grade 12 and then was into carpentry," she said. "I didnt know what his plan was going to be after that ... lately, he was just hanging out and enjoying life." His twin brother, Blade Herman, died by suicide in 2015. "They were very close," DeeDee Herman said. "Braden always talked about missing him." While she now envisions the twins reunited in Heaven, she said she and the rest of the family have been struck hard by the sudden loss. "Im just basically mad and heartbroken." This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2021. By Julia Peterson in Saskatoon. With files from paNOW OTTAWA - Elections commissioner Yves Cote says his office investigated 400 complaints about false statements allegedly made during the 2019 federal election campaign. A man leaves a polling station after casting his ballot on federal election day in Shawinigan, Que., Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. Elections commissioner Yves Cote says his office investigated some 400 complaints about false statements allegedly made during the 2019 federal election campaign. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes OTTAWA - Elections commissioner Yves Cote says his office investigated 400 complaints about false statements allegedly made during the 2019 federal election campaign. He says all but two or three have been resolved and none have been prosecuted. While 400 may seem like a large number, Cote says the complaints were clustered around roughly a half-dozen allegedly false statements with many of them using identical language, suggesting an organized campaign. To the best of his recollection, Cote says the complaints all involved misinformation targeting white males. Cote offered those details Wednesday during testimony before a Senate committee that is conducting a pre-study of the federal government's budget implementation bill. The massive omnibus bill includes an amendment to the Canada Elections Act to bring it into compliance with a recent Ontario Superior Court ruling that struck down a provision intended to curb misinformation during elections. The provision was added to the election law in 2018 as part of the Liberal government's broader reform of election rules. It made it an offence for any person or entity to make a false statement about the citizenship, place of birth, education, professional qualifications, criminal record or membership in a group of any candidate, would-be candidate, party leader or public figure associated with a party. Largely because the provision did not specify that a person must "knowingly" make a false statement, it was struck down by the Ontario court as a violation of freedom of speech. The amendment now being proposed adds the word "knowingly" to the provision. Cote told the Senate's legal and constitutional affairs committee that he always interpreted the provision as applying only to knowingly peddled misinformation and instructed his office to investigate only those complaints that met that standard. That led some senators to question the value of the provision since it resulted in no prosecutions. But Sen. Paula Simons, a former journalist who now sits in the Independent Senators Group, questioned the potential chilling effect on individuals who might constrain their opinions during an election for fear of being prosecuted. Joanna Barron, executive director of the Canadian Constitution Foundation which launched the court challenge, said she believes the provision, even with the proposed amendment, remains a threat to free speech. "Canadians should not have to fear prosecution for communicating information that the state deems to be false or for sharing ideas that politicians deem unworthy of dissemination," she told the committee. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc argued that the amended version strikes a fine balance between free speech and disinformation that can be used to manipulate election outcomes. He suggested that the victims of misinformation are most frequently women and racialized individuals. However, Cote said the complaints received about the 2019 campaign involved false statements allegedly made about men, none of whom, to the best of his recollection, were racialized. Both Cote and chief electoral officer Stephane Perrault told the committee that they support the amendment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2021. MEMBERS of a Winnipeg Mennonite church are inviting other faith groups to join them as they call for a halt to the Line 3 pipeline construction through Indigenous territory in Minnesota. MEMBERS of a Winnipeg Mennonite church are inviting other faith groups to join them as they call for a halt to the Line 3 pipeline construction through Indigenous territory in Minnesota. The invitation was made by a group of 10 people from Hope Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church Manitoba congregation. They are asking people to send a letter to TD Bank, one of the main financiers behind the Enbridge-owned pipeline, to warn about the environmental danger the pipeline poses and call attention to the violation of treaty rights of Indigenous groups. Organizer Josiah Neufeld said writing the letter is a way to show solidarity with the Red Lake Nation, the White Earth Nation and Mille Lacs Nation, and to "lament our part in something as harmful as fossil fuel economy at a time when the Canadian government wants to see us move to net zero carbon." The expansion of the pipeline, which carries oil from Alberta through the Prairies to the U.S., is almost complete except for that portion in Minnesota, Neufeld said. "It is being resisted by Indigenous people in that state, who havent given consent to it being built," he said, adding it travels through wetlands and waterways that would be severely damaged if there is a leak. "All pipelines will leak at one point or another," he said. The letter, which can be found at https://stopthemoneypipeline.com/defund-line-3, asks TD Bank and other banks to stop providing financing for the pipeline, which is being built "without the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous peoples who have lived there since time immemorial." If built, it goes on to say, "Line 3 would destroy the sacred wild rice beds that the Anishinaabe people depend on for their food, culture and way of life." Neufeld, 40, said the issue is a spiritual matter because of "how I choose to live in the world, and how I want to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized. Thats my understanding of what my faith means." Its also a matter of caring for creation, he said, noting "its all entwined... our spiritual well-being is connected with the well-being of the world around us." Construction of the US$3-billion pipeline began last year to replace a pipeline with a larger pipe that will be able to carry about 370,000 additional barrels of oil annually from Albertas oilsands to the U.S. Midwest and Eastern Canada. It has been opposed by American environmental groups and several Indigenous groups in northern Minnesota, who fear potential spills. The line also crosses through Manitoba, near Gretna. faith@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA As MPs push to learn why two Chinese-born researchers were escorted out of the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, reports suggest Canadas spy agency first raised concerns about the ousted couple. OTTAWA As MPs push to learn why two Chinese-born researchers were escorted out of the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, reports suggest Canadas spy agency first raised concerns about the ousted couple. In July 2019, renowned Ebola researcher Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Chang, were removed from the Arlington Street lab and later terminated by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which has only ever cited an "administrative matter" involving "possible policy breaches." JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health in Winnipeg. The RCMP is investigating Qiu and Chang, but neither have been charged. Months before her ouster, Qiu had sent samples of Ebola and Henipah viruses to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. Sources in Winnipeg have told the Free Press this was done without adequate paperwork, an allegation Public Health has denied. The lack of any clear explanation has fuelled conspiracy theories around the novel coronavirus, which gained prominence in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, but officials have found no credible link with that citys lab. On Wednesday, the Globe and Mail reported two sources saying CSIS had first tipped off Public Health about the pair, raising concerns about their contacts in China and the possible transfer of intellectual property. The Globe, which did not name the sources, reported the decision to pull the couple's security clearance came at the suggestion of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Meanwhile, members of Parliament are pushing Public Health to be more open about why the couple were let go, with the agency insisting for months it cannot discuss personnel matters. At a Monday meeting, Liberal MPs helped initiate a request to have documents related to the incident sent in an uncensored form to the House of Commons law clerk, who would decide which parts must be kept secret. This is similar to the protocol used a decade ago, in accessing documents with sensitive information about the treatment of Afghanistan detainees. So far, the public service has instead sent hundreds of pages of overwhelmingly censored documents to the House special committee on Canada-China Relations, saying it is bound by rules respecting employee privacy. "As public servants, we're bound by law to keep confidential information confidential," Public Health bureaucratic head Iain Stewart told the committee Monday. "We are disclosing as much as we can within the limits of the law." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 21:22:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MALE, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Maldives Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed was flown to Germany for further treatment on his injuries sustained during a terror attack last week, local media reported here Thursday. Nasheed was transferred from the ADK Hospital in Male, capital of the archipelagic state, to an airport amid tightened security on Thursday morning. He was hospitalized immediately after the terror attack and underwent 16 hours of surgery. Nasheed, 53, along with four other people, was injured as a remote controlled improvised explosive device planted in a motorcycle near his car blew up on May 6. Authorities have apprehended three suspects and President Ibrahim Solih has vowed to bring the masterminds to justice. Enditem More than 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans are a step closer to receiving reliable high-speed internet and cellular services. More than 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans are a step closer to receiving reliable high-speed internet and cellular services. Premier Brian Pallister announced Thursday that the province has signed a memorandum of understanding with Xplornet Communications to improve connectivity to hundreds of rural, remote and Indigenous communities. He said one of the lessons of the current pandemic is the need to improve Manitoba's knowledge infrastructure. "Too many Manitobans more than in any other part of the country are deprived of the opportunity of reliable internet and cell service. In particular, our rural and northern communities. In particular, our Indigenous communities," said Pallister, who was joined by Central Services Minister Reg Helwer at a morning press conference. "Well advance as a province only when we advance our knowledge infrastructure that allows everyone to join in that progress." Pallister said the "historic partnership" with Xplornet, one of the country's leading broadband service providers, will deliver high-speed internet to about 30 First Nations and 270 rural and northern communities. The agreement will also serve 350 communities with cellphone access. Through Manitoba Hydro, the province owns thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cable, created to communicate with northern hydroelectric facilities and to transmit data. However, much of the system consists of surplus, unused capacity. Through the agreement, the province will make the surplus capacity available to Xplornet to expand its broadband and cellphone services to Manitobans as early as this fall. "This innovative agreement makes use of an existing resource already in place that will help Manitobans and advance connectivity between Manitobans and communities throughout the province," Helwer said. "Access to Manitoba Hydro's fibre-optic network and tower infrastructure will also greatly reduce the capital investments Xplornet needs to expand into rural and remote communities, allowing for a positive return on investment and the quick delivery of service to Manitobans," the minister said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca THE Pallister government has apologized to the Metis for leaving them out of a message that commemorated Indigenous nurses. THE Pallister government has apologized to the Metis for leaving them out of a message that commemorated Indigenous nurses. In a statement Wednesday, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke reflected on Indigenous Nurses Day by celebrating "the hard work and dedication of our First Nations and Inuit care providers across Manitoba." That left out the third major Indigenous group Metis people who vastly outnumber Inuit in Manitoba. The province updated its statement when the Free Press raised the omission, saying it was an error. "We fully recognize Metis nurses as integral caregivers and the important role they contribute to our health-care system," a spokeswoman wrote. "The statement has been corrected and the Manitoba government apologies for the error." The Manitoba Metis Federation said it was tough to see the oversight as unintentional, given the federations numerous disputes with Premier Brian Pallister. "Its such a blatant, obvious attack and disrespect to our people," president David Chartrand said. "Its something were not going to forget. Youre just overdoing it now by so obviously trying to insult our people." He noted this occurred on Manitoba Day, which commemorates the province entering Confederation under the leadership of Louis Riel, a Metis leader. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca WHILE the overwhelming majority of students are learning at home for the rest of the month, nearly half the population at one elementary school in Winnipeg are still attending in-person classes, within public health guidelines. WHILE the overwhelming majority of students are learning at home for the rest of the month, nearly half the population at one elementary school in Winnipeg are still attending in-person classes, within public health guidelines. As of Wednesday, all students in K-12 in Winnipeg and Brandon shifted to remote learning to address a spike in COVID-19 cases. Only the students of critical service workers who are in Grade 6 or younger, learners deemed at-risk of disengaging from school, and pupils with additional needs are eligible to go to school if their caregivers cannot organize remote supervision during the school day. Most divisions in the Manitoba capital indicated fewer than 20 per cent of their total student populations are continuing to go to school in person, owing to the above exemptions, as of Wednesday. Schools are accommodating students based on available space and staffing. Eleven per cent of pupils in Louis Riel were in class Wednesday, while approximately 12 per cent of learners who attend four St. Norbert-area schools in Seine River did the same. In River East Transcona and St. James-Assiniboia, roughly 13 per cent of their student populations will attend in-person classes this month. Around 19 per cent of students have critical service worker guardians in central Winnipeg, with a notable number of health-care workers in Wolseley. In-class attendance is also expected to be approximately 19 per cent in Pembina Trails this week. Seven Oaks schools are reporting between 15 to 25 per cent capacity. In the francophone division, in-person attendance ranges from 15 to 48 per cent across seven elementary schools in Winnipeg. "We understand it puts a lot of stress on parents, but having all students in a class (as we would have preferred) would mean being in code orange," Alain Laberge, superintendent of the Division-scolaire franco manitobaine, said in an email Wednesday. Families with two parents who are critical service workers or single-parent families where a caregiver is a critical worker are top priority for in-class spaces, Laberge said. Manitoba Education guidelines outline two tiers of critical service workers. The first includes parents who work in health care, K-12 education, child-care facilities, law enforcement and corrections, social services and child protection fields, as well as first responders. Caregivers who are gas station attendants, grocery store employees and truck drivers are among the second tier. In Seven Oaks, superintendent Brian OLeary said some schools have received "significant pressure" from families who want to keep kids in school. "Parents just have to really understand that the purpose of this isnt to penalize them, but to break the possibility for transmission in our schools and that means having as few students in schools as possible for the next three weeks," said Radean Carter, spokeswoman for Winnipeg School Division. Schools have largely been relying on the honour system when approving in-class attendance, Carter said. Despite being a critical service worker, Grace Esposito opted to have her fifth grader study at home this month because she can work remotely. "Learning in school is the best thing for him," said Esposito, but the St. Vital mother added she wants to reduce her familys exposure as cases rise in her community. One day in, she said, the remote program has been a huge success in comparison to last spring owing to a rigid new schedule and her sons new technology know-how. "In K-6, we learned a lot over the year in contrast to how we came into this cold last March," said Christian Michalik, superintendent of Louis Riel. In schools, there will be a mix of supervised remote learning and in-person lessons in physical classrooms across the city until May 30. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca The Pallister government will spend $1.9 million to cover fees charged by in-school daycares so parents in Winnipeg and Brandon, who are keeping their children at home, won't be on the hook. The Pallister government will spend $1.9 million to cover fees charged by in-school daycares so parents in Winnipeg and Brandon, who are keeping their children at home, won't be on the hook. "This new support will help ensure parents do not pay for child-care spaces that they cannot use, and will protect facilities from financial hardships," Families Minister Rochelle Squires said Wednesday. Manitoba moved to remote learning on Wednesday due to high daily COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates; only children of essential-service workers can attend in-person classes. There are 10,194 daycare spaces in Winnipeg, and 193 in Brandon, attached to schools, in which children are supervised before or after kindergarten, or on days they dont have school. The vast majority of them will no longer be going to daycare at 520 facilities, including home-based daycares. Squires said the Families Department will give those providers grants, which are equal to parent fees, for children who arent allowed to attend, and that families will retain their spaces. "Our message has always been to not charge parent fees for a space that theyre not able to (use) because of a COVID-related shutdown or circumstance," said Squires. "We know that having a strong, robust child-care sector is essential to the post-pandemic recovery." The NDP praised the move, but said it should be extended to all daycares, instead of ones for school-aged children. "It's a step in the right direction, but unfortunately, this announcement also leaves younger children out of the equation," said MLA Adrien Sala. Squires had advised parents to touch base with their daycares about the waiving of fees; Sala argued COVID-19 restrictions could be better organized with schools and daycare providers. "Everythings been rushed through with this government and it hasnt been well thought-out." Squires also announced Manitoba would boost monthly spending on personal protective gear in the child-care sector by $415,000, to upgrade masks provided to Level 3, which is the level of protection just below that of N-95 respirators, which are reserved for medical staff. This is to account for the rise of more infectious COVID-19 variants. With files from Carol Sanders dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Manitobas youngest adults jumped at the opportunity to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on the very day they became eligible for it. Manitobas youngest adults jumped at the opportunity to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on the very day they became eligible for it. "I just knew that I wanted to get vaccinated as soon as possible, because I see a lot of people where I work. I just want to be safe," said Larissa Persaud, who works at a Booster Juice outlet. She lined up at one of two Indigenous clinics that accepted walk-ins Wednesday, the day all Manitoba adults became eligible for a shot. The 20-year-old said it was more convenient than booking an appointment at a super site. While many young adults went online to book future appointments at one of the seven super sites, lineups quickly formed at the two Indigenous clinics. Even though the queues never exceeded 15 people at either site, organizers at the Indigenous Health and Wellness Centre at 181 Higgins Ave. were concerned about reaching capacity in the early afternoon. None of the people in line at the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre at 363 McGregor St. had made an appointment. Many of the young people were queued up work at high-risk jobs, including 18-year-old Joseph McCallum, who had a day off from his job at Costco. "Today, my older brother, a friend of his works here, and they were putting on their Instagram story that 18-year-olds would be able to walk in I have the day off, so I figured why not," he said. McCallum said hed heard that he was eligible for the vaccine just hours earlier through friends on Instagram. "Its super cool. I have a couple of friends who work at these sites, and theyre trying to post all the time to show awareness, that theres room for walk-ins, thats going on," he said. "Its really nice." Social media was an invaluable resource to many of the young people waiting in line Wednesday, including sisters Anica Warkentine, 21, and Sophie Warkentine, 19, who waited at the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. "I had booked an appointment online but it wasnt until June 2, and then when I heard about this clinic, I thought, Well, why not take the opportunity?" Sophie said. Both said their friends had taken to social media to encourage each other to get vaccinated. "Its probably the primary source of updates that Ive got just vaccine-wise and COVID-wise," Sophie said. "I think everyone just stays up to date with things like that through social media." The sisters both work in service jobs and their mother works in a school, which increased the urgency for them to get vaccinated. While the vast majority of their friends feel the same way, Sophie said some are hesitant. "I was just talking to a friend, and shes really hesitant about the vaccine and she isnt sure if she wants to get it. I just said (to) think about how its affecting other people," Sophie said. "Its not just a personal decision when it affects other people, and when it involves maybe saving peoples lives." The province, which expects to administer 84,000 doses throughout the next week, asked that those who are eligible make an appointment at a super site as the downtown drop-in clinics are meant for Indigenous Manitobans. "The intent of those clinics were for Indigenous people of Manitoba. That is the intent of them, and that is, I think, how they should be used," said Johanu Botha, operations lead for the vaccine task force. Both sites are structured to accommodate people who may not have ID or access to a phone or online resource to book an appointment. Otherwise, Botha said the two Indigenous-led clinics have been able to use up their vaccine inventory each day. "By all accounts, theyre performing incredibly well," Botha said. with files from Danielle DaSilva malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ IN mid-April, many political watchers throughout the country myself included were flabbergasted when a news release showed up in our inboxes announcing Manitoba-based truck drivers were eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in North Dakota. Opinion IN mid-April, many political watchers throughout the country myself included were flabbergasted when a news release showed up in our inboxes announcing Manitoba-based truck drivers were eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in North Dakota. The most striking part of the announcement, made jointly by Premier Brian Pallister and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, was not the initial surprise that some Manitobans were being encouraged to leave the country to receive the vaccine. Rather, it was the very noticeable lack of representation at the virtual press conference from Canadas federal government. Understandably, governments at all levels continue to learn on the fly as the pandemic continues into its second year, but that days announcement was truly indicative of a larger problem in Canada relating to the federal governments support for cross-country vaccination efforts. The Essential Worker Cross-Border Initiative, which officials anticipated would vaccinate roughly 2,000 to 4,000 Manitoba truckers over a six-to-eight-week period, was a first-of-its-kind agreement between the neighbouring jurisdictions, with the Biden White House committed to covering the entire bill. Similar agreements for truckers have since been replicated or were being pursued by other provinces, including Saskatchewan and Alberta. Such agreements speak to how far the United States has come in its fight against COVID-19 while our federal government has struggled to maintain control. Back in early January, the U.S. was averaging more than 740 new daily cases of COVID-19 per million people; Canada was at 220. As of late last month, the U.S. had reduced its daily case rate by nearly 80 per cent. Canadas rate, by comparison, has fallen just four per cent from January, and is now significantly higher than that of our neighbours, with a third, variant-fuelled wave of the virus having wiped out any gains made in Manitoba and across the country. How did this happen? How did the U.S. make such a dramatic shift in its pandemic plight while provinces and territories across Canada are being forced to again enact public-health restrictions? One needs to look no further than the Manitoba/North Dakota announcement for an answer. In the U.S., a president has come into office committed to taking whatever actions necessary, no matter the cost, to bring the pandemic under control. In Canada, federal leadership, particularly relating to COVID-19 vaccinations, has been missing in action. Critics can argue that health care is a provincial responsibly, which is true. But provinces can only administer the vaccines they are provided by Ottawa. Canadas troubles relating to the vaccine rollout began long before the pandemic. Despite numerous warnings, the federal government has refused to abandon its plans to modify the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. Federal officials have claimed the changes to this relatively unknown entity will lower drug prices for Canadians, while critics of the move claim it will hinder future investment by the biotechnology industry. In a hypothetical world, had the Liberal government abandoned its proposed changes, one can reasonably conclude Canada would have had an easier time procuring additional vaccines. Throughout the pandemic, the federal government has been quick to brag about procuring the most diverse vaccine portfolio in the world. This talking point has proven to be just that: talk. While it is encouraging to see larger volumes of vaccines imported into our borders each week, Canadas vaccine rollout remains far behind those of other countries of similar stature. As vaccines were made available, provinces were for several months forced to make difficult decisions as to who should be prioritized, while our neighbours to the south had already expanded vaccine eligibility to all Americans 16 and older. Freshly released provincial budgets allocated significant funds to the pandemic response. In Ottawa, however, Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands first budget seemed to prioritize potential election politics over the need for urgent support to accelerate vaccinations across the country. No one would disagree that child care deserves significant attention and looking ahead to rebuilding the post-pandemic economy is important, but it is more important than ever for the federal government to step up and provide greater support to its provincial and territorial colleagues as they continue look for ways to vaccinate their individuals as quickly as possible. Pallister and his government should be commended for their ingenuity as they seek to provide innovative ways to vaccinate Manitobas essential workforce. North Dakota and the White House should be thanked for their generosity. Looking ahead, as Manitoba continues to explore additional ways to vaccinate prioritized groups, lets hope the federal government will step up and provide greater supports for vaccinations so we can finally put this pandemic in the rear-view mirror. Nathan Clark worked in the minister of healths office for three years, including as special assistant to former health minister Cameron Friesen for two years. He is now a senior consultant with Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm. Indigenous Services Canada has announced it wont end long-term advisories until 2023 at the earliest. In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to ending all long-term drinking water advisories by March 2021. When that deadline passed, the government recommitted to ending long-term advisories without a target date. Opinion Indigenous Services Canada has announced it wont end long-term advisories until 2023 at the earliest. In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to ending all long-term drinking water advisories by March 2021. When that deadline passed, the government recommitted to ending long-term advisories without a target date. This announcement comes as no surprise to many First Nations outraged by the lack of progress on ending drinking water advisories in their communities, and the growing divide and gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Examples of First Nations across Canada enduring persistent drinking water issues are endless. Neskantaga First Nation in Northern Ontario has been on a long-term boil water advisory since 1995. Semiahmoo First Nation recently had a 16-year boil water advisory lifted, after connecting to the nearby Metro Vancouver water line through the city of Surrey, B.C. The community is only a five-minute drive from the city of White Rock. Internationally, the right to water is recognized by the United Nations. It entitles everyone, without discrimination, access to safe, sufficient, physically accessible and affordable water. In Canada, while our water quality is ranked among the best in the world, First Nations across the country struggle to access a safe supply. Thats why the governments announcement wasnt surprising to those of us who have been following this issue for years. The true crisis is much greater than what is conveyed in the media, and theres a lack of awareness about how water is managed in First Nation communities. Small systems not under federal jurisdiction While the federal government is responsible for funding and overseeing water management in First Nations, this does not typically include small systems and individual wells and cisterns. And provincial governments and municipalities have no jurisdiction over water management on reserve. In addition, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was enacted despite criticism from First Nations. First Nations face disproportionately higher numbers of drinking water advisories, and are subjected to these advisories for longer periods of time than non-Indigenous people. This is due to inadequate and chronic under-funding, regulatory voids and a lack of resources to support water management. The number of water-borne diseases in First Nations communities is 26 times higher than the national average, and people living on reserve are 90 times more likely to have no access to running water compared to non-Indigenous people in Canada. At any given moment, there are more than 100 drinking water advisories in place for First Nations across Canada, according to the federal government, the First Nations Health Authority and Saskatoon Tribal Council. But this figure doesnt come close to revealing the real crisis. It is merely the tip of the iceberg. The pervasiveness of the drinking water crisis is slowly stifling and oppressing First Nations across Canada. Still no access Its been 10 years since the federal governments National Assessment on Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities highlighted the state of water for First Nations people. The government report estimated that 13.5 per cent of First Nations had trucked-in water, 13 per cent had individual wells and 1.5 per cent had no water service at all. Since the Liberal government announced in 2015 its intention to eliminate long-term drinking water advisories, attention has been placed on federally funded drinking water systems, which are larger community systems. But many communities, like those in the Prairies or more remote locations, have hundreds of advisories in place for individual wells or cisterns that fail to meet Canadian Drinking Water guidelines. These systems are not well-funded or closely monitored. In many of these First Nations, water has elevated levels of heavy metals, including iron and manganese, and contaminants like E. coli. Residents dont trust the drinking water and there is a preference to rely on bottled water as a reliable drinking water source. Even Nations near urban centres, like Tsuutina Nation just outside of Calgary, struggle to trust the water from their wells. Taking matters into their own hands According to Mario Swampy, council member with Samson Cree Nation, residents are dealing with more than 100 drinking water advisories affecting their individual systems. His estimation illustrates how this water crisis is far more serious than national media would suggest. This has lead to Samson Cree Nation taking matters into its own hands by creating a community-based committee called Nipiy. It brings together community members, leadership, consultants, academics and non-profits to collaboratively work on water management. Samson Cree Nation, in an attempt to close the existing gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities on safe drinking water, is struggling to adequately address its ongoing boil water advisories that arent captured in the federal governments commitment. In December 2020, the government earmarked an additional $1.5 billion to address water management. The recent federal budget committed additional investments to close the infrastructure gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. While these investments help, they will not be enough to undo the damage caused by decades of underfunding. First Nations organizations like the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority are moving toward autonomy and control over their water. But more is needed. What to do Adequate funding for infrastructure and improvements, operations and maintenance, capacity-building and training that promote building, growth and development are key. In order for First Nations, including communities like Samson Cree Nation, to achieve equity in water access, quality and quantity, the current model of dependency must be challenged in changed. Full autonomy, decision-making and control over their internationally recognized right to water is the only way forward. If we really want to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities on safe drinking water, we need to look across the entire spectrum from First Nations that rely on bottled water to those with individual wells and communities with reliable tap water. We must address the real magnitude of this crisis. In 1991, the federal government committed to achieving equality for all in accessing safe water by 2001. Thirty years later, not only have we failed to achieve this, we have also failed to understand just how far from equality we really are. Kerry Black is an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in integrated knowledge, engineering and sustainable communities at the University of Calgary. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. Manitoba crossed a distressing but long-anticipated threshold on Wednesday when it recorded its 1,000th COVID-19-related death. Regardless of the context in which one chooses to view it, that number stands as an indictment of both the virulence of the novel coronavirus and equally our collective failure to manage the threat it represents. Manitoba crossed a distressing but long-anticipated threshold on Wednesday when it recorded its 1,000th COVID-19-related death. Regardless of the context in which one chooses to view it, that number stands as an indictment of both the virulence of the novel coronavirus and equally our collective failure to manage the threat it represents. COVID-19 has, in many ways, presented an unprecedented public-health challenge. Many have drawn a parallel to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic; despite misinformed claims to the contrary, however, the coronavirus is not like influenza. Its basic characteristics are fundamentally different and the tools and methods required to control it must be, as well. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister The latter consideration is where Manitoba, as well as numerous other jurisdictions around the world, has failed. No one could have prevented COVID-19 from reaching pandemic proportions. But the decisions made and the methodologies applied in response have most certainly made what was destined to be a bad situation much worse. Manitoba did show early promise. Its decision to lock down the province on April 1, 2020, with no exceptions, helped make this one of the most successful jurisdictions in the world at controlling the spread of COVID-19. But that experience with severe social and economic restrictions seemed to somehow dull our appetite for taking a hard line against the coronavirus. In subsequent waves, Premier Brian Pallister and his government have appeared reluctant, perhaps even averse, to applying the short, sharp lockdowns that other countries have used to extinguish outbreaks. The result has been an overall pandemic response strategy that, in epidemiological terms, has been largely a failure. Last fall and again during the current COVID-19 upsurge, the Pallister government has allowed case numbers and hospital admissions to rise to alarming levels with only modest responses. The government has described this strategy as applying the "least-restrictive means" to address surges in viral infection. In steadfastly adhering to this rationale for public-health intervention, Manitoba has essentially conceded that severe second and third waves of COVID-19 were inevitable. Such an approach unacceptably ignores the experience in other countries that have done a much better job at containing COVID-19 and, in so doing, largely spared their people from extended social and economic restrictions. New Zealand is among a handful of countries that have demonstrated a different and decidedly more effective way of managing the coronavirus. Severe lockdowns last spring were followed by very tight restrictions on travel into and within the country. However, the smartest thing New Zealand has done is to respond with the full force of social and economic restrictions at the first sign that community transmission of the virus was occurring. And when he wasnt imposing halfmeasures, Mr. Pallister seemed inclined to grant concessions to select businesses or constituencies based on criteria that seemingly ignored the science and relied almost entirely on politics. Manitoba, by comparison, has continued to tinker with relatively modest restrictions even when case counts showed signs of exploding. And when he wasnt imposing half-measures, Mr. Pallister seemed inclined to grant concessions to select businesses or constituencies based on criteria that seemingly ignored the science and relied almost entirely on politics. Given all that, there was no opportunity for this province to escape the currently unfolding horrors of COVID-19. The way the virus has spread around the globe, expecting no deaths would be tantamount to walking through a rain storm and expecting not to get wet. But Manitoba could have and, arguably, should have managed the pandemic in a way that ensured fewer than 1,000 of its citizens lost their lives. The failure to do so leaves all Manitobans, from government on down, to grapple with the awful knowledge that many of those who have died did so unnecessarily. Manitobans who took the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are being assured they did the right thing as the province halts first doses to conserve vials for second shots amid concerns about supply. Manitobans who took the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are being assured they did the right thing as the province halts first doses to conserve vials for second shots amid concerns about supply. As other Canadian provinces paused first doses of AstraZeneca/Covishield due to supply issues, and Ontario and Nova Scotia announced it will no longer offer first doses due to an increase in reports of rare blood clots, Manitoba health officials said the vaccine is safe. "Over the last two months when weve been giving AstraZeneca, it has protected many tens of thousands of Manitobans who would not otherwise have had that protection," Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead for the provincial vaccine task force, said Wednesday during a noon-hour news conference. "If you got the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as you were eligible, and I know a lot of people in the 40-and-up age category did that, you did the right thing." Much of the 7,530 doses of AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine remaining in the province will be reserved for second-dose vaccination only, Reimer said. First doses of AstraZeneca can only be administered to Manitobans who have no way of getting a Pfizer or Moderna shot at supersites or pop-up clinics. All adult Manitobans were eligible for immunization as of Wednesday. According to provincial data, about 76,700 Manitobans have received a first dose of AstraZeneca. Administration of the vaccine began March 11. A second dose of the vaccine is recommended at the 12-week mark, as it's shown to be more effective with an extended dosing interval. "Theres no change in our clinical guidance. We remain confident that AstraZeneca is a safe and effective vaccine," Reimer said. "If you got the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as you were eligible, and I know a lot of people in the 40-and-up age category did that, you did the right thing." Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the provincial vaccine task force A greater supply of Pfizer and Moderna and the uncertainties surrounding the export of AstraZeneca from India has prompted the province to change course, she said. The government of India has placed an export ban on AstraZeneca, which is manufactured at the Serum Institute of India. "We want to look to the supply issues of AstraZeneca and make sure that were saving as much as possible, given the uncertainties we have around the export of vaccine," she said. Doses of the product are still expected from COVAX, a global vaccine sharing initiative that assists in procuring vaccines for lower- and middle-income countries, while discussions continue with the United States for additional shots, federal officials said last week. Ottawa has confirmed a delivery of 23,800 doses of AstraZeneca will arrive in Manitoba the week of May 17. No deliveries beyond that date have been confirmed. The province may end up offering a messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) as a second dose to people who got AstraZeneca if supply is unavailable or if studies currently underway show a benefit to mixing vaccines, Reimer said. "Regardless of what happens, you will be offered another dose of vaccine," she said. Of the AstraZeneca/Covishield doses currently in Manitoba, a portion will expire at the end of May, while the balance will expire at the end of June. It's unlikely any Manitobans would qualify for their second dose of AstraZeneca by May 31, based on a 12-week dosing schedule. Over two million Canadians have received the AstraZeneca vaccine. There have been 17 confirmed cases of a rare, but severe, potential side-effect causing blood clots and low platelets called vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Three women have died. with files from The Canadian Press danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca A Manitoba-backed company that's attempting to develop a COVID-19 vaccine says it continues to pursue plans to produce the product in Canada despite tepid support from the federal government. A Manitoba-backed company that's attempting to develop a COVID-19 vaccine says it continues to pursue plans to produce the product in Canada despite tepid support from the federal government. On Wednesday, Providence Therapeutics of Calgary announced "very favourable" results from Phase 1 clinical trials for its messenger RNA vaccine. Premier, vaccine developer retreat after deal falls through Click to Expand MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister. Posted: 4:00 AM May. 5, 2021 NEITHER Premier Brian Pallister nor Providence Therapeutics would comment on the status of Manitobas deal with the Calgary company to develop a COVID-19 vaccine since its CEO suddenly announced last week that hes leaving Canada. While a provincial spokesman assured Manitoba taxpayers on Friday they wont be on the hook for the $7.2-million non-refundable deposit the government was to give the vaccine developer, neither the premier nor CEO Brad Sorenson responded to interview requests this week. Read Full Story "Within the class of mRNA vaccines (which include the Pfizer and Moderna products) our data compares very favourably," Providence chief executive officer Brad Sorenson said in an interview. He maintained that his company remains committed to producing the vaccine in Canada. Sorenson called a recent media report quoting him as saying that Providence was tired of getting "the runaround" from Ottawa and was ready to move the company overseas "a bit sensationalized." "We have the ability to produce 200 million doses in Canada a year between our partners, Northern RNA in Calgary and the Emergent Biosolutions in Winnipeg," he said. "And were going to produce those vaccines. "Whether those vaccines are used by Canadians or whether theyre used somewhere else in the world, were going to make them because the world needs them. Were not going to shut down production in the middle of a pandemic." Once the COVID-19 crisis is over, however, is another matter, Sorenson said, adding he was quoted correctly that the company is "evaluating its strategic options outside of Canada right now." Manitoba has promised to making a non-refundable payment of $7.2 million to Providence, but the money won't be paid until a final contract is signed. Providence Therapeutics is working with Emergent BioSolutions to handle the finish and filling stages of vaccine production from Emergent's Winnipeg location. (Jess Boily / Winnipeg Free Press files) Sorenson said he won't sign a deal until he's "entirely confident" his vaccine will receive regulatory approval in Canada. "If the deal gets signed, it will likely get signed in the next two or three weeks," he said of the Manitoba contract. The province has arranged to receive two million doses of vaccine from Providence; its $7.2-million commitment represents a 20 per cent down payment on the value of the contract. If Health Canada doesn't approve the vaccine, the company would not be able to supply Manitoba or any other Canadian jurisdiction. Ottawa injects uncertainty into support for Winnipeg vaccine facility Click to Expand Posted: 5:06 PM Mar. 15, 2021 OTTAWA The Trudeau government is sending mixed messages on whether it wants to shore up COVID-19 vaccine production in Winnipeg. The U.S. firm Emergent BioSolutions runs a facility near the University of Manitoba campus, and signed a contract late last year to produce a vaccine developed by Calgary-based Providence Therapeutics, which has financial support form the Pallister government but is still pending approval. Read Full Story However, Sorenson said he's confident in being able to obtain regulatory approval and buyers outside of Canada in any case. He said he's already getting numerous inquiries about the vaccine from around the world. He said he has been disappointed his company has not received more government support for his initiative in Canada, particularly from the federal government. The office of federal Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said more than a month ago that Ottawa had invested $10 million to help Providence Therapeutics with its early trials, although Sorenson said Wednesday he's received less than $5 million from Ottawa to date. The federal government said it has only placed orders for vaccine candidates that a scientific panel has deemed most likely to be effective and timely enough to immunize Canadians. "If the deal gets signed, it will likely get signed in the next two or three weeks." Brad Sorenson, chief executive officer at Providence Therapeutics Meanwhile, Sorenson said he asked the federal government two months ago for 500 doses of Pfizer vaccine for a Phase 2 comparative trial that is set to begin in June. He has yet to receive an answer. He said the trial will go ahead because he can obtain back-up supplies in a pinch. Unless Health Canada agrees to an accelerated approval process something it has yet to commit to a new Providence vaccine will not be available until early 2022. The company is confident demand will remain strong globally, and it's also likely that further booster shots will be required in the future in Canada even after the population is fully vaccinated. In a statement Wednesday, the Pallister government repeated its position that Canada needs a strong, secure domestic vaccine research and manufacturing sector to win the fight against COVID-19. "That is why Manitoba took the proactive step of investing in a made-in-Canada COVID vaccine research and manufacturing initiative. Manitoba remains in regular discussions with domestic vaccine suppliers and researchers on potential opportunities for Canadians and Manitobans," the province said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:08:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A renowned Singaporean scholar on Thursday called on the United States to stop its geopolitical contest against China and said the only way to jumpstart the global economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic is cooperation between the world's two largest economies. During an online forum organized by think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF), Kishore Mahbubani, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore, said U.S. President Joe Biden's administration should end the trade war with China initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States should eliminate the additional tariffs on Chinese products slapped by the Trump administration, and reverse its China policy, he said. If the U.S.-China geopolitical contest continues, the whole world will be affected, Mahbubani said. Calling the U.S. trade war against China a failure, Mahbubani believes the United States neither solved its domestic economic concerns nor contained China's development, only hurting its own interests and greatly worsening the bilateral relations. "The trade tariffs have hurt American consumers, hurt American workers and hurt the American economy," he said. Asian countries should call on the United States and China to cooperate and jointly deal with pressing problems from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and economic recession, said Mahbubani, who used to serve as Singapore's Ambassador to the United Nations. OHKF is a non-government, non-profit organization founded in November 2014 under the chairmanship of Tung Chee-hwa, who is vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Enditem The lead of Manitobas vaccine rollout took questions and addressed concerns from newcomers to the province Thursday afternoon. The lead of Manitobas vaccine rollout took questions and addressed concerns from newcomers to the province Thursday afternoon. "We have seen some patterns emerging where, both in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba, there are some areas that have lower uptake," Dr. Joss Reimer said. "And this is a blend of things. We think in southern Manitoba, a lot of it has to do with vaccine hesitancy, beliefs and community views on vaccines, but in Winnipeg, we think it has a lot more to do with barriers to seeking care." Many of the largest newcomer groups in Manitoba are over-represented in the provinces data on COVID-19 cases, with Filipino and South Asian populations particularly apparent in case counts. While 51 per cent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 from May to December 2020 were Black, Indigenous or a person of colour, only 35 per cent of Manitobans belong to those groups. Around one in three COVID-19 cases in Manitoba are from people working in food manufacturing, and 59 per cent of COVID-19 cases in people of colour are attributed to people working in the industry. The service industry (15 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Manitoba) and transportation (11 per cent) are also especially visible in the provinces COVID-19 cases, which correlates with the over-representation of people of colour in the provinces data. Targeted advertising and the province approaching community and religious leaders to help influence their respective communities to get vaccinated are already underway, but the province is also looking at providing the consent form in additional languages, and bringing more pop-up clinics to areas in Winnipeg with high immigrant populations. "We know theres a lot more we could be doing, and we plan to keep improving more and more," Reimer said. The vaccine task force lead took questions on improving the rollout to target immigrants and Manitobans not fluent in English or French. She answered more specific questions regarding conspiracies and myths newcomer groups have heard being shared through social media. "I know that WhatsApp has been a big source of misinformation. (Fighting misinformation) is a huge challenge for us," Reimer said. Myths and conspiracies around the novel coronavirus have been tackled more than once by Val Cavers, executive director at Mosaic Newcomer Resource Centre. The centre has partnered with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and refugee health-care clinic physician Dr. Afsaneh Oliver to hold "ask a doctor" sessions with immigrants, to explain the science behind the process and dispel misinformation. Oliver is known to many of Manitobas refugees she works at BridgeCare clinic, the initial point of assessment for newly-arrived, government-sponsored refugees and has held the Q & A clinic in English, Arabic and Tigrinya thus far. Plans are underway to provide the session in Somali, Swahili, and Kurmanji. Turnout has been unprecedentedly high, Cavers said: 40 people attended a recent session. Many questions revolve around myths around the virus causing side-effects, and conspiracy theories around the vaccine. "But, for the most part, people are asking the questions that most of us are asking right now, about (vaccine) safety and just wanting to make sure its safe for them and their families," she said. Mosaic is also helping refugees book vaccine appointments, and will provide support to the pop-up clinic at the nearby Knox United Church opening Friday. "Were hoping that our relationships with community members in the Central Park community, and also the familiarity that they have with programs at Knox Church, will help," Cavers said. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-14 00:39:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Driven by the COVID-19 epidemic, Nepal's import of medical equipment from China more than doubled during the first three quarters of the current 2020-21 fiscal year ending mid-July on a year-on-year basis, showed data released by the country's central bank. According to figures released by the Nepal Rastra Bank on Wednesday, Nepal's purchase of medical equipment from China surged by 117 percent to 3.12 billion Nepali rupees (26 million U.S. dollars) against 1.43 billion Nepali rupees (12 million U.S. dollars) during the same period in the previous 2019-20 fiscal year. The COVID-19 hit Nepal in the middle of 2019-20 fiscal year and the country more than doubled its imports of medical equipment from China in the year compared with the previous 2018-19 fiscal year, according to the Nepali central bank. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, Nepal imported medical equipment worth 3.35 billion Nepali rupees (28 million U.S. dollars). Nepali government officials and medical equipment suppliers said the COVID-19 was the driving force behind the surging imports of medical equipment and tools from China. "We have seen the surge in the import of equipment and tools aimed at controlling the pandemic," Sishir Ghimire, information officer at Nepal's Department of Customs. According to the customs department, large numbers of face shields, gowns and gloves for medical and surgical purposes, diagnostic kits, needles for medical purposes, among others, were brought to Nepal from China in the first nine months of this fiscal year. Medical equipment suppliers said they have been bringing most of medical equipment from China lately although they have also approached India and other countries. "The equipment related to COVID-19 has basically contributed to a surge in imports of medical equipment," Suresh Ghimire, president of the Chemical and Medical Suppliers' Association Nepal, told Xinhua on Thursday. "Several hospitals have imported equipment for establishing high dependency unit, for critical patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic." As Nepal has been ravaged by a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 over the past weeks, there is an increasing demand for oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters in particular. Ghimire said the suppliers have been doing their best to bring these items particularly from China. On Thursday, Nepal reported 8,842 new COVID-19 cases and 214 new deaths from the pandemic. For now the Himalayan nation has a total of 431,191 coronavirus infections and a death toll of 4,466. Enditem Doing good for communities Wits law entities are using their expertise for public good in society. For decades, Wits has been committed to advancing societal good through research excellence, producing quality graduates and contributing to the development of policies that benefit citizens. Law entities based in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management such as the Wits Law Clinic and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) are champions of human rights and social justice Lawyers fighting for human rights The Wits Law Clinic, which has been in operation for over forty years, is one of the biggest law clinics in South Africa renowned for its pro bono services to people in need of legal aid. The Clinic provides support to the public on general legal matters, family law cases, criminal and delict cases and labour matters. The Refugee Unit in the Clinic also provides aid to asylum-seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants with matters they affect them. On average, approximately 9000 people benefit from the services of the Law Clinic annually. The provision of anti-retroviral treatment in South Africa is one of the many battles that was won on through the Universitys involvement. The Law Clinic provided legal support in the case brought by the Treatment Action Campaign against the government over its failure to provide health care services to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). This bitter battle between the government and civil society ended in 2002 and saved millions of lives. The Clinic, a catalyst for change in society, is also fighting for women who are victims of fraudulent marriages and whose lives have been disrupted as a result. Through its family, gender and child unit, the Clinic is holding Home Affairs accountable for fraudulent marriage. The Clinic has on several occasions acted in precedent setting cases, a number of which have been reported in South African Law Reports. The Clinic instituted legal action to assist recognised refugees who struggled to obtain travel documents, despite the law permitting them to do so. The first ever travel document issued to refugees was as a result of work from the Clinic, says Daven Dass, Director of the Wits Law Clinic. Nurturing aspiring lawyers underpins the ethos and values of this public resource. Currently, over 400 Wits final year law students receive practical in house experience. The Clinics Candidate Attorney Programme provides an opportunity for law graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete their articles and acquire quality legal training. Speaking about the good the Clinic does for society, Dass says transformation, development and empowerment are the cornerstone of the Clinic.It is always about empowerment. If you cannot empower individuals to realise their best, then you are not truly fulfilling your functions. If I do not empower people, I am not fulfilling my functions as a Director. I need to be good to my staff. In doing so I empower and add value to them. I need to be good to my students. Through this, I am equipping final year students with the necessary practical skills that will allow them to measure with a level of adequacy and also help one day, he adds. CALS, a public interest law organisation, seeks to improve access to justice and promote human rights in the country. In defending the right to education, the Centre along with Section 27 took the Limpopo Department of Education to court in 2012, for failing to deliver textbooks to schools, six months into the academic year. The failure to deliver books impacted children from under resourced families. Were it not for CALS - leaders, corporates and those connected to power would conspicuously flout the law. For example, communities living in mineral rich areas are often marginalised in matters pertaining to their land. Currently on the court's roll is the case made by CALS together with mining community networks challenging the 2018 Mining Charter, which the plaintiffs believe was developed without engaging with mining-affected communities. In 2020, CALS represented mineworkers to ensure that they and affected communities were protected from COVID-19 in their workplaces. The Court ordered the state to engage meaningfully on future mining regulations with community networks, such as the Mining Affected Communities United in Action. The Centre regularly deals with mass evictions and is representing about 900 people facing eviction by the City of Cape in an effort to protect their rights. Institutions such as the Wits Law Clinic and CALS are a beacon of hope in society and bring relief to some of the most indigent and marginalised individuals and communities. Professor Bob Scholes: Farewell giant savanna tree Scholes students describe him as a giant savanna tree providing shade in the heat, shelter in the rain, and a point of reference to navigate by. Close to 500 colleagues, friends and family paid tribute to Professor Bob Scholes during a virtual memorial service held by Wits University on Thursday, 13 May 2021. The Wits flags also flew half-mast in his honour. Scholes, one of the worlds leading scientists on Climate Change, was a Professor of Systems Ecology, a Director of the Global Change Institute (GCI) and a Distinguished Professor at Wits. He passed away on the evening of Wednesday, 28 April, following a hike in Namibia with friends and colleagues. He was 63 years old. (Read Wits Universitys tribute.) Leading the tributes, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said it is very difficult to convey the immense contribution Bob made to global change science. He aspired to a better world. He was a great scholar, son, national hero taken too soon from us. His commitment to his field represents why he inspired a whole generation. His legacy will live on through his work, his students, and his colleagues and friends." Scholes wife, Professor Mary Scholes, and their son, Stirling, reflected on his encyclopedic knowledge, dry humour and stoic optimism that made him not just a knowledgeable man but also a wise man. Our life was full of fun and glory, Professor Mary Scholes said, adding that her husband died as he would have wished: with his boots on, peacefully under the shade of a Mopani tree. Power of his legacy Speaking on behalf of the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Professor Marcus Byrne paid homage to Scholes as a teacher and a mentor to his students, saying he helped and applied his knowledge wherever he could. One such student is Ndoni Mcunu who is currently doing her PhD. She is also the Founder and CEO of Black Women in Science. In a moving tribute she said: Any room you entered you would proudly state that you are Bobs student and then would instantly inherent respect based on the power of his work and legacy. He taught me the meaning of creating and sustaining a legacy personally and in academia. He taught me to speak out, made us question everything, including him. He made sure we learned how climate change in Africa needs to be led by Africans and African scientists. Im going to dedicate my PhD and the impact that Im going to make in my career to him. No words can explain the gratitude I have in my heart. Person of the planet Professor Michel Verstraete, Visiting Professor at the GCI, described Scholes as a walking library with a sharp and inquisitive mind and phenomenal memory. He fully embraced life and was acutely aware of how to build a just society. He led an exemplary life and practiced the idea of thinking globally and acting locally. Professor Francois Engelbrecht speaking on behalf of the GCI, said Scholes was one of the most influential ecologists in the world and a legend in his own time. As a leader, Bob had a principled, inclusive and yet decisive leadership style. He was a tremendous scientist with a tremendous intellect. And he was also an extremely happy person who enjoyed every day of his life. Australian scientist Professor Will Steffen, a close colleague and friend of Scholes, said he was one of the most popular and well-respected colleagues in the global change community. He was a patriotic South African but at home anywhere on earth truly a person of the planet, Steffen said. In his own words As a student, Scholes intuitive early on that his academic, social and activist life would be dedicated to the preservation of the planet. In this Wits.For Good podcast, broadcast on 702 in July 2020, he shares his expertise on global warming and climate change: Tributes from South Africa and around the world A tribute by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says: We have lost one of our very best. Professor Bob Scholes was a pioneer in all that he did. He was a commanding intellect and never allowed anyone to be complacent about science. We are deeply grateful for Professor Bob Scholes enduring contributions to our organization and the broader environmental sector. He will be remembered as a true leader and a conscientious and dedicated scientist. World Wildlife Fund tribute. Colleagues and friends who have crossed various and dynamic paths with the late Professor Bob Scholes at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) saluted him and described him as a gentle, caring, sensitive, intuitive, perceptive and passionate giant. Read the full tribute by the CSIR. We are grieving the loss of our incredible mentor and advisor, Professor Bob Scholes. He chaired the Research and Advisory Committee for the status report on biological invasions, and he provided invaluable leadership and knowledge that will be sorely missed, said Dr Tsungai Zengeya, a South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) lead scientist of the South African biological invasions status report. Read the full tribute. The contribution made by Professor Bob Scholes to the work of the Department in both the climate change and biodiversity fields was immeasurable. His untimely death is a shock to us all, writes Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy. We also recognize the important role Professor Bob Scholes played internationally as a renowned climate scientist, warning of the climate emergency long before others recognized the urgency of the situation. Now that the crisis is worse than ever, we will remember and advocate for scientific evidence and action. Read the tribute [PDF] by the Executive Committee and Board of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF). Funding acknowledgement Throughout his life, Professor Bob Scholes received numerous awards, contributed to many global change activities and was also the recipient of extensive funding. There are very many, for which the University and his research community are very grateful. These are some examples of his research funding received and engagement with international and national bodies, some of whom also provide funding: Global Change Institute linked funding The Carnegie Corporation of New York The Robert Bosch Foundation Exxaro National Funding NRF National Research Foundation Department of Science and Innovation South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Various Government Departments: national, provincial, municipal Global Change Platforms/Committees Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Belmont Forum Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) Examples of other international funding What Witsies think about Wits. For Good. The Universitys new slogan, Wits. For Good. has been a source of intrigue for many since being seen on billboards around the streets of Johannesburg. Also attracting attention are the colourful murals gracing the Universitys entrances and buildings bearing the new slogan. We asked Witsies what they think of this slogan and their responses ranged from humorous while others were full of hope. Students did not miss the chance to see as a message of doom about ever graduating. However, when it got serious this is what Wits. For Good represents for students. Demi Chait, a Bachelor of Arts graduate believes it represents the good in the University. Wits. For Good is about the incredible unity of people from different walks of life, different races and religions who come together, with no judgement, for one outcome to attain the education from this great institution, then to go out into the world and change it for the better. For Trevor Ngobeni, a third year pharmacy student, Wits. For Good speaks about the innovation and research one is exposed to at Wits and propels students to be a vessel for change in society. Initial conversation with staff revealed that some believed the slogan is mainly related to students and the Universitys excellence in academia. However, Wits Marketing Manager Ferna Clarkson says the new slogan is about our collective past and future as the University celebrates its first 100 years. Wits. For Good is about all that has been achieved through Witsies in a way that impacts positively on society. Staff, students, alumni and friends of the University are the engine of the University and each one contributes to the good work of the University. Ultimately, it should inspire us to leave things better than we found them. It also celebrates the lifelong friendships forged within our community and reinforces the popular Wits phrase Once a Witsies always a Witsie. Staff were asked to share their views. Wendy Holmes: Operations Management Administrator, Property and Infrastructure Management Development Your take on the slogan? I first encountered the slogan on702 through the Wits Impact for Good features on the radio. It feels good to be part of a place that has purpose. How do you do good for Wits? I work as best as I can to make sure that those who rely on me get the required support. As part of a big team, which looks after the infrastructure of the University, my goal is to make things easy for the team. Hassan Shirinda: Security Officer, Campus Protection Services How do you understand the Wits. For Good slogan? To me it says that we are part of a great university and we must also do justice to the University as employees. As a Security Officer, I regard myself as the face of Wits. My attitude towards all those I work with must also signal that they are coming into a great institution. Shayla Pillay: Academic Support Officer, Department of Family Medicine How do you understand the Wits. For Good slogan? I saw a billboard with the slogan and I was like ahh this is nice. I understood it as Wits being a dynamic university that does not stick to the old ideals of only doing things in a set way. I think this is why I resonate with the slogan Wits. For Good because it is not only sticking to doing things in one way. It shows that we actually adapt to the changes in society and we will move for good in society whether it is for the good of our education, the good of how we better ourselves as humans. This is what Wits. For Good means for me. How do you do good for Wits? As staff members, we have the responsibility of shaping the minds of the students who are going through the system. The slogan, Wits. For Good is also to shape their minds so they can be the best that they can be. What we have in the medical programme is the bio-psycho approach, which does not only focus on the biological approach but the psychological approach, the social approach and the ethical and legal approach. It is a holistic view. We teach our students to be holistic individuals. So with the new slogan, it is teaching them to be people that can resonate with all aspects. Tabrez Jooman: Finance Manager, Campus Housing and Residence Life How do you understand the Wits. For Good slogan? For me I look at it in two ways. One from a student perspective, in that once I qualify from Wits, I am a Witsie for life. It means our university is the best in the country. From a staff perspective, we are brand ambassadors in that whatever we do, we do it as best as possible. For the 20 years I have spent here, Wits has been my life. Wits. For Good to me says, we do best as possible in our environments. How do you do good for Wits? As a Financial Manager, it is always about the rands and cents. We work for an institution where funding is an issue. It is a sector wide problem actually. We try as best as we can to stretch the rand. For me, it is looking at how best we use those resources to provide a service to the students. As a Financial Manager, it is about finding mechanisms to use financial resources effectively and efficiently. Percy Nkomo: Home Interventionist, Centre for Deaf Studies How do you understand the Wits. For Good slogan? For me, it keeps reminding me of the impact and change that one can do in society. How do you do good for Wits? I do good in general. When you live with people, you need to do good, be a nice person and be kind to the next person. Within my work, I always try to do good through the families we support and teaching them to be the best advocates for their children. It does not stop with families because once we teach them how to support their children with hearing loss], then they can teach the next person so that those disadvantaged families get an edge and get an advantage in society. It is a ripple effect. Charles Gilbert: Human Resources Manager, Faculty of Health Sciences How do you understand the Wits .For Good Slogan? There are two things that come to mind when I think about the new slogan. Firstly, Wits tries to do good for people who are employed and for its students, by providing an appropriate work environment, quality education and contribute to meaningful lives. It also means that Wits is going to be here for a long time. I think that is why we need to be mindful of our limited resources and utilise our resources in a way that it can benefit future generations. I am a Witsie and I completed my masters at the Wits Business School. I feel proud to say I am a Witsie for life. How do you do good for Wits? For example, every now and again I put a call out to our staff members, asking if they can make donations and we put together a food parcel for financially challenged students. We do that on a regular basis and give the parcels to the Student Support Office in the Faculty of Healthy Sciences. I do random calls to people asking them to support such initiatives. As an HR Manager, it is also treating people with respect and seeing them as humans first. If we want to embrace the Wits. For Good slogan, we need to act professionally, whether it is the Dean, cleaner, manager or messenger. We need to practice what we preach and for me that means acting professionally and treating people with respect. Former Minister Bathabile Dlamini pays costs of social grants litigation CALS, Black Sash and Freedom Under Law note that former Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini has paid the costs awarded against her personally The Black Sash Trust, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and Freedom Under Law note that Bathabile Dlamini has paid the costs awarded against her personally by the Constitutional Court for her role in the social grants crisis almost three years ago. The former Minister of Social Development was ordered to pay a portion of the costs of litigation brought by civil society organisations in an effort to protect the social grants system. In September 2018, the Constitutional Court handed down a historic ruling, for the first time holding a sitting cabinet minister personally responsible for their failures in carrying out their duties. The judgment related to urgent litigation brought by the Black Sash Trust (represented by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies) and joined by Freedom Under Law, which sought to protect the social grants system. The Court found then-Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, personally liable for her role in the crisis which led to the litigation. The judgment found the Ministers conduct had been reckless and grossly negligent and went one step further by ordering her to pay a portion of the legal costs of the Black Sash Trust and Freedom Under Law from her own pocket. This sent an important message that public officials must be held to account for their actions and was widely applauded given how the Minister had put millions of peoples lives and livelihoods at risk. Yet, until recently, Ms Dlamini had made every effort to avoid paying the costs she owed of around R650,000 total not only ignoring letters of demand but even going as far as to change attorneys in the process. Nevertheless, our organisations have persisted in holding her accountable and ensuring the Courts order is enforced, even approaching the Sheriff of the court for assistance. We have been gratified to note that in the past two weeks the order has now been complied with and Ms Dlamini has paid our costs. We have been very pleased to see our democracy at work in this case to hold even those occupying some of our highest offices accountable in their personal capacity, says Ariella Scher, attorney at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. We are confident that this is an approach that can be used in future to combat corruption at all levels of government, from local municipalities to cabinet. It is essential that government leaders entrusted with such important positions of care and responsibility for those most vulnerable in our society be required to face real reckoning when they so starkly fail to discharge their responsibilities, says Nicole Fritz, CEO of Freedom Under Law. At the same time, litigation efforts are ongoing to ensure that the private actors involved specifically Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) fully comply with the Constitutional Courts orders in the social grants matter. The struggle to advance the right to social security is far from over, says Lynette Maart, national director of the Black Sash Trust. We continue to demand that government keep its promises of working towards a universal basic income grant, and we condemn the manner in which the special COVID-19 relief of distress grants and caregiver grants have been brought to an end despite the ongoing state of disaster and unparalleled time of hardship. For inquiries, please contact: From the Black Sash Trust Evashnee Naidu at evashnee@blacksash.org.za Lynette Maart at lynette@blacksash.org.za From the Centre for Applied Legal Studies Ariella Scher at Ariella.Scher@wits.ac.za Anesu Dera at Anesu.Dera@wits.ac.za From Freedom Under Law Urban Data Trends, Challenges and Opportunities in Johannesburg This is the third blog on the series on data, spatial planning, and public and private sector investment in the City of Johannesburg. How the City generates and manages data Managing a large city such as Johannesburg requires a significant volume of data and subsequent analysis of this data, for the coordination and management of land use, and the provision and operation of public infrastructure. Some data is needed to manage specific tasks, such as running a wastewater treatment plant. Some are necessary for long-term city planning; for example, population change and gross value added. The city needs urban data at varying degrees of detail and it needs to be collected longitudinally, to monitor and analyze trends over time. To obtain, manage, and extract value from this data, the City deploys multiple strategies. The city generates the bulk of urban data internally, through its day-to-day activities. In some instances, this data is collected manually, and then transferred to digital databases. In the majority of cases, the city data is generated and stored internally on internet-accessed operating systems designed specifically to fit each purpose. Johannesburgs Municipal Owned entities (MOEs), including City Power, Joburg Water and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) also run real-time monitoring systems and technologies within their specific mandates. These systems generate data that requires specialist knowledge to offer general and specific analysis. The trend over the last twenty years has been to facilitate immediate capture and sharing of data within departments. This section describes some of the existing ways in which City data is used internally in the City of Johannesburg to drive policy and decision making and so sets us up to consider some of the emerging opportunities and challenges for data collection and use in the City. Data generated and managed by the City of Johannesburg is used to inform policy, decision making, and investment within and across departments. Examples include the Johannesburg Strategic Infrastructure Platform (JSIP) which supports the prioritisation and coordination of capital investment in the city, a SAP-based system of financial management and reporting, and the Land Information System (LIS) which tracks property information, development applications, and investments, and which underpins strategic spatial planning.1 Strategic spatial planning Johannesburgs Spatial Development Framework (SDF) sets out the spatial policies for the metropolitan region, identifying strategies through which these spatial visions could be met. At the sub-metropolitan level, these policies are detailed in Regional Spatial Development Frameworks (RSDF) and precinct plans. The citys current SDF aspires to create a spatially just city which is envisioned as a compact polycentric city with a dense urban core linked by efficient public transport networks to dense, mixed-use, complimentary sub-centres, situated within a protected and integrated natural environment.2 This spatial framework defines and identifies priority transformation areas which, when linked to the Citys capital investment prioritisation model (JSIP), would promote, prioritise and target public and private sector capital investment into these areas. Capital investment planning and prioritization The existing system of capital investment prioritisation and management is the Johannesburg Strategic Infrastructure Plan (JSIP), which is managed by contracted private sector consultants. The platform is a web-based tool which allows staff responsible for infrastructure projects across the city to capture their capital needs and locate the project on a geographical information system. Projects are prioritised based on this information through a series of technical and political meetings, through which the city's capital budget is finalised. Another aspect of capital budgeting and investment in the city relates to the refurbishment and replacement of existing infrastructure. This is outlined in the Citys infrastructure asset management plans which are maintained by each of the departments and municipal-owned entities. The sophistication of the information systems underlying these management plans varies from department to department. However, with increased emphasis on the need to increase maintenance budgets and the influence of National Treasurys City Infrastructure Delivery Management System (CIDMS), which seeks to rationalise urban services provision and optimise performance across the urban infrastructure value chain, there has been greater consideration of infrastructure asset management over strategic spatial targeting in the City. Financial investment management and reporting Although strategic spatial planning and infrastructure asset management are critical, it is the City of Johannesburgs financial system that ultimately determines how investment occurs. This constitutional mandate is provided in the Municipal Finance Management Act, which lays out the norms and standards for financial management and reporting. Johannesburgs financial management system is coordinated through a SAP-based information system, which manages revenues, expenditure, and reporting. This platform is highly sophisticated, although it is limited by cost, and by the complexity of the metropolitan administration. The platform has been refined over the last two decades, and has therefore developed its own robustness, familiarity and inertia. And though it allows for limited public scrutiny and input, it is also prone to political influence both from elected and administrative officials. Aggregated data generated from this citys finance system can be publicly accessed via Municipal Money, an open data initiative from South Africas National Treasury, which allows review and analysis of Municipal financial data over time. Trends, challenges, and opportunities The previous section presents some of the existing systems through which City data is used internally in the City of Johannesburg to guide spatial, infrastructure, and financial analysis, prioritisation, investment decision making, and reporting. Though this list is not comprehensive, it shows how urban data is used internally to drive policy and decision making. This section identifies some of the emerging opportunities and challenges that currently exist. A first concern is that the various systems and technologies developed for the city to collect, manage, and utilise its data are developed by private consultants, hosted through proprietary platforms, and operated by the Citys staff. Over time, these could prove expensive to run and upgrade; becoming obsolete quickly as new technologies keep being developed. This approach nonetheless ensures a sense of security, reliability and quality of service. An emerging trend in the last decade that has affected urban data use in the city has been the outsourcing of policy and planning work to private companies. This has removed the internal incentive to develop and maintain data systems. The continued outsourcing of operational and capital projects has meant that less of the primary data is engaged directly by city employees, with the effect of hollowing-out the Citys own data management and analysis capacity. This could prove challenging, with increased reliance on complex and data-informed decision making processes. Integrated planning and investment requires the sharing of data and information across departments. While collaborative data sharing and decision making has been achieved internally, this information is not unreservedly shared with the public, or private sector agencies. This is because data is still viewed as being personal to departments, or sensitive for the functioning of specific networks. This sensitivity to share data can be seen as the reason for the persistent reluctance to facilitate an open data portal. This blog highlights the developments in the collection, management, and use of urban data in the City of Johannesburg in the last few decades, presenting some of the existing data-driven platforms and processes. This data is used internally for planning, policy making, and investment coordination, and externally, for reporting to the public and in compliance to National government departments. There still remains considerable potential that this City data could be shared and used by a wider range of stakeholders, and for the development of analytical tools, systems and platforms in the private sector, and for the public domain. In the next blog, we will explore how municipal and other urban data in Johannesburg and South Africa has been shared and used in the private sector, by NGOs and the general public. Useful links (UPDATED) People fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except under certain circumstances, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday. "If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic," Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House COVID-19 briefing. "We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy." Calling it an "exciting and powerful moment," Walensky said the science supports the updated CDC guidance that "anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities -- large or small -- without wearing a mask or physical distancing." She cited three studies -- one from Israel and one from the United States -- that show vaccines work. The Israeli study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed the vaccine was 97% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 86% effective against asymptomatic infection in over 5,000 health care workers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo released the following statement Thursday evening: "In New York, we have always relied on the facts and the science to guide us throughout the worst of this pandemic and in our successful reopening. We have received the newly revised guidance from the CDC regarding mask wearing and social distancing for those with vaccinations and are reviewing them in consultation with Dr. Zucker and our partners and health experts in surrounding states." There have been reports of "breakthrough" infections among vaccinated people in the United States -- a small number among more than 117 million people in the United States who are now fully vaccinated. Walensky noted that "the resulting infection is more likely to have a lower viral load, may be shorter in duration, and likely less risk of transmission to others." Walensky's announcement has a few caveats. She warned that people who are immune compromised should speak with their doctors before giving up their masks. The requirement to wear masks during travel -- on buses, trains, planes and public transportation -- still stands, Walensky said, and guidance for travel will be updated as science emerges. She also said that "the past year has shown us that this virus can be unpredictable, so if things get worse, there is always a chance we may need to make a change to these recommendations." People who develop COVID-19 symptoms, even those who are vaccinated, should put their mask back on and get tested, Walensky said. The science is clear, too, for unvaccinated people, Walensky said: "You remain at risk of mild or severe illness, of death, or spreading the disease to others. You should still mask and you should get vaccinated right away." But once someone is fully vaccinated, she said, "you can shed your mask." Utica, N.Y. - The USDA recently extended the free lunch program for all students through June 30, 2022, due to COVID, but Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants to make the program permanent. Gillibrand is pushing her Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 to be part of the the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization currently being negotiated by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Every five years, Child Nutrition Reauthorization provides Congress with an opportunity to improve and strengthen the child nutrition and school meal programs and Gillibrand is hoping to have her legislation included in that upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization later this year. If this passes, Gillibrand says it would be very big for a lot of families who would not qualify for the program after next year, under the current economic guidelines. Gillibrand says if your family earns just over $34,000, you would not qualify come the fall of 2022, but this new legislation would give free food to all students regardless of income, permanently. The legislation also provides incentives for schools districts to use local foods in their meal programs, to help local farmers. Gillibrand says it's estimated that 1 in 4 children in New York State faced hunger in 2020. She says by offering Universal School Meals this past year, schools across New York State have helped combat the spike in child hunger caused by the pandemic. She also says offering free meals for all children will remove the stigma kids who receive the free food face on a daily basis, "Without a permanent program to provide free meals to all students, schools will eventually have to go back to a system where only some children get to eat for free and families have to fill out burdensome applications and paperwork. The burden, plus the stigma some children and families fear of being labeled poor by their classmates, often makes eligible families not to participate." Gillibrand says there is no estimated cost yet for the program. News Channel 2 reached out to the USDA on Wednesday to find out the added cost for this next school year to provide free lunches for all students as opposed to just those whose families qualify based on their income, but so far we have not heard back from the USDA Press Office. ONEIDA, N.Y. Two former longtime mechanics at the New York State Police headquarters in Oneida have been charged after allegedly stealing nearly $30,000 worth of auto parts and supplies from the state over five years. According to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNaplis office, 57-year-old Jeffrey Rapasadi and 64-year-old David Relyea, both of Canastota, committed the alleged crimes between April of 2015 and October of 2020. The two were civilian employees at the Troop D location, and both had worked for state police for at least 30 years. Both men are accused of using the state police account to purchase auto parts and tools for their personal use. Then they allegedly falsified invoices to hide evidence of the thefts. When state police searched their homes, they say more than $24,000 worth of supplies were recovered from Rapasadis home, and more than $4,800 worth of police property was found at Relyeas home. Relyea, who owns an auto repair business, allegedly used the parts he stole at his personal shop. Investigators say both Relyea and Rasapadi were named on invoices for parts that did not fit police vehicles, including parts for Mercedes-Benz, a make and model state police do not use. These men were entrusted to maintain and service essential New York State Police vehicles, but instead they allegedly used taxpayer money to fund their own their personal business and repairs, DiNapoli said. Thanks to our partnership with the New York State Police and the Madison County District Attorneys Office, these individuals will now face justice. Rapasadi is facing 28 felony charges, including corrupting the government, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Relyea is charged with eight felony and three misdemeanor charges, including corrupting the government, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property and official misconduct. Rapasadi was also charged with falsifying his time and attendance records, which investigators say resulted in him receiving more than $7,000 in unearned leave time. Both Rapasadi and Relyea retired during the investigation, and were not employed by state police when they were arrested. The two were arraigned on Thursday and released on their own recognizance. They will return to court on June 18. UTICA, N.Y. (UPDATED) -- Police have released the name of the victim of Wednesday evening's deadly motorcycle crash. According to Utica Police, 19-year-old Dakotah Wilson of Rome was killed in the crash. Utica Police say two motorcycles were traveling south down Genesee Street just after 6:00 p.m. The driver of one of the motorcycles lost control and slid through the intersection at the Memorial Parkway, crashing into a white utility van and ending up underneath it. The van was traveling on Parkway, passing through the intersection at the green light. Utica Police arrived to find both motorcycles at the scene, but one of the drivers left. That driver is believed to have ended up at Rome Health with a broken leg. The victim who was still at the scene of the crash, was immediately removed from underneath the van and rushed to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where doctors and medical staff all tried performing life-saving measures. The victim later died from his injuries. The intersection was shut down for hours Wednesday evening. The Utica Police Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash. Police say they believe reckless driving occured prior to the crash. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-14 00:41:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YANGON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's State Administration Council issued a martial law order in Mindat township of Myanmar's Chin state, state-run media reported late Thursday. Under the order, the executive and judicial power have been transferred to the Commander of North Western Command to exercise the martial law depending on changing situation in the region. According to the state-run media, armed attacks were launched on a police station and a branch of Myanma Economic Bank in Mindat township of Chin state on Wednesday and Thursday. The council also issued the martial law order in six townships of Yangon region-- Hlaingthaya, Shwe Pyi Thar, North Dagon, South Dagon, Dagon Seikkan and North Okkalapa townships in March. It was learnt that 23 types of crimes are set to be heard by Court-Martial in such townships where the martial law order is effective. Enditem WHITESBORO, N.Y. The Federal Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both endorsed use of the Pfizer vaccine in kids as young as 12, and Oneida County has set up its first POD offering shots to kids in that age group. Anyone 12 and older can get a Pfizer shot at Harts Hill Elementary School on Clark Mills Road from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and must have proof of age. There are several other upcoming county vaccine clinics in Rome, Utica and Trenton. To make an appointment for any of the Oneida County clinics, click here. UTICA, NY In less than one week, voters across the state will head to the polls to vote on the fate of their districts school budget and determine who will sit on the schools board of education. Two candidates vying for a position on the Utica School Board squared off in a virtual debate Wednesday that was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and moderated by Utica College political science professor, Luke Perry. Donald Dawes, who is currently the incumbent, and Jason Cooper are both running for the same 5-year-seat on the board. The two candidates debated on a variety of topics, some of which were submitted ahead of time by the general public. One of those topics had to deal with how the candidates felt federal stimulus money should be spent by the district. Dawes said - as he understood it - the stimulus money would be a one-time thing so it would be hard to use that funding to hire teachers and other personnel. What well try to do is develop a plan where we can use that money to benefit the district and where it will make a difference when you can only spend it for one year." Cooper said he would like to see the district invest the money in technology. We have to ensure that we have the most up to date technology in the classroom as well as improve our communications networks that we currently utilize. Like our website and our social media apps." School board elections and budget votes will take place around the state Tuesday, May 18. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- Companies that provide at-home health care for seniors are experiencing a shortage of workers. Homecare By Design currently has around 10 full-time positions available. Openings they have not been able to fill for a while. "Many people don't know that a caregiver shortage is a real thing across the United States." Said Traci Goudy the President of Homecare By Design. Goudy says the demand for at-home care rose by 20 percent in 2020. She feels government benefits have compounded an issue the industry was already feeling. "It was kind of rebounding even months ago with just business, in general, the stimulus checks where what was really hurting and then the unemployment," said Goudy. While the agency has had people applying, management says it is hard to get people to come for an interview. "Over the last few months when apps do come in and I am reaching out to set up that interview a lot of times I am not getting calls back, said Monika Pavese the Caregiver Supervisor at Homecare By Design. If I do get an interview scheduled maybe one out of five are coming in." Current caregivers at the company are working overtime to fill the demand. The agency says their employees have not been complaining, but they understand extra hours can be stressful. "I do feel that there is an issue of feeling stretched thin, said James Woten a Caregiver for Homecare By Design. As much as people do care about the clients you know when the stress levels get high enough it's very hard to withhold your frustration and things like that." The company currently has seniors on their waiting list in need of care. Homecare By Design hopes they will be serving those clients soon. "If we had more caregivers we definitely could serve more seniors, said Goudy. We have at least 8-10 people on our waiting list now and we have given them the names of other agencies but the other agencies are giving them our name too." Homecare by Design currently has around 60 caregivers. To be fully staffed they need around 75 caregivers total. To learn more about the agency click here. TIPPECANOE, FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, Ind. (WLFI) - Public health leaders are sharing their disappointment at the override veto vote on Senate Bill 5. As we previously reported, Governor Eric Holcomb vetoed the bill. However, the state legislature reconvened on Monday and voted to override that veto. The bill makes it so that health departments must get approval from county commissioners to make any kind of public health mandate. It makes it so that local health orders can't supersede a state health order, and it makes it so county health officers must be appointed by county commissioners. Susan Jo Thomas is a past president of the Indiana Public Health Association. She wished that the state legislature would have taken the impact of COVID and used it to give more resources and strength to public health departments. Instead, she said she is saddened and very disappointed the seemingly partisan way our state legislature responded to the COVID-19 crisis. "We've guaranteed that Indiana will continue to rank 48th out of 50 states in public health outcomes and funding," she said. "That's what we've done." Republicans Senator Ron Alting, Senator Brian Buchanan, Representative Sharon Negele and Representative Don Lehe all voted in favor of overriding the governor's veto. While Democrat Representatives Chris Campbell and Sheila Klinker both voted against overriding the veto. Local health department leaders said collaboration already exists with elected leaders, but they will do their best to adapt with this new law. "We've tried really hard to have a collaborative approach to everything we've done with this pandemic and we've worked very closely with our local elected officials," said Tippecanoe County Health Officer, Dr. Jeremy Adler. He added that having one public health expert with the power to make swift decisions regarding public health and safety is what ultimately saves lives during a health emergency. "I'm hopeful that they have some understanding of public health or will seek out information or have some statewide entity that has some expertise in public health so that decisions can be made with the best evidence based public health measures," said Kathy Walker, Chair of the Fountain Warren Health Department Board. FWHD is the only bi-county health department in the state, meaning this health department has six county commissioners to answer to now compared to three. She said it is still unclear at this point how this bill works with the two jurisdictions they serve. Several county commissioner boards in the state, including Marion and Monroe Counties, had emergency meetings this week to re-instate measures put in place by their respective health departments. Tippecanoe County had one mandate left in place that was stricter than the state level. That was that restaurants and bars could be at 100% of capacity if they could comply with the 6 feet of social distancing between parties. County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh said they have decided to let that mandate expire while encouraging people to remain cautious. The Tippecanoe County Health Department released the following statement on Wednesday: "In accordance with Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 5, the Health Officers Order effective April 6, 2021 pertaining to restaurants and bars is rescinded. The Tippecanoe County Health Department recommends that restaurants and bars follow guidelines provided in Governor Holcombs Executive Order 21-12, which encourages arranging and maintaining seating so that individuals, households, and parties are spaced at least 6 feet apart from any other individual, household, or party; and having patrons remain seated while consuming food and/or drink or when otherwise remaining on the premises. The Tippecanoe County Health Department continues to strongly recommend that everyone older than two years of age wear face coverings in businesses, indoor public spaces, outdoor spaces when social distancing of at least six feet between people from different households is not maintained, and while using public transportation. Until a greater number of people are vaccinated against COVID-19, it is important to continue essential preventive measures, such as face coverings, social distancing, frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds, and staying home when sick. The Tippecanoe County Health Department will continue to monitor local COVID-19 cases and issue recommendations accordingly." Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 01:12:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VALLETTA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Malta has become the first European Union (EU) member state to offer COVID-19 vaccines to youngsters from the age of 16, Health Minister Chris Fearne announced on Wednesday. Addressing the press on the occasion of International Nursing Day, Fearne said that as from May 17, those aged between 16 and 30 can register to receive the jab protecting them from adverse effects of the coronavirus. Malta is among the top tiers in the world in terms of vaccine rollout speed and is on track to have vaccinated at least 70 percent of the population eligible for vaccination by the end of the month, he said. The country is currently vaccinating those in the 30 to 40 age cohort after having previously opened vaccination to those aged over 40 and 50. Older people have already been vaccinated, just after the medical frontliners. As of Monday, 56 percent of those in their 30s had been vaccinated or have registered for the vaccine, Fearne said. He said that although a decision at the European level has not yet been taken on whether vaccine boosters will be required, Malta is preparing for the eventuality by holding talks to receive an additional 500,000 doses in 2022 and another 500,000 in 2023 in case boosters are needed. He added that the country will also have enough vaccines for teenagers and children by the end of the year if the European Medicines Agency advises it. Earlier this week, United State regulators authorized the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds. Enditem A conspiracy of silence surrounds the May 6 death of an Amazon employee at the BHM1 fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, a week after the story broke. The worker, whose name has not been revealed to the public, reportedly died last Thursday after suffering a personal medical incident. The worker was reportedly found unconscious in the bathroom of the BHM1 warehouse and before being transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Bloomberg first reported the news and said the worker collapsed at the facility, citing unnamed sources. Calls placed by the World Socialist Web Site International Amazon Workers Voice (IAWV) with the Jefferson County Coroners office, the Bessemer police and fire departments as well as the University of Alabama Medical Hospital, the nearest location an injured BHM1 employee would likely be transported, did not uncover any information about the workers identity or the circumstances of his death. Bessemer facility (WSWS Media) Calls placed to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the company did not inform the agency about the death. Eric Lucero, a public affairs spokesperson for OSHA in Birmingham, Alabama, told the IAWV if a company reports a fatality it depends on the circumstances whether OSHA would carry out an inspection. Another federal Department of Labor spokesperson wrote in an email message, OSHA does not initiate a fatality inspection in circumstances where the death is the result of natural causes. In other words, if the death did not physically occur on Amazons property, then the agency had little cause to challenge the companys version of events. The agencys records indicate five complaints about the BHM1 facility since it first opened a little over a year ago. The warehouse was last inspected from December 8, 2020 to May 3, 2021. Further information surrounding the complaint was not available absent a Freedom of Information request, a time consuming and resource-intensive process. Workers at the Bessemer facility have also been kept in the dark, although they are keenly aware of the physical toll of work at the warehouse. A worker at the Bessemer facility who reached out to the IAWV said he did not know any details about the death but described working there as the survival of fittest. According to the worker, the companys management was exclusionary. If you're not one of them, they dont care about you. Describing the wear and tear such a job has on someone with health problems, the worker said, If you go to work but still have to take insulin or high blood pressure pills, [if you] work 10 to 12 hours, youll find out where you are and go downhill really quickly. He added that the behavior of the management was very young, immature and could push a persons buttons. In response to questions from an IAWV reporter about the instances of COVID-19 at the warehouse, which have officially been detected in at least 20,000 Amazon employees, the worker said, I get those notifications all the time about COVID. They come all day, every day. Im working there doing the best I can do. I need the money. The worker asked not to be identified due to fears of company retaliation. Bessemer Police Lt. Christian Clemons told the IAWV that his department had received a call about a medical emergency at the Bessemer warehouse on May 6 but did not dispatch officers to the scene because no death was reported on the premises. The worker had been transported by ambulance or private vehicle to the nearest hospital, making further police involvement unnecessary, Clemons said. Interestingly, the police department received a previous emergency call involving a medical incident from the Amazon facility on April 19, Clemons said, but again the person was either transported by private vehicle or ambulance off the premises, without police involvement. IAWV calls inquiring about these two events to the Bessemer Fire Department, which dispatches EMS ambulances, were not returned. Bill Yates, the chief deputy coroner in Jefferson County, said that his office had not been notified about the workers death, and had only learned about from local news reports. If a doctor diagnosed the cause of death and determined it was due to natural causes, then it is completely reasonable not to contact the coroner's office. Yates stated however that further investigation by his office might be warranted if law enforcement believed a delay in getting medical treatment caused the death or if there were complications like a pre-existing heart condition. According to a BHM1 worker who alleges to have witnessed the event, Amazon Shouldve let [the worker] go home and excuse[d] his time the first time he mentioned that he didnt feel well. When asked about how this would determine the states response, Yates merely suggested the workers family hash it out with Amazon in a civil court case. Considering the vast resources of the internet retailer, a familys fight to take the corporation to court and win would be a near impossible feat to accomplish. In the case of the death of Poushawn Brown, a 38-year old Amazonian who died of mysterious circumstances in January of this year after working in a Northern Virginia Amazon facilitys COVID-19 testing department, the company simply turned its back, leaving the workers family to pay the exorbitant costs for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The cause of her death has still not been determined. The previous OSHA complaint at the Bessemer facility in December would have placed it during the high point of the third wave of COVID-19 infections in the United States. At the time, the United States was recording over 200,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,000 deaths daily. At the same time, Amazon was at peak season in the lead up to the Christmas holiday. While OSHA and local officials told the IAWV that they had essentially no jurisdiction, inquiries sent by email and phone to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which last month failed to win an organizing drive at the facility, went unanswered. The union, which is currently in the process of appealing its nearly 2-to-1 electoral loss at BHM1, has released no official public statement on the death although it would have far less difficulty in determining the name of the victim and the circumstances of his death. Instead, it has confined itself to posting empty-headed slogans and updates on its appeals to the National Labor Relations Board on the Bessemer vote on its social media pages. On Wednesday, in a particularly insulting post, the RWDSU tweeted that the union makes us strong [because] we show up for each other. In participating in the media blackout on the death in BHM1, the RWDSU is merely reprising its role that it has engaged in elsewhere. In other facilities in where the RWDSU has assumed the role of bargaining representative for workers, like the Tyson poultry plant in Camilla, Georgia, it has forced them to remain on the job even as the COVID-19 pandemic has infected and killed its own members. The union is a joke, stated Marc, a leading member of the BWI2 Independent Rank and File Safety Committee in Baltimore, Maryland. One would think that [a death at a warehouse they were organizing] would be something in their jurisdiction, he stated ironically. In contrast, an independent rank-and-file committee would demand that information be released. Wed make all sorts of demands, said Marc. Since its formation in December, the BWI2 Rank and File Safety Committee has published statements on the death of Poushawn Brown and placed demands for a full disclosure of information from Amazon relating to the death. The defeat of the RWDSU was not due to any lack of determination on the part of Amazon workers to organize to defend their basic rights. Instead, it was a top-down operation spearheaded by the Biden administration and the Democratic Party, which is promoting the corporatist unions in the hopes that they can control and suppress the growing opposition of working class, including nearly a million Amazon workers in the US. The Bessemer workers did not reject a fight, they rejected company-controlled unions. Amazon workers at BHM1 should follow in their footsteps and build their own committee. Starting with what workers need, and not what Jeff Bezos and Amazon claim they can afford, they should organize Amazon workers around a common set of demands. The IAWV propose that these demands include: A full investigation, overseen by rank-and-file workers, of the circumstances surrounding the May 6 death at the Bessemer facility Workers oversight of safety and quotas Regular COVID-19 testing Complete transparency about infections and deaths Abolition of Time off task monitoring An end to poverty wages The IAWV is fighting to expand the national and international network of rank-and-file committees, democratically controlled by workers themselves and committed to protect workers lives and fight for substantial improvements in living standards and working conditions. This struggle is being coordinated through the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). We urge workers at Bessemer and other Amazon facilities to contact us at iawv@wsws.org to provide confidential information about the death in Bessemer and conditions at your warehouse. Canadas chief of defence staff, Lt. Gen. Wayne Eyre, recently told parliament that Canada and the United States are at risk of being overmatched by Chinas military, accused Beijing of constantly imposing its will on its neighbours, and claimed that the US imperialist-led rules-based international order is in peril. Eyres remarks came as Canadas ruling elite, through its media mouthpieces and political parties, continues to escalate its provocative campaign of lurid accusations against China. This has included attempts to blame China for Canadas disastrous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this campaign is to demonize Beijing so as to mobilize support for the US-led war drive against China and intimidate its opponents. Lt. Gen. Wayne Eyre (Source: Canadian Armed Forces) Eyre told the Senate Committee for National Security and Defence that he has grave concern about Chinas defence spending, including on hypersonic missiles that can evade traditional defence systems. China is making massive investments into its military capabilities, including new technologies such as hypersonics, such as artificial intelligence, such as quantum computing, commented Eyre. And I would say for the first time since the early 1940s, we, the Western alliance, face a military capability overmatch both in terms of quality and quantity of the type of military capabilities that China is investing in. While Canadas top general did not spell it out in so many words, his testimony was an unmistakable call for the Liberal government to accelerate and expand its already massive rearmament program, under which tens of billions are to be spent in the coming years on new fleets of warships and warplanes. Eyres remarks are one element in a sustained propaganda campaign aimed at justifying Canadas ever more significant role in Washingtons diplomatic, economic, and military-strategic offensive against China. Since Joe Biden took over the US presidency in January and vowed a la Trump to pursue extreme competition with Beijing, Canada has doubled down on its support for its US imperialist ally in ratcheting up pressure on Chinas Stalinist regime, which, having restored capitalism, represents the interests of the Chinese bourgeoisie. In late February, the House of Commons with cross-party support labelled Beijings mistreatment of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang province as genocide. That same week, Justin Trudeaus Liberal government held a bilateral summit with the Biden administration that adopted a roadmap for expanding Canada-US relations based on North American economic protectionism and enhanced military collaboration against Ottawas and Washingtons main rivals, Russia and China. In a further provocation, the Canadian government-sponsored Halifax International Security Forum, a leading North American imperialist conclave of military and political leaders and think-tank strategists, announced last week that it has awarded its John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. The Forum lauded Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party cautiously advocates for Taiwanese independence, as an inspiration and example to freedom-loving people everywhere, and praised her for resisting aggression from Beijing. Her courage and her fortitude in defending her people against the Chinese Communist Partys aggression are precisely the qualities that the John McCain Prize was designed to recognize, stated Forum President Peter van Praagh. This Cold War-style propaganda, complete with right-wing tropes about freedom and democracy, turns reality on its head. The promotion of Tsai and Taiwan as bulwarks of the free world against Chinese aggression has been pushed by the most bellicose sections of the US and Canadian ruling elites, and in lock-step with a campaign of provocative military deployments, bullying and threats. Continuing on a course set by Trump and his Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, in their last year in office, Washington is systematically breaching the protocols of the One China policy it agreed to with Beijing in the 1970s as part of the agreement under which Washington finally accorded diplomatic recognition to the Peoples Republic of China. This has included expanding high-level diplomatic interaction with Taipei, pressing for its formal inclusion in various international bodies, and increased military ties. The transparent aim of these actions is to provoke a reaction from Beijing that can then be trumpeted as further proof of Chinese aggression. Taiwan was established as a separate state in 1949 with US support under the military dictatorship of the Kuomintang, and remained an expressly authoritarian regime into the 1980s. Its promotion is part of a dramatic intensification of military provocations by the US and its allies in the region. The Trump administration organized a record number of so-called freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea during 2020, and Biden is on course to exceed this in 2021. Canada has fully endorsed the US-led military build-up in the Asia-Pacific, including by sending its own warships and submarines to the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. At the same meeting that Defence Chief Eyre railed against China, Liberal Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan boasted about the increased presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the region, and the Canadian militarys plans for a deeper level of engagement with states that have border disputes with China, including the Philippines and Vietnam. Just how provocative is the decision of the Canadian government-sponsored Halifax Forum to honour Tsai and the importance Washington attaches to using Taiwan as a stalking horse against China were underscored by the intrigues that preceded the award announcement. In early April, Politico, a Washington-based news outlet that only occasionally reports on Canadian developments, published an expose that claimed the Trudeau government had threatened to cut off funding for the Halifax Forum if Tsai received the John McCain Prizea charge Defence Minister Sajjan was quick to deny. This was followed up by a letter addressed to Trudeau by two top US senators, Democrat Robert Menendez and Republican James Inhofe, that urged the Trudeau government to back the awarding of the prize to Tsai. The reported threat by the Liberal government to cut the Forums funding became the occasion for a dramatic intensification of the Canadian ruling elites anti-China campaign and promotion of Taiwan as an outpost of democracy. In the midst of a media outcry, the House of Commons unanimously supported a Conservative motion declaring Tsai to be a strong global advocate for democracy and a worthy recipient of the McCain Award, and that urged the government to guarantee continued funding for the Halifax Security Forum. The ostensibly left New Democrats and Greens, who have previously backed the claims of genocide against the Uyghur minority, gave their full-throated support to the motion. For its part, the Globe and Mail, which has hardly missed a day in the past 18 months in publishing a new anti-China screed, ran a lengthy piece by a former British diplomat under the programmatic title, Regime change in China is not only possible, it is imperative. Regime change, it need be recalled, has been the objective of every US-led imperialist war of aggression since the 1990s, including NATOs bombardment of Yugoslavia to oust Milosevic, the invasion of Afghanistan to remove the Taliban, the illegal assault on Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein, and the savage air war on Libya to destroy the Gaddafi regime, to mention only the most prominent examples. The Trudeau government has fully embraced the US-led offensive against China. On Trumps behalf, it ordered the December 2018 seizure of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on trumped-up charges of evading illegal US sanctions on Iran. It has also increased the deployment of Canadian military resources to the Asia-Pacific, while unveiling plans to increase military spending by over 70 percent from 2017 levels by 2026. At Februarys bilateral summit with Biden, the Trudeau government committed to developing supply chains within North America for rare earths and other materials critically important to future technologies. The explicit aim of this project is to decrease US and Canadian reliance on China, and enable the two imperialist allies to sideline China in key economic sectors in the coming decades, including electric vehicles and clean energy technology. The summit also agreed to work towards the modernization of continental defence overseen by the North American Aerospace Defence Command. The chief goals of this modernization, the cost of which has been estimated at US$40 billion with $6 billion coming from Canada, is to ensure US and Canadian imperialism have first strike missile capabilities against Russia and China, and can win a nuclear conflict against their adversaries. In its 2021 budget, the Liberals set aside over $250 million for NORAD modernization, a figure that military and security analysts complain is totally inadequate. In March, the annual Conference of Defence Associations meeting, held online due to the pandemic, became the occasion for violent denunciations of China for its alleged predatory designs on the Arctic, a resource-rich region that is emerging as an arena for great-power conflict due to the effects of climate change. We should not underestimate at all that threat of resource exploitation in the Arctic by China in particular, commented Deputy Defence Minister Jody Thomas. China has a voracious appetite and will stop at nothing to feed itself, and the Arctic is one of the last domains and regions left, and we have to understand it and exploit itand more quickly than they can exploit it. However, the Trudeau governments apparent initial reluctance to back the granting of an award to Tsai reflects its desire to avoid a complete diplomatic rupture with Beijing under conditions where China is Canadas second-largest trading partner and delicate negotiations are underway to secure the release of the two Canadians Beijing arrested in retaliation for the seizure of Meng Wanzhou. As the anti-China war drive continues to escalate, this balancing act will become increasingly impossible. This is underscored by the mounting criticism expressed over the governments current national defence policy, released in 2017. While welcomed at the time, the more than 70 percent increase in military spending is now considered by defence analysts to be inadequate for the task of readying Canadian imperialism for a military conflagration between the major powers. As the Canadian International Council, a foreign policy think tank, wrote in an assessment of the Liberals latest budget, Americas strategic reorientation towards the Asia-Pacific has accelerated since President Joe Biden took office. The President is calling on Americas allies to reinforce this rebalancing in the face of Chinas growing power. Canada, because of its membership in NORAD, NATO and the so-called Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, and because of its strategic geographic location, faces American pressure to support this shift with words and resources, as have Americas other allies. The 2021 budget doesnt do so. On Wednesday morning, Republicans in the House of Representatives ousted Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming from party leadership because she continues to oppose the false claim that the Democrats stole the 2020 election from incumbent candidate Donald Trump. In a voice vote during a 20-minute closed-door meeting of the Republican caucus, a majority of the GOP representatives stripped Cheney of her role as conference chair, the number-three party position in the House. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks to reporters after House Republicans voted to oust her from her leadership post as chair of the House Republican Conference because of her repeated criticism of former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in instigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) An extreme right-wing political figure throughout her career, Cheneys removal is a demonstration of the increasingly fascistic evolution of the Republican Party. Cheney was one of just 10 of 221 Republicans in the House who voted for the impeachment of then-President Trump on January 13, just one week after the fascist assault on the US Capitol in an attempt to stop congressional certification of the election results. On Tuesday evening, Cheney spoke from the floor of Congress and condemned those in the Republican Party who refuse to oppose the efforts of Trump to discredit the 2020 election results. She said, Today we face a threat America has never seen before: a former president, who provoked a violent attack on this Capitol, in an effort to steal the election, has resumed his aggressive effort to convince Americans that the election was stolen from him. He risks inciting further violence. Continuing to speak after all but one Republican had walked out of the chamber, Cheney said that those who refuse to accept that the election is over and refuse to state that President Joe Bidens victory was legitimate are at war with the Constitution. Remaining silent, and ignoring the lie, emboldens the liar, she said. I will not participate in that. I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law and joins the former presidents crusade to undermine our democracy. After the vote on Wednesday morning, Cheney warned that Trumps lies that Joe Biden stole the presidency through widespread election fraud was provoking violence and destabilizing American democracy. She said, I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office. Although House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on Wednesday that the removal of Cheney was about simply whos best at delivering the message, thats all, the plan to remove her as an obstacle to the consolidation of the Republican Party around Donald Trump had been known for weeks. A leading candidate to replace Cheney as conference chair, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York, has been auditioning for the position with non-stop statements of loyalty to Trump and charges of election fraud such as in many cases, there was no signature verification process, for more than a week. On Wednesday, Stefanik posted a letter on Twitter appealing to GOP lawmakers to support her, Today I humbly ask to earn your vote for House Republican Conference Chair to unify our message as a team and win the majority in 2022. However, Stefanik faces opposition due to the fact that her policy history has not been right wing enough. On Tuesday, Representative Chip Roy of Texas sent a memo to members of the House Freedom Caucus stating that the Republican leadership should not rush to replace Cheney with Stefanik because her voting record embodies much of what led to the 2018 ass-kicking we received by Democrats. The House Freedom Caucus is made up of the most rabid right-wing supporters of Donald Trump in the House such as Mo Brooks (Alabama), Matt Gaetz (Florida), Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia). CBS News reported on Wednesday that the far-right QAnon supporter Greene said she asked Minority Leader McCarthy to delay the vote to replace Cheney, which is set to take place on Friday. We really havent had much time, Greene said. For his part, McCarthy left the meeting that removed Cheneywhich effectively endorsed Trumps claim that the Democrats did not win the electionto attend a meeting in the White House with President Biden, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. When he emerged from the White House, McCarthy claimed no one is questioning Bidens legitimacy. I think that is all over with, McCarthy said. Were sitting here with the president today. However, McCarthy voted against the certification of Bidens victory and supported a Texas lawsuit seeking to throw out millions of votes in the states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin that voted for Biden. It is significant that the statements of Liz Cheney denouncing Donald Trump and the threat to democracy represented by his supporters are both more energetic and more accurate than anything coming from the Democratic Party. While the Republicans embrace the politics of Trump, according to which Bidens presidency is illegitimate, Biden insists that the Republican Party is not only legitimate but must be preserved as a strong opposition party. Coded Bias an 85-minute documentary directed by Shalini Kantayya (A Drop of Life, 2007 and Catching the Sun, 2015)began streaming globally on Netflix in April. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2020 and has since received positive reviews and several awards including Best International Documentary at the 2020 Calgary International Film Festival. The central argument of Coded Bias is that the computer algorithms used in artificial intelligence, machine learning and facial recognition systems are embedded with the race and gender biases of society as a whole. Coded Bias (2020) In developing this theme, the documentary features the work of Joy Buolamwini, an African-American MIT Media Lab researcher and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League who has specialized in uncovering such biases in facial recognition technologies. In her research, first published in 2017, Buolamwini showed that the facial recognition algorithms developed by IBM, Microsoft, Face++ and Google were based on a limited data set and less accurate when identifying darker and female faces than in identifying lighter and male faces. As is depicted in the film, in spite of state utilization of such tools in violation of Fourth Amendment rights, Buolamwinis research helped the developers improve the accuracy of their face recognition algorithms. Buolamwinis work has been heavily promoted by the New York Times and other media and political advocates of identity politics. She was a key witness at the Democratic Party-run House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on facial recognition in May 2019. At this hearing, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat of New York)a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)asked Buolamwini what demographic facial recognition tools are mostly effective on and who are the primary engineers and designers of these algorithms? to which Buolamwini responded with white men. Through interviews with Buolamwini and other activists opposed to algorithmic discrimination, Coded Bias paints a picture of a dystopian society in which white male bias against minorities and women are deeply rooted and the source of run-away advanced technologies that perpetuate prejudice and discrimination. Meanwhile, when the issues of equality and democratic rights are referenced, they are presented in the film as subordinate to the discrimination experienced by various identities. The word capitalism gets no mention and class is only brought up occasionally at the end of a list of other identities that include race, gender and sexual orientation. In an effort to lend a theoretical backbone to their conceptions, the filmmakers and interview subjects focus in on what they consider to be the origins of the demographic biases being transmitted into advanced technologies. Buolamwini says, My own lived experiences show me that you cant separate the social from the technical. ... When you think of AI, its forward looking, but AI is based on data and data is a reflection of our history, so the past dwells within our algorithms. This data is showing us the inequalities that have been here. Coded Bias This idea that race and gender bias within data is a reflection of our history is further developed in an interview with Meredith Broussard, data journalism professor at New York University and author of the book Artificial Unintelligence . Broussard concentrates her criticism on the fact that AI was launched in 1956 in the math department at Dartmouth College. She says that there were only maybe 100 people in the whole world working on artificial intelligence in that generation and one faction decided that intelligence could be demonstrated by the ability to play games and specifically the ability to play chess. Showing school yearbook photos of the Dartmouth math students who pioneered artificial intelligenceand without naming themthe message of Coded Bias is clear: the problem with AI is the fact that a group of white men initiated it. The fact that John McCarthythe Dartmouth professor who coined the term artificial intelligenceand the others, such as Marvin Minsky, were pioneers in the field and made early contributions to the science is entirely dismissed by Broussard. Their significant and lasting discoveries in the field are not even discussed. As she asserts, Our ideas about technology and society that we think are normal are actually ideas that come from a very small and homogeneous group of people. But the problem is that everybody has unconscious biases and people embed their own biases into technology. The theory of unconscious bias is dominant among the group of researchers and specialists selected by Kantayya for inclusion in the documentary. Alongside of other reactionary racial identity conceptions such as white privilege, the proponents of unconscious or implicit bias theory insist that the source of discrimination and inequality in society stems not from the socio-economic and class divisions within capitalism but from the bigotry, prejudice and stereotyping that is deep-seated in all humans without their being aware of it. Although the film makes reference to the undemocratic implications of facial recognition surveillance, as well as the invasive use by corporations of advanced algorithms for business purposes with no concern for the rights of the public, Coded Bias repeatedly returns to the themes of race and gender identity. In the end, the political proposals advanced by those being interviewed and the message of the film itself is that the use of the surveillance tools must be made legal by getting Congress to enact laws that govern their use. Meanwhile, the most criminal implementations of advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence under capitalismsuch as their use for the purpose of militarism and imperialist warare not even mentioned. While the deployment of unmanned drones and battlefield robots represent the bleeding edge of the technologies discussed in Coded Bias, significantly the AI programs of the Pentagon and US Defense Department do not find their way into the Netflix documentary. These are thoroughly respectable and establishment figures, who appear to have no difficulty with American imperialist violence around the world. As was the case with the Netflix film The Social Dilemma , this documentary about AI and algorithms allows its experts to make sweeping statements about technology intended to stir up the anxious upper middle class. The entirely one-sided approach of Coded Bias rejects any progressive element to the technology or the fact that its undemocratic and repressive implementationjust like the persistence of prejudice and discriminationare rooted in the profit system. Every city and major town in Colombia saw tens of thousands join mass marches, roadblocks and other protests on Wednesday, the third day of the National Strike and the fourteenth day of protests in the South American country. A protest demonstration in Colombia, last Saturday (Source: Twitter) The strike was called by the National Strike Committee, which is composed of the main trade union confederations and farmers associations, after it suspended talks with the government of far-right President Ivan Duque during the first day of the so-called National Dialogue on Monday. Since 2019, the unions and the government have repeatedly employed a combination of talks with intermittent calls for National Strikes, during which the unions fail to mobilize the powerful oil, automotive and other industrial sectors, while working to dissipate popular anger. On Tuesday morning, Duque visited the third largest city and epicenter of the demonstrations, Cali. There he met with the leadership of the Colombian military, Interior Ministry and Justice Ministry. Then, he announced that his administration would finance one semester of free tuition for university students from the lowest social income stratums and appealed for the continuation of the National Dialogue. The National Strike Committee has deliberately refused to advance a clear strategy or set of demands, while its leaders feed their contacts in the corporate media with calculated and radical-sounding statements attempting to control the demonstrations. However, the protest movement remains decentralized, leaderless and isolated from the massive support that exists among strategic sectors of the working class within Colombia and internationally, facilitating the police-state maneuvers to break it apart. While marking a more advanced stage of the class struggle, the uprising is following the same path as the mass protests in Chile, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Haiti and Colombia itself in 2019. Efforts by pseudo-left elements in the affluent middle class to idealize their leaderless character and spontaneity, or to subordinate them to futile appeals to the trade union bureaucracies are aimed at assuring their further isolation and demobilization. In Cali, roadblocks and marches have been the largest in the marginal neighborhoods where the poorest sections of the working class live and where demands center around necessities, access to online classes and social infrastructure. According to government statistics, the Cali metropolitan area saw its official poverty rate (living under $87 per month) increase from 21.9 percent to 36.6 percent between 2019 and 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has been particularly devastating for the poorest fifth of the population in Cali, which saw its real income drop a massive 50.1 percent. Nationally the poverty rate rose to 42.5 percent, and the poorest quintile saw even greater drops in real income in Bucaramanga (55.1 percent), Ibague (50.9 percent) and the capital Bogota (50.3 percent). Meanwhile, ICU beds are full in Cauca, the broader Valle de Cauca Department and cities across the country, as COVID-19 deaths remain at record levels nationally. This social and health care catastrophe fueling the growing popular uprising is by no means unique to Colombia. The same policy of prioritizing profits and attracting foreign capital over protecting lives and livelihoods has had similar results across Latin America, where social tensions are reaching a breaking point. Last year, the region lost 34 million jobs and saw 22 million people fall under the official poverty line, with the ranks of the poor swelling to one-third of the regions 600 million residents. Meanwhile, Latin America represents 30 percent of confirmed COVID-19 deaths globally, while accounting for less than 9 percent of the worlds population. The Duque administration is preparing to escalate the crackdown, redeploying hundreds of troops to Cali on Sunday, while Defense Minister Diego Molano has placed a target on the backs of the citys impoverished workers. On Tuesday, Molano tweeted: In 13 days of protests, terrorists infiltrated in marches have left 849 police officials injured. He added: In Cali, criminal organizations continue inciting violence. Already, as many as 548 reports of missing demonstrators have been filed. The government ombudsman claims that 168 of them remain missing, and the Unit for the Search of Missing Persons gives the number at 379. Forty protesters have been killed by the police, and 1,003 have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, according to the NGO Temblores. The crackdown is being carried out not only with the support of the Biden administration in Washington, but in close coordination with the Pentagon. The current Colombian military official embedded in the US Southern Command, Army Col. Hector Ivan Macias, explained on March 29 to the Inter-American Dialogue that with daily strategizing with the Pentagon, the Colombian military launched Operation San Roque in response to the pandemic. In a tacit admission that US-Colombian military cooperation is based on an assessment that the pandemic presents a potential crisis for capitalist rule itself, Col. Macias said the plan seeks to maintain the governance exercised by the president of the Republic, local leaders and institutions. For several days during the ongoing repression, the senior enlisted adviser of the U.S. Security Assistance Command, The Armys Face to the World, was holding key leader engagements, briefings, meetings and sidebars with senior Colombian enlisted leaders, as reported on May 5 by the US Army website. The presence of U.S. forces, living and working everyday with their partners at [the Tolemaida] Colombian airbase, speaks volumes to the relationship between the two countries as they work side-by-side to enhance Colombian military capabilities and promote regional stability, states the article, referring to one of the seven military bases used by US forces in Colombia. This extends into cybermilitary operations, with the US Army tweeting Tuesday about its first-ever virtual cyberdefense exchange with the Colombian Military Forces. This happens as demonstrators and journalists on the ground report internet shutdowns amid the repression. So far, the documented killings have been carried out by the police, including plainclothes officers, and not soldiers. Since its official establishment in the 1950s, however, the National Police has operated within the Ministry of Defense and been developed by US imperialism as a counterinsurrectionary force to combat left-wing guerrillas and social opposition. The National Strike Committee and the pseudo-left have focused on demanding the dismantling of the Mobile Anti-Disturbance Squadron (ESMAD) and a reorganization of the police. This framework seeks to divert workers and youth away from opposing the entire Colombian state, its US imperialist patrons and the capitalist system. By opposing the necessary lockdowns and sufficient pandemic aid to workers, moreover, the Colombian trade unions and the entire political establishment have demonstrated their commitment to defending the profit-making activities of the Colombian banks and corporations, which are themselves dependent upon Wall Street. The Colombian uprising is part of a global counteroffensive of workers everywhere against the policy of social murder advanced by the capitalist ruling elites globally. The International Committee of the Fourth International calls for the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to consciously organize and unify this struggle based upon the perspective of world socialist revolution. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 04:35:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MADRID, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Maria Reyes Maroto said on Wednesday that she hopes the country will be able to welcome over 45 million foreign tourists in 2021. The minister made the remarks when speaking at the launch of the marketing campaign You Deserve Spain, aimed at attracting foreign tourists back after the coronavirus pandemic. Reyes Maroto said the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council will meet on May 20 and discuss recommendations for travelers from outside of the bloc. The recommendations "will allow us to provide certainty to markets outside the European Union when it comes to the restarting of travel -- especially travel from the UK, which is our largest market," commented Reyes Maroto. "If all goes well, from May 20 ... Britons will be able to come to Spain. What's more, they won't be asked for a PCR test when they arrive in the country. I think it's really good news," continued the minister. Spain was the second-largest tourist destination in the world in 2019, welcoming almost 84 million foreign visitors. The sector accounts for around 12 percent of Spain's GDP and a similar percentage of the country's jobs, according to data from the Spanish Statistical Office (INE). "We hope to get at least half as many this year. If we're lucky, we'll get even more," predicted Reyes Maroto. Enditem Several thousand participants across every continent participated in the online May Day 2021 rally held by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), which launched the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). The World Socialist Web Site spoke to some of the many workers and youth who took part from Germany about their impressions. The May Day rally made clear that workers and youth all over the world are confronted with the same problems, said Tamino, 17, who is setting up a Students Action Committee in Baden-Wurttemberg. This could also be seen in the pandemic, he noted in the issue of school openings and the reactionary role of the trade unions in this. Here in Germany, schools are being kept open with the support of the education unions. The trade unions played the same reactionary role everywhere, Tamino added. As Ulas Atesci mentioned in his contribution, in Turkey, too, the trade unions support the government in reopening schools and its Back to Work policy. However, an independent action committee for safe education was also initiated in Turkey against this policy. The same was the case in numerous other countries, such as the UK, France and the US. Now, he said, the action committees needed to network internationally to be successful against the equally international pandemic. For this reason, the May Day rally was very significant, as it called for just such an international workers alliance of action committees. Tamino was also particularly impressed by the unified global perspective presented at the rally. The speeches clearly showed that governments in all countries put profits before lives and are unable to end the pandemic. As David North said in his introductory speech, just as with the First World War, the working class must be mobilised to stop the dying. Florian from Frankfurt am Main is currently working as a mechatronics engineer in Trondheim, Norway. He said, The ICFI is obviously about to take a huge organisational step because now its getting concrete with the action committees as a worldwide initiative. He said he was particularly impressed by the speeches that reported on workers struggles from all over the world: The trade union question is now becoming very topical everywhere. These are the pseudo-workers organisations that you have to distance yourself from the most because they betray the working class everywhere. Florian Florian pointed to the reports from Sri Lanka: The speakers from Sri Lanka, who spoke in both Sinhala and Tamil, showed that action committees are already being set up there, for example among the plantation workers. I found that very powerful. It gave me the idea that I could also approach Tamils here in Norway. In Oslo, Bergen, TrondheimTamils have emigrated everywhere, and the second generation can be found at university. Im sure theres interest in this international perspective there too. Florian said he found David Norths contribution very strong because, he presented the situation so clearly as it really is. He said he wanted to study Norths speech again more closely, because there was a lot in it. Anyway, it stood out pleasantly from the other official pronouncements. No candle-lighting or shedding of crocodile tears. Habip Bektas is one of the WISAG workers who was sacked at Frankfurt Airport in mid-December and has since continued the fight against arbitrary dismissals and wage theft with a group of his colleagues. He found the May Day event very good. Everywhere the working class is being oppressed and divided. I also thought it was very good that Christoph Vandreier spoke about our struggle. Habip He explained about his experiences looking for work: Parallel to the struggle for our jobs at WISAG, I am currently constantly looking for other jobs. I have now applied to the company AHS, also at the airport. They handle the communication between the ramp and the aircraft. Since Im a loadmaster and ramp agent, I know what to do. But do you know what they pay? 9.73 euros basic salary! I get more from unemployment benefit. To get the same as my unemployment benefit, I would have to work 250 hours a month at AHS. Thats how it looks at the moment. Bektas said it was important to hear about the situation of workers in other countries. The report from Brazil was interesting. Bolsonaro is much more open and straightforward than politicians here in Europe. But they all do not care if workers die, the main thing is that the money flows. I also liked the contribution from Turkey by Ulas Atesci, because he warned about the wars that are being prepared in the region. The oligarchs are fomenting war in many countries, just like in Turkey. The former rulers from Europe or America have left conflict hotbeds everywhere so that they can divide the population and continue to rule; this is true in Kashmir in India and Pakistan, this is true in the Golan Heights in Israel and Palestine, and this is especially true in Africa. On the coronavirus pandemic, Bektas commented, You have to ask yourself: who benefits from the pandemic? Who gets an advantage? The rich! The workers must die for the rich to make more money. In my opinion, we could contain the pandemic if we shut everything down. But the rich are against it, production must continue so that the profits do not dry up. The victims are mainly the elderly between 60 and 80. That is acceptedit relieves the rich even more. Bektas explained that he had done the math on the pandemic bailouts. In Germany, at least 1.2 trillion euros were distributed in the course of the coronavirus pandemic, mostly to the big corporations. If that had been distributed to all 82 million inhabitants, each would have almost 15,000. The money would then actually support the economy. Because we would spend the money, on furniture, clothing or watches, jewellery, etc. Because of this general situationand also my ownI support the setting up of action committees. The WISAG workers, Bektas says, formed a committee because no one else supports us. Unions used to work for the workers, now they work against the workers. Now a union is run like a company, it has nothing to do with the original idea. But workers need an organisationso we have to build it. The whole structure would have to be changed. That a union leader earns 350,000 a year is an outrage. The whole issue of workers representation needs to be reorganised. A different form of organisation is absolutely necessary. Thats why I think the initiative of the action committees in all countries is good and I think very highly of it. Clemens, 18, an IYSSE member from Bavaria, also thought the May Day rally was strong. He said it particularly succeeded in presenting the ICFI as a world party acting in a unified way. The call for the formation of the International Workers Alliance made our perspectivethat the pandemic can only be defeated internationally by the working classvery clear. Only the united intervention of the working class everywhere in the world can lead the developing international struggles against austerity, war, and fascism to victory. But this requires a socialist programme, as only the ICFI represents. This has become particularly clear once again through the rally. The New York State primary elections are less than six weeks away, and they include the contest for the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City. The nominee is virtually guaranteed victory in the general election, which will not take place until November. The first of three debates between the leading candidates in the June 22 primary is expected to include eight of the contenders and is scheduled for tonight. Leading media outlets and other representatives of the ruling elite, fully conscious of the stakes amid the deepening social and economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, have begun to weigh in on next months vote. Although every Democrat, including those fraudulently labeled as left, is fully committed to the capitalist system, the ruling class seeks the most effective defender of its interests. This week the editors of both the New York Times, the leading organ of the Democratic Party, and the New York Post, the right-wing tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, announced their endorsements, and both were somewhat unexpected. The Times, instead of choosing one of the candidates currently leading in the polls, favored Kathryn Garcia, the former city Sanitation Commissioner. The Post, which championed Donald Trump throughout his term in office, endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, one of two black candidates for the nomination. The crisis in the largest city of the US is laid bare by some statistics: nearly 1 million of its 8 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus, and nearly 33,000 have died. The citys 125 billionaires have reaped enormous dividends, with former mayor Michael Bloomberg increasing his wealth by $11 billion. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate stands at 11.7 percent, more than three times the pre-pandemic level and far above the national average. Underemployment is 25 percent, one in five residents are officially classified as poor, and nearly half of the citys population is near-poor. Andrew Yang (Credit: Gage Skimore/Flickr) Instead of focusing on the pandemic, economic suffering and inequality, the media and the candidates have followed the lead of a recent Times headline that set the agenda by announcing that crime was at the center of the NYC mayors race. After a shooting in Times Square last Saturday that slightly wounded three passersby, various candidates went to the scene to hold press conferences announcing that public safety was the primary issue. Andrew Yang held a press conference on Sunday morning, and Adams, touting his experience as an ex-cop, appeared twice. Retired banker Ray McGuire also came to offer his support for added policing. Recent polls have placed Yang, the businessman and former contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, and Adams, the Brooklyn Borough President, in the lead, with Scott Stringer, the two-term City Comptroller during the administration of current mayor Bill de Blasio, not far behind. With more than a dozen candidates, however, the polls are not considered strongly indicative of final results, especially since the primary will be the first conducted under a ranked-choice voting system, in which second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-place choices are redistributed if, as expected, no candidate wins a majority. No candidate has yet scored more than 21 or 22 percent in the polls. Yang until recently led the surveys, based largely on name recognition as well as the perception within sections of the middle class that he would harken back to the supposed efficiency and pro-business policies of the three-term billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg. In recent weeks, however, his opponents, as well as media commentary, have targeted his lack of experience in government as well as his close connection with businessman and lobbyist Bradley Tusk, his main consultant. Tusk is a venture capitalist with a distinctly conservative policy background. He has worked in the past both for current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and for Bloomberg when he was mayor. He ran Bloombergs campaign for a third term in 2009, when the incumbent used his enormous wealth to twist arms and get a City Council vote extending the mayoral term limit to three terms. Adams has pointed to his experience as a victim of police brutality as a teenager and to his later 22 years as a police officer in Brooklyn to appeal both to anger against police violence and to right-wing law-and-order sentiment. Adams switched his party registration to Republican when Rudy Giuliani was mayor in the 1990s, and then ran as a Democrat both for the State Assembly and most recently for the Brooklyn borough presidency. The candidate has made clear his priorities, and he impressed the Trump backers on the Post editorial board, who wrote approvingly that Adams favored weakening the bail reform recently enacted in Albany and also supported the reinstatement of a Police Department anti-drug unit notorious for brutalizing workers and youth, especially black and Hispanic suspects. Adams support for charter schools, used to weaken the public schools, also appealed to the Post. The Posts endorsement was welcomed enthusiastically by Adams, a further indication that he is advertising his credentials for keeping the lid on the class struggle and at the same time unleashing the full force of the police against the working class when that becomes necessary. The third candidate, Scott Stringer, became the target of a #MeToo-style operation two weeks ago. A former volunteer on an unsuccessful campaign by Stringer from 20 years ago came forward with claims of sexual harassment and assault, which the candidate has strenuously denied. The accuser, Jean Kim, has no contemporaneous corroboration of the long-ago events but claims that Stringers run for the mayoralty inspired her sudden determination to tell her story. No other claim has been leveled against Stringer. Even Katha Pollitt, noted middle class feminist and columnist for The Nation, headlined her article on the affair this week, Rushing to Judgment Over Scott Stringer. Meanwhile, however, although refusing to withdraw from the race, Stringer has seen the endorsements rescinded by the Working Families Party and a long list of elected progressives, including Congressman Jamaal Bowman and other members of the Democratic Socialists of America who hold office as New York State Senators and Assembly members. A thoroughly conventional politician who has nevertheless been anointed as the left alternative in the vote, Stringer retains the support of the United Federation of Teachers and of Manhattan Congressman Jerrold Nadler, among others. Five other candidates have registered single digits in recent polls, including Kathryn Garcia, Diane Morales, Maya Wiley, Shaun Donovan and Ray McGuire. Retired Citigroup banker McGuire stands out from the pack because he has raised millions from his friends on Wall Street, but any hopes that would translate that into popular support are rapidly evaporating. In a recent question-and-answer exchange with journalists, McGuire and Donovan distinguished themselves by guessing that the median house price in the gentrifying borough of Brooklyn was about $100,000. In fact, it is closer to $1 million. Donovan, amazingly enough, is a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a member of Obamas cabinet! Ms. Garcia has 14 years of government experience, most recently as the Sanitation Commissioner, but has never been elected to public office. The Times endorsement lauded her supposed managerial ability and achievements at Sanitation and in earlier posts. The editorial also inevitably nods to identity politics, declaring that Garcia, who is white, was adopted and grew up in a multiracial family in Brooklyn, and that she would be the first woman to become mayor, but there are many other reasons to give her the job. (emphasis added) There are reasons to doubt that the Times endorsement will translate into votes for Garcia. Readers may recall the newspapers noteworthy joint endorsement of Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 presidential campaign. New York City is one part of the US with a relatively high percentage of the workforce that remains unionized. The unions, even more integrated into the Democratic Party in New York than elsewhere, have divided their endorsements among a number of the candidates, demonstrating their major role within the capitalist two-party system that they slavishly defend. Adams has picked up the most support, including Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, several Amalgamated Transit Union locals, Transport Workers Union Local 100 (representing bus and subway workers in the city), DC 37 of AFSCME (the umbrella organization enrolling much of the city workforce), and the Hotel and Motel Trades Council. Stringer has been endorsed by the UFT, the Communications Workers, the Building and Construction Trades Council, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union, and several others. Wiley was endorsed by Local 1199 of the SEIU, representing about 200,000 hospital and health care workers. The working class, including most of the membership of the above unions, is, not surprisingly, uninterested and unenthusiastic about a mayoral vote in which they are asked to choose between candidates who all support the status quo, no matter how much they try to disguise that fact. Eight years ago, in the last mayoral primary in which no incumbent was running, about 22 percent of enrolled Democrats went to the polls. There is little reason to expect a significantly greater turnout, although the vote will make use of early voting and mail-in ballots this year. The House Oversight and Reform Committee convened the first hearing Wednesday at which the former heads of the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice testified about unexplained delays and unanswered questions regarding the attempted coup of January 6. Testifying before the committee, more than four months after the siege, were former acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and current Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill, questions Christopher Miller, former acting secretary of the Department of Defense, testifying virtually, during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on the Capitol breach on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) In response to questions primarily from Democratic members of the committee, the two officials appointed by Trump, Miller, and Rosen, steadfastly defended their actions before and during the attempted coup. In the case of Miller this took the form of defending the delay of three hours and 19 minutes before National Guard soldiers were deployed to the Capitol after first being requested at 1:49 p.m. by the commander of the D.C. National Guard, William Walker. I stand by every decision I made on January 6, Miller told California Representative Ro Khanna, who demanded that Miller apologize to the American public for what happened on your watch, which Miller refused to do. In an opening statement and subsequent comments, Miller defended the speed of the Pentagon's deployment of troops, telling Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds that historians will agree that it will go down as one of the fastest and most expedient National Guard deployments in modern history. This lie was too big to ignore even for the feckless Democrats, prompting New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to contrast Millers testimony with a previously released Pentagon timeline. Miller claimed in his written testimony that, after learning that demonstrators had entered the Capitol between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m., he met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy at approximately 2:30 p.m., during which time he discussed urgent requests from Walker and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to deploy the National Guard. Miller then claimed that at 3:00 p.m. he approved the activation and mobilization of the Guard, and that this approval was transmitted to Walker at 3:04 p.m. However, under questioning from Ocasio-Cortez, Miller admitted that while he gave full authorization to deploy at 3:00 p.m., no troops were deployed until Walker drew up a concept of operation. Miller refused to explain why this took an hour and a half to materialize, even after he fielded calls from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pleading for help at 3:19 p.m. or even after Vice President Mike Pence called Miller at 4:08 p.m. and demanded he clear the Capitol. The former Pentagon chief testified that waiting for the supposed construction of this plan meant that the official order for deployment of the Guard did not come until 4:32 p.m., which is the time noted on the official Pentagon timeline. Walker and other high-ranking Defense officials have previously testified that Walker did not receive the approval for another 36 minutes, at 5:08 p.m., with the first troops arriving some 20 minutes later. Miller refused to answer repeated questions from Khanna as to why there was a 36-minute gap, repeatedly feigning ignorance as to what Khanna was talking about. In testimony given in March, tight-lipped Robert Salesses, a senior official with the Department of Defense, who claimed to have seen all the timelines, agreed with Missouri Senator Roy Blunts assessment that the 36-minute delay was, a significant problem for the future. Speaking on the alleged involvement of Trump in the events of January 6, Miller attempted to cover for the coup plotter, testifying that the reason Trump was not in the loop on January 6 was that he had delegated all the authority to deploy troops to the Capitol to Miller and therefore it was unnecessary for him to contact the president on January 6. Miller also revealed that he never actually spoke to Walker on January 6. However, in comments that have been completely ignored in media reporting of the hearing, Miller also told Donalds that on January 3, when discussing the requested deployment of National Guard soldiers that had been submitted on December 31 by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Trump was concerned not with protecting Congress, but in ensuring that the rights of the pro-Trump mob were protected. What was the Presidents response to you, with regard to the request made by Mayor Bowser? inquired Donalds. Fill it and do whatever was necessary to protect the demonstrators that were executing their constitutionally protected rights, replied Miller. No Democrat questioned Miller further as to why the National Guard was deployed on January 6 to protect the demonstrators instead of Congress, which as multiple intelligence reports created by the various police and intelligence agencies acknowledged, would be the target on January 6. In a filthy equivocation, Miller claimed the reluctance on the part of the Pentagon to deploy troops to the besieged Capitol was rooted in fear of causing a repeat of the deadly 1970 Kent State massacre in which Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on unarmed college students protesting the Vietnam War, killing four. Historically, military responses to domestic protests have resulted in violations of American civil rights, and even in the case of the Kent State protests of the Vietnam War, tragic deaths, he said. I fervently believe the military should not be utilized in such scenarios, other than as a last resort, and only when all other assets had been expended on January 6. As for the Department of Justice (DoJ), several Democratic representatives questioned former acting Attorney General Rosen on the failure of the department to prepare intelligence reports and threats analysis prior to the attack. Democratic committee chair Carolyn Maloney noted that despite repeated requests, DoJ officials, including in the FBI, have refused to turn over any documents in the last four months, while FBI Director Christopher Wray has refused to appear as a witness for the committee. Rosen also refused to answer questions from Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia about whether Trump ordered him to take any action to bolster his false claims of election fraud. Connolly specifically asked Rosen if Trump had instructed him to advance election fraud claims or to seek to overturn any part of the 2020 election results. Rosen claimed that ground rules and executive privilege prevented him from providing an answer, which in itself is a tacit admission that Trump had sought legal advice from Rosen. While it is unknown what specific authority Trump was inquiring about, there is a distinct possibility Trump was seeking legal authority from Rosen to reject and overturn the presidential vote. While Democrats spent most of the hearing reiterating their disdain for Trump and relitigating the attack on the Capitol, Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona, one of the leaders of the pro-Trump Stop the Steal campaign, used his time to defend QAnon supporter and former Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by a Capitol policeman as she attempted to break into the Speakers Lobby. Gosar provocatively asked Rosen why Babbitt was executed. Solidarizing himself with fascist militia members currently being investigated by the Department of Justice, Gosar claimed that the department was harassing peaceful protesters and veterans and that it was a conspiracy theory that Republican legislators aided militia members prior to the coup. Despite the fact that a majority of the Republican Party continues to spread Trumps fascistic lies, Democrats on the committee, including chairperson Maloney, repeated their calls for the formation of a bipartisan 9/11 style commission with their Republican colleagues, which in her words would identify the root causes of the insurrection and prevent similar attacks in the future. As the WSWS has previously explained, the purpose of such a commission is not to expose the coup plotters but to politically rehabilitate the Republican Party, in order for both parties to pursue their shared class agenda. The United States, at the head of the NATO military alliance, is continuing its military and diplomatic drive to encircle and subjugate Russia. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact in 1991, NATO has absorbed much of Eastern Europe and, with the Euromaidan coup of 2014 in Ukraine, expanded its sphere of influence up to Russias border. This is the context in which the huge NATO military exercise beginning this week, Defender 2021 Europe, unfolds. The HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier with seven helicopters visible onboard at Portsmouth naval base. May 1, 2021 (credit: WSWS media) Since March, NATO has amassed over 28,000 soldiers from 26 allied nations to practice for war. As a host nation, Germany plays a central role. Due to Germanys geostrategic location in the heart of Europe, the Federal Republic is a regular transit country and hub for military transports and movements of our allied partners, a spokesman for the Armed Forces Base Command (KdoSKB) stated. Strategic military depots (Army Prepositions Stocks) in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands sent stockpiles of heavy weaponry by barge, rail and convoy to positions across the European theatre. The goal, according to General Christopher Cavoli of the US Army Europe and Africa command, is to hone our abilities alongside our allies partners in the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea region, that is, on Russias doorstep. These drills will continue into June. The Defender 2020 exercise practiced the mobilization of the US-NATO war machine along the northern approaches of Russia through Germany, Poland and the Baltic. Defender 2021 approaches Russia from the south and the Black Sea. It tests interoperability between NATO armed forces and confirms the capacity of transport infrastructure to move armies and heavy weapons. According to a US military fact-sheet on Defender-Europe 2021, the exercise demonstrates our ability to serve as a strategic security partner in the western Balkans and Black Sea regions while sustaining our abilities in northern Europe, the Caucasus, Ukraine and Africa. Listed among the countries participating in exercise activities are non-NATO member states Ukraine and Georgia. Exercise plans for Steadfast Defender 2021 (Image Credit NatoNews Screen capture) This is extremely provocative. The largest war game in Europe since the end of the Cold War includes two countries that have recently attacked Russia in border disputes in which they had NATO support: Georgia in a brief 2008 war, and Ukraine after the 2014 coup. In coming days, NATO will live-fire multiple rocket-launch systems in the Tapa Training Center in Estonia, barely 200 km from Russias Baltic Sea port and second largest city, St. Petersburg; conduct naval operations at Alexandroupoli in Greece, athwart Russias access route to the Mediterranean; and execute night-time and airborne operations in Romania and Bulgaria, across the Black Sea from Russias naval base at Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula. US-NATO manoeuvres were in full swing well before Defender 2021 began. In March, nuclear-capable B-1B strategic bombers, flying from rland Air Base in Norway, were accompanied by German and Italian fighter jets on missions through the Baltic states, along the Russian border. At the same time, French and Spanish fighter jets flying from Romanias coastal air base at Constanta simulated attacks on warships in the Black Sea. The Baltic and Black Sea regions are of strategic importance to the Alliance, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. Painting Russia as the aggressor in the US-NATO war drive, Lungescu claimed the war games aim to deter aggression, prevent conflict and preserve peace. Logo for Steadfast Defender 2021 (Image Credit NatoNews Screen capture) A more frank presentation of NATO plans is provided by a strategy paper by retired General Ben Hodges of May 2020. In the report, titled One Flank, One Threat, One Presence, the former commander of the US Army Europe lays out plans to gain the initiative in the Baltic and Black Seas. It explains how NATO could gain strategic dominance in the Black Sea by imposing sea denial upon Russia, aiming for sea control. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys government unveiled plans to recover the Crimea, including the strategically vital Black Sea naval base at Sevastopol, from Russia. This port not only provides Russia access to the Mediterranean but is the main headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet. Unsurprisingly, Russia protected this port during the German- and US-backed coup in Ukraine in 2014, and agreed to annex Crimea after its population voted to rejoin Russia. Any attempt to forcibly recover the Crimea would necessarily involve attacking the Russian armed forcesthat is, war with Russia. In March, Washington formally requested Turkey grant two US warships passage through the Bosporus to the Black Sea. This elicited unsubtle threats from Russia, whose Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov declared: We warn the United States that it will be better for them to stay far away from Crimea and our Black Sea coast. It will be for their own good. Washington subsequently recalled the deployment. On April 16, Russias RIA Novosti news agency reported that coordinated Russian naval and air force exercises will close the Black Sea waters around Crimea until October. Nonetheless, Great Britain, a NATO member state, has announced plans to send warships to the area. While Defender Europe is training for combat on Russias western front, Washington is holding parallel war games on Russias eastern borders. The Defender Pacific exercises, aimed at both Russia and China, involve the US Air Force, Navy and Marines as well as the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. In January, the US Army announced the formation of an Arctic Multi-domain Task Force, advancing the United States encirclement of Russia to its north. This year saw the inauguration of the Quad, a semi-military alliance of Japan, Australia, India and the US, aimed specifically at China but at Russia, as well. One hardly dares imagine Washingtons apoplectic response if a strategic competitor were to hold war games within striking distance of US shores, yet the largest mobilization of NATO since the end of the Cold War has gone largely unremarked in Western media. Instead, its pages are packed with lurid, misleading and mostly unsubstantiated anti-Russian propaganda. Every military or diplomatic move by the United States and its NATO allies against Russia is invariably attended by a media campaign framing Russia as the aggressor. Military tensions are rising in line with an accelerating breakdown of diplomatic relations. Russia recalled its ambassador to the US, usually the last step before the outbreak of war, after President Biden publicly called Russian President Putin a killer. The Biden administration is following the pattern of confrontation with Russia and China pursued by the Trump and Obama administrations before it, and supported, whatever their often bitter tactical differences, by politicians of both of Americas big-business parties. Similar strategic concerns lie behind the growing tensions between the US and China, as Washington responds to Chinas rapid economic growth. Belligerent US policy in that theatre, openly stated with Obamas 2011 pivot to Asia, continues today in the growing conflict with China over Taiwan. While no support can be given to the capitalist oligarchy in Moscow that emerged from the Stalinist regimes restoration of capitalism in the Soviet Union in 1991, calling Russia the aggressor in this geostrategic rivalry inverts reality. The NATO imperialist powers are the driving force behind the rising tide of war, as Washingtons attempt to defend its faltering world hegemony sets the stage for a conflict unparalleled in history. A world war based on modern military technology would threaten the survival of humanity. It can only be stopped through the independent mobilization of the working class in an international anti-war movement based on a socialist programme. Amnesty International (AI) announced May 7 that it was restoring its prisoner of conscience status to Alexei Navalny. The organization had stripped the imprisoned anti-Putin oppositionist of this title in late February due to his history of engaging in hate speech. Amnestys reversal has nothing to do with any change in Navalnys outlook. It is entirely a product of the fraudulent efforts by US and European imperialism to present the right-wing politician and bigot as some sort of crusader for democracy. Alexei Navalny [Source: Wikimedia Commons] Navalny has a long record of right-wing politics. In 2007, he left the opposition party Yabloko, which advocates unfettered free markets and has close ties with the US and joined forces with the National Bolshevik Zakhar Prilepin to found the National Russian Liberation Movement (NAROD). NARODs manifesto was a classic far-right combination of criticism of elites and appeals for national and ethnic revival. While offering a few sops to minority populations, NAROD refers throughout to Russians by using a term (russkie) that refers exclusively to ethnically Russian people, not all of the citizens of the country, which is made up of more than 180 non-Russian groups that constitute nearly 20 percent of the population. For several years, Navalny co-organized the countrys Russia March, an annual demonstration of fascists and neo-Nazis. In 2007, Navalny posted two truly sick YouTube videos in which he incites violence against the populations of the Caucasus, calling for shooting people from this region and deporting immigrants. Even without knowledge of the Russian language, one can get a sense of the character of these videos by viewing them here and here. Navalny has not only never repudiated these positions, he has refused to take down the videos and stated that these positions are part of his political record. Amnesty International insists that its decision to strip Navalny of the prisoner of conscience status was meant to be an internal matter and that it now regrets its actions. It apologized to the bigot and gave him a pass on his far-right positions by implying they were little more than historical errors. It is part of Amnestys mission to encourage people to positively embrace a human rights vision and to not suggest that they are forever trapped by their past conduct, the organization stated. The human rights of those peoples that Navalny calls to be cleansed from Russias territory are a problem to be overlooked, a small price to pay, for the human rights organization. While elevating the anti-Putin oppositionist, Amnesty International refuses to recognize either Julian Assange or Chelsea Manning, who exposed war crimes by the American state, including the mass killing of civilians in the Middle East, as prisoners of conscience. Assange has been held captive for over a decade and subject to torture and Manning, who was also locked up for years, has been endlessly tormented and persecuted by the US government. The pro-Navalny campaign coming from Washington and Europes major capitals is never-ending. He is endorsed by the leaders of the US, Germany, Great Britain, and France, among others. For years, Navalny has been subject of countless fawning articles in leading press outlets, which use the Putin governments arrests of protesters, and Navalnys own imprisonment and alleged poisoning at the hands of the Kremlinbased on unproven and preposterous claimsto argue that he represents a democratic alternative to the Putin regime. While the media has been forced to occasionally acknowledge Navalnys far-right politics, they largely dismiss it as if the man went to the corner store for a soda pop and somehow wandered into a demonstration of virulent nationalists by accident. The well-known anti-Putin journalist Masha Gessen, writing in the New Yorker on February 15, sought to explain away Navalnys views as little more than the unfortunate outcome of Russias limited political atmosphere. In the absence of politics, in the absence of any public conversation, little remained to form political alliances around. Putin was trafficking in nostalgia for the Soviet empire. The only alternative seemed to be broadly ethno-nationalist ideas, which also addressed a sense of humiliationand these were emerging both on what could be roughly described as the left and vaguely designated as the right, she stated. Navalnys appeal to the imperialist powers stems from his advocacy of closer relations with the major imperialist powers and his support for full-scale privatization of semi-state-owned industry in Russia, which will open up massive opportunities for exploiting the countrys resources and population. Navalny is seen as a useful tool in the campaign to destabilize and even break up the country, which, alongside the prospect of a direct military confrontation with Moscow, has been openly floated as a means to assert domination over the region. There are also geopolitical considerations bound up with the US-led war drive against China. Navalnys internal support comes from layers of the Russian elite arrayed against President Putin and sections of the wealthy and upper-middle class in major cities who think more riches and influence await them with Putin and the oligarchs around him removed. To the extent that the oppositionist has any support within the broader layers of the population, of which there is little sign so far, it is because his anti-corruption taps into widespread anger over the grotesque character of the Russian oligarchy, which according to Forbes increased its total wealth during the coronavirus pandemic by $385 billion. Navalny, however, has his backers within this very milieuin particular, among those affiliated with Alfa Group oligarch Mikhail Fridman. The supposed critic of Russias elites also once sat on the board of Aeroflot, the countrys flagship airline. Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), Australias main university trade union, has collaborated closely with university managements, stifling resistance to the destruction of tens of thousands of jobs. University of Sydney's Main Quadrangle. (Image credit: Jason Tong/Wikipedia) Despite widespread hostility to this unprecedented assault, reflected in protest rallies by staff and students at many campuses, these attacks are continually deepening, as the NTEU isolates each struggle and opposes any unified political and industrial fight. Ever more nakedly, Prime Minister Scott Morrisons Liberal-National government and the university managements are exploiting the pandemic, just as all employers are, to restructure their operations to boost profits at the expense of workers. Last December, in her annual report message, NTEU president Alison Barnes said it had been a successful year for the union, despite the loss of so many jobs. Indeed, the union has grown even stronger, she insisted, building our workplace structures, increasing our workplace density, and strengthening our power. That power is solely concerned with retaining the unions position as an industrial police force, keeping university workers straitjacketed by the anti-strike Fair Work laws drawn up by the unions and the last Labor government. New members may have joined the NTEU in the hope that it would defend their jobs, only to have those illusions dashed. In the latest attack, hundreds of jobs are being targeted by the University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney in their faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, especially in the schools of literature, art, linguistics, theatre and performance studies, which are so important to the development of culture and informed thinking. This dovetails with the governments doubling of fees for humanities students, as part of a drive to further transform universities into vocational institutions servicing the narrow needs of employers. The NTEUs suppression of resistance to the destructive process over the past year is not an aberration, nor a mistake. It flows from the unions entirely pro-business program and corporatist partnership with the employers. On April 30, the NTEU issued a media release welcoming an announcement by Education Minister Alan Tudge of a $53.6 million support package for private international education providers, while saying it did nothing for public universities, which have also suffered sharp falls in international student enrolments. We welcome the fact that the government is finally recognising that the loss of international students has greatly affected the higher education sector, if only for the private providers, and acknowledge that for many providers, international student fees are most of their revenue, Barnes said. In 2019 international students contributed $40 billion to the Australian economy and was our fourth largest export industry. The Morrison governments shortsightedness continues to threaten this valuable contribution. This is an explicit statement of support for the growing for-profit education business operations that successive governments, both Liberal-National and Labor Party, have cultivated while slashing funding for public education. Education is regarded as a commodity fashioned to meet corporate dictates, not as an all-rounded and critical enlightenmenta basic social right for all young people. This transformation began under the Hawke and Keating Labor governments from 1983 to 1996, which reintroduced student fees and cut funding per student. The NTEU media release underscores the unions commitment to defending the lucrative profits that the public universities help generate for Australian capitalism as a whole. This valuable contribution is reaped by sections of big businesssuch as migration and travel services, English language schools, accommodation companies and labour hire contractorsnot university workers and students. Over the past decade, international students have become cash cows, charged exorbitant fees, rents and other charges. Universities have increasingly relied on their share of these revenues to offset their worsening under-funding. The NTEU bears direct responsibility for this crisis, having been an enthusiastic backer of the market-driven framework that has underpinned this processthe so-called Education Revolution imposed by the last Greens-backed Labor government of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. In 2007, the NTEU hailed the election of the Labor government, claiming that it would deliver a new progressive era of higher education after 11 years of Liberal-National cutbacks and attacks on the rights of students and university workers. The union looks forward to working with the new government to flesh out what the Education Revolution means for universities, the NTEU stated. It promoted Labors recognition that universities have been significantly under-funded over the last decade, and the commitment to reverse this situation. In reality, Labor delivered chronic under-funding, ever-growing class sizes and workloads, and course closures and job cuts. By the time it lost office in an election landslide in 2013, Labor had stripped more than $4 billion from university budgetslaying the basis for further cuts by the current Liberal-National government. Labors revolution forced universities to constantly compete with each other to cut costs, and attract larger domestic and international student enrolments, especially in business-oriented courses, just to survive financially. While Labor lifted limits on university enrolments, it tied all funding to student numbers and froze real funding per student. This made universities dependent on cramming more students into their campuses, but starved them of the necessary resources. The revolution also accelerated the casualisation of the university workforces. The NTEU worked with university managements to give them the flexibility they demanded to be able to open and shut courses, semester by semester, to capture greater market share. The NTEU signed repeated enterprise agreements allowing the employers to create new forms of casualised teaching, more fixed-term contract positions and teaching-only academic roles. As a result, only 6.4 out of every 100 new positions created at Australian universities between 2009 and 2015 were tenured teaching or research jobs. In all its pro-business handiwork, the NTEU is being assisted by pseudo-left groups, such as Socialist Alternative, Socialist Alliance and Solidarity, that falsely claim to be socialist. They echo Barnes in urging university workers to build our workplace structures. Many of their members and ex-members, like Barnes, have been integrated into the NTEU leadership, reflecting the privileged upper-middle-class base of these organisations. Academics and other university staff, together with students, need to review these experiences, examine the NTEUs record and make a political assessment. The clear lesson is that it is impossible to defend public education without a fundamental break with the NTEU, as well as Labor and the Greens. What is necessary is the formation of rank-and-file committees of staff and students, completely independent of the unions, and a turn to other sections of workers in Australia and internationally facing a similar onslaught on jobs and conditions. Such a struggle requires a socialist perspective, aimed at the total reorganisation of society in the interests of all, not the profits of the wealthy few. That includes providing the tens of billions of dollars needed to establish free, high quality education, from kindergarten to university, and the right of all education workers to full-time employment with decent pay and conditions. This is the perspective of the Committee For Public Education, established by the Socialist Equality Party, as part of the fight for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. We urge all those who want to take forward this fight to contact the Committee for Public Education. The World Socialist Web Site emphatically condemns the Israeli onslaught against the population of Gaza, as well as the ethnic cleansing operation in Jerusalem which preceded the conflict and set a match to it. The workers of the entire world, including the Israeli working class, must oppose the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bombs and missiles, which have rained down on at least 500 locations in an area no larger than the cities of Detroit or Philadelphia, with a population of more than two million. This Israeli airstrike was the latest in a series of assaults on targets in the Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) Some leaders of the Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been killed, under circumstances that remain unclear. But it seems to be a combination of deliberate assassination using missiles and a more generalized bombing campaign to destroy buildings used by Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. The most prominent casualty is Bassem Issa, commander of the Gaza City brigade of the Hamas military force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gloated: We eliminated senior Hamas commanders and this is just the beginning We will inflict blows on them that they couldnt even dream of. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) mobilized 5,000 reserve troops, including armored units and paratroopers, deploying them along the Gaza border, in positions to invade the enclave if given orders by the Israeli security cabinet, which was on a war footing Wednesday. It was the largest show of force since the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2014, which killed thousands of Palestinians in a monthlong slaughter. Defense Minister Benny Gantz, visiting the southern city of Ashkelon near Gaza, which has been targeted by crude and largely ineffective rocket attacks by Hamas, indicated the Israeli operation would go on for some time. The military will continue to strike and will bring complete quiet for the long term, he said. There is currently no end date. IDF spokesman Hidai Zilberman acknowledged Palestinian civilians were likely to be injured or killed by Israeli attacks but claimed that Hamas was deliberately using civilians as human shields for its operations, a phony justification used countless times by both US imperialism and the Zionist state for the slaughter of civilians. More politically significant was the call-up of eight reserve border police battalions to be deployed within Israel against towns with sizeable Israeli Arab populations, rather than the usual targets on the West Bank. There have been widespread protests among Israeli Palestinians against the Israeli efforts to evict Palestinian residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, and against Israeli attacks on Palestinians engaged in religious services at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Border police have been sent to Lod, in central Israel, where a state of emergency was declared, and to Acre, on the northern coast. The threatened Israeli evictions in Sheikh Jarrah have a particularly provocative character, accompanied by marches through the neighborhood by far-right Zionists chanting, Death to Arabs. As noted in an op-ed in the New York Times by activist and filmmaker Rula Salameh, The Sheikh Jarrah families who have faced eviction are Palestinian refugees who were driven from their homes in Haifa and Jaffa during the 1948 war. They were later resettled in East Jerusalem by the government of Jordan, which controlled the area until the 1967 war. Sheikh Jarrah directly adjoins the Damascus Gate, the main entrance to the Arab Quarter of the Old City, the historic walled portion of Jerusalem that includes both the Wailing Wall and the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest shrine of Islam. Israeli authorities closed the Damascus Gate last month and are now removing Palestinian families from the neighborhood outside it, in what could well be preparations for clearing out the Arab Quarter entirely. The Netanyahu government is entirely capable of such drastic actions and may see such a provocation as a political necessity, given Netanyahus struggle to form a government and thus evade conviction in his ongoing trial on criminal corruption charges. After the prime ministers initial failure to obtain a majority in the fractured Israeli parliament, Israeli President Ruben Rivlin has given opposition leader Yair Lapid a chance to form a coalition government. A UN official, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, warned that the crisis in Gaza is escalating towards a full-scale war. His calls for de-escalation fell on deaf ears, however, both in the Israeli war cabinet and in Washington, which is Israels principal backer internationally. Wennesland presented a report on the crisis to the UN Security Council Wednesday, which was blocked by the United States from issuing a resolution, drafted by Norway and Tunisia, condemning Israeli evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, and calling on Israel to cease settlement activities, demolitions and evictions. This is typical of the role of the United Nations, a political talk shop that is only capable of acting when the imperialist powers deem it to be a suitable screen for their own aggression. On the infrequent occasions when the Security Council has passed resolutions about the Middle East, Israel simply ignores them with impunity. Since the crisis erupted, the Biden administration has been engaged in a frenzy of pro-Israel activity. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan have made repeated phone calls to their Israeli counterparts, offering the support of US imperialism for its principal client in the Middle East. Blinken declared, There is, first, a very clear and absolute distinction between a terrorist organization, Hamasthat is indiscriminately raining down rockets, in fact, targeting civiliansand Israels response, defending itself, that is targeting the terrorists who are raining down rockets on Israel. Austin called Gantz to convey the ironclad support of the United States, declaring, he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorist groups that targeted Israeli civilians. There is a still more dangerous aspect to the conflict that has exploded in Gaza. War is the mode of existence of the Israeli state, the only condition in which the social contradictions ripping apart the Zionist enterprise can be contained. At seven years since the last such warthe invasion of Gaza in July 2014a military operation against the Palestinians is probably viewed by the Israeli leadership as an overdue necessity, and not necessarily confined to the Palestinians. Particularly ominous is the column which appeared Tuesday in the Jerusalem Post, one of the principal press voices of the Israeli right wing, under the headline, Is massive Hamas attack on Israel the assault Iran warned of? The author suggests that the rocket barrage by Hamas is not really in response to Israeli actions in Jerusalem but is instigated by Iran, coordinated through Islamic Jihad and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, in response to Israeli attacks on Irans nuclear program. The purpose of such commentary, without the slightest factual basis or evidence being presented, is to prepare public opinion for an Israeli military strike against Iran. This would likely target Iran's nuclear facility at Natanz, already hit by an Israeli operation last month, involving the remote-controlled detonation of an explosive device smuggled into the plant. Only a day before this commentary appeared, a US Coast Guard ship fired warning shots at Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz, the third such encounter in five weeks. The Coast Guard ship was escorting a Navy submarine armed with guided missiles, which was passing through the strait on the surface. The crisis in the Middle East is on a knifes edge. The United States is the principal sponsor of the Zionist regime, while Iran has developed economic, diplomatic and military ties with Russia and especially China. An Israeli strike against Iran could draw all the major powers into the cauldron of war, with incalculable consequences. A new war in the Middle East, and the threat that it will escalate into a global conflagration, can be countered only through the development of a mass antiwar movement based on the international working class. Despite the allocation of roughly $11.2 billion in federal funds ostensibly to support public education, school districts across Texas are cutting staff and closing schools. Over the past year, tens of thousands of teachers were forced to quit or retire early after the state government aggressively pressured districts to reopen amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Across the state, huge numbers of these teaching positions are being left as unfilled vacancies, encompassing nearly all the major school districts. This mass attrition follows the expiration of the states hold on cutting school funding that was extended through 2020, following declines in attendance due to the pandemic. Kindergarten teacher at Southside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas on August 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Schools in Texas adjust funding every school year based on daily attendance rates, meaning that even one day of absence impacts funding. This is compounded by virtual learning, which has been difficult for many students to access and consistently attend due to the deliberate sabotage of online education by the state and federal government. The spread of COVID-19 has caused many parents concerned with outbreaks at schools to pull their children from in-person learning, or switch to homeschooling or private online schools. In the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which has an enrollment of 74,000 students, a district survey indicated that 22 percent of students were learning in-person in November. As of April 19, an estimated 23.6 percent were attending in-person, with the state threatening to withdraw $5 million in hold harmless funding from the school if attendance was not raised to at least 44 percent in the last six weeks of the semester. In the 18 school districts in the Houston metro area, 250,000 students, roughly a third of the total enrollment, were not in person, while 475,000 were back in school as of March 31. One of the factors underlying the drop in attendance has to do with the measures that the hated Texas Education Agency (TEA) implemented in order to quantify attendance for K-12 schools. In the TEAs School Year 20-21 Attendance and Enrollment FAQ, it states that remote attendance is measured by daily progress in the Learning Management System Daily progress via teacher-student interactions, as defined in the approved learning plan [or] Completion/Turn-in of assignments from student to teacher (potentially via email, on-line, or mail). Many teachers have had trouble reaching out to students in order to ascertain attendance, with a frequent occurrence being not hearing back from some students despite numerous and repeated attempts via email, online learning systems like Blackboard and Google Classrooms, or by phone. The task of logging attendance every single day for every single student has become a Sisyphean task. According to TEA statistics released on March 4, a significant decrease in attendance was observed from October 2019 to October 2020 for all grades except high school (not including grade 9), which saw a slight increase. The highest change was seen in Pre-K and Early Education, which saw a 22 percent decrease in attendance, while most others had a 1-6 percent decrease in attendance. Comparing January 2021 to October 2019, the decrease remained constant for most grade levels. Should this decline in attendance remain the same, and there is little indication otherwise, a similar proportion of districts funding can be expected to be at stake. According to a combination of statements by teachers on Facebook and local news reports, the following list of districtswhich is by no means comprehensive or completeare cutting positions and/or experiencing budget shortfalls: Pflugerville ISD reports a $14 million deficit and is planning a 14 percent reduction in staff and a five percent cut to department budgets. The staff and budget for Support Services will shrink by five percent, eliminating two percent of support staff on campuses. reports a $14 million deficit and is planning a 14 percent reduction in staff and a five percent cut to department budgets. The staff and budget for Support Services will shrink by five percent, eliminating two percent of support staff on campuses. Austin ISD has a projected $61 million shortfall and plans to eliminate 250 teaching positions, along with further cuts to the number of licensed specialists in school psychology (LSSPs), who are responsible for performing special education evaluations. This follows years of the district hemorrhaging LSSPs due to a harsh work environment and overwork, and the district intentionally keeping the positions vacant after LSSPs left, creating a huge backlog of special education evaluations. The district has cynically used the backlog it caused by destroying LSSP positions to further justify the removal of LSSPs and their outsourcing to for-profit consulting companies. has a projected $61 million shortfall and plans to eliminate 250 teaching positions, along with further cuts to the number of licensed specialists in school psychology (LSSPs), who are responsible for performing special education evaluations. This follows years of the district hemorrhaging LSSPs due to a harsh work environment and overwork, and the district intentionally keeping the positions vacant after LSSPs left, creating a huge backlog of special education evaluations. The district has cynically used the backlog it caused by destroying LSSP positions to further justify the removal of LSSPs and their outsourcing to for-profit consulting companies. Abilene ISD is planning for $10 million in total cuts. is planning for $10 million in total cuts. Northwest ISD states on its website, Elementary campuses with 750-800 students will shift from two art teachers, two music teachers and two GATES teachers to one teacher in each position, respectively. Educational aides at campuses with more than 750 students will become fine arts assistants to help with music and art classes. states on its website, Elementary campuses with 750-800 students will shift from two art teachers, two music teachers and two GATES teachers to one teacher in each position, respectively. Educational aides at campuses with more than 750 students will become fine arts assistants to help with music and art classes. Lovejoy Elementary School in Collin County, Texas is being closed due to budget concerns. Local parents expressed outrage over the closures, with parent Mary Dickinson stating to local news media, Weve been working on plans to keep these kids safe for a year, and now youre going to take them and put them in two schools and pack them in like sardines? It raises a lot of concerns. in Collin County, Texas is being closed due to budget concerns. Local parents expressed outrage over the closures, with parent Mary Dickinson stating to local news media, Weve been working on plans to keep these kids safe for a year, and now youre going to take them and put them in two schools and pack them in like sardines? It raises a lot of concerns. Plano ISD plans to reduce its budget by $10 million by leaving 500 unfilled vacancies of teachers and staff they expect to quit or retire at the end of the year. The Chief Financial Officer of the district, Randy McDowell stated in a work session in late April that this reduction in positions was not any type of layoff or reduction in force but due to attrition, which averages 12 percent annually in the district. In addition, the following job cuts were recorded by teachers on Facebook on their individual schools: Dallas ISD is cutting positions based on campus, with electives being targeted. is cutting positions based on campus, with electives being targeted. San Antonio ISD plans to eliminate at least 4 positions at a single school. plans to eliminate at least 4 positions at a single school. Fort Bend ISD is cutting at least 8 positions at a school. is cutting at least 8 positions at a school. In Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, 12 positions are not being replaced at a school. According to Facebook posts by teachers, further budget cuts and/or layoffs are happening in Houston ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Leander ISD, Brownsville ISD, Denton ISD, and Hurst Euless Besford ISD. The recent release of education funds amounting to $11.2 billion from federal bailout packages will likely do little if anything to prevent cuts, many of which have already been approved. The deepening assault on public education in Texas takes place after the most brutal and exhausting year that current teachers have ever faced. During the pandemic, 51,014 Texans have officially died from COVID-19 and nearly 3 million have been infected, with both figures known to be significant undercounts. A recent study conducted by University of Kentucky researchers for the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that Texas school reopenings led to at least 43,000 additional cases and 800 additional deaths statewide in an eight-week period after schools began to reopen last fall, meaning at least 100 deaths per week were attributable to school reopenings. These figures account for 12 percent of total cases and 17 percent of deaths in that same time frame. The unions have been fully complicit in the murderous drive to reopen schools, cowardly hiding behind state laws and claiming nothing can be done to defend their members jobs while signing off on school reopenings. The Texas AFT, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has 65,000 members and has made no effort to mobilize teachers in Texas or anywhere else against the school reopenings or the attacks on its members jobs. At the national level, AFT president Randi Weingarten has spearheaded the drive to reopen schools, stating in February that she spent 15 hours a day on the phone coordinating this campaign with the Biden administration. The privations and suffering inflicted on poor and working class students and teachers, and the population of Texas as a whole, are in direct proportion to the extreme wealth inequality of the state, which is home to some of the wealthiest oligarchs in the world. The third-richest person on the planet, Elon Musk (net worth $164.2 billion), the 17th-richest person, Walmart heiress Alice Walton ($61.8 billion), and chairman and CEO of Dell Computers Michael Dell ($45.1 billion), all reside in Texas. For comparison, the total budget for Texas public education in 2018-19 was $54.4 billion. The wealth of these oligarchs alone could more than fund the Texas education system for years and must be expropriated and used to vastly expand public education for all. Teachers must draw the necessary political conclusions that flow from the anti-working-class nature of the unions and Democrats and form rank-and-file committees independent from these rotten organizations to fight for jobs, safety, and lives. The Texas Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, formed last fall to oppose the homicidal campaign to reopen schools, is the only organization opposing the devastating austerity planned throughout the state, and we urge all educators, parents and students in Texas to join and help build this organization today. BERRY, Ala. (WTVA) - Troopers said a Wednesday evening crash killed a Bankston man. The crash happened at approximately 6:43 on Alabama Highway 18, approximately two miles west of Berry. Alabama Senior Trooper Gregory Corble said Miles Whitson, 70, tried to pass two vehicles and collided head-on with a pickup truck. Whitson died at the scene of the crash. STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - Gas prices are on the rise as people in Oktibbeha County look to full up their tanks in a rumored gas shortage. However, some people in Starkville don't believe there's a shortage. One of those resident's is Jaylen Nelson. I just fueled everything up," he said. "All our vehicles, we just go ahead and fuel them up even though its kinda high. On Wednesday, gas prices in Starkville are as high as $2.69 per gallon. Nazareth Griffin is a truck driver. He believes panicked purchases are to blame for the increased gas prices. Panic buying thats going to make a lot of stores jack the prices up," said Griffin. "Theyre going to profit off of it. Griffin said the increased demand for gas is not only impacting the cost to fill up tanks, but also could potentially impact other items in the stores. As more people purchase gas, drivers will not be able to purchase it themselves, making it difficult for them to transports the items needed in stores. "Weve already got a shortage of products in stores, he said. Nelson believes the current rise in price will be just another phase caused by the coronavirus. Once the pandemic crisis hit, it was I think like tissue and everything was a thing, and now its gas," he explained. "We really cant do anything. Only thing we can do is supply ourselves. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Andy Gipson, posted on Facebook asking folks not to panic buy their gas. He also asked people during this time limit unnecessary travel and only buy the fuel you will need. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 10:03:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A world-review article published recently on British journal Nature warned against proliferating military artificial intelligence (AI), calling for more focus on ethics and global cooperation. A race to militarize AI is gearing up, and it would be profoundly "destabilizing," the article wrote. This March, the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence of the United States recommended Washington accelerate AI technologies to "preserve national security and remain competitive with China and Russia," it said. The commission resurrected disastrous ideas from the Cold War and framed its report in terms of winning a competition for AI-enabled warfare, it added. "Enhancing AI war-fighting capacity will decrease security in a world where the biggest threats are instability -- political, social, economic and planetary," Nature argued. "The relentless pursuit of militarization does not protect us," the article noted. "It diverts resources and attention from nearer existential threats, such as extreme weather events. With the world reeling from COVID-19 -- the shock of the century -- now is not the moment to hasten towards worldwide confrontation." Enditem AMORY, Miss. (WTVA)- When the governors of Mississippi and Alabama announced an end to a federal subsidy to unemployment they sighted many employers are in need of workers. The Monroe county chamber of commerce hosted a job fair today in Amory in hopes of putting people in open positions with several companies. From law enforcement to the medical field, to factory work, many employers were at the old armory in Amory Wednesday trying to get people to work for them. The president of Nautic Star, Scott Wamack said he needs around 50 more employees right now, "We are expanding and plan to grow even more in the future but first we have to fill these 50 positions." Willie McMillian is from Aberdeen, he was applying for jobs, looking to get back into the workforce after being unemployed for a year, "I applied for the boat place and the construction over there, I am just trying to find some work, period" Some folks today were looking to get back to work, some were looking for better-paying jobs. Governor Tate reeves announced earlier this week the state would no longer provide the federal stipend for $300 extra per week in unemployment benefits. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey made the same announcement as well for her state. Both cited the troublesome businesses had in hiring people. Womack said the extra benefits right now has made it difficult for employers, "The extra benefits have probably helped keep some people out of the active workforce" An employer at Homestretch Furniture said they also need workers. He told me he believes more people will start looking for jobs after June but doesn't believe any employer will see an immediate rush for employment openings. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 21:07:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Bao Yue, General Manager of HT Solar Energy, receives an interview with Xinhua in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 7, 2021. Turkey and China are mutually benefiting from each other's advantages in the field of solar panel production. (Photo by Osman Orsal/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and China are mutually benefiting from each other's advantages in the field of solar panel production. Chinese companies can benefit from Turkey's location in exporting their products to the other parts of the world and the Chinese manufacturers can contribute to the Turkish economy, generating job opportunities and luring foreign investment to the country, said Turkish and Chinese industrial insiders. HT Solar Energy was established in 2016 to produce solar modules in the Tuzla Free Zone in Turkey's biggest city, Istanbul, as a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned company HT-SAAE. Since then, the manufacturer has been supplying solar modules for the Turkish market and exporting its products to the United States, as well as several countries in Europe and the Middle East via Turkey. Bao Yue, General Manager of HT Solar Energy, said that the company is "helping the country's economy to receive more foreign currency and enlarge its export capacity," while providing job opportunities for over 500 people. As the solar industry is a very new business, it needs creative employees, and Turkey fulfills these requirements with its well-educated young population, he said. "In our factory, we have many workers or white color employees born after 1980 and 1990. They are doing practically very well," the manager said. Yue noted that his company uses the most advanced lines and technology in the market and operates as a giant training school for the solar industry in Turkey. "We hire young people and teach them the operation and let them know the industry," he added. In the upcoming period, HT Solar Energy plans to enlarge its investment in Turkey and lure other Chinese companies operating in this field. "We are a solar panel manufacturer, but when you want to build a solar power plant, you also need other technical equipment such as inventors and solar cable," he said, referring to the possible newcomers to Turkey. "This is our plan, but due to the coronavirus, a lot were postponed and will going to be delayed. But this direction will not be changed." Yusuf Bayrak, an analyst and a retired electricity generation planner, said Turkey and China could collaborate more on information sharing and the establishment of joint research and development centers. "These would definitely have technological and economic returns for Turkey," Bayrak told Xinhua in a written interview. He said in the upcoming period, wind resources will also gain importance in electricity generation in Turkey, and developments in these areas will speed up. "This is where electricity storage technology will become as important as producing solar panels and wind turbines," he noted. "Therefore, strong cooperation can be established between Turkey and China to invest in electricity storage technology as well," he suggested. Turkey's electricity production from renewable energy has been above 40 percent for the last three years, up from 25 percent 10 years ago, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez. Donmez told local media on Wednesday that renewable energy will stimulate the economic dynamism in Turkey with resource investments, infrastructure and technology investments, and new network investments. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:25:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday predicted an aggressive rebound for the economies of the 27-nation bloc, though analysts said there were still many potential pitfalls that could sidetrack the recovery. The Commission updated its economic forecast model for member states to 4.2 percent this year, up from 3.7 percent in its previous forecast, from February. It predicted further 4.4-percent growth in 2022, also stronger than the 3.9-percent estimate in the forecast three months ago. If the estimates prove accurate, it means Europe's economies will have recovered from the 6.4-percent contraction in 2020 at some point next year. "Recovery is no longer a mirage. It is underway," Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy and a former Italian prime minister, said when the forecast was unveiled. "After a weak start to the year, we now project strong growth in both 2021 and 2022. Today, for the first time since the pandemic hit, we see some optimism prevailing over uncertainty," he said. In its forecast, the European Union did acknowledge there were risks associated with record-high debt and deficit levels tied to increased government spending aimed at staving off the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which began having a major economic impact in Europe in February 2020. But those risks were more than balanced out by positive factors such as the increasingly swift, continent-wide coronavirus vaccine rollout and the economic boost coming from the European Union's economic recovery fund. According to Carsten Brzeski, chief German economist with Netherlands-based investment bank ING, other positive factors for Europe's economies include improving economic performance in China and the United States, which will have a ripple effect across the world and will help improve European exports. "As long as there are no negative surprises the European forecasts seem very reasonable," Brzeski told Xinhua, identifying supply chain disruptions tied to the pandemic and a potential new wave of infections next fall as potential problem areas. "The overall situation now looks much stronger than it did a few months ago. I think the potential near-term problems are factors that at worst would delay the recovery and not derail it," he said. Lorenzo Codogno, the founder and chief economist of LC Macro Advisors and a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, said there was also a small risk that a new coronavirus strain could also have a negative impact if it proves resistant to the main vaccines being used in Europe. But Codogno said another challenge for European officials will be to manage expectations for the continent's economic recovery. "The forecasts predict more than 4-percent growth for the next two years," Codogno told Xinhua. "This year, the growth will be seen as a recovery from a very difficult year in 2020." "But next year, it could feel like a simple continuation of the recovery or as a sort of economic boom that sparks new optimism. I think the difference will be based on the expectations Europeans have," he said. Enditem Navesh Chitrakar via Reuters As India logs another 400,000 new infections in a 24-hour period, efforts to contain the worsening crisis have failed and now everyone from middle-class Indians to migrant workers are getting out as fast as they can. Private jets, often used primarily by Bollywood glitterati and business moguls who left weeks ago, are now being booked by the middle class who are spending their life savings to save their lives. JetSetGo CEO Kanika Tekriwal told CNBCs Street Signs Asia that her company has seen a 900 percent increase in bookings, but it is not her usual clientele. To say that only wealthy Indians are leaving India on private jets would be wrong, Tekriwal said Thursday from her own safe haven in the Maldives. In the last 10 days, what we have really seen is anyone who can put together the resources and the means to pool in money for a private jet, or to pool in money just to get out of the country, getting out. The most popular destinations are the Maldives, which fetches around $20,000 for an eight-seat jet with a pilot, and Dubai, which runs a whopping $31,ooo for a six-seater with a pilot to the United Arab Emirates. Both countries are among the last to allow Indian passengers to enter as long as they test negative for COVID-19 before departurewhich, with odds at 2-1 they have the virus based on spiking contagion rates, is not a guarantee they will get to leave. But it is those without life savings to spend who are spreading the deadly virus to neighboring countries. Thousands of migrant workers escaping the country have now turned neighboring Nepal into the next hell. Some experts predict that the situation could be even worse than in India and the countrys prime minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, much like Indias Narendra Modi, has been widely criticized for mishandling the pandemic response. The capital city of Kathmandu is now under strict lockdown, but fears are growing that the border city of Nepalgunj, where thousands of migrant workers from India have returned, could explode with cases. That city has just a dozen intensive-care beds and because most of its medical supplies come from India, it could face shortages soon. Story continues Nepals positivity rate is inching closer to 50 percent of all those tested, in what is starting to feel like deja vu as the country tracks almost exactly the same trajectory India did two weeks ago. But because of an even more unprepared healthcare systemwith 0.7 doctors per 100,000 people, fewer than almost anywhere in the worldmany experts worry that Nepals crisis could be even deadlier than Indias. Nepalone of the worlds poorest countries has just 1,595 ICU beds and 480 ventilators for the entire population of 30 million, according to CNN. What is happening in India right now is a horrifying preview of Nepals future if we cannot contain this latest COVID surge that is now claiming more lives by the minute, Netra Prasad Timsina, head of Nepals Red Cross, told CNN in a statement. Also like India, the Nepalese government had allowed mass gatherings and resisted lockdowns, and was criticized for opening its side of Mount Everest to bring in tourists. Now there are reports of an outbreak at its base camp with several climbers posting on social media that they have tested positive despite the governments denials. Pawel Michalski, a Polish climber, said in a Facebook post that 30 people had been evacuated from base camp after falling ill with the virus. Many Nepali citizens, including its former king and queen, contracted the virus when they attended the Kumbh Mela religious festival, taking a dip in the Ganges alongside thousands of others. Nepals own religious festival was allowed to go forward in early April, despite an uptick in cases and the crisis in next-door India. Many blame the prime minister for appeasing voters wishes instead of protecting them. Oli, as former U.S. President Donald Trump did when he suggested ingesting bleach, has offered a number of crackpot remedies, including gargling with guava leaves, which have led many citizens astray. Meanwhile, back in India, the situation worsens with more new cases and grifters exploiting the situation. On Friday, police found another 100 oxygen concentrators in a raid on a restaurant and bar tied to black-market kingpin Navneet Kalra, who is on the lam. Police were tipped off after reports that people were seen lined up waiting outside the establishments and walking away with bags that did not seem to be filled with food. Inside, police found boxes of other supplies in high demand, including N-95 masks that had been imported from China and sold at jacked-up prices in Delhi. Police have so far recovered more than 500 of the medical devices. The racket was being run through social media. 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. Olivia Troye told MSNBC that Republican attempts to oust Trump's critics were a "horrifying and scary prospect." Getty Trumpism is destroying democracy in the US, according to a former aide to Mike Pence. Olivia Troye told MSNBC that Republican attempts to oust Trump's critics were a "horrifying and scary prospect." All of these bad actors... [are] actively destroying the fundamentals of our democracy," she said. See more stories on Insider's business page. Trumpism is "actively destroying the fundamentals of our democracy," according to a former senior advisor to Mike Pence. Olivia Troye, who served as the former Vice President's homeland security adviser, and was on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, told MSNBC on Monday that "Trumpism has got a hold of the country right now," adding that it was "a horrifying and scary prospect." Troye, who quit the Trump administration last August, said that Trumpism "creates divisiveness. It creates hatred. We have seen a rise in domestic terrorism under this era." She said the resurgence of Trump's supporters in the Republican Party since his defeat last November and the attempts to oust his critics from the party, threatened to undermine the democratic process. "That is why it is so upsetting what is happening with Liz Cheney this week," she told Joy Reid. "All of these bad actors that are claiming to be leaders in the Republican Party, because what they are doing is they are not just infighting within the Republican Party they're actively destroying the fundamentals of our democracy and that is why it matters that we stand against this." Troye's comments come after Sen. Lindsey Graham said on Monday that Trump's critics would end up being "erased" from the party. He told Fox News that it was "impossible" for the Republican Party to progress without former President Donald Trump as its leader, adding that those within the party who criticized Trump would "wind up getting erased." Story continues "The most popular Republican in America is not Lindsey Graham. It's not Liz Cheney. It's Donald Trump," Graham said. Watch Olivia Troye on the threat to oust Liz Cheney This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Read the original article on Business Insider Getty A 90-year-old Austrian man who died last year left a generous gift to a French village to thank them for protecting his family from the Nazis during World War II. According to CNN, Erich Schwam arrived at the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon in 1943 with his mother and father. The family was on the run from the Nazis, who were killing millions of Jewish people across German-occupied Europe. In his will, Schwam reportedly left a large sum of money to the village to express his gratitude for hiding his family 77 years ago. He asked the funds be used for scholarships and schools, the outlet reported. While the total was not officially disclosed, a former mayor of the village told BBC Schwam contacted officials years ago about his plans and believed he donated around $2.4 million. After news of the donation spread, the village tried to piece together some of Schwam's history. RELATED: Former Nazi Guard, 93, Convicted in One of Germany's Last Holocaust Trials Getty They believe Schwam's parents returned to Austria following the end of WWII, while he moved to Lyon, a city in France, to study. He later met his future wife in the city. "He was a very discreet gentleman and he didn't want a lot of publicity about his gesture," said Denise Vallat, a Le Chambon-sur-Lignon official, according to BBC. "Little is known about the donor but we did some research." RELATED: Audrey Hepburn's Secret Shame About Her Mother's Nazi Sympathies: New Book Reveals Records reportedly showed Schwam and his wife never had children, and he died a widower. "We are extremely honored and we will use the sum according to Mr. Schwam's will," Vallat added to CNN. RELATED VIDEO: Woman Reunites with Holocaust Survivors She Helped Save Six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, with over 40,000 concentration camps and ghettos being formed during the war, NBC News reported. The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, used gas wagons, concentration camps and firing squads to murder Jews, in a campaign driven by anti-Semitism. The Holocaust ended in May 1945. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 22:45:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised the "heroic" deeds of staffers of a school in the city of Kazan, where a gunman shot nine people dead two days ago, and proposed state awards for them. "Children and teachers of the No. 175 school became victims of a barbaric crime," Putin said in a meeting with government members, as they were honoring the lost lives with a minute of silence. He promised that all necessary financial and psychological support would be provided to the families of the victims and those affected. Putin pointed to the courage and heroism of the school's staff, who managed to protect the children till the very end and performed their duties in a highly professional manner. "Many teachers in the terrible moment of the attack, when gunshots were heard in the building, stood at the entrance to the classrooms and were ready to fight and protect their students," he said. Putin ordered the government to ensure anti-terrorist security in educational institutions as the tragedy has exposed existing problems. "I believe that in order to prevent such crimes, it is necessary to raise requirements for civilian weapons possession and strengthen control over their circulation," he added. He said that stricter laws should apply to those issuing weapon licenses and that it is essential to counter fake documentation and medical certificates. On Tuesday morning, 19-year-old Ilnaz Galyaviev walked into the school and opened fire randomly with an officially registered gun. Hundreds of students were evacuated rapidly, but seven children and two school staffers were killed. A total of 23 people were injured, including 20 children. Galyaviev has pleaded guilty to murder and is under detention while his psychological condition is being examined. Enditem Coronavirus Coverage Because of health and safety concerns, the Herald-Republic is allowing unlimited access to our COVID-19 stories and resources. If you are able to support local news by subscribing, support our journalism. Click here to begin your subscription and access all of our local coverage. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Housing announced $500,000 for the United States Veterans Initiative to support its efforts to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness have safe, adequate living conditions. This announcement comes on the first day of Tom Simplots new role as Director of the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and follows Wednesdays announcement of $508 million in new federal funding to address homelessness and housing instability throughout the state. We need to make sure were taking care of those who have done so much to protect our nation, said Governor Ducey. Yesterday, I appointed Tom Simplot to Director of the Arizona Department of Housing to strengthen our states efforts to combat homelessness and housing instability. Todays funding takes these efforts a step further in supporting Arizonans, while ensuring veterans in need have safe housing. Im grateful to Director Simplot for his leadership on this issue and to all Arizonans who are working hard to help those who served our nation. Earlier this year, the City of Phoenix purchased a property in Downtown Phoenix to expand housing opportunities for Arizona veterans experiencing homelessness. The $500,000 from the State will allow the United States Veterans Initiative (U.S. Vets) to complete the immediate health, safety and occupancy needs for their program and operations to move to the new facility later this year. Veteran homelessness is a national problem that were tackling head on in Arizona, said ADOH Director Simplot. Providing veterans with resources, shelter and protection is a must and Im proud that this is the first project Im taking on as Director. I am grateful to Governor Ducey and U.S. Vets for their work to support veterans experiencing homelessness in Arizona. ADOH will continue to work with U.S. Vets to ensure a smooth transition as they enter the new facility. We are so excited and grateful to Governor Ducey and the Arizona Department of Housing, said U.S.VETS Phoenixs Executive Director Michelle Jameson. This is a big step forward for our mission to end veteran homelessness. Veteran homelessness makes up over nine percent of all adults experiencing homelessness in the United States, with an estimated 40,056 veterans experiencing homelessness in America on any given day. In 2019, roughly 802 veterans in Arizona identified as homeless. U.S. Vets in Phoenix was created to provide housing and services specifically designed for homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. Since its inception in 2001, it has served more than 10,000 veterans with approximately 250 veterans currently living in the organizations facility and other supportive housing units. It is the nations largest provider of housing services for homeless veterans and their families. This funding for U.S. Vets to combat homelessness and housing instability among veterans comes from the Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund. The new initiative is one of many put in place to support Arizona veterans and their families. On April 15, the Governor signed legislation to prevent veteran suicide and ensure veterans receive the support and resources they need. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Following Governor Doug Duceys announcement marking the end to Arizonas participation in the Federal Unemployment Benefit Programs that are hindering the states economic recovery, Americans for Prosperity-Arizona (AFP-AZ) released a statement thanking Governor Ducey for taking this step to help boost Arizonas economy and help businesses who are looking to create jobs. Following the Biden Administrations most recent jobs report, it is clear that the ongoing federal unemployment benefits remain a significant barrier to economic recovery. Governor Duceys actions today will make strides to do so and help reduce unemployment across Arizona. AFP-AZ State Director Stephen Shadegg issued the following statement: These supplemental unemployment benefits are making it harder for small businesses to hire people and are hindering our economic recovery. Paying some people more on unemployment than they made working full-time, even as their jobs are in demand, is counterproductive to recovery. We thank Governor Ducey for helping Arizona families and businesses recover and get back on their feet. Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the countrys biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites Arizonans behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit https://www.AmericansForProsperity.org Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - Yuma County Administrator Susan Thorpe has announced the appointment of Julio (Alejandro) Figueroa as the Countys Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs Director. This position is responsible for planning, organizing and directing economic development activities to include attracting new industry, business and investments to Yuma County. The job also entails proposing and tracking local, state and federal legislative initiatives to benefit the County. I am excited that Alejandro has joined our team and will bring his extensive public and private sector expertise to our organization, said County Administrator Susan Thorpe. Figueroa has nearly 15 years of experience working as a Business and Governmental Affairs Consultant for Strategy International, a Policy and Research Analyst for ASUs North American Center for Transborder Studies, and as Director of Programs and Operations for the Arizona Mexico Commission at the Arizona Governors Office. A Yuma native, Figueroa graduated from Kofa High School and attended Arizona State University where he received a B.A. in Political Science before receiving his Masters in Business Administration from the nationally recognized W.P. Carey School of Business. Figueroa will administer the Countys economic development policy initiatives and related programs. He will also be responsible for activities related to intergovernmental and legislative affairs at the local, regional, state and federal levels. This position proactively addresses critical areas previously dealt with on an ad-hoc basis. More and more state and federal legislation and regulations are affecting County operations and finances, and it is the Countys intention to ensure our voice is heard at the Statehouse and the Capitol. The County recently adopted an economic development incentive policy. This policy and the funding to support it show that the County recognizes the importance of collaborating with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation and other agencies to attract and retain high wage jobs and robust industries in the Yuma County region. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-14 03:29:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will take at least two years, officials and experts told an economic forum held in Athens and online. "Recovery will take time. Economy cannot start simply by pressing a button. It will take two years," British-Cypriot Nobel laureate economist Christopher Pissarides said on Thursday while addressing the Delphi Economic Forum VI. "We will return to a kind of normalcy in 2024 at the latest," Gunther Oettinger, former European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, said. Compared to the financial crisis which broke out in 2008, this time recovery will be faster, but it will be nothing like turning on a switch, said Barry Eichengreen, a professor of economics and political science at the University of California, Berkeley. "The COVID-19 crisis will be a 'V crisis.' Great recovery will follow deep recession," Finance minister of Luxembourg Pierre Gramegna told the forum, warning that governments should not repeat mistakes of the management of the 2008 crisis. In the previous crisis, there was a rush to restore budgets, but now emphasis must be placed on investments, the minister suggested. "This crisis is a formidable accelerator of the European and world economy. It is reinforcing the things we consider important," Jean-Claude Trichet, European Chairman of the Trilateral Commission and former President of the European Central Bank, said in his address. It's a wake-up call that helps uncover weaknesses of economies and accelerates underlying trends, like digitization, he explained. The crisis also highlighted the significance of international cooperation to address it, Trichet stressed. Over 1,000 guest speakers from some 40 countries are taking part in the forum which started on Monday and runs until Saturday. On the agenda are themes such as global economy, climate change, technology and health. Enditem 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 01:51:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW YORK, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The promoters of multiple U.S. education exchange programs have said that they are committed to their long-standing operations in China despite the deterioration in the Sino-U.S. relationship. Developments in the Sino-U.S. relationship "have not had a substantial impact on the work we do," John Smagula, assistant dean for graduate and international programs at Temple University, said Tuesday evening at a panel discussion organized by the Committee of 100, a non-profit organization of prominent Chinese Americans. Smagula said, "At this time, I just do not see any downside for more Chinese students to be learning English, more U.S. students learning Chinese to be able to better understand what each other's academic institutions are producing, and then to be able to increase that dialogue to be talking about the sharing of ideas, because there are so many things that we have in common." Temple University has been adding additional courses and bringing on additional faculty in response to more interests in trial advocacy, dispute resolution and compliance in China, said Smagula, referring to a law degree program jointly presented by Temple University and Tsinghua University. Teaching just has no real downside for either country and "can only serve as a bridge as part of our overall mission to reduce that distance between the countries," said Smagula. Regardless of what happens in the global landscape and domestic political arrangements, "I think this point of contact between English speaking and Chinese speaking academic universe will remain relevant," said Adam K. Webb, American co-director of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, a joint educational venture between Johns Hopkins University and China's Nanjing University. Webb said this center is not a political partnership or political venture and it's about engagement between societies and about creating an intellectual space. Webb added as long as academic principles appeal, "I think we tend to be here for the long term." The Eisenhower Fellowships, a private, non-profit leadership organization based in the United States, continues its work virtually and doesn't stop hosting Chinese fellows despite the deterioration in U.S.-China relations, said George de Lama, president of the Eisenhower Fellowships. "China is an integral part of our mission around the world ... We have to keep this channel open," said de Lama. De Lama said, "As long as we can, we're gonna try to keep doing this. And we hope that circumstances will allow us to continue this important work." Given the deterioration in U.S.-China relations now, it's even more important to engage in dialogue and to continue to build trust and understanding, according to de Lama. "We stand ready to do its part and will strive to continue to do this for as long as circumstances allow us to uphold," said de Lama, referring to the communication and dialogue between the United States and China. A number of U.S. universities have opened campuses or offered programs in China while a large number of Chinese students study in the United States. Enditem New Delhi: On Thursday (May 13), Bajaj Auto announced a slew of measures to help its employees in these tough times. The automaker said that itll offer monetary support to staff families for up to two years in case of death due to COVID-19. The company is also going to support the dependent children's education till graduation in any field of their choice, along with 5-year hospitalisation insurance for all family members of the deceased employee. Besides the measures for its employees, Bajaj is also helping the country battle the second wave of Covid-19 that is proving to be deadlier than the first one. The company announced the up-gradation of the COVID care centre at Aurangabad. Bajaj Group has so far committed a total of Rs 300 crore to help various governments, local administration and NGO initiatives battle Covid-19. The conglomerate has also promised the procurement of 12 oxygen plants and several other respiratory support equipment. We shall do our utmost for any extended families of Bajaj Auto who might be devastated by the loss of their loved ones who went beyond the call of duty in the face of this pandemic, said Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto said on the additional measures in an official press release. Bajaj Auto has also extended its help in the fight against Covid-19 by offering tests and treatments at its multiple COVID care facilities, all equipped with professional medical care and 24X7 monitoring. Live TV #mute New Delhi: Ei-ul-Fitr, popularly known as meethi Eid, is going to be celebrated tomorrow (May 14) in India. Saudi Arabia, UAE, North America, which started fasting one day before Indians, are celebrating Eid today. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar Shawwal. Islamic or Hijri calendar follows lunar movements hence the sighting of the crescent moon is important to mark the beginning of a new month. While, Eid always brings with it immense joy, festivity and friends and families together - this year is going to be a low-key affair due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Muslim clerics have urged people to act in accordance with the present times and observe a private Eid this year. Over four lakh people have been infected with the virus and almost 3,000 people are dying per day. There are no beds, medicines and the appropriate amount of vaccine in the hospital. I appealed to the community to offer prayers of Eid at home," said Shahi Imam Bukhari. Darul Uloom Deoband has also issued a fatwa asking people to ditch congregational Eid prayer in mosques this year. Earlier, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had also appealed Muslims to avoid big gatherings on Eid. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan in which muslims observe fast and increase their prayers and charity to gain piety. On Eid as well, alms are given to the poor and a feast is prepared for friends and family. Eidi, which can both be in the form of money and gifts, is given to children and people younger to us. NEW DELHI: The national capital on Thursday recorded 10,489 new cases of COVID-19 infections and 308 deaths in the past 24 hours. According to the bulletin issued by the health department, nearly 15,189 patients recovered from the COVID-19 infection during this period. With this, Delhi saw a positivity rate of 14.24 per cent, the lowest in a month, the Health Department said. The number of new cases is the lowest since April 10 when 7,897 people were diagnosed with the disease. The positivity rate is the lowest since April 13, when it stood at 13.1 per cent, according to government data. Delhi had reported 300 deaths and 13,287 cases on Wednesday with a positivity rate of 17 per cent. Delhi reports 10,489 new #COVID19 cases, 15,189 recoveries and 308 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases 13,72,475 Total recoveries 12,74,140 Death toll 20,618 Active cases 77,717 pic.twitter.com/BSTUnUfbRK ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 On April 22, a positivity rate of 36.2 per cent, the highest so far, was recorded. The highest number of 448 deaths was reported on May 3. Meanwhile, the Arvind Kejriwal government on Thursday wrote a letter to the Centre to inform that Delhi`s daily oxygen requirement has fallen from 700 MT to 582 MT per day and hence, the additional oxygen quota of the national capital should be supplied to other states needing oxygen. For the last few days, the Center has fixed Delhi`s daily quota of oxygen to 590 MT. As Delhi has witnessed a sharp decline in daily Covid positive cases in its hospitals in the last few days, the capital`s daily demand for oxygen has also reduced. "During the peak period, we were getting regular SOS calls from the hospitals. Now, we receive hardly one or two SOS calls daily which are fulfilled without any delay. "Delhi government is a responsible government and hence it is requesting the Central government to reduce the daily oxygen allocation of Delhi to 582 MT. This way the other states in the need of oxygen can get the surplus oxygen from Delhi," said Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Sisodia, who is also Delhi`s nodal minister for Covid management, stated that the Covid cases were at their peak in the last week of April and the first week of May. On a daily basis, more than 80,000 tests were being done out of which around 28,000 (highest on April 20) were testing positive. Sisodia expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and Central Government for their timely intervention and providing much-needed oxygen supply to Delhi. Live TV Nagaon: As many as 18 elephants were found dead in remote hill areas of Assam`s Nagaon district on Thursday (May 13). According to Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, preliminary investigation suggests that the elephants died due to electrocution caused by lightning. However, the exact reason can only be confirmed after post mortem. Speaking to ANI, the minister said, "It is a very saddening incident. This has never happened before in the Assam forest. Today afternoon, when it was raining, a thunder struck and 18 elephants died." He further informed that he will be visiting the spot on Friday and a post mortem of the elephants will be conducted. "When we received the news, our DFO along with a veterinary doctor reached the site. In his report, the doctor has stated thundering as the reason. Tomorrow I will be visiting the location with five doctors, to conduct the post mortem," he said. Explaining the difficulty in taking a team to the remote hill area, Parimal Suklabaidya said, "We have a team currently up there at the hill. However the post mortem cannot happen in the darkness tonight. It is also difficult to take a bigger team because it is on a hill." The preliminary investigation found that the jumbos were killed due to electrocution caused by lightning, but the exact reason will be known only after post-mortem, which will be done on Friday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahay told PTI. "Two Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and one Conservator of Forest have conducted the preliminary investigation. On Friday morning, another team with veterinary doctors will reach the spot and conduct the post-mortem," he added. When asked how could such a huge number of elephants die together, Sahay said usually elephants stay in huddles in case of storms or rain. "Probably, at that very moment, lightning struck and the entire group got killed. I have asked the concerned DFO to provide more information like how many males or females were there. It will take some more time," he said. Villagers living near the hill claimed that the herd of the wild elephants was screaming unnaturally throughout the night and the cries faded gradually as the day broke. Assam CM Himanta Biswa expresses concern over elephants' deaths Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the incident and asked Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit the spot to inquire into the matter. Elephant expert Bibhuti Lahkar termed the incident shocking and said such cases are very rare and unheard of in the Northeast. "In open areas of some places like the African grassland such accidents have taken place, but rarely in India. If we consider Eastern India, then one such incident took place at Jaldapara in West Bengal around 12-15 years ago, but the number of deaths was not so high," he said. Though officials are attributing the reasons to lightning from preliminary investigation, it is too early to arrive at a conclusion before the post-mortem as the number of elephants dying is "simply too high", said Lahkar, the head of elephant conservation at NGO Aaranyak. Is climate change the reason behind jumbos' death? "If they really died due to lightning, then these are signals of climate change. Our climate has become erratic, thunderstorm, rain -- everything has become erratic. If we really want to arrest this, we need to save our nature," said the winner of the 'Heritage Heroes Award 2016' of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Live TV Jodhpur: A total of 269 IIT-Jodhpur students returning to the campus have tested COVID-19 positive since February 2, university officials said on Wednesday. With students arriving at the campus for their practical sessions, 3,000 RT-PCR tests were conducted till May 10 to curb the spread of the infection. Of the 269 students who have tested COVID positive, 240 have fully recovered while the remaining 29 are in the process of recovery and are in isolation, Deputy Registrar Amardeep Sharma said. "In view of the surging second wave and arrival of the students for their laboratory exercises, we had drawn an aggressive plan for screening and testing these students in order to keep them safe and the campus free from the infection," he said. Upon arrival, students were directly sent to designated isolation wards where COVID tests were conducted on the fifth day, Sharma said. "Only after obtaining a negative RT-PCR report, they are allotted rooms in regular hostels after the seventh day, provided they had no symptoms. If found positive, students are being shifted to a super-isolation facility for the next 14 days," he added. The institute is currently hosting 25 per cent of its total strength of students who have been waiting for the lockdown to lift to return to their homes. As part of community service, the institute has extended COVID testing facilities to people around the campus who are engaged in various jobs and services at the institute. On Monday, 29 students and staff members at the institute were reported to be COVID-19 positive. Live TV New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government made Aadhaar card and permanent residency certificate not mandatory for getting the COVID-19 vaccine for the age group between 18-44 years. The Yogi Adityanath-led government issued new instructions to inoculate the citizens of the state stating that the Aadhaar and permanent residency certificate will not be mandatory for getting the jab. Vaccination will be administered after producing any proof of residence in UP. Meanwhile, all permanent and nonpermanent residents of the state in the 18-44 age bracket will be eligible for the vaccination drive. These directives come after the UP government received flak for mandating that the beneficiaries must produce a local address proof to get the jab. The government websites of Uttar Pradesh with vaccine date booking facility showed only slots for UP residents. While address proofs like Aadhaar, passport, driving license, ration card and voter card etc were also made mandatory for getting the vaccine. The third phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive which began in 11 districts of the state has seen 2.16 lakh getting their first dose in the 18-44 category so far, Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad informed on Wednesday. UP recorded 18,125 fresh COVID-19 cases pushing the infection count to 15,63,238, while 329 new fatalities pushed the death toll 16,372, as per state officials. (With PTI inputs) Live TV New Delhi: In what is a symbol of strong people-to-people linkages, a Sikh NGO Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust extended support after the Afghan Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay reached out on social media for Afghan refugees amid the COVID pandemic. The NGO sent the first tranche of relief which includes wheat, sugar, oil, and other essential food items that will benefit 4000 Afghan refugee families in the city amid the covid pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Mamundzay said, "grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.". Afghan refugees living in New Delhi are among one of the worst affected groups in India due to recent covid surge. Life was already a struggle for many of the 20,000 Afghans & pandemic has made their survival even more precarious. We have taken a number of initiatives aiming 1/2 pic.twitter.com/j0wGL9Wdmp Farid Mamundzay ____ _________ ____ ________ (@FMamundzay) May 3, 2021 The envoy also paid homage to India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra who died due to COVID. He said CG Kalra was a "patriot, a very noble diplomat" who represented "India with great passion." Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the reach out by Indian Sikh NGO for the Afghan refugees by providing them relief amid the covid crisis? Farid Mamundzay: Afghan Refugees have received support from Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust in Amritsar comes at a time when this community was suffering from the crisis as a result of the pandemic. The required food, medical and relief assistance. Dr. Oberoi (Managing Trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), came forward fulfilling our request that he would help us with the required food supply, required medical and humanitarian assistance. So prior to the day just before Eid, in giving this relief support to this community, brings a lot of joy and smiles back to their lives. The support will be there for 3 months. We are grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere. Sidhant Sibal: What is the situation in Afghanistan when it comes to COVID? Farid Mamundzay: We are seeing a surge in covid cases across the country in major cities like Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar E Sharif but it is by no comparison what we have in India, thankfully. We hope that we would learn from the first surge in Afghanistan and we would be able to manage the crisis to the limit possible. So far there have been many cases that have recovered in recent days. A number of deaths across the country and we are looking at all possible options to see if we can minimize the infection rate and deal with this deadly variant. Sidhant Sibal: India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away due to covid. The Afghan foreign ministry issued a statement paying tributes to him. Farid Mamundzay: CG Kalra was a very patriot, a very noble diplomat who served with great dignity in the city of Mazar E Sharif in the province of Balkh. He represented India with great passion. He helped deepen the ties between our countries. He would be dearly missed, we lost a great friend but since covid knows no border, no caste, no religion. This has a negative impact on everybody and sadly we lost a beautiful soul. Live TV New Delhi: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to Bharat Biotech to start conducting Phase two and three clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin on children above 2 years old. The national drug regulator said that it has accepted the recommendation of the SEC after careful examination and accorded permission to Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech. On Wednesday, the Hyderabad-based drugmaker said that it has got the necessary approval from an expert panel for conducting phase 2/3 trials on those aged between 2 to 18 years. Bharat Biotech's anti-COVID vaccine was recommended by an expert panel (Subject Expert Committee) for phase II/III clinical trials on those aged between two to 18 years. The company will now conduct trials on 525 subjects at various sites, including AIIMS, Delhi, AIIMS, Patna and Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) said that deliberated upon Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's application seeking permission to conduct phase II/III clinical trials to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Covaxin jabs in children aged 2 to 18 years. "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for the conduct of proposed phase II/III clinical trial of the whole virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine in the 2 to 18 years age group subject to the condition that the firm should submit the interim safety data of phase II clinical trial along with DSMB recommendations to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase III part of the study," a source was quoted as saying. Earlier the proposal was deliberated in the SEC meeting dated February 24 and the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol. Covaxin, indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is being used in adults in India's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive. The drugmaker on Tuesday said that it will continue the steady supply of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, adding the jab has been directly supplied to 18 states since May 1. "COVAXIN has been directly supplied to 18 states since May 1st. Unflinching in our efforts, we will continue the steady supply of our #vaccine," Bharat Biotech said in a tweet. The states include Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, the Hyderabad-based firm added. Live TV Kolkata: The BJP`s MLA count in West Bengal came down to 75 from 77 on Wednesday after two of its MPs, who won the Assembly polls and became MLAs, decided to continue as parliamentarians and resigned from the legislative Assembly. The two MPs decided to submit their resignation following the party's decision. Jagannath Sarkar was elected as the MLA of Santipur constituency in the West Bengal polls this year, while Nisith Pramanik was elected from the Dinhata constituency. They submitted their resignation to West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. Cooch Behar MP Nisith Pramanik, who won from Dinhata in the district, and Jagannath Sarkar, BJP MP from Ranaghat who won from Santipur in Nadia district, tendered their resignation to Speaker Biman Banerjee in the state Assembly on Wednesday. Pramanik told PTI, "We have followed the party`s decision. The party has decided that we should resign from our Assembly seats." Speaking on the post-poll violence in the state, the MP from Cooch Behar said, "The people of Cooch Behar have rejected Trinamool Congress, so they (Trinamool) are resorting to violence. There will be a by-election now in which the BJP will win again." The BJP had fielded four Lok Sabha MPs in the West Bengal Assembly Elections. Apart from Pramanik and Sarkar, the party had fielded Locket Chatterjee and Babul Supriyo while Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta was the fifth MP nominee. Dasgupta had resigned before filing his nomination from the Tarakeswar seat from where he lost the Assembly polls. Both Chatterjee and Supriyo lost too. Trinamool MP Derek O`Brien was quoted as saying, "BJP had fielded four Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP in the Bengal elections. Three of them lost the elections and two won. These winning MPs also resigned today. The world`s largest party set a world record of achieving zero in the elections." "We cannot be part of Lok Sabha and state Assembly at the same time. So the party decided that we need to resign from the post of MLA that`s why we resigned from our assembly seats," Pramanik told ANI. Meanwhile, West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will be visiting the areas affected by the post-poll violence in West Bengal on Thursday. Following the declaration of West Bengal Assembly poll results on May 2, incidents of violence have been reported in several parts of the state. After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the West Bengal Governor`s visit to the violence-affected Cooch Behar district violates norms, Jagdeep Dhankhar asked her to uphold constitutional commitments. In a letter to the Chief Minister, the Governor wrote, "We both, being constitutional functionaries, are subject to the constitution. I am sure you will at least concede supremacy of the constitution, that by the oath you are ordained to follow. Revisit your stance and commit to the constitution that by the oath you are obligated to uphold and follow. This is time to address issues being faced by people in deep distress." (With Agency Inputs) Live TV New Delhi: The Bihar government on Thursday (May 13) extended lockdown in the state by 10 days in view of the COVID-19 crisis. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced this decision following a review meeting with ministers and officials on the prevailing situation. The lockdown, earlier slated to last till May 15, will now remain in place till May 25. The status of the lockdown imposed in Bihar was reviewed today along with fellow ministers and officials. The positive effect of the lockdown is visible. Therefore, it has been decided to extend the lockdown in Bihar for the next 10 days i.e. from 16 to 25 May 2021, the CM tweeted in Hindi. COVID19 | Lockdown imposed in Bihar extended till 25th May, says CM Nitish Kumar pic.twitter.com/1r7wlygsLA ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 Earlier, Nitish Kumar had imposed a lockdown in Bihar till May 15. This decision had come after Patna High Court asked the state government to control the COVID-19 situation and declare a lockdown or it will pass an appropriate order. On Wednesday, as per state Health Department data, positive cases dropped below the 10,000 mark in the state for the first time after 22 days. Besides, coronavirus cases have been coming down for the last nine days. The Health Department conducted 111,740 tests and 9,863 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) Live TV Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 05:51:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States is reporting an average of 2.2 million shots of COVID-19 vaccine per day over the past week, the latest federal data showed, up slightly from the most recent low reported on Saturday, when it dipped below 2 million for the first time since early March. While it is too early to say whether this recent uptick will turn into a steady trend, Tuesday's data, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), showed an increase in reported first doses, indicating that "new people are entering a vaccination program," reported CNBC on Wednesday. Tuesday's reported totals also included 150,000 Johnson & Johnson shots, the highest one-day total since April 15. The latest seven-day average of J&J shots was 106,000 per day, down from a high point of 425,000 in mid-April. More than 46 percent of the U.S. population has received one or more shots and 35 percent are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend giving Pfizer/BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to kids as young as 12, agreeing that the benefits of vaccinating children and teens outweigh any risks from the vaccine. Average daily U.S. COVID-19 cases fell further on Tuesday, with the seven-day average at about 38,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. New case counts are below 40,000 per day this week for the first time since September. The latest seven-day average of daily U.S. coronavirus deaths is 608, the data showed. More than 582,000 deaths have been reported in the United States, more than in any other country. Enditem New Delhi: In a bid to meet the oxygen requirements of people who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Haryana government has launched an initiative to provide them a door-to-door facility for oxygen refilling. Named Door-to-Door Oxygen Re-filling System the facility became operational on Wednesday (May 12). The service is being provided by some NGOs in collaboration with the district administrations of the state. People can order refill of oxygen cylinders through an online portal at oxygenhry.in. Door-to-door oxygen cylinder refill facility became operational yesterday. Delivered cylinders to over 300 houses so far. Nominal charges to apply for refilling. No delivery fee. People can send requests via portal oxygenhry.in, DR Sharma, General Secretary Haryana Red Cross was quoted as saying by ANI. According to the portal, one must have an empty cylinder to avail the refilling service. It further reads: The service is subject to payment of cost price of refill as notified by the district administration. Steps to order oxygen through Door-to-Door Oxygen Re-filling System: Step 1: Keep an empty cylinder handy for refill. Step 2: Visit the portal at oxygenhry.in Step 3: Select your District and fill in other details including Pateint Details, Oxygen Level etc. Step 4: Upload a photograph of the patient with oximeter showing SPO2 level(less than 5 mb) or a doctors prescription Step 5: Select the size of the Cylinder Step 6: Click on Submit button The service will be provided at nominal charges. No delivery fee will be charged. Live TV New Delhi: Due to the acute shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, many states have temporarily suspended the vaccination drive for the people in the age group of 18 to 44 and have directed the available stock of doses for the above-45 age group. Maharashtra on Wednesday (May 12, 2021) decided to suspend its third phase of vaccination drive, while Delhi also temporarily shut Covaxin administering centres for people in the age group of 18 to 44 years as it has run out of stock. Global tenders to meet needs On the other hand, Tamil Nadu government announced global tenders for procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, followed by reports of the Rajasthan government mulling over similar steps. Other than this states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have already opted for global tenders to meet their needs. Uttarakhand officials said the state will import 20 lakh doses of Sputnik vaccine over the next two months. Need to ramp up domestic production The Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech have submitted their production plan for the next four months to the central government. The plan suggests that the pharmaceutical companies can scale it up to 10 crore and 7.8 crore doses respectively by August. The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's indigenously developed Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield, being manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), are currently being used in India's inoculation drive against the coronavirus. Focus more on second dose vaccinations: Harsh Vardhan While the vaccination drive appeared to be faltering in numerous states, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan urged them to first focus more on second dose COVID-19 vaccinations, stressing on the fact that India is the fastest country globally to reach the landmark of administering 17 crore doses in 114 days. The minister pointed out that of this, while 13.66 crore people have been administered the first dose, the second dose has been administered to only 3.86 crore. "Hence, it is very important that we first focus more on second dose vaccinations. States should not lose sight of those who are to get the second dose of the COVID vaccine. "Seventy percent ought to be allocated to meet the requirement of the second dose, while 30 percent ought to be reserved for the first dose," he was quoted as saying in a statement. Insufficient supply of vaccine Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that SII has informed it that it would be able to provide 1.5 crore Covishield vaccines to the state only May 20 onwards. "There is no sufficient supply of vaccine vials by the Centre for inoculation of above-45 age group people. Hence, the state cabinet decided to divert the stock, purchased for the 18-44 age group, for the above-45 age group. Therefore, we are suspending the inoculation of the 18-44 age group for some period," Tope said. On the other hand, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Bharat Biotech has informed the state government that it cannot provide "additional" Covaxin doses to the national capital. The Covaxin manufacturer has in a letter said that it cannot provide Delhi government vaccines due to unavailability, under the instruction of concerned government officials. It means that the central government is controlling the supply of the vaccine," Sisodia said. Who is to blame- Centre or states? The Joint Secretary in the Union health ministry Lav Agarwal on Tuesday denied that the Centre had any role to play in the purchase of vaccines by the states. Bharat Biotech Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella said the company has already dispatched Covaxin lots to 18 states on May 10 and said it was disheartening to listen to some states complaining about Bharat Biotech's intentions regarding the supply of COVID vaccine. 50 of our employees are off work due to covid, yet we continue to work under pandemic lockdowns 24x7 for U," she said in a tweet. Demand versus supply- companies unable to meet demand The Tamil Nadu government said an allocation of about 13 lakh vaccine doses to the state is not sufficient to cover all those in the 18-45 age group. Hence, "the government has decided to go in for global bids to procure vaccines," an official CM office read, however, said it would have been better if the central government had procured the vaccines by floating global tenders and distributing them to states. The Odisha government informed the Centre that about 22 lakh people in the state are waiting for the second shot and therefore the state requires at least 25 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Kerala also urged the Centre to provide more vaccines. Chief Minister P Vijayan underlined the need for prioritising the vaccination of those in the 18 to 45 age group from the vaccine ordered by the state as there is not enough stock for everyone to be vaccinated in one go. Blame-game continues over COVID-19 The issue of shortage of vaccines has been used by parties like the Congress, Shiv Sena and the AAP to target the BJP-led central government. They have blamed the current situation on the export of vaccines to other countries early this year. The ruling BJP, however, accused the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday of spreading misinformation on India's vaccination programme and said over 84 percent of the vaccine doses sent abroad were part of the commercial and licensing liabilities of the two Indian manufacturers. Leaders of 12 opposition parties wrote to PM Modi Meanwhile, leaders of 12 opposition parties wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a free mass vaccination campaign against coronavirus among other steps in the wake of the COVID crisis. "Procure vaccines centrally from all available sources - global and domestic. Immediately begin a free, universal mass vaccination campaign across the country. Invoke compulsory licensing to expand domestic vaccine production. Spend budgetary allocation of Rs 35,000 crores for the vaccines," the leaders said in their letter. The signatories to the joint letter include Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister and JDS leader H D Deve Gowda and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Others include chief ministers Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), MK Stalin (DMK), and Hemant Soren (JMM). Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry revealed that the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has gone past 17.70 crore. (With Agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Acting on the India Meteorological Department's warning to fishermen in Kerala over a cyclonic storm prediction, the State Disaster Management Authority on Thursday (May 13) imposed a ban on all fishing activitiy on the coast till further notice. IMD warns fishermen against venturing into sea till May 17 in view of cyclonic storm As per the national weather forecasting agency, a low-pressure area over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 16. The IMD has issued a warning for fishermen to not venture into the sea till May 17. As per IMD, the wind speed of 40-50 km per hour is likely to intensify to 70 km per hour on May 15 and may reach 80 km per hour by May 16. Authorities sound 'Red' alert in Kerala ahead of cyclonic storm Meanwhile, authorities have sounded red alert in three districts of Kerala on May 14 and five districts on May 15, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rains under the influence of a low pressure area over the Arabian Sea. In a tweet, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked authorities and people to follow the guidelines issued by the state disaster management authority. "Red Alert! 14 May - Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, 15 May - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod. Follow guidelines issued by @KeralaSDMA", Vijayan tweeted, hours after the IMD issued a warning and said that the low pressure area over the Arabian Sea is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 16, which may bring heavy rainfall in some parts of Kerala. The IMD predicted that the low pressure is very likely to become well-marked over Lakshadweep area by May 14 morning, concentrate into a depression over the same region by Saturday morning and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to intensify further and move north-northwestwards towards Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coasts. Cyclone to hit Gujarat on May 18? The cyclonic storm is likely to reach near Gujarat coast around May 18 evening, according to the IMD forecast. Live TV New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a Mumbai-based TV journalist in a rape case lodged against him by a 22-year-old woman. Justice Mukta Gupta granted the relief to journalist Varun Hiremath and disposed of his plea for anticipatory bail. The journalist had approached the high court after his anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by a trial court here on March 12. The complainant has alleged that she was raped by Hiremath (28) at a five-star hotel in Chanakyapuri on February 20. The counsel for the accused had claimed before the trial court that there was a history of a sexual relationship between the complainant and the journalist. The trial court, while rejecting the journalist's anticipatory bail plea, had said consent cannot be implied from the complainant's previous experiences with the accused and if the woman stated in her evidence before the court that she did not consent, the court shall presume that she did not. The accused's counsel had also highlighted WhatsApp and Instagram chats between the complainant and the accused before the trial court "in order to show the love and passion between them". On the basis of the woman's complaint, an FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376 (punishment for rape), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) was registered at the Chanakyapuri Police Station here. The complainant has sought the court's direction to transfer the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging various discrepancies in the investigation carried out by the Delhi Police. She also sought to call for a status report pertaining to the probe conducted by the police in the FIR lodged at Chanakya Puri Police Station. New Delhi: The Delhi government asked the Centre to allot its surplus oxygen to other states in need, as the national capitals demand for life-saving gas has reduced to 582 MT. "We have written to the Centre for giving the surplus oxygen to other states. We are a responsible government," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday (May 13). The Deputy CM informed that after assessing the COVID-19 situation, it was discovered that the national capital had a requirement of 700 MT of oxygen when the number of cases was rising but now that the figure is showing a declining trend, the requirement has come down to 582 MT, PTI reported. Sisodia extended gratitude to the central government and the Delhi High Court for coming to the aid of the people of Delhi while they were in distress due to the alarming rise in coronavirus cases. Delhi recorded 10,400 fresh COVID-19 cases in a 24-hour period while the positivity rate went down to 14 per cent, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the states fighting with each other for COVID-19 vaccines portray a bad image of India and urged the Centre to procure the vaccines on behalf of the states. "Indian states left to compete/fight with each other in international market. UP fighting Maha, Maha fighting Orissa, Orissa fighting Delhi. Where is 'India'? Portrays such a bad image of India. India, as one country, shud procure vaccines on behalf of all Indian states (sic)," the AAP supremo tweeted. (With inputs from PTI) Live TV New Delhi: A government panel has recommended a gap of at least 12-16 weeks between two doses of the anti-COVID vaccine Covishield. Currently, the interval between two doses of Covishield is four to eight weeks. However, the panel did not recommend any change for Bharat Biotechs Covaxin. The recommendations were made by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) which suggested increasing the gap between two doses of Serum Institute of India`s COVISHIELD to 12-16 weeks. National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has recommended increasing the gap between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks; While no change recommended in the interval between two doses of Covaxin, say government sources ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 However, no such changes were recommended in the intervals of Bharat Biotech`s COVAXIN, sources said. "The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) recommends for increasing gap between two doses of COVISHIELD to 12-16 weeks. No change in interval of COVAXIN," the sources said. This is the second increase in the interval for Covishield in three months. In March, the Centre told states and UTs to increase the gap from 28 days to six to eight weeks for better results. These recommendations will be sent to NEGVA - the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration - for approval before the changes and suggestions are implemented. Earlier, a study published in the medical journal "The Lancet" on February 19 claimed a 26.2 per cent increase - from 55.1 per cent to 81.3 per cent - if doses were spaced 12 or more weeks apart. NTAGI comprises of government representatives from the Department of Women and Child Development, internal finance division in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Biotechnology, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) besides health experts. India started the world`s largest vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Live TV New Delhi: A Guinness World Record is perhaps the most coveted achievement in the world. Everyone wants to be recognized for their achievements, and being the first to achieve something or break an existing record is pretty exhilarating. JOQ Albania Media's founder Gentjan Cekeli knows all too well how it feels to be a record holder. Cekeli has walked the path of building a career at a young age, and he is a well of wisdom for young upcoming entrepreneurs who dont really know where to start. He began his career young, from a young age, chased his dream, which led him to make a Guinness World Record at 23. As of 13th June 2012, he received the world record for the 'most comments on a single Facebook post item' for a post, dated March 4, 2012, that garnered 1,008,924 comments. At a time when social media was just beginning to pick up, Gentjan had already established himself as an influential person in the social media space. Since then, there was no looking back as he has continuously built his career. One of the most important lessons Gentjan wishes to impart to young entrepreneurs is starting early. Get moving as soon as you have that dream, that vision. Start from where you are and work your way up; you dont need to wait until youve perfected everything. Learn as you go. The world is extremely competitive today, and having started early has taught Cekeli a lot of lessons. These lessons have helped him integrate into the changes that the social media space has undergone over the years. He remains a successful entrepreneur today, just as he was in 2012. Given his dedication to his career, Gentjan is an inspirational figure in the industry that many can look up to. (Disclaimer: This is a Brand Desk content) New Delhi: As India entered the third phase of COVID-19 vaccine drive amid alarming surge in coronavirus cases, several people eligible to get the jab are getting infected by the deadly virus. The most important question at this phase is how long after recovery should a COVID-19 infected person get the vaccination. As per experts, one should wait for 6-8 weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection before getting vaccinated. Immunologist Dr Vineeta Bal from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) told The Indian Express that it is advisable to wait for 6-8 weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection before getting the first dose of the vaccine. If a person tests positive for COVID-19 in the period between their first and second jab, they should wait for at least eight weeks before taking the final dose. The second dose can be given eight weeks after the person tests positive for coronavirus infection, Dr V Ravi, nodal officer for genetic confirmation of SARS-CoV2, Karnataka, told the leading English daily. As per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) people with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation." It is also possible to contract the virus despite getting both doses. As per CDC, it typically takes two weeks for the body to build protection after vaccination, and hence it is possible to get infected. Meanwhile, the interval between the first and second dose is 4-8 weeks for Covishield, and to 4-6 weeks for Covaxin, as per Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) guidelines. Live TV NEW DELHI: Amid signs of a decline in coronavirus cases, India on Thursday recorded 3.62 lakh new COVID-19 cases in a single day, according to the Union Health Ministrys latest data. With this, Indias total tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 2,37,03,665 with 3,62,727 new infections, the Union Health Ministry data said. The fatalities due to COVID-19 increased to 2,58,317 with 4,120 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours. A total of 3,52,181 discharges were reported in the last 24 hours. India reports 3,62,727 new #COVID19 cases, 3,52,181 discharges and 4,120 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry Total cases: 2,37,03,665 Total discharges: 1,97,34,823 Death toll: 2,58,317 Active cases: 37,10,525 Total vaccination: 17,72,14,256 pic.twitter.com/2hCw318J4T ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 There are currently 37,10,525 active cases in the country. As many as 17,72,14,256 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the country so far. India witnessed a record 4,205 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours and registered 3.48 lakh new cases, as per the Union Health Ministry's data on Wednesday (May 12, 2021). India's death toll has now climbed to 2.54 lakh, while the total caseload has mounted to 2.33 crore after 3,48,421 fresh COVID-19 infections. There are now 37.04 lakh active coronavirus cases across the country. Earlier on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting with the States and UTs to review the COVID-19 situation in the country. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States/UTs. He briefed the states on the action taken by the Centre in controlling the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 and shared with them the work done by the Task Force and Expert Groups constituted by the Government of India on crucial matters like improvement and augmentation of health infrastructure, research & production of vaccines, the welfare of poor people, vaccination and supply of oxygen. Live TV Bengaluru: The COVID-19 pandemic surge has compelled the Karnataka government to cancel the Common Entrance Test (CET) that was scheduled to be held on July 7, 2021 and July 8, 2021. The examination date has now been postponed to August 28 and August 29t this year. Karnataka Education Minister Dr C N Ashwatha Narayana on Wednesday informed that Common Entrance Test (CET)- 2021 has been postponed to August 28 and August 29 in view of surging COVID-19 cases. According to an official statement, "Due to the postponement of the 2021 2nd annual PUC (Pre University Course) examinations and the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, CET-2021 has been postponed." It further said, "CET-2021, earlier scheduled to be held on July 7 and July 8, and the Kannada Language Test on July 9 have been postponed. As per the revised dates, CET-2021 will be conducted on August 28 and August 29 and the Kannada Language Test on August 30." Amid rising COVID cases and postponement of the 2nd PUC annual examinations, Common Entrance Test (CET) 2021 scheduled for July 7 and 8, has been postponed to August 28 and 29: Dr CN Ashwatha Narayana, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister of Higher Education pic.twitter.com/r5iau4q71T ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2021 Karnataka Education Minister also informed that further applications would be invited online shortly and asked the candidates to remain in touch with the KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) website (http://kea.kar.nic.in). Earlier in February, the Education Minister had announced that the Karnataka Examination Authority will conduct the Common Entrance Test (CET) for professional courses on July 7 and 8. Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday (May 13) decided to provide free education and a pension of Rs 5,000 per month to children whose parents died of COVID-19. In a statement to the media, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the state government will also stand as guarantor for those availing interest-free loans to start businesses. The Chief Minister announced, "We will provide education free of cost to the children who have lost their parents. They will be provided free ration even if they are not eligible for it," assuring that his government will take care of those who lost their earning members during the pandemic. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hit many families. Children have lost their parents, while aged people are left alone as those taking care of them died due to the viral infection. Chouhan said, "Our government will stand by such children and families and provide Rs 5,000 pension per month to them," adding that many aged people have lost their children, and they have no one to take care of them and they are facing problems of survival. The Chief Minister said, "We can't leave such persons alone. They are now the responsibility of the Madhya Pradesh government," adding that "children who have lost their parents should not worry about their life. They are the children of the state and it will look after them." Home Minister Narottam Mishra claimed MP is the first state in the country to start such a scheme for children and aged people whose kin died in the pandemic. Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday reported 8,970 new cases of COVID-19 and 84 fatalities, taking the tally of infections to 7,00,202 and the death toll to 6,679, as per the state health department. Notably, Madhya Pradesh is witnessing some cases of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, a rare but serious infection, in the affected part that has to be surgically removed. The state government doctors would hold consultations with their counterparts in the US on how to deal with cases of mucormycosis fungal infection among COVID-19 patients, Medical Education Minister Vishwash Kailash Sarang told media persons on Wednesday. In some cases of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, a rare but serious infection, the affected part has to be surgically removed, Sarang told PTI. A number of cases of fungal infection among COVID-19 patients have also been reported in neighbouring Maharashtra and Gujarat. (With Agency Inputs) Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday (May 13, 2021) extended the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown curbs in the state to break the chain of transmission. The state government also imposed additional stringent restrictions, which will be imposed in the next phase starting Saturday. The Uddhav Thackeray-lead Shiv Sena government has now made carrying a negative RT-PCR report to enter the state through any mode of transportation mandatory. The test report will have to be issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state. All restrictions enforced as per earlier orders for people arriving from places of "sensitive origin" will be applicable to everyone. Read complete order here: Maharashtra Government extends the current COVID19 restrictions in the state till 7am on 1st June, to fight COVID19; negative RT-PCR report mandatory for those entering the state pic.twitter.com/jjccnpP6KV ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 In case of cargo carriers, not more than two people will be allowed to travel in those vehicles. The lockdown-like curbs were earlier imposed in the state on April 5. The curbs were further tightened on April 15 with Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of five or more people, imposed in the entire state. Earlier, the health ministry has proposed an extension of lockdown for 15 more days. There is no sufficient supply of vaccine vials by the Centre for inoculation of above-45 age group people. Hence, the state cabinet decided to divert the stock, purchased for the 18-44 age group, for the above-45 age group. Therefore, we are suspending the inoculation of the 18-44 age group for some period," state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said. "Maharashtra's Covid-19 growth rate is merely half of the country's daily growth rate. The state's per day growth rate is 0.8 percent as against the country's rate of 1.4 per cent. The state is carrying out around two lakh tests on a daily basis while per million testing is around 2.50 lakh. It is a very good sign for us," Tope added. (With Agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who visited post-poll violence-affected areas of Cooch Behar district on Thursday (May 13), was shown black flags by a few people during his visit. The Bengal Governor visited the area to meet the kin of four people who were reportedly killed in firing by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) during the fourth phase of the assembly election on April 10. Total collapse of law, people started living in jungles: Jagdeep Dhankar "This is total collapse of rule of law. I could have never imagined this. I have seen the fear of Police in the eyes of the people, they are scared to go to Police, their houses were looted. I'm really shocked, this is destruction of democracy," ANI quoted Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as saying. "People have left their houses and are living in jungles. Women tell me, that they (goons) will come there once again and there is such failure of security before the Governor. I'm shocked at it. I can imagine what the people here must be going through," Dhankhar said. According to ANI, a group of people also blocked the path of Governor Dhankhar's vehicle and raise slogans in Dinhata, Cooch Behar. #WATCH | West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar was shown black flags by a group of people who also raised slogans during his visit to Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar. pic.twitter.com/TA6StfDgk0 ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2021 Your scheduled visit to violence-hit areas violated norms: Mamata Banerjee to Jagdeep Dhankar It is to be noted that a day before his planned visit to the post poll violence-affected Cooch Behar district, Governor Dhankar received a letter from Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee where she said claimed that the scheduled visit violates long-standing protocols. In the letter, CM Mamata urged him to desist from 'abrupt decisions with regards to field visits'. However, the governor, in his reply, said that he was discharging duties mandated by the Constitution and his visit to Cooch Behar was to share the pain and agony of the people suffering from post-poll violence. "He (Dhankhar) did not listen to the state government and went to Cooch Behar. He went there in the company of a BJP leader. His conduct is unconstitutional," veteran TMC MP and party spokesperson Sougata Ray said. BJP MP Nisith Pramanik accompanied Dhankhar during his visit to violence-hit areas of the district. The Trinamool Congress in December 2020 had written to President Ram Nath Kovind to remove Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post of the West Bengal governor, accusing him of 'transgressing constitutional limits' by regularly commenting against the state administration in public. Senior party leader and minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay claimed that Dhankhar's conduct is unbecoming of a governor. Live TV New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notices to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, on the matter of dead bodies of suspected COVID-19 victims found floating in the Ganga river after receiving complaints. A press statement was issued to this effect which stated that: "It (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of both the states and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, today calling for action taken report within four weeks." The NHRC statement noted that the public authorities had allegedly failed to take concentric efforts in educating the masses and checking the immersion of half burnt or unburnt dead bodies into the Ganga. A complainant was registered on May 11,2021, based on several media reports, which expressed apprehensions that these dead bodies were of COVID-19 victims. The disposal of dead bodies could seriously affect persons dependent on the river for their day to day activities. Further, the complaint stated that even if these dead bodies were not of COVID victims, hen such practice/incidents are shameful and amounts to violation of human rights of deceased persons. The complainant sought for the intervention of the Commission for strict action against negligent public authorities, who failed to prevent such incidents. According to residents in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, at least 52 bodies were seen floating at the Ujiyar, Kulhadia and Bharauli ghats in the Narahi area. Similar reports of bodies floating in Ganga have come from Bihar. India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 2,37,03,665 on Thursday with a single-day rise of 3,62,727 cases while the death toll rose to 2,58,317 with 4,120 more people succumbing to it. Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday (May 13) wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging to reduce GST on COVID-19 vaccines and other COVID-19 related medicines procured by state governments to 'zero' for a certain period of time after consulting with GST Council since state govt themself are procuring them, reported ANI. According to reports, the Chief Minister in the letter to the PM also demanded to release pending GST compensation and rice subsidy to the state, and provide Adhoc Grants- in-aid to state governments to compensate them financially for the impact of COVID and raise the borrowing limit of the state by one per cent from the existing 3 per cent. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin to chair meeting of all legislature parties at the Secretariat at 5 pm today Meanwhile, the newly elected Chief Minister Stalin will hold a meeting of leaders of all legislature parties at the Secretariat on Thursday evening, according to an official release. The meeting is scheduled at 5 pm. The meeting is being held to discuss the steps to be taken to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. The Chief Minister will chair the meeting. Stalin has already sent official invitations to the leaders of all legislature parties and two representatives of each party with representation in the Tamil Nadu assembly have been invited. Tamil Nadu reports 30,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on May 12 With fresh cases crossing 30,000 on May 12 and 293 deaths reported across the state, the government wants to have a detailed discussion with the representatives of political parties to tackle the Covid crisis and the intervention at the grassroots levels. A senior bureaucrat in Tamil Nadu who does not want to be named while speaking to IANS said, "The COVID crisis is mounting and we are reaching the breaking point. Local grassroots intervention with the support of the political parties is the need of the hour and the chief minister has taken a right stand to hold a meeting of the legislature party representatives. Something positive will come out of this meeting." (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: As the number of daily cases in the national capital subsides, over 4,000 ward beds and 98 ICU beds were vacant in the hospitals on Wednesday (May 12, 2021). Over 4,682 out of 23,345 hospital beds in Delhi were vacant, putting the occupancy rate at 79.9% on late Wednesday. On the other hand over 98 ICU beds were vacant in the city hospital, putting the occupancy at 98.3% as per the Delhi Corona app. Delhi has reported 10,400 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate has gone down to 14%, said Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on Thursday. He said the national capital had a requirement of 700 MT of oxygen when the number of cases was rising but now that the figure is showing a declining trend, the requirement has come down to 582 MT. The medical experts see this as a sign of COVID-19 situation gradually easing in the national capital. The situation is improving; now, there are oxygen beds available in the hospital and we do not have to refuse any patient. We have restarted all admissions. The ICUs are still full because patients, once admitted, need nearly three weeks to recover from Covid-19, a leading daily quoted a Delhi doctor as saying. Other healthcare professionals also added that the oxygen demand has also stabilised in the city now. As per the state health bulletin, on Wednesday, Delhi reported 13,287 new Covid-19 cases, 14,071 recoveries, and 300 deaths in the last 24 hours. Live TV Mumbai: Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday claimed that the state will receive as many as 1.5 crore of Covishield vaccine doses after May 20, as promised by Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Addressing a media gathering after the state cabinet meet to discuss COVID-19 management, Tope said, "Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has promised the Chief Minister to deliver 1.5 crore doses of Covishield to Maharashtra after May 20. We will start the vaccination for the 18-44 years age group after we receive the vaccine." Earlier in the day, Maharashtra had announced the temporary suspension of innoculation of citizens in 18-44 years age bracket due to the unavailability of vaccines. The minister stated: "Vaccination for 18-44 age group has been suspended for the time being due to shortage of vaccines. All the doses purchased by the state government for the age group will now be diverted for the 45+ category." Meanwhile, the restrictions in the state has been extended till 7am on June 1 to break the chain of transmission. Maharashtra also imposed additional stringent restrictions, which will be imposed in the next phase starting Saturday. Maharashtra has reported 46,781 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the case tally in the state to 52,26,710. While 816 fatalities have been reported in the last 24 hours taking the COVID-19 death toll to 78,007. As many as 58,805 patients have recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the total recoveries to 46,00,196. Meanwhile, the active number of COVID cases in Maharashtra stands at 5,46,129. NEW DELHI: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Thursday announced its decision to postpone the June 27 civil services preliminary examination amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The exam will now be held on October 10, reported news agency PTI. "Due to the prevailing conditions caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Union Public Service Commission has deferred the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on 27th June 2021. Now, this examination will be held on 10th October 2021," a statement issued by the commission said. The IAS 2021 prelims exam was earlier scheduled to be conducted on June 27. The IAS 2021 notification was issued on March 4. The last date to apply for the IAS 2021 exam was March 24. The IAS 2021 notification was issued for 712 vacancies. Last year the UPSC IAS prelims exam was scheduled for May 31, but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later it was conducted on October 4 across the nation. The commission conducts civil services examination annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The IAS exam is one of the toughest exam conducted across the nation because of its passing percentage and syllabus. The IAS exam is conducted across the nation simultaneously and it requires a large scale mobilisation of resources at the state level. The IAS exam centres are finalised by the district magistrate and the confirmation of exam centres is sent to the UPSC through the Chief Secretaries of the respective states. The police personnel are mobilised for the security of the IAS question papers and at the UPSC exam centres. The IAS Prelims exam is an objective type exam conducted offline in the pen and paper mode. There are two question papers in the IAS Prelims exam and both the papers are of qualifying in nature. The marks secured in the IAS prelims exam is not considered for the UPSC result. The IAS Prelims exam is conducted in the following pattern. Live TV New Delhi: In an unusual incident, a 72-year-old man in Maharashtra was administered two doses of different COVID-19 vaccines. Dattatraya Waghmare, who is a resident of Khandvi village in Partur taluka of Jalna district, was given the first jab of Covaxin on March 22 at a rural hospital. For the second dose, which he got on April 30 at a primary health centre in Shrishti village, he was administered Covishield. Waghmares family has complained that he developed minor complications after the second dose. Waghmares son Digambar said that his father developed a rash on the body after the second dose along with mild fever and anxiety, reported Times of India. We took him to the state health centre at Partur, where he was given some medication. The lapse on the part of the health machinery came to notice only a few days ago when I saw his two vaccination certificates, the 29-year-old, who runs a hair-cutting salon, was quoted as saying. My father is illiterate and Im also not much educated. It was the duty of the health authorities present at the vaccination centre to ensure that my father got the same vaccine doses, said Digambar. Waghmare is reportedly a heart patient who had undergone a bypass surgery a couple of years ago. His family took up the issue with the health authorities at the taluka level. An enquiry has been ordered in the matter, informed Swapnil Lale, deputy director of health, Aurangabad division. Whether Waghmares incident can be considered under the category of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) can be decided only after the inquiry report is submitted, Lale was quoted by TOI. Waghmares case has become a subject of curiosity among health experts. His condition is being monitored. Live TV NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi governments ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project is under the spotlight once again as it is being opposed by the top political leaders of the country and environmentalists over climate concerns. In the latest turn of events related to the megaproject, the Central Public Works Department has prohibited photography and video recording at the construction site near India Gate. The CPWD has installed signboards at the redevelopment site of Central Vista Avenue, which read: ''No photography'', ''No video recording''. What is the Central Vista Redevelopment Project? It is an ambitious project of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre, which aims to redevelop a 3.2-km stretch called the Central Vista that lies at the heart of Lutyens Delhi built by the Britishers in the 1930s. The project involves demolishing and rebuilding several government buildings, including iconic landmarks, and constructing a new Parliament at a total cost of Rs 20,000 crore. In 2019, the central government announced the redevelopment project to give a new identity to the power corridor of India. The plan envisages the construction of a new parliament, prime minister and vice-presidents residences along with 10 building blocks that will accommodate all government ministries and departments. The project, which is estimated to be completed by 2024, is being executed by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. What is the estimated cost of the Central Vista Project? Central Vista Redevelopment Project is estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crores. Out of this, around Rs. 1,000 crores will be used for the construction of a new Parliament Building. Why do we need a new Parliament? The current Parliament building, which was built by the Britishers, is nearly 93 years old and poses structural safety concerns, according to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said. It is highly stressed and the quality of amenities it offers has considerably deteriorated over the years, the ministry said. Under the Central Vista Project, the residence of the prime minister is likely to be shifted near the South Block that houses the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). The vice-president's new house will be closer to the North Block. The North and South Blocks are named so since they are located in north and south of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to the redevelopment plan, North and South Blocks will be converted into museums. Who won the bid for the construction of the project? In September, Tata Projects won the bid to construct the new Parliament for Rs 861.90 crores. It beat L&Ts bid of Rs 865 cores. The designers were finalised in October 2019 by the government. Ahmedabad-based architecture company HCP Design was chosen to design the building. Key highlights of the Central Vista project The new Parliament Building Complex, which will be triangular in shape, will spread over 64,500 square metre The new Parliament building is described as the pivot of the Central Vista project design. design. It is to be much bigger than the existing Parliament building and will be able to house 1,224 Members of Parliament. The Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity of 888 MPs while the Rajya Sabha chamber will accommodate 384 MPs. The increased capacity of the chambers has been provisioned for keeping in mind future increases in the number of MPs. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 545 MPs and the Rajya Sabha 245. All MPs will have separate offices in the new building. The new Parliament building will have a grand Constitution Hall showcasing India's democratic heritage. The Constitution Hall will showcase the original copy of the Constitution Thee will be a visitors gallery digitally displaying India's democratic heritage. The existing Parliament House building will continue to be in use by retrofitting it to provide more functional spaces for parliamentary events. The new Parliament building will be equipped with the latest digital interfaces as a step towards creating 'paperless offices'. A monitoring committee having members from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the CPWD, the NDMC and architect/designer of the project will monitor the construction work. The new Parliament building complex is expected to be complete by 2022. The Central Vista project has a work completion deadline of 2024, when the next Lok Sabha election will take place. Why the Central Vista Project is being opposed? The NDA government has been facing stiff opposition from several quarters for going ahead with the Central Vista Redevelopment Project amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. The NDA government allocated Rs 20,000 crore to the project in March. At the time, the Covid-19 pandemic had begun to spread its tentacle in the country. The Opposition leaders urged the government to scrap the project and divert the funds to efforts dealing with the coronavirus crisis. At the same time, conservationists said that the revamp will meddle with the history of the current building, which was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The 1927 building will be a lost heritage, they said. The environmentalists claim that the Central Vista Project poses a big threat to the environment. Many civil society groups and environmental organisations have appealed to the Centre to stop the ambitious Central Vista Redevelopment Project, at least till the pandemic is over. The statement was issued by 65 organisations on Wednesday, urging the central government to pause the Rs 13,450 crore project and divert all available resources towards the handling of the pandemic. The statement stated that the Covid-19 outbreak has shown that human health and the environment are correlated. Live TV Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 07:27:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday expected the ongoing clashes between Israelis and Palestinians would be "closing down sooner than later," while urging for restoring a sustainable calm. "My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory," Biden told reporters at the White House. Biden had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, in which he condemned rocket attacks against Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to a White House readout of the conversation. "He conveyed his unwavering support for Israel's security and for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians," said the readout. "He also conveyed the United States' encouragement of a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm. He shared his conviction that Jerusalem, a city of such importance to people of faith from around the world, must be a place of peace," it added. In a separate call with Netanyahu on the same day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that all parties need to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence. Blinken told reporters earlier that Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israel and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr will travel to the region immediately to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. "He will urge, on my behalf and on behalf of President Biden, a de-escalation of violence. We are very focused on this," Blinken said. While recognizing Israel's right to self-defense, the top U.S. diplomat stressed that "Israel has an extra burden in trying to do everything it possibly can to avoid civilian casualties." At least 65 in Gaza and seven in Israel were killed by airstrikes and rockets, according to official reports. Enditem NEW DELHI: A global panel of experts has said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 an emergency very late and the catastrophe caused by the deadly virus across the globe could have been prevented. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPPR) said a series of bad decisions by the WHO meant COVID-19 went on to kill at least 3.3 million people so far and devastate the global economy. The panel called for bold WHO reforms and revitalising national preparedness plans to prevent another "toxic cocktail". It further suggested that a new transparent global system should be set up for probing disease outbreaks. The suggestion comes after the panel blamed the World Health Organisation (WHO) for announcing the Covid-19 pandemic global emergency a month late. The independent global panel said, ideally, WHO should have declared the new coronavirus outbreak in China an international emergency earlier than January 30, 2020. But the delay in the announcement was a "lost month" as countries failed to heed the alarm, said the panel. A report called the "Covid-19: Make it the Last Pandemic", argued that the global alarm system needed overhauling to prevent a similar catastrophe. The report said the emergence of Covid-19 was characterised by a mixture of "some early and rapid action, but also by delay, hesitation, and denial". Chinese doctors reported cases of unusual pneumonia in December 2019 and informed authorities, while WHO picked up reports from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and others, the panel said. But WHO's Emergency Committee should have declared an international health emergency at its first meeting on January, 22 instead of waiting until 30 January, the report said. The panel was jointly chaired by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. However, the panel also praised the "unstinting" efforts of WHO leadership and staff during the pandemic. It did not lay specific blame on China or on WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whom the Trump administration accused of being "China-centric", a charge he denied. India opened up prematurely: Dr Fauci tells US Senators In a related development, America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told the US senators that India made the "incorrect assumption" that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such "dire straits." India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds. "The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating, Fauci told the US Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 Response. Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden. Live TV New Delhi: Vitalik Buterin, the Russia-based co-founder of the world`s second largest cryptocurrency Ethereum, has donated 500 coins and over 50 trillion SHIB meme coin worth around $1.14 billion to the India Covid-Crypto Relief Fund, as the country grapples with the lethal second wave of the pandemic. Sandeep Nailwal, the man behind India Covid-Crypto Relief Fund, said in a tweet late on Wednesday that they will not "do anything which hurts any community specially the retail community involved with $SHIB". "Plz don`t worry $SHIB holders," he said as the meme coin transaction created panic among some investors. The SHIB meme coin fell more than 35 per cent after the donation. The meme coin has garnered billions of dollars worth of investment in recent days, reports TechCrunch. "A number of entrepreneurs including Balaji Srinivasan have donated to the India Crypto Relief Fund, which maintains a log of all the donations," the report mentioned. Buterin is a Russian-Canadian programmer and writer who is best known as one of the co-founders of Ethereum. One Ethereum is currently priced for Rs 2.88 lakh. Buterin became involved with cryptocurrency early in its inception, co-founding Bitcoin Magazine in 2011. In 2013, he visited developers in other countries who shared his enthusiasm for code. He returned to Toronto later and published a white paper proposing Ethereum. He dropped out of university in 2014 when he was awarded with a grant of $100,000 from the Thiel Fellowship, a scholarship created by venture capitalist Peter Thiel and went to work on Ethereum full-time. In 2014, Buterin launched Ethereum. Live TV #mute New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates last week announced that they were getting divorced after 27 years of marriage, though in a joint statement the couple has said that they would continue to work in the space of philanthropy. A recent report by CNN has highlighted a few areas where Melinda Gates could be laying her focus upon. Focusing time and energy on Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The couple jointly runs the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is based in Seattle, with Chief Executive Mark Suzman. The foundation says it had spent more than $54 billion on projects by the end of 2019. The CNN report says that she would be focusing more time and energy on Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation post the split with her husband. The foundation had said in a statement that the two would remain co-chairs and trustees and no changes were expected at the organisation. "They will continue to work together to shape and approve foundation strategies, advocate for the foundation's issues and set the organisation's overall direction," the statement said. COVID19 pandemic vaccine Late last year, the Foundation had announced new commitments totalling USD 70 million to global efforts to develop and distribute safe, affordable, and timely vaccines for low-and middle-income countries amid the COVID19 pandemic. Melinda is expected to devote her time for the cause of Vaccine across the globe. Women Empowerment In 2015, Melinda founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment company focused on women and families, while her book is centered on issues of female empowerment. "The world is finally waking up to the fact that none of us can move forward when half of us are held back. The data is clear: empowered women transform societies," she wrote in a note about her book. After divorce, she will continue to work for women empowerment. Melinda and Bill Gates together have three children. The divorce announcement also puts focus on the couple's sprawling Seattle-based organisation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which had reported total net assets of USD 43.3 billion at the end of 2019. Bill, who is one of the richest people in the world, has often emphasized in interviews that his children should only inherit a small part of his wealth. The couple met in the late 1980s when Melinda joined Microsoft. They dated for a few years before marrying in January 1994 in Hawaii. Bill, formerly the world's richest person, was named by Forbes as the fourth richest person in the world with a net worth of 124 billion dollars. Live TV #mute New Delhi: As Karnataka government grapples with the surge in coronavirus cases, it now has to worry about the surge in Mucormycosis infections, also known as the 'black fungus'. The state has demanded a supply of 25,000 doses of Amphotericin B from the Centre as more and more COVID-19 recovered patients are reported to have been infected. "During the video conference Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan... we put forth a demand for 25,000 (doses of) Amphotericin B," Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar was quoted as saying by PTI. The cases of black fungus are being reported as a post COVID complications due to the excess use of steroids and diabetes, minister told reporters at the state capital. Sudhakar claimed that since the only medicine to cure black fungus is Amphotericin B, the state government has placed an order to purchase the anti-fungal drug. According to doctors, mucormycosis, also called black fungus, is mostly found among among COVID-19 patients who have diabetes. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens. Its warning symptoms include pain and redness around eyes and nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits and altered mental status. The disease can be managed by controlling diabetes, discontinuing immunomodulating drugs, reducing steroids and extensive surgical debridement- to remove all necrotic materials. New Delhi: Actress Kangana Ranaut has irked netizens once again. After her Twitter account was suspended permanently, Kangana has been sharing her viewpoints on Instagram. But looks like, controversies are not going to leave her anytime soon. Commenting on the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, the actress put up a few Insta stories, praising Israel's military attack on Gaza and this has hurt several internet users. After her posts went viral, Kangana Ranaut started trending on Twitter and netizens demanded her ban from Instagram. Take a look at what she posted and how the internet reacted to the controversy: Does this birdbrain, pathetic and islamophobic #KanganaRanaut know what exactly terrorism is? During the holiest night of Ramadan, Laylat-al-Qadar 300 worshippers were relentlessly injured and to this moron those unarmed worshippers were brutal terrorists. Wow. #isrealterrorist pic.twitter.com/oFqJjbNag7 Lame Dactarni. (@angry_tweetie) May 12, 2021 #KanganaRanaut I dont think you should ever chat shit about trrorists again because its a hypocrisy.. the things you posted today show your scum of the earth like the terrorists, nazz and murdrs. What you said is exactly what a trrorist would say. You should be ashamed of nabrissa (@nabrissa3) May 13, 2021 @instagram ok are u not gonna do anything about this??? Kangana ranawat is openly using homophobic slur in her story. Take her account down. Improve your report review service. #KanganaRanaut #KanganaTeam #bhakts #BJP pic.twitter.com/AfLcsaHrW5 | FRIDAY(@cutePAPABEAR) May 13, 2021 #KanganaRanaut When Twitter suspends her account but she is still trending on Twitter Liberals : pic.twitter.com/zlfbMLHB3v (@PM_ki_PA) May 13, 2021 For the unversed, the current eruption of violence began a month ago in Jerusalem, where the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers ignited protests and clashes with police. A focal point was the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built on a hilltop compound that is revered by Jews and Muslims, where police fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters who threw chairs and stones at them. Hamas, claiming to be defending Jerusalem, launched a barrage of rockets at the city late Monday, setting off days of fighting, according to PTI. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since the Islamic militant group seized power in Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. New Delhi: Actress Disha Patani, who will be seen opposite superstar Salman Khan 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai', which releases on May 13, is on cloud nine. Dia plays an independent woman and the sister of Abhyankar (Jackie Shroff), the senior of police officer Radhe (Salman Khan). The 28-year-old recently opened up about her role in the Salman Khan starrer movie, feeling intimidated by Bhaijaan and more in an exclusive interview with DNA. Talking about her role in the film and how much she relates to it, Disha told, "I relate quite a bit to my character Dia in the film. She's shy but enthusiastic and always rushing to people's aid. The character is important to the script and aligns with the narrative." "The fact that it had the most challenging dance choreography was a bonus for me," she added. While talking about sharing screen space with superstar Salman Khan for the second time after Bharat, Disha opened up about why she felt intimidated by the star at first. On being asked why did you feel intimidated by Salman Khan and how did you calm your nerves and be his leading lady in the film, Disha said, "Salman Khan is a legend and you feel that star aura in his presence. I'm relatively much newer to the industry and having the opportunity to work with him not once but twice, is a huge honour. He is a very humble and fun-loving human being and it was a very comfortable environment on the sets." So far, two songs from the film featuring Disha Patani and Salman Khan have been released, besides Dil De Diya which is picturised on Jacqueline Fernandez and Salman. And in both the high-octane dance numbers that are packed with Salman Khan's signature dancing style, Disha has managed to steal the limelight with her flawless dance moves, envious body and impeccable looks. Not to mention, the sizzling chemistry between the two stars have surpassed all expectations with the already hit tracks. Sharing what it was like matching steps with Salman Khan, who has his own unique style and out-of-the-box hook steps, Disha averred, "It was a very fun experience every single time because he always comes up with these impromptu steps." "He understands his audience and adds these comical and quirky elements that become huge trend-setters," Disha added. Alongside Salman Khan and Disha Patani, Radhe also stars Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff in pivotal roles. The movie is presented by Salman Khan films in association with ZEE Studios, produced By Salma Khan, Sohail Khan and Reel Life Production Pvt. limited. The movie will release in over 40 countries, including a theatrical release in major overseas markets on May 13 2021, on the occasion of Eid. The film will be available on ZEE5 with ZEE's pay per view service ZEEPlex on the Zee5 OTT platform and all leading DTH operators. New Delhi: It is important to hold the government responsible for what is happening in the country in the wake of the second COVID wave, actor Anupam Kher said on Wednesday while asserting that public criticism towards authorities is "valid in lots of cases". The veteran actor, who is often viewed as being close to the Narendra Modi-led government, added that it was time for the government to understand that there's more to life than image building. In an interview to NDTV, the former FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) chairperson also said that while the government has "slipped" somewhere in its management of the health crisis, it was wrong for another political party to use the lapses to its advantage. Asked if the efforts of the government should have been more in providing relief right now than managing their own image and perception, the National Award-winning actor said it is important for the government to rise to the occasion and do things for the people who elected them. "I think the criticism is valid in lots of cases... Only an inhuman person will not get affected by the bodies floating (in the rivers)," Kher said in a reference to the scores of bodies found floating in the Ganga and other rivers, leading to suspicion that they might be those of COVID-19 patients. "But for another political party to use it for their gain, I think that is also not right. I think we should, as people, get angry. It is important to hold the government responsible for what's happening. Somewhere they have slipped. It is time for them to understand that there is much more to life than just image building maybe," he added. The Shimla-born actor said the people are facing a tough time today after having taken "undue advantage of Mother Nature". "There are problems, pain, anger, frustration, that's obvious... Lot of people say 'You are always so optimistic', but I say there's no other way out for me. Our lives haven't been smooth sailing. It is just that this situation has happened on a world level," Kher said. Terming the state of affairs in the country a "war-like" situation, the actor said people have the right to complain, get angry, and feel helpless, but it should not hold back on being compassionate towards fellow citizens. "How can you console someone who has lost a family member due to shortage of oxygen, medical facilities or beds? You can't. But that does not stop life... I lost a friend to corona. I'm still doing my job." The actor has started Project Heal India to extend support to the needy amid the pandemic. He has collaborated with Dr Ash Tewari, urology (chair) at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, and Baba Kalyani, managing director of Bharat Forge Ltd. Together, they have sent medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators, to various hospitals in cities such as Mumbai, Kanpur, Delhi, Pune, and Ghazipur. "I'm assisting humanity, people in pain. I'm helping myself by helping others. That's a natural process of feeling compassion towards others. People have gone out of their way to help each other in times of war, floods, drought, and earthquakes. It's not the first time people are helping each other," he added. Kher said they are also working towards mental health issues like anxiety, which has developed as a major problem amid the pandemic and lockdown. New Delhi: Farmers who have been eagerly waiting for the eighth instalment of the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN) will get it on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. PM Modi will release the 8th instalment of financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 14th May at 11 AM via video conferencing. This will enable the transfer of more than Rs. 19,000 crores to more than 9.5 cr beneficiary farmer families, confirmed the PMO. Akshaya Tritiya is falling on May 14. The last or 7th instalment of PM Kisan was paid on Christmas, December 25, which is also the birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme was launched by PM Modi in 2019. The Scheme aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. In a financial year, PM Kisan installment is credited thrice through --Period 1 from April-July; Period 2 from August to November; and Period 3 from December to March. PM-KISAN Scheme for only Small and Marginal Farmers' families? ln the beginning when the PM-KISAN Scheme was launched (February, 2019), its benefits were admissible only to Small & marginal Farmers' families, with combined landholding upto 2 hectare. The Scheme was later on revised in June 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings The Central Government had notified a decision to extend the benefit of Rs 6,000 per year under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to all 14.5 crore farmers in the country, irrespective of the size of their landholding. Who are excluded from the PM-KISAN Scheme? Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undetakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits. New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) The demand for luxury homes has slowed down during the last one-and-a-half months due to the second wave of COVID-19 but real estate developers and consultants are hopeful that sales will pick up once situation normalises as it happened last year. Prices of luxury residential properties are likely to remain stable and may even rise slightly due to limited supply, they said. Amit Diwan, Managing Director and Country Head, Hines India, said: "All our residential projects have seen strong velocity and price performance during January-March 2021." Residential buyers want good-quality larger units from reputed developers, he said. "We expect that with a hybrid work model here to stay, these trends will continue. Going forward we remain optimistic that the uptick in demand will continue once the second wave settles down," Diwan said. Amit Goyal, CEO, India Sotheby's International Realty, said the demand for luxury and spacious homes went up significantly across the country post the first phase of COVID-19. Goyal said the January-March 2021 quarter at India Sotheby's International Realty, one of the leading brokerage firms in luxury segment, was the strongest both in demand and transaction closures. "With the current lockdown, yes there's a short pause, but we believe that the buying momentum will make a big comeback, just as it did last year when the COVID situation normalised," he said. Given the limited supply in this segment, he said property prices rose in some pockets, if not all, last year. Goyal does not expect sharp rise in prices but some firming up in price could be seen. Reeza Sebastian, President - Residential Business, Embassy Group, noted that real estate has evolved as a preferred investment class in 2020, with growing interest towards the luxury housing segment not just from Indians but also from NRIs. "Luxury residential prices across key markets have remained stable, witnessing a steady recovery path. There have been no new launches in the Rs 3 crore plus category in the last couple of years, contributing to the stability in prices through sustained demand," she said. Sebastian said luxury home buyers today prefer projects by branded developers and ready-to-move-in properties where quality can be assessed first hand. "With developers continuing to receive interest from HNI's, the demand for luxury residences is bound to see a sustained growth going forward," she said. On demand outlook, Mani Rangarajan, Group COO, Housing.Com, Makaan.Com and Proptiger, said "a lot will depend on how the Covid second wave behaves and how quickly the citizens are vaccinated." Despite all the scare, he feels that the market will not be as bad as last year. Rangarajan said there could be an uptick in demand if the second wave is brought under control in the next couple of months. "As far as prices are concerned, I don't think there is going to be any major correction in the coming months as they are already at decade low," he said. Housing sales across 7-8 major cities fell by 40-50 per cent during the 2020 calendar year even as the demand revived significantly during the Second half on pent up and festive demand. The Maharashtra government's decision to reduce stamp duty was one of the major factors in better sales at Pune and Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Live TV #mute Chennai: At a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing all-time-high COVID-19 cases and vaccine hesitancy, megastar Rajinikanth has taken the jab. The septuagenarian actor just returned to his Chennai home after completing the filming of his upcoming flick Annatthe in Hyderabad. Rajinikanth's daughter had shared a picture of the veteran actor and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee getting jabbed at the hospital. Our Thalaivar gets his vaccine Let us fight and win this war against Corona virus together #ThalaivarVaccinated #TogetherWeCan #MaskOn #StayHomeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/P8Gyca4zdF soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) May 13, 2021 It must be recalled that it was owing to COVID-19 risk, fear of his health condition (after kidney transplant in 2016) and being on immunosuppressive medication that Rajini had backed out of politics, in December 2020. According to Rajini's publicist, the actor took a second dose of the Covishield vaccine today. According to Rajinikanth, he had faced fluctuation in his blood pressure and had to be admitted at the Apollo hospitals in Hyderabad, while filming in December last year. This was what led to the actor's re-think and withdrawal from politics. He had also made a mention of his fans welfare and well-being during the pandemic and why he did not want to risk them as well. Rajini's biggest worry, according to his then statement was the risk of exposure to a large number of people, once he ventures into electoral politics, ahead of the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly polls. Peter Beinart in the New York Times: Why has the impending eviction of six Palestinian families in East Jerusalem drawn Israelis and Palestinians into a conflict that appears to be spiraling toward yet another war? Because of a word that in the American Jewish community remains largely taboo: the Nakba. The Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic, need not refer only to the more than 700,000 Palestinians who were expelled or fled in terror during Israels founding. It can also evoke the many expulsions that have occurred since: the about 300,000 Palestinians whom Israel displaced when it conquered the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967; the roughly 250,000 Palestinians who could not return to the West Bank and Gaza after Israel revoked their residency rights between 1967 and 1994; the hundreds of Palestinians whose homes Israel demolished in 2020 alone. The East Jerusalem evictions are so combustible because they continue a pattern of expulsion that is as old as Israel itself. More here. New Delhi: WhatsApp has filed a petition in the Delhi High court alleging that other Indian mobile applications are collecting even more data than the messaging platform does. With the petition, the social media giant has hit back hard on the rising criticism over its new privacy policies. WhatsApp moved to Delhi High Court on May 5, according to a report by Inc42. A review of the privacy policies of many internet-based applications and websites confirms that such policies include provisions describing the information they may collect that are similar to and in many instances much broader than those in the 2021 Update, WhatsApps affidavit quoted by Inc42. In its petition, WhatsApp named apps such as Zomato, BigBasket, Ola, Koo and Truecaller, as the apps collect more user data than it does. Even Aarogya Setu is collecting a lot more data than WhatsApp, the company alleged in its petition. WhatsApp even didnt spare other tech giants, and claimed that Microsoft, Google and Zoom collect the same or more user data than it does. Republic TVs digital arm is also accused of collecting more data than WhatsApp. The social media company also pleaded with the Delhi High Court that not allowing to update its new privacy policy will impact its operations in India. In January 2021, Delhi High Court had ruled that users should get the option of either accepting or denying the new privacy policy of WhatsApp. The decision led to a delay in the rollout of the policy. The new deadline to accept WhatsApps privacy policy is on May 15. The platform is striving to take the consent of its users by showing them how the privacy policy works in their status, along with running several ads in newspapers. Mumbai: Bigg Boss 13 contestant and model Asim Riaz on Wednesday (May 12) dropped a small teaser on Instagram of his debut single as a rapper. The song is scheduled to release on Eid. Titled Back to start, Asim has also written his debut song besides singing it. The rap number depicts his days of struggle, right from the start of his career. In the video clip he dropped on Instagram, the model jogs bare-bodied, showing off a chiselled muscular torso. "This is the beginning of a journey! #backtostart OUT THIS EID. #AsimSquad gear up for the big drop," he wrote along with a couple of fire emojis. He tagged his post with @charanmusic @jaysingal_ @dynvmc @mayursalvix @shivenmusic @ericpillai @imadil_qureshi @sonymusicindia. A day before, he had released the official poster of the song on Instagram. Addressing his fans, whom he calls Asim Squad, he had written, "Asim Squad, this is for real! Get ready to go #backtostart The rap hustle is about to begin. Stay tuned." He had ended his note with a fire emoji. New Delhi: An Indian-American from San Francisco was arrested for posting videos of a stunt that he performed while riding in the backseat of his Tesla car. The stunt involved the 25-year-old sitting in the backseat of his Tesla car which operates on a autopilot. But unfazed by his arrest and subsequent release, Param Sharma, bought a new car of the same model and repeated the same stunt after his short stint in jail. The incident was reported by California Highway Police as they were on the lookout for the person. In their Facebook post the CHP said that he was spotted "riding in the backseat of a Tesla traveling on Bay Area roadways, with no other person being seated in the driver seat." CHP MADE AWARE OF AN UNUSUAL INCIDENT INVOLVING A TESLA The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been made aware of an... Posted by CHP - Golden Gate Division on Saturday, 8 May 2021 Meanwhile, the electric car manufacturer has cautioned against the misuse of its autopilot feature. The company and road safety authorities in its website warned: "Autopilot is a hands-on driver assistance system that is intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver. It does not turn a Tesla into a self-driving car." Sharma who has gained notoriety for posting social media posts that showcase his lavish lifestyle, was arrested without incident and booked on two counts of reckless driving and disobeying a peace officer, as per the Highway Patrol. Gaza: Amid the deepening unrest between Israel and Palestine, the death toll in Gaza has reached 65, and 7 in Israel as the Hamas group launched a new barrage of airstrikes. Al Jazeera reported that heavy bombardment on the Gaza Strip continued, killing Hamas Gaza City commander, Bassem Issa, in one of the Israeli airstrikes along with our senior members, the Hamas group confirmed. The death toll in Gaza rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. At least 365 people have been wounded, including 86 children and 39 women. Meanwhile, a five-year-old boy was killed and at least 20 Israelis were hurt as Gaza launched a fresh spade of rocket attacks that set off warning sirens in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and cities in the south on Wednesday night, reported The Times of Israel. In a rare incident, rocket shrapnel punctured the shelter's window, critically injuring the minor and also wounding his mother. He was pronounced dead several hours later, reported local media. With the boy's death, the number of fatalities has reached seven, including five Israeli civilians, an Indian national and an IDF soldier killed by anti-tank missile fire on the Gaza border. According to the Israeli army, 180 rockets were fired at Israel since 6 a.m. on Wednesday, of which 40 fell in Gaza. In response to the rocket fire, the IDF launched strikes on upwards of 500 targets in the Gaza Strip, aimed at Hamas personnel, weaponry and infrastructure throughout the enclave. The Israeli police have said that 374 people have been arrested so far tonight in rioting throughout the country, with 36 cops hurt during events, reported The Times of Israel. The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. A senior Hamas official on Wednesday said the terror organisation is ready to end the current intensive fighting with Israel, the Times of Israel reported citing the Russian foreign ministry's statement. Deputy Chairman of the Hamas political bureau conditioned it on Israel halting strikes and on the international community pressuring the Jewish state to end "military actions" at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a 'full-scale war'. United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, called on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before."Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted. Live TV Beijing: China on Wednesday accused the Quad of being an "exclusive clique" against Beijing as it defended its Bangladesh Ambassador's warning to Dhaka against joining the US-led alliance, saying the envoy has made the country's position "clear" on the issue. China's Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jiming China on Monday warned Bangladesh against joining the four-nation group comprising the US, Australia, Japan and India, saying that Dhaka's participation in the anti-Beijing "club" would result in "substantial damage" to bilateral relations. The provocative remarks by the Ambassador were described as "very unfortunate" and "aggressive" by Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday. "We are an independent and sovereign state. We decide our foreign policy," Momen had said, adding that Bangladesh has been following a "non-aligned" and "balanced" foreign policy and the country would decide what to do in line with that principle. Asked for her reaction to Momen's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media here that she has not seen the minister's remarks. "China and Bangladesh are very friendly close neighbours. We have grown our ties on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence. We always treat each other with mutual respect and firmly support one another on issues bearing on respective core interests and major concerns," she said. "We all know what kind of mechanism the Quad is. China opposes certain countries' efforts to form an exclusive clique, portray China as a challenge, and sow discord between regional countries and China," Hua said in updated comments posted on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Replying to a question in the light of Momen's assertion that Bangladesh is a sovereign country and decides its own foreign policy, how China would respond to criticism that it is aggressively pushing its stand on issues on smaller countries, Hua said Beijing always treats other countries as equals. "I'm not sure if your information on the statement from the Bangladesh foreign minister was an accurate quote or if further clarification is needed. But one thing is clear. China always treats other countries as equals, especially small and medium ones," she said. "As I said, China and Bangladesh have very friendly relations," Hua asserted. In South Asia, she said, it is definitely not China that is interfering in other countries' domestic affairs. China was, is and will remain committed to this principle. "As to the Quad, I think India knows more clearly its intention. Isn't it intended as a small clique against China? Remarks expressing opposition to this mechanism are not about interference but about expressing opposition to small cliques and bloc politics. They also reflect the aspiration for maintaining regional peace and stability," she said. Initiated in 2007, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad is an informal grouping of the US, India, Australia and Japan. The Quad member countries have resolved to uphold a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the strategically vital region. The first summit of the Quad leaders was hosted by US President Joe Biden on March 12 and the virtual meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The four Quad leaders have vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a clear message to China against its aggressive actions in the region. Live TV Moscow: Beijing, following Seoul, is showing interest in cooperation in the framework of the project to build the Snowflake International Arctic Station, Nikolai Korchunov, ambassador-at-large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, a senior official of the Arctic Council from Russia, told Sputnik. "China has already announced that it is ready to join, is showing interest in the project, including the supply of equipment," Korchunov said. He said South Korea has already decided that it will participate in the construction. In November 2020, Korchunov announced that Seoul is creating a fund to work with Russia in the hydrogen energy industry, and work on the Snowflake station could become the first project of the fund. The Snowflake international Arctic Station should become a fully autonomous diesel-free facility powered by renewable energy sources and hydrogen fuel. The station will consist of several dome-type buildings connected by passages. The location of the buildings from above resembles a snowflake, which is why the station project received this name. Live TV Beijing: Coercive policies in China`s far western region of Xinjiang have led to a sharp decline in birth rates for Uyghurs and other minorities, which could add to evidence of genocide, an Australian think tank said in a report released on Wednesday. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) report, citing official Chinese data, said that there has been an "unprecedented and precipitous drop in official birth-rates in Xinjiang since 2017," when China began a campaign to control birth rates in the region. Xinjiang`s birth rate dropped by nearly half from 2017 to 2019, and counties where the population was predominately Uyghur or another minority group saw much sharper declines than other counties, the government-funded institute said in the report. China maintains that changes in birth rates are linked to improved health and economic policy and it strongly rejects accusations of genocide. ASPI "fabricates data and distorts facts," Hua Chunying, China`s foreign ministry spokeswoman, told a daily news briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Xinjiang`s Uyghur population grew faster than that of the Han between 2010 and 2018, and Xinjiang`s birth control policies do not target any single ethnic minority group, she said. The ASPI analysis is based on Chinese government data, including regional population figures released in March. "Our analysis builds on previous work and provides compelling evidence that Chinese government policies in Xinjiang may constitute an act of genocide," it said. The ASPI report said birth rates in counties with a 90 percent or greater indigenous population declined by an average of 56.5 percent from 2017 to 2018, far more than other regions in Xinjiang and China during the same period. Fines, internment, or the threat of internment, were among the methods used by authorities to discourage births, it said. There have been growing calls among some western states for an investigation into whether Beijing`s actions in Xinjiang amount to genocide. The United States government and parliaments in countries including Britain and Canada have described China`s policies in Xinjiang as genocide. According to the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention, there would need to be proof of intent by Beijing to destroy an ethnic population in part to meet that determination. Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some western lawmakers say Xinjiang authorities have arbitrarily detained around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in a network of camps since 2016. Beijing initially denied the camps existed but has since said they are vocational training centres designed to combat religious extremism, and that all people in the centres have "graduated". Washington: An advisory panel of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday (May 12) recommended the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged between 12 and 15. The 14-0 vote, with one recusal from the CDC`s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as part of the final process before the shot becomes widely available to the younger population, reported The Hill. Once CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signs off on the panel`s recommendation, vaccinations will begin in most states, although some clinics in states including Pennsylvania, Maine and Georgia did not wait, it further said. This comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorised the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children in the age group of 12-15 years. Amending the Emergency Use Approval (EUA) issued on December 11, 2020, for administration in individuals above the age of 16, FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said: "The FDA`s expansion of the emergency use authorisation for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age is a significant step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic." "Today`s action allows for a younger population to be protected from COVID-19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic. Parents and guardians can rest assured that the agency undertook a rigorous and thorough review of all available data, as we have with all of our COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorisations," she added. Since December last year, companies have delivered more than 170 million doses of the vaccine across the US. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was also determined to be more than 91 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 at least six months after the second dose. A recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed limited eagerness for parents to get their children vaccinated, and that parents` views on inoculating their children lined up with whether they planned to get vaccinated themselves, The Hill reported. Only 30 percent of parents with kids ages 12 to 15 said they`ll get their child vaccinated right away, 26 percent wanted to wait to see how it`s working, 18 percent said they will vaccinate only if their child`s school requires it and 23 percent said they will definitely not get their child vaccinated. Live TV New Delhi: As India continues to battle against the second wave of the COVID-19, a consignment of 200 oxygen concentrators from Indonesia reached the Delhi Airport in the early hours of Thursday (May 13). "Further deepening our millennia-old civilisational links. Welcome shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from our friendly maritime neighbour Indonesia," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Further deepening our millennia old civilisational links. Welcome shipment of 200 oxygen concentrators from our friendly maritime neighbour Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/jzeDcI6q1J Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 12, 2021 The Indian Air Force (IAF) had earlier airlifted four cryogenic oxygen containers from Jakarta, Indonesia. Meanwhile, France Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain informed that the second shipment of 40 tons of oxygen reached India on Wednesday (May 12). In a tweet, Lenain said, "The second shipment of 40 tons of oxygen, donated by France`s Air Liquide Group and filled in Qatar reaches Mumbai. Thanks to Indian Navy`s frigate INS Tarkash." Amid the massive surge in COVID-19 cases, India received global support in the form of PPE kits, medical equipment, oxygen concentrators, and oxygen cylinders, and other medical aids. Several other countries including the United Kingdom, the US and Germany have also announced plans to support India. With 4,205 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours, India reported another grim record of the highest single-day death toll in one day, as per data from the union health ministry on Wednesday (May 12). The last record was reported on May 7, with 4,187 deaths. A total of 3,48,421 new COVID-19 cases and 3,55,338 discharges were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the country`s total positive cases so far to 2,33,40,938.This includes 1,93,82,642 discharges and 2,54,197 deaths. There are currently 37,04,099 active cases in the country. Live TV Gaza: Amid the accelerating unrest between Israel and Palestine, the death toll in Gaza has reached 65, while Israel have reported over 7 deaths till Wednesday (May12, 2021) as the Hamas group launched a new barrage of airstrikes. As per AFP reports, Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on Wednesday said that 1,000 rockets had been launched from Gaza since Monday evening, but by early Thursday the number had leapt by roughly 500. "So far, some 1,500 rockets have been fired at the Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, about 300 of them were unsuccessful and the rockets fell in the Gaza Strip. The Iron Dome system has intercepted hundreds of rockets," the IDF said in a statement on Wednesday. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel-Palestine conflict and said he hopes that the hostilities will come to a conclusion. "My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later. But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. But I had a conversation for a while with the -- with the Prime Minister of Israel. And I think that -- my hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House. The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, took it to Twitter to call on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before. "Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted. (With Agency inputs) Live TV Lucy Scholes at The Paris Review: In Womens Fiction and the Great War (1997), Nathalie Blondel argues that Bellerby spent the rest of her life replaying this grief in her fiction. People live double lives in Bellerbys stories, Blondel explains: they exist in the land of the living while also dwelling in memories of the dead. Like Sabine Coelsch-Foisnerwho, in her chapter on womens writing in the first half of the twentieth-century in The British and Irish Short Story (2008), argues that Bellerbys stories typically convey a halt in the continuum of life and verge on the unspeakableBlondel highlights how Bellerby demonstrates this linguistically: the estrangement of the bereaved from the world of the living is imaged through their estrangement from language itself. The impact of her brothers death manifests most explicitly in these stories that make direct reference to the war, but grief filters into many of the other pieces, too: Come to an End, in which a father struggles to tell his son that the boys little sister has been killed in an accident, or Such an Experienced House, another unexpected ghost story, in which a musically gifted child creeps downstairs one night to find out whos playing the piano so beautifully, only to be confronted with an apparition of herself at the keys. more here. Kathmandu: KP Sharma Oli, in his capacity as leader of the largest political party in Nepal's Parliament, was reappointed as Prime Minister on Thursday (May 13) after the Opposition parties, riddled by factionalism, failed to secure majority seats in the House to form a new government. President Bidya Devi Bhandari has reappointed CPN-UML Chairman Oli, 69, as Prime Minister, after he lost a trust vote in the House of Representatives on Monday. The Office of President in a press statement on Thursday evening said that President Bhandari reappointed Oli as Prime Minister in his capacity as leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives as per Article 78(3) of the Constitution of Nepal. President Bhandari will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Oli at a ceremony at Shital Niwas on Friday. The president had asked the Opposition parties to come up with the support of majority lawmakers to form a new government by 9 pm Thursday after Oli, lost the vote of confidence in the House on Monday. Oli's appointment came shortly after Office of President said that no two parties or more than two parties came to lay claim to forming coalition government by the given deadline that expired at 9 PM. Oli will now have to take a vote of confidence at the House within 30 days, failing which, an attempt to form a government under Article 76 (5) would be initiated. Should both the steps fail, the House may face another dissolution and the country will move towards the direction of early elections, The Himalayan Times reported. Although Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba had received support from CPN Maoist chairman Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', he could not get support from Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP). JSP's President Upendra Yadav had assured to support Deuba but the party's another president Mahanta Thakur had rejected the idea. Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre have 61 and 49 seats in the lower house. Their combined strength was 110, which is insufficient to win majority vote. At present 136 votes are needed to form a majority government. JSP has 32 seats in the House. If JSP had extended support Deuba would get chance to claim for PM. The UML has 121 seats in the 275 member House. Madhav Nepal faction with 28 MPs had decided not to tender enmasse resignation after caretaker Prime Minister Oli and Nepal had inked a deal on Thursday. Oli withdrew the action taken against four UML leaders including Nepal and assured to address their other demands. If 28 UML MPs had resigned, the total strength of the House would have been reduced to 243. Currently there are 271 valid members in the House. If they had resigned only 122 votes would be sufficient to stake claim for majority government. Earlier, Nepali Congress president Deuba and CPN-Maoist Centre chairman "Prachanda" held a meeting at the former's residence to discuss the formation of the new government. Similarly, caretaker Prime Minister and chairman of ruling CPN-UML Oli and dissident leader of the party Madhav Kumar Nepal held a meeting in an attempt to make the last effort to patch up their differences. Earlier, Baburam Bhattarai, a senior leader of JSP-N, said all parties needed to form a new national coalition government and hold elections in one year. Bhattarai said such a government should be run based on a common minimum programme, should resolve the COVID crisis, and ensure economic relief packages, constitution amendment, and truth and reconciliation. Given the parties' strengths and particularly the factional feuds in the CPN-UML and the Janata Samajbadi, many say the current numbers game is just a futile exercise and that the country, which has had eight different governments in a decade, would sooner or later head towards early polls, the Kathmandu Post reported. After Oli lost the trust vote, the NC, the CPN -MC and the faction of the JSP led by Yadav urged President Bhandari to invoke Article 76 (2) of the Constitution to pave the way for the formation of a new government. It says in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House, the President shall appoint as the prime minister a member of the House who can command the majority with the support of two or more parties in the lower house of Parliament. If two or more political parties failed to give a majority Prime Minister by Thursday evening then the President will invite parties to submit the name of a minority Prime Minister from the largest party as per Article 76 sub-clause 3 of the Constitution. In that case, Oli, whose party has 121 seats in Parliament, may again claim stake as the new prime minister. If Oli is appointed under the Constitution, he also needs to win the vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of the appointment. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival 'Prachanda'. In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had earlier served as the country's prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. Nepal's COVID-19 cases reached 431,191 as 8,842 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours on Thursday. As many as 214 more deaths were also logged, taking the national toll to 4,466. Live TV Kathmandu: Main Opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has decided to stake a claim for the prime minister's post and is engaged in hectic parleys with other parties to conclude a deal ahead of Thursday's (May 13) deadline issued by the President to political parties to form a new government as the one headed by K P Sharma Oli lost a crucial trust vote. The decision to form a new government was taken after the office bearers of the Nepali Congress (NC) met on Tuesday (May 11) under the leadership of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The Office of President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Monday (May 10) said she has decided to invite parties to form a majority government pursuant to Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. On Tuesday (May 11), Deuba held a meeting with the opposition leaders and discussed ways to form a new government under his leadership. The meeting was attended by CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP-N) second president Upendra Yadav. Prachanda indicated that his party would support Deuba to become Prime Ministerial candidate. However, JSP-N with its 32 seats in the 271-member House of Representatives is divided on the issue of supporting Deuba as the new prime minister. Nepali Congress with 61 seats in the House of Representatives and Maoist Centre with 49 seats cannot form a majority government without the support of JSP-N. Although the second president of JSP-N has assured to support Deuba's candidacy, first president of the Party Mahanta Thakur is against the idea. "Let's make such a person the new Prime Minister who is not from the ex-PM's club to form a national government, senior leader of JSP-N Baburam Bhattarai tweeted, giving a blow to Deuba's candidacy. "The JSP-N is divided on the issue. We hope that the JSP-N will support us in forming the government by the Thursday deadline," NC Joint General Secretary Prakash Sharan Mahat told reporters after the meeting on Tuesday (May 11). Deuba also hopes to influence lawmakers of the CPN- UML faction led by Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal to help it form the government, The Himalayan Times reported. If the JSP-N does not support the NC, the party hopes to influence 28 lawmakers of the UML's Nepal-Khanal faction to resign en masse. In that case, the House will be reduced to 243 members, and the NC and the CPN-MC will be able to form a coalition government with the help of 15 JSP-N lawmakers owing allegiance to Upendra Yadav and Baburam Bhattarai. Mahanta, however, has warned Yadav against trying to split the party. He threatened him with disciplinary action if he unilaterally backed the NC in its bid to form the new government, the report said. He said the JSP-N should focus on getting its political demands addressed rather than assisting efforts to form the next government. "Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led government has addressed some of our demands and Oli has made efforts to address the remaining issues. We have to wait and watch," he said. He said the results of his party's talks with the Oli-led government on the party's demands were moving ahead positively. After Oli lost the trust vote, the NC, the CPN -MC and the faction of the JSP led by Yadav urged President Bhandari to invoke Article 76 (2) of the Constitution to pave the way for the formation of a new government. It says in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House, the President shall appoint as the prime minister a member of the House who can command the majority with the support of two or more parties in the House of Representatives. If two or more political parties failed to give a majority Prime Minister by Thursday evening then the President will invite parties to submit the name of a minority Prime Minister from the largest party as per Article 76 sub-clause 3 of the Constitution. In that case, Oli, whose party has 121 seats in the Parliament, may again claim stake as the new prime minister. If Oli is appointed under the Constitution, he also needs to win the vote of confidence within 30 days from the date of the appointment. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival 'Prachanda'. In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had earlier served as the country's prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. Oli said in Parliament on Monday (May 10) that it was unfortunate that a government that tirelessly worked for the country's development and nation-building was being targeted for narrow and partisan interests''. Prominent leaders, including Deuba and Prachanda', blamed Oli for his failure to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases over the last few weeks. They said corruption and scandals had blocked the supply of timely delivery of vaccines from India. Live TV Gaza: US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 12, 2021) spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel-Palestine conflict and said he hopes that the hostilities will come to a conclusion. The discussion comes in the backdrop of the ongoing Hamas 'rocket barrage' on Israel, following three days of intense standoff between the two neighbours. "My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later. But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. But I had a conversation for a while with the -- with the Prime Minister of Israel. And I think that -- my hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House. The US President was witnessed speaking on the Israel-Palestine conflict issue for the first time since the violence erupted at the start of the week. As per the reports, the US President conveyed his unwavering support for Israel's security and its legitimate right to defend its people, while protecting civilians. Joe Biden also conveyed the US encouragement of a pathway toward restoring a sustainable calm and shared his conviction that Jerusalem, a city of such importance to people of faith from around the world, must be a place of peace. As per the White House, both the leaders agreed to maintain the close consultation between their teams, which includes constant engagement and proper communication of channels between their respective foreign ministers, defence ministers, chiefs of defence, and national security advisors. Meanwhile, foreign media reports suggest that heavy bombardment on the Gaza Strip continued, which also killed Hamas Gaza City commander, Bassem Issa, in one of the Israeli airstrikes along with some other prominent senior members. Additionally, the Gazas Health Ministry revealed that at least 65 Palestinians, which includes 16 children and five women, have been killed and over 365 people have been wounded in this conflict. As per the Israeli army, shockingly, over 180 rockets were targeted at Israel since 6 am on Wednesday, out of which 40 fell in Gaza. After which the IDF, in response, launched strikes on upwards of 500 targets in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli police also added that it arrested over 374 people last night for rioting and 36 cops were hurt during the process, revealed The Times of Israel. The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a `full-scale war`. The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, took it to Twitter to call on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before. "Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted. Stop the fire immediately. Were escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of deescalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) May 11, 2021 (With ANI inputs) Live TV New Delhi/Tel Aviv: As fighting continues between Israel and Palestine and dozens have been killed following bloodier clashes in the holy city of Jerusalem earlier this week, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are heavily relying on the Iron Dome Aerial Defence System to intercept and neutralise the rockets being fired by the militant group Hamas from West Bank and Gaza. According to the Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus, Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,500 rockets from Gaza at Israel since the latest flare-up of fighting began in Jerusalem. However, around 400 went down over Gaza, due to Israel`s Iron Dome aerial defence system that continues to intercept and destroy rockets fired by Hamas with a success rate of over 90 per cent. Seven people have died in Israel since the rocket launches began on Monday - six civilians and one soldier and several dozens in Gaza and West Bank in the counter-attack. The IDF has attacked around 600 targets in the Gaza Strip, including rocket production and storage facilities. Israel blames radical militant group Hamas, the de facto rulers of the Gaza Strip, for any attacks from Gaza. The group is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel and the European Union. (The Iron Dome Aerial Defence System developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries/Reuters) What Is an Iron Dome? An Iron Dome is Israel`s Aerial Defence System. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, it is a mobile all-weather air defence system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from shorter distances of 4 kilometres up to 70 kilometres away before they could even hit targets in an Israeli populated area. It can be operated in all weather conditions including fog, dust storm, low clouds and rain. I-DOME is a mobile version of the system, which can be deployed on a single truck, while C-DOME is a naval version. The Aerial Defence System protects the population and critical assets and can be strategically placed to reduce collateral damage. It can easily detect, analyses and intercept a range of incoming threats, including C-RAM, precise guided missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and air-breathing threats. The system has so far intercepted more than 2,000 incoming targets with a success rate of over 90%. (Iron Dome anti-missile system fires to intercept rockets fired by Hamas towards Israel/Reuters) How Iron Dome came into existence? The firing of rockets by Hezbollah during 2006s Second Lebanon War led to the development of the Iron Dome. Nearly 4,000 rockets, mostly of the short-range, were fired on Haifa and other northern regions of Israel. Iron Dome Aerial Defence System was made operational by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in March 2011. In November 2012, Israel installed the fifth Iron Dome battery at Gush Dan in response to the rocket attacks on the Tel Aviv area. (Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system fires to intercept a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel/Reuters) There are currently 10 mobile Iron Dome systems in use in Israel. according to Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, which develops military and defence technologies for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), a single battery can protect a medium-sized city and intercept rockets fired from a maximum of 70 kilometers away. Israeli military experts believe that 13 systems would be needed in order to defend the entire country. Live TV " " Yonaguni, discovered in 1986 off the coast of Japan, is a hotly debated underwater archaeological mystery is it a natural formation or was it created by humans? nudiblue/Getty Images Over 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered by water. And from time to time, the works of human hands are claimed or reclaimed by its lakes, seas and oceans. There's more than one way to put manmade settlements underwater. Sometimes, they're submerged intentionally, the casualties of engineering projects. In other cases, natural forces (like earthquakes) conspire to swallow them up. We invite you to join us on a grand, watery tour of seven submerged places. Distributed around the world, they range from pre-Incan ruins to a Canadian town marked for destruction. Advertisement 1. Atlit Yam Around 9,250 to 8,000 years ago, there was a human settlement near what's now the coastal town of Atlit, Israel. The residents left a series of unconnected walls behind, along with water wells and rectangular building foundations, among other things. All these objects are now confined to an archaeological site called "Atlit Yam," which spans 430,556 square feet (40,000 square meters). Immersed under 26 to 39 feet (8 to 12 meters) of water, it sits 656 feet (200 meters) away from the coastline. Some 65 human skeletons have been recovered at Atlit Yam, not to mention the bones of various fish and domestic animals. " " Atlit Yam is an ancient submerged Neolithic village off the coast of Atlit, Israel. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 3.0) Advertisement 2. Port Royal's Sunken City As the seagull flies, Port Royal, Jamaica is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Kingston. One city is the nation's capital; the other is partially underwater. Along with the rest of Jamaica, Port Royal was seized by the British in 1655. The settlement was a boom town, a major commerce hub loaded with privateers (who were basically government-commissioned pirates). In the year 1692, Port Royal had a population of somewhere between 6,500 and 10,000 residents including thousands of slaves. Disaster struck that summer. On June 7, 1692, just before noon, an earthquake rocked Port Royal. Then it was hit with a monstrous tidal wave. Around 30 acres (or 12 hectares) of buildings, streets and tombstones slid into the ocean. "I saw the earth open and swallow a multitude of people; and the sea mounting in upon us," recounted one survivor, the Reverend Dr. Heath, according to UNESCO. Today, the high and dry section of Port Royal is a small fishing village. As for the buildings claimed by that 17th-century disaster ... well, they're still in Davy Jones' locker. Divers have been studying them since the 1950s. Advertisement 3. Rome's "Lost Vegas" Built on Italy's northwest coast by the ancient Romans, Baia is often compared to modern-day Las Vegas. It was a seaside city where the rich kept luxurious vacation homes, ideal meeting sites for adulterers and political schemers. But as volcanic vents raised the water level, most of Baia slipped beneath the waves. Designated as an underwater archaeological park in 2002, the city's treasures are now accessible to the public. Points of interest for snorkelers and scuba divers include rotundas, statues and an ancient sauna. " " View of the Gulf of Baia in a copper engraving made by Alexandre de Rogissart in 1709. De Agostini/Getty Images Advertisement 4. A Lake Titicaca Temple In 2000, a team organized by Akakor Geographical Exploring discovered a mysterious underwater temple at the bottom of South America's Lake Titicaca an enormous freshwater lake in the Andes mountains that's considered the highest navigable waterway on Earth. "We've found what appears to have been a 656-foot-long, 164-foot-wide [or 200-meter-long, 50-meter-wide] holy temple, a terrace for crops, a pre-Incan road and a 2,624-foot-long [800-meter-long] containing wall," expedition leader Lorenzo Epis told the press. The structures are thought to be somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 years old. Advertisement 5. The 'Atlantis of the East' From ancient Israel, we turn to 20th-century China. In the 1950s, the Chinese government deliberately flooded a valley inside the Zhejiang Province in order to create Qiandao Lake, an artificial body of water that powers a hydroelectric plant. The project forced more than 290,000 people to relocate. But something else remained firmly in place when the waters rose. A city known as Shi Cheng had been founded there during the Eastern Han Dynasty (i.e., between 25 and 200 C.E.). Long consigned to the dustbin of history, Shi Cheng was rediscovered by divers in the year 2001. The underwater city boasts five entrance gates, 265 archways and animal sculptures galore. Travel guides have nicknamed this place the "Atlantis of the East." " " A detail of some of the magnificent carvings under the water at Shi Cheng, China. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 3.0) Advertisement 6. Minnewanka Landing History repeats itself. Across the Pacific, another building project doomed one of Alberta, Canada's lakeside settlements to a watery grave. Minnewanka Landing was a popular vacation destination especially with Calgary residents during the 19th and early 20th centuries. People flocked to its cottages and restaurants, and there was a rustic-looking hotel called the "Beach House." As that name implies, Minnewanka Landing bordered one of the Great White North's charming little lakes. " " Who would believe there's a town under this water? Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Said lake got a whole lot bigger after dams were built in 1912 and 1941. Again, the motivation was power: A hydroelectric plant operation had been constructed nearby. Rising waters eventually consumed Minnewanka Landing. Now the town's only visible to divers. But here's the good news: The cold, naturally fresh water has done a bang-up job of preserving the former tourist town's wooden artifacts. If you know where to dive, you can find cellars, wharfs, house foundations and even an old bridge on-site. Advertisement 7. Alexandria's Sunken Treasures Considered one of the ancient world's great wonders, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt stood over 350 feet (110 meters) tall by some accounts. Dedicated in the year 279 B.C.E., it had an imposing stature few manmade structures could rival. The tower was built on Pharos Island, an outcrop in the city's harbor. It became a point of pride for Egyptians, immortalized on coins and copied by scores of architects. But various earthquakes and construction projects cut the lighthouse down to size over time with many bits and pieces unceremoniously dumped into the Mediterranean. By the end of 1480 C.E., nothing was left standing. A few sunken lighthouse remains were rediscovered in 1994. Today, Alexandria's historic harbor is loaded with all kinds ancient artifacts, from obelisks to black granite statues. There's been talk of building an underwater museum. " " Ancient pillars are seen at the bottom of the harbor in Alexandria, Egypt. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 3.0) Now That's Interesting One day in 1986, a diver who'd been looking for hammerhead sharks found what looked like a pyramid off the coast of Yonaguni, a small Japanese island. Hidden beneath the Pacific, the structure is made up of angular step-like objects. This led Masaaki Kimura, a geologist at the University of the Ryukus in Okinawa, Japan, to identify it as a long-forgotten pyramid. However, other researchers have argued the mysterious object was created by natural forces and not ancient humans. A gang of unknown suspected poachers allegedly cornered a 28-year-old anti-poaching investigator on Sunday afternoon and burnt him in his car near Matshiloni area, along the road leading Masvingo. The man, who is employed by the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), was reportedly traveling from Beitbridge to Harare in a Toyota Runx when he was attacked by the gang which was traveling in two vehicles. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi was not readily available for comment today, but Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident. "This is an unfortunate incident, where suspected poachers attacked an International Anti-Poaching Foundation investigator in Beitbridge. "They sprinkled the investigator's vehicle with petrol and set it on fire. He incurred burn wounds and was initially taken to Beitbridge Hospital where he was then airlifted to Harare for further treatment," said Mr Farawo. He said the authority was concerned that the law enforcement agents involved in anti-poaching activities are always at risk of encountering such incidences. Mr Farawo said in most cases they were having deadly contacts with armed poachers. He appealed for anyone with information to contact the Zimparks and the police so that they may bring the suspects to justice. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said it did not receive any formal complaint against one of its investigators, Eric Chacha on allegations of criminal abuse of office following reports the commission had ignored the issue which had been brought to its attention. According to the commission, anyone who has any complaints against an investigating officer should either approach ZACC or file a report with police so that investigations are conducted. Chacha was this year accused of obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office, among other allegations. Reports say letters have been written to ZACC and other relevant authorities concerning these allegations and some people have taken to social media asking what action has been taken against Chacha. Among those who reportedly filed letters of complaint to ZACC against Chacha are senior police officer Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, Chief Superintendent Joseph Josphat Matipforo and suspended Registrar-General Clement Masango. ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure yesterday denied that the commission had received any complaints against Chacha. "If it's (Commissioner) Makodza, he knows the procedures. He can either make a report to the police if it's criminal or file a complaint with ZACC. We have not received any complaint from him (Comm Makodza) or any other (person). "And those posting on social media, we have not received any complaints from them. So they should file a report because we can't be investigating every report on social media," he said. In a post on his Twitter handle recently, one Tongerai Rugare he alleged that Chacha was living through corrupt tendencies and urged the commission to take action. "I just did a desktop type of lifestyle audit on one of your investigators. He stays 80km from his workplace, drives an estimated 20km in and around Harare. Making a total of 180km a day. His car's consumption is approximately 1 litre to 9km. He requires 20 litres of fuel a day. "He works an average of 21 days a month thus he requires 420 litres of fuel a month at an average cost of US$1,22 per litre that translates to US$512,40 plus US$4 per day tollgate fees thus an additional US$44 making it US$566,40 per month on travelling. The estimated combined monthly income with his wife is a total net salary of (about) $60 000 which translates to about US$500 using a rate of US$1:$120. He has a family of four thus requires an average of US$150 for groceries and electricity that will bring his total monthly expenses to US$706,40. That's at the most basic we have a deficit of US$206." He added: "The next question is how is the officer funding his lifestyle? Answer: CORRUPTION! You don't need a rocket scientist to prove that he is corrupt. I guess this is an easy one to prove." Recently, lawyers representing Commissioner Makodza wrote to ZACC saying Chacha must recuse himself from investigating their client alleging that he was obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office. Commissioner Makodza was recently arrested for criminal abuse of duty as a public officer and is out on $10 000 bail. Chacha is the investigating officer in this case. Comm Makodza's lawyers, Nyamayaro, Makanza and Bakasa Legal Practitioners say Chacha must recuse himself from investigating their client since he has a corrupt relationship with suspected land baron Felix Munyaradzi. Munyaradzi was arrested last year on allegations of duping stand seekers in Sandton near Westgate in Harare. The lawyers said Munyaradzi was an accused person in a case of fraud were Comm Makodza was the complainant. Munyaradzi and Chacha allegedly communicated on various occasions during the period between December 2020 and February 2021. In addition, Chacha's wife, Constable Fortunate Dube, who is based in Marondera, is also alleged to have been receiving various amounts of cash from Munyaradzi. Munyaradzi is also alleged to have paid for the car Dube is driving and is said to have built her a house in Marondera. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Corruption Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In February, another senior police officer Chief Superintendent Matipforo filed a report alleging Chacha was obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office in handling his matter. Chief Supt Matipforo was under investigation for bribery and criminal abuse of office after he was allegedly allocated a residential stand corruptly by Harare City Council officers who are under police investigation. In a letter dated February 12 to ZACC chair Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, copied to police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) Mr Thabani Mpofu and Prosecutor General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi, Chief Supt Matipforo said the letter was not aimed at stopping investigations into his case, but to highlight irregularities in the manner Chacha was handling the matter. Chacha is also the investigating officer in a case in which suspended Registrar-General Clement Masango is accused of flouting tender procedures when purchasing vehicles for his department. Masango is being charged with criminal abuse of office. Farmers' failure to destroy tobacco stalks has prompted stakeholders in the industry to consider other punitive strategies on growers in order to promote compliance. The Plant Pests and Disease Act (Chapter 19:08) makes it mandatory for farmers to destroy all living tobacco plants by the May 15 deadline as failure would attract a fine. Failure to comply will attract a fine of $500 per hectare. Non-compliance by farmers in removing stalks has resulted in the spread of diseases, thereby threatening the lucrative tobacco industry. Tobacco Research Board chief executive, Dr Dahlia Garwe said the practice of not destroying plant stalks has increased despite the efforts being made by different stakeholders in the tobacco industry to educate farmers. She said the industry was now looking at other alternatives as a way of encouraging farmers to destroy stalks. "Most commercial farmers are compliant and they destroy stalks. The problem is rampant in small scale faring areas. We are now trying new strategies. We feel the fine has not been deterrent enough. "We feel the situation could improve if the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board stops registering farmers who would have failed to destroy stalks. "As TRB, we are also going to use GIS to try and locate farmers who are not compliant so that authorities can enforce. "We are also promoting self-policing among farmers. Tobacco growers will encourage each other to adhere to the regulation," she said. The non-destruction of stalks is threatening the tobacco sector which is immensely contributing to the well-being of the economy. Authorities mainly raised concern over the resurgence of a tobacco disease, Potato Virus Y, a viral disease that has the potential to wipe out the whole crop. PVY had been under control for some years, but due to the failure by farmers to adhere to strict regulations of destroying stalks and crop residues, the disease has since resurfaced. Abidjan "If the Pope cares about catechists today, it is a joy for me", says Guillaume Gnagne, catechist since 1966 in the local Adjoukrou language (a population of the south of the country) on the occasion of the publication, on May 11, 2021, of the Motu Proprio of Pope Francis "Antiquum Ministerium" which establishes the lay ministry of the catechist. "In the past the catechist was not taken into consideration, he collaborated in the work of God, but he was not taken into consideration as he should. The Pope has touched on this point, I can only applaud him", says Guillaume Gnagne. It should be emphasized that the catechist in the Ivory Coast, especially in the suburbs, plays a prepominant role in proclaiming the Gospel. The latter, in the absence of a priest, is the one who teaches biblical verses to his peers to nourish their faith. He does it in the local languages, a commitment to which he dedicates himself with joy of the heart despite some difficulties due, among other things, to the means of travel, documents and doctrinal formation. For Guillaume Gnagne, being a catechist is "an inspiration from God", "it is a call that we receive from God which, however, must be followed by careful discernment, because being a catechist, we become like priests in the villages and therefore we must first of all have spiritual dispositions and a greater knowledge of the word of God". Guillaume Gnagne emphasizes the role of catechists in the inculturation of the faith thanks to their knowledge of local languages. "What most caught my attention in this noble mission - he says - was that when a priest came to celebrate Mass in a village, the faithful asked me to explain to them in their own language what the father was saying in French". Most of the first generation of catechists have dedicated their entire lives to the service of the Church, especially in the villages, and for several years they have been assisted by "catechetical animators" who ensure the passage of witness in the country's parishes. In the diocese of Yopougon, the Bishop, His Exc. Mgr. Jean Salomon Lezoutie, to encourage, support and greet the contribution of catechists to God's work of salvation, has established the diocesan day of solidarity which consists in raising funds to help them financially. Namibia has joined the rest of the world in condemning the rising tensions in east Jerusalem over the possible eviction of Palestinian families living in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood. United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres called on Israel to "exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly" in occupied East Jerusalem. The United States yesterday also expressed "serious concern" of violence in Jerusalem as Israeli police again cracked down on protesters rallying against the forced expulsions of Palestinian families from the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The global condemnation came as the Palestinian Red Crescent said at least 17 people, including one Palestinian paramedic, were wounded during peaceful demonstrations across East Jerusalem on Sunday evening. The ministry of international relations executive director Penda Naanda said Namibia expressed concern towards the possible evictions and condemned the violence exercised by the Israeli police during the past days against Palestinian demonstrators and the storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque, assaulting peaceful worshippers. "The government of Namibia expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people and calls on the Israeli forces to end the violent acts against the Palestinians," Naanda said. Namibia further reaffirmed its resolute support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people against Israeli occupation, the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and independence with East Jerusalem as their capital. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Governance Middle East and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Therefore, Namibia calls on the international community to continue supporting the Palestinian people through the implementation of relevant UN resolutions and all other agreements. Tensions have escalated in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, amid growing anger about potential forced expulsions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah on land claimed by illegal Jewish settlers. At least 90 Palestinians were wounded on Saturday during an Israeli police crackdown on protesters outside the Old City of Jerusalem, while another 200 Palestinians were injured on Friday when Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Sunday's skirmishes - though less intense than those seen in recent days - raised the likelihood of a further escalation on Monday when Israelis mark what they call Jerusalem Day - the day East Jerusalem was occupied in 1967 and later annexed by Israel. Maputo Mozambique's Budgetary Monitoring Forum (FMO), a prominent coalition of civil society organisations, on Tuesday delivered a petition to the Assembly of the Republic, the Mozambican parliament, urging the deputies to revoke the recently passed bill on the Statute of Parliamentary Functionaries and Officials, which has outraged many citizens by offering a huge range of new allowances to parliamentary staff. FMO spokesperson Adriano Nuvunga, who headed the movement to the parliament building, told the media that civil society wants the bill recalled. The bill enshrines rights and benefits for the parliamentary staff such as an allowance for each session, allowances for holidays, food, and even clothes (on the grounds that the staff may have to attend solemn protocol events). So extravagant was the bill that the Ministry of Finance threatened not to implement it. The Ministry is obliged to provide the Assembly with an estimate of the cost of new legislation: it put the annual cost of the allowances and benefits for parliamentary staff at 104 million meticais (about 1.8 million US dollars, at the current exchange rate). In a highly unusual move, the Ministry said the benefits will only be paid, if there is enough money in the state budget to cover them (and currently there is not). The perks for parliamentary staff stand in sharp contrast to the destitution faced by hundreds of thousands of people in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, displaced from their homes by terrorist attacks. Nuvunga said the benefits in the bill "are totally disproportionate with Mozambique's public sector and the fact that the country has not been able to provide basic services such as water and transport, health and other essentials for the survival of the majority of the population." Civil society, he said, is against lavish benefits which are a clear sign of nepotism in the Assembly of the Republic, and of unequal treatment within the public sector at a time when the country is facing a major economic crisis. Nuvunga accused the Assembly of "showing total lack of awareness of the people's unbearable suffering. That is the reason which led FMO to deliver the petition and it will organise a peaceful protest march to ask for a country which gives equal treatment to every citizen, and not only to the parliamentary staff." Early in the morning, attempts to stage a peaceful march by several dozen students from public and private universities, based in Maputo, was foiled by the police. The march was meant to start at Independence Square in the centre of the city, and walk to the Assembly. Despite the small, and unarmed nature of the protest, the demonstrators were threatened by heavily armed police, including police dogs. The police said they had received no information that the march was authorized. Under Mozambican legislation on demonstrations, authorization as such is not required, but the organisers of a march have to inform the municipal authorities and the police well in advance of the route they plan to take. The police said that, since there was no authorization, they could not allow the demonstration to continue. "Demonstrations are not banned, but you need authorization", one officer told the students. "Organise yourselves and ask for authorization. Before you have that, you must not continue". The students, however, said they had submitted various requests for authorisation to the authorities. Since they had received no reply, they decided to go ahead with the march anyway. The Association of University Students (AEU) issued a statement distancing itself from the demonstration. Some students immediately took to social media, saying they did not recognize the AEU as representing them. One student, Valdo Cuambe, was detained at about 09.00, and held by the police for eight hours, before being released, apparently without charge. The Maputo City Police Command told Nuvunga the arrest was "an exceptional measure", and guaranteed that Cuambe would be released "at any moment". By this time Cuambe had already been in detention for about five hours. According to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), one of the component parts of the FMO, Cuambe was then driven to no less than three separate courtrooms. But, contrary to expectations, no judge interrogated him, and he was taken to a public prosecutor in the KaMpfumo municipal district. Two hours later the prosecutor ordered the police to release Cuambe. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This prosecutor clearly did not trust the police, for he insisted on accompanying them to the police station, to ensure that they really did release the student. After his release, Cuambe declared "Our cause is just, it is noble, and we have the right to demonstrate". He promised that the students will not give up, and "we will be back". The bill on benefits for parliamentary staff is not yet law, since it has not been promulgated by President Filipe Nyusi. The President could return the bill to the Assembly for "re-examination". If this presidential veto is overridden by a two thirds majority of the deputies, then the President must promulgate it. Previous Presidents have, on rare occasions, used this veto power to halt controversial legislation. This time, it is unlikely to work, since the bill passed unanimously with the votes of the opposition parties as well as of the ruling Frelimo Party. A more fruitful path might be to approach the Constitutional Council, Mozambique's topmost body in matters of constitutional law, and ask it to strike the bill down as unconstitutional. That would require a petition signed by 2,000 citizens. The national grid has suffered another system collapse, worsening the power blackout across several states of the federation. The collapse, which occurred around 11.00 am on Wednesday, was first confirmed by two of the country's electricity distribution companies in separate messages to their customers. "We regret to inform you that the power outage currently being experienced across our franchise - Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states - is as a result of the collapse of the national grid," Kaduna Electric said on Twitter. Similarly, in its message to its customers, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc said: "Dear customer, there is a partial system collapse on the national grid. Our TCN partners are working to restore supply immediately. Please bear with us." Confirming the incident officially, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said there was a total system collapse of the grid, as a result of voltage collapse at some parts of the grid. In a statement signed by its general manager, public affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN commenced grid recovery immediately after the collapse, from Shiroro Generating Station to Katampe TS, Abuja through the Shiroro - Katampe line at 11:29 am, and also through Delta Generating Station to Benin Transmission Substation, up to Osogbo and parts of Lagos. "While the grid restoration and power restoration gradually progress to other parts of the country, the cause of voltage collapse that precipitated this failure is equally being investigated. "TCN appeals for patience as it works assiduously to ensure full restoration of the grid and consequently power supply to the remaining parts of the country," Ndidi noted. She said, while the grid restoration gradually progresses to other parts of the country, the commission has launched investigation into the cause of the voltage collapse that precipitated the failure. The commission also appealed to Nigerians to be patient as adequate measures are being made to restore electricity across the country. Meanwhile, electricity is being gradually restored to parts of Lagos state. Already, Eko Electricity Distribution company confirmed it received power from one of its stations at 12:25pm. The DisCo said that whenever there's a collapse, they don't restore all at the same time to prevent another collapse. What happens is that they start restoring each of the transmission stations one after the other so as to ensure stability, one of its technal officers told LEADERSHIP. The grid, which is being managed by government-owned TCN, has continued to suffer system collapse over the years amidst lack of spinning reserve that is capable of forestalling such occurrences. Women in South Africa could soon be allowed to marry more than one man in what has been termed as a push to promote equality. And the proposal is already under consideration by President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, as per media reports in the country. South African men are legally allowed to marry more than one wife even though women have been restricted to marrying one man. But in a push to promote equality, the country's Department of Home Affairs recently published a landmark policy document calling for polyandry to be legally recognized as a form of marriage. The department's Green Paper on Marriages states the current marriage act is discriminatory and does not promote equality. The Green Paper also puts forward proposals to recognize Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Rastafarian marriages. Elizabeth Retief, a member of PolyamorySA, has welcomed the proposal as a move in the right direction. According to Retief, the department's proposals are a step closer towards the acceptance of non-monogamy in South Africa. However, she explains that the laws are still focused on polyandry and polygyny, which are both forms of polygamous marriages. Polygamous marriages are primarily based on traditional value systems, cultural beliefs, heteronormativity, and static gender roles, she argues. Retief says greater advocacy is still needed for polyamorous relationships, which are more fluid, progressive, open, and accepting of different sexualities and gender identities. It's high time this happened... and maybe eventually this will come around to polyamorous marriages because polygamy and polyamory are actually quite contradictory ways of life, while it actually might seem the same on the surface. About 600,000 prospective candidates are yet to receive the required codes to be 'transported' to their mobile lines. Barring last minute change, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will announce the extension of the deadline for the ongoing registration for its 2021 unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) and the direct entry (DE) programme. This decision may not be unconnected to the difficulties being experienced by candidates in their attempts to generate the required codes towards setting up profiles using their unique national identification number (NIN). PREMIUM TIMES has exclusively learnt that as of Wednesday afternoon, roughly 72 hours to the May 15 deadline set by the examination body, only 1,012,000 candidates have so far registered for the UTME and about 30,000 candidates for the DE programme. This figure is low when compared to about 1.9 million UTME and 200,000 DE candidates already captured within the same period in 2020. Investigations revealed that as of Wednesday about 600,000 prospective candidates, who have initiated the registration process, are yet to receive the required codes meant to be transported to their mobile lines by the network operators. Challenges Some officials of the examination body, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES confidentially, claiming they were not authorised to speak on the matter, said the problem is caused by the adoption of the mandatory use of NIN for the registration. "The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) that is responsible for the issuance of NIN is expected to generate the linked number to be transported to candidates as soon as they input their required USSD code. But this has been difficult for the agency due largely to inadequate manpower and lack of required technical skill," one of the sources told our reporter on the phone. Another source blamed the mobile telecommunication operators for the delayed response to transporting codes generated to candidates, saying this is the worst outing being recorded by JAMB since the adoption of the USSD system in its registration. Some ad hoc staffers of the examination body, who were meant to register using the same procedure ahead of the examination, have also expressed frustration in their attempts to be registered for the exercise. "We keep sending the codes to 55019 as instructed by JAMB but the response is always that it is being processed and that we should await SMS. But the SMS never comes even after more than 48 hours. I can now imagine the problem the prospective candidates are going through," an ad hoc staffer who does not want to be quoted told our reporter on the phone. Meanwhile, a parent, Bassey Udo, who was trying to change his son's course of study for the ongoing 2020 admission at a university, told our reporter on the phone that even after paying the required fee, the one-time password (OTP) required to complete the transaction has not been received for more than three days. "Till now we cannot complete the transaction. I spoke to MTN and I was asked if I had activated the "Do not disturb" system on my line. But they found out I did not. So they concluded there was no basis not to receive a message from a third party. But still, the situation has remained the same. I don't know what would be the fate of this boy if we are unable to complete the task," Mr Udo told our reporter. JAMB keeps mum Meanwhile, the director of public affairs and protocol for the examination body, Fabian Benjamin, refused to comment on the matter. He said he would respond to PREMIUM TIMES' enquiry 'soon'. His promised response, however, did not come as of the time of filing this report. It would be recalled that JAMB had earlier scheduled its mock examination for April 30 but later rescheduled it to hold on May 20. The abrupt change might not be unconnected with the difficulties being experienced in the registration exercise. Meanwhile, a highly placed source in the agency who does not want to be mentioned told this newspaper that the best solution would have been to waive the use of NIN for candidates. "If we do that, I can assure you that in two days the whole exercise would be completed. But we cannot because the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy was impressed by our efforts and has even written appreciation to our supervising ministry and also to the federal executive council. So we cannot backtrack on that for now," the source said. The examination body is billed to meet with 'stakeholders' including members of various groups such as civil societies and media ahead of the examination. One of such meetings is billed to hold on Friday, May 14, where the JAMB registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, is expected to address the groups. He may use the avenue to announce the deadline extension. Network operators deny culpability Meanwhile, the mobile network operators have denied being responsible for the challenges being faced by candidates in their efforts to be registered for the examination. The operators' umbrella body- Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators in Nigeria (ALTON) said its role is "simply to transport the codes to the candidates and not to generate". In his response to our reporter's enquiries, the association's chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the delays cannot be from the systems of the telecommunication companies. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Telecommunication companies don't manage the process of generating the code for candidates, we only provide the "transport" access to their servers and we rely on the examinations agency to generate the code. We don't manage their database and as such we're not responsible for generating the said examination code," Mr. Adebayo said. When confronted with the claim of the existing generated codes "yet to be transported", Mr Adebayo said; "If the codes are generated and their servers do not upload them to the operators, there would be nothing on the link to deliver. Operators are just a medium of transport, and if their servers don't deliver the codes, the link (transport) will be empty. Maybe there's something they're not saying. Ask them again and let them show a proof!" NIMC fails to respond When reached for reaction, the authorities at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) failed to respond. The agency's head of corporate communications department, Jamila Ahmed, who failed to pick many calls sent to her telephone line later responded to our reporter's message that she was on leave. Ms Ahmed also directed our reporter to speak to a man identified simply as Kayode. But efforts to reach Mr Kayode were not successful as his provided mobile telephone line did not go through. A message sent to the number was yet to be replied as of the time of filing this report. Troops of the Nigerian military repelled a Tuesday evening attack on Maiduguri by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. The Nigerian Army has confirmed the foiled attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to attack part of Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital. According to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, on Wednesday, the terrorists were countered by combined gallant troops in conjunction with the police, youth vigilante and hunters. It said heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists by the troops as nine of them were neutralized while many escaped with gunshot wounds. "Troops of Operation HADIN KAI on Friday, 11 May, 2021, foiled attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to attack an outskirt of Maiduguri, Borno State. "The terrorists, who tried to advance from Aldawari axis, attempted to attack soft targets along Jiddari Polo, were countered by combined gallant troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Youth Vigilante and hunters leading to terrorists withdrawal in disarray," the statement said. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how troops of the Nigerian military repelled an attack on Maiduguri by the terrorists on Tuesday. Heavy shootings were heard at about 6 p.m. when the insurgents attacked the outskirts of Jiddari Polo neighbourhood of Maiduguri. The attack was the first since Muslims commenced the Ramadan fast 29 days ago. Residents living in the neighbourhood were seen fleeing into the city centre as soldiers engaged the attackers. The army said in the statement that about nine of the terrorists were killed while several weapons were recovered. Read full statement by the Army: TROOPS FOIL ATTEMPTS BY BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS TO ATTACK OUTSKIRTS OF MAIDUGURI Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI on Friday, 11 May, 2021, foiled attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to attack an outskirt of Maiduguri, Borno State. The terrorists, who tried to advance from Aldawari axis, attempted to attack soft targets along Jiddari Polo, were countered by combined gallant troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Youth Vigilante and hunters leading to terrorists withdrawal in disarray. Following a hot pursuit by troops, heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists as nine of them were neutralized while many escaped with gunshot wounds. One Buffalo Gun Truck, three motorcycles, three Browning Machine Guns, a Rocket Propelled Gun and four AK 47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists. Other items recovered include one Improvised Explosive Device, sixteen 12V batteries among other items. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the gallantry of troops and urged them to keep up the tempo of the operation. Members of the public are requested to remain calm and are assured of security during the festive period and beyond. Mohamamed Yerima Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 12 May 2021 The EFCC says the 80 properties recovered from Mrs Alison-Madueke were worth about $80 million. The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has said $153 million and over 80 properties have been recovered from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. Mr Bawa said the 80 properties recovered from Mrs Alison-Madueke were worth about $80 million. The EFCC boss made the disclosure is an interview in the April edition of the commission's magazine, EFCC Alert. The publication was part of excerpts from the interview Mr Bawa had during One-on-One programme of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Until his appointment as the EFCC chair in February 2021, Mr Bawa headed the commission's investigative team set up to probe the broad corruption cases involving the former minister, associates and their interests. Mrs Alison-Madueke, who is believed to have escaped to the United Kingdom and remained there after her exit from public office, ran the petroleum ministry which superintends over the opaque Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) between 2010 and 2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Her name has featured either as the main defendant or an accomplice in numerous corruption cases filed in court by the EFCC since her exit from office. Bringing her back to Nigeria to face pending charges against her has proved to be a hard nut to crack for the EFCC. Updates Asked in the interview to give an update on the progress in the cases involving the former minister, Mr Bawa said the $153 million recovered from her was in respect of one of the cases. "There are several cases surrounding that. As you may have read, I was part of that investigation, and we have done quite a lot. In one of the cases, we recovered $153 million; we have secured the final forfeiture of over 80 properties in Nigeria valued at about $80million," Mr Bawa said. "We have done quite a bit on that," he said, giving an indication about the exhaustive nature of the cases involving the former minister. The EFCC boss added, "The other cases as it relates to the $115 million INEC bribery as the media has sensationalised it, is also ongoing across the federation. "We are looking forward to the time when we will, maybe, have her in the country, and of course review things and see what will happen going forward. The case has certainly not been abandoned." Stalled extradition PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Federal High Court in Abuja, in March, adjourned one of the cases involving Mrs Alison-Madueke, for EFCC to give an update on the efforts to extradite her. Ijeoma Ojukwu, the trial judge, had adjourned the case till May 17 (Monday), but the proceedings are likely not to materialise due to the ongoing nationwide strike by judiciary staff workers. The adjournment was the latest in the series of postponements the money laundering case had suffered due to the absence of the former minister since it (the case) was filed over two years ago. The judge had on a couple of occasions shifted deadlines issued to EFCC to extradite to EFCC to Nigeria to face her trial. The EFCC always told the court that the commission was pursuing the extradition along with the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation without indicating the exact stage the process has reached. Earlier on October 28, 2020, Ms Ojukwu refused to grant EFCC's request for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the former minister. The judge had said the summons she issued on July 24, 2020, "ought to be sufficient for the commission to process her extradition to Nigeria to face her trial". She then adjourned the matter till December 3 for EFCC to report on its efforts to bring the former minister to Nigeria. On December 3, EFCC's prosecuting counsel, Farouk Abdullah, appeared before the judge pleading for more time to enable the anti-graft agency to enforce the court summons against Ms Alison-Madueke. The judge then adjourned till March 3, 2021 for "possible arraignment" of the defendant. She further adjourned the case till May 17 following the former minister's absence from the March 3 proceedings. Management of recovered assets Mr Bawa also assured that recovered assets were being "properly managed", although some of them were still being bogged down by appeals. "But what I can guarantee is that there is no EFCC official that will recover an asset and then he will go ahead and sell that asset, or he will rent it out and then take the proceeds. "How can he even do that? Because different departments do these things. Investigators are the ones that trace, the lawyers are the ones that go to the court to get them, and then the department of asset forfeiture is the one that manages them. The Chief Executive doesn't see assets, only on paper," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He added that steps were also being taken to stop ensure that forfeited assets were not re-acquired through proxies. The EFCC boss said, "certainly (there are checks) on finally forfeited assets from being re-acquired by proxies. Looking at individuals that come forward, you have to look at their financial viability, whether or not they are not proxies. "You have to look at their profile, their pedigree. The auctioneers are there, all of these things are being carried out under the office of the Secretary to the Commission. "But as we say in money laundering, somebody somewhere is the ultimate beneficial owner, that he can even hire somebody that will stand in as the beneficial owner. It is at times very difficult, but we have the expertise to detect. It is very difficult for property to be recovered from somebody and then the person will get it back." EFCC had earlier in March issued a statement containing an excerpt of the NTA interview where the youthful Mr Bawa vowed to resign if pressured to act against his conscience or rule of law. The groups allege that Mr Odumosu aimed at using his claims to pit Igbos against Yorubas in the state A coalition of pan-Yoruba groups has attacked the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, over the police chief's claims that members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are planning to attack Lagos. The groups alleged in a statement that Mr Odumosu aimed at using his claims to pit Igbos against Yorubas in the state. The statement was signed by leaders of Oodua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), Femi Ajibola; Agbekoya, Kunle Oshodi; Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC (Reformed), Taofik Adeyemi; Oodua Liberation Movement (OLM), Diran Obalola; Yoruba World Congress, (YWC-Lagos State Chapter), Femi Agbana. Others are Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC-Reformed), Rasaq Arogundade; Oodua Women Coalition (OWC), Eunice Okunola; Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NENA), Goke Otunla, and Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA), Ahmed Korede. Mr Odumosu had claimed during a security town hall meeting on Monday that the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB are planning to attack "soft spots" in Lagos, an allegation the group immediately denied. In their statement, the groups argued that rather than the announcement, the police should "discreetly go after the IPOB members to arrest them unless the police is not sure of its information." "The police statement carries the possibility of being misinterpreted as an Igbo plot against Lagos and Yoruba people. This is dangerous given the fragile nature of Nigeria. "We are deeply concerned that the Police publicly declared allegations tempts the prospect of setting Yoruba in the South West against Igbos. This is very unfortunate at a time that state institutions are increasingly being turned to instruments for pursuing primordial ethnic interests. The Yoruba will work never to allow this to happen." The group also attacked the police for not addressing the Fulani herdsmen crisis like it is doing in the case of IPOB. "We are concerned that terrorists and armed herdsmen of Fulani extraction have openly been attacking, kidnapping, raping, and killing Yoruba people in the South West but at no time did the police call a press conference to announce such plan before or after each horrendous killings. There was also never a time the police linked such attacks to any ethnic group. "Only recently, Yorubas in Mile 2 were attacked by these people, the police did not make any attempt to speak about the ethnic identity of the perpetrators yet we know they are largely from a section in the North. "We are concerned that the police allegation risks setting a greater danger of ethnic conflict between Igbo and Yoruba people, conscious that this will benefit a certain group who think setting Igbo against Yoruba will meet the objective of scuttling the search for peaceful self-determination by the two great civilisations" They also urged the Yoruba people to ignore the attempts to cause ethnic conflict between Igbos and Yorubas "at this time that both ethnic groups need each other." "The police should avoid ethnic profiling. It is dangerous. The Pan Yoruba groups assure of our collective desire to sustain peaceful coexistence between Igbo and Yoruba and avoid any slide into ethnic conflict, an ill wind that blows no one any good. To this end, we shall set up a Committee to work out a platform to sustain ethnic harmony in Lagos. "On a police plan to attack agitators for Yoruba self-determination, We urge the police to have respect for international laws and signify the basic democratic principle which is the right of a people to debate their political and economic future," the group said. 'Rabble-rousing' Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, the African Action Congress (AAC), Lagos branch, in a statement on Wednesday described Mr Odumosu's claims as "rabble-rousing." "We have observed very closely the utter reluctance and cowardly attitude with which Hakeem Odumosu approaches real crime issues in Lagos State and how he readily jumps to his feet to respond to his masters' calls to quell citizens who are exercising legitimate rights that are enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the group said in the statement by its publicity secretary, Elias Ozikpu. The party accused the police of ignoring criminals and, instead, going after groups fighting for self-determination. "The AAC urges Nigerians to ignore the bunkum spewed by a cowardly Hakeem Odumosu, whose only achievement since assuming office as Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been the harassment and illegal arrests of unarmed peaceful protesters across Lagos. "We further urge Nigerians to not back down in their quest for justice and freedom from an evil and blood-shedding government." "We must never condone works and words of those who would do evil or put a brother against a brother and Nigerian against a Nigerian." The national leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country. Mr Tinubu gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. "Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers so that they may be given the strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us, and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land," said Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State. "Let us pray for our brave soldiers and security agents confronting insurgents and bandits. "We must keep in close remembrance, those whose lives have been lost to or impaired by terrorism as well as those who have been lost to or harmed by the global pandemic - COVID-19. "May we see an end to this disease and its consequences in no distant time," Mr Tinubu said. He urged Muslims to be better and treat one another with greater compassion and understanding as Ramadan fast ends. He also advised Muslims and other Nigerians to build a better society that would free from violence and hatred. "We must never condone works and words of those who would do evil or put a brother against a brother and Nigerian against a Nigerian. "Now that the holy month of Ramadan is ending, we must counsel ourselves not to forget its great lessons. We must be better than we were. "I join Muslims in Nigeria and across the world in marking the faithful completion of this year's Ramadan fast - one of the most critical pillars of Islam," he said. Mr Tinubu noted that Ramadan taught love and compassion, among other virtues. "We observe this holy month in order to bring more compassion and love unto this world and in our relations with all we meet - friends as well as strangers, fellow Muslims as well as those of other faiths or beliefs," he said. The former governor of Lagos State added that Ramadan teachings must guide Muslims' actions and conducts. analysis Lagos has witnessed a growing number of commercial motorcyclists in recent times, transporting people and goods in and around the state. Many of these operators moved in from northern Nigeria, where authorities banned the use of motorcycles - notoriously used by Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and kidnappers to carry out attacks. In Lagos, these motorcyclists - popularly known as okada - aren't always popular and face periodic restrictions. Ogechi Ekeanyanwu of The Conversation Africa spoke to Chidi Nzeadibe, an urban development policy expert, about how the sector has become established and how to approach the problems it sometimes presents. Why are there so many commercial motorcycles in Lagos? Motorcycle taxis began to operate in Nigeria in the cities of Calabar and Yola in the late 1970s and the 1980s, and spread to Lagos. This trend spread when the federal civil service was reduced in the 1970s and people lost their jobs. As the economy declined and the city population grew, people had to find other ways to survive, including operating okadas. Private motorcycles were converted to commercial use. The insurgency that has coursed through northern Nigeria since 2009 has been implicated in the rise of the okada economy. This is because of the way it has displaced people and destroyed livelihoods. Media reports have also pointed to the occasional use of motorbikes by insurgents to launch terror attacks. In essence, the okada economy is both an enabler and outfall of the insurgency. A recent study argues that displacements and the resultant migration to southern Nigeria have driven an increase in people making a living from okada in southern Nigeria, including Lagos. What are the consequences? There have been reported clashes between the motorcycle taxi operators and police officers as well as transport union workers over rights to operate in some routes and places. Okada operators have also been accused of committing crime and allowing criminals to escape. Such negative branding has led sub-national governments to take steps to regulate or ban the operation of motorcycle taxis in their territories. Between 2010 and January 2016, more than 20 of Nigeria's 36 states partially or completely banned them. But populist politicians sometimes mobilise okada riders to support their political ambitions, and seem to sympathise with them. Such romance often fizzles out soon after electoral mandates are secured. Actors in the motorcycle taxi economy tend to attract public attention in Nigerian cities because there are enough of them to cripple the local economy. A case in point was a protest by okada operators in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2020 as a result of 'multiple taxation' and perceived high-handedness of local authorities. The result was widespread economic disruptions and citizens' frustrations, made worse by traffic congestion because of major roadworks at that time. Operators are also known to use this clout to engage with authorities to influence policy. There have also been associated problems such as accidents, noise, air pollution, crime and insecurity. And there is a perception that okada is a misfit in 'modern cities'. They are seen as a nuisance by riding against traffic, ignoring red lights and causing congestion and accidents. On the other hand, the bikes offer certain transport advantages: easy manoeuvrability, ability to travel on poor roads, and responsiveness to demand. They also create work for people. And then, there are the security implications. For instance, the US consulate general in Lagos recently issued a security alert about crime and insecurity being fuelled by operators of motorcycle taxis. They noted that men on motorcycles follow vehicles until they stop at a traffic light or intersection. They then approach the vehicle and rob the occupant. One study explains how the Boko Haram insurgents use motorcycles to access targets, breeding fear and insecurity. This is evidenced in recent demands by bandits to the Kaduna state government to provide motorcycles as part of ransom for the safe release of kidnapped university students. What can be done to reduce the number of accidents involving okada? Regulation of okada transport through use of identification vests can instil a sense of responsibility. Restricting them to suburban areas, and mandatory use of safety gear such as helmets by the operators and passengers, can also help to reduce the impact of road accidents. Some of these measures have been applied in neighbouring countries. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It may also be effective to use "horizontal interventions", where people enforce rules in their self-interest rather than because of the fear of sanctions from authorities. Training and sensitisation could be done through the operators' collective associations. How should government respond to the number of motorcyle operators in Lagos? Rather than seeing the okada economy as an impediment to development, governments should treat it as an opportunity for resettling displaced populations and a vehicle for job creation. It's also an important response to the mobility needs of many Lagos residents. The government could adopt a more inclusive policy approach which empowers the informal economy. Rather than emphasising 'state regulation', it could recognise the informal actors' groups as channels of engagement in development policy. With such responsibility, they would constitute a check on members' behaviour. Chidi Nzeadibe, Professor of Environmental Management & Sustainability, University of Nigeria analysis The new EU-OACPS Partnership Agreement is only a few weeks old, but already many in Africa are calling for an update. What are the reasons for the dissatisfaction? International treaties are complicated enough when they are negotiated between two or three states. They become even more complex when 106 countries at once try to defend their individual interests and power claims and regulate them in a legally binding way. It is therefore hardly surprising that the negotiations on a new basic agreement between the 27 European Union (EU) member states and the 79 countries of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS, formerly ACP) dragged on for more than three years before a breakthrough was finally announced in mid-April. Inevitably, not everyone affected by the deal -- dubbed "Cotonou 2.0" or "post-Cotonou" in reference to the previous agreement --, was happy with the results. African needs ignored? Resentment seems to be running especially high in sub-Saharan Africa, the most important of the three OACPS regions for the EU. OACPS negotiator and foreign minister of Togo, Robert Dussey, told DW that things could have turned out better if Africans had shown more solidarity. "We did not agree among ourselves. But the EU knew very well what it wanted." It is not so much the issue of human rights, on which reportedly there were many disagreements during the negotiations -- for example, regarding questions of sexual orientation -- that is now causing dissatisfaction. African business representatives and observers detected a much more fundamental problem. Although the deal has not even been ratified yet, they consider it to be partially outdated already. Even the deal's format is out of date, says John Mare, former deputy South African ambassador to the EU and a specialist in EU-Africa relations. "The needs of the small island developing states, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, are quite different to continental Africa, where you're looking at big countries like DR Congo, for example. So there are definitely different interest areas," Mare told DW. Focus on sustainable development Unlike in the Cotonou Agreement of 2000, the new deal includes a so-called "three-plus-one structure" intended to take into greater account the individual needs of the three partner regions. But Mare is skeptical: "We hope that that will happen, but sometimes the devil is in the details." Mare is pleased that the new agreement explicitly states that signatories will prioritize climate change, the environment, and sustainable developmentin future cooperation. This way, the European Green New Deal, the EU's multi-billion investment program for a sustainable transformation of the economy, can also present an opportunity to Africa. The EU-Africa Green Investment Forum of the European Investment Bank, which took place in Lisbon at the end of April, shows that the EU is committed to what it says, Mare added. Ghanaian business consultant Michael Kottoh also believes that the agreement sets the right priorities in economic relations. "I think there will be new business and investment opportunities in the areas of the green economy and the digital economy," Kottoh told DW. It is still unclear how exactly African companies will be able to take advantage of these new opportunities. Rapid clarification is of utmost importance, Kottoh said. Missed opportunity Despite hope for possible new investments from Europe, African entrepreneurs and politicians are primarily concerned with one question: what does the post-Cotonou agreement mean for the AfCFTA intra-African free trade agreement currently being implemented on the continent? While the AfCFTA aims to enable free trade across the whole continent -- including North Africa -- analogous to the European single market, Cotonou 2.0 merely regulates the framework conditions for trade between the EU and sub-Saharan Africa. This creates a potential "minefield of problems," notes South African ex-diplomat John Mare. Possible trade barriers between states in North and Sub-Saharan Africa that want to trade with the EU at the same time is just one example. For Michael Kottoh, the deal with the EU is a missed opportunity. "It would have been wonderful to build more synergies between the two frameworks. But I do not see a lot of mention of the AfCFTA in the post-Cotonou Agreement," Kottoh says. He hopes that all parties will adjust the new basic agreement accordingly. Otherwise, the EU could also end up losing out. "The AfCFTA will become a new geopolitical force within the continent and eventually on the world stage. Unless the EU itself pays attention to this important geopolitical shift, I think that various EU-Africa treaties are going to be less relevant to Africa." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Europe and Africa Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Hopes for a joint free trade zone The Africa Association of German Business sees this danger and recognizes the risk of irrelevancy. In a press release, Chief Executive Christoph Kannengieer said that it was a mistake not to have pursued the vision of a continent-to-continent treaty between the EU and the African Union (AU). "The real goal should be to enter into negotiations on a free trade area between the EU and the AU." He added that he hoped that the post-Cotonou agreement for Africa would be an interim solution. The next EU-AU summit will be a litmus test for Brussels, and the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. It will reveal whether the European bloc is prepared to take criticism from the African business community seriously. The meeting was postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is long overdue and, according to experts, may turn out to be trendsetting. However, no new date for the summit has been announced yet. Daniel Pelz and Marina Strauss contributed to this article translated from German Cairo Public prosecutors freed four suspects in a case involving a woman who said she was drugged and raped in 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel in the capital, Cairo. Egyptians said on Wednesday that attitudes towards women need to change to end sexual violence in the north African country, after a high-profile gang rape case was shelved. Public prosecutors on Tuesday freed four suspects in a case involving a woman who said she was drugged and raped in 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel in the capital, Cairo, as evidence amassed during nearly nine months of investigation was insufficient. "The problem is not only with the law, but it is mainly with social attitudes towards women," said Entessar El-Saeed, director of the Cairo Foundation for Development and Law, pointing to the fact that marital rape is not a crime in Egypt. "There is no doubt that the decision is frustrating, but this does not mean the end of the road. It will not make us surrender to the phenomenon of sexual harassment and violence against women," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Socially conservative attitudes in many parts of Egypt mean women are reluctant to report sexual violence and harassment for fear of being judged and blamed, and because they believe they are unlikely to get justice. A 2017 Thomson Reuters Foundation poll found Cairo to be the most dangerous megacity for women, and 99% of women in Egypt interviewed by the United Nations in 2013 reported sexual harassment. In the Fairmont rape case, the woman posted an anonymous account of the incident on the Instagram account Assault Police, encouraged by an outpouring of women's stories online with the #MeToo movement, before filing a formal complaint in July. The woman, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident, said she went to a party with the men before they raped her, which led some people to blame her for the attack. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Egypt Legal Affairs Women By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Several witnesses in the case were arrested on drug and debauchery charges in what some human rights activists said was part of a tendency by authorities to prioritise traditional social morality at the expense of women's rights. The prosecution said in a statement that 39 people were interviewed but the testimonies were contradictory and it was difficult to gather reliable evidence six years after the incident. Egyptians took to social media to express their frustration. "I lost confidence and belief that there will be a change in the society's attitude towards women's issues," said Facebook user Martha Fawzi, a psychologist. Others complained that life in Egypt was not as it was portrayed in the popular Ramadan television drama, "El Tawoos" or "The Peacock", where a woman from a poor family won in court after being raped by a group of wealthy influential men. "As we watch in the final episode of the series that justice is being done to the rapists, we hear about the public prosecutor's decision in the same night," Mohamed Eweis said on Facebook. "It seems that justice only happens in the drama." Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has affirmed Nigeria's bright economic future which, he said, cannot be aborted despite current challenges. Osinbajo stated this while touring SecureID company's premises, a first in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the three such cutting-edge facilities on the continent, with top prime global certifications for smart card manufacturing. In a statement by his media aide, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said despite challenges confronting the nation, the future of Nigeria is bright. He said, "The economic future of our nation is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africa's leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome." The vice president said that following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, the Buhari administration had resolved that manufacturing will its main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. "This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the takeoff of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. "We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities - Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), - and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, and foreign investments will follow enthusiastically," he said. Commenting on the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the vice president also stated that the Buhari administration was ramping up efforts at improving the country's infrastructure and digital space. He said: "Aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power, we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023. "The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age; unlike electricity, we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right." While commending the efforts of the founder and managing director of SecureID, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, Prof Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity. He said, "This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalisation plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world. "The facility serves 21 countries across Africa and is fully certified by major commercial card companies - VISA, Verve and MasterCard. SecureID has shown that this country can be at the cutting edge of development in technology and digital enterprises. The world in which companies like SecureID operates, providing comprehensive end-to-end payment, identity management and digital security solutions, is one that thrives on innovation." The founder of SecureID, Mrs Akinkugbe, highlighted the significance of the vice president's visit, saying he had come to see some of the much-touted potential being realised. She added that SecureID was a good entrepreneurial story of an abiding faith in God and the nation, proving the viability of investing and staying on course. Related: Despite Challenges, Nigeria's Economy Future Bright - Osinbajo Press Release May 13, 2021 Senator Koko Pimentel's Message for Eidl Fitr "My family and I join the Muslim ummah in celebrating the end of Ramadhan, the Eidl Fitr. Almighty God has enjoined all Muslims to observe the Holy Month of Ramadhan so all can practice love and charity to their fellow human beings, so that peace will ultimately reign. Eidl Fitr Mubaarak to all!" Three families of the 13 suspected terrorists arrested at Filin Lazio, Hotoro axis of Kano State on Saturday, May 8, 2021, demanded to know the whereabouts of their members whom they claimed are innocent and have nothing to do with the main suspect arrested. Speaking to Daily Trust, wife of one of the arrested suspect, Hajiya Fai'za Idris Usman who is a staff of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development stated that three out of the 13 suspects arrested during the army raid of last Saturday were innocent. She added that her husband, Malam Kabiru Abdulrazak, who is a manager with Amsad Printing Press lives in a rented house in the area. "We were told they came for one Alhaji Usman's residence and they have arrested about 10 people in that residence. But unfortunately, they included three people who are residents of different houses within the area including my husband. We just want to know the whereabouts of our family members because their lines have been switched off since," she narrated. Another family member, Malam Abdulrazak Shamsuddeen Abubakar, said his uncle, Hassan Muhammad Noujein, who is an epileptic patient, was mistakenly arrested. He explained that they were worried because his uncle is on medication, adding that the army has no prior knowledge of his medical history. "We just want to know the condition of our family members. As law-abiding citizens, we understand the ways investigations are conducted. Hassan Muhammad Noujein, Malam Kabiru Abdulrazak and Jabir Bello Kao'je are innocent people arrested during the raid and we have lost contact with them and we are worried," he added. A team of French scientists in Zimbabwe's Hwange National park has developed a deep learning computer system to distinguish between individual giraffes, a tool that could help to conserve this iconic African species from extinction. Individual giraffes' unique coat patterns, consisting of brown blotches on a tan background, make them difficult to tell apart. And researchers desperately need to distinguish between giraffes since populations in this remote part of northwestern Zimbabwe are on the decline, for reasons still being investigated. "To our knowledge, this is the first attempt in using deep learning techniques for this task," lead author of the new study, Vincent Miele from the University of Lyon's Laboratory of Biometry and Evolutionary Biology told RFI. Between 2014-2018 his team photographed around 400 giraffes in Hwange -- the park where Cecil the Lion once lived. Out of a set of nearly 4,000 pictures a training dataset was created by cropping the images to display the animals' flanks. These were fed into a computer system, known as a convolutional neural network (CNN) that analyses visual imagery. Ninety percent accuracy This deep learning system, mostly used in facial recognition of humans, was trained by the scientists to re-identify individual giraffes in Hwange with 90 percent accuracy. "The advantage of deep learning is that once the computer has been trained, it is very fast and can tackle dozens of images in a few seconds," explained Miele. "Deep learning's algorithms are known to outperform any other algorithms in terms of predicting performance." Training computers to sift through photographs is critical to the work of field biologists. Digital cameras and camera traps (remote devices that use sensors to photograph passing animals) can generate tens of thousands of images. These can become overwhelming, the authors note in a new study published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution. The team managed to train their computer programme with just five or so photographs per animal. These images were then altered, or "augmented" in the laboratory to create variability, making the programme more effective at remembering individuals seen in the park. Important data Although the system was occasionally foxed by poor quality pictures, the team observed very few incorrect matches. "We observed very little or wrong matching," Christophe Bonenfant, co-author of the study told RFI. "When a match is reported the result is really good and reliable." He said the system is used to obtain important data on group composition, life histories or movement of giraffes. "Like most giraffe populations in the world, abundance is decreasing at Hwange and obviously everybody is hunting for an explanation," he added. The CNN system tested in Hwange builds on earlier work that uses artificial intelligence to distinguish between giraffes. Having tools like these to keep tabs on the animals will prove invaluable for their conservation. Thanks to artificial intelligence, individual photo-identification of Giraffes is now automatised. An international study at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (with Simon Chamaille-Jammes, CNRS/CEFE).https://t.co/QiS3xEHfNh @chamaillejammes @INEE_CNRS @CNRS_OccitaniE pic.twitter.com/MKptKLNVY5 - CEFE: Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (@cefemontpellier) May 3, 2021 Population decline Giraffes have undergone worrying population declines without the headline-grabbing attention given to other megafauna, like lions, elephants and rhinos. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines ICT Wildlife Innovation By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The International Union for Conservation of Nature recognises nine subspecies of giraffe. Most are listed as near threatened, vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation an independent group working in 16 African countries, estimates the animals' continent-wide population has declined by nearly 30 percent since the 1980s, from more than 155,000 to around 117,000 now. Although the CNN system used in Zimbabwe was designed to recognise and monitor giraffes, it uses freely-available software and researchers can tweak it to apply to a range of other mammals. In Hwange, this might include zebra and kudu, a large antelope that has majestically twirled horns and -- critically -- unique stripes on its coat. Said Bonenfant: "We hope that our system will be adopted in other sites or species." Nairobi The Council of Governors (CoG) says it will push for the continuous lifting of the lockdown measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 so as to spur economic growth. Speaking on Wednesday during the weekly briefing on the Coronavirus, CoG Chairman Embu Governor Martin Wambora said they have noted the negative effect the restrictions have had on the economy. "Going forward we shall prevail with our partners in the National Government to go easy on this locking down of the counties. Because we have seen the impact in terms of economies going to ruins. As much as possible we shall really avoid lockdowns so that we focus on preventative measures," he said. President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted a partial lockdown imposed on five counties on May 1, when the countries showed signs of slowing the COVID-19 curve after a positivity rate of more than 20 per cent in March. Wambora said that the counties have in the past one week made significant strides to contain the virus, and urged for more adherence to the Health Ministry protocols. "Isolation beds have increased by 313 after some patients recovered from the disease, while ICU and HDU beds have increased by 78 and 22 respectively," the CoG Chairman said. For instance the total number of available beds in isolation centres increased by 300 to 6,032 while there was a marked reduction in the number of High Dependency Unit (HDU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions. Wambora noted that public transport continues to be a serious challenge in the prevention of the spread of the virus warning that County Governments will continue to enforce adherence to the number of passengers in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). The Embu Governor said they have put up various measures to safeguard learners, teachers and support staff from the virus. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "1.1 million facemasks have been distributed to learners and trainees in ECDE Centers and Vocational Training Centers while 9,431 hand washing stations have been set up in strategic positions within learning institutions," Wambora stated. He said additional classrooms have also been built to enhance social distancing adding that there will be frequent fumigation of common areas to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On funding to Counties, the Governors urged the National Treasury to expedite the release of Sh66 billion before the current financial year lapses at the end of June. "As at Monday May 10, the Treasury had only released Sh4.6 billion to County Governments. In terms of distribution, Nairobi County is owed Sh2.6 billion for the month of December and January while another 22 Counties are owed a cumulative Sh1billion for the month of February. Additionally, Sh25 billion is owed to the 47 Counties for the month of March as well another Sh28 billion for the month of April," Wambora explained. He said the counties need the funds to enhance their response measure towards the COVID-19 pandemic, pay their pending bills and develop the Counties. He revealed that 917, 068 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine dose, among them Healthcare workers (160,947), Teachers (143,684) as well those in the security sector (77,417). Persons above the age of 58 year account for 280,876 and others (254,144). document Your Excellency, Ine Eriksen Sreide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Distinguished representatives from co-sponsoring Member States and partner organisations, Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends, It is an honour to address you today. When it was passed in 2016, UN Security Council Resolution 2286 brought critical attention to the issue of attacks against health workers, patients, and facilities, especially in conflict situations. Now, as the world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, attacks on health care are continuing. Fragile, conflict-affected settings with already weakened health systems are suffering the most. In total, roughly two thousand four hundred incidents in 17 countries and territories have been recorded by the Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care, since its roll out in December 2017. Over six hundred health care workers and patients have died, and nearly two thousand have been injured. It is not uncommon for attacks to force health care facilities to close for long periods of time. Even in instances where facilities stay open, looting often leaves communities deprived of access to medicines and other vital medical products. An attack can deprive an entire community of essential health services that are needed to save lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded these challenges. These attacks must stop. First and foremost, this requires world leaders to step up efforts to end all conflicts. In the meantime, advocacy and awareness-raising on the importance of protecting health facilities must continue. And the aid we provide in humanitarian settings must be accompanied by appropriate protection measures, which take care not inadvertently instigate even more attacks. I look forward to an open and frank discussion today on how we can work together to better protect our health workers, patients, and care facilities. I thank you. Transport services have been paralysed between Kanyamkago in Migori County and Kanyikela in Homa Bay County after a key bridge that connects the two areas collapsed due to the ongoing heavy rains. Oria-Riat Bridge along River Kuja collapsed early Wednesday morning when a truck full of sugarcane was crossing the river to Sukari Industries, a local private sugar miller. No casualties were reported. "I have sent officers to the scene to investigate what happened. The truck driver was alone when the bridge collapsed early in the morning. He is in a stable condition at a local clinic," said Ndhiwa Sub-county Police Commander Robert Aboko. The bridge has been in existence for more than 40 years. It plays a major role in linking residents and traders between Migori and Homa Bay counties. South Kanyikela Chief Moses Ongong'a said the metallic bridge was constructed in 1977 and has been used to transport sugarcane from farms to the industry based in Riata trading centre for processing. Some of the people it serves include students at Otange primary school, Otange Secondary School and Minyere Secondary school. "Some students hail from Migori and would cross the river every morning and evening to go to school. The bridge is also used by workers at the milling plant. Most people had not crossed from one side to the other when it collapsed," Mr Ongonga said. The accident has resulted in a total paralysis of transport between Homa Bay and Migori as residents called on their leaders to put up a foot bridge across river Kuja to ease movement of people. Mr Fredrick Sije, a resident, claimed truck drivers transporting sugarcane have been defying warnings not to use the bridge when their vehicles are fully loaded. He said drivers have always been advised to use a different route because the bridge is weak. "Trucks drivers have always been advised to use Ongito bridge through Amoyo trading centre to minimise risks at the weak bridge. Oria-Riat bridge does not support heavy loads but most drivers have continuously disregarded the danger," he said. He called on leaders and the management of Sukari Industry to move with speed and construct a foot bridge to ease movement of students and traders across the two counties. This comes even as pupils of Angugo, Kabuto and Nyora primary Schools in Nyatike Sub County failed to report as schools reopened for third term following flash floods that has swept through the area. The ongoing heavy downpour has already seen over 800 families left homeless for close to a month weeks after River Kuja broke its banks, flooding several villages in the area. Compounded with the back flow from Lake Victoria, villages of Angugo, Nyora, Modi and Lwanda are inhabitable, with the affected populace seeking shelter in schools calling on the government for help. Migori County commissioner Mr Boaz Cherutich said a team comprising the Red Cross, education officials and local administration had been dispatched to "assess the situation and "I have directed the education ministry, local administration and the Kenya Red cross to visit the affected school and give details of their findings. We are planning to relocate the pupils to neighboring schools" Mr Cherutich said adding that the water levels were contributed by the ongoing construction of Masara-Sori road which had diverted the course of the waters. "We have contacted the contractor doing the road who plans to raise the road to provide a temporary dyke that will prevent further back flow. We have sent out an appeal food and non-food items from the national government which we expect to arrive in due course," he said. At the same time, Dhogoye bridge, which connects Bondo Usenge and Osieko has been washed away by floods following a heavy down pour that has been pounding the area for over one week now. The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) has warned motorists using the route that acts as a link between Bondo Sub county and Budalangi in Busia County against using the route which is vital for trade. Kenha sent a travel advisory following the increased rainfall witnessed in several sections of the Lake Victoria basin causing flooding. "Since there is no alternative access to Osieko, we wish to advise motorists along that section not to attempt crossing the overtopped section and to only cross when the water levels are low," said Kenha. Out of desperation, for the past few days, the causeway has been covered with water, but locals have been risking by speeding across it, as well as motorists carrying heavy loads. "The water has already covered the road, we fear that if the rains continue the Lake Victoria water will spread backwards to River Yala and the road will be no more which may lead to deaths should people use it," said George Omondi, a resident of Nyangera in Usenge. This has been a recurring ussue when there are heavy rains experienced in Nyanza and its environs. The authority warned heavy trucks to avoid using the crossing for now as they evaluate mechanisms of undertaking works on the structure. "A permanent bridge is planned and procurement process is underway to solve the rising Lake Victoria water levels at this crossing," read the statement. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Transport Climate By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Goye crossing, was built in 1975 and was estimated to operate for 20 years before a new one could be built. It is at the Goye bridge that River Yala drains into Lake Victoria. However, commuters have been complaining of the road which has been wasting away year in year out as they wait for the water levels to go down. Locals have however complained about the delay in construction of the bridge that continues to affect the operations on that route. It is only last week that a truck that overturned next to the bridge paralysed operations along the busy road. The motorists plying that route also decried thousands of shillings they use to repair their cycles and vehicles. Earlier, West Kanyuor location chief Philip Opolo over the weekend said over 600 families were displaced in Kakelo-Kakoth sub-location and another 200 from Karapolo and West Kanyuor sub-locations. Besides displacing families, Mr Opolo said the floods have destroyed farms and road networks exposing residents to more challenges. The county department for environment and disaster management said it set aside Sh10 million to mitigate floods associated with the long rains but residents said they have received no support so far. Reporting by Ian Byron, George Odiwour, Rushdie Oudia For the eight months that the schools were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wabwire Nanjala Athman, who scored A- (Minus) of 75 points, shuttled between various construction sites in Mombasa. The 19-year-old had to move from one site to another to supplement the earnings of his mother, who works as a house help within the Central Business District in Mombasa. So, he did not revise regularly for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations like the rest of the students. "I did not open those books. I used to wake up very early in the morning to work in the construction sites. When the sun went down I couldn't study because of fatigue," he says. His predicament was aggravated by the fact that the single room that houses him and his mother is not connected to electricity. "My phone is not internet-enabled. Online learning to me is vocabulary. I just heard that candidates were having their online classes. I did not have that opportunity," he says. Aware of the situation at home, Athman waited patiently for schools to reopen so that he could embark on serious learning and revision. Even when he was not able to make it to the construction sites, the environment at home did not support any learning activity because he was expected to take care of his six-year-old brother when their mother was always away from home. "My mother comes back only on weekends. So I have to look for food so that my brother and I do not starve," he says. When the construction work was unavailable, the boy would do menial jobs just to make the ends meet. But despite these challenges, the teenager managed to register good performance to earn himself a slot in the university. When schools reopened, Athman took his studies seriously to make up for the lost time. "I am a fast learner. I hardly forget anything that I read, so it was easy for me to catch up with the rest," he says. Athman is one of the top students at Istiqama Secondary school. He wants to be an engineer. His life in general has not been easy. He started at St Augustine Primary in Changamwe up to Standard Four before moving to Bright Academy, where he schooled for a year. He again relocated to two other schools before joining Bashir Primary School, where he sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and scored 376 marks. "I was moving from one school to another due to lack of school fees. Whenever I get someone who could support my education I was forced to move to the school of the sponsor's choice," he says. After the KCPE results were announced, Athman was admitted to Shimo La Tewa High School but gave up the slot due to lack of school fees. Together with his mother Juliet Nanjala, he started looking for scholarship opportunities, which unfortunately did not materialise. "When we were about to give up, a friend of my mother informed us that scholarship forms for Shariff Nassir Foundation were still open for application. I applied and that is how I was absorbed into the programme," he says. He then joined Istiqama Secondary School in Malindi under full scholarship. "I joined the school two months after classes had already begun. However, I kept my dreams alive, not giving up despite the many challenges I had. I knew that one day, things would work out. It was just a matter of time," he offers. His mother told the nation.africa that she had struggled to bring up the boy, whose father disappeared as soon as he discovered that she was pregnant. "I thank God for this miracle. I am tongue-tied. Though I believed in his ability, I did not expect this good performance. I am now happy and grateful to God," she says as tears well her eyes. She was particularly worried about his performance, due to the months he stayed at home, doing casual work to help her, instead of focusing on his education. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "He is a hardworking boy though I was just worried," says Ms Nanjala. Ms Nanjala reveals that she conceived Athman while she was in Class Three after she was impregnated by a vegetable vendor. "I have never seen him since 2002. I used to be sent to him to buy vegetables. I did not know he had ill motives," she recalls. The mother of two briefly narrated how her life became miserable thereafter. "I was thrown out of the house after the man could not be traced," she recalls. She says that it was this early pregnancy that made her look for work to take care of the child. "That is how I became a house help. I have raised the boy with the little that I get from this work," she says. The Director of Istiqama Group of Schools Omar Shariff says that it was the boy's good grades that earned him a scholarship. "We did not care about his tribe or religion. We dealt with his situation to offer him the needed help," he says. A tree-planting campaign has been launched in Isiolo county to increase the forest cover, which has been depleting due to the effects of climate change. The National Construction Authority (NCA) Executive Director Maurice Akech said Kenyans must take it upon themselves to embrace the culture of planting trees to realise the government's 10 percent forest cover target by 2022. Speaking while overseeing the launch of the exercise at Waso Primary in Isiolo, NCA Corporate Communications officer Milkah Achar said the Authority is planting trees worth Sh2.5 million across the country. With a big number of residents solely relying on tree felling as their main source of livelihood, the government continues to face a difficult task in ensuring that Kenya has a forest cover of at least 10 percent. In Ngaremara for instance, due to lack of alternative sources of income, residents have been felling trees in droves to raise money for school fees for their children and provide for the families as pastoralism has proven ineffective. Infrastructural funding Accompanied by NCA Upper Eastern coordinator Festus Mariera, the officials asked communities and public schools to apply for the Authority's infrastructural funding to improve their facilities and service delivery. "We are appealing to government and non-governmental organisations and bodies to also initiate such programmes in schools," said Mr Mariera. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Environment Sustainable Development By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Waso Primary School headteacher Charles Githaiga said the fruit trees will go a long way in ensuring food security and a better ecosystem. He added that learners will also have a place to shelter themselves from the scorching sun. "The trees will help in breaking the strong winds common in the area and which have on several occasions blown the roof of our classes," the school head said. Waso Location Chief James Chuchu offered to assist the school with some NYS cohorts to water the seedlings. Isiolo Ecosystem Conservator Geoffrey Mwaura said the Kenya Forest Service will continue training residents on how to start on-farm nurseries for economic empowerment. "Schools should start their own initiatives so that we have as many trees as possible. The planted trees should be attended to so that they reach maturity," said Mr Mwaura. The NCA officials appealed to residents to shun cutting down trees but plant more to beat climate change. Kenya has joined the world in condemning clashes in East Jerusalem after Israeli troops raided a mosque, setting off a chain of violent events. During a debate at the UN Security Council, Kenya said all sides must cease fire to enable an amicable solution. "During the UNSC debate on the violence in East Jerusalem, Kenya urged all authorities, and particularly law enforcement, to de-escalate the situation in Jerusalem before it leads to a more extensive wave of violence," the Kenyan Permanent Mission to the UN in New York said on Tuesday after a session on Monday. Kenya, which supports a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, said it is opposed to violence. "We insisted that the agreed status quo on Jerusalem be respected." Violence escalates Despite the call at the Council on Monday, violence escalated on Tuesday after Israel bombarded Gaza with airstrikes as Hamas fired back rockets into Israeli settlements. More than two dozen Palestinians and at least five Israelis had been killed by Wednesday morning. The UN Security Council was expected to meet again on Wednesday evening for an emergency closed-door meeting. And the Council's members were voicing concerns at the rising tensions after Israel amassed troops at the border and Hamas promised to retaliate. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti said his country is "deeply concerned at clashes and violence in Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount". Danger to entire region Indian, traditionally an Israeli ally, also said the spread of violence into residential neighbourhoods were a danger to the entire region. "India is equally concerned about evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods," he said after reports emerged of several Palestinians being evicted from their houses. Israel and Palestine have often fought over the true flow of each other's territories and the status quo. Between Israel and Palestine, the status quo has often implied that East Jerusalem is seen as an occupied Palestinian city, that Palestinian refugees retain right to return and that Jewish settlements remain occupied territories. West Bank raid From Monday, the Israeli army raided the West Bank and arrested dozens of Palestinians it linked to Hamas, the movement that governs Gaza and seen as a danger to Israel. On Tuesday, it shelled and downed a skyscraper said to have hosted Hamas offices. At least five families perished in the debris, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said both sides should de-escalate the violence for the sake of civilian safety. "I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint. "The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions," he said on Monday. On Tuesday, the African Union also condemned the violence after Israeli security forces attacked the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, wounding some 300 worshippers. "The Chairperson reiterates that the Israeli army's actions, including the continued forced, illegal evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem, are in stark violation of international law and further heighten tensions in the region, complicating the search for a just and lasting solution," said a statement from the office of the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. "The Chairperson reiterates the continued strong support of the African Union with the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital." Find lasting solution The AU said there should be renewed genuine international efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict "based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, within the framework of the relevant African Union and United Nations pronouncements." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Conflict Middle East and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. After the incidents on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to express his "concerns regarding rocket attacks on Israel". "The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed the violence in Jerusalem, in particular on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. The Secretary reiterated his call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children," said Ned Price, spokesman for the State Department, on Tuesday night. "The Secretary emphasised the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy." The US, under Donald Trump, had worsened the relations between Israel and Palestine when it decided to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, violating one of the pending issues that had to be discussed under the two-state solution. Palestine rejected the move, although the US relocated its embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. A court has ordered the Nairobi City County government to pay a widow over Sh17 million for irregularly auctioning her house over alleged rent arrears 18 years ago. Justice Joseph Sergon Wednesday ordered the county government to pay Phanice Ondeche Asitiba, 87, the money by May 31, 2021, failure to which four senior officials will be arrested and sent to jail. Justice Sergon directed Mr Musumba (acting county secretary), Ms Lydia Kwamboka (county attorney), Mr Allan Esabwa Igambi (Finance CEC) and Mr Halake Wako (Finance Officer) to compensate Mrs Asitiba for the illegal sale of her three-bedroomed house in Kariobangi South. The house was sold in 1993 for Sh250,000over alleged rent arrears of Sh15,338.30. No rent arrears Through lawyer Wangira Okoba, Mrs Asitiba proved she had no rent arrears and that the "sale by the then Nairobi City Council (NCC) was illegal and a flagrant infringement of her rights". The house in dispute had been allocated by the NCC to the late Asitiba Atenya Ayau, who was a quarry worker. The widow told Justice Sergon that since her husband's death in 2002, she and her three children kept on paying rent to NCC without failing. In a judgement entered against the NCC in 2017, Justice Sergon established that the sale of the widow's house was irregular and unlawful. He then ordered the county government to compensate her at the current market rate of Sh12 million. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The judge also directed the decretal amount to attract a 12 per cent interest per annum until the money is paid in full. Attracted interest By March 2021, the amount had attracted an interest of Sh4,920,000 from October 2017. Mr Okaba urged Justice Sergon to commit the four senior city officials to civil jail for failing to implement the court order to compensate the widow. "Unless this court takes a firm stand to stamp its authority, these officials of the NCC have become elusive and have totally refused to pay the widow yet they sold her house irregularly in 1993," Mr Okaba told the judge. While Mr Okaba urged the judge to jail the four, the officials sought time to resolve the matter saying discussions to pay the widow have gained momentum. "It is five years down the line yet the officials of NCC have been tossing the widow here and there," the lawyer said. Justice Sergon gave the county officials until May 31, 2021 to pay the widow or they be jailed. Two police reservists were Wednesday morning killed in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Wargadud, Wajir County. Security agents responding to the attack managed to gun down two members of the outlawed group, according to senior security officers in Wajir. Tarbaj Sub-County Police commander Mohamed Learat said a specialised police unit is still trailing the attackers. "A group of about ten suspected Al-Shabaab militants attempted to destroy a telecommunication mast at Afaad centre in Wargadud at 3 am. Our officers guarding the mast responded leading to a gun battle," Mr Learat said by phone. Gun battle He said two police reservists died in the gun battle. Other security officers from nearby camps within Tarbaj responded and gunned down the two attackers. "Surveillance and a search for the attackers is still on as we speak and I am optimistic that our special security forces will catch up with them within the day," he said. According to the police, the attackers crossed into Tarbaj from Somalia at an unknown date and have been hiding in the bushes as they planned to carry out a series of attacks in the area. He said the attackers targeted the mast in order to disrupt communication before proceeding to other targets within the area. Not locals "The attackers are not locals but we shall be investigating to know if there is a local hand in their activities," SCPC said. In the clash, police recovered two AK-47 rifles and ten magazines loaded with ammunition. The two police reservists were buried early morning as per the Islamic burial rites. Mr Learat said the security situation in Tarbaj has normalised despite the ongoing operation by security agencies. "We shall not rest until we get all the attackers because we want to continue enjoying a peaceful and secure environment," he said. Nairobi A senior police officer was arrested in Nairobi Wednesday, for shooting to death a night guard. Simon Mutia Mwongela, who is in charge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Embakasi, was arrested on Wednesday morning folowing the incident, police said. "He has been arrested and is now under investigation for murder," said Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai who ordered the arrest. Reports say the officer shot the guard at a bar in Kayole at 4.30am. "He had gone to the club in the morning and demanded to get in," a police officer who visited the scene said, "and when he was told it had been closed, he sot the guard on his way out as he demanded to be shown where his car was." Geneva, Switzerland The United Nations warns Somalia faces a perilous future as drought followed by torrential rains have destroyed this year's planting season. Somalia is one of the countries in the world most prone to the erratic and calamitous impacts of climate change. It has been hit by a double climate disaster for more than two weeks that is likely to worsen its already acute situation of food insecurity. The drought, which was declared on April 25 was soon followed by torrential rains that caused flash floods and rivers to overflow. The U.N. organization for the coordination of humanitarian affairs reports the rains came too late for the planting season. OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said floods have killed at least 25 people in various parts of the country. The victims include nine children who died when their house flooded in the Benadir region, in the capital, Mogadishu. "The Juba River has burst its banks, houses have been washed away and livestock have perished. There are also reports of flooding in the north of the country and there are continuous flash flood warnings across Somalia, especially for people living in low lying areas. In flooded areas, local communities are struggling to prevent further flooding by placing sandbags, poles and other materials to reinforce riverbanks," he said. The World Food Program reports 2.7 million Somalis are short of food, with more than half-a-million on the brink of famine. An estimated 300,000 children under age five are malnourished, including 48,000 who are severely malnourished and at high risk of disease and death. OCHA spokesman Laerke warned the combined impact of drought and floods is likely to worsen this critical situation. "Both climate shocks cause displacement, jeopardize access to safe water, increase waterborne diseases and impact people's livelihoods. Despite increasing humanitarian needs, the funding forecast for 2021 is the worst in six years. This year's Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan requires $1 billion to assist four million people. As of today, the plan is only 19 percent funded," he said. Laerke said OCHA and partners are using the limited funds at their disposal to step up operations in drought-affected areas and reach at least 353,000 people with aid. Urgent efforts, he adds also are under way to respond to the flash flooding. The World Food Program reports it has distributed food to more than 20,000 people in Jowhar city, one of the areas hardest hit by flooding in central Somalia. Khartoum Sudanese investigators recently questioned top military chiefs on the ruling Sovereign Council about a deadly June 2019 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. But right defenders and relatives of victims doubt the generals will ever face justice. Those being investigated include the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, General Abdelfatah al-Burhan, and the head of the controversial Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who rights groups blame for the violent dispersal that left more than 120 people dead. A special investigation committee was formed in October 2019 and 3,000 witnesses provided testimony to the committee. In a televised interview, the chief of the committee, Nabeel Adeeb, confirmed the investigations with military generals. Adeeb says they summoned anyone they thought is relevant or has information to provide. No one objected it and they were not prevented from summoning any person, with no exceptions. The crackdown took place on June 3, 2019, when security forces attacked and dispersed thousands of pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum. In June 2019, a spokesman for the then-ruling military junta, General Shams Eldin al-Kabashi, admitted on national television that generals planned the dispersal. Kabashi says they called for a meeting that was attended by all of the transitional military council and the chief of security forces and took advice from the legal apparatuses to deal with the sit-in. We then directed the military leaders to plan the dispersal of the sit-in; they put their plan and executed it and then what happened has already happened, we are sorry about it, there were some mistakes and committing of abuses. Al-Kabashi now says he misspoke that day. Kabashi says he mentioned the dispersal of the sit-in in his previous statements but what he said was taken out of context. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Sudan Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In April 2021, a group known as the Families of the December Revolution Victims asked the International Criminal Court to investigate the dispersal for possible crimes against humanity. Farah Abbas, a father of a victim and the chief of the organization, says he expects the committee of the sit-in dispersal will say what happened cannot be changed as the military leaders said. The case files are in front of the ICC and the ICC is completing the gaps and defects in the local justice system and courts when there is no willingness to achieve justice and when there is an absence of law. Relatives of victims like Eman Ismail, a mother of a June 3 crackdown victim, doubt any of the military generals will face justice. She says there is a sluggishness about the procedures of the opened cases regarding the victims and that refers to the unqualified and non-transparent justice system. The sit-in dispersal committee isn't useful and is unnecessary as the evidence is abundant. Truth requires courage from the killers to admit to the Sudanese people that they committed violence and let people decide the path of justice. The families of the victims called for a gathering around the military headquarters in Khartoum Tuesday, but the Sudanese military blocked access with barricades and heavy vehicles. A protest vigil against the military junta in Khartoum North in 2019. Khartoum Sudan's transitional government is under fire after security forces used live ammunition Tuesday to disperse people marking the two-year anniversary of a pro-democracy protest, leaving two people dead. On June 3, 2019, soldiers opened fire on pro-democracy demonstrators who had surrounded military headquarters in Khartoum, killing more than 100 people. Relatives of the victims gathered Tuesday around military headquarters in the capital to remember those killed. A few hours after Tuesday's gathering, security troops fired live ammunition to disperse the remaining protesters and killed two people. Dozens more were injured, and witnesses say many were arrested after the attack. Sudan's military denied any connection to the attack and said it did not issue instructions to use live ammunition. The military said it will open an investigation. On Wednesday, the office of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok said Hamdok met with the generals, the heads of the interior and defense ministries, and other officials to discuss Tuesday's incident. In a news release, Hamdok expressed the transitional government's sorrow for the bloody events and the excessive use of power and called on the military and justice system to help with an investigation. The embassy of the United States expressed its shock and condemned the use of live ammunition, urging the transitional authorities to fully investigate the attack. Many officials and parties who have roles in the transitional government called on top officials to resign if authorities fail to name and prosecute the troops who opened fire. The transitional government came to power in 2019 after generals ousted longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of mass protests against his rule. That August, protest leaders and the generals signed a power-sharing agreement. According to the agreement, military generals are due to hand over power to a civilian leader named by the protest leaders later this month. June 3 marks the two-year anniversary of the massacre. Pro-democracy protesters have proclaimed that date as a deadline for the transitional authorities to start prosecuting those behind that event and the killing of the two people on Tuesday. Yaounde, Cameroon Cameroon authorities say anglophone separatists have been increasing their use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which killed 24 people in the past two weeks. Cameroon's military held an emergency meeting on the issue Monday. Cameroon's Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo held two emergency meetings in the past week over the increasing use of improvised explosive devices in the country's west. After the meeting on Monday, Assomo said IEDs planted by anglophone separatists were resulting in almost daily casualties. He says as the number of separatist fighters is reducing, the few groups of rebels remaining have resorted to IEDs to fight government troops. Assomo says the military has destroyed many separatist camps, weapons, and fighters, while some have surrendered. He says the military seizes or destroys IEDs on a daily basis, adding that Cameroon's troops will never stop protecting civilians. Anglophone rebels on social media posts deny that their numbers are dropping and say the IEDs are targeted at the military, to chase them from the western regions. But, Assomo said at least 24 troops and civilians were killed by IEDs within the past two weeks. Twenty-four-year-old University of Yaounde student Chris Verla says the public bus he was riding Sunday from the northwest town of Ndop to Yaounde hit an IED. Verla says three passengers died on the spot while he and four others were severely injured. "Some of us have amputated hands and legs. We have now become beggars," said Verla. "We can no longer take care of our families because of these bombs, so we are begging that whoever is doing it should stop. We have suffered a lot because of this crisis. We do not want to be victims of this crisis." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Cameroon Conflict Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Cameroon's military confirmed the Sunday bombing took place near Sabga village and said troops detonated four other IEDs in the area. Separatists via WhatsApp and Facebook claimed responsibility for the attack, but said it was targeted at the military. Cameroons Rights Group activist Clifford Akomone condemned the rebels' use of IEDs on roads used by civilians. "It is a strategy used by separatist fighters to oust the military from the territory which they claim to be theirs, but their method is disturbing the civilians," said Akomone. "Many people abandon their properties just because the area is uncomfortable for them." Defense Minister Assomo on Monday said Cameroon is deploying special troops to the western regions to detect and destroy IEDs. Cameroon's anglophone separatists have been fighting since 2017 to create a English-state from the French-speaking majority country. Rights groups have blamed both the rebels and government troops for atrocities, including against civilians. The UN says the conflict has left more than 3,000 people dead and 600,000 displaced. Kampala, Uganda As he has five times before, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni took the oath of office Wednesday and was sworn in to a sixth term in office. "I, Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, swear in the name of the Almighty God, that I shall faithfully exercise the functions of the president of Uganda, and shall uphold, preserve and defend the constitution so, help me God," Museveni said to cheers and music. In his inaugural speech, Museveni -- who has been harshly criticized for repressing political opposition -- also said foreigners have no right to teach him about democracy. Museveni and his National Resistance Movement party were declared the winner of the January 14 elections with 58.6% of the vote. Opposition leader Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform, which came in second with 34%, say the vote was rigged. During the campaign period, dozens of Ugandan youth were either arrested, injured or killed as security forces tried to block Wine from holding rallies. One of those injured was 29-year-old Senjovu Jonathan, who was shot by a soldier as he walked home in Kampala on November 19. He said Museveni's swearing-in would mean something if the president promised to punish those who wounded or killed young people like him. Senjovu said government has never investigated whether the people they maimed and killed are helped. He said, I hoped that the president we chose was meant to be sworn]in today, but that hasn't happened. Someone else has sworn in. Museveni rigged the election but we will never settle until Uganda gets the change it deserves, Senjovu said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The shootings during the campaign generated harsh criticism against Museveni, both at home and internationally. But on Wednesday, Museveni dismissed his critics, saying Uganda never experienced democracy during times of colonialism and much of the post-colonial era. This is why he says he developed a democratic structure for Uganda. "It is therefore quite comic and laughable to hear some actors in the world, giving us lectures about democracy. We built this system for our people. We neither seek nor need any approbation from anybody outside Uganda," Museveni said. In his inaugural speech, witnessed by eleven presidents, Museveni preached African security, a united front and the need to defend Africa from foreign enemies. The majority of the over 4,000 invited guests were supporters of the ruling party. Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbayo was elated about the swearing-in. "Now he's starting a new term, that's the importance. To the NRM party, it is victory on and on," Mbayo said. Museveni is now expected to head Uganda until 2025 when he would turn 82. Geneva U.N. human rights officials are expressing concern about increasingly repressive actions by the Algerian government, which they say are stifling peoples' rights to freedom of opinion and assembly. Demonstrations have not been held in the streets of Algeria for most of the past year because of COVID-19. However, since they resumed February 13, the U.N. human rights office says it has received reports of security forces using unnecessary and disproportionate force against peaceful protesters. The protesters are part of the Hirak movement, which began two years ago after then-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he would run for a fifth term. While he is no longer in power, the movement continues to call for the ouster of the ruling elite, which it considers corrupt. Human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said student marches were blocked on four occasions in April and May, and security forces have arrested hundreds of protesters. He noted some detainees reportedly were released after being forced to sign a document promising not to participate in protests. "Currently, around 70 people are still reportedly detained for exercising their legitimate human rights," Colville said. "Some of them are serving lengthy sentences, while others are in pre-trial detention. New allegations of physical and sexual violence in detention have also been surfacing in recent days." Colville said activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary citizens peacefully expressing dissent continue to face criminal prosecution. He added that Hirak activists continue to be prosecuted even after a presidential pardon was announced in February. "So, we urge the Algerian authorities to stop using violence to disperse peaceful demonstrations, to halt arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly ... and to cease all forms of harassment and intimidation against them," he said. The U.N. human rights office is calling on Algerian authorities to conduct prompt, impartial and effective investigations into all allegations of human rights violations, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to provide redress for the victims. In response to past criticisms, government spokesman and Minister of Communication Ammar Belhimer has said people who are arrested "are not detained by the judiciary for expressing their opinion, but for reasons relating to maintaining public security." The number of pregnant girls who sat for last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations was increasingly high, a worrying trend attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced schools to close for a year. While at home between March 2020 to January 2021, thousands of school girls were impregnated, with some opting out of school when learners resumed school in January 2021. But there are 652 of them who were determined to complete school, and even sat for the KCSE examinations whose results were released last week. "We have noted the number of candidates sitting the examinations upon delivery went up in 2020," said Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha when he released the results, "this shows that the long school closure due to COVID-19 may have driven our learners into many temptations at a time most households were facing enormous challenges." The number of pregnant girls who sat for the examinations in 2020 increased almost three times, compared to 282 in 2019. "I was instructed to track these girls and make sure they are not loitering around and being cheated with sweets and what have you," he said. The Kenya Health Information Management System said there were more than 170,000 teen pregnancies recorded last year alone, when schools were closed. And according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the most vulnerable group is aged between 15 and 19. The Education Cabinet Secretary is now urging parents to be more close to their children, particularly girls who are more vulnerable in the society, wth the rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV). "I plead to my daughters and granddaughters who received their results that as they wait to join Form 1 in July, let them have something to do. Let parents help them," Magoha said. Statistics released in April by the Ministry of Public Service and Gender show that 5,009 cases were recorded between January and December 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry's Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia said the cases represented an increase of 1,411 compared to cases reported in 2019. Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru and Kiambu counties accounted for most of the cases. "The findings of the study established that the number of Gender-Based Violence cases reported between January and June 2020 had an increase of 92 percent compared to previous year same period," Kobia said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Education Pregnancy and Childbirth By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Winnie Syombua, a Gender Lead at the Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), a Non-Governmental Organisation that promotes human rights through journalism said the figures could be much higher, and has urged the government and other players involved to do more to protect girls and women. "Gender-Based Violence should be declared a national scourge, based on the numbers we see today," she said, "GBV destroys the recipient to the core, it maims and kills and worse of all, it has become normalized in our society. There is need to put in place both structural and legal measures to address it." Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has assured of the government's commitment to tame the vice, and even directed local administrators to work closely with police and the clergy. And in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive that no school girl should be denied a chance to complete their education due to pregnancy, the Education Cabinet Secretary said all girls who get pregnant while in school will always get re-admission. "There is no girl who will be locked out of school because of pregnancy," he said, "every girl deserves the chance to complete school." Nairobi The EAC Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, has revealed that the EAC Secretariat is set to avail a trade hotline providing cross-border traders with a platform to register their challenges and get prompt feedback, across all EAC border posts. This is in a move set to resolve persistent Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and reduce time spent in the movement of goods and persons, hence increasing intra EAC trade, which currently stands at 15 percent. The Secretary General added that the hotline will enable the council to register persistent trade barriers, provide feedback and make follow ups. "The hotline will enable us to register persistent trade barriers, provide feedback and make follow ups," said Dr. Mathuki. He spoke during a visit at the Namanga One Stop Border Post, where he was meeting Trade Facilitation Agencies and cross border traders to deliberate on sustainable solutions to ease cross border trade. The East African Business Council facilitating the Public Private Dialogue (PPD), affirmed that the movement of goods and persons at the Namanga One Stop Border Post (OSBP) and truck traffic impasse has cleared following the directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the recent visit by Samia Suluhu, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The meeting providing a platform for cross border traders, Trade Facilitation Agencies, EABC and the EAC Secretariat to discuss sustainable solutions to boost bilateral and regional cross-border trade saw the traders urge for the harmonization of standards for the most traded goods in the region. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines East Africa Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. EABC is calling for the harmonization of taxes and charges across the region, reduction of weigh bridge costs and punitive fines imposed across borders. Speaking at the forum, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Namanga OSBP Manager, Paul Kamkulu stated that in the year 2019/2020, Tanzania imports from Kenya stood at approximately USD 138.79 Million while exports to Kenya stood at approximately USD 124.33 Million. In the year 2020/2021, Tanzania imports from Kenya stood at approximately. USD 131.44 Million while exports to Kenya stood at approximately USD 170.40 Million Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Namanga Station Manager, Joseph Moywaywa, noted that amid the pandemic, Kenya's top exports to Tanzania include detergent, tiles, auto-motives and solar panels, whilst Tanzania's top exports to Kenya include fresh vegetables, alcoholic drinks and fertilizer. Tanzania Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Amb. Dr John Stephen Simbachawene who joined the EAC Secretariat delegation reiterated the commitment of the Tanzania Government in deepening relations to resolve trade barriers disrupting trade. The Secretary General, who has been in office for less than a fortnight, was lauded for being the first Secretary General to hold a Public Private Dialogue with traders and facilitation agencies at the Namanga OSBP, in a move creating optimism on fast-tracking pending trade and policy issues. -- "Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country Nigeria needs the prayers of every patriot." As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year's Eid-el-fitr, many Nigerian leaders have felicitated with the celebrants and enjoined them to use the opportunity to pray for peace for Nigeria. Some of the leaders who released goodwill messages to mark the Thursday event include President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu. In his goodwill message contained in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari urged all Nigerians to use the opportunity of the Eid-el-Fitri to pray against all forms of insecurity that is currently bedevilling the country. He also called for continued observation of the COVID-19 prevention protocols while urging citizens not to be carried away. "On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all. "Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians, are imperative, especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one," Mr Buhari said. Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in his message, urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of peace and hope taught by the fasting month Ramadan. He noted that, amidst the security challenges in the country, the National Assembly will continue its quest to ensure the lives of Nigerians are secured wherever they are. "Let us remain strong in our hope that Nigeria will become what we fervently want it to be: a nation that fills its citizens with happiness and pride," Mr Lawan said. "Every true Muslim feels joy at participating in the Ramadan fast, which is a key obligation in Islam. May Almighty Allah therefore reward us for the spiritual voyage and grant our earnest wishes for ourselves, families and dear country. "Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country Nigeria needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers." His counterpart at the lower chamber, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, also called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria, while they play their part in ensuring peaceful coexistence. He, in a statement signed by his aide, Lanre Lasisi, urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt during the month of Ramadan for a better society. "The Islamic religion emphasizes peace, which is why every Muslim must be peaceful in their conduct wherever they find themselves," he said. Likewise, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, called on all Nigerians to take advantage of the festivity period "to reflect soberly and intensify prayers for the peace, security, unity and progress of the country." A statement he mailed to this newspaper stressed the need to use the occasion of the Eid-el-fitr to promote positivity for the nation to surmount its security, socio-economic and public health challenges. "It is impressive that the Ramadan fast was observed most devotedly amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the relevant government regulations observed by the Muslim faithful in the state. "The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah (SWT), promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another. "There is no better time to show love and togetherness than now when we are joining forces in battling a common enemy. This is why it is remarkable that the bond among our people is growing amid these very difficult times." His colleague from Niger State, Abubakar Bello, also called for sober reflection and fervent prayers in view of the prevailing security challenges in the state and the country. "I enjoin Muslims to draw from the enduring lessons of Ramadan and allow the spiritual benefits of the religious obligation to permeate and positively influence attitudinal change towards a better society. "I call on all Muslims to apply the lessons of self-control, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance, derived from fasting in the month of Ramadan, and stay off evil in the overall interest of the state and country", he said. Mr Bello also reiterated his administration's resolve to protect the interest of the citizens and assured of continuous support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) while efforts are made to reunite them with their original communities. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also praised Muslims for their devotion during Ramadan amid the coronavirus pandemic. He tasked them to remain steadfast by applying the virtues of Ramadan through sustained supplication, hospitality and good neighbourliness for the peace, security and economic prosperity of the state and the nation. "The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah (SWT), promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "There is no better time to show love and togetherness than now when we are joining forces in battling a common enemy. This is why it is remarkable that the bond among our people is growing amid these very difficult times," Mr Makinde noted. In the same vein, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Saliu Mustapha, urged faithfuls "to use the spirituality surgery which Ramadan has had on them to usher in renewed hope for Nigeria by promoting peace and the spirit of oneness among fellow compatriots." "Indeed, Ramadan has taught us that empathy and restraint are key pillars of our existence. We can use this lesson to improve on how we relate with one another. By this, we can, as a people, achieve a common goal for the good of all. "This is the best we can do at this period of uncertainty. The many challenges dogging us as a people can best be fought when we come together as one, because individually we can strive, but together thrive. "Let us shun what divides us and promote what unites us. Our belief in God, both as Muslims and Christians, should be a rallying point for us to see the picture of what we stand to benefit when we support ourselves." Muslims celebrate this year's Eid-el-fitr Thursday after a thirty-day Ramadan fasting ritual wherein they abstained from food, drink and sexual pleasure from dawn to dusk. The training held in Lafia and was aimed at equipping the officials with tools in the fight against misinformation. Nigeria's independent fact-checking and verification platform, Dubawa, has trained some staff of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the North-central part of the country. The training held in Lafia and was aimed at equipping the officials with tools in the fight against misinformation and amplifying the culture of truth in the country. NOA, a government agency, is saddled with the responsibility of communicating government policies, promoting patriotism, national unity, and by extension, fighting misinformation in Nigeria. Having held a similar training for staff in its headquarters, the two-day training had in attendance state directors and their ICT (Information and Communication Technology) officers from Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. In her opening remarks, Temilade Onilede, Dubawa's Program Officer, expressed her excitement at taking fact-checking to all geographical zones in Nigeria. She said she is hopeful of the positive impacts the training would have in the regions. Part of the events of the training include sessions on fact-checking, social media tips, accountability journalism and verification tools. Further, the participants had break-out sessions where they deliberated on strategies to improve NOA's fact-checking strategy. One of the participants, Mohammed Abdullahi, the Kogi State Director, thanked Dubawa for the training. "I thank the organizers of the program for the opportunity given to us to update our knowledge. I learnt the different tools used for fact checking and ready to step it down at the grassroots and not to believe everything they see on the Internet as the gospel truth," he said. Similarly, the ICT officer Niger State, Abdullahi Ndalima, said the training was an eye-opener as it afforded him knowledge of fact-checking. Nairobi Wajir Members of the County Assembly on Wednesday accused Governor Mohamed Mohamud of giving her spouse a free hand to manage county affairs, a situation they said had led to misuse of funds from the county coffers. Diif Ward MCA Shueb Bare told a special Senate Committee probing the impeachment of Governor Mohamud the county chief abuses his office to the extent of allowing his wife to chair some of the county meetings and award tenders to her associates. Bare submitted financial documents showing huge amounts of money having been deposited to First Lady Kheira Omar's accounts with no explanation given to the County Assembly. "We have issues with the first lady because we have evidence showing instances where she has taken bribe for county projects and money has been deposited to her account. On 9th of October 2019, a sum of Sh6 million was deposited to her account and 11th October a sum of Sh2 million was also deposited to her account and it was a straight kickback," Bare said. He further accused Wajir first lady of using her position to facilitate tender awards for a record 13 times to one man who allegedly runs proxy companies for the governor and his wife "One director called Abdi Jimal owns 7 companies and I have said in my affidavit that he runs proxy companies for the governor and his wife. He has been paid a total of Sh305,447,589 that is just one director and a single release from Treasury can be paid to 6 companies yet we have suppliers who have not been paid Sh1 million shillings since 2016," Bare said. In his submissions, Member of the County Assembly for Tula Tula Ward Abdulahi Isaac accused Mohamud of gross misappropriation of the County Funds including Sh2.6 billion allocated for development in the 2018/2019 financial year that is not accounted to date. Abdulahi who moved the motion which saw the governor impeached by 37 MCAs said the County Executive diverted the money to other uses instead of paying suppliers and workers who offered services to the County "We budgeted and allocated that money for water and roads development but until today we still have pending bills for work done and not paid for yet the money was released. The money was diverted for other things and it cannot be accounted for," he said. The two ward representatives also accused the governor of transferring county money to his son and daughter's accounts. Abdulahi further pointed out that Sh149 million meant for procuring bales of maize flour for the County had not been accounted for. The governor denied all allegations leveled against him by the MCAs saying his impeachment was politically instigated. "It is my humble plea that the committee will have time to look at the uniqueness circumstances that the Somali Community finds itself in the formation of the government at the County level. I believe the allegations contained in the impeachment by Wajir Assembly are politically motivated with malice and witch-hunt," Mohamud said. His lawyers Paul Nyamodi and Ndegwa Njiru pleaded with the committee to protect the integrity and professionalism of the Governor saying his reputation in the public service speaks for itself and his impeachment was only meant to tarnish his name. "The man before you is an innocent man. He is a man who is facing a fishing expedition prosecution. We urge you to protect the man before you, to protect his integrity and uphold his dignity as prescribed in Article 29 of the Constitution," Ndegwa pleaded. Governor Mohamud was impeached on April 27 in a vote supported by 37 MCAs against 10. Grounds cited by the MCAs included gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, poor service delivery and gross misconduct. The County Assembly represented by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi exuded confidence that with the evidence they have, the committee will have no choice but to uphold Mohamud's impeachment "When we take you through the evidence and show you the graphic but scary incompetence and corruption of the governor of Wajir County, you will reach to a conclusion that Governor Mohamud must be taken out of the political equation of Wajir County," Abdullahi submitted. "We boldly submit that if the Senate cannot remove him, it will probably not remove any other governor. The evidence is overwhelming. The evidence is indicting." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Abdullahi had earlier made a request to have governor's wife, son and daughter summoned as witnesses in his impeachment hearing. He argued that the three are the epicenter of all the allegations leveled against the governor including abuse of office and financial impropriety. The request was however opposed by governor's lawyers who said there was no basis as to summon the three arguing the move might affect future cohesiveness of governor's family should they be compelled to appear as witnesses. The Committee Chairperson Senator Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira) ruled that the hearing proceedings concern the governor alone and there were no viable reasons as to why his family should be summoned to appear as witnesses. On Thursday, the governor's lawyers will cross examine the two witness and also defend the governor against the charges leveled against him with 6 witnesses lined up for his defense before the committee retreats to make its verdict. President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga conclude a joint press conference about the country's growth, at Harambee House in Nairobi on March 9, 2018. Nairobi The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Secretariat has made a passionate plea with the High Court to be cognizant of public mood ahead of Thursday's key ruling that will determine the fate of the initiative to change the Constitution. Joint Secretaries Junet Mohammed and Dennis Waweru said that they hope the court will allow Wanjiku to have a final say on the proposed constitutional amendment by way of a national referendum which want conducted in July. "As the courts make their judgement, we urge them to especially pay attention to the voice of the people who have overwhelmingly spoken since the onset of the process. We trust that the courts will allow Wanjiku to have a final say on the proposed constitutional amendments- by way of a national referendum," they said in a statement. A five-judge bench presided by Justice Joel Ngugi was expected to render its judgment on the consolidated petitions against the BBI Bill Thursday, days after it was passed by Members of the National Assembly and the Senate. The High Court had in February issued a temporary conservatory order restraining the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from subjecting the Constitution Amendment Bill to a referendum pending hearing and determination of the petition as consolidated by Turkana County Assembly, Thirdway Alliance and with six others. Once the court gives the electoral body the green light to prepare the national referendum, within thirty days after IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati confirms to the President that the Bill has been approved in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the President shall assent to the Bill and cause it to be published. As the BBI process approaches the final and most fundamental stage, Junet and Waweru who have identified themselves as the promoters of the Bill, urged the electoral body to get ready to conduct the vote in a fair, free and transparent manner. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We challenge the electoral body to regain the trust of Kenyans by exhibiting professionalism, efficiency and neutrality as it embarks on discharging its mandate, and deliver a stellar referendum in July 2021," they said in a statement sent to newsrooms. The duo thanked the MPs for doing their part and promised to stage a popularisation campaign at an opportune time. "The overwhelming endorsement of the BBI in both Houses is an indication that the people of Kenya have spoken emphatically, and in one voice. We, therefore, thank them for continually supporting the BBi in the various stages that the Initiative has gone through," read the statement. Waweru and Junet paid homage to Kenyans who "have kept the faith in the process even in the face of multiple challenges." "We want to urge you to keep the faith as we enter the homestretch in this process. To all Kenyans, let us join hands in laying the foundation for elevating this nation to greater heights," they stated. PASTORAL communities in Misungwi District have called on the government to set up diary processing plants in the area, as they are confident of reliably supplying them with the needed raw materials. The call follows the adaptation of improved animal husbandry, a technology that was brought in by the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), to transform traditional pastoralism. According to them, TALIRI has also been offering improved type of bulls, namely 'Ankole' and 'Mpwapwa', whose seminal fluid produce healthy calves, hence, quantity and quality livestock products, mostly milk, meat and skins. "We are sure of reliable supply of raw materials for our factories because of the kind of animals we keep ... the changes have to a large extent improved our economies since we can now sell the new cattle breeds at 800,000/- instead of 350,000/- for old breeds," said Mr Maige Shija. He added: "These animals fetch good prices due to the fact that normally, a-one-year old cross-breed animal weighs up to 120 kilogrammes while the old breeds weigh 70 kilogrammes only." He added that a cross-breed cow can give birth to its first calf at two-years old, while for a traditional breed it takes three years. He stressed that TALIRI technology (transformation) has been quickly adopted in Misungwi, calling on the government and stakeholders to set up livestock products' processing industries for herders' and national wellbeing. Mr Shija said that he has also adapted a livestock fattening technology also from TALIRI, affirming that it is also a lucrative business following its quick profit. According to him, a herder buys the traditional cattle and feeds them with nutritious feeds that contain carbohydrates, protein and minerals to let them become fatter, from 50 to over 100 kilograms within three months, fetching reasonable price in the markets. "I usually buy a cow at between 300,000/- and 400,000 and sell it at not less than 800,000/- after the fattening process," he said. The Institute's researcher in the Cattle Unit, Mr Nelson Felician commented that nearly 55 cross-breed bulls have been distributed to herders in the district since 2012 for livestock transformation purposes. press release The Health Minister announced one positive case of COVID-19, detected this morning in Camp-Diable, and three additional cases detected this afternoon, among which, two persons from the New Grove cluster who were already admitted in quarantine centres and one in Vallee Pitot. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal made this announcement, this evening, at a press briefing of the National Communication Committee on COVID-19, at the Treasury Building in Port Louis. The resident of Vallee Pitot is an employee of G.M.D. Atchia State College and was previously in contact with a positive patient, an employee of the Mauritius Examination Syndicate (MES), detected three days ago. He recalled that yesterday, nine positive cases were detected: five in Tyack, one in Vacoas, and three at Camp Diable. The Minister underlined that targeted testing is being carried out regularly in Red Zones and indicated that testing was carried out in the following places today: Dr. Maurice Cure State College, Camp Diable, State Law Office, Vallee Pitot, Rose-Belle Market, District Council of Riviere du Rempart and Flacq and the premises of Local Government, Forest Side. Dr Jagutpal highlighted that along with the Covid Testing exercise, other necessary preventive measures including contact tracing and admittance in quarantine centres of those in contact with positive cases to avoid further spread of the coronavirus, are ongoing. He underlined that strict sanitary and hygiene measures, social distancing as well as the proper wearing of face masks are key to avoid contamination of COVID-19. He also emphasised that it is crucial for the public to relay the necessary and timely information to the authorities to detect potential positive cases to avoid propagation of the pandemic in the community. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mauritius Governance Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Health Minister also indicated that on an incoming flight from India that landed on 06 May 2021, three Mauritian passengers have been tested positive to COVID-19. They are all admitted in Covid treatment centres and are in a stable condition. As for the Ag. Regional Public Health Superintendent, Dr. Kursheed Meethoo- Badulla, she informed that all detected cases are connected to already identified clusters. We are all working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and all concerned authorities in the undertaking of the contact tracing exercise, she added. Speaking about the MES positive case, she underlined that 12 staffs, identified through the contact tracing exercise have already been admitted in quarantine centres and nine more will be admitted. As for the Vallee Pitot case, a contact tracing exercise has already been initiated with his close family members. All those identified to have been in contact with COVID-19 positive patients are admitted in quarantine centres, she recalled. Huambo The Global Environment Fund (GEF) this year will provide USD7 million for execution of two sustainable land management projects in Angola, ANGOP learnt Tuesday. The projects are "Sustainable Land Management in the Central Region of Angola" and "Integration of Climate Change in Environmental Management and Sustainable Land Use. Both were launched today by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment, Jomo Francisco Fortunato, who is on a three-day working visit to Huambo province. With a timeframe of four years, the projects will be carried out by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The project for Sustainable Land Management in the Central Region of Angola, to be implemented in the provinces of Huambo and Benguela, with technical support from the Tropical Ecology and Climate Change Centre (CETAC), plans to invest USD 2.6 million. Once concluded, it will benefit 1,500 people directly and over 1.5 million indirectly, via actions to regenerate 14,000 hectares of land, draw up 10 sustainable land management plans and train 100 public officials to mobilise resources. The "Integrating Climate Change into Environmental Management and Sustainable Land Use" project, to be implemented in Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Huambo and Namibe provinces, is based on promoting sustainable land management practices in the four agri-ecological centres implemented in these regions of the country. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Angola Land and Rural Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The projects are "Sustainable Land Management in the Central Region of Angola" and "Integration of Climate Change in Environmental Management and Sustainable Land Use. Both were launched today by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment, Jomo Francisco Fortunato, who is on a three-day working visit to Huambo province. With a timeframe of four years, the projects will be carried out by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The project for Sustainable Land Management in the Central Region of Angola, to be implemented in the provinces of Huambo and Benguela, with technical support from the Tropical Ecology and Climate Change Centre (CETAC), plans to invest USD 2.6 million. Once concluded, it will benefit 1,500 people directly and over 1.5 million indirectly, via actions to regenerate 14,000 hectares of land, draw up 10 sustainable land management plans and train 100 public officials to mobilise resources. The "Integrating Climate Change into Environmental Management and Sustainable Land Use" project, to be implemented in Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Huambo and Namibe provinces, is based on promoting sustainable land management practices in the four agri-ecological centres implemented in these regions of the country. Lagos, Katsina Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has made a u-turn as the panel of enquiry he set up by to investigate the alleged shortfall in operating surpluses by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of the suspended MD/CEO, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, will now probe her for insubordination as against the earlier claim of not remitting operating surplus of N165 billion to the consolidated revenue fund account (CFR), THISDAY has learnt. This comes as the youths in Katsina State under the auspices of Katsina Youth for Sustainable Change, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the 11-man investigative panel inaugurated by Amaechi to probe Bala-Usman. A member of the administrative panel told TheCable yesterday that the focus would now be "insubordination." He said: "We are looking at two things. One, the suspended managing director was in the habit of communicating directly with the president and bypassing the honourable minister. This is gross indiscipline and a breach of public service communication line. That is enough to get her sacked. "Two, the minister directed her to restore all Intels' contracts that were suspended or terminated. What she didn't know was that the president was in the know of it. She failed to comply. This is insubordination and she is not above discipline." But a source at the transport ministry told THISDAY yesterday that Buhari actually withdrew his approval for the reinstatement of Intels' contract after Bala-Usman wrote to President's Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, to explain NPA's position. Gambari, the source said, forwarded her response to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), for a legal opinion. The source said Malami wrote to the president to state that the NPA was right and that no contracts were terminated or violated. Buhari then withdrew his approval for the reinstatement of Intels' contract and that was believed to have infuriated Amaechi, who accused Usman of insubordination. According to the source, "If you look at the terms of reference properly, we are to examine and investigate compliance with the communication channel as obtained in the public service. Insubordination is not a small offence." The panel member accused her of bypassing the minister and dealing directly with the president despite a "clear reporting hierarchy." Asked about the N165 billion non-remittance claim, the member said: "Available evidence shows that the allegation may not be true... it is a matter of reconciliation of what the Budget Office thought should be the remittances with what the actual remittances should be. "Since audits have been done over the years, there is obviously nothing more to that. It is not as if NPA's monies are in private banks. Everything is with the CBN, so if there were no remittances, it is just about looking at NPA's accounts with the CBN." Although the minister asked the eleven-member panel to "examine and investigate the procurement of contracts from 2016 to date" as part of the terms of reference, another source at the NPA said it was going to be a "tricky job." "At NPA, any contract beyond N50 million for goods and services and N200 million for works are referred to the ministerial tenders board (MTB), which is headed by the permanent secretary of the ministry," he said. "If we go into probing contracts since 2016, we may end up probing the minister himself. About 70 per cent of the contracts for capital projects go to the MTB, after which the minister presents them to the federal executive council (FEC), presided over by the president himself, for approval. We will check if all the procedures were followed, but I am personally not optimistic about that. The suspended MD, from indications, is a process person." Amaechi, who is one of the very few ministers with direct access to Buhari since 2015, has denied allegations that he was fighting a personal war with Usman, whom he nominated for the position in 2016 after working with her in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. THISDAY had exclusively reported that the "cold war" between the duo was a result of the renewal of $1.5 billion channel management contracts in which the minister is said to have gone against a competitive bidding process in favour of companies nominated by him. The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has in a paid advertisement, denied the allegation against Amaechi, insisting that he did not at any time seek to bypass the process. Disband Investigative Panel, Katsina Youths Tell Buhari Meanwhile, the youths in Katsina State under the auspices of Katsina Youth for Sustainable Change, have called on Buhari to disband the 11-man investigative panel inaugurated by Amaechi. They described the investigative panel as Kangaroo board of inquiry singlehandedly picked by Amaechi "from his cronies in order to unjustly nail his victim (Bala-Usman)." The Katsina youths equally condemned the suspension of Bala-Usman, describing it as unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional. The youths, through their counsel, Mr. EO Obunadike, at a press conference in Katsina yesterday, said the NPA boss was suspended from office without constitutional rights to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as altered. Obunadike said the suspension of Bala-Usman contravened the Approved Disciplinary Procedure Against Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Departments approved by President Buhari on May 2020. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He said: "From the information available in the public space, at no time was Hadiza Bala-Usman queried or invited to provide explanations for any discrepancies that may have been allegedly noticed in the operations of the NPA before she was suspended from office. "Media reports indicate that the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, relying on some unsubstantiated information from the budget office about some alleged non-remittance and without recourse to hearing from the MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority, surreptitiously wrote and complained to the president to get the managing director suspended." He added: "From these entire facts made available to us, we humbly submit that the minister's action is unconstitutional, illegal and runs contrary to right to a fair hearing and at the same time, in sharp conflict with the approved disciplinary procedure against chief executive officers of the federal government parastatals, agencies and departments." According to him, the constitution of the investigative panel by Amaechi against the suspended managing director of NPA runs contrary to the principles of fair hearing as contained in the constitution of Nigeria, and violates democratic norms and practices. He urged Buhari and Malami to immediately intervene in what he termed the flagrant breach of the fundamental rights of Bala-Usman. The Minister of Civic Education and National Unity Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo has asked herbalists to join the government in demystifying myths surrounding the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine and persons with albinism. Mtambo has also courted traditional healers to champion the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. At the height of attacks, abductions and/or killings of persons with albinism in Malawi, some the people suspects named herbalists as the ones who sent them to commit the crimes in order to extract body tissues of persons with albinism for use in making charms. And speaking on Tuesday at Chikho Hotel in Kasungu during the workshop with Herbalist Association of Malawi and officials from the Ministry of Health, Mtambo said it is sad that persons with albinism continue suffering various human rights violations owing to enduring and misleading misconceptions, and superstitious beliefs systems on albinism. "People with albinism have been harassed, discriminated against, shunned, bullied, tormented, tortured and murdered in various parts of our country. This suffering is due to some unfounded beliefs amongst us," he said. "Albinism is one of the least understood conditions around the world. There is limited knowledge about albinism, and there is need to continue educating people on albinism to demystify and debunk deep-seated misconceptions and superstitious beliefs on the condition," added the minister. Mtambo said some of the common myths surrounding albinism include: albinism is a curse/bad omen or a punishment and that sex with people with albinism is a cure for HIV and Aids, which has resulted in the rape of women and girls with albinism in parts of Africa. "People with albinism do not possess any special powers or healing powers. Any form of ritual rape or unprotected sex with women/girls with albinism can only lead to further spread of HIV and Aids," he emphasized. On Covid-19 vaccine, Mtambo noted that since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the disease itself and that now people are creating stories about the vaccine that has been developed to contain the pandemic. The minister dismissed as a myth an assertion that vaccines are unsafe and normal safety protocols have been circumvented to fast track their authorisation for use. He said the world developed the vaccines fast because scientists and governments collaborated in a manner that has never been achieved before and pooled resources and information together to ensure that everyone can contribute to the knowledge. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Legal Affairs Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mtambo further dismissed as a lie an assertion that the vaccine will change people's DNA when, actually, the vaccines work by stimulating the body the same way the virus would if someone were infected. "My appeal, therefore, to you all is to go out there and get the vaccine. Go and encourage your people to get the jab, it is the only sure way to protect you and your loved ones from this deadly virus," he said. Commenting on GBV, the minister disclosed that Malawi ranks 173 out of 188 on the UN's Gender Inequality Index (GII) and has the eighth highest child marriage rate in the world. He said to counteract these disparities, Malawi needs to give women and girls more opportunities by integrating gender equality and women's empowerment into all our development efforts. "In order for us to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies, women and girls must be empowered. As a community our development mission should be a community in which women, men, girls and boys enjoy equal economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights and are all empowered to secure better lives for themselves, their families and their communities," said Mtambo. Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday delivered his third state of the nation address (SONA) at the Parliament Building in the capital Lilongwe where, among others, he outlined that--for the next four years--his administration's chosen outcomes were three-fold. During the address titled 'Accelerating the Change Malawians Fought For' which was also the opening of the third meeting of the 49th session of Parliament, Chakwera said much as there was a vision for the country, it was important that it be sharpened by concentrating more on what was overly crucial. He said his government would focus more on "achieving food security for all Malawians, creating jobs for Malawi's youth so that they are self-reliant, active and productive contributors to Malawi's development, and create wealth for Malawians so that they are the primary beneficiaries of any economic activity we foster." 'Lion's share for concerned MDAs' As a result, the Malawi leader said the concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) most integral to the realization of the outcome would get both his government full attention and financial support. "It also means that these strategic MDAs will be uniquely targeted for Public Sector Reforms so that we make them fit for use in our pursuit of these priorities. In view of the instrumentality of Government MDAs to the delivery of wealth, jobs, and food security to our people, my Administration will henceforth treat any cause of slowness or stagnation within any MDA to our pursuit of these outcomes as an enemy of the change Malawians fought for," read Chakwera from the 45-paged address that took him about an hour to complete. 'Sluggish Change' President Chakwera admitted that he was aware that Malawians were verily frustrated with the rate at which things were expected to have been changing in the country. Eight months since he took office last year, people in the country have repeatedly expressed their discontentment--mainly via Facebook--with most saying the Tonse alliance government has fooled them on promises. For instance, most people say the promises such as the creation of 1 million jobs in the very first year of their being in office has been a scam. Chakwera, who was accompanied by his vice, Saulos Chilima, during the address which also saw the presence all the three arms of government and representatives of the diplomatic fold said he shared Malawians' frustration on the matter. "I have felt the palpable and justifiable frustration that many Malawians are feeling towards certain MDAs over their slowness to effect the change Malawians fought for. As one who shares this frustration, I think it matters not whether an MDA's slowness in effecting the administrative, legislative, regulatory, personnel, policy, or operational changes I was elected to implement is caused by professional incompetence, or political sabotage, or contractual entanglements, or personal laziness, or entrenched corruption. "What matters, and I think I speak for all Malawians here, is to see those either mandated by law or appointed by me to effect these changes doing so with the expedition and efficiency Malawians deserve. I refuse to believe that we must choose between operational standards and delivery speed. My understanding is that the change Malawians fought for through tears, blood, and sweat to put us here demands that we make good on our promise to do both," he said. 'Higher gear in second year' The Malawi sixth head of state and government also mentioned that much as he felt proud of his achievements in the first year, he was aware that Malawians wanted to see him "engage a higher gear to increase the pace of change." He said through three delivery accelerators his administration would invest time, resources, and energy to speed up the realization of our agenda to create jobs, create wealth, and create food security. He said: "These accelerators are infrastructure, especially in the areas of transport and energy; human capital, especially in the areas of health and education; and governance reform and digitization. "To use a metaphor, the creation of jobs, wealth, and food security is the promised land at the end of our journey; the strategic MDAs instrumental to achieving these ends are the vehicle that must be driven skilfully to that destination and no other; and investment in better human capital, better infrastructure, and better governance are the road we must pave to accelerate the movement of this vehicle." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 'Brighter Future' According to Chakwera, the future of Malawi looked bright as in 2022 the economy was "expected to rebound and grow by 5.4 percent. "Conditional on easing of Covid-19, this growth will be supported by the rebounding of sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, construction, and wholesale and retail as Covid-19 gets contained and the economy becomes more resilient," he said. During the SONA, President Chakwera also expressed his frustration regarding the rejection of his appointee Martha Chizuma as director general of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB). Parliament has since adjourned to Monday, May 17 where members are expected to begin commenting on the SONA. The latest escalation of the row between Kenya and Somalia is not in their best interests. Just days after the restoration of diplomatic ties following mediation by Qatari leaders, the neighbours are at loggerheads with Kenya banning flights to and from Somalia. Interestingly, Somalia's Ministry of Air Transportation officials say they learnt of the decision through the media. Could this have been because the Kenyan envoys are yet to return to Mogadishu? But even if that were the case, it would not justify the failure to make direct contact before implementing a decision that has far-reaching ramifications. As we have argued time and again, Kenya and Somalia need each other to tackle their common serious problems, such as the insecurity fuelled by Al-Shabaab attacks. The terrorists have waged a violent campaign against the administration of President Mohamed Farmaajo, striking targets in Mogadishu. Restoration of diplomatic relations On Tuesday night, Somalia vowed to issue an "appropriate reaction" to the flights ban, which can only aggravate the situation. The ban will adversely affect both countries. It is going to be a major hindrance to trade between them. Kenya Civil Aviation Authority says commercial and cargo flights to and from Somalia have been suspended until August with the exception of United Nations, medical and humanitarian flights. It seems this was in retaliation to a Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) announcement that miraa flights from Kenya remain suspended despite the restoration of diplomatic relations severed last December. Then, Mogadishu had accused Kenya of interference in its internal affairs. Somalia has also filed a dispute in the International Court of Justice over the maritime boundary with Kenya. The Somali and Kenyan leaders should work together to end the frequent rows and prioritise efforts to stabilise the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa country. analysis A review of the facts of how the cases played out in court reveals why the two senators' similar journeys as sureties for high-profile defendants took them to different destinations. Ali Ndume, the Borno South senator, knew he had got into trouble after Abdulrasheed Maina, the man he stood surety for, jumped bail. But the senator must have ruled out going to jail as a possible consequence for his inability to fulfil his pledge to always produce Mr Maina for his N2 billion pension fraud trial. Mr Ndume's self-assurance was not unfounded; after all, his colleague in the Red Chamber, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator representing Abia South, who found himself in a similar situation three years earlier, did not go to jail. Mr Abaribe was one of the three persons that stood surety for the bail granted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who was being prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation's office on treasonable felony charges. The IPOB leader was granted bail by Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja in April 2017 after Mr Abaribe and two others agreed to be his sureties with each of them staking N100 million worth of Abuja properties as security for the bail. But in September of that same year, soldiers invaded Mr Kanu's home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, the Abia State capital, creating a window for him to flee the country, first to Israel, and later to the United Kingdom where he is presumed to have been since then. Although Mr Ababaribe was arrested and detained by the State Security Service (SSS) for about four days in June 2018, it was reported that the secret police took him into custody for allegedly linking him to IPOB, not for his failure to produce Mr Kanu. However, Mr Ndume, against expectation, was unlucky when fate put him in Mr Abaribe's shoes some years later. In November 2020, Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded the Borno South senator in prison for losing Mr Maina, the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who had escaped to the Republic of Niger ditching his trial back home in Nigeria. Although Mr Maina was later rearrested, Mr Ndume spent five nights in prison before the trial judge granted him bail. In contrast, Mr Kanu remains at large and even continues to dish out inflammatory remarks through his social media channels inciting violence in the South-east. Yet his bail guarantor, Mr Abaribe, was never jailed for losing him. Politics or ethnicity? Many Nigerians on Twitter had expressed their bewilderment at the seemingly conflicting outcomes of what they presumed to be identical cases. Their newly found interest in the matter was stirred by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, who in his submission on the floor of the House last Thursday, said Mr Abaribe ought to be in prison for his inability to produce Mr Kanu. Reading a political meaning into the turn of events, Mr Wase, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, added, "Ndume for bailing Maina was taken to prison for not producing him, but we allowed this man (Abaribe) to go as opposition person." While Mr Wase's comment provides an insight into how much the judiciary and other public institutions are influenced by political considerations, he did not provide enough details to reconcile why the APC-controlled federal government would be eager to save Mr Abaribe, a top member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and turn a blind eye when Mr Ndume, a member of the ruling party, was faced with a similar problem. Some Twitter users latched on Mr Wase's comment but were not convinced by the political perspective introduced to the matter by the lawmaker. On his part, TRUELOVESEEKER tweeting via @True_loveseeker, gave the narrative an ethnic tint. "At least he (Ndume) was kept in custody for some days... Why is the Abaribe case different? Is it bcos he's an Igbo man? Does it mean he's more Nigerian than Ndume?" Another twitter user, Ibnusman tweeting via @mohamme63413575, highlights the unending concerns about the perceived unevenness of Nigerian courts' decisions. "Wase on point, Abaribe should be jailed just as Senator Ali Ndume when he failed to produce former chairman of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, who he stood for as surety," his tweet read. How the cases played out Away from the motley views pouring out in the traditional and social media about the matter, a revisit of the facts of the cases as they played out in court provides an insight into how the two senators journeyed through similar routes but finished at different destinations. In both cases, after it was clear that Messrs Maina and Kanu had jumped bail, the judges ordered their arrest and said their trials would proceed in absentia. Both judges also took steps to hold the sureties accountable for their failure to fulfil their vows to always produce the defendants in court. As a result, the judges ordered the sureties to "show cause" why they should not be made to forfeit the landed properties they used as securities for the bail granted the defendants. In Mr Ababaribe's case, the senator and two others entered into separate agreements for Mr Kanu's bail with each of them staking N100 million worth of landed property in Abuja as the securities. More than a year after Mr Kanu had disappeared, the judge, Mrs Nyako, on November 14, 2018, ordered the three sureties to forfeit their separate N100 million bail bonds. In reaction, the sureties' lawyers filed separate appeals against the court's ruling, and then urged the judge to adjourn the forfeiture proceedings indefinitely in deference to the Court of Appeal which had then taken charge of the case. The judge, in agreement with the lawyers, adjourned the proceedings indefinitely pending the Court of Appeal's final pronouncement on the sureties' appeals. But for Mr Ndume, who stood surety for the N500 million bail granted Mr Maina with an Abuja property worth the bond provided as security, the process took a faster lane and landed him in prison. On November 18, 2020, the prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urged the judge, Mr Abang, to order the forfeiture of Mr Ndume's property for his failure to produce the former pension boss. The judge, in a ruling that day, declined the request and adjourned the matter till November 23, ostensibly to afford the senator more time to find the fugitive. But the judge dismissed the request, accusing the lawyer of not diligently pursuing his client's case. That same day, the judge remanded Mr Ndume in Kuje prison, ordering that the senator would remain in detention until he met any of three conditions - produce Mr Maina in court, pay the N500million bail bond, or have the property offered as security for the defendant's bail sold and its N500 million proceeds paid to the Federation Account. Although the senator appealed against the judge's decision the following day, he remained in prison until he was granted bail by the judge on November 27. Senior advocates fault detention of sureties Expressing their thoughts on the controversy, senior lawyers interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES said it was wrong to send a surety to prison for his inability to produce a defendant he or she stood surety for. Olalekan Ojo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said jailing a surety is usually the "last stage" after the surety must have failed to pay the bail bond and attempts to proceed against the assets provided as security must have failed. "If the surety cannot produce the money, then the court will proceed against the property. That is why it is usually required that the sureties are owners of landed assets with verifiable titles. "It is after all those things have happened and the surety is still not able to pay the amount, that you can take the option of arrest. It is the last stage. "If you look at it critically, he has not committed any offence. If a defendant jumps bail how can that translate into a criminal offence for the surety?" Mr Ojo queried. Another SAN, Alex Izinyon, who was the lead prosecutor in the popular Charles Okah case, holds the view that a surety must be prepared to face the consequences of failing to produce a defendant in court, but explained that the first step that should be taken is getting the surety to forfeit the bond. "It is only after that fails that the surety can be sent to prison," Mr Izinyon added. On his part, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who has also led the defence in many criminal cases, said "it is very wrong to imprison a surety for not being able produce a defendant, unless the surety says he or she lacks the capacity to pay the bail bond." Mr Falana added, "Even at that, judges must remember that we are operating a democracy. If you send a surety to prison for not being able to produce a defendant, are you going to keep him in prison forever in the event that the defendant is not rearrested?" Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. What the law says But Rotimi Jacobs, a senior lawyer widely known as EFCC's longstanding private prosecutor, said the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) are usually disregarded by both judges and prosecutors in their handling of cases of sureties jumping bail. According to the senior advocate, although the law does not support jailing a surety as the first line of action when a defendant jumps bail, many courts including those who are not overcome by the temptation to imprison the surety, often act in disregard for the law. Mr Jacobs said contrary to the practice of detaining sureties adopted by some judges, the procedures stipulated in section 40 and 80 of ACJA, in reality, provide protection for the sureties. This, he said, is the reason why the surety does not come into the picture until attempts to proceed against the fleeing defendant or his assets have failed. "The first step to be taken when a defendant jumps bail is for the prosecution to apply to the court to issue bench warrant against the defendant," the senior lawyer said. He added that if the bench warrant cannot be enforced, the prosecution is expected to go back to the court and get a public summons. The public summons, according to the lawyer, will be served at the defendant's known address or published in a newspaper, the versatile prosecutor said. "What the prosecution is then supposed to do by section 80 (of AJA) is to get a forfeiture order against the defendant's assets. And if the defendant still does not show up for one year, then those properties will be forfeited to the Federal Government. "Instead of targeting the surety, the ACJA actually makes provision for the protection of the surety," Mr Jacobs said. As explained by the lawyer, the surety only becomes the target late in the process after the moves against the defendant have failed. "Where the defendant does not have a property or the property is not enough to cater for the bail bond, it is then the court will proceed against the surety. "The surety will be invited, he will make his own defence and all that. It is when he cannot pay the bail bond that he will now be arrested and remanded." A former Vice Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Asekun Kehinde Sakiru, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Asekun, according to a statement issued yesterday by the NDLEA's spokesman, Femi Babafemi, is a notorious drug baron, and has been on the wanted list of the agency. The former council vice chairman was on the agency's blacklist following the recent arrest of some traffickers and drug seizures linked to him. According to Babafemi, the long arm of the law caught up with the wanted baron at about 9.40p.m. on May 7, 2021, while trying to board a Virgin Atlantic airline flight to London, United Kingdom, at the Lagos airport. He said at the point of Asekun's arrest, he was caught with a kilogramme of cocaine concealed in five pairs of palm slippers packed inside his suitcase. The spokesman further revealed that Asekun has been on the wanted list of the MMIA Command of the agency in connection to a case involving one Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim, who was arrested with 6.45 kilogrammes of cocaine in December 2020. Babafemi said during preliminary investigation, it was gathered that the London-based baron is a seasoned politician, and at different times between 2004 and 2014 was the vice chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He had also contested and lost elections for the House of Representatives in 2007 and Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015. Babafemi said Asekun, although claimed to be an international businessman that deals in automobiles, investigation is yet to confirm what has been the suspect's source of wealth. He disclosed that the sum of N131 million and N14 million was found in two of his accounts during tracking, but that the account has been blocked. Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has commended the officers and men of the MMIA Command of the agency for their resilience and dedication to duty, noting that with the support of all stakeholders, the problem of drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria will be drastically reduced very soon. He said: "This arrest is yet another message and red alert to those still in this criminal trade, whether as barons or traffickers, that they will soon enter the dragnet of the agency, daily being spread across the country, if they fail to back out, especially now that we are moving all out for the barons and the big cartels, as we continue to reign in the traffickers." Nairobi President Uhuru's Kenyatta on Wednesday arrived in Uganda, ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. The President arrived at the Entebbe International Airport and was received by senior Ugandan government officials. Other region heads of state were also attending the event, among them President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania and her Somali counterpart Mohamed Abdullahi alias Farmaajo. President Museveni, now aged 76 years, is set to start the 6th term, after winning the election that was marred by violence and alleged vote fraud. His main contender was musician cum politician Bobi Wine who garnered 35 percent of the cast votes, while President Museveni won with 59 percent of total cast votes. "As Gen. Museveni prepares to illegally swear himself in tomorrow, abductions of Ugandans have intensified. Yesterday Gordon Ssebagala, our comrade was abducted by heavily armed operatives in plain clothes! His whereabouts are unknown. There must be accountability for these crimes," he said in a Tweet on Tuesday. President Kenyatta and the Somalia President will be sharing the same podium amid heightened diplomatic tension between the two countries, the meeting coming a day after Kenya banned all flights from Somalia. A notice issued by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said only medical emergency evacuation flights and those on the United Nations Humanitarian Missions will be exempted from the ban. "All flights between Kenya and Somalia are suspended except medical evacuation flights and United Nations Flights on humanitarian missions only," reads the notice seen by Capital FM News Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance Uganda By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Just a few days ago, Mogadishu normalized ties with Kenya, but sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a formal communication is yet to be made to Nairobi. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya takes note of a press release issued by Somali authorities reestablishing their diplomatic relations with Kenya," Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on May 7. "In taking note of these developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs looks forward to further normalization of relations by the Somali authorities including with regard to trade, communication, transportation, people to people relations and cultural exchanges." The truce was brokered by the Government of Qatar, but even with that, all seems not to be well.Ai ba analysis Few South Sudanese would contest the reality that their beloved country has collapsed. Social scientists might be found debating what constitutes a failed state and what characterises such an eventuality. But for the people living in a failed state, varying definitions notwithstanding, it is often unmistakable what that means. Ask the South Sudanese and you will hear some of the most poignant expressions of what state collapse looks like in their personal lives. The newest member state of the East Africa Community beats the rest in nearly every index of human suffering and has earned that status. Vast riches South Sudan was born into riches that its citizens could not enjoy. This is mainly because it was born from blood and violence, from a war that has left a heavy burden on the national psyche. However, the misery South Sudanese live in is mainly because their leaders acted like spoiled rich kids and wasted the country's wealth on a quick addiction to glitter and glamour, behaving as if oil money was infinite. And now, the country is broke, lawless, shredded by communal violence, warring militias, competing politico-military leaders and by poverty and food insecurity. Its image and national pride are wounded by the fact that majority of its citizens are fed by foreign agencies and almost all basic public goods and services, things that are the fundamental responsibility of the state, have been relegated to international organisations. This was brought on by theft of public resources, to the point where the country cannot afford basic healthcare for its citizens and feed its people. South Sudan's education system is a total sham, and the government has not paid its civil servants and security forces for over a year, turning them into a threat to life itself. No more shame One of the characteristics that South Sudan has demonstrated as a real measure of state collapse is the loss of a sense of shame in the manner with which the country's wealth is siphoned off to foreign countries, flagrantly diverted from building the country, evading all accountability institutions while compromising and weakening them to a point where they simply watch this broad day-light robbery without capacity to lift a finger. Last year, for example, the Central Bank shocked everybody when it announced that the country's entire foreign currency reserves were squandered. But why is this happening? Can someone stop it? How? It is often said that countries which emerge in the manner that South Sudan came into existence, through armed struggle, often inheriting a war economy, a dilapidated infrastructure, wrecked social and ethnic relations and flailing moral stature. This has been described as the "liberation movement syndrome," where the country is run by unskilled former rebels, encumbered by a sense of entitlement among the liberators to hold office for life, get big pay, have unrestrained access to the public purse with no accountability and get their cronies into key positions. This turn of events often leaves the citizens wondering what they were liberated for. Examples of this phenomenon abound in Africa, from Zimbabwe to South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and many more. It is one of the most ubiquitous post-colonial realities Africa is grappling with. That said, blaming history for current woes can only go so far in explaining the failure and before it becomes a cover up for abuse of public office. The collapse of South Sudan lies squarely at the doorstep of its rulers. The competing leaders have long taken leave from the nationalism that had truly inspired so many of them to selflessly pursue liberation. For example, they have taken the newness of the country and the horrific history that gave birth to it as an alibi for their unwillingness or inability to do better, always singing the mantra, "we are a baby country," as an excuse for the mess they have created for 17 years since the liberation war ended. How many years does it take to ground the country in the rule of law? What the future holds What will it take to move South Sudan in a different direction, away from the trajectory of wreckage it has been on? No one can say anything about what the future holds for South Sudan anymore, given the immense promise independence held for its people and the international good it has squandered. In the immediate term, it is extremely hard to predict. There is Covid-19 and a looming food deficit disaster that is likely to reach famine levels, with the United Nations estimating that millions will be at risk of starvation come June and July this year. With South Sudan's intra-state trade network disrupted by violence, even barter trade, livestock for grain, for example, has become extremely difficult to conduct. In urban centers all across the country, there has been diminution of the citizen's purchasing power because majority of city residents are internally displaced persons who rely on international aid. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Sudan Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Overall, this situation is likely to increase public anger over time. Whether this anger can be organised and politically channeled into a popular protest remains the question. So far, the most frequent course of action for people frustrated by bad governance has been armed rebellion, leading to multiplication of armed anti-government militias since 2005. This, however, has not brought any meaningful change. In fact, it has caused more destruction and should be abandoned. What has not been tried in response to these circumstances is non-violent civil disobedience. People are afraid the government could turn it into a blood bath. The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth is on record threatening violence against anyone contemplating such action. "We don't have rubber bullets, we only have live ammunition," he once declared in a press conference in Juba. But the real impediment to popular protest is that the South Sudanese lack a strong civil society or a strong labour movement to organise a multi-ethnic non-violent revolution to tell these leaders that the people have had enough. Safaricom has announced a 6.8 percent drop in full year net profits to Sh68.7 billion in 2020, down from the Sh73.6 billion recorded in the previous year as it took a hit from the Covid-19 pandemic and absorbed costs from the free mobile transactions. The telco, which saw a marginal reduction in its fortunes in the first half of the year, however rebounded in the second half to report Sh250.3 billion in revenues. The company said it was not spared from the tough operating environment, as evidenced the dip in its service revenue, earnings before interest and tax and net income. "Covid-19 altered the environment for all businesses. We were not spared. Perhaps the most impactful was facilitating reduced cash handling through temporary zero-rating all transactions below Sh1,000," Safaricom Chief Executive Peter Ndegwa told investors on Thursday. The firm, which has declared Sh56.09 billion in dividends, said that over 1.7 billion transactions valued at Sh4.4 trillion were zero-rated during this period. "Following return to charging on zero rated M-PESA transactions, we also reduced our M-PESA tariffs by up to 45 percent for lower value transaction bands. We also made it easier for our customers to pay hospital bills by zero-rating Paybill costs to health facilities across the country," Ndegwa said. Its service revenue recorded a marginal decline of 0.3 percent to close at Sh250.35 billion driven by double-digit growth in mobile data business, which grew by 11.5 percent to Sh44.79 billion. The firm said its mobile money platform, M-Pesa accounted for 33 percent of the total service revenue down from 33.6 percent last year, impacted by the waiver of the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions fees. M-Pesa recorded a 2.1 percent drop in revenues year on year to Sh82.64 billion and voice dropped by 4.6 percent to register revenue of Sh82.55 billion. "We remained resilient in a disruptive year, demonstrating strong operational capacity, diligence and commitment in supporting the country, our customers and shareholders through this uncertain time," Ndegwa said. " Our immediate focus in the year has been to ensure that network capacity, operations and financial services are prioritized to limit disruptions," the Safaricom CEO added. The telco said its fiber to home performed well due to demand from working and learning from home as Mpesa bounced back in the second half. The firm has issued a guidance of Sh40 billion to Sh43 billion in capital expenditure in 2022 and is projecting to earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of between Sh105 billion to Sh108 billion next year. Dilip Pal, the Chief Finance Officer said zero rating of M-Pesa transactions weighed heavily on its performance but it recovered in the second half of the year. Pal said that Smart procurement, digitisation helped the company cut its operating costs. Ndegwa said the company is evolving its business model to transform into an agile organisation. In 2020 the company declared for the first time, an interim dividend of Sh0.45 per ordinary share held amounting to Sh18.03 billion. The board has now declared a final dividend per share (DPS) of Sh0.92 dividend per share amounting to Sh36.86 billion, bringing the total dividend pay out to Sh56.09 billion In 2020, the company invested Sh34.96 billion in its network, achieving in line with the guidance of Sh35-38 billion for the year. Currently the company holds 69.2 percent voice traffic share and 35.6 percent for fixed data subscriptions. Key highlights 5.3 percent YoY decline in EBIT (Earnings before Interest and Tax) to Sh96.16bn with an EBIT margin of 36.5 percent, down 2.2ppts YoY. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Business Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Net Income reduced by 6.8 percent YoY to Sh8.68bn. Free Cash Flow down 8.2 percent YoY to Sh64.52bn. Service revenue contracted by 0.3 percent to Sh250.35bn. Voice service (outgoing) revenue reduced by 4.6 percent YoY to Sh82.55bn. M-Pesa revenue dropped by 2.1 percent YoY to Sh82.65bn. Mobile data revenue increased by 11.5 percent YoY to Sh44,79bn. Messaging revenue declined by 11.7 percent YoY to Sh13.60bn. The total one-month active customer base increased by 9.9 percent to Sh31.45m. One month active M-PESA customers increased 13.6 percent to Sh28.31mn. One month active mobile data customers increased 8.1 percent to Sh23.77m. Two 17-year-old boys are in police custody over suspected involvement in the Monday evening attack on Nyali residents that left at least seven people nursing stab wounds. Crude weapons -- including knives, machetes and a homemade petrol bomb -- were recovered from the juvenile gang of about 30, Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said. The wave of attacks and street fights by the gang terrorised Nyali residents who, caught unawares, scampered for safety and closed their businesses some minutes before 7pm. The marauding gang, suspected to be Wakali Kwanza members, ambushed residents of Bashir in Nyali, indiscriminately injuring and robbing them. Boda-boda operators at Kadzandani reported to the police that a group of armed teenagers had been spotted in Bashir Primary School. Mr Kitiyo told Nation that two of the gang members are being held at Kadzandani Police Station and will be charged with robbery with violence. The two, whose names the Nation has withheld because they are minors, were arrested while armed with pangas. Cause havoc According to police sources, they are accused of assaulting and robbing Mr Kennedy Khisa, a resident of Nguu Tatu, of an unknown amount of money. The duo also assaulted Mr Peter Kigany, who sustained a cut on the forehead. The homemade petrol bomb was recovered near Vescon Estate, Phase Four. Mr Kitiyo warned that parents of the minors will also be taken in for questioning. "Whenever there is an attack, we will go for their parents. We will also take action against village elders and Nyumba Kumi officials for not giving intelligence to the police," Mr Kitiyo said on Tuesday after meeting security committee members in Bamburi. Police sources said the gang wants to take advantage of the Eid festivities, which mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, to cause havoc. Mr Kitiyo further warned chiefs in the areas where criminal gangs emerge that they, too, will be held accountable. He assured the residents of safety and security during the Eid celebrations. Manhunt launched Residents are, however, worried that the attack could mark a resurgence of criminal gangs that, for years, have been stoking insecurity in the county. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. They also want the local leadership to install street lights in Bashir and Zaituni junction. Mr Leonard Kai, a bodaboda rider who sustained injuries on the hands in the attacks, said he thought the gang members, numbering about 30, were Muslim faithful coming from evening prayer after breaking their fast. He claimed that, before waging the attack, the assailants chanted "takbir", a coded rallying call. He was injured on the left hand as he tried to guard himself against his assailant. Nyali divisional police commander Daniel Mumasaba said a manhunt has been launched for the other gang members. He assured residents of their safety even as he implored on them to work hand-in-hand with the security teams by reporting the bad elements in the community. Council of elders have in the past year anointed at least six public figures as spokespersons of their respective communities. Some, blessed to pursue their political ambitions to ascend to Presidency. None of the six is, however, a woman. Deputy President William Ruto, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, all have been crowned elders and subsequently spokespersons of their Kalenjin and Muslim communities. Further, the elders have vowed to back them as they seek to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta. Similarly, former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama was anointed a community elder and his political inclination to Mr Ruto rubberstamped. The Kamba elders pledged support for his choice of Presidential candidate. While National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination Fred Matiang'i, have been granted powers to be spokespersons of the Meru and Kisii communities, respectively. But why can't women be given the mantle to be the communities' spokespersons or receive the elders' blessings for the highest seat on the land? Gusii Council of Elders chairperson Mr James Matundura says it is unimaginable to have a female spokesperson. "That could be inventing the wheel," he says. "It is even biblical that men are the communities' spokespersons and that applies to all communities. Pushing for change of such cultural norm is simply impossible," he argues. Heavy burden The elders, however are open to supporting women who seek any elective seat. "We are making efforts in sensitising our communities on the importance of electing women. We no longer want women to be nominated. We want them to be elected by the people. We could not be bearing the heavy burden of nominations had we had communities directly electing women," he poses. Women, however, played a crucial role in the emancipation of the Abagusii from the grip of colonialists. In the 19th and 20th Century, the women - Moraa Ng'iti and Bonareri Ogwora - took leadership in the fight against British rule. In fact, the colonial administration sought the intervention of Moraa, who was a powerful voice in the resistance, to stop the guerrilla warfare. Moraa is an exceptional example of the unsung heroines. In the history books, she is described as prophetess who forewarned the Abagusii of the ruthless British colonialism. She was also a traditional healer who treated the wounded warriors. She instigated the 1908 bloody retaliatory attack against the British officers who had ambushed the Abagusii's ebisarate (cattle camps) driving away more than 8,000 livestock. Geoffrey Alexander Stafford (GAS) Northcote, a local administrator had led the battalion in the attack. Seeing the colonialists taking away her people's livestock angered her. She invoked the warriors to act. One of them was her nephew Otenyo Nyamaterere, whom she encouraged to marshal the rest of warriors in the region for her blessing to lay a counter-attack. Mr Nyamaterere ended up injuring Northcote with a spear, an attack that sparked a horrendous guerrilla warfare between the British soldiers and Abagusii warriors. To end the war and seize Nyamaterere who had since gone into hiding, the British administration coerced Moraa to re-invoke her influence to that effect. The war ended, Nyamaterere was captured, executed in public and beheaded. Moraa was later arrested. She was tortured to yield in to a collaboration with the colonialists but she refused. Her refusal earned her solitary confinement. She was later released and continued to treat the wounded warriors with her herbs before her death in 1929 due to old age. Njuri Ncheke In the Mount Kenya region, the elders are concerned that women are failing to show up for leadership. "For instance, no woman is yet to declare her ambitions for the Presidency. They are even afraid to go for parliamentary or county assembly seats. And I don't know why they are afraid," says chairman of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders, Mr Linus Kathera. "We are open to supporting any woman who reaches out to us for help to vie for any political seat," he adds. During Kenya's struggle for independence in the years between 1920 and 1963, women in Mount Kenya region took charge in the fight against the alien rulers. Rebecca Njeri Kari, for instance, led the women's wing of Mau Mau movement and Wambui Waiyaki established a squad of women spies who were pivotal in providing intelligence information on British operations in Kenya. They were both arrested and detained for resisting British rule. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. For the Luo, the elders are becoming conscious of the evolving spaces for women in the governance spectrum. "Women have not been given priority to lead," says chairperson for Luo Council of Elders Mr Willis Otondi. "But see what happened in Tanzania; a woman was sworn in as the President. From now on, we are going to encourage our women to seek leadership that they so desire." He affirms: "Next year, you are going to see an increase in number of women vying for various positions. We have discouraged our women from relying on nominations but rather seek to be elected." It is Grace Onyango from the Luo community who broke the barriers for women in Kenya to rise into public leadership in the post-colonial era. She is the heroine of many firsts earned in the early years of independence. In 1964, she became the first East African woman to serve as a councillor. A year later, she became a mayor. Then in 1969, she struck a double string to premier into the National Assembly as Member of Parliament and official of the Luo Union of East Africa. Nairobians are no longer walking at ease within the city centre, courtesy of violent muggers. The muggers are targeting valuables they can see, from jewellery to phones and carry-ons. Victims of the muggings narrated their experiences to the Nation, exposing the tricks the muggers use, the frequency of attacks and the danger of loss of lives. On Monday evening, Francis Osinde, the director of Sasa Doctor, escaped unhurt after he was confronted by five men armed with a pistol in the space between the Kenya National Archives and the Hotel Ambassadeur. The gang robbed him of items valued at more than Sh137,000 -- his laptop, two mobile phones and a wallet -- after threatening to use the weapon on him. The men then scattered in different directions, leaving him stranded. He reported the robbery to the Central Police Station under OB number 126/11/05/2021. May 3, 2021 Bang! Bang! Bang! Move! Move! Move! The man shouted as he continuously hit the bonnet of the vehicle. It was the usual Monday evening rush hour at quarter to 7pm. Traffic was as thick as the rain hitting the windscreen. Joseph Mwangi was being ordered by a gang to drive at the Globe Cinema Roundabout, but there was nowhere to move in the gridlock. Another gang member started banging the rear of the car, and in seconds, the vehicle was surrounded. In the confusion, Mwangi reached for the central door lock, unlocking all the doors. A man jumped in and started ransacking the car. Then traffic started moving and the motorists hooted at him. It took a while before he realised that the chaos around him was orchestrated. It is the modus operandi of criminals plying the Globe Cinema Roundabout overpass. Not far from where this drama was taking place, a policeman was directing traffic at Khoja roundabout, oblivious of what was happening close to him. Less than a kilometre away, at the Central Police Station, life continued as normal, with the station commander probably content that plainclothes police officers who man the crime hotspots such as Khoja roundabout were doing their job of keeping Kenyans safe. Frightening experience But Mwangi felt so alone. Less than five minutes earlier, he had dropped a colleague at Ngara and he had planned to make a U-turn at the Globe Cinema roundabout, but missed the turnoff and found himself on the overpass, arguably one of the most dangerous stretches of road for private motorists in the city. "It was frightening to be surrounded by all those men, some trying to remove the car's side mirror, while the other was inside my car. I was lucky I did not panic and cause multiple accidents. It was the most frightening experience," says Mwangi. Criminals have mastered how to cause chaos and in the melee, steal valuables from motorists and pedestrians. If one resists, a knife or a gun will hasten the process. Mwangi escaped without losing much because he had no valuables with him and the traffic started flowing. Within seconds the gang of six men had moved to another motorist. May 1 A day before Mwangi's experience, Makutano Junction actor Ainea Ajiambo alias Snake, a licensed gun owner, "accidentally" shot a guard and a bystander while fighting three gangsters who attempted to steal a gold chain he was wearing. CCTV footage of the incident showed the actor chatting with a woman on the sidewalk on Moi Avenue, when one of the men grabbed his chain as the other two pushed the woman aside. He shoved the attackers, pulled out his gun and fired, and the men scampered away. Police had to use teargas to disperse a mob that wanted to lynch the actor, accusing him of being trigger-happy. They whisked him to Central Police Station. The actor explained that he was aiming at the gang that had attacked him when the bullets hit the guard and a bystander. Although the cases seem to be more in the city centre, carjackings in residential areas continue unabated. Tales of residents being robbed on their doorsteps are now a common feature on social media and in reports posted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on its social media platforms. Helpless and vulnerable Criminals are now going for anything, even side mirrors are being stolen in traffic. Cases happening a few metres from where police are busy chasing matatus at the expense of monitoring the security leave residents feeling helpless and vulnerable. Since the Covid-19 lockdowns, more people have lost jobs, which has seen a corresponding increase in petty crimes and muggings in the city. Although the National Police Service has not released the 2020 crime report and trends, scary testimonies by victims show that crime is on the rise. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. On April 29, this writer witnessed a middle-aged man snatching a necklace from a woman just after she alighted from a bus on Moi Avenue. The man tip-toed towards the woman and pulled her neckpiece from behind, leaving her in pain. Before she could realise what was happening, the thief was gone. Yesterday, Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai said more security officers would be deployed at the National Archives and on Luthuli Avenue, River Road and other mugging hotspots within the CBD. "We have regular security patrols around the city on a daily basis. However, I have noted this with concern and we will deploy more security forces around the area," the IG said on Twitter. The National Police Service's website has, however, listed other muggings hotspots in Nairobi that you ought to be wary of. These are City Cotton between Wilson Airport and South C, Near Oilibya Petrol Station in Mathare, Congo area of Kawangware and the Limuru road stretch between the town and Nakuru highway. Nairobi police boss Augustine Nthumbi says an anti-mugging squad has been deployed in the Nairobi Central Business District to hunt down thugs who have been terrorizing pedestrians and motorists. This comes in the wake of numerous complaints from members of the public who have fallen victim to the gangs. The latest mugging was reported Tuesday after a gang of five robbed one Francis Osiemo of his valuables and cash. Osiemo told police he was accosted by the gang near the Kenya National Archives as he walked home at night. The men threatened to shoot him before robbing him of a laptop, two mobile phones, and Sh6,200. According to police, four other people have filed complaints about the same gang. We have profiled some groups and their modus operandi and the hunt is on, Nthumbi said, noting that the gangs operate in groups of five to eight people. In addition to patrolling the CBD, the anti-mugging squads will also patrol Uhuru Highway where motorists have complained of being harassed. Meanwhile, police are urging victims to cooperate with attackers for their own safety as fighting back is risky. A section of Muslims in Kenya have defied Chief Kadhi Ahmed Muhdhar's advice to mark Idd-ul-Fitr on Friday. Hundreds of Muslims flocked to various mosques and grounds for prayers to mark the celebrations. Sheikh Muhdhar had on Wednesday evening announced that Muslims will mark the Idd prayers on Friday. Sheikh Muhdhar made the announcement in Mombasa after a crescent moon failed to be sighted in the country. The moon signifies the end of Ramadhan. But a section of Muslims on Thursday went to mosques and various grounds to mark the celebrations after it was reported that the moon had been sighted in parts of Kenya. The trial of Wajir Governor Abdi Mohamud opened in the Senate on Wednesday with the county assembly that impeached him alleging he had presided over a corrupt administration with kickbacks paid to his wife. Clan rivalry and politics of 2022 General Election, however, played out during the first day of the trial by a committee appointed by the House to determine whether the charges levelled against the county chief can be substantiated. Making its case against the governor, the county assembly accused the Mohamud's family, in particular his wife, Ms Khaira Mohamud, describing her as the real power behind the throne. "She is the de facto authority who runs the county," Mr Shueb Barre Mohamed, a member of the county assembly, told the committee, chaired by Nyamira senator Okongo Omogeni yesterday. The MCA submitted to the committee a document that details millions of shillings he claimed had been deposited in Ms Khaira's bank account, claiming the cash was kickbacks she received over county tenders. Mr Mohamed relied on an alleged bank statement that showed that nearly Sh28 million had been wired to her account by different suppliers in the period after 2017 general election. However, the MCA, who was the second witness of the county assembly, could not explain the authenticity of the document. The submission of the document was opposed by the governor's lawyers Paul Nyamodi and Ndegwa Njiru who accused the county assembly of abusing the privileges of the House to prejudice the governor in the trial. They demanded that the committee authenticates the document before the witness was allowed to refer to it, warning that the damage would have been made if in the final analysis the document is proved to be a forgery. Meru Senator Mithika Linturi also questioned the authenticity of the document, its source and declared that it did not look like a bank statement. "From what I can see, it doesn't look like a bank statement," he said, demanding that the witness explains its source and the bank in question and how the witness got hold of the document. Nakuru senator Susan Kihika said the reliance on the document by the county assembly was prejudicial to the governor especially if it fails the authenticity test. Challenged to explain the source of the document, Mr Mohamed only told the committee that it came from a confidential source he was not willing to divulge. "The burden on the authenticity of the document lies squarely with the county assembly. They have to explain whether this is a bank statement or not," Mr Omogeni ruled. Attempts by the county assembly to summon the family of the governor to testify against him were rejected by the committee which observed that the county assembly can argue its case without summoning the county chief's relatives. The county assembly had petitioned the committee to compel the governor's wife and three children to testify, an application the governor's lawyers opposed. The decision by the governor to oppose the application was attacked by Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi, the county assembly's lead lawyer, who accused the county chief of double standards. "Khaira is everything in this case. Everything rotates around her. She is the centre of gravity and the fulcrum of every corruption in the county," Mr Abdullahi claimed. "No sufficient reasons have been given on why this committee should compel the three members of the governor's family to appear. The assembly can still build its case around the family and the mess in the county without their testimony," Omogeni ruled. Earlier in the day, the governor had told the committee that attempts to remove him from office are motivated by politics and warned that it could interfere with the 2017 power sharing dynamics in the county should he be ousted. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Taking the stand to make opening remarks, Mr Mahamud pushed back claims that he has presided over corruption even as he urged the committee to consider looking into the nature of decision making among ethnic Somalis of North Eastern. "I urge this community to look at the unique circumstances the Somali community, where I come from, finds itself in its decision making and formation of government at county level," he said. "The formation of county governments and their structures in this region is formed through negotiated democracy. This is politics with malice and witch-hunt," he added. Traditionally, political seats in northern Kenyan are shared out by elders through a negotiated democracy that involves all the clans. The aim is to ensure that every clan gets a chance to participate in decision making. More than 28,000 scored Grade E in the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, 141 of them from national schools. According to data from the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec), more boys scored the E grade compared to girls, despite boys performing better overall than girls. The data shows a total of 28,046 candidates scored an E, 15,225 of who were boys and 12,821 girls. Only 172 special needs candidates - among them 89 girls and 83 boys - out of the 1,854 candidates who sat the KCSE exams, scored an E. Surprisingly, a total of 141 candidates in national schools scored an E while only 85 from extra-county schools had the grade. County schools had a total of 1,501 candidates with Grade E while private schools had a total of 8,080 candidates with the grade. The bulk of candidates with Grade E (18,289) were from sub-county schools. The number of those with Grade E is, however, lower than that of the 2019 KCSE exams, where 29,318 candidates scored the grade. An analysis of Knec data shows the number of candidates getting an E has been decreasing over the past five years. In 2015, those who scored Grade E were 5,350, in 2016 (33,399) and in 2017 (35,536). In 2018, some 30,854 had the lowest grade. However, all is not lost for those who scored Grade E, as they have an opportunity to pursue artisan courses and upgrade their studies up to PhD level. While releasing the results, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha assured the candidates of a bright future, adding that they will all have a place in the available institutions of higher learning. "Our government has ensured every child in our country has a place to pursue a career, and everyone deserves a chance," said Prof Magoha. Prof Magoha said the Technical and Vocational Education Training Institutions (Tvets) have also embraced Competence-Based Education and Training (Cbet) to benefit all learners. The State Department of Technical and Vocational Education Training, in collaboration with the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), have developed a pathway that will guide students who score Grade E to further their studies. The Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) allows students to move from the lowest level to the highest level. The students will be able to start from KNQF level one for primary education to level KNQF level 10, which is a doctorate degree. Level one, which is a primary certificate, will take six years of study while level two will take six years to study for a secondary certificate or a national vocational certificate or national skills certificate III. Level three will take three months, level four, six months, level five one year, level six two years, level seven four years, level eight one year, level nine two years and level 10 three years. "The progression framework allows learners to start from primary certificate, secondary certificate, national vocational certificate, artisan certificate, craft certificate, national diploma, bachelor's degree, post-graduate diploma, master's degree and doctorate degree," explains the KNQA framework. Based on last year's examination results, only 143,140 candidates scored C+ and will be able to join universities out of the 747,161 candidates who wrote the examinations. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This means a total of 604,021 candidates, more than half of the candidates who sat the examinations, did not qualify to join university. A total of 121,942 candidates scored a D (plain), 117,898 scored a D+, 109,454 scored a C- while 85,458 scored a C plain. Out of the 1,854 special needs candidates who sat for the exams, a total of 549 scored a D-, 328 candidates scored a D (plain) while 206 candidates had D+. The results revealed a majority of the candidates (137,361) scored a mean grade of D-, some 121,942 candidates scored a D (plain), 117,898 scored a D+ (Plus) and 109,454 scored a C- while 85,458 scored a C (plain). Prof Magoha said students will get a chance to pursue certificate, diploma and artisan courses in TVET, teacher training colleges, medical colleges and universities. Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, has stated that the state government is considering taking a loan from the World Bank to address erosion problems in the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe. He told a Presidential Visitation Panel led by Professor Kenneth Okiongbo, who was in Gombe State on an assessment visit to the school yesterday, that though it's a federal establishment, the people of the state are major benefactors of the college. He received the presidential panel on behalf of the state Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya. According to him, the intervention for the college would not be out of place, hence, it is to the advantage of the state. The deputy governor said the state government had already intervened in the erosion control of the college through the diversion of some major structures at the state mega park which is very close to the school. Jatau said the government was working assiduously to the reality and completion of the work on the erosion sites. He added that the government is comprised of many educationists, as such, it is very sensitive to matters that has to do with the educational development of the state. The deputy governor, therefore, called on the panel, especially the school management, to assist the state-owned College of Education in Billiri, which is in its tender stage, in various aspects of its development. Earlier, the Chairman of the Presidential Panel, Professor Okiongbo, told the deputy governor that they were in FCE (Tech) Gombe to assess the performance of the college in the areas of governance, academic standard, physical infrastructure, administration and finance of the college. He called on the state government to do more interventions in the school in the areas of erosion control and road infrastructures, stating however that the school is well managed, as he gave kudos to its management. BOLT Tanzania has pledged to continue expanding its network in the country in a bid to make urban transportation more accessible and convenient. This was unveiled in Dar es Salaam Wednesday by the Country Manager for Bolt in Tanzania, Remmy Eseka while explaining various issues to editors on the ride-hailing platform. "We are currently present in four regions namely Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha and Mwanza, but our target is to expand reliable and affordable urban transport services to other regions," he said. He however called on the need to enhance public awareness on the use of efficient and affordable ride-hailing services thus boosting the city's mobility. Bolt offers motor vehicles, rickshaws 'Bajaji' and Boda-Boda services. Developing a sustainable transport system will be of paramount importance taking into consideration 68 per cent of the global population is expected to live in urban environments by 2050. Mr Eseka said in just one year period, 2020 to 2021, the urban transport provider has managed to increase its services in 40 from 35 countries. This is an indication that ride-hailing services are taking new shape with more people requesting and using them. "The future is bright for the ride-hailing services providers due to the fast-growing use of internet in Tanzania and the whole of Africa," he noted. He said further that Bolt operations in the country have boosted local incomes by empowering a broader section of society to access paid work as drivers on their platform. Bolt currently operates in seven African countries, providing earning opportunities for more than 400,000 drivers in 60 cities across the continent. Globally, the Estonian ride-hailing Bolt Company is operating in 200 cities, serving more than 50,000 customers and employer over 1.5 million drivers. THE government has directed the public to observe the laid down rules, regulations and procedures during elections as it will not hesitate to take legal action to those who instigate chaos and disturb security. The government has commended the police force and fire brigade for the job well done to ensure the 2020 election were held peacefully and the public exercised their democratic rights undisturbed. Moreover, the government through the Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Policy, Parliament Affairs, Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability Mr Patrobas Katambi said they are making close monitoring and follow up to ensure that all who caused chaos during the 2020 general election are dealt with according to the law. He expressed the sentiments in the National Assembly here when responding to Zuberi Kuchauka (Liwale-- CCM) on what measures and compensation plans are on foot to victims of chaos in his constituency during the 2020 election that caused human harm and destroyed properties, including public institutions. Mr Katambi said investigations are still going on as he assured Liwale parliamentarians that proper measures will be taken to find the culprits. The Deputy Minister said it is true that some politicians mobilised their supporters to conduct chaos and other criminal incidents during the October 28, 2020 general elections in Lindi region. However, he said the government used security organs to calm the situation, saying such acts will not be tolerated as it is against the law. He said since involvement in chaos during election is a criminal offence, therefore the outcome which includes destruction of properties and setting ablaze public buildings will be dealt with according to the laws. GIRL students who become pregnant will only be allowed to continue with studies after taking and passing special examination. Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Joyce Ndalichako told the British Minister for Africa, James Duddridge when he visited some of the country's funded projects that the government has set procedures to enable pregnant girls to continue with studies. "If a student becomes pregnant, she will be given an alternative formal education, and if she passes the exams, she will continue with the formal system of education," said Ndalichako, saying for example if she was in form two, she will study informally and take exams. If she passes, she will go back to school to continue to form three as well as other classes. She said the government has successfully managed to meet the criteria that enabled it to get the fund from the UK for major renovation of schools in various parts of the country. According to Prof Ndalichako, the government has allocated funds for the construction of a school in each region. She said each school will be able to accommodate 1,000 students. "Our focus is on building boarding schools for our girl students. The fund for the project is part of the loan from World Bank of 500m US dollars," she noted. Prof Ndalichako also said that Minister Duddridge has invited her to a meeting of the education sector to be held in the United Kingdom in July this year. On his side, Mr Duddridge said he was pleased with the progress of education in Tanzania, especially in providing free education, and how the government is concerned with girl's student. Mr Duddridge said the UK will continue to work with the government in promoting and advancing development of the girl children so that they could study in a positive environment as he had seen the government's efforts in caring for girls' education. "I have also seen that education for the girl child is highly regarded in this country, so we will continue to work with the minister and the government in promoting and developing the girl child so that she can study in a conducive environment," said Duddridge. TANZANIA Bureau of Standards (TBS) has called on the need to enhance public education in identifying and using products with quality standard marks as a way to uproot poor quality goods from the market. The Standard watchdog carried public education campaign to primary and secondary schools students and other citizens in various parts of Kilosa District in Morogoro Region as well as Mkinga District in Tanga Region. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, TBS Liaison Officer, Neema Mtemvu, said the biggest thing they have done is to educate primary and secondary school students on the importance of using TBS certified and registered products, including giving them a number for a free call to contact the agency in case they experience problems or challenges in the product. "We have been able to provide education in various areas such as stands, markets, auctions, shopping centers in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region and Mkinga, Tanga Region," said Mtemvu. She said TBS have conveyed the education to the students by recognizing that they are going to be good ambassadors for parents and guardians regarding the importance of using TBS-certified products. In terms of crowded areas, Ms Mtemvu said the education was provided in Mkinga at the Hororo Stand and Duga gulio, while in Kilosa the education was provided in India, Sabasaba and Kimamba. Regarding the response of the people in those areas with public gatherings, Ms Mtemvu said many were happy with the education and have asked for it to be sustainable. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Citizens have thanked the organization for seeing the need to provide them with such information on standards because they have been facing major challenges, but they did not know what to do. "But for now and for themselves, they have promised to get into a war of cheap goods because they are able to contact TBS, as they know we are there, "explained Ms Mtemvu. She said among the things the citizens were educated through the campaign were the responsibilities of TBS, the importance of checking the expiration date of the products they want to buy, where the information is available on the packaging. Another area in which these citizens were educated was the importance of them buying certified products registered with TBS. Ms Mtemvu cited some of the benefits of buying products certified by the TBS as including protecting their health and the value of their money. She said when a client buys products that have been certified by TBS, they are sure of the products they use. Currently, the officers continue to provide such education in Bagamoyo district, Coast region. THE government has clarified on three major concerns raised by large and middle scale miners over local content, exploration and mining projects financing. Minerals Minister Dotto Biteko stated that the government has amended the mining law in good faith and intention, mainly to beef up participation of Tanzanians in the sector, thus the issue of local content in the Act would remain untouched. He made his argument based on historical background whereby the mining Act went through three amendments since 1970's. He noted that during those previous years, there was exclusivity for people to invest in the sector, the government was mainly engaging in mining activities with the view of protecting national resources. Later in 1998, the law was amended to welcome foreigners to come to invest, among others were the Geita Gold Mining (GGM). However, in the course of welcoming more foreign investors, Tanzanians complained that those companies were taking it all and leaving the locals with nothing. Again, Mr Biteko explained that in 2010, the government also discovered that the mining sector was operating itself without motivating other sectors. Therefore, in 2017, the government resolved to change the law to enable more participation of Tanzanians in the mining sector by inserting the phrase of local content in the mining law to make Tanzanians benefit from the sector. That was from the fact that mining companies were importing almost everything, thus people were not benefiting from the mining activities. "Let me tell you that our law on local content is in good intention; we can't go back to the early days as far as local content is concerned. If we make a mistake by leaving behind Tanzanians, those minerals will finish and leave people in poverty," the minister told members of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines during a meeting in Dar es Salaam. The meeting was convened to hear from the miners over challenges they encounter. He further explained the issue of exploration, noting that looking at the increased number of the issued exploration licenses; it proved that mining exploration activities were increasing. "We have given many exploration licenses to foreign companies. Anyone who wants to do exploration let them come, we still have room for application," he told the members. He went on to speak about financing, admitting that there was hesitation by foreign financial institutions to fund mining projects in the country, however local banks are now ready to finance the mining projects. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We have talked with banks over considering a joint venture to finance the big mining projects and we will continue educating them," he said. However, he promised the miners that the government will consider their views meant to improve the mining law to address their challenges. "The government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is open to ensure that it listens to anyone. The duty of building our economy is upon ourselves and the president has directed us to get rid of bureaucracy and be ready to help anyone who wants to invest in the mining sector and get profit," he stated. Earlier, the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, made recommendations to what they deemed as challenges to their endeavor to take the mining sector to the next level. Chairperson of the chamber, Eng Philbert Rweyemamu said they noticed that there was notable reduced rate mining exploration activities in the country, something which was unhealthy for the sector. He further said some of the requirements of local content in the law are impractical, calling for review of the Act. He also told the Minister that they faced hitches when seeking financing for mining projects, saying the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) is still incapable of financing capital for big mining projects in the country, thus calling for a need to facilitate foreign direct investment. Hot on the heels of winning the Investigative Reporting Award in the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) 2021, Waihiga Mwaura has earned plaudits from British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot. Speaking during the Kenya Editors Guild Press Club in Nairobi, Jane Marriot praised the Citizen journalist for holding public officials to account. Speaking from a personal experience, the envoy said Waihiga Mwaura asks difficult questions as required of journalists. You will all recall the fire in March that started in Loldaiga Conservancy. It was not our best moment. We invited Waihiga to my house, and he put me through my paces. It was uncomfortable. He was asking difficult questions. It was not the most enjoyable interview I have ever done in my life. But I completely defend Waihigas right, and your collective right, to ask those questions and hold us to account. That is what the media is there to do, and were all better for it, she said. Marriot noted Kenya is fortunate to have a vibrant and diverse media with well-trained journalists who are determined to get to the truth. She said some of the exposes which have come to light during the COVID-19 pandemic have illuminated challenges that the media fraternity faces. The British envoy observed that Kenyan journalists have a huge task in the next 18 months as Kenya approaches a constitutional referendum and an election. We need an independent and sustainable media, with laws, policies and professionals to serve society. We need investigative journalists who spend days weeks, months getting to the real heart of stories, Marriot said. Adding: A free press forms a foundation for economic prosperity, for social development, for more open and inclusive societies. The open exchange of information allows economies to flourish. NKENGE Member of Parliament (MP), Florent Kyombo has asked the National Assembly to suspend business in the House to debate the requirement by Tanzanians applying for employment opportunities to have the National Identification Number (NIN) from the National Identification Authority (NIDA), saying it was denying them their rights. Immediately after the Questions and Answers session, the MP stood up seeking the speaker's guidance to have his query debated as it was likely to affect Tanzanians who are now applying for the recent jobs that were advertised by the President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI). The MP asked the Deputy Speaker to suspend the ongoing schedule at least for ten minutes so that MPs could debate and advise the executive on how best youth in the country can be employed without being required to submit their NIN. However, the Deputy Speaker said she was not sure if there was any Tanzanian who does not possess NIN as many of them registered themselves with NIDA during an exercise to register their phone numbers after a directive from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). "But if there are some Tanzanians who are yet to have the numbers and if NIDA cannot be able to give them numbers before the deadline for the new jobs for teachers and health workers elapses, the government should look on the best way so that they can apply for the jobs," she noted. KIBAHA Town Council has loaned 80 per cent of the fund set for women, youth and people with disabilities in this fiscal year. The town council said for 2020/2021 they set aside 390m/- of which 312m/- has been disbursed to the targeted groups. The Council's Chairman Mr Musa Ndomba said they will reach the target before the end of the fiscal year in June as the exercise was going on well. "The council expects to collect a total of 3.9bn/- from our sources and 10 per cent of this money will be given as loans to these three groups," he said. Mr Ndomba said during a recent Council meeting that 40 per cent or 1.6bn/- out of its own sources revenue has already been provided to all councils in 14 wards for development projects. The chair said the council so far managed to collect 93 per cent of the targeted amount of 3.9bn/- with two months ahead of closing the fiscal yea "This is a big achievement," Mr Ndomba said. Meanwhile, Kibaha District Commissioner Eng Martin Ntemo, who attended the council meeting, told government officials to stop selling land to individuals against laid down laws and procedures. "I have been receiving several complaints regarding land disputes in our area now and then. "I am taking this opportunity to warn officials who in one way or another involved in this matter that they will be dealt accordingly," he said. Tunis/Tunisia Speaker of the House of People's Representatives (ARP) Rached Ghannouchi called for an international fundraising campaign in solidarity with the Palestinian people as well as the creation of an online and permanent coordination mechanism between Arab parliaments to support the Palestinian cause. Ghannouchi was delivering remarks at the 31st Extraordinary Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) held by VTC Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates and focusing on the developments of the situation in Palestine. He stressed the need to provide international protection to the Palestinian people, according to a statement from the ARP. The ARP Speaker reminded that the Tunisian parliament had called for an extraordinary meeting since the barbaric attacks began in al-Quds, particularly in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. During the conference, First Deputy-Speaker of the ARP Samira Chaouachi delivered remarks on behalf of the parliament through which she paid tribute to Palestinian women and young Palestinians who have never stopped defending Palestine, al-Quds and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. She said governments, Arab parliaments and the Arab Parliamentary Union must support Palestinian resistance through all possible means and defend Palestinian rights regionally and internationally. Chaouachi also called on all countries supporting peace and peoples' rights to denounce the ongoing abuses committed by the Israeli occupier against the Palestinians. Dar es Salaam At a time when Tanzania was in an economic quagmire following the collapse of recovery negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IFM), it was actually two distinguished economists that informed the government on how to end the deadlock. The two, whose names come strongly in retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi's memoirs, are former Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor, the late, Prof Benno Ndulu, and the Civic United Front (CUF) national chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba. "The two seasoned economists from the University of Dar es Salaam helped us a lot," writes Mr Mwinyi in his memoir titled: 'Mzee Rukhsa: Safari ya Maisha Yangu ('Mzee Rukhsa: Journey of My Life'). This is the second time in less than one month that Prof Ndulu - who died on February 22, this year - is mentioned for his role in Tanzania's economic transformation agenda by a former head of state. Late last month, former President Jakaya Kikwete described Prof Ndulu as one of the distinguished economists who played a pivotal role in fostering a sound economic growth and all-inclusive development in Tanzania. In his reflection on Prof Ndulu during a virtual panel discussion that was organised by the Africa House of the US- based New York University, former President Kikwete narrated how he met with the departed economist during the days as students at the University of Dar es Salaam in 1972. Mr Kikwete narrated how he ended up recommending Prof Ndulu for appointment as the first chairman of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) board after he (Mr Kikwete) had been appointed Finance minister in the Mwinyi administration and how he sought his advice after he (Mr Kikwete) had become President of Tanzania in 2005. Mzee Mwinyi's story clearly shows that the late Prof Ndulu and Prof Lipumba are straight forward economists who will call a spade a spade even where one would say it was just a working tool. With founding President Julius Nyerere's hard line stance towards the IMF's conditions on how Tanzania's economy was to be resuscitated, the two economists had to advise the government the truth that very few - if any - were willing to hear about during the very early days of Mr Mwinyi's presidency. "Our economists showed us that each and every economic sector was performing retrogressively each passing year. They blamed the poor performance of state-owned corporations. They blamed the government for what they termed as failing in its regulatory roles that resulted in the creation of parallel economy whereby," he writes. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Prof Ndulu, Prof Lipumba and other economists, Mr Mwinyi writes, informed the government that time was ripe to make hard decision by striking an agreement with the IMF that saw the government receiving a World Bank loan of $335 million to boost the country's foreign reserves. At that point, Tanzania's foreign reserves could not sustain the country's import bill for even one week. With further advice from the then Finance minister, Mr Cleopa Msuya, Mr Mwinyi had to arrive at a decision that was, however, hated by almost everyone in the ruling class, including the army and the ruling party. That was how he decided that the government should resume its negotiations with the IMF while also working on other issues that would boost the economy. In the process, the government embarked on a number of other economic reforms that put the country on the move from one where the state controlled all means of production to the market-led one. interview After a five-month break due to ill health last year, Vernyuy Tina has bounced back this 2021 with three new singles with the latest being "Silver". The single was at press time counting over 50,000 views less than one month after its release on Youtube. Apart from "Silver", the artist who hails from Nso in the North West region is struggling to write her name in the golden books of music through a genre she calls "Afro-Njang". Her gallery of songs counts nine hits with "Musica" raising her to the pulpit. Besides valorising her Nso culture in particular and that of Cameroon in general via music, the artist known for her Nso accent, says she is out to recount the sad experience of her childhood and encourage her peers to stand tall. In an exclusive interview with Cameroon Tribune, Vernyuy Tina opens up on the or- deals of her five months break and how her difficult childhood is helping to shape her music path and career content . You have been off the music scene for over five months and today you have bounced back with three singles. What was keeping you off and what is your latest project all about? I was off the scene for over five months because I was sick. During that period I could not work. When things got better, I had to let my fans know that I am back with the three new singles which I recently released. They include; "Weh Weh", "La B.A.D" and "Silver". I had worked on "La B.A.D" before the break but it was not yet released. Silver is my birthday song. It basically means my silver Jubilee. It was released on my 25th birthday. The song is just thanking God for my new age, life, music and career. I have been into music for about six years. I am just thanking god for what he has been doing for me so far and the capacity he has given me to overcome the challenges that come my way. I have been able to release nine singles. It is thanks to God that I could came up with sounds like "Musica", "Yuti", "Weh Weh", "Jei" amongst others. I equally recently got a deal with a Jameson Irish Brand. I am motivated by myself, my story, the urge to tell the stories of others and the desire to preach love to the world. You said you are motivated by your story. What is that story all about? My story is that of a little girl, going through ill health and trauma from rape at seven. I kept it in me until I got to adolescence and began to avoid men. Many people thought I was gay and then at puberty, the trauma came back strong when I had my first bleed. My mom observed the hate for men and when she got deeper with me that was when I told her what happened. From there, we started therapies for hysteria crises in a psychiatric home for about a year. Things have gotten better with time. Music is healing my pains. If I am one of the best lyricists today in Africa, then it is thanks to writing from a very young age and talking less except when I have to sing. I went through all that and succeeded. I am telling this story to the world so that my peers can learn and be strong enough to face their destinies. Many people may think that after being sexually abused at a tender age, as a woman you might be scared of getting in to the music world given its complex nature. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Music Cameroon By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. What encouraged you to do so? There was fear. But there is no pain no gain. You have to face the challenges that came with the profession you choose. You can make yourself different and stay on your lane. What I came to do as an artist is to preach love, portray decency and Africanism. I recently did a project which is about telling your story to the community. In my text, I stated how I moved from that enclosed little girl to be able to get into boldness. It was a gradual process. I am different from a little girl who was raped without talent. I realised that I had talent and I de- cided to use it to sooth my pain rather than killing it with fear of harassment. You participated in Witty's "Be Proud" project alongside other prominent artists like Mr Leo, Magasco, Kameni, Awu and Gasha. How did you get in to this project? Witty called me to join the project. He is my Nso brother first of all. I know after the blow he was pondering on whether he should do a collabo with just Nso artists or singers across the country. Normally, he cannot go to the other parts without getting to his own brothers and sisters. I loved the song and I was honoured to be on the collabo . press release Authorities in Benin must immediately take all necessary measures to protect transgender people and the associations that defend them, after three transgender women were forced to undress, beaten and robbed by a group of men at a bar in the capital Cotonou, Amnesty International said today. The attack, which took place on the night of 30 April, was filmed by the assailants who then posted the video on social media. After being assaulted, Kani, Fati and Jennifer-names by which they refer to themselves-who went to seek refuge with a local transgender association continued receiving threats. "The assault on the three transgender women must prompt the authorities to take stronger measures to protect them as well as all their defenders," said Fabien Offner, Amnesty International West Africa researcher. "They should ensure transgender and intersex people who are victims of such violations have access to remedies. Perpetrators of this assault must also be identified and prosecuted during fair trial." The three transgender women told Amnesty International they were victims of a trap set by a person supposed to be their 'friend', who had invited them to a 'birthday party' in a bar they would regularly gather in for drinks. Following their arrival, they felt the 'birthday party' was not going to take place. Their 'friend' was moving in and out of the bar while men they had never met came to sit next to them, observing them closely. One of the three women told Amnesty International: "Our 'friend' asked Fati to join him outside the bar. She then realized that he was no longer waiting for her outside. Two men started assaulting Fati and stealing her belongings after asking her if she was a man or a woman. We wanted to go out to join her, but the door had been closed. We couldn't run away or help Fati. The door was finally opened, and we were able to join her outside. I was asked if I'm a man or a woman. I didn't answer, then I said I'm a trans woman. The man who asked me the question didn't understand what I was saying. He then touched me and started slapping me when he saw that I had no breasts. " She added: "They had started taking pictures of us. Then they threatened us to undress. They forced us to pull off our clothes. I screamed to ask them to take us to the police station, but they kept hitting me, then I tried to defend Fati, and someone hit me on the neck with a bottle of beer. During all this time, people were filming and photographing us (... ) Finally, we were able to escape thanks to the taxi-motorcycle drivers." Amnesty International has viewed several videos showing a noisy crowd of men in front of the three transgender women who were trapped against a wall, forced to undress, and prevented from hiding their genitals with their hands. The medical certificate of one of the victims reviewed by Amnesty International concludes that "severe bodily contusion is compatible with the abuse the patient claims to have suffered," and has prescribed a week of total incapacity for work. Since the attack, none of the three has been able to return home. After the videos were posted on social media, some of their parents threatened to kill or poison them if they returned home. Other parents advised them to keep a low profile for a while. On the night of 1 May, two individuals broke into the premises of the association where the three victims found refuge. "They climbed into the courtyard of the building but were seen by people who shouted to scare them away," the president of the association told Amnesty International. He said that during the day, a crowd gathered in front of the building, pointing at people entering and those exiting. He told Amnesty International he felt threatened. Other LGBTI rights associations across Benin which have publicly or not stood up for three women have also received threats following the assaults. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines NGO Human Rights Benin By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The president of one of them told Amnesty International: "Before the three were assaulted I was already insulted, and I never responded. The situation worsened after they were attacked as five members of the association including myself received threats. In the area where I live, I hardly go out, and my parents threatened to kick me out of the house, accusing me of being a damned child." The president and founder of another LGBTI rights association also told Amnesty International that she received death and rape threats over the phone after she denounced the assault in a video posted on 2 May on the association's Facebook page. "The human rights of these three transgender women must be respected by all. The authorities must prevent them from living in a hostile environment," said Fabien Offner. "The lawmakers should explicitly prohibit in the law discrimination based on gender identity and expression and recognize and protect human rights defenders who defend the rights of transgender and intersex people." Asmara, 12 May 2021 - Eritrea established formal diplomatic relations with the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Joint communique formalizing diplomatic relations with the two countries was signed on 11 May 2021, at a ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations in New York. Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam Yohannes, Permanent Representative of the State of Eritrea to the United Nations, signed on behalf of Eritrea, while Ambassador Loreen Bannis Roberts, Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations, signed the Joint Communique on behalf of her country. Police have arrested four Zanu PF activists who later appeared in court Wednesday for alleged involvement in intra-party violence that broke out at the weekend leading to the firing of tear-smoke to disperse hordes of rampaging party functionaries. Two of the arrested activists, namely Simbarashe Guvheya (40) and Zivanai Busai (37) are loyal to Information deputy minister, Kindness Paradza. The female pair of Ruth Chikukwa (40) and Mirriam Mudoti (42) popularly known as 'Boko Haram' was also dragged to court jointly facing public violence charges. The quartet briefly appeared before Chinhoyi magistrate Tapiwa Banda who remanded the matter to this Thursday for bail application. Investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Newten Musende is opposing bail arguing public violence was a serious offence which interferes with other people's rights, property and attracts custodial sentence if accused persons are convicted. He also avers Guvheya, Busai, Chikukwa and Mudoti were likely to meddle with witnesses as they lived in the same locality and all belonged to Zanu PF. The state case, led by Review Nikisi is that on 8 May 2021 at Chinhoyi Public Service Training Centre, Chikukwa and Mudoti and their accomplices, who are still at large, were at the venue where Zanu PF was holding a sanctioned meeting. Guvheya and Busai and their accomplices, who are also still at large, arrived at the venue while aboard a black Zanu PF vehicle inscribed "Makonde Constituency" and belonging to Paradza. When the activists met, a misunderstanding broke out between them and a fight broke out with the belligerents using various weapons which included stones, sticks and iron bars. Upon their arrests, the activists exchanged accusations over who caused the violence. Paradza has courted controversy within the party for allegedly shielding youth secretary Ketty Chanetsa from sanctions for alleged misdeeds. Last weekend, police fired tear smoke to quell the riotous situation that unfolded as the beleaguered top government official convened the ill-fated meeting of 45 Zanu PF DCC chairpersons from Chinhoyi constituency. The meeting venue was turned into a war zone as the deputy minister's militia armed with machetes, stones, beer bottles and a spear, arrived aboard his black party-issued double-cab truck before unleashing violence. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. They were, however, subdued by the predominantly Chinhoyi-based activists who were demanding Chanetsa's removal, arguing they seconded her to the post, hence could recall her. Chanetsa, whom Paradza seeks to protect, was recently barred from attending the organ's inaugural meeting held at the same venue for being a "G40 sell-out." She is accused of leaking party information to social media personality Gugu Ncube a.k.a "Dr Amai", who in turn allegedly uses it to denigrate the party and its leadership through social media platforms. Chanetsa also faces charges of fomenting divisions, holding unsanctioned meetings, gossiping, maligning and blackmailing senior party leaders. She is also accused of faking her abduction by party colleagues during the emotive DCC elections last December, thereby putting the party's name into disrepute. "This is an attempt of denying justice and rule of law to prevail." Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has accused Public Appointments Committee (PAC) for sabotaging his administration's quest in the fight against corruption. Chakwera made the remarks at Parliament in Lilongwe following what is believed to be a scheme by corrupt parliamentarians who fear that confirming the legal bulldozer, Martha Chizuma as ACB boss would land them in jail. The Malawi leader said the action by PAC in rejecting a solid legal personality that Chizuma is, is undoubtedly an attempt to deny Malawi become a nation free from corruption. "This is an attempt of denying justice and rule of law to prevail and blocking the notion of making Malawi a corruption free nation," Chakwera said. On levels of poverty and how Malawi can come out from it, Chakwera said Malawi's poverty is man-made and there is need to reverse this. President Chakwera said there is need to have a clear agenda of what kind of a Malawi that we want in four years from now. The president said his government is tirelessly working to enhance job creation and creation of wealth so that people have money in their pockets and that they are able to rely on themselves. Chakwera said Ministries Departments and Agencies have big tasks to implement the agenda. The Malawi leader then took a swipe to the MDAs for being slow in doing business adding that there might be an element of laziness and sabotage in the way on how these MDAs are doing their jobs. Delivering the State of Nation address titled "accelerating the change Malawi voted for" Chakwera said the strategic MDAs are the vehicle to accelerate meaningful development. Chakwera said if the issues are to do with legislations, there is need to change some laws so that they are able to spin national development. High flying Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo is leaving the BBC for a lucrative post at CNN in Nairobi. The American cable news organization made the announcement Thursday morning. Madowo has been serving as BBC News North American correspondent. His stint there has seen him cover the US election, COVID-19 outbreak, the death of George Floyd and the trial of his killer among many other stories. Larry Madowo is leaving the BBC to take up a new position with CNN as the networks Nairobi-based correspondent, senior vice president of international newsgathering and managing editor (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Deborah Rayner made the announcement. From enterprise reporting in Ethiopias Tigray region to investigations into oil drilling in Namibias Kavango Basin, via a range of cultural and business stories across dedicated programming, Africa has never been more visible on CNNs multiple platforms, she continued. On his part, Madowo said, Ive enjoyed reporting from the US and around the world, but its a real privilege to return to covering Africa at such a critical time in Kenya and around the continent. I have long admired CNN Internationals award-winning coverage, and Im honoured to be joining such a talented team. I look forward to sharing the full spectrum of life in one of the most dynamic parts of the world with CNNs global audiences. Madowo started his career at KTN, but he likely came on many peoples radar when he hosted The Trend on NTV. He also worked for CNBC in Johannesburg. He holds a bachelors degree in Communication from Daystar University in Kenya as well as a masters in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University in New York. Read the full statement from CNN below. The government has launched a computerized health information management system called Impilo with the aim of improving patient data monitoring across the country. Briefing the media on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said availability of real-time data will enable efficient and effective monitoring and decision-making to deal with the ever-increasing threats of fast-spreading diseases or disasters. "Accordingly, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with the support of partners, has developed a comprehensive, health-centric and integrated national electronic health record system called Impilo for patient registration, patient management and evaluation, patient tracking, stock usage and tracking, and data aggregation, validation and analysis." She said Impilo will be deployed at five central hospitals, seven provincial hospitals, 30 district hospitals, and 384 clinics across the country. "It is pleasing to note that the Impilo Electronic Health Record System was developed by a 100 percent Zimbabwean technical team and licensed under the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The system supports health workers in following clinical protocols for priority health services," she said. Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Ali Ndume, yesterday faulted the decision of southern governors to ban open grazing of cattle. Ndume's view was contrary to that of federal lawmakers from the south who backed the decision of the governors to ban open grazing. It would be recalled that the Southern Governors Forum had, at its meeting held in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, prohibited open grazing in the region to checkmate herders-farmers clashes. Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, Senator Ndume (APC, Borno South) said Nigeria's security problem was not about open grazing. "The governors are deviating from the matter. The problem is not about open grazing. The problem is security. Most of the security problems confronting Nigeria are not in the bush. "We have four different types of security challenges. We have the insurgency in the North East, IPOB through the Eastern Security Network is creating insecurity in the South East, there's banditry in the North West. "It's only in the North Central that we have issues of farmers-herders clashes. There's less problem in the Southwest except for the clashes between the herdsmen and the farmers and the agitators for the Yoruba nation. Ndume also the military must be provided with adequate weapons to prosecute the war against insurgency. He also said salaries and allowances of military personnel ought to be paid in time. Earlier yesterday, the Southern Senators Forum, through its Chairman, the Secretary-General and the Publicity Secretary of the forum, Senators Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti), Mathew Uroghide (Edo) and Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu) respectively, said the ban on open grazing would help in reining in those hiding under cattle grazing to unleash terror of kidnapping and killing on the residents of the region. Similarly, members of the House of Representatives from the south also supported the ban on open grazing, the call for restructuring and other demands made by their governors. They expressed their support in a statement by House Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu, Honourable Peter Akpatason, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Toby Okechukwu and 18 others. President Muhammadu Buhari has called for prayers against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of Nigeria as a united entity. He made the call in a goodwill message to all Nigerians and Muslims across the globe as they mark the Eid-el- Fitr following the completion of a month of fasting. The president in the message which he personally signed called for unity and solidarity among all citizens particularly at a time when the country was faced with multiple challenges. He said the problems could be surmounted when Nigerians coalesce as one. President Buhari said: "On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all. "Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one. "It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages. "We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity. "We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion," the president said. President Buhari, in a statement released yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, also urged Nigerians to continue to observe all COVID-19 prevention measures and celebrate responsibly during the holidays. Lawan, Gbajabiamila call for unity Speaking on the Eid-el-Fitr festival, Senate President Ahmad Lawan urged the Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country. According to him, "Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country Nigeria needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers. "I assure us that the government, including the National Assembly, will not waiver in its determination to provide robust security in the country that guarantees every law-abiding citizen the liberty to live in peace and pursue their legitimate businesses anywhere they choose." Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Fitr period to pray for peace and work towards mutual coexistence among Nigerians. Gbajabiamila said Nigeria was facing challenges at the moment. "We should pray to our Creator for solutions even as leaders try their best to address the issues." On his part, Wase urged Muslims to reflect on their spiritual lives as individuals and how they could contribute more meaningfully towards the unity, stability and progress of Nigeria. Govs pray for peace The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has called on the Muslim Ummah to make prayers the pivot of this year's Eid-el-Fitr celebration in order to foster unity, peace and progress of the nation. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said in a statement yesterday that although Nigeria was going through troubling times, there was still hope that must not be lost because hard times do not last forever. He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to demonstrate faith in the prayers, which were offered, especially during the Ramadan fast, saying that God did not make a mistake by creating Nigeria with all its diversities and will therefore not allow evil to prevail or destroy the country. "The current security situation demands more action from both the government and citizens who must work together to isolate bad elements that are desperate to make Nigeria an unstable entity. "Nigerians, particularly political and religious leaders, should avoid rhetoric that inflames passions and further divides the nation along religious, ethnic and parochial sentiments. I wish Nigerians a happy festive period and I am praying that it will be spent in peace and love," he said. Many governors in their separate statements offered solidarity messages and prayers for peace as the Muslim faithful marked the end of the Ramadan fasting. Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, in his Sallah message urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and oppose any agitations aimed at balkanising the country into hostile entities. Similarly, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi enjoined the people of the state irrespective of their religious affiliations to live together in peace and harmony as they were all created by God to fulfil His purpose. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims in Lagos State and across the country to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence. The governor said Ramadan was significant to Muslims across the world as one of the major pillars of Islam, which thought abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of Allah. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, called on the faithful not to do away with love, prayers, unity and harmony that formed the basis of the holy month. He urged Muslims to engage in moderate celebration to mark the end of the fasting, saying "the situation in our dear country calls for sober reflection and prayers." Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State said Ramadan was a season of several teachings that centred on humanity, kindness, peace and love; saying if these lessons would be retained, many of the problems afflicting the country would fizzle out. From Ondo, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said Ramadan entailed intense prayers. "We must pray for Nigeria and our state. The problem of banditry, kidnappings and other activities of criminal elements must be brought to an end. It is time to seek God's face on the issue of insecurity that ravages our nation," he said. Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State urged the faithful to celebrate in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and encouraged them to reach out to the less privileged in the society to make them share in the joy and happiness that came with the festival. Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State advised Muslims to remain steadfast and continue to pray for peace and unity of the country, noting that development and growth could only take place when the people were united. While calling on Muslims to observe COVID-19 protocols, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State said that humanity was going through a tough time occasioned by restrictions. Fintiri appealed to Muslims to strengthen the bond of friendship and unity. Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his message called on all Nigerians to take advantage of the occasion to reflect soberly and intensify prayers, emphasising that the religious event had great positive impact on the nation's efforts in surmounting its security, socio-economic and public health challenges. Rekindle hope for unity - Reps Minority Caucus The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on Muslims to rekindle the hopes of Nigerians in the unity of the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr. They made the call in a statement signed by the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, on Wednesday, as they felicitated with Muslims on the completion of the Ramadan fasting. "Our caucus urges Nigerians, especially the leaders, to deploy the imbibed lessons of self-restraint and trust in God to engender honesty, justice, mutual respect, tolerance peaceful co-existence as well as love and care for one another, in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. "Indeed, we must, as a people, instil such virtues in our everyday life in order to salvage and stabilise our nation at this critical time," the statement said. Put politics aside, pray for Nigeria, Buhari - Tinubu National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that the act of sacrifice in abstaining from food, drink and other worldly things from dawn to dusk, was not simply a ritual to be performed so that Muslims might seem religious or pious to others. "Now that the holy month of Ramadan is ending, we must counsel ourselves not to forget its great lessons. We must be better than we were before. We must treat each other with more compassion and understanding. We must build a better society free from want, violence and hatred. We must never condone and tolerate the works and words of those who would do evil or who would pit brother against brother, Nigerian against Nigerian. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and its entire people. Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land. Let us pray for our brave soldiers and security agents confronting insurgents and bandits," he said. Ensure peace with your family, neighbours - Atiku Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his goodwill message urged Muslims to ensure peace and unity within their family and in their neighbourhood. "As Muslims, we know from both the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) that no tribe or race is superior to another, except the one that seeks piety to the Almighty Allah. "We do not attain piety through hate or blood-letting. We attain piety through forbearance and by sharing love. That is the message that we must give some reflection as we celebrate Eid today," he said. Continue praying for Nigeria- Saraki The immediate past Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has advised Nigerians to continue with their closeness to Almighty Allah and their prayers for His intervention in the affairs of the country, even after the obligatory fasting period. "We should refrain from returning to our old habits and become responsible citizens who pray for the country at all times and play our roles in the quest to entrench the fear of God, discipline, unity, development, equity, justice and inclusiveness in the polity. "The current situation in our country requires sincere change of mindset by all Nigerians. We should use this post-Ramadan period and the lessons we learnt from the fasting period to steer clear of any action which does not bode well for our country," he said. Speakers of various Houses of Assemblies had also prayed for peace, harmony mutual respect amongst diverse ethnic nationalities. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday urged Nigerians to pray for the nation and show love to one another, especially the downtrodden and the victims of the scourge of terrorism and banditry. The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, to felicitate with Nigerians for marking the end of Ramadan, charged them to remain vigilant and continue to keep their trust in God's infinite mercy at this critical time. The PPD also urged the citizens to use the opportunity to unite in confronting the challenges facing the nation. It said the virtues of self-sacrifice, love, perseverance and inner peace embodied in the lessons of Ramadan "should continue to guide us as a people to face and overcome the challenges of life, particularly the evils confronting Nigeria today. "As a people, we are faced by all sorts of new surge in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, vandalism; recklessness and insensitivity in governance as well as the menace of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Indeed, this is the time for Nigerians to keep hope alive believing that with trust in God and unity of all, this ugly phase in the life of our nation will surely pass. "The PDP wishes Nigerian a pleasant Eid-el-Fitr celebration". Despite abandoned barite deposit in Nigeria, the country still spends about $29.9 million to import 13,000 tonnes of the mineral resources annually to meet the consumption gap, a document from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, has shown. Barite is the primary ore of barium, extracted to make a wide variety of barium compounds. Some of these are used for x-ray shielding. It is used to make high-density concrete to block x-ray emissions in hospitals, power plants, and laboratories. It has high application in the oil and gas industry. A document obtained from the Council shows that Nigeria has a reserve estimate of 21,123,919 MT of barite with Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ebonyi and Gombe states having the major deposits. But despite this abundant barite deposit, the country produces only 10,000 tonnes and consumes 23,000 tonnes, leaving a deficit of approximately 13,000 tonnes. "As a result, Nigeria has had to rely on imported barite from China, the Netherlands, Morocco, Egypt and India. Available statistics indicated that Nigeria imports 13,000 tonnes annually and with a tonne, costing $230, this amounts to an annual expenditure of $29.9 million for barite importation," the document indicated. Reasons Nigeria is not doing well in barite production The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Professor Ibrahim Doko Hussaini, said the major challenge militating against barite production in Nigeria is underdevelopment of the mining sector. This, according to him, made the sector to contribute only a meagre 0.3% to national GDP and the country to constantly depend on minerals importation from other countries. "Barite is among the 34 minerals deposits identified in Nigeria. All ownership rights of mineral resources belongs to the federal government and it reserves the power to grant permission to registered mining companies to explore, mine and sell mineral resources. "The challenge which generally affects the mining of various mineral resources also affects the mining and beneficiation of barite in Nigeria. Some of the challenges the mining sector is facing is lack of investment in barite mining," he said. Why Nigeria should invest in barite production. With more action on barite production in Nigeria, the country can save about $29.9 million being spent on barite importation annually. According to Professor Hussaini, in view of high application in the oil and gas industry, the global barite market size was USD 1.55 billion in 2019. This, he added, was expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2020 to 2027. From 2016 to 2019, the consumption of barite spiked sharply in the United States by more than 80% owing to a significant increase in rig counts, particularly for offshore drilling, in most of the leading oil and gas-producing states. This shows a huge market for barite which the country can tap from. Nigeria's efforts to encourage barite production To obviate the problems associated with mining and beneficiation of barite in Nigeria, successive governments at the federal level have been making efforts towards improving the performance of the barite subsector. For instance, the Nigeria Content Act of 2010 campaigned for increase of local content in Nigeria's oil and gas industry. The Act stipulates that 60% of barite utilisation in the country should be sourced locally. The Raw Material Research Development Council over the years has put in place plans and strategies to boost local production of barite in Nigeria in order to stem import dependency. The Council has characterized samples of barites from most of the deposits in the country. Also the Council is working on promoting the beneficiation of low grade barite by using techniques such as gravity separation, floatation and magnetic separation techniques in collaboration with reputable equipment fabricators in the country. This is to promote upgrading of the low grade barite to meet up with the API requirement for oil and gas drilling. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In addition, the Council is in collaboration with stakeholders in the petroleum sector including the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF) and the University of Ibadan for the development of Barite as drilling mud weighing agent. The project is looking at the impact of Nigerian Barite and Ilmenite on enhancing the drilling mud weight in Oil and Gas industry. In an attempt to address identified gaps in barite demand and supply, the Council convened a stakeholders meeting to work out modalities on increasing barite mining and to further upgrade the quality of barites produced locally. At the meeting, the stakeholders noticed the need for government agencies to synergise and find solution to the challenges in the sector. In addition to the above, the Council is establishing a minerals testing and certification centre at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. Miners can now be able to know the grade of their minerals before putting them in the market. This will enable them to charge appropriate prices for their commodities. The Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe (YLAZ) and Frederick Mutanda, a liberation war veteran, on Tuesday 11 May 2021 filed an urgent chamber application at Harare High Court seeking an order to stop Chief Justice Luke Malaba from continuing as the head of the Constitutional Court. In the application filed by Honey & Blanckenberg Legal Practitioners, who are members of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, YLAZ and Mutanda argued that Chief Justice Malaba ought not to benefit from the term extension provisions as introduced by the amendment of the Constitution since he has served 15 years as a Judge of the Constitutional Court. YLAZ and Mutanda argued that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) which is cited as the first respondent failed to discharge its constitutional obligations diligently and without delay as was and now is required in law and as provided in section 324 of the Constitution. YLAZ contended that if Chief Justice Malaba continues in office there would be no Constitutional Court in Zimbabwe thereby pushing the country into a constitutional crisis because he would have retained power in clear contravention of section 328(7) of the Constitution. In a supporting affidavit filed together with the urgent chamber application Mutanda argued that government is reversing the gains and fruits of the liberation struggle such as the Constitution. YLAZ and Mutanda want the High Court to declare that in failing to activate the provisions of section 180 of the Constitution diligently and without delay, the JSC violated section 324 of the Constitution. They also want Chief Justice Malaba not to benefit from the term limit extension as introduced by an amendment of section 186 of the Constitution and for him to vacate office as the Chief Justice on midnight of 15 May 2021. In the alternative, YLAZ and Mutanda want section 14 of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.2 Act, 2021 to be declared invalid for violating section 56(3) of the Constitution and be struck down. High Court Judges Justice Jester Charewa, Justice Happias Zhou and Justice Edith Mushore will preside over hearing and determination of the urgent chamber application on Friday 14 May 2021. Mbanza Kongo At least 15,789 people have taken the first dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine, in northren Zaire province. Among the beneficiaries, belonging to the eligible group, in this first phase, are health technicians, patients with chronic diseases, the elderly, members of the defence, security and public order forces and others. According to the provincial supervisor for health promotion, Andrade Lunzailawo Kianzuaku, four of the province's six municipalities are still vaccinating, namely Mbanza Kongo, Soyo, Cuimba and Nzeto. The official, who was speaking to ANGOP in Mbanza Kongo, said that the adhesion of the target group to the campaign, since its launching on April 14, was positive. The conclusion of the first dose of the vaccine is expected in the next seven days. Among the beneficiaries, belonging to the eligible group, in this first phase, are health technicians, patients with chronic diseases, the elderly, members of the defence, security and public order forces and others. According to the provincial supervisor for health promotion, Andrade Lunzailawo Kianzuaku, four of the province's six municipalities are still vaccinating, namely Mbanza Kongo, Soyo, Cuimba and Nzeto. The official, who was speaking to ANGOP in Mbanza Kongo, said that the adhesion of the target group to the campaign, since its launching on April 14, was positive. The conclusion of the first dose of the vaccine is expected in the next seven days. Mbanza Kongo The Provincial Government of Zaire has terminated the contract for the construction of two schools as part of the Integrated Intervention Plan in Municipalities (PIIM) in the Nzeto district, due to the incapacity of the construction company. These are two schools with seven and 12 classrooms, whose works are budgeted at Kz 95.5 million and Kz 157.3 million, respectively, that were being built in the Kinanga neighbourhood (periphery of the town) and in the locality of Kimakuku, Kindege commune. The projects began to be built between the months of May and June 2020, with completion scheduled for the month of December of the same year. Speaking to the press in Soyo, the governor of Zaire, Pedro Makita Armando Julia, said that the termination was due to the inability of the contractor to carry out the work, which since the consignment of the work has done nothing of significance. The governor said that the Zaire provincial government had already hired another company that would continue with the process of building the two schools. He also announced that the provincial government is also considering, in the next few days, terminating contract with a contractor in charge of building a school in the commune of Lufico, municipality of Noqui. These are two schools with seven and 12 classrooms, whose works are budgeted at Kz 95.5 million and Kz 157.3 million, respectively, that were being built in the Kinanga neighbourhood (periphery of the town) and in the locality of Kimakuku, Kindege commune. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Angola Construction By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The projects began to be built between the months of May and June 2020, with completion scheduled for the month of December of the same year. Speaking to the press in Soyo, the governor of Zaire, Pedro Makita Armando Julia, said that the termination was due to the inability of the contractor to carry out the work, which since the consignment of the work has done nothing of significance. The governor said that the Zaire provincial government had already hired another company that would continue with the process of building the two schools. He also announced that the provincial government is also considering, in the next few days, terminating contract with a contractor in charge of building a school in the commune of Lufico, municipality of Noqui. Hundreds of families in Napak district, Karamoja sub region- have been displaced and their planted crops destroyed following torrential rains that hit the area on Wednesday. This reporter at the scene says flash floods have covered about two kilometres of the newly constructed tarmac of Moroto- Soroti road around the Morulinga State Lodge. Kangole Bridge has also over flown creating panic among the locals in Kongole town council with their houses almost getting submerged. Sarah Nakut, a mother of five children and a resident of Kangole chini said all her stored food has been swept away by flash floods. "We have been crying for rain but now the rains have come in a very dangerous situation. All my compound is flooded," She said pondering her next source of food. Mr. Timothy Teko- the Assistant health officer Napak district said the current floods "greatly predispose people to suffering from water-borne diseases." Napak district LCV chairperson Mr Joseph Lomonyang Napak appeals for emergency help from government for the affected families. "Many houses have got submerged especially around Kangole chin and Kangole town council and we expect more families to be rendered homeless because rains have continued," he said. Karamoja region for the last one week has been receiving heavy rainfall that has rendered some of the roads impassable Relatedly, the route from Moroto to Mbale via Nakapiripirit is already cut off after several bridges were affected by floods. Cyd Wambui, the newest addition to Kiss FM, says her job as co-host of the drive show is a dream come true. The 25-year-old, who will be hosting the show alongside Chito Ndhlovu, said this is her first job in media. I signed my contracts on my 25th birthday(April 5). I was wondering what have I achieved so far, so getting the job I count as a dream come true, she said. Cyd noted she was on the brink of quitting media after failing to secure a job for two years since she graduated. She applied for the Kiss FM job over six months ago and forgot about it. I was like, if this never happens, I will look for another job coz media is not for me. I promise to give them the best coz this is a passion. A girl who is on a journey. I want people to see me grow, she told Word Is. Cyd said she used to look up to former Kiss FM radio queen Caroline Mutoko. I used to listen to Caroline Mutoko at a very young age. I would imitate her voice and all. People who know me know how I am passionate about radio, she said. Kiss FM is a big brand and I never expected I would ever work with them coz I always thought these big radio stations hire personalities with big names. On what Kiss FM listeners can expect, Cyd said she wants to be a medium for creatives in Kenya. She is also proud of being black. I hate it when makeup artists try to make you look lighter when you have a darker skin tone because makeup should bring out beauty rather than changing what you look like. The National Elections Commission (NEC), last week accommodated a number of International Delegations in country to follow up on recommendations from the 2017 General Elections and forward-looking strategies to the 2023 General Elections in Liberia. The international delegations who visited the NEC, through the Office of the Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah included, the Cater Center, European Union Elections Follow Up Mission, and the United Nations Development Program, UNDP Assessment Team Observation Mission. The European Union Follow Up Mission delegation meeting on Wednesday, 5 May 2021 with the NEC, focused on recommendations made by its 2017 Electoral Observation Mission, (EOM). The six-person European Union Election Follow Up Mission, (EFM), to the headquarters of NEC on 9th Street, in Sinkor, was headed by E.U. Ambassador, Laurent Delahousse. Members of the European Union Election Follow Up Mission to Liberia were, H.E. Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation, Mr. Laurent Delahousse, the Head of EU Election Follow Up Mission (EFM) and a member of European Parliament, Ms. Maria Arena, and Mr. Riccardo Chelleri, Policy Officer, Democracy and Election Division, EuropeanExternal Action Service. Other members were, Ms. Laura Virgili, Program Officer, Governance Sector, EU Delegation to Liberia, Ms. Erini-Maria Gounari, Legal Expert, EU (EFM), and Mr. Konrad Olszewski, Team Leader and Electoral Expert, EU (EFM). Also on Wednesday, a Four-person delegation from the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, paid a one-day courtesy call of the Chairperson of the of the National Elections Commission, (NEC), Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah at the Commission's Headquarters on 9th Street, in Sinkor. The UNDP Team consists of, Ms. Sare Knoppe, Program Analyst, Elections, EC-UNDP Joint Task Force on Electoral Assistance, UNDP based in Brussels, Ms. Violet Baffour, UNDP Liberia Deputy Resident Representative for Programs, Gianpiero Catozzi, Senior Elections Adviser and Coordinator of EC-UNDP Joint Task Force on Electoral Assistance, and Ms. Lenka Homolkova, Chief Technical Adviser, UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project. The Liberian Senate has cited the Liberia Electricity Corporation, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to appear before that body next Tuesday, May 18, 2021 to provide update on the electricity situation in the country and explain why it is difficult to access the service. Grand-Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, Sr, who chairs the Senate committee on concession and investment, via a communication requested the endorsement of plenary to cite both institutions. He drew the attention of plenary saying, that residents and businesses in the country are experiencing extreme difficulties in accessing electricity despite the enactment of appropriate laws by the senate to enhance availability said service. Senator Bartekwa described the irregular supply of electricity as a serious embarrassment to government and therefore, requires prompt action, considering that electricity is one of the key factors needed for the revitalization of the economy. He added that the Government of Liberia and its international partners have invested huge resources into the development of the Mount Coffee Hydropower plant with a total output of 88megawatts plus the West African Power Pool 27 megawatts cross border electricity support from Ivory Coast.According to him, despite the huge investment, Liberian businesses and foreign nationals in the country are still yearning for electricity without any solution in site. The Grand Kru Senator said considering the grave embarrassment Liberians, foreign residents and businesses in the country faced on a daily basis, the lack of power is seriously harming the image of the entire government. Against this backdrop, Montserrado county senator Abraham Darius Dillon made a motion that said institutions appear in the chambers of the Liberian Senate next Tuesday to provide clarity. press release Government's Investigation Underscores Need for Independent, International Inquiry This week Ethiopia's attorney general's office released its findings into allegations of atrocities committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces in Tigray's historic city of Axum in late November 2020. The press release stated that most of those killed were fighters who died in clashes with Eritrean troops, and not civilians. Human Rights Watch's own reporting found that young civilian men, some armed, joined a small group of Tigray militia to ambush Eritrean troops atop the town's May Quho hill. But what is most revealing in the attorney general's press release is what it ignores - namely - the widespread pillaging that occurred the week Ethiopian forces captured the town and the horrific massacre by Eritrean forces that unfolded over 24-hours from the afternoon of November 28 through November 29. The Ethiopian government should explain its silence on this 24-hour period, long after the clashes ended, when Eritrean forces summarily executed scores of residents, shot civilians in their homes, killed others on the street, and summarily executed some men in custody. Most killed were men and boys, but people with disabilities, older people, and women, including a mother-of-five, were also killed. The findings, as well as reports of atrocities committed throughout the conflict, raise questions about how the Ethiopian government distinguishes between combatants and civilians. Under international humanitarian law, military forces can only attack civilians if they are directly participating in hostilities, even if they had participated in fighting in the past. Captured fighters and detained civilians must be treated humanely, and never summarily executed or otherwise mistreated. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Human Rights Legal Affairs Ethiopia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Eritrean officials are already interpreting the attorney general's findings as a vindication of their forces' actions in Axum. Far from genuine attempts at accountability, these findings whitewash abuses and signal that such crimes are permitted. Previous Ethiopian government investigations into human rights abuses and violence elsewhere in the country have been stalled, met with denials, or marred by due process violations, making this one of several official inquiries that failed to properly investigate security force abuses or hold those responsible to account. The attorney general's Axum findings should signal to Ethiopia's foreign and regional partners that a robust, independent international inquiry may be the only way to give the hundreds of victims and their families in Tigray the justice to which they are entitled. While the number of COVID-19 cases has been steadily increasing, South Africa has not hit the third wave yet. According to the Department of Health, the number of new infections peaked from 8 593 cases between 26 April to 2 May. Between 3 May and 9 May, cases rose to 12 531, constituting a 46% increase. South Africa's COVID-19 cases have crossed the 1.6 million mark, after 2 759 new cases were logged on Wednesday. "The 14-days comparisons also showed that the cases increased from 17 017 to 21 124 cases in the last 14 days, an overall 24% increase," said the department. According to the department, all provinces showed a positive percentage increase with the Northern Cape showing a 68% peak in the last seven days, followed by Gauteng at 63%, Limpopo at 47%, North West at 42% and the Western Cape at 39%. "As much as these figures are worrying, our resurgence dashboard, which was developed by the South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium, which is updated thrice a week, still shows that we have not, as the country reached a resurgence threshold though some districts in the country are fast approaching the threshold," the department's statement read. Deaths In addition, the new COVID-19 related deaths increased by 18.22% in the last week (3 May to 9 May) to 318 from 269 in the previous seven days (26 April to 2 May). "However, the 14-days comparison showed the deaths decreased by 28.93% to 587 in the last 14 days compared to 826 in the preceding 14 days," the department said, adding that the cumulative case fatality ratio is 3.43%. Healthcare workers The department said 25 healthcare workers tested positive for COVID-19 between 3 May and 9 May, pushing the cumulative number to 56 059 to date. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Governance South Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to the department, 7 839 required admission, 6 881 have been discharged and 83 are currently admitted. "Healthcare workers constitute 3.51% of all cases of COVID-19 reported in the country. Accumulatively, 874 deaths have been recorded among the healthcare workers." High alert In the meantime, the department is working with provinces to update their resurgence plans to ensure that these are activated. These plans mainly include case management, contact tracing, oxygen availability, bed capacity, respiratory support equipment and human resources. "As the country, we are on high alert, and we know that the main drivers of the new wave will either be the resurgence of new variants and/or the fatigue from adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions." The department is also working closely with the genomic sequencing team to ensure they can pick up new variants earlier. "So we want to assure South Africans that we have not yet hit the third wave however we are at risk and we hence need to be on heightened vigilance as a country," it said. press release Education Ministry has a Crucial Role in Addressing Teen Pregnancies "I want to [talk] about female candidates who sat for the... examination [while] in hospitals. As I celebrate, I also want to castigate our parents in the most severe terms possible." These were the words of Kenya's cabinet secretary for education, Professor George Magoha, when he presented the results of the 2020 secondary school leaving exam this week. He was talking about students who sat for their exams while pregnant. But the secretary's comment diminished what was otherwise a positive statement acknowledging the right to education for all children. His words, including a later statement implying that girls from his generation were "better behaved," threaten to cast pregnant girls as moral failures. This perception is common in Kenya, often shared publicly by senior government officials and members of parliament, and contributes to shaming, stigmatization, and isolation of adolescent girls who have early pregnancies. Such attitudes undermine girls' right to education. Pregnancy and childbearing, especially for girls, are life-altering events. Overcoming the challenges linked to being pregnant or a parent while studying - often in non-protective or supportive environments - present serious challenges for pregnant girls' and adolescent mothers' access to education. Kenya has a re-entry policy that allows pregnant girls to stay in school for as long as they want but prevents them from resuming studies until six months after delivery. Human Rights Watch research shows there is weak implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of this policy. Instead, pregnant girls face multiple barriers to staying in school, such as accommodation for breastfeeding, childcare, stigma in schools and communities, and lack of finances. Cabinet Secretary Magoha has raised concerns about pregnancy amongst students and asked education officials to investigate the causes. However, he missed an important opportunity to affirm government policy protecting pregnant girls' right to education. Instead of shaming pregnant girls and their parents, Prof. Magoha should champion the important role the education sector can play in preventing unplanned adolescent pregnancies as well as supporting pregnant and adolescent mothers in maintaining social networks and pursuing their educational and economic dreams. The international and national legal obligation to provide pregnant and parenting students with education, without discrimination, is clear. As the cabinet secretary rightly noted in his speech, "... there is no insignificant child... . We must not leave any learner behind." Agnes Odhiambo Senior Researcher, Women's Rights Division analysis Members of the institution have decided to offer over 389 million US Dollars and called on others to add more support. The G7 group of wealthy countries have pledged $389 million to assist millions of people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria. The move is to add support to efforts being made by the United Nations and other aid agencies in helping victims of the conflict that has received world condemnation. A statement made public by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, Catriona Laing said, Britain is leading the coordinated move by the G7 countries to provide humanitarian assistance this year. It called for more efforts to ensure safe access to humanitarian workers saying in north- eastern Nigeria "communities daily suffer the consequences of war, including the estimated one million people inaccessible to humanitarian actors due to insecurity". British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Laing while reiterating his country's commitment to the decision told reporters that: "It is vital we act now to avert further deterioration in the food security situation of millions of people affected by the conflict." In February, the UN launched an appeal fund for $1bn to help more than eight million vulnerable people in north-eastern Nigeria. The ongoing conflict, which is now in its second decade, has killed more than 30,000 people and uprooted millions of others from their homes in Nigeria and several neighbouring countries. The G7 leaders had met in London last week where they made a commitment to "urgently provide an initial 5bn in humanitarian assistance to a number of countries around the world including 1bn to Yemen, South Sudan and Nigeria as soon as possible to save lives'". Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has killed about 36, 000 people and displaced about two million people despite a heavy regional mobilization by countries like, Chad, Niger, Cameroon and international support from France, the US and other donors to stamp out the malicious attacks of the Islamic group . South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (in black face mask) and other leaders visit Aspen Pharmacare manufacturing facility in Gqeberha on March 29, 2021. The visit focused on progress in vaccine production as part of the partnership between government and the private sector in the national Coivd-19 vaccination programme. analysis In a momentous shift, the US recently agreed to support a waiver of the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) agreement at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The waiver would suspend intellectual property rights, such as patents and trademarks, on products required to fight COVID-19 for the duration of the pandemic. Until the announcement, the US, alongside the European Union, Norway, Canada, Australia, the UK, Switzerland, Brazil and Japan, had been steadfast in their position that stringent patent protection is key to vaccine supply and the global effort to tackle COVID-19. But proponents of the waiver argued that the temporary suspension of intellectual property rights was key to achieving vaccine equity and global health security. India and South Africa, with the support of over 100 countries, have been passionately making this case from inside the WTO since October 2020. Beyond the WTO, members of global civil society view the waiver as essential to securing a "People's Vaccine" which is universally available to all, free at the point of delivery. Washington's support for a TRIPs waiver may, therefore, seem like a substantive win. This is especially so when considered against the backdrop of the horrors unfolding in countries such as India. But this move marks the start of the battle, not the end of the war. Much remains to be resolved before the waiver is translated into increased vaccine supply. The devil is in the detail Five key areas remain fundamental to vaccine equity for COVID-19 and tackling any future pandemic. First, the problem is less about permission and more about how the waiver may work. WTO rules already allow for the temporary suspension of intellectual property rights in situations of public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2001 Doha Declaration re-affirmed that states can issue compulsory licenses on patented drugs in order to produce generic versions at quicker and more affordable rates. The 2005 TRIPs amendment further clarified that countries without manufacturing capacity or insufficient demand can import generic versions of drugs with the cooperation of producing or exporting states. In other words, countries with surplus capacity could already be producing generic versions of COVID-19 vaccines. These could be for domestic use and for export to countries lacking domestic manufacturing capacity. The question is how to translate rights under WTO rules into access to medicines on the ground. The 2005 TRIPs amendment has only ever been used once in 2007 when Canada supplied generic antiretroviral drugs to Rwanda. Those involved subsequently criticised the amendment for being overly bureaucratic, costly and complicated. The TRIPs waiver is only a progressive move if it helps to expedite the generic production and export of affordable vaccines (and related medical products), beyond what is already permissible under the existing rules. Second, the details of the COVID-19 vaccine waiver are still to be worked out and require consensus among the WTO membership. This could take months, years, or even prove to be impossible. US support is a major step toward agreement. But other countries that see the intellectual property regime as part of the solution, not the problem, may yet hold out against the waiver. Momentum of support and effective trade and health diplomacy is key. Third, the Biden administration has only indicated that it would be willing to waive patent protection for vaccines. This is insufficient. In line with the original proposal made by India and South Africa at the WTO, the waiver should apply to all medical products. These include treatments, diagnostic kits, ventilators, crucial manufacturing components, and protective gear. This is important if the waiver is to help combat COVID-19. Fourth, the poorest countries will still be unable to produce vaccines. Even if WTO members approve it, the waiver will be more form than substance. Pharmaceutical companies may need to be incentivised to share knowledge and build capacity in developing countries to produce quality, generic versions of the vaccines. The TRIPs agreement mentions technology transfer numerous times, particularly to the least developing countries. It reads: ... recognising the desirability of promoting the transfer of technology and capacity building in the pharmaceutical sector in order to overcome the problem faced by Members with insufficient or no manufacturing capacities. However, as with all such "best endeavour" clauses in the WTO, nothing has been done to make this supposed aspiration a reality. Finally, we need to ensure the waiver is progressive. Tampering with the TRIPs amendment risks rolling back existing flexibilities. The roll back will happen if there is a restriction on the types of products for which a compulsory licence can be issued. It will also happen if limits are placed on the export of generic versions of the vaccines to those countries with no manufacturing capacity. Time limitations will also roll back existing flexibilities. Emergency measures to respond to COVID-19 must not cause harm for long term flexibilities on patents and licensing. The next battle: technology and production A TRIPs waiver on its own will allow access to patents. But such patents are only a part of the barriers to countries beginning to expand manufacturing. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Africa U.S., Canada and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Making vaccines is complicated - much more so than many other pharmaceutical products - and technology and know-how will be crucial to expand supply. This point is frequently raised by critics of the waiver. They argue that there is insignificant existing production capacity that can be brought online even if freed of patent obligations. However, there is evidence that unutilised capacity is available. For example, the Canadian pharmaceutical company Biolyse has been seeking a compulsory licence to produce viral vector vaccines like the Johnson and Johnson vaccine for export to developing countries. Such a step would be compliant with both the TRIPs agreement and the Canadian Access to Medicines Regime. If the necessary technology sharing does not take place, governments are going to need to provide greater incentives to bring it about. They are, in short, going to need to make good on some of the promises for technology transfer and capacity building made in the TRIPs agreement all the way back in 1995. Erin Hannah, Department Chair/Associate Professor of Political Science, King's University College, Western University; James Scott, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, King's College London; Silke Trommer, Senior Lecturer Politics, University of Manchester, and Sophie Harman, Professor of International Politics, Queen Mary University of London A nurse prepares to vaccinate a citizen against Covid-19, at Wilkins Hospital, Zimbabwe's main vaccination center, in Harare, May 12, 2021. analysis A new proposal, this time from the US, on how to open up access to vaccines against COVID-19 by relaxing patent rights, has added to an already complex and fraught debate between the World Trade Organisation's 164 members. In early May, the US took the world by surprise when it announced that Washington supported an exemption from the World Trade Organisation intellectual property (IP) rules protecting vaccines. The waiver would allow each state to authorise the production of patented vaccines without the consent of the pharmaceutical companies holding the patent. South Africa and India originally proposed an exemption in October 2020. It was opposed by the US (initially), the EU, Switzerland, the UK and Japan. Such a waiver would be optional (countries could opt out) and suspend specific IP rights protected by the WTO TRIPS Agreement. This exemption plan is supported by more than 100 countries. It would allow states to bypass the monopoly of IP holders by authorising the production of cheaper generic drugs and other anti-COVID technologies. The waiver would be temporary, until the majority of the world's population developed immunity. The US-supported exemption is slightly different. It covers vaccines only, maintaining IP protection on other products such as diagnostics, treatments, ventilators, respirators, syringes and refrigerators maintaining low temperatures during storage and transport of doses. But would the WTO waiver be enough? We believe there are arguments against the waiver. These include the fact that other factors would still stand in the way of easy and quick access to COVID-19 medicines for all countries. But we also argue that the campaign to have a waiver agreed at the WTO could have beneficial outcomes, such as pushing pharmaceutical companies which hold important IP to share it voluntarily. The cons One argument against the waiver is that it is unnecessary. The TRIPS already allows flexibilities. Countries seeking access to medicines can grant compulsory licences (that is, without the IP holder's consent) under certain conditions. Some have done so during the pandemic. In March 2020 Israel issued one, speeding up the production and sale of Kaletra as an anti-COVID treatment. The US-based pharmaceutical company AbbVie holds the patent. And the Indian generic manufacturer Natco recently applied for a licence to produce Baricitinib. This is a rheumatoid arthritis drug that can also treat coronavirus. The IP is held by the US pharmacuetical company Eli Lilly. States that lack production capacity can, meeting additional conditions, license production abroad with a view to importing the drugs. On 10 May, Bolivia notified a licence to the WTO, for 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced by the Canadian company Biolyse. However, compulsory licences must meet a host of requirements. These include the payment of fair compensation to the patent holder. The waiver proposed by South Africa and India would instead allow countries to circumvent these requirements, insulating generic manufacturers of anti-COVID drugs and technologies from lawsuits. Another argument undermining the waiver is that it cannot benefit generic producers (and patients), because it would not address the lack of production capacity and poor healthcare systems of many countries. Moreover, it could not alleviate the shortage in raw materials and the steep learning curve of manufacturing processes. Take the Pfizer mRNA vaccines. This technology was developed recently and with revolutionary know-how: no pharmaceutical company can replicate it quickly. The bottleneck is not just IP protection, but the underlying processes around the protected technology. If a TRIPS waiver passes, Pfizer could lawfully engage in being obstructive by, for example, refusing to disclose its know-how. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to require pharmaceutical companies to reveal that secret, also because even if such companies were dragged into courts judges would not know which information should be disclosed. Patents can be suspended by law, but confidential information kept by pharmaceutical companies is not easily retrievable. This has become clear in Bolivia's plan to import Canadian-made generics. The Canadian manufacturer admitted that "if Johnson & Johnson agree to hand over the formula" production could start in less than half the time. The pros Waiving or relaxing IP rights over anti-COVID technologies cannot fix the global pandemic alone. Nevertheless it could remove some roadblocks. Arguably, the waiver could push pharma companies holding patents to increase the supply of their drugs. For example, the recent Natco application for a compulsory licence over Baricitinib has prompted Eli Lilly, the patent holder, to grant royalty-free and non-exclusive voluntary licences to Indian generic manufacturers Sun, Cipla and Lupin. Eli Lilly is also negotiating licences with other Indian producers. So, flexing the muscles via granting compulsory licences sometimes seems to pay off in terms of encouraging patent owners to share their technology. This happened at the beginning of the pandemic. After Israel issued the compulsory licence over the Kaletra drug early last year, the patentee AbbVie voluntarily dropped its patent rights. Waiver talks might produce a similar effect: convincing companies to focus on technology transfer and training, perhaps at a profit, and letting go of the plan to maximise patent-based revenues. It could also be argued that a waiver would be a fair move to make given that over US$12 billion of public funding has gone into the research and development of vaccines. A compromise in sight? It is still not clear what kind of a waiver WTO members can agree - if any. Negotiations might produce a softer solution than proposed by South Africa and India: perhaps a very short exemption with limited coverage, for example only vaccines, as proposed by the US. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Such compromise could neutralise the refrain of big pharmaceutical companies against any unwelcome relaxation of IP rights. A limited and short suspension of proprietary rights over COVID vaccines would have a lesser impact on innovation incentives. A game changer in the fight against COVID could be last week's WHO approval of the vaccine produced by the China-owned company Sinopharm and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products. This is the first vaccine developed by a non-Western country to obtain the WHO green light. This vaccine can be stored in a standard refrigerator, and "easy storage requirements" - the WHO pointed out - make it particularly suitable for developing and least-developed countries. In addition, there's a strong likelihood that China could produce enough vaccines to meet its own needs, and still have surplus that it can export. One estimate is that the Sinopharm vaccine could be supplied to more than 80 countries. This would benefit people in states which have not been able to access sufficient vaccines and that have recently been hit hard by COVID. These include India, Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines. Strengthening the global supply of vaccines would provide a major boost to efforts to contain COVID-19. Running in parallel with efforts to ease IP rules could see the balance shifted towards containment. Enrico Bonadio, Reader in Intellectual Property Law, City, University of London and Filippo Fontanelli, Senior Lecturer in International Economic Law, University of Edinburgh analysis Since Chad president Idriss Deby Itno's death in April 2021, Western politicians and security experts have worried about the consequences for regional security and stability. They have voiced knee-jerk support for Deby's son, Mahamat Deby Itno, who is now in power, while paying little attention to the country's inherent instability. Chad's fragility is Deby's main legacy, a product of his 'gatekeeper' politics that transformed his country into a gatekeeper state. In a gatekeeper state the ruling elite and its patronage networks exercise control over tax revenues and foreign loans and aid. This control of the politics and the economy raises the political stakes and the risk of political instability. We analysed Chad's gatekeeper politics in a recent article. A constant focus for Deby's regime since 1990 was on securing international support, maintaining internal alliances, pacifying insurgents, fighting proxy wars, and distributing income from the "gate", by which we mean the nodal point where local society meets external economy. Gate control removed the political elite from the concerns of civil society. To support a future focus on development, which requires broader access to the gate, it is useful to understand Chad's gatekeeper politics. Such an analysis also helps explain why Deby's legacy of gatekeeper politics may not sustain Mahamat's claim to power. Chad's politics of regime survival Regime survival in the gatekeeper state has three vital yet competing aspects: securing international support, controlling territorial borders and maintaining internal alliances. These were Deby's priorities, rather than consolidating the state or regulating society. He secured international support by joining the war on terror. After Chad became a major oil producer in the 2000s, the regime built a strong military. When the Western war on terror expanded to the Sahel region Deby used the military as a bargaining chip. Regional deployments were rewarded with international support. Chad was the only state to deliver on anti-terrorism in the Sahel. Chadian forces took the lead in the US-supported war on Boko Haram. They helped France against jihadist groups in northern Mali. They contribute most troops to the UN mission in Mali and lead the G5 Sahel Joint Force for counter-terrorism. In return for its counter-terrorism, Deby faced few of those demands Western states normally place on badly governed African states. With the backing of Western powers, Chad was treated as a stabilising factor, a strategic asset and an essential ally in the Sahel. More tangibly, France has used its military base in N'djamena to intervene militarily several times to protect the regime, most recently in 2019 when it bombed a convoy of rebels from Union des Forces de la Resistance. The control of territorial borders has been a permanent concern. Sudan and Libya were important neighbours in both the making and breaking of Deby. He fought a proxy war with Sudan (2005-2010) and was threatened by insurgents supported by Khartoum. He supported Darfuri rebels from his own ethnic group but severed these links after the peace agreement with Sudan. After Omar al-Bashir was ousted in April 2019, Deby developed cooperative relations with Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council. The destruction of Libya provided Chad's insurgents with opportunities for allies, havens and resources. In fact, Deby had warned Western powers of the dangerous consequences of removing Muammar Gadaffi, as he feared - correctly - a porous northern border. The Union des Forces de la Resistance is based in Libya and aligned with Front Pour l'Alternance et La Concorde au Tchad, which has risen to prominence since inflicting fatal wounds on Deby on 19 April 2021. The Front is supported by Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar and has profited from human smuggling and gold mining in Libya. These resources have allowed for more recruits and better military hardware. During the past few years, observers have seen a rise in domestic dissent. The gatekeeping politics benefited Deby's ethnic group and powerbase, the Zaghawa tribe living in Chad and Sudan. Its members occupy powerful positions in the government and army and benefit from oil and cotton exports. Clientelist networks organise and distribute income from cross-border trade with Cameroon and Nigeria. A backlash against this group, which makes up a tiny proportion of the population, is one likelihood. Anti-Zaghawa propaganda by the opposition press has long persisted, with Chadian Zaghawa branded 'Sudanese foreigners'. Fearing a reaction, some of its members have already left the capital city. The conflict in Chad is not, however, driven by ethnic hatred or sentiments, but rather by competition for control over the gatekeeper state. Union des Forces de la Resistance is composed mainly of disgruntled Zaghawa officers and is directed by Timan Erdimi, a relative of Idriss and Mahamat Deby. The Front Pour l'Alternance et La Concorde au Tchad are mainly drawn from the Toubou tribe, which had a powerful patron in President Hissene Habre, who was deposed by Deby's forces in 1990. Mahamat Deby's future prospects The Chadian regime, now led by General Mahamat Deby Itno, has established a 15-member transitional military council and announced that it will hold elections after 18 months. Will Mahamat prove as adept as his father in balancing the three aspects of regime survival - securing international support, controlling territorial borders and maintaining internal alliances? Chad's post-colonial history shows that losing focus on one of these goals threatens the regime's hold on power. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Chad Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. As international support is presently forthcoming, internal alliances and border control are the most pressing concerns. Alliances prevent militarised elites to move against an unpopular and inept leader. Border control inhibits Chadian insurgents' use of southern Libya for sanctuary and staging areas. Sudan's transitional government has sought to reaffirm relations with its Chadian counterpart. France and the US are backing the new government, but French military presence is vulnerable to claims of neocolonialism by regime opponents. The struggle for gate control has not resulted in efforts to improve the material lives of ordinary people unconnected to the political elite. Unfortunately, Mahamat Deby's new leadership is unlikely to change that. It is unclear if next year's elections will challenge the gatekeeper politics, but realising its basic dynamics is perhaps a first step to mobilising them for development. Line Engbo Gissel, Associate Professor, Global Political Sociology, Roskilde University and Troels Burchall Henningsen, Assistant Professor, Royal Danish Defence College Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram asserted that the political leadership pays big attention to the Egyptian youth living abroad and their participation in the track of sustainable development. In statements to MENA on Wednesday 12/5/2021, Makram said that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi supports Egypt's youth inside and outside as they are the key of development, progress and stability. Makram added that her ministry is always contacting the Egyptian youth in all countries to listen to their opinions and proposals. The Ministry of Immigration is working on apprising the young expats on the development plans implemented in Egypt in different fields and sectors, she said. On the role of the Egyptian communities in different world countries vis-a-vis the crisis of Renaissance Dam, Makram asserted that the Egyptian young expats are able to make a difference for Egypt's interests. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn charges against Stephen Wangondu, the 74-year-old tycoon from Nyeri accused of killing his son, Daniel Mwangi Wangondu, on January 1, 2021. This follows the death of the accused at the Outspan Hospital in Nyeri, where he had been admitted after securing his release on Sh1 million bond. Prosecutor Duncan Ondimu on Tuesday told Justice Florence Muchemi he had received an official notification from the hospital confirming the death of Stephen Wangondu. The judge released the deceaseds surety and ordered the release of his Toyota Prado KBA 583B which was being held by the State as an exhibit in the case. Justice Muchemi directed that the vehicle be released to David Mworia, one of Wangondus sons, on condition that he would not dispose of it until the case is heard and determined. Prosecutor Ondimu informed the court he would proceed with the case against Wangondus co-accused; his driver James Mwangi, Eddy Ngari, Raphael Wachira and Geoffrey Warutumo. The deceased had allegedly hired the four to kills his son Mwangi so he could claim insurance compensation. Access Bank (Rwanda) Plc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Faustin Rukundo Byishimo as Managing Director, effective May 1, 2021. He succeeds Mr. Jean-Claude Karayenzi who has been deployed to the Access Bank Group. Mr. Faustin Rukundo Byishimo has a wealth of experience of over 20 years of which 18 in the Banking industry. He joins Access Bank from another financial institution where he was, in his last assignment and for the past 5 years, the Executive Director for Business Development. In this role, he led and oversaw several departments including the Bank's Business / Sales Units (i.e. the Corporate & Institutional Banking; Commercial / MSMEs Banking; Retail / Consumer Banking; Digital Experience; and the Transactional Banking Departments), the Business Intelligence & Analytics Unit and the Products Development Department. He previously also headed the Bank's Corporate & Institutional Banking as well as the Retail Banking & Marketing Department. His appointment follows the successful nomination and regulatory approval received from both the Board of Directors of Access Bank Rwanda and the National Bank of Rwanda respectively. Mr. Faustin Rukundo succeeds Mr. Jean-Claude Karayenzi who has been deployed to the Access Bank Group. (Courtesy) Commenting on the appointment, the Board Chairperson of Access Bank Rwanda Plc, Mrs Chantal Mubarure congratulated Faustin on his new appointment. She said: "We warmly welcome Faustin and look forward to providing him with full support from the Board. He brings with him a breadth of knowledge, extensive experience in the banking industry where he has held a number of senior leadership positions. We are convinced that his experience and skills will be useful in driving the Access Bank Rwanda's strategy and growth." Welcoming the news, Mr. Faustin expressed his appreciation to the Board and other stakeholders of the Bank. He said "I sincerely look forward to working with the Board of Directors, management team and employees in making Access Bank Rwanda one of the leading retail banks in the country." Today, Access Bank (Rwanda) Plc. is one of the emerging retail banks in Rwanda. The Bank is a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, one of Africa's largest retail banks. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, extended greetings to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr in a phone call this evening. Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince also expressed his sincere wishes of progress and prosperity for Egypt and its people. The President expressed his sincere appreciation to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for the generous gesture on this blessed occasion, praying to Allah Almighty to bring about many happy returns, peace and blessings to the UAE and its brotherly people as well as the Muslim nation at large. Presidency .gov On May 11, 2021, Algerian security forces briefly detained at least six journalists in downtown Algiers, the capital, while they were covering anti-government protests, according to news reports and Bouzid Ichalalene and Mustapha Bendjama, two local journalists and press freedom advocates, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app. According to those sources, police arrested: Khaled Drareni, director of the independent news website Casbah Tribune Mustapha Bastami, a reporter for the independent news website Al-Khabar Sami Kharoum, a photographer for the independent daily Al-Watan Feriel Bouaziz, a reporter for the independent news website Interlignes Abdessemad Titraoui, a reporter for the independent news website Tariq News Hakim Hammiche, a photographer for Tariq News Police held the journalists for about five hours, and released them all without charge, according to Drareni, Bouaziz, and Titraoui, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app, and a tweet by Interlignes. Those journalists told CPJ that they did not know the exact reason for their arrests, saying they were just covering the protests and police did not accuse them of any specific violations. Ichalalene and Bendjama told CPJ that they believed security forces arrested the journalists to intimidate them and prevent coverage of the protests. The Algerian Ministries of Interior and Communication did not respond to CPJ's emailed requests for comment. Authorities have repeatedly arrested journalists, blocked news websites, and rescinded press accreditations to limit coverage of the protests, which began in 2019 with calls for former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down, and are now calling for the formation of a new government, as CPJ has documented. Also on May 11, the United Nations released a statement urging Algerian authorities to stop the arbitrary arrests of journalists and protestors. Lusaka Zambian authorities should drop an investigation into newspaper columnist and academic Sishuwa Sishuwa, who is accused of sedition, and should reaffirm the right to media freedom ahead of the August 12 general elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Sishuwa, a lecturer at the University of Zambia, wrote an opinion article published on March 19 in the independent local newspaper News Diggers and republished three days later in South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper on the potential for unrest in Zambia after the elections, titled, "Zambia may burn after the August election." Sishuwa often contributes political commentary to Zambian and regional news outlets, according to a CPJ review of his work. Zambia's ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union, Emmanuel Mwamba, in an April 26 letter to the Inspector General of Police accused Sishuwa of sedition; the charge is now pending investigation, Mwamba told CPJ via messaging app and the news website Lusaka Times reported. A conviction on sedition carries a minimum sentence of seven years in jail, according to Zambia's criminal procedure code. "Police should not waste taxpayers' money by entertaining a complaint of alleged sedition against columnist and academic Sishuwa Sishuwa, who was simply exercising his fundamental right to freedom of speech," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa program coordinator, in New York. "Authorities must also guard against inadvertently opening the floodgates for those close to the ruling Patriotic Front who may want to weaponize colonial-era sedition laws ahead of the August general elections." Mwamba initially responded to Sishuwa's article with a March 29 Facebook post in which he accused the columnist of "being a hired gun," calling the opinion piece an attempt to "scandalise Zambia, harm its reputation and impose a false and alarming international narrative." Sishuwa then sued Mwamba, seeking unspecified damages for defamation and malicious falsehood in connection with the Facebook post, News Diggers reported April 21. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Media Legal Affairs Zambia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mwamba retaliated by laying the sedition charge against Sishuwa with police, the Lusaka Times reported. Mwamba told CPJ via messaging app that as a former journalist himself, he supported "responsible expression" that "doesn't defame, is not seditious or [is not] writing that promotes incitement or hate speech." Sishuwa told CPJ via messaging app that the matter should be seen as part of a broader attempt by the authorities to suppress criticism ahead of the elections. "By accusing me of sedition, the government wants to intimidate an independent voice, one of the few remaining, seen as having an international audience," he added. Zambia Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services did not respond to several CPJ requests for comment sent via phone and WhatsApp, while an email sent to an address provided on the government website bounced. With few days to the commencement of the 2020/2021 Nigerian Law School examination, parents of students at the Bwari campus have called on the management of the school to relocate the students to its other campuses owing to reported security scare in the area. The examinations have been scheduled to start from Monday, May 17, 2021. But the worried parents, who insisted that the safety of their wards should be the priority, stated that they do not want to go through the same harrowing experience of parents of the Greenfield University students abducted by bandits in Kaduna recently. Boko Haram scare has created panic among the residents of the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in recent weeks. Bwari town, an outskirt of Abuja shares boundary with Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State. It is home to many government and private institutions such as the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Federal Government College, Bwari; Nigerian Law School, Bwari (Abuja Campus); and Veritas University, among others. Before the report of the alleged presence of bandits in Bwari, the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, had raised the alarm that Boko Haram invaded and hoisted their flags in Shiroro Local Government of the state, a local government that is less than two hours' drive from Abuja. Despite the assurances by the FCT Police Command, the parents of the Law School students were said to have approached the management of the school to either postpone the examination till when tension has died down or preferably relocate the students to safer campuses to take their Bar exams. The parents also forwarded their request to the Director-General of the Law School, Professor Isa Ciroma (SAN), through the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to allow law students of the Bwari campus to take their Bar examinations in the Lagos, Enugu, Yenagoa and Kano campuses. THISDAY gathered that the request was based on the fact that the campus is close to communities in Niger State that have been threatened by bandits and Boko Haram. But Ciroma was said to have declined their request, instead assuring them of the safety of the students at the Bwari campus. An official of the Nigerian Law School, Bwari campus, who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said that the institution had already taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of lives and property on the campus. "The school has done the needful; we, in the law school have not heard anything; we just gathered rumours; nothing has happened in the place," he said, adding that the exam is still holding and nothing to fear." He stated that as a proactive institution they had alerted the security agencies as soon as they heard the rumour. "So far so good; lecture is going on and exams will still be on Monday as planned. "Parents should just allow the security agencies to do their job; we are trusting God to take control. All parents should do is to continue to pray and be hopeful. We are still living here on campus and going about our normal businesses. There is nothing to worry about now," he maintained. Also speaking, Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), who confirmed the apprehension of most parents, however, noted that the issue was taken out of proportion. Ngige acknowledged that the fears of parents were well-founded going by recent kidnap of university students in Kaduna State, but noted that necessary steps had been taken to guarantee the safety of the law students in Bwari. He said: "Some people are just trying to escalate the tension, I have been discussing with a lot of parents, and I'm also a parent; I am concerned. But I have spoken with the Attorney-General of the Federation and he has assured me that they are providing security for the Law School in Bwari. "The examination is just three days away; some parents want the school either to be closed or the exams to be brought to their doorstep and it is not convenient for all of them. It may be convenient for somebody who wants to come to Lagos; there are those who don't have any relation in Lagos for just three days or a week exams. "So, since the government has assured of security at the Bwari Law School, all we need to do is to keep calm; let them take the exam and go." He argued that there were other government institutions in Bwari such as JAMB, which did not shut down because of the scare of insecurity. The council chairman said Nigeria should beef up security and be vigilant. Ngige stated that if it were possible he would have acceded to the demands of the parents. He appealed to them to remain prayerful and trust God to keep their wards safe. Ngige said: "I'm appealing to parents; if it is within my power as chairman of the council, I will just assuage their feelings and decentralise the examination, postpone the date of the exam, put it in June and relocate them to different states but the government said they will provide security and the exam must take place in Bwari. So, we remain prayerful and then vigilant. "I don't quarrel with them over their feelings because if you see what has happened in other institutions like Kaduna, no parent will be happy to find his or her ward somewhere that there is rumour of attack." He, however, said parents, who are apprehensive, can withdraw their children from taking the current exams by writing a letter to the council. Meanwhile, some senior lawyers who spoke on the issue called on the government to beef up security around the Bwari campus to ensure the safety of the students. For Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN); Mr. John Baiyeshea (SAN) and Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), the government must do everything to guarantee the safety of the Bwari Law students as well as all other students across the country. "The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Ciroma (SAN), is widely reputed as a thoroughbred intellectual and astute administrator. I believe we can rely on his assurances that the school has made adequate arrangements to protect the students from the threat of terrorists or any other violent invasion of the school. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Conflict Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Postponing the exams is not in the best interest of thousands of students from Nigerian and foreign universities, including those who are eagerly waiting to resume studies at the Law School," Akinseye-George explained. Akinseye-George, who is also the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), added that in view of the backlog of students awaiting admission, postponing the exams would be ill-advised. Also speaking, Baiyeshea said the concern of parents over the safety and security of their wards were genuine, particularly in the Northern campuses, adding that the concern should not be dismissed. "We are all living witnesses to what has happened to Students in other institutions. Students of Greenfield University Kaduna are still being held by the evil, satanic, and barbaric cannibals called bandits. Government should not wait until another disaster happens (God forbid), before they start running aimlessly about to negotiate with the savages", Baiyeshea said. Akinlaja, on his part noted that in view of the current spate of insecurity and high incidence of the kidnapping of students on campuses, parents should be emotionally distressed and agitated. "On account of that, one is disposed to entreat the authorities of the school to make alternative arrangements for the students. However, if it is that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students, the authorities should endeavour to give empirical assurances to the parents and all stakeholders," he added. Rwandan entrepreneurs have been invited to apply for a fully-funded program launched by MIT's Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship. The program, 'Foundry Fellowship' will benefit all entrepreneurs who are considering their role in shaping the future of the African innovation ecosystems in which they work and live. Besides Rwanda, the fellowship has also been opened to entrepreneurs working and living in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda. At an inflection point in their entrepreneurial journeys, Fellows will learn from MIT faculty, connect with investors, and expand their network of peer innovators, reads part of a statement released by the institution. The program includes an interactive online curriculum followed by a three-week immersive session that brings the cohort together to explore innovation-driven ecosystems. Consequently, the fellowship presents a unique opportunity to bring MIT resources and knowledge to these critical innovation ecosystems. Professor Fiona Murray, Faculty Director of the Legatum Center, described this opportunity to expand MIT's innovation network "[as] a moment for the Fellows to reflect on [their entrepreneurial] journey that also allows us to learn from them." She thinks entrepreneurs can use this experience as a stepping-off point as they move to the next stage of ecosystem-wide leadership. "As a school dedicated to the development of principled, innovative leaders who improve the world, MIT Sloan looks forward to welcoming the Legatum Foundry Fellows to Cambridge and to the MIT community," said David Schmittlein, John C Head III Dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Through this collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the Foundry Fellowship will deepen the impact of leaders who are solving complex problems, creating jobs, and bringing essential services to millions through innovation-driven business models, the statement adds. With the world's fastest-growing youth population, Africa is home to 4 of the world's top 5 fastest-growing economies. The continent also has the fastest urbanization rate in the world, with a rapidly expanding middle class predicted to increase business and consumer spending. Thus, innovation and entrepreneurial solutions are a critical component to continued growth and prosperous people and societies across the continent. Similarly, as a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders, the Legatum Center's Foundry offers a platform for leaders to share their stories and consider new ways to extend their impact in their local ecosystems and globally. Dina Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center argues, "To propel Africa forward and remain competitive globally, we need innovation-led entrepreneurship and robust African entrepreneurial ecosystems." She asserts that the Fellowship supports African entrepreneurs to transition to entrepreneurial leaders who work with various stakeholders to strengthen and improve their ecosystems. From May 3 through 20, applicants can submit their applications to the Legatum Centre. Nomination and application information is available here. The Zimbabwean ambassador to Rwanda, Charity Manyeruke on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary-General of RPF-Inkotanyi, Francois Ngarambe, at the ruling party's headquarters in Rusororo. During the visit, the Zimbabwean envoy thanked President Paul Kagame, who is also the Chairman of RPF-Inkotanyi, for his continued advocacy to have the international economic sanctions against Zimbabwe lifted. The sanctions against Zimbabwe were imposed in 2002 under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe, and have been blamed for the economic downturn seen in the southern African country for nearly two decades. "It speaks to African solidarity espoused by President Kagame," said Manyeruke. Concerning bilateral ties, the envoy said that much has been achieved since the two countries a few years back committed to enhancing bilateral ties that saw each have a resident ambassador in either capital. "So far, we have signed six bilateral agreements in different areas of cooperation with more to follow. I promise to do my best during my tenure to advance these ties," she said, adding that many more areas of cooperation were still being explored, with more agreements in the pipeline. Ngarambe thanked the envoy for the courtesy call, adding that there is so much that both countries can do - both under the state-to-state framework and on the party basis between RPF-Inkotanyi and ZANU-PF, the ruling parties of both countries - to advance the welfare of their peoples. "Through our party-to-party cooperation, there is much we can do to advance bilateral relations between both our countries in the interest of our people. We want to see growth in bilateral trade and other areas of cooperation." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda External Relations Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He also emphasized the importance of the continued collaboration between both countries and deepening of the south-to-south collaboration in the spirit of furthering the liberation struggle of the African people. Ngarambe said that RPF-Inkotanyi and ZANU-PF have a lot in common, a relationship that both countries can exploit to advance the common struggle of the liberation of the wider Africa, which he said is a continuous process. He promised the Zimbabwean envoy all the support she will need in her mandate adding that as the ruling party, they will continue following up on the implementation of bilateral projects agreed upon between the two countries. "I take this opportunity to ask the people of Zimbabwe currently living in Rwanda to feel at home." Manyeruke presented her credentials to President Kagame in November 2019, becoming the first Zimbabwean ambassador to Rwanda with residence in Kigali. Earlier, Ambassador James Musoni had taken residence in Harare, also as the country's first resident envoy. Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has embarked on a campaign aimed at raising awareness on human trafficking, among road users and communities of Colesberg and Noupoort in the Northern Cape. The areas of Kuruman, Kimberley and Colesberg have been identified as human trafficking hot spots with the latter being a transit which connects the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Free State provinces. As a result, young women and children are trafficked and transported into other provinces where on arrival are forced into prostitution and child labour, according to the department, while others are killed and used for muti purposes. Due to the high prevalence of unemployment, especially in Colesberg and Noupoort communities, women and children are more vulnerable and exposed to human trafficking and sexual offences, the department says. In the process, the constitutional rights of most women and children are compromised as a result of human trafficking. The two-day campaign, which gets underway today, forms part of protecting women and children against human trafficking. The event will be held under the theme "Qaphela! Do not be tricked by traffickers, human trafficking is a serious crime." It is conducted in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Departments of Health, Education, Home Affairs, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Commission on Gender Equality and Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) volunteers. "According to the 2020 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, traffickers often prey upon the marginalised and impoverished persons. Most disturbing is that the report further highlights that in every 10 victims detected globally, five of them are adult women and two are girls," the department said ahead of Thursday's campaign. Meanwhile a fun walk will take place on the N1 Road in Colesberg on Thursday, followed by the main event to be held at KwaZamuxolo Community Hall in Noupoort on Friday. The activities will be unfolding as part of Africa Month which is commemorated annually in May. This year's Africa Month is celebrated under the theme "The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke." The Health Ministry has assured Covid vaccine recipients who are due for their second one that they are still well protected against the coronavirus. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told Kenyans who took the first jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine not to worry about developing negative side effects. Your immunity against the disease is more than 60 percent meaning that if you get the virus you are likely to suffer fewer symptoms. No one will die because they did not get the second dose, said the CS as quoted by the Star. This comes in the wake of a shortage following the nationalisation of the AstraZeneca vaccines by the Indian government. The Serum Institute of India has said it can no longer give commitments for supply and has started refunding funds it had received from countries to ship the AstraZeneca doses. CS Mutahi said the situation has forced the Ministry to seek other vaccine alternatives. There are no miracles regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine. We have to live with the current situation as we find alternatives. In any case, we have until July to worry about the second dose, he added. One of the alternatives is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, with the government placing an order of 30 million doses. They are expected in Kenya within the year. During a meeting of Africas health ministers last Saturday, CS Kagwe proposed that all the money raised via the Covax initiative be used to pay for 200 million doses of Pfizer and another 210 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. With this arrangement, Kenya will not pay anything and will be able to easily get and vaccinate 30 million people with Johnson and Johnson which is being manufactured in Africa and will be a single dose, said the minister. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said it will sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with law enforcement agencies to ensure transparency in the extractive industries in the country. The executive secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya-Orji, disclosed this while hosting a team from the Energy Correspondent Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday. He said that the MOU would foster partnerships with agencies of the Federal Government to enforce compliance and sanctions in the extractive sectors. He named the agencies to include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. "One of the challenges we have in implementing the EITI is compliance and enforcement. You are aware that reports are published in Nigeria and is usually (a challenge) to implement. This is because agencies just don't think to do so. If there are no sanctions or incentives; sanctions for refusing to implement, incentives for doing well, everybody moves on and that is the bane of our society. "That is why we said that we will have to align with those who have very powerful machineries to enforce sanctions. So in the next couple of days we will be signing a draft MoU between us and the EFCC and it is being reviewed by the two organisations. The draft with the ICPC is being reviewed by the two organisations and the draft with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit is also being reviewed," he said. He added that all parties had agreed to sign the MoUs before the end of May. Ogbonnaya-Orji stated that each of these agencies had been encouraged to establish professional extractive industry desks equipped with staff with requisite training in that area. The NEITI helmsman further said that the agency had commenced moves to partner the Federal Ministry of Environment on how to draw up data on how extractive industries activities affects the environment. Ogbonnaya-Orji also said that NEITI would be linking its reports to physical impacts going forward, as the agency had been expanding its capacity on it. Yenagoa The Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has shut down its Idu oilfields at Egbebiri settlement within Biseni in Yenagoa local government area in Bayelsa over oil leakage from equipment failure. The cause of the leakage, according to the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) report on the incident, is traced to equipment failure due to a rupture at the wellhead. In a response, Eni, a parent company of NAOC said the facility was shut down to prevent further damage to the environment. A statement made available by Eni spokesperson on behalf of the Italian Energy firm reads: "As soon as the incident was reported we activated our oil spill response, shut in the well and notified government regulatory agencies. "The joint investigation visit (JIV) was carried out on 09/05/2021 with participation of community representatives and the government regulatory agencies. "The event occurred within the Company's well head location which is paved and walled round. There is no significant third party impact." Commenting on the development, the safe environment advocacy group, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), said that the incident which discharged crude and associated gas had severely polluted the environment. ERA/FoEN stated that a visit to the spill site showed pictorial evidence of the crude spreading beyond NAOC's right of way as nearby vegetation were withered as a result of the crude impact. According to a field report on the spill incident signed by Mr Alagoa Morris, hyead of Field Operations at ERA/FoEN, the Idu fields was notorious for frequent spills caused by equipment failure. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The people of Egbebiri in the Biseni kingdom have experienced several oil spills over the years. And all the oil spill incidents documented by the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) in this community environment have occurred as a result of equipment failure and on Wellheads. "ERA/FoEN has had cause to visit the environment of Idu Well 5 and 11 located within the same place in the past and it has always been Idu Well 11 spewing crude oil into the environment. "Available records from ERA/FoEN indicate that there has been previous oil spills from this particular Idu Well 11 operated by Agip. Before concluding this Field Report, ERA/FoEN confirmed that Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) was carried out on Sunday, 9th May, 2021. "This is why the official Spill Reference No 2021/ LAR/028/058 is indicated in this report; sourced from the JIV report. Cause of spill was attributed to equipment failure," ERA/FoEN stated. The government plans to spend Rwf3,807 billion in the 2021/22 fiscal year, which represents an increase of 9.8 per cent from the current Rwf3,464.8 billion budget. The proposed budget was presented to both chambers of parliament on Wednesday by Richard Tusabe, the Minister of State in charge of National Treasury. It was approved by Cabinet on March 5. Policies and strategies planned in the fiscal year 2021/22 and over the medium-term, Tusabe said, are guided by the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) - a seven-year development programme that will run till 2024 - as well as efforts to drive economic recovery from Covid-19 pandemic. Here are the key points in the proposed budget, including the source of funding and how the money will be spent. Sources of financing Domestic revenues, estimated at Rwf2,543.3 billion, are expected to account for 67 per cent of the total proposed budget while the remaining Rwf1,263.7 is expected to be mobilised from external sources. Under domestic financing, total tax revenue collections have been projected to reach Rwf1,717.2 billion. This amount represents an increase of Rwf137.3 billion from the Rwf1,579.9 billion in the revised budget of 2020/21. Government forecasts that economic rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic will drive up tax collections. Under external financing, grants are projected to account for Rwf612.2 billion equivalent to 16 per cent and loans worth Rwf651.5 or 17 per cent of the entire budget. However, some MPs said that there is a need to exercise caution to ensure that budget financing does not result in hiking taxes and ultimately increasing the cost of living. "The economy has been devastated by Covid-19 pandemic," said MP Frank Habineza, "Most of residents are still grappling with the effects of the pandemic." Some businesses are still closed or not performing well, he added, citing hotels and tourism. Tusabe said that the economic recovery fund and subsidies to the manufacturing sector are expected to attract foreign investments, bolster exports and offset gaps in external financing. The government, he added, has also paid more attention to the development budget than the recurrent budget as it bids to stimulate local production. "Investing money in development projects is good for sustainable economic growth." Expenditure Regarding expenditure, Tusabe said Government proposes to spend Rwf1,872.7 billion or 49.2 per cent of the total budget on recurrent expenses while development budget including net lending will amount to Rwf1,934.2 billion, equivalent to 50.8 per cent of the total budget. This includes support to the private sector to invest for recovery from Covid-19 pandemic. He said that Rwf250 billion will be invested into the Covid-19 economic recovery fund. This, he said, is the second phase of the fund which received Rwf100 billion in the current fiscal year. "We are getting partners who are willing to finance this Fund. We hope that it will expand further, but this will depend on how we use its finance," he said. The economic transformation pillar was allocated over Rwf2,265.8 billion, accounting for 59.5 per cent of the budget, the social transformation pillar got over Rwf1,000 billion, or 26.7 per cent, while transformational governance pillar was allocated over Rwf526.4 billion, representing 13.8 of the financial plan. MP Veneranda Nyirahirwa welcomed the move to increase the development budget. However, he pointed out that there was a need to improve planning to ensure that development projects are effectively implemented for the benefit of citizens. Here are some priority areas and their projected spending: Health The health sector received over Rwf383.7 billion. Projects to be undertaken in this sector include increased access to quality health through construction of health centres; basic infrastructure to health facilities; Research and Training Institute against Digestive Cancer (IRCAD); mental health daycare centre as well as food and drugs testing laboratory. Others are the continuation of digitalisation of health services, and increasing Intensive Care Units (ICU) capacity with oxygen plants increased. Another area is supporting the Covid-19 vaccination rollout programme, core for economic recovery. Education This sector received over Rwf422.4 billion or over 11 per cent of the whole budget-the largest compared to other sectors. Improving the quality of education will be central to the sector spending and will involve recruitment of new pre-primary teachers, increasing the number of qualified primary and secondary teachers. The school feeding programme will be expanded from pre-primary to senior six. In addition, it will include the development of school infrastructures such as construction of classrooms, TVET schools, UR Head Quarters, school of mining; geology and permanent handwashing facilities. Other interventions will include; increasing the use of ICT in teaching and learning, as well as digitalisation of TVET training manuals. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Agriculture Agriculture was allocated Rwf139.6 billion, representing an increase of about 15 per cent compared to Rwf120 billion in the current budget. This money will be used to help increase agriculture productivity through scaling up the use of inputs such as quality seeds and fertilisers; domestic production and multiplication of seeds, maximising irrigation, soil protection through radical and progressive terraces. Also, labour and land productivity in agriculture shall be increased through mechanisation, while strategic food storage will be promoted as well as livestock development and value addition. Moreover, the funding will contribute to strengthening crops and livestock insurance. Transport The transport sector received over Rwf246.9 billion in the proposed budget. With this financing, transport projects will be accelerated through the construction of national roads and feeder roads developed and maintained, the minister said. It will also be used for the construction of Bugesera International Airport (NBIA) workstream I at 85 per cent and Work Stream II will continue as well as expressway to the airport. Furthermore, it will support the resumption of RwandAir destinations that were halted due to Covid-19. Sekondi The number of chieftaincy cases pending at the Western Region House of Chiefs stand at 61, the Acting President of the House, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, has revealed, stressing that the rising trend is regrettable and the 'biggest challenge.' Out of the number, 42 cases are petitions with 19 standing as appeal cases. However, with the new administrative set up in Ghana, the National House of Chiefs at an emergency meeting on April 1, has directed that 22 of cases should been transferred to the Western North Region. Awulae Annor Adjaye III, disclosed these at a stakeholders' consultative meeting with the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, at Sekondi, on Monday. He explained that, with the new directive, the Western Regional House of Chiefs would be left with 39 cases comprising 21 petitions and 18 appeals. Awulae Adjaye again reported to the Chieftaincy Minister that records available in the House indicated that the present Counsel had attained the compulsory retirement age of 60 years as atDecember, 2020, which meant that the House had no Counsel, adding that"This is a major impediment to adjudication of cases." He, therefore, appealed to the minister to help the House get a Counsel to enable it expedite action on the pending cases. "The role of a lawyer in the adjudication function of the House of Chiefs cannot be underestimated and it is for this reason that the framers of the Chieftaincy Act 2008(Act 759 section 28 (4) states that "A Judicial Committee is appointed under this section shall be assisted by a lawyer of not less than five years standing appointed by the Regional House of Chiefs on the recommendation of the Attorney General." the Acting President contended. Awulae Adjaye believed that the House would through the various meetings discuss matters that would promote the interests of the Western Region and the welfare of the people. Commenting on the matter, the Omanhen of Nsein, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, complained about the protracted chieftaincy dispute at Wassa Fiase and believed that the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, should havetaken measures to resolve the crisis including thosein other jurisdictions. He noted that with the cancellation of the Western Region 2020 elections, the House could not function effectively, adding that a similar incident occurred in 2012, and, was later, withdrawn from the Appeal Court in Cape Coast. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ghana Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "From December, we are now in May, and we're not having a full functioned House which is enshrined in the constitution," Awulae Kwame lamented. The Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Kojo Kumcommented that "Nobody benefitted from disputes apart from lawyers. I am committed to do whatever it takes to resolve the 42 disputes in the region during my time." He indicated that apart from the Western Region, the Volta and Upper West Regions also had no Counsels, and assured that he was working with the Attorney General so that " we fill these vacancies so that the judicial committees can work." Reacting to the Dixcove crisis, the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, said that the Regional Coordinating Council tried getting some eminent persons in the region, including the member of Council of State, Mrs Alberta Cudjoe and the Omanhene of Lower Axim Awulae Attibrukusu, to resolve the matter, but, along the line, one party walked out. Recognising the role of chiefs in national development, he however, argued that, the House could not function effectively with a divided front, and, suggested that "no matter what, we must use traditional knowledge to solve our problems and not the courts." Energy Minister, Mr Prempeh spelt out that the Western Region needed to use unity as a major plank to harness her God-given resources including the oil and gas potentials. "The past is gone; we need to remain united and not divided." he added. Board Chairman of Legon Cities FC, Mr Richard K. Atikpo, has donated items worth thousands of Cedis to the Muslim Community in the Oti Region at an imposing ceremony at Ahamansu in the Kadjebi District. Items presented by Mr Atikpo, who also serves as the Council of State Member for the Oti Region, included a cow, bags of rice, assorted drinks, water, cooking Oil, packs of Indomie noodles, biscuits and a cash donation which was received by the Regional Chief Imam Salihu Yussif on behalf of the Muslim Community. The gesture was to support the activities of the Muslim Community in the Holy Month of Ramadan which ends today. In a brief speech, Communications Manager of the Legon Cities, Kwame Dwomoh-Agyemang - who represented Mr Atikpo, said that the donation was an act by the Board Chair to support the Muslim Community during the period of the Ramadan and to give back to the society. He added that Mr Atikpo was not only interested in the physical needs of the people but very much interested in their spiritual needs as well. Receiving the items on behalf of the Muslim Community, Imam Salihu Yussif thanked the Council of State Member for the donation and pledged to use the products for the entire community. Iman Yussif also used the opportunity to call on Mr Atikpo to assist in the construction of an Islamic Secondary School and offer scholarship opportunities for brilliant but needy Muslim students in the region. They also made passionate plea to the Group to further strengthen its support to the orphanages and the hospital at large. Rabat Head of Government, Saad Dine El Otmani, reiterated on Wednesday the official position of the Kingdom of Morocco which categorically rejects all violations affecting the legal status of the Al-Aqsa mosque and Al-Quds Asharif and undermining the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and their aspirations to freedom and independence. In accordance with the official position previously announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, during the emergency meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers, El Otmani also affirmed that the Kingdom of Morocco rejects the violations taking place in the city of Al-Quds Asharif, in particular the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah which faces systematic plans to displace its inhabitants as the Israeli attacks against the Maqdessis are intensifying, said government spokesman Saaid Amzazi in a statement read during a press briefing held after the Government Council. The Kingdom of Morocco places the Palestinian issue and Al-Quds Asharif at the top of its concerns and at the same level as the national cause, as expressed by HM King Mohammed VI on several occasions, in particular during the telephone conversation that the Sovereign had, a few months ago, with president of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen, added the head of government. El Otmani reaffirmed Morocco's steadfast and clear position, under the insightful leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, in support of the Palestinian cause, as well as the Kingdom's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state enjoying full sovereignty. HM the King, in His capacity as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has never ceased defending the Islamic identity of Al-Quds Asharif and spares no effort to preserve the Al-Aqsa Mosque and defend the historical identity of this city as a land of coexistence between monotheistic religions, he recalled. Rabat The Government Council, which convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Head of Government Saad Dine El Otmani, adopted the draft decrees setting the dates and calendars relating to the electoral operations planned this year in the Kingdom. These are draft decree N 2.21.352 setting the date of election of the members of the chambers of agriculture, draft decree N 2.21.353 setting the date of election of members of the chambers of commerce, industry and services, handicraft and fisheries and draft decree N 2.21.354 setting the date for the election of members of the councils of communes and districts, said government spokesperson Saaid Amzazi, in a statement read during a press briefing held at the end of the meeting. It also concerns draft decree N 2.21.355 setting the date of election of the members of the regions' councils, of draft decree N 2.21.356 setting the date of election of the members of the House of Representatives, of draft decree N 2.21.357 setting the date of election of the members of the councils of prefectures and provinces and of draft decree N 2.21.358 setting the date of election of the members of the House of Advisors, he said, adding that these texts were presented by the Interior Minister. Amzazi said that it was decided to schedule these events as follows: the election of members of professional chambers (chambers of commerce, industry and services, handicraft, fisheries and agriculture) on Friday August 6, members of the House of Representatives, and region, commune and district councils on Wednesday September 8, 2021, members of the prefectural and provincial councils on Tuesday September 21, 2021 and the election of members of the House of Advisors on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Rabat Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, held talks, Wednesday by videoconference, with minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr., as part of the consolidation of Morocco-Liberian relations. The two ministers welcomed the positive developments witnessed in relations between the two brotherly countries in recent years, as evidenced by the holding of the Joint Commission in 2019, the opening of the Liberian consulate in Dakhla in March 2020 and the signing of a series of agreements, said a statement by the Ministry. In this regard, Bourita renewed Morocco's commitment to support the strengthening and development of human capacity in Liberia through the provision of scholarships and other professional training. Morocco plans to deepen this exceptional relationship as part of the recovery program "Liberia Vision 2030", added the statement. He also said he had agreed with his Liberian counterpart to further develop bilateral relations, notably through a mission for sectoral cooperation that will travel to Monrovia, as soon as health conditions allow, to prepare the next session of the Joint Commission. In addition, the minister reiterated Morocco's thanks to Liberia for its constant and firm support to the territorial integrity of Morocco, especially through its clear positions in favor of the Moroccan Sahara, in regional and international forums and through its actions on the ground, concretized by the opening of a Consulate General of Liberia in Dakhla in March 2020, and the support expressed to Morocco's action after the liberation of the passage at the border post of El Guergarat between Morocco and Mauritania. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Morocco Governance Liberia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. For his part, Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. renewed his country's support for a negotiated, consensual and final political solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, reiterating the need to respect Decision 693, adopted at the level of African Heads of State, at the African Union Summit in Nouakchott, in July 2018, which reaffirmed the exclusivity of the United Nations as the framework for seeking mutually acceptable, realistic, pragmatic and sustainable political solution to the Sahara issue. The two ministers also committed to better coordination of their actions and constant mutual support in regional and international forums, to defend their respective interests and work together for development, peace and stability of the African continent. On this basis, the two parties agreed to support, in a concerted and mutual manner, the Moroccan and Liberian candidacies at the level of regional and international fora and to instruct their Permanent Representatives in New York, Geneva and the African Union to coordinate their actions and decisions on issues of common interest. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. expressed the full support of Liberia to Morocco's bid for the post of Commissioner of the African Union Commission in the areas of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, concluded the statement. The Muslim Caucus in Parliament has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to strictly enforce the directive to allow any Muslim student, who wishes to fast for any religious reasons, to do so. This follows the Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana's encouragement to Wesley Girls High School and the Methodist Church of Ghana, to disregard the lawful directive. According to a statement signed and issued in Accra, yesterday, by Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase Constituency, on behalf of the Caucus, "we consider this attack on the authority of the Ghana Education Service to be highly troubling as it undermines state authority and further sets a bad precedent." It noted that the endorsement came as a shock to Muslim leaders and called into question the years of partnership and mutual cooperation that have existed between Muslim stakeholders and Christian bodies. The statement said freedom of religion, religious diversity and tolerance as spelt out in the 1992 Constitution were under threat, if fasting, which was a key pillar of Islam, could be treated the way the Christian bodies have done. It said that it was unacceptable for any religious group to use the majority card to unleash intolerance on the faith and cardinal doctrine of other faiths. "If the disingenuous and dangerous argument of majority and religious tradition is allowed to hold sway, our country will be riven apart in regions, districts, schools, neighbourhoods, markets, businesses, state institutions, among others. Such dangerous arguments belong to a bygone era and have no place in a modern democracy like ours," the statement indicated. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ghana Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It said the struggle for religious freedom and expression for all Ghanaians in public-funded institutions was no respecter of majority and constitutionally harmful religious traditions, adding that they would not relent in defending the constitutional values of freedom of religion. The statement expressed confidence in the Minister of Education's assurances that the matter would be resolved amicably. It entreated Muslims and the public to exercise self-restraint in the face of disregard for the authority of state institutions and preserve the country's peace. The statement said Ghana had been an oasis of peace within the West African sub-region and across Africa due to the peaceful co-existence and mutual respect that existed among various religious groups in the country, especially between Muslims and Christians. In this regard, it noted that the caucus would continually engage the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to cordially resolve the matter. A businesswoman yesterday appeared before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding 51 people to the tune of at least GHc999, 600, under the pretext of securing United States visas for them. Anne Tamakloe, was charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretence contrary to section 131 of Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29, but denied the charges. The case was adjourned to May 20, 2021 after she was granted bail. Prosecuting, Chief Inspector D G Bandah told the court that the complainant, Dora Boamah, and Ms Tamakloe, were both businesswomen. The court heard that in April 2019, accused visited her friend, Agnes Abebrese, a witness in the case, and during their interactions, accused told the witness that there was a type of visa called 'Frozen Visa' at the American Embassy. Chief Insp Bandah said, the witness who was convinced by the story informed the complainant about the transaction. He said, the complainant said she was interested and arranged to meet the accused for further discussion. Chief Insp Bandah told the court that the witness gave mobile phone number of accused to the complainant, who in turn contacted accused for assistance. He said, between the months of May and June 2019, the complainant gave 51 Ghanaian passports and cash of $178,500 equivalent to GHc999,600, to the accused for the 'frozen visas.' The court heard that accused told the complainant that the visas will be ready in August 2019, but failed to do so. Chief Insp Bandah said the complainant reported the matter to the police as efforts to trace the whereabouts of accused proved unsuccessful. The court heard that on November 1, 2019, the accused was arrested. Chief Insp Bandah said the accused admitted the offence in her caution statement, and returned all the 51 Ghanaian passports, but failed to refund $178, 500 equivalent to 999, 600. Prosecutor said during Investigation, it came to light that, the accused also collected GHc46,000, to secure two auction cars from the American Embassy for the complainant, but failed to deliver the cars. MALIK SULLEMANA INVESTMENT in midwives is considered a cost-effective approach to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies while reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and stillbirths. Data indicates that universal coverage of midwifedelivered interventions could avert 67 percent of maternal deaths, 64 percent of neonatal deaths and 65 percent of stillbirths, allowing 4.3 million lives around the globe to be saved annually by 2035. Entirely, it's not only about saving lives; midwives are the key to achieving Tanzania's Vision 2025 and the ambitious sustainable development goals, as emphasized by the President of Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA), Mr Feddy Mwanga. "Midwives not only improve the chance of a safe pregnancy and delivery, but also provide the full continuum of care throughout women and adolescents' lives. By doing so, they play a key role in the empowerment of women and building equitable, inclusive and sustainable societies," said Mr Mwanga. According to the State of the World's Midwifery Report of 2021, investing in midwives can facilitate positive birth experiences and safe, improved health outcomes, augments labour supply, and favours inclusive and equitable growth which in turn facilitates economic stabilization, and can have a positive macroeconomic impact. Each year on May 5, the world marks the International Day of the Midwife to honour the extraordinary contribution of midwives to humanity. The theme for this year's commemorations focused on the mounting data and evidence for more investment in midwifery as an essential element of health care. In Tanzania, efforts to strengthen health systems and improve sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, including a reduction in the number of preventable maternal, infant and child deaths are gaining momentum although much needs to be done. The midwifery report has taken note on how Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the importance of investing in primary health care for meeting population health needs. Midwives are essential providers of primary health care and can play a major role in this area as well as other levels of the health system: in addition to maternity care, they provide a wide range of clinical interventions and contribute to broader health goals, such as addressing sexual and reproductive rights, promoting self-care interventions and empowering women and adolescent girls. For midwives to achieve their potential, greater investment for key areas have been underscored in the report, including education and training; health workforce planning, management and regulation and the work environment; leadership and governance; and service delivery. These investments should be considered at country, regional and global levels by governments, policy-makers, regulatory authorities, education institutions, professional associations, international organizations, global partnerships, donor agencies, civil society organizations and researchers. The need to invest in the production and deployment of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) workers is not confined to countries with a needs-based shortage. Many countries, including some high-income countries, are forecast to have insufficient SRMNAH workers to meet demand by 2030. The report also addresses among such factors preventing the SRMNAH workforce from meeting all of the needs, including insufficient numbers, inefficient skill mix, inequitable distribution, varying levels and quality of education and training programmes, limited qualified educators (including for supervision and mentoring) and limited effective regulation. "Even where workforce data is available, they are rarely fully disaggregated by important characteristics, such as gender, occupation group and geographical location, making it difficult to identify and address gaps in service provision. "Some population groups risk their access to SRMNAH workers being restricted due to characteristics, including age, poverty, geographical location, disability, ethnicity, conflict, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion," states the report. As such, the voices of service users are essential for understanding the factors that influence their care-seeking behaviour. "Left behind" groups require special attention to ensure that they can access care from qualified practitioners. "Investment in midwives needs to include not just investment in their numbers, but investments in their education, ongoing training, regulation, and working environment," said Pamela O'Donnell, High Commissioner of Canada in Tanzania. "If these investments are made, they will be able to achieve their full life-saving, healthimproving, system-strengthening potential." UNFPA as a lead UN agency in partnership with TAMA supports the efforts of the government to build a competent, well-trained and well-supported midwifery workforce. In her statement to mark this year's International Midwifery Day, UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem observed that midwives deserve greater investment in their capabilities and workplaces that empower them and fully acknowledge their skills and contributions. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Sustainable Development Pregnancy and Childbirth By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The latest edition of the State of the World's Midwifery report launched last week by UNFPA, the World Health Organization and the International Confederation of midwives affirms that if the number of midwives increase the quality of care they provide, an estimated 4.3 million lives would be saved a year by 2035. "Midwives often work under extraordinary circumstances. They may walk miles to reach women or open space in their own homes to help them safely give birth. They have faced increasing pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic, and heightened inequalities in their workplaces. Often short on protective gear, and with less access to vaccines than other healthcare workers, midwives have put their own lives at risk serving others," said Dr Kanem. According to her, such dedication is an invaluable resource, yet too many health systems depend on it without commensurate backing of midwifery as a profession. That will short-circuit ambitions to reach the goal of zero preventable maternal deaths by 2030. "We have the evidence and know what must be done. Health systems everywhere need to take note - and take action - because investing in empowered midwives is one of the surest ways to safeguard life and protect the health and well-being of all," emphasized the UNFPA Executive Director. Trade and Industry Minister Niven Gamea asserted the keenness of the government to attract more investments and global industrial expertise to the Egyptian market to increase the rates of economic exchange, improve the national industry, promote the quality and competitiveness of the Egyptian industrial products and create more job opportunities. This came during Gamea's meeting with officials of BSH Home Appliances Company Egypt, a Robert Bosch Group's company, under the executive director of the company in Egypt. The meeting tackled the strategy of the company to expand in the Egyptian market and its new project to produce home appliances in Egypt. In a statement on Wednesday 12/5/2021, Gamea said that the meeting took up the new project of the company to manufacture home appliances in the industrial hub in the 10th of Ramadan City to cater for the needs of the local market. The expansion plans of the company aim at meeting the demands of the Egyptian market of home appliances and exporting all surplus products to markets in the Middle East and Africa, she said. The new project will contribute to localizing the German industrial technology in the field of home appliances in the Egyptian market, she said. Meanwhile, the director of the company asserted keenness to invest and expand in the Egyptian market as it is one of the most important manufacturing and exporting axes in the Middle East and Africa, noting that the company inked a memorandum of understanding on the project with the Egyptian government in 2019. The first phase of the project will be established on an area of 80,000 square meters and will contribute to providing many job opportunities, he said. BSH is a trademark licensee of Robert Bosch GmbH for the Bosch brand. Egypt's Grand Mufti and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide Shawqi Allam greeted President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on the occasion of Eidul Fitr which falls on Thursday 13/5/2021. In press statements on Tuesday11/5/2021, Allam also extended Eid greetings to all Egyptians, wishing Egypt further progress and prosperity. He also urged all Egyptians to be generous and reach out to their fellow citizens in need during these blessed days. Allam also emphasized the need to comply with all anti-coronavirus precautions and public health measures during Eidul Fitr prayers and throughout the feast holiday. Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said 250 importers joined the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system since piloting it in April 1 ahead of its enforcement as of July 1. In a statement on Wednesday12/5/2021, he said Egypt is among the first regional countries to use this system which will help reduce commodities' cost in local market, reduce cargo clearance time and promote governance. This will help Egypt become a modern international logistic zone connecting all ports electronically, he said, expounding that this will improve Egypt's international rating, incentivize investments and promote Egyptian exports' competitiveness. The minister underlined the importance of continued cooperation with the Egyptian Customs Authority with regard to implementing the ACI system. He said this new system will help protect the Egyptian borders from the access of banned materials or goods. Under the ACI, importers will submit digital documents for the imported goods to the customs authority through the "single window" platform before shipping them to the country in order to get the initial customs registration number (ACID). The authority will notify the importer with the ACID customs registration number to be recorded in the shipping documents relating to the imported goods. The e-signature will be used in the data entry and the electronic registration of all data and documents for the pre-registration system (ACI). An Egyptian archaeological mission of the Antiquities Ministry has discovered 250 rock-cut tombs in al-Hamdiya necropolis in the Eastern Mountain in Sohag, about 500 kilometres south of Cairo. The discovery is part of an archaeological documentation and registration project for the necropolis rock-cut tombs. The tombs vary in style, and they are cut at several levels in the mountain, with some having one or more burial shafts with a ramp leading to a burial chamber, head of the ministry's Central Administration of Upper Egypt Mohamed Abdel Badea said in a press release on Tuesday11/5/2021. They date back from the end of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Ptolemaic period, he added. Over 300 tombs have been registered in the area as part of the project, Abdel Badea pointed out. Egypt's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Mohamed Idris discussed with his Libyan counterpart Taher al Sunni means of supporting Libya in the transitional period to enhance peace and stability in the region. This comes via the UN Peacebuilding Commission that Egypt leads as representative of Africa. The meeting also reviewed a number of issues of mutual concern and ways to support the outcome of the Libyan political dialogue and the UNSC resolutions concerning holding presidential and parliamentary elections in the country by the end of 2021. They also discussed providing resources and programs required for Libya via the UN organizations concerned with peace-building efforts. Al Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed El Tayyeb on Tuesday11/5/2021 greeted President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the Egyptian people and all Muslims and Islamic nations across the world on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. The imam voiced hope that on such occasion the world would enjoy peace, stability and safety from the pandemic. He also expressed his support for the steadfast Palestinians in their struggle against the Israeli terrorism. The Al Azhar grand imam called for seizing the opportunity to spread joy and happiness among the poor, unable and vulnerable people, praying to God to bless the Arab and Islamic nations with unity, peace and well being. Deputy President David Mabuza says in order for South Africa not to be excluded from procuring COVID-19 vaccines, it had no choice but to accept full liability for the vaccines acquired. This means that government had to accept conditions that COVID-19 manufacturers imposed on countries of the world, including accepting full liability in an event that vaccines had side effects, or risk being excluded from receiving vaccines from manufactures. The Deputy President said this during a question and answer session at the National Assembly on Wednesday. "The COVID-19 vaccine market is very different from the usual market for medicines. "Globally, countries have limited options since all COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have adopted the same approach. "Therefore, countries must accept full liability for the vaccines acquired. In our case as South Africa, it was either we accept these clauses, or as a country we do not have access to any vaccines," he said. ACDP Leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, had asked why government did not insist that manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines be liable for any injuries or even death that might result from the use of their products. The Deputy President said whilst faced with these conditions, government had a further obligation of establishing a COVID-19 Vaccines Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme. He said this is one of the critical components of ensuring that there are no hindrances in South Africa delivering a successful vaccination plan. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Governance South Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The scheme will be in operation for a limited time. "In the main, this scheme will provide expeditious and easy access to compensation for persons who suffer harm, loss or damage as a result of vaccine injury that may be caused by the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine specified in terms of regulation, at a facility within the country. "We have a responsibility to ensure that our people are protected through this scheme." The Deputy President said the manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines will not make any contribution to this 'No-Fault Compensation System', as this is part of the contractual obligations for all countries that acquire COVID-19 vaccines. "We are learning from the recent experience of governments, who are reviewing reports of potential cases of severe side effects amongst vaccinated members of their population, that such a scheme is important. "The COVID-19 Vaccines Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme will contain and minimise the effects that may arise as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic." Delhi High Court criticised the Centre over the dialer tune urging people to get vaccinated when there is a shortage of vaccine doses. The court said that the 'irritating' message was played for 'don't know how long' asking people to get vaccinated when there is not enough vaccine. "You have been playing that one irritating message on the phone whenever one makes a call, for we do not know how long, that you (people) should have the vaccination, when you (Centre) don't have enough vaccine. You are not vaccinating people, but you still say that vaccination lagavaiye (get vaccinated). Kaun lagayega vaccine (who will give vaccine), when there is no vaccination. What is the point of the message," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said. "You should give it to everyone. Even if you are going to take money, give it. That is what even children are saying," the bench said and added that the government needs to be "innovative" in such things. The court said that the government should prepare more of such messages instead of just one and running it always. "Till like a tape it stops running or starts skipping, you will run it for 10 years," it said. The bench said the government, state or Centre, have to react to the situation on the ground. It said that if a person hears a different dialer message every time, it might help them. It also said that celebs like Amitabh Bachchan can be asked to chip in and that all this "needs to be done soon". The court said that a lot of "publicity and propaganda" was there last year on washing of hands regularly and wearing of masks and now there should be similar audio-visual initiatives on use of oxygen, concentrators, medications, etc. Also read: All you need to know about DRDO's new anti-COVID-19 drug 2-DG Also read: COVID-19 crisis: Maharashtra extends lockdown till May 31 opinion THERE was a historic 'change of guard' in Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), when President Samia Suluhu Hassan was elected CCM national Chairperson on 30th April, 2021. At the time of her election, CCM had just attained the age of forty four years. A political party of forty four years is, obviously, pretty old. And there is a 'wicked' inclination in some people, to suppose that old political parties "have outlived their usefulness!." Today's article will endeavour to dispute that notion, by just narrating how CCM has managed to survive for all these years, despite going through some difficult political challenges which, under some other multi-party political jurisdictions, could have easily thrown the ruling political party out of power. Down memory lane The gurus have been said, that "history is the memory recorded in our brain". I personally had the great good fortune of being a key player in the hectic preparations for CCM's establishment, when I was appointed member/secretary of the joint TANU/ASP 20-man Commission which had been set up to make preparations for its establishment, and subsequently being the master of ceremony at its birth day celebrations at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar on 5th February, 1977; plus, soon thereafter, being appointed the first Executive Secretary General of the newly born party. I therefore have some rich, pleasant memories 'recorded in my brain', which could help in facilitating informed discussions regarding this topic. For that reason, this article will now take our readers 'down memory lane', by recalling the major historic events which led to CCM's establishment; and its subsequent chequered 'stages of growth' thereafter. It was Mwalimu Nyerere's bold initiative The starting point was President Nyerere's acceptance speech on 22nd September, 1975, upon his re-nomination by the joint TANU/ASP electoral conference, as TANU's candidate for that year's Presidential election. In the course of that speech, President Nyerere made the following ground breaking proposal:- "Our country is, legally and constitutionally, a One-party State. But, in reality, we have two parties. I believe that this is a constitutional anomaly, which is a very serious matter. It is my sincere conviction, that we should now give serious consideration to this matter, and find way of removing this anomaly. I am convinced that we will greatly strengthen the unity of our people, and also give ourselves greater capacity for carrying our revolution forward, if we now agree to merge our two parties, in order to form one strong revolutionary party, which will lead our revolutionary nation." (I should perhaps draw special attention to the significance of the words "in order to form one revolutionary party" in the last sentence; because that is precisely why the new party was named "Chama cha Mapinduzi"). Nyerere's proposal was received with enthusiastic acclamation by the entire conference, no one dissenting. Hence, the practical implementation of that proposal subsequently commenced when, on 2nd October, 1976, a 20-person joint Commission, comprising an equal number of members from both parties was appointed, and given the task of "making all the preparations necessary preparations for the formation of the new party, resulting from the voluntary merger of the two parties". And, as already stated above, I was appointed Member/Secretary of that Commission. CCM's measured stages of growth thereafter The new party was born under the monopolistic 'One-party State' political dispensation. Its Mission and Vision, were clearly stated in the Preamble to its Constitution, as follows:- "Tumeamua kwa pamoja, kuunda chama kipya cha kuendeleza mapinduzi ya kijamaa nchini Tanzania, pamoja na mapambano ya ukombozi wa Afrika, juu ya misingi imara iliyojengwa na TANU na ASP. Chama kipya tunachokiunda, tunataka kiwe ni chombo madhubuti katika muundo wake na katika fikra zake; na pia katika vitendo vyake vya kufutilia mbali aina zote za dhuluma na unyonyaji hapa nchini; na kupambana na jambo lolote lile, ama la mtu kuonea mtu mwingine, au chombo cha Serikali kuonea au kudhalilisha wananchi; au kudhoofisha uchumi wa nchi na kuzorotesha maendeleo ya Taifa letu". My humble submission is that CCM's continued strength over the past 44 years, lies principally in its successful implementation of its Mission and vision, and its policies and programmes which are articulated in its election manifestos every five years; which has been the main source of its continued appeal to the majority of the Tanzanian electorate, giving CCM huge successes in all the multi-party general elections that have been held over all these years. CCM's organizational structure CCM's other source of strength, lies in its organizational structure, and the party's healthy practice of regular and continuous recruitment of new party members mostly from among the younger generations; as well as new party leaders at all levels of the party hierarchy, through the process of party elections which are held regularly after every five years (or every ten years in the case of the national party Chairman); plus its successful implementation of its election manifesto promises. In my view, these are the factors which have been great and significant assets that have contributed hugely to the party's strength, and sustainability. The transition to multi-party politics The party's transition to multi-party politics was its second stage of growth, when it was effected in 1992, when the country's Constitution was extensively amended in order to include new provision which would accommodate the new multipart political. This transition was actually initiated, and actively processed, by CCM itself; having fully realized that the political landscape in many countries on the world was rapidly changing in that direction. The entry into multi-party politics necessitated CCM's participation in the multi-party electoral competitions. The challenges of multi-party politics After the transition to multi-party politics , CCM has, inevitably, been facing a variety of challenges, including the possibility that CCM's longevity alone could lead to its downfall from power, allegedly because "people will eventually get tired of it!." In my humble opinion, this is not a valid proposition, simply because: unlike human beings, who die basically due to biological causes that lead to the human heart ceasing to function; Organizations, such as political parties, can only die due to avoidable human errors such as scandals, and other which are committed by the erring parties themselves "self-inflicted injuries". Examples of CCM's self-inflicted injuries The dictionary definition of the word 'self-inflicted injury" is that it is "an injury which one inflicts deliberately upon himself". The word "deliberately" is a key word in this definition. It means that the resultant injury must have been deliberately inflicted upon the injured, through his own deliberate negligence. Thus, as a veteran 'mzee wa Chama' myself who has all along been in its 'corridors of power', I can venture to testify positively to the contention that CCM has, sometimes, been a victim of its own 'self-inflicted injuries'. The following examples may serve to illustrate this point: (i) Its dismal electoral performance in the 2010 Presidential election. The results of the 2010 presidential election, manifestly showed that CCM's support among the voting population, had sharply declined and gone down to unprecedented low levels. These results had provided a loud and clear "wake-up call" to the party, which, commendably, lost no time in responding to this call, by embarking on a serious internal evaluation exercise, in order to determine the true causes of this sudden decline in its popularity among the electorate. This exercise revealed, that the major sources for this loss of support were the following: (a) The damaging scandals which were closely associated with the party's leaders. These included the "Richmond scandal", which effectively rocked the National Assembly, with the CCM MPs being divided into two antagonistic groups, with one group being labeled as the 'mafisadi' group; and the other identifying itself as the 'anti-mafisadi' group. As if that was not enough, the Richmond scandal was rapidly followed by another, equally damaging scandal, known as the "EPA scandal"; which consisted of serious accusations being directed at certain prominent CCM national leaders, who were alleged to have illegally 'stolen' huge sums of money from the External Payments Account (EPA) of the Central Bank (BOT). Such accusations naturally raised anger among the community, and thus contributed to the loss of public trust in the ruling party. (b) The ideological challenges: the failure to implement Ujamaa. The dismal failure to implement the Party's Ujamaa ideology, was certainly one of the major challenges to the strength and reputation of Chama cha Mapinduzi, which was caused primarily by factors such as;- (i) Attempting to build socialism without socialists. It is stated in the Arusha Declaration document itself, that "Socialism cannot just establish itself. It can only be established, and maintained, by people who have complete faith in the efficacy of this system". In our case, it can be asserted that the party was attempting to build socialism where there were no committed socialist, a state of affairs which was aggravated by the presence of other negative, 'self-injury' factors, including :- (i) The mismanagement of 'Operation Vijiji'. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The mismanagement of the "Operation Vijiji" exercise in 1973/74 created massive, negative anti-ujamaa attitudes among the people, particularly among the majority rural population. The that these mismanagement actions were committed by the inept, reckless administration officials of the party and its government, who literally used 'brutal force' by forcing people to relocate to what were designated as "Ujamaa villages", during the relevant 'operation' in 1973/74; whereby large numbers of village people were literally 'rounded' up at their established homes, and herded off, together with their belongings, to distant bare sites, which were supposed to be their new residential areas; and were just abandoned and left to fend for themselves, their previous homes having been destroyed as a strategy to prevent them from returning there. Such brutality, necessarily created massive ill feelings, plus utter frustration, and collective anger, among the affected people; who therefore decided that 'if this was the Ujamaa they were being told about, they would have none of it! (ii) The failure of the ujamaa industrial sector to deliver. The other factor which contributed to the loss of faith in the efficacy of the Ujamaa ideology; was the miserable failure of the much touted Ujamaa industrial sector; which, unfortunately, failed to produce enough goods and services to satisfy the needs of the people. This resulted in extreme shortages of all the essential items required for people's daily consumption, to the extent that in the early 1980s, people had to join long, endless waiting lines, in order to be able to purchase any item whatsoever, from the few designated shops which were allowed to keep and sell these essential items. Fortunately however, the 'ujamaa failure' caused no harm to CCM, because CCM is a "mass party" which is not, basically, anchored on adherence to ideology. A manifestation of CCM's inherent strength The fact that CCM has been able to overcome all these nagging problems, and still continued to win the subsequent general elections so handsomely, is a clear manifestation of its solid inherent strength; and this, is the inveterate strong CCM which, on 30th April, 2021, was placed under the stewardship of the new Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. With this background information in mind, we can now return to the question:- what changes, if any, should we reasonably expect from the new leader? (will continue next week) piomsekwa@gmail.com / 0754767576. The United States Agency for International Development, represented by Nathan Associates and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; Department of Economic Management have signed a grant in the amount of US$81,000. The grant is intended to support the policy unit team at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, under the Liberia Economic Policy Dialogue Activity (LEPDA) project, which is funded by USAID. Accordingly, the LEPDA project is intended to improve the policymaking of the government and to help reduce the cost of doing business, says implementing partner Nathan Associates Mark Wilson. Deputy Minister for Economic Management Augustus J. Flomo expressed delight about the in-kind grant, stating that it will support government in its policy process with the implementation of the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD). "We must have the efficiency necessary to support the implementation of these policies documents, and without the appropriate tool and equipment to work with makes it difficult". The policy unit team supports coordination across the five departments of the ministry, by working with the minister office to strengthen coordination of policy implementation of government actions. Mr. Flomo said it is important for technicians to have the right tool in order to deliver on their mandate, adding that the policy unit team has the required competence. He thanked the People of America for providing Liberia with the in-kind grant, which will enhance the work of the (PUT) to deliver on its mandate. "We remain grateful to the American people for providing us the in-kind grant to deliver on our mandate". Mark Wilson of Nathan Associates, the USAID LEPDA implementing partners, said the grant will go towards the procurement of ICT, software and hardware equipment including the purchasing of computers and to strengthen the capacity of the policy unit team. Wilson noted that the timeline of the grant is three months, starting from May 17 to August 16 2021. -As court places stay order The Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, Jomah S. Jallah at the Temple of Justice has issued a stay order on the premises of the headquarters of the Nigerian community in Liberia situated in Fiamah, Monrovia. The Court's decision is as a result of constant harassment and disorderly conduct exhibited by some members of the organization. The court order in the possession of this paper states, "You are hereby commanded to proceed to the premises situated in Fiamah, where meeting is always held and which also serve as subject matter of the case Republic of Liberia, plaintiff Versus Sunday Idogho, Anthony Emejoro and other harassment and disorderly conduct, as dully serve this court's order on the said premises, mandating all parties in the case to refrain from conducting meetings in the said structure, pending the hearing and determination of the case." According to the court's order, all parties to the case should refrain from conducting meeting at the headquarters which is located in Fiamah and hereby further commanded that upon the execution of the order a hearing will be conducted to determine the case. Meanwhile, the Court has also issued a write of arrest of the living bodies of Joseph Awahabra, Michael Umukoro and Henry Ebbegbedia to be identified, defendants and forthwith bring them before the Monrovia City Magisterial Court. The Court said the three individuals have violated Section 14.51 of the New Penal Law of Liberia, purposely did restrain the private prosecutor by preventing them from having their monthly meeting by seizing the keys to the meeting hall, thus denying them access to the meeting premises. The Monrovia City Court said the alleged act of the defendants being unlawful, wicked, illegal and intentional is in violation of the law cited above, there and then crime herein the defendants did do and commit. Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) of Nigeria in Liberia is a member of the Nigerian Community in Liberia with the largest number of members within the organization. As Muslims observe the end of Ramadan across Liberia, President George Manneh Weah has urged them to eschew violence in their bid to resolve land disputes, because a violent approach to land disputes has the potential to derail and undermine the peace Liberians have enjoyed and continue to enjoy today. "Lastly, I urge all Muslims to avoid violence in their bid to resolve land disputes, because a violent approach to land disputes has the potential to derail and undermine the peace we have enjoyed and continue to enjoy today," Mr. Weah said. President Weah's urge to Muslims in the country comes after Mark Jabateh's recent threat to kill Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., if a single Mandingo man got killed in a land dispute that stirred violence in Nimba County. "If a single Mandingo man is killed in Nimba County today, some of us will sacrifice our lives because enough is enough! We have been marginalized. We have been marginalized. When Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf came she failed to settle the land dispute in Nimba County, it's continuing," Jabateh stated in an interview with Spoon FM last month. Jabateh's threat against Chief Justice Korkpor came amidst recent violent clashes in the county that followed a demolition exercise carried out on Monday, 19 April 2021 based on a court eviction order issued by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County. In a video, he had accused Chief Justice Korkpor of allegedly being behind a land dispute in Nimba County. He then claimed that he was mobilizing his brothers and sisters, monitoring the situation in Nimba County and threatened that if there was any attempt by any group of people to kill a single Mandingo man, that means maybe ECOWAS or UN will come in. Jabateh claimed in the interview that Mandingos are being marginalized in Nimba County because Chief Justice Korkpor has appointed Manor people as judges in the county instead of appointing Vai people from Grand Cape Mount County to serve as judges in Nimba County. But on the eve of Ramadan, Wednesday, 12 May, Mr. Weah admonishes the Muslim community here that a violent approach to land disputes has the potential to derail and undermine the peace Liberians have enjoyed. In recognition of the Muslim community's month - long fast, President Weah indicated that "Fasting in RAMADAN is one of the five pillars of Islam obligatory upon all adult and healthy Muslims." He recalled that on 13 April this year, fellow Liberians of the Islamic Faith embarked upon the annual observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan during which he congratulated and urged them to pray for the peace and development of Liberia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr. Weah said he also urged them for their prayers and supplications for God to end the massive and devastating consequences of the Coronavirus being experienced by the world. "As my Liberian Muslim brothers and sisters climax the end of Ramadan 2021, I congratulate and thank all of them for their moral and spiritual endurance, far-sightedness and prayers offered for our beloved nation and people," Mr. Weah continued. He also commended all Muslims for remaining law-abiding and patriotic during these very difficult and trying times in the nation's history, asking them to continue to pray for peace and a reconciled Liberia that will bring about national development and social cohesion. "In order to enable them properly carry out their religious rites, I grant dispensation to all [Muslim] employees of government to stay away from work on Thursday May 13 2021," he said. President George Manneh Weah has by Proclamation declared Friday, May 14, 2021 as National Unification Day to be observed throughout the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia as a National Holiday. The Presidential Proclamation directs that appropriate programs be organized to celebrate the day. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of Legislation passed in 1960, declaring the 14th of May of each year as a National Unification Day, realizing the benefits to be accrued from the Unification and Integration Policy. The release recounts that since the Unification and Integration Policy became an integrated part of the National Development Plan, the Nation has seen marked progress and improvement in all spheres of national endeavor, particularly in the economic, educational, communication and social fields. It recalls that the wisdom of the Unification Policy has found expression in the national fabric through the representation of all sections of the country in the Legislature and every other branch of government, thereby promoting conditions of peace and unity. However, President Weah stated, "Being mindful of the years of civil strife in the country and its harmful impacts on the people of Liberia, it becomes imperative that all Liberians embrace the noble ideals enshrined in the Unification Act to promote unity and peace among all Liberians." The Proclamation further stresses that the Government of the Republic of Liberia adheres to the principles of justice, equality, fair play and equal opportunities for all, regardless of tribe or clan, section, creed, religion or economic status so that Liberians might be united in a consolidated whole. Ebenezer United Methodist Church on Lynch Street in Monrovia has honored one of its female members, Mother Elizabeth Quaye, as Mother of the Year 2021-2022. Speaking at the occasion Sunday held in the church edifice, the Pastor of the Musoma International Church, Victoria Brown, urged Liberian mothers to remain faithful to God and work of the church. Sunday, May 9, 2021 was globally observed as Mothers' Day in recognition of role of mothers in the home, church and the state. Pastor Brown noted that mothers should be patience and obedient to their husbands and to God, as well as set good examples in society. She challenged Liberian mothers to be strong pillars in transforming their homes and the country at large. She said mothers should exhibit good characteristics to their children and others in society, noting that God's time is the best. Pastor Brown also stressed that mothers should always seek the face of God, who is able to transform their situations. Meanwhile, the president of the women organization of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Mabel Neizer-Gyenfie said, the church has embarked on a project to replace its seats and floor. Madam Gyenfie indicated that women of the church are raising money to contribute to the project. However, she lamented that activities of women slow as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are responding gradually again. She cautioned fellow mothers to be mindful of the growth and development of their children, adding that it takes the grace of God to properly to take care them. Madam Gyenfie stressed that development of children are critical towards the transformation of Liberia. In response, the honoree, Mother Elizabeth Quaye expressed thanks and appreciation to the church for the recognition. She promised that as Mother of the Year 2021-2022, she will work in the interest of all members of the church and the society at large. Others honored with Mother Quaye on Sunday were Fth. Sam O. Mintah, Fth. Emmanuel Padmore, Mother Alice Williams and Fth. KwasiYartey, as Special Guests of Honor, respectively. Liberian Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. has disclosed that Liberia's Feminist-In-Chief, His Excellency President George Manneh Weah is exerting frantic efforts to making gender mainstreaming a matter of urgency in the formulation and implantation of policies and programs to enhance greater participation of women in national leadership. Foreign Minister Kemayan added that as Liberia's Feminist-In-Chief, President George Manneh Weah would like to see a sense of belongingness of the women of Liberia in all spheres of public life, in accordance with the Flagship National Development Plan of the Government of Liberia - The 'Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development' (PAPD). Foreign Minister Kemayah opined that President George Manneh Weah, in his Annual Message to the Liberian Legislature on January 25, 2021, announced the submission of a Bill to amend the Domestic Violence Act and other laws to provide enhanced and greater protection for victims of sexual and gender - based violence in Liberia. He named the establishment of Gender and Social Inclusion Units in all government ministries, agencies and commissions; the adoption of the Gender Based Violence Comprehensive Prevention Strategy of "Leaving No One Behind" in order to heighten the protection and empowerment of women, girls and marginalized members of the Liberian society as some of the bill submitted by H.E. President George Manneh Weah. The Dean of the Cabinet made these remarks at the Fifth Legislature Delocalised meeting of the joint Committee on: Social Affairs, Gender and women empowerment, education, science, culture and health held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Ministerial Complex, Congo Town. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Fifth Legislature Delocalized meeting of the joint committee will run from 13-17 April 2021 under the theme: "Empowerment aof Women in the ECOWAS Region" "To this end, Liberia takes pride for producing the First and only African Female President of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency the Late Ambassador Angie Elizabeth Brooks-Randolph; as well as Africa's First democratically elected Female President, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the First Female and current Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor", he emphasized. The Liberian Foreign Minister, who delivered a goodwill message at the meeting, cautioned participants at the seminar on women empowerment to consider policies, programs and institutional platforms to further strengthen and deepen existing mechanisms towards ensuring greater ties between the Parliament and the people it represents. The Liberian Foreign Minister further urged the participants at the summit to focus on the protection and participation of women in politics, governance, security, peace and conflict resolution; in fulfillment of the ECOWAS National Action Plan for the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and the Supplementary Act on the Equality of Rights between Women and Men for Sustainable Development in the ECOWAS Region. Delivering a special statement at the meeting, First Lady Ambassador Clar Marie Weah said female contribution to global development at this point in time can no longer be down play, noting that women are the fabric of community that need to be held together for the good of the society. First Lady Weah also intoned that the public good cannot be champion without the voice of women, adding that despite the awareness for women empowerment there are still more that need to be done. For his part, the head of Liberian delegation at the ECOWAS Parliament, Bomi County Senator, Hon. Edwin M. Snowe lauded President George Manneh Weah for his support and desire in empowering and protecting the rights of women in Liberia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Sustainable Development Liberia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Sen.Snowe used the occasion to welcome Liberia, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Mr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, who he said, has come to Liberia, to interact with the people of the ECOWAS' Community during the delocalized committee meeting in Monrovia. While making brief remark during the opening ceremony, Liberia's Feminist-In-Chief, President George Manneh Weah used the occasion to pledge his government's unflinching support for women empowerment, noting that women issues are paramount in his administration. The Liberian President further added that as a "He 4 She, Champion", he will ensure that his government promotes the Thirty percent (30%) slots for women participation in political leadership. The fifth Legislature meeting held at the ministerial complex outside Monrovia brought together 75 parliamentarians from the ECOWAS region to deliberate on social affairs, gender and women empowerment, education, science, culture and health -for US$2m unpaid taxes Liberia's Tax Court in Monrovia has held an Israeli diamond trading company, West Africa Diamonds Inc. (WADI) liable of US$2,568,161.77 tax obligation to the government here, ordering the company to pay the money as its outstanding tax obligation. Assigned Tax Court Judge Peter Gbeneweleh handed the ruling on 11 May after hearing a petition for judicial review filed by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) against West Africa Diamonds. The court said its records confirmed that the West Africa Diamonds, Limited (WADL) in Israel and the West Africa Diamonds, Inc. in Liberia entered into a Memorandum of Agreement wherein RahaminPolatuv signed for WADL as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Maximov Gabi signed for WADI as CEO, respectively. The foremost purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement was for WADI to purchase diamonds in Liberia and export same to WADL as a customer and other foreign customers outside Liberia, the court said. Further, the court noted that in July 2016, LRA auditors selected WADI for tax audit for the periods January 1, 2011 up to and including December 31, 2015. The audit report showed that WADI purchased and exported diamonds valued the sum of US$27,950,312.00 as gross income, but the company only recognized the two percent commission as provided for under the Memorandum of Agreement, the court ruled. "The Auditors discovered and prepared a Tax Assessment Bill against the Appellee [WADI] by the Auditors of the Appellant [LRA] which totaled the sum of US$2,568,161.77," Judge Gbeneweleh said. The US$2,568,161.77 represent tax liability on rough diamonds shipped and sold outside Liberia; unpaid withholding tax on wages and salaries; unpaid withholding tax on rental or lease payment to its resident lessor; penalty for late filing or failure to file and accrued interest on unpaid taxes. Judge Gbeneweleh stated in the ruling that the assessed tax bill was forwarded to WADI and the company appealed to the Objections and Protest Panel within the LRA for review. In its appeal, Judge Gbeneweleh stated that WADI had contended that the auditors lacked any legal backing to set aside the Memorandum of Agreement between WADI and its financier; that the two percent commission gained from the purchase of the diamonds amounted to all of its income for the period under review since it operated solely as a commission agent; and that the [Ministry of Mines and Energy] value for rough diamonds could not be used as the basis of determining its income. WADI additionally claimed that the auditors disallowed some of its expenses without any justification. In their response to WADI's contentions, the auditors, among other things, urged the panel to ignore and set aside the memorandum of agreement because it was not clear whether the signatures appearing on it were those of Maximov Gabi and Rahaminpolatuv; and that the taxpayer did not provide documents [of] sales records for the diamonds shipped out of the country. The auditors said they disallowed some of the expenses that WADI claimed to have made because it failed to provide outstanding documentation. The panel at LRA held WADI liable to pay US$2,568,161.77 owed the Government of Liberia for the periods 2011 to 2015. Subsequent to the panel's ruling, WADI took the matter up to the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA), the board found that the Class "B" license issued WADI is a license to trade in diamonds and not to serve as a commission agent. Further, the board ruled that the memorandum of agreement between WADI and WADL was an arrangement between related parties for the purpose of using only commission paid by one to the other as taxable income thereby avoiding any additional tax liabilities, particularly on sales revenues. The board ruled that the tax liabilities against WADI were US$5,330.63 unpaid withholding on wages and salaries; US$4,748.59 for late payment and failure to pay the correct amount; and US$6,593.20 for interest. However, following the board's ruling, the LRA prayed the Tax Court to reverse the board's ruling and order WADI to pay an amount of US$2,568,161.77 due the government here. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, the Tax Court on 11 May reversed the ruling of the BOTA, holding WADI liable for tax obligation to the Liberian Government to the tune of US$2,568,161.77. Giving the history of the case, Judge Geneweleh recalled that West African Diamonds Inc. paid for and acquired a Class 'B" License from the Government of Liberia to trade in diamonds in and out of Liberia. The Israeli company was initially owned by Maximov Gabi and Rahamin Polatuv with 50 percent share each, but the two were later left with 40 percent share each after Lassanah Kamokai, a Liberian, acquired a 20 percent share of the company. The court said WADI only bought rough diamonds from local miners and brokers since it did not have its own diamonds creek in Liberia. According to the court, WADI's major customers are West Africa Diamonds, Limited, Elia Diamonds and A.A. Rahminov, all in Israel. By Winston W. Parley A thirty-year-old classroom teacher identified as Joseph chea has been incarcerated for allegedly raping a six-year-old student in Pleebo, Maryland County, southeast Liberia.On Saturday, May 8, 2021, parents of the victim alerted the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police in Pleebo that their daughter had been sexually abused by the suspect.She was immediately rushed to the Pleebo Health Center in the county where health authorities conducted examination and confirmed penetration. Narrating the ordeal at the Pleebo Police detachment on Saturday, May 8, parents of the minor said, on Friday, May 7, 2012, their daughter came from school, showing signs of weakness and couldn't stand by herself. The mother of the victim continued that they didn't really take it serious until Saturday morning, when she was observed defecating on herself because of the pains caused by the force penetration. She was quickly rushed to the Pleebo Health center where administrator at the facility disclosed that the girl's anus was penetrated. According to the mother, when asked, the girl admitted that she was sexually tempered with by her teacher Joseph Chea on campus during recess period.She explained Teacher Joseph Chea took her behind the school campus in Zone 5 community and committed the act, adding that she attempted resisting, but he overpowered her. Quoting her daughter, the mother said the victim shouted endlessly but her voice didn't come out because Suspect Chea held his hand tightly against her mouth and threatened to beat or fail her if anyone heard about the act. Though the suspect denied the allegation when he was arrested by the Liberia National Police Detachment in Pleebo, he spent a night behind bar before being forwarded to the Pleebo Magisterial Court. While at the Court on May 10, it was indicated that suspect Chea committed statutory rape, which is above jurisdiction of the Pleebo Magisterial Court therefore, he will be transferred to the Fourth Judicial Court in Harper for trial. The crime is in violation of Section 14.70 of the Revised Rape Law of Liberia which states, among others, "A person who has sexual intercourse with another (Male or Female) has committed rape if; (a) He intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus, mouth or any other opening of another person (male or female) with his penis without the victim's consent." Penalties include life imprisonment or 10 years sentence, depending on gravity of the crime Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, residents of the Zone 5 community, including administrator of the school, where the act transpired have expressed shock that Suspect Chea, who is noted for being quiet and respectful, could commit such act. The school administrator said though he can't say out rightly whether the teacher did the act, but Chea was seen on campus on Friday, the day the alleged crime was committed. Meanwhile, the issue of minors being raped in Maryland County has drawn the attention of citizens, particularly the county's gender coordinator. On Saturday, September 19, 2020 three suspects were arrested and sent to Harper Magisterial court for allegedly gang-raping a 14-year-old minor in Pleebo, Maryland Electoral district#2, while on Saturday, August 8, 2020, a 38-year-old male was incarcerated for allegedly raping a girl, 11, in Pleebo City, among other reports of similar incident in the county. Police will leave no stone unturned in establishing how a gold smuggler sneaked out of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport undetected, only to be arrested in South African. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said heads will certainly roll at the RGM International Airport where it's suspected a syndicate could have aided the smuggler's exit. "We are going to leave no stone unturned in finding out what happened. We want to know how this man left the country with all that gold. So far we have established that when he walked in at the RGM International Airport (on Sunday) he didn't have a bag, now we want to establish who gave him that bag, where, and how. Investigations are ongoing, as I said, I am confident we will unearth what transpired on the day as soon as possible, working with our Interpol colleagues," he said. Since the smuggler was nailed in South Africa, Minister Kazembe said Zimbabwe is closely working with Interpol to get to the bottom of the matter. "Investigations are ongoing; our police are in contact with Interpol because the person in question was caught in South Africa. However, here investigations are also being done thoroughly. We will get to the bottom of all this," he said. The Civil Aviation is in charge of security at the RGM International Airport, with the police at standby at a police post in the precincts of the airport for back-up. The suspect Tashinga Nyasha Masinire (33), was found in possession of 23 pieces of gold that might have been smuggled through the country's biggest airport to yet an unknown destination. There are also concerns that gold smugglers might have upped their game following the arrest, seven months ago, of Zimbabwe Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya who was nabbed at the same port with 6kgs of gold worth US$366 destined for Dubai, after canners blipped. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mining Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Her case is still pending at the courts. In the latest case, insiders at the airport said someone could have aided Masinire by helping him by-pass the scanners. His luck later ran out at the Oliver Tambo International Airport where the customs section of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) busted him leading to his arrest. He had not declared the goods and did not have a permit to transport the gold. South Africa's anti-organised crime unit, the Hawks was alerted and he was arrested. He is facing charges of contravening the Customs Act 91 of 1964 and Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005. Masinire has since appeared in the Kempton Park regional court in Gauteng province and granted R100 000 bail and ordered not to leave the country until the matter has been finalised. Masinire was also ordered to report at any nearest police station three times per week. Senior Court Reporter Advocate Thabani Mpofu has been removed from remand by the High Court on his charges of commissioning an affidavit from a non-existent person that was used in an application challenging the appointment of Prosecutor General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi in 2019. Justice Joseph Musakwa revoked Adv Mpofu's placement on remand when reviewing the decision by Chief Magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi to dismiss Adv Mpofu's challenge to being placed on remand. The High Court decision does not mean Adv Mpofu cannot be tried on the charges, but the State would have to summon him to court for trial if it wishes to proceed. On Wednesday, the State indicated that it wanted to reverse its intention to jointly charge Adv Mpofu and lawyers Tapiwa Makanza and Joshua Chirambwi on allegations of creating a fictitious character called Simbabwe Zuze as part of the papers used to mount a challenge to the appointment of Mr Hodzi. The State had prepared papers for the joint prosecution of the three lawyers, but because of the High Court order, it would continue with Makanza and Chirambwi only. The State led by Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa, then sought for a postponement of the trial to allow her to amend the charge sheet. Makanza and Chirambwi, through lawyer Mr Obey Shava, opposed to the application for postponement saying the two had not been jointly appearing with Mpofu. "There is no justification for the postponement made by State. The accused were not being jointly charged with Mpofu and have been on separate records. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "They were placed on remand on June 8, 2020 and it is 11 months now. In between, accused pushed for a trial and the State made an undertaking that it was supposed to come in November 2020 and that had nothing to do with Mpofu. "The State shifted goal posts and said it was to be in December 2020. Charges against Mpofu arise from same cause of action and same set of circumstances and facts and there was no reason for them to be tried separately. "If the High Court made a finding that same allegations did not justify a finding that there was reasonable suspicion and the same applies to these two. "There was no justification for the two to have them charged," said Mr Shava. He then applied that Makanza and Chirambwi be removed from remand since Mpofu had been removed by the High Court. Magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje allowed for the postponement and set the trial date as June 24. The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) has described the Kazungula Bridge and One Stop Border Post as a flagship regional project that paves way for enhanced economic integration and development. The US$259 million Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River and One Stop Border Post facilities connecting Botswana and Zambia were officially commissioned on Monday this week. President Mnangagwa joined other regional leaders to witness the commissioning of the 929-long bridge and state-of-the-art facilities by his counterparts, Eric Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and Edgar Chagwa Lungu of Zambia. The colourful ceremony was held at the quadriphonic point across the Zambezi River where Botswana and Zambia meet Namibia and Zimbabwe. "The Kazungula Bridge is expected to link the port of Durban in South Africa to the DRC and the United Republic of Tanzania through the North-South Corridor to facilitate seamless and efficient movement of goods and persons," said Sadc in a post-launch statement. It said the new bridge and facilities would help reduce cost of doing business, contribute to industrialisation, and enhance trade and Sadc regional integration. "It will replace the age-old pontoon ferry, which was used to carry haulage trucks across the river." Sadc executive secretary, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, said the new infrastructure was expected to link and smoothen the movement of people, goods and services not only between the two countries, but also within the entire Sadc region, including the Comesa-EAC-Sadc tripartite regions, and eventually African continent through the corridor approach. "That it will facilitate physical transport and logistical linkages between, and among member States, movement of persons, goods and services in the Sadc region, thus contributing to the region's desire to industrialise, create wealth and jobs for Sadc citizens," she said. The specific expected outcomes include reduced border transit time, improved procedures on trade facilitation, improved border management operations; increased traffic throughput; and reduced time-based transport and trade cost. Dr Tax said the Kazungula project replaces old technology, which was prone to disasters and accidents, with modern infrastructure and facilities. "Indeed, this iconic bridge and the OSBP symbolise our unity of purpose, as we move 'Towards a Common Future', as per motto of Sadc," she said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Southern Africa Transport Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The Kazungula Bridge is a regional infrastructure project worth emulating." Detailed designs and construction of the bridge were jointly led and coordinated by the governments of Botswana and Zambia, and funded by the two governments, supported by the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Regional presidents and economic leaders have also commended the project and hoped it will impact positively towards growing strategic regional economic and trade partnerships. They noted that beyond bilateral significance, improved infrastructure was critical in enhancing development and competitiveness of their economies to attract more private sector investment, thereby supporting efforts to create employment, especially for the youth. Other distinguished dignitaries were presidents, Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Namibia Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Comesa secretary general, Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, among others. Families evicted from the Blesbokfontein Farm in Ventersdorp, North West, two months ago, have been living in two municipal halls. Some of the evictees and their families say they had lived and worked on the farm for between 20 and 60 years. The 46 evictees, which include children, say their trouble started in 2016 when 39 of them were dismissed following a disciplinary hearing after they went on an unprotected strike over wages. They were subsequently dismissed but continued living on the farm. When the farm owner died two years later, they started getting eviction threats from the Pretorius family who had inherited the property. On 3 July 2020, an eviction order was granted by the Land Claims Court in Randburg. According to the eviction order, the farm occupants - Tsakane Julius Moektketsi and 12 others - were asked "to vacate the farm, remove all possessions and movables (including livestock), demolish any structures erected on the farm and salvage material from such structures" within 14 days of the order. The occupants remained on the farm and instead sought relief from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. The Ventersdorp Local Municipality who were also included in the case for assistance, offered the group space in the township, but they refused, demanding to be moved to farmland. After having lived on a farm for years they preferred farm life, where they could carry out agricultural activities to support themselves. But on 30 March 2021, the occupants say they were taken by surprise when police knocked on their doors, instructing them to vacate. Despite pleading for more time to gather all of their belongings, the families say they were thrown out. They spent two nights outside on the side of the road near the farm. The council and church leaders then allowed the families to stay in two halls while negotiations for their relocation were underway. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), representing the farm evictees, say that although the eviction followed the legal process, the way in which the families were left out on the street was "undignified". The LHR filed an urgent application on 2 April for the eviction order against the group to be suspended until the state finds them alternative housing. Lawyer Louise du Plessis said their request was denied. However, on 14 April, the court ordered that alternative accommodation be provided for the families. Three follow up court hearings were conducted during which the department indicated that it was securing a portion of another farm for the evictees to live. Eight of the children aged between eight and 14 were removed from their parents by the local social development officials and moved to a place of safety until suitable accommodation was found. "The halls were deemed unfit for accommodating children. The children have not been attending school for the past year since the threats of eviction intensified. Their parents did not want the eviction to take place while their children were at school," said Du Plessis. Families miss life on the farm Julius Moetketsi said he lived on the farm with his wife and children for 30 years. He said they are unemployed and were used to growing their own vegetables and keeping livestock to feed their families. "Now we have nothing to eat," he said. Moetketsi worked as a farm supervisor until 2016 when he and others were fired. He said they challenged their dismissals and reached a settlement of R22,000 per worker. He said this amount was too little to sustain his family. Jan Seleke said he was born on the farm in 1957 and raised his three children there too. He struggles to walk after he was allegedly injured on duty. His parents are also buried on the farm. "l spent my whole life there. My parents were born on the farm. I thought we were going to stay forever. I am sick and feel uncomfortable living in this hall," he said. He said he was forced to leave his chickens behind during the eviction. Lisbeth Blake and her partner, Andries Ntlatlana, said they lived on the farm for 30 years. Her children aged 12 and 14 were among the eight removed by social workers. "I miss my children," she said. "The way we were evicted stripped us of our dignity. For years we suffered injustice as we were unfairly dismissed. If the government can buy us a farm, we will be able to work for ourselves," she said. Buying a farm to relocate evicted farm workers Barnard Incorporated Attorneys, for the new farm owners, told GroundUp that the government had a constitutional obligation to arrange for alternative accommodation for the group prior to the eviction. The families were evicted in terms of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act. Hans-Julie Moolman of Barnard Incorporated Attorneys explained that the "occupiers got the right to stay on the farm as farm workers". Their employment ended after an unprotected strike during the planting season. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Urban Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The occupiers were to leave the farm six months after the settlements were paid. They stayed on the farm unlawfully and the owners applied for an eviction order," said Moolman. "Our client is now faced with active funds of the court case exceeding R500,000," he said. On Monday, a hearing was held in the Land Claims Court in Randburg to discuss the group's relocation to more suitable accommodation. Lawyers representing the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, who were asked to intervene, told the court that the families will move to a new location in June. John Mashaba, Operations Manager for the department, told the court that they secured 205 hectares at the Hartebeesfontein farm in the Matlosana Municipality. He said plans are now underway to erect a temporary structure on the farm and that low-cost houses would be built there in the future. "We went to the farm to map out the sites where a temporary structure will be erected for the relocation. We hope to secure material before the end of the month ... We have given ourselves the deadline of 2 June to relocate the families," said Mashaba. The court adjourned until 17 June when lawyers for the department are expected to give a final update on the relocation. Deputy President David Mabuza says 436 563 hectares of land have to date been released and approved for allocation, under the land distribution programme. He said this when he responded to oral questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday. "To date, 436 563 hectares have been released and approved for allocation under the land redistribution programme, and over 5 540 hectares of these 436 563 hectares have been approved for disposal and the remainder for leasing," he said. The release of the land is part of the 700 000 hectares announced by the President in his February 2020 State of the Nation Address. The Deputy President said further to this, government will be releasing state owned land to address development pressures around urban and rural human settlements, agricultural production, and industrial development. "The process of releasing state land for agricultural purposes is targeted at vulnerable groups of our society, and will empower women, youth and people with disabilities. "To ensure that land is productively utilised by beneficiaries, government is paying attention to the provision of effective post-settlement support. We are focusing on improving coordination of integrated post-settlement packages to beneficiaries of land, including finance, infrastructure and access to water resources for development." The Deputy President said, meanwhile, that while a lot of work still remains, government has made significant strides in implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture. In December 2019, Cabinet adopted a report on the government's response to the recommendations of the Advisory Panel on Agriculture and Land Reform. At the time, Cabinet emphasised the need to move with speed in the implementation of the Panel's recommendations to ensure that government's land reform programme urgently responds to developmental imperatives of restorative justice, economic inclusion and social cohesion. "For us, the work of the Panel foregrounded the centrality of the three key pillars of land reform, namely restitution, redistribution and land tenure. "As we implement the panel's recommendations, we will continue to pay equal attention to these key policy instruments while ensuring that our approach to land reform does not impact negatively on agricultural production and the economy in general." The Deputy President said the Constitutionally-defined path of the land reform programme will continue to focus on balancing the needs of reversing the legacy of land possession and deprivation, with the vision of fostering nation-building, unity and social cohesion. Access to land is an act of social justice that cannot be delayed. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "As government, we are on course in terms of the implementation process. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture receives regular reports on the implementation of the Panel's recommendations, and is responsible for ensuring that Cabinet is briefed accordingly." With regard to key legislative and policy interventions, some of the key achievements include, but not limited to: The finalisation of the Expropriation Bill of 2020 which is currently going through due parliamentary processes; The finalisation and submission to Parliament of the Land Court Bill to provide for the establishment of the court that will focus on land matters, set out clear dispute resolution mechanism and strengthen jurisprudence on land related matters; The adoption of Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy that guides the allocation of land to different categories of beneficiaries; and, Ensuring that the Land Donation Policy is approved to guide land donation transactions by private sector players, and institutions that are keen to contribute to our land reform programme. "Furthermore, Cabinet has adopted a position paper on land administration and tenure reform for consultation with various stakeholders. The process of consultation with the provinces on the position paper is in progress. This will be followed by the land summit with traditional leaders, to find common ground on land tenure reform and approaches to land under the custodianship of traditional leaders. Souvenir sellers and a wedding planner in Seychelles say business has not yet returned to normal even with the re-opening of the island nation's borders two months ago, though car hires appear to be doing booming business. Two entrepreneurs who are in the souvenir and craft business told SNA on Wednesday that they had to diversify to ensure that at the end of the month they have a salary to bring home to their families. The owner of Mangouya Fashion House, Pacquerette Lablache, said that she had to go back to teaching, a career she left 12 years ago to open her own business. "Even if I've been teaching for a month and a half now, I didn't close my shop completely. At the moment, in my shop located at Camion Hall, we are not seeing a lot of tourists. I think that we need more time so as to see things pick up. I also placed some of my work in ESA's (Enterprise Seychelles Agency) shop at the airport, and since late last year until now, I've been making some sales there. Things are moving quite slow, and sales are not as they were before," said Lablache. Her peer in the souvenir and craft industry, Maxim Payet, also outlined that sales at Coco Shell to tourists are almost non-existent. "I had to remove most of my souvenirs from my shop and placed them in storage at home. I have tried looking for other products to sell to survive. Right now, I am focusing on selling items to Seychellois rather than tourists. Even if there are tourists on Mahe, there aren't any coming to Unity House," said Payet. He added that having to pay rent even when the shop is closed during a lockdown is not helping his financial situation. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Seychelles Travel By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Seychelles reopened its borders to all visitors on March 25 except directly from South Africa and recently added Brazil and India. Since then, around 20,000 visitors have landed in the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Wedding planner Jean-Luc Lablache of Seyromance told SNA that though the business started picking up in May, there are many uncertainties. "There are clients that are unable to confirm their bookings. At the moment, we are restricted to weddings with five people maximum - the couple, their two witnesses, and the civil officer, and with that, we have already reached the limit. I have forward bookings where the client wants to come into the country with their guests. We do not know when we will be able to accommodate 15 to 20 people. Moreover, with COVID cases still going up, the indication shows that we should be going in another lockdown," said Jean-Luc Lablache. On the positive side, Christian D'Offay of Doffay Car Rental said that business is booming, with all cars fully booked. He outlined that "there are so many bookings coming in that I have to refer clients to other car hires." He, however, raised a point of concern following two recent cancellations. "I've had two cancellations today and upon asking the reason behind it, I was told that it is due to the COVID rise that is happening in the country. These are the first cancellations that I've received and I hope that this does not continue," When asked about his backup plans should more clients start canceling their reservations, D'Offay outlined that he will have to get assistance to pay his employees or else he will need to consider redundancy, something that he does not wish to happen. The National Treasury has allocated Sh86 million for the refurbishment of State House, Nairobi, and all other State Lodges in the 2021/2022 financial year. According to the financial estimate provided by Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani, the facelift budget is expected to rise to Sh127 million heading into 2022/2023 fiscal calendar. The general renovation at State House will cost Sh111 million, rising to Sh172 million in the 2023/24 fiscal year. Yatani revealed that an upgrade of specialized plants, equipment, and machinery at the State residence will cost Sh45 million in 2023/24. "In the 2023/24 financial year, the government will spend Sh45 million on the upgrade of specialized plants, equipment, and machinery at the president's official residence," part of the report reads. The Sagana State Lodge will be renovated for Sh21 million and a similar amount will be set aside for its maintenance. On the other hand, the Mombasa and Nakuru State Lodges will be refurbished at a combined cost of Sh40 million. The CS, however, did not list the Kisii and Kakamega State Lodges for facelifts, as the former was recently refurbished. The Kisii State Lodge formerly served as the county commissioner's residence. Next month, CS Yatani is expected to table the country's largest budget, estimated at Sh3.6 trillion before the National Assembly. Sh2.038 trillion, including Sh1.776 trillion in taxes, will be proceeds of government revenues, leaving a deficit of over Sh1.5 trillion. To plug the deficit, Kenya is expected to borrow 952.9 billion, excluding new loans taken to retire old ones. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) has written to Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), to prevail on the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori to withdraw the suit he instituted against the United Kingdom on the confiscation and planned repatriation of about 4.2 million linked to his associates. Malami also said that the intervention of the UPU would create an enabling environment for the consideration of the appeal by the union that the alleged looted asset should be used to implement projects in the state. UPU's President General, Mr. Joseph Omene had written the federal government requesting that the confiscated assets should be used for projects in Delta State. But in a letter addressed to Omene, the minister noted that the suit filed by Ibori against the United Kingdom on the confiscated assets has become a stumbling block for repatriation. The AGF letter with the title, "Re-Commendation for Retrieval of Delta's Stolen Funds and request for Review of Projects to be Executed with the Retrieved Funds", was signed by Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, the Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and International Relations. The letter read, "I am directed to inform (you) that the HAGF is in receipt of your letter dated 23rd March 2021 with regard to the above subject matter. The HAGF appreciates your concerns and welcomes the interest of UPU in the returned assets. "The HAGF wishes to inform that he does not have the authority to approve projects for the application of returned assets. These decisions are taken at the Federal Executive Council after in-depth deliberations. The HAGF's mandate is to implement the decisions of the council. "I am also directed to inform further that the decision of the council is also guided by bilateral negotiations between Nigeria and the country from which the asset will be returned. "Accordingly, Nigeria and the government of the United Kingdom or any other country for that matter must agree on a specific project in a transparent and accountable manner before a project is approved. "However, the HAGF has directed that I inform you that the stumbling block in negotiating the return of assets linked to Ibori to Nigeria is the ongoing litigation by Mr James Ibori against the government of United Kingdom in the confiscation hearing in London. "It is advisable that you approach Mr James Ibori to advise him to withdraw his appeals against the confiscation and repatriation of the assets linked to him, his family, and associates back to Nigeria. "This is the only way to provide an enabling environment for negotiation of the use of the identified assets for Delta State." Wishes a joyful Eid-Al-Fitr ADDIS ABABA- In his Facebook , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair Demeke Mekonnen posted that to fully put the reform in effect , it requires augmenting national unity and extending hospitality than paying attention to the narrow interests of anti-peace elements during this holiday season. He said yesterday that : "The Ramadan fasting has special meaning to all faithful. It is the month which gave us good opportunity to strengthen our unity with all Ethiopians." Various iftar programs have supplemented Ethiopians' togetherness in diversity as they enabled all to share the culture of hospitality citing the experiences drawn from the long fasting and prayer month, he added. Being gathered under the shade of Ethiopianism would strengthen and enlighten national unity, the Deputy Premier noted. He urged all Ethiopians to firmly collaborate to avoid black dots left by previous atrocities perpetrated against innocent citizens, and to overcome the threats internally and externally imposed on the nation. Unlike any other time in its history, Ethiopia at the moment demands security guarantee of all citizens, enlighten national unity and fortify harmonious living, he reiterated. Wishing a joyful Eid-Al -Fitr, Demeke called on the faithful in particular and the entire citizenry in general to work in unison against public enemies , support the needy while marking holidays like the Holy month of Ramadan month and collaboratively declare Ethiopian's renaissance. BY DIRRIBA TESHOME Highlights Several theories have emerged since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, believing in alternate versions of its reason. The theories have taken several forms over the year and are being spread through different online mediums. Authorities have repeatedly warned people to beware of such theories and not believe in them. Have you been the recipient of a WhatsApp message telling you that the ongoing pandemic is a result of the 5G network? If not, you might have seen such a theory being shared by your known on social media platforms. It might be puzzling for some, but it won't be surprising, considering that the battle against misinformation is one of the biggest that the digital world is fighting today. Taking the Covid-19 pandemic as an example, we have seen multitudes of conspiracy or rather thoughtless theories generate over the course of a year. Some target the patient zero and the epicenter of the pandemic. Others link the virus to almost anything you can imagine. A recent one gaining popularity is the link between 5G and Covid-19. In fact, the theory became so viral that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently had to warn Indians not to believe in such fake messages. Just to be clear, the theory is baseless and absolutely untrue. Though if it still intrigues you, like it does so many, here is what it is all about. What is the theory? In essence, this is a two-part theory - one that says the 5G network is responsible for the spread of Covid-19. Another blames the network entirely for the pandemic and says that there never was a Coronavirus but a cover-up for the deployment of 5G network towers. Needless to say, both are horribly wrong. Supporters of the first one believe that radiation from 5G towers is helping the novel coronavirus to spread. A modification of this also claims that 5G networks weaken the human immune system, thus helping the virus spread faster. Believers of the story even torched several 5G towers in the UK last year. The other theory states that 5G networks around the world are causing the pandemic. It points out the countries with 5G deployment - China, Korea and Italy as the epicenters of the virus. However, this is where it also goes wrong, with the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic taking place in India, where the 5G rollout has not begun yet. Nevertheless, the theory might sound convincing to some, as it takes you deep into the structure of the Oxygen molecule, blaming 5G networks for reversing its polarity. It even states that the Covid-19 patients can be "cured" through antibiotic tablets, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulants or aspirin, as noted by Reuters in a report. The theory makes a fake claim about WHO prohibiting autopsies of those deceased by Covid-19 and of Russia being the only country in the world to have done so and found out the "truth." The bottom line, these theories can become confusing and probably believable for some. As an easy way out of being a victim, avoid such messages with 5G and Covid-19 mentioned together. Though a more important task will be to note how these theories are being spread. Spreading like a virus The theories are not new and first originated during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year. They are not localised as well, as they have been seen in parts of Europe, the US, and even India, on online mediums, of course. Some online presence has been identified publicly. Posts on Twitter and Facebook have emerged time and again from user accounts of different nationalities. One such, posted in the "About this group" column for a private Facebook group, can be seen here. (Image: Facebook) It reads, "5G at 60Ghz resonates with the oxygen molecule and gives oxygen a reverse polarity that makes it much less useful to the human body. At high concentrations of 5G usage, you get suffocation of humans at street level. And at lower doses, you get flu-like symptoms which are the exact same symptoms as the flu with this lowered oxygen uptake by the body." It goes on to add that "all of Asia turned off their 5G" on a particular day and "left on only their 3G and 4G systems to communicate so they know 5G is the real cause of the illnesses." In India, such theories have been spreading through WhatsApp text and audio messages. In one such audio message, a man can be heard stating that testing of 5G networks is the reason why people are dying in states like UP, Maharashtra and Bihar. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has cautioned users about the same and urged them to not believe in any such rumours. Those gullible enough still tend to believe in it and forward it as it is. The chain of misinformation continues. National Institutes of Health, US published research done on the spread of such rumours. Through tracking such rumours, the study attempted to gain an insight into "the dynamics of online information dissemination" and the possible ways to stop such spread. Why can't we stop them? The report highlights a crucial challenge in stopping the spread of such theories. It states that the fact-checked information that debunks these conspiracy theories also circulates online, but these are less consistent and "in other networks than the original conspiracist content." It goes on to point out that even removing such content from online platforms and banning such accounts has quite the opposite effect of what is desired. It strengthens the beliefs of conspiracy theorists for whom "such interventions are proof that they are in the process of uncovering deeper secrets." While the patterns of such misinformation spread have to be analysed in what seems to be a never-ending attempt, the currently available options are being appointed by all social media platforms. Twitter started adding fact-check clause even to the tweets of Donald Trump last year, showing its serious effort in the direction. Though the volume of such rumours surfacing online is not matched by the pace of fact check. It is thus very important to be vigilant on our part. Fact check every such information we come across online, through public or private mediums, and make sure not to spread any false information on our own. ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority disclosed that it has secured 114 million USD foreign currency exporting over 28, 000 tons of coffee during last month. The information that the Authority sent to The Ethiopian Herald stated that such export earning is the highest one compared with the preceding similar periods. Authority Director GeneralAdugna Debela (Ph.D.) said that a long with the exporters, producers, suppliers, and stakeholders' integration, policy adjustment and reforms, which were carried out previously have been playing an indispensable role in this fruitful outcome The Director General also thanked the employees who have been engaging in Coffee Product Quality and Certification Center and exerted potential to further facilitate the trading. It is to be recalled that the country has been supplying over 27,000 tons of coffee for export enabling to secure 107 million USD in April, 2021. The coffee export recorded in March is higher than that of April. This shows that the coffee sector has been stimulating. BY MESERET BEHAILU Peace and security are valuable assets to everyone in the world. They belong to every human being without any difference in race, religion, socio-economy, etc. They can be considered as indispensable gifts of nature as without them people can never lead a meaningful life and prosper. So everyone should also be responsible to protect peace and security for the good reasons mentioned above. Even the reason for the establishment of the UN in 1945 was following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. AS a member of the UN, Ethiopia at different times has been contributing its best to safeguard peace and security both at home and in various parts of the world. For instance, if we look at its contribution to ensuring peace and order in the world it has participated actively in sending peacekeepers where there are devastating conflicts. Still, it is contributing troops to assist the UN efforts of bringing peace to everyone in the world. At home, the country has passed through various scenarios for many decades. For instance, starting from the time of the cold war it has entertained various civil war and conflicts as well as war with neighbouring states. This has made the people and successive governments of the country understand the value of peace and commit themselves to ensure peace. As a result, the incumbent has also given due attention to the issue by establishing a ministry of peace. It is also doing its best to make sure that the country and its people enjoy the fruit of peace. Yet an important issue here is that just as Ethiopia actively participated in the global efforts of peace, it also needs due collaboration from relevant governments and international institutions. It is important to recall that Ethiopia has been, and still is, host to tens of thousands of refugees from both neighbouring and other countries that were destabilized by war and conflict. This is because it was able to maintain its peace and stability effectively. Losing such valuable peace and stability that attracts people from troubled areas is unaffordable. Ethiopia itself is home to more than a hundred million people who live in the middle of the most volatile region in the world. Any risk to the peace and stability of Ethiopia is rather a grave risk to the region as well as the continent if not beyond. Hence all those concerned should work hand in hand with the government to ensure the peace and stability of the country. Currently, Ethiopia is facing a clear and imminent threat to its peace and stability from various internal and external forces. Among the local forces are the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) and Shene, an armed group operating mainly in some parts of Oromia State. The two forces have been committing severe crimes against civilians and property in recent years and are now designated as terrorist groups by the House of People's Representatives. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Peacekeeping By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. From the outside, Ethiopia is confronting the continuous challenge to its security from Egypt and Sudan who rival the country to stop it from using the Nile to its socio-economic development. By refusing to reach accord on the fair utilizing of the river water, they have shown that they would leave no stone unturned to make sure that their unfair utilization of the river is sustained. This is a clear attempt to deterring Ethiopia from using its share of the water by any means including destabilizing the country through employing terrorist groups like TPLF and Shene. Developing and utilizing natural resources is a matter of life and death for Ethiopia. It cannot stop its development activities for any reason. Hence the international community and all peace-loving states should look at the issue carefully and stand by the side of Ethiopia to make sure that regional and continental peace is secured. ADDIS ABABA- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair, Demeke Mekonnen has applauded the support of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for manmade conflicts and natural disasters casualty. Demeke discussed the current situation in Ethiopia on Tuesday with Philippe Bovird, the Head of Delegation of ICRC. ICRC Head thanked Ministry and other related organizations for their effort of cooperation in fulfilling its responsibilities. ICRC plans to increase its budget to strengthen support and operations in the country, he said. He explained ICRC visit of legal prisoners and Internal Displaced Peoples (IDPs) in different parts of the country such as Benishangul-Gumuz, Tigray and Oromia and other states aims at providing the needy with assistance, and the Red Cross in Tigray State has done well to overcome the challenges facing the state in running humanitarian assistance. According to him, the government is working hard to make humanitarian aid accessible in Tigray State. About 2.7 million people have been provided with humanitarian assistance in the second round. The two bodies would continue strengthening cooperation with other partners. As to him, significant improvements have been made in accessing humanitarian aid in Tigray State. Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) announced that the convoy of 500 trucks loaded with emergency food assistance has reached the Tigray State on Tuesday. The trucks have been transported from Sudan to Tigray regional state. WFP further disclosed that 500 more trucks are on the way, aiming at reaching out to the unreached and up to 2.1 million people affected by conflict in the region are being given with lifesaving food. On the other hand, half of the amount of fertilizer has been transported to the region, the interim administration agriculture bureau stated. BY TSEAGYE TILAHUN Ethiopia has a number of cultural musical instruments which are deployed for different purposes and different occasions. These instruments are widely used for spiritual purposes- to praise and worship God- at ceremonies like marriage and funeral, in cultural and religious festivals as well as to soothe trembling minds and just to spend time or get entertained. Among these musical instruments that are widely used the masinko, the krar, the washint, the begena, the kebero, and the tom-tom are few. Fella is the other musical instrument it is used by communities in the southern part of the country since earliest times for a variety of purposes. Fella (wood wind) is one of the Derashe's main traditional wind instruments made from bamboo. Based on its size and sound production it is categorized in to three types: from 70-50 cm length is called kasanetta, 50-20 cm length seplee, and 20-10 cm length fetefita. A full set of the instrument has 21 filla each of different length and sounds. Skilled men make them from selected bamboo plants. Usually a group of men and women each with filla instruments perform in regular rhythm. COMPILED BY STAFF REPORTER Beitbridge Bureau Chief Matibe (Elisha Mbedzi) of Beitbridge East will soon send a committee to investigate suspected cases of illegal sale of communal lands around Lutumba, Goda, and Mapai areas. It is alleged that some traditional leaders under Headman Tshinoni are selling communal land to businessmen for an average of R15 000 per stand. The worst affected areas are Lutumba, Mapai, Mahuhushe and Goda which are close to the Beitbridge/Masvingo highway and within a radius of 30km from the border town. It is understood that the decision to send the delegation was taken during a meeting between traditional leaders and the Chief at his Madaulo homestead on Saturday. "I received a report from some members of the community under Headman Tshinoni and after meeting with several traditional leaders under my jurisdiction, we agreed to send a team to investigate the issues before we can make a final determination," said Chief Matibe. He said the investigating team will comprise traditional leaders from areas under headmen Tshinoni and Tsetana. Beitbridge East Member of Parliament Cde Albert Nguluvhe, who also attended the meeting ,said most traditional leaders had expressed concern over the illegal sale of land by their colleagues in communal grazing areas. He said the sale of communal lands was illegal under the country's laws. "We all agreed that it is illegal to sell or allocate communal lands to anyone or people from elsewhere without carrying a proper consultation with members of the community. "A traditional leader must first engage people under his jurisdiction before allocating land. THERE is growing evidence that the quality and quantity of Zimbabwe's natural resources is diminishing fast, posing threats to communities and the economy which are reliant on sustainable exploitation of the resources, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has said. The First Lady is the country's patron of the environment and was speaking at a senator chiefs' conference on tourism, wildlife and the environment. She said traditional leaders were the custodians of the environment and natural resources who should be given the opportunity to provide wisdom and leadership to national institutions on issues which affect their constituencies. "Honourable Ministers, senator chiefs, it is important that I highlight some of the key environmental challenges that I have witnessed in my various visits around the country. A closer look at our soils, lands, water, air, plants and animals reveals disturbing and troubling signs of over use and diminishing quality and availability of these precious natural resources. There is growing evidence that both the quality and quantity of our natural resources is diminishing fast," she said. Amai Mnangagwa, who has in the past personally led environmental protection and tree-planting campaigns, voiced concern on the increase in human-wildlife conflicts. "I have noted with sadness the increase in human wildlife conflict cases which have in most circumstances been fatal. Many of our communities have borne the brunt of living with wildlife without meaningful benefits. I hope this is one of the issues to be addressed through the approved new Campfire framework as you move to implement it," she said. "This new frame work will increase community benefits and participation, but I implore the ministry to ensure that communities are adequately capacitated through their traditional leaders to manage wildlife as a business," she said. Poaching, the First Lady said, was on the increase and had become an ill-fate in the country. Wildlife, she added, continued to be poisoned by cartels of sophisticated syndicates of poachers. "Coupled with the issue of poaching is the continued deforestation across the country and our magnificent and attractive forest landscape is under threat as large tracts of land are being lost to deforestation, especially for tobacco curing. The situation has been made worse by communities which are encroaching in wildlife and other protected areas. I therefore call upon our traditional leaders to play a critical role to safeguard resources with their locals. Taikumbira kuti mitemo isimbiswe kumadzimambo kuitira kuti kuparwa kwedzimhosva dzakaita sekupisa masango nekutema miti kuite kushoma," she said. She said the degradation of wetlands and pollution of water bodies which were on the increase needed to end. "Zimbabwe's wetlands play a pivotal role in providing ecosystem services and goods such as clean water and recharge for our rivers and dams, however, their sustainability is marred by incompatible developments, incessant pollution in the form of sewage, litter as well as proliferation of invasive plant species such as water hyacinth. Unsustainable utilisation of our water resources will in the long run deplete our water resources and ultimately derail us from achieving Vision 2030." Wildfires, the First Lady said, were posing a huge threat to human lives and their livelihoods while also reducing the productive capacity of the land and their livelihoods and destroying property. "In last year's fire season alone, more than a million hectares were destroyed by these destructive fires. In some seasons we have lost lives and huge property investments to these ravaging fires. Water availability remains critical for the social and economic development of this country. The right to water ranks high among other fundamental rights and there is need to make water available," she said. Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said the involvement of chiefs in environmental issues helped them appreciate the need to protect natural resources. "In looking at the Constitution, chapters 14 and 15 of the bill of rights, chapter 15 which relates to chiefs, emphasises issues of the environment and natural resources. Also the Traditional Leaders Act, if we look at the powers of chiefs, headmen and village heads, the issue of protecting natural resources is highlighted. Therefore, i want to thank the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry for inviting chiefs to this important conference because the country's resources need to be protected," he said. Minister Moyo's explanations dovetailed with what his Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry counterpart Mangaliso Ndlovu said. "This conference is convened to provide a platform for our senator chiefs to give us their feedback and indeed wisdom as we execute our work. We would have loved to meet all our chiefs because our work is entrenched in our communities but the Covid-19 restrictions limited us. We therefore invited our senator chiefs with the hope that this programme will be cascaded to provinces so that every chief in this country will have an opportunity to inform our policy as far as environment, climate, tourism and hospitality issues are concerned," he said. Earlier in the day, Minister Ndlovu said he had attended the launch of the fire week at Gwebi Agricultural College. "Your excellency Amai, we were launching the fire week in Mashonaland West Province because this is the province where we have experienced the worst fires, the biggest land under veld fires is Mash West. Mash central is quite close and also Mashonaland East Province. We have realised that areas that are closer to chiefs, communal areas are better contained and managed in terms of veld fires. 60 percent of veld fires are in A1 and A2 farmers. We want to utilise this platform to see how we can collectively address the issue of veld fires in A1 and A2 farms. We realised that of the 18 000 A2 farmers only about 400 have 99 year leases and its only in the 99year lease that you find provisions of environmental protection so there is a good chance that most of the A2 farmers do not know that at law they are supposed to put fire guards. They are supposed to put measures that will suppress the spread of veld fires. We have more than 360 000 A1 farmers who need also to be constantly conscientised and guided on suppressing veld fires. As a ministry we are in the process of revamping several acts and policies and this work will not be complete without the involvement and input of our traditional leaders. We are hoping that the new policies and legislative framework will strengthen community participation and benefits from the sustainable management of our natural resources. Over and above that our country is faced with a number of environmental challenges such as pollution and wetland degradation, climate change, poaching, unsustainable land use, human and wildlife conflict, deforestation among others," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Minister Ndlovu commented on reports that Zimbabwe had okayed the killing of its elephant population which has become topical across the globe. He said the reports were inaccurate. Representing the Chiefs, deputy president of the Chiefs council Chief Mtshane Khumalo expressed gratitude for being roped in the programme that benefit their communities and the nation at large. He said as chiefs they were also worried by the increase in veld fires. "On veld fires we feel that the laws are not deterrent enough and we believe they should be commended accordingly so that people can be controlled against starting fires and deforestation among other things," he said. Over 30 percent of the young population is reportedly abusing the crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as mutoriro, gukafella, ice or glass in street lingo, a court heard yesterday. Dr Clancy Taiwa Nyamakure, a medical practitioner and forensic tests expert, who is also serving as Assistant Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, told Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi that although a study on prevalence on use of crystal methamphetamine was yet to be conducted countrywide, he believes 30 percent of youths are partaking the dangerous drug. Asst Comm Nyamukure said this while testifying when the State led by Mr Michael Reza was making aggravating submissions in a case where Matthew Hopkins (29), had admitted to possessing the dangerous drug. In admitting possession of crystal meth, which he claimed to have bought in Mbare's Joburg Lines, Hopkins said he wanted to consume the drug out of curiosity. He claimed that he only bought it after seeing others using it. Chief Magistrate Mr Mutevedzi is expected to sentence him today. Asst Comm Nyamukure said there has not been a study to quantify the prevalence of use of the drug, but from stories written and number of reported incidents, "30 percent of the (youth) population are using crystal methamphetamine". "The increase of admissions at mental health institutions and outcry from social media also pointed to the number of people using the crystal methamphetamine," he said. Asst Comm Nyamukure said the drug was being smuggled from India, Brazil and other Asian countries. He said the drug is made in a laboratory using pseudoephedrine which is a parent drug that is combined with others. "It is classified as amphetamine which contains a chemical structure that looks like amphetamine. "Medically, it is used as metamorphic in the treatment of obesity or hyper-disorder. It is toxic to the brain. "The one in the streets is added with impurities, making it a poison. "It has effects that are physical, psychiatric and economic and social. "Worldwide it is one of the most dangerous drugs that exists as it is highly addictive, develop tolerance quickly and there is high dependence," he said. Asst Comm Nyamukure said once one starts taking the drug, it is difficult to stop. "You need more within a short period of time. When you try to stop them, you get withdrawal symptoms that are dangerous," he said Crystal meth is a psycho stimulant that arouses the brain, leaving one feeling hyper-active. Asst Comm Nyamukure said it damages part of the brain, causes hallucinations and can cause seizures and can raise or reduce one's blood pressure, which can cause death. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Children Business Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "It also causes irritability, increase in the heart size and fibroids. "It also cause a dry mouth because it blocks saliva glance such that they will have dental carries," he said. He also told the court that crystal meth causes development of fibres in the lungs, damages to kidney and liver and skeletal muscle, causes ageing easily on skin, eats away the muscle and fat, hence its use in treating obesity. Long-term users of the drug will have issues with their skin. Added Asst Comm Nyamukure: "It causes an increased alertness and reduced need for sleep. Studies have shown that people have to go for five days without sleep. "It is very difficult to rehabilitate someone who has been using the methamphetamine." The drug also said crystal meth increases sexual desire, with some people using it as an aphrodisiac. Senior Court Reporter A FORMER top official in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works who allegedly facilitated the sale of a low density residential stand in Harare to a then eight-year-old for US$65 in 2008,asked the court on Wednesday to remove her from remand while the police try to find a missing title deed in the Deeds Office needed as evidence. Rejoice Pazvakavambwa, accused the State of failing to complete its investigations into her charges of criminal abuse of office. Pazvakavambwa, who was being represented by lawyer Mr Admire Rubaya, said the State had been dragging its feet since her arrest, and not much progress has been made towards finalisation of the matter. Through Mr Rubaya, Pazvakavambwa applied that she be removed from remand and be summoned back to court when the State is ready to prosecute her. This was after the State led by Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa applied for a postponement of the matter saying police were having difficulties retrieving an original title deed from the Registrar of Deeds. Mrs Mushayabasa told the court that the State will set the trial date once the police get the outstanding document. Mr Rubaya opposed the State's application for postponement saying it does not take much time to authenticate a document. "Surely it would not need more than six months for the State to simply authenticate title deeds, which form the basis of this particular prosecution. "The State said the Deeds Registrar cannot locate the deed. They do not know whether they will locate it or not. The accused cannot remain on remand while they look for the document," he said. Mr Rubaya said the State was violating Pazvakavambwa's right to a fair trial within reasonable time by taking so long to complete its investigations. Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje deferred the matter to tomorrow when the police are expected to explain when they hope to locate the original title deed from the Deeds office. Government has announced a set of policies and operational mechanisms for investment into the production and processing of medicinal cannabis. The operational framework will be administered through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA)'s One Stop Investment Services Centre (OSICS). According to ZIDA chief investment and corporate affairs officer Tinotenda Kambasha, investors can have 100 percent ownership of their investments and locate their facilities anywhere in the country without prescription. "This is a significant departure from previous policy which required investors to co-own investments in joint venture with Government or Government entities and locate their investments at state prescribed locations," he said. "To further assure investor safety and protection, the Government has finalised and agreed a legal instrument called the Investment Stability Agreement ('ISA'), which gives investors added security. The ISA outlines the guarantees offered by Government for the protection of property rights, ring fencing investments against expropriation and protect investors against change in laws. In addition, it provides a framework for monetary and fiscal incentives unique to medicinal cannabis sector. According to ZIDA, the export retention regime is differentiated as follows: status unprocessed (two years); semi-processed (three years), and fully processed (four years). Analysts expects the global medical cannabis market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15,3 percent between 2021 and 2026. Cannabis has been approved for medical use in a number of countries, with varying degrees of legal restrictions. These countries include, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay. Government has also approved the establishment of the Green Industry Fund, to promote local beneficiation, skills transfer and development of the local pharmaceutical industry. "To give effect to the investment ecosystem of medicinal cannabis growth and production in Zimbabwe, an Inter-Ministerial Committee of all the relevant stakeholders superintends this very important new industry," added Mr Kambasha. "Investors are expected to install smart technology on all medicinal cannabis production premises for security and monitoring purposes. All investments are administered through ZIDA's OSISC which facilitates the licensing of all investments in medicinal cannabis." The framework is a result of consultation with industry and relevant stakeholder players including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry Finance and Economic Development, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement, Ministry of Defense and War Veterans Affairs and the Cannabis Industry Association of Zimbabwe (CIAZ). Announcing the framework, ZIDA chief executive Doug Munatsi said: "This is the country's strong statement of intent to nurture and grow this industry and become one of the leading players in medicinal cannabis production, fully optimizing the inherent comparative advantage Zimbabwe has in the form of skills, climate and agricultural expertise." Said Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) acting director-general Richard Rukwata: Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Health Governance Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "MCAZ is very excited to be playing a strategic role in facilitating an enabling a progressive regulatory environment to encourage the growth of the medicinal cannabis industry. "The ISA compliments Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018 (Dangerous Drugs Act) and we anticipate this will provide the comfort investors in this sector require." CIAZ president Peter Rhodes welcomed the initiative. "The ISA is a welcome and genuine display of the GOZ's desire to drive growth in the medicinal cannabis sector through providing stability and security to investors," he said. "CIAZ encourages its members and other players to take full advantage of the very positive steps taken by the Government to make the growth and production of medicinal cannabis competitive regionally and globally. We remain engaged with Government through ZIDA to continually improve and remain competitive." South Africa's Covid-19 cases have crossed the 1.6 million mark amid fears of a possible third wave. According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the country now has 1 602 031 cumulative cases after 2 759 new cases were logged on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the death toll has peaked to 54 968 after 72 more people succumbed to the respiratory disease. Three provinces recorded double-digit deaths in the last 24 hours of which 27 occurred in Gauteng, 13 in Free State and 12 in the Western Cape. In addition, both KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga reported five fatalities each, while four were recorded in the Northern Cape. Mkhize has since expressed his condolences to the deceased's loved ones and thanked the healthcare workers who treated them. "The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 519 734, representing a recovery rate of 95%," Mkhize said, adding that South Africa has 27 329. The figures are based on the 10 968 926 tests of which 37 020 were performed since the last reporting cycle, while the number of vaccinated frontline workers has increased to 430 730 as of 12 May 2021. According to the World Health Organisation, there are now 159 319 384 confirmed global cases of COVID-19, 3 311 780 deaths and 1 264 164 553 administered vaccine doses to date. Dodoma Tanzania Parliament adjourned the Ministry of Health debate for half an hour to discuss the issue of loading and offloading of trucks that are stranded for over five days at the Dar es Salaam port. The adjournment idea was tabled by Mafinga Urban law maker, Cosato Chumi (CCM), today on May 12, 2021 Chumi said Dar port is the major source of revenue for the country and a gateway to the landlocked countries in East and central Africa. "Trucks are neither unloading nor loading cargo, somehow that means the economic growth is stuck. And we are talking of competition between our port and those of neighboring countries." He added: In that situation we cannot remain silent and let such issues continue, and that is why I am tabling a motion to postpone the debate to discuss this sensitive matter." He said there are cargo which are meant to various projects including Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station in Rufiji and construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), but they are stranded at the port. Chumi also said cargo meant for neighboring countries are stranded while the nation expects the port to be competitive. Following the motion, Deputy Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson allowed the motion to be debated for 20 minutes where seven law makers had the opportunity to contribute. Responding to the motion, Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Policy, Parliament, Labor, Employment, Youth and the Disabled, Jenista Mhagama said the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa was already in Dar es Salaam to address the issue. On November 10, 1980, Mr Yoweri Museveni told a Uganda Patriotic Movement fundraising in Kampala that "Africa is tired of leaders who cling to power against the wishes of the masses." When the National Resistance Army rebels took power in 1986, President Museveni reiterated the statement. "The problem of Africa in general, and Uganda in particular, is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power," he said. Mr Museveni said what they had brought was not only a mere change of guard, but a fundamental change. He also promised to hand over to a civilian government after four years. But 35 years later, Mr Museveni is still in power. Although he previously pledged to retire, he extended the four-year term to eight and by two more years until the 1996 elections. Ahead of the removal of the age limit, President Museveni said his last term would end in 2006, but two years to the end of the term, he initiated a process that eventually removed the term limits. During the 2016 campaigns, Mr Museveni told Ugandans that he could not leave before harvesting what he had planted. "How can I go out of a banana plantation I have planted that has started bearing fruits?" the President said then. Mr Museveni won the January 14 polls, and is set to extend his time at the helm of the country to four decades. While campaigning for the 6th term, the President promised to secure the future of Ugandans. Numerous reasons were advanced to explain his stay in power, some necessitating constitutional amendments. In May 2001, The New Vision reported Mr Museveni's intention to retire after the end of his second term (2006). "When I retire, as I will do in these five years," the paper quoted Mr Museveni, then 62 years, as saying. However, after a meeting at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi in 2003, the NRM party initiated the process to amend the Constitution to remove the presidential term limits. Each MP was paid Shs5m 'facilitation' to consult the electorate about the amendments, without which President Museveni would not have been eligible to stand again in 2006. At the time, some senior NRM members, including Cabinet ministers, opposed the move. The Constitution was in 2005 - during the final year of Mr Museveni's last five-year elective term - amended, giving him leeway to stand again. "Longevity without democracy was what I meant ... if the people are renewing my mandate in a free election, then I wouldn't put it in that category. I was talking about dictatorship," Museveni said after the 2006 elections. He would go on to contest in 2011 and 2016 against his former Bush War comrade Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye. Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo in the October 14, 2020, issue of Daily Monitor said he regrets the removal of presidential term limits from the Constitution because the 1994 Constituenct Assembly did not entrench the safeguards to stop such amendments. "What I wept for this country was for the removal of the presidential term limits. That is where we lost it. The mistake we made in the Constituent Assembly was not to entrench, not to make it difficult for anyone to amend the provisions of the term limits," Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo said. Age limit cap removal In an interview with NTV in 2012, President Museveni said he would not contest again when he clocked 75 years. "I think there is some scientific idea that maybe the vigour is not as much after 75. I know there are some leaders who have been leading beyond 75 but I think if you want very active leaders, have the ones below 75," he said. In July 2017, when reminded of this stand at a press conference at State House Entebbe, following rumours of a plot to amend the Constitution to remove the upper age limit cap, which he had dismissed at the time, Mr Museveni said: "We should continue our forward movement, we should not be diverted by diversions." In 2017, the 10th Parliament voted to amend Article 102(b) that barred persons above 75 years form contesting for the highest office in the land. This was viewed by some of Mr Museveni's critics as a ticket to grant him a life presidency. While engaging his social media followers in August 2019, Mr Museveni said he would have retired long ago, but 'Africa and Uganda' still have so many challenges that he needs to confront. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Governance Labour By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. At the launch of the NRM 2021/2026 manifesto at Speke Resort Munyonyo after his nomination, President Museveni, according Nile Post, said: "Some people have been saying Museveni has refused to retire. It is not that I don't want to retire or that I don't have where to retire but one of the reasons is that if Ugandans still want us to participate, I will continue making myself available." But his former Cabinet minister Amanya Mushega said last year while appearing on NTV that as people who brought the NRM to power, they can't tire of reminding Mr Museveni to peacefully hand over power. Associate Professor William Muhumuza, a don at the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University in his paper "From Fundamental Change to No Change: The NRM and democratisation in Uganda" states that Mr Museveni's determination to retain power in a pseudo democratic dispensation has culminated into many undemocratic practices. "It has been driven by the motive to marshal enough political support in order to retain power. This objective has largely been achieved through different political manoeuvres that have included manipulating the laws and processes of the political transition," he says. VICTORIA FALLS councillors have accused Local Government Minister July Moyo of interfering with the local authority's day to day running thereby causing disharmony among the city fathers. There was a near fallout between the mayor Somvelo Dlamini and Ward 7 councillor Prince Thuso Moyo who accused the city premier of using decisions from "kangaroo meetings" to run the authority. Dlamini had to tell Moyo to "at least respect the office of the mayor" if at all he could not respect him as an individual and deputy mayor Patricia Mwale had to intervene. Some councillors blamed the mayor for making decisions based on phone call instructions purportedly from minister Moyo in contrast to the dictates of local governance where every resolution should be written down. Verbal decisions that are used to override council resolutions have reportedly caused confusion and infighting that has been rocking council. Speaking during a full council meeting, councillors accused Moyo of stopping the municipality over the phone from selling stands. The issue was fuelled by an announcement in the boardroom that Minister Moyo had written to council informing them about his imminent visit to the local authority to address the raging issue of budget which residents want reviewed downwards. "Waiting will not help, I thought we were going to discuss the letter, then come up with a date if the minister is saying he is coming," said Ward 3 councillor Lungile Nyoni. Ward 10 councillor Nkanyiso Sibindi said: "We are councillors and we make decisions. So we should come up with a decision today and when the minister comes to tell us his side, we will tell him that we are councillors and we were elected." Cllr Moyo who chairs the finance committee which is charge of budget formulation interjected saying the confusion within council had escalated. "The problem here is that we are confused by things happening. The mayor and Town Clerk are the face of council which is why when you told us that the minister is coming, we listened as your children. "The problem which brings us confusion is that when we do things, we are told that the minister said this and that without anything written down. There is no written communication. "You advertise stands and you hear that the minister has said over the phone that we should not sell but there won't be any written communication. "I have been saying this several times and now the statement that you said when we started the meeting is now contradicting what's being suggested here that we as councillors have power to make decisions. Surely if we do that, he will come on us. What I am saying is we are now confused," said Cllr Moyo. He said the impression among stakeholders was that himself as chair of finance committee was against residents' plea for review of the budget. The mayor has been in a cold war with Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was on Monday released from remand prison on $50 000 bail for a charge of abuse of office. Councillors accuse mayor Dlamini of plotting against Dube. "Tell us what we should do because you are the one who meets the minister, some of us will never meet him. "Guide us because we are tired of kangaroo meetings and everything that is happening yet with nothing written down. We only hear there are phone calls being made. "This is an organisation, let's do things procedurally. We are not humiliating anyone here," said Cllr Moyo. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The mayor hit back telling Cllr Moyo that he was off tracking. "Let me guide you councillor I think you are getting out of the way. This is not a platform to demean or show disrespect or to humiliate each other. If you don't respect me, respect my office, you have to respect the office of the mayor. "All I said was that we should be seen doing something on this budget thing as soon as possible. "The minister's visit wont cancel our process, we are going to do our process, when he comes, he is going to address councillors, management and residents. So, he doesn't interfere with our process," said Dlamini. The deputy mayor quickly intervened saying: the mayor is peaking colleagues let's listen" and the statement cut off other councillors who had started interjecting. press release Over the past year, long-simmering violence has been escalating in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province as government forces clash with a non-state armed group, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting. Nearly 700,000 people--almost one-third of the province's population--have been forced to flee their homes, often with nothing but the few possessions they can carry with them. Dozens of health facilities have been destroyed or rendered inoperable by the conflict, cutting vulnerable people off from essential medical care and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) teams are helping throughout the region, running mobile clinics to provide primary health care consultations and malnutrition screening, improving water and sanitation services for displaced people, and operating referral systems, among other activities. Here, Jonathan Whittall, director of MSF's Analysis Department, discusses the ongoing conflict, the deepening needs, and the troubling international response to the violence. Three important developments took place in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province in less than six weeks, all of which will have a significant future impact on human lives. First, in mid-March, the United States government designated an armed opposition group operating in Cabo Delgado as a "terrorist" organization and sent military advisors to train the Mozambique army on counter-terrorism measures. Two weeks later, the town of Palma--close to a multi-billion dollar gas project run by the French company Total--was attacked by an armed group in a high profile and brutal assault that killed a still-unknown number of people and displaced at least 30,000. And in early April, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries "condemned the terrorist attacks in strongest terms; and affirmed that such heinous attacks cannot be allowed to continue without a proportionate regional response." SADC deployed a "technical mission" to Mozambique that has recommended the deployment of 3,000 troops from the region. Much of this recent attention on Cabo Delgado was fueled by the claims of the opposition groups link to the Islamic State (IS) and the killing of foreigners in the attack on Palma. While the conflict has been going on since 2017, it has received very little political attention from regional governments or international actors--except those interested in Mozambique's gas reserves or private military contracts. Much less attention has been given to the growing number of displaced people--now over 700,000--and the critical humanitarian crisis facing the province. Cabo Delgado might not be a forgotten conflict, but it certainly is a neglected humanitarian crisis. And now, with the attention from the SADC region and the Mozambican government's international backers fixed almost exclusively on "fighting terrorism," the solutions being proposed may once again overlook the urgent need to save lives and alleviate the suffering of scores of conflict-affected communities. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled violence and insecurity and they have ended up living in over-crowded camps or being hosted by local communities with already limited resources. People have experienced significant trauma: a decapitated husband, a kidnapped wife, a son or daughter from whom they have no news. Many walk for days to find safety after hiding in the bush, often without food and water. Others remain in locations where humanitarian actors cannot reach because of the ongoing insecurity. While the reasons for this conflict might be multifaceted and complex, the consequences of the violence are strikingly simple: fear, insecurity, and a lack of access to the basic needs for survival, including food, water, shelter, and urgent health care. Meanwhile, significant restrictions are placed on the scale-up of the humanitarian response due to the ongoing insecurity and the bureaucratic hurdles impeding the importation of certain supplies and the issuing of visas for additional humanitarian workers. Having recently returned from Cabo Delgado, I have seen first-hand how the scale of the humanitarian response in no way matches the scale of the needs. What does seem set to scale up is the regionally supported and internationally funded counter-terrorism operation that could further impact an already vulnerable population. In many conflicts, from Syria to Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen how counter-terrorism operations can generate additional humanitarian needs while limiting the ability of humanitarian workers to respond. Firstly, by designating a group as "terrorists," we often see that the groups in question are pushed further underground--making dialogue with them for humanitarian access more complex. While states can claim that they "don't negotiate with terrorists," humanitarian workers are compelled to provide humanitarian aid impartially and to negotiate with any group that controls territory or that can harm our patients and staff. Many aid organizations shy away from this in places where a group has been designated as "terrorists" out of fear of falling afoul of counter-terrorism legislation. For MSF, successfully providing impartial medical care requires reserving a space for dialogue and building trust in the fact that our presence in a conflict is for the sole purpose of saving lives and alleviating suffering. Yet, counter-terrorism operations try to bring humanitarian activities under the full control of the state and the military coalitions that support them. Aid is denied, facilitated, or provided in order to boost the government's credibility, to win hearts and minds for the military intervening, or to punish communities that are accused of sympathizing with an opposition group. The most vulnerable can often fall through the cracks of such an approach, which is why organizations like MSF need to be able to work independently. The reason why humanitarian workers cannot be aligned with a state and its military backers is that often states and those affiliated with them are clear targets of armed opposition groups. Being aligned to a state that is fighting a counter-terrorism war would reduce our ability to reach the most vulnerable communities to offer medical care. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Conflict International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. At MSF we know this can come at a time when we are needed the most. In counter-terrorism wars around the world we often see civilian casualties being justified due to the presence of "terrorists" among a civilian population. Entire communities can be considered "hostile," leading to a loosening of the rules of engagement for combat forces. It is in these situations that we have often seen hospitals destroyed and entire villages razed to the ground in attacks that fail to distinguish between military and civilian targets. Communities are often trapped between indiscriminate violence by armed groups and the counter terrorism response from the state. The current focus on "terrorism" clearly serves the political and economic interests of those intervening in Mozambique. However, it must not come at the expense of saving lives and alleviating the immense suffering facing the people of Cabo Delgado. Related Articles MSF pledges to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 May 6, 2021 Mozambique: "People ran into the bush to save their lives" Apr 2, 2021 Mozambique: MSF responds to new violence and displacement in Cabo Delgado Mar 31, 2021 Tunis/Tunisia A set of measures for the benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic victims were announced by Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi in his address to the Tunisian people on the occasion of Eid el Fitr. These measures are to: - Earmark five thousand credits worth 5,000 dinars, interest-free, with advantageous repayment conditions in addition to a one-year grace period for the benefit of merchants whose activities are directly linked to the Eid feast. -Support economic activities most affected by the recent measures through direct financial assistance. These activities will be identified later by the Minister of Social Affairs and the Minister of Economy and Finance. -Postpone the employers' contributions for the second quarter of 2021 and to make an adjustment throughout the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2021. -Postpone the payment of the flat tax until the end of 2021 without penalty for small merchants and craftspeople registered in the flat-rate tax system. Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested drug baron and former Vice Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Asekun Kehinde Sakiru. Sakiru was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said Sakiru had been on the wanted list of the agency following recent arrest of some traffickers and drug seizures linked to him. According to him, the long arm of the law, however, caught up with the baron at about 9.pm on Friday May 7, 2021, while he was trying to board a Virgin Atlantic airline to London at the Lagos airport. Babafemi explained that, "At the point of his arrest, Asekun was caught with one kilogramme of cocaine concealed in five pairs of palm slippers packed inside his suitcase. He has been on the wanted list of the MMIA Command of the agency in connection to a case involving one Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim who was arrested with 6.45kg of cocaine in December, 2020. "During preliminary investigation, it was gathered that the London-based baron is a seasoned politician. He was at different times between 2004 and 2014 the Vice Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA. He had also contested and lost elections for House of Representatives in 2007 and Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015." He said the suspect who claimed to be an international businessman in automobiles was yet to reveal the source of his wealth. Babafemi further said in the course of tracking him, N131m was seized from his account and another N14m blocked in the account of one of his traffickers, Azeez Adeniyi Ibrahim, bringing the total sum so far recovered from him to N145m. THE government has ordered speedy implementation of the expansion of 220/33 kV cooling station at Mtera Power Station which is scheduled for completion before October this year. The Energy Deputy Minister, Advocate Stephen Byabato issued the directives early this week during his visit to inspect Mtera Hydro Power Plant and the expansion of the cooling station located on Dodoma-Iringa road. He said despite the challenges that contributed to the delay of the project, it is good that the execution of the project was done day and night so that it can be completed earlier. "We are expanding the existing cooling station here to expand its capacity, and be able to supply electricity to our citizens." he said. Regarding the state of electricity generation at the Mtera Station, Byabato praised TANESCO experts at the station for their professionalism, dedication, and creativity. He also asked them to ensure that they face the day to day challenges that arise in order to ensure that people have access to the essential energy. Byabato said the government has directed efforts on construction of electricity infrastructure in order to allow more people to have access to electricity. He called upon the public to protect electricity infrastructure and connect their homes to electricity once the project reaches their areas. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Speaking on behalf of Mtera Hydro Power Station Manager, Elias Mwalupilo said water flow in the dam has been stable for the past two years. "With the current water level, even if it does not rain it can generate electricity without any problems for a whole year. The spring and autumn rains are over, but the water can take us until next spring, " he said. In addition, Mwalupilo said they expect to carry out major repairs at Mtera Station facilities in September and October this year which will also involve shutting down one plant. "We will do it in phases and shut down the plant, but we are prepared for this repair which will not affect the availability of electricity," he said. On behalf of the Director of Technical Services of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Jones Olotu said the expansion project of Mtera Electric Cooling Station was delayed due to changes in the Tax Exemption Act. "However, we have called on the contractor to return to the site, technical work has been done and what is left is to connect the equipment which has been largely imported, cleared at the port, and delivered to work area," he explained. The project will be expanded to surge 20 megawatts which will be distributed in villages in Iringa Region and Mpwapwa and Chamwino villages in Dodoma region. "We assure you (Deputy Minister), work will be done day and night to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible." he added. THE East African Community (EAC) has pledged to work closely with the private sector in the region as it is the key driver for deeper integration. The EAC Secretary General, Dr Peter Mathuki assured regional members that he would do all that is within his powers to ensure that the private sector plays its rightful role in the integration process. Speaking at the Private Sector Dinner Roundtable held in Kigali, Rwanda, the Secretary General informed the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) that it was the vision of the EAC founding fathers that the private sector would work together with the Community to promote the integration process by creating wealth and employment for the people of East Africa. "I intend to go the extra mile to improve the working relationship between policymakers and the business community, through Public-Private sector dialogue initiatives," said the Secretary General. Dr Mathuki further said he believes in an enhanced conducive regional business policy environment that takes into account proposals and recommendations from the private sector, adding that this would build confidence in the region as an attractive investment destination and trade hub. The Secretary General highlighted to the business community his priority areas that he argued should be addressed to promote the growth of the private sector in the region. Disclosing his areas of priority, the Secretary General said he will first create an enabling environment that supports the Customs Union and Common Market to function at their optimal levels to promote economic growth. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines East Africa Business Tanzania By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Another priority is establishing a Single Currency to be used throughout East Africa as envisaged under the East African Monetary Union Protocol which will, among other things, ease trade and the cost of doing business within the region. The SG noted that he intends to put in place a Dispute Settlement Mechanism as a follow up to the ratification of the Customs Union Protocol in addition to a Trade Remedies Committee. He said he will work closely with Partner States and the private sector to reduce the cost of energy which he said has a big impact on the competitiveness of products, and; rollout of the One Area Network to all Partner States to boost trade and interaction among EAC Citizens through affordable mobile calling and data tariffs. On a joint regional response to Covid-19, Dr Mathuki called for joint measures between Partner States' governments and the business community against the Covid-19 pandemic. The dinner round table was organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the GIZ- BDI under the theme 'Enhancing a Private Sector led Integration & Emerging Opportunities in East Africa'. This latest development comes hardly a week after President Samia Suluhu Hassan concluded a two-day state visit to Kenya, where among other things, she emphasized on the importance of strengthening the bilateral ties, inviting more investors as well as assuring the government's commitment to support investments. ABOUT 90 per cent of rural electricity infrastructure has been built using government money, Rural Energy Board (REB) has said. REB Chairman Mr Julius Kalolo said that 10 per cent of the fund has been contributed by development stakeholders "10 percent is a lot of money, because it has helped a lot to boost the implementation of the power projects ...the cost of connecting all the suburbs in the country is almost 8.8trn/-," Mr Kalolo said at the annual meeting which involved government officials and energy development stakeholders. In addition, Kalolo said the government has already started implementing the second phase of REA project, adding that the scheme is expected to cover all remaining villages by December next year. Speaking on behalf of the Acting Director-General of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Jones Olotu said that some projects have already been identified for implementation. In addition, Olotu urged rural residents to grab the opportunity to connect the affordable electricity while contractors are still in their areas. "Rural dwellers should use this opportunity and those who have not wired their houses or their houses are too small with only three bulbs, the agency has prepared for them a simple and friendly procedure so that they can also be connected," he said. "Some areas do not connect electricity on time, when the contractor leaves the area, it's when you find 1000 or 500 people are not connected; we want all to be connected before the contractors move to another point," he added. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He also urged the villagers to consult Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) when they want to make wiring in their houses so that they can be provided with appropriate technicians. Opening the first bi-annual meeting between the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and the energy development partners group, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Leonard Masanja said in 2015 only 2018 villages were connected to electricity but so far 10,324 villages have been connected to power. The Chairman of the Energy Development Partners Group (EDGP), Bqnjn Midthun promised to continue working with the government to ensure that majority of Tanzanians have access to electricity. The meeting between government and energy development stakeholders aimed at reminding the responsibilities of each side and review projects implemented in the past. The meeting also discussed the action plan prepared by REA for the next financial year. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to continue improving the welfare and working conditions of nurses in the country so that they effectively and safely execute their duties. Through her twitter account @SuluhuSamia, the president said that the government is aware and values the contribution of nurses in the society. "I wish you well as you commemorate the International Nurses Day... the government will continue to improve your welfare and working conditions so that you effectively and safely perform your duties," President Samia said. Tanzania yesterday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Nurses Day that is marked annually on May 12 to recognise and appreciate the nurses' efforts. The day is also marked as the anniversary of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. The theme for this year's International Nurses Day is Nurses: A Voice to Lead-A Vision for Future Healthcare. In Tanzania the day was marked at national level in Manyara region and graced by Minister of State, President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government Ms Ummy Mwalimu on behalf of President Samia. She said that the theme for this year's commemoration reminds the government on how it can address challenges facing nurses in the country and continue improving their services to offer better health care to the public. Ms Mwalimu said that, the theme also encourages Tanzanians to join health insurance scheme so that they become assured of health services when they fall sick. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. She further pointed out that statistics has it that the country has a total of 41,621 nurses who have attained various levels of education. "This number is very low in comparison to the country's population that is estimated to be 60 million... nurses are serving majority of Tanzanians with different health complications," Ms Mwalimu said. Equally, the minister said the sixth phase government will continue to take various steps to address the challenges facing nurses in order to improve provisions of health services in the public. According to the Minister in 2020 a total of 2 million women gave birth in the country and were all served by nurses and midwives..."we need to value the work of these professionals and be assured of the services they provide to us," she added, while calling upon the public to continue respecting the work of nurses in the country. "Of late, there have been reports of nurses being embarrassed and those who do such acts... have no sufficient information of what had happened... this beheviour should stop immediately because it has been disappointing the professionals," Ms Mwalimu said. TANZANIA and China yesterday signed a mega grant agreement on economic and technical cooperation of 35.37bn/-. Speaking shortly after signing the deal between the Ministry of Finance and Planning Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Tutuba and Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Wang Ke, the former said the government has proposed the fund would be used for the expansion of Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) project, upgrading National Institute of Transport into Universality scheme and improving Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark project. "To kick start, the gran funds under the framework agreement would be utilised to finance expansion of Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac project, Upgrading National Institute of Transport into university project improving Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark and other priority schemes to be agreed on by our two governments," said Tutuba. However, he assured the ambassador that the government will address all challenges to foster mutual cooperation between two countries. "We are pleased that the Chinese government and other development partners have been supporting various development projects which are aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2025-the guiding framework for our socio-economic development efforts which are being implemented through the National Five-year Development Plan," he noted. According to Mr Tutuba, the Chinese government has been supporting Tanzania in various sectors including infrastructures of railway, education, health, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), energy, and Water. Others are Industrial, agriculture and in technical assistance. The PS noted that since 2010 the government of China has supported Tanzania with various concessional loans to complete projects, citing the 4.15tri/- (1.8bn US dollars) including grants to support different economic and social projects. On her side, Ambassador Wang said the Chinese government will keep on supporting Mainland Tanzania to implement its various projects as negotiated and approved by the two governments. She said the agreement was not only one of the important outcomes of the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi 's visit to Tanzania early this year, but also a concrete action of her government to enhance the friendship between China and Tanzania and promote bilateral economic as well as enhance technical cooperation. Elaborating, Ambassador Wang said China has always regarded Tanzania as an all-weather friend and a good partner since the establishment of diplomatic ties 57 years ago. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance Asia, Australia, and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. China has assisted Tanzania with a variety of economic and social development projects, such as TAZARA. She added that in recent years, China-aided Tanzania's National Stadium (Mkapa Stadium), Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), University of Dar es Salaam's Library, Moshi Police School Expansion Project, the Office Building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and other landmark projects completed and successively handed over. In addition, she said China dispatched a team of 25 medics to Tanzania to actively cooperate against malaria and provide free mobile medical service for heart patients in the country. The list also cited the construction of Kagera Regional Vocational Training and Service Centre that will be the largest and most modern training centre in Tanzania once completed. In a related development, Ambassador Wang said the next Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set to take place in Senegal at the end of 2021, adding that her country will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. UGANDAN President Yoweri Museveni has lauded Tanzanian government for allowing smooth import of sugar from his country, as part of efforts to cement ties between the two nations. Mr Museveni made the statement in his inaugural speech, acknowledging the support from his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan who was among the dignitaries who attended his swearing-in ceremony. "I thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania for allowing her country to import sugar from us," he said, while also commending Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for doing the same. He said Uganda produces over 600,000 tonnes of sugar annually, but their domestic consumption stands at 300,000 tonnes per year. "That is why, it's necessary for us to export the surplus sugar," said President Museveni, while assuring the heads of state attending the ceremony of Uganda's full cooperation in business and other spheres. Last year, Tanzania experienced a scarcity of sugar that the government attributed to coronavirus pandemic, noting that virus had disrupted the importation schedules. Equally, the government noted that some dishonest traders had hoarded sugar to create a false scarcity and in turn sell at raised prices. In the same vein, the government also imposed price controls for sugar in April last year after a decline in local production due to poor weather conditions. While in Kampala President Samia met and held talks with the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde on how to strengthen cooperation between their countries. In the discussion, President Zewde expressing confidence on her leadership commended President Samia for being sworn in as Tanzania's sixth Head of State following the death of President phase president of Tanzania on March 19 this year. Her first visit to the country was early last month, when she held talks with her host and both witnessed signing of three key agreements to kick off the construction of what is set to become the world's longest East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The pipeline will be 1,443km long with the capacity of carrying 200,000 barrels per day and has a total cost of 3.55billion US dollars. The 3.5 billion US dollars project will have short and longterm economic benefits for the two neighboring countries, specifically during the construction phase. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance Uganda By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to some official reports, the huge investment of the 1,444-kilometer EACOP construction will be the major source to increase direct foreign investment in both countries by 60 per cent. Tanzania is expected to earn an estimated 3.24bn US dollars once the project becomes operational with more than 18,000 jobs set to be generated over the next 25 years. President Samia after witnessing the signing ceremony said the project would not only benefit Uganda and Tanzania alone but the entire region. She said the EACOP will unlock the regional potential and attract more investors to east Africa. "Our region is well-endowed with abundant resources. In order to fully and effectively exploit these resources, we need infrastructure," she said. Before leaving Kampala President Samia invited President Museveni to attend the signing ceremony between Tanzania and investors of the crude oil pipeline from Hoima to Tanga that will take place on May 20th this year. PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa yesterday ordered Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) to effectively link their systems to ensure smooth operations at the Dar es Salaam Port. That was after his impromptu visit to the port following complaints from customers and some Members of Parliament that it was poorly performing, despite being the country's chief harbour. In the course, he ordered the authorities at the port to ensure all systems are functional and enable timely clearing of cargo and related businesses as planned. "We are competing with other ports in this region, we are therefore supposed to act smart and ensure smooth operations, we need to attract more clients and maintain the existing ones," pointed Mr Majaliwa. Equally, the Premier stressed on hard work, transparency and trust among the employees as they serve clients who also come from outside the country, saying: "I have counted 14 vessels that are waiting to dock, I need to know why it is taking time to clear them, we need to do something otherwise we are going to lose businesses." Earlier, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Eng Leonard Chamuriho said TPA is progressing well with its improvements, especially in infrastructure to increase its capacity in han dling cargoes. He said the authority is also improving its clearing systems and that soon things will be in order. Clarifying, TPA Director General Erick Hamis said most of the vessels were waiting for documents' clearance before proceeding with offloading of their cargoes, adding that TPA works with other authorities such as TRA, TASAC among others, where everyone plays its role to ensure speedy clearance is attained. Elaborating, he noted that TPA in collaboration with other authorizes were concentrating on addressing challenges facing them on the ground, where TRA Commissioner, Mr Alphayo Kidata on his side, said his office at the site experienced a system breakdown after one of the devices bugged as a result of electric short-circuit. "Fortunately enough, the problem was fixed within five hours, though resulted in a heavy congestion at the port. Losing one hour at the port means losing money and delay of services to our clients, we are doing everything in our capacity to ensure such a thing does not crop up again," he added. In response, Mr Majaliwa said he will make another tour at the port to see if his directives are implemented, warning: "You will be surprised when I come here for another inspection... I must find things moving; otherwise I will walk out with everything including computers." For the sudden inspection, the Premier was forced travelled from Dodoma to intervene on the cargo standoff at the Dar es Salaam Port that was causing uproar in parliament after the legislators demanded immediate actions to save the country's economy. The Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled), Jenister Mhagama, said the government was working on the problem at the country's largest port. For five consecutive days, there have been cargo standoffs at the Dar es Salaam port, witnessed by convoys of trucks stranded with claims that they are waiting for their cargo clearance. Assuring the lawmaker, Ms Mhagama said the Prime Minister was expected to address the matter yesterday after arriving at the site. She noted that Mr Majaliwa would receive a report on what took place after the legislators demanded the government issues a statement on the matter. Immediately after the questions and answers session yesterday, Mafinga Urban legislator, Cosato Chumi (CCM) stood up and requested the Deputy Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, to postpone businesses in the House for one hour to discuss the Dar es Salaam Port's saga, describing it as an urgent matter. In her ruling, Dr Tulia gave the legislators 20 minutes to debate the Mafinga Urban MP's crucial motion, where Mr Chumi further argued that that the port, being the country's economic engine, paralysing its business was tantamount to killing the economy and other businesses in the country. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He further said that some of the equipment for the country's major projects like SGR were unnecessarily stuck at the port. On his side, Singida East legislator, Miraji Mtaturu (CCM) said delaying cargo at the country's major port pose adverse negative impacts to the country's businesses. Commenting, Special Seats MP, Sophia Mwakagenda (CHADEMA) said that the government should thoroughly investigate on what was going on at the port and take stern measures against officials, who were trying to sabotage the country's economy. On his part, Mlimba Member of Parliament, Godwin Kunambi (CCM) asked the Minister for Works and Transport to issue a statement in the House on the issue, advising equally that there was a need to solve all administrative issues within the management of the port. Equally, Special Seats MP, Ester Matiko (CHADEMA), reminded fellow legislators on the pledge made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan when addressing them and calling for the increase in business at the Dar es Salaam Port. Police and other security agencies have been the targets of deadly attacks in the country's South-east and South-south regions. The police in Delta State have banned their operatives from embarking on escort duty to Nigeria's South-east states - Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, and Abia - because of the ongoing attacks on officers and police facilities in the states. Rivers State, in the South-south, is also included in the ban which is contained in a wireless message issued by the commissioner of police in Delta State. The message was sent to some government establishments in Delta State, including the Government House, Asaba, the Delta House of Assembly, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation office in Delta State. Many police operatives in Nigeria are attached as security details to government officials, top politicians, and wealthy businessmen commonly referred to as 'principals'. "COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escort of their principals to the six eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves," the wireless message said. "Ensure strict compliance, please," it added. There has been a spate of deadly attacks on security agencies in the South-east and South-south regions lately. Five police officers were killed by gunmen in Imo on April 26, while one officer was abducted. Two officers were killed and a police facility set ablaze in a similar attack in Anambra on May 6. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Several officers have been killed too in similar attacks in other states in the region. There have been deadly attacks against the police in Delta State too. Three police officers were shot dead on January 10 in Ughelli at an eatery where they were serving as security guards. In Warri, still in Delta, a police officer was shot dead along the road and his rifle taken away by his killers. In Rivers, seven officers were killed in multiple attacks on May 7, despite a night curfew in the state. At least, 22 police officers have been killed so far in Akwa Ibom State since February, according to the data from the police authorities in the state. IPOB, a proscribed pro-Biafra group, has denied accusations that they are responsible for the attacks which has compounded the security challenges in the two regions. Motorists and passengers using the Bulawayo Road have thanked Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for controlling traffic at the Warren Park D roundabout during peak hours. Before police controls began, congestion was the order of the day as the small roundabout was overwhelmed by increasing traffic and also by drivers who ignored road rules. Some drove dangerously against oncoming traffic all in a bid to escape the congestion. But now, each day from around 6.30 am and at 5pm up to when congestion eases, police from Warren Park station take their positions at the notorious roundabout and begin to control traffic. The Herald caught up with some motorists and passengers to hear their views. Blessing Sibanda, from Norton said the deployment of the police officers at the roundabout is commendable. "The presence of the police at the Warren Park D roundabout is a good. Police are a doing a sterling job. I now get home early as congestion has eased. Traffic is now moving swiftly along that route," she said. Sibanda applauded the police for controlling the traffic. "The police are so organised that they control traffic from all sides of the road at that roundabout," said Sibanda. At the roundabout, energetic police officers take turns to control vehicles leaving and coming towards town. Masimba Upenyu, a motorist from Kuwadzana said congestion on that roundabout is now a thing of the past. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Before the police were deployed at the roundabout, it was a nightmare to go to and from work as a result of the congestion. Sometimes I got to work late as I would have spent almost an hour on that small stretch. Nomatter what time of the day, motorists can travel freely as the congestion is manageable," said Upenyu. He highlighted that the presence of the police officers has made motorists who want to break the law by driving towards oncoming traffic not do so for fear of being arrested. "The ZRP should increase their presence on other major roads across town to ease congestion," said Rutendo Mapfumo from Grenara. Other motorists and passengers said police should continue to control traffic at that roundabout and arrest those who are found on the wrong side of the law. President Putin: Unified approach to ensuring security of education institutions is needed 20:31 13/05/2021 MOSCOW, May 13 (RAPSI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to introduce a unified approach to ensuring the security and anti-terrorist protection of educational organizations as soon as possible speaking at a meeting with the members of the cabinet. Although a whole respective system has been built, a lot of details has been left at the discretion of local authorities, the schools themselves, Putin observed. Nevertheless, there should be introduced a unified approach throughout the country so this sphere was kept under constant control in cooperation with the regions, the head of state stressed. According to the President, in order to prevent such crimes, it is necessary to seriously tighten the requirements as to owners of civilian weapons and control over circulation thereof. Putin is sure that tough personal responsibility should be introduced for all persons who issue weapon permits and respective documents so situations when, for example, a person can simply by a medical certificate for money, in some cases without even undergoing an examination - such situations should be completely excluded. On Tuesday, Ilnaz Galyaviev, 19, according to investigators, broke into a school in Kazan and opened fire there. At the moment, it is known about 9 people who died as a result of this crime, as well as about the wounded, who are receiving medical assistance. The attacker shot 7 children and 2 teachers - he acted alone. Head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, instructed his subordinates to transfer all the case materials for further thorough and comprehensive investigation to the central office of the body. A criminal case was initiated on the grounds of a murder of two or more persons. Dodoma Agriculture minister Adolf Mkenda has called upon farmers and maize traders in the country to grab market opportunities available in Kenya. He said this will be part of cooperation in the East African Community as farmers will be able to sell their crops to earn more incomes and help the country earn foreign currency. The minister made the statement to reporters last weekend soon after holding a meeting with cassava crop stakeholders and launching the strategy of the crop in the country's capital, Dodoma. Speaking over improving the agriculture sector and the strategy of the cassava crop, Prof Mkenda said his ministry has readjusted to ensure the cassava crop's productivity increased and its market available including the maize market in Kenya. "Recently, the presidents of Tanzania and Kenya met and held talks on the challenges of doing businesses between the two countries. "Their talks led to the opening of the borders between the two countries and traders continued to conduct their activities for the benefit of all of them," said Prof Mkenda. The minister said President Samia Suluhu Hassan's recent visit to Kenya had brought about great benefits to both farmers and traders by getting the opportunity of entering Kenya and selling their crop products. "To ensure things go well on our borders, I have talked to Kenya's trade minister and agriculture minister Peter Munya, who is on his way to Namanga to implement the directives of our leaders so that businesses could continue as usual," said Prof Mkenda. The minister insisted that crops from Tanzania, especially maize and other products, were safe because, before being transported outside the country, they are examined by the Tanzania Bureau of Statistics (TBS) to meet the required market standards. Meanwhile, the minister urged the cassava crop stakeholders in the country to use better seeds discovered by local researchers in order to increase production and incomes for farmers. Dar es Salaam Two Tanzanian youth, who viewed horticultural challenges as a business opportunity started exploring and customizing soil-less farming by using modern technologies. Today, the duo have every reason to smile after their business venture expanded five fold in a relatively short period of time. Based on their idea, the two young men won $5000 (about Sh11 million) from the Royal Danish Embassy and Sahara Ventures in 2019 - a sum which has enabled them to expand their business investment, 'Smart Hydroponics,' by five times. Praygod Japhet and Dickson Mallya came up with the idea of a risk-free, soil-less farming technology in 2018 after discovering that the horticulture industry in Tanzania is dominated by small-scale farmers by about 70 percent. But, these smallholders are highly vulnerable to climate change, whereby Tanzania is generally over-dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Almost invariably, this leads to low, unreliable and inconsistent productivity, thus failing to meet markets standards in terms of quality and quantity. Mr Japhet is the AgriTechs Company Limited managing director. Speaking to The Citizen, he revealed that "the company focuses on harnessing the power of modern technologies and digital advancement to create smart, sustainable, environment-friendly and affordable solutions to problems that are facing the agricultural sector in Tanzania - and Africa in general. "Since we established the company last year, we have done a number of things, including the installation of machines on commercial, individual and government institutions, as well as local government councils mostly in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga and Morogoro," Mr Japhet said. "We have seen the technology working well because the demand for the products involved increased. We have had a number of pre-orders for our machines from clients - and we do the installation ourselves for different customers. "But, largely due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic last year, some of our clients had their pre-orders withdrawn - thus making us lose something in the region of Sh20 million," Mr Japhet lamented. However, he said, they plan to establish a large commercial system for vegetables farming in 2024 for both the local and export markets. As it is, he revealed, Saudi Arabia has already approached them, requiring their company to export eight tonnes of vegetables after every three weeks indefinitely. This, he confidently said, can be done simply by enhancing the farming technology they use. "After having assurance of markets, we want to promote sustainability by strengthening systems which will enable us to sell our products and services... Currently, we already have a model which we will use to attract and retain customers," he reveals. "For the past two years, our customer attraction model has been based on targeted marketing whereby we focus on individuals and organizations that we believed we could recruit much faster. "These are the ones who have an idea on the potentials of 'controlled environment agriculture'- and who don't have difficulties in making decisions. But also, we used our small-scale model to promote the product on social media as a way of recruiting more customers," he said. "The standard price for installation of the technology is $500. But, this amount could sometimes be less - depending on the size of the customer's backyard and indoor space," he said. According to him, through the technology, plants are inserted on the top of containers which have a solution of water and plant nutrients - thus reducing the water loss by 90 percent. The technology initiated by AgriTechs Company Limited targets people who want to reduce expenditure on crop farming in urban centres where people don't have large areas on which to cultivate their own food crops - and have to spend most of their income purchasing foodstuffs. Japhet noted that urban dweller spend up to 70 percent of their monthly income to buy food. "So, we came up with the innovation so as to assist them to grow crops on their premises, thus helping them to reduce their expenditure on food," he says. The gateway system takes information from sensors and sends it to the Cloud platform which then sends the information back to the customer's mobile 'phone with recommendations on what to do in case something about the soil-less farming tech is not right. "We also get the same information through the dashboard system, so we can help our customers to solve a problem in case we see they aren't addressing it soonest. All this is done in a matter of seconds," our Japhet boasts! Horticulture in Tanzania is arguably the fastest-growing sub-sector of the Economy within the agriculture sector. It is estimated to have an average annual growth of 10-12 percent: far above the three percent growth per annum of the agriculture sector overall. How the technology works Smart hydroponics is a product that combines soil-less farming and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, aiming to make climate-smart farming and urban farming affordable, profitable and convenient. With smart hydroponics, the Japhet/Mallya AgriTechs Company Limited looks to enable more horticultural farmers to farm independent of the climatic condition by creating a specific environment which a specific crop requires in order to perform well. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Further, the system enables farming on small spaces with up to 500 percent yield increase; reduces water use by 90 percent - and saves hundreds of hours that would be used to monitor a farm manually through irrigation automation, as well as remote and real time monitoring of the farm through a web or mobile phone application. Additionally, the system shortens crops growth period by 25 percent, promotes growth of herbicides-free food, encourages precision in management to avoid losses - and, undoubtedly, enables farming throughout the year, thus ensuring consistent supply of healthy food to the market. With smart hydroponics, farmers are able to grow different types of produce, ranging from leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, swisschards, etc), to herbs (coriander, mint, sage, kale, basil) and vine crops (tomato, cucumber, zucchinni, strawberries, blubarries, sweet peppers, hot peppers, cherry tomatoes). Earlier, a ministry of Agriculture official, Mr Obey Assery, said adoption of the technology would increase food supplies in Tanzania! "The government alone cannot afford to implement every project - and, therefore, we very much support such initiative in the agriculture policy," Mr Assery said. Rawan Dakik, on Wednesday became the first Tanzanian woman to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest peak on day when the first fatalities were recorded on the mountain. Two climbers from the United States and Switzerland have died on Mount Everest, the first fatalities of this year's season, expedition organisers in Nepal said Thursday. But in recent seasons, Everest has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. "Two climbers passed away on Wednesday," Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks told AFP. Swiss climber Abdul Waraich, 40, died near the summit after reaching the top and suffering exhaustion, said Chhang Dawa Sherpa from the same organisation. Planning Speaking of her journey to the world's highest peak on an Instagram story, Rawan said that climbing Mountain Everest is probably one of the hardest things she has done before. According to her she is waiting for the weather window alongside her team to push for the summit. "Base camp was hit by a snow storm for a few days which caused damage in the icefall and a short delay to our schedule. We are waiting for the icefall doctors to head up and fix the route before pushing to our first rotation," she writes. On March 20, 2021 she announced that she would be climbing Mountain Everest to support children living with Cancer. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Women By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "A few years ago if you'd ask me about climbing Everest, I would've probably told you that you're mad and I wouldn't plan on going that extreme. Here I am today, packing and getting ready for my departure tomorrow," said Rawan in an Instagram post. She added: There was a lot of planning, training, organizing, a feel of mixed emotions, trip getting cancelled last year and a bunch of thoughts that can't be put into words. Fatalities Eleven people died climbing the world's highest peak in 2019, with four deaths blamed on overcrowding. On one day, 354 people were lined up to reach the top from Nepal's southern side and Tibet's northern approach. To ease the crowding Nepal's tourism ministry announced rules capping the number of people who can summit the mountain per window of suitable weather. Expedition organisers have been told to send teams up the peak strictly in accordance with permit numbers or limit the number of climbers going up at one time. Former Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume, All Progressives Congress, APC, Borno South, yesterday took a swipe at Southern governors for banning open grazing in the south. He also said as chief security officers of states, the governors should stop the blame game and get to work to resolve the insecurity in the country. Ndume, who noted that the insecurity problem in the country had nothing to do with open grazing of cattle, said there were different security challenges associated with the geo political zones of the country. Citing insurgency in the North East; agitation by members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB in the South East; banditry in the North West and herders-farmers clashes in South West, North Central and in the South South, the lawmaker said all hands must be on deck to address the security challenges. Speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja, Ndume said until Nigerians considered insecurity as a huge problem, it would be difficult to see the end of the crisis. He also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to take the issue of security very seriously, asking the government to stop the salaries of politicians to get the needed resources to tackle insecurity in the country if that would nip the crisis in the bud. Ndume, who also suggested that the government could source for money through borrowing in the same manner resources were sourced to fund infrastructure and other developmental projects across the country, said: "The President should make the issue of security a priority. "He should leave every other thing and concentrate on security. That means even if they will stop paying us and use the money to tackle security. Is it not when you are secured that you talk of other things? It is not only the politicians but everybody. "If you know that you cannot move out of your house and they say sacrifice your salary, won't you do it? Many people are working from home, yet they are being paid. They should stop paying salaries and address the whole issue of insecurity. If you don't have money, stop paying salaries and allowances and use the money to provide security,. "If you are borrowing money to provide infrastructure, why can't we borrow money to protect our people." On the governors, he said: " This blame game should stop. As far as I am concerned, this blame game will not solve the problem. Governors are the chief security officers of their states, so, why are they talking about the President without talking about themselves? The governors are deviating from the matter. The problem is not about open grazing. "The problem is security. Much of the insecurity confronting Nigeria is not in the bush. We have four different types of security challenges. We have the insurgency in the North East, IPOB through the Easter Security Network is creating insecurity in the South East, there is banditry in the North West. It is only in the North Central that we have issues of farmers-herders clashes. "There is less problem in the South - West except for the clashes between the herdsmen and the farmers and the agitators for Yoruba nation. Similarly, in the South - South, they are trying to instigate the avengers but so far, the area is peaceful. "The issue of insecurity is unique to each zone. President Buhari has taken charge of security personally now. It used to be the Chief of Staff or the Minister of Defence who were having meetings with service chiefs, but today, the President has taken charge of the problem. "That is a good development and I hope we would start seeing results, but the most important thing is for them to be provided with necessary equipment to prosecute the war and their allowances should be paid in time." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ndume, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, reiterated his call for funding, proper welfare, salaries and allowances for soldiers sacrificing their lives to maintain peace in the troubled areas. According to him, this will help boost the morale of the soldiers. "I commend the armed forces operating in Maiduguri for their gallant response to the attack by the Boko Haram on Tuesday evening around 6pm. "A group of Boko Haram insurgents wanted to infiltrate Maiduguri but the armed forces responded swiftly, neutralized and repelled the insurgents. I understand that most of the insurgents were killed."The Army, Airforce, police and the civilian JTF played a very significant role in repelling the insurgents. If such reaction from the armed forces is sustained, the insurgents would be repelled whenever they surface anywhere in the North -East." Ndume also wished the Muslems happy end of Ramadan. Vanguard News Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari; President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; state governors, among others, yesterday congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the completion of this year's Ramadan fast, pleading with them to pray against the security challenges facing the country. Specifically, President Buhari asked Nigerians to pray against kidnapping, banditry and blackmail. According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari in his Eid-el-Fitr message, entitled "On the occasion of Eid," called for unity and solidarity, saying: "On this blessed occasion, I wish that the Eid festival brings with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all. "Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative, especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges, which are surmountable only when we come together as one. "It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages. "We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity. "We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion." Lawan On his part, the Senate President in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Ola Awoniyi, said among others, "Because of the current security and economic challenges, our country, Nigeria, needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers. "I assure us that the government, including the National Assembly, will not waver in its determination to provide robust security in the country that guarantees every law-abiding citizen the liberty to live in peace and pursue legitimate businesses anywhere they choose. "Let us remain strong in our hope that Nigeria will become what we fervently want it to be: a nation that fills its citizens with happiness and pride." Atiku Similarly, former Vice President Abubakar said: "As Muslims, we need to remind ourselves of our obligation to ensuring peace and unity within our family and in our neighbourhood at all times. Today, across Nigeria, there is a scary and growing tendency to mistrust along ethnic and religious lines. "As Muslims, we know from both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) that no tribe or race is superior to another, except the one that seeks piety to the Almighty Allah. "We do not attain piety through hate or blood-letting. We attain piety through forbearance and by sharing love. That is the message that we must give some reflection as we celebrate Eid today." Tinubu Also, Asiwaju Tinubu in his message entitled, "Let righteous acts, efforts of Ramadan continue to guide our actions," among others, said: "We must never condone and tolerate the works and words of those, who would do evil or who would pitch brother against brother, Nigerian against Nigerian. Let us put politics aside and continue to pray to Almighty Allah for our country and all its people. "Let us remember President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in our prayers that they may be given the requisite strength and wisdom to protect the nation, defeat the challenges that confront us and help establish Nigeria as a more prosperous and just land." Lalong Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, NGF, and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to demonstrate faith in the prayers He said God did not make a mistake by creating Nigeria with all its diversities, and would not allow evil to prevail to destroy the country. He said: "Although Nigeria is currently experiencing troubling times, hope must not be lost because hard times do not last forever. The current security situation demands more action from both government and citizens, who must work together to expose bad elements desperate to make Nigeria an unstable entity." Sanwo-Olu Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in his message, among others, said: "Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-Fitri. "For the Muslims, today's celebration is very unique. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 30 days of fasting, prayers and other religious acts. "Ramadan was a period that you denied yourselves the worldly pleasures, turned to your creator for total cleansing and upheld other religious values. "Such values are reaffirmation of your duty to serve one another, helping the poor and the vulnerable in the society, offering gratitude to Allah, showing compassion and generosity among other good deeds that guide your faith." AbdulRazaq Also, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, among others, said: "Going forward, and in the spirit of the holy month we have just exited, I implore everyone to continue to pray and work for peace and tranquility in our country and our state, while the government and citizens play their respective roles to build a better society. "The solution is not in despair. Let us instead look after one another and be deliberate about building a country whose strength truly lies in the diversity and resilience of its people, while shrugging off anything and everything that may tear us apart." Akeredolu Similarly, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, in a message through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, among others, said: "We must pray for Nigeria and our state. The problem of banditry, kidnappings and other activities of criminal elements must be brought to an end. It is time to seek God's face on the issue of insecurity that ravages our nation. "Ramadan entails intense prayers. It also preaches charity, kindness and sacrifice among other moral virtues. I enjoin you to uphold the teachings and lessons of this holy month for the good of the country." Oyetola Also, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State, in his message, said: "I implore Muslims and non-Muslims in Osun to take advantage of today's celebration to offer special prayers for the peace, progress and development of our state and country at large. "Let me also use this opportunity to once again appreciate you all for your support and prayers for our administration, and appeal for more support and understanding as we continue to strive to fulfil our administration's promises and make Osun better than we met it." Abiodun On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, called on Muslim faithful not to do away with love, prayers, unity and harmony. He said "I want to use this opportunity to urge our Muslim brothers and sisters as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, that COVID-19 is still much around. Hence, they should endeavour to observe the safety protocols and guidelines against the pandemic. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Also, they should engage in moderate celebration to mark the end of the fasting. The situation in our dear country calls for sober reflection and prayers. "Therefore, they should not forget to supplicate to the Almighty Allah for peace, tranquility, unity and security in the land. Obi Former governor of Anambra State and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, in a statement by his Media Director, Valentine Obienyem, among others, said: "The Ramadan period presents a great opportunity for Nigerians to devote themselves to the values that unite and bind all citizens in love, while permanently putting behind them all divisive tendencies." He wished all Nigerians happy Sallah celebrations and prayed for enduring peace in a secure and peaceful country." Saraki On his part, immediate past Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the successful completion of this year's Ramadan fasting and the consequent Eid-El-Fitri festival. Saraki in a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser and Head of his Media Office also advised Nigerians to continue with their closeness to Almighty Allah and their prayers for His intervention in the affairs of the country, even after the obligatory fasting period. He noted that Ramadan does not just symbolise having a positive attitude during the fasting period but represents a total change towards becoming good citizens who comply with the law and demonstrate patriotism at all times. He said: "We should refrain from returning to our old habits and become responsible citizens who pray for the country at all times and play our roles in the quest to entrench the fear of God, discipline, unity, development, equity, justice and inclusiveness in the polity. Vanguard News Nigeria A section of elders in Bugisu Sub-region have asked President Museveni to intervene and resolve the impasse surrounding the election of the third king (Umukhuka III) of Bamasaba Cultural Institution. The two parallel cultural leaders, Mr Mike Mudoma from the Buyobo Clan and Mr John Wagabyalire Amuran from Halasi Clan in Sironko District, all claim the throne. They have since failed to reach consensus as directed by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Frank Tumwebaze. During the meeting chaired by Mr Tumwebaze in Kampala on May 4, the two rival groups had agreed to conduct consensus building and other electoral related processes within a week after which the new cultural leader would be elected and thereafter gazetted by the ministry. On May 6, the family of Mwambu, where the third Umukhuka is supposed to hail from, convened a meeting at Mutufu in Sironko District as part of the procedures to reach consensus but Mr Wagabyalire and his supporters boycotted it, saying it was illegal. The cultural institution conducts rotational leadership among three families of Mwambu, Mubuuya and Wanaale. The first cultural leader, Mr Wilson Wamimbi, who was elected in 2010 was from the Wanaale family while the late Bob Mushikori, who was elected in 2015, hailed from the family of Mubuuya. "The purpose of this communication, therefore, is to inform all clan chairmen and the delegates not to attend this illegal meeting," the May 6, 2021, letter signed by Mr Geoffrey Wepondi, the secretary general and right hand man of Mr Wagabyalire, reads. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nevertheless, eight of the nine clan leaders and 10 out of the 14 delegates attended the meeting and endorsed Mr Mudoma for the throne, and forwarded his name to the culture council on May 7. The council also reached consensus and forwarded the name of Mr Mudoma to the speaker of institution, Mr Nelson Wedaira, who also forwarded the name to the general assembly. Mr Wedaira, who led the faction that elected Mr Mudoma as the Umukhuka, has been recognised by government as the legitimate speaker of the institution deputised by his parallel rival for the job, Ms Rose Nelima, a supporter of Mr Wagabyalire. The general assembly sat on May 8 and overwhelmingly voted in favour of Mr Mudoma. Daily Monitor has learnt that officials headed by the chairperson of the culture council, Mr Christopher Bunoti, have since submitted Mr Mudoma's name to the ministry for gazettement despite continued opposition from the faction supporting Mr Wagabyalire. Mr Isaac Masaba, an elder from Makudui Village in Namanyonyi Sub-county, Mbale District, said if President Museveni does not intervene, the confusion will go on. Mr Jacob Magombe, another elder, accused the line ministers and top political leaders in Bugisu of fuelling the standoff by supporting parallel factions. Most of the Opposition leaders in the sub-region, including MPs, pay allegiance to Mr Wagabyalire while those of NRM support Mr Mudoma. "Our MPs are after their selfish interests but I also blame the line ministers, who have been dragging their feet in as far as gazettement is concerned. This gave birth to more confusion," Mr Magombe, said. Rubirizi District locals have decried the continued poor services at Rugazi Health Centre IV. The district, which was carved out of Bushenyi in 2010, has one health centre IV in Bunyaruguru County, which serves about 140,000 people. "I brought here my son who was suffering from malaria two days ago but they told me that there were no drugs and they advised me to buy them from clinics before they could treat my son," Mr Ismail Kanzara, a resident, said on Monday. "After buying drugs for my son's treatment, I was left with no money but health workers wanted money to treat him so I decided to give them my wife's national identity card so that they can treat my son as I look for money," Mr Kanzara said. Ms Annet Kobusingye, a resident of Kicwamba Sub-county, said many people had stopped seeking health services from the facility. "Here drugs might be for the nurses and doctors because they even send you to a specific clinic to buy medicine. I came with Shs20,000 and I had an expectant mother and they told me that they cannot work on the lady without first scanning her," Ms Kobusingye said. She added that her phone was confiscated so that she could settle the bill. "We are suffering a lot because of poor service delivery in our community and people no longer like coming to health facilities because they are not being helped," Ms Kobusingye said. The Rubirizi District Chairperson, Mr Sylvester Agubanshongerera, said the situation can only be improved if the current officer-in-charge of the facility is transferred. "She has led it for a long time and has relaxed. We need to change leadership so that we can put a person who knows about management and we have already discussed about it in the council. The district health officer and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) are aware," Mr Agubanshongerera said. The RDC, Ms Harriet Nakamya, said the officer-in-charge of the facility has not done enough to improve service delivery, adding that the district has given her several warnings. "We are going to arrest the officer-in-charge because we have warned her many times with the District Health Officer. If it is necessary, we shall arrest her as well because this is too much, she is giving the hospital a bad image," Ms Nakamya said last Saturday. "We went to the health centre and there was no health worker, that is very bad. We have two doctors and more than 10 health workers at Rugazi Health Centre IV, who are all paid by government but they all left the hospital because of a party. That is irresponsibility," she said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The facility says The officer-in-charge of Rugazi Health Centre IV, Ms Aidah Nankinga, when contacted declined to comment on the accusations against her and the facility. The assistant medical officer at the facility, Mr Tony Kitamirike, said they serve a big population and the supply of medicine is inadequate. "When they bring drugs in February, they come back in April, by March we do not have drugs. Everything gets used up so fast but for essentials like gloves, we always tell patients to supplement because they are always not enough," Mr Kitamirike said. Minister for Local Government Raphael Magyezi, who visited the health centre last Saturday during the district's belated commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, decried the poor services. "I have seen that drugs, aspirin and everything here is bought, so what does government give people. I want to ask those on health committees of health units to put in a lot of effort in monitoring and supervising services rendered to the people," Mr Magyezi said. He added: "Health workers should improve the way they handle patients. Confiscating a patient's phone so that he can first pay you, is very terrible. We are going to take the matter to the Ministry of Health." Mr Magyezi said it is the role of local governments to monitor and supervise service delivery, adding that some of them were not playing their roles. South African demonstrators march to Parliament to protest against Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri stressed during a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi Wednesday 12/5/2021 the importance of bringing Israeli aggressions on Palestinian lands to a halt. The Egyptian Foreign Minister accentuated the importance of avoiding further escalations. Shoukri highlighted Egypt's keenness on regional stability based on settling issues and conflicts by diplomatic channels and negotiations. He noted that the latest Palestinian-Israeli developments underscored an urgent need for resuming peace efforts at the nearest possible time. A suspected child kidnapper, who disguised herself as a member of the religious apostolic sect was yesterday nabbed in Dangamvura high density suburb by members of the public after a foiled kidnapping attempt. Enraged members of the public meted out instant justice to the lady only identified as Melody. Manicaland police spokesperson, Inspector Luxon Chananda confirmed this incident and said investigations are in progress to ascertain the identity of the woman, who appeared to be insane. The suspect allegedly kidnapped a two-year-old boy and hid the toddler in her church garments before, the mother Ms Shylet Mudengerezwa (20) shouted for help. Members of the public joined in the chase that occurred in maize fields in the Nyamauru section of Dangamvura, Wednesday morning and dragged the suspect to police custody. Members of the public have been pensive as reports of ritual killings being committed by a rutile murderer popularly known as Sharon assaulted the suspect woman who The suspect was only identified as Melody and is believed to be a resident of Area 13 of Dangamvura took to her heels after the child's mother spotted her with the baby. After seeing that the public was closing in on her, the suspect started acting like a mental patient in a bid to attract sympathy, she was subsequently arrested and the baby was taken into the custody of her mother. The suspect was detained at Dangamvura Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon. Questions linger on how the police were unable to arrest suspects who allegedly hurled petrol bombs at vehicles near police stations in view of the recently installed CCTV cameras. Suspected arsonists allegedly attacked Katwe Police Station, Uganda Registration Services Bureau near Central Police Station Kampala, and a vehicle of the former Jinja Resident District Commissioner, Mr Eric Sakwa, at Nakulabye, Kampala, yesterday evening. The suspects are said to have used motorcycles to escape. Katwe and Central police stations have mini monitoring centres manned by officers full time. They are supposed to alert the security team on the ground as soon as any incident happens. By press time, police hadn't arrested any suspect or obtained credible clues on their whereabouts. Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said they recovered objects that were used to hurl flammable liquid. "These exhibits and the CCTV footage will help us in the investigations," Mr Owoyesigyire said. While launching CCTV camera project in 2018, President Museveni said they would help arrest criminals in real time. There have been a spate of suspected petrol bomb attacks against government vehicles and police stations since last year, which the security agencies claim are carried out by the supporters of the National Unity Platform. However, Opposition have since denied any involvement in the attacks but allege that the incidents are stage managed to act as a pretext to arrest their supporters as well as justifying military deployments. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. On Monday, suspected arsonists hurled a petrol bomb at Katwe Police Station at around 7:30pm. Mr Owoyesgyire said officers were not harmed and no property was destroyed. Another incident happened at Amamu House parking lot 50 metres from Central Police Station on George Street where two vehicles were hurled petrol bombs at. The vehicles were damaged by the fire. Police said eyewitnesses saw men on a motorcycle hurl an object on the car before fleeing the scene past 9pm. However, George Street is located in an area that is covered by CCTV cameras. Another incident happened at Nakulabye Township where Mr Sakwa's official car was attacked with a petrol bomb at around 9pm. On Thursday, police promised heavy deployment along major metropolitan roads to stop attacks on motorists after two vehicles were hit with petrol bombs at Kireka Township, Kira Municipality. Four people, including two teenagers, are said to have targeted private cars with petrol bombs at Kireka. Police haven't yet arrested any suspect. Malaria has been the leading cause of death in Gulu District in the past one year, a report has revealed . The report released by the district health department shows that a total of 1,229 medical fatalities were registered of which 105 were caused by malaria, 82 by anaemia, pneumonia (80), and respiratory distress (71). Others were neonatal sepsis (65), cardiovascular disease (57), acute sepsis (44), congenital malformations (30), injuries (35) while other causes were at 604. Mr William Onyai, the district health educator, told this newspaper at the weekend that people are not using mosquito nets, and are ignoring malaria. "We won't stop registering deaths and high cases of the disease unless attitudes are changed," Mr Onyai said. He also said the majority of the people who died were taken to the hospital in severe condition because many initially opted for self-medication which made it hard to save them. In the 2018/2019 Financial Year, Gulu District registered malaria as the top cause of morbidity with 202,109 cases which translate to 27 per cent of total diagnosis (748,379) conducted in the same year in all public and private health facilities across the district. In the same year, malaria accounted for 29.3 per cent of all morbidity cases in children under five years whereas it polled second at 5.7 per cent slightly under Anemia (6.7 per cent) as the top cause of mortality throughout the district in the same year. However, in the 2019/2020 Financial Year, malaria mortality rate stood at 18.7 per cent (60 deaths), lower than 45.6 per cent in 2015/2016. In the 2016/2017 Financial Year, the malaria cases stood at 43.5 per cent and 18.9 per cent in 2017/2018. Drug resistance A month ago, researchers at Gulu University discovered that chemicals applied during the Indoor Residual Spray exercise by the Ministry of Health in Northern Uganda were no longer killing the mosquitoes. Dr Richard Echodu, one of the investigators, said the mosquitoes have adapted to living with those chemicals and developed resistance against the insecticides used in the exercise. Samples for the research were collected from Gulu, Kitgum, Agago, Oyam districts that had the highest prevalence of malaria including Moroto and Abim districts of Karamoja sub-region. Prof Elizabeth Opiyo, the principal investigator, said a total of 500 (two-five days old) adult female anopheles reared from larva/pupal collections from various breeding sites were exposed to tests to establish their susceptibility. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Malaria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "In areas where we have seen there is resistance, definitely, we need to rotate and use other different classes of insecticides than the one in use now because the mosquitoes have developed resistance to pyrethroids, it can be bicarbonates or organophosphates," Prof Opiyo said. Although the ministry says a total of 25,000 Ugandans, who visit health facilities daily, are diagnosed with malaria, figures obtained from Malaria Consortium indicated that Northern Uganda has experienced a drop in the number of infections recorded per month. According to the ministry, clinically diagnosed malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 30-50 per cent of outpatient visits at health facilities, 15-20 per cent of all hospital admissions, and up to 20 per cent of all hospital deaths. A 35-year-old man has appeared in the Mariental Magistrate's Court on a charge of raping his girlfriend last week Wednesday. Kassidy Kariseb allegedly raped his lover next to a railway line at Mariental, and after the act allegedly assaulted her with stones. The incident is claimed to have taken place after the couple had arrived at Mariental, where they had travelled to from Keetmanshoop. Kariseb appeared in court before magistrate Jo-Rina Jagger on Tuesday. Public prosecutor Victor Mutumbulwa opposed the granting of bail, saying the state had a fear that Kariseb might interfere with investigations and that releasing him was also not in the interest of the public. He further said the complainant in the matter had fears about her safety, should Kariseb be released from police custody. Kariseb has applied for legal aid. His case has been postponed to 15 July. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe are faced with a major operational challenge emanating from the high cost of commercial renting. How commercial rentals are being increased on a monthly basis leaves one to wonder if the real estate sector is not an avenue being used to disrupt the Government's economic development agenda. The following questions need to be asked: Who owns most of the commercial properties in our cities and towns? Why is it that there is no legal framework to regulate commercial renting? Why is it that each time a statutory instrument governing the sector is gazetted, there is an outcry from some sections of the media that the government is interfering with property rights? With the way commercial rentals are being increased willy-nilly, is this not going to affect the Government's ambitions of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030? There is need for the Government to move with speed and restore order in the real estate sector. The exploitation by the real estates is not in sync with sustainable business principles and ethics. During the colonial era, the colonial settlers were constructing building stock that were enough for the settler community. As a result of stagnation in commercial urban development, unlike housing, there is inadequate space for current SMEs to operate from. And invariably, the costs thereof due to market forces always become out of reach for the SMSs. As a result, you find an SME operator moving around selling wares with his body operating as a warehouse, storeroom and showroom, or selling from a car boot, Whatsapp group, residential places and pavements. The growth point models have contributed immensely to black empowerment as most of the properties are owned by indigenous Zimbabweans and the rentals in such semi-urban areas are within the reach of SMEs. The argument being put across is that when most cities and towns were being established during the colonial era, they were developed according to statutory instruments that benefited few capitalists, hence segregation against the indigenous people in owning commercial properties in central business districts. The poor urban planning and development model in most cities has hampered an opportunity for most indigenous people to construct commercial buildings in cities and towns. This has maintained the foreign-based cartels that are controlling commercial buildings in our cities and towns. Some real estates operating in Zimbabwe have taken advantage of the lapse in the enforcement of Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019 and the Monetary Policy Statement of 2021 which compels rental from commercial properties to be paid in both the Zimbabwe dollar and foreign currency using the official exchange rate. In cities like Masvingo, Harare, Bulawayo, to mention a few, business commercial property rentals have been skyrocketing, putting more pressure on the businesses, hence resulting in a sharp increase of prices of basic commodities, as operators try to cover for the rentals. The real estates are demanding rentals in United States dollars only from their tenants who are largely composed of small to medium enterprises. Lease agreements do exist, but most of the SMEs are forced to sign them because there is no other better option to operate from. Demanding commercial rentals in the United States dollars only and rejecting payments using the Zimbabwean dollar is illegal and a ploy to jeopardise government efforts in reviving the economy. Such illegal practices by the real estates sector is increasing the demand of the US dollar on the market, therefore, putting more pressure on the Zimbabwe dollar, hence subsequently weakening its value. It has been estimated that due to the high cost of commercial rentals, about 65 percent of small and medium businesses do not last beyond 12 months. Those that are resilient are having their profits being eroded by the rentals. If the SMEs fail to pay rentals in United States dollars mainly because they transact their goods in the Zimbabwe dollar, the real estates are quick to evict them, as well as confiscate their goods in compensation for the rentals. The most pertinent question is: Who will protect the SMEs that are operating within the confines of the law? Demanding payment in US dollar has had a huge negative impact on Zimbabwe's economic development as the small to medium scale enterprises are forced to channel working capital to meet the high cost of rental obligations. Zimbabwe as a country is likely going to miss some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals if commercial rentals are not regulated. The other effect is that the cost of goods is likely to rise as operators battle to raise funds to meet the rental obligations. If commercial rentals are not regulated, Zimbabwe is mostly likely to witness a scaling down in business operations as operators are forced to shut down and try their hands elsewhere where conditions are favourable. The described scenarios will hurt the economy of Zimbabwe as many SMEs operators are likely to go out of business, affecting their employees. The Government will suffer losses in taxes too, as many SMEs are now paying presumptive taxes. Yes, a free-market economy is attainable, but some economic sectors need a guided operation framework for the country to achieve a broader economic development spectrum. It is good that the Government is encouraging a private sector led economy, but there are some areas that need regulation to ensure capitalists do not take advantage of the people. The government's interests are about the people, yet the private sector is interested in exploiting the people for its benefits. Even with a conducive business operating environment that was created by the New Dispensation, the business sector is still playing some hide and seek games. A free-market economy needs a change of mindset among the captains of business in Zimbabwe, who appear more focused on lining their pockets more than enhancing the livelihoods of the people who are sustaining those businesses. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Company By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. A free-market economy is never possible when we have less than six regional and international supermarkets that are controlling the whole food supply chain. It's a story for another day! The Government must move with speed to regulate commercial rentals to promote a sustainable and inclusive business environment, as people must be at the centre of economic development. This can be a cocktail of measures that guide the real estate sector when it comes to charging rentals. If the Government and financial institutions can avail loans SMEs as a financial inclusion mechanism, this can help uplift the small businesses. But this has to be done together with measures to align commercial rentals, others the loans will be diverted towards the rentals. Regulating commercial rentals will come as a relief to the business community and subsequently develop the small-medium enterprise sector. In conclusion, it must be pointed out that there no justification for high commercial rentals, as they end up stifling the growth of small businesses. The real estate sector is not justified at all in maintaining the restrictive rentals, and the only explanation for the actions is that the players are being pushed by greed and some hidden political agendas. Happison Chikova is studying for an MSc in Global Food Security and Nutrition with the University of Edinburgh. He holds a BSc Honours Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Midlands State University. Ganta An international organization, Action Against Hunger, with funding from Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) has donated a brand new Toyota Ambulance to the Ministry of Health through the Nimba County Health Team. The donation was made at the Nimba County Health Team offices in Sanniquellie, Nimba County recently as part of efforts geared towards mitigating the spread of the virus and helping to contain it. Nimba County is among three selected counties (Montserrado, Margibi & Nimba) where the AFD emergency response to COVID-19 project is being implemented. Action Against Hunger's Emergency Coordinator, Rachel Jlateh said the donation of the ambulance is among several deliverables of the project to county health team and will continue to support county. She recounted Action Against Hunger support to the county health team prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, including supporting the county health team on the nutritious project and UNICEF lead project. "After the outbreak, we came out with a proposal and a project which started July, 2020 and will be ending June, 2021," she said. "We have been working in Nimba and it has been unique because there is no other partner working with the county health team so we been implementing COVID-19 project, which include health support with infection, prevention and control," Madam Jlateh said. Madam Jlateh said some of the deliverables included support to staff, support to COVID-19 Surveillance and distribution of infection, prevention and control to health centers and the project will continue until July of this year. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Health Aid and Assistance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nimba County Health Officer, Dr. Netty Joe expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for identifying Action Against Hunger to support the health team against COVID-19. "A good referral in the county requires reflection on capacity to handle emergency. We have few ambulances but most of them are down now. If we spend money, after one month, it's down. Most of our funding is used to repair ambulance. Sometimes, when you give our financial report, people are more concerned about money used to repair ambulance," Dr. Joe said. Dr. Joe said Action Against Hunger continues to be strategic in terms of its support and sees the donation of the ambulance as a dream comes true, and promised to ensure that the ambulance is used for its intended purpose. However, according to report, of the total number of 2113 confirmed cases in Liberia since the outbreak, Nimba County accounts for 72 confirmed cases with 11 death, and 61 recoveries, thus making her one of the epic centers of the virus. Nimba County quickly became a county of concentration due to its proximity with Guinea, Ivory Coast where high cases of COVID have been reported boarding country with Ivory Coast and Guinea. The current AFD emergency Response to COVID 19 , aims to flatten the curve of the pandemic and provide more time for response and smoothen the impact for the most vulnerable and at-risk groups. The project aims to reduce COVID-19 incidence among health workers and in the general population, ensure the continuity of the health services, reduce fear and miss-information, increase hand washing practices, and ensure that the households at risk have a social safety net during quarantine and the wider epidemic period. Monrovia At least 15 Liberian journalists representing electronic and print media houses have converged in Monrovia to undergo a five-month mentoring program aimed at combating COVID-19 related misinformation and other forms of human rights violations in the country, especially during the course of the fight against the pandemic. The initiative is under the auspices of the "Mobilizing Media to Fighting COVID-19 (MMFC) project" initiated by Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), a Canada-based charity organization. JHR and its sponsors believe that trusted local journalists can play a critical role in communicating accurate public health measures and in combating what is now known as infodemic of misinformation--a thought that gave birth to the project. The launch of the project, which officially took place on Thursday, May 6 in Monrovia, will have the story ideas of journalists selected through a Call for Pitches from across the country while liaising with two media trainers with knowledge on human rights reporting, gender sensitive writing, fact-checking among others. The two trainers had received initial trainings from JHR mentors based in South Africa and Kenya. The two Mentors for the project are William Q. Harmon of the Daily Observer Newspaper and Gerald C. Koinyeneh of FrontPage Africa with Gloria T. Tamba of Spoon FM/TV, who is out of the country, contributing to the initiative from afar. Speaking at the opening of the three-day training exercise, the president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Charles Coffey said that there are a lot of human rights abuses ongoing in the country, especially through attacks, harassments, intimidations and coercions by powerful people. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Liberia Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr. Coffey noted that powerful people in the society do a lot to abuse the masses. "If you were to go places across this country, especially towns and villages in our rural areas, you will identify countless human rights abuses," he said, adding, "But let it be established here that as media practitioners, you will be unable to identify those abuses if you do not have the requisite training that would serve as an opener or guide for you. We all need to know what human rights are and what constitutes the abuse of those rights." He continued: "This is why this training is so much important. We want to appreciate the JHR and her collaborating partners for initiating such a program. This will be of great help to our journalists in particular and the society in general." The PUL president stated that the media is the watchdog and it most watch over everything, especially how the country's resources are used to benefit the people Though political issues are the concentration of most journalists and media houses, he said there should be some shift or consideration in looking at human rights abuses across the country. "If a community lacks safe drinking water and there are funds allotted in the national budget for such a purpose but nothing is being done and those residents are constrained to fetch water from the creeks and rivers to drink... then their rights are being violated. We need to pursue these kinds of stories and bring them to light. Our people deserve better," he said. Seguin, Texas (78155) Today A mix of clouds and sun. Hot and humid. High 91F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 75F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Hwange Two people drowned while two others escaped after a vehicle they were travelling in developed a mechanical fault and fell off a bridge along the ruined Deka road which connects Hwange to Msuna on the Zambezi River. The incident happened on Tuesday evening on Deka river bridge. Villagers living along Deka have appealed to authorities to urgently rehabilitate the road and the bridge across Deka river which is now a death trap. The owner of the car, Mike Ndlovu and a woman only identified as Fatima died on the spot while Xolisani, a friend to Ndlovu who was on the wheel and another passenger reportedly survived. There were four occupants in the vehicle which reportedly developed a suspension problem while approaching the bridge, resulting in the driver failing to control it. The vehicle veered off and fell into the water where it was submerged, trapping the occupants inside. It is not yet clear how the survivors escaped before swimming out of the water, leaving the deceased trapped. Police retrieved the body of Ndlovu and Fatima on Wednesday. According to a report made to the police, the Toyota Chaser belonged to Ndlovu and his friend Xolisani also known as Ubbie was driving. A village head Godfrey Dube said Deka road is in a bad state and needs urgent attention. "I was at the scene when the bodies were retrieved. It was a male and a female. The road and bridge were temporarily closed as the search for the bodies was conducted until they were retrieved from underneath the water. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "This road is bad, companies have destroyed it completely and now driving along the road damages vehicles and at the same time puts people's lives in danger. It is now a death trap," said Dube. Villagers in Deka, Makwa, Mzuna and Chief Hwange area have been making noise about the road at various fora while appealing to authorities to help force Chinese companies operating in the area to rehabilitate it. Chief Hwange recently said driving along the road was a nightmare. "This road is bad and driving to my homestead which is only 10km now takes close to an hour and damages cars," he said. Last year, two people died at the same bridge after a vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road and fell into a ditch near the bridge after hitting a pothole. Families from Pietermaritzburg say their relatives' graves are being desecrated in preparation for a land occupation. Many graves around the sites are no longer visible. The municipality says it is investigating the matter and is seeking legal remedy. The community of Azalea in Pietermaritzburg are calling for the Msunduzi municipality to intervene after a group began clearing graves and occupying sites in the local cemetery. Residents claim that plots in the cemetery are being sold illegally to people from Hammarsdale and Richmond for around R30,000, depending on the size. GroundUp has not found proof of such sales, but did see demarcated sites at the cemetery. We saw several people checking on their families' graves. Skhanyiso Zuma, from Pata location, said he was shocked when he visited his father's grave a few weeks ago and discovered that it was demolished and a plot had been marked out over it. He said, "The selling of the land started during the hard lockdown last year. While people were staying at home, the land was being sold. It became worrying because we would see tractors busy." "How can you buy a site in a cemetery? Even if you are not from this area, it is clear that this is a grave site. There are graves everywhere," said Zuma. He said, "I am a traditional man who believes that visiting a grave is my culture ... My father's grave is no longer there. I can't show my children the grave because it doesn't exist now. This is heartbreaking ... People are invading the graves of our ancestors and it is unacceptable." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Legal Affairs Land and Rural Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Bernard Mtolo said that a site has been marked out near his wife's grave. She died in 1995 after giving birth to their twins. "Those selling the land of the dead are greedy for money," he said. "The whole grave site is being invaded and it's escalating. We grew up knowing that we must respect the dead. What is happening here is heartless. The community must work together to put a stop to this inhuman behaviour," said Mtolo. Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson Thobeka Mafumbatha said the matter is being investigated. Mafumbatha urged residents with information about the occupation to immediately alert the municipality. "We can even go as far as opening a criminal case with the help of our legal team. We have to inform our legal section to facilitate a process of applying for a court order regarding this area," said Mafumbatha. Willowfontein ward councillor Thabiso Molefe (ANC) said, "I wrote a letter to the municipality reporting what is happening there. People who are trading the land are doing it on their own. It is barbaric. They are not sent by any ward councillor or any ward committee. I need to make that clear." Within the past 3 months in Kaduna state, military troops have neutralised 64 bandits and arrested several gunrunners disturbing peace in communities. However, 323 persons were killed and 949 kidnapped by bandits in various communities across the state, within the period. This was announced on Friday by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, at an emergency security meeting in the state capital. Aruwan, while presenting a report on the security situation in the state for the first quarter of 2021, said the report was on nefarious activities such as banditry, kidnapping, cattle-rustling, attacks, and reprisal attacks. He said the report also covered the aerial missions conducted over-identified bandit hideouts and locations across the State. He said during the mission, "multiple scores of bandits were engaged and neutralised, with their camps destroyed." "Deaths linked to banditry, violent attacks, communal clashes, and reprisals in the first quarter total 323 across the State. Of this, 20 were women and 11 were minors." "Out of the 323 citizens killed, 292 were males. All 236 of the total deaths occurred in Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi, Giwa, and Kajuru LGAs. "Birnin Gwari recorded the highest figure of 77 deaths, followed by Chikun with 52, Igabi 45, Giwa 42, Kajuru 20 deaths in the first quarter. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Southern Kaduna Senatorial District had 68 deaths in total, of which 5 were women and two below the age of 18. " Kajuru had 28 deaths, followed by Zangon Kataf with 14 and Kagarko with 12 "And the Northern senatorial zone is the least affected with 19 people killed and Zaria has the highest casualty of six. "As earlier highlighted, 64 armed bandits were neutralised during engagements with ground forces. "Multiple scores of bandits were neutralised via about 150 targeted aerial missions conducted by the Niger Airforce. These missions were initiated based on Credible intelligence of bandit activity and locations of camps, which were targeted and destroyed. "Several gunrunners have been intercepted and arrested with arms and ammunition recovered in the first quarter. 36 AK47 Rifles, 1959 rounds of live ammunition and one rocket-propelled grenade were recovered. "Vigorous investigations are ongoing towards dismantling more gun-running networks and block arms routes into the State, as these are central to the perpetuation of violence and armed banditry, through the trade in small arms and light weapons". The state government reiterated its empathy towards individuals and groups who have suffered a terrible loss and untold hardship as a result of violence and insecurity in the state. The government also resolved to intensify efforts towards enduring peace and security across the state. Vanguard News Nigeria Yahya Jammeh at the last celebration of his accession to power on 22 July 2016. Eleven years earlier, on the same celebration day, he is suspected to have had a direct role in the execution of more than fifty West African migrants. analysis Banjul This week in Gambia, the Truth Commission is ending probing the lawyers who established and entrenched the Yahya Jammeh dictatorship, without having called some of the most interesting witnesses. One of the elephants in the room is the outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda. Continuing the work started three weeks earlier on former ruler Yahya Jammeh's judicial auxiliaries, Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) continued to go back in time by confronting a selection of former Ministers of Justice, chosen from among the 18 appointed in twenty years of dictatorship. In July 1994, when Jammeh took over the country, his junta accused the previous regime of "rampant corruption" and promised a new era of "probity" and "accountability". But swiftly, dozens of former government officials, facing charges of graft, were arrested along with security officers who resisted the "revolution" or were suspected of counter-coup. There was little due process. To legitimize abuses, the military hired the services of Gambia's legal minds. A plethora of decrees ensued, granting soldiers' so-called Executive Council lawmaking and even judicial powers and making the courts unable to question their actions. "It could have been worse" One of Jammeh's long-lasting justice ministers was Joseph Henry Joof. He held the position from January 2001 to November 2003. Months before his nomination, Ebrima Barry, a student, was allegedly beaten to death by members of the Fire and Rescue Services. Shortly afterwards, a girl named Binta Manneh, a student athlete from Brikama Ba, was reportedly raped by a security officer. Students took to the street demanding justice. The repression of that demonstration would kill 14 of them, injuring dozens of others. Joof sat in the inquiry Commission opened to investigate the events. Vital witnesses were not called, nor the command responsibility - which the TRRC established to have come from Jammeh. On April 26, Joof was in the hot seat before the Truth Commission: - There is nowhere in the report where it is stated that the orders came from the President to shoot at the students, TRRC counsel Mariama Singhateh put to him. - We were interested in the evidence... So, a lot of them said it was from above. They did not mention his name directly, said Joof. - In simple terms, you are telling that you were just interested in those who shot the students and not those who gave orders? - We set out to look into that, but the evidence was not sufficient... In January 30, 2001, Jammeh appointed Joof as Justice Minister, thus making it his responsibility to advise on issues relating to his own inquiry. Joof said he drafted a cabinet paper requesting for the students to be compensated but the president objected. "He was misguided, because he felt that the armed forces did not do anything wrong," said Joof. But at the same time, the same Joof went ahead to amend the 1982 Indemnity Act - to indemnify the security forces. - Do you have any regrets? asked Commissioner Mustapha Kah. - What? retorted Joof, who also claimed his human rights background. - All these amendments including the Indemnity Act? - I was very proud to serve my country... I was not serving Jammeh. If some of us did not get in there, it could have been worse... I never regretted that. The Islamic republic Mama Fatima Singhateh was Jammeh's Justice Minister twice, from August 2013 to August 2014 and from January 2015 until the end of the regime, in December 2017. She was one of Jammeh's few ministers who refused to abandon him. She was in charge when Jammeh decided to turn Gambia into an "Islamic state", with no change in the laws and Constitution. Singhateh testified on April 29, before a Truth Commission unconvinced by her claim that she advised Jammeh about the unconstitutionality of his declaration: - It was your responsibility as the adviser to advise [Jammeh] according to the Supreme law of the land which is the constitution, observed TRRC Counsel Haddy Dandeh Jabbie. - I hear you but what you should know is that even though I am the principal legal adviser, the President has many advisers. So, if my advice as a lawyer is in conflict with religious advice, knowing that this is what he wants, there is no way that he would accept my advice... However at the time, despite major legal problems, Jammeh's ministers including Singhateh were referring to the country as the "Islamic Republic of the Gambia". Singhateh was also in office when, in April, 2016, an opposition activist, Ebrima Solo Sandeng, disappeared in state custody. Members of the opposition United Democratic Party took to the street demanding his body "dead or alive". Subsequently, several supporters were arrested and leaders put on trial. They were, documented the TRRC, denied bail for a bailable offence while their colleagues were reportedly brutalized in detention. Both the National Intelligence Agency, where Sandeng was reportedly killed, and Gambia's High Court, where the trials took place, share fences with Singhateh's office, but she appears to know little in that case. - Weren't they entitled to bail? asked TRRC Counsel Haddy Dandeh Jabbie. - Of course, it is a bailable offence, is it not? replied Singhatey. - Isn't it correct that you advised the director of public prosecution to oppose bail? - That is not true. - That is the information we have. - That is false information - In any event, he did oppose bail even though it was a bailable offence. - I am not aware of that... - Gambia's human rights records under you was poor, later commented counsel Jabbie. - Most of the so-called violations that happened were not within my knowledge. It would have been nice for these things to be brought to my attention by my colleagues and so-called human rights defenders... I had an open-door policy," retorted Singhatey. Bensouda, one of the 'yes-women' From very early on in Jammeh's leadership, with first Minister of Justice Fafa Edrissa Mbai and first Solicitor General Amie Bensouda, to the last moments, with Singhatey, for Gambians Jammeh's abuses would not have been possible without 'yes-men' or women at the Justice Ministry. But among his faithful servants, there may be those who have not yet been called or perhaps will never be called. One of them is the current outgoing International Criminal Court prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, who was Jammeh's Justice Minister from July 1998 to March 2000 and has been accused of either involvement or knowledge of human rights violations. "I have no doubt that she has committed infractions and displayed biases in favor of her boss (Jammeh)," said Sidi Sanneh, a Gambian political and social commentator. Justice Info has gathered a new testimony alleging Bensouda's judicial interference in a case that has been brought before the TRRC. It follows others that have been made public and which point in the same direction. Lamin J. Darboe, who was a senior magistrate at Brikama Magistrate Court, told Justice Info that in 1999 four men came before him including the late Imam of Brikama Alhaji Karamo Touray, charged for allegedly demolishing a mosque. Evidence before the Commission showed that it was a typical Jammeh-era tactic to bring charges against innocent people or charge them in a wrong court, to justify an incarceration. The fact is that Imam Touray, known to be close to Jammeh's most fierce opponent Ousainou Darboe, was being persecuted for his opinions. In January, 2020, three people familiar with this saga including the Imam's son Alfusainey Touray, detailed the case before the Truth Commission. Alfusainey was working for the National Intelligence Agency at the time. When the case was transferred to Brikama's court, the Imam was already, with three others, in the infamous Mile 2 prison for eight months before Lamin Darboe acquitted and discharged him. "With a truckload of armed paramilitary personnel surrounding the Court premises, it was a dramatic day at Brikama," Darboe told Justice Info. Bensouda "called to protest my decision" "Although terrified, I was clear about my responsibility as a judicial officer sworn on oath to impartially apply the laws of the Gambia." However, Bensouda "called to protest my decision", he said, and proceeded to report to the Chief Justice "who instructed the Judicial Secretary to oversee the dispute". "The Judicial Secretary ordered an apology to the Minister [Bensouda] and I refused," said Darboe in an interview with Justice Info on May 9. "On the very next morning, I received a direct call from the Honourable Minister of Justice. She claimed my decision put her under a 'lot of pressure' and demanded information on why I acquitted and discharged the defendants. I told her to read the record. She demanded to know whether I even read the file, and yet again, I suggested she consult the record. Stunned, the Minister of Justice angrily demanded if I knew who I was talking to. With all due respect, I said, you know what to do if you don't like my decision. She hung up!" According to a 1999 report Amnesty International asked the government to "clarify the reasons for the arrests of the Imam and others in Brikama and to end their incommunicado detention. No response was received". The first time Darboe went public with this information was 2012 when Bensouda reportedly told Aljazeera in an exclusive interview "quite frankly that my work as Justice Minister has never been interfered with". But this apparently evaded the Truth Commission in their current hearings on judicial interference. "If (Mama Fatima) Singhateh was harassed over ideological and philosophical positions why not someone who directly interfered in a judicial process to the extent of threatening a magistrate?" asked Darboe to Justice Info. Non-interference in a murder case The outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court served Jammeh as a justice minister and an attorney general from 31 July 1998 to March 2000. Prior to that, she was a prosecutor in Banjul, in February 1994, five months before the coup d'etat that brought Jammeh to power. She was 33 years old. By 1995, she was Deputy Director of Prosecutions, and then promoted to Principal State Counsel the following year. This was a rather meteoric rise for this young magistrate during the Jammeh regime. During that time, Batch Samba Jallow and Sainey Faye were arrested for reportedly protesting against the Junta before the American embassy. Jallow - who appeared before the Commission in January, 2019, and Faye who appeared February 2019 - both said they were wrongly accused and detained without enough evidence to prove their guilt, as Justice Info reported last year. As well as abusing due process and the law, the TRRC has documented how Jammeh used the security forces to maim and kill, often in his own inner circle. Such was the case in January 2000, two months before Bensouda left office, when Lt. Almamo Manneh, a soldier perceived to be close to Jammeh and implicated in 1995 in the torture of political detainees, was allegedly arrested on the orders of Ousman Sonko, a former Interior Minister currently in pre-trial detention in Switzerland, and others. According to Lalo Jaiteh, a former bodyguard who appeared before the TRRC in September 2019, Manneh was murdered in cold blood. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Justice Minister Bensouda took no public action in relation to this matter. Manneh's body was not restituted to his family for burial and no one was held accountable for the murder. He was reportedly buried at Yundum barracks but the Truth Commission's exhumation team couldn't find his body. Ongoing press freedom violations The ex-minister has also been accused of failing to act over violations of human rights and press freedom during her two-year mandate. In January 1999, almost six months after Bensouda was appointed, Amnesty International summed upGambia's human rights records in these few sentences: "At least 20 prisoners of conscience were held for short periods. At least three prisoners were reportedly tortured. Three military prisoners were sentenced to death. There were no investigations into past human rights violations." There were also a number of press freedom violations that year and the next. In February 1998, Boubacar Gaye and Ebrima Sillah, two journalists of the radio station Citizen FM, were arrested. The following day Citizen FM was shut down and deprived of its licence. In late August, when Bensouda was minister, the court ruled that Citizen FM would remain closed and fined the two men for "operating a radio station without licence". The radio remained close throughout 1999. Then the government lawyers failed to turn up in court and a new magistrate was appointed to hear the case, which prolonged the radio's closure. The Ministry of Justice, under Bensouda, also ordered The Independent newspaper to cease operations for failing to register its business name with the Commissioner of Income Tax. When the managing editor, Alagi Yorro Jallow, tried to pay the registration fee on 27 July 1999, he was told that the Commissioner of Income Tax had been ordered not to accept his payment. In June, a month before Bensouda's appointment, a Nigerian freelance journalist with the Daily Observer was detained and deported from the Gambia. According to Amnesty International, until March 1999, immigration officers conducted open surveillance of The Daily Observer, in a policy of intimidation aimed at non-Gambian journalists. In August, after her appointment, the editor of Daily Observer Demba Ali Jawo, who was the President of the Gambia Press Union, and his managing director Theophilus George were arrested and detained for two days. Their arrests followed the publication of an article which the government claimed threatened security, about a wall that collapsed at President Yahya Jammeh's residence, revealing military equipment. These violations, and many more, were presented before the Truth Commission by the Gambia Press Union Secretary General Saikou Jammeh in July 2019. The chances that Gambians will hear Bensouda shed light on these events is dwindling. The TRRC hearings have entered their final phase, with the commission expected to submit its final report to the country's president in July. The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has taken a swipe at some organizations and social commentators who have launched attacks on the members of the Parliamentary Public Affairs Committee (PAC) for rejecting the appointment of Ombudsman Martha Chizuma as the new Director General (DG) of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa argues that attacking and demonizing statutory committees and constitutional offices when some sectors of the society are not happy with the decisions they have made in relation to their mandate and laws governing them and the republican constitution is a breeding ground for dictatorship. Namiwa adds that attacks and demonizing of PAC and its membership defeats the very same purpose for which it was established and the separation of power. The CDEDI boss has made the sentiments in a statement issued in Blantyre today. Namiwa wonders why Chizuma's rejection has caused public when she is not the first one whose appointment PAC has rejected to confirm. He cited the recent rejection of Atuweni Juwaweyi Abermodji as DG for the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA). "CDEDI does not side and support any conduct or actions that pose a threat to the survival of our democracy and interfere with the rule of law. In the interest of transparency and accountability, CDEDI would like to inform the public that we already wrote Madam Chimuza on April 30th, 2021, congratulating her for coming out successful in the strenuous interviews and her subsequent approval by the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. In the letter, CDEDI did challenge Chizuma to desist from the tendency of applying the law very selectively, a route that she seemingly took by focusing on the ills of the immediate past ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and those associated with it," reads part of the letter. In its congratulatory message, CDEDI outlined a number of issues to the fearless Ombudsman, which were waiting for her on her desk as the new ACB Director. They included the unanswered questions surrounding the plunder of the MK6.2 Billion Covid-19 funds; the now forgotten 6th July independence celebrations expenditure report, which Chakwera promised to make it available to Malawians within a month; the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) fuel supply scandal; the State House Crossroads Hotel accommodation scandal and the dubious awarding of contracts of unjustifiable huge amounts of money to very suspicious contractors by the current administration; among other issues. Thus, Namiwa believes all the insults and backlash on PAC are uncalled for, unwarranted, unjustifiable, and very bad for democracy and should not be condoned at any cost. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Governance Corruption By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Let us respect the rule of law by acknowledging the separation of powers. Madam Chizuma is just a victim of deep trenched corruption in the country in both the previous and the Tonse Alliance Administration because looking at the composition of PAC, it is very clear that Tonse Alliance Government enjoys majority membership thereof. It means both the ruling and the opposition camps are not comfortable with Chizuma. We should, therefore, be afraid as country, because we have a crop of MPs in parliament who are paying lip service on the war against corruption, and that includes the current Tonse Alliance administration," he alleges. Namiwa further argues that as much as there is politics involved in the issue, PAC members did not break any law since they have used their conscious to rate Chizuma, stressing that this is the very same yardstick they used to measure all other appointees in the past. "CDEDI would like to warn Malawians of good will to be vigilant all the time to stand up against all unpopular decisions that have the potential to drag the country back into dictatorship. We should also let all the statutory committees and constitutional offices to discharge their duties without undue pressure and unnecessary influence! Finally, as a nation, we should at all cost desist from emotional appeals when dealing with matters of national importance," he concludes. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has given PAC seven days to redo the interview and confirm Chizuma's appointment or face nationwide demonstrations. Chinese owned tile making company Sunny Yi Feng has dismissed social media reports that two of its employees who died recently were assaulted to death. Last week, social media was abuzz with reports that employers at the Norton based company had assaulted to death two of its employees. In an interview with 263Chat, Blessing Matakura company human resources assistant said the deaths were as a result of occupational accidents. "We had two deaths at the factory but both were accidents which occurred 7 weeks apart. The first one was that of a tri-cycle where a passenger fell from the cycle after the driver failed to negotiate a curve leading to the tri-cycle landing on the left side and partially landing on him. He was taken to hospital unfortunately he passed on at Norton hospital," said Matakura. The second incident involved a twenty two year old man who succumbed to injuries after being trapped on a conveyor belt. "The second one was an industrial accident which occurred in the factory so this guy was applying grease on a conveyor belt roller. The other guy who was working within is not sure of how it happened. There are suggestions that he might have been applying the grease without doing the proper procedures so may be the iron bar which he was using was trapped. "He was taken to Parirenyatwa hospital and those who ferried him were talking to him unfortunately he died at the hospital, that's how the accidents happened. Everything that happens here is reported to the police and these two incidents were reported," he said. According to a post mortem report gleaned by 263Chat, the second victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the accident and no foul play is suspected. The company footed all the funeral bills with the victims' family expected to get compensation. The recently constructed 923-metre-long rail and road Kazungula bridge, linking Zambia and Botswana, was inaugurated on Monday in an effort to boost bilateral and regional trade. The bridge across the Zambezi River, co-financed by the two governments, is expected to boost trade and commerce between the two countries as well as increase economic activities and prospects of other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, DRC and Mozambique. The US$260 million (about N$3.6 billion at today's exchange rate) Kazungula Bridge, jointly commissioned by Zambian President Edgar Lungu and his Botswana counterpart Mokgweetsi Masisi, incorporates a one-stop border infrastructure to better facilitate trade between the two countries and the entire southern African region. Also present at Monday's inauguration were Namibia Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba and Eswatini Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku. Other dignitaries to witness the event were SADC Chairperson and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The event was also witnessed by African Union (AU) Chairperson and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi. At Monday's occasion, Lungu said the bridge was a monumental effort linking Zambia internally and externally to ease the movement of goods and services. "I have held talks with my counterpart in Botswana that this project must run daily up to 22 hours as soon as possible - and you, the technocrats, must not play ping-pong with us after making these public pronouncements," Lungu said at Kazungula bridge inauguration. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Southern Africa Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Botswana's Masisi said his country regarded Zambia as a key strategic partner in development, adding the iconic project was a demonstration of the continued growing relations. He noted the route was historic, as it was used as a safe exit during the struggle for independence. Zambia and the DRC are in the process of putting up a similar facility on their border. The DRC's Tshisekedi said the project was in tandem with the AU goals and priority areas for Agenda 2063, which called for a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Meanwhile, SADC chair Nyusi added the project was in line with the SADC infrastructure development master plan, while Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa congratulated Botswana and Zambia for a milestone project, reiterating that his country will also join the project. Lungu and Masisi also separately opened the one-stop border facilities on either side of their countries. Mr Dogonyaro died in Jos on Wednesday at the age of 80. A former Chief of Defence Staff, Joshua Dogonyaro, is dead. Mr Dogonyaro, a retired lieutenant general, died at the age of 80 on Wednesday. The first son of the deceased, Joseph Dogonyaro, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Pankshin, on Thursday. "Daddy has been sick for some time until yesterday when he had a stroke and we rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention. "Unfortunately, early this morning (Thursday), around 3.00 a.m. precisely, he breathed his last. "His death comes as a rude shock to us as a family. We are going to miss his love and warmth as a grandfather, father, brother, uncle and supporter," he said. Joseph said the family was trying to cope with the shock of the general's demise and would discuss the funeral arrangements soon. He described his father as "a General who was so faithful and loyal to the nation, Nigeria." "He was a general who had no bias mind as a detribalised Nigerian. He served this nation faithful and identified with all Nigerians and Africa as a continent. "We and Nigerians are going to miss him having served humanity in this country and Africa as a whole," Joseph said. According to him, the corpse of the general has since been deposited at the JUTH mortuary. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr Dogonyaro Mr Dogonyaro, a soldier and an administrator, was born on September 12, 1940 in Vom, Plateau State, though a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area. He had his early education at Boys' Secondary School, Gindiri, and thereafter, was enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1964. He was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; Officer Commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; Quartermaster General, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969-70. The late general became Chief Instructor and Adjutant, Rece Training School, NA, 1970 to 1972; Commanding Officer, I Recce Regiment, NA., 1972 to 1976. He was appointed Principal Staff Officer, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, 1976 to 1977; Commanding Officer, 24 Armoured Brigade, NA., 1977-79. Between 1984 and 1985, he was made the Task Force Commanding Officer, 203 Armoured Battalion on the Peace-keeping Force in Chad; Director of Manning (Army), Army Headquarters, 'A' Branch, N.A and Director of Armoury, 1985. He was also the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, N.A, Jos, 1985 to 1987; mm: Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), 1985; General Officer Commanding 2nd Mechanised Division, N.A, Ibadan, 1987; promoted Major-General, 1988; Promoted Lt. General; former ECOMOG Commander; retired in 1993. Mr Dogonyaro also attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos and obtained National Institute (mni) in addition to the Staff College (Psc) and Forces Service Star (FSS). (NAN) [May 12, 2021] mPhase Engages MZ Group to Lead Strategic Investor Relations and Shareholder Communication Program Gaithersburg, MD, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC: XDSL) (mPhase or the Company), a technology company specializing in EV charging, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software, and consumer engagement, has engaged international investor relations specialists MZ Group (MZ) to lead a comprehensive strategic investor relations and financial communications program across all key markets. MZ Group will work closely with mPhase management to develop and implement a comprehensive capital markets strategy designed to increase the Companys visibility throughout the investment community. The campaign will highlight how mPhase, an AI-focused technology company, is building a fabric of uncorrelated revenue streams based on synergistic technology platforms. The Company currently operates in five business segments including online training, consumer engagement, travel planning, data analysis and battery technology. MZ has developed a distinguished reputation as a premier resource for institutional investors, brokers, analysts and private investors. The firm maintains offices worldwide and was recently ranked No. 7 in the world in business communication. Brian M. Prenoveau, CFA, Managing Director at MZ North America, will advise mPhase in all facets of corporate and financial communications, including the coordination of roadshows and investment conferences across key cities and building brand awareness with financial and social media outlets. Mr. Prenoveau commented on the opportunity, saying, In 2019 new management for mPhase began building a team of global experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics and seeking strategic acquisitions. During this time, the Company refocused its revenue strategy on Software as a Service (Saas). mPhase partnered with the fastest company in online training, iLearningEngines and acquired Learning Track, an India-based provider of real-time online training. Learning Track is a powerful yet simple cloud-based white label learning management system (LMS), designed to identify training needs and learning gaps, using analytical data and reporting with AI and Machine Learning as a backbone. mPhase quickly signed a $30 million annual contract to provide software, training, and support services to an IT solutions and services company. CloseComms was acquired in 2020 to pioneer technology to learn customer preferences and drive engagement. Its predictive algorithms help tailor promotions to maximize success targeting the quick service restaurant sector. After a successful pilot with Subway, the technology is now in the deployment phase. mPhase acquired Travel Buddhi, a technology platform designed to create, sell and fulfill personalized vacations. B2B subscription revenue and commissions from advertisements and bookings are driven through AI, blockchain, chatbot, dynamic itinerary, and location technologies. mPhase also restarted its battery development project which is now in the partnering stage targeting consumer, commercial, and government end markets. Potential partnerships under consideration are for transportation, specialty storage, and remote and critical-use applications, concluded Prenoveau. Anshu Bhtnagar, Chief Executive Officer of mPhase commented, 2020 was an important inflection point for mPhase with the acquisition of Learning Track and its immediately accretive artificial intelligence enabled technology platforms and services. Recurring service-related revenue from the acquisition has driven growth, reduced debt, and enabled the continued investment in new opportunities. We have a well thought out timeline that stresses rapid revenue generation and cross-division synergies. We have a catalyst-rich opportunity, with the potential to add corporate partners and customers in every division each quarter. CloseComms and Travel Buddhi are on the cusp of their revenue cycles, representing two open-ended growth drivers. We look forward to working with Brian and the entire team at MZ Group to communicate the multiple avenues to drive continued, sustained growth, building long-term value for our shareholders, concluded Bhatnagar. For more information on mPhase, please visit the Companys investor relations website at www.mphasetech.com. To schedule a conference call with management, please email your request to XDSL@mzgroup.us or call Brian Prenoveau at 561-489-5315. About MZ Group MZ North America is the US division of MZ Group, a global leader in investor relations and corporate communications. MZ North America was founded in 1996 and provides full scale Investor Relations to both private and public companies across all industries. Supported by our exclusive one-stop-shop approach, MZ works with top management to support the clients' business strategy in six integrated product and service categories: 1) IR Consulting & Outreach full service investor relations and roadshow services; 2) ESG iQ & Advisory reporting technology platform and audit and reporting guidance; 3) SPAC Alpha IR+ & IPO Advisory providing critical and timely guidance through business combinations and IPOs; 4) Financial & Social Media lead generation and social media relations; 5) Market Intelligence real time ownership monitoring; 6) Technology Solutions webhosting, webcasting, conference calls, distribution services and board portals. MZ North America has a global footprint with offices located in New York, Chicago, San Diego, Aliso Viejo, Austin, Minneapolis, Taipei and Sao Paulo. About mPhase Technologies mPhase is a technology driven, innovative development company that creates and commercializes products and applications that impact everyday people. The Company is assembling industry-leading teams specializing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, software, consumer engagement, and other advanced technologies. Additional information can be found at the mPhase website, www.mphasetech.com. Please follow us on twitter: @mPhase_Tech for the latest updates. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words could, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, may, continue, predict, potential, project and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Company Contact 301-329-2700 info@mPhaseTech.com Investor Contact Brian Prenoveau MZ Group - MZ North America 561-489-5315 XDSL@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us [ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ] The work of switching off analogue transmitters as part of government's digital migration project is ongoing. This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement during the State of the Nation Address that the phased switch-off of analogue TV transmitters would begin in March. It is anticipated that this process, which will be done province-by-province, will be completed by the end of March 2022. As part of World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, will be switching off analogue television broadcast services in Bethlehem, Dihlabeng Local Municipality, on Monday. Bethlehem is the penultimate high power analogue site to be switched off in the Free State, with Bloemfontein as the final one in the province. This follows a concerted effort by the department, the State-Owned Companies under its mandate and external stakeholders involved in the digital migration programme. "So far 16 analogue transmitters have been switched off since March 2021 in the Free State. An additional four low power secondary sites linked to Bethlehem will also be switched off on the day. "The analogue switch-off in the Free State is continuing, simultaneously with the switch-off in the Northern Province," the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies said on Thursday. The Minister said her department is encouraged by the participation of the private sector broadcasters and local electronic manufacturers, in ensuring that households that do not qualify for the subsidy are aptly catered for through existing alternative digital TV reception decoders and television sets in a retail market. Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams will also visit sites connected to broadband by the SA connect project, a flagship programme of the department. These sites include schools, health facilities, libraries and government buildings in order to improve public access to the internet. "As a result, to date, 970 government facilities, including hospitals, clinics and schools, are connected to the National Health Insurance database in eight district Municipalities across seven provinces. "One of the most important government objectives is expanding broadband access, and the conclusion of digital migration is an important link in achieving this goal. The conclusion of digital migration will further free up valuable spectrum and thus enable widespread availability of broadband for public and private use," the Ministry said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance ICT By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ndabeni-Abrahams will also test the speed and functionality of broadband connectivity that provides internet access to learners by remotely connecting from a public library in Bethlehem to a school in Phuthaditjhaba in QwaQwa, located 90km from Bethlehem. World Telecommunications and Information Society Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 17 May 1969, commemorating the establishment of the International Telecommunications Union. It is aimed at raising awareness about the possibilities that the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies. This year the theme is Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times. "We observe this day when the world is in the middle of a devastating pandemic. The fight against COVID-19 has put into sharp focus the need for the ICT sector to patriotically work as a collective and deploy its capabilities in fighting the spread of the virus," Ndabeni-Abrahams said. analysis The Constitutional Court found Dlamini personally liable for the social grant payments crisis that led to the litigation and ordered her to pay costs back in 2018. The Centre for Applied Legal Studies said that Dlamini had made every effort to avoid paying costs'. In another victory for civil society and accountability, former Minister of Social Development, head of the ANC Women's League and currently MP, Bathabile Dlamini, has finally coughed up R650,000 in legal costs owed due to her "reckless and grossly negligent" conduct as a Minister. After three years of giving the Black Sash Trust, represented by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (Cals) and Freedom Under Law (FUL), the runaround Cals announced on 13 May that "we have been gratified to note that in the past two weeks the order has now been complied with and Ms Dlamini has paid our costs". In 2018 the Constitutional Court found Dlamini personally liable for the crisis in social grant payments that had led to the litigation and ordered her to pay costs. The landmark ruling was the first to hold a sitting cabinet minister personally responsible for a failure to carry out mandated duties. A statement issued by Cals... press release As of 1pm on 12 May 2021, the Western Cape has 2535 active Covid-19 infections, with a total of 288 951 people having been infected with Covid-19 to date and 274 731 recoveries. A total of 79 018 vaccines received to date as part of the Sisonke trial have been administered by 5pm on 11 May 2021. Click here for statistics. The Western Cape has recorded 12 additional deaths since our last daily update on Tuesday, 11 May, bringing the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the province to 11 685. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time. Please note that the data for the sub-district level, as listed in the daily maps, is sourced from the Western Cape Government's Covid-19 Dashboard. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard Additional data is available on the Western Cape Covid-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. Premier Winde thanks Western Cape nurses on International Nurses Day As we celebrate International nurses' day today, I want to sincerely thank the nurses and other healthcare professionals in the Western Cape for their herculean efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. During second and first waves of the pandemic, we lost a number of healthcare workers, including nurses, to the Covid-19. I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to those families who lost loved ones. They will not be forgotten. This international day of recognition is inspired by the great Florence Nightingale who I am certain would be very proud of the professionalism, fortitude and bravery that this province's nurses have shown during the pandemic. You are our ladies, and gentlemen, with the lamp. Former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Capital (NNPC Capital), Rev Godwin Okonkwo, has joined the Anambra State governorship race. Okonkwo revealed his intention to run for the governorship seat of the state yesterday during a meeting he had with the elders' forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. While speaking with journalists, the aspirant said: "I am in the race just to offer governance. A lot of things are not going on well in the state, and I feel I have the ability to coordinate the God-given resources of the Anambra people for the benefit of the poor masses." The aspirant, who is also a cleric, and a former group general manager of Debt Management Office (DMO), said there was no truth that other aspirants are more rooted in the party than him, despite being new in the party and in politics. "They have been here (APC) since the party started, but what have they achieved? In Anambra State, we have not been able to install even one person in any elective seat, yet they have been here. Now that I am in the party, you are going to see something new. "We are very prepared for the election in every way. You may have seen that I'm a religious leader, but that is not to say that I'm exactly a church rat. We have what it takes to win the election, and we have people who are also willing to give support," Okonkwo said. He expressed optimism that the APC would conduct a credible primary election in June to elect its standard bearer in the election. Around 23,997 tourists visited the country since the launch of the International Tourism Revival Initiative which commenced on 1 September,1, 2020, an official this week. The initiative was launched in a move to assist with the country's tourism recovery, which was hard-hit by the COVID -19 pandemic. The Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Heather Sibungo said Namibia recorded a decline of 87% in international tourist arrivals in 2020 and a massive loss of over 1000 jobs were experienced, with some establishments having closed completely, while others have not opened and some are gradually opening. "Tourism is a socio-economic pillar for Namibia and therefore collective efforts are necessary for us to find solutions and map the way forward to safeguard the future of tourism amid and post COVID-19," she added. According to Sibungo Namibia has since improved the capacity in pertinent areas such as laboratory testing of COVID-19 for purposes of traveling, rapid testing is now available and the roll-out of vaccination is now throughout the country. "The Tourism Task Force continues to engage strategic stakeholders for relevant interventions as and when required. The government continually adapts to development around the world and ready to move with time and take necessary decisions and actions in a responsible manner and in the interest of the tourism sector and Namibia at large," she said. Meanwhile, Sibungo said as part of the initiative, various avenues were identified to best achieve both the short-term and long-term goals of the broader recovery effort such as a Private-Public Partnership Plan for tourism recovery. Namibia is scheduled to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Regional Conference on Strengthening Brand Africa for the Swift Recovery of the Tourism Sector from 14 to 16 June and around 50 to100 international delegates are expected. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said President Muhammadu Buhari must consider the demand for a national dialogue and the establishment of state police. Two days ago, governors of 17 Southern States converged on Asaba, Delta State capital, where they made some resolutions and demands from the Federal government. They had demanded a ban on open grazing in the south and urged the president to convene a national dialogue summit, among others. In an interview on ARISE TV, Akeredolu justified the demands of the governors, saying some of their counterparts in the north are in support of their position. He said it is highly unlikely that the presidency will ignore the governors because of their numbers. "Getting a presidential buy-in might be some cause for concern, but 17 governors from the south. I believe that whatever we have said should be given some weight, it must be something that has to be considered. That means the presidency will look at it and consider it. The number is large. It is more or less like half of us. "I know that if we had called our brothers in the Middle Belt, they would have signed up to this. I even know that there are some of our brothers even in the north that would have signed up to this communique, who also believe that the time has come for us to have dialogue. "I know Mr President. It has to be considered. It must be considered. Because the number of governors involved are not one you can just push aside. When you talk about this dialogue, it is a matter of serious concern to us. It is not a parlour gossip. It is a matter that came from serious, in-depth discussion of governors." interview Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo is the President of, Africa Bar Association, AfBA. In this interview, he speaks on the precarious security situation in the country and what government must do to avoid anarchy. Excerpt: Do you think the Federal Government has the capacity to tackle the current state of insecurity in the country? Judging by what we have on ground presently and the politics being played, the underfunding of our conventional forces, politics in our security agencies perpetuated by politicians, religious and ethnic bigots in the present government, I am of the opinion that the Nigerian government does not have what it takes to handle the current security and economic challenges which have become a dangerous monster. More crimes have been added to terrorist activities and the government has not shown the will and capacity to hold those responsible for these atrocities to account for their crimes. There is a need to restructure the security agencies and apparatus in this country. We need to have state police and we need to have community policing. US Secretary of State, Blinken in a virtual meeting with President Buhari last month suggested that certain social and economic injustices were partly responsible for rising cases of insecurity in the country. What is your take on his view? The injustices in Nigeria are legendary and we can see them everywhere from lopsided federal structure, to appointments, placing unqualified ethnic and religious friends and relations in sensitive positions, and expropriation of the natural resources belonging to the different regions. We also have a faulty federation that requires restructuring. Violations of the rule of law, interference in the Legislature and Judiciary, Police brutality, massive corruption, the injustice of the highest order are threatening Nigeria and can lead to the total breakdown of law and order. The agitations ranging from the call for autonomous regional governments, resource control, restructuring, and outright cessation are very dangerous but instead of tackling the hues and cries arising from bad governance, nepotism, religious bigotry, favoritism, and crass corruption in the government in power and their cohorts reign. They continue to believe that things will remain the same forever as they will keep organising fraudulent elections to keep themselves and their cronies in power by hook or crook. Unfortunately, the international community can see what is happening and so there is no hiding place for these individuals who managed to find themselves in a position of authority. Despite the glaring injustice and the need to make reforms by reviewing the constitution and making it a document that can protect all the component parts of the country, we are hearing all manner of absurd blame games from government officials while the president is keeping sealed lips. This is very unfortunate. As of today, one can confidently say that the Federal Government does not control security in this country, especially in the states and communities. Why the government and the National Assembly cannot come together to amend the constitution and give states and the communities power and the tool to deal with the security situation as it is in every federal state is a mystery. Instead, allocations are being shared and wasted on irrelevant projects. Therefore, I am not surprised the US Secretary of State gave that response to President Buhari. The government should look inwards. The time has come for the restructuring of this country to create a true federalist state that can guarantee the rights and security of every component part. We are just living in the past and the government is playing with fire because the agitations will not go; instead, the country will continue to descend gradually into the precipice. Late Chadian President, Idriss Deby was a major force in the fight against insurgency in the Sahel region. How do you think his demise will affect that fight? While I may not agree with the policies and governance strategies of the late Chadian president, Idriss Derby, no one can fault his commitment to fighting the evil of jihadists and terrorists threatening Chad and the West African sub-region especially the Sahel. I am very impressed with his level of commitment and the fact that he paid the ultimate price. Not much can be said about his neighbours beyond rhetorics and meaningless communique. He will be remembered for good and I urge other African leaders to emulate his role in this battle. The West African sub-region will miss him and there is no doubt that his exit will affect the fight against terrorism in the sub-region and in Africa. I believe that those who have taken over from him will understand that continuing with the war in the mood of the late president will be in the interest of not only Chad but of Africa. So I expect other Heads of State especially within the ECOWAS region and the Sahel to put heads together and form a coherent and single policy towards dealing with this menace which is becoming a monster that may consume the continent if we are tardy about it. The US Government recently turned down Nigeria's request to relocate AFRICOM from Germany to Africa. Are there any consequences in the US position especially in the fight against insecurity in the West African sub-region? I understand the US and Nigeria's position and several other African countries but the issue is what is the policy of Nigeria towards terrorism and insecurity? To my mind, the country is running a dysfunctional national government with dysfunctional and incoherent policies on security and terrorism. The Nigerian government does not have any position on the very terrible and embarrassing security situation in the country. As the killing spree and destruction of communities with the attendant human displacements and catastrophe continue, the Nigerian government is running from pillar to post, blaming imaginary enemies, making questionable appointments while refusing to call killer herdsmen and bandits by their real name, which is terrorists. The government's inability to take a position is creating more confusion in the country. The government's image has been permanently dented that no one can take anything from the Nigerian government seriously. The US, on the other hand, has a stable government, its policies towards terrorism are very clear, unambiguous, and decisive. The US policies towards security in Africa is also clear. While the US wants a secure Africa, it will not help oppressive and inept governments clean up their mess. I think the US Africa Command is good in Germany and can respond from there. It has its command post in Malawi. The Nigerian request is superfluous and as usual, ill-advised and got the desired response. If you were in a position to advise government, what solutions will you proffer to the security challenges in the country? My advice to the Nigerian government is for them to be sincere and see governance as a God-given duty, not as an opportunity to lord it over, exert revenge, or play high-wired politics. Those in government should not see it as an opportunity to put their friends and family members in all cadre of government to have an advantage over other ethnic or religious groups. They should stop deceiving themselves and the citizens, stop the maneuverings and manipulation of government policies and plans. Above all, the Federal Government should restructure the country and decentralize security. Why do you think governors are reluctant to grant the judiciary autonomy and what is the way out? The JUSUN strike is painful and disruptive to our activities as lawyers but I support it 100 percent. I do not know why some governors are against it because I have not asked any of them. I however believe that those against it are doing so for selfish reasons. The Nigerian mentality of grabbing power and controlling all resources and then dispensing at their whims and fancies is a big problem. They also want to have a hold on the judiciary knowing the awesome powers they wield. However, they forget that an independent, vibrant and fearless judiciary is the crown of democracy and the rule of law. It ensures that the democratic state functions seamlessly by the prompt settlement of disputes between government and government, the government and the citizens, and between citizens and citizens. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. What is your take on the issue of restructuring, social and economic injustices, and unity of Nigeria? The time to restructure the governance structure of this country has come. We must devolve more powers to the states, local governments, and communities. We must restructure and decentralize policing. We must end the quota system and respect the sensibilities of nationalities that make up Nigeria and stop all forms of religious bigotry, favouritism, and ethnicity in public office. The 100 percent expropriation of natural resources from those that God gave them to must be reviewed to attain a united prosperous Nigeria. What role is AfBA playing to uphold justice and enforcement of rule of law in Africa presently under your leadership? Since I took office in 2016, it has been my cardinal duty to promote the rule of law, good governance, and democracy across the African continent. My team and I have gone beyond rhetorics and actually taking on governments and institutions across the continent on the very important issue of rule of law which is the only way African states can survive and be prosperous. The rule of law ensures a vibrant and fearless judiciary, a responsible and responsive parliament, and an accountable executive arm of government. The rule of law ensures that all are equal before the law, upholds strong institutions, and provides for individual rights, social and economic development, and prosperity. The rule of law ensures a responsible, fearless, and upright press, guarantees their freedom, and gives meaning to all constitutional provisions. Unfortunately, this rule of law is still in short supply in Africa. It is still threatened in several countries including Nigeria despite our efforts. The African Bar Association has continued to react anywhere the rule of law is threatened with some measure of success. You probably are aware of our reactions and positive actions to the irresponsible disobedience of Ecowas Court judgment and rulings by Cape Verde. We shall continue to intervene anywhere the rule of law is threatened. Vanguard News Nigeria Keetmanshoop The Landless People's Movement (LPM) claims Swapo's "corrosive" political interests captured the judiciary. This has been contained in a petition handed over by LPM member Timotheus Peter to Astrid Sauerweina, head of administration at the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court yestersay. "It has become evident that the principle of separation of powers no longer applies in reality and has rather become an empty rhetorical mantra," the petition reads. It stated that Namibia turned into an irreversible and dangerous capture and control of the judiciary, reminiscent of Zimbabwe that degenerated into a despotic and autocratic regime. It said that the beatings of LPM members by security forces have become rampant, as was the case allegedly last week in Katutura. "There is general lawlessness perpetrated against LPM and around the country against innocent civilians," said Peter when reading out the statement. LPM leaders Bernadus Swartbooi and Henny Seibeb lost their legal fight in which they were suing National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi for banning them from parliament indefinitely. High Court Judge Kobus Miller dismissed the parliamentarians' application, saying it would be judicial overreach if the court was to grant the relief sought by the two parliamentarians. "It is not for this court to usurp in part at least what is pending before the parliamentary committee seized with the matter and to pronounce itself on the matter at this stage," said Miller. Referring to the issue of its two regional councillors who have ceased to be members of National Council (NC), the LPM reasoned that the magistrate presiding during elections of members of the //Kharas Regional Council's management committee used the interpretation of the law based on her technical and legal expertise. The two LPM councillors, Anseline Beukes and Gerrit Witbooi, who were elected as members of the //Kharas Regional Council's management committee on 9 April 2021, lost their eligibility to be elected and serve as members of the National Council on that date in terms of section 18(4) of the Regional Councils Act. The councillors were elected to serve on the management committee and as such, they cannot attend sessions in the upper house of parliament. "It is now evident that the entire political and judicial system is ganging up against this magistrate who was just doing her work," the statement alleged. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It further reads that instead of applying for a review application on the legality of the election process, the National Council annulled the decision and rather declared vacancies in the August House. The petition also alleged that the NC has not even sought a legal opinion before removing the two regional councillors. "The chief justice is urging the magistrate to resign whilst she is now being targeted and harassed to force her to change her decision or resign," Peter said. Peter said that the manner in which the recent LPM High Court urgent application was dealt with reaffirmed the movement's belief that the judiciary is indeed captured by Swapo when reading out the statement. He further alleged that the judiciary is always trampling on the rights of others in matters involving Swapo. "Furthermore, the adverse court order, which, in our view, seeks to discourage democrats from seeking recourse in the courts, is a sign of a captured and compromised judiciary," it continued. The petition also called on Namibians to unify to salvage their ever-declining democracy for the sake of future generations. The Okahandja municipality and a home-based caregiver are embroiled in a tug-of-war over the legality and ownership of a property located at the town's Nau-aib location. In 2004, the municipality handed over one of its idle buildings to Okahandja Home-based Caregivers to offer community services to vulnerable people in the town. The building was then registered under the Okahandja Home-based Caregivers. Now the owners are claiming compensation for costs incurred over the years in the upkeep of the building. In 2018, the municipality started writing eviction letters to the founders of the caregivers to vacate the premises because the council wanted the building back. The founders of the project, Catherine Uri-Khos, and Magdalena Meyer refused to vacate the premises, demanding compensation first incurred during the upkeep and renovation of the building. The duo is demanding an amount of N$500 000 in compensation from the municipality, saying failure to do this will see them staying in the building they have been occupying for close to 20 years while running the project. Uri-Khos said they were given the building by the municipality in 2004. According to her, the agreement between them and the municipality was that after 10 years of operation, the founders can take over the premises, provided they renovate it themselves. "Ten years lapsed and they still refuse to hand over the building to us. If they say this is their building, then they should compensate us N$500 000 in damages for costs incurred or else they must give us the building as per the agreement taken in 2004. We are not going to vacate until this issue is solved in good faith. They must compensate us before we vacate," she reacted. To remain afloat during the harsh economic conditions, the owners of the home-based care decided to rent the place to about seven tenants who pay between N$700 to N$800 per month to sustain the project and allowances for the caregivers. Okahandja mayor Natasha Brinkman confirmed the eviction notices given to the duo to vacate municipal premises and both have defied the order. She said the building belongs to the municipality and she doesn't understand why the founders of the project are fighting for it. "Why should they use money from tenants for their use under the pretext of home-based care? She even called me threatening me that she will beat me up. We won't compensate them. They don't even have proof or any receipt, which shows how much they spent to renovate the building. I have a council resolution that they must hand over the building to the rightful owner. The rightful owner is the municipality," Brinkman retaliated. The mayor promised that the duo and the council would have a meeting to discuss and find a solution to this issue soon. Meanwhile, Meyer said the municipality at the time told them to take the building as it is and their condition was to renovate it themselves. She explained since the building was dilapidated, with the financial assistance from USAID and Namdeb, they got funds and renovated the building. According to them, they also brought water and electricity to the premises. Over the years, Okahandja Home-based Caregivers received donations both in cash and in-kind for their soup kitchen, which could feed about 120 people three times a week. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. However, during 2017, the founders started to provide food rations which included maize meal, cooking oil, meat and tinned fish to the vulnerable beneficiaries as they could not afford to cook at the soup kitchen anymore. The project started in 2004 when 26 volunteers received training in home-based care from the ministry of health. They began with 48 HIV-positive clients. Apart from the soup kitchen, the project runs an information service where people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS can get information on topics such as anti-retroviral treatment. With the assistance of donors, the home-based care initiative also had a second-hand shop that sold cheap clothing and a needlework project to generate money for the project. Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate relocation of 298 'illegal' traders from the central market, which has modern lock-up shops, as part of the state security measures. This is so as the government also reiterated that the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called Achaba in the state, is still in force, warning those still engaged in it to stay away from the state as a taskforce will soon go out on the streets to enforce the law. It further directed that henceforth, double drivers for a tricycle has been banned also as a measure to curb criminal activities committed by some of tricycles operators across the state. Briefing journalists yesterday, the Chairman of the state Road and Traffic Agency (BAROTA), Air Commodore Tijjani Baba Gamawa (rtd), said the illegal traders have been served two months' notice to vacate the present spaces they are occupying illegally. He lamented that all the entrances and exits within the market have been blocked as well as the sewage channels, saying: "In the case of fire outbreak or any emergency situation, there are no easy access for rescue operations. We want the people to move away so that the market will revert back to its original plan." Gamawa said the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved the conversion of the Ministry of Works area workshop at Muda Lawal market as the place they are to relocate to; saying adequate marking of the spaces has been done to accommodate them conveniently. The BAROTA chairman also assured the state that as soon as the Bauchi metropolis is sanitised, the agency would move to all the 20 LGAs to sanitise the markets for safety and security measures because "it is within the purview of our mandate as an agency." On the ban on double drivers for tricycles, he explained that there are reports that some of them are criminals who normally rob their victims, who innocently board their vehicles. He observed that there is influx of tricycle operators from Borno and Yobe States, warning that any of them caught operating illegally will be dealt with in accordance with the traffic laws of the state. The chairman further warned commercial drivers to desist from picking or dropping passengers from outside the designated parks within the metropolis, saying: "The fine is N20, 000 for a first offender while any second offender will pay N40, 000 as penalty." The manufacturing sector took a nosedive in 2020, with the sector declining by 19.6%, compounded by the decline in the demand for manufacturing products as incomes in the economy became constrained in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, output in this sector declined by 19.6% compared to a growth of 4.3% seen in 2019. This contraction makes manufacturing the third worst performing sector during 2020 after hotels and restaurants which contracted by 33.1% and transport and storage which contracted by 22.4%. FirstRand Namibia Economist, Ruusa Nandago said given that this sector contributes 11% to GDP, this had a material impact on overall economic performance. Nandago explained the significant decline in the manufacturing sector spills over from the decline in the mining sector. "Declines in diamond production because of lockdowns and a slowdown in commodity prices had an impact on the diamond processing sub sector of manufacturing which fell by 14.1%," she said. Similarly, metals processing declined by 46.8% while the lingering effects of the 2019 drought also compounded this decline as meat processing declined by 40.8% "This was mainly a result of farmers rebuilding their livestock herds and thus reducing the supply of meat to be slaughtered. Lastly, alcohol bans and reduced alcohol sales both in Namibia and South Africa resulted in reduced beverage production which declined by 36.5%," Nandango added. Looking ahead, output in this sector is expected to recover from the levels seen during 2020 in the absence of severe lockdown measures. "Total output is, however, expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels owing to reduced demand in the economy, the closure of some smaller manufacturing companies and restrictions on alcohol sales because of curfews," she said. Omuthiya The Omuthiya Town Council has submitted an application, requesting the environment ministry to grant it permission to make use of the current dumpsite at the town, despite residents complaining of the disgusting smell coming from the landfill site. Two years ago, the local authority had plans to move the dumpsite west of the town; however, town mayor John Ndeutepo said the exercise proved difficult because the envisaged area has high volumes of water flow. Taking into account the concerns, Ndeutepo said the current households that are surrounding the dumpsite have been compensated. "It is only a few households that have not been compensated, while the rest have been settled and not supposed to be there. We have, therefore, submitted an application to the environment ministry for approval to operate at the current site. The areas have been planned to be used for heavy industry that likely produces heavy wastes. Therefore, there will be no residential homes within the vicinity," he explained. Residents have, for the past years, complained of heavy fumes from the dumpsite. Following complaints, council had in the past resorted to burning wastes once a day at certain intervals of the week. This, however, still proved problematic to the agitated residents. "The area also has burrow pits where people get sand, so it was deemed suitable. Hence, the dumpsite will not be relocated, but people will be moved further away from the vicinity. "The environmental impact assessment has been conducted and also formed part of the application to seek authorisation to operate," added Ndeutepo. Martha Murorua, CEO of Nedbank Namibia has been announced the new Chair of the Bankers Association of Namibia for a period of one year. Bank Windhoek's Baronice Hans will take the Vice Chair position. Upon accepting this new role, Murorua said Nedbank looks forward to advocating for the industry, adding that they foster the importance of inclusivity and financial literacy in Namibia. "These are difficult and unpredictable times, yet we have seen financial institutions lean in to assist their clients and consumers in navigating the current economic climate. The zeal and determination with which they serve their customers and communities are inspiring," Murorua said. Murorua will take over from Ester Kali, CEO of Letshego Bank. Reflecting on her term which started on 12 June 2020, Kali said the Association has been very involved with the Bank of Namibia in numerous meetings, discussing ways on how to better synergize as banks, provide the best service in the interest of customers and work on products and solutions collectively to roll out to every Namibian. "I am sure that in the next few months, the seeds planted will be able to grow and we will be able to see that planning and team work will always work, for the best interest of our fellow Namibians," Kali added. Bank of Namibia Johannes !Gawaxab expressed his appreciation to the past year and the way the Bankers Association managed to keep on track in the worst economic climate experienced by all sectors. "We managed to navigate through a lot and the fruits can be seen today with many accomplishments highlighted by outgoing Chair, Ms. Kali. May we show the same support to the incoming chair and embrace the very diverse dialogue with a more gender balanced board. My office remains open and we are at your service to assist for a better experience to our customers as we serve this nation," !Gawaxab said. f.l.t.r: Bankers Association CEO, Brian Katjaerua; Bank Windhoek's MD, Baronice Hans; Nedbank CEO, Martha Murorua; Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab; Letshego CEO, Ester Kali; Standard Bank CEO, Mercia Geises and FNB Namibia CEO, Erwin Tjipuka. The Hatika Adult Education Centre, which aims to equip adult learners with knowledge and skills through lifelong learning, recently turned two. Established on 4 May 2019, the centre hosts adult learners on Saturday mornings, giving basic lessons to about 60 students between the ages 18 to 60. Founder Wilfried Mbamba (27), a teacher by profession, said he walked through the Goreangab informal settlement and listened to the plight of the people. "They wanted English classes but yearned to learn Afrikaans to get jobs or get better jobs. Other courses the centre offers include art, business skills, computer skills and financial literacy," he told Youth Corner. They also offer Portuguese, sign language, small business management, cooking, learners' licence and basic mathematics courses. Legal advisor of the centre and basic computer tutor Vincent Tjikune said there is nothing more uplifting and empowering than imparting knowledge onto someone else - and when the students use the knowledge given and start applying that in the daily lives, it is astonishing. "It is nice to be part of this process. Sometimes, you find yourself noticing the impact of your work during certificate handovers of completed courses; the moment you see the tears of joy in the students' eyes, it's always emotional," said Tjikune. He added that some students come to the centre lost but they leave with wisdom and end up improving on their businesses, which are mostly cuca shops. Former student Rejoice Kapewa said she went to the centre to learn Afrikaans, basic sign language and now computer. "I call this place my home and all I can say is 'wow'; this is a wonderful educational experience. Sitting at home and doing nothing is not good. The reason why I came here is to be equipped with the knowledge - and all I can say is I am improving as time goes by," said the 39-year-old with enthusiasm and pride. Helvi Carlos, who has also benefitted from the centre, encouraged other adults to join. "This will also be beneficial, as they will be able to help their children with homework. My English is not perfect but I am learning day-by-day," expressed the overzealous former student. Pastry chef Franscina Naris recalled how clueless she was about the industry - but through the business classes now manages her enterprise well and makes a living from it. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Managing a business is a struggle; I couldn't save money but I have drastically improved. I know how to save and I have expanded on my business and can bake muffins, cakes, koeksusters and I am taking up computer classes. All I can say is I am thankful," said the nervous, yet joyful Naris as she points towards muffins and cakes she baked for the second anniversary of the centre. City of Windhoek councillor Fillemon Hambunda was excited to see the progress the centre has made since its establishment. "As a teacher by profession, education is key and I am impressed with the youth taking the bull by its horns - because without education, there is no future. The office of the mayor takes notice of the work done by Hatika. It's a wonderful gesture. Today's teachers finish their education and end up on the streets - but with Hatika, they can temporarily be employed to just put food on the table," concluded Hambunda. The Katima Mulilo Town Council has resolved to temporarily make use of the Bukalo dumpsite after the environment ministry shut down the local authority's landfill last week. Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni announced the new developments on Monday at Katima Mulilo. The town has been without a permanent dumpsite after the old landfill, which was located close to the University of Namibia campus and the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre was closed by the environment ministry in 2018. The town council has been operating the dumpsite illegally for the past three years, prompting the environmental commissioner's office to close it down due to health hazard. The town will now make use of the Bukalo dumpsite, 40 kilometres east of Katima Mulilo, while discussions with the Mafwe Traditional Authority to secure a new dumpsite continue. In 2018, the town council temporarily relocated the dumpsite to an industrial area, about 300 metres behind the Katima Mulilo abattoir and Puma service station. Despite receiving a compliance order to close the dumpsite, the town council continued to use the dumpsite illegally. However, Uutoni announced a permanent solution will soon be found. "I was informed the issue of the dumpsite will be resolved soon, but in the meantime, they will be using the Bukalo dumpsite," he said. Uutoni also stated that he would personally visit the Mafwe Traditional Authority, with the hope to speed up the discussions. The University of South Africa (Unisa) has started disbursing allowances to National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded returning students. In a statement on Thursday, Unisa spokesperson Thomas Huma said the returning students will start receiving their allowance from 12 May 2021, and the allowance will be disbursed in batches of 15 000 per day until 19 May 2021. "The NSFAS returning students who haven't received their allowance by 20 May 2021, are advised to contact the Division: Student Funding (DSF) on DSF-NSFAS@unisa.ac.za," Huma said. Huma said the allowances for new students will only be distributed once the NSFAS has finalised the approved list. The university has apologised for the inconveniences caused by the delays. press release On plans to fast-track land reform Honourable Deputy Speaker, In December 2019, Cabinet adopted a report on the government's response to the recommendations of the Advisory Panel on Agriculture and Land Reform. Cabinet emphasised the need to move with speed in the implementation of the Panel's recommendations to ensure that our land reform programme urgently responds to developmental imperatives of restorative justice, economic inclusion and social cohesion. For us, the work of the Panel foregrounded the centrality of the three key pillars of land reform, namely restitution, redistribution and land tenure. As we implement the panel's recommendations, we will continue to pay equal attention to these key policy instruments while ensuring that our approach to land reform does not impact negatively on agricultural production and the economy in general. More significantly, the Constitutionally-defined path of our land reform programme will continue to focus on balancing the needs of reversing the legacy of land possession and deprivation, with the vision of fostering nation-building, unity and social cohesion. Access to land is an act of social justice that cannot be delayed. The recommendations of the Panel covered a range of thematic areas focusing on legislative and policy interventions, integrated land administration, spatial development planning to guide land use decisions, fast-tracking outstanding land claims as well as key measures to accelerate the release of land for redistribution. As government, we are on course in terms of the implementation process. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture receives regular reports on the implementation of the Panel's recommendations, and is responsible for ensuring that Cabinet is briefed accordingly. With regard to key legislative and policy interventions, some of the key achievements include, but not limited to: The finalisation of the Expropriation Bill of 2020 which is currently going through due parliamentary processes. The finalisation and submission to Parliament of the Land Court Bill to provide for the establishment of the court that will focus on land matters, set out clear dispute resolution mechanism and strengthen jurisprudence on land related matters. The adoption of Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy that guides the allocation of land to different categories of beneficiaries Ensuring that the Land Donation Policy is approved to guide land donation transactions by private sector players, and institutions that are keen to contribute to our land reform programme. Furthermore, Cabinet has adopted a position paper on land administration and tenure reform for consultation with various stakeholders. The process of consultation with the provinces on the position paper is in progress. This will be followed by the land summit with traditional leaders, to find common ground on land tenure reform and approaches to land under the custodianship of traditional leaders. Alongside land tenure reforms, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture has focused on accelerating the settlement of outstanding land claims, and handing over title deeds to rightful owners of land. As part of this, we have instituted a coordinated government approach towards ensuring restituted land is coupled with a targeted package of development support to ensure that the beneficiaries of restituted land are empowered to utilise their land productively. We are equally making progress on the development of an overarching land administration policy framework that prioritises the recordal of all land rights. Work on the finalisation of the National Spatial Development Framework is in progress to ensure that it guides overall land use decisions across the country. It will also provide for the alignment of various planning instruments within the context of the District Development Model. Guided by spatial development needs, our land reform programme is already focusing on the release of strategically located land for human settlements, economic development and social inclusion. As part of the Human Settlements Framework for Spatial Transformation and Consolidation, 136 Priority Housing Development Areas have been declared as spaces for the development of human settlements, including mixed use, high density and multiple typology housing developments. These developments will be supported with requisite infrastructure to ensure sustainability and a better quality of life for citizens. The release of state owned land is in progress. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, announced the advertisement of 529 000 hectares of land available for release as part of the 700 000 hectares announced by the President in February 2020, State of the Nation Address. To date: 436,563 hectares have been released and approved for allocation under land redistribution programme, and Over 5 540 hectares of the these 436,563 hectares have been approved for disposal and the remainder for leasing. Furthermore, we will be releasing state owned land to address development pressures around urban and rural human settlements, agricultural production, and industrial development. The process of releasing state land for agricultural purposes is targeted at vulnerable groups of our society, and will empower women, youth and people with disabilities. To ensure that land is productively utilised by beneficiaries, government is paying attention to the provision of effective post-settlement support. We are focusing on improving coordination of integrated post-settlement packages to beneficiaries of land, including finance, infrastructure and access to water resources for development. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has set aside 1 billion Rands for the blended financing scheme, of which 200 million Rands was authorised to be transferred to IDC for disbursement. This support will go a long way towards supporting the commercialisation of Black producers in the agricultural value chain. The Blended Finance scheme is a combination of loans and grants to support agricultural development and improve access to affordable finance by producers. We are confident that, while a lot of work still remains, we have made significant strides in implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture. Thank you On the Risk Mitigation Power Procurement Programme REPLY: As government, we acknowledge that the economic climate we are currently in as a country is challenging and impacting individuals at a household level. Unfortunately, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has further compounded the situation. As such, we fully understand growing calls for Eskom's tariffs to be kept at a reasonable level of affordability, especially for the poor and marginalised communities. Therefore, it must be noted that the estimated tariff increase is subject to assessment and decisions by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. All of us should protect the operational independence of the Regulator, but still require of it to apply appropriate tariff mechanisms in the determination of tariffs associated with the type of power that is required to balance the system over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has advised that, if based on weighted average cost per unit of about R1.57 per kilowatt an hour from the preferred bidder projects, the additional 1 995 megawatts of capacity may result in electricity tariff increase of between 3 to 5 percent. It must be noted that the cost includes both capacity and energy as per the requirements of Eskom System Operator. The nature of electricity supply constraints calls for increased generation capacity across different supply options in order to alleviate current electricity the electricity demand and supply gap. The 20-year commitment seeks to, amongst others, ensure reasonable electricity unit cost while taking into account the said nature of electricity supply constraints. Basing the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement on a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, will ensure that the projects around this additional capacity remain sustainable. This means that costs are covered, whilst guaranteeing capacity that is available to generate electricity whenever a dispatch instruction has been activated. In this context, our generation capacity should be such that there is available energy to be reliably supplied whenever there are projected shortages in the system. The need to attract long-term investments in power generation is key to ensuring the security of energy supply while also realising expected returns from such investments by the private sector. These initiatives emphasise government's commitment to ensuring energy security from a wide range of energy sources, and technologies in line with the Integrated Resource Plan of 2019. In the medium to long-term, the reduction of expensive, diesel-fired electricity generation is achieved. Thank you. On the No-fault Compensation Scheme REPLY: Honourable Deputy Speaker, The Covid-19 vaccine market is very different from the usual market for medicines. Globally, countries have limited options since all Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers have adopted the same approach. Therefore, countries must accept full liability for the vaccines acquired. In our case as South Africa, it was either we accept these clauses, or as a country we do not have access to any vaccines. Whilst faced with these conditions, government had a further obligation of establishing a Covid-19 Vaccines Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme. This is one of the critical components of ensuring that there are no hindrances in South Africa delivering a successful vaccination plan. The scheme will be in operation for a limited time. In the main, this scheme will provide expeditious and easy access to compensation for persons who suffer harm, loss or damage as a result of vaccine injury that may be caused by the administration of a Covid-19 vaccine specified in terms of regulation, at a facility within the country. We have a responsibility to ensure that our people are protected through this scheme. Manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines will not make any contribution to this 'No-Fault Compensation System', as this is part of the contractual obligations for all countries that acquire Covid-19 vaccines. We are learning from the recent experience of governments, who are reviewing reports of potential cases of severe side effects amongst vaccinated members of their population, that such a scheme is important. The Covid-19 Vaccines Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme will contain and minimise the effects that may arise as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Honourable members, As we take lessons from the implementation of South Africa's Covid-19 Response Plan, we continue to forge ahead with plans of building capacity to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines locally, through harnessing our existing manufacturing capabilities in partially state owned Biovac Institute as well as research and development capabilities with partners in BRICS. We are encouraged by recent announcements of an anticipated waiver on intellectual property rights for Covid-19 vaccines that was proposed by South Africa and India, and now supported by the United States of America. The proposal establishes a global solution to enhance manufacturing and boost supply capacity, and enables coordination and access to information currently under patent protection. For countries that do not currently have manufacturing capacity on certain medical technologies, the waiver could open up more supply options and avoid countries being reliant on only one or two suppliers. Where supply capacity currently exists, it can be repurposed to Covid-19 vaccine production, and in this way improve the supply available to all nations. South Africa and Africa as a whole stand to benefit by timely access to affordable vaccines. Alongside these efforts, the South African government continues to ensure that the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out plan reaches all population groups, providing equal access to those in urban and rural areas of the country. Thank you. On Public Employment Programmes in alleviating poverty REPLY: Honourable Deputy Speaker We believe that the statistics the Honourable Nkomo refers to in her question are the results of the Labour Force Survey, released by Statistics South Africa on a quarterly basis. In part, these figures point to deep-seated challenges of structural employment as one of the key constraints to the labour-absorption capacity of the economy. Structural unemployment is characterised by a mismatch between the skills that workers can offer and what the sector in fact requires. It is for this reason that the Human Resource Development Council is thus focused on ensuring that the education sector, provides the necessary skills required by the labour market. Notably, the results of the survey show the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the labour market particularly affected individuals in the poorest South African households, the less skilled and low-wage workers, informal workers, those with transient employment or persistent non-employment histories, and persons living in poor, urban communities, more particularly women. This is not unique to South Africa, as labour markets across the world have been heavily affected by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In our case, overcoming the unacceptably high levels of unemployment and poverty requires us to respond with a range of sectoral and cross-sectoral programmes. To this end, the Presidency is overseeing the implementation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which is focused on co-ordinating, enhancing, and upscaling a range of existing programmes across government, and through close partnerships with the private sector. Amongst these are government's Public Employment Programmes, the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Works Programme which have been supported to roll out public employment at a new and elevated scale. In terms of the Expanded Public Works Programme, we have as government set a target of 694 155 jobs and livelihood opportunities. Thus far, we are implementing 576 674 opportunities, which is 83 percent of the programme. Through these programmes, there is a concerted effort of investing in public goods and services that enhance skills and employability, and ensuring that support to livelihoods is realised while the labour market recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, Further, the Presidential Employment Stimulus is designed to effectively transition young people into the labour market, aiming to significantly reduce the high rate of youth unemployment. In this regard, government has among others implemented the following interventions: The Basic Education Employment Initiative, which has placed over 317 000 young people as school assistants since October last year. This is a massive scale of rapid rollout. These young people are earning the national minimum wage, which enhances the impact on poverty and inequality. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has created 1 886 work opportunities for young professionals in the built environment. These beneficiaries were deployed and exposed to workplace experience in programmes such as the Welisizwe Bridges Programme, In-house construction projects, Water and Energy Efficiency Programme, and Facilities Management Employment among others. Government has managed to create 865 495 work opportunities from 12 869 projects implemented across all Expanded Public Works Programme sectors in all spheres of government so far in the 2020/21 financial year. In addition, the various programmes which are led by the Department of Social Development have contributed to countering the impact of unemployment and inequality at household level. For instance, the Social Distress Relief Grant is currently supporting 5 million people in South Africa, of which 2 million people are young people under the age of 35. Although this expanded relief package is temporary, we have witnessed a reduction of poverty at the Food Poverty Line to 18 percent. In the medium to long-term, such social relief assistance will need to be supported through sustainable employment interventions, especially targeting the youth. This is clear evidence of the need to expand these Presidential Employment Stimulus programmes, coupled with active labour market programmes to effectively address poverty and inequality. We believe that creating employment, addressing inequality and alleviating poverty are not mutually exclusive, and they are pathways of ensuring service delivery as seen in the Extended Public Works Programme. Therefore, government will continue to ensure that interventions listed earlier will continue to improve on the lives and livelihoods of South Africans. Thank you. On assessing initiatives to reduce inequality in South Africa REPLY: Honourable Deputy Speaker Every five years, government undertakes a comprehensive review and assessment of progress made to address challenges of joblessness, poverty and inequality. In addition, government conducts reviews of the Mid-Term Strategic Framework, Quarterly and Annual Assessments to evaluate progress made, and challenges encountered in the implementation of varied anti-poverty programmes. Such assessments are critical instruments to gauge how far we have come to eradicate structural inequality and create an inclusive society. The 25-year review released in 2019, identified, amongst others, the following constraints: Structural inequality, slow redress and transformation; Limited state capacity resulting to inability to utilise policy and legislative framework to redress and transform. In this regard, the state has not been able to transform the growth trajectory towards inclusive growth that will create jobs for the labour force that the country has; Corruption, real or perceived has hampered the delivery of services, further entrenching inequality of opportunity and constraining the ability of state-owned enterprises to contribute optimally to the developmental agenda; and Inadequate and crumbling infrastructure. On the contrary, the 25 year review has also indicated the following trends for our national democratic society: Notable and quantifiable progress has been made in the provision of basic public services such as water, sanitation, electricity, employment and housing. For the millions of beneficiaries of these services, delivered by post-1994 administrations, notable progress has been observed on government efforts to change the lives of South Africans for the better. Life expectancy has improved and infant mortality has reduced significantly whereby, for example, access to antiretroviral therapy has grown from 45 500 patients in 2004 to over 4.7 million in 2019. The School Nutrition Programme, which feeds approximately 75 percent learners per year, has a long term impact for learners who stay in school and complete their education thus acquire qualification that increases their probability of employment and income thus escaping poverty and inequality. We further observe that social grants remain the country's largest contributor to efforts of poverty alleviation. This intervention has been able reduce poverty at the lower bound poverty line by 16.42 percentage points, from 42 percent to 25.7 percent as at the end of 2019. However, according to Statistics South Africa, as at March 2020, 20 percent of the South African population was living below the food poverty line. This would have increased to 33 percent by June 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown. Therefore, there is a huge opportunity to alleviate poverty through social grants. To ensure sustainability of such interventions, there is a need to link the provision of social grants to skills development, and creation of local economic development projects. Honourable Deputy Speaker There is no denying that inequality still persists. In fact, the phenomenon of the Covid-19 pandemic, like almost everywhere else in the world, has exposed and exacerbated South Africa's structural inequality. Most worryingly, the social groups who have borne the brunt of this inequality are women and the youth. In fact, government's responsibilities have now included addressing both the inherited backlogs from colonialism, apartheid, and the cumulative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is not an exaggeration that this pandemic has significantly reversed the gains we have made since 1994. In this regard, government is forging ahead with the implementation of priorities identified in the National Development Plan which remains a long-term policy framework leading to 2030. The anti-poverty initiatives of government that in the main focuses on the integration of our Public Employment Programmes, are bearing some positive outcomes in mitigating the current impacts of poverty and inequality, as we had mentioned in the earlier response. Further, this was highlighted last week in this House by the President when he indicated that the Public Employment Stimulus is effective in protecting existing jobs and supporting livelihoods. While these poverty alleviation programmes are vital, longer term solutions depend on our ability to achieve inclusive growth by among others, implementing reforms that are crucial to sustain economic recovery and to address the underlying causes of low economic growth and high unemployment. In this regard, Operation Vulindlela is directly addressing reforms by reforming network industries to modernise and transform the economy, lower barriers to entry to make it easier for businesses to start, grow, and compete in order to ensure economic inclusion resulting in higher levels of employment. Linked to this intervention is the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan which presents a comprehensive policy response to re-build the economy that has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Obviously, more needs to be done to broaden the people's share in the country's wealth so that we give full material meaning to building social cohesion and nation building. Thank you. On the impact of the Coronavirus on global health systems REPLY: Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Honourable Deputy Speaker The South African National AIDS Council as a multi-sectoral structure that fosters dialogue and consensus between government, civil society, business and labour, has several governance structures including the Programme Review Committee. This structure provides technical expertise and guidance on the programmatic activities of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs. Since the start of the of the Covid-19 pandemic, SANAC continues to receive regular updates on the implementation of Covid-19 programmes as well as on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the TB and HIV Programme. These updates have specifically been on the integration of HIV, TB and Covid-19 programmes, and most importantly on the fast-tracking of HIV and TB catch-up plans by provinces. These plans are being implemented by relevant government departments such as Health, Higher Education and Social Development to make up for HIV and TB client losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Current practice at every health facility is to screen everyone who presents any ailment for TB symptoms. However, the recently released results of the TB prevalence survey showed us that symptom screening on its own has got a low sensitivity pick up rate for TB cases. As a result, non-symptomatic patients tend to be missed. To address this gap, we have introduced routine testing irrespective of symptoms for certain high-risk groups, People Living with HIV, contacts of all people diagnosed with TB and people who have been previously treated for TB in the past year. This is what we refer to as active case finding which is done to make sure that the spread of the disease is minimised at community level. The Department is also running "Welcome Back to Care" campaigns that have been activated nationwide in order to bring back all those who were on HIV and TB treatment but had treatment interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This will ensure that patients with TB continue with their medication until they are no longer infectious, and indeed until they are cured. For HIV infected patients, getting back on medication will make their viral load suppressed which minimises the risk of viral transmission and spread of the virus. A lot of these services including testing and screening are being offered at community centres, away from hospitals, and patients are even able to collect medication at pharmacy lockers or at their local retail pharmacy and spaza shop as part of the government's Chronic Courier Medicine Dispensing and Distribution programme, if they do not wish to visit a health facility. Honourable Deputy Speaker, Between June and September 2020, the SANAC Trust held a series of country dialogues with critical stakeholders to ensure that the HIV, TB and STIs response was sustained, and called for the dual testing of Covid-19 and TB. This led to resource mobilisation from both PEPFAR and the Global Fund to invest in strengthening HIV and TB programming to mitigate the negative impact of Covid-19 on health services. The SANAC Inter-Ministerial Committee has since approved the integration of HIV/AIDS, TB and Covid-19 programmes, as well as the fast-tracking of HIV/AIDS and TB catch-up plans in order to make up for HIV/AIDS and TB client losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, considering the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the achievement of both national and global targets, the SANAC Plenary resolved to extend the term of the current National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs, so that it ends in 2023, and not in 2022 as initially intended. This extension will allow all SANAC sectors some time to implement catch-up plans aimed at accelerating the provision of services towards the attainment of the set targets. While we have surpassed the target with respect to the percentage of people knowing their HIV status, more efforts are required with respect to enrolling people on anti-retroviral treatment, and ensuring that they are virally suppressed. Even more efforts are required to help us meet our 90-90-90 targets for TB. To this end, we have met with civil society to discuss these challenges, and agreed to continue working together to address the identified shortfalls. The civil society sector of SANAC responded swiftly to support the country's health system by collaborating with other civil society formations to establish the "Community Constituency Covid-19 Front" within NEDLAC. This initiative entails an integrated response to Covid-19, HIV and TB using technology, with a particular focus on advocacy, social mobilisation, public awareness, legal support and promotion of human rights, as well as contact tracing and screening. Community health workers also continue to provide a vital service in support of the country's health system, by reaching out to patients and community members who require healthcare assistance. This includes conducting household visits to monitor HIV and TB patients, and ensuring that they do not default on their treatment. We commend all civil society formations and community healthcare workers for their hard work and commitment in supporting our health system. We also take this time to encourage everyone to come on board and work together to ensure that we achieve the targets that we have set for HIV/AIDS and TB screening and testing. We call upon our communities to come out to screen and test to ensure that they receive assistance through our facilities. We must all take responsibility for our own health. As we continue our efforts of vaccines rollout, we continue to appeal to all of us to continue observing Covid-19 protocols and employing all non-pharmaceutical interventions and behavioural change, to stem-off further infections as we confront the new wave of infections. Thank you. Deputy President William Ruto-linked United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will next week begin nationwide meetings with 2022 General Election hopefuls. The party has divided the country into six clusters and will meet the aspirants in phases as it seeks to solidify the rebranded outfit that Dr Ruto allies want him to use in his State House run next year. In a press release sent to the media houses by the party's secretary-general Veronica Maina on Wednesday, the party said it will start its consultative meetings with aspirants drawn from parts of Mount Kenya, Eastern and Nairobi region, who will meet in Nairobi on May 20. They will be followed by those from Western who will converge in Vihiga on May 24, North Rift (Eldoret) on May 25, South Rift (Nakuru) on May 27, Mount Kenya East (Meru) on May 31 and winding up with Mombasa on June 3 for the Coastal region. Only party aspirants who have fully paid the imposed fee will be admitted in these forums. "Those who have paid up and fully registered with UDA will receive communication on the modalities of the forum... we urge all the aspirants who have fully paid the registration fees, but have not yet availed all the details for registration, to finalise this process on our portal," said Ms Maina yesterday. Aspirants eyeing ward representative seats will pay Sh2,000, those seeking National Assembly posts as well as party positions will pay Sh5,000. Governor and Senate hopefuls will pay Sh10,000 while those intending to seek the party's ticket to run for the presidency are required to part with Sh100,000. "The party has gotten many aspirants from Nairobi, Murang'a, Nakuru and North Eastern counties even though the numbers are in thousands," said a source at the party headquarters. Ms Maina told the Nation that they are taking the party to the people arguing that they do not want a scenario where a party is managed from Nairobi. "We are out to decentralise the management of the party, we want the people to own it and this can only happen if we get out of Nairobi and meet them, this is coming up with a model that people are governed by regulations they have come up with," she said. She says that in what is their broader scheme of solidifying their bases as succession of President Uhuru Kenyatta gears up, they would like to get ideas from the party aspirants on how best the party can be managed. "It is a participatory approach, this forum will provide an opportunity for the party to engage aspirants on how the party can be run, how issues of nominations can be handled," Ms Maina said adding that the meeting will give aspirants fair ground to air out their ideas they want the party to use. Ms Maina maintained that the elected Jubilee MPs who would like to join UDA cannot do so at the moment due to the conditions of Political Parties Act Clause 14 (5) that will deem them to have resigned from the previous political party. According to the Elections Act, around February, parties intending to participate in the General Election due in August are required to submit their nomination rules. The law requires the rules be submitted at least six months to the nomination of candidates. For one to be eligible to contest in party primaries, one must be a member, which means UDA, like other parties, will be required to submit a party membership list in April- 120 days to the elections. According to UDA's chairman Johnstone Muthama, the party has appointed county coordinators in a bid to curb scenarios in which individuals appoint themselves as party officials. Mr Muthama also disclosed that they want the party to be owned by people hence they are the ones who will have the say in the party leadership instead of leaders being imposed on them. The DP for the first time last month disclosed that he is ready to use UDA in the race for State House if the 'dictatorship' in the Jubilee Party is not dealt with. "If it gets to a point where they do not want us to be there in Jubilee, then we must have a different plan. You cannot wait to hit a wall. Going forward, if there is no agreement, then we will plan ourselves with UDA. We have built UDA in partnership with Jubilee. It is not us starting afresh. We are just going on with what we already have," Dr Ruto said in a recent interview. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This comes even as the DP embraces regionalism as he pitches his economic program on what he will do for various regions if elected President. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said they are focused on the well-being of Mount Kenya past 2022 arguing that there is a need for the DP explaining to them how he will revive the agricultural sector more so coffee and tea. "Our plans as team Ruto is to provide capital to the hustlers, how to reduce the public debt, and how to transform the lives of 19 million hustlers who are in the informal sector," said Mr Nyoro. Already Coast leaders supporting the DP held a private meeting on Sunday and agreed on issues they will present to Dr Ruto in talks expected sometime this week. The meeting, which was convened by MPs Aisha Jumwa, Owen Baya, Khatib Mwashetani and former Senator Hassan Omar is to prepare an economic blueprint they want factored in Dr Ruto's bottom-up economic model. The Verizon Business 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (2021 DBIR) examines more breaches than ever before, and sheds light on how the most common forms of cyber-attacks affected the international security landscape during the global pandemic. This years report saw 5,258 breaches from 83 contributors across the globe, a third more breaches analyzed than last year. With an unprecedented number of people working remotely, phishing and ransomware attacks increased by 11 percent and 6 percent respectively, with instances of Misrepresentation increasing by 15 times compared to last year. Additionally, breach data showed that 61 percent of breaches involved credential data (95 percent of organizations suffering credential stuffing attacks had between 637 and 3.3 billion malicious login attempts through the year). The report also highlighted the challenges facing businesses as they move more of their business functions to the cloud with attacks on web applications representing 39% of all breaches. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many of the security challenges organizations are currently facing, said Tami Erwin, CEO, Verizon Business. As the number of companies switching business-critical functions to the cloud increases, the potential threat to their operations may become more pronounced, as malicious actors look to exploit human vulnerabilities and leverage an increased dependency on digital infrastructures. This year, the Incident Classification Patterns the DBIR report team uses to classify security threats have also been improved and refreshed. The updated report patterns explain 95.8 percent of analyzed breaches and 99.7 percent of analyzed incidents over all time, and should provide customers with a better understanding of the threats that exist, and how their organizations can best avoid them. Industries under the spotlight The 2021 DBIR includes detailed analysis of 12 industries, and shows that, while security remains a challenge across the board, there are significant differences across verticals. For example, in Financial and Insurance industries, 83 percent of data compromised in breaches was personal data, whilst in Professional, Scientific and Technical services only 49 percent was personal. Further highlights include: Financial and Insurance Misdelivery represented 55 percent of Financial sector errors. The Financial sector frequently faces credential and Ransomware attacks from External actors. Healthcare Basic human error continues to beset this industry as it has for the past several years. The most common Error continues to be Misdelivery (36 percent), whether electronic or of paper documents. Public Administration By far the biggest threat in this industry is the social engineer. Actors who can craft a credible phishing email are absconding with Credentials data at an alarming rate in this sector. Retail Trade The Retail industry continues to be a target for Financially motivated criminals looking to cash in on the combination of Payment cards and Personal information this sector is known for. Social tactics include Pretexting and Phishing, with the former commonly resulting in fraudulent money transfers. Regional trends The 83 contributors involved with the 2021 DBIR have provided the report with specific insights into regional cyber-trends highlighting key similarities and differences between them. Asia Pacific (APAC) Many of breaches that took place in APAC were caused by Financially motivated attackers Phishing employees for creds, and then using those stolen creds to gain access to mail accounts and web application servers. Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) EMEA continues to be beset by Basic Web Application Attacks, System Intrusion, and Social Engineering. Northern America (NA) NA is often the target of Financially motivated actors searching for money or easily monetizable data. Social Engineering, Hacking and Malware continue to be the favored tools utilized by actors in this region. Alex Pinto, Lead Author of the DBIR, comments, When you read the contents of the report, it is tempting to think that a vast array of threats demands a sweeping and revolutionary solution. However, the reality is far more straightforward. The truth is that, whilst organizations should prepare to deal with exceptional circumstances, the foundation of their defences should be built on strong fundamentals addressing and mitigating the threats most pertinent to them. The State medical supplier has lost a Sh70 billion five-year contract to procure, warehouse and distribute essential drugs on behalf of the American government. The Nation has established that what started as a minor port clearance dispute over antiretroviral drugs between Kenya and the United States has escalated, putting at risk the fight against malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Kenya's Health ministry has rejected the push by the US government to hand the lucrative drug distribution contract to Chemonics, an American company that has attracted its fair share of scandals around the globe. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe argues that reforming the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) is a better route than taking the contract away, which is akin to throwing away the baby with the bath water. Already, to show the government's resolve, the ministry has replaced the entire Kemsa board, but this move may have come a little late. The ministry also believes that giving the contract to a third party would weaken Kemsa, which buys drugs for all public health facilities in Kenya, and has spent billions of shillings to build a national supply chain. The other card on the table is sovereignty of the country, given that this would amount to donor blackmail, arguments that the US government representatives are not buying. But the immediate casualties of the escalating standoff are helpless patients who rely on the cheaper, donor-funded drugs to remain alive. Donor blackmail At the heart of the battle for the soul of Kemsa is the Sh70 billion five-year contract, which expired last year, and had been extended a few times on a month-to-month basis, but had now come up for full renewal before the US dropped the bombshell that it was not ready to work with Kemsa any longer. The Sh7.8 billion procurement scandal at Kemsa was the last nail on the coffin of the contract, coming days after a joint report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund raised concerns. The Nation has established that talks between the Kenyan and US governments are going downhill. A letter by Mr Eric Kneedler, the charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Kenya, reveals that US government officials in Nairobi had a virtual meeting on April 8 with CS Kagwe that discussed the US government's engagement with Kemsa and continued support to Kenya's medical supply chain. But the meeting failed to iron out all the issues, with the conflict escalating in the four days to April 12 when the US stuck to its guns and opted to use Chemonics. "As discussed on the call, after reviewing evidence and credible allegations regarding fraud and corruption identified by USAID's office of the Inspector General, and in light of the Biden administration's focus on combating corruption, the US government has determined that it is no longer tenable to continue working through Kemsa," the letter addressed to CS Kagwe reads in part. If the Global Fund takes a similar route, then Kenya's health crisis will become worse. USAID and the Global Fund have invested substantial resources in Kemsa. The two institutions have given Kemsa at least Sh100 billion in the past five years. The development partners heavily depended on Kemsa for procurement, warehousing and distribution of health commodities. Form a committee In the contract that has come to an end, USAID was supporting the Kemsa medical commodities project with funding totalling about Sh69 billion ($650 million) to procure all commodities funded by the US government for the five-year period between 2015 and 2020. Kenya is one of the Global Fund's "high impact" countries with active signed grants of Sh40.7 billion ($384 million) for the period between January 2018 and June 2021. The Global Fund has supported HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria programmes in Kenya since 2002, disbursing to the country over Sh120.8 billion ($1.14 billion) to date. The report notes that 60 per cent of these billions is used to procure health commodities through Kemsa. On its part , the US government through USAID entered into a contract with Kemsa medical commodities programme in 2015. The programme aims to operate a safe, secure, reliable and sustainable supply chain management system for HIV/Aids commodities needed to provide care and treatment for persons with HIV/Aids and TB in Kenya. It also supports the warehousing and distribution of US government-funded family planning, nutrition and malaria commodities. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Health U.S., Canada and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The US Embassy says the cutting of ties with Kemsa can be reconsidered if the government reforms the agency by strengthening and rebuilding safeguards, systems and controls in the agency. To do this, the US wants the ministry to form a committee to address challenges at Kemsa as well as immediately resolve the regulatory approvals, VAT and other tax exemptions for the consignments. Correspondence shows that the Health ministry was ready to work with the US government on any suggested oversight or monitoring of the donations to the Kenyan government, but it is not ready to have another company handed the Kemsa deal. "I would like to request the Ministry of Health to designate Chemonics as an authorised agent of Kemsa as expeditiously as possible," the letter signed by Mr Kneedler reads in part, adding that this will allow Chemonics to import, warehouse and distribute commodities during the period the US government "is not able to work with Kemsa". Meru is preparing for a huge milestone that's been 110 years in the making. Located on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the town is famous for its production of miraa and the 'flying vehicles' that transport the stimulant to the four corners of the nation. On May 13, 1911, the first colonial District Commissioner Edward Butler Horne declared Meru a township due to its strategic importance to the British. Over the past 110 years, Meru has played a crucial role in the nation's development. From the fight for independence to the struggle for the Second Liberation, Meru heroes and heroines sacrificed their lives for a better Kenya. Thus, this milestone is not just a celebration of a number, but a celebration of African resilience; where thousands of men and women on the slopes did duty for their land for more than a century to make it a shining light in the Horn of Africa. Horne, popularly remembered by the Ameru as Kangaangi (the wanderer), declared one-square mile of the area around his first settlement (Pig & Whistle) as Meru township. In the last century, Meru has undergone a major transformation from a market of iron-sheet buildings to a modern town of about 250,000 people. It's the seventh largest urban centre in the country and the county capital. The name of the region is derived from mieru - 'quiet forests' - and was coined by the Maasai in reference to the forested regions of Imenti and Tigania. The town owes its roots to Mahomed Moti & Sons Ltd, an enterprise which started about a decade before Horne established the urban centre. The shop, located next to the Nyayo monument on Njuri Ncheke Street, was founded by Indian immigrant Mohamed Moti, who started off with barter trade in the early 1900s. Moti set up the town's first shop at what is now known as Riverland on Horne's request, who needed supplies for his staff. His business came to be named 'Mahomed' after colonial officials misspelled the name based on the proprietor's Indian accent. His grandson Majid Suleman says their family business has survived various historical events and major changes in the town. "With the coming of the colonialists in 1908, my grandfather diversified into the sale of food stuff and building materials. He also ventured into milling, transport, mail delivery and expanded the business to the larger Meru, northern Kenya and north-eastern region," says Suleman, noting that his grandfather's water-powered flour mill still stands near Kathita River. The business remained a monopoly for several years until about five other Indians joined them in the 1940s. The town got a major boost during the Second World War when British carrier corps set camp in Meru and northern Kenya. "This is when my grandfather ventured into flour milling. He would supply the military with maize flour and fuel. Since the colonial officers frequented the shop for supplies, locals nicknamed it 'Duka la Serikali'. He used to sell groceries, textiles, canned beef and biscuits which were preferred by the British. There was no much trade with the Meru people then," offers the grandson. Africanisation policy After independence, the business had a downturn as the new government implemented the Africanisation policy. "Most Hindus left but Muslims remained. We lost most of our businesses to the Africanisation policy despite being citizens. At this time, discrimination against the Asian community was commonplace. At one time, police wanted to deport me to India but they learned I was Kenyan," he recalls. The town was moved to the current location in the early 1950s and traders were ordered to leave the old town, now known as Riverland. "The government had planned to have two streets starting from the highway all the way to Gakoromone market. The mosque was to be demolished. However, my father and other Muslims convinced the DC otherwise. The Njuri Ncheke Street was rerouted to save the mosque," says Suleman. He says the secret to the long survival of the family business is building trust with customers as well as the fact that its history is closely knit with that of the town. Much has changed in the town, including access to essential services, building of infrastructure and trade. "We now have piped water, electricity and good roads. But there is a need to expand the town's capacity to accommodate the growing population and traffic. There is need for more engagement between the county government and business community to address new challenges," says Suleman. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Municipality Manager Mbaabu Muguna says Meru has expanded over the decades from a colonial compound to a modern town that hosts major businesses and institutions. "There are 14 universalities, 15 major health facilities, 23 banks, 11 co-operative societies, seven retail shops, 32 manufacturing companies, 27 star-rated hotels and vital national government agencies," says Muguna. To address the challenges brought about by the town's rapid growth, the municipality board will establish more recreational spaces, including an arboretum near the upper Imenti Forest. More emphasis has been placed on planning to stop the spread of informal settlements as well as manage traffic congestion. The county government has started paving pedestrian walkways and parking spaces. "The national government is also expanding the sewerage facility," says Muguna. Meru Municipality now covers the area around Kiirua, along Meru-Nanyuki road, Ng'onyi, along Meru-Embu road, Thuura, along Meru-Mikinduri road, Mpuri, along Meru-Kithaku road and Kaithe along Meru-Maua road. A string of losses Deputy President William Ruto has suffered in recent political contests and their implication for his presidential bid has excited rivals, who see in them his waning influence. To rivals, the DP's losses have exposed his soft underbelly, busted the myth that he has the numbers and shattered the aura of invisibility that has given his "Hustler Nation" mantra traction. But Ruto allies argue that the latest showdown in Parliament has demonstrated that the DP commands the single largest bloc of MPs, at 83, more than any other party leader on his own. And, far from exposing his weakness, they say, the fact that he's putting up a resistance despite the heavy state machinery deployed to crush him shows his steely determination that further emboldens his support base. After refusing to openly go against the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill, 2020 despite prodding by Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) architects President Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, observers say he has shown his hand by the manner in which his allies voted in Parliament. University of Nairobi political analyst Herman Manyora says the developments suggest the DP is all bark but no bite. "Politics is a question of numbers and it's becoming increasingly clear that William Ruto may not have them. My advice to him is to withdraw his troops and try again in 2027 or 2032," the don said. But Murang'a senator Irungu Kang'ata insists this argument is misplaced. Most powerful politician "The BBI vote in the National Assembly shows Ruto is the most powerful politician in Kenya. He has 83 MPs, Raila has 57 and Uhuru 53. For the first time since reintroduction of multiparty politics, we have a non-Kikuyu politician who has penetrated Mt Kenya region," Mr Kang'ata said. This is a message his allies are keen on hammering. "We are not losing sight of the main task ahead, which is to see a change in the leadership of this country next year. And in any case, 83 is not a small number under the command of one person as compared to 230 under the command of seven of so-called party leaders," said Belgut MP Nelson Koech, adding that they will not lose focus on their major goal because of "small fights". But, according to Mr Manyora, the DP's failure to marshal his troops, and even losing some of his key allies to rivals, is telling. "With time, many of us have come to agree that Ruto may not become President. It's a question of numbers and it's clear Ruto may not have them," he said. "What the DP has been doing is living a lie. He's living in utopia. He needs to come back to reality and realise that he's losing votes," Joshua Kutuny, Jubilee Party deputy secretary-general said. The Cherang'any MP said the DP will soon run out of excuses to explain his losses. Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, another critic of the DP, said he lost direction when he decided to remain in government while at the same time opposing its policies. "The DP assumed that he could have his cake and eat it. Until he stops trying to oppose the policies put in place by the President, he will continue losing," the Nyeri Town MP said. By-election defeats Isolated in his own administration, the DP appears to have opened too many fronts at once or revealed his arsenal too early, both critical mistakes in the battle for the house on the hill. With a mixture of bravado, internal coups and the 2018 Handshake between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, the DP has been put to his defence, constantly being backed into a corner. This was seen in the by-election defeats, the removal of his key allies from crucial parliamentary posts, as well as the BBI Bill. Confident almost to a fault about his chances in the 2022 State House run, the DP has dismissed his competitors, with the exception of Mr Odinga, whom he says he will beat, but sees as a worthy opponent. But the passage of the BBI Bill by more than two-thirds of the members in both Houses has now raised questions about the DP's grip on his team as well as his political chances. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The axing of majority leaders Kipchumba Murkomen (Senate) and Aden Duale (National Assembly), majority whips Susan Kihika (Senate) and Benjamin Washiali (National Assembly), Jubilee deputy secretary-general Caleb Kositany as well as various parliamentary committee chairpersons allied to him has raised doubt about the DP's influence. The defeats in the Kabuchai and Matungu parliamentary by-elections and the Machakos senatorial race and the passage of the BBI with the support of 10 of Ruto-allied MPs in the National Assembly and only 12 of the 67 senators maintaining the camp's resistance, was so significant, some of the President's allies now see an impeachment as a possibility. "We hope that with the BBI vote, the question on who has the numbers has been settled once and for all. If he [Ruto] continues with his defiance, these numbers give us the confidence and we could escalate things to the next step [impeachment]. We have the numbers," said National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya last week after the National Assembly voted 235 to 83 to endorse the BBI Bill. The Judiciary has criticised Tuesday's demonstration by lawyers from Meru who stormed the Tigania Law Courts demanding the transfer of the station's head. The lawyers accused Principal Magistrate Gathogo Sogomo of corruption and high-handedness. But in a communication to the media, the Judiciary said the lawyers had not followed the set procedure of lodging complaints against judicial officers and should not have resorted to picketing, an act that paralysed operations at the courthouse. The press release further revealed that a probe into the matter, through the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman, has been initiated, with a view to establishing what really transpired. The letter also noted that the lawyers' action could have been insincere since the court headed by Mr Sogomo was among the best in the country, and was ranked second last year. Magistrate praised Several government officers working in Tigania region -- who cannot be named so as not to be seen as taking sides -- also praised the magistrate for his quick handling of cases, especially on gender-based violence. The Judiciary noted that the lawyers may have reacted after the magistrate took issue with an advocate who had arrived in court late. Under the Judiciary performance contracting mode, judicial officers are encouraged to ensure matters are dispensed with quickly. Litigants are also encouraged to embrace other forms of dispute resolution to ease congestion in courts. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "In the last Performance Evaluation 2018/2019, Tigania court was ranked number two in the country. Among courts with caseloads between 1,000 and 2,000, it was the second best performing magistrate's court, having resolved 4,207 cases in the year under review. Advocate late to court "While not taking sides, it is noted that one of the triggers of the altercation was that an advocate came to court late and the magistrate was firm and had moved on to the next case whose parties were ready to proceed," noted the statement from the Judiciary. The Judiciary appealed to the public and other stakeholders to support its efforts of ensuring expeditious delivery of justice in the interest of litigants. It noted that the lawyers, through the Law Society of Kenya, are members of the court users' committee and should have channelled their grievances through the group's forums. "Kindly be in court on time and ready to proceed when your case is called out... . Additionally, every court has regular bar-bench meetings where the presiding judge and judicial officers meet with the advocates practising in their area to provide a platform to nip any problems in the bud," it concluded. People living along the newly rehabilitated Nyeri-Nanyuki railway line have expressed safety concerns after a cargo train derailed on Monday and dumped thousands of litres of diesel on their farms. The train derailed at Ruthagati village in Mathira West sub-county. The diesel that gushed from one of the tankers flowed into neighbouring homesteads and farms, more than 300 metres from the scene and damaged food crops and other vegetation. A spot check by Nation established that farmers in the area are counting losses after their crops started withering after getting into contact with the fuel. Mr Paul Muriithi, a farmer and businessman whose farm is about 300 metres from the scene of the accident, was on Wednesday trying to quantify his losses after his coffee trees and other plants started turning yellow. The fuel had flooded his farm and some landscaping work he was doing to establish a hotel was also ruined. "On Tuesday, I was called from Karatina where I was attending to some business and was informed that a train had derailed. The stream of fuel was headed towards my homestead and on arrival, I was shocked to find the farm flooded with what smelled like diesel. A day later some crops have started changing from green to yellow," he lamented. Mr Muriithi said he had for a long time been concerned about the safety of the residents after noting that the train passes there almost on a daily basis sometimes ferrying more than ten tankers containing hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel. Firefighting engine "I couldn't imagine what could have happened if the fuel was the highly inflammable petrol. Imagine a family is busy in the kitchen and petrol suddenly flows in. It could have been a disaster of unimaginable magnitude taking into account that the area is densely populated," he said. According to witnesses, the train was towing two tankers when the accident occurred at around 5pm. Witnesses said one of the tanks went off the truck and overturned, spilling thousands of litres of fuel. "We heard a loud screeching sound then a bang and as we went to look what was happening, one of the tanks was upside down with the content gushing out, forming a stream," said a resident, Ms Jane Wambura. The train had left Karatina railway station some 20 minutes earlier before the accident. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Food and Agriculture By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. No injuries were reported in the accident. Police from a nearby post were called in and played a night-long hide-and-seek game with villagers armed with jerrycans to prevent them from scooping fuel from the derailed train. A firefighting engine was also on standby in case of a fire outbreak. Nyeri county director of the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Isaiah Kyengo said that he did not have the latest update on the incident because the information he had was that there was no oil spill during the accident. "I have not visited the scene yet but I was informed there was no spillage; the Kenya railway managed to prevent the oil spillage and put the content in another tanker, however, I will investigate and come with the correct information," Mr Kyengo said. And speaking with Nation on phone, outgoing Nyeri county director of Nema Ms Nancy Muui said when such incidents happen, those transporting the fuel should be held accountable for any losses and damages. "Apart from being a threat to human life, oil spills also affect the well-being of the ecology if it happens on a large scale and those transporting the commodity should be accountable," she said. A senior police officer has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a guard in Nairobi. Mr Simon Mutia Mwongela, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCIO) at Embakasi in Nairobi, was arrested on Thursday after the shooting incident. The officer is said to have engaged in an altercation with the guard at a lodging in Masimba, Kayole. Witnesses told police Mr Mwongela arrived at the lodging at about 4 am and ordered the guard to open the gate. The DCI officer shot the guard in the chest, killing him instantly. "He had gone to the club in the morning and demanded to get in and when he was denied entry, he shot one bullet which hit the guard in the chest," a police officer who was at the scene said. Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said investigations into the shooting incident are ongoing. "He has been arrested and is now being investigated for murder," Mutyambai confirmed. document The South African Local Government Association (Salga) and the Congress of South African Trae Unions (Cosatu) gave their responses yesterday to the Select Committee on Appropriations on the Division of Revenue Bill. The bill was tabled recently in the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu, outlined various processes following the tabling. "After the Bill was tabled before Parliament, the committee had some deliberations on it, which included various stakeholders such as the Parliamentary Budget Office and the Financial and Fiscal Commission." Thereafter, she said various permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) went to present to their respective provincial legislatures. "The provincial legislatures will have their own public hearings and will thereafter send to us their respective mandates, which will be considered by the committee before the finalisation of its report on the said Bill," said Ms Mahlangu. The committee then invited Salga and Cosatu to table their presentations. Salga's representative, Ms Stella Mondlane, began by stating that Salga is dissatisfied with Treasury's R6.5 billion reduction in the Equitable Share allocation. Salga believes the current allocations are inadequate to address infrastructure challenges and the increasing demands for basic services, which have been exacerbated by the contracting fiscus. "We acknowledge the fiscal challenges that the National Treasury has to deal with and the adjustments that had to be effected, which sadly left municipalities with gaping shortfalls," Ms Mondlane said. She went on to say that the growing unemployment rate has led to a steep decline to municipal revenue collection from 93% in 2019 to 20% in 2020. "This has resulted in the loss of 4.3 billion of municipal revenue. This situation was further exacerbated by the advent of the pandemic, which led to increasing expenditure demands on basic services such as water and sanitation," she said. What worries Salga most is that these reductions take place against an increase in the cost of basic services. This is compounded by unpaid debt owed to municipalities by the communities they serve. "We welcome the Multidisciplinary Review Committee that seeks to address the revenue shortfalls of municipalities. Most of all, we welcome the technological interventions that are aimed at transforming the revenue fortunes of distressed municipalities," she said. Although she welcomed the 7.3% increase in infrastructure spending, she lamented that it's not enough given the historical infrastructure backlog in many municipalities. "For instance, this increase won't be able to address the infrastructure backlog caused by migration to cities, let alone their aging infrastructure that will now be put under duress." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. However, Salga is of the view that the resolutions made at the local government budget lekgotla held recently will address some of these structural problems to ensure that municipalities perform optimally. In addition, Salga's national executive committee has resolved to act on the Auditor-General's adverse finding of the financial management of many municipalities and enhance its use of the resources allocated to it. Member of Parliament and select committee member Mr Dennis Ryder asked if Salga's complaints about the equitable share were dealt with at the budget lekgotla. Ms Khomotso Letsatsi, Salga's Councillor, replied: "Yes. As a result, three work streams: revenue, expenditure, power and functions, have now been established to look at this matter thoroughly. Also, a technical team has been put together to address concerns about this matter that have been articulated over the years." Commenting on the long-standing perception on relationships and policy proposals between the National Council of Province, Salga and national Treasury are not coordinated effectively, Ms Letsatsi responded by saying that relations have improved and are more coordinated than previously. Abel Mputing document The South African sugar cane industry has experienced a sharp decline in revenue in recent years, the result of the cheap sugar imports that flooded the local market. In response to this challenge, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during this year's State of the Nation Address a value chain master plan for the industry to address transformation, job protection, product diversification, the implementation of the HPL and the re-capitalisation of the sector to attract new investment that will optimise its effectiveness, efficiencies and competitiveness. The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry received briefings recently from a range of key stakeholders in the sugar sector on their progress with implementing the master plan. They all commended the government for this timely intervention and plans, which should sustain the industry by harnessing the competitiveness of its value chain. The committee was told by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, that the briefing took place at a time when sugar cane production was in a downward spiral, as sugar farming and jobs in the industry had declined by 60%. The decline is driven by declining global prices, increasing volumes of low-priced tariff-free exports, the Health Promotion Levy and the impact of Covid-19. The department's Chief Director of Agro-Processing, Ms Ncumisa Mcata-Mhlauli, presented the broad objectives of the master plan. Chief among them is to preserve the competitiveness of productive industry assets, to diversify to withstand competition and to restore local market and off-take commitments while ensuring that the industry restructures to be inclusive and reflective of South Africa's demographics. Several task teams have been formed to support these strategic interventions and which will monitor and evaluate progress. Ms Mcata-Mhlauli noted that the plan should be commended for contributing towards the 15% increase in local sales, 22% increase in direct market penetration and the 7% increase in soft-drink manufacturing and the procurement of local sugar. She told the committee that the next three months, the department aims to finalise it master plan milestones, and accelerate and up-scale intergovernmental coordination and participation of government stakeholders. In her presentation, the Chairperson of the South Africa Sugar Association (SASA), Ms Sindi Mabaso-Koyana, told the committee that SASA is committed to the growth of small-scale sugar cane farmers and the restructuring of the industry. SASA is currently in discussions with stakeholders about what constitutes the universe of small-scale sugar cane growers. On restructuring the industry, SASA has held more than 10 engagements with various stakeholders. "We have looked at what has work and how we can capitalise on that and what has not worked and what we do things differently," she said. SASA has also issued a tender to enlist the service of an international restructuring expert to assist it in undertaking this task. The tender was due for submission on 5 May and the appointment will be made on 1 June. The Chairperson of South African Sugar Millers' Association, Mr Rolf Lutge, reported that, among other things, their task is to look at how the industry can diversify production and attract re-investment and new investment. He commended the increase in sugar demand during the pandemic, but said that the industry needed to diversify crop production to enhance its value chain beyond sugar-cane plantations. He regretted the decline in re-investment in sugar plantations and said there is a need to recapitalise the industry, and preserve and protect it from export competition. "We also need to invest in new technologies and conduct research to exploit the greater value of our production." This will rebuild our skills capacity following years of difficulty, characterised by reduced capital investment, he said. The Chairperson of South African Sugar Cane Growers' Association, Mr Rex Talmage, pleaded for government protection against cheap sugar imports that are flooding our markets. "We appeal to Members of Parliament to assist in addressing that if we were to have a sustainable and profitable sugar industry." The association has initiated a Home Sweet Home advertising campaign on TV, billboards and social media to promote locally grown sugar products that has had over 90 views to date. The Chief Executive Officer of the South African Farmers Development Association's, Dr Siyabonga Madlala, decried the slow pace of transformation in the sector, caused by a huge resistance to transformation and land redistribution. During question time, the committee asked if the government's investment of R1 billion in the inception of the master plan has yielded any result. A representative from SASA, Mr Hans Hackmann, said that it has created job opportunities for youth and women, who now form part of the sugar cane industry. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Trade Governance South Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The committee also asked the department about eSwatini's dumping of large amounts of sugar onto the local market. Ms Mhlauli responded that political engagements are taking place with eSwatini to resolve this matter. In his conclusion, the chairperson of the committee, Mr Duma Nkosi, emphasised the need for the industry's role-players to diversify their products if they are to have a sustainable economic trajectory in the future. He further stated that the committee is interested to see the progress of various task teams in bring the master plan into fruition. "We appreciate the work done thus far. A foundation has been set and there's a need to take advantage of that." Beyond that, he said: "We need to encourage more synergies and working relations among stakeholders to make a difference and contribute to the realisation of inclusive and economic growth of our country." Abel Mputing The value of Bahrains exports of national origin increased by 59% to BD295 million ($778million) during April 2021, compared to BD186 million for the same month of the previous year, said the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in its foreign trade report of April 2021. The top 10 countries in terms of the value of exports of national origin purchased from Bahrain accounted for 81% of the total value, with the remaining countries accounting for 19%. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) ranked first among countries receiving Bahraini exports of national origin, importing BD57 million from Bahrain. Meanwhile, Egypt was second with BD38 million and the UAE ranked third with BD36 million. Agglomerated iron ores and concentrates as the top products exported during April 2021 with BD95 million, unwrought aluminium alloys were second with a value of BD54 million and third aluminium wire not alloyed with BD12 million. The total value of re-exports increased by 39% to reach BD53 million during April2021, compared to BD38 million for the same month of the previous year. The top 10 countries accounted for 87% of the re-exported value, while the remaining countries accounted for the 13%.TheUAE ranked first with BD19 million, the KSA second with BD14 million, and Hong Kong third with BD4 million. Gold ingots are the top product re-exported from Bahrain with BD9 million, came in second place four-wheel drive cars with BD7 million, and private cars came third with BD4 million. The trade balance, the difference between exports and imports, recorded a deficit totalling BD109 million during April of 2021 compared to BD139 million for the same month of the previous year, an improvement of the trade balance by 21%. The value of imports increased by 26%, reaching BD457 million during April2021compared to BD362 million for the same month the previous year. The top 10 countries accounted for 71% of the value of imports, with the remaining countries accounting for 29%. According to the report, Brazil ranked first when it came to imports to Bahrain, with a total ofBD78 million. China was second with BD60 million, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was third with BD29 million. Non-agglomerated iron ores and concentrates as the top product imported into Bahrain with a total value of BD100 million, while other aluminium oxide was second withBD21 million, and four-wheel drive cars third with BD15 million. TradeArabia News Service document Programme Director President of the South African Local Government Association, Councillor Thembisile Nkadimeng Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Honourable David Mabuza Members of the National Executive Committee of SALGA Ladies and gentlemen Programme Director, many countries across the globe and international institutions such as the United Nations have great admiration for the Constitution of South Africa. One of the reasons for this is the manner in which our Constitution treats the question of the local sphere of government, which consists of municipalities. Under our Constitution, a municipality has the right to govern, on its own initiative, the local government affairs of its community, subject to national and provincial legislation. As many would know, this is not the case in some other jurisdictions. For example, while in most Middle East/North Africa countries the establishment of municipalities dates back to the Ottoman Empire and colonial administrations, it is just over a decade ago that a gradual shift in decision-making power from national level to sub-national levels has taken place. In general, the central governments in the region retain substantial powers to intervene in local affairs. I therefore feel highly honoured at the invitation to participate in SALGA's Special National Assembly held under the theme Guiding the Transition: An opportunity to renew as we usher in the 5th Term of Democratic and People Centred Local Government. I will address myself to the topic Working Together to Achieve the Developmental Outcomes of Local Government. It is worth noting that this engagement takes place at a time when South Africa celebrates 25 years of the adoption of the Constitution. This context includes an economy that is not performing to expectation - high levels of unemployment, inequality, poverty, crime, Covid-19 and the scourge of corruption. It is this Constitution that establishes local government as a distinctive sphere of government, which is interdependent and interrelated with national and provincial spheres of government. This arrangement was reinforced through the development of a range of governance instruments aimed at strengthening local government. These include the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act of 1998 and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 as amended. Both the Municipal Structures and Municipal Systems Acts provide respectively for: The establishment of municipalities in accordance with the requirements relating to categories and types of municipality; Division of functions and powers between categories of municipality; and The core principles, mechanisms and processes to enable municipalities to undertake social and economic upliftment of local communities, amongst other things. In order to appreciate the transformative role of local government in our society over the years, one needs to take cognisance of the fact that before 1994 apartheid legislation had, amongst other things, enforced residential separation. This resulted in the establishment of, for example, Coloured, Indian and Black Councils in cities like Johannesburg. Needless to say, these did not have the necessary resources to properly service the people. As many would know, apartheid planning was intended to consign the majority of South Africans to places far away from work, where services could not be sustained, and where it was difficult to access the benefits of society and meaningfully participate in the economy. The democratisation of the space, the governance systems and processes of local government, led to the integration of poor local authorities with those that had the tax base to support development. This became a game changer in leveraging development in some of the traditional black areas. It resulted in the building of some world-class facilities in some townships: infrastructure programmes and the general rehabilitation of the environment. All of this helped to change the face of many cities and towns around the country. Surely some lessons can be learned from this. It is fair to acknowledge that while development took shape in many parts of the country, degeneration also set in. Programme Director, in addition to placing local government at the centre of social and economic development, the Constitution also advances the principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations. Amongst other things, it enjoins the three spheres of government to co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by - fostering friendly relations; assisting and supporting one another; informing one another of, and consulting one another on, matters of common interest; co-ordinating their actions and legislation with one another; adhering to agreed procedures; and avoiding legal proceedings against one another. This constitutional injunction should be understood against the fact that the Constitution envisages the Republic of South Africa as one, sovereign, democratic state. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that in exercising their powers the three spheres of government should do so in a manner that does not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of government in another sphere. The National Council of Provinces is constitutionally mandated to play a critical oversight role with regard to the protection of the integrity of the three spheres of government and promotion of effective government. However, we note with increasing concern the growing number of not so great interventions by provinces in municipalities. Of great concern is the increase in the number of repeat interventions. This strengthens the point that has been raised from time to time in our engagements that, often than not, the interventions are used as an instrument to achieve political ends. As the NCOP, we have for some time now reflected on the worrying trend that: There is no uniformity in the application of Section 139 across provinces or within a province; Some municipalities emerge from Section 139 interventions worse than before; Sometimes the interventions occur late into the process; There is failure to use the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act; and The provinces do not seem to be keen or able to establish early warning systems and to act accordingly. It is our view that many of the issues that trigger an intervention would not be there if the spheres of government were co-operating with one another in mutual trust and good faith, as provided for in the Constitution. Our concern is that this failure to advance these constitutional principles might suggest a tendency to simply want to take over the powers of local government. Programme Director, our Constitution, which is the envy of many people across the world, directs that we must work together. This is clear in Section 154 (1), which provides that the national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other means, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions. It is therefore imperative that we ensure that all our efforts are directed towards empowering and assisting our municipalities and not to seek to usurp their powers. Local government is about restoring the dignity of the people. We have seen this through, for example: The conversion of dusty roads into tarred roads as a means to contribute to development; Building decent and habitable environments; Greening initiatives; Turning our local areas into nodes of development; and Promoting local innovation to address local challenges. It is my view that one of the best ways to fast-track development and learning is through undertaking pilot experiments which enable the gathering of knowledge within a short space of time. We also need to be open to learn from the experiences of others. As the saying goes, life is too short to learn from your own mistakes. Repeating mistakes over and over again suggests something else. One of the persisting challenges that face a number of municipalities and which impact development, is the inability to raise revenue and lack of capacity to manage finances. This is particularly the case with many rural municipalities that have poor revenue base and also experience difficulties with attracting talent. Observers have noted that despite population shifts from rural to urban areas, the health and wellbeing of the entire population will continue to depend on rural goods and services - a reminder that rural areas do matter. The National Development Plan suggests that a strategy and / or plan should be developed to enhance the developmental role of small towns in rural economies, with a focus on economic viability, sustaining public services, skills development, the green agenda and connecting infrastructure. This is of course easier said than done, but equally so, it is not an impossibility. My own experience in municipal governance has taught me that if we want to pursue sustainable development, we must stay focused. It is through the adoption of a programmatic approach to development that we can be able to stay the course. My view is that a programme-based approach is an effective option if we are to address the developmental needs of municipalities. A programme-based approach permits the generation of ideas before any deliberation on the resources that will be required. It creates the possibility to take up the challenges, analyse them, and develop ideas to resolve them. Ideation, or the generation of an idea, should be the first step in the planning process. We cannot solve our problems in a sustainable manner by putting money first. That is akin to putting the proverbial horse before the cart. Let us think and think big. Programme Director, we appreciate the role being played by SALGA in the proceedings of the NCOP. This role has increased over the years. It is a clear demonstration of how we can work together to achieve the development of local communities. We would like to see the further deepening of this in all the key facets of the work of the NCOP, particularly in view of the need to deal with post-Covid reconstruction and recovery. On the part of the NCOP, we are committed to taking up many of the issues that SALGA has been raising with us. These include, but not limited to, the issues raised by SALGA during the Local Government Week held in 2020. It is our view that some of the issues raised, such as the functionality and effectiveness of the two-tier system of local government, are structural and require engagement at a political level. However, we are happy to continue to interrogate them until a solution is found. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. We share the view proposed by SALGA during the last Local Government Week, for the establishment of a team that will pursue the resolution of all identified matters. A multi-disciplinary team, at the core of which should be the representatives from the NCOP, SALGA, the National Treasury and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, would be a step in the right direction. The team should be able to categorise the issues into those that are doable immediately, so that we can focus on them, and those that will need further political consultation to explore further and crystallise for special attention and focus. We trust that the new District Development Model, which consists of a process by which joint and collaborative planning is undertaken at local, district and metropolitan levels by all the three spheres of government, will help us to enhance the observance and adherence to the constitutional principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations. It may also provide us with a new template to resolve the challenges currently faced by municipalities. We are alive to the need to support the implementation of the District Development Model through the insights we gain from our oversight work. Programme Director, the Constitution provides a canvass for understanding and engaging local government. As we celebrate 25 years of the adoption of the Constitution, it is incumbent upon us to find ways of working together to support the development of our local communities. A programme-based approach is one of these. There are good examples of how we have harnessed the transformational power of the country's Constitution to intervene by improving the spaces in which our people live and work. However, we have also seen some setbacks such as the degeneration of some of our urban centres, for instance, the failure to ensure cleanliness and weaknesses in supporting municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions. We acknowledge that through the NCOP, SALGA has raised many issues that are critical to development at local government level. We commit to taking up practical steps to work with SALGA and national government to have these matters interrogated and, where possible, resolved. We need to remain eternally optimistic and work much harder to support struggling municipalities across the length and breadth of our country. Programme Director, allow me to extend my utmost appreciation at the opportunity to address SALGA's Special National Members Assembly as we launch the transitional phase into the 5th term of democratic and people-centred local government. Thank you Nairobi President Uhuru Kenyatta and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were set to conduct virtual school visits in the two countries Wednesday. State House Spokeswoman Kanze Dena said the two leaders will tour Westlands Primary School in Nairobi and Cleves Cross Primary School in Ferryhill, England as part of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) initiative. The visits start at noon. "The visits will provide President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Johnson an opportunity to directly engage with pupils, aged between 9 and 11 years, and create a high profile moment for championing education for all, with a special focus on technology and girls' education," she said in a statement. Westlands Primary School and Cleves Cross Primary School are part of the Connecting Classrooms Through Global Learning (CCGL), a program that provides opportunities for pupils to engage peers across countries on global issues such as climate action and gender equality. Two men found in possesion of the outlawed cannabis Sativa drug, which is commonly known as bhang, in Kangemi have been fined Sh5000 each or spend three months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of possession of the narcotic drug. Jack Ireri and Newton Ndung'u were handed the penalties by resident magistrate William Tulel of Kibera law courts after admitting the charges. Ireri admitted that he was found with 30 rolls of bhang with street value of Sh2,100 while his accomplice had 15 rolls worth Sh1,200 on May 10. The court heard that the two were found with the bhang contrary to the narcotics and psychotropic substances control Act. The bhang was recovered from their respective pockets during a search by the police, after the arrest. They admitted the facts of the case as read out in court by prosecution counsel Robert Ogalo. In mitigation, Ndung'u, 18, told the court that he is remorseful for the contravening law and pleaded for leniency. He told the court his parents separated and his father married another woman forcing him to leave the home following a fall out with the step-mother and has been living with friends. Ndung'u said a well-wisher is helping him train as a mechanic but lack of money for food and rent has forced him into crime. Ireri said he was training as an electrical technician but things got tough for him due to hard economic times after it became difficult for his mother, a single parent, to support him through the course. Nairobi Chief Justice nominee Martha Koome was put on the spot Thursday when she was vetted by MPs who wanted her to explain claims that she is a feminist. The query was put to her by Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang and Minority Whip Junet Mohammed who voiced concerns that the feminist legal theories she subscribes to may disadvantage male litigants seeking justice in the court. "Would you consider yourself a feminist and do people of the other gender have anything to fear in your leadership as a Chief Justice?" Kajwang posed. Mohammed posed a more direct question, "There is talk and rumours that you are a feminist and hate men." Koome however, denied the allegations saying that she always strives to be balanced and has been married for the last 35 years. "I follow the dictates of the constitution, of the statute. I can never operate outside of the constitution. I do not hate men. As a matter of fact, I have been married for the last 35 years," she replied The CJ nominee clarified that her love for family and society will make Kenyans feel safe if she is offered the position. "If approved, I hope to use this power of convening as the Chief Justice to speak to the families that we need to bring up, empower, and protect our children," said Koome. Earlier, she had stated that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is free to recruit an Ombudsman to handle complaints against judges and other members of the Judiciary. "The JSC is mandated to deal with complaints about judges because of the independence of the judges and the institution. At the moment nothing stops JSC from advertising for the best possible person to apply as the Ombudsman of the Judiciary," Koome explained. The CJ nominee asserted that she got the position as a result of merit and the competitive nature of the recruitment process. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "For the 33 years I have worked, I have chosen to serve Kenyans with absolute commitment from the depth of my heart, my gender or where I come from does not come in my way," the CJ nominee responded. Kisumi Town West Olago Aluoch asked Koome whether she was disturbed by claims that her nomination has only served to give credence to tribal appointments in various public service positions by successive governments. "Justice Koome does it bother you that if approved by Parliament, the three arms of Government will be headed by people from one region, commonly know as the Mountain, " Kisumu Town West MP stated. Koome said she brings to the court a wealth of experience earned from more than three decades in the Judiciary, having served in the High Court, and Court of Appeal as well as being a frontline fighter for human rights during the KANU era. The committee is expected to prepare a report for tabling in the House by May 25 for debate before her name is forwarded to President Uhuru Kenyatta for formal appointment if approved by the committee. High Court judge, Tawanda Chitapi has issued an order temporarily stopping the trial of MDC Alliance MP, Joana Mamombe and fellow party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova at the magistrate court. The three are accused of publishing falsehoods after allegedly faking their abduction by suspected state security agents last year. The alleged abductions happened soon after the activists had joined fellow party youths in staging an anti-government demonstration in Harare's Warren Park suburb in breach of Covid-19 regulations. Their trial had started last week amid claims the activists had been forced to plead against their will. This prompted them to file the present application which has been upheld pending a hearing which starts this Thursday. Ruled Chitapi, "The hearing of the urgent application is postponed to May 13 at 2:30pm. The trial of the three applicants is hereby temporarily stayed pending determination of this urgent application." In their application, the three are seeking trial recusal by presiding magistrate, Bianca Makwande, and Prosecutor Michael Reza accusing the two court officials of taking their trial personally. They argued they would never see justice delivered as long as Makwande and Reza continued handling the case. They said their fears were so strong to the extent the sight of Makwande and Reza made them cringe. "We protested that we could not properly plead to the charges given our so many misgivings in the matter but Makwande forced us to plead to the changes that had been put to us," Mamombe, a Harare West MP, said in her founding affidavit. Mamombe told court that her colleagues were equally apprehensive. The Namibian manufacturing sector declined by almost 20% last year as it bore the brunt of the impact of Covid-19 and associated lockdown measures. This means that during 2020, several local manufacturers were forced to stop or minimise operations. According to FirstRand Namibia Economist Ruusa Nandago, the impact was further compounded by a decline in demand for manufacturing products as personal and corporate incomes in the domestic economy became constrained. As a result, output in the manufacturing sector declined by 19.6% year-on-year (y/y), compared to a growth of 4.3% y/y during 2019. "This contraction makes manufacturing the third-worst performing sector during 2020 after hotels and restaurants, which contracted by 33.1% y/y, and transport and storage, which contracted by 22.4% y/y over the same period. Given that this sector contributes 11% to GDP, this had a material impact on overall economic performance," Nandago noted. The FirstRand economist explained that driving the significant decline in the manufacturing sector were spillovers from the decline in the mining sector. Said Nandago: "Declines in diamond production because of lockdowns and a slowdown in commodity prices had an impact on the diamond processing subsector of manufacturing, which fell by 14.1% y/y. Similarly, metals processing declined by 46.8% y/y. The lingering effects of the 2019 drought also compounded this decline as meat processing declined by 40.8% y/y. This was mainly a result of farmers rebuilding their livestock herds and thus reducing the supply of meat to be slaughtered. Lastly, alcohol bans and reduced alcohol sales both in Namibia and South Africa resulted in reduced beverage production, which declined by 36.5% y/y". Looking ahead, Nandago expects output in this sector to recover from the levels seen during 2020 in the absence of severe lockdown measures. "Total output is, however, expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels, owing to reduced demand in the economy, the closure of some smaller manufacturing companies and restrictions on alcohol sales because of curfews," Nandago concluded. Founding President Sam Nujoma will today celebrate his 92nd birthday with close family members. According to Nujoma's senior special assistant Paul Shipale, the elderly statesman will only be celebrating his birthday with close relatives this year, in line with government protocol to limit public gatherings as part of the fight against Covid-19. Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa congratulated Nujoma on his 92nd milestone, saying the party is grateful to celebrate his fruitful life and dedication to fight for the independence and freedom of the country. She also described Nujoma as one of the strongest pillars of wisdom in Swapo. "We would like to wish him a blessed 92 birthday celebration. We are happy to have him as a leader in good health. He is still our great man. When the Swapo party needs wisdom, we go to him. We would like to reflect on the great contribution the Founding President has made to the Namibian nation," she said. Information minister and government spokesperson Peya Mushelenga described Nujoma as a revered statesman. "We feel blessed to have him in our midst, particularly because elders are the embodiment of wisdom and we turn to them for advice and guidance. We extend to the Founding President Sam Nujoma warmest congratulations on his 92nd birthday," said Mushelenga. His doctor, Dr Tshali Ithete, said Nujoma is blessed with immense discipline. "The same discipline that has been reflected in his leadership over the many decades comes across in the manner he maintains his health and wellness. He maintains a great and well-balanced lifestyle. Yes, he is growing old gracefully," said Iithete, who added Nujoma is doing well amid the Covid-19 pandemic. "He recently received his Covid-19 vaccine and wishes other Namibians to do the same to curb further spread of this disease," he stated. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has defied public sentiment by extending Chief Justice Luke Malaba's term by another five years. Malaba was due to retire from the helm of the Zimbabwean bench through retirement when he turns 70 this Friday. But a rushed signing into law of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 gave the President the legal tools to give the top jurist another lease of life at the helm of the country's judiciary. Mnangagwa's decision to extend Malaba's term was arrived at after medical reports proved the judge was fit to continue with his job. According to state media, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda has written to Malaba approving his term's extension beyond his current age. This comes in spite of Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Director, Musa Kika, Young Lawyers Association and MDC Alliance Vice President, Tendai Biti having filed a court challenge against what was a highly anticipated extension of Malaba's term. Zimbabwe's opposition is keen to see Malaba's back after the top judge has been accused of interfering with judgements deemed unfavourable to the interests of the Zanu PF establishment. His juniors within the bench have also accused their boss of overbearing influence on the outcome of court judgements. Malaba has a special place in the hearts of Zanu PF after he presided over the famous 2018 electoral challenge against Mnangagwa by the latter's main opponent Nelson Chamisa of MDC Alliance, who lost the case. The judge presided over Mnangagwa's inauguration 2017 after the Zimbabwean strongman muscled his way to the top job following a military assisted coup in November same year. Before Malaba became the country's top most court official, Mnangagwa, then Vice President and leader of a Zanu PF faction that was tussling for party control ahead of then President Robert Mugabe's exit, put up a strong boardroom fight to have the judge appointed Chief Justice. Recently appointed managing director of Nedbank Namibia Martha Murorua has taken over as chairperson of the Bankers Association of Namibia (BAN) for a one-year term. She assumes the role from CEO of Letshego Bank Ester Kali as outgoing chair. Upon accepting the new role, Murorua thanked the BAN board for yet another task. "Nedbank looks forward to advocating for our industry, and we foster the importance of inclusivity and financial literacy in Namibia. These are difficult and unpredictable times, yet we have seen financial institutions lean in to assist their clients and consumers in navigating the current economic climate. The zeal and determination with which they serve their customers and communities are inspiring," she said. Murorua added: "It is important for the spirit of teamwork to continue amongst ourselves because as much as healthy competition is necessary, we must also support each other to collectively build our industry and to help Namibia to thrive." Outgoing board chairperson Ester Kali said she embraced her one-year term, highlighting many achievements during the most difficult period for any board amidst the Covid pandemic. "This hand-over ceremony was arranged to highlight a lot of milestones achieved in such a short period of time and to also mention future plans that will successfully be implemented through the next couple of months. It is critical for us to also highlight a few challenges to share lessons learnt so that when the boat continues to be steered upwards, we are better geared," Kali noted. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Banking By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Amongst the many accomplishments during her 12 months as chair, Kali celebrated the appointment of BAN's CEO with the board being able to successfully open its head office in Windhoek. "Never would I have imagined that the Bankers Association could appoint its new CEO. This moment was quite nostalgic, as it reminded me years ago of how Letshego Bank first obtained its license... Since his appointment on August 18th, Brain Katjaerua (BAN CEO) has been able to run with the ball by setting up our office and managing a lot of tasks that required a massive team. I thank you, Brian, for your continued leadership and I am sure you will be able to continue with all of the strategic plans during your terms as CEO," Kali gracefully mentioned. Meanwhile, Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab expressed his appreciation for the past year and the manner in which the Bankers Association managed to keep on track in the worst economic climate experienced by all sectors. "Job well done to Ester Kali and team. With the constant engagement with my office and yours, this ensured the best interest of all of our customers during a very uncertain time. We managed to navigate through a lot and the fruits can be seen today, with many accomplishments highlighted by outgoing chair, Ms Kali. For the regulator, it is not business as usual, as it is providing financial stability. We remain to our core values to ensure a stable and sound economy;. We need to mobilise stakeholders to implement strategy. We need to transform banking that aligns with digital breakthrough, modernise financial systems and restore economic recovery," !Gawaxab commended. The Muslim community in Seychelles for the second straight year celebrated the religious holiday Eid-ul-Fitr at home with family instead of in larger community gatherings or with a traditional congregational prayer in accordance with the COVID-19 measures in place in the island nation. Normally, the Islamic groups in the 115 island archipelago join together at Stad Popiler in the capital, Victoria, to celebrate the event, which marks the end of Ramadam and its one month of daytime fasting. The National Muslim Council of Seychelles said that all Muslims should offer Eid prayers at home. The Council's chairperson, Imam Idris Yusuf, told SNA that although "we are celebrating at home, we should join together in prayers in our heart. This is a day for us to celebrate, but also renovate our faith and what we believe in as Muslims. Most of the time around the world you hear negative things about Muslims, but today we pray to make a difference. I would like to wish all Muslims a happy Eid-ul Fitr day." Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal and though it is not a public holiday in Seychelles, the law stipulates that it is at the discretion of the employers to allow Muslim workers a day off. In his message to the Muslim community, President Wavel Ramkalawan conveyed his greetings for Eid-ul Fitr. "I would also like to congratulate them on having completed a successful Ramadan, regarded as an auspicious opportunity for spiritual renewal. May the Almighty reward your fasts, prayers and supplications," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Seychelles Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ramkalawan said that last year Muslims had to forego the congregational and community-based events as everyone complied with the measures introduced to safeguard the nation from the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the restrictions have been moderately eased. "I want to particularly salute all the Muslims and their leaders for the excellent way they have responded to the call of the Public Health Authority to scale down congregational prayers and other related activities in compliance with the need to place national health, safety and interest first," said Ramkalawan. He added that "may the situation improve for your next and bigger festival, Eid-ul-Adha, in just over two months' time." Jamila Figaro, a member of Seychelles' Muslim community, said that she understands that there should not be any gatherings at this point in time, "but it is also sad as we cannot join together as a big family to celebrate. It is a day that we usually join to celebrate after one month fasting. But I guess we do not have any option and it will be like this for a while." Figaro said that she usually organises something with her sister and would go to the congregation prayer in the morning and dinner at night. by Bernardo Cervellera The editor of AsiaNews bids farewell as he returns to Hong Kong and China, an old and new mission. He gives thanks to God, to the AsiaNews staff, to friends and readers for their generosity. Mission in mass media is the first areopagus of contemporary mission. Dear readers, dear friends, On May 31, my work as editor-in-chief of AsiaNews and AsiaNews.it comes to an end. The superiors of PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), to which I belong, has decided to destine me to the Hong Kong-China mission, where I expect to arrive in early August. This is not my first missionary experience there, having already served in Hong Kong and China in the years 1990-1997 and even in my years here in Italy I have always carried the passion that I nurture for the destiny of the Chinese people and the Church in my heart. Regarding my new (and old) destination, some media have speculated about tensions with the Vatican on AsiaNews position regarding the Church in China and on the Sino-Vatican Agreement, which they believe would have forced my superiors to put me at a safe distance. In reality, my going to Hong Kong and China is a drawing closer to my primary mission, in a hot and bloody spot on the planet today, where people, Christians and religions suffer, and where an authoritarian giant like China spreads waves of unrest throughout the rest of the world. This is precisely where the salvation and hope that Jesus Christ brought for every man and woman is needed most, even for those who are prisoners of a regime, even for those who build the future of their people on political slavery or on the apparent false freedom of consumerism, which is the flip side of enslavement to mass production and materialism. I am truly grateful to my superiors for this decision. I am also truly grateful for the 18 years spent working for AsiaNews. First of all to God, who has allowed us to be an instrument to raise the voices of Churches and peoples so often forgotten and victims of indifference, or exploited like tools for profit and exotic pleasure in an East-West dialogue made only of economy and obtuse interest. I must also thank all the AsiaNews staff with whom I have collaborated, always ready to see and carry out this work as a mission, generously overcoming demands and rhythms of work, offering time, space and friendship to the people of Asia. The most important thanks is to all of you our friends and readers: in these 18 years AsiaNews has existed and has been able to continue thanks to your generosity, your financial help, sharing with us the idea that our news must be freely available to be shared and not hidden behind "pay walls". Our administrator has calculated that in all these years AsiaNews has managed to live and work thanks to your donations, which have amounted to an estimated 4.5 million euros (without ever having set any subscription price, and with PIME which contributed in all for 500 thousand euros). I can assure you that we have never stopped praying for you, so that your generosity may blossom into fruits of peace and love for the world and for yourself. AsiaNews' mission is not to make a profit, but to be the voice of the peoples and churches of Asia, in the certainty that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of all mankind and that mankind is the way of the Church. This is why we always look at facts, events, declarations, even catastrophes to understand and determine how we as human beings can be truer to ourselves and even happier in these situations, while always safeguarding the dignity of people, whether they be the poor, lepers, victims of earthquakes and floods or the wealthy tycoons, despots, the violent. The absolute dignity of every man or woman is based on their being a creature, generated by God. This is why our first battle has always been for religious freedom not only for Christians, but for all faiths. A journalism that is passionate about man and not about profit can also be prophetic: it senses paths and tracks like a sentinel sent out in advance who then returns to invites others to follow on that path. Our campaigns have served this purpose. The first was for the liberation of the Christian Savio O'Connor from Saudi prisons. In the openings - some real, others ambiguous - that Riyadh is carrying out, we see the fruit of the shed blood and pain experienced by Savio and other Christians or Hindus. Another important campaign was "Adopt a Christian from Mosul": born in 2014 to help Christian refugees fleeing the Islamic State in Iraq, it has become the model for many campaigns in favor not only of Christians, but also of Yazidis , Sunni and Shia Muslims, Mandaeans, etc. They are the same communities that Pope Francis visited in Iraq last March. There have been "smaller" campaigns for the Christians of Orissa, the earthquake victims of Nepal and Indonesia, the flood victims of the Philippines, Chinese students, ... The last, among the most moving, was to free 52 unemployed families from slavery in the brick factories of Kamalpur (Pakistan). There are now several groups in Italy and abroad that would like to continue this work. My future is not yet specified: pastoral work, cultural work, work in prisons, Everything will depend on the opportunities that arise after my return to the Chinese world. The future of AsiaNews and AsiaNews.it is in the hands of my superiors and their desire to look ahead and beyond. I wish Fr. Mario Ghezzi, the newly appointed director of AsiaNews, an attentive missionary in Cambodia, every success and I pray that he will continue our mission in the field of communication which - as Saint John Paul II said - is "the first areopagus" of contemporary mission (Redemptoris Missio , no. 37). Pictured: A picture of the South China Sea from the Pime House in Hong Kong. The Danish Government has announced that steady progress was being made on its country pavilion for the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai with the superstructure now ready and the full fit-out due for completion by the end of July. Located in the Mobility District of the mega event, the pavilion features an 18-metre-tall observation tower. Once completed, it will host several high-profile Danish companies, including globally recognised mobility experts such as DSV and Maersk, alongside Rockwool and Ege. The facility will showcase the countrys export and investment potential in partnership with the Danish Business Council alongside the strength of its relationship with the UAE, during a six-month global gathering that will welcome more than 190 nations and millions of visitors from across the planet. Close to 1,000 Danish SMEs are expected to participate. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 received confirmation of the countrys participation from Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin, who has been appointed Commissioner General for Denmark at Expo 2020, at the end of last weeks International Participants Meeting (IPM) in Dubai. For the first time in World Expo history, every participating nation will have its own pavilion, with countries clustered under Expo 2020s three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability areas seen as essential to building a better future for everyone. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director for European Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: The need for nations from all corners of the world to unite with a common purpose to build a stronger, cleaner, safer planet has never been greater, and we are delighted to welcome the Danish Government on board, alongside our existing partners from the Danish Business Council." "Our countries have a shared history, a love of culture and strong trade links, which Denmark will be able to showcase to the world, and their participation will enrich the experience of millions of visitors to Expo 2020, he stated. Mellbin said: Denmark is thrilled to participate in Expo 2020, which seeks to redefine how the Expo concept can be used to bring together people, businesses and governments from more than 190 nations in a unique way to meet global challenges and harvest global opportunities." "As the world economy slowly begins to reopen, Danish companies are keen to participate and share their expertise, innovations and vision with the world for a cleaner, safer, healthier future. With its global outlook, and sitting at the crossroads between Africa, Asia and Europa, the UAE provides a perfect meeting place for the event, he added. Jens Lund, President of the Danish Business Council, said: We are pleased to welcome the Danish Government and will be proud to represent Denmark in the UAE at Expo 2020 Dubai a crucial platform to boost the global economy as it recovers from the effects of the pandemic and an unmissable opportunity to show the world the many business opportunities our country has to offer." "We are putting the finishing touches to our pavilion and look forward to working closely with our country to share the best of what Denmark has to offer with people from all corners of the planet when Expo opens on October 1, he added.-TradeArabia News Service National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku says President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gone beyond late former President Robert Mugabe in terms of his love for power. Addressing journalists in Harare, Madhuku said his party was opposed to the Constitutional Amendment No. 2 recently enacted into law and feels vindicated after he massively campaigned against the new charter in 2013. "We notice a very dangerous trait in Amendment Number 2. It's a level above what we used to have. We have been in this game to say that we need a people driven constitution. At one point we were dealing with President Mugabe and some people thought it was all about Mugabe but what has happened with Amendment 2 is that the current President has gone much beyond what President Mugabe was doing in terms of loving power as a person and concentrating it. "I think it shows the trend that came out in a video where the President came out saying 2030 ndendichipo (I will be around). This is what amendment No. 2 is all about and we are condemning it. We are noticing that is what is actually happening. It's a dangerous trait and we have to call upon Zimbabweans to be alive to that process because there is no other way why the President would ignore every other advice that would have happened," said Madhuku. He said the removal of the running mate clause and the powers vested in the appointment and extension of term of office for judges consolidated power in the President. "As NCA, the content in the Amendment is extremely dangerous for the country, it is a continuation of what is already in the Constitution which is where power is consolidated in the President but what is even more dangerous in respect of Amendment Number 2 is that it personalizes that consolidation. "It is very clear that power is now being concentrated not in the hands of an office but of an individual who is in office and that is a very dangerous approach and you get it more pronounced in amendment No. 2.It is all about the personal love for power by President ED Mnangagwa and this is what is being reflected in amendment No. 2," he said. Constitutional AmendmentEmmerson MnangagwaZimbabwe Independent investment platform within the Kasada group, Kasada Capital Management on Wednesday announced their move to acquire the 414-key Safari Hotels and Conference Centre in Windhoek. The Windhoek Safari Hotels was established in 1966. During its 55-year history, Safari Hotels became a well-known landmark recognizable both within Namibia, and to those visitors from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and international community at large. The transaction will be made through Kasada Hospitality Fund LP and remains subject to approval by the Namibian Competition Commission, the Fund said in a statement. The hotel complex is strategically located within ten minutes of Windhoek's city center and adjacent to Eros Airport. It consists of the 215-key Safari Court Hotel, the 199-key Safari Hotel and Namibia's foremost Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE) venue, the Safari Court Conference Centre that includes a 1,600m2 grand ballroom that can hold up to 2,400 delegates. Kasada will rebrand the hotels utilizing the management skills, expertise and marketing resources available from its strategic partnership with Accor and its portfolio of renowned international hotel brands. The Safari Court Hotel will be converted to Movenpick, and the Safari Hotel will become an ibis Styles. By investing over N$100 million in this refurbishment, Kasada will further improve the existing conference facilities, which are a hub for local, regional, and international events in Namibia, creating a go-to destination for both business and leisure guests. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Investment Namibia Construction By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This second acquisition from Kasada further reinforces its position as a leading hospitality platform in Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on delivering solutions to its local partners across cycles and varying degrees of complexity. Commenting on the transaction, Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and CEO, Kasada, said,"This transaction is aligned with Kasada's strategy of bringing our capital and expertise to the management of existing properties in key locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. We look forward to bringing our international hospitality know-how to Namibia's leading hotel complexes, heralding a new chapter in its storied history with the incorporation of ESG and international best practices, and the creation of 150 jobs." David Damiba, Managing Partner and CIO, Kasada, said, "This transaction underscores our continued belief in the resilience and long-term prospects of the sector in Namibia and is aligned with the government's FDI initiatives. It also highlights our ability to structure bespoke liquidity solutions for asset owners in difficult market conditions across all of Sub-Saharan Africa at a much-needed time in this cycle." Kasada Capital Management is an independent investment platform within the Kasada group, dedicated to hospitality investments in Sub-Saharan Africa. The firm was launched in 2018 with the backing of Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, and Accor, a world leading hospitality group. Olivier Granet, Managing Partner & CEO, Kasada (left), Alfredo Lourenco Pimenta, MD, Safari Hotels and David Damiba, Managing Partner & CIO, Kasada. Canadian miner ReconAfrica has moved to calm excitement around potential billions of barrels of oil while locals and environmentalists square up for a prolonged fight with the company. Although ReconAfrica has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in their first stratigraphic test well at Kawe in Kavango East, which provides over 200 metres of oil and natural gas indicators, the Canadian-based miner explained that even with sufficient quantities discovered, it is still years away from commencing with commercial drilling operations. Encouraging signs from ReconAfrica's data analysis from the first of three wells provides clear evidence of a working conventional petroleum system in the Kavango Basin. "We are years away from that (commercial operations) currently. We have just started our exploratory programme and are at the initial phase of exploration. Following completion of this step, acquiring the 2D seismic data, we will then plan for our next phase of exploratory wells. This will then be followed by an appraisal well programme," explained ReconAfrica spokesperson, Ndapewoshali Shapwanale. She added that in stratigraphic test wells, the company is not testing for production rates as these and many other factors will be determinants of commerciality. Thus far, ReconAfrica has completed the drilling of one stratigraphic well, (6-2) at Kawe and is in the process of drilling a second well at (6-1) at Mbambi. Both wells are located in the Kavango East region and while the location of the third well (5-2) has been confirmed, drilling has not commenced there yet. Wells are being drilled to approximately 4 000 metres. ReconAfrica intends to drill three wells for now, but this figure might change when more data is extracted from the current programme and the 2D seismic currently in the permitting phase. Ultimately, ReconAfrica would expect to drill more wells within such a large license area. "It is too early to determine the commercial viability of the hydrocarbons in the Kavango Basin, but if it is deemed viable, it will be up to the Namibian government to make decisions regarding how and when resource extraction may take place," said Shapwanale. However, locals have complained that they were not consulted. All People's Party (APP) Secretary General Vinsent Kanyetu in April claimed traditional authorities in the areas where ReconAfrica is exploring for oil have not been consulted. Kanyetu called on ReconAfrica owners or directors to engage the traditional leaders, who are the custodians of the area. "We consulted the Shambyu and Ukwangali traditional leaders and they don't have full information as to what is really happening and how they are going to benefit if the resources are discovered and the oil drilling has to continue," said Kanyetu. Afrikaans daily Republikein reported on Monday that a family living in the area filed an affidavit with the High Court to force ReconAfrica to leave and restore the area of its second test well. Shapwanale said, "we completed numerous consultation and engagement sessions regarding our seismic and stratigraphic and ongoing project activities, directly with communities and interested stakeholders by reaching out to traditional authorities, community leaders and community members both in formal consultation community meetings and also in what is locally known as 'cluster village interaction' sessions, where we go homestead-to-homestead." She said the company "will continue to expand our engagement activities". Since ReconAfrica recently commenced its exploratory programme, the company is only at the initial phase of exploration. Once they have obtained 2D seismic data, this will be coupled with data acquired from the stratigraphic wells along with the seismic data whereafter experts will advise on the next steps to plan for exploratory wells. Only once these steps are done will they start with an appraisal well programme. Shapwanale continued that the company has not applied for, nor been granted or given any licences that may allow or support fracking, or any other form of 'unconventional' energy exploration. Said Shapwanale: "The well casing and drilling techniques we use ensure that there is no impact on aquifers. The wells are fully contained before we introduce our 100% organic water-based drilling fluid system. That system includes measures at the surface to ensure there is no possibility of contamination of water sources above or below the surface. Additionally, we are drilling water wells at each exploratory well location to identify and analyse aquifers that are present, provide water for our operations and provide adjacent aquifer monitoring during drilling. Following our exploratory drilling programme, the potable water wells will belong to the community." Responding to environmental concerns, Shapwanale clarified that exploration wells have no impact on the environment. She explained that all aquifers are protected using multiple layers of casing and cement. "Our wells will be drilled with organic and biodegradable water-based drilling fluids and we will use the most effective casing and materials to ensure complete protection of all water sources and aquifers. There is a reclamation plan for each of the exploration drill sites to return them to the initial state once operations are completed," she said. Meanwhile, ReconAfrica emphasised that it is committed to protecting the environment, avoiding environmentally sensitive areas, minimising disturbances and implementing international petroleum industry best practice in all operations. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Said Shapwanale: "We are focused on conventional oil and gas reservoirs which flow naturally under their own pressure. This means minimal use of water, no hydraulic fracking, whatsoever. To further indicate that we have no interest in unconventional oil and gas, ReconAfrica has purchased and is using a Crown 750 drilling rig, a relatively small, truck-mounted drill designed for desert mobility and light impact. Our equipment can drill to a maximum depth of 13 000 feet (4 000 metres). The rig is designed for vertical wells only, not for horizontal wells." ReconAfrica directly employs eight foreigners from the United States of America and Canada. As of May 2021, over 200 Namibians have been and are employed by the project with over half from Kavango East and West. This percentage, said Shapwanale, reflects the importance of Reconnaissance Energy Namibia hiring locally. These numbers are expected to increase for each activity that takes place and especially during the seismic campaign. "Our legal and land affairs, project management, stakeholder engagements, communications along with certain operational activities are being led by Namibians and we are in the process of growing our in-country team. We have also established offices in Rundu, run and managed by local people from Rundu," Shapwanale stated. At least twenty journalists have been trained by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) to investigate and independently report on corruption and integrity related issues in Liberia. The two days training was convened at a local hotel in Margibi County benefiting journalists from Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Lofa, Grand Bassa, and River Cess Counties. The objective is to empower and enhance journalists' knowledge on corruption and integrity thereby strengthening them to highlight issues of corruption for advocacy and redress as well as to consolidate efforts against corruption and bad governance in Liberia. The aim of the CENTAL fellowship is to further establish a network of journalists from diverse backgrounds to get actively involved with relevant project activities to provide the necessary visibility to ensure basic information about the program are timely assembled and disseminated to the public and to inform advocacy, prevention, and other well-meaning efforts against corruption in Liberia. Providing information about CENTAL to participating Journalists, Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of the institution said after the civil crisis in 2004, there was a lot of focus on human rights abuses thus forgotten about the major causes of the war which was the increase in corruption and bad governance adding that "that was how Thomas Doe Nah and other saw it necessary to establish CENTAL to provide a check mark, ensure accountability and transparency." Miamen said, "since the establishment of CENTAL, we've always had the desire to see Liberia genuinely and sustainably improved human rights fully protected and corruption-free." He said the vision of the institution is to see a corruption-free Liberia where people in all spheres of society act with transparency, accountability, and integrity in all their dealings with the mission to create and strengthen a participatory social movement across all sectors of society to fight corruption, improve governance, reduce poverty and build a culture of integrity among all people and institution of Liberia. Miamen said the values of CENTAL are accountability, integrity, transparency, justice, respect for the rule of law, independence participation, and ethical standard noting that the institution focuses its work on research and evidence gathering, evidence-based advocacy, and awareness among other things. Maureen Sieh, the lead media trainer of the two days training urged participating Journalists to write stories that will include the voices of citizens, supported by data and other evidence-based reporting tools to inform and educate the public and influence public officials to act on the problems and ensure accountability and transparency are promoted in the society.She disclosed that as the public is allow to participate in the decision-making process allows greater transparency and can help ensure that political decisions and policies are adapted to the needs of people affected by them. Sieh called on journalists to research public documents including the budget, Liberia Anti-corruption Commission website as well as follow-up on other legal instruments to report where accountability and transparency are lacking. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Corruption Liberia Media By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Frank Sianworla, Publisher of the News Pubic Trust online platform in a PowerPoint presentation told reporters that an independent press is essential to promoting good governance. The freedom of journalists to freely monitor, investigate and criticize government's policies and action strengthens good governance. The media trainer said the independent media fosters citizen participation in all aspects of the decision-making process and gives stakeholders a voice in that process adding that citizens can use the media to express their voices on public policies and their effect on them The president for the Liberia National Bar Association has called on the American government to deny corrupt Liberian officials visa. Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe made the call last May 7, 2021, when he delivered his official statement at programs marking the celebration of Law Day in Monrovia. He did not give names of people whom he considers as corrupt. He said, "it is no secret that the Government of Liberia, for decades, has been unable to fight corruption, although there have been frequent pronouncements against corruption." "In order to curtail the freedom of theft in Liberia," he said this; "I reiterate on this day my call to the American Government on behalf of the Liberian National Bar Association to deny visas to officials and employees of government in the three branches of the Liberian Government who are deemed to be corrupt based on lifestyle audits. I make the same appeal to the European Union on this Law Day." He continued: "The evidence is that every succeeding Liberian administration has proven not to have the political will to fight corruption." According to him, most of the thieves in government like to travel to the United States and Europe to enjoy their stolen money. "Our last president and the current president have used the closeness of Liberians as an excuse for their very little or no action against corrupt government officials and employees, as well as management executives and employees of public corporations." He declared: "Therefore, Liberia has become a paradise for thieves in the public sector to the extent that those thieves openly enjoy and exercise what I describe as freedom of theft." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia U.S., Canada and Africa Corruption By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He urged America and Europe not to make themselves co-conspirators in the theft that is going in Liberia by granting access to corrupt officials and employees of government to spend money stolen from the Liberian people in their countries. According to him, he is not against the accumulation of wealth by hard work and the use of the intellect. "But the LNBA wants Liberia to have its own wealthy people in the same way that America has its Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates, or Nigeria, its Aliko Dangote. In this way generations of Liberians will learn to work hard and to use their minds to acquire wealth and contribute to the progress and prosperity of Liberia." The LNBA's position on combatting corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing is an integral part of its fight for accountability and justice, the longtime human rights advocate noted. Then he said this: "I invite all well-meaning Liberians and residents to join the LNBA in marching to the National Legislature to submit this bill," "Also, I want to inform the Liberian people that the Executive Committee is considering the issue of working with the members of the Legislature for the impeachment of those judges that have been found guilty of misconduct by the Supreme Court of Liberia." Trade minister Lucia Iipumbu believes Namibia's newly launched African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) utilisation strategy will create enormous opportunity for the private sector. She said it will send positive signals to international investors about bankable domestic investment opportunities. She added government is confident that an integrated and advanced manufacturing sector can bring about higher levels of economic growth and development across the economy. The AGOA utilisation strategy focuses on how Namibia can secure market success and grow its exports to the United States (US) by taking advantage of preferential trade under the AGOA facility. From a sectorial perspective, Namibia's exports to the US are dominated by natural or cultural pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof, imitation jewellery and coins, all of which constitute a combined 66% of the country's exports. Iipumbu advised that given the dominance of the sector in Namibia's exports, it would be worthwhile considering diversifying the sectoral mix further by deepening exports in other industries such as agriculture and fisheries where Namibia has promising trade potential. Iipumbu added Namibia has been making significant progress in the development of key policies, legal frameworks and physical infrastructure such as the port, rail, and roads as part of development corridors to create a conducive environment and facilitate trade for the private sector to be competitive both locally and globally. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines AGOA Governance Namibia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The private sector is called upon to take advantage of all these opportunities in order to export their products to the US under this agreement. I also call upon the private sector to diversify their production capacity in order to enhance trade with the US on eligible products for preferential trade benefits under AGOA," she urged. The minister continued that the enhanced AGOA should go beyond market access by strengthening technical assistance and capacity building initiatives for Namibian entrepreneurs and businesses. "From our vantage point, I strongly feel that we have a notable footing to utilise the opportunities presented to us by AGOA to access the US market." According to the national AGOA action plan for Namibia, the main source of comparative advantage for Namibia which can be strategic conduits to increase the country's utilisation of AGOA include a relative abundance of reasonably priced, educated and stable labour force, conducive climate for some indigenous natural plant species, availability of natural resources such as an abundant supply of mineral resources and a competitive investment environment shaped by effective incentive schemes. Comparative advantage is one of the principal theories in understanding international trade and the benefits of trade liberalisation. However, comparative advantage is a concept or relative costs of production. No country can develop a comparative advantage in everything, and in the same vein, any single country has a comparative advantage in the production of some product, commodity or service. Hamweyi Hamweyi headman Reinold Mangundu says his village still lacks basic services such as electricity, and residents walk long distances to access potable water. The Kavango West village has no potable water pipeline to supply 235 households. Hamweyi is situated in the Ncuncuni constituency. The headman told New Era they have a new borehole in the area but it is far from where most people live. The old borehole is forever out of order, forcing residents to travel long distances in search of clean drinking water. "We don't have electricity. We don't watch TV news; [We] don't have these modern phones that can link us to the world to know what is going on around us, as we have nowhere to charge them," he said. The village has a primary school that has classes from grade one to grade 7 and has offices for agriculture extension officers and no clinic. Mangundu believes the problem lies with those entrusted to deliver and the much-needed services, accusing them of sleeping on the job. "We have a lot of problems; as you can see, our crop fields are dry. We didn't plough due to challenges with tractor assistance. Many people are languishing in poverty here and they don't have oxen to plough with, so they relied on government tractors but the last ploughing season did not materialise," the headman indicated. "It didn't go well because the government tractor services was brought late to the village and it broke down. The agriculture extension officers don't even hold meetings with the community; the community needed seeds and they didn't even engage subsistence farmers on the issue of the tractor ploughing services that was delayed." Mangundu wants the Ncuncuni constituency office to ensure services are brought to the people of Hamweyi. On her part, Ncuncuni councillor Leopoldine Nseu said there are plans to expand electricity and water pipelines in her constituency. "Through the Kavango West Regional Council, we have plans to electrify some of our villages in the next five years, which includes Hamweyi village, amongst others, where electricity is only at the school - bu in our plans, we are going to expand it to homesteads," Nseu said. Regarding the distance villagers walk to get water, the councillor said there are plans to take water pipelines to where people are residing. She added that in the bigger regional council's plan, the constituency has also included water pipelines as a priority. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "As the councillor for this area, I noticed ploughing assistance through the agriculture ministry didn't go well in the entire constituency and I approached the agriculture extension office at Ncaute village and they briefed me on their challenges, like getting diesel from town to where the tractor was operating," she said. "I had to personally assist the office, as they had transport issues to even take seeds to several villages to give to our communities." Nseu also told New Era she was aware that just like in many villages in her constituency, many people at Hamweyi village didn't plough and were also affected by the red locust invasion. "Some crop fields were also flooded during the rain and crops were damaged. We have the office of the prime minister (OPM) that will assess the this situation and if it is deemed as an emergency, then aid will be given to those affected; some have already started getting this food aid," she said. Six of the initial 50 plots at Extension 31, earmarked for the Build Together project, were handed over by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni to beneficiaries in Katima Mulilo on Monday. Uutoni said his ministry is mandated to ensure that they assist the community when it comes to housing, and it is the responsibility of the town council to fulfil this mandate. "On the piece of land that the council has, you have decided to start moving forward by allocating slowly until everyone is allocated land which is a good progress," said the minister. He further indicated beneficiaries will be given loans, ranging from N$40 000 to N$80 000, through the town council. During the handover, the minister informed the beneficiaries that the loans were meant to give them a headstart for them to build their homes. "These loans are not for free, you will have to pay back the money so that others can also benefit," he said. One of the beneficiaries, Inambao Millinga, who is visually impaired, could not hide his excitement. "I can't even explain my happiness because I was not expecting it. When I heard this I was on my way to Otjiwarongo, I think it was on Friday... so when I received the message, I was very happy," he stated. opinion The growing crisis in many of South Africa's clinics has reached a point where patient care is being compromised. There is a deepening worry that people living with HIV are being pushed out of treatment. Allowing people living with HIV to collect their medication refills outside of the clinic can improve this experience and reduce the risk of people disengaging from care. Decentralising medication refills - together with longer ARV refills - can reduce how often people living with HIV actually have to go to the clinic - reducing time spent in long queues, interacting with rude staff, or having their status involuntarily disclosed, as often reported through community-led monitoring, of the kind we do as part of the Ritshidze project. Repeat prescription collection strategies, as they are known in South Africa, can simplify and adapt HIV services in ways that both serve the needs of people living with HIV better and reduce unnecessary burdens on the health system. They should be much simpler and quicker systems than waiting in long clinic queues. "The staff - from the security guard, to the clerks and even some of the nurses - they are not hungry for their jobs, you can see that. They shout at you, they leave the clinic to go buy magwinya (vetkoek) and cold drinks even when the queues are long and they take their time. They also lose our files and don't care for our privacy." There are three different types of repeat prescription collection strategies, the availability of which varies across provinces. People living with HIV can use facility pick-up points such as a fast lane or parcel collection room at a clinic. They can use an external pick-up point, which varies from place to place, including collection through Clicks or Dischem or other venues in the community such as a Pelebox or locker with a code sent to their phone. Others may opt for an Adherence Club, which meets in a health facility or a community venue and offers additional peer support and treatment literacy education. Of the 381 clinics monitored through Ritshidze, our data shows that the following options are available: 366 clinics reported offering facility pick-up points (CCMDD parcel collection room, pharmacy, fast lane, fast track, Sha'p Left, ARV ATM, Pelebox/locker with code sent to phone) 331 clinics reported offering external pick-up points (pharmacy e.g. Clicks or Dischem or independent pharmacist, community venue e.g. church/library/other, from a mobile van, Sha'p Left, ARV ATM, Pelebox/locker with code sent to phone, Post Office) 108 clinics reported offering adherence clubs in the facility, and 74 clinics reported offering adherence clubs in the community. The graphs below provide a breakdown of the types of facility pick-up points and community pick-up points available by province through our monitoring. It is clear that the range of options needs to be expanded and made available nationally, not only in certain densely populated provinces like Gauteng. Graph1: This is a table that outlines the types of quick pick-up points at the facility that you can decant stable patients to per province. You can see an accessible version of this table here: http://bit.ly/FacilityPuPsDec20 Graph 2: This is a table that outlines the types of community collection points near the facility that you can decant stable patients to per province. You can see an accessible version of this table here: http://bit.ly/ComunityPuPsDec20 Overall, people living with HIV were positive and satisfied with models of medication pick-up -- showing that more people living with HIV who are eligible should be allowed to use these options instead of going to the clinic. However, many eligible people living with HIV still do not use any of these options and continue to collect their refills at the clinic after review by a doctor or nurse. "I don't default intentionally, but it costs me R24 to the clinic and R24 back for taxi, and it's too far to walk. When you tell the clinic staff they don't even care and they don't try to help." Adherence clubs are another important option. We have long been pushing for enabling people living with HIV to join functional adherence clubs that not only make ARV collection quicker but also allow people living with HIV to join discussions as an opportunity to get the much-needed treatment literacy information and peer support they may require to support them to remain adherent. The data collected through Ritshidze shows mixed results around Adherence Clubs. 91% of adherence club members say they make it quicker than waiting at the clinic and overall, people living with HIV using clubs have a reasonably high satisfaction level. However, 27% of adherence club members said that they did not get information about the importance of adherence, did not know, or only got information at the first meeting. 30% of people living with HIV reported that club meetings lasted less than 30 minutes -- which also points to clubs being a pick-up point rather than a space for discussion and peer support. Just over 25% of adherence club members do not get peer support from adherence clubs (18.6% state they do not get support and 6.7% state they do not know if they get support which points to a lack of peer support). "There is always a high volume of people when I go there on Thursdays. And people are waiting outside and it's dusty or cold. There are not enough chairs for everyone. They don't have your file ready and it's the security guard who takes our appointment cards and goes to find the files. And he is harsh, he screams at us and there's no confidentiality - everyone knows you are there because you are HIV positive because he is shouting at us to stand in different queues." We maintain that functional adherence clubs play an important role in providing adequate treatment literacy information to ensure people living with HIV stay on treatment and that these should not be simply cancelled in light of COVID-19. We need to work together to find safe solutions during the ongoing pandemic to ensure that people living with HIV can still gain the benefits from these options. So, what can be done about this? Get more people to use repeat prescription collection strategies. Scale up to reach 60% of all people living with HIV and ensure 25% are accessing treatment from a community model and 20% from an Adherence Club. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines AIDS South Africa Sustainable Development By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Carry out an audit into the functionality of adherence clubs and urgently fix those that are not fulfilling their function properly (we outline the requirements for a functional adherence club in the People's COP21). Note: Data related to the Western Cape has not been included in the above since there are ongoing discussions with the Western Cape provincial department on allowing Ritshidze to proceed with monitoring. Until this negotiation has concluded, the Western Cape Department of Health has refused to allow Ritshidze to engage in monitoring or publish any findings. *Yawa is the General Secretary of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). Rutter is with Health GAP and both work on the Ritshidze project. This article was originally published by Ritshidze here. The dataset referred to was presented to an Operation Phuthuma meeting on 5th March 2020. You can view the full presentation here. For more updates from Ritshidze, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram or go to their website at www.ritshidze.org.za. **Note: The Treatment Action campaign participates in the Ritshidze project. Spotlight is published by SECTION27 and the Treatment Action Campaign but is editorially independent, an independence that the editors guard jealously. The views expressed in this article are not the views of Spotlight. Cote d'Ivoire's prime minister has undergone medical treatment in France after suffering intestinal bleeding, according to his entourage. Patrick Achi was expected to return home on Friday. Achi has reportedly been in France for the past three days, sources close to the prime minister told AFP on condition of anonymity. Ivorian authorities have released no information about Achi's trip and would not confirmation the reports, although the health of the recently-appointed prime minister has been the subject of much speculation since he took office two months ago. The 65-year-old, a veteran ally of President Alassane Ouattara, is Cote d'Ivoire's third prime minister in the past year after his two predecessors died in office. #cotedivoire PM Patrick Achi has been evacuated to #France for medical testing; recalling a similar event in February this year when then PM Bakayoko was sent to #Germany for health reasons. https://t.co/2BrJc3Ewwx He was confirmed as prime minister in late March, replacing Hamed Bakayoko, who had been flown to Germany with cancer and died two days later. Bakayoko had taken office in July 2020 after Amadou Gon Coulibaly died aged 61 following heart problems. The West African country is still recovering from violence that followed a presidential election last October, which claimed nearly 100 lives. The UAE and Serbia signed an agreement regarding a quarantine-free travel corridor for fully vaccinated people. The move comes as part of a joint UAE-Serbian cooperation and coordination agreement to press ahead with measures aimed at recovery from the fallout of Covid-19, reported Emirates news agency Wam. The quarantine-free travel corridor will ease the travel of vaccinated people holding vaccination certificates issued by health authorities in the two countries, as of May 15, without the need to apply health quarantine requirements upon arrival, while abiding by other precautionary measures, to ensure safe travel for all. The signing the memorandumof understanding (MoU), held virtually, was attended from the UAE side by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and on the Serbian side, by Tatjana Matic, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Communications. The step reflects the determination of the leadership of both countries to ease the movement of people and achieve the desired goals of the vaccination campaigns rolled out to ensure the inoculation of all eligible community members. As per the new rule, citizens and expatriate residents, who want to benefit from the quarantine-free travel corridor, need to show evidence confirming they have received the last shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the approved applications or certificates issued by their health authorities. Passengers can also present the results of the laboratory examination / PCR / through these applications. This partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries is of high importance in light of the challenges that the world faces due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Established in 2019, the Olafika SME Development and Mentorship programme organisation continues to be a catalyst for change in the lives of emerging entrepreneurs. The programme recently graduated 137 entrepreneurs and SMEs from all regions in Namibia. This group of graduates was the intake of 2020 when the programme migrated to an online platform because of the outbreak of Covid-19. Olafika, translated from Oshiwambo, means 'The time is now', and it is a structured mentorship programme designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed for business success. Over a 10-month period, the graduates were trained through a curriculum, focused on strategy, operations, commercial analysis, change management, people management, product review and business development. Speaking at the Olafika Class of 2020 virtual graduation, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung resident representative Natalie Rossman said actions during the crisis will shape businesses in the long run. "Every crisis creates opportunities for businesses to become more innovative. Facing external pressures, some business leaders are stepping out of their routines and comfort zones to become creative problem solvers. Along the way, they rediscover their entrepreneurial spirit. At Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, it is clear the post-pandemic future will be different. What's happening during the Covid-19 crisis will have a lasting impact on our society but current signs of entrepreneurial initiative and goodwill give us some cause for optimism in Namibia," she added. The programme has also begun with the recruitment of the 2021 cohort. The 2021 approach will focus on addressing urgent issues faced by small businesses, particularly because of Covid-19 through a back-to-basics approach integrating digital technology, a stronger online presence and block classes for direct contact. The 2021 intake of 50 individuals will start on 27 May. Applications opened on 30 April 2021. Application forms should be submitted to the local economic development officers in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development in all the regions or via the Olafika Programme Administration on admin@twapewa.com.na. Just weeks before a fire tore through parts of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg on 16 April, a fire safety audit at the hospital was signed off and in March a hospital fire and safety team met, according to the Gauteng Department of Health. Yet Kwara Kekana, spokesperson for Gauteng Health also confirmed in responses to questions from Spotlight that "the smoke doors are not used as the magnetic system on the doors was no longer effective and they were recommissioned". Smoke doors are used to prevent the spread of smoke in a building when there is a fire. She also confirmed that fire hydrant couplings were not compatible with the fire hoses on Johannesburg Fire Service fire engines because "some had been stolen". Spotlight has requested, but not received a copy of the fire audit/ inspection report from the Gauteng Health Department, the Department of Infrastructure and Development, and the City of Joburg's Fire Services. Fire compliance failures Two senior firefighters from the City of Johannesburg who spoke to Spotlight, say the two failings (mentioned by Kekana above) alone would sink a basic inspection or compliance audit. It was also not just the fire doors and the hydrant couplings that were faulty at Charlotte Maxeke. They say firefighters were not given building and floor plans of the hospital's emergency exit plan when they arrived on the scene the day of the fire on April 16. The emergency exit plan is essential for those needing to enter a burning building. Smoke detection systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and the mechanisms that would have triggered the magnetic smoke doors were also not in working condition. There was also water flow and low pressure to the hydrants besides non-compatible hose couplings. 09:15 Visuals of Firefighters at #CharlotteMaxeke pic.twitter.com/ekFN3OVh9y - Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) April 17, 2021 The two men asked to have their identities withheld. The fire at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on 16 April marks the fourth in six years at public health facilities in Gauteng. In February this year, a fire broke out at Carletonville Hospital, in May 2019 there was a fire at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto, and Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg in May 2015. The fire in September 2018 devastated a provincial health department's head office in the Bank of Lisbon building in the Joburg inner city. That blaze claimed the lives of three firefighters. "These are politicians, they are telling lies and doing cover-ups - they must show you that inspection report for Charlotte Maxeke because they are sending us into these places to die. "With fire doors, we call these lifesavers because they can help you trap a fire - these should have been there," says *Nathi, who has been in the fire services for 14 years. Fire hazards in hospitals and other public buildings throughout the city are widespread. *Richard, who has been with the Joburg fire service for 22 years says it ranges from lifts that have not been serviced for years; fire escapes that are obstructed and regularly used for makeshift storage and dumping space; fire extinguishers gathering dust or used as door stops and facility health and safety committees who are slack on fire safety compliance if they meet at all. A fire service 'in shambles' Added to this, Nathi and Richard say their own department of the City of Joburg Fire Services is in shambles. There are only four working fire trucks for the entire city. There has also been an ongoing political blame game and court battles. Former Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba's multi-million rand deal to procure specialised fire engines in 2019 was never delivered on. In April 2021, the deal was ruled unlawful by the South Gauteng High Court. Nana Radebe, spokesperson for Joburg Emergency Services, confirms that they currently have just over half of the equipment - 51 out of 92 items - needed to have the city's fire service meet national fire safety standards (the SANS 10090). Radebe also says high levels of non-compliance to fire and safety bylaws within the city continue to be a headache for the 1 271 firefighters employed at the city's 29 fire stations. The procurement process for new fire engines is now back at square one. Nathi says the bottom line is that their ageing, depleted fleet cannot cope. This was clear when the province's flagship health asset - the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital started burning on the Parktown ridge that early autumn day and could not be brought under control swiftly enough. "One fire truck holds 4 500 litres of water. It's not enough for a fire on even one floor of a building of that size [and] that's why we need fire hydrants to be working. Water is our weapon; without water, we will die," he says. When there are fires in hospitals, it is patients already in the most vulnerable state of being ill and who cannot be evacuated easily, who could die. Occupational health and safety crisis The Charlotte Maxeke Hospital fire adds to a long-standing and tightly knotted occupational health and safety crisis in the public health sector in the province. Craig Househam is a retired professor of paediatrics and child health and former head of the Western Cape Health Department. He was also part of Gauteng Premier David Makhura's intervention team meant to devise a "recovery plan" for the province's health department in 2018. Househam serves on the board of the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra). He says in the provincial health department the problem is underpinned by accruals or spiralling cycles of unpaid debts that keep budgets constrained. "The tendency then is to look where the impact is not immediate and maintenance budgets and equipment budgets often suffer as a result." Firefighters moving inside the parking lot to contain the fire. pic.twitter.com/cR7b1oz6w2 - Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) April 17, 2021 Househam adds that in the case of Charlotte Maxeke, the building is also old. Built in 1979 the aging building has not had the benefit of routine maintenance to extend its lifespan. Working out a strategy to solve the health and safety problems in the province begins with recognising that the maintenance of health facilities is a highly specialised area, says Househam. "You need a strategy that puts the right people in the right places with the right expertise. They need to be given the powers and authority to do their job properly without interference. The solution lies in meritocracy," he says. True costs Laeticia Rispel, a professor of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand says what has been lost with the damage to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital goes beyond what went up in flames and the millions it will take to rebuild. "That day of the fire I felt a deep sense of loss because of the critical role that Charlotte Maxeke plays and was playing especially as the country has been preparing for a possible third wave of the Coronavirus. I was also thinking of the students who are not able to complete their training and of course the patients, many of whom don't have an alternative other than Charlotte," she says. The Wits Medical School flanks the hospital and Charlotte Maxeke is the academic training ground for many of the university's students. For Rispel, the fire represents terrible gaps in oversight, leadership, and accountability at all levels in the health system. She says bloated bureaucracies are adding to the fracture in government departments and she calls out an entrenched culture of self-preservation in the public health sector - where people are "depressed and dysfunctional and doing just enough to stay under the radar". Rispel also says there's a fear of speaking out because of victimisation. It adds to a lack of transparency and the absence of sustainable change. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "There are at least 29 senior posts at the hospital that need to be filled, so at the basic level, we have a leadership vacuum. Then there's a fracture between the department of health and the department of infrastructure development that just creates bigger bureaucracies and less space for people like CEOs or HODs (when these positions are permanently filled) to make decisions and to implement change. And there's a South African syndrome it seems of setting up yet another task team or another inquiry but no sustainable change or leadership management and governance," she says. Impact on health services Democratic Alliance member of the provincial legislature Jack Bloom says the setback of damages and disruptions caused by the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital fire is just one of the latest blows to service delivery for the province. "Gauteng Health has estimated that it will cost about R6 billion to ensure health and safety compliance for all 32 public hospitals in Gauteng. This includes R394 million to fix Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, but little of this has been budgeted," he says. He also notes that in 2019, former Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku, who was axed in October 2020, admitted that "no state health facility in Gauteng had been assessed as complying with the occupational health and safety act". Bloom says this included general machinery regulations, electrical installation regulations, firefighting equipment, lift regulations, storage, exits, stairs, and aisles. "We need to see the SIU (Special Investigations Unit) reports on corruption and mismanagement, we need to push for the premier's own call for lifestyle audits, and there should be prosecutions in light of the Life Esidemeni tragedy," he says of the kind of overhaul that is needed in the province's health department. "Things are movingly frustratingly slowly but I am hopeful that SARS and civil action will be able to close in on some of the big fish and that we even start seeing criminal charges," Bloom says. By mid-May, Charlotte Maxeke has missed its initial target date to re-open some sections of the hospital. analysis Widespread protests across Colombia showed no sign of easing as they moved into the third week, with the government and protesters far from reaching any type of agreement. Laura Brown is a freelance writer and editor from South Africa, currently based in Colombia. The demonstrations began with a general strike on 28 April 2021 in response to a proposed tax reform that would have plummeted people already struggling in the face of the pandemic further into poverty. While President Ivan Duque has since scrapped the tax reform and the finance minister responsible for it resigned, the list of demands has grown and also includes access to healthcare, free university education, a ban on fracking and for the government to uphold the terms laid out in the peace treaty and take concrete action to support social leaders. In 2016, former president Juan Manuel Santos signed a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (known by their Spanish acronym, FARC), signalling an end to more than 50 years of armed conflict. But many feel that little has changed in the past five years and are frustrated with the government's lack of follow-through with the peace accord and failure to create... analysis Members of intelligence agencies must have felt invincible. Operatives looted cash meant for covert operations and thwarted investigations by over-classifying documents. Politicians knew what was happening but appeared more concerned with targeting the intelligence watchdog than improving accountability. One of the most startling aspects of Inspector-General for Intelligence Dr Setlhomamaru Dintwe's testimony at the Zondo Commission is that for some MPs, the revelations wouldn't have been startling at all. Dintwe, who testified on Wednesday, has been in the job for four years and repeatedly informed Parliament's 11-member Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) that members of the State Security Agency (SSA) and Crime Intelligence were brazenly stealing cash designated for covert operations. They either kept it for themselves, used it to fund factions of the ANC and even funded parallel intelligence operations. Legitimate intelligence services require cash. Agents use it for covert ops to pay sources and for services that require a level of secrecy. SSA and Crime Intelligence members abused that system because, well, they knew they could get away with it. Zondo has already heard evidence about how hundreds of millions of rands were allegedly siphoned from the SSA to fund projects to benefit former president Jacob Zuma.... Mandla Mandela, ANC MP and grandson of Nelson Mandela, called for the closure of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv. He also called on people to convene outside the Israeli embassy on Mandela Day to put pressure on the South African government to close the embassy. With their familiar checked scarves and fists raised high, the chant "free free Palestine" could be heard echoing through Cape Town's city centre as well over a thousand people marched to Parliament in a show of solidarity with Palestine. The protest comes after a number of events in the Middle East including forced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, clashes outside Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, which started on Monday, killed over 40 people. "What we call for, is the closure of the [South African] Embassy in Tel Aviv," said Mandla Mandela, ANC MP and grandson of Nelson Mandela. He said that on Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, crowds should convene in front of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria to have the government "shut down and remove" the embassy from South Africa. Mandela said that the only embassy South Africans want to see is the one in Ramallah, Palestine. He said that it pains him how children are killed and jailed and yet "the world is silent". Noting the great variety of political parties and religious institutions at the protest, he said, "When it comes to the Palestinian issue, we are united as South Africans and we speak with one voice". Mandela said that they are standing side by side with the Palestinians: "We feel their pain and we cry with them". This was the second Palestinan solidarity protest in Cape Town in two days. On Tuesday, about 300 people picketed outside Parliament calling for the government to boycott and impose sanctions on Israel. Originally from Gaza, Ehab Wafeq has been in Cape Town for over seven years. He said that being part of the large crowd was "emotional" for him. Wafeq said that even though our countries are far apart, "we're still standing for humanity, we're still standing for the Palestinians and we're so proud". Wafeq said that what happened in District 6 would hopefully not happen in Sheikh Jarrah where Palestinian families are on the cusp of being forcefully removed. "All the people of Palestine are asking for is to be able to get back what is rightfully theirs. All they are asking for is to allow them to live with dignity in a free Palestine," said Ahmed Munzoor Shaik Emam of the National Freedom Party (NFP). He said that people have forgotten what oppression was about "during the days of apartheid when the very same Israel, colluded with the South African aparthied regime and tried to break sanctions". Political parties also joined the protests including those from the EFF, ANC, NFP, the GOOD Party and UDM. COSATU also participated. The protest was organised by the Al-Quds Foundation and the Muslim Judical Council (MJC). Scores of unemployed Kariega residents spend hours queueing for their Covid-19 grants. Many say they are turned away due to computer issues or when the offices run out of cash that day. Many people spend the night outside to try and be first in line to be helped. Others pay people to secure places in the queue for them. SASSA is still waiting for approval to use funds from the previous financial year to pay the outstanding Covid-19 grants. The Black Sash says that for about 6.9 million people, the R350 Covid-19 SRD grant was the only means to put some food on the table. Scores of unemployed people waited in line for over five hours outside the Post Offices in Kariega, Eastern Cape on Tuesday. Those in line said that though their applications for the Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 had been approved, they were often turned away without getting their money. The grant was stopped at the end of April, but many people whose applications were approved before the termination are still desperately waiting for their payout. "We are told to come back again the following week or so," said Siyabonga Nojoko, who was queueing outside KwaNobuhle Post Office. Nojoko said he had been to the Post Office more than six times since 2020. "I chose to be paid through E-wallet but suddenly I received an SMS saying that my grant application had been approved and that I must visit the nearest Post Office. "We have to queue for over five hours here only to be told to come back the following week, either because the computers are offline or there isn't enough money to pay all of us," he said. Nojoko complained that post office tellers were only serving between 50 and 100 people a day. Another applicant, Sanelisiwe Jasop, said people regularly slept outside the KwaNobuhle mall's gates in a bid to be first in the line to be helped the next day. "When we arrived, you could see people's eyes were drowsy. They wake up from a cold cement floor outside the mall to queue with us," she said. Jasop said she paid someone R50 to secure her place in the queue the day before. "He deducts it from the R350 we receive. The government speaks nicely about rendering services but when it comes to implementation, it fails dismally," she said. On Wednesday morning, over 300 people were already in line by midday outside the Post Office in the Kariega centre. An applicant who identified himself as Jansen, said he arrived from Lapland with his dog in the early hours. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "This is the most painful journey I had to go through. Our government has run out of ideas, because spending more than 8 hours without any guarantees that you will get your money is a disgrace," he said. In a statement this week, the Black Sash noted SASSA's acknowledgement that there were payments delays for the grant. SASSA is still waiting for approval to use funds from the previous financial year to pay the outstanding Covid-19 grants. The advocacy group said that besides the time lag for approval, when outstanding payments are eventually made, it may be 'split over days and weeks' and is unlikely to be paid in a lump sum. "Not only was this grant terminated on 30 April 2021, but now back payments have been temporarily suspended with dire consequences for beneficiaries," it said. "For about 6.9 million people, the meagre R350 Covid-19 SRD grant was the only means to put some food on the table. The grant's termination as well as the suspension of outstanding payments, aggravates the current humanitarian crisis. The Black Sash urges government departments and agencies to work together to ensure prompt payment to beneficiaries." Eastern Cape SASSA spokesperson had not responded to questions by the time of publication. The response will be included when it is received. analysis The window is closing for refugees and asylum seekers protesting in Cape Town to either reintegrate into local communities or repatriate. But a small group of 'hardliners' are holding on to the vain hope of resettlement to Canada - a promise made to them by persuasive leaders who have since been deported or imprisoned. Jean-Pierre Balous, Papy Sukami and Aline Bukuru made headlines as the leaders of an ongoing protest against xenophobic violence in South Africa. In the demonstration, which began in October 2019 outside the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cape Town, hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers demanded resettlement to Canada. After being forcibly removed from the UNHCR offices, the group occupied the Central Methodist Church on Greenmarket Square. This continued until the Covid-19 pandemic struck when the group, which had split into two factions, was moved to separate, temporary shelters at Paint City and Wingfield. The camps are now earmarked for closure on 15 May. Protesters who had pinned their hopes on a one-way ticket to Canada are now left with two options: To reintegrate into communities in and around Cape Town, or be voluntarily repatriated... The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response issued a report calling on the global community to end the COVID-19 pandemic and adopt a series of bold and essential reforms to prevent the next crisis. press release Geneva The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response is today calling on the global community to end the COVID-19 pandemic and adopt a series of bold and essential reforms to prevent the next crisis A panel of leading experts is today calling on the global community to end the COVID-19 pandemic by immediately implementing a series of bold recommendations to redistribute, fund, and increase the availability of and manufacturing capacity for vaccines, and to apply proven public health measures urgently and consistently in every country. View all documents linked to the launch of the Main Report. The Panel is also recommending that national governments and the international community immediately adopt a package of reforms to transform the global pandemic preparedness and response system and prevent a future pandemic. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (The Independent Panel) was appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General in response to a World Health Assembly resolution calling for an independent, impartial, and comprehensive review of experiences gained and lessons to be learned from the current pandemic. The review was also asked to provide recommendations to improve capacity for global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The Panel released its findings and recommendations today in its main report: COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic. The Panel, co-chaired by the Rt Hon. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, has spent the past eight months rigorously reviewing the evidence on how a disease outbreak became a pandemic, and on global and national responses. The report demonstrates that the current systemat both national and international levels was not adequate to protect people from COVID-19. The time it took from the reporting of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin in mid-late December 2019 to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern being declared was too long. February 2020 was also a lost month when many more countries could have taken steps to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and forestall the global health, social, and economic catastrophe that continues its grip. The Panel finds that the system as it stands now is clearly unfit to prevent another novel and highly infectious pathogen, which could emerge at any time, from developing into a pandemic. VIDEO: Co-Chairs Presentation of Findings and Recommendations As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities across the world, the Independent Panel is making a series of immediate recommendations to halt its spread. It recommends that: High income countries with a vaccine pipeline for adequate coverage should, alongside their scale up, commit to provide to the 92 low and middle-income countries in the COVAX Gavi Advance Market Commitment with at least one billion vaccine doses by September 2021. Major vaccine-producing countries and manufacturers should convene, under the joint auspices of the WHO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to agree to voluntary licensing and technology transfer. If actions on this dont occur within three months, a waiver of intellectual property rights under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights should come into force immediately. The G7 should immediately commit to provide 60% of the US$19 billion required for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) in 2021 for vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and strengthening of health systems, and a burden-sharing formula should be adopted to fund such global public goods on an ongoing basis. Every country should apply proven public health measures at the scale required to curb the pandemic. Leadership from heads of state and government to achieve this is crucial. The world must also urgently prepare to prevent a future outbreak from becoming a pandemic. To this end, the Independent Panel calls for the engagement of heads of state and government to lead on efforts to transform the existing system. The Panel calls for a series of bold and forward-looking reforms, including: Establishing a Global Health Threats Council that will maintain political commitment to pandemic preparedness and response and hold actors accountable, including through peer recognition and scrutiny. Countries should also adopt a Pandemic Framework Convention within the next six months. Establish a new global system for surveillance based on full transparency. This system would provide the WHO with the authority to publish information about outbreaks with pandemic potential on an immediate basis without needing to seek approval and to dispatch experts to investigate at the shortest possible notice. Invest in national preparedness now as it will be too late when the next crisis hits. All governments should review their preparedness plans and allocate the necessary funds and people required to be prepared for another health crisis. Transform the current ACT-A into a truly global platform aimed at delivering global public goods including vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and supplies that can be distributed swiftly and equitably worldwideshifting from a market model to one aimed at delivering global public goods. Focus and strengthen the authority and financing of the WHO, including by developing a new funding model to end earmarked funds and to increase Member State fees. Create an International Pandemic Financing Facility, which would have the capacity to mobilize long term (10-15 year) contributions of approximately US$5-10B per year to finance ongoing readiness. It would also be ready to disburse from US$50-100B at short notice by front-loading future commitments in the event of a pandemic declaration. The Global Health Threats Council would allocate and monitor the funding to institutions which have the capacity to support the development of preparedness and response capacities. Heads of state and government should at a global summit adopt a political declaration under the auspices of the UN General Assembly to commit to these transformative reforms. The Panels report also shared recommendations for individual countries, including that heads of state and government should appoint national pandemic coordinators who are accountable to them, and who have a mandate to drive whole-of-government coordination for pandemic preparedness and response. In the presentation of the report and its findings, Panel Co-Chair and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stressed the need for bold reform: Our message is simple and clear: the current system failed to protect us from the COVID-19 pandemic. And if we do not act to change it now, it will not protect us from the next pandemic threat, which could happen at any time. The shelves of storage rooms in the UN and national capitals are full of reports and reviews of previous health crises. Had their warnings been heeded, we would have avoided the catastrophe we are in today. This time must be different. Panel Co-Chair Rt Hon. Helen Clark, said: Given the scale of devastation from this pandemic and its continuing impact on people across the globe, the Panel resolved to document fully what happened and why, and to make bold recommendations for change. The tools are available to put an end to the severe illnesses, deaths, and socio-economic damage caused by COVID-19. Leaders have no choice but to act and stop this happening again. The Panel is releasing the report and recommendations together, with a range of background papers which include the authoritative chronology of what happened. This is the culmination of multiple literature reviews, original research, discussions with experts in roundtables and in-depth interviews, and dialogue with those working on the front-line, with women and youth in town hall-style meetings. It also received online contributions to its work. The Panel has consistently raised its deep concern that the burden of the current pandemic is being unevenly shared. It has had devastating social and financial consequences for those already disadvantaged. Up to 125 million more people are estimated to have been pushed into extreme poverty, while 72 million more primary school-age children are now at risk of being unable to read or understand a simple text because of school closures. Women have borne a disproportionate burden. Gender-based violence is at record levels, and child marriages have increased. In addition, the world lost US$7 trillion in GDP in 2020 more than the 2019 GDP of the entire African continent (US$6.7 trillion). The pandemic has caused the deepest shock to the global economy since World War II. Background for Editors The Independent Panel was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General in response to the World Health Assembly resolution 73.1 issued in May 2020. The Panels Co-Chairs are the Rt Hon. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia. The Independent Panel has a total of 13 members, selected by the Co-Chairs. The Panelists have a substantial mix of skills and expertise in infectious disease, global and national health policy and financing, outbreaks and emergencies, economics, youth advocacy, and in the wellbeing of women and girls. They also share knowledge of the international system, including of WHO, and experience from similar international processes. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Coronavirus International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The mission of the Independent Panel is to provide an evidence-based path for the future, grounded in lessons of the present and the past to ensure countries and global institutions, including specifically WHO, effectively address health threats. They have spent the last eight months independently, impartially, and rigorously reviewing evidence of the spread, actions, and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information on the panel members can be found here. They have conducted numerous literature reviews, original research and have learned from dozens of experts in roundtable discussions and in-depth interviews. The Panel has also heard directly from people working on the front-line of the pandemic in town-hall style meetings and has invited contributions from anyone wishing to make one. Accompanying the main report and recommendations will be a series of background papers: Learning from The Past The Chronology Including Literature Review From Science to Policy National and Sub-National Responses Impact on Essential Health Services Access to Essential Supplies Access to Vaccines, Diagnostics, And Therapeutics Understanding Communication Community Involvement International Treaties and Conventions WHO An Institutional Review The Economic Impact The Social Impact Human Rights These will be made available publicly through the Independent Panel website. For more information: See the Independent Panels website: www.TheIndependentPanel.org. Media and other stakeholders interested in continued updates on the Independent Panel can join the mailing list from the website. Media enquiries can be directed to ippprmedia@atalanta.co Enquiries to the Secretariat: Secretariat@Ipppr.org press release May is Africa Month which culminates into Africa Day on May 25th. Gauteng which is home to many of the people of Africa, is joining in the celebration of this auspicious occasion working with the African Diaspora Forum. This year's national theme for South Africa is: "The Year for Arts, Culture and Heritage in the Year of Charlotte Maxeke". Together with the African Diaspora Forum and the City of Tshwane, Gauteng will lead the Africa Day celebration on 25 May with colourful festivities at the Union Buildings starting with an African Diaspora parade, Formal program, multicultural market, music concert and more. Says Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe: "Gauteng, which in many ways has proved itself as the home of the various peoples of Africa, remains an important destination that has gathered Africans as the continent celebrates itself. It is important therefore that we use Africa Day to raise the level of consciousness of Gauteng people on how we all share the same legacy as Africans and the need to unite. According MEC Hlophe "the appreciation of our shared cultures, arts and heritage can go a long way in bringing Africans together. From our languages, traditions, music and way of life, there is enough and compelling reasons to make Africans realise their common legacy". Meanwhile, with more than 58 years since the move to bring together Africa with the formation of the Organisation of African Unity which later became African Union, the need for the continent to unite and forge closer links has never been more important. "With countries forced to cut and close themselves from each other following the Covid19 global pandemic, it is important for all Africans to realise the importance of embracing and appreciating the beautiful Africa and save it from the clutches of poverty, colonialism, apartheid, ethnicity a violence; adds MEC Mbali Hlophe. Building up to Africa Day, a series of events will be rolled-out, including music concerts, dialogues, exhibitions, sporting activities and more. Help India! The second wave of the coronavirus in India is rapidly devolving into a catastrophic epidemic, with hospitals bursting at the seams, oxygen stocks running low, desperate people dying in line to see doctors. This TCN Photo Essay captures the moments of the unfolding crisis in India by turning our eyes and attention to crematorium sites. Shadab Farooq, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Its 5 p.m., and Manjeet Kumar, a 28-year-old bulldozer operator at Central Vista Project, New Delhi is getting ready to leave for his rented apartment in Chhatarpur, New Delhi. I work here until five oclock in the evening, but I may not come to work tomorrow because I havent felt good for the past two days. Manjeet Kumar is from Bhagalpur, Bihar, and has been employed in the Central Vista Project for the past month and a half. Travelling is not a problem during the lockdown. The company has provided us with passes that allow us (workers) to travel around. This is part of my work, and if theyve declared it necessary, its necessary no matter what. I am concerned about my family back home, but theres nothing I can do about it. If I continue to work in Delhi, I risk contracting the virus and dying. But if I return to my village, my family and I will undoubtedly starve to death, Manjeet Kumar explained. Patients with new Covid-19 infections have overrun hospitals, morgues, and crematoriums, leaving families scrambling for limited drugs and oxygen. India is going through its darkest chapter yet, with mass funeral pyres, burials, and a healthcare system that is collapsing. Ashu Rai, 20, is one of the cremation ground workers who has been working in traumatic conditions to provide last rites to Covid-19 victims. He works in New Delhis largest crematorium, Nigambodh Ghat on a daily twelve hour shift. Main koi Brahmin nahi hun, main chita jalane waala hun (I am no Brahman but a corpse burner), said Ashu Rai. He said that due to the lack of Hindu priests, the last rites of Covid-19 victims are being performed by us, the ground workers. I always feel like this disease has made people more selfish, Ashu Rai continued. Family members may refuse to touch or assist in the burning of the bodies. Then it is up to us to do everything, including taking the body out of the ambulance to collect the ashes. A public park in south-east Delhi has been transformed into a cremation site, illustrating the gravity of the Covid-19 crisis in national capital Delhi. Sarai Kale Khan cremation site is being further widened as bodies pile up around the city and dedicated crematoriums struggle to keep up. People are lining up pillar to pillar for space at cremation grounds, and many often wait more than six hours to conduct the final rites, said a worker, who requested to stay anonymous, at Sarai Kale Khan cremation site. The second wave of the coronavirus in India is rapidly devolving into a catastrophic epidemic, with hospitals bursting at the seams, oxygen stocks running low, desperate people dying in line to see doctors. Since businesses reopened in February, the Indian government has blamed the revival on crowds and a lack of mask-wearing among the public. However, critics said that the government is prioritising politics over public health by holding rallies that are likely to be the superspreader. Oxygen Shortage As reported by The Hindu, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a private hospital in New Delhi, raised an alarm at 11 p.m. on April 25, stating that the hospital had just 45 minutes of oxygen and requesting government assistance. The AAP governments entire system has failed, according to the Delhi High Court, citing the illegal selling of oxygen cylinders and essential drugs for Covid-19 patients. As one scrolls through social media feed, there are reports about oxygen concentrators being available for 70,000 to 90,000 INR, while one Remdesivir injection costs 30,000 to 40,000 INR. I have lost count of the patients and dead bodies I am bringing in my ambulance, Satish Gupta, 28, of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, who works as an ambulance driver in New Delhis Safdarjung Hospital, said. The most difficult moment is when a patient passes away in the middle of the road due to lack of oxygen. And this has been going on for a few days now, with patients dying in the middle of their care. I am just an ambulance driver. I am working only to feed my family back home in Allahabad, he added. West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 As reported by Scroll.in, West Bengal had just 3,380 active Covid-19 cases on March 20, a week before the first phase of polling. On April 26, when the state voted in its seventh process, there were 94,949 active cases, a 28-fold rise. During the same time span, the number of new cases per day increased from 383 to 15,992, a 40-fold increase. Narendra Modi thanked the huge crowd that had gathered to see him at a rally in Bengal on April 17, 2021. This is the first time I have seen such a large rally, Modi said. You have demonstrated your strength. I just see people in any direction I look. This is nothing short of a miracle. The paradox is that India reported 2.34 lakh new confirmed cases of infection on the same day and date, bringing the total number of active cases to 16,79,740. Kumbh Mela Nearly 2,000 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, confirming concerns that one of the worlds largest religious gatherings could be contributing to the rapid increase in coronavirus cases. When the Kumbh Mela began, there were 500 regular cases in Uttarakhand. The regular cases had risen to 2,757 by the time it was eventually called off on April 17. However, as reported by Times of India, around 25000 people participated in the last Shahi Snan at Haridwar, Uttarakhand on 27 April, 2021. Last nail in the coffin The Central Vista Reconstruction Project is a long-term project to revitalize Central Vista, Indias central administrative district, which is situated near Raisina Hill in New Delhi. The government and legislative offices of India are housed in this area. The Central Vista Project is the only project that is untouched by the Covid-19 second wave, which has ravaged the rest of India. The Rs 20,000 crore Central Vista project in Delhi is expected to continue despite second wave of Covid-19, as it has been declared an essential service. During the lockdown in Delhi, no building is permitted unless workers live on-site. However, permission has been granted for 180 vehicles to transport jobs for the Central Vista Project. Saud Alam, a migrant worker from Katihar, Bihar, is currently employed at Central Vista Project as a labourer. Im grateful because, at the very least, I have work to do in this lockdown and raise money while people are having such a hard time even getting out. For the time being, the only god I can worship is the companys owner. Saud Alam was among those who walked hundreds of kilometres back to their villages during last years lockdown. I will not quit this job, even if the cases rise or whatever happens, Saud Alam responded. For the time being, this is my only means of survival. The trial hearing of two men, who stand accused of attempting to divert N$1.1 million from Air Namibia in 2017, was postponed on Monday to allow one of the suspects to obtain legal representation. Penna Munyunda (33) was left without a lawyer when his State-appointed lawyer withdrew from his case last year due to conflicting instructions. During his appearance, alongside co-accused Tangi Amon Namwandi (35) in Windhoek Regional Court, he informed the court he has enlisted the services of local lawyer Jermaine Muchali but he is yet to pay his legal fees in full. "I made payment to Mr Muchali's account and I contacted him but he indicated the money is not enough. My brother is here, and he has agreed to make a payment of N$45 000. He just needs time," explained Munyunda. Magistrate Alexis Diergaardt postponed the trial to resume on 11 August. Munyunda and Namwandi are being tried on charges ranging from fraud to theft, disguising unlawful origin of property and acquisition, use and possession of proceeds of unlawful activities on diverse occasions. The prosecution is alleging Munyunda and Namwandi diverted N$1.1 million that was intended for payments at the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) from Air Namibia in 2017. The unauthorised diversion of funds resulted in Air Namibia losing N$289 000, according to prosecution. The two denied guilt at the start of their trial in November 2019. During trial, Namwandi, through his defence lawyer Sisa Namandje at the time, admitted an amount of N$1.1 million was indeed deposited into his company's account, held under the name Normma CC at First National Bank on the date in question. He explained the funds were transferred to the account by Air Namibia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Namwandi further admitted he spent N$289 000 of the said money, as he believed the money was his, paid into his company's account by his debtors. The accused, however, denied he conspired with an employee of Air Namibia in an attempt to steal money that was deposited into his company's account by mistake. Munyunda, after taking his plea, opted to remain silent, with his defence attorney informing the court the State should prove the allegations levelled against him. Police arrested Namwandi and Munyunda on 4 October 2017 after a local bank alerted Air Namibia of a detected dubious diversion of money that was meant for payment to the NAC. It is alleged the transfer in question was fully authorised and signed off to be paid to NAC when a suspicious request was made to the bank for the money to be transferred to a different bank account, other than that of NAC. All accused are currently on N$50 000 bail. Namwandi is represented by Milton Engelbrecht, with Fillemon Nyau prosecuting for the State. One of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) founding members and former cabinet minister in the Peter Mutharika administration, Henry 'Mtengowaminga' Mussa has said he is the latest victim of a calculated smear and mudslinging campaign by suspected political enemies who have been publishing falsehoods to tarnish his "good image". Speaking to Nyasa Times on Tuesday in Blantyre, Mussa claimed a certain individual who uses Gogo Gowoka as a pseudonym on Facebook and other social media platforms "but his real name is Upson Mkandawire", has been publishing articles that Mussa allegedly borrowed funds amounting to K40 million from Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDEF), now called the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), and that he has defaulted on payment. In one of the said Facebook posts that Nyasa Times has seen, Gogo Gowoka claims that Mussa got a K40 million loan from NEEF and that "he has not paid back even K1,000". However, a NEEF official said the Gowoka's allegations are baseless as Mussa does not owe the organization such an amount of money. He, however, admitted Mtengowaminga Mussa was a guarantor for some youths from Chiradzulu East where he was an MP. The youths got the loan(s) but far less than K40 million in total, which they used to buy fertilizers for their farming business, according to the NEEF official, who preferred anonymity. "Since he was the guarantor, we have engaged him all along to recover the loan(s) and, indeed, there is a balance, which is far much less than what the Gowoka gentleman is alleging," he said but could not be drawn into divulging further details. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mussa, seemingly distraught, said the allegations published by Gowoka "and others" are unacceptable, uncalled for and libelous. "These allegations are false and malicious. They are a defamation of my character. I am consulting my legal team to map out the way forward with regard to how I am going to defend myself and protect my integrity as a grandfather, father, husband, businessman, Christian as well as politician. Obviously, I am taking legal action against Mr. Upson Mkandawire alias Gogo Gowoka," said Mussa. Last week, police in Lilongwe arrested a man over a Facebook post in which he allegedly advised Malawians to regularly check their bank accounts as money was being stolen in financial institutions. Ignatius Kamwanje was arrested over a Facebook post that money had gone missing at the National Bank of Malawi. Kamwenje also claimed that there was a cartel that was stealing money at the bank leading to four arrests. The bank then reported the matter to the police, as they said the claims were untrue, leading to Kamwanje's arrest. Attempts to speak to Mkandawire or Gogo Gowoka proved futile as his number was perpetually out of reach. Two suspects, accused of raping a 17-year-old girl, were denied bail in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on Monday. The pair were remanded in custody due to the seriousness of the charges they are facing as well as the pending police investigations. The matter was postponed to 19 October. The suspects, Amulungu Elifas (20) and Petrus Nikanor Ilithilwa (22), are accused of raping a schoolgirl, who was walking home. The duo allegedly grabbed the teenager and dragged her into the bushes, where they took turns to sexually assault her, according to the Oshikoto police. Meanwhile, a 51-year-old Hifivali Hoon, accused of shooting his younger brother multiple times with a pistol in Tsumeb, was equally denied bail in the Tsumeb Magistrate's Court. His matter was postponed to 9 August. Hoon is charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting Paulus Nghifikenwa (38) on Friday night, following a brief argument. The victim has since been transferred to Oshakati state hospital in a critical condition, where he is receiving treatment. Masvingo Masvingo has set a target to put nearly 2 000 hectares under winter wheat across the province this year. The targeted hectarage is in sync with Government's plans to trim the wheat import bill by making use of idle water bodies to irrigate the crop. Out of that target, 50 percent will come under the Masvingo Development Trust winter wheat initiative in Chiredzi. Provincial Agritex Officer Mr Aaron Muchazivepi disclosed that contracting of farmers to avail more land for wheat growing was still underway. He said to date 1 957ha for winter wheat had been contracted, with the bulky of the land in the Lowveld, Masvingo and Gutu districts. Inputs were expected from Government's Command Agriculture programme. Last year, Masvingo managed less than 800ha under winter wheat. National Economic Empowerment Fund has disbursed K5.56 billion cash various women and youths groups. NEEF Spokesperson Whyton Kapasule said the money has been given to them in order to uplift their lives. Kapasule, who said NEEF is mandated to assist Malawians on small business ventures which will uplift their well being, said: "K5.56 billion has been disbursed so far to women and youth groups. National Economic Empowerment Fund Limited is mandated to assist Malawians to set up small business ventures which will uplift their wellbeing by providing them with affordable loans, and sustainable, technical, entrepreneurial, financial and managerial skills." Kapasule said 2,335 Groups have benefited from the cash loans. He said the groups comprise of 10 members minimum and that gives more than 23, 350 beneficiaries so far. "The loan products are structured according to age with the women loan age limit being 18 to 60. This means that among the women that have benefited are female youths between 18 and 36 that couldn't register as youths due to marital status or other issues. "We likely, therefore, have more youths between the ages of 18 and 36 years that have benefited from the loans than women," said Kapasule. Kapasule said in February 2021, the institution commenced the disbursement of new loans. As of 4th May, 2021, NEEF has disbursed a total of MK5.56 billion. He said out of 2,335 groups, 1478 are Women groups representing K3.37 billion while 616 are Youths groups representing K1.37 billion and MKO.82 billion to other types of loans. "We have dedicated the month of May as a recovery month and greater focus is on the MEDF loans" These are the loans which were distributed by the deposed Democratic Progressive Party regime. The loans were given willy-nilly without following loans protocol, but was only merited on political grounds. Four mutated versions of coronavirus, first identified in South Africa, Nigeria, India, and UK are now circulating in the country. This comes at a time when infections continue to rise. Officials in the Ministry of Health say the confirmation of the variants is another blow in the fight against Covid-19 and called for vigilance as they announced a second wave of the pandemic. There are emerging concerns on whether existing vaccines will be able to protect the world from a virus that is constantly mutating. How did these variants enter Uganda? Whereas travelers were required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to enter or leave the country, until recently when the country registered the Indian variant, mandatory testing and quarantine had been suspended and travelers only presented a test certificate of 120 hours prior. In an interview with Daily Monitor last Friday, Dr Misaki Wayengera, the head of the ministerial scientific advisory committee on Covid-19, said: "People were bringing in fake certificates even the Indians entered with negative PCR test but it was fake, the same thing with truck drivers." This was corroborated by Dr Monica Musenero, the senior presidential adviser on epidemics, who said some of the travelers knew that they were positive but still came in with negative results. Asked whether there is a possibility that the negative tests paved way for the new variants given that there is an incubation period, yet at the time there was no mandatory quarantine, Dr Musenero said this could be possible. "It depends on when your PCR test was done. The person can take up to 14 days when they are infected that is why we quarantine people for 14 days. It is possible that an individual can come in and they later turn positive," Dr Musenero said. Uganda has registered at least five Covid-19 variants which include UK, Uganda, Nigerian, South African, and India version. Some of these variants have been reported to be more transmissible and severe. The Covid-19 variant spreading in India is more contagious and it is feared that it could be dodging some vaccine protections, contributing to the country's explosive outbreak, the World Health Organisation's chief scientist said on Saturday. As of May 7, at least five people had been detected with the Indian variant,135 with Ugandan variant, 15 people have been detected with South African, 15 with UK strain, while the Nigerian strain was detected in 13 people. Many of the cases were truck drivers as per the Ministry of Health data. Dr James Eyul, an aviation medical specialist at Entebbe International Airport, said they look out for authenticity of the certificates but sometimes the forgeries are hard to detect. "We even call the laboratories, if we have doubts. We check for certificates of when you are tested for Covid. At the beginning we had problems. I remember a lady who came with a QR code that when scanned, showed some shopping mall in Dubai," Dr Eyul said last Friday. He added: "For the incoming, the airlines are really strict on who they put in the aircraft because when they bring somebody who has not done a PCR test or who has false documents, we fine them $3,000 (Shs10.6m) . Due to threat of variants and in bid to prevent their spread, government has imposed measures such as suspension all passenger flights from India until further notice. Dr Wayengera said when government is considering putting up measures against the pandemic, they look at other factors such as the economic implications among others. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Travelers from category two countries such as US, UK, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania will also be subjected to a PCR Covid test at points of entry including the airport, according to Ministry of Health. "The Ministry of Health has identified five laboratories with the ability to test more than 5,000 samples per day and tasked them to set up testing points in Entebbe town," Dr Ruth Jane Aceng, the Health Minister, said while presenting updates on Covid-19 recently. Other countries that are not in category one like India, who have fully received their Covid-19 jabs and are asymptomatic, will be allowed into the country without the need for testing on arrival. "The ongoing testing of individuals arriving through the land points of entry without test certificates from recognised laboratories shall continue," Dr Aceng added. As of May 9, Uganda had , 42,427 Covid cases, 346 deaths, and 41,971 recoveries. Khartoum Various organisations openly condemned the violent dispersal of a peaceful protest to commemorate the June 3 Massacre near the General Command of the Sudanese army in Khartoum on Tuesday in which the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) used live ammunition, killing two young activists and wounding dozens more. The protesters organised a peaceful vigil to break the Ramadan fast together and commemorate the June 3 Massacre*. The president of the Sudanese Employers Federation, Hashem Matar, decided to boycott the upcoming Paris Conference in protest against the violent break-up of the vigil. The employer's union endorsed the decision of their president in a statement yesterday. The union also affirmed its full solidarity with the families of people killed during "the glorious December revolution, who sacrificed their lives for freedom, peace and justice". It strongly condemned the excessive violence used on Tuesday, "that claimed the lives of two martyrs and wounded 37 revolutionaries who were exercising their right to peaceful expression". Jamal El Kenein, head of the Nasserist Democratic Unionist Party, also condemned the shooting and announced his withdrawal from the Transitional Partners Council (TPC)* in a press conference yesterday. El Kenein called on "our brothers from the Forces for Freedom and Change to also withdraw from the TPC as an expression of rejection of what happened and the need to hold the perpetrators accountable and those behind them". The Sudanese Congress Party also announced the withdrawal of its chair, Omar El Dekheir, from the TPC and the withdrawal of two ministers from the government. The party holds the ministers of Defence and Interior Affairs, the Attorney General, and the governor of Khartoum accountable "for the violence on Tuesday and similar events that preceded them". Many other political parties and rebel groups also condemned the shooting and demanded an immediate investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. According to the National Umma Party, "the security forces still do not comprehend the requirements of the democratic transformation. They need to be restructured in a way so that they contribute to the glorious revolution, preserve public rights and freedoms, and apply the law to the fullest". In a statement yesterday, the Communist Party of Sudan demanded the resignation of the members of the Sovereignty Council, the Council of Ministers, and the governor of Khartoum. They desire that "a fully civilian government is to be formed, with the Sovereignty council consisting of civilians only, representing the forces of the revolution". The party said that "what happened yesterday is a crime committed in cold blood, previously agreed on, for which the military and civilian sides in the government and the governor of Khartoum bear full responsibility". Government response After the violent dispersal on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers held an emergency meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, to discuss the events. Minister of Defence Lt Gen Yasin Ibrahim announced that members of government forces accused of firing live bullets at peaceful demonstrators have been detained and will be charged within a few days. Meanwhile, the SAF announced that they have formed a committee to investigate who ordered the shooting and Attorney General Tajelsir El Hibir announced that he officially ordered the armed forces to hand over those accused of being involved in the killing of the two young activists. * On June 3, 2019, two days before the end of Ramadan, the large sit-in in front of the army command, was broken up with excessive violence. More than 127 protestors were reportedly killed. The bodies of 40 of them were found floating in the Nile. More than 700 other protesters sustained injuries and at least 100 people went missing in what is now called the June 3 or Ramadan 29 massacre. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Sudan Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. * The Transitional Partners Council was established on December 1 last year by the chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan. The TPC consists of 29 members, six from the military, the prime minister, 13 from the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), and nine members of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebel alliance that signed the Juba Peace Agreement with the government on October 3. El Burhan chairs the new council as well. The move received widespread criticism from the start, though the formation of a TPC was agreed on by the Sudanese government and the rebel groups during the peace talks in order to monitor the implementation of the peace accord in the country. According to political analyst Hafiz Ismail, "the idea of establishing this council came from the leaders of the rebel movements but it definitely serves the interest of the military". Khartoum Minister of Defence Lt Gen Yasin Ibrahim announced that members of government forces accused of firing live bullets at peaceful demonstrators have been detained and will be charged within a few days. Two demonstrators were killed on Tuesday as armed forces violently dispersed a peaceful gathering. The announcement by the defence minister was made during an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok yesterday after live bullets were shot at peaceful demonstrators in Khartoum on Tuesday evening. The protesters had gathered near the General Command of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF*) in downtown Khartoum to break the Ramadan fast together in commemoration of the June 3/Ramadan 29 massacre* two years ago. Despite Tuesday's protest being peaceful, security forces dispersed the gathering with force and used live ammunition, which killed activists Osman Ahmed and Mudasir Mukhtar wounded dozens of other demonstrators. During the emergency meeting, the Minister of Defence briefed the Council of Ministers on the details of the painful events. He expressed the military's regret for what happened and delivered condolences from the army's leadership for the nation's martyrs. In a statement after the meeting, the council stressed that the right to protest is guaranteed by the law and there is nothing that should prevent Sudanese from demonstrating freely in accordance with the law. The SAF announced that they have formed a committee to investigate who ordered the shooting. In a statement yesterday, the army expressed its full cooperation with the judicial authorities to uncover the facts and said that it is fully prepared to bring to justice anyone who proves his involvement in Tuesday's violent dispersal. In a press statement yesterday, Attorney General Tajelsir El Hibir announced that he officially ordered the armed forces to hand over those accused of being involved in the killing of the two young activists. He explained that he also issued a number of orders prohibiting the use of excessive force against peaceful gatherings and stressed that peaceful assemblies and the right to expression are guaranteed by the Constitutional Document and the law. El Hibir confirmed that the gathering on Tuesday was peaceful and there were no signs of violence and that it was people in SAF uniforms who attacked the demonstrators, killing the two young activists. A vigil in Khartoum last year to commemorate those who went missing following the June 3 massacre (social media) June 3 investigations In its emergency meeting, the Council of Ministers also decided to call for a briefing from the national investigation committee into the June 3 massacre, headed by prominent lawyer Nabil Adib, about the progress of the investigations and setting a deadline for the completion of the investigation and presenting its outcomes. Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok said in a statement that what happened on June 3, 2019, the 29th of Ramadan, is "a full-fledged crime as live bullets were used against peaceful demonstrators, which can never be tolerated nor ignored". Hamdok called on the responsible authorities to complete their investigations immediately and without delay. and hand over the perpetrators so they can be brought to justice. The June 3 Massacre investigation committee was founded in September 2019. Many Sudanese have been wondering why the commission has not been able to round up its report. At Tuesday's protest, a member of the Association of Families of the December Revolution Victims addressed the crowd. She set coming June 3 as a deadline for "those responsible for the crime [..] to admit their involvement in the massacre to the Sudanese people". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Sudan Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. * Officially, the SAF consists of the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), set up by the ousted Al Bashir regime in 2013. In the Constitutional Document, signed on August 17, 2019, by the then ruling Transitional Military Council and the opposition Forces for Freedom and Change, it was agreed that both the Sudanese army and the RSF would fall under the command of the "Supreme Commander of the Sudan Armed Forces". At the same time, however, the RSF militia stays a force unto itself, commanded by Mohamed Dagalo 'Hemeti', Deputy President of the Sovereignty Council. * On June 3, 2019, two days before the end of Ramadan, the large sit-in in front of the army command, was broken up with excessive violence. More than 127 protestors were reportedly killed. The bodies of 40 of them were found floating in the Nile. More than 700 other protesters sustained injuries and at least 100 people went missing in what is now called the June 3 or Ramadan 29 massacre. Maputo Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Tiago on Wednesday warned of the dangers of a likely "third wave" of the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 respiratory disease, and urged all Mozambican citizens to continue strict adherence to preventive measures. He was speaking at a ceremony where his Ministry received equipment from some of its partners. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated X-ray machines, while the South African petrochemical company Sasol provided fuel and alcohol for disinfection. "In addition to detecting tuberculosis, a disease that affects at least 110,000 Mozambicans a year, these advanced radiological systems can be used to diagnose and treat Covid-19, thus increasing the overall capacity of the Mozambican health service", said Martin MacLaughlin, deputy director of USAID-Mozambique. Ovidio Rudolfo, general director of Sasol in Mozambique, declared "we have concluded the acquisition and distribution of 250,000 litres of fuel for the emergency vehicles used to treat cases related with the coronavirus. The Lisbon-based Global Investment Bank donated 11,000 pairs of surgical gloves, while the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank provided a consignment of 28,000 N95 face masks, regarded as essential protective equipment for health workers. Tiago took the opportunity to stress the need for prevention in order to avoid succumbing to a third wave of the virus. His warning came in the wake of a sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in South Africa, which led South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to declare "We're already in the third wave". Linked to the third wave is the rapid spread of the Indian strain of the coronavirus, which is more virulent, more transmissible and hence potentially more lethal than the original virus. So far the Indian variant has not yet been diagnosed in Mozambique - but given the proximity of South Africa, and the fact that perhaps as many as a million Mozambicans are living and working there, it is only a matter of time before this strain crosses the border. "I urge all Mozambicans, including those who have already taken the vaccine, to continue practicing preventive measures, such as social distancing, regular washing of hands, and the use of masks", said Tiago. "That is the only way we can avoid the entry of new variants into the country". He added that Mozambique is on "maximum alert" against a possible third wave. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that at least 44 countries are currently grappling with a third wave. Also on Wednesday, the health authorities reported a further 20 cases of Covid-19. Since the start of the pandemic, 530,868 people have been tested for the coronavirus, 1,322 of them in the previous 24 hours. According to a Ministry of Health press release, of the samples tested, 473 were from Maputo city, 182 from Maputo province, 227 from Inhambane, 104 from Nampula, 98 from Tete, 79 from Manica, 79 from Gaza, 36 from Sofala, 29 from Cabo Delgado, and 15 from Zambezia. No tests were reported from Niassa. 1,302 of the tests yielded negative results and 20 people tested positive for the coronavirus. This brings the number of cases of Covid-19 diagnosed in Mozambique to 70,287. The new cases identified on Wednesday were all men. 19 were Mozambican citizens and one was a foreigner (but the Ministry release did not give his nationality). Of the new cases, 11 were from Maputo city and two from Maputo province. So the city and the province accounted for 65 per cent of the positive cases. There were also five cases from Tete and two from Nampula. The positivity rate (the proportion of those tested found to be infected) for this 24 hour period was 1.5 per cent. This compares with 3.2 per cent on Tuesday, 7.5 per cent on Monday, 3.1 per cent on Sunday, two per cent on Saturday, and 2.3 per cent on Friday. The available data thus points to an overall downward trend in the positivity rate. Over the same 24 hour period, four Covid-19 patients (two in Maputo and two in Nampula) were discharged from hospital and five new patients were admitted (three in Maputo and two in Sofala). As of Wednesday, 25 people were under medical care in the Covid-19 wards (up from 24 on Tuesday). 17 of these patients (68 per cent) were in Maputo, and there were two each in Nampula, Zambezia, Tete and Sofala. There were no patients in the Covid-19 facilities in the other six provinces. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Ministry also reported that, in the same period, 163 people were declared fully recovered from Covid-19 (158 in Maputo province, and five in Zambezia).This brings the total number of recoveries to 68,047, or 96,8 per cent of all those ever diagnosed with Covid-19 in Mozambique. The number of active Covid-19 cases on Wednesday fell to 1,410 (down from 1,533 on Tuesday). The geographical breakdown of these cases was as follows: Maputo province, 569 (40.4 per cent of the total); Sofala, 306; Maputo city, 292; Zambezia, 126; Nampula, 34; Niassa, 32; Gaza, 28; Inhambane, 10; Tete, seven; and Cabo Delgado, six. Manica remains the only province where there are currently no active Covid-19 cases. The Ministry reported no deaths from Covid-19 on Wednesday. Thus the total death toll from Covid-19 in Mozambique remains 826. Maputo The work of the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, ground to a halt on Wednesday, as the deputies failed to debate either the second reading of the controversial bill granting enormous benefits to parliamentary staff, or a motion submitted by the main opposition party, Renamo, censuring Attorney-General Beatriz Buchili for the report she had given to the Assembly in late April. The censure motion was on the order paper, but the majority Frelimo Party wanted to delay the debate. The Wednesday session should have begun at 09.00, but until 11.00 only the Renamo parliamentary group was present in the chamber. The spokesperson for the Assembly's governing board, its Standing Commission. Alberto Matukutuku, confirmed that the censure motion had been postponed to a date that will be announced later. Frelimo had asked for the delay, and the Standing Commission "after a lot of debate" accepted postponement of the motion, Matukutuku said. This was a foregone conclusion given Frelimo's majority on the Commission - but it has been standard practice in the past to accept such delays when requested by one of the parliamentary groups. Matukutuku admitted that Renamo's censure motion "was submitted in due time, obeys the standing orders, and there's no problem with it". The rapporteur of the Frelimo parliamentary group, Telmina Pereira, confirmed that originally it was scheduled to debate the censure motion on Wednesday - but this became impossible because the written opinion on the motion, from the Assembly's Commission on Legal and Constitutional Matters, was only distributed to the deputies on Wednesday morning. Under Mozambican parliamentary procedures, opinions from the Assembly's working commissions are essential before any legislation or any motion can be discussed by the plenary. The Frelimo group, Pereira said, had not yet had time to consider the Commission's opinion. It thus believed "the conditions do not yet exist to hold a debate on the motion in plenary. Hence the Frelimo group has suggested that the point be delayed for a better opportunity when we can all go to the debate with the necessary preparation". The motion has not been withdrawn from the agenda, she stressed. "We just thought we should look for a better date so that we can discuss the matter on a footing of equality", Pereira added. However, this sitting of the Assembly was due to finish on Thursday. Although Matukutuku announced that the closing session has now been postponed to Friday (because of Thursday's celebrations of the end of the moslem fasting month of Ramadan), it is clearly impossible to hold a meaningful debate on the censure motion before then. Indeed, nothing at all is being discussed in plenary on Thursday. The Renamo censure motion claimed that Buchili's report "was full of fragments that do not dignify the scale of the institutions she represents". Her attitude towards the Assembly, Renamo complained "is to be condemned". As for the content of the report "this deserves to be rejected by the entire Mozambican people", particularly because, in Renamo's view, the Attorney-General "covered up illicit actions and serious crimes". In particular, Renamo protested that Buchili's report had nothing to say about the bribe of ten million US dollars offered to Frelimo by the Abu Dhabi-based group, Privinvest, which was the brains of the entire illicit scheme known in Mozambique as "the hidden debts". The ten million dollars, Renamo accused, was transferred to a Frelimo account in the country's largest commercial bank, the Millennium-BIM, in four instalments between March and July 2014. This claim, never confirmed or denied by Frelimo, comes from documents presented by an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the trial in New York in late 2019 of Privinvest official Jean Boustani. The Assembly also failed to debate the second and final reading of the bill granting extravagant privileges and benefits to parliamentary staff. The bill passed its first reading unanimously last week: all the opposition deputies voted with Frelimo to grant the benefits, much to the obvious annoyance of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The Ministry pointed out that the new benefits will cost the state budget about 104 million meticais (about 1.8 million US dollars) a year, and threatened that the benefits will not be paid, if they are not covered by the budget. The bill caused a wave of revulsion in civil society. A petition from the civil society coalition, the Budgetary Monitoring Forum (FMO), urged the Assembly to withdraw the bill. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The FMO said the benefits in the bill "are totally disproportionate with Mozambique's public sector and the fact that the country has not been able to provide basic services such as water and transport, health and other essentials for the survival of the majority of the population." FMO spokesperson Adriano Nuvunga accused the Assembly of "showing total lack of awareness of the people's unbearable suffering". Without a second reading, the bill is in limbo, and cannot be sent to President Filipe Nyusi to be promulgated. The Assembly plenary will not meet again until the end of year sitting, which normally begins in October. This delay gives the deputies time to reflect, and amend, or possibly withdraw altogether, the controversial bill. A spokesperson for the Frelimo group told AIM that the Assembly commissions must now work on the suggestions made during the debate on the first reading, and must also analyse the petition submitted by the FMO. Maputo Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday urged the country's moslem community to become involved in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and against terrorist violence in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In a message marking Eid-Ul-Fitr, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Nyusi praised "the principles and values of Islam", such as pardon, tolerance, dialogue and solidarity, which, he believed, are clearly expressed among the Mozambican moslem community, making a major contribution to the consolidation of peace and unity, within the diversity of the country. Nyusi encouraged moslems to continue to mobilise and participate in social, economic and cultural activities in support of social harmony, moral and civic education and the development of the country. During the Eid celebrations, some prominent moslem leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm that terrorism in Cabo Delgado has nothing to do with religion. Speaking at a Maputo mosque, Sheikh Saide Habibo said acts of terror are perpetrated by people acting on their own account. He did not know whether they were motivated by a distorted version of religious faith, or were acting as instruments of unknown forces. The fact that the terrorists use moslem phrases, such as "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great") did not mean that they were motivated by religion, said Habibo. "There is no religion in the world which tells you to kill innocent people", he stressed. "However much a person may shout 'Allahu Akbar', even if he can recite the Koran, even if he prays five times a day, to what extent does he understand religion?" "What is happening in Cabo Delgado has nothing to with Islam and its teachings", he declared. "We don't know if these people are driven by a distorted version of faith, a distorted practice of religion, an instrumentalisation of religion, or are being used by other forces that we don't know". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He lamented the impact on the international stage of the connections drawn between Islam and terrorism, and the double standards used when considering violence committed by Israelis and by Palestinians. In the northern city of Nampula, Sheikh Abdul Magid, the local spokesperson for the Islamic Council of Mozambique, declared that terrorism is the enemy of religion and of development. He advised moslems and other citizens not to be deceived by "false promises" of a good life and entrance into Paradise. Paradise could not be attained by killing other people, he stressed. "The fight against terrorism is a task for everybody", said Majid, "because terrorists are the enemies of development, of religion and the growth of the nation". Majid also encouraged the Mozambican defence and security forces, and urged them "to spare no effort in the fight against terrorism, so that peace may be re-established in Cabo Delgado". "At this moment of celebration, let us not forget our fellow countrymen in Cabo Delgado who, because of this unjust war, have been forced to abandon their homes", said the Sheikh. "Our brothers need our support, so let us show solidarity with them". The Nampula provincial governor, Manuel Rodrigues, joined the celebrations in this mosque, and praised "our moslem brothers for defending the noblest values of human life - peace, harmony, love, compassion and solidarity". The governor expressed deep concern at the violence in Cabo Delgado "where religion is being used as the pretext for the destruction of property". Ri/pf (567) ________________________________ AllAfrica publishes around 900 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us. Two Dead, Dozens Wounded as Sudanese Remember 2019 Massacre Sudan's transitional government is under fire after security forces killed two people when they used live ammunition to disperse people marking the two-year anniversary of a bloody pro-democracy protest. Voice of America reports that on June 3, 2019, soldiers opened fire on demonstrators who had surrounded military headquarters in Khartoum, killing more than 100 people. On May 11, 2021, relatives of the victims gathered around military headquarters in the capital to remember those killed. Hours after the 2021 gathering, security troops fired live ammunition to disperse remaining protesters, killing two people and injuring many more. Sudan's military has denied any connection to the attack and says it did not issue instructions to use live ammunition. The military said it will open an investigation. The transitional government came to power in 2019 after generals ousted longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of mass protests against his rule. The United Nations warns Somalia faces a perilous future as drought followed by torrential rains have destroyed this year's planting season. Read more The government has started providing food and temporary shelter among other aid support to families affected by the recent heavy rains across the country. Read more Many parts of the country have been severely hit by floods that have claimed lives and destroyed crops. Read more Somalia: At Least 10 Dead, Thousands Displaced in New Wave of Floods in Bari Dalsan Radio, 29 April 2020 Atleast 10 people died on Tuesday after floods hit Qardho town in Somalias northern region of Bari, an official confirmed. Read more ?? Ahora | La presidenta del Consejo de Ministros y el titular del @Minsa_Peru continuan la supervision del proceso de vacunacion a adultos mayores de 80 anos iniciando el recorrido de hoy en la Clinica San Pablo de Surco. #PongoElHombro pic.twitter.com/pi9Vg5bTKJ Vizcarra's lawyer Fernando Ugaz reported that they will appeal the decision adopted by Judge Rocio del Pilar Rabines. According to Ugaz, said judicial resolution could prevent Vizcarra from being sworn-in as Congress member this July. The legal protection appeal had been filed when the accusatory petition was still in progress. In her resolution, the magistrate indicated that what corresponds is to analyze the former presidents request in light of Parliament's final decision. In this sense, she considers that the arguments "should be analyzed as a whole when the final decision is issued by the parliamentary body so as not to hinder the investigation within the framework of the constitutional accusation." Likewise, she affirmed that Vizcarra "has relied on the minimum guarantees of a sanctioning due process, has exercised his right to defense, and has even admitted the alleged deeds." Given this, Ugaz announced via Twitter that "we will file a complaint against the judge and appeal (the resolution)." (END) FGM/CVC/MVB " " Cats are drawn to boxes, as any cat lover can attest. But why? Nobody really knows. Chris Winsor/Getty Images It's common knowledge that if an empty box of any size is left unattended and a cat finds it, that cat will sit inside. Tiny cats in large boxes, large cats in tiny boxes doesn't matter. "If I fits," the cat says in its little cat brain, "I sits." Anyone who lives with a cat has seen this happen. And it doesn't even have to be a box; it turns out any square will do. A piece of paper, a laptop, anything rectangular seems to light up that box-sitting instinct in housecats. In 2017, the Twitter hashtag #CatSquare highlighted this cat quirk. Merely taping an empty square on the floor was enough to lure a cat to sit or lie down inside it. A couple of years later, this hashtag would help animal psychology researcher Gabriella Smith at Hunter College, City University of New York, construct an experiment to gauge cat cognition. In April 2021, her research, entitled "If I Fits, I Sits: A Citizen Science Investigation Into Illusory Contour Susceptibility in Domestic Cats," was published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Advertisement Does the Box Have to Be Real? Smith had seen #CatSquare on Twitter and knew that cats would sit inside a 2D square made of tape, not just inside a 3D box. "So then the question became, does the square actually have to be there?" Smith says. "When we ask, 'What is this animal seeing?' people think of using dogs because they're so easily trained," Smith says. "But cats are the perfect candidate because we already know they will sit in a 2D square." Not only do cats not have to be trained to do this, they don't even have to come into the lab to do it. Cat owners (or as cats call them, servants) could easily tape shapes to the floor and record their cats' reactions. Thus the first cat cognition experiment to use citizen scientists was born. And what better timing than during the COVID-19 pandemic? Smith put out the call for volunteers (via Twitter, of course) in June 2020. Much of the world was on lockdown to some degree, and cat owners were looking for something anything to do in their homes. Plus, Smith notes, "Cats perform best at home. In the lab, they wouldn't behave naturally." " " Ash is seen here sitting inside a Kanizsa square. Her owner, Tara McCready, participated in the citizen science study and took the photo. Gabriella Smith Advertisement The Experiment to Find Out She designed the experiment so the humans could gather cat data over six days. Participants were given templates to print out: a square to tape on the floor, and a set of "Pac-Mans," as Smith calls them, that could make an illusory square. Officially, this is called a "Kanisza square," which means that pieces of an image construct a complete image in our brains. Our minds see an image, in this case of a square, in the negative space. So if you face the Pac-Mans with their mouths toward each other, there's an illusion of a square on the floor. Our eyes connect the dots. If you face their mouths away from each other, we don't perceive any significant shape. Would cats see the same things? Smith went into the experiment with frankly low expectations and an open mind. She was truly curious to know the answer to her question: Will cats sit in a square that isn't really there? She had no preconceived ideas for what the cats might choose to do. She says that was helpful in designing the experiment, as her biases for one shape or another weren't in play. "I was lucky I had any participants at all, given how cats are." Advertisement The Results She gathered data over the summer of 2020, with participant humans sending in five-minute videos of the shapes on the floor. If the cat positioned its body within any of the shapes for at least 30 seconds, it counted as a data point. Of course, cats are cats. "I watched a lot of empty videos," Smith says. Sometimes the cat would saunter through the video without sitting at all. Smith recruited 500 participants, and 30 were able to complete the entire six-day sequence of tests. Of those, nine cats chose at least one of the shapes by sitting inside it with all four feet for at least three seconds. Though the data set is small, cats did indeed choose the Kanisza square illusion as often as they chose the complete square taped on the floor. They chose both of these more often than the non-shape made by the Pac-Mans facing away from each other. While this was Smith's first time using citizen scientists to gather data, she has since been involved in another half-dozen citizen science studies with dogs in the Animal Behavior and Conservation Program at Hunter College. She notes that you don't have to have the cleverest animal in the world to participate in projects like this. "All you have to do is follow instructions." Then just let your pet do its thing. Or not. It's all data. Science! This research might seem pretty low stakes to some people, but it offers new insight into animal cognition and psychology. We now know that cats can connect the dots and see a square that isn't there. It's also a springboard for more potential research. "We see videos from zoos of large cats sitting in boxes, which makes sense because it's safe like a cave or den," Smith says. But would a wild cat sit inside the outline of a square? Or a Kanisza square that isn't a square at all? This is the fun part of science: Asking questions and devising ways to learn the answers and then letting those answers inspire new questions. " " This collage of cats sitting in squares includes photos from cat owners who participated in the study. Gabriella Smith Now That's Science! Want to give this experiment a try with your own cat? Gabrielle Smith was kind enough to share the templates and instructions for the experiment with readers. You can print out your own set of Pac-Mans and give it a try. The data won't be used for this particular paper since it's already been published, but it will satisfy your curiosity. YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Tunisia, Norway, and China have submitted a request to hold an open meeting of the UN Security Council in the near future to discuss the escalation of tensions in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a source in the Security Council told TASS. China, Tunisia, and Norway have requested an open meeting on Friday on the situation around Palestine and Israel. The decision will be made in the near future by Chairman of the Security Council, this month it is China, the source said. Following the meetings held on Monday and Wednesday, the UN Security Council was unable to agree on the text of a joint statement on the aggravation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. Diplomatic sources in the Security Council told TASS that it is not possible to reach a common denominator because of the position of the United States. An exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Palestinian radicals from the Gaza Strip followed an outburst of unrest near the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalems Old City in early May. More than 700 people have been hurt in riots in recent days. Clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli police were triggered by an Israeli court ruling to seize dwelling houses in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood from Arab families who have been living there for more than 50 years in favor of Jewish resettlers who had reportedly owned these buildings before 1948. YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenias caretaker minister of emergency situations Andranik Piloyan has departed for Moscow, Russia, on a working visit on May 13, the ministry told Armenpress. Director of the Rescue Service Armen Gasparyan accompanies the caretaker minister during the visit. They will participate in the activities of the 13th international hall of Complex Security 2021 security devices of the CIS forces from may 14 to 16. During the visit the Armenian delegation will visit the Russian National Crisis Management Center to get acquainted with the activity of the Center. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. US Congressman Adam Schiff is deeply concerned by recent reports that Azerbaijani troops have reportedly crossed into Armenian territory. This is yet another dangerous and provocative action that could lead to further loss of life. It is past time for the United States to recognize that our policies have emboldened Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to escalate militarily, risking another war, the Congressman said on Facebook. He said he has been in communication with the Biden administration and urged them to engage more deeply through the Minsk Group, now more important than ever. According to reports, Azerbaijan is taking these actions just days after the State Department issued an unjustified waiver of restrictions under Section 907 against direct aid to Azerbaijan. We should not be providing military funding to a nation that habitually engages in human rights violations and violates the sovereignty of its neighbors, the Congressman said. On May 12 in the morning the Azerbaijani armed forces crossed Armenias state border in the territory of Sev Lake in Syunik province and advanced up to 3,5 kilometers, trying to surround the Lake. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this action is intolerable for Armenia, as it is an encroachment against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will chair an emergency session of the Security Council after the Cabinet meeting today. We will discuss the situation around the territory of Sev Lake in Syunik province, Pashinyan said at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting. The Security Council held another emergency meeting led by the caretaker PM on May 12 late in the evening. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. During the Cabinet meeting, Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the situation at the Lake Sev in Syunik Province. Yesterday morning the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out a provocative operation and crossed the Armenian state border in the Lake Sev section. So far there is basically no significant change in the situation, and the situation continues to be the same. This means that there are Azerbaijani soldiers near the Lake Sev and there is also a large presence of our troops there. But the situation has not reached a military escalation, meaning there is no exchange of gunfire or clashes. Work is being carried out since yesterday to withdraw the Azerbaijani soldiers from that area, Pashinyan said. Pashinyan said the action was a planned provocation by Azerbaijan, because the Azeri soldiers carry explicitly fake maps by which they are trying to claim that they are within Azeri border limits. It is obvious that the maps are faked, and this is seen by comparison of maps that were officially confirmed back in Soviet times. Certainly a highly important question is as to how was it possible for Azerbaijani soldiers to cross and pass our neutral zones and reach the Lake Sev. This is a separate issue which will definitely be considered. Theres been much talk since yesterday saying the Defense Ministry and the National Security Service were denying the information but in the end it was confirmed. Id like to draw everyones attention on the fact that the Defense Ministry and National Security Service were denying the disinformation on combat and casualties. And before a complete assessment was issued around the situation an assessment was made and the complete information was provided. We must treat this situation very seriously because basically we are dealing with a crisis which may have several scenarios of further development. Our objective is for the sovereign territory of Armenia to be and remain inviolable. The Azerbaijani armed forces must pull back to their initial positions, meaning to the positions from where they started this advance, that is the positions where they were located as of May 10, Pashinyan said. He said work is currently being done at the area. A Security Council meeting will be held after the Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation further. Id like to once again say for the record that to say the least we have a situation which should be treated very seriously, we must act thoroughly, decisively, principled and the state bodies must combine their actions and ensure high level of partnership for the resolution of the situation. Of course, we all want them to leave to where they came from, and we must solve this issue, Pashinyan said. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. The border situation in Armenias Gegharkunik province is calm, there is no tension, Governor of the province Gnel Sanosyan told reporters before the Cabinet meeting today. Climate conditions are complex and in some sections the adversary has not conducted a deployment process, the weather has now changed, they are conducting a deployment process. And our Armed Forces follow so that the Azerbaijani forces do not advance from their positions. Armenias state border in Gegharkunik has been maintained, in both sections our side has insisted that they should be deployed back, the problem has been solved. There is absolutely no tension, the Governor said. He noted that the residents are mainly getting concerned by the fake reports. Yesterday I was in Upper Shorja for several hours where those activities are being carried out. Our Armed Forces are present and are working. Its the same process as it was in November and December. I can state that everything is calm, there is no tension, he said. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will quadruple the researchers salary in the next three years. For this purpose the government made an amendment today to one of its previously adopted decisions which will define the minimum wage scale for the researchers involved in state base funding programs. Caretaker minister of education, science, culture and sport Vahram Dumanyan stated that the salary rise will be made based on testing. Currently, the average salary of a researcher is 90,4 thousand drams, but after the adoption of this decision, it will become 276,000 drams, he said. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in fact the base wage fund for the researchers is quadrupling in the next three years. In addition, the researchers will also have some incomes from thematic studies. In other words, the salary of a scientist in Armenia is becoming as seriously competitive compared to the other jobs existing in the job market, he said. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Military Prosecution has instructed the Military Police to launch criminal proceedings, investigate and give legal assessments to the Azerbaijani incursion into Armenian territory in Syunik Province, Prosecutor General Artur Davtyans spokesperson Gor Abrahamyan said in a statement. Yesterday morning the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out a provocative operation and crossed the Armenian state border in the Lake Sev section. So far there is basically no significant change in the situation, and the situation continues to be the same. This means that there are Azerbaijani soldiers near the Lake Sev and there is also a large presence of our troops there. But the situation has not reached a military escalation, meaning there is no exchange of gunfire or clashes. Work is being carried out since yesterday to withdraw the Azerbaijani soldiers from that area, Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the May 13 Cabinet meeting. Pashinyan said the action was a planned provocation by Azerbaijan, because the Azeri soldiers carry explicitly fake maps by which they are trying to claim that they are within Azeri border limits. Certainly a highly important question is as to how was it possible for Azerbaijani soldiers to cross and pass our neutral zones and reach the Lake Sev. This is a separate issue which will definitely be considered, he added. Editing and translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia airline will start operating new regular flights from Yerevan to Hurghada and vice versa from June 12, the deputy director of the airline Gevorg Khachatryan said. The flights will be carried out once a week, gradually raising the frequency to 4. The presentation of the flight, as well as that of another project by us Armenian tours, will take place on May 14. The airline will offer full tour packages though its subsidiary, he added. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. The European Parliaments upcoming May 17-20 plenary session will discuss the issue of the Armenian prisoners of war whom Azerbaijan refuses to repatriate nearly 6 months after the war ended in Artsakh. The European Parliaments agenda mentions the item as Prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. During the May 20 plenary session debates will take place on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The debates on POWs will take place the same day. A resolution is proposed for voting. Pursuant to the terms of the armistice, Armenia returned all prisoners of war in its custody to Azerbaijan, however, Azerbaijan did not. Evidence of Azeri authorities torturing the Armenian POWs is widespread. 19 of the Armenian POWs were executed in Azeri custody. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis during his official visit to Lithuania. In addition to the discussion of bilateral relations, I have informed the minister about yesterdays border encroachment carried out by Azerbaijan, and in response Mr. Landsbergis expressed his deep concerns over the border situation and assured that the European Union will take practical steps on this matter, Mirzoyan said on Facebook. On May 12 in the morning the Azerbaijani armed forces crossed Armenias state border in the territory of Sev Lake in Syunik province and advanced up to 3,5 kilometers, trying to surround the Lake. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this action is intolerable for Armenia, as it is an encroachment against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian assesses the situation in Syunik as extremely worrying, and highlights the soonest solution to the incident, ARMENPRESS reports, reads the statement issues by the President's Office. "It is urgent to take all necessary measures to unconditionally protect the interests and security of the Republic of Armenia, the citizen of the Republic of Armenia." The President and the President's Office is in constant contact with the relevant state bodies. Information is also received directly from Syunik Province. The President's position is that the security of the country and the inviolability of the borders are non bargainable, any encroachment on them is condemnable; they must be responded clearly and resolutely, as well as an international reaction is necessary. "The Azerbaijani side bears all the responsibility for further aggravation of the situation and disruption of the already sensitive situation in the region," the statement said. YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Ayvazian held a phone conversation with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde on May 13. The conversation was focused on the situation at Armenias bordering territories. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, Ara Ayvazian presented to Ann Linde the situation in Syunik Province resulted by the actions of the Azerbaijani armed forces, assessing inadmissible the attempts of encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in violation of the international law. The Armenian caretaker FM and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office shared the opinion that such actions pose a serious threat for the region's security and peace. In this context, Ara Ayvazian noted that those actions of Azerbaijan against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an OSCE participant state and the threats that preceded them are a direct result of the inadequate response by the international community to the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh last September and the extremely aggressive behavior of Azerbaijan following that. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to take joint and practical efforts for ensuring security, peace and stability on the OSCE zone. YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Ara Ayvazian had a telephone conversation with Acting Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the conversation was focused on the regional security and stability. Ara Ayvazian presented detailed information to his interlocutor about the provocative actions by the Azerbaijani armed units in the sovereign territory of Armenia. The caretaker Foreign Minister of Armenia emphasized the inadmissibility of the Azerbaijani provocative actions against the territorial integrity of Armenia. Ara Ayvazian noted that international tolerance towards the encroachment on Armenian sovereignty is pregnant with the threat of destabilization of the region. YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with French President Emanuel Macron on the latter's initiative. The Public Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office told Armenpress that the Armenian and French leaders discussed the alarming situation created by the Azerbaijani armed forces invading Armenia's sovereign territory in Syunik region and the steps taken to resolve it. The French President expressed his support to the Armenian authorities and the Armenian people in the peaceful settlement of the issue. Emanuel Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, stressed the need for the immediate withdrawal of the Azerbaijani armed forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan thanked the President of France for his constant attention and friendly attitude towards Armenia and the Armenian people. Emanuel Macron stressed that France is ready to "contribute to the solution of the challenges facing Armenia, the development and progress of our country." The poet in 1986, the same year he was chair of the Booker Prize judges (Alamy) Anthony Thwaite, who has died aged 90, was a poet and editor who was deeply engaged with English literary life throughout his long and prolific career. Although perhaps now best known for his work on his friend Philip Larkins Collected Poems and letters, Thwaites own poetry is remarkable for achieving such clarity of thought and idea, which the poet Vernon Scannell described as unflashy, honest, scrupulously chiselled. Thwaites twin passions, for poetry and for archaeology, emerged early on in life. Born in Chester in 1930, he was given a Roman silver denarius for his seventh birthday by a favourite uncle. When evacuated to his aunts home near Washington DC, escaping wartime Britain, Thwaite would delight in digging in Civil War trenches for musket balls left behind by Confederate soldiers. National Service took him to Libya in 1950, where he found himself stationed just a mile away from the site of Leptis Magna, the great Roman city and hometown of the emperor Septimius Severus. He spoke later of this time as a huge inspiration to me, both as an aspirant archaeologist and as an aspirant poet. I spent hours and hours walking through it, foraging in it, usually by myself ... Early on, I began to find what turned out to be a hoard of Roman coins 7,800 of them eventually in rock pools by the shore. Following demobilisation, Thwaite read English at Oxford, where he edited the weekly magazine Isis and became president of the poetry society. His first anthology of poems was published by Oscar Mellors Fantasy Press in 1953, propelling him to recognition in a series alongside poets such as Thom Gunn, Elizabeth Jennings and Philip Larkin. It was whilst at Oxford that he met Ann Harrop, whom he married in 1955. A fluent speaker of Japanese, Thwaite had spent two years teaching in Tokyo during the mid-Fifties. He later published Letter from Tokyo (1987), based on an extended stay during the mid-Eighties, as well as editing the Penguin Book of Japanese Verse (2009). Story continues Thwaite joined the BBC Overseas Service and in 1958 met and befriended Larkin, whom he went on to record for the Younger British Poets of Today radio series. Thwaite later recalled in a piece for the New Statesman: I liked this tall, shy, but also very funny and engaging man. He became a friend for the rest of his life, and asked me to be one of his literary executors. He died in December 1985. Larkins Collected Poems, edited by Thwaite, were published in 1988, including much previously unseen work. These were followed by Selected Letters (1992) and Letters to Monica (2010), Larkins correspondence with his closest female friend, Monica Jones. Thwaites own favourite, and some would say most successful work, Victorian Voices (1980), was influenced by his wife Anns biographical research on the editor and translator, Edmund Gosse, titled Edmund Gosse: A Literary Landscape (1985). These two publications remain testament to the couples creative partnership. He had been literary editor of both The Listener and the New Statesman. In 1986, as chairman of the Booker Prize judges, he read all 128 volumes submitted that year. Thwaite was awarded two honorary doctorates, from Hull University and the University of East Anglia. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE in 1990 for services to poetry. His goddaughter, Lally, daughter of the poet George MacBeth, told The Independent in tribute: Anthony was an inspirational figure in my early life. He was incredibly encouraging of my burgeoning interests, taking me foraging for Samian ware in the fields of Norfolk and sending me books in the post. Our trips out to find fragments in the flint have left me with a lasting love for searching for the ancient in the earth. He was also generous in sharing stories of the happy memories of his time with my father, for which I will always be grateful. Thwaite is survived by his wife Ann and by his daughters, Emily, Caroline, Lucy and Alice. Anthony Thwaite, poet and editor, born 23 June 1930, died 22 April 2021 Read More Nawal El Saadawi: Egyptian author and activist who challenged taboos John le Carre: Novelist who turned espionage thrillers into an art form Jan Morris: Writer and trans pioneer who brought magic to the page France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has banned demonstrations in Paris relating to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He said in a tweet that similar demonstrations held in 2014 had massively disturbed public order. Seven years ago there were widespread demonstrations against Israeli's military offensive in Gaza. There were also riots, with vandals attacking a synagogue and Jewish shops. Darmanin said he had instructed the Paris police prefect to ban demonstrations on Saturday but did not provide further information. As the state's leading representatives in each region, the prefect has to be particularly vigilant, he said. The ban comes as deadly violence spreads in the Middle East, with Palestinian militants continuing their rocket attacks on Israel which is responding with massive air strikes. Jacinda Ardern will visit Australia in July in her first international trip since the arrival of COVID-19 in New Zealand. On Thursday, the Kiwi prime minister has announced her intention to lead a "trade and promotional" delegation across the Tasman. In a speech to Business NZ in Auckland on Thursday, Ms Ardern said she wanted to "further strengthen business ties with our trans-Tasman partners". "The focus is both on tourism but also exports. I will be looking to travel across multiple states so it will be several days," she said. Ms Ardern's last international trip was to Fiji and Australia last February. In her address, she also foreshadowed further trips abroad - to Europe, the US, China and the wider Asia-Pacific - though not until border controls ease. The Australian trip, which will see the Labour leader make use of the trans-Tasman bubble for the first time since it opened last month, will follow a visit to Aotearoa by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Mr Morrison is due to visit New Zealand as part of annual trans-Tasman talks in the coming weeks. Queenstown has been mooted as a likely venue, as Ms Ardern has said she is keen to take her Australian counterpart somewhere to show off the best in New Zealand tourism. "We both are keen to get on with it as soon as possible," she said last month. Kiwi Trade Minister Damien O'Connor is also dusting off his passport next month, heading to London and Brussels as New Zealand negotiates free trade deals with the UK and the EU. "I don't think we'll be in a position to sign anything but if we can move a few things on, that'll be great," he said. "We'd love to think that towards the end of the year we can reach conclusion. There's certainly enthusiasm to do that but there are still issues still to be resolved." The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed three bills supported by U.S. Rep. John Katko to strengthen mental health services in central New York and across the country. The three bills include legislation authored by Katko, R-Camillus, to increase funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from $12 million to $50 million. The measure would also make improvements to the lifeline. A separate bill, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano, would create a $130 million grant program to provide mental health services to students. Schools could use the funding to partner with local mental health care professionals and educate staff and students on the signs and symptoms of mental illness. Katko, who has been a proponent of boosting pediatric mental health care, is an original co-sponsor of the bill. He also supported a bill, which he introduced with U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, to increase access to mental health care services for minority communities. The legislation would provide $805 million to create outreach programs to reduce the stigma of mental illness, develop a training program for providers to address disparities in mental health services, support research and ensure there are "culturally competent providers." "I thought we had it bad at West Genesee," he said. "But I heard the stories of the representatives from Auburn. I heard about how chronically they were underfunded." Those discussions were in Mannion's mind during the budget process. As the lone member of Cayuga County's state delegation that caucuses with a majority conference, he was in a stronger position to advocate for the Auburn school district. The 2021-22 state budget contains $3 billion more in school aid. While that will bring much-needed funding to Auburn and other school districts, Mannion knows it doesn't address the long-standing problems with the education funding formula. For years, state lawmakers have complained about the way foundation aid is distributed in New York. The formula, they say, is outdated. This leads to some districts, including Auburn, receiving less money per pupil than others. The aid formula has had an adverse effect on Auburn. Mannion explained that it affects the programs offered to students. It can result in fewer aides and longer bus rides. With the additional funding, Pirozzolo said they can offer more art and music programs. He also said the district plans to create more support services positions and hiring more counselors and social workers. Today is Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Let's get caught up. These headlines are in the news this morning: Israel unleashed new airstrikes in Gaza as Hamas fires rockets in escalating violence; a gunman attacked a school in Russia, killing seven students and a teacher; the GOP is planning a voting blitz against Dems' voting rights bill. Read on for these stories, other top headlines, celebrity birthdays and more. TOP STORIES Gaza militants, children among 24 dead as Israel hits Hamas GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Israel unleashed new airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, hitting the high-rise home of a Hamas field commander and two border tunnels dug by militants, as Hamas and other armed groups fired dozens of rockets toward Israel. The escalation in the conflict was sparked by weeks of tensions in contested Jerusalem. The 26-year-old gunman was also shot in the leg and was taken to a hospital, officials said. Charges against him were pending. Officials believe the man who shot the officer was also the gunman in the earlier shooting. Video of the initial shooting showed a man run up and fire shots into a white sport utility vehicle, which later crashed, police said. One man inside the SUV was killed, another was wounded and a third uninjured, police said. All three of the men in the SUV were known gang members, as was the gunman, Shea said. De Blasio, who joined police officials at the news briefing at the hospital, thanked the officers for their heroism. This is an example of extraordinary bravery, de Blasio said. Here are officers in a situation where they see someone acting suspiciously and they go and do what we depend on them to do every single day and protect their fellow New Yorkers, and they do it with courage and bravery, and they put themselves in harms way. Shea said McGurran fired nine rounds and the other officer fired 12 rounds, he said. A gun was recovered at the scene. Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 One of the major last-mile delivery service providers in the UK, Fast Despatch Logistics is set to launch its service in India on May 14. The company claimed that it will start its operations in India with 850 vehicles initially, among which 680 will be electric vehicles. Initially, the company plans to launch its service in cities such as Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad. Later, it plans to expand services pan-India with an aim to increase the fleet of vehicles to 15,000. Talking to HT Auto, Gurvinder Birk, Director, and owner of Fast Despatch Logistics, said that the last-mile delivery solution provider will employ only local people from the cities, where it will be operating its services in India in an attempt to boost the employment during the current crisis situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Guidance and training to the workforce in India will be provided by the company's UK team, as it claims. The company is in talks with several automakers in India for the procurement of vehicles that will be deployed in its fleet of delivery vehicles. However, Birk didn't reveal the names of the automakers with which the company is going to partner for the delivery vehicles. Speaking about the electric vehicles and their charging facilities, he said that the company is in talks with its suppliers to arrange for sufficient charging infrastructure. Also, FDL plans to invest and install its own electric vehicle charging infrastructure in near future, as Gurvinder Birk claimed. FDL currently has a presence in countries such as Bulgaria, France, Germany, and Romania alongside the UK. In the UK, the FDL is claimed to have a driver network of 3,000. In the last few years, India has become a lucrative market for last-mile delivery solution providers. The trend has been accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, in this growth story, electric vehicles are playing a key role, which is also boosting the oveelectric mobility in the country. Mahindra and Mahindra has put off its plans to launch the Thar SUV down under after US-based carmaker Fiat Chrysler, which owns the Jeep brand, decided to move court in Australia. The entire legal tangle is over claimed design infringement by Mahindra. Jeep claims the design of the Thar is a copy of its popular off-road SUV Wrangler. Fiat had issued a statement alleging Mahindra is trying to 'pass off their Thar as a Jeep Wrangler'. "FCA firmly believes that Mahindra is seeking to intentionally infringe the intellectual property rights of our Jeep brand, specifically the Jeep Wrangler. FCA will pursue all available avenues to stop Mahindra from continuing to make misleading and deceptive representations in relation to our Jeep brand, pass off their Thar as a Jeep Wrangler, and infringe our design rights," the statement said. After Fiat Chrylser moved court and sought to restrain Mahindra from launching the Thar SUV in Australia, the Indian carmaker decided to call off its plans, at least for now. Mahindra issued a statement that read, "We have filed our reply in the proceeding commenced by FCA against us. There are no plans to launch the current model of the Thar in Australia. We would provide adequate notice to FCA, as is requested, if we were to launch any future model of the Thar in Australia." This is not the first time that the two carmakers have run into legal battles over claimed design infringements. Last year, Jeep had tried to stop Mahindra from selling the Roxor SUV in the US, with similar allegations. The US car manufacturer had pointed out that Roxor's design was eerily similar to some of the brand's signature elements. Jeep said that Wrangler's boxy body shape, its round headlights and front grille are distinct to the brand. However, Fiat Chrysler had lost the US round of the legal battle, after court allowed Mahindra to sell the Roxor in Jeep's home market. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) had cleared the decks for Roxor's sale by saying that its design does not violate Jeeps intellectual property rights for the Wrangler. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes The last two wild jaguars born in the United States died in 1963 and 1964 in Arizona the male in a federally set trap, the female shot by a private hunter. Now a new scientific paper says jaguar reintroduction to the same region where Mexican gray wolves were reintroduced and where the Center for Biological Diversity was founded would help make its ecosystems whole again. Male jaguars disperse from Mexico to the U.S. Southwest in search of new territory; since 2015 several wild jaguars have been observed roaming southern Arizona. But none live in the 20-million-acre area of the Mogollon Plateau where a separate study found suitable habitat for up to 150 of the great, spotted cats. Because female jaguars dont roam as far as males, said the Centers Michael Robinson, who was one of the studys authors, reproduction isnt happening north of the border. But the Center is taking the long view, seeking to protect the verdant streamsides of the Mogollon Plateau as critical habitat to provide cover and ample prey for future jaguar families. Please help us save jaguars and other species with a gift to our Saving Life on Earth Fund. Do it now and your gift will be matched. Corporate Email Address: You forgot to provide an Email Address. This email address doesnt appear to be valid. Please provide a Corporate Email Address. This email address is already registered. Please log in. First Name: You forgot to provide your first name. Last Name: You forgot to provide your last name. Company Name: You forgot to provide a company name. Job Title: You forgot to provide a job title. Seniority: Select... C-Level / Executive Team EVP / SVP / VP / AVP Director Manager Architect Analyst Staff You forgot to select your seniority. 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State/Province: You did not provide a full local address. Zip/Postal Code: You did not provide a full local address. Phone: You forgot to provide a phone number. This phone number format is not recognized. Please check the country and number. I agree to TechTargets Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy. Please check the box if you want to proceed. I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time. Please check the box if you want to proceed. By submitting my Email address I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Declaration of Consent. Who is Jackson Pollock? How many of you have ever seen this painting before? This painting, titled No. 17 A, is one of the most expensive paintings in the world and painted by Jackson Pollock, the artist that I will talk about today. Jackson Pollock is an American Painter and a major figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. He was born as Paul Jackson Pollock, at Cody, Wyoming, on January 28th, 1912. When he was 10 months old, his family moved to San Diego. As his father worked as a government land surveyor and had to take jobs at different locations, his family moved around, and his childhood was split between California and Arizona. He was expelled as a troublemaker from school twice and did not complete his high school education. Before exploring Pollocks art life, lets first take a look at what the abstract expressionist movement is. Since modern art emerged in 1870s, artists worldwide have explored new ways of seeing and experimented all kinds of possibilities in art making. Numerous art movements took place one after another in Europe. Abstract Expressionist movementwhich started in the 1940s and ended in the middle of 1960s, is the first American art movement to achieve international influence and put New York at the center of Western art world. Under the influence of surrealism and modern psychology, abstract expressionists turned inward for inspiration, believing that the deepest truth about self and the rest of the world lay far below the constraints of rational experience. Almost every leading artist in the movement has a distinctive art style, but they shared something in common: spontaneous, automatic, and subconscious creation. In 1949, Jackson Pollock reached the peak of his art career and was questioned by Life magazine if he was the Greatest Living Painter in the United States. Then what had led the high school dropout to become the Master of Modern Art? Since he was young, Pollock had developed a strong interest in theology and spirituality, which later became the source of his inspiration. At 18, he went to New York to study art under Thomas Hart Benton at the Art Students League. The rhythmic use of paint and fierce independence from his study were visible in his works later. But his deep dive into the art world could result from the Jungian psychotherapy to battle his alcoholism. He was advised to draw and paint automatically. The experimental workshop to use the liquid paint had opened the door for him to abandon conventional brushes or easels completely and explore his innovative Dripping Technique. He laid a canvas flat on the floor to enable him to view and paint from all the angles. Before painting, he meditated for a long time to reach the state of the unconscious. Then he started pouring and splashing industrial paints on the canvas freely, where his memories, dreams, and inner world emerged through the linear skeins of dripped and thrown paints. Its said that Jackson Pollock would not be Jackson Pollock without his wife, Lee Krasner, who is also a painter. Krasners art knowledge and acute sense of modernity had ensured Pollock for his pursuit of dripping technique which he doubted in the beginning. Clement Greenberg, the art critic whose art theory cradled Abstract Expressionism, had also sent Jackson Pollock to the top of the art world. On August 11th, 1956, Pollock died in a single car accident under the influence of alcohol which he had battled bitterly throughout his adult life. He left 363 paintings behind him and two of them are among the top ten most expensive ones in the world. But during his lifetime, he had struggled to sell his paintings and lived in poverty and depression. Moving away from the conventionality, Pollocks revolutionary painting style has opened and expanded the possibilities in art making and liberated artists of his and later generations. Now I want to end my speech with the words he said one year before his death. Back then he was depressed with his dying creativity, he sighed, A mans life is his work; his work is his life. Jackson Pollock, like a comet burning across the night sky and disappearing into the dark, leaves behind him the everlasting glow of creativity, passion, and courage. Format for print or mobile USA/Global: Millions Displaced by US Post-9/11 Wars AfricaFocus Bulletin September 28, 2020 (2020-09-28) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note Wartime displacement (alongside war deaths and injuries) must be central to any analysis of the post-9/11 wars and their short- and long-term consequences. Displacement also must be central to any possible consideration of the future use of military force by the United States or others. Ultimately, displacing 37 millionand perhaps as many as 59 millionraises the question of who bears responsibility for repairing the damage inflicted on those displaced. - Brown University Costs of War Project This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains excerpts from this new report documenting one large part of the damage from wars in which the United States has played a major role in the post 9/11 period. The calculation includes refugees and internally displaced from 8 countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya, and Syria. The excerpts below include the sections on Somalia and Libya. The full report, including charts and a full methodological appendix, is available at https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human/refugees. Also included below is the latest essay by William Minter and Imani Countess, entitled Overhauling U.S. Foreign Policy. This essay, which appeared first in Organizing Upgrade on September 22, builds on a multipart essay series entitled Beyond Eurocentrism and U.S. Exceptionalism. For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on peace and security, visit http://www.africafocus.org/intro-peace.php. For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on migration, visit http://www.africafocus.org/migrexp.php. ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Creating Refugees: Displacement Caused by the United States Post-9/11 Wars David Vine, Cala Coffman, Katalina Khoury, Madison Lovasz, Helen Bush, Rachel Leduc, and Jennifer Walkup September 8, 2020 Costs of War Project, Brown University https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human/refugees Executive Summary Since President George W. Bush announced a global war on terror following Al Qaedas September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, the U.S. military has engaged in combat around the world. As in past conflicts, the United States post-9/11 wars have resulted in mass population displacements. This report is the first to measure comprehensively how many people these wars have displaced. Using the best available international data, this report conservatively estimates that at least 37 million people have fled their homes in the eight most violent wars the U.S. military has launched or participated in since 2001. The report details a methodology for calculating wartime displacement, provides an overview of displacement in each war-affected country, and points to displacements individual and societal impacts. Wartime displacement (alongside war deaths and injuries) must be central to any analysis of the post-9/11 wars and their short- and long-term consequences. Displacement also must be central to any possible consideration of the future use of military force by the United States or others. Ultimately, displacing 37 millionand perhaps as many as 59 millionraises the question of who bears responsibility for repairing the damage inflicted on those displaced. Major Findings The U.S. post-9/11 wars have forcibly displaced at least 37 million people in and from Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya, and Syria. This exceeds those displaced by every war since 1900, except World War II. Millions more have been displaced by other post-9/11 conflicts involving U.S. troops in smaller combat operations, including in: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. 37 million is a very conservative estimate. The total displaced by the U.S. post-9/11 wars could be closer to 4859 million. 25.3 million people have returned after being displaced, although return does not erase the trauma of displacement or mean that those displaced have returned to their original homes or to a secure life. Any number is limited in what it can convey about displacements damage. The people behind the numbers can be difficult to see, and numbers cannot communicate how it might feel to lose ones home, belongings, community, and much more. Displacement has caused incalculable harm to individuals, families, towns, cities, regions, and entire countries physically, socially, emotionally, and economically. The U.S. post-9/11 wars have displaced at least 37 million people in and from eight countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya, and Syria. Introduction Since the George W. Bush administration launched a global war on terror following Al Qaedas September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, the U.S. military has waged war continuously for almost two decades.2 In that time, U.S. forces have fought in wars or participated in other combat operations in at least 24 countries.3 The destruction inflicted by warfare in these countries has been incalculable for civilians and combatants, for U.S. military personnel and their family members, and for entire societies. Deaths and injuries number in the millions. Like other wars throughout history, the U.S. post-9/11 wars have caused millions of peoplethe vast majority, civiliansto fear for their lives and flee in search of safety. Millions have fled air strikes, bombings, artillery fire, drone attacks, gun battles, and rape. People have fled the destruction of their homes, neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, jobs, and local food and water sources. They have escaped forced evictions, death threats, and large-scale ethnic cleansing set off by the U.S wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in particular.4 To our knowledge, no one has calculated how many people have been displaced by the United States post-9/11 wars. Some scholars, journalists, and international organizations have provided displacement data for some of these wars, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. However these statistics tend to be snapshots of the number of refugees and internally displaced people (IDP) at a particular point in time rather than a full accounting of the total number of people displaced over time since the start of the wars. This paper calculates the total number of displaced people in the eight post-9/11 wars in which U.S. forces have been most significantly involved. We focus on wars where the U.S. government bears a clear responsibility for initiating armed combat (the overlapping Afghanistan/Pakistan war and the post-2003 war in Iraq); for escalating armed conflict (U.S. and European intervention in the Libyan uprising against Muammar Gaddafi and Libyas ongoing civil war and U.S. involvement in Syria); or for being a significant participant in combat through drone strikes, battlefield advising, logistical support, arms sales, and other means (U.S. forces involvement in wars in Yemen, Somalia, and the Philippines). In documenting displacement caused by the U.S. post-9/11 wars, we are not suggesting the U.S. government or the United States as a country is solely responsible for the displacement. Causation is never so simple. Causation always involves a multiplicity of combatants and other powerful actors, centuries of history, and large-scale political, economic, and social forces. Even in the simplest of cases, conditions of pre-existing poverty, environmental change, prior wars, and other forms of violence shape who is displaced and who is not. This paper and its accompanying tables document several categories of people displaced by the post-9/11 wars: 1) refugees, 2) asylum seekers pursuing protection as refugees, and 3) internally displaced persons or people (IDPs). We also calculate the number of 4) refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs who have returned to their country or area of origin. Ultimately, we estimate that at least 37 million people have been displaced in just eight countries since 2001 (Table 1). This includes 8 million people displaced across international borders as refugees and asylum seekers and 29 million people displaced internally to other parts of their countries. To put these figures in perspective, displacing 37 million people is equivalent to removing nearly all the residents of the state of California or all the people in Texas and Virginia combined. The figure is almost as large as the population of Canada. In historical terms, 37 million displaced is more than those displaced by any other war or disaster since at least the start of the twentieth century with the sole exception of World War II (see Table 2). The United States post-9/11 wars have contributed significantly to the dramatic increase in recent years in the number of people displaced by war and violent conflict worldwide: Between 2010 and 2019, the total number of refugees and IDPs globally has nearly doubled from 41 million to 79.5 million. In the next section, this paper proceeds with an overview of our methodology and approach to calculating wartime displacement. A more detailed discussion is in the Appendix. We next provide an overview of displacement in each war-affected country. We then present the results of our calculations and discuss the limits of quantitative measurement. We conclude by discussing the significance of our findings to assessments of the post-9/11 wars, to debates about the use of military force more broadly, and to questions about who bears responsibility for repairing damage suffered by the displaced. ... Somalia (2002present) [Conflict in Somalia has been ongoing since the early 1990s, when some 3 million were displaced and one quarter million died; the roots of the violence date to at least the U.S.-Soviet Cold War and involve longstanding competition over territory, regional autonomy, and resources. In the 1990s, the U.S. military sent 25,000 troops as part of UN humanitarian operations. They left after soldiers took heavy casualties during fighting in Mogadishu in 1993. See, e.g., Global IDP Project, Internally Displaced Somalis, 45, 1113; Catherine Besteman, The Costs of War in Somalia, Brown University, Costs of War Project, September 5, 2019; Anna Lindley and Anita Haslie, Unlocking Protracted Displacement: Somali Case Study, Working Paper Series No. 79, Oxford University, August 2011, 301, https://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/files/files-1/wp79-unlocking-protracted displacement-somalia-2011.pdf.] Displacement has shaped life in Somalia for decades. In 2004, the Norwegian Refugee Council reported that virtually all [emphasis added] Somalis have been displaced by violence at least once in their life. The U.S. government has been involved in fighting there since 2002, shortly after the George W. Bush administration declared its war on terrorism. For most of the last 19 years, U.S. forces have used military bases in Djibouti and elsewhere in the region to carry out drone assassinations of alleged militants. In 2006, the U.S. military and CIA backed an Ethiopian-led invasion of Somalia to remove the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) from power. U.S. and Ethiopian leaders claimed the ICU was an Al Qaeda ally; ICU leaders denied the charge. The invasion succeeded in further radicalizing the ICUs armed wing, Al Shabaab, which declared allegiance to Al Qaeda in 2012. A war between Al Shabaab and a UN-recognized Somali government and its U.S. and other foreign allies continues to this day. U.S. forces have expanded their presence in Somalia in recent years: there are at least five small U.S. military bases and at least one CIA base in the country. The Donald Trump administration has dramatically increased air strikes against Al Shabaab and an Islamic State presence; civilian casualties have also increased, with an estimated 15 killed in 2020 and scores killed since 2007. Political instability and violent conflict have heightened and been mutually reinforcing with humanitarian crises caused by drought, flooding, attendant famine, and widespread poverty. By the end of 2010, amid a famine that would kill hundreds of thousands, almost 1.5 million people had been displaced due to conflict and violence. In 2019 alone, there were almost 200,000 new cases of internal displacement, mostly around Al Shabaabs stronghold in southeast Somalia. In total, by the end of 2019, approximately 4.2 million Somalis had been displaced within the country (3.4 million) or beyond its borders as refugees or asylum seekers (800,000). Most refugees ended up in neighboring countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Smaller numbers have reached Uganda, Djibouti, South Africa, Germany, and Sweden. Thousands reached the United States during each year of the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, while less than 700 have arrived in the last three years of the Trump administration. ... Libya (2011present) Hundreds of thousands of Libyans have been displaced in the years following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising against longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi and the U.S., U.K., French, and Qatari invasion that subsequently helped overthrow his regime. Violence increased following the outside military intervention, and the country plunged into a civil war involving myriads of militias and a growing Islamic State presence. The subtitle of an IDMC report summarizes what ensued: State Collapse Triggers Mass Displacement. In 2011, alone, around 150,000 fled the country, mostly to Tunisia. Most returned to Libya within a matter of months, but by 2015, there were a total of 500,000 IDPs across the country. More than 8% of the population had been displaced internally. The wars destabilization of Libya also significantly impacted migration patterns in Africas Sahel region. Darker-skinned immigrants from West African and Sub-Saharan African countries, whom Gaddafi had welcomed as a labor force in Libya, experienced increased violence, racism, and displacement following Gaddafis downfall. Some Libyans attacked Black Africans and others who supported Gaddafi or were perceived to have benefitted from his rule, fueling displacement. Around 15,000, mostly sub-Saharan migrant laborers, fled abroad in 2011. In subsequent years, violence and instability in Libya has made the country a center of human trafficking and the main point of departure for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Violence and displacement decreased after 2016 but rebounded in 2019 after an intensification of the ongoing civil war between the Libyan National Army and the UN backed Government of National Accord. Both sides are backed by external powers, including Russia and Turkey, respectively, in what has become a full-fledged proxy war. In 2019, new internal displacement incidents tripled over the prior year to 215,000. A total of around 451,000 were living as IDPs by years end. As of 2019, IDMC reports that 97% of Libyan IDPs were struggling to cover basic expenses, 17% were food insecure (53% in the capital, Tripoli), and 46% could not afford healthcare. Among working-age IDPs, 29% reported that their incomes had decreased by up to 50%. Despite some progress toward a ceasefire and peace, the situation remains extremely fragile. Displacement in the U.S. Post-9/11 Wars: 37 million Based on the methodology discussed in detail in the Appendix, we now present our total displacement calculations. ... Our 37 million estimate is also conservative because it does not include millions more who have been displaced during other post-9/11 wars and conflicts where U.S. forces have been involved in relatively limited but still substantial ways. The U.S. government has employed combat troops, drone strikes and surveillance, military training, arms sales, and other pro- government aid in countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia (related to the war in Yemen), South Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda. In most of these countries, the U.S. military and allied European forces have backed national governments counter-insurgency campaigns and counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militants and other insurgents. In Burkina Faso, for example, there were more than half a million incidents of displacement in 2019; by years end, around 560,000 Burkinabe were living as IDPs. In Mali, 208,000 were living as IDPs by the end of 2019 as a result of years of violent conflict. Since 2001, U.S. combat troops have operated in every single one of the ten countries now suffering from the most severe internal displacement in the world, according to IDMC. The Central African Republic joins Burkina Faso and Mali in the top three. The rest of the top ten include Niger, Chad, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. ******************************************************************** Overhauling U.S. Foreign Policy: Bitter Fights Ahead by William Minter and Imani Countess* * Imani Countess is an Open Society Fellow focusing on economic inequality. William Minter is the editor of AfricaFocus Bulletin. This essay, which appeared first in Organizing Upgrade on September 22, builds on a multipart essay series entitled Beyond Eurocentrism and U.S. Exceptionalism. Protest outside the U.S Embassy in Kenya, June 9, 2020. Photo: The Star, Kenya The most consequential election year in most of our lifetimes has featured stark crises unspooling against a backdrop of vigorous activist mobilizations and simmering public outrage. While the first essential step for progressives is to prevent the reelection of President Trump, that will not be enough. We need fundamental change rather than a return to the status quo ante. Climate change, public health, police violence, and the systemic racism manifest in all policy areas are on the November 3 ballot. On these issues and others there is already significant mobilization to hold an incoming Democratic administration accountable. This will not be easy, especially when it comes to foreign policy. The Democratic Party platform says that we cannot simply aspire to restore American leadership. We must reinvent it for a new era. But it fails to question the legitimacy of American preeminence and exceptionalismor, more broadly, the understanding of the world as an arena primarily for competition rather than collaboration. Challenge Militarism Despite rising criticism of wasted money and endless wars, in late July significant majorities in the U.S. Congress, including Democrats as well as Republicans, defeated an amendment to cut 10% from the $740.5 billion military budget. The vote was 324 to 93 in the House of Representatives and 77 to 23 in the Senate. There are critiques across a wide political spectrum of the U.S. military posture, and widely shared uneasiness about endless wars. But there is still no strong antiwar movement with links to progressive movements focused on domestic policy. The default assumption in public debate is that U.S. wars were and still are aimed at protecting the security of the United States. Military spending to defend against adversaries takes priority over spending that would enable the United States to play its part in combating common global threats and investing in human security. Foreign policy veterans of the Obama-Biden years vary significantly in their views. Some acknowledge that policy cannot just return to the status quo before Trump. Yet even those who are most critical of previous policy still speak of rebuilding the city on a hillthe United States as leader and shining example for the world. Few are willing to engage in fundamental questioning of the U.S. global role. Andrew Bacevich, a longtime critic of militarism, and others at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft are bringing options for anti-militarist positions into the establishment debate. But more substantive change is only likely to happen with greater pressure from progressive voices that are now largely outside the foreign policy establishment. To be effective, mobilization must be broad, extending beyond foreign policyfocused constituencies to engage large swathes of the U.S. public. This vast reach marked the movement against the Vietnam War and the solidarity movements with Southern Africa and Central America in the 1970s and 1980s. Those mobilizations, however, were largely driven by external events and nightly news coverage that made the U.S. role impossible to ignore. Today, as our military engagements drag on with dwindling media attention, there are fewer dramatic headlines to propel global issues into mainstream media and political debate. This makes it difficult, though by no means impossible, to build wider consciousness of global issues. Forge National-Global Connections As progressives, we can educate ourselves now to advance a global perspective and help pave the way for lobbying campaigns by progressive organizations seeking to influence a new administration. As a first step, activists and organizations working primarily on domestic issues and those working on global or foreign policy issues should build closer links of understanding between them, even as they recognize the need to work along parallel tracks. Examples include the recent article by Max Elbaum in Organizing Upgrade, the wide range of organizations involved in the National Priorities Project, and the inclusion of action against militarism among the key demands of the Poor People's Campaign. We should focus on issues, not on personalities. Defeating Trump is a prerequisite for advancing a progressive agenda, but opportunities for influencing a future Biden administration will depend on the strength of movements that put forth compelling alternative visions on key issues. We should reinforce the message from climate justice organizations, such as the Sunrise Movement and 350.org, that the Green New Deal must be global. Among the specific implications: multilateral and bilateral collaboration with China is imperative, while a strategic partnership with the oil-rich Gulf autocracies is obsolete. The Covid-19 pandemic makes clear that action to protect the right to health must be global. Among the specific implications: the United States must not only support the World Health Organization, but must learn from countries as diverse as Cuba, Vietnam, New Zealand, and South Korea, to name only a few. As indicated by actions around the world in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter, progressive activists in the United States need to recognize that anti-Black racism is global and not confined to any one country. This racism shows itself in the treatment of Africans and Afro-descendants in a wide range of countries and is reflected in the position of the African continent in the global hierarchy. Call Attention to Fundamental Parallels Both domestic law enforcement and the conduct of foreign wars continue to reflect the history of conquest, slavery, and U.S. empire of earlier centuries. The continuing effects of the original sin of slavery are now widely recognized; the effects of our imperial past on indigenous populations and the world receive less attention. Both domestic and global inequalities of all kinds are rooted in the history of conquest and empire as well as of slavery. Follow the money! In communities around the country, local authorities are being challenged to divest from over-policing and invest in community needs instead. The same scrutiny and demands should apply to the federal budget, redirecting resources away from the military and toward investment in global public goods that advance human security. It is also essential to address tax injustice by applying higher rates to the ultra-rich and by pursuing the wealth hidden in offshore accounts by corporations and wealthy elites around the world.This loss of capital is particularly acute for African countries, where local elites are conniving with a global network of facilitators to loot the continent. Efforts to curb such looting, by locating and taxing hidden wealth, would free up funds to be invested in Africa's urgent needs. The Stop the Bleeding campaign of African civil society groups, coordinated by Tax Justice Network-Africa, is working toward this aim with support from the Global Alliance for Tax Justice. Don't Go Along with Foreign Policy Taboos We should not shy away from confronting tough political issues with alternative frameworks. An area of particular concern, given current political biases among Democratic as well as Republican establishments, is support for justice in Palestine and Israel through global solidarity, including Palestinian, Jewish and other activists in the United States. We also need to mobilize resistance to the bipartisan trend toward a new Cold War with China, and support partnership for justice based on reliable information rather than arrogant unilateral intervention in crises such as those in Venezuela and Ecuador. Progressives should prioritize support for members of Congress willing to speak out against foreign policy taboos, such as those in the squad, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Don't Be Afraid to Dream To challenge a new Democratic administration and inspire progressive mobilization, we should advance not only practical policy goals but also new visions of mutual cooperation beyond those presently thinkable. One clear albeit difficult example is the case of Cuba, where U.S. policy has been paralyzed for decades by right-wing pressures. A progressive agenda for U.S.-Cuban relations should begin with the reversal of new restrictive measures imposed by the Trump administration and progress toward full elimination of the trade embargo and travel restrictions that have defined U.S. policy for almost six decades. A more ambitious goal would be to stress U.S. collaboration with Cuba in promoting global health, as happened in the case of Ebola in West Africa. The United States should be prepared to accept future Cuban offers of assistance with disaster relief and preparedness, an offer that the George W. Bush administration rejected in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. Most visionary, but also beneficial to both countries, would be for the United States to ask Cuba for technical assistance in developing equitable public health policies in this countryand to pay generously for such assistance. That could promote mutual understanding as well as begin to pay for repairing the damage done over many decades of U.S. intervention in Cuba. AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. For an archive of previous Bulletins, see http://www.africafocus.org, Current links to books on AfricaFocus go to the non-profit bookshop.org, which supports independent bookshores and also provides commissions to affiliates such as AfricaFocus. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. To subscribe to receive future bulletins by email, click here. "Little Amal," A 12-Foot Syrian Girl Puppet, Will Travel 5,000 Miles As Part Of A Public Art Project About The Plight Of Refugees Nine-year old Amal is not a typical girl. Standing almost 12 feet tall, "Little Amal" is a puppet that's set to travel across Turkey and Europe in search of her mother. This ambitious public art project, called "The Walk," was created by a humanitarian theatre group called Good Chance. In this project, Little Amal will travel to 70 different towns, cities, and villages, including those based in Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and France, until she reaches the U.K. ADVERTISEMENT The Walk Project was meant to have taken place between April and July of 2020, but was delayed by the pandemic, The Guardian reported. Amals journey will begin near the Turkish-Syrian border. Along the way, she will perform a number of acts, all of which are designed to bring attention to the stories of real-life refugee children. In Paris, Amal will explore the refugee camps. Once she arrives in London, Amal will celebrate her 10th birthday. She will venture throughout different cities in London until she eventually finds her mother in Manchester and concludes her journey. One of the project's main goals is "to celebrate the potential of refugees, children [and] grownups," and to uplift their stories and voices. The Syrian civil war began in March 2011, forcing millions of Syrians to choose between living through war and embarking on a dangerous journey to a new country. At least half of the children were displaced during the war. 5.6 million Syrians were refugees, and 6.2 million were displaced throughout Syria, Global Citizen reported. As time passed, however, people worldwide started to become indifferent. Humanitarian efforts were still in effect, but people became apathetic about the crisis. ADVERTISEMENT Good Chance co-founders Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson came up with the idea for "The Walk" when they visited a refugee camp called Calais in 2015. From there, Murphy and Robertson wanted to share stories of the refugees, thus creating the critically acclaimed play The Jungle. Amals journey will begin on July 27 and finish on November 3 of this year. According to the Evening Standard, people can follow the progress of the project online and on social media. Top photo: screenshot via YouTube / Good Chance More from BUST This Artist's "Plastic Bag Store" Is A Trashy Treasure This Accessory Artist Is Reclaiming Her Cherokee Heritage One Bead At A Time Jennifer Mack-Watkins's Newest Exhibit Is An Ode To The Beauty Of Black Youth Excerpts from Global TimesNow that the 30-page seventh national population census communique which contains thousands of figures has been released, what is behind the data and what does it reveal about the true picture of China's demographic changes? Chinese demographers differ on the interpretation of China's actual fertility rate, the severity of the population situation as well as the incentive policies to encourage more births. Demographers agreed that China's population has come to a critical turning point as the country's population ages rapidly while the overall growth rate slows, and that the country needs to speed up the removal of the family planning policy, and draft new retirement plans and social policies to lower the cost of raising children. Some demographers who seemed to be deeply troubled by those figures calculated their own figures which point to a lower fertility rate, predicting an alarmingly worrying future scenario for China's population development to warn that China may become the country with the world's lowest fertility rate. Based on these predictions, they advise the country to spend up to 10 percent of its GDP to reward newborns, by giving bonus up to 1 million yuan to each child one couple has. But other demographers said China is so far still the world's most populous country with abundant labor resources and promising economic development prospects. All these concerns, no matter too much or not, could be eased or even dispelled through active policies and efforts by society that are adapted to China's current stage of development. How low is Chinese couple's willingness to have more children, could it be low enough to result in a population crisis a few years from now? And should China reward couples with 1 million yuan ($155,400) for every child they have, as advised by some demographers? 100% Website anecdonet.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Boostrap. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 233445 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 109371 bytes (106.81 kb uncompressed) and 21064 bytes (20.57 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-13, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Showers with a possible thunderstorm this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. High near 75F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Administrative Support Coordinator Department: Administration Support Location: DeFuniak Springs, FL. Do you like a job with diverse activities? Do you have strong administrative and organizational skills? Do you enjoy coordinating and supporting special events? Is working within standardized procedures appealing to you? Have you been complimented for your attention to detail? Do you enjoy working in a stable environment with strong leadership? Then this may be the career for you! CHELCO seeks an Administrative Support Coordinator. As an Administrative Support Coordinator, you would: Support the Administrations Department clerical duties and projects. Perform the Administrative Support team members duties when needed. Support the Human Resources & Training Department with special projects and maintain the office when key personnel are out. Perform administrative support for the Energy Services, Communications & Community Affairs, Engineering, and Safety teams. Organize and facilitate all cooperative catering events, including, but not limited to, all-employee meetings, Christmas parties, retirement celebrations, and service award breakfasts. Facilitates contract agreements for restoration efforts after a major weather event. Serves as a key coordinator for lodging and laundry services during major storms. The minimum requirements for the position is a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience. The desired candidate will have the following qualifications/skills: Must have and maintain intermediate to advanced level of Microsoft Office skills and have proficiency with computers and software such as MS Windows, Microsoft Office. Experience with cooperative software preferred. Strong administrative and organizational skills, including timeliness, accuracy, and thoroughness.Must have the ability to prioritize assigned projects and tasks.Should have strong attention to detail.Demonstrated ability to use discretion with confidential information.Must be able to work independently or as part of a team.Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to multi-task.Communicate with tact, professionalism, and courtesy The normal workweek is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm at the CHELCO Headquarters building and the CHELCO Technology Center in DeFuniak Springs. With the exception of STD/LTD/FMLA & approved time off, attendance at designated worksite locations is considered essential. Some after-hours work is required for board meetings and special events. Applications accepted 05/06/2021 through 8:00 am 05/21/2021. Apply at https://www.chelco.com/careers Resumes only with completed application. Questions? Call HR, 850-307-1106. Interviewees will be notified. Drug Free-Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veteran recblid ttds78cadfdw0qty81k102wblaq3rb Tomorrow, a retired superintendent and four gardai are to be charged in Limerick District Court with perverting the course of justice. The day they were arrested, RTE reported the charges as emanating from a corruption probe. Terms like perverting the course of justice and corruption probe give rise to impressions of serious criminal activity. In reality, the charges relate to fixing tickets for road traffic offences. The case will be the first in which gardai are charged with perverting the course of justice for fixing road traffic tickets. Should a trial take place, it will be potentially sensational. Prominent people, including some with celebrity status, may well be drawn into it. The charges emanate from an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), which ordinarily probes murder, gangland and organised crime. Initially, their sleuthing on road traffic offences in Limerick was confined to the retired superintendent, Eamon ONeill. But it wasnt possible to fence off that investigation. Now the bureau finds itself examining over 300 cases, apart from those forming tomorrows charges. It has been reported that up to 150 gardai are currently being interviewed. Dozens of civilians, including high-profile GAA people, have been interviewed, many under caution, which is the process for potential suspects in a criminal investigation. Eamon ONeill is prominent in GAA circles and was involved with Limericks All-Ireland-winning 2018 senior county hurlers. Last week, the Irish Examiner understands, a close relative of a high-profile sportsperson was interviewed under caution about a parking ticket. Inspector Arthur Ryan Elsewhere in the city, a Garda Inspector has been told that it is recommended he be dismissed from the force. Inspector Arthur Ryan was named in a High Court action last year. The disciplinary charge against him is that he ingested cocaine in his local pub, the Hurlers Bar, in January 2019. He vehemently denies that he ever ingested cocaine. The DPP has ruled that there is no evidence for a criminal charge, yet he still faced an internal disciplinary panel. The only evidence against him is CCTV footage, seen by the Irish Examiner. In it, he appears to take a handkerchief-type matter from his inside pocket and run it across his nose. The footage is relatively grainy. There are no banknotes, lines, spoons, bags or any of the paraphernalia associated with snorting cocaine. There is no care taken by Inspector Ryan in his gestures or with his hands as might be expected if handling a substance that is expensive and illegal. The incident occurred at 5.30pm. Inspector Ryan was in the company of then Superintendent Eamon ONeill and another garda, who shall be referred to as Garda A. Two other customers were sitting at the bar, which is about eight to 10 yards away. The footage also shows more customers passing through into an adjoining toilet. Garda morale in Limerick The respective plights of Eamon ONeill and Arthur Ryan have ignited widespread sympathy and some anger across sporting circles in Limerick. (Ryan has close connections to Munster rugby). Among the citys complement of gardai there is fear and loathing at ongoing investigations. Morale in the division, according to three separate sources is on the floor. One city-based garda who contacted this newspaper put it like this: The bewilderment, disillusionment and upset that exists among garda members in the city is palpable. Fear, worry and paranoia has now spread to rampant levels in rank-and-file members. It is a pandemic in its own right. Outside those quarters, an increasing number of people are raising concerns about what is going on. Officially, the Dublin-based NBCI is conducting normal investigations and the internal disciplinary action against Inspector Ryan is as per the rules. Officially, the investigation into ticket fixing is a reflection on policing today. Five years ago, this stuff would have been ignored. In other divisions today, it could be expected to attract internal disciplinary action. Yet, in Limerick, multiple charges of perverting the course of justice is the result. Serious questions about power, accountability and the application of the law arise. Is it plausible that Eamon ONeill was the only senior garda allegedly attempting to fix tickets in Limerick? Is a similar thorough investigation going to be conducted in, for instance, Cork, and particularly Dublin? If not, why is an apparent zero tolerance policy being applied to Limerick? Why is the primary crime fighting agency in the State investigating ticket fixing? Would any outside agency, including a court, come to the same determination about the actions of Arthur Ryan as has the internal Garda process? The arrests of O'Neill, Ryan and Garda A The biggest question of all, on the lips of many, is whether all of this is really related to an event on May 16, 2019, in which both men were the subject of high-profile, career-threatening, arrests, for which there now appears to have been a highly dubious basis. On that morning ONeill, Ryan and Garda A referred to above were all arrested in their respective homes. They were taken to separate stations for questioning by the NBCI. The bureau had been in Limerick since the previous Autumn, investigating allegations of corruption against Garda A. The High Court heard last year that a listening device had been installed in Garda As car. Garda A was questioned that morning in relation to alleged corruption offences. Eamon ONeill was told he was suspected of tipping off Garda A about the listening device. The superintendent denied doing so. He was shown some footage of criminals moving about and listened to a recording of two men in conversation. Initially, the investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation on road traffic offences in Limerick was confined to the retired superintendent, Eamon ONeill. ONeills solicitor, Dan OGorman, was present for the interviews. At the conclusion, the interviewing garda said: that is the evidence we wish to put to you. According to an affidavit sworn by ONeill: I recall my solicitor and I looking at each other with no small degree of amazement and my solicitor remarking specifically: We havent seen any evidence.' Two years later ONeill has still not seen any evidence that he compromised a serious criminal investigation. The file went to the DPP last August, 16 months after the arrest. There has still been no result. Garda A was charged with corruption-related offences in September 2019. Any case that could have been built against ONeill would be far more straightforward than anything relating to Garda A. Yet there has been nothing. At a High Court hearing last year the NBCI was adamant that it is doing everything according to the book. The court was also told that the principal evidence the agency had obtained against ONeill was the word of an informant. The fall-out The arrest and subsequent suspension devastated the 53-year-old superintendent. He had had a distinguished career, particularly in relation to fighting gang crime in the city. The fall-out for him resulted in a prolonged stay in St Patricks Hospital in Dublin. He retired earlier this year. ONeill was only the second superintendent of AGS arrested in connection with criminal offences in the history of the force. The other was David Taylor, who was heavily criticised in the Charleton Tribunal report which examined the treatment of Sergeant Maurice McCabe. ONeill and Ryan are friends and both are friendly with Garda A, as was evidenced by the three meeting for a drink in the Hurlers in January 2019. The only basis for Ryans arrest was the alleged drug-snorting in the bar. If ONeills arrest was based on anything other than solid evidence, there would be major fall-out for the gardai, including reputational damage and financial implications. The same applies to the arrest of Inspector Arthur Ryan if the internal disciplinary process found that he had no case to answer in respect of the CCTV in the Hurlers Bar. At the High Court hearing, which was an unsuccessful attempt by ONeill to have his suspension at the time lifted, a retired chief super gave evidence that amounted to a peer review of the NBCI case. Gerry Mahon stated that he had serious concerns that a major miscarriage of justice is being perpetrated and that the good name of An Garda Siochana will be reduced not only in the public mind but also in the rank-and-file members. Another retired chief superintendent, John Kerins, submitted an affidavit of a similar character. The ticket fixing investigation When ONeill was arrested in 2019 his phone was seized. The NBCI subsequently found evidence which suggested that ONeill may have squared road traffic offence tickets. One thing led to another. Dozens of people were interviewed. The investigation into ticket fixing opened in the Summer of 2019 and is ongoing. Last November, eight gardai were suspended as a result of the investigation. Its all a long way from the corruption probe that the NBCI arrived in Limerick to investigate in the Autumn of 2018. By now, the agency detectives have spent nearly three times as long investigating the ticket fixing as they did anything to do with the original corruption probe. What the ticket fixing investigation has uncovered is that despite reforms enacted in the wake of the controversy about the practice in 2014-15, it persists. According to informed sources, it still occurs but on a hugely reduced frequency. ONeill, for instance, is suspected of 30 cases over four years. The four gardai to be charged tomorrow are alleged to have been involved in a handful of cases each. After tomorrows court appearance all questions will be silenced. Cases will be before the court. Any other action in relation to the burgeoning affair will have to be stayed. Justice, as interpreted by the courts, will take precedence. Further charges against other guards, and possibly civilian also, are expected. Estimates vary, but it will most likely be at least be two years before any of these matters go to trial. If questions do arise at a later stage, about lost careers, personal impacts, implications for the organisation, then accountability will rest solely with the taxpayer. Everybody else, in all likelihood, will have moved on. 250 migrant minors transferred from Lampedusa to Taranto 733 people still at hotspot, 600 to go to quarantine ship (ANSAmed) - AGRIGENTO, MAY 13 - Some 250 unaccompanied migrant minors were on Thursday taken onto a Sansovino ferry headed for Porto Empedocle, where they will arrive in the evening prior to being transferred to Taranto. At the Lampedusa hotspot, where more migrants are being embarked, some 733 remain. A total of 600 will go to the Azzurra quarantine ship. (ANSAmed). New York, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Vietnam Collagen Supplements Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06067817/?utm_source=GNW The healthcare cost is considerably high in emerging economies, owing to the elevated per-capita out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, amid the burden of diseases. Such trends have encouraged the Vietnamese to adopt collagen drinks and capsules, thereby boosting its market growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the growing importance of health as a lifestyle choice during the pandemic also attracted many companies to enter the beauty and health segments of the market studied. Thus, the extreme focus on the preventive healthcare systems, coupled with tough endorsements and marketing efforts of lifestyle enhancement products, is boosting the collagen supplements market in Vietnam. COVID-19 has also resulted in the generation of opportunities for many collagen supplements private players to emerge in the Vietnam market to cater to the inflated demand. Also, the demand for innovated collagen supplements products is consistently high in these developing Asian countries because these are directly related to healthy lifestyle and beautification process among individuals particularly females. Furthermore, COVID-19 has led to a major consumer shift as customers are no more brand loyal in developing countries and are trying new brands in the low-stock environment. There is a rise in the demand for free-from solutions in collagen supplements due to the increase in the number of launches of new products with clean labels and non-GMO, sugar-free, and natural ingredients infused with hydrolyzed collagen. This has proved the consumer shift toward natural products, thereby declining the market for synthetically-derived collagen supplements. Marine-derived collagen peptide is more prevalent among manufacturers, as it utilizes unused fish cuts, thereby encouraging environmental sustainability. It also provides enhanced functional benefits, thus, gaining consumer traction and making it an emerging opportunity segment in the market. Key Market Trends Surge In Consumer Spending On Personal Healthcare Vietnam is currently undergoing economic and demographic transformations that could provide great potential for its healthcare industry. In 2019, Vietnams healthcare expenditure was over USD 17 billion, accounting for 6.6% of its GDP. It is expected that healthcare spending will reach USD 23 billion in 2022. The high expenditure on healthcare indicates the rising concerns and the extended focus on healthcare by the Vietnamese population and the government. Due to the benefits of collagen supplements, their consumption may provide some resistance against the diseases affecting the Vietnamese population. This will have an assured impact on the sales of collagen supplements and help it grow. Geriatrics comprise a share of 9.55% (55-64 years) and 6.91% (65+ years) of the population of Vietnam, with females being more in number. The growth of the collagen supplements market across different segments is speculated to be driven by its applications in beauty, healthy aging and bone and joint issues. Powdered Supplements Held The Major Share Collagen in the form of powdered supplements has witnessed a growing share of acceptance among consumers. In-line with its ease of use, and convenience, the category is likely to register growth percentage that is more than the capsule category. Multinationals entering in the market are facilitating the availability of collagen led products mostly in the powdered form. For instance, Vital Proteins, a company owned by Nestle, has made strides in the Vietnamese market through products under collagen powdered (unflavored) form. Characteristics related to collagen that includes beautifying capabilities and showcasing anti-ageing properties have led consumers to consume products in these easy-to-use format. Effective marketing of products is also a key factor in instigating consumer belief, as most of the collagen demand in the market is advanced by word-of-mouth marketing. Competitive Landscape Vietnam Collagen Supplements Market is a fragmented market. The major players in the market includes Vital Protein, Meiji Holdings, Neocell, and Fujifilm holdings, among others. The key players of the market are progressively relying on product innovation as the most adopted strategy with 60% share in 2019. The extensive investment in R&D has been witnessed in the past years, which led to the introduction of numerous new products to hit the market. Reasons to Purchase this report: - The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format - 3 months of analyst support Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06067817/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal At age 17, Krista Cruz was still in foster care when her second son, James Dunklee Cruz, was born. The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department knew Krista well she had been a ward of the state for seven years after experiencing physical abuse, neglect, excessive discipline and educational neglect at home. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Yet over the next four years, her young son James lived in danger, himself a victim of abuse and neglect before he was beaten to death in late 2019, allegedly by one of his mothers male friends, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday by a personal representative for the boys estate. Had state child protective services sought to remove James from his mother after investigating multiple allegations of abuse and neglect, he would be alive today, according to the lawsuit filed against CYFD. Instead, the agency spent years trying to keep the two together, at the boys peril, the lawsuit alleges. For instance, CYFD had received three reports of abuse or neglect of James before he was 7 months old. At age 3, the child would wander alone in the middle of the night outside his mothers Albuquerque apartment, and once was found huddled in the dark under the stairs at the apartment complex clutching two teddy bears. In the months before he was killed, CYFD learned that the boy had reported he had been physically and sexually hurt and that he slept in a closet at the home of his mother, whom he called Miss Krista. CYFD received more than 10 reports from the community, including his mothers friends and family, of physical neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse. But unlike in the case of his mother, CYFD never sought to legally remove him from his mother so he could live in a safe home. This was preventable in that this case was on their (CYFD) radar in so many directions, Albuquerque attorney Sara Crecca said. CYFD did not respond to a request for comment. As Kristas former legal guardian, CYFD had years of institutional knowledge of her mental health issues, history of trauma due to sexual abuse, involvement in domestic violence relationships, and inability to regulate her emotions and parent a young child, the lawsuit alleges. CYFD knew James was in danger beginning just days after his birth (in January 2015) and continuing throughout the four years of his life, the lawsuit says. James died on Dec. 10, 2019, minutes after arriving at University of New Mexico Hospital with multiple injuries to his head and chest. A friend Krista had left him with, Zerrick Marquez, is jailed on a no-bond hold awaiting trial in Albuquerque on a charge of felony first-degree child abuse resulting in death. Krista has not been charged. Cruz lost custody of her first-born son in 2014, after the boys paternal family filed a civil action alleging she was an unfit parent. Assessment tool Krista, who couldnt be reached for comment Wednesday, spent ages 11 through 18 in the custody of CYFD. Her mothers parental rights were terminated in 2009 after CYFD received at least 22 referrals of abuse and neglect and urged she be removed from the home. Yet after James was born, Krista and her infant child were allowed to move in with her mother, the lawsuit alleges. Kristas mothers own history of abuse and neglect should have precluded her approval as a caregiver, but instead of enforcing its own policy, CYFD concluded there were No Threats Identified,the lawsuit says. The lawsuit alleges CYFD received a referral alleging inadequate supervision of James and emotional abuse by Krista within days of his birth in January 2015. CYFD tried repeatedly over the years to get his mother to adhere to a safety plan to improve her parenting skills but failed to enforce it, the lawsuit says. CYFD employed a risk assessment tool to determine the boys safety with his mother. But the lawsuit alleges CYFD investigators improperly used the tool, which underestimated the level of risk to the child. I dont know what barrier there was to plain old common sense, Crecca added. The department never initiated custody proceedings in Childrens Court, as was its clear obligation, the lawsuit says. If they had, the judge would have seen what was going on and the mother would not have been able to retain custody, attorney Rachel Berenson said in an interview Wednesday. The lawsuit paints a long-running portrait of abuse. After one referral, police and CYFD arrived at Kristas apartment and found the odor of feces and cat urine so overwhelming a CYFD investigator had to back out before vomiting. The boy, then 3, was observed to be living barricaded in his room by animal gates with a brown substance smeared on the wall. A quarter-size bruise was noticed on the right cheek of his face. Six months before his death, CYFD received another report that he had bruises on his back and on his leg. He had not been potty-trained. He was full of anger and disclosed he had been hit with a shoe while in his mothers care. He became very upset when her name was mentioned. Krista said that a boyfriend spanked her son on multiple occasions and that she had to pull the boy away. She didnt report the incidents to authorities due to her financial status and high level of stress. CYFD investigators noted that in an interview with James he disclosed he was not safe with Miss Krista, was scared of her friend and that he had been hit with a hanger and a brush on his butt. Sometimes Cruz would drop off James with friends and left him alone at times. When she told a CYFD investigator her son would often leave in the middle of the night, the investigator advised her to get a sliding lock to keep him from finding his way out, the lawsuit alleges. In August 2019, someone notified CYFD that she saw the boy wandering around an apartment complex on a daily basis for hours at a time, asking people for food. At a Safe House interview in October 2019, he revealed his mother sometimes didnt feed him. A law enforcement officer dispatched to do a welfare check reported finding James under the stairs at the apartment where he was living with Krista. He was alone holding two teddy bears. CYFD was still investigating earlier referrals when his mother in October 2019 took James to an urgent care center after he sustained multiple injuries, including an injured shoulder, bruising on his penis and a black eye. The boy disclosed to a source who then called CYFD that his mothers boyfriend had touched him inappropriately while he was in the shower. And the boy added, he took lots of showers with the man. Cruz said the man was her ex-boyfriend and explained her sons injuries as due to a fall in the park. She told CYFD she knew nothing about a sexual assault. Ultimately, CYFD lost contact with Cruz and her son. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, but also asks that new policies and procedures be instituted and wants CYFD investigators to be trained to address repeated failures presented in this case. May 13, 1946 New moms on Mothers Day On May 12, 1946, six women celebrated their first Mothers Day by becoming mothers. The women all gave birth to their first child at one of the citys hospitals. At Hahnemann Hospital, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pringle and Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Hunter each welcomed a baby girl to the world, and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kresge welcomed a baby boy. At the West Scranton Hospital, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Verner welcomed a baby boy, and Mr. and Mrs. William Kobrynick welcomed a baby girl. At St. Marys Hospital, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Scheller welcomed a baby boy. Moms in the rest of Scranton were treated to flowers, candy and telegrams. Officials at the Scranton Western Union office reported hundreds of Mothers Day telegrams were delivered throughout the city. Members of the Elks Club paid visits to the mothers whose children couldnt be with them at the Jewish Home, Friendship House, the Maloney Home and the Hillside Hospital. The members gave the women flowers and plants. New rector installed at St. Lukes in city The Rev. Richard K. White, S.T.M., was installed in a solemn ritual as the new rector at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Scranton. The Rt. Rev. Frank W. Sterrett, D.D., bishop of Bethlehem, conducted the ritual. White, a former Army chaplain, took over St. Lukes from the Rev. Robert P. Kreitler, S.T.D., who retired in December after serving as the churchs rector for 33 years. Following the installation, St. Lukes senior vestryman G. dAndelot Belin presented White with a set of keys to the church, the parish house and the rector. At the movies Spellbound at the Strand, The Blue Dahlia at the Riviera, A Walk in the Sun at the Comerford, Three Strangers at the Capitol, The Sailor Takes A Wife at the West Side and Song of Arizona at the State. Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribunes expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140. In a video that went viral recently, National Rifle Association boss Wayne LaPierre proved less than a marksman while bungling the killing of a defenseless elephant while on a hunt in Africa. And he had an even harder time recently, while testifying in federal court, zeroing in on a valid explanation for his alleged misuse of NRA funds and of the federal bankruptcy system. A federal judge in Dallas ruled this week that LaPierre filed bankruptcy without the approval of the NRA board not to resolve financial issues, but to gain an unfair advantage in litigation or to avoid a regulatory scheme. That litigation is a suit brought by New York state Attorney General Letitia James to disband the NRA, which is headquartered in Virginia and incorporated in New York. The NRA hoped to evade James suit by incorporating in Texas, which Judge Harlin Hale rejected. The NRA is incorporated as a nonprofit charitable organization. James alleges that LaPierre and others diverted millions of dollars away from the charitable mission of the organization for personal use by senior leadership, awarding contracts to the financial gain of close associates and family, and appearing to dole out lucrative no-show contracts to former employees in order to buy their silence and continued loyalty. James included multiple examples of luxury personal travel by NRA senior leaders, and other alleged abuses, in the lawsuit that she filed in August. Its not surprising that James has documented it, but it is surprising that NRA members stand for the alleged misuse of the millions of dollars that they pay to the NRA in dues and donations for gun rights advocacy. Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Chris Boyle Published: May 13 2021 In the 2021-2022 enacted New York State Budget, the Centers received $25,584,325 in funding. NYS Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-North Hills) joined Stony Brook University (SBU) President Maura McInnis, SBU Vice-President for Research Dr. Richard Reeder, Paul Schwartz, Co-founder and Director of ThermoLift Inc., and Eugene Sayan, Founder and CEO of Softheon at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) on the SBU campus to highlight the incredible work being done at New York's Centers of Excellence and Centers for Advanced Technology, and announce new funding for the centers that was included in the recently enacted New York State budget. Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "As Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business, it's my duty in the State budget process to make sure that the State is funding smart and efficient programs that create jobs, grow our economy, and deliver real return on investment for the taxpayers. The Centers of Excellence (COE) and Centers for Advanced Technology (CAT) deliver on all of these promises, and the companies that they're nurturing aren't just growing and diversifying our State's economy, they're literally changing the world with their groundbreaking products and services. I was proud to succeed in my fight to deliver nearly $2 million in new funding to help these centers continue to grow and thrive, and I'm going to continue to push for the state to make even greater investments in these centers in years to come." Across New York State, there are 15 Centers for Advanced Technology, and 14 Centers of Excellence, high-tech business incubators that are each located on a University campus, and each focused on a unique specialization. The centers provide invaluable mentorship to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses, bringing in experts and technological infrastructure that one can only find in a university setting, and connecting these small businesses with investors and the private sector to truly nurture a business from idea to industry. Each Center is funded with an additional 1:1 match by a university or corporate sponsor, so every dollar in State funding leverages an additional dollar in investment, thereby doubling the impact. In the 2021-2022 enacted New York State Budget, the Centers received $25,584,325 in funding, an increase of $1,991,160 over the prior year, and $6,584,325 more than had been proposed in the Executive's budget earlier this year. According to Empire State Development and Stony Brook University data, in the last three years, the Centers have helped create or retain 9,816 jobs, including 2,518 on Long Island, and generated $2.57 billion in economic impact, including $1.1 billion on Long Island, with a minimum 25:1 return on investment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Centers around the state were involved in more than 81 COVID related projects, addressing testing shortages through research into high-sensitivity and high-volume testing equipment, and developing therapies and vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical trial for potential use in countries that lack the refrigeration and logistic infrastructure required by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Stony Brook University President Maura McInnis said "The Centers were developed by New York State to allow free flowing collaboration between university researchers, faculty, and students with innovators and entrepreneurs. They have created thousands of jobs on Long Island and across the state in fields taking on some of the worlds greatest challenges, including COVID-19, and they will be vital in a post-pandemic recovery. We are grateful to Senator Kaplan for championing New York States continued investment into these vital and successful programs." Stony Brook University Vice-President for Research Dr. Richard Reeder said "Because of Senator Kaplan's steadfast support of the NY State Centers of Excellence and Centers of Advanced Technology, Stony Brook can continue to provide the scientific and engineering expertise that will ensure New York's leadership in clean energy, information technology, and biotechnology." Paul Schwartz, Co-founder and Director of ThermoLift Inc., said "Through our affiliation with the Energy Center at Stony Brook University, ThermoLift has been the beneficiary of excellence. Excellence in execution with access to the engineering community for scientific validation, to the business community for capital investment, from the State and National energy efficiency grant funding in DOE and NYSERDA and from energy providers across the world. The Senator's support of the Centers for Excellence is a step toward continued economic growth and the future of our local, State and National global competitiveness." Eugene Sayan, Founder and CEO of Softheon, said "In collaboration with Stony Brook University, CEWIT has been and will be critical to Softheons unprecedented growth in making healthcare affordable and accessible for 150 million Americans enrolled through Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Medicaid, Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other publicly-sponsored health programs." Congratulations, abudhabicity.citybase.ae got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Abudhabicity.citybase.ae scored 82 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 4/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 24 Dec 2014, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. abudhabicity.citybase.ae is very popular in Facebook and Twitter. It has 72 twitter followers. Furthermore its facebook page has 10053 likes. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the abudhabicity.citybase homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if abudhabicity.citybase has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the abudhabicity.citybase homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the abudhabicity.citybase homepage on Twitter + the total number of abudhabicity.citybase followers (if abudhabicity.citybase has a Twitter account). 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CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. The language of abudhabicity.citybase.ae as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for abudhabicity.citybase.ae by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/citybasecom DESCRIPTION CityBase is a hyper local platforms that facilitate local users to connect with each other LIKES 10053 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 8 PAGE TYPE Website TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK FOUND TWITTER PAGE twitter.com/#!/citybaseglobal DESCRIPTION CityBase is a free ACCOUNT CREATED ON 15 Nov 2011 LOCATION United States TWEETS 35 FOLLOWERS 72 LISTED 0 The Peoples Committee of Bao Loc City in Vietnam's Central Highlands province of Lam Dong are planning to dismantle a local edifice after it was found with multiple violations, including planning breach and land invasion. Local authorities have ordered relevant bodies to prepare to enforce the demolition of a mansion on Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Loc Phat Ward, an official from the Bao Loc Peoples Committee said on Wednesday. The owner is 49-year-old Pham Van Huyen. The premises are located in a lot reserved for a leisure-oriented urban area project in Bao Loc. For this reason, Huyen could not obtain a construction permit for his mansion, which spreads over 600 square meters and includes a 97-square-meter reservoir, a three-story main building, a pond, a fountain lake, and other components. The community as well as local authorities have voiced disapproval of the edifice since it started to take form, but Huyen managed to complete it with more features, including a pool and a garage. As per the coercion plan of Bao Loc City officials, Huyen would have to pull down the structure and restore the original landscape within 15 days since he first receives a demolition notification. A birds-eye view of Pham Van Huyens mansion on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, before it was pulled down for planning breach. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre On top of the coercive measures imposed on Huyen, the Bao Loc Peoples Committee also told the Lam Dong environmental department to reprimand the citys land registration office for the unauthorized mansion blunder. The Peoples Committee repeatedly requested the local land registration office to work with Loc Phat Ward officials on outlining Huyens premises, which would help detect violations in the case. However, the committee was met with slow responses and lukewarm cooperation from the land registration office. The delayed responses also led to deferment of Huyens penalty, an official at the Bao Loc City Peoples Committee stated. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In response to the current suspension of live racing due to the provincial stay-at-home order, Ontario Racings Standardbred Horse Improvement Program (SIP) Committee is reviewing the 2021 Ontario Sires Stakes and Prospect Series schedules. While the current stay-at-home order expires May 19, the Ontario government indicated earlier this week that the order may be extended until June 2. The Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) and Prospect Series events that would be affected by an extension are: Three-year-old colt pace: May 22 Gold Leg 1 Woodbine Mohawk Park May 22 Prospect Series 1 Hiawatha Horse Park May 23 Grassroots Series 1 Flamboro Downs Three-year-old colt trot: May 23 Prospect Series 1 Clinton Raceway May 28 Gold Leg 1 The Raceway at Western Fair District May 29 Grassroots Series 1 Hiawatha Horse Park Three-year-old filly pace: May 30 Prospect Series 1 Dresden Raceway May 31 Grassroots Series 1 Woodbine Mohawk Park June 4 Gold Leg 1 Woodbine Mohawk Park Three-year-old filly trot: May 30 Prospect Series 1 Clinton Raceway June 3 Grassroots Series 1 Woodbine Mohawk Park June 8 Gold Leg 1 Georgian Downs As a result, the SIP Committee will be reviewing the schedule and making any necessary adjustments. Once a date for racing to resume is confirmed by the Ontario government, the SIP Committee will finalize the schedule and communicate the changes to the harness racing industry. The complete 2021 OSS schedule can be found here and the Prospect Series schedule is available here. (OSS) On Nov. 3, 2020, at a polling site in Manhattan, New Yorkers cast their votes in the U.S. election. (Photo: Ron Adar/Shutterstock.com) The 2020 U.S. election was like none before it. Polarization was at an all-time high, with many on both sides mistrusting each other and the process itself. The pandemic introduced further complications, challenging election officials to find ways to ensure accessibility while keeping voters safe. Because of this, The Carter Center chose to do something it had never done beforeget involved in a U.S. election. We saw that democracy in the U.S. was backsliding and facing unprecedented threats, said David Carroll, director of the Democracy Program, and we wanted to try to counter that, using techniques weve seen be effective in some of the 39 countries where weve observed elections. The Center launched a public information campaign designed to educate voters about election procedures and increase trust in the electoral process. It also worked with election officials to encourage them to be transparent about procedures. That effort included joining the new Georgia Secretary of States Bipartisan Task Force for Safe, Secure, and Accessible Elections, which provided guidance to Georgias top election officials. The Democracy Program hired additional election experts and produced fact sheets, Q&As, voters guides, statements, opinion pieces, and virtual panel discussions and interviews. The team gave more than 45 interviews to national and international news outlets. It also created two animated videosone that laid out options for voting and encouraged people to participate, and one that emphasized the importance of calm and patience in the days after Election Day. We chose animation because we wanted a lighthearted, entertaining way to deliver serious messages, said Avery Davis-Roberts, an associate director in the Democracy Program. And the campaign was very successful, reaching more than a million people through social media and online platforms. With political divisions raising the specter of possible violence, the Centers Conflict Resolution Program also got involved, first analyzing data to identify communities where election-related violence seemed most likely. Working with partners, the team shared its findings with a dozen national networks who could direct violence prevention resources to at-risk communities. It also worked directly with faith and community leaders in four metro areas Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Pittsburgh to help them develop plans to push back against violence. When it became clear that Georgias two Senate races would go into runoffs, focusing national attention on the Centers home state, the two programs joined forces to draft a code of conduct and asked the candidates to sign. They also developed antiviolence messages for social media and brought in the Centers Digital Threats to Democracy staff to analyze misinformation, disinformation, and violent rhetoric on social media. So how do the teams assess the 2020 election? There is a lot Americans can feel good about, Carroll said. This election saw the largest voter turnout in more than a century. Though there were numerous allegations of misconduct, investigations turned up no credible evidence of widespread fraud. And in the end, we had a peaceful transition of power. But there also was an unprecedented attack on Congress, and there are still tens of millions of Americans who reject the election results. Our nation has work to do to repair our deep divides, said Hrair Balian, director of the Conflict Resolution Program. It will take a concerted effort to restore civility and increase confidence in democracy. The Center is currently developing plans to continue to work on these issues. A first step is a series of virtual panel discussions on election reform co-organized with Rices Baker Institute, led by former Republican Secretary of State James Baker III, who with President Carter led a commission on election reform in 2005. Related Center Observes Record-Breaking Georgia Audit > Learn more about the Center's Democracy Program > Programme Management Advisor (Psychosocial Wellbeing), New York, United States Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Country: United States City: New York, USA Office: UNOPS New York Closing date: Monday, 24 May 2021 The Department: of Safety and Security (DSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the security programmes and activities of the United Nations System. This position is located in the Critical Incident Stress Management Unit (CISMU) within the Division of Specialized Operational Support (DSOS), DSS. CISMU coordinates the management of stress and critical incident stress UN system wide to promote the psycho-social wellbeing of all UN personnel and their dependents and ensure that their psycho-social needs are addressed. It has specific responsibilities in emergency preparedness, emergency response and hostage incident management. Furthermore, it addresses and promotes staff psychosocial wellbeing issues in coordination with Medical Services, HR Services, UN Counsellors from other UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, senior leaders and line managers UN system wide. The Programme Management Advisor should be a Health professional preferably a mental health professional with strong programme management as well as Monitoring & Evaluation skills, strong public health expertise including formal graduate level training in biostatics, epidemiology or international public health. The incumbent of this position will be part of UNOPS personnel and under its full responsibility. Operationally and technically, the incumbent will report to the Chief of CISMU/UNDSS. Under the administrative supervision of the UNOPS Senior Programme Manager or designated individual, the incumbent will work operationally and technically under the Chief of CISMU and will be required to perform the following duties. Policy and Evaluation Activities: Formulate proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to different stakeholders. Manage strategic project activities for psychosocial wellbeing including collaborating with project leads to implement project activities, achieve milestones, and manage project resources Serve as a subject matter expert on psychosocial wellbeing to assure visibility and accessibility of tools, training, and organizational dialogue on this subject. Manage critical policy work, including drafting and reviewing drafts of policies, guidelines and Standard Operations Procedures that build upon DSS vision and Operational Strategy for its Integrated Security Workforce (ISW). Create and implement metrics to measure and assess psychosocial wellbeing. Provide recommendations and advice on how to improve the metrics. Coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of the DSS Staff psychosocial wellbeing project. S/he monitors and analyzes project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. Closely work on policy development on staff psychosocial wellbeing, including the review of existing policies and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies; drafting circulars and guidelines to address stigma on mental health within UNDSS to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of staff; coordinating the presence of counsellors in the departmental activities including the meetings and training activities targeting Security Professional and UNDSS personnel at large; drafting an orientation booklet on UNDSS personnel psychosocial wellbeing including but not limited to the description of the UN psychosocial system, the services available to staff, procedures to get the services (in the field and at Headquarters), to navigate the system, and to take care of self before, during and after assignment. Undertake outreach activities liaising with Designated Officials, Security Professional, field stress counsellors; the Executive office, the Human Resource officers, the Division of Regional Operations Desk officers, conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities. Lead or participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external mental health professionals, consultants, UN officials, CISMU partners and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. Research and Capacity Building Activities: Monitor new trends, keep abreast of industry best practices and proactively identify opportunities to innovate. Responsible for developing new models in the area of psychosocial wellbeing for cross-functional integration of business areas. For this the incumbent is required to work closely with different stakeholders inside and outside the organization to think out of the box and develop models that can be implemented. Manage and coordinate the information gathering and maintain evidence for research analysis and present information gathered from diverse sources. Develop comprehensive survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and consolidate trends and other relevant insights into reports concerning, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions. Review the CISMU current research platform and indicators. Manage the establishment of a training program relevant to the Integrated Security Workforce (ISWF) psychosocial wellbeing for use by the Counsellors. Build, manage and coordinate the capacity of CISMU Regional and the field Counsellors with using the newly designed research Monitoring Evaluation Platform and reporting tools and supporting with launching and/or finalizing the implementation of the psychosocial wellbeing project activities including the research activities in their respective regions. Documentation and Systems Activities: Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, input to publications, etc. Prepare quarterly reports on activities conducted, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Liaise and work with Office of Information and Communication Technology (OICT) to upgrade, update the CISMU database and monitoring evaluation and reporting platform Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbents scope of services above. Impact of Results: The work of the Programme Management Advisor directly impacts the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluations of the UNDS staff psychosocial wellbeing programme. He/she is expected to provide thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficiently uses resources in accordance to pre-established objectives. Position specific accountability: Due to the highly sensitive nature of information and data that the incumbent will have access to, s/he will be governed by the same standards of confidentiality and accountability as a UNDSS CISMU Stress Counsellor. Education: Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent degree) in clinical psychology or a medical doctorate with certificate of specialization or completion of four years of residency in psychiatry; A valid certification to practice at national level in clinical psychology or psychiatry is required. Additional advanced degree or full certification in a broad range of related fields, such as in Public Health, Epidemiology or statistics, Monitoring Evaluation or a related field is highly desirable. A health professional with a Doctoral degree familiar with mental health programming with a postgraduate degree in public health, biostatics or epidemiology may be considered after review of the profile Experience: Required A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in health program/project management preferably in mental health. Desirable (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply): Experience in developing staff psychosocial wellbeing programmes, conducting research; designing, managing databases including data processing and analysis (comfortable with dbase, SPSS, STATA or Epi Info or other epidemiological/ statistical software packages). Experience in developing, managing mental health programs/project, or developing monitoring and evaluation programs, identifying or developing relevant psychosocial wellbeing or mental health indicators Experience in interfacing with stakeholders and communicating complex concepts in compelling presentations Language: Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type: Fixed Term Contract level: P4 Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request. Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources. Working with us UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines. Diversity With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates. Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. The SDCs services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies. The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management. Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1620763952539 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON The Justice Department has begun an internal review to determine how to remove any extremists from within federal law enforcement following the arrest of current and former police officers for their involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday. Garland, in response to a question during a Senate hearing on domestic extremism, described a review that was in its early stages and is complicated by the need to avoid violating the First Amendment rights of Justice Department employees. The deputy attorney general, Lisa Monaco, has met with the heads of all of our law enforcement agencies to determine how we can carefully vet our own employees, he told the Senate Appropriations Committee. It was a notable disclosure considering that the Justice Department is charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws and oversees the FBI, which is the lead agency in charge of investigating the growing threat posed by violent domestic extremists. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ It is also potentially tricky legal ground because of the risk of intrusion on personal beliefs that are protected under the Constitution. Garland described those competing interests as being mindful of First Amendment free associational rights, but at the same time being careful that we dont have people in our ranks who commit criminal acts or who are not able to carry out their duties. The Department of Homeland Security last month announced a similar review aimed at determining the extent of any presence of violent extremists within its ranks. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who also testified at Wednesdays hearing on the broader efforts by their agencies to address the growing threat from extremism, told the committee that the results of that analysis would be publicly released. The attorney generals disclosure of an internal review came in response to a question from Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin about the arrest of a retired New York Police Department officer, Thomas Webster, in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in which supporters of President Donald Trump sought to force Congress to overturn the results of the November election. Webster, who was captured on video tackling a police officer and striking him with a metal flagpole, was charged with six counts. Durbin said Websters arrest raises a painful question: whether there are others in state, local or federal law enforcement who might be capable of extremist behavior. Garland suggested that federal grants could be issued to local and state police departments to help them vet potential officers. Also during the hearing, he described the broader Capitol insurrection investigation, with more than 400 arrests to date, as far from complete as authorities comb through video and other evidence. This investigation is not over, he said. We will pursue each lead until were confident that we will have reached the end. At times during the hearing, Republicans sought to shift discussion to the increasing number of migrants apprehended at the southwest border or press Garland on whether the Justice Department was improperly making the Capitol investigation a priority over other matters, including violence during last summers social justice protests. The attorney general called the Jan. 6 attack an attempt to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power, a fundamental element of our democracy, and thus worthy of attention. I have not seen a more dangerous threat to democracy than the invasion of the Capitol, he said. At least 10 of the people charged for involvement in the insurrection were current or former law enforcement officers at the time of their alleged offenses. An Associated Press survey of law enforcement agencies nationwide found that at least 31 officers in 12 states are being scrutinized by their supervisors for their behavior in Washington either in the riot itself or the march and protest that preceded it. Officials are looking into whether the officers violated any laws or policies or participated in the violence. Huntington, WV (25701) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. Thunder possible. High 84F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 2021 MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV Review By Larry Nutson Fun to Drive and EcoFriendly By Larry Nutson Executive Editor and Bureau Chief Chicago Bureau The Auto Channel About four months ago I spent time with the all-electric battery powered 2020 MINI Cooper SE 3-door Hardtop. This is the automakers first BEV, an all-electric model. MINI has said their plans are for a realignment of their model range, with a clear focus on drivetrain technologies. As a follow-on I recently drove the new 4-door 2021 MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV. This is the plug-in hybrid variant and one of six variants of the new Countryman. The Countryman is the MAXest MINI at more than 13 feet long as well as one of the most popular models in the US, accounting for close to 40% of all MINIs sold in calendar year 2019. The new 2021 MINI Countryman has been updated with new exterior and interior design elements along with enhancements in technology and equipment offerings. New front grille, LED headlights with cornering function, LED fog lights, front and rear fascia designs, LED taillights with Union Jack design, new light alloy wheels, new White Silver metallic (see photos) and Sage Green metallic colors and optional piano black exterior trim bring a fresh look. In the 5-seat cockpit new leather trims and interior surfaces, a digital instrument cluster with 5-inch color screen as an option, and a new design for the central instrument display for audio, navigation and the hybrid-system complete the refresh. The Countryman ALL4 PHEV is powered by a 134hp turbocharged 1.5-L 3-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic. This is paired with an 87hp electric motor for a total output of 221hp. The gasoline engine drives the front wheels and the electric motor drives the rear. Sport, Mid and Green modes are driver selectable. With a full charge on the 10-kWh lithium-ion battery motive-power is electric at lower speeds until more power is in demand. Then, operating like a conventional hybrid, the gasoline engine kicks-in to meet this demand. Pure-electric operating range is 17 miles. An eDrive switch with Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Save Battery modes allows you to maintain electric-only driving or to also save battery charge for use, for example, in a city center. The EPA combined fuel-economy estimate is 73 MPGe, with 29 combined city/highway mpg for gasoline engine operation. Overall driving range is estimated at 300 miles. Battery charge time using a Level 2 240-volt charger is estimate at 2 hours at nominal (warm) ambient temperatures. During my drive circumstances prevented me from doing any battery charging. Through regenerative braking during low speed stop and go driving some charge was restored to the battery. Frequently I would drive through a parking garage at low speed using only the electric motor. On a 200-mile round-trip highway drive the MINI average 34 mpg. The Countryman ALL4 PHEVs base price is $41,500. Options fitted on the car I drove included the $2,500 Premium Package and Signature Trim, $1,000 Signature Upholstery Package, $100 White Bonnet (hood) Stripes, $500 Privacy Glass, plus the $850 destination charge for a total of $46,450. A potential Federal tax credit of $5,002 as well as local state incentives may reduce the cost depending on buyer qualifications. The Premium Package adds nice features such as power front seats and power-folding mirrors, plus a few additional items. The Signature Trim adds power tailgate, power moonroof, navigation, Harmon Kardon premium audio and Apple CarPlay. The Signature Upholstery includes sport seats and MINI Yours steering wheel. All in all, the car I drove was very well fitted out and offered lots of driver comfort and convenience. Active Driving Assist with forward collision warning, rear view camera and rear park assist provide added safety. Overall the Countryman drives like every MINI. It handles with confidence with a firm ride. Theres plenty of zip and strong acceleration. Zero to 60 mph is in 6.5 seconds. The premium finish of the cabin makes for lots of comfort. The compact outside dimensions make it a perfect urban-car. I was a bit surprised that performance summer tires were fitted to the car I drove. In winter in cold-climate parts of the country winter tires will need be fitted, which is actually a good thing. Inside the rear hatch the cargo area is 17.4 cu.ft. and can be increased to 47.4 cu.ft. with the rear seat folded. In all, six variants of the Countryman are offered: a 134hp Countryman or Countryman ALL4, a 189hp S Countryman or Countryman ALL4, the SE Countryman ALL4 PHEV and the 301hp JCW Countryman ALL4. Base prices range from $29,100 to $41,500. More information and details on the 2021 MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 can be found at www.miniusa.com. I could very much see myself owning a Countryman ALL4 PHEV. I make my home in Chicago. The all-wheel drive would be good to have for Chicago winters. Id fit a set of winter tires. The compact size makes for easy maneuvering and parking. With a fully charged battery I could drive all-electric in the city. Most everything I do is within a five-mile radius of my home. The 17-mile range from the battery would cover that. Through regenerative braking in stop and go city driving more range would be added. I frequently drive from Chicago to Southeast Michigan. The 300-mile range of the hybrid system will get me there without refueling. 2021 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Yet another New Mexico food manufacturer is planning an expansion with the help of state funding. The New Mexico Economic Development Department announced Wednesday that Saputo Dairy USA, a large-scale producer of cheese and other dairy products, is planning to invest up to $30 million in its existing facility at the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park. The investment will help the company expand its capacity and add 150 new employees, according to a news release from EDD. Southern New Mexico is expanding its manufacturing footprint quickly, said Cabinet Secretary Alicia Keyes. The expansion of Saputo Dairy USAs facility will create the jobs we need to diversify our economy and get people back to work as we recover from this pandemic. To support the expansion, the state has committed $2.5 million from its LEDA job-creators fund, including a $1 million bonus for developing the project in an Opportunity Zone, according to the release. Additionally, the City of Las Cruces pledged $300,000, and the city council will consider approving an Industrial Revenue Bond to further support the project, according to the release. The company has also qualified for a state Job Training Incentive Program Grant and the City of Las Cruces Wage Plus Program, an incentive program for hiring and paying employees above the median wage. The expansion is expected to have a total economic impact of $1.6 billion over the next decade, according to EDD. The dairy is the fifth New Mexico food processing company to announce a state-backed expansion since the start of 2021. Beck & Bulow, Bueno Foods, La Primera Tortilla and Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm have each received funding to support new equipment or new hires recently. EDD has identified sustainable and value-added agriculture, which encompasses a mix of food processing efforts as one of eight key industries for the state to focus on. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Area responders search Lake Placid near Son's Island and Zipp RV Park for a missing kayaker on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The kayaker was reported missing around 1:30 p.m. Angola, IN (46703) Today Mostly cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 83F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/13/2021 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. 's new star Katie Thurston is expressing regret over the kissing photo she had posted on Instagram that apparently offended many members of the LGBTQ community.Katie, who will star on 's upcoming seventeenth season, posted a controversial photo on Tuesday of herself kissing fellow Season 25 The Bachelor alum Casandra Suarez on the neck that also featured a neon sign reading, "GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS."After Katie received backlash and criticism, she deleted the post and issued an apology on her Instagram Stories hours later."To my followers: I've removed my most recent post after realizing how many people from the LGBTQ+ [community] I hurt," Katie, 30, wrote in a rainbow-colored image on Tuesday."I am so sorry. I've read the comments and better understand why my post was offensive. I will continue to learn from my mistakes. I want to always be an ally and today I'm sorry I let you down."Among the comments Katie received were accusations of "queer baiting" and being disrespectful, according to Us Weekly.Katie initially wrote back to her followers that the photo was simply a "friendship post" and not intended to be a "statement" about her sexuality, the magazine reported, but then she changed her tune and got rid of the post entirely.Casandra also competed on Matt James ' The Bachelor season, which filmed in late 2020 and aired earlier this year on ABC, but was eliminated in Week 1 of the process.As for Katie, the bank marketing manager from Lynnwood, WA, was eliminated from The Bachelor's 25th season before hometown dates but made a lasting impression on Matt and home viewers with her raunchy humor and bold personality.Katie, for example, showed up on Night 1 of the competition with her sex toy, which she joked had become her best friend while quarantining amid the coronavirus pandemic.Katie also put an end to bullying in the house and took pride in being unapologetically herself, and Matt recently told E! News he thinks Katie is "incredible" and may be "one of the best [Bachelorettes] to ever do" the show.'s seventeenth season is scheduled to premiere Monday, June 7 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC."It's not going to be a surprise to me as we watch everyone across the country fall in love with her," Matt gushed late last month.After filming , Katie returned to Instagram on April 28 and hinted at how she has started "a healthy relationship."Katie's season wrapped filming unexpectedly early and "ahead of schedule" on April 24, according to an Us source, because "Katie was "in control" and decisive over the men she wanted to date or send packing.Katie's entire season taped at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, where cast and crew were required to quarantine and follow COVID-19 safety measures, according to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone.ABC had announced Katie's cast of 34 potential bachelors just a few days before filming began on March 22.In the first promo ABC released for Katie's season, Katie said, "I never want to stop pursuing love. I am who I am, and I want someone who knows who they are. My person is still out there."Season 17 of will be co-hosted by former stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe , who will be filling in for Chris Harrison after he "stepped aside" from his hosting duties to educate himself on racism in society.Chris came under fire during Matt's The Bachelor season after he defended Season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell 's racially-ignorant and racially-insensitive actions in the last several years during a controversial interview he had with Extra's Rachel Lindsay , who starred as the first Black Bachelorette.It remains unclear who will host Season 18 of starring Matt's runner-up, Michelle Young , when it films later this year and premieres in Fall 2021 As for Matt's current relationship status, he has been trying to make things work with his The Bachelor winner, Rachael, following their February breakup over her racism scandal.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group GATINEAU, QC, May 13, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will provide $1.5 million to support 41 projects (including 26 new projects) by archives, libraries and documentary heritage institutions throughout Canada. Ten projects submitted by organizations from British-Columbia will be funded under the Documenary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP). The following projects will be funded by the DHCP in British Columbia in 20212022: Women of Change: Celebrating Japanese Canadian Leaders (Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre), Burnaby , $49,965 ; , ; ALIB Archives Inventory Project 20212022 (Adams Lake Indian Band - Title and Rights Archives), Chase , $24,895 ; , ; Unlocking the Archives (Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society), Mansons Landing , $1,340 ; , ; Digitization and Migration of Upper Nicola Band Cultural Heritage Collection (Upper Nicola Band), Merritt , $44,148 ; , ; 40 Years of Media Art at the Satellite Video Exchange Society (Satellite Video Exchange Society), Vancouver , $24,160 ; , ; Filemaker Pro Migration, Cataloguing and Access Project (Vancouver Holocaust Centre Society for Education and Remembrance), Vancouver , $16,150 ; , ; Transfer, Transcribe, Transcend: Toward an Accessible Online Video Collection (Visible Art Society (dba grunt gallery), Vancouver , $24,714 ; , ; 50 years of Western Front: Transfer, Access and Preservation of Performance Art Archives (Western Front), Vancouver , $49,980 ; , ; Reclaiming Syilx Language and Culture History (Okanagan Indian Band), Vernon , $50,000 ; and , ; and Williams Lake First Nation : Record, Digitize, and Share Traditional Knowledge and Language ( Williams Lake First Nation ), Williams Lake , $22,775 . View the list of all recipients for 20212022. Quick facts The DHCP was created in 2015 to provide financial assistance for activities that enhance the visibility of, and access to, materials held by Canada's local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country's documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across Canada for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before. local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country's documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before. Incorporated and unincorporated non-profit organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, professional library and archival associations, and museums with an archival component are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP. Applications received by LAC are reviewed by an external advisory committee. Including the amounts allocated this year, LAC's support for documentary heritage communities has totalled $10.5 million since the DHCP was launched in 2015. since the DHCP was launched in 2015. The next funding cycle will be launched in fall 2021. About Library and Archives Canada The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Library and Archives Canada is online at www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs and podcasts to keep up to date on the latest from Library and Archives Canada. Quotes "Supporting communities to provide greater digital access to their collections will ensure that Canadians will have even more opportunities to discover their heritage, wherever they live in Canada. Congratulations to the organizations that have received funding from the Documentary Heritage Communities Program in 202122." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage "The pandemic has not only prompted us to redefine how we do our work, it has also shown us how important it is for LAC to remain committed to supporting documentary heritage institutions during these unprecedented times. We are proud to continue our work with communities across the country while navigating our shared path toward post-pandemic normalcy." Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada "The DHCP's funding has made a real difference in the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq/Kitikmeot Heritage Society's capacity to record video interviews, and edit and translate them for export to our YouTube channel. Having local Inuinnait staff that have the capacity to do this work on a daily basis will help immensely in our efforts to preserve Inuinnait traditional knowledge." Darren Keith, Senior Researcher, Kitikmeot Heritage Society "Funding from LAC has allowed our institution to digitize and share remarkable film footage of one family's experience before, during, and immediately after the forced uprooting and dispossession during the Second World War. Additionally, we have rehoused 605 films and audio, 2,093 photographs, and 6.15 metres of textual recordsour oldest dates to 1864!" Sherri Kajiwara, Director/Curator, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Related link Documentary Heritage Communities Program Search for related information by keyword: Heritage | Library and Archives Canada | British Columbia | History and heritage | general public | news releases | Hon. Steven Guilbeault SOURCE Library and Archives Canada For further information: Media Relations, Library and Archives Canada, 819-994-4589, [email protected]; Note: To obtain the contact information for recipients of funding under the Documentary Heritage Communities Program for 2021-2022, please contact Library and Archives Canada. Related Links https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/ Raleigh, North Carolina, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAKO Medical Laboratories, a national reference laboratory and leader in COVID-19 testing, today announced a comprehensive partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide next-generation sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. Since January 2021, MAKO has utilized sequencing processes to analyze a group of more than 2,500 samples from tests conducted across its forty-three state testing footprint. To date, these efforts have identified the occurrence of multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.429 variants, across 25 states. The MAKO team is proud to partner with the Centers for Disease Control to provide sequencing services for samples from across the country, said Josh Arant, Chief Operating Officer, MAKO Medical. For the past year, our team has been committed to providing rapid, reliable results to patients and providers across forty-three states. We recognized the need to introduce sequencing for a portion of samples our team collected earlier this year and are honored to apply that experience in this partnership. Since the emergence of COVID-19, scientists have monitored the surge of variants and mutations of the virus. While a natural process for any virus, mutations of SARS-CoV-2 represent an outsized risk due to the impact that they may have on virus containment and vaccine efficacy. Over the past several months, our sequencing team has identified the emergence of strains like the United Kingdom B.1.1.7, South African, and Denmark variants in states across the country, said Steve Hoover, Vice President of Laboratory Operations, MAKO Medical. As new strains are defined, MAKO continues to sequence samples and provide much-needed data to public health professionals. This partnership results from the CDCs solicitation for qualified laboratories to conduct genomic surveillance using a random set of samples from across the United States. MAKO Medical has partnered with leading life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific to leverage its high-capacity sequencing platforms to support its current and future needs. The MAKO team utilizes Thermo Fishers Ion Torrent GeneStudio S5 Prime System, which provides high-quality sequencing data in just a few hours. It also uses the Ion AmpliSeq SARS-Co-V-2 Research Panel, which enables sequencing of more than 99% of the SARS-Co-V-2 genome. MAKOs current operations are capable of sequencing 6,000 samples per week but could expand to 200,000 samples per week if needed. MAKO Medical has played a key role to help scale up COVID-19 testing across the majority of U.S. states as one of the first labs to adopt our TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit more than a year ago, said Mark Stevenson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. The expanded effort they are now undertaking by leveraging next-generation sequencing further supports the national initiative to ramp up surveillance efforts to track and curb the spread of emerging variants. MAKO Medicals cutting edge innovation is one of the reasons why North Carolina is regarded as a national leader in health sciences, said Senator Thom Tillis. I applaud the CDC for recognizing the critical work that MAKO and the state of North Carolina are doing to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us once and for all. Congratulations to MAKO Medical on its new partnership with the CDC in the fight against COVID-19, said Congressman G.K. Butterfield. The MAKO Medical team has been on the front lines fighting COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic. It is no wonder that when the CDC was looking for partners to conduct genetic tests to trace COVID-19 variants, it turned to MAKO Medical. I am so proud to have a local business like MAKO leading the fight against COVID-19. Founded in 2014, MAKO Medical is a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited laboratory that operates more than 70,000 square feet of laboratory space across two North Carolina facilities, one in Henderson and one in Raleigh. The Henderson facility was expanded in 2020 in response to COVID-19, increasing the labs capacity from 50,000 COVID-19 tests per day to over 150,000 tests per day. Since April 2020, MAKO Medical has processed more than 7 million COVID-19 utilizing RT-PCR technology and industry-leading testing assays, including the Applied Biosystems TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Assay. Currently, the MAKO team processes more than 30,000 COVID-19 samples per day from forty-three states. Company Highlights: For the past two years, Forbes Magazine has included MAKO Medical in its inaugural list of Americas Best Startup Employers. Only 500 companies nationwide earned the distinction. August 2020, MAKO Medical announced the company scored 100% on CAP COVID Proficiency Testing, demonstrating MAKOs commitment to quality lab results. Committed to the U.S. MilitaryAt MAKOs founding, leaders carved out divisions of the company to hire U.S. military veterans. These teams are foundational to MAKOs elite and high-touch client services model. In November 2020, MAKO held its first Veterans Day lunch to honor veterans. The company served a free meal to all Vance County veterans and their family members. May 2021, MAKO Medical was recognized by the Triangle Business Journal with a 2021 Life Sciences Award. About MAKO Medical Founded in 2014, MAKO Medical is a diagnostics partner for businesses, physicians, urgent care facilities, and hospitals around the United States. MAKO Medical has recruited chemists and scientists to provide industry-leading innovation. MAKO Medical Laboratories methods and assays are validated for reproducibility, precision, and accuracy. MAKO Medical invests heavily in state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology. To learn more, visit makomedical.com. Attachment Ian Bailey has been convicted of drug-driving and other offences all relating to being initially stopped at a Garda checkpoint near Schull on August 25, 2019. The 64-year-old with an address at the prairie, Liscaha, Schull, had pleaded not guilty to four charges - possession of cannabis in his car, possession of cannabis at Bantry Garda Station, driving while cannabis was in his system, and allowing his car to be used for possession of cannabis - at Skull, Schull. Judge John King had heard garda evidence on November 12 last, as well as oral and legal submissions from Mr Bailey's legal team challenging various aspects of garda actions and procedures. The events of August 25, 2019 Last November, Sgt Kevin Heffernan told the judge that at the checkpoint in August 2019 he first noted Mr Bailey was not wearing his seatbelt. During a conversation with him he then got a strong smell of intoxicating liquor. Mr Bailey said he had had a pint earlier with a meal and was tired. He failed a roadside breath test but later passed a test with the evidenzer at the garda station. However, while at the station during a search a small tin with suspected cannabis was found on him. Sgt Heffernan told the court that in a cautioned interview Mr Bailey said: "Someone left it at the market stall. "They said 'it's for you' and they left it." Ian Bailey outside the District Court in Bantry, West Cork, today. He has six months to pay two fines amounting to 700. Photo: Dan Linehan He told Garda Heffernan it was "green stuff" and as to whether he knew what it was he said "not exactly but it looks like cannabis". "I assume it is cannabis and I was in possession of it," he said. Mr Bailey said he didn't know the name of the person who left it with him and when asked by Sgt Heffernan whether more would be found in his car he replied: "No, you shouldn't." Mr Bailey was dropped home and Sgt Heffernan retained his car keys. He went back to Skull, took the car to Schull Garda Station where it remained overnight, before searching it at 8am the next day. He found three cannabis joints in the car and Mr Bailey was informed when he came to collect his car shortly after noon. Defence question actions of gardai Mr Bailey's barrister, Emmet Boyle, had made a number of submissions to the judge regarding the actions of gardai, including why the arresting garda retained Mr Bailey's car keys after his release on the night of his arrest, then took the car and parked it at the garda station overnight before searching it the following morning. Written submissions followed and at Bantry District Court today Judge King dismissed one charge - that of possession of cannabis in his car - but said there was a case to answer regarding the others. In response to the various submissions, Judge King said that while the description of the drugs in the summons were not identical to that in the legislation, with words used instead of symbols regarding the drugs, he said it did not prejudice the defendant. As to the submission that two offences were contained in the one summons, the judge said district court rules did not prohibit this and in fact allowed for it, but as a comfort he said in the event of a conviction it would be one conviction, and one penalty. As to a submission arguing that the garda forming an opinion that drugs had been consumed, the judge said that the legislation did not specify when the garda has to form that opinion. He said the presence of controlled drugs on Mr Bailey was sufficient grounds to form that opinion. (Left to right) Solicitor Ray Hennessy with Ian Bailey outside the District Court in Bantry, West Cork, today. Photo: Dan Linehan As to a submission that Mr Bailey had not been informed by gardai as to the reason for his being searched at the garda station, the judge said he had been provided with a C72S form and this was explained to the accused. He added that gardai were not expected to have "an encyclopaedic knowledge" of the laws. The judge also noted that in evidence the court had heard that it was the garda's common practice for the safety of all to search people in such circumstances and that the relevant box in the custody records had been ticked. Judge King did dismiss the charge of possession of cannabis in Mr Bailey's car, stating that gardai had not observed the statutory requirements and so the car had been illegally detained and any evidence arising out of the search should be excluded. However, he permitted the section 19 charge, that of allowing his car to be used for possession or transportation of cannabis, based on the drugs found on Mr Bailey's person during the search of him at the garda station. Ruling that with one charge dismissed but the balance remained, the judge asked whether defence evidence was going to be put forward. Mr Boyle said none would be provided and on that basis Judge King moved to convict. The judge fines Mr Bailey Mr Bailey, who the court heard had four convictions that were historical in nature and now spent, had been entirely cooperative and had voluntarily made admissions to gardai. Mr Boyle said his client lived rurally, was in his sixties, and that the disqualification from driving for one year would "weigh heavily on him". He said Mr Bailey's earnings were "of a lower order" and that he was on social welfare. He told the court: "He is living with somebody at their home, I will just leave it at that." Judge King convicted Mr Bailey of drug-driving and fined him 400, with six months to pay. On possession of cannabis he convicted him and fined him 300, with six months to pay, and took the remaining Section 19 charge into consideration. Recognisance for an appeal was set at Mr Bailey's own bond of 200, no cash required. Asked outside court as to his thoughts on the verdict, Mr Bailey said: "I don't have any." Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-13 06:22:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHICAGO, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Advisors to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday endorsed use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told parents in her twitter Wednesday afternoon that CDC now recommends Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine be used for 12 to 15-year-old adolescents. "Getting your adolescent vaccinated means they can return to social activities faster. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your family is protected," she said. Pfizer's vaccine has been used for months in people 16 and older. U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized its use for those as young as 12 early this week. Now comes the recommendations from CDC's advisers. Pfizer is the first vaccine manufacturer to gain emergency use authorization for younger Americans after it demonstrated in a March clinical trial that its vaccine was 100 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in study participants who were aged 12 to 15. In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects of the vaccine for adolescents are the same as for adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd on Wednesday. Enditem A Russian actress has been chosen to star in an ambitious project which will be the first feature film made in space. Yulia Peresild, 36, will be sent to the International Space Station in October, Russia's space agency said on Thursday. With her, will be director Klim Shipenko. Both will undergo special training including tests on a centrifuge and flights in zero gravity starting no later than June 1. 'Filming will take place at the International Space Station. The start of the expedition is scheduled for October 5, 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome on the Soyuz MS-19 manned transport statement,' Russia's Roscosmos said in a statement. Yulia Peresild (left), 36, will be sent to the International Space Station in October, Russia's space agency said on Thursday [File photo] She was put through a series of gruelling open auditions before being cast. Pictured: Peresild (left) during Thursday's press conference Peresild is a stage and film actress. She made her screen debut in the TV series Land in 2003 and had her breakthrough in 2010 with a supporting role in The Edge, a film directed by Aleksei Uchitel [File photo] Channel One, one of Russia's main TV channels, will document Peresild and Shipenko's pre-flight training. The channel is also involved in producing the film. The film's working title is 'Challenge' and will be in the genre of a 'space drama', Roscosmos said, without providing details of the film's plot or Peresild's role. Roscosmos said in September that the movie will aim to 'popularise Russia's space activities, as well as glorify the cosmonaut profession'. The film will be co-produced by Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia's space agency, with the ambition of making Russian the first country to shoot a feature film in space. Last year, US space agency NASA confirmed that it will be teaming up with actor Tom Cruise to make a Hollywood movie on the ISS. Cruise is also due to fly there in October. Director Klim Shipenko (pictured) and Peresild will undergo special training including tests on a centrifuge and flights in zero gravity starting no later than June 1 Russian media manager Konstantin Ernst (left) and Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos, made the casting announcement at a press conference on Thursday Very little is know about the US film other than the fact Cruise will front it, with director Doug Liman joining him on the ISS to film the space-based scenes. When casting for the Russian film began in November, hopefuls were put through a series of gruelling open auditions. The woman sought was to be aged 25 to 45 with a 'chest girth up to 44 inches' and the ability to flawlessly recite a poem - Pushkin's letter from Tatiana to Eugene Onegin. The announcement of the Russian film amounts to a space movie race with the West, competing against a project by NASA, Elon Musk and Tom Cruise. Producers had intended to cast for male and female actors, but the script made more sense with a woman, according to a report by the Russian news agency TASS. 'We are seeking a woman who would be able to act on Earth, then endure the most demanding preparation, go to space and there in the state of zero gravity to sort the most complicated filming issues', said Russian general producer Alexey Trotsyuk. 'This is the first time our studio faced such a demanding task, so we need to find not just an actress but a true superhero.' The announcement of the Russian film amounts to a space movie race with the West, competing against a project by NASA, Elon Musk and Tom Cruise, which will also be shot at the ISS (pictured) in October Peresild will have to go up in the 'vomit comet' - an aircraft that simulates weightlessness for seconds at a time to prepare for microgravity of the ISS Having won the role, Peresild, will now have to undergo training at a school for cosmonauts and have to be approved by flight commissioners. She had to prove her sporting prowess, have a higher education and no criminal record just to make it into the shortlist of 30 finalists. In November, it was reported that a leading man would be selected separately and will also go into space. Peresild is a stage and film actress who briefly studied philology in the city of Pskov before moving to Moscow to pursue acting. She made her screen debut in the TV series Land in 2003 and had her breakthrough in 2010 with a supporting role in The Edge, a film directed by Aleksei Uchitel, with whom Peresild has two daughters. In 2015, Peresild played the real-life Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko in the biographical war film Battle for Sevastopol. You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest. 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. OTTAWA, ON, May 12, 2021 /CNW/ - The pandemic has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women and racialized Canadians. Last month, our government released a plan to support them in Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. This plan will ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians and that finishes the fight against COVID-19. Immigrants create jobs, help to drive economic growth and will play an important part in Canada's recovery. Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, met with the Canadian Club of Ottawa to highlight immigration investments from Budget 2021. Through these investments, Canada will draw even more talented, highly skilled people to Canada, including international students. The investments will support an immigration system that is easier to navigate, and more efficient in welcoming the dynamic new Canadians who add to Canada's strength. That is why Budget 2021 is promising improvements to immigration that deliver a modern immigration processing platform support racialized newcomer women enhance the Temporary Foreign Worker Program accelerate pathways to permanent residence streamline Express Entry, and enhance capacity and service standards within the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Client Support Centre IRCC has already made strides in improving our technology, by digitizing more of our operations and increasing the amount of processing happening virtually. Building on this progress, Budget 2021 gives us the means to further modernize our digital infrastructure to create a secure, stable and flexible enterprise-wide digital platform to accelerate application processing and help Canada remain a destination of choice. Altogether, the investments in Budget 2021 will support an immigration system that is more client-focused, streamlined and geared towards making it simpler for talented individuals to establish themselves in Canada. Quote "Canada's immigration system is critical to supporting our economic recovery and building a stronger Canada for all. We want to make it easier for newcomers to come to Canada, and our immigration system needs to reflect that. Budget 2021 investments will help create a new online platform that is secure, user-friendly, and makes it easier than ever for the best and brightest from around the world to choose Canada. They will also support newcomers' access to resources that will help them adjust to their lives in Canada and integrate more quickly. As such, Canada can better compete with its international partners and take advantage of the growth in global travel, when it is safe to do so." The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: Key measures to support immigration in Budget 2021 include: $428.9 million over 5 years, with $398.5 million in remaining amortization, starting in 20212022, to develop and deliver an enterprise-wide digital platform that would gradually replace the legacy Global Case Management System. This will enable improved application processing and support for applicants, beginning in 2023. over 5 years, with in remaining amortization, starting in 20212022, to develop and deliver an enterprise-wide digital platform that would gradually replace the legacy Global Case Management System. This will enable improved application processing and support for applicants, beginning in 2023. $49.5 million over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), to support community-based organizations in the provision of migrant worker-centric programs and services, such as on-arrival orientation services and assistance in emergency and at-risk situations, through the new Migrant Worker Support Program. over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), to support community-based organizations in the provision of migrant worker-centric programs and services, such as on-arrival orientation services and assistance in emergency and at-risk situations, through the new Migrant Worker Support Program. $54.9 million over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to ESDC and IRCC, to increase inspections of employers and ensure temporary foreign workers have appropriate working conditions and wages. over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to ESDC and IRCC, to increase inspections of employers and ensure temporary foreign workers have appropriate working conditions and wages. $6.3 million over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to IRCC, to support faster processing and improved service delivery of open work permits for vulnerable workers, which helps migrant workers in situations of abuse find a new job. over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to IRCC, to support faster processing and improved service delivery of open work permits for vulnerable workers, which helps migrant workers in situations of abuse find a new job. $15 million over 2 years, starting in 20212022, to IRCC to extend the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot initiative, which will continue to improve their employment outcomes and career advancement. over 2 years, starting in 20212022, to IRCC to extend the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot initiative, which will continue to improve their employment outcomes and career advancement. $74 million over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to maintain enhanced capacity and service standards within the Client Support Centerensuring timely support by phone and email for inquiries related to the suite of services offered by the department, particularly permanent resident applications. over 3 years, starting in 20212022, to maintain enhanced capacity and service standards within the Client Support Centerensuring timely support by phone and email for inquiries related to the suite of services offered by the department, particularly permanent resident applications. Furthermore, the Government of Canada intends to propose amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to better tap candidates that meet Canada's labour market needs from among the pool of candidates who wish to become permanent residents through the Express Entry system. Associated links: Follow us: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada For further information: Contacts for media only: Alex Cohen, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected] Related Links http://www.cic.gc.ca Mystery lovers unite: Librarian and mystery-lover Shelby Goddard will host the librarys monthly Who Dun It? Book Club from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 20 via Zoom. Participants will discuss The Missing American by Kwei Quartey. It's described as the tale of private investigator Emma Djan's first missing persons case, which leads her to the darkest depths of the email scams and fetish priests in Ghana. The book is s 2021 Edgar nominee for best novel. The Edgar Awards, named for American writer Edgar Allan Poe, honor the best in mystery fiction, nonfiction, television, film and theater and are widely acknowledged to be the most prestigious awards in the genre. For details, including the title of next month's book, and Zoom information, email sgoddard@nolalibrary.org or visit nolalibrary.org/events. New members are always welcome. CREATIVE WRITING: Writers of all skill levels, style and genre are invited to a virtual creative writing workshop at 1 p.m. May 22, hosted by librarian and Pushcart Prize-winning poet and Fulbright Fellow Kathleen Balma. Participating writers will create, share and critique original work while learning to develop their own voice. Each program will open with an optional writing prompt for those without a prepared work. For details and registration, email kbalma@nolalibrary.org or visit nolalibrary.org/events. CRAFT CIRCLE: Yarn and thread artists of all ages are invited to the librarys Virtual Yarn Arts Craft Circle at 3:30 p.m. May 22. Ate the event, sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, participants can share skills and techniques to learn from and with one another while working on their own projects. The group will meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month through July. New members are always welcome. Register at nolalibrary.org/events. SUMMER READING: Make your summer awesome by participating in the New Orleans Public Librarys annual Summer Fun program for all ages. Kicking off June 1, the program features dozens of events and activities, reading challenges and the chance to win great prizes, including creativity baskets, Beats Audio headphones or earbuds, and gift cards to local businesses. Libraries across the country host summer reading programs as a way to encourage reading as a lifelong habit, maintain reading skills that children and teens have achieved throughout the school year, and increase interest in libraries and because its just plain fun. Due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions, most Summer Fun programming will be conducted virtually, with the exception of a few in-person, outdoor events. Programs range from virtual visits to the zoo and drag queen story times to online gaming sessions, manga book clubs, mushroom-growing workshops and tai chi classes and more. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to register and download your free bingo card and reading tracker to get started. Check out a complete listing of Summer Fun programs at nolalibrary.org/events. HERITAGE MONTH: In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the library has partnered with VAYLA to compile suggested titles for all ages to read and watch throughout May and beyond. These titles honor the contributions and influences that Asian-American and Pacific Islander Americans have made to the culture, achievements and the history of the United States. Visit nolalibrary.org or vayla-no.org to check them out. TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada's recovery for regions across the country, including right here in Toronto. Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside Kirsty Duncan, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, John Tory, Mayor of Toronto, and Ana Bailao, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, announced details of an approximately $30.5 million investment through the Major Cities Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) for the immediate construction of approximately 113 affordable homes. The new homes are part of a modular supportive housing build located at 75 Tandridge Crescent, for those who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness including women, and black Canadians. Additional support services will be provided by experienced and qualified non-profit organizations selected by the City of Toronto, with funding support from the Province of Ontario. Delivered by CMHC, under the National Housing Strategy (NHS), RHI provides capital contributions to develop new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with modular multi-unit rental construction; conversion of non-residential to affordable multi-residential homes; and, rehabilitation of buildings in disrepair and/or abandoned to affordable multi-residential homes. Investments made under the RHI are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Quotes: "Our Government is taking steps, right now, to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home. Our investments will go a long way to effectively support those who need it most by quickly providing new affordable housing units to vulnerable individuals and families in Toronto, while addressing the unique barriers faced by at-risk communities, including women and black Canadians. The Rapid Housing Initiative has been a tremendous success that's why through Budget 2021, we will increase our total program funding to $2.5 billion in order to rapidly build much-needed affordable homes across Canada. This is the National Housing Strategy at work." The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation "We are working hard to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home. Partnering with municipalities under the Rapid Housing Initiative has proven an effective way to provide new accessible and affordable homes to those who need them most. This housing is desperately needed in Etobicoke and across Toronto." Kirsty Duncan, Member of Parlaiment for Etobicoke North "This new project in Etobicoke is another example of the work we are doing to expand affordable housing in Toronto while focusing on much-needed support services for vulnerable residents in our city. None of this would be possible without the help of our federal partners so I would like to thank the federal government for their continued support. With their commitment through the Rapid Housing Initiative we are able to move forward at unprecedented speed towards meeting our ambitious affordable housing goals. With this funding, we can help more of our most vulnerable residents have access to stable, long-term housing." Mayor John Tory "One of the most challenging aspects of this pandemic is how it has impacted so significantly the most vulnerable people across our City. These new modular supportive homes will provide a stable, comfortable and safe place for approximately 113 people who would otherwise find themselves in shelters, outside or in other unsuitable living conditions. These new homes are not only a place to live but an opportunity for people to live to their fullest potential." Deputy Mayor Ana Bailao, (Davenport), Planning and Housing Committee Chair Quick facts: These homes will remain affordable in perpetuity and future residents of these homes will pay no more than 30% of their income (or the shelter allowance of their income support benefit) on rent. The RHI Major Cities Stream provided $500 million in immediate support to 15 pre-determined municipalities that were identified in consultation with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), based on highest levels of renters in severe housing need and people experiencing homelessness. in immediate support to 15 pre-determined municipalities that were identified in consultation with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), based on highest levels of renters in severe housing need and people experiencing homelessness. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada invested an additional $1.5 billion in new funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021-2022, to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with permanent affordable housing. invested an additional in new funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021-2022, to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with permanent affordable housing. At least 25 percent of this new funding will go towards women-focused housing projects. All units will be constructed within 12 months of when funding is provided to applicants. This investment will more than triple the initial target set under the Rapid Housing Initiative as the program will now help create over 9,200 affordable housing units across the country. The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and others who are among the most vulnerable, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2+, racialized groups, Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees. Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $70+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call homethis includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. Associated links: As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation For further information: Mikaela Harrison, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, [email protected]; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]; City of Toronto Media Relations, [email protected] Related Links www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca K P Sharma Oli, in his capacity as leader of the largest political party in Nepal's Parliament, was reappointed as Prime Minister on Thursday night after the Opposition parties, riddled by factionalism, failed to secure majority seats to form a new government. President Bidya Devi Bhandari reappointed CPN-UML Chairman Oli, 69, as Prime Minister, three days after he lost a crucial trust vote in the House of Representatives. The Office of President in a press statement on Thursday evening said that President Bhandari reappointed Oli as Prime Minister in his capacity as leader of the largest political party in the House of Representatives as per Article 78(3) of the Constitution of Nepal. President Bhandari will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Oli at a ceremony at Shital Niwas on Friday. The president had asked the Opposition parties to come up with the support of majority lawmakers to form a new government by 9 pm Thursday after Oli, lost the vote of confidence in the House on Monday. Oli's appointment came shortly after Office of President said that no two parties or more than two parties came to lay claim to forming coalition government by the given deadline that expired at 9 PM. Oli will now have to take a vote of confidence at the House within 30 days, failing which, an attempt to form a government under Article 76 (5) would be initiated. Should both the steps fail, the House may face another dissolution and the country will move towards the direction of early elections. Political parties were engaged in hectic negotiations to form a coalition government under Article 76 (2) for the past three days, but failed to bear any fruit. Until Thursday, Nepali Congress president, who got backing from CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpakamal Dahal "Prachanda" was hopeful to get sufficient votes in the House to stake his claim as the next Prime Minister. But as Madhav Kumar Nepal took a U-turn after his last-minute meeting with Oli, Deuba's dream to become the next Prime Minster was shattered. The dissident faction led by Madhav Nepal within the CPN-UML, with their 28-member strength in Parliament had earlier decided to resign enmasse from the Parliament paving way for Deuba to claim for the post of Prime Minister. On the other hand, Janata Samajwadi Party was also divided on the issue of extending support to Deuba as the next Prime Minister. Upendra Yadav, President of JSP had assured Deuba to extend support, but Mahanta Thakur, another president of the party, who has backing from 17 out of 32 Lawmakers, rejected Upendra's idea. The CPN-UMl, headed by Oli is the largest party with 121 seats in the House of Representatives. However, Oli, needs to prove majority through a vote of trust in the Parliament within a month of his re-appointment. Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre have 61 and 49 seats in the lower house. Their combined strength was 110, which is insufficient to win majority vote. At present 136 votes are needed to form a majority government. Oli withdrew the action taken against four UML leaders including Nepal and assured to address their other demands. If 28 UML MPs had resigned, the total strength of the House would have been reduced to 243. Currently there are 271 valid members in the House. If they had resigned only 122 votes would be sufficient to stake claim for majority government. Earlier, Baburam Bhattarai, a senior leader of JSP-N, said all parties needed to form a new national coalition government and hold elections in one year. Bhattarai said such a government should not be led by a former prime minister or the current prime minister. Bhattarai said such a government should be run based on a common minimum programme, should resolve the COVID crisis, and ensure economic relief packages, constitution amendment, and truth and reconciliation. Given the parties strengths and particularly the factional feuds in the CPN-UML and the Janata Samajbadi, many say the current numbers game is just a futile exercise and that the country, which has had eight different governments in a decade, would sooner or later head towards early polls, the Kathmandu Post reported. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival 'Prachanda'. In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had earlier served as the country's prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. Nepal's COVID-19 cases reached 431,191 as 8,842 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours on Thursday. As many as 214 more deaths were also logged, taking the national toll to 4,466. OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Air disasters have taken the lives of too many Canadians and left too many families across our country without loved ones. Canada stands in solidarity with all those impacted by air disasters and will continue to support the families of the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 tragedies. On May 12, 2021, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, put in place a new public policy to facilitate immigration procedures for the families who are still grieving. The Government of Canada put special measures in place to help these families come to Canada, and this new measure is an important part of the government's ongoing support for them. In-Canada families of victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents or foreign nationals who were found eligible on their permanent residence application can apply for permanent residence under this public policy. The policy will remain in effect until May 11, 2022. All standard fees and biometric requirements apply under this public policy. Standard admissibility requirements also apply. However, applicants are still eligible even if they have lost their status in Canada. This public policy applies only to members of victims' families who are currently in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on further measures to facilitate permanent residence applications for certain members of victims' families who are outside Canada, and an announcement will be made once those measures are in place. IRCC is also extending the original temporary residence public policy for families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. This will allow the individuals who were initially issued temporary resident visas following the disaster, but who did not travel, to continue to benefit from specialized assistance and come to Canada if they wish to. It will also help those who did travel to Canada with a temporary resident visa and who are now eligible to apply for permanent residence under this new public policy, as they will be able to extend their temporary resident status until their permanent residence application is processed. Quote "All Canadians mourned the loss of those who died in the tragedies involving Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. At the centre of these disasters are the grieving families, who need wide-ranging support from the Government of Canada. This new pathway to permanent residence is one of the ways we are helping families of Canadian victims cope, in the hope that they may build their lives in Canada." The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts On March 10, 2019 , Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near the town of Bishoftu, Ethiopia , claiming the lives of 157 people, including 18 Canadians and many others with ties to Canada . , Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near the town of Bishoftu, , claiming the lives of 157 people, including 18 Canadians and many others with ties to . On January 8, 2020 , a passenger jet carrying 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, in Tehran . Of the 176 innocent people who died on Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, 138 had ties to Canada . , a passenger jet carrying 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, in . Of the 176 innocent people who died on Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, 138 had ties to . Special Advisor Ralph Goodale's report on the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was released in December 2020 . It underscores how vital it is for the investigation into this air disaster to be transparent and ensure accountability. report on the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was released in . It underscores how vital it is for the investigation into this air disaster to be transparent and ensure accountability. In response to the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, IRCC put special immigration measures in place, such as dedicated phone and email channels for immigration support and public policies to facilitate the issuance of temporary resident visas as well as extensions of temporary resident status for those unable to return home because of the ongoing global travel restrictions. Through the Safer Skies Initiative, Canada is working with international organizations, the civil aviation industry and the International Civil Aviation Organization to enhance the level of safety and security for commercial airlines travelling in higher-risk areas and to prevent future tragedies. is working with international organizations, the civil aviation industry and the International Civil Aviation Organization to enhance the level of safety and security for commercial airlines travelling in higher-risk areas and to prevent future tragedies. In honour of the victims of air tragedies, such as the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, the Government of Canada designated January 8 of every year as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. Related product Associated links Follow us SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada For further information: Contacts for media only: Alex Cohen, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected] Related Links http://www.cic.gc.ca The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, is investing more than $3 million in community infrastructure in two new Francophone schools in Alberta EDMONTON, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Our two official languages, English and French, are both an asset and a source of pride for all Canadians. This is why we support and encourage their use. Bilingualism unites us and sets us apart from other places in the world. The Government of Canada supports infrastructure projects in minority-language schools and postsecondary institutions across the country. Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced that the Government of Canada will invest more than $3 million to include community spaces as part of the construction of two brand new Francophone schools, Ecole Saint-Vital in Beaumont, Alberta, and Ecole des Quatre-Vents in Peace River, Alberta. The Government of Alberta will invest more than $34 million in these major infrastructure projects. Canada's investments aim to provide a multipurpose gathering space for community activities, as well as dedicated spaces for preschool and daycare programs to accommodate up to 30 children age four and under at Ecole des Quatre-Vents, and up to 68 children age four and under at Ecole Saint-Vital. The addition of dedicated spaces for early childcare programming will contribute directly to the vitality of the Francophone communities in and around Beaumont and Peace River by helping parents pass on the French language and culture to their children and by facilitating the children's transition to the French school. The Government of Canada is proud to collaborate with the Government of Alberta on these important infrastructure projects, as they encourage French-language learning opportunities and provide institutions in official-language minority communities with a solid learning foundation for Francophone education. By supporting these projects at Ecole Saint-Vital and Ecole des Quatre-vents, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to families and young Francophones and Francophiles in Alberta, who choose to learn, live and speak French every day. Quotes "These investments are key to ensuring the vitality of French in Alberta while allowing our children to grow and develop in a country that promotes both our official languages. The government is proud of its investments to date and aims to move forward by continuing to support provincial and territorial plans for programs and infrastructures that will support minority-language education. Our $3 million in funding to support official language infrastructure projects in Alberta will help strengthen Francophone institutions in the province. More than ever, the Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting linguistic rights from coast to coast to coast." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages "Alberta's government values French first-language education and is committed to improving accessibility to Francophone education throughout the province. These new Francophone schools demonstrate our commitment to building needed infrastructure in communities across the province. Our investment in these projects, in addition to the dozens of others already underway, are vital to creating spaces to support learning and growth of Alberta students." The Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minister of Education "The Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord (CSCN) celebrates the announcement of funding of community and early learning spaces at the future Ecole Saint-Vital. This funding will allow the CSCN and Ecole Saint-Vital to continue to contribute to the vitality of the Francophone community in Alberta by giving young Francophones space to play, learn, grow and speak in French in their community." Tanya Saumure, Chair, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord "It is with great enthusiasm that the Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest welcomes the investment from the Department of Canadian Heritage in the new building project for Ecole des Quatre-Vents in Peace River. In addition to offering quality education in French from kindergarten to Grade 12, the school is at the heart of its Francophone community, and this investment will contribute to its development. This support is crucial not only for providing essential early childhood services, but also for achieving the goals of a Francophone "civic community school": offering a place for learning, socializing and building identity, in harmony with the community it serves. Finally, we give sincere thanks to the leadership of the Alberta ministries of Infrastructure and Education in obtaining this funding." Sylvianne Maisonneuve, Chair, Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest Quick Facts Bilateral agreements with the Government of Alberta have been in place for almost 50 years to support the province in implementing its activities in French-language education and second official language instruction. According to Statistics Canada, the number of students enrolled in Francophone minority schools increased by 14.3 percent from 20062007 to 20162017. The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future calls for $2.7 billion to be invested over five years, including $500 million in new funding to support official-language minority communities and to promote bilingualism across the country. The Action Plan provides $67.2 million over five years for construction projects linked to educational and cultural infrastructures of official-language minority communities. This is in addition to the $80 million over 10 years for community educational infrastructure announced in Budget 2017 through the Government of Canada's Investing in Canada plan. On February 19, Minister Joly presented the Government of Canada's intentions for modernizing and strengthening the Official Languages Act and related instruments in a document entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada. This document proposes a range of changes and new measures to establish a new linguistic balance in the country. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada proposes to invest an additional $81.8 million over two years to Canadian Heritage, starting in 202122, to support the construction, renovation and expansion of the educational and community spaces that serve official-language minority communities. Associated Links Ecole Saint-Vital Ecole des Quatre-Vents French and English: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada Action Plan for Official Languages 20182023: Investing in Our Future Official Languages Support Programs: Development of Official Language Communities SOURCE Canadian Heritage For further information: For more information (media only), please contact: Catherine Mounier-Desrochers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected], 613-295-3617; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected] Related Links www.pch.gc.ca Today Very warm and humid with clouds and some sun; a PM t-storm around. Tonight Partly cloudy with a few evening showers and t-storms. Tomorrow Remaining very warm and humid with clouds and sunshine and a t-storm around, especially in the PM. The Government of Canada has provided $3.4 million to 28 community organizations to support official languages across Alberta, thanks to the Action Plan for Official Languages EDMONTON, AB, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada's two official languages, English and French, are both an asset and a source of pride. The Government of Canada is committed to making investments that have real, meaningful impacts in the lives of Francophones, Francophiles and their communities, and to leading by example when it comes to promoting a bilingual Canada. Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages), announced today that the Government of Canada has invested $3.4 million in 20202021 program funding to 28 organizations in Alberta. This represents a total increase in funding of 34 percent since 2018, and allows 2 new provincial organizations to access funding. Ms. Lalonde made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. Earlier today, Minister Joly announced more than $3 million for new community school infrastructure that meets the needs of both students and the greater Francophone community in Alberta. Funding is being provided under the Community-Based Educational Infrastructure sub-component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program, to support Ecole Saint-Vital in Beaumont and Ecole des Quatre-Vents in Peace River. Funding through the Action Plan for Official Languages 20182023 has helped increase capacity for promising new initiatives and provide financial stability to community organizations. For example, the Portail de l'Immigrant Association de Calgary received program funding for the first time to support a range of activities and services aimed at newcomers, establish extracurricular activities, and create opportunities for meetings and exchanges between Francophones and Francophiles. These investments foster the vitality of Canada's official-language minority communities, and promote, develop and preserve linguistic duality from coast to coast to coast. Quotes "Canada's official-language minority communities are part of the social fabric of our country, made up of many small, dedicated organizations that work tirelessly to ensure the sustainability and vitality of our communities. Our funding of $3.4 million to 28 community organizations that support official languages across Alberta will help them strengthen the Francophone institutions in the province. More than ever, the Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting linguistic rights from coast to coast to coast." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages "In every part of Canada, official-language minority communities are working to keep their language and cultures relevant, strong and thriving. Community organizations play a vital role in Canada's bilingual future by providing leadership and direction, and ensuring access to services, resources, and cultural and language activities." Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages) "The additional investments from the federal government through the Action Plan for Official Languages 20182023 have had major benefits for the Francophonie in Alberta, including raising the base funding for community organizations. This made it possible to ensure greater stability within the network and an increase in initiatives. As the organization that represents the Francophonie in Alberta, ACFA is grateful for the cooperation and support of Canadian Heritage and other federal departments and agencies that are helping strengthen opportunities to live in French in Alberta!" Sheila Risbud, President, Association canadienne-francaise de l'Alberta Quick Facts After Ontario and New Brunswick, Alberta has the largest Francophone minority population in the country. According to Statistics Canada's 2016 Census, nearly 87,000 Albertans report French as their first language. The Action Plan for Official Languages 20182023: Investing in Our Future proposes an unprecedented investment of $2.7 billion over five years, including $500 million in new funding, to support official-language minority communities and promote bilingualism across the country. On February 19, 2021, in the document English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada, Minister Joly unveiled the Government of Canada's intentions to modernize and strengthen the Official Languages Act and related instruments. This document proposes a range of changes and new measures to achieve a new linguistic balance in the country. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada proposes $392 million to official-language minority communities across the country. This funding aims to achieve greater levels of bilingualism; to make high-quality post-secondary minority-language education available across Canada; to support the construction, renovation and expansion of the educational and community spaces that serve official-language minority communities; and to move forward with modernizing the Official Languages Act. Related Products BACKGROUNDER CLIENT NAME 20182019 FUNDING (BEFORE ACTION PLAN) TOTAL FUNDING IN 20202021 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE WOOD BUFFALO $85,000 $102,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE CENTRALTA $55,000 $70,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA - SECRETARIAT PROVINCIAL $470,000 $564,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE CALGARY $160,000 $192,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE RIVIERE-LA-PAIX $80,000 $90,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE PLAMONDON-LAC LA BICHE $50,000 $60,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE LETHBRIDGE $80,000 $102,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE D'EDMONTON $89,000 $142,800 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE BONNYVILLE / COLD LAKE $65,000 $84,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE CANMORE-BANFF N/A $65,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE GRANDE PRAIRIE $70,000 $90,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE JASPER $50,000 $70,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE-FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE RED DEER $70,000 $90,000 ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE FRANCAISE DE L'ALBERTA, REGIONALE DE SAINT-PAUL $60,000 $78,000 ASSOCIATION FRANCO-ALBERTAINE DE L'UNITHEATRE $90,000 $119,950 ASSOCIATION LA GIRANDOLE D'EDMONTON $85,000 $135,000 CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH - ALBERTA $189,290 $227,000 CENTRE DE DEVELOPPEMENT MUSICAL $85,000 $163,750 CINEMAGINE SOCIETY OF ALBERTA $70,000 $112,533 FEDERATION DES AINES FRANCO-ALBERTAINS $50,000 $66,000 FEDERATION DES PARENTS FRANCOPHONES DE L'ALBERTA $85,500 $102,600 FEDERATION DU SPORT FRANCOPHONE DE L'ALBERTA $89,000 $106,800 FRANCOPHONIE JEUNESSE DE L'ALBERTA $180,000 $216,000 INSTITUT GUY-LACOMBE DE LA FAMILLE SOCIETY $49,000 $58,800 PORTAIL DE L'IMMIGRANT ASSOCIATION DE CALGARY N/A $50,000 REGROUPEMENT ARTISTIQUE FRANCOPHONE DE L'ALBERTA $95,000 $142,136 SOCIETE FRANCOPHONE DES ARTS VISUELS DE L'ALBERTA $81,000 $121,500 SOCIETE HISTORIQUE FRANCOPHONE DE L'ALBERTA $20,000 $62,500 TOTAL $2,597,790 $3,484,369 Note: Organizations with N/A in the 2018-2019 column did not receive programming funding in that period. Associated Links Action Plan for Official Languages 20182023: Investing in Our Future English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada SOURCE Canadian Heritage For further information: For more information (media only), please contact: Catherine Mounier-Desrochers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected] Related Links www.pch.gc.ca WASHINGTON and OTTAWA, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) presented the 2021 Leadership in Conservation Award to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and SFI-certified company West Fraser, today. The winners were recognized for their innovative leadership in connecting sustainable forest management with Canadas commitment to protected and conserved areas. The Government of Canada is committed to conserving 25% of its land and 25% of its oceans by 2025 and is working toward 30% for each by 2030. SFI, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and West Fraser are collaborating to ensure that conservation outcomes in Canadas sustainably managed forests are fully recognized and contribute toward Canadas Target 1 goals for conservation protection. The Target 1 Challenge is an investment by the federal government in projects that add to Canadas protected and conserved areas across the country. The winners are taking an innovative approach to the pathway to Target 1, by facilitating an objective assessment of managed forestlands, said Paul Trianosky, Chief Conservation Officer at SFI. Validating and confirming the role of sustainable forest management, including those forests certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard, will help meet Canadas conservation goals, and make clear the contributory value of managed forests at a large scale. Working on behalf of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Lisa McLaughlin, VP Conservation Policy and Planning, helped to design an approach and tool to aid in identifying Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) that can contribute to Canadas ambitious conservation goals. By acknowledging effective conservation in sustainably managed forestlands, this tool breaks new ground through advancing understanding and recognition of effective measures beyond traditional protected areas like national parks. As a champion for applying OECM concepts on both government lands and private lands, McLaughlins influence is helping to galvanize partnerships, and clarify ways to achieve the ambitious 2025 Canadian conservation goals. Canada has set very ambitious area-based conservation goals and Im so pleased to be able to help raise the profile and contributions of privately protected areas and OECMs in support of expanding our protected and conserved area network. Everyone government, industry, private landowners we all have a role to play in ensuring were protecting biodiversity in Canada we all need to be working together in order to achieve the long term biodiversity outcomes, said McLaughlin. Laura Trout, Senior Habitat and Wildlife Biologist, has led West Frasers involvement in the OECM work and has provided leadership to help broaden engagement within the forest sector. With the aid of NCCs Decision Support Tool, Trout conducted a high-level evaluation of West Frasers operations and recommended four types of potential OECMs. She engaged partners and thought leaders from different sectors and evaluated long-term considerations and opportunities. Her practical approach, and West Frasers support for the analysis, will help others in the forest sector leverage project results. West Fraser is also a partner of the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee, which was recognized this week as the winner of the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award. We were very pleased to provide some real-world case studies within our tenure areas that demonstrate how conservation values are fully consistent with sustainable forest management. We would like to thank SFI for the recognition of this work, said Trout. Leadership from the Nature Conservancy of Canada and West Fraser, and the work of McLaughlin and Trout, have resulted in the first steps toward acceptance and recognition of the conservation contributions from well-managed forestlands, and the value of forest management certification as a tool for validation. Members of the OECM coalition include SFI, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Shad Foundation, and the Forest Products Association of Canada. McLaughlin and Trout have helped to navigate discussions among an array of stakeholders. So far, two of the seven OECM sites undergoing further assessment are managed by West Fraser and certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard. Certifying to SFI ensures that those lands contribute effectively to conservation outcomes at both local and landscape scales. Other SFI-certified organizations are encouraged to join this important project to help leverage sustainable forest management to achieve Canadas conservation goals. About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. SFI advances sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. We are an independent, non-profit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development. Learn more: forests.org. About the Nature Conservancy of Canada The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nations leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres), coast to coast to coast. To learn more, visit: natureconservancy.ca. About West Fraser West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood, and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and renewable energy. West Frasers products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue and box materials. Media contact Daniel Pellegrom Vice President, Communications Sustainable Forestry Initiative 202-596-3452 media@forests.org Conservation contact Paul Trianosky Chief Conservation Officer Sustainable Forestry Initiative 423-571-2562 paul.trianosky@forests.org .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX A couple who had their pickup truck stolen Wednesday fabricated a story about a baby being in the vehicle, according to Phoenix police. An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday after the couple told police they were caregivers to an 18-month-old girl and a man and woman they had just met stole their truck from a convenience store parking lot with the baby inside. Police said the couple who allegedly stole the truck were later located at a Phoenix home and detained, but the child was not found with the suspects or inside the vehicle. More than 50 police officers then began searching for the child, who reportedly was last seen wearing a pink onesie that said mamas baby on the front. Officers also were trying to locate the childs parents. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ But police said it appears the couple wanted quicker police response to get their vehicle back from the suspects who took their truck without permission. The caregiving couple was being booked into jail Wednesday night for false reporting to law enforcement. The couples names and ages werent immediately released by police. Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph G. Groody is limiting commissioner George Halcovage's access to the courthouse. In a letter delivered Thursday afternoon to the embattled official, Groody informs Halcovage that, starting Monday, he must park at the entrance used by the public, where the metal detectors are located, only enter by that door and he may only be in the building during business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Halcovage is under two protection from sexual violence orders, is facing impeachment in the state General Assembly, and dealing with a federal lawsuit filed by four women, current and past county employees, who accuse him of sexual harassment and assault. Halcovage has not addressed the accusations publicly, referring all question to his lawyers. A county investigation last year found that Halcovage had violated county regulations and he would have been fired if he were an employee, however, being an elected official, he can only be removed by losing an election or impeachment. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro declined to file charges last year, citing the statute of limitations. "I am writing to advise you that the aforementioned Row Officers and Sheriff Groody unanimously agreed at our meeting to terminate your identification card and further restrict your access to the Courthouse," The letter, written by the Sheriff's Office Solicitor James C. Bohorad, states. "On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, a meeting was held with Sheriff Groody, the elected Row Officers of Schuylkill County, and myself to discuss your ability to access the Courthouse. Row Officers attending included Maria Casey, Clerk of Courts, Sharyn Yackenchick, Acting Controller, Bridget I. Miller, Prothonotary, Ann Dudish, Recorder of Deeds, and Linda L. Marchalk, Treasurer. DistrictAttorney Michael A. O'Pake and Register of Wills Theresa Santai Gaffney were unable to attend, and David Moylan was not included because he does not work in the Courthouse. "The meeting was scheduled as a result of the Sexual Violence Protective Orders entered against you by Judge Robert J. Eby on May 5, 2021. Groody's restrictions are a renewal of of limitations the sheriff placed on Halcovage during last year's investigation, as Bohorad explains. "You will recall that when the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General initiated an investigation against you last year, Sheriff Groody restricted your access to the Courthouse. At that time, you were required to enter and exit the Courthouse only through its main entrance and pass through the metal detectors before accessing the rest of the building. Your access was limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Several months later, the Sheriff relaxed the restrictions so that you could enter and exit through the Commissioners' entrance on Laurel Boulevard, under the condition that you still agreed to be wanded by Deputies when you entered. When the Office of Attorney General chose not to pursue criminal charges against you, Sheriff Groody ended the requirement that you be wanded prior to entering the Courthouse, however your access continued to be restricted to weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m." In the history of the world there have been some very bad ideas: Screen doors on submarines. New Coke. Eliminating nearly 22 child protective social worker positions at the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families. While the first idea is a joke and the second idea a marketing failure, t 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. American consumer confidence and optimism strengthened by comparatively faster vaccination indicative of what's next for Canadians 14 months into the pandemic, Canadians finding their financial footing with goal setting and regular saving but still challenged by making the best financial choices TORONTO, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - With the U.S. on a faster trajectory to economic re-opening, nearly a third fewer Canadians feel confident about their financial situation compared to Americans according to BMO's latest Real Financial Progress Survey. Despite this gap, Canadians are putting in the work on their financial fitness during the pandemic with a majority now establishing financial goals and putting money away regularly. Overall, the index in the U.S. increased compared to January's measure while it remained flat in Canada. The survey, conducted by Ipsos, broke down consumer sentiment about and attitudes towards money and whether Canadians feel they are getting ahead or falling behind: Views from the North and South: Slightly over a third of Canadians (37 per cent) feel confident that they are improving their financial situation right now. When looking at the U.S., that number jumps to 50 per cent. In Canadian cities, Montrealers are slightly more optimistic about their financial situation (42 per cent) while Canadians in Vancouver and Toronto sit below average at 35 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively. Slightly over a third of Canadians (37 per cent) feel confident that they are improving their financial situation right now. When looking at the U.S., that number jumps to 50 per cent. In Canadian cities, Montrealers are slightly more optimistic about their financial situation (42 per cent) while Canadians in and sit below average at 35 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively. Goal setting: Canadians are taking the time in the pandemic to establish a good financial foundation. A healthy majority (69 per cent) are setting financial goals for themselves; specifically, most Canadians are looking towards and saving for retirement (58 per cent) and close to 40 per cent are working towards paying down debt. Most (74 per cent) also feel that they are on track to meet their financial goals. Canadians are taking the time in the pandemic to establish a good financial foundation. A healthy majority (69 per cent) are setting financial goals for themselves; specifically, most Canadians are looking towards and saving for retirement (58 per cent) and close to 40 per cent are working towards paying down debt. Most (74 per cent) also feel that they are on track to meet their financial goals. Savings muscles: Canadians are building healthy savings habits. 63 per cent indicated that they are tucking money away at least monthly, and over a third (36 per cent) are saving money from every paycheque. Canadians in Vancouver were the most likely to save from every paycheque (41 per cent). "With the number of vaccinations increasing, and a gradual re-opening of the economy likely following, we expect to see a positive effect on Canadians' sentiment," said Gayle Ramsay, Head, Everyday Banking and Customer Growth, BMO Bank of Montreal. "By establishing a good financial foundation right now setting out financial goals and saving for them Canadians are taking a step in the right direction to make real financial progress. If we see this momentum continue, they will be poised for a stronger second half of the year. It's an encouraging sign, and we remain focused on finding opportunities to support Canadians on their financial goals and ensuring that good financial behaviours developed right now are cemented into long-term habits." The "knowing/doing" gap While many Canadians are taking steps to build strong financial habits, some can find themselves challenged between knowing what they should be doing to reach their financial goals but having a hard time actually doing it: 43 per cent of Canadians indicated that they often spend more than they should. Demographically, that number jumps for younger Canadians (Gen Z and Millennials) at 65 per cent and 52 per cent respectively. Slightly over one third of Canadians (34 per cent) revealed that they sometimes do things that worsen their financial situation, like making impulse purchases. Younger Canadians were the most likely to fall into this category. For Gen Z, 54 per cent said they often do things to worsen their financial situation. Millennials followed closely with nearly half (49 per cent) indicating that they don't always make the best financial choices. Having a monthly budget can go a long way to help keep Canadians on the right financial track, added Gayle Ramsay. A budget helps to manage and moderate spending and can also be increased or decreased as savings and discretionary spending allow. It's also a good idea to view financial health as similar to physical health going for regular check-ups are important. A good rule of thumb is to meet with a financial planner semi-annually to review budgets and savings plans and see where there are areas to improve and to have money saved up work harder. To find out how BMO can help customers make financial progress, visit: https://www.bmo.com/main/personal About the BMO Real Financial Progress Index Launched in February 2021, the BMO Real Financial Progress Index is an indicator of how consumers feel about their personal finances and whether they are making financial progress. The index aims to spark dialogue that will help consumers reach their financial goals and to humanize a topic that causes anxiety for many money. The research detailed in this document was conducted by Ipsos in Canada from Apr. 8 to 19, 2021. A sample of n=3,406 adults ages 18+ were collected this wave. Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to census parameters. About BMO Financial Group Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $973 billion as of January 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. SOURCE BMO Financial Group For further information: For News Media Inquiries: James DeCosimo, Toronto, [email protected], (416) 867-3996, Internet: www.bmo.com; Twitter: @BMOMedia 1. Yes. Its important to keep my child as safe as possible. We plan to take advantage. 2. Yes. With the school district dropping its mask mandate, its a necessary step. 3. No. Local COVID cases are dropping. There is no good reason to vaccinate my child. 4. No. There hasnt been enough data on vaccinated children. I think Ill hold off. 5. Unsure. I havent decided yet whether to take part in the vaccine clinics. Vote View Results TORONTO, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX:WM) (Wallbridge or the Company) held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) on May 12, 2021. A total of 509,649,058 shares or 64.58% of the outstanding shares of the Company were represented at the Meeting by proxy or in person. All of the matters submitted to the shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's notice of meeting and information circular dated April 1, 2021 were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting. Voting on all matters was conducted by electronic ballot, with the results as follows: Item 1: To Set the Number of Directors at Eight (8) Votes For Votes Against Number Percent Number Percent 485,431,920 99.370% 3,079,083 0.630% Item 2: Election of Directors The following directors were elected until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are otherwise duly elected or appointed: Alar Soever, Faramarz (Marz) Kord, Parviz Farsangi, Janet Wilkinson, Jeffery Snow, Shawn Day, Anthony Makuch and Michael Pesner. Votes For Votes Withheld Number Percent Number Percent Alar Soever 475,705,954 97.379% 12,805,049 2.621% Faramarz (Marz) Kord 477,675,562 97.782% 10,835,441 2.218% Parviz Farsangi 448,955,153 91.903% 39,555,850 8.097% Janet Wilkinson 478,388,389 97.928% 10,122,614 2.072% Jeffery Snow 479,200,280 98.094% 9,310,723 1.906% Shawn Day 478,995,847 98.052% 9,515,156 1.948% Anthony Makuch 476,834,465 97.610% 11,676,538 2.390% Michael Pesner 455,470,385 93.236% 33,040,618 6.764% Item 3: Appointment of KPMG LLP as Auditor of the Corporation for the ensuing year and authorizing the Directors to fix their remuneration Votes For Votes Withheld Number Percent Number Percent 498,860,563 97.883% 10,788,495 2.117% About Wallbridge Mining Wallbridge is currently advancing the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Fenelon Gold Property which is located along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend, an emerging gold belt in northwestern Quebec. The Company completed approximately 102,000 metres of drilling in 2020 and has begun a fully-funded 2021 program of approximately 170,000 metres of drilling and 2,500 metres of underground exploration development (Phase 1 of a 10,000-metre program). The Company intends to complete a maiden mineral resource on the Fenelon Gold System in the third quarter of 2021. Wallbridge now holds several kilometres surrounding its rapidly expanding Fenelon discovery providing room for growth, as well as future mine development flexibility. Wallbridge's land holdings in Quebec along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend are over 900.0 km2, improving Wallbridge's potential for further discoveries on an over 90-kilometre strike length in this under-explored belt. Wallbridge is also the operator of, and a 17.8% shareholder in, Lonmin Canada Inc., a privately-held company with a portfolio of nickel, copper, and platinum-group metals (PGM) projects in Ontario's Sudbury Basin. This news release has been authorized by the undersigned on behalf of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited. For further information please visit the Company's website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact: Wallbridge Mining Company Limited Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBA President & CEO Tel: (705) 682-9297 ext. 251 Email: mkord@wallbridgemining.com Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBA Investor Relations Advisor Email: vvargas@wallbridgemining.com This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation relating to, among other things, the operations of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (Wallbridge or Company) and the environment within which it operates. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of Wallbridge, future opportunities and anticipated goals, the Companys portfolio, treasury, management team, timetable to mineral resource estimation, permitting and the prospective mineralization of the properties, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes could differ materially from those contained in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other required approval, the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuations in prices of commodities, fluctuations in currency markets, actual results of additional exploration and development activities at the Companys projects, capital expenditures, the availability of any additional capital required to advance projects, accidents, or pandemic interruptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These statements reflect the current internal projections, expectations or beliefs of the Company and are based on information currently available to the Company. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon by investors as actual results may vary. Risks and uncertainties about Wallbridges business are more fully discussed in the disclosure material filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available on SEDAR under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to read these materials and should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Covid-19 - Given the rapidly evolving nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Wallbridge is actively monitoring the situation in order to continue to maintain as best as possible the activities while striving to protect the health of its personnel. Wallbridge's activities will continue to align with the guidance provided by local, provincial and federal authorities in Canada. The Company has established measures to continue normal activities while protecting the health of its employees and stakeholders. Depending on the evolution of the virus, measures may affect the regular operations of Wallbridge and the participation of staff members in events inside or outside Canada. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Lepdf.com scored 44 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 27 Sep 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the lepdf homepage on Twitter + the total number of lepdf followers (if lepdf has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the lepdf homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the lepdf homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the lepdf homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if lepdf has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the lepdf homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE LePDFTXT,PDF,EPUBMOBI DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS kindle, kindle dx bambook, kindle dx, dx bambook, bambook, lepdf, The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE GB2312 DETECTED LANGUAGE SERVER Apache/2 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Operative System running on the server. Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of lepdf.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for lepdf.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The type of Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The URL of the found Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Record four PhD candidates win dissertation fellowship The Office of Fellowships is thrilled to announce a record-breaking number of Northwestern recipients among this years class of Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship winners! With funding from the award, Ashley Dennis, Hayana Kim, Andrea Rosengarten, and Azadeh Safaeian will finish their PhD studies next year. Inspired by her commitment to educational equity and the dearth of Black history curriculum in the predominantly Black and brown schools she attended, Ashleys research in the Department of African American Studies considers how and why Black women educators promoted Black history and culture to children during the mid-twentieth century. Her dissertation examines teachers, librarians, and authors who challenged stereotypes in texts for children and supplemented or replaced them with antiracist writings of their own. Their writings include books, bibliographies, school curricula, plays, and radio scripts. In addition to the Mellon/ACLS award, Ashleys research has been generously supported by the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, the Black Metropolis Research Consortium, and The Graduate School at Northwestern. She has published in the Washington Post, Black Perspectives, and Historical Studies in Education. Ashley is a proud graduate of Hunter College, where she received her BA in history and a certificate in human rights. She was also a Ronald McNair Scholar, JFEW Eleanor Roosevelt Scholar, and cellist in Hunter Symphony. Coming from Seoul, Hayana earned a BA in English literature and politics and an MA in English literature at Ewha Womans University before joining the Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama at Northwestern. Hayanas research investigates contemporary South Korean artistic and activist performances in service of democracy. Her dissertation, titled Embodying Democracies: The Gwangju Uprising and the Politics of Mourning, 19802020, explores the role of performance in dismantling oppressive politics. In addition to the Mellon/ACLS award, Hayanas work has been supported by the Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship, the Buffett Institute of Global Affairs, School of Communications, and The Graduate School at Northwestern. An essay she wrote won the Helsinki Prize from the International Federation for Theatre Research. Her publications include a chapter contribution to The Cambridge Companion to International Theatre Festivals, published last year, and she has a journal article forthcoming this fall in Asian Theatre Journal. Originally from New York City, Andrea earned a BA at Columbia University before joining the Department of History at Northwestern. Andreas dissertation, tentatively titled Remapping Namaqualand: Negotiating Ethnicity and Territoriality in a Southern African Borderland, 18th21st Centuries, is based on twenty months of archival and oral history research in Namibia, South Africa, Germany, and England from 2018 to 2020. Her work has been funded previously by the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad award and a Council on Library and Information Resources Mellon Fellowship for Dissertation Research in Original Sources. For this project, she works with sources written in English, German, Dutch, Afrikaans, and Nama/Khoekhoegowab. This fall, Andrea will also be a graduate fellow in residence at Northwesterns Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, where she looks forward to being in dialogue with scholars and activist communities oriented toward North and South America. She hopes to bring a Namibian and South African studies perspective on land dispossession and apartheid to the Northwestern communitys engagement with understanding the differing and interconnected global valences of debates over indigeneity, sovereignty claims, and racial capitalism. Born and raised in Mashhad, Iran, Azadeh moved to Evanston in 2015 to join the Comparative Literary Studies and Middle East and North African Studies Programs at Northwestern. She earned a BS in biology from Azad University of Mashhad and a BA in English from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Azadeh also earned an MA in comparative literary studies at Northwestern and is currently working on her dissertation, Toward a Minor Theory of Trauma: IranIraq War Literature and Cinema (1980Present). Azadehs research has been funded by several fellowships and awards, including the Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship. In addition to her native Kurdish and Persian, Azadeh works in English, French, and Arabic. The Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship supports a year of research and writing to help advanced graduate students in the humanities and related social sciences in the last year of PhD dissertation writing. The program encourages timely completion of the PhD and is open to scholars pursuing humanistic research on topics grounded in any time period, world region, or methodology. A grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports this program. Including this years class of recipients, Northwestern has had twenty-four winners of this award. Contact Stephen Hill at s-hill@northwestern.edu to learn more about the Mellon/American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship. A Summerville-based nutritional supplements manufacturer is suing a Ukrainian woman for allegedly selling unauthorized goods bearing its name through Amazon.com something the retail giant acknowledges is a growing problem as more consumers have turned to online purchases during the pandemic. Thorne Research Inc. said in court documents that Yuliia Balandiuk created her Rialiex Distribution storefront to sell inferior Thorne-labeled products via Amazon's third-party marketplace. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Charleston, also names 100 undetermined "John Doe" defendants who have allegedly helped Balandiuk operate the virtual storefront or provided her with the products. While Thorne said it has strict quality control over the supplements its authorized resellers distribute, the products Balandiuk is selling are often expired, tampered with or tainted. Consumers who've purchased from Rialiex have left poor reviews on Amazon's website, complaining of rancid, moldy and smelly goods and damaging Thorne's reputation, the manufacturer said. Thorne announced plans in 2016 to relocate its corporate headquarters and the rest of its business operations to Summerville from Idaho in a deal that was hailed as a major win for the Charleston regions life-sciences industry. In its lawsuit, the company said it sent three cease-and-desist letters to Balandiuk and a fourth letter threatening her with a lawsuit, but she continued to sell unauthorized products through Amazon's website. Thorne, which is seeking a permanent injunction against her, estimated she sells 500 products a month through the site. 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! Balandiuk has not responded to the lawsuit and no court date is scheduled. She and the unnamed defendants are accused of unfair and deceptive trade practices and trademark violations. "Many online marketplaces including Amazon also allow third parties to sell products without authorization from the manufacturer and without disclosing their product sources," Thorne said in its lawsuit. "It is common for these unauthorized sellers to sell diverted products that are expired or degraded to unwitting consumers." Amazon has admitted to problems with its third-party marketplace, particularly as online sales have boomed year-over-year to $860 billion in 2020. The Seattle-based company, which accounts for about one-third of all online sales, said on May 10 that it blocked more than 10 billion suspected phony listings last year before any of their offerings could be sold. The number of blocked listings last year was up about 67 percent from 2019. Amazon said it spent more than $700 million last year on its anti-counterfeiting efforts and has a team of 10,000 working on it. The company has been wrestling with counterfeits for years. But since 2019, Amazon has warned investors in government filings that the sale of phony goods poses a risk to its business and its image. Brands may not want to sell their items on the site if they know competing fake versions are being offered. And knock-offs could cause shoppers to lose their trust in Amazon. Amazon isn't the only online retail venue struggling to weed out counterfeiters. Facebook on April 27 joined Gucci America Inc. to sue Natalia Kokhtenko for allegedly selling fake Gucci-branded handbags, shoes, clothing and accessories. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. When the Quebec Jockey Club added a special Friday race card in addition to its Sunday card of harness racing at Hippodrome 3R, there was little trouble filling both race programs. In fact, there are a total of 19 races over the two days and all but one race has full fields of eight starters and the one race that did not fill all the way has seven starters. We are really pleased with the results from this quick double draw on Wednesday, said Murielle Thomassin, Director of Racing at the Hippodrome 3R. We only announced late Tuesday that we were adding the Friday card and then on Wednesday morning we had more than enough horses in the entry box. Fridays special afternoon program has 10 races, with a first post time of 3:00 p.m. Three of the Friday races are Preferred events. The spotlight will actually be on the fourth race trot, where the undefeated track record holding champion colt of 2020, Kinnder Dangerzone, makes his 2021 debut from post five for driver Samuel Fillion. The son of Northern Escort, bred, owned and trained by Denitza Petrova, started only four times last year, but won all of his starts, including a track record 2:01 victory in the $55,000 final of the Future Stars Series at 3R. Kinnder Dangerzone is the lone three-year-old against older horses and is the 3-1 second choice in the race. The favourite is Field Gunner (post 2), who won opening day last week at 3R in 2:01.3. He will be driven by Stephane Brosseau. The eighth race Preferred-Handicap Pace for the horses is a showcase event featuring Mickeymaksomespeed (post 7), who on opening day put in a monster effort in his first start back in 2021, romping by five and one-half lengths in 1:54.2 for breeder, owner and trainer Michel Allard. He will be driven again by Richard Simard. Starting alongside Mickeymaksomespeed is four-time Quebec Series Champion, Atomic Million AM in post 6 for driver Sylvain Lacaille. Other contenders are Somewhere Bettor (post 4) and Dreydl Hanover (post 8). The 7th race Preferred-Handicap Mares Pace features Big Diamond (post 7) taking on Topsill Beach (post 8), a return winner from last week and Arrhythmogenic (post 3). Then in the ninth race Preferred-Handicap Trot, Kinnder High Class (post 1) returns and is hopeful to make amends for having broken equipment last week and not finishing the race. She was a ten-race winner, setting a track record last year and has a record of 1:56.2. Severus Hanover (post 5) won last week's contest in 1:59.3 and has Stephane Brosseau back in the sulky. Also in the race are top performers Seeyou Men (post 6), Profound Paragon (post 8) and Bucketlist Hanover (post 7). For more information and a free race program, visit hippodrome3r.ca. To view the entries for the weekend cards, click the following link: Entries - Hippodrome 3R. (Quebec Jockey Club) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close (CNN) Many people suffering from insomnia take medication to get a better night's sleep. While many sleep aids work over short periods of up to six months, clinical trial data has showed, insomnia can be a chronic problem and many people end up taking these drugs for longer. Much less is known about the long-term benefits of these drugs, said the authors of a new study published in the journal BMJ Open. The study's research on more than 600 women ages 42 to 52 in the United States found that those who used medication to help their insomnia over a one- to two-year period did not get a better night's sleep than those who did not take any prescription sleeping pills. These medications included benzodiazepines, Z-drugs which include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata) and eszopiclone (Lunestra), as well as other drugs mostly intended for different conditions, such as anxiety and depression. An estimated 9 million adults in the US have been prescribed drugs to help with falling and staying asleep, according to the study. The US researchers from institutions including Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University looked at 238 women who started using medication to treat insomnia and 447 women who didn't take prescription sleep aids. The participants were taking part in a much larger study called the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), which focuses on the changes during menopause. At the beginning of the study period, both groups reported similar levels of sleep disturbance: difficulty falling asleep one out of every three nights, waking frequently on two out of three nights, or waking early. The women filled out a questionnaire annually, ranking their sleep on a 1 to 5 scale, ranging from no difficulty on any night (rating 1) to difficulty on 5 or more nights a week (rating 5). After two years, there were no "statistically significant" reductions in sleep disturbances among those taking prescription medications compared with those who didn't, the study said. "It re-emphasizes what we know already -- that we can't just give people medication and the story is done," said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor at the University of Southern California and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "We have to inform our patients about the precaution of being on long-term medication, and it's possible that they might not get the benefit," added Dasgupta, who wasn't involved in the research. He said people struggling with insomnia shouldn't stop taking medication without consulting their doctor. He noted that the study showed that the women taking prescription sleeping pills didn't report that their insomnia had gotten worse over the study period. "Insomnia is very difficult to treat because there's so many factors going into it. I think this is a time not just to look at the insomnia itself but the roots that cause it," he added, noting that some of the women in the study had preexisting conditions like depression. The study authors said that half of the women participating in the research were current or former smokers, and 1 in 5 were heavy drinkers, both of which can affect sleep. Plus, the information on sleep medication was collected on an annual basis, and the drugs could have been used intermittently or stopped for certain periods of time. "Real-world data ... provide important opportunities for looking at the way drugs may actually be used in typical practice," the study said. "The lack of benefit observed in the current study suggests that when physicians begin prescribing these medicines they should discuss with patients that many patients continue them long-term, and that there is scant evidence demonstrating benefit to using these medicines beyond several months." For people who struggle with insomnia, Dasgupta recommended the following steps: - Make sure your room is dark and on the cooler side. - Exercise during the day, preferably during the morning. - Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. - The bed should only be used for sleep. If you can't sleep, you should leave your bed after 20 minutes and do non-stimulating activities in a dull light. Only go back to bed when you feel drowsy. This story was first published on CNN.com 'Prescription pills don't equal better sleep in the long run for women, study suggests' GET THE niggers, was their slogan, / Kill them, burn, them, set the pace. / Let them know that we are white men. /Teach them how to keep their place. AJ Smitherman, The Tulsa Race Riot and Massacre (1922). I had just left Harvard University as an assistant professor and was doing Time to Talk, a series of interviews for T&T Television. NEW ORLEANS, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: Peloton Interactive, Inc. (PTON) Class Period: 9/11/2020 - 5/5/2021 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: June 28, 2021 SECURITIES FRAUD To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-peloton-interactive-inc-class-a-common-stock-pton-securities-litigation ChemoCentryx, Inc. (CCXI) Class Period: 11/26/2019 - 5/3/2021 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 6, 2021 SECURITIES FRAUD https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-chemocentryx-inc-common-stock-ccxi-securities-litigation If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above. If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com WESTPORT, Conn., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HMG Strategy, the Worlds #1 digital platform for enabling technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world, is excited to be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Portland CIO Executive Leadership Summit on May 25. HMG Strategys highly interactive digital events bring together the worlds most distinguished and innovative business technology leaders to discuss the most pressing leadership, strategic, cultural, technology and career challenges and opportunities that technology executives face today and into the future. The 2021 HMG Live! Portland CIO Executive Leadership Summit will focus on unique insights that women technology executives offer in terms of reimagining the business and fostering a more inclusive and connected culture. Our research reveals that companies which leverage diverse perspectives achieve greater success with innovation and business outcomes, said Hunter Muller, President and CEO of HMG Strategy. Global female technology executives are driving a wave of change in the C-suite and reimagining the business with innovation and cultural change. HMG Strategy is also excited to have special guest speaker and bestselling author Stephen M.R. Covey share his insights on why a high-trust culture can operate with greater efficiency and at less cost along with recommendations for CIOs and technology executives to cultivate trust with the CEO, the Board and across the organization. Prominent technology executives speaking at the Portland Summit will include: Selim Aissi , SVP & CISO, ICE Mortgage Company , SVP & CISO, ICE Mortgage Company Richard Appleyard , PhD, President, Portland SIM; CIO, Oregon State Police , PhD, President, Portland SIM; CIO, Oregon State Police Nishant Bhajaria , Global Head of Privacy Engineering and Analytics, Uber , Global Head of Privacy Engineering and Analytics, Uber Stephanie Franklin-Thomas , VP, CISO, ABM , VP, CISO, ABM Jimmy Godard , SVP, Program Manager, Global Technology & Operations Bank of America , SVP, Program Manager, Global Technology & Operations Bank of America Reet Kaur , CISO, Portland Community College , CISO, Portland Community College Bryan Kirschner , VP Strategy, DataStax , VP Strategy, DataStax John Kochavatr , VP, Information Technology and Supply Chain, Portland General Electric , VP, Information Technology and Supply Chain, Portland General Electric Robert Mansell , Principal Technical Fellow, Catalyte , Principal Technical Fellow, Catalyte Dr. Lee David Milligan , SVP & CIO, Asante Health System , SVP & CIO, Asante Health System Deb Muro , CIO, RN, CHCIO, El Camino Health , CIO, RN, CHCIO, El Camino Health Michelle Soares , VP of Technology, Portland Trail Blazers , VP of Technology, Portland Trail Blazers Christa Stout, SVP Innovation & Technology, Portland Trail Blazers SVP Innovation & Technology, Portland Trail Blazers Cara Turano , Chief Operating Officer, Technology Association of Oregon , Chief Operating Officer, Technology Association of Oregon Saby Waraich , Director of Marketing, Portland SIM; CIO, Clackamas Community College , Director of Marketing, Portland SIM; CIO, Clackamas Community College Kate Winkler, CEO, Ruby Valued partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Portland CIO Executive Leadership Summit to be held on May 25 will include Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, DataStax, Forescout Technologies, Horizon3.ai, Illumio, Ivanti, OutSystems, PagerDuty, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Portland, Skybox Security, Sonatype, Starburst, and Zscaler. To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 HMG Live! Portland CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here. HMG will also be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Denver CIO Executive Leadership Summit on May 26. Timely topics explored at this event will include successful approaches used by CIOs and technology executives to lead their teams to a brighter future; unique insights from top-tier tech executives from the public sector about designing citizen-focused digital experiences; along with how advanced technologies are enabling competitive differentiation and speed to market. Top-tier CIOs and technology executives speaking at the Denver summit will include: Bhavani Amirthalingam , SVP, Chief Digital Information Officer, Ameren , SVP, Chief Digital Information Officer, Ameren David Bessen , Director and CIO, Arapahoe County Government , Director and CIO, Arapahoe County Government Jesse Carrillo , SVP & CIO, Hines , SVP & CIO, Hines Rodney Fullmer , CTO, Global Services, Arrow Electronics, Inc. , CTO, Global Services, Arrow Electronics, Inc. Chandy Ghosh , COO & General Manager, Inteliquent, Inc. , COO & General Manager, Inteliquent, Inc. Jeffrey Grayson , CIO, Xanterra Travel Collection , CIO, Xanterra Travel Collection Emily Heath , Chief Trust & Security Officer, DocuSign , Chief Trust & Security Officer, DocuSign Stephen Katsirubas , CIO, Hunter Douglas , CIO, Hunter Douglas Pam Kubiatowski , Sr. Director of Digital Transformation, Zscaler , Sr. Director of Digital Transformation, Zscaler Sam Masiello , CISO, Gates Corporation , CISO, Gates Corporation Steven Michaels , VP and Chief Technology Officer, SCL Health , VP and Chief Technology Officer, SCL Health Jeff Miller , CIO, Honeywell Quantum Solutions, Honeywell , CIO, Honeywell Quantum Solutions, Honeywell Tom Nats , Director of Architecture, Starburst , Director of Architecture, Starburst Mark Pfaffinger , CIO, Larimer County , CIO, Larimer County David Politis , Founder and CEO, BetterCloud , Founder and CEO, BetterCloud AJ Rodrigues , General Manager IT Transformation, Delta Airlines , General Manager IT Transformation, Delta Airlines Jenny Schiavone , CMO, City & County of Denver , CMO, City & County of Denver Mike Wade , SVP, Global Technology and PMO, Terumo BCT , SVP, Global Technology and PMO, Terumo BCT Steve Winterfeld, Advisory CISO, Akamai Valued partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Denver CIO Executive Leadership Summit held on May 26 will include Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Horizon3.ai, Illumio, Ivanti, OutSystems, PagerDuty, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM Colorado, Skybox Security, Sonatype, Starburst, and Zscaler. To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 HMG Live! Denver CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here. HMG Strategys 2021 HMG Live! Southern California CIO Executive Leadership Summit will be held on June 8. Timely topics explored at this event will include recommendations for technology executives on instilling trust with remote employees and how best to earn the teams trust, along with how to effectively foster respectful dialogue around political discord and social injustice in the workplace. Prominent technology executives speaking at this event will include: Stephen M.R. Covey , Global Authority on Trust, Leadership and Culture, The FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice , Global Authority on Trust, Leadership and Culture, The FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice Collette Creppell , Vice President of Campus Planning and Design, Chapman University , Vice President of Campus Planning and Design, Chapman University Meredith Harper , VP, CISO, Eli Lilly and Company , VP, CISO, Eli Lilly and Company Christine Lovely , Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer, University of California Davis , Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer, University of California Davis Lorna Randlett , CEO, Leaders Forum , CEO, Leaders Forum Scott Strickland , EVP & CIO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts , EVP & CIO, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Chris Taylor, Chief Inclusion Officer, State of Minnesota Valued partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Southern California CIO Executive Leadership Summit held on June 8 will include, Appian, Apptio, Aryaka, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Gigamon, Obsidian, PagerDuty, SIM Southern California, Sonatype, Tanium, and Tessian. To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 Southern California CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here. To learn about HMG Strategys upcoming CIO and CISO Summits, click here. HMG STRATEGYS 2021 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AWARDS The HMG Strategy 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards honor exemplary technology leaders and leadership teams who are delivering exceptional value to their organizations. This award recognizes those who have reimagined and reinvented themselves to place their organizations on the fast track to groundbreaking transformation in dynamic times. Technology executives and their teams who receive these awards are being recognized for accomplishments in the following areas: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Leading into the C-suite; Creating New Go-to-Market Business Models; Modernizing Enterprise Architecture; and Building a Culture of Trust. At the 2021 HMG Live! Bay Area CIO Executive Leadership Summit on April 22, HMG Strategy recognized the following technology executives for their exceptional contributions to their organizations and to the industry: Kevin Barnes, Parner, Fortium Partners Parner, Fortium Partners Lakshmi Hanspal, Global CISO, Box Global CISO, Box Chris Jacquet, CISO, Hitachi Vantara CISO, Hitachi Vantara Adhir Mattu, CIO, Marvell Semiconductor CIO, Marvell Semiconductor Tony Young, CIO, Sophos At the 2021 HMG Live! Minneapolis CIO Executive Leadership Summit on April 29, HMG Strategy recognized the following technology executives for their exceptional contributions to their organizations and to the industry: Tammylynne Jonas , Global CIO, Self Esteem Brands, LLC , Global CIO, Self Esteem Brands, LLC Dee Thibodeau , CEO, Charter Solutions , CEO, Charter Solutions Tarek Tomes, Chief Information Officer - State of Minnesota At HMG Strategys 2021 HMG Live! New York CISO Executive Leadership Summit on May 6, HMG Strategy recognized the following CISOs and technology executives for their superlative achievements and stellar leadership: Kirsten Davies, SVP & CISO, Estee Lauder Companies SVP & CISO, Estee Lauder Companies Ajoy Kumar , Head of IT Risk Analysis and Reporting, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation , Head of IT Risk Analysis and Reporting, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation Bradley Schaufenbuel, CISO, Paychex CISO, Paychex Hari Shah, CISO, Tapestry CISO, Tapestry Gary Sorrentino, Deputy CIO, Zoom Deputy CIO, Zoom Kimberly Trapani, Chief Digital Security Officer, American Tire Distributors To learn more about HMG Strategys 2021 Global Leadership Institute Awards and to nominate a deserving executive, click here. UPCOMING WEBINARS & DIGITAL ROUNDTABLES On May 13, HMG Strategy will be hosting a digital roundtable powered by SafeGuard Cyber on Tackling the Security Gaps in Your Digital Ecosystem. In this interactive roundtable discussion, Otavio Freire, CTO and Co-Founder at SafeGuard Cyber; Christopher Hetner, Former Senior Cybersecurity Advisor to the SEC Chair; Shadaab Kanwal, Executive Leader of Digital, Data and Analytics Services at Charles Schwab; Ajoy Kumar, Head of IT Risk Analysis and Reporting at The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation and Jennifer Showers, Global Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer at InvestCloud will discuss the security and compliance risks posed by new communications channels and how best to address them. To learn more about this roundtable and to register for this interactive discussion, click here. On June 10, HG Strategy will be hosting a webinar powered by Zoom on The Next Disruption: Hybrid Working. This webinar will feature Callie Baumann, Vice President of Employee Technology Experience, Digital Workspace at Humana; Brian Kirkland, CTO at Choice Hotels; ML Madhavaro, CIO at Exterran Energy Solutions; Matthew Rosenquist, CISO at Eclipz.io; and Gary Sorrentino, Global Deputy CIO at Zoom. These executives will share a variety of perspectives on how work will be done going forward, where we work from, how we work and what this is all going to look like. To learn more about this webinar and to register for it, click here. To learn more about HMG Strategys distinctive executive webinars, click here. ABOUT HMG Strategy HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for connecting technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. Our regional and virtual CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, authored books and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven research from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs and technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy also produces the HMG Security Innovation Accelerator Panel, a new webinar series thats designed to connect enterprise CISOs and security leaders with the most innovative cybersecurity companies from across the world. The HMG Strategy global network consists of over 400,000 senior IT executives, industry experts and world-class thought leaders. To learn more about the 7 Pillars of Trust for HMG Strategy's unique business model, click here. Tom Hoffman 203-221-2702 TomHoffman@hmgstrategy.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5213a784-683a-4598-b24c-4c5d97d20156 A man who was attacked inside the public foyer of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Thursday had to be taken to hospital for head injuries. Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating the incident, which took place next to the District Courts area on the ground floor lobby of the building. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... DENVER The pilot of an airplane that collided with another midair near Denver requested an emergency landing for engine failure, not knowing that his plane was nearly ripped in half, according to air traffic control audio. Miraculously, both planes landed and no one was hurt, officials said. The planes were getting ready to land at a small regional airport in a Denver suburb Wednesday when they collided, according to the National Transportation Safety Board and South Metro Fire Rescue. The pilot who requested the emergency landing was the only person aboard a twin-engine Fairchild Metroliner that landed at Centennial Airport despite major damage to its tail section. The plane is owned by a Colorado-based Key Lime Air, which operates cargo aircraft. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Looks like the right engine failed, so Im gonna continue my landing here, the pilot said in an audio clip with air traffic control. Experts say the positive outcome of the collision was a combination of luck and advanced life-saving technology. Its very rare for me to be able to say midair and no fatalities in the same sentence, said Joseph LoRusso, a Broomfield, Colorado-based aviation attorney and commercially rated pilot. The damage to the Metroliners rear fuselage was in the perfect location, said Anthony Brickhouse, an associate professor of aerospace and occupational safety at the Daytona Beach, Florida campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. If it was the flight deck: Bad outcome. The wings: Bad outcome. The tail: Bad outcome. It happened in the perfect place for the pilot to make it down, he said. The second plane, a single-engine 2016 Cirrus SR22, was rented by Independence Aviation, the company said in a statement. Its pilot successfully deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System designed to slow the crafts descent after a collision. The pilot-deployed parachute did exactly what it is supposed to do which is to allow the aircraft to crash in a controlled manner, Brickhouse said. Brickhouse estimates that the parachute system, manufactured by North Carolina-based BRS Aerospace, has saved at least a couple of hundred lives since its inception. The Cirrus plane had a pilot and one passenger on board when the pilot deployed a red-and-white parachute and drifted down to a safe landing in a field near homes in Cherry Creek State Park, Arapahoe County sheriffs Deputy John Bartmann said. Every one of these pilots needs to go buy a lottery ticket right now, Bartmann said. I dont remember anything like this especially everybody walking away. I mean thats the amazing part of this. Frances Phillips was talking to her mother on the telephone and walking her dog in Cherry Creek State Park when she heard a big bang above her head. She looked up and saw one plane flying toward the airport and a smaller, red plane seemed to hesitate before turning toward her. Phillips quickly hung up the phone without an explanation and ran off the path and through bushes to get out of the planes way. At first, she wondered whether it might be a large version of the remote-controlled planes that people fly nearby. But then she realized it was too big. She reached the planes landing site just before police and saw two men standing in front of the plane, unharmed. The older of the two told police he was the pilot, she said. Theyre just standing there like theyre at a cocktail party, Phillips said. Phillips friend Shelly Whitehead was getting coffee in her kitchen when she heard loud booms like firecrackers. When she ran to her back deck overlooking the park, she saw a plane falling and a parachute. She did not think anyone on board would survive. I was expecting an explosion but, when that didnt happen, I was hopeful, she said. The National Transportation Safety Board has four people investigating the accident, the federal agency said in a statement. We are working to understand how and why these planes collided, said John Brannen, lead NTSB investigator for the accident. It is so fortunate that no one was injured in this collision. As of Thursday, Brannen had interviewed both pilots, and an NTSB air traffic control specialist had listened to recordings from air traffic control. They plan to interview the air traffic controllers who worked with both pilots, according to the statement. NTSB said it will publish a preliminary report in the next two weeks. But it expects the entire investigation to take 12 to 18 months. The Independence-operated Cirrus had departed Centennial at 9:21 a.m. Wednesday, flew northward near Fort Collins and was returning to Centennial when the collision occurred. The Key Lime Air cargo flight took off from Salida, a city more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of Denver, at 9:56 a.m. and landed at Centennial at 10:25 a.m. Both Key Lime Air, a passenger and cargo charter company, and Independence Aviation, a flight school and aircraft rental firm that owns the Cirrus airplane, are based outside Centennial Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in Colorado. Authorities did not immediately identify the people who were in the planes. At this time, we are allowing the NTSB and FAA to conduct their investigation, said a statement issued by Derek Severns of the Cirrus Platinum Training Center, a pilot training center. Federal Aviation Administration records show aircraft operated by Key Lime Air have been involved in three fatal crashes. In 2016, a Key Lime Air charter plane on a nighttime flight from Panama City, Florida, to Albany, Georgia, crashed after possibly breaking up in midair as the lone pilot on board tried to navigate severe weather near Camilla, Georgia. In 2001, a Key Lime Air flight crashed about 30 miles (48 kilometers) off the southern Colorado town of Pagosa Springs, killing two people on board. In 2000, two pilots aboard a Key Lime Air Piper were killed after crashing near Kiowa, Colorado, southeast of Denver. ___ Associated Press airlines reporter David Koenig contributed to this report from Dallas. ___ Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Human Services Specialist II (Energy Assistance Program) Salary $65,071.32 - $79,057.32 Annually Location Everett, WA Job Type Full-Time Department Human Services Job Number 2021-00191 Division Human Services Housing & Community Services Closing 5/25/2021 11:59 PM Pacific Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team! We have one full-time position in the Energy Assistance Program in our Housing and Community Services Division. We are looking for a candidate who has a passion for human services, strong customer service skills, enjoys a fast-paced service delivery, likes working in a Team environment providing direct services to a diverse population and possesses data managements skills. This individual will work with funders and contracted providers. The individual will work closely with the supervisor and staff (seasonal & permanent) on a daily basis. The individual is driven to learn and master all aspects of direct service, be an innovative thinker and fosters a fun and positive attitude towards building the department's initiative to provide high quality service delivery to Snohomish County residents. Human Services Department mission is to help all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community. The Human Services Department includes 230 diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Contract development, quality assurance, analyzing data, prepares grant management reports, assists with budgeting, policy writing, monitoring activities and processing intake applications. Provides technical assistance for staff and community partners. BASIC FUNCTION To perform responsible professional work in the planning, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of human services programs either through direct services or by sub contractual arrangements. Job Duties STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Coordinates assigned program planning and development activities of complex programs with supervisors, administrators, other department staff, other county departments, other government agencies, private service organizations, citizen groups, and other organizations as necessary. Develops and conducts needs assessments and prepares comprehensive program plans, goals, and objectives, program budgets and contract documents for human services programs as assigned. Coordinates the data collection and reporting requirements for, assigned programs, including the organization and computerization of such reports; prepares analysis of data. Develops and negotiates contracts and service agreements with program subcontractors; monitors contract compliance and reviews and evaluates subcontractor performance for quality assurance and prepares monitoring reports and corrective action plans. Participates in the development of programmatic budgets within areas of assigned responsibility; participates in negotiation and execution of contracts with federal, state and other funding sources; provides ongoing monitoring of internal program budget(s); makes recommendations for modifications as necessary. Provides a variety of information and technical assistance to program subcontractor and potential subcontractors as necessary. Researches and prepares applications to obtain funding for various projects, studies or programs as assigned. Provides staffing for advisory boards and committees; provides group facilitation for community groups and committees to accomplish program goals. Keeps informed of and provides interpretation of federal, state and local regulations and guidelines relating to assigned program areas. Provides community leadership and mobilization for assigned areas; provides community education and training including coordination of community events. Facilitates funding application processes, including request for proposals. Works in a cross disciplinary and interdepartmental manner to best meet the needs of the department's clientele. STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES Oversees activities of student interns and volunteers as assigned. Performs related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, one of the social sciences or other field directly related to human services; PLUS, two (2) years progressively responsible experience in human services program planning, grant preparation and management or in a closely related field; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A valid Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision, is required prior to appointment. Additional Information KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: human services and governmental agencies, programs and resources grant writing methods, principles and applications application of relevant federal, state and local laws, codes, rules, regulations and guidelines to human services programming and operations research principles and methods; the use of computer technology programmatic best practices specific populations served by human services programs Ability to: develop human services programs, plans for services and operation establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, co-workers, governmental officials, citizen groups and advisory boards develop and maintain complete and accurate records analyze problems and prepare alternative strategies for solution gather, analyze and evaluate program, statistical and financial data perform data management requirements and updates on personal computer provide training to community groups and agencies as required communicate effectively orally and in writing SUPERVISION This position receives direction from a programmatic supervisor, division administrator or the Director of Human Services, as assigned. The work is performed with limited supervision and is reviewed through meetings, reports and results obtained. WORKING CONDITIONS The work is performed in the usual office environment with trips to locations throughout the county to attend community meetings and coordinate program activities. The employee is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary. The work may also involve site visits to client residences and as required, inspection of work performed at client homes including crawl spaces and attics. Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request. EEO policy and ADA notice Agency Snohomish County Address 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503 Everett, Washington, 98201 Phone (425) 388-3411 Website http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553 recblid crgqi6fczja645co6w801jzs9ufs49 Steve Bosley served two six-year terms on the CU Board of Regents (two years as chair). He is also founder of the BolderBoulder. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... For five years, a bill that would place the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in charge of fighting illicit drug use in horse racing went nowhere in Congress. In 2020, it finally passed but that milestone came too late to resolve the crisis that enveloped the sport and its latest Kentucky Derby winner this week. As of Wednesday, Medina Spirit was entered in the Preakness Stakes, set to go for the second stage of the Triple Crown despite a doping positive at the Kentucky Derby that has shrouded its success and future, and further muddied the reputation of its trainer, Bob Baffert. In the doping world, positive tests traditionally have to be corroborated by a B sample in this case, a separately held specimen of the same blood sample that came back positive. It could take weeks for Kentucky authorities to get results from that sample, but authorities in Maryland and at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where the Preakness is held, have been on a more urgent timeline. They had to decide whether to allow Medina Spirit to the post Saturday. The takeaway from this is that, right now, were in this cloud of uncertainty,' said Bill Lear, a Kentucky attorney who was a key architect of the law that was passed last year. You dont know a lot of things youd like to know, and were coming up on the second race of the Triple Crown. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Because of the uncertainty, horse racing powers in Maryland were forced to weigh the specter of legal action that could come if they oust the horse against the cloud of suspicion that would exist if they let him run. Their decision was to let Medina Spirit run, albeit with an additional layer of testing scheduled for earlier in the week. All this comes against the backdrop of a sport built for gambling. Millions of dollars will be wagered Saturday on a race that could include a horse less than two weeks removed from a failed drug test. Those who won (or lost) money on Medina Spirit in the Derby neednt worry there will be no returns, despite the now-murky nature of the victory. You cant get the money back, and I dont think anyones going to succeed in challenging that, Lear said. But the fact that wagers are paid immediately after the races are official heightens the need to do everything possible to not have a(n antidoping) violation skew the results of a race. The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act that passed last December goes into effect in July 2022. If it were in play right now, many of these issues could have been resolved before Saturday by USADA, the organization most famous for taking down Lance Armstrong, and one that is expected to handle testing for the thoroughbred industry as a whole once the law is in effect. Under our program, we expedite the B-sample analysis and the legal process to ensure a decision is made before the next major competition, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said, while refusing to speak specifically about the Medina Spirit case. Lear, who also did not speak specifically about Medina Spirit, says a strengthened testing system that included more out-of-competition testing, the likes of which will be coming under the new law, could have set up the possibility that maybe a horse doesnt even make it to the starting line if it is found to be violating rules. Baffert, the seven-time winner of the Kentucky Derby who has a long record of horses testing positive for performance enhancers, said he supported the new law. Id welcome Travis Tygart, said the trainer, who will stay away from Pimlico this week, even though his horse will be there. To which Tygart, in an email exchange with The Associated Press, responded: Great, we are ready to dive in and help clean it up. Because state authorities have regulated gambling for decades in the United States, most rules related to horse racing have been handled in the same way. It has led to a balkanized and confusing set of statutes that are different in all 50 states. Lear, whose Lexington, Kentucky, law firm represents The Jockey Club and The Breeders Cup among other horse interests, has helped to draft bills designed to streamline the racing industrys antidoping policies. The first was introduced to Congress in 2015. It stalled. The same thing happened in 2016, and pretty much every year since. There are a lot of folks who are very entrenched in the status quo, Lear said, in explaining why the bill never went very far. Not until more than three dozen on-track horse deaths at Santa Anita Park in California rocked the industry in 2018-19 did federal lawmakers get serious about passing a law. Then, last year, the movement picked up more steam when 29 trainers, veterinarians and pharmacists were indicted on federal charges in a horse doping ring. Though the law is not being universally embraced in horse circles at least two groups are challenging the law in court Lear takes solace in the fact that it passed with bipartisan support. And though the law goes into effect too late to solve any of this weeks problems, Tygart said the current case serves a purpose in that it further illustrates the perfect storm that has been brewing for years in horse racing. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Williamson, WV (25661) Today Rain and scattered thunderstorms for the afternoon. High near 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. NEW YORK, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dark Pulse, Inc. (OTC Markets: DPLS) (DarkPulse and the Company), a technology company focused on the manufacture, sale, installation, and monitoring of laser sensing systems based on its patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology (the DarkPulse Technology), which provides a data stream of critical metrics for assessing the health and security of infrastructure, announces that the Company has signed Commercial Collaboration Heads of Terms with Unleash live, a company headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Unleash live is a global A.I. video analytics enterprise solution provider with a track record of successful deployments worldwide. Their A.I. powered computer vision delivers actionable insights in real-time using live video streams from any camera, for their customers to increase accuracy, improve safety, drive down costs, and improve productivity. Unleash lives interactive A.I. platform will be integrated with DarkPulses leading edge monitoring services to provide Anywhere Any Device capabilities in real time for our customers, said DarkPulse Chairman and CEO, Dennis OLeary. This collaboration will allow for the real time storage and retrieval of real world data collected via DarkPulses patented BOTDA systems, create cyber-safe private network service offerings, and deliver actionable insights immediately. About Unleash live Unleash live is a video analytics platform combining vision and A.I. analytics to remove the guesswork from running remote infrastructure operations. Their solutions measure reality for large scale enterprises by: connecting camera devices into a centralised account to let authorised people view live streams from anywhere; and immediately applying the latest A.I. analytics on these video streams, and feeding the resulting insights into client workflows to alert and report, all without any disruption to their clients operations. With Unleash live, their clients improve operational efficiencies, save costs, and increase productivity. For more information, visit http://www.Unleashlive.com About DarkPulse, Inc. DarkPulse, Inc. uses advanced laser-based monitoring systems to provide rapid and accurate monitoring of temperatures, strains and stresses. The Companys technology excels when applied to live, dynamic critical infrastructure and structural monitoring, including pipeline monitoring, perimeter and structural surveillance, aircraft structural components and mining safety. The Company's fiber-based monitoring systems can assist markets that are not currently served, and its unique technology covers extended areas and any event that is translated into the detection of a change in strain or temperature. In addition to the Companys ongoing efforts with respect to the marketing and sales of its technology products and services to its customers, the Company also continues to explore potential strategic alliances through joint venture and licensing opportunities to further expand its global market position. For more information, visit www.DarkPulse.com Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "should," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate," "anticipate" or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Media contact: DarkPulse Solutions, Inc. doleary@DarkPulse.com Press release no. 6-2021 Sborg, May 5, 2021 The second sales partner in Malaysia signs with Konsolidator Konsolidator has signed leading Malaysian IT consulting company Push TI Asia Sdn Bhd as the second Konsolidator sales partner in Malaysia. Push.Asia has more than 25 years of experience in digital transformation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and providing IT consultancy. Push.Asia assists and empowers businesses to streamline their operations, reduce cost, increase efficiency, optimize their existing resources, and enhance performance by exploring opportunities in the area of information technology. Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore who are now focused on the IR 4.0 have experienced a significant technological transformation over the past decade and they are one of the most innovative and digital markets globally - the reason it is an important market for Konsolidator. Southeast Asia will become a sizable market for us in 2022 as we are currently seeking further growth capital to be able to establish an office in Malaysia by 2022. Deloitte Malaysia became an onboarding partner in 2019 and now with two sales partners in the region we are building up the foundation for a local presence to expand the market reach and accelerate revenue growth says CEO Claus Finderup Grove. About Konsolidator Konsolidator A/S is a financial consolidation software company whose primary objective is to make Group CFOs around the world better through automated financial consolidation and reporting in the cloud. Created by CFOs and auditors and powered by innovative technology, Konsolidator removes the complexity of financial consolidation and enables the CFO to save time and gain actionable insights based on key performance data to become a vital part of strategic decision-making. For further information: CEO Claus Finderup Grove, mobile. +45 2095 2988, e-mail: cfg@konsolidator.com Konsolidator A/S Vandtarnsvej 83A 2860 Sborg www.konsolidator.com Attachment Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Chris Boyle Published: May 13 2021 This annual essay contest was held as part of the Sheriffs Offices collaboration with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. Recently, Sheriff Toulon hosted 11th grade Commack High School Student Melody Luo as his Ambassador for the Day Sandy Hook Promise Essay Contest Winner. This annual essay contest was held as part of the Sheriffs Offices collaboration with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. Melody wrote a heartfelt essay about her Asian heritage, the rise in violence against the Asian community, and a culture of silence that she attributes to why hate crimes, bullying and harassment are underreported in the Asian community. Her essay is attached below. Melody read her winning essay during a celebratory breakfast at the Yaphank Facility with Sheriff Toulon and staff members. Afterwards, Melody received greetings from the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, received a certificate, and engaged in discussion with officers about Sandy Hook Promises initiatives and anti-Asian violence. She and her mother, Lynn, also took a tour of the jail and the START Resource Center. The winning contest essays were announced by Sheriff Toulon in March and Melody took first place out of 91 submissions from seven school districts. Sheriff Toulon also sat down with Melody to interview her for A New Perspective, a new show produced by the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office for YouTube and government access television stations. They discussed bullying and anti-Asian violence and how it affects students of all ages. Melody is an asset to the Commack School District and the Suffolk County Community. She is a bright, insightful young woman and I was proud to name her Ambassador for the Day, said Sheriff Toulon. We can learn a lot by speaking with our younger generations, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to speak with her today. For more information on the collaboration between the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, please visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com and click on Community and School Programs. The following is the text of Melody Luos winning essay: Weary of being cooped up inside, an 84-year-old Thai man was eager to leave his house and go on his regular morning walk. He stepped out into the chilly San Francisco weather around 8:28 AM on January 28, 2021, for what would unknowingly be his last time. An hour later, he was slammed into the ground by a man--to whom he had no relation--that barreled into him at full speed. The 84-year-old, at a height of 5 feet and 6 inches and a weight of 113 pounds, died from a brain hemorrhage in the hospital two days later. His name was Vicha Ratanapakdee. On the opposite coast, in the previous year, an 89-year-old Chinese woman was slapped in the face and set on fire in Brooklyn, New York by two assaulters to whom sheonce again--had never met prior to the encounter. The woman, who rightfully chose to remain unidentified to the public eye, was reluctant to report the attack to the police, seeing that she could only speak in Cantonese. It wasnt until her family urged her to come forward that she chose to do so. In the eyes of these elderly people, I see my own grandparents, who are well over the age of 70. We spend our Saturdays eating extravagant dinners and singing karaoke, (rather badly, if I may add). As the evening draws to a close, we say our goodbyes and await the next week in anticipation. Theres never a doubt in my mind that we will meet the following week, but then again, there was never a doubt in the minds of the victims families either. In every single news article I read and in every single attack I discuss with my friends in casual conversation, my mind inches towards the inevitable: is it a question of if a loved one gets attacked, or when? These events are only a select few examples of the recent surge in hate crimes against the Asian-American community. Over the course of the past year, such attacks against us have increased by 1900%, and yet, they are rarely ever broadcasted on mainstream media nor talked about by people in prominent positions of power. Silence. Worse than silence, perhaps, is the unrelenting stigma perpetuated by a number of such aforementioned figures, the most influential of which being politicians. Chinese Virus. Kung-flu. Bat-eaters. All names coined to shift blame for a disease onto an entire ethnicity of people that suffered from COVID-19 in the same ways the rest of the world did; all names that I have heard first-hand thrown at any person with a semblance of East Asian descent within the United States. For the most part, we remained silent. I think back to what my culture teaches us when facing the world. From a young age, I learned to never speak back to elders, this being inclusive of my parents, my family members, my teachers, and more. In turn, Ive seen this manifest into a culture of people that try their best to avoid confrontation. We, as Asian-Americans, are stereotypically acknowledged to be submissive in a world dominated by opinionated leaders. This is especially prominent in our government, as our representation is next to non-existent. Out of 435 congressional representatives, only thirteen are members of the Asian American/Pacific Islander community. On top of that, all thirteen represent a range of only five states: California, New York, Florida, Illinois, and Washington. That being said, this representation is a start. On September 17, 2020, House Resolution 908, proposed by Congresswoman Grace Meng of the sixth congressional district of New York, was passed by a vote of 243 to 164. This resolution called for public officials to condemn and denounce anti-Asian sentiment, racism, discrimination, and religious intolerance related to COVID-19...and [for] federal officials to expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes and incidents and threats against the Asian-American community. In this instance, action and advocacy have proved to the world that we will not stand by and endure its prejudice. There comes a point where our silence holds the same level of evil as the perpetrator. We cannot be bystanders to the inequity thrown upon our friends of color and we cannot be bystanders to the attacks thrown upon ourselves. Id like to take this time to remind all people of color that we are not in competition with one another, but rather the overarching racism instilled in the thick roots of our world. To pluck these roots we must not simply hear the words spoken by our counterparts, but genuinely listen. We must not single out the wilting plants from each others communities and generalize the entire neighborhood based on that, but rather water each others plants with the gifts of knowledge and empathy. From there, and only from there, may we adequately speak through the sound of silence. In my own life, I do my best to combat prejudice by using my voice. I joined my schools political activists club, partook in conversations with various members of the House of Representatives, and frequently debate everyday events with peers. More often than not, I hear that the youth of the country should not be criticizing the government nor engaging in political disputes. I heavily disagree, as in order to bring forward aspects of understanding, we need to communicate with and stand up for one another. Cartel Blue, Inc. & Cartel, Inc. one Delaware Corporation, founded in 1998 are merging. (MA) CARLSBAD, Calif., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartel Blue, Inc. (OTC PINK: CRTL) the first and only hemp Apparel Company Listed on the Major Marijuana | Hemp Stock Index is now Merging with Cartel, Inc. that offers Hydroponic Hemp Cigars. Our launch after the legalization of Mexico on March 10, 2021, Trade marks in Mexico are approved. Cartel accessories, cartel cultivation and our line of hemp-hip-hop clothing Cartel Blue. Cartel has purchase orders of our Premiere Hemp Cigars, for delivery on June 15TH , under all Mexico licensing guidelines. The International Law Firm Procopio was retained to assist in the Blue Cartel, Inc. and Cartel, Inc. Merger and Acquisition. With the merger, Cartel Blue announces retired judge Phillip Larocca as PRESIDENT and Philip Moreb as CEO. Cartel Blue, Inc., new Fixed Base Operations (FBO) offices are located in Carlsbad, California, on the runway of Palomar Airport to better serve our global distributors. Cartel Blue, Inc. now offers pure hemp hydroponics - grown, rolled and sold, here in the USA, and in Mexico. Cartel Blue, Inc. continues to offer Hemp Clothing now in collaboration with several designers which will be unveiled in their summer hemp clothing 2021 collection. The manufacturing with the hemp clothing line is being manufactured in Denver Colorado. Philip Moreb C.E.O. has plans to move manufacturing and distribution to Mexico. Hemp is now legal to grow in the United States since the passage of the 2018/2019 Agricultural Act bill along with California State Farms Bill 0.3 and the U.S. Transit Bill 0.2, The Mexico Transit Bill. When the merger is over, Cartel Blue, Inc. is about to be the leader of Hemp Cigars. The outer skin of cigars is all-natural hemp paper, along with hydroponic inner hemp, and is specifically selected to make it taste like no other. The demand for premium hemp cigars has been validated. Mr. Larocca and Mr. Moreb have tested the market and found overwhelming demand for hydroponic cigars. Current market evaluation determined the demand to be multi-millions of cigars annually. Mr. Larocca and Mr. Moreb bring decades of business experience to Cartel Blue, Inc. Mr. Moreb brings 30 plus year career in growing young companies by selling products and services to fortune 500 companies with well-known entities such as Wynn Hotels, Marriott Hotels and UPS Corporate. His success with the release of designer Christian Audigier and Don Ed Hardy launch went worldwide with distribution. Mr. Larocca brings 50 years of legal experience working for the Riverside County District Attorney's office, with 20 years as a judge on the bench and as an Associate Professor at Chapman University. What comes next? We'll have another press release in a few weeks. Stay tuned. For information about capitalization and corporate data, see www.otcmarkets.com About Cartel Blue, Inc. (OTC PINK: CRTL.) and go to cartelscigars.com Cartel Blue, Inc. (OTC PINK: CRTL) is listed on the Marijuana Index and its Stock Universe is the go-to stock index for marijuana and hemp sector investors. The Marijuana Stock Universe is a searchable database, of all marijuana and hemp stocks. Companies are required to have a material involvement in the marijuana or hemp industry. In addition, companies must have filed financial statements in the last year, and must maintain a minimum average daily trading volume. 2020, legal market sales are expected to surpass a multi-billion-dollar industry, and investors are looking to place their funds into marijuana/hemp investments or ancillary products. Safe Harbor disclaimer This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Cartel Blue, Inc. To materially different from the statements made herein. For Additional Information, Please contact us at: Cartel Blue, Inc. Investor relations 310-955-0099 email: philip@cartelscigars.com cartelscigars.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f774ecf-f897-4cf9-89b3-87b515ea4ef6 WASHINGTON (AP) A key figure in the federal investigation of Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz is expected to plead guilty to criminal charges next week. Joel Greenberg will appear Monday in federal court in Orlando, Florida, for a change of plea hearing, according to court documents. He had been working for weeks toward a deal with federal prosecutors who are investigating sex trafficking and public corruption allegations. The plea potentially escalates the legal and political jeopardy the Florida congressman is facing and signals that Greenberg could potentially serve as a witness in the Justice Departments investigation into Gaetz. Federal prosecutors are examining whether Gaetz and Greenberg paid underage girls or offered them gifts in exchange for sex, according to people familiar with the matter. Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations and any wrongdoing and insists he will not resign his seat in Congress. Investigators have also been looking at whether Gaetz and his associates tried to secure government jobs for some of the women, the people said. They are also scrutinizing Gaetzs connections to the medical marijuana sector, including whether his associates sought to influence legislation Gaetz sponsored. The people had knowledge of the investigation but spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation. Greenbergs legal problems began last summer when he was arrested on charges of stalking a political opponent. He mailed fake letters to the school where his opponent taught, signed by a nonexistent very concerned student who alleged the teacher had engaged in sexual misconduct with another student, according to an indictment filed against him. Greenberg was charged in August with sex trafficking a girl between ages 14 and 17 and using a state database to look up information about the girl and other people with whom he was engaged in sugar daddy relationships, according to the indictment. Charges on allegations he embezzled $400,000 from the Seminole County tax collectors office were added last month, according to the indictment. - Schneider reported from Orlando, Florida. Dua Lipa was the big winner at a female-dominated Brit Awards, marking the return of live music to the O2 Arena after more than a year. Little Mix, Arlo Parks, US rockers Haim and Billie Eilish were also among the acts who took home gongs at the London venue on Tuesday night. The event, which featured an audience of 4,000 people, took place as part of the UK Government's live events pilot scheme and 2,500 tickets were gifted to key workers from the Greater London area, many of whom wore blue. The Brits' voting academy underwent a major overhaul in 2017 to make it more gender balanced and diverse, with hundreds of new members invited to join the pool. Lipa secured both best female solo artist and the coveted best album award, using her first speech to call for a pay rise for NHS workers and her second to demand a posthumous bravery award for 20-year-old Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, who recently died after jumping into the River Thames to save a woman. Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards of Little Mix who made history as the first female band to win the Brit Award for best British group at the Brit Awards 2021 at the O2 Arena, London. Picture: John Marshall/PA Wire Little Mix made history as the first female group to win the best British group prize. During their speech, the group, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards, thanked former bandmate Jesy Nelson, who quit in December after saying the high-profile role had "taken a toll" on her mental health. Taylor Swift, who appeared in person, was presented with the global icon award, the first woman to be awarded the prize, and delivered a speech to the budding artists in the room. Speaking about the pressures of the music industry, she said: "You can't let that crush you, you have to let it fuel you because we live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything that they want about you at any time but just please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong." Rapper Headie One delivered the biggest performance of the night with a rendition of his hit Ain't It Different alongside fellow Brit nominee AJ Tracey, including a new verse taking aim at the Government over free school meals and challenging the negative public perception of drill music. Jack Whitehall kicked off the event with a sketch featuring Line Of Duty stars Vicky McClure and Martin Compston, as well as social media sensation Jackie Weaver, who went viral with her contributions to a parish council meeting. Coldplay perform their new single, 'Higher Power' at The BRIT Awards 2021 with Mastercard, outside the O2 Arena, London. Picture: Paul Dugdale /PA Wire Coldplay also delivered a performance of their new single Higher Power from a pontoon on the River Thames, surrounded by hologram dancers and against a backdrop of purple and orange fireworks. Eilish saw off competition from artists including Cardi B and Swift to win the international female solo artist gong, while Parks said it was her "dream come true" to be named breakthrough artist. Haim beat acts including Run The Jewels and BTS to win the international group award. Elsewhere, the British single award went to Harry Styles for Watermelon Sugar and J Hus was named best male solo artist. Years And Years frontman Olly Alexander and Sir Elton John performed a version of the Pet Shop Boys' 1980s hit It's A Sin, inspired by the Channel 4 TV series of the same name. The pair were joined on stage by drag queens while Sir Elton's husband David Furnish delivered an introduction highlighting the work of the Elton John Aids Foundation. Dua Lipa with her Brit awards. The night also featured performances from Rag'n'Bone Man and P!nk with the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir, viral sea shanty sensation Nathan Evans and rising star award winner Griff. Audience members attending the indoor ceremony were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings once seated. However, they needed proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue and will be required to provide details to NHS Test and Trace and follow Government guidance while travelling. Our Top 5 Magazines + Digital We get it. You live by the Ski Valleys snow report even when youre hours away. You follow every Taos post on Instagram. Our small town occupies a BIG part of your heart. Keep in touch with all things Taos when you subscribe to FIVE of our national award-winning magazines, plus access to the website and e-edition for a full year at the special low rate of just $55. 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. 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 Frankfort, KY (40601) Today Cloudy skies with showers and a possible thunderstorm this afternoon. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. GATINEAU, QC, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will provide $1.5 million to support 41 projects (including 26 new projects) by archives, libraries and documentary heritage institutions throughout Canada. Eight projects submitted by organizations located in Ontario will be funded under the Documenary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP). The following projects will be funded by the DHCP in Ontario in 20212022: CSHS Descriptive Database Project (Canadian Slovenian Historical Society), Etobicoke , $5,053 ; , ; Gananoque Archive Collection Project (Historic 1000 Islands Village Foundation), Gananoque , $43,023 ; , ; Digitizing and Preserving Historic Images of Canada : CHPF's 20th Anniversary Photographic Retrospective of Founding Members (Canadian Heritage Photography Foundation), Mississauga , $22,158 ; : CHPF's 20th Anniversary Photographic Retrospective of Founding Members (Canadian Heritage Photography Foundation), , ; Archival Monetary Appraisal Forum (Canadian Council of Archives), Ottawa , $ 50,000 ; , ; Shingwauk and Beyond: Survivor and Intergenerational Memories (Living History Algoma), Sault Ste. Marie , $45,000 ; , ; Digitizing Inuit Artistic Heritage (Inuit Art Foundation), Toronto , $50,000 ; , ; Mitigating Risk: Preserving Magnetic Tape at the OJA (Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre), Toronto , $48,900 ; and , ; and The ArQuives Processing Project: Part 4 (The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives), Toronto , $49,900 . View the list of all recipients for 20212022. Quick facts The DHCP was created in 2015 to provide financial assistance for activities that enhance the visibility of, and access to, materials held by Canada's local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country's documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across Canada for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before. local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country's documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before. Incorporated and unincorporated non-profit organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, professional library and archival associations, and museums with an archival component are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP. Applications received by LAC are reviewed by an external advisory committee. Including the amounts allocated this year, LAC's support for documentary heritage communities has totalled $10.5 million since the DHCP was launched in 2015. since the DHCP was launched in 2015. The next funding cycle will be launched in fall 2021. About Library and Archives Canada The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Library and Archives Canada is online at www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs and podcasts to keep up to date on the latest from Library and Archives Canada. Quotes "Supporting communities to provide greater digital access to their collections will ensure that Canadians will have even more opportunities to discover their heritage, wherever they live in Canada. Congratulations to the organizations that have received funding from the Documentary Heritage Communities Program in 202122." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage "The pandemic has not only prompted us to redefine how we do our work, it has also shown us how important it is for LAC to remain committed to supporting documentary heritage institutions during these unprecedented times. We are proud to continue our work with communities across the country while navigating our shared path toward post-pandemic normalcy." Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada "The DHCP's funding has made a real difference in the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq/Kitikmeot Heritage Society's capacity to record video interviews, and edit and translate them for export to our YouTube channel. Having local Inuinnait staff that have the capacity to do this work on a daily basis will help immensely in our efforts to preserve Inuinnait traditional knowledge." Darren Keith, Senior Researcher, Kitikmeot Heritage Society "Funding from LAC has allowed our institution to digitize and share remarkable film footage of one family's experience before, during, and immediately after the forced uprooting and dispossession during the Second World War. Additionally, we have rehoused 605 films and audio, 2,093 photographs, and 6.15 metres of textual recordsour oldest dates to 1864!" Sherri Kajiwara, Director/Curator, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Related link Documentary Heritage Communities Program Search for related information by keyword: Heritage | Library and Archives Canada | Ontario | History and heritage | general public | news releases | Hon. Steven Guilbeault SOURCE Library and Archives Canada For further information: Media Relations, Library and Archives Canada, 819-994-4589, [email protected]; Note: To obtain the contact information for recipients of funding under the Documentary Heritage Communities Program for 2021-2022, please contact Library and Archives Canada. Related Links https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/ CALGARY, Alberta, May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NXT Energy Solutions Inc. ("NXT" or the "Company") (TSX: SFD; OTC QB: NSFDF) today announced the Company's financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. All dollar amounts herein are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise identified. Q1 Financial and Operating Highlights Key financial and operational highlights include: On April 18, 2021, the Company acquired the SFD technology rights for geothermal resources (Geothermal Resources) from Mr. George Liszicasz, President and CEO of NXT; Cash and short-term investments at March 31, 2021 were $2.15 million; There was $Nil survey revenue recorded in Q1-21; A net loss of $1.64 million was recorded for Q1-21, including stock based compensation and amortization expense of $0.47 million; Cash flow used in operating activities was $0.88 million during Q1-21; Net loss per common share for Q1-21 was ($0.03) basic and diluted; and General and administrative costs for Q1-21 as compared to Q1-20 decreased by $0.10 million or 10%, mostly due to no travel costs and lower professional fees. Message to Shareholders George Liszicasz, President and CEO of NXT, commented, Although no survey revenues were recorded in Q1, SFD survey opportunities continue to progress in our core areas of focus in Africa, Mexico, and in South America. In addition, with the recently announced acquisition of the SFD Geothermal technology rights, the Company now embarks on an exciting new chapter in transitioning itself as a multiple application solutions provider for both the Oil & Gas and Geothermal exploration industries. The main subsurface properties such as porosity, permeability and impermeable cap rock that are vital in the search for oil and gas resources are equally critical for locating the most prospective geothermal resources. For these reasons, the SFD technology has a natural extension to geothermal applications. On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire team at NXT, I want to thank all of our shareholders for their continued support. Summary highlights of NXT's 2021 first quarter financial statements (with comparative figures to 2020) are noted below. All selected and referenced financial information noted below should be read in conjunction with the Company's first quarter 2021 unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). (All in Canadian $) Three months ended March 31, 2021 2020 Operating results: Survey revenue $ - $ - Survey costs, net 265,483 301,961 General & administrative expenses 900,309 995,999 Amortization 441,824 448,381 1,607,616 1,746,341 Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (1,643,551 ) $ (1,332,301 ) Income (loss) per common share basic $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) Income (loss) per common share diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.02 ) Number of common shares outstanding as at end of the period 64,494,356 64,406,891 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period: Basic 64,472,222 64,406,891 Diluted 64,472,222 64,406,891 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ (883,320 ) $ (599,190 ) Financing activities 19,635 (11,158 ) Investing activities 191,261 29,424 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash (14,499 ) 122,186 Net cash inflow (outflow) (686,923 ) (458,738 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 2,690,146 2,858,245 Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 2,003,223 2,399,507 Cash and cash equivalents 2,003,223 2,399,507 Short-term investments 150,000 3,843,212 Total cash and short-term investments 2,153,223 6,242,719 Net working capital balance 1,514,112 6,159,548 NXT's 2021 first quarter financial and operating results have been filed in Canada on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and will soon be available in the USA on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar, as well as on NXT's website at www.nxtenergy.com. Details of the conference call are as follows: Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (2:30 p.m. Mountain Time) North American Participants Call: 1-(855)-783-0506 Participant Pass Code 9463018 About NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. is a Calgary-based technology company whose proprietary SFD survey system utilizes quantum-scale sensors to detect gravity field perturbations in an airborne survey method which can be used both onshore and offshore to remotely identify traps and reservoirs with exploration potential. The SFD survey system enables our clients to focus their exploration decisions concerning land commitments, data acquisition expenditures and prospect prioritization on areas with the greatest potential. SFD is environmentally friendly and unaffected by ground security issues or difficult terrain and is the registered trademark of NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy Solutions Inc. provides its clients with an effective and reliable method to reduce time, costs, and risks related to exploration. Contact Information For investor and media inquiries please contact: Eugene Woychyshyn George Liszicasz Vice President of Finance & CFO President & CEO 302, 3320 17th AVE SW 302, 3320 17th AVE SW Calgary, AB, T3E 0B4 Calgary, AB, T3E 0B4 +1 403 206 0805 +1 403 206 0800 nxt_info@nxtenergy.com nxt_info@nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain information provided in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "will", "expect", "plan", "schedule", "intend", "propose" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, information regarding: business negotiations, opportunities, discussions, including the timing thereof and business strategies. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including those related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV/COVID-19), and the potentially negative effects thereof on the Company's workforce, its supply chain or demand for its products. Additional risk factors facing the Company are described in its most recent Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020, which has been filed electronically by means of the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) located at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-GAAP Measures This news release contains disclosure respecting non-GAAP performance measures including net working capital which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. This measure is included to enhance the overall understanding of NXTs ability to assess liquidity at a point in time. Readers are urged to review the section entitled "Non-GAAP Measures in NXTs MD&A for the three month ended March 31, 2021 which is available under NXT's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for a further discussion of such non-GAAP measures. The financial information accompanying this news release was prepared in accordance with US GAAP unless otherwise noted. Management's discussion and analysis of financial results and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are available through the Internet in the Investor Relations section of www.nxtenergy.com or under NXT's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. YEREVAN. After the change of the border, there are places where the climatic conditions, the terrain are very difficult, and the adversary [Azerbaijan] had not carried out installation process in some parts. Now the weather conditions have changed, they are carrying out installation process, and our armed Forces are watching over so that they do not go ahead of their installation sites, as the terrain is difficult, it is not easy to determine the border. Governor of the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, Gnel Sanosyan, told this to reporters Thursday. The governor said no when asked whether what happened in Syunik Province on Wednesday is the same in Gegharkunik, too. "The state border of Armenia has been preserved [in Gegharkunik]. There was one or two places with a sloping border, which our people had insisted they [the Azerbaijanis] should sit back from that part, which was settled in the process. There is absolutely no tension [in Gegharkunik]. Yesterday I was in Verin Shorzha [village] for a few hours, I was in the area where those works are. Our armed forces are working, the maps are there, this is the same process that took place in November-December," Sanosyan added. To the question whether he can tell the local residents that the situation is safe, there is no tension, no aggression, the governor of Gegharkunik responded: "Residents have seen that the situation is calm. There were a lot of the residents with us yesterday. Nothing extraordinary happened there. They are just negotiating with each other, they are adjusting the border." And when asked about the current situation at Sotk gold mine, Gnel Sanosyan stated that the mine was operating, but about 280 of its workers had been laid off. 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. Fire crews were able to extinguish a weekend blaze Saturday, May 8, 2021, off Chena Hot Springs Road before it turned into larger wildland fire. The fire, which started at a shooting range, is a reminder that fire season is here. Jewish-Arab violence, Israeli min. announces reinforcements Cars burned in Haifa, 60 suffer smoke intoxication (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, MAY 13 - Another day of violence began on Thursday in Israel between Jews and Arabs. Defence Minister Benny Gantz ordered "massive reinforcements" for border police in various cities in the country to "calm down attacks against Jewish and Arab civilians". Gantz stressed that "we are in a state of emergency" and ordered a reinforcement of 10 border police battalions. "No soldier," he said, "will be involved in these police activities since they are not part of the army mission." In Haifa, Arabs set fire to cars parked under a building inhabited by Orthodox Jews. Some 60 people, most of whom children, suffered smoke intoxication. In Lod, Tel Aviv, one Jewish man was stabbed by an Arab near a synagogue. Lodi mayor Yair Revivo said that Arabs had opened fire against Jews nine times during the night curfew. Appeals for calm came from President Reuven Rivlin, top rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, Mansur Abbas (leader of the Islamic-based party Raam), and Arab Communist leader Ayman Odeh. On Wednesday, in several locations across Israel - including Tiberias, Bat Yam, Lod and Hadera - Arabs were beaten by Jews. In some cases their shops were damaged and looted. Bat Yam (Tel Aviv) mayor Tzvi Brot said that those attacking Arabs were not inhabitants of the city and were instead right-wing extremists from elsewhere. Lod mayor Revivo also claimed that the "organized groups" of violent individuals had been the ones conducting the attacks. Akko head rabbi Yosef Yashar said that he was "shocked" by the violence between Jews and Arabs "in a city that had in teh past stood out for its peacefulness". He said he also believed that the attacks had been conducted by people not from the city. (ANSAmed). A video from Delhi where two men riding a motorcycle parallel to a Reliance oxygen tanker claim that the company is passing off oxygen supplied by Saudi Arabia as its own, has been widely shared on social media. The men point at Arabic text visible on the side of Reliance branding. Facebook user Matin Patel posted the video and wrote in Hindi, Ambanis are thieves in a rush to take credit, theyve even made small posters. This video gained over 2 lakh views. (Hindi text: .. ) Multiple Facebook and Twitter users have shared an image of the same tanker while highlighting the Arabic text. Below is Twitter user @tondupars post that drew over 1,200 retweets. Alt News has received multiple verification requests on our WhatsApp helpline number (+917600011160). Readers can also send queries on our mobile application. (Android, iOS) FACT CHECK Alt News had recently debunked a 13-second clip of two men putting up Reliance Industries Limited and Reliance Foundation sticker on an oxygen tanker. It was viral with the identical claim that Reliance is taking credit for oxygen supplied by Saudi Arabia. RIL spokesperson had told Alt News at the time, RIL has organised the airlifting of 24 ISO (empty) containers to India from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Thailand adding 500 MT of new transportation capacity for liquid oxygen. Over the last week, they were delivered at Jamnagar refinery via Ahmedabad or Jamnagar airport. The 24 ISO containers were empty and not shipped filled with liquid oxygen (O2). The oxygen inside these containers was filled at RILs Jamnagar refinery. This article is split into the following sections to get a better understanding of liquid O2 and the challenges faced by India in its transportation. What is liquid O2 and how is it stored? Can liquid O2 be shipped via air? How are cryogenic tankers being supplied to India? WHAT IS LIQUID O2 AND HOW IS IT STORED? A document (view PDF) on safe handling of liquid oxygen by US-based Air Products and Chemicals states, Liquid oxygen is a cryogenic liquid. Cryogenic liquids are liquefied gases that have a normal boiling point below 130F (90C). Liquid oxygen has a boiling point of 297F (183C). Liquid oxygen is not flammable but can prove to be hazardous when in contact with certain materials, including non-combustible stainless steel, carbon, zinc, etc. It can even lead to explosions, according to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. The same document also explains, Liquid oxygen is stored, shipped, and handled in several types of containers, depending upon the quantity required by the user. The types of containers in use include the dewar, cryogenic liquid O2 cylinder and cryogenic liquid O2 storage tank. Storage quantities vary from a few litres to many thousands of gallons. The tanker seen in the viral posts about Reliance is a cryogenic liquid O2 tanker. CAN LIQUID O2 BE SHIPPED VIA AIR? According to the International Air Transport Association/ International Civil Air Organization (IATA/ICAO), a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted as checked-in baggage or carry on baggage. The same is the case with O2 or air, gaseous, cylinders (up to 5 kgs) required for medical use however this needs approval from the airline operator and the pilot-in-command must be informed of the location. However, liquid O2 systems are forbidden for transport. (view pdf) Air India, IngiGo, SpiceJet are members of IATA. As per Special Medical Requirements by Air India, 13 to 24 bottles of O2 with 300 litres can be carried depending on the size of the airbus. This is just sufficient for the duration of the flight for multiple passengers. HOW ARE CRYOGENIC TANKERS BEING SUPPLIED TO INDIA? The second wave of the pandemic has taken a toll on medical infrastructure. There has been an acute shortage of oxygen in the country, especially because transporting O2 from manufacturing units to hospitals has been a challenge. Thus, as part of COVID-19 aid, several countries have supplied empty cryogenic liquid O2 tankers to India and this has also been extensively reported in the media. RIL spokesperson confirmed to Alt News that the cryogenic liquid O2 tanks shown on social media were shipped empty. While Alt News couldnt independently verify this statement, not a single media report claims that cryogenic tanks filled with oxygen were shipped via airways. On the other hand, there are several reports of empty tankers received from other countries (1, 2, 3), and also airlifted domestically (1, 2, 3). Countries have supplied empty tankers which are subsequently filled in India. The only reported case of liquified oxygen sent to India from a foreign country was via the sea route. A partnership was struck between Saudi Arabia, Linde and Adani. The Indian Embassy had tweeted on April 24 that Saudi Arabia shipped cryogenic tanks filled with 80MT of O2. There has been another deal with Adani and Reliance however, this was after the video went viral. Embassy of India is proud to partner with Adani group and M/s Linde in shipping much needed 80MT liquid oxygen to India. Our hearfelt thanks to Ministry of Health Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all their help, support and cooperation.@MEAIndia @drausaf @SaudiMOH @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/6j8NuGwtCB India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) April 24, 2021 CNBC News18 aired a broadcast on April 23 addressing the challenges in the production and transportation of liquid oxygen in India. Tata Steel managing director TV Narendra explained, (Cryogenic tanker) is a very technical product. Its not to be handled casually so a lot of precautions need to be taken thats why even converting an industrial gas cylinder into a cylinder that can carry liquid oxygen, there is a protocol. You cant just use any cylinder or any tanker to take oxygen. So thats why there is a bottleneckThe challenge is that you dont even have enough containers to put on the railways. The bottleneck is currently the containers. Once you have more containers, you can exploit all these possibilities. A recent PTI report quotes railway minister Piyush Goyal saying, At present, sufficient stocks of oxygen is available in the country. The report further states, Goyal said a fast-track system has been put in place to import oxygen from wherever supply is available. He said the services of Railways and Air Force are being used for transportation of tankers to reduce the turnaround time. Since Air Force cannot transport filled tankers, airlifting of empty-tankers is being done to manufacturing sites so that travelling time of one side can be saved. To sum it up, RIL and Reliance Foundation leveraged 24 empty cryogenic liquid oxygen tanks from various countries as a part of their effort to increase the capacity to transport oxygen in India. Several social media users have falsely alleged that RIL was taking credit for the oxygen given by Saudia Arabia but the tanks sent were empty and filled with liquid oxygen manufactured by RIL in Jamnagar. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran opened registration Tuesday for potential candidates in the country's June presidential election, kicking off the race as uncertainty looms over Tehran's tattered nuclear deal with world powers and tensions remain high with the West. President Hassan Rouhani can not run again due to term limits, yet with the poll just a month away no immediate favorite has emerged among the many rumored candidates. There also appears to be little interest in the vote by a public crushed by sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, many view the country's hard-liners as ascendant even as the U.S. under President Joe Biden tries to find a way to re-enter the atomic accord. Whoever wins the June 18 vote will take over from Rouhani, a relative moderate within the Islamic Republic whose two four-year terms began with Iran reaching the nuclear deal. His time in office now draws to a close with the accord unraveled after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from it under President Donald Trump in 2018. The collapse of the deal, which saw Iran limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for sanctions relief, has seen Iran abandon those restrictions and enrich uranium to its highest levels ever. Weeks of talks in Vienna on Iran and the U.S. returning to the deal have yet to make major progress, something that grows less likely as Rouhani's time in office runs out. Within Iran, candidates exist on a political spectrum that broadly includes hard-liners who want to expand Irans nuclear program and confront the world, moderates who hold onto the status quo and reformists who want to change the theocracy from within. Those calling for radical change find themselves blocked from even running for office by the Guardian Council, a 12-member panel that vets and approves candidates under the watch of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The nuclear deal's collapse has seen hard-liners take control of Iran's parliament. Some have gone as far as to call for a former military officer to take over the country something that has not happened since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the purge of the armed forces that followed. Already, several possible candidates have emerged from Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force with vast economic interests that answers only to Khamenei. They include Mohsen Rezaei, an outspoken former top commander; Hossein Dehghan, an adviser to Khamenei; Rostam Ghasemi, a former oil minister; and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Irans parliament known for his support of a bloody crackdown on students in 1999. Dehghan registered his candidacy on Tuesday, saying he had initially supported the nuclear agreement, which was jointly decided on by Iran's ruling system. But there were, and there still are problems," he said of the deal. If I take the helm, I will strongly continue the negotiations based on (Iranian) national rights and interests. A young generation of Guard leaders is in the mix as well, led by 53-year-old Saeed Mohammad, who once headed the paramilitary force's Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, which is one of Irans biggest business conglomerates. Later on Tuesday Mohammad supported nuclear talks while appearing in the registration center to file his application . Definitely we will welcome negotiations and interactions, and will continue down this path," said Mohammad, suggesting the talks accelerate would lead to better ties with world. "Then, the Islamic republic is interested in working with the entire world. Outside of the Guard, hard-line judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi has had his name mentioned as well. Raisi ran unsuccessfully against Rouhani in 2017 despite winning 15.8 million votes, but the cleric remains popular among many as he's led a publicized anti-corruption push. Former parliament speaker and special China envoy Ali Larijani also has been suggested as a candidate. Among the reformists, however, a clear candidate has yet to emerge. Some have mentioned Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, though he now finds himself embroiled in a scandal over a leaked recording in which he offered frank criticism of the Guard and the limits of the civilian government's power. Zarif himself has said he doesn't seek the presidency, while at the same time once saying those criticizing him only encouraged him to consider running. Even before the registration, the process has seen candidates blocked from running. A Guardian Council decision said a candidate needed to be older than 40, effectively barring Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, who has gained a following among young people. Rouhani has urged Iran's Interior Ministry, which runs the elections, to still register younger candidates. Then there's former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who ignored a warning from Khamenei in 2017 not to run and registered anyway. The Guardian Council ultimately disqualified him. Questions also remain over voter enthusiasm. Iran's 2020 parliamentary vote saw only a 42.5% turnout, the lowest ever since 1979. Official surveys suggest June's vote may see only a 39% turnout. Iran's 2017 presidential election saw a 73% turnout. Total legitimate voters will be 59.3 million on the day of election in the 84 million populations nation. The vote comes at a crucial period for Iran. A return to the nuclear deal remains uncertain. Tensions remain high with the West. Also, Khamenei, now 82, grows older, raising the possibility Iran will choose a new supreme leader in the coming years. Registration ends on Saturday. The Guardian Council will announce a final list of candidates by May 27, and a 20-day campaign season begins the following day. State TV called the election an opportunity for change. Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 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. Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Rain showers this morning with numerous thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, MAY 13 -Hamas on Thursday claimed responsibility for the launching of rockets on Tel Aviv and the surrounding area, Abu Obeida, the spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the armed faction of Hamas, said. Abu Obeida added that the Brigades had warned foreign airlines not to fly to Israel because "the two airports, Ben Gurion and Ramon (near Eilat), are targets of the Brigades". Alarm sirens sounded in Tel Avi on Thursday followed by explosions overhead, with flashes of light in the sky. The sound was due to the interception of rockets by the Iron Dome defense system. The attack on Tel Aviv, media report, is part of multiple rockets shot at the central part of Israel. Sirens were also heard in Beer Sheva, according to media reports. (ANSAmed). TORONTO, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAMM Pharma Corp. (including its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company or "RAMM") (CSE: RAMM), a leader in plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceutical and other cannabis-based products, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a definitive acquisition agreement with Canapar Corp. (Canapar) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on May 11, 2021, that provides for the acquisition of all the common shares of Canapar (Canapar Shares) that the Company does not currently own in exchange for an aggregate of approximately 21,904,095 common shares RAMM at a deemed value of $1.20 per Ramm Share (RAMM Shares) for a total purchase price of approximately $26.2 million (the Transaction). Based in Italy, Canapar is positioned to become one of Europe's largest vertically integrated cannabis companies. Canapar's state-of-the-art extraction facility is the largest in Europe and has been custom designed to produce active compounds to be used in high-quality pharmaceutical, wellness and cosmetic products from its 1,000-hectare organic hemp production and processing platform. The strategic acquisition is expected to further enhance RAMM and Canapar's ability to capitalize on the rapidly expanding European and global cannabis markets, provide additional distribution opportunities for RAMM's portfolio of internationally registered cannabis-based products, and leverage Canapar's significant investment in its vertically integrated operation to provide economies of scale and supply chain control. RAMM initially acquired a 49% stake in Canapar in December 2020 and invested $3 million in Canapar through a convertible note in January 2021. "This is a transformational acquisition for RAMM as it further strengthens our presence as a leader in the European cannabis market with a prominent and differentiated global cannabis platform," stated Jack Burnett, Chief Executive Officer of RAMM. "We are pleased to be advancing our successful relationship with RAMM. This acquisition will create additional opportunities for operational synergies and an increased ability to cross-leverage our respective expertise and product portfolios globally and access to growth capital," stated Sergio Martines, Chief Executive Officer of Canapar and proposed Director of RAMM. Strategic highlights of the Transaction Transformational acquisition to enter the European cannabis market and introduce RAMM's best-in-class cannabinoid pharmaceutical and other product formulations to a population of over 750 million people. Canapar is Europe's first fully integrated CBD (cannabidiol) company with approximately $35-million invested to date and is positioned to become one of Europe's largest CBD extraction companies with commercial sales commencing in the coming months. Significant Canapar supply contracts in place including a five-year agreement for 38.5 million euros (7.7 million euros per year) with a leading ingredient company for full spectrum CBD oil. Additional contracts being actively pursued and negotiated. Multiple source business-to-business and business-to-consumer revenue strategy in place to establish Canapar as a leading European supplier of high-margin CBD, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and wellness products. To date, Canapar has commercialized a full line of wellness products (35 SKUs) under its house brand Marishanti and has opened two Marishanti branded retail stores. Canapar is led by a globally renowned team with extensive entrepreneurial and leadership experience in pharmaceutical licensing, the development and commercialization of consumer products, deep industry relationships, as well as distinguished scientific and agricultural and expertise. Canapar's extraction facility is designed to meet EU-GMP (European Union-good manufacturing practice) and AIFA (Italian Medicine Agency) standards, with certification expected in 2022. As the largest pharma-grade extraction facility in Europe, with 450,000-kilogram biomass extraction capacity and approximately 10,000 kg CBD (based on 3% biomass) production capacity annually, industry-leading production costs to be realized. Strategically located in Italy, one of the strongest European cannabis markets, and the European country with the most progressive regulatory framework for hemp cultivation and CBD extraction. Made in Europe production is protected from tariffs and EU protectionist measures. RAMM has a strong financial position with net working capital of approximately $18.8 million (19 cents per share) including $16.2 million of cash (16 cents per share) and no debt at April 30, 2021.Canapar has net working capital of approximately $9 million and $4 million of cash as at April 30, 2021. Canapars total assets are approximately $27m as at December 31, 2020 and its only debt is its convertible promissory notes, which will be converted as part of the Transaction as outlined below. Terms of the Transaction The Company proposes to acquire all the outstanding Canapar Shares, other than any Canapar Shares currently held by the Company (that were acquired by the Company from RIV Capital Inc. (TSX: RIV) (formerly Canopy Rivers Inc.) on December 30, 2020). The purchase price will be satisfied by the issuance of RAMM Shares to the shareholders of Canapar (other than the Company) having a deemed value equal to C$1.20 per RAMM Share. The purchase price is based on a value of C$0.65 per Canapar Share and approximately 40,438,330 Canapar Shares (other than the Canapar Shares held by the Company) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction, which also includes approximately 6,761,214 Canapar Shares issuable upon the conversion of outstanding promissory notes of Canapar, including the principal amount and unpaid interest thereon (the Notes) (other than the Notes held by the Company), and approximately 2,784,616 Canapar Shares issuable upon the exercise of vested stock options of Canapar on completion of the Transaction. On closing of the Transaction, Sergio Martines, the current Chief Executive Officer of Canapar, will be appointed to the board of directors of RAMM such that the four-member board of RAMM will consist of: Jack Burnett (Chairman), Daniel Augereau, Eric Klein, and Sergio Martines. Mr. Martines will also be appointed to the senior management team of the Company and will keep the position of Chief Executive Officer of Canapar Corp. The Transaction is subject to standard closing conditions, and the approval of the shareholders of Canapar, which will be sought at a special meeting expected to be held on or about June 4, 2021, with closing expected to occur shortly thereafter. Matthew Bajurny has also stepped down from the board and the Company wishes to thank Mr. Bajurny for his contributions. Management Appointments RAMM is also pleased to announce it has appointed Guillermo Varela, CPA as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Varela is a Certified Public Accountant and the former Chief Financial Officer of GruneLabs, a cannabis pharmaceutical laboratory with operations in Portugal and Uruguay. Mr. Varela is ideally suited to lead the Companys financial oversight with his unique experience in the European and South American cannabis industry. RAMM would like to thank Matias Pineiro for his service as CFO of the Company since 2019 and through RAMMs public listing. About the European Cannabis Market Europe represents one of the largest potential cannabis markets globally. The Europe cannabis market is currently valued at US$3.5 billion and expected to reach US$37 billion by 2027 with an anticipated CAGR of 29.6% from 2020 to 2027 (ResearchAndMarkets.com, 2020). European countries are experiencing a transformation in the regulations for marketing cannabis and related products, facilitating easier cultivation, processing, and trade of the cannabis-derived products across this region. About Canapar Corp. Canapar with its wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe is an Italy-based manufacturer and processor of CBD oil, distillates and isolates, which are increasingly used as an input into new commercial products in the health and wellness industries. Canapar had secured more than 1,000 hectares of hemp through its outsource farming model and entered into an academic partnership with the University of Catanias Department of Agriculture. Canapar is also advancing its CBD extraction and processing capabilities through its new facility and is expecting to transform 450 metric tons of hemp biomass annually into CBD isolates and derivative products for distribution in Europe following the commissioning of its extraction machinery. With demand for products that contain natural active ingredients derived from plant extracts increasing significantly, Canapar plans on developing CBD-infused cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products for the Italian cosmetics market, which is the fourth largest such market in Europe, as well as the global market, which provides strong demand for Made in Italy brands. A video overview of Canapar's operations can be found on-line, and additional information about Canapar and can be found on its website at https://www.canapar.com/. About RAMM Pharma Corp. Led by renowned cannabis industry experts and backed by successful pioneers in the cannabis sector, RAMM is a leader in the field of cannabinoid pharmacology and product formulation for cannabis-based pharmaceuticals and other cannabis-based products. Founded in 1988 in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Company is a well established pharmaceutical and medical product business that has developed medically registered and approved plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceutical products. The Company currently has multiple approved and registered products that have been authorized for sale in Uruguay and compassionate use in several Latin American countries, as well as a pipeline of new products in various stages of approval and development produced in the Companys state of the art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified cannabis formulation facility. Further to its industry leading activities in the cannabis sector, the Company operates a successful pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical product development and medical services business which has been servicing the local market for 30 years. RAMM Pharma Corp. includes wholly owned subsidiaries Medic Plast SA, Yurelan SA, Glediser SA and RAMM Pharma Holdings Corp. Additional information about the Company is available at www.RAMMpharma.com. For further information, please contact: Guillermo Delmonte Chief Operating Officer of RAMM +598 92 223 131 info@RAMMpharma.com or Sergio Martnes Chief Executive Officer of Canapar +39 0932 183 6095 sergio@canapar.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward looking statements relate, among other things, the completion of the acquisition; the anticipated benefits of the acquisition to the Company and its shareholders; the timing and receipt of the required regulatory and shareholders approvals for the acquisition; the timing and ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent to completing the acquisition; the future growth potential of the Company on a post-acquisition basis; the Companys strategies and objectives, and future expansion plans. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of the Canapar Shares to the Company and its shareholders; the future growth potential of the Company on a post-acquisition basis; commissioning of Canapar Italys extraction machines; efficacy of the Companys product offerings; the expected timelines associated with the production, roll-out and availability of the Companys products; the ability to meet increased demand for the Companys products, changes in prices of required commodities; the impact of COVID-19 on the Companys workforce, suppliers, partners, customers, and other essential resources and what effect those impacts, if they occur, would have on the Companys business and operations; future growth potential of the Company; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the Uruguayan, Latin American, European and international medical and recreational cannabis markets and changing consumer habits; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for expansion; political and social uncertainties; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on cultivation, production, distribution and sale of cannabis and cannabis related products in Uruguay or internationally; and employee relations. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Trot Insider has learned that Korvette Hanover passed on Wednesday (May 5), according to his owners. He was 27. The son of Super Bowl and Keystone Impala raced exclusively for Julian Bertozzi and Phil Bisback, both of Ontario. In 72 starts, Korvette Hanover won 20 times and registered 16 minor placings, amassing $291,940 while taking on some of Ontario's top overnight trotters in a career that spanned from 1998 to 2002. He earned berths in three renewals of the Maple Leaf Trot, and finished fifth behind Magician in the 2000 Breeders Crown Open Trot at The Meadowlands. Following his racing career, Korvette Hanover enjoyed minor success as a sire, fathering 28 horses, 10 of whom won. Two of his progeny, Barbies Korvett and Catch My Corvette, banked over $200,000 in their respective on-track careers. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Korvette Hanover. In a bomb attack on May 6, former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed was critically injured, as were a few others. Going by the magnitude, the attack looks small, but in terms of the target selected, it cannot be underestimated. The fact that the attackers could get close to a high-profile target like Nasheed, who is also currently Speaker of the Peoples Majlis, the Maldivian parliament, raises two principal questions: Is there a larger jihadist context to the attack? Or was it an attack by his political opponents? Over the past decade or so, Islamic radicalisation has reared its head in this Sunni-majority state. The number of Maldivians drawn to Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrasas and jihadist groups has risen. Protests by Islamists bearing IS flags have become common on the islands. According to a Government of Maldives report, about 200 Maldivian citizens had travelled to Syria and fought alongside IS; double that number did try to sneak out, but many were impeded. In terms of proportion to population, this number is high, compared to other Muslim-majority Asian countries. Notably, those who returned from Syria indulge in radicalisation and recruitment of unemployed youth on behalf of IS through Furqan and Noor mosques. Political uncertainty and socio-economic issues are the main drivers that have fuelled Islamic radicalism in the atoll state. Pakistan-based jihadist group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) has exploited these faultlines through its charitable front organisation, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, to establish a foothold, especially in southern Maldives, in the garb of relief operations post-2004 tsunami. Developments in West Asia and the Af-Pak region have also influenced Maldivians toward radicalisation. Maldivian youth who returned from religious studies in Pakistani madrasas controlled by various jihadist groups and from Saudi Arabian madrasas carried radical ideas, and also jihadi connections. The madrasa-educated youth are indoctrinated to wage jihad in trouble spots like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Chechnya. This has had impact on the domestic front in the form of the rise of new Islamic radical groups with opportunistic political connections. Interestingly, Nasheed himself observed in 2019 that The al Qaeda and IS are developing a deep state within the Maldives and are capturing strategic positions in the security establishments in the police, military, in immigration, in the education ministry...so that a deep state is able to influence. Consequently, the country, which is known for its tourist attraction, has been witnessing violent attacks in the past decade. The first major terror attack took place in 2007 in Males Sultan Park, resulting in 12 casualties. Afrasheem Ali, a member of parliament, was assassinated in October 2012 for his anti-radicalisation stance. In August 2014, a local al Qaeda affiliate group claimed to have killed Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, a noted journalist critical of Islamic radicalism in the country. In February 2020, three foreign tourists were attacked on the island of Hulhumale. In April 2020, the IS claimed that it was responsible for the attack on Mahibadhoo harbour. Now, the attack on Nasheed is likely due to his criticism and personal push for countermeasures against Islamic radicalisation in the country. Notably, 17 jihadist organisations were banned in Maldives on the recommendations by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security that fall within the purview of Nasheed as the Speaker of the Majlis. The emerging pattern, therefore, suggests a clear involvement of a jihadist group associated with the IS. Ever since its loss in Syria and Iraq, IS has been spreading in the rest of the continent, most notably in South and Southeast Asia. The dispersion is in the form of affiliate groups that show allegiance to IS. The Easter attacks in Sri Lanka in April 2019 were, for instance, perpetrated by local affiliate groups like NTJ and JMI. Some of the local jihadist affiliates in Maldives include Soldiers of the Khilafah in the Maldives, Dot and al Mustaqim Media. Despite the emerging patterns, it is surprising that the local intelligence and security agencies failed to foresee an attack on a high-profile target like Nasheed. Maldives intelligence mechanism and cooperation with other countries has to be strengthened. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a possible resurgence of the Taliban may encourage possible outflow of Maldivian youth to Afghanistan. It is, therefore, important for Male to keenly monitor egress of would-be jihadists and ingress of battle-hardened returnees. There are indeed some countermeasures taken by the present government in the form of strengthening existing Prevention of Terrorism Act and establishing a National Counter Terrorism Centre for better coordination of all counterterrorism activities by various government bodies. But they are not sufficient. A national-level counterterrorism strategy that addresses the very root causes of radicalisation in various remote and poverty-stricken islands of the archipelago is the need of the hour. (The writer is Associate Professor, Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.) PALO ALTO, Calif., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Engageli , a purpose-built digital learning platform designed to provide superior learning experiences for students and instructors across higher education, today announced a $33 million Series A funding round, co-led by Maveron and Corner Ventures. Additional investors include Good Friends, Educapital, and several prominent individual technology executives. All of the venture capital firms that invested in Engagelis seed round also participated in the Series A. The new capital will be used to further scale Engagelis product development and fuel its continued growth. This round of funding brings Engagelis total financing to more than $47 million. Engageli was designed from the ground up by educators to offer an inclusive, engaging platform for students and to enable modern pedagogical best practices that drive student success. Its many features include flexible table groups, student note-taking, Q&A, chat functions, and student-instructor feedback loops, all designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Students can easily interact with their peers and their instructors during and after class as well as collaborate on course projects and materials in real time and between classes. Engageli is reimagining digital education. We built Engageli to deliver exceptional student experiences that are personal, engaging, and rooted in learning outcomes, said Dan Avida, co-founder and CEO of Engageli. Higher education institutions, instructors, and students are looking towards a future where multiple modalities for learning exist in parallel in person teaching, synchronous and asynchronous online education, as well as hybrid models. Engagelis platform is designed to support and enhance all these modalities. Maveron, Corner Ventures, and Good Friends have a proven track record of building successful consumer companies, and we look forward to partnering with them to build a platform that is beloved by students and instructors. As a result of the rapid adoption of online learning solutions, higher education institutions are increasingly embracing a hybrid approach to teaching in order to meet the needs of the entire student body. Whether students are learning in-person on campus, attending classes online, pursuing an education later in life, or working full- or part-time, Engageli provides them with an engaging, intuitive platform designed to enhance their learning experience. Dan Avida and his team at Engageli, that includes professors, talented technologists, and accomplished ed-tech executives, are uniquely suited to building a digital education solution that actually feels like a classroom and functions even better than some in-person courses, said Jason Stoffer, Partner at Maveron. Pandemic or not, every school needs Engageli to drive better outcomes for students, whether theyre taking remote classes full time or opt to tune in digitally when they need the flexibility. Were passionate about leveling the playing field in higher education, and Engagelis unique platform will help institutions reach and support the needs of every type of student. Its hard to go back once you raise the bar on engagement. With Engageli, I felt the experience was the most like a real classroom. Students are sitting at tables, I can quickly see what they are doing, they can ask others at their table questions, they are chatting and interacting, said Dr. Theodora Christou, a professor at Queen Mary University of London. I finally have an easy way to lead meaningful group work and case studies online. I would choose Engageli over any other existing tool that my university offers. Engageli also announced the spring release of its platform, which includes key features like attendance tracking, LMS integration, a speaker panel, and co-instructor capabilities. Over the past several months, the company welcomed Adam Spivak, Senior Vice President, North America Partnerships; Giovanni Dubois, Senior Vice President, Global Partner Success and International Partnerships; and Talia Kolodny, Director, EMEA Partnerships to its executive team. These executives bring extensive experience from successful edtech companies such as Coursera, General Assembly, and 2U/Trilogy Education Services. The company was recently named an Honorable Mention in Fast Companys World Changing Ideas awards. To learn more about becoming a university partner with Engageli, visit https://www.engageli.com/join . About Engageli Engageli is a digital learning platform optimized for student success and that delivers engaging teaching and learning experiences across a broad spectrum of needs for higher education. The company was founded in 2020 by a team that includes Dan Avida, Serge Plotkin, and Daphne Koller. Engageli has raised over $47 million in funding. About Maveron Maveron is a venture capital firm that exclusively invests in consumer companies. Founded in 1998 by Dan Levitan and Howard Schultz, representative Maveron investments include Allbirds, Eargo, CourseHero, Imperfect Foods, General Assembly, Trupanion, Lovevery, Pacaso, eBay, Zulily, and many more. For more information about Maveron, visit www.maveron.com, follow on Twitter @maveron or connect on LinkedIn. The nearest safety shelter was just a minutes run away, but 32-year-old Soumya Santhosh could not reach it to save herself when the barrage of rockets fired from Gaza Strip rained into Ashkelon in southern Israel. She was with another woman an 80-year-old, whom she was appointed to take care of. Soumya, originally a resident of Idukki in Kerala, couldnt survive the rocket attack on Tuesday. Her death, however, prompted the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv to once again advise all citizens of the country living currently in Israel to stay close to safety shelters reinforced concrete rooms that dot the conflict zones of West Asia. Amid intense aerial bombardment by both Hamas and the Israel Defence Force, the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv asked the citizens of the country in the West Asian nation to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by the local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters, it stated in an advisory issued for the citizens of India in Israel. The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has also got in touch with the Government of Israel for repatriation of the mortal remains of Soumya. V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, spoke to the bereaved family in Kerala and assured all possible assistance from the Government of India. He noted in a tweet that New Delhi had condemned the attacks and violence in Jerusalem and urged both sides to exercise restraint. Spoke with the family of Ms Soumya Santhosh to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance. We have condemned these attacks and the violence in Jerusalem, and urged restraint by both sides. V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) May 11, 2021 Santhosh was originally a resident of Keerithodu in the Idukki district of Kerala. She was working as a caregiver to an 80-year-old woman in Ashkelon, a coastal city in southern Israel. The 32-year-old was killed as one of the rockets fired by the militants of Hamas from the Gaza Strip hit the house of the octogenarian woman, who was also injured and hospitalized. Unlike many houses in the locality, the one where they lived did not have a fortified room to protect them from aerial bombardment. The two women could not reach the nearby rocket shelter before being hit, according to the reports received in New Delhi. Read | Malayali woman was on video call with husband while being killed in Israel bombing Santhosh was on a video-call with her husband in Kerala just before the rocket attack started. On behalf of the state of #Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh (Santhosh), murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives, Ron Malka, the ambassador of Israel to India, posted on Twitter. Our hearts are crying with her 9 years old son that lost his mother in this cruel terrorist attack. My heart goes out to her 9-year-old son, Adon, who has lost his mother at such a young age and will have to grow up without her. This evil attack reminds me of little Moses, who also lost his parents during the 2008 #Mumbaiattacks. May God give them strength and courage Ron Malka (@DrRonMalka) May 12, 2021 Malka too spoke to the family of Santhosh. I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & (and) extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & (and) we are here for them, he tweeted. The hostility between Israel and Palestine escalated over the past few weeks. The aerial strikes and counter strikes by Hamas and the Israel Defence Force intensified over night. At least 35 were killed in Gaza Strip and five in Israel. ISTANBUL - For the first time in 87 years, Istanbul's Hagia Sophia held Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan. Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum back to its use as a mosque on July 24, 2020. Hundreds of worshippers gathered in the square in front of the mosque in the historic Sultanahmet area. Most remained outside due to anti-COVID measures but a limited number were allowed inside the building. The prayer was led by the head of the religious affairs directorate or Diyanet, Ali Erbas, the top Sunni authority in Turkey. Immediately afterwards, worshippers began chanting slogans against Israel and for the Palestinian cause. For almost a millenium a Christian basilica, Hagia Sophia was converted to a Muslim place of worship after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Last summer, Turkey's Council of State annulled the 1934 decree with which the Turkish president at that time, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, had decided to transform it into a museum to "donate it to humanity". TORONTO, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last Chance for Animals (LCA), an international animal rights organization, is outraged that the Trudeau government has approved the export of 3 Beluga whales from Marineland into a new prison cell in the United States. LCA calls on the Federal Government to halt the transfer, rescind the permit and ensure all five whales: Sahara, Jetta, Kharabali, Havok, and Havana, will be protected from transfer. Neither the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) nor Liberal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan has publicly issued a statement announcing that the export permit had been granted to Marineland Canada. Nor had Hon. Jordan or the DFO publicly confirmed they had filed for the export permit. Despite several opportunities from Hon. Jordan to make her stance known, the permit was issued in secrecy, out of public view and scrutiny. LCA condemns the complete lack of transparency in this process and is calling for the immediate public release of the export permit and supporting documentation. Under the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which was passed in 2019, captive breeding and entertainment performances involving beluga whales are prohibited in Canada. The United States does not have a similar law, and although breeding and entertainment performances are prohibited under the import permit issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the permit expires in 5 years and leaves the whales vulnerable to breeding and being used in entertainment performances thereafter. "The Hon. Bernadette Jordan and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have undermined the public trust," said Chris DeRose, Founder and President of Last Chance for Animals. "Transferring the whales outside of the protections of Canadian law is unacceptable; why is the Canadian Government not upholding the intention of the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act? This transfer is being rushed, carried out in complete secrecy, and is not in the best interest of the Belugas." Reports indicate that a team of staff from Mystic Aquarium are on site at Marineland preparing the whales for export to Mystic Aquarium and that the team was not tasked with mandatory 2-week COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, as typically required by the Canadian Government. According to Mystic Aquarium's transport plan, the Beluga whales will be flown out of the Hamilton International Airport to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT. ABOUT LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS: LCA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and public awareness campaigns. Since its formation in 1984, LCA has succeeded as one of the nation's pioneer animal advocacy groups. LCA's educational and public outreach programs have empowered the public to make positive changes for animals in their communities. For more information, visit https://www.lcanimal.org/. MEDIA CONTACT Kevin Mercuri kevin@propheta.com 212-901-6914 ext 701 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ba2f18a-578e-49da-816c-b5e265447908 Outgoing U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Robert Abrams, left, receives a Korean name, Woo Byung-soo, as a gift from a South Korea-U.S. friendship group for his "contribution to the alliance and defense of South Korea" during a farewell event in Seoul, May 13. Yonhap Outgoing U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Robert Abrams said Thursday that a "rock solid" combined defense posture between South Korea and the United States is the "single greatest deterrent" against any potential adversaries, including North Korea. Abrams made the remark at a farewell event in Seoul, saying the U.S. will continue to work with its allies "to address the threats posed by North Korea through diplomacy and credible deterrence." "Any potential adversary should never, ever underestimate our resolve and commitment to defend the Republic of Korea," the general said, referring to South Korea by its official name. The remarks came as denuclearization negotiations between the U.S. and the North remain stalled since the collapse of the Hanoi summit in 2019. The new U.S. Joe Biden administration recently concluded its policy review on Pyongyang and offered to resume dialogue, but North Korea has shown no visible reaction to the proposal. The North earlier said it will ignore the U.S.' overtures until Washington gives up what it calls a hostile policy against the regime, warning of a "crisis beyond control." "As long as North Korea poses a significant threat, we are duty bound to keep our combined defense posture ready, credible and strong," Abrams said. "Expert readiness and rock solid combined defense posture remains the single greatest deterrent for any potential aggression against the Republic of Korea." Abrams, who is also at the helm of the U.N. Command and the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, took office in November 2018. In December, then U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Army Pacific Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera to succeed Abrams to lead the 28,500 American troops in South Korea. The nomination is now pending at the Senate Armed Services Committee for a confirmation hearing. At Thursday's event, Abrams received a Korean name, Woo Byung-soo, as a gift from a South Korea-U.S. friendship group for his "contribution to the alliance and defense of South Korea." "Serving as the Commander of the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command and the U.S. Forces Korea over the last 2 1/2 years has been a professional honor of my life," he said. Expressing gratitude for "a lifetime of memories" in South Korea, Abrams said, "I am going to have to find a place in North Carolina that makes good kimchi," a traditional Korean side dish normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers. (Yonhap) Mount St. Mary's University will host its 213th commencement exercises in four ceremonies on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 at Waldron Family Stadium. The ceremonies will celebrate the achievements of 560 total graduates. To ensure the health and safety of the Mount community, the university quadrupled the number of ceremonies from one to four, moved the events outdoors and limited the number of guests permitted per graduate. Masks are required, and physical distancing protocols will be followed. OVERVIEW OF GRADUATING CLASS The College of Liberal Arts - 185 The Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business - 107 The School of Education - 26 The School of Natural Science and Mathematics - 107 Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies - 6 Master of Arts in Teaching - 31 Master of Business Administration - 62 Master of Education in Instructional Leadership - 4 Master of Health Administration - 9 Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management - 13 Master of Science on Sport Management - 10 PEOPLE TO KNOW Commencement Speakers: Each ceremony will have its own commencement and student speakers. The commencement speaker at the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 15 is Jovita Carranza, former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2020-21 and treasurer of the United States from 2017-20. If conditions had allowed the traditional ceremony in Knott Arena, Carranza would have been the commencement speaker. She will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the ceremony. The student speaker at the first ceremony is Julia Baer, recipient of the 2021 Edward J. Flanagan Memorial Prize, awarded to the member of the senior class who best represents the tradition of the university in scholarship, conduct, and leadership. Baer, a resident of Emmitsburg, Maryland, is a double major in biology and chemistry. A Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship recipient in 2019-20, Baer will be pursuing a doctorate in ocean sciences at University of California Santa Cruz. The remaining commencement speakers are listed below: May 15, 4 p.m.: Richard P. Miller, C74, retired president and CEO of Virtua and vice chair of the Mounts board of trustees; student speaker: Alejandra Piti-Mesa, a health sciences and nursing major who is the recipient of the John N. Kolon Memorial Award, awarded to a member of the senior class who in his or her daily life has demonstrated outstanding courage and who has been an inspiration to his or her fellow classmates and the entire Mount community. May 16, 10 a.m.: Gracelyn McDermott, C'93, vice president for marketing, sales and business development at Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States and chair of the university's board of trustees; student speaker: Nathaniel Bald, a triple major in French, German and economics who is the recipient of the Rev. John B. Holley Memorial Prize, presented to a member of the senior class who has earned distinction in service to the church and community, May 16, 4 p.m.: Lieutenant General (Retired) Nadja Y. West, the 44th surgeon general of the United States Army and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, student speaker: Kristen Wachter Foreman, who is receiving a Master of Education with a 4.0 grade point average and is the 2021 Teacher of the Year at Ballenger Creek Elementary School in Frederick. Notable graduates, listed in alphabetical order: Nia Brown Brown, a business management major from Greenbelt, Maryland, has held a number of ledership positions on campus, including vice president of Women in Business and a member of the executive board of The V.O.I.C.E. She also served as secretary of the Maryland Student Legislature in her sophomore year and spent a semester studying abroad in Prague. After graduation - Technical consulting customer engineer at Microsoft. Jocelyn Castillo An Honors student and accounting major from Frederick, Maryland, Castillo enjoyed serving as a peer tutor. "The Mount has equipped me for post-college with ethical and moral knowledge that will help me become a trusted leader for my community," Castillo said. After graduation - Staff accountant at LSWG. Kerri Czekner One of 11 students nationwide to receive a Fulbright Research Award to Italy, Czekner, a biochemistry major and English minor from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, won the Seton Prize for the student with the highest average maintained throughout the course in biology and the James M. Murray Memorial Prize for an undergraduate with distinguished study of chemistry. Through a summer research internship in the summer of 2020, she created a portable spectrophotometer. After graduation - Conducting cancer research at the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia in the melanoma laboratory of Dr. Luisa Lanfrancone or pursing a doctorate at the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research. Sewa Gunn An international studies and political science major from Germantown, Maryland, Gunn served as president of the Student Government Association in his sophomore year and later became a member of the Men of Distinction. During his time at the Mount, he interned in the Mayor's Office of Human Services Homeless Services Program in Baltimore. After graduation - Master of legal studies at American University. Elena Rittie A business major with minors in accounting and theater, Rittie, of Reistertown, Maryland, drew on what she learned in all three areas of study for her senior honors project of directing a production of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." Rittie, a resident assistant and student admission tour director, was touched by the support she received when showtime came and several of her cast members were in COVID-19 isolation. "It showed me how much the people on this campus lift each other up, and I've never felt more loved than in that moment," she said. After graduation - Business Management Pathways Program at Northrop Grumman. Dhane Schmelyun Schmelyun, a biology major from Hanover, Pennsylvania, was a contact tracer and part of the wastewater analysis team that worked to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus. He was president of the Health Professions Club and leader of the MCAT study group. In the summer of 2019, he interned in the laboratory of David Ginty, Ph.D., C84, at Harvard Medical School. After graduation - Doctorate program in chemical biology interface, Johns Hopkins University. Michael Tomlin Tomlin, a business administration major through the Division of Graduate, Professional and Continuing Education in Frederick, comp;eted his degree in the fall of 2020. He works as a quality assurance analyst for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Since beginning at the Mount in 2016, he has become one of the subject matter experts on his team and has received two promotions. A Navy veteran, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007. Furthering his education was a way to help become a lifelong learner and counteract cognitive symptoms. Tomlin bikes to raise awareness about and raise money to create a world without MS. Learn more on his Facebook page. ROTC Commissioning Ten cadets from the Mounts Class of 2021 will be commissioned. They include Gloria DeMoura, Ethan Fiery, Mackenzie Flynn, Dylan Furnback, Brian Hester, Henry Hoffman, Hannah Orland, Franke Pantoja, David Shoop and Sean Zaleski. The cadets will commission as second lieutenant officers and serve on active duty or in the Army Reserve. Hester, who received the Lancer Award for outstanding performance and exemplary leadership in the Mount's ROTC program and has earned an MBA, served in the Army for 11 years as an Air Defense Auxiliary solider in multiple roles. He will serve as an Air Defense Artillery Officer, attending the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill in Oklahoma with a follow-on assignment to 5-7 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Baumholder in Germany. One of the region's largest employers and medical providers is shifting its billing services and other back-office financial functions to an Ohio company that plans to retain all of the workforce. The deal between Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Ensemble Health Partners takes effect Aug. 1. About 365 employees have been notified they'll be working for the privately held firm as of that date. "Ensemble has been instrumental in the success of its clients nationally, providing best practices, leadership and producing funds that are reinvested in patient care," Roper said in a statement. The Cincinnati-based company is a health care outsourcing business that specializes in "revenue cycle management." It includes handling bills, claims, reimbursement requests and debt collections. The process is becoming more of a financial burden, according to Roper, which said it and other medical systems "continue to face obstacles" because insurers are making it more difficult to get paid for services by imposing stricter criteria, such as placing more emphasis on patient-satisfaction targets. Rising deductible minimums are another challenge. As a result, providers are increasingly parceling out the work to outside experts, allowing them to free up capital and mitigate compliance risks. Roper said it will pay Ensemble a fee for taking over this part of its business. The transaction is not structured as a sale, spokesman Andy Lyons said. Melanie Stith, chief human resource executive for the nonprofit health system, said the deal will allow Roper to leverage Ensemble's "size and scale." Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! "The idea is to get better technology and more sophisticated processes to give our patients better service," she said May 12. Stith added that the switch isn't expected to affect the quality of medical care at Roper's four hospitals and its network of clinics because of the administrative nature of the work. Also, the employees who will be transferring do not have to reapply for their jobs, and their pay won't change, she said. "They will be working for a different company and doing the same thing but at a higher level," Stith said. Roper, which employs about 6,000 workers, moved about 600 administrative jobs that were scattered throughout the region to an office campus it built along Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston about five years ago. The new outsourcing deal was announced nearly 18 months after Bon Secours Mercy Health raised it ownership of Roper to 51 percent by injecting $185 million to recapitalize the Charleston-based medical system. Ensemble was formed in 2014. It now has about 7,100 employees and works with more than 90 hospitals and 400 health facilities in 39 states, according to its website. Roper's parent knows the outsourcing business well. Bon Secours Mercy Health owned Ensemble for about three years. It spun off the company in 2019 by selling a majority stake for a reported $1.2 billion to the private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. One-year extension in Ontario and expansion into Atlantic Canada to facilitate the adoption of Canadian healthcare solutions MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 12, 2021 /CNW/ - As the fight against COVID-19 continues it is more important than ever to support Canada's innovative and cutting edge health care companies. The federal government is committed to supporting Canadian businesses start up, scale up and access new markets to sell their made in Canada solutions around the world. The CAN Health Network is an integrated market which reduces barriers to procurement so health-tech companies can quickly and easily bring their innovations to the healthcare sector. It serves as a platform for companies to provide solutions to meet the needs of Canadians and our healthcare organizations. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, announced a one-year extension of the CAN Health Network project in Ontario, with an investment of $3.25 million in Trillium Health Partners through FedDev Ontario. This builds on the government's previous $3.5 million investment in 2019, which launched the network in Ontario and supports 15 companies to bring solutions to market. With this extension, bringing total support to $6.75 million, an additional 10 companies will benefit from the Network's approach to facilitating purchases of made-in-Canada healthcare solutions by domestic healthcare centres. Minister Ng also announced a more than $2.2-million investment for the Horizon Health Network through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to support the expansion of the CAN Health Network to Atlantic Canada. Working with the Atlantic innovation ecosystem, CAN Health will identify promising Atlantic companies to partner on commercialization projects through an open and transparent procurement process, with the objective of bringing new innovative solutions to the healthcare system that are developed in Atlantic Canada to scale across Canada and abroad. Quotes "Today's announcement is a great example of the innovative collaboration our economy needs in order to rebuild and recover from COVID-19. Our government is dedicated to helping businesses succeed and with investments in the CAN Health Network, which will continue to grow and help local innovative health sciences companies work directly with health care organizations, sell their technologies and grow their businesses here in Canada, and around the world." - The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion "Today's investment will boost an existing network that is instrumental in helping nurture some of Canada's most promising health sciences ventures. It is initiatives like these that position us to tackle our most pressing healthcare issues and develop made-in-Canada solutions while helping us stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation." - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages "Horizon Health is leading CAN Health Network's expansion to Newfoundland and Labrador and the Maritimes. We're building a comprehensive health network for our region, and this investment brings new innovations, jobs, and growth to our health and biosciences sectors." - The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St.John's South Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador "In the last year, the CAN Health Network has supported 15 healthcare organizations across Canada adopt new technologies developed here at home to support quality patient care. With the expansion into Atlantic Canada, the Network will continue to work with some of the best and most innovative health care organizations to support Canadian companies with the commercialization and scaling of their products here at home and abroad. As a result of continued Government of Canada investment we are working with partners across the health innovation ecosystem to bring new technology to our frontline and growing the Canadian economy by supporting local businesses." - Dr. Dante Morra, Chair of CAN Health Network and Chief of Staff, Trillium Health Partners Quick Facts The CAN Health Network currently operates in Ontario , Western and now in Atlantic Canada , with plans to expand to Quebec and the North, to build a national platform that harnesses the purchasing power of healthcare organizations. , Western and now in , with plans to expand to and the North, to build a national platform that harnesses the purchasing power of healthcare organizations. The Network's partners in Ontario include: Bruyere; Grand River Hospital; Hamilton Health Sciences; Prism Eye Institute; St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; SE Health; The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids); Trillium Health Partners; Sinai Health; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University Health Network and Unity Health Toronto. include: Bruyere; Grand River Hospital; Hamilton Health Sciences; Prism Eye Institute; Healthcare Hamilton; SE Health; The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids); Trillium Health Partners; Sinai Health; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University Health Network and Unity Health Toronto. The Network's partners in Atlantic Canada include: Eastern Health Authority; Health PEI; Horizon Health Network; IWK Health Centre; Medavie; Nova Scotia Health; Shannex and Vitalite Health Network. include: Eastern Health Authority; Health PEI; Horizon Health Network; IWK Health Centre; Medavie; Nova Scotia Health; Shannex and Vitalite Health Network. Through the Government of Canada's initial investment in CAN Health Network through FedDev Ontario, Trillium Health Partners supported 15 companies to commercialize eight projects through partnerships with 10 health organizations. From this initial investment, an additional six technologies are expected to be commercialized this year. initial investment in CAN Health Network through FedDev Ontario, Trillium Health Partners supported 15 companies to commercialize eight projects through partnerships with 10 health organizations. From this initial investment, an additional six technologies are expected to be commercialized this year. The Government of Canada has been on the ground helping businesses weather the impacts of the pandemic, through regional development agencies. With the measures outlined in Budget 2021, FedDev Ontario and ACOA will continue to be trusted partners delivering targeted support in their respective regions. Associated Links Trillium Health Partners Horizon Health Network CAN Health Network FedDev Ontario Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Stay Connected Subscribe to our Southern Ontario Spotlight monthly newsletter and follow us on Twitter , Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more information on how we are growing businesses, cultivating partnerships and building strong communities in Ontario. Follow ACOA on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube . SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada For further information: Youmy Han, Press Secretary, [email protected], 343-551-0246; Media Relations, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, [email protected] Related Links http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventeen local students will join Inland Empire Health Plan's (IEHP) community health team this summer in a new internship program focused on community program research and development. In this mutually-beneficial program, students will work hands-on with health plan staff to support the region's most vulnerable residents through the development of public health program curricula, analytical data support and more. In this program, student interns will learn the correlation between practical problems and public health issues, make connections between health services and social determinants of health, and will have the chance to work with IEHP Team Members at all levels to understand the dynamic flow involved in providing health care to more than 1.4 million Members. [Photo Source: Envato Elements] Selected from Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and The College of Osteopathic Medicine (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), the inaugural cohort of interns will consist of 10 Medical students, six Masters of Public Health students, and one Doctor of Public Health student who are committed to serving the Inland Empire (I.E.) after graduation. "Students are selected based upon their interests and area of concentration in public health with the goal of ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both the student and IEHP," said Dr. Deborah Freund, University Professor, Director of CGU's Doctor of Public Health Program, and CGU President Emerita. "Claremont Graduate University's School of Community and Global Health is committed to being a living laboratory for integrated health and well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. This collaboration brings dedicated public health students, our next leaders, into the community to make an immediate and positive impact." The student interns will learn the correlation between practical problems and public health issues, make connections between health services and social determinants of health, and will have the chance to work with IEHP Team Members at all levels to understand the dynamic flow involved in providing health care to more than 1.4 million Members. "The student interns will be challenged to better understand and solve problems currently impacting I.E. communities, especially those who have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Marcel Fraix, WesternU Assistant Dean and Professor, Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Chief of Section of Health Policy & Management in the university's Department of Population Health. "This allows students to better understand and help the patients and communities they will one day serve as future physicians and health care providers." The new internship program will also provide a pipeline of medical professionals to help address the ongoing provider shortage in the I.E. Set to begin in June 2021, the program is expected to run for one year, with the potential for additional years being added as the program develops. In the first of many planned initiatives through this multi-year collaboration, interns will assess the community and Member's current knowledge of COVID-19 and design curriculum based on findings. Through this work, interns will provide Members and communities with a clear understanding of COVID-19, the vaccine, and myths associated with vaccine hesitancy. In addition, interns will train and instruct IEHP Team Members and community-based partners to incorporate the curriculum in the future. "This new internship program brings together the hearts and minds of those who truly care for the I.E.," said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer. "We are eager to collaborate with these up-and-coming medical professionals and are committed to providing a rich and practical internship experience, as we work together to provide optimal care and vibrant health for our communities." About IEHP IEHP, Inland Empire Health Plan, is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plan and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. With a network of more than 6,400 providers and 2,300 employees, IEHP serves over 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare-Medicaid Plan). Through a dynamic partnership with Providers and community, award-winning service and innovative products, IEHP is fully committed to advocating for our Members and providing them with quality, accessible and wellness-based health care services. For more information, visit www.iehp.org. SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Related Links http://www.iehp.org Story Highlights 30% of Americans are worried about getting COVID-19 69% think the coronavirus situation in the U.S. is getting better Strict social distancing at lowest level since pandemic began in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Three in 10 Americans say they are worried about contracting COVID-19, marking the lowest point in a year's worth of measurement, as vaccinations against the disease continue to rise in the U.S. This includes 5% of U.S. adults who say they are "very worried" and 25% "somewhat worried." Line graph. Percentages of Americans who are very or somewhat worried about getting COVID-19 since April 2020. The latest 30% is the lowest on record, down from 57% late in 2020. This latest finding, from Gallup's April 19-25 COVID-19 probability-based web panel survey, is five percentage points lower than it was in March and 19 points lower than in February. The highest reading, 59%, was recorded last summer, but it was nearly as high (57%) at the end of 2020 as the vaccine rollout was just beginning. Since then, Americans' level of worry has steadily fallen as vaccinations in the U.S. have risen sharply. Still, one-third of those who are fully or partially vaccinated are worried about getting COVID-19, as are 44% of those who plan to get the vaccine but have not done so. Yet just 13% of U.S. adults who do not plan to be vaccinated express worry. While worry has fallen among all partisans, Democrats' has fallen the most, from 69% in February to 43% now. At the same time, Republicans' level of concern has dropped from 27% to 14% and independents' from 43% to 27%. Partisans' Worry About Contracting COVID-19 % Very/Somewhat worried Feb 14-21 , 2021 Mar 15-21 , 2021 Apr 19-25 , 2021 % % % Democrats 69 50 43 Independents 43 30 27 Republicans 27 17 14 gallup panel Views of Pandemic Remain Positive, but Less So Than in March Although a broad majority of Americans, 69%, say the coronavirus situation is getting better, this measure has declined eight points since March, when it rose 17 points from the previous month. Line graph. Percentages of Americans who think the coronavirus situation in the U.S. is getting a lot or a little better since April 2020. Currently, 69% of U.S. adults say it is getting better, down from 77% in March but higher than all other readings in the past year. In addition, 18% of Americans say the situation is staying the same and 14% say it is getting worse. Several events that occurred during the April poll's field period may explain the modest decline since March in perceptions the situation is getting better. The daily vaccination count in the U.S. began to decline after peaking earlier in the month. Additionally, the temporary pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to safety concerns took effect the week prior to the start of the poll and was lifted shortly before the survey ended. By April, concerns about multiple variants of the disease continued to mount and India plunged into a deep crisis, recording the world's biggest one-day surge in new COVID-19 cases. Social Distancing Behaviors Hit Lowest Points As more U.S. adults have been vaccinated, they have begun to follow the CDC's advice and relax their social distancing behaviors. Thirty percent of Americans now say they are completely or mostly isolating themselves from people outside their household, down eight points from March and the lowest reading since a year ago, when as many as 75% were doing so. Line graph. Percentage of Americans who say they are completely or mostly isolating themselves from people outside their household since April 2020. Currently, 30% say they are doing so which is the lowest on record. Similarly, Americans' avoidance of a variety of specific activities has fallen to the lowest points since mid-March 2020. While majorities still say they have avoided events with large crowds (60%) and travel by airplane, bus, subway or train (55%) in the past week, fewer have stayed away from public places such as stores or restaurants (44%) and small gatherings with family or friends (37%). Line graph. Percentage of Americans who say they have avoided four activities in the past week, including going to public places, attending events with large crowds, traveling and going to small gatherings since March 2020. Currently, 60% say they are avoiding events with large crowds, 55 traveling, 44% public places and 37% small gatherings. Although participation in more activities is on the rise, face mask use remains high, with 86% of U.S. adults saying they have worn one outside their home in the past week. It is, however, slightly diminished from the 91% recorded in late 2020 and early 2021. Bottom Line With COVID-19 vaccinations rising and cases in the U.S. falling, Americans are now less worried about contracting the disease than they have been since the pandemic began. They are also optimistic about the trajectory of the coronavirus situation in the U.S., although less so than in March when vaccinations were steadily increasing. By April, as supply began to catch up with demand, positivity was somewhat tempered. As more Americans become vaccinated, states are loosening restrictions and the public is relaxing social distancing behaviors. Still, they generally remain cautious, are wearing masks in public and support requiring proof of vaccination to participate in some activities. Despite glimpses of normalcy, hesitancy to travel and be in large crowds remains high, and a majority of Americans think the disruption from the pandemic will last through the end of 2021 (44%) or longer (23%). Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works. ROME, MAY 13 - The government's latest COVID decree moved from the Senate to the House Thursday by 114 votes to 25 with three abstentions. It must be passed into law by June 1. The Senate introduced novelties including the so-called 'penal shield' for doctors and health staff dealing with the COVID emergency. Culpable manslaughter and culpable lesions inflicted by them are now only punishable in cases of grave culpability. (ANSA). Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results SIPEKNE'KATIK, NS, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing is key to Canada's recovery. Budget 2021 is a plan to bridge Canadians through the crisis and towards a robust recovery. Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, announced close to $2.73 million, through the Projects Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). This funding will support the construction of a 20 unit project offering permanent, affordable housing to those who are experiencing homelessness in Nova Scotia's Indigenous community. Of note, half the units will be targeted to women and children. Delivered by CMHC, under the National Housing Strategy (NHS), RHI provides capital contributions to develop new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with modular multi-unit rental construction; conversion of non-residential to affordable multi-residential homes; and, rehabilitation of buildings in disrepair and/or abandoned to affordable multi-residential homes. Investments made under the RHI are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Quotes: "Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, our Government is moving faster than ever to provide more affordable housing to keep vulnerable Canadians out of harm's way. It is through the RHI that we are able to quickly provide these 20 new, safe and affordable housing units for at-risk individuals in Sipekne'katik. The new commitment to RHI through Budget 2021 will continue to make a real impact on families here in Nova Scotia and across the country." The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation "The rise in housing prices and demand in our province have created challenges for Nova Scotians when it comes to finding an affordable place to call home, so I'm really pleased to see our government making investments in our communities through the Rapid Housing Initiative. Through this program and its enhancements in Budget 2021, we are supporting those who are most vulnerable, creating good jobs and contributing to a better Nova Scotia." Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants "As one of the largest Mi'kmaq communities in the region with a continuously growing population, housing has been a critical issue for decades. With a capacity to provide only 3-4 new homes yearly within our annual budget it would take nearly a century before we could accommodate our current housing needs. We are very pleased that over the short to medium term this Rapid Housing Initiative funding will provide housing for some of our most vulnerable community members, women and children in particular." Chief Mike Sack, Sipekne'katik First Nation Quick facts The project received a contribution $681,340 from Sipekne'katik First Nation, of which $100,000 are funds which were provided to Sipekne'katik by Indigenous Services Canada. from Sipekne'katik First Nation, of which are funds which were provided to Sipekne'katik by Indigenous Services Canada. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada invested an additional $1.5 billion in new funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021-2022, to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with permanent affordable housing. invested an additional in new funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021-2022, to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with permanent affordable housing. At least 25 percent of this new funding will go towards women-focused housing projects. All units will be constructed within 12 months of when funding is provided to applicants. This investment will more than triple the initial target set under the Rapid Housing Initiative as the program will now help create over 9,200 affordable housing units across the country. Overall, this new funding will add a minimum of 4,500 new affordable units to Canada's housing supply, building on the 4,700 units already funded in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement through its $1 billion investment. housing supply, building on the 4,700 units already funded in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement through its investment. Under the RHI Projects Stream $500 million was available through an application-based process, which closed on December 31, 2020 . Funding was available to Provinces, Territories, and Municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations. . Funding was available to Provinces, Territories, and Municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations. RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and others who are among the most vulnerable, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2+, racialized groups, Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees. With the $1 billion RHI, the Government of Canada will support the creation of over 4,700 permanent, new affordable housing units across Canada , of which nearly 40% are for Indigenous peoples. These units will help address urgent housing needs for vulnerable Canadians. RHI, the Government of will support the creation of over 4,700 permanent, new affordable housing units across , of which nearly 40% are for Indigenous peoples. These units will help address urgent housing needs for vulnerable Canadians. Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $70+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call homethis includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. Associated links: As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation For further information: Media contacts: Mikaela Harrison, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, [email protected]; Brie Martin, Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,[email protected] Related Links www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, First Liberty Institute sent a letter to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) demanding it exempt Jackie Gale, a rising Sophomore, from the schools mandated vaccine policy. UAB did not require Jackie to comply with the schools immunization policy to attend in-person during the 2020-21 school year but has refused to register her for 2021-22 unless she does so. You can read the letter here. Jackie takes her faith very seriously and is simply asking UAB to respect her sincerely held beliefs, said Christine Pratt, Counsel at First Liberty Institute. Alabamas constitution ensures that Jackies sincerely held religious beliefs cannot be dismissed by UAB. It is appalling that UAB is demanding that Jackie violate the deeply held religious beliefs she has honored her entire life. For religious reasons, Jackies parents never had her vaccinated as a child. Jackie has attended Alabama public schools since moving to Alabama in the second grade, and Jackie received from the Alabama state health department a religious exemption card that excuses her from the states vaccine requirements for K-12 public school students. Now a 19-year-old college student at UAB, Jackie herself has religious objections to receiving any vaccine. UAB granted Jackie an exemption from its vaccine requirements during the 2020-2021 school year but now refuses to apply the same exemption. UAB provides exceptions from its vaccine mandates for students who can document medical and/or other contraindications to a vaccine, not for religious students. However, for employees of the medical school, for the flu vaccine only, UAB Medical provides for the possibility of an exemption due to religious/ethical/moral beliefs. According to First Libertys letter, Both the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Amendment of the Alabama Constitution protect Ms. Gales religious exercise right to refuse to take UABs mandated vaccines. UAB is a public university that provides exemptions to its immunization policy for medical, but not religious, reasons. As such, UABs policy triggers, and subsequently fails, strict scrutiny under recent Supreme Court precedent interpreting the Free Exercise Clause. In addition, UABs immunization policy impermissibly burdens Gales religious exercise under the Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment. The letter adds, Thus, under its current policy, UAB is treating a comparable secular activitythe act of declining vaccines for medical reasonsmore favorably than when a student performs the same activity as part of his or her religious convictions. 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 Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453. Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org Direct: 972-941-4453 TURIN, MAY 13 - Italian police on Thursday arrested a prison imam at Alessandria for allegedly hailing jihad and calling for the destruction of the Vatican. The man, a Moroccan detainee, allegedly praised terrorist attacks like those on the offices of Paris satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo after it published cartoons of Mohammed. The man has been charged with instigation to commit crimes, especially terror offences, as well as propaganda and instigation to offend on ethnic and religious grounds. As well as calling for the destruction of the Vatican, the imam also expressed admiration for Osama Bin Laden and Twin Towers pilot Mohammed Atta. He also called for the elimination of the Jewish people, sen as the sworn enemy of Islam. He allegedly tried to recruit terror followers between July 2020 and March 2021, police said. The man has been moved to another northern jail,at Novara. (ANSA). Xunsu.org scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 14 Oct 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the xunsu homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if xunsu has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the xunsu homepage on StumbleUpon. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the xunsu homepage on Twitter + the total number of xunsu followers (if xunsu has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the xunsu homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the xunsu homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Under Construction DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. Domain and Server DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE Italian Italian SERVER Apache/2.2.22 (Unix) FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Character set and language of the site. Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services. The language of xunsu.org as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for xunsu.org by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The type of Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND GUADALAJARA, Mexico, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the Company or GAP) announces that on May 28, 2021 it will be made the capital reduction payment approved at the General Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting held on April 27, 2021. The capital reduction payment will be in accordance with the second resolution approved during the Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting and is equivalent to Ps. 3.8230950615 for each outstanding share. The capital reduction payment corresponds to the thirty such payment. Company Description: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexicos Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAPs shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PAC and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GAP. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the operation of the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the operation of the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica and took control of the operation in October 2019. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, and are based on managements current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, plans and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial conditions, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and article 42 of the Ley del Mercado de Valores, GAP has implemented a whistleblower program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that may involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party that is in charge of collecting these complaints, is 01-800-563-0047. The web site is www.lineadedenuncia.com/gap. GAPs Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation. THE line-up for this years Henley Literary Festival schools programme has been announced. It will run from October 4 to 8 and feature World Book Day illustrator Rob Biddulph, who will present his novel Peanut Jones & The Illustrated City. Former childrens laureate and War Horse author Michael Morpurgo returns while Costa Childrens Book Award winner Natasha Farrant will present her new book, Voyage of the Sparrowhawk. Younger children will be entertained by Kjartan Poskitt and Alex Willmore as they continue the story of The Runaway Pea, Smriti Halls revisits the world of Bear and Squirrel with Im Sticking With You Too and Horrid Henrys Francesca Simon will bring with her the Two Terrible Vikings. Pupils aged 11 and above can join in as bestselling author Liz Kesslar will discuss the Holocaust with When the World Was Ours. Zanib Mian, Thiago de Moraes, Jenny McLachlan and Dr Shini Somara are also on the programme The events, for school pupils aged three to 14, will take place at Christ Church in Reading Road and a marquee in the grounds of Phyllis Court Club. They last 45 minutes each. A grant from the Arts Council has provided a live stream for the events to be screened directly into classrooms and school halls free of charge. Jessica Dean, the festivals childrens programmer, said: We are really proud of making our schools schedule varied and aligned to curriculum topics while still featuring some of the UKs best-loved childrens authors. The success of last years virtual events saw record-breaking attendees for our schools programme and the fantastic grant provided by the Arts Council has enabled us to stream events free to schools this year in addition to being able to buy tickets to join us in person. Children can watch from the comfort of their classrooms or school halls and ask questions to the authors using the Q&A function. We are thrilled that pupils from all schools will be able to access inspiring author events. For more information, visit www.henleyliterary festival.co.uk 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! NEW YORK, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, has launched an investigation into whether the board members of Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) breached their fiduciary duties or violated the federal securities laws in connection with the companys acquisition by Paper Excellence. Click here to learn more and participate in the action. On May 11, 2021, Domtar announced that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by Paper Excellence for approximately $3 billion. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Domtar stockholders will receive $55.50 in cash for each share of Domtar common stock owned. The deal is scheduled to close in the second half of 2022. Bragar Eagel & Squire is concerned that Domtars board of directors oversaw an unfair process and ultimately agreed to an inadequate merger agreement. Accordingly, the firm is investigating all relevant aspects of the deal and is committed to securing the best result possible for Domtars stockholders. If you own shares of Domtar and are concerned about the proposed merger, or you are interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact Melissa Fortunato or Alexandra Raymond by email at investigations@bespc.com or telephone at (646) 860-9157, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Sebastopol, CA (95472) Today Sunny. High 68F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 44F. WSW winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. CanNor focuses on supporting Northern businesses beyond the pandemic NUNAVUT, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event, which brings unique challenges to businesses across the territories. CanNor has been there to support entrepreneurs and businesses since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to support their recovery by making strategic investments that help contribute to Canada's economic recovery. Through its $15 million Northern Business Relief Fund as well as its $34.3 million portion of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, CanNor has supported small- and medium-sized businesses across the territories in an investment of over $31.3 million maintaining over 1,685 jobs and supporting 565 businesses. This funding has gone a long way to help Northern businesses survive the pandemic and position them for a strong recovery. CanNor makes strategic investments for the future In addition to its relief funding, CanNor continues to support the territories through its full suite of regular economic development programming, some of which are designed to make foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy. Moving forward, CanNor will continue to make strategic investments in the foundations and structures already in place in order to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Northerners. Through funding of up to $3 million in the Fall Economic Statement and new funding introduced in Budget 2021, CanNor will be able to continue its pivotal role in supporting the recovery of communities and businesses in the territories to help build a vibrant Northern economy. CanNor will be delivering its share of funding for the following proposed Budget 2021 investments: $700 million over three years through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program to support business financing, positioning local economies for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery and enhancing competitiveness; over three years through the to support business financing, positioning local economies for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery and enhancing competitiveness; $500 million over two years for a new Canada Community Revitalization Fund to stimulate local economies, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Canadians from coast to coast to coast; and over two years for a new to stimulate local economies, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Canadians from coast to coast to coast; and $500 million to establish a new Tourism Relief Fund that will help local tourism businesses in adapting their products and services to public health measures, support their recovery and position them for growth. Furthermore, Budget 2021 proposes several investments to support the Northern economy: $40.4 million to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North. to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North. $8 million to the Government of the Northwest Territories to support the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university. to the Government of the to support the transformation of to a polytechnic university. $163.4 million to expand the Nutrition North Canada program and address food insecurity. Budget 2021 is a plan to bridge Canadians and Canadian businesses through the crisis and towards a robust recovery. As the regional development agency for the North, CanNor will play a pivotal role in helping the Northern economy get back on track, stronger than before. Quotes "This past year has taught us the importance of investing in our local and regional economies as a way to build resilience and maintain vibrancy in our communities. The impact of CanNor's support in Canada's territories through the pandemic proves they are the right tool to create jobs, stimulate growth and help us come back stronger than ever, which is why we are proud to invest in their future through Budget 2021." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CanNor "CanNor plays a key role in supporting the unique territorial economies. Thanks to the Agency's expertise and strong relationships with its territorial partners we are able to tailor funding and truly meet the needs of Northerners and Northern businesses to help them grow and prosper once more." Larry Bagnell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) "CanNor's ongoing support throughout the pandemic has been crucial to the survival of many businesses. The Government of Canada's funding has gone a long way in helping entrepreneurs across the territories weather the economic impacts of the past year." Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories Quick facts CanNor's Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF) was designed to provide direct support for ongoing operating costs incurred by small- and medium-sized businesses across the territories, in order to help them continue to play their vital role in Northern communities. The national Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), delivered through Canada's regional development agencies, supported SMEs across Canada which were unable to access other relief measures and were in danger of falling through the cracks. regional development agencies, supported SMEs across which were unable to access other relief measures and were in danger of falling through the cracks. Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures for the North include: over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures for the North include: Investing in Clean Energy in Northern and Indigenous Communities by: Investing $40.4 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North. This funding could advance projects such as the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project in Yukon and the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link Project in Nunavut . Projects will provide clean power to northern communities and help reduce emissions from mining projects. over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North. This funding could advance projects such as the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project in and the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link Project in . Projects will provide clean power to northern communities and help reduce emissions from mining projects. Supporting Post-secondary Education in the North through: $8 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to the Government of the Northwest Territories to support the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university. This would help create new opportunities in the Northwest Territories and prepare northerners for good jobs. over two years, starting in 2021-22, to the Government of the to support the transformation of to a polytechnic university. This would help create new opportunities in the and prepare northerners for good jobs. Ensuring Food Security in the North by providing: $163.4 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to expand the Nutrition North Canada program and enable the Minister of Northern Affairs to work directly with Indigenous partners, including in Inuit Nunangat, to address food insecurity. Related products Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED. Follow CanNor on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) For further information: Catherine Mounier-Desrochers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, [email protected]; Naomi Sharpe, Communications Manager, CanNor, 867-975-2718, [email protected] Related Links http://www.cannor.gc.ca PHILADELPHIA, May 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rittenhouse Realty Advisors, a commercial real estate sales brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of a 43 parcel, 204 unit multi-family portfolio in Wilmington, Delaware. The multi-site portfolio is situated within blocks of numerous new downtown developments and all properties are within walking distance to the Wilmington Business District. Historically the properties have had high occupancy and the portfolio performed well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The property traded at over $14 million. Bob DiPasquale and Corey Lonberger of Rittenhouse Realty Advisors arranged the sale to a buyer that was new to the Delaware market. Bob DiPasquale, Senior Associate, stated: "This portfolio was purchased by investors out of the New York City market that we introduced to the Wilmington area. The Northern Delaware market has been seeing a large influx of regional buyers being drawn to the area in search of better returns than they see in the NYC/Northern New Jersey MSA. This is driving values in Wilmington to all-time highs. Corey Lonberger, Managing Partner, added: Given the complexity of the portfolio being situated across 43 separate parcels, we were able to persevere through the added complications of COVID-19. At the end of the day, we netted our clients the most value for their unique assets, while also providing a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction for all parties involved." For more information on current rates or to view our available listings visit www.RittenhouseRealty.com . Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rittenhouse Realty Advisors is a real estate advisory firm with an extensive focus in the brokerage of multi-family communities throughout the northeast region of the United States. Formed in February 2013 by a group of advisors with more than 30 years of commercial investment sales experience, our focus is on multi-family and mixed-use properties with significant residential components. DE Broker of Record License Number: RB0020193 www.RittenhouseRealty.com Press Contact: Corey Lonberger and Ken Wellar Managing Partners 215-454-2852 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0d8a182-79e8-4521-80ad-a8a3d37888e4 HALIFAX, NS, May 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Chorus Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) is proud to announce that its subsidiary, Voyageur Aviation Corp. ('Voyageur'), in partnership with General Dynamics Mission SystemsCanada, has been awarded the In-Service-Support ('ISS') contract for the Manned Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance ('MAISR') program. The initial in-service support contract is for approximately 8 years. The contract could be extended for over 20 years. Voyageur and General Dynamics will support the Canadian Armed Forces ('CAF') intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs, while servicing its newly acquired fleet of three Beechcraft King Air 350ERs and associated mission systems. Together, Voyageur and General Dynamics bring proven aircraft ISS, deployed operations support, material management, aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, and supply chain management experience all elements that are critical to the successful achievement of the MAISR ISS program. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with General Dynamics to deliver world class support to the Canadian Armed Forces. Chorus has a unique suite of integrated regional aviation and special mission solutions which are once again being demonstrated here," said Joe Randell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. "For almost 20 years, Voyageur has gained expertise in supporting our own special mission and humanitarian air services deployed around the globe," said Scott Tapson, President, Voyageur. "We are delighted to be combining this experience with General Dynamics in supporting the CAF with our collective capabilities." "General Dynamics has over 70 years of experience working closely with the CAF and welcomes the opportunity to now build on that," said David Ibbetson, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Mission SystemsInternational. "We are pleased to work with North Bay-based Voyageur to leverage our combined technical expertise and deep understanding of the ISR mission set, while ensuring MAISR fleet availability and mission success for years to come." Due to the long-term nature, and scope of this contract, an office will be set up and staffed at 8 Wing, CFB Trenton. Approximately 40 highly skilled jobs, split between General Dynamics and Voyageur employees, will be created and sustained in Central and Northeastern Ontario. About Voyageur Aviation Corp. Voyageur Aviation Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. Voyageur is an integrated provider of specialized aviation services, including contract flying operations both internationally and domestically, and offers advanced engineering and maintenance capabilities. Headquartered in North Bay, Ontario, Voyageur delivers innovative solutions to customers with unique aviation requirements and operates under the core principles of comprehensive safety management, quality assurance, and client-dedicated solutions. For more information, visit www.voyav.com. About Chorus Aviation Inc. Chorus is a global provider of integrated regional aviation solutions. Chorus' vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chorus is comprised of Chorus Aviation Capital a leading, global lessor of regional aircraft, and Jazz Aviation and Voyageur Aviation companies that have long histories of safe operations with excellent customer service. Chorus provides a full suite of regional aviation support services that encompasses every stage of an aircraft's lifecycle, including aircraft acquisitions and leasing; aircraft refurbishment, engineering, modification, repurposing and preparation; contract flying; and aircraft and component maintenance, disassembly, and parts provisioning. Chorus Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. Chorus 6.00% Senior Debentures, 5.75% Senior Unsecured Debentures, and 6.00% Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols 'CHR.DB', 'CHR.DB.A', and 'CHR.DB.B', respectively. For more information, visit www.chorusaviation.com. About General Dynamics General Dynamics Mission SystemsCanada delivers advanced system solutions to Canadian and international customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, it is one of the largest defence and security companies in Canada and is a world-class prime contractor and systems integrator for military and public safety applications. For more information on General Dynamics Mission Systems, visit www.gdmissionsystems.ca Forward-Looking Information This news release includes 'forward-looking information'. Forward-looking information may be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the expected term of the contract for the MAISR program and any possible extensions thereto, and comments with respect to strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on assumptions and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, among other things, external events, changing market conditions and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information for a number of reasons, including the possibility that the contract for the MAISR program may be terminated before its scheduled expiry or that it may not be extended beyond the initial 8 year term, as well as the risk factors identified in the Risk Factors section of Chorus' Annual Information Form dated February 18, 2021 and in Chorus' public disclosure record available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Chorus' expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. Chorus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing factors and risks are not exhaustive. SOURCE Chorus Aviation Inc. For further information: Chorus Media Contact: [email protected]; General Dynamics Media Contact: [email protected] Related Links www.chorusaviation.ca With the return of migrant workers from the Gulf to India due to the spread of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic that impacted the global economy since the beginning of 2020, the inward remittances into India remained flat at $83 billion in 2020 (a mere drop of 0.2% over 2019), according to a World Bank report. In 2019, the inward remittance into India, the largest recipient country in South Asia, stood at $83 billion. Much of the decline was due to a drop in remittances from the United Arab Emirates. An estimated 1.2 million migrant workers out of 4 million from Kerala returned from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2020 after the global pandemic left them jobless, the World Banks Migration and Development Brief reveals. These workers contribute 30 per cent of Keralas income. The remittances from the United Arab Emirates fell by 17 per cent, which somewhat offset resilient flows from the United States and other host countries. Read more: Key RBI steps to ease stress According to the World Bank, the South Asian region saw a surge of returning migrant workers last year due to the health and global economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic with low-skilled workers taking the hardest hit. China, which received $59.5 billion in remittances in 2020 against $68.3 billion in the previous year, stood behind India in terms of global remittances for 2020, the World Bank said. In Pakistan, remittances rose by over 17 per cent to a record high of $26.1 billion; remittances from Saudi Arabia increased by over 46 per cent, from European Union countries by 25 per cent, and from the United Arab Emirates by 19 per cent. Also read: Millions plunge into poverty in Covid-ravaged India Remittances trends Inward remittance flows to South Asia rose by about 5 per cent in 2020, driven by a surge in flows to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Bhutan and Sri Lanka also posted strong gains last year, while India and Nepal experienced a small drop in remittances. For 2021, it is projected that remittances to the region will slow slightly to 3.5 per cent due to a moderation of growth in high-income economies and a further expected drop in migration to the GCC countries, the World Bank report said. Defying projections of a severe contraction officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) reached $540 billion in 2020, just 1.6 per cent below the 2019 total of $548 billion, according to the Migration and Development Brief. The decline was smaller than the one during the 2009 global financial crisis (4.8 per cent). Also, remittances did not decline as much as FDI flows to LMICs, excluding flows to China, fell by over 30 per cent in 2020. As a result, remittance flows to LMICs (excluding China) surpassed the sum of FDI and overseas development assistance in 2020. Foremost among the drivers of remittance flows and reasons behind their resilience during the crisis was migrants desire to help their families, to send money home by cutting consumption or drawing on savings, said Dilip Ratha, Lead Economist, Migration and Remittances and Head of KNOMAD. Cybersecurity What is TSA's role in pipeline security? Lawmakers and government officials are re-examining the Transportation Security Administration's place in regulating the cybersecurity of the country's natural gas pipelines in the wake of the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline's business systems. The office responsible for those policies is historically short staffed and the agency has yet to address several issues brought up by government auditors in December 2018. In this instance, Colonial Pipeline faced a crippling attack on its IT system, but the fallout from the event has regulators and lawmakers worried about how the U.S. is prepared to confront an assault on the industrial control systems that manage energy pipelines. The Department of Energy has been designated the sector specific agency for cybersecurity incidents, and its Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) office is managing response. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is tracking the attack and publishing regular bulletins to industry about guarding against ransomware. The FBI is also investigating. TSA has the statutory authority to regulate pipeline cybersecurity but has historically relied on industry standards and non-mandatory guidelines. Pipeline owners also work with the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for non-cybersecurity related issues. There have been several pushes in Congress over the years to clarify or shift responsibilities, but those bills ultimately failed. Still, many are concerned about the current distribution of authorities. "It is time to establish mandatory pipeline cybersecurity standards similar to those applicable to the electricity sector. Simply encouraging pipelines to voluntarily adopt best practices is an inadequate response to the ever-increasing number and sophistication of malevolent cyber actors," said Richard Glick, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said in a statement on Monday. FERC, which regulates the electric grid, has previously called for authorities over pipelines to change hands. A senior TSA official in 2019 testified to lawmakers the office responsible for securing the nation's pipelines -- the surface division in the office of security policy and industry engagement -- has only five full-time employees, none of whom are cybersecurity experts. Leslie Gordon, acting director of Homeland Security and Justice at GAO, told FCW on Monday that three recommendations from her office's December 2018 report to TSA about improving "significant weaknesses" in its pipeline security management remain open. The open recommendations include the TSA administrator developing a strategic workforce plan needed to conduct critical facility security reviews. The watchdog recommended TSA identify other data sources for determining the threats and vulnerabilities of critical pipelines. Auditors also wrote that TSA should coordinate an "independent, external peer review of its Pipeline Risk Ranking Tool. TSA officials have indicated to GAO that the three recommendations would be addressed later this year. A separate 2019 report also recommended that TSA update its 2010 Pipeline Security and Incident Recovery Protocol Plan to accommodate for modern threats and technology. Gordon said TSA indicated that would be done by June 30. A TSA spokeswoman told FCW on Monday that it had expanded its surface operations capabilities to include transportation security inspectors and partnered with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Idaho National Labs "to provide advanced cybersecurity training." Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) in an interview with the Washington Post called for TSA to be held accountable for security failures and suggested evaluating whether TSA is best positioned to oversee natural gas and oil pipelines. Karen Evans, who headed CESER during the Trump administration and has served as CIO of the Department of Homeland Security said the current arrangement, "makes sense if you work it from the inside." She added: "There's a bunch of other things that come into play, not just cyber." In a May 11 letter to CISA's chief, Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, spoke favorably of a public-private initiative involving CISA, Energy and TSA to conduct "validated architecture and design review assessments" on pipeline systems, and wanted to know if the assessment program, which focuses on natural gas transport, will be expanded to include fuel pipelines. Chris Strand, chief compliance Officer at the threat intelligence firm IntSights, told FCW shifting regulatory authorities to FERC makes sense from a cybersecurity perspective. "It would then position the oil and gas energy industry under the same intense and mandatory reporting structure on cybersecurity as the rest of the energy industry," he said on Wednesday. "This would include more scrutiny and mandatory regulation for reporting cybersecurity incidents," as well as compliance with a standard baseline security control set or guideline" that meets existing North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection standards. Tim Conway, a technical director specializing in industrial control systems at the SANS Institute, told FCW the authorities could be made clearer, but that has not necessarily impeded the government's response to the attack on Colonial. "The ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline has demonstrated that clear rules would help for this event and future events, but the confusion over authorities is not crippling our nation's ability to respond and work together across agencies regardless of declared authorities," he told FCW on Wednesday. He said the level of cooperation both between government and the private sector and between government agencies was "encouraging," and said, "it is important that we move quickly and align regulatory bodies to make our national response more streamlined to address future cyber threats." Corrections Unit Caseworker - $20.00 Hourly Location of position: Nebraska Corr. Center for Women, 1107 Recharge Road, York, NE 68467 Examples of Work The duties for this position include: observe, monitor, and coordinate inmate activities, including unit sanitation, clothing exchange, food service, medical distribution, mail distribution, and room and unit inspections. Must be alert to security, health and safety situations. Guides, observes, and documents inmate behavior for the purpose of establishing/following rehabilitation/treatment plans and discipline. Writes reports on inspections, inmate grievances, disciplinary actions, and inmate performance. Trains inmates in specific task and job practices of sanitation. Observes inmates in the housing unit area to detect abnormalities, problems, or unrest and to initiate corrective actions. Instructs inmates on the rules and regulations of the unit and expected behavior. Counsel inmates, including crisis intervention, to assist them in adapting to the prison environment; solving problems; filing grievances; and planning for treatment changes, furloughs, and parole. Participate in disciplinary and security actions including counts, searches, and use of force. May transport inmates on travel orders. Overtime, voluntary and mandatory, includes weekends, holidays and double-shifts. Qualifications / Requirements REQUIREMENTS: Associate's degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, human services or related field OR two years of experience working with persons referred through the legal system. Must be at least 18 years of age. No felony or domestic abuse related convictions. PREFERRED: Bilingual skills in English and Spanish desired. OTHER: Must have a valid driver's license. Transcripts required prior to appointment. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass the following pre-employment exams in this order: medical exam, and at a randomly announced time, pass a drug test. Once at the Staff Training Academy, must successfully complete the fully paid Nebraska Corrections Training Program. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: organizational structure; administrative regulations; operational memorandums; unit policies and procedures; counseling techniques and procedures; programs and opportunities open to inmates; caseload management. Ability to: communicate effectively with inmates, staff, and the public; exercise leadership and sound judgment; operate within established guidelines; plan, assign, and monitor the work of others; effectively counsel inmates/offenders; write reports and make recommendations; observe inmates/offenders and detect problems or unrest; understand and apply instructions. recblid rv0x018i5xbpr7fdlr3iok5hrcmpy0 (Global Times) Experts and scholars from countries surrounding the South China Sea have repeatedly discussed how to create a new order in the region based on cooperation against the backdrop of challenges to peace and stability. They tend to remain on the same page on this matter: Cooperation, rather than conflict, is more in line with each party's best interests. The collaboration among countries surrounding the South China Sea can be divided into three levels. First, claimants including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei should resolve their differences through direct bilateral negotiations. Second, countries can build crisis management mechanisms through bilateral or multilateral talks to avoid maritime conflicts. Furthermore, all countries in the region should engage in regional maritime governance. Currently, maritime cooperation in the South China Sea is characterized by more bilateral engagements than multilateral ones, focus more on traditional fields than non-traditional ones, and more on initiatives with less implementation. Although China has established stable bilateral mechanisms of negotiations with countries including Vietnam and the Philippines to manage maritime disputes, as an important part of the new order in the South China Sea, cooperation in non-traditional fields and regional maritime governance has long been in stalemate despite of some consensuses. Three factors have led to this situation. First, some claimants, out of the considerations of unilateral maritime claims and of maximizing the interests of resource development, have shown a lack of political will to carry out joint cooperation. Second, the shortened window for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea negotiations has made some claimants prioritize consolidating and expanding their vested interests through unilateral actions. Third, some non-regional countries, such as the US and Japan, have abandoned neutrality on the issue. Instead, they have resorted to military and diplomatic means to capture geopolitical interests in the region. As a result, the maritime security is turbulent. This has inevitably disrupted regional cooperation in the South China Sea - which China has been upholding. Establishing sustainable multilateral cooperation mechanisms starting from spheres that could bring all parties pragmatic interests will be a feasible way to overcome the current turmoil and stalemate. So-called regional multilateralism is about forming a set of stable, sustainable and effective institutional arrangements among the littoral countries of the South China Sea. Only in this way can the problem of not having a will to build a regional governance mechanism be addressed. The promotion of this mechanism can be started in three dimensions. First, maritime connectivity and tourism can be starting points for regional countries to build up economic cooperation. The abundance of tourist resources and huge travel market can be a base for countries to gain from multilateral cooperation. To realize this approach, port connection, reinvention of supply chains and effective reallocation of resources will be needed. Second, drawing on the experience of successful practices in Europe, the South China Sea countries should, under the framework of the COC, initiate multilateral coordinative mechanisms for environmental protection, joint surveys of maritime resources and databanks of regional maritime information. Third, a regional humanitarian rescue mechanism should be established as a priority to maintain navigation and maritime security in the South China Sea. This is vital for economic revival in the post-pandemic era. China and ASEAN members should put forth plans to establish effective and stable cooperation of maritime rescue operations. By starting with institutional building and facility construction and sharing, these efforts can solve the current problem, including a lack of mechanisms and rescue capabilities. Currently, the situation in the South China Sea is complex. The present stability in the region is relative and fragile. A wise choice for countries in the region is to cooperate. Only in this way, they can find more common interests, hedge the factors that might result in turmoil and constantly improve stability. LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last Chance for Animals (LCA), an international animal rights organization, applauds the reintroduction of the Pet Safety and Protection Act (PSPA), into the 117th Congressional session. The PSPA is important federal legislation that prohibits the sale of random-sourced dogs and cats by USDA licensed Class B dealers to research facilities. The Bill was reintroduced by Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ). Class B dealers can be licensed by the USDA to sell random-source dogs and cats to research facilities. The random source system makes it difficult for laboratories that acquire dogs and cats through Class B dealers to know the true source of the animals they are acquiring, and the USDA has stated they cannot guarantee dogs and cats used in research are legally acquired. Class B dealers notoriously abused the law to buy and sell dogs and cats, often through illegal means and with many of these defenseless creatures used for painful experimental procedures, said Congressman Doyle. We must permanently ban the sale of random source dogs and cats by Class B dealers before any more animals are unnecessarily hurt. Thats why weve reintroduced the Pet Safety and Protection Act to end this cruel pipeline into laboratories once and for all. On behalf of LCA, we would like to commend Representatives Doyle and Smith for reintroducing the Pet Safety and Protection Act, said Chris DeRose, President and Founder of Last Chance for Animals. Since the inception of Last Chance for Animals over 35 years ago, protecting dogs and cats from the brutal and nefarious industry of Class B animal dealers has been a primary goal. The PSPA is vital legislation and will close the door on an industry Congress has fought to eliminate since passage of the Animal Welfare Act in 1966. LCA was founded on the issue of vivisection and has been investigating Class B dealers since 1988. Investigations have exposed elaborate pet theft rings; the severe neglect and abuse of animals by Class B dealers; and research facilities procuring lost and stolen dogs and cats from Class B dealers. Investigations by LCA have resulted in Class B dealers convicted of felonies; serving time in prison; and Class B dealer licenses permanently revoked. In 2006, HBOs Genesis-award winning documentary Dealing Dogs was released. The documentary profiled LCAs ground-breaking investigation and subsequent conviction of C.C. Baird, the largest Class B dealer in America. The documentary exposed the truth about Class B dealers abhorrent cruelty and spurred a national movement against the Class B dealer industry. Class B dealers routinely failed to meet even the most basic Animal Welfare Act standards which is why NIH and other reputable research institutes did not use them, said Rep. Smith. While much progress has been made to prevent these dealers from exploiting and abusing animals, we must do more to put an end to the serious problems associated with Class B dealers and their troubled past. By closing them down once and for all, the Pet Safety and Protection Act will give people greater confidence in our research programs and go a long way toward ensuring that all animals are treated humanely. The problem of stolen pets being sold to laboratories for scientific research dates back to 1966, when Life magazine ran an article titled, Concentration Camps for Lost and Stolen Pets: Your Dog is in Cruel Danger. The article profiled animal dealers who sold random-sourced dogs and cats for scientific research, and exposed animals housed in filthy, squalid conditions and severely neglected. When the Animal Welfare Act was passed in 1966, one of its priorities was to put an end to lost or stolen companion animals being sold to scientific research by animal dealers. Since 2010, language has been included annually in the Agriculture Appropriations bill that states any Class B dealer who supplies random-sourced dogs and cats to research facilities cannot renew their Class B license after expiry. Further, the National Institute of Health stopped funding laboratories that obtain random source dogs and cats from Class B dealers. Although these are important steps and the number of Class B dealers supplying dogs and cats to research has declined, passing the PSPA is the only way to solve this over 50-year-old problem. ABOUT LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS: LCA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and public awareness campaigns. Since its formation in 1984, LCA has succeeded as one of the nation's pioneer animal advocacy groups. LCA's educational and public outreach programs have empowered the public to make positive changes for animals in their communities. For more information, visit https://www.lcanimal.org/. MEDIA CONTACT Kevin Mercuri kevin@propheta.com 212-901-6914 ext 701 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/725d52ef-5dba-4806-ae9b-6425cdd02576